VILLAGER The
Issue 108 - May 2021
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue The History of the
Chimney Sweep Discovering
Pembrokeshire 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
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Inside this issue... Time for a Picnic
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Discover Pembrokeshire............................................ 24 Perfect Planting........................................................ 27 Beautiful Cat Looking for Forever Home.................... 28 Cycling with Bionic Legs............................................ 31 What are Premium Fuels?......................................... 32 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.................................... 35 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 Make your Bathroom a Relaxing Oasis...................... 38 Villager £25 Prize Crossword.......................... 42 Book Review............................................................. 45
Make your bathroom a Relaxing Oasis
The History of the Chimney Sweep.............................. 4 Stress and Anxiety....................................................... 8 Star Shine Walk......................................................... 10 Meeting Outside? Time for a Picnic............................ 12 Drinks: The Spirit of Gin............................................. 15 East Anglian Children’s Hospice - We Need You!......... 16 Summer Key Wardrobe Items.................................... 18 Is Buy-To-Let Still Worthwhile?................................. 23
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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 - Hannah Merry-Wade, Jackie Mitchell, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Beacon Wealth, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, Nick Coffer, Katherine Sorrell and Kate Duggan
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography - Anastasy Yarmolovich Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel: 07762 969460
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
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History
As Lucky Can Be? The History of the Chimney Sweep Spring is here, and with it the urge to make everything clean and fresh, including the chimney. If your fireplace is clogged and sooty from use during the cold winter months, now is the time to call a chimney sweep. This skilled high-tech profession has a rich and dark history. The profession of ‘sweep’ dates back to the 16th century. Originally the service was needed only by the wealthy with grand estates, but gradually the trend of installing chimneys in every home caught on, and the demand for sweeps grew. The houses in city streets were tightly packed and sweeps would work from house to house, sometimes roof to roof, cleaning sooty chimneys. In the 17th century the government introduced a hearth tax, based partly on the number of chimneys a house possessed. People wanted to avoid the tax, so builders connected flues of new fireplaces with the existing chimney, creating a maze of narrow, pitch black tunnels inside homes.
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When people switched fuel from wood to coal, chimneys became coated with sticky soot deposits. These had to be cleaned frequently; otherwise, the house filled with toxic fumes. So, chimney sweeps became associated with restoring fresh air in homes and thus became symbols of good health. Unfortunately, the sweeps themselves did not enjoy good health. Tiny children between 4 and 11 years old became the primary ‘tools’ used for cleaning because they were small enough to squeeze through the narrow, maze-like chimneys. It must have been a terrifying job, working without light in suffocating cramped conditions.
By Hannah Merry-Wade
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Salute the bravery of the local SOE agents who flew from local Tempsford in aircraft such as our Lysander.
2021 sees the return of the award-winning Drive-In Displays from the Shuttleworth Trust There is something to keep the whole family entertained! Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/spiesandintrigue
A celebration of innovation and remembering the 1951 Festival of Britain when the Collection’s Comet was suspended from the ceiling in honour of its record-breaking role.
Shuttleworth air shows are the perfect family day out, expect thrilling air displays from historic aircraft and explore the beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden. Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/flyingfestival
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The children, known as ‘climbing boys’ were either sold by destitute parents or were chosen from orphanages. Their job was to scrape the coal deposits from the flue lining. If a young child was afraid to climb, the master would sometimes light a small fire to ‘motivate’ him to move. It’s actually where the phrase ‘to light a fire under someone’ originated. The boys’ only official day off was May Day, and in Rochester they still commemorate this with the Sweeps Festival (sadly cancelled this year) involving three days of fun, real ale, music, and dancing across the bank holiday weekend. These children suffered bone malformation, soot inhalation, and cancers.
Some of them became trapped and died of suffocation inside chimneys. Most didn’t make it to middle age. After many humanitarian appeals to Government, in 1864, the English Parliament finally passed the “Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers” which made it illegal to send a child up a chimney. Today’s professional chimney sweeps are educated in the science of chimneys and fireplaces as well as in building codes. It is important to employ a qualified professionally trained sweep, from a recognised organisation, so you know they are well-trained and fully insured. Many are also skilled to carry out appliance servicing and fitting chimney cowls etc.
National Association of Chimney Sweeps: nacs.org.uk Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps: apics.org.uk Guild of Master Sweeps: guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk
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Health
By Jackie Mitchell
Stress and Anxiety into a relaxed state and leave the day behind,” says Lorraine. “Watch your diet, as excessive caffeine and refined sugars will only stimulate an already stimulated body and mind.” • Learning to relax: relaxation techniques can include exercises to release the tension in your body by easing your muscles. The Mind web site lists plenty of options. • Connecting with other people: “Plan to have regular chats with friends and family over the phone,” says Stephen Buckley from Mind. “This is a vital way of maintaining wellbeing.” • Sharing the problem: talking to someone you trust about what is making you stressed can be helpful. If this isn’t possible, you could call a confidential helpline such as Mind’s Infoline or those run by Anxiety UK and the Samaritans. If these self-care techniques don’t work, it’s best to talk to your GP about treatment options. This can include talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). www.lccounselling.com www.mind.org.uk www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Are you feeling stressed and anxious about the future? During the pandemic, we are experiencing more stress and anxiety than ever before. This is caused by uncertainty and ever-changing information. According to the mental health charity Mind, 60% of adults said their mental health became worse during lockdown. Stress and anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways. Physical symptoms can include an increased heart rate or muscle tension, ‘jelly’ legs or tingling in the hands and feet, breathing too heavily or dizziness. You may experience feelings that you might lose control, faint, think people are looking at you and noticing your anxiety. Dave Smithson from Anxiety UK says “Those who are usually outgoing may become withdrawn or those who are reserved may become erratic. Everyone is different and anxiety can be triggered by a range of things.” Other symptoms can include lack of concentration, catastrophic thoughts, poor memory, excessive alcohol intake, under or overeating, a short temper and tearfulness. A key indicator is blowing things out of proportion.
As Lorraine Collins, psychodynamic counsellor, psychotherapist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), says “If you’re stressed, how you view situations can become altered and distorted due to the brain not being able to process information in a more balanced way. It can also be a cry for help in communicating distress that can be difficult to put into words, so is ‘acted out’ by slamming doors, banging around, road rage and so on.” How To Manage Stress & Anxiety The good news is there are plenty of practical and useful tools to manage anxiety and reduce stress: • Getting back into nature is a great way of calming your anxiety. This can be a local park, woodland, nature reserve or your garden. Lorraine says “You can practice naming what’s around you, the things you see and hear, and this will interrupt the constant looping of anxious thoughts.” • Looking after mind and body: “Go to bed at a reasonable time without screens and mobiles that will decrease the winding down time we need to settle
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Local News
Be part of a weekend to remember with Star Shine Walk! Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is inviting you to walk in memory of someone special on the weekend of 22 and 23 May. The thirteenth annual Star Shine Walk, sponsored by The Cambridgeshire Care Home, will raise much needed funds for hospice care across Cambridgeshire. This will be the second outing for Star Shine Walk as a ‘virtual’ event! Participants get to choose the time, location and method to suit them. They are challenged with completing a 5, 10 or 20 mile distance over the event weekend, and can chose to walk, skip, wheel, trundle, scoot, walk the dog or even dance their way around: whatever suits them most! The walk raises funds for the Hospice’s essential frontline care, whilst providing the perfect motivation to get active. Incredibly in 2020 the memory walk raised more than £40,000 – the equivalent of 67 visits by the Charity’s Hospice at Home team. Teams of colleagues, friends and families can get
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involved, no matter how far apart they’re based. Angeline Liles, Events Officer at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, adds: “We have found that people taking part in Star Shine Walk treasure the event as a unique opportunity to actively remember, honour and celebrate the life of someone they love. The beauty of it being a virtual event again this year means anyone can take part wherever in the county, country or world they live. Teams can even set off at the same time if they like! You can also plan your route to take in places of particular significance, or landmarks that are related to special memories.” Register (£17 for over 16s and £15 for children) at arhc.org.uk/starshinewalk by 16 May to receive a Walk Pack, including a special edition event t-shirt and other goodies.
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Time of Year
Meeting outside? Time for a picnic We can finally meet up with other households but it’s going to be outside only for a while yet. Let’s make the most of it then with good planning and some fun accessories. Create some evening atmosphere with Outdoor TruGlow® Candles, £26.99 for 3 from lights4fun.co.uk
• Research your perfect picnic spot carefully. How far is it from the car park and is there a charge for parking? Are there toilets? Can you bring your dog? Is there somewhere to shelter if it’s too hot or there’s a sudden shower. • Pack everything you need for the day: water, sunscreen, a lightweight waterproof (just in case), warmer layers and the all-important face mask and hand-santiser. A plastic bag for your rubbish will be handy too. • Decorate your picnic area with battery-powered fairy lights, lanterns and some bunting. Get comfy with camping chairs or deck chairs, using your picnic basket as a handy side table. Music adds atmosphere so take a Bluetooth speaker. • Bring along games that all the family can play. Rounders and croquet are great, or organise a treasure hunt, play hide and seek, or set up an old-school egg-and-spoon or sack race. • The best picnic food? Anything you can eat with your fingers. Sandwiches, mini pies, kebabs, chopped vegetables with dips, plus fruit and something sweet, for example.
With compartments for dippy sauce & sections so the peas don’t touch the carrots this little car is perfect for turning fussy eaters into foodies. £32.99 at bluebrontide.com
Giant picnic blanket means plenty of room for social distancing! £59.95 annabeljames.co.uk This pirate themed kit allows children to build their very own pirate’s hideaway. £45 at thedenkitco.com
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Food & Drink
Drinks: The Spirit of Gin
History is in abundance in Lincoln and Lincolnshire. Also, with this area being renowned as a prime agricultural region, numerous grains, plus vegetables, fruits and flowers, stem (excuse the pun) from here. Animals, including cattle and sheep, are another reason for Lincolnshire’s success, through to these modern times, plus events, sports, places and venues of much interest. Lincolnshire has its fair share of drinks’ producers and I searched for something that (I considered) was different and very worthwhile locating. The Gentlemen Distillers Ltd is a small and friendly family-based company, located in the historic city of Lincoln. All the team at the Gentlemen Distillers Ltd are or have been musicians, that played in brass bands and concert bands. The production of gins has to be ‘balanced’, with each inclusion playing its part – rather like the members’ instruments of a band. BANDSMAN GIN (40% vol) is produced using the method of cold compounding. A mix of both fresh and dried botanicals are utilised, to great advantage, to flavour the spirit in its liquid form. Smooth and silk-like, is how I would describe this gin. High-quality botanicals/inclusions used are Juniper, Dandelion Root, Tomatoes, Basil, Raisins, Rosemary, Parsley and Elderflower. Pale lemon, in colour, I found this gin crisp and with a good, fresh, juniper-led taste. BANDMASTER LONDON DRY GIN (40% vol) came into being following a substantial development period – a ‘journey of discovery’. The Bandmaster production finally evolved and was created by redistilling through a handmade copper pot still. This gin, too, gained much interest and praise, when launched, being crisp and with the initial bouquet enticing to the impressive mouthfeel. Herbaceous notes are most acceptably evident in this production, which has a hint of fruit, for an excellent ending on the palate. Ordering is easy (online, too). Orders are processed and dispatched quickly. These gins are perfect to enjoy on their own, over ice and with a good number of mixers, tonic, ginger ale, etc. Take time to find a favourite ‘tipple’. For all products, merchandise, details, gift presentations and stockists, please contact The Gentlemen Distillers Ltd. Tel: 44 (0) 1522 695 893 Mob: 44 (0) 7857 629 101 E-mail: james@thegentlemendistillers.co.uk and visit: www.bandsmangin.co.uk
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Local News
We Need You! We need YOU to help us keep our shops open and raise vital funds! With many of our shop volunteers currently unable to lend a hand due to the pandemic, the number of hours’ support we normally receive is down more than 50%. We are facing a financial deficit over the next 12 months, following disruption to fundraising and retail, and at the same time our care and support is more important than ever as vulnerable families
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become exhausted from shielding. It is very important we manage our retail activity back to sustainable levels of income, but we will not be able to do this without more volunteer support. Might you be able to help? Just a couple of hours a week can make a difference. There are so many ways you can support us, from sorting donations and dressing windows to running the till and listing items on our eBay shop, and we always guarantee a friendly welcome! Why not pop in to your local EACH shop – we have 43 right across the region – chat to our team and arrange a taster session? Find out more about becoming a retail volunteer, including a full list of our shop locations and phone numbers, at www.each.org.uk/retail-volunteers. Alternatively please contact EACH Volunteer Services on 01223 205183 or at volunteerservices@each.org.uk.
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House of Colour
Summer Key Wardrobe Items
Whether you are looking to completely revamp your wardrobe this season or just hunting a few key pieces to update your look this is my take on those items that will see you through the summer. As there is never a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to style, not all these items are going to work for everyone. I know there are lots of articles promising you a ‘this is all you need’ approach. (And indeed I used to lap them up, quite mistakenly as it turns out). This is not one of them. This is a range of items which you can either dig out from your existing wardrobe or find afresh which may work for you depending on your clothing personality (if you need help on finding that then please contact your local consultant, it’s a game changer!). The Shirt – yes the humble shirt is really having a moment. For some it’s never gone away, but the shapes and styles have diversified recently. The ‘boyfriend’ shirt, oversized crisp cotton cut in masculine style is featuring quite strongly. And while it can be limited in terms of colour ways, think men’s shirting, it’s a fresh look tucked in or out which would work well on those with classic and drama in their clothing personality. Softer fabrics lyocell and cupro (new natural based fibre mixes) form the bases of less structured options, with a more relaxed feel, still oversized. Short sleeved versions take this into the warmer weather. Delicate printed puffed sleeve options and ruffled blouses are still very contemporary and perfect for those who need pretty detail. The Jacket – Be it blazer, denim or safari the jacket is a staple for the season. Blazers take the more classic theme but are updated in lighter and brighter colours and team with the shirt classic or floral. The denim jacket, a long serving staple is back too. It chimes in with the utility feel which is very current but it also works so well with the delicate dresses and skirts we’re still seeing this season. Look out for cream or coloured versions. Taking this a step further safari styles are also prominent and a great investment as they rarely seem to date. The Midi Skirt – the midi dress has been around for a number of seasons now and while still current the skirt at this length is featuring more strongly. Often using floaty fabrics with movement or taking a slit/wrap skirt style it features pretty patterns as an update on the pleated versions. Details can include some embroidery or craftwork options – great for those who need some texture in their look. Longer lengths are also coming in this season so if you can wear that length then embrace it. Pair it with a matching top or a slimmer fitting top to complement it. The Mule or Toe Post Sandal – There are a huge variety of options around for both of these. If you need a chunky heavy soled option, a sporty style or a delicate strappy look there is a toe post style for you. The heeled mule is also featuring strongly this season with closed or open toe. Flatter versions including the flatform chunky sole and the more delicate squared slider style are also key options this season. Key Accessories – the smaller structured or softer cross body bag with chain or metal detailing is a great option for those who need smaller scale, continuing from previous seasons. Raffia and natural detailing in larger styles are great for those with natural in their clothing personality. Chunky chains, seashell, craft beading, woven details will all feature on bags, and jewellery this season. Article by Jennie Billings, House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look. Find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist
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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.
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05/12/2016 11:03 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Finance
Is Buy-To-Let Still Worthwhile?
Buy-to-let remains an attractive investment vehicle for many, but it’s an ever-changing market. The key is understanding the risks and responsibilities rather than thinking of it as a sure-fire route to riches. The appeal is obvious. The respective market conditions mean rents on a property commonly exceed mortgage costs, leaving headroom for a healthy profit even after maintenance costs. Buyto-let landlords also have the potential profit from long-term house price rises if and when they sell. The rental market varies greatly between regions. In the most recent annual figures, English rents rose nearly three times as much as those in Scotland. London makes a big difference: as a rough rule over the past decade, swings in the rate of increase have been more dramatic in the city than across the country as a whole. The long-term effects of changes to work and study locations on rental markets remains uncertain. Legal changes both effective and planned may also make buy-to-let less attractive. During the pandemic renters received extra protection against eviction when falling into arrears. Meanwhile the right of landlords to end rolling tenancies (those without fixed terms) on two months’ notice may be under threat. The tax situation is also changing. From the 2020-21 tax year, landlords can no longer claim mortgage interest as a taxable expense against rental income. Instead they can claim a 20 per cent tax credit on the value of mortgage interest payments. That rate is fixed regardless of the landlord’s tax bracket, leading some higher-tax and additional-tax payers to explore setting up a limited company to buy and
rent property and benefit from lower corporation tax rates. You’ll also need to take professional advice on the effects of capital gains tax if and when you sell the property. Rates and allowances are both under ongoing reviews, while the rules on what happens if you lived in the property before renting (or had a lodger) are changing. You’ll also need to pay attention to ever-increasing safety regulations. From April 2021 all electrical installations must be tested and inspected at least once every five years. None of this really matters if you can’t afford to buy a property for rental purposes in the first place. Much of the application and assessment process is the same as for getting a mortgage on your own home, though a buy-to-let mortgage is normally on an interest-only basis. Rates tend to be significantly higher than for residential mortgages, with 3 per cent a rough average at the end of 2020. You’ll need a high deposit, often at least 25 per cent of the purchase value. You’ll also need to show that the property can reasonably be expected to command a rent that’s at least 25 per cent higher than the mortgage payment. If you own more than three buy-to-let properties you’re considered a ‘portfolio landlord’ and government rules mean lenders have to apply stricter criteria to new applications. Remember also that you’ll have to pay any applicable stamp duty on each purchase (as and when the current coronavirus stamp duty holiday ends). The exemption for first-time buyers only applies when buying a property to live in yourself.
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Staycation
Tenby
Discover Pembrokeshire
If you’re craving sandy beaches and coastal scenery, but aren’t pinning much hope on travelling abroad this summer, the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire could be the staycation you’re searching for. Nestled into the tip of Wales’ most westerly point, Pembrokeshire’s dramatic cliff faces, horseshoe bays and sandy beaches could fool you into thinking you travelled abroad after all. The county’s coastline is so beautiful, in fact, that it’s a national park in its own right. Then there are its Celtic and pre-Celtic sites, stunning castles and offshore islands, not to mention Britain’s smallest – and probably most charming – city. Whether you’re a rambler, birdwatcher or historian, or simply want to feel the sand between your toes, Pembrokeshire has something for Aroth Beach
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everyone. And to top it off, it’s no more than half a day’s drive from much of the South-East and Midlands, and is easily accessible by train too. Before you get packing, check out these top things to do during your stay. Spend a day in St Davids The tiny city of St Davids is really no bigger than a village, but is full to the brim with history, religious significance and Welsh charm. Its star attraction is the twelfth century cathedral, which is also the birthplace and burial site of Wales’ patron saint, St David. A pilgrimage site for centuries, the cathedral still draws in thousands of religious and non-religious visitors each year. After a tour of the cathedral, pay a visit to the medieval ruins of Bishop’s Palace on the opposite side of the river. And don’t leave without stopping for ice cream or coffee in one of the city’s cosy little eateries! Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path 186 glorious miles of sheer coastal beauty, Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the most spectacular long-distance trails in Britain. Established in 1970, the path runs from Amroth in the south all the way to St Dogmaels in the north. Serious hikers take on the whole trail over two or three weeks, but you only have to walk a small section to get a taste of the coastline’s sublime scenery.
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Drink in Pembrokeshire’s dramatic cliff tops and stunning ocean views, looking out for rare birds, and stop for a rest on one of the gloriously wide, sandy beaches that are peppered across the trail. Hop from beach to beach If you miss collapsing onto a soft, sandy beach, Pembrokeshire could be the answer. The beaches here are renowned for being some of the best in the UK. And with 50 to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. Barafundle Bay is a must-visit – a pocket of semitropical paradise on Pembrokeshire’s south coast. Home to the magnificent North and South beaches, Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, the seaside town of Tenby is also a fantastic place to stay if you’re a fan of sea and sand. Then there are the water sports. Adventure companies have been cropping up all over the peninsular, giving visitors the chance to try water skiing, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and coasteering. Born and bred on these very shores, coasteering is a Pembrokeshire speciality. Try this thrill-seeking combination of adventure swimming, rock climbing and cliff jumping to get up close and personal with Pembrokeshire’s wonderful wildlife. Visit a Celtic village If you’ve ever wondered how things might have looked thousands of years ago, Pembrokeshire’s very own Iron Age settlement can paint a pretty accurate picture. Evidence of numerous Iron Age roundhouses has been excavated at the treasured historical site
of Castell Henllys, dating back to between 500 and 100 BC. The Celtic village has now been reconstructed for visitors to experience. Take a tour of the four roundhouses and old granary, and stroll across the site’s beautiful woodland and riverside paths, learning about Celtic life, myths and legends. Take a boat to Pembrokeshire’s islands Pembrokeshire’s rocky offshore islands are known for their rich and diverse wildlife, with puffins, grey seals and thousands of rare birds all calling the islands home. Skomer and Skockholm are by far the most visited. Take a boat trip there during nesting season to sight millions of seabirds, including razorbills, puffins, storm petrels and guillemots, and stay overnight to witness the islands at their most peaceful. Ramsey Island is another popular visit for wildlife enthusiasts. This RSPB bird reserve is an important breeding site for endangered species such as the chough and peregrine, and is open during the summer months for day trips.
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Arrington Garden Centre Come and visit our friendly team for expert advice! UK and home grown veg plants, herbs, bedding, herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees Large range of Mr Fothergill flower seeds Specialist composts, mulches, garden aggregates and grits ...and much more!
Located directly off the A1198 near Arrington, SG8 0AG | Open 7 days a week | 01223 208194 www.arringtongardencentre.co.uk | manager@arringtongardencentre.com
ALL YOU NEED FOR YOUR GARDEN, THROUGH ALL THE SEASONS 26
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Gardening
Perfect Planting By Pippa Greenwood
With the warmer weather and more time being spent in your garden, you may be considering additions, such as something to bring more architecture or structure, to clothe a wall or fence, or add perfume or perhaps colour at an ‘off’ time of year. It’s important to plant correctly, so what are the top tips for tremendous planting? Make sure the plant is properly suited to the space you have available and dig the planting hole bigger than the current root ball. Use a fork on clay soils, as this is less likely to impede drainage, and make sure the hole is large enough to incorporate some bulky organic matter plus some grit. Fork over the sides of the planting hole. Use garden compost, well-rotted manure or proprietary planting mix to improve the soil texture and add nutrients. If the soil is really poor, use some general fertiliser. Tease the roots out well before planting. If necessary, soak the root ball in water for a couple of hours first, to loosen it up and make it easier for the roots to spread. Lower the plant into the hole and gradually add the soil mixed with planting compost. Check that only the roots are buried, not the stem, as planting too deep can kill and will make the plant perform poorly. (The only exception to this is clematis.) Place a cane over the top of the planting hole to judge the correct soil level. Firm the soil around the roots. The surface of the compost on the existing root ball needs to be level
with the soil surface. Re-check the planting depth, water in well and apply a 7.5cm (3”) deep mulch all over the root area. This reduces moisture loss and helps keep weeds in check. Very lanky or large tress should be staked. Make sure that the stake goes in so that root damage is minimised, holding it in place with a tree-tie and buffer. Short stakes are generally believed to be best. Keep the new tree or shrub really well watered and don’t let the soil become dry – watering is key to success in this establishment phase. It’s good to have a garden that’s productive and pretty, so save some space for growing some vegetables. At this time of year, you can still raise some plants from seed yourself, but you may want to buy some garden-ready plants to get things moving even more quickly and ensure they crop before the season ends. For a selection of my favourite varieties of tomatoes, sweetcorn, broccoli, runner beans, climbing French beans, lettuces, beetroot, peppers, chillies, courgettes, squash, onions and more, accompanied by my weekly tips and advice, take a look at my new website and select what you want to grow from the UK-grown range! At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find stylish cloches, Nemaslug, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, Grower Frames and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.
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Pets
Beautiful Cat Looking for a Forever Home We have a lovely cat that is looking for a forever home. A lovely cat who we will all dearly miss. His name is Max, and he joined us in October last year via the RSPCA Inspectorate. Very often when the national RSPCA pick up sick and injured animals, they are given to their local Branch to care for and rehome. Unfortunately, Max came in with horrendous wounds. It was not clear to the team whether his injuries had been caused by a bad collar injury, a burn, or another type of injury. But it was clear that he would need to be in our care for quite some time. Some animals such as Max, spend much longer in our care for rehabilitation purposes. It is essential that we make sure that each animal is fit, well and healthy before being rehomed. Our Vet advised that it would take time and some medical intervention to help him heal. Progress has been very slow, but very rewarding. We now feel we are nearly there, and Max is ready for the next stage, and to find a loving home. Max has spent a lot of time in our cattery facilities and also with one of our dedicated foster carers. He would make such a lovely pet. We believe he used to be somebody’s pet, but when he was found he was as a stray. Despite our best efforts, nobody has come forward to claim him.
Max is an extremely friendly cat. He has shown everybody a lot of love and affection. Max loves to play - his favourite toy is currently a walnut!! He is often seen with it bopping it around the room. Max is definitely a ‘lap-sitter’, and loves being cosy and warm. You will be pleased to know that he is a very clean cat and is very good at using his litter tray. Max loves going outside, so he will need access to a quiet garden. We think that Max is approximately 4 years old. If Max sounds like your ideal pet, then please contact the team using the contact details below. All of our dogs and cats will come spayed or snipped, vaccinated and microchipped. And, to help your pet in their time of need why not consider getting RSPCA Pet Insurance? 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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Special Report
Cycling With Bionic Legs! Cyrusher XF690 folding fat bike, £1,799 from Cyrusher.co.uk
An introduction to e-bikes E-bikes are like normal bikes given super powers: you still pedal them, but they have an electric motor that gives you some extra help. It feels rather like having bionic legs: you can pull away from traffic lights quickly and easily tackle steep hills. That makes them brilliant for commuting and urban cycling, and a great choice for people who want to improve their fitness and haven’t been on a bike for years. What kind of e-bikes are there? Commuter bikes are all-rounders while MTBs are mountain bikes and road bikes are racing bikes. The former have big tyres and great suspension, while the latter use super-light materials and aggressive geometry to achieve high speeds. Cargo bikes are for carrying loads that are too big for panniers or a backpack, and usually have bigger tyres and better brakes. Cube Cargo 2021, £4,599 from Cube.eu
How do I get the right e-bike size? E-bike sizes are usually expressed as S, M, L and XL. Small bikes are generally suitable for riders up to 5’5” while XL bikes are designed for six footers and above. Some e-bikes have very adjustable seats and handlebars that enable them to skip between sizes. Is there more than one kind of e-bike motor? Crank drives connect directly to the bike chain, while hub drives sit in the wheel hub – usually the rear wheel. Crank drives are more energy efficient and feel more natural when pedalling but hub drives are usually much cheaper. What about gears? E-bikes come with the same kind of gear systems as ordinary bikes and the gears adjust how much pedalling is needed – in higher gears you pedal less because Volt Metro Folding Commuter Bike, £1,599 from Voltbikes.co.uk
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you’re going faster. With e-bikes you’ll usually be able to control the assistance level the motor gives you. You might choose Turbo for fast pulling away from traffic lights but Eco (or equivalent) when on a relaxing country ride. How do I know what battery to choose? Most manufacturers provide a battery range estimate, or you can calculate the range by dividing the battery’s power by 20 – a battery with a 400Wh rating should give about 20 miles on full assist, which is when the electric motor is operating at full power. Most e-bikes have a little bike computer that shows battery charge and the range remaining before recharging is needed. When the battery runs out of power, your e-bike behaves like a normal bike, albeit a heavier one. Typical recharge time is three to four hours and batteries typically last for two to four years. How much should I spend? You can get perfectly decent e-bikes for around £500, or you can spend over £4,000 on a carbon road bike. The more you spend the lighter the bikes become and the better the hardware: where cheaper e-bikes are designed for everyday use, the most expensive e-bikes are serious bits of sporting equipment with matching price tags. Whatever you buy, make sure you also acquire a very good U-lock: sadly, all e-bikes are targets for bike thieves. Swifty E-Mountain Bike, £799 from Amazon.co.uk
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Motoring
What are premium fuels and are they worth it? You’ve probably seen premium fuels on offer when filling up. They’re often more expensive than ‘regular’ petrol and diesel, commanding more pence per litre with the promise of better efficiency – among other things. So, are premium fuels really worth it and what do they do? What are premium fuels? So-called premium fuels promise better engine response, smoother running, lower emissions and improved fuel economy. Premium petrol options deliver a higher octane rating – whereas regular unleaded has an octane rating of 95 in the UK, super unleaded increases this to between 98 and 100. This higher rating unlocks the engine’s full potential and allows it to run more effectively. Many petrol retailers offer premium fuels, such as Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate and Esso Synergy Supreme. Diesel, meanwhile, features a higher cetane rating in premium versions compared to standard ones. It means that the fuel ignites quicker when subjected to pressure in the engine. What do they promise? Premium unleaded is said to have an effect on throttle response, engine smoothness and emissions. They’re mostly pitched towards performance cars, as more highly tuned engines react more favourably to higher-octane fuels. You’ll probably notice that the powertrain responds more keenly to throttle inputs when it’s using premium fuel. Premium diesel, meanwhile, won’t affect engine
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response much but promises cleaner running with fewer exhaust particulates being emitted. Should I run my car on premium fuels all the time? You’ll likely notice the switch to premium fuel if you have a high-end sports or performance car, particularly when it comes to longer trips where the fuel can better work through the engine’s system. Diesel owners will most likely benefit from premium fuel if they have a sooty engine, as these fuels can ‘clean’ the engine of any leftover deposits and hence rid your car of sooty emissions from the exhaust. What is the price difference? The difference between regular and super unleaded is quite large. At the time of writing it was 15p per litre on average – quite an increase that will certainly make a difference for a full tank of fuel. For example, a regular family-sized car with a 55-litre tank that cost £62.70 to fill with regular fuel would cost to £70.95 to fill with premium fuel. Should I use premium fuels as a way of maintaining my car instead? It’s a good idea. Rather than using a premium fuel each time you fill up, look at it instead as a way of preserving the life of your engine. Perhaps prior to undertaking a longer journey fill up with super unleaded or premium diesel and allow it to effectively work through the engine. By doing this, you allow these fuels to clean your engine. Over longer trips, your engine can properly warm up and clear any deposits. It’s a good technique to use prior to an MOT, too, when engines have to be at their cleanest in order to meet emissions tests.
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Food & Drink
All the Quesadillas
Time to talk about one of the staples in my house. We are a bit quesadilla “crazy”. They are so versatile, so quick and so cheap that I just keep serving them up in different ways to my children. They are also a brilliant way of using up leftovers and, perhaps surprisingly, hold up pretty well in a packed lunch box too to be eaten cold at school. Once you have got the basics mastered, there is no looking back. For each quesadilla, you’ll need two large flour tortillas, the filling, a hot large pan and some olive oil. The filings will usually always need something melty, just to glue it all together - not to mention that the translation of quesadilla is apparently “Cheesy-Dude”! Simply build the quesadilla by placing one tortilla on your worktop, cover it with your choice of filling and leave a border of a couple of centimetre. Top the filling with the other tortilla and heat up your pan to a medium-high temperature. Pour in a good glug of oil. Carefully slide the quesadilla in and let the base crisp up nicely. Using a flat spatula, gently turn the quesadilla over and crisp up the other tortilla. Serve immediately, cut into segments like a pizza.
There are no limits to the filling combinations you can use. Here are some of the ones I use at home: Leftover chilli con carne and cheddar Leftover bolognese sauce and parmesan Leftover Sunday roast and veg, topped with a little cheese (I love using brie with chicken) Thinly spread tomato puree and grated mozzarella Grated cheddar, sweetcorn and cherry tomatoes Sliced cooked chorizo and feta Lightly mashed butternut squash or sweet potato with feta French mustard, crispy bacon and grated Emmental cheese Camembert with red onion chutney
BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Easy Sudoku
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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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FOR ALL YOUR GLAZING NEEDS: • SINGLE & DOUBLE GLAZING • SEALED UNITS GONE ‘FOGGY’ • MIRRORS • SHELVES • WINDOWS & DOORS • LOCKS, WINDOW & DOOR ACCESSORIES
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Interiors
12 Ways to Make your Bathroom a Relaxing Oasis
1 By Katherine Sorrell
Recharge and Revive in a Bathroom that Makes you Feel Great Functionality comes first in the bathroom, but once past those basics, what else do we really want from this sometimes overlooked room? Somewhere to luxuriate in a spacious, powerful shower before the daily commute? A place where you can light a candle and soak in the bath with a good book and a glass of wine? A quiet spot in which to enjoy the preparations for a special party? There’s no reason why you can’t combine efficiency with aesthetics – and gain all the benefits of a space that looks good and feels good at the same time. Just like the best hotel bathrooms, you can make this room in your house a blissful escape from humdrum reality. Here are a dozen ideas to start you off: • Lighting is vital. Check that the bulbs in your light fittings are giving off the right light. It’s down to what you prefer, though try not to mix different light temperatures (warm or cool) in the same room. Choose smart bulbs and you can switch them on and off, change the colour temperature and dim them as you wish, using a remote control or an app. Or, if you have a light switch outside
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the bathroom door, consider swapping it for a dimmer. • Sort out your storage. A room full of clutter is never going to be relaxing. Slim wall cupboards, shelves, ladders, caddies, peg rails and over-door hooks are options to consider, while small storage items – such as wicker baskets, pretty ceramics or bright plastic tubs – bring texture, colour and interest. • Plumbing can be confusing and is not always straightforward, but if your shower is pathetic it’s well worth investigating whether you can add a pump to turn a weak shower into a power shower. • Get rid of the grunge and scrape out the old grout and silicone between and around your tiles, especially if there are any mouldy areas. It’s not much work to redo them, but the difference will be extraordinary. • Replace a flappy, mouldy shower curtain with a shiny glass shower screen – the look is clean and minimally efficient (and won’t need replacing regularly).
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• Jazz up your windows. Options include decorative window film, a beautiful blind (Roman or roller) or some minimal wooden louvres. • Add a large mirror – it’s not only useful but also helps to increase the feeling of light and space in the room, and can become a focal point. • Buy a new set of coordinating towels. The fluffier the better, in clean, bright, hotel-white or a fabulously colourful pattern. • Pop in some plants, large and small, high and low – they usually love the humid atmosphere in a bathroom and should thrive, adding a lovely, natural feel. Choose pots that complement your overall scheme. • Lay a woven cotton or ‘outdoor’ rug on the floor – it can easily be washed or wiped down and will introduce a softer feel, adding colour, pattern and texture, too. • It’s much easier than you think to change a dated pair of taps for some good-looking, modern ones. Check that they will suit your water pressure, and make sure the new spout extends the correct amount over the bath or basin – the rule is to look for ones that reach about as far as the plug hole. • A chair or stool is always useful in a bathroom, if you have the space – even if it’s just to throw clothes over or to hold soap and books next to the bath.
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2 Longer-term changes If you are rethinking your entire room, decide on basic layout issues at the start. Should the WC be in a separate room, for example? Do you need to knock down or add partition walls? Or would you like a walk-in shower, extensive fitted storage or perhaps a pair of his and hers basins? Avoid moving existing plumbing, if possible, as it will save money and effort. However, if the floorplan of your current bathroom really isn’t working for you, this one-off plumbing cost could be worth it in the long run. When thinking about the overall room design, it makes sense to build shallow false walls within which to hide cables and pipework, while installing underfloor heating allows you to remove a radiator, thus freeing up some wall space for a statement towel warmer as well as providing cosy, constant heat. A brand new lighting scheme can provide a real upgrade and, if you’re renovating the whole bathroom, it may be possible to install two lighting circuits: one for working lights and the other, on a dimmer switch, for soothing, ambient lights. Some gorgeous new flooring is a must: for the look of luxurious stone or marble on a lower budget, lookalike porcelain tiles are a great option, while vinyl flooring comes in a huge range of colours and patterns.
1 Wooden blinds are elegant and practical, and come in a range of natural colours, or brighter, painted shades. Luxury Clay Brown wooden Venetian blinds with tapes, price depends on size, English Blinds. 2 Incredibly glamorous, these pink wall tiles have a glossy, crackle-glazed finish, and fit right into this luxurious bathroom, which features huge amounts of built-in storage. Bella Pink wall tiles, £35.99 per square metre, Tile Mountain. 3 This hybrid bath is designed with the smaller room in mind, allowing luxury, comfort and choice to fit into even a modest space. Mini Ebb shower bath, £1,495, Waters Baths of Ashbourne.
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Simon and Julie Symcox, co-founders of AHM Installations
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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our April Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Anne Goodger, Gamlingay
April’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions
Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
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Across 1 Choose (6) 4 Bends (6) 9 Latest style (7) 10 Work out (5) 11 Scour (5) 12 Remove (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Changed (7) 20 Used to steer a car (5) 22 Attempted (5) 23 Kindergarten (7) 24 Area, district (6) 25 Head of newspaper (6)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th May 2021 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.
Down 1 Least risk (6) 2 Not the winner (5) 3 Type of plant (7) 5 Overturn (5) 6 Rogue (7) 7 Bedding (6) 8 Unconnected (11) 14 Loosening (7) 15 Taken down (7) 16 Haggle (6) 17 Participant (6) 19 Wireless (5) 21 Expel (5)
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G.B.BUILDERS NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR ALL MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS AND DIY WORK All general building repairs and odd jobs Specialist in Painting and Decorating & Groundwork and Grass cutting • Brickwork & Plastering Tiling Driveways • Paths & Patios Slabbing • Concreting Blockpaving • Fencing, Carpentry • Roofing Guttering • Drainage Plumbing
Call today 07877742420 or 01480 437511 Email: g.bbuilders@yahoo.co.uk
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Books
Coming-of-age Tales Stories of grit, determination, friendship and hope Where the Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens
When her mother walks out, Kya is left to fend for herself – her father too drunk or disinterested to care for a young child. Kya finds her own way in her beloved marshlands. Many years later, popular Chase Andrews is found dead. Fingers start pointing at the reclusive ‘Marsh Girl’, whose shack Chase is known to have regularly visited. Can Kya receive a fair trial by the town that turned its back on her? A powerful, lyrical read that will leave you wanting more.
Girl A By Abigail Dean
By Kate Duggan
We Need New Names By NoViolet Bulawayo
In some ways, Darling is like any other ten-year-old – running around with her friends, chatting about pop stars and creating mischief. But Darling is living in a poverty-stricken area of Zimbabwe called Paradise. Her friends are dressed in rags, her school has been closed and there are few opportunities to break out. But when Darling gets the chance to move to the USA, it’s far from the paradise she hopes for.
King of Rabbits By Karla Neblett
Lex Gracie is Girl A. The girl that survived the house of horrors. The girl that escaped and freed her siblings. Now in her twenties with a successful career, Lex is tasked with executing her dead mother’s will. She wants to turn her former home into a community centre. But to do so, she’ll need her siblings’ agreement and to confront her own past. This is far from an easy read, but it’s even harder to put down.
King of Rabbits is a story of a child brought up in a family ravaged by drug addiction, poverty and crime. The story is revealed by both five-year-old Kai and his teenage self. One is full of optimism; his main concern is whether he can become the fastest runner in his primary school. Fifteen-year-old Kai, however, is defined by a past tragedy and seems set to follow his parents’ mistakes. At times heart-breaking, at others hopeful, King of Rabbits is a stunningly wellexecuted debut novel.
Body of Stars by Laura Maylene Walter
Careless By Kirsty Capes
Like all the other girls she knows, Celeste was born with a pattern of birthmarks setting out her future, and with it, the future of her family. At some point, those birthmarks will become fixed and Celeste will enter a transition to adulthood. But this transition is a dangerous time. Can Celeste forge her own path, or is she bound to follow the road set out by her birthmarks? A unique, dystopian story, with relatable characters, Body of Stars is a must read for fans of A Handmaid’s Tale, Vox and The Power.
Bess is fifteen, a foster child and pregnant by an older teenager who isn’t interested in a full-time relationship. But this book is about so much more. Above all, it’s about friendship, resilience and that tricky time of being a teenager and feeling like the world is against you. In Bess’s case, she has more obstacles to overcome than most teenagers, but she faces them with wry humour, bucketloads of grit and her best friend by her side. The author was in care herself and keen to widen the narrative around children in care. She’s succeeded.
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Electrician
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