Potton nov 13 by debi1977

Villager

Issue 97 November 2013

the

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The history of Stotfold Page 4 The Poppyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Appeal Page 30 win ÂŁ25 in our Prize Crossword Page 86

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Contents The Retreat Beauty Spa

The History of Stotfold ....................................................4 Pay By Credit Card! For Goodness Sake ..........................10 Accession of Elizabeth I .................................................15 Where Am I?..................................................................18 November’s Big Bang ......................................................2 Give It Some Welly ........................................................23 How To Do It Stylishly Casual at 60+ .............................25 Sandy Tourist Information Centre ..................................28 The Poppy’s Appeal .......................................................30 Hypnotise Yourself To A Less Painful Labour ..................33 All About Hair Extensions ..............................................35 Sandy Helping Hands ....................................................37 The Heat Is On ...............................................................38 Keep Warm This Winter .................................................40 Essaouira, Morocco........................................................43 Biggleswade Talking Newspaper ...................................44 How To Make An Extra £100 ..........................................47

Photography - Yuri Arcurs and Nigel Frost Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Issue 97 November 2013

FREE

& Town Life

The History of Stotfold Page 4 The Poppy’s Appeal Page 30 Win £25 in our Prize Crossword Page 86

Fresh Face For Family Business ......................................48 Ground Cover ................................................................51 Shedding A Tear ............................................................53 Chim-Chim-Cheree........................................................56 Animal Stories. From Rags To Riches .............................59 Are You Guilty Of Owning Unnecessary Stuff .................61 Children’s Page ..............................................................64 Biggleswade Sandy Lions - They Struck Gold.................66 Aston Martin Rapide S...................................................69 Nest Building For Beginners ..........................................70 Seasonal Delights..........................................................73 What’s On................................................................74, 82 Fun Quiz ........................................................................78 Puzzle Page ...................................................................80 Prize Crossword .............................................................86 Wordsearch ...................................................................91 Book Review .................................................................92 Classifieds .....................................................................93

The Poppy’s Appeal

Editorial - Sarah Fryer, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Louise Addison, Sarah Davey, Alex Brown, Helen Taylor, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Solange Hando, Pippa Greenwood, Derek Thompson, James Baggott, Chris Russell and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales - Nigel Frost - nigel@villagermag.com

Villager

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Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the 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.

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History

ThE hISTORY OF STOTFOlD

By Sarah Fryer

Stotfold is a pretty town situated in the South Eastern corner of Bedfordshire, close to the county of Hertfordshire. The village itself has grown somewhat in recent years, providing more housing and leisure facilities for its community, and demand for trade has encouraged employment. The town extends over an area of 2207 acres making this a large parish. The present population amounts to some 7,600 people, and this number is increasing as new, large developments are completed. In 1801 it is thought approximately 93 dwellings were present in the village, and ever since then, there has been a steady rise in the population and number of houses cropping up. There was an increase in population in 1860 when the Three Counties Asylum was built in the parish. With the discovery of Letchworth garden City in 1903 and its subsequent industrial development, more and more Stotfold residents began to work in Letchworth and Stotfold changed from being an agricultural village

to a dormitory one. Although the industrial development at Letchworth is a thing of the past, Stotfold’s closeness to such ensures it remains a dormitory town. In view of the population of the village it was right that in 1974 at the time of the reorganisation of local government, the Parish Council should choose to change its name to Stotfold Town Council and thus, Stotfold no longer was deemed a village, in the blink of an eye, it became a town. Back in the 19th century, Stotfold was regarded as a wealthy place, the people that lived here were perceived as being wealthy and upper class. The saying was “That to live in Stotfold one must have £100 and a pig” The name Stotfold is believed to have transpired from the Northern drovers breaking their journey south at this point on the A1 Great North Road and penning their horses known in those days as Stots, in enclosures, known as Folds, before continuing their journey Southwards. So what else do we know about Stotfold? There

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01767 682789

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENING FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER @ 7PM-9PM Come and join us on our Christmas shopping evening and get in the Christmas spirit. Enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine whilst viewing our Christmas stock by Redken and GHD with special discounts for that evening only, gift wrap also available. Learn about Redken’s newest range ‘Diamond Oil’ with samples available to treat yourself, plus see why we love ‘GHD Air’ and pick up those tangle teasers perfect stocking fillers. We will be joined by ‘Just Bliss’ who will be selling luxurious candles, reed diffusers and much more plus ‘New Skin By Rita’ will be offering nail appointments that evening with a special discount, but will be limited spaces so be sure to call the salon on 01767 682789 and book a slot, plus Rita will be selling Jessica Nail Polish Christmas kits. We look forward to seeing you on our first Christmas shopping night, why not bring some friends and enjoy an evening out. Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Fri 9.30 - 6.00pm, Wed & Thurs 9.30 - 9.00pm, Sat 8.30 - 4.00pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair Friends Five Star Hairdressing 1 Market Square, Sandy, Beds SG19 1HT Tel. 682 789 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call01767 01767 261122 5

is a north south divide which is separated by the High Street, two parks, a recreational ground plus a Multi-Use Games Area. (MUGA) Stotfold has its own football club which proves popular with local residents. The River Ivel runs through the town and provides a great focal point for country lovers. The Nature reserve and Stotfold Mill offer some beautifully scenic walks around the area, which really is picture postcard to look at. The Mill stands in an eight acre Local Nature Reserve with plantings of native trees, hedges and a wildflower meadow. Ponds of varying depths benefit birds, insects and amphibians with living willow hides and a pond dipping platform. There is a lovely one mile walk with a wide grass path which ambles through the meadows and along the riverside. An exact date is unclear, however it is likely that a watermill has stood on the site of the current Stotfold Mill beside the River for over a thousand years and it is certainly one of the oldest recorded buildings in the town. The first written evidence is the mention of four mills in Stotfold in the Doomsday book of 1086. One of those four was the currently-named Stotfold Mill. The combined rents payable to Hugh de Beauchamp, Baron of Bedford was £4 and four hundred eels annually. The Mill, which now stands proud, has not always been in such grand working order. Now fully restored after being burnt down on 15 December 1992, The Mill opened to the public in 2006 with the formal opening taking place October, shortly after by a visit from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on 17 November 2006.

The Mill has a 4.4 metre wide overshot corn mill water wheel which is the widest in the country and is currently open to the public with a tea room on alternate weekends in season (March to October) and on special event weekends. Back in 1998 however, things were very different for the Mill. On a wet Saturday afternoon, a group of volunteers walked through the gate, forced their way through the tangle of bushes that had taken root in the Mill, climbed over piles of ash and rubble from the fire and reached the remains of the broken and rusting machinery. “Right then where do we start?” Shortly after the fire some attempts had been made to protect the site from the weather and vandals. Temporary repairs were made to the front wall and some areas were covered with tarpaulins. The first task was clearance of the site. Volunteers began the task of removing vegetation, and some 60 tonnes of ash and rubble were dug out by hand from the ground floor. All the material was sieved to ensure that any item of historical importance was salvaged. After years of blood sweat and tears, funding and donations started to roll in from Motorola, Vauxhall and local beneficiaries, groups of volunteers raised money for the resurrection of the Mill by providing quiz nights, boot fairs and open days. In 2001 and 2003 the Trust won the Environmental section of Vauxhall’s Griffin Award, presented annually to “organisations which make an outstanding contribution to the community through the development of a new or enhanced service or project within the following categories - Community Development, Environment or Safety and Security”. In 2004, the Trust was a National Gold Award Winner in the Environmental class of The Green Apple Civic Pride Awards, which celebrate “outstanding environmental performance by recognising and publicising companies, corporations and individuals who are making an effort to preserve and protect the environment for generations to come”. The Mill is charity run by the Stotfold Mill Preservation Trust. All moneys raised are used for the continual upkeep and restoration of the Mill and of the local area. Its major fundraiser is the annual Stotfold Mill Steam and Country Fair which takes place in May and attracted around 8,500 visitors raising approximately £20,000 in 2010. Other fundraising is essential during the year

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however in order to keep the Mill running, and a varied list of daytime and evening events take place to cater for this. Children’s craft days, gourmet evenings, live music in the summer and Christmas events all offer a wonderful time for a great cause. The Mill has recently been valued at £750,000. To date, £350,000 has been spent on materials and resources, so the volunteers have added £400,000 to the value, an enormous achievement As John Hyde, Vice-Chairman of the Trust commented. “The members of the Trust, volunteers and all those involved with the restoration of Stotfold Mill can be rightly proud of their achievements. It has been a privilege to be part of this team and to see the building and machinery rise from the ashes.” Many of the buildings around the town bear witness to the Stotfold of Yesteryear: The oldest surviving building is St Marys Parish Church which dates back to Norman times and still contains traces of its traditional architecture. The church is a grade II listed building. It is built of flint with clunch stone dressings to the buttresses and mainly in the Early Perpendicular style. Like most English medieval parish churches, St. Mary’s Church, as we see it to-day, is an accumulation of additions and alterations across many centuries. It seems likely that there was a simple wooden church on this site before the Norman Conquest as in about 1890, when excavations were being carried out in the nave of the present church, an original Saxon coffin containing human bones were found. The original part of the present church dates from about 1150. The church was granted to Chicksands Priory by Simon de Beauchamp, founder of the Priory. The church at this date had only a nave with a chancel and no aisle. The original nave still exists but the chancel has been replaced twice. The nave of the original church measured 14.2 metres by 6.5 metres and the original chancel 12.2 metres by 4.6 metres. The font has been used to baptise generations of Stotfold families and originally stood to the east of the tower archway. It was moved in 1890. The octagonal font is of Totternhoe stone and is thought to be either 14th or 15th centuries. In 1910 a clock was placed in the tower as a memorial to Rev. John Holding who is also commemorated by the stained glass in the east window. Saint Mary’s church today looks incredibly different to days gone by, during the 20th

Century the Churchyard has been completely transformed. Trees were planted, beds dug, seats installed and a car park established. Sadly the seats have had to be removed due to continuous vandalism. A garden area for the burial of ashes was also included in the alterations; the area being a memorial to the departed . The grass area is kept short which makes the whole churchyard very attractive with the ancient Church sitting in the middle of this beautiful area. Many of the old cottages around the town date back to a more tranquil era when you can imagine the annual Stotfold Feast being held on the Village Green. The Green is now in the ownership of the Town Council and the date of the Stotfold Feast, the first Friday after the second Monday in July, is still marked by a fun fair. The best way to explore the beauty of any rural village is of course to walk it, and Stotfold has many pleasant walks for all levels of fitness. Members of Stotfold’s conservation group, Teasel, have produced six short linked walks in and around Stotfold. Teasel members work to maintain and enhance green areas of Stotfold, including Centenary Wood, Millennium Green, parts of the Kingfisher Way and Stotfold Watermill Stotfold has also been home over the years to celebrities, probably the most favoured one recently being Victoria Pendleton. Olympic and world champion track cyclist, Victoria was brought up in Stotfold and spent many childhood years here. The cycle track between Arlesey and Stotfold was renamed in her honour back in 2007 and of course Stotfold is now the proud owner of its very own gold post-box thanks to Victoria’s valiant achievements in the 2012 Olympics. Craig Vye, actor, also calls Stotfold his home. Craig most recently appeared in Hollyoaks playing Ethan Scott, but you may have seen him in Aquila, London’s Burning, Doctors or Skins. As wonderful as new developments are within our rural villages, creating much needed money for our dwindling economy and providing jobs for the building industry, it is sad that open space and dated buildings suffer for such. Wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to settle in a village that has just evolved with the times naturally, but remains self-sufficient, original and above all at one with nature? Unfortunately, in today’s society, this would be hard to actually do, but if you need that fix of days gone by, be sure to head to Stotfold.

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Three Counties Radio

PAY BY CREDIT CARD! For Goodness Sake!

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

I’ve been fighting for consumer rights on my radio programme for many years now, and there’s one message I have been repeating constantly - PAY BY CREDIT CARD! Whenever I repeat this mantra, I receive so many calls and emails of complaint from people saying that I’m encouraging debt, I lose the will to live. However, I simply refuse to be silenced. But why do I get on my high horse? I’ll tell you why. If you pay for goods or services by credit card you are protected in so many ways. The woman who paid £1,000 by cheque for a bed that never turned up because the company went bust, the young man who put down a £500 deposit in cash for a new car only to find the dealer had misrepresented the kind of vehicle it was. These consumers could have received all of their money back with one phone call if only they’d paid by credit card. You see under the Consumer credit act of 1974, the credit card company is equally liable for “for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by a supplier of goods or services on credit”. As long as the product or service costs between £100 and £30,000, you are covered for most unfortunate events. There’s also absolutely no need to get into debt when paying by credit card. If you were proposing to pay by cheque, cash or debit card then simply pay by credit card instead and pay the bill off in full the very next day. So next time you plan to buy that new sofa, car, holiday or conservatory, FOR GOODNESS SAKE – PAY BY CREDIT CARD!

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am. 10

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History

17th NOVEMBER 1558 Accession of Elizabeth I

Guy Fawkes Day and Armistice Day are November’s highlights these days; but long ago it had another and, to some, even more important holiday – November 17th, the day in 1558 when Elizabeth I became England’s second Queen Regnant. The omens were not good. In the 11 years since Henry VIII died England had been through a Protestant revolution under Edward VI and then a Catholic counter-revolution under Bloody Mary, in which 300 Protestants went to the stake and thousands more fled to Calvinist Switzerland. England was bitterly divided; and on Mary’s death the return of the refugees, thoroughly radicalised by their exposure to Calvin, created an extremist wing (later called Puritan) to make the split even deeper. To make matters worse the government had been bankrupted by Mary’s involvement in Spain’s war against France, whose only fruit was the loss of Calais. The war was still going on, and public opinion was strongly in favour of abandoning Spain and allying with France. Then there was the question of a husband. No English monarch had remained unwed since William Rufus, and the prospect of another succession crisis was a constant dread. Elizabeth

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had to have an heir, so she needed a husband. But who? Philip of Spain was keen, but he had already been married to Mary and we’d been here before – Henry VIII marrying his brother’s widow hadn’t turned out well. France managed to lose two kings – Henry II and Francis II – within 18 months and there was no candidate there. Marry an English noble? Elizabeth fancied the fiery Robert Dudley, but he was already married. Fortuitously his wife died falling down the stairs, but everyone believed he’d pushed her, which made him ineligible. With crises bearing down on her, Elizabeth, who had only just turned 25, needed special qualities to survive. Luckily, she had them. Orphaned and declared illegitimate at 2½ when her mother Anne Boleyn went to the block, she had spent her early years more or less locked away receiving an astonishing education. Fluent in French, Spanish, Flemish, Italian, Latin, and Greek, she also studied philosophy under the greatest thinker of the day, Roger Ascham. She had to live with the threat of execution: under Mary, she was the natural focus of Protestant hopes and spent a year in the Tower in constant fear for her life. The woman who emerged from all these experiences on November 17th 1558 remains perhaps the most formidable of England’s 40 post-Conquest monarchs. Her intellect, education, and the survival skills she had learnt as prisoner of an abuser and in the Tower combined in a special way; she had seen too much violence, and instead of becoming harsh and vengeful she learnt compassion, understanding, and the value of compromise. Within six months of her accession she had made peace with France; she quickly reversed the Catholic counter-revolution without triggering a rebellion; and in her 45-year reign she made only 40 Catholic martyrs compared to the 300 Protestant martyrs during the five years of the Marian persecution. She could be ruthless when she had to be, albeit unwillingly – the execution of Mary Queen of Scots was postponed much longer than was wise – and she was a determined and courageous war-leader. She was also a gifted economist. You could plausibly argue that she was the country’s greatest political leader of all time: perhaps November 17th should be reinstated as the public holiday it once was.

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whERE AM I?

Do You Know?

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

Last month’s answer Last month’s images were taken in Dunton, Swiss Garden and Stondon Motor Museum

whERE ARE wE?

VILLAGER The

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General

NOVEMBER’S BIG BANG

Fireworks Night

This year’s Bonfire Night will see Britain’s population stocking up on pyrotechnics and hoping for a starry night into which they will launch their rockets and colourful array of exploding projectiles. Guy Fawkes’ commemoration by no means holds a monopoly on the format. An increasing number of dates outside the 5th of November fill Britain’s calendar with spectacular displays at many events. People from all backgrounds, old and young, come together to marvel at the displays and join in the chorus of ooohs and aaahs. It’s an age-old, simple pleasure that makes no distinction between culture, politics, or language. Quite simply, fireworks are just fun to watch. Britain’s Pyrotechnic History As an English Catholic, Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot of 1605 was born of a desire to rid Parliament of Protestant King James I and replace him with third in line, Princess Elizabeth. Gunpowder was placed in a room (an ‘undercroft’) beneath the House of Lords as part of an audacious plan hatched by Fawkes and his fellow Catholic conspirators. News of the plan, however, was leaked to King James and Fawkes was captured and arrested. After some unsavoury interrogation and torture, Fawkes confessed to the crime and was banished to be hung, drawn and quartered. Not keen on facing the gallows, he leapt from the supporting scaffolding and met his end by way of a broken neck. Thus, the tale of conspiracy from 1605 became folklore in Britain and spawned generations who collected wood for bonfires and roamed from house-to-house seeking ‘a penny for the guy’, after which the effigy was placed on the blaze to meet its doom. Some of these traditions remain, but the modern commemoration is a more commercial operation with safety and litigation as primary concerns, alongside enjoyment of the events. Notwithstanding this gloomy state of affairs, surfing the Internet reveals some fascinating information on the subject of fireworks as well as the do’s and don’ts of safety. The website Bonfire Night Safety, for example, states that in a recent year there were 990 injuries caused by fireworks in October and November, and alarmingly, that 285 of them were eye injuries. There are also some

interesting snippets on the site; prior to 1959, it was illegal not to celebrate bonfire night in the UK and apparently, some fireworks can travel up to speeds of 150 mph. Despite the hazards of pyrotechnics, a few precautions will see you enjoying the action in safety. There is plenty of information online and from local authorities to make for a safe and enjoyable night, so be sure to seek it out before lighting the touch paper or joining an organised event. The Business of Pyrotechnics The history of fireworks dates back to China in the 7th century where displays accompanied festivities, a trend that spread to many other cultures around the world. The popularity of these displays created a firework manufacturing industry and the much-respected profession of the pyrotechnician. It seems, however, that the mainstay of the industry is harking back to its Chinese roots as the majority of fireworks are now made in China and imported. The squeeze on materials and labour costs, plus fierce competition in the business, has caused the UK’s industry to downsize and concentrate on specialist markets and displays, rather than manufacture. Our love affair with the spectacle continues. And for Britain, Guy Fawkes Night provides enough history and national enthusiasm to step out into the cold November air to indulge just one more time.

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General

GIVE IT SOME wEllY!

By Louise Addison

Wintry wet weather has us reaching for our wellies, but how much thought do we give them really? Hard-working wellies deserve a bit of TLC now and then. First things first. A lot of wellies split at the heel seam, and this is because we insist on removing them using a step or our other foot to prise them off. Invest in a proper boot-remover. It will preserve the life of your wellies and make them much easier to take-off. CLEAN THEM. Yes - really. How often do you put your boots away still clogged with mud? Take the time to rinse them with clean water then spray them with a boot protector. If your wellies are the sort with a zip, make sure the zip is clean and freerunning before storing the boots. Spray the zip with a silicone spray and they’ll last for years. Store them properly in a cool dry place. Don’t dry kid’s wellies on a radiator as they will become brittle and perish. Don’t leave them in a freezing

greenhouse or shed either. A boot rack is great, because it lets you store them upside down (less chance of spiders or mice taking up residence!) and allows the air to circulate – meaning they won’t smell. Finally, there are some terrific, colourful and fashionable wellies on the market today, so there’s no excuse not to take the kids puddle-jumping. Go on, give it some welly!

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

NOVEMBER

NOT TO BE MISSED Saturday 2nd - SKA FACES... MASSIVE TALENT! 5 PIECE LIVE MOD/SKA/TROJAN/SKIN & 2 TONE BAND! ESTABLISHED MUSICIANS. LOVING THE SCOOTER ERA! from the Watford & Hertfordshire areas A Tribute to the Music..... Mixed Mod / Ska / Trojan / Two Tone! ENTRY FEE WILL APPLY. ALL WELCOME Saturday 9th - Ghost Repeaters (return) POP..STAX..MOTOWN & MORE covers include: Take Out-Frank Ferdinand, Grounds for divorce-Elbow, I pridict a Riot-Chiefs. Saturday 16th - FAITH STEALERS: (new) playing the best of British Mod.... This live band absolutely love Mod & 60s Classic Music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY A MEMBER! Saturday 23rd - Just 4 Kicks Popular ROCKnROLL, BACK BY POPULAR REQUEST FRIDAY 29TH - JAM/OPEN MIC NIGHT all welcome Saturday 30th - SPARE-PARTS LOVING QUO! DECEMBER 7TH - HUGGY FLARES Club Members Children & Grandchildren: Christmas Party applications will be available from the club in November. Please complete to ensure Santa has a named prezzie for your child. NEW YEARS EVE TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE WITH PRIORITY TO MEMBERS MID NOVEMBER & TO MEMBERS GUESTS IN DECEMBER. All information is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes/updates.

Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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General

hOw TO DO STYlIShlY CASuAl AT 60+

By Sarah Davey

My mother turned 70 this year but doesn’t look it. She’s often complimented about her effortless style and how she looks so much younger than her years. However there is nothing effortless about how great my mother looks, quite the opposite in fact. “The trouble is darling that so many women my age give up,” she often says, “It’s sad and really there’s no excuse.” Now my mum isn’t one of those surgically enhanced botox-loving souls, she’s a regular woman who cares about her appearance – and it shows. I asked her what her favourite tips are. Good Underwear: Good foundation garments are essential. Mum is measured professionally every year so her bras fit properly. She swears by seamfree nude-coloured bras under light tops, “White is awful, it shows straight through.” And black for under black clothes. “Modern control slips are wonderful inventions,” she enthuses. “They’re so comfortable and they smooth out my lumps and bumps as if by magic.” Dark Jeans: “I see lots of women my age wearing pale chambray jeans with a gathered waist. They add pounds and years, and really are the most hideously awful things. Dark coloured jeans in indigo or black in a bootleg style are the most flattering. A tip that a young sales assistant in a high street store gave me was to make sure the back pockets are not too far apart and are the right proportion. By choosing pockets that end an inch or so below the natural curve of your bottom, you’ll make it look smaller. Try it and see for yourself!” Fitted T shirts: “Buy the best quality, thickest T shirts you can afford, because they’ll wash well and layer well.” Mum recommends having some short-sleeved and some long-sleeved in mainly neutral colours plus a couple of bright colours which suit you. Cashmere cardigans: In whatever style you like. “I like shorter cardigans because I’m not tall,” she says, “I layer them over my T shirts. And cashmere never dates.” Chunky-heeled Boots: “I love chunky-heeled boots worn with jeans. I have a black pair and a tan pair

and I live in them.” Funky shoes: “I prefer plain neutral clothes, but I always wear really fashionable bright shoes with a low heel. They add zing to my outfits.” Statement jewellery: Mum swears by great costume jewellery. “Bigger statement pieces look more stylish than fine gold chains. They change the look of my neutral basics and keep them upto-date.” Hair style: “Long can be gorgeous on someone my age if it’s worn with panache, but any cut should be sharp and up-to-date. Shoulder-length limp locks drag your features down and show up thinning hair cruelly. A short cropped style with lots of texture looks more youthful.” Her final tips? “Good posture. Pilates has improved mine. And SMILE. Nothing ages you like a scowl.”

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General

SANDY TOuRIST INFORMATION CENTRE

November 2013

It is a very busy period leading up to Christmas with Bonfire Night and all the pre-festive activities. With regard to Bonfire celebrations the Tourist Information Centre are selling tickets for the Sandy Scout Bonfire and Fire work Display to be held on Saturday, 2nd November. This is to be held as usual in the Sand Pit off of Cambridge Road. The series of TIC AUTUMN and WINTER TALKS continue after a very successful first Talk in October when a full house heard about the archaeological excavations made last year on the Tesco site, when many Roman and pre Roman items were uncovered including the remains of a Roman Cemetery. The Second Talk for this year is the RISE AND FALL OF THE CARDINGTON AIRSHIPS to be held on Wednesday, 6th November. The Talk will be given in the Council Chamber of Sandy Town Council,10 Cambridge Road, Sandy - BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL AS NUMBERS ARE LIMITED. This Talk will be given by local historian David Fowler, who will speak about the history of airships and Cardington through two World Wars to the present day. The massive hangars at Cardington were built during World War 1 to accommodate the construction of airships by Shorts. David will speak about this industry and the famous Airships including the R31, R100 and the R101 bringing the story to modern times. The cost will be £5 per person. Refreshments will be served by and in aid of the Sandy Christmas Lights Group.

BEDFORD TO CAMBRIDGE RAILWAY Please note that this Talk was due to take place on Wednesday, 4th December, but due to a number of circumstances the date of this the third Talk for this year HAS HAD TO BE CHANGED. THE TALK WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY, 9th DECEMBER. The Talk will be given in the Council Chamber of Sandy Town Council,10 Cambridge Road, Sandy. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL AS NUMBERS ARE LIMITED. This Talk will be given by local historian, George Howe (who last year spoke about the Sandy to Potton line). The Bedford to Cambridge line opened in 1862 and last year celebrations were held to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of its opening. The Talk will include a railway trip over the years via slides from Bedford to Cambridge. The cost will be £5 per person. Refreshments will be served by and in aid of the Sandy Transport Society TIC GUIDED WALKS - here is just one Tourist Information Centre Guided Walk left this year and that is the SANDY LODGE CHRISTMAS WALK. We will visit areas of the ancient area of Sandy Warren, now the site of The Lodge – UK headquarters of the RSPB and we walk some of the trails and around the formal gardens surrounding the Elizabethan style mansion in this one of the most beautiful parts of Bedfordshire. Look out for further details in next month’s edition. SANDY CHRISTMAS CARDS AND CALENDAR 2014 The Sandy Tourist Information Centre 2014 Calendar is on sale at the TIC and the cost will

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be £5.50. This year it includes some wonderful and some unusual photographs of Sandy. There are two Sandy scenes on the Sandy Tourist Information Centre Christmas Cards this year. One depicts a wintry scene looking along Sand Lane through the Sandhills and the other depicts the Christmas Tree in the Market Square at night lit for the Christmas festivities. The Christmas Cards are sold with envelopes in packs of 10 at £3.25 or individually with an envelope at 35p each. Books make a wonderful gift at Christmas why not come and see the stock of local books that we hold in the TIC. Two new local books, recently published have just been added to stock. Firstly there is the lavishly illustrated book called ‘Bedfordshire Through Time’ by Stephen Jeffery-Poulter, which is a collaboration between the author and the Bedfordshire and Luton Archives Service who mark their centenary as the first Record Office in Britain. The book contains photographs from the archives together with the author’s modern photographs of the same location today showing how the landscape has changed over the last century. This book costs £14.99. The second book is by local historian and author, Bernard O’Connor who has written, inter alia, about the SOE and RAF Tempsford, etc has written

this time about the secret life of Brickendonbury Manor, near Hertford and the World War 11 assassins and saboteurs (including Heydrich’s assassins and the Heroes of Telemark who were trained here) who set occupied Europe light. This book is entitled ‘Churchill’s School for Saboteurs (Station 17)’ and this costs £20. A third book just added to stock makes entertaining reading and is called ‘The British Television Location Guide’. This book details hundreds of locations, including some fairly local , of the top settings of all the top television shows – an ideal Christmas stocking filler. We hold a number of Bernard’s other titles and other local history books and illustrated books about the county and special local items. Call in and see us. There is a wealth of information, both local and national and a warm welcome awaits you when you visit Sandy Tourist information Centre. Obtain further information about the above from The Tourist Information Centre, rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy The TIC is open every week day between 10 am and 3 pm and between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturdays. Telephone 01767 682728 Email - tourism@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk

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General

ThE POPPY’S APPEAl

By Alex Brown

How the poppy came to symbolise remembrance and raise millions to help war veterans. 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. More than nine million soldiers were killed during the four-year conflict. Much of the worst fighting took place in Flanders, the western part of Belgium. The whole area was completely devastated, with homes, farms, roads and trees all completely destroyed. The land became a bleak, muddy graveyard for the thousands of soldiers who fell there. One plant, however, thrived in the disturbed soil and that, of course, was the poppy. Year after year, as the warm weather arrived, the poppies bloomed and turned the bare ground into a sea of red. Nowadays, we are all familiar with the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and a way to raise funds to support veterans. But how did the iconic flower make the journey from the fields to our lapels? It all began with Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician who fought in Flanders. In May 1915, his friend, a fellow soldier, was killed in action. Looking at the poppies growing alongside his grave moved McCrae to write the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, which was later published in Punch magazine. The idea to use the poppy as a symbol of remembrance came from an American professor

and YWCA worker, Moina Michael, in 1918. She wrote a poem in reply to McCrae’s called ‘We Shall Keep the Faith’ and started to sell silk poppies. The idea was adopted by the American Legion in 1920 and she became known as ‘The Poppy Lady’. In 1921, Anna E Guerin started making artificial poppies in France and gained the support of Field Marshal Douglas Haig, founder of the Royal British Legion. The first poppy appeal was held on Armistice Day 1921. It was hugely popular and, despite a recommended selling price of threepence per poppy, single petals sold for £5. In all, the appeal raised £106,000 – that’s nearly £30 million in today’s terms! Some people choose to wear a white poppy, either instead of or alongside a traditional red one. This symbolises pacifism and remembers the civilians killed in war, as well as the soldiers. The idea was initially put forward in 1926 by the No More War Movement, and the first white poppies were sold by the Cooperative Women’s Guild in 1933. They are now distributed by the Peace Pledge Union, a British pacifist non-governmental organisation that works for a world without war. And finally, did you know that there is also a purple poppy? It commemorates the animals that have been victims of war and raises money for Animal Aid.

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Are proud to present

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Health and Beauty

hYPNOTISE YOuRSElF

To a Less Painful Labour

With Kate Middleton reportedly using hypnobirthing to achieve a natural and less painful birth and many other women swearing by it for a more enjoyable labour, is this going to become the latest craze in childbirth? With her second child due imminently, Julia Faulks is certainly keen to give it a go… What is hypnobirthing? Hypnobirthing is a form of self-hypnosis used during labour, in the lead-up to labour, or even during a caesarean as a way of coping with pain, anxiety, fear and tension. With self-hypnosis being used for centuries to ease pain, what woman wouldn’t want to try something to help her body release as many endorphins (happy hormones) as possible in order to help with pain management? Just to be clear, hypnobirthing won’t take away all the pain, but it will help you remain calm and relaxed. It is said to work by easing the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome that can occur during labour where hormones are released that raise blood pressure and heart rate, meaning that labour can be less productive and more painful. Letting go - With the birth of my first child, ignorance was, quite simply, bliss - there were nerves, but as I didn’t have any idea how it was going to feel, there was less focus on the actual birth than I’m feeling as a second time mum-to-be. In other words, no, I didn’t quite forget the pain. I now realise I need to accept that I actually don’t have any control over my birth and labour, but at the same time, I can have control over the pain by using the techniques I’ve learnt from reading books, taking regular yoga classes and listening to my hypnobirthing CD. So whether it’s for your first birth or a subsequent birth, you have nothing to lose by trying it out. It’s also important to make sure that your birth partner is briefed on how you will be using the techniques you have learnt in order to remind you if you lose focus. Choosing the right method for you You can start learning hypnobirthing at any time, but experts recommend that it’s most beneficial from 18 to 30 weeks. It’s also a good idea to step things up as

you reach your due date by attending a refresher class, listening to CDs or reading your notes on a daily basis. The self-disciplined mum-to-be: If you have the time and can be organised, there’s nothing to say that you can’t teach yourself hypnobirthing skills in the comfort of your own home or by mixing things up with a regular yoga or hypnobirthing class. This is just what I am doing by downloading a hypnobirthing CD and attending a weekly yoga session where we do regular meditation and breathing exercises. The busy mum-to-be: If you’re too busy to find the time to read, then an intensive course will probably be the best option for you. You can find a list of courses in your local area by visiting the hypnobirthing.co.uk website or by searching your local directory. You may also prefer a private lesson with one-on-one attention. The sociable mum-to-be: Meet other mums and dads who want to learn this technique together and support each other as the big day approaches. Weekly classes will give you focus and help keep you on track as well as make sure that everything you learn is fresh in your mind.

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Bedfordshire Foot Clinic Podiatry/Chiropody Yvonne Siudak

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Health and Beauty

All About Hair Extensions

By Helen Taylor

If you dream of long, luscious locks but are stuck with limp and lifeless tresses, you might be tempted to turn to hair extensions for a quick and easy fix. But there is a lot to consider before you take the plunge and invest in extensions, and that’s why we have compiled a guide to which ones are right for you. Human Hair or Synthetic Hair? Extensions can be made from real human hair, synthetic hair or a mixture of both. The more expensive the extensions are, the more likely they are made from human hair. This is because using the real thing makes for a head of manageable, natural-looking locks that can be styled, coloured and cared for just like your own hair. If you’re planning on having a lot of extensions added to your hair and want to wear them for a long time, it’s essential that you invest in the best you can afford and have them professionally applied in a good salon. Always make sure that the extensions you buy are ethically sourced. If you want to wear just a few extensions, and only for special occasions, then synthetic hair should be ok for you. It’s a lot cheaper than real hair, but remember that in most cases it can’t be heat styled, so you’ll have to decide on what look you want and stick to it. It

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also can be a lot more difficult to manage and does become easily tangled and matted. The Right Hue for You What look do you want to achieve when you’re wearing extensions? If you prefer a very natural look that blends seamlessly with your own hair, it’s essential to find extensions in a shade that matches it perfectly. Generally many brands organise their colours in the same way as hair dyes, so that it’s easy to determine the correct hue for you. Colours range from the lightest shade of blonde to the deepest shade of black and incorporate all warm and cool variations. And, if you fancy a few sections of bold colour, then your options are limitless. You can easily pick up extensions in a range of vibrant shades, and what’s more they are usually cheaper and are perfect for occasional use. Texture and Style Extensions come in a vast range of textures, so that they will blend with your own locks. There are straight lengths, spiral curls and everything in between. It’s important to match the texture to your own hair for the extensions to lie and fall properly. Application There are many ways to apply extensions to your hair and some can be more comfortable, gentle and affordable than others. Clip-in/Tie-in - Ideal for occasional use and can be taken out and applied easily to achieve a variety of different looks. Because of the way they are joined to the hair, they don’t always look natural and can be obvious to the touch. Heat Fusion – Provide long lasting results, with a natural looking finish. However, because heat is used, this method can damage your own hair. Cold Fusion - Unlike heat fusion, cold fusion doesn’t use any heat for application, meaning that your natural hair won’t be damaged. The results are very natural looking, as well as long lasting. Weft – Can look very natural when applied correctly, although to the touch a weft can feel chunky if not applied with skill. Microbead – No need for glue or heat to be applied, which limits damage to your own natural hair. Extensions are fixed in place using a small bead.

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Local News

SANDY hElPING hANDS

Counselling and Guidance Centre

Sandy Helping Hands Counselling and Guidance Centre provides an open door for those affected by issues such as debt problems, housing issues, depression, disability and unemployment. The centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experienced team offer many valuable services including C.V. Writing and Interview Skills, Job Search, Debt and Housing Advice, Confidence Building and One To One Counselling. Proof of the staff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication can be seen in the completion of their third I.T. Basic Skills Course generously funded by B.R.C.C. Not to mention the many letters of praise and thanks posted on the success and commendation board. The centre has a variety of resources available at its disposal including several computers available for a variety of functions including job search and online registration. Helping Hands also welcomes volunteers seeking the opportunity to build on their skills, improve their CVs or simply just wants to give back to the community. If you would like to obtain our services, offer us your time or simply make a donation please

contact Laura on 01767 690050. Sandy Helping Hands is strictly a not for profit organisation which needs continuous support from individuals, businesses and organisations in the form of donations and or sponsorships.

Left to Right (1) Kenneth Lagerwall (I.T. Support) (2) Laura DeQuincey (Centre Manager) (3) Rachael Vollenhoven (Funding Officer) (4) Tom Simms (CV Writer) (5) Christine Summerfield (Receptionist)

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Technology

THE HEAT IS ON

Cool Gadgets to Keep You Warm Every year, heating our homes becomes ever more expensive, and as a result we do all kinds of things to cut our bills: we make sure our homes are properly insulated, turn the thermostat down a notch and do our best to save energy. But no matter what kind of heating system you have, there’s a very good chance you’re heating your entire home rather than the room you’re using. Wouldn’t it be great if you could heat just the bit you’re in - and do it quickly so you don’t have to sit shivering? That’s the thinking behind Dyson’s fan heaters, which use the firm’s “air multiplier” technology to send a steady stream of hot air without the buffeting you get from normal fan heaters. They aren’t cheap - expect to pay £249 for a heater, or £349 for one that can cool air in the summer - but they’re safe, effective and extremely efficient. If you’d rather not spend quite so much on a heater, halogen heaters are worth considering: instead of heating the air, they heat whatever you point them at - and they do so instantly, which is a real boon if you’ve just come home from a typically cold November day. Prices start at around £15 for a basic model, and you can also buy models designed for heating outside areas. For larger rooms, it’s worth looking for heaters that can rotate: that enables them to heat a wider area than immobile heaters can reach. Make sure they have anti-tilt shut-offs too, so that they automatically switch themselves off if they’re accidentally toppled. The cheapest heaters around are fan heaters, which as the name suggests use a fan to blow air over a heating element. According to the Energy

Saving Trust they aren’t less efficient than other kinds of heating, but the less powerful the fan the longer it’ll take them to heat a room: we wouldn’t recommend trying to heat a high-ceilinged room with an £8 fan heater from the local supermarket. If you spend a lot of time using a computer you’ll know that your fingers are often the first things to feel the cold. Technology has the answer to that too: V8 Tools’ heated computer keyboard is exactly what it sounds like, although for the time being you’ll need to import one from the US. Avoid USB-powered heating devices: products such as USB-powered Monkey Hand Warmers are novelty gifts, not practical products. If you often suffer from frozen feet there’s a gadget for that too: the AccuLux foot warming mat, a flexible heating mat that’s designed to make your tootsies toasty. Expect to pay £39.99. Humans aren’t the only creatures to benefit from heating pads: they’re available for pets too. A quick search on eBay uncovers all kinds of electric pad heaters for dog and cat beds, with prices as low as £19.99. If you’d rather not leave anything electrical near your pets, microwaveable heat pads do much the same job for slightly less money. While you’re microwaving things for your pets, why not warm up some pads for yourself? You can try a pair of microwaveable slippers, a microwaveable hand warmer or a microwaveable neck wrap, and if you’re suffering from sports injuries or arthritis you might find they help ease your symptoms too. Alternatively you might like to try the Heat In A Click Muscle Warm Pad, which quickly heats up to 54 degrees celsius and last for 20 minutes to two hours depending on the size of pad you buy.

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everything matters

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General

kEEP wARM ThIS wINTER - TOP TIPS

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

A drop in body temperature can lower the body’s resistance to germs, so if you are elderly or otherwise susceptible to cold-related illnesses, it is essential that you stay warm during winter. First, keep your home warm. Consider creating a ‘warm room’ where you spend most of your time, and turn down the thermostat in other areas of the home. Next, eliminate draughts. Place plastic sheeting over windows and fit foam seals and weather strips to doors. Use draught excluders and if you can’t successfully stop a draught rearrange the furniture so that you are not sitting in it. Close the curtains at night to reduce heat loss and make sure that radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains. Wear several layers of thin clothing to insulate your body, keep feet warm in fleece slippers and use lightweight throws or fleece blankets to cover feet and shoulders.

Make sure you eat well as food creates energy which in turn creates heat. Hot meals and drinks can warm the body both inside and out. Finally, stay active! Doing a little light cleaning or some other simple activity will increase your circulation and generate some heat. Follow these simple guidelines and hopefully you will not only stay warm this winter, but you will also remain illness free!

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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.

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41 15/07/2013 14:57

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Chartered Certiﬁed Accountants

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Travel

ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO

By Solange Hando

In the vast luminous bay of Mogador, a quaint blue and white town looks down on fine tingling sands, its ancient gates and minarets nestling inside the ramparts like a pearl in an oyster shell. Lapped by the Atlantic Ocean on the sunny Moroccan coast, Essaouira is an enticing alternative to the modern resort of Agadir. Yet you never know whom you might meet on your way to the beach. Film producers and stars have long discovered the secret, following the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Orson Welles and Hitchcock. Both exotic and unspoilt, this has proved the perfect spot to shoot box office hits, Alexander the Great to name just one. Most visitors are day trippers from Marrakech, keen to chill out on the beach, though there is plenty of scope for the active sort, surfing, exploring the dunes on a camel, cruising to the Purple Islands, home to thousands of birds, or horse riding along the sugar cane river. Others head for the former hippie village of Diabat to gaze at the old sultan’s palace half buried in the sand or just walk for miles along the beach where the scent of white broom fills the air. Briefly settled by the Portuguese in the early 1500s, coveted at times by various western powers, Essaouira came into its own in the 18th century when a French architect was directed to build the fortress and redesign the medina. Further improvements followed and before long, this was Morocco’s most important port, the place where goods from the caravan trade could have access to the rest of the world. It became known as the ‘port of Timbuktu’. Trade dwindled over time but today, bastions and crenellations still mingle their golden reflections in the harbour where trawlers unload their catch and nets dry on the quay among screaming gulls, crates full of fish, shipwrights and a whole flotilla of little blue boats bobbing in the dazzling sun. From there it’s only a few steps to the al fresco restaurants serving royal mint tea and grilled sardines, couscous, lentil and tomato soup flavoured with ginger, cinnamon and pepper, or the ubiquitous tagine, a fragrant fish, meat or vegetable stew which simply melts in your mouth. Meanwhile, beyond the Sea gate, the old town beckons with bustling alleyways, mosques and holy shrines, stalls brimming with spices and Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

fruit, rooftop restaurants and shaded squares and courtyards where cool fountains gurgle among potted plants. It’s a World Heritage Site and a feast for all the senses, echoing with the tapping and chiselling of artisans who carve ornaments from precious thuya wood. It’s also a great place to bargain for carpets and rugs, silver jewellery, brightly-painted pottery and Argan beauty products. Protected by UNESCO in south west Morocco, Argan trees yield the world’s rarest oil and the women’s cooperatives around Essaouira produce some of the most sought after natural cosmetics. Late afternoon is a lovely time to stroll along the bastions, still lined with 200 year old cannons. Enjoy the breeze, the glorious views over the town and harbour, the great sweep of the beach, the islands, the dramatic rocks to the north, battered by the waves, and the fabulous sunset, all red and gold, over the ocean. But hurry before the crowds arrive and just like the stars, you might see this little gem at its best, colourful, pristine and truly authentic.

Local News

BIGGlESwADE TAlkING NEwSPAPER

We are seeking volunteers

Volunteers work in teams, covering every edition of the Biggleswade Chronicle. These roles would be great for people wanting experience in the broadcast media, or for journalists and broadcasters who can use their skills to help reach blind and partially- sighted residents. You don’t need previous experience, you just need to be willing to come along and learn. Training is available for all posts. Are you interested in the local News? Would you be interested in joining the group of people who compile the Talking Newspaper each Friday from The Biggleswade Chronicle? We produce it for any sight impaired people who choose to take up our offer of recordings. We are organized into 5 teams, each requiring the input of 8 people. There are 4 regular monthly productions and the 5th team covers the occasional 5th Friday in a month and offers cover for members of teams 1-4 when they are unavailable for their session.

If you would like to find out more please contact the Chairman, (Nick Gurney) on 01767 312 830 We are seeking a new editor Free copies of The Chronicle are obtained from their office in Biggleswade and the editing done early on Friday in time for the production team members to receive their edited scripts by 7pm at Abbotsbury Day Centre. This vacancy is to join our week two team. Other Roles - In an addition we also require a Technician, this involves working in a team of two to record the voices of our readers using mixer desk and our new digital equipment. This would be once a month on a Friday evening 7pm-8.30pm and would be to join our week four team We are also seeking two Despatch Oﬃcer’s involves liaising with our listener liaison officer and visiting the recording centre on a Friday for approx 20/30 minutes once a month, and this would be to join our week four and five teams. For further details phone Nick Gurney 01767 312830

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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

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

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Finance

How to make an extra £100

A Week From Home

Stuck at home and need to make some extra cash? There are lots of ways you can do it. Here are just a few of them. Be a Virtual Assistant A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who works as a secretary outside the office from their computer at home. It can involve a wide range of tasks, however the more specialised your skills are, the more you’ll be able to charge. To be a successful VA, you’ll definitely need to be computer-savvy and have experience of admin work already. Agencies like VA4U.com charge up to £150 per client per day, but typically you would charge between £15 – £25 per hour for routine admin work done by phone or email. Giving your opinions Make £50-100 a time in cash for giving your opinions in focus groups. Companies like Sarosresearch.com need people of all ages and in various parts of the country to join a focus group every now and then to give opinions on anything from shampoo to high-end cars. If you have the time and don’t mind answering questions you could do online surveys. The work is fairly sporadic but it requires minimal effort and you have nothing to lose, not to mention the fact that it’s all done from the comfort of your own home. You can earn up to £50 a month. Websites such as www.opinionoutpost.co.uk, www.uk.mysurvey. co.uk and www.valuedopinions.co.uk offer free paid surveys (N.B. you should never pay to join up or hand over your credit card details). Then there are online competitions. For example, Freepostcodelottery.com is free to enter and gives away £20 every day at noon to one of the postcodes on their list. There’s no catch, but you will have to check each day to see if your number has come up. Check our competitions page on Moneymagpie.com. Set up an online buying and selling business Do you collect dolls or electronic gadgets or some other low-priced collectible? If you’re a little knowledgeable about a particular niche area you could make money by buying and selling items online. Scour car boot sales, charity shops and jumble sales for cheap items that you could sell for a Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

profit. Then set up a seller’s account on eBay or eBid and start selling. Make sure you keep a squeaky-clean rating as buyers are much more likely to buy from you if you have 100% approval. Of course you can make money online purely by selling your junk on a regular basis. In fact, once you are used to that you can sell on behalf of other people. Take a 30% cut of the profit (once you have taken out your advertising, postage and packing costs). Propagate seedlings If you have green fingers and a decent-sized greenhouse (or somewhere else to place plant pots) you could make around £600 a week between February and October by propagating seedlings. Grow plants that you then sell at car boot sales and at local garages and shops or to friends and neighbours. To make a profit you need to choose carefully the type of plants you are going to grow. Some seeds cost £2.99 for six and some cost £2.99 for 1,500. You do the maths. Try to do a deal with your local garden centre to buy the pots that you’ll need and they would usually throw away. Also go online and bulk-buy compost. Fun fact: More than two thirds of people in the UK have sold something second-hand. The average amount raised per person in the last 12 months is £106.15. CDs and DVDs are the most popular second-hand item, followed by books and clothes.

FRESh FACE FOR FAMIlY BuSINESS

The Retreat Beauty Spa and Boutique, Biggleswade

There is nothing unexpected about beauty emerging from the doors of The Retreat Beauty Spa and Boutique, Biggleswade, but there have been changes afoot which means we can now expect even more delights and luxury alongside our regular pampering. I went along to sample the sumptuousness for myself.

‘My business partner Justine and I opened The Retreat more than seventeen years ago.’ Explains Debbie, owner of The Retreat ‘There have been some big changes of late though - not only did Justine retire last year, leaving me as sole owner of The Retreat, but I became a mummy’.

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‘I have always highly valued our very professional and friendly staff, but the family nature of our relationships now seems so very important. We are all here to support one another and make caring for work, clients and family as easy and enjoyable as possible. We have three full time therapists– Raechel, Jasmine and Zoe while Megan and Gina work part time. They all work so hard, are kind, friendly and efficient as well as brilliantly creative and dedicated to their work. Abi is back from having her son Freddie and is salon manager and beauty therapist and Angie is our front of house manager, they are all invaluable to me, they work so hard every day for the good of the boutique and salon. ‘I think it’s vital for us all to take a personal interest in our clients small details make all the difference to how comfortable and welcome clients feel when they come to us. I understand how tough it can be to fit in a wax, or a manicure, but also how wonderful each of those small things can make you feel. I love my job because every moment is about job satisfaction, every client, every treatment, makes someone feel good inside and out’ I take some time to wander around the boutique that nestles comfortably alongside the renowned salon. Painted, French-style shelves are lined with sweet velvet slippers, pretty patchwork fripperies and lovely, tactile signs and pictures deck the stylish walls with perfect gift ideas. ‘We encourage all our clients to stay for as long as they like. They can relax in the lounge with a drink before their treatments or afterwards, enjoying a free coffee or treating themselves to a gorgeous slice of cake and a browse around the boutique’ I ask about The Retreat at Christmas: ‘We are very excited to be planning a beautiful Christmas Wonderland. We are going to fill the boutique with Christmas trees where the most sparkly, pretty, traditional and unusual decorations will be displayed – a glass tree, a red tree, a silver tree. Our clients will be able to come in to find their perfect Christmas – decorations, beauty treatments, gorgeous gifts, a party outfit - even a pair of cosy slippers. ‘I love Christmas and I am sure that the contributions made by the family we have here,

at The Retreat, will bring a little luxury, at an affordable price.’ I thank Debbie, not only for my silky legs, but also for the delicious drinks and showing me around her welcoming and opulent salon and boutique. I would highly recommend The Retreat as a salon that offers so much more – expert beauty treatments at fair prices, the chance to relax in a truly comfortable setting, alongside shopping for only the most lovely, most perfect gifts for all the family.

4 London Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8EB

Telephone: 01767 313777 Website: www.theretreatbeautyspa.co.uk

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Garden

GROUND COVER

By Pippa Greenwood

Ground cover plantings are a wonderful way to create gorgeous carpets of colour in your garden, whatever its size and wherever it’s located. But what’s so special about groundcover growing, when is it most useful and when should you start? The initial few months will take some effort, but once growing well, most ground cover planting needs little if any maintenance except perhaps a very occasional trim, some food and water in drier weather. It has a superbly smothering effect on the weeds, killing weedlings and deterring further weeds from appearing. The denser the groundcover planting, the better the effect. Autumn is a great time for planting. Trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants that go in to the ground at this time of year often establish extremely well as they have the luxury of enjoying the relatively warm and yet moist soil, a perfect place for new roots to grow out and establish rapidly. Make sure you invest a bit of time and effort in to the preparation. Clear the area of weeds, digging out all tough weeds completely if you can. Fork the soil over, removing debris such as large stones or buried rubbish and then fork in plenty of wellrotted manure or garden compost, and perhaps a little slow-release feed too. If you’re planting up a slope, it’s worth trying to secure the soil a little too, as all that preparation and weed clearing will have loosened the surface and made it prone to erosion. Once growing well the roots of the plants will help to secure the slope brilliantly, but in the meantime, use landscape fabric pinned down onto the surface of the slope. Don’t be tempted to cram the plants in too closely. Given time they will form the desired effect if planted at the correct spacing. But if you fall in to the trap of planting them elbow to elbow, then they are more likely to become stressed and miserable, more prone to disease and will need thinning out. Make sure the plants are kept just moist at the roots until they’re well established and feed occasionally. By choosing varieties of plants which are recommended for use as groundcover you’ll be unlikely to have to do much if any pruning. So what should you choose to grow? Foliage that is attractive and interesting makes a wonderful Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

groundcover planting and if you wish you can add a few more flamboyant flowering plants to the mixture too. By using plants with interestingly shaped leaves or variegated leaves your leafy planting will look even better. If you want a reasonable effect all year around, then select at least some of the plants you use from the evergreens. These may lose their leaves, but they do so gradually so you’ll never be left with totally bare soil. Great Shrubby Groundcover Ideas Heaths and Heathers, Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster microphyllus, Stephandra incise ‘Crispa’, groundcover roses eg the ‘Flower Carpet’ roses. Great Shade-Tolerant groundcover Ideas Sarcococca hookeriana var.humilis, Mahonia repens, Gaultheria procumbens, Hypericum calycinum, many hebes including Hebe pinguifolia, Euonymus fortune cultivars such as ‘Emerald n’Gold’, ‘Emerald Gaiety’ Herbaceous Ground Cover in Shadier Spots Sweet violets, pulmonaria (lungworts) eg the white-flowered ‘Sissinghurst’, Bugle (the ajugas eg Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’), Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny), Lily-of-the-valley, Lamium ‘White Nancy’ and Lamium ‘Silver Beacon’, Bergenia Sunnier Groundcover Snow-in-summer, thymes, oregano, many of the sedums, chamomile.

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Garden

ShEDDING A TEAR

By Derek Thompson

It’s funny how attached you can become to inanimate objects. It was only a summerhouse, after all - a glorified, double-doored, glass-fronted shed. And in its time it has mainly housed folding chairs, the lawnmower, chicken bedding and the cat. Even so, I was sorry to be parting company with it. Summerhouse still sounded so bright and optimistic, even this late in the year, despite its current appearance. The roof had become open plan in places and the Russian Vine had infiltrated and exploited the guttering, several joints and three places along one side panel. So, all things considered, it was time to make a difficult decision. Or rather, it was time for Anne to make a difficult decision. Demolition was a straightforward affair, once I’d taken on board Anne’s advice not to stand in the middle of it and pull. Nothing salvageable was wasted. The doors went to a neighbour to become elongated cold frames; likewise the bigger windows. We kept the smaller ones to bring on beans and butternut squash plants in the future. Plus, there was enough kindling - or rather, there will be - to fill our wood store. The next stage in my summerhouse grieving process occurred when Anne took me shed shopping, since we clearly didn’t need another summerhouse and our actual shed was also on its last legs. When you run out of spaces on the doors to fit replacement hinges, it’s time to call it a day. I wandered around the shed yard, surly and

unimpressed, like a schoolboy having to buy new shoes for next term. And then I saw it, framed in golden sunlight: a wonder shed. With glass along one side to let in light for propagation and so that we can watch the birds, and enough space for my tools, my bike and the cat, it ticked all the boxes. Delivery was assured in four weeks’ time and no money down - an all-round winner. However, now that we’d prepared the ground, it was time to really prepare the ground by levelling it and adding a layer of sand. As the shed needs to sit on blocks and these have to be aligned and spaced perfectly, Anne waited until I’d gone out to work. A neighbour popped over to help; the same one who corrected my comedy coat rack (now you see it, now you pick it - and a pile of coats - up off the floor). By the time I returned home, all I needed to do was position some plastic sheeting, so that the cat didn’t feel tempted to leave an organic time capsule in the sand. The shed people delivered on time and put the shed up on site. The block work was, thanks to my non-involvement, perfect. Even the cat flap seemed to meet with Porsha’s approval. She is a pre-named, rescue cat, so I take no responsibility. In the evening, a deputation of neighbours came up to take a look around the shed (with torches). Like I say, it’s a small village and not much happens here. One person asked, with genuine concern, if we planned to rent it out to holidaymakers. I quickly shed some light on the matter.

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Home and Interiors

ChIM-ChIM-ChEREE

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

The term ‘Chimney sweep’ may conjure up images of small, Dickensian type characters covered in soot, scrambling up enormous chimneys, and we might ask ourselves if there is really a need for this ancient trade in today’s modern world with its gas fires and centrally heated properties. Well, the short answer to that is ‘Yes!’ Even chimneys serving gas fires need cleaning on a regular basis – and if you are one of the growing number of householders returning to the cosy, romantic comfort of a traditional coal or log fire, it is essential that you spend a little time and money ensuring that your fireplace is functioning both safely and efficiently. As a fire burns, it releases numerous gases up the chimney which escape into the atmosphere. As they pass through the chimney, soot - which contains a flammable substance called creosote - begins to accumulate on the walls. Over time, these deposits can begin to obstruct and eventually completely block the chimney, which could lead to an inefficient and potentially unsafe fireplace and the risk of chimney fires. This is why regular cleaning of a chimney is essential. Although it is possible to clean the chimney yourself, you might prefer instead to hire a professional chimney sweep to do this tiring, messy job! In addition to cleaning the chimney, he or she will check for other problems which

might lead to chimney fires or inefficient burning, and will also inspect your chimney for potential problems from the roof. A chimney that serves an open fire should be swept at least once a year, after a period of prolonged disuse (for example at the end of the summer) , and also at the end of the heating season to ensure that it is clear of animal nests and is prepared for the idle period. Chimneys that are used frequently may need cleaning more often, whilst those serving gas fires less often. A visit to the National Association of Chimney Sweeps or Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps websites will help you locate a local, reliable chimney sweep. These two organisations have worked together over recent years to introduce a National Code of Practice for Chimney Sweeps, designed to protect the public from untrained or poorly trained sweeps. Sweeps meeting the Standard are required to issue an Industry Standard certificate (the Standard being printed on the reverse) and where necessary, an Industry Standard Warning Notice and Label. A sweep typically takes around 45 minutes and costs around £40 per chimney, though this can vary according to location and the difficulty of the job. Before employing anyone to carry out the work, please check that they have full public liability insurance.

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Firework fear?? New products available for your pets.

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Pets

ANIMAl STORIES

From rags to riches...

Beautiful Riva now lives a heavenly life on an organic farm in Sussex with her new friend, Merlin. She – like many cats who come into our care – had a horrific early life and thoroughly deserves her idyllic existence! Riva was found abandoned in Kempston. She had given birth to her kittens in a battered old suitcase. Unfortunately, all of her kittens died and Riva was, unsurprisingly, very frail and frightened when she came into the care of the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch. She also had a bladder infection that needed antibiotics. Although initially shy, the volunteer foster carer who looked after Riva described her as ‘an absolute sweetheart who just needed to be loved’.

Fortunately for Riva, she found love in abundance! When her new owner’s elderly cat sadly died, they wanted to re-home a cat from an animal charity. They browsed the RSPCA website (www.rspca.org. uk), saw a photo of Riva, and fell in love. Distance was no object. Hopefully, the unhappy memories of her old life and that shabby old suitcase are gradually fading for Riva – particularly when she gazes over acres of beautiful farmland whilst perched on her favourite compost bin; or when she’s stretched out on a comfy bed in her wonderful farmhouse home! Unfortunately, not every animal experiences such a happy ending. The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch is currently inundated with unwanted kittens and abandoned cats looking for homes. If you think you can give a kitten, or cat, a loving forever home, please contact us. We’re also looking for volunteer foster carers who can care for our animals prior to re-homing. Please also donate your unwanted items to our charity shop in Thurlow Street, Bedford. The money raised goes directly to the animals in our care. ANIMAL STORIES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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RSPCA

ARE YOu GuIlTY?

Of owning a surprising amount of unnecessary stuﬀ We’ve all seen the ‘extreme hoarders’ on TV – unable to move around their own homes because of piles of newspapers clogging up rooms and corridors. Such extremes make entertaining telly, but even the ‘average’ person owns a surprising amount of unnecessary stuff. Are you guilty of being average? • The average woman has about 22 garments in her wardrobe that she will never wear, but absolutely refuses to throw out. • Added up across the country, women spend more than £1.6 billion on more than 500 million items of clothing they will never wear. Placed on a clothes rail, this would stretch for 15,534 miles. • Jeans are the most common item of unworn clothes, with 88 per cent of the population saying they own at least one pair that they would never be seen out in. • One in five people hoard up to six pairs of shoes that will never be worn. And almost everyone owns at least one top they ‘would not be seen dead in.’ • Men have 19 items of unworn clothing lurking in their wardrobes. • Two thirds of Brits dislike their junk and a quarter say it makes them stressed. • One in five homes have enough unwanted items to fill an average bathroom and a similar number enough to fill an entire bedroom. • The top ten most hoarded items – shown as number per average household – are: 1. Items of clothing (12) 2. DVDs (10) 3. VHS videos (7) 4. Shoes (6 pairs) 5. Kids toys (5) 6. Computer games (4) 7. Sports equipment (2) 8. Mobile phone (2) 9. Stereo/music equipment (1) 10. Bike (1) If you find yourself guilty of any of the above… help is at hand. You can donate any unwanted clothing, bric-a-brac, books, DVDs, CDs, toys, jewelry or small furniture to the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch. We can sell it at our charity shop – in Thurlow Street, Bedford – and use the money to help local abandoned and neglected animals in need of a new home. Don’t worry if

the clothing is tatty, or if you have odd, or scuffed shoes – we can still sell these for rag. The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch is a small local charity that is entirely responsible for raising its own funds and supporting itself. We are currently experiencing a crisis as the number of animals abandoned has increased by 65% over the last 5 years. It costs us every day, £5 to look after one healthy cat and £8 for one healthy dog. This means that every month we need to find at least £1,300 to house all the animals in our care and £2,000 for vet bills. The number of animals being abandoned is, unfortunately, still on the increase. So, if you’re guilty of ‘being average’, why not sort through you’re stuff, bring it into our shop – and transform your guilt into something a lot more worthwhile?

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Call 01234 266965 or go to www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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

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

The cattery for caring owners. Comfort and security for your pet. 62

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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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Local News

BIGGlESwADE SANDY lIONS

They Struck Gold

Lynn Walker, President of Biggleswade Sandy Lions was delighted to present Young Leaders In Service (YLIS) Gold Seal Awards to Jamie Bate of the 1st Sandy Scout Group, and Biggleswade Sea Cadets Charlotte Warren, Toby Simpson, Matthew Wallace and Joshua Warburton, who have all completed well over the 100 hours community service in the 12 month period needed to qualify. These are the first five winners of this Lions Clubs International project which the Club started sponsoring last year and there are more to follow. Each also received a personal letter of thanks from Lions Clubs International Past President Wayne A Madden, in which he said, “through your hours of service you have exemplified the true spirit of Lionism by making your community a better place to live”, adding “I join your local Lions Club in commending you for accepting the challenge of community service.” This ongoing project is aimed at encouraging young people between the ages of 11 and 18 to provide

service to their community and to recognise their achievements. Besides the Gold Award, there is a Silver Award for those achieving 50 hours of service over a year. A simple log book is maintained and the qualifying year can start at any time. There are 10 categories of service – service to the elderly, to children, to parents or family, for the homeless, safety training, education, environment, public health, taking a leaders role and helping Lions. At present there are another 10 young people completing their 12 month log books and we are always looking for more. To young people in the age range we say, “why not have a go?” To parents and youth leaders – do you know of someone who would qualify – why not encourage them to take part? For more information call Roger Wolburn on 01462 814967 or call the club number 0845 833 9749. Our website www.biggleswadesandylions.org.uk will tell you all you need to know about Biggleswade Sandy Lions. Do have a look – maybe you would like to join us – you’ll be very welcome.

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Motoring

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE S

By James Baggott

What is it? Meet Aston Martin’s slightly awkward-looking fourdoor saloon, but now with added adrenaline. Not that the standard car really needed an additional dose of go-go juice, but that’s never stopped the Gaydon massive from administering aid before. As part of a mid-life refresh the S has more power and even more refinement, and is the only model in the maker’s range that comes with two rear seats. What’s under the bonnet? An almighty lump, that’s what. The ageing 6.0-litre V12 is still in situ – a last hurrah before AMG work their black magic under the hoods of Britain’s finest – but for now it has even more grunt. Power is up 80bhp to 550bhp and this helps the 60mph dash time tumble under that all-important five second barrier, but only by a tenth of a second. Top speed is a heady 190mph and with those sorts of figures fuel economy and emissions suffer. The former is a rather woeful 19.9mpg and CO2 is puffed out at a rate of 332g/km. What’s the spec like? In a word: glorious. The leather is soft, the carpets thick and the wood burnished. Several cows were sacrificed to coat most surfaces inside and the instruments are as beautiful as one of the finest Swiss watches. Standard kit includes Bluetooth, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors (you need them, this thing is Ark Royal long), tracking device and a stunning 1000W Bang & Olufsen stereo. Some of the controls are a little small

and fiddly, particularly the buttons in the centre console. Those rear seats have the option of TV screens (£2,495) and you can go mad on the other options too. Even the paint of our test car was an additional £3,495, but it’s worth it for the name alone: Skyfall Silver. Any rivals? A few. The biggest is the Porsche Panamera. An ugly car from some angles, stunning from others, it’s a super-sized sports car that’s superb to drive, especially in GTS form. The new Mercedes S-Class will be a potent rival too as will Audi’s luxurious A8. Even BMW’s 7 Series will have a sniff in this category, where price matters far less than the badge that’s on the bonnet. What’s it like to drive? It’s not the most dynamic of Aston Martin’s range, that’s for sure, but this is a GT car to transport you and the family with ease. It’s relaxed and sedate when you want it to be, but can still pick up its skirt and go when you put your foot down. As the revs rise the butterflies in the exhaust containing the cacophony of noise open, releasing a guttural V12 groan. The rear seats are comfy too, even for adults, but that said, headroom can be a little cramped. Our Verdict The Aston Martin Rapide S is a stunning way to travel. It’s luxurious, looks sharp and is caked in cool. You can’t drive an Aston anywhere without gaining nods of appreciation and that very rarely happens in ostentatious equivalents from the likes of Ferrari or Lamborghini. There’s a certain respect for Aston Martin, and I like that. The Rapide S is a big car – and it feels it on the road – and that engine really is starting to feel dated in terms of economy, but the power is impressive and if you need those extra rear seats it’s worth considering… if you have the cash, of course. The knowledge Model: Aston Martin Rapide S Price: £165,580 (as tested) Engine: 6.0-litre, V12, petrol Power: 550bhp 620NM Max speed: 190mph 0-62mph: 4.9 seconds MPG: 19.9mpg (combined) Emissions: 332g/km CO2

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Humour

NEST BUILDING FOR BEGINNERS

By Chris Russell

I recently moved in with my girlfriend. I’ve never lived with just a girl before, which I guess means I am now officially a grown-up. This is all very exciting, and so far it’s proving to be completely lovely. We have a great little place in London with a garden and a breakfast bar, and we’re cultivating our own private scene of domestic bliss. But I will say this - things change when you progress from the world of house-sharing to the world of co-habitation. We had friends round to the new place for the first time last night, and while I was giving them the official tour, one asked: “So how have things changed now you’re living with your girlfriend?” I didn’t need to say anything - I just pointed to the bottle of Lemon Blossom & White Rose luxury handwash by the sink. Until I moved in with my girlfriend, I hadn’t been especially aware of a nascent nesting instinct in her. But it turns out said instinct was merely lying dormant, like a volcano, or a snoozing puma, because the minute we set foot through the door, the beast was unleashed. The house began to fill up with knick-knacks and candles and posh crisps and carafes. We have glass vases full of champagne corks, and our pasta is all in jars. There are four hundred different types of oil by the hob, from truffle and ground-nut to extra virgin and garlic-infused. A few days into our tenancy I found my girlfriend in the kitchen, scrolling through an iPhone app with a wild look in her eyes. ‘Are you OK?’

I think her hands might actually have been shaking. ‘I can’t... stop... buying... tea towels.’ And this was true. We now have an army of those novelty tea towels with London place names written on them, and she is also threatening to invest in a set of matching cushions. Last weekend I found out how much cushions cost, and let’s just say that you shouldn’t spend that amount of a money on a single item for your house unless it’s your ACTUAL HOUSE. The other thing is slate coasters. We have slate coasters now. And although I worry that slate coasters will look to future generations the way orange and brown furniture looked to mine, I am rather fond of them. I like to imagine that viking warriors - were they the sort to worry about leaving rings on their antique tables - would have used slate coasters for their flagons of beer, although of course they’d probably have made them themselves by biting chunks off cliff-edges, as opposed to buying them from Oliver Bonas like we did. But anyway, I digress. My girlfriend bought the coasters in question, and positioned them neatly on the faux-country wooden tray with the French writing on it, next to the whisky tumblers. They were wrapped up in brown string, which looked rather fetching, but when I made a move to unwrap them I was instructed that now was not the time for unwrapping the slate coasters. I was then informed that while the point at which it was okay to untie the coasters would one day be upon us, advance knowledge of this date would not be provided to me. It would just suddenly happen, much like the second coming of Christ. The coasters have, incidentally, now been set free, so you really must come over for a cuppa sometime. We’re working on a medley of tartan cushions that’ll blow your mind... Chris is a freelance writer and musician with internationally-renowned rock band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents and released a record with Sting’s producer. Chris has recently completed his first book, “Mockstars”, based on The Lightyears’ tour diaries. Find out more at www. MockstarsTheNovel.com.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS available throughout December BOOGIE NIGHTS GIRLS NIGHT COMEDY NIGHT NIGHT OF SINATRA From £30 per person NEW YEARS EVE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM £65 per person TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK PLEASE CALL 01480 474000 or EMAIL hotelbookings@abbotsley.com Abbotsley Golf Hotel, Potton Road, St Neots PE19 6XN, 01480 474000 www.abbotsley.com

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Recipe

SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Makes 4 Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes

Twice Baked Cheese Souffles

If the thought of baking a fragile cheese soufflé for a special dinner seems a little too ambitious, then think again. Baked once in advance then baked again just before serving, these delicious individual soufflés work every time. INGREDIENTS 40g butter, plus extra for greasing 40g plain flour 225ml milk, warmed 4 large eggs, separated 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley 75g mature Cheddar cheese, grated 75g Stilton cheese, crumbled Salt and freshly ground black pepper 150ml double cream Green salad, to serve Cayenne pepper, to sprinkle (optional) 1 Melt the butter in a saucepan then stir in the flour and mix with a wooden spoon to make a smooth paste. Cook over a low heat for 1 minute. Gradually whisk the milk a little at a time. Once all the milk has been added, cook over a low heat for a further 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until you have a smooth and thick sauce. Remove from the heat and cool for 5 minutes. 2 Beat in the egg yolks, parsley and two-thirds of the Cheddar and Stilton. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Preheat the

oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Butter four large ramekin dishes and line the bases with circles of baking parchment. 3 Place the egg whites in a clean, grease-free bowl and whisk until stiff. Beat one spoonful of the egg whites into the cheese sauce to loosen it slightly then gently fold the sauce into the remaining egg whites. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared dishes. 4 Place the dishes in a roasting tin and pour in boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 20-25 minutes until risen and golden. Transfer the dishes to a cooling rack (the soufflés will sink a little but don’t worry). Increase the oven temperature to 200C/400F/ Gas Mark 6. 4 Turn the soufflés out into a shallow baking dish and remove the lining papers. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and return to the oven for 15-20 minutes until piping hot and puffy. Spoon the cream over the top and bake for a further 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately with salad, sprinkled lightly with cayenne pepper, if liked. Tip - To prepare ahead, leave the soufflés to cool after the initial baking, then turn them out into the baking dish and cover with cling film. Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight and top with the cheese and bake for the second time just before serving.

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n O s ’ t a h W

30 & 31 October and 1 November “Fallen Angels” by Noel Coward 8pm St Mary’s Hall, Potton Tickets £8 Potton Playhouse proudly presents “Fallen Angels”, by Noel Coward. This comedy is set in 1925 and is about two married ladies who learn that an ex-lover from their past is in town Maurice, from Paris. The very amusing play is written with all the wit and style we expect from Noel Coward. Tickets available from Camerons. Buy early as Potton Playhouse productions sell out quickly! Tel: 01767 261431

1 November Fashion Show 7pm Trinity Methodist Church Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Advance Tickets £5 (to include light refreshments), On the door £6 In Aid of Trinity Community Project ‘Opening Doors for the Community’. Tickets available from M&Co, Market Square, Biggleswade and Biggleswade Express, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. 1 & 2 November The Importance of Being Earnest 7.45pm The Eco-Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay Gamlingay Players present “The Importance of Being Earnest”, the classic light-hearted drama by Oscar Wilde. Tickets on sale from The Cutting Mill and The Eco-Hub in Gamlingay, the Village Shop in Gransden and on-line. Web: www.gamlingayplayers.co.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 November Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy The Sandy Ukulele Group meets every Friday night. Visitors and new member welcome for a sing and a strum. Email: Sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com for more information. Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com 1, 15 & 29 November Whist Drive 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. All welcome. Refreshments included. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information 2 November The Signals Museum 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry permit from the Guardroom. See website for full information. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

2 November Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Gail Summerfield on ‘Crew yard to courtyard- How we converted a cattle yard into our private Mediterranean style garden’. Gail is a nurserywoman and runs ’Westshores’ Nurseries with her husband. She is also a part-time lecturer. Plants will be available for sale. Please note this is the group AGM). All welcome - small charge applies. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 3 November Fungi Foray 10am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy, Beds Adults £4, RSPB Members £3, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2 Come and discover some of the hundreds of wonderful fungi that fill the woodland at The Lodge at this time of the year, with experts from Bedfordshire Natural History Society. Booking essential. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 3 November Swiss Garden Project Open Day 10.30am-5.30pm Old Warden Village Hall The Old Warden Social History Research Group in conjunction with The Swiss Garden Project Open Day. Film shows of the Lord Ongley and the Shuttleworth eras. Talk on the Swiss Garden Project, memorabilia display, research findings and brief about the book to be published next year. Tea, coffee and drinks available. Tel: Mike 01767627753 Email: mike.marshall45@hotmail.com 3 November Fireworks Spectacular Gates open 4.30pm, fireworks 5.30pm Gamlingay Eco Hub Advance tickets £3.50, on the gate £4 on the gate, under 3s free Bring the whole family to enjoy our professional display. The sky will be alight with colourful, innovative and exciting new fireworks from Fantastic Fireworks. There will be BBQ, Soup, jacket potatoes and lots more refreshments. The children will have the opportunity to purchase a large selection of glowies. If you are feeling creative you can enter our ‘movies themed’ guy competition for just £1. Please bring guys at 4:30 for judging. Tickets available from Woodview Farm Shop, Eco Hub and Gamlingay First School. Tel: Janine 07947 171713 for more information Email gamlingay_fsa@yahoo.co.uk

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5 November Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm The Conservative Club, Brook End, Potton Visitors fee £3 including light refreshment Marion Blackman “My Life as a Florist”. Marion will be demonstrating a variety of arrangements which will then be raffled on the evening. New members welcome. 5-11 November Charity Art Exhibition Stratton Community College, Biggleswade Entry fee £10 which includes 12” square canvas and hanging fee. Stratton Upper School has joined forces with White House Arts in Cambridge to help raise money in aid of SOS Children’s Villages and Rowan. Artists need not restrict themselves to 2 dimensional work as long as the artwork fits within the dimensions and can be easily stored and displayed. Maximum 3 entries per person. All works will be exhibited anonymously at Chesterton Community College (16 & 17 November) and available for sale at £45 each. Proceeds to SOS Children’s Villages and Rowan. 16 & 17 November is the exhibition and sales of work at Chesterton Community College Cambridge. Tel: Lesa Welch – Head of Art 01767 220000 ext 132 6 November Folk Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall First Wednesday every month. Open floor folk session evening. Also open the box. Tel: Carolyn on 01767 640727 7, 14, 21 & 28 November The Amici Singers 7.45-9.45pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade The Amici Singers, conducted by Douglas Coombes MBE, is a women’s chorus of 50 voices who rehearse every Thursday. The Singers are wanting to expand so that some more adventurous repertoire can be tackled. The choir has travelled widely over the years to America, Europe and in the UK. At present the choir is rehearsing for a Christmas Concert sponsored by Sandy Rotary which will be at in the Eco Hub, Gamlingay on 7 December. There are no auditions to join. If you are interested why not come along on a Thursday for a taster, to hear the choir and have an enjoyable evening. Tel: Anne Bunker (Chairman) 01767 650630 or Carole Lindsay-Douglas (Committee member) 01767 260815 Web: www.amicisingers.net

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8 November Bingo Night 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar. Also open the box. All proceeds to support the Village Hall. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 8 & 9 November Continental Market 9am-5pm Sandy Car Park The market will have the sights and flavours of the best continental foods from all around Europe. Also available will be many items ideal for Christmas presents. 9 November The Importance of Being Earnest 7.45pm Little Gransden Village Hall, Little Gransden Gamlingay Players present “The Importance of Being Earnest”, the classic light-hearted drama by Oscar Wilde. Tickets on sale from The Cutting Mill and The Eco-Hub in Gamlingay, the Village Shop in Gransden and on-line. Web: www.gamlingayplayers.co.uk 9 November The Shannon Express Choir 7.30-9.30pm Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade Adults £10, Children £5 Two children’s choirs – the Sandy Primary School and Sutton Upper School, are supporting the choir. In aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Tickets available from Tysoe’s in Potton and Gamlingay Post Office. Tel: Lyn Whitney-Helbing 01767 316215 12 November Social Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Second Tuesday every month. The Bar is open for a drink and a chat. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 14 November Authentic Night - Ritzy India 6.30pm 2 Blackbird Street, Potton Adults £25, Children £15 In aid of Breast Cancer. Book your place now - Enjoy some traditional food for a great cause.. £10 of each ticket goes to Break Through Breast Cancer. Tel: 01767 261651 enquiry@ritzy india.co.uk 15 November The Blues Brothers Revue Doors open 7.30pm Burgoyne School, Potton Ticket: £8 The UK’s number 1 tribute act. Not to be missed. All proceeds go towards Party on Potton’s Big Weekend 2014. Fancy dress optional. Tickets from Camerons and Post Office. Web: www.partyonpotton.org.uk 16 November Christmas Gifts and Craft Market 11am-3pm Shepreth Village Hall

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Fun Quiz - Fairy Tales 1.

What type of creature threatens to eat the title characters in the fairy tale called Three Billy Goats Gruff? 2. In the original version of the fairy tale Snow White, the Queen attempts to kill Snow White by tricking her into eating a poisoned apple, but what else does the Queen poison in a previous attempt to kill Snow White? 3. Which song opens with the line “I thought love was only true in fairy tales”? 4. What was the surname of the German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm, who were famous for publishing collections of fairy tales in the 19th century? 5. Which fairy tale character is killed by a spider bite? 6. Which 2010 Disney film is loosely based on the fairy tale Rapunzel? 7. Famous for writing a number of fairy tales, what nationality was Hans Christian Andersen? 8. “Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin” is a line that features repeatedly in which fairy tale? 9. According to the lyrics of the song Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, what song were the “boys of the NYPD choir singing”? 10. Which fairy tale character said he would take the Queen’s child away from her if she didn’t guess his name within three days? 1. A troll 2. A comb 3. I’m A Believer (a hit single for The Monkees) 4. Grimm (known as the Brothers Grimm) 5. Tom Thumb 6. Tangled 7. Danish 8. Three Little Pigs 9. Galway Bay 10. Rumpelstiltskin

Before

After

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 80

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n O s ’ t a h W

17 November Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectables so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Cafe serving breakfast, lunches and afternoon tea. Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk

17 November Christmas Fayre & Coﬀee Morning 10am-12.30pm The Centenary Hall Admission £1 including coffee, tea or soft drink Kempston Support Group for Sue Ryder, St John’s Hospice Moggerhanger. Stalls include Christmas cards, Goodies & Gifts. Books, Jewellery, Homemade cakes, Pickles, Chutneys and Jams, Tombola, Raffle and much more. 17 November Christmas Craft Fayre 11am-3pm Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade Adults £1, children free 17 November Christmas Craft Fayre 11am-3pm Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay Lots of stalls, food and refreshments and a visit from Father Christmas. 19 November Gamlingay W I Meeting 7.30pm W I Hall The speaker will be Ms Maule on the subject of Christmas past. Visitors and new members most welcome. 22 November Performers & Pints 19: Best of Returning Artists Special! 8.30pm-11pm (ish) The Red Lion, 1 Station Road, Potton The Hired Gunns featuring Will Mak, Minnie Birch, Will Robert, Alice Amelia. A great community night out of live music for all. 4 ace emerging music artists, 1 amazing evening. Web: www.facebook.com/performersandpints Web: www.facebook.com/pages/Potton-Lower-SchoolPTA/220641037952121

23 November Winter Fayre Crafts 10am-12.30pm St Mary’s Parish Church, Everton Come along to the Winter Fayre Crafts with cakes, books, seasonal produce, raffle, bottle tombola, children’s activities, refreshments and more besides! 23 November Christmas Coﬀee Morning 10am-2pm Church Rooms, St Swithun’s Church, Sandy Gifts, books, crafts, preserves and Yuletide refreshments. All welcome. 23 November Christmas Bazaar & Craft Fair 10am-4pm Baptist Church Hall, 24, London Road, Biggleswade Free admission Biggleswade W.I. Wide variety of stalls including Knitted Toys, Wood Carving, Handmade Jewellery, Hand Painted Fabrics, Nappy Cakes, Wine Charms, Beaded Jewellery, Bric-a-brac, Quilling Cards and Gift Bags, Hair Accessories, Cakes, Second Hand Books, Fabric Crafts, Woodcrafts, Christmas Gifts, Scarves, Nail Art, Face Painting, Tombola, Christmas Cake Raffle and more. Refreshment available. 24 November Festive Shopping and Fun Day 11am-4pm RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Santa visit £3 Santa and his helper will be visiting The Lodge. Come along to get your gifts in the RSPB shop and enjoy festive face painting, make a super natural Christmas card, sample some delicious chocolate and fudge and try your luck on the tombola. Tasty mince pies mulled wine and hot soup for sale to warm you up. Small charges for activities. Tel: 01767 680541 24 November Chiltern West Gallery Quire: Christmas Carol Workshop 2pm-4.30pm Guide Headquarters, Icknield Way Letchworth Admission £5 including tea & biscuits This workshop is an introduction to the Carols and Christmas music which would have been sung in and around North Hertfordshire at the turn of the 19th Century. Beginners as well as regular singers are welcome to come and enjoy these lively local tunes. Come and learn local Christmas Carols. Music is available at £2 a book. Tel: 01462 629539 Web: www.cwgq.co.uk

24 November Christmas Bazaar 2.30pm Great Barford Village Hall, Fishers Close, Green End Road, Gt Barford Admission 50p, children free Organised by Bedford Biggleswade Cats Protection. Many stalls, Grand Raffle and Games. Refreshments and much more. 28 November Biggleswade Flower Club Doors open 6.45pm for 7.30pm Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Tickets £9 including wine and mince pie ‘Dreaming of a White Christmas’ by Alan Smith and Lee Berrill. Plant sale, raffle and sales table. Admission by ticket only. Tel: 01767 314371 or 01767 640848 28 November AGM of the Society and Potton in the 1970’s 7.30pm The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton Potton History Society. After the AGM the evening will look into the scrapbooks kept by Janet Norman and Patricia Yates that reveal what was really happening in the 70’s in Potton. Visitors always welcome. Light refreshments provided. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.com

30 November Star Gazing Night 7pm to late RSPB The Lodge, Sandy, Beds Adults £5, Children £3 The RSPB have teamed up with the Bedford Astronomical Society to search for the planets and stars of the night sky. In addition there will be a chance to use your own equipment to take photos of the night sky with advice and assistance (details of equipment required will be supplied on request). Short talks about RSPB The Lodge and an introduction to the stars will kick off the event. If the night is overcast, a talk by the Bedford Astronomical Society will be given instead of the search for the stars. Please book and pay in advance. Limited numbers. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 1 December Sandy Christmas Fayre 2pm onwards Market Square, Sandy Lights switch on at 4.30pm. Live music, carol singing, market stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Mulled Wine, Chestnuts, Hog Roast, Funfair and more! Tel: 01767 681491 3 December Red Cross Christmas Wreath Demonstration 12 noon-3.00pm and 6-9pm Savin’s Wholesale, Vinegar Hill, Hatch, Nr Sandy Tickets: £8 including access to wholesale goods Pre-booking essential. Tel: 01582 589083

29 November Ceilidh 8pm Adults £10, Over 65s £9, Under 18s £6, Students £7, Family £28 (2 adults & 3 children) November’s Unicorn Ceilidh features The Gloworms with caller Cat Kelly. The Gloworms are a London-based trio playing exciting reinterpretations of traditional English dance rhythms. Cat is a nationally-known caller with a wide repertoire of dances. All the dances are walked through beforehand, and it’s all about enjoying yourself, rather than getting everything step perfect. First 6 students before 8pm are FREE! Y ou don’t need to book tickets; there’s lots of room - just pay at the door. Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

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

30 November Christmas Fayre 12noon-3pm Southill Lower School, School Lane, Southill Free admission Great selection of retail stalls, Santa’s Grotto (gift and photo taken), children’s stalls, craft activity, festive refreshments, raffle and more. There is still availability for stallholders (no increase on last year’s price), please contact Karen May 07957 539594 or email playlemay@yahoo.co.uk. Supporting the Friends of Southill Lower School, Registered Charity No. 1149549.

8 December Christmas Fayre 10am-4pm Sandy Leisure Centre, Sandy Upper School Admission free – donations welcome In aid of The Miscarriage Association. Stalls include cakes, sweets, candles, personalised items, painting, jewellery, face painting, glitter tattoos, bouncy castle to name just a few. There will also be a Medium doing readings, spiritual healing, local beauty therapists offering services and taking bookings. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Email: claireaustin82@rocketmail.com

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Potton Lower School

HOUSEKEEPING & CONCIERGE SERVICES

Making a ﬂying start

01767 260239

Community Governor Vacancy

ND T

LEt US aSK yOU ONE qUES q qUEStION UES mE t mE OO HECtIC? HaS LIfE bECOmE tOO wE C Ca aN HELP... aN maybE wE CaN INSURE HIGHLy fULLy INSUREd, ESSIONa ESSION a dISCREEt, PROfESSIONaL, mPEt mPE PEtIt It COmPEtItIVE RatES… fOR fUR f URt URt fURtHER INfORmatION ONta ON taC Ct C t Ra CONtaCt RaCHaEL OR SCOtt ON:

We are looking for individuals who have: ●

An interest in the performance of the school and a desire to represent the community

●

The ability to look at issues objectively

●

The confidence to ask questions and join in debate

●

A willingness to listen and make informed judgements If you would like to know more please email g.booth@cbc.beds.sch.uk or call 01767 260239

tEL: 01767 631755

EmaIL: CLEaNaNdtIdyGROUP@GmaIL.COm

Our governing body is made up of representatives from the community, parents, the local authority and staff working together to benefit the children of the school. We set targets for raising standards, monitor progress, influence policies and development plans as well as being a critical friend to the head teacher.

www.pottonlower.co.uk Training will be provided. This is a voluntary role but expenses will be covered.

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PK Cleaning Services Est. since 1988

z Professional

Carpet and Upholstery cleaning z Window cleaning z UPVC Fascia cleaning z Patio and Driveway cleaning z Gutter and Soffit cleaning Free Estimates. Friendly and reliable service.

Paul Kaiser

Home 01767 222822 Mobile 07812 335860 Visit us on www.pkcleaningservices.net

1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience

FULLY INSURED! Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation. Steamed Up Glass Faulty Window or Door Locks & Hinges Draughty Windows and Doors Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters New Conservatory Roofs

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Prize

The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 Nearest (7) 5 Inexpensive (5) 8 Type of cattle (7) 9 A slight fever (5) 10 Sweet, thick liquid (5) 11 Flat area of high land (7) 12 Form of dance (6) 14 In good condition (6) 17 Family member (7) 19 Trimmed (5) 22 Enclosed within (5) 23 Non-professional (7) 24 Dizzy (5) 25 Painters (7)

cut out this page and send to the address below before

18th November 2013

Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:



Complete the crossword, fill in your details below,

Down 1 3D squares (5) 2 To give or volunteer (5) 3 Prototype (7) 4 Soldiers (6) 5 Bedtime drink (5) 6 Obvious (7) 7 Contaminate (7) 12 Imploring (7) 13 highly intelligent (7) 15 Graceful (7) 16 Type of fruit (6) 18 unclean (5) 20 Conjecture (5) 21 Risks (5)

Tel:

Address:

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

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

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

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

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

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

Retirement Planning

Annuities • Open-Market-Options • Pensions

Savings & Investments ISAs • OEICs • Bonds

Protection

Life • Critical Illness • Income

Existing Plans & Portfolios Review Needs & Objectives

To arrange an appointment please contact:

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

www.waynebacon.2plan.com 2plan wealth management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is entered on the FCA register (www.fca.org.uk) under reference 461598. Registered office: 2plan wealth management Ltd. Bridgewater Place, Water Lane, Leeds, LS11 5BZ. Registered in England Number: 05998270 VAT Registered: 894679251

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

01767 652971 or 07870 338074

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

Chimney Sweep Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps

JULIAN BIGGS/PHILIP BULLEN

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept)

www.julianbiggschimneysweep.co.uk

Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£40 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) ....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) .....£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ...................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean)............£12 Hob .................................................................£12

located in Northill, Beds

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

Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free

Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081

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

email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com

parent company est. 1998

Mark Dilley Electrical

D.S. LEWIS CARPENTRY & BUILDING

Part P Registered Company 22386

• Property Maintenance & Improvements

Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections

• Flat Pack Furniture Assembly

• Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

No job too small Free estimates All work to BS7671 regulations City and Guilds qualified

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

• New Build & Refurbishment

Carpentry Contracts Welcome

01480 473 524 M: 07967 184 163 T:

E: danlewis.carpentrybuilding@gmail.com

mark@markdilleyelectrical.co.uk 90

• Extensions, Garage Conversions

Fully Insured Established 1990

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

Classifieds Books

BOOk REVIEw

By Bruce Edwards Betrayal in Burgundy Harold Shaw Matador p/b £8.99 ISBN 978 178088 4882

Coming close to the November days when remembrance allied with an odd twinge of acidic nostalgia in the older generation causes the majority to stand silent for a brief period in time, this choice is apposite, a fictional story of a Lancaster bomber pilot “Perfectly captures the conflicts and choices brought about by war.” says the back cover. When your reviewer undertook the copy edit of the original manuscript, the first thought was ‘not another war story’. However, as the red pen hovered over each page with an editor’s selfsame conflict and choices, clearly an exploration of emotion lay below the expressed grittiness of the young aircrew’s transient lives. Imagine the violent swings in sensation; the delights of ‘drinking with a girl in the sanctuary of an English country pub’ then not hours later, suffering the throbbing roar in the close confines of a bomb delivery machine. Inevitably, disaster strikes our hero and then there’s a different girl . . . If given the opportunity to visit Monet’s Garden at Givenchy, spare time to wander up to the church. There’s a relic and a memorial to the crew of just such a bomber as portrayed in this book who lie there together ‘in foreign soil’. The poignancy of youthful desires, the atmosphere and tension of war so well portrayed in this novel can be felt in just such surroundings. This is more than a war story, it is an echo and a tribute to the tragedies of its time.

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

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Classifieds Decorating Services

Electricians

DECORATING SERVICES

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

222 028

M: 07887

618 832

email: topcoat@ntlworld.com

Garden Specialist

Domestic Repairs JB Domestic Domestic Repairs

Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers No Call Out Charge!

Local, honest, professional service

Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

Domestic Repairs

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

Handy Man

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

Bill Tangye

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

Dressmaking - Alterations and Bespoke

01767 677898 or 07711 311956

Handy Man

Alterations and Repairs, Bespoke Dressmaker The Village Shop, High Street, Wrestlingworth

07533 971399

Please ring for more information

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

Classifieds Handy Man

Physio Do you need a local physio? Rosemary Hand has over 20 years experience treating musculoskeletal/ sports injuries. Located in Great Gransden

For further details call 07595 041121

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitter

Plastering Services

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

Steve Swain

Plastering Contractor All aspects Plastering, Pebble Dashing Rendering, Screeding

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

Painting Services

Mob: 07887 861881 Tel: 01767 226404

Plastering Services

James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07792 415356 or 01767 317161 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Pet Services

Private Car Hire

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Classifieds Private Car Hire

Property Improvements

Mats Cars Private Hire Potton Based

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

4+7 Seater Cars Available

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

Property Improvements by

A professional property maintenance service

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

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

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 Dinky ad_03.indd 1

Property Improvements

Storage

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

Security Services

3/12/12 11:45:18

STORAGE

Property Improvements

Domestic and Commercial Storage (Near Potton)

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

Please call 01767 260248 or 07970 292055

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

SIX PORTS SIX CHEESES

7pm Sunday 8

December

WHAT BETTER WAY TO

FINISH THE WEEKEND

£25 PER PERSON

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