Potton sept 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 97 - September 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Dealing with

Dyslexia Ickwell Cricket Club

Celebrates 100 Years Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

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

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Contents Back to School Bugs

66

Ickwell Cricket Club..........................................................4 How to Buy a Pet............................................................15 Bold, Imaginative and Reflective Education...................17 Where Am I?..................................................................18 Dealing with Dyslexia....................................................23 Conkers..........................................................................25 Spotlight on Two Young Bedfordshire Artists..................26 Taking the Trend for Metallics to a New Level.................29 Join BATS on an Adventure to the Land of Oz.................30 Physical Health vs Mental Health...................................32 Travelogue.....................................................................35 Wordsearch....................................................................36 Sandy Tourist Information Centre...................................39 Fun Quiz.........................................................................43 The Island of Elba...........................................................46 P&R Bathrooms..............................................................48 Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Armande Fryatt, Tom Hancock, Yasmin Chopin, Eeva Whybrow, Melanie Ridley, Solange Hando, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, North Beds RSPCA, James Baggott, Culinary Masters, Ted Bruning, James Baggott, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Sunita Bedhi, Tim Saunders and Bruce Edwards

VILLAGER The

Issue 97 - September 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Dealing with

Dyslexia Ickwell Cricket Club

Celebrates 100 Years Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

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

ur Yo EE FR1copy

Credit Crunch Gardening................................................51 Rural Ramblings.............................................................53 Beer of the Month..........................................................54 Queen Anne’s Summer House........................................56 Animal Heroes................................................................59 Ask Alan - Potton Vets....................................................61 Children’s Page...............................................................62 Mitsubishi PHEV.............................................................65 Back to School Bugs and Beasties..................................66 Culinary Masters Recipe.................................................68 Indian Cuisine Today.......................................................71 What’s On.......................................................................74 I want to go back............................................................76 Introducing Emma.........................................................78 Puzzle Page....................................................................80 Prize Crossword..............................................................86 Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club.......................................91 Book Review..................................................................92

I want to go back

76

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

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any Advertising Sales responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the Photography - Bernard Ormrod, Emma Porter, editorial.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or Catherine Rose, MaszaS and Nigel Frost Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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History

Ickwell Cricket Club Celebrates 175 Years Many people get great enjoyment from coming to play or watch cricket on Ickwell Green at what is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the country.

The ground is particularly famous for the huge oak tree that stands in the outfield and is reckoned to be about 260 years old. Because it is such a wellknown feature it has been adopted as the club logo.

Very few players manage to hit the ball over this enormous tree and a batsman only gets four runs when the ball hits the tree – no matter how high up! Watching cricket being played on this village green has been very popular for many years, but when was the first game played at Ickwell?

Until very recently the club was not absolutely sure when the first match took place but a recent discovery has now revealed the exact date.

The Northill Parish Magazines have various mentions of cricket being played and the earliest of these is in May 1893.

CRICKET – At Caldecote the Married beat the Single: At Ickwell it was the other way round. Both Clubs have a good list of Matches for the season.

A few years later in May 1899 there is a report which could

4

By Chris Deverell

ring equally true today as it encourages players not only to play and but also to pay their fees!

THE ICKWELL CRICKET CLUB was re-organised at a recent Meeting. We heartily wish it success. It has a beautiful ground to play on, and there has never been any lack of funds. All it wants is a little more enthusiasm in its Members. There are practically only two Rules: I. PAY up. II. PLAY up.

The first was well carried out at the Meeting, when the Members’ Florins came in well. Nor will there be any difficulty about the second, if all will work together under the leadership of Captain Arthur Law.

In that year matches were played against Henlow, Moggerhanger, Beeston and Caldecote and in 1904 Ickwell also played Barford, Biggleswade, Sandy and Blunham. Many of these clubs are still in existence and continue to play matches with Ickwell. The earliest photograph we have of an Ickwell cricket team dates from somewhere between 1910 and 1920.

The late Geoff Reeks, a stalwart for many years of Ickwell Cricket Club and local cricket, owned a photograph Ickwell Cricket Team c.1910 taken in 1885 of a general view showing travellers on Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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Ickwell Green with cricket being played in the background. Until a few months ago we believed that this was the earliest record of cricket being played on Ickwell Green.

Ickwell vs. Fl itwick May Day 1955

Report of first game on Ickwell Green Then in December last year a newspaper cutting from the Beds Mercury & Huntingdon Express of 17th August 1839, which had been given to Peter Onion, President of Ickwell Cricket Club, by Ian Willis of Old Warden Cricket Club, came to light and this reported the first ever match to be played on Ickwell Green on 2nd August 1839 against Old Warden.

A match of Cricket was played at Ickwell Green, on Friday 2nd inst., between eleven gents of the Parish of Warden, and eleven of the Parish of Northill; the weather being fine, and this the first match played on Ickwell Green, it excited some interest and the company was very numerous, amongst whom we noticed the Hon. G. Ongley, the Hon F. Ongley, Rev. J. Taddy, Mrs. Taddy and family, and a great number of ladies, whose smiling countenances animated the players to do their utmost. The following is the score:-

This same game was reported on the 10th August 1839 in both The Cambridge Independent Press and Huntingdon, Bedford & Peterborough Gazette which added:ICKWELL .... The playing of Messrs. Neal and Jackson, of Warden, was truly excellent; and that of Halifax and Newman, was decidedly of the first rate. The day was remarkably fine, and afforded a great holiday for the parishioners, who seemed to take a decided interest in the game. The company was very numerous and highly respectable; among whom we noticed the Hon. G. Ongley, the Hon F. Ongley, Rev. J. Taddy, Mrs. Taddy and family, and a vast number of other ladies, who were moving about the spacious Green in all directions, enjoying the sports of the day.

The following week a return match was played at Old Warden. This was also reported in the The Cambridge Independent Press and Huntingdon, Bedford & Peterborough Gazette on 17th August 1839.

BIGGLESWADE – Cricket – On Thursday the 8th inst., the return match between the Warden and Northill clubs, was played at the former place in a meadow appropriate for the game when the Warden came off victorious with 10 wickets to go down; the day being a fine one, numbers attended from the neighbouring villages, and to enliven the amusements of the day, a band of music attended.

Clearly these games caused a great deal of interest and excitement amongst both the villagers as well as the local gentry. The Ongley family mentioned in the reports owned the Old Warden estate and the Reverend John Taddy was the Rector of St Mary’s Church, Northill. These matches must have been important social events.

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We would like to invite you to our

Open Day

on Tuesday 16th September 2014 1pm – 7pm Your exclusive opportunity to come and view some of our cottages, along with our site and gardens. Now featuring a BBQ, hot tub and a table tennis table!

Enjoy a drink and a few canapés in The Stables where also the team will be on hand to meet you and to answer any questions that you may have.

For example, ask us about our new Visiting Spa Service or about our new Standard and Deluxe Breakfast Hampers and Supper Box. Perfect for weddings, parties, families and businesses.

Are you getting married? Treat your guests to a lovely stay in a cottage with spa treatments and a lavish breakfast.

RSVP Fuller’s Hill Cottages, Fuller’s Hill, Little Gransden, Sandy, Cambridgeshire SG19 3BP 07544 208959 bookings@fullershillcottages.co.uk

Are you a family? Receive a complimentary Family Hamper for fun and games including frizbee and feeding the geese.

Are you a local business? Compliment your VIP business partners and visitors to a conveniently located self-catering cottage for an overnight stay.

We hope to see you there!

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

7

Between the wars More detailed records survive of cricket at Ickwell after the First World War with minute books from 1923 and a virtually complete set of scorebooks from 1932 until the present day. Between the wars, teams were made up from players who lived in the villages of Ickwell and Northill and many lived in the cottages surrounding the green. During the week, cows grazed on the outfield and any mess had to be cleared up before the game. At this time there was no pavilion and players either changed under an oak tree just across the road from the ground or came already changed. There was a box to keep all the cricket kit in and this was left permanently under the oak tree. The box was never locked throughout the whole summer and kit remained there quite safe and undisturbed.

After the Second World War During the six years of the Second World War no cricket was played at Ickwell and the ground was in a very poor state by the end of the war. Geoff Reeks and other club members spent many weeks working on the green getting the grass down and re-establishing the square. A second-hand set of gang mowers from the Regimental Depot at Kempston Barracks was purchased for £65 and after this the outfield was regularly cut for the first time. The first mention of building a pavilion had been in 1939 but this was delayed until after the Second World War. Various fundraising events were held and much of the finance was raised by donations and

Opening of Ickwell Coronation Pavilion

loans from people living in Ickwell and Northill.

Mr Beresford-Wright, who was associated with Stewartby brickworks, donated 12,000 bricks.

The pavilion cost £550 and was mainly built by volunteers except for the thatching – “all done in reeds by a proper thatcher” - at a cost of £231.

In the photograph of the Ickwell 1st XI winners of East Beds & District Division in 1938 are, back, left to right: Jack Humphries, Edmund Wagstaff, Harold Wilkins, Geoff Reeks, Fred Garner, Alf Marsom, George Parish, Ken Ebbs, Harry Pates (umpire), and Harold Course; and front, left to right: Will Marsom, Ted Reeks, Jimmy Turnbull (captain), Bernard Sharp, and Vic Tuck.

The pavilion was opened on Coronation Day, 2nd June 1953 and at the time was one of the best pavilions in the local area as it was said that “most of the others just had a hut of some sort”.

Ickwell’s Thatched Pavilion in 1953 8

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Ickwell 1st XI winners 1938

The Fire

Celebrations for 175th Anniversary

Unfortunately in September 1989 disaster struck and flames filled the air as the thatched roof went up in smoke leaving the building completely gutted with only the brick walls left standing. Once again various fundraising events were organised in the village and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club very generously played games at Ickwell in 1990 and 1991 to help raise money for the rebuilding. Grants were received both from MidBeds District Council and Bedford County Hall. The new pavilion was opened by Geoff Millman on 27th October 1990 only just over a year after the fire.

Ickwell Cricket Club continues to thrive both as a centre for local cricket and with its many other social activities as a meeting place for people from local villages. The next major event will take place on Sunday 7th September to celebrate the recently discovered 175th Anniversary of the club.

This will replicate some of the events that formed part of the first game played against Old Warden in August 1839. Games of cricket will be played in period dress – a ladies match between the tea ladies of Ickwell vs Old Warden ladies and a gentlemen’s match. To help capture the atmosphere of the original Victorian day there will be a brass band, steam engines, Punch and Judy show and other attractions. Do come along and enjoy the day!

Ickwell Cricket Club Fire

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Three Counties Radio

How to buy a Pet?

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Sadly over the years I have dealt with many consumer problems concerning animals. You name it, from the puppies that suddenly become ill the day after purchase to the animals with hereditary conditions where the breeder takes no responsibility after their wallet is full of your £20 notes. Sadly it’s all too common. I have to say that on many occasions, I find myself becoming furious with consumers and the irresponsible way they often go about purchasing a new addition to their family. If you want to do things the correct way, without getting ripped off, then listen carefully to my advice.

Firstly, animal rescue centres are absolutely overflowing at the moment with dogs, cats, rabbits etc. that have been abandoned either by irresponsible, ghastly people who didn’t think carefully before taking a pet on, or by folk whose circumstances have changed through no fault of their own. Obviously, if you feel able to rescue a pet, and take on any problems that animal may come with, this is preferable. Check to make sure the animal rescue centre has a good reputation.

However, there are many people out there who want to experience the pleasure of raising a pet from a young age. If this is the case, then chances are you’re going to have to part with some money.

As tempting as it may be, NEVER purchase an animal being advertised on the internet.

No self -respecting breeder would ever advertise an animal on online sites for buying and selling. You may well get a bargain dog or cat, but if that animal has started life in some kind of pet breeding factory with little regard for the animals’ welfare, you may be taking on an expensive and potentially dangerous problem for the future.

It is also worth mentioning that unless you have met the animal’s mother and father, you have no idea of the temperament or health of the animal you’re purchasing. NEVER buy an animal if you cannot meet its parents. If you are told to meet the ‘breeder’ at a half-way point or in a lay-by, then massive alarm bells should be ringing in your head!

So what SHOULD you do? Well, my advice is to search out a good, reputable breeder with the right ethics. Generally, making contact with a breed specific club who can put you in touch with good breeders, or (for dogs) finding a Kennel club fully accredited breeder will ensure you are buying a good quality and well-bred animal. You will have to pay more money, but with pets and most things in life, generally it’s worth every penny.

If you DO buy an animal, then ensure you organise good pet insurance to run from the minute you commit to buying him/ her. If you have a problem, then you are still covered by your usual consumer statutory rights.

Finally, as always if you follow my advice but still have a problem with a furry addition to your family, then you can always contact me at BBC Three Counties Radio and I’ll do what I can to help.

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

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

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the ampthill masonic centre is delighted to invite you to either of our

OpenDays on Sat 13th September and Sat 25th October

at The Old Courthouse, Church Street, Ampthill, MK45 2PL from 11.00 am

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DISCOVERING MORE ABOUT FREEMASONRY IN OUR REGION?

If you are curious to learn more about Freemasonry within Bedfordshire then why not come along to attend either of our two Open Days?

All visitors, including ladies, will be assured of a very warm Masonic welcome. You will discover more about the guiding principles of Freemasonry and also how Freemasons raise substantial funds in order to continue their support of many worthy and essential charities, throughout the UK, and specifically how we have raised and donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to both Masonic and non-Masonic charities, within our own communities, here in Bedfordshire.

Complimentary refreshments will also be provided.

Email freemasonsinampthill@gmail.com for further details or write to the address above.

To Clophill

To Bedford

Bedford St.

Church St. Woburn St.

THE OLD COURTHOUSE

Ampthill

To Woburn

Dunstable St.

To Flitwick

For information about Freemasonry please visit: www.ugle.org.uk or www.pglbeds.org

It’s Ampthill’s best kept secret...Revealed!

16

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A Bold, Imaginative and Reflective Education Choose Bedford Girls’ School, and your daughter’s education will be among the most exciting journeys she will ever take. It will shape the woman she becomes and forge the unique ideas, opinions and dreams that will come to define her in adulthood.

Bedford Girls' School is an exceptional girls' day school for pupils aged 7 to 18. Forward thinking and dynamic, it is well regarded as a contemporary centre of excellence in all girls’ education.

We have an expert understanding of the way girls think and learn and are dedicated to preparing her for life, as well as for examination success. We support and challenge every girl to achieve her best; academically, culturally, socially, physically, personally and morally, so that she is able to understand her role in the wider world, to work collaboratively towards positive change and to develop critical and independent thinking skills.

At Bedford Girls’ School, your daughter will have all of the guidance, support, inspiration and encouragement she needs to ensure her education is as engaging as she is unique. As well as excellent GCSE, A Level and the International Baccalaureate results, we pride ourselves on helping girls to exceed their potential in every area of the curriculum and beyond. To learn more about what being Bold, Imaginative and Reflective really means for your daughter, we welcome you to our next Open Morning on Saturday 11th October at 10am.

For more information visit: www. bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk or call 01234 361918.

Bold Imaginative Reflective Three words to define your daughter’s future.

Add three more:

Open Morning Saturday 11th October, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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Where AM I?

Do You Know?

1

Win a

2

This month’s photos are not taken in our distribution area. Do you know where they are?

Complete your details below for your chance to win a £10 Argos voucher.

£10

Argos Voucher

3

Answer Name Address

Send your answer to WAI, Villager Publications Ltd. 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP

Last month’s photos were taken in Willington and Hunstanton

Where Are we?

VILLAGER The

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

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

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

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

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LOCAL NEWS •

LOCAL PEOPLE

Issue 95 - July 2014

• LOCAL SERVICE

and Town

S • LOCAL CHARITI

Life

ES • LOCAL PRODUC

TS

Inside this issu

e

Work-Life Balance Is Yours Unbalanced?

Happy Birthday Brownies

Win £25

VILLAGER

in our Prize Crossw ord Bringing Local

Busine

The

ss to Local People in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding 11,000 copies delivered villages to over 30 towns and villages every monthLOCAL NEWS • LOCAL ur PEOPLE

EE FR1copy

Yo

Issue 96 - August

• LOCAL SERVICE

and Town

S • LOCAL CHARITI

2014

Life

ES • LOCAL PRODUC

TS

Inside this issu

World War I Postcards

e

from the Front

Going to Uni?

Money Tips

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local

Busine

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

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

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

4 Biggleswade Road, Potton, Bedfordshire Tel: 01767 261888 www.theroyaloak-potton.co.uk Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2014 (Non-members welcome*)

Saturday 6th - Tatanka - Female fronted band Saturday 13th - The 6TS - Professional 60s awesome band - all welcome * Friday 19th - The Soulman is back * Saturday 20th - Decade Loving the 70s/80s Saturday 27th - BU-Bounce Local SKA & 2 Tone classics, in high demand live band all welcome.

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OCTOBER 2014

Saturday 4th - Faith Steelers Saturday 11th - The Natalie’s * Saturday 18th - Ska Faces * Saturday 25th - Back to the 80s * * £5 entry fee will apply

All information is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes/updates.

Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk 20

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Education

By Armande Fryatt

Dealing with Dyslexia The other day, I asked one of my A level students, Sarah, about her future plans. When she told me she intends to study English at Reading University, I was so proud. I remember how much she struggled with English when she started having support lessons with me as a nine-year- old.

Sarah is diagnosed dyslexic. Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills.

It is likely to be present at birth and to be life-long in its effects. It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed, and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities (British Dyslexia Association 2013). Sarah is a very bright girl but she has processing difficulties.

Processing involves the ability to automatically and fluently perform relatively easy cognitive tasks, especially when high mental efficiency is required, that is, for simple tasks requiring focused concentration without intentional thinking through.

Processing difficulties tend to be associated with the following learning needs: Relatively slow writing skills Slower working under pressure Problems with planning and structuring Slow speed of processing written language Problems with planning and structuring Keeping track of progress through multi-step tasks.

Sarah’s difficulties affect her ability to write essays and when she is at university, she will continue to need learning support to help her get her thoughts down onto paper.

Dyslexia tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods, but it can be managed by appropriately specific intervention. A study adviser can help Sarah work out strategies for making the Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

best use of her time, for example by: • recording information and playing it back • making notes in a more visual way e.g. on a spider diagram • discussing ideas verbally before writing them down • breaking work down into individual tasks • thinking about outcomes before starting reading • having printouts (not copying from the board) • using coloured overlays when reading • using effective proof reading techniques.

All of these techniques can be used from about Year 5 onwards. Sarah has been formally assessed and given 25% extra time in exams. At university, she can apply for Disabled Student Allowance which may pay for a laptop, printer and scanner to help her.

Any parent who is concerned that their child has difficulties with literacy should have him/her assessed by a specialist which will show the child’s strengths and weaknesses and give advice to the school on support. An assessment is also essential for access arrangements (extra time in SATs, GCSEs, A-levels and beyond).

The following websites also give helpful advice to parents and students: http://www.brainhe.com/students/types/documents/ NeilCottrell-CopingStrategies-PATOSSBulletin-Winter2010.pdf http://dyslexstudyskills.group.shef.ac.uk/ http://www.dyslexia-help.org/education-higher.asp http://www.slc.co.uk/media/561707/sfe_btgb_1314_d.pdf The author is a specialist teacher and educational assessor who is a member of the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Patoss). She has a private practice in Bedfordshire and can be contacted on 01767 631123. Additional assessors can be found on www.patoss-dyslexia.org

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Conkers!

By Tom Hancock

Most sources agree that the gloriously eccentric game of conkers began in England, but conkers is also played in North America, Canada, Ireland and Switzerland.

Success in conkers relies on good equipment.

Hence you need a good horse chestnut . The best are firm, uncracked and symmetrical.

Drill through the centre and thread a shoelace through the hole, knotting it securely.

The aim is to smash your opponent’s conker with your own and if you achieve this, your conker becomes a one-er. From here it gets a bit more complicated. If it then smashes another one-er it becomes a two-er. If it then smashes a two-er it automatically becomes a four-er. If it then smashes a six-er it becomes a ten-er and so on. Still with me?

The rules of conkers are many and varied. I rather like the one which states that if you drop

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your conker your opponent can yell ‘stamps’ and crush your conker with his foot. If you yell ‘no stamp’ first, he’s not allowed to do this. Good luck with that one one in the heat of battle!

Dense conkers are best. If yours sinks in a bucket of water it’s a good one. Less legitimately include baking your conker in a low oven, soaking it in vinegar or coating it in nail polish are all guaranteed to improve your chances of success in open competition.

The official world conker championship is held annually in Ashton in Northamptonshire. Contestants are not allowed to use their own conkers. They also dispense with the points rule mentioned earlier, and no-one is allowed to stamp on anyone else’s conkers, which surely takes some of the fun out of it.

In recent years the Health and Safety police have banned conkers in schools up and down the land. This is a shame and perhaps we should campaign to get conkers back into playgrounds as part of our rightful heritage.

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Spotlight

By Catherine Rose

on Two Young Bedfordshire Artists

This month we look at two talented young up and coming artists who are making waves in and out of Bedfordshire.

Daniel Bland

Twenty-year-old Daniel Bland cites his influences as Impressionist and Fauvism. His favourite painter is the master artist of colour, Van Gogh. As a child, Daniel always loved drawing and started using oil paints, now his favourite medium, when he took A level Art. His work proved so popular that he sold his first paintings through school exhibitions.

After increasing interest in his distinctive artwork with its creative use of colour and bold strokes, Daniel set up a website and Facebook page to market his paintings. So far he has sold around 20 to local buyers as far as Northampton.

At the moment he paints at home but would like to get his own studio and is saving up to go on a course at University of the Arts London in the next few years. He has recently started visiting art galleries with his portfolio.

Daniel is a member of Bedfordshire Art Society, who as well as having regular meetings, holds two exhibitions a year.

Tom Waters

Unconventional artist and taxidermist Tom, now 26, loved drawing to the exclusion of every other subject from an early age, and after A level, attended the Hitchin Centre for the Arts which he describes as “one of the best years of my life”. It was there he met his current “best friend” and business partner Kat Williams.

Tom went on to Leeds Metropolitan University to study Fine Art but left in 2010 after six months as he found the course opinionated and creatively stifling. This led to one of his most prolific periods where he built up a good portfolio focusing on portraits of rock singers like the late Amy Whitehouse.

In the last three years, his “dark and striking” artwork has been increasingly gaining recognition, especially in London where he has featured in exhibitions. In 2012, he had his painting ‘King and Queen’ accepted for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition which he subsequently sold. Then in October of that year, his portrait of Jamie Hince (Kate Moss’s husband) was put on display in the London Underground as part of the Frieze Art Fair organised by Art Below.

In February 2013, his portrait of Florence Welch, lead singer with Florence and the Machine, was exhibited at Chalk Farm during the NME Music Awards in Camden.

Tom is also a taxidermist, having studied with well-known taxidermy artist Polly Morgan’s tutor George Jameson in Edinburgh during 2011. He hopes to increasingly combine his taxidermy skills into his art and is currently renovating his home studio.

Tom has set up a company with photographer Kat called Wolf and Owl that sells their artwork over the Internet printed on products like i-phone cases and cushion covers.

See more of these art faces of the future at: www.facebook.com/Blandpaintings and www.danielblandpaintings.weebly.com www.tomwatersart.tumblr.com and www.society6/wolfandowl.com

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Home Interiors

Taking the trend

By Yasmin Chopin

for metallics to a new level

Have you fallen for the shiny surfaces, the richness of gold and silver or the down-to-earth qualities of brassware? The abundant use of metallics in home decor continues to be popular. I’ve always loved metal objects ever since I started visiting antique auctions and bought several brass and copper items for a period property I was renovating. I soon began to realise they needed extra care, that a quick dust over wasn’t quite enough, and spent many an hour with some elbow grease and a pot of Brasso. But now, with only a few pieces left in my collection, I’ve stopped using the proprietary metal cleaners in favour of allowing the natural patina to take over.

Top Design Tip: You can mix all types of metals, from silver and gold through to brass and pewter.

You just need the right pieces, in the right shape and size, and it will all look fabulous together.

I have developed an idea-book, called Majestic

Luxe, to help you use this design style and copy what you fancy. It is showcased in Houzz (just tap my name into the search bar at www.Houzz.com) and I’ve also created a Pinterest board for you (www.pinterest.com/YasminChopinID). Take a look when you next have a few minutes over coffee.

If you love colour and have a penchant for shiny metal things you might enjoy creating this style in your home.

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Local News

Join BATS on a Magical Adventure To the Land of Oz

Biggleswade Amateur Theatrical Society’s (BATS) Christmas production will be ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Auditions are being held to fill lead roles and smaller speaking parts.

Adult and junior chorus members who enjoy singing and simple dancing are also needed; BATS are aiming for a large chorus for this sensational show.

The Wizard of Oz will be performed on 23 & 24 January 2015 at Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade.

Wednesday 10th September 5.30 -7.30pm; again, for those wishing to join the show details will be given after this session. Junior rehearsals will be held every Wednesday 6.00-7.30pm.

BATS are keen to hear from string and brass players (Grade 5 and above) as well as percussionists to play the beautiful score for this production.

Backstage/production support is always needed!

Please contact Co-Director Adela Kerr (Adela.kerr@ yahoo.co.uk) for further information.

Auditions:

About BATS

Performers aged 13+ interested in a speaking role are invited to come along to the Methodist Church Hall, Biggleswade on Monday 1st September at 8pm where a warm welcome awaits. A group readthrough of the script will take place, providing a great opportunity to meet existing BATS members and find out more about the show.

Singing and acting auditions will take place on Monday, 8th September, 8pm for lead roles.

Anyone aged 13+ is invited to join a general chorus workshop on Wednesday 3rd September at 8pm. The final chorus will be cast after this evening.

For any Juniors interested, those aged 8-12yrs, are invited for some fun singing and dancing on

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Biggleswade Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) was formed in 1984 and is celebrating 30 years of panto, musicals, comedy and drama in 2014.

The society currently has 30+ members, including a strong junior BATS team.

BATS meet each Monday evening at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall in Biggleswade and warmly welcomes newcomers, whether for the backstage/ production team or as stage performers.

For further details: www.bats-theatre.com Press contact – Adela Kerr: Adela.kerr@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07894 055791

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We cater for all major dance disciplines ballet, tap, jazz/modern, contemporary street and ballroom Specialist Pointe shoe fitting by experienced qualified fitters.

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LEARN DANCE Ballroom & Latin American Social Dance Classes for Adult Beginners Conservative Club, Bedford Rd, Sandy SG19 1EL Tuesdays 7.30 - 9.30 Commencing 16th September 2014

J i ve ro t a n d t x o F te p l Socia Q u ic k s d n a z t a Ch a Wa l and Ch a b m u R ÂŁ7 per person per evening Improvers and Sequence classes available Private lessons by appointment Contact: Les Durham AIDTA 07748 917170 fivestarents@hotmail.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Mental Health

Physical health vs mental health We exercise, diet and look after ourselves so that our ‘engine’ keeps going and allows us to achieve goals and complete tasks. But can you truly achieve with just good physical health? How important is your mental health?

In order to look after your body, you need a healthy mind. Some people might find this a rather polarised way of thinking. How can you look after yourself physically if your mind is ‘putting the brakes on’?

It is very difficult to motivate yourself if your mind doesn’t allow it. Even athletes have figured this out.

Many top sports people seek support from sports therapists or psychologists.

Sometimes we might experience various physical symptoms, yet the doctors are unable to find out what is wrong, for example muscular pain (especially neck, shoulders, and back), gastric problems, high blood pressure, and lethargy. You might also either eat too much or hardly at all and your sleep might be disturbed.

Many of these symptoms could be a sign of poor mental health. You might be suffering from depression, anxiety or stress without even realising it. When we are unable to listen to the ‘messages’ from our mind, the body reacts.

This is when counselling can help you. You can explore matters with your counsellor, and start making sense of situations. Your counsellor will help you learn to listen to the ‘messages’ so that you can achieve balance between physical and mental health.

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PrivateCounselling Struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, bereavement, or maybe excessive drinking?

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APampering ROM ATICS & Beauty Holistics Welcome to Aromatics – a haven of peace, pampering and relaxation in the heart of Potton. off any treatments for service people ie police, fire, ambulance, available any day of the week!

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£5 for 2 classes New customers or those returning after 6 months only.

Other restrictions may apply • Bring this Ad with you.

Sandy - Sandye Place Academy, Park Road Mon & Wed 7.30pm, Tue 8pm, Thur 7pm & 8pm Express (30 min) Mon 6.45pm & Tue 7.15pm No need to book • Classes also in Cambourne, St Neots & other areas. For further info go to

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is a boutique lunch and supper service for professionals, busy mums with hectic family lives, new mums, as well as for anyone who simply loves home-cooked food but doesn’t have the time to cook. We provide good quality, nutritious, healthy and varied meals delivered to your home when you most need it whilst ensuring everyone gets a night or two off from kitchen duty.

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I use Bee’s Pantry a couple of times a week to give me a break from having to plan and prepare meals, which can sometimes be the last thing I want to think about. It’s great as the vegetarian menu is really varied, delicious and often something I wouldn’t have thought of making myself. It really helps to have a few nights off.

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Travelogue

Crossing the Bridge

By Melanie Ridley

When people think of Sydney there are two things that come to mind: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Francis Greenway proposed building a bridge over the harbour in 1815 to connect the north shore to the south shore of Sydney and cut commuters’ travel time down, he would never have thought that in 183 years people would be able to strap themselves to the 53,000 tonnes of steel used to make it and climb this megastructure.

The bridge took eight years to complete and required the services of 1,400 men. Of this large number, 16 of them died during the construction.

Before Australian Paul Hogan played his crocodile hunter character in the cult classic Crocodile Dundee, it is known that he even helped paint the bridge. It also consists of six million rivets which were all hand-driven.

In 1998, the first members of the public were able to climb this iconic structure. When I arrived, ready for my very own bridge climb, it was apparent how organised it was going to be.

First, I was taken into a room with eight other people who would be climbing with me where we were talked through the morning’s schedule and how it would pan out. We were then led into another room where we were handed very stylish blue onesies, which resembled a boiler suit. After

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we were suited up, we were required to practice climbing some example steps indoors, that were like the ones we would climb on the bridge.

Before we stepped outside into the fresh Sydney air and began the climb, I was fastened to a metal cable that I would stay attached to for the entire duration of the climb. As I made my way up the side of the bridge, I couldn’t help but have my breath taken away by the sights. To my right was the Sydney Opera House, which, when up that high is a cream colour, and the shape can be truly appreciated and admired. Further into the distance, behind the opera house, I could make out the faint outline of the beach I used to call home, Bondi.

Once my group and I had reached the summit, the view was spectacular. To know we were standing atop a bridge which is talked about around the world seemed to make time stand still. Looking down on Sydney and envisioning everybody sitting behind their desks and getting on with their daily lives while I was 134m above Sydney Harbour was mind blowing.

After living and working in Sydney for eight months and travelling Australia for three, during my descent and walking away from the picturesque image behind me, I couldn’t think of a better way to say goodbye to this beautiful country.

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Local News

SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Guided Walks and Talks 2014

If you enjoy walking September is a busy month.

Firstly there is the Bedfordshire Walking Festival.

This Festival takes place every year and in 2014 it will run between 6th September and 14th September Whether you are resident in the county or have travelled here there are a very large number of guided walks that you can participate in. The sixth festival programme is now available at the Tourist Information Centre One of the walks the RU4The Challenge is a two day hike along the Greensand Ridge and takes place on the 13th and 14th of September. The Greensand Ridge Walk is Bedfordshire’s premier long distance walk passing through Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire. The walk was opened in 1986 and from its beginning has proved to be a popular route for both locals and visitors to Bedfordshire. The route follows a ridge of greensand which rises from the clay vales on either side and is an ideal introduction to the history, landscape and wildlife of this part of the country. The 40 mile / 64 km walk starts in Leighton Buzzard and finishes in Gamlingay.

For further details about the festival please contact us at the Tourist Information Centre or look on the Festival website www.bedswalkfest.co.uk/ The Tourist Information Centre has arranged two walks in September. The first is one of the Festival

Walks and this is the Potton - Sutton Guided Circular Walk.

This walk takes place on Friday 12th September and we will meet in the Car Park at Brook End in Potton at 2.45pm. The full walk is approximately 5miles long, although if we care to shorten the walk on the day there is a detour from Sutton directly back to Potton, missing out Deepdale.

Potton is an ancient market town whose history can be traced back to the 10th century. In Medieval times Potton was one of the three most important towns in the county and from the 12th century it had a flourishing weekly market with an important Horse Fair. In 1783 a great fire swept through the town destroying 50 houses, damage being estimated at £25,000. However many listed buildings remain to be seen, some dating from before the fire.

From the Car Park we will walk through the town and in due course will reach Pegnut Wood. This is a poplar plantation which was planted between 1993 and 1995 for producing high quality timber. Ancient maps show this area as ‘pignut wood’ referring to the edible ‘earth nuts’, or roots, of a locally common plant, which pigs were trained to uproot for human consumption.

We will shortly reach the picturesque village of Sutton. For centuries the village was owned by the Burgoyne family and there are a large number of former estate dwellings. Local legend states that the estate was given to the Burgoynes in 1399 by John O’Gaunt, son of Edward III, with the words “I John of

Willington

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Sutton Gaunt do give and grant to John Burgoyne and the heirs of his loin, Sutton and Potton until the world’s rotten”! The Burgoyne familes former family Seat, Sutton Park stands in beautiful parkland and is now a golf club.

We will see the medieval Parish Church and Sutton Ford with its attractive Packhorse Bridge. This bridge is a small two arch construction crafted from local sandstone sometime in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Originally only pedestrians and packhorses had the right of way but over time this was extended to include cyclists.

We will then walk along way-marked paths and bridleways, cross the Biggleswade Road and join the bridleway on the other side leading to Carthagena Road and onto Deepdale Lane. Along the latter we will pass the Sandy Heath Transmitter, which is a major landmark in east Bedfordshire, transmitting TV and ‘phone signals. Much of the land around the transmitter is being quarried for sand. Restoration of the quarry site is enabling the re-creation of heathland, a threatened and valued habitat. We will then return to Potton, via the Old Bedford Road.

Can you please book your place on this walk at the TIC. This walk is free as part of the Festival.

office under King Henry VIII. Sir John is buried in the church and displayed close by are two helmets of Sir John’s, one a fighting helmet of the 1520s, the other a ceremonial helm worn by him at the Field of the Cloth of Gold.

The king actually stayed at the manor house which has largely disappeared, however the massive Tudor stone dovecote with nesting boxes for 1,500 birds and the stables still survive and are in the care of the National Trust.

The village has a varied range of types of architecture, including a number of former Bedford Estate cottages. These were built for the Dukes of Bedford in the 19th century for his estate workers and can be recognised by the ducal coronet on the front of the dwellings. The duke was also responsible for the building of the village school.

We will meet in the Car Park of the Dovecote and Stables in Willington at 6.30pm. The cost of the Guided Walk is £5.50 per person (payable on booking please).

The second Tourist Information Centre walk is a Guided Walk around Willington.

This walk through this delightful riverside village takes place on Thursday 18th September and begins at the National Trust Dovecote and Stables.

This walk will be led by members of the Willington History Group.

The village is dominated by the tower of St Lawrence’s Church. The building is unusual in being entirely 16th century in origin and was probably built by Sir John Gostwick, who subsequently held

The Life and Times of Francis Pym Monday, 13th October at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall

TIC Autumn/Winter Talks The dates and venues for this year’s three Talks will be as follows:-

Sandy and the Great War Tuesday, 4th November at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall The Rise and Fall of the Cardington Airships Tuesday, 2nd December at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall

Sandy Tourist Information Centre, Rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy Telephone 01767 682728 – email tourism@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 10am-2pm Sundays and Bank Holidays Closed

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Fun Quiz - Birds 1. In the nursery rhyme Sing A Song Of Sixpence, how many blackbirds were baked in a pie?

2. Which mythical bird would live for hundreds of years and then build a nest of twigs that it would set fire to, burning itself to ashes from which a new bird would be born?

3. Originating in a play called The Birds by Aristophanes, what three word phrase is used to mean an unrealistically idealistic state where everything is perfect?

4. What “bird” was Michael Parkinson referring to when he said that despite all the stars he had interviewed, he’d always be remembered by “that bloody bird”?

5. What type of bird is Wheezy modelled on in the Toy Story films?

6. Buzz Buzzard was the nemesis of which cartoon character?

7. What bird is used as a term in golf to refer to a score of three under par on a hole?

8. What type of birds are kept at the Tower of London at all times in accordance with a legend that says that if they are absent then the kingdom will fall?

9. Which European country’s flag has a black two-headed eagle on a red background?

10. Of the 364 gifts given in total in the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, how many are birds?

1. 24 (“four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”) 2. The phoenix 3. Cloud Cuckoo Land 4. Emu (Rod Hull’s puppet, who attacked him in an interview, knocking him out of his chair) 5. A penguin 6. Woody Woodpecker 7. Albatross 8. Ravens 9. Albania’s 10. 184 (7 swans-a-swimming on 6 days, 6 geese-alaying on 7 days, 4 colly birds on 9 days, 3 French hens on 10 days, 2 turtle doves on 11 days, 1 partridge on 12 days)

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

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Travel

The Island of Elba Tuscany’s Best Kept Secret.

Barely an hour on the ferry across the Piombino Channel, the Isle of Elba greets you with rugged mountains, range after range rising towards the blue sky, and a deeply indented coast laced with tingling sands, rocky coves and near-tropical turquoise waters. The Romans called it ‘Ilva’, hence ‘Elba’, after the Ilvates, also known as Ligurians, who had lived there since ancient times and long exploited the rich mineral seams.

This is the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago national park but it’s just about sixteen miles long and only two miles across at its narrowest point, a secluded holiday haven blessed by stunning landscapes, popular with Italians in summer but peaceful in mid-season, whether you come for the beach or prefer to ramble in the hills. The west coast is wild, covered in fragrant Mediterranean scrub, the north is lush and green, dotted with vineyards and chestnut groves, while the arid sun-baked south is the domain of cacti and palms. Over 90% of the land is hills and mountains, largely forested, where wild orchids and lavender splash myriad colours alongside spring cyclamens, rock roses and strawberry trees. Here and there, the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle fills the air and fallow deer and mouflons bounce on the slopes at dusk.

Elba’s highest point, Mount Capanne can be reached on a steep trail or by cable car, well worth the effort either way. Up there at over 3000 feet, the panorama stretches from the tiny string of Tuscan islands to the mainland and from Corsica in clear weather to the whole of Elba where red-roofed villages nestle in the greenery and mere ribbons of road meander around heavenly beaches and precipitous cliffs.

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By Solange Hando

Far below on the northern shore, the lovely little resort of Marciana is lined with umbrella pines and oleander while on the south coast, Marina di Campo is all yachts and golden sands glowing below the wooded hills. But Elba has a beach for every day of the week and more, from the white sands of Procchio Bay to the luminous Rio Marina on the east coast or the superb Porto Azzurro with its bustling Piazza, flower-draped lanes and sulphur-rich lagoon looking across the deep blue inlet of the sea.

Portoferraio, the capital, is on the north coast, crouching lion-like on a rocky peninsula jutting out to sea, its magnificent bay guarded by a forbidding fortress. Sailing boats, yachts and ferries mingle their reflections in the harbour and the old town climbs up the hill, green shutters and pink walls jostling along the alleyways among hibiscus and pomegranate trees. The walk along the ramparts is breathtaking, cooled by the breeze sweeping across the bay from the open sea.

Portoferraio is a charming place, dotted with ice cream stalls, bakeries selling flat bread and honey cakes, al fresco restaurants for seafood and fish and souvenir shops brimming with all things labelled ‘Napoleon’, from T-shirts and mugs to the island’s spring water. There are quite a few places connected to Napoleon but most illustrious is the Villa di san Martino tucked in a leafy valley where the deposed emperor was ‘banished’, though allowed to live in regal style. He escaped less than a year later and looking across the landscaped gardens to the blue waters of the Med. glistening in the distance, one wonders why he ever wanted to leave one of the most enticing islands in Tuscany.

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P and R Bathrooms

Here to Help as You Grow Older

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Our wet rooms can be installed both downstairs

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

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

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

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

P&R Bathrooms

9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 0845 434 8401 Website: www.pandrbathrooms.co.uk Open 9:00am-5:00pm Mon - Fri 10:ooam-4:00pm Saturday To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Garden

Credit Crunch Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com If you feel that your garden has become an expensive hobby, check-out my top tips for Credit-Crunch Gardening.

• Apply for an allotment. An allotment opens up a whole new opportunity to grow almost unlimited food at very little cost, get exercise without paying for the gym, and learn a lot from your neighbouring plot holders.

• Gardeners are a very generous bunch, so don’t feel embarrassed to ask, friends, neighbours, or fellow allotmenteers for cuttings or seedlings of plants that you have admired. It is part of what gardening is all about.

• Collect softish, deciduous leaves to make free soil improver. Just make a ‘cage’ from galvanised wire with posts at the corners or cram the leaves into bin liners and puncture a few holes.

• Make the most of every bit of fruit and veg that your garden or allotment produces. Make jams, chutnies, jellies and of course bottle or freeze just about anything else.

• Make your own wasp trap. Use a jam jar part filled with stale jam, mixed with water and topped with tin foil with a few holes in it made using a pencil.

• Many local councils offer really good value composters and compost bins. Better still, if you’re at all handy with the hammer and nails, create your own from old pallets or floor boards.

• Fill a flowerbed with colour by sowing it with hardy annual seeds – some can be collected from existing plants, others from packet seed, often at under £1 per packet.

• Ask your local pub to give you any stale beer from the driptrays and use it as slug bait. Use an old plastic beaker part filled with beer and Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

placed so that the rim is about 1cm above soil level in a slug and snail prone area.

• Enjoy some wild food. Many garden plants are edible, and don’t forget the old favourites such as hedgerow blackberries - great for crumble, stewed with some apple or for making into bramble jelly.

• Many fruits sold in the supermarket come in smart, clear-plastic trays, which can be used as miniature seed trays, and most even come with a clear plastic top, the perfect mini propagator lid.

• Growing your own vegetables really can save you a packet. Right now you can order in seed for crops, and onion sets and garlic for crops early next summer. Then early in the year start planting potatoes and sowing seed.

• Look after your garden tools. Store them in a dry shed or garage, wipe over any metal parts with an oily rag to keep rust at bay and they’ll last years longer.

• Invest in a few raspberry canes. This has to be the best money saving crop, as they are expensive in the shops. Once established autumn fruiting varieties yield heavy crops and can give you ‘posh’ fruit....for just pennies.

• The garden furniture is probably the most costly item in your garden and statistics show it’s what gardeners spend most money on replacing.

Remove washable seat-pads and cushions first, wash and dry these and then cover the furniture up or move it into a shed or garage if possible.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening products including Pippa’s favourite weeder, Nemaslug, Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece and lots more besides.

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Garden

Red Letter Days Rural Ramblings. By Geoff Wharton Some days it never ceases to impress me how tolerant and adaptive our wildlife is to the changes in habitat caused by human development. The busy A1 trunk road is not generally thought of as being the first area for good wildlife viewing but as I was to find out, this is not always the case!

The time was still quite early but even so I did not expect to come across a rather large buzzard perched on one of the lamp stands enjoying the view and totally disregarding all the traffic noisily wizzing along below. He was more than happy with his viewing position and no doubt was hoping for a little road–kill opportunity.

Continuing travelling south, the petrol gauge was a little low so the decision was made to stop at the petrol station near to a particularly well-known supermarket. During the re-fill, I happened to notice a single white seagull meandering along the river bank. It seemed to have a rather erratic flight and appeared to be searching for something on the ground which didn’t seem like normal gull behaviour. I suddenly realised that in fact this bird was a barn owl, silvery white in the morning sun. I was quite shocked to realise that it was surviving surrounded by housing and the hurley-burley of town life. Whatever next?

Re-joining the main trunk-road I happened to turn my head to the left and was thrilled to see the normally land fill waste had been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour. I was fascinated to find out what was now growing there and later realised that they were poppies but not the normal red ones which are associated with the two World Wars. These ones were a multitude of colours and had germinated after the ground had been disturbed when the pile had been formed. So much colour from a pile of waste and totally unexpected!

Reaching my destination I was thinking about how unexpected these sights had been in such a busy area with traffic, heavy

machinery and lots of people when a large flock of geese flew over honking and changing their formation. They must have been spending the night nearby in one of the old gravel pits and had decided to move on all together - probably about forty to fifty birds - quite a sight!

I remember as a child reading about “redletter” days in my little I-spy booklet and thought yes, we do have issues maintaining habitats for our decreasing wildlife but survival instincts are strong and with a little help and tolerance we can enable future generations to enjoy what we took for granted.

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services

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

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.

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Tel: 01767 261727 53

Food & Drink

Beer of the Month

by Ted Bruning Summer’s lease, as the bard remarked, hath all too short a stay; and as it’s now September the lease hath definitely expired because this, officially, is the first month of autumn. The days are shortening, the kids are back at school or college or university, and the holiday in the sun is a distant memory. So, what beers to choose?

Well, generally unsettled as September may be it can still throw some surprises at you. The highest temperature ever recorded was 35.9C (in 1906, admittedly); but Septembers have been getting warmer and drier since the beginning of the century, so there’s still every chance of enjoying a final barbie before the covers go on. And to accompany the last burnt bangers and frazzled franks of the year, you want a beer that’s still summery but perhaps a bit more assertive, a bit more characterful, than the hot-weather lagers you’ve been guzzling poolside in Marbella or wherever. In short, you want to get your chops round some hops.

First up is Citra at 4.6% abv from Oakham Ales of

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Peterborough. It’s actually named after the hop variety it’s brewed with which, being American, is big on aroma but not too long on finish.

It’s honey-coloured, with all sorts of tropical fruits exploding on the nose – lychee, mango, even a little citrus. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy but with enough petillance to add a bit of bite and although there’s plenty of hop bitterness on the palate it doesn’t stay around all that long.

Jaipur IPA from Thornbridge Brewery of Bakewell, Derbyshire, is a much tougher customer at 5.9% abv.

It’s a modern reconstruction of the 19th-century India Pale Ales that used to be hopped to the eyeballs to help them survive the long sea voyage to the east, but it’s pretty malty too. The aroma is a balance between sharp lemon and lime from the hops and grassy, grainy malt. The mouthfeel is rich, almost like cream soda, while the palate mingles hay, cream, and intense hop bitterness. The finish is very long and bitter with a slight oiliness. Definitely one to savour.

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Local History

Queen Anne’s Summer House

By Roger Willoughby

The house is situated on the Shuttleworth estate in Old Warden and is owned by the Shuttleworth Trust. In 1712, Samuel Ongley was knighted

by Queen Anne (who died in 1714) and it was almost certainly Ongley who built Queen Anne’s Summerhouse.

The large main chamber was probably used for elegant refreshments, prepared by servants in the brick vaulted basement below. The summerhouse is built of exceptionally fine ‘gauged’ brickwork, a technique in which each brick is rubbed to shape.

The mortar joints between the bricks are also incredibly fine, carefully lined-out in near pure lime putty and no more than 1-2 mm wide. It is exceptionally fine craftsmanship.

The railings that surround the summerhouse date from the late 18th century, as they are made of dry ‘puddle’ iron, a forging technique not developed until the 1780s. In planting the woods on his estate, Ongley set out a series of avenues radiating from the Summerhouse and most remain today.

Queen Anne ruled from 1702 until 1714. During her reign England and Scotland were united and became known as Great Britain. Our economy was very strong and tea and coffee houses were a booming industry. These often became centres

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for business. The London Stock Exchange, for example, grew from a coffee house.

The summerhouse was renovated by Joseph Shuttleworth around 1878, and seems to have served not only as a pavilion throughout the estate, but also for picnics and excursions. In recent years the folly became derelict but in 200809 it was restored by the Landmark Trust and the summerhouse and the Gamekeeper’s Cottage are available for holiday rents at http://www. landmarktrust.org.uk Access to the folly can be gained from the village of Old Warden between April and October which is a very pleasant walk through the woods populated with pine and ferns. As you face the pub The Hare and Hounds, walk left for around 100 metres and on the right is a footpath that climbs up to the wood. Follow the path and there is a gate on the left hand side that leads to the house. If you continue past the gate then you can enjoy a circular walk back to the village of around a mile or so.

When I took this photo I was fortunate enough to see a stoat make four journeys from the wood to the gravestones, each time taking a cub in her mouth. She saw me, took a different route and carried on regardless: man and nature side by side.

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THE BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER

Local news, for Local Listeners by Local volunteers supported and funded by Local organisations

• The Biggleswade Talking Newspaper is one way that the Blind and partially sighted person can independently access Local news.

• If you know anyone who you feel would like to have a ‘’talking newspaper’’ on a memory stick each week, free to the listener, please contact us 07840 504940 or visit our web site.

• We are the official ‘’talking newspaper’’ for East Bedfordshire, Biggleswade, Arlesey, Potton, Sandy, Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding villages.

• If the listener does not have the facilities to listen to the MP3 sound file contained on the memory stick we can lend them a player, free whilst a member.

• The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER DAY in July was a great success, increasing our Listener numbers by over 10%.

www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk We are a registered charity No 281316 established in 1981

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Animal Heroes

Pets

RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch The summer holiday is dragging on, the kids are driving you mad and you’re broke. It’s not a recipe for a memorable summer is it? The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch has some great ideas to entertain everyone AND help us raise funds. Be a hero – help save local animals!

• Pick your pet – Look on our website, or choose from the animals featured here. Each person chooses a different animal and finds 5 items they would like to donate to help ‘their pet’. They can even write a letter to their chosen animal and our shop staff will pass it on.

• Put on a family fashion show – This silly activity is good for a few laughs and doubles as a way for everyone to purge outdated or ill-fitting clothes from the depths of their wardrobe. No matter how you look, make sure to flaunt each outfit with attitude befitting of the catwalk. Ahead of time, agree that the majority vote determines whether the outfit (or certain parts of it) stays or goes.

When you’re all done, bring the discarded clothing to one of our charity shops.

• Tell stories – Ask your child to go through their personal library and select five books to get rid of.

But first, let your child play the role of a storyteller and read one or two favourite books to you. Set

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one or two more aside for bedtime reading that night. Agree to let go of some of the books they have outgrown or become tired of. DVDs, CDs, and computer games can be tackled next.

• Cook – get together with a few friends for a meal and each family cooks a course. Ask for a £5 donation (to go to the RSPCA) then score each course (if you dare!)

• Bake – get the kids baking and hold a bake sale out of the front of your house, or ask for donations from friends and family.

The branch is entirely responsible for raising its own funds, supporting itself and the animals it cares for. It urgently needs donations for its two Charity Shop in Bedford (Thurlow Street and the High Street). Any clothing, bric-a-brac, DVDs, CDs, toys, jewelry or small furniture will be gratefully received and the money raised from their sale will go directly to help local animals that are abandoned, neglected and in need of a new home.

Alternatively, raise your own funds and drop them in to us. Be a hero this summer and help us save lives!

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

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

Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

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Ask Alan Dear Alan, I am worried about my dog Alfie’s dental hygiene. he often has very smelly breath and his teeth are a funny colour. Should I be concerned by this?

Many thanks Graham.

Kidney damage, liver damage, heart disease and a painful old age are the potential effects of untreated dental disease in your pet.

Plaque (a sticky accumulation of bacteria, food and saliva) accumulates on the teeth. Plaque is very hard to see unless specially stained. Tartar is mineralized plaque and easy to see. Tartar makes a rough surface that allows the plaque to accumulate more easily but is not the actual cause of the dental disease. Bacteria in the plaque cause the inflammation (gingivitis). This, if left untreated, causes loss of gum and bone around the teeth (periodontitis), which is progressive and eventually leads to loss of teeth and weakening of the jaw.

Most dogs and cats over 3 years of age suffer from this entirely preventable condition.

Pets Your best course is to prevent plaque forming in the first place with good dental care. Tooth brushing is the surest way to prevent plaque formation. Other options are available e.g. regular dental scaling, prescription dental food and water additives. Be aware that not everything advertised is actually effective so get good advice from your vet.

If dental disease is already present, a professional ultrasonic dental scale is needed to remove tartar and plaque. Dental x-rays are essential to assess the degree of bone loss and disease around the tooth roots as outwardly normal appearing teeth can have problems under the gum line that can only be detected with dental x-rays.

Looking after your pet’s teeth is not only about sweet smelling breath. It is about preventing pain, preventing organ damage and extending your pet’s life.

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

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

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Motoring

Mitsubishi PHEV by James Baggott It’s not very often a car comes along with the promise of ‘changing the game’ – but that’s exactly what Mitsubishi believes its new plug-in hybrid Outlander will do. We took it for a spin on and off road to see if we can believe the hype.

What is it? It’s an SUV with a seriously clever powertrain that combines a 2.0-litre petrol unit with battery technology. On pure electric the car can travel up to 32 miles, even at motorway speeds, and when the batteries are depleted an engine takes over to keep you motoring. All that clever technology has huge benefits too such as no road tax, Congestion Charge exemption, and just 5% BIK for company car drivers. But that’s not all – you get all this with NO price premium over the equivalent diesel model. That’s an industry first and to put it into perspective, Volvo’s plug-in hybrid V60 commands an £11,000 premium over the diesel.

What’s under the bonnet? It’s not what’s under the bonnet that matters but what’s hidden in the floor; a wedge of batteries. As the plug-in name suggests you can top these up every night, for around £1, from a normal three-pin plug. If you do no more than 30-odd miles a day, and top the car up every night, you’ll never use the fuel in the tank. On those occasions when a longer trip needs to be made, you can use the electric range and then rely on the petrol unit to power the wheels, which in itself will do 48mpg. The switch between the two units is seamless. Officially the combined economy is 148mpg, but this will vary depending on where you use it and how often you charge the batteries.

What’s the spec like? The bottom of the range model gets 18-inch alloys, cruise control, air-con, leather steering wheel, reversing camera, Bluetooth and a lot more. On higher spec models there’s a

mobile phone App (Apple and Windows) that lets you change the heating settings, view current range and even operate the headlights and horn remotely.

Also, it’s worth remembering this is a proper offroader with 190mm ground clearance, four-wheel drive and Mitsubishi’s renowned reliability.

Any rivals? Not really. This is the first true plug-in hybrid SUV. The closest thing to a rival comes from Volvo, in the shape of its S60 plug-in hybrid – but remember that costs nearly £50,000, and commands a £11,280 premium over the equivalent diesel. The Outlander PHEV starts at a ridiculous £28,249.

What’s it like to drive? In EV mode it’s near silent and although the petrol unit is a little revvy when it kicks in, it’s not nasty. It’ll hit 60mph in 11 seconds, which is quicker than the diesel, and reaches a top speed of 106mph. It’s all very refined though and wind and road noise is kept to a minimum. There are lots of clever tricks up the PHEVF’s sleeve too – like the ability to hold a charge and use the petrol engine instead at the touch of a button, and the ability to recharge back to 80 per cent when left on tick over for just half an hour. Our only complaint would be a rather hard ride.

The AOL Cars Verdict The biggest winners are company car drivers who effectively get a £10,000 pay rise a year if they’re higher rate tax payers, plus free fuel. Business owners are winners too as they can write down the full cost of the car in the first year. If you’re a normal car driver then the benefits of EV motoring, no road tax and Congestion Charge exemption will be equally attractive. And remember this is all wrapped up in a comfortable, high-riding, go-anywhere off-roader. Our guess is Mitsubishi won’t be able to make them fast enough…

The Knowledge Model: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Price: £28,249 Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, Electric motor Power: 119bhp, 190Nm Max speed: 106mph 0-62mph: 11 seconds MPG: 148mpg (combined) Emissions: 44g/km To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Health

Back to School Bugs and Beasties

How does it happen? Your family has enjoyed a happy, healthy six week summer holiday, but within just days of returning to school your child comes down with a cold, or develops an itchy skin condition, or catches nits. Why, when they need to be settling into a new routine and you need to be back at work, do they suddenly get ill?

Like it or not, children gathering in schools is one of the main ways germs circulate in communities.

Their immune systems are less mature, they tend to be in close contact, and they have ‘germy’ habits like sticking fingers or pencils into their mouths, so it is inevitable that they are going to come home with something nasty at some point.

That said, most illnesses can be avoided if a few good practices are followed. Top of the list is to make sure that your child’s immunisations are all up to date, and that all family members have had a seasonal flu vaccination, where appropriate.

Prevention is definitely the best medicine.

Next, make sure they wash their hands enough - and properly! The most common way to catch illness is through the mouth, eyes or nose after the hands have been in contact with infected surfaces.

A thorough wash with soap and warm water to the back of the hands, in between the fingers and around the nails for 20 seconds (as long as it takes

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By Debbie Singh-Bhatti to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice!) - before eating or drinking, after a visit to the toilet, blowing their nose, or touching animals and waste, should be the minimum.

Teach your child ‘germ etiquette’. This means staying away from other children who may be sneezing or coughing, covering their own coughs and sneezes by using tissues that should be thrown away immediately, and avoiding head to head contact with others. If your child is older, warn them about sharing items such as lipstick, lip balm, make-up, razors, creams, lotions and other personal items such as towels and sports kit.

There are some germ hotspots in schools, and cafeteria trays are one of them! One survey found that there were more bacteria per square inch on a cafeteria tray than there were on a toilet seat, probably because the trays don’t get cleaned as often. If your child drops food on a tray, they should throw it away!

Finally, your child can build up their immunity by getting enough sleep and exercise, eating a well balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and by drinking plenty of water. Take these preventative measures and hopefully going back to school will be a happy, healthy time for everybody!

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Food and Drink

by Culinary Masters

Cheese Soufflé Your regular store cupboard ingredients will make this tasty and classy soufflé.

INGREDIENTS 1 pint milk 56g butter 56g plain flour 330g mature cheddar 4 eggs 1. Heat milk in a saucepan.

2. Melt the butter in a pan on a low heat.

3. Add the flour and cook on a low heat for a further 10 minutes to form a paste.

4. Keep the saucepan on the heat and slowly add the hot milk to the butter and flour paste whilst stirring to make a sauce.

5. Add the grated cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Separate the eggs.

7. Fold the yolks into the sauce.

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8. Then whip the egg whites until stiff and gently fold these into the sauce taking care not to beat out the air.

9. Butter and flour a muffin tray to prevent sticking. Use a silicon tray for best results.

10. Pour the mixture into the tray and bake in a water bath at 180°C, 350°F, gas mark 4 for 20-25 minutes.

Based in Bedfordshire, Culinary Masters can supply a professional chef to cater for you in your home, whether it is a romantic meal for two or a dinner party for friends and family, you can enjoy the luxury of a meal out with all the shopping, cooking and clearing up done for you. Call 07872391726 for competitive quotes, menu options and more details.

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Food & Drink

Indian Cuisine Today

By Sunita Bedhi Geography matters

The different regional cuisines of India have been widely influenced by the geographical positioning of the region. There are so many different regional cuisines in India, and they vary so greatly that really, the term ‘Indian food’ cannot possibly describe it accurately.

Neither can vindaloo or Madras curry be used as descriptive terms for Indian dishes.

Take for example the southern regions of India stretching from Goa to Kerela and Tamil Nadu.

Coconuts are a predominant produce, hence the cuisine here lends itself to coconut curries which tend to be heavily spiced.

The coastal regions of India around the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian coastline, have cuisines that are notably highlighted by fish and seafood.

The northern and more inland regions of Punjab, Kashmir, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh have a wider array of dishes largely dependant on the agricultural produce of these regions. These include meat, lamb, fresh produce and certain vegetables that are grown and available in these areas.

The British Raj and other visitors

The influences of the British Raj and the Mughals on the exotic and rich regional cuisines of Rajasthan and Northern India have also been significant. The food is much richer in spice blends and creamier with the use of yoghurt, cream and butter which lend the flavours a compelling yet subtle allure. The medley and blend of spices used are less ‘fiery’ than the cuisine of Southern India.

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It is the cuisine of the north that seems to have made an impression on the western world, perhaps because of its more bearable spiciness on western palates. Eating patterns have also changed dramatically in India. Traditionally the afternoon meal was the highlight of the day.

Eating times have reversed and the evening meal is now the main meal in Indian households. This is mainly due to lifestyle changes where both man and wife are working during the day and the family comes together for a meal in the evening.

What’s in a curry?

The exposure of India to the west during the British Raj also saw the influence of French, Spanish and Italian explorers of earlier times.

Since then unique Anglo-Indian terms have been coined to describe Indian cuisine. The most widely used term quickly became ‘curry’.

Originally the word ‘curry’ was used to denote any kind of spice relish used as an accompaniment.

But today it has a much broader meaning and encompasses any liquid broth, daal, stew or vegetable dish that has a blend of Indian spices, onions and tomatoes.

Within the different regions of India ‘curry’ has its own meaning. But generally, in India, it means a gravy dish eaten with rice, as in Southern and Eastern India, or with chapattis, paranthas and naans, as eaten in the northern parts of India.

Curry today is the most popular food item in Great Britain and is also rapidly gaining popularity in North America, while chicken tikka now replaces the famous fish and chips as the national favourite in Great Britain.

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Window Doctor

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n O s ’ t Wha 2 September Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm The Pavilion, Mill Lane Guests £3 including light refreshment After a couple of months at other venues, the Club will be back at their usual base at The Pavilion. Guest speaker, Arthur Brooks from The American Cemetery, Madingley. Guests welcome. Bookings can be made for the Christmas meal/party evening on 28 November - 5 course meal with wine and entertainment.

3 September Folk Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall First Wednesday every month. Open floor folk session evening. Tel: Chris 01767 640242 for more info 3 Sept 2014 Confronting the myths of WW1 7pm for 7.30 pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk by Brian Bond examining some of the myths of the Great War. Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 3 September St Mary’s Singers Potton AGM 7.45pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Potton

6 September 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 6 September Tempsford Show Doors open 2pm The Stuart Memorial Hall, Church End, Tempsford If you would like to enter any of the classes for Fruit, Vegetables, Cookery, Crafts or Photography please contact Meryl Besant 01767 640873 for a schedule.

Tables available for selling your goods at £5.

6 September Cambs and BedsHardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Speaker will be Colin Ward on ‘Plantsman’s Choice – Talk on Colin’s Favourites’. Colin runs Swine’s Meadow Farm Nursery and has a passion for plants. Plants for sale. Visitors welcome - small charge which includes refreshments.

4 & 18 September Biggleswade Cancer Support Group 1-3pm The Meeting Room, Biggleswade Baptist Church Sessions free – donations welcome An informal, confidential group for cancer patients, families and friends in the Biggleswade area. It is a place to meet with others and provide mutual support. Tel: 07812 796581 Email: csgbiggleswade@gmail.com Facebook: Biggleswade Cancer Support Group

6 September Performers & Pints 24 “Astounding Autumn” 8.30pm for 9pm start - 11.30pm (ish!)

Free admission The Rising Sun, 11 Everton Road, Potton in the Main Bar Downstairs Big artists in little Potton. A great community night out of fresh live music for all. Four exceptional performers x 30 mins each = One incredible evening of quality & diversity.

Web: www.facebook.com/performersandpints Twitter: @PerformersPints

5 September Bedfordshire Family History Society 7.15pm Mark Rutherford School, Bedford, MK42 9RX Members free, Visitors £2 Illustrated talk is “Daily Life in Tudor Times” by Martin Sirot-Smith. Bedfordshire Family History Society welcomes new members to its talks. Library and bookstall are available at meetings. Next meeting 3 October. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk

6 September Starlight Walk 10pm £15 North Herts Leisure Centre 6 or 10 mile Starlight Walk in aid of Garden House Hospice. A fun night supported by fabulous people for a tremendous cause. Open to ladies and gentlemen. Over 14s only. Closing date for entries 30 August. Tel: 01462 679540 Web: www.ghhospice.co.uk for online registrations

5 & 19 September Whist Drive 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. All welcome.

Refreshments included.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information

9 September Sutton WI 7.30pm Sutton Village Hall Non-members £4 including refreshments Talk by Barrie Mason on Wildlife and Landscapes of East Anglia. £1 raffle.

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10 September St Mary’s Singers Potton 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Potton New Singer’s welcome - all voices! Telephone our Chairman, Malcolm Woods on 01767 677546 or just come along to our first rehearsal on 10 September.

12 September Bingo Night 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar. Tel: Jackie 01767 640790 13 September Everton Village Hall Sale 10am-12 noon Everton Village Hall Stalls including homemade cakes and preserves; raffle and refreshments. Proceeds to St Mary’s Church.

13 September Wrestingworth Goodwill Fund Show and Sale 12.30-5pm Meadow behind the Chequers Inn This year’s theme is “Let’s Dance” and will include a Ceilidh band with caller, as well as all the usual attractions and stalls. BBQ lunch available from 12.30pm. Come along and enjoy the fun. All proceeds to the Goodwill Fund.

13 September Sandy Horticultural Association 2pm £8 per person Visit to the newly refurbished Swiss Gardens.

Tel: 01767 448795 to book 13 & 14 September Western Weekend 10am-4pm daily Great Staughton Village Hall Entrance £5 per person per day Remember our ‘Wild West’ heroes from the1940s, 50s & 60s. All types of memorabilia, including comics, annuals etc., plus books about the true Western history and legends, will be on show. Music and DVDs will be playing throughout the weekend. Please telephone or email regarding tables for showing or selling merchandise (£20 per day).

Light refreshments will be available.

Tel: Clive O’Dell 01480 860339 or 07850 940059 Email: jennyodell@mypostoffice.co.uk 16 September Gamlingay WI 7.30pm W I Hall, Gamlingay Visitors £3.50 Speaker will be Mrs Sue Baker on Belly Dancing – a talk and taster evening. Visitors welcome.

20 September St. Andrew’s Church Country Fayre & Exhibition 10.30am-3.30pm Free admission Shortmead Street, Biggleswade St. Andrew’s Church Country Fayre and Exhibition on “Biggleswade 1914”. www.biggleswadeparishchurch.co.uk

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20 September Gamlingay Show 1pm–5pm Gamlingay Village College Adults £3, Concessions £1.50, Under 5s free Popular favourites the Village College Choir; classic cars, motorbikes and tractors; fairground rides; side shows; craft stalls. New for this year are: water boats; bungee trampolining; Noah Ark inflatable obstacle course; performances by the Gamlingay Community Choir, the Combertones and Box of Frogs Theatre Group; Dog Show and the Great Gamlingay Ready Steady Cook Competition! Entries for the competition classes will be available for viewing from 2pm. Please drop your entry forms into the Library at The Hub, First School, Village College or Londis Stores by 4pm on 19 September. Bring along competition entries and pay your entry fees between 8.30-10.30am on Saturday morning. Pre-registered entries 30p. On the day entries 50p per entry. Please contact us on 07519 921126 or email: gamlingayshow @hotmail.com.

Web: www.gamlingayshow.co.uk 20 September Come and Sing ‘Mozart Requiem’ 4.30pm St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton £12 Conductor: Ralph Woodward. Informal concert for non-singers. All voice parts welcome. Information and booking forms from mjilldavies@yahoo.co.uk.

22 September Open Exhibition ‘The Water’s Edge’ Statton Upper School, Biggleswade An open exhibition that showcases the work of students alongside artists from the local community.

The theme is open to interpretation and work can be in any medium. Work should be brought to the school reception by Monday 15 September (during school hours). The exhibition will run for one week starting the 22 September. If you are interested in participating in the exhibition please contact Lesa Welch: Head of Art, email: stlwelch@stratton.beds.sch.uk.

Web: www.stratton.beds.sch.uk 25 September Potton History Society Meeting 8pm The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton ‘WW1 POW’s in Eastern Command Area’. Dr Chapman has researched German POW Camps from the Great War including East Bedfordshire and Potton to reveal a fascinating story. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Light refreshments provided.

Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.com 27 September Hidden Gems Woodland Walk 10am Meet Southill Cricket Club £12 per person Friends of All Saints Southill walk through the private grounds of Southill Estate by kind permission and led by Mr Charles Whitbread. Lunch at The Temple included. Raffle. Sorry no dogs.

Tickets: Nico Rodenburg 01462 811927, Brian Pexton 01767 317031 or Alan Dover 01234 838994

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Travel

I Want to Go Back That’s what eldest daughter Harriett (3) reveals on leaving Paultons Park in Romsey, Hampshire.

Paultons first opened its doors in 1983 with just four staff. An amazing 80,000 visitors arrived that year, at a time when theme parks were still relatively new phenomena to the UK. It was a massive gamble for farmer John Mancey who successfully applied for a planning application to turn part of the estate into a visitor attraction. He died in 2003 and his son Richard now continues his father’s legacy.

By 1993 400,000 visitors looking for a good day out were pouring through the doors. A plan of continued investment saw the park expand in 1999 ploughing £500,000 into the Raging River Rapids Ride. But it was the opening of Peppa Pig World in 2011 that sealed the park’s success.

As of this year, the multi-million pound success story now employs 600 staff at peak times and enjoys one million visitors a year to its 60 rides. The park’s 140 acres also feature a collection of birds and animals.

When we arrive the weather is looking questionable but despite this the car park is quickly filling up.

Naturally, Peppa Pig World is the place where Harriett drags us to first and there are children from France, Italy and Germany.

After a visit to Peppa’s House it’s time for our picnic.

And pleasingly there are plenty of benches. Lunch is a quick affair though because there’s much more to see.

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By Tim Saunders

Harriett and Caroline then spy Wave Runner. We are surprised how there are so few people queuing for this ride. Five minutes later after watching the other visitors hurtle down at pretty fast speeds, we sit in a dinghy, Harriett at the front and I behind hugging her tightly with my legs. “You must hold the handles tight, Harriett,” I repeat goodness knows how many times. And we’re off.

I can only liken the speed to something similar I experienced when going upside down in a Yak aeroplane a few years ago. It’s petrifying. Your heart is in your mouth. If it went on for any longer we would have been ill. And then no sooner has the world whizzed by and Harriett gone unusually quiet, it’s finished and we’re up putting the dinghy back on the automatic belt watching it go back up to the top. It takes Harriett and I a little while to recover and the Trekking Tractors help regain our composure.

The Victorian carousel and the teacup ride also prove great hits with all of us. We then enjoy a relaxing stroll around some of the grounds to see the birds. We are only able to visit a portion of the park and so the season ticket option seems a good idea.

“How many family days together can you actually remember?” questions Caroline. Not many but one thing’s for sure we won’t forget our day at Paultons.

For more information visit: www.paultonspark.co.uk

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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

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

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Local Photographer

Introducing Emma

Wildlife Photographer This month, we are delighted to introduce Emma Porter, a new local photographer to the Villager and Town Life team. Emma says: “From the age of five, I have loved taking photographs: freezing and capturing moments in time. Taking pictures of wildlife and nature at its best is a passion of mine. The majority of my photographs are taken using a macro lens.�

Featured here is a selection of some of her beautiful pictures.

Emma Porter

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• Supply & fit at competitive prices • Free home calls to estimate & advise • Friendly reliable service For all enquiries, please call or email:

01480 509 685 M: 07833 222 199 T:

E: pgscarpets@hotmail.co.uk

• Wallpapering • Interior & Exterior Painting • Murals • Colour & Design Advice Local, Reliable & Professional

T: 01767

220 744 M:07791 438 593

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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ROOFLINE PRODUCTS INSTALLED

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10 year guarantee Very low maintenance Quality approved zinc-free plastics to eliminate rusting Seamless colour-matched products across the entire range For a free quotation please call Langford Windows

01462 701828

www.langfordwindows.com langfordwindows@hotmail.co.uk Langford Windows advert.indd 1

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

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Potton Windows Limited was established in 1987 84

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Crossword Solution for The Villager August Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Gillian Studley from Sandy

The winner, selected at random, of Steve Plant’s ‘A Wander Around the Coast of Wales’ was Elizabeth Snoswell from Potton, who has been sent the prize, a copy signed by the author.

£x.xx $x.xx €x.xx

STEVE PLANT

Correction: Last month’s book competition title should have been ‘A Wander Around the Coast of Wales’ and not ‘The Wildlife Quiz Book’. Apologies go to Steve Plant.

A WANDER AROUND THE COAST OF WALES A WANDER AROUND THE COAST OF WALES

August’s Wales Competition Rugged coast line, outstandin g beaches, num historic buildings erous and a good dollo just some of the p of folklore are fabulous attra ctions of the Wale Coast Path. Add to this the warm s th and friendline of the Welsh peop ss le and a wand er aroun becomes a truly memorable expe d Wales The 870 miles rience. of continuous coast path off unique view of er a Wales and all that it has to off Every geograph er. ic section of the highlights and path has its own every day prese nts you with a experience to new savour and So, charge your camera, walking enjoy. and prepare to boots at the ready be amazed as you wander aroun Wales Coast Path, d the whatever the weather!!

A 870-mile walk following the coastal path of Wales from north to south

ST EV E

P L A NT

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

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 In addition (4) 3 Greets (8) 9 Painful condition (7) 10 Childminder (5) 11 Developments (12) 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) 17 Winter sport (3) 18 Purposefully (12) 21 Time-piece (5) 22 Distinctive (7) 23 Moving very fast (8) 24 Questions (4)

17th September 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



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

Down 1 From the United States (8) 2 Tantrum (5) 4 Used for seeing (3) 5 Condensed (12) 6 Parts of an hour (7) 7 Speaks (4) 8 Talented (12) 12 Delete (5) 13 Two wheeled vehicles (8) 15 Rigid support frame (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 In debt (4) 22 Male child (3)

Name: Tel: Address:

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

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For all your building needs Call John on 01767 222219 or 07831 283296 Email: chippyjenkins@gmail.com References available on request 88

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Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

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Bedford Doors

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Local News

Joss’s Legacy Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club

Dianne’s son Joss was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour at the age of 4 and given only months to live. He died when he was 10 and because no treatment was available, he lost his voice and mobility. Another case is Camille, diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, leading to 3 operations, 18 months chemotherapy and treatment in America.

She suffered from poor vision, deafness, facial palsy and walking difficulties.

The NHS offers very little emotional support to affected families and whilst there are many cancer charities supporting teenagers and adults with cancer, those helping very young children are few and far between. Three years ago after Joss died, Dianne Parkes set up Joss Searchlight, a registered charity to support the families of young children with all types of cancer, based in Leighton Buzzard.

There are over 6200 such children in England and Wales and many do not survive beyond the age of 5.

Parents, carers and siblings need to talk. They need to know how to prepare children for treatment and

how to talk to them about their illness – what do you say to a young child? This charity has made support films to give families the information they need as is thought that Google gives the worst case scenario.

It provides home visits, creative therapies at home for children plus equipment for their care, respite breaks and a telephone helpline.

They provide ‘Magical Wishes’ – one young child met Gary Barlow and 23 went to Disneyworld in Florida, paid for by a fundraising art event in London.

Dianne is the only full timer at Joss Searchlight – everybody else is a volunteer. It is only the support group for these young cancer sufferers and their families. More volunteers are needed. More information can be found at www.josssearchlight. org.uk or phone 01525 385800. Biggleswade Sandy Lions were pleased to make a donation and will continue to give ongoing support.

For more information about us visit www. biggleswadesandylions.org.uk. Or phone Dave or Judith Hagger on 0845 833 9749

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Books Alterations

BOOK REVIEW

By Bruce Edwards

A Higher Authority

Barrie Hyde Pub: Safkhet Publishing £7.99 What do you do when enforced retirement (some would say idleness) is forced upon one? Many an answer to that conundrum - from lounging around under a partner’s feet to perhaps cycling from Land’s end to wherever. Not many take to the challenge of writing a first novel (though last month’s review was a good example). Barrie Hyde joined the Bedford Writers’ Circle, exposed his thoughts to critical review; and emboldened by favourable comments, he set to work to polish his debut novel and ‘Higher Authority’ is the result.

There’s an element of a good James Patterson here, a fast paced, racy, first-person account of how a lone male gets caught up in a dubious world of drug inspired high finance. Recruited by the ‘faceless organisation’ of the title, he is drawn into a tempestuous association with a fellow agent (oriental, female) and goes through all the expected consequences. All is not what it seems, however and you’ll have to read on to discover what could be the wishful thinking of many a young man. . .

If there’s any major criticism, it is the cover, bland and uninspiring, and where so much more can be done to tempt a reader, particularly from the more reluctant male cohort, it’s a shame; a facet of a small independent publisher who may lean too heavily towards p.o.d and e-books. (Good cover designs cost money!) Don’t be put off, however, it’s a good read, and perhaps Barrie’s next will have a nicer front.

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

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

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