Stevenage April 2021 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

April 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue The History of

Chess

Discovering

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Inside this issue... International Jazz Day

The History of Chess...................................................................4 Lay a Little Egg for me!...............................................................8 New Ways to Support EAAA.....................................................12 How Safe are your Online Interactions.....................................15 April Fool!.................................................................................17 A water softener might change your life..................................18 Riverside Golf Society...............................................................20 Seasonal Recipe - Asparagus and Salmon Frittatas..................23 Should you be taking supplements?........................................25 Confident Dressing Coming Out of Lockdown...........................27 Beauty Boxes...........................................................................28 The Bank of Mum and Dad.......................................................31

Discover Cambridge.................................................................32 Love Your Lawn........................................................................34 Fun Quiz...................................................................................37 All That Jazz - International Jazz Day........................................38 RSPCA - An Interview with a Trustee........................................40 A Guide to Natural Flooring......................................................42 Making the switch to an electric vehicle...................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 Great gadgets for cleaning everything outdoors......................51 Wines Worth Locating: Kloster Eberbach..................................54 Villager Prize Crossword............................................ 58 Book Review - For the Love of the Sea......................................60 Useful Numbers.......................................................................63

A Guide to Natural Flooring

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial: Catherine Rose, Louise Addison, EAAA, Kate McCarthy, Tom Hancock, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Pippa Greenwood, Tracey Anderson, Katherine Sorrell, Trevor Langley and RSPCA

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History

By Catherine Rose

The History of Chess The game of chess is nearly 1,500 years old and is as popular today as it has ever been, with more than 600 million people around the world playing. Interest in the game has only increased during the past year’s lockdowns, thanks to us having a lot more time at home and the popular Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit. But what is the history behind this ancient game? It is believed that chess originated in India around 500AD, with a strategic military board game called chaturanga. Ivory and ebony pieces on an eight-by-eight board represented a king, an adviser (that later became the queen) and two armies of four soldier divisions: those on foot, on horse, on elephant and in chariots. All had different rules about how they could move across the board. From India the game was taken up in Persia (now Iran) where it was known as Shatranj, and from there it spread through the Muslim empire. It is

thought that the Muslims changed the pieces from the animals and people depicted in the Indian game into more abstract pieces, as it is forbidden to represent images of animals and people in the Islamic religion. From the Arab world, the game travelled across North Africa and the Moors brought it to Spain and Europe in around the twelfth century. The oldest recorded game of this forerunner of chess is a tenth-century match played between a Baghdad historian and his pupil. There are also very old chess sets still in existence, such as the twelfth century glazed pottery fritware shatranj set in the New York Metropolitan Museum, and the Isle of Lewis set made from walrus ivory that can be found in the National Museum of Scotland, and is also from the twelfth century. With its move into the Christian world, chess pieces

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changed to show people and horses again. The bishop and rook (or castle) appeared. The queen became the most powerful piece on the board and the rules of chess evolved to those similar to the game we play today. The oldest book to explain these rules that is still in existence is a Spanish one: Repetición de Amores y Arte de Ajedrez (Repetition of Love and the Art of Playing Chess) by Luis Ramirez de Lucena published in 1497. The name for chess evolved over time through the language of each country that adopted it, to finally sound something like ‘check’ in many European languages (for example, in France it was known as Échecs and in Sweden Schack). In Russia chess became known as Shakhmaty, which literally translated means ‘checkmate’. It is believed this is why we use the well-known words ‘check’ and ‘checkmate’ to signal the end of a game. There are also those who believe another ancient game may have influenced our modern-day chess. At the same time that chaturanga was being played in India, a strategic game called tafl – which is old Norse for ‘board’ – was being played by the ancient Nordic and Celtic people. Tafl was played on a chequered nine-by-nine game board with two armies of uneven numbers – one side of which were the attackers and the other the defenders. There was a difference with the placement of pieces on the board to chess. Rather than facing each other, the two opposing sides were positioned in the middle and around the edge

of the board, and there was only one king and a castle at the centre. Variants of the game were played under different names across Scandinavia, Lapland, and the UK until it was overtaken by chess in the twelfth century. The Romantic Style of chess was played from the 1500s until the 1800s. It centred around short tactical manoeuvres rather than long-term strategic ones. The modern chess set was patented in 1849 following a design by Englishman Nathaniel Cook. It was favoured by the world’s best player at the time, Howard Staunton, and following his endorsement it became known as the Staunton pattern. It was at this time that modern chess developed and to this day, only Staunton pattern sets are allowed in international competition. In 1886 the first official World Chess Championships were held. Chess theory and chess clubs were born. The World Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded at the beginning of the twentieth century when moves began to be analysed and named. With the digital age, it was possible to mathematically examine all possible moves and outcomes by computer, which eventually led to a computer first beating a world chess champion in 1997. Today, chess competitions are a recognised sport. You can now buy all sorts of novelty chess sets with characters ranging from The Simpsons to Game of Thrones. Chess is so respected in Russia that it has been taught in primary schools since 2017.

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Time of Year

Lay a Little Egg for Me Are eggs good for us? Easter is all about rebirth which is the reason that eggs feature large. They are pretty amazing things, from the way they’re constructed to the way they taste, and this is doubly true when they are constructed from chocolate! But joking aside, an egg is something that has all the ingredients to grow a chick, so it’s nutrient dense. If there was such a thing as a perfect food, the egg would be a candidate. Eggs are readily available, easy to cook, affordable, versatile, and packed with protein. They also have the effect of helping our bodies absorb nutrients from other foods better, so eating an egg with a salad, for instance, increases the vitamin E we absorb from the meal. Eggs have a controversial past because they contain cholesterol. The yolk contains around 185 milligrams of it, which is more than half of the 300mg which until recently was the recommended maximum. Cholesterol is a yellowish fat produced in our liver and intestines and found in every cell in our body. It’s actually a crucial building block in cell membranes, and the body needs it to make vitamin D, testosterone, and oestrogen.

By Louise Addison

Humans produce all the cholesterol we need on our own, but it’s also found in animal produce such as beef, prawns, eggs, cheese, and butter. It’s transported around our body by lipoprotein molecules in the blood. Every person has a different combination of lipoproteins, which play a role in determining our risk of developing heart disease. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – is often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. It’s responsible for clogging up blood vessels and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol is found in some animal products, but the majority of LDL cholesterol in our diets is made artificially and found in foods like margarines, snacks, and some deep-fried and baked foods, such as pastries, doughnuts, and cakes. Meanwhile, along with prawns, eggs are the only high cholesterol food which is correspondingly low in saturated fat. Studies have repeatedly found that saturated fat increases blood cholesterol, and that there is no link between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease. Some cholesterol may actually be good for us. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (also known as ‘good’ cholesterol) travels to the liver, where it’s broken down and removed from the body. HDL is thought to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease by preventing cholesterol from building up in the blood. Cholesterol circulating in the blood contributes to heart disease but having a higher ratio of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol reduces the risk. Healthy humans regulate their own cholesterol, so if they consume dietary cholesterol, they make less cholesterol themselves. But some people struggle to regulate, and they might be wise to limit their egg intake...as well as their intake of other foods high in LDL. But it’s not all about cholesterol. Eggs have some great health benefits. They contain choline, which may help protect us against Alzheimer’s disease. Egg yolks are also one of the best sources of lutein, a pigment that has been linked to a lower risk of developing the eye disease macular degeneration. Lutein acts like a blue light filter, protecting the delicate retinal tissue So do indulge in an egg for Easter, maybe don’t eat lots of them every day though...especially the chocolate ones!

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that seeing the back of 2020 was a welcome event for each and every one of us, and we can now hopefully march into 2021 with renewed positivity and optimism. One thing is for sure though, there have also been some heart warming positives that we can take out of last year. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting

the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

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Local News

New ways to support East Anglian Air Ambulance Get up and Grow Yellow for Get Up and Go Yellow this June To help spread a bit of yellow cheer as we exit lockdown, East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is encouraging supporters to grow sunflowers as part of its annual fundraising campaign, Get Up and Go Yellow. For anyone who is feeling competitive, there will be an online competition to see who can grow the biggest sunflower by June! To take part in the competition simply sign up online and make a donation. Thanks to a new charity partnership with a seed company called Limagrain, EAAA can also send out some sunflower seeds to help get you started (while stocks last). Visit www.eaaa.org.uk/growyellow for more information and to request your seeds. Get trekking Trek 24, Saturday 4 September, Hexton Manor After having to cancel all community fundraising events in 2020 due to the pandemic, EAAA is looking forward to being able to safely bring people together again to help support its life-saving crews. Brand new in Bedfordshire for this September is an exciting walking event called Trek 24. EAAA is encouraging you to put your daily lockdown walks to the test by joining the charity on Saturday 4

September for either a 24km or 24 mile trek. Starting and finishing within the beautiful grounds of Hexton Manor, you will be able to take in the stunning countryside views along your chosen route. All funds raised will help the charity in its mission to start flying 24/7 this year, to help even more people in their hour of need. After trialling Trek 24 in Norfolk in 2019, raising over £100,000 for the charity, EAAA is excited to bring this walking challenge to Bedfordshire for the first time. Refreshments are provided along the route and there will also be a hot meal and glass of fizz at the finish line, to help celebrate completing the trek. Early bird tickets cost from £20 (with a sponsorship requirement of £200) and are on sale until 31 May. You can also opt for a part funded ticket option from £80, with a £100 sponsorship requirement. For more info and to sign up, head to: www.trek-24.co.uk Would you like to volunteer instead? EAAA always needs volunteers to make these fundraising events possible. If you’d like to help but walking isn’t for you, get in touch to volunteer on the day instead. Please email volunteering@eaaa.org.uk or call 03450 669 999 if you’d like to help.

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Technology

Be Social, Be Safe

How safe are your online interactions? It’s easy to share our lives with the world today. It only takes a few clicks to share those special moments with family and friends. Social media has been a lifeline for many during the pandemic. But the Information we share may end up being available to a far wider group than our immediate social circle, and with hundreds of millions of users online, unfortunately some of these people may have sinister agendas. By sharing information about our lives, we offer potential criminals the opportunity to gather useful information about us. Even information which seems harmless may be a useful to criminals looking to perpetrate a scam. Remember these five tips: Friendships - When accepting friend requests be cautious. Is their profile is real, or could it be fake? Manage your privacy settings – Only share information with people in your network. Check the settings regularly in case there are any changes. Never divulge personal information - Be suspicious of anyone who asks you for your information that may be used to identify you, such as a social security number. Change your passwords frequently - Choose a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s best to use different passwords for each account. Close old accounts - Don’t risk leaving personal data in an old account. Close accounts that you don’t use and delete as much personal information from them as possible. By Kate McCarthy

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Time of Year

April Fool!

The origins of April Fools’ Day are lost way back in time but like many traditions it probably has a number of historical roots. There was certainly a Roman festival called Hilaria which took place around the time of the spring equinox. There was also a Medieval ‘Feast of Fools’ although that took place at the beginning of the year. Throughout history there seems to be a tradition of transgressing boundaries during such celebrations: whether male and female, low class and high class, religious piety and impiety, people have enjoyed straddling society’s boundaries. The most popular theory about the ‘modern’ April Fools’ Day is that it began to take shape in late 16th century France. At that time, there was a switch to the Gregorian Calendar under Charles IX. Prior to this there had been a New Year’s week (March 25th-April1st), and under the Gregorian system, New Year’s Day fell on January 1st. As with any change (shhh no-one mention Brexit) there was some resistance, and many people stubbornly refused to accept the new system, continuing to celebrate New Year on April 1st. These people were ridiculed and labelled ‘fools’ by the general populace and were often the butt of jokes and pranks. They were known as poisson d’avril, or April fish, possibly because a naïve young fish is easily caught. Over the years the custom of prank-playing spread to the general population and eventually to Britain, where schoolboy pranks are still the order of the day, so watch out! By Tom Hancock

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2021 sees the return of the award-winning Drive In Air Displays from the Shuttleworth Trust. 2 May – Season Premiere Drive-In 15 May – Spies and Intrigue Evening Drive-in 6 June – Flying Festival of Britain Drive-In 19 June – A Scurry of Chipmunks Evening Drive-in 4 July – Military Air Show Drive-in 17 July – Flying for Fun Evening Drive-in 1 August – Family Air Show 14 August – Flying Circus 4 & 5 September – Vintage Weekend 2 & 3 October – Race Weekend Find out more and book online at:

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Special Report

Hard Times

A water softener might change your life You probably know that water can be rated ‘hard’ or ‘soft’, but do you know what those terms actually mean? Water has varying levels of hardness based on calcium carbonate concentration. Water with less than 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate is considered soft, 61-120 mg/L is moderately hard, 121-180 mg/L is hard, and above 180 mg/L is deemed very hard. The water from your tap is safe to drink whether it’s hard or soft. Hard water may even have a few health benefits by fulfilling your dietary needs of essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. But while hard water is safe to ingest, the effect of hard water on hair and skin can be s different story. Hard water can leave behind a slight film making skin and hair feel less clean to the touch. It might cause dandruff in your hair and irritate skin problems such as eczema. Washing clothes with hard water can cause the clothing fabric to break down more quickly over time, leave spots on dishes, and residue on your work surfaces and shower screens. Over time mineral build-up in your pipes may cause them to clog, and you’ll likely see build-up on shower heads and taps. A water softener solves these problems by processing the hard water to turn it into soft water. Water enters the softener and passes into the resin or media tank where it goes through a simple process that removes calcium, magnesium carbonate

By Kath McCarthy

and manganese, leaving only soft water to exit the softener and be used around your home. Plumbing a good water softener into your household supply is an investment for your home. It will eliminate the limescale caused by minerals which build up and leave that white powdery residue which clogs shower heads and pipework, makes surfaces appear dirty and reduces the efficiency of your appliances. Often, we don’t think about our appliances until they break down. The most common reason for early appliance failure is limescale build-up which corrodes the heating elements of your kettle, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine and heating system. By removing the limescale, you start to protect your appliances, they work better, live longer, and cost you less money over time. Another benefit is no stains and marks on dishes, glasses, and pans. Your bathroom remains clean and shiny too with less scrubbing and harsh chemicals. You need less detergent in your washing machine and less salt in your dishwasher. Shampoo, soap, and conditioners will also last longer. Finally, over a period of time, your softened water will remove scale from the inside of your water pipes, hot water cylinders and shower heads…we all know how expensive an emergency plumber is, so arrange for a non-emergency plumber to fit a water softener instead and start enjoying the benefits.

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Local News

Riverside Golf Society April 19th brings the start of our 2021 season, a month later than normal due to Covid 19 restrictions. The March event at Whitehills has been re-arranged for early June so all being well we should be able to complete all events. There will be nine events this year and they are at Knebworth, Three Locks, Aspley Guise, Whitehills, Dunstable Downs, Mowsbury, Millbrook and Mill Green. The 2020 season was severely disrupted with most events having to be re-arranged but it was completed on time. The Order of Merit was shared jointly by James Wareham and Matt O’Neill with James picking up the Knock Out trophy. The Flagship Day was won by Alan Christie. Like all societies, we are always on the lookout for new members. We currently have a core of sixteen. If anyone is interested in joining us then please contact me. Details can be found at the end of this item. A typical day consists of coffee/tea/roll pre golf. Eighteen holes of golf followed by a one course

meal. Members who finish in the top three will receive an American Golf voucher. Guests, whilst not able to win the vouchers can win prizes for nearest to the pin x 2 and longest drive. There is an additional team prize. Membership costs £50 per annum and each event costing £45 irrespective of where we play. An elected committee does all the work for you so all you have to do is to turn up and play, What could be easier? I look forwarding to hearing from you. Ron Treadwell (Organiser Riverside GS) rontreadwell@btinternet.com 07783 456625

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Back in the air with all your Shuttleworth favourites and the odd visiting surprise!

Shuttleworth air shows are the perfect family day out, expect thrilling air displays from historic aircraft and explore the beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden.

There is something to keep the whole family entertained! Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/seasonpremiere

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Seasonal Recipe

Asparagus & Salmon Mini Frittatas

These colourful savoury muffins are easy to make and are delicious served warm for breakfast or cold for lunch with a salad. Asparagus is a fabulous healthy seasonal food to include, being rich in B vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E. For a vegetarian option swap the salmon for some feta cheese. Gluten Free, Dairy Free Serves 4 - Preparation time: 15 minutes - Cooking time: 23 minutes, plus cooling Ingredients 125g/4½ oz asparagus 1 handful of frozen peas (30g) 2 spring onions, chopped 60g/2¼ oz smoked salmon, cut into small strips 4 eggs, beaten Sea salt and ground black pepper 1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6 and grease and line 8 cups of a muffin tray with paper muffin cases.

2. Blanch the asparagus in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes until just soft. Drain, then cut into 1 cm/½ in pieces using scissors. 3. Divide the asparagus, peas, spring onions and smoked salmon among the paper cases – they should be three-quarters full. Beat the eggs in a jug with some salt and pepper, then pour into the paper cases. 4. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden and just firm in the centre. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tray. Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition per serving (2 frittatas) 110kcal, fat 6.3g carbohydrates 1.6g, protein 11.2g

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Health

Should you be taking supplements? We should be able to get all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need from the food we eat. However, modern day life is making it increasingly difficult to achieve a balanced diet. That’s where supplements come in. Supplements are considered ‘top-ups’ for the vital vitamins and minerals our bodies requiren. They can take the form of vitamins, probiotics, herbal products, powders, drinks – and more. There is still much debate surrounding their effectiveness, with few studies directly linking supplements to improved health. However, although medical professionals insist that supplements aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet, it’s been proven that some could have a positive effect on your health. For example, many vegetarians and vegans will benefit from iron and vitamin B-12 supplements, while those trying for a baby are advised to take folic acid supplements until twelve weeks into their pregnancy. It’s also recommended that children aged between six months and five years take vitamin A, C and D supplements every day. Other supplements, however, could be a waste of money.

If you’re wondering whether supplements could benefit your diet, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or nutritionist first. But to start you off, we’ve put together a list of the top five supplements people take in the UK, and what they are taken for. Vitamin D - A vital vitamin for regulating our bodies’ calcium and phosphate content, vitamin D is a key contributor to healthy bones, teeth and muscles. We get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but living in the UK means we have limited daylight hours during the autumn and winter. For this reason, many people in the UK choose to take vitamin D supplements between late September and early April, when the sunlight is weaker. Magnesium - Found naturally in foods such as pumpkin, spinach, soy beans and brown rice, magnesium is important for bone health and energy production. It’s a known stress-reliever too, and studies have proven that it can even help sleeping problems. Zinc - Best known for its ability to boost immunity and fight off bacteria and viruses, zinc is another vital mineral our bodies need to function.

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Red meat, shellfish and dairy foods all have high levels of zinc, as do chickpeas, lentils and beans. In supplement form, you can top up your zinc levels with overthe-counter capsules, tablets and lozenges. Omega 3 - Swallowing fish oil first thing in the morning might not sound appetising. But, there’s solid evidence to suggest that omega 3 fatty acids can help contribute towards a healthy heart and brain, while also reducing inflammation. That’s why omega 3 supplements, often in the shape of fish oil capsules, are so popular. Vegans and vegetarians can also top up their intake with algae oil supplements. Iron - Iron is responsible for making red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. It’s particularly important in younger women, but according to the 2018 National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 27% of women are deficient. It’s predominantly found in red meat, which is why many vegans and vegetarians take iron supplements to make up for any potential deficiencies. However, smaller amounts can be found in beans, nuts and fortified cereals.

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House of Colour

Confident Dressing

Coming out of Lockdown

Whether you’re ready to come out of lockdown strutting your stuff or whether this is a ‘slowly does it’ operation some key ideas for you to consider when looking through your wardrobe. Here is my guide to confident re-emergence. Comfortable We’re always going to feel more confident when we’re truly comfortable in what we’re wearing. This means different things to different people – for some this is all their accessories on at once, high heels, the works. For others this is about how clothing feels against our skin allowing us to move with ease. A little of both for others. Getting it right for the person on the inside is the key so trust some of your instincts on this. Enjoy finding something in your wardrobe that you haven’t worn in ages because you haven’t had an opportunity. If it’s a smarter top put it with casual trousers, play round with a dress and trainers or boots. Make getting dressed fun because you’ve found a different combination.

Upped style with colour The right colours under our chin are an instant confidence boost as they make us look healthy, and well. Find your local House of Colour consultant if you don’t know the range of options for you. For a softer look you could experiment with tonal dressing – taking one colour and making an outfit from differing shades in that colour (ideally three – three colours in an outfit always works best). Clashing brights are having a moment – try wearing a bright scarf with a ‘clashing’ top. I find if my mood needs a lift, and I may not ‘feel’ like wearing a brighter colour, it actually lifts my mood to do so. So bring it on. Accessories Accessories are actually a secret weapon in our wardrobe. I know some of us will not have bothered with them at all in lockdown but now is the time to get them out. Something round the neck, a scarf, a necklace has a psychologically protective effect. If you don’t feel like ‘facing the world’ but need to do so, wear something in this area. Lipstick and Masks This is tricky one. Lipstick can make a huge difference to face, bringing back the right contrast, brightening our eyes and creating impact, so when mask not required a good layer is great and an instant boost. However, it is messy under a mask – and yes there are some options for visors and half masks with a visible layer, but the cloth mask is still here. My top tip: a more neutral shade will not end up so badly and apply using a lipliner all over the lip and then layer it up with plenty of blotting in between applications. Less mess, more success! 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-astylist

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Beauty

Beauty Boxes

By Kate Duggan

Subscription boxes have really taken off in recent years. Who doesn’t love receiving a goodie bag through the door now and then, even if the person treating yourself is you? But with so many boxes to choose from, how do you decide which one to pick?

Here’s a few things to consider before you hand over your card details… What are you looking for? First off, consider your budget and what you want to get out of the subscription. Are you signing up to discover new products, or do you just want a treat delivered to your door every now and then? Do you prefer big brands or would you rather support smaller businesses? Do you want natural, vegan-friendly products, more skincare than makeup, extra treats like cosmetic bags…and so on. Browse the boxes Most subscription sites share the contents of previous boxes. It can be difficult to see which products are full-sized and which are mini from a photo, so check the description. Read reviews Check reviews on different sites. Remember that brands do sometimes pay people to write reviews and they often sponsor influencer content. Look at ratings on Trustpilot, where the brand will likely have thousands of reviews and can’t delete the bad ones, rather than just relying on the comments on a socialmedia ad. Don’t get locked in Generally with these boxes, the longer you subscribe for, the lower the price of each box. However, you don’t want to lock yourself into a commitment that doesn’t work for you. So it might be worth trying one

box before you commit, or making sure you can cancel without penalties if you sign up to a monthly payment. Boxes to consider Glossybox (www.glossybox.co.uk) is one of the most reasonably priced boxes on the market and scores well on Trustpilot. Each box contains five or more products with a combined value of at least £50. Usually, you’ll get a mix of skincare and makeup, mainly from lesserknown (but good-quality) brands. From £11.75 a box. FabFitFun’s boxes (www.fabfitfun.com) treat you to a mix of health and beauty and lifestyle products. My first box contained a dressing gown (which I’ve been living in recently), a hair mask, a couple of mugs, a mascara (which is awesome and by a brand I’d never heard of) and various other items. Truthfully, a couple of the products have gone straight in the charity box. However, overall, I’ve been impressed. At $59.99 (approximately £45), it’s not cheap, but you do get to customise the contents and definitely get that ‘ooh’ factor when it arrives at your door. If you prefer natural, vegan brands, LoveLula (www. lovelula.com) is worth a look. For £14.95 you’ll receive at least four products a month, from brands such as Green People, Balm Balm and Madara. Other boxes to consider include: • Birchbox: www.birchbox.co.uk • Cohorted: www.cohorted.co.uk • Little Known Box: www.littleknownbox.com • Look Fantastic: www.lookfantastic.com

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Are you returning to higher education this year and starting a course in September or October? Do you live in post codes SG1 or SG2? Did you know that you can apply to the Betty Game Opportunities Trust for a grant towards the cost of books, equipment, travel etc? And the good news is that it’s a grant – not a loan! The Trustees look forward to receiving your application – be first in the queue. Further information about the Trust and how to apply for a grant is available on our website www.bgot.org.uk or email BGOT2015@gmail.com

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Finance

The Bank of Mum and Dad Parents and grandparents with cash to spare will often want to help the younger generation. They have plenty of options, but it’s key to consider the tax and risk implications. FINANCIAL GIFT - With a straightforward financial gift, the recipient won’t have to pay any income tax on it but it can affect inheritance tax. The simple principle is that any money you give as a gift will still count towards the value of your estate (and potentially attract inheritance tax) except in specific circumstances. One exemption is time: if you live more than seven years after making the gift, it’s not counted towards your estate. If you die between three and seven years after the gift, a special lower inheritance tax rate applies depending on the precise time. If you die less than three years after the gift, it’s covered by the normal inheritance tax rate. You also have an annual exemption that means the first £3,000 you give away each year isn’t counted as part of your estate. A separate one-off exemption covers a gift for a wedding or civil ceremony: £5,000 for a gift to your child, £2,500 to your grandchild and £1,000 to anyone else. SCHOOL FEES - School fees for a grandchild are also exempt, though this only applies if you make regular payments and it’s clear you can afford them. Finally you can give up to £250 a year to any individual who isn’t covered by any other exemptions. SAVINGS PLAN - One alternative to an immediate gift is to put money into a savings plan, for example

with the aim of helping the child with university costs when they turn eighteen. A Junior ISA is a way to do this without attracting tax on the savings or growth. It comes in both cash and stocks-and-shares versions. Only a parent or guardian can open a Junior ISA, but anyone can put money into the Junior ISA once it’s open. Legally the money belongs to the child, though they can’t withdraw it until they turn eighteen. FIRST HOME - Perhaps the most common way to financially help a child or grandchild is with their first home purchase. If you provide the money for a deposit, it has the same rules regarding inheritance tax as any other gift. You’ll have to confirm you are not claiming any financial interest and you may have to provide bank statements for money-laundering checks. You can act as a mortgage guarantor in which you become responsible for the payments if your children or grandchildren fall behind. That’s a risky proposition and you should never consider it without expert advice. That’s also true of a family deposit mortgage where you put the deposit money up front. If the borrower makes all the scheduled payments for a set period (often five years), you’ll get the money back, sometimes with interest as well. It’s also worth exploring a family offset mortgage. This lets you put savings into a special account, temporarily lowering the figure used to calculate interest charges.

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Travel

Discover Cambridge

It’s best known for its esteemed university, but Cambridge is also the crown jewel of UK city breaks. In fact, many would argue that it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With holidays abroad looking like an unlikely prospect this summer, many of you will be looking a little closer to home when planning your next breaks. If centuries of history, exquisite architecture, tranquil manicured gardens and beers by the riverside all sound like your type of holiday, the university town of Cambridge could be the perfect base. No more than ninety minutes from London, it’s easy to reach from the Midlands too. Meander the charming, cobbled streets, hop between worldclass museums, discover the city’s fantastic drinking and dining scene, and tick off the sights on a lazy punting tour; there’s so much to do, a long weekend probably won’t be enough. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a small snapshot of the top sights and experiences: Go punting They say the best way to experience a new city is to live like the locals do. Luckily, Cambridge’s favourite pastime is also one of the best ways to see the city. Relax, soak up the views and watch some of Cambridge’s most famous sights sail by, including

the Bridge of Sighs, Kings College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge. On many punting tours you don’t even need to steer the boat yourself; simply sit back and let the guides do all the hard work. Take a university tour Visiting Cambridge without seeing its ancient university buildings is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. They draw tourists in from around the world – plus they’re hard to ignore. After all, dating back to 1209, Cambridge University is one of the oldest English-speaking universities in the world, second only to Oxford. Dominating the city centre, the university is easy to explore on foot. Naturally, the best people to show you around are the students themselves. Book a guided tour around Clare, Trinity, Christ’s and King’s Colleges, where Stephen Hawking, David Attenborough, Charles Darwin and Alan Turing once studied. Photograph famous chapels and libraries, drinking in the exquisite architecture, and marvel at the colleges’ perfectly groomed grounds. Whether you’re into history or not, it’s impossible not to be in awe of the sheer academic excellence soaked into every inch of this university’s walls. Visit some museums If all that academic brilliance is making you want to learn a thing or two, you’re in luck. Cambridge is full

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to the brim with fantastic museums – many of them free to see. Marvel at trinkets and treasures from all corners of the globe at the Fitzwilliam Museum or get a taste for the thrilling polar adventures of explorers at the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum. Then there’s the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, where almost two million rocks and fossils are waiting to transport you through 4.5 billion years of history. The Imperial War Museum is also not to be missed. As the largest aviation museum in Europe, it’s the place to go if you’re interested in vintage aircraft. Drink and dine in style Cambridge has no shortage of lovely pubs, restaurants and bars to sample. After a long day seeing the sights, serious foodies should book a table at the Michelin-starred Midsummer House, which serves up excellent British-French dishes next to the river. For something a little lighter, head out of town to the charming village of Grantchester for lunch at The Orchard Tea Garden. An old stomping ground for academics including Alan Turing and Stephen Fry, these tearooms are known for having the best cream teas around. The Green Man, also in Grantchester, is the place to go for pub grub and a pint, and the appropriately

named Pint Shop is also worth checking out. Its Grade II-listed building was once home to EM Forster, but now houses a long list of beers from breweries all over the country. Rent a bike to see the sights The first thing you’ll notice about Cambridge is that everyone cycles everywhere. Dodging bookbalancing students on bicycles is part of what makes navigating this compact city so charming. Cycling is a great way for tourists to explore the city too. Be sure to swing by the Corpus Clock, an art piece on the front of the Taylor Library, before meandering slowly through Cambridge’s Botanical Gardens. Stop off at Market Square to pick up a souvenir or two and satisfy your inner bookworm at Heffers bookshop. You’ll soon fall in love with how easy it is to explore this city on two wheels.

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Love your lawn Your lawn will probably be growing rapidly now, and with temperatures in most areas having evened up and the soil hopefully being less soggy, it is the perfect time for some spring maintenance. Grass needs regular mowing from now on; in some areas this may mean once a week, so make sure that the mower blades are good and sharp. On so-called utility lawns you will need to cut to about 2.5cm or 1”, while on higher grade smart lawns cut to about 1-1.5cm. Lawns benefit from a specially formulated spring feed at this time of year to encourage good strong growth. If you use a granular formulation, make sure that you water it in well if you cannot time the job so that the rain does this for you! Scarify the lawn with a spring-tined rake to pull out any accumulated debris or thatch from the base of the grasses. This allows for a better flow of moisture and air, thus ensuring that the grass grows stronger and more healthily. If your lawn has developed a lot of moss then apply a proprietary moss killer before scarifying. Use a combined feed and moss killer to save yourself time if you like, but whichever product you choose, make sure that you leave the specified time between applying the treatment and raking the dead moss out.

If you don’t, the moss problem could get worse, as you’ll spread living moss as you rake. Worm casts may be there in abundance now too, so if necessary simply use a besom or brush to brush them away or distribute them over the lawn. Humps and bumps in the lawn or indeed any other sort of uneven surface can be dealt with now, but get this done promptly in case the weather gets hot and dry soon. A minor problem can be dealt with using a sandy top-dressing mixture, but if there are some prominent problems then use a sharp spade to cut an ‘H’ shape over the bump or hollow. Now carefully peel back the turf and then remove or add soil as necessary before replacing the turf flaps, firming well and providing a good drink. It is also worth sorting out any stepping stones that have sunk too low or become uneven. Use a spade to ease them out of the lawn and lift and readjust the level beneath before replacing them. It may sound as if there’s a lot to do, but remember that every hour spent now will make a huge difference to how the lawn looks for the rest of the year! At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.

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Land & Sea 6. The Sea of Marmara separates the European and Asian parts of which country? 7. The poem The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot begins by saying that which month of the year “is the cruellest month”? 8. The Suez canal links which two seas? 9. According to the book of Genesis, which “land” was Cain exiled to by God after murdering his brother, Abel? 10. Which famous fictional bar is located directly below a restaurant called Melville’s Fine Sea Food? 1. Japan 2. Jo Brand 3. The Darkness 4. Venice 5. Switzerland 6. Turkey 7. April 8. The Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea 9. The land of nod 10. Cheers (in the TV sitcom Cheers)

1. Which country is sometimes referred to as the “land of the rising sun”? 2. Who used the stage name “the Sea Monster” when she first began her career in stand-up comedy? 3. Which act won the 2004 Brit Award for Best British Album for their debut album, Permission To Land? 4. Marked by dropping a ring into the sea inscribed with the Latin for “we wed thee, sea, as a sign of true and everlasting domination”, the Marriage of the Sea ceremony is an ancient ceremony that is still performed today in which European city? 5. What is the only landlocked country with a name ending in “land”?

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Time of Year

All That Jazz

By Tracey Anderson

International Jazz Day - April 30th International Jazz Day brings together schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz. Jazz began in the early twentieth century in New Orleans, in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The port of New Orleans meant the area was a melting pot of different nationalities and their musical influences: Spanish folk music, French military band music, Ragtime, European ballroom dance music, and Blues music all had an impact on the birth of Jazz. Jazz wasn’t written down in the same way as classical music; the styles and tunes evolved as they were passed on by ear. Black musicians in particular, were for the most part not classically trained, and began to express themselves through jazz. These musically agile instrumentalists and singers improvised around a main melody, often the popular folk and blues tunes of the era, creating a rich and exciting new blend of sound. Although the ‘Jazz Age’ was in the 1920s, jazz never went away, it evolved through various incarnations.

Talented soloists like Louis Armstrong pushed jazz in the direction of virtuosic improvisers, weaving their music around each other. Swing was a smoother, more easy-listening sound, popularised by the pianist and composer Duke Ellington. This was followed in the 40s and 50s by the Latin influences of Dizzy Gillespie, who collaborated with other musicians to bring jazz into the mainstream. Charlie Parker pioneered modern jazz (be-bop) which challenged many listeners with its complex experimentations in rhythm and harmony. Miles Davis on the other hand developed a more gentle, understated style. Free jazz ignored all the previous rules and constraints on harmony and structure which many people disliked. During the past 50 years jazz evolution has accelerated through jazz fusion – which fuses jazz solos with other musical styles - and acid jazz, which draws on soul, funk, disco and hip-hop. Well known pioneering acid jazz groups include ‘Jamiroquai’, and ‘The Brand-New Heavies’.

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Pets

An Interview with a Trustee RSPCA branches are run by a committee of volunteer trustees who are responsible for managing the affairs of the branch. Committees vary from branch to branch depending upon the type of animal welfare work that is being carried out in the area and whether the branch operates any charity shops, or an animal centre or clinic. Committees meet monthly and the work is shared between the branch officers (the chairperson, treasurer and secretary) plus the other committee members. Trusteeship is a distinct and more responsible position than other voluntary roles within the RSPCA. Trustees receive no financial benefit in carrying out the role and must manage conflicts of interest. Trustees are collectively responsible for governing the branch. They must be able to devote sufficient time and commitment. Six Main Duties of a Trustee 1) Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit. 2) Comply with the charity’s governing documents and the law 3) To ensure the branch is accountable 4) Act in the best interests of the branch and the RSPCA 5) Manage your charity’s resources responsibly 6) To act with reasonable care and skill Being a trustee is a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. You have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals in your home area. Let’s meet one! What first attracted you to the role of trustee within the RSPCA? I’ve always loved animals. When I was growing up, as a family we had rescue cats from the RSPCA. When I

Hugo

Mr Brightside 40

discovered the Bedford branch were looking for new trustees, I jumped at the chance. What do you enjoy about the role? I enjoy being part of a lovely team of people, that make a real difference. I love the variety of work as well. One day I might be fundraising outside a pet shop, the next I am making leaflets to hand out in the shop. Do you have any pets yourself? Yes! I have a cat called Mr Brightside and a black Labrador called Hugo. I’ve always been around cats, so Hugo was my first ever dog. They get on very well with each other which is really sweet. They often curl up next to each other when they have naps. How could the people in the local area help the RSPCA North Branch. We are very lucky to have regular donations of good quality items to sell in our shop – so if that could continue we would be very grateful. Amazon have just launched a new scheme to help charities, whereby each time you buy something through ‘Smile Amazon’ they donate money to your chosen charity. People could sign up for that and choose RSPCA North Branch as their charity. Also come and visit the shop when lockdown is lifted, to see all of our brand new stock! 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 Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Interiors By Katherine Sorrell

A Guide to Natural Flooring 1

Why not give ‘alternative’ flooring a try? Practical and attractive, carpets made from natural fibres look great in both modern and traditional interiors – and have strong eco-credentials, too. An intriguing alternative to conventional carpets, natural fibre floorcoverings are highly sustainable and offer good insulating and soundproofing qualities – plus oodles of personality. As you would expect, the rougher the surface, the more hard-wearing the flooring ,so there is an inevitable trade-off between durability and comfort unless, as is sometimes the case, the fibres are blended with wool for softness. That said, many people come to rather enjoy the ‘scrunchy’ feeling underfoot, and there is no doubt that natural fibres really can look fantastic in the right setting, bringing unique character and richness. As well as an intrinsically appealing texture, these floorings come in a variety of natural (and sometimes specially dyed) shades, and their interesting weaves range from simple ribs to bouclés, basketweaves, herringbones and more, which only adds to their striking appeal.

All natural floorings benefit from specialist, professional fitting, with a good quality underlay, and a stain-protection treatment. Regular vacuuming (just suction, no beater bar) will keep them in good shape, though some types can be susceptible to water-staining, so it is worth checking with your retailer and purchasing an aftercare kit to help deal with any problems. Bear in mind that slight variations of colour and weave are all part of their natural charm, and that they will lighten in colour slightly over time. Sisal Hard-wearing and good-looking, sisal is derived from a succulent called Agave Sisalana, which is farmed sustainably around the world, and was traditionally used in rope-making. it is anti-static, non-toxic and biodegradable, and a popular choice for its combination of durability and broad range of colours

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– from the usual natural shades to dyed brights and even metallics. It is a versatile option that can be used in pretty much every room in the house, whether high or low traffic, with a variety of weaves from tiny to very chunky. Seagrass Seagrass is an interesting option, the main thing to note about it the fact that its shiny surface makes it a tiny bit slippery, so it’s not suitable for use on stairs. Its hard fibres repel dust and are easy to clean, making it a good choice for homes with pets or allergy sufferers. It is also durable, wear-resistant and less susceptible to water-marking than other natural carpets. Colours are natural and textures organic and variable, with weaves including basketweave and herringbone, sometimes with a coloured weft for extra interest. A seagrass carpet will undoubtedly add inviting character to living rooms, hallways and dining rooms. Coir Used as an extremely tough and insulating floorcovering for centuries, coir flooring is made in India from the fibres of coconut husks that are

2 removed, washed and softened, then woven and backed with latex. Coir is ideal for high-traffic areas that suffer a lot of high wear and tear. If comfort is a priority, however, coir will probably be too coarse, and it should not be used in kitchens, bathrooms or other rooms where it could be vulnerable to water and humidity. Rustic and hearty in appearance, coir flooring is limited in colour to a range of warm, golden tones, but is available in a few different weaves, and creates a striking look for a hall, staircase or reception room, or can be made into a durable, protective rug. Jute Jute flooring is made from the fibrous inner bark of a giant tropical herb that is closely related to hemp; in Europe it’s also called hessian. To make flooring, the fibres are pounded to soften them, then spun into a silky, golden yarn that comes in a range of natural shades. It can be woven in a variety of styles from chunky to delicate. Both anti-static and fire-resistant, jute is the softest underfoot of all the natural fibre floorings, and thus ideal for bedrooms and snugs. It is best kept to areas of low traffic, however, as it is prone to wear, and is very much to be avoided in any space that might suffer from moisture or humidity, where it would mark and deteriorate.

1 Achieve a rugged, rural look that is practical as well as attractive with a sisal carpet. Country Living at Carpetright Sisal Pentel, £39.99 per square metre, Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk. 2 A jute rug makes a gorgeous textural contrast against this concrete-effect kitchen floor. Impressive Concrete Wood Light Grey Laminate, £27.99 per square metre; Jute Natural Circle Rug, from £59.99; both Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk. 3 The chevron lines of this herringbone-weave carpet are perfect for a classic/contemporary look. Seagrass Herringbone, £26 per square metre, Alternative Flooring.

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Motoring

Making the switch to an electric vehicle

Government announcements mean more EVs will be on our roads, but what do you need to know about them? Last year’s announcement by Boris Johnson that sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be phased out by 2030 means that electric vehicles will become an important part of our driving lives. To dispel some of the mystery, here are some of the key things to know about making the leap to an EV. How much range do you need? If you only make short trips around town and do fewer than 100 miles a week, for instance, then a car with a shorter range is fine. Drivers who travel further afield should consider a car with a bigger battery. Note that cars with shorter ranges will still offer more than most people do on average each week, and cars with smaller batteries offer quicker charge times. How do I add charge when I get home? Home charging is a crucial aspect of owning and running an electric car and there are incentives in place for charging at home. Government grants and even manufacturer schemes will make installing a home wall box much cheaper. Will it actually be cheaper to buy and run an electric car? Although the initial upfront cost for an EV is often more than an equivalent internal combustionengined car, this is becoming less common as the technology progresses. Plus, there are government grants available to help lower the cost. Charging is where cost savings are really made. Although prices do vary between chargers, around 100 miles of additional charge will cost about £6-7.

Charging at home depends on your energy tariff and there are companies offering EV-friendly plans that take advantage of lower-priced charging times, such as overnight. For an average EV with around 200 miles of range and a 60kWh battery, you’ll be looking at around £8.40 for a full charge – good value compared with petrol and diesel. Are there any benefits that aren’t as obvious? As well as cost saving, one positive is refinement – EVs are quiet and, therefore, relaxing to drive compared with a petrol or diesel car. Another positive is performance, with even lowerpowered EVs offering rapid acceleration. But isn’t the UK lacking in charge points? The number of charging stations in the UK has grown enormously. According to ZapMap, there are over 35,000 connectors across the country, made up of around 20,000 charge points in about 13,000 locations. 26 per cent are in central London alone, with 13.5 per cent in the south east and 12.3 per cent in Scotland. Government funding will make fast chargers more widespread and improve the country’s charging structure to make charging easier. Doesn’t the energy for electric cars only come from fossil fuels anyway? Energy and charger unit suppliers are working to ensure their energy is green. BP Chargemaster’s charging stations, for example, all provide renewable energy, while home energy providers like Octopus Energy provide completely green power.

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Painting & Decorating Services

Painters and Decorators

Premier Painters and Decorators are a professional, punctual and hard working company delivering outstanding quality of work to our clients in and around Stevenage From wallpaper hanging, feature walls, coving and cornice work. We even clean facias, soffits and guttering. (PVC or Wood) If you would like to take advantage of our services, require a quote or advise please do not hesitate to contact us. Be assured when Premier quote a job there are NO HIDDEN EXTRAS. Private and commercial, exterior and interior painting services.

Painting – Interior & Exterior Decorating Coving No Job Too Big Or Too Small Fully Insured & Free Estimates Telephone: Ian Dunklin 0790 508 3799

For a free quotation please contact Gary on Tel: 01438 353793 Mob: 07733 227961 Email: info@premierpd.co.uk

www.premierpd.co.uk

Visit our beautiful

Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom

01438 725309

bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 50

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Technology

Great gadgets for cleaning everything outdoors The return of brighter days means you’ll notice the windows need a good clean, and there are plenty of gadgets to help. We love the Karcher WV5 handheld window washer (£83; other models are cheaper), which sucks up the washing liquid and squeegees the glass clean, while for difficult to reach windows Lakeland has a long Window Trigger Spray Mop for £19.99. If you really hate cleaning outside windows and have £200 to spare, the Gladwell Gecko Robot Window Cleaner is exactly what it sounds like. It uses suction to attach itself to your window and while it’s fairly slow it’s safer than perching on a ladder. For tougher cleaning tasks consider a handheld steam cleaner such as Hoover’s Steamjet Handy (£49), which gives you 20 minutes of steam from a single tank. It’s great for cleaning everything from textiles to tiles, and is particularly useful for refreshing metal garden furniture and for gently removing stains from painted surfaces a pressure washer might be too harsh for. Pressure washers can be handy, of course and are a powerful way to clean everything from muddy bikes to muddy boots. But even those with long cables need to be plugged in, which limits where they can go. Wouldn’t it be great – and better for the environment – to have a pressure washer that didn’t need plugging in at all? The award-winning £45 Mud Daddy does uses water pressure instead of a motor so is silent and portable, and is perfect for bikes, muddy dogs and outdoor cleaning. It uses much less water than a hose or pressure washer too. What about drying? Things like bikes and motorbikes are fiddly to dry, and car fanatics need a scratch-free way to dry their newly cleaned paintwork. Step forward the £99 BigBoi Buddy, a portable dryer delivering warm air that is twentyfive degrees warmer than the surrounding environment, and it filters the air to prevent blasting any dust or dirt. Sadly it isn’t portable, but with a 1,000W motor it makes quick work of any drying task.

Gecko Robot Window Cleaner The Gecko sticks to the outside of your window and slowly works its way around the glass, cleaning every inch of it while you do something more interesting. £199 from Amazon.co.uk

Mud Daddy Portable Washing Brush With a 5 litre capacity the Mud Daddy is great for even the muddiest pets or bikes. No motor means no noise and no need to plug it in. £44.99 from Amazon.co.uk BigBoi Buddy Professional valets use air dryers to deliver a perfect finish to washed vehicles, and the Buddy’s powerful motor does a brilliant job of drying bikes and motorbikes. £99 from theultimatefinish.co.uk

Karcher WV5 Karcher’s window washers are essentially a squeegee and a vacuum cleaner joined together, so as you wipe the window clean it automatically catches the dirty water. £83 from Halfords.com

Window Trigger Mop Lakeland’s clever 2-in-1 enables you to squirt, wipe and squeegee windows that would normally be too high to reach without a ladder. £19.99 from Lakeland.co.uk

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HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire. Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer. Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques. Call Richard on 01438 813492 Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today. 52

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SHIRON

Domestic Appliances Repairs of

Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Dishwashers Electric Ovens Electric Cookers Electric Hobs VAT Registered Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda and Whirlpool appliances.

Contact RONNIE Tel: 01438 720 304 Mobile: 07396 579717

Email: rohintoncooper@hotmail.com

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Food & Drink

Wines Worth Locating: Kloster Eberbach

The wine productions of Germany utilise numerous grape varieties. High-quality Riesling wines are famous around the world and have wine lovers appreciating them, globally. The Association of German Pradikat Wine Estates (VDP), operating with strict guidelines, ensures cultivations of the very best varietals. Multi award-winning Weingut Kloster Eberbach produces an excellent range of wines. Their vineyard is renowned worldwide. The Eberbach Monastery was founded during 1136 and the monks established a cabinet wine cellar (Cabinetkeller) for their finest wines. White wines, from Weingut Kloster Eberbach, have become very popular options, for many. Lesser-known red productions are now being appreciated, too. Favourite Riesling wines include Berg Roseneck (Cabinetkeller) and Steinberg (Cabinetkeller). These are regular choices and grace many dining tables, constantly. Being able to be enjoyed by themselves, too – as can all of the wines described here – is a further big ‘plus point’. Enticing bouquets lead to the mouthfeel and further, to the palate’s sensation, perfectly. Crescentia Premium Wines are produced using grapes from the very best vineyards. Steinberger Crescentia Riesling Trocken and Baiken Crescentia Riesling Trocken are further productions which certainly do not disappoint. Again, splendid to the mouth’s pleasures and most enjoyable, throughout. Baiken Crescentia Riesling Spätlese is also often selected. Following an intense floral and sweet bouquet, for the nasal satisfaction, the ripe, juicy fruit flavours come through, for the mouthfeel, superbly. The palate enjoys a continuing sweetness, to finish. Great with desserts and cheeses, too. Riesling wines are widely recognised for their classic aromas and elegance, pairing perfectly with fish, seafood and numerous dishes of cuisine. Also, very worthy of note is Weingut Kloster Eberbach Spätburgunder Crescentia Trocken red wine. This Burgundian-style Pinot Noir has ripe red fruits in abundance and is fabulous with red meats. Wine tours of the estate and tastings are extremely popular and often booked well in advance. Ordering is easy, online too, with orders dispatched quickly and efficiently. Being married at the Eberbach Monastery must certainly be very memorable, indeed. Personal arrangements can be accommodated, through receptions to banquets. For details of all wines and services offered, please visit www.kloster-eberbach.de

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our March Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Margaret Jones, Langford

March’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Jewels (4) 3 Allowed in (8) 9 Worried (7) 10 Annoy (5) 11 Fading away (12) 13 Deny (6) 15 Interfere (6) 17 Directions (12) 20 Ships load (5) 21 Vital part of healthy diet (7) 22 Enjoyed (8) 23 Repair (4)

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

16th April 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 Protecting (8) 2 Blends (5) 4 Dismiss (6) 5 Crossroad (12) 6 Taught (7) 7 Deceased (4) 8 Contests (12) 12 Flavoured (8) 14 Army rank (7) 16 Flexible (6) 18 Overweight (5) 19 Mark left by wound (4)

Name:

Address:



Tel:

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Books

For The Love of the Sea A cook book to celebrate the British seafood community and their food Published by Meze Publishing 12th April 2021

Following the success of For The Love of the Land in summer 2020, which celebrated farmers and their food through a collection of recipes and stories from all over the British Isles, this second cook book compiled by Jenny Jefferies and produced by Meze Publishing showcases the incredible seafood community in the UK alongside their favourite fish and seafood. For The Love of the Sea highlights the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work in the British fishing industry, as well as those who support them including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Marine Stewardship Council. Among the businesses and individuals featured are Dee Caffari MBE, a British sailor and the first woman to sail solo and non-stop in both directions around the globe; Ashton Fishmongers, one of the largest fish retailers in the country; L. Robson & Sons, producers of the legendary traditional oak-smoked Craster Kippers in Northumberland; Cornwall’s National Lobster Hatchery; and Kames Fish Farming, the oldest family-run fish farm in Scotland famous for its Scottish Steelhead Trout. The book also features a foreword by Marcus Coleman, the Chief Executive of Seafish which works with businesses and the government to support the UK seafood sector. Recipes include luxurious roast turbot with samphire and clams, a classic cod fish and chip supper, Morrocan spiced langoustines, mussels with seaweed, a crispy homemade whiting burger, salmon en croute and lots more. From the kitchen novice to the keen home cook, there’s a dish for everyone and a wonderful range of fish and seafood that takes in popular British staples alongside hidden gems brought to light by experienced and knowledgeable fishermen. In recent years the brilliant variety of our native species has been overshadowed by imports and exotic fish on the supermarket shelves. This book aims to encourage everyone to fall in love with British fish and seafood again, making the most of our rich coastal waters and highlighting the skills and passion of those in the industry. It also champions sustainability and shines a light on women who take

Front cover by: www.paulgregoryphotography.co.uk

up this dangerous profession but whose voices are not always heard. For The Love of the Sea is a 192 page hardback and retails at £22. It will be available to purchase from Amazon, bookshops including Waterstones and online from www.mezepublishing.co.uk & www. jennyjefferies.co.uk .The author, Jenny Jefferies, has also become a Food Hero with Love British Food www.lovebritishfood.co.uk For further information please contact: Jenny Jefferies, Phil Turner or Emma Toogood 07840 137775 / 07979 498034 / 07845 696102 jenniferlouisejefferies@yahoo.com / phil@mezepublishing.co.uk / emma@ mezepublishing.co.uk Follow us on social media: Twitter @j_l_jefferies Instagram @fortheloveoftheland&sea Facebook For The Love Of The Land & Sea

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COVID-19 - SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES

FREE*

Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

Bathing a problem? – we can help • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails & shower seats • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over 60s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel • Disabled Facilities Grants • Charity work and grants Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

01438 909642

info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.

age 62 x 93 .indd 4

05/02/2021 09:22

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

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Stevenage April 2021

Articles inside

Fun Quiz

Great gadgets for cleaning everything outdoors

All That Jazz - International Jazz Day

Discover Cambridge

Should you be taking supplements?

The Bank of Mum and Dad

Beauty Boxes

New Ways to Support EAAA

The History of Chess

Seasonal Recipe - Asparagus and Salmon Frittatas

Confident Dressing Coming Out of Lockdown

April Fool