VILLAGER The
Issue 99 - August 2020
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
In this issue Brits - We don’t mean what we say
A Summer Holiday on
Four Wheels Win £25
in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys ur and all surrounding areas Yo EE R py
F co
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Inside this issue... The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby
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Watery Delight.......................................................... 27 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal......................................... 28 Helping Wildlife: Baby Birds...................................... 31 Your Health - Water Worries...................................... 33 Tech for ‘the new normal’.......................................... 34 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 Drinks: Sparklers and Spirits...................................... 39 The Villager Prize Crossword...................................... 42 Book Review - For the Love of the Land.................... 45 Useful Numbers........................................................ 47
The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby........................................ 4 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................... 8 Brits: We don’t mean what we say............................ 10 Keeping Ferrars Hall Care Home COVID-19 free......... 12 New Season Wardrobe Workout................................ 14 Third River Crossing Plan Withdrawn......................... 16 EAAA redeploy aftercare team of nurses.................... 20 A summer holiday - on four wheels.......................... 22 The latest looks for your windows............................. 24
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Your Health - Water Worries
Get your business off to a flying start this year
Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Kate McLelland, Nick Coffer, Jennie Billings, Katherine Sorrell, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA and Trevor Langley
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography sferaphotogroup Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel: 07762 969460 www.design9marketing.co.uk
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
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History
By Kate McLelland
The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby Visit the Edinburgh Museum, situated on the city’s famous Royal Mile, and you’ll discover a wealth of beautiful objects, from exquisitely cut glassware to antique clocks and historic paintings. Of all the lovely art and craft pieces, ancient documents and historical items to be found on display here, one glass case stands out: not for its fine objets d’art, but for its humble contents. The case contains a statue of a small dog, a collar and a feeding bowl, together with a few faded sepia photographs. At nearby Candlemaker Row, you’ll find a drinking fountain topped by a statue of a dog that closely resembles the figure in the glass case. The inscription reads: “A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858, this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872.” Canine fame ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ was a Skye terrier who reputedly spent fourteen years guarding the grave of his
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owner, until he finally died in January 1972. Bobby owed his name to the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirk, where he became something of a local celebrity. It’s reported that crowds would gather at the entrance of the graveyard almost daily, waiting for the one o’clock gun that Bobby took as his signal to leave the grave for his midday meal. Baroness Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts, President of the Ladies Committee of the RSPCA, was so deeply moved by his story that she sought permission from the City Council to erect a public drinking fountain with a statue of Bobby mounted on top. Since that time a novel has been written about Bobby’s life (‘Greyfriars Bobby’ by Eleanor Atkinson, published in 1912) and two films have celebrated his life: ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ (1961) and ‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’ (2006). How the legend began As you might expect of such a well-loved story, there are several different versions of Bobby’s life and some of the details have been called into question. The most generally accepted account
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claims that Bobby’s master was John Gray, a night watchman employed by Edinburgh City Police. Legend has it that John adopted Bobby the Skye terrier to keep him company on the long, dark nights he spent patrolling the city and the two became inseparable friends and working partners. After several years walking the chilly streets of Edinburgh by night, John Gray’s health began to suffer. Records show he was treated for tuberculosis by the police surgeon and he finally died of the disease on 15th February 1858. It wasn’t long before local people passing through Greyfriars Kirkyard noticed that John Gray’s dog appeared to have taken up residence beside his master’s grave, refusing to leave even in the worst of weather. The graveyard keeper tried to shoo Bobby away on a number of occasions, but the dog would always return. In the end the keeper gave up and created a small shelter, with a bed made of sacking, next to the grave. Friends and supporters In 1867 a new by-law was passed, requiring all dogs in the city to be licenced. This rule, which decreed that all strays without licences should be promptly destroyed, created a dilemma with regard to Bobby (who had no master to buy his licence). At this point Sir William Chambers, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, stepped in. He paid for the licence and also provided the smart leather collar, inscribed “Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 licensed”. This is the collar on display in the glass case at Edinburgh Museum. Bobby could only be persuaded to leave his dead master’s graveside for the promise of food. William Dow – a friend of John Gray – would occasionally treat Bobby to a meal at a local coffee house where the two former friends used to meet. At other times Bobby’s meals were provided by a man called James Brown, who looked after the cemetery. Finally, after fourteen years waiting patiently by his master’s grave, Greyfriars Bobby fell ill from cancer of the jaw. He died in 1872 but his fame continued to grow.
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Shaggy dog story? The story of Greyfriars Bobby is a wonderful tale of canine loyalty and dedication, but like all good stories it has probably been embellished during the telling and re-telling. Dr Jay Bondeson, a historian and senior lecturer at Cardiff University, believes that the story was largely fabricated by the graveyard keeper James Brown, who received money from tourists eager to donate towards Bobby’s food. Dr Bondeson also believes that the original dog died in 1867 and was replaced by another Skye terrier. Whatever the truth behind the legend may be, the story is typical of many accounts of animals that faithfully wait for their human owners, including a recent report of a loyal dog that waited in the lobby of China’s Taikang Hospital for more than three months after his elderly owner died from Covid-19. The tale of Greyfriars Bobby has warmed the hearts of visitors to Edinburgh for over 150 years and will no doubt continue to do so for many years to come.
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Food & Drink
Cod wrapped in prosciutto served on Skordalia Serves 4 people
I love Weekend Kitchen guests who are proud of their food heritage. One such guest is former Masterchef contestant Theo Michaels from Harpenden. He takes pride to a new level though – mention any dish to him, from anywhere in the world, and he will make a case that it originated in Greece! The funny thing is, it’s always such a compelling case too! His lovely new book, “Orexi!”, is chock full of modern Greek recipes and this delicious fish dish from his book was a big hit when he made it on my programme recently. Simple flavours, cooked well, and served on a Greek version of mashed potato. Delicious. Ingredients 750g Cod Loin 8 slices prosciutto 30g chopped parsley 1 lemon, quartered Small handful Greek basil, ripped ½ cup Kalamata olives Juice of ¼ lemon 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 6 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced Seasoning ½ clove garlic, thinly sliced Pinch chili
1. Lay out a sheet of greaseproof paper and lay the pieces of ham side by side, slightly overlapping about same length as the fish. Place the fish on the top third of the sheet of ham. 2. Lay out the tomatoes along the top of the cod, followed by the garlic, parsley, basil, olives, chili flakes, seasoning and drizzle of olive oil. Once done, wrap the fish. 3. Lift the short side of the sheet of ham up and over the fish then roll the whole thing until the fish is fully enclosed. Don’t worry about the ends being open. 4. Lightly oil the outside of the fish parcel using your hands and place seam-side down onto a hot skillet or griddle. Cook for 5 minutes then turn over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. 5. Place on a chopping board and slice into thick steaks, finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients for the skordalia: 300g white potatoes 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 100ml olive oil Few drops lemon juice
1. Peel and cut the potatoes and cook in salted boiling water until ‘fork’ done. 2. Drain and steam dry for a few minutes before mashing. 3. Add the garlic and continue mashing adding the olive oil in batches. Once the potatoes are thoroughly mashed, use a hand whisk to beat them as you add the rest of the olive oil. 4. Season with a few very generous pinches of salt, a few drops of lemon juice, and whisk through a pinch or two of the finely chopped parsley.
Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.
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Special Report
Brits: We don’t mean what we say By Kate McLelland
When a member of the online global community Reddit asked the question “NonBritish people of Reddit, what about Britain baffles you?” they received almost 40,000 comments in response. Here are five things about British culture that particularly puzzle non-Brits: 1. Sarcasm The British are famous for their sarcastic turn of phrase and a recent YouGov poll asked a group of Brits and a group of Americans to interpret the meaning of various well-known expressions and phrases. While most members of the British group took the expression “with the greatest respect” to have pretty much the opposite meaning, more than half of the American group took it at face value. One Reddit member, shocked at the way her British boyfriend spoke to his family members, wailed: “They’re so rude to each other. FOR FUN.” 2. British nosh Food is also an area that causes misunderstanding and controversy. Watching The Great British Bake Off, American Britt Rivera was shocked to find that a Yorkshire pudding wasn’t actually a pudding, tweeting “Yorkshire pudding is a little bread bowl, not a yogurt-like dessert?” With the exception of Australia and New Zealand, Britain is one of very few places where Marmite is actually enjoyed. Reddit users have conducted their own opinion poll on the famous spread, with one Slovenian contributor commenting: “I remember my first experience with Marmite was so terrible. Someone brought that thing to our house and I tried it with a spoon ... so disgusting!!” 3. UK accents According to the British Library, we have almost eighty different accents and dialects in the British Isles, so perhaps it’s not surprising that this was another frustration for overseas Reddit users. “So many accents. People fifteen minutes away having another accent,” one moaned. 10
4. Our love of tea Responding to Reddit’s “What about Britain baffles you?” challenge, another user stormed “Your obsession with tea!” Writing for The Week magazine, American author and journalist Jessica Pan describes how she sensed growing resentment amongst her English colleagues after regularly refusing their offers of tea: “I might as well have said ‘I do not want to be part of your society’ or ‘Your tea is gross and so are you.’ That’s because in Britain, I soon learned, rejecting a cup of tea is like rejecting a gesture of friendship.” 5. Our many names The many different names we use to describe our island nation has also caused a good deal of confusion, with some overseas observers unsure whether to call us Great Britain, the British Isles, the British Islands, the United Kingdom or just plain old Britain. To confuse things even further, the UK’s official name is the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’. During our long and colourful history, British people have absorbed the best bits from several different cultures, so perhaps it’s not surprising that such a melting pot of habits and customs continues to cause bewilderment. It’s clear that our culture is seen by others as eccentric, weird, confusing – even a tad annoying – but it’s equally clear that we Brits have no intention of changing our ways for anyone.
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15/06/2020 09:59
Local News
Keeping Ferrars Hall Care Home COVID-19 free Staff and residents at Ferrars Hall Care Home in Huntingdon have been given a clean bill of health as tests for Coronavirus have been completed across all the group’s 32 care homes. Testing of all residents and staff for both viral (current) and antibody (historical) infection of Covid-19 has been taking place over the last few weeks at Ferrars Hall. “Our Care Homes have worked extremely hard to protect our residents against the threat of Covid-19. Following this testing, we have only had a handful of historical cases at Ferrars Hall and currently have no positive cases at all in this home, which has been the case for some time. This is fantastic news and a credit to the hard work and efforts of our staff. We know this does not mean the threat of Covid-19 has ended and we will continue to remain vigilant to its’ potential dangers, in order to keep our residents safe and well.” Said Alykhan Kachra, Managing Director of Country Court.
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Morale at Ferrars Hall Care Home remains high as staff go above and beyond to keep residents happy, healthy and entertained. Residents are enjoying taking part in the group’s annual gardening competition Country Court in Bloom, with numerous projects underway to bring colour to their gardens. Each care home continues to follow rigorous infection control procedures and the group has sufficient supplies of PPE to keep everyone well stocked and looked after. If you would like to know more about Ferrars Hall Care Home, please get in touch with our Customer Relations Manager Hannah Mills on 07568 128215 or email Hannah.mills@countrycourtcare.com
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House of Colour
New Season Wardrobe Workout New options are appearing in the shops for the new season ahead and you may be considering adding a few new options. Before you do have a good look at what you already have. You may have had time recently to declutter but it might be worth taking a closer look to see what we really need, where are the gaps and how your lifestyle might be changing. Before starting: Get out your colour wallet and style workbook, clothing personality notes and wardrobe words (if you have them) and make sure you are familiar with the colours, styles, shapes and patterns that work for you. Then go through each item and consider the following: When did you last wear it? - if it was more than 2 years ago or you really can’t remember, can you bring it back into your life perhaps by wearing it in a different way? Could an alteration make a real difference to how often you wear it? Could you add different buttons to ‘lift’ the item? Is this still relevant for your lifestyle now? Are you waiting to lose weight… (it’s probably not going to help if it just sits there reminding you. Time to move it on.) Mark it out of 10? 10s are new or nearly new items that tick all your boxes. If you get down to 5/6 marks then it might be time to start wearing it for gardening (something else we can do). Check for colour – If you’ve been analysed and have a wallet use it to ensure it’s right colours don’t need to match exactly, just blend and harmonise with your palette - use your seasonal words and cards to help. Most of us can’t wear black successfully (contrary to popular belief it’s not slimming as it’s the most dominant colour in the palette and will draw the eye). Check for style - having thoroughly perused your style notes, does this item hit the right note and tick all the boxes it needs to? If not, can you make it work with some accessories? Are you comfortable in it?
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Do you love it? – or as the de-cluttering expert, Marie Kondo might put it, does it spark joy? We should love what we wear. If you’re keeping something ‘just because…(you spent money on it or had to for an occasion, fill in the blank) but you actually don’t love it, let it go. Having less is more – While it may feel concerning to have much less in our wardrobe we don’t actually need that much. Items that are right (colour and style) can be mixed and matched with the others creating an efficient wardrobe with items that work hard for us. Less also means we actually see our clothes more easily and are more likely to wear what we have! Find a new home for anything that doesn’t shape up. Once you know what you are keeping. Put it all back in an order that works for you. Here’s a suggestion: Sort it by when and what you wear it for. Create separate sections for your work clothes, hanging out at home (keep these handy), going out and “going out out” (even if this means getting dressed up to go into the kitchen at the moment!) Sort each section by item. Keep the same type of item together on the rail, eg jackets, trousers, tops etc. It is easier to find what you want and you are more likely to mix and match your items creating different outfits. Sort each item by colour. Wardrobes look at lot less like jumble sales if you apply some structure to your colours. A way that works is to think “rainbow”. You won’t necessarily have all of these in your season but it’s a good place to start.
By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk
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Local News
Third River Crossing Plan Withdrawn The Great Ouse Valley Trust gives thanks for a common sense decision and for the support for its campaign The Great Ouse Valley Trust welcomes the great news that the Combined Authority’s plans for a third river crossing in the landscape between St Ives and Huntingdon have been withdrawn. Our Trustees and all our Partner Members have worked tirelessly to get the road removed from the Mayor’s plans. Now we have succeeded there are many people and groups to thank. As Trustee Helen Boothman said as she walked her dog this morning musing on the day’s news, ‘Now the meadows can breathe a sigh of relief’. We would also like to give credit to the Authority that they have listened to our arguments and responded. We can now look forward to a new era where the real value of the Great Ouse Valley to the economy of the County is recognised. Its importance for the environment and for physical and mental health is obvious to everyone, but if we want to attract visitors, new high-tech businesses and the brightest and best to come and live here, we have to protect
Tranquility from a Great Ouse backwater Photograph from GOVT
the things that make this area so special. First amongst these is the landscape of the Great Ouse Valley. New roads may sometimes be essential for the national benefit but when we look at new residential areas and work places we must plan for better transport solutions that don’t destroy our diminishing places of peace and tranquility. www.greatousevalleytrust.org.uk
Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Field Lodge care home. Add to that delicious home cooked food from our in-house chefs, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced teams, and amazing activities, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here for you. To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one video chat, please call 01480 877602 or email johan.hancock@careuk.com
Field Lodge care home London Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EX careuk.com/field-lodge
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ADVERTORIAL
Since June 8, Buckden Dental Clinic has been welcoming back patients with non-urgent problems and outstanding treatments. Infection control has always been a priority for Buckden Dental Clinic, and as members of the BDA Best Practice and Denplan Excel, the practice is committed to maintaining a high level of dental care and service to its patients. However, the practice has made a few adjustments to procedures to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Focussing on reducing the patient’s time inside the clinic, additional hygiene measures and ensuring patients are able to receive treatment in good time, here are the changes Buckden Dental Clinic have made in light of the coronavirus crisis. 1. Attendance to the practice is via appointment only. The front entrance remains closed to prevent the entry of other patients and delivery personnel. Excess equipment and furniture have been removed from all areas where possible to minimise contamination and ease cleaning. 2. The team are currently setting up an online portal where patients can update contact details and medical history prior to appointment, reducing the contact with equipment in the practice such as clinipads. 3. Patients should wait in the car park on arrival, and preferably be contactable by mobile telephone. The reception team will then contact you to confirm your arrival and to issue further instructions. Buckden Dental Clinic requests patients to leave any unessential items, such as coats or bags, in the car, and to attend appointments alone unless it is necessary, for example, if a child is attending with a parent or if an adult requires support. 4. Patients will be greeted at the car park entrance by one of the clinic’s dental nurses or dentists. You will be asked to use the alcohol hand rub provided and have your temperature checked with a contactless thermometer.
5. Dentists and dental nurses are now carrying out treatments wearing the appropriate PPE, which includes the clinic’s highergrade masks for aerosol treatments. The practice also has washing facilities on-site so there is no need for staff to take their uniforms home potentially spreading containments. 6. Buckden Dental Clinic have installed Radic8 Virus Killers air filtration units inside the surgeries which filter the air and kill viruses with UV light. 7. The clinic also uses ‘foggers’ to dispense antiviral disinfectant around the surgeries after each patient in addition to its normal, strict, infection control procedures 8. The practice uses high power suction with rubber dam or IsoVac for treatments which reduces aerosols by 90-98 per cent. 9. When treatment is complete, a member of staff will escort you to reception if a payment or future booking is required. To help adhere to social distancing, contactless card payments is preferred. Tech-savvy patients can book future appointments via an online booking link, reducing the time spent in the reception area. 10. After reopening as an urgent dental hub on May 18, Buckden Dental Clinic is now able to treat patients needing urgent attention and has more appointments available for routine care. The clinic is also planning to hire another dentist in July, to further increase availability and to reduce the anticipated long waiting lists.
Buckden Dental Clinic 35 Silver Street, Buckden Cambridgeshire PE19 5TS T: 01480 818298 E: info@reception@buckdendental.co.uk
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Local News
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) help Covid-19
effort by redeploying Aftercare team of nurses As the call went out for nurses to help during the pandemic, EAAA’s Aftercare Team responded wholeheartedly. Made up of four nurses, Aftercare supports EAAA patients throughout their recovery and updates the EAAA crews on patient outcomes. Before Aftercare was set up, the EAAA teams didn’t always know what happened to their patients. Now, they not only get to know, and sometimes meet, their patients, but this aids continuous learning and improvement. Aftercare also supports bereaved family members. The Aftercare team is headed up by Alison Brett, who leads three nurses who work for EAAA while juggling part-time nursing jobs. Georgie Sellick, Lisa Boyle and Sue Gee support Alison as clinical liaison officers in the respective areas where they are based in the region. Aftercare during the peak of the pandemic Georgie and Lisa both have extensive critical care nursing skills and both returned to work full time in the NHS early on. Alison was asked by the London Air Ambulance to help set up a Family Support and Liaison team at the London Nightingale Hospital. It was important that EAAA Aftercare kept going, so while Alison was in London, Sue continued to balance her hospital work with her EAAA days. Looking back, Alison said: “It’s been a complete whirlwind. While the Aftercare didn’t stop, we are all hugely grateful to EAAA for allowing us to adjust our roles temporarily to help support the NHS. I
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was hugely surprised to be called down to London, but wanted to do as much as I could. Fortunately, there weren’t as many patients at the Nightingale as anticipated and after six weeks, I wasn’t needed anymore. But it could have been a very different story. As nurses, we all felt the urge to support the NHS as much as possible but also have a commitment to EAAA.” EAAA Aftercare moving forward Alison continued: “Our crews were quieter at the beginning of lockdown but now they are busy again, and so are we. There are lots of patients who need our support. However, we are still adapting to new ways of working. We are unable to attend home visits or arrange base visits for patients and their families to meet the crew who attended to them, but it is vitally important that we’re still able to support our patients via video, phone or email. “We help patients to understand what happened, the care and treatment they received and to support them in their recovery, as best we can. We’re really luckily at EAAA to be able to provide this service and I’m immensely proud of the way the team has also been able to help during the Covid-19 pandemic, too.” To learn more about the EAAA Aftercare Service, go to: www.eaaa.org.uk/aftercare To get in touch if you have been helped by EAAA, call: 07495548110 or email aftercare@eaaa.org.uk
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At Oakleigh Residential Home we take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of care for our residents. Our home is set out in large gardens with easy access, 24 bright and comfortable, single-occupancy rooms and in-house cooks who create appetising and varied menu’s.
01480 890248 stonnell.oakleigh@outlook.com 22 North Road, Alconbury Weston, Huntingdon, PE28 4JR.
We provide 24 hour care and can accommodate clients who require dementia care.
www.oakleighresidentailhome.co.uk ESTABLISHED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1988 Oakleigh Residential half page.indd 1
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05/12/2016 11:03
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Special Report
A summer holiday – on four wheels Renting a camper van or motorhome for your summer break is a truly different experience. Clearly it’s much smaller, but the ‘Wendy house’ feel is a lot of fun and being able to visit a number of places without packing and unpacking every time is a joy. SMALL - VW and small camper vans look cool and are easy to get around in. They are small inside though and don’t have toilet facilities. They work well in good weather and for a couple of nights, but much longer than that and you’ll be longing for a bit of social distancing! If that’s all your budget will stretch to and there are more than two of you, make sure you get an awning for extra storage and living space. MEDIUM - A camper van is a van which has been converted to a living space. Being a van they have big doors at the side and back, meaning you can get more of a view and let the fresh air in. They are generally easy to drive and park and are ‘Tardis-like’ inside – you won’t believe how much can be squeezed in. LARGE - A motorhome is usually built on a van chassis, but the living space is purpose-built so it’s wider, taller and has more space for storage and facilities. On the downside, they only have a narrow single door in the living space so there’s more of a definition between inside and outside. CARAVAN - Caravans are inexpensive because there’s no motor but of course you’ll need a tow bar on your car, which you might not be so keen to do if you are just trying the experience for the first time. Driving and manoeuvring them takes a bit of practice too. WHERE TO STAY - During the day you can stop in many open car parks near beaches and in forested areas. Wild camping – where you just park up and stay overnight – isn’t encouraged even if you have your own toilet facilities. Rather you should aim for one of these options:
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The Caravan and Motorhome Club has an extensive network of club sites, see www.caravanclub.co.uk. The smaller Camping and Caravanning Club offers a good selection of sites. See www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk. Britstop (britstop.com) is a guide you have to buy (£31.60) and it lists stays at farm shops, country pubs, vineyards and many other interesting venues. However, many are likely to still be closed this summer. WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENING? As it’s likely to be a while before public venues are fully open, entertainment on your new holiday theme will resonate: • ‘Vanlifer’ Jenelle Eliana has a huge following on YouTube. She lives in her van with a pet snake! • Book: How to Live in a Van and Travel. • Into the Wild is a moving film based on a true story of a young man who attempted to live independently in the wilds of Alaska. • Back on YouTube, watching van reviews and people doing self-build conversions may inspire you to make motorhoming a permanent fixture in your life.
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Interiors
1 By Katherine Sorrell
The latest looks for your windows There’s a world of window fashion available for homes these days, so if your double glazing requires replacing, why not consider a few different options? Your windows are the ‘eyes’ of your home, often the most noticeable element of its exterior. From the inside, they are your sources of natural light, they frame your view and (hopefully) they provide you with security and cosy, quiet, draught-free rooms. For most houses – historic buildings being the exception – double-glazed windows are the norm, though some homes these days have triple glazing, which generally provides even better energy efficiency. These windows are sealed units comprising two or three sheets of low-emissivity glass, which reflects heat back into the home but allows light through from outside. Between the layers of glass is either air or an inert gas such as argon, and it’s all framed with uPVC (plastic), wood, metal or a mixture of materials (composite). When choosing double glazing there is much more on offer than white, white or white. Even standard uPVC windows are now available in a range of colours and textures. “The demand for plain white has declined rapidly over the past five years,
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and the switch over to the contemporary greys and pastel colours has taken a strong foothold,” says Graham Lindsay, managing director of Weru UK, which manufactures a range of high quality, high-tech, triple-glazed windows and doors. “Many systems now rank the most popular colour as Anthracite Grey, which has more interesting undertones than a typical pure grey, with flashes of blue and green, depending on the light. There has also been a recent transition to more bespoke unusual shades, edging towards beige greys. These shades are favourable because they can be combined with a wide range of building materials, such as brick, render or cladding.” While standard uPVC windows are still hugely popular, they are seeing stiff competition from metal-framed and composite windows, says Lindsay. Not only can the latter be powder coated in more than 5,000 different shades, but their inherent strength and stability makes them ideal for contemporary homes that require very large panes of glass. “While aluminium products are driving the growth, there are extremely innovative hybrid solutions available on the market, which deliver superb quality and unrivalled thermal and acoustic properties,” he points out. “At Weru, for example, we manufacture a hybrid alternative to aluminium called AFINO-tec, a combination of PVC and steel that is 25% lighter and allows for a 30% larger aperture than PVCu, making it an ideal option for bespoke, architecturally designed builds that demand larger, stronger glass areas.”
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Undoubtedly it is best to suit your choice of window to the style of your property, and, while metal and hybrid frames are perfect for contemporary homes, caution is advised in coastal areas, warns Lindsay. “Consider the environment of the project before making any decisions,” he says. “As with any metal, a coastal location will offer more of a challenge against the risk of corrosion – which is not an issue with PVCu.” And if you own a period home, windows must be sympathetic. “The colour plays a big part,” he points out. “Slate grey, along with Farrow & Ball-type colours, would be deemed popular with planning and conservation departments. In very strict conservation projects, such as listed buildings, windows would have to be made in timber and replicate the original look.” Other interesting window choices include timber on the inside with no-maintenance aluminium on the outside, the currently highly fashionable steel-framed (or Crittall-style) window, and even double- or triple-glazed windows that incorporate Venetian or pleated blinds between the panes of glass. Known as ‘integrated’ or ‘interstitial’ blinds, these need no cleaning, provide privacy and
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security, work perfectly when the windows are opened, and come in a range of colours. They can be raised, lowered and tilted as usual, controlled by a chain cord, magnetic slider, remote control, solar sensor, wall switch or smart home app, and should last as long as the double glazing itself. Often used in offices and other commercial settings, integrated blinds provide a sleek look that means you can focus on the window itself rather than the window dressing – though if you love that softer style then perhaps they’re not for you.
4 1 White uPVC casement windows suit many styles of property. These are by Quickslide: 03332 41 22 40; quickslide.co.uk. 2. Sliding sash windows are essential for the look of a heritage property. These examples are made from uPVC, reinforced with galvanised steel, and available in a range of styles, shapes and colours. Britannia Windows: 0117 971 6067; britanniawindows.co.uk. 3. These new-build homes feature Afino-tec windows, French doors and wide-span patio doors, finished in anthracite grey, by Weru: 01253 341 444; weru.uk. 4 This stylish new-build house was fitted with minimal aluminium-framed sliding doors and windows by IQ Glass: 01494 722 880; iqglassuk.com.
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FOUR SEASONS TREE SERVICES Qualified & Professional Tree and Client Care
PRUNING • LOPPING • FELLING PLANTING • REDUCING & RESHAPING CROWN RAISING • HEDGE TRIMMING THINNING • POLLARDING • STUMP REMOVALS OVERGROWN GARDENS PUT BACK INTO SHAPE FRUIT TREES TREATED • LOG & WOODCHIP SALES FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE WITH NO OBLIGATION For quality jobs at a competitive price call:
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Gardening
By Pippa Greenwood
Watery Delight A pond is a great long-term addition to a garden but plan it before you start digging! Where to put a pond? Keep clear of deciduous trees; their leaves clog up the pond and cause methane gas to be released as they rot, which can be lethal to fish and pond wildlife. Conversely, extremely sunny, hot spots will increase the likelihood of pond algae problems. Choose a level site to minimise the amount of soil that needs to be shifted to create it. How to choose a liner. There are three main types of pond liner: a pre-formed rigid liner (mid-price but shapes are limited); plastic available by the metre (cheap but may only last three or four years); and butyl (costly, but lasts around 30 years, and allows and any size and shape you require). What shape? Create a simple shape to use less butyl liner and underlay, and make it easier to install. Always use underlay as this dramatically reduces the risk of leaks due to liner damage. Either buy it or use old carpet underlay for flexible liners, while plenty of sand works well for rigid liners. What size? A larger pond is generally easier to maintain and should be at least 45cm (18in) deep to minimise algae and to maximise the range of plants you can grow. Adjust the pond levels at the edges before laying edging material. Edges must fit snugly in the hole to reduce the chances of damage – pack dry sand or garden soil into any gaps. Large, rounded stones at the pond edge help animals to climb out and help disguise liner edges, plus
reduce the amount of soil accidentally entering the pond. Have a gently sloping beach at one edge to allow hedgehogs, birds and other non-aquatic creatures to drink and bathe, and get out easily if they fall in. Build in some ‘shelves’ at the sides, wide enough to hold pots or pond baskets to allow for aquatics and marginals (bog-loving plants) needing shallower water. A pond should be filled with rain water, but mains water can be used if allowed to stand for a week or so before adding plants or fish. What to plant? Buy healthy and hardy pond and marginal plants that are able to withstand winter temperatures. Check the depth of water they require and how big they’ll grow. Make it safe. Make sure that you explain the potential dangers of ponds to children, and consider waiting a year or so if they are too small to understand. Avoid steep, straight sides and have a graduated exit so it’s easy to get out of should someone or something fall in. Consider fitting a strong galvanised metal mesh over the entire surface. It must be strong enough to bear a child’s weight, with a small mesh size that small feet cannot go through. A small fence around the pond can be clothed with climbers or painted, and can be removed once children are older. Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.
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Pets
Rehoming Appeal
Poppy
This is Poppy, a medium sized crossbreed girl who is gentle but very nervous of strangers. Once she knows you, she comes out of her shell and is a very friendly girl. She is about 5 years old and will need lead training as she has never been walked on a lead before, but she is a bright girl and should learn very quickly. She will need patience and understanding to help her settle into a new home. A home without young children would be preferable for Poppy. If you can offer this lovely girl a home, please contact Julie on 01763 289827. View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
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WO PINEE CAOD RE TRE What we do? • Tree Felling • Thinning and Pruning • Lopping and Topping • Hedge Trimming • Stump Grinding • Power Washing • Gravelling Why choose Pine Wood? • Competitive rates • Free estimates and advice • References on request For a FREE estimate with no obligation E: andrewwinters83@outlook.com
T: 01733 322562 or M: 07468 442002
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Pets
Helping Wildlife: Baby Birds When you spot a baby bird out of its nest, most people’s natural instincts will be to pick them up and help. Perhaps wrap it in a something warm and soft and potentially take it to a local rescue centre or vet. However, this isn’t always the best thing to do. An important factor in deciding the right course of action, is dependent upon whether the bird is a fledgling or a nestling. Also whether the bird is injured. Additionally, are the parents close by? Lots of baby birds end up in our care when kindhearted people have tried to help, but they would have been better left alone. So, when do you intervene and when is it best to leave them alone? Nestlings Nestlings are baby birds that do not have any feathers. Therefore, they will not survive for very long outside the protection of the nest. We advise that in this circumstance you take the bird to your nearest wildlife rehabilitator. The two closest to our region would be the one in Royston, Cambridge and another in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire Fledglings Fledglings are older than nestlings and have all, if not most of their feathers. They tend to leave the nest just before they are able to fly. We advise that if you come across a fledgling on the ground, out of its nest, it is best to leave it alone. You can observe the fledgling from a distance, as the parents are usually close by. In addition, because the parents will still be feeding the
bird it isn’t advised that you remove the bird from its environment. If you feel the fledgling is in immediate danger, you may place it in a sheltered spot close to where you found it. Certainly, do not try to return a bird to the nest as this may disturb the other young birds. Owlets You may come across tawny owlets on the ground that are still learning to fly. Again, in most cases it is best to leave them where they are. Amazingly, tawny owlets can climb back up into their nest. So if you discover one under a possible nest site, monitor from a distance to see if the parents are close by. Something else worth noting, is that young Tawny Owls usually leave the nest long before they are actually ready to fly. This means that there is little point in returning such birds back to their nest. Tawny owlets go through a phase called ‘branching’. This is when they walk, climb, jump and flutter around in the trees at night. It is not uncommon for owlets to spend time on the ground during this phase. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304
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WALL COATING
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Health
Your Health - Water Worries Ask most adults in the UK how much water they should be drinking and you’d be told “eight glasses a day.” But it’s a myth, believed to be a misinterpretation of some advice given in the 1940s. How can it be true when we are all different sizes, some of us are active and some are sedentary, and the weather may be sweltering or freezing? Like sleepiness and hunger pangs, thirst is your body’s way of indicating it needs something and really not something to be afraid of. IT’S THAT EASY? Yes and no. As we age, the thirst mechanism deteriorates so we can’t rely on that as our only indicator. Furthermore, when you are engrossed in some sedentary activity – watching TV, surfing the net – you may not be conscious that you haven’t had anything to drink for a while. I NEED A CLUE. Dizziness or a headache may be a sign, but more reliable is the colour of your urine. If you realise it has been many hours since you last passed water and when you do go your pee is dark yellow, you are dehydrated. I PREFER A ROUTINE. A good start is to always take a glass of water to bed with you. This is your early morning reminder to start hydrating. During the rest of the day, if you can barely remember where you put your car keys, keeping track in your head is a strategy designed to fail. As a minimum, a written log by the fridge will help, but using one of the widely available hydration apps is a
great discipline and makes it fun too. JUST PLAIN WATER THEN? Again, another urban myth is that only pure water counts and that simply isn’t true. If you don’t feel you are awake until you’ve had your first cuppa that’s not a bad thing. Despite being slightly diuretic, tea and coffee are both sources of fluid. Your water intake doesn’t have to come from ‘water’. That is, fruit and vegetables, soups, milk and soft drinks all have a high percentage of fluid in them. MY WATER TASTES LIKE A SWIMMING POOL. Tap water really is fine to drink, but in many hard water areas a slight aroma and taste of chlorine will be enough to put you off, and that in itself will reduce your intake. Of course you can buy it in bottles. Better for the planet and the wallet are water filters and there’s a huge choice and plenty of articles online comparing the options. One innovative idea comes from a Scottish company called Phox (www.phoxwater. com). Their jug features a refillable cartridge that is designed to last the life of the jug, not just thirty days. The water filtration granules expire after fortyfive days, when you’ll simply open the filter, clean it out and pour in the new refill pack. CHEERS! TOP ME UP. Indeed, but a final word of warning. It’s just as important not to overdo it. Overhydration, known as hyponatremia, can be lethal.
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Technology
Tech for ‘the new normal’ 5.
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Lockdowns may be largely lifted but we’re going back to a very different world at work and at school: many more of us are working from home at least some of the time, and school pupils and college students are getting used to doing more online learning. That can be a challenge, because when most of us bought the things we have in our homes we weren’t thinking about using them for work – so for example dining tables may be great for chatting with family or friends, but they’re not ideal for long periods on a laptop. If you or others in your household are going to be spending longer periods working, especially on computers, comfort isn’t just nice: it’s essential. Spending too much time with poor posture or awkward working spaces can be bad for your health, as it increases the risk of physical stresses and strains. In some cases that can lead
to painful repetitive strain injuries. The good news is that you don’t need to do much to make your working or studying environment safe. It’s all about right angles: when you sit, your back should be straight, your feet flat on the ground (or on a footrest) and your body at right angles, so your forearms and your thighs should be horizontal and your back, upper arms and calves vertical. If you can afford it, invest in a good quality chair with back support and a decently padded or sprung base – your back and bum will thank you for it in the long term – and if you get one with wheels, invest in a floor protector too. Wheels can do serious damage to carpets and laminate flooring. 1 A powerful laptop with a clear, large screen is essential. Techradar calls the 14-inch Acer Swift 3 “the best budget laptop in the world.” Acer Swift 3, £533, Amazon UK
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2 No space? No problem. An unobtrusive corner desk gives you space to work without taking up too much room in your room. Loft Living Corner Office Desk, £100, Argos 3 When the days start to shorten you’ll need a quality light to illuminate your work area. The Anglepoise is a design classic and uses energy-saving LED bulbs. Anglepoise Type 75, £175, John Lewis 4 Office chairs don’t need to look like office chairs: this chair from IKEA comes in an attractive and easy-to-clean white, so it doesn’t make your room look like a meeting room. JÄRVFJÄLLET chair, £150, IKEA 5 If your Wi-Fi is slow, the culprit is probably the router: if it’s an older one or came with your broadband service, it probably isn’t the fastest. TP-Link Archer C50 Router, £32.99, Amazon
We are your only local family run, accredited Solidor installer, specialising in:
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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. 36
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CERAMIC TILER Ceramics • Porcelain • Slate • Terracotta
Local tiling professional with over 35 years experience specialising in domestic wall and floor tiling. Free design, advice and quotations.
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Food & Drink
Drinks: Sparklers and Spirits Prosecco is extremely popular and Pizzolato Organic Prosecco (11% vol) certainly does not disappoint. This impressive, sparkling production exudes a fine and persistent perlage, which pleases the nasal senses with fruits, including apples and pears, that follow on to the mouthfeel and palate sensation. I found this prosecco crisp and refreshing, being produced utilising 100% Glera grapes to great advantage. Irresistible Cava (11.5% vol) is another most popular sparkling wine, that adorns many dining tables, constantly. Made by Castillo Perelada, renowned for excellent sparkling wines, this exclusive blend delivers a dry, refreshing experience that continues throughout – to the very last enjoyable drop! Grape: Macabeo. Taittinger is very much recognised as one of the leading Champagne Houses. This family-owned and managed company (Founded 1734) produces outstanding, multi awardwinning Champagnes. The use of Chardonnay grapes is of great importance and results in exceptional Champagne productions, which are admired and appreciated by many. Taittinger Brut Reserve (12.5% vol) is a favourite for Champagne lovers, worldwide. The bouquet and splendid perlage are just perfect and the balanced, superb mouthfeel follows, to complement. The palate’s sensation completes the experience with excellent depth and a most memorable finish. For the spirits, I found Passion Fruit, Mango & Lime Flavoured Gin Limited Edition (40% vol) to suit my palate perfectly. The description on the bottle states ‘Zesty & Vibrant’ – I agree. Infused with the flavours of passion fruit, mango and lime, this 5-times distilled production has a splendid combination of tropical inclusions, with the lime citrus addition, balancing wonderfully. Irresistible Pineapple Rum Spirit Drink (40% vol) has a good number of ‘devotees’, too. Produced using Dominican Republic rum and 8-year aged Barbados rum, this certainly ‘comes through’ with its tropical taste, evoking thoughts of paradise, with pineapples and sunshine. Happy Days! I located these drinks at a Co-op store. The Co-op is dedicated and committed to Fair Trade, also. Expert advice is always available, which includes valuable information about pairing wines/drinks with foods, too. Excellent quality beverages include beers, wines and spirits, with several award winners amongst the ranges. If Co-op membership is of interest, then customers can enjoy rewards on selected products and purchases. www.coop.co.uk/products/wine www.coop.co.uk www.infofairtrade.net
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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Crossword Solution for The Villager July Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Christina Giddings from Sandy
July’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions
Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th August 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Prize
ÂŁ25
Across 1 Cut short (4) 3 Adversary (8) 9 Error (7) 10 Board game (5) 11 Very eager (12) 13 Informal (6) 15 Small piece of food (6) 17 Books giving meanings of words (12) 20 Relating to the moon (5) 21 Absence of sound (7) 22 Moving very fast (8) 23 Spheres (4) Down 1 Business (8) 2 Start of (5) 4 Written in rhyme (6) 5 Now and then (12) 6 Protect the eyes (7) 7 Throw (4) 8 Produced (12) 12 Small bunches or groups (8) 14 Physics or chemistry (7) 16 Untie (6) 18 Lying within (5) 19 Add to (4)
Name: Tel:

Address:
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Books
For The Love of the Land
A Cook Book to Celebrate British Farmers and their Food If we are able to take any positives from the devastation the coronavirus pandemic has caused, perhaps the way it has given some families a chance to reconnect and take stock of the things that are important to them, is something to cheer. Families used to rushing from pillar to post and grabbing meals on the go have been able to take time to cook and share meals together in a way they had perhaps forgotten. It has given some of us a new appreciation of what the food shop staff, delivery drivers, butchers, bakers, farmers and deli owners do to help us put great food on our table. So, For The Love of the Land, celebrating the stories and recipes of some of the UK’s finest farmers, is a timely release from cook book specialists Meze Publishing. Compiled by Jenny Jefferies, herself the wife of an arable farmer, the farms featured here cover the length and breadth of the UK, and see farmers specialising in a diverse array of produce; from game, pork, lamb, beef, cheese and dairy to the more unusual such as lavender, chillies and edible flowers. Among those to feature are Michelin-starred chef and Great British Menu regular Tommy Banks, who grew up on a farm in Yorkshire, award-winners Daylesford Organic Farming and dairy farmer, Katie Lowe, also known as the The Female Farmer. Meanwhile the range of recipes is mouth-watering; and often quintessentially British; from Blackbrook Beef Bolognese from a traditional lowland farm in Leicestershire, Reestit Mutton Soup by two sisters who run their family farm on Shetland and Pheasant and Asparagus Bake from a family run game shoot in Cambridgeshire. Jenny Jefferies, who compiled the book, commented: “After marrying my husband, John, I discovered the wonderful, challenging and sometimes isolating world of farming. I never
before quite appreciated where our food came from so it’s been a real privilege to speak with the farmers within this book; they are truly the backbone of our country. They nurture and provide for us; putting food on our table for us to enjoy, so let’s give thanks and praise for all the hard work that they do. “This book has become a labour of love and I hope this collection of stories and of the farmers’ favourite recipes is simply enjoyed for its food, provenance and for the sharing of good and positive stories. This is a celebration of British farming – enjoy!” For many farming families like Jenny and John, working the land and raising livestock is a true labour of love, and what they produce is the backbone of the country’s food and drink.The dishes in this book make the most of local and seasonal ingredients, creating delicious meals, puddings and bakes that anyone can cook up at home. Alongside that, members of these families have told the stories of their livelihoods: from losing sheep in snowstorms to stoking enthusiasm in the next generation, their honesty and passion is an inspiration and an education. As the landscape of British farming changes, we need to support high-quality food production and understand how farmers can work in harmony with nature to make our eating habits more sustainable. Whether you’re country born and bred or have never donned a pair of wellies, discover the food and stories in this book to help to put British farming back on the map and at the centre of your table. Published by Meze Publishing, July 14, 2020 For the Love of the Land is a 224-page hardback and retails at £22. It will be available to purchase from Amazon, bookshops including Waterstones and online from www.mezepublishing.co.uk
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Alcoholics Anonymous..............................0845 769 7555 Al-Anon Family Groups..............................0800 008 6811 Anglian Water............................................08457 145 145 Addenbrooks Hospital............................... 01223 245151 Papworth Hospital..................................... 01480 830541 Benefits for people with Disabilities...........0800 882 200 Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue............... 01480 444500 Carers Line..................................................0808 808 7777 ChildLine...........................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice...........................................0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers..............................................0800 555 111
Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area. The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.
Cruse Bereavement Care............................0333 252 9152 Floodline....................................................0845 988 1188 Frank—Drug Advisory................................0800 776 600 National Debt Line.....................................0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency............................................0800 111 999 NHS Direct.........................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..............................03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.........................................101 NSPCC.........................................................0808 800 5000 Relate..........................................................0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line....................................0300 1234 999 Samaritans............................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline.....................................0345 300 3900 Victim Support..........................................0845 30 30 900
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Tel: 01767 261122
Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com
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