VILLAGER The and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL SeptemberPRODUCTS2022 Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in the Stevenage Area Your FREE copy Inside this issue Visit Cape Verde ECO Bathroom Energy Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 3 Inside this issue... Editorial: Solange Hando, Louise Addison, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Martin Lewis, Alan Titchmarsh, Caroline Knight, RSPCA and Kate Duggan Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 nigel@villagermag.com261122 Photography kwasny221 Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email:www.villagermag.comnigel@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. Five reasons to visit Cape Verde ....................................... 4 Home Heating - Is it time for a change? .......................... 8 Wines from Austria: A Good Choice ............................... 12 Seasonal Recipe - Fish Stew .......................................... 16 A Taste for Turmeric 19 Transitional Weather Dressing ....................................... 21 Money on my mind ....................................................... 22 ECO Bathroom Energy ................................................... 24 Green Fingers ................................................................ 26 Make September a Sumptuous Celebration .................. 28 RSPCA - Have you ever considered fostering? ................ 30 Puzzle Page ................................................................... 36 What’s On in September ................................................ 38 Villager Prize Crossword ................................................ 42 Book Review - Taking the Plunge .................................. 44 Get your business off to a flying start this year Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Home Heating Time for a change? Make September a Sumptuous Celebration 28 8
2. There are adventures to be had Thought Cape Verde was just a fly-and-flop destination? The beaches may be beautiful, but the archipelago’s volcanic landscape, jaw-dropping mountain scenery and cities bursting with culture make the islands an adventurer’s playground too. Witness the lunar-like landscape of Fogo, also home to the country’s largest volcano, or immerse yourself in Santiago’s rugged peaks and lush green valleys. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, you’ll love the island of São Vicente with its vibrant nightlife and buzzing live music scene. What’s more, the higher winds during November and March also make Cape Verde’s beaches a fantastic place to practice water sports, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to sailing. Wherever you go, you certainly won’t be short of things to do.
Five
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1. The beaches are simply divine Powder-soft sand washed by turquoise sea, lined with swaying palm trees: the beaches in Cape Verde are pictures of pure paradise. Sal, the archipelago’s most popular island, is home to the gorgeous Santa Maria beach, where bustling bars, shops and restaurants offer a welcome break from the midday sun. Fancy a little more peace and quiet? On the island of Boa Vista, you’ll find unspoilt stretches of sand with barely a soul in sight to share them with. Praia de Chaves is a must-visit; this otherworldly beach boasts over 5km of sand and dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Cape
Want
With its endless white-sand beaches, stunning mountain scenery and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder Cape Verde is fast becoming one of the UK’s favourite spots for winter sun. Blessed with clear blue skies and temperatures in the high twenties, it’s the perfect destination to escape to during the UK’s colder months. This idyllic archipelago off the west coast of Africa may be known for its winning combination of sun, sea and sand, but with ten islands to explore there’s plenty of room for adventure too. From watching turtles hatch and hiking still-active volcanoes to a whole host of water sports, Cape Verde is packed with things to do should you need a break from the sunlounger. All just a six-hour flight away! to know Here are five reasons to consider Cape Verde when planning your next winter break – and what not to miss while you’re there.
more?
3. You could see turtles and whales Cape Verde is home to some of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the world. On the reasons to visit Verde this winter
By Solange Hando
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5. It’s the perfect place to go island-hopping With each island offering its own unique flavour, why settle for just one? Imagine starting your holiday on the beach, followed by a couple of days spent walking through jaw-dropping mountain scenery, then the next morning you’re off to hike an active volcano. If that sounds exciting, you’ll love an islandhopping holiday around Cape Verde. With boat tours leaving daily, there’s ample opportunity to experience the true diversity of Cape Verde for yourself. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit the tiny island of Santo Antão – a wonderland for hikers. It’s by far the greenest island in the archipelago and is often considered the most scenic too.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts6 island of Sal you can visit Project Diversity, a nonprofit organisation that protects the turtles’ nesting sites and helps hatchlings make their way to the sea. Visit between July and December for the best chance of witnessing the tiny turtles’ journey. The waters around Boa Vista are also a known breeding ground for humpback whales, giving you the chance to book a catamaran tour to see the mighty mammals for yourself. Sightings are possible from late February through to May. Keep an eye out for dolphins too! 4. The festival fever is alive and kicking Festival-lovers listen up. Winter in Cape Verde brings with it a whole host of fantastic festivals and celebrations. Mindelo’s annual Carnival on the island of São Vicente is by far the archipelago’s most famous event. Held each year on Shrove Tuesday, the carnival sees the small Cape Verdean town come alive with live music, colourful costumes and Takingdancing.its influence from Brazil’s Mardi Gras, the carnival officially lasts a week – but locals will tell you Carnival fever begins at the end of the previous year! The event was unfortunately cancelled in 2022, but should be back up and running in 2023.
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• Solar thermal panels: designed to be used alongside a regular gas or biomass boiler, solar thermal panels absorb heat from the sun, which is then transferred to a water tank for you to use as a hot water supply or for heating for your home.
• Biomass boilers: these work in the same way as a conventional gas boiler, but rather than gas, the fuel is a plant-based mixture of either wood, pellet or woodchip. This means it’s a much greener solution than conventional fossil fuels.
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Rather than electric portable heaters, which are really costly to run, an efficient central heating system set to around twenty degrees is still the recommended choice, even if you plan on heating just one room of the house. By using individual thermostats or radiator valves (or a smart thermostat) in each room, you can focus the heat towards the room you need to keep cosy, avoiding having to wear gloves and a woolly hat on your Zoom calls!
• Heat pumps: using a similar technology to that which operates your fridge freezer (but in reverse), heat pumps will be one of the main ways new-build homes are heated after 2025, by utilising only air and a small amount of electricity.
Working from home this winter?
• Infrared heating panels: by emitting infrared energy into a room, the energy is absorbed directly into solid objects within three metres of the panel, causing them to warm up instantly. The infrared cannot warm air unfortunately, so the room will feel cold the moment it’s turned off.
Home heating Is it time for a change?
With winter just around the corner, now is the time to think about your home’s heating system. Is your boiler running safely and efficiently while keeping running costs to a minimum? Home heating can contribute up to 60% of your home’s utility bills, so it’s important to ensure you are up to date with the best practices for maintaining and operating your central heating system. Out with the old The general rule is that once your boiler reaches around twenty years of service, you should replace it with a new unit. On average, your boiler will begin to operate less efficiently after ten to fifteen years, meaning it will need to work harder to heat your home, resulting in increased utility bills. Along with the potential cost of breakdowns and repairs for older boilers, it may be financially prudent to replace your boiler before it becomes a bigger expense. In with the new According to the plan for the UK to reach carbon net zero by 2050, the UK government has announced that new-build homes will not be allowed to install traditional gas boilers after 2025. This doesn’t mean you have to replace your existing gas boiler by this date, but you may wish to consider these heating alternatives, which will soon be considered the norm.
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Food & Drink
Wines from Austria: A Good Choice
Importer: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies.
WEINGUT ALLRAM is a major winery of the Kamptal, having well-known vineyards, including Heiligenstein, Gaisberg and Renner. Michaela and Erich Haas-Allram produce wines to an exceptional standard. Lorenz HaasAllram is manager of the cellar and ensures high-quality productions of this company’s wines. www.allram.at
As always,
Trevor
WINZER KREMS has the reputation of being one of the most significant producers of estate bottled quality wines in Austria. Winzer Krems produces wines of excellence. Specialising in growing grapes of major Austrian varieties, the juices are extracted using state-of-the-art equipment and then fermented with controlled temperature. www. winzerkrems.at Importer: Ehrmanns Ltd. For all details of the full range of wines, from each company, please visit their respective websites. Enjoy! Langley
Austria attracts many visitors, from global origins, constantly. From pretty alpine villages, through cities, boasting beautiful architecture, to stunning landscapes, with lakes, mountains, glaciers and so much more, there is something for everyone. Vienna is the capital city and home to Strauss, the renowned family that is famous for numerous musical scores, including much-loved and well-known waltzes. The Vienna Boys Choir has many followers, worldwide. Locating Mozart’s birthplace, cathedrals and a lot of other locations, including some of the world’s finest museums and art galleries, hold much interest. The high-quality wines, produced in Austria, many of which are multi award-winning, have become recognised for their distinctive, superb attributes. www. Grüneraustrianwine.comVeltlineris the most-planted grape variety in Austria. The grape is very capable of producing excellent white wines, from light productions to more concentrated and also sparkling delights. Zweigelt is Austria’s most-planted red wine grape variety. Zweigelt is utilised, to great advantage, to produce wines from dry to sweet in taste, including ice wines.
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ARTNER boasts some of the finest wine growing locations in Carnuntum. This region is located in the eastern area of Austria. Artner wine estate specialises in Austrian grape varieties that include Zweigelt. Several grapes, for white wines, are grown too. The estate also grows other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. www. artner.co.at Importer: Lea & Sandeman Co Ltd.
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black
garlic,
1 bay leaf Salt and freshly
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and thinly sliced 1
Ingredients 1
can chopped tomatoes A
2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, olives and bay leaf, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Discard any of the cleaned mussels that do not close when tapped, or that are damaged or broken. Add the remaining mussels to the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes to heat through. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
550g
white
sunflower oil 225g carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces 1
and chopped 1
pollock, hake) 115g mussels, debearded and cleaned Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, to
3. Add the fish cubes and cook for another 8-10 minutes.
5. Pile into a large warm serving bowl, sprinkle over the chopped parsley and serve with lots of crusty bread. tbsp onion, peeled clove peeled x 400g handful of pitted black olives ground pepper skinned and cubed fish (cod, coley, garnish
1. Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Crusty bread, to serve (optional) Fish Stew Seasonal Recipe Serves Preparation4 time 8 minutes Cooking time 15-20 minutes For more seafood and fish recipe inspiration, visit seafish.org Hearty and wholesome, this vibrant fish stew makes the perfect midweek meal
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts18 ‘The new generation of living space’ Visit our online showroom at www.conservatech.co.uk CALL 0800 0751779 • Conservatories • Orangeries • Modern Tiled Glazed Extensions • Garden Studios • Re-furbish your Existing Conservatory • Porches • Composite Doors • Bi-Folding Doors • Energy WindowsRatedand Doors Your specialist local company, who build with care designdedicationandfromtocompletion. QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS Call 01438 728485 or 07796 394883
It’s tasty, has been around for centuries and is a key ingredient in Britain’s favourite dish – chicken tikka masala – but it’s only recently that the full benefits of turmeric have come to the fore. This gorgeously golden spice gives curry its orange tinge and has long been used in India as a medicinal herb. This is all down to compounds found within the spice, the most important of which is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It can also be used as a lively, peppery essence in things like juices, foods and stocks. Dried turmeric, meanwhile, which is much less potent, adds colour and enhanced earthiness to preparations such as roasts, rice and scrambled eggs. Supplement that! Of course, turmeric doesn’t have to be used in its raw form of food preparation; it can also be taken as a supplement. Terminology Turmeric is a plant and it’s the roots of the plant that are used to make the spice that is used in cooking and herbal drinks. Curcumin is the naturally occurring compound within the plant’s roots that give it it’s bright yellow colour and is known as a carotenoid compound. Turmeric powder has the highest curcumin concentration.
Boosts moods
A Taste for Turmeric
From helping fight inflammation to preventing heart disease and cancer, turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC Eases aches and pains
A powerful anti-inflammatory, there is evidence to suggest a daily dose of turmeric can greatly benefit those suffering from joint problems and arthritis. That said, turmeric is not listed as an arthritis treatment by the NHS, and therefore is unlikely to be prescribed by your GP.
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By reducing inflammation in the brain, the curcumin element enhances the flow of neurotransmitters.
Rids you of free radicals
Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects and fights those nasty cell-damaging atoms. Found in everything from fried food to air pollution, free radicals have been linked to both ageing and cancer and the fewer of them in our bodies, the better.
Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function, which helps regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors. Beats cancer?
Prevents heart disease
While studies in humans are still in very early stages, lab and animal studies have shown promising effects of curcumin in the fight against cancer, by interfering with several important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread. While many of these studies are in their early stages, one thing is for sure: you no longer need to feel guilty about your weekly Indian takeaway.
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Lightweight Leather – faux, real and vintage, there are lots of leather options available and they’re a great additional layer as the weather cools. Try alternative colours, pine greens, creams, tans, rather than the traditional black to update the look.
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Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist
House of
Transitional Weather Dressing
New season stock well into place in the shops and the weather getting a little cooler or unpredictable means a style shift. With our variable weather and temperatures, we need pieces that will allow us to accommodate those changes. Here are some tips to get you well prepared. Waistcoats – knitted or in lightweight fabrics have been a theme and continue into the Autumn this season. They work well over lighterweight shirts, t-shirts and can be useful as an additional layer under jackets. Chunkier knitted options, the sleeveless turtleneck, will take you further into the cooler months, work well paired with midi dress and boots if you can work looser layering. They also work well under a tailored jacket for another smoother layered look. Silk layers – layering underneath can be more flexible than adding a cardigan, much loved though they are. A silk layer can be cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. They are an absolute go to for me when the weather turns. Give yourself a variety of neckline options so that they don’t interfere with the neckline of your top. Patra Selections has a great range. Tailoring – more structure appearing in looks this season so use a tailored jacket over your lightweight knits. This continues the trend we’ve been seeing in the Spring looks too. Shorter and more waisted shapes are appearing in tailoring, great news for those who need a neater silhouette.
Silk skirts work particularly well with knits but it applies to patterned too. Colour - Are there some colours that you bracket as only to be worn in cooler months? Try breaking these out into different areas of your wardrobe. Could a ‘summery’ t-shirt work with a knit or jacket from your ‘winter’ wardrobe? Take your clothes out of the wardrobe (particularly your ‘winter’ clothe) Colour and go through them. Could they be paired with any of your lighterweight options that you might be about to put away? The other good reason to do this is to cast a critical eye over what is needed in the forthcoming season and what needs to be recycled etc. If you need more help putting outfits together and making your wardrobe really work for you find your nearest stylist and get a wardrobe session. You have more options than you think!
Statement skirts into Autumn – could your lightweight skirt from the summer work with a boot, ankle or knee high and layered knit on the top half?
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The Martin Lewis column He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers. In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at how, in a time of rising costs, we can make savings in other places. There’s so much attention at the moment on the cost of petrol, the cost of our utilities, the rise in inflation, and it all seems like bad news.
In an era of prices rising inexplicably across the board in other elements of our life, the time is now to start working the equation back in our favour, so have a look at your bill, survey the competition and start the conversation!
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Money on my Mind
Now usually when I suggest switching to a different mobile provider, people come back with concern over signal strength for, say, Lebara Mobile or PlusNet or whoever it is offering the best deal on data. The reality though is that the communications network is run by four companies and four companies only – O2, EE, Vodafone and Three.
Yet sometimes we are all guilty of obsessing over the negative elements whilst failing to recognise good opportunities elsewhere; and if you’re looking for one sector where costs, pretty much consistently over time, have always decreased, then reach into your pocket and take out your trusty mobile Telecommunications,phone.
broadband and connected industries continue to slash prices in what is a consumer-led price war, and the simple truth is many of us are still paying too much for our mobile phone contracts. So if you’re coughing more than about a tenner a month for your mobile phone contract – and by that I mean calls, texts and data, not the device itself – you’re probably in line to save some money. It all comes down to looking for the best-priced SIM for your needs, because once you find the right deal, it’s really very easy nowadays to grab your PAC code and switch networks.
Every other provider is piggybacking off their signal, so, in effect, it’s the same signal. So by selecting one of the smaller companies all you’re doing is going with a virtual network, and everything else should remain the same. Obviously check before you sign up to see if 5G or tethering conditions are available, but beyond those things it’s the same line. It’s strange that mobile phones are such an integral part of our lives, yet many of us take for granted the competitiveness of the industry and don’t realise where we can be making savings.
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 23 A FREE WILL for Homeowners Protect your home and legacy for your children • Keep your hard-earned wealth within the family • Stop your home from being sold to pay for long term Care Fees. • Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions. • If you already have a Will … Is it up to date? • Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year. • Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected. DON’T PUT IT OFF – Don’t let your home and money disappear, make sure your estate goes to your family… leaving “what you want” to “who you want”. CALL 01767 660250 or email info@willandestateplanning.com for more information or to book a free meeting with one of our Will and Estate Planners either in your own home or at our offices. Baystrait Ltd t/a Will & Estate Planning, Baystrait House, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL
TWO - Water Wastage Showers, toilets, baths and bathroom sinks are collectively responsible for more than two-thirds of a household’s average water usage, meaning that any reduction we can make in water usage will have a hugely positive impact on the environment. There are simple measures we can all take such as showering rather than bathing, and beyond that changing an old showerhead for a low-flow version with high pressure. Also ensure leaky taps are fixed and are certainly not left running for any amount of time unnecessarily
Special Report
– a tap left on can let through six litres of water in under a minute. That means small things such as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth or washing your face can offer a huge benefit in terms of saving water. And of course, whilst helping the environment you’re also reducing your water bill.
THREE - Letting life flourish While the bathroom perhaps isn’t the most obvious place to begin inviting in the flora and fauna of the outside world, the humidity, moisture and flow of air actually makes it a great place for low-maintenance plants such as ferns to thrive. Meanwhile, adding in air-purifying plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, aloe vera and snake plants will actively improve the purity of the air in your bathroom. A biproduct of this is a decrease in mould, meaning less need for harmful cleaning products and chemicals.
FOUR - Limescale lag Limescale is something we commonly associate with poor performance in kettles and washing machines, and that’s correct. Yet, by extension, when our appliances require more energy, over a longer period, to perform the same function, both we and the environment are paying for the privilege.
Eco Bathroom Energy
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From taps to showerheads to the big one, build-up inside your boiler, banishing limescale means keeping your heating appliances and waterflow systems running as efficiently as possible.
ONE - Plastic is not fantastic We all know the issue with single-use plastics, and the damage they do to the environment. The prevalence of refillable and reusable body products – soaps, gels, moisturisers etc. – and the number of retailers wising up to this trend, has kicked off a cultural shift that is rapidly gathering pace. Not only is this tendency for refillable products a trendy revolution, even if it is akin to wartime replenishment of products, but typically those products on offer have been developed with sensitive skin or vegan elements in mind, meaning they are better not just for the environment, but ourselves too.
Simple changes we can make if we’re keen on making our daily preparation and preening routines that much more ecologically friendly.
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts26 Gardening TheGreenFingersAlanTitchmarshcolumn He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses putting early preparations in place for winter. So winter is coming! Okay, so it’s a way off yet, but getting our plans together early for what we want to see in our gardens in winter, is actually a really good idea, even if the whole discussion feels a little, well, ‘out of season’, you might say! The notion of the winter vegetable is one we all stand by – rough, rustic, wholesome and happy, they are the meal mainstays of a season in which we want to be inside, wrapped up warm, with the products of our labour in front of us. Think about kale, brussels sprouts, parsnips, and who can resist the Jerusalem artichoke? These are all easy to get into the group, simple to maintain, and will flourish as the year goes on, ready for picking just when the temperatures begin to drop sharply in November. You also need to start thinking about early spring vegetables – they’ll be longer in the ground but still working their magic through the winter months. In this case, definitely consider spinach, typically planted at the start of autumn, and carrots tooplanted in November and with a bit of protection, the Adelaide carrot flourishes across the colder months for an early-spring treat. You’ve also got leeks, winter salads, Lambs Lettuce, cress, mustard and tasty onions – all evidence that when the sun disappears, the work we can do in our gardens continues. Open six days a week Tel: 01438 311699 Mob: 07788 446635 Email: info@acs-aggregates.com Shangri-La Farm, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2JE Monday – Friday 7.00am – 4.30pm Saturday 8.00am – 12.00pm www.acs-aggregates.com Collection & Delivery of Loose Aggregates Building Sand • Sharp Sand • Ballast • MOT Type 1 • 10 & 20mm shingle Top Soil • Granite Dust • Cements • Drainage • EASYjoint • Sleepers
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Gardening
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts28 Caroline Gardendesignideas.co.ukKnight:
Make the most of ground cover plants such as heuchera, sometimes known as coral bells. There are red, yellow, lime green and orange-leafed varieties. Plant them in groups, next to others with contrasting foliage, to brighten up the autumn understorey. The same applies to heathers, with late-summer and autumn flowers in pinks, purples and white. Erica varieties like free-draining soil in light shade and they can look stunning when planted amongst rocks and boulders, or towards the front of borders. Calluna, or ling heathers, like full sun in acid soil, so there is a heather suitable for almost any location except full shade or bog. More shrubs and perennials for September
The sunny flowers of rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ create a splash of yellow during September. This awardwinning beauty ensures that sunshine will stay in your garden right through to October and beyond. It works well with ornamental grasses and other daisy types including heleniums. The crimson red flower of helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ is one of the best. Asters, with their astonishing display of daisy-like purple, lilac and pink blooms, are often covered in bees and butterflies in September. They set the garden alight with vibrant colour just when you think the show is almost over. Asters are known as a symbol of love and wisdom – let’s all have some of these! September a celebration
It’s not all over in September. Indeed, many people choose this month as their favourite when it comes to drama in the garden. If your outdoor space is looking past its best, this is an opportunity to add to your plant palette. After all, wise gardeners plant today if they believe in tomorrow. Looking good in September Top marks go to ornamental grasses as they are reaching their peak in terms of beauty. There’s a grass to suit just about every type of space and the effect at this time of year is stunning. Swathes of gently swaying grasses lighten the soul. Some measure just a few centimetres high whilst others tower to three metres and more. The seed heads can be pink, purple, cream and white. A few grasses look like lambs’ tails and several resemble giant plumes on a circus horse’s head. For something completely reliable in free-draining soil and a sunny position, try Anemanthele lessoniana, or pheasant’s tail grass. It’s a semievergreen mound of golden and green loveliness that is steaked with red at this time of year. Use some of the larger grasses, including Miscanthus, as specimen plants amongst your borders. They will add froth and glory that improves throughout the year. When most plants are fading, these grasses will be stealing the show with their clump-forming habit and spectacular autumn flowers. Contrast and drama Pay attention to foliage if you want to create some astonishing contrast. Acers, in particular, are now working their way to a crescendo. Their colour takes on a vibrancy that will improve over the next few weeks as the leaves turn gradually crimson, purple, bronze and brilliant yellow, according to variety.
Make
sumptuous
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currently own one and you are able, you can foster two horses as company for each other. If you fit the criteria for an equine foster carer why not find out more and apply online. How can I get involved?
When an animal is fostered space in our centres then become free, so that we can rescue more animals in desperate need. What does the role involve? You would be required to provide the care the animal needs; feeding, exercising, cleaning, socialising, giving medication and grooming. Essentially, there are two main avenues within fostering at the 1)RSPCA:Foster carers for animals ready to be rehomed. 2) Foster carers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take Someplace.of the animals that we take in have are not used to the care and affection that they deserved. Living with a foster family helps to provide them with that one-toone care, allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle. You may even be asked to foster an animal that is convalescing following illness or injury while they prepare for the adoption process. Providing stable futures Pardon the pun, but did you know that you could also foster a horse or a pony? You can foster a horse or a pony as a companion for your own horse. Or if you don’t
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Pets
Have You ConsideredEverFostering?
Being a foster carer is exceptionally rewarding. The RSPCA are always on the look out for new foster carers who can provide a safe, caring and loving environment for the cats and dogs that are rescued each year. Fostering an animal can help them recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury - taking the first steps towards finding a new, loving forever home. It’s very fulfilling to know that you played a key part in helping a rescued animal recover and to then start a new life with a new family. Fostering also gives those who are unable to take in an animal long term, due to commitments and circumstance, with an alternative. Why do we need foster carers?
If you are interested in the role of a foster carer, use our volunteer search on our national website to find opportunities near you. If there is nothing listed in your area, then it’s always worth checking with your nearest RSPCA branch or animal centre. We are always delighted to hear about people’s positive fostering experiences. So please do get in touch if you have a story you’d like to share. 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, please contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.
Our foster carers aim to help rehabilitate the animals in their care. This then increases their chances of finding a forever home. Naturally, we try to rehome our animals as quickly as possible, but if they are involved in a prosecution case we could have them in our care for long periods. Some animals need one-to-one care or perhaps don’t cope well in an animal centre environment. This is where our team of fantastic foster carers comes in.
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts34 Repairs of WashingElectricTumbleMachinesDryersDishwashersElectricOvensCookersElectricHobs Email:DomesticSHIRONAppliancesContactRONNIETel:01438720304Mobile:07396579717rohintoncooper@hotmail.com VAT Registered Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda and Whirlpool appliances.
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZEasyCodewordSudoku Hard Sudoku Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
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5 SEPTEMBER Lego Club Letchworth4-5pmLibrary £3 per child. First Monday of the month. For children ages 5-12 years. Hour of creative fun with Lego. Booking essential at the library.
1 SEPTEMBER The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘Ford Madox Brown: The PreRaphaelite Half Brother’ by Alan Read. Visitors welcome. Lift access. Web: org.uktheartssocietynorthherts. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 & 29 SEPTEMBER Retired Persons Table Tennis Club Mondays 11am-1.30pm, Thursdays 1.30-4pm Memorial Hall, Stotfold The club plays both doubles and singles. Monthly subscription payable. Vacancies for new members (but not beginners). Email: terrygriffiths50@gmail.com 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 SEPTEMBER Hitchin Thursday Art Club St.9.30am-12pmJohn’sCommunity Centre, St. John’s Road, Hitchin We meet every Thursday for painting and drawing, etc. We are a friendly group who enjoy art and chatting. Tel: Mike 07977 347707 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 SEPTEMBER Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friendsgenerally 50+ age group. Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info W: sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 SEPTEMBER 10.30-11amStorytime Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 SEPTEMBER Bridge Club 1.30-4.30pm Springfield House, Old Stevenage Community Centre Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 3 SEPTEMBER
5, 12, 19 & 26 SEPTEMBER Monday Painting Group Letchworth9am-12pm Corner Sports Club, Whitethorn Lane Meets every Monday. Each term we choose a selection of subjects to paint. If you are interested, you are welcome to try it for £5 per session. Tel: Valerie Williams 01462 624439 Email: mondaypainting@lalg.org.uk
info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 5,
Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: 12, 19 & SEPTEMBER 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30 SEPTEMBER Bridge Club 1pm Howgills,
26
Branch Out Social Club for Single TheCromwell8.30-10.30pmPeopleBar,SunHotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Meets every Monday night. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 6,
5, 12, 19 & 26 SEPTEMBER
Open
The Signals Museum Day RAF10am-4pmHenlow, SG16 6DN Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk
South View, Letchworth £3. Tuesdays and Fridays. Play from 1pm but do come earlier. Beginners and improvers welcome – we play very friendly Rubber Bridge. Tel: Gill Cheaney 01462 686806 Email: bridgeclub@lalg.org.uk 7 SEPTEMBER Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Shuttleworth Guests £5. ‘The Duncan Sandys Myth’ by Greg Baughen. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth £19.50/£17.50 online in advance (valid for 30 days). E: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 SEPTEMBER Hinxworth Art Society 10am-12pm Hinxworth Village Hall Drawing, painting, coffee and chat. No need to book. Occasional oneday courses and demonstrations. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 SEPTEMBER Baby Rhyme Hitchin10.15-10.45amTime&11.15-11.45amLibrary Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skillss. Booking essential. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 SEPTEMBER Open Wednesday at the Walled Luton10.30am-4pmGardenHooEstate, Luton Entry £7.50 including guided tour, school age children £1, under 5s and carers free Last entry 2.30pm. No access from the hotel – please use LU1 4LF. Tel: 01582 721443 Web: BMNUTickets:www.lutonhooestate.co.ukhttps://trybooking.co.uk/ What's On WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts38
The
birds.
15 SEPTEMBER Hitchin Friendship Club 2.15-4.15pm St Michaels Mount Community Centre Meets third Thursday of the month. Interesting talks, pub lunches, day trips, coffee mornings, holidays and much more. Refreshments, book exchange, raffle and quiz. Tel: 07974 374106
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16 SEPTEMBER Concert by Primrose Quartet 8pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin The Primrose Piano Quartet was formed in 2004 by four renowned chamber musicians. Enjoy them perform Beethoven, Schoenberg SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER for migrants, coastal and woodland Contact Graham Graham Beevor 01438 232055 grahambeevor@hotmail.co.uk SEPTEMBER
for information. Tel:
Stevenage RSPB Local Group coach trip to Rye Harbour 8.15am Visit this popular reserve on the East Sussex coast to look
Email:
13 SEPTEMBER Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm Baldock Library £3 per child. Second Tuesday of the month. For children ages 5-12 years. Hour of creative fun with Lego. Booking essential at the library.
departing
What's On 7 & 21 SEPTEMBER Meet and Compete 2-3.30pm Stevenage Library Free – donations welcome The group meets every other week in the front area of the library to play scrabble and other board games. All ages welcome. 9 SEPTEMBER Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock With Oxford NAGS and caller Barry Goodman. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Book online. Tel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 or 01582 724261 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk 10 & 23 SEPTEMBER Sabbath Service 11am & 7pm Stevenage Liberal Synagogue welcomes members and visitors to their sabbath services on the second Saturday and fourth Friday evening of the month. Tel: 01438 300222 Email org.ukwww.stevenageliberalsynagogue.gmail.comstevenageliberalsynagogue@ 11 SEPTEMBER Open Day and Wine Sale 11am-4pm Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden Adults £4 in advance online, £5 on day, children under 16 free, tours £5. Wine tasting, local food and other stalls, Petting farm, BBQ and Web:refreshments.www.wardenvineyard.org.uk 12 SEPTEMBER Icknield Quilters Baldock7.45pm Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock Meets second Monday of the month. Visitors welcome.
Flower Club 7.30pm Church House, next to St Mary’s Church Churchyard, Hitchin Visitors £8 Workshop. 29 SEPTEMBER Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Stansted Innings Meet 9.30am No charge for RSPSB members Morning walk round this area of mixed habitats on the edge of Stansted Abbots and to the North of Rye Meads. Meet in the car park at grid ref 166/TL 386115. Postcode SG18 8HL. Leader Graham Beevor. Tel: 01438 232055 30 SEPTEMBER Afternoon Tea Benslow4pm Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin £19.95pp/£24.95pp with a glass of EnjoyProseccoafternoon tea at Benslow Music complemented with live music. Booking required. Tel: 01462 459446 Web: https://benslowmusic.org WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER The deadline for What’s On entries is 12th September. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.net 39To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage Members £3, non-members £4, under 16s 50p ‘Birds of the North Kent Reserves‘ with Jonathon Forgham. 01438 236310 trevorstorey54@gmail.com SEPTEMBER Hitchin
Tel:
Email:
and Web:Chausson.https://benslowmusic.org 17
14 SEPTEMBER Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust. 7.15pm for 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnam Avenue, Bedford Illustrated talk ‘An Introduction to Bedfordshire’s Geology‘ by Bev Fowlston. Ample parking. All welcome. No charge but voluntary contributions appreciated. Tel: 01234 266057 W: wildlifebcn.org
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Weston Concerts 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Weston Tickets £20, under 25s £5 Roth Guitar Duo. Emma Smith and Sam Rodwell – both Masters graduates of Royal Northern College, Manchester, studying under Craig www.westonmusicsociety.org.ukwww.trybooking.co.uk/BQFKOgden. 18
40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Visit our beautiful 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 bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk725309www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 41 Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Will Punchard from Bythorn EditionAugustfromSolutionPuzzleCrosswordour August’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com Easy Hard
42 Name: Address: Tel: The Villager Prize Crossword Complete the crossword and fill in your details below, before 16th September 2022 Either cut out this page and send to Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd. 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Or photograph your entry and email to competitions@villagermag.com The winner will be drawn at random from the correct entries. Prize £25 1AcrossInaddition (4) 3 Greets (8) 9 Painful condition (7) 10 Childminder (5) 11 Developments (12) 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) 17 Winter sport (3) 18 Purposefully (12) 21 Time-piece (5) 22 Distinctive (7) 23 Moving very fast (8) 24 Questions (4) 1DownFrom the United States (8) 2 Tantrum (5) 4 Used for seeing (3) 5 Condensed (12) 6 Parts of an hour (7) 7 Speaks (4) 8 Talented (12) 12 Delete (5) 13 Two wheeled vehicles (8) 15 Rigid support frame (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 In debt (4) 22 Male child (3) Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
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Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss Fiona Thomas From reasons to take the plunge to things to consider before you do, and practical advice on aspects such as tax, insurance, raising an invoice and building a client base, this book has it all. Plus, it’s actually enjoyable to read (not something that can be said for most business books). Making Your Website Work Gill Andrews Offering ‘100 copy and design tweaks for smart business owners’, this book will help you to tighten up your website so it attracts more visitors and converts them into customers. It’s packed with great advice, from how to improve your contact page to what to include in your footer. Whether you’re creating your own website or hiring an agency, this book is a must.
By Kate Duggan
44
Taking the plunge
Books Whether you’re freelancing, running a side hustle or thinking about setting up a small business for the first time, these books could make your life that little bit easier.
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Falling off the Ladder Helen Hill It’s daunting taking the leap into self-employment. Even the most confident amongst us will wobble at times. Falling off the Ladder is like having a supportive friend on the sidelines cheering you on. It’s about changing your mindset, valuing what you have to offer and celebrating your achievements. There’s also advice on everything from finding a community of fellow business owners to dealing with overwhelm.
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 45 I D Decorating Painting & ServicesDecorating Painting – Interior & Exterior DecoratingCoving No Job Too Big Or Too Small Fully Insured & Free Estimates Telephone: Ian Dunklin 0790 508 3799
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts46 Plumbing Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small! Please call Gary on 07530 728091 Painters and Decorators For a free quotation please contact Gary on Tel: 01438 353793 Mob: 07733 227961 Email: info@premierpd.co.uk Premier www.premierpd.co.uk 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, so ts 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 services.painting From just £35.00 per month plus VAT Call Nigel on 01767 261122 for more informationplus
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 47 Alcoholics Anonymous ............................. Al-Anon Family Groups .............................0800 008 6811 Anglian Water ...........................................08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital ....................................... 01234 355122 Lister Hospital ........................................... 01438 314333 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue .................. 01438 729041 Carers Line .................................................0808 808 7777 ChildLine ..........................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice ..........................................03444 111 444 Cocaine Anonymous .................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers .............................................0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care...........................0333 252 9152 Floodline ...................................................0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory ...................................0800 776 600 National Debt Line ....................................0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency ...........................................0800 111 999 NHS ............................................................................. 111 National Rail Enquiries............................. 03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line ........................................ 101 NSPCC ........................................................0808 800 5000 Pre-bereavement Helpline Support .........0808 801 0688 Relate ......................................................... 0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line ...................................0300 1234 999 Samaritans ........................................................... 116 123 Tax Credit Helpline ....................................0345 300 3900 Victim Support ........................................... 845 30 30 900 Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area. The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area. Bringing Local Business to Local People For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on: Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com USEFUL NUMBERS VILLAGER The and Town Life
