Stevenage january 2023

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Best destinations in Europe for a walking holiday

Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like soaking up the views from a mountain summit, or stumbling upon a hidden waterfall when you least expect it – and it’s all the more rewarding when you’ve got there on your own two feet.

Walking holidays are a fantastic opportunity to venture off the beaten track and see a different side to the country you’re visiting. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? From world famous pilgrimages to secluded alpine mountain trails, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best walking holiday destinations in Europe, so you can start planning your next adventure.

Albania

With a rich heritage that can trace its influences back to the Macedonians, the Greeks and the Ottoman Turks, Albania is an often overlooked

corner of Europe that’s perfect for trekkers who want to escape the typical tourist trails. Boasting alpine mountain valleys, emerald-green lakes, rustic highland villages and snow-capped peaks, this is a land of pure, untouched beauty. Mountains make up 70% of Albania’s terrain, so it’s no surprise that they form the basis for most of the walking tours here. Book a tour within the Albanian Alps, the country’s star attraction, to discover towering waterfalls, meadows of wildflowers and charming mountain villages. Or venture into the south to soak up the coastal charms of the ‘Albanian Riviera’ – home to some of the best beaches in Europe.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

If you’re looking for drop-dead gorgeous scenery, a combination of sun, sea and sand, and a seemingly endless number of walking trails to choose from, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the answer to all your prayers. Covering a stretch of coastline from Punta Campanella to Salerno, taking in the hilltop towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, the trails here are truly out of this world. Carved out by Greek settlers as early as the eighth century BC, the mythical Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is perhaps the coastline’s most famous. You’ll truly feel as though you’re walking in the heavens as you explore this skyhigh coastal path, drinking in the far-reaching ocean views. Stretching for five miles from start to finish, the walk culminates in a breathtaking 1,500-step staircase that leads to the village of Arienzo.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

Culminating in a visit to the spectacular Santiago Cathedral, this 155km pilgrimage in northern Spain is a unique journey of holy significance that dates back over 1,000 years.

Travelling through undulating countryside, rural farmland and medieval villages, what makes the Camino de Santiago so popular is its variety. There are at least seven verified routes, running through multiple different countries, but the beauty is that you can walk as much or as little as you like. Spend weeks walking from Le Puy to Santiago, one month walking from St Jean Pied de Port, or just a few days trekking the final stretch. If you commit to walking the last 100km, you’ll even receive your very own Compostela pilgrim certificate.

Madeira, Portugal

Hiking Madeira’s levadas is an experience not to be missed, with thousands of people lacing up their hiking boots here each year. These irrigation canals were built to bring water from the northern slopes to the south side of the island. Although still in use, they now have another purpose, giving hikers a way to explore the island’s secret interior and dramatic landscapes.

With more than 2,000km to explore at heights reaching 1,861m, this Portuguese island has trails to suit all experience levels. Whichever you choose, you can expect spectacular scenery at every turn. If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo?

La Gomera, Canary Islands

The Canary Island that time forgot, La Gomera is a hiker’s paradise. This volcanic land is shaped by cloud forests, steep-sided valleys and ancient hiking paths

Albania

Camino de Santiago

– the most famous of which wind their way through the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park. Ascend to the summit of Garajonay, the highest point on the island, or follow the island’s network of stunning footpaths and historic mule trails. Around 25% of the flora and fauna found here are endemic to the island, but what makes La Gomera all the more fascinating is its very own whistling language, ‘el silbo gomero’, which dates back over 500 years.

By Solange Hando

Amalfi Coast

Drinks: Red, White, Something Later

Many people like to have a glass of wine by itself – nothing wrong with that. Others obtain great enjoyment in finding wines that accompany a lot of cuisine and foods. It is true to say that certain wines (and other beverages) pair with numerous dishes, particularly well. White wines accompany fish, seafood, plus a good number of other foods. Reds are very much favoured towards red meats, steaks and casseroles, amongst many more dishes.

AMANDLA SAUVIGNON BLANC (12% vol), from South Africa, I found to be crisp, with an enticing bouquet and very good flavours of fruits coming through, for the mouthfeel and palate’s delight. A most popular white wine.

SAUVIGNON GRIS (12% vol), from France, is a further, impressive white wine production. Refreshing and most acceptable, using the lesser-known grape, Sauvignon Gris, this wine gives white fruits, for the mouth’s pleasures. Staying with white wines, LOIN de L’OEIL (12% vol) I class as an excellent ‘pleaser’. This French wine has a good bouquet, which leads to flavours of juicy fruits (hint: tropical), for the tastebuds. Red wines hold a very much respectful position, with wine lovers. ALBAROSSA (13% vol) originates from Italy and the grape variety (from 1938) is named after the town of Alba, Piemonte. This smooth production has an abundance of juicy and ripe red fruit flavours. AMANDLA SHIRAZ-ZINFANDEL (14% vol) has arrived from South Africa. A new favourite, with many, this has a hint of spiciness, with its flavour of juicy red and dark fruits. Powerful and rich, for mouthfeel and palate. If rum is a favourite? Certainly, a great number of spirits are hugely popular. DOORLY’S FINE OLD BARBADOS RUM (40% vol) is aged for 5 years. This is ‘classic’. Aged in American white oak casks, the expert method and process of production shows through, to give a splendid, pleasurable nose, which is followed by the wonderful taste. Wallow in the aroma, colour and rich flavour of this delectation.

I located these productions at a Waitrose store. Some are in their ‘Loved & Found’ range, which utilises lesser-known grape varieties, to great advantage and are very much worthwhile seeking out. www.waitrose.com

I Want a Divorce Divorce

Christmas is often a time when problems already present within a marriage come to a head. January is often when people decide they want to make a break. Divorce is a scary word, but if approached correctly the outcome can be positive for both parties.

What do you want from your settlement?

Think about your children, the house, and any shared finances. Try to remove emotion from the equation and be clear and realistic. Courts are not interested in why a relationship broke down and will try to be fair to both parties regardless. The fact your partner cheated will not mean that you get more money. It’s good to talk.

A divorce will be quicker, cheaper and less destructive if both parties co-operate and behave with maturity. Even if you can’t agree everything, try to remain civil because if you fall out and the divorce become acrimonious and prolonged, savings and any equity in your house will get eaten up very quickly.

Discuss things like who will petition who for the divorce and what grounds they will cite e.g. infidelity, unreasonable behaviour, or separation. Having a clear, uncontested plan will keep costs down.

Consider mediation

Mediation is not marriage counselling. It is there to help both parties agree on the key issues such as childcare arrangements, what happens to the house, what happens to savings, pensions and investments. If you can agree on these matters than all the lawyers really have to do is draw up the agreements. In this way and the need for an expensive court hearing is avoided.

Mediation works best if both parties commit to find a solution that works best for everyone. It is not always free, but it is much less expensive than legal fees.

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Little pick-me-ups

It’s cold and dark, and most of us are trying to tighten already tight belts. So this month, we’re focusing on little pick-me-ups to lighten the grey days.

Time to breathe

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to ease stress and anxiety, boost energy and aid sleep. You can buy ready-made blends or make your own. For uplifting scents, try blending lemon, sweet orange and cedarwood, or sweet orange and bergamot. For stress-relief, blend neroli with a few drops of bergamot and clary sage, or neroli with ylang ylang and lavender. Need a restful scent to help you sleep? You can’t beat lavender. If you find it too strong on its own, combine it with vetiver and camomile. Why not make a home-made bath oil? Just add forty drops of your chosen essential oils to half a cup of a base oil, such as olive, jojoba, apricot kernel, grapeseed or sweet almond. You can use the oil straight away, but the aroma will get stronger if you leave it to sit for a couple of weeks. Just store it somewhere dark, like a cupboard. Add a tablespoon of the oil to your bath while the water is running to release the scent and leave your skin soft and smooth.

Time to focus

Try combining mindfulness with your daily skincare routine. Put some calming music on. Slow down and focus on the sensation of cleansing and moisturising. Breathe in through your nose and out through your

mouth. Appreciate the fragrance of any scented products. Consciously unclench your jaw and relax your muscles.

Time to move Numerous studies have shown what most of us already know – time in nature is hugely beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. It’s hard to drag yourself outside when the weather is miserable, but you will feel better for it. Try to take at least a short walk outside every day. Ideally, aim for the morning, as that supports your natural circadian rhythm so can help you sleep better. If you live in a town or city, make time to be in nature at least once a week, whether you head to the woods, a beach, a riverside path or just your local park.

Time to treat

Little luxuries boost our spirits, and they don’t need to be expensive. Ideally, choose something you’ll appreciate every day. A new nail polish is a good choice. Leighton Denny’s are easy to apply and stay chip-free for ages. Plus, they’re vegan and free from formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals. Jungle Juice is a gorgeous rich plum that really ‘pops’ (£12.50, www.leightondenny.com).

Hand creams, fragranced shower gels and lipsticks also make ideal little luxuries. Why not team up with a friend to gift each other one small treat a month? You could set a budget of £10 or less, and some treats could be home-made or free.

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A Warming Wood Burner

By Katherine Sorrell

Our essential guide outlines what to look for when buying a new stove.

On long, dark days there’s nothing nicer than curling up by a real fire and enjoying the warmth and glow of flickering flames. And with fuel bills rocketing, homeowners are increasingly turning to wood-burning stoves as a cheaper alternative to other forms of heating. The Stove Industry Alliance reported a 40% increase of sales in the second quarter of 2022, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Whether you are replacing an older model or purchasing a wood burner for the first time, what are the key considerations?

Efficiency first and foremost

Since 1st January 2022, all newly manufactured stoves have had to comply with Ecodesign regulations relating to efficiency and emissions. Some stoves, however, are more efficient than others. Look for the clearSkies label, which shows models that go above and beyond the regulations. In fact clearSkies level 5 – the highest – is almost 30% better than the standard Ecodesign requirement. In addition, stoves also have energy efficiency labels, just like fridges or washing machines, which range from A++ to G.

Smoke control areas

If you live in a smoke control area (find the map online at uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/sca/ or check with your local authority), you may only use a DEFRA-

exempt wood burner. Look for the round, green logo that says ‘DEFRA approved’. The clearSkies accreditations 4 and 5 are automatically suitable to use in smoke control areas. Always discuss these requirements with the manufacturer or retailer. What size to buy? Buy too small a stove and it will place stress on the appliance, while if it is too large it will underrun, which can be damaging to the stove, the flue and the environment in general. “Before purchasing a stove, you should verify the heat requirement for its intended location,” says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, managing director at Morsø UK. “To calculate the heating demand of a specific space, simply work out the volume of the room in cubic metres and divide by 14.” You’ll find that stove capacities vary tremendously, from 3kw to 15kw.

Storing your wood Think carefully about where you will store your log supplies. Will you have them delivered in bulk – which takes up a lot of space – or are you able to buy smaller amounts on a regular basis? Some stoves have a small, built-in section in which logs can be stored, and you may have space near your stove or fireplace for a basket or other container. Bear in mind that logs must be kept in a dry and well-ventilated area, and if you are planning to buy or collect ‘wet’ wood and dry it yourself, this process can take at least two years.

Comply with regulations

New stove installations must comply with building regulations to do with the flue, the hearth and the distance from combustibles. Provided you use a ‘Competent Person’ to install your stove, however, they can certify it for you. They will do a smoke test to check that your chimney is sound – if it leaks you may need a liner. Remember that you must have a carbon monoxide detector in the room, and consider fitting a fireguard to keep pets and young children safe from the heat.

Regular maintenance

A stove can take time and effort to light, needs to be fed with fuel at intervals and the ash has to be cleaned regularly. A removable ash pan will help with this task, a feature worth looking out for when you make your choice. When it’s time for a spring clean, polish up the exterior with a lint-free cloth or a clean shoe brush, says Jon Butterworth, director of Arada Stoves. “For the interior, make sure to clean the glass by dipping a damp cloth in the wood ash and using it to clean the door, then vacuum away any soot or remaining ash. When the stove isn’t being used in the summer, remove the throat plate and leave the air inlets open to allow a flow of air to prevent rust.” Don’t forget that you must also budget for having the chimney cleaned at least once a year.

The Stove Industry Alliance’s tips for cost-effective, low-carbon, low-emission wood burning

• Ensure your stove is fitted and maintained by an appropriately qualified, competent person such as HETAS or OFTEC.

• Only use wood fuel that has 20% moisture content or less, such as Ready to Burn (look for the round, orange and red flame logo).

• Never use waste or chemically treated wood in your stove.

• When re-fuelling your stove, open the door by just a small amount and wait a few moments to allow the pressure in the stove to equalise, before opening the door fully to refuel. Close and latch the door immediately afterwards.

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep. You’ll find links to all the main UK chimney sweeping associations via the Federation of British Chimney Sweeps.

1

2 A classic design incorporating the latest technology, this wood burner is suitable for heating areas of up to 75 cubic metres. 3112 wood burning stove, £1,550, Morsø.

3 This striking pedestal stove is DEFRA-exempt and features an airwash system that keeps the large glass door clean. NEO3P-ECO wood-burning stove, £2,530, ACR.

STOCKISTS: ACR: 0121 706 8266; acrheatproducts.com Arada Stoves: 01297 632 050; aradastoves.com Morsø: 01788 554 410; morsoe.co.uk

How to save money on your mobile

Stick with your existing phone

If you’re coming to the end of a mobile phone contract, don’t keep it going: you can almost certainly save money by switching to a month-tomonth SIM-only plan, and you can still keep your existing phone number even if you’re moving to a different network.

Don’t buy more than you need

A deal with 150GB of mobile data every month sounds brilliant, but do you need it? Even if you use mobile data every day of the week you’ll rarely exceed 10GB in a month. You should be able to check how much data you’ve been using in your current provider’s website or app.

Buy a new phone separately

Need a new phone too? Buy it outright and then go shopping for a suitable mobile phone plan to use it with. It does mean having to pay the price of the phone up front, but you’ll be able to get a much better deal by taking out a SIM-only contract.

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Longer days are coming

Beautiful bloomers and bark

The shortest day has passed, so don’t assume that everything in the soil is dormant. Winters are generally warmer than they used to be and you will find glorious snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses, tiny irises and even early narcissi. These are plants with short stems, protecting their flowers from chilling winds. Look above the ground level and you’ll be delighted to find winter honeysuckle, Viburnum bodnantense and witch hazel with its spidery flowers, all blooming in January. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a heavenly intake of sweet fragrance.

It’s also the very best time of year to appreciate tree bark. You need look no further than the popular cherry family to find one of the best displays imaginable. Prunus serrula, or the ‘birch-barked cherry’, looks as if it is on fire during winter when its horizontally striped, mahogany-red bark shines like a beacon. Notice, also, beautiful members of the silver birch family with stunning white stems. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii and various cultivars provide ghostly, atmospheric charm. Some people actually wash the bark in order to obtain the best display. Not only are birch trees the source for traditional witches’ brooms, but bark oil can be used to treat skin conditions.

Acer griseum, the paperbark maple, is also showing its true splendour this month. The cinnamoncoloured bark peels, or exfoliates, as it grows. The thin, papery layers shed to reveal smooth, orange bark underneath. This winter interest is highlighted

at a time of year when there is little undergrowth competing for attention.

Protect tender plants

We all know that January weather can bring snow, heavy frosts, rain, strong winds and very low temperatures. Tender garden specimens will therefore benefit from protection. It’s often the chilling winds that do the most damage. If you wrap horticultural fleece around their shivering forms, it will help to prevent serious damage. Shake off snow from limbs of shrubs and trees in order to release the heavy burden. You will notice the shape begins to splay as the boughs bend, and this is the moment to act.

There are few plants than can tolerate vigorous pruning at this point in the year, so leave the matted hydrangeas and fuchsias but turn instead to the tough climbing roses, wisteria and definitely the grape or ornamental vine such as Vitis coignetiae. All new vine growth can be cut back to within two buds of the main woody framework from which it sprouted. You can be pretty ruthless – it will be sprouting again as soon as the sap starts rising.

Longer days

Rumour has it that January 12th is the magical date when the day length becomes noticeably longer and outdoor plants soon recognise the subtle change. Nature’s force is truly remarkable and it seems that however cold above the soil, there are always things happening beneath. Most plants are poised ready for action, their buds just awaiting a silent signal before a new dawn.

GreenFingers

The Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses his move to incorporate horticulture into the National Curriculum, and a sidestep into novels. I was in touch with my English teacher a few years ago and, bless her, she said she felt she hadn’t been a particularly good teacher to me. I wrote back saying ‘well whatever it is you did, I’ve ended up doing the job I do now, writing pretty much for a living, so you can’t have got it all wrong’. I thought it was terribly generously spirited of her to admit that she was wrong.

I think my point here is that I was no more a gardener at school than I was a novelist, and I became both; but I did that through exposure and opportunity, and this is what we need to give our children.

And in my mind, there is no greater exposure to the world than you will find in the garden on a frosty Sunday morning, so get your kids and grandkids out

there, and let’s

the next

Nurturing a garden can give you a real sense of achievement, and connection to the earth; I always say it is an escape to reality, or a different reality… and for our young people, that’s where real inspiration can emerge.

really inspire

generation!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Easy Sudoku Hard Sudoku

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

What's On WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY

2,

9, 16, 23 & 30 JANUARY

Branch Out Social Club for Single People

8.30-10.30pm. Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin

Medium-sized social club for single people aged 50 upwards. Meets every Monday night. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27

JANUARY

& 31

Bridge Club. 1pm Howgills, South View, Letchworth £3. Tuesdays and Fridays. Play from 1pm but do come earlier. Beginners and improvers welcome – we play very friendly Rubber Bridge. Tel: Gill Cheaney 01462 686806 Email: bridgeclub@lalg.org.uk

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 JANUARY

Craftea

10.30am-12pm Baldock Library A great way to meet new people, get craft advice, chat and relax. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

4 JANUARY

Pic-n-Mix Social Group 10.30am-12pm Letchworth Library Meets the first Wednesday of every month. Each session has a theme or activity. Drop in for a cuppa, a chat and make some new friends!

4 JANUARY

Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Shuttleworth

Members Remembers. Meets first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth £19.50 or email to book free entry ticket. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk

4 JANUARY

North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin

Non-members £3 on the door ‘More Lost Palaces’. Tel: Mrs Colette House 07831 111062 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com www.facebook.com/nhertsant/

4, 11, 18 & 25 JANUARY

Hinxworth Art Society 10am-12pm. Hinxworth Village Hall Drawing, painting, coffee and chat. No need to book. Occasional oneday courses and demonstrations. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com

4, 11, 18 & 25 JANUARY

Baby Rhyme Time

10.30am-11am Baldock Library Free - donations welcome Fun session of songs and rhymes to help your child learn language skills.

4, 11, 18 & 25 JANUARY

Storytime 10.30-11am Stevenage Library

Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 & 30 JANUARY

Retired Persons Table Tennis Club Mondays 11am-1.30pm, Thursdays 1.30-4pm Memorial Hall, Stotfold The club plays both doubles and singles. Monthly subscription payable. Vacancies for new members (but not beginners). Email: terrygriffiths50@gmail.com

5, 12, 19 & 26 JANUARY

Hitchin Thursday Art Club 9.30am-12pm. St. John’s Community Centre, St. John’s Road, Hitchin We meet every Thursday for painting and drawing, etc. We are a friendly group who enjoy art and chatting. Tel: Mike 07977 347707

5, 12, 19 & 26 JANUARY

Storytime 2.15-2.45pm Baldock Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions for preschool children.

5, 12, 19 & 26 JANUARY

Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friendsgenerally 50+ age group. Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

6 JANUARY Beds Family History Society 7pm and 7.30pm on Zoom Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford ‘Foster Hill Cemetery’ with Bob Ricketts. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk

6 JANUARY

Hitchin & Letchworth RSPB Local Group Meeting 7.30pm. The Settlement, 229 Nevells Road, Letchworth Members free, visitors £4 ‘Gough Island Eradication. What now?’ by Andrew Callender, RSPB Head of Global Policy.

6, 13, 20 & 27 JANUARY Storytime 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

6, 13, 20 & 27 JANUARY Bridge Club 1.30-4.30pm. Springfield House, Old Stevenage Community Centre Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517

6, 13, 20 & 27 JANUARY Rainmakers International Folk Dance Group 8-10pm. ilbury Hall, Bedford Road, Letchworth New members welcome Tel: Mark 01462 454210 Web: rainmakers.org.uk

9 JANUARY

Icknield Quilters 7.45pm Meets second Monday of the month. Visitors welcome. icknieldquilters.weebly.com/

9, 16, 23 & 30 JANUARY Monday Painting Group 9am-12pm Letchworth Corner Sports Club, Whitethorn Lane Meets every Monday. Each term we choose a selection of subjects to paint. Tel: Valerie Williams 01462 624439 Email: mondaypainting@lalg.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY

9, 16, 23 & 30 JANUARY

Stevenage Singers 7.30pm for 7.45pm

The Music Centre, The Nobel School, Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage Stevenage Singers are ready to welcome new voices!

Tel: Heather 01438 365769 Email: Info@stevenagesingers.org.uk Web: www.stevenagesingers.org.uk

9, 16, 23 & 30 JANUARY

Staplers Folk Dance Club 8-10pm St Johns Community Hall, St John’s Road, Hitchin Members £3, guests £4 Meets Monday evenings. Dance a wide variety of styles. Everyone welcome. Web: www.staplers.org.uk

9, 16, 23 & 30 JANUARY

Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm

Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk

11 JANUARY

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust 7.15pm for 7.30pm

Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford

An illustrated talk ‘Wildlife Trust Communities Work in Bedfordshire’ by Ruth Sneath. Ample parking. All welcome. No charge but voluntary contributions appreciated. Tel: 01234 266057 wildlifebcn.org

11 JANUARY

Letchworth Music Concert 7.45pm

Howgills, 42 South View, Letchworth

Tickets £15, under 18/students £7.50 Emma Halnan on flute and Jaynne Baley on piano. Tickets available at the door.

15 JANUARY

Not Strictly Jazz 5-7pm

Tickets £20, 10-18 years £10 Fairfield House, Fairfield Road, Biggleswade

Live music performed by exceptional musicians. Tel: 01767 312176 Email: sarahwiggs@hotmail.co.uk

17 JANUARY

Greensands Writers’ Group 7-9pm

Free event. Enjoy writing? Join Greensands Writers’ Group for a monthly Zoom meeting. Web: greensandswriters.wixsite. com/website for info

20 JANUARY

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

Tickets £20, under 27s free Formed in 1974, the quartet has performed and broadcast extensively throughout the UK, and has made tours of Western Europe, the Americas, Australia, China, India and the Far East. https://benslowmusic.org

22 JANUARY

Hitchin & Letchworth RSPB Local Group coach trip to Fen Drayton and WWT Welney

Various pick-up times. Coach fare £25 per adult, entry fees may apply Morning at Fen Drayton looking for waders, wildfowl and passerines, afternoon at Welney to enjoy the swan spectacular.

Leader Jane Havercroft. Tel: Malcolm 01462 451320

22 JANUARY

Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Rainham Marshes. Meet 10am All-day visit to Rainham Marshes. Meet in the carpark at grid ref 177/ TQ 551790 postcode RM19 1SZ. Leader Graham Beevor. Email: trevorstorey54@gmail.com

26 JANUARY

Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Lemford Springs. Meet 9.30am Morning visit to this H&MWT site which never freezes, for Water Rail, Green Sandpiper and other winter visitors. Meet at reserve gates 166/TL 222123 postcode AL8 7TN. Leader Trevor Storey. Donations requested.

Email: trevorstorey54@gmail.com

27-29 JANUARY AND 3-4 FEBRUARY

The New Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. Meppershall Village Hall Adults £13, Child £8, family of 4 £36 HATS present their annual family panto. Evening and matinée performances. www.ticketsource.co.uk/hats-drama

28 JANUARY

Dreamcatchers

10am-4pm Letchworth Library £2 per person

Explore the meaning of dreams and create your own dreamcatcher. Fun drop-in session for the whole family. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult

UNTIL 16 APRIL

Changing Times: A Century of Modern British Art Exhibition The Higgins, Bedford Free entry

Visitors will find sculpture, paintings and works on paper by some of the best-known and well-loved names in British art.

Web: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

EVERY WEEKDAY

Clifton Walking Group

Meets on weekdays at 8.30am and in the afternoon for an hour. A friendly bunch of people of various ages and abilities. Monthly weekend walk of 6-8 miles. Group meets for coffee once a month.

Tel: Suzanne I’ons 07933 709006 Email: ionssuzanne@gmail.com

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The Bullet that Missed Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club is back. As usual, they’re investigating an unsolved murder. But this time, there’s no body, and the chief suspect is hidden behind a complex paper trail. As they get closer to finding out the truth, Elizabeth’s past comes back to haunt her. Can she commit her own murder to save a friend? Cosy crime at its best.

The Long Call Ann Cleeves

Detective Matthew Venn is estranged from his family and the community he grew up in. But now he’s back to investigate the murder of a man with an albatross tattoo. It’s not surprising that The Long Call got made into a TV series. It’s a slow burner, but well worth sticking with. And once you reach the end, there’s already a second book in the series to order.

The Family Game

Catherine

Steadman

Harriet’s fiancé Edward is heir to a small fortune. And with wealth often comes power and entitlement, as Harriet soon discovers when she meets his family. They like to play games. Dangerous games. Games that end up with her lying on the floor bleeding from a head wound. But just how far will they go to protect their secrets?

By Kate Duggan