Henlow August 2019

VILLAGER The

Issue 129 - August 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win tickets to see

Nathan Carter Medieval Shopping Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in

Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Clifton, Radwell, Fairfield Park, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, ur Holwell, Meppershall, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey & Letchworth Yo EE

FRco1py

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Inside this issue...

Win Tickets to see Nathan Carter

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Medieval Shopping....................................................................4 São Miguel - Top Hot Spot in the Azores.....................................8 International Left Handers Day................................................10 Win Tickets to see Nathan Carter..............................................12 Worthy Wines - Romania.........................................................15 Post-Modern Pac-Man.............................................................16 The Dating Game.....................................................................19 Belle of the Beach....................................................................21 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................................22 Top Style Tips for Crafters.........................................................28 Make Exercise a Real HIIT.........................................................30 A Better Work-Life Balance......................................................32 Can you help the EAAA save more lives?...................................34 The Big Apple - A Brief History of Cider....................................37 Quick and Easy Ways to Save Money on your Holiday...............38

Add Some Vertical Interest.......................................................42 Recycle your Wastewater.........................................................45 Safe in the Sun.........................................................................47 The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.......................................49 Bedfordshire Walking Festival 2019.........................................50 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal........................................................52 Animal Know-How...................................................................54 My Partner’s Lost in the Past....................................................58 Puzzle Page..............................................................................60 But what if it goes wrong?.......................................................63 What’s On.................................................................................64 Make you home office work harder for you..............................69 Prize Crossword........................................................................74 Book Review............................................................................77

Make Exercise a Real HIIT

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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, Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Mark O’Keefe,Tracey Anderson, Kate Duggan, Nick Coffer Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Kate McLelland, Iain Betson and Katherine Sorrell

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Kenishirotie Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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History

Medieval Shopping

Shopping in medieval times would certainly have been an assault on the senses.

The medieval town was a very different place to our shopping centres today. Although the problem of litter is a current (and valid) environmental concern thanks to our overuse of packaging, crowded medieval streets would have habitually run with sewage, blood from slaughtered animals, rats and loose livestock.

Couple this with the fact most people didn’t wash very often, and one can only imagine the smell and noise (or hue and cry) of which you would have run the gauntlet, by popping out for a loaf of bread!

There were two types of shop owner in medieval England: merchants and craftsmen, and both were commonly governed by guilds.

Merchant or craft guilds consisted of members who traded in a certain commodity such as wool, or who were specifically skilled artisans, respectively. By grouping together as a guild, they were able to set standards and prices for their trade. Paying for membership of the guild also provided traders with protection.

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Craft guilds would offer apprenticeships with the opportunity of learning a skill through a master craftsman and earning the resulting qualifications or papers.

An apprenticeship was unwaged; sometimes families would even pay for their son to learn a respected trade. This payment would include food and lodging although it usually meant sleeping on the shop floor.

Once a young man had completed his apprenticeship, he became a journeyman and would be paid for his services. A journeyman would have to produce his ‘masterwork’ to be given the title of master craftsman.

There were punishments for those who broke the rules of the guild, often favouring the medieval penchant for humiliation (think of the popularity of the town and village stocks).

For example, in those days bread was unleavened and sold by weight. A baker caught adding weights to his dough to make a heavier loaf would be made to walk through the town with the loaves tied around his neck. Likewise, a brewer who produced bad or adulterated beer would be forced

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to publicly drink it and then have the rest poured over his head.

Banishment from a guild meant the merchant or artisan was unlikely to work in the town again.

Most medieval trade premises were workshops as well, with the merchant or craftsman living above.

Wealthier merchants would have larger houses built on the outskirts of the town.

The shop front would generally have no glass windows but instead would be open to the street, with wooden shutters put up when it was closed.

It was common for tradespeople to group their shops together, possibly because it was easier for the guilds to oversee, so streets became dedicated to one commodity or craft, for example, a street of bakeries or a lane of cobblers. We can still see this reflected in some old street names today.

Because most people couldn’t read, medieval shop signs were symbols made of painted wood or wrought iron, sometimes partially gilded.

These large signs were hung on brackets and chains attached to the building and were made obvious to the medieval customer. The sign for an apothecary was a pestle and mortar. A blacksmith had an anvil and hammer, while a farrier, who looked after horses’ hooves, might have had a simple horseshoe.

In those days, barbers were also surgeons and dentists hence their sign: a red and white striped pole signified blood and bandages.

It is thought that the ‘three balls’ sign for a pawnbroker (who lent money in exchange for the collateral of valuable goods) may have evolved from the symbol for three gold coins.

A butcher’s sign was usually a bull’s head coupled with butchery tools. Most butchers would have a barn and slaughterhouse attached to the back of their shop and animals were killed on the premises.

Carcasses would be hung outside on hooks, and meat laid out on slabs or special sills attached to the building known as ‘shammels’. These were a common feature of medieval shop fronts.

The typical overhangs of medieval buildings would have served to protect the goods on display below, both from the weather and things being thrown out of the windows above.

As with the shop signs, instead of written notices shop owners would hang symbolic objects outside their premises to keep customers informed of what was going on. For example, if a brewer’s beer was ready, he would hang a green branch outside.

Other examples of craftsmen or ‘mongers’ (tradespeople selling a certain type of goods) who might have a shop in a medieval town were: stonemason; draper (who sold cloth); tailor; carpenter; cobbler (who repaired old shoes) and cordwainer (who made new ones); grocer; furrier; fishmonger; baker; weaver; cheesemonger; cooper (barrel maker); cartwright; ironmonger; bowyer (who made archer’s bows); fletcher (who made the arrows); and chandler (who originally made candles).

Many of these skills were passed down through families to become common surnames.

As well as blacksmiths who forged iron, there were other metalsmiths including goldsmiths and silversmiths. Not only did goldsmiths make jewellery and other objects from gold but they also produced gold leaf to adorn the beautiful handwritten medieval manuscripts of the day.

Most shops closed around 3pm, having been open as early as 6am. A curfew bell would be rung between 8pm and 9pm and everyone was then expected to vacate the streets or else have a very good excuse for being there. We could probably learn a lot from our medieval ancestors.

By Catherine Rose 6

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Travel

By Solange Hando

São Miguel, Top Hot Spot in the Azores Out in the Atlantic Ocean, this is the largest island in the Azores, a colourful place blooming year round but set precariously at the meeting point of three tectonic plates: Eurasian, African and North American. Bristling with dormant craters and cones, laced in waterfalls, hot springs and lakes, it’s truly awesome but these volcanic wonders hold every visitor spellbound.

North-west of Ponta Delgada, the capital, a road winds up into the hills fringed in wild gladioli, hydrangea and agapanthus. The coastal scenery is delightful but turning inland you soon reach the ‘Royal Belvedere’, where in 1901 Dom Carlos looked down on the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Framed by verdant slopes, connected by a narrow strait, they spread across the crater of a dormant volcano, their lovely colours reflecting the ever-changing light, one lake as blue as the sky, the other turquoise and green. Meadows shimmer along the shore and beyond the slender bridge, the pretty town greets you with

cottage gardens, bandstand and church. According to legend, the lakes were created by rivers of tears when a shepherd and his beloved princess parted on the hilltop.

At the heart of the island, at 575 metres, Fire Lake claims the purest water. In clear weather, vantage points along the road reveal some stunning views, but in its pristine nature reserve the lake can only be reached down a steep trail. The hike along the shore is challenging at times but gorgeous, with luminous water, sandy coves, scrubland and forest, cliffs and the crater rim rising towards the sky.

Meanwhile on the northern slope, the hot springs of Caldeira Velha nestle among giant ferns and towering trees, nature in the raw almost like a Jurassic Park draped in red rocks and steaming water. An iron-rich waterfall tumbles down into the upper pool, pleasantly warm, but the lower pool reaches a tingling 360 C. It’s the perfect way to relax after exploring the nearby trails.

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In the luxuriant hills in the south-east, Furnas has its own geothermal gems. Down by the village, a stream meanders orangy-red through mud springs and bubbling pools where you hear the ‘Devil’s Heartbeat’ while mini-geysers pop all around.

Then head for the landscaped gardens of Terra Nostra with its walking trails and bathing pools of different temperatures, most amazing the circular lagoon near the entrance, so large it rarely feels crowded. The orange water is likely to colour your skin but before you shower, take time to enjoy its health-giving minerals.

A short drive away, the crater lake boasts a romantic beach with glistening water and a few pedal boats but you soon smell the fumaroles puffing relentlessly at the foot of the hill. The locals love them: want to cook your Sunday lunch or a festival feast? No problem; just set your pot in the ground, cover it up, and a few hours later the tasty ‘cozido’ stew is ready to share with family and friends.

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Time of Year

International Left Handers Day August 13th is International Left-handers’ Day. As a leftie myself I’m always intrigued by the slew of articles that appear at this time of year with titles like, ‘Seven Facts You Never Knew About LeftHanders!’ The ‘facts’ are nearly always about how creative we are versus how clumsy we are, and one of the ‘facts’ which nearly always features in these lists is that those of us who are left-handed will die on average nine years earlier than our right-handed counterparts. Yikes! But is it actually true? Has anyone really checked this out?

I did a little research and discovered that this ‘fact’ is based on two articles written by psychologists - one published in the 80s and one in the 90s. The articles were published in respected scientific journals, which gave them some gravitas. But why are lefties dying up to a decade earlier than everyone else?

Are we slipping while using right-handed scissors and knives then bleeding out on the way to A&E? It seems pretty unlikely. Some 10-11% of the population are left-handed. If this were the case the streets would surely be awash with blood! Someone would have noticed, and ‘handedness’ would be the largest single predictor of life-expectancy!

According to modern psychologists, who reexamined these studies, the previous researchers had made a small error. The original studies were carried out in Southern California, where lists are published of everyone who has died. The researchers used the lists to contact the relatives of 2000 of the deceased to ask whether they had been

left or right-handed. Clearly data protection was less of an issue in the late 20th Century! They found the oft-quoted figure that the left-handers died on average nine years earlier than their right-handed neighbours. But crucially the original researchers ONLY looked at the age at death, not when they died. Left handers are actually more common now than previously...or at least it appears we are. In fact, from the 1800s until the 1950s many left-handers were forced to live as right-handers, by teachers, or parents, or simply by the fact that most machinery in factories was designed for right-handers to use.

Certainly, I can remember even as a child of the 70s being forced to write with my right hand by certain less enlightened staff at my village primary school.

So, it’s probable that some of the dead people on those Californian lists may have been born lefthanded but spent most of their lives living as righthanders, and their families would have described them as such when the researchers called. Because of this historical discrimination many of those on the lists who were ‘out’ as left handers at least at the time the research was published would have been on average younger than right-handers and this would have skewed the results.

So fellow lefties, the idea that we will die nine years earlier than the righties is a myth. PHEW! It’s true we may appear a little clumsier than right-handers but that is probably due to living in a world not designed for us. It does not affect our mortality...though I might just leave carving the Sunday joint to my right-handed husband!

By Kate Hammond

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advertorial

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WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

to watch Ireland’s No. 1 Entertainer

NATHAN CARTER

live at the GORDON CRAIG THEATRE

We are giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to watch Irish Country-Pop sensation Nathan Carter live in concert at the Gordon Craig Theatre on 1st October.

One of the UK’s most exciting live performers, his energetic showmanship is proving irresistible for fans, even scoring him a prestigious slot performing for Pope Francis in Croke Park in Dublin, as well as shows in Ireland at the 3Arena Dublin and SSE Arena Belfast. This year, he marked St Patricks day with his very own show on BBC Radio Ulster, joined by fellow Country stars Catherine McGrath and Chloe Agnew.

With tracks such as ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘I Wanna Dance’ receiving hit status, he is one of Ireland’s biggest artists, and with an incredible 7 top 10 albums under his belt, he is well on his way to becoming a household name. Most recently, the 2018 ‘Born for the Road’ shot straight into the top 5 at number 3.

Growing up in a house where Country and Western music filled the air, Nathan was exposed to classic songs of Johnny Cash, Don Williams and Dolly Parton. From the tender age of 4 years old, not only learning to play guitar, piano and accordion, which plays a vital part in his live show, Nathan quickly became head chorister in the Liverpool Boys choir where he toured the world and even performed in front of the Pope in Rome.

For tickets, visit the venue box office or www.ticketline.co.uk

NATHAN CRAIG COMPETITION ENTRY

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For a chance to win tickets complete the form below and send to: Nathan Craig Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th August 2019.

Terms & Conditions: No cash alternative available. Standard tickets only.

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For full terms and conditions please go to www.villagermag.com

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Celebrating the best of lovely old aircraft, artisan crafts, and steam punk/vintage outfits. There will also be live music, activities for children, a pilot chat on the BlĂŠriot, vintage bus rides, Swiss Garden tours, vehicle parades and a variety of traders.

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Food and Drink

Worthy Wines - Romania

Romania has borders with several countries, that include Bulgaria,Ukraine and Hungary, as well as bordering the Black Sea. Tourism plays a big role in the economy of the country, with many visitors enjoying sites, including Black Sea resorts, plus preserved cities and also castles. The cuisine of Romania has both Austrian and German influences. Excellent Romanian wines are produced, utilising numerous native, local and international grape varieties, with viticulture having a history of 6000+ years, making it one of the oldest in the world. Many wines constantly receive prestigious awards, at events and competitions, globally.

The Prince Stirbey vineyard has been family-owned for 300 years. Today, the vineyard is owned and managed by Baroness Ileana Kripp, whose ancestors were the founders, and her husband Jakob. At the turn of this century a new winery was constructed, incorporating modern technology, with wines produced by Oliver Bauer. The winery now produces natural wines, to an exceptional standard, which are available in many countries, including the UK. Prince Stirbey Cramposie is a sparkling wine, made with the indigenous white grape, Cramposie and by the traditional method. This extra brut, pale-yellow production is both fruity and fresh. The very pleasant bouquet leads to the fruit pleasures on the mouth and extends for a long finish. Prince Stirbey Tamaioasa Romanesca is a very popular dry white wine and uses the grape of the same name, to great advantage.

An intense bouquet greets the nasal senses, which continues on to the mouthfeel. Prince Stirbey Novac is made using Novac grapes. Extremely popular, this red wine pleases many. The bouquet has plenty of fruits, that follow to the mouthfeel, which is ripe and juicy. Prince Stirbey Negru de Dragasani (and the Rezerva production) are both further splendid red wines, selected for quality, with intense bouquets and abundances of dark fruits, for the mouth and palate, being very evident. Medium, to full-bodied, smooth and velvet-like, they are perfect to accompany a lot of cuisine, including red meats, superbly.

For all details, information and availability, please visit www.stirbey.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Technology

By Mark O’Keefe

Post-Modern Pac-Man Retro gaming brought bang up to date We often look back on our childhood toys with fond memories. For many of us those “toys” will include some sort of computer game. You might have owned a Nintendo Wii, a Sony PlayStation, a Nintendo Game Boy, a Sega console or one of the early computers such as a ZX Spectrum or BBC micro. You might even have hung out in one of those gloriously noisy games arcades which popped up everywhere in the 80s and 90s.

Whatever your gaming heritage I’m sure you spent many hours happily bashing away on the keys trying to beat your highest score.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could relive some of those glory days without having to actually find and buy a 30-year-old computer which still works? Well you can! Retro gaming has come to your rescue.

Retro gaming uses emulators to play your old games. Emulators are special programs that allow your modern computer or games console to “pretend” to be a vintage games machine. You use the real programmes and play them in the emulator to get an exact copy of the gaming experience. You can also buy retro controllers for almost all the old systems that plug into your modern computer but let you use a keypad that looks exactly like the original controller.

Finding games is very easy and usually free. There are a number of enthusiasts who have built superb libraries of all the old software and provide them as free downloads via their websites. If there was a particular game you loved, or one you longed to

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have a go at, the chances are you’ll be able to find both an emulator and the game somewhere on the web.

Modern games machines are also catching on to retro gaming. You can buy emulators for most modern games consoles which allow you to play games from the old systems. These aren’t free but are usually a simple download from the relevant app store.

You’ll also find new consoles and handheld gaming devices dedicated to playing arcade classics and consoles games. Some companies are even producing copies of the original hardware that look like the old machines but with more reliable, modern electronics inside.

So, if you’re after a taste of nostalgia, or if you just want to find out what some of the great classics were like, check out one of the systems below or have a look online for your ultimate system.

RetroPie is a complete retro gaming system that uses a Raspberry Pi computer that plugs into your TV. There are complete kits available which will get you set up for well under £100.

LaunchBox is a free emulator for your computer or laptop. It includes emulators for almost any system you can remember in a nice easy to use package.

Just add a controller of your choice for the full retro gaming experience.

The Nintendo Switch has an app that lets you play all the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games. Just visit their online shop.

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The Dating Game

Dating

By Tracey Anderson

Many of us have watched the drama of Love Island recently. We tend to think of blind dates, speed dating and computer dating as modern phenomena, but it seems humans have always dabbled with the dating game.

When the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, arranged a meeting between Paris and the lovely – but – married Helen, she may have been responsible for the first ‘blind date’, and as it resulted in the Trojan War, it probably doesn’t count as a terribly successful one!

The world’s first proper ‘marriage bureau’ was founded by Henry Robinson in London’s Threadneedle Street in 1650, and inn July 1695 the very first ‘would like to meet’ advertisement was published in the somewhat drily titled magazine, Collection for the Improvement of Husbandry and Trade. The advert read: “A Gentleman, about 30 Years of Age that says he has a Very Good Estate, would willingly Match Himself to some young Gentlewoman that has a fortune of £3000 or thereabouts. And he will make Settlement to Content.” Be still my beating heart!

The first couple to be matched by computer were the Americans, Shirley Sanders and Robert Kardell in 1958. They were then introduced on a TV show called People Are Funny. They were married in Hollywood in the October of that year and their honeymoon was paid for by the show’s sponsors.

Today there are more Than 7,500 dating sites across the world. Match.com is the biggest online dating site with 23.5 million users worldwide! And last year eHarmony was responsible was responsible for 4% of marriages in the US! I wonder what the future will have in store for the dating game…

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Beauty

Belle of the Beach

By Kate Duggan

Whether you’re planning a week in a luxury Caribbean villa or going camping in Cornwall, this little lot deserve a spot in your suitcase.

I’m a big fan of dry shampoos, particularly for camping, festivals and lazy weekends.

Philip Kingsley’s One More Day Dry Shampoo is a good choice.

It absorbs excess sebum, boosts volume and helps to prevent an itchy, irritated scalp. It’s a spray rather than a powder, so won’t leave you looking like you’ve been dusted with talc (unlike some other dry shampoos).

The travel-sized 50ml bottle is perfect for holidays, although the 200ml is a lot better value for money. It’s £9-£19.50, see www.philipkingsley.co.uk.

I’m very tempted by the new Como Viaggio Travel Styling Kits by Alfa Italia. Each kit comprises a travel hairdryer, mini ceramic styling iron, two sectioning clips and a bag for just £44.95. Travel hair-styling products tend to be a bit ‘meh’ when it comes to power, but this hairdryer is 1200w and the straighteners heat up to 190°C. Choose from dusky pink with a matching suede-effect case, or light blue or stone with a leather-look case, see www.alfaitaliapro.com.

A facial oil can help to tackle dry patches, boost hydration and soften skin. Personally, I prefer a 100% natural oil like Gorgias London’s Age Renewal Facial Oil, which I’ve been using at nighttime for a few weeks now. It’s a 100% natural blend of seed and plant oils, including avocado,

prickly pear, olive and argan. The blend is packed with nutrients, vitamins, fatty acids, omega 9 and antioxidants. My skin drinks it up and always feels softer and ‘happier’ the morning after using it. It costs £44.95 from www.gorgiaslondon.com.

I know I’m not the only one of my friendship group who slathers on face cream but rarely uses body lotion. If you’re also guilty of neglecting 80% of your skin, AL!VE’s Hydrating Spray Lotion could be the answer. It takes seconds to spray on and absorbs super-fast. It also feels lovely and cool, so is perfect for freshening up on a hot day. Best of all, you can pick it up for just £5 from Sainsbury’s.

If, like me, your legs are less smooth alabaster and more pale mottled mess, fake tan can be your friend.

Had a bad experience with bright orange streaks? Modern formulas are a huge improvement on their predecessors. Just exfoliate and moisturise well before you start.

Bondi Sands’ Protect & Tan is a great introduction to self-tanning. As the name implies, it helps to protect your skin from the sun and builds a gradual, natural-looking tan over a few days of use. It’s SPF 15 so not strong enough for sunbathing but perfect if you’re popping to the shops. It’s an oil, but not greasy, and it leaves skin feeling softer for hours afterwards. It’s £12.99 at www.boots.com.

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Food & Drink

Harissa spiced lamb fillet with

zesty herby couscous All my chefs on the Weekend Kitchen have discerning customers to please. They’ll all say it’s what keeps them on their toes. Happy customers make for successful businesses. Paul Nicholls is one such top chef, and he runs the restaurant at Woburn Golf Club. Feeding hungry golfers who have just shot 15 over par and whose swing has gone to pieces cannot be easy! Luckily Paul is one of life’s chilled-out chefs and he just takes it in his stride. Here’s a lovely, comforting and simple meal – perfect for forgetting about those golfing blues. If your butcher hasn’t got lamb fillets, any cuts will do – you can even use chops, although you won’t be thinning them out with a rolling pin!

Ingredients: 8 lamb fillets, trimmed 2 tbsp harissa paste 250g cous cous 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 lime, zested and juiced 3 tomatoes, finely diced 1/2 cucumber, finely diced 3 spring onions, chopped 1/2 bunch basil, finely chopped 1/2 bunch coriander, finely chopped 1/2 bunch mint, finely chopped 3 tbsp crème fraiche Salt and pepper Olive oil

Serves 4

1. Take your lamb fillets, pop them between two sheets of greaseproof paper and bash them with a rolling pin or hammer. Spoon over the harissa, mix well and leave to marinade in the fridge overnight.

2. The couscous will benefit from being made the night before too. Take a bowl, pour in the couscous and mix in the lemon and lime zests. Add in a little drizzle of oil and some salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix.

3. Pour in enough boiling water just to cover the couscous and immediately tightly cover the bowl with cling film.

4. Leave the couscous to steam for ten minutes, then gently fork it so it fluffs up. Let it cool a little, then mix through the remaining ingredients and pop it into the fridge to chill.

5. When you are ready to serve, heat a non-stick pan and add in a little oil on a medium heat.

6. Chuck in the fillets and flash fry them for two minutes on either side.

7. Take the fillets out and leave them to rest for a few minutes. Because they are thin, they will be perfectly pink.

8. Slice up the lamb on the diagonal, top the couscous with it and finish with a dollop of crème fraiche.

9. You can finish with some micro herbs or edible flowers for decorative effect.

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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John O’Gaunt Golf Club

Become a member, start playing today Memberships available for men, ladies and juniors Two magnificent championship courses

Impressive club house, bar and catering facilities

Well stocked shop and club fitting by Head Professional Lee Scarbrow

Excellent practice and coaching facilities

Please get in touch for more information...

John O’Gaunt Golf Club, Sutton Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2LY Tel: Main Club - 01767 260360 Pro Shop - 01767 260094 Email: villageradvert@johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk Why not visit our website for more information at www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Local News

Do you want more energy?

People visit The Herts MS Therapy Centre for many different reasons.

Some have a neurological condition such as MS, ME or Stroke. Some have Cancer. Others have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia.

As a registered charity, we aim to help as many people as we can.

Each person is unique, usually with one shared symptom: extreme fatigue. We have three services that help you fight fatigue.

1. Oxygen Therapy Receiving oxygen under pressure accelerates healing and gives you an energy boost. Some experts say that It is particularly helpful after chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Many people say that it gives them the energy they need to do everyday tasks.

“Without Oxygen Treatment I would still be in agony and probably jobless and very depressed. I can’t even begin to explain what a difference it has made for me.” RB with Fibromyalgia.

2. Exercise for Energy We offer group exercise classes specifically aimed at fighting fatigue. Attendees have many different conditions with a common goal – to feel more energised.

“Coming to the Centre has given me hope again.” M McN after stroke.

3. Personal Training A tailored exercise programme can help you achieve your physical goals and give you more energy. You’ll be closely supervised and supported by our physio-led team of personal trainers.

“I lost my confidence and needed support. The personalised exercises have been very beneficial. They have restored my confidence in leading a more independent lifestyle.” FR with MS Would you like more energy? Maybe you know someone who does?

Please call Claire on 01462 684 214. We’d love to try to help you.

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House of Colour

Top Style Tips For Crafters Whether you love flower arranging, sewing, knitting, gardening, jewellery-making, or cake decorating. Do you absolutely love a sequin or 20, or do you prefer a floral print or something more classic? We all suit different colours and have different style personalities that will not only be reflected in what we wear, but in our homes, our belongings, hobbies and treasured items. Let’s look at the importance of style in crafting.

1. How do we know our style? When thinking about our clothes our body architecture and proportions will partly determine what styles suit us, but the other vital factor is our style personality and this is just as important when it comes to our homes and crafts. You may like classic, dramatic, bohemian, quirky or natural looks. If for example something you are crafting doesn’t feel quite right, it most probably clashes with your style personality.

2. Garments - When you are creating clothes of any sort, whether that be sewing, crocheting, or knitting, there is so much to consider! The shape of a sleeve, the length of a hemline or trouser length, the type of neckline, the lapels, the weight and type of fabric, embellishments and detail, and of course the colours all need to be considered to make sure they are perfect for the wearer.

3. Fabrics and texture are important to any crafter, but carefully consider whether you prefer and suit a soft fabric such as a silk, velvet or mohair or something less willowy like cotton or hemp?

Softer fabrics can produce more movement – consider how the piece is going to be used.

4. Structure is again important regardless of your crafting project. If you are using paper you may

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notice you choose either asymmetric or precise cuts.

Consider the importance of layering or movement and polished versus relaxed styles.

5. Patterns - Maybe you suit large, bold, geometrics patterns, or perhaps you love a gorgeous floral, or a traditional herringbone or paisley. Different size and density of patterns is also key here.

6. Details are the cornerstone to any crafting.

Buttons, embellishments, sparkly sequins, strong calligraphy are all representative of your style.

Accessorising any crafty masterpiece is also an easy way to update an existing piece.

7. Know what matters to you - Whether you are a traditional crafter, or prefer more contemporary styles, knowing who you really are and what you want your message to be really helps you celebrate your creativity. Try organic touches, be seasonal, use unexpected add-ons, think practical and beautiful, re-purpose and be eco-proud if you can. Be unique and make it authentically you.

After all this is the joy of crafting!

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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29

Health & Fitness

Make Exercise a Real HIIT Add some variety to your fitness regime When we think of the gym we usually picture ourselves jogging on a treadmill, or pounding a cross-trainer, non-stop for 45 minutes. Some people love it, and get a real buzz from a session, but if you’re like me you’ll count every single second as you wait for the torture to stop. What if you could get more health benefits by doing just half the exercise? When I heard this was a possibility at the gym I attend I couldn’t sign-up fast enough.

Enter HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training (pronounced ‘hit’).

HIIT involves short periods, 30 seconds or so, of high intensity exercise followed by equally short rest periods which you repeat for around 20 to 30 minutes. The idea is to work as hard as you possibly can during each work session, then catch your breath, then repeat. At the end of the whole work out you should be totally exhausted.

At this point you might be thinking that the 45-minute gentle jog isn’t sounding so bad after all, but HIIT has a number of real advantages.

Each work period can be a different exercise. Some can be cardio; some can be strength exercises.

This keeps the workout interesting (good if like me you are easily bored) and also gives you the twin benefits of improving fitness and building muscle.

High intensity exercise burns more calories and

more fat. Because you are working flat out your body needs to expend a lot more energy. It can’t keep pace with your needs by simply burning easily accessible temporary carbohydrate stores, so it has to start burning fat. It also needs a lot more oxygen which is why you get out of breath. But this raises your body’s metabolism to a much higher level than simply jogging. So, when you finish exercise your body stays in this high-energy state for much longer burning even more calories.

Your whole body has to work a lot harder to keep up with the exercise, especially your heart. In fact HIIT strengthens your whole cardiovascular system. It’s also very good at reducing insulin resistance (one of the precursors to type ll diabetes) which makes it much easier for your body to regulate your blood sugar, as well as helping to high blood pressure, the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and more.

HIIT is easily tailored to any fitness level. If you pop to your local gym, you’ll usually find beginner, intermediate and advanced level sessions. But if the gym really isn’t your thing, it’s easy to do a HIIT work out at home. There are lots of apps and videos to help you out.

Spending just 20 minutes, three times a week on HIIT will kick your health drive into top gear, so why not give High Intensity Interval Training a try?

By Mark O’Keefe 30

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31

Well-Being

By Sarah Davey

A Better Work-Life Balance Is your life a balancing act? Does your smart phone extend your working day? Do you feel that you never have time just for you?

You’re not alone. In the current economic climate, many any people feel anxious that their jobs are less secure. Companies are taking on fewer staff and those that remain often feel responsible for picking up the slack.

But even if you have very little choice over the hours you work, you can still improve your life by concentrating on the areas that you can control.

Schedule downtime – It could be a date night with your partner or a family day out with the kids. Make it top priority. Don’t cancel and don’t allow interruptions. You’ll feel much better for some time spent with those you love.

Outsource – Weekends and evenings can easily be taken up with chores. If you can afford it, employ a cleaner, or a gardener, or someone to do the ironing. If you can’t then insist the rest of the family help out.

Use the time saved to do something you really love, like practice your guitar or walk the dog. You’ll feel less resentful.

Get up earlier – If you’re the type who leaves it until the very last minute to get out of bed, set your alarm for just half an hour or an hour earlier each day. Use that time to exercise or get boring household chores out of the way, freeing up time in the evening.

Make tiny changes – You don’t have to quit your job and move to a croft in the Outer Hebrides. Just fifteen minutes sitting in the park at lunch time reading a book or listening to music can go a long way towards increasing your sense of well-being.

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Local News

Can you help the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) save more lives?

East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is a helicopter emergency medical service covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Since its launch in 2000, the organisation has been dispatched to over 25,000 life-saving missions.

The air ambulance can be tasked to assist the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) with any type of life-threatening or life-changing incident which might require advanced medical care, equipment or a quick transfer to the most appropriate hospital.

This community-funded service has two helicopters operating in the region, each carrying a Doctor and a Critical Care Paramedic anywhere in East Anglia within 25 minutes.

The charity receives no regular government funding and relies almost entirely on public support to keep its two helicopters flying and saving lives.

Mission 24/7 EAAA has announced plans to become a 24/7 helicopter service by the end of 2020; the first in the East of England.

Currently there is a seven hour gap, from midnight to 7am, in the East of England where no helicopter coverage is available if needed.

Research shows that there is a significant nighttime need for critical care by air ambulance.

Photo Credit: EAAA

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By flying around the clock, the charity estimate they could be dispatched to up to 600 more missions a year, saving hundreds more lives. In order to develop and deliver their service 24 hours a day by helicopter, they need to raise an additional £1 million each year on top of the £12 million they already need to raise to stay airborne.

EAAA believe the time of day shouldn’t dictate what type of emergency medical services are available to you, which is why they are passionate about becoming the first 24/7 air ambulance by helicopter in the East of England.

To support the mission 24/7 campaign, go to: www.mission247.co.uk Volunteer – together, we save lives.

Volunteers are a huge part of the EAAA operation and help to keep its two helicopters flying and saving lives, every day of the year.

From regularly helping to monitor and empty collection boxes in your local community to sporadic help at fundraising events, there are lots of different ways you can volunteer to help the EAAA save lives.

No matter how much time you can spare, your contribution will make a huge difference to this essential community-funded service.

National Air Ambulance Week 9 – 15 September.

EAAA will have various street collections across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire building up to National Air Ambulance Week in September could you spare a few hours to help?

Contact 03450 669 999, email volunteer@eaaa.org.uk or go online: www.eaaa.org.uk

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DO YOU NEED TO MAKE OR UPDATE YOUR WILL? We offer a FREE initial appointment to discuss your circumstances, offering advice on Wills including ring-fencing your home from care and guidance regarding Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Bands.

HOME VISITS are available at NO EXTRA CHARGE within a 20-mile Radius of Royston.

SATURDAY MORNING appointments available on the following date:* SATURDAY 17th AUGUST 2019 FREE WILL SERVICE for the over 55’s through the Cancer Research Free Will Scheme.

For more information please contact:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts. SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241 121 t.pilcher@walkerspartnership.co.uk Wills | Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Conveyancing | Commercial Property *Home visit appointments are subject to availability.

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Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions.

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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.

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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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By Sarah Davey

Food & Drink

The Big Apple - A brief history of cider Cider is a popular and delicious summer drink, but have you ever wondered who first thought about turning apples into alcohol?

Apple trees have been cultivated since around the 5th century AD and cider, or something similar, seems to have been around for almost as long, although sometimes it was known as ‘apple wine.’

It was brought to Britain by the Normans in around 1100 AD and was originally a drink for the poor. Ale was made from malted barley and using grain for alcohol could mean going without bread, so cider provided a good alternative. People drank it instead of water because sanitation was so poor, and water was often not safe to drink. It is believed that children were even baptised using cider because the water was so risky!

The first settlers in America planted lots of apple trees simply so they could continue to make cider to drink.

Originally, they crushed the apples in a trough, until a genius named John Worlidge produced the first apple-mill in 1676.

In the 1800s The Temperance movement killed off the cider industry. Fired up by speeches from ministers and politicians, many farmers destroyed their ‘demon orchards,’ sparing only the trees used for sweet nonalcoholic juice. During the Prohibition years, American cider production fell by 76%.

Today the best English cider is cask-conditioned; dry and fruity, with low carbonation. Normandy cider is sweeter and more effervescent with a complex flavour. Both drinks are perfect chilled, served on a warm summer evening, with friends. Cheers!

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37

Finance

Quick and Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Summer Holiday

By Ann Haldon

Summer holidays provide much-needed rest and relaxation in the middle of our often-busy year, and may even be considered essential to our health and wellbeing. They do not need to cost the earth, but how can you save money without detracting from the enjoyment of this precious time away?

Here are a few tips to free up some extra spending money for this year’s holiday, or cash to put towards your getaway next year.

Negotiate on price - It is possible to negotiate down your holiday price, particularly if it’s last minute. Tour and hotel operators are likely to be open to negotiation if it means they can fill the last few places on a tour, or the remaining empty airline seats.

Choose your travel times carefully - The times you travel can directly influence price so if you are able to fly during the night, for example, you may be able to save some money. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are said to be less popular for travelling when compared with Fridays and over the weekend, so if you can go midweek it might be worth it.

Do you need to fly direct? - If you don’t need to fly directly to your ultimate destination, taking an indirect flight can save you money, particularly in the case of long-haul journeys. It does cost you more in time, however, so this may not appeal to everyone.

Avoid the added flight extras - Flight extras such as extra legroom, on-board meal, and additional

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luggage allowances, add a considerable sum to your ‘cheap’ flight if you’re not careful. Some airlines include these elements in the advertised price but beware if you are using a budget operator, as they may be added extras.

Combine airport hotel and parking - If you are travelling early in the morning or from an airport a long way from home, you may need to stay in an airport hotel the night before. If so, you can save money by combining the accommodation costs with car parking for the duration of your holiday.

Travel while you sleep - Travelling while you sleep is a great way to make savings on the cost of your holiday. Whether you are starting your journey by train, coach or cross-channel ferry, overnight travel using these methods can be considerably cheaper than booking a hotel for the night.

Independent excursions - The cost of excursions can be eye-watering, especially for a family, so try organising your own days out to save money. You may be able to buy admission tickets to attractions and events before you go on holiday, and by booking transport locally you will have a truly authentic experience.

Going to different places and enjoying new experiences are life-affirming, and can be more affordable than you think. Save money on your summer holiday by driving down prices across the board, whether that is for an all-inclusive package deal or an independently created journey of a lifetime.

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We take time to listen and find the best way forward Contact us to arrange your free initial 30 minute visit (We are happy to come to you for a small extra charge)

Wills Our staff have successfully drafted Wills for many years; truly we are experts.

£135 inc. Single Will

£199 inc. Mirror Wills

Probate

Helping you prove a Will after death.

£545 inc. Plus Court fees [unless it is a huge estate] to obtain a Grant of Probate from the Court

Lasting Power of Attorney Arranging for a relative/friend to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.

£350 inc. Plus Court fees to draft & register with Public Guardian Office Contact us for some friendly advice: 01462 674767 Abbeyhill 507 Broadway Letchworth SG6 3PT mhprobateservices@gmail.com

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41

Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Add Some Vertical Interest Whatever the size or shape of your garden, it will benefit from having some height added to it – and what better way to do this than with an arch or arbour? And, of course, any vertical structure you install in your garden makes for a new planting opportunity too…

Position an arbour to overlook a good view or attractive part of the garden and you instantly create a fabulous place to sit and relax. An arch or an arbour can divide your garden into one or more rooms, a trick that makes your garden seem larger and more interesting.

Chosen carefully, arches and arbours are good looking and a feature in their own right, and if you clothe them with climbers you are adding to their appeal. Plus, those climbers with the added ingredient of scent, like some of the rambling or climbing roses, or honeysuckle or jasmine, can totally transform the whole garden with their wafting perfume.

The area around an arbour in a sunny spot with fairly free-draining soil can be planted with lavenders, so you can enjoy both the way it looks and the perfume and aromatic leaves after a stressful day.

In sunny positions, plant thymes or camomile as a lawn on the approach to your archway or arbour; a fantastic aroma will be released when your feet gently crush the plants.

Arches and arbours are available in a range of materials, with wood and metal being the most popular, both of which I find fit in with my gardening style. In these materials you can

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transform them with wood stains or paints to a bright blue, rich red or any colour you fancy!

An arch or an arbour can be constructed from scratch, but there is a wide range of ready-made arbours and kits for both arches and arbours available. If you choose wood, do ensure that it is a wood which is either naturally going to resist decay – western red cedar or a hardwood such as oak would be my preference, followed by Douglas fir or larch. Alternatively you can choose a softwood which has been tanalised or pressuretreated with a wood preservative, which will usually be somewhat cheaper.

By choosing a wooden arch, perhaps with a rounded top and trellis up the sides, you ensure a really good planting space, and this more rustic look fits well in an informal garden. Many wooden arches are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

To find out what’s available, visit several local garden centres or take a look at mail-order products from the numerous arch and arbour websites, which make window shopping even easier!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find some great gardening items: Nemaslug, ladybirds and other great natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, planters, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Recycle your Wastewater I like to consider myself an eco-gardener. I use few pesticides and I recycle, upcycle and repurpose whenever I can. Like many people I own and use several water butts, which are a fantastic way to utilise all the lovely free rainwater nature provides.

Over the past few years I’ve been reading and researching about other sources of water too. I’m talking about grey water. But what is grey water and how can gardeners make use of it?

Grey water, for those not in the know, is any kind of household wastewater apart from toilet water, which is considered ‘black water’, and which should definitely not be recycled by the average gardener.

You can reclaim water from your washing machine or dishwasher, but this can prove costly and time consuming. The best advice for us amateur ecogardeners is ‘keep it simple’, especially in the first instance.

Basically, this means water from the kitchen sink, the bath or shower, or paddling pool.

Getting grey water to the garden is not difficult.

In the case of washing-up water, simply use a removable plastic bowl in the sink which can be carried out. For baths and paddling pools ask at your garden centre or local DIY store for a water siphon hand pump. All you have to do is prime the siphon with a couple of squeezes then let the water run out into your temporary storage containers.

Once you have the grey water you need to clean it before using it in the garden. This involves filtering it into a large watering can through a piece of fleece or muslin to remove any debris and obvious residue. The water should then be left to cool.

It needs to be used within 24 hours to prevent bacterial build-up.

Now that many of us are on water meters recycling our water makes both good environmental and sound economic sense too.

Top Tips Keep it simple - It is possible to buy special kits to convert all your home’s grey water for gardenusage, but these can prove expensive. You’re more likely to try something that’s cheap and easy. If you really get into water-recycling though, then go for it!

Think natural - Switch to environmentally friendly cleaning and beauty products. These are biodegradable and won’t harm your plants.

Don’t forget the shower - Put the plug in when you shower, and you can save the water for the garden.

Safety-first - All grey water will contain some bacteria. Use it within 24 hours but don’t use it for edible plants or for pots and containers, only on decorative border plants.

Think laterally - You don’t have to restrict greywater to garden usage. Use it to clean the car too!

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Happy Gardening 45

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Parenting

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Safe in the Sun Our top tips for keeping children safe on holiday.

Stop slips There are few things more pleasant than relaxing with a cool drink on a hot day beside a swimming pool. Bliss. Unfortunately, however much you tell your children not to run by the pool, they never seem to learn. While non-slip shoes won’t make your child any less likely to ignore your warnings, they could help to prevent a nasty fall. Slipfree® shoes can be used in and out of the water, and are also handy for protecting feet from hot pebbles on the beach. They’re quick-drying, breathable and comfortable. (My son would wear his 24/7 given the chance.) Available in a range of designs and sizes, Slipfree® shoes are priced at £14.95 at www. iloveslipfree.co.uk.

Sun safety If your child hates having sunscreen re-applied, you might want to invest in a long-sleeved, long-legged sun suit like this one by Frugi, which has a UPF of 50+. You’ll still need to use sunscreen on exposed areas. M&S Kids Sun Smart Sun Spray is SPF50, suitable for sensitive skin and helps to moisturise skin while it protects. Let your child choose their own sun hat, as they’re more likely to wear it without protesting. It may not be quite as tasteful as the one you’d have chosen, but hey, you’re on holiday.

Holiday homes Planning to rent a holiday home this summer? Set

a reminder on your phone to check the fire alarm when you get there. According to new research

by VeriSmart, up to 40% of rental properties don’t have a working smoke alarm, despite it being a legal requirement. If the property has a gas fire, gas cooker, coal fire or wood burning stove, it should also have a carbon monoxide detector. Depending on the age of your child, you may need to check whether there’s a stair gate and safety latches before you go. If there isn’t, consider investing in a travel stair gate such as the Lindam Flexiguard, which folds up small and is easy to attach without screws.

Stranger danger See www.nspcc.org.uk for advice on talking to your child about strangers and hazards. The site also has advice on online safety, what to check if your child is taking part in a club, and more. A child identity wristband is a good idea for younger children. Write your name and phone number on the wristband in case your child gets lost. (Search Amazon for ‘ID wristband’.)

Stay hydrated You’ll need to make sure your child stays hydrated while you’re out and about. If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on bottled drinks (or waste all that plastic), a reusable water bottle is essential.

The ones at Getting Personal can be personalised with your child’s name. Who knows, it might even encourage them not to lose it. One can hope.

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Local News

Coming Up...

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Burghley House, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, is a most grand property of the Elizabethan period. The gardens, too, are superb. The house was built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, during the mid to late 16th Century. Queen Victoria visited in 1844, as many other noble visitors have, to this day, enjoying the House and the wonderful gardens.

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials take place, in the grounds of Burghley House, each year. This annual event is one of the six leading events of its kind in the world. Burghley has been holding horse trials here since 1961, when the 6th Marquess of Exeter arranged an event that proved so popular, and grew year on year, to what is now, the very best of international eventing. Thousands of visitors attend the venue, during the days of the horse trials, with much ‘retail therapy’ to be had, too. Clothing, footwear, leather goods, gifts, food and beverages, glassware, sculptures, paintings and beauty products, are just some, from the range of items available. I always allow myself time to visit these very interesting retail exhibitors.

Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country attract a lot of interest, during the days of the event, with intense competition between those taking part. Olympic mounts of the future are judged at these events. The Stallion Parade makes quite a show and the Concours d’ Elégance is very grand. With the presentation of horses and riders, the display rings and the whole site, a lot of praise must go to the ground crew and all involved, as months of planning go into this event, to make it the success it always is.

Different displays and competitions take place on each of the days. It is not necessary to be a complete equine expert to enjoy this event. There is something for everyone and every age, to be found at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. This year’s event is Thursday 05 September to Sunday 08 September 2019.

www.burghley-horse.co.uk www.burghley.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Local News

Photo: Barry Ingram

Bedfordshire Walking Festival This September sees the 10th anniversary of what has become an annual and increasingly popular event, The Bedfordshire Walking Festival. From humble beginnings in 2009 the festival has grown and grown as more and more people are walking for leisure and fitness. Despite council cutbacks the range of urban and countryside paths are still generally well maintained and being used more often.

For some, the benefit of joining a walk enables them to explore of new places and new paths, whilst for others it is the socialising. Whatever the reason there is a good walk in Bedfordshire not far from your door.

Over the nine days from 7th to 15th September, there is a range of walks from one hour to nine hours duration, plus a range of informative walks of around 2-3 hours. Most are free and no booking is required.

In this part of the county there are two walks from Shuttleworth, on Monday 9th a three hour circular intriguingly entitled “Its time to see the past, present and future” whilst on Tuesday a 2.5 hour informative walk “The hidden gems of Shuttleworth and Old Warden” both starting at 10-15. On Sunday 15th a two hour informative circular walk from Stotfold Mill entitled “The Mills of Etonbury Greenwheel” starting at 10-30.

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However if longer walks appeal why come to Sandy station on Saturday 7th for a 12 mile circular starting at 10-30 or sign up for the Greensand Ridge Path Challenge 40 miles over the weekend of 14th & 15th, if you cant do both days you could always come for one.

Other walks in the area include a Health walk on Monday at 9-00 in Beeston, and on Friday an Informative walk in Willington and a linear bus walk from Haynes to Bedford.

Further afield and celebrating our 10th anniversary, three walks based of the theme of 10 at Woburn on Saturday 7th. Sunday 8th at Priory Country Park Bedford. Sunday 15th at Ampthill Park. Plus walks around the county.

If you are baffled by maps, confused by compasses, daunted by digital devices why not join a one day course on Sunday 8th at Maulden Village Hall. Cost £10 booking via web site.

For full details of the walks visit www.bedswalkfest.co.uk Contact Organiser@bedswalkfest.co.uk or pick up a programme

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Bonnie

We are looking for a loving home for Bonnie who came into our care because her elderly owner has moved into residential care and can no longer look after her.

Bonnie is a very friendly girl who loves to be fussed. She is 8 years old, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

She has not lived with young children, but she should be fine in a home with older children/teenagers.

Bonnie will make a wonderful companion and deserves the chance of a good home.

If you would like to find out more about her, please contact Liz on 01767 681157.

Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team.

View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for rehoming on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity.

You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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ACE PEST CONTROL Fast, efficient, friendly service with very competitive rates Available - 7 days a week Local company. Established 30 years We specialise in all pest problems especially WASPS 5 Google rating

Phone: 01767 627417 Web: acepestcontrolbeds.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Pets

Animal

Know-How Now that we are in the full swing of summer, it is important pets are not forgotten about during hot spells. It can be fatal for animals to overheat and suffer from heatstroke, yet there are many ways it can be avoided by keeping our fury friends cool.

Sadly the most common complaint the RSPCA receives during a heat wave is dogs being left in hot cars. When it is a hot day outside the temperature inside a parked car is almost doubled, and a dog can die of heatstroke within 15 short minutes. If a dog has been spotted left inside a parked car and is in obvious distress, call 999 immediately. The police have the correct authority to free the dog, potentially saving its life.

Another common cause of dogs suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion is dog walking during the hottest parts of the day. This, again, can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal, yet easily avoided. On hot summer days, it is best to take dogs on their walks either early morning or late evening, outside the hours of 8am and 8pm when it is coolest, therefore preventing a dog from becoming overheated. A simple test before heading out on a dog walk is feeling the pavement outside. If it is too hot for a bare hand being held for 5 seconds, it is too hot for a dog. It is also best to remember, if it really is too hot, a dog will not die from missing just one dog walk.

There are six main things to look for if a dog is suffering from heatstroke; BRAIN – are they having a seizure; EYES – are they glazed over; BODY – do

they have an extremely high temperature; LEGS – are they staggering or have they collapsed; MOUTH – are they panting or drooling excessively or have they vomited.

If a dog has suspected heatstroke and any of these symptoms have been spotted move the dog somewhere cool, offer small amounts of tepid water, douse with cool (not cold) water and most importantly, contact a vet immediately.

It is not only dogs who suffer in summer heat waves, another common complaint is rabbits in hot hutches. If a rabbit hutch is not properly protected from the sun, just like a dog in a hot car, rabbits can overheat and suffer from heatstroke which can be potentially fatal. Signs of heatstroke in bunnies are reddening of the ears, panting or salivating, slow moving, weak or convulsing. If a rabbit has suspected heatstroke and any of these symptoms are apparent, contact a vet immediately. However there are simple ways to keep rabbits cool to prevent them from overheating. Provide ample shade using sheets or parasols; place cold damp towels over hutch or run roofs; make sure they have plenty of cool, clean water which is replenished regularly; keep ice packs or frozen water bottles inside the hutch or run.

Remember, if you see an animal in distress during hot weather, contact a vet immediately or the RSPCA animal helpline on 0300 1234 999.

Brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk 54

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Alan George Painter & Decorator Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

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

For a free, friendly, no obligation quotation

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07889 903283 Email: andythepainter5@hotmail.com

Tel: 01462 627074 Mob: 07867 531368

Speak to Matt • No job too big or small To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Life Begins...

My partner’s lost in the past

By Kate McLelland Do you listen to Spotify while your partner still enjoys scratchy cassette recordings? Do you bristle each time he or she switches on the Yesterday channel, or counts out loose change instead of using a contactless card?

Age affects people in different ways and if you’re a forwardlooking person who is willing to embrace change, it can be frustrating when your partner seems happier living in the past.

If you can both laugh off your differences and set them aside, there’s no problem, but if your partner’s behaviour starts to affect your lifestyle as a couple, it could be a red flag for your relationship.

At 56, Stephen Adebusi-Jones is two years younger than his wife Mary, but she feels his attitude to life is typical of someone much older.

“Steve always wanted to hear the latest band, experiment with different foods and travel to new places,” says Mary. ”But all that stopped after he turned forty five. These days he prefers to stay in, listening to the same music he played when he was young.

He even moans when I suggest

something different, like trying out a new recipe.”

That’s a familiar story for Jamie Barber, who has lived with his partner Mimi for the past twentyfive years. “Mimi’s interest in Sixties nostalgia began when she started buying and selling vintage clothes and jewellery online,” Stephen explains. “She used to enjoy trawling charity shops and online auction sites for vintage buys, but now she just watches reruns of 1960s films and TV shows on YouTube.”

It can be hard to understand how a partner who was once positive, optimistic and adventurous could lose those qualities as they age.

While it’s easy to accuse them of being ‘stuck in a rut’, a psychiatrist may take a different view. If your partner is displaying symptoms such as low energy and general loss of pleasure in everyday life, it’s possible they are suffering from a condition called dysthymia. Also known as ‘Persistent Depressive Disorder’ and closely related to depression, this condition can last for years and, thanks to its undramatic symptoms, often goes undiagnosed.

A person with dysthymia might suffer from low self-esteem, show little interest in daily activities and seem irritable and ‘down’ much of the time. Avoiding social activities, not getting minor tasks done and losing concentration are also signs of this condition. The good news is that it can be relieved by a combination of talking therapy and medication.

If you believe that your partner’s mental health is at risk, you should encourage them to contact a GP. Alternatively you could find help from Age UK, which runs a free counselling service throughout the UK. Call Age UK’s helpline on 0800 678 1602 to locate a counsellor near you, or visit their website at ageuk.org.uk.

Whoever came up with the wise old adage “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present!” seems to have understood the importance of looking forward, rather than living in the past. If you can communicate that message to your partner, there’s a chance it could transform both your lives for the better.

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

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Motoring

But What If It Goes Wrong?

Broadly, I am in favour of driver-assisting safety aids, such as collision avoidance systems.

I don’t hold with diehards who say it takes away some of the skill of driving, promotes an overreliance on technology and thus responsibility for a driver’s actions. After all, if you take this argument to its conclusion, a brake light is a driver aid, is it not?

But my caution in the reliance of these systems comes from the question of how well they will continue to perform on second- and third-hand cars.

Anecdotal evidence, from a garage-owning colleague, shows that many second-owner luxury cars that come in for an electrical fault are often exhibiting serious issues with the other electronic systems. Faulty AC is one thing, faulty ABS quite another.

It’s accepted that parts will wear-out on any

mechanical-electronic device. However, should brake pads wear and lose their effectiveness, a driver will still apply them. But, for example, a faulty collision avoidance system may not apply the brakes at all, whilst the driver makes no attempt to brake manually.

Aviation technology has reached a point where aircraft electronic systems could well do a better job than the pilot, but airlines still have a couple up front, just in case.

Car safety technology is great and makes a big contribution to accident avoidance, but just like the airline pilot, a driver still needs to be there, just in case.

By Iain Betson

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.

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n O s ’ t Wha In August

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1 August Baldock Floral Society 7.15pm The Community Centre, Baldock Everyone welcome.

1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29 August Willian Bowls Club Every Tues 2pm & Thurs 6pm Lower Green, Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth We are 100 years old this year and celebrating with “Come and Try Bowls” events throughout the season. All equipment and tuition is free, as is the first year’s membership to new bowlers. Willian is a friendly and sociable club with a lovely bowls green and clubhouse.

Tel: David on 01462 642790 Web: www.willianbowlsclub.org 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August 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, including fresh homemade cakes, are available every week. The club warmly invites visits from prospective new members - please call John for more info.

Tel: John Biggs 01462 433393 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August 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.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Stevenage Plus Social Group 8.15pm for 8.30pm Holiday Inn Express (opposite Matalan), Stevenage £2 - first night free Stevenage Plus Social Group is a fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas.

We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as day trips and weekends away. New members always welcome.

Tel: 01438 231550.

Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk

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1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August 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. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along with no joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August Baldock Health Walk 11am Tesco car park, 58 High Street, Baldock Mind in Herts Health Walk every Friday. Walking is a great way to get active and get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Tel: Stephanie Flint 01438 369215 Email: stephanie.flint@mindinherts.org.uk Web: www.mindinherts.org.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August 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 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August Rainmakers International Folk Dance Club 8-10pm The Parish Hall, Broadway, Letchworth Rainmakers is a friendly club for all. We enjoy folk dances of all styles from many countries around the world and meet most Fridays. Come on your own or with a friend.

Tel: Roger 01438 812766 or Jill 01462 457791 Web: www.rainmakers.org.uk

3 August Weekend Stories 11-11.30am Letchworth Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family welcomed Stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children.

4 August Fun Charity Quiz Night 8pm The Five Bells, Henlow Village £2 per person In aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association. Teams of up to 8 members. Cash prize for the winning team with a ‘booby prize’ available. Also raffle and ‘spot prizes’.

Tel: John 01767 680974 Email: quizzesforcharity@outlook.com 5 August Drop-In Session 10.30am-12 noon Baldock Library Nothing to do on a Monday morning? Come and join us in the library for a monthly drop-in session. Make new friends. Jigsaws. Colouring for calming. Tea/ coffee/biscuits. No need to book.

5, 12 & 19 August Café Connect 1-4pm Arlesey Resource Centre, High Street, Arlesey An exciting new community project in Arlesey! We want to bring the community together with a series of events chosen by YOU. Come along to Meet new people, Share your skills, Explore your interests, Learn something new, Develop your community and all with free tea, coffee and cakes! This project is delivered by Community Action Bedfordshire and NOAH Enterprise, and funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and Public Health.

Tel: Priya 07814 704203 for more info

3 August 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 such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

5, 12 & 19 August 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

3 August Weekend Stories 10.30-11am Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family welcomed Stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children.

5, 12, 19 & 26 August Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth 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 ages.

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n O s ’ t Wha In August

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

5, 12, 19 & 26 August Hare & Hounds Hash House Harriers 7.30pm H5 are a social running and walking club for mixed abilities, meeting every week in the Bedfordshire area. The trail is set by our hare from a local pub and typically lasts 1 hour covering between 3 and 4 miles. Family and dog friendly. Full details of the trails can be found online or via email.

Email: info@h5hashers.org.uk Web: www.H5hashers.org.uk

8 August The Arts Society North Herts Talk 11am-12.15pm Letchworth Broadway Cinema, Eastcheap, Letchworth £7 on the door Talk by Neil Faulkner on the Dead Sea Scrolls - an introduction to Palestine in the time of Christ. All welcome.

Email: theartssociety.nh@gmail.com Web: www.theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk

5, 12, 19 & 26 August Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

8 August Baldock & Clothall WI 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock Visitors £3. Visitors always welcome.

Tel: Lucy 01462 742609 for more info Email: baldockclothallwi@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi

6, 13, 20 & 27 August 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.

6, 13, 20 & 27 August Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club.

Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 7, 14, 21 & 28 August 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.

7, 14, 21 & 28 August 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.

13 & 27 August 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. Organised visits and events throughout the year. New members welcome.

Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com 14 August Over 60s Lunch Club 12.45pm for 1pm lunch Garden City Court, Whiteway, off Radburn Way, Letchworth Garden City £5. Second Wednesday of every month. Come with friends or make new friends whilst you are here. Stay for the afternoon quiz. Two-course hot lunch with soft drink. Please advise any dietary requirements when booking. Everyone is welcome.

First lunch is free. Please call on a Monday to book your place for the Wednesday.

Tel: 01462 473100 Email: garden@quantumcare.co.uk 25 August RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group Trip 9.30am Reserve entry charges may apply Own transport trip to College Lake BBOWT (am) and the Tring Reservoirs (pm). A day out in the Chilterns, looking for resident and migrating birds and other wildlife in this attractive part of the world. Meet at College Lake car park (O/S 165, SP 935 139). Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com

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29 August Stevenage Locomotive Society 7.30pm Community Arts Centre, Roaring Meg Retail Park Members free, Visitors £2 A first visit by Peter as he brings his splendid images from the BR Blue period of the 1970s. Light refreshment break mid-way through evening.

Web: www.stevenagelocosociety.co.uk 7 September Family Fun, Food & Film! Meppershall 3pm Meppershall Village Hall Free entry Stalls, food, drink, and family entertainment. Inside the new Village Hall will be a Lifestyle section offering crafts and quality merchandise. Pop-up Outdoor Cinema in the evening showing a singalong family film. Food and drink will be available.

Popular cover Band RF2 will be playing live in the Village Hall.

17 & 24 September Parent Career Coaching Workshop 10-11.30am Symonds Green Community Centre, Stevenage £12.50 per session Four Tuesday sessions with Jessica Cox, accredited career coach and recruitment professional, who will help you if you are a parent returning to work, looking for a new job or considering a career change.

You will gain the tools to get you noticed, write a CV that stands out and much more. To book please call or visit the website.

Tel: Jessica Cox 07388 537435 Web: https://peakperformancehr.co.uk/contact/ 20 September Starlight Hike Shuttleworth Estate Online registration is open with a 5km or 10km route option. In aid of Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.

Web: www.sueryder.org/stjohnsstarlighthike.

Hitchin & Surrounding Areas Fun & Social Stuff A welcoming social group based in Hitchin, but, also includes the surrounding areas. We arrange monthly socials, drinks socials, live music, pub quizzes, cinema, etc.. The group is a variety of people over 18 getting to know others in a social and friendly setting whilst also enjoying themselves.

Email: meetup3@outlook.com Web: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-groupHVrvZZiQ

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James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured

References available t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 e: go_on_james@hotmail.com www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

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Your Perfect Loft Access and Storage Solution Our services include: Loft Ladders Loft Hatches Insulation Loft Boarding Loft Lighting Balustrades We are a family run business who comply to building regulations, where our fitters are fully insured and all of our work is guaranteed.

Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

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

Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

N O T YO U R AV E R A G E H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T C O M PA N Y

EPDM RUBBER ROOFING

• FIRESTONE RUBBER-BOND • 20 YEAR MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY • SUPERIOR DURABILITY • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY • QUICK INSTALLATION • MAINTENANCE FREE • FLEXIBLE • LICENSED FIRESTONE INSTALLER

0800 046 1080 UP TO 30% OFF IN AUGUST hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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SIMPLY PRESSED

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery

Ironing Service ◆ Have your ironing done in a clean shop environment ◆ Fully insured ◆ Open Tuesdays to Saturdays ◆ See website for more details or give us a call

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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Contact Details 276a Hitchin Road, Henlow Camp Bedfordshire SG16 6DP Phone: 01462 812895 Email: info@simplypressed.co.uk www.simplypressed.co.uk

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Interiors

1 By Katherine Sorrell

Make your home office work harder for you

Make working from home less of a chore with our top tips for designing a room that’s both functional and attractive.

SORT OUT YOUR STORAGE The old adage that you can never have too much storage is especially true in an office, where efficient organisation is key. While a combination of shelving, files and boxes works well for most people, why not seek out unique pieces to introduce a sense of character? Although chain stores and specialist shops sell office furniture at a range of prices, consider hunting around junk shops, second-hand furniture stores and salvage yards for interesting alternatives, such as old school lockers, distressed wall cupboards, huge wicker baskets or old factory trolleys. Bear

in mind that some stored items will need to be within easy reach, while those that are used less frequently can be stored on high shelves or in deep cupboards, and not necessarily in the same room. If your office is an awkward shape, a converted loft or under the stairs, for example, consider built-in storage in order to maximise the space.

THE BEST DESK Size does matter when it comes to choosing a desk. Even in a small room, desk area will probably be more useful than floor space, so choose the biggest one possible – you will never

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regret having plenty of room on which to spread out. A desk with drawers or cubby holes is doubly practical, though lovers of a minimal look may wish to consider a glass desk: perfect if you can keep it clear and tidy most of the time. If you are running out of room, you could consider adding a small worktop to one side of your existing desk, as an L-shaped workspace is particularly ergonomic.

ON THE WALLS Remove as much as possible from the surface of your desk, and make the most of the height of your room, by introducing wall-mounted storage.

Pin boards, peg board, magnetic boards and hanging racks are all useful and good-looking.

You might even consider wiring one or two adjustable lamps into the wall above your desk – another way to save a bit of work space.

BE COLOUR CONFIDENT Neutral offices are the norm, but at home you’re not at risk of offending anyone else, so why not paint the room in a bold colour that makes you happy? Alternatively, there’s nothing to stop you covering a feature wall, or even the whole room, with patterned wallpaper.

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? A comfortable chair is an essential for any working area, and if you are likely to spend hours in it then an adjustable office chair on castors is the best choice. If yours is boring or ugly, it might be possible to re-cover and/or paint it; at worst, you could hang a length of fabric over the back and add an attractive cushion.

SEE THE LIGHT Good lighting is vital to avoid eye strain when working at home. Lots of natural light is ideal, but glare from direct sunshine is not – experiment with the position of your desk and, if necessary, use a blind for shading.

For working on dim days and in the evenings, fit overhead lighting that doesn’t cast any shadows over your working area – track lighting, inset ceiling spots and wall lamps are all options. Desk lamps should, ideally, be adjustable.

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DETAILS MATTER Do you have enough plug sockets in the right places? If necessary, ask an electrician to add to what’s there in order to minimise messy and inconvenient cabling. About three inches above the work surface is good, plus some hidden lower down and out of sight. Sort the rest of the cables out with ties and clips (running them up table legs is a good idea, where possible) and, while you’re at it, consider labelling plugs so you know exactly which is which.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET PERSONAL There’s no need to be bland. It’s your office, so make it personal.

Add a pretty rug, a cushion, interesting desk accessories, a selection of plants, some colourful prints on the wall or a selection of framed photographs. Scent is important, as well – make the whole room fragrant with a vase of flowers, scented candle or reed diffuser, and this will be a room where you’ll enjoy spending time.

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1. Helmer drawer unit on castors, £30, Ikea: 020 3645 0000; ikea.com/gb.

2. Batik desk by Cattelan Italia, £1,902, Chaplins: 020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk.

3. Olly adjustable table lamp, £67.20, Där Lighting: 01295 672 200; darlighting.co.uk 70

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Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance Quality Workmanship Papering, Coving etc.

Interior and Exterior Work Free Quotations Call W Firkins & Partners Ltd 01462 814117 or 07939 267083 Est 1981 20 Clifton Road, Shefford, Beds

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job?

Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

Call Nigel on: 01462 506076 / 07941295883 Email: nigelrooney@hotmail.co.uk

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July’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr T Bolton from Alconbury Bickerdikes Competition Winner

Mrs Jean Charter from Biggleswade

Easy

Hard

N O T YO U R AV E R A G E H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T C O M PA N Y

WALL COATING

ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN BREATHABLE COATINGS WEATHER PROOF SMOOTH OR TEXTURED SELF CLEANING PROTECTS YOUR WALLS CLEAN & TIDY INSTALLATION SUITABLE FOR MASONRY OR RENDER • COLOUR MATCH AVAILABLE • 10 YEAR GUARANTEE • • • • • • • •

Before After

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The Villager Prize Crossword

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

16th Aug 2019 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Cut short (4) 3 Adversary (8) 9 Error (7) 10 Board game (5) 11 Very eager (12) 13 Informal (6) 15 Small piece of food (6) 17 Books giving meanings of words (12) 20 Relating to the moon (5) 21 Absence of sound (7) 22 Moving very fast (8) 23 Spheres (4) Down 1 Business (8) 2 Start of (5) 4 Written in rhyme (6) 5 Now and then (12) 6 Protect the eyes (7) 7 Throw (4) 8 Produced (12) 12 Small bunches or groups (8) 14 Physics or chemistry (7) 16 Untie (6) 18 Lying within (5) 19 Add to (4)

Name: Tel:



Address:

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WINDOW REPAIRS

Serving all of Herts - Based in Stevenage Specialising in replacing misted units

BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks fixed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog flaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 76

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Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan

Accountants

Little Darlings

by Melanie Golding

Lauren is convinced someone is planning to abduct her newborn twins, so when they go missing it seems her fears were justified. But when the twins are found, Lauren is convinced they’re not hers. Have they been swapped for changelings like she believes, or is Lauren suffering from post-partum psychosis? Is she the only one who can save the babies, or is she the one who’s putting them in danger? A chilling page-turner that keeps you guessing.

Vegan One Pound Meals

by Miguel Barclay

This book proves that vegan food can be as delicious, easy and inexpensive as it is healthy. There are twists on classic dishes, such as ‘artichoke paella’, ‘cashew pesto pasta’ and ‘tomato tarte tatin’, along with plenty of original dishes, such as ‘kimchi tacos’ and ‘sticky aubergine bao’. Most only use a handful of ingredients and all work out at around £1 per portion. Recipes are easy to follow and each is accompanied by a mouth-watering image.

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

01525 753547 or 07836 242122 G.J. WATKINSON

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

by Heather Morris

If you haven’t yet read the biography of Lale Sokolov, summer could be the perfect time as you’ll want the time to digest this book in peace. Lale was imprisoned in Auschwitz from 1942 and put to work tattooing the other prisoners. During his time at Auschwitz, Lale witnessed both the brutality of the human race, and its appetite for kindness, self-sacrifice and hope. While The Tattooist of Auschwitz is at times harrowing, it is also a love story. A must-read.

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Classifieds Carpentry and Joinery

Property Maintenance

Tim Jordon

R. CHAPMAN

Home & Garden Services

Carpentry and Joinery

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

Made to measure quality timber products supply and fit.

Doors, Windows, Stairs, Gates, Kitchen Worktops, Wood staining, painting and varnishing Station Road, Lower Stondon, Beds.

Tel: 01462 850363 or 07544 790071

01462 850575 or 07950 311881

Locksmith Services

Property Maintenance

Dave Mortby Plastering, Decorating & Refurbishment

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

Email: David.mortby@live.co.uk

Plastering Services

Removals

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

Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: muscleandmotor@gmail.com www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

Roofing

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

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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