Stevenage April 2022 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

April 2022

and Town

Life

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

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Inside this issue... Fostering Is it right for you?

Sunshine Gardens - Celebrating 30 Years..................................32 Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.......................................................34 14 Easy Ways to Help the RSPCA...............................................38 Organise Your Utility................................................................40 Is Stress Making You Sick?........................................................42 Fostering - Is it Right for You?...................................................45 The Best Coffee Machines for Every Day...................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 What’s On in April....................................................................50 Lexus NX Review......................................................................55 Look Back in Time.....................................................................56 Villager Prize Crossword...........................................................58 Books for Well-Being................................................................60 Useful Numbers.......................................................................63

Palermo.....................................................................................4 Shuttleworth Season Premiere..................................................8 Wines: Choosing a Selection....................................................10 Seasonal Recipe - Salmon Niçoise Salad...................................12 The Easter Parade and other Traditions....................................15 Ashwell at Home 2022.............................................................17 Martial Arts..............................................................................18 A Good Night’s Sleep................................................................20 Soft Drinks Come of Age...........................................................23 Firepit Tips and Tricks...............................................................24 The Good Buy Guide.................................................................26 Do I Need Life Insurance?.........................................................31

Firepit Tips and Tricks

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: Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Tracey Anderson, Katherine Sorrell, Samantha Joseph, Jennie Billings, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, Louise Addison, and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - margouillat Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel 07762 969460

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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Travel

Palermo By Solange Hando

On the north-west coast of Sicily, Palermo nestles around a lovely natural harbour looking out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. In this deep-water bay surrounded by mountains, myriad civilisations came and went, each golden age leaving its mark on the city. With its palaces and churches, the capital claims several UNESCO sites, starting with the medieval cathedral mirroring the city’s history over the centuries. Now in neo-classical style, the splendid interior can be complemented by a ‘rooftop walk’ with panoramic views. Other must-sees include the Baroque gem of Gesu Church and the Palatin Chapel, famous for Byzantine mosaics, in the Norman Palace. A former residence of Sicilian rulers, this has been beautifully restored and is the seat of Sicily’s Regional Assembly. Also built for royal pleasure were Cuba and Zisa, superb examples of Norman architecture in Eastern style. But most intriguing perhaps is the Chinese Pavilion, designed in 1799 for the future King of the Two Sicilies. Lord Nelson and his mistress were among the guests. Heritage aside, Palermo has a lot to offer along its tree-lined avenues. There’s luxury shopping in

the high street but the heart of town is around Politeama, a favourite place to meet family or friends on the spacious piazzas that seem to flow into each other. Visitors gaze at the nearby theatres, Garibaldi with its circular colonnade and triumphal arch and Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy, but the locals just like to sit in the shade and watch the world go by. They call it ‘piazza culture’ and this is the time to sip a cool drink on a café terrace or feast on glorious Sicilian ice cream. Yet the prettiest square, they say, is Piazza Pretoria with its monumental fountain festooned in nude classical statues. It’s the highlight in the historic district, an enticing maze of lanes leading to the street markets of Vucciria, awash with melons, peaches, tomatoes, aubergines, herbs, walnuts and more, plus delicious orange juice squeezed on the spot. Potted plants pop up along the cobbles, washing hangs from the balconies and here and there a secret chapel might just take your breath away. One of the best is the Oratorio di Santa Cita, dripping in gleaming white stucco with angels and playful cherubs.

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Within walking distance, the Botanical Garden invites you to relax among water features, palms, shrubs and some 12,000 species of plants. Most exciting is the giant fig tree with aerial roots, and you might spot the parrots that escaped from Via Giulia, the city’s oldest park, loved for its marble sundial and alcoves in Moorish style. Now you can almost hear the waves as the promenade beckons along the sea, laced in meandering paths and grassland full of wild flowers. Boats glisten in the marina, rigging tinkles and, in the fishing harbour, men mend their nets on a flotilla of blue boats. Then just out of town you will find turquoise water, tingling sand and fragrant hills with fabulous views.

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Local News

Season Premiere Sunday 1st May sees Shuttleworth play host to its Season Premiere air show – an occasion which is always worth the wait. From the moment you arrive, you will be transported back to a bygone era, with a plethora of vintage aircraft and vehicles on display. The Collection’s hangar doors will be thrown open for you to wander around, taking in the sights and smells of vintage aeroplanes, whilst learning about some of the roles they played in their service and racing lives and other stories they can tell. Inside the hangars, you’ll also find a cornucopia of activities to keep the kids (or even the big kids!) happy, whether it’s pedal planes or an Airfix Make and Paint courtesy of IPMS Brampton – with other educational Discovery Zones dotted around the site, including a large play area. Outdoors, you’ll also be able to experience the sensations of riding on-board a 1920s bus– whether it’s the sole surviving Charabus or our Wellingborough double-decker. The buses will take you up to the Arts & Crafts gems in Shuttleworth House, which will be open to tour. You’ll be able to see first-hand the ornate gold-leafed ceilings and panelled walls, the rare Erard grand piano, and hear the stories of the Shuttleworth family who lived there and set up the Trust. Shuttleworth House is also accessible through the

Shrubbery Walk at the end of which is the Swiss Garden, 9 acres of heritage landscape designed in the popular alpine style almost 200 years ago, with framed views, ponds and several charming miniature structures. It is a rare example of a Regency garden and boasts thirteen listed features, including the charming Swiss Cottage and the domed Grotto & Fernery. The garden is also home to Shuttleworth’s resident peacocks - Snowy and Storm. If you spot them, be sure to take a photo! In the afternoon, the flying display starts – an aerial ballet in the Bedfordshire skies, consisting of Shuttleworth aircraft and vintage visitors. This year, it is hoped the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A flying boat will be at the Season Premiere, which will provide a truly awe-inspiring spectacle as the pilots showcase this large aircraft around Old Warden Aerodrome. If the weather is suitably calm, the Edwardian aircraft – including the world’s oldest flying aeroplane, the 1909 Bleriot – may even be able to take to the skies, capping off what will be a truly memorable day. From a myriad of ground activities through to a thrilling air display, Shuttleworth’s air shows have something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit: shuttleworth.org/airshows

Photos: Darren Harbar Photography

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Food & Drink

Wines: Choosing a Selection

When it comes to drinks and alcoholic beverages, everybody has their own preference. White wines are extremely popular and I located ROERO ARNEIS (13% vol) from Italy. Fresh, and with a crisp sensation, a pleasant bouquet leads to the fruity mouthfeel and palate’s enjoyment, for this production. FERNAO PIRES (12.5% vol), from South Africa, is a further well-balanced white wine. Refreshing, with floral accents and a good flavour of fruits. If a sparkling white is preferred, then PECORINO (12% vol), from Italy, will not disappoint. Known for its excellent still wine productions, the Pecorino grape is utilised, to great advantage, in this sparkling gem. Fruity, and great for welcoming guests, this is a favourite for many occasions. If your preference is for a red wine, either light or full-bodied, then some suggestions could be for the following. CASTELAO (13.5% vol), from Portugal, is very popular and graces many dining occasions, constantly. A good richness and intensity prevailes. Wonderful ripe fruits are most evident on the bouquet and mouthfeel. Very elegant. Staying with red wines, PERRICONE (13.5% vol) has dark fruits in abundance for taste, coming through to a superb mouthfeel and the palate’s sensation, with a long finish, from Italy. Another most popular red wine is PAIS (13.5% vol). This is light-bodied, and with a juicy fruit flavour, makes for a great dining table wine. Chile produces excellent wines and this dates from the 16th century. For more ‘powerful’ beverages, 1932 PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA RISERVA (14.5% vol) from Italy, fills this spot. The vineyards are renowned globally. Old vines, rich soils and more, contribute to the productions of this spectacular red wine. Oak barrels encourage the aging process. Dark fruits are most evident, definitely! HEDONIST ORGANIC SHIRAZ (14% vol), from Australia, has numerous devotees, too. Wonderful to accompany many dishes, also. For something later, then KOPKE RESERVE TAWNY PORT (19.5% vol), will fit the bill, admirably. This aged Portuguese production satisfies the ‘end of meal’ experience, wonderfully. From the mid 17th century Tawny Ports have evolved and pleased many. These productions were located in Waitrose. Some are in their ‘Loved and Found’ range. www.waitrose.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Seasonal Recipe

This is a delicious protein-packed salad full of beneficial omega-3 antiinflammatory fats, and using walnut oil in the dressing is an easy way to further boost your intake of these healthy fats. This creamy dressing is equally delicious drizzled over any cooked fish or seafood.

Salmon Niçoise Salad With herb, caper and walnut dressing Ingredients 2 boneless salmon or trout fillets, about 120g each, skin on

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves 2

Dressing 2 tbsp walnut oil 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp capers Juice of ½ lemon Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs e.g. parsley, basil Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad 6 new potatoes, halved 60g French beans, halved Bag of mixed lettuce leaves ½ cucumber, cut into ribbons 1 tbsp capers 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 30g black or green olives, pitted 1 hard-boiled egg, cut into quarters

1. Bring a large steamer to the boil, tip the potatoes into the water then lay the fish fillets, skin-side down, in the steamer basket. Cover and cook for 6-8 mins, until the fish is cooked through, then remove and set aside. 2. Blanch the beans for 1-2 minutes then drain. 3. Place the mixed leaves in a large bowl and toss in the potatoes, cucumber, capers and beans. Scatter over the olives and tomatoes. 4. Flake the fish into large chunks, discarding the skin, and add to the salad with the egg. 5. Whisk all the ingredients for the dressing together and season to taste. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Nutrition per serving: 567kcal, fat 36.8g (of which saturates 5.6g), carbohydrates 21.9g (of which sugars 4.7g), protein 34.2g

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Time of Year

The Easter Parade… …and other traditions

The Easter weekend is the principal religious feast of the Christian year, yet most of its traditions have no basis in Christianity at all. In fact, the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach which is closely linked to Easter by dates and symbolism was celebrated long before the birth of Jesus. And long before the name ‘Easter’ was used, early Christians celebrated ‘Pascha,’ a word derived from Pesach. The word ‘Easter’ actually comes from an AngloSaxon fertility goddess called Eostre, who was associated with spring and new beginnings. Both Easter and Passover centre around re-birth, and bond neatly with the Anglo-Saxon festival of ‘Eostremonath’ – Eostre’s month. Hot cross buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, are linked to Passover. Originally they were unleavened bread, an important Passover food. Nowadays, they are leavened (which makes them light and delicious) and marked with a cross to serve as a reminder of the crucifixion. The tradition of eating chocolate eggs derives from the fact that during Eostre, eggs were given as gifts to celebrate the end of winter and as a symbol of new life. Once again this ties in with Passover, where a traditional meal is Beitzah, a hardboiled egg. Eventually Christians began decorating the shells with colourful patterns, and later thanks to enterprising chocolatiers in France and Germany delicious chocolate Easter eggs began to appear. But what about the Easter Bunny? Surely an Easter hen would be more logical. At least a hen lays eggs! But if we look back at the Goddess Eostre, her scared animal was the hare, and it’s not a huge jump (see what I did there?) from a hare to a rabbit. The Easter Bunny and egg hunts seem to originate in Germany in the 16th century. Children made nests in

the garden and, if they were good, the Easter Bunny would leave them coloured hard-boiled eggs to find the next morning. This tradition travelled to America with early German settlers and, like many old traditions, has now returned to Britain substituting chocolate eggs for a sweeter egg hunt. Egg rolling on Easter Monday is one of the strangest traditions. Some sources say that it represents the rolling away of the stone blocking Jesus’ tomb. It’s also known as Pace-Egging, which derives once again from the word Pesach. It’s centuries old but no-one is entirely sure of the origins, though it might have originated as a way of getting everyone out of the house for some much-needed exercise after a long weekend of feasting! On Palm Sunday it is said that Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem by an adoring throng. This and the procession which followed Jesus carrying the cross are often seen as the earliest predecessors of the modern Easter parade. During the Dark Ages, Christians in Eastern Europe would gather in a designated spot before Easter church services, then walk solemnly to the church. Afterwards they would retrace their steps while singing songs of praise. Participants usually wore their finest attire to show respect for the occasion. Eventually the Easter parade transformed into a large American cultural event consisting of a festive strolling procession on Easter Sunday. Participants dress up and there is a particular emphasis on ladies’ hats...the Easter bonnets made famous by the song from the 1948 film Easter Parade. And speaking of traditions…it’s our family tradition to watch that musical while we tuck into our Easter Eggs. Happy Easter. By Tracey Anderson

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Local News

Ashwell at Home 2022

A Day of Wellbeing’ - Sunday 8th May 11am-5pm Ashwell at Home is an annual event held in the village of Ashwell in north Herts, when this historic village welcomes visitors from near and far for a whole day of entertainment for all the family. The theme for 2022 is ‘A Day of Wellbeing’ and there will be a wide range of open gardens, free workshops for adults and children, live music and entertainment around the village, talks, displays and guided walks, lunches & teas and much more. Highlights this year include 15 open gardens of different sizes and designs, drawing & painting plants and bugs workshop, mini fit club, children’s storytelling, movement workshop, wedding dress and classic car displays, reflexology mini treatments, harp relaxation, children’s magic show, children’s junk boat modelling & racing, adult yoga workshop, adult pop and rock singing workshop, and a wide range of live music and dance all around the village from Tudor dancing and music, Morris Dancing to handbell ringing and ‘Jumba’; musical performances from classical to pop, rock and folk, vocal harmony, Spanish guitar and other accoustic instruments. Add to that a number of walks and talks on the history of Ashwell, a tree trail, basket making, spinning , art & pottery, well dressing and quilting displays - there’s so much to see and do with something for everyone!

Visit the website to see the full programme and for advance ticket purchase www.ashwellathome.org.uk Entry by programme: £8 adults (under 18s free with accompanying paying adult) - available on the day at the event, or £7 in advance from the website. Parking is free. This is a community fundraising event with all proceeds to Ashwell Museum, St Mary’s Church and Ashwell Primary School. Location: Ashwell is in North Hertfordshire, near Junction 10 of the A1(M). Ashwell, Hertfordshire SG7 5NY Website: www.ashwellathome.org.uk Email: Ashwellathome31@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshwellAtHome

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Sport

Try Something New

Martial Arts If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, why not try martial arts? You’ll improve your coordination and flexibility, it’s a great way to meet people, and it can really boost your confidence. And you’re never too old to learn. Many clubs offer adult or mixed classes. Which martial art to choose There are several types of martial art to choose from. It’s worth finding out a bit more about all the different ones that are offered in your local area. Are you mainly looking for a way to keep fit or do you want to learn self-defence? Do you want to take part in competitions? Do you want to learn to fight with weapon such as swords or sticks, or would you rather focus on unarmed combat? Clubs usually offer taster sessions for free or at a reduced rate, so you could try a few types to see which one most appeals. How to learn You’ll want to join a club that’s registered with a governing body, such as the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain or The British Karate Association. Make sure that the club is fully insured and check the senior instructor’s credentials. If you’re hoping to compete, you may want to choose a larger club that has been successful in tournaments. If you’re just looking for a fun activity, you might prefer a smaller club with a family atmosphere. It’s worth asking for recommendations on social

media and within your friendship group. What you’ll need For most martial arts, you’ll need to buy an outfit, such as a dobok (tae kwon-do) or gi (karate, judo, aikido, and jiujitsu). However, clubs will usually let you wear normal sports clothes for your first few sessions. It’s a good idea to wait to buy the outfit until you’ve spoken to your instructor, as they may need you to wear a uniform that’s branded with the club logo or that’s been approved by their parent association. Branded outfits tend to cost around £30 to £40, but non-branded gis are often a lot cheaper. You can also pick up second-hand outfits on eBay and dedicated Facebook selling groups. As you progress, you may need more equipment, such as a sparring kit. Again, these can often be picked up second-hand. How much it costs Costs vary depending on the type of martial art. You’ll likely need to pay an annual membership fee of £20 to £40, plus a monthly payment for classes. Some clubs do offer a ‘pay as you go’ membership, however. Gradings (where you move onto the next level or belt) cost extra, as do tournaments. If you’re worried about the cost, the best thing to do is speak to the club’s senior instructor. They’ll be able to give you a good idea of how much you can expect to spend over the year.

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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

A good night’s sleep

Create the perfect restful retreat by combining a great bed with the ideal mattress and sumptuous, stylish linens. We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s worth investing in the different elements that will help ensure the best possible night’s sleep – from a good-looking bed frame to lovely, layered bedlinen, a well-chosen mattress and a set of quality pillows. Choosing a bed The most popular choice of bed base is a simple divan frame, which usually sit on castors, but are sometimes elevated on legs. Look for examples with useful side drawers, or ‘ottoman’ divans in which the entire mattress can be lifted up to access storage beneath. The alternative is a bedstead, generally made from wood or metal (though rattan elements are fashionable these days), which may be modern and minimal, but are more often traditional in appearance, such as a four-poster, a ‘sleigh’ bed or Victorian-style cast iron. The choice is largely aesthetic, but do bear in mind that not all mattresses and bases are compatible with each other. Size matters when it comes to beds. Disturbance from a partner (or children) is one of the most common causes of sleeping complaints, so buy as big

a bed as you can afford and that will fit comfortably into the room – remembering to leave enough space around it. You will need to allow about 450mm at the foot and sides of a bed in order to be able to make it comfortably, and at least 700mm of floor space between the side of a bed and the wardrobe, if this is where you are going to dress. All about mattresses If you prefer a sprung mattress, the best are ‘pocket’ sprung, in which a large number of small springs work independently from each other, adjusting to the body and eliminating ‘roll-together’. Look for springs encased in calico pockets, hand nested in a honeycomb pattern and centre tied with linen cord. Other signs of a high standard are quality ticking (the mattress’s fabric cover), hand side stitching, which keeps the mattress in good condition for longer, and sturdy handles to enable easy turning. Fillings include cotton, wool, coir, foam and horsehair, with added mohair, cashmere and silk at the luxury end of the market. Tufted construction is considered better than quilting, as it prevents loose fillings from

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being dislodged. And, if you and your partner prefer different mattresses, or are very different in weight, zip and link mattresses – two singles that can be attached together – could be the answer. The relatively new market in non-sprung mattresses includes latex, foam or gel mattresses that can be delivered straight to your door and are often inexpensive. Warmer than sprung mattresses, they mould to the sleeper’s shape and are said to be good for sufferers of allergies and joint pain. Perhaps the ultimate solution is a combination mattress, which offers the support and comfort of springs with a non-sprung top layer. Consider, too, adding a mattress topper, which will add another layer of comfort and should help extend the life of your mattress. Comfortable pillows If you want to wake up feeling refreshed, you’ll need to choose the right pillow. Down, feather, wool, latex, memory foam, synthetic down and hybrid are all options – as are cooling pillows, antisnoring pillows, sleep apnoea pillows, pregnancy pillows and adjustable pillows. There’s no simple recommendation; it’s a case of personal preference, provided your pillow supports your neck and keeps your spine aligned in a neutral position. Experts recommend replacing pillows every one to two years. Why? Because over time they start to lose their support – and become less and less hygienic. Using a good quality pillow protector may help with longevity, and you should launder pillows regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

3 Gorgeous bedlinens Quality bed linen feels comfortable next to the skin, and will also wash well and last for years. What type should it be? Pure linen has excellent breathability, a cool, crisp touch and gets softer as it gets older – but does require ironing. Silk is also highly breathable, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer – it’s even said to reduce wrinkles and keep your hair glossy. It needs gentle handling but can go in the washing machine. Cotton, though, is by far the most popular choice, of which pure Egyptian cotton is generally considered the finest. Look for a thread count of more than 200, and up to 600 for real luxury. And finally there’s easy-care, a 50:50 mix of cotton and polyester, which has obvious advantages. A set of white bed linen is a classic choice and complements any and every scheme. Even pure white, however, need not be completely plain, as all but the most basic duvet covers and pillows offer interesting design details, from pin tucks, cording and scalloped edging to hemstitch, embroidery and lace. Add an eye-catching bed cover, perhaps also a throw and some bed cushions, selecting luscious textures and interesting trims, and you have a gorgeous layered style with a comfortable feel and eternally appealing look.

1 Combining sustainably sourced wood and natural rattan, this French-style bed features cabriole legs and hard-carved motifs. Montgomery rattan bed, £2,650, The French Bedroom Company: 01444 415 430; frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk. 2 Grand yet lightweight and modern, this slender canopy bed makes a statement without seeming overbearing. Luna Canopy king-size bed, £1,195, Cox & Cox: 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk. 3 This sumptuous upholstered bed features a large hidden storage compartment. Roman ottoman bed frame, £1,399, Furniture Village: 0800 804 8879; furniturevillage. co.uk.

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104 Ampthill Road, Shefford, Beds SG17 5BB 22

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Food & Drink

Soft Drinks Come of Age

By Samantha Joseph

If ever you’ve wanted to cut down on alcohol but can’t stomach sickly cordials, coke or fruit juice then try a grown-up non-alcoholic beverage. Seedlip Spice 94 - This is neither fruity, nor sweet. Seedlip was in fact the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit. It combines six individually distilled barks, allspice berries & Cardamom. The distillation process is similar to that used for gin. It’s a wonderfully complex flavour and is delicious mixed with tonic over ice. Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil - I discovered this when I bought some as a mixer. It was created by Dutch twins Raissa & Joyce de Hass’ and is an award-winning recipe. It’s made with 100 per cent natural ingredients and contains just 66 calories a bottle. The flavours are refreshing basil, with warm undertones of aniseed and sweet but tart pomegranate. It’s so nice on its own poured over ice that I rarely add gin...though it does go amazingly well with Hendricks (shhh...this is supposed to be an alcohol-free article) Daylesford Sparkling Apple & Bilberry Juice – This comes in a chic champagne-style bottle. It’s lightly sparkling and would make the ideal aperitif for non-alcohol drinkers when celebrating with friends. It’s produced in Nantes in northwest France from all organic ingredients. They let the fruits ripen on the trees and bushes for the fullest flavour possible. They are harvested using traditional methods. Belvoir Ginger Cordial - This is a family favourite. You don’t need much (because it’s quite sweet). I like it mixed with half sparkling and half still water, over lots of ice and fresh mint. It might lack the sophistication of the previous three drinks, but it transports me to an Enid Blyton childhood filled with lashings and lashings of ginger beer! Cheers!

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Firepits

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Firepit tips and tricks Back when all get-togethers had to be outside, my brother bought me a firepit. I imagined evenings spent under the stars with my friends, toasting marshmallows. The reality was a smoky, eye-watering disaster. I stuffed it in the shed and forgot about it until the owner of my local hardware store asked if I’d considered buying a firepit. I cut him off and related my story. “Oh, you’re probably doing it wrong!” he smiled. I gawped at him; I mean how many ways are there to use a firepit...come on!? Well dear reader, after a little re-education, I’m now a convert! Excess fire pit smoke is the most common reason people stop using their firepit. Typically, it results from firewood burning incompletely due to excess moisture in the wood. The pitch or sap in some woods can also be a factor. The next cause is an improperly constructed fire which causes fuel to smoulder instead of burn, producing more smoke. So, what’s the solution? First choose the right kind of wood. This should be both adequately dried and not naturally predisposed to smoking excessively when burned. Wood smoke is generated when certain chemicals within the wood burn inefficiently. In an efficient, well-burning, hot fire, these chemicals are typically burned off quickly before significant smoke forms. Look for seasoned wood, which has a moisture content of 30% or less, the lower the better. Seasoned wood has gone through an indoor or outdoor aging process under the right conditions. You can also buy kiln dried wood, which is more expensive but works incredibly well. Basically, dry wood burns efficiently, and efficient burning means less smoke. On the other hand, fresh cut wood, or older wood which has been allowed to get damp contains more water and burns inefficiently which means smoke. You can buy properly seasoned wood from your local hardware store, and for most of us who use firepits for a couple of hours at the weekend this is

By Tracey Anderson

convenient. If you want better value and you have room to store the wood you can buy in bulk from a log merchant. If you want to check moisture levels in wood you’ve cut and dried yourself you can purchase an inexpensive handheld moisture metre. They generally cost between £40 and £100. Wood with a maximum of 30% moisture is the baseline but 20% or less is best (that’s the standard with most kiln dried firewood) Other things to watch out for are old, potentially damp ash, embers, and other debris that accumulates in firepits. These can impede the ignition process and result resulting in a fire pit that won’t ‘catch’ properly, and smokes. Empty your firepit after use and store upside down so it doesn’t fill up with rain! It’s best to avoid pine, because it has a super high sap content, which tends to produce more smoke. Softwoods in general tend to be mor ‘sap rich’ and can actually be useful in the initial stages of a fire as they burn ‘hot’ for a brief period, so they are good when trying to get the main wood to burn. Finally, make sure your fire is stacked correctly. You need good airflow. Make a wigwam structure with your wood or use a log-cabin stack (think Jenga without the middle pieces!) to keep air flowing and provide a gap in the middle for tinder and kindling. Then sit back and bust out the marshmallows!

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House of Colour

The Good Buy Guide How many of us find an item in a shop, while we’re in a rush and think ‘that’ll do’? It seems to fit, kind of does the job we wanted, and it might even be on sale too. Home it comes and there it stays. Wardrobes are full of those ‘that’ll do’s’ that quite frankly won’t do. They’re the ones that we shove to the back while we continue to wear the 15% of our wardrobe that we actually like and properly seems to fit the bill. It’s costing us though. And I don’t mean in terms of the till price we paid which we won’t necessarily see again but it will cost us to have it sitting doing nothing in our wardrobe. It will be adding to the stress in the morning as we run our eyes frantically through our clothing deciding what to wear, as well as preventing us seeing the items that might in fact be useful! So have a careful think before you rush to the till with these thoughts: • If you’re in the market for an investment item, higher price like a coat, boots, handbag buy it in a neutral colour or a WOW colour. This will mean it will be able to work with everything else in your wardrobe easily and you are much more likely to get serious wear from it. (Find your WOW colours in a House of Colour colour consultation) • Buy quality. I’ve recently written about it but it’s worth mentioning as clothing will look better for longer. • Is it going to work with other items in your wardrobe. If it’s in the right colour and right style for you it’s highly likely that it will work with lots of other things. When you buy something new try making it into 10 different outfits as soon as you bring it home. • Buy less buy better. Be choosy about what you buy. Try and avoid ‘hobby shopping’ and end up buying for the sake of it and avoid shopping with those you know who might pressure you in the wrong direction.

• Don’t sacrifice on comfort. We wear uncomfortable items about three times before we give up. When trying on clothes sit down in them, really move about. If it’s not working in the changing room it’s going to be worse when you’re out at dinner. • No more ‘that’ll do’. Does it not only fit you properly, but is it your style? Be honest with yourself and walk away if not. If you feel you aren’t sure enough about what really does work for you, and gives you a real boost then embrace a style session and remove the doubt. • Do you love it? Have a wonderful Easter break! Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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A PP N OI NO EC N ES TM SA EN RY T

PRICELIST Wet Cut & Blow Dry

£13.00

Wash Cut & Blow Dry

£16.00

Skin Fades

£17.00

Clipper Cuts

£10.00

Children (Up to 11 years)

£11.00

Senior Citizens

£9.00

Beard Trim

£6.00

Shape Ups, Lines & Patterns

from £1.00

We are open as usual with Covid guidelines in place to keep you safe Unit 1, St Francis House, Whitehorse Lane, Great Ashby Neighbourhood Centre, Stevenage, SG1 6NH

01438 317482

OPEN TIMES

Mon - Wed: 9am - 5:30pm Thurs: 9am - 7:00pm Friday: 9am - 5:30pm Saturday: 8am - 4:00pm Sunday: CLOSED

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Finance

Do I need life insurance? Life insurance may feel both baffling and daunting, but it’s a key step towards financial security for many people. These are the most important things to know when deciding whether it’s right for you and which policy to choose. The most important question is what you want the life insurance to achieve. With most forms of insurance, it’s simply a case of covering costs or replacing something that’s lost, stolen or damaged. With life insurance, you’re commonly looking to replace your income. That means it matters whether you are the sole ‘breadwinner’ in your household, you share financial responsibilities, or you have no dependents (in which case life insurance usually makes little sense). It also matters whether you simply want to maintain an income for your family after you die or if you are concerned with specific expenses, such as a mortgage or university costs for your children. Those factors will help you make the biggest decision: whether to get a whole-of-life policy or a term policy. The former means that, as long as you keep up the payments, the policy pays out when you die. These policies tend to work out more expensive, both through higher payments and because you’ll be paying in for longer. It’s usually taken out by people who want to be sure to cover funeral costs, or want their heirs to be able to pay an inheritance tax bill without having to sell the family home.

With term policies you pay premiums and are eligible for payouts during a fixed period. Depending on your financial goals, this could be a set number of years, the remaining term of your mortgage or until your planned retirement date. These policies are usually cheaper that whole-of-life policies. Once the term ends, you stop making payments and the policy will never pay out. If you go for a term policy, you need to decide how the payout level changes over time. The most basic option is a ‘level’ policy that simply pays a fixed lump sum on your death. A variation of this means the payout amount goes up each year during the term, in line with inflation. In contrast, a decreasing policy means the payout amount falls each year during the term. That makes premiums lower and is most suitable when you want the life insurance to clear your mortgage if you die. The falling payout reflects the fact your outstanding mortgage debt will also fall over time. Whether you get whole-of-life or term insurance, you need to decide whether to get a single or joint policy, for example with your spouse or partner. A single policy is straightforward: the payout goes into your estate and is distributed in line with your will. With a joint policy, the default set-up is that when (or if) one of the two policyholders dies, the payout goes to the other policyholder. The policy then ends with no further premiums or payouts.

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Celebrating 30 Years (And still going strong!) I cannot believe we have reached our 30th year in maintaining gardens in the North Herts/Beds area. In that time, we have maintained and landscaped 1000’s of gardens, big and small. It all started in 1992 when my full time Insurance job allowed me plenty of time during the day which helped with childcare for our two children, but still left spare time that I didn’t know how to fill. I loved maintaining our 100ft garden in Baldock, so I thought why not maintain and tidy other gardens too for extra income for my family. Back then we didn’t have internet and google so the only way to put our name out there was placing adverts in the local paper, Yellow Pages and Thompsons Directories. Although, if you missed the cut off point for the Directories then you had to wait for a whole year to get in! Our first job came in and off I trotted to quote, it was to dig up a small apple tree stump and roots Easy job!?? (Or so I thought). The quote of £25 was accepted and I went round a day later with all my home DIY tools (How naive was I?). It was June, very hot and 5 hours later I managed to cut away the last of the roots. 5 hours!! I thought it would be a couple of hours at the most - welcome to the real world of professional gardening Dave. It didn’t put me off too much and I soon realised there was more to this gardening lark than I first thought. The adverts were working and soon had a steady stream of accepted quotes, which was great!

However, after a month or two, it became apparent how many times the customers said, “I’m so glad you have actually turned up.” The gardening and landscaping industry was renowned for letting clients down, I was so shocked, and it dawned on me there was a huge gap in the market for reliable and regular gardeners. I made it my mantra, if I said I was coming to give you a quote, I would turn up and meet you! (Regardless of what happens) and I have remained steadfast to that ethos. One of earlier landscaping project was for The Hertfordshire Football Association in Letchworth Garden City. They had built a new stand, changing rooms and clubhouse and wanted their frontage completely landscaped. After planting a new 100ft hawthorn hedge along the perimeter, we commissioned bespoke double metal entry gates. We finished with a beautiful new lawn, eye-catching shrubs and trees to complete the project. That was 25 years ago and to this day I still get a buzz seeing it every time I go pass. The years have flown by since those early days and we’ve had some highs and lows on the way, our premises have been broken into three times – it was heart-breaking. We have also met some wonderful customers, some who have now sadly passed away. We now maintain over 300 client’s gardens/grounds (residential and commercial) on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis. I have a strong team of 7 gardeners who love their job ensuring our customers gardens are looking their best. We also have 2 landscapers who carry out all our fencing, patio, decking and artificial lawn projects and we are fortunate to be fully booked until the end of April 2022. A YOUNG ME OUTSIDE THE HERTS FA GROUND IN LETCHWORTH AFTER LANDSCAPING THEIR GROUNDS.

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I feel very grateful to be in this situation when other companies have unfortunately suffered during the past 2 years. Of course, it’s not just about the gardening aspect which keeps us successful. We now have a great office team running everything behind the scenes, with Office Manager Stella Piper and Assistant Sarah Henderson, ensuring phones are answered in a timely manner and quotes are sent out within 48 hours of my quotation appointment, along with many other important and vital activities ensuring the business runs smoothly. Our regular clients receive a bi-annual Newsletter which keeps them informed of their schedule, what work we will be carrying out in the coming seasons amongst other articles. They also receive an automated email two days prior to a planned visit, keeping them informed all the way. Our teams are super friendly and amenable and use only the top of the range commercial machinery to carry out the work. We also take away all the green waste after the completion of each visit so no need to use brown bins. We invoice once per month and accept a whole range of payment methods including our new automated payments, credit/debit card, cheque, and BACS transfers. We make it as easy as we possibly can.

What do you want from your garden? You are just one call or email away from sitting back, relaxing and letting us do all your hard work for you, so you can enjoy a lovely looking garden at the weekend. As well as garden maintenance, we also carry out one off tidy-ups, we love tackling garden nightmares and getting your outdoor space back into shape so you can utilise it again. Now is the best time to book your visit in readiness for Spring and Summer. Just Google “Sunshine Gardens Baldock” and see our 50 plus genuine 5-star reviews and testimonials for your peace of mind. Do you have a garden that needs transforming? Can we help you with your landscaping project? We can transform your tired and neglected gardens using our imagination and skills enabling you to enjoy your outdoor space. Book early though as we are already fully booked until the end of April/May 2022. Contact us for a free written quotation which will be sent to you within 48 hours. We are proud to be one of the most long standing and trusted garden maintenance and landscaping companies in your area.

Dave and his teams are ready and raring to go in 2022. To help celebrate our 30th year in business, we are offering the first 10 new clients 12 months garden maintenance for the price of just 9 months. Contact us on 01462 262200 office@sunshinegardensbaldock.co.uk PLEASE SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT IN THIS MAGAZINE FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON PAGE 36.

Sunshine Gardens

1992

1995

2021

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2022

Gardening

Plant a tree for the jubilee: the Queen’s Green Canopy The joys of spring Early spring in the garden is probably the most longed-for time of the year for most. The weather is naturally unpredictable and the wise gardener will be prepared for just about anything. There could be a heatwave, snow, frost, drought and April showers. Be prepared to protect tender young shoots with a covering of horticultural fleece, which can be used as a warm blanket until the cold snap has passed. This is the perfect time for pruning a variety of shrubs, depending on the weather. If fairly mild, Hydrangea macrophylla can be pruned down to a pair of buds and old, woody growth can be removed. Buddleja davidii can have a good tidy up, ready for new growth, Lavender can be gently

trimmed and Cornus, which is grown for winter stem colour, can be pruned hard if you haven’t already done so. Deciduous ornamental grasses should also be cut down to make way for new growth. Plant a tree for the jubilee Make the most of the coming growing season by planting trees and shrubs as soon as possible so that their roots can romp away as the soil warms. Her Majesty the Queen has been on the throne for 70 years this year and we are all urged to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’. This national tree initiative is encouraging everyone to plant trees, whether it’s a single specimen in a garden or an entire woodland. It is hoped that individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and councils will all take part in a bid to green up the UK. This, of course, will help to fight the climate crisis. Trees, after all, are our friends when it comes to absorbing pollution, storing carbon, producing oxygen, stabilising the soil, helping to prevent flooding, improving biodiversity and providing shelter. But did you know that some trees are better than others when it comes to eco credentials? Oak, beech, London plane, black walnut, many larger maples and eucalyptus are some of the best when it comes to carbon storage. Larger trees are generally better than smaller varieties, but anything is better than none at all! Broadleaved species have a larger surface area of leaves, which enables them to carry

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out photosynthesis. They absorb water, sunlight and carbon dioxide in order to produce oxygen. When it comes to wildlife, oaks are kings of the habitat providers, but smaller trees, including a wide range of birch, are excellent too. Some of the woodland edge smaller trees and shrubs excel at this particular role, including elder, spindle, blackthorn, wild cherry, crab apple, hawthorn and holly. The key lies in planting a diverse mix of species in order to provide as many benefits as possible to wildlife. Think in terms of food sources as well as cute, furry and feathery creatures. Insects are just as important when you consider the food chain. Pests and diseases It is wise to avoid planting a monoculture using just one species of tree. If disease strikes, you are likely to lose the entire group. This applies to street trees as much as it does to garden hedges, copses and woodland. Far better to include a mix of species, which will be less likely to pass on disease to each other. For this reason, it is sensible to extend the range of trees in the UK to include non-native, hardy trees as well as natives. Always source trees from reliable, ‘plant-healthy’ suppliers. Be aware of the general health of trees, including disease that causes limbs to be lost, thus posing a safety risk in public places. • Ash dieback is likely to cause the loss of up to 80 per cent of this tree in the UK. Affected trees near public areas should be removed. • Phytophthora ramorum is an organism that is sometimes called a water mould. It causes

bleeding canker symptoms on trees, including larch and sweet chestnut in addition to conifers such as Douglas fir. It can also cause sudden oak death. • Phytophthora pluvialis has recently been discovered in western hemlock and Douglas fir in the West Country. It causes needles to turn brown and drop, eventually resulting in dieback. • Oak processionary moth is an insect pest that is currently present in London and surrounding counties. There are silken nests and processions of caterpillars that defoliate oak trees, thus leaving them vulnerable and unable to carry out photosynthesis. • A fungal disease called massaria is spreading amongst London plane trees, including those at Buckingham Palace and some of the Royal parks. It causes lesions on branches, which die back and are eventually shed.

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

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Pets

14 Easy Ways to Help The RSPCA We all know there are fabulous RSPCA shops all over the country that we can buy lovely things from and take our unwanted clothes and bric-a-brac to. We also know if we want a new pet we could approach the RSPCA. But how many of the other 12 ways were you already aware of? Smile Amazon - Amazon have recently set up ‘Smile Amazon’, meaning each time you buy something via Smile Amazon, they donate money to your chosen charity. The ‘Royal Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Bedfordshire North Branch’ have registered with this scheme so you can select our charity when you are shopping. Donate Nectar Points - Your Nectar points can now be used to support our charity. If this is something you’d like to do, you will need to link your Nectar account to a Crowdfunder account. You can then donate converted points via our charity page: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ rspca-bedsnorthbranch... All money donated will go towards the vet bills and boarding costs of the animals that come into our care. Enter the Spring Superdraw - Competitions are still very popular and this one is no different. You could win up to £5,000. Simply head over to our website to buy a ticket! Payroll Giving - Payroll giving (also known as Give As You Earn) is a simple way to make regular donations to the RSPCA straight from your salary. You can donate as much or as little you like and you can stop your donation at any time. Plus, it’s tax free! It is very quick and easy to set up. All you would need to do is fill in an online form. Legacy Payment - Leaving a gift for the RSPCA in your Will is another way people can support us. Did you know over half of our work is funded by people who have left us a gift in their Will? So, these gifts are extremely important to us. Is it something you have considered?

Generation Kind - You may recall reading about ‘Generation Kind’ in a previous edition, in essence it is an education program that we have created for schools. Through Generation Kind we’re ramping up our efforts to inspire kindness in the classroom - helping to shape a kinder future for animals. Ask your local school if they are involved. Adopt/rehome/sponsor/foster - These are the four main ways that you can care for an animal through the RSPCA. All of which are important, valuable and rewarding. Check out our FaceBook page for more details. Donate online - If you visit the RSPCA website, you can make a one off donation payment or set up a more permanent regular amount. It’s up to you. Your gift helps support long term projects, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and our rescue teams. You could also visit one of our fabulous charity shops, become a member or why not organise a fundraising. There are now many ways in which you can support your local RSPCA, and we are very grateful and appreciative of it. 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. info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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www.acs-aggregates.com

Collection & Delivery of Loose Aggregates Building Sand • Sharp Sand • Ballast • MOT Type 1 • 10 & 20mm shingle Top Soil • Granite Dust • Cements • Drainage • EASYjoint • Sleepers

Open six days a week

Monday – Friday 7.00am – 4.30pm Saturday 8.00am – 12.00pm

Tel: 01438 311699 Mob: 07788 446635 Email: info@acs-aggregates.com Shangri-La Farm, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2JE To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Home Products

Organise your utility By Katherine Sorrell

The most hard-working room in the house plays a vital role, from storing cleaning kit to doing the laundry. Combine beauty with utility to make it a functional and enjoyable space to use. Why not add some art and plants to bring personality to your utility room? Light Mineral eggshell, £15 for 1l; Harbor large sideboard, £449; acacia wood concertina airer, £40; Pebble wool rug, from £49; Coastal set of three framed prints, £28; all Dunelm.

Keep everything to hand, including a rolling clothes rack and a laundry basket, to make washing and ironing easier. Rack, ironing board, basket and iron, all Wayfair. A large, 76l box with three smaller inserts makes separating and storing recycling easy, while the sturdy wooden lid enables the box to be used as a seat, too. Orthex SmartStore Collect recycling and storage box, £85, Not a Boring Box.

Colourful and hard-wearing, this organic jute basket is practical for all kinds of uses. Pastel Fairisle utility basket, from £24, The Braided Rug Company.

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Planning the perfect utility room

Folding flat to conserve space, this beech and galvanised steel wall dryer conveniently utilises space on the wall. Chalford wall dryer, £110, Garden Trading.

With five hooks and a handy shelf this wood-and-metal unit has plenty of room for keeping clutter neat and tidy. Giro industrial wall shelf with hooks, £79, Cuckooland.

It may only be a utility room, but finishing touches such as knobs, switches and hooks are still important. Cotswold Collection of luxury solid brass hardware in burnished brass finish, from £13.69 for a bun cabinet knob, Armac Martin.

Keep bits and pieces organised in a convenient container with a handle. Tin housekeeping caddy, £6, B&M. STOCKISTS B&M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk Cuckooland: 01305 231 231; cuckooland.com Garden Trading: 01993 845 559; gardentrading.co.uk Veo: veo.world

• Get the basics right with practical flooring and lighting. An easily cleanable floorcovering such as vinyl or ceramic tiles is best for a utility room – though you could add a rug for some softness underfoot (while you’re ironing, for example). Bright lighting is essential, too. Adjustable ceiling spotlights are a good option, as are strip lights mounted below wall units or shelves. Ensure that any wall lights don’t protrude into working areas, and that pendants don’t hang too low. • A bespoke utility room will have storage built to suit the room and accommodate your every need, from fitted cupboards to open shelves. However, it is not too difficult to set up a very useful space using wall-mounted shelving, hooks and rails, free-standing shelves and racks, and a range of useful baskets and boxes, carefully chosen to suit the items you need to store. • Save space by thinking vertically. A tumble dryer can be mounted above a washing machine, while pulleys can be used for a laundry drying rack. Tall, slim shelving is ideal, and all sorts of items can be hung from high hooks or tucked inside stacked boxes. • In a small room, pale, neutral colours feel calm and help give an impression of light and space. A plain space may appeal if all you want to do is get in and out as quickly as possible. On the other hand, since you have to do household chores, you might as well make the room you’re spending time in as welcoming as possible. It’s easy to add personality with a few small elements, such as framed prints or photographs on the walls and a selection of potted plants (real or artificial). Tuck a reed diffuser in a corner, too, and ensure the space always smells gorgeous.

Armac Martin: 0121 359 2111; armacmartin.co.uk The Braided Rug Company: 01654 767 248; braided-rug.co.uk Dunelm: 0845 165 6565; dunelm.com Not a Boring Box: notaboringbox.com Wayfair: 0800 756 4191; wayfair.co.uk

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Special Report

A New Epidemic Is stress making you sick? By Louise Addison

We all know about coronavirus but in fact one of the major health risks today is stress. Workdays lost to stress, depression, and anxiety, are estimated to cost the British economy in excess of about £35 billion a year in lost output. But what exactly is stress? Stress is a natural, short term, response to danger. It floods our bodies with the hormones, adrenalin, and cortisol. In combination these hormones activate our heart and cardiovascular system. They raise our blood pressure and set us in a heightened state of alertness. They affect our liver and increase our blood sugar. During a stressful event all nonessential body functions, e.g., cell repair and ovulation, cease. If we’re under immediate threat from say, a mugger, or a life-threatening accident, a strong stress response is good, it may even help to save our lives. But long-term stress is bad for us. Exposure to large quantities of adrenalin and cortisol over a long period compromise our immune systems and increase our risk of suffering from high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and Diabetes. The most common form of long-term stress reported to GPs is work-related and specifically it is reported by those people who feel they have little or no control over their working environment. A healthy working environment includes choices; some control over what you do and an element of appreciation for the effort you put in. Unfortunately, many working environments fall short of this. Alarmingly, The Whitehall Experiment, which monitored 10,000 civil servants over a long period, found that those at bottom of the hierarchy

experienced 4 times the mortality rate of those at the top, even when poor diet and smoking were factored into the calculations! It seems that some of us quite literally, are working ourselves to death. If you feel this is you and a change of job isn’t possible, then advice has been to try to balance stress levels both at and away from work. Yet recently the pandemic has meant that for many of us home and work have become inseparable, and this has added to wider stress in the world, including soaring food and energy prices and the war in Ukraine. Take a few minutes and see if you can articulate in a few words what the major sources of stress are in your working environment: unrealistic deadlines or targets, obstructive colleagues, interfering management etc. Then do the same for stress triggers away from work. If you feel you can tackle any of the issues, then do that. This isn’t always possible, but sometimes just knowing exactly why you are feeling stressed is enough to help you cope and see a way forward. Perhaps you need to restrict the time you spend answering work emails out of hours or cut down on the amount of news you consume or make time to go for a walk in the fresh air. Exercise is actually an excellent stress reducer, along with yoga. A well-balanced diet also helps and drinking lots of water is a great way to help the body rid itself of toxins. In addition, it has been shown that therapies such as massage also have potent stress-reducing properties. Bringing down your stress levels in 2022 may not be easy but your body will thank you for trying.

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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

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

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Special Report

Fostering

Is it right for you?

Thousands of children enter the care system every year, through no fault of their own. If you feel you could offer a child a nurturing home, and you want a more rewarding job, it’s worth considering fostering as a career. Who can foster? If you’re over 21, care about children, have a spare bedroom and can offer a stable home environment, then you can apply to become a foster carer. You don’t need to be in a relationship or own your home, and your gender, ethnicity and sexuality don’t matter. The fostering service will want to make sure any child they place in your care is safe. They’ll therefore run a series of background checks, and you’ll need to provide references. The full assessment process can take six to eight months. How much do foster carers earn? Rates of pay vary between locations and organisations, and sometimes depend on how much experience you have and whether the child has additional needs. Most fostering services pay significantly more than the government’s minimum fostering allowance, and you’ll usually receive extra money towards holidays and presents. There are also significant tax benefits to fostering. Could I cope? Fostering can be challenging, but you’ll receive ongoing training and support. Foster children come

from all different backgrounds. Some have had a difficult start to life and will need help to overcome that. Can I choose the children I foster? You’ll be asked for your preferences, such as the age group you’re interested in fostering. Foster services try to ensure a good match between foster carer and child, and of course you have the right to refuse to foster any child who you don’t feel able to support. As you gain more experience, you may want to put yourself forward for specialist placements, for example children who need more intensive support. You’d then receive additional training and potentially be paid a higher fee. How long would I foster each child for? Some children may come to you for just a few days. Others might end up staying for months, or even years. If you don’t feel able to foster full-time, you could offer short-term placements or respite care. Many foster children end up going back to their families, while others go forward for adoption or stay in foster care. Further information You’ll find lots of information at www.fosterline.info and there’s also a free helpline: 0800 040 7675. If you are considering fostering, the best thing to do is speak to your local authority. They’ll be able to tell you more about the fostering process and answer any questions you may have.

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Technology

The best coffee machines for every day Our recommendations for making fantastic flat whites and excellent espresso Coffee machines typically come in three different flavours. The simplest and most affordable machines are filter coffee makers, which you load with ground coffee and wait for the hot water to pass through it and into the jug below. Then there are capsule coffee machines, into which you insert single-cup capsules that can make anything from speciality coffees to hot chocolate. And finally, at the more expensive end of the market there are bean-to-cup machines, which you fill with beans that they grind before passing hot water over them. Bean-to-cup machines make brilliant coffee (depending of course on the beans you use), but while it’s possible to get a miniature beanto-cup machine for about £40 the good ones start at around £250 and continue well past the £1,000 mark, with machines at the high end featuring extremely high water pressure, artificial intelligence, tablet-style displays and more coffee options than you could possibly drink in a lifetime. Some also include milk frothers for creamy cappuccinos and flat whites. If you’re serious about coffee but don’t want to spend serious money, both Dolce Gusto and Nespresso coffee machines are very affordable – around £35 to £90 at the time of writing – and the pods come in at around 50p each for Nespresso and 20p each for Dolce Gusto. Although the machines themselves are very simple, the available pods cover every conceivable kind of coffee, enabling you to make whatever you like without any fuss whatsoever. Last but not least there are the familiar filter coffee makers, with prices starting below £25 and rising to about £200 for prestigious brands such as Smeg. Although most such coffee makers have a keep-warm function, we’d recommend turning them off when they’re not in use: we’ve burnt through many filter coffee makers whose heating elements failed after just a few months of fairly intensive use. In addition to all of these machines there’s another option: the Aeropress. This £30 coffee maker is similar to but faster and easier to clean than a French press: simply combine water and ground coffee, let it sit for a bit and then press the plunger down to deliver a smooth and mellow drink.

Aeropress Unlike the other coffee machines here, the Aeropress has no electric or electronic parts: it does its magic by air pressure. Simply fill it with coffee and hot water, wait a bit and then plunge for perfect coffee. £29.99, aeropress.co.uk

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mini Me If even a Nespresso machine is too big, this tiny machine packs a seriously caffeinated punch thanks to its Dolce Gusto pods, which are even more affordable than Nespresso ones. £56, Amazon UK

Nespresso Vertuo Plus If you want high-end coffee without the high-end price tag, Nespresso machines are much more affordable and make it easy to get excellent coffee every time. £199, nespresso.com Jura E6 Platinum Jura’s coffee machines are incredibly impressive. The E6 is packed with cutting-edge coffee technology that makes it really easy to use. It has eleven different specialities and there’s an intelligent water filter for perfect taste. £599, hartsofstur.com Delonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 We’ll admit bias here: we’re on our second Magnifica and they’re magnificent bean-to-cup machines. They’re quite noisy but the results are worth a few seconds of grinding and wheezing, and they’re particularly great with famous Italian coffee brands. £349, delonghi.com

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Premier 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.

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

www.premierpd.co.uk

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 48

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN APRIL 1 APRIL

Bedford Art Society 7.15 for 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford

Members free, visitors £5 Tony Jackson talks about the work of the Glasgow School of Art, the Glasgow Boys and later works produced in Glasgow. Tel: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 for info Web: www.bedsartsociety.co.uk 1 & 2 APRIL

Sweet Charity Doors open 7.15pm for 7.45pm Pirton Village Hall

Tickets: Wednesday £10, other days £12 Pirton Players perform the terrific musical Sweet Charity. Tickets available from Pirton Village Shop or online. Bar available. Web: pirtonplayers.org 1, 8, 22 & 29 APRIL Storytime 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 1, 8, 22 & 29 APRIL

Bridge Club 1.30-4.30pm Springfield House, Old Stevenage Community Centre

Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 2 APRIL

The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm RAF Henlow, SG16 6DN

The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. See website for full information. Call on the day if information is needed. Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

2 APRIL

Fairfield Lawn Bowls Club 10am-5pm Kingsley Avenue, Fairfield Park, SG5 4YG

Come and try lawn bowls for free. All equipment and coaching provided. All ages. Just bring flat shoes. No obligation to join our friendly club but new members only £15 for the whole year. 2 APRIL

Weston Concerts Spring Season 2022 7.30pm. Weston Village Hall

Tickets 315, under 19s £5 Clive Carroll - guitar. Pay bar. Tickets: www.trybooking.co.uk/BLIU Web: www.westonmusicsociety. org.uk 3 APRIL

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade

‘Derelict Hill Farm to Garden in a year or two or Twenty’ with Derry Watkins., well-known nursery owner. Plants for sale. Visitors welcome – small charge. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 4, 7, 11, 14, 21, 25 & 28 APRIL

Retired Persons Table Tennis Club Mondays 11am-1.30pm. Thursday 1.30-4pm Memorial Hall, Stotfold

The club plays both doubles and singles. Monthly subscription payable. Sadly, we are not a club for beginners at this time, but we do have vacancies for new members. Please email Terry for further details. Email: terrygriffiths50@gmail.com 4, 11, 18 & 25 APRIL

Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-10.30pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin

Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Meets every Monday night. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

4, 11 & 25 APRIL

Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills and are an opportunity for you to meet other families too. Booking essential. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 6 APRIL

Pic-n-Mix Social Group 10.30am-12pm Letchworth Library

Meets the first Wednesday of every month. Each session has a theme or activity, and suggestions are made attendees. Drop in for a cuppa, a chat and make some new friends! 6, 13, 20 & 27 APRIL Storytime 10.30-11am Stevenage Library

Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 7 APRIL

The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth

‘Bandstands: Decline and Revival’ by Paul Rabbitts. Visitors welcome. Lift access. Web: theartssocietynorthherts. org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 APRIL

Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am & 11.15-11.45am Hitchin Library

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN APRIL 7, 14, 21 & 28 APRIL

Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin

Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friends generally 50+ age group. Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 8 APRIL

Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock

With The Tonic, caller Chris Rose and Golden Hare in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Book online. Alan Creamer 07946 439095 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk 11 APRIL

Singing, African Drumming and Percussion Workshop 9-11am Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

£9 per child. A relaxed children’s music workshop offering an introduction to a diverse range of musical styles including singing, percussion and African drumming. Parents welcome to join in. Web: https://benslowmusic.org

21 APRIL

Hitchin Friendship Club 2.15-4.15pm. St Michaels Mount Community Centre

Speaker from Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Meets third Thursday of the month. Interesting talks, pub lunches, day trips, coffee mornings, holidays and much more. Email: hfcinfo885@googlemail.com 23 APRIL

Annual Quiz. pm for 7.30pm Grange Community Centre, Middlefields, Letchworth

£36 per team of 6. Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group’s annual quiz returns in-person! Light-hearted general knowledge quiz hosted by Ann and Andrew. Bring your own drink and glasses, plus snacks to eat in the interval if you wish. Individuals or pairs please email to be included in a team. Email: SocialTeam@lalg.org.uk Web: lalg.org.uk/aprilquiz 24 APRIL

Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Lakenheath Reserve

Entry £5. Free children’s activities. Tel: 01582 721443

Meet 10am. No charge for RSPSB members. All-day car trip to Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, with the possibility of breeding Cranes, Bitterns and Bearded Tits plus early arriving migrants. Meet in reserve car park just North of Lakenheath level crossing. Postcode IP27 9AD. Grid Ref 143/TL 724 865. Leader Graham Beevor. Tel: 01438 232055

19 APRIL

24 APRIL

£3, under 18s 50p ‘Where in the World’, the fascinating subject of bird migration with Richard Pople. Please bring your own refreshments. Masks to be worn. COVID-friendly raffle. Tel: 01438 236310 Email: carole.sparrow@ntlworld.com

£19.95pp/£24.95pp with a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy afternoon tea at Benslow Music complemented with live music. Booking required. Tel: 01462 459446 Web: https://benslowmusic.org

13 APRIL

Spring Open Day 11am-3pm. Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden, LU1 4LE

Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage

Afternoon Tea 4pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

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25 APRIL

Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage

Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 27 APRIL

Lunchtime Talk 10.30am-12.30pm Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade

Warden Abbey Vineyard. Nestled between the picturesque villages of Old Warden and Cardington, hear the fascinating story of how a vineyard came to be planted on this beautiful Bedfordshire site in medieval times. Web: shuttleworth.org/talksprogramme 28 APRIL

Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Wendover Woods Meet 9.30am

No charge for RSPSB members Car trip to Wendover Woods. Morning visit to large mixed woodland near Tring which holds breeding Firecrests and Crossbills, although they are elusive. Meet in car park off the apparently unnamed lane at grid ref 165/SP 890090. Postcode HP22 5NQ. Car park charge £4.80. Leader Graham Beevor. Tel: 01438 232055 29 APRIL

Concert by Consone Quartet 8pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

Tickets £20, under 27s free, livestream tickets £10, under 27s free Concert by BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists, Consone Quartet. Pre-concert dining available. Web: https://benslowmusic.org

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Motoring

Lexus NX Review

What is it? The new NX is the first time Lexus has offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV), and the mid-sized SUV has been made more competitive with rivals such as Volvo and BMW. This is Lexus’ best-selling model in the UK. What’s new? There’s a new-look exterior, new powertrains and a more enjoyable driving experience. Key changes are the new infotainment system and redesigned interior. The whole car is slightly larger than the old NX and has extra safety and convenience technology. What’s under the bonnet? The powertrain options are 350h and 450h+, both with a petrol engine paired to electric motors on both axles, giving 241bhp and 305bhp respectively. The 350h regular hybrid reaches 60mph in 7.7 seconds, compared with 6.3 seconds in the PHEV. The PHEV’s bigger battery gives it a 47-mile electriconly range. Economy figures were disappointing – although 53 per cent of our journey was on electric-only power, overall consumption was about 36mpg (compared to the pointless official measurements of up to 314mpg). So keep the battery topped up! What’s it like to drive? Even our test car in F-Sport trim gave good ride quality, with the smooth, silent electric motors making the NX feel refined. The engine can be quite gruff, but the modern CVT gearbox is no longer a weak link. How does it look? The firm’s angular design ethos and imposing front grilles make it stand out from the crowd. The spindle grille is more upright, while the chrome frame has been ditched. The rear end is muscular and the car looks fairly compact.

What’s it like inside? The cockpit is familiarly Lexus, but without the overly complicated cabins of previous models. The high-resolution touchscreen is a step up, with clear graphics and quick responses. It has a great driving position, high-quality materials and there is plenty of space for passengers. What’s the spec like? Entry-level models are well-equipped – starting at £38,300 for the 350h and £48,800 for the 450h+, this feels like the best-value option. Standard equipment includes extensive safety equipment, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, heated front seats, LED headlights and 18-inch alloys. The Premium Pack is standard in the 450h+, adding privacy glass, heated steering wheel, wireless charger and more. F Sport models start at £47,300 (350h) or £54,800 (450h+) and include adaptive variable sports suspension, an extra drive mode, sports steering wheel, F Sport leather upholstery and 20-inch alloys, plus the Premium Plus pack of LED cornering lights, larger touchscreen display and adaptive high-beam. These models have an optional Takumi pack, adding a Mark Levinson sound system, head-up display and sunroof (450h+) or panoramic roof (350h). The top-spec Takumi starts from £51,800 (350h) or £57,800 (450h+) and includes fully automated parking, the stereo upgrade, a ‘card key’, leather upholstery and 20-inch alloys. Verdict The new NX is a genuine alternative to premium marques like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Comparing rationally, it’s difficult to recommend the NX over, say, a Volvo XC60 or an Audi Q5, but it won’t disappoint.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our March Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Fraser Hayden from Gamlingay

March’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Denied (7) 5 Not ours (5) 8 Amazing (9) 9 Spot (3) 10 Nap (5) 12 Replies (7) 13 Nearly (13) 15 Mum’s mother (7) 17 Healed (5) 19 Lodging house (3) 20 Ethereal (9) 22 Dizzy (5) 23 Convent (7)

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

16th April 2022 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 Disagreements (5) 2 Supporter (3) 3 Used for cleaning (7) 4 Insistence (13) 5 Sailboat (5) 6 Vests, boxers (9) 7 Fulfil (7) 11 Made clear (9) 13 Fishing (7) 14 Sale by bidding (7) 16 Covered with fine powder (5) 18 Hold up (5) 21 Employ (3)

Name:

Address:



Tel:

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Books

Books for wellbeing The Comfort Book Matt Haig

Author Matt Haig has been very open about his struggles with depression. His latest book is a collection of sayings, thoughts and recollections that offer comfort when times are hard. Many of us find it difficult to focus when we’re feeling down, anxious or burnt out. With The Comfort Book, you can just flick through and read the quote that catches your eye. That might be a story snippet, a list, music recommendations or a recipe.

Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention Johann Hari

We often berate ourselves for spending too much time scrolling through social media or getting distracted when we should be concentrating. Johann Hari explains why the inability to focus is not a personal failing – it’s an alltoo-common side effect of modern life. Crucially, he also shares science-backed advice to help you reclaim your ability to focus.

Good Vibes, Good Life Vex King

Stuck in a rut and not sure how to move forward? In Good Vibes, Good Life, Vex King gives practical and inspirational tips for tackling negative thoughts, improving self-esteem and finding the motivation to make positive changes. Ultimately, his goal is to help you to both love yourself for who you are now and to make the changes that will improve your life for the better.

Broken (in the best possible way) Jenny Lawson

We all need a good belly laugh sometimes. Broken gives you that, plus so much more. As the blurb says, it’s a book about ‘living, surviving and thriving with anxiety’. It’s written like a stream of consciousness in parts, as Lawson shares anecdotes and lessons from her life. Raw, honest, relatable.

The Sleep Book Dr Guy Meadows

Anyone who struggles to sleep knows the impact it can have on daily life. The Sleep Book isn’t a recent release, but it’s one of the most wellresearched – Dr Meadows has worked with more than 2,000 insomniacs. The result is a five-week plan to solve insomnia, mainly focusing on mindfulness and ACT (‘act and commitment’) therapy. It’s not a magic cure, but the advice is practical and easy to follow.

Reflections Holly Willoughby

In Reflections, TV presenter Holly Willoughby shares her ‘toolkit’ for living a happier, more connected life. She talks of the rituals, techniques and positive habits that have helped her to reconnect, tackle anxiety and feel more grounded. It’s a deeply personal book – she discusses body image, burnout and other challenges – but it’s not an autobiography. While most of us don’t lead a celebrity lifestyle, there are still many nuggets of wisdom that readers will find useful.

By Kate Duggan

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GAS SAFE REGISTERED

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Plumbing

SHIRON

Domestic Appliances Repairs of

Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Dishwashers Electric Ovens Electric Cookers Electric Hobs

Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small! Please call Gary on

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Contact RONNIE Tel: 01438 720 304 Mobile: 07396 579717

Email: rohintoncooper@hotmail.com

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

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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. 62

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Stevenage April 2022

Articles inside

Books for Well-Being

Villager Prize Crossword

Fostering - Is it Right for You?

Lexus NX Review

What’s On in April

Plant a Tree for the Jubilee

Sunshine Gardens - Celebrating 30 Years

Organise Your Utility

14 Easy Ways to Help the RSPCA

Do I Need Life Insurance?

Wines: Choosing a Selection

Martial Arts

Seasonal Recipe - Salmon Niçoise Salad

Ashwell at Home 2022

Soft Drinks Come of Age

A Good Night’s Sleep

The Easter Parade and other Traditions

Palermo