VILLAGER The
September 2020
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
In this issue The History of Time Back to School Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
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Inside this issue... Autumn Show
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Autumn Show................................................................24 Puppy Problems? Wood Green are here to help..............26 Dolphins: the smart sociable heroes of the sea..............28 Midnight Visitors............................................................31 Driving Climate Change..................................................34 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................42 Books of Self-Discovery..................................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47
A Brief History of Time......................................................4 Drinks: Time for a Beer.....................................................8 Back to School................................................................12 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................14 Spectacular Sunsets.......................................................17 Does it matter what you wear?......................................18 The Importance of Posture............................................21 A Lack of Interest............................................................23
The Importance of Posture
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Get your business off to a flying start this year
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History
By Catherine Rose
A Brief History of Time For thousands of years human beings have used devices invented to measure the passage of time. As the sun moved across the sky, people were able to measure the day’s passing with obelisks and sundials, by monitoring their shadows. Some of the earliest clocks were stone obelisks built by the ancient Egyptians in 3500 BC. Sundials, which show the height of the sun using a shadow-casting rod called a gnomon attached to a marked plate, feature widely across many ancient cultures including in India. The world’s biggest sundial dates from the sixteenth century and can still be visited at Jantar Mantar in Jaipur. Sundials remained in popular use until the nineteenth century. During Shakespeare’s time, people even carried pocket sundials, referred to by the bard in his play As You Like It:“…he drew a dial from his poke [bag].” However, measuring time using the sun is problematic, as it only works during daylight hours when it is not cloudy. To overcome this and
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determine time at night, another method used graduated candles whose measured burn could also calculate passing hours. In around 1400 BC the ancient Greeks built water clocks, but they were probably invented in ancient Egypt. Known as clepsydrae, they basically consisted of two containers, one placed higher than the other. Water would drip slowly from the top container to the bottom, while markers inside the lower container showed how much time had elapsed. Subsequent developments of the water clock resulted in increasingly complex use of floats and gears that moved a hand on a face, anticipating the modern clock. From the seventh century the Chinese not only built huge water clocks but also more accurate timepieces, based on similar principles that employed mercury. In the eleventh century an Arab engineer named Ibn Khalaf Al-Muradi built a water clock with a sophisticated gear mechanism,
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which almost certainly influenced the subsequent invention of the mechanical clock. Another popular and iconic timepiece was the hourglass. Consisting of two blown glass bulbs joined by a narrow neck and commonly filled with sand, hourglasses work on a similar principle to the water clock. They were reasonably accurate and used to measure time at sea. Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan had eighteen hourglasses on each of his ships during a circumnavigation of the globe in 1522. Even today we still use the minute version to time the perfectly boiled egg! It was around the fourteenth century that the first mechanical clocks with gears and escapements were invented in Europe. The old English word for a clock was daegmael meaning ‘day measure’. It was at this time that the word ‘clock’ came into parlance, derived from the Latin word clocca meaning ‘bell’, as mechanical clocks were made to strike the hour rather than display time. Operated by weights, these clocks were usually large and heavy so tended to feature in church towers. The clock in Salisbury Cathedral is one of the oldest surviving examples of a working mechanical clock, built in 1386 out of hand-worked iron. In 1450 the coiled spring mechanism was invented, which heralded portable clocks and watches. The oldest pocket watch is the spherical Melanchthon Watch made in 1530. In 1656 Christiaan Huygens invented the first pendulum clock, which kept time more accurately than anything previously. It was found that the longer the pendulum, the greater the accuracy, which is how the Grandfather clock developed. Pendulum clocks remained the standard right up
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until the invention of quartz clocks in 1927. Thomas Tompion is known as the Father of English Clockmaking. Born in Bedfordshire in 1639, the thatched cottage where he grew up can still be seen in the small village of Ickwell. The son of the village blacksmith, he was apprenticed to a clockmaker in London, eventually becoming renowned for his clock and watchmaking skills. His timepieces were so well made that many of them are still in operation and command very high prices. A favourite with royalty, two of his ‘year clocks’ still reside at Buckingham Palace. During the nineteenth century, industrialisation made it more important to keep track of time and the ownership of pocket watches expanded greatly. We tend to think of the wristwatch as being a relatively modern invention but in fact they have been around for a lot longer. It is recorded that a bracelet with a portable coiled spring timepiece was made for Queen Elizabeth I and given to her as a gift by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in 1571. It was purportedly described at the time as an ‘armlet’ having: “…in the closing thearof a clocke, and in the forepart of the same a faire lozengie djamond without a foyle, hanging thearat a rounde juell fully garnished with dyamondes and a perle pendaunt.” However, any timepieces worn on the wrist were seen as no more than ladies’ jewellery, and the first purpose-built wristwatches for men were not produced until the early 1900s. Today, we have seen the advent of the digital watch, mechanisms that no longer need winding, and atomic clocks accurate to a second within 100 million years – more than the length of human timekeeping itself.
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Food & Drink
Drinks: Time for a Beer Wild Card Brewery was established during 2012. Today, this brewery can boast much deserved recognition, having award-winning productions amongst their beers. Delivering throughout the UK, Wild Card ales can also be located at numerous bars, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets and retail outlets.
TABLE BEER (2.7% vol) was developed for beer drinkers who require or prefer an ale with a low ABV. This production does not compromise on taste, with its tropical fruit flavours pleasing the tastebuds. PALE ALE (4.3% vol) utilises Citra, Ekuanot and Cascade hops to great advantage. Hugely popular with pale ale lovers, I found this easy-drinking beer, refreshing. RASPBERRY GOSE (4.6% vol) has been created with the sour beers of Northern Germany in mind. It is fruity, having raspberry added towards the end of the fermentation process. Again refreshing, this is classed as a sour, salted, wheat beer and regularly chosen by ‘devotees’ of this type of ale. For IPA drinkers there are several excellent selections available from the Wild Card Brewery. UNITE TRIBUTE IPA (5.4% vol) is brewed with Citra and Simcoe hops and dedicated to Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer. This beer delights the nasal senses and entices the mouth’s pleasures to follow. NEIPA (5.4% vol), INDIA PALE ALE (5.5%vol) and ELLA (5.7% vol) are three further IPA beers that are enjoyed, constantly. Good aromas are evident and tropical fruits hold the interest for the mouthfeel, continuing through to the finish. For a higher ABV and still with IPA productions, CASHMERE (5.8% vol) has Mosaic, Citra, Ella, plus Cashmere hops and IPA (6.1% vol), which is classed as West Coast, are great for nose appeal, with the latter using Citra and Simcoe hops. I would describe both of these smooth productions as being big on flavour – to the last, very enjoyable, drop! These are just a selection from the most impressive ranges of beers produced by the Wild Card Brewery Company. Brewery tours and experiences are offered too and have become increasingly popular. Information and advice is always available, along with party hire, arrangements and attractive merchandise. Wild Card Brewery, Lockwood Way, Walthamstow, London, E17 5RB. www.wildcardbrewery.co.uk E-mail: info@wildcardbrewery.co.uk Tel: 44 (0) 208 935 5560
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that the sooner we see the back of 2020 and this dreadful corona virus the better. That said, there are also some heart warming positives that we can take out of this situation. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of
supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help again”.
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Parenting
Back to School Many children are going back to school in September, some for the first time in months, and it’s natural for them to feel a bit anxious about starting a new school year. Prepare your child If your child hasn’t gone back to school yet, find out what will be different compared to before the pandemic. Explain to your child what to expect. Younger children may benefit from acting out some things at home, such as keeping their distance when queueing. Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Millar recommends asking if the school can “take pictures or videos of the changes so your child knows what to expect, as that will aid the transition process.” Talk to your child It’s important children know they can talk to you about their concerns. Some like to have your full attention while others prefer it when they don’t need to make eye contact, such as when you’re driving or cooking. Recognise that you can’t ‘solve’ their concerns, but you can discuss coping strategies. If your child doesn’t want to talk, try reading together and talking about how the character feels in different situations. Encourage excitement Don’t forget to talk about the positives of returning to school, such as seeing friends and playtime. Dr Emma Millar says, “Discuss what they’re excited about. Children pick up on how we’re feeling, so if you remain calm and positive about them returning back to school, then that will really help them to feel reassured.”
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Get back into a routine Most children prefer some level of routine. Your child may have been going to bed later recently, not showering as often and having more screen time. Help them adjust to a more structured routine over a couple of weeks. Make sure they get enough sleep Work towards returning children to an earlier bedtime, including at weekends. Children need more sleep than adults – six to thirteen year olds can need up to eleven hours of sleep a night. Mindfulness and meditation Mindfulness and meditation can help children and adults to feel calmer and more in control. Older children might benefit from Headspace’s guided meditations. For younger children, try the ‘Sitting Still Like a Frog’ book and CD by Eline Snel. More information ‘Helping your Child with Fears and Worries’ by Cathy Creswell and Lucy Willetts is worth reading. The book is packed with practical advice on helping children to deal with fears, worries and anxiety, and isn’t written like a medical textbook! The following websites have useful resources: • www.camhs-resources.co.uk • www.youngminds.org.uk/blog/supporting-a-childreturning-to-school-after-lockdown Extra support All children feel anxious and worried sometimes. However, up to 15% of children experience anxiety disorders, which can stop them enjoying day-to-day life and lead to more long-term issues. So don’t be afraid to ask for help: your child’s school may be able to offer advice, or your GP may be able to refer them for extra support. By Kate Duggan
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Food & Drink
Summer king prawn, squid and chilli spaghetti
Serves 4 people
Of course this pasta can be eaten all year round, but for me it screams summer. Holidays spent on the coasts of southern Europe, enjoying exactly this kind of sunshine dish, usually accompanied by a crisp glass of white wine. Extremely quick to put together and so colourful on the plate, this is one of my absolute favourites. Ingredients 450g spaghetti 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped 2 red chillis, finely sliced 1 bag frozen raw king prawns, shelled 4 fresh squid (or frozen), sliced into rings 1 glass white wine 10-12 small cherry tomatoes, quartered Large handful parsley, finely chopped Olive oil, salt and pepper
1. Cook the pasta in a large bowl of well salted water as per the packet instructions. 2. Meanwhile, heat a glug of oil in a large pan and gently fry off the onions for 3-4 minutes. 3. Chuck in the garlic and chilli and cook for a further couple of minutes. 4. Stir through the prawns and the squid and cook for a minute. The prawns will start to turn pink. 5. Add in the wine and the tomatoes and let the sauce simmer fairly vigorously for a couple of minutes to reduce the wine. 6. Add in the chopped parsley and season to taste. 7. Drain the pasta and stir it well into the sauce. Leave it sit for a couple of minutes so that the pasta takes on all the flavours of the sauce. 8. Serve immediately (with parmesan if, like me, you don’t mind going against tradition and always eat parmesan with your pastas, even seafood ones!)
BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 14
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Photography
Spectacular Sunsets Autumn is the best time of year for beautiful sunsets. Have you ever tried to capture one and been disappointed with the result? Sunsets can be devilishly tricky to capture well, but we have a few tips. Choose the time and place – If you’re serious about sunsets make a note of places where they are particularly good then head there before the sunset to give you time to set your camera up. There are websites which tell you what time the sun will set on a particular day. Try www.timeanddate.com/sun/ Foreground is important – The best sunset photos tend to have something of interest in the foreground, generally silhouetted. This provides a focal point. Look for an attractive tree, or a wind farm, and even pylons can look impressive in front of a sunset. Patience is also important – Sunset actually goes on for quite a long time. As the sun dips beneath the horizon it can produce some spectacular shots, but afterwards, the colours of the sky can become even more rich and beautiful, so hang around. So is a tripod! The best shots are often longer exposures, so they will look shaky unless you secure your camera to a tripod. Ignore ‘the rule of thirds’ – The sunset is the star so place your horizon really low down in the shot. This fills the image with colour. Remember reflections - If you are near water take full advantage of doubling the impact of your sunset. In this instance try placing the horizon at exactly halfway or shoot only the reflections. Experiment and have fun.
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House of Colour
Does it matter what you wear? Why I do care… As part of a style consultation one of the questions in the personality quiz we ask is whether you are interested or not interested in clothing/shopping. This might seem an odd question as you must surely be, to be in the room in the first place? Well, not entirely. You may hate clothes shopping, have no desire to wander about shops at all but you still want to look and feel good. It still matters to us, whether that’s because we have a role that means we are under the spotlight and want to look right or because for our own sense of wellbeing we want to feel good in what we wear. I have always cared, always been interested in shopping and clothing and fashion. My parents have always believed in dressing smartly to demonstrate that you care about yourself and the work you do. It’s a sign of appreciation to a host that you have dressed for the occasion, marking the effort that they too have made in their hospitality. Thus clothing is and has been a signifier to others. We may not like that view, not subscribe to it and yet it might be hard for us to iron out the way we judge others internally based on what they’re wearing. We can’t really help ourselves. My driver has always been how clothes made me feel. I have always liked to think that I looked my best, although on many occasions struggled to understand whether that really was the case. I’ve sat uncomfortably in offices, pulled at clothes, left things that I thought were lovely sitting in a wardrobe for ever thinking that one day I would find the perfect occasion to pull them out. I have saved lots of things ‘for best’, which never came, only to realise years later that they were now never going to be used.
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I’ve been to parties feeling incredibly self-conscious and unable to fully enjoy the occasion feeling uncomfortable in my chosen outfit. How I’ve winced at photographs… The money wasted, the time lost, the anxiety created. It’s incredible the effect clothing can have on us, yet when we shop it can all be lost on ‘that’ll do’. We’re overwhelmed, unsure, limited on time and lack clarity as to what is right, then we’re making snap decisions just to get it done. Soon we have a wardrobe of clothes that give us a slight (or even severe) sinking feeling. My own revelation was to understand the why. Why, though I loved the tweed jacket on lots of people it wasn’t ‘doing it’ for me when I put it on. Oh the joy to know that I needn’t worry about it any longer, a classic jacket was never going to work. Of course not. I can walk away, enjoy looking at it on others. There are other things out there for me and they definitely make me feel good, whatever the occasion. I know what will do and what won’t – so could you.
By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk
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Health
By Catherine Rose
The Importance of Posture Posture is the way we carry and position our body throughout our daily physical activities. Poor posture can lead to a variety of muscular-skeletal issues including chronic pain and joint degeneration, so being aware of best posture is important. If you have had bad posture for a long time (and most of us do) it will feel very alien at first when you try to correct it, as the body wants to keep doing what it is used to. However, perseverance, with regular exercise to strengthen muscle tone, will result in your posture improving without you having to constantly think about it. For a good seated posture your knees should be slightly lower than your hips, so you need to position your chair height accordingly. If you work at a computer, ensure that the screen is at a comfortable eye level and you are not having to hunch forward or bend your neck. Sit with your feet flat on the floor facing forwards, a hip-width apart, and straighten your back so that your tailbone ‘sticks out’ rather than your back being rounded. Your spine should form a gentle ‘S’ curve. Finally, make a conscious effort to lower your shoulders, slightly pushing your shoulder blades back and down at the same time. You may need to do this more than once as we all tend to naturally carry our shoulders in a raised, rounded position, which over time can lead to muscle tightness, tension headaches and back or neck pain. Exercise and core stability are important when
maintaining good posture. Muscles weaken and muscle fibres shorten without regular movement and exercise, leading to potential joint and ligament issues. Stretching exercises two or three times a week will help relieve tension, increase circulation and maintain muscle condition. Yoga and Pilates are two forms of exercise that are excellent for improving tone, flexibility and posture. There are classes available for all levels. Ergonomic furniture and aids can help with best posture, for example a lumbar support cushion. Always ensure that your furniture supports you. A squashy chair that is too low and difficult to get out of may not be the best thing for your posture. Likewise, your mattress should properly support your back when you sleep. To check this, notice if your spine is straight when you lie on your side. If not, it may be time to change your mattress. Your pillow should also cradle your neck so that it is in alignment with the spine. Bad posture not only physically impacts on our body, it has also been proven to have a detrimental psychological effect. Charles Darwin first scientifically documented the link between movement and emotion in his studies of humans and animals. If you have concerns about your posture and suffer from chronic pain, visit your GP who can refer you to the appropriate health professional, such as an osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor.
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Are you returning to higher education this year and starting a course in September or October? Do you live in post codes SG1 or SG2? Did you know that you can apply to the Betty Game Opportunities Trust for a grant towards the cost of books, equipment, travel etc? And the good news is that it’s a grant – not a loan! The Trustees look forward to receiving your application – be first in the queue. Further information about the Trust and how to apply for a grant is available on our website www.bgot.org.uk or email BGOT2015@gmail.com
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Finance
A Lack of Interest With the Bank of England’s base rate at a historic low of 0.1%, you might think it couldn’t possibly go any lower. The economic challenge of COVID-19 could change that, with speculation that the rate could actually drop below zero. It brings to mind a topsy-turvy world of banks paying people to borrow money and savings shrinking away, but what would actually happen? Between the 2007-8 financial crash and the economic uncertainty of Brexit, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has had plenty of reason to use low rates to ease economic concerns. The idea is to deter saving and promote consumer spending by making borrowing cheaper. The Bank of England confirmed in May that it is considering using the rate cut tool again and having negative rates for the first time ever in this country. It’s a highly unusual tactic but has been used in the Nordic region and Japan in the past decade. The effects are still an unknown quantity, however. With mortgages, many tracker rates have a minimum floor so homeowners wouldn’t get negative rates. In countries which have had a negative rate, a few lenders have dropped the variable interest rate charged to borrowers below zero. Usually in those cases, the customer would continue to make the same monthly payment but more of it would go toward paying off the capital rather than the interest, so eventually the mortgage would be paid off earlier. Risk-free savings accounts are already paying miserly
By John Lister
interest thanks to the low base rate, so there’s unlikely to be much change there. A reduction to zero interest on such accounts is possible, at which point they’d mainly be a way of balancing risk. Credit cards and personal loans shouldn’t see much difference as there’s already a lot of variation among different lenders and customers, so the base rate has less influence. The ‘standard’ rate on a card may drop a little, but that shouldn’t make much difference to people who make savvy use of introductory offers and balance transfers. Perhaps the biggest question mark is the effect on current accounts, which could be a game of chicken. Most high street banks theoretically have the power to apply negative rates. However, it’s questionable if any would really want the bad publicity of being the first bank to start ‘taking people’s money’. The more likely options are that the major banks all do so at the same time, or that they instead introduce fixed monthly fees to use a bank account. Overall then, if the base rate did go below zero, it’s unlikely banks would pass on the effects to customers in a way that undermined the basic principles of saving and borrowing and produced ‘illogical’ effects. Instead it’s more likely banks would simply be a bit more willing to lend more money to more people and to be a bit less enthusiastic about trying to attract new savers. John Lister (www.johnlisterwriting.com) is a freelance writer based in Bristol, specialising in technology and personal finance.
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Gardening
By Pippa Greenwood
Autumn Show Now that autumn is upon us, leaves, shrubs and climbers grab our attention with their change of colours, transforming to scarlets, reds and golds. So why not include some in your garden? Climbing plants with spectacular autumn colour include Parthenocissus quniquefolia, or Virginia creeper, a sizeable climber that can be used to clothe walls without a support system. In autumn the leaves are numerous shades of scarlet, orange and red. For less extensive covering, consider Parthenocissus henryana. Its divided leaves are a dark green to bronzy colour with pretty silvery white veins that turn to rich red in autumn. Another autumn climber, Vitis coignetiae, grows rapidly and has huge heart-shaped leaves with splendid scarlet and crimson colours come the autumn. It can be grown through large trees and over sturdier supports, and the colours often improve in poor soil! Amelanchier lamarckii (snowy mespilus or serviceberry) is a large shrub covered with lovely whitish blossom in spring. The emerging leaves change from a coppery colour to bright green, but in autumn the entire shrub almost appears to be on fire. The small-scale blueberry is an acid-loving, boggysoil-needing plant that turns into a miniature ball of fire once it takes on its autumn colour, and two or more plants will provide a crop of delicious fruit. Fothergilla major or Witch Alder is a smallish to medium-sized shrub whose bare stems will be covered with scented creamy-white spiky flower clusters early in the year. The foliage changes from
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pale green to shades of yellow and orange in the autumn. It needs a lime-free or acidic soil and does not do so well in a tub. Cotinus or smoke bush also has fantastic autumn colours, and is a shrub with attractively rounded leaves in shades of green, pinkish-orange or purple. The fluffy seed heads look just like little clouds or plumes of smoke. For smaller gardens it’s hard to beat one of the Japanese maples with their stunning divided leaves turning rich purples, reds, oranges and yellows, depending on which one you have planted. They do well in large tubs and are perfect for a sheltered back yard or patio, and look great in a bed or border. Making the Best of Autumn Colour Potential • To help choose plants for autumn colour, why not visit local garden centres or an arboretum? If possible, buy autumn colour plants now so you can see the precise shades that the various plants have to offer. • Check the ultimate height and spread of trees or shrubs you’re considering – there’s no use planting something that will outgrow its space in a couple of years’ time. • Planting at this time of year works well but wait for better conditions if your garden soil is very wet. In dry soil plants still need watering well, and the soil around the roots must be kept moist once the plants are in the ground. Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.
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Local News
Puppy problems? Wood Green are here to help
Puppies welcomed into new homes during lockdown have missed key learning experiences and will soon be reaching adolescence, a time when they typically display more challenging behaviours. Wood Green, The Animals Charity has services to support puppy owners in need of advice, behavioural support and if they are no longer able to care for their pet. Wood Green’s Pet Support team has begun to see an increase in enquiries about puppies like Trinity the Lurcher, who was purchased at the beginning of lockdown. The new owners were led to believe that she was eight weeks old, but the vet confirmed that she was only six weeks old and too young to be separated from her mother. Trinity’s owners described her as sweet and well-behaved most of the time, but she began mouthing which caused the children in the home to be afraid of her. When advice from a paid behaviourist didn’t help, Trinity’s owners contacted Wood Green in July and made the hard decision to hand her over. They said: “We decided to bring Trinity to Wood Green because we realised that simply selling her may result in her being resold again due to her mouthing issues and, in the long term, she may end up at a rescue centre with even more behavioural problems. “We believe that Wood Green can provide the training she needs and have the experience to find her the best home. Giving Trinity away was a heartbreaking experience, but all we want is for her to be healthy and happy.”
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Specialists at Wood Green are available to pet owners facing difficulty with a puppy, or any other pet. The team has decades of experience in dog behaviour and training, offering free one-to-one behavioural support and a range of training classes for a nominal fee. With a dramatic increase in puppy scams over the past few months, the charity can also advise anyone looking to get a new pet and guide them through the process. Sue Ketland, Dog Behaviour & Training Specialist at Wood Green, said: “We understand that puppies can be hard work at the best of times, and even more so given the current circumstances. Social distancing has made it more difficult to socialise puppies with other dogs and people, face-to-face training classes haven’t been possible and with everyone spending more time at home, puppies may struggle to cope when left alone. It’s not too late to resolve any issues, like Trinity’s puppy mouthing, and we are here for every pet owner.” Life can be unpredictable and some puppy owners may no longer be able to look after their pets. Whatever the reason, be it work or financial pressures, health, or simply not having enough time to dedicate to a pet, Wood Green can help. Their friendly team will listen, advise and, if someone needs to hand over their pet, will take the animal into their care to find them a loving new home. Talk to Wood Green’s team on 0300 303 9333 or visit www.woodgreen.org.uk
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Animal Tales
Dolphins: the smart, sociable heroes of the sea At the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Mississippi, USA, Kelly the Dolphin has been causing quite a splash. As part of the institute’s training programme, these much-loved marine mammals have been taught to pick up any litter that drops in their pool in order to swap it for a fish reward. The system was working well until one dolphin, known as Kelly, had other ideas. After finding a large piece of paper floating on the water, she hid it under a rock at the bottom of the pool instead of giving it to her trainer. She then tore off bits of the paper, getting a fish for each new piece she presented and thus maximising her fish quota. By hiding the paper in the first place, Kelly showed that she was able to delay gratification, and researchers have admitted that her scheme to split the paper into separate pieces shows quite sophisticated thinking on her part. The shell trick A recent study published in the scientific journal Current Biology shows just how resourceful dolphins can be. In Shark Bay, Western Australia, a whole pod of dolphins has been observed using empty shells as spoons. This activity, which has become known as ‘shelling’, involves a dolphin chasing a fish into a giant shell then trapping it by pushing its nose into the opening. After that, the dolphin will take the shell up to the surface and shake it to release the excess water. When the water has poured out of the shell, the dolphin tips the trapped fish into its open mouth.
By Kate McLelland 28
Dolphins in legend Our relationship with dolphins goes back as long as people have fished and travelled the seas. They were familiar in Greek and Roman art, where illustrations on coins, pottery and mosaic floors show leaping dolphins ridden by gods and demigods. The ancient Greeks believed them to be messengers of the sea god, Poseidon, and they were also sacred to the gods Aphrodite and Apollo. Killing a dolphin was considered a sacrilegious act. The Romans took their spiritual connection with dolphins one step further by imagining them to be guides who led the souls of the dead to the Islands of the Blessed. There have also been many stories that describe dolphins as rescuers of ships and drowning humans. A dolphin hero One such dolphin, nicknamed ‘Pelorus Jack,’ was famous for helping ships pass through the dangerous waters of Cook Strait, New Zealand, between 1888 and 1912. Despite the rocks and strong currents, no shipwrecks were ever recorded when Jack was present as a guide. Named after a nearby coastal area called Pelorus Sound, he was so important to shipping that he became the only individual sea creature to be protected by law in any country in the world. Mankind has long believed that dolphins are gifted with a rare intelligence and studies such as those carried out in the USA and Australia are helping us understand just how brainy they really are. No wonder we feel such a strong bond and sense of kinship with these lively, graceful and resourceful sea creatures.
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Pets
Midnight Visitors I have yet to name my midnight visitor, but I feel very fortunate to have him. Or her. Most nights I see him scuttling across the decking, as though he were on a secret mission. My sweet little hedgehog is of course in search of insects and grubs. But in the stillness of the night I cannot help but create this alter ego. Where has he come from? Why has he chosen my garden? How long will he stay? I did some research in order to find out. Facts About Hedgehogs Between April and November, hedgehogs visit peoples gardens in search of food, as they need to accumulate fat in Autumn, ready for their hibernation in early winter. They can travel up to a staggering 3 miles in one evening as they forage for things like worms, berries, insects, caterpillars, slugs and beetles. Even though hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, they have been known to venture out during the day – especially after it has rained. Hedgehogs are solitary creatures and will commence this lifestyle having only spent between 4 and 7 weeks with their mother. Interestingly, the hedgehog has not always been called a hedgehog. They used to be called urchins, which then led to the naming of sea urchins. Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets. How To Care For Hedgehogs Most of us love to have tidy gardens, but this isn’t always an ideal environment for a hedgehog. They enjoy creating homes in piles of leaves and compost heaps. They are very resourceful creatures. For this reason it is important to check any wood piles you have been building. Similarly, when using forks,
spades, mowers and strimmers take care that you have checked the specific areas of the garden, as hedgehog maybe taking refuge or hibernating in them. You could make or buy a hedgehog house and feeding station. Ponds are great ways of attracting wildlife into your garden. Hedgehogs will drink from them, but have been known to fall in. Although they can swim, you must make sure there is an easy way out for the hedgehogs so they don’t get stuck and drown. A gently sloping edge or ramp perhaps, with some pebbles and rocks. Do’s And Don’ts Don’t be tempted to leave a saucer of milk outside for your little prickly friend. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and would much prefer water. Do leave out dog/cat food if you wish to supplement the hedgehogs diet. Don’t use slug pellets in the garden as they will harm or kill hedgehogs. Do ensure that hedgehogs can get in and out of your garden. A square hole that is anything between 10-15cm is an adequate size. If you can’t create this in your fencing, a tunnel could be dug going under it. Get together with your neighbours and create a hedgehog highway! If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304
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Mansfield
SHIRON
Bathrooms Ltd
Domestic Appliances Repairs of
Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Dishwashers Electric Ovens Electric Cookers Electric Hobs VAT Registered Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda and Whirlpool appliances.
Contact RONNIE Tel: 01438 720 304 Mobile: 07396 579717
Email: rohintoncooper@hotmail.com
A family run business, based in Great Ashby, offering a comprehensive bathroom fitting service
Plumbing · Tiling · Electrics Plastering · Carpentry · Decorating We can supply and fit all sanitaryware or fit only.
Tel: Aven on 07973 489527 Email: avenmansfield@btinternet.com Web: mansfieldbathrooms.wixsite.com/home
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WALL COATING
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Before After
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Environment
Driving Climate Change Cycling and walking are much lauded as a way to reduce your climate impact. But whether due to distance or the load you are transporting, eventually the keys have to come out. So here are some tips to make the journey as efficient as possible. The first thing is to make the most of what you do when you are out. If you are driving to the supermarket, bundle the trip in with everything else you need to do. Go to the recycling centre, to the Post Office, to other shops and to refill with fuel all in the one trip out. It takes a bit of practice, but it’ll save you time and reduce your fuel bill too. Secondly, adopt a driving style that minimises your fuel usage. Don’t accelerate hard or brake sharply. And watch your speed: according to the AA, dropping from 80mph to 70mph could save you up to 25% in fuel (and of course save you the cost of a speeding ticket). Thirdly, lose some weight. Roof racks are terrible for your car’s aerodynamics and a boot full of stuff you ‘might’ need (but rarely do) is just adding to your fuel use. Unless you are doing a long journey, don’t top up the tank to more than half full. Finally, love thy neighbour! If your office has car sharing join up; if not, set up a scheme yourself.
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Call now for a free, no obligation quotation
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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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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
GAS SAFE REGISTERED
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n i t l h F e o J Plasterersam
Female Plasterer specialising in: Plastering, Plasterboarding, Making Good and Painting
A FRIENDLY FAMILY FIRM. FREE QUOTATIONS
Tel. 07951 362335 / 07836 768670 Email: joeflinthamplasterers@googlemail.com
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INSULATING SPRAYFOAM • BBA APPROVED SPRAYFOAM • CAN GREATLY REDUCE ENERGY BILLS • UPGRADE YOUR PROPERTIES ‘U’ VALUE • ELIMINATES DRAFTS OR ‘DRAW’ FROM THE ROOF SPACE • MESS & HASSLE FREE • QUALIFIES AS AN ESM • FIRE SAFE • SUITABLE FOR MOBILE HOMES
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WINDOW REPAIRS
Serving all of Herts - Based in Stevenage Specialising in replacing misted units
BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks fixed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog flaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 40
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August’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs B Primett - Hitchin Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th September 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.
Prize
ÂŁ25
Across 1 Demand (6) 4 Smaller (6) 9 Hair cleanser (7) 10 Spin (5) 11 Freight (5) 12 Advantage (7) 13 Always (11) 18 Tolerant (7) 20 Arrive at (5) 22 Expel (5) 23 Apparent (7) 24 Dismal (6) 25 Floats (6) Down 1 Bug (6) 2 Step (5) 3 Prop up (7) 5 Consumed (5) 6 Accomplished (7) 7 Tell (6) 8 Mixture (11) 14 Exterior (7) 15 Appearance (7) 16 Scatter (6) 17 Phantoms (6) 19 Insert (5) 21 Bypass (5)
Name:
Address:
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
Tel:
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“Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless”
Extensions, Refurbishments, Loft and Garage Conversions, Landscaping and General Building Internal and external work with many local references View our testimonials at www.hertfordshirebuilders.co.uk
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ROGERSONS
REMOVALS
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Books
Books of self-discovery
Premier
By Kate Duggan The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
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.
These illustrations of conversations between a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse have been shared across the world. As the author says, the characters “are all different, like us, and each has their own weaknesses. I can see myself in all four of them, perhaps you can too.” Personally, I challenge anyone to read it and not feel at least a tiny bit lighter, more hopeful and more connected to those around us.
A Street Cat Named Bob By James Bowen
James had very little to give when he found an injured stray cat. A recovering drug-addict, James was living in sheltered accommodation and busking to earn enough money to eat. But it turned out that taking in the ginger cat, which he named Bob, would change James’ life. This true story is a few years old now, and you could just choose to watch the film adaptation. But if you want to curl up with a feel-good story full of hope, resilience and friendship, it won’t disappoint.
For a free quotation please contact Gary on Tel: 01438 353793 Mob: 07733 227961 Email: info@premierpd.co.uk
www.premierpd.co.uk
Staying Alive: real poems for unreal times by Neil Astley
The five hundred poems in this anthology cover a wide range of subjects, from depression and death to joy, personal quests and self-discoveries. As the synopsis says, these are poems that are “fired by belief in the human and the spiritual at a time when much in the world feels unreal, inhuman and hollow.” You’ll rediscover poems you’ve likely heard many times before, such as Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’, and also have your eyes opened to a whole new legion of poets.
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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. 46
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