Henlow April 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 137 - April 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Easter Origins Understanding

Global Warming Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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FRco1py

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON AT THE MILL Easter Holiday

EGGSTRAVAGANZA Kids Activity Trail

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13th - 19th May

VEGETARIAN WEEK Celebrate all things veg with our delicious daily specials.

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KIDS ACTIV

Marking RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the best tips and advice from our head gardener. Special plant offers in the Mill Shop.

KEEPING OUR FOOD HERITAGE ALIVE @JORDANS.MILL

www.jordansmill.com Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Southill Road, Broom, Nr Biggleswade SG18 9JY

Inside this issue...

Solutions4Gardens

Easter Origins........................................................................4 Wine: Convenience Matters. The Next Chapter......................8 Understanding Global Warming..........................................12 Namib Desert......................................................................14 Rechargeable Batteries.......................................................16 National Stop Snoring Week................................................19 Fun Quiz..............................................................................21 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe..............................................22 Keeping children safe online...............................................25 Crisps!.................................................................................26 Bring the Gym to you..........................................................28 Do you suffer from Hay fever?.............................................31 How to give your wardrobe a makeover..............................33 Easter - A Moveable Feast...................................................35

EAAA - Richard’s Story.........................................................36 How to save money when selling your home......................38 Windswept Gardening........................................................42 Solutions4Gardens..............................................................44 Container-Grown Fruit........................................................46 Be Prepared..... but don’t panic!..........................................51 Recycled Confusion.............................................................53 Wordsearch.........................................................................53 Don’t be an April Fool..........................................................54 Fostering Animals for the RSPCA.........................................59 Puzzle Page.........................................................................60 What’s On............................................................................64 Pun-tastic... why the British love corny one-liners..............69 Prize Crossword.......................................................... 74 Book Review.......................................................................76

Fostering Animals for the RSPCA

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Nadia Houston, Solange Hando, Tracey Anderson, Louise Addison, Nick Coffer, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, Dr Clare Becker and Kate McLelland

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History

Easter Origins

By Catherine Rose

Or the reason why bunnies lay eggs

Easter is the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection but its annual tradition of a rabbit leaving chocolate eggs for children seems to be an idea out of the imagination of Lewis Carroll. So how did it come about? Although eggs have featured symbolically in ceremonies throughout the world for hundreds of years, the tradition of eggs given at Easter seems to have been born in Europe as long ago as the twelfth century. The Easter Bunny in particular is said to originate in Germany where it was the mystical hare, not a rabbit, who was the giver. This hare was mentioned as early as 1682 in George Franck von Frankenau’s German book About Easter Eggs. And near the turn of last century The Every Women’s Encyclopaedia wrote: “In Germany, it is the timid hare who is supposed to be responsible for the plentiful supply of brightly coloured Easter eggs so eagerly sought for by the children in all manner of hiding places. The hare, therefore, plays a very important part in German Easter observances, and representations of the gentle, long-eared little creature are immensely popular.” Further afield, in the USA, Dutch immigrants to Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century were

telling their children about Osterhase or the Easter Hare. By the time it was mentioned in the San Francisco Call, the hare had become a rabbit: “From Germany – rich in weird traditions – comes the quaint conceit that the week before Easter rabbits are endowed with the power to lay eggs.” But why a hare originally? The hare was once a symbol of the sixteenth century German Lutheran Church because it was believed – perhaps due to its solitary nature – that it could reproduce itself without a mate and was therefore likened to the Virgin Birth. There is another possibility that the idea of an Easter hare was born from the pagan worship of Eostre, the Saxon goddess of spring, who was said to have the altered shape of a hare. The origin of the Easter egg is not certain. Some see it as a symbol of new birth and therefore the Resurrection. It can also be linked to the forty day Christian period of Lent, which represents Christ’s time in the wilderness, when people eat up their last eggs and flour as pancakes on Shrove Tuesday in preparation for the fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Easter. During the Middle Ages eggs were forbidden to be eaten during Lent, which could also be why they

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became central to Easter celebrations. And there would have been plenty of them to use up as hens don’t stop laying because it’s Lent! However, as spring is the time of new birth in nature generally, it is likely that the idea of giving decorated eggs at this time of year began as a pagan one. The tradition of egg gifting has long existed throughout Europe but with different twists on the theme. For example, in Italy it was believed that angels would descend from heaven on Easter Sunday and bless the faithful with a basket of eggs, while in Switzerland Tyrolean musicians would go from house to house performing and receiving eggs as payment. It has long been customary to serve painted or dyed hard-boiled eggs for breakfast on Easter morning. Early dyes would have been natural, made from bark, walnut shells, flowers and onion skins. The eggs were often wrapped in pieces of fabric or decorated with beeswax to provide a ‘resist’ and therefore leave a pattern on the eggshell (a bit like tie-dye). The wealthy also gifted extravagant eggs to one another – gilded and decorated. At Easter in 1885, the Russian Tsar asked Fabergé to make one of his jewelled eggs to present to the Tsarina and there are examples of beautifully made and expensively decorated artificial eggs throughout history.

So how did Easter eggs come to be made of chocolate? The Victorians popularised giving a decorated cardboard egg filled with sweets and chocolates at Easter. At the beginning of the twentieth century, chocolate manufacturers such as Fry’s and Cadbury began cashing in on the idea of marrying the two, the former having produced the first commercially available chocolate Easter egg in 1873. The first eggs were solid but soon they were being manufactured to be hollow so that they could be filled with sweets or toys. There does not seem to be much in the way of records that show how the Easter egg hunt began but as well as the traditional egg hunt, games with eggs such as egg rolling and egg tapping (a bit like conkers) also feature as community activities at Easter, even today. And there is no doubt that they provide a lot of fun for children. Even Queen Victoria was partial to an Easter egg hunt, writing in her diary when she was fourteen: “Mama did some pretty painted and ornamented eggs, and we looked for them [in Kensington Palace gardens].” It was a tradition that she carried on with her own children, giving them moss baskets in which to collect the eggs. There will be many hunts taking place either inside or out this Easter, thanks to the generosity of the Easter Bunny.

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Food and Drink

Wine: Convenience Matters The Next Chapter

Various types and styles of wines are widely available in these modern times. Red, white, something in between, sparkling, dry, medium, sweet, are several of the choices to be considered, when selecting wine. Also, organic, plus wines suitable for vegetarians and vegans are further available options.

Chile produces splendid wines and I found the Chilean Valle wines to be excellent. Valle De Casablanca Reserva Chardonnay is a white wine pleaser for many occasions. The climate of the Casablanca Valley has cooling breezes, to create perfect conditions for the growing of grapes. This Chardonnay flavour is fresh, with the mouthfeel and palate appreciating a good, balanced production. Pairs perfectly with salmon and other fish dishes, plus chicken and white meats. Valle De Leyda Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is another white wine which is extremely popular. This is a bright, refreshing wine, tending towards floral in style and wonderful to accompany salads and seafood. Staying with Valle De Leyda, Reserva Pinot Noir is very popular with red wine lovers. Juicy red fruits on the nose lead enticingly to the mouth’s pleasures, for this smooth, powerful production. Accompanies tuna fish and red meat dishes, particularly well. Valle Del Maule Reserva Merlot is a further, often-selected, red wine. The Merlot grape produces exceptionally good wines, which are full and rich. Powerful and fabulous with numerous dishes, including casseroles and red meats. Vine & Bloom offers Pinot Grigio (Italy) vegan wine. Described as ‘crisp and appley’ (agreed) I found this production refreshing and pleasantly light. An excellent white to accompany a lot of cuisine. Vine & Bloom Merlot (Italy) vegan wine is described as ‘smooth and juicy’ (again, an accurate description, which I agree with). Dark fruits, on the nose and mouthfeel, continue through to the palate’s sensation and enjoyment. A smooth and very popular red wine to pair with numerous dishes. Other vegan wine productions are available, too. I located these wines at a Spar store. Founded during 1932, Spar now has shops in over 40 countries. Spar convenience stores stock numerous items, for everyday needs, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to suit all tastes and palates. www.spar.co.uk/wine www.spar.co.uk

As always, Enjoy! 8

ey Trevor Langl

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PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

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Special Report

Understanding Global Warming By Nadia Houston

The ten-year anniversary of the volcanic ash cloud is nothing to celebrate. All flights in and out of the UK and several other European countries were suspended while ash from a volcanic eruption in Iceland moved south. Up to 4,000 flights were cancelled with no flights allowed into UK airspace for days amid fears of engine damage. Lives were thrown upside down whilst the volcano continued to spew its ash and people waited with bated breath to see in what direction the wind blew. Fast forward to this year’s disaster in the southern hemisphere where record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought have fuelled a series of massive bushfires across Australia and burned their way through New South Wales and Victoria. Bush, forest and parks were decimated and people (including firefighters) lost their lives. Here we have two situations which have consequences in terms of global warming. Cause or effect? Chicken or egg? During major explosive eruptions, huge amounts of volcanic gas are injected into the stratosphere and greenhouse gases have the potential to promote global warming. It’s ironic that glaciers act like a protective layer and when the ice melts away from the top of a volcanic mountain, it is then free to erupt. The Earth’s climate has changed throughout history and in the last 650,000 years there have been seven cycles of glacial advance and retreat, with the abrupt end of the last ice age about 11,700 years ago marking the beginning of human civilisation.

The evidence is compelling, the current trend having particular significance because most of it is the result of human activity since the mid-20th century. Furthermore it is proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented, roughly ten times faster than the average rate of ice-age recovery. Ancient evidence plus modern earth-orbiting satellites have enabled scientists to see the big picture on a global scale. There were once six trillion trees on the planet, yet now there are only three trillion, leading not only to a changing climate but a shrinking habitat for wildlife and harder lives for billions of people. Now, the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) is hoping to restore a trillion trees by 2050, to reverse these trends and create a world where forests are expanding, not shrinking. It can be depressing to hear that glaciers are melting, seas are rising and many species are on the move, migrating to higher, cooler areas. The good news is many of us have become informed. We are travelling responsibly, eating sustainably, reducing our waste, watching what we buy, donating, pledging and volunteering. Our efforts are important. In the UK, we’re getting more energy than ever from renewable sources. Last year, for the first time since the industrial revolution, more energy was generated from zero-carbon electricity than from fossil fuels. And in summer, we went for more than two weeks without using coal to generate electricity at all – the longest period since 1882. While there is still much to be done, it just shows what can be achieved.

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Travel

Namib Desert

By Solange Hando

West of the Kalahari and the Great Escarpment, the Namib stretches 1,500 km along Namibia’s Atlantic coast and 80 to 160 km inland. This is the oldest desert in the world (some say over 55 million years old), an ‘open space’ that gave its name to Namibia. It’s nature in the raw, a mythical land claiming some of the highest dunes on the planet and laced with river beds, briefly flooded every five or six years but usually bone dry. Hot and arid, it may seem a desolate place, yet about a hundred days a year the ocean fog drifts in, bringing life-giving moisture to a few acacia trees. Plants pop up here and there: spiky melon, dollar bush – so called for its shape – and the resilient mirabilis with just two very long leaves, which can live for over 2,000 years. Fauna includes small geckos and lizards, white ants found nowhere else on earth, rodents, a few springbok and the amazing desert elephants able to survive four to five days without water. Equally well-adapted is the beautiful Oryx gazelle, often wandering on its own with long straight horns silhouetted against sand and sky. In the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the ‘Sea of Sand’ is a world heritage site and for nature lovers the most spectacular attraction, just beyond the dramatic canyon of Sesriem. The park opens in time for sunrise and as you start the 60 km drive across the legendary Sossusvlei area the desert takes your breath away, dazzling colours from

orange and gold to red and pink, spooky shadows, blinding light and clumps of wild sage glowing luminous green. Crowds climb up the iconic Dune 45, seen on every postcard but close to the tarmac and a mere 170 metres high. Number 45 refers to the distance from the park’s entrance, but for real adventurers it all begins at the end of the road. First it’s a 4x4 safari ride, 5 km or so bouncing on a track, then shuffling through the sand to the base of ‘Big Daddy’, the highest dune in the area beckoning at a whopping 325 metres. Ready to climb? Not easy as you crawl up the narrow ridge, no track, only footprints ahead of you, shifting precariously as you attempt to anchor your heels. It’s blazing hot but the views are gorgeous all along the crest, even if you don’t get to the top. For without the slightest warning, a mighty sandstorm might arise, forcing you to slide down to safety as fast as you can on the steepest side. You land in the Deadvlei, a long-dried up marsh now a white clay pan, dotted with the skeletons of camelthorn trees, dead for hundreds of years, never decomposed but scorched by the sun. Yet just as awesome are the mighty dunes rolling along the Skeleton Coast, scattered with shipwrecks and mostly inaccessible – though wonderful views can be enjoyed on a propeller flight, skimming right across the desert in a vast surreal landscape of ever-changing shapes and colours.

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Batteries

By Tracey Anderson

Rechargeable Batteries Do you have a laptop and a smartphone? How about cordless power tools, or even an electric car? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you will be dependent on rechargeable batteries. I was surprised to learn that rechargeables have been around since 1859! French physicist Gaston Plante developed the lead acid cell. This had a lead anode (the positive bit), a lead dioxide cathode (the negative bit) and a sulphuric acid electrolyte (the chemical connector). The Plante battery was actually the precursor to our modern-day car batteries. Regular non-rechargeable batteries and rechargeables generate current in exactly the same way: through an electrochemical reaction involving the anode, cathode and electrolyte. In a rechargeable battery though the reaction is reversible. So, when electrical energy from an outside source is applied to the battery (i.e. itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plugged into a charger), the negative-to-positive electron flow that occurs during battery use is reversed, and its charge is restored. The most common rechargeable batteries on the market today are lithium-ion (Li-ion). Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickelcadmium (NiCd) batteries are also used. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) have been around a long time and are pretty rugged, so they are used where long service life, high discharge current and extreme temperatures are required. They allow very fast charging with

minimal stress so tend to be used in power tools, medical devices, and aviation. Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) were developed as a replacement for NiCd. They are used for medical instruments, hybrid cars and industrial applications. NiMH is also available in AA and AAA sized rechargeables for consumer use. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are being used in applications that were previously served by lead and nickel-based batteries. Li-ion batteries have a long life, hold a charge better, operate at higher voltages, and can be made smaller and lighter so they are very popular for phones and laptops etc. But Li-ion batteries

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are not currently available in popular standard sizes such as AAA, AA, C or D, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re considerably more expensive. All rechargeable batteries (and the single use variety) contain metals such as cadmium, cobalt and lead that are harmful to the environmental if not disposed of properly. Hence when they reach the end of their life itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to keep them out of landfills because these metals can taint the surrounding air, topsoil and groundwater. Remember, even rechargeable batteries will eventually die, though it may take hundreds of charges before that happens. Make sure to dispose of them responsibly at a recycling facility.

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Snoring

By Louise Addison

Snoring!

April 20th marks the start of National Stop Snoring Week Snoring is the distinctive sound made by vibrations of the soft palate and other tissue in the mouth, nose and throat. It is caused by turbulence which occurs due to a partial blockage that may be located anywhere from the tip of the nose to the vocal cords. During waking hours muscle tone keeps the airway in good shape. When we sleep our throat muscles relax and this decrease in tone can cause airways to narrow and vibrate. Though it can certainly feel like your partner is doing it to annoy you, no-one snores deliberately, and unfortunately it can’t be cured. But it can be controlled. The key to control is to find out the cause of your particular snoring. Snoring can be related to the tongue, nose, mouth, or it can be multi-factorial. Historically it was considered to be a male problem, but it actually affects males to females in the ratio of 2:1. Women tend to under-report and fail to seek help due to embarrassment because even in the 21st century it’s considered ‘unladylike’ to snore! The risk factors for snoring are similar in women to men: being overweight, smoking, and alcohol are common factors, but women also snore more following the menopause and it’s one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Snoring is often considered a joke, but it can have a devastating effect on people. Sleep deprivation (both the snorer and their partner) is physically and mentally debilitating and can lead to illness as well as relationship breakdown.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a particularly dangerous side-effect of snoring, defined as the cessation of airflow during sleep, preventing air from entering the lungs caused by an obstruction. It is considered clinically significant if a person stops breathing for more than 10 seconds each time and if occurs more than 5 times every hour. OSA only happens during sleep. When you experience an episode of apnoea during sleep your brain will automatically wake you up, usually with a very loud snore or snort, in order to breathe again. People with OSA can experience wakening episodes many times during the night and consequently feel very sleepy during the day. If you are excessively sleepy during the day and feel irritable or restless, you may be suffering from OSA. Your partner may point out that your snoring is loud, often interrupted by pauses and gasps. You might fall asleep at work, whilst driving, or during conversations. You might be forgetful and irritable and suffer with morning headaches. Not everyone who has these symptoms will have sleep apnoea but if you suffer with them a lot, you should seek advice from a medical professional. The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (BSSAA) has a very helpful website packed with advice and useful questionnaires and information about all aspects of snoring. They even sell approved anti-snoring devices. The web address is britishsnoring.co.uk Here’s to a peaceful night’s sleep!

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Jack & Jill 1. In the 1997 film Titanic, Jack wins a game of what to get him and his friend tickets to travel on the Titanic? 2. How is Mildred Hubble better known in a series of children’s books written and illustrated by Jill Murphy? 3. Who was shot dead by Jack Ruby live on television? 4. In which 1996 video game could you take control of Jill Valentine to fight against zombies? 5. How many people are depicted on artist Jack Vettriano’s painting The Singing Butler, reproductions of which made it the best-selling art print in the UK?

6. The 2011 film Jack And Jill won a record 10 awards at the Golden Raspberry Awards, including both Worst Actor and Worst Actress for which actor, who played both title roles? 7. In which film does the character of Jill Masterson die from skin asphyxiation? 8. In which US state is Jack Daniel’s whisky produced? 9. Which Oscar-winning actress played Rachel’s younger sister, Jill, in the TV show “Friends”? 10. Which three actors have played Jack Ryan in the four films based on books by Tom Clancy?

1. Poker 2. The Worst Witch 3. Lee Harvey Oswald 4. Resident Evil 5. Four (ouple dancing on a beach as a maid and butler hold umbrellas) 6. Adam Sandler 7. Goldfinger (her entire body is painted gold) 8. Tennessee 9. Reese Witherspoon 10. Alec Baldwin (The Hunt for Red October), Harrison Ford (Patriot Games and Clear And Present Danger) and Ben Affleck (The Sum Of All Fears)

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Food & Drink

Quick salmon miso ramen noodles with crunchy vegetables On my Weekend Kitchen show, I often take a microphone into my own kitchen and record myself making recipes at home. They are great ways of showing how you can make lovely home-cooked food in double-quick time. This lovely broth is a great example of that. It can be on the table in barely five minutes and just feels so healthy and good for you. I cheat with the store-bought ingredients, but that makes it all the easier to make. Ingredients 1 litre vegetable stock (use a good quality cube, powder or pot) 2 tsp Miso paste Garlic and ginger stir-fry oil Chilli sauce (to taste) Japanese soy sauce 1 pack ready cooked noodles 2 x 150g salmon fillets, cut downwards into 1 cm thick squares 1 large leek, sliced 1 pack mange tout, or similar 1. Make up your stock and stir through the miso paste. Check it for taste – you can always add a little more if you like more of the salty, nutty taste that miso paste gives. 2. Addafewdropsofchillisaucedependingon your taste and spice levels.

Serves 2 3. Keep the stock on a gentle simmer. 4. Prepare two deep large round bowls. 5. Give the noodles a quick blitz in the microwave to heat them and soften them a little. Share them between the two bowls. 6. Heat a pan on a high heat and pour in a good glug of the stir-fry oil. Flash fry the leeks and greens for a minute. They won’t need more as they’ll continue to cook in the broth. 7. Share the veg between the two bowls, on top of the noodles. 8. Add a little oil again and chuck in the salmon. Cook the pieces quickly on both sides. Drizzle in some soy sauce so they take on a colour. 9. Again, share the salmon between the two bowls and fill each bowl with stock. 10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

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IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A HIGH-QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVER FOR UP TO 50% LESS THAN A NEW FULLY FITTED KITCHEN, WHY NOT PAY A VISIT TO DREAM DOORS EAST HERTS SHOWROOM IN WARE Highly-experienced owners Carly and Tom promise you a warm welcome. More importantly they will help you design and create your ideal kitchen using our impressive range of highquality products and can typically reface your kitchen in as little as two to three days. Dream Doors is the UK’s #1 kitchen makeover specialist and we take the hassle out of your kitchen revamp from the very beginning. Once we’ve arranged a free, no obligation visit to your home - at a time that’s convenient for you we will measure up your kitchen. Our experienced kitchen designers can then talk you through our extensive range of products and help you narrow down your selection. No matter if your style is traditional, contemporary, exclusive, modern or classic we have a range of doors and worktops that will suit you and your style.

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Parenting

Keeping children safe online

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk While children and teenagers are often far more tech savvy than us parents, their lack of life experience makes them vulnerable. One in eight 12-15 year olds experiences cyber bullying, and a growing number are being groomed online. Check parental controls Digital devices usually come with parental controls that you can enable. Popular children’s online games, such as Roblox, also tend to give parents a choice of settings. You can prevent your child from accessing certain features, for example. You may want to adjust the settings so that your child can’t chat to strangers, and regularly check your child’s list of friends to make sure they haven’t added people they don’t know in real life. Talk to your child Ask your child to show you what they do when they’re playing their favourite digital games. You might also want to set up your own account, so you can explore a game to see whether there’s anything that concerns you. Make sure your child understands that they should never send photos to people they meet online, or give out personal details, such as their real name, email address or school. Talk to your child about how easy it is for people to lie when they’re online. Above all, make sure your child knows that they can come to you if they experience anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, without you getting cross. Social media Most social media sites only allow accounts to be

set up by people aged 13 and up. However, they don’t require proof of age, so it’s down to parents to enforce the rules. Messaging apps and social media are useful for keeping in touch with friends but can be exploited by bullies and predators. Again, talk to your child about how to stay safe. You might want to help your teen set up their privacy controls and discuss what they should do if they’re trolled or contacted by someone they don’t know. Setting limits Most tablets allow you to set a limit for how many hours they can be used for each day. It’s more difficult to set time limits for older children, however, who may need to use laptops or tablets to do their homework. At the very least, you may want to agree times that your child isn’t allowed to use devices, such as meal times, the hour before bedtime and so on. Try to lead by example. If you’re constantly scrolling through social media feeds, it’s going to be hard to convince your child not to do the same. Further info For guidance on keeping children safe online, check out www.net-aware.org.uk and www.saferinternet.org.uk. www.internetmatters.org also has a wealth of useful information, including what to do if your child is bullied online. If you’re not sure how to set up parental controls, or want advice on privacy settings or social media, call the O2/NSPCC’s online safety advice line on 0808 8005002.

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Food & Drink

Crisps!

By Tracey Anderson

Who doesn’t love a bag of crisps? They are so moreish you can never eat just one. They were reportedly invented by a chef named George Crum who created them in 1853 at Moon’s Lake House near Saratoga Springs, New York. Legend has it that a customer kept sending his fried potatoes back to the kitchen, complaining that they were soggy, and not crunchy enough. Fed up with the constant griping Crum sliced the potatoes as thin as possible, fried them in hot fat, then doused them with salt. The customer loved them and “Saratoga Chips” were born! They quickly became a popular item at the lodge and throughout the whole of New England. The crisps (or chips as they are called in the US) began to be mass-produced for home consumption. Originally, they were sold in barrels or tins, and quickly went stale. In the 1920s, Laura Scudder invented the airtight bag by ironing together two pieces of waxed paper, thus keeping the crisps fresh longer. Today, they are packaged in plastic or foil bags and come in a variety of flavours though ready salted and salt and vinegar remain the most popular.

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Fitness

Don’t go to the Gym! Bring the Gym to you! Every new health or cancer scare that doctors uncover seems to come with the standard, “…keep fit, lose weight and eat healthy foods to minimise the risk…” statement. We know it’s true but finding time to get to the gym is difficult when our lives are so busy. So why not bring the gym to your home? If you have an area that’s big enough for you to lie down in, with your arms stretched out to either side, with a few extra inches for good measure you’ve got enough space to do a workout at home. No matter what your initial fitness level, aims and budget are you can start to exercise in the comfort of your own home. Basic Fitness - If you’re after basic fitness you can try a home HIIT session. All you need is a timer or smartphone app and a workout program - there are loads of videos on YouTube for every fitness level. HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training works on short bursts of exercise, up to about 1 minute, with rests of maybe 30 seconds in between. It gets your heart rate up and gives you a great workout in a very short space of time. Exercises range from simple marching on the spot, squats, and leg raises right through to advanced press-ups and handstands, but all doable in the space we mentioned earlier. An exercise mat might help for any lying-down exercises and a resistance band or small set of weights is a useful addition, but that’s about all you’ll need. Three, twenty-minute sessions per week and you’ll really start to see some results. Do it in the morning before breakfast for maximum fatburning efficiency, and to set you up for the day. Strength - Building your strength can also be done at home. Calisthenics is a form of training

that uses your body weight instead of freestanding weights. Each exercise has a series of progressions from easy to very hard. Take the simple press up as an example. Start doing them whilst standing and leaning against a wall. As you move your feet further from the wall it gets harder. Eventually you’ll be able to do a full press up on the ground. Then try positioning your hands closer to your waistline so you are leaning forwards as you press up - it’s getting harder now. Then try leaning so far forwards your feet leave the floor and you’re into a planche position - not for the faint hearted! Other calisthenics exercises need some basic equipment. Dips will need a set of dip bars. Pull ups will need some pull up bars. But all of these are relatively cheap to purchase and take up minimal space when not in use. What about exercise machines? If you’re starting out my advice is to avoid machines until you know what you like. You’ll probably only have enough space and cash for one, and they are not portable so once you’ve got it you’re stuck with it. Build up your basic fitness and strength first and then decide what you want to do. Once your body starts to show some results you might even be tempted to venture down to the gym to take advantage of a wider range of equipment! Be sensible - Always be careful with your body. Seek professional advice before starting any exercise regime. Make sure you’re working safely and within your capabilities. Start easy and work up to the harder progressions. If you have any signs of pain or discomfort, STOP! Rest, recover and assess the situation. Above all have fun getting fit and staying healthy.

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Local News

Do you suffer from Hay Fever? Hay Fever is an allergic reaction to pollen which affects up to one in five people. If you suffer from Hay Fever, you know what to expect as the pollen count increases: sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Many people find they have increased fatigue with Hay Fever. Hay Fever Treatment There is no current cure for Hay Fever, although symptoms generally improve which age. 10% - 20% of people find that their symptoms completely disappear over time. In America, Dr Elena Eustache is successfully treating hay fever with Oxygen Therapy. “At the Eustache Institute, we feel it’s important to raise awareness about hyperbaric oxygen treatment for those who have been diagnosed with Hay Fever because it’s the perfect treatment to help relieve symptoms associated with this particular allergy,” says Dr. Eustache. Oxygen Treatment involves breathing in pure oxygen through a mask under pressure. Many people find that Oxygen Therapy helps them with: • Reduced pain • Increased energy • Faster healing • Decreased inflammation Good news! If you would like to try Oxygen Treatment for your Hay Fever symptoms, you don’t need to travel to America! The Herts MS Therapy Centre is conveniently located Letchworth and welcomes anyone with any long term condition or serious health challenge. Free Session of Oxygen Therapy Hay Fever sufferers are welcome to try a test session of Oxygen Therapy for free. For more details or to book your appointment, please contact Claire on 01462 684 214 or email hayfever@hmstc.net.

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House of Colour

How to give your wardrobe a make over and a spring clean Is your wardrobe a mess? Lose things? Wear the same things repeatedly because you can’t see what’s there? Spring is the perfect time to have a serious wardrobe sort out and clear out. It has also never been more important to be environmentally conscious about fast fashion and how to take care of our clothes. 1. Know your colours and styles – Ok I would say this but by knowing your seasonal colour palette, what colours truly suit you, and then the styles that work with your body architecture and personality, all of your clothes should work well with each other. It is a waste of money and bad for the environment to have a wardrobe full of colours and styles that you never wear because they feel wrong somehow. 2. Have a clear out, before you go shopping for something new. This means embracing a mindset which appreciates the clothes you already have and only buying key pieces that are missing. Do you already have 19 pairs of navy trousers? Think about making your wardrobe feel inviting and organised, not troubled and cluttered! If you haven’t worn something for a year, rehome or recycle. Be ruthless so you can see what you already have and what you love so you can wear it. 3. Create a capsule wardrobe. This doesn’t mean having only ten items of clothing on rotation. It means being conscious of every purchase you make and having clothes that coordinate well and can be worn with different separates for different occasions, rather than a top only working with one pair of trousers and only seeing the light of day once a year. 4. Only buy clothes that you really need or you can’t live without. If you need it, AND love it, it makes you feel incredible and you can re-wear it to make a satisfactory cost per wear then buy it! Also only buy it in the sale if you would have bought it at its original price because you love it that much! 5. Get Organised. Store coats in a separate area as they can be bulky and heavy. Use specialist hangers for belts, ties and scarves and recycle any you aren’t going to wear or if you have too many similar ones. If you have room keep similar coloured or type of shoes together so you can make quick choices. Keep dust-bags in special handbags in particular so they keep their shape.

6. Host a swap party. Organise a party with your friends to swap clothes, scarves and necklaces that you just don’t wear for whatever reason. Make sure the heating is turned up so people are comfortable to try clothes on, have some delicious bites to eat and some chilled wine and hopefully you too will enjoy picking up a few new pieces for free. 7. Find a tailor! So the colour is right, and the fit seems right but for some reason you never wear that pair of trousers or that dress. Sometimes a piece may just need a small alteration to make them perfect for you such as the length of a hemline, sleeve or neckline. It really can make all the difference and give a lease of life to something you always wanted to wear. 8. Dye clothes and shoes. Dyeing shoes is much easier than it might seem. Canvas and silk type shoes dye particularly well but search online to see if those brown boots can actually be made into lizard grey or whatever suits your colour palette. Just make sure they are as clean as possible before you dye them, so you don’t dye any obvious stains or marks. 9. Buy matching, wooden hangers so your clothes hang evenly, and it will be easier to move around and therefore see what you have. Hang your trousers full-length from the hem if you have the vertical space using hanger clamps. Keep knitwear folded on shelves, never hang on hangers to avoid the horrible little stretched shoulders they can create. 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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Time of Year

Easter - A Moveable Feast! “Easter is early this year!” “Ooh isn’t Easter late this year?” Easter never seems to come on time! In fact, it’s a different time every year. Why is that? We don’t move Christmas or New Year’s Day so what makes Easter so flexible? This year Easter Sunday falls on April 12th. I suspect that for once it’s actually on time though frankly who knows? The reason for Easter being something of a moveable (chocolate) feast is because it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon after the spring equinox. The equinox is the instant of time during a year when the plane of Earth’s equator passes through the centre of the Sun. This occurs twice annually. In the springtime this is around (but not exactly on) 20th March. Full moons occur every 29.5 days so between those two events there is quite a lot of leeway when it comes to dates, but Easter is always somewhere between March 22nd and April 25th. So now you can say with confidence that Easter is early…or late… or possibly right where it should be. Happy Easter.

By Sarah Davey

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Local News

Richard’s Story The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) treats almost 2,000 patients a year. In 2018, Richard Woolmer, a young car enthusiast from north Bedfordshire, needed urgent critical care when he suddenly became very unwell. Richard had been at his local climbing centre when he starting to struggle, felt extremely cold and noticed his joints were aching to the point he had to stop. He started shivering and went home and collapsed in bed, thinking it was the flu. A few hours later his dad went to check on him and found Richard was completely unresponsive. Richard’s dad called 111 and an ambulance was immediately dispatched. The first responder recorded Richard’s temperature at 42 degrees C. Richard was seriously ill. An additional ambulance was dispatched and the paramedics managed to bring his temperature down slightly, however Richard then became agitated and uncooperative. He refused to get into the ambulance. The only way to get Richard into a hospital quickly was if a doctor sedated him. With the situation quickly escalating, the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) was dispatched from Cambridge. Pilots Matt Sandbach and Elliot Haines landed the Anglia Two helicopter in the field next to the family’s car restoration business. Dr Sarah Hazelman and Critical Care Paramedic Neil Flowers immediately recognised that Richard was suffering from some sort of brain injury. They administered antibiotics and an anaesthetic and escorted Richard to Bedford Hospital by road ambulance. His condition was too unstable to be taken by air. Richard was admitted to the intensive care unit and quickly underwent a CT scan, so that doctors could see what was going on inside, and a lumbar puncture. These tests confirmed that he was

suffering from the most severe form of bacterial meningitis. Without treatment, bacterial meningitis can cause vision, hearing and memory loss, seizures, sepsis, and even death. Richard needed the highest level of critical care to fight the infection. Luckily, Richard responded very well to the treatment and was allowed home a week later, once he could prove that he could walk and feed himself. Initially, he was too weak to even hold a spoon and standing up was incredibly painful, but, with characteristic determination, he soon went home. It took six months before Richard felt fully recovered. The near-death experience made him reassess the important things in life and he proposed to Amy a few months later; with an Austin A30 rather than the traditional engagement ring. Richard has now returned to his beloved racing and both he and Amy believe that the intervention of the EAAA team - in particular the antibiotics Dr Sarah Hazelman administered on scene - made a huge contribution to his very positive outcome. They are both very grateful to EAAA. To read about more patients EAAA have helped with your vital support, go to www.eaaa.org.uk/stories

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TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking. • • • • • • • •

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Finance

How to save money when selling your home Selling your home can sometimes entail eyewatering costs that considerably reduce any profit you make from the sale, but saving money throughout the process is possible if you’re prepared and understand the various fee systems involved. So what fees might you face in your efforts to move up or down the property ladder and how can you save money at each step? Estate agency fees How do estate agency fees work? Estate agency fees are typically expressed as a percentage of the final selling price, and this fee is known as commission. ‘No sale, no fee’ is a common method used by ‘traditional’ estate agents to charge commission, whereas online agencies typically charge their fees upfront or by way of a deferred credit agreement. How to save money on estate agency fees • Negotiate Fee negotiations don’t just have to be downwards, although this is always a good first option. They can also be creative in the sense that they increase the agent’s motivation to achieve a sale. • Don’t use an agency You can save thousands of pounds if you don’t use an estate agency, but you also need to factor in the time and effort needed to sell your own home Legal fees How do legal fees work? In a similar way to estate agents, some solicitors and conveyancers base their fees on your home’s value. Others use a fixed fee structure that

provides more certainty to both parties. The final cost in legal fees when selling your home will depend on the complexity of the transaction. How to save money on legal fees • Obtain several quotes Shop around for a few quotes or approach those referred to you by trusted friends. • Buying and selling? If you’re both buying and selling a property, you can save money on legal fees by using the same solicitor for both transactions. Removal fees How do removal fees work? There are many factors that determine a removal firm’s fees, including whether or not you pack your boxes yourself, how many belongings you need to move, the proximity of your moving date and the distance to your new home. How to save money on removal fees • Book well ahead of moving day You could secure a significant discount by booking a removal firm well in advance of your move, and don’t forget to negotiate them down if appropriate. • Move yourself If you don’t have many belongings to move, you could hire a van and move yourself. You’ll need to factor in the cost of hiring the van, the fuel needed to travel to and from the properties (potentially several times), insurance for ‘goods in transit’ and the packaging materials. Planning ahead is key to saving money when selling your home. It’s definitely possible to secure some good deals with removal firms if you approach them early, and if you shop around and negotiate you can even save money with the estate agent and solicitor.

By Ann Haldon

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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 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

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Gardening

Windswept Gardening By Pippa Greenwood

Creating a garden in a windswept spot is possible by making it easier for plants to survive, but there are also plants that are tougher than you might think. So what should you do, and what should you grow? If possible, choose miniature or dwarf varieties of plants – as they are closer to the ground, they enjoy some protection from the prevailing winds and so have the chance to put on a decent show. Creating a windbreak – such as hedge – gives a great improvement. Native hedging plants including hawthorn, blackthorn, guelder rose, wild rose and some field maple are available for planting bare root at a very reasonable price. It will take a few years for a small, new hedge to get established, so in the meantime erect a man-made barrier such as some hurdles. If you don’t want a hedge, erect something like a fence, which allows some wind through. Avoid solid windbreaks like walls, as they can cause turbulence and worsen the wind and cold on the garden side of the barrier. Make the most of those areas of your garden that are less exposed, and don’t ‘waste’ those prized positions on tougher plants. Many bulbs are hardy or low to the ground, so consider crocus, chinodoxa, anemone, Iris reticulata, cyclamen (hardy forms only) or dwarf narcissus such as Tete-a-Tete and Peeping Tom. A number of rock plants do well in exposed gardens. Try Campanula portenschlagiana (a creeping form of the pretty bellflower), Sempervivum (the rosette-forming house leeks), low-growing hebes, Erigeron daisies,

Helianthemum and Veronica spicata. Some annual flowers with delicate colourful blooms are tougher than they look, and many of these are easy and inexpensive to grow from seed. Consider wallflowers, petunias, evening primrose, Echium, flax, calendulas, sweet William, clarkia, Californian poppies, Lavatera trimestris and candy tuft. Sow or plant perennials for colour that will return year after year. There are often some bargains to be had at this time of year when small pots of perennials are available from most garden centres for only a few pounds each. The stately hardier form of Yucca filiamentosa (related to the popular houseplant) adds structure and impact; also consider the New Zealand flax (Phormium), Sedum spectabile (the ice plants), Phlomis, Lavatera maritima, Kniphofia caulescens (a form of red-hot poker), Centranthus ruber, Japanese anemones, Eryngium, Agapanthus and Euphorbia characias. For a little more height and longer-term structure then a few shrubs are a welcome addition to a windy or exposed garden. Many of the delicate flowered Cistus do well: Fuchsia magellanica, Euonymus fortunei, Escallonia, Elaeagnus and the dwarf species of Cotoneaster such as Cotoneaster horizontalis should fit the bill. At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, Nemaslug and other great ‘green’ controls, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools

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SOLUTIONS4GARDENS Last month, landscaping experts Solutions4Gardens gave us an insight into some of the new products that are spearheading contemporary garden design. This month, we look at the latest in decking with the manufacturer and supplier the company swears by. As an alternative to wood, composite decking has many advantages and one of the best manufacturers of it is Trex. Now, to add to its ever-expanding professional endorsements, Solutions4Gardens has recently become a Trex Pro, that is an accredited installer for Trex’s wide range of decking products.

Solutions4Gardens has long been an advocate of Trex. “It doesn’t fade, is very hard wearing and is totally non-porous and non-slip” says Mark Woodman, Solutions4Gardens’ director, designer and chief labourer. “It’s manufactured from recycled material and is an increasingly popular premium product that will last a lifetime.” It’s also very stylish - in keeping with contemporary spaces - and will retain its good looks with virtually no maintenance. “Although the initial cost of a Trex deck is higher than a wooden deck, a lot of that investment is reclaimed over the life of the deck in reduced time and expense spent on maintenance” explains Mark. “Trex does not need pressure washing or staining, and it does not become slippery in the wet and in winter.” With the Transcend range of decking, fixings can be completely hidden using colour coordinated plugs to give a seamless look. There is also a wide colour palette available that can be mixed and matched to have darker borders or patterns within the overall design, even across product ranges. “The results we can achieve are really stunning” Mark explains. “By using a combination of colours, board directions and even curves, we can create really fabulous spaces. I think decking became a bit passé,

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but we can now build great areas which integrate beautifully into any garden style.” To complement its decking range, Trex makes a choice of composite, metal or glass railings, the latter looking particularly effective around roof terraces. Although more expensive than timber decking, Trex now offers a three-tier price band across its ranges to make it more affordable for all budgets. However, Mark makes the point that if you are undertaking a garden makeover or large landscaping project, the impact of using Trex over traditional timber will be relatively small on the overall price. “As with paving and patios, the finished surface is really only 20% of the cost of the project” Mark says. “To create a solid deck, we usually need to excavate the area, install concrete piers and build the deck frame. The labour and materials needed to create the essential pieces you don’t see account for most of the project cost. Spending a little more on the decking boards doesn’t significantly impact the overall budget.” Having recently expanded into the Hitchin and Letchworth area, and in keeping with its ethos of using a reliably local supply chain, Solutions4Gardens obtains its Trex products through Hertfordshire Timber & Building Supplies Ltd. “One consideration when choosing a composite deck is ensuring the supporting framework is comparable with the decking project you are using on top of it” explains Mark. “There is little point installing composite decking,

guaranteed for 10 years, and building it on top of a poorly treated and prepared wooden frame.” Solutions4Gardens has Hertfordshire Timber & Building Supplies specifically treat all the wood for their decks to a grade designed for outdoor use. “We only use wood designed to be put outdoors” Mark adds. “But we also go one stage further. Trex Protect is a bitumen tape that we apply to the tops of all the joists. It protects the wood and the bitumen seals any screw holes as they are made, ensuring water penetration and rot is eliminated.” For the customer that doesn’t want to have any wood used in their project, Solutions4Gardens can supply an aluminium or composite frame in what Mark describes as a ‘zero wood’ deck. Trex products come with a 10-year guarantee. There is no doubt that if you are looking for an accredited expert garden design and landscape company that can work on projects from paths and fencing to decking and water features, Solutions4Gardens certainly lives up to its name. And reassuringly the company has the backing of both top manufacturers and reputable local suppliers. For more information, please use the details below.

Email: info@solutions4gardens.com Web: www.solutions4gardens.com

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Container-Grown Fruit April is the perfect month for planting containergrown fruit trees and bushes. Even if your garden space is limited you can still grow fruit trees and bushes. You can even grow them in containers on a balcony. The trick is to read the label. Look for dwarf varieties that won’t grow too large for your pot or garden. It’s a good idea to buy self-fertile plants too, especially if you don’t live in an area where lots of people grow their own fruit. Even on a small plot buy the biggest pot you can fit into the available space. Bigger pots hold more compost, so they contain more food, more water and more space for strong root growth. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and cover the base with drainage material. Handy hint – if wind is a problem on your site use heavy material like broken crockery or stones to add weight, whereas if you will need to be able to move the pot easily use polystyrene chunks, which are very lightweight. Fill the container with a loam-based potting compost. Remove the tree or shrub from its original pot, spread the roots a little and plant it in the new container to the same depth. Water the compost well initially and then whenever the surface is dry. If you want to plant your fruit tree in the garden dig a hole as deep as the root system, and about three times the width. Place the plant into the hole and refill it. Then firming the soil with your foot. If the tree is in an exposed area you might need to stake it.

Fruit is very easy to grow, and there are a huge variety of fruit trees or bushes to suit every garden size and aspect, so you’re bound to find the perfect plant for your space. Try: Dwarf apple trees, which provide interest all year round as well as fruit in the autumn. Any of the currants. Blackcurrants are particularly nice. They are low maintenance and great in jams and pies. They like a sunny spot and plenty of water. Raspberries are lovely. They fruit in summer and like a sheltered sunny spot. You buy raspberry canes rather than bushes. Look for a thorn-free variety. Blueberries grow really well and are great for growing in a container because they like acid soil and in a container, this is easy to provide. Look for ericaceous compost which you should keep moist because like most soft fruits they are quite thirsty plants. Collect rainwater for the purpose as blueberries are not keen on tap water. I like to grow strawberries in large hanging baskets to make the most of the space. They are easy to grow this way but make sure you keep them well fed with a high potash fertiliser as nutrients leach away from hanging baskets very easily. I protect all my container-grown soft fruit with netting my garden birds tend to view my patio display as a rolling all-season buffet laid on especially for their benefit.

Happy Gardening!

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Be Prepared

Be Prepared… but don’t panic!

By Clare Becker

Zombie apocalypse movies are perennially popular. Human beings love to imagine how we might survive after a global disaster. Recent flooding and the coronavirus have prompted an interest in ‘prepping’, as in ‘prepping for disaster’. Preppers have historically been cast alongside conspiracy theorists, and American survivalists, who build bunkers, live ‘off-grid’ and are scarier than any imaginary zombie. As flooding and extreme weather become ‘normal’ events in the UK, and every year seems to bring a new pandemic threat it’s easy to see why people feel helpless, and why ‘prepping’ becomes seductive. Should we prepare for imminent disaster? The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no. In this country we are fortunate that food is plentiful. However, food is supplied on a ‘just-in-time’ basis, using predictions based on the public’s past shopping habits. If everyone shops normally, supply and demand remain balanced, but if large numbers of people suddenly panic-buy more than usual to stockpile food, shelves are stripped bare pretty quickly. It makes sense to be aware of this and to think about how we might manage if there was a temporary hiccup in our own food supply chain, perhaps because poor weather or flooding prevents us from accessing shops, or because we’re confined to our home through illness or quarantine. It does no harm to plan how we might be more self-reliant for a week or so, and to make sure that we have a basic emergency store cupboard. I would advise against specialist emergency food packs you see advertised. They are expensive, and freeze-dried food tastes like garden mulch. A few extra tins in

your weekly shop is easy for most people to achieve. Remember, in most instances you will already have food in, which can be used up first. Useful items for an emergency store cupboard: tinned meats, tinned vegetables, tinned beans, pulses and chickpeas, tinned soups and packet soups, tinned fruit, a large bag of rice, a large bag of porridge oats, cooking oil, salt, honey, long-life milk, long-life orange juice, packs of cereal, cereal and protein bars, dried fruit. If you live in an area where flooding and therefore water contamination is likely allow 2 litres of bottled water per person per day for drinking and cooking. A simple emergency store cupboard can be built up over a couple of months quite easily by adding a few extras into your weekly shop. A can opener is essential. Torches, batteries, and a camping stove insure against loss of electricity, and loo roll, bleach, hand sanitiser, paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters and disinfectant are useful health and medical items. If you live in a flood zone, make sure your supplies are stored high up. Use a vermin-proof storage box in the coolest place possible, and every so often move items out into your regular cupboards, and replace them, to make sure that nothing goes beyond its sell-by date. One last thing. We all have important documents filed away such as birth certificates, passports, insurance documents and house deeds. Ideally these should be stored in a fire and waterproof deed box to protect them. A little thought and preparation goes a long way. No bunker required!

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Environment

Recycled Confusion Despite much of our waste bearing the recycle symbol, most councils don’t have the facilities to process everything. You will correctly believe that items such as glass bottles, cardboard and plastic drinks bottles are processed. But toiletries bottles and aerosols? What about plastic food trays. And broken drinks glasses… admit it, you probably don’t really know. Paper: In your kerbside collection most paper will be collected and recycled. But this excludes shredded paper, tissues, photographs and gift wrap. Glass: Bottles and jars are widely recycled and the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) will usually take panes of glass or mirrors. But normal drinking glasses should just be carefully wrapped and placed in the household waste bin. Toiletries: Anything bottle-shaped - including empty toiletries bottles and used aerosols – should be fine. Face-wipes, cotton pads and mixed products like plastic razors go into household waste. Plastic: Most councils can’t recycle ready meal/takeaway trays or yoghurt pots. There are a number of reasons for this, related both to the way these products are manufactured and the facilities councils have for recycling, but check with your own council. Tetrapak/drinks cups: containers used for orange juice, non-dairy milks and soup, together with plasticlined cups provided in coffee shops, are not usually acceptable in a kerbside collection. Some councils do have facilities at recycling centres. Finally, remember that if you put non-recyclables into the wrong bin, it could contaminate the whole lot meaning nothing is recycled. And that would be a waste.

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Technology

Don’t be an April Fool

The tech scams to watch out for this spring

all ills; auction scammers who sell fake or broken items without disclosing their status; get-richquick schemes, dodgy lotteries and other dubious supposed moneymakers. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Trying to fool people can be big business. In late 2019, Indian police shut down two call centres that were targeting UK residents by pretending to be Microsoft technical support staff. One victim, retired businessman Richard Varey, lost £4,000 – and City of London Police say they’re contacted by 2,000 people like Richard every month. The police have made four smart suggestions that can help you prevent being sucked in by such scams. One, don’t assume a cold caller is who they say they are; two, call the organisation back on a published phone number to check whether the call is real; three, don’t trust Caller ID on your phone because it’s easy to fake; and four, never call phone numbers listed on pop-up messages telling you there’s a problem with your computer.

We all know the rules around April fools: once the clock strikes noon, the pranks stop. Unfortunately that isn’t the case for the online villains that try to fool us with fake emails, fake virus warnings and other issues – and some of those scams can leave the victims seriously out of pocket. So how can you keep yourself safe from the scammers? Step one is to trust nobody. One of the most common kinds of scams is called ‘phishing’, which is when fraudsters create a convincing-looking fake email purportedly from your bank, from PayPal, from eBay and so on. They’re traps: the sites they link to are also fake, and they’re designed to trick you into entering your username and password. If you do, the villains can use those details and start spending your money – and because so many people use the same details on multiple sites, the fraudsters can often access multiple sites too. Many security packages can detect phishing emails, but they’re not 100% reliable so it’s important to stay cynical. A new and worrying kind of scam

centres around bank transfer payments. Fraudsters pose as genuine tradespeople or service providers and send a convincinglooking invoice with the bank details they want you to transfer money to. According to payment processing firm ShieldPay, in the UK alone such frauds cost UK bank customers a whopping £207.5 million in 2019 – and on average, victims were only able to get back 48% in compensation from their banks. 15% didn’t get any compensation at all because the banks found they hadn’t taken ‘reasonable care’ to avoid being tricked. Whether it’s fake emails or fake invoices, it’s a good idea to assume that anything unsolicited that appears in your email inbox is a fraud: if in doubt, call your bank or tradesperson on the phone (and don’t use any numbers listed in the suspicious emails – they can be faked too). Never, ever transfer money if there’s the slightest possibility that the recipient is a scammer. Some of the oldest scams have been reborn on the internet too: snake oil salesmen selling dodgy products that promise to cure

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Pets

Fostering Animals for The RSPCA Being a foster carer is extremely rewarding. The RSPCA are always on the look out for new volunteer foster carers who can provide a safe, calm and loving environment for the cats and dogs our inspectors rescue 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. Why do we need foster carers at the RSPCA? The volunteer role of a foster carer is both a crucial and a rewarding one, giving people the opportunity to make a huge difference to animal welfare. Our foster carers aim to help rehabilitate animals which 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. 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? There are two types of fostering roles at the RSPCA: 1) Foster carers for animals ready to be rehomed. 2) Foster carers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take place. All carers are responsible for the welfare of the animal in their care and are a crucial part in the rehabilitation of the animal. You would be required to provide the care the animal needs; feeding, exercising, cleaning, socialising, giving medication

and grooming. Many animals that we take in have either suffered or are not used to the care and affection that they deserved. Living with a foster family helps to provide them with oneto-one 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 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 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? If you are interested in the role of an animal fosterer, 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. The RSPCA is always delighted to hear about people’s positive fostering experiences. Get in touch if you have a story you’d like to share.

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Codeword 1

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. 60

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James Cullip

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n O s ’ t Wha In April

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1 April North Herts Association of National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Visitors £2. ‘The Reverend Henry Small of St Albans and the Missing £20,000’ with Jon Mein, who has a background in both history and law. The talk explores a surprising story that attracted the attention of the then Prime Minister and involved an inspiring resolution. Visitors welcome. Membership of National Trust not necessary. Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 April Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family welcomed. Baby Rhyme times are a fun half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all age. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 April Toddler Tales 2.15-2.45pm Letchworth Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family welcomed. Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 April Vivace Choir 7.30-9.30pm Edgeworth House, 121 High Street, Arlesey We are looking for keen singers to join our fun and friendly choir. Web: www.vivacechoir.co.uk 2 April The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth Visitors £7 on the door. ‘Chagall - Wandering Jew or Citizen of the World’ by Monica Bohm-Duchen. A talk tracing Chagall’s long, chequered and colourful career. Visitors welcome. Lift access. Web: theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Letchworth Corner Bridge Club 1.15pm The Cloisters Masonic Lodge, Letchworth Letchworth Corner Bridge Club plays duplicate Bridge every Thursday afternoon. We usually play 27 boards which takes just over 3 hours. Refreshments available. Tel: John Biggs 01462 433393 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Toddler Tales 2.15-2.45pm Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family welcomed. Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children.

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Baldock Community Orchestra 7.15pm Knights Templar School (Room CS1), Baldock £7 per week or 10 week term £50. A friendly group of musicians. Tel: Rachel Dawson 07818 480332

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Stevenage Plus Social Group 8.15 for 8.30pm Holiday Inn Express (opposite Matalan), Stevenage £2 - first night free. A fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas. We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as day trips and weekends away. Tel: 01438 231550. Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin A small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above, offering a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 2, 16, 23 & 30 April Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage £3, annual membership £5. Friendly club for English country dancing – enjoyable, easy to learn and very sociable. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced, couples and individuals. All dances walked through; club and guest callers ensure a varied programme. Tel: 01438 727239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk 3 April Baldock Health Walk 11am Tesco, 58 High Street, Baldock Meet at Tesco main entrance. Tel: 01992 588433 Email: healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk 3 April RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group 7.30pm Letchworth Settlement, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City Local group members free, Visitors £3. ‘Owls, a cultural history’ with Mike Toms. Mike, author of the New Naturalists tome ‘Owls’, explores the changing ways we have viewed owls through the centuries and how this has shaped our current conservation interest in them. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com

3, 17 & 24 April Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Springfield House (the home of the Old Stevenage Community Centre) To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 3, 17 & 24 April Rainmakers International Folk Dance Club 8-10pm The Parish Hall, Broadway, Letchworth We enjoy folk dances of all styles from many countries around the world and meet most Fridays. Tel: Roger 01438 812766 or Jill 01462 457791 Web: www.rainmakers.org.uk 4 April Hertfordshire Walks 10am-1pm Tickets £7. 4-5 mile walk starts in Old Knebworth, continues to Graffidge Wood and the Keeper’s Cottage, returns around Knebworth House and then finishes at the village. Mike Clarke, local historian and writer, will be the guest walker. Part of the British Schools Museum’s Dreamers, Radicals & Satirists season. Ticket includes £1 off entry ticket to the museum (T&Cs apply). Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 4 April The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 4 April Mid Beds Cancer Support Group 11am-1pm Village Hall, Walnut Tree Way, Meppershall Informal cancer group for patients, families, friends and carers who wish to meet others for support and information. Tel: 01462 813943 or 07961 377526 Email: daksha.trivedi@btconnect.com 4 April Fairfield Lawn Bowls Club Open Day 2pm Kingsley Avenue, Fairfield Park, Stotfold Just turn up and give lawn bowls a try. Ladies and gents of all ages welcome. Equipment provided and friendly coaches on hand to help. Just wear flat shoes or trainers. New members £15 for the first season. Social members £10. Tel: Stella 07811 738599 Email: s.wilson662@btinternet.com Web: www.facebook.com/Fairfieldbowls 4 April Vivace Choir 7.30pm All Saints Church, Shillington Tickets £12. The Vivace Choir will sing a programme of popular Coronation Anthems including ‘Zadoc the Priest’. Tickets on the door or by telephone. Tel: 01462 237533

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n O s ’ t Wha In April

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com

5 April Charity Fun Quiz Night 8pm The Five Bells, Henlow Village £2 per person. Fun charity quiz in aid of SERV Herts and Beds. Teams of up to 8 members. Cash prize for the winners and a suitable booby prize. Tel: John 07511 631045 Email: quizzesforcharity@outlook.com 6, 20, 27 April Stevenage New Pathways 1-4pm Friends Meeting House Cuttys Lane, Stevenage £2 inc. hot drink & biscuits. A friendly place to meet and talk over issues in a positive way. Maybe go for walks, bring in speakers, form a craft group. Email: katiewilsonmind@gmail.com 6, 20, 27 April Weston Bridge Group 2.45-5.30pm Reading Room, Weston Village Hall Meets every Monday. The emphasis of play is informal, friendly and social Bridge. Mid-session hot drink and biscuit for £2.50. All levels welcome from beginner to more advanced. No partners required, just turn up. Table numbers are drawn at the start of play. Free car park. Tel: Bob Findlay (Chairman) 01462 790211 6, 20 & 27 April Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Staplers is a social folk dance club. It’s easy to start as all the dances are walked through first then called and you don’t need to come with a partner. Car parking is available next to the hall. Meets every Monday apart from bank holidays and some school holiday dates. Tel. 01462 624144 Web: www.staplers.org.uk 7 April Langford Gardening Club 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church Hall ‘What to plant where and why’ with Lomorna Thomas. www.langford-gardening-club.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 April Rosehill Community Singing Group 2-3pm Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road, Letchworth £4. A new group for the over 50s that meets every Tuesday with refreshments and time to chat after each session! The Monday group is now full. Drop-in session, no need to book. 7, 14, 21 & 28 April Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club. Tel: Andy Ward 01438 353846

8 April Over 60s Lunch Club 12.45 for 1pm lunch Garden City Court, Whiteway, off Radburn Way, Letchworth Garden City £5. Second Wednesday of every month. Afternoon quiz. Two-course hot lunch with soft drink. Call on Monday to book your place and advise of any dietary requirements. Tel: 01462 473100 Email: garden@quantumcare.co.uk

10 April Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Adults £11 on the door, Concessions available With Frog On A Bike, caller Andy Rouse and Rockingham Rapper in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! The combination of the finest live bands, top callers and a bar serving local Real Ale and Cider plus wine and soft drinks guarantee an excellent, fun-filled evening for all. Tel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk 14 & 28 April Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Social club for retired and semi-retired professional and business men which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month for lunch. Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com 16 April Baldock & Clothall WI 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock Visitors £3. Tel: Lucy 01462 742609 for more info Email: Baldockclothallwi@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi 18 April Hertfordshire Walks 10am-1pm Tickets £7. 4-mile walk along Edward Thomas’ Icknield Way: Edward Thomas (1878-1917) Thomas was a poet who wrote extensively on travel. Part of the British Schools Museum’s Dreamers, Radicals & Satirists season. Ticket includes £1 off entry ticket to the museum (T&Cs apply). See website for more info and booking. Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 18 April Weston Music Society Concert 7.30pm Weston Parish Church, SG4 7DJ Tickets £16, 19-25 years £5, under 19s free Graham Ross and Clare Consort. A programme for eight voices, ranging from 16th century to the American Songbook. Tel: 01462 790573 Email: felicitylowe@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk

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19 April Willian Bowls Club 10am-4pm Lower Bowls Green, Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth Free tuition/equipment plus tea and cake! Also from 21 April, any Tuesday at 2pm or Thursday at 6pm. Tel: David on 01462 642790 Web: www.willianbowlsclub.org 20 & 27 April Stevenage Choral Society 7.45-9.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel School, Stevenage No audition necessary. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs and be part of a friendly and supportive team, putting on excellent performances whilst having fun. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 21 April Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage RSPB Members £3, Non-members £4, Under 18s 50p Richard Pople returns to present his talk entitled ‘Bears, Birds and Whales’, a journey from Vancouver via Alaska to Vancouver Island. Tel: 01438 226014 Web: www.rspb.org/groups/Stevenage 26 April Stevenage RSPB Local Group trip to Wicken Fen Non-NT members c. £7.70 + £3 car park, NT members free. Avisit to Britain’s oldest nature reserve for birds, plants and insects. The walk leader will be Graham Beevor. Grid Ref 154/TL 565705. Postcode CB7 5XP. Meet in reserve car park at 10am. Tel: 01438 232055 ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/stevenage 30 April Stevenage Locomotive Society 7.30pm Community Arts Centre, Roaring Meg Retail Park Members free, Visitors £3 on the door. ‘Copyright BR’ with John Goss, official photographer for BR. Web: www.stevenagelocosociety.co.uk 30 April Engineering Ministries International Talk 7.30pm All Saints Church, Shillington Free entry. ‘Building a hospital in the poorest nation on earth’. A free talk by David Lambert of Engineering Ministries International. 2 May Biggleswade & District Art & Craft Sale 10am-4pm Langford Village Hall Free entry Original art and craft works by local artists. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes. Web: www.biggleswade-art-society.co.uk

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows 25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

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01438 211302 info@eastanglianloftladders.co.uk eastanglianloftladders.co.uk 66

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ROGERSONS

REMOVALS

Man with Van

Removals • Clearances • Deliveries Pick-Ups • Items disposed of Flat pack assembly Anything Considered Friendly and reliable at a cost you can afford

Tel: 01462 627074 Mob: 07867 531368

Speak to Matt • No job too big or small

Visit our beautiful

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01438 725309

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Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 68

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Quirky Britain

By Kate McLelland

Pun-tastic… why the British love corny one-liners At last year’s Edinburgh Festival the prize for ‘Dave’s Funniest Joke of The Fringe’ was awarded to a Swedish comedian known as Olaf Falafel, who triumphed with his quip: “I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets.” Back in 2017 Chinese comedian Ken Cheng won the award for his gag: “I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Turn back the clock even further to 2015 and the funniest joke award went to Darren Walsh for the simple but ingenious: “I just deleted all the German names off my phone. It’s Hans-free.” Whether you love or loathe them, the jokes that have the biggest impact on British audiences are puns. What is a pun? A pun is a play on two or more words that sound the same (or almost the same) but have different meanings. In Britain we have a long and distinguished history of punning, with the first recorded use of the term dating back to 1643, but the practice of pun-making is even older than that. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle considered puns to be a kind of literary deception because they are open to different meanings. Although this kind of comic wordplay is undoubtedly popular, puns are often considered to be a low form of humour. We talk about ‘terrible’ puns and ‘bad jokes’, as if puns are a cheap laugh, easily understood by an audience. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth, as brain studies reveal it requires a degree of mental gymnastics to appreciate a pun. Getting to the punchline Humans organise their knowledge into memory structures known as schemas, so when we see, think or hear of something, the schema containing the relevant stored information is activated. When

we hear Darren Walsh’s joke about deleting German names from his phone, our immediate response is to create a mental picture of a mobile phone with the help of our phone-related schema. But Darren is also talking about German names, so we call on another schema to remember how these names sound. It may take us a moment to process the difference between ‘Hans-free’ (a phone with no records of people with the name Hans) and ‘hands-free’ (a way of using a phone without having to hold it), but when we do, the surprising and unexpected juxtaposition between these two schemas makes us laugh. Popular punsters Some of our best known comedians have built their careers on delivering carefully crafted puns. Described as ‘The King of the One-liner’, Tim Vine’s jokes are legendary. Milton Jones is another high profile comedian who bases much of his comic material on puns. Speaking to The Scotsman newspaper in 2017, he claimed his successful style grew out of the “British tradition of nonsense.” So next time you hear a pun, don’t groan: consider the comic genius it took to think it up and appreciate the steps your brain goes through to enjoy it. You might also consider how much the humble pun has contributed to British culture, from William Chaucer to today’s celebrated stand-up comedians.

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Local News

Free Information Online Hertfordshire Libraries can help you with finding information even at home. Our excellent reference library online is free to use with your library membership number and pin code via our website www.hertfordshire. gov.uk/orlib or via the Hertfordshire Libraries App which is free to download. There is a good range of useful and interesting resources. Two great resources which you can find in the General reference section are Britannica Online - the online version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica - and Credo Reference: a resource we recommend to students for projects as it has 1000+ reference books that you can search or browse. This is really useful when researching a subject. Great for Helping your children with homework. Do you like a crossword but always get stuck? Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, history, and pronunciation of 600,000 words past and present. OED contains present-day meanings of words, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also find the history of individual words, and of the languageâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;traced through 3 million quotations, from classic literature and specialist periodicals to film scripts and cookery books. Or maybe you want to learn something new: Universal Class which you can find in the Learning Section offers a range of courses you can study for free. Other topics include Literature and Music, Business Information, Newspapers and Magazines there really is something for everyone and its good quality up to date information.

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Electrician

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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March’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Susan King – Biggleswade

Easy

Hard

HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire. Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer. Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques. Call Richard on 01438 813492 Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

The Villager Prize Crossword

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

16th April 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Not private (6) 4 One belonging to a club (6) 9 Endure (7) 10 Book of maps (5) 11 Surplus (5) 12 Design (7) 13 Discontinued (11) 18 Withdraw (7) 20 Living (5) 22 Concerning (5) 23 Outside light (7) 24 Removing (6) 25 Two wheeled vehicles (6) Down 1 Mailed (6) 2 Destroyed by fire (5) 3 Copy (7) 5 Precise (5) 6 Accept as true (7) 7 Climbing up (6) 8 Frantically (11) 14 Interconnected system (7) 15 Clearly (7) 16 Chicken meat (6) 17 Racket game (6) 19 Consumed (5) 21 Perfect (5)

Name: Tel:

ď&#x20AC;˘

Address:

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Books

Book Review By Kate Duggan Alice by Christina Henry

If you enjoy twisted fairy tales, this book (and its sequel, Red Queen) needs to be on your reading list. The story begins with Alice, who’s been locked up in an asylum for a decade after encountering the Rabbit. She escapes with her neighbouring cellmate and they set off on a journey that sees them encountering various characters from the beloved children’s tale. This is definitely not a story for children however; it’s horrifying, gruesome and as dark as they come. .

Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton

Masked gunmen attack a school in Somerset. They shoot the headmaster but make no demands. Who’s behind the attack; who’s safe; who’s the target? A heart-racingly tense thriller with characters you’ll be desperate to protect. Three Hours will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading ‘just one more page’ long into the night.

On the Up by Alice O’ Keeffe

Sylvia dreams of a better life, away from her council flat. A home with wisteria around the door, a garden and no noisy neighbours. Meanwhile, her financial situation and the challenges of parenthood are putting a strain on her relationship with her partner, Obe. While Sylvia is desperate to leave her estate behind, when it’s threatened she finds herself ready to defend it. A warm humorous book about family, community and modern life.

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Accountants

Appliance & Electrical Repairs Appliance and Electrical Repairs All makes of washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, hobs and hoods repaired, serviced and sold. No call out charges on accepted quotes Member of DASA 30 years 35 years local work experience Used as expert on BBC Watchdog

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Classifieds Carpentry and Joinery

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Tim Jordon

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Carpentry and Joinery

Patio’s Driveways Fencing Brickwork Painting & Decorating Tiling 20 Years Experience - No Job Too Small!

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Removals

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James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07792 415356 or 01462 490598 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Plumbing and Heating

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MUSCLE & MOTOR

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Roofing

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Alcoholics Anonymous...................... 0845 769 7555 Al-Anon Family Groups..................... 0800 008 6811 Anglian Water................................... 08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital................................01234 355122 Lister Hospital....................................01438 314333 Addenbrooks Hospital........................01223 245151 Benefits for people with Disabilities.... 0800 882 200 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.............01234 351081 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue............01438 729041 Carers Line........................................ 0808 808 7777 ChildLine..................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice.................................. 0344 245 1292

Bringing Local Business to Local People 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.

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 Direct................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..................... 03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.................................101 NSPCC............................................... 0808 800 5000 Relate................................................. 0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line............................ 0300 1234 999 Samaritans...................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline............................ 0345 300 3900 Victim Support................................. 0845 30 30 900

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