Great Ashby December 2018

VILLAGER The

December 2018

and Town

Life

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

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In this issue Why we hang

Stockings Ski Wear Style Bringing Local Business to Local People in the Stevenage Area every month

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Inside this issue...

Why We Hang Stockings

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The History of Playing Cards.............................................4 Why we hang stockings and other odd traditions............8 Win a FREE 60 Minute Float for Two.................... 10 £100 Christmas Quiz.......................................... 12 Unusual Gifts..................................................................15 Champagne: Discovering Hidden Gems..........................16 Ski Wear Style................................................................18 Feeding a Crowd at Christmas........................................21 Don’t let Christmas costs ruin your New Yeear................22

P&R Interiors..................................................................24 Ge Fit and Garden...........................................................27 Dogs Trust Dogs School..................................................29 Baking: Christmas Mincemeat Slice................................30 Twinwoods Adventure....................................................32 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On.......................................................................38 £25 Prize Crossword.......................................... 42 Book Review..................................................................46 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Twinwoods Adventure

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial Catherine Rose, Tracey Anderson, Louise Addison,Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood and Kate Duggan.

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Imtmphoto Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

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

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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History

17th Century painting of card players by Theodoor Rombouts

By Catherine Rose

The History of

Playing Cards Traditionally, family board and card games are often enjoyed over the Christmas period. There are many variations of board game, both old and new, but the pack of cards, played for pleasure, prediction and profit, is now a global phenomenon that has endured for centuries.

It is believed that our modern day playing cards originated in China, where games were played using numerical cards based on strings of coins.

Old Chinese coins had a hole in the middle so that they could be strung together, and the four card suits were called coins, strings of coins, myriads of strings and tens of myriads. The forerunner of this game, known as the Game of Leaves, was played as early as the 9th century AD. These Chinese cards can be traced back to at least the 1200s. From there, the concept of playing cards began spreading to India and Persia, and then through Egypt into southern Spain and the rest of Europe by the end of the 14th century.

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In Spain, card playing was known as the Moorish ‘Saracen’s Game’ and cards had a distinctly Islamic design, with motifs consisting of figures and numerals illustrated by the corresponding number of symbols, known as pips.

The Islamic influence can still be seen in the tradition of often having richly decorated back patterns on playing cards. Until cards began to be printed and mass-produced, they were handpainted and must have truly been works of art.

The Arab deck did not have a queen. Instead, it had the king (malik), prince or viceroy (naib malik) and a servant or deputy (thaim naib). The four original suits were cups, swords, coins and batons (or wands) which link in with the tarot deck.

(Although better known for fortune-telling, tarot or ‘tarock’ was also popular for playing games.)

One theory is that the apparently random symbols were interpreted from pictorial representations

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of the written Chinese symbols for its coins suits.

Known as the Latin deck, these original suits are still used in parts of the world.

These four suits were subsequently adapted and changed by other European countries, notably Germany and France.

The early German suits consisted of hearts (or sometimes roses), bells, acorns and shields. It is believed that the hearts suit evolved from cups.

Bells may have been used in place of swords because they were more culturally significant.

At that time, hunting with a hawk was popular amongst German nobility, with the customary small bells being tied onto the birds. As with the Arab or Latin deck, there was no queen. Instead the Germans had a könig (king), obermann (higher man), and untermann (lower man).

It was the French who changed the suits to the more well-known and enduring hearts, diamonds, clubs (or clovers) and spades. It is thought that spades may have been derived from swords used in the Latin deck, as the Spanish word for swords is espadas.

According to some sources, the French assigned classes to each suit, so that spades represented the nobility, hearts were the clergy, diamonds were the merchant classes and clubs were a symbol of the peasants.

And then there is the case of the ace, which appears to have come to prominence as an important card in the deck during the late 18th century. It has been suggested that it was once again the French who elevated the importance and value of the ace, as they made it a symbol to represent the people following the French Revolution between 1789 and 1799. However,

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another theory is that when Britain began to tax playing cards in 1765, the ace was stamped to show the tax had been paid. From then on, the ace was considered a more valuable card, comparable with the king, queen and jack, and its design became increasingly ornate as a result.

There have been many variations of playing card over the centuries in terms of: number of cards in a deck; pictorial representation of the courtly figures (known as ‘courtesan’ or ‘face cards’); and the interpretation of suits that have also included throughout their chequered history crowns, leaves, knights on horseback and even dragons, depending on geographical, cultural and social influences.

Playing cards were imported into England in around 1480, but 150 years later imports of playing cards were banned and so the country began manufacturing its own.

During the 1800s, the traditional French picture cards were re-designed by Charles Goodall & Sons to become the iconic symbols we know so well today. The British also introduced the ‘British Rule’ which renders the queen of a higher value to the king if the reigning monarch is a woman.

The jokers or court jesters were two wild or trump cards that were introduced by the Americans in the mid-1800s and, although taken up as an integral part of the modern deck, are rarely used in card games.

Playing cards have long been a symbol of decadence, mysticism and magic. A form of currency and conjuring, they can be a harmless pastime or a dangerous addiction that can win and lose fortunes as easily as the rise and fall of a house of cards.

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Time of Year

Why we hang Stockings?

By Tracey Anderson

And other odd Christmas traditions…

Christmas is all about traditions, but why do we hang stockings, eat chocolate logs and drink eggnog (why would anyone drink eggnog?!)

Stockings – Noddy Holder belting out, ‘Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?’ is a Christmas tradition in itself. There’s no official explanation of why we hang socks up for Santa though. It probably derives from a tradition of leaving out hay-filled shoes on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. Children would wake to discover that the hay they left for St. Nick’s donkey had been replaced with treats or coins.

Snacks for Santa – Whether it’s milk and a chocolate digestive or sherry and mince pie, when we leave goodies for Father Christmas we’re possibly participating in a tradition that some scholars date back to ancient Norse mythology! According to legend, Odin had an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Kids would leave treats for Sleipnir, hoping that Odin would favour them with gifts in return.

Carolling – You might suppose this is a centuriesold tradition but although the songs go back hundreds of years, visiting neighbours to bid them good luck and good cheer by singing for them didn’t happen until the Victorian era.

Evergreen decorations – Before Christianity people decorated their homes with evergreens in the winter as a reminder that spring would return. Christians adopted the tradition and decorated evergreen trees with apples to represent the Garden of Eden.

The practice really took off when the public learned that Queen Victoria had a decorated Christmas tree as a nod to her German husband’s heritage.

The Yule Log – Yule logs also predate Christianity. As part of winter solstice celebrations, Gaels and Celts burned logs decorated with holly, ivy, and pinecones to cleanse themselves of the past year and welcome the next one. The practice changed over time and eventually edible representations of the log appeared, which is why we eat chocolate logs today!

Eggnog – Surely the most revolting of traditions.

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However, historians agree that ‘nog’ was probably inspired by a medieval drink called ‘posset’, a milky drink made with eggs, milk, and sometimes figs or sherry. These were all pricey ingredients, so it was a bit of status symbol to offer it to guests. No-one seems to know for sure why it’s called ‘nog’, but it maybe from the old word ‘noggin’ which was slang for a wooden cup.

Mistletoe - This was associated with fertility and vitality by Celtic Druids because it blossomed even during the most frigid winters. Quite how we got from that kissing under the mistletoe is a mystery, but we do know that it began in the 18th Century and started with guests kissing the hand of their host under the mistletoe, then became progressively more personal over the decades that followed!

Advent calendars - The modern advent calendar, with its little doors containing sweets or small gifts, began with Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s. His inspiration was a calendar that his mother made for him when he was a child, featuring 24 coloured pictures attached to a piece of cardboard.

Christmas Cards – In these days of high postage costs, texts and emails, plus more environmental awareness this tradition may be at risk of dying out.

Christmas cards are a surprisingly recent tradition anyway, with the first formal card only hitting shelves in 1843.

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Win a FREE 60 minute float for two Looking for that unique Christmas gift?

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By reducing the external stimuli that your body is normally subject to, the environment created restores your body back to a natural state of tranquillity. The benefits are vast so we invite you to explore how floatation therapy can help you.

Floatation therapy can be specifically used to target pain and trauma, successfully relieving symptoms of PTSD, high blood pressure, chronic migraines and also elements of pregnancy, to name a few.

The unique environment floatation therapy provides can also improve your sleep and reduce your stress levels.

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For your chance to win £100 in our Christmas Quiz simply answer the questions below and send your entry to: Christmas Quiz, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP by 16th December 2018

Win £100 in our Christmas Quiz

1. What did my true love give me on the sixth day of Christmas?

2. The story goes that the German and English soldiers of World War One did what in No Man’s Land on Christmas Day 1914?

3. Who was Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner in Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol?

4. Who sings the solo in Kate Bush’s song Snowflake?

5. On what day of Christmas is the ‘Feast of Stephen’?

6. Which Dr Seuss children’s character hates Christmas?

7. What is the colour of a mistletoe berry?

8. Which country gives the UK the Christmas tree that is put on display in Trafalgar Square, London every year?

9. What was the name of the monster in the 2017 John Lewis Christmas advert?

10. Name three of Santa’s reindeer 11. What does the holly bear in the Christmas carol The Holly and the Ivy? 12. What is traditionally hidden inside a Christmas pudding?

The team at The Villager would like to wish readers and advertisers

a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Time of Year

Unusual Gifts

Perhaps it’s a Secret Santa. Perhaps it’s the uncle you see only once a year, or your brother who has absolutely everything. Or you may be working to a £10 or less budget.

Here are some ideas; unusual, funny and a bit off-the-wall.

Chocolate Covered Bacon on a stick - Yes really. This is a thing and it was hit last year when my teenage son received some from his aunt. We all tried it. So wrong...yet somehow so right! Google for suppliers.

Fiddle Toys - Is your recipient a fiddler? Do they jiggle and fiddle with pens? Are they a nail-biter or finger-picker? A fiddle toy is the perfect gift. Magnetic balls which can be played with and used to sculpt shapes, or fiddle cubes which have a different activity on every face and fit into the average pocket make great gifts.

Crossword Puzzle Mug - Complete the crossword while having a cuppa. Then download a brand-new set of clues from the app and try again.

Unusual clock - Everyone needs to tell the time, right? From projection clocks to lightup colour-change clocks, there’s a funky time piece for almost everyone. My son bought my science-geek husband a clock last year in which every number was replaced by a scientific formula whose answer corresponded to the hour! He loved it.

Gift of Time Voucher - Perhaps money is an issue this year. What skills do you have?

Can you walk a dog? Clean a car or a kitchen? Put together some flat-pack furniture?

Make a cake? Get creative and make a voucher promising to carry out some chore for your recipient. It’s not about the money.

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Food and Drink

Champagne

Discovering Hidden Gems

Champagne has been very much recognised as THE sparkling wine for celebrations, special occasions and events, for many, many years. Non-vintage champagne is very popular too, with numerous followers and devotees. Non-vintage is equally enjoyable, wonderful and respected.

The I Love Bubbly company is UK based and was created to discover splendid champagnes, that are not widely known.

Founded during 1952, the Charles Collin Champagne Company produces a range, including awardwining champagnes, with grapes being selected carefully and harvested by hand, complying with strict guidelines. Champagne Charles Collin Cuvée Charles Brut (80% Chardonnay 20% Pinot Noir) I found superb, with the bouquet of citrus fruits being much appreciated by the nasal senses. The mouthfeel and palate sensations continue through, for this elegant production. Champagne Charles Collin Cuvée Charles Rosé Brut (80% Chardonnay 20% Pinot Noir) is a further excellent champagne from this company. Light fruits of the forest enhance an impressive bouquet and entice, splendidly, to the experience awaiting the mouth and palate. Again, the elegance is outstanding and the production is well-balanced. A particular pleasure also for al fresco dining, adding colour to the occasion.

Champagne Royal Riviera Brut Suprême (70% Pinot Noir 30% Chardonnay) celebrates the Principality of Monaco and the French Riviera, most proudly. The presentation has an attractive turquoise blue label and packaging, which caught my eye. Champagne Royal Riviera Brut Suprême is rich and elegant.

The pale gold colour, plus the elegance, throughout the bouquet and tasting, is very impressive, with the pinot noir grapes adding to the expression of this champagne. www.royalriviera.mc www. champagne-charles-collin.com These refreshing champagnes, with wonderful perlages, are ideal as apéritifs and also to be enjoyed with a lot of cuisine. White meats, poultry, cured meats, rich fish, shellfish and many other dishes pair perfectly with these well-balanced productions. I located these champagnes, plus luxury hampers, culinary concepts, one of a kind Wearing Memories jewellery and gifts, within the ranges available from the I Love Bubbly Company. The events section, on the website, has information about their personalised services, including Mobile Champagne Bars and private events arrangements.

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As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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House of Colour

By Jennie Billings Style and Colour Consultant at House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

Ski Wear Style When skiing you want to tick all the boxes: warmth, comfort, visibility and of course, style. Here are a few top tips to help you dress with style on the slopes (without looking like a giant marshmallow).

1. Some of us may choose separate salopettes and a jacket but others suit jumpsuits that bring you in at the waist, giving more shape to your outfit.

Whichever you choose ensure it is in a colour from your palette that makes you look energetic and vibrant rather than a colour that doesn’t suit making you look drained and unhealthy. There are a huge range of colours available these days. Metallics are all the rage this season, but it’s not for everyone.

2. If you are unsure about wearing a bold coloured outfit but still want to include your wow colours, choose chic accessories in gorgeous colours whether that be boots, gloves, hats, a scarf or even your helmet! There is always a way to incorporate a pop of colour and team these with an outfit in a neutral from your seasonal palette 3. These days there is no need to sacrifice comfort for style. Try different shapes and don’t be afraid to wear patterns or more than one colour from your palette. Experiment with styles that suit your body shape and personality but do choose quality skiattire since you may wear it for years to come and you don’t want your outfit to unravel on the slopes.

As this will be an investment, consider discovering your best colours and style with a professional personal stylist.

4. A soft set of long johns or base layers is essential!

The best materials are ones that are breathable and moisture wicking. Choose full-length leggings and long sleeves. Always try them on first because they shouldn’t be restrictive anywhere, but you don’t want empty space between the fabric and your skin

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5.

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making you feel cold. Most base layers are synthetic but merino wool is a great alternative.

Choose the colour of your ski goggles carefully rather than just going for the obvious black or white.

Mirrored lenses are very fashion-forward but if that feels a little much then choose a colour that works well with your ski jacket and hat.

Don’t hide your curves if you have them! Unshaped jackets can make you look bulky so opt for jackets that are brought in at the waist, either with a belt or one that has stretch or different coloured panels at the side. Alternatively, find a jacket with diagonal baffles that compliment your figure as they create less bulk. Baffles ensures the insulation materials in a jacket are evenly distributed rather than gathering in one place.

Straight, skinny or slim silhouette salopettes will look better on straighter body shapes, whereas, straight, contouring bootcut or slightly wider leg salopettes will look better on curvy body shapes.

Its law in most places to wear a helmet but if you suffer from helmet hair either wear your hair up or use a bandana in one of your best colours to push your hair back with. Braiding is otherwise a great alternative to make you look wind-kissed rather than wind-battered.

Après ski is the perfect opportunity to show you know your own style whether that be a touch of animal print and or a little bit of check in your outfit – both very on-trend this season. Cashmere may be too warm for the slopes, but it is perfect for a stylish jumper and a great way to wear one of your wow colours. Pair with a faux fur jacket if that fits with your style personality or a fur hat to keep you warm whilst you sip your vin chaud!

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Time of Year

By Tracey Anderson

Feeding a Crowd at Christmas Whether it’s the gradual increase in food prices over the past year, or your desire to cut back on food waste, there has never been more incentive not to over cater at Christmas. But just how do you work out how much food and drink you need when you’re feeding far more people than usual?

We’ve come to the rescue.

Turkey - Allow approximately 500g per person.

This doesn’t mean that you’ll get 500g of meat each, simply that to get a good portion size you need to allow this much turkey-weight per person.

So, if you want to feed 8 adults your turkey should be at least 4Kg, more if you want leftovers.

Roast beef or pork - If the joint is off the bone, allow 250g per serving – so 2kg for eight people.

Allow 350g per serving for roasts on the bone – so around 3kg for eight.

Roasties - Everyone loves roasties! Allow 250g of potatoes per person, so 2kg for eight people.

Stuffing - You need to allow 100g of stuffing per person, so that’s at least 800g for eight people!

With stuffing it’s better to have more than run-out, and it’s great on turkey sandwiches later!

Sprouts - Unless you are a sprout-lover allow 80g per person – or 650g for eight people. If you do

have any leftover they go great in bubble and squeak for boxing day brunch.

Carrots and other roast or steamed veg - 80g-100g is about right for any serving of vegetables, so you need 800g combined for eight people. I allow more because lots my family are vegetarian.

Gravy - 125ml per person is enough for a normal family, but if your relatives are like mine and treat gravy as a food group then allow double. You can always freeze leftovers for an easy addition to midweek suppers.

Cranberry Sauce - At least 50g per person. I’m sure I eat more than that though!

Bread Sauce - 75ml seems to suffice because not everyone likes it, but those that do LOVE it. Around 600-700ml is usually enough.

Christmas Pudding - A 900g pudding will be plenty to feed eight.

Custard - Treat it like gravy. 125ml per person unless your family are the type that can’t stop pouring!

Unfortunately, there isn’t one shopping list to suit all families, but this is a good basic guide; adapt it to suit your own catering preferences.

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Don’t let Christmas costs ruin your New Year: 3 ways to stay in control of spending this December If you’re wondering how to manage your Christmas spending more effectively, saving, budgeting, and making a list is just the start.

Here are three other ways you might not have considered to start the New Year with a healthy bank balance and reduced financial stress.

Pre-arranged overdraft facility Intended to be a temporary and controlled use of credit in line with your Christmas budget, an arranged overdraft facility that’s repaid over a few months helps gets you back on track financially.

How do overdrafts work?

An overdraft that’s pre-arranged with your bank means you can withdraw more money than is in your current account, up to an agreed limit. There is generally a set period of time that the facility is available, and typically a charge for each day you’re overdrawn.

Overdraft fees vary between banks, but generally include a charge for setting up the facility, a fee for each day it’s used and a renewal fee if you need to extend it. Some providers offer fee-free amounts, whilst others base their daily charge on the level of your overdrawn balance.

Daily deals websites Take advantage of the growing number of daily deals websites and you can save a significant amount at Christmas. Wowcher, Groupon, and Living Social are just a few of the sites where you’ll find great deals on gifts, experiences, fitness products and lots more.

It’s straightforward to sign up, and you can receive emails with the latest deals. It’s easy to get carried

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away when you have access to so many discounts, but if you do your research and stick to your list, it should save you money overall.

How do deals websites work?

You simply sign up with your email address and you can get targeted gift ideas, often with a significant discount. Key in the home town of people you’re buying for and you’ll receive ideas that are local to them – meals out, afternoon teas or experience days, tailored to your family and friends.

Prepaid debit cards Prepaid debit cards are an alternative to bank debit cards and credit cards. You don’t have access to your entire bank balance, or the credit limit on your credit card – it’s preloaded with a specific sum of cash, and you can only spend up to this amount.

How do prepaid debit cards work?

You won’t be credit-checked when you apply for a prepaid card, but a number of different fees may apply, including application and transaction fees.

Some providers charge monthly fees and top-up fees, whilst a renewal charge may apply as these types of card expire after three years.

It’s easy to be swept up in the spirit of giving at Christmas, but it can take months to recover from overspending. Whether arranging an overdraft with your bank, applying for a prepaid card, or taking advantage of a few daily deals works for you, they could all help you take control of your Christmas spending and enjoy a peaceful and financially harmonious New Year.

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STATIONERY BUSINESS CARDS LEAFLETS POSTERS BROCHURES Founded 1997 - Based In Stotfold

For All Your Printing Requirements Excellent Digital Printing Excellent Prices Excellent Service Recent Reviews “Prompt & efficient service. Really helpful staff.” Alison “I have been using Olive Press for quite a few years, excellent service every time.” Cliff “Always goes the extra mile, very competitive and makes the job easy!” Lee “Excellent service at very competitive price” Diane

Call Rachel on 01462 733333 sales@olivepress.co.uk • www.olivepress.co.uk

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BOOKS & BOOKLETS ORDER BOOKS INVOICE SETS DELIVERY NOTES POST CARDS LABELS CALENDARS INVITES MAIL MERGE DIRECT MAIL AND MUCH MORE!

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With a spacious working showroom in the heart of Bedford, P & R Interiors is a local family-run firm that provides inspirational modern design and cost-effective solutions for both kitchens and bathrooms.

A stylish bathroom to suit your current needs….

With our ageing population, an increasing number of us are less mobile. P & R Interiors can design, supply and fit an up-to-the-minute bath or shower room which also discretely incorporates function and practicality for the less able.

The best news is that many of these features are currently right on trend - from flush-to-floor shower trays and wet rooms, to walk-in showers with fixed glass screens – and built using the latest materials.

Managing Director Paul Kynoch, who has decades of experience in the trade, explains: “We believe that simplicity and ease of use are key. Less mobile people may need a higher-level toilet or a lower access bath. Our basins and toilets can be hung at a custom height to suit every need. We have baths with a door, or showers with screens that open outwards to help prevent falls.

“There are 54 working bays in our showroom that are constantly being updated. So, you can come in, see

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exactly what you are buying and experience firsthand how it works. We supply, and can fit, your entire bathroom.”

P & R Interior’s own dedicated installation team can work on the supervised installation of your bathroom while adhering to local authority guidelines. Safety is paramount, and designs incorporate safety glass, thermostatically safe showers and non-slip floors.

Such is the design quality of the bathrooms, that accessories for the less able such as a wall-mounted fold-down shower seat, work seamlessly with the installation to be barely noticeable. Fold-down grab bars beside the toilet and sturdy shower rails that double up as supports all help make daily bathing the hassle-free pleasure it should be. It’s worlds away from the disabled bathrooms found in hospitals and care homes.

It is also now possible to install low level lighting under the bath that comes on automatically when you enter the bathroom at night. Hidden behind a two-way mirror that gives the illusion of flooring stretching beneath a ‘floating’ bath, the effect is as stunning as it is practical. This is the beauty of these safety and mobility features - they are so unobtrusively stylish, no one will notice you need that bit of extra help as they will simply be admiring your bathroom!

Materials have moved on apace since the era of acrylic baths in ‘avocado’. Now there are high quality

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resins that produce super thin shower trays and beautiful ‘tapless’ baths. Towel rails can be colour matched to cabinets for as little as £100 extra.

If you’re not a fan of wall tiles (although P & R Interiors carries a vast range), you can have waterproof panels instead. And if you have a smaller bathroom - as many of us do - then you will find P & R Interior’s wide but shallow depth basin units fit perfectly and provide spaciousness.

…and a kitchen to meet your future ones

Following customer demand, the fitted kitchen displays are now an integral part of the business meaning that when you visit P & R Interiors, you are only a step away from having your dream kitchen.

Top quality German and English-style kitchens are available to suit every budget and the company offers a free 3D software design package that Paul describes as ‘photographic’.

Specialising in high-tech German designed kitchens from Pronorm alongside more traditional-style English kitchens from JJO Plc, far from being out of most people’s pockets, P & R Interiors can often match trade prices and will always work to your budget.

“It’s really unusual for us not be able to come up with

a solution for you” says Andrew Groom who has 20 years’ experience under his belt.

Germany is the industry trendsetter in kitchen colours and design - and high street retailers eventually follow suit. Pronorm epitomises the elegance of a true ‘handleless’ kitchen. With its expansive, sleek cupboard fronts and modern electrically-operated doors - including ‘glass climbers’ that magically fold up like Venetian blinds - their kitchens are state-of-the-art. In years to come, we will all have convenient pull-down shelves and smart, hygienic ceramic or glass inserts on our cupboard fronts, but for now, Pronorm sets the bar.

As with bathrooms, kitchen materials are better and more durable than ever. You can have traditional granite in a gloss or leathered finish, quartz or Corian worktops, and now there are other finishes to choose from including Hi-Macs, and Staron. One of the latest worktop materials is Dekton. Described as ‘bomb proof’, it doesn’t stain or mark, is 100% hygienic, and heat resistant. It has been described as the ‘most scratch resistant surface on the market’.

Finish off your design with mood enhancing, colourchanging lights and you really will have a kitchen of the future.

P & R Bathrooms provides design and full installation or supply only. There is a five-year guarantee on all AEG Premier Partner exclusive products and a 10year guarantee on all kitchens. Both trade and retail are welcome.

P & R Interiors, 9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00 pm Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm Tel: 0845 434 8401 Email: sales@pandrbathrooms.co.uk www.pandrinteriors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Covering Herts, Beds & North London areas

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Lighting ❁ Water Features ❁ Exotic PLants ❁ Artificial lawns ❁

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Call us now for your free consultation on: 01438 313765

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Garden

Get Fit And

Garden!

By Pippa Greenwood

There’s nothing like some time in the garden to clear your head and get the blood moving. Fresh, cool air will wake you up and get you thinking positively, and your garden will benefit.

Removing damp, clogged up leaves from the lawn with a spring-tined rake will prevent patches of faded grass and is good for upper arm muscles!

Collect and bag up the leaves and rot them down to make leaf mould, a brilliant and free soil conditioner.

If the soil in cleared areas is sufficiently dry, fork it over to help the frosts break up heavier clay soils.

Any exposed grubs and other soil pests will feed the birds and minimise pest problems next year.

Get some digging done if the soil is not too wet, but limber up first. Keeping your back straight and your knees bent helps to reduce the risk of injury.

Winter is a good time to prune apple and pear trees. Use sharp secateurs to remove dead, dying and diseased branches, as well as branches causing the tree’s crown to be too congested.

Re-set any loose brick or similar edging around paths, beds or steps, and replace any damaged stones, pavers or bricks.

Carefully clear debris, dead foliage and stems from flower beds, but leave some dry foliage and stems over the bases or crowns of plants, especially those of the more tender perennials such as penstemons.

Smooth, hard garden surfaces such as patios, paths and steps become dangerously slippery

www.pippagreenwood.com if algae and debris builds up on them over the winter, especially when wet. A stiff brush or yard broom and plenty of elbow grease is the best solution I know.

Wet and very windy weather can cause shrubs and trees to become loosened in the soil, so re-firm the soil around the root area and make sure the plant is still in the soil at the right level.

You’re bound to feel better after all that air and exercise, so reward yourself with a cuppa and admire your handiwork before heading inside for a nice hot bath!

Limber Up! After too much time inside, and in cold weather, take care before you spring into action: • Wear plenty of clothing when you go outside and remove layers gradually as you warm up.

• Limber up gently to slowly loosen up your arms, legs and back.

• Don’t do any single task for too long – rotate the jobs for perhaps ten minutes at a time, so you don’t put any one area of your body under too much strain.

• Give yourself regular, short breaks and don’t forget to drink enough.

• Bend your knees when lifting and if in doubt call on a friend, relative or neighbour to give you a hand.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items and perfect Christmas gifts for gardeners: a ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift card (great vegetable plants and weekly advice from Pippa), stylish cloches, the fantastic SpeedHoe, raised bed kits, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?

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27

Safe and Secure Doggy Day Care For dogs up to 8 kilos A home from home for your 4 legged friend Wonderful Hertfordshire countryside walks Structured Play Activities Maximum of 4 dogs at any one time Day Care, Nightly, Weekend or Long Vacation stays available Fully training in Dog CPR, First Aid and Safety Fully Insured and licensed from SBC Please visit website for further details

Tel: 01438 725551 / 07535 990 384 Email: liz@smallpaws.biz Web: www.smallpaws.biz

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Puppy and Dog Training Classes various locations around Hertfordshire www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk 07774 374 686 hertsdogschool@dogstrust.org.uk @dogschoolhertfordshire

fb.com/dogstrustdogschool

dogstrustdogschool

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Local News

Dogs Trust Dogs School It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many, but the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas can be a sensory overload for your dog. Want to help make Christmas fun for your whole family – fourlegged friends included? Introducing Dogs Trust Dog School, a national network of experienced trainers providing fun, educational courses for all dog owners based on up-to-date scientific research. Using reward-based training methods, we teach the key skills your dog needs to thrive in everyday situations.

From calmly greeting unexpected visitors, to resisting tasty temptations and coping with a more crowded-than-usual household, our expert knowledge will help Christmas become a walk in the park for you and your dog. Courses are five weeks long, with a free introductory session. To find your nearest dog school visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk and take your first step towards making the most of your relationship with your four-legged friend now.

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29

Food and Drink

Baking Christmas Mincemeat Slice

Makes 12-14 slices Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, plus chilling and cooling This delicious festive slice can be served warm as a pud with custard, thick cream or brandy butter or simply cool completely and serve instead of mince pies.

INGREDIENTS 225g plain flour 165g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 1 egg yolk blended with 1 tbsp cold water 75g caster sugar 300g good quality mincemeat 50g ground almonds 2 tbsp flaked almonds 1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles very fine breadcrumbs (alternatively pulse in a food processor until fine breadcrumbs).

2. Remove 100g of the breadcrumb mixture and cover and chill in the fridge. Stir 25g of the sugar into the remaining mixture, then stir in the egg and water and mix to a firm dough (adding a little more water if needed). Knead lightly then wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface

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and use to line a 23cm square tart tin. Prick the pastry all over with a fork. Line the pastry case with baking paper and baking beans and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the lining paper and beans and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden. Cool slightly.

Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4.

4. Spread the mincemeat in the pastry case. Mix the rest of the sugar and the ground almonds into the reserved pastry crumb mixture and scatter over the mincemeat to cover completely.

5. Return the tin to the oven and bake for a further 25-30 minutes or until the crumble topping is pale golden. Scatter over the flaked almonds and leave to cool before removing from the tin and cutting into 12-14 thin slices.

Tip

Add some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts to the crumble topping for an extra nutty flavour.

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24 Hour Emergency Repairs

Full to Partial Re-wires

CCTV Security Installations

Electric Shower Installations

Tel: 07900 566735 Email: stevenjohnparkes@hotmail.com

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.

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31

Local News

Twinwoods Adventure Based in Milton Ernest, Twinwoods Adventure is the home of indoor Adventure, easily accessible from the A6.

Now under new management, changes are already under way to improve the facilities and bring new, exciting Adventures to the people of Bedford, all under one roof.

We’ve always been known for our incredible Indoor Skydiving and Indoor Surfing, but did you know we offer much, much more? How about our relaxing spa with pool, sauna and steam room, or our adult and family salt caves which can help promote a range of health benefits.

Looking for more excitement?

Try the climbing wall, archery, our gas gun range, or the ultimate adrenaline rush, jumping 125ft from the top of our wind tunnel!

For the really little people, we have the Playhouse, an incredible adventure soft play, which offers regular mini-Adventures, as well as open play sessions. Let them play, while you enjoy a great tasting coffee and generous slice of homemade cake.

Whatever the weather, Twinwoods Adventure is the perfect place

to have a great time as a family.

Enjoy all the Adventures, fill up in our restaurant, and if you want to make a weekend of it, stay in our comfortable on-site accommodation.

We’re extremely proud of our location, our heritage and being a part of the local community, and core to that is charity. If your charity has a story and needs help, we’d love to hear from you to see if there’s a way that we can work with you. We’ll be picking a number of charities over the next year to work with, and support as best we can.

To find out more, please email: charity@twinwoods.email To find out more about the Adventures you can have with us, check out our website www. twinwoodsadventure.com or call us on 01234 816350. If you’re on social media, make sure you add us to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and special offers. You can find us at /twinwoodsuk Want to see what we’re about in person? All our activities are free to spectate, though be warned, you’ll want to give it a go once you’ve seen the fun people are having!

You can find us at: Twinwoods Adventure, Twinwoods Business

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Park, 36 Thurleigh Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford, MK44 1FD. There’s plenty of free, on-site, parking - just look for the big blue building.

Roy Castleman, part of the new ownership team, comments: “It’s great to be a part of this historic site’s next chapter. We’re looking forward to making things even better here, and adding some incredible new Adventures. Charity is really important to us, which is why we’re looking for local charities that we can help support.

We would love to hear your story, and we’ll be picking a number of charities to work with.”

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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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I D Decorating Painting & Decorating Services

SHIRON

Domestic Appliances Repairs of

Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Dishwashers Electric Ovens Electric Cookers Microwaves Vacuum Cleaners and all domestic appliances.

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

VAT Registered.

Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda and Whirlpool appliances.

Contact RONNIE Tel: 01438 720 304 Mobile: 07739 922493

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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.

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Stevenage airport taxiS

Stevenage Airport Taxis offer the most reliable and professional airport transfer service in and around the Stevenage area. We have several licensed vehicles that can cater for up to 8 passengers. We also provide a transport service for weddings, long distance journeys and any occasion day or night leisure trips.

Please visit our website for any bookings or quotations

www.stevenageairporttaxis.co.uk or call

01438 420420 Online Bookings • Credit Cards Accepted

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37

n O s ’ t Wha In December

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com

1 December The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom.

See website for full information.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 1 December Chiltern West Gallery Quire 6.30-8.30pm St Mary’s Church, Kings Walden Tickets £10. Performing in period costume, our singers and instrumentalists specialise in researching local music and will be playing tunes heard in and around Welwyn from 1750-1840, along with some of the Militia marches and dance tunes of the era; music that Jane Austen describes in her novels of that period. Tel: 01438 833155 Email: scilla.cullen@dsl.pipex.com 1 & 2 December Nativity Crib Festival 11am-5pm St Ippolyts Church Admission £2.50, Children free. Now firmly established as a parish tradition, our beautiful Nativity Festival marks the start of the festive season in St Ippolyts. We will be filling the church with as many nativity crib sets as we can possibly cram in – last year we managed nearly 200 from all around the world. Each has its own “story” beside it and learning what makes the cribs special to their owners is the magic of the festival. This year you could become part of a “Living Crib”. Use our dressing up clothes to create your own nativity scene with Mary and Joseph, Angels and Wise Men, take a photo and you could create your own unique Christmas cards. Tel: Barbara 01462 421647 Email: Barbara.thomas@live.co.uk 3, 10, 17 & 24 December Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Staplers is a social folk dance club. If you don’t know what that means come along one Monday evening and meet us. It’s easy to start as all the dances are walked through first then called and you don’t need to come with a partner; lots of us come on our own. We are a friendly group and you will be made very welcome. Car parking is available next to the hall. We meet every Monday apart from Bank Holidays and the school summer holidays.

Tel. 01462 895567 or 01462 624144 Web: www.staplers.org.uk

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3, 10 & 17 December Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 4 December Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Christmas Lunch. Social club for retired and semiretired professional and business-men which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month for lunch. Organised visits and events throughout the year. New members welcomed.

Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com 4, 11 & 18 December Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club. Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 6 December North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Members & Visitors £2 on the door inc. mine pie & non-alcoholic punch ‘Travelling Theatre Christmas Readings’ - jolly, sentimental readings by Geoff Hales.

Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 or 07831 111062 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com 6, 13 & 20 December The Hitchin Thursday Club 9.30am-12 noon St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin A friendly group which meets every Thursday morning for recreational painting, drawing, etc..

The group is very easy going in its attitude to art – only doing your own thing. Still Life and raffle every month. No qualifications required – just come along with your drawing gear and you’ll receive a very warm welcome.

Tel: Pauline 01767 315553

6, 13 & 20 December Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage Friendly club for English country dancing. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced. All dances walked through; club and guest callers ensure a varied programme.

Tel: 01438 727239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk 6, 13 & 20 December Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin We are a small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 7 December ‘Gulls, what a Load of Rubbish!’ (Paul Roper) 7.30pm ‘The Settlement’, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City RSPB Local Group members free, Visitors £3 Hitchin & Letchworth RSPB Local Group. Gulls are prolific migrants and face fascinating conservation challenges. Paul is an experienced bird ringer both in the UK and abroad and his talk covers the work of the North Thames Gull Group.

Tel: 01763249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com 7, 14 & 21 December Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Springfield House (the home of the Old Stevenage Community Centre) To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 8 December Victorian Christmas Fair 10am-2pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Free admission. Join us for a day of traditional festive cheer at our annual Victorian Christmas Fair.

A huge range of stalls, food, fun and Christmas cheer. Perfect timing for all your Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

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n O s ’ t Wha In December 8 December Tenors Unlimited Christmas Concert 7.30pm Number one selling operatic trio Tenors Unlimited, the ‘Rat Pack of Opera’, perform a Christmas Concert with local Box of Frogs Theatre Academy (BOFTA) choir as part of their 15th anniversary tour. They are fresh from their recent charttopping success with “Who is He?” in aid of The Salvation Army which went in at number one on the iTunes classical chart. Tenors Unlimited have performed alongside such notables as Sting, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Hayley Westenra, Simply Red and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few.

Web: www.tenorsunlimited.com/tour 9 December Santa Scamper 9am Stevenage Town Centre Adults £15, Children £10, Family £40 Festive community fun run for all the family.

2.5km or 5km option. Medals for all finishers.

Free Santa hat with registration. Book online or call for more information. In aid of Garden House Hospice Care. Tel: 01462 679540 Web: www.ghhospicecare.org.uk 9 December Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group RSPB Trip 9.30am We will work our way up the Lee Valley visiting RSPB Rye Meads reserve en route and finishing at Amwell, looking in particular for wintering reed bed and wetland birds such as bittern and smew.

Meet at Fishers Green car park (O/S 166, TL 375 025) at 9.30am. Tel: 01763249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com Web: rspb.org.uk/groups/hitchinandletchworth 13 December The Art of Christmas 6.30pm for 7pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Tickets £8. Local artist James Willis returns with a richly-illustrated lecture following interpretations of the Christmas story through centuries of art and sculpture. Botticelli, Rubens and Gaugin are amongst the artists featured in this light-hearted look at the traditional imagery of the Christmas season. Cash bar including seasonal mulled wine.

Please telephone or book online.

Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

14 December Unicorn Ceilidh 7.30-11pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Adults £10, Concessions and family tickets available Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Clear instructions from the caller before and during each dance allow anyone to join in and enjoy the dancing. Our combination of the finest live bands, top callers and a bar serving local Real Ale and Cider plus wine and soft drinks guarantee an excellent, fun-filled evening for all. Tickets are available on the door but advance purchase is recommended.

Email: enquiries@unicornceilidhs.org.uk Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/unicorn-ceilidhs 14 & 15 December Frosty’s Snow Day Adventure Fri 7pm, Sat 11am, 2pm & 5.30pm The Auditorium Theatre, St Christopher School, Letchworth Adults £8, Children £6, Family £24 Imajica Theatre Company creating Theatre for the younger audience. Set in the enchanted Wobbly Wood this heart-warming original pantomime is filled with magical creatures ready for an adventure. As Jack Frost spreads his winter magic creating a wonderful ice-filled blanket throughout the forest a cheeky little rabbit spots the Snowman’s nose and decided to take it home for its tea! Oh what a naughty little bunny she is, but fear-not though as our beautiful Faerie Godmother steps in to save the day. Together they set off in search of a new nose and the adventure begins. This interactive production created with the younger audience in mind if filled with toe tapping parodies of pop songs and easy to follow dance routines. With beautiful sets and costume this adventure soon transports children into a magical word where anything is possible and dreams really do come true.

Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/Imajicatheatre 16 December Stevenage RSPB Local Group visit to Connaught Water 10am A morning car trip to Connaught Water, an attractive site in Epping Forest. Meet in the car park, postcode IG9 5UB, map ref: 177/TQ 404951.

Tel: Leader Graham Beevor 01438 232055

18 December Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage £1 Join us at our annual Christmas Social evening with a buffet, quizzes and games.

2 January North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Visitors £2 on the door ‘Realising a Dream - a trip to the Galapagos Islands’

by Stephen Marshall, a committee member of Royston & Saffron Walden NHANT. Non-members welcome. Membership of the National Trust not necessary. Tea and coffee served during the evening.

Second-hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting.

Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 or 07831 111062 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com 19 January Charity Quiz Night 7.30-10pm Hampson Park Community Centre, Hampson Park, Webb Rise, Stevenage £5 per person Stevenage Plus Social Club 40th Anniversary.

Individuals and teams welcome. Over 18s only. Fish, sausage or veggie burger & chips £7 per person bookable in advance. Bring your own drinks. Raffle.

All profits to local charity Supported Activities for all.

Tel: 01438 231550 Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Hitchin Bridge Club Hitchin Bridge Club plays duplicate bridge several times each week. All levels of experience welcomed, hosts are available at some sessions for players without a partner. Workshops each month on topics for improving players. Beginners courses are run every year starting in October. For further information please contact Margaret or visit the website Tel: Margaret 01462 623447 Email: mee.hitchin@ntlworld.com Web: hitchinbridgeclub.org.uk

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

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Emergency Call Outs Full & Partial Rewires Electrical Safety Reports CCTV Installation Security Lights Garden Lighting

Tel: 07854 738740 Email: info@dotelectrical.co.uk Web: www.dotelectrical.co.uk Find us on Facebook - Dot Electrical Dot ElectricalJune 16.indd 1

25/05/2016 22:11:12

GAS SAFE REGISTERED

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November’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs G Trigg from Potton Overtones Competition Pat King from Buckden

Champneys Competition K. Hurren from Stevenage

Easy

Hard

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41

The Villager Prize Crossword

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

16th December 2018 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1. Connect to another (6) 4. Yarn, twine (6) 9. Mature (7) 10. Problem, concern (5) 11. Bend (5) 12. Places of work (7) 13. Differentiate (11) 18. Identical (7) 20. Fang (5) 22. Having had water removed (5) 23. Hammering (7) 24. Leaders, monarchs (6) 25. Business, company (6) Down 1. Diminish (6) 2. Sweetheart, paramour (5) 3. Most statuesque (7) 5. Robber (5) 6. Bugs (7) 7. 1978 musical set in 50s (6) 8. Meeting with doctor (11) 14. First letter (7) 15. Unfastening, removing knots (7) 16. Kill (6) 17. Long-haired, unkempt (6) 19. More advanced in age (5) 21. Pungent vegetable (5)

Name: Tel:



Address:

42

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

43

n i t l h F e o J Plasterersam

Female Plasterer specialising in: Plastering, Plasterboarding, Making Good and Painting

A FRIENDLY FAMILY FIRM. FREE QUOTATIONS

Tel. 07951 362335 / 07836 768670 Email: joeflinthamplasterers@googlemail.com

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 44

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WHY HIRE A SKIP? RUBBISH CLEARANCE HERTFORDSHIRE 24 HOURS

7 DAYS FULLY INSURED & LICENCED DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL SERVICE

GARAGE - LOFT - OFFICE - HOUSE - GARDEN WASTE - APPLIANCES PROBATE CLEARANCE | DE CLUTTERING SERVICE

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

01438 215 018 | www.rubbishclearanceherts.co.uk | 07960 98 32 98 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 HRC half page.indd 1

45 20/02/2017 16:40

Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan

Locksmith Services

Stuck for the perfect present this Christmas? Or need some inspiration for your own wish list? Read on…

For Harry Potter Fans

The Crimes of Grindelwald

By J.K. Rowling

Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt Scamander to recapture Gellert Grindelwald, who’s recently escaped and is gathering followers.

This is the second in the Fantastic Beasts series. It’s a screenplay of the recently released film, rather than a traditional novel, so it’s quicker to read but no less enjoyable.

For Romantic Fiction Fans A Miracle on Hope Street

by Emma Heatherington

When she learns that one act of kindness has transformed a man’s life, Ruth decides to put her own loneliness aside and create a Christmas to remember for people in need. A heart-warming tale that’s perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Marian Keyes.

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

Call Nigel on 01767 261122 for more information

WANTED

For Historical Fiction Fans Washington Black

by Esi Edugyan

11-year-old slave Washington Black is taken from the sugar fields and lent to his tyrannical master’s brother, Titch, to work on a ‘cloudcutter’ hot air balloon. The duo form an unlikely friendship that, coupled with Washington’s artistic talent, could provide a way out of slavery.

Old delivery trolleys and paper delivery bags bought for cash.

Please contact Nigel on

01767 261122

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

Alcoholics Anonymous..............................0845 769 7555 Anglian Water............................................08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital........................................ 01234 355122 Lister Hospital............................................ 01438 314333 Benefits for people with Disabilities...........0800 882 200 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue................... 01438 729041 Carers Line..................................................0808 808 7777 ChildLine...........................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice...........................................0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers..............................................0800 555 111

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area.

The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

Cruse Bereavement Care............................0333 252 9152 Floodline....................................................0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory....................................0800 776 600 National Debt Line.....................................0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency............................................0800 111 999 NHS Direct.........................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..............................03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.........................................101 NSPCC.........................................................0808 800 5000 Relate..........................................................0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line....................................0300 1234 999 Samaritans............................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline.....................................0345 300 3900 Victim Support............................................845 30 30 900

For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on:

Tel: 01767 261122

Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com

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47

Christmas Make it special this

Gift Basket with a PERSONALISED MADE BY YOU!

Order online at

yourgiftbasket.co.uk