Inside this issue Visit Cape Verde 10 Ways to Refresh your Kitchen Win £25 in our Prize Crossword VILLAGER The and Town Life Issue 124 - September 2022 Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS Your FREE copy
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 3 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email:www.villagermag.comnigel@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. Editorial - Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Martin Lewis,Katherine Sorrell, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, Tom Hancock, Louise Addison and Kate Duggan Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 nigel@villagermag.com261122 Front Cover Photography Gerper Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel: 07762 969460 Five Reasons to Visit Cape Verde this Winter ............... 4 Wines from Austria: A Good Choice ............................ 8 Is it Time to Rediscover Squash? ............................... 10 Home Start............................................................... 12 Bedfordshire Walking Festival .................................. 14 A Taste for Turmeric .................................................. 16 Seasonal Recipe - Fish Stew ..................................... 19 Money on my Mind .................................................. 22 Ten Ways to Refresh your Kitchen ............................. 24 Make September a Sumptuous Celebration ............. 26 RSPCA - Have you ever considered fostering? ........... 28 The Latest in Vehicle Technology .............................. 31 Home Heating - Is it time for a change? ................... 32 Eco Bathroom Energy ............................................... 34 Puzzle Page .............................................................. 36 What’s On in September ........................................... 38 Villager Prize Crossword ........................................... 42 Book Review ............................................................ 45 Useful Numbers........................................................ 47 Inside this issue... Get your business off to a flying start this year Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Home Heating Time for a change? Is it time to rediscover squash? 10 32
By Solange Hando
2. There are adventures to be had Thought Cape Verde was just a fly-and-flop destination? The beaches may be beautiful, but the archipelago’s volcanic landscape, jaw-dropping mountain scenery and cities bursting with culture make the islands an adventurer’s playground too. Witness the lunar-like landscape of Fogo, also home to the country’s largest volcano, or immerse yourself in Santiago’s rugged peaks and lush green valleys. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, you’ll love the island of São Vicente with its vibrant nightlife and buzzing live music scene. What’s more, the higher winds during November and March also make Cape Verde’s beaches a fantastic place to practice water sports, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to sailing. Wherever you go, you certainly won’t be short of things to do.
3. You could see turtles and whales Cape Verde is home to some of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the world. On the reasons to visit Verde this winter
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts4 Travel
1. The beaches are simply divine Powder-soft sand washed by turquoise sea, lined with swaying palm trees: the beaches in Cape Verde are pictures of pure paradise. Sal, the archipelago’s most popular island, is home to the gorgeous Santa Maria beach, where bustling bars, shops and restaurants offer a welcome break from the midday sun. Fancy a little more peace and quiet? On the island of Boa Vista, you’ll find unspoilt stretches of sand with barely a soul in sight to share them with. Praia de Chaves is a must-visit; this otherworldly beach boasts over 5km of sand and dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Five
Cape
With its endless white-sand beaches, stunning mountain scenery and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder Cape Verde is fast becoming one of the UK’s favourite spots for winter sun. Blessed with clear blue skies and temperatures in the high twenties, it’s the perfect destination to escape to during the UK’s colder months. This idyllic archipelago off the west coast of Africa may be known for its winning combination of sun, sea and sand, but with ten islands to explore there’s plenty of room for adventure too. From watching turtles hatch and hiking still-active volcanoes to a whole host of water sports, Cape Verde is packed with things to do should you need a break from the sunlounger. All just a six-hour flight away! to know Here are five reasons to consider Cape Verde when planning your next winter break – and what not to miss while you’re there.
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts6 island of Sal you can visit Project Diversity, a nonprofit organisation that protects the turtles’ nesting sites and helps hatchlings make their way to the sea. Visit between July and December for the best chance of witnessing the tiny turtles’ journey. The waters around Boa Vista are also a known breeding ground for humpback whales, giving you the chance to book a catamaran tour to see the mighty mammals for yourself. Sightings are possible from late February through to May. Keep an eye out for dolphins too! 4. The festival fever is alive and kicking Festival-lovers listen up. Winter in Cape Verde brings with it a whole host of fantastic festivals and celebrations. Mindelo’s annual Carnival on the island of São Vicente is by far the archipelago’s most famous event. Held each year on Shrove Tuesday, the carnival sees the small Cape Verdean town come alive with live music, colourful costumes and Takingdancing.its influence from Brazil’s Mardi Gras, the carnival officially lasts a week – but locals will tell you Carnival fever begins at the end of the previous year! The event was unfortunately cancelled in 2022, but should be back up and running in 2023.
5. It’s the perfect place to go island-hopping With each island offering its own unique flavour, why settle for just one? Imagine starting your holiday on the beach, followed by a couple of days spent walking through jaw-dropping mountain scenery, then the next morning you’re off to hike an active volcano. If that sounds exciting, you’ll love an islandhopping holiday around Cape Verde. With boat tours leaving daily, there’s ample opportunity to experience the true diversity of Cape Verde for yourself. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit the tiny island of Santo Antão – a wonderland for hikers. It’s by far the greenest island in the archipelago and is often considered the most scenic too.
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For all details of the full range of wines, from each company, please visit their respective websites. Langley
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winzerkrems.at Importer: Ehrmanns Ltd.
Wines from Austria: A Good Choice
Food & Drink
As always, Enjoy! Trevor
Importer: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies.
ARTNER boasts some of the finest wine growing locations in Carnuntum. This region is located in the eastern area of Austria. Artner wine estate specialises in Austrian grape varieties that include Zweigelt. Several grapes, for white wines, are grown too. The estate also grows other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. www. artner.co.at Importer: Lea & Sandeman Co Ltd.
WINZER KREMS has the reputation of being one of the most significant producers of estate bottled quality wines in Austria. Winzer Krems produces wines of excellence. Specialising in growing grapes of major Austrian varieties, the juices are extracted using state-of-the-art equipment and then fermented with controlled temperature. www.
WEINGUT ALLRAM is a major winery of the Kamptal, having well-known vineyards, including Heiligenstein, Gaisberg and Renner. Michaela and Erich Haas-Allram produce wines to an exceptional standard. Lorenz HaasAllram is manager of the cellar and ensures high-quality productions of this company’s wines. www.allram.at
Austria attracts many visitors, from global origins, constantly. From pretty alpine villages, through cities, boasting beautiful architecture, to stunning landscapes, with lakes, mountains, glaciers and so much more, there is something for everyone. Vienna is the capital city and home to Strauss, the renowned family that is famous for numerous musical scores, including much-loved and well-known waltzes. The Vienna Boys Choir has many followers, worldwide. Locating Mozart’s birthplace, cathedrals and a lot of other locations, including some of the world’s finest museums and art galleries, hold much interest. The high-quality wines, produced in Austria, many of which are multi award-winning, have become recognised for their distinctive, superb attributes. www. Grüneraustrianwine.comVeltlineris the most-planted grape variety in Austria. The grape is very capable of producing excellent white wines, from light productions to more concentrated and also sparkling delights. Zweigelt is Austria’s most-planted red wine grape variety. Zweigelt is utilised, to great advantage, to produce wines from dry to sweet in taste, including ice wines.
If you want to further develop your skills, try squash 101 (see below). Where to play Once you’re feeling more confident and have a decent grasp of the rules, you may want to book a squash court to play with a friend. Some leisure centres and gyms only allow members to book a court, but most offer ‘pay and play’ options for around £10 a session. Head to the website of your national squash federation to find your nearest Alternatively,www.ulstersquash.comwww.squashwales.comwww.scottishsquash.orgwww.englandsquash.comcourt:justGoogle ‘find a squash court’. Squash 101 If you struggle to find someone to play squash with, want to commit to playing regularly or fancy something a bit different, check out squash 101. You’ll play squash in a group and be led by an instructor. It’s more sociable than regular squash, and you’ll hone your skills, try different challenges and play against a variety of people. Squash 57 Like the idea of squash but worried you won’t be able to keep up? Try squash 57. Formerly called racquetball, squash 57 uses a larger racquet and a bigger, bouncier ball, which means it’s a lot easier to hit. What you’ll need As squash is played in a court, you’ll need nonmarking trainers. You’ll work up a sweat, so shorts or sports leggings are generally better than jogging bottoms. And you may want to invest in protective goggles to protect your eyes.
Unless you’re taking lessons, you’ll probably need your own ball and racquet, although some leisure centres do rent out racquets and balls for a small extra fee.
If the thought of squash conjures up images of 90s businessmen, sweatbands and white shorts, it might be time to take another look. Squash has had a bit of an image overhaul over the last few years. It’s now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Highenergy, high-impact and high-adrenaline, squash has it all. It burns up to 800 calories an hour, gives you a full body workout, improves flexibility and tones your muscles. Fancy giving it a go? Here’s what you need to know… How to learn Never played squash before? Most leisure centres offer a variety of courses, including ones for complete beginners, women-only sessions and oneto-one lessons.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to start with a black ball that has a blue dot (or a blue ball if you’re playing squash 57). It’s best to visit a sports shop to try a few racquets rather than just ordering online, as they come in different sizes.
10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Sport Is it time to rediscover squash?
Ready for more of a challenge? Why not join a squash club? You’ll benefit from professional coaching, get the chance to compete and meet new people. Ask your local leisure centre for details or visit the website of your national squash federation.
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts12 Home Start Local News Do you have a bit of spare time and want to make a difference to a family’s life? Why not become a Home-Start Cambridgeshire volunteer. As a home visiting volunteer for Home-Start Cambridgeshire you will be carefully matched with a family for up to 6 months, offering practical and emotional support. The focus of the support is what the family feel they need to help alleviate the strain they are under. Our role is to empower them to see they either have the resources within themselves to do this, or to signpost and support them to access longer term support within their community. Our aim is to help parents be the best they can be, in order to give their children the best possible start in life. We are looking for volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences who know what it’s like to bring up small children. No qualifications are needed to become a Home-Start volunteer other than being committed, passionate and non-judgemental about supporting families to recognise and use the strengths they have to thrive. Being a home visiting volunteer is hugely rewarding and builds a sense of achievement knowing that you have made a difference to the families you visit. We know it helps develop confidence as individuals and many of our volunteers move onto paid work after gaining skills and experience through Home-Start Cambridgeshire. If you want to be part of our amazing team, please give us a call on 01480 700242 or email: office@homestartcambridgeshire.co.uk. Dates for our next Volunteer Preparation Course are: 4th, 11th and 18th October 2022.
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts14 Local News
10th to 18th September inclusive
Have you ever thought about getting out into the countryside but feel it would better to go with others, or, are you are new to Bedfordshire and want to see what the county has to offer ? The Bedfordshire Walking Festival, could be just for you, with over 40 walks during the nine days the festival offers an opportunity not to be missed. Nine are in this part of the County starting on Sunday 11th with a morning 7 mile circular LangfordfromVillage Hall. Other circular morning walks include Willington/Moggerhanger, Three Mills and a nature reserve from Stotfold, Greensand Western Parkland from Everton, plus an afternoon four village circular from Roxton on Saturday 17th. If informative Heritage guided walks appeal to you there are two fascinating afternoon walks. The first on Monday 12th when doors are opened and curtains pulled back to reveal how Ladies, Leisure and Lakes have helped to shape Henlow. Entitled the “Three L’s of Henlow” and starts from St Mary’s Henlow at 1-30pm. This is followed on Wednesday with an equally fascinating walk on the Greensand Ridge examining the settlements and geology which forms the landscape to-day. Entitled “The other side of the ridge” and starts from Old Warden Church at 1-30pm. Just a little further away on Thursday 15th there is an opportunity to mix walking with river cruising to create a great day out for groups and Walking Festival
individuals as the festival has teamed up with the award winning John Bunyan Boat. A morning informative walk from Priory Marina to Great Barford is followed by an afternoon leisurely cruise back to Bedford. Flexibility is the key on this one because if the walk is too far for you there are options to join or leave at Willington and whatever you decide to do the cost of the trip is the same at just £20 per person. Booking necessary. www.johnbunyanboat.org.
Those who prefer to stride out and cover the miles taking all day will have to travel but their journeys will be worthwhile starting at Harrold Country Park on the first weekend with an Ouse Valley exploration of 12 miles on Saturday and a Village Meander of 18 miles on the Sunday. On Wednesday 14th join the Slow Ways linear walk from Bedford Bus Station to Riseley of 11 miles, and on Thursday a 16 mile circular gallop starts from Riseley and takes in the remoter parts of north Bedfordshire.
The highlight of the weekend of 17th and 18th is the challenge of the Greensand Ridge Path 40 miles, 19 miles on Saturday and 21 miles on Sunday. Its harder than it looks but well worth the We’veeffort.mentioned just a few and the great thing is almost all the walks are free and no booking Programmesrequired. are now available both in printed form and on the festival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk.
Bedfordshire
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By reducing inflammation in the brain, the curcumin element enhances the flow of neurotransmitters. Rids you of free radicals
Prevents heart disease
Dried turmeric, meanwhile, which is much less potent, adds colour and enhanced earthiness to preparations such as roasts, rice and scrambled eggs. Supplement that! Of course, turmeric doesn’t have to be used in its raw form of food preparation; it can also be taken as a supplement. Terminology Turmeric is a plant and it’s the roots of the plant that are used to make the spice that is used in cooking and herbal drinks. Curcumin is the naturally occurring compound within the plant’s roots that give it it’s bright yellow colour and is known as a carotenoid compound. Turmeric powder has the highest curcumin concentration.
While studies in humans are still in very early stages, lab and animal studies have shown promising effects of curcumin in the fight against cancer, by interfering with several important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread. While many of these studies are in their early stages, one thing is for sure: you no longer need to feel guilty about your weekly Indian takeaway. mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC Eases aches and pains
Health
Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects and fights those nasty cell-damaging atoms. Found in everything from fried food to air pollution, free radicals have been linked to both ageing and cancer and the fewer of them in our bodies, the better.
Boosts moods
A powerful anti-inflammatory, there is evidence to suggest a daily dose of turmeric can greatly benefit those suffering from joint problems and arthritis. That said, turmeric is not listed as an arthritis treatment by the NHS, and therefore is unlikely to be prescribed by your GP.
From helping fight inflammation to preventing heart disease and cancer, turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. It’s tasty, has been around for centuries and is a key ingredient in Britain’s favourite dish – chicken tikka masala – but it’s only recently that the full benefits of turmeric have come to the fore. This gorgeously golden spice gives curry its orange tinge and has long been used in India as a medicinal herb. This is all down to compounds found within the spice, the most important of which is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It can also be used as a lively, peppery essence in things like juices, foods and stocks.
Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function, which helps regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors. Beats cancer?
A Taste for Turmeric
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2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, olives and bay leaf, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Pile into a large warm serving bowl, sprinkle over the chopped parsley and serve with lots of bread.
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that
3. Add the fish cubes and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Discard any of the cleaned mussels do close when tapped, or that are damaged or broken. Add the remaining mussels to the and cook for 2-4 minutes to heat through. any mussels that remain closed.
1. Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Discard
pan
crusty
4.
Ingredients 1 tbsp sunflower oil 225g carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes A handful of pitted black olives 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground black pepper 550g skinned and cubed white fish (cod, coley, pollock, hake) 115g mussels, debearded and cleaned Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, to garnish Crusty bread, to serve (optional) Fish Stew Seasonal Recipe Serves Preparation4 time 8 minutes Cooking time 15-20 minutes For more seafood and fish recipe inspiration, visit seafish.org Hearty and wholesome, this vibrant fish stew makes the perfect midweek meal
not
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broadband and connected industries continue to slash prices in what is a consumer-led price war, and the simple truth is many of us are still paying too much for our mobile phone contracts. So if you’re coughing more than about a tenner a month for your mobile phone contract – and by that I mean calls, texts and data, not the device itself – you’re probably in line to save some money. It all comes down to looking for the best-priced SIM for your needs, because once you find the right deal, it’s really very easy nowadays to grab your PAC code and switch networks.
Now usually when I suggest switching to a different mobile provider, people come back with concern over signal strength for, say, Lebara Mobile or PlusNet or whoever it is offering the best deal on data. The reality though is that the communications network is run by four companies and four companies only – O2, EE, Vodafone and Three. Every other provider is piggybacking off their signal, so, in effect, it’s the same signal. So by selecting one of the smaller companies all you’re doing is going with a virtual network, and everything else should remain the same. Obviously check before you sign up to see if 5G or tethering conditions are available, but beyond those things it’s the same line. It’s strange that mobile phones are such an integral part of our lives, yet many of us take for granted the competitiveness of the industry and don’t realise where we can be making savings.
Money
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The Martin Lewis column He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers. In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at how, in a time of rising costs, we can make savings in other places. There’s so much attention at the moment on the cost of petrol, the cost of our utilities, the rise in inflation, and it all seems like bad news. Yet sometimes we are all guilty of obsessing over the negative elements whilst failing to recognise good opportunities elsewhere; and if you’re looking for one sector where costs, pretty much consistently over time, have always decreased, then reach into your pocket and take out your trusty mobile Telecommunications,phone.
Money on my Mind
In an era of prices rising inexplicably across the board in other elements of our life, the time is now to start working the equation back in our favour, so have a look at your bill, survey the competition and start the conversation! mention
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It’s simple to have a kitchen tap changed – though you must ensure that the new tap will fit the hole (or holes) in or by your sink – and an upgrade will give the room a new lease of life. As well as standard chrome and stainless steel, finishes include brass,
In a kitchen-diner or an island kitchen with bar stools, the style of seating plays a huge role in the overall scheme, and if yours are looking tired or frumpy, perhaps it’s time for an overhaul. Buy new, consider antique or vintage options or, if you still like your current pieces, consider repainting them or having them reupholstered.
3 Floor story Replacing a cheap vinyl floor covering with beautiful stone or ceramic floor tiles will have one of the biggest transformative effects in a kitchen, though it is definitely an investment. It may also be possible to add underfloor heating at the same time. Alternatively, it’s easy to hide an unattractive floor with a large rug – braided rugs look pretty and suit a traditional property, or there are lots of outdoor rugs in modern designs that can withstand drips and spills.
Ten ways to refresh your kitchen
2 Assess your seating
Create a new look for the heart of your home with these inspiring ideas.
1 Update your lighting
A new shade can work wonders to update kitchen lighting, while even replacing a whole fitting –perhaps a pendant over an island unit or dining table, or a ceiling-mounted spotlight or track – is not usually very costly, provided wiring already exists. Choose bulbs carefully to give the right colour temperature – cool, bright white over working areas, with a warmer glow for relaxed eating. And don’t forget: installing a dimmer is always a good idea.
5 Taps matter
4 Overhaul your window treatments
A new made-to-measure roller blind is an inexpensive kitchen update that will have a major impact. All kinds of colours and patterns are available, and they are straightforward to fit. A more expensive option would be New England-style shutters with adjustable louvres, which add thermal and acoustic insulation, too.
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nickel,
1. A custom-made blind will fit your window perfectly without breaking the bank. Regalis silver-patterned roller blinds, £57.71 for a 120x120cm window, English Blinds.
2. These smart, neutral tiles have been grouted to match the cabinets beneath. Marylebone Gloss Ivory Flat Metro Tiles, £19.95 per square metre, Walls and Floors.
8 A new splashback Retiling a splashback area behind the sink is likely to be reasonably straightforward, and can provide a gorgeous new focal point to the room. The messy bit is removing the old tiles and repairing the surface behind, but after that it’s simply a case of fitting
Among the easiest things to replace in a kitchen are cupboard handles, knobs and pulls, and there is an enormous range of shapes, styles and materials with which to smarten the look of the room – provided you swap them like-for-like. Exchanging handles for knobs, or vice versa, means that the pre-drilled holes will be in the wrong place. Measure for handles carefully so that the new ones can be bolted through the same holes.
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By Katherine Sorrell copper, Fresh paint For a quick and easy new look, there’s nothing better than a coat of paint on the walls. Hardwearing, wipeable versions are always a good idea for kitchens. If your cabinets are looking the worse for wear, it may also be possible to repaint them, too. You’ll need to remove the doors and all the hardware, sand thoroughly and prime with an appropriate primer. A satin top coat is best to avoid highlighting fingerprints and any minor imperfections in the brushstrokes. Glamorous hardware
3. As soft as wool, but made from recycled plastic bottles, this rug is hard-wearing, stain-resistant and machine washable. Juno Doormouse rug, £235, Weaver Green.
10 Artwork and accessories Take time to choose some beautiful paintings, prints or photographs to adorn your kitchen walls, hanging them in orderly lines or balanced groups. Add some accessories that coordinate with the style of your scheme, and perhaps some house plants and/or fresh flowers.
A well-designed kitchen has a place for everything, from cutlery to coffee pods. Start with a clear-out and throw out or give away everything you no longer use. If you need extra shelves inside cupboards, now is the time to add them, and utilise internal organisers to keep everything under control. Where space is short and items have to be on display, keep them as tidy as possible with efficient racks, rails and wall grids, adding baskets, jars and boxes that coordinate with each other and the room as a whole.
gold or black, or how about a pull-out spray, water filter or a boiling-water tap? 6
2 your choice of new tiles. If saving money is key, plain, rectangular tiles can be made to look super-smart by laying them upright and aligned (rather than in the traditional offset brick pattern), and with coloured grout for a graphic, modern look.
9 Sort out your storage
It’s not all over in September. Indeed, many people choose this month as their favourite when it comes to drama in the garden. If your outdoor space is looking past its best, this is an opportunity to add to your plant palette. After all, wise gardeners plant today if they believe in tomorrow. Looking good in September Top marks go to ornamental grasses as they are reaching their peak in terms of beauty. There’s a grass to suit just about every type of space and the effect at this time of year is stunning. Swathes of gently swaying grasses lighten the soul. Some measure just a few centimetres high whilst others tower to three metres and more. The seed heads can be pink, purple, cream and white. A few grasses look like lambs’ tails and several resemble giant plumes on a circus horse’s head. For something completely reliable in free-draining soil and a sunny position, try Anemanthele lessoniana, or pheasant’s tail grass. It’s a semievergreen mound of golden and green loveliness that is steaked with red at this time of year. Use some of the larger grasses, including Miscanthus, as specimen plants amongst your borders. They will add froth and glory that improves throughout the year. When most plants are fading, these grasses will be stealing the show with their clump-forming habit and spectacular autumn flowers. Contrast and drama Pay attention to foliage if you want to create some astonishing contrast. Acers, in particular, are now working their way to a crescendo. Their colour takes on a vibrancy that will improve over the next few weeks as the leaves turn gradually crimson, purple, bronze and brilliant yellow, according to variety.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts26 Caroline Gardendesignideas.co.ukKnight: Gardening
The sunny flowers of rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ create a splash of yellow during September. This awardwinning beauty ensures that sunshine will stay in your garden right through to October and beyond. It works well with ornamental grasses and other daisy types including heleniums. The crimson red flower of helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ is one of the best. Asters, with their astonishing display of daisy-like purple, lilac and pink blooms, are often covered in bees and butterflies in September. They set the garden alight with vibrant colour just when you think the show is almost over. Asters are known as a symbol of love and wisdom – let’s all have some of these! September a celebration
Make the most of ground cover plants such as heuchera, sometimes known as coral bells. There are red, yellow, lime green and orange-leafed varieties. Plant them in groups, next to others with contrasting foliage, to brighten up the autumn understorey. The same applies to heathers, with late-summer and autumn flowers in pinks, purples and white. Erica varieties like free-draining soil in light shade and they can look stunning when planted amongst rocks and boulders, or towards the front of borders. Calluna, or ling heathers, like full sun in acid soil, so there is a heather suitable for almost any location except full shade or bog. More shrubs and perennials for September
Make
sumptuous
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Being a foster carer is exceptionally rewarding. The RSPCA are always on the look out for new foster carers who can provide a safe, caring and loving environment for the cats and dogs that are rescued each year. Fostering an animal can help them recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury - taking the first steps towards finding a new, loving forever home. It’s very fulfilling to know that you played a key part in helping a rescued animal recover and to then start a new life with a new family. Fostering also gives those who are unable to take in an animal long term, due to commitments and circumstance, with an alternative. Why do we need foster carers?
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts When an animal is fostered space in our centres then become free, so that we can rescue more animals in desperate need. What does the role involve? You would be required to provide the care the animal needs; feeding, exercising, cleaning, socialising, giving medication and grooming. Essentially, there are two main avenues within fostering at the 1)RSPCA:Foster carers for animals ready to be rehomed. 2) Foster carers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take Someplace.of the animals that we take in have are not used to the care and affection that they deserved. Living with a foster family helps to provide them with that one-toone care, allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle. You may even be asked to foster an animal that is convalescing following illness or injury while they prepare for the adoption process. Providing stable futures Pardon the pun, but did you know that you could also foster a horse or a pony? You can foster a horse or a pony as a companion for your own horse. Or if you don’t
Pets
Our foster carers aim to help rehabilitate the animals in their care. This then increases their chances of finding a forever home. Naturally, we try to rehome our animals as quickly as possible, but if they are involved in a prosecution case we could have them in our care for long periods. Some animals need one-to-one care or perhaps don’t cope well in an animal centre environment. This is where our team of fantastic foster carers comes in.
currently own one and you are able, you can foster two horses as company for each other. If you fit the criteria for an equine foster carer why not find out more and apply online. How can I get involved?
If you are interested in the role of a foster carer, use our volunteer search on our national website to find opportunities near you. If there is nothing listed in your area, then it’s always worth checking with your nearest RSPCA branch or animal centre. We are always delighted to hear about people’s positive fostering experiences. So please do get in touch if you have a story you’d like to share. 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, please contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.
Have You ConsideredEverFostering?
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 29 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: Home: 01353 721665 - Mob: 07771 707921 All work carried out to BS 3998 Standard A genuine family managed business est. for over 30 years - fully insured WasteRegisteredCarrierThiscompany offers a 7 day cooling off period
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Most Heads Up units plug in to the OBD port in your car to get their information, and some models can connect to your phone and Satnav which allows them to provide even more features in your line of vision.
A Heads-Up display is a small transparent unit which is mounted on top of the dashboard, in front of the driver. It displays information exactly where you need it – directly in the line of sight. Drivers get all the important information such as speed, warning signals and indicator arrows for navigation without having to looking down to the instrument cluster or the secondary display, hence the name. There are a few types of Heads-Up display. Some project on to your windscreen, and these can be harder to see in some lighting conditions. Some have a semi reflective sheet of glass that’s designed to reflect the display whilst allowing you to see through it, very much like in fighter aircraft.
31To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 The latest in vehicle technology Motoring Busier roads mean we need to use more of our concentration to monitor the traffic around us. Tightly enforced speed regulations mean we also need to watch our dashboard dials to keep on the right side of the law. Unfortunately, this means we have to take our eyes off the road frequently to read the gauges. Add in a sat nav and a lot of our mental bandwidth could be diverted at any one Entertime. the Heads-Up display. These have been around for while and are fitted as standard on some premium cars. But third-party units are widely available and easy to install.
Prices start at under £100 so you can boost your driving safety while channelling your inner Tom Cruise in Top Gun. By Tom Hancock
• Heat pumps: using a similar technology to that which operates your fridge freezer (but in reverse), heat pumps will be one of the main ways new-build homes are heated after 2025, by utilising only air and a small amount of electricity.
Home heating Is it time for a change?
• Biomass boilers: these work in the same way as a conventional gas boiler, but rather than gas, the fuel is a plant-based mixture of either wood, pellet or woodchip. This means it’s a much greener solution than conventional fossil fuels.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts32 Special Report By Louise Addison
• Infrared heating panels: by emitting infrared energy into a room, the energy is absorbed directly into solid objects within three metres of the panel, causing them to warm up instantly. The infrared cannot warm air unfortunately, so the room will feel cold the moment it’s turned off.
With winter just around the corner, now is the time to think about your home’s heating system. Is your boiler running safely and efficiently while keeping running costs to a minimum? Home heating can contribute up to 60% of your home’s utility bills, so it’s important to ensure you are up to date with the best practices for maintaining and operating your central heating system. Out with the old The general rule is that once your boiler reaches around twenty years of service, you should replace it with a new unit. On average, your boiler will begin to operate less efficiently after ten to fifteen years, meaning it will need to work harder to heat your home, resulting in increased utility bills. Along with the potential cost of breakdowns and repairs for older boilers, it may be financially prudent to replace your boiler before it becomes a bigger expense. In with the new According to the plan for the UK to reach carbon net zero by 2050, the UK government has announced that new-build homes will not be allowed to install traditional gas boilers after 2025. This doesn’t mean you have to replace your existing gas boiler by this date, but you may wish to consider these heating alternatives, which will soon be considered the norm.
• Solar thermal panels: designed to be used alongside a regular gas or biomass boiler, solar thermal panels absorb heat from the sun, which is then transferred to a water tank for you to use as a hot water supply or for heating for your home.
Working from home this winter?
Rather than electric portable heaters, which are really costly to run, an efficient central heating system set to around twenty degrees is still the recommended choice, even if you plan on heating just one room of the house. By using individual thermostats or radiator valves (or a smart thermostat) in each room, you can focus the heat towards the room you need to keep cosy, avoiding having to wear gloves and a woolly hat on your Zoom calls!
33To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
Special Report
Eco Bathroom Energy
Simple changes we can make if we’re keen on making our daily preparation and preening routines that much more ecologically friendly.
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ONE - Plastic is not fantastic We all know the issue with single-use plastics, and the damage they do to the environment. The prevalence of refillable and reusable body products – soaps, gels, moisturisers etc. – and the number of retailers wising up to this trend, has kicked off a cultural shift that is rapidly gathering pace. Not only is this tendency for refillable products a trendy revolution, even if it is akin to wartime replenishment of products, but typically those products on offer have been developed with sensitive skin or vegan elements in mind, meaning they are better not just for the environment, but ourselves too.
TWO - Water Wastage Showers, toilets, baths and bathroom sinks are collectively responsible for more than two-thirds of a household’s average water usage, meaning that any reduction we can make in water usage will have a hugely positive impact on the environment. There are simple measures we can all take such as showering rather than bathing, and beyond that changing an old showerhead for a low-flow version with high pressure. Also ensure leaky taps are fixed and are certainly not left running for any amount of time unnecessarily
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From taps to showerheads to the big one, build-up inside your boiler, banishing limescale means keeping your heating appliances and waterflow systems running as efficiently as possible.
FOUR - Limescale lag Limescale is something we commonly associate with poor performance in kettles and washing machines, and that’s correct. Yet, by extension, when our appliances require more energy, over a longer period, to perform the same function, both we and the environment are paying for the privilege.
– a tap left on can let through six litres of water in under a minute. That means small things such as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth or washing your face can offer a huge benefit in terms of saving water. And of course, whilst helping the environment you’re also reducing your water bill.
THREE - Letting life flourish While the bathroom perhaps isn’t the most obvious place to begin inviting in the flora and fauna of the outside world, the humidity, moisture and flow of air actually makes it a great place for low-maintenance plants such as ferns to thrive. Meanwhile, adding in air-purifying plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, aloe vera and snake plants will actively improve the purity of the air in your bathroom. A biproduct of this is a decrease in mould, meaning less need for harmful cleaning products and chemicals.
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36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZEasyCodewordSudoku Hard Sudoku 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.
37To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 0800 046 DRIVEWAYSRESINBOUNDwww.thehomeimprovementproject.co.ukhello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk1080 • MAINTENANCE AND WEED FREE • HARD WEARING • QUICK INSTALLATION • CAN BE USED AS OVERLAY • BESPOKE DESIGNS • SUITABLE FOR DRIVEWAYS, PATHS AND PATIOS • 10 YEAR GUARANTEE NOT YOUR AVERAGE HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY
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WHAT'S ON IN SEPTEMBER
Roxton
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 SEPTEMBER Bingo Alconbury7.30pmSports Social Club Eyes down Bingo Web:session!www.assc.org.uk
Members free, visitors
Email:
7 SEPTEMBER Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, Brampton High Street Meets the first Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome.
people
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3 SEPTEMBER The Village Show at Keysoe Keysoe Village Hall Free entry. Please contact Penny for a schedule. Tel: 01234 378878 penny.heming@btinternet.
5 SEPTEMBER St Neots Paxton7.30-9.30pmAssociationAstronomicalPitsVisitorCentre
10 SEPTEMBER Great Paxton Arts & Crafts Market 12pm to 5pm Church Yard, High Street Visit the fantastic arts and crafts market, grab some amazing food, find a bargain at the garage sales on Saturday and Sunday, and see all the events/scarecrow-festival.phpWeb:scarecrows!www.greatpaxton1000.co.uk/
6, 13, 20 & 27 SEPTEMBER St Neots Eynesbury7.45-9.30pmSinfoniaJuniorSchool, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Tuesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 Web: www.stneotssinfonia.org.uk
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3 SEPTEMBER Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Plants and Castles of Transylvania’ with Razvan Chisu, known as the Transylvanian Gardener.
Visitors welcome – small charge. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk
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4 SEPTEMBER Hinxton Watermill Open Day 2.30-5pm CambridgePPF members free, nonmembers - adult £3, child £1 This stunning working watermill dates to the seventeenth century. See the mill working and hear the history of this incredible building. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org
7.15pmGroup
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4 SEPTEMBER The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Walk 10.30am Free event – donations welcome Guided walk at Brampton Wood. Meet and park at the entrance barn (TL1844269809) Tel:plates.plodding.photocopy.What3WordsPatDoody01480392706
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6 SEPTEMBER Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Hail Weston Village Hall Tickets £4 Join us for a summer social evening with something tasty to eat and drink. Raffle. Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com
‘Herschel's Planet’ by Mike Foulkes. Meets first Monday of the month (second if bank holiday). Solar observing session at 5.30pm if weather permits. Non-members welcome - first visit free. Web: snaa.co.uk
7 SEPTEMBER Buckden Local History Society 7.30pm Millard Suite, Village Hall Visitors £4, children free ‘The Renovation of Buckden Towers Gatehouse’ by Keith Lawrence. Meets first Wednesday of each month. New members and visitors are welcome. Annual membership £16. www.buckdenhistory.co.uk
7, 14, 21 & 28 SEPTEMBER Kimbolton Bridge Club Mandeville10am-12pm Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday for friendly, social bridge. Players of all standards are welcome with or without a partner. Just turn up! 7, 14, 21 & 27 SEPTEMBER St Neots Choral Society Eynesbury7.30-9.30pmJunior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk
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1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 SEPTEMBER Riverport The10.15-11.15amSingersCornExchange, St Ives Community choir for living with dementia, their carers, family and Agi 07757 811802 agipeach@icloud.com riverportsingersfacebook.com/
4 SEPTEMBER Claude Bourbon Guitar Concert 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, High Street, Offord Darcy Tickets £10 inc. complimentary drink. Claude is known for his amazing guitar performances that have Blues, Spanish, Gypsy, Jazz, and Russian influences. All seats unreserved. Parking available. T: 07776 426103 E: /ticketoffice.stpeters@gmail.com
1 September Roxton District Local History for 7.30pm Village Hall £4 £20. mariascreen1@gmail.com roxtonhistory.org.uk
2 SEPTEMBER St Neots Local History Society Eynesbury7.30pm Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘All that Glisters- Anglo Saxons, Beds and Gold’ by Alison DickensDirector, Granta Heritage. www.stneotslhs.org.uk
Godmanchester WI 7.30pm Church Hall, Chadley Lane, Godmanchester Meets the third Wednesday of the month. Regular speakers and activities. New members welcome. 22
16, 23 & 30 SEPTEMBER Great Fen Little Bugs 10.30am-12pm Great Fen Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights Wildlife Trust BCN child member £5, non-member £7. A fun morning of exploration and discovery for preschool children and their guardians. Web: wildlifebcn.org 16 SEPTEMBER Kimbolton Community Cinema Doors open 7, film 7.30pm SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tickets £5, concessions £4, children £2.50 (subject to classification) The Duke. Tickets from Bytes Café Monday and Friday mornings, online or on the door if available. Small booking fee applies online. E: mandeville-hall-kimboltonW:kimbolton.cinema@gmail.comwww.ticketsource.co.uk/ 20 SEPTEMBER Dementia Café 10am-12pm St Ives Free Church, St Ives £2.50 per person. For people with dementia and their carers. Tel: George 07725 588145 Web: stivesdementiafriendlycommunityfacebook.com/ 21
Race Night 7pm Alconbury Sports & Social Club Web: www.assc.org.uk 24 & 25
WHAT'S ON IN SEPTEMBER What's On 10 SEPTEMBER 128th Dean and Shelton Country Dalton1-4.30pmShowHall, Kimbolton Road, Upper Dean Entry £2, children free. Classic vehicles go free. Wide variety of stalls and displays including vintage vehicles display, Corby Silver Band, children's entertainer, refreshments, craft stalls, raffle, tombola and auction of deanandsheltoncountryshow.org.ukWeb:Email:produce.dscountryshows@gmail.comwww. 10 SEPTEMBER Miss Franks’s Autumn Sale Mandeville2-4.30pm Hall, Kimbolton Visit for lots of bargains! 10 SEPTEMBER Autumn Flower & Vegetable Show and Beer Festival 2-5pm Village Hall/QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton 75 free to enter show classes including fruit, vegetables, home produce and children’s classes. Bring along deck chairs, picnic rugs and enjoy Bedford Brass Band from 2.304.30pm. Refreshments available. Web: littlepaxtonparishcouncil.gov.ukwww. 10-18 SEPTEMBER Great Paxton Scarecrow Festival Take a walk around the village and find all the scarecrows. Grab a map and voting form from the pub, shop or website and be in with a chance to win a prize. Web: events/scarecrow-festival.phpwww.greatpaxton1000.co.uk/ 10 & 24 SEPTEMBER St Neots Farmers & Craft Market 8am-1.30pm Products from local food producers and craft makers. 12 SEPTEMBER Perry 7.30pmWISailability Club House, Grafham Water Centre ‘An Author and his books’ by Patrick McDonald. Patrick has written a thriller and a book about the Irish famine. His third book is set in Tel:Godmanchester.JakkiSpall0770 343 1900 14 SEPTEMBER The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Talk 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton £3.50 per person. ‘How not to find a dinosaur’ by Paul Trevor, Senior Ranger at The Great Fen. Tel: Alistair Grant 07775 365507 Email: alistairrgrant@hotmail.com
Crazy Lego! St Neots Museum Free entry. A fun and family friendly temporary exhibition featuring mountains of Lego and Duplo that visitors can use to create buildings, animals, vehicles – anything that can be made from the standard bricks. A Lego model of a Roman Villa discovered in Eynesbury in the 1960s will be on display. Book online. Web: stneotsmuseum.org.uk The deadline for What’s On entries is 12th September. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.net 39To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
St Neots & District Gardening Club Meeting 7.30pm St Mary's Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 AGM and planning for next year. The club will also have a plant stall at the farmers market on 24 www.stneotsgardenclub.org.ukSeptember. 24
Cromwell Quilters Showcase 2022 Buckden10am-4pmVillage Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden Entry £3, under 16s free An inspirational exhibition of patchwork, quilting and textile art from members and affiliated groups. Sales table and cushion raffle. Refreshments. Disabled access. Free parking. Proceeds to local charities. Tel: Pamela Tasker 07980 608576 Email: cromwellquilters@gmail.com UNTIL 8
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 41 Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Will Punchard from Bythorn EditionAugustfromSolutionPuzzleCrosswordour August’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com Easy Hard
42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Name: Address: Tel: The Villager Prize Crossword Complete the crossword and fill in your details below, before 16th September 2022 Either cut out this page and send to Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd. 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Or photograph your entry and email to competitions@villagermag.com The winner will be drawn at random from the correct entries. Prize £25 1AcrossInaddition (4) 3 Greets (8) 9 Painful condition (7) 10 Childminder (5) 11 Developments (12) 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) 17 Winter sport (3) 18 Purposefully (12) 21 Time-piece (5) 22 Distinctive (7) 23 Moving very fast (8) 24 Questions (4) 1DownFrom the United States (8) 2 Tantrum (5) 4 Used for seeing (3) 5 Condensed (12) 6 Parts of an hour (7) 7 Speaks (4) 8 Talented (12) 12 Delete (5) 13 Two wheeled vehicles (8) 15 Rigid support frame (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 In debt (4) 22 Male child (3)
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44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts FOR ALL YOUR GLAZING NEEDS: • SINGLE & DOUBLE GLAZING • SEALED UNITS GONE ‘FOGGY’ • MIRRORS • SHELVES • WINDOWS & DOORS • LOCKS, WINDOW & DOOR ACCESSORIES 01480 www.brookviewglaziers.com896678email:info@brookviewglaziers.com CALL FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE yourUselocalglazier
Falling off the Ladder Helen Hill It’s daunting taking the leap into self-employment. Even the most confident amongst us will wobble at times. Falling off the Ladder is like having a supportive friend on the sidelines cheering you on. It’s about changing your mindset, valuing what you have to offer and celebrating your achievements. There’s also advice on everything from finding a community of fellow business owners to dealing with overwhelm. Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss Fiona Thomas From reasons to take the plunge to things to consider before you do, and practical advice on aspects such as tax, insurance, raising an invoice and building a client base, this book has it all. Plus, it’s actually enjoyable to read (not something that can be said for most business books). Making Your Website Work Gill Andrews Offering ‘100 copy and design tweaks for smart business owners’, this book will help you to tighten up your website so it attracts more visitors and converts them into customers. It’s packed with great advice, from how to improve your contact page to what to include in your footer. Whether you’re creating your own website or hiring an agency, this book is a must. Taking the plunge Books Whether you’re freelancing, running a side hustle or thinking about setting up a small business for the first time, these books could make your life that little bit easier. By Kate Duggan 45To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 47 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. Alcoholics Anonymous ............................. Al-Anon Family Groups .............................0800 008 6811 Anglian Water ...........................................08457 145 145 Addenbrooks Hospital .............................. 01223 245151 Papworth Hospital .................................... 01223 638000 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 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 ............................................................................. 111 National Rail Enquiries............................. 03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line ........................................ 101 NSPCC ........................................................0808 800 5000 Pre-bereavement Helpline Support .........0808 801 0688 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 Bringing Local Business to Local People For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on: Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com USEFUL NUMBERS VILLAGER The and Town Life
