Potton oct 13 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 96 - October 2013

and Town

Life

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

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VILLAGER

In this Issue

Issue 96 - October 2013

The

and Town

Life

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

Win Tickets

To The Festive Gift Fayre

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

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Editorial Sarah Fryer, Pippa Greenwood, James Baggott, Helen Taylor, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Julia Faulks, Katherine Sorrell, Bruce Edwards , Solange Hando, Tori Brignell, Sarah Davey, Alex Brown, Susan Brookes and Lee Bestall Advertising Sales Nigel Frost - nigel@villagermag.com Photography Ruth Black and Adam Bent Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton Bedsfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

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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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The History of Halloween................................................ 4 Where Am I?.................................................................... 10 Safe As Houses................................................................ 15 Tired of Trick or Treating................................................. 16 Gill McGregor’s Christmas Extravaganza.......................22 Autumn Colours..............................................................24 Sandy Tourist Information..............................................26 Quick and Easy Beauty Fixes........................................... 31 The Secrets of Shannon Express....................................33 It’s Good to Talk..............................................................35 Paris................................................................................ 36 October........................................................................... 39 Celebrity Organist Entertains......................................... 41 Light Up Your Life...........................................................42 Simple Car Checks...........................................................45 Biggleswade Sandy Lions...............................................47 Climbing Plants............................................................... 50 Garden View....................................................................52 How To Carve a Pumpkin Lantern..................................55 TXT SPK 4 UNCOOL PPL..................................................57 Animal Know-How......................................................... 58 Using Pattern to Perfection........................................... 60 Children’s Page............................................................... 65 How to Make Your Child a Millionaire........................... 66 Driving 911 HUL................................................................70 Seasonal Delights............................................................72 What’s On........................................................................74 Fun Quiz...........................................................................76 Wordsearch.....................................................................79 UK Autumn Breaks......................................................... 83 Biggleswade Talking Newspaper.................................. 89 Book Review....................................................................92

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THE History of...

HALLOWEEN

Ghosts and ghouls, beautifully carved pumpkins and swarms of children dressed up and running around excitedly, all acts associated with Halloween. October the 31st is celebrated by some almost as much as Christmas, with traditions and parties and big family gatherings taking place, but where did it all begin and why? Why do we want to celebrate the spooky unknown and cover our faces in fake blood and green paint? Well it dates back to a very long time ago. Halloween, also known as All Hallows Eve is celebrated annually on October the 31st. The best information available indicates that Halloween originated in the early Middle Ages as a Catholic vigil noted on the eve of All Saints Day, November the 1st. It has become commonplace to trace its roots even further back in time to a pagan festival of ancient Ireland known as Samhain (pronounced sow’-een), about which little is actually known. The prehistoric observance is said to have marked the end of summer and the onset of winter, and was celebrated with feasting, bonfires, sacrificial offerings, and homage to the dead. Typical festive Halloween activities include trickor-treating (also known as “guising”), carving

pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories under the dark night sky, and watching horror films. Trick and Treating is very popular in England, and in fact has grown in popularity over time. In years gone by children respected the traditions of Halloween and the significance of trick and treating, which has always been to politely obtain candy from people by knocking door to door in their neighbourhood. In 2013 though, it is fair to say that many people trick & treat purely to scaremonger the vulnerable and ask for more than just candy. Some terrible “tricks” are played on people and their property which is sad, as it proves the tradition and meaning behind it all has escaped their memories. Part of the history and joy of Halloween is of course the Halloween costumes. The practice of dressing up and begging door to door for treats goes back to the Middle Ages, and includes Christmas wassailing. Trick-or-treating resembles the late medieval practice of “souling,” when poor folk would go door to door on Hallowmas (November 1), receiving food in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls Day (November 2). It originated in Ireland and Britain, although similar

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practices for the souls of the dead were found as far south as Italy. It is not just Great Britain whom has taken on the traditions of Halloween, Other western countries embrace the occasion too, and in the late twentieth century we saw the likes of Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia and New Zealand all carving pumpkins and draping spider webs from their windows! So what else do we know about Halloween and it’s traditions? Well carving pumpkins or jack-olanterns as they are rightfully known is a crucial part of October the 31st, but why? Jack o’ Lantern carving is thought to of come from Ireland, where once turnips or beets were used to hold candles and make Turnip lanterns. Sometimes faces would be carved into them and they were made on the Gaelic festival of Samhain (31 October–1 November) in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. Samhain was a time when fairies and spirits were said to be active and could be seen dancing around. The purpose of these lanterns may have been threefold. They may have been used to light one’s way while outside on Samhain night; to represent the spirits and otherworldly beings; and/or to protect oneself and one’s home from them. Bettina Arnold writes that they were sometimes set on windowsills to keep them out of one’s home. This Belief continues today, and pumpkins are used to ward off any spirits that may be associated with Halloween. 99% of the pumpkins sold in supermarkets and on fruit and veg stalls in October are used as Jacko-lanterns on Halloween, which when you think about it, is a massive statistic. The biggest pumpkin in the world tipped the scales at a ginormous 1446 pounds. This quite frankly substantial mass was weighed in October 2004 at a pumpkin festival in Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada. The record for the fastest pumpkin carver in the world is Jerry Ayers of Ohio, who miraculously carved a whole pumpkin in just 37 seconds. According to legend, the jack-o’-lantern took its name from a cheapskate known as Jack, who tricked the Devil into promising he wouldn’t have to go to hell for his sins. When Jack died he found out he had been barred from heaven, so he journeyed to the gates of hell to demand his due. The Devil would not let him in and made Jack wander the earth for all eternity with only an ember of fire to light his way, hence he was

known as Jack-o-Lantern. It wasn’t until Irish immigrants brought the custom of carving jack-o’-lanterns to North America that the more commonly available pumpkin came to be used for that purpose, and not until the mid-to-late 19th century that pumpkin carving became a Halloween staple across the United States. Apple bobbing is another tradition associated with Halloween. It is believed that the Roman festival for remembering the dead was held in October. It was during this time that the Romans remembered and worshipped their goddess of tree’s and fruit, Pomona. When they came to Britain they started to hold this festival on the same day as Samhain. So it is believed this is the key as to why Apple Bobbing is associated with Halloween now. As mentioned earlier, Halloween is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In Japan for example ‘O-Bon festival’ celebrates the memory of dead relatives. Food and water is placed in front of photos of the deceased. Bonfires and lanterns light the spirits’ path back to earth. O-Bon is celebrated by some people from July 1315 and others from August 13-15, O-Bon gets its name from the Sanskrit word for “to hang upside down.” It refers to a legend about a Buddhist monk who, deep in meditation, was able to “see” his long-dead mother hanging upside down in the Buddhist equivalent of hell. This was her punishment for having eaten meat during her lifetime, a Buddhist taboo and refusing to repent

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of it. The monk was holy enough to go to hell and buy his mother’s passage to Nirvana with some of his own excess goodness. On the first day of O-Bon, people decorate their loved ones’ graves with fruit, cakes, and lanterns. On the second day, spirit altars or as they are referred to ‘tamadana’, are assembled at home as the ancestors’ memorial plaques stand on a woven matt. Tempting vegetarian dishes and cucumbers are carved to represent horses on which the spirits are invited to ride. On the third day, whole communities gather for the bonodori, a hypnotic, slow dance that moves in concentric circles or multiple lines. Hundreds of people often dance together. As evening falls, tiny paper lanterns are set adrift on rivers or seas: these gently light the spirits way back to the “other shore”. In Italy, it is believed that they make cakes in the shape of beans. These cakes are called “Beans of the Dead”. In Southern Italy families prepare a special feast for the souls of the departed on All Souls’ Day. The families would set the table with a plentiful meal. Then they would all go to church to pray for the souls of the deceased. They stayed there all day, leaving their home open so that the spirits could enter and enjoy the feast too. When the family returned home to find that their offerings hadn’t been consumed it meant that the spirits disapproved of their home and would work evil against them during the coming year. As with many traditions in life, there always comes superstitions, and Halloween is no exception. In England it is said that if a black cat crosses your path it is good luck. However in Spain and North America it is thought a black cat to be terribly bad luck. A black cat must not cross your path, enter your house or ship, or evil spirits will haunt that home for a year. Ringing a bell apparently warns off evil spirits and if you fancy coming face to face with a witch, then it is said if you take your clothes off and wear them inside out whilst walking backwards, this is what fate lies ahead for you! Halloween is not just for the children; in fact more and more adults are taking an interest in the ghoulish event, especially when you have haunted places to visit like Pluckley in Kent. Reputed to be one of the most haunted villages in England, its supernatural portfolio includes a screaming man who may have worked at the village brickworks and fallen to his death, and a highwayman said to have been run through with

a sword and pinned to a tree at aptly named Fright Corner, where he appears as a shadowy figure. Other ghosts said to haunt the area include that of a schoolmaster found hanging by children and of an old woman who used to sit on a bridge, smoking her pipe, drinking gin and selling the watercress she had gathered from the stream. The Golden Fleece in York is another hive of paranormal activity, alleged to be steeped in haunting history. Once visited by the team of the hit show “The Most Haunted” it has gone down in history as being the place to stay on October 31st. York is also popular for inviting the public to take part in ghost walks, especially on Halloween. There is in fact something extremely satisfying about feeling scared whilst walking in the dark and talking about ghosts and spirits. There are various symbols associated with Halloween. The colours orange and black are very common, probably referring to fire from the lanterns and black for the night or death. Other symbols include witches, wizards, ghosts, spirits and characters from horror films. Animals associated with the festival include bats, spiders and black cats. There are various opinions as to why spiders are associated with Halloween, although no proven evidence is available. Some say that because spiders are generally more active and prevalent in October, this is why they have become a symbol for Halloween. Other thoughts seem to be because of their colour, whilst others purely put it down to the fact that they are scary. All in all, Halloween should be celebrated. What a great shame it would be to lose such a big tradition in England. Let’s keep the history and the meaning behind it and ensure our children are safe and well educated when they knock on neighbouring doors this spooky Halloween. Happy Halloween

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WHERE ARE WE?

WHERE AM I? DO YOU KNOW?

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

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

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

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COMPETITION PAGES COMPETITION PAGES CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER!

MORE TO SEE, TRY, TOUCH, TASTE, ENJOY … AND BUY at THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR Join in the fun at the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, the biggest and best Christmas Shopping Fair, returns to the NEC for four days from 21 – 24 November. Christmas means gifts for your loved ones, hanging decorations on the tree, excitement on children’s faces, party clothes, stockings hanging over the hearth, a table fit for a festive feast! The run up to Christmas Day involves lots of planning! The hardest and often most time consuming part is buying the presents. There’s no need to be stuck for ideas, Festive Gift Fair makes it so easy. From the moment you arrive, you’ll get into the Christmas spirit, and be caught up in the excitement of browsing round over 325 stalls hunting for your perfect gifts. And when your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Crèche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy some great Christmas music by bands and choirs. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular events at the NEC! We love the challenge of finding unusual gift

ideas – with so many to see at the Fair, selecting the best is a challenge indeed! EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY! Raise a glass! That’s the spirit! FOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE. Mum, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Girlfriend - There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a special thoughtful surprise they will love. …. FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE. Chaps can be notoriously difficult to buy for – you’ll find Whisky, woollies, watches, clever gadgets and silly stocking fillers at Festive Gift Fair………. KIDS STUFF. You’ve managed to keep the presents out of sight from little prying eyes for weeks, and NOW the big day is here. All smiles on Christmas Day! SET THE SCENE FOR A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS. Dressing the tree is just the start! Dressing your table, your hall, your mantle-piece can all help make Christmas Day really special. Light lots of twinkling candles, use elegant glasses, colour coordinated linen… you’ll find lots of inspiration at Festive Gift Fair.

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address to the address below by Fri 8th Nov 2013. Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The Winner will be drawn at random.

If you are not a lucky winner, advanced tickets are priced from just £8.50. Book now by calling NEC Ticket Hotline on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.theticketfactory.com (£1.50 per booking transaction).

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Safe As Houses - Village Houses

Why village homes will always be a sound buy My mum thinks that I live ‘in the sticks’. I live in Eltisley and she lives in Cambridge just 11.6 miles away or a little under 15 minutes along the A428. ‘I could never move all this way’ she says usually right after commenting how much she enjoyed walking around the village green looking at all of the ‘pretty houses’ or how ‘everyone is so friendly in the village and always say hello’. Seemingly, my mum is in the minority because for the past 15 years there has been a strong and growing demand for village property and experts predict that this trend will continue to strengthen due a number of key factors. The first influencing factor is technology. Over the past 15 years the way in which we live and work has changed dramatically due to our increasing reliance upon the internet. It is now estimated that over 25% of people will now work from home at some point during the working week. Therefore, for many, geography is becoming less of an issue when choosing a home and the need for peaceful surroundings is becoming more of a requirement. Technology also negates a lot of the older geographical considerations which once sat high on the ‘must have’ lists for many home buyers such as wanting to be within 10 minutes of the local Sainsbury’s. All of the major supermarkets now offer online shopping and deliver to your door - even village doors.

Schools have always been a key factor of any parent looking to move home and over the last 15 years there has been a noticeable and growing difference between the performance of village schools versus their inner-city counterparts according to the various indices available. As a lot of teachers will tell you there is a direct link between school performance and class sizes and whilst many inner-city schools are struggling to deal with the ever growing demand on their services, most village schools can still boast average class sizes which rival expensive private schools. In response to our ever increasing population, vast new developments have begun to spring up all over the region. New towns such as Cambourne have appeared and Loves Farm is set to dramatically redefine the boundaries of St Neots as we know it. Whilst these homes are highly efficient to build and offer clean, practical and modern living it is fair to say that it is unlikely that any will be appearing on an episode of Grand Designs anytime soon. As a direct result of these new homes, the character, uniqueness and romanticism of most village homes is becoming more scarce by every new build property that is built and as everybody well knows, the more scare a commodity becomes the greater the value. By Tori Brignell (Village and Country Homes)

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Tired of trick-or-treating?

By Alex Brown

Take away the worry this Halloween and try something different Halloween is on the horizon again and with it comes the trick-or-treating dilemma. For some, it is just a bit of harmless fun. However, many parents are concerned about the safety aspects of knocking on strangers’ doors, while others object to the idea of ‘begging’ for sweets. If you’re not keen, there are still plenty of ways to get into the spirit of Halloween and enjoy yourselves at home. Apple-bobbing is the traditional game for this time of year. Simply place a few fruits in a bowl of water and challenge children to grab one with their teeth – no hands allowed! Getting dressed-up is another great part of Halloween. Invite some friends round and organise a costume parade. You could give prizes for the best homemade outfit, most scary, or most unusual. To really gross out your guests, organise a touchy-feely challenge. Assemble foods that can double-up as creepy body parts – for example, cold cooked spaghetti, jelly or baked beans make great innards, sausages or gherkins can be witch’s fingers, and imagine that pickled onions are vampire’s eyeballs. Cover each bowl with a cloth and see if your guests are brave enough to put in a hand and guess what they can feel! Many party games can be adapted to suit a spooky

celebration. Instead of a donkey, how about Pin the Nose on the Witch? Draw a witch on a large piece of paper, and ask children to cut out noses from coloured paper. They are then blindfolded and turned around three times before trying to stick their nose in the correct position. When it’s time for a dance, have yourself a Monster Mash! Play some lively tunes and when the music stops, everyone stands as still as a statue in their most terrifying pose. Finally, wind down with a game of Sleeping Zombies. You simply have to lie on the floor and stay completely still. Anyone who moves is out. It’s harder than it sounds and children love it! How to trick-or-treat safely If you do want to go trick-or-treating, you can have fun and stay safe if you follow some basic rules: • Younger children should always go out with an adult. Agree a curfew for older children and make sure you know who they are with and where they are going. Remind children never to go into the house of anyone they do not know. • If possible, agree in advance with your neighbours which houses you will visit. Do not go to homes that aren’t lit. • Dark costumes make children difficult for motorists to see. Take a torch and wear glow bands or fluorescent strips.

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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best. Not only enter the unbelievable world of close up professional magic that is second to none, you can now see a cabaret show that will leave you gasping, your guests enthralled and audience participation that is not only professional but will cause laughter throughout and will be something to remember for a very long time. This is ideal for any corporate or private event. Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance). Please phone or email for details

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Gallery 1066 putting art

into the heart of the next generation

By Doug Hyde

Gallery 1066 putting art into the heart of the next generation with Primary School initiative. Gallery 1066 are helping to encourage art as a fun way to express yourself and are kicking off their first initiative with local primary schools. In conjunction with the launch of the new collection by the UK’s much loved and award winning artist Doug Hyde, 1066 are encouraging teachers, mums and dads to bring their children along and get involved in the first ’primary interschool competition’. On the 19th – 27th October, 1066 will be exhibiting an exclusive range of Doug’s new edition paintings, sculpture and unseen originals. Doug Hyde is a unique artist who brings love, happiness and laughter through his paintings and is loved by all age groups - you cannot help but smile when you see his work. Having captured the nation with his whimsical style since 2002 it is no surprise Doug is now firmly the best selling, UK living artist. The painting competition will consist of the option to bring a Doug Hyde picture to life which you

will be able to download off the website or pick up a printed copy from the gallery.... OR create your very own Doug Hyde painting! For the most creative entry Gallery 1066 will donate a signed Limited edition painting to the winner with runner up prizes and for the most entries received from any one school the gallery will pledge a donation to their art department. For a chance to win your very own Doug Hyde painting, a prize that will last a life time - Gallery 1066 are asking everyone with children from reception to year 6 to support this, it’s free to enter and the top 10 pieces will be displayed at the gallery alongside the winning piece. For more information on the Dough Hyde Show and this competition please contact the Gallery on 01462 622233, info@gallery1066fineart.com or www.gallery1066fineart.com

By Mark Spain

By John Waterhouse

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See Gill McGregor’s

Christmas Extravaganza in Sandy!

Sandy Flower Club are delighted to be welcoming Gill McGregor to demonstrate at their Christmas open meeting on 5th December at Sandy Place Academy at 7.30 p.m. “Gill has a reputation for delivering inspirational designs with distinction wrapped in a conversation of humour!” Come along and enjoy an evening of floral fun, watching as Gill creates some amazing designs in her show entitled “Christmas Extravaganza”. A Flower arranger since the age of 11, Gill was on the adult flower arrangers, competitors’ circuit at the age of 14; winning a host of different competitions and awards. At 16 Gill performed her first Floral Art demonstration and became a qualified NAFAS Flower Arranging demonstrator in 1992. As a fully qualified Flower Arranger, Gill has taught Traditional Flower arranging and contemporary floral art classes and workshops; receiving hosts of compliments for their course content and her teaching delivery. In August this year Gill launched her own Floral Design College delivering intensive high class courses in Floristry, Flower Arrangement and traditional

and contemporary crafts. If you would like more information on what Gill is doing visit her website at www.gillmcgregor.com or you can follow her on Twitter @gillmcgregor. For many years Gill was a Floral Art scheme adviser for City and Guilds and wrote the current suite of C&G Level 1-3 Flower Arranging qualifications. Flower Arranging has always been Gill’s passion and she continually strives to design and develop new Floral Art techniques and designs for the Floral Art World. Gill’s experience encompasses the management of thriving retail floristry businesses in London for 12 years, running a floral and balloon decorating business specialising in wedding designs and decor, participating in wedding fairs and wedding fashion show catwalks; all added greatly to Gill’s expertise for developing courses. Get your tickets to see Gill McGregor at £10 each from 8th October from Sandy Flower Club Secretary, Marianne Attfield, telephone 01767 226275. Price includes light refreshments. There will be a sales table, and arrangements will be raffled. Numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

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Autumn Colours

By Susan Brookes

Have you ever wondered why leaves change colour in Autumn? Here’s a simple explanation: Leaves convert carbon dioxide, water and sunlight into energy in a process called photosynthesis. The special ingredient for this is the chemical pigment chlorophyll, which gives leaves their bright green colour. But leaves also contain other pigments - carotene and xanthophylls, which are yellow and orange based. These help absorb sunlight, which they transfer to chlorophyll for photosynthesis, but, as Summer comes to an end, leaves can’t continue photosynthesising because of the dry air and lack of sunlight. They stop producing chlorophyll, and the yellow and orange pigments get a chance to shine. Red hues come from pigments called anthocyanins. Not all trees produce anthocyanins, and even those that do, need exactly the right conditions. Anthocyanins protect the leaves from excess sunlight and enable the trees to recover any last remaining nutrients before the leaves fall off. They give leaves bright red, purple and crimson colours. You’ll see more vibrant reds in years where there’s lots of sunlight and dry weather. You’ll also see more reds in nearfreezing weather when low nutrient levels, and other plant stressors also seem to trigger increased levels of anthocyanins. Arboretums are great places to view the best displays of fiery foliage: The National Arboretum at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire has a particularly grand display of Japanese Maples which are ablaze with colour from September to November. Batsford in

Gloucestershire, Bodenham in Worcestershire, Thorp Perrow in North Yorkshire, and Winkworth in Surrey are also highly recommended. Several of the National Trust’s gardens also have great Autumn colours, including Sheffield Park, Stourhead, Arlington Court, Hidcote Manor, Anglesey Abbey, Calke Abbey and Clumber Park. There are also vibrant Autumn displays at many Forestry Commission sites. Mauldon Woods in Bedfordshire for example has over twenty different tree species, and at Bedgebury in Kent’s High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a walk down Dallimore Valley passes the liquid amber, tulip trees, ginkos, oaks, black birch and the nyssas, all of which were chosen for their spectacular autumn colour. Many of these attractions have special Autumn events including guided tours, special trails and explanatory talks. Outside the UK, the world renowned places to see amazing Autumn colours include: U.S.A. – Vermont, White Mountains in New Hampshire, Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Shenandoah Park in Virginia and Acadia National Park in Maine. China - Fragrant Hill in Beijing, The Yellow Mountains, Tauchuan Huangshan, Kanas Urumqui , Miyaluo Chengdu. Elsewhere - Kyoto in Japan, Alberta in Canada, the Loire Valley in France and Ahornboden in Austria. So whether you are in your back garden or half way across the world, enjoy nature’s magnificent Autumn colours.

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SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

SEPTEMBER 2013

TIC GUIDED WALKS There are two Tourist Information Centre Guided Walks remaining this year :a. The first Guided Walk is ‘THE SANDY AND EVERTON WALK’ and this takes place on Saturday, 5th October. You will have the opportunity to explore the countryside between Sandy and the village of Everton, following part of the Greensand Ridge. This walk takes you from the wooded paths of Sandy along the Roman road and then ascends the hill to the village of Everton and returns to Sandy via The Lodge(RSPB) reserve. The walk passes through pasture, parkland and woodland, offering fine views and passing interesting features. The Sandy - Everton Walk costs £5 per person (payable on booking please). Meet at the Tourist Information Centre at 2.30pm. To book your place please call into the TIC or contact us by telephone or email (see details below). b. The second and final walk of the year is the SANDY WARREN CHRISTMAS WALK. We will visit areas of the ancient parts of Sandy Warren (now the site of The Lodge - RSPB Headquarters) and we walk some of the trails in this beautiful part of Bedfordshire. There will be a Christmas theme to the Walk and there will be seasonal refreshments served during or after the Walk. Look out for further details in next month’s edition. TIC AUTUMN and WINTER TALKS All these Talks will take place in the Council Chamber of Sandy Town Council, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy. Please book your place for these Talks as numbers are limited. Photograph from the Sandy TIC 2014 Calendar

The first Talk is called ROMAN SANDY and this takes place on Thursday, 3rd October. This fascinating Talk will be given by the AOC Archaeology Group from Twickenham. AOC recently completed a seven week excavation in advance of the new Tesco store in New Road, Sandy. AOC will tell us about Roman Sandy in general and about the discoveries found during the dig earlier this year. You will also be able to see the Roman Sandy Story display in the Chamber and which includes such items as pottery, coins, bronze brooches, animal bone, sculpture, etc . Many of the artefacts form part of the ‘Roman Sandy Story’ in the Sandy Town Council Offices where this Talk will be held. Also within the ‘Roman Sandy Story’ exhibition there are excellent artist’s interpretations of what Roman Sandy may have looked like and this was based on the evidence of the foundations etc of properties found during the various excavations. The Cost will be £5 per person. Refreshments will be served by members of the Sandy Historical Research Group to raise funds for their work. The Second Talk for this year is the RISE AND FALL OF THE CARDINGTON AIRSHIPS to be held on Wednesday, 6th November. 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. The third Talk of the year is the BEDFORD TO CAMBRIDGE RAILWAY and this will be held on Wednesday, 4th December . 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.

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SANDY CHRISTMAS CARDS AND CALENDAR 2014 The Sandy Tourist Information Centre 2014 Calendar will be on sale at the TIC and the cost will be £5.50. This year it includes some wonderful and some unusual photographs of Sandy including the following:St Swithuns’s Church from Sandye Place, a steam train passing through a snow covered Sandy ,Sandye Place in a winter landscape, spring scene in Stratford Road, Sandy Farmers Market, Bluebell Woods, Wildlife montage scene on the River Ivel, Sandy Parish Church’s Patronal Flower Festival, Sandy Show around 1910, Traction Engine steaming along Everton Road, Autumn comes to Sandy woodlands, Walkers on a TIC Walk at The Lodge and a Winter landscape in Hawkesbury Meadow. There will be two Sandy scenes on the Sandy Tourist Information Centre Christmas Cards this year:One depicts a wintry scene looking along Sand Lane through the Sandhills and the other depicts the Christmas Tree in the Market Square at night lit for the Christmas festivities. The Christmas Cards are sold with envelopes in packs of 10 at £3 .25 or individually with an envelope at 35 pence

each. To rid yourselves of those winter blues why not take a walk in the beautiful countryside that surrounds Sandy and the outlying villages. We hold a large range of free walking leaflets. We also hold a range of leaflets of local cycle rides you can undertake. One just recently published is called the South Cambridgeshire, Beds and North Herts Cycle Map. This guide has a range of rides in the locality and costs £4.99. 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 Tourist Information Centre is located at the rear of the Town Council offices next to the Town Centre Car Park. 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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Quick and Easy Beauty Fixes

By Helen Taylor

We have some top beauty tips that will make you look gorgeous in minutes. For a Whiter Smile Brighten up your smile by adding a little baking soda to your toothpaste. It’s a really effective way of removing surface stains which are caused by tooth discoloring food and drinks. Make your teeth appear whiter by choosing a lipstick in a flattering shade: Bold rich reds and berry colours help your teeth appear several shades lighter, and pink or red hues with a blue undertone immediately make your pearly whites stand out because the blue undertones counteract yellow stained enamel. Orange and yellowy toned reds or coral shades have the opposite effect as they will actually make your teeth appear more stained and enhance their yellow hue. If reds or pinks aren’t your thing, then try a subtle lip shade in a shimmering, glossy neutral colour which disguise greying enamel. For a Healthy Glow To instantly enhance your complexion and create a healthy, youthful glow, all you will need is a pink coloured blusher and a shimmering highlighter. Sculpt and enhance your cheekbones by applying your blusher first. The pink shade will add a flush of colour to your skin, making your whole face appear brighter and more youthful.

Next, apply a highlighter - powder and cream versions work well - to the top of your cheekbones and blend well. You can also use a little of the product under your eyebrows to draw attention to your eyes, as well as a dab on your cupids bow to make your lips look fuller. For an Instant Facelift Sparse or unruly brows are equally ageing. If you’ve over-plucked in the past, fill-out your brows by using both a good quality eyebrow pencil and eyebrow powder, in a colour that’s one shade lighter than your hair, to add subtle definition. Bushy brows need to be carefully shaped. First, remove any hair that grows beyond your upper brow line - do this by brushing your eyebrows up with a brow brush - and snipping off the long ends. Then, brush the hair downwards in the opposite direction and cut the hairs that extend past the lower brow line. Gradually tweeze away hairs in a line that tapers when you reach the peak of your arch. Take a little from each brow at a time and keep them both looking even. For Kissable Lips Lips look best when they’re relaxed. Many of us clench and tense our lips, making them look smaller, harder and altogether less kissable. Relax them by parting them a little, this makes them look instantly fuller. Get super soft lips by applying a generous amount of lip balm all over, then gently exfoliate using a dry toothbrush or facecloth to remove all dead skin and reveal kissable soft lips. Finish off by applying some more balm. For a Wide-eyed Look Open up your eyes in an instant by carefully lining along your top lashes with a black liquid eyeliner brown works well with blonde hair and is a softer alternative to black if you’re more mature. Position eyelash curlers at the base of your top lashes and gently squeeze. Set with a few coats of either black or brown mascara, depending on which eyeliner shade you select. Line under your bottom lashes and finish with a slick of white eyeliner on the inner rim of your eye. Image courtesy of Estee Lauder

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The Secrets of Shannon Express

We just love to sing

Our members often describe their hobby as one of the best kept secrets around. However, the forty plus men of all ages, who make up Shannon Express are more than welcome to let you in on it! We just love to sing. Most of us are amateurs but we are far from ‘amateurish’ and work hard to sing as well as we possibly can. If you have not heard us we think you are in for a bit a treat. The chorus is made up of four sections with each section singing different notes to form chords. It is based on the original barbershop quartet singing style. Nowadays it is more widely known as ‘a cappella’ or four part close harmony singing and the days of striped waistcoats and straw boaters have long since gone! Our music is slick, harmonious and thoroughly entertaining – both for us and for our audiences. Shannon Express was formed 35 years ago and has a long, illustrious record. Amongst many successes the pinnacle must be becoming the UK Barbershop Champions, going on to represent the UK at the World Championships – twice! In competition this year we took eighth place overall and second in the Eastern Region. Over the last two years the chorus has seen a lot of new members join and our repertoire expand following the appointment of Tony Bylett, our new musical director. Tony is a lifelong barbershop singer and has strong links with Shannon Express. His father Ray is one of the founders and son Freddie has just joined - our youngest member to date. Three generations of the same family,

fantastic! It is no secret that we appeal to men of all ages! On Thursday evenings we meet to rehearse and sing for pleasure. We perform at venues across the region, often for charities, but also at private and corporate events. Look out for our next public performances, the Sandy Sangerstevne Choral Festival, 19th October and the Marie Curie Cancer Care Concert, 9th November in Biggleswade. The thrill of performing for an audience is quite uplifting and we are convinced that it is good for our health. Exercising the body and mind in unison and a lot of smiling keeps us young at heart. Many of our members live in and around Potton but such is the club’s reputation that many travel quite long distances to rehearse and perform. We are always on the lookout for new members and here is another secret. Learning to sing with us is not as difficult as most people think. Yes you have to be able to hold a note and be able to learn a tune. But we have a painless way of learning and you don’t need to be able to read music, as most of our members will admit. Fancy the idea of singing with us? Give it a go! Our next recruitment evening is Thursday 31st October at the Holiday Inn Garden Court, Sandy. We think we have one of the best hobbies there is, but shush, don’t tell everyone, keep it a secret and contact us! Call Paul Browne on 07848 972689 or go to www.shannonexpress.org.uk

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It’s good to talk

by Julia Faulks

More of us are open to the idea of seeking counselling to help us cope when life becomes complicated. We go to the gym to feel good physically; we have massages to feel good holistically; so counselling can be thought of as a sort of ‘mind massage’, giving you the opportunity to let your words and emotions out without being judged. The number of people accessing mental health services has risen steadily in recent years, yet not everyone will use NHS services. You might decide to go private for a number of reasons - there may be a waiting list or a lack of availability in your area, for example. “I started off by having counselling under the NHS, but this meant I couldn’t choose my counsellor. I didn’t really get on with her, and I wasn’t able to select what type of counselling therapy she followed,” said Samantha, 28 years’ old. “I decided that it was better to go down the private route.” Taking control of your life Counselling can help you when you’re struggling to cope, whether it’s for depression, stress and anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, drug or alcohol misuse, bereavement, sexuality issues, or post-traumatic disorder and there are many different types of counselling therapies. There’s no shame in seeking further help; instead of seeing it as a weakness, it can be the first step towards taking control of your life and finding new strength, especially if you feel you have nobody close to confide in. A counsellor won’t tell you what choices to make or offer you specific advice, but they will guide you and help you understand why you may be feeling a certain way. Your first visit will give you and your therapist the opportunity to decide if you feel comfortable with each other and to talk about what you want to achieve from the sessions. Some sessions can even take place online, for example using Skype for video calls. What makes a good counsellor? A good counsellor should not judge or criticise you, but instead will focus on what you are saying in order to help you deal with your problems. If you feel that things aren’t going the way you want them to, then you should discuss this with

your counsellor first to see if anything can be improved before going to a new one. Regular sessions are also a good idea so that you can start to see a difference. All counsellors are required to have supervision and counselling themselves as part of their training. Payments and accreditation Fees can differ depending on the experience of the counsellor and the number of sessions you commit to. Ensure that any health professional you go with is registered and approved. You can find out more about this by getting in touch with one of the following bodies or visiting the relevant websites: • British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) • UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): psychotherapists • The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) • British Psychological Society: psychologists • Association for Family Therapy (AFT): family therapists • British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC): psychoanalytic psychotherapists • College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT, formerly BASRT): couples counselling and sex therapists If you can’t afford private therapy, then it’s important not to try and deal with things on your own. Your GP can talk to you about other options available as well as letting you know about free talking therapies from charities or voluntary organisations.

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Paris - off the beaten track

BY SOLANGE HANDO

Beyond the grand boulevards and iconic monuments, the French capital has a few secret places known only to the Parisians. Who wants to join the crowds on the river Seine when Canal St Martin beckons with an air of countryside? Here, fishermen doze on the banks, boats glide through the locks and ancient bridges and traditional inns mingle their reflections. You can cruise on emerald waters, cycle or walk on the tow path or join the Tai Chi adepts moving in slow motion under the chestnut trees. Just a stone’s throw away, you reach La Villette, a futuristic park where the great Géode cinema sphere complements a Science Museum and Cité de la Musique. All around is a maze of elevated walkways and bright red follies sprouting like toadstools among immaculate lawns. There are curving stone seats with incorporated lights, fountains and jade-coloured pools, a bamboo grove and a 19th century cattle shed turned into a cultural venue. La Villette is only one of many parks in Paris barely visited by the tourists. On a sunny afternoon, families, young lovers and old folk flock to the scenic Buttes de Chaumont, well worth the climb for the views right across the capital to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. You couldn’t dream of a more restful place with valleys and lawns and weeping willows tumbling down to the waterfall and man-made lake. But what can you do with a viaduct when trains no longer run on it? Paris is not just a glamorous face, it’s creative. Imagine scores of pink brick archways glowing in the light, stretching along a plane tree avenue, each one converted into a glass-fronted boutique or workshop, plus a pavement café or two, and you have the elegant

‘Viaduc des Arts’, a treasure trove of painted furniture and restored antiques, old maps, wrought iron, brass, paintings, sculptures, picture frames and period costumes hand-sewn for the stage. But the planners went one step further, creating a hanging garden along the track with water features and lavender hedges and, at times, plunging views over the streets, heading all the way to the Bois de Vincennes. With its boating lake, its wild woodlands and floral gardens, Vincennes is the perfect escape. Here, the Parisians play pétanque, sunbathe in lush meadows or ramble through the forest, picking blackberries or looking out for squirrels and birds. The rural atmosphere of Vincennes is no secret but here and there in the capital are other village-like areas. Look out for the treelined rue de Mouzaia where bright façades recall the southern sun even on a winter day and villas with tiny rose gardens climb up the cobbled alleyways. Or make your way to the Belleville market, awash with exotic fruit, spices and herbs, Norwegian salmon, octopus, watches and T-shirts. The hill top reveals a lovely panorama over the city, framed by one of the last Parisian vineyards. Looking for culture? Try one of the unusual museums, romantic life, textiles, magic, or the house of Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables, on Place des Vosges, then relax in the Luxembourg Gardens where men play chess in the shade and toddlers sail their boats on the ornamental pond. Flower beds bursting with colours meander along the paths while on the river bank, the Eiffel Tower looks down on the scene and a few Parisian secrets just off the beaten track.

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October

Anniversary October 6th 1888: Edison patents the Kinetoscope October 6th 1927: Warner Bros release The Jazz Singer In the 1880s, inventors almost everywhere were trying to develop a more commercial variety of the magic lantern, which had been popular as a party novelty and fairground sideshow for generations. They mostly seem to have known what their competitors were up to, and if they heard of an idea they thought promising... they just stole it. Take the Lumière brothers. Their combined camera and projector, the Cinématographe, was actually invented by Léon Bouly and when he couldn’t afford to renew the patent, the brothers took it for themselves. Furthermore an invention by Charles-Emile Reynaud - perforated celluloid film – was also appropriated by the brothers despite a patent being in force. They showed their first film, the 49-second long Workers Leaving the Factory, in December 1895. By 1895, though, the great American inventor Thomas Edison had already been cheerfully profiting from other people’s ideas for seven years. In February 1888 he was approached by the English photographer Eadweard (no, really!) Muybridge with the idea of mounting stills on a phonograph cylinder. Edison told Muybridge it was impractical, and on 6th October filed a pre-emptive patent for the idea of – guess what – mounting stills on a phonograph cylinder. The Kinetoscope wasn’t

that practical, though; the breakthrough came the following year when Eastman Kodak patented celluloid film on reels. Even Edison couldn’t steal from Kodak. Kinetoscope films had to be watched one viewer at a time on a peep-show device, the Kinetograph – basically a What the Butler Saw machine – developed by Edison technician William Dickson, who wasn’t above a bit of plagiarism himself. Dickson was approached by an inventor called Woodville Latham for advice on making the Eidoloscope, which projected the pictures on to a proper screen. Dickson took the idea, rechristened it the Mutoscope, and set up his own company. Edison hit back with Projectoscope, which was essentially the same idea, and the movie industry was born. 39 years later, moviegoers at the Warner Theatre in Times Square, New York, were stunned to hear Al Jolson say: “Wait a minute! Wait a minute! You ain’t heard nothing yet!” Jolson was a major star of musical theatre, and plenty of the guests at that evening’s premiere were more than familiar with the sound of his voice. But this was a movie – The Jazz Singer – and it was the first custom-made talkie in history. It was a sensation. Warner Brothers had been developing the Vitaphone for some time and on October 7th 1926, released a recording of part of Jolson’s stage act. The Vitaphone was pretty crude: as each scene was filmed the dialogue was simply recorded onto a 16-inch shellac disc, and if the cinema projectionist dropped the needle on to the right place at the right time, then sound and motion were synchronised. But after just 20 plays the disc became impossibly scratched. RCA’s Photophone sound-on-film system was already well-advanced by the time The Jazz Singer came out and was officially launched the following year, making Warner’s Vitaphone obsolete almost overnight. So were silent movies: within two years of The Jazz Singer’s New York premiere, every studio in Hollywood was making only talkies. Finally, supporting an idea that October could be Movie Month: on 5th October 1962 the world first heard Sean Connery utter the immortal line: “My name ish Bond – Jamesh Bond.” The movie was Dr No, and if that’s not worth raising a vodka martini to, nothing is.

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Celebrity Organist

Entertains

Nigel Ogden, presenter of BBC Radio 2’s long running programme ‘The Organist Entertains’ is returning to Biggleswade for another concert of well-known and loved popular classic pieces at Trinity Methodist Church in Shortmead St on Saturday 12th October at 7pm. As well as presenting the weekly radio show Nigel showcases his talent out and about and is at home on organs large or small, from mighty cinema organs to the console of a little country church. He was last here in 2010 for a sell-out performance that delighted everyone. His friendly personality and his choices of familiar and popular numbers make for a very relaxed and enjoyable evening’s entertainment. A large display screen allows the whole audience to see him at the keyboard and appreciate his wonderful skills. The concert is being organised by Biggleswade & District Choral Society. Chairman Archie Russell says “To see and hear Nigel’s virtuoso playing live is very special. To be able to do so just round

the corner is definitely an opportunity not to be missed.” Tickets are £10 each, including homemade refreshments, and can be obtained from 01767 316104 or 01767 315318. Numbers are limited so early purchase is strongly recommended.

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Light up your life

Sensors, smartphones & serious savings As we come into the winter, we start to need more light in our homes both day and night. There seemed little new in the lighting market for many years, but this has all changed now and from energy saving and long life to remote control, the technology has come out of the dark ages. The most obvious change in lighting is the end of incandescent bulbs and the arrival of low energy lighting. While early CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs were pretty horrible and couldn’t be dimmed, today’s models are far nicer and can even be bought with remote controls to dim and brighten them. The big news though, is the rise of LED. Lightemitting diodes aren’t just incredibly cheap to run; because they don’t get as hot as other bulbs, they are much more versatile. They’re already a common sight in car headlamps, and you can replace most of your house’s incandescent bulbs with LEDs for relatively little cash - including halogen downlighters, which were previously difficult and expensive to replace with LEDs. When you combine LEDs with sensors, things start getting interesting. For around £12 you can get LED motion detectors, which light up stairs and other potential hazard areas and a LED in an external motion-sensing security light will give you the same peace of mind as before without the enormous energy drain. As technology gets smaller and cheaper, it also gets smarter. Wouldn’t it be great if your lighting linked in to your wireless network and could be controlled by your phone? That’s already

available: Philips’ Hue lightbulbs do just that, enabling you to change both brightness and colours - so you might use a gently brightening yellow glow to wake you in the morning, or point at a photo to get the lighting to match its colours. It’ll be a while before such technology is every day affordable though - a starter pack will currently set you back £179 for one controller and three bulbs - but it’s still quite exciting. Another exciting idea is Wemo, Belkin’s wireless technology for home automation. You can already buy Wemo-enabled plugs, and now you can buy Wemo-enabled light switches. Once again it isn’t cheap - expect to pay around £39.99 for a light switch and the same for a plug socket that you can use to control table lamps - but the technology is interesting: you can combine Wemo with the “If This Then That” web service, so for example you could add a motion detector to switch on the hall light when you open the front door or get the light switch to activate at sunset each evening. If you like the idea of motion sensors, light sensors or timers for your lighting but would rather not shell out for expensive smartphoneconnected kit, you don’t have to: a simple but effective motion and sound-sensing light switch will set you back less than £10, an electronic timer light switch will cost less than £10 and one with a built-in sensor will only cost a few pounds more. The smartphone-compatible hardware may have the wow factor, but lower-tech options won’t give your wallet the “ow” factor.

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Anstee Gorst

Chartered Certified Accountants

- Accounts preparation for Sole traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies - Self assessment tax returns - Cash Flow Forecasting - Vat, Payroll & Bookkeeping - Business Start Up Free Initial Consultation Phone: Antoinette Gorst ACCA or Sally Anstee FCCA 01767 650700 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 30, Green End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds, SG19 3LF Email: office@ansteegorst.co.uk Website: www.ansteegorst.co.uk

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects including extensions, loft/garage conversions, garages and outbuildings through to new build dwellings with all necessary council approvals obtained. For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:01767 677540 or 07908 004816 e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.

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Specialists in Country Homes, Rural and Commercial Property Lettings in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

01462 713 713

info@bestresidential.co.uk

www.bestresidential.co.uk

Absolutely ... Positively ... NO pressure to sell! We give you FREE VALUATIONS .... YOU DECIDE !

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CASH Cambridge Coins and Jewellery Coins, Medals, Banknotes, Tokens, Postcards.

Anything GOLD any SILVER....even broken jewellery!

Buying and selling old Coins, Military Medals, Tokens, Banknotes and bullion ...as well as Jewellery.

52 High Street // Biggleswade // Beds // SG18 0LJ // (Opposite â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Codfatherâ&#x20AC;?) Open Wednesday to Saturday. 11am to 7pm

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Simple Car Checks

Everyone Should Know Dogs are meant to be a man’s best friend. Unequivocally loyal, they stick by us through thick and thin. But have you ever wondered how you’d manage without your car? Equally constant and trusty, you can keep it that way with a few simple maintenance checks. First things first though. If you want to reduce the risk of a breakdown, get your vehicle serviced regularly! Check your handbook for the manufacturer’s recommendations and then follow them. You don’t need to book your service with the manufacturer - there are plenty of local garages around who are more than up to the job. Engine Oil Check engine oil levels fortnightly, or before a long journey, by removing the dipstick while the engine is cold, wiping it clean with a cloth, re-inserting it and then checking that the oil falls between the recommended levels marked on the stick. If it doesn’t, top up with a good quality engine oil that is the right grade for your car. Oil lubricates the engine parts and low levels could cause it to eventually seize. Water Check the coolant level when the engine is cool. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators, and top up as necessary. Adding antifreeze will stop the coolant freezing during winter and will also prevent the build-up of corrosion, so is important all year round. Tyres Know the correct pressures for your car, and check them at least every two weeks (including the spare). Also check the tread and general condition, looking for cuts on sidewalls. Lights With your car turned on and parked, have someone walk around to see that all your lights are working – headlights, indicators, brake, tail and fog lights etc. Replace bulbs as necessary, or get a local garage to do it for you. Also give your lights a clean with a damp cloth, especially during bad weather.

Wipers Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn. Replace them at least once a year for best performance. Screenwash Water alone will not clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter. Use a good quality additive all year round to keep your windscreen clean and visibility clear. Windscreen Check regularly for stone damage as this can impair vision and distract attention. Minor chips can be easily repaired, but if left untreated, can develop into cracks that may require the whole windscreen to be replaced. Bodywork Deal promptly with any damage to prevent rust setting in. If carried out regularly, these checks will help you enjoy safe, worry-free motoring with man’s new best friend! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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

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

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

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Biggleswade Sandy Lions

OUTSIDE IN

Biggleswade Sandy Lions are delighted to support this charity by donation and giving it much needed publicity for the caring support they give to families who have a member suffering from Autism or attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Based at Best House, Shefford Road, Clifton, they receive no core funding and depend heavily on donations. They have 3 staff and 2 specialist consultants and some volunteers,all with experience of children who have these problems. Autism can affect these children for life. They have difficulties with social interaction, communication and restricted, repetitive behaviour patterns. They suffer from high anxiety levels and withdrawal and often have one all consuming interest. ADHD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and the cause is unknown. A characteristic is that the sufferer can only deal with things in small bites. They find it hard to process instructions, often remembering only the first item on a list. Whilst often highly intelligent, they find it hard to integrate. They have high anxiety and anger levels,

so they need coping strategies. Sadly, at present there is no known cure. Famous people who have or had this condition are Sir Isaac Newton, Bill Gates and Stephen Spielberg. Outside In never turns anybody away and parents supported range from those on job seekers allowance to single parents. They provide parenting support courses, so they can manage their child’s condition and bond with them and cope with their challenging behaviour. Life skills courses are provided which includes coping with bullying to which these children are prone. There are courses for teachers so they can recognise the condition and know how to deal with it. Above all, there is a helpline. Biggleswade Sandy Lions are pleased to “spread the word”. To find out more about your local Lions and what we do, visit www.biggleswadesandylions. org.uk. Or call 0845 833 9749. Do you have some time to spare to help in the community? We would be pleased to see you.

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Chri

in a rather delicious way.

Once upon a time on a perfectly white winter’s night in a

he fine wines and festive spirits warmed their very sou l s

This Christmas we’re oﬀering something new for groups of eight or more* – a traditional feast laid out for you to enjoy with family and friends. You can choose a four-course, three-course or two-course feast. Pop in for a menu and a chat, or call us on 01767 260221. *December à la carte menu available for smaller parties.

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istmas

east

a small market square there was an olde coaching inn wi t h

a roaring fire and a mag n i

f i cently hearty feast laid out for merry friends to enjoy as The Coach House 12 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP 01767 260221 www.coachhousepotton.co.uk Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

CLIMBING PLANTS

By PIPPA GREENWOOD Climbing plants, especially those with flamboyant flowers or fantastic foliage can transform a garden and offer a whole new planting opportunity, as your garden literally goes upwards and takes a vertical climb. Supporting Cast - A few climbers are self-clingers and don’t need a special support system when grown against a fence or wall; Virginia creeper and Hydrangea petiolaris for instance. But most need to have a proper support, and it pays to put this in place before you plant. For lighter weight climbers some trellis, perhaps prettily painted will do the trick, but for heavier climbers such as a vigorous clematis, or wisteria, you will need galvanised straining wires. Easy Access - If you use trellis as a support on a wall, it can be attached to wooden battens which are fixed to the wall using rawl plugs. Use a series of hinges to attach one edge of the trellis to the batten, and a few hooks to allow you to raise or lower the trellis for when you need to maintain the wall. Planting Distance - Climbers won’t thrive if they don’t receive enough water at the base. The ‘rain shadow’ created by the house roof and the drying effect of the wall’s foundations can make the soil close-by extremely dry so plant a minimum of 45cm (18in) away from the base of the wall and fork in plenty of well-rotted bulky organic matter before planting too. Train it well - If the climber is quite small, it may need to be trained in the right direction. A short bamboo cane or several for a multi-stemmed plant, can be angled from the base of the plant to the vertical surface, allowing you to tie in the stems and edge them towards the support. Once the climber has reached the wall, the enlarging network of stems may become congested if left to its own devices, so actively train the stems to grow in the direction you need them to. Extra Care - Climbers planted against a wall will need extra TLC if they’re to look their best. Make watering them top-priority, especially for the first 18 months whilst they’re becoming established. Apply a good, bulky organic mulch to a depth of about 8cm (3in) or so all around the rooting area, but take care to avoid the mulch coming in to direct contact with the stems. Arches, Arbours and Pergolas - Climbers don’t just

look good on house, garden and garage walls and fences, they can also be used to great effect over arches and pergolas or to clothe an arbour. You may need to install some supporting wires here too, so go for galvanised wires and sturdy vine-eyes as fixings. Choosing a scented climber or two will add to the charm of a cosy arbour or archway. Clever Combinations - If the surface that you want to plant up is big enough, try to use climbers that flower in different seasons as, chosen carefully, the plants you use will increase the period for which the arch, pergola, arbour, wall or fence, looks its best. Bare Ankles - Many climbers do have a habit of becoming a bit bare at the base, especially after they’ve been in place for a few years. Try some seasonal bedding plants around the base, or plant a small and attractive shrub a little further away to hide the bare stems. Ten Top Climbers Climbing roses Honeysuckle Clematis Hydrangea petiolaris Vitis coignetiae Solanum crispum Tropaeolum speciosum Akebia quinata Actinidia kolomikta Parthenocissus henryana Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com where you can sign up for her free newsletter, and buy a great range of gardening products including Nemaslug, caterpillar, ant, vineweevil and other Nemasys controls, snail and slug barriers, Enviromesh and Envirofleece.

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Rid your lawn of moss & weeds. Start today!

Local family business

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▪ Fertiliser applications ▪ Moss and weed treatments ▪ Scariﬁcation and aeration

Lawn Renovations

▪ Re-seeding, overseeding ▪ Turf laying

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Brilliant Lawns Caring for your lawn

Pottons Specialist Welding and Fabricating Company

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

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

ma m e G • • • •

stairs benches individual beds furniture

• • • •

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

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Garden View

The late show

Good planning and preparation can make this time of year a dramatic moment in the garden, but if you feel your outside space lacks autumn pizzazz, the work for next year’s spectacle begins right now. You still have time to plant late flowering herbaceous perennials and hardy grasses, both of which have beautiful flowers in bloom right now, but aim to do this at the beginning of the month. Experiment with vivid red Helenium such as ‘Rubinzwerg’ which look fantastic when planted in front of the biscuit coloured flower spikes of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’, or try the much lower, but no less dramatic double pink flowers of Colchicum ‘Water lily’ towards the front of the border. I would challenge anyone who does not favour grasses to find another species which offers colour and texture to match this diverse range of plants. As I sit in the autumn garden right now, perched on a cold metal bench, I can admire the wonderful tall arching stems of Stipa gigantea swaying in the gentle breeze. Standing proud since July, this majestic grass will carry on performing until the heavy snow flattens the delicate oat-like flower spikes. If the subtlety of the grassy flowers are not enough to sustain your need for autumn colour, then try Aster ‘October Skies’ for a splash of late season lilac. The daisy like flowers are produced in abundance over a long period of time, and the great news is that it’s happy growing on dry poor soil in sun or even part shade. It won’t get much bigger than 45cm tall so doesn’t need staking and the colours seem to intensify as the light levels fall. As we progress further into the month, the bright yellows, oranges and reds synonymous with October, slowly deepen before fading to a muddy brown. As the aroma of decay intensifies, I notice the evening light fades faster of late, as the autumn sun sets on another 52

gardening day. Other fun things to do this month include: Make chutney from the left over autumn harvest such as pears, apples and carrots. Stewed and pickled fruit and vegetables make great personalised gifts for Christmas Sow board beans now if you have a light soil or raised beds, and you will have an earlier crop next year. Give them protection with fleece to keep out the worst of the weather Move tender plants in to a heated greenhouse, or pot them on and bring indoors Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs including Alliums, Daffs, Crocus and Iris. Delay planting Tulips until next month. Collect seed from the garden and dry in paper bags. Sow them next spring and if you have too many give them away. Happy Gardening, By Lee Bestall

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified. General and specialist garden work: Jungle clearing, Pruning, Hedge and grass cutting, Regular maintenance, Licensed waste disposal. Full public liability cover. Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science Email:geoffwharton@hotmail.com

Tel: 01767 261727

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

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

For your Free Estimate call Joe on:

01767 - 260 550

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

•All types of Fencing• Also stock

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

Call Mark: 07711 376 287 or Jenny: 01462 892 253 www.oakleyfarming.co.uk

GILKS FENCING LTD Suppliers of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public

• New Products in Stock •

• Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing • Concrete Slotted Posts Great Value Tools New Display & Sales Area Now Open Full Installation Service

Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX Tel: 01767 650 615 Fax: 01767 654 944

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

Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

SURECLEAN Gutter Cleaning Gutters cleaned safely from the ground using our ladderless gutter cleaning system. Powerful vacuum will remove leaves, moss and all debris and make no mess. We can clean up to the height of 40ft.

Call us for a free quote

01767 652971/07870 338074 www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk

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How to Carve a Pumpkin Lantern

By Sarah Davey

You will need Pumpkins, Night lights Small sharp knife (a craft knife works well) Spoon You can now buy specialist pumpkin-carving sets which contain plastic serrated saws, scrapers and scoops. Cooking Oil, Felt-tip Pens Newspaper for working on Instructions 1. Draw a circle or hexagon on top of the pumpkin (where the stem is). This will be the lid which you remove so you can insert your hand. 2. Cut through the pumpkin-top with the knife. Use a back-and-forth slicing motion to cut through the thick, tough skin. Remove the cap, scrape off any pulp and seeds and add a couple of slit vents to allow heat to escape. 3. Scoop out the seeds and pulp using the spoon. 4. Draw a pattern for the face on to the pumpkin with a felt-tip pen. Make the eyes, nose and

mouth larger than you think you need, because you will have a hard time cutting out tiny features from the tough skin. 5. Follow your pattern as you cut all the way through the pumpkin. Push the cut-out features gently from the inside of the pumpkin and discard the pieces. 6. Place a night-light inside the pumpkin to create an eerie glow. Tip Coat the cut pumpkin-edges with cooking oil to keep the lantern fresh longer.

ACE PEST CONTROL Fast, efficient, friendly service with very competitive rates Available - 7 days a week Local company. Established 25 years We specialise in all pest problems especially WASPS

Phone: 01767 627417 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

 Personal customer service, collection and delivery available.  Assessment of individual requirements.  Full after sales backup and parts service.  NEW Oregon, the world's only unique battery operated, self-sharpening s In stock. chain saw.  Ride-on and pedestrian mowers, chainsaws, strimmers, hedge trimmers, cultivators, estate and equestrian equipment. Trailers - sales, hire, service.  Accessories, oils, Aspen fuel, batteries, spares, security locks for garden/ horticultural machinery and trailers. horticultu

Appointed dealers for:

 Main dealer for Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki & Mountfield engines.

Honeydon Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2LY

01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm

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TXT SPK 4 UNCOOL PPL

By Sarah Davey

I have three teenagers who are compulsive texters. Hence I receive at least a dozen texts per day. Unfortunately I don’t speak TXT fluently so they take ages for me to decipher. In the end I asked my son to pen me a brief guide. He rolled his eyes then dutifully obliged. I offer it up to other non-TXT-speaking parents. NP - No problem. To be fair I’d kind of worked this one out, but they use it a lot so I’ve included it. WBU - What about you? PROPS - Proper respect due. E.g. PROPS to Mandy, she passed her test. HMU - Hit me up. It’s a slang way of saying ‘Call me’. W/E - ‘Whatever!’ Total teen-speak! TYVM - Thank you very much. At least they have manners! KK - OK. This seems bizarre but apparently it’s faster to type. Speed is everything when you’re seventeen, unless you’re in the bathroom getting ready for a night out!

BRB - Be right back. Not sure from where, as they are all surgically attached to their phones. SUP - Wassup. I’m assured this is a friendly enquiry along the lines of ‘How are you doing. GR8 - Great. Presumably a suitable reply to SUP. OATUS - On a totally unrelated subject. There are many of these interjections in any TXT conversation with a teenage girl. O RLY - Oh really? Not the innocent expression it may seem. This is a negative, rather sarcastic response. My son uses this one a lot! RL - In real life. This one amuses me endlessly. It refers to life which happens away from the phone or computer. I’m often amazed they realise there is one!

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ANIMAL KNOW-HOW

Helping the nation’s favourite….

Many young animals are handed into the RSPCA as ‘orphans’ but haven’t actually been abandoned at all! Following a few simple steps can make sure you’re doing the right thing for any hedgehog you find. Hibernation is a response to a shortage of food in winter. Hedgehogs usually hibernate between November and mid to late March. But if the weather is mild and food available, then hedgehogs may remain active into November or December. Try to set aside a hedgehog-friendly area of your garden where you can leave welcome heaps of leaves and brushwood. If you have to light a bonfire using one of these heaps, always check to make sure there are no animals sheltering in the middle of it. Food and fresh water at any time of the year will encourage visiting hedgehogs to

return regularly. Don’t leave out milk as it can cause severe diarrhea when drunk by young hedgehogs – also called hoglets. You could try leaving out food such as minced meat, fresh liver, tinned dog food (not fishbased), or even chopped boiled eggs. Small quantities of bran or crushed dog biscuits can also be used to provide bulk. Young hedgehogs born late in the season won’t have enough fat reserves to survive hibernation. So any orphans found weighing less than 500g at the end of the autumn will need help in putting on weight to get them through the winter. If you think this might be the case with the ‘hog in your garden, or if the hedgehog is sick or injured, then contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk) also has a list of local hedgehog carers on their website. Despite recently being voted Britain’s favourite national species (BBC Wildlife Magazine), hedgehog numbers are in fairly sharp decline – so they need all the help they can get. By understanding what type of help they need, and when, you can be an important part of improving this situation. ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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Pond Clearance Last few items remaining

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Using pattern to perfection

BY KATHERINE SORRELL From the subtlest of stripes to the boldest of modern floral prints, pattern offers infinite choices to suit any space. Pattern, like colour, can be a wonderful addition to a home, providing character and vitality, from an complex scheme, to simple touches such as a wallpapered wall or a set of cushions. Pattern can create a focal point, for example by recovering a chair; or subtle interest through a few simple pieces featuring understated designs. Or it can be an entire room, a complex combination of patterned walls, rugs, fabrics and accessories. Using pattern is not actually as complex as it may seem. It’s best to start by working out your preference. Simple, graphic motifs in muted colours or naturalistic designs in vivid shades? Large scale or small? Historical prints or modern? And would you like just a dash of pattern to enliven an otherwise plain room, or a striking combination of patterns for an all-over look? You may own the perfect inspiration already: an antique quilt, a painted vase, a print from an old book or a favourite shirt, perhaps. Borrow ideas from magazines and books, other people’s homes, or even from fashionable bars and restaurants. Wherever you find your patterned fabric, however, try to obtain large samples and,

before spending a great deal of money, hang them in place to gain a really good idea of their final effect. There’s no denying that it’s easier to go down the simple route with pattern, and limit it to appearing in just one or two places. But combining a variety of patterns, though harder to get right, can be tremendously exciting and full of impact. Whatever items you’re putting together, there are some guidelines that will help make the best of them. First: colours. When mixing pattern with pattern or, indeed, pattern with plain, a really good colour match is important. This will hang the whole effect together. Stand back and assess which colours are most visible in your patterns, then aim to combine one main colour with two or three highlights. Second: scale. In bigger rooms, you can afford to use very large-scale patterns, while smaller rooms are generally better suited to medium- or smallscale patterns When combining patterns, aim to vary their scales – to avoid monotony – without going to dramatic changes of size which tend to look strange. Remember very small patterns are only really noticeable close up; from a distance they look like a plain colour. Third: density. Loose, open patterns give a visual ‘breather’, while intricate patterns with closely placed designs have more drama. As with scale, a variety of densities gives balance and interest. Fourth: design. Abstract, figurative, retro, traditional, modern – you name it, there’s something for everyone. Avoid an incongruous mix by limiting your pattern combinations to designs that originate from the same era or stylistic aesthetic. Remember that plains and stripes are brilliant at co-ordinating with more intricate patterns. And finally: cheat! If you love the idea of pattern but are really stuck, check out manufacturers’ wallpaper and fabric pattern books, which show you how to mix and match with ease. Keep experimenting and persevere. Success with pattern is simply a case of trial and error, putting different things together and changing them around until you’re totally happy with the results – a coherent, confident look that has great pattern panache.

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Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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

WOOD GREEN... After dark Halloween fun Monday 28 October 5.00pm – 6.30pm Godmanchester Centre £5 per child Meet some of our nocturnal animals, face your fears in the rodent room, feed our animals some Halloween treats and join us for spooky story time. Prize for the best Halloween costume. Suitable for 5 year olds and over and booking essential.

Halloween Fun 26th October – 3rd November, 10.00am – 3pm Godmanchester Centre FREE

Charity Shop

Bring the kids to Wood Green this October half term and let them take part in our Halloween Fun Trail. Find the 12 spooky clues around Wood Green to win a prize.

Children’s play area

Why not stop for a coffee or lunch in our spooky themed coffee shop.

Open 7 days a week

Restaurant Pet & Gift Shop Children’s ‘hands on’ events 10.00am – 4.00pm

To book for all events call the Hands On team on 0844 248 8181 or email for further information handson@woodgreen.org.uk

Godmanchester Centre King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH

Animal rehoming

Free entry

Heydon Centre Highway Cottage, Chishill Road, Heydon Hertfordshire, SG8 8PN

Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or Email: info@woodgreen.org.uk Registered Charity No. 298348.

The Animals Charity

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WGAS Villager 131w x 93h Potton 9.13.indd 1

12/9/13 17:00:19

Private Tuition

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

• Biology

• A Levels/GCSE

• Chemistry • Key Stage 2 • Maths

• Crash Courses

Swimming Lessons • • • • • •

Private pool - Tadlow ASA qualified teachers Beginners & stroke technique classes 1-3 pupils per class 10 week courses (term time only) Mother and Toddler classes

For a friendly chat call Anne on:

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

www.annehutson.co.uk

annehutson

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

The Andrews

DANCE CENTRE CHILDRENS DANCE CLASSES Held at:

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

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

T: 64

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How to make your child

a millionaire

Raising children costs a small fortune (it’s currently estimated at around £200,000), but if you’re clever, you could help them to become millionaires. Pensions for babies Stakeholders Probably the easiest type of pension to take out for your child is the Stakeholder pension. Anyone is allowed to set one up which means that a child’s legal guardian(s) can start a pension for newborns. You can pay in up to £2,880 each tax year, which is then topped up by a government taxback incentive to £3,600. You can stop and start contributions as you wish without being penalised and the minimum amount you can pay in at any time is £20. Anyone can add to it and if the full amount is paid each year, by the time the child is 55 they will have well over £700,000 and if they access the account at 70 they will have over £1.8 million. The money invested won’t be accessible until the child reaches 55 meaning they can’t blow it all when they hit 18. Once they start working, they can also contribute. They will receive tax benefits if their income is less than £130,000. You can find out more at Moneymagpie.com. There’s also a list of registered stakeholder pension scheme providers at www. thepensionsregulator.gov.uk. SiPPs You can also set up a Self-invested Personal Pension (SiPP) for your little one. Like a Stakeholder, they are open to anyone but the difference here is that you manage the money in it. So instead of leaving it to a pension fund to decide what to invest in, you choose the products yourself, whether it be shares, bonds, commercial property or other things. Junior ISAs ISAs are savings accounts which allow you to deposit a maximum of £3,600 a year completely tax-free, attracting interest as well. Your child has access to the money when they turn 18. Should you contribute the maximum amount each year, the fund could grow to a whopping £64,800 plus interest by the time they reach adulthood. You can choose either a cash ISA or a stocks and

shares one. As your child has a good few years for the fund to grow, you could start with a stocks and shares ISA and then gradually change into cash for the last 5 to hold onto gains. The only snag with a Junior ISA is that if you were eligible for a Child Trust Fund you can’t open a Junior ISA. A good place for further information is www.familyinvestments.co.uk . Teaching your child about money A sure-fire of making your child a millionaire, or at least comfortably off, is to teach her how to manage her money early on. Start as soon as they can toddle round the supermarket with you. Ask them to tell you the numbers on the price labels and then, later, run around finding the cheapest version of what you want to buy. Give them pocket money and set up a savings account, showing them how their money can grow over time. Go to pfeg.org for downloadable financial education guides that will help. Remember, it doesn’t matter how much money your child has later on, if she knows how to live below her means and save for her future she will never be poor. Fun fact: On average, parents are putting savings of £42.45 aside a month for each child.

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A flexible day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with extensive and well resourced grounds. ur o y f f o Excellent links to s onthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1st m es the A1, St Neots and fe Sandy railway station.

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A week with a legend: Driving 911 HUL

by James Baggott

I’d been looking forward to this moment for years – driving a Porsche with the famous 911 HUL number plate. I’ve been a motoring nut for years, spending money I often didn’t have on car magazines, long before I could even drive. And it was on those glossy pages that I became familiar with the famous plate. Owned by Porsche GB for decades it was the first private plate the firm acquired and ever since has taken pride of place on the Porsche press fleet Turbo models. I’d seen it flying through the air in pictures on the pages of Evo, shot by countless talented car snappers over the years, and now it was my time to drive it. Here’s my week behind the wheel of Porsche’s fastest 997 edition – the 911 Turbo S with a very special moniker. Day One - It’s only you that cares – shouted one pre-pubescent member of the team as I explained, to yet another 911 admirer who clearly didn’t share my enthusiasm for six numbers and letters, what the plate meant to car fans. Most people were more interested in the colour our test car had arrived in. Paint jobs make or break cars and the camouflage green our test car had arrived in was clearly splitting opinion. Still, it could have been painted pink for all I cared as what was sitting over the rear wheels was far more of interest to me. The 3.8-litre, turbocharged lump produces a whopping 530bhp and 700Nm of torque thanks to a tweaked turbo output. The drive north to our photoshoot at Rockingham was one of the longest (traffic) but most enjoyable I’ve ever had. Day Two - Photoshoot day at Rockingham and we’ve got 15 cars lined up for a series of tests. Also here is three times British superbike championship winner John Reynolds on the latest Suzuki GSX-R1000. He’s at our shoot to take on the Nissan Juke R (search for the video on YouTube) but it’s only fair we let him try his luck against the Porsche too… With a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.1 seconds, the PDK automatic gearbox and launch control system mean that’s very achievable every time. Engage Sport Plus, floor the throttle with your foot on the brake, and the revs settle at a heady rpm. When you lift off the brake the car thunders towards the finish line in a cacophony of air sucking, turbo whooshing and tyres ripping chunks out of the asphalt. All I have to do is steer. You can see the results of our race in another video on YouTube… Day Three - Two tanks of fuel into the loan and I’m impressed the Turbo S is returning 26mpg. My old

Focus ST never got any better than 23mpg on a long journey and considering this has such an almighty power output that’s very impressive. Today I’m heading into London for a meeting with the Queen. Well, I say meeting, I really mean a concert in her garden for the Coronation Festival. For what is essentially a rival to a Ferrari 458 or McLaren 12C, the Turbo S is fantastically well behaved in the clogged up capital. Visibility is excellent and although it’s got a low splitter at the front, speed humps aren’t really a problem nor tight underground and overpriced car parks. The drive back south is a magical one. London’s streets are a joy in the small hours of the morning and each traffic light gives me a chance to test the wife’s neck muscles. Day Four-Six - It’s the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Porsche is headlining the event, celebrating 50 years of the 911, and I can’t quite believe I’ve got the honour of driving 911 HUL to the south coast celebration of combustion. It’s clear on the way there and back that the plate doesn’t just hold sway with me. I lose count of the number of phones I see trained on the Porsche, capturing pictures for tweets and status updates. Day Seven - Gosport to Chester – some 250 miles – lay ahead and even at 9pm the digital temperature gauge is reading 25 degrees C. Hot tarmac and sticky tyres make the trip a delight as we collect the cast and extras of Bug’s Life on the bonnet. The seats get a little uncomfortable over long distance – they’re fixed carbon fibre jobs – but apart from that the Turbo S is a competent tourer. It’s time for 911 HUL to return to Porsche. After a week behind the wheel of the monster I’m smitten. Yes, the ride is firm and the tyre noise a little intrusive. Granted the seats aren’t the most cosseting and the 997 interior is showing its age now the 991 has arrived. However, never have I driven a car quite so intoxicating, quite so full of character and quite so mind-alteringly fast as the Turbo S. The fact it was wearing one of the most iconic plates in motoring folklore simply made the whole experience all the more special. Porsche 911 Turbo S Price: £130,791 Engine: 3.8-litre, turbo Power: 530bhp, 700Nm 0-60mph: 3.1s Max: 196mph

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

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

SERVICING Good Garage Scheme Industry Standard Service Or to manufacturer specification

AIR CONDITIONING – Recharging of system. DIAGNOSTICS - SNAP ON Diagnostic fault finding centre. EXHAUSTS - Supplied and fitted to all makes of cars and vans. BATTERIES - Supplied and fitted two and three year guarantee. BRAKES - Discs Pads Shoes. Cylinders etc supplied and fitted. CODE READING - Trace & rectify those alarming red dashboard warning lights. TYRES - All makes inc. Budget Avon, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli.

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

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Chilli chicken stew

With Halloween at the end of the month, why not plan a ghostly gathering and serve up this hot and spicy chicken stew? Perfect for filling up hungry trick or treaters. INGREDIENTS 1-2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 large onion, peeled and cut into chunks 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 small red chilli pepper, deseeded and finely chopped (optional) 6 large skinless chicken fillets, cut into pieces 2 x 400g can chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato puree 2 tsp dried oregano 1 x 400g can kidney beans in chilli sauce 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and diced Salt and freshly ground black pepper Warm crusty bread, to serve Serves 6-8 Ready in 1 hour 45 minutes 1 Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large, deep flameproof

casserole and fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until softened and golden. Add the chilli pepper (if using) and chicken pieces and cook over a medium heat, stirring all the time, until the chicken pieces are lightly browned all over, adding a little extra oil if needed. 2 Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano and 200ml water and bring to the boil. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper then reduce the heat, partially cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3 Add the kidney beans and diced peppers to the casserole and simmer, uncovered, for a further 20-25 mins until the peppers are tender and some of the liquid has reduced. Serve in mugs or bowls with chunks of warm crusty bread. Tip - For a hot non-alcoholic punch to serve with the stew, pour a large carton of apple juice into a saucepan. Core and slice 2 small apples and add to the pan with one thinly sliced lemon and a couple of cinnamon sticks. Heat gently for about 10 minutes, then pour in 1 litre of ginger ale. Heat through for a further minute then serve in heatproof glasses or tumblers.

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what’S ON?

IN OCTOBER

1 October Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm The Conservative Club, Brook End, Potton Visitors fee £3 including light refreshment Major Alan Gilmore speaking on the subject of “Strange and Funny Insurance Claims”. New members welcome. 2 October Folk Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall First Wednesday every month. Open floor folk session evening. Also open the box. Tel: Carolyn on 01767 640727 4 October Sing-Along Mamma Mia Night! 8pm Potton Pre-School. Advance tickets £2 including cocktail, on the door £2.50 Includes film, raffle, games and a master class from West-End cast member! 70’s theme fancy dress optional! Everyone welcome. All proceeds to support Potton PreSchool. Tickets available from Potton Pre-School. 4 & 18 October Whist Drive 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. Refreshments included. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information 5 October Guilden Morden Food Fayre 10am-2pm St. Mary’s Church, Guilden Morden Free admission Stalls with the finest quality food from local suppliers. Artisan breads, honey, cider, preserves, home-made cakes, deli, cheeses, puddings, curry sauces and Completely Chilli. Refreshments available all day. Free parking at village hall. 5 October 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 5 October Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors A talk by Donald Everitt on ‘plants worthy of being grown more often’. Donald is a lecturer and grower of plants. He was trained at RHS Wisley. He will bring plants and bulbs for sale at the meeting. All welcome - small charge applies. Tel: 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 6 October Standalone 10k Road Race Standalone Farm, Letchworth North Herts Road Runners are hosting the 26th Standalone 10k at Standalone Farm. This very popular event attracts over 1000 runners of all abilities. The course includes roads in Letchworth, Norton and Stotfold with road closures for the runner’s safety. Event includes the Herts County Seniors Race which is open to all runners, either born or living in Letchworth. Further details and entry forms are available via our website www.nhrr.org.uk or telephone Ian 01462 639215. 7 October Dunton Folk presents Pete Morton in concert 7.30pm St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade Pete Morton is a songwriter, singer and ‘folk rapper’ with a wealth of great songs and stage presence. His shows are dynamic and intense, while remaining approachable and fun loving. 7 & 19 October St Neots Astronomy Association 7.30pm The Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton Observing evenings. We are a very friendly small club and new members are very welcome. We look forward to meeting you whether you’re a complete beginner or a veteran; we have something to offer you. Tel: David Roberts 01480 212960 Email: david@snaa.co.uk Web: www.snaa.co.uk 8 October Social Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Second Tuesday every month. The Bar is open for a drink and a chat. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 11 October Charity Zumbathon with Lisa Hillier 6-6.45pm Zumba 4 Kids/Adults £3 7-8pm Zumba Gold £5 8.15-9.30pm Zumba Fitness £7 Eco Hub, Gamlingay Whole event ticket £10 Disco and raffle 9.30-10pm. Licensed bar throughout. All proceeds go to Cancer Research UK. Everyone welcome! Tickets available by telephone, email or on the night. Tickets: 07782 100376 Email: zumbalisa74@gmail.com 11 October 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

5 October Musical Extravaganza 7.30pm-1am Broadway Hotel, Letchworth 12 October Tickets £10 in advance including prize draw Life of Pi Doors open 2.30pm, Film begins 3pm Dance the night away with The Soul Man, SugarSoul, Arts and Drama centre, Holmemead School, Mead End, FreddyB, L&L and JJ Disco. All proceeds to Children in Biggleswade Need. Tickets available via phone, email or from the Admission £3.50 payable at the door Broadway Hotel. Tel: 07508 439155 or Broadway Hotel Drinks, confectionary and DVDs on sale. Email: info@day2night.co.uk Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 74

what’S ON? IN OCTOBER

12 October Celebrity Organist Entertains 7pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Tickets £10 including home-made refreshments Nigel Ogden, presenter of BBC Radio 2’s long running programme ‘The Organist Entertains’ returns to Biggleswade. Concert organised by Biggleswade & District Choral Society. Numbers are limited so early purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets: 01767 316104 12 October Strangeworld 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Tickets £10 Popular Progressive Folk Group. 2 Course supper, licensed bar. Tickets: Chris 01767 640242 for tickets 14 & 28 October Biggleswade Cancer Support Group 1-3pm Meeting Rooms, Baptist Church, London Road Biggleswade A new support group for anyone one with cancer, friends and family. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month (except Bank Holidays). Tel: Gina 07812 796581 Email: csgbiggleswade@gmail.com 15 October Fashion Show 7.30-9.30pm Tickets £5 The Potton & District Club, Station Road, Potton Marie Curie Cancer Care fashion show in partnership with M&Co ladies and children’s fashions of Biggleswade. Tickets available from M&Co Biggleswade, The Potton & District Club or Tysoe’s in Potton. Tel: Lyn Whitney-Helbing 01767 316215 16 October Biggleswade Academy Open Day & Evening Biggleswade Academy is a brand new academy which opened for pupils aged 2 – 13 in September 2013. Come and see us in action at this exciting new stage of the Academy. Further information, with timings and events, can be found on the website. Web: www.biggleswadeacademy.org 19 October Early Christmas Bonanza 2-4pm Eyeworth Village Hall Make a start to your Christmas shopping. Stalls include Phoenix Cards & Stationery, homemade produce, crafts & decorations, games & much more. Proceeds in aid of All Saints’ Church, Eyeworth. Tel: Abi 01767 631864 19 October Cabaret Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Tickets £10 Popular Drag Artiste, Regina Dwight and Guest Star of the Voice fame, Eva Ladiva. Canapés and licensed bar. Tickets: Carolyn 01767 640727

19 October Performers & Pints 18: Potton Lower School PTA Fundraiser Special! Doors 8 for 8.30pm-11pm (ish!) Potton Lower School, Everton Road, Potton Free entry (donations welcome to help cover artist travel expenses) Four high quality emerging artists performing 30 minutes each (line-up TBC). A great community night out of live music for all! Web: www.facebook.com/performersandpints Web: www.facebook.com/pages/Potton-Lower-SchoolPTA/220641037952121 20 October 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 24 October RAF Days at Tempsford 8.00pm The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton Potton History Society. This month Steve Harris looks at historic WW2 Tempsford aerodrome and concentrates on the contribution of the RAF Squadrons who were stationed there. Visitors always welcome. Light refreshments provided. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.com 26 October Shepreth Village Hall Market 10am-12.30pm Lots of lovely craft stalls to give you ideas for early Christmas present shopping and the usual fresh, local produce from around the area. Tim and Lisa’s Basket and Apple juice gazebo will be outside at the opening to the hall welcoming you in! Refreshments and hot sausages in rolls by Shepreth W.I. Please come along and support our popular market. Tel: Jane. 07554207580 Web: www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk 30 & 31 October and 1 November “Fallen Angels” by Noel Coward 8pm Tickets £8 St Mary’s Hall, Potton 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

19 October Auction of Deeds and Promises 7.30pm Waresley Village Hall Free admission Bid for some great deeds and promises. A great variety to choose from including accommodation in the sun, a handmade quilt, homemade cakes for a year, a basket of ironing, babysitting etc. A catalogue will be available from 28 September and sealed bids are welcome. Licensed bar Tel: SheilaTo 01767 651450 for advertise indetails The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Fun Quiz - Halloween 1. In Stephen King’s novel It, Pennywise was the name of a monster who disguised himself as what? 2. If your birthday was on Halloween, what would your star sign be? 3. On Sesame Street, what colour is the Cookie Monster’s fur? 4. How does the Wicked Witch of the East die at the start of the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz? 5. What is the only American state that does not contain any letters from the word “Halloween” in its name? 6. Found on the island of Madagascar, what animal is named after a type of ghost or spirit from Roman mythology due to its reflective eyes, nocturnal habits and a ghostly sound that some species make? 7. What word from the NATO phonetic alphabet is also the first name of Doctor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s famous novel? 8. In which 1999 film does Cole Sear say “I see dead people”? 9. True or False... Vampire bats feed on blood? 10. Which 1990s film features the character of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town? 1. A clown 2. Scorpio 3. Blue 4. Dorothy’s house falls on her 5. Mississippi 6. The lemur 7. Victor 8. The Sixth Sense 9. True 10. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Before

After

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T&R Roofing Ltd

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

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:

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 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 . . .

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

01767 314847 mob. 07831849847

parent company est. 1998

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 Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

GR OU P

HOUSEKEEPING & CONCIERGE SERVICES

CL EA N

AN DT

ID Y

LEt US aSK yOU ONE qUEStION HaS LIfE bECOmE tOO HECtIC? maybE wE CaN HELP... fULLy INSUREd, HIGHLy PROfESSIONaL, dISCREEt, COmPEtItIVE RatES… fOR fURtHER INfORmatION CONtaCt RaCHaEL OR SCOtt ON: tEL: 01767 631755

EmaIL: CLEaNaNdtIdyGROUP@GmaIL.COm

J. Jenkins

Building Services

All Aspects Plastering & Property Maintenance

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

• Skimming • Dry Lining • Tape & Jointing • Stud Walling • Plaster Boarding

For all your building needs

Also other Building works undertaken from Drainage to Conversions

Call John on 01767 222219 or 07831 283296

For an Estimate or Advice on whatever job you need please call

Alf Fisher

Email: chippyjenkins@gmail.com M.

References available on request 78

07788 299 836

For a Friendly and Reliable Service

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CODEWORD

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

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

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

1st Glass Window Repairs

Chimney Sweep Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps

JULIAN BIGGS/PHILIP BULLEN

years experience

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

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

FULLY INSURED!

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

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

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

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

Sureclean

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

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

mark@markdilleyelectrical.co.uk 82

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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UK Autumn Breaks

By Susan Brookes

Autumn is a great time to take a break in the UK. If you are looking for a romantic holiday, then what could be better than a long walk admiring Autumnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiery foliage, a sumptuous meal, and then an evening at a cosy pub in front of a roaring log fire. Why not choose accommodation that includes a hot tub or spa for added indulgence? On an active break, you could make the most of the outdoors before the weather turns too cold by taking in the sights on a bike, or whilst climbing or horse riding. For families, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still plenty of time for fun to be had. Many holiday parks and attractions now stay open until at least the end of the October half term holiday, and most self catering accommodation is now heated. In addition to choosing a location that has arboretums, forests and gardens where you can enjoy the glory of the trees in full colour, you may also want to plan to be close to one of these events:

Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Show Ground, 28-29 September 40th Anniversary Autumn Steam Gala, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, 27-29 September South of England Autumn Show and Game Fair, Ardingly, 5-6 October Autumn Countryside Show, Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, 12-13 October Autumn Air Show, Imperial War Museum Duxford, 13 October Family Arts Festival, UK wide, 18 October - 3 November Autumn Food, Drink and Music Show, Fishguard, 30 October - 3 November

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

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

NO CALL OUT CHARGE • COMPETITIVE RATES

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

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

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

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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 Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 18th September 2013 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Cook from Godmanchester For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Employed (4) 3 Loyal (8) 9 Whirlwind (7) 10 Big (5) 11 Ceremonial leader (5) 12 Save (6) 14 Twist together (6) 16 Thick oil (6) 19 Steps (6) 21 Friends (5) 24 Not dead (5) 25 Beginning (7) 26 In company (8) 27 Small insect (4) Down 1 Utmost (8) 2 Not late (5) 4 On a ship (6) 5 Relates (5) 6 List of ingredients (7) 7 Vegetable (4) 8 Round container (6) 13 Communications (8) 15 Zero (7) 17 Wealthier (6) 18 On land (6) 20 Distinguished (5) 22 Alliance (5) 23 Silly (4)

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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

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BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

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01767 260165 Sandy

01480 210410 Eaton Socon

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

G & H SEAMER Funeral Directors

Family owned and managed business. Established 100 years.

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

47 High Street, Sandy

Telephone: 01767 680519 www.ghseamer.co.uk 88

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Do you know anyone

who is blind or visually impaired? We all take reading a newspaper so much for granted in our daily lives. The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER is the one way that a blind or partially sighted person can independently access the local news items from The Biggleswade Chronicle for that week, plus features of general interest including community events, sport and so much more. If you know of anyone whom you feel would like to have a “talking newspaper”, keeping them up to date with local news, please contact David Gentle 07840 504940 or visit our web site www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk our details can also be found bottom right hand corner of page 2 of The Biggleswade Chronicle. The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER is a registered charity and was established in 1981 as a service to the visually impaired in Biggleswade, Arlesey, Potton, Sandy, Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding villages.

A Memory Stick of local news items are sent out every week. The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER is free to anyone who is visually impaired and unable to read standard newspaper print and lives, in ‘’Chronicle Country’’ the circulation area of The Biggleswade Chronicle. If you don’t have the facilities to listen to the MP3 sound files contained on the memory sticks, we can lend a player to you, and that is also free. THE BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER Local news for Local listeners by Local volunteers supported and funded by Local organisations Call David Gentle 07840 504940 www. biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk Registered Charity Number 281316

ACOLINE WATER SOFTENERS LTD Non Electric Block Salt Softeners Uses up to 60% Less Salt 10 Year Guarantee Purchase or Lease Rental FREE Salt Delivery We Repair ALL Makes of Water Softener

01462 811487 w w w. a c o l i n e s o f t e n e r s . c o . u k Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

104 Ampthill Road, Shefford, Beds, SG17 5BB

DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

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

Prices

s/oven (all inc.)...£40.00 d/oven (all inc.)...£52.00 extractors from...£16.00 microwaves.....£16.00 hobs from....£12.00

Conservatories • Doors • Windows Staircases Handmade Kitchens Handmade Bedroom Furniture

BBQs, Agas and Ranges individually priced.

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

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

We cover Beds - Herts - South Cambs Contact us now

£660.00 inc VAT • DISCOUNT FOR OAP’S • NO DEPOSIT • COMPOSITE DOORS FROM £750.00 Inc VAT

Door Locks Approved By

OVER 13 DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING SPECIAL GLASS DESIGNS SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

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

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

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

BOOK REVIEW

BY Bruce Edwards The Perfume Garden Kate Lord Brown Corvus £14.99 p/b

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

Comet Cleaning Services Commercial & Residential Cleaners • Commercial and Domestic Cleaners • Builders/Landlord Cleans • Experienced and Personal Service • Regular, Weekly/Spring Clean

This book should not be confused with another bearing a not dissimilar title from another era. If there’s a glimmer of recognition in your mind, that’s fine - for the Richard Burton version is mentioned - but here our author has penned a very different tale. This story hovers between the mid 1930’s Spain of the Civil War (remember the Capa photograph of the dying soldier?) and London and the modern Spain of the early 2000’s. There’s a fascinating glimpse into the worlds of the parfumerie and the chaotic era of Spain’s conflict (said to be still smouldering today). The immense strength of this story derives from the intermingled love-lives spanning the years. These wonderfully woven romances are not, however, as straight forward as they initially appear. Emma is a great girl - a well rounded character with a strength of purpose and an enviable attitude who - - - but no, I must resist the temptation to spoil the story with further compliments. Suffice to say she shrugs off the disaster of a loss from the fall of the Twin-Towers emphasised by her condition, to follow in the footsteps of her forebears. Freya is amongst them and carries her secret well amongst the shadows of the evils of those tragic days. Eventually Emma uncovers her true incredible identity from the past and though her rival in both love and the perfume business almost wrecks her plans, she begins to rebuild a live worth living.

• Fully Insured/Ref's Available • No up front fee's/contracts

01767 631402 Mob: 07762 462866 Tel:

Email: comet.services@virgin.net

www.cometcleaningservices.co.uk 92

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Classifieds Admin Services

Decorating Services

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 Builders

Domestic Repairs

“YOUNG’S BUILDERS”

JB Domestic

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

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

Garage conversions from £5.9K

Extension - Sunrooms

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

• • • • •

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

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

No Call Out Charge! Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

Domestic Repairs

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

Bill Tangye

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

Electricians

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

Class i fi e d s 93

Classifieds

Handyman

Painting Services

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

01767 677898 or 07711 311956 Handyman

Pet Services

Handyman

Plastering Services

Steve Swain

Plastering Contractor All aspects Plastering, Pebble Dashing Rendering, Screeding

Mob: 07887 861881 Tel: 01767 226404 Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter

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

Plastering

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

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Classifieds

Private Car Hire

Property Improvements

Mats Cars Private Hire Potton Based

4+7 Seater Cars Available

Airport/Stations/Nights Out etc Local and Long Distance

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

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

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

Removals & Storage

Private Car Hire

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

A professional property maintenance service

Property Improvements by

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

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420 Property Improvements

Stephens Storage Dinky ad_03.indd 1

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 Storage

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

Please call Gamlingay 01767 650777 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

01767 682789

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

RAISING MONEY FOR BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER

This month Friends are raising money for ‘Breakthrough Breast Cancer ‘. This is the 3rd year running we’ve raised money for this chosen charity. Last year we raised an impressive £2700.00 and we’d love to smash that total this year. Throughout October the salon will be selling raffle tickets for amazing prizes with fun games to take part in and fancy dress on Saturdays. Come in and see us and help raise money for a very worthy cause.

Friends Five Star Hairdressing Charity Evening aturday 19th October 2013 7.30 pm - late The Danish Camp at Willington. Tickets priced at £25.00 pp. Welcome drinks, hot supper buffet, live music, DJ, table magician and photographer plus an auction, 100% profit off the tickets sold goes to ’ Breakthrough Breast Cancer ‘ PLEASE CALL OR POP INTO THE SALON FOR MORE DETAILS ON ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS. Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Fri 9.30 - 6.00pm, Wed & Thurs 9.30 - 9.00pm, Sat 8.30 - 4.00pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair Friends Five Star Hairdressing 1 Market Square, Sandy, Beds SG19 1HT Tel. 01767 682 789