Potton March 2013 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 89 - March 2013

and Town

Life

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

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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VILLAGER

In this Issue

Issue 89 - March 2013

The

and Town

Life

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

Al Fresco Holidays Perfect for Families

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

Waresley Park

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Garden Centre

Editorial Solange Hando, KSarah Fryer,Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, James Baggott, Sarah Brookes, Claudia Leaf, Sarah Davey, Helen Taylor, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Alex Brown, Derek Thompson and Ted Bruning. Advertising Sales Nigel Frost nigel@villagermag.com Photography Sergey Zavalnyuk Adam Bent Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton Beds. SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Disclaimer

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

Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!

The History of York........................................................... 4 Where Am I?.................................................................... 10 The Reshaping of Britain’s Railways.............................. 16 St. John’s Family Easter Egg Hunt.................................. 21 All About Brows..............................................................24 Sandy Tourist Information Centre..................................26 Ickwell and Northill Drama Group................................. 30 Letchworth Morris Men..................................................33 St. Patrick’s Day...............................................................34 How to Holiday for Less................................................. 36 Don’t Suffer in Silence.................................................... 39 Time for a Spring Clean...................................................42 Gadgets............................................................................45 Seed Sowing on the Cheap............................................ 50 Rural Ramblings..............................................................53 Spring Show....................................................................54 Hidden Algarve............................................................... 56 An Eggs-cellent idea....................................................... 59 Animal Stories................................................................. 61 Children’s Page................................................................62 Lions at Work.................................................................. 65 AWD XJ........................................................................... 66 Fun Facts about Chocolate............................................ 69 Seasonal Delights............................................................ 71 Preparing for that Difficult Time.....................................72 What’s On........................................................................74 How to Survive an Affair.................................................77 Codeword....................................................................... 80 Dr. Seuss Day...................................................................82 The Lowdown on Laptops............................................. 84 Best Things About Being Retired.................................. 88 Wordsearch..................................................................... 91 Fun Quiz.......................................................................... 93

Last month’s Where am I answer was The Coach House and the winner is Mrs. M. Sapsed from Broom Congratulations! To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

THE History of YORK

By SARAH FRYER

York is arguably one of the most beautiful and historic cities you could ever wish to visit. Situated between Edinburgh and London and with wonderful links to London, getting here is uncomplicated and convenient. Located just 20 minutes from the M1/M62 motorway, means a comfortable drive from most regions in the UK. So what do we know about York? Well it is steeped in history and culture and is reportedly one of the most haunted cities in the world, add to this its modern fusion and superb architecture and you have yourself an image of this glorious city. York today is a fashionable urban town that successfully combines its heritage and inspired historic architecture with refined designer shops, smart restaurants, bars and cafes, to attract tourists from all over the world. Visitors soon discover that every aspect of York’s modern life is intimately linked with its past. The Romans referred to York as Eboracum, to the Saxons it was Eoforwick and the Vikings who came as invaders but stayed on in settlements, called it Jorvik. Its more recent history also characterises the city – its Minster and medieval architecture, its Georgian town houses, and its wonderful Victorian railway station. The city of York is recognised all over the world as an archaeological treasure trove. JORVIK, now a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, is one of the bestknown sites in the city, and since the dig began in 1976 it has retained the public imagination. Over 15000 objects were recovered in the process of uncovering a Viking village complete with workshops, rubbish pits, latrines and wells. The most spectacular find was an exquisitely-

preserved Anglo Saxon helmet, now on view in the Castle Museum. When wandering through York, there is nothing more captivating and reminiscent of medieval spirit than the narrow streets and alleyways all winding haphazardly through the city Centre. These days however they are home to fashionable boutiques and cafes, with unforgettable names such as Coffee Yard, Swinegate, Grape Lane (formerly Grope Lane), Mad Alice Lane and - most famous of all - The Shambles. Shambles (also known as ‘The Shambles’) is a busy hub in York, not to mention an historical site packed full of interesting stories. The street today is one of the UK’s most visited and has become awash of shops, tourist attractions, restaurants and many other things to see and do. Tours, ghost walks and historic talks are all part of the attraction. If you want to know York, you need to know Shambles. Speaking of Ghost walks, and named the most haunted city in the world by the Ghost Research Foundation International (GRFI), York’s frightening past can be an entertaining and humorous way to learn its history, or a good way to wake up in the middle of the night, wondering if your hotel room has also had a haunting or two. For every room, building or street seems to be haunted in this curious city. Also situated in the very centre of York and directly opposite The Shambles is The Golden Fleece, York’s most haunted pub and visitor accommodation, in fact one of England’s most haunted sites. Standing proud in a stunning yet ancient building, which is mentioned in the York Archives as far back as 1503, the Golden Fleece oozes mystery

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and spirit. The rear yard of this picturesque pub is named after Lady Alice Peckett whose husband, John, owned the premises as well as being Lord Mayor of York around 1702. Many guests have reported seeing the late Lady Peckett wandering the endless corridors and staircases in the wee, small hours and, including ghostly apparitions and moving furniture, hers is just one of the five resident spirits The Golden Fleece is believed to have been named for gild members of the nearby Merchant Adventurers’ Hall who used to drink in the pub. The Gild traded in fleeces and wool. During the English Civil War, Siege Tokens were issued for the pub. When currency was in short supply, tokens for certain trades were issued instead - the inns and hostelries were deemed important enough trades to have their own tokens produced! The token for the Golden Fleece was created for the landlord, Richard Booth, its value being a halfpenny. A pub on this site was first mentioned in the city archives in 1503, a Fleece or Golden Fleece is frequently mentioned in the city archives since then. The building has also undergone many structural changes over time, but essentially has remained the same. One major change is that the front used to be a big open archway, which can still be seen in the brickwork, with the pub itself being accessed down an alleyway, which is now the corridor to the back of the pub. The pub is said to be built on stilts, with no real foundations, which could explain some of the weird angles of the floor and ceilings! An 1827 sketch be George Nicholson shows Herbert’s house with three gables (the current building only has two), the Golden fleece appearing to be part of the same building. In the Victorian times there was an enforced reduction in the number of licensed premises in York resulting in The Fleece and The Queens Head Hotel (no longer in existence), Fossgate, sharing a licence, the yards or both pubs would have joined. The Golden Fleece has a reputation of being the most haunted pub in the country. In 2005 the Golden Fleece was visited by the Most Haunted team including Yvette Fielding, Derek Acorah and Ciarán O’Keefe, accompanied by Radio 1 Scott Mills and his team. Possibly the most famous ghost is Geoff Monroe, a Canadian airman who was staying at the pub in room four when he died in 1945, by throwing himself or falling out of one of the windows. People staying in his former room have been

frightened in the night by his figure, in full uniform, standing over them, his icy touch having woken them from their slumbers. Customers have complained of bedclothes being removed, clothes had been taken off the rails and thrown on the floor, the sound of footsteps was frequently running across the passage ways and The Lady Peckett’s Dining room. During a ghost hunt in 2002 a number of people including a (now former) sceptic, saw a man walking through the wall of the front of the bar, Dressing in late 17th century clothes, he walked out of a wall adjoining Herbert’s House, across the corridor to the Shambles bar. The most chilling aspect of the sighting was that the ghost paused as he crossed the corridor and looked straight at the horrified ghost hunter. If you stand and look down The Shambles, you will notice the way that fifteenth century buildings lean into the middle of the cobbled street, meaning that the roofs almost touch in the middle. Mentioned in the Doomsday book (making it date over 900 years), we know Shambles to be York ‘s oldest street, and Europe’s best preserved Medieval street. It really is a very special place. The word Shambles originates from the Medieval word “Shamel”, which meant booth or bench. It was once also referred to as Flesshammel, a word meaning “around flesh”; this is because Shambles was historically a street of butchers

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shops and houses. Records state that in1872 there were 26 butchers on the street. The last butcher to trade on Shambles was at number 27 of the name Dewhurst. Livestock was slaughtered on Shambles also, the meat was served over what are now the shop window bottoms, and these were originally the Shamels. It is also interesting to notice the way the pavements on either side of the street are raised up, this was done to create a channel which the butchers would wash away their waste through; offal and blood would gush down Shambles twice weekly. Today however, within its ancient, encircling walls York’s medieval streets and buildings are beautifully preserved and the historic heart of the city is largely traffic-free, making it quiet, clean and very pleasant to stroll around, day and night. Moving away from The Shambles, what else is there to see in York? Stonegate and Petergate are York’s two most stylish shopping streets that still run along the same routes as they did 2,000 years ago, when they were called Via Praetoria and Via Principalis and led to the massive Roman headquarters which once occupied the site where the vast gothic Minster stands today, dominating the city. This magnificent building took 250 years to build and was consecrated in 1472. It contains England’s greatest concentration of medieval stained glass, including the great east window which, measuring 186 square meters, is thought to be the largest area of stained glass in the world. In the 18th century York was regarded by the upper class as an attractive and elegant alternative to London, and the city’s many remaining Georgian town houses and buildings are a precious reminder of its most elegant manifestation. The Assembly Rooms, now an imposing restaurant, were designed by Richard, Earl of Burlington, in 1731, and were some of the earliest neo-classical buildings in Europe, and the Red House near the Minster, now Red House Antiques and home to an impressive collection of Georgian, Victorian and art deco artifacts. But perhaps nowhere sums up Georgian York as well as Fairfax House, one of the most distinguished 18th century townhouses in Britain and now the ideal backdrop to the Noel Terry (of the famous confectionery firm) Collection of Furniture, also one of the finest of its type. York has long had an affiliation in the chocolate world, in part due to the sizable factories created by Rowntree’s and Terry’s during the 20th Century.

York is home to some big names in the chocolate aisle, Rowntree’s created Kit Kat, Smarties and Aero, whilst Terry’s created the Chocolate Orange and their rich dark All Gold collection. The history and evolution of these chocolates, that we still enjoy today, is intertwined with York’s social history and industrial development with as much to be celebrated as the artwork, buildings, fashion, Railways and the Vikings for which the city is already famed for. Summer brings the racing season to York. From May to October the Ebor Races lend a frivolous, excited air to the city as everyone heads for the Knavesmire to cheer on their hot tip. As is the tradition with Britain’s big racing events, many people are more interested in the fashion than the horses, as the races provide the perfect excuse to dress up and don lavish and extraordinary hats for a day. Besides the racing, York has events all year round, including the Jorvik Viking Festival in February, the Early Music Festival in July (York is the location of the National Centre for Early Music), and the Festival of Food and Drink in September. So you see with its rich ancient history, romantic ambience and a day and night activity on offer for everyone, York is the perfect holiday destination for couples, families and groups. Renowned for its exquisite architecture, web of quaint cobbled streets, iconic York Minster and wealth of visitor attractions, York is a flourishing city and as mentioned earlier, just two hours by train from London. You can delve into the city’s vibrant café culture, take time out to enjoy some of the country’s most talented street entertainers or simply watch the world go by whilst sipping a drink by the river. There are literally hundreds of attractions and certainly something for everyone. If you are into museums, historic buildings, shopping, ghostly stories and walks, events, restaurants or tours then York is the city for you.

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WHERE ARE WE?

WHERE AM I? DO YOU KNOW?

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

2 3

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 Gransden’s Thorncote Green Upper Caldecote Waresley Wrestlingworth

VILLAGER The

LOCAL NEWS •

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Issue 88 - Febru

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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 and villages towns every mon th

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VILLAGER The

LOCAL NEWS •

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Issue 87 - Janua

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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 and villages towns every mon th

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LOCAL NEWS •

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Life

ES • LOCAL PRODUC

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VILLAGER The

£25

Issue 85 - Novem

ber 2012

and Town Life

Prize Crossword See Inside

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 and villages towns every mon th

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and can be found in most shops, pubs, garages in all of the above and more including Biggleswade and Sandy. Where Am I pictures supplied by Adam Bent Answer to last month’s Where am I competition was The Coach House in Potton

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

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New Banquet Menu at

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Al Fresco Holidays…..

perfect for families

Family is incredibly important, but it’s not always easy to devote the quality time we know we should, to our nearest and dearest. In today’s busy working arena, it is getting harder and harder to work shorter hours, without taking the pinch in our purses, so how can we ensure we can not only afford some family time together, but can find a way that encapsulates fun, memories and special moments. Al Fresco Holidays is your answer, a family holiday abroad that has never been easier. We are not talking camping; we are talking outdoor living in style.

This type of holiday is just perfect for families who enjoy outdoors pursuits together such as taking a leisurely bike ride through some beautiful countryside, enjoying lovely relaxed walks through local villages, lazing around on wonderful beaches or just simply sitting back with a chilled glass of wine and watching the children play happily. Accommodation is in the form of luxurious 2 or 3 bedroom mobile homes, each equipped for today’s fast paced living. Inside there’s a modern kitchen, toilet and shower and outside, each home has its very own decking and outdoor space. Perfect for kicking back and enjoying those summer BBQ’s You would expect to pay a premium for this kind of holiday, but in fact it couldn’t be more affordable. The costs are not based on a per person basis like a traditional holiday; it is one price per mobile home for the family. The choice of Parcs available is vast; they are dotted all over Europe in the most beautiful locations - the beach, countryside, mountain or lake setting and each offer something special for their clientele. Most have amazing pool facilities including tropical water complexes, flumes and fountains. Each Parc has been handpicked for their

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wonderful facilities such as tasty restaurants, on site bars and general relaxed holiday atmosphere. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Al Fresco Holidays has seen a huge surge in bookings which is expected to continue throughout 2013. Many Families are searching for holidays that are affordable in today’s recession and offer the experience of doing something different in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere. The travelling also offers to be a stress free event with off peak and mid-week sea ferry crossings as part of the price of the holiday. Being able to take your own car also proves advantageous for families with small children as space is not a premium compared to that of flying abroad. You’ll only find Al Fresco Holidays on top-ranked campsites in Europe, Parc sizes vary hugely, but all offer essentials like on-site shops, take-aways and laundry facilities. You’ll find children’s play areas and there’s always a friendly bar for a morning cappuccino or evening ice-cream (or something a bit stronger). Plus there’s controlled entry to ensure only fellow residents can enjoy the exclusive freedom of their Parc. The large, lively parcs, action-packed with wild water parks and exciting evening shows, plus spectacular sporting events, are particularly popular with families in charge of turbo-charged kids. On a more chilled out note, many of the parcs offer fitness and relaxation facilities like gyms and spas to indulge in a little well deserved pampering. Also on offer are small and friendly parcs, set in stunning surroundings offering a more laid back holiday scene for families with young children, or couples wanting a relaxed base from which to explore.

Recommended Parcs are Sanguli, A Mediterranean Parc Paradise, from exquisitely laid out emplacements to an enormous Roman style amphitheatre, the fitting stage for music and magic under a starlit sky and PortAventura theme park is only minutes away. The Parc also includes a large pool complex and a sandy beach just 200m away. Another recommendation is La Croix Du Vieux Point, nestled in Royal Compiegne countryside, close to the sleepy town of Vic-Sur-Aisne, this is nevertheless a vibrant Parc including a covered pool complex with water chute, a lake for canoeing and sports and amusements for teenagers and toddlers alike, and new for 2013 is a seven million euro extension. This Parc will include an extended pool, bowling alley and laser quasar centre. Wherever your Al Fresco Holiday takes you, you’ll never be far from an abundance of things to do. You can explore thriving towns and villages packed full of gorgeous things to eat, drink and take home and treasure. Thrill-seekers will love theme parks and aqua parks packed full of rides and slides. There are masses of local history and culture to lap up, or just enjoy the simple pleasure of a day at the seaside. For more information or to book your Family Al Fresco Holiday call 08436 362047 and with a 10th anniversary discount of *£50 being offered off selected Parcs when booked before the 31st March*, there is even more reason to book and avoid disappointment. Only £100 deposit required For 2013 Summer Holidays, It’s affordable, it’s enjoyable, it’s Al Fresco Holidays. *Terms & Conditions Apply*

AL FRESCO HOLIDAYs CALL 08436 362047

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Activities include:

easter egg hunt!

Saturday 30th / Sunday 31st March, 10.00am-3.00pm Godmanchester Centre, Free!

Wood Green

Family behind the scenes tour

Tuesday 2nd April, 10.00am-12.00pm / 1.00pm-3.00pm, Godmanchester Centre Join the Hands On team and go behind the scenes at our Godmanchester site.*

NeW! Drama Day – Hip Hop Bunnies

Monday 8th April, 9.30am-4.00pm, Godmanchester Centre

Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet and Gift Shop Children’s play area Children’s ‘hands on’ events Open 7 days a week, 10.00am – 4.00pm FRee entry

Come along to our drama and dance workshop for 7-11 year olds and create a ‘play in a day.’ Parents and carers are invited back at the end to watch the performance! £25 per child.

Family behind the scenes tour

Tuesday 9th April, 10.00am-12.00pm, Godmanchester Centre Join the Hands On team and go behind the scenes at our Godmanchester site.*

Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or email: info@woodgreen.org.uk

For further information on these events contact the Hands On Team King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Call: 0844 248 8181 Or email: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH handson@woodgreen.org.uk *Minimum age 5 years. £5 per person.

Wood Green, The Animals Charity is the Registered Trademark of Wood Green Animal Shelters, Registered Charity No. 298348.

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The Reshaping of

Britain’s Railways

It must have happened to you – and it’s certainly happened to me – that you throw away something you think you don’t need any more and then some time later you find a use for it, and it’s too late. It’s gone. It happened to the whole country in the years 1963 to 1970, when we closed a third of our railway stations and something like 4,000 of our 18,000 miles of railway line. The axe man always blamed for this carnage is Dr Richard Beeching, chairman of the British Railways Board from 1962 to 1965 and author of the report, ‘The Reshaping of Britain’s Railways’, published in March 1963, which started the slaughter. He died in 1985 but who was he? And was he entirely to blame? A physicist by discipline, Beeching rose through the ranks of ICI to become an expert in production efficiency, working on the mass manufacture of new products including zips and terylene. In 1959, he was seconded to a committee of the British Transport Commission which was looking at ways of cutting the railway network’s losses. These had risen from £15.6m in 1956, just after the ambitious modernisation plan that started the replacement of steam by diesel and electric, to £42m in 1960. Beeching was a great advocate of deep cuts in the network, clashing with committee chairman Sir Ivan Stedeford – a stance which earned him the favour of Transport Minister Ernest Marples. Marples was an apostle of road transport – a fact entirely unconnected with his family firm’s roadbuilding contracts: he sold his shares when he took office, albeit with a clause allowing him to buy them back at the same price – and clearly, Beeching was the man for him. The good doctor was given the chair of the BRB (at a salary more than twice that of the Prime Minister’s) and in

March 1963 came out with the required report which was duly rushed into action. The following year Labour came to power on a promise to stop the bitterly unpopular programme – John Betjeman and the musical comedy stars Flanders & Swann were among its celebrity opponents – but, lured by the promise of easy savings, it reneged. Beeching himself returned to ICI in late 1965 after the summary rejection of a second report advising even deeper cuts; but Labour continued to implement the 1963 recommendations right up to 1970. The promise was a cruel illusion. The 70,000 jobs, 2,600 country stations, 300,000 goods wagons, and 4,000 miles of branch line that disappeared saved nothing, and in 1970 British Rail lost not £42m but £100m. Beeching may have been a production expert, but he had no understanding of logistics. Hideously unprofitable many lines may have been – 30% of them carried just 1% of all passengers between them, while 50% of all stations raised just 2% of overall ticket revenue – but they fed the main lines and had made them profitable. Freight carriage, too, dwindled as large factories lost the branch lines that connected their sidings to the network: the nation’s haulage industry, perforce, took to the roads. The suspicion remains that Beeching’s recommendations were as much political as operational. Road was the coming thing, and not just because of Marples’s rumoured venality. Powerful forces both in business and in the trade unions favoured road; and the railway, with its long record of failure (3,300 miles of branch line had already been closed in the 15 years before Beeching’s appointment), had no counterargument. Beeching did not even consider the huge efficiency savings available through slashing the horrendous over manning of the branch network: his brief was to cut, and cut he did. He later described his programme as “surgery, not mad chopping”: he was certainly not the kind of surgeon you would want operating on you. We could do with those 4,000 miles of line now, as our roads strain and burst; and the moral of the Beeching story is – don’t ever chuck things out, because you never know when they might come in handy.

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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. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best. Not only enter the unbelievable world of close up professional magic that is second to none, you can now see a cabaret show that will leave you gasping, your guests enthralled and audience participation that is not only professional but will cause laughter throughout and will be something to remember for a very long time. This is ideal for any corporate or private event. 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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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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St John’s Hospice’s

Family Easter Egg Hunt is back! Sue Ryder is calling all families with children to join in their Easter Egg Hunt to help raise vital funds to care for people with life limiting conditions. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Sunday 24 March at St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger. There will be face painting, cupcake decorating, plenty of stalls and lots of games to ensure the whole family is entertained! All proceeds from the hunt will go towards funding Sue Ryder’s local hospice, St John’s. Taking place around the lovely hospice gardens, doors open at 2pm and the hunt will finish at 5pm. Although staff and volunteers will be on hand to supervise, it is requested that all children be accompanied by a parent/ guardian at all times. Volunteer fundraiser, Katrina Brooks, said: “The Easter Egg Hunt is back again this year and we can’t wait for everybody to see what we’ve got in store! There are new games this year and we’re very excited for the children to have a fun day out. “Local school children will have the

opportunity to take part in ‘Sue Ryder’s 60th Easter Egg’ competition, giving them the chance to design our 60th anniversary Easter Egg. The more entries the merrier! For a copy of the design template, please see contact details below. The winner will have their design entry modelled into a real life egg sculpture. It promises to be a great afternoon, with plenty going on for the whole family!” There is no need to pre-book. Entry is £3 and all participants will be given a basket to collect eggs in, which they can then exchange for a chocolate Easter egg. It costs over £2 million each year to run St John’s Hospice and The Easter Egg Hunt is an annual event which helps towards reaching that target. Everyone at St John’s would be thrilled to see the local community coming along to support them. For more information on the event or for a copy of the 60th Easter Egg template, please call the Fundraising Team on 01767 642412 or email katrina.brooks@sueryder.org.

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The Andrews

DANCE CENTRE CHILDRENS DANCE CLASSES Held at:

Potton & Biggleswade We specialise in teaching children from the age of 3yrs & above in:

• Disco/Street • Ballet • Tap Dancing Our classes are lively and enjoyable and most importantly lots of fun !! Teachers CRB Checked & qualified with the I.S.T.D and N.A.T.D

01462 643 384

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All About Brows

How To Pluck Like a Professional There’s a quick, simple and easy way to look years younger and all you’ll need is a pair of tweezers. Eyebrows serve as a frame for your eyes and by creating the right shape you can instantly lift your face, draw attention to your eyes and look altogether more beautiful. The wrong shape, size or even colour eyebrows can have a dramatically different effect however and leave you looking permanently surprised, confused or angry so it’s very important to think before you pluck. Work With What You Have The key is to work with your natural brow shape - whatever that may be. Some people are lucky enough to have brows that naturally sweep up to an arch, whereas others are born with much straighter eyebrows and need to do a little more work to create the desired look. Trimming You might not think it, but eyebrow hair is often quite long. A little trimming is essential for allowing the hair to lie nicely and fall into shape easily. Remove any hair that grows beyond your upper brow line - do this by brushing your eyebrows up - with a brow brush - and snipping off the long ends.

Next, brush the hair downwards in the opposite direction and cut the hairs that extend past the lower brow line. To finish, brush the hair into place. Your eyebrows should already be looking much better. Time To Tweeze Tweezing can be a little painful at first, so it’s a good idea to open up your pores before you start by holding a warm facecloth over your brows. Ensure that you’re working in good natural light and determine where to begin. It’s good to start by holding a pencil vertically against the side of your nose and observe where it meets the brow - this gives a guide to where your eyebrows should begin. Pluck any hair away that grows before this point. Take a few hairs at a time and do the same on your other brow. Looking straight ahead, hold the pencil against your nostril and move it diagonally across the outer half of the iris of your eye - the point at which the pencil is lying is where the arch of your brow should peak. To create the best shape for your brow, gradually tweeze a line that tapers when you reach the peak of your arch. Concentrate on keeping them looking even. To finish, place your pencil back against your nostril and this time extend it diagonally to the outer corner of your eye. This is where your brow should be at its thinnest. Pluck from the arch to this point, tapering the line gradually, so that it is at its thinnest at the far corner. Remember that the fuller your brows are, the more youthful you’ll look so work slowly and steadily, tweezing one hair at a time. Stand back from the mirror regularly to check how the shape is progressing. Define Your New Shape You can enhance your new shape by applying a little colour to make your eyebrows really stand out. If your hair is fair, choose either a brow powder or pencil that’s a shade lighter than your hair colour. For dark hair, choose one that’s a shade darker. Gently sweep the product over the brow hair and set using a clear eyebrow gel.

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Potton & District Club membership promotion: FREE BAR CREDIT when the villager is mentioned for 2013 New & Renewals March Diary Dates

Friday 1st - Quiz Night (ref: Potton Cricket Club) All Welcome, get your team together and come and have some fun Sat 2nd - SUGAR CAN New (CHARITY EVENT) 50s Swing, Jazz, Pop, Rock & modern day covers this duo have both appeared on “TOP OF THE POPS”! Should be Exciting, pay on the night or get a special reduced priced ticket from Les at Pedals Cycles Biggleswade, all profits will go to MacMillan & Primrose funds, Massive Raffle! Sat 9th - Cheesy and the Helmits New, it will be LOAD!,….. Not For The Faint Hearted! Sat 16th - St Patricks Special, The Ploughmen New an Eccentric 7-piece Skiffle, Bluegrass, RocknRoll, Rock grass collective. A refreshing alterative to pub bands! Bar Promotion on some Irish Favourites, Guinness & Baileys on the Rocks. Tuesday 26th - AGM - all paid up members should attend, 8pm. Sat 23rd Johnny Red, High Demand He performs his successful 50s/60s Classic Rock n Roll songs the main part of his show, with added tributes to the legends such as Johnny Cash, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Billy Fury and many more, come and enjoy a great evening of Rock n Roll nostalgia.

Easter Special Events

Wednesday 27th - Easter Prize Bingo Seasonal Prizes to be won, popular Bingo Night, 8pm, All welcome. Good Friday 29th - ENGINE ROOM! New, we are pleased to welcome this 3 piece band, fantastic sound, beautiful renditions with something for everyone, it will be an electric atmosphere, with the WOW factor! Easter Saturday 30th - ALMOST ABBA. Easter Egg-travaganza Showtime, back by High Demand, we are looking forward to fAbbAtastic evening of fun, sparkle, glitz and lots of laughs classic 70s 80s covers always with a suprise Twist! Easter Sunday 31st - Family Disco Inferno, your party, your requests, time to dance of the Easter chocolate calories !

APRIL

Sat 6th - THE V I Peas, return Quality female fronted Awesome Party Band

MAY

Bank Holiday Sat 4th - TWO-TONE are back by demand, Awesome, SKA & MADNESS BAND All events are advertised in good faith, please check our web-page pottonclub.co.uk for all updates, 2013 events, news and possible changes. A small entry fee may apply on some event nights, avoided to members when possible.

Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

MARCH

FIRST SANDY TIC WALK 2013 THE SANDY WARREN WALK – 22nd March As mentioned in last month’s edition Sandy now has Walkers are Welcome status and the Tourist Information Centre will be organising six different Guided Walks in and around Sandy throughout the next twelve months. These will be in addition to the usual three summer ‘history’ walks - preliminary details of which were given in last month’s issue and which further information will follow in due course. From the 16th March to the 24th March 2013 it is English Tourism Week. This is a week long celebration of events showcasing the quality and vibrancy of the visitor experiences and the value our industry brings to our nation. To celebrate English Tourism in this part of England and to celebrate Sandy being a ‘Walkers are Welcome Town’ - Sandy Tourist Information Centre has organised the first of its Guided Walks for 2013. The Walk is called THE SANDY WARREN WALK and this will take place during English Tourism Week on Friday, 22nd March. We have chosen this particular Walk as the date is close to Easter. We began to think about having something tenuous relating to Easter and so we thought about ‘Easter bunnies’ – which led our thoughts onto ‘rabbits’ – then we thought about ‘a home where rabbits live’ - this led our thinking onto ‘Warrens’ and of course on our own doorstep we came up with the idea of a Walk on our own Sandy Warren. Sandy Warren once formed part of the large estate of the former Manor of Sandye Place (whose Manor House is now an Academy). The Warren was mainly used by its owners as an area where

they could either hunt or later shoot rabbits and hares. It was usually an area of a country estate for gentry who could not afford to hunt in a deer park. Sandy Warren now forms the nature reserve of The Lodge, the UK Headquarters of the RSPB. Prior to Victorian times this large area of land was also called the ‘Hill Estate’ it being high ground part of the Greensand Ridge. The landscape originally comprised of heathland, pine plantations, oak woods and rough land grazed with sheep. Lord Torrington in his famous diary, a ‘Tour in Bedfordshire’ published in 1794 noted:- ‘For my morning ride upon my mare to the Warrener’s Lodge upon Sandy Warren; where (despairing of great hare hunting) I purchased 4 live rabbets, which we carefully returned with’. (There is no record of a ‘Warrener’s Lodge’ in any other documents or local maps of that period). The estate of Sandye Place was split up and sold in 1851 and The Warren area was purchased by Captain Sir William Peel, VC, the famous naval hero and third son of the famous Premier Sir Robert Peel. William built and resided in the Swiss Cottage (now the RSPB Gatehouse) and after his death during the Indian Mutiny in 1858 the estate passed to his youngest brother Arthur Wellesley, who was later to build on the edge of the escarpment the large Elizabethan style mansion called The Lodge. It was the Peel family who landscaped the greensand hills of The Warren with pine plantations and other exotic trees. The SANDY WARREN WALK starts from the Tourist Information Centre at 10am and then proceeds along the Potton Road entering the RSPB reserve at the pedestrian access at the bottom of the hill. We will climb Redstone Hill and at its summit see the fascinating views over the surrounding hills and tree tops. We will then walk along a track that leads to the ancient Iron Age Hill Fort of Galley Hill, which occupies a very prominent position in the landscape and would have originally commanded good views to the Sandy, Biggleswade and Potton areas. There is a view seen today, due to recent changes in the landscape, towards a separate hill where the Victorian mansion is situated and whose gables and chimneys can be seen amongst the trees. On the reserve we will be met by the RSPB Volunteer Walks Leader who will join us and tell

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us more about the RSPB and point out the various kinds of wildlife to be seen. We will then descend the steep valley with its views and follow tracks to the Sandy Ridge Trail. This Trail gives wonderful views over the summit of the ridge across the Bedfordshire countryside towards Biggleswade and there are wonderful sections of hill and dale with ancient oak trees and birch and pine. Look out for the many species of birds and other wildlife. The Walk will either continue through the Old Heath and exit the reserve at the ironstone Hunting Gate and return to Sandy via Stratford Road, a Roman road with its former Peel estate farms and cottages. Or from the Ridge Trail we may climb Bunkers Hill with its lovely views, cross the former carriage drive and follow one of the newer tracks crossing the newly restored heathland area and descend Redstone Hill and return to Sandy via the Potton Road. We will return to the Tourist Information Centre when refreshments will be served following the walk and we will hear about Sandy’s status as a Walkers are Welcome Town. There will be no charge for this particular Walk To book your place please call into the TIC or contact us by telephone or email. (see below)

CALLING ALL LOCAL GROUPS, CLUBS AND SOCIETIES We have created a section of shelving in the Centre where we plan to display flyers and leaflets relating to local clubs, societies and groups. This will allow our many visitors and both old and new residents to see and obtain information about the many activities that happen in our town. Please let us have copies of your leaflets/flyers about you organisations, etc giving contact details and a brief resume of what you do and we will gladly display this in our new local Groups, Clubs and Societies section. Sandy Tourist Information Centre is at the rear of the offices of Sandy Town Council at 10 Cambridge Road. Access to the Centre is either (a) via the Town Car Park in the High Street – we are in the far left hand corner or (b) from Cambridge Road – via the path at the side of the Town Council Offices. Sandy Tourist Information Centre, Rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy Telephone 01767 682728 email tourism@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday 10.00 am – 3.00pm Saturday 10.00 am – 2.00pm CLOSED SUNDAY

The Bargain Box 34 Church Street, Gamlingay www.bargain-box.co.uk email: info@bargain-box.co.uk Good quality, second hand goods across a wide range of stock - from unwanted gifts to antique fine china, from rare china and collectibles to bling beads and bangles. Opening hours Thursday 10am - 5pm, Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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SQUARE CAFÉ on Potton Market Square New Spring/ Summer Menu

Come on down to the Square Cafe to enjoy our new Spring/ Summer Menu. Sindy has prepared a fresh new spring/ summer range to compliment our current menu. We are conscious of the effect takeaway packaging has on the environment, that is why ours, where possible, is biodegradable, recyclable and comes from sustainable sources. In addition to promoting the sale of local produce we also promote the sale of fair-trade coffee and other products. We also now offer catering for events and parties.

Mon-Fri: 6.30am – 5pm, Sat: 9am – 3pm Sunday: 10am – 2pm 25 Market Square, Potton, Beds Tel: 01767 260256 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

40 years on...

...and still going strong! The Northill and Ickwell Drama Group was started in 1972 and last year celebrated 40 years of entertaining audiences with Dramas, Comedies, Murder Mysteries, Musicals, Farces, Sketches and Pantomimes. I, myself, having been a member since 1977, and a Director for the past 17 years. The first production comprised 2 one-act plays and was performed in the Ickwell Clubroom. The curtain had to be handled with great care because of all the moth holes , but they were handy to spy through to see when the audience was seated and ready! The lines were learnt the night before and after one prompt a gentleman in the cast was heard to say, ’We know the line but who says it?’ If it rained everyone had to shout to be heard above the noise of the rain on the roof! Admission costs were 25p and 15p for OAPs- how times have changed!!! Then in 1975 we performed our first 3 Act Play, ‘No Time for Fig Leaves’, in the newly built Northill Village Hall. The beautiful new curtains were finished and fitted just one week before the production. One of our members was in the construction business and managed to obtain free scaffolding to construct the stage and Bedford County Council loaned us staging blocks - as long as it was during the school holidays. In 1979 Rae Beaty became our director, and under her guidance we became more and more ambitious and successful. In 1987 and 1988 we

entered the Haynes Drama Festival winning awards for Best Play, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress & Best Supporting Actor.One of our entries, ‘Hell and High Water’, included a part of a vicar. The adjudicator praised the actor for his convincing portrayal –little did they know he really was our local vicar!! From our humble beginnings we now put on two major productions a year and some of our most memorable ones to date have been in 1995 ‘Blood Brothers, in 2006 ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and who could forget ‘Allo,Allo’ in 2008? The group continues to grow , and with the aid of Lottery money now has a first class stage system which is available to all who use the hall. We are proud that over the years we have also been able to donate over £10,000 to good causes . Our latest production in February/March 2013 was Calendar Girls, and with the help of our own Calendar and raffle we are on track to raise in the region of £1000 for cancer charities. Anyone who feels the urge to tread the boards, or tap in a few nails, please join us on Wednesday evenings from 8-10 at Northill Village Hall. The more the merrier! Or phone Val Rapley on 01767 627775 (By Val Rapley,Chairwoman, Ickwell & Northill Drama Group)

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Hair by Amanda

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Fancy a new hobby?

letchworth morris men Do you fancy a new hobby? Something that involves fresh air and exercise, beer drinking, camaraderie and loads of fun? Sounds pretty good doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? Can I introduce you to morris dancing? It is a dance form that can be documented as far back as the 15th century but has roots going much further back than that. It is one of those quintessentially English pastimes that forms part of many summer fairs and fetes. I am sure that many of us have stood with a pie or a pint (or both) in hand on a summers afternoon watching a morris side demonstrating their skills with sticks, hankies and bells. This is your chance to give it a go. Letchworth Morris Men are recruiting new members to their side as either dancers or musicians. We practice every Thursday between September and May at Radwell village hall. We dance for a couple of hours and then adjourn to the pub for a pint and sometimes a bit of music. Between May and September we then dance out every Thursday at pubs across the width and breadth of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. In addition to this we also dance at a number of summer fairs and events. There are enough men in the side that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to dance at every event, but the more you attend, the more fun you have! You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to have any experience as a dancer to join Letchworth Morris Men as a dancer. All instruction will be provided by our foreman and squire. All that we ask is that you bring along

enthusiasm and a sense of humour. We all do this for fun and that is one of the most important parts of morris dancing. We have dancers of all abilities and all levels of experience but you will find that everyone will be welcoming and willing to help new members fit in and learn our dances. Letchworth Morris Men was founded in 1920 on the wave of the folk revival that followed the interest in folk activities headed by people such as Cecil. In 1924 Letchworth Morris Men become one of the founders of the Morris Ring, a national organisation that is still going strong today providing support to morris sides across the country and promoting morris dancing activities. We have close links with other morris sides and we often get together with sides at ales and feasts where, as the names suggest, we drink and eat and also dance. These events are great opportunities to meet new people and to learn new dances or variations of dances that we already know. If you would like to talk to someone about coming along to see what morris dancing is all about, please give either Simon Bailes (01767 310 424) or Theo Thomas (01582 882 831) a call or drop Theo an e mail at bagman@letchworthmorris.org.uk. Also have a look at our website (www.letchworthmorris.org. uk) and our Facebook page.

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St Patrick’s Day

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti What are you doing on March 17th this year? You probably don’t have a clue, but if you are of Irish descent chances are that you will be donning green attire and tucking into a plateful of bacon and cabbage! The date is St Patrick’s Day, commemorating the death of Ireland’s patron saint on 17th March 461. Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a wealthy Christian family - his father was a deacon and his grandfather a priest. He was kidnapped and held captive by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen, but eventually escaped; following which he received a vision and calling to return to Ireland to preach Christianity to its heathen population. So it is that St Patrick is credited with taking Christianity to Ireland. Patrick used the three leaves of the native Irish shamrock to teach the doctrine of the Trinity. Nowadays, the shamrock and green clothing are customarily worn on St Patrick’s Day. Traditionally, Irish families mark the day by attending church in

the morning and celebrating in the afternoon. The festival includes public parades, processions, concerts, outdoor theatre and fireworks – all designed to celebrate all things Irish! So, if you find yourself at a loose end on 17th March, why not look up your local Irish centre and join in the festivities?!

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How to Holiday for Less

in 2013

As winter draws to a close, conversations about where to go for summer holidays are on the increase and the difference between what we can afford and what we would ideally like often represents something of a discrepancy. However, there are steps which can be taken to bridge the gap and help us afford a summer holiday which may otherwise be financially out of reach. Book Early or Book Late As far as saving money is concerned, there are two choices on the table and they are booking either late or early. Whether you book far ahead using low-cost airlines and advance bookings for accommodation or snag a last-minute bargain from a package holiday company, either of these approaches can work wonders for your budget. The key is to decide which suits you best and to plan your holiday around that. Indecisiveness will cost you money, so take the time to make a clean decision on your strategy. For advance accommodation bookings, websites such as holidaylettings.co.uk are fantastic and when booking flights, try skyscanner.net or travel.kelkoo.co.uk to track down the cheapest ones. If you’re flexible about both when and where to go and are just looking to find a great deal, then companies such as markwarner. co.uk, kuoni.co.uk and wandotravel.com all offer fantastic higher-end packages for less money when you book at the last minute. Plan Your Budget While it’s a nice idea to lounge around in the luxury of a five-star hotel, your accommodation is really only a place to sleep and store your

luggage. This is a good example of how stripping some aspects down to the bare necessities can save you money. Do some research into the restaurants and other holiday expenditures in the area you’re visiting to track down ways to eat, sleep, drink and sightsee for less money rather than just turning up and paying for what you find. Travel Light Airlines these days charge a great deal for excess baggage. This is especially true for the low-cost airlines and this represents another area where some advance planning can save you cash. Take some time to put together a packing list which will make the most efficient and effective use of space so you don’t have to take any extra or unnecessary items that will bump up your budget. Be Prepared to Travel Out Of Season While summer may be a mere figment of our imagination here in the UK, other countries do see sunny weather in May and June as well as into September and October. July and August are peak seasons for UK holidaymakers so if you’re not bound by school holidays, travel either earlier or later in the year to avoid peak season and its associated costs. Consider a House Exchange A house exchange is a great way to get some decent accommodation at a very minimal cost. This is especially true if you have a family as exchanging a nice home in the UK can go a long way when travelling to countries where things are a bit more affordable. Websites such as homeexchange.com are trusted, reputable and have been running for a great deal of time.

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A PSYCHIC READING WITH

Tony Sargeant

A PSYCHIC WITH A DIFFERENCE

Wondering what’s in your future?  Do you need reassurance and answers to events that are happening in your life?  Gain insight in to your career, relationships, finances or house move.  Do you have a business decision that needs another point of view?

Let Tony help you make those decisions clearer right now and for future. Mention this advert to get a special discount, just £25 for a 30 minute reading with Tony either face-to-face in Little Gransden or on the phone.

To book please phone 01767 677842 or visit Tony’s website on www.psychic-clairvoyant-uk.co.uk

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HEALTH

Don’t suffer in silence Being able to hear is fundamental to our ability to communicate. If we can’t hear, we can’t respond to others nor speak clearly or judge our pitch – try talking to someone with headphones and they’ll shout back at you. But like most of our senses we take our hearing for-granted and only notice it if it starts failing. Most age related hearing loss is not noticeable until later life, but deterioration begins much earlier. You start to lose some of your range as early as in your twenties. Age related hearing loss is much the same as other types of “wear and tear” on the body. Just as hips and knees wear out so does our hearing. Constant exposure to the noisy world we live in gradually wears away at the “nerves” in our ears, reducing their number and the range of sounds that can be picked up. What can you do to protect yourself? Even if you already have some loss, looking after what’s left is imperative. Be aware of situations and environments that can damage your hearing such as:

• Playing loud music through headphones and earphones • Attending loud live music concerts - even some classical concerts • Using simple DIY equipment such as hammers and power tools • Day to day activities such as riding a motorcycle (wind noise – not the engine noise as you might think) or even driving in a car with the window down (some truck and taxi drivers have more pronounced hearing loss in their right ear, nearest the open window) • Recreational activities such as shooting So first off, be aware when there may be damaging levels of noise present and if there is, protect your ears. Inexpensive foam earplugs can be purchased from DIY stores and some high street chemists. Most concert venues have free earplugs available, and whilst they rarely offer them to you on arrival, there’s usually a good supply behind the bar. Keep a few pairs in a drawer for use around the house when tackling your latest DIY project too. What if you already have hearing loss? It’s not usually that you can’t hear at all but just that it’s not clear. Often it’s the high frequency sounds that fade first, such as bleeps and bells. Then it becomes difficult to hear what people are saying when there is background noise such as in crowds or when the television is on. If left undiagnosed or treated, a hearing loss can lead to other problems. Because it’s unclear what has been said, socialising in groups becomes awkward. Sufferers find themselves pretending to laugh at jokes when they didn’t hear the punch-line, or just nodding and smiling and then being embarrassed because the person talking is awaiting an answer. This in turn leads to loss of confidence and feelings of social exclusion. What can be done? It’s really not necessary to – literally – suffer in silence. A simple trip to your GP to arrange a hearing test or to a specialist hearing centre or audiologist will mean your hearing is tested and assessed, usually free of charge. Discrete and almost invisible the latest aids can make such a difference and vastly improve your hearing. You’ll never regain what has gone, but you can make the best of what you have left.

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52 High Street // Biggleswade // Beds // SG18 0LJ // (Opposite “The Codfather”) Open Wednesday to Saturday. 11am to 7pm

t: 01767 600 300 e: shop@cambridgecoins.co.uk 40

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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.

Satchells was established in 1922 and for three generations our traditional family run business has sold and let thousands of properties throughout Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire

• Buying • Selling • Renting • Letting OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

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

www.satchells.com

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TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN

By Claudia Leaf

I had invited an old school friend around for coffee and was trying hard to make a good impression. Suddenly a shaft of spring sunlight flooded my lounge, making me cringe with embarrassment. With a growing sense of shame I watched as this unforgiving shaft of light slid across the room, showing up the grubby finger marks on the door, the ring marks on my glass table and a thick layer of dust on the mantelpiece. When it finally landed at my friend’s feet, close to a dirty paw mark our dog had left on the carpet, I saw a look of alarm on her face. “I’m so sorry, I’ve just noticed. Did I do that?” I had a nanosecond to decide whether I should openly confess my domestic shortcomings or keep quiet. “Oh, don’t worry”, I replied. “It’ll brush off when it’s dry.” She left soon afterwards, still apologising. I took a deep breath and realised it was time for some spring cleaning. An article in the Manufacturer and Builder magazine of 1872 (a “practical journal of industrial progress”) describes spring cleaning as “The season of general cleaning, when all the corners and closets are overturned and hidden things are brought to light”. Whilst period dramas such as “Downton Abbey” have inspired a new generation to revive traditional kitchen skills, it’s questionable whether 21st century householders will be tempted to adopt the cleaning methods recommended by the magazine, which include black-leading grates, whitewashing walls and scalding bedsteads. The Victorians may have excelled at spring cleaning but they certainly didn’t invent it. Some historians believe that the origins of this tradition date back to the ancient Persian New Year, the Iranian Norouz, which falls on the first day of spring. Iranians still practice “khooneh tekouni” – which literally translates as ‘shaking the house’ – at this time. The Jewish feast of Passover is a religious festival that also hints at a possible origin for spring cleaning. During the holiday the faithful are instructed to refrain from eating any leavened foodstuffs (‘chametz’). The Bible commands that even tiny crumbs mustBefore be removed from the

house and this results in a ritual hunt for crumbs by candlelight during the evening before the holiday begins. Christianity has its own spring cleaning traditions. In Greece, householders clean everything thoroughly either before or during the first week of Lent, as a physical manifestation of Lent’s message of spiritual cleansing and renewal. For the ancient Chinese, the concept of New Year cleaning is associated with good fortune. They believed that people should sweep their floors and clean their houses to rid them of any negative influences that may have accumulated during the last twelve months. Householders then locked up the broom for a few days to prevent sweeping away any good luck that might have entered at the turn of the year. When ancient cultures share such similar traditions it’s hard to say exactly when and where the idea of ‘spring cleaning’ originated. However, it’s obvious that the urge to clear away the cobwebs of winter and prepare for the summer months is hard-wired into human DNA. Personally I believe that our seasonal enthusiasm to get busy with a mop and broom is always motivated by the same thing: it’s that accusing beam of sunlight that shows us up in front of guests.

After

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Thinking of Letting?

Call the experts

01462 713713 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Anstee Gorst

Chartered Certified Accountants

- Accounts preparation for Sole traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies - Self assessment tax returns - Cash Flow Forecasting - Vat, Payroll & Bookkeeping - Business Start Up

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

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 44

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The gadgets that make

the outdoors even greater Technology isn’t just something you use at home - it can be handy when you’re out and about too, even if your idea of out and about means going far off the beaten track. One of the most useful kinds of outdoor technology is GPS, the satellite system that can work out where we are and help us find where we want to go. There are all kinds of dedicated GPS receivers, ranging from cheaper devices such as Garmin’s £100 eTrex 10 to more expensive navigators such as Magellan’s Explorist 710, which currently costs around £350. You don’t necessarily need to invest in standalone GPS kit, however, especially now that smartphones and tablets can run very accurate mapping apps - although if you’re taking a phone or tablet into the wilds, onto a boat or anywhere else nature can destroy it, it’s a very good idea to invest in some protection. You can spend ridiculous sums on all-weather protection, but cases such as Griffin’s Survivor (around £25 for phones, £29 for tablets) - something Griffin admits is “ridiculously over-engineered” - wraps your device in military-spec protection for a very reasonable price. It isn’t pretty, but it’s tough and that’s what really matters here. Technology has even made its way into the humble torch, which these days boasts LED illumination and innovative designs. Nite Ize’s BugLit LED (around £13) has low, high and strobe modes, is visible from a mile away and has rubber feet that you can twist to attach to almost anything, while head-mounted LED lights range in price from around £35 to well over £100. Petzl’s Nao Headtorch (£135) is a bit over the top for the odd walk in the woods, but for serious

running and other sports its sensor ensures a uniform level of brightness irrespective of how light or dark conditions become. The most famous outdoors gadget is probably the Swiss Army Knife with its array of tools, but these days you’re more likely to carry a Leatherman or one of its many imitators. With prices ranging from around £30 to £100 for originals and considerably less for clones, the range offers all-in-one devices with tools such as pliers, knives, saws, bottle and can openers, wire cutters, screwdrivers and even scissors. If you’re planning to be outside for a long time, you’ll need to eat - and gadgets can help you with that too. Jetboil’s Zip Stove (£75) is a gas stove given a high-tech twist: its heat exchanger means it can boil half a litre in just over two minutes, and its neoprene jacket keeps things warmer for longer. Meanwhile the BioLite CampStove (£150) takes the humble campfire into the 21st century: as it burns twigs, bark or pinecones it generates electricity, which powers a fan, which fans the flames for better heat efficiency and less smoke - and there’s enough power left over to recharge your lights, phone or MP3 player. If you need to recharge gadgets but don’t fancy lugging a stove around, no matter how portable, you might be better off with a monkey - and by monkey we mean a Powermonkey, such as the Powermonkey Discovery. Charge it before you go, and when your phone or other digital device runs out of puff the Powermonkey can recharge it twice if it’s an iPhone and three to four times if it’s a standard mobile phone. Expect to pay around £45.

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Computer Supply & Repair Fast, friendly and local support for all your computer and technology needs. Repairs, Upgrades, Custom Builds etc. Virus and Spyware Removal, PC Health Checks, Software/Hardware Sales, Networking and Wireless

No Call Out Fee Why pay shop prices when you can have a faster, cheaper and more personal service to your door available? With work guaranteed and a No Fix, No Fee motto, why shop anywhere else for your Computer needs?

The Gadget Guy Phone: 01767 641680 Mobile: 07776 497004 Email: sales@thegadgetguy.co.uk Web: www.thegadgetguy.co.uk 46

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Waresley Park Garden Centre

family owned and run business

Waresley Park Garden Centre is a family owned and run business, first established in 1972. Open 7 days a week the business prides itself on quality and customer service. Being a traditional garden centre, there are all sorts of gardening goods available in the main shop from tools, compost, lawn treatments and fertilisers to seeds and bulbs. However there is much more than just gardening products on show. The large and popular gift department is crammed full of ideas for your home or presents for all ages and occasions. There are books, pet toys and snacks, wild bird care and a separate food area full of lots of

tempting items including mouthwatering cakes, biscuits, jams & preserves. Walking through the Garden furniture and oak furniture department you will find yourself out on the huge plant area where you will find a stunning selection of plants, many of which are grown locally. Particularly popular at the moment are a fantastic range of Herbaceous perennials, costing ÂŁ1.99 or 3 for just ÂŁ5. These plants are hardy and come back and flower year after year. Plant them now and they will develop into really good sized plants by the middle of summer. The Brand new 200 seat cafe opened in autumn

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2012. The cafe is open daily serving cooked breakfasts until 11.30am. There is a selection of homemade meals served every lunchtime with gluten free and vegetarian options always available. Scones are baked fresh every day and cream teas are exceedingly popular. There is a senior citizens meal deal every Thursday which really is a fantastic offer. Senior citizens can get a homemade cooked lunch, with a free pudding and a cup of tea or filter coffee all for just £7.99. For something really special you have to try a luxury afternoon tea, which are available every Monday to Friday throughout the year (vouchers are now available and on sale in the café). Why not treat a loved one to a ‘Mothers day themed’ afternoon tea (Booking is essential). On Mothering Sunday (10th March) there is something special going on: a Mother’s day carvery. This is a two course hand carved meal

WIN

Afternoon tea for two in our brand new cafe! Simply send in your name and address and we will pick three winners at random. Waresley Park, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP which comes with a surprise free gift for every Mother! To find out more about other special events planned during the year, please see instore or visit the garden centres website www. waresley.co.uk

Waresley park garden centre Gamlingay Road, Waresley, SG19 3DB Tel: 01767 650249 Email: enquiries@waresley.co.uk Website: www.waresley.co.uk

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Seed Sowing on the Cheap

GARDENING

If you want your garden full of colour, interest, perfume and perhaps even tasty crops, there’s no doubt that the least expensive way to do it is to raise your plants from seed. But what can be done to ensure the results in the garden are just as impressive? Start with a little self-restraint. It’s all too easy to buy enough seed to fill a tennis court when you have an average-sized garden. Make a list of what you actually need and put a limit on how many unplanned purchases you’ll allow yourself. Think about sharing. Each packet of seed often contains tens or even hundreds of seeds, so why not agree to swap a few with friends and relatives. This will not only save you money, but will also maximise the range of plants you can grow without increasing your outlay. Don’t be tempted to sow too many seeds at one time. By sowing little and often you’ll maximise flower time of annual flowers and cropping time for vegetables and herbs. It also means that if the conditions are not right for germination on one occasion, all is not lost. You may not need to buy what you want. Collect seed from your garden or from gardens of friends and neighbours, making sure that the plants are healthy and that they’re ready and ripe or they won’t germinate. Seeds labelled as ‘F1’ will produce flowers whose seeds will not ‘come true’, meaning that the offspring will not be the same as the original plant and will often be less productive. Try to harvest the seed when the plants and the weather are dry, remove any bits of plant debris and allow them to dry off naturally, not becoming too warm or cold. If you

can’t sow the seeds immediately, make sure you store them, well labelled, in a cool, dry place. A small heated or even un-heated propagator can help you reliably raise a far wider range of plants from seed. Choose one which is sturdily built and has proper ventilation in the clear plastic lid, otherwise seedlings may die on hot days. We stock some of the lovely UK-made Stewart propagators at www.pippagreenwood.com. Seeds do best if not sown too closely, and by sowing thinly you’ll also save yourself time and money. Wider spacing makes for less thinning out but if you do have to thin out a bit, remember that most seedlings will perform well if looked after properly. Many herbaceous perennials can successfully be divided into several new plants. Indeed most herbaceous plants do better when occasionally divided as the plant does not become so congested and you can dispose of the grotty bits and plant the good sections into fresh soil. Many plants are also easily propagated from cuttings, and over the next few weeks, you could get some great cuttings from summer favourites such as fuchsias for virtually no cost at all. They’ll be flowering later this year too. Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ where you can choose from a fantastic selection of vegetables for planting AND receive an email each week telling you all you need to know to ensure great results – from just £29. You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and receive a free ebook on organic gardening, and buy Nemaslug and other garden products.

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

Wide variety of Top Quality •Seed & Meadow Hay• •Haylage• •Wheat & Barley Straw•

• Professional Turf Laying Service • Weed Treated & Fertilized • Fast Delivery • Commercial and Domestic • Free Estimates • All Areas Covered • Hard Landscaping Large or Small Jobs Undertaken

Various Bale Sizes

•All types of Fencing• Also stock

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

For your Free Estimate call Joe on:

Call Mark: 07711 376 287 or Jenny: 01462 892 253 www.oakleyfarming.co.uk Pottons Specialist Welding and Fabricating Company

01767 - 260 550 For further information please call Trevor on Tel: 01767 261845 Mobile: 07941 187689 Email: Gemmaton@hotmail.co.uk

ton for a ll yo Wrought iron work, ur w elding needs made to order, including

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Suppliers of manual and automated gates Security doors and grills Fire escapes All welding projects

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Rural Ramblings BY GEOFF WHARTON

Simple Soils

Yet another pile of soil to get rid of! That pesky underground furry miner has been at it again and has targeted the lawn of all places to deposit a line of earthy monuments showing where he has been during the night chasing for delicious juicy worms for an evening snack. Never seems to appear during the day, although I believe he does some roaming then with the aim of finding pastures new. I feel rather sorry for him having to spend most of his life forcing through sticky wet soil of varying heaviness in his search for a slithery meal. It must be ever so difficult in heavy clay soils rather than softer and lighter sands, although I think that the chances of finding food may be higher with the clays and even better in the loams. Thinking about the effort required to force a tunnel underground - putting our plants and cuttings into a mass of heavy material and expecting them to develop a fine network of delicate root hairs is almost an impossibility and no wonder there are various materials now available to enable us to produce ideal growing conditions at these sensitive times. Peat and it’s alternatives are relatively light and have the advantage of being able to retain water. However too much of a good thing can be catastrophic for root development and a waterlogged growing medium will be cold and more importantly, be missing a critical component for the growth of roots, and this is air or more correctly oxygen. Without oxygen the roots cannot “breathe” and will consequently start to die and rot if they are in a waterlogged soil for a prolonged period. One of the worst things you can do to plants, especially in winter when they are growing slowly and not taking up a lot of water from their compost, is to leave them standing in water . After a week or two, the leaves will start to droop and the plant slowly dies. It is often not possible to resuscitate them by reducing the water, as now the damage has been done and the roots won’t grow back. Years ago,

sand was used to help improve aeration as the particles are relatively large and irregular and so the air spaces are also large and the roots can get plenty of oxygen. Even better materials to mix with peat include perlite which is a bit like rice crispies in structure – hollow and large particles. Perlite is ideal for both holding a lot of air and holding warmth. So now in a 50-50 mix of peat and perlite we have an ideal combination of water warmth and oxygen, which is what are required for good root growth and because peat and perlite have a low nutrient level (which could harm developing root hairs) our baby cuttings are in heaven! (especially if a little heat is applied to their bottoms!) So, now you don’t have any excuses, get the secateurs out and find some shoots to cut to make even more plants to fill those empty places or swap them with your friends.

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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Spring show

biggleswade & district gardening club The Biggleswade & District Gardening Club is active all through the year but even more so when its Big Spring Show comes around. This Flower Show had humble beginnings when in April 1980 there was a competition during one of the regular monthly meetings for members to enter in any of the 15 classes, which were nearly all for daffodils. It was obvious that this had been a very popular event and so the Club tried it again the following year. By 1983 the enthusiasm for this event was such that the Show was moved to St. Andrews Rooms which could accommodate the increasing number of entries. In 1988 it had moved yet again to the Weatherley Centre, and the number of classes which could be entered had risen to 39. The big hall there is just the right size to accommodate entries in the, now, 43 classes and to allow space for the extra attractions. This has always been open to exhibitors who are members only but from this year classes 1 to 18 may be entered by non-members which must be pleasing to those growers who have been itching

for years to show off their flowers. Most of the exhibitors regularly attend major shows around the country including the Royal Horticultural Society in London with Daffodils in several colour combinations including white, green, pink, orange and red not just yellow. The Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Show this year is on Sunday 7th April at the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade where the doors will open at 2 pm and close at 4.15pm. Admission to non-members is 50p. We hope to have lots of visitors this year. As well as the entries (which in a favourable year will fill half the Hall), there will be a display from the Biggleswade Flower Arrangement Society and from the Bedfordshire Alpine Garden Society. Visitors may buy plants and books, have tea with homemade cakes, purchase greetings cards and preserves and generally have a pleasant afternoon out. There will be information about the Show and Club from the display table at Biggleswade Library from 24th March.

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Hidden Algarve

BY SOLANGE HANDO Long ago in the Algarve, says the legend, a Nordic princess pined for her frozen homeland until her husband, the King of the Moors, planted thousands of almond trees. The snow-white blossom soon brought a smile to her lips and to this day almost every house in the Algarve looks out to an almond tree. In the lush rolling hills of the interior, the trees herald the first days of spring, flowering among vineyards, orange groves, fig and carob trees. Just a stone’s throw away from the coast, it’s a quiet land of orchards and meadows, meandering lanes and forests and red-roofed villages tucked in the greenery, their whitewashed houses topped by filigree chimney pots, in Moorish style, and rooftop terraces where laundry and fruit dry side by side. Goats wander across the road and sometimes a donkey and cart rattle along the cobbled streets. Up there, the cool wooded slopes of the Serra de Monchique are dotted with rivers and lakes, moors and dark forests where rosemary and oleander splash colour in the clearings. The fragrance of eucalyptus and pine follows you along the trails but you find swathes of chestnut and oak and ‘strawberry trees’ whose innocent-looking berries are eagerly collected to make the local firewater. It’s a paradise for ramblers and birdwatchers hoping to spot goshawks and royal eagles. With a subtropical micro-climate, mountain and sea all in one, the Serra claims over 1000 species of plants but now and then a church bell chiming in the distance betrays the presence of an isolated village, perched on a terraced slope where vegetables and fruit compete for space.

The road to the top winds past the spa resort of Caldas de Monchique, once the site of Roman baths and the place where King Joao II came to take the waters in search of a cure, in the late 15th century. Now the emphasis is on beauty and well being, pampering and relaxation. In a deep wooded glen, quaint buildings gather around a shaded square and you are welcome to stroll in the park, quench your thirst and best of all, make a wish at the Fountain of Youth. Beyond this charming watering place, you reach the rustic hill town of Monchique, once a prosperous weaving centre for wool and cloth, still famous today for a wide range of craft, linen, wicker baskets, tree sculptures, wooden spoons, dried flowers and scissor chairs, invented, some say, by the Romans and so-named because of the way they fold up. All sorts of goods spill out on the pavements but step inside and you may find the shopkeeper quietly nursing her baby while grandma is shelling peas for the family’s supper. Then follow the lanes climbing up to the square and the whole town is at your feet, tumbling down the hillside among camellias, hydrangeas and fruit trees. The panorama is superb but anyone with a head for heights and twisty roads will also enjoy the drive up to Foia, just five miles away and the highest point at nearly 3,000 feet. Standing on the summit, battling with the wind, you feel like the knights of yore surveying the wild rolling lands of the Algarve, from the verdant slopes of the Serra to the coastal plain and the Atlantic glistening like silver on the horizon.

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Unique Landscape We specialise in

Patios, Fencing, Clear Ups Turf Laying, Hedge Trimming Tree Cutting, Tree Felling, Planting, Pruning, Driveways, Printed concrete, Stencil Concrete, Decking ...and much more

Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401

www.uniquedrivewaylandscapes.com

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An eggs-cellent idea!

by ALEX BROWN

Whatever the weather, children of all ages will love an Easter egg hunt. Try one of these ideas and have a cracking good time! • For a simple hunt, put plastic eggs around the house or garden that children have to collect to win a prize, or hide small chocolate eggs for them to collect in a basket. • Add clues to make the search a bit harder. Alternatively, create a treasure map and mark each egg with an X. • Young children will enjoy following a trail of paper bunny footprints, or a long piece of string to reach their prize. • Add a fun educational twist using numbered cardboard egg shapes – children can collect odd or even numbers, or get the highest total to win a prize. You could also put the letters of an Easter-themed word on the shapes and challenge them to solve the anagram. • Set up an ‘obstacle’ hunt. To win each egg,

children have to complete a challenge, such as doing ten star jumps, singing a nursery rhyme, or completing a craft activity. • If you have a mixed group of children, prepare individual checklists so they each find only what is on their list and no more – for example, two chocolate bunnies, three silver eggs and four fluffy chicks.

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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Massive clearance sale 25% off all pond equipment, excluding pond food. When its gone, its gone!

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ANIMAL STORIES

The power of love In Bedfordshire there are still too many cats that, through no fault of their own, have been abandoned and are in the care of the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch. If you’re thinking about buying a cat, the RSPCA would like you to consider getting one from them if you can. Grant is a fantastic example of the enormous difference a little bit of love and care can make. Grant was a very nervous boy when he came into our care. His previous owner had neglected him as they had too many animals to look after. He was initially terrified and skulked behind furniture avoiding all contact with humans. He was thin, poorly and a desperately unhappy boy. The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch has a small team of volunteers dedicated to caring for abandoned animals and preparing them for rehoming. Grant was lucky enough to be given a foster home by Linda, an experienced cat foster mum who has volunteered with us for the past six years.

Before

After

With time, patience and understanding Grant has been transformed into a handsome, laid back cat that oozes charisma. Now, the perfect ending for him would be to find a new home, so that he can finally relax. Linda can then work her magic on another cat in need – and there are many. If you think you can give Grant a permanent, loving home please look on our website for information about how to adopt. It also shows a selection of cats (and other animals) in our care. We’re also looking for more volunteer foster carers who want to make a difference to an animal’s life. ANIMAL STORIES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA North Bedfordshire branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded. Spacious, individual, heated chalets with large covered runs. Inspection welcome. Boarding from £6.00/day. Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded. 64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden

Telephone 01767 677 759 www.catterybedfordshire.co.uk Open all year.

The cattery for caring owners. Comfort and security for your pet. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Private Tuition

Maths & Science Teacher of the Sciences, with over 30 years experience, currently based in a Bedfordshire school who is available for private tutoring during the week and at weekends.

• Biology

• A Levels/GCSE

• Chemistry • Key Stage 2 • Maths

• Crash Courses

For a friendly chat call Anne on:

07776 021 611 or 01767 651 190 Email: anniethehut@fsmail.net

www.annehutson.co.uk

annehutson

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

Tel: 01767 679000

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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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LIONS AT WORK

BLIND VETERANS UK In 1915, Sir Arthur Pearson, the owner and founder of the Daily Express and himself blind through glaucoma, founded St Dunstans to help blind soldiers enjoy productive lives beyond blindness. Since then, thousands of veterans have been helped to live independent and enjoyable lives. Since 1915 they have helped over 35,000 veterans and currently they are helping 3,000. However, they believe there are still thousands in the UK to whom they need to get the message across. After much research and consultation they decide to change the name to BLIND VETERANS UK (BVUK) since there are many other organisations called St Dunstans, They are a military registered charity and the new name illustrates this perfectly. Lions Clubs, including Biggleswade Sandy Lions support BVUK. Indeed, Lions Clubs International has formed a partnership with them. BVUK’s sight loss criteria is that the veteran has vision in each eye that struggles to count fingers at arm’s length or read the largest line on an eye chart from 6 metres. They believe that no one who has served our country

should have to battle blindness alone. They have 3 centres for recreation, training and rehabilitation to help them and their families. These are in Brighton, Llandudno and Sheffield. The rehabilitation teams help members learn the best routes around their home, out and about on foot and using public transport. Indeed they will help them adapt their home if needed as well as helping with everyday tasks. They are taught new skills in computing, art and crafts and a variety of sports. The first thing given to new members is a talking watch. To find out more go to www.blindveterans.org.uk To find out more about Biggleswade Sandy Lions, telephone 0845 833 9749 or visit www. biggleswadesandylions.org.uk which is updated regularly. Would you like to put something back into our community – you are more than welcome to come to our meetings and meet us. LIONS PROUD TO HELP Meetings held on first and third Wednesday of each month at 8 pm at the Conservative Club, St Andrew’s St., Biggleswade, Beds. All visitors are most welcome

Coming Soon! Manor Farm Day Nursery in Sandy

ening

g Sprin 2013

A flexible Ofsted registered day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with excellent links to the A1 and Sandy Railway Station.

To find out more call us today on

01480 810816

or e-mail info@manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk www.manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk

Manor Farm Day Nursery 76 London Road, Sandy, Beds, SG19 1DZ Part of the same group as Gamlingay and Buckden Day Nurseries

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AWD XJ

BY JAMES BAGGOTT Jaguar has introduced a clever all-wheel drive setup for its luxury XJ - we head to Canada to try it out Jaguar’s star is rising fast. Sales across the world are booming, especially in growth markets like China where sales are up a staggering 84 per cent this year. It’s a similar pretty picture in the US and even in the troubled European markets the prestige brand is still up 20 per cent. Jaguar Land Rover’s global brand director John Edwards attributes the success to the Indian company Tata taking over the company in 2008. “I look back to the days of BMW and Ford ownership and think of them as foster parents,” he said. “They had their own parameters of what we could and couldn’t do and we had to live by those rules.” But since Tata took over, the manufacturer has been able to set its own rules once again – and Edwards thinks it’s this that has helped the Jaguar and Land Rover brands flourish. “When Tata took over it was like we became 18 – we could make up our own rules. We have a careful guardian watching over us but we can come up with our own plans and go our own way. That’s liberating. It’s opened our eyes to the long term.” What is the AWD XJ? It’s an all-wheel drive version of Jaguar’s luxury limo, the XJ. Using a part mechanical, part electric set-up Jaguar’s engineers have created a clever four-wheel drive system for markets where cold weather is the norm, like the car’s launch location, Canada. The system allows 100 per cent of the power to go to the front or rear wheels, depending on where the grip is needed. The good news is that no driving characteristics are lost during normal conditions as just five per cent of the power is sent to the front wheels. What’s under the bonnet? The highlight is the new 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6. Producing 335bhp and 450Nm of torque it hits 60mph in 6.1 seconds, achieves a top speed of 155mph and returns 28.8mpg. It’s a corker of a unit and mated to the eight-seed automatic it’s incredibly smooth. What’s the kit like? It’s plentiful. Leather upholstery, a frankly sensational Meridian sound system, Bluetooth, cruise control; in fact pretty much everything you’d want and more comes as standard.

Any rivals? The biggest rivals come with four-ringed badges on the bonnet. Audi has always made a big deal about its Quattro models, as the firm’s four-wheel drive system is one of their biggest selling points. With that in mind the Audi S8 would be the Jag’s biggest rival. Is it any good? It’s brilliant. Jaguar took us to Canada to test the system in the snow and I’ve never felt as safe on the slippery stuff. However, it’s worth noting that these AWD Jaguars aren’t due to come to the UK. Sales of four wheel drive saloons are small, says the manufacturer, and it doesn’t warrant the development costs, but a spokesman did tell AOL Cars that it hasn’t been ruled out completely. The verdict It’s a shame they aren’t coming to the UK as they are very accomplished and with the weather we’ve been having recently, they’d make wise buys. However, there is a slim chance we’ll see the technology here and it’s always nice to see a success story for British car manufacturing elsewhere around the globe. The knowledge Model: Jaguar XJ AWD Price: £68,000 (est) Engine: 3.0-litre, petrol supercharged Power: 335bhp, 450Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 6.1s MPG (comb’d): 28.8 Emissions: 229g/km

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Fun Facts About Chocolate

by DEBBIE SINGH-BHATTI Chocolate comes from the Aztec word ‘xocolatl’, meaning bitter water. Originally it was consumed as a drink made from cacao beans, chillies, achiote and cornmeal. Emperor Montezuma drank 50 golden goblets every day! Hitchcock used chocolate syrup for blood in the famous 45 second shower scene in his movie Psycho. Over 66 percent of the world’s cacao is produced in Africa. The US consumes the most chocolate per year, but the Swiss consume the most per capita. Columbus brought the cocoa bean to Europe, but Cortez first realised its commercial value. With the addition of cane sugar the chocolate drink became very popular, but it wasn’t until 1842 that the first chocolate bar was produced by Cadbury. One unfortunate Bishop was poisoned by chocolate-addicted parishioners because he tried 15/2/13 11:55services. Page 1 toMGbanCouriers its consumption during church

Largest and longest records go to Nestle for creating the largest cup of hot chocolate (2,400 litres) in November 2010, and to Mirco Della Vecchia for producing the longest chocolate bar measuring 15.9m a year later. Aphrodisiacal qualities are believed by many to be contained in chocolate. Thorntons produced the world’s biggest chocolate bar (six tonnes of it!) in October 2011 to celebrate its 100th birthday. Energy-seeking Napoleon always carried chocolate with him to use as a pick-me-up whenever he needed a boost.

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

LEMON CHICKEN WITH TABBOULEH

This is a great way to turn simple and very economical chicken portions into a delicious Mediterranean-style supper. If you have time, make the tabbouleh a few hours in advance to let the flavours fully develop. Serves 4 Ready in 45 minutes INGREDIENTS 1 lemon, thinly sliced 4 large chicken thigh portions (or 8 small thigh portions) 4 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp clear honey, warmed 225g bulgar wheat (see tip) Â˝ cucumber, finely diced 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh chopped mint 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 Preheat the oven to 190C, 375F, Gas 5. Push a lemon slice under the skin of each chicken thigh. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan

and fry the chicken over a medium-high heat until golden brown all over. Transfer to a shallow roasting tin and arrange the rest of the lemon slices around the chicken. 2 Mix together 1 tbsp of the lemon juice with the honey and pour over the chicken. Roast for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. 3 Meanwhile, place the bulgar wheat into a bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Leave for 30 minutes until grains are soft. Stir well and drain off any excess water. 4 Stir in the rest of the olive oil and lemon juice and season with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the cucumber, spring onions, mint and coriander and mix well. Serve the hot roast chicken on the tabbouleh with any juices from the roasting tin poured over. Tip Bulgar wheat is a type of wheat grain that has been parboiled, dried then finely crushed. It is similar to couscous but has more texture and bite. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find it in most large supermarkets or health food shops.

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Preparing for that difficult time

By Claudia Leaf

When Jeanette Palfry visited her local Registrar’s Office to register the death of her mother, she thought she was well prepared. As required by law, she had made an appointment within five days of her mum’s passing and had brought a copy of the doctor’s death certificate. However, she found that when the Registrar asked basic questions about her mother’s life, grief made her mind go blank. “When mum finally died after a long illness, it felt like the end of a journey,” explains Jeanette. “I was totally unprepared for the new challenges that lay ahead.” The visit was the first of many practical arrangements that would be required, including notifying others of her death. Most people inform friends and family as soon as possible, but they must also consider the deceased person’s official contacts, such as banks, building societies, the Inland Revenue and utilities. Some areas offer a “Tell Us Once” scheme which allows the Local Authority to notify other government departments and authorities about a death, but otherwise it will require individual notifications. The Registrar will issue a certificate for burial or cremation together with a certificate of registration of death. You will need to purchase copies of this certificate (costing £4 each) in order to inform the relevant organisations, but it may be several weeks before each document is returned. You should therefore buy as many copies as you can afford: the cost increases from £4 to £7 if you have to return to buy more, aside from the inconvenience of having to make another trip. While you are dealing with the practicalities of registration and notification, you will also need

to think about the funeral arrangements. If your loved one did not leave clear instructions, you may be confronted by a number of bewildering choices. Cremation or burial? Flowers or donations? Hymns or classical anthems? Making decisions can be difficult at a time when the family is in mourning, but the funeral director will be on hand to offer guidance and advice. If there is a funeral plan in place then the scale of the ceremony will be established in advance. Without pre-payment the funeral plans will inevitably be dictated by the budget available. In their ninth annual report on the expenses associated with dying, leading insurers Sun Life Direct say that the cost of a basic funeral in 2012 was £3,284. Jeanette Palfry believes that a visit to the funeral director when death is expected but not imminent can help relatives get the best out of a limited budget and alleviate distress when the time comes. “I didn’t want to see the funeral director before mum passed away because it felt as though we were being mercenary,” says Jeanette. “On reflection it would have helped us to find out what we needed to do at a time when our minds weren’t preoccupied by her loss.” While Jeanette acknowledges that it is difficult to make preparations that anticipate a person’s death, she feels it is important to have key information to hand in the event of a bereavement. This includes a detailed note of the individual’s funeral wishes. “I’ve learned from experience that information and forward planning can make all the difference at a time when a family is coping with grief”.

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what’S ON?

IN MARCH

Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com

1 March Bingo Night 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar. All proceeds to support the Village Hall. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727

6 March Social Evening 6pm Moggerhanger Village Hall First Wednesday every month. The Bar is open for a drink and a chat. Invited musicians. Also open the box. Tel: Carolyn on 01767 640727

1 March Quiz Evening 8pm Church Rooms, High Street, Sandy Entry fee £2 per person In aid of The Leprosy Mission. Teams to consist of a maximum of 6 persons. Please book on 01767 682032.

8 & 22 March Whist Drive 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. Refreshments included. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information

2 March Think As You Shop: Local and Fairtrade Produce 10am-2pm Free entry St. Andrew’s Church Chapter House, Biggleswade Presented by FAB (Fairtrade Association Biggleswade). Fairtrade taste testing with Co-operative Food. Build a sculpture with Fairtrade packaging. Enjoy lunch with Local Produce soup and Fairtrade cake. Teas/coffees. Children’s activities. Information stalls and produce. 2 March Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors A talk by Kevin Hughes on ‘Gardening with bulbs’. Kevin is a nurseryman and will be bringing plants for sale at the meeting. He is an accomplished speaker who lectures too many HPS groups. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 2 March The Amici Singers Concert 7pm Eco-Hub, Gamlingay Tickets £8 The concert will include the first performance of Douglas Coombes’ Shakespeare Dances, a suite of 10 songs, all words by William Shakespeare. Also in the programme will be the East Anglian Suite of folk songs which Douglas has arranged for the Amicis. Tickets available from any Choir member or Margaret Prosser on 01767 260361 5, 12, 19 & 26 March Tuesday Morning Walkers 9.30-11.30am RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £3, RSPB Members free. Weekly walks around the reserve with a leader, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the site. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

8 March An Illustrated History of RAE Bedford 7 pm for 7.30pm RAF Henlow Station Theatre Barry Tomlinson presents a lecture on the history of the former Royal Aircraft Establishment Bedford airfield. Covering the development of the site and the unique aircraft that flew there. 8 March Marie and Spirit (Marie Hayes) 7pm for 7 30pm start Gamlingay W I Hall £10 per ticket to include tea/coffee and cake. Tel: Lindsay 01767 651227 or Ann 01767 651932 for tickets 9 March The Lady Doors open 2.30pm, film starts 3pm Space for Sports & Arts, Holmemead School, Mead End, Biggleswade Tickets £3.50 The film tells the epic story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris. It follows the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the core of Burma’s democratic movement. Despite distance, long separations, and a dangerously hostile regime, their love endures. Tel: 01767 626338 Web: www.ivelflix.org.uk 9 March Lent Supper 7pm Southill Parish Hall £7 Enjoy a simple two course meal with your friends and find out more about FAIRTRADE and the impact it can have on people’s lives. Vegetarian option available. Tel: Bridgette 01767 316363 Email: brigittetwitchin@gmail.com 9 March Quiz Night and Fish ‘n Chip Supper 7.30pm Little Gransden Village Hall Bar available. In aid of Great and Little Gransden churches. Teams of 6. Telephone or email to book. Tel: S Sullivan 01767 677906 Email: ssulledit@aol.com

5 March Potton Ladies Club 15 March 7.30pm Conservative Club, Potton Zumba Fundraiser Annual membership £25, Visitors £3 per meetingA talk by 8-9pm Gamlingay Eco Hub £5 Alison Ross on Clog Dancing and traditions. Why not come Gamlingay ladies Monika Mitchell and Sian Plowman are along and join in, there is usually a second-hand book training to complete the “Walk the Walk” 100km walking stall and raffle. Used Christmas cards, wrapping, ribbon, challenge from London to Brighton in May. They are keen trimmings etc. would be appreciated for a future craft to raise as much money as possible so have organised a Zumba Fundraiser. All monies raised go to the charity. Pleaseevening. mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 74

what’S ON? IN MARCH

16 March Cake Stall 10am-12 noon 9 Sandy Road, Everton Tasty homemade cakes and produce stall. Do pop in and meet others for a coffee. Proceeds to St Mary’s Church, Everton. 16 March PMC Speaker and Bryston Owners Club Meetup HiFi Lounge, 4 The Granary Buildings, Millow Hall Farm, Dunton, SG18 8RH Please feel free to join us for our first PMC and Bryston Owners Club Meet-up, if you have either of these brands or are interested in hearing how amazing they sound then please pop along, Please see our website, phone or email. Tel: 01767 448121 Email: paul@hifilounge.co.uk Web: www.hifilounge.co.uk 16 March Spring Soiree 7.30pm Holmemead Middle School, Biggleswade Adults £6, Concessions £4, Family (2+2) £15 East Beds Concert Band’s Spring Soiree. A wide variety of music will be played by the band, from the Overture to the Marriage of Figaro to Candide, and this year, there is a ‘concerto’ theme with 3 different soloists from the band (flute, clarinet and tuba) so there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. Refreshments available or bring your own. Tickets on the door. 16 March Casino Night 6.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Tickets £10 2 course dinner. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for tickets 17 March Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade 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 19 March Gamlingay W I 7 30pm Gamlingay W I Hall Speaker Mr Andrew Pierce on Themed Audio Visual Show. Visitors most welcome. 20 March Sandy & District Horticultural Association 7.30pm Quince Court, Sandy Members £2.50, Visitors £3.50 including refreshments Talk by Percy Haygreen entitled ‘My Life as a Suffolk Boy’.

25 January Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm, last dance 11.30pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Unicorn Ceilidhs are dedicated to providing high-energy ceilidhs for discerning dancers of all ages. Ceilidh dances are fast-paced, easy to learn, great fun - and addictive! Clear instructions from the caller before and during the set, allow anyone to join in and enjoy the dancing. Dances are held on the last Friday of the month. Web: www. unicornceilidhs.org.uk 23 March The Wandering Minstrels 7pm £10 Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade A superb light-hearted evening of songs and scenes from the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. Interval with light refreshments. Proceeds in aid of the Trinity Community Project “Opening Doors for the Community”. Tickets available from Biggleswade Express Shortmead Street Biggleswade. 23 March Spring Concert “Gloria” 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Potton Adults £10, Under 16 £5 St Mary’s Singers Potton. Programme Includes Vivaldi’s Gloria, and music by Sullivan, Bruckner, Frank, Mozart, Stainer and St Mary’s Singers Musical Director, Douglas Coombes MBE. Accompanied by professional orchestra. Tel: Val Whiteley on 01767 601877 for tickets 24 March Easter Bazaar 1pm Cardington Village Hall (opposite Kings Arms PH) Adults 50p accompanied children free Bedford, Biggleswade Cats Protection. Lots of stalls, children’s activities, refreshments available. 28 March Potton History Society 8.00pm The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton Come along for a presentation by Rodney Todman of a collection of unique photographs illustrating how folk used a range of transport to move around in the first half of the last century. Visitors welcome. Light refreshments provided. Web: www.pottonhistortysociety.com 29, 30, 31 March & 1 April Easter Hunt Trail 10am-3pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Trail sheet £2. Follow the Easter trail and spot all of the pictures hidden in the woodland with a crème egg to collect when you finish! Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

30 March Disco & Karaoke 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Tickets £2.50 Tel: Carolyn 01767261 640727 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 122for tickets

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How to Survive an Affair

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti It’s sad but true, that more than fifty per cent of couples will experience infidelity in their relationship. A spouse’s unfaithfulness is the most painful experience that can be inflicted in marriage, but there is a way back if both parties are committed to repairing the damage and rebuilding trust. Healing from infidelity is long, hard, painful work, and the first step is for the unfaithful spouse to stop the affair immediately. This means severing all contact and informing your spouse of all future movements and of any chance meetings or contact with your former lover. It might even be necessary to share for a time privacy controls and passwords in order to encourage a renewal of trust. Next, you need to talk openly and honestly as a couple about the affair. Experts agree, that the adulterous spouse needs to supply all the information requested by his/her betrayed partner. This willingness to talk will help to rebuild trust and reassure the offended spouse that no more secrets are being kept. Keep your discussions down to 15-30 minutes and don’t continue them if tired, emotional or upset. Discuss potential future challenges and threats to fidelity. The affair happened for a reason and you need to understand what went wrong in order to make changes for the future. Affairs rarely have just one cause, and they don’t always happen

because of unhappiness or dissatisfaction in a relationship. Commit to a new future together. Unless you both do this and are prepared to work at it, it won’t happen. This may involve spending more time together in order to reconnect as friends and romantic partners. Take a greater interest in each other’s lives and feelings and resolve to be totally honest with each other in future, even if it means taking a risk. If you are the unfaithful partner, take responsibility for what you have done. Don’t attempt to blame your spouse as this won’t heal your marriage – but showing sincere regret and remorse will. Apologise often and vow never to stray again. Your spouse needs to hear and be reassured of this regularly! Take responsibility for your future fidelity too! Be patient, kind and empathetic with each other. Accept that forgiveness will come neither quickly nor easily. The offended spouse will need to overcome pain and anger before being able to rebuild trust. Though an affair will never be forgotten, the painful memories will fade with time and forgiveness will allow you to move past the pain and rage and to reconcile with one another. Finally, consider some relationship counselling or joining a support group to help with feelings of isolation. Go to www.relate.org.uk for more information about help that is available.

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CODEWORD

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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Dr. Seuss Day!

By SARAH DAVEY

You’re never too old, too wacky or wild, to pick up a book and read to a child… This is taken from the US website for ‘Read Across America’ Day, which takes place on March 2nd - the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s death. The slogan caught my eye when I was looking for something else entirely because it was so unmistakeably Seuss-ish, and in our family Dr.

Seuss is worshipped across the generations. In spite of being born in Kent, I was brought up on the works of Dr, Seuss. My mother was a trainee English teacher who wrote her dissertation on him. She adored the way he played with language. My own children could recite The Cat in the Hat word-for-word before they could ever read it for themselves. Like all the best young-children’s authors, Seuss never talked down to them. His work is playful, silly, and anarchic, something which appeals to children the world over, yet he never had any children of his own. He was born Theodore Seuss Geisel. He started using Seuss while at university and added the ‘Dr.’ as a joke; because his father always said he wanted him to be a professor! He loved to write and draw cartoons, yet his first book, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was rejected by 27 publishers - a lesson to aspiring authors everywhere. It’s no understatement to say that he revolutionized children’s literature. Prior to Seuss, US children had been taught to read using the rather sterile Dick and Jane books. I can remember in the UK, aged five, being taught using the English equivalent, Peter and Jane. I remember my mother rolling her eyes and saying, ‘I’m sure we can find something more fun than this darling,’ before presenting me with The Cat in the Hat. I was hooked. Seuss published more than 40 books during his lifetime and they’ve sold over half a billion copies, more even than JK Rowling. We don’t celebrate Dr. Seuss in this country as they do in the US, but perhaps we should. Without him we might not have the marvellous works of Julia Donaldson, Lynley Dodd or Lauren Child. So Happy Seuss Day! Fascinating Fact One of Seuss’s most popular books, Green Eggs and Ham, was written as the result of a bet that he could not write a book using only 50 words. The words are, in order of appearance: I am Sam; that; do not like; you green eggs and ham; them; would here or there; anywhere; in a house with mouse; eat box fox; car they; could; may will see tree; let me be; train on; say the dark; rain; goat; boat; so try may; if; good; thank.

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Get the lowdown on laptops

BY Alex Brown

Laptop computers can offer the power of a desktop with the flexibility and freedom to use them where you wish. There is an astonishing range of products available, ranging in price from a few hundred pounds up to two thousand. As with all technology purchases it’s essential to do your research first – work out what you need, what you’re willing to pay for, and what you can do without. The cheapest option is a netbook. They are smaller and lighter than laptops, but don’t have the same range of features. They are perfect if you want to browse the internet and send emails while you’re out and about. The keyboard and larger screen can make them easier to use than a smartphone or tablet computer, such as an iPad. The next step up is a cheap laptop. These

are suitable for everyday tasks such as word processing and web browsing, and are good for computer novices. They are portable, but may be bulky. You may have to pay more if you need to store more data on the computer (such as movies) or use it for more demanding tasks (such as gaming or editing video). Sleek and light designs also come at a premium. Use this guide to help you understand laptop lingo and work out which one is right for you: • Operating system – Windows is the bestselling operating system. Macs are easy to use and good for graphics and publishing, but can cost two or three times as much. • Memory – this has a big influence on how fast the laptop will run. Aim for at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. • Storage – the hard drive is where programs, files, data and documents are stored. Look for 320 GB, or 500 GB if you want to store lots of videos, music or photographs. • Processor – a dual core basic processor should come as standard. Processors are normally made by Intel or AMD. AMD is cheaper; Intel processors get more powerful as the model number increases. • Battery life – most laptop batteries will last for five or six hours. More expensive models may go for longer, but invest in a spare if you are often out for the day. • Screen size – a 15-inch display is fine for most users. Choose a larger screen for playing computer games or using design software. • Weight – hold it in your hands if you can! Remember, you’ll be carrying the laptop around, or sitting with it on your knee. • Controls – Make sure the keyboard and trackpad are comfortable to use and consider getting a separate mouse. • Drives – some laptops don’t include CD/DVD drives and you may need to buy an external one.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Julian Biggs Chimney Advert:Layout 1 07/12/2012 15:3

Chimney Sweep Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps

JULIAN BIGGS

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479 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

G & H SEAMER Funeral Directors

Family owned and managed business. Established 100 years.

24hr Service Pre-paid Funeral Plan Available Private Rest Chapel

47 High Street, Sandy

Telephone: 01767 680519 www.ghseamer.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Ty Interiors Prize Crossword 1st Prize £25 Name:

Sponsored by Ty Interiors, The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4RF

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 15th March 2013. Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

Please enter me into the prize draw to be drawn at end of 3 months for £1000 off a fully fitted kitchen. T&C’s apply. (Please tick) Last Month’s Crossword Winners. Congratulations to: 1st prize - Mr T Hopton from Gamlingay and 2nd prize - Lisa Brown from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Outermost (7) 5 Six sided objects (5) 8 Turn (5) 9 Woman’s holdall (7) 10 Media notice (13) 11 Relaxed (6) 12 Idiotic (6) 15 Exhibition (13) 18 Not quietest (7) 19 Very angry (5) 20 Perfume (5) 21 Meals (7) Down 1 Additional (5) 2 Robbers (7) 3 Amusement (13) 4 Racial group (6) 5 Deep thought (13) 6 Religious text (5) 7 Seen (7) 11 Hugs (7) 13 Not public (7) 14 Commented (6) 16 Small rodent (5) 17 Requirements (5)

Pleasemention mentionThe TheVillager Villagerand andTown TownLife Lifewhen whenresponding respondingtotoadverts adverts Please

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

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THE LIFE LIST

The best things about being retired Society has it all wrong. At eighteen, you’re given the key to the door; and when you retire, they give you a clock. But when you’re eighteen you need help getting up. And when you retire, the door leads to a whole new life... - Being able to spend a whole day shopping with no need to buy anything. - Taking your work clothes to a charity shop to help those less fortunate – i.e. people still working. - Seeing your grandchildren when they want to see you and not just when you can fit them in. - Enjoying new hobbies, such as glamping or extreme ironing. - Driving in rush-hour traffic, while listening to a decent audio book, just to offer commuters a smile. - Feeling liberated when you compare

yourself with your next-door neighbours. - The novelty of actually being home when a parcel is delivered or abandoned on your doorstep. - Turning up to your local Neighbourhood Watch meeting in body armour, a balaclava and night-vision goggles, to show them that you’re serious. - Focusing on your abilities and aspirations, instead of just your responsibilities. - Giving something back to the community, like eccentricity. - Starting the business you’ve always dreamed of and buying that drum kit. - A second adolescence with lie-ins, spontaneous sex, junk food for breakfast and all-day bike rides. - Having the time to make sure your financial advisor is really earning their fee.

We’re a small outfit that relies mainly on our excellent reputation. We have 22 years of experience and prompt reliable service and always go the extra mile for our customers. Please visit us at www.asbathrooms.co.uk to see our previous work and the standards we offer. 88

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Comet Cleaning Services Commercial & Residential Cleaners • Commercial and Domestic Cleaners • Builders/Landlord Cleans • Experienced and Personal Service • Regular, Weekly/Spring Clean • Fully Insured/Ref's Available • No up front fee's/contracts

01767 631402 Mob: 07762 462866 Tel:

Email: comet.services@virgin.net

www.cometcleaningservices.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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Julian Biggs Plumbing Advert:Layout 1 07/12/2012 15

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

NO CALL OUT CHARGE • COMPETITIVE RATES

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479 located in Northill, Beds

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

T&R Roofing Ltd

Family Business Est. 1985

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

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

01767 314847 mob. 07831849847 90

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P.E.JAMES • Boiler Breakdown Repairs • New Boilers & Radiators • Heating / Flushing Cleaning

Domestic Plumbing, Heating & Gas

• Complete Bathroom Installs • Showers/Wet Rooms/Cloak Rooms • Water Main Replacement

25 YEARS IN THE TRADE CITY & GUILDS CERTIFIED COVERING HERTS, BEDS, BUCKS & CAMBS NO VAT

Reg No. 193542

Call Pete Now for a Quote:

01767 317 356 or 07816 586 777 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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

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Class i fi e d s Domestic Repairs

Dressmaking - Alterations and Bespoke

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

Electricians

Domestic Repairs

JB Domestic Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers No Call Out Charge! Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

dennischandler@hotmail.co.uk friendly reliable & insured d. chandler electrical services niceic part p registered domestic & commercial 23 the lawns everton, sandy, beds 07966 296304 or 01767 680929

Fun Quiz - Days Of The Week 1. According to the popular nursery rhyme, if Monday’s child is fair of face, then what is Friday’s child? 2. Which literary character frees a captive who he names Friday and who becomes his companion? 3. Which annual health awareness day first took place on Ash Wednesday in 1984? 4. “Cyber Monday” is a term used in the UK to refer to the busiest internet shopping day of the year. Does this normally fall on the first, second or third Monday in December? 5. On which day of the week is Thanksgiving Day celebrated in the U.S.A.? 6. Which series of celebrations has a name that translates as “fat Tuesday”? 7. According to the famous poem, what happened to Solomon Grundy on a Thursday? 8. What is the only day of the week not mentioned in the lyrics of the Beatles song Lady Madonna? 9. What name is given to the Christian feast that falls one week before Easter? 10. What was the first UK number one hit single to feature a day of the week in the title?

Before

After

1. Loving and giving 2. Robinson Crusoe 3. No Smoking Day 4. First 5. Thursday 6. Mardi Gras 7. He took ill 8. Saturday 9. Palm Sunday 10. Sunday Girl (by Blondie)

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Classifieds Entertainers

Handyman

JS-ENTERTAINMENT

MIKE NEIGHBOUR

Children's Discos, parties, face painting & more!

07789485579 Fancy Dress

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

01767 677898 or 07711 311956 Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter

Chesterfield Fancy Dress Hire 100’s of costumes for all occasions Adults from £15 • Childrens from £7.50 Wigs and accessories Range includes 60’s, 70’s, Superheroes, Medieval, Halloween, and many more ....

By appointment only - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, Beds

Tel: 07711 257105

Garden Specialist

M. Philmore (Phil) - Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter Disabled showers supplied and fitted. General plumbing. Now semi retired. 57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414 Painting Services

Local, honest, professional service

Handyman

Pet Services

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Classifieds Plastering Services

Steve Swain

Plastering Contractor All aspects Plastering, Pebble Dashing Rendering, Screeding

Property Improvements

Mob: 07887 861881 Tel: 01767 226404 Private Car Hire

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

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

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

Stephens Seamstress Dinky ad_03.indd 1

3/12/12 11:45:18

Skilled seamstress can make to order and to your requirements Dress making – Costumes – Alterations – Sewing Badges – Zips – Buttons – Hemming – Overlocking – Covers – Curtain Making Call TES 0781 318 4391 (ET Textiles Sales & Services)

Property Improvements A professional property maintenance service

Property Improvements by

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

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Storage

K.D. Secure Container Storage 20’ x 8’ x 8’ containers Electronic Secure Locked & Gated Area Domestic and Commercial Storage Short and Long Term Rates

Please call Gamlingay 01767 650777

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122