Cambs Feb 2021 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 142 - February 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Valentine’s Day Customs From around the World

A Passion for

House Plants Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue... Show them you care this Valentine’s Day

When St. Neots was a 'Looked-Up-To Society'......................... 4 St Valentine's Day Customs Around the World........................ 6 Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe.......................................................10 Choc 'n' Chilli......................................................................................... 13 Longer Lasting Clothes...................................................................... 15 World Book Day...................................................................................16 Wines: Choosing a Mix...................................................................... 21 Hair and Scalp Health....................................................................... 22 Choosing an Engagement Ring...................................................... 24 Lockdown Part 3 - Leeds Day Solicitors.....................................26 Reduce your Financial Risk..............................................................30 Show them you care this Valentine's Day..................................32

Get Planting.......................................................................................... 35 Heavenly Hellebores.........................................................................36 A Lasting Tribute................................................................................. 39 In-car Technologies that changed the game............................40 High-tech Hygiene............................................................................. 43 Anniversaries in Spring 2021............................................................44 Cruising on the River Dart, South Devon..................................46 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 Fun Quiz.................................................................................................50 A Passion for House Plants............................................................. 53 Villager Prize Crossword.......................................................58 Books to dip into.................................................................................61 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

Get Planting

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Catherine Rose, Nick Coffer, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Trevor Langley, Jackie Mitchell, Leeds Day Solicitors, RSPCA, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, Wood Green, Solange Hando, Katherine Sorrell and Kate Duggan

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History

By Peter Ibbett

When St. Neots was a ‘Looked-Up-To Society’ Few of the shoppers exiting the supermarket car park give Hall Place, one of the town’s most historic buildings, more than a glance. Originally a timber framed double cross wing house, possibly dating back to Tudor times. it is now ‘cased in brick from the local brickyards from the 18th or early 19th centuries’. Samuel Day (1817-93), Solicitor & Attorney, took up residence in 1837 and took as his partner nephew C.R. Wade-Gery who set up his office in ‘The Cedars’ building opposite. Fanny Gregory (‘Memories of old St Neots’ in the St. Neots Advertiser, 26th December 1930 & reprinted in a St. Neots History Society Newsletter in 2004) recalled that:- “Those earlier days were the times of a looked-up-to society in St Neots, of which the leader was Mrs Sam Day. In her time the Old Hall was the centre of all that was highest and best in the county. She was a splendid artist herself, unique in those days, and she collected all the leading lights in art around her. Her accomplishments and achievements were looked upon by the ordinary person as almost miraculous. Moreover, all the fetes, shows and treats of the neighbourhood were entertained on every occasion in their grounds, when she invited all the country people and received everyone in the truly grand manner which was so especially hers. Sam

was more in the background, being quite content to be at the beck and call of ‘the wife’. In those days the then Lord Sandwich often came to the functions run by Mrs Sam, and later on by others. He always said we were like a jolly family party at St Neots, and he enjoyed coming. He asked a prominent townsman on one occasion what caused it, saying at the same time that that particularly pleasant camaraderie never seemed to invade the Huntingdon functions, and the answer was, “Well, my Lord, in Huntingdon there is only one lord, and here were are all lords.” How he laughed. He repeatedly invited St Neots people to the parties and festivities at Hinchingbrooke, saying one of his titles was Baron of St Neots, so he belonged to us in a way. What fun we had there when he gave concerts and dramatic performances. My husband was often asked to dine and sleep and take his ’cello. It seemed to be a difficult place to find the way about in at night in those badly-lighted times, and my husband, being unable to find his room one night, after opening several wrong doors, had to subside on a sofa somewhere, and tuck his ’cello away under it, where they were found in the morning by the servants” Volunteers are always appreciated at the museum in helping to bring to life townsfolk and their contributions to the town.

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History

By Catherine Rose

St Valentine’s Day Customs

Around the World Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe in different ways This month, Valentine’s Day will see us buying our loved ones cards, flowers and gifts and perhaps sharing a romantic meal. Many countries around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day, or an equivalent not necessarily on 14th February. Always seen as a nation of romantics, it is believed that the first Valentine was sent in France when Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote love letters to his wife from prison in 1415. Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the country, the French village of Saint-Valentin hosts a special three-day festival from 13th to 15th February, when trees and houses are bedecked with hearts, love letters and red roses. It is traditional for lovers to propose in Le Jardin des Amoreux (The Lovers’ Garden) beneath a decorated willow tree known as Le Saule aux Coeurs (the Willow of Hearts). One of the precursors to Valentine’s Day was the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. At this festival, it was customary for women to wear the name of their beloved on their arm. This ritual

continues in South Africa where women pin paper hearts with the name of their sweetheart onto their sleeves thus letting them know they have a secret admirer. It is possible that this ancient tradition is where the expression ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’ comes from. Since the 1930s, women in Japan have presented boxes of fabulously coloured and decorated chocolates on Valentine’s Day. The tradition began there in 1936 when confectioner Morozoff Ltd placed the first advert for Valentine’s Day gifts in an English newspaper aimed at the expatriate community. Over the next forty years Valentine’s Day gained a foothold in Japan, but it is celebrated with a twist because women are the givers. The chocolate gifts have a definite hierarchy. Chocolate presented to a lover is honmei-choko, literally meaning ‘favourite’ or ‘sincere’ chocolate, and is sometimes home-made. But women also give chocolate to important men in their life with whom they have no romantic connection, such as their boss. This type of chocolate is called giri-choko or ‘obligation chocolate’. If the woman doesn’t particularly like the recipient but is obliged

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to give them a gift, she might offer the lesser chô-giri choko (very obligatory chocolate). Although the tradition has been for women to give men chocolate, more recently tomo-choko or ‘companion chocolate’ has appeared, in which women also give chocolate boxes to their best girlfriends. Across some Scandinavian countries, it has become traditional for an admirer to send short love verses known as gaekkbrev on Valentine’s Day. The anonymous poems are signed with dots, each corresponding to a letter in the sender’s name. If the recipient can guess who sent the poem, they will receive an Easter egg from them later in the year. If they can’t, they have to give an Easter egg to the sender. In Denmark it is also customary to give pressed flowers, traditionally snowdrops. Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day with a glass of home-produced wine. Known as San Trifon Zartan, the celebration is literally the ‘Day of Winemakers’. Valentine’s Day is known as Zdravko in Slovenia and is linked with celebrations of fertility and the land. An old Slovenian proverb goes: “St Valentine’s brings the keys of roots”, as it is the day work usually begins in the fields. There is a charming belief that it is also the day when birds propose to each other and wed for the season. Estonians see Valentine’s Day as a festival of love for everyone. Sobrapaev translates as Friendship Day and as such does not have a romantic bias, instead celebrating love between all.

The Welsh have long had an alternative to Valentine’s Day. There, St Dwynwen’s Day is on 25th January. St Dwywen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and it was historically the day when men would give their wives, fiancées and girlfriends intricately carved and symbolic wooden Welsh love spoons. But the award for the most romantic nation must go to South Korea. As well as celebrating Valentine’s Day where (like Japan) women traditionally honour men, the 14th day of every month is reserved for lovers and each celebration has a different name. 14th January is Candle Day and 14th March is known as White Day, when men reciprocate Valentine’s Day and give gifts to women. No one is left out as April 14th is Black Day and reserved for single people, who mark it by coming together to eat jajangmyeon or black noodles. May brings the Day of Roses, June the Day of Kisses and July 14th is Silver Day. August’s Green Day refers to an alcoholic beverage known as soju, a spirit made from rice. It is traditional to drink this followed by a romantic walk. September sees Music Day, October is Wine Day, November Movie Day and December 14th is the Day of Hugs. That is a lot of celebrations and holidays for lovers!

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Food & Drink

Restaurant style Japanese miso noodle soup My favourite recipes are those which look great, taste amazing, and require little or no effort to make. This noodle soup meets all those criteria. It’s healthy, full of goodness and will bring a smile to your table during the darker months. The vegetables are fully interchangeable - feel free to use whatever you can get your hands on. The dish also still works without miso paste, even though it does add a lovely richness to the flavours. Ingredients 1 litre good quality vegetable stock 1 tbsp miso paste 200g fine dried noodles or similar (I often cheat and just chuck in the precooked ones you find in the fresh aisle in supermarkets) 2 filets of salmon, skinned and sliced diagonally into three pieces 2 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped 1 thumb of ginger, peeled and grated Handful sugar snap peas Handful mushrooms finely sliced 1 small leek, finely sliced Vegetable oil Light soy sauce

Serves 2 people

1. Cook the noodles as per the packet instructions then drain and chill them. If you are using pre-cooked noodles, there’s no need to cook them again. 2. Place the noodles in the base of two large round serving bowls. 3. Boil up your vegetable stock and stir through the miso paste. You want to keep this stock hot and ready to serve. 4. In a hot pan, drizzle in some vegetable oil and quickly fry the vegetables, garlic and ginger. Leave them with a good crunch, you don’t want to overcook them. 5. Add in a few drops of soy sauce, mix the vegetables one last time, and then share the vegetables between the two bowls, placing them on the noodles. 6. Pour a little more oil into the pan and fry off the salmon pieces. Give them a bit of colour but, again, don’t overcook them as they will continue to cook in the serving bowls. 7. Pop the salmon on top of the vegetables and divide up the vegetable stock into both bowls. 8. Leave the bowls sit for a minute, just for the boiling stock to heat through the noodles and serve, accompanied by chilli oil or chilli sauce, for a bit of extra optional kick.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 10

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Food & Drink

Choc ‘n’ Chilli!

Perfect partners for

Valentine’s Day By Louise Addison

SAFFORD’S COACHES 2021 HOLIDAYS

The Aztecs valued chocolate so much their taxation was levied in cocoa beans! The hot frothy drink they made was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests and was said to confer wisdom and vitality. Emperor Montezuma, not one for moderation, drank 50 goblets a day. Scientists have suggested that the antioxidants and flavonoids in chocolate with at least 70% cocoa improve verbal and visual memory, reaction times, balance certain hormones, help to relieve blood pressure and boost serotonin levels, our brain’s natural anti-depressant. All good reasons to indulge a little, especially this month. And what could be nicer on a cold Valentine’s Day than snuggling up with your romantic other and a cup of hot chocolate? Use high-quality cocoa powder, preferable organic and fair trade, and make a hot drink, sweetened with honey. Then cook the object of your affections an authentic Mexican chilli dish by adding cocoa to the sauce. The nutrient capsaicin, found in chillies, is a powerful antioxidant which helps to prevent many conditions such as high cholesterol, heart and lung diseases and cataracts. It also stimulates blood circulation which boosts the immune system and it even relieves pain. Chocolate and chillies both encourage the secretion of endorphins, natural chemicals which relax muscle tissue, and act as mood enhancers. The perfect recipe for love!

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29 MAR-2 APR ... YORKSHIRE WINTER WARMER...................................£293 2-5 APR ............. EASTER IN BLACKPOOL ............................................£234 5-9 APR ............. SPRINGTIME IN PAIGNTON .......................................£346 3-7 MAY............. WESTON-SUPER-MARE..............................................£391 10-14 MAY......... CREAM OF THE COTSWOLDS .....................................£393 19-23 MAY......... PORTHCAWL - SOUTH WALES ...................................£376 17-18 JUL .......... WINE TASTING BREAK - SURREY ...............................£169 27-31 JUL .......... ISLE OF MAN - ISLAND GETAWAY..............................£525 2-6 AUG............. THE PENNINE EXPLORER ...........................................£441 9-13 AUG........... SUMMETIME IN SOMERSET .......................................£389 12-16 AUG......... A STATELY TOUR OF THE PEAK DISTRICT...................£458 13-17 AUG......... AYRSHIRE - SCOTLAND .............................................£406 5-9 SEPT ............ LIVERPOOL & THE BEATLES STORY ...........................£411 10-14 SEPT ........ WELCOME TO WEYMOUTH ........................................£409 20-24 SEPT ........ WATERFORD, KILKENNY & CO WEXFORD IRELAND....£499 26-30 SEPT ........ FOLKESTONE, KENT - THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND......£394 2-6 OCT ............. AUTUMN GETAWAY - ISLE OF WIGHT ........................£294 8-10 OCT ........... BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS ..................................£224 15-18 OCT ......... PIES, PINTS, POTS & PUDDINGS ................................£259 22-29 OCT ......... THE FRENCH RIVIERA................................................£722 28 OCT-1 NOV.... KENDAL IN THE LAKES .............................................£373 1-5 NOV............. BIDEFORD TURKEY & TINSEL ....................................£291 7-9 NOV............. 1940’S REMEMBRANCE DAY SPECIAL ........................£240 15-19 NOV......... CAERNARFON WINTER WARMER ...............................£300 19-22 NOV......... SCARBOROUGH TURKEY &TINSEL .............................£225 27-29 NOV......... JAMES BOND THEMED LAS VEGAS NIGHT..................£239 23-27 DEC ......... CHRISTMAS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT .........................£524 27-30 DEC ......... SUSSEX BY THE SEA FOR TWIXMAS ...........................£244

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House of Colour

Longer Lasting Clothes Different types of fabric suit different clothing personalities. Some people look fabulous in cable knit jumpers and textured wools while others need smooth refined woollens. They can make a real difference to our look. I can’t get away with creases (yes some people can work that look!) or boucle wools. However we all need to look after our clothes to get the most from them. Now could be the time to put a little care in to ensure some longevity. A round up of some top tips in clothing care: • Try using a razorblade to take the pilling off jumpers. Those little bobbles instantly age a jumper but with a little care they can look rejuvenated. A ‘comb’ for knitwear also works well just be careful not to use it too vigorously on some delicate wools like cashmere to avoid stretching it. • Fabric softener can make pilling worse so give it a miss – but be sure to use a delicate detergent on woollens and a delicates wash in your machine. Pure wool doesn’t actually need a lot of washing (it doesn’t tend to hang on to bacteria or dirt) so if it isn’t obviously dirty don’t rush to wash it. • Never leave a jumper to dry on a radiator. Woollens need a flat surface to dry and not direct heat. They may shrink and dye could come off on your radiator! • Fold woollens flat to store, they stretch on hangers. Avoid the vacuum packing storage bags as they can distort your jumpers. Cedar balls work well when added to drawers and in storage to repel moths. • Wash trousers inside out to reduce wear and tear while in the wash. Once they’re done take them out as soon as possible and then leave to dry in a warm area folding along their crease lines – this will maintain those lines (down the front) and could avoid them needing a pressing. • Hard water area – help reduce deposits by using soda crystals in each wash, teaspoon or so will reduce build up (as well as making your detergent go further!) in your machine. • Hand wash bras – they will have a much shorter shelf life if they go in a machine. The lingerie detergent Soak doesn’t need rinsing which helps to speed up the process. • Quality hangers are essential – not the wire ones from the dry cleaners, they can distort clothing.

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Faux Fur • Often with a label of dry clean but shhh….you can hand wash it! Short faux fur hand washes well, the longer types of fur can become matted in the process so don’t work as well. Only embark on hand wash if your faux fur item really needs a wash and this is better with lighter colours. Try using a bath to wash it in with lukewarm water and a gentle delicates detergent (doesn’t need much detergent either). It will absorb a huge amount of water in the process. Lay on some old towels (you could need a few with a coat and beware dye running) and press water out, try not to wring it. Press the item in the towels. Then put it on the spin cycle (on a gentle option) in your machine – if you can put it in a laundry bag or pillow case to protect it and the fibres from your machine. Leave to dry on a hanger if a coat for at least 24 hours, possibly longer until dry. The fur may need a little fluffing up with your hands once it’s dried but then it’s as good as new! 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

Time of Year By Sarah Davey

World Book Day

Thursday 4th March is WORLD BOOK DAY

and this year the focus is on libraries Every Saturday morning after we’d endured the weekly shop my mother took me and my brother to the library. We’d flop down in the children’s section and skim the titles, our heads tilted at ninety degrees. Our card limit was three books each and it never seemed enough. My mother was an avid reader and instilled in both of us the love of a good story. It’s why I’m delighted that World Book Day is here again, and that it’s working even more closely with libraries. For the first time in our lives libraries are seriously under threat. Yet libraries level the playing field for families who can’t afford to buy books. They are gateways to a world of information and imagination. World Book Day is the annual event supporting books and reading in the UK. Schools, libraries and bookshops will be holding book related events, activities and parties. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get involved. The aim of World Book Day is to encourage children to explore the pleasure of reading. Your child will be given a book token which can be exchanged for one of ten specially published World Book Day books. The theme this year is story-sharing. Research has proven that keen readers: • Read, write and concentrate better • Process new information more easily • Have many interests and do well in a wide variety of subjects

• Are more flexible thinkers and are more open to new ideas • Deal with personal problems better without their schoolwork being affected. • They are also well equipped to deal with the explosion of constantly changing information available through the internet and social media. TV and computer games take up so much of our children’s leisure time that the simple pleasure of reading can be overlooked. Yet reading is the only entertainment medium which is also a life skill and it’s one of the best gifts you can give to your child. So let’s all support World Book Day and...celebrate the power of a story. Share a few of your childhood favourites with your own children. If your memory needs a jog here are a few to start you off… Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell The Gruffalo By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Visit www.worldbookday.com

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ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

Judy obtained her Licentiate in Acupuncture, and B.A (Hons) degree in Traditional Acupuncture, from the College of Traditional Acupuncture, Warwickshire. Judy is a passionate believer in the positive benefits, on both physical and emotional levels, that may be obtained from receiving acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture originated in China and other far eastern cultures where it still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with conventional western medicine. Judy has been trained as a classical Five Element Acupuncturist; treatment is aimed at the root cause of your condition as well as your main symptoms. This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your feelings of wellbeing. You may notice other niggling problems resolve as your main health complaint improves. Judy continues to pursue her belief in excellence of care for her patients in her role as a dedicated acupuncture practitioner, and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. Please contact Judy for a free 20 minute consultation to discuss how acupuncture treatment can help you.

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“

The dedicated team at Nelson Lodge are true professionals with compassion.residents.

“

(Son of Resident) review published 24 August 2020

9.5 Anchor Group carehome.co.uk score Rated March 18

We’d like to thank all of our staff for their tireless work in these unprecedented times, ensuring that the lives of our residents remain active and fulfilled. We’d also like to thank our residents and relatives at Nelson Lodge care home for their kind words and continued support.

You are the heart of our homes

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*carehome.co.uk review scores are based on independent reviews with a maximum score of 10. Review quoted and rating correct as of 04/01/2021. **T&C Apply. See website for details.

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Food & Drink

Wines: Choosing a Mix For this quest I searched for a range of wines, with each production having an alcoholic content typical for the type and a bouquet, from delicate to medium level, which entices to the pleasures that follow.

Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc (13% vol), from Chile, is a very popular favourite for many white wine lovers. Crisp and fresh, to the mouth’s delight, I found this to be impressive and perfect to accompany a lot of cuisine, including fish dishes, seafood and salads. Irresistible Gavi Broglia (13.5% vol), from Italy, brings thoughts - and flavours - of white fruits to mind, for this dry, smooth wine. Again, being crisp and refreshing, a further, popular selection. For a rosé production I was drawn to Incarnade (11.5% vol). This Pinot Noir wine, by Sainte Marthe, comes from France. Sainte Marthe is to be found on the hillside of an ancient volcano. The terroir, plus much knowledge and expertise, combine to produce this excellent, light and refreshing wine. Great to pair with fish and meat dishes, as well as salads. Red wines are often chosen and Uruguay produces a splendid Tannat Merlot (12.5% vol). The Finca Traversa production certainly ticks all my boxes, with grapes being grown close to the Atlantic Ocean. Juicy red fruit flavours are in abundance. The superb mouthfeel continues on to a greatly appreciative palate and extended finish. Beef and red meats are regularly paired with this wine. Spanish red wines are also chosen regularly and Bobal Extreme (14% vol) does not disappoint. The vineyards are at a height of 1100m. This is an ‘extreme’ altitude for grape growing. Dark fruit flavours complement this organic production, wonderfully. If sparkling wine is a favourite, Italian Pizzolato Organic Prosecco (11% vol) comes through amongst the leaders. This extra dry wine adds something ‘more’ to a dining occasion or event. By itself or to accompany cuisine, this crisp, refreshing production has a very good perlage and memorable finish. I located these wines amongst excellent ranges at a Co-op store, where I also found knowledgeable advice. If Co-op membership is of interest customers can be rewarded for purchases and products. The Co-op is also committed to supporting Fairtrade. www.coop.co.uk www.infofairtrade.net

As always, Enjoy!

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

Health

Hair and Scalp Health

By Jackie Mitchell Dandruff, an itchy scalp, hair breakage and hair loss are all common hair and scalp problems. Most of us have experienced dandruff at some point in our lives. We all know the tell-tale signs, such as white flakes on a black collar. According to Eva Proudman, clinical trichologist and chair of The Institute of Trichologists, dandruff is a mild form of ‘seborrhoeic eczema’. “This is where the natural yeast found on the scalp becomes slightly overactive, causing white or grey loose scaling. Usually the scalp is not inflamed or itchy,” she says. How do you treat it? Eva recommends a shampoo with active ingredients such as Ketoconazole, Piroctone, Salicylic Acid and Zinc Phyrithone, which can be bought over the counter. Dandruff is usually a mild condition and will clear up quickly, but there are more severe cases, such as seborrheic dermatitis, which causes scaly patches, discolouration of the skin and stubborn dandruff. The best advice would be to consult your GP. How often should you wash your hair? This is a debatable question and depends on your hair type.

Stephanie Sey suggests at least once a week, especially if you have thicker curly hair, or every other day if your hair becomes oily. “Washing hair too much can cause dryness to the scalp and hair,” she adds. Hair breakage is another common issue and may be caused by overbrushing, colouring, bleaching or overheating the hair. Over time, it weakens the hair structure and it starts breaking. So what can you do about it? Stephanie advises a conditioning treatment that you can buy over the counter which is rich in moisture, good oils and emollients, hydrolysed protein and silk amino acids. If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush or comb, a more prominent parting or a receding hairline, chances are you’re suffering from what is called pattern hair loss, which occurs to men and women. For many people this can be a shock, but there is help at hand. What causes male and female pattern hair loss or ‘Androgenetic Alopecia’? Eva Proudman explains it can be inherited or caused by sensitivity to androgens – male

hormones. “Both the inheritance gene and the hormone sensitivity cause the hair to miniaturise and become thinner and thinner, until it is unable to grow,” she says. Effective treatments include Minoxidil, Finasteride, Serenoa, Low Level Laser Light Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP). Another condition is excessive hair shedding or ‘telogen efflubrium’, which is caused by stress. Stephanie Sey says “It can be caused by a stressful incident such as bereavement, redundancy or divorce. The hair shedding occurs three months after the event.” She advises working with your GP, trichologist or dermatologist to get to the bottom of the problem. If you notice hair loss, don’t ignore it. Seek expert help as early as possible. As Eva Proudman says, “The sooner we see a condition, the more we can do to treat or manage it. If you lose your hair we can’t magically regrow it, but we can often improve what you have.” For Further Information: www.stephaniesey.com www.ukhairconsultants.com Institute of Trichologists: trichologists.org.uk

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Time of Year

The Ring’s the Thing

Choosing an engagement ring Valentine’s Day - the day of romance. Perhaps you are hoping for a proposal, or maybe you are the one hoping to do the proposing. An engagement is an occasion to be celebrated and usually involves the presentation of a ring to one or both partners. Engagement rings can be traced back to Ancient Rome and were made from flint or bone. They were worn probably to show that a man owned a woman, so certainly not the romantic gesture it is today. By the Second Century precious metals were being used but rings were still a sign of a business contract and implied commitment and obedience. The couple were lucky of love featured as part of the deal. Gold betrothal rings became popular in Pompeii in 79 A.D. thought Roman women often kept the gold ring for when they were out in public, preferring to wear an iron ring while at home. By 850 A.D., Pope Nicholas I proclaimed that engagement rings signified the intent of a man to marry. At this point gold was the preferred metal but diamonds were not used Then in 1477 Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned a ring with a long and narrow diamond in the shape of the letter “M” to propose to Mary of Burgundy. This may be the first documented use of diamonds in an engagement ring. But it was more than 300 years before diamonds started becoming popular. In 1947 the

British corporation De Beers, which specialised in mining diamonds, launched an ad campaign that featured Hollywood stars and the now-famous slogan, ‘A diamond is forever.’ From that time the engagement ring tradition evolved. Initially rings were a simple solitaires or neat clusters, but modern tastes have expanded to include more extravagant options with the additions of coloured stones and unusual metals. Grooms often choose to wear ring now too and many couples same sex couples choose to wear contrasting or complementary rings. Some couples choose a custom-made ring, either from scratch or using sentimental gold from the ring of a parent or grandparent. It’s nice to add unexpected accents to personalise a ring and add a pop of personality. Gone are the days of having no idea where the stones in your jewellery were sourced, and at what human and environmental sacrifice. Quality lab-grown diamonds are 100% real and offer guilt-free sparkle. Another ethical option is moissanite, which costs significantly less than lab-grown diamond. Moissanite stones can have even more brilliance and fire than diamonds, which some people like. They are guaranteed ethical and have minimal environmental impact. Choosing your engagement ring is exciting and romantic and is a declaration to the world about your feelings for each other. Enjoy the hunt for your perfect design.

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Leeds Day

Lockdown Part 3 Happy New Year to all from Leeds Day! Since the first lockdown we have had to adapt to a different working lifestyle. We are taking appointments remotely and offering our full services as normal. What services does the Wills and Estate Planning Team offer? Wills A Will is an important document which allows your loved ones to know what your last wishes are and name those trusted to take care of your estate when you are no longer here. In the event that you already have a Will in place then it would be advisable to review your Will. You may have prepared your Will when you did not have any children/grandchildren/new partner and so wish to include them. Alternatively, you may not wish to include someone in your Will and this will need to be amended in the correct manner. Another example would be if you had a Will in place but have married or re-married. This would mean that your Will may be revoked and is no longer valid. As a general rule of thumb you should review your Will every 5 years. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) An LPA is a document drawn up in relation to Property & Financial affairs or Health & Welfare decisions. Within both LPAs you can appoint a named person (Attorney) to deal with the above should you lose your mental/physical capacity. This is an important duty that your attorney(s) may need to carry out. Both documents are quite self-explanatory in terms of what they relate to, however please see the breakdown below

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Property & Finance may cover decisions relating to • managing a bank or building society account • paying bills • collecting benefits or a pension • selling a property Health & Welfare may cover decisions relating to • your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating • medical care • moving into a care home • life-sustaining treatment Deputy Applications If there is not an LPA in place and you do not have the capacity to make your own decisions then an application to the Court of Protection will be required. This can be a lengthy and time consuming process but our team are experienced in dealing with these applications. Estate Administration When a loved one passes away it is a difficult time and when you are appointed as an Executor it may be even more difficult to deal with their affairs. We can assist with obtaining a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration for you or alternatively we can assist with the whole process involved with estate administration. Again, our team are experienced in the estate administration process and happy to guide Executors where necessary. As a reminder all these services and many more can be provided remotely. For further advice please contact Leeds Day on 0844 567 2222 or email wills@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website www.leedsday.co.uk

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Finance

Reduce your financial risk ‘Risk-free investments’ is a bold claim, but you need to check the definition. Even when savings or investments have a fixed return, you do face a more fundamental risk: that the organisation promising to pay you winds up not doing so, for example if it goes bust. For this reason, investing or saving in a government programme is normally considered extremely low-risk, even more so when you’re dealing with the UK government. The best known government programmes are operated by National Savings and Investment. These include ISA programmes where the returns are taxfree and saving programmes where the returns are treated as part of your taxable income. Unfortunately, while you still have security from such programmes, the level of return recently moved from mediocre to miniscule. The Direct ISA product has dropped from paying 0.9% a year to 0.1% a year, while the Direct Saver dropped from 1% to 0.15%. Even the Junior ISA, which lets you save for a child (who can only withdraw the money once they turn eighteen), has dropped from 3.25% to 1.5%. For those who are willing to have a little less security, it may be worth looking at savings rates from banks, building societies and other institutions. Look for banks and building societies that are registered and regulated in the UK, as normally any savings up to £85,000 are guaranteed by the government. For those looking for a little excitement without giving up security, Premium Bonds are still worth a look. You can put in anything between £25 and

£50,000 with the guarantee of getting it back in full at any time. You don’t get any interest, but for each £1 of bonds you own, you have a one in 34,500 chance of winning a prize each month, the highest of which is £1 million. All prizes are tax-free. Another effectively ‘risk-free’ option is gilts. These work a little like bonds issued by businesses to raise money but are instead issued by the government. The name is short for ‘gilt-edged security’ from the idea that the UK government repaying investors is as close to a sure thing as it gets. You get a guaranteed payment every six months for the fixed lifespan of the gilt, then get your money back when it matures. You can also buy or sell the gilt on the open market and get any payments due while you hold it. The market price will vary over time, largely depending on how well other types of investments such as stocks are doing and thus how good the gilt looks in comparison. With any guaranteed return investment, don’t forget inflation. If you make one per cent return in a year but prices have risen by two per cent, you’ve effectively lost money. Often this is unavoidable in a poor market for savers, but you need to take it into account when weighing up the balance of risk and reward across different investments.

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Pets

Show Them You Care This

Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is traditionally the day when people show their affection for another person or people by sending cards, flowers, or chocolates with messages of love. But what about receiving one from your pet? Or maybe even sending your pet a Valentine’s Day card, to let them know you care? The card company Moonpig says it has seen a big increase in the number of cards bought for favourite pets.

So, apart from exchanging cards, how else can you show your treasured pet you really care for them this Valentine’s Day. 1) Make some healthy treats for your much-loved pet. There are a growing number of recipes online, for a range of skill sets. So, don’t worry if you are not a very confident chef. You could even make them into heart shapes to add a personal touch.

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2) Give their bedding a good clean. Some of it may need a bit of a sort out and spring clean. Perhaps make a small list of anything they may need over the next few months. A new blanket perhaps. 3) Locate all of their toys and give them a really good wash in the bath. Leave them to completely dry before returning them. Some fabric toys may even need mending with a handful of stuffing or just few stitches. You could use a spare box or basket to store them in. They could all get arranged neatly inside, as if they were brand new. 4) Buy them a special present. Treat your special friend to something new and personal; collar, lead, toys, treats, bed, coat. 5) Pamper your pup by taking them to a local dog groomer. More and more dog-friendly spas and/ or grooming parlours are opening each year. So why not book Buster in for a bath, shampoo and grooming session. Just the thing for dogs who love to be pampered, they’ll come away looking and feeling fresh and fabulous. Most groomers offer extra services, like a deep conditioning treatment or nail clipping. I’ve yet to meet a cat who enjoys having a bath, so this could be one to skip for your feline family members! 6) If you do not have your own pet to spoil this Valentine’s Day, why not sponsor a dog or cat through the RSPCA, and spoil them instead. More details can be found on our website or by contacting our Bedford team. 7) Show how much you love animals by becoming a foster carer for the RSPCA. This is such a rewarding role and one that is. More details can be found on our website or by contacting our Bedford team. So, whatever you choose to do and whoever you choose to spoil, enjoy your Valentine’s Day.

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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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Gardening By Pippa Greenwood

Get Planting Although autumn is viewed as the best time for planting, trees, shrubs, climbers or herbaceous plants will have enough time to get established if planted now. Plan a shopping trip to fill garden spaces with colour, shape or perfume. Start by digging or forking the soil over and removing pernicious weeds or debris. Measure the available spaces so that the chosen plant does not outgrow its new home too quickly, and make a note of how sunny or shaded the spot is. There should be a good selection of shrubs to choose from right now that will provide springtime colour – perhaps a flowering currant with flower trusses in red or pink, a star magnolia, Magnolia stellate, with white or palest pink star-shaped flowers, or, if you have space, an amelanchier, great value because they have tiny, very pretty white flowers with foliage in fiery shades come autumn. On acidic soils or in a goodsized pot of ericaceous compost, camellias perform well and their large flowers in reds, pinks, yellows and white look great. There is also Exochorda macrantha, ‘The Bride’, with delightful arching stems studded with tiny white flowers; the list goes on and on. Plant your purchases as soon as possible. Dig a goodsized hole for each, making it several inches wider than the root ball all round, and fork the base and sides of the hole over thoroughly, especially in clay – where you should prepare the soil with a fork, as this causes less compaction of the soil than using a spade. If the soil is either heavy clay or extremely light and sandy, dig a bigger hole, gradually incorporating more

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of the ‘natural’ soil into the compost or planting mix as you near the sides of the hole. Before planting, remove the pot and firmly tease out the roots – soaking the root ball in a bucket of water for an hour or two helps if they are quite congested and is essential for the plant to get properly established. Prune out any really large, woody roots encircling the root ball to release the remainder of the roots. The plant should be planted at the same depth that it was in its pot, with just the roots, and no part of the stem, below ground level. Watering in helps settle the soil around the fine roots, even if it is fairly moist. Finally, stand back and check the stem is upright. Make a note of the plant’s precise name and details, or remove the label and keep it somewhere safe, so you know how to look after your plant and how big it may grow! At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club.

Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Heavenly Hellebores I fell in love with Hellebores a few years ago after an early spring visit to the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge where there are some beautiful displays. They provide a spring garden with elegant colour, and I admit to being quite excited when they appear. They are poisonous plants so are probably best avoided if you have young children. They have a somewhat magical history. A mythological physician named Melampus was said to have observed the cathartic effect of hellebore on goats who munched on the plants. Melampus allegedly then used the milk of the same goats to cure the daughters of the King of Argos of their madness. The plant was used for its purgative properties into the Middle Ages and beyond. Personally, I would recommend growing them only for their attractiveness! The original species originated in the northern parts of Greece and Turkey, but they grow incredibly well in British gardens. Having said that, I was disappointed when my first hellebore plants didn’t thrive initially. They seemed to succumb to disease quite easily. I subsequently learned this this was black rot. Then I heard Alan Titchmarsh’s advice to carefully cut the large fingered leaves from the plant at ground level in January, taking care not to damage the buds. This somewhat brutal treatment has worked a treat and my hellebores are now flourishing. Hellebores like well-drained soil in sun or dappled

shade. My clumps are happily increasing in size year-on-year. The stems shoot up to 25-30cm high between late January and February and the flowers appear at the top. Colours tend to be subtle: greentinged white, yellow, oxblood red or dull purple but they glow in the more subdued light at this time of year. They would certainly appear washed-out in the bright sun of late spring and summer. The flowers are rich in nectar so provide food for early bees. There are many varieties of hellebore, with single or double flowers. Just note that not all of them are easy to grow. I have struggled to get the Christmas Rose Helleborus niger to survive, never mind flower, but I’ve had much more success with the Green hellebore, Helleborus viridis, the pretty pink Lenten rose Helleborus x hybridus, which self-seeds quite nicely, and also the Helleborus x hybridus Ashwood Garden hybrids, which come in a variety of colours but don’t seem to self-seed as freely, at least in my garden. Dig in plenty of mushroom compost before planting, and mulch after you’ve cut the leaves off. Dust with a blood, bone and fishmeal mix after flowering and mulch again with well-rotted leaf mould or compost. Dig up any small self-seeded plants and use them as gifts, or to increase your own colony.

Happy Gardening

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Local News

A lasting tribute to those no longer with us

A new tribute site from Wood Green, The Animals Charity gives pet lovers the opportunity to celebrate the life of a beloved friend, family member or pet by creating a space to come together, share anecdotes and keep the memories of loved ones alive. Giving a gift in someone’s memory is a wonderful way to commemorate their life, whilst also supporting Wood Green’s work to care for thousands of vulnerable pets every year. Jensen Calleemootoo, from Wood Green’s In-Memory Giving team, said: “Losing someone is never easy and we understand how painful it can be. Although nothing can replace them, we know that many people find a great deal of comfort and purpose by creating a tribute fund in their name, for a cause close to

their heart. By donating or fundraising around key milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries, those loved ones stay with us forever – and help Wood Green be there for even more pets in need.” For Len, a gift to Wood Green was the perfect way to honour his late wife, Val: “Leaving a lasting tribute to Val means her love for animals lives on through the care Wood Green gives to homeless pets. Supporting a cause which brought her so much joy and happiness gives me comfort. I have something positive to focus on, despite the pain I felt since losing her.” To find out more about setting up a tribute fund for a loved one, please visit inmemory.woodgreen.org.uk or contact Wood Green’s In-Memory Giving team on 0300 303 9333 option 3.

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Setting up a tribute fund is a wonderful way to commemorate a life whilst making a difference to pets in need.

Wood Green, The Animals Charity, Registered Charity No. 298348

Celebrate the memory of a loved one

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Motoring

Six in-car technologies that changed the game

Some technology that we take for granted today was revolutionary when it was introduced. Nowadays, drivers have access to a wide variety of technologies that make driving safer, easier and more enjoyable than ever before, and we look at some of the most important of those. Airbags Airbags made a huge difference, protecting occupants from serious injuries caused by hitting their head on hard cabin trim. Although they were developed in the 1950s, they didn’t come to Europe until 1980, when the Mercedes S-Class offered them as an option. It wasn’t until the late 1990s before airbags were offered as an option at the very least on the majority of cars. Automatic air conditioning Ever suffered the discomfort of driving in the height of summer or a restricted view from a steamed-up windscreen in a car that doesn’t have air conditioning? That’s why air con is one of the biggest innovations in motoring, making driving comfortable for millions of people. And automatic air con lets you set a cabin temperature that remains constant, a luxury many take for granted in 2020. Satellite navigation The advent of in-car satnav systems in the 1990s did away with the need to work out a route before travelling and then using the map on your journey to find your way – which is incredibly distracting. Still considered something of a luxury, it’s an option most people choose. The peace of mind it provides is usually worth the extra cost. In-car entertainment Providing entertainment while driving has always been a selling point, with early radios replaced by tape decks, CD players, and in modern cars, smartphone connectivity. Most modern cars now come with Bluetooth, which means drivers can play music and podcasts through their car speakers by hitting play on their phones. The latest advancement is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which provide simplified versions of each operating system to be used in the car. Advanced cruise control For some drivers, cruise control – which sees the car maintain a set speed itself – is a controversial subject. Those against it think it allows drivers to concentrate less, while others say it frees brain space to let them concentrate more on their surroundings. Either way, cruise-control systems have advanced to the point where modern cars are almost considered autonomous. These systems combine different technologies, such as radar-assisted cruise control and lane-keep assist, to maintain a vehicle’s place in traffic without any driver input. Car-to-smartphone connectivity As well as integrating infotainment systems with smartphones for entertainment purposes, a more recent innovation has seen manufacturers creating apps that let owners control aspects of their car from their phone. These are particularly popular in electric vehicles, as you can check charging or prime the battery to a good operating temperature before setting off. But other features, such as checking if the car is locked, setting a cabin temperature remotely or checking the car’s location, work for all vehicle types.

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Technology

High-tech Hygiene As we’ve become much more conscious of hygiene we’ve discovered new things to worry about – so the phones that are our constant companions could also be harbouring all kinds of unpleasantness now that we’re using them constantly. You can’t stick a smartphone in the wash, but you can sanitise it with ultraviolet light. Some UV sanitisers can kill bacteria and viruses in just thirty seconds, but even the slowest ones only need a couple of minutes. Even innocuous items such as soap dispensers can harbour germs, so if that concerns you then you might want to consider a no-touch soap dispenser. These have sensors that can detect your hand and automatically dispense the right amount of soap, and there are lots of models to choose from. Prices start at around £12. One of the most effective ways to hygienically clean things is to use a steam cleaner, which has the added advantage of cleaning without harsh chemicals. Steam cleaners usually come in two kinds: ones for floors, which usually resemble mops, and multipurpose ones. The latter are great for cleaning kitchen or bathroom tiles, ovens and surfaces, and some even come with attachments for cleaning upholstery and curtains. Just be careful what you use them on: laminate floors and steam cleaning don’t go well together, as the hot steam can warp the flooring. Steam cleaning is absolutely fine for wooden floors, tiles or linoleum. In addition to cleaning surfaces you can clean the air too. Air purifiers do a good job of removing allergens and pollutants from the air, which can be particularly helpful for people with asthma and allergies, but be wary of claims that they remove viruses: the filters in home purifiers are rarely fine enough to trap such particles. Think of these devices as a good way to remove dust, pet dander and other things that you or your family may be allergic or intolerant to.

Homedics UV-CLEAN phone sanitiser The Homedics cleaner uses UVC lights, which kill bacteria and germs without damaging your phone or using harsh chemicals. It’ll clean your phone seventy times before you need to recharge it. £79 from John Lewis

Shark Floor & Handheld Steam Cleaner S6005UK This clever steam cleaner offers the best of both worlds: it starts as a mop but you can take the steamer out and use it on tiles, worktops, shower screens and for other tricky tasks. £129 from Sharkclean.co.uk

Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Purifier Suitable for rooms up to 112 square metres, the Honeywell quietly and effectively removes large particles such as dust and pet dander. The filter is washable and there’s an auto shutoff to help you save energy.

simplehuman Sensor Pump Cheaper automatic soap dispensers can clog and can cause a bit of a mess with drips, but this simplehuman model is easy, efficient and mess-free. Dispensing soap takes just a fifth of a second. £34.95 from simplehuman.com

Sonicscrubber Cleaning Tool The Sonicscrubber is essentially a sonic toothbrush scaled up to be a home cleaner: it’s an electric cleaning brush that makes light work of even the toughest tasks. It’s particularly good for removing the beginnings of kitchen or bathroom mould. £18.99 from Lakeland

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Special Report

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Travel

Cruising on the River Dart South Devon Sun, sand and sea, Devon is fabulous, but if you feel like a change from the beach, a river cruise is a lovely way to relax away from the crowds. The Dart has its source up on Dartmoor, its east and west branches joining in Dartmeet before flowing into the Channel at Dartmouth. Among the options is the award-winning Round Robin starting in Paignton, where a steam train takes you along the scenic coast down to the estuary. The half-hour journey ends in Kingswear on the left bank, then it’s just three minutes on the ferry across to Dartmouth. In this land of deep water and steep valleys there are no bridges until you reach Totnes, about eight miles away at the end of the cruise. Departures are governed by the tide and passengers may have time to explore Dartmouth, a gorgeous little place where myriad yachts glisten in a coastal inlet. Framed by green hills, as lush as velvet, neat cottages beckon up the lanes festooned in pastel colours and flowering plants. But soon the cruise is ready to go – paddle steamer only on special dates – first downstream if the tide is right for a close-up look at the medieval castles that once guarded the narrow entrance to the estuary. Feel the currents? Time to turn around and enjoy the most enticing views of Dartmouth, town clinging to the hills, dazzling yachts, the Britannia Royal Naval College, an impressive late Victorian building, and you might just

spot your nostalgic steam train puffing away through the trees. Then all is quiet, just the occasional boat sending ripples across the water or the breeze whispering in the trees. The oaks which gave the Dart its Celtic name may be sparse but there’s plenty of greenery along the meandering banks, while up on the hills meadows glow in luminous light. Salmon, trout and more, the river is full of fish, a treat for blackheaded gulls and other birds – here an osprey, there a rare dipper, a lonely heron, a colourful kingfisher and egrets galore. Most exciting in season are the Canadian geese feeding in the shallows and, if you’re lucky, grey seals basking on the rocks or swimming alongside the boat. In this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a few villages doze along the banks – like Stoke Gabriel, its winding streets gathered around an 800-yearold yew tree, or Dittisham with delightful seafood cafés and a passenger ferry to Greenway across the river. Owned by the National Trust, this was Agatha Christie’s holiday home and inspiration for a few murder mysteries. You’ll need a special trip to visit house and garden, but as you sail past you’re sure to see the elegant Georgian house rising on the hill among the trees. A little further, the Sharpam Estate may also tempt you back with award-winning wines and its own delicious cheese. Ninety minutes or so after leaving Dartmouth, Totnes greets you like a fairy tale with bohemian lanes, cream teas and panoramic views from its hilltop castle.

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Broth ers and Sisters 1. Which two comedians played the title roles in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers? 2. Which well known fictional character has a sister called Rose Red? 3. In the video game Super Mario Brothers, what is the name of Mario’s brother? 4. Which two characters from the TV show Friends are brother and sister? 5. Which planet in the solar system is sometimes referred to as “Earth’s sister” due to it being of similar size and mass?

6. What is the surname of the brothers who wrote, produced and directed the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? 7. What were the first names of the three Brontë sisters? 8. In a fairy tale first published by the Brothers Grimm, which brother and sister discover a gingerbread house inhabited by a witch who eats children? 9. “He loved Big Brother” is the final line of which famous novel? 10. By what name are identical twin sisters Gabriela and Monica Irimia better known in the music world?

1. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd 2. Snow White 3. Luigi 4. Ross and Monica 5. Venus 6. Coen (Joel and Ethan) 7. Charlotte, Emily and Anne 8. Hansel and Gretel 9. Nineteen Eighty-Four 10. The Cheeky Girls

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Interiors By Katherine Sorrell

A Passion for House Plants Go green in style with our guide to creating a beautiful indoor garden in any room There are many good reasons why we are all falling in love with house plants once again. They look amazing, for starters, adding colour, pattern, texture, interesting forms and a feeling of vibrancy wherever they are placed. They can fill a dull corner, provide soft screening and even help dampen down noise levels. They have proven physical benefits, too. The Royal Horticultural Society reports that indoor plants have been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce fatigue and headaches by up to twenty-five per cent. Intriguingly, patients in hospital rooms containing plants report decreased post-operative pain. This is powerful stuff! And then there are the psychological benefits: the satisfaction of nurturing something, perhaps from a small seedling, and watching it grow into a healthy, thriving, mature plant. There’s the regular pleasure and almost hypnotic task of watering, misting and pruning. There’s the link to the wider environment – perhaps we feel closer to nature through our house plants, even if we live in a busy town or city. The psychological benefits of house plants, says the RHS,

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have been shown to include reduced stress levels, a better mood, increased productivity and, potentially, an improved attention span. Whether it’s a solitary spider plant or a full-on biophilic bonanza, it’s true to say that plants just make us feel good. What plants to choose? When selecting house plants, it is wise to focus on those types that are happiest to live in our homes, where the environment is shadier and has greater fluctuations of temperature than in their normal habitat. Some of the most low-maintenance species – which not only have attractive leaves but are also pretty hard to kill – include: the aforementioned spider plant; the Boston fern; several varieties of dracaena, including the corn plant and dragon tree; Sansevieria trifasciata – aka the ‘snake plant’ or ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’; rubber plants (ficus elastica); peace lilies (spathiphyllum); aspidistra; and even good old ivy. Of course there are also succulents and cacti, which come in an enormous range of shapes and sizes, from tiny to towering, and tend to be relatively easy to care for.

If following fashion is of interest, a quick glance at social media will tell you all you need to know about the most on-trend plants of the moment. The mostdiscussed plants on Reddit in 2020, for example, included the pothos, monstera, philodendron, calathea, hoya and peperomia. On the other hand, the world’s most Instagrammed houseplants include the Swiss cheese plant (monstera deliciosa), fiddle leaf fig (ficus lyrata), Chinese money plant, snake plant and money tree. Where to put your house plants First, the practicalities. Generally speaking, plants need good light (but not overly bright, direct sunlight), and a position that’s neither too close to a fire or radiator, nor too draughty and cold. For darker rooms, such as bathrooms, make sure your plants can tolerate shade (they will probably love the humidity). A stable and waterproof base is obviously a must and, if there is any question that the plant might be harmful to children or pets, make sure it is

2 well out of reach. Then it’s all about the aesthetics. A huge, statement plant looks incredible in the corner of a hallway, living room or dining room, or you can achieve a similar effect by grouping several plants together. Smaller plants can get lost on the floor, so try placing them on side tables or raising them up in tall planters. Obvious destinations for a row of small plants would be along a mantelpiece, high shelf or window ledge, or you could dot them among books and vases in a bookcase. Hang them from the ceiling or in front of a window, stage them on steps, or pop them on wall racks. Grouping in odd numbers always looks best, and a range of differing widths and heights looks relaxed – unless you are opting for a very smart, minimal, uniform look, of course. Think about the colours of the leaves – again, you could opt for varying shades for interest, or try for a more regulated appearance. What always looks nice is contrasting leaf shapes – tall and spiky with round and flat – creating a pleasing, natural variety. How many to use? It’s up to you – but be warned, this is an addictive hobby and you’re likely to end up with not only a green thumb but also an all-consuming plant obsession.

1 Many plants thrive on humidity, so placing them in a bathroom is a great idea. Ionian bath in copper, £5,082; Sherwood porcelain replica-wood flooring in Rowan, £71.88 per 80x80 cm panel; both Fired Earth: 01295 812 088; firedearth.com. 2 Huge plants make a grand statement in a living room, especially combined with bold colours and architectural fittings. Charlotte Chandelier, £380, with 18cm pendant shades in Posh Pink velvet, £35 each, Pooky. 3 Personalise a home work space with a series of small plants, placed at different heights for variety. Gerry Floor lamp, £161; Drax desk lamp in black, £137: both Pooky.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our January Edition Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner - Cheryl Subocz - Potton

Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

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Prize The Villager Prize Crossword

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Hint (4) 3 Contrary (8) 9 Error (7) 10 Frolic (5) 11 Eager (12) 13 Informal (6) 15 Titbit (6) 17 Alphabetical reference books (12) 20 Propose (5) 21 Produces lava (7) 22 Vacations (8) 23 Wagers (4)

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

16th February 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 Business (8) 2 Distressed (5) 4 Lyrical (6) 5 From time to time (12) 6 Suggests (7) 7 Acquire (4) 8 Produced (12) 12 Flowers (8) 14 Talented (7) 16 Carry (6) 18 Picture (5) 19 Weapon (4)

Name:

Address:

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Tel:

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Books

Books to dip into Sometimes we just can’t face a whole novel or autobiography. With these books, you can dip in and out whenever you have a spare five minutes. Dear NHS: 100 Stories to Say Thank You By Adam Kay

Adam Kay brings us a series of essays and musings from a range of household names, from Malala Yousafzai to Dame Julie Walters and Johnny Vegas. Each tale is about how the NHS has stepped in to help the writer. There’s a story of a suspected heart attack that turned out to be trapped wind, several about household accidents (often involving kitchen knives) and plenty of sentimental stories to boot. Plus, all profits go to charity.

Encounters: A Photographic Journey By Levison Wood

Award-winning reportage photographer Levison Wood has travelled to more than 100 countries over the last ten years. Encounters brings together 140 of his images, along with text about each one. You’ll meet a young shepherd girl in Ethiopia, resourceful teenagers in the Congo, stranded nomads, fishermen in Yemen and families surviving in war-torn regions.

The Repair Shop: Tales from the Workshop of Dreams

If you love the TV series about expert craftspeople restoring much loved family heirlooms, you won’t want to miss the accompanying book. It goes into more detail about some of the most interesting items shown in the series, from a rusty miner’s helmet to a circus performer’s dress. It’s the book version of a mug of tea and hot buttered crumpet.

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By Kate Duggan

Toksvig’s Almanac 2021 by Sandi Toksvig

Fancy ‘An Eclectic Meander Through the Historical Year’? The main focus is on women that have been all but forgotten. There’s Begum Samru – an Indian dancer who led an army of mercenaries, Ida B. Wells – an activist and suffragist who cofounded the largest civil rights organisation in the US, and Annette Kellerman, whose stunts included diving from 60 feet into a pool of crocodiles. There are also poems, trivia and fascinating snippets.

Back to Nature: How to Love Life and Save It By Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin

Whether you’re an avid nature lover and wondering how to stop the catastrophic decline in biodiversity, or you’re feeling disconnected from the wild and want to reap the benefits of it once again, this is a great book. There are lots of interesting titbits to digest over a coffee and plenty of ideas for how to take action.

Sapiens: A Graphic Novel By Yuval Noah Harari et al

The original Sapiens is fascinating, but there’s an awful lot of information to take in. If you’re interested in the origin of humans, but want something a little easier to digest, try this instead. It’s the first volume in a graphic-novel adaptation of the global bestseller. Full-colour illustrations and straightforward text take the reader on a journey from the very birth of humankind. It’s absorbing, suitable for older children as well as adults and has a good spattering of humour throughout.

Artificial Flowers

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Plumbing

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Cambs Feb 2021

Articles inside

Cruising on the River Dart, South Devon

Books to dip into

Villager Prize Crossword

High-tech Hygiene

In-car Technologies that changed the game

A Lasting Tribute

Get Planting

Heavenly Hellebores

Show them you care this Valentine's Day

Lockdown Part 3 - Leeds Day Solicitors

Longer Lasting Clothes

Hair and Scalp Health

Reduce your Financial Risk

St Valentine's Day Customs Around the World

Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe

Wines: Choosing a Mix

When St. Neots was a 'Looked-Up-To Society