Stevenage March 2022

VILLAGER The

March 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Top Five

Cruise Destinations

Make your

Mother’s Day Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue...

Spring Clean your Kitchen

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Scents and Sensibility..............................................................30 Sunshine Gardens - Celebrating 30 Years..................................32 Amazing Animals and their Superpowers................................35 Conifer Charm..........................................................................36 Outdoor Adventures.................................................................40 It’s Pancake Day... at last!.........................................................44 What is the new Range Rover up against?...............................47 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 What’s On in March..................................................................50 A Facelift for your Front Door....................................................53 Villager Prize Crossword...........................................................58 Book review: New Starts..........................................................61 Useful Numbers.......................................................................63

Top Five Cruise Destinations.......................................................4 Make Your Mother’s Day.............................................................8 Wines: A Choice Selection........................................................10 Driving insurance Charges........................................................12 So, You Wnat to Change Career.................................................14 Colour your Home Happy.........................................................16 Why do we Love Shoes?...........................................................19 Spring Clean your Kitchen........................................................20 How to Choose an Independent School....................................22 You’ve Got the Power...............................................................24 The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods......................................26 Looking for Quality?.................................................................28

Sunshine Gardens Celebrating 30 Years

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial: Faye Carter, Trevor Langley, Tracey Anderson, Kate McCarthy, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, RSPCA, Caroline Knight, Sarah Davey and Katherine Sorrell

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

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

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

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

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Travel

Top five cruise destinations

Is there anything more idyllic than waking up on a cruise ship and drawing your blinds to reveal an endless expanse of ocean? Add in cocktails by the pool, daily entertainment, exquisite food and shopping galore, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect holiday. That’s not even touching on the destinations you stop off at along the way!

From the Greek Islands and Norwegian fjords to Egypt’s River Nile, cruises can take you all over the globe. So, if you want to tick multiple countries, cities or ports off your travel wish list, a cruise holiday should definitely be on your radar for 2022.

The cruise industry was hit hard during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – but thankfully it’s now back up and running. To give you some inspiration, here are five of the world’s most popular destinations to visit on a cruise.

The Norwegian fjords If you’re more interested in adventure than sun, sea and sand, Norway’s dramatic fjords are sure to deliver. Carved from glaciers, these long, narrow, saltwater inlets make up the majority of the country’s northern coast and boast some of Scandinavia’s most exceptional scenery.

A cruise is undoubtedly the best way to soak up the sights. Exploring from a ship means you can get close to Norway’s tumbling waterfalls and skyscraper cliffs, looking out for rare seabirds and even a glimpse of a sperm whale if you’re lucky. Most Norwegian cruises will also stop at remote fishing villages along the

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way, where you can sample some of the freshest and most delicious seafood.

What’s more, with hotel and food prices in Norway renowned for being sky high, a cruise can also be the most affordable way to experience this part of the world.

The River Nile As far as river cruises are concerned, there aren’t many that could compare to a voyage along the Egyptian stretch of the River Nile.

Measuring about 4,160 miles in length, shared by eleven countries, the Nile is widely considered the longest river in the world. There’s no better way to put its sheer scale into perspective than to sail along a portion on a scenic river cruise. Starting in Cairo, capital city of Egypt and home to the ancient Pyramids of Giza, many Nile cruises will take you on a captivating journey through Luxor and its royal tombs, all the way to Aswan and its spectacular High Dam. Whether you’re into your history or simply want to soak up the culture, it’s impossible not to be blown away by the 7,000-year-old history you’ll witness at every turn.

The Greek Islands With more than 6,000 Greek islands peppering the Aegean and Ionian seas, it’s no surprise that islandhopping cruises around Greece are some of the most popular cruises around. This is a corner of the world made for exploring by ship.

Start in Athens and spend your first couple of

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days exploring the capital before embarking on your journey. Top cruise destinations include Mykonos with its waterside cocktail bars and white-sand beaches, Rhodes with its Old Town and uninterrupted swathes of sand, and Santorini, where the sunsets are world-renowned. Many cruises will also take you to the archipelago’s lesser known islands too, Chania and Thessaloniki being good examples.

The Caribbean The Caribbean’s wealth of white-sand beaches washed by turquoise seas make it an incredibly popular cruise destination for sun-seekers.

Thanks to the islands’ close proximity to one another, you could wake up in a new country every day. Snorkel with turtles in Tobago, enjoy the sounds of reggae and taste of jerk chicken in Jamaica and brush up on your colonial history in Barbados.

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Although equally colourful, each island has its own distinct character, meaning there’s enough to please wildlife lovers, history enthusiasts, foodies and anyone who just wants to laze on the beach.

Alaska Coined ‘The Last Frontier’, Alaska is the USA’s most sparsely populated state – and its wildest.

A cruise here will make you feel like you’ve walked straight into one of David Attenborough’s documentaries. Sail past gigantic glaciers, snap photographs of sea lions from the ship, take a shore excursion to see brown bears and witness breaching whales; the cruise itineraries around Alaska’s largely untamed landscape are hard to beat. You can also expect visits to Alaska’s state capital of Juneau, only reachable by air or by water, Glacier Bay National Park, and Skagway, a compact city saturated with history from the Gold Rush era.

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Time of Year

By Faye Carter

Make your Mother’s Day Your life changes forever the day you bring home your little bundle of joy. Whether you give birth naturally, adopt or foster, this little person now depends on you for everything. From now on they come first, you come second, and a poor second at that.

Being a mother is fabulous, and funny, and frightening. It’s the best and worst of jobs. There are cuddles and giggles, sports days and parents’ evenings, Nativities, and music recitals…there are also blazing rows with slammed doors, sleepless nights and more vomit than you ever realised one small human could produce.

Mums are multi-tasking maestros. Carer, teacher, agony aunt, tour guide, drill sergeant, PA, and chauffeur… Even when they leave home it doesn’t stop. I still rely on my mother for advice, help with childcare, and a shoulder to cry on when things go pear-shaped.

It’s only now as with children of my own, that I realise what my own mother went through – why she made me do my homework, go to bed early, stop beating my sister up, eat my broccoli, save my pocket money, don’t talk to strangers, and say please and thank you.

Mother’s Day might have become a cliché, but it does give us the perfect opportunity to say thank you to our mums for everything they have done and still do for us.

Anna Jarvis, who founded Mothers’ Day in the US

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said she came to regret campaigning to get the day recognised, because it became commercialised. She hated that people sent cards with a pre-printed message rather than writing a letter.

So, although it’s a nice gesture to buy a card and give flowers and chocolates, it’s even nicer to do something special to show you care – maybe valet her car or treat her to a pamper session, or just visit and spend the afternoon chatting. Time is the most precious gift of all.

And go beyond the message in the card. Write a few personal lines of your own to tell your mother what she means to you. Make sure she knows that she’s loved and appreciated all year round.

FACTS Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world, usually in March or in May. In the UK, it is a mixture of a Christian tradition, and the celebration of motherhood that began in the USA in the early 20th century. During the 16th century, people in service would return to their home or ‘mother’ church on the fourth Sunday in Lent – Mothering Sunday.

The modern version of Mothers’ Day we know today became a regular event in the 1950s, largely thanks to businesses keen to exploit its commercial potential!

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Food & Drink

Wines: A Choice Selection

Certainly, there are many retailers, independents, supermarkets and other outlets, that offer numerous wines. A good number of which are of excellent and superb quality. Whether a preference is for red, white or something ‘pink’, there are beverages to choose from. For this quest I searched for a range of wines, that are widely available and decided to go for the red and white options. Of course, sparkling wines are available – perhaps for a later time!

VINHO VERDE LOUREIRO (12% vol), from Portugal, is a most acceptable white wine production. I found this wine to be fresh, fruity and, although great on its own, to pair with white fish dishes, plus salads, perfectly.

ALBARINO ADELANTE (12.5% vol) is from Spain. This white wine is extremely popular. Grapes are handpicked, from the Galacia region. Fruits, on the nose, are then enticed to the mouth’s pleasures and sensation on the palate. Great with seafood dishes, particularly.

For red wines I chose TOSCANA (13% vol) from Italy. This wine has many ‘devotees’, being handcrafted, in collaboration with one of the oldest and most highly-regarded wine estates, in Tuscany. This very impressive, aged production, has dark fruit flavours in abundance, which follow from the nasal pleasures. Wonderful to pair with red meats and casseroles. Another ‘famous’ red wine is BAROLO (14% vol). This ‘King of Wines’ and ‘Wine of Kings’ is renowned for its distinctive high-quality, being produced by utilising Nebbiolo grapes, to great advantage. Again, from Italy, this wine, which is also aged, has connoisseurs who regularly enjoy the bouquet, pronounced flavours and long finish. Perfect to accompany steak, beef and red meat dishes.

I located these wines (just some of their range) at a Morrisons store. Trading from 1899, Morrisons now has a range of wines and drinks, that are very acceptable, indeed. The wines described are within the ‘the Best’ range. This range of wines, from Morrisons, comes from their wine experts, who constantly search for exceptional quality wines, from around the world, which are produced by some of the very best wine producers, globally. Take time and pleasure, to locate some favourites. www.morrisons.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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Finance

Driving Insurance Charges Shopping around for motor insurance is a great way to save cash, but you could also cut costs with a range of alternative insurance models.

Several companies now offer a pay-as-you-go or payby-mile policy. This means that rather than paying a set premium for the year, customers pay a varying amount depending on how much they actually drive. It’s certainly an approach many would have appreciated in 2020, when car use slumped during lockdown.

Such policies aren’t quite as simple as they seem. The per-mile rate will still take into account risk factors such as car model and driving experience. There’s also a fixed fee that applies even if you don’t drive at all, designed to cover such risks as your car being stolen.

Whether such policies work out cheaper depends on individual circumstances. As a rough rule, they are most likely to suit people driving less than around 6,000-7,000 miles a year.

Customers of pay-per-mile policies must fit a device (sometimes dubbed a black box) to their car, which simply measures distance. However, some specialist policies offer cheaper deals that use more extensive data to assess risk.

These telematics policies usually offer discounts, either at annual renewal time or on monthly payments, based on the way the customer drives.

Factors that can reduce premiums include shorter journeys, keeping to speed limits and avoiding sudden braking, and driving at safer times such as during daylight but outside of rush hour.

Telematics deals are most suitable for young drivers who’d normally be charged extremely high premiums

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based on industry assumptions about their risk level.

Some insurers will only cover young drivers on such a policy.

If you take out a telematic or ‘black box’ insurance policy, you need to read the conditions carefully.

Some will simply offer discounts when you drive in a less risky way. Others use the data to enforce conditions such as only driving a certain amount or not driving after a ‘curfew’ time. Breaching these conditions won’t usually invalidate the policy but will instead make you liable for higher premiums.

Another option to save on premiums is to take and pass an advanced driving course. These cover topics such as driving in extremely busy traffic or coping with adverse weather such as heavy rain or wind.

They often put more emphasis on observation and anticipation of potential hazards.

In theory, passing such a course qualifies you for lower premiums, particularly where you’d otherwise face steep charges based on age or experience. The problem is that there are several different courses and qualifications available and not all insurers recognise all qualifications. The IAM Roadsmart and Pass Pluss qualifications are the most commonly accepted, but you will need to check with each insurer.

Another limitation is that the cost of taking an advanced driving course may outweigh or limit the savings on insurance premiums. For this reason, experts advise that you shouldn’t consider such courses solely as a money-saving exercise and instead take into account the inherent benefits of becoming a more skilled and confident driver.

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Special Report

So, You Want to Change Career

By Tracey Anderson

As we emerge blinking into the (almost) postpandemic world of work, many of us are finding that we’ve changed as people, which is not surprising, and our job no longer seems like such a good fit for us.

Changing career is a decision which can’t be made lightly, and the prospect can be daunting, but sometimes it can be best way forward.

The first thing you need to as is ‘What’s my why?’

Why do I want to change? Do you want more money? Or maybe you’d like more flexible hours and less stress. You might dream of running your own business or turning your hobby into your career.

The next thing to ask is ‘When?’ When is the right time?

It’s probably the right time to consider a career change (or at least a job change) if your workplace is toxic and grinding you down. Toxic workplaces impact on your mental and physical health and are rarely worth the pay cheque long term. It’s also time to re-evaluate if you’re only in it for the money. A career change might give you the chance to find more personal and professional satisfaction but still pay all the bills. If you get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach every Sunday evening, it could be a good time to consider a change. Likewise, if you’re bored all the time and feel like you’re sleepwalking towards retirement, it’s a good sign that you might benefit from a change.

Various surveys have been carried out on careerchangers. And overwhelmingly the responses are mostly positive. Respondents reported feeling happier, more fulfilled, and less stressed. Around 80% of people who have changed careers say that

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they wish they had done it sooner. Very few of them regretted their decision.

Of those that did have regrets the main one was financial insecurity. Changing careers can incur costs such as having to pay for further education or an initial drop in salary.

Even those who were mostly happy with their decision cautioned that it can take time to find the right position in a new career. Those who had started their own business explained that the emotional and financial stakes are higher day-to-day, which can lead to its own stress.

If you still feel you’d like to change career the next question is ‘What?’ What would you like to do?

Research is key. The more research you do, the better position you’ll be in to make the right decision. Set a time limit on your research so you don’t get stuck in ‘analysis paralysis.’

Then start at the end point e.g. ‘I want to become a hairdresser / plumber / chartered accountant’ and work backwards, breaking down what you have to do to achieve each step. Then aim to take a small action towards your big goal every day. For example, contacting someone who already works in the industry; contacting a careers adviser; signing up for a course.

For many people, their biggest obstacle is inertia.

They want to change but they’re scared or overwhelmed or worried about what others might think. So, take the time to go through the above process step-by-step manner to help to clarify things in your mind. When you feel confident, other people are more likely to be supportive.

Good luck.

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Home Products

Colour your Home Happy

By Katherine Sorrell

Use colour in unexpected places – such as on a staircase, dado rails or skirting boards. This cheering yellow makes a great contrast to a grey sofa that’s adorned with fun cushions.

Harlow grey L-shaped sofa, £999.99, Furniture And Choice.

Lift your spirits and freshen up your space by introducing bold, clear shades This cool lamp, in a ‘mootard’ glaze, would liven up any desk, table or shelf. Nellie table lamp, £112, with 35cm straight empire shade in Heraldic Ikat, £79, Pooky.

Bold colour probably won’t work all around the room, but used on a small section can create an eye-catching feature. Out of the Blue paint by COAT, £42 per 2.5l, coatpaints.com.

A sofa, chair or – in this case – loveseat can make a good focal point in a room, especially in a warming, bold colour such as this. The Rebel 1.5 Snuggler in marmalade velvet, £899, Snug sofa.

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Choosing and using bright colours

Go for a tropical vibe with a bright and breezy accent lampshade, featuring abstract palm trees, a gold lining and looped fringing.

Ravenala lampshade, £180, Mindthegap.

Replacing some cushions is one of the easiest ways to introduce personality and pops of colour. Combine plains with bold patterns for variety and interest. Jonathan Adler Milano Concentric Loops cushion in emerald/ navy, £134, Sweetpea & Willow.

Nothing beats a blanket or throw as an easy way to introduce fresh new colour, texture and pattern, whether over a sofa, chair or bed.

Manhattan reversible supersoft merino lambswool blanket, from £150, The Fine Cotton Company.

The smallest accessory in the right combination of colour and pattern can make all the difference, and a distinctive piece such as this terracotta vase, hand made in Portugal, is a great example. Tangerine Bold pitcher, £42.99, softstore.co.

Coloured glass is one of the prettiest things – and this delightful vase is very ontrend, since Pantone’s colour of the year 2022 is Very Peri, a dynamic violet-blue. Small cushion vase in amethyst, £27, Dartington Crystal.

STOCKISTS Dartington Crystal: dartington.co.uk Furniture And Choice: 03330 150 000; furniturechoice.co.uk Pooky: 020 7351 3003; pooky.com softstore.co: softstore.co

• Choose shades that are fresh and clear rather than muted or muddy, and neither too pale nor too dark. Mid-spectrum brights such as sunny yellow, fuchsia pink, emerald green and brilliant blue will make your home sing.

• For this look, keep things simple with a backdrop of white or a pale neutral, which will allow you to experiment with adding pops of bold colour here and there as you wish. Some say it’s best to keep the area that’s covered by bold colours to around a quarter of the room at most, so as to let the eyes rest and not be overwhelmed.

• Choose two, or maybe three, bold colours and add them in gradually – an accent sofa or chair, a cushion or throw, a vase or candlestick, and so on. Alternatively, make bold colour part of the architecture by painting or papering a feature wall, or even sections of woodwork. See how things look together, and move them around (or even take them out again) as necessary.

• Lovers of pattern may feel confident enough to mix pattern-on-pattern with brights; most of us, however, will prefer to play a little safer and stick to plain colours plus the occasional minimal pattern. Simple geometrics look great with this look, and have a mid-century style that works really well.

Coat: 07368 870 097; coatpaints.com The Fine Cotton Company: 0345 602 9050; thefinecottoncompany.com Mindthegap: +40 265 264 121; mindtheg.com Snug: 020 3095 6555; snugsofa.com Sweetpea & Willow: 0345 257 2627; sweetpeaandwillow.com

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Fashion

Why DO We Love Shoes?

In my wardrobe is a pair of Orla Kiely block-heeled patent sandals embellished with a flower design.

They are several years old, and I’ve worn them maybe three times.

Yet they make me happy. My friend Cleo has a pair of Christian Louboutin sequinned stilettos that she wore on her wedding day and has never worn since but which she swears will never part with.

Lots of women have a complicated relationship with footwear. We admire shoes, and we buy a lot of them. Why do we love them so much? Well,..it’s complicated.

Take the stiletto. At its most basic level, high heels make a woman stand differently. Her legs lengthen, the buttocks raise, and the spine arches, which mimics lordosis, a mating posture in the animal kingdom. Men are primed to find this posture attractive! Who knew?

And the advertising industry historically capitalised on this, using women in high heels to sell everything from perfume to cars! ‘Sex sells!’ came from the world of advertising.

The initial idea was to get the blood racing in males (who traditionally held the financial power and made the buying decisions). Get a man excited about a product and he’s more likely to part with cash. The ‘excitement’ at seeing a woman in heels attached itself to the object being advertised. So, women in high heels were draped over everything from BMWs to lawnmowers.

Fast forward to the 21st Century and women have financial independence, yet advertisers often still resort to using women in high heels to sell luxury items. Why? Mimetic behaviour. We want to BE Kiera Knightly wafting through a party in heels and a designer frock, turning every head in the room. Of course, that’s impossible...but wait a minute...we can buy the perfume or the lipstick and thus purchase a little of her sexiness for ourselves.

But shoes are not just about us buying into a sexy female trope. My Orla Kiely sandals (as you can see from the photo) are not super sexy. They are fun and a bit arty. They represent a more relaxed, more Bohemian me, and on the rare occasions I’ve worn them I’ve felt different, more carefree, and ‘interesting’. They are not everyday shoes. I need the right set of circumstances to wear them, and the memories of the days I’ve worn them are in part why they make me happy. Cleo says her Christian Louboutin shoes are like pieces of art, and that she felt like a work of art when she wore them to get married. Many women buy shoes they love and never even wear them, and most of us would say we buy shoes for ourselves, rather than because of the effect they might have on a man. High heels can make us feel powerful, we literally raise our social status by increasing our height! And shoes, whether they are high, low, or trainer style can change the look of an outfit in seconds. Want to dress an outfit down a little, wear a white lace up trainer. Want to elevate jeans and a shirt from casual to smart? Add heels. In addition, because shoes are accessories we feel at liberty to experiment and choose bolder designs than we might do with the rest of our outfit.

And best of all, shoes still fit even if you gain a few pounds...unlike jeans. No wonder we love them.

By Tracey Anderson

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Time of Year

By Kate McCarthy

Spring Clean Your Kitchen If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of springcleaning, the kitchen is a great place to start.

First throw away obvious rubbish. Then empty the bin and take out the recycling. Do the washing up (or load the dishwasher) and then wash out the bin and recycling containers with warm soapy water. Leave them upside down outside to dry.

Remove everything from the kitchen cupboards.

Throw away empty containers, consolidate halfempty duplicates, and get rid of products you’ll never use. Check ‘use by’ dates and get rid of embarrassingly ancient jars.

For pots, pans, cutlery, and crockery, be honest about what you use regularly and what you will use over the coming months. No-one really needs 29 mugs, surely.

Wipe down cabinets and put everything you’re keeping back inside. Take stock of your kitchen gadgets. Those you use on a regular basis need to be within easy reach. Those you use less frequently can go on a higher shelf. If you know you haven’t used a gadget in the last year, donate it or dispose of it. I realised this time that I will never use a milk-frother or a stand-alone steamer.

Fetch a step ladder or stool and wipe the tops of all kitchen cabinets. Then wipe the handles, walls, and light switches. Wipe down windowsills and polish windows with glass cleaner or white vinegar. Clean the countertops. Most can be cleaned with soapy water, but some require specialist cleaning products Wipe down any small appliances that live on the countertop — like the toaster or coffee machine.

Scrub the sink and faucet. You can use a specialist drain-cleaning product, but I use couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of white vinegar poured down afterward. Let it sit for

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30 minutes, and then pour a couple of kettles of hot water down to rinse it through.

Vacuum behind the fridge because dust can interfere with its efficiency. Then empty everything out and throw away expired food. Remove drawers and shelves and wash them in the sink with mild soapy water. Wipe everything down, paying special attention to the rubber seals that tend to collect crumbs. If your fridge is stainless steel, use either a specialty cleaner or a tiny amount of oil on a clean cloth to polish away fingerprints.

To clean a microwave, fill a glass bowl a cup of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar and microwave it for three minutes until it’s boiling. This steam-clean will help soften caked-on food inside making it easier to wipe down.

Clean the stove top (and grates if you have a gas stove), with warm soapy water. You might need a degreaser on the hood, stovetop, and backsplash.

If you have a dishwasher check the filter for any food that might be stuck and rinse it. Run the empty dishwasher on hot using a specialty cleaning product.

If you have a waste disposal unit, Run the tap with it on, then grind up some ice cubes and finally half a lemon to freshen it up.

Vacuum the floor thoroughly, paying attention to the gaps between the countertop appliances. Wipe down baseboards with warm soapy water, then mop or scrub the floor.

Finally deep clean and descale clean any regularly used items like the kettle and coffee pot. Rinse thoroughly.

Stand back and enjoy your kitchen. Then feel totally vindicated in buying a takeaway tonight so you don’t mess it up again!

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Education

How to Choose an Independent School Choosing the best school for your child is never easy.

If you’ve decided to go private, you may have more options to choose from. So where do you start?

The right school for your individual child First, remember that the best school really depends on your individual child’s needs and preferences, and your own values. Your child’s personality may be better suited to a certain type of learning environment, or they may have talents, interests or aspirations that need catering for. If they have a learning disability, mental health condition or other challenges, you’ll want to choose a school that has plenty of experience in supporting similar children.

In short, choose the school that can achieve the best outcome for your individual child, not just the one that boasts the best league table position.

Decide your priorities Make a list of everything you feel is important in a school. Include practical requirements, such as distance, after-school provision, maximum fees and so on, as well as facilities, ethos and other factors.

Grade your requirements in order of priority. Which ones are essential, and which ones are nice to have?

Do your homework Ask your peer group for recommendations.

(However, do remember that the right school for your friend’s child may not be the best choice for your own child.) Reach out on forums and read reviews on The Good Schools Guide and other

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sites. Find out how the school has performed in previous years. Check whether there have been any controversies in the past and, if so, how they have been handled.

Create a shortlist The above steps should enable you to create a shortlist of possible schools. Request the prospectus for each one and have a good read of their websites.

Don’t just look at the information prepared for prospective parents; read the existing parent and pupil communications, such as newsletters, socialmedia posts and notices. Does the school portray the values you’re looking for? Does it have good safeguarding policies in place? Can it offer your child the activities and learning environment they need?

What support services are in place? What facilities does it have? Does the school have any links to useful outside organisations? Do you agree with the discipline policy?

Visit the school Finally, attend as many open days as you can, so that you can compare and contrast the schools on your shortlist. Consider the overall feel of each school and whether the pupils seem happy and engaged.

Ask questions, ideally to both teachers and pupils.

Speak to the head teacher to gain a better idea of how the school is managed and what they see as being the school’s key attributes. Do their priorities align with your own?

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Technology

You’ve got the power

The best battery boosters to make your life easier One of the problems with technology is that the more we can do with it, the more we do with it. As batteries got bigger so did our phone screens, so we’re still running low on power long before the day is over. The good news is that technology has found ways to solve that problem, not just on phones but on all kinds of devices.

One of the simplest ways to boost your phone’s battery life is to put your phone on a wireless charger when you’re not using it. Most modern Android phones, and iPhones since the iPhone 8, are able to charge wirelessly. It’s not as fast as a wired charger but it’s much more convenient: instead of hunting for the right cable you just plop your phone down on the pad for an effortless battery top-up. Wireless chargers also work with some charging cases for wireless earbuds from the likes of Aukey, Anker and Mpow.

Inevitably Apple has its own and quite expensive take on wireless charging, which it calls MagSafe.

On compatible AirPods and iPhones – the iPhone 12 onwards – it charges much faster than standard wireless pads, but the chargers cost more. Apple also makes a MagSafe battery pack that attaches magnetically to your phone and gives it a power boost.

One of the most useful battery boosters is a portable power bank, which is essentially a really big battery with a USB socket. You then charge the power bank and use it to recharge any of your devices that can charge over a USB or lightning cable. Because the power bank does nothing other than charge things it keeps its charge for very long periods, making it ideal for travelling or outdoor adventures, and its size means it can charge the same device or multiple devices several times. For example the Anker PowerCore 10000 has a 10,000mAh battery, so it can fully charge an iPhone SE five times without running out of power.

If you don’t have access to any of these things and you need to get every last drop from your phone’s battery, don’t despair: both iOS and Android have low power modes that reduce performance to make the battery last longer.

You’ll find them in your phone’s settings.

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Anker PowerCore 10000 With over five times the capacity of the battery in an iPhone SE, this portable power bank can charge all kinds of gadgets and lasts for ages before needing recharging. £27.88, Amazon

IKEA LIVBOJ IKEA makes several wireless chargers including one built into a desk lamp and another with room to charge three devices.

This is the cheapest option but you’ll need to provide your own plug and cable. £4.50, IKEA.com

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack The MagSafe Battery Pack enables you to give your iPhone 12 or later a bigger battery by attaching magnetically to the back of your phone or compatible case. The price doesn’t include a charger, though. £99, Apple.com

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Apple’s current AirPods and AirPods Pro charge wirelessly in their case, and that case can be recharged wirelessly using one of Apple’s MagSafe chargers. £169, Apple.com Anker PowerWave II stand This 15W charger is faster than many and it’s betterlooking than most. It’s compatible with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and any other wireless charging-enabled phone. £29.99, amazon.co.uk

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Health

The dangers of ultra-processed foods More than half the calories we eat in the UK now come from ultra-processed foods. But what does this mean for our health, and how can we cut back?

Ultra-processed food is everywhere, and it probably makes up more of your shopping trolley than you’d think. The term is often used interchangeably with ‘processed food’ but they’re not the same. So, what exactly are ultra-processed foods, how are they affecting our health and what can we do to cut back?

Generally, most of the food we eat has been processed in one way or another. Milk is pasteurised to make it safe to drink, beans are dried and canned to extend their shelf life, and seeds are pressed to produce oils. However, this doesn’t necessarily make these foods unhealthy. Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, contain ingredients you wouldn’t typically find in your kitchen cupboard. Chemicals, colourings, sweeteners, preservatives – ultraprocessed foods are littered with them.

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Some of the foods that fall into this category are unsurprising. Crisps, fizzy drinks, biscuits and ice cream are all highly processed, but did you know that even breakfast cereals, white bread and ready meals are too? It can be hard to detect highly processed foods, which unfortunately makes us even more likely to add them to our shopping basket. But what damage does this do to our bodies?

Created to be convenient, cheap and tasty, ultraprocessed foods are typically high in sugars, refined grains, fats and salt. They also have very little nutritional value and are highly addictive, which explains why they’re so prevalent in our diets. They’re hard to resist! Recently, highly processed foods have also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even some cancers.

As with anything though, moderation is key. There’s nothing wrong with a biscuit dipped in your cup of tea or a takeaway every now and again. The trick is to eat ultra-processed foods as part of a healthy balanced diet. So, how can we limit the amount of highly processed foods we consume?

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Check your labels One of the easiest ways to check whether a food product is highly processed is to look at the ingredients list. A label full of long words you can’t pronounce is one sign that a food is highly processed. You can also check the Nutrition Information Panel to identify foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat, sugar and sodium (salt).

Find substitutes There are plenty of substitutes to ultra-processed foods on the market. Instead of potato crisps try low-fat popcorn, which is whole grain and a good source of fibre. Swap sugary cereals for unsweetened oatmeal, and add fruit for flavour, and replace white bread with a homemade or granary loaf.

Cook more meals from scratch When you prepare a meal from scratch, you have more control over the ingredients you’re consuming.

You can also pack in plenty of whole foods, such as vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains. Start compiling a list of quick and easy meal ideas to prepare when you’re feeling lazy. Salads, omelettes and stir-fries require little effort, and are super tasty.

Be wary of false advertising Don’t be fooled by phrases like ‘fat-free’, ‘natural’,

‘no added sugar’ and ‘sugar-free’. Foods that are advertised as healthy often contain artificial ingredients or other chemical additives, such as artificial sweetener, which make them significantly more processed – and unhealthy – than they might first appear. Remember to check the ingredients list!

Keep healthy snacks on hand If you’re in a rush, grabbing a packet of crisps and a cereal bar on your way out the door is tempting.

However, keeping your kitchen stocked with portable, nutritious snacks can make it much easier to make healthy choices on the go. Fresh fruit, unsalted nuts and hard boiled eggs are all good examples of simple but tasty snacks that’ll keep you energised throughout the day.

Take it slow If ultra-processed foods constitute a large portion of your diet, it’s a good idea to reduce your intake of these foods slowly to begin with. This is because going cold turkey increases your likelihood of craving the high-fat, high-sugar foods your body has become accustomed to. Plus, sometimes highly processed food is simply more convenient. Start by trying to enjoy one unprocessed or minimally processed meal a day, and gradually increase as you see fit.

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House of Colour

Looking for Quality?

Quality clothing should look, last and feel good for longer. Deciding what is quality and what isn’t is not necessarily so easy. In simplistic terms it should feel good to the touch and have some weight to it.

For many years the mantra is ‘you get what you pay for’, but it isn’t always so straightforward. Yes, the very cheap end of the market will not last well. But higher end clothing does not always mean quality or quality that will last. Designer clothes can still use cheaper fabrics and not last in the way you might expect of the pricetag.

• Jackets, and coats’ shoulder seams should finish at the outer edge of your shoulder.

• Patterns should match at the seams – particularly in stripes or checks!

• Lining – does it give you enough space to move easily? Linings are expensive to replace if they get damaged through being too tight or poorly fitting.

• Zips – double check that a zip fastens easily.

It’s infuriating when it repeatedly jams. If this does happen try a lubricant but you need to be mindful which to choose as they can damage the fabric. Your options could be; a graphite pencil, talc powder, lip balm, vaseline, bar soap, glass cleaner and even wax paper. Apply your chosen lubricant along the teeth of the zip to help it slide.

• Enough fabric? Cheaper items tend to skimp on the amount of fabric that is used so consider going a size up. Hems should have a generous amount of fabric (1.5”) to add weight which means it should hang well.

• Knitwear – natural fibres will generally last better and look better in the long term than acrylic options, so choose those whenever you can.

If you find a jumper has pilled then invest in a knitwear comb and gently use it to remove the loose fibres, wash and then press and your jumper can look as good as new.

• Consider your own needs in terms of durability.

Silk is still a beautiful fabric and can be extremely good quality but it isn’t necessarily the most robust so think about what the item of clothing is going to be used for.

• Seams. Looking at seams can be revealing. Good quality items tend to have more generous seams and are well finished, neat and don’t have threads loose.

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• Alterations can make a difference to the fit and durability of an item. Make sure that the alteration is as good as or better than the original work on the garment.

• Lighter colours need to be good quality as they look cheaper faster so be prepared to look carefully and potentially spend more.

• Looking after your clothes means they will last longer too!

Enjoy the new Spring season!

Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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Beauty

Scents and Sensibility Bored of your usual perfume? Signature scents are all very well, but sometimes it’s good to try something new…

Sampling a perfume If you don’t know where to start, sniff a few bottles to see which ones you want to sample.

Ideally, spray the perfume on the inside of your wrist, rather than on a strip of cardboard. Over the next few hours, keep sniffing your wrist to see how the fragrance is developing. Perfume is made up of top, middle and base notes. They’re designed to complement each other, but the fragrance will gradually change as the lighter top notes evaporate, so you want to make sure you like the perfume throughout its journey.

As well as deciding whether you like the scent, consider how it makes you feel. Some fragrances are uplifting, while other are more calming.

Fragrance types Perfumes are broadly categorised into different families, the most popular of which are floral, oriental, woody and fresh (also called green). Floral scents tend to be slightly sweet and let flowers such as rose, jasmine and lily take the starring role. Oriental fragrances are spicier, with warm, sensual notes. Woody fragrances are warm and musky, with notes such as sandalwood, bark and leather, while fresh fragrances contain citrus or grassy notes to create a clean, light and invigorating perfume. You’ll also find combinations – such as floral oriental.

Perfume or eau de toilette?

The higher the concentration of fragrance, the longer it will last. Perfumes/ parfums have the highest concentration, so one spritz should last pretty much all day. However, not all fragrances are made into an actual parfum as it’s just so expensive. Eau de parfum isn’t quite as concentrated, but it should still last a good few hours. Eau de toilette is lighter and will need reapplying every few hours. Eau de cologne will need reapplying frequently.

So, if you’re looking for a day perfume, go for the highest concentration that you can afford. (Do apply it sparingly if you work in a crowded environment or take public transport, however, as perfume can give some people headaches.) If you just want a fragrance to wear for an occasional evening out, you can get away with a lower concentration.

A few to try…

While gardenia takes the leading role in Gucci’s Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, the jasmine, pear blossom and brown sugar add depth and intrigue (£105 for 100ml Eau de Parfum from Boots).

Nuxe’s Prodigieux® le Parfum is summer in a bottle. Orange blossom and magnolia adds sweetness, but they’re warmed and tempered by vanilla (£45 for 50ml, uk.nuxe.com).

Love Jo Malone but can’t justify the price tag?

Check out the legendary perfumier’s collaboration with Zara. She’s been working with the retailer for a couple of years now and you can try eight of her perfumes at home with the £15.99 sample Discover Set.

By Kate Duggan 30

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Celebrating 30 Years (And still going strong!)

I cannot believe we have reached our 30th year in maintaining gardens in the North Herts/Beds area. In that time, we have maintained and landscaped 1000’s of gardens, big and small.

It all started in 1992 when my full time Insurance job allowed me plenty of time during the day which helped with childcare for our two children, but still left spare time that I didn’t know how to fill. I loved maintaining our 100ft garden in Baldock, so I thought why not maintain and tidy other gardens too for extra income for my family. Back then we didn’t have internet and google so the only way to put our name out there was placing adverts in the local paper, Yellow Pages and Thompsons Directories.

Although, if you missed the cut off point for the Directories then you had to wait for a whole year to get in!

Our first job came in and off I trotted to quote, it was to dig up a small apple tree stump and roots Easy job!?? (Or so I thought). The quote of £25 was accepted and I went round a day later with all my home DIY tools (How naive was I?). It was June, very hot and 5 hours later I managed to cut away the last of the roots. 5 hours!! I thought it would be a couple of hours at the most - welcome to the real world of professional gardening Dave. It didn’t put me off too much and I soon realised there was more to this gardening lark than I first thought.

The adverts were working and soon had a steady stream of accepted quotes, which was great!

However, after a month or two, it became apparent how many times the customers said, “I’m so glad you have actually turned up.” The gardening and landscaping industry was renowned for letting clients down, I was so shocked, and it dawned on me there was a huge gap in the market for reliable and regular gardeners. I made it my mantra, if I said I was coming to give you a quote, I would turn up and meet you!

(Regardless of what happens) and I have remained steadfast to that ethos.

One of earlier landscaping project was for The Hertfordshire Football Association in Letchworth Garden City. They had built a new stand, changing rooms and clubhouse and wanted their frontage completely landscaped. After planting a new 100ft hawthorn hedge along the perimeter, we commissioned bespoke double metal entry gates.

We finished with a beautiful new lawn, eye-catching shrubs and trees to complete the project. That was 25 years ago and to this day I still get a buzz seeing it every time I go pass.

The years have flown by since those early days and we’ve had some highs and lows on the way, our premises have been broken into three times – it was heart-breaking. We have also met some wonderful customers, some who have now sadly passed away.

We now maintain over 300 client’s gardens/grounds (residential and commercial) on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis. I have a strong team of 7 gardeners who love their job ensuring our customers gardens are looking their best. We also have 2 landscapers who carry out all our fencing, patio, decking and artificial lawn projects and we are fortunate to be fully booked until the end of April 2022.

A YOUNG ME OUTSIDE THE HERTS FA GROUND IN LETCHWORTH AFTER LANDSCAPING THEIR GROUNDS.

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I feel very grateful to be in this situation when other companies have unfortunately suffered during the past 2 years. Of course, it’s not just about the gardening aspect which keeps us successful. We now have a great office team running everything behind the scenes, with Office Manager Stella Piper and Assistant Sarah Henderson, ensuring phones are answered in a timely manner and quotes are sent out within 48 hours of my quotation appointment, along with many other important and vital activities ensuring the business runs smoothly.

Our regular clients receive a bi-annual Newsletter which keeps them informed of their schedule, what work we will be carrying out in the coming seasons amongst other articles. They also receive an automated email two days prior to a planned visit, keeping them informed all the way. Our teams are super friendly and amenable and use only the top of the range commercial machinery to carry out the work.

We also take away all the green waste after the completion of each visit so no need to use brown bins. We invoice once per month and accept a whole range of payment methods including our new automated payments, credit/debit card, cheque, and BACS transfers. We make it as easy as we possibly can.

What do you want from your garden?

You are just one call or email away from sitting back, relaxing and letting us do all your hard work for you, so you can enjoy a lovely looking garden at the weekend. As well as garden maintenance, we also carry out one off tidy-ups, we love tackling garden nightmares and getting your outdoor space back into shape so you can utilise it again. Now is the best time to book your visit in readiness for Spring and Summer. Just Google “Sunshine Gardens Baldock” and see our 50 plus genuine 5-star reviews and testimonials for your peace of mind.

Do you have a garden that needs transforming?

Can we help you with your landscaping project?

We can transform your tired and neglected gardens using our imagination and skills enabling you to enjoy your outdoor space. Book early though as we are already fully booked until the end of April/May 2022. Contact us for a free written quotation which will be sent to you within 48 hours.

We are proud to be one of the most long standing and trusted garden maintenance and landscaping companies in your area.

Dave and his teams are ready and raring to go in 2022. To help celebrate our 30th year in business, we are offering the first 10 new clients 12 months garden maintenance for the price of just 9 months.

Contact us on 01462 262200 office@sunshinegardensbaldock.co.uk PLEASE SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT IN THIS MAGAZINE FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON PAGE 38.

Sunshine Gardens

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Pets

Amazing Animals and their Superpowers I always marvel at the sight of a cat walking along the narrowest of fences as though it were a tightrope.

Elegant and skillful. Perfectly balanced. It makes me wonder what other superpowers cats and other animals have.

Cats Let’s start with an impressive fact, that a cat’s genome is 95% tiger. They share many behaviours with their jungle ancestors including scent marking by scratching, pouncing, urine marking and prey stalking.

As we know cats claws all point downwards. Did you know it is for this reason that a cat cannot come down a tree forwards, and they must back down the trunk?

Incredible.

Each cats nose print is unique much like a humans finger print!

Cats walk like giraffes and camels. They move both of their right feet first, then they move both of their left feet. No other animals walk this way. Some cats are ambidextrous, but 40% are either left or right pawed.

Male cats are more likely to be left pawed, while female cats are more likely to be right pawed.

In 1963 a cat went into space! We are all aware that a monkeys and dogs have been sent into space, but did you know that a cat braved the great unknown too? On 18th October 1963, ‘Astrocat’, also known as Felicette, was the first and only cat to go into space.

Dogs Dogs can detect one drop of liquid in 20 Olympic sized swimming pools. For this reason, dogs are trained to sniff out people, drugs and even money.

Remarkably, dogs are now being trained to detect diseases such as malaria, diabetes, tuberculosis, and Covid-19. It was during one of The Royal Institution Christmas lectures last December that Professor Jonathan Van-Tam demonstrated how dogs can detect the Covid-19 virus.

Greyhounds can reach a top speed of 45mph within seconds of starting to run, compared to a cheetah that

can reach 70mph. However, cheetahs can only keep this going for around 30 seconds meaning a greyhound would actually outrun a cheetah! Greyhounds can easily run at speeds in excess of 35mph for seven miles. Despite the cheetah’s head start, they’d soon be overtaken.

Did you know that dogs have 3 eyelids? Their third eyelids is called the nictitating membrane and helps to protect and clean the eye. If you have a dog, you may have noticed that they move their ears a lot. A dog has an incredible 18 muscles that are responsible for moving their ears! Their ears are vital in helping them communicate with us and other dogs. They can hear over 4 times the distance of a human.

So, next time you come across a cat or dog, stop to marvel at how amazing they are.

If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999.

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Gardening

Conifer Charm If there’s one particular group of plants that people love to despise, it tends to be conifers. Could it be that many of us dismiss the huge variety among conifers with just one word – leylandii? The Leyland cypress, Cupressocyparis leylandii, seems to fire up a lot of hatred. It is believed that there could be around 55 million of these trees within the UK – that’s more than one for every adult. The problem is all about size. The trees can grow up to 90cm per year and people have a habit of planting them

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inappropriately, then failing to keep them under control.

The citrus-scented foliage of leylandii actually makes a magnificent, dense hedge, which acts as a perfect screen or windbreak. It also provides noise reduction, which can be very valuable for those living next to a main road. When clipped regularly, it’s a perfect garden friend. But nobody knows exactly how tall the tree can grow because there are no ancient leylandii, though estimates suggest they could reach heights of 61 metres (200ft) or even more. These are relatively new plants that originated from a cross created in the late nineteenth century in Wales. The parent species are the Monterey cypress and the Nootka cypress, both from the USA. One parent brings its hardiness to the mix, whilst the other provides a pretty amazing growth rate. The tree is unable to reproduce without human help and all existing leylandii therefore come from cuttings.

Whilst legal disputes involving neighbours and leylandii run into thousands, others celebrate the beauty and grandeur of a rather spectacular tree, which can take pride of place in a suitable setting.

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It grows into an impressive specimen and also plays host to many birds and other wildlife. Indeed, the National Pinetum in Bedgebury, Kent, is rightly proud of what is believed to be the tallest and oldest leylandii hedge in Britain, measuring over 40 metres.

Conifers possess many charms that should never be overlooked. These cone-bearing trees are hugely diverse and they hold impressive carbon-capturing statistics. The largest tree in the world, measured by volume, is a giant sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum, in California, measuring 83m tall with a diameter of 11m at the base. It is considered to be middle-aged, being around 2,000 years old. The magnificent cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, can easily grow to 35m high and almost as wide. This is the oldest cedar of all and there are some situated on the slopes of Mount Lebanon that are said to be 2,500 years old.

At the other end of the scale, many miniature conifers will not reach even 100cm tall at maturity.

Pinus mugo is the dwarf mountain pine and it sits comfortably within a mixed border or can even be grown in a large pot. There are hundreds of different shapes, colours, contrasting textures and forms of conifers that can provide colour and interest throughout the year. The pencil-slim Italian cypress is widely used in Mediterranean-style gardens here in the UK, creating vertical impact and drama all year

round. In contrast, prostrate, spreading junipers, such as Juniperus horizontalis, provide excellent ground cover and colour-changing foliage from summer through to winter.

Juniperus is known for its dark berry-like cones, which can be used in food dishes such as casseroles and stuffing. They are also the main flavouring for gin. However, the red, fleshy berries produced by Taxus baccata, the English yew, are highly toxic.

Some conifers, such as yew, respond extremely well to clipping, whilst others, including leylandii, go brown and won’t re-grow if you cut back into old wood.

Not all conifers are evergreen. The beautiful, native larch tree loses its soft, needle-shaped leaves in winter. Others change colour throughout the seasons, including Cryptomeria japonica which is coloured blue-green in spring, turns green during summer and rusty-red in winter. This conifer has soft, tactile foliage, whereas the monkey puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana, has sharp foliage that can cut like a razor blade.

The dwarf conifer beds of the 1970s era have now been largely usurped by more naturalistic planting.

Island beds filled with rocks and conifers fell out of fashion during the late 1980s, although there are still examples to be found in public parks and larger estate gardens. Conifers are, however, back! They can be used with spectacular success as specimens and can be blended within planting schemes to bring year-round colour and interest. Never underestimate this amazing family of trees – there is something suitable to lend a touch of unique magic to any outdoor space.

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

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Special Report

Outdoor Adventures SPRING CLEANING YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR In your home, you’ll realise when maintenance jobs need doing and rooms need cleaning.

But particularly during the winter months, any deterioration to the outside of your property is likely to go unnoticed until the brighter spring days.

THE ROOF If any part of your roof is north facing, near trees or both, you are very likely to see a build-up of moss.

Not only is this unsightly, but moss absorbs water meaning your roof is constantly wet. If this moisture travels underneath the tiles, it could rot the wooden components of the roof.

What to do? If your roof is at a low level or can be accessed from an upper window, gently brush the surface to loosen the build-up. Of course, this is likely to brush the moss into the gutters, which is another job to be dealt with.

Generally though, unless you happen to own the specialist equipment to ensure you are safe on a roof, this really is a job for the professionals.

THE GUTTERS Even if you don’t live particularly close to trees, somehow leaves and twigs will get blown into your gutters and as mentioned above, some moss is likely

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to accumulate too. Some debris will get washed away and will mulch down, but more often it’ll just build up. If your gutters are overflowing every time it rains, it’s time to address the problem.

Having a quick look into your gutter to locate the blockage is going to need a really long ladder and a pair of thick rubber gloves to clear the slimy mess.

A professional will have a camera on a pole to see where the worst spots are and to help them clear out all the winter debris. Ask about having gutter guards fitted too, to help prevent future build-ups.

FACIAS AND SOFFITS If you still have original facias and soffits on your house it’s likely they are made of wood. There are two choices if yours look tatty and the paint is peeling. Repainting is the lower-cost option but it won’t last that long and is fiddly to do. Replacement facias and soffits are made of uPVC and will last for years. It’s well worth considering replacing the guttering at the same time.

PATHWAYS Clearing paths is one outside job that doesn’t involve you risking life and limb by climbing a ladder. The inexpensive method is a bucket of water and a stiff brush, although it won’t give you the best results.

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A jet washer is very thorough and is reasonably affordable, although of course you need to store it, which is a nuisance given you only need to use it once or twice a year.

So yes, you can do this yourself, but it’s blooming hard work! Your arms will get quite a workout controlling the pressure washer hose or sweeping a brush. You also need to take care not to dislodge the mortar between paving slabs.

WINDOWS Methods of cleaning glass have been around for years. Vinegar is said to be very effective, if rather unpleasant smelling, and of course proprietary cleaning fluids are very affordable. This is another one of those jobs that is hard work though, and while it’s easy to access the inside of your windows, the upper floor of the outside is much more difficult.

Furthermore, a one-off clean is not enough. Where other parts of your house won’t notice if it’s been a year since they were cleaned, you are looking at your windows all the time. It’s better to set up a regular arrangement – typically every six to twelve weeks – then you can just ‘set and forget’. A window cleaning company will usually have a pole system and they use purified water, meaning that the windows dry sparkling clean.

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IN SUMMARY There are many jobs around the home that you are probably capable of doing yourself to save the pennies. But when it comes to the outside, it’s going to need specialist tools, it can be dangerous and it’s physically taxing.

These external tasks don’t need to be done very often and a specialist will have the equipment, the safety training and the insurance to do the job efficiently and quickly.

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Time of Year

It’s Pancake Day…at last!

By Sarah Davey

Pancake Day is a bit late in 2022. We’ve had to wait until March 1st This is because the date changes each year because it’s related to Easter, and Easter Day varies annually according to the spring equinox. Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, which is 40 days before Easter. This Lent period represents the time Jesus fasted in the desert.

Historically, Christians went to confession on Shrove Tuesday seeking absolution for their sins. In fact, the word ‘shrove’ originates from the Old English word ‘shrive,’ which means ‘to give absolution after confession.’ Then they returned home to tuck into rich foods, made to use up all the fatty ingredients ahead of Ash Wednesday when the Lent fast began.

There is evidence that the Christian Pancake Day derived from a pagan festival which welcomed the arrival of spring. The Pagans made circular pancakes to symbolise the sun, and which were thought to imbue the sun’s power and strength to those who ate them.

Whatever their history pancakes are universally popular and being able to flip them well guarantees the flipper appreciative ‘Oohs’ and ‘Ahs’ from their audience. For the perfect flip use a well-greased non-stick pan and make sure its hot. When you pour in the batter make sure the edges are perfectly cooked. A little shake will make sure the pancake is loose and ready to flip. Use a nice strong upward wrist flick and keep your eye on the pancake.

Enjoy!

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SHIRON

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

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Motoring

What is the new Range Rover up against?

The new Range Rover has arrived, bringing with it a predictably luxurious take on the SUV recipe.

Packed with technological advancements, the new Range Rover looks set to be the most futuristic to date, while a series of plug-in hybrid powertrains – alongside traditional petrol and diesel options – means that it’s more electrified than ever.

But the Range Rover’s job isn’t an easy one. There are more rivals for it than ever, so let’s dive in and check out what this latest Range Rover is up against.

Bentley Bentayga The Bentayga has proved to be a real hit for Bentley, encapsulating the luxury feel of the firm’s saloon and coupe models but in a high-riding SUV body style.

Much like the new Range Rover, it’s available with a traditional petrol engine but also a plug-in hybrid option, giving zero-emissions running at lower speeds.

Bentley recently added a more sporty ‘S’ version too, kitted out with a powerful 4.0-litre twinturbocharged V8.

BMW X7 The X7 sits at the top of BMW’s SUV range, effectively sitting as a high-riding version of the firm’s luxurious 7 Series saloon. It’s a hard car to miss, too, with its ultra-large front kidney grilles giving it a whole lot of presence out on the road.

It’s also got space for seven, so it does have a focus on practicality, too. With a huge amount of interior space, it’s a really comfortable choice for longer journeys.

Mercedes-Benz GLS The GLS is the largest SUV Mercedes offer and is, in fact, one of the largest SUVs on sale today. It’s fitted with some of the firm’s latest technology, too, including a superb MBUX infotainment operating system, accessed via a pair of 12.3-inch screens set underneath one single piece of glass to create a full widescreen effect.

It’s also supremely comfortable, while the option of a range-topping GLS63 adds a performance variant for those who want it.

Audi Q8 Though we could opt for the popular Q7 in this list, it’s the Q8 that stands out in Audi’s range of SUVs. Bringing a coupe-like design, the Q8 looks truly futuristic on the road, with its full-width rear light bar giving the car a really cool appearance at night.

It’s just as futuristic inside, too, with a good range of materials ensuring that the Q8 feels particularly upmarket.

Aston Martin DBX Aston’s first SUV – the DBX – has really made waves, delivering a sporting driving experience alongside a level of quality that you’d expect from the firm. Both comfortable and involving, the DBX is a car capable of making a twisty road fun while also taking the backache out of longer journeys.

It’s also got a design in keeping with the rest of the Aston Martin range, while a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine means it’s got the performance to match, too.

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 MARCH Storytime 10.30-11am Stevenage Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 3 MARCH The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘Miniatures of the Wallace Collection’ by Stephen Duffy.

Visitors welcome. Lift access. theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 MARCH Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am & 11.15-11.45am Hitchin Library Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes, perfect for helping your child to learn language skills.

Booking essential. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 MARCH Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friends generally 50+ age group.

Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 4 MARCH Bedford Art Society 7.15 for 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford Members free, visitors £5. Stephie Butler will demonstrate how to use liquid charcoal in conjunction with watercolour to create exciting works of art. Tel: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 Web: www.bedsartsociety.co.uk 4, 11, 18 & 25 MARCH BookTrust Storytime 2.15-2.45pm Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

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4, 11, 18 & 25 MARCH 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 4 & 25 MARCH Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm and 7.30pm on Zoom Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford 4 March - ‘The Admiral and His Mistress – Horatio and Emma’

by David Fowler. 25 March – ‘My Ancestor Was a Liar’ by Dave Annal.

Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 5 MARCH Ashwell’s Famous Flea Market 9.30am-1.00pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell Free entry All sorts of weird and wonderful things for sale. Tea and coffee available.

5 MARCH The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm RAF Henlow, SG16 6DN The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID 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. Call on the day if information is needed.

Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 5 MARCH Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Hostas – Little and Large’ by Colin Ward. Colin is a well-known nursery owner and a member of our group.

Plants for sale.

Visitors welcome – small charge.

Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

6TH MARCH Five Bells, Henlow Village Fun Charity Quiz in aid of Jackie’s Drop-In Centre, starting at 8pm.

Teams of up to 6 members are invited. Entry is £2.50 per person.

There is a cash prize for the winners and a prize for last place, as well as spot prizes and a raffle. Further info from John on 07511 631045 or emailing quizzesforcharity@ outlook.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills and are an opportunity for you to meet other families too. Booking essential.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs.

Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Staplers Folk Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Meets every Monday apart from bank holidays and some school holiday dates. It’s easy to start as all the dances are walked through first then called. Everyone welcome, whether a complete beginner or with some experience. You don’t have to bring a partner as many dancers come alone or with friends.

Tel. 01462 624144 or 01462 680995 Web: www.staplers.org.uk

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN MARCH 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-10.30pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 11 MARCH Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm.

St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, caller Bob Morgan and Tappalachian in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Book online.

Alan Creamer 07946 439095 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk 15 MARCH Bedford National Trust Association 2.15-3.15pm Addison Centre, Kempston BNTA members £3, NT members £3.50, visitors £4 ‘35 years as a TV quizzer’, a talk by quizzer James Higg, veteran of such shows as 15 to One, Eggheads and The weakest link. Non-members welcome. Garry Telling 01480 819625 Email: garry.geoff.telling@gmail.com 19 MARCH Ceilidh. 7pm for7.30pm Grange Community Centre, Middlefields, Letchworth £12 per person. Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group event. Music by Time of your Life Trio with caller Barry Goodman. Pay bar. Bring snacks for the interval. Web: lalg.org.uk/ceilidh 20 MARCH Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Fen Drayton Lakes. Meet 10am No charge for RSPSB members All-day car trip to RSPB reserve in Cambridgeshire for what should be an excellent day’s all-round birding. Meet in the reserve car park at Fen Drayton Road, grid ref 154/TL 342 697, postcode CB24 4R. Leader Graham Beevor. Booking not required. Tel: 01438 232055

21 MARCH Early Music Day Concert with The Parnassian Ensemble 1pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £10, free entry for under 27s, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s Early Music Day is a celebration of more than a millennium of music, through concerts, events, and happenings taking place simultaneously across Europe. It is held every year on 21 March, the first day of Spring and birth date of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Web: https://benslowmusic.org 23 MARCH Lunchtime Talk 10.30am-12.30pm Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade ‘The House: The Shuttleworth Peacock’, this engaging presentation covers the story behind the Shuttleworth Minton Peacock and the Wreck of the Loch Ard. Web: shuttleworth.org/talksprogramme 24 MARCH Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Therfield Heath & Fox Covert Meet 9.30am No charge for RSPSB members Morning visit by car to this downland site near Royston and the adjoining H&MWT woodland reserve. Meet at the Sports Centre car park off Baldock Road, grid ref 154/TL 347404, postcode SG8 5BJ. Leader Trevor Storey. Booking not required.

Tel: 01438 232055 SATURDAY 26TH MARCH Mozart Requiem 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell, SG7 5LY Anthems by Brahms, Mendelssohn & Mozar. Royston Choral Society Musical Director - Andrew O’Brien Tickets £15 Under 18s £1 Available from: www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk 01920 822723 or ask a choir member

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27 MARCH Afternoon Tea. 4pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin £19.95pp or £24.95pp with a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy afternoon tea at Benslow Music complemented with live music. Booking required.

Tel: 01462 459446 www.benslowmusic.org 30 MARCH-2 APRIL Sweet Charity Doors open 7.15pm for 7.45pm Pirton Village Hall Tickets: Wednesday £10, other days £12 Pirton Players perform the terrific musical Sweet Charity. Tickets available from Pirton Village Shop or online. Bar available. www.pirtonplayers.org 31 MARCH A Taste of Benslow Music with Symphonia Academica 7.30-10pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £30. An Evening of music, wine tasting and cheese on a journey through Europe.

Web: benslowmusic.org 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. No pressure to walk, just turn up as often or as seldom as you prefer. The group also meets for a coffee once a month and holds other social events. Tel: Suzanne 07933 709006 Email: ionssuzanne@gmail.com Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group Annual membership £10 per household. Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and more. New groups are starting all the time. Online talks every month. Non-members can try activities before joining.

Web: LALG.org.uk

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Premier Painters and Decorators

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

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

www.premierpd.co.uk

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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

A Facelift for your Front Door

First impressions count, so give some thought as to how you can transform your entrance with colour, hardware, lighting… or even a whole new door.

It’s a welcome to visitors, the first thing that greets you after a hard day at work, and vital security that keeps out noise, draughts, intruders and the outside world in general. But is your front door up to scratch? Taking a long, hard look may reveal ways in which it, too, can be improved. Both practically and aesthetically, the difference can be remarkable.

When choosing a replacement door (if, for example, your door has warped, rotted or shrunk beyond repair), you may wish to replicate exactly what was there before – or it may be possible to update it with something better. It’s important to get it right, as a great front door is an investment that could even enhance the value of your home; get it wrong, however, and the reverse could be the case. Start by researching styles to suit the period of your property, and consider what material will work best. Wooden doors are still the most popular, and are ideal for period houses, while uPVC is usually a cheaper option that can be complementary for modern homes. Aluminium, though expensive, combines strength and stability with a cool, industrial look.

Sometimes it may be appropriate to include some glazing with your new door – ideal for introducing

extra light into a dark hallway. Consider whether you would prefer clear, frosted or perhaps even stained glass, depending on the overall style, how much privacy you require and whether security is an issue. Double-glazed, laminated glass is the best option to ensure intruders can’t gain access.

Speaking of security, an upgrade to your locks may also be a good idea – check with your insurers, but a five-lever mortice is usually best for timber doors, while a uPVC door should have an anti-snap lock and multipoint locking system.

Any door, new or old, should fit well within its frame, but it may still be an idea to improve its energy efficiency by adding seals around the edges, and a brush strip along the bottom. An internal letterbox flap or brush is also a great idea.

Good lighting is vital for when you’re struggling to find your keys or simply need to see the front path on a dark evening. It should not be too difficult for an electrician to swap your existing light for a swanky new one – or perhaps a pair, one on either side of the door. Again, you will probably wish to coordinate your lighting with the architectural style of your property, whether it’s a carriage, lantern or bulkhead model, a decorative hanging pendant or a sleek

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and minimal wall washer. If possible, add a motion sensor (good for security as well as convenience), and always ensure the fitting is suitably rated for safe exterior use.

The fastest way to transform an existing timber door is to give it a fresh coat of paint. What colour? It’s a matter of personal preference, of course, unless limited by a planning restriction (which may be the case in a conservation area), but it’s always a good idea to try to coordinate the colour with the style of your property and to take account of local approaches. A garish pink in a historic terrace where everyone else’s door is neutral may result in some unhappy neighbours! Painting a door also helps protect it from the weather, so it’s important to do it properly. Start by washing it down with soapy water, and either remove or cover the hardware. Remove loose or flaking paint, fill any holes or cracks, and sand down. Use primer on unpainted wood, or undercoat on previously painted or uPVC doors – you may need several coats – then finish with a couple of coats of the final colour, in tough, exterior gloss.

A lovely finishing touch is a brand new set of hardware – letter plate, knocker, knob and numbers, which are available in an array of durable styles.

Provided you measure up correctly, it is surprisingly easy to swap them over for an instant refresh and smart new look.

Entrance Solutions If you have ever forgotten your door key, you will probably have dreamt of swapping your oldfashioned lock for a ‘smart’ access mechanism that

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lets you in via fingerprint recognition – or even an app on your phone. Modern locks may also employ fobs, cards and keycodes, usually with a combination of several methods of opening, and while some only work when you are actually at the door in person, others can be opened remotely, offering you the chance to allow other people into your property when you’re away. Some connect to Alexa or other home networks, and there are options that create virtual keys or have time-sensitive pass codes, that feature anti-theft capabilities, a security camera or emergency siren, or that will alert you whenever your door is locked or unlocked.

Having chosen your preferred type of lock, the main consideration is to ensure it is compatible with your existing door, depending on the thickness of the door and the material from which it’s made. If you are keeping your existing lock rather than replacing it, that will also be a factor. Bear in mind that smart locks also need a battery (which will need recharging or changing from time to time) and may require a good Wi-Fi connection. There is a huge amount of choice, and the technology is confusing, so do your research thoroughly and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from the manufacturer or retailer before committing.

1 Porto design hinged door set in a RAL-painted finish in black, Urban Front: 01494 778 787; urbanfront.com.

2 Front door painted in Lavender Quartz, Dulux: 0333 222 7171; dulux.co.uk/en/products.

3 Etch-effect house name with Edwardian text, from £45 per square metre. Purlfrost Window Film: 020 8992 4024; purlfrost.com.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our February Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Nathalie Powers, Lower Stondon

February’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Money (4) 3 Used in board game (5,3) 9 Scold severely (7) 10 Electronic post (5) 11 Young cabbage plants (6,6) 14 To allow (3) 16 Type of drum (5) 17 Joint (3) 18 Seen in a rink (6-6) 21 Violent disturbances (5) 22 Stabbing weapon (7) 23 Supporting column (8) 24 Popular sport (4)

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

16th March 2022 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Down 1 Advises (8) 2 Serious (5) 4 Stowed away (3) 5 Lock picks (8,4) 6 Loyal (7) 7 Story (4) 8 Eats its own kind (12) 12 Doomed (5) 13 Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15 Twice as much (7) 19 South American dance (5) 20 Hold tightly (4) 22 Type of snake (3)

Name:

Address:

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

Tel:

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New Starts

Books Forget January, there’s no better time for a new beginning than spring…

The Meaningful Money Handbook Pete Matthew

Consumed Aja Barber

Atomic Habits James Clear

Decluttering at the Speed of Life Dana K. White

If you need to get your finances in order (that’s most of us then), The Meaningful Money Handbook could prove invaluable. It’ll help you to cut through the confusion, figure out how to get out of debt, create a personal financial plan and grow your savings. If you’re already starting to wince at the thought of reading a book about finances, rest assured that there’s no jargon or judgement – just plenty of straightforward advice and useful tips.

All too often, major change feels so daunting that we don’t act, or we give up after a few days. Instead, James Clear recommends making tiny tweaks to your daily routines. Atomic Habits shows the reader how to break bad habits and start new ones. James Clear sets out, step-by-step, how to make small improvements that, over time, become life-altering. His advice is backed by psychologists, but as Clear says, this book is “not an academic research paper; it’s an operating manual.”

Survival Skills for Freelancers Sarah Townsend

At some point, everyone dreams of quitting their job and becoming their own boss. Whether you’ve already made the move or you’re just thinking of taking the plunge, this book can help you to ride the roller coaster that is self-employment. It’s full of helpful advice, from how to avoid burnout and look after your mental health to how to tackle imposter syndrome.

Feel like you shop to fill a void? Uncomfortable with your role in fast fashion? Or do you just want to learn how to enjoy fashion sustainably and ethically? Whatever your motivation, this book is well worth a read. Aja Barber shares her story of how she came to understand the systemic injustices in the fashion industry. You’ll learn about the history of the textile industry, the growing issue of fast fashion and, crucially, what you can do to bring about change.

Clutter can be overwhelming.

The more possessions you have, the more time it usually takes to organise, tidy and clean your home. Unlike other decluttering books, this one isn’t just a ‘how to’ guide; it also addresses the emotional challenges that make it difficult to let go of unnecessary possessions. It’s also packed with practical advice and tips. Plus, it’s funny.

30 Day Kick Start Plan Joe Wicks

It’s hard to make healthier choices in the depths of winter, but lighter evenings and warmer days are just around the corner. 30 Day Kick Start Plan can help you eat better, move more and stay motivated. You’ll find 100 recipes to try, along with six workouts and weekly plans to help you stay on track. There’s also advice on everything from sleep and meditation to goal setting. In short, it’s far more than just another healthy-eating cookbook.

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By Kate Duggan 61

Plumbing

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

Please call Gary on

07530 728091

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

Call Nigel on 01767 261122 for more information

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