Greay Ashby December 2019 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

December 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win an Introductory Lesson at

Cambridge Gliding Club Christmas

Traditions Win £100

in our Christmas Quiz

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Inside this issue... Christmas Traditions

Christmas Traditions...................................................................4 Five Smart Ways to Pay for Christmas.........................................8 Win an Introductory Lesson at Cambridge Gliding Club.....10 Win £100 in the Villager’s Christmas Quiz.........................12 Camargue - Provence on the Wild Side.....................................14 Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf Recipe....................................17 Gurning: Not just a pretty face?................................................19 The Liquid Deli - DemiJohn......................................................20 The Best Beauty Gift Sets.........................................................23 Christmas at Ragdale Hall Spa..................................................24 Fun Quiz...................................................................................24 Sporty Styles to Suit Everyone..................................................27 Have Yourself ..... a Crisis-Free Christmas..................................29 Crowd Cuckoo Land..................................................................30

The Holy and the Ivy................................................................32 Pruning Perfection...................................................................35 Lexus Luxury Goes Beyond Looks.............................................37 The Gift of Experience..............................................................39 RSPCA Herfordshire East News.................................................40 Small Change with a Big Impact..............................................42 Wine Wisdom...........................................................................45 Christmas Eve Boxes.................................................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 What’s On in December............................................................52 Your Festive Gadget Survival Guide..........................................55 Win £25 in the Villager’s Prize Crossword..........................58 Book Review............................................................................61 Useful Numbers.......................................................................63

The Gift of Experience

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, Ann Haldon, Solange Hando, Kate McLelland, Trevor Langley, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Robert Grant, Rachael Leverton, Pippa Greenwood, Louise Addison, RSPCA and Tom Hancock

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

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History

Christmas Traditions Christmas seems to come around sooner each year, with decorations in the shops from September onwards. However, at one time, people would decorate their homes on Christmas Eve as it was considered unlucky to do so any earlier. The Bible does not mention an actual date for the birth of Jesus, so in 300AD Pope Julius I decided that Christ’s birthday (Christmas Day) should be on 25th December. The Midwinter Solstice on 21st December was already a traditional pagan celebration, so by doing this Pope Julius effectively combined both. During the Midwinter Solstice homes would be decorated with evergreens, and a Yule Log – the first log of winter – would be ceremonially burnt to ward off evil on the night of the shortest day. This is the reason the word ‘yule’ relates to Christmas (only the real log has been turned into a chocolate cake!) Christians took holly as a symbol of Christ’s crown, the berries representing his blood. Mistletoe, which the Druids regarded as sacred because it effectively grows ‘in the air’, was also adopted by Christianity, the white berries reflecting the purity of the Virgin.

The Victorians set many of our modern Christmas traditions, such as cards and tinsel. During the festive season, mistletoe was hung in the entrance to the house as a sign of peace and goodwill. Because it is usual to greet people with a hug and a kiss when they arrive, ‘kissing under the mistletoe’ evolved into a custom by Victorian times. Christmas trees came over from Germany towards the end of the 1700s and were popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Trees would be decorated with real candles, strings of glass beads, candies and handmade ornaments of paper, wax, silver wire and blown glass. Just as today, the tree was topped with an angel, usually made of tin with a wax face, or with a star to symbolise the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. The first tinsel was made from real silver, stretched into very thin strips. Paper decorations, including paper chains, were also popular. Woolworths is said to have been the first shop to sell commercial Christmas tree ornaments in 1880, and the earliest electric Christmas tree lights were invented by Thomas Edison. By the 1930s, the first artificial trees and tinsel were available.

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Many of our Christmas customs originated in Europe. Gingerbread baked with honey, and Christmas decorations made from beeswax or glass, were available in markets across Europe 400 years ago. The advent calendar, with its little doors hiding biblical pictures, originated in Germany. Mince pies were invented in medieval times. They were originally made with minced lamb in homage to the shepherds of the Nativity. As was popular then, fat, dried fruit, peel and spices were added to the meat. There were 13 ingredients in total, representing the apostles. Although we no longer use minced lamb alongside the dried fruit, peel, suet and spices, the term ‘mincemeat’ to describe the filling has endured. Turkeys were brought to Britain in 1526 and it is said that King Henry VIII was the first to eat a turkey for Christmas dinner. However, goose, being large enough to feed an extended family over the festive season, remained the most popular choice until the 1950s when turkey took over. Father Christmas also has his beginnings in Europe. St Nicholas or ‘Sinterklaas’ (from which we derive Santa Claus) was a second-century saint known for giving gifts to the poor. His spirit was said to visit children on the night of the 5th December. In Holland, wooden shoes or clogs

would be left next to the hearth filled with an edible treat and straw for St Nicholas’ horse (from where we get the custom of putting out a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer). In return, St Nicholas would leave a small gift. As the custom spread across Europe, stockings began to be used instead of shoes. It is believed that an English baker, Tom Smith, invented the Christmas cracker by taking a sweet and a love motto and wrapping them in a strip of paper impregnated with a compound that ‘cracked’ when opened. In time, the wrapper was lengthened and small novelty gifts replaced the sweet. The first Christmas crackers went on sale in London in 1847 and Walter Smith, Tom’s son, started including paper hats. The first known Christmas card was made by Sir Henry Cole of The British Postal Service in 1843. Although it is often claimed that Coca Cola was responsible for putting Santa in red as part of a 1930s marketing campaign, it was the Victorians who first depicted Father Christmas in a red suit. Previously, the traditional colour for Saint Nicholas was green and you can still find some early Victorian Christmas cards where Father Christmas is wearing a green suit as well as those where he is wearing a red one.

By Catherine Rose

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Five Smart Ways to Pay for Christmas The cost of Christmas can take away some of the magic of the festive season if you’re not careful, as well as causing serious financial problems well into the New Year. Saving in advance is obviously the ideal, but if you’ve not been able to do so for this Christmas, there may still be an option that can reduce your credit card bill a little. 1. 0% purchase credit cards If your credit rating is good you may be able to obtain a credit card with 0% interest to pay for your Christmas purchases this year. You need to be careful not to miss a payment on the card, however, as you’ll lose the interest-free deal and will have to pay a high rate of interest on the remaining balance. 2. Regular savings accounts Regular savings accounts allow you to save a little money each month, and are a tried-and-trusted way to ease the pressure on your finances. They also offer a higher rate of interest than ‘standard’ savings accounts. Typically, you’ll need to hold a current account alongside the regular saver so it may be worthwhile switching banks if necessary. At the time of writing, 5% interest is available on some regular savings accounts, including First Direct and M&S Bank.¹ 3. Instant-access savings accounts Saving for Christmas in an instant-access savings account means your money isn’t tied up if you need it during the year. This can be both a blessing and a curse, however, particularly if you think you might spend the money on non-essentials. Although savings interest rates are currently very low, an easy access savings account does offer

more flexibility, whilst also providing a safe place for your money that’s separate from the everyday funds in your current account. 4. Credit unions Credit unions are non-profit financial organisations that sometimes offer Christmas savings clubs to their members. Similar to ‘traditional’ Christmas clubs, access to your savings is restricted until a few weeks before Christmas, and you can save in a number of ways. Crucially, credit union savings accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the same way as bank and building society accounts.² 5. Piggy bank or money jar If you’re disciplined with money and know you won’t be tempted to spend it during the year, a piggy bank could provide the answer to Christmas saving. Regularly emptying your pockets or purse of change adds up to a surprising amount if you start in January and save throughout the year. With so many beautifully decorated coin jars and money pots now available, it can be fun to save in this way. You could even buy novelty piggy banks for the children so they learn the habit of saving, or help them decorate their own mason jar. If you start in the New Year and save regularly you’ll easily save for some or all of next Christmas’s expenses, breathing a sigh of relief when you’re debt-free in January. ¹ www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/best-regularsavings-accounts ² https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/creditunions

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TRAVEL FROM STEVENAGE

Are you returning to higher education and need some help with university costs? Do you live in post codes SG1 or SG2? Then the Betty Game Opportunities Trust may be able to help you with a small grant towards the cost of books, equipment, travel etc. Further information about the Trust and how to apply for a grant is available on our website www.bgot.org.uk or email BGOT2015@gmail.com

THEATRE SHOWS & EVENTS 25 Feb Tutankhamun Exhibition £42.00 5 Mar Mary Poppins – Matinee £85.00 9 Mar Mary Poppins – Evening £85.00 22 Mar Classical Spectacular RAH £75.00 COACH TOURS 10 Feb Warners Holme Lacy 5 Days £380 25 Feb Sidmouth & South Devon 5 Days £395 11 Mar Cornwall Spring Tour 6 Days £440 16 Mar Welsh Spring Break 5 Days £395 23 Mar Warners Bembridge IOW 5 Days £395 10 Apr Winchester Easter Break 4 Days £375 13 Apr Torquay & English Riviera 5 Days £375 22 Apr Harrogate Flower Show 3 Days £280 26 Apr History of Cheshire 5 Days £450 8 May Keukenhof – Dutch Bulbs 4 Days £425 10 May Killarney & Ring of Kerry 7 Days £745 17 May North Devon 6 Days £615 25 May Warners Thoresby Hall 5 Days £495 31 May Bournemouth 5 Days £425 2 Jun Cornwall 8 Days £725 6 Jun Bruges Break 3 Days £275 10 Jun Monster Tour of Scotland 8 Days £825 19 Jun Isle of Wight 7 Days £625 28 Jun Yorkshire Vales & Dales 6 Days £550 6 Jul The New Forest 5 Days £545 13 Jul Historical Northumbria 5 Days £495 16 Jul Peak District 5 Days £445 20 Jul Torquay & English Riviera 5 Days £445 24 Jul Tatton Park Flower Show 3 Days £280 27 Jul Warners Alvaston Hall 5 Days £480 3 Aug Welsh Borders WH Sites 5 Days £475 9 Aug Cardigan Bay 6 Days £545 15 Aug Isle of Man 6 Days £645 17 Aug Chester 5 Days £475 24 Aug Warners Bembridge IOW 5 Days £515 30 Aug Sidmouth & South Devon 6 Days £599 3 Sep Discover Derbyshire 5 Days £495 7 Sep Wells, Beasts & Bath 5 Days £515 20 Sep Ireland: Connemara 7 Days £725 28 Sep Warners Cricket St Thomas 5 Days £475 5 Oct Pennine Explorer 5 Days £435 5 Oct Bournemouth 5 Days £425 18 Oct Autumn in the Lake District 6 Days £625 Book with £50 deposit Price per person sharing a twin/double

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WIN AN INTRODUCTORY LESSON AT CAMBRIDGE GLIDING CLUB Cambridge Gliding Club was founded in 1935 as Cambridge University Gliding Club but changed its name on moving to Gransden Lodge in 1991. CGC continues to host Cambridge University GC and their members are a vibrant part of our activities. It also operates a motor glider for Hertfordshire Scouts and introduces several hundred of them to the sport of gliding annually. The Club is predominantly run by its members, of which there are over 160. Additionally the Cadet scheme, with about 20 members and 35-45 CUGC brings the total to nearly 230. The Club fleet of four dual-control gliders, four single seat ones for solo pilots and 70 privately owned ones can make it a very busy airfield on good gliding days! Although local residents will often see gliders silently circling overhead this is not all that CGC pilots do! We train 20 -30 new members to go solo annually, the distance record is 981 kilometres and the height record 12,992’ - and you will often see us flying aerobatics! It is possible to go solo from age 14 and there is no upper age limit. Pilots must meet medical requirements similar to a UK driving licence. There are certain height and weight limitations. CGC holds an Open Day annually and encourages members of the public to come and see what we do, – many even take an Introductory Lesson which can booked, at a discount, on, and for, that day. In 2020 it will be on Sunday, May 3rd from 10:30 a.m. Vouchers for a variety of Introductory Lessons can be bought on-line from the Club website at https://www.camgliding.uk/product-category/introductory-flight/ and make ideal Christmas or birthday presents.. For further details see www.camgliding.uk, contact the office on-line at office@camgliding.uk, or call 01767 677077 to book an Introductory Lesson.

CAMBRIDGE GLIDING CLUB COMPETITION ENTRY

When is the 2020 Cambridge Gliding Club Open Day?



For a chance to win a free 3,000’ aerotow and Introductory Lesson (worth £147) simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Cambridge Gliding Club, Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th December 2019

Name: Tel: Email: Address: 10 10

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advertorial

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the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solutionâ&#x20AC;Ś Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you

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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 2019

Win £100 in our Christmas Quiz

1. Now red, what colour was Father Christmas’s suit originally? 2. What is the main ingredient of marzipan? 3. In what decade did artificial Christmas trees first become commercially available? 4. What is the meaning of the word Advent? 5. A Victorian Christmas often included Smoking Bishop but what is it? 6. How many ingredients were traditionally put in a medieval mince pie? 7. Which saint is Father Christmas based on? 8. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure famously wrote the charity song Do They Know it’s Christmas? What was the year? 9. What is the little boy called in Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas story The Snowman? 10. From which country does eggnog originate? 11. By what name do French children know Father Christmas? 12. What was the Roman festival that pre-dates Christmas?

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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Travel

Camargue - Provence on the Wild Side As the river Rhône approaches the Mediterranean, it splits into the Grand Rhône and the Petit Rhône to form one of the largest deltas in Europe. This is the ‘Camargue’, an enticing place unlike anywhere else in France, where marshlands and lagoons glisten in the sun, fringed by broad windswept sands to the south while paddies, orchards and wheat spread on the fertile plain. But the deeper you head into the delta, the wilder the land strung with lakes and dunes, deserted beaches, sand bars, meadows and ponds festooned in tamarisks and yellow irises – and at the heart of it all, the saltwater lagoon of Vaccarès, which looks almost like a sea. Orchids and forgetme-nots splash colour here and there and along the coast delicate sand lilies, golden immortelles and sea lavender flutter in the breeze. With just ten inhabitants per square kilometre, these vast open spaces almost feel like the end of the earth, and although there are a few roads around the more isolated areas are easier to reach on horseback, as the locals do. There are guesthouses and stables where anyone can learn to ride or join a guided trek to enjoy a landscape with no boundaries. Scenery aside, the Camargue has a character all of its own, steeped in age-old culture and traditions. There may be few humans about but you’re sure to come across a paddock where white Camargue horses gallop semi-wild, manes flying in the wind, or you might find a whitewashed traditional

cottage thatched with reeds and shaped like a prow to withstand storms, a saltpan, a stretch of barren land or a ranch called ‘manade’ where black bulls are bred for the game of ‘cocarde’. The protected wetlands and coast attract around 350 bird species, from raptors and waterfowls to song and sea birds. Magpies and jackdaws are common but it’s always a treat to spot a colourful bee-eater, a crested hoopoe or a roller pirouetting in the air on a spectacular courtship dance. Yet, above all others, pink flamingos are the icon of the Camargue, wading in shallow lagoons, amazingly peaceful until something disturbs the peace and the whole colony takes flight, shrieking through a magnificent cloud of flaming colours. In the spring, thousands of chicks are born in the Regional Park, all fluffy and white, for it will take several years for them to turn pink. Some will stay in the Camargue throughout the winter; others take off across the sea in search of warmer climes. But when you reach the coast don’t expect glittering resorts, for this is still the wild ‘cowboy land’. Just look out for the lonely walled village of Aigues-Mortes, once a sea port, now inland, and Les-Saintes-Maries de la Mer, 8,000 residents and capital of the Camargue where gypsies from far and wide honour their patron saint on an annual pilgrimage. As visitors like to say, wherever you come from, ‘there is no place like the Camargue’.

By Solange Hando

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The team at The Villager would like to wish all readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Food & Drink

Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf

This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic rich fruit Christmas cake. It will keep un-iced in an airtight container for a few days. Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving. Serves: 8-10 Ready in: 1hr 45mins, plus cooling

Ingredients 175g unsalted butter, softened 175g golden caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 2 tsp ground mixed spice Â˝ tsp baking powder 3 large eggs 75g sweetened dried cranberries 50g walnuts, chopped 50g hazelnuts, chopped Zest of 1 orange 1 tbsp orange juice Frosting Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing 2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles 75g fresh cranberries Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

1 Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking parchment. 2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice. 3 Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15 minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 4 Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.

TIP: Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festive-themed sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really sparkly finish. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Quirky Britain

By Kate McLelland

Gurning: not just a pretty face? Surrounded by fields and overlooked by a historic twelfth century castle, Egremont is a quiet Cumberland market town on the edge of the picturesque Lake District. Very little disturbs the calm of this peaceful place until the month of September, when the Crab Fair comes to town. Toothless benefits The Crab Fair is, of course, the home of the famous World Gurning Championships. ‘Gurning’ is an ancient practice involving extreme facial contortions. Here you’ll see contestants with faces screwed into hideous (although some may say hilarious) shapes: eyes rolling, noses almost obscured by jutting lower lips, eyebrows raised or knitted together in a frown. The effect is startling, particularly if the rubber-faced contestant has few teeth to get in the way of his or her particular ‘gurn’ (one champion, Peter Jackman, went as far as having his back teeth removed, so he could manipulate his lower jaw more easily). There are few rules, but as Callum Scott, Chairman of the World Gurning Championships, recently told the Sports Gazette website, the basic aim is to demonstrate facial dexterity. “It is not simply about making the most grotesque face possible,” he says. “It is about making the biggest transformation in your face.” To add to the effect, gurners often frame their faces with a traditional leather horse collar known as a ‘braffin’, which is worn around the neck.

Gurning back the years The Egremont Crab Fair has nothing to do with seafood, as the name might suggest. The fair grew out of a custom started in medieval times by local nobleman Lord Egremont, who distributed crab apples to the townsfolk. The tradition continues to this day, when crowds line the town’s Main Street to catch apples thrown from a cart. While the history of the fair can be traced back to King Henry III (1207-1272), who granted it a Royal Charter, no one is sure when gurning first began, although back in 1852 it was described by one local newspaper as an ‘ancient tradition’. The word ‘gurn’ means to snarl or grimace and the term is said to have developed from the old English word girnen (also related to the word ‘grin’). There are some odd stories about the possible origins of gurning: one theory goes that gurning is an exaggeration of the face someone might pull when eating a bitter crab apple, but it’s also possible that its origins date back to the pre-Christian belief that a terrifying face could be used to scare evil spirits. The tradition of using grotesque faces as a protection from evil can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as the Etruscans, the Egyptians and the pre-Columbian peoples of South America, and it’s also why gargoyles and grotesques – ugly faces carved in stone – were used to protect medieval churches. Maybe gurning was originally developed to protect people from invaders or imagined supernatural threats? We’ll never know, but if you enjoy events where people enter into bizarre and often quite baffling competitive activities with good humour and great community spirit, head on down to Egremont. It’s guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

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Food and Drink

The Liquid Deli - DemiJohn There are numerous liqueurs which can be located and, depending on liking and tastes, are every good, too. For hundreds of years liqueurs have been made, loved and appreciated, being one of the most popular alcoholic drinks around. Different herbs and fruits are included in the ingredients for the recipes, many of which are closely-guarded. If cocktails are a passion, then liqueurs will add a ‘zing’ and turn ok into the ‘WOW’ factor.

Demijohn, a liquid deli, was established during 2004 by Angus and Frances Ferguson. This family-run company quickly gained a reputation for high-quality liqueurs. Multi award-winning Demijohn goes to great lengths to source new ingredients, liqueurs, spirits, oils and vinegars from many locations in the UK and Europe. Eye-catching, beautifully-shaped glass bottles, decanters and containers, of various sizes, are an added bonus for the impressive presentation of products. The bottles, decanters and containers are reusable and a complimentary personal message can be included, on request. From the popular productions, utilising many fruits, including raspberries, damsons, cherries, blackcurrants and gooseberries, to rhubarb vodka and apricot brandy, plus so much more, there are plenty of choices and something for all tastes and palates, including organics. Several have a ‘following’ of devotees and regularly grace a great number of dining occasions-particularly a fine, favourite liqueur, for accompanying desserts or to enjoy afterwards. I located chocolate rum liqueur and found this exceptional, with outstanding balance, texture and flavour. Toffee whisky liqueur is very popular, as are Demijohn’s limoncello liqueur and also walnut liqueur, plus grapefruitcello – superb! Stores are located in Glasgow and York, with more planned. Online ordering is available (and easy), too. Deliveries are efficient and reliable. Liqueurs, whiskies, wines and spirits are all within their excellent ranges, plus superb oils and vinegars. Hampers and attractive gift packages are available, plus gift vouchers – perhaps surprise someone special? The website has all details and includes information on products, recipes, as well as particulars about gifts, weddings and ceremonies, also how to book a tasting event – now there’s a thought! Excellent and impressive products, presented with distinction. Tel: 0845 604 8350 Email: info@demijohn.co.uk www.demijohn.co.uk

As always, Enjoy! 20

ey Trevor Langl

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Beauty

By Kate Duggan

The Best Beauty Gift Sets Beauty gift sets are not all created equal. There are the ones you buy in a panic on Christmas Eve – guaranteed to either end up in a charity shop or forgotten in a cupboard somewhere – and then there’s this little lot… Chocolate lovers will rejoice with this Nature’s Kitchen Double Indulgence Chocolate Gift Box (£24.99, www.lovelula.com). It features the Dark Chocolate Cleansing Butter Fudge Mask and Chocolate Mocha Polishing Scrub, both of which are packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as raw organic cacao, organic Italian roasted coffee beans and organic avocado, and smell delicious.

Fragrance fans will enjoy creating their own perfumed body oil with this Neal’s Yard Remedies Aromatherapy Bespoke Blending Kit (£32, www. nealsyardremedies.com). There are three organic essential oils to choose from – orange, lavender and palmarosa, along with a base oil, mixing bottle and the Little Book of Essential Oils. Know someone who could do with a bit of a break over Christmas? Treat them to the Fearne Cotton Calming Collection (£18, Boots). They’ll get a body wash, body mist, bath bomb, body lotion and candle – all with a fragrance designed to calm the mind and soothe the senses. And, as a bonus, there’s a rather pretty gift bag, so you don’t even need to wrap your gift up if you don’t want to. It can be tricky to choose skincare or make-up for someone. If in doubt, stick to a pretty new

cosmetics bag or a new brush set. The No7 Ultimate Brush Collection (£27, Boots) is a good bet. There’s an uber-soft brush for every makeup requirement, and a pot to keep them all in. Lip gloss fans will love Bobbi Brown’s Glossy Lip Duo (£16, www. bobbibrown.co.uk). Choose from Rosy and Pastel shades, or Bellini and Buff. Or buy both sets to get all four shades, and keep three for yourself. We won’t tell. Frequent travellers will welcome Green People’s Skin Retreat – Comfort & Clarity Collection. There’s a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Cleanser & Make-up Remover, a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Light Day Moisturiser and a 10ml Neutral Scent-Free Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream. All for the bargain price of £15 (www. greenpeople.co.uk). The products are aimed at people with sensitive skin, but they’re great allrounders that will suit most skin types. The 50ml version of the moisturiser is usually £19.50, so you’re pretty much getting the cleanser and 24hour cream for free. Need some small gifts for teachers, colleagues or friends? The Champneys Bubble Heaven Gift Set (from £16 at Boots) contains three of its bestselling bath soaks. As a set, it makes a great present, but it’s also ideal for splitting up into three smaller gifts. Looking for a male grooming gift set? The Mr Festive Gift Set at White Stuff features a Christmas-themed body wash and soap for just £12.50…

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Local News

Give the gift of ‘me-time’ this Christmas at Ragdale Hall Spa This Christmas, why not treat your loved one to a luxurious pampering spa experience they won’t ever forget! Combining state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture, Ragdale Hall Spa offers the most luxurious and extensive spa facilities in the country – including a newly opened Rooftop Infinity Pool (Ragdale Hall’s sixth pool!). All vouchers are valid for a whole year and come beautifully packaged in a presentation pack with a voucher wallet and brochure, ready to place under the Christmas tree. Gift vouchers can be ordered online at www.ragdalehall.co.uk or by telephone on 01664 433030. Still need convincing? Ragdale Hall offers: • State-of-the-art facilities including Rooftop Infinity Pool • Multi-million pound Thermal Spa featuring

Candle Pool, indoor and outdoor Waterfall Pool and a series of heat experiences • Spa days and spa breaks from just a few hours to a full seven days, plus a variety of fitness and specialist breaks • Exercise sessions, gym, mountain bike hire and tennis courts included at no extra charge Ragdale Hall Gift Vouchers can be tailored to suit the lucky recipient; give them a spa day or spa break voucher, or a monetary value voucher they can spend how they choose. And if they’ve already booked their visit, Treatment Vouchers are the perfect way to make their experience even better! Gift vouchers can be ordered online at www.ragdalehall.co.uk or by telephone on 01664 433030.

Christmas Presents 1. In a well known children’s story, who does CindyLou Who catch stealing Christmas presents? 2. Launched in the run-up to Christmas in 1983, which toys were said to have been born at Babyland General Hospital? 3. In the 2013 TV advert for John Lewis, what did the hare get the bear as a Christmas present? 4. At the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what does Scrooge arrange to be sent anonymously to the Cratchit family? 5. In the film Gremlins, what name does Billy give to the Mogwai he receives as a Christmas present?

6. On the TV show South Park, who brings presents to children whose diets have been high in fibre? 7. “I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree” is a line from which well known Christmas song? 8. In the 1996 film Jingle All the Way, what is the name of the toy that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is desperately trying to get for his son as a Christmas present? 9. Which 1997 novel by Terry Pratchett features a Santa Claus-like title character who gives presents to children on December 32nd? 10. What is the final item that the singer asks Santa for in the song Santa Baby?

1. The Grinch (in How The Grinch Stole Christmas) 2. Cabbage Patch Kids 3. An alarm clock 4. A turkey 5. Gizmo 6. Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo 7. All I Want For Christmas Is You (by Mariah Carey) 8. Turbo-Man 9. The Hogfather 10. A ring (“Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring”)

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House of Colour

Sporty Styles to Suit Everyone 4.

Are you thinking of starting a new sport or getting fit in the new year? We all know the physical benefits of exercise are numerous, but many of us get put off even starting because we feel self-conscious about how we look, so here are our top sporty styling tips, to help give you that boost of confidence to hit the ground running in 2020! 1. Exercise bras. Whatever the exercise, make sure you are wearing the right bra. Sports bras usually provide three levels of support; low, medium and high depending on your breast size and on the type of the exercise you are doing; for example low support may be required for yoga but high support for running and netball. Wearing the right fitting bra looks better, feels better and can even improve how well we perform during exercise, whilst wearing the wrong bra can result in breast pain and even soft tissue damage. Sports bras are stylish these days so head to a reputable lingerie or department store, get measured and find out what type of support you need. 2. Yoga leggings. Wearing, comfy, supportive and flattering yoga leggings will make you feel more confident and energized. They need to have smooth seams, so they don’t rub and are not too restrictive. Test their flexibility and ensure they are properly opaque! Leggings come in a huge variety of lengths, colours and prints, so have fun choosing a pair in your wow colours or a flattering pattern to reflect your personality. What’s more sports leggings can look fantastic paired with cosy knitwear in your style for relaxing around the house. 3. Swimwear. Don’t be tempted to just go for a dark muted colour thinking it will be more

flattering. By choosing swimmers in your wow colours, your eyes will sparkle and people will be drawn to look at your face, so you don’t need to worry about any stretch marks (not that you should worry, lots of us have them , they are just another gorgeous part of what makes you, you!). Base layers. Use natural fibers for your base layers. Look to buy sports tops made from cotton, bamboo or merino wool is brilliant at wicking away moisture, will keep you warm and is soft on the skin. Choose tops at a length that flatters your proportions but be streamlined and avoid feeling bulky. Try a playful pop of colour contrast between your layers. Water bottle. Choose a reusable, environmentally friendly water bottle, such as BPA free plastic, bamboo or metal and opt for one of your favourite wow colours as your musthave sporty accessory. Sports trainers. Get fitted for the right sports trainers for your foot and body architecture and the type of sports you intend to be doing and select a fabulous colour or gorgeous detail to express your personality. Fashion trainers have to have their own mention because they are also oh so on trend paired with jeans, dresses and skirts and there is an abundance of styles to choose from. Chunky soles can add a little height, but don’t go for extremes if you have shorter legs. If you have wider feet, make sure you choose something that is not restrictive but sleek may be better than super chunky soled trainers. Be sure to shop around. Flatforms may look fab on your friend, but you may be a sparkly sneakers sort of person. Running clothes. If you are a runner you will want leggings that stay in place, so you don’t have to yank your waistband up. Look for a handy inner pocket to pop your house key in. Choose a wind and waterproof jacket in your wow colour with the dual purpose of increasing your visibility on wintry days and looking like you were born to run.

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

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Time of Year

Have yourself…crisis-free Christmas One Christmas our whole family came down with flu; in other years our dog died, the oven exploded, and we had a power cut, although thankfully not all on the same day! Most Christmases are wonderful but sometimes life gets in the way. With a smidgeon of forethought though, you can make all the difference. First among potential disasters are digestive ones. A plate of salmonella is definitely not top of most people’s Christmas list! Invest in special thermometers for ovens and fridges and check they’re running at the right temperature. Less serious but still unpleasant are tummy upsets caused by over-indulgence of rich food and alcohol. Keep a supply of antacids and rehydration salts in your first aid box. Also stock up on plasters and anti-burn spray because preparing sprouts and getting the turkey in and out of the oven can be surprisingly dangerous tasks, especially after a cocktail or two! Then there are the unavoidable hitches such as illness which, let’s face it, can strike any time, even at Christmas. High temperatures and sore throats are no fun at all. Make sure you have ibuprofen and paracetamol to hand for both juniors and adults. Make two lists of emergency numbers. Include

By Sarah Davey

NHS Direct, an emergency dentist, your gas and electricity suppliers, an emergency plumber, electrician, vet and a locksmith. A garage and taxi service are useful too. Keep one list at home in an easy-to-find place and the other about your person. Don’t forget to buy candles, matches, a flashlight and some batteries just in case of a power cut. Finally, there are the avoidable disasters caused by poor planning. Make sure the car is serviced and full of petrol if you have to travel. If you’re going abroad check all passports are up to date and that the dog or cat will be cared for. For peace of mind use boarding kennels or a professional pet sitter. Burglaries increase around Christmas because thieves know there are rich pickings to be had so check your security. Also check your household insurance is valid and that you have enough cover. Did you know that a third of parents forget to buy batteries for Christmas toys? Avoid disappointment on the day. Run through a check list before you leave the shop: do you need batteries, a battery charger, memory cards, a scart lead or an extra console controller? It’s easy to throw the instructions out with the packaging and wrapping paper so take care, and furthermore, if you think there is something wrong with the gift DO NOT take it to pieces. You will invalidate your warrantee! You can’t prevent all crises. Prepare by all means but try to keep a sense of perspective and humour and hopefully you’ll have a happy Christmas no matter what life throws at you! The year we all had flu we simply postponed Christmas and had the full works a few days later instead when we all felt much better.

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Business

By Robert Grant

Crowd Cuckoo Land

Can you trust crowdfunding? Every day some new gadget appears that we never knew we needed. Many of these new innovations are from the big companies, but more are now originating from micro businesses which use crowdfunding to raise their start-up cash. But what is crowdfunding and is it safe to buy from a company that may still be designing your gadget? Crowdfunding is replacing some of the more traditional ways which raised money to fund the development of an idea into a saleable product. Instead of borrowing from a bank or mortgaging their homes, entrepreneurs ask people like you to buy their products whilst they are still at the design stage. Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have sprung up to highlight campaigns and manage the funding process. You can browse people’s ideas, monitor progress, view promo videos and then choose from a range of purchase options to donate your cash and help the project get going. And this is where crowdfunding is not the same as buying a product. You give your money to the company and they promise to deliver your purchase as soon as they can. They don’t guarantee to deliver, nor to give you back your money if they fail. So, there are some risks to crowdfunding. From big ideas to tiny niche products it’s all there. By purchasing before the launch you’ll get a great discount on the final retail price and earn a warm

feeling that you really did help bring a product into existence. If you don’t want to buy an item, you can usually donate a small amount and receive some token thank you merchandise in return. Keep in mind that these projects are still mostly on the drawing board. Some sites like Kickstarter require the designers to have a prototype and be totally open about the state of the project; others don’t. Read all the documentation and update information before parting with your cash. All projects carry the risk that the idea won’t reach the manufacture stage, or that the developers will run off with the cash! Delivery dates are generally over optimistic with most projects falling at least a little behind, so don’t back a project with a delivery date in November if you need it for Christmas. Crowdfunding has produced some great success stories. Pebble Watches raised over $20 million for its first smart watch and became a leader in that field before being bought out by Fitbit. The Exploding Kittens game raised $9 million and is now selling through major high street shops. But others haven’t done as well. Ellio Motors raised $17 million for its 3-wheeler car but managed to burn through the cash and never produced a single vehicle. So, take a look at what’s out there, but do your homework and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

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Garden View

The Holly and the Ivy There’s no doubt that holly and ivy are synonymous with Christmas. This dates back to pre-Christian era when pagans used evergreen decorations in their mid-winter celebrations. It’s not hard to see why they were attracted to these beautiful plants which offer a promise of better times to come during the most barren time of the year. Early Christians adopted them too and imbued holly particularly with Christian symbolism. Our ancestors lived close to the earth and the seasons and were open to symbolism. As modern gardeners we might be sceptical of the symbolism, but we can embrace the glory of these seasonal plants. Ivy (Hedera) comes in many sizes, from the tinyleaved ‘Spetchley’ to the hand-sized leaves of ‘Maple Leaf’. It also comes in a beautiful variety of colours from the rich green, crimped leaves of ‘Parsley crested’ which makes great ground cover, to the gorgeous red-stemmed yellow leaves of the climber ‘Sunrise’. For winter baskets I’d recommend the lime-green ‘Ursula’ and her grey-leaved friend ‘Frederick’. Ivy is a doddle to grow. There are only a few things

to remember. Cut it back in spring to encourage new growth and take cuttings between October and March when the growth is woody. Yellow varieties need sunshine and don’t let any of it grow into your eaves. Other than that, it is your undemanding gardening friend. Holly (Ilex) is pretty easy-going too. It will grow almost anywhere except really water-logged soil. It’s tolerant of pollution, salt and wind and grows really slowly, so it’s great for small gardens and by the sea. Protect it from rabbits if they frequent your garden as they love to eat the bark. Trim it in August if you have to and remove plain green shoots on variegated varieties. Take cuttings in the late summer or autumn. It does resent root disturbance once it’s established so make sure you plant it in the right place first time. Hollies are male or female but not necessarily named to help you distinguish. ‘Silver Queen’ is actually male and ‘Martin’ is female! You’ll need both for berries so talk to an expert at the nursery or garden centre to be sure.

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Gardening

Pruning Perfection Winter is perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants (except if it is really icy or frosty), so get stuck in now that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are bare of leaves. Remember that for pruning to really benefit the plant, you need the right tools. For a small expanse of hedge or a shrub that needs reshaping, a good, sharp pair of well-oiled shears should do the job. When cutting along a hedge top, a guide line – such as a taut string – will help you get a neat, level surface. For larger hedges use a powered hedge cutter or hedge trimmer. Use ‘loppers’ for removal of stems at various heights and of varying thicknesses. These are available with various handle lengths (some have telescopic handles), so that you can reach higher. For relatively thick stems they are better than shears or secateurs and allow for accurate cutting. Wear goggles and ideally protective headgear if you have to cut back branches above your head. Everybody needs a pair of good-quality sharp secateurs for pruning smaller woody stems. Always cut to an outward-facing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards). Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems, for formative pruning (to ensure the plant grows in the right direction), and for pruning to encourage flowering. A proper pruning saw is necessary for pruning out or tidying up larger branches on trees and shrubs and is perfect for fruit trees. Use a sawing action for best results and make the pruning cut a few

By Pippa Greenwood

millimetres or so away from the main stem from which the branch you are removing is joined. A cut like this will heal quicker and is less prone to fungal rotting. MORE PRUNING TIPS • Always check the best pruning time for your plants – most hedges and many shrubs can be cut back now, but you may impact the flowering potential of others. • Some trees, mainly those in the Prunus family – such as edible and ornamental cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines – are prone to the potentially fatal fungal ‘silver leaf’ infection, and should be pruned in the summer months. • Pruning tools must be really sharp – blunt tools mean more effort and the risk of damage to the plant. • Create sloping cuts with secateurs, loppers and saws to prevent moisture accumulating (wetness encourages wood rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud to allow new growth without dieback. • Stand back from time to time when pruning, to let you see how you are affecting the overall shape of the plant. At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, tools, planters, raised bed kits and the “Grow Your Own with Pippa” system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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Motoring

Lexus Luxury Goes Beyond Looks Lexus’ UX 250 will certainly turn heads, and not from the noise. Its striking looks and angles make for a distinctive and arresting aesthetic. The rear lamps connect in a high-tech looking full-width strip. Triggered by ambient light levels, the auto-illuminating front LED lights give the aggressive front a poised stance, and the huge front grille that wraps around the front is unlike anything else on the market. Interior - The front of the UX’s cabin is where Lexus excels. The space feels generous and welcoming, and material quality is excellent. As usual, Lexus touts its superior craftsmanship – called Takumi – and named the top-end trim package after it. Several other trim options are available, as well as the standard model. The seats are comfortable, but rear space is limited. Passenger storage is reasonable, but not superb. There’s a smallish glovebox and front door bins, along with a central armrest cubby and a couple of cup holders. Rear-seat passengers are served with a couple of map pockets but no door bins. The Drive - The UX combines precise steering with good body control and resilient grip to feel quite keen in corners. It doesn’t wobble the way a tall SUV might, due to its lower centre of gravity. This combined with a seating position lower than other SUVs, the UX feels more car-like to manoeuvre. The brake pedal can feel awkward, owing to the hybrid system trying to balance regenerative braking to charge the battery with conventional deceleration. Speaking of the hybrid system, it features a new four-cylinder 176bhp 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain with direct-shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is self-charging and benefits from regenerative braking, so there’s no plug to

worry about. Economy estimates of 68.9-65.7mpg and emissions of 96-103g/km CO2 (for the 17- and 18-inch wheel front-wheel drive models) should prove useful in driving down your carbon footprint. Infotainment System - Lexus’ unique infotainment system can leave users wanting. The sat nav, for example, is awkward and notoriously fiddly. It’s an older postcode-based system, which makes searching by house or road number first impossible, and a limited database prevents some destinations from being entered. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto either, despite there being two USB ports available. A highly sensitive mousemat-like controller is used somewhat erratically to select options on screen. Luckily, the UX’s panel of physical buttons below the dash offer more conventional controls for climate and more. Key specs • Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, twin electric motor • Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive • Power: 179bhp • 0-60mph: 8.5 seconds • Top speed: 110mph • Economy/CO2: 53.3mpg/97g/km For • Very comfortable seats make for great long or short drives • Hybrid powertrain helps keep tax cost and emissions down • Peppy drive from a CVT gearbox • Low CO2 Emissions Against • Cramped rear seat and storage space • Poor towing ability • Difficult to use on-board tech • No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

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Time of Year

By Louise Addison

The Gift of Experience When I was younger it used to drive me mad when my dad said ‘I don’t want anything for Christmas...’ How could he say that? Then a couple of years ago I realised I’d become him. I don’t want or even need more of anything. Many of my friends feel the same. We don’t want to add to plastic or clothes waste. We don’t want clutter. Yet the pleasure of giving and receiving at Christmas is something most of us enjoy, so why not give a gift experience instead. A National Trust Membership - Allows the recipient access to around 500 historic houses and gardens, monuments, social history sites, and beaches. Tickets to see a favourite band or artist perform Or perhaps a local artist they’ve never seen, or music event they’ve never attended. Live music is a great night out, and even better if you gift two tickets so they can take a friend. An up-close and personal experience with their favourite animal or insect - My friend loves hedgehogs so I paid for her to spend a day at the local hedgehog hospital. She learned all about hedgehogs and helped to feed and weigh them. She still talks about it today. You can buy ‘meet the animal’ experiences for every beastie from spiders to lemurs. There’s bound to be something for the animal-lover in your life. Tickets to a movie marathon - Whether your intended recipient is into sci-fi, horror, fantasy, musicals or old black and white movies, there will be an enterprising cinema or theatre running a specialist event. If they are not into a particular genre then a season pass to a cinema or theatre will allow them to watch whatever they want. Wine, whiskey or gin tasting session - What could be nicer than sharing an evening touring a winery or distillery learning about the flavours and techniques involved in producing their favourite tipple.

Cooking class - Classes can be for a particular type of cuisine, like Chinese or Thai, or for a particular technique like bread-making. There are generally other like-minded souls there so your recipient will make new friends. Spa treatment day – Life is stressful so very few people would turn their nose up at being pampered for a few hours. An escape room experience - If your intended recipient is into puzzles try tickets to an escape room. It’s a fun experience for everyone and a great gift for a family. A masterclass in something they love photography, juggling, golf, painting, writing... there are classes online and in the real world for any subject or skill you can think of. The happiness we experience from acquiring things fades very quickly. Experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than material goods. We are the sum total of our experiences and they stay with us for longer because of the way they are encoded in the brain. Each time we think about the experience we feel that same sense of happiness we felt initially. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

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Pets

RSPCA Hertfordshire East News

T’WAS THE CAT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ! T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house Something was stirring, but it wasn’t a mouse; The tree by the chimney was sparkly and bright, As a furry black shadow crept silently that night. Dreaming of Christmas I nestled in bed, When a strange noise below filled me with dread. I sprang from my slumber to see what was the matter, When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter. Away to the stairs, I flew like a sprite, Tore open the door and switched on the light. The tree with its baubles, tinsel and glow Had fallen and hidden the presents below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear Two enormous green eyes and the tip of one ear. With a quiver so lively, so sudden, so quick, My cat darted out and gave me a lick. Cats love climbing, so keep an eye on your Christmas tree, tinsel and baubles. Festive plants like poinsettias, lilies and amaryllis are poisonous, and so are the berries of holly and mistletoe. These are some of the foods cats must avoid, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic. Avoid artificial snow as it contains chemicals. Some real Christmas trees are toxic if licked or nibbled. Collect fallen pine needles to prevent puncturing your pet’s paws. A well-groomed cat is a happy cat. Grooming removes dust, dead skin as well as loose hairs, prevents serious tangling and matting, boosting circulation. There’s also the benefit of additional

quality time with your pet. Long haired cats will need grooming every day, while short-haired cats will be happy with a grooming session once a week. Avoid cutting fur with scissors and ideally use a specialist de-matting comb or grooming mitten. Check for issues such as sore patches or wounds. Use praise and treats to help your cat give grooming a positive association. Keep grooming sessions short. Some cats find grooming uncomfortable. If you notice your cat twitching, swishing their tail, growling or hissing, end the session. When grooming a long-haired cat use a metal, widetoothed comb and follow the direction the hair grows naturally. Include chest, abdomen, behind the ears, back of the legs and axillae (armpit area) where tangles tend to form. There are combs and brushes specifically for checking for fleas and eggs, and some help tackle the moulting season. Soft bristle and pin brushes distribute natural oils which can help the condition of your cat’s fur. Slicker brushes are good for removing dead hair and breaking down mats in long haired cats. Wishing all our readers, animals lovers and their pets a very safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and if you are treating yourself, friends and family, don’t forget your furry companions. In the event of an emergency or cruelty, please call 0300 1234 999 Branch Office: 01462 672278 Why not follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/hertfordshireeastbranch or on our website:www.rspca-hertfordshireeast.org.uk

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Life Begins...

Small change with a big impact

By Kate McLelland

If you like to finish off your Christmas lunch with a traditional pudding, you might recall the old custom of putting a sixpence in the mixture. When the pudding was eaten on Christmas day, it was said that the lucky recipient – lucky, that is, provided he or she didn’t break a tooth on the coin – would enjoy wealth and good luck throughout the year to come. Nowadays the sixpence is no longer in circulation, having disappeared along with the farthing, halfpenny and threepence. As recently as May this year, two more low-value British coins, the 1p and 2p, were also threatened with extinction. However, a Treasury review suggesting we scrap our small change prompted a huge backlash from charities, small businesses and groups representing older, vulnerable people. The coins were reprieved, and as we celebrate the people power that saved our small change, maybe it’s time to look back at some of the low-value coins we’ve loved and lost. The sixpence First minted in the reign of Henry VIII’s son Edward VI (1537-1553), the sixpence was circulated until 1980. Also known as a ‘tanner’ or a ‘sixpenny bit’, the sixpence was worth one-fortieth of a pound sterling.

Sixpence facts: • The name ‘tanner’ is said to have originated in the reign of George II, when Chief Engraver to the Royal Mint John Sigismund Tanner redesigned the coin. • The full text for the old rhyme beginning “Something old, something new” runs “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” The threepenny bit This coin was also first minted during the reign of King Edward VI. Known variously as a threepence, thruppence or threepenny bit, the value of this well-loved little coin was one-eightieth of a pound sterling. The coin ceased to be legal tender after 31 August 1971, just over five months after decimalisation was introduced to the UK. Threepence facts: • This coin was originally used for Christmas puddings but it was replaced by the sixpence when the threepence was minted in brass. • A rare threepenny coin created for the reign of Edward VIII in the 1930s sold for £30,000 in 2013.

The farthing Representing one-quarter of an old penny, the farthing was first minted in silver in the thirteenth century, but copper farthings were circulated during the reigns of Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Elizabeth II. After 1956 no more farthings were minted and the coin ceased to be legal tender on 1st January 1961. Farthing facts: • The word ‘farthing’ is derived from an old English word, feorthing, meaning ‘a fourth part’. • The farthing is mentioned in the old nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and lemons’: “You owe me five farthings/Say the bells of St Martins”. While it’s understandable that the public might feel nostalgic towards coins that have been around for hundreds of years, our 1p and 2p coins have been with us for less than half a century. However, the outrage that followed the recent threat to remove them from circulation suggests that we’ll have small change jingling in our pockets for many more years to come.

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By Tom Hancock

Wine Wisdom

Wine

Which wine should you choose? I was always a bit hazy about which wine to serve with which food. They didn’t teach that sort of thing at our local comprehensive. Then one day a chef friend explained that far from being an elitist concept it was simply about marrying flavours that blend well or complement each other, much like cooking. I managed to get her to distil her wisdom into this handy guide. Fish A delicate fish dish calls for a delicate wine, such as Pinot Grigio. If the fish is more robust and served with a rich sauce, it will require a more full-bodied flavoursome white like Chardonnay. Salty seafood marries surprisingly well with champagne. Chicken or Turkey Choose a full-flavoured white, like a white Côtes du Rhône, or a delicate red, such as a Frappato. Juicy red meat For beef or steak a rich red, such as a Bordeaux or

Cabernet Sauvignon will work well or even a Rioja. Spicy dishes – These require a spicy wine. Look for a Malbec, Syrah or Shiraz will all hold their own. If the spicy food is vegetarian, then a dry Riesling will pair well. Vegetarian food There is a misconception that vegetarian food should only be served with white wine. But medium reds, like Merlot work well with lots of vegetarian dishes, particularly tomato-based recipes. Cheese board Some cheeses go better with red, some with white. Sauternes and Stilton are a perfect match, while Chardonnay works well with brie. A dry Rosé is a good all-rounder. Remember, the main rule is to pair the characteristics of the dish with the characteristics of the wine. So, a buttery sauce will work well with white a wine also described as ‘buttery’. Experiment and enjoy!

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Parenting

By Kate Duggan - www.kateduggan.co.uk

Christmas Eve Boxes child, add it to their Christmas Eve box. Again, you might be able to grab a bargain on Christmas Eve, but if you’d rather not face the queues, try supermarkets, as they’ve really upped their game in recent years.

Planning a Christmas Eve box this year, but can’t decide what to put in it? Maybe we can help… Pyjamas Many of us give out the Christmas PJs right at the start of the month – to get as much wear out of them as possible. If you haven’t, then you may well be able to pick up a bargain in the days leading up to the 25th, as retailers often reduce their Christmas stock.

Slippers Cosy slippers will prove popular long after Boxing Day. If you’re splashing out, Moccis are a good choice. These hand-sewn moccasin slippers are ethically made in Sweden and available for babies right up to adults. A Christmas Day outfit If you’re planning a special Christmas Day outfit for your

A sweet treat Whether you go for a packet of sweets, a gingerbread figure or a sachet of hot chocolate, a sweet treat is likely to prove the most popular gift in the box. And let’s face it, your child isn’t going to get to sleep early anyway, so a bit of sugar isn’t likely to make too much difference. A book There are numerous Christmas tales to choose from. ‘The Jolly Christmas Postman’ is usually a winner with children under six, as it comes complete with extra mini-gifts, including a game and jigsaw. Then there’s ‘The Girl Who Saved Christmas’ and ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ for older children.

A small toy, game or activity Choose a game you can all play together as a family, such as Dobble, or an activity to keep them quiet for five minutes while you finish preparing for t he big day. A memento Why not add a Christmas-themed memento to be brought out again year after year? This could be a small decoration for your child to hang on the tree, a mug to drink that hot chocolate from, or a plate for Santa’s mince pie. Other little gifts If your Christmas Eve box is still looking a bit empty, you could pop in some trinkets, stationery or accessories. We love the notebooks and badges from The Kindness Co-op.

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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 Nativity Crib Festival 11am-5pm St Ippolyts Church Adults £3, Children free Once again we will be filling the church with as many cribs as we can persuade people to lend us (last year we had almost 200). Each has its own ‘story’ saying why it is important to its owner. ‘Living crib’ why not use our dressing up clothes to create your own nativity scene for a Christmas card. Cakes available. A chance to win a crib of your own. Parking on the school playground. Tel: 01463 421647 Email: barbara.thomas@live.co.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 December Hare & Hounds Hash House Harriers 11am H5 are a social running and walking club for mixed abilities, meeting every week in the Bedfordshire area. The trail is set by our hare from a local pub and typically lasts 1 hour covering between 3 and 4 miles. Family and dog friendly. Full details of the trails can be found online or via email. Email: info@h5hashers.org.uk Web: www.H5hashers.org.uk 2, 9 & 16 December Stevenage Choral Society 7.45-9.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel School, Stevenage The society meets every Monday during term time. Free the friendly choir with a free session. 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 and be part of a friendly and supportive team, putting on excellent performances whilst having fun. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 2, 9 & 16 December Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Staplers is a social folk dance club. 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. Meets every Monday apart from bank holidays and some school holiday dates. Tel. 01462 624144 or 01462 680995 Web: www.staplers.org.uk

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December Stevenage New Pathways 1-4pm Friends Meeting House Cuttys Lane, Stevenage £2 inc. hot drink & biscuits. A friendly place to meet and talk over issues in a positive way. Maybe go for walks, bring in speakers, form a craft group. Email: katiewilsonmind@gmail.com

5, 12 & 19 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

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 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. 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

5, 12 & 19 December Stevenage Plus Social Group 8.15pm for 8.30pm Holiday Inn Express (opposite Matalan), Stevenage £2 - first night free Stevenage Plus Social Group is a fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas. We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as day trips and weekends away. New members always welcome. Tel: 01438 231550. Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk

4 December North Herts Association of National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Visitors £2 ‘The Inception of the London Underground’. Tony Earle will talk about its life from original steam power in smoke filled tunnels, through reminiscences of the 1950s, up to modern times. Rounded off with a light hearted quiz. Mince pie and non-alcoholic punch included. Visitors welcome. Membership of National Trust not necessary. Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com 5 December The Arts Society North Herts 11am & 2pm Spirella Ballroom Letchworth Visitors £7 on the door ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. Peter Medhurst will explore the wealth of music, traditions and customs for Christmas across the centuries. All visitors are welcome. Web: theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 5, 12 & 19 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

5, 12 & 19 December Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin A small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above, offering 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 with no joining fee for the first two months. Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 5 & 19 December Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage £3, annual membership £5 Friendly club for English country dancing – enjoyable, easy to learn and very sociable. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced, couples and individuals. All dances walked through; club and guest callers ensure a varied programme. Christmas party on 19th. Tel: 01438 727239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk

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n O s ’ t Wha In December

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

6 December RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group 7.30pm ‘The Settlement’, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City Local group members free, Visitors £3 ‘Islander’ by Patrick Barkham. We go on a journey around some of Britain’s most intriguing small islands, meeting their wild residents – from Orkney voles to Bonxies. Patrick explores how small islands can be ecological laboratories, warning signals and sanctuaries – for wildlife and us. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com

6, 13 & 20 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 7 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 8 December RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group Trip Own transport trip. Visit Ferry Meadows (parkland on the edge of Peterborough with lakes, woodland and hides) followed by the wild habitat of Woodwalton Fen. Meet at Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre (parking charge applies). Leader Martin Johnson. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com

12-14 December Christmas at Woodside 2019 7.30pm Woodside Hall, Hitchin Tickets £12.50 inc. mince pie and glass of punch Hitchin Thespians present Christmas at Woodside 2019. An interactive concert of traditional carols and newer festive favourites with the combined forces of the Hitchin Thespians choir and some of its show performers. You will be entertained by wandering carollers, boisterous tavern-dwellers and heart-warming families. Tel: 01462 641575 Web: boxoffice@hitchinthespians.org.uk

15 December Stevenage RSPB Local Group car trip to Thurrock Thameside 10am A new venue for the group on the north bank of the Thames downstream from Tilbury, for wintering waders and passerines. Meet in the car park at 10am. Leader Trevor Storey. Grid Ref. 178/TQ 696804. Postcode SS17 0RN. Tel: 01438 226014. Web: ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/stevenage Until 15 December* First Threads: Preparing girls for life? Fri & Sat 10am & 4pm, Sun 2-5pm The British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin A new British Schools’ Museum Exhibition on girls’ early education featuring needlework samplers and the stories of the girls who sewed them. * Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 17 December Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage RSPB Members £3, Non-members £4, Under 18s 50p. Christmas social. Join us for our annual buffet supper with games and quizzes. Tel: 01438 226014 Web: www.rspb.org/groups/Stevenage

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21 December Join the Dots Forest School Great Wymondley Village, near Hitchin Sessions every third Saturday of the month for children 2+ years, with additional dates in school holidays. Come and join our fun filled sessions involving games, den building, flora and fauna identification and much more. 2-5 years, 10.30am12.30pm £16, siblings £12. 6-11 years, 1.15-4pm £20, siblings £18. Everyone welcome. Email: alison@jointhedotsforestschool.co.uk Website: www.jointhedotsforestschool.co.uk Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Social club for retired and semi-retired 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 welcome. Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com Hitchin & Surrounding Areas Fun & Social Stuff A welcoming social group based in Hitchin, but, also includes the surrounding areas. We arrange monthly socials, drinks socials, live music, pub quizzes, cinema, etc.. The group is a variety of people over 18 getting to know others in a social and friendly setting whilst also enjoying themselves. Email: meetup3@outlook.com Web: https://www. meetup.com/meetup-group-HVrvZZiQ 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

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Technology

Your festive gadget survival guide Make sure your technology is happy this Christmas

For many households, Christmas means lots of new gadgets under the tree – and if you’re not prepared, that could mean a distinct lack of Christmas cheer if people can’t play with their new toys on Christmas morning. It’s still wise to have batteries of all sizes (ideally rechargeable ones) in common sizes such as AA, AAA and CR2032 for things like talking toys, games console controllers, radio car controllers and so on, but it might be wise to consider a few other things too. First of all, make sure you have a multi-tool or small toolkit to hand. Many toys now come either in hard-to-open transparent plastic, or with lots of cable ties and screws to stop people stealing them from their packaging. Some sharp scissors and a small cross-head screwdriver will be a big help here. Think about chargers, too. Not all gadgets such as phones and tablets arrive charged, and the ones that do are going to need

charging after a morning of intensive use. Check the devices that Santa’s bringing either come with charging cables or that you have the appropriate ones already. We’ve also found portable chargers (power banks) to be really useful for long trips to visit the family; if your car has a power/cigar lighter socket, investing in a USB adapter and a very long phone charging cable could be worthwhile. One of the biggest Christmas technology traumas is when games controllers are involved. Now that most games require an internet connection, consoles need to be running the most up-to-date system software before use, and downloading and installing that software can take hours. It’ll take longer still on Christmas morning if half of your street or block is doing that or streaming Christmas films on Netflix, so if at all possible try to connect the console and download the updates before Santa gets in his sleigh.

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Last but definitely not least, expect the unexpected. Make sure your home insurance covers the additional technology items that you’ve got in your home – some insurers, but not all, automatically increase your contents cover over the festive period – and make sure you keep receipts for any expensive items such as computers or smartphones. If any gadgets are easily broken or smashed – tablets are particularly prone to accidental injuries – then it’s a very good idea to invest in a protective case and/or screen protector. It’s also worth considering a dedicated gadget insurance policy if your home is now full of expensive and easily broken devices. Such policies tend to have reasonably low excesses – for example, having to pay £50 to replace the screen on an Apple Watch sounds like a lot, but Apple charges nearly £300 – and cover loss and theft as well as damage.

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Crossword Solution for The Villager November Edition Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner - Mr J Hoskins from Hitchin North Pole Competition Winner - Sophie Bright from Tilbrook

Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

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Across 1 South American animal (6) 4 Clans (6) 9 Whirlwind (7) 10 Male duck (5) 11 Casseroles (5) 12 Surprised (7) 13 Source of power (11) 18 Cars, buses etc. (7) 20 Dangerous (5) 22 Tacks (5) 23 Graceful (7) 24 Eighth month (6) 25 Flow (6)

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

16th December 2019 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1 Painter (6) 2 American handbag (5) 3 Masterpiece (7) 5 Wireless (5) 6 Woollen cover (7) 7 Fast (6) 8 Assembled (11) 14 Departing (7) 15 Right (7) 16 Lines of a verse (6) 17 Method (6) 19 Clenched hands (5) 21 Frighten (5)

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Book Review Banksy You Are an Acceptable Level of Threat by Gary Shove & Patrick Potter

This is so much more than just a coffee-table-worthy photography collection. For a start, it’s snort-outloud funny. It’s been updated for 2019 and now spans Banky’s career, from the early 90s to 2018. There are anecdotes, irreverent biographical references and a few hundred photos to pore over.

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments picks up a few years after The Handmaid’s Tale ended. It weaves together the stories of three women – Daisy, born in Gilead but raised in Canada; Agnes Jemima, who’s desperate to escape the life set out for her by her step-parents; and the infamous Aunt Lydia. We won’t spoil it by giving away too much of the storyline, but it’s fair to say that it’s everything you hoped for and more. Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale (book or TV series).

The Corset by Laura Purcell

Ruth Butterham is on trial for murdering her mistress. She confessed to the crime, but is she guilty or delusional? The more that wealthy prison visitor Dorothea Truelove hears of the beaten and broken Ruth’s tale, the less sure she is of who the real villain is in the story. Is Ruth the killer, is there another murderer at large or, as Ruth seems to believe, is the real culprit something far more unlikely? Gripping historical crime fiction sure to appeal to fans of Sarah Waters.

Books By Kate Duggan

Little Robin Red Vest by Jan Fearnley

This classic picture book is now 20 years old. It tells the story of how the robin got his red vest. (Spoiler: Father Christmas gave it to him as a reward for the robin giving away his own woolly vests.) A great story, beautiful illustrations and a feel-good message to top it all off. What more could a young child want from a book on Christmas morning?

Burn After Writing (Teen Edition) by Rhiannon Shove

A journal with a difference, Burn after Writing invites teens to answer a series of questions to paint a picture of who they are, from ‘The song that makes me want to dance’ to ‘If I had a brainwashing machine, I would use it to’ and ‘Something I do that makes me feel proud of myself’. Perfect for 11 to 14 year olds. (The adult’s version is worth a look too.)

Veg by Jamie Oliver

Buying for a vegetarian? Or just someone who enjoys healthy food that tastes great and doesn’t take hours to prepare? This book is for them. There are twists on new classics, such as Veggie Moussaka and Vegan Lasagne, and plenty of more inspired dishes that could soon become old favourites, like Masala Stuffed Peppers, Pulled Mushroom Sandwich and Crispy Cauliflower Katsu. Some take a few minutes to make from scratch, while others are more suitable for chilled-out Sunday brunches or dinners with friends.

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