VILLAGER The
October 2018
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
In this issue Win two tickets to
The Festive Gift Fair
Seven Steps to the
Perfect Pumpkin Lantern Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People in the Stevenage Area every month
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Inside this issue... Expansion of The Car Agents is good news for Hitchin
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Expansion of The Car Agents..........................................24 Beautiful Bulbs..............................................................27 Teaching your dog to come back when called................29 The most rugged cars you can buy.................................30 Nick Coffers Weekend Recipe..........................................32 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On.......................................................................38 Prize Crossword..............................................................42
Day of the Dead The History of Specs.........................................................4 The Day of the Dead.........................................................8 Seven Steps to the Perfect Pumpkin Lantern..................10 Fun Quiz.........................................................................10 Win Two Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair...........................12 Wines: Gems of Switzerland...........................................15 Blue Light Programme for the Emergency Services........17 Reading Charity Issues Volunteer Appeal.......................18 Tips on how to wear neutrals with style.........................21 Saving Options for your Children....................................22
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Get your business off to a flying start this year
Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial Catherine Rose, Tracey Anderson, Sarah Davey, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, James Baggott and Nick Coffer
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Christian Jung Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
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History
The History of Specs Said to be man’s fifth most important invention, many of us see our spectacles as an indispensable dispensable. And with the array of modern designs available now, they are usually a fashion statement too. It’s a far cry from the 1930s when they were described as ‘medical appliances’. Wearing glasses has often been associated with stigma and it wasn’t really until the 1960s and 70s – when figures in the public eye such as John Lennon, Michael Cane and Elton John turned their glasses into a signature style – that they began to be seen as potentially desirable accessories. But where did the idea of wearing lenses over your eyes to help correct your sight even begin? Lenses have been around for a long time. The properties of optical lenses were known as far back as the ancient Greeks. The Vikings would grind
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lenses out of rock crystal, and in the 12th century in Europe, smooth-bottomed spherical magnifying lenses were called ‘reading stones’. It is generally accepted that the first actual spectacles were made in northern Italy in the late 13th century and that they were in accepted use by the 1350s, with Italy exporting large numbers of eye glasses to the Middle and Far East. The lenses were manufactured by highly skilled ‘cristalleri’ at the famous Venetian island’s Murano glassworks, to exacting criteria. One of the earliest (if not the earliest) artworks showing people wearing spectacles and using lenses is a series of frescoes by the Italian artist Tommaso da Modena, completed in 1352 at the Basilica san Nicolo in Treviso. They show Cardinal
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Hugh, or Hugo, of Provence wearing a pair to read with, and Cardinal Nicholas of Rouen attempting to decipher a text using a monocular lens on a handle. It is no coincidence that the order from which these cardinals came, the Dominicans, were known as the ‘carriers of the sciences’. During this time, spectacles would not have had arms or earpieces but would have been made up of two magnifying lenses attached to a metal fame or holder that could be riveted to grip the nose (also known as pince nez or rivet spectacles). The spectacles would have acted like reading glasses, with convex lenses to correct long-sightedness only (hyperopia and age-related presbyopia). In 1604, the well-known scientist and astronomer Johannes Kepler explained how convex and concave lenses could correct both long and shortsightedness (myopia) and, in 1629, The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers was formed in England. Their slogan was ‘a blessing to the aged’. Although rigid rod side arms for spectacles were dreamt up as early as the beginning of the 1700s (possibly by the London optician Edward Scarlett), the innovation didn’t catch on initially, with people favouring the use of lorgnettes and scissor glasses until the late 18th century, even after optician James Ayscough improved on them by adding folding hinges. It is polymath and US founding father Benjamin Franklin who is often credited with having invented bifocals (the forerunner to today’s varifocals) to correct both short and longsightedness in the same pair of spectacles. They were invented at some point during the mid to late 1700s and this belief is based on a letter Franklin wrote to his friend George Whatley, where he states that he is ‘happy in the invention
of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes are useful to me as ever they were.’ Although Franklin does not actually say he invented them himself, his reputation as a scientist and inventor meant that many took it to mean he did. But another theory is that he bought them on a visit to England and the true inventor remains anonymous. The debate will probably never be completely settled. The first glasses for correcting astigmatism (where the eye is rugby ball shaped causing a blurred ‘double’ image) were invented in 1825 by a British astronomer named George Airy. By 1850, modern ‘temple’ glasses (with arms and a ‘temple’ that fits over the ears) were in use, and frame designs continued to evolve for comfort and practicality. In the early 19th century, under the direction of optical scientist Moritz von Rohr, the lens manufacturer Zeiss came to dominate the spectacle lens field with their spherical point-focus lens known as Punktal®, and for the first time the wearer could see clearly through the whole of the lens, not just the centre of it. Zeiss was also able to move away from the limitations of what had previously been the only lens available – the round optical lens – to create spectacles in more ergonomic shapes that better fitted the wearer. The 20th century saw a huge surge forward in spectacle technology with the introduction of polarisation, plastic frames, lightweight and photochromic lenses, specialist eyewear and, of course, contact lenses. The 1950s brought us the NHS and its now legendary NHS specs to the masses. Their iconic range of frames, typically either round wire ones or solid black plastic, is now seen as the ultimate retro chic.
By Catherine Rose
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Time of Year
The Day of the Dead Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. The two annual events differ in traditions and tone. While Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, the Day of the Dead festivities honour deceased family members. Revellers don amazing makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. It actually takes place over two days: November 1st and 2nd - All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people. These pre-Hispanic cultures considered death to be one part of life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit, and during Día de los Muertos they temporarily returned to Earth. Over the years these traditions blended with Christian traditions. At the centre of the celebration is an altar, or ‘ofrenda’, built in homes and cemeteries. These are designed to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. They are loaded with offerings: water to quench thirst after the long journey, food, family photos, and a candle for each dead relative. The altars are decorated with marigolds which are scattered in a pathway to the grave-site, to guide wandering souls back to their place of rest. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the whole area. In the 18th Century the term Calavera (which means ‘skull’) was used to describe short, humorous poems, often sarcastic tombstone epitaphs that poked fun at the living. In the early 20th century, Mexican political cartoonist and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada illustrated a calavera by drawing ‘Death’
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By Tracey Anderson
dressed in fancy French clothes. It was a social commentary about the way Mexican society copied so-called European sophistication. He captioned it, “Todos somos calaveras,” which translates as, “We are all skeletons.” He meant that underneath all our manmade finery, we are all the same. His stylised personification of Death was appropriated by the artist Diego Rivera in 1947, in his most famous piece of artwork - Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Almeda Park. He painted Death wearing a large feminine hat, and named her Catrina, slang for ‘the rich’. She was adopted as a symbol of the day of the Dead and today this elegant skull is seen everywhere during the festival, especially in the beautiful make-up and costumes worn by revellers. People of all ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and wear fancy suits and dresses. Foods eaten included pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, which is a typical sweet bread containing anise seeds, and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough. There are also sugar skulls, in the style of the Catrina Calavera. These are part of a sugar art tradition brought by 17th-century Italian missionaries. They can be incredibly beautiful and complex. To drink there is often pulque, a sweet fermented beverage made from agave sap, the same sap from which tequila is produced. Thanks to recognition by UNESCO and the global sharing of information, Día de los Muertos is more popular than ever—in Mexico, and increasingly abroad. It’s possible to find Day of the Dead celebrations in America and even in the UK. Last year there was festivals in London, Leeds, Bristol and Bournemouth. Look around your local area and see if anything is happening near you.
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Time of Year
Seven Steps to the Perfect Pumpkin Lantern 1. Choose a decent sized, rounded pumpkin. Fresh unblemished ones are best. Work on newspaper as pumpkin carving is messy! 2. Use a serrated blade to cut a lid. Make sure the hole is big enough so that you can scoop out the flesh inside. 3. Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the pulp and seeds. Thin the walls a little too by scraping away some of the flesh. This makes carving easier and allows more light through. 4. It’s best to draw your design in marker first. Bold shapes are easiest. For a professional finish use a paper template. You can draw your own or download one; tape it to the pumpkin then use a sharp pointed tool, like a knitting needle or nail, to poke holes around the design. when you remove the paper, the design will be left on the pumpkin. 5. A sharp, serrated knife will work best to cut out your design. Start at the centre and work outwards using short saw-like strokes for better control. 6. Rub some petroleum jelly on to the exposed parts of the pumpkin. This stops those areas turning brown. 7. If you’re using a real candle, put it in a small glass. Cut holes in the lid to allow heat and smoke to escape. Fairy lights and battery-operated candles are the safest and best options for lighting. Visit www.pumpkinpile.com for some great stencils and ideas. By Sarah Davey
Fun Quiz - Fruit and Veg 1. What fruit is the main ingredient of the dip guacamole? 2. À la crécy is a French cooking term that refers to a dish that is cooked with or served with which vegetable? 3. What commonly used two-word phrase originated in one of Aesop’s fables about a fox who couldn’t reach some fruit, so decided that the fruit was probably not ripe anyway? 4. What vegetable has a name that means “eat all” in French? 5. The phrase “forbidden fruit” originates in the Bible when Adam and Eve eat fruit despite God having commanded them not to. Which of Adam and Eve was the first to eat the fruit? 6. In an Indian restaurant, what is the main vegetable ingredient in a saag dish? 7. According to its packaging, the standard flavouring of the soft drink Lilt combines which two fruits? 8. What variety of lettuce is named after the Greek island where it originated? 9. Which 1967 hit single by Donovan was rumoured to be about the mistaken belief that someone could get high from smoking dried banana skins? 10. The vegetable the swede originated as a cross between which two other vegetables? 1. Avocado 2. Carrots 3. Sour Grapes 4. Mangetout 5. Eve 6. Spinach 7. Pineapple and Grapefruit 8. Cos (named after Kos) 9. Mellow Yellow 10. The turnip and the cabbage
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Christmas is just around the corner More to see, try, touch, taste, enjoy and buy at The Festive Gift Fair
15-18th November 2018 NEC, Birmingham
CHRISTMAS WILL SOON BE UPON US…. and the dynamic FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, now in its 23rd fabulous year, continues to be the BEST place to start your Christmas experience and is one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK (Birmingham NEC 15-18 November 2018) As well as finding GREAT GIFTS for your loved ones, treats for yourself and all your sparkling Christmas essentials, you’re sure to have a fun-packed day! The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, traditional gifts, festive food and great home decorations. With 325+ stalls all under one roof, the variety is huge, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes… and lots of Special Show Offers! There’s even a Present Creche to drop off your full bags. The festive atmosphere is always fantastic, and the great live music and Christmas entertainers are sure to get you into that Christmassy mood. So, take the strain out of Christmas, enjoy a day out at the Festive Gift Fair and get your festive preparations off to a cracking start! For more information and to book your advance tickets please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk
We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address by 16th October 2018 to: Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random. If you are not a lucky winner, adult tickets are priced from just £9.00. Book now by calling The Ticket Factory hotline on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk (£1.00 fulfilment fee for E-tickets and £2.50 for postal tickets - per transaction, not per ticket)
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STOTFOLD MILL
WORKING
STEAM WEEKEND
SAT 13TH & SUN 14TH OCTOBER 2018
The Attractions Include... Ploughing Displays by: - Heavy Horses - Steam Engines - Vintage Tractors
Also Featuring: - Threshing Machine - Saw Milling Machine - Stationary Engines - Commercial Vehicles - Vintage Cider Press - Traditional Crafts
Fun Stuff For Kids:
NEW!
- Vintage Swing Boats - Archery - Steam Train Rides
13th YEAR!
Mill Open Both Days: - Stotfold Mill Flour for Sale - Randall’s Tea Room - Kingfisher Gift Shop - Milling Demonstrations - Hot/Cold Food & Drink - Licensed Bar in the Marquee For more information please visit www.stotfoldmill.com
SHOW OPEN DAILY: 10.30AM - 5.00PM
www.stotfoldmill.com Mill Lane, Stotfold, Bedfordshire SG5 4NU This event is sponsored by Saunders Garage.
Daily Admission Prices: Adults: £6.00 Senior Citizens: £5.00 Children: £4.00 (Under 4 are free)
FOR NEWS ON THE STEAM WEEKEND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER Registered Charity No: 1086392
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Food and Drink
Wines:
Gems of Switzerland Switzerland’s residents and visitors experience and enjoy an excellent quality of life. The country has magnificent glaciers and southern Switzerland has Mediterranean climate conditions. Many grape varieties, including indigenous, regional and international types, are grown and there is viticultural history of over 2000 years. The wines, from Swiss producers, are now recognised, globally. Valais is the largest wine region of Switzerland. Multi award-winning Germanier wines have a history dating from 1896, when Urbain Germanier produced the first vintage at Balavaud. During the following years the wines have become renowned amongst the ‘premiers crus’ of the Valais. Jean-René Germanier has a team of specialists at each stage, in the productions of their exceptional wines. From the winegrower, through the winemaker and the cellar master, for example, plus other very talented personnel, they all work tirelessly to produce authentic wines, along with the logistics and administrations, etc. Quality is paramount and shows through with the numerous prestigious awards, received from regional, national and international competitions and events. White wine productions include Petite Arvine and Heida Clos de la Couta, Vex, which have impressive bouquets. The mouthfeels appreciate the fullness of these wines, with fresh and excellent finishes on the palate. Wonderful with fish and seafood dishes. Red wines include Pinot Noir Balavaud, Vétroz Grand Cru and Cayas, Syrah. Expressive noses prevail and mouthfeels have a good balance, with dark fruit flavours. Perfect to accompany red meats, game and cheeses. Cornalin is powerful, elegant and rich. Popular with many connoisseurs, a superb bouquet leads, enticingly, to the splendid mouthfeel and palate sensation, which is long, with an abundance of dark fruits. Red meats, game dishes and cheeses all benefit from pairings with this wine. For a dessert wine Mitis Amigne de Vétroz Réserve will not disappoint, with its full-bodied mouthfeel and palate. The Amigne varietal is indigenous to the Valais and the wine is aged for 18 months in new oak barrels, to create the character of this exceptional production. The winery embraces the benefits of the microclimate (warm and dry summers) and tours are arranged on request. UK stockists of Swiss wines include Hedonism and Alpine Wines. E-mail: info@jrgermanier.ch www.jrgermanier.ch www.swissfinewine.ch
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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104 Ampthill Road, Shefford, Beds SG17 5BB 16
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Local News
Blue Light Programme
for the Emergency Services We all have mental health just as we have physical health. We know that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. But our independent research shows that the estimated quarter of a million people who work and volunteer in our emergency services are even more at risk of experiencing a mental health problem than the general population, but are less likely to get support. In an independent survey commissioned by Mind of more than 3,500 blue light personnel, 87.5% said they had experienced stress and poor mental health while working for blue light services and almost half (44%) thought colleagues would be treated less favourably if they disclosed a mental health problem at work. Mind launched the Blue Light Programme in March 2015 with the mission of empowering emergency service employers, employees, new recruits, and volunteers to promote and support better mental health, both individually and in the workplace. Since then, the Blue Light Programme has continued to work towards two overarching aims: 1. that blue light staff are more aware and responsive to their own and their colleagues’ mental health issues, more resilient and better able to manage their own mental health, and have improved access to information and support, and 2. that blue light employers are more aware of the importance of employee mental health, better equipped to support the mental health of their staff, and prepared to address mental health stigma and discrimination. Mind in Mid Herts (MiMH) is an affiliated local Mind. MiMH is an innovative and experienced provider of mental health services in Mid Hertfordshire, and have our wellbeing centres in St. Albans, Stevenage, Hertford, and Welwyn Garden City. As both individuals and as an organisation we are committed to providing high quality services for people aged 16 and over.
Mind in Mid Herts launched the Blue Light Programme is June 2018. We provide mental health support for the emergency services (police, ambulance, fire and rescue, search and rescue, and control room) staff and volunteers who live and/ or work in Hertfordshire. The support is provided in three different ways: 1. Individual counselling which is an opportunity to talk, perhaps for the first time, about experiences (such as traumatic events), thoughts, and feelings that may be causing concern, 2. Workplace training which will give the participants awareness and understanding of mental health at work, and 3. Training and support for Champions who will run the local peer support groups. If you are interested in finding out more about the Blue Light Programme in Hertfordshire or if you wish to refer yourself for counselling, please call us on 01727 865 070 or email us on bluelight@ mindinmidherts.org. uk. You can also find useful information and resources from Mind’s website which is mind. org.uk/bluelight.
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Local News
Reading charity issues ‘Back to School’ volunteer appeal across Hertfordshire
As the new academic year gets well underway, national reading charity Beanstalk is stepping up its search for volunteers across Hertfordshire to help reach more children than ever before with its potentially lifechanging reading support programmes. Beanstalk helps transform children’s life chances by recruiting and supporting volunteers and placing them in schools and pre-schools. These volunteers work with children to enable them to have the skills to become ready to read and prevent them from falling further behind in their language and communication skills. In order to achieve this, Beanstalk needs members of the community who can volunteer a few hours a week to help local children become more confident readers through its range of programmes. These programmes include Beanstalk’s 321 programme which sees trained reading helpers supporting three primary school children each for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. Through this regular, consistent support the child’s approach to learning and enjoyment of reading is transformed. Volunteers are also needed for its Story Starters early years programme. Story Starters volunteers work one-to-one with children in a nursey or pre-school setting for two 20-minute sessions a week. All volunteers receive professional training and support to ensure that they are best able to support young children. If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading helper or a Story Starter volunteer in Hertfordshire, please visit the website at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call Beanstalk on 0845 450 0301.
Powell Tae Kwon-do family club Stevenage! Proud Winner of Southeast Championships 2016/2017 Powell TKD is a friendly, family run Tae Kwon-Do club and provide a safe and controlled environment to learn, develop and practise the martial art and have fun at the same time. The club is run by Sir John Powell a 4th Dan instructor. First lesson is free, so please come and try our growing TKD club. Over the 2years the club has proudly created several champions: Southeast, British, English, Midlands, Welsh and World champions.
John Powell, Nobel School, Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 0HS 07976 795121 facebook.com/Powellytkd/ https://www.jptkd.co.uk/ Kids class Tuesdays 18.00-18.45 Family Class 19.00-20.00 Thursdays (White to Green Belts)-18.30-19.30 Thursdays (Blue belts and all other belts) 19.30-20.30 Ladies Red Belt Pattern World Champion 2018 Ladies Red Tag Sparring Silver Medallist in World Championships 2018! 18
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BLADES BARBERS REDUCED WAITING TIMES NOW With seven team members at BLADES BARBERS Price List -
No appointment necessary Wet cut & blow dry........................£10.50 Wash cut & blow dry ....................£13.50 Clipper cuts 1-4 .............................. £8.50 Senior citizens (Over 65 yrs mon-thurs) ................ £8.00 Children (up to 11 yrs).....................£9.50 Beard trim........................................ £3.50 Beard trim (with cut throat shape up)..............£5.00 Shape ups, lines & patterns (from).... £1.00 Skin fades ..................................... £11.50
OPENING TIMES
Monday..............9am-5.30pm Tuesday .............9am-5.30pm Wednesday........9am-5.30pm Thursday ...........9am-7.00pm Friday.................8am-5.30pm Saturday ............7.30am-4pm Sunday ..............Closed
Unit 1, St Francis House, Whitehorse Lane, Great Ashby Neighbourhood Centre, Stevenage, SG1 6NH
Tel: 01438 317 482
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House of Colour
Tips on how to wear neutrals with style 1. When thinking about which neutrals suit us it all depends on our skin tone. Autumn colour palettes suit rich, warm earthy colours such as dark brown, tan, oyster, coffee, khaki, lizard grey, dark olive and marine navy, whilst Springs suit warm, clear colour choices like chocolate, beige, dove grey, bright navy, tan, honey and cream. Winters look gorgeous in deep, cool colours such as silver, greys, charcoal, indigo, black, mole and stone. Summers suit cool, subtle neutrals such as pink beige, mushroom, rose brown, dark blue grey, light blue grey, soft navy and burgundy. 2. When it comes to shopping for neutrals, quality is the most important factor to consider. The better the quality of neutral, the more chic you will look. 3. Neutral colours can provide you with a solid base on which to build your outfit so invest in quality neutral trousers, jackets and blouses. If you want to make a statement, wear one of your wow colours against a neutral background to really make that colour pop! Think raspberry on French navy if you are a summer for example. 4. Know what whites suit your skin tones. Generally, Springs suit creams, Autumns should choose oyster, Summers should opt for a soft white and Winters look gorgeous in pure white. 5. Many of us think that black should be worn because it is slimming, but the truth is black only suits people in the Winter palette and it will make everyone else appear tired with a dull looking complexion. Instead opt for a different dark neutral such as grey, brown or navy from your season’s palette which will make you look radiant. 6. Two neutrals are enough in one outfit, but try pairing darker neutrals that are often more authoritative with a lighter neutral, such as a dark olive jacket with a simple cream tee
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if you are an Autumn, or a pure white shirt with a charcoal skirt if you are a Winter. Enjoy experimenting a little. Red tends to go well with all neutrals, with primary red being the only colour that suits all skin types. Black, navy, grey and whites go particularly well with red for cool skins whilst brown, beige, camel and cream set off red for warm skins. An outfit made up of neutral colours will often look incredible with a pop of red lipstick as long as it is a red that suits your skin tone. Summer palettes glow in cherry and coral red, Autumns beguile in rust or brick reds, Winters captivate in scarlet and carmine, Springs look gorgeous in geranium and poppy red. Don’t be afraid to add statement jewellery to jazz up a more neutral outfit, making sure the scale of the jewellery suits your style. Alternatively layer neutrals on neutrals for a fresh look. Powder pink and mushroom are an irresistible combination for a Summer. Add a statement coat, handbag or shoes to an all neutral outfit. What could look better than someone with a Spring palette wearing a bright navy outfit with a pop of coral in their accessories? Metallics are also considered neutrals in fashion whether that is gold, silver, copper, bronze, gunmetal, rose gold or pewter but your metallic is dependent on your season. Make sure you wear the right metals for your skin tones ie Autumns and Springs should choose warm golds whilst Winters and Summers look good in cool silvers.
By Jennie Billings Style and Colour Consultant at House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk
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Finance
By Ann Haldon
Want to save for your children?
What are the options? Putting money aside for your children is a great way to offer them a little security as they get older. You do not need to save a huge amount – even a few pounds each week adds up to a nice little nest egg over time. You can teach younger children good money management skills by offering a little more pocket money as long as they save the extra amount. If they are old enough, get them involved in choosing a savings account and physically putting the money into it each month. Junior ISA There are two types of ISA for children – a Cash Junior ISA, and a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA. They are available if your child is under-18 and living in the UK. The money in a Junior ISA belongs to your child and is locked away until their 18th birthday, when the account upgrades to an adult ISA. Unlike other savings accounts aimed at children, you will not have access to the money once it has been deposited. • This tax year (2018/19) the savings limit is £4,260 for each account. • There is no tax to pay on the interest or investment returns in a Junior ISA. Friendly Society tax-exempt plan A child tax-exempt savings plan offers a guaranteed minimum tax-free lump sum at the
end of the term from a share-based investment fund. This type of account is designed for saving over a relatively long period of time – usually 10-25 years. • You can currently save £270 a year if you make ad hoc deposits, or £25 a month if it is on a regular basis. • Charges vary between Friendly Societies so it is worth shopping around. NS&I Premium Bonds Premium Bonds are an easy and very popular way to save money for a child. Instead of earning interest, each £1 bond you purchase has its own number that is entered into a prize draw each month and could win between £25 and £1 million. You need to buy a minimum of £100 in Premium Bonds, with the maximum amount that can be held being £50,000. • Prizes totalling more than £2million are paid out each month. Child pension You can set up a pension fund for your child and transfer it to them when they reach the age of 18. Starting a child pension offers a little stability when they become an adult, and gives them a valuable head start in their retirement savings. • The government tops up each contribution you make into a pension by 25% (up to a total of £2,880 in 2018/19), which considerably increases its overall value over time. • You can still contribute more than £2,880, but it will not attract the government’s top-up. However you decide to put money aside for your child, your attitude to risk may guide the decision as to whether to save or invest. You will also need to consider any fees and charges if you decide that investing is the preferable option. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/ childrens-savings-options www.gov.uk/junior-individual-savings-accounts www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/national-savings-andinvestment-products#toc-2
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Expansion of The Car Agents
is good news for Hitchin With local high streets under tremendous pressure these days it’s great to have a good news story! The Car Agents in Hitchin has bucked the trend by announcing the expansion of its Queen Street Service Centre. The expansion of the servicing arm of the business is the latest stage in the evolution of The Car Agents, which moved from Brand Street to its current premises in 2013. Managing Director Simon Michell said: “Now, more than ever before, businesses have to keep evolving, to make sure they continue to meet customers’ changing needs.
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“A lot of people aren’t aware that behind our Queen Street showroom we actually have a large workshop with cutting-edge equipment and diagnostic technologies – and we’re adding a new building where we’ll carry out our detailing and storage business. “Until now, we have concentrated on our core business: buying and selling Sports, Prestige and Classic Cars. But the expansion of our Queen Street Service Centre has enabled us to take the next evolutionary step by extending our servicing and maintenance offer to the local community. “We’re now able to work on all vehicle makes and models. Under the expert eye of newly appointed Service Centre Manager Ben Fox, we provide the high level of service you’d expect from a main dealer, but without the hefty price tag. For example, we offer collection and delivery or a service loan car, and customers who prefer to wait while their vehicle is being serviced can relax on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee in our funky, retro-style Car Bar. It’s certainly very different from sitting on a plastic chair in a garage waiting room!”
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Retaining a visible high-street presence remains an absolute must for Simon. “With so many business transactions now carried out online, it would have been easy for us to opt for working out of a unit located in a sterile industrial area or a farm in the middle of nowhere. But we made a conscious decision to remain in the heart of Hitchin instead, to continue our involvement with the local community.” Hitchin’s long-standing campaigner Keith Hoskins appreciates Simon’s investment in the local community. He said: “Cars and community are both at the heart of Simon Michell’s business. A long-time supporter of Hitchin Initiative, The Car Agents has been a presence in the town centre for many years, so it’s great to see Simon expanding the servicing side of his business to cater for all makes of vehicle.
“Simon supports Hitchin BID [Business Improvement District] too, by providing storage and maintenance for the exhibition trailer that gives local community groups a platform at Hitchin Market Place. Simon is excited about embarking on the next stage in The Car Agents’ journey. He said: “Longterm customer relationships and community involvement are the cornerstone of our business. I’m very excited about expanding our car servicing operations to cover all makes and models, because it will enable us to help even more people from the local area.” PS: Our new Service Centre is now open! Enjoy main dealer facilities without the price tag, including collection & delivery or a loan car. We can keep your manufacturers warranty intact, also supply and fit tyres, carry out MOT’s and service all makes and models.
34 Queen Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 9TS Tel: 01462 441460 Email: info@thecaragents.com Web: www.thecaragents.com We are currently recruiting for a Service Technician, Service Advisor and Service Apprentice. Please apply with a covering letter and your CV to the above address.
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Garden
Beautiful Bulbs By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com
Why not make your house all the more special this winter with some colourful bowls of bulbs, perhaps with some gorgeous perfume too? You can buy ready-planted bowls of bulbs later in the year, but act now for a stunning display at a fraction of the price. The best bulbs are those described as ‘prepared’, which means they will flower well, reliably and uniformly indoors. Although often pricier they are still great value, as results with standard bulbs may be unpredictable. I like to use prepared hyacinths, but I have bowls of non-prepared bulbs too. Visit your local garden centre now and you should see a good array of bulbs for sale, plus all the other things you need. Special bulb bowls are a good buy, and are available in many colours. They’re like huge soup bowls, but in plastic or china, and have no drainage holes. You can use normal flower pots, but put a fully waterproof container or saucer beneath each pot to protect your furniture. Bulb fibre or special compost formulated for indoor bulb planting performs better in containers without drainage, but is more expensive, and you can use standard multi-purpose compost if you wish. Hyacinths for forcing are available in many shades, but use a single colour in any one container as there is often some variation in flowering times between the colours, and ideally you want all the flowers out simultaneously. Specially prepared crocus, paperwhite narcissus and some other daffodil types are also available. You can create a low-cost bowl with a large bag of inexpensive
dwarf narcissus, such as ‘Tete-a-Tete’. Crocuses also work well. Fill your bowl about one third full of compost for larger bulbs to one half full for smaller bulbs. Firm the compost gently and position the bulbs pointed end uppermost. They can be quite closely packed, but not so they touch each other or the sides of the bowl. Nestle the bulbs gently into the compost and then top up with compost so that just the noses are poking out. Water the compost lightly until moist but not waterlogged. Cover the bowls loosely with a black bin liner and put them in a cool, dark place so that the bulbs can form good root systems. Check the bowls every week or so and apply a little more water if necessary. Bring the bowls out into the daylight once the shoots are about 2-3cm tall, which usually takes 3-5 weeks. Put them in a cool spot with plenty of natural daylight, where the shoots will continue to grow and develop a healthy green colour; they will now need a little more water. Put your bulb bowl in a warmer room once the flower buds start to colour up. For a really smart look, cover the compost with some moss or tie a seasonal ribbon around the bowl. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items: stylish cloches, tunnels, the fantastic SpeedHoe, plant supports, raised bed kits, Easy-Tunnels, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?
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Puppy and Dog Training Classes various locations around Hertfordshire www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk 07774 374 686 hertsdogschool@dogstrust.org.uk @dogschoolhertfordshire
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Tel: 01438 725551 / 07535 990 384 Email: liz@smallpaws.biz Web: www.smallpaws.biz 28
Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com
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Pets
Teaching your dog to come back when called Does your dog know how to come back when called? Most dogs love running around off the lead, but before you give your dog their ‘freedom’ it’s vital for their safety that you know they will come back when called. The more your dog learns that they will get lots of praise and a reward whenever they come back, the more they will make the connection that you are more fun to be with than anything else. Choose a word or sound as your recall cue that you use ONLY when you want your dog to return. It should be short and sharp, like ‘come’, or a whistle. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog and the level of distractions you call them away from. You want your dog to learn that coming back to you is much more rewarding than ignoring you! Keep it fun and use a reward they really enjoy; this could be a treat they like or a game with their favourite toy. For more ways to make life for you and your dog a walk in the park, visit Dogs Trust Dog School. This national network of experienced trainers provides fun, educational training courses for all dog owners. Based on up-to-date scientific research, our trainers use only reward-based training methods to help you enhance the bond between you and your dog. Small classes of six dogs and two trainers mean you get the one-on-one time you need to learn effectively and most importantly, have fun! Courses are five weeks long, with a free introductory session and are available in Harpenden, Stevenage and Letchworth Garden City. Visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk for more details and take your first step to making the most of your relationship your four-legged friend now.
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Motoring
The most rugged cars you can buy We’ve rounded up nine of the most hard-wearing and brawny cars you can buy today, ideal for surviving a nuclear war – or the muddy car boot sale in Sandford, Gloucestershire. Jeep Wrangler
The latest Jeep Wrangler is more refined, luxurious and car-like than ever, but still retains the DNA of the original Willys Jeep – one of the most iconic off-roaders of all time. Solid axles ensure simplicity, allowing Wranglers to be modified for almost any purpose. For traversing sand dunes or mudplugging in a deep forest, the Wrangler is as tough as they come. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Originally known as the G-Wagen, this military-spec beast has morphed into the ideal transport for those who want to be seen. With glitzy chrome atop the blocky body, and optional AMG-tuned engines, it’s often seen in London’s most glamorous districts. However, it’s also one of the most serious off-roaders you can buy, thanks to a super-sophisticated 4WD system plus three locking differentials. When fitted with chunky tyres, the G-Class is near unstoppable.
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By James Baggott Ariel Nomad
Toyota Land Cruiser
The legendary Land Cruiser is the vehicle that pushed Land Rover out of Australia and showed the world that the Japanese could build offroaders that never broke down. Though the Land Cruiser isn’t as luxurious as a Range Rover, treat it properly and it’ll probably outlast you. There’s no compromise to be made off-road either. Isuzu D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks Isuzu’s D-Max pickup is already a pretty rugged vehicle, with a beefy diesel engine and four-wheel drive. The specialists at Arctic Trucks, however, have given it enormous tyres and widened arches, giving the car a more purposeful stance, while custom Fox suspension lets it deal with terrain that would trouble a mountain goat. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is typically used as a taxi in London rather than for blasting through sand dunes. But that’s where the ruggedness lies. Nobody expected the Prius to be as reliable as it is – but even daily abuse as Uber cabs can’t break them. Many of these cars have done over 500,000 miles and still have their original battery packs.
Most off-roaders are designed to traverse rough terrain at about 5mph. The Ariel Nomad is designed to do it at 50. With an engine and body from the Atom road car, the rear-wheel-drive Nomad bounces across the terrain rather than ploughing through it. It’s hardcore, open to the elements and great fun. Subaru Forester
Subaru has a reputation for producing reliable, rugged cars, and the Forester is no exception. Loved by farmers, Subaru owners tend to keep their cars for longer than any other. The brand’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is legendary for its simplicity and reliability, while boxer engines lower the centre of gravity and make for a reassuring drive. Toyota Hilux Our third Toyota is perhaps the most legendary – the Hilux, notably the ‘unkillable car’. On BBC’s Top Gear, a 1994 Hilux survived being left at sea, falling off a building, being crashed into a tree and crushed with a wrecking ball – and still started up afterwards. Today’s rather plusher Hilux still retains a well-earned reputation for serious reliability.
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Stevenage airport taxiS
Stevenage Airport Taxis offer the most reliable and professional airport transfer service in and around the Stevenage area. We have several licensed vehicles that can cater for up to 8 passengers. We also provide a transport service for weddings, long distance journeys and any occasion day or night leisure trips. Please visit our website for any bookings or quotations
www.stevenageairporttaxis.co.uk or call
01438 420420 Online Bookings • Credit Cards Accepted
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Three Counties Radio
Chilli and Ginger
Baked Camembert (and three other variants) The main theme of my Weekend Kitchen programme is that food needn’t be complicated. Great flavours, fresh produce, cooked simply - that’s what it’s all about. And what could be simpler than bunging a camembert in the oven and eating it, hot and melting, with crusty French bread? This month’s recipe is actually four recipes in one - four original takes on the classic baked camembert. All created by a talented young chef, Jake Moxham, who co-owns the Oliver and Hare in Leighton Buzzard and the Axe and Compass in Heath And Reach. My personal favourite is the chilli and ginger, just because it is so surprising, but all of these are lovely. Ingredients (Serves 2) 250g Camembert 15g root Ginger 1 tsp chilli puree or sauce 1⁄2 fresh chilli
6. Place the camembert into a camembert baking dish (a round clay ramekin is perfect). 7. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and allow to cook for around 25-30 minutes, or until the camembert appears oozy. Leave to cool slightly and serve with lots of crusty bread.
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/ Gas Mark 4 2. Make 2 parallel cuts into the top of the camembert, approximately 4 centimetres long and 3 centimetres apart.
Variations:
3. Glaze the top of the camembert with chilli puree or chilli sauce.
Garlic and rosemary. As above with the rosemary one, but add two peeled garlic cloves into the slits as well.
4. Grate the ginger root evenly over the top of the camembert using a fine grater and allow any juice to drip onto the camembert. 5. Slice the fresh chilli into small pieces and spread evenly over the top of the camembert. For extra heat you can also insert pieces into the cuts already made.
Rosemary (the classic one). Simply insert two sprigs of rosemary into the slits and bake as above.
White wine and pear. Make the slits in the camembert. Glaze the top of the cheese generously with wine. Very thinly slice a 1/4 of a pear and place the slices on top of the cheese. Glaze with extra wine and bake as above.
Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.
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GAS SAFE REGISTERED
HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire. Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer. Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques. Call Richard on 01438 813492 Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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I D Decorating Painting & Decorating Services Painting – Interior & Exterior Decorating Coving No Job Too Big Or Too Small Fully Insured & Free Estimates Telephone: Ian Dunklin 0790 508 3799
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24 Hour Emergency Repairs
Full to Partial Re-wires
CCTV Security Installations
Electric Shower Installations
Tel: 07900 566735 Email: stevenjohnparkes@hotmail.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Codeword 1
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Easy Suduko
Hard Suduko
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 36
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n O s ’ t Wha In October
Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com
1 October Hitchin Bridge Club 7.30pm Our Lady’s Church Hall, Nightingale Road, Hitchin Would you like to learn to play bridge? Learn a new skill, keep your mind active and make new friends. The next beginners’ course starts 1 October. Tel: Margaret 01462 623447 Email: mee.hitchin@ntlworld.com Web: hitchinbridgeclub.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October An Introduction to Shiatsu 10am-12 noon Walsworth Community Association, 99 Woolgrove Road, Hitchin £125. Practical 5 week workshop. Learn how to give your friends and family this traditional Japanese massage that deeply relaxes, revitalises and stimulates the body’s natural ability to re-balance and restore. Shiatsu is given on a mat on the floor through clothes (no oil used); gently pressure is applied using palms and thumbs. Tel: Doe Warnes 07981 115418 Email: doe.warnes@gmail.com 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Staplers is a social folk dance club. If you don’t know what that means come along one Monday evening and meet us. It’s easy to start as all the dances are walked through first then called and you don’t need to come with a partner; lots of us come on our own. We are a friendly group and you will be made very welcome. Car parking is available next to the hall. We meet every Monday apart from Bank Holidays and the school summer holidays. Tel. 01462 895567 or 01462 624144 Web: www.staplers.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk
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2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club. Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 3 October North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Non-members £2 on the door. Talk on ‘Hitchin beneath your feet’ by Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews, renowned archaeologist and Heritage Access Officer at North Herts Museum. Non-members welcome. Membership of the National Trust not necessary. Tea and coffee served during the evening. Second-hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting. Email: colettehouse@gmail.com Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 4 October T.Rextasy 8pm Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Tickets £25. Accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T. Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T. Rex and Bolan’s catalogue management, T.Rextasy have been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’. They have been performing all over the world for more than 25 years, a career that ironically out-lives Marc’s very own T. Rex. Tel: 01438 363200 Website: www.gordon-craig.co.uk/t-rextasy-i1932 4, 11, 18 & 25 October The Hitchin Thursday Club 9.30am-12 noon St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin A friendly group which meets every Thursday morning for recreational painting, drawing, etc.. The group is very easy going in its attitude to art – only doing your own thing. Still Life and raffle every month. No qualifications required – just come along with your drawing gear and you’ll receive a very warm welcome. Tel: Pauline 01767 315553 4, 11, 18 & 25 October Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage Friendly club for English country dancing. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced. All dances walked through; club and guest callers ensure a varied programme. Tel: 01438 727 239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk
4, 11, 18 & 25 October Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin We are a small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for the first two months. Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 5 October Charity Quiz Night 7pm for 8pm start The Broadhall Suite, Stevenage FC £10 per person. Teams of 6-8 people. Choice of meal included. Bring along your pen, brain and change for raffle and games with lots of prizes to be won. Organised by Wrights of Stevenage in aid of Willow Foundation, special days for seriously ill 16-40 year olds. To book your team place contact Natalie or pop into Wrights, 19 Market Place, Stevenage. Tel: Natalie 01438 312312 Email: natalie.lane@wrightsof.com 5 October Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group RSPB 7.30pm Members free, Visitors £3 The Settlement, Nevells Road, Letchworth ‘Prickly but Sweet and Ratty Too!’ with Paul Wyer. Paul works for the Wildlife Trust BCN and has a passion for hogs! His talk includes basic hedgehog and water vole ecology, with information on how we can help these endearing but declining small mammals. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com Web: rspb.org.uk/groups/hitchinandletchworth 5, 12, 19 & 26 October Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Springfield House (the home of the Old Stevenage Community Centre) To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 6 & 7 October 19th Ashwell Book Weekend Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm St. Mary’s Church, Ashwell Adults £1, Children under 16 free Come and browse and buy from the hundreds of books for sale at bargain prices. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes available.
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n O s ’ t Wha In October
This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com
8-13 October Libraries Week A national initiative to promote all libraries. Visit the website for all the events happening near you. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk
are available on the door but advance purchase is recommended. Email: enquiries@unicornceilidhs.org.uk Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/unicorn-ceilidhs
9 & 23 October Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Social club for retired and semi-retired professional and business-men which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. 23 October is the AGM. Organised visits and events throughout the year. New members welcomed. Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com
16 October Restart a Heart 12-8pm DJB Training, Hitchin Priory, Tilehouse Street, Hitchin Free admission - donations requested Join our qualified trainers for an afternoon of presentation and practice. Leave with a certificate and the practical skills to help save a life. All ages welcome. No booking required, just turn up. Tel: 01462 438888 Web: www.djbtraning.co.uk
11 October Awesome Nature - Yellowstone Park 7pm for 7.30pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Tickets £5. Joy Hall’s illustrated talk brings you the grandeur of America’s most iconic National Park. Web: https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Tickets: https://bsmevents.yapsody.com//event/ index/194466?ref=directory_search
16 October Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage RSPB Members £3, Non-members £3.50, Under 16s 50p. Chris Ward presents a talk about Northumberland and the Farne Islands, which may even stray into Yorkshire.
11 October Stevenage Plus Social Group New Member’s Night 8.15pm Stevenage Plus Social Group is a fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas. We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as day trips and weekends away. New members are always welcome. You can join us on any Thursday at 8.15pm to find out more about us or come along to the special New Member’s Night. Tel: 01438 231550 Web www.stevenageplus.co.uk 12 October Unicorn Ceilidh 7.30-11pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Adults £10, Concessions and family tickets available. Unicorn Ceilidh with Melobo and caller Jane Bird. Kerry’s Cloggers play the interval slot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Clear instructions from the caller before and during each dance allow anyone to join in and enjoy the dancing. Our combination of the finest live bands, top callers and a bar serving local Real Ale and Cider plus wine and soft drinks guarantee an excellent, fun-filled evening for all. Tickets
17 October Jackson Live in Concert 7.30pm Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Tickets: £26.50 J is one of the most experienced, dedicated and well-respected Michael Jackson Tribute artists in the world today, and he perfectly captures the electrifying energy of Michael’s live performances with 100% Live Vocals. He’s got the look, the moonwalk and the voice. Tel: 01438 363200 Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk/ jackson-live-in-concert-i1933 20 October Weston Music Society Concert 7.30pm Weston Parish Church, SG4 7DJ Tickets £16. Andrey Lebedev & Iosif Purits - Guitar and Accordion. Bach, Vivaldi, Rodrigo and surprises! Last Autumn concerts is 17 November. Tel: 01462 790214 Email: felicitylowe@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk 25 October Stevenage RSPB Local Group Morning Walk 9.30am Stanstead Innings, SG12 8HL A morning walk round this area of lakes, scrub and meadows, on the edge of Stanstead Abbots. Meet in the car park at 9.30am. OS Map Ref: 166/ TL386115. Tel: Leader Graham Beevor 01438 23205
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30 October Dancing For Fun 10am-12 noon British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults free, Children £3 inc. light refreshments Come and enjoy Maypole Dancing & English Country Dancing for children aged 6+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Numbers are limited, so please book in advance. The museum is not open outside of the stated activity session times on these days. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 31 October Rats, Bats and Cats Halloween Fun Day 10am-12pm & 1-3pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults free, Children £5 inc. drink & biscuit Activities are aimed at children aged 4-11 years old. Accompanying children 3 and under are welcome. All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Adults free. Booking is recommended. The museum is not open outside of the stated activity session times on these days . Tel: 01462 420144 Web: https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 2 November Vintage Coffee Morning 10-11.30am Aston Village Hall, Near Stevenage, SG2 7ED Admission £3. Aston Cake Committee holds these events twice a year to raise money for charity. Admission charge includes a huge choice of homemade cakes, unlimited tea and ‘proper’ coffee. There is a mega raffle with a star prize luxury hamper and several craft stalls. In aid of PoHwer, a charity providing advocacy services for the disabled or disadvantaged. Why not also enjoy a lovely country walk along one of our many local footpaths or simply gaze at our beautiful views of the Beane Valley? Tel: Margie 01438 880248 7 November North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Non-members £2 on the door David Saunders will talk about his bike ride from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. Non-members welcome. Membership of the National Trust not necessary. Tea and coffee served during the evening. Second-hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting. Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 or 07831 111062 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com
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Premier
Emergency Call Outs Full & Partial Rewires Electrical Safety Reports CCTV Installation Security Lights Garden Lighting
Tel: 07854 738740 Email: info@dotelectrical.co.uk Web: www.dotelectrical.co.uk Find us on Facebook - Dot Electrical
Dot ElectricalJune 16.indd 1
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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
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Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom
01438 725309
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Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 40
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September’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Miss C Swepstone from Buckden Winner of the Southlake Aqua Park Competition Holly Webb from Letchworth
Winner of the Cambridge Youth Ballet Competition Maxine Hendry from Wilstead
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Prize
£25
Across 7 Moscow’s country (6) 8 Clears throat (6) 9 Continent (4) 10 Extra (8) 11 Picture houses (7) 13 Head organ (5) 15 Wooden barrier (5) 17 Go backwards (7) 20 Fell (8) 21 Limit, boundary (4) 23 Event, incident (6) 24 Idea (6)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th October 2018 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Down 1 Pet name for cat (4) 2 Property, manor (6) 3 Yellow fruits (7) 4 Corrosive liquids (5) 5 Six-string (6) 6 Explanations, hypotheses (8) 12 Recognize (8) 14 Title (7) 16 Fighting (6) 18 Occurrences (6) 19 Warn (5) 22 Enlarge, develop (4)
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