Potton dec 13

VILLAGER The

Issue 98 - December 2013

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

The Ultimate

Christmas Survival Guide

How to Make a Christmas Wreath

Win

£50 in our Bumper Christmas Prize Crossword Bringing Local Business to Local People

in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages 11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month

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Contents Ultra Mechanix

48

The History of the Peak District........................................4 How to Purchase Safely on the Winter-Web...................13 Christmas Eve Countdown..............................................14 Biggleswade Talking Newspaper....................................16 Where Am I?..................................................................18 The Ultimate Christmas Survival Guide..........................20 Prepare for Bad Winter Weather.....................................22 Sandy Tourist Information Centre...................................27 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.........................................31 Fighting the Flu and Combating Colds............................32 Love Food Hate Waste....................................................34 Perfect Peepers..............................................................36 Colourful Grenada..........................................................39 What is the Winter Solstice?...........................................41 Sneaky Ways to Save......................................................42 Food For Thought...........................................................45 Video Tips.......................................................................46

VILLAGER The

Issue 98 - December 2013

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

The Ultimate

Christmas Survival Guide

How to Make a Christmas Wreath

Win

£50 in our Bumper Christmas Prize Crossword Bringing Local Business to Local People

in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages 11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month

Ultra Mechanix...............................................................48 Gardening......................................................................50 Rural Ramblings.............................................................52 A Christmas Wreath........................................................57 Animal Know-How.........................................................60 Children’s Page...............................................................65 Seasonal Delights...........................................................66 Stuff the Turkey..............................................................68 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso................................................71 What’s One.....................................................................74 Christmas Posting Dates.................................................79 Puzzle Page....................................................................80 Fun Quiz.........................................................................83 Christmas Cheers!...........................................................85 Bumper Christmas Prize Crossword................................86 Wordsearch....................................................................90 Book Review..................................................................92 Classifieds......................................................................93

The History of the Peak Distict

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Editorial - Sarah Fryer, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Susan Brookes-Morris, David Gentle, Ian McMurdy, Helen Taylor, Solange Hando, Alex Albrighton, Jasmine Birtles, James Smith, Melanie Hulse, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, Katherine Sorrell, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, James Baggott, Nicholas Clare and Bruce Edwards

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

Advertising Sales - Nigel Frost - nigel@villagermag.com

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Photography - Lane Erickson and Nigel Frost Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

ur Yo EE FR1copy

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History

THE HISTORY OF the peak district

By Sarah Fryer

I understand why folk have the desire to travel to foreign shores, I really do, who wouldn’t want to feel the warmth of the sun, sample the delicious food on offer and sip on exotic cocktails whilst sitting next to the sea.

I also get however, why many thousands of tourists flock to the Peak District for their annual holidays and long weekends away. I think in today’s society we tend to forget the natural outstanding beauty that we have in our very own country.

Rolling across the southernmost hills of the Pennines, the Peak District is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Ancient stone villages are tucked neatly into the landscape and the hillsides are littered with famous stately homes and rocky walkways that attract hordes of ramblers, climbers and cavers.

The Peak District is an upland area in central and northern England, lying mainly in northern Derbyshire, but also covering parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and South and West Yorkshire. Before the local government reorganisation in 1974, the famous National Park lay within the historic county boundaries of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and the West

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Riding of Yorkshire.

An area of great diversity, it is conventionally split into the northern Dark Peak, where most of the moorland is found and whose geology is grit stone, and the southern White Peak, where most of the population lives and where the geology is mainly limestone-based.

No one really knows how the Peak District came to secure its name; it’s certainly not from the landscape, which has hills and valleys, gorges and lakes, wild moorland and gritstone cliffs, but not a peak in sight.

Most of the area falls within the Peak District National Park, whose designation in 1951 made it the first national park in the United Kingdom.

Proximity to the major cities and coupled with easy access by road and rail, have contributed to its popularity. The Peak District is sometimes claimed to attract an estimated 22 million visitors per year, making it the second most-visited national park in the world (after the Mount Fuji National Park in Japan), but the Peak District National Park Authority believe these figures to be incorrect or unsubstantiated, estimating instead that around 10 million people visit annually.

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The National Park covers 555 square miles of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire, including the majority of the area commonly referred to as the Peak. Its northern limits lie along the A62 road between Marsden and Meltham north east of Oldham, while its southernmost point is on the A52 road on the outskirts of Ashbourne in Derbyshire. The Park boundaries were drawn to exclude large builtup areas and industrial sites from the park; in particular, the town of Buxton and the adjacent quarries are located at the end of the Peak Dale corridor, surrounded on three sides by the Park.

The town of Bakewell and numerous villages are, however, included within the boundaries, as is much of the (non-industrial) west of Sheffield.

As of 2010, it is the fifth largest National Park in England and Wales. In the UK, the designation “National Park� means that there are planning restrictions to protect the area from inappropriate development and a Park Authority to look after it, but does not imply that the land is owned by the government, or that it is uninhabited.

When spoken about, thought provoking images of the Peak District conjure up wonderful visualisations of sparse landscapes, views over fields and winding dusty roads twisting their way around colossal mountains.

What the Peak District does contain however

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are lots of wonderful villages, some containing chocolate box pretty cottages or character properties oozing with charm. Together with valuable housing, business premises, shops and village stores these villages in the peaks help to support the communities which live and work here together with the millions of visitors who pass through each year.

Some of the villages in the peaks are steeped in history, their names familiar and appearing in many of the guide books, such as Chatsworth, Eyam, Dove Dale, Castleton and Padley, whilst others such as Ible,Pike Hall, Parsley Hay, Oker and Bretton are so small that they hardly raise a mention.

Centuries ago it was quite a challenge to travel through the vast tracks of uncultivated open land, moors and bogs so markers were erected such as the crosses at Wheston and Hope. The routes of old drovers roads and salt ways can still be found like the medieval portway which ran north from Derby passing through Grange Mill before leading north to Castleton, whilst packhorse routes and holloways can still be traced around Glossop, Hayfield, Thornhill, Wardlow and the aptly named Holloway.

Running down the eastern flank of the Peak District are glacially formed Edges or escarpments, often featuring huge unusual shaped gritstone boulders with strange names.

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Some of these Edges take the name of the village above which they tower such as Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge. Behind the Edges lie long stretches of high moorland which you must cross before you reach the villages of Barlow and Holmesfield, both commuter belt land for Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Of course one of the reasons tourists visit the Peak District is because of the outstanding beauty that is the National Park, 12% of which is owned by the National Trust, a charity which aims to conserve historic and natural landscapes. It does not receive government funding.

The Peak District is very popular with families, young and old alike due to the vast opportunities for many types of outdoor activity. An extensive network of public footpaths and numerous long-distance trails, over 1,800 miles (2,900 km) in total, as well as large open-access areas, are available for hillwalking and hiking. The Pennine Way traverses the Dark Peak from Edale to the Park’s northern boundary just south of Stand edge. Bridleways are commonly used by mountain bikers, as well as horse riders. Some of the long-distance trails in the White Peak, such as the Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail, re-use former railway lines; they are well used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists.The Park authorities run cycle hire centres at Ashbourne, Parsley Hay and Middleton Top. Wheelchair access is possible at several places.

Beneath the ground are also activities for the more courageous adventurer. Potholers can enjoy the natural caves, and the old mine workings found in the limestone of the Peak. Peak Cavern is the largest and most important cave system which is even linked to the Speedwell system at Winnats. The only significant potholes are Eldon Hole and Nettle Pot. There are many old mine workings, which often were extensions of natural cave systems. Systems can be found at Castleton, Winnats, Matlock, Stoney Middleton, Eyam, Monyash and Buxton.

Water based sports are also available at some of the area’s large reservoirs, for example Carsington Waters have become centres for such, including sailing, fishing and canoeing, in this most landlocked part of the UK. Other activities include air sports such as hang gliding and paragliding, bird watching, fell running, off-roading, and orienteering.

There are a few Spa Towns in the Peak District, one of those is Matlock, Bath popularised in the Victorian era. A spa town also called a bathing-

place or simply a spa is a specialised town situated around a mineral spa (a developed mineral spring). Patrons visited spas to “take the waters” for their purported health benefits.

The word comes from the Belgian town Spa. In continental Europe a spa was known as a ville d’eau (town of water).

The term spa is used for towns or resorts offering hydrotherapy which can include cold water or mineral water treatments and hot thermal baths.

Bakewell is the largest settlement within the National Park; its five-arched bridge over the River Wye dates from the 13th century. Buxton is another Spa Town, and a very pretty one at that. Peak District food specialities include the dessert Bakewell pudding, very different from the nationally available Bakewell tart, and until 2009 the famous cheese Stilton and other local cheeses were produced in the village of Hartington.

Historic buildings oozing charm within the Peak District include Chatsworth House, seat of the Dukes of Devonshire and among Britain’s finest stately homes; the medieval Haddon Hall seat of the Dukes of Rutland and of course Hardwick Hall, built by the powerful Elizabethan Bess of Hardwick.

Another tradition from years gone by which still stands prominent in today’s practices is “well dressing” What is this ancient custom that so fascinates

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the outside world? And why is it only found in or around the borders of Derbyshire?

Well dressing is something of a mystery. It may date back to the Celts - or perhaps even earlier.

Could the remote Derbyshire hills have escaped the waves of invasion by Romans, Saxons, Danes and Normans that swept other parts of Britain into new cultures and new customs?

At any rate, the early Christians saw it as water worship - and put a stop to it. But the tradition refused to die. Tissington revived well dressing in 1349 after the village escaped a terrible outbreak of the Black Death that wiped out almost half the people of Britain. Barlow claims it started dressing wells in Elizabethan times, but many places (including Chesterfield, Youlgrave and Tideswell) began ‘tap dressing’ when piped water first came to town.

So how are such intricate and detailed pictures made using only what Nature provides?

Each dressing is set in a huge wooden tray perhaps as high as a tall man, maybe 4 feet wide, and over an inch deep. This ‘tray’ is thrown into the local pond or river to soak, hauled out and filled with soft, wet clay.

The artist brings the design, drawn full size on thin paper, and smoothes it over the clay, then the work begins.

First, the outline of the picture has to be transferred to the clay, and every village has its own way of doing this. In several villages,

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including Wormhill and Heath, they use a system called ‘pricking out’. This involves making a series of marks along each line, like a dot-to-dot puzzle, removing the paper and then using black wool, alder corns or other materials to join the dots. In the villages around Barlow, including Chesterfield and Cutthorpe, the process is called ‘barking’, a cut is made along each line then, without taking the paper off, small pieces of wood are pushed into the clay. In Hope they don’t bother outlining the design at all!

The next stage is to ‘colour in’ the picture. At Ashford-in-the-Water, this is called ‘petalling’, but in Holymoorside it’s called ‘flowering’. Why? Because they use whole flower heads rather than individual petals.

Flowers aren’t the only things that make up a well dressing picture. Chesterfield well dressers use rowan berries, eggshell, peppercorns, pumpkin seeds and even, on one occasion, a seashell.

Whichever method is used, a well dressing takes up to 7 days of work, by a whole team of people, to finish. And it will only last about a week before the clay dries and cracks, and the flowers fade.

Then it’s taken down and the boards stored away - until next year.

The best way to find out what a well dressing is and how it’s made is to visit one under construction at an event where you can meet the well dressers and ask them about this unusual and unique Derbyshire art.

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Three Counties Radio

How to Purchase Safely on the Winter-Web

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

The internet has been with us since the mid 90s. Whilst it has of course brought some fantastic benefits to our lives, it has also created some absolute headaches as well.

The fact the entire world is accessible in our homes is a wonderful thing, but it is worth noting that there are lots of internet companies out there, particularly those in other countries that can provide a less than desirable service.

So how can you protect yourself against these companies, particularly when making purchases for Christmas?

The most important thing you can do, is to of course avoid buying items from dodgy internet companies in the first place. It sounds simple, but you’d be amazed how many people still find some weird company online that nobody’s ever heard of and hand over hundreds of pounds. They are then amazed when they find themselves out of pocket without the goods they’ve ordered.

Therefore, always make sure you research the internet company you are planning to buy from. Find out where they’re based, look for a UK telephone number, check reviews and complaints about them so you know exactly who you’re dealing with. Ensure that their delivery timeframe will ensure your gifts will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.

Make sure you’re paying a sensible price. If a company is selling an item at a ridiculously low price compared to all other companies, there’s usually a reason why. Often the items are fake. Over the years I’ve dealt with my fair share of customers who thought they were getting a great deal with ‘Ugg boots’ or ‘GHD hair straighteners’, only to find they’ve bought fakes from a company abroad.

You should always pay for goods by credit card but particularly when buying over the internet. It is worth noting that you are not protected by the consumer credit act unless you’re paying over £100, but you’re still more likely to get your money back using a credit card rather than debit card, cheque or bank transfer. I would go so far as to say you should NEVER buy goods from a company that asks you to transfer money directly into their account.

If you decide you’re going to buy Christmas presents from an online auction site like ebay, it is worth familiarising yourself with their safety advice. You generally have fewer rights when buying goods in this way, particularly if they are second hand. Paying by paypal and ensuring that you NEVER collect items in person will go some way to protecting yourself. Only buy from highly rated sellers, based in the UK. It is worth remembering that when you buy brand new items over the internet, you are protected by the distance selling regulations. Because you haven’t had the chance to see the item in the flesh, you have 7 days from delivery to change your mind and send it back for a full refund. Unless the company specifies their returns postage policy, then they are liable for the postage too. Make sure you order things online in plenty of time to allow for this, after all, you don’t want unhappy friends and relatives whose presents are NOT under the tree.

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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Time of Year

Christmas Eve Countdown

By Susan Brookes-Morris

The big day is nearly here! So what can you do on Christmas Eve to make things easier on Christmas Day? Many top chefs support the idea of preparing much of the Christmas dinner well in advance.

Christmas puddings are often made months ahead, and many elements of a traditional Christmas dinner can be prepared the day before.

Commonly, vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sprouts and potatoes are all peeled and left in saucepans of cold water.

It’s also a good idea to prepare the turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing and any sauces. If you have bought a frozen turkey, you will almost certainly need to start the defrosting on Christmas Eve. If you have baked batches of mince pies or other goodies in advance and frozen them, do

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remember to check the freezer and take out anything that’s required.

Depending on your choice, some starters can also be made and stored in the fridge.

You might also want to lay your table. This job can easily end up rushed if left to Christmas Day, so why not take the time now to get it exactly how you want.

Finally, try to get to bed at a sensible time. That way you’ll be on top form for a fabulous Christmas!

Everyone at The Villager would like to wish all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Local

The Biggleswade Talking Newspaper

By David Gentle

Do you know anyone who is blind or visually impaired?

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

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

The Biggleswade Talking Newspaper is a registered charity and was established in 1981 as a service to the visually impaired in Biggleswade,

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

A Memory Stick of local news items are sent out every week.

The Biggleswade Talking Newspaper is free to anyone who is visually impaired and unable to read standard newspaper print and lives, in ‘’Chronicle Country’’ the circulation area of The Biggleswade Chronicle.

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

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

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Vanessa and her staff look forward to welcoming all new and existing customers to

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2

Where AM I?

Do You Know?

1

3 These pictures are all taken in our distribution area. Do you know where they are?

Last month’s answer Last month’s images were taken at The Black Horse in Ireland near Old Warden

Where Are we?

VILLAGER The

LOCAL NEWS •

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 and can be found in most shops, pubs, garages in all of the above and more including Biggleswade and Sandy.

Booking your advertising space is easy just call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail nigel@villagermag.com

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LOCAL PEOPLE

• LOCAL SERVICE

Issue 96 - Octob

and Town

S • LOCAL CHARITI

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Life

ES • LOCAL PRODUC

Bringing Loca l Business to in Bigglesw local People ade, Sandy, Potton, Gam and all surro lingay unding villag es 11,000 copie s delivered to over 30 towns and villages ever y month r ou

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VILLAGER The

Issue 95 - Septe

mber 2013

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LOCAL NEWS •

LOCAL PEOPLE

• LOCAL SERVICE

and Town

S • LOCAL CHARITI

Life

ES • LOCAL PRODUC

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Bringing Loca l Business to in Bigglesw local People ade, Sandy, Potton, Gam and all surro lingay unding villag es 11,000 copie s delivered to over 30 towns and villages ever y month r ou

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Time of Year

By Susan Brookes-Morris

The Ultimate Christmas Survival Guide Christmas can be a time of stress and worry. What could you do to make things more enjoyable? Ask yourself - What is most important to me about Christmas? Then, keep focussed on that and let go of the rest. Don’t overburden yourself by believing everything has to be just like the ‘ideal version of a perfect family Christmas.’ Your Christmas is just that, the one that fits you and your circumstances.

It can be however you want it to be.

For most people being with friends and family is important at Christmas, but it’s not necessary to force everyone to be together just because it’s Christmas. If people haven’t got on for years, it’s very

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unlikely that some turkey and a spot of tinsel will heal the rift. Why risk a big row and be anxious all day? Choose to see small groups of people separately instead.

Whatever type of Christmas you want, you probably wouldn’t choose to burn the dinner or to forget anything. Try to avoid this by planning, and accepting help.

Find out about the closing times of shops you know you will need to visit, and about delivery times if ordering online. If posting cards and presents, ask about the latest posting dates. It’s also useful to keep details handy for pharmacies that will be open, and have medical numbers such as NHS Direct close by, and the vet too if you have pets. If travelling by car, find out which petrol stations will be open and check tyres, oil and water before you go. Revised bus and train timetables are usually published well in advance, so hunt these out too.

You are not alone. Sharing with friends, family and neighbours is part of the Christmas spirit. Let go of needing to do everything yourself. Some families split the meal duties: One part of the family brings a starter, the host household do the main and other guests bring along a pudding for example. Perhaps you know that your friend works right next to that shop on the other side of town that you can just never find time to get to - ask them to pop in and get what you need, you’d do the same for them wouldn’t you?

If things don’t go quite to plan- ask yourself will this matter in 5 years time? Chances are it won’t be significant at all. Many things that seem disastrous at the time are laughed at later.

However Christmas turns out, and however much you have or don’t have, choose to be grateful. No matter how difficult things are notice what you have rather than what you don’t have, and you will find plenty of Christmas joy.

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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more.

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Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come.

(Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).

Please phone or email for details

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CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT ABBOTSLEY AN EVENING WITH FRANK SINATRA Saturday 21st December 5 course meal. Live Entertainment £35 pp CHRISTMAS BOOGIE NIGHTS Friday 14th December 3 course dinner – dance the night away £32.95 pp NEW YEARS EVE Canapes on arrival. 5 course meal Abba Tribute Act £65.00 pp Contact Josh Muir for further details or to make a booking 01480 474000 or sales@abbotsley.com

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

Drunk and Disorderly are playing at the pub on Friday 27th December 24

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HARPERS

BARBERS Est. since 1995

Harpers Barbers would like to wish customers old and new a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Jen, Donna and Suzi

would like to welcome everyone to our new look modern salon, which has relocated next door.

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES

PRICES

Mon 23rd - 9am-5pm Tues 24th - 9am-1pm Wed 25th - Xmas Day Thurs 26th - Boxing Day Fri 27th - 10am-3pm Sat 28th - 9am-1pm

Mens Cut & Blow Dry £13 Mens Wet Cut £9.50 Senior Citizen Cut £6.00 Under 16 years £7.50 Senior citizen concession Tuesday & Wednesday until 3pm

Open again Thursday 2nd January 11am -8 pm

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01767 260256 25

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Local

SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

December 2013

‘Yet frozen pastures every morn resound With fair abundance thund’ring to the ground.

For though on hoary twigs no buds peep out, And e’en the hardy bramble cease to sprout, Beneath dread WINTER’S level sheets of snow The sweet nutritious _Turnip_ deigns to grow.

Till now imperious want and wide-spread dearth Bid Labour claim her treasures from the earth’ The Farmer’s Boy - Winter by Robert Bloomfield So wrote the Bedfordshire poet Robert Bloomfield (1766–1823). Bloomfield was born to a poor family in Suffolk and he had his first poem, “The Village Girl” published in 1786, but the poem that made his reputation was ‘The Farmer’s Boy’. In 1812 Bloomfield moved from London to Shefford in Bedfordshire where he died in great poverty in 1823.

Although winter has always been a very hard time of the year, especially to the country dweller, it’s crowning glory has been the festival of Christmas, set in the darkest month of December.

This Festival is time of celebration and customs including Church services with beautiful and uplifting music, carol singing, Christmas cards, special meals, and the display of various Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly. Not forgetting several closely related and often interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas.

In Sandy on the 1st December we have the great Christmas Fayre held in the Market Square when there will be live music, Santa’s grotto, carol singing, market stalls, mulled wine, hot chestnuts and much

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more. The towns Christmas lights will be switched on to remind us that Christmas is coming. On dates close to Sandy’s Fayre, similar events will be held in neighbouring towns and villages and indeed throughout the whole country.

So, during this month of December leading to the great Feast of Christmas what do we have on offer for you at your Tourist Information Centre.

TIC AUTUMN and WINTER TALK The third and final TIC AUTUMN and WINTER TALK takes place on Monday, 9th December when local historian, George Howe will give an illustrated Talk called the BEDFORD TO CAMBRIDGE RAILWAY. Last year George spoke about the Sandy to Potton Railway, which was built by Sandy naval hero, Captain Sir William Peel, who built and lived at the Swiss Cottage (now the RSPB Gatehouse) and which was opened in 1857. The Bedford to Cambridge line opened some five years later and last year celebrations were held to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of its opening. The Talk will include a railway trip over the years - via slides - from Bedford to Cambridge.

The Talk commences at 7.30pm and will be given in the Council Chamber of Sandy Town Council, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL AS NUMBERS ARE LIMITED. The cost will be £5 per person. Refreshments will be served by and in aid of the Sandy Transport Society.

TIC WINTER WALK To shake off those post-Christmas indulgences and winter-blues we have organized a Winter Walk.

This will take place on Monday, 6th January and is called ‘A new year walk in the grounds and gardens of the Lodge, Sandy.

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7 Market Square, Potton, Beds. SG19 2NP Opening Times Mon-Fri - 9.00am to 5.00pm Sat - 9.00am to 1.00pm Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

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This is a Walk through some of the beautiful grounds leading to and surrounding the Victorian mansion amongst the open grasslands, heathlands and the pine, oak and birch woodlands of the RSPB’s UK Headquarters. The Walk leaves from the Tourist Information Centre and proceeds along the Potton Road entering the reserve at the hand gate at the bottom of the hill. We will then walk along the Firs Trail through the new heathland area to the Gatehouse (see above) and continue along the former carriage drive to the picturesque wooded bridleway leading to Stratford Road. From this bridleway we will follow a track along an undulating wooded landscape to the Old Quarry, from which stone was used to build local churches and bridges.

We will then arrive at the Elizabethan style mansion built for Arthur Wellesley, the youngest son of Sir Robert Peel in 1870. We will take a stroll around the delightful gardens which were laid out with exotic trees and shrubs when the house was originally built and which were re-landscaped in a simple Italian style by the Stewart family, including the building of the large swimming pool, in the 1930’s. We will hear a little about the house and the surrounding grounds and gardens. We will then return to the TIC. This is a really beautiful Walk in a wonderful landscape and not to be missed Meet at the Tourist Information Centre at 11am. The cost is £5 per person. Please book in advance SANDY CHRISTMAS CARDS & CALENDAR 2014 The Sandy Tourist Information Centre 2014 Calendar is on sale at the TIC and the cost is £5.50. This year it includes some wonderful and some unusual photographs of Sandy. There are two Sandy scenes on the Sandy Tourist Information Centre Christmas Cards this year.

One depicts a wintry scene looking along Sand Lane through the Sandhills and the other depicts the Christmas Tree in the Market Square at night lit for the Christmas festivities. The Christmas Cards are sold with envelopes in packs of 10 at £3 .25 or individually with an envelope at 35 pence each CHRISTMAS GIFTS This year why not buy a gift with a local connection.

It could be for that person who lives locally, a friend or a relative who has moved away, etc Here at Sandy Tourist Information Centre we have a selection of local items that would make that ideal and unique present, such as a Sandy tea towel with line drawings of various views of the town and a mug celebrating Sandy’s market gardening heritage.

We also sell Sandy dishes, Sandy thimbles, Sandy notelets, Sandy pens and pen pots.

How about a gift of locally produced honey or honey marmalade? We also sell local jams in individual

pots or in a jute gift bag. We can take your orders for local homemade preserves which include such delicious items as chutneys (apple, beetroot, mango, etc), jams (blackcurrant, gooseberry, raspberry, strawberry, etc) and marmalades (lemon, lime, three fruit and orange with whiskey, etc).

Books are always lovely to receive at Christmas – enjoy a read about your locality. Some of the titles we hold include ‘Lost villages of Bedfordshire’, ‘Ghostly Bedfordshire’ and ‘Why we love Bedfordshire’. For the keen walker we have the book - ‘Favourite walks in and around Bedfordshire’.

For those who enjoy looking at books with old photographs of the locality we have the ‘Pictorial memories of Sandy’ books, ‘Bedfordshire through Time’ and books in the ‘Yesterday’s Bedfordshire’ series There is a great deal of interest in RAF Tempsford, the wartime secret airfield, as is shown by the number of visitors we get to the Centre, both locally, nationally and internationally enquiring about this historic place. We sell a number of books about Tempsford and the SOE by local historian and author, Bernard O’Connor including ‘Churchill’s most secret Airfield (RAF Tempsford)’, ‘The Women of Tempsford and ‘Churchill’s School for Sabatoueurs’.

Other books about the county include ’The Congregational Chapel at Roxton, ‘Prisoners of War in Bedfordshire’, ‘Dan Albone’, ‘Willington and the Danes’ and many more.

The three main towns of east Bedfordshire are captured in the DVD ‘Three Market Towns’. It makes a unique gift.

Why not give a Theatre Token as a unique gift – it is an ideal present and allows the receiver to choose from over 240 theatres nationwide, including several local ones and those in London’s West End. These gift vouchers can be used to see Plays, Musicals, Comedies, Opera, Dance, etc and there is no expiry date, unlike other gift vouchers. The Tokens come in different values £5, £10 and £20 so you can choose what you want to spend There is a wealth of information, both local and national and a warm welcome awaits you when you visit Sandy Tourist information Centre.

Obtain further information about the above from Sandy Tourist Information Centre, rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy

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

The TIC is open every week day between 10 am and 3 pm and between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturdays.

Telephone 01767 682728 Email - tourism@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk

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New customers or those returning after 6 months only.

Other restrictions may apply • Bring this Ad with you.

Mon & Wed 7.30pm, Tue 8pm, Thur 7pm & 8pm Express (30 min) Mon 6.45pm & Tue 7.15pm No need to book • Classes also in Cambourne, St Neots & other areas. For further info go to or call 01480 216090

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Local

Can You Help?

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People The Cambridge branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People was established in 2008, with the purpose of fundraising and promoting awareness of the charity. Hearing Dogs change lives for the better by alerting their deaf companions to household sounds such as the telephone, doorbell, smoke alarm etc. The training can take up to 18 months, including socialising and basic obedience classes for the first year, followed by sound work in designated residential training centres designed to suit the individual deaf person’s life style.

There is no direct government support for the charity; we therefore rely heavily on donations from individuals and companies. It costs in excess of ÂŁ40,000 to train and support just one Hearing Dog throughout its life.

This is why our local group is vital in helping the charity. If you think you could spare a little time and would be interested in

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occasionally helping at fundraising events, or feel you could help in any other way please contact our Branch Organiser, Debora Carter, by e-mail: debora. carter@yahoo.co.uk For more information about hearing dogs please visit www. hearingdogs.org.uk

31

Health and Beauty

Fighting the Flu

and Combating Colds

Your throat is sore, you can’t breathe through your nose and the only thing you want to do is watch TV all day under a duvet.

But is it a cold or the flu?

A cold: • Symptoms come on gradually • You feel worse on days 1-2, and usually better in a week • It doesn’t often cause a temperature or it’s brief and mild (not above 38°C) • Your nose tends to be painful, irritated and red • You will feel unwell, but not overwhelmingly tired • Sometimes you may also suffer from eye irritation, ear pressure or earache, mild headache and mild muscle pain.

The flu: • Symptoms come on very rapidly • You usually feel worse after 2 or 3 days in, but improve after 5 or 6 days • You may have a temperature of 38oC or above, which comes on suddenly and can make you sweat, or give you ‘the chills’ • Your cough tends to be dry and chesty • Headaches are very common; muscles and joints may ache badly • You may develop diarrhoea • You may have difficulty sleeping, although you feel very tired.

Both are highly contagious infections caused by viruses and there are only two ways to combat them, avoiding contact and boosting your immune system.

Avoiding Contact Think how many surfaces you touch; door handles, stair rails, taps, keypads when we enter our

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PIN. Now consider how many people have touched them before you.

• Clean high-contact surfaces regularly and thoroughly • Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after touching your nose or mouth • Don’t share cutlery or cups • Cold and flu sufferers need their own hand towel or disposable paper towels • Use tissues; throwing them away immediately prevents virus-laden droplets escaping into the air.

Boosting your immune system If you have a medical condition which can make flu more serious, or are over 65, pregnant or a carer, you should be offered the flu vaccine every autumn.

There are also many foods and supplements that claim to help.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) There is no evidence that it prevents colds; but a regular daily dose may reduce how long your infection lasts and its severity.

Zinc - Zinc appears to lessen symptoms and speed up recovery, if taken from the start.

Sources: wheat germ, eggs, seafood.

Garlic - Only one study has shown it prevents a cold or flu; once you’re infected, there’s no proof garlic helps. Leave for 20 minutes after peeling and chopping to activate its immune boosting enzymes.

Echinacea - A variety of

preparations have been trialled with differing results. Some trials show that Echinacea takers are 30% less likely to develop a cold but there’s little evidence it helps once you’re ill.

Glutathione and bioflavonoid These help to maintain a healthy immune system, although there’s no cold or flu fighting evidence yet. Glutathione sources: watermelon, broccoli, cabbage.

Bioflavonoid sources: cherries, green peppers, red onions.

Selenium - Low levels of selenium have been linked to developing more severe flu, so maintain healthy levels. Sources: fish, nuts, mushrooms.

Saline (salt water) Saline drops and sprays can reduce congestion and remove virus and bacteria particles.

Do I need to see my GP? Usually, over the counter painkillers and decongestants plus plenty of rest and fluids will be all you need. But do see your GP if: • Symptoms last more than a week, or become much worse: very high temperature, severe headache, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or chest pain • You develop symptoms not typical of flu, such as a rash • You have a medical condition that is making your flu worse.

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

33

Local

Love Food Hate Waste

By Ian McMurdy

On average, a family with children spends £680 every year on food that ends up in the bin. There are lots of reasons for this, but Central Bedfordshire Council’s Waste Minimisation team wants to help.

They’ve been holding Love Food Hate Waste exhibitions in libraries across the area to get people thinking about the food they buy. They have been asking people for suggestions about how to cut down on food waste with a prize of shopping vouchers to the best tips.

A recent winner was Mrs Lynne Darlow of Sandy who said she likes to “Puree apples and freeze for a dessert later e.g. apple crumble”. To see Lynne’s and some of the other excellent tips and suggestions received, go to the Love Food Hate Waste section of the Central Bedfordshire Council website.

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Lynne, a recent Love Food Hate Waste competition winner, receiving her Sainsbury’s shopping voucher from Waste Minimisation Officer Jenna Pope

Research shows that everyone throws away more than they think they do. Some of the common reasons are buying too much in the first place, not storing things properly so they go off quickly, not eating things in time and cooking too much, especially items like pasta and rice.

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Business gone slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com

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35

Health and Beauty

Perfect Peepers Eyelash Extensions

By Helen Taylor If you want to enhance your eyes, fancy taking a few years off your age or maybe just want to make yourself look that extra bit special, then there’s one beauty craze you really must try out - eyelash extensions.

A favourite with celebrities everywhere and a must for anyone who wants a quick fix to looking gorgeous, eyelash extensions transform lashes from short and sparse to long and luscious in no time.

They’re ideal for those all important occasions, like weddings and parties, where you not only want to look your best on the day, but look fabulous in photos too.

By adding shape and definition the extensions ‘open-up’ your peepers and leave you with pretty, seemingly lifted, younger-looking eyes.

Extensions are widely available in salons across the country and are specially applied by trained therapists; a consultation should be carried out so that you can determine exactly what look you want to achieve.

If you just want some subtle enhancement and a natural result then try a half set of lashes. However, if you fancy making a statement, then try a full set for a striking finish. You can choose how long, thick and curly your lashes will be.

The Application Each individual synthetic lash is carefully bonded to your own eyelashes; 80 to 100 individual lashes are usually applied. During the application your eyes will be closed and protected. You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during this process whatsoever.

The Results After you’ve had the lashes applied it is essential to not touch or wet them for a 24 hour period, as the glue will be still be setting. You shouldn’t need

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to wear mascara, but if you still want to, it’s worth investing in a water soluble product, designed for use with extensions. These mascaras are usually sold at salons which offer the service. Remember to use a salon recommended oil free eye makeup remover too.

Staying Power Eyelash extensions typically last between six and eight weeks. Because they are attached to your own lashes they will fall off as your natural lash grows out. On average you’ll lose about 12-15 lashes every two to three weeks - that’s why salons recommend returning for touch-ups when needed to maintain the desired look. They’ll charge a small fee for replacing what has been lost.

What It Costs Prices vary from salon to salon, but on average eyelash extensions will set you back around £80£120 for a full set, or about £65 for a half set.

Be Safe Always be sure that the staff at the salon you’ve chosen are fully trained. Ask questions to gain an understanding of the therapist’s skill.

Your therapist should carry out a patch test 24 hours before your extensions to ensure that you have no adverse reaction to the glue. Your eyes are extremely delicate, and precious, so make sure you have the test before the treatment.

This industry isn’t regulated, so if you have any doubts about a salon or therapist, it’s a good idea to see if they are a member of The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC). Being a member of BABTAC means that they are qualified to perform the treatment and insured in case anything goes amiss. BABTAC stickers are purple and usually found in the window of a salon.

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La Vida

HAIRDRESSING Professional hairdressing in Biggleswade

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Potton & District Club NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Keeping LIVE MUSIC live! every week!

DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS PARTY SEASON! Sat 7th Huggy Flares: Tonight we’re going to party like it’s 1979!

Playing the Funkiest Soul & Disco Grooves Sunday 8th: Members Children & Grandchildren - Christmas Party - 4pm-6ish with Captain Fantastic and a Special Guest! Complete your application now to ensure Santa has a named prezzie for all Wed 13th: Christmas Prize Bingo: 8pm Seasonal Prizes up for grabs 8.30ish Sat 14th: Maxwell Hammer Smith: are back. A superb professional Rock Harmony Band Friday 21st: J9 Blues: Low Down and Dirty, that’s the sound of J9Blues. No nonsense British rhythm and blues, lay bare to the bone. And the Clubs Christmas Raffle will be Drawn, £100 1st prize and loads more to be won Sat 22nd: Almost Abba - Christmas Show-Time with the very interesting and entertaining AbbAtastic team, loving ABBA, DISCO, GLAM-ROCK, & Popular Christmas Classics, fAbbA -TASTIC Costumes! Never a dull moment!

TUES 24th: Christmas Eve Party/Disco Wed 25th: Christmas Day - Open 12-2.30pm Thurs 26th Boxing Day: Charity Family Day at The Races. Local Solo Artist Dan Arnold will be back Sat 28th: Jelly Head. Female-fronted, 4 piece band playing popular covers. Rock, Pop, Blues and Indie.

Tuesday 31st: New Years Eve Party. Doors Open 7.30, 8 til late. TICKET EVENT. Bring your own snacks 2014 Welcomes New Members: Live music every Saturday! Joint today! The Soulman is back in January 2014 All information is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes/updates.

Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk 38

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Travel

Colourful Grenada

By Solange Hando

Glowing like an emerald in the southern Caribbean, Grenada is small enough to drive around in a day but amazingly diverse, from the sheltered Caribbean coast in the west, fringed with white powdery sand, to the Atlantic shore on the eastern side and its sprinkling of volcanic beaches battered

by Trade Winds. There are quiet bays, forests and mountains, blessed by blue skies and the occasional shower of ‘liquid sunshine’. The air smells of flowers and spice and the picturesque capital of St George’s comes straight out of a fairy tale.

Basking on the west coast of this exotic Englishspeaking island, the town is laced with pastel-hued houses and quaint colonial dwellings clinging to luxuriant slopes. Fort George keeps watch on a rocky promontory, its old cannons pointing out to sea, an arduous climb on a sunny day but when you reach the windswept battlements festooned in valerian, the view takes your breath away, stretching over the hills, town and harbour, and along the coast meandering far into the distance.

The capital has three harbours, none prettier than the horseshoe-shaped Carenage glinting with sails and water taxis waiting to ferry beach lovers to the sweeping sands of Grand Anse across the bay.

Later, there will be time to explore the West Indian market selling palm leaf hats, batik, sweet potatoes and spices along the shore or feast on fresh fish and traditional spinach-like callaloo soup in a cool waterside restaurant. Sweetcorn sizzles on roadside barbecues and church bells chime crystal clear as the last cruise ship sails into the sunset.

You couldn’t dream of a better place to relax on a balmy evening, lulled by the beat of steel drums somewhere in the hills.

One sixth of Grenada is preserved as nature parks

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and wildlife sanctuaries, where copper-coloured monkeys swing in the trees and the call of tropical birds echoes all around. At over 2000 feet, the vast crater lake of Grand Etang glistens right at the heart of the National Park, a land of deep gorges and lush mountains with flamboyant and rainbow trees, bamboo groves, babbling streams and spectacular waterfalls tumbling through tangled rainforest. Below these steamy highlands, mangos, oranges and papaya grow on fertile slopes and nutmeg, the ‘black gold’ introduced by the British, leaves its scent wherever you go. It drifts around the hairpin bends, the telegraph poles painted red and green, the hamlets and their rickety wooden huts on stilts and the nostalgic plantation houses peeping through the trees among old sugar mills and sulphurous springs.

Far below, the fishing fleet bobs at anchor in Gouyave and Levada beach awaits the return of breeding turtles. On the glass-bottom boats, wideeyed visitors marvel at urchins, buttercup fish gleaming like gold, giant starfish, brightly-striped parrot fish and great clusters of underwater fern swaying in slow motion. On the secluded beach of La Sagesse, palms rustle in the breeze while the sun lights up Coral Cove and the lovely fjords indenting the south eastern shore. But most enticing of all are the tropical blooms, orchids, ginger lily, heliconia and many more splashing myriad scents and colours from shore to shore. It’s little wonder that in the past 15 years, Grenada has claimed as many medals, including ten gold, at the Chelsea Flower Show.

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Anstee Gorst

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Free Initial Consultation Phone: Antoinette Gorst ACCA or Sally Anstee FCCA 01767 650700 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 30, Green End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds, SG19 3LF Email: office@ansteegorst.co.uk Website: www.ansteegorst.co.uk

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Winter Solstice

What is the Winter Solstice?

By Alex Albrighton

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs when the ‘top half’ of the Earth tilts away from the Sun at its most extreme angle. This gives us the longest night and shortest day of the year.

It normally falls on 21 December, and from this point on, the days will begin to lengthen until the 41 Summer Solstice on 21 June.

The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin phrase for ‘sun stands still’. This is because the sun appears to rise and set in the same two places for several days in a row.

Cultures through the ages have marked the Solstice and celebrated the triumph of light over dark.

Massive prehistoric monuments such as

Stonehenge were built to align with the Winter Solstice sunrise.

The ancient Romans had a seven-day festival called Saturnalia, when everything would be reversed – men would dress as women and masters dressed as servants. People decorated their houses with greenery, lit candles and gave presents.

Celtic druids gave pieces of mistletoe as a blessing.

They also began the tradition of the Yule log, which was burned to conquer the darkness and bring luck for the year ahead.

Many people celebrate the Solstice today, and it’s interesting to see how many of the customs have become part of our Christmas festivities.

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Call for a free valuation from our Biggleswade Office on: Sales: 01767 313256 Email: biggleswade@satchells.co.uk Letting: 01767 313488 Email: lettings@satchells.co.uk

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41

Finance

Sneaky Ways To Save

By Jasmine Birtles, moneymagpie.com

Let’s face it, saving money is hard, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are a few ways to save money without even realising it.

Pay yourself first Set up a standing order from your current account to a savings account on the day after your wages are paid. That way it’s like you never had the money in the first place, so now it’s tucked away earning interest in your savings account and you won’t miss it.

Get cash back If you use a cashback credit card or do your shopping through cashback websites, make sure that you put it straight in your savings account.

The best cashback credit card at the moment is the American Express Platinum Cashback card (bear in mind, you need a decent credit rating to be given this card).

When it comes to the best cashback sites, try ECashback for instant rewards of up to 35%.

Spend one pay rise behind If you are fortunate enough to receive a pay rise, you might be tempted to increase your spending.

Don’t. Instead, try and stick to the smaller budget you’re used to, and put the extra pay into your savings account. In fact, change your monthly standing order.

Set up a bad habits box It could be a swear box or a chocolate, fast food or crisps box. Whatever your secret, or not so secret, naughtiness is, fine yourself something when you indulge.

Come up with an amount that suits you – 10p or £1 – and stick it in the bad habits box. Putting the money in the box each time you succumb will help you kick the habit so you can save money and help yourself lose weight at the same time.

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Start your own in-house Laundromat Put a jar next to your washing machine (and dryer if you have one) and ‘charge’ yourself every time you use it. Again, it’s up to you how much you charge but after a few months you should have a decent amount to pour into your savings account.

Travel smart If you drive or take public transport to work, that costs money. Find a cheaper - or free - alternative and then you can put the savings away.

If you have to take the train try to get cash back on your journeys. TrainDelays (www.traindelays.co.uk ) is a website that does all the leg work for you and completes the claims process so all you have to do is register with your journey details for free.

Be the agent for your friends Be the one to book group holidays – you could be given a discount or even a whole holiday for free for yourself.

If you go out for a meal with your friends regularly, book it. If you use a site like Toptable.com you’ll receive better deals at fantastic restaurants anyway, and you earn points every time you book.

Plus if you have a car, join up to car-sharing websites like Liftshare or National Carshare or just arrange to give friends lifts. Once again, any money they give you for petrol should go straight into your savings pot.

Keep an eye on coins Spare change can be annoying especially if coins are rattling around in the bottom of your bag or worse, the washing machine - but they do all add up.

Pull all the cushions from the sofa; check in pots in the back of cupboards, on shelves and under the bed and who knows how much you could discover.

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ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.

For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:01767 677540 or 07908 004816 e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.

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Ash Tree Financial Services Independent Financial Advisers For friendly and expert advice in your financial planning including: Mortgages and Home Insurance Life assurance Critical Illness Cover Income Protection Pensions and Annuities Investments and Savings Contact Christopher Goodwin Ash Tree House, 48 Sutton Mill Road, Potton, SG19 2QB Tel: 01767 262760

goodwin@ashtree.uk.com www.ashtree.uk.com

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Local News

Food For Thought Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club

In these difficult times, Biggleswade Sandy Lions were delighted to send a significant donation to support the Preen Food Bank which is part of the Bedfordshire Food Aid Network. Preens store food donated by supermarkets, local shops, schools, work places, community groups and churches, at two depots in Biggleswade and Dunstable.

Parcels consist of almost exclusively non-perishable items (eg tinned) and they never send out food which has gone past the ‘sell by date’. They try and create different meals, catering to the needs of the family and bearing in mind things like diabetes and allergies. The parcels can also include such necessities as toilet paper, toothpaste, razors, washup liquid, nappies and baby food.

Parcels are provided on a 3 or 6 day basis and cover breakfast, lunch and dinner. They can be collected or delivered anonymously in plastic supermarket bags to avoid advertising the fact that the family is on food support. Referrals for food parcels come from local councils, CAB, the Probation Service,

schools and other recognised organisations.

Now to some other parcels, those that Biggleswade Sandy Lions provide to the lonely as well as those on hard times to give some Christmas cheer. This year we will be distributing another 150. To fund this, and also our community service work next year, we will be doing our tin shakes and sleigh runs in December as usual. Santa’s sleigh will be around parts of Biggleswade 5th & 16th December, Clifton 9th, Henlow 19th, Langford 12th & 17th and Potton 10th December. Please help us to help others by giving as generously as you can – many, many thanks.

For more information about Biggleswade Sandy Lions call Roger Wolburn on 01462 814967 or call the club number 0845 833 9749. Our website www.biggleswadesandylions.org.uk will tell you all you need to know about Biggleswade Sandy Lions.

Do have a look – maybe you would like to join us – you’ll be very welcome.

HELP US TO HELP OTHERS

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General

Video Tips

by James Smith

Here are some straightforward tips to make your holiday and home movies sparkle. You don’t even need the latest HD camera wizardry, just a little technique and patience.

Common Myths Some suggest that expensive film and video cameras will produce captivating films but the real skill is in how you use the equipment you own, to create an informative or interesting film. Even camera phones and small consumer video camcorders can produce impressive results if you work within their limitations. Your aim should be to obtain a video camera and start practicing.

Basics Let’s leap ahead to the final result, and the most common sin: making your film too long.

If you shoot a five-minute video and make your friends wait for the ‘good bit’ at four minutes in, you will have lost your audience after minute one.

So, above all other rules, cut out the superfluous footage and ensure your film is just a collection of those ‘good bits’ and nothing else.

Story Your holiday video or home movie might have a simple goal - to show granddad putting up the Christmas decorations – but you should think ahead about the story you wish to put across.

Consider that old classic: the beginning, middle and end. Perhaps granddad could be approaching the house with a big carrier bag (the beginning); then see him at work decorating the tree with the contents of the bag (the middle); and finally, a shot of him standing proudly beside the decorated tree (the end). The addition of a simple storyline will encourage more interest from your audience than a series of abstract shots.

Composition The great thing about working with video is that many of the principles of stills

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photography apply. So pick up any book on the subject and think about framing and composition.

Keep the horizon level, try not to cut people’s heads off in the frame, keep distracting details (‘clutter’) out of the shot if possible, and keep the camera at eye level.

Light Harsh light is a videographer’s nightmare, so shooting at midday with the sun bearing down from directly above will cast unflattering shadows under the eyes of your subjects. Try to move people into softer light, perhaps in a leafy area or under some other shade. Similarly inside, be sure that people’s faces are gently lit, but also be careful that they are not silhouetted by strong backlight, such as standing against a window.

Audio Many wonderful videos are ruined by unintelligible audio; the Best Man’s speech that’s inaudible because the cameraman was seated next to a child rustling sweet papers. The answer to this is to move closer to the subject, or even buy an external microphone that can be positioned very near to the subject with a cable back to the camera.

Editing Editing the footage is a great way to eliminate all of those boring shots that we mentioned before. Some cameras provide an editing facility, but this can be rather fiddly, so you might want to load the footage onto a computer and edit it with a program such as Movie Maker.

Try to keep it simple - rely on simple titles, a great story with straight ‘cuts’ (rather than swirling patterns and fancy graphics), and finish off with ‘THE END’ to wind things up.

Remember, follow these simple rules and practice as much as possible, and you’ll be surprised by how impressed your audience will be.

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Ultra Mechanix

Local, Reliable Family-Run Business

If you, like me, find that taking your car to the garage – be it for a service, repair or winter check – is equivalent to walking into the dark unknown with your wallet wide open, then I have found someone that you need to meet!

Rino Cucchiara opened his own garage, Ultra Mechanix just three weeks ago but he opened his heart and head to the care and repair of motor vehicles when he was just fourteen: ‘My mum tells me that I started taking things apart when I was just three years old.’ Rino smiles, ‘I couldn’t necessarily put them back together, but I guess the interest had taken root. I took an apprenticeship at my cousin’s garage when I left school and by then I had a keen interest and some skill with motor repairs. I worked in that independent garage for the following five years and then moved to a VW dealership amongst others for the next fourteen where I gained deep and specialist knowledge of motors. It has been the combination of my experience in both areas of the field that have lead me to begin my own business – I can combine confidence, knowledge and expertise with running a small, local, honest and reliable, family business.’

Ultra Mechanix is located on the Sand Lane

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Business Park, just off the Everton Road outside Sandy. The garage is clean and smartly presented with modern equipment and a carefully planned layout. A tidy, comfortable reception area means that customers can wait with a hot drink while their vehicle is looked over by Rino’s efficient eye and I was very relieved to note that Rino had vetoed an offensive calendar in favour of the cutest and most innocent drawings by his children who are just three and fifteen months old.

‘I am a family man that is of the utmost importance to me. I am also local and would like to encourage all of my neighbours in Everton and Sandy and beyond to come and see the outfit I have here and get to know the service I can provide. I am more than happy to offer advice and will always be honest with my customers, even if it means that I lose out.

Says one customer from Beeston: ‘Rino was completely open with me the whole time he worked on my car. He called me several times to make sure I knew the cost of everything he needed to order and how the bill was adding up.

You do not find that kind of honestly at other garages.’

Rino continues ‘I want my customers to trust and

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respect my knowledge and know they can come to me and not be made to feel either ignorant or cheated!’

‘I aim to keep my prices as low as possible.

There is simply no reason to pay £138/hour at a dealership when the same expertise are available for much, much less.

‘I am at an advantage as a local, family business because I can offer a flexibility that is rarely available in this trade. I open from 8am until 6pm every weekday and also from 8am until 1pm on Saturdays. These hours are not set in stone however, and if a customer needs me to be here early to receive their car or to stay late to accommodate their working hours then I can do so. I also have a clean and well-maintained courtesy car available to customers who need it, a mobile number for any out-of-hours emergencies and I am able to collect or drop off vehicles for customers if they are unable to do so themselves.’

Another happy customer says: ‘Rino picked up and dropped off my car as transport was difficult for me at that time. I was so pleased he could help in this way and it made me very happy that I had chosen Ultra Mechanix . They do a great job and their customer service is second to none!’

It seems to me that Rino has considered everything in the setting up of Ultra Mechanix. He is all-customer friendly, reasonable, open and honest and has a fine reputation which he is keen to uphold. His garage is clean and comfortable and his work

is the work of someone who knows the value of real, efficient expertise. So, if you too are tired of that dark, den-of-thieves where you are fleeced with more speed than you can avert your eyes from the repellant calendar, then please don’t hesitate to pay a visit to Ultra Mechanix, Rino will not let you down.

Unit 15, Sand Lane Business Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire

Telephone: 01767 682404 Mon-Fri 8am – 6pm or 07974 422626 anytime out of hours Email: rino@ultramechanix.com www.ultramechanix.com

Special Offer: £20 Winter Check

If you would like to meet Rino and find out more about Ultra Mechanix for yourself then why not take your vehicle along for a specially discounted Winter Check? For just £20 your car can have the lights, levels, tyre pressures, coolant strength and brakes checked, while you wait. Rino will also take a quick look under the bonnet and offer any free advice necessary. You can drive away with all the confidence of knowing that your car is Winter ready as well as having found the gem that is Ultra Mechanix!

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49

Garden

Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

The garden may be quieter than usual at this time of year, and certainly not likely to be yielding vast quantities of crops, but this near dormant time is perfect for planting fruit.

You can grow fruit trees in surprisingly small spaces, training them to espaliers (so that they have several sets of horizontal arms), cordons (as single main stems grown at an angle), fans (with their branches trained in to a fan shape) or as step-overs, (trained so that they make a neat edging for a bed or border about 45cm or so above ground level). You could also use a fruit tree to create a decorative and later a wonderfully productive arch. At this time of year fruit trees are great value because they are sold ‘bare root’, lifted from a field and not container grown. I find these establish particularly well and because you usually obtain them from a specialist supplier or nursery, the range of varieties available is second to none.

You can either buy one year old ‘maidens’ and train these yourself, or if you want to save time, you can often buy trained or part trained forms.

When you are choosing fruit trees it’s essential to get them on the right rootstock as this determines the ultimate size and vigour of the tree. Apples are particularly complicated, but as a rule, for step-overs, cordons, dwarf bushes and trees in containers try the extremely dwarfing but somewhat tricky M27 - but beware weak varieties or any tree grown on this rootstock in a poor soil as it may well fail. For bush, cordon, espaliers and half-standard try the easier to look after dwarfing rootstock M26 and for a cordon or espalier on a poor soil, for arches and for bush trees try the semi-dwarfing MM106.

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You will need to choose the varieties you grow so that they can pollinate each other (if there is no suitable pollinator in the vicinity you will not get fruit) and on the basis of the taste and texture of the fruit and how well it stores and so forth. If you have space, it is good to grow apples for cooking as well as eating, or look out for those described as ‘dual purpose’, meaning they make very passable cookers as well as dessert apples.

As well as tree fruits such as apples, pears and maybe even a medlar or a plum or gorgeous gage, you could also consider some delicious bush fruits.

The great thing about these is that they take up even less space and again can often be trained into wacky shapes such as fan-trained or standard bushes, making them all the more ornamental and easier to fit into the smaller garden. Then there are raspberries - on my rather heavy and very alkaline soil I tend to stick to the autumn fruiting varieties such as Autumn Bliss and Joan J, but on freer draining and acidic soils you can try some of the more numerous summer fruiters too.

Bare root fruit trees, bushes and canes are generally available from about November through until early March, depending on the weather, so don’t delay, start ordering or better still, planting, today.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening-related Christmas gifts and stocking-fillers, including stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift cards, handmade pottery herb planters, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, signed books and lots of seriously useful garden items for your friends and family, or yourself.

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Rid your lawn of moss & weeds. Start today!

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Brilliant Lawns Caring for your lawn

Pottons Specialist Welding and Fabricating Company

For further information please call Trevor on Tel: 01767 261845 Mobile: 07941 187689 Email: Gemmaton@hotmail.co.uk

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Garden

Why Throw Them Away?

Rural Ramblings. By Geoff Wharton This year, with all of the warm sunny summer weather, geraniums (pelargoniums) have produced a wonderful show. Their vibrant colours and long flowering period enhance containers, troughs and beds. Buying in the plants is however quite expensive and growing your own from seed can be a bit tricky and the price of seed is also relatively high. It is such a waste to throw the old plants onto the compost heap when, with a little time and care, you can use them again the following year.

The main thing is to have access to an unheated greenhouse or conservatory to store them over winter. At this time of the year they can be lifted out of the compost or soil. The stems are cut back quite hard (don’t be afraid!) to leave about 5-10cm of foliage and it is important to remove any remaining dead leaves which could provide sites for fungal disease (more on this later) The plants are best potted up individually with a mixture of compost and perlite which is just slightly damp.

Cold wet conditions during storage are to be avoided at all cost as geraniums are adapted to surviving in Mediterranean conditions . They are particularly susceptible to damp air and poor ventilation and fungal diseases such as Grey Mould or botrytis can quickly infect any dead foliage and spread rapidly resulting in the death of the whole plant. Keeping the air as dry as possible is a priority and therefore avoid wetting the leaves. In fact, I have kept potted up geraniums in a greenhouse throughout the winter with no watering whatsoever. I had forgotten all about them as they had been placed on a high shelf out of the way. When I remembered they were there in the following Spring, they literally fell out of the pots. I thought they would never survive, but I re-potted them anyway and soon they took root again and started to shoot away Following this experience, I realised how tough these plants can be when given minimal water.

However I would advise that to keep them “ticking over” during the winter, they should have just the minimum of water. This will help to speed up re-growth when the weather starts to warm up in Spring. If growth becomes too “leggy”, you can always nip out the terminal bud of any long shoots to encourage lateral growth.

Plants will always survive cold better if they are

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kept dry and they are allowed to experience a slow fall in any weather changes. Consequently, if the temperature does rise above about 10 degrees you must open the ventilators. The worst possible conditions are fog, rain and damp.

In the Spring, assuming all is well, the plants should be placed outside, during warmer days, in the sun if possible. The aim is to introduce outdoor conditions gradually and allow your plants not to experience extremes of temperature. They should not go out when it is raining.

When the frost have gone, they can go into their final positions and when growth is rapid they will appreciate few but copious waterings, a higher nutrient level of compost and lots of admiring looks with the additional bonus of them all being free! You can even increase your display by taking cuttings from some of the stronger shoots let them dry for an hour or two before placing in a mixture of peat and perlite. They are easy to root and again cheap as chips.

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified.

General and specialist garden work: Jungle clearing, Pruning, Hedge and grass cutting, Regular maintenance, Licensed waste disposal.

Full public liability cover.

Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science Email:geoffwharton@hotmail.com

Tel: 01767 261727

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GILKS FENCING LTD FULL INSTALLATION SERVICE

• Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, • Timber or Concrete Posts CALL NOW FOR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION:

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615 944 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com

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

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SURECLEAN Gutter Cleaning Gutters cleaned safely from the ground using our ladderless gutter cleaning system.

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• Equine Services - including Muck Heap Removal • Shavings • 360 Digger Hire with Driver

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J.R. Bibby Turf Supplies Quality Turf with a Quality Service

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Home and Interiors

A Christmas Wreath

By Katherine Sorrell

24 inch wreath with fruit, £20 from Tesco (0800 505555; www.tesco.com)

You know that Christmas is coming when you hang a festive wreath on your front door, says Katherine Sorrell.

Christmas is undoubtedly a time of traditions: perhaps midnight mass, roast turkey and the Queen’s Speech, followed by a snooze in front of the TV and a few board games. But some traditions are older than others. The custom of making wreaths goes all the way back to ancient Greece.

It was here that wearing a laurel wreath came to represent status, achievement and victory.

For the Romans, it was the supreme ruler who wore a wreath embellished with gold and jewels.

Meanwhile, in Celtic Germany and Scandinavia, wreaths were employed for a different purpose: sun worship. In the long, dark days of winter people prayed for the onset of spring, and to give extra power to their prayers they used a wreath, hung from the roof or placed on an altar or a table.

The wreath was woven with evergreens, a symbol of everlasting life, and decorated with candles, which represented the light of the sun.

As Christianity spread through Europe, the pagan evergreen wreath was reinterpreted. Its circular shape stood for God’s eternity, the immortality of the soul and the everlasting life found in Christ.

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Evergreens, as before, symbolised eternal life, while holly represented the crown of thorns. It is possible that using a wreath to count down the four weeks of advent became a Christian custom in 16th century Germany, and it is likely that the modern advent wreath was invented by a German pastor called Johann Hinrich Wichern. Asked by the children at his mission school how long it was until Christmas, Wichern took an old cartwheel and stuck 19 small candles into it as well as four large candles, then lit one small candle each weekday and one large candle every Sunday until Christmas arrived.

Christmas wreaths are still a powerful symbol of celebration. For some families, Christmas starts with the making of a natural wreath using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the garden; for others, tinsel, glitter or ribbon provide a chance to experiment. But Christmas wreaths don’t have to be home-made: there are endless varieties of ready-made styles, from traditional to modern, large or tiny, simple or extravagant. Whatever their style and wherever you display them, wreaths are a decorative essential for the Christmas season.

How to make your own Christmas wreath 1 If you don’t want to buy a ready-made base, you can easily make your own. Either shape a wire coat hanger into a circle (keeping the hook for hanging) or use bundles of twiggy growth from your garden (willow or honeysuckle vine work well) bound firmly with garden string, raffia, florist wire or climber stems.

2 Attach evergreen sprigs such as conifer, holly, laurel or ivy. Bind them at the bottom, then overlap the next sprig or group of sprigs in the same direction. Keep going until the base is completely covered.

3 Finish as you like, choosing from a variety of interesting decorations, such as fresh, dried or artificial flowers, ribbons, berries, raffia, moss, fir cones, seed heads, nuts, dried fruit, poppy heads, tinsel, glitter, baubles, sweets, feathers, buttons and beads.

4 Attach a strong loop of wire or string and hang where you wish, or simply prop your wreath on a shelf or mantelpiece.

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Pets

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW

Stopping the blue death

Most people are unaware of the hidden dangers to pets from antifreeze poisoning. Unfortunately, many animals find the taste of antifreeze very attractive, and ingesting even the smallest amount can lead to kidney failure and death, especially in cats.

Accidental poisonings due to spills and leaks from containers, as well as leaking water coolant from cars, happen every year – particularly in winter – but could often be avoided by following a few simple rules.

• Always keep antifreeze in clearly labeled, robust, sealed containers, away from pets and their environment.

• Clean up any spills immediately, no matter how small, and make sure pets cannot access the area until it is clean and safe.

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• Always dispose of antifreeze and water coolant safely and responsibly. Contact your local authority for advice.

There are times however, no matter how careful you are, when accidents can still happen. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with antifreeze, leaked water coolant – or if they show any of the following signs – get them to a vet immediately: vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures (fits), difficulty breathing, increased thirst, increased urination.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning can start to show as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen. The sooner your pet receives veterinary treatment, the better their chances of survival. If left untreated, antifreeze poisoning can cause animals pain, suffering and distress, and will lead to the death of your pet.

Because of this problem, the RSPCA is supporting a campaign to add bittering agent to antifreeze –making it unpalatable to animals. You can add your name to the petition on the website: www. rspca.org.uk Last year, the RSPCA was shocked by a spate of antifreeze poisonings in cats across Bedfordshire – many were much-loved pets. The deliberate poisoning of a cat can constitute a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of this offence is up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine of £20,000.

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

Special Christmas activities on ever y day including Christmas art & crafts, Christmas Boggie dances, etc

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Swimming Lessons 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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C a l l He ather on Tel: 01767 631053 Mob: 07885 516561

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Recipe

SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Ginger Christmas Puddings

Makes 6 Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes These fruity mini puds flavoured with stem ginger are much lighter than a traditional rich Christmas pudding and don’t need to be made weeks in advance.

INGREDIENTS 175g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 175g self-raising flour ½ tsp baking powder 175g light muscovado sugar 1 tsp each ground mixed spice and ground ginger 3 large eggs 100g dried mixed fruit 50g glace cherries, chopped 50g stem ginger, finely chopped 4 tbsp stem ginger syrup Softly whipped cream or brandy butter, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas Mark 5.

Butter six small pudding basins (each about 200ml capacity) and line the bases with circles of baking parchment.

2 Place the butter, flour, baking powder, sugar,

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spices and eggs in a large mixing bowl and beat together with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until pale and creamy. Fold in the dried mixed fruit and two-thirds of the cherries and stem ginger.

3 Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared pudding basins then cover each basin with a circle of greased and pleated baking parchment and secure with string. Cover each basin with pleated foil.

4 Stand the basins in a roasting tin and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basins. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until risen, firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into a pudding comes out clean.

5 Leave the puddings to stand for 10 minutes then turn out onto serving plates. Mix the remaining cherries and ginger with the stem ginger syrup and spoon over the puddings.

Serve with cream or brandy butter.

Tip - For a boozy flavour, gently heat the stem ginger syrup with 1-2 tbsp of rum or brandy then pour over the hot puds just before serving.

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Time of Year

Stuff the Turkey!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

For some folk Christmas without turkey is a bit like stew without dumplings, or gin without tonic, but if yours is always disappointingly dry and overcooked, why not look at an alternative this Christmas?

Goose is tender, full of flavour, relatively cheap, and a 4kg bird should easily feed six people. It has a reputation for being fatty but don’t be put off.

Simply prick the skin well and pour off the surplus fat about an hour into cooking, and hey presto problem solved!

Ducks are smaller, which means they cook faster than a huge turkey or goose. Moist and strongly flavoured, one large duck feeds four so they are perfect for smaller gatherings, but don’t plan on serving one up if you’re hosting a Christmas for twelve!

Beef is quick and easy to cook, and as you can buy whatever amount you need, it is suitable for gatherings both large and small. Allow 500g of

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rib of beef per person (including the bone) and glaze the top to keep it moist.

Why not give venison a try? It’s a lean meat, and consumption is currently on the increase as we become more health-conscious. It can be purchased at good butchers. A more exotic option is ostrich, which tastes like good quality beef fillet and requires very little cooking.

Other possibilities are ham, lamb, partridge and pheasant. So go on, stuff the turkey this Christmas and try something different for your festive feast!

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ABOVE ALL Autocentre Unit 1, Sand Road Ind. Est., Great Gransden SG19 3AH

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MOT TESTING For class 4 or 7 vehicles Class IV Cars and vans up to 3000kg Class VII Vans over 3000kg up to 3500kg

SERVICING Good Garage Scheme Industry Standard Service Or to manufacturer specification

AIR CONDITIONING – Recharging of system.

DIAGNOSTICS - SNAP ON Diagnostic fault finding centre.

EXHAUSTS - Supplied and fitted to all makes of cars and vans.

BATTERIES - Supplied and fitted two and three year guarantee.

BRAKES - Discs Pads Shoes. Cylinders etc supplied and fitted.

CODE READING - Trace & rectify those alarming red dashboard warning lights.

TYRES - All makes inc. Budget Avon, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli.

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Motoring

Citroen grand c4 picasso

By James Baggott

Citroen wants to make MPVs desirable and has created the seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso to fit the bill. But can it really manage it?

What is it? - Citroen is patting itself on the back after its new five-seat Picasso has attracted more than 2,800 orders from UK buyers this year, 300% more than the French firm was forecasting. And now the company is getting très excité with the arrival of this new seven-seat version called the Grand C4 Picasso with tweaked styling at the front and a totally different rear. Over the old Grand Picasso, this car’s wheelbase is 11cm longer but crucially for any supermarket car parking, it’s only 1cm longer in overall size than the old model.

What’s under the bonnet? - There are two petrols both co-developed with BMW and 1.6-litres in capacity. They come with power outputs of 120bhp and 156bhp, the latter being turbocharged. But of far more relevance to UK buyers are the diesels.

There are two 1.6-litre units with 92bhp and 115bhp power outputs. While the lower-powered diesel impressively emits just 98g/km of CO2 and returns a claimed 74.3mpg, we only had the opportunity to drive Citroen’s brand new 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engine. It pushes out a healthy 148bhp and yet manages 67mpg and 110g/km (or 117g/km when the six-speed automatic gearbox is fitted). It’s the engine that makes the most sense in a car this size, but it isn’t the quietest unit around.

What’s the kit like? - Citroen hasn’t confirmed specification levels yet but our test car was the topof-the-range Exclusive+ model and gave a strong indication of what we can expect. Inside, the car had limo-levels of kit including Star Trek-style seats with fabulously comfortable headrests and a footrest for the front-seat passenger. Our car also had as standard two colour info displays, two-tone leather upholstery, a powered tailgate and keyless entry and start, and every Grand C4 Picasso comes with Bluetooth, alloys

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and USB connectivity. Cars can also be specced with Citroen’s new 360-degree camera system and a park assist feature which helps drivers parking in tight spots by controlling the steering. There’ll be four trims and eight body colours, and indicative prices range from £19,200 for the VTR VTi 120 to £27,900 for the BlueHDi 150 automatic Exclusive+.

Any rivals? - Key players include the Ford Grand C-Max, Renault Grand Scenic and new cars such as the Kia Carens. The Citroen has style in spades compared to the competition.

What’s it like to drive? - Gone is the overwhelming feeling of fragility and in comes a sense of robustness. The Grand C4 Picasso’s ride is the car’s piece de resistance; it really mixes a floaty ride with capable body control admirably well. It’s definitely the most stylish and classy car in its segment thanks to Germanic shoulder lines and distinctive LED lights at the front. The interior is a step-up too however we’re not fans of the infotainment system. The lack of buttons looks great but fiddling with features is a chore. Got the sat-nav on? You’ll have to come out of that menu and into another one for temperature controls via the touch-sensitive buttons. Meanwhile, our pick would be the six-speed manual as the auto’ is not the smoothest.

The verdict - Citroen has pulled off a masterstroke here. With the two rows of seats folded flat, this car has 2,181-litres making it a stylish mini van.

The knowledge Model: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Blue HDi 150 Exclusive+ 6-spd manual Price: £27,000 (TBC) Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, diesel Power: 148bhp 370NM Max speed: 130mph 0-60mph: 9.5 seconds MPG: 63mpg Emissions: 110g/km CO2

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Gamlingay Tyre Centre

* * * * *

All Major Brands Budget & Part Worn Puncture Repair Available Servicing - All Makes & Models Batteries, Exhaust and Shock Absorbers * All Work Guaranteed Phone for Cheapest Quote

01767 448 729 / 07801 082 261 Unit 48 Green End Trading Estate, Gamlingay, Beds, SG19 3LB

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

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n O s ’ t a h W

1 December Sandy Christmas Fayre 2pm onwards Market Square, Sandy Lights switch on at 4.30pm.

Live music, carol singing, market stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Mulled Wine, Chestnuts, Hog Roast, Funfair and more!

Tel: 01767 681491 3 December Red Cross Christmas Wreath Demonstration 12 noon-3.00pm and 6-9pm Savin’s Wholesale, Vinegar Hill, Hatch, Nr Sandy Tickets: £8 including access to wholesale goods Pre-booking essential. Tel: 01582 589083 4 December Folk Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall First Wednesday every month. Open floor folk session evening.

Also open the box.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 5 December Christmas Concert 7.30pm Theatre Hall, Sandy Upper School Tickets £4 Concert performed by Stotfold Salvation Army Band and other local groups. In aid of The Sandy Branch of The Leprosy Mission. Tickets available from Sandy TIC or Colin Osborne Tel 682032.

6 December Bingo Night 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar.

Also open the box. All proceeds to support the Village Hall.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 6, 13, 20 & 27 December Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy The Sandy Ukulele Group meets every Friday night. Visitors and new member welcome for a sing and a strum.

Email: Sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com for more information Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com 7 December Potton Ladies Club – Potton Seasonal Market 9am-1pm Potton Market Square Potton Ladies Club are running a stall at the Seasonal Market.

Donations of homemade cakes, puddings, preserves, books, puzzles, knitted and handmade items (especially Christmas themed) would be appreciated. Proceeds will go towards subsidising outings/trips for members next year. Items can be left at 2 Judith Gardens on Friday 6th or to the stall as early as possible on the Saturday.

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7 December The Signals Museum 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry permit from the Guardroom.

See website for full information.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 7 December Christmas Bazaar 10.30am-3.30pm Beeston Methodist Church, The Baulk, Off “The Limes” Free Admission Various stalls including Homemade Cakes and Preserves, Crafts, Gifts, Books, Groceries, Tombola, Raffle and a visit from Father Christmas.

Refreshments available all day including morning coffee/tea/lunches and afternoon teas. Ample parking at the rear of the church. You are assured of a very warm welcome.

7 December Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Andrew Sankey on ‘Rethinking your garden’. Andrew is a garden designer, plant fair organiser, and Nurseryman. Plants will be available for sale at the meeting. All welcome - small charge applies. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 7 December A Christmas Sparkler 3.30pm & 7.30pm Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade Tickets £8, Family of 4 £24 Phoenix Chorus and friends present ‘ A Christmas Sparkler’. Two shows of music, dance and Christmas fun! Tickets available by telephone or online. Tel: 07921 834290 Web: www.phoenixladies.co.uk 7 December Rave in the Nave 6.30-10.30pm St Mary’s Church, Gamlingay £10 per family An exclusive Family Party and a chance to see and hear the Church like never before! With live, family party disco, sound and light experience, chill out zone and real South African Braai (posh Winter BBQ to you and me!). Bring your own drink. Small additional cost for food. Tickets: Phil 07957 472907 or Email: phil@a-b-s.biz 7 & 8 December Christmas Tree Festival Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm St Mary’s Church, Gamlingay More trees than ever before plus Children’s Card Making, Christmas Craft Stall, Come and meet Father Christmas. Full programme of entertainment each day - see church website and noticeboard for details. Refreshments available.

Calling all Schools, clubs, societies, businesses, pubs, families, individuals, groups, etc. in fact anyone can enter! To enter a tree please call or email Phil with your contact details.

Tel: 07957 472907 or Email phil@a-b-s.biz

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8 December Christmas Fayre 10am-4pm Sandy Leisure Centre, Sandy Upper School Admission free – donations welcome In aid of The Miscarriage Association. Stalls include cakes, sweets, candles, personalised items, painting, jewellery, face painting, glitter tattoos, bouncy castle to name just a few. There will also be a Medium doing readings, spiritual healing, local beauty therapists offering services and taking bookings. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Email: claireaustin82@rocketmail.com 8 December Carols by Candlelight 3pm Little Barford Church The church looks quite magical with all the candles (in excess of 100) so it is well worth seeing and with other floral decorations looks very Christmassy. There is no heating so wrap up warm!

10 December Social Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Second Tuesday every month. The Bar is open for a drink and a chat.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 12 December Potton Pictorial Quiz Evening 7.30pm The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton Potton History Society. This evening is a presentation of ‘Then’ pictures, can you guess where they were. Sit back and find out how many ‘Now’s’ you got right. Visitors always welcome. Festive refreshments provided.

Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.com 13 & 14 December Ring Out Christmas Bells 7.30pm St. Mary Magdalane Church, Dunton, SG18 8RR Adults £8, Under 16s £4 including wine and a mince pie St. Marys Singers Potton presents Ring out Christmas Bells. A selection of secular and seasonal music with Accompanist Denise Johnson and Conductor Douglas Coombes. Tickets available from Choir members, G. Tysoes & Sons Market Square Potton or below.

Tickets: Shirley Tate 01767 316948 or Val Whiteley 01767 601877 13 & 27 December Whist Drive 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. All welcome. Refreshments included.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information 15 December Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectables so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit.

Cafe serving breakfast, lunches and afternoon tea.

Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk

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

17-19 December Bugsy Malone Sandy Upper School (Barnfield Sandy Academy) Tickets: 01767 680598 Email: office@sandyupper.net 27 December The Mice Who Ate Christmas 7.30pm Waresley Village Hall Adults £10, Children £5 Bad Apple Theatre Company presents “The Mice Who Ate Christmas”.

An upbeat take on the carol “Silent Night”. A Christmas comedy for everyone including adults even if they don’t have children to bring.

Minimum suggested age is 8yrs old.

This is a professional touring troupe who have been to Waresley before and we look forward to very entertaining evening!

Tel: Chris 01767 651239 or Gerry 07786 261079 Email: chris@waresley.co.uk or gerry.sugars@taylors-hill.com 31 December New Year’s Eve Party 6.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Adults £4, Children free Bring and Share Buffet. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 31 December New Year’s Eve Charity Disco 8pm-1am Yorkshire Grey Pub, Biggleswade Tickets £10 (non-refundable) Dancing to Street Sounds Disco. Celebrating 25 years of this event so the theme is silver. Proceeds to St Johns Hospice, Moggerhanger and Keech Hospice Children’s Care, Luton. Raffle. Please bring your own nibbles. No children. No admission after 9.30pm.

Tel: Tickets Gina Norman 01767 220718 14 January The World of the Documentary Film 10.30am The Labour Hall, Crab Lane, Biggleswade Course fee £55, concessions available The Workers Education Association course - 10 sessions of 1½ hours.

Tutor Laurence Staig presents ‘An introduction to the world of the documentary film maker’.

Tel: Clive Bandy 01462 730147 Email: biggleswade.wea@virginmedia.com 16 January Evolution: The story of the last four billion years 10am St Andrews Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Course fee £55, concessions available The Workers Education Association course - 10 sessions of 1½ hours.

Tutor Keith Triton presents ‘Evolution: The story of the last four billion years’. The story of the Earth and the life that inhabits it, and how the two have evolved together through nearly four billion years.

Tel: Jean Chapman 01462 700306

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Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: dialporter01@tiscali.co.uk

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@markdilleyelectrical.co.uk 76

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

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC • Vertical Sliding Sash Windows • Casement Windows • Residential & French Doors • Patio Doors • Discount for Pensioners • FENSA Certification • 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Potton Windows is the only local company to be awarded the Secure By Design accreditation, to all products manufactured at its Potton Factory, this is a Police Preferred specification for greater security.

Unit 2-6 Shannon Place, Potton, Sandy, Beds SG19 2SP

T. 01767 260 626 E. sales@pottonwindows.co.uk www.pottonwindows.co.uk

Potton Windows Limited was established in 1987 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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PK Cleaning Services Est. since 1988

z Professional

Carpet and Upholstery cleaning z Window cleaning z UPVC Fascia cleaning z Patio and Driveway cleaning z Gutter and Soffit cleaning

For all your oven cleaning needs, using a Non-toxic, Non-caustic cleaning solution

Prices

Free Estimates.

Friendly and reliable service.

Paul Kaiser

s/oven (all inc.)...£40.00

d/oven (all inc.)...£52.00

extractors from...£16.00 microwaves.....£16.00

hobs from....£12.00 BBQs, Agas and Ranges individually priced.

Home 01767 222822 Mobile 07812 335860

We cover Beds - Herts - South Cambs

Visit us on www.pkcleaningservices.net

Contact us now

Tel: 01767 681 667 Mob: 07817 011 957 email: enquiries@ovenmaestro.co.uk www.ovenmaestro.co.uk

1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience

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

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

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161 78

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

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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.

80

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

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Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• Spot stain and odour removal • Anti-stain protection • Leather suites cleaned and reconditioned • Tile and grout cleaning • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured • Established for 22 years

01767 652971 or 07870 338074

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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job!

Why do it yourself?

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

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£40 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) ....£50 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) .....£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ...................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean)............£15 Hob .................................................................£15 Bulbs ............................................................£2.50 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly V.A.T free

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

parent company est. 1998

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Fun Quiz - Christmas 1. Who played the title character in The Runaway Bride, the 2006 Doctor Who Christmas special?

2. Which “Santa” is the capital city of Tenerife?

3. In the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, what is the first gift mentioned that involves humans?

4. In sport, what type of races are started using an electronic device known as a Christmas Tree because of all its coloured lights?

5. In 2004, Janette Tough was injured in a fall while performing in the pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk. What is her one word catchphrase?

6. According to the lyrics of the song Frosty The Snowman, what part of Frosty’s face was made from a button or buttons? His eyes, his nose or his mouth?

7. Over a number of years, who received a 50 pence piece, a toothpick and a tissue as Christmas presents from Mr and Mrs Dursley?

8. True or False... Tinsel was originally made from shreds of tin?

9. Where in London did Elisabeth Beresford take her children for a walk one Boxing Day when one of them pronounced the name of this place wrong, giving her the inspiration for a group of fictional characters?

10. In the film Gremlins, Randall Peltzer buys a Mogwai as a Christmas present for his son. What three rules is he told to abide by when looking after it?

1. Catherine Tate 2. Santa Cruz 3. (Eight) maids-a-milking 4. Drag races 5. Fandabidozi (she performs as Wee Jimmy Krankie) 6. His nose 7. Harry Potter 8. False (it was originally made from silver) 9. Wimbledon Common 10. Don’t expose it to bright light, don’t get it wet, don’t feed it after midnight

Before

After

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Friendly, Independent, expert advice on your personal and business financial planning

Retirement Planning

Annuities • Open-Market-Options • Pensions

Savings & Investments ISAs • OEICs • Bonds

Protection

Life • Critical Illness • Income

Existing Plans & Portfolios Review Needs & Objectives

To arrange an appointment please contact:

Wayne Bacon DipFA MIFS a truly Independent Financial Adviser T: 01767 650 477 M: 07738 120 127 E: wayne.bacon@2plan.com

www.waynebacon.2plan.com 2plan wealth management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is entered on the FCA register (www.fca.org.uk) under reference 461598.

Registered office: 2plan wealth management Ltd. Bridgewater Place, Water Lane, Leeds, LS11 5BZ. Registered in England Number: 05998270 VAT Registered: 894679251

D.S. LEWIS CARPENTRY & BUILDING

• Property Maintenance & Improvements • Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms • Flat Pack Furniture Assembly • Extensions, Garage Conversions • New Build & Refurbishment

Carpentry Contracts Welcome

01480 473 524 M: 07967 184 163 T:

E: danlewis.carpentrybuilding@gmail.com Fully Insured Established 1990 84

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General

Christmas Cheers!

So it’s that time of year again when the weather is cold, the fire is blazing and there are twinkling lights in every window, it’s CHRISTMAS!!

It’s the time of year when you are expected to go to that party, buy the presents, food, drink, have family round and visit that relative. You are also expected to cook a banquet, serve delicious drinks and do it all whilst looking like Nigella (or Nigel) gliding seductively and effortlessly across the kitchen in a ball gown. When in reality you are more likely to look like waynetta than nigella!

Well I can help you with the last thing, no not nigella, the drinks!

Here are two simple yet impressive recipes to tantalise your guest and make you the star mixologist of the village.

The first cocktail is for all those people who love a glass of bubble on Christmas day but feel as its Christmas it should be extra special!

Poinsettia

½ a shot of Cointreau/triple sec 1 shot of cranberry juice Top up with champagne Add the Cointreau and cranberry to a champagne flute or coupe and then top with champagne.

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

by Nicholas Clare

The second drink is …

The Kings Ginger mulled wine!

The king’s ginger is a deliciously ginger, zesty liquor that dates back 1903 when it was formulated for King Edward the VII. 750ml red wine 250ml The King’s Ginger 50g caster sugar 2 lemons zested (plus flesh of 1 lemon) 1 orange zested 1 stick of cinnamon A dash of nutmeg 1 star anise Add all the ingredients to a pan and heat gently to infuse all the flavours for 1-3hrs or to taste and decant into red wine glasses or a mulled wine glass.

If you would like to book a cocktail barman for an event or if you want to know more about cocktails please contact me.

Nicholas Clare nick@mixedupbars.co.uk www.mixedupbars.co.uk

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Bumper Christmas Prize Crossword

Complete the crossword, fill in your details

Prize

£50

below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

16th December 2013 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Name:

Down 1 Imagining (8) 2 Wash (5) 4 Frozen water (3) 5 Sizes (12) 6 Créche (7) 7 Vomit (4) 8 Adequately (12) 12 Enumerate (5) 13 Pest (8) 15 Make ready (7) 19 All (5) 20 Imitation (4) 22 Vegetable (3)



Across 1 Harbour (4) 3 Precious stones (8) 9 Implement (7) 10 Concur (5) 11 Produced (12) 14 Short sleep (3) 16 Coarse (5) 17 Pronoun (3) 18 Despite (12) 21 Modify (5) 22 Design (7) 23 Daily (8) 24 Musical instrument (4)

Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs P Myers from St Neots For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com 86

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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

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

01480 210410 Eaton Socon To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

87

T&R Roofing Ltd

Comet Cleaning Services Commercial & Residential Cleaners • Commercial and Domestic Cleaners

Family Business Est. 1985

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

• Builders/Landlord Cleans • Experienced and Personal Service • Regular, Weekly/Spring Clean • Fully Insured/Ref's Available

All NEW work guaranteed Fully insured for employer & Public Liability

• No up front fee's/contracts

01767 631402 Mob: 07762 462866 Tel:

Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on:

01767 314847 mob. 07831849847

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

Chimney Sweep Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps

JULIAN BIGGS/PHILIP BULLEN

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

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

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

Fully qualified and insured Clean & tidy service Competitive rates Local, professional & reliable

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Email: comet.services@virgin.net

www.cometcleaningservices.co.uk

KPC Property Services • • • • • •

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

Highly recommended, well established, professional services.

Superior workmanship at a fair price

Kieron Chapple 07900 887156 kpcmaintenance@googlemail.com

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DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

Conservatories • Doors • Windows Staircases Handmade Kitchens Handmade Bedroom Furniture

Unit 8, Gracious Farm, Southill, Beds SG18 9JB T: 01462 816695 F: 01462 850915 E: info @driftwoodjoinery.com

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

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Paul Hodson Electrical Contractor Electrical Maintenance Commercial & Domestic Installations Rewires Fuse Board Upgrades Electric Heating Systems Underfloor Heating BT Points Periodic Testing Portable Appliance Testing Showers Free Estimates ELECSA Part P Approved All work carried out to IEE wiring regulations 17th edition Call to discuss your requirements

Tel: 01767 691668 Mob: 07887 776980 paul@hodson-electrical.co.uk

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

Books

BOOK REVIEW

Julian Biggs Plumbing& Heating

Step Back in Time Ali McNamara Sphere p/b £6.99

All aspects of plumbing & heating work Oil fired boilers - Servicing, Repairs, Installation Bathroom, showers and taps leaking taps to full installation

By Bruce Edwards

Commercial fiction can have the same swings of fashion as skirts. All manner of trends move up and down under strangely designed covers though some do not sit as well as they should. One current fashion appears to be in time travel, perhaps a hang over from ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’. Is this an escapism read, the need to forget the woes and worries of today’s uncertainties? Whether trade writers run out of ideas and suffer from lack of stimulation when a publisher reminds them of deadlines and contracts, who knows. It must be demoralising to suffer from writer’s block if the phone rings and ‘we need your typescript by Friday’ sounds the ‘knell of doom’, hence the ability to skip off to another decade sounds like a very good idea and could even be fun. Our heroine actions the title in an involuntary fashion; she’s day dreaming and collides with a car on a zebra crossing.

Magically she survives without a scratch, (power of literary licence!), but is catapulted into another time zone. Ah, to leave all the uncertainties behind you! But no, different problems arise; life becomes complicated, again and again. Same crossing, same car, same effect though I’m not sure we ever find out why. In this fascinating fictional insight and creative treatise on twentieth century music and fashion, Jo-Jo is as good a companion as any, taking us into territory where we may even wish we could stay.

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NO CALL OUT CHARGE • COMPETITIVE RATES

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

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

Fully qualified and insured • All work guaranteed Free Quotations • Local, professional & reliable

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Classifieds Builders

Electricians

“YOUNG’S BUILDERS” “YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MASTER BUILDERS” “QUALITY AND VALUE FROM START TO FINISH”

Garage conversions from £5.9K

• • • • •

Extension - Sunrooms

Call 07811 985568 or 01767 261803 www.youngsbuilders.co.uk “Free quotes • Excellent references”

Extensions & Sunrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Walls, Patios & Decking General Building Work Property Maintenance

Decorating Services

Garden Specialist

DECORATING SERVICES

• Over 25 years experience • No job too big or too small • Free estimates T: 01767

222 028

M: 07887

Local, honest, professional service

618 832

email: topcoat@ntlworld.com

Garden Specialist

Domestic Repairs

Hatley Garden Services

JB Domestic Domestic Repairs

Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers

Reliable Trustworthy Service Fully Insured

Border Care/Shrub Pruning, Hedge Trimming, Fence repair/Painting, Lawn Care, Turf laying Long Term Garden Maintenance, One Off Garden Tidy

No Call Out Charge!

Please call me (Kevin) for a free estimate: Tel: 01767 631174 Mobile: 07742 832810

Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

Domestic Repairs

Handy Man

Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines • Cookers Fridges • Vacs • Dryers

Bill Tangye

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

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

93

Classifieds Kitchen & Bathroom Fitter

Plastering Services

M. Philmore (Phil) - Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter

James Geekie Plastering

Disabled showers supplied and fitted.

General plumbing.

All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding

57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR

Tel: 07792 415356 or 01767 317161 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

Painting Services

Private Car Hire

Pet Services

Private Car Hire

Mats Cars Private Hire Potton Based

4+7 Seater Cars Available

Airport/Stations/Nights Out etc Local and Long Distance Tel: 01767 261871 Mob: 07983 218367 www.mats-cars.co.uk All major credit/debit cards accepted

Plastering Services

Property Improvements

Steve Swain

Plastering Contractor All aspects Plastering, Pebble Dashing Rendering, Screeding

Mob: 07887 861881 Tel: 01767 226404 94

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Classifieds Property Improvements Cavalier Property Services Quality Planned Maintenance Solutions Kitchens, Bathrooms, Extensions, Small Works, Decorating, Joinery, Windows, Doors, Design and Project Management

Property Improvements

GB

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

T: 01767 316485 M: 07582 485155 E: garyberridge@ymail.com

Tel: 07730 197465 / 01767 262390 Email: dave.myers1966@gmail.com

Property Improvements

GARY BERRIDGE

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

Property Improvements

Security Services

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Gas & Oil Boiler Installations Boiler Servicing & Repairs 3D Kitchen Design and Installation Home/Garage Renovations Total Bathroom Installations Please call Office: 01462 819590 Mob: 07876 400005/07769 580972

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com

Storage

STORAGE

Business gone a bit slow?

Let us help!

Domestic and Commercial Storage (Near Potton)

Caravans and Cars Welcome Short and long term rates Secure site, cctv with full gated access 7 days a week.

New storage containers just arrived

Please call 01767 260248 or 07970 292055

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

95

01767 682789

Friends would like to wish all their clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We offer our clients at Friends; • London trained stylists • Award winning products- Redken, Ghd & L’Oreal • The only salon in Sandy to offer Redkens colour range containing ‘ No Ammonia’ • Fantastic loyalty scheme for all clients • 3 tier price system • 2 late evenings until 9pm • Free consultations and colour clinics • Private backwash room • Wedding packages • On-going training for all stylists

SPECIAL OFFER FOR DECEMBER

Visit Friends throughout the festive period and be entered into our Christmas draw for a luxury hamper put together personally by the team.

Friends now offer L'Oreal steam pod in salon Ask your stylist for more details Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Fri 9.30 - 6.00pm, Wed & Thurs 9.30 - 9.00pm, Sat 8.30 - 4.00pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair Friends Five Star Hairdressing 1 Market Square, Sandy, Beds SG19 1HT Tel. 01767 682 789