Stevenage November 2022

Best Christmas Markets in Europe

With Christmas now just around the corner, if you find yourself fantasising about mulled wine, festive coffees, mouth-watering cheeses and steaming chestnuts – you’re not alone. Christmas market season is upon us, the perfect time to wrap up warm, fill your belly and hunt for gifts you wouldn’t find anywhere else. While we have plenty of world-renowned markets to visit on our doorstep

By Solange Hando

– Winchester, Edinburgh, Bath and Cambridge to name a few – nothing quite compares to Europe’s fairy-tale, festive spirit. Wooden chalets in thirteenth-century towns, snow-capped cathedrals, powdery spiced stollen, and of course, all the mulled wine you can drink. The likes of Germany, Estonia, Hungary and Austria, to name a few, take Christmas markets to another level. From Hamburg’s regional specialities and the dazzling lights of Vienna, all the way to Tallinn’s picturesque cobblestone streets dusted with snow, you’re spoilt for choice on where to go. To make your decision easier, we’ve pulled out five of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and what makes each one so magical. Vienna, Austria - From the middle of November until Christmas Day, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into a mesmerising maze of Christmas markets, adorned with fairy lights. There are over

twenty to choose from, but wherever your feet take you, you can expect to see everything from artisanal handicrafts and traditional wooden toys to ice rinks, Ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds. This is Christmas at its most traditional. Oh, and did we mention the food? Warm the cockles of your heart with a mug of mulled wine while inhaling the smell of roasted chestnuts and freshly baked pretzels. Divine!

Tallinn, Estonia - Part of what makes Tallinn’s Christmas markets so magical is their setting.

Nestled in the heart of this beautiful, medieval city, where everything in sight is dusted with snow, each December the markets fill with sellers of local arts and crafts and delectable festive treats. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re also joined by brass bands, bell ringers and endless dance troupes – not to mention Tallinn’s very own Santa, who arrives at his winter grotto on an authentic reindeer sleigh.

The highlight, though, is its Christmas tree, which the city has been displaying in front of its town hall since 1441, making it the first Christmas tree to ever be displayed in Europe.

Budapest, Hungary - Officially hailed as Europe’s best Christmas market in 2022, Budapest’s Advent Feast at the Basilica is a delight for the senses. Centred around the impressive backdrop of St Stephen’s Basilica, the market is home to more than 160 artisan vendors. Shop for unique gifts and sample local Hungarian specialities from friendly food sellers. Goulash and flódni are must-tries!

There’s even an ice rink in the heart of all the action, circling a nine-metre-tall Christmas tree. Be sure to hang around for the real star of the show though – a

spectacular laser light show projected on the facade of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Nuremberg, Germany - Home to more than 150 towns and cities with established Christmas market traditions, Germany is synonymous with the festive season. Berlin and Cologne are world-renowned, and for good reason, but most visitors will agree that Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt just about comes up trumps.

One of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to around 1530, Christkindlesmarkt is a foodie’s paradise. Grilled sausages, crackling pork, mulled wine, sweet gingerbread – every festive food fantasy can be fulfilled here. It’s also known for being one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly Christmas markets, thanks to its reusable cup system and regenerative energy power source.

Prague, Czech RepublicPostcard-worthy Prague was made for the festive season, so it’s no surprise its capital’s market is one of the favourites in Europe. This is part and parcel down to its magnificent setting. On one side, there’s the fourteenth-century spires of Our Lady Before Tyn, on the other, the city’s famous fifteenthcentury astronomical clock.

Czechs are famously heavy drinkers, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to booze too. Along with hot mulled wine, you’ll also find mead, punch and grog, a concoction of rum, lemon, sugar and hot water.

The market is family-friendly too. If you’ve got little ones, shepherd them over to the Old Town Square where you’ll find a petting zoo complete with sheep, goats and donkeys.

Turkey Tikka Masala

Turkey’s not just for Christmas – it’s a healthy all-year round option and this curry with a kick of heat is a great way to use up

cooked turkey meat.

Serves 4 Takes 40-45 minutes

Ingredients

500g leftover cooked turkey meat, cut into chunks

200g thick natural yoghurt

1 green chilli, chopped

Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges to serve

2 tbsp tikka masala paste

Sea salt flakes

Freshly ground black pepper

3 tbsp vegetable oil

50g butter

5 green cardamom pods

1 cinnamon stick

2 onions, peeled and chopped

2cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

4 large garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp ground turmeric

1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato puree

125ml single cream

200ml water

1 tsp fenugreek leaves, crushed in a pestle and mortar (optional)

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp sugar

To serve

A small bunch of coriander, chopped Naan bread

Steamed rice Greek yoghurt

1. Put the turkey into a large bowl with the yoghurt, chilli, lime juice, tikka masala paste, some salt, pepper and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, tossing well to coat. Set aside for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

2. Meanwhile, make the curry sauce. Heat the remaining oil and butter in a deep frying pan, then add the cardamom and cinnamon and cook for 20 seconds until you can start to smell the spices. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 6-8 minutes until they start to colour. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chopped tomatoes and tomato puree and stir well. Simmer for 15 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the sauce. Use a stick blender to puree until smooth or leave a little chunky if you like.

3. Heat the grill to high. Transfer the meat from the marinade to a baking tray lined with foil, reserving the marinade.

4. Grill the marinated cooked turkey for 5 minutes on each side until heated through and the marinade is charring in places.

5. Slowly stir the reserved marinade mixture into the curry sauce, along with the cream and water. Add the fenugreek (if using), garam masala and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the grilled turkey. Taste and season, adding salt, sugar or lime juice as needed.

6. Serve sprinkled with some chopped coriander, plus extra lime wedges, naan bread, steamed rice and Greek yoghurt.

Football Crazy

Get your World Cup footie facts here

It can’t have escaped your notice that we are in the midst of the World Cup Fever! So here are a few World Cup facts for footie novices and experts alike.

The first World Cup took place back in 1930. Jules Rimet, a French football administrator who was the third and longest serving President of FIFA, wanted to create an international competition between men’s football teams. The first World Cup tournament consisted of thirteen invited teams and took place in Uruguay, who won the competition.

The World Cup has been played every 4 years since this inaugural tournament except in 1942 and 1946 when it was suspended because of World War II. Hence it has been held 21 times and 2022 will coincidentally be the 22nd World cup.

In 2018 Russia automatically qualified as the host country, with the remaining 210 nations competing for the remaining 31 places during 872 matches.

Following the international condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Russians were banned from the 2022 World Cup. Their scheduled opponents in the playoffs at the time of the ban were Poland, who were given a bye through to the final — where they beat Sweden to book their ticket to Qatar 2022.

The Russian football authorities did appeal the decision, but their case was thrown out by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Brazil has won the most World Cups with five, while Italy and Germany are close behind with four each.

The World Cup is usually held in June and July but the host this year are Qatar. The subtropical desert climate there results in extremely hot summers, with highs averaging between 32-27 degrees. As the temperature often exceeds these averages, the authorities felt it would be too dangerous to play soccer. So as part of their winning bid for hosting the World Cup, Qatar agreed to stage the tournament in November and December, where typical temperatures are a more comfortable 21-26 degrees. The winning team is awarded the World Cup Trophy. Although team gets to enjoy celebrating and being photographed with the trophy after the final, they don’t get to take it away with them. They are sent home with a replica. The current Jules Rimet trophy has been presented to winning teams since 1970. It is made of 18-carat gold and weighs in at 13.5 pounds (just over 6Kg). At the inception of the tournament in 1930 FIFA decided that if any nation won three finals, they would be given the trophy to keep. In 1970 Brazil achieved this feat when they defeated Italy in the final in Mexico, so the trophy was presented to the Brazilian Sports Confederation. It was placed on display on the third floor of the CBF offices in Rio. 13 years later on the night of 19th of December, the security guard was overpowered by a group of thieves and the trophy disappeared. It has never been found.

The Poignant Poppy

Why do we wear the poppy? - Scarlet poppies grow wild all over western Europe wherever the soil has been disturbed. The battles of the First World War churned up such vast areas of earth that millions of poppies germinated and bloomed, often around the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

A Canadian surgeon called John McRae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields, which many of us study in school. The poem is a haunting memorial to those soldiers who have died in any war and the imagery of the poppies is used to symbolise the deaths of those who fought.

Why do we hold a two-minute silence? - On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the guns of World War I fell silent. Four years of fighting and devastation finally ended. The following year ceremonies of remembrance took place on what was known as Armistice Day. An armistice is an agreement for the cessation of active hostilities between two sides in a war.

An Australian journalist, Edward George Honey first proposed a respectful silence to remember the dead. He wrote a letter to the London Evening News which was brought to the attention of King George V. The king issued a proclamation which called for a two-minute silence.

These days Armistice Day is more usually known as Remembrance Sunday and is a chance to honour the fallen soldiers of all conflicts.

In the light of the atrocities going on Ukraine this year, I hope you’ll think even more about your poppy and all it stands for.

By Nicky Gray

For the love of: Sherry

The ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of sherry is usually between 15% and 20% (perhaps a little higher, in some instances), being fortified during production. Fino and Manzanilla sherries have dry styles, as do Amontillado and Oloroso productions. Sweeter options include Pedro Ximénez, which is great to pair with many desserts, at a dining occasion.

DON LUIS FINO DEL PUERTO (16.5% vol) I found refreshing, with excellent flavour. This crisp production utilises the grape varietal to great advantage (100% Palomino grapes). Following fermentation, in stainless steel tanks, the wine then has 48 months in old American oak barrels. An impressive pre-dining drink, that also accompanies fish and paella dishes, extremely well.

EL BENITO MANZANILLA (17% vol) spends 48 months in old American oak barrels, following fermentation in stainless steel tanks (100% Palomino grapes). A most pleasant bouquet entices to the mouth’s pleasures, evoking thoughts of apple-orchard fruits. Perfect to greet guests with and to have with tapas delectations, for example.

DON GASPAR AMONTILLADO (18.5% vol) is produced with fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks (100% Palomino grapes). Then, the wine has120 months in old American oak Jerezana barrels, to give this very impressive fortified wine its full and rich flavour. A delight for predining experiences, with friends and/or family. Also, splendid with foods, such as tapas dishes, etc.

TORRE DEL ORO PALO CORTADO (19% vol) commences its journey from a vineyard with vines having an average age of 25 years. Stainless steel tanks are used for the fermentation process (100% Palomino grapes) and, after fortification, enter into the solera system for approx 4 years, to commence their ageing element. Selections are made by the winemaker, for the Palo Cortado classification. Following a further 8 years of ageing, the sherry is then bottled and released, with flavours hinting at orange and nutty notes. This, I consider, to be a superb example.

I located these sherry productions at Waitrose, in their No.1 range, which is produced in partnership with the eminent sherry house of Lustau. I found Waitrose to have an excellent drinks section, with something for all tastes and palates. www.waitrose.com

always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley

Style and Warmth?

I know on my own account that it’s easy to pile on layers and find yourself feeling and looking like a giant ball of wool (on me, beginning to unravel) when it becomes seriously cold. We can easily lose any sense of style in the effort to stay warm. However, there are some tweaks we can add into our look and prevent us looking too trussed up. Plus some elements that are on trend to factor in too.

Necklines – a high neckline roll neck can foreshorten you adding to a ‘bunched up’ effect so find layers including jumpers that sit lower if this applies to you (if you’re not sure talk to your House of Colour consultant to find out). Us a softly draped scarf to fill in the area if you feel the cold and then you can adjust where it sits to be the most flattering. It’s better if we can avoid cluttering shorter areas. Scarf – a great place to add a pop of WOW colour particularly if your coat is a dark neutral. This will also break up silhouette and add interest. Try not to be a sea of neutrals, use your palette of colours.

Those who struggle to wear a larger woollier scarf (not all of us can take the larger scale or sometimes the slightly messier look that accompanies it) try rolling it in half (so not as bulky) and creating a neater tie such as a ‘no knot’ tie. Sparkly embellishments – this is a trend were seeing across most accessories in some form. Think sequins, details with sparkle, and embroidery. Think about gloves, adding brooches/embroidery to hats. There are shapes and details that suit every individual look whether sharp and angular or small and pretty. Add those into your accessories to update your look and draw the eye to your best features!

Proportion Play – if you have a large puffer coat or

a giant scarf think about using it with some smaller scale elements. Let that one bigger piece be you ‘hero’ and allow the other elements to play second fiddle.

Footwear – there are lots of funky walking and winter boots around with waterproofing and style to them. Check out Clarks and look online. Lots of colour around too in a traditionally limited space. Layers – it’s not news but lighter layers add up to great warmth. So if you struggle in this colder weather add in your base layers – silk and merino wool (not the super itchy variety but the base layer engineered) seem to perform very well. I love Patra Selections silk thermals. Natural fibres do seem to perform best but M&S ‘heatgen’ range which is a blend gets great reviews so is worth trying.

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

Grey is the New BlackGoing grey gracefully

A few years ago, I noticed that younger women were dying their hair grey. As a 45-year-old woman the irony was not lost on me. There I was paying to dye my hair back to its original chestnut while the 23-year-old sitting at the next basin was paying the same to achieve my silver locks. WHY was I doing this?

One of the many downsides of colouring hair is that you have to repeat the process every 3-8 weeks. I was closer to three weekly and was planning my life around my roots. Then there was the expense. In spite of Davina McCall’s exhortations home dying did not look professional and my bathroom needed a deep clean afterwards. Finally, I was beginning to notice that dyed hair just didn’t look authentic on me. My skin looked just a little bit ‘off’ next to my hair colour. So, I decided to embrace the grey. Why do we go grey anyway?

Each hair grows from a follicle which contains cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce two types of pigments: eumelanin (dark brown or black), and pheomelanin (reddish yellow). In combination they are responsible for our hair colour. As we age the melanocytes in the hair follicle start to die and the hair becomes more transparent. Gray hair still has some melanin, but not enough to give us back our youthful hue. White hair has no melanin. The process of going grey Lots of people opt for a shorter haircut but it’s not essential. I didn’t. I decided I’d grow mine to shoulder length and brazen it out. My hair is still fairly thick, so I wanted to make the most of it. My hairdresser recommend a textured cut to give it volume and movement. I still hated it for the first three months, as my roots came in, and I wore hats a lot. I nearly caved at one point but my wonderful

hairdresser talked me off the ledge. By six months I was loving the changes. My hairdresser recommended that I used products with a bit of shine. Grey hair loses its natural shine and can look less healthy. I love to use a hair oil from about halfway down my hair, which softens and moisturizes it. I don’t use it all the way up the roots because it does weigh the hair down a little.

One bonus of being grey is that I have to wash my hair less. Grey hair is naturally drier so whereas before I was washing it every day or every other day, now I usually wash it every three or four days.

Another good recommendation was a specialist ‘purple’ shampoo and conditioner. ‘Don’t freak out when you first see it,’ my hairdresser warned me. ‘It’s very purple, but it will brighten your grey hair and remove yellow tones.’ Then she added, ‘Only use it once a week though or you’ll end up lilac!’ It works like a charm. I love how silver my hair looks when I use it but I’m mindful of her warning.

My biggest concern was about looking ‘old.’ It didn’t take me long to realise that if I didn’t embrace more colour in my wardrobe that is exactly what would happen. I switched to a brighter lipstick and added some jewel-coloured tops and statement earrings to my previously all black wardrobe. I even updated my spectacles to a bright coloured frame. In addition, I keep my hair in a modern, more youthful cut and I love the fact that the colour now compliments rather than competes with my skin tone.

Four years on I’m nearly fifty but I no longer worry about my roots, and I’m saving a fortune at the hairdresser. It’s not for everyone but I’d definitely recommend going grey because of the freedom it brings.

By Charlotte Harris

Money on my Mind

The Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at the current energy crisis, and the fact no real solution appears close.

Our energy sector is in a mess, and there is little doubt about that. For too long we have experienced this continual up and down shift of prices and supply and tariffs and everything else that, as consumers, drives us bonkers.

The reality of what we have and what’s going on right now has been brewing for a long time. A perfect storm of situations, from Brexit to covid to the conflict in Russia, effectively means we are being throttled in our desire to heat and light our homes, ensure water comes through our taps and more. You may say we have been unlucky to find these factors all colliding in together at one time, yet it is the job of the government – and any sort of decent opposition – to put fail safes in place so that when something catastrophic like this happens, the end result isn’t the sort of bewildering increase in bills that really may move a greater quantity of people into poverty than we have ever seen before. It’s a disastrous combination and we are praying for short- and medium-term solutions that will see not just the most vulnerable through the winter, but

everyone else besides, because this is a national problem coming at a time of huge inflation and cost of living emergency.

Let’s just go to a basic summary of what we have here – in the UK we’re talking about having privatised energy firms, but we effectively now have restricted competition and regulated prices in the form of a price cap. You have to ask yourself, what is the benefit of privatisation if you work in that marketplace?

The next price caps – they’re going to be in January and April – will reveal where we go from here.

All I can say right now is energy bills will go down – they will be lower in April than they will be in January, but higher than they are now. And while we wait for a solution, we will need to ride this out – we have no choice. Yet rest assured the consumer has been sold down the river and the lessons of this will resonate with both current and future governments, as they should.

Gardening

Filling the garden with golden light

Even on an overcast November day, the garden can be bathed in light. But it doesn’t need to come from the sky: plants can provide a golden glow that looks as warm as sunshine.

The stars of the autumn garden are not only spectacular leaves, turning shades of crimson, orange and yellow before they fall from deciduous trees, but ornamental grasses that send spirits soaring. They quietly grow in stature throughout the summer, then burst forth in full glory during autumn and winter, filling borders with joy once most other plants have faded. Grasses soften the understorey in a cloud of luxuriant waves. These are plants to excite and stimulate the senses. The sound of rustling in the autumn breeze cuts through the stillness in the air, evoking memories of the turning tide and of passing time.

The secret of successful planting lies in repeating forms and patterns throughout the space. One or two specimen grasses are certainly worth having, but it’s not until you repeat the theme across the garden that you create an unforgettable sea of beauty.

Top tips for using ornamental grasses in the garden

• Aim for contrast. Think about the backdrop against which your grasses will be seen. An evergreen yew hedge, for example, will make your golden autumn grasses look brighter and bolder than a background of mixed deciduous shrubs. A black wall or fence will provide a similar effect.

• Place taller grasses at the back of the border, such as Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ (Chinese silver grass), which can reach heights

of 1.5m, and mounded forms of slightly lower grasses in the middle. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne’ (another variation of Chinese silver grass) is a particularly easy grass to grow and it changes colour as winter progresses. Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ (fountain grass) is a rather beautiful smaller grass, and the evergreen or semievergreen Anemanthele lessoniana (pheasant’s tail grass) looks magnificent when placed towards the front of the border, spilling slender foliage and airy flowerheads onto paths.

• Plant most grasses in multiples of odd numbers, if possible. It creates a balanced composition that feels harmonious.

• Consider incorporating structural elements amongst grasses to provide an anchor. Topiary such as tall cones of evergreens, pillars of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), cloud-pruned trees or multi-stemmed trees can look highly effective.

• Don’t expect all grasses to stay where you put them! Some tend to seed themselves around and the parent plant might eventually fade away. Aim for an informal look that allows this natural transition to take place.

• Research your grasses so that you know how to care for them. Deciduous grasses should be cut down to the ground in very early spring or late winter. Evergreen and semi-evergreen grasses generally need a comb through with a gloved hand in order to remove dead stems. The harder-leafed evergreens sometimes benefit from a very light pruning, just removing damaged stems.

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Feeling Fruity

Autumn is well advanced and following some brilliant colour, the trees and shrubs have shed most of their leaves. Many of us will have been busy tidying our plots in preparation for winter. However, if you’ve ever fancied growing your own fruit then now is the perfect time to put in a little extra effort. From now until spring is the best window to plant fruit trees because now is the time that nurseries are selling bare-root trees. ‘Bare-root’ simply means without pots or soil. Bare root trees are cheaper than those grown in pots, but they are quick to establish providing you follow a few simple steps.

Before you plant the tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for at least two hours, so it gets a good drink.

Prepare a large enough area, at least 1 metre diameter. This means that if you are planting in a lawn you’ll need to remove an area of turf to the same diameter to stop the grass competing with the new tree for nutrients and water. Wherever you plant, make sure you dig in lots of organic matter, this could be garden compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure. Make sure you dig it all around the area where the hole will be, rather than just into the hole itself, because this will encourage the new tree to put roots out into the surrounding soil, helping it to establish quickly. The hole for the new tree needs to be roomy enough so that the roots will not be crammed together.

Drive a stake into the ground to a depth of at least 60cm. This will provide support for your fledgling tree.

If you are planting a grafted tree, there will be a clear join where it was grafted on to the rootstock This join should remain above the soil level when planted. It’s easier if there are two of you; one to hold the tree at the correct level, and one to backfill the hole around the roots. The person holding the tree should shake the trunk gently as the hole is filled, so

By Rachael Leverton

that soil gets in between all the roots. Once you’ve filled the hole, firm the soil gently with your foot. Don’t compact the soil too much. The drag more soil over the compressed area. Use a soft rubber tie to secure the tree to the stake at a height of 60cm. Too low and the tree won’t be secure; too high and the tree won’t flex enough in the wind. Allowing the tree to flex a little encourages more root growth and results in a stronger tree. Finally, water in well and apply a 5cm layer of organic mulch over the area but NOT touching the trunk, because it might rot. The mulch helps to suppress weeds, provide insulation, and retain moisture. Your tree should now be fine until spring when we’ll talk about ongoing care.

Happy Gardening

Gardening

GreenFingers

The Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the next generation of green-fingered gardeners. You’ll find me talking quite a bit about the new breed of gardener coming through. For me, it’s a natural evolution that presents to me two different things – firstly, the art of gardening is much more interesting and much cooler than it ever was in my day; and secondly, it seems as though I am becoming more and more aware of my own mortality!

Percy Thrower was the one who inspired me most when I was a kid. I watched him on Gardening Club on the box, and as the years have gone by, I have been lucky enough to work with a number of the horticultural greats. Christopher Lloyd was a friend, Beth Chatto is a friend who I really value and whose work I really admire.

After a while you realise you have progressed from the student to the teacher, and I’ve always been very proud to be that person. Ultimately, I want to inspire

everybody to get into the garden, because I think there are so many benefits.

And I do admit, the likes of James Swift, James Wong, Annemarie Powell, Katie Rushworth and Frances Tophill all have a knack of conversing to young audiences that I probably don’t have… and that’s great.

I want to see our gardens and our outside spaces continue to flourish over the decades to come, despite the noise and appeal of doing other things elsewhere; and you know what, I’m sure they will.

Rabbits in Rescue Care

In recent years the number of rabbits coming into rescue has been increasing, with last year alone seeing a jump in rabbit intake of 28 percent. This year is already superseding that with all local and national rabbit rescues full and with waiting lists. Rabbits come into rescue care for all kinds of reasons. They may come in as stray rabbits, have been abandoned or dumped by previous owners, or owners can simply no longer care for them. Rabbits are incredibly social creatures and should mostly be homed with as a pair, so commonly if one half of that partnership passes away, the other often ends up in rescue due to single rabbits needing much more care and attention.

A pair of rabbits we have at RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch at the moment are Scooby and Scrappy. They came into our care after they were taken to a local vet by a member of the public who found them as strays. They were advertised as found and the owners were eventually tracked down, only to advise the vet practice they no longer wanted the rabbits. They have now been with our foster carer for almost two months, in which time both boys have been neutered, vaccinated and litter trained. They are beautiful little rabbits with very big personalities, and although a bonded pair are very much chalk and cheese! Scooby is the bigger of the two with a shiny, soft coat and black markings on his face. He is definitely the more timid of the pair and relies on Scrappy’s confidence, preferring to let him have the attention than get any himself, however he absolutely loves to run around the garden and is

Scooby

often caught doing his big binky’s across the lawn. Scrappy is just as his names suggests! He is much smaller than Scooby and always has a scruffy, fluffy looking coat. He is a very cheeky little rabbit that has to explore every tiny nook and cranny he can find, and also likes to dig. He generally doesn’t have any fear and unlike Scooby, is quite happy to be picked up, hand fed treats or the odd head rubs. One thing they do have in common though is their love of food. They come running to the door each morning to get their breakfast and love nothing more than getting their daily veggies.

Scooby and Scrappy are looking for a new loving home to go to where they have secure shelter and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. They are currently living as outdoor rabbits, but could also easily be rehomed as house rabbits. Please be aware the minimum size requirement for a sheltered enclosure is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft with additional, accessible exercise space of 8ft x 4ft.

For more information about adopting Scooby and Scrappy or any other animals in our care, please contact our Branch by emailing adopt@rspcabedfordshirenorth.org.uk or phoning 01234 266965. We are a local Branch of the RSPCA working within North Bedfordshire.

Take a Tumble

What to look for in a new tumble dryer

The problem with a British winter is that its damp, which makes clothes-drying difficult outdoors. It isn’t always practical to air dry indoors, especially if your household generates a lot of washing, so we often resort to a tumble dryer. The problem with tumble driers is that they use energy and energy is super expensive right now.

Hence choosing a new tumble dryer is not a decision to be taken lightly. Here are some feature to look out for.

By Matthew Carter

Capacity - How much laundry you typically do on a weekly basis? A large family generates a lot of dirty clothes so it’s worth investing in a bigger tumble dryer as not only will this cut down on time spent doing laundry, one larger load will typically cost you much less than three smaller loads.

Smart sensors - Sensor dryers can cut your energy use in half. They actually sense when moisture has been removed from clothes and automatically stop at that point rather than wasting electricity by needlessly completing the cycle. Some appliances allow you to choose your level of dryness, from dry enough to store or wear straight away, to iron dry which leaves clothes just slightly damp.

Quiet operation – Useful if your tumble dryer will be sited in an open plan area. Some modern dryers are virtually silent, no louder than a fridge!

Stainless steel interior - This prevents the drum of the machine from rusting. Air fluff/low heat setting – This protects materials that are sensitive to heat.

Energy rating - Modern dryers are more energy-efficient than older models. Upgrading will give you more hightech features for a reduced electricity bill. Look for an A or B rating for maximum efficiency.

Painters and Decorators

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1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 NOVEMBER

Craftea

10.30am-12pm Baldock Library

A great way to meet new people, get craft advice, chat and relax or just bring your current crafty project. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

2 NOVEMBER Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group

1pm Shuttleworth ‘X-Planes - US Military Projects’ by Ray Hankin. Meets first Wednesday of every month. Email to book free entry ticket. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk

2 NOVEMBER

North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Non-members £3 on the door ‘In the Footsteps of a Wedding Master’ with James Higgs who joined the world of ‘Toastmastering’ in 2005. Tel: 07831 111062 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com www.facebook.com/nhertsant/

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 NOVEMBER

Hinxworth Art Society

10am-12pm Hinxworth Village Hall Drawing, painting, coffee and chat. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com

3 NOVEMBER

The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘The Divine Sunflower in Art and Culture’ by Twigs Way. theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk

3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 & 28

NOVEMBER

Retired Persons Table Tennis Club Mondays 11am-1.30pm, Thursdays 1.30-4pm

Memorial Hall, Stotfold Play both doubles and singles. Monthly subscription payable. Vacancies for new members (but not beginners).

Email: terrygriffiths50@gmail.com

ON IN NOVEMBER

3, 10, 17 & 24 NOVEMBER

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. Tel: Mike 07977 347707

4 NOVEMBER

Concert by Coull Quartet 8pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £20, under 27s free The Coull Quartet will be performing an exciting programme of string repertoire. Web: https://benslowmusic.org

6 NOVEMBER

Fun Charity Quiz 8pm Five Bells, Henlow Village £2.50 per person Teams of up to 6 members. Prizes for the first two teams and last place. In aid of Wilson Larkins Charity. Tel: John 07511 631045 quizzesforcharity@outlook.com

7 NOVEMBER Monday Meet Up Social Group

10.30am-12pm Baldock Library Meets first Monday of the month with a different theme every month. A talk and Christmas project from Icknield Quilters. for conversation, speakers and refreshments.

7 NOVEMBER Lego Club

4-5pm Letchworth Library £3 per child. First Monday of the month. For children ages 5-12 years. Booking essential at the library.

7, 14, 21 & 28 NOVEMBER Monday Painting Group 9am-12pm

Letchworth Corner Sports Club, Whitethorn Lane Meets every Monday. Each term we choose a selection of subjects to paint. If you are interested, you are welcome to try it for £5 per session.

Tel: Valerie Williams 01462 624439 Email: mondaypainting@lalg.org.uk

7, 14, 21 & 28 NOVEMBER

Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

7, 14, 21 & 28 NOVEMBER Stevenage Singers 7.30pm for 7.45pm

The Music Centre, The Nobel School, Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage Stevenage Singers are welcoming new voices! They are so confident that you will enjoy it that they are giving you the first month FREE. Tel: Heather 01438 365769 Email: Info@stevenagesingers.org.uk Web: www.stevenagesingers.org.uk

7, 14, 21 & 28 NOVEMBER Staplers Folk Dance Club 8-10pm St Johns Community Hall, St John’s Road, Hitchin Members £3, guests £4.Dance a wide variety of styles from dances written in the 1600s to modern American Contras and Squares. Web: www.staplers.org.uk

7, 14, 21 & 28 NOVEMBER

Branch Out Social Club

8.30-10.30pm. Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 50 upwards. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

7, 14, 21 & 28 NOVEMBER

Stevenage Choral Society

7.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Try out a wide range of music. Tel: 01438 365769

Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk

9 NOVEMBER

Letchworth Music Concert

7.45pm Howgills, 42 South View, Letchworth Tickets £15, under 18/students £7.50 Gamal Khamis on piano. Tickets available at the door.

IN NOVEMBER

11 NOVEMBER

Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock With The Cock and Bull Band and caller Fee Lock. Baldock Midnight Morris in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learnTel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

12 NOVEMBER

Pirton Village Craft Fair

9.30am-4.00pm Pirton Village Hall Entry £1. Craft fair with a wide variety of stalls selling high quality homemade crafts, Christmas wreaths, decorations, and much more. Refreshments. Profits go towards upkeep of the village hall.

12 NOVEMBER

Grease Sing-Along

Doors open 7.00pm, film 7.30pm Shillington All Saints Church Tickets £15. With supper and a glass of prosecco. Pre-booked tickets only. Tel: Sabine 07867 632 033

12 & 26 NOVEMBER

Sabbath Service 11am & 7pm Stevenage Liberal Synagogue welcomes members and visitors to their sabbath services on the second Saturday morning and fourth Friday evening of the month. Tel: 01438 300222 stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail. com www.stevenageliberalsynagogue. org.uk

13 NOVEMBER

Not Strictly Jazz

5-7pm Tickets £20, 10-18 years £10 Fairfield House, Fairfield Road, Biggleswade

Live music performed by exceptional musicians. Refreshments included. Call or email for tickets. Tel: 01767 312176 Email: sarahwiggs@hotmail.co.uk

14 NOVEMBER

Icknield Quilters 7.45pm Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock Meets second Monday of the month. Visitors welcome.

15 NOVEMBER

Stevenage RSPB Local Group

7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage Members £3, non-members £4, accompanied under 16s 50p Talk by Michael Hooper entitled ‘Antarctica’. Tel: 01438 236310 Email: trevorstorey54@gmail.com

17 NOVEMBER

Hitchin Friendship Club

2.15-4.15pm St Michaels Mount Community Centre Meets third Thursday of the month. Interesting talks, pub lunches, day trips, coffee mornings, holidays and much more. Refreshments, book exchange, raffle and quiz. Tel: 07974 374106

19 NOVEMBER

Christmas at Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery 10am-5pm

Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, SG4 7DP

Join us for the launch of our brandnew extension with a celebratory day of festive drinks and nibbles, free jewellery cleaning and the chance to get behind the bench yourself in aid of the Garden House Hospice. Web: hkjewellery.co.uk

19 NOVEMBER

Weston Concerts

7.30pm

St Nicholas Church, Rectory Lane, Stevenage Tickets £20, age 25 and under £5

The Maggini Quartet - one of the finest British string quartets - twice nominated for Grammy Awards. Web: westonmusicsociety.org.uk

20 NOVEMBER

Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Lackford Lakes Meet 10.00am

All-day visit to Lackford Lakes; a Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve with a mixture of habitats to ensure a good variety of species. Meet in the reserve carpark at grid ref 155/TL 801706 postcode IP28 6HX. Leader Graham Beevor. Email: trevorstorey54@gmail.com

23 NOVEMBER

Hitchin Flower Club

7.30pm Church House, next to St Mary’s Church Churchyard, Hitchin Visitors £8. ‘Magic and Sparkle’ a Christmas floral demonstration by Emily Broomhead.

24 NOVEMBER

Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip Meet 9.30am

Morning visit Amwell Nature Reserve; this old favourite for resident and winter visiting birds. Meet at the viewpoint at grid reference 166/TL 376128, postcode SG12 9SS. Leader Trevor Storey Email: trevorstorey54@gmail.com

3 & 10 DECEMBER

Aladdin the Pantomime

3pm & 7.30pm STMA Digswell Hall, 10 Hitchin Road, Shefford

Tickets £10 & £5. The Players at STMA Present Aladdin the Pantomime, a fun for all the family show. Doors open 30 minutes before show. Tickets on sale now. Tel: 01462 816336 Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ themeppershallpllayers

UNTIL 16 APRIL

Changing Times: A Century of Modern British Art Exhibition

The Higgins, Bedford Sculpture, paintings and works on paper by some of the best-known and well-loved names in British art. Web: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Books

It’s Christmas Everywhere Hannah Barnaby and João Fazenda

Looking for a Christmas Eve book for pre-schoolers? You’ve found it. This tree-shaped board book introduces children to global festive traditions, from stencilling apples in China to making paper boats in Greece. With its brightly coloured illustrations and simple rhyming Christmas countdown, this is sure to become a new family favourite.

Get Changed Kat Farmer

Kat Farmer (who you may know better as @doesmybumlook40) is on a mission to help people express their identity through their clothes. This book is for people who’ve fallen out of love with their wardrobe. For people who loathe clothes shopping but want to look good again. And for those who just want some helpful tips for creating outfits and accessorising. Full-colour illustrations, down-to-earth writing and straightforward advice make Get Changed a winner.

Do Earth Tamsin Omond

The thirty-first book in the Do series aims to empower people to take action on the climate crisis. Tamsin Omond talks through her own relationship with climate activism and offers advice on the small steps we can collectively take to heal the planet. It’s easy to feel paralysed by the scale of the climate crisis, but this book is hopeful and uplifting. The perfect antidote to climate anxiety.

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