Henlow Aug 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 141 - August 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Brits - We don’t mean what we say

A Summer Holiday on

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Inside this issue... The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby

The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby................................................4 Drinks: Sparklers and Spirits................................................. 8 Smishing! New kid on the Fraud Squad’s block............10 Wood Green can help pets and their owners.............. 12 St Francis’ Children’s Society............................................... 15 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...........................................16 A summer holiday on four wheels....................................19 Hertfordshire Age UK............................................................ 21 Green Tips: Commuter Cycling.......................................... 23 The latest looks for you windows.................................... 24 EAAA redeploy Aftercare Team of nurses..................... 27 New Season Wardrobe Workout.....................................28 C the Benefits: Vitamin C - Miracle or Myth.................33 Brits: We don’t mean what we say.................................. 35

Badminton Benefits............................................................... 36 Tech for ‘the new normal’................................................... 38 Watery Delight........................................................................ 42 Well-being and Water..........................................................46 The Big Butterfly Count.......................................................50 Wordsearch..............................................................................50 Helping Wildlife: Baby Birds............................................... 54 The best vans for a camper conversion.........................56 Fun Quiz.....................................................................................59 Puzzle Page...............................................................................60 Your Health - Water Worries............................................. 63 A new look for your windows...........................................64 Turning 50: Milestone or Millstone?................................69 The Villager Prize Crossword...............................................74 Book Review: For the Love of the Land......................... 76 Useful Numbers...................................................................... 79

Watery Delight

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 - Kate McLelland, Trevor Langley, Sarah Davey, Nick Coffer, Katherine Sorrell, EAAA, Jennie Billings, Louise Addison, Tracey Anderson, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton and RSPCA.

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

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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. 3

History

By Kate McLelland

The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby Visit the Edinburgh Museum, situated on the city’s famous Royal Mile, and you’ll discover a wealth of beautiful objects, from exquisitely cut glassware to antique clocks and historic paintings. Of all the lovely art and craft pieces, ancient documents and historical items to be found on display here, one glass case stands out: not for its fine objets d’art, but for its humble contents. The case contains a statue of a small dog, a collar and a feeding bowl, together with a few faded sepia photographs. At nearby Candlemaker Row, you’ll find a drinking fountain topped by a statue of a dog that closely resembles the figure in the glass case. The inscription reads: “A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858, this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872.” Canine fame ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ was a Skye terrier who reputedly spent fourteen years guarding the grave of his

owner, until he finally died in January 1972. Bobby owed his name to the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirk, where he became something of a local celebrity. It’s reported that crowds would gather at the entrance of the graveyard almost daily, waiting for the one o’clock gun that Bobby took as his signal to leave the grave for his midday meal. Baroness Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts, President of the Ladies Committee of the RSPCA, was so deeply moved by his story that she sought permission from the City Council to erect a public drinking fountain with a statue of Bobby mounted on top. Since that time a novel has been written about Bobby’s life (‘Greyfriars Bobby’ by Eleanor Atkinson, published in 1912) and two films have celebrated his life: ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ (1961) and ‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’ (2006). How the legend began As you might expect of such a well-loved story, there are several different versions of Bobby’s life and some of the details have been called into question. The most generally accepted account

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claims that Bobby’s master was John Gray, a night watchman employed by Edinburgh City Police. Legend has it that John adopted Bobby the Skye terrier to keep him company on the long, dark nights he spent patrolling the city and the two became inseparable friends and working partners. After several years walking the chilly streets of Edinburgh by night, John Gray’s health began to suffer. Records show he was treated for tuberculosis by the police surgeon and he finally died of the disease on 15th February 1858. It wasn’t long before local people passing through Greyfriars Kirkyard noticed that John Gray’s dog appeared to have taken up residence beside his master’s grave, refusing to leave even in the worst of weather. The graveyard keeper tried to shoo Bobby away on a number of occasions, but the dog would always return. In the end the keeper gave up and created a small shelter, with a bed made of sacking, next to the grave. Friends and supporters In 1867 a new by-law was passed, requiring all dogs in the city to be licenced. This rule, which decreed that all strays without licences should be promptly destroyed, created a dilemma with regard to Bobby (who had no master to buy his licence). At this point Sir William Chambers, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, stepped in. He paid for the licence and also provided the smart leather collar, inscribed “Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 licensed”. This is the collar on display in the glass case at Edinburgh Museum. Bobby could only be persuaded to leave his dead master’s graveside for the promise of food. William Dow – a friend of John Gray – would occasionally treat Bobby to a meal at a local coffee house where the two former friends used to meet. At other times Bobby’s meals were provided by a man called James Brown, who looked after the cemetery. Finally, after fourteen years waiting patiently by his master’s grave, Greyfriars Bobby fell ill from cancer of the jaw. He died in 1872 but his fame continued to grow.

Shaggy dog story? The story of Greyfriars Bobby is a wonderful tale of canine loyalty and dedication, but like all good stories it has probably been embellished during the telling and re-telling. Dr Jay Bondeson, a historian and senior lecturer at Cardiff University, believes that the story was largely fabricated by the graveyard keeper James Brown, who received money from tourists eager to donate towards Bobby’s food. Dr Bondeson also believes that the original dog died in 1867 and was replaced by another Skye terrier. Whatever the truth behind the legend may be, the story is typical of many accounts of animals that faithfully wait for their human owners, including a recent report of a loyal dog that waited in the lobby of China’s Taikang Hospital for more than three months after his elderly owner died from Covid-19. The tale of Greyfriars Bobby has warmed the hearts of visitors to Edinburgh for over 150 years and will no doubt continue to do so for many years to come.

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Food & Drink

Drinks: Sparklers and Spirits Prosecco is extremely popular and Pizzolato Organic Prosecco (11% vol) certainly does not disappoint. This impressive, sparkling production exudes a fine and persistent perlage, which pleases the nasal senses with fruits, including apples and pears, that follow on to the mouthfeel and palate sensation. I found this prosecco crisp and refreshing, being produced utilising 100% Glera grapes to great advantage. Irresistible Cava (11.5% vol) is another most popular sparkling wine, that adorns many dining tables, constantly. Made by Castillo Perelada, renowned for excellent sparkling wines, this exclusive blend delivers a dry, refreshing experience that continues throughout – to the very last enjoyable drop! Grape: Macabeo. Taittinger is very much recognised as one of the leading Champagne Houses. This family-owned and managed company (Founded 1734) produces outstanding, multi awardwinning Champagnes. The use of Chardonnay grapes is of great importance and results in exceptional Champagne productions, which are admired and appreciated by many. Taittinger Brut Reserve (12.5% vol) is a favourite for Champagne lovers, worldwide. The bouquet and splendid perlage are just perfect and the balanced, superb mouthfeel follows, to complement. The palate’s sensation completes the experience with excellent depth and a most memorable finish. For the spirits, I found Passion Fruit, Mango & Lime Flavoured Gin Limited Edition (40% vol) to suit my palate perfectly. The description on the bottle states ‘Zesty & Vibrant’ – I agree. Infused with the flavours of passion fruit, mango and lime, this 5-times distilled production has a splendid combination of tropical inclusions, with the lime citrus addition, balancing wonderfully. Irresistible Pineapple Rum Spirit Drink (40% vol) has a good number of ‘devotees’, too. Produced using Dominican Republic rum and 8-year aged Barbados rum, this certainly ‘comes through’ with its tropical taste, evoking thoughts of paradise, with pineapples and sunshine. Happy Days! I located these drinks at a Co-op store. The Co-op is dedicated and committed to Fair Trade, also. Expert advice is always available, which includes valuable information about pairing wines/drinks with foods, too. Excellent quality beverages include beers, wines and spirits, with several award winners amongst the ranges. If Co-op membership is of interest, then customers can enjoy rewards on selected products and purchases. www.coop.co.uk/products/wine www.coop.co.uk www.infofairtrade.net

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Technology

Smishing! A few years ago, ‘phishing’ was big news. There can’t be a person in the UK who hasn’t received their email from an imaginary Nigerian prince or a shady London Investment Office. Most of us are wise to phishing emails. But now there’s ‘smishing’. This is shorthand for SMS phishing. SMS stands for ‘short messaging service’ and is basically ‘texting’. So smishing is the text equivalent of phishing! Smishing texts are sent for the sole purpose of committing opportunistic fraud. The texts look like they’re from a reputable company and they all have one thing in common – they encourage you to take action, often calling a premium rate number or sharing your confidential information. It can be easy to mistake smishing texts for genuine messages but there are give-aways: They are often peppered with spelling mistakes They may tell you your account is in danger and you need to act immediately, the threat being that if you don’t your account will be suspended or reported or blocked. This is a scare tactic, to prompt you to follow their instructions. They may tell you that you have won a prize, or that you will miss out on an exclusive offer unless you call a number immediately.

By Sarah Davey

Meet the new kid on the

fraud squad’s block

STOP! If the text is badly written and full of spelling mistakes, it’s unlikely to be genuine. If your account is in danger then no phone company, bank, credit card company or HMRC will expect you to contact them directly from the text. GO TO THE ORIGINAL SOURCE OF THE COMPANY THE TEXT CLAIMS TO BE FROM. Phone them from the number on official documentation, such as a bill, or a bank statement, or use the contact details from the company’s official website. DO NOT call any numbers given in the message. They will tell you whether the text came from them. If it didn’t, they may refer you to their fraud department. If a prize or an offer seems too good to be true it almost certainly is. Simply receiving a suspicious message won’t breach your phone or bank security. Scams won’t work unless you follow the instructions in the text. DON’T RESPOND in any form to the message as that indicates the number is active and you may be repeatedly targeted. If you accidentally fall for one: Change your passwords immediately to bank accounts, phone accounts and email account. Contact your bank and your phone company for advice. Don’t feel embarrassed; smishing messages are designed to look convincing.

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that the sooner we see the back of 2020 and this dreadful corona virus the better. That said, there are also some heart warming positives that we can take out of this situation. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of

supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help again”.

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Local News

Wood Green can help pets and their owners Wood Green, The Animals Charity can support people at every step of the pet ownership journey. From choosing the right pets and getting them settled to ongoing care and, where necessary, giving up a pet, their friendly team is available. At an unprecedented time in our lives, these services are needed more than ever. Pets have been impacted by lockdown in a number of ways – disruptions to daily routines, financial challenges and spurring more people than ever to welcome a new pet into their home. Indeed, many people saw lockdown as an opportunity to get a puppy. These dogs will soon be reaching adolescence and some of them will have missed key life lessons like socialising with other dogs and people, being left at home alone and attending training classes. Wood Green’s team of Behaviour & Training Specialists provide free advice to pet owners facing difficulty with a puppy, or any other pet. Whatever circumstances pet owners find themselves in, be it work or financial pressures, health, or simply not having enough time to dedicate to a pet, Wood Green can help. The charity’s services have been a lifeline to vulnerable pets over the past few months, delivering essential supplies such as pet food safely to their doors. Life can be unpredictable and some owners may no longer be able to look after their pets. Whatever the reason, Wood Green will listen, advise and, if someone needs to hand over their pet, will take the animal into their care to find them a loving new home. Talk to Wood Green’s team on 0300 303 9333 or visit www.woodgreen.org.uk

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Local News

Louise and Jake became parents with the help of St. Francis’ Children’s Society. Here, they reflect on their adoption journey. We’d been together some time when we started trying for a family, but it just wasn’t happening naturally. After one failed IVF attempt, we decided to adopt. Following an initial meeting with a social worker, we attended four days of Preparation Training. We learnt about the children awaiting adoption, child development and the ongoing support offered. We then began ‘homestudy’, which was nerve-wracking at times but so important. It gave us a real insight into adoption, and helped us to understand what kind of parents we might be. After we were approved, the matching process began. It was exciting, heart-wrenching and nerve-wracking all at once. It’s not about finding the perfect child, it’s about giving a child the best chance in life with the best possible parent for them. Eventually, we were matched with three year old Jasmine. We first met her at her foster carer’s home. She was vivacious, loud, strong. We had no idea what we had let ourselves in for! After two weeks of introductions, our daughter came home to live with us. There have undeniably been many challenges over the years. When behavioural issues arise, we have to explore the root cause and help her through those emotions. But there have been so many positives too, and we love seeing her thrive. We would do it all again in a heartbeat. We are three now and love being a family. Learn more at www.sfcs.org.uk

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Food & Drink

Cod wrapped in prosciutto served on Skordalia Serves 4 people

I love Weekend Kitchen guests who are proud of their food heritage. One such guest is former Masterchef contestant Theo Michaels from Harpenden. He takes pride to a new level though – mention any dish to him, from anywhere in the world, and he will make a case that it originated in Greece! The funny thing is, it’s always such a compelling case too! His lovely new book, “Orexi!”, is chock full of modern Greek recipes and this delicious fish dish from his book was a big hit when he made it on my programme recently. Simple flavours, cooked well, and served on a Greek version of mashed potato. Delicious. Ingredients 750g Cod Loin 8 slices prosciutto 30g chopped parsley 1 lemon, quartered Small handful Greek basil, ripped ½ cup Kalamata olives Juice of ¼ lemon 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 6 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced Seasoning ½ clove garlic, thinly sliced Pinch chili

1. Lay out a sheet of greaseproof paper and lay the pieces of ham side by side, slightly overlapping about same length as the fish. Place the fish on the top third of the sheet of ham. 2. Lay out the tomatoes along the top of the cod, followed by the garlic, parsley, basil, olives, chili flakes, seasoning and drizzle of olive oil. Once done, wrap the fish. 3. Lift the short side of the sheet of ham up and over the fish then roll the whole thing until the fish is fully enclosed. Don’t worry about the ends being open. 4. Lightly oil the outside of the fish parcel using your hands and place seam-side down onto a hot skillet or griddle. Cook for 5 minutes then turn over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. 5. Place on a chopping board and slice into thick steaks, finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients for the skordalia: 300g white potatoes 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 100ml olive oil Few drops lemon juice

1. Peel and cut the potatoes and cook in salted boiling water until ‘fork’ done. 2. Drain and steam dry for a few minutes before mashing. 3. Add the garlic and continue mashing adding the olive oil in batches. Once the potatoes are thoroughly mashed, use a hand whisk to beat them as you add the rest of the olive oil. 4. Season with a few very generous pinches of salt, a few drops of lemon juice, and whisk through a pinch or two of the finely chopped parsley.

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

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

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Special Report

A summer holiday – on four wheels Renting a camper van or motorhome for your summer break is a truly different experience. Clearly it’s much smaller, but the ‘Wendy house’ feel is a lot of fun and being able to visit a number of places without packing and unpacking every time is a joy. SMALL - VW and small camper vans look cool and are easy to get around in. They are small inside though and don’t have toilet facilities. They work well in good weather and for a couple of nights, but much longer than that and you’ll be longing for a bit of social distancing! If that’s all your budget will stretch to and there are more than two of you, make sure you get an awning for extra storage and living space. MEDIUM - A camper van is a van which has been converted to a living space. Being a van they have big doors at the side and back, meaning you can get more of a view and let the fresh air in. They are generally easy to drive and park and are ‘Tardis-like’ inside – you won’t believe how much can be squeezed in. LARGE - A motorhome is usually built on a van chassis, but the living space is purpose-built so it’s wider, taller and has more space for storage and facilities. On the downside, they only have a narrow single door in the living space so there’s more of a definition between inside and outside. CARAVAN - Caravans are inexpensive because there’s no motor but of course you’ll need a tow bar on your car, which you might not be so keen to do if you are just trying the experience for the first time. Driving and manoeuvring them takes a bit of practice too. WHERE TO STAY - During the day you can stop in many open car parks near beaches and in forested areas. Wild camping – where you just park up and stay overnight – isn’t encouraged even if you have your own toilet facilities. Rather you should aim for one of these options:

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club has an extensive network of club sites, see www.caravanclub.co.uk. The smaller Camping and Caravanning Club offers a good selection of sites. See www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk. Britstop (britstop.com) is a guide you have to buy (£31.60) and it lists stays at farm shops, country pubs, vineyards and many other interesting venues. However, many are likely to still be closed this summer. WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENING? As it’s likely to be a while before public venues are fully open, entertainment on your new holiday theme will resonate: • ‘Vanlifer’ Jenelle Eliana has a huge following on YouTube. She lives in her van with a pet snake! • Book: How to Live in a Van and Travel. • Into the Wild is a moving film based on a true story of a young man who attempted to live independently in the wilds of Alaska. • Back on YouTube, watching van reviews and people doing self-build conversions may inspire you to make motorhoming a permanent fixture in your life.

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Local News

How local businesses are helping a local charity! COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on Age UK Hertfordshire’s services. They are a local charity that supports over 10,000 older people each year, to alleviate loneliness and isolation, tackle poverty and build resilience within communities across Hertfordshire. “It’s been an incredibly busy and challenging few months for Age UK Hertfordshire. We’ve had to swiftly restructure our services and develop new ways of working to ensure that we continue to support the most vulnerable older people in Hertfordshire,” says their Director of Operations, Mark Hanna. “In the initial weeks of COVID-19 our focus was on ensuring that our most vulnerable clients had food, support and any essential practical assistance. In April alone, our Information & Advice line received nearly 5,000 enquiries - and we’ve continued to be extremely busy. Many of our clients already felt socially isolated and lonely, and the COVID-19 lockdown has accentuated that feeling so we need to do all we can to ensure we are here if they need us.”

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Deborah Paniagua, the charities’ CEO agrees, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of people in Hertfordshire – donating everything from food to face masks for our food parcels and ‘comfort bags’ and from jigsaws to jotters for our ‘activity packs’. Local businesses have been donating too, including The Haberdashery in Hitchin. They provided a mountain of yarn and knitting needles to add to our comfort parcels.” Owner of The Haberdashery, Kim Keeping, said “I love the work that Age UK Hertfordshire do and we might all need their services one day. We may be lucky enough to have our partner still with us but many are not that fortunate, so to do the smallest thing to help a big cause feels great. By sourcing yarn and needles to help older people in our community keep occupied during this weird time puts a massive smile on my face.” Age UK Hertfordshire would like to thank everybody who has helped them continue helping older people throughout this time. Deborah Paniagua adds, “We’ve been really delighted and humbled by the support from the local community. This is such a difficult time for everyone – but particularly for our older, vulnerable clients. We really need your support to help them.” They still need more help – They’re fundraising to cover the costs of the parcels, packages and changes they are having to make to their services. Details of this can be found on their website www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire or by emailing communications@ageukherts.org.uk

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Environment

Green Tips: Commuter Cycling UK transport secretary Grant Shapps announced a £2 billion plan in May to boost cycling. Clearly, the ongoing need for social distancing is part of this drive, but cleaner air, better health and less time wasted in traffic are of great benefit to us all and the environment. Here are a couple of ideas which might make you seriously consider a bike as your commuter vehicle of choice. An electric bike looks like a normal bike, and can use cycle paths, but when you come to a hill the motor kicks in and gives you an extra push. You still have to peddle, but it’ll save that extra exertion that has you arriving at work red-faced and sweaty. Tubeless (puncture-proof) tyres will transform your cycling. These have a special sealant inside which sets on exposure to air. Should you pick up a puncture – that’s a hole not a gash – the escaping air forces the liquid to the surface and seals the hole. Nine times out of ten you won’t even be aware of it. You might be one of the lucky few who has showers at work. If you don’t, slow down for the last five minutes of your ride so that you are already cool when you stop. Get insured! That’s your bike against theft, you against injury, and pedestrians and car owners against you having a mishap on your journey.

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Interiors

1 By Katherine Sorrell

The latest looks for your windows There’s a world of window fashion available for homes these days, so if your double glazing requires replacing, why not consider a few different options? Your windows are the ‘eyes’ of your home, often the most noticeable element of its exterior. From the inside, they are your sources of natural light, they frame your view and (hopefully) they provide you with security and cosy, quiet, draught-free rooms. For most houses – historic buildings being the exception – double-glazed windows are the norm, though some homes these days have triple glazing, which generally provides even better energy efficiency. These windows are sealed units comprising two or three sheets of low-emissivity glass, which reflects heat back into the home but allows light through from outside. Between the layers of glass is either air or an inert gas such as argon, and it’s all framed with uPVC (plastic), wood, metal or a mixture of materials (composite). When choosing double glazing there is much more on offer than white, white or white. Even standard uPVC windows are now available in a range of colours and textures. “The demand for plain white has declined rapidly over the past five years,

2 24

and the switch over to the contemporary greys and pastel colours has taken a strong foothold,” says Graham Lindsay, managing director of Weru UK, which manufactures a range of high quality, high-tech, triple-glazed windows and doors. “Many systems now rank the most popular colour as Anthracite Grey, which has more interesting undertones than a typical pure grey, with flashes of blue and green, depending on the light. There has also been a recent transition to more bespoke unusual shades, edging towards beige greys. These shades are favourable because they can be combined with a wide range of building materials, such as brick, render or cladding.” While standard uPVC windows are still hugely popular, they are seeing stiff competition from metal-framed and composite windows, says Lindsay. Not only can the latter be powder coated in more than 5,000 different shades, but their inherent strength and stability makes them ideal for contemporary homes that require very large panes of glass. “While aluminium products are driving the growth, there are extremely innovative hybrid solutions available on the market, which deliver superb quality and unrivalled thermal and acoustic properties,” he points out. “At Weru, for example, we manufacture a hybrid alternative to aluminium called AFINO-tec, a combination of PVC and steel that is 25% lighter and allows for a 30% larger aperture than PVCu, making it an ideal option for bespoke, architecturally designed builds that demand larger, stronger glass areas.”

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Undoubtedly it is best to suit your choice of window to the style of your property, and, while metal and hybrid frames are perfect for contemporary homes, caution is advised in coastal areas, warns Lindsay. “Consider the environment of the project before making any decisions,” he says. “As with any metal, a coastal location will offer more of a challenge against the risk of corrosion – which is not an issue with PVCu.” And if you own a period home, windows must be sympathetic. “The colour plays a big part,” he points out. “Slate grey, along with Farrow & Ball-type colours, would be deemed popular with planning and conservation departments. In very strict conservation projects, such as listed buildings, windows would have to be made in timber and replicate the original look.” Other interesting window choices include timber on the inside with no-maintenance aluminium on the outside, the currently highly fashionable steel-framed (or Crittall-style) window, and even double- or triple-glazed windows that incorporate Venetian or pleated blinds between the panes of glass. Known as ‘integrated’ or ‘interstitial’ blinds, these need no cleaning, provide privacy and

security, work perfectly when the windows are opened, and come in a range of colours. They can be raised, lowered and tilted as usual, controlled by a chain cord, magnetic slider, remote control, solar sensor, wall switch or smart home app, and should last as long as the double glazing itself. Often used in offices and other commercial settings, integrated blinds provide a sleek look that means you can focus on the window itself rather than the window dressing – though if you love that softer style then perhaps they’re not for you.

4 1 White uPVC casement windows suit many styles of property. These are by Quickslide: 03332 41 22 40; quickslide.co.uk. 2. Sliding sash windows are essential for the look of a heritage property. These examples are made from uPVC, reinforced with galvanised steel, and available in a range of styles, shapes and colours. Britannia Windows: 0117 971 6067; britanniawindows.co.uk. 3. These new-build homes feature Afino-tec windows, French doors and wide-span patio doors, finished in anthracite grey, by Weru: 01253 341 444; weru.uk. 4 This stylish new-build house was fitted with minimal aluminium-framed sliding doors and windows by IQ Glass: 01494 722 880; iqglassuk.com.

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Local News

East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) help Covid-19

effort by redeploying Aftercare team of nurses As the call went out for nurses to help during the pandemic, EAAA’s Aftercare Team responded wholeheartedly. Made up of four nurses, Aftercare supports EAAA patients throughout their recovery and updates the EAAA crews on patient outcomes. Before Aftercare was set up, the EAAA teams didn’t always know what happened to their patients. Now, they not only get to know, and sometimes meet, their patients, but this aids continuous learning and improvement. Aftercare also supports bereaved family members. The Aftercare team is headed up by Alison Brett, who leads three nurses who work for EAAA while juggling part-time nursing jobs. Georgie Sellick, Lisa Boyle and Sue Gee support Alison as clinical liaison officers in the respective areas where they are based in the region. Aftercare during the peak of the pandemic Georgie and Lisa both have extensive critical care nursing skills and both returned to work full time in the NHS early on. Alison was asked by the London Air Ambulance to help set up a Family Support and Liaison team at the London Nightingale Hospital. It was important that EAAA Aftercare kept going, so while Alison was in London, Sue continued to balance her hospital work with her EAAA days. Looking back, Alison said: “It’s been a complete whirlwind. While the Aftercare didn’t stop, we are all hugely grateful to EAAA for allowing us to adjust our roles temporarily to help support the NHS. I

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was hugely surprised to be called down to London, but wanted to do as much as I could. Fortunately, there weren’t as many patients at the Nightingale as anticipated and after six weeks, I wasn’t needed anymore. But it could have been a very different story. As nurses, we all felt the urge to support the NHS as much as possible but also have a commitment to EAAA.” EAAA Aftercare moving forward Alison continued: “Our crews were quieter at the beginning of lockdown but now they are busy again, and so are we. There are lots of patients who need our support. However, we are still adapting to new ways of working. We are unable to attend home visits or arrange base visits for patients and their families to meet the crew who attended to them, but it is vitally important that we’re still able to support our patients via video, phone or email. “We help patients to understand what happened, the care and treatment they received and to support them in their recovery, as best we can. We’re really luckily at EAAA to be able to provide this service and I’m immensely proud of the way the team has also been able to help during the Covid-19 pandemic, too.” To learn more about the EAAA Aftercare Service, go to: www.eaaa.org.uk/aftercare To get in touch if you have been helped by EAAA, call: 07495548110 or email aftercare@eaaa.org.uk

House of Colour

New Season Wardrobe Workout New options are appearing in the shops for the new season ahead and you may be considering adding a few new options. Before you do have a good look at what you already have. You may have had time recently to declutter but it might be worth taking a closer look to see what we really need, where are the gaps and how your lifestyle might be changing. Before starting: Get out your colour wallet and style workbook, clothing personality notes and wardrobe words (if you have them) and make sure you are familiar with the colours, styles, shapes and patterns that work for you. Then go through each item and consider the following: When did you last wear it? - if it was more than 2 years ago or you really can’t remember, can you bring it back into your life perhaps by wearing it in a different way? Could an alteration make a real difference to how often you wear it? Could you add different buttons to ‘lift’ the item? Is this still relevant for your lifestyle now? Are you waiting to lose weight… (it’s probably not going to help if it just sits there reminding you. Time to move it on.) Mark it out of 10? 10s are new or nearly new items that tick all your boxes. If you get down to 5/6 marks then it might be time to start wearing it for gardening (something else we can do). Check for colour – If you’ve been analysed and have a wallet use it to ensure it’s right colours don’t need to match exactly, just blend and harmonise with your palette - use your seasonal words and cards to help. Most of us can’t wear black successfully (contrary to popular belief it’s not slimming as it’s the most dominant colour in the palette and will draw the eye). Check for style - having thoroughly perused your style notes, does this item hit the right note and tick all the boxes it needs to? If not, can you make it work with some accessories? Are you comfortable in it?

Do you love it? – or as the de-cluttering expert, Marie Kondo might put it, does it spark joy? We should love what we wear. If you’re keeping something ‘just because…(you spent money on it or had to for an occasion, fill in the blank) but you actually don’t love it, let it go. Having less is more – While it may feel concerning to have much less in our wardrobe we don’t actually need that much. Items that are right (colour and style) can be mixed and matched with the others creating an efficient wardrobe with items that work hard for us. Less also means we actually see our clothes more easily and are more likely to wear what we have! Find a new home for anything that doesn’t shape up. Once you know what you are keeping. Put it all back in an order that works for you. Here’s a suggestion: Sort it by when and what you wear it for. Create separate sections for your work clothes, hanging out at home (keep these handy), going out and “going out out” (even if this means getting dressed up to go into the kitchen at the moment!) Sort each section by item. Keep the same type of item together on the rail, eg jackets, trousers, tops etc. It is easier to find what you want and you are more likely to mix and match your items creating different outfits. Sort each item by colour. Wardrobes look at lot less like jumble sales if you apply some structure to your colours. A way that works is to think “rainbow”. You won’t necessarily have all of these in your season but it’s a good place to start.

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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MEMBERSHIP AT

JOHN O’GAUNT GOLF CLUB Are you trying to take your game to the

next level and looking for a true challenge?

Offering two superb 18 hole golf courses which complement each other greatly. The John O’Gaunt course has matured naturally over many years providing golfers with a tranquil, gently undulating tree-lined parkland challenge with fast, true greens. The Carthagena course provides a wonderful contrast with much larger greens, longer tees, a little shorter in length but tighter with a more ‘linksy’ feel built upon very free-draining soil. Get in touch for further details regarding membership options, for a tour of the facilities or to discover all the benefits of becoming a member.

Website: www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk Facebook: Johnogauntgolfclub John O’Gaunt Golf Club, Sutton Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2LY Tel: Main Club - 01767 260360 Pro Shop - 01767 260094 Email: manager@joggc.co.uk 29

Local News

Hello Villager Readers...

Good news! Having introduced thorough and careful safety measures at The Herts MS Therapy Centre, we are being asked to expand our programme of Oxygen Therapy sessions. It’s fantastic to see familiar faces returning to us, and to welcome new people keen to see how Oxygen Therapy may help them. Also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, many people with health challenges find that it gives them pain relief, energy boosts and faster healing. To enable us to run the additional sessions needed, our charity needs some extra pairs of hands! Can you help us please? We need some volunteers to help us grow our Oxygen Therapy programme. Full training and support are given, plus safety measures including social distancing are observed at all times. (Please note that our photo was taken before the pandemic.) Dave Mair is so impressed with how Oxygen Therapy changed his life that he now volunteers at The Herts MS Therapy Centre, supervising sessions. “I really enjoyed the training and have made some great friends through the Centre,” says Dave. “We see miracles all the time. Some people, like me, have endured pain from their injury or condition for many years. Oxygen Therapy may still help.” Expanding our Oxygen Therapy availability enables us to help more people with serious health issues. Could you spare us a couple of hours each week? Please email oxygen@hmstc.net if you are interested. Thank you. We are grateful for your support. Best wishes, Team HMSTC

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C the Benefits

Health By Louise Addison

Vitamin C – beauty miracle or myth? It had been many weeks since I ventured into a shop. I was looking for moisturiser as I’d burned through all the half-finished pots and tubes I’d been using throughout lockdown. I was curious to see the number of vitamin C-related products which I’d not noticed previously. Vitamin C seems to be all the rage right now. I wondered what the science said. Vitamin C is actually a powerful antioxidant. This means that it’s great for repairing damage done by free radicals. In reality this equates to sundamage, for example uneven skin pigmentation, sunspots, and fine lines, but also the inflammatory pigmentation which can be left behind by acne. Pure vitamin C is actually an acid (ascorbic acid). There are many scientific peer-reviewed studies which conclude that it is extremely effective. Unfortunately, it also has some substantial drawbacks. In order for it to be absorbed into the skin its pH has to be around 3, which is really quite acidic! This can cause skin irritation in some people. Vitamin C is very unstable in its pure form and breaks down quickly to erythrulose (an ingredient in fake tan) so long-term use can stain your fingers and face. It also develops an unpleasant smell as it degrades, and products often smell ‘off’ before they are used up. Because of these issues cosmetic manufacturers tend to favour vitamin C derivatives in their products. To make a derivative the ascorbic acid molecule is altered by adding other chemicals. The resulting compound is more stable but the pay-off is that it’s now less effective. Any of the following listed on a product label are vitamin C derivatives. Ascorbyl palmitate Ascorbyl glucosine Magnesium ascorbyl palmitate Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate Calcium ascorbate Sodium ascorbate Sodium acorbyl phosphate L ascorbic acid

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Studies have found that the most stable derivatives are fat soluble rather than water soluble so look for preparations that contain: L-ascorbic acid Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate Sodium ascorbyl phosphate Ascorbyl glucoside These derivatives will be more effective because they remain stable at a more neutral pH (5-6) so are less likely to irritate your skin, and they will have sufficient contact time with your skin because they won’t decompose quickly causing the characteristic staining and odour. Instead they slowly convert back into ascorbic acid, giving a gradual release effect. There is some debate about the effectiveness of vitamin C products. They have been shown to protect skin against UV in a clinical study on humans, and vitamin C has been found to stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce pigment production in in vitro cell studies, though bear in mind that performance in a test tube does not necessarily equate to performance in real life. Studies also seem to suggest that Vitamin C is also more stable and more effective when combined in a product with vitamin E. The two antioxidants seem to work synergistically, a wonderful word which means they interact in such a way that each helps the action of the other. With the summer sun bright in the sky at the time of writing, now might be the perfect time to try out the benefits and C for yourself. C what I did there?

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Special Report

Brits: We don’t mean what we say By Kate McLelland

When a member of the online global community Reddit asked the question “NonBritish people of Reddit, what about Britain baffles you?” they received almost 40,000 comments in response. Here are five things about British culture that particularly puzzle non-Brits: 1. Sarcasm The British are famous for their sarcastic turn of phrase and a recent YouGov poll asked a group of Brits and a group of Americans to interpret the meaning of various well-known expressions and phrases. While most members of the British group took the expression “with the greatest respect” to have pretty much the opposite meaning, more than half of the American group took it at face value. One Reddit member, shocked at the way her British boyfriend spoke to his family members, wailed: “They’re so rude to each other. FOR FUN.” 2. British nosh Food is also an area that causes misunderstanding and controversy. Watching The Great British Bake Off, American Britt Rivera was shocked to find that a Yorkshire pudding wasn’t actually a pudding, tweeting “Yorkshire pudding is a little bread bowl, not a yogurt-like dessert?” With the exception of Australia and New Zealand, Britain is one of very few places where Marmite is actually enjoyed. Reddit users have conducted their own opinion poll on the famous spread, with one Slovenian contributor commenting: “I remember my first experience with Marmite was so terrible. Someone brought that thing to our house and I tried it with a spoon ... so disgusting!!” 3. UK accents According to the British Library, we have almost eighty different accents and dialects in the British Isles, so perhaps it’s not surprising that this was another frustration for overseas Reddit users. “So many accents. People fifteen minutes away having another accent,” one moaned. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

4. Our love of tea Responding to Reddit’s “What about Britain baffles you?” challenge, another user stormed “Your obsession with tea!” Writing for The Week magazine, American author and journalist Jessica Pan describes how she sensed growing resentment amongst her English colleagues after regularly refusing their offers of tea: “I might as well have said ‘I do not want to be part of your society’ or ‘Your tea is gross and so are you.’ That’s because in Britain, I soon learned, rejecting a cup of tea is like rejecting a gesture of friendship.” 5. Our many names The many different names we use to describe our island nation has also caused a good deal of confusion, with some overseas observers unsure whether to call us Great Britain, the British Isles, the British Islands, the United Kingdom or just plain old Britain. To confuse things even further, the UK’s official name is the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’. During our long and colourful history, British people have absorbed the best bits from several different cultures, so perhaps it’s not surprising that such a melting pot of habits and customs continues to cause bewilderment. It’s clear that our culture is seen by others as eccentric, weird, confusing – even a tad annoying – but it’s equally clear that we Brits have no intention of changing our ways for anyone. 35

Health

Badminton Benefits At the time of writing gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are still closed. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t participate in sport. From 1st June we’ve been able to play badminton outside, in the garden or on a marked court. If you’ve never played before now might be the perfect time to give it a try. It’s a great sport for people of all ages and fitness levels. Those who play regularly are more mentally alert, with better fitness and agility levels. It’s also a very social game and what we need right now are low-risk ways to socialise, because socialising is good for our mental health. Played at a high level it can burn up to 450 calories an hour but even a gentle to-and-fro with the grandkids in the local park will burn 150-200 calories. Badminton, like tennis requires total engagement. Players need to predict how an opponent will play a shot and then plan a counterattack, which improves mental agility. There is research to suggest that sports which involve a combination of both mental and physical activity offer a protective effect against dementia. Badminton requires a lot of movement, in multiple directions. It requires short sprints, jumps, stretches, and lunges as players strive to reach the shuttlecock, which means that legs, arms, and core muscles are all being worked. This builds strength and flexibility. Badminton is a great ‘build-up’ sport. You can start as slow as you like, tapping the shuttlecock over the net, trying to keep a rally going for as long as

By Tracey Anderson

possible. As you improve and become quicker on your feet your shots will naturally increase in speed and strength too, and you will almost certainly want to introduce element of competitiveness. Played at higher levels the shuttlecock travels at impressive speeds. Badminton is actually the fastest racquet sport in the world. Professional players can smash the shuttle at speeds of over 200mph! This speed encourages players to improve co-ordination and core stability. Again, studies have shown that people with good core strength and co-ordination are less likely to suffer falls as they age. The best way to get started is to find a friend of similar fitness level and get out and give it a go. Having a practice partner will make you both more likely to commit to playing regularly. It’s near impossible to play properly competitively outside as you are at the mercy of any breeze and a shuttlecock is 12 times lighter than a tennis ball. But if the aim is to improve agility and fitness while socialising and having fun, don’t let that stop you. By the time sports facilities open back up your confidence will have grown, and you may be ready for the next step of joining a badminton club or regular session. And the beauty of badminton is that it can be played indoors all winter, so rain never has to stop play. If you’re a more accomplished badminton player who is missing their fix you could try crossminton, which is designed for outdoor play, doesn’t need a court, and combines elements of badminton, tennis, and squash.

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Technology

Tech for ‘the new normal’ 5.

1. 4.

Lockdowns may be largely lifted but we’re going back to a very different world at work and at school: many more of us are working from home at least some of the time, and school pupils and college students are getting used to doing more online learning. That can be a challenge, because when most of us bought the things we have in our homes we weren’t thinking about using them for work – so for example dining tables may be great for chatting with family or friends, but they’re not ideal for long periods on a laptop. If you or others in your household are going to be spending longer periods working, especially on computers, comfort isn’t just nice: it’s essential. Spending too much time with poor posture or awkward working spaces can be bad for your health, as it increases the risk of physical stresses and strains. In some cases that can lead

to painful repetitive strain injuries. The good news is that you don’t need to do much to make your working or studying environment safe. It’s all about right angles: when you sit, your back should be straight, your feet flat on the ground (or on a footrest) and your body at right angles, so your forearms and your thighs should be horizontal and your back, upper arms and calves vertical. If you can afford it, invest in a good quality chair with back support and a decently padded or sprung base – your back and bum will thank you for it in the long term – and if you get one with wheels, invest in a floor protector too. Wheels can do serious damage to carpets and laminate flooring. 1 A powerful laptop with a clear, large screen is essential. Techradar calls the 14-inch Acer Swift 3 “the best budget laptop in the world.” Acer Swift 3, £533, Amazon UK

2 No space? No problem. An unobtrusive corner desk gives you space to work without taking up too much room in your room. Loft Living Corner Office Desk, £100, Argos 3 When the days start to shorten you’ll need a quality light to illuminate your work area. The Anglepoise is a design classic and uses energy-saving LED bulbs. Anglepoise Type 75, £175, John Lewis 4 Office chairs don’t need to look like office chairs: this chair from IKEA comes in an attractive and easy-to-clean white, so it doesn’t make your room look like a meeting room. JÄRVFJÄLLET chair, £150, IKEA 5 If your Wi-Fi is slow, the culprit is probably the router: if it’s an older one or came with your broadband service, it probably isn’t the fastest. TP-Link Archer C50 Router, £32.99, Amazon

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Watery Delight A pond is a great long-term addition to a garden but plan it before you start digging! Where to put a pond? Keep clear of deciduous trees; their leaves clog up the pond and cause methane gas to be released as they rot, which can be lethal to fish and pond wildlife. Conversely, extremely sunny, hot spots will increase the likelihood of pond algae problems. Choose a level site to minimise the amount of soil that needs to be shifted to create it. How to choose a liner. There are three main types of pond liner: a pre-formed rigid liner (mid-price but shapes are limited); plastic available by the metre (cheap but may only last three or four years); and butyl (costly, but lasts around 30 years, and allows and any size and shape you require). What shape? Create a simple shape to use less butyl liner and underlay, and make it easier to install. Always use underlay as this dramatically reduces the risk of leaks due to liner damage. Either buy it or use old carpet underlay for flexible liners, while plenty of sand works well for rigid liners. What size? A larger pond is generally easier to maintain and should be at least 45cm (18in) deep to minimise algae and to maximise the range of plants you can grow. Adjust the pond levels at the edges before laying edging material. Edges must fit snugly in the hole to reduce the chances of damage – pack dry sand or garden soil into any gaps. Large, rounded stones at the pond edge help animals to climb out and help disguise liner edges, plus

reduce the amount of soil accidentally entering the pond. Have a gently sloping beach at one edge to allow hedgehogs, birds and other non-aquatic creatures to drink and bathe, and get out easily if they fall in. Build in some ‘shelves’ at the sides, wide enough to hold pots or pond baskets to allow for aquatics and marginals (bog-loving plants) needing shallower water. A pond should be filled with rain water, but mains water can be used if allowed to stand for a week or so before adding plants or fish. What to plant? Buy healthy and hardy pond and marginal plants that are able to withstand winter temperatures. Check the depth of water they require and how big they’ll grow. Make it safe. Make sure that you explain the potential dangers of ponds to children, and consider waiting a year or so if they are too small to understand. Avoid steep, straight sides and have a graduated exit so it’s easy to get out of should someone or something fall in. Consider fitting a strong galvanised metal mesh over the entire surface. It must be strong enough to bear a child’s weight, with a small mesh size that small feet cannot go through. A small fence around the pond can be clothed with climbers or painted, and can be removed once children are older. Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.

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THE GARDEN ROBIN

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Well-being and water Most people find the sound of water relaxing. The benefits of ‘blue space’ – the sea, rivers, lakes, canals and waterfalls, have been studied, and found to be psychologically restorative; associated with increased sense of well-being, lower levels of stress and mental illness, lower blood pressure, and higher levels of vitamin D. In short, being by water is good for body and mind. Can we replicate this in our gardens? The presence of water in the garden can transform a space into a natural haven of calm, and provide a focal point. Running water in a garden produces negative ions which are known to increase serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical that elevates our mood and relaxes us. There are many ways to introduce water into a smaller space, including natural look ponds and waterfalls, but you don’t need a deep ornamental pond; you can create a small pond in a container, or create a toddler and pet-friendly pebble pond, or install a modern water feature which uses reflective surfaces that bounce light around, creating movement and life in the tiniest space. Any water source will attract a wide range of wildlife. I have a metallic sphere water feature on my patio that seems to be a magnet for dragonflies, which are a delight to watch. A shallow beached area or pebble pool will attract bathing birds, and also frogs and toads, which can shelter, breed, and stay out of sight of potential predators. You may even attract a hedgehog or two. They enjoy shallow pools with

sloped edges, so they can drink and bathe without falling in. A small barrel or container pond will allow algae to grow which will attract water invertebrates including snails, pond skaters and water boatmen. Kids love water so introducing a pond is a great way to encourage them to learn about local wildlife while having fun. Safety is crucial though; if you have young children it might be better to wait until they are older before creating a large pond, as it will require constant supervision. A pebble pool with a small fountain effect provides all the sound and fun of water with none of the depth, and a large trug or half barrel can be transformed into a tiny wildlife pond. If you do create a pond, position it where it can be seen from the house, make sure the edges slope gently, and fence it off while the children are young. Planting around water features is half the fun. The water forget-me-not, Myosotis scorpioides is perfect for growing in shallow water or in the muddy area at the edge of ponds. It has pretty blue flowers in late spring and attracts newts, which lay their eggs on the leaves. Irises and grasses look lovely planted around any water features and you can even find a tiny lily - Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Alba’ white - for small ponds, which has the bonus of being heavily scented. Water features in a garden are no longer the preserve of the rich, with acres to spare. Even if you only have a tiny balcony you can now enjoy the sight and sound of water in your outside space.

Happy Gardening!

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Time of Year

The Big Butterfly Count Friday 17th July to Sunday 9th August

During lockdown while trying to engage my children in schoolwork I discovered that there is a society called Butterfly Conservation. They have organised a nationwide butterfly count every year since 2010. Butterflies are good indicators of the health of our environment because they react very quickly to change in their environment. This makes them excellent biodiversity indicators. The survey counts butterflies and day-flying moths from across the UK, which assists in identifying trends in species. This helps Butterfly Conservation plan how to protect butterflies and understand the effect of climate change. To take part you need to sit in your garden, a park, a wood or forest, or your school field for 15 minutes on a bright sunny day and simply count the butterflies you see. July and August are when most butterflies are at the adult stage of their lifecycle, and hopefully there is more sunshine, so they are more likely to be seen. Count the maximum number of each species that you can see from your vantage point at a single time. So if you see three Peacock butterflies on the same bush at the same time record it as 3, but if you only see one on a bush at a time then record it as 1, even if you saw one on several occasions. This is so that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count the same butterfly more than once. You can also count while on a walk. Simply add up the number of each butterfly species that you see during the 15 minutes. You can submit separate records for different dates at the same place, and for different places that you visit during the counting period. Even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any butterflies or moths your count is still useful. For more information visit www.bigbutterflycount.org Download identification apps for Android or IOS - search for Big Butterfly Count. By Sarah Davey

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Pets

Helping Wildlife: Baby Birds When you spot a baby bird out of its nest, most people’s natural instincts will be to pick them up and help. Perhaps wrap it in a something warm and soft and potentially take it to a local rescue centre or vet. However, this isn’t always the best thing to do. An important factor in deciding the right course of action, is dependent upon whether the bird is a fledgling or a nestling. Also whether the bird is injured. Additionally, are the parents close by? Lots of baby birds end up in our care when kindhearted people have tried to help, but they would have been better left alone. So, when do you intervene and when is it best to leave them alone? Nestlings Nestlings are baby birds that do not have any feathers. Therefore, they will not survive for very long outside the protection of the nest. We advise that in this circumstance you take the bird to your nearest wildlife rehabilitator. The two closest to our region would be the one in Royston, Cambridge and another in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire Fledglings Fledglings are older than nestlings and have all, if not most of their feathers. They tend to leave the nest just before they are able to fly. We advise that if you come across a fledgling on the ground, out of its nest, it is best to leave it alone. You can observe the fledgling from a distance, as the parents are usually close by. In addition, because the parents will still be feeding the

bird it isn’t advised that you remove the bird from its environment. If you feel the fledgling is in immediate danger, you may place it in a sheltered spot close to where you found it. Certainly, do not try to return a bird to the nest as this may disturb the other young birds. Owlets You may come across tawny owlets on the ground that are still learning to fly. Again, in most cases it is best to leave them where they are. Amazingly, tawny owlets can climb back up into their nest. So if you discover one under a possible nest site, monitor from a distance to see if the parents are close by. Something else worth noting, is that young Tawny Owls usually leave the nest long before they are actually ready to fly. This means that there is little point in returning such birds back to their nest. Tawny owlets go through a phase called ‘branching’. This is when they walk, climb, jump and flutter around in the trees at night. It is not uncommon for owlets to spend time on the ground during this phase. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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HOME LOVING CATS We offer the better alternative to a cattery

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Motoring

The best vans for a camper conversion A self-build or commissioned camper van can offer more freedom and bespoke details than a factory unit. These are the best vans to base your design on. Camper vans are big business in the UK and it’s easy to understand their appeal. After all, once you’ve paid your initial investment, holidays become staggeringly cheap. Even staying on the most luxurious of campsites costs pennies compared with a night in a hotel room, while those equipped with on-board water tanks, bathroom facilities and leisure batteries can even handle a few nights of ‘wild’ camping or rallying. The UK is awash with independent firms who specialise in converting vans into campers. Some mainstream manufacturers have got in on act game, too – just look at Volkswagen’s California. However, it’s also possible to home-build your camper if you’ve got the time. Guides online are plentiful and easy to follow, and it can prove far cheaper than going for a third-party conversion. Plus, you’re able to specify the van to your liking. But before you start a conversion, you need a van – and these are our top five. Fiat Ducato

The Ducato is a great choice for a motorhome conversion, and around two-thirds of motorhomes in Europe, whether coach-built or van conversion, are based on the Ducato. They are just the right size for most, offering

enough headroom for an adult to stand without having too large a footprint. If you’re ordering directly from the factory, Fiat offers a specific motorhome base, with specialised tyres, a wider rear track, lower chassis and space to install water tanks. Volkswagen Transporter

The VW Camper was iconic once the rear-engined ‘splitties’ became an image of California surfer culture, and though the modern T6 is a totally different beast it still has that vibe nailed. It’s possible to buy your Transporter van in cool two-tone colour schemes or with retro alloy wheels. VW also offers a petrol engine – a rarity in this class. Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit has plenty going for it, and is the best-driving panel van you’ll ever find. A range of efficient diesel engines provide motive power, and few vans have such a car-like driving environment – there’s even a premium stereo and smartphone connectivity.

Renault Trafic

When Renault updated the Trafic, it made sure that the interior dimensions were identical to the old model. This means that if you’re kitting out a brand-new Trafic – or its sister vans, the Fiat Talento, Nissan NV300 or Vauxhall Vivaro – you’ll be able to draw on eighteen years of camper fittings, diagrams and designs with which to fit your van out. Renault’s range of 1.6-litre diesel engines is superbly efficient, very smooth and decently powerful. Mercedes Sprinter

One of the safest vans on offer thanks to high-tech safety gear, this big brute comes in a variety of wheelbase and roof height variations so you can get the camper size you desire. It has the most premium cabin on the market, with controls and displays from Mercedes’ passenger car range. And there’s a three-pointed star on the bonnet. What could be better?

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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 58

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1. The Hundred Acre Wood features in stories centred around which fictional character? 2. Which country in Europe is known as the “land of the thousand lakes”? 3. Name any year from when the series of conflicts known as the Hundred Years’ War started to when it ended. 4. Which character from Greek mythology is Christopher Marlowe referring to in the line “was this the face that launch’d a thousand ships” from his play Doctor Faustus? 5. In which musical do two American tourists discover a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every one hundred years?

6. What is Anne’s surname in the 1969 film Anne Of The Thousand Days? 7. What name is given to the number that is represented by the digit one followed by one hundred zeros? 8. Which creature has a name that is derived from Greek terms meaning “thousand” and “foot”? 9. Due to start in England and Wales in 2020, but postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Hundred is a tournament in which sport? 10. Thousand Island dressing is said to have been named after a group of islands called the Thousand Islands that straddle the border between Canada and the USA in which river?

1. Winnie-the-Pooh 2. Finland 3. Any answer from… 1337 to 1453 4. Helen of Troy 5. Brigadoon 6. Boleyn 7. Googol 8. The millipede 9. Cricket 10. The Saint Lawrence River

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Call now for a free, no obligation quotation 59

Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 60

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RELIABLE ROOFING COMPANY ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 35 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS • SLATE & TILE • REPLACEMENT FASCIAS/ SOFFITS, UPVC OR TIMBER • GUTTERING MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP AT REALISTIC PRICES PROPRIETOR R.S. CROW F.I.O.R. • FREE ESTIMATES

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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.

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

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. 62

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Health

Your Health - Water Worries Ask most adults in the UK how much water they should be drinking and you’d be told “eight glasses a day.” But it’s a myth, believed to be a misinterpretation of some advice given in the 1940s. How can it be true when we are all different sizes, some of us are active and some are sedentary, and the weather may be sweltering or freezing? Like sleepiness and hunger pangs, thirst is your body’s way of indicating it needs something and really not something to be afraid of. IT’S THAT EASY? Yes and no. As we age, the thirst mechanism deteriorates so we can’t rely on that as our only indicator. Furthermore, when you are engrossed in some sedentary activity – watching TV, surfing the net – you may not be conscious that you haven’t had anything to drink for a while. I NEED A CLUE. Dizziness or a headache may be a sign, but more reliable is the colour of your urine. If you realise it has been many hours since you last passed water and when you do go your pee is dark yellow, you are dehydrated. I PREFER A ROUTINE. A good start is to always take a glass of water to bed with you. This is your early morning reminder to start hydrating. During the rest of the day, if you can barely remember where you put your car keys, keeping track in your head is a strategy designed to fail. As a minimum, a written log by the fridge will help, but using one of the widely available hydration apps is a

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great discipline and makes it fun too. JUST PLAIN WATER THEN? Again, another urban myth is that only pure water counts and that simply isn’t true. If you don’t feel you are awake until you’ve had your first cuppa that’s not a bad thing. Despite being slightly diuretic, tea and coffee are both sources of fluid. Your water intake doesn’t have to come from ‘water’. That is, fruit and vegetables, soups, milk and soft drinks all have a high percentage of fluid in them. MY WATER TASTES LIKE A SWIMMING POOL. Tap water really is fine to drink, but in many hard water areas a slight aroma and taste of chlorine will be enough to put you off, and that in itself will reduce your intake. Of course you can buy it in bottles. Better for the planet and the wallet are water filters and there’s a huge choice and plenty of articles online comparing the options. One innovative idea comes from a Scottish company called Phox (www.phoxwater. com). Their jug features a refillable cartridge that is designed to last the life of the jug, not just thirty days. The water filtration granules expire after fortyfive days, when you’ll simply open the filter, clean it out and pour in the new refill pack. CHEERS! TOP ME UP. Indeed, but a final word of warning. It’s just as important not to overdo it. Overhydration, known as hyponatremia, can be lethal.

Home Products

This neat and unobtrusive blackout blind is motorised so can be controlled by remote, app or smart home – no dangling cords for little fingers to fiddle with. Custom-made standard roller blind in Regal Natural, £136.13, 247 Blinds.

A new look for your windows Not just for privacy, blocking light or keeping in the warmth, your choice of window treatment can complement a room’s architecture, disguise a poor view, link the inside to the outside and add gorgeous texture, colour and pattern. Curtain poles can be specially made to fit bay windows, and while fulllength curtains are not the cheapest option, they do eminently suit a period property. Made to measure William Morris Compton Midnight curtains, with light filtering lining as standard, plus optional blackout and thermal upgrades, price according to size, Blinds2Go.

Why not have a roller blind printed in a unique design and made to your specifications? World map blind, £105, Artylicious Home & Gifts.

A series of roller blinds is a sleek option when a minimal look works best with the décor. Made to measure roller blinds, from £35.94, English Blinds.

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ROGERSONS

REMOVALS

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Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Curtains, blinds, shutters and more

Venetian blinds offer the option of tilting the slats to filter light as well as raising or lowering as you wish. Made-to-measure 50mm textured wooden blinds, from £22.50, English Blinds.

Add a pom-pom trim to the bottom of a pretty Roman blind and you have a lovely, decorative window treatment. Custom-made Hardwick Apple Green roman blinds, from £65.75, English Blinds. Make a conservatory feel like a fully decorated room with the addition of patterned Roman blinds. Blinds in Frond Fennel fabric from the Observatory Collection, from £67 per metre, ILIV. Full-length curtains with a large eyelet heading are elegant and modern. Curtains and Roman blind in Observatory Seaspray 05, from £25 per metre, ILIV. Stained glass designs are printed onto frosted or clear film that is easily attached to any type of window for an interesting effect. Period stained glass effect design, made to your size, £65 per square metre, Purlfrost Window Film. Solid-wood shutters keep out the light and noise while aiding your security and looking smart. From £66 per square metre, California Shutters.

STOCKISTS Artylicious Home & Gifts: 01274 421 410; artylicious.co.uk English Blinds: 0121 439 6770; englishblinds.co.uk Purlfrost Window Film: 020 8992 4024; purlfrost.com

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• Usually considered the luxurious choice, curtains can be made in a range of styles, from minimal to ornate. Its heading determines how a curtain hangs, usually in the form of a tape sewn onto the back of the curtain and pulled to form pleats (pencil pleats is the simplest and most popular style), gathers, ‘goblets’ or other shapes. • For a less formal look, tap-tops, tietops, deep hems and eyelets simply slide onto a curtain pole. They are often found on ready-made curtains – great for an inexpensive update. • The clean-lined look of made-tomeasure blinds is no longer the poor relation to curtains. And while they are usually cheaper (since they use less fabric) they can still be luxurious. Roller blinds are the most utilitarian, and very practical in bathrooms, kitchens, conservatories and perhaps even children’s rooms, while Roman blinds, featuring softly draped folds, suit many types of room. Interesting borders, hems and trims all add to the effect. Venetian (or slatted) blinds are another option, available in natural wood or an array of eye-catching colours. • Good-looking but unfussy, shutters are great for privacy, blocking out sound and light, and also add an extra layer of security. Shaker-style shutters have a timber frame and solid centre panel, can be natural or painted, and are ideal for a Georgian or Victorian home. American shutters, with tilting louvres for letting in the light, look upmarket and work virtually anywhere. • Used on its own or as an addition to conventional window treatments, window film can be an inexpensive option for a variety of situations. Where a room is overlooked, for example, the window can be covered (wholly or partially) in opaque or patterned film which still allows in a great deal of light.

247 Blinds: 01484 443 790; 247blinds.co.uk Blinds: 2go 0800 862 0464; blinds-2go.co.uk ILIV: 01772 65 11 99; i-liv.co.uk California Shutters: 0800 195 0196; californiashutters.co.uk

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0800 046 1080 30% OFF ORDERS PLACED IN AUGUST hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk 68

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By Kate McLelland

Life Begins...

Turning 50: Milestone or millstone? We often hear fashion journalists declare that “50 is the new 30”. These days it certainly seems that the stereotypes of old age we grew up with are no longer valid. Improvements in healthcare, better fashions for older people and increased opportunities for leisure and enjoyment have combined to keep many of us looking and feeling more youthful than our parents did. “40 is the old age of youth, 50 is the youth of old age” goes the old saying, but veteran fundraisers such as Captain Sir Thomas Moore (better known as ‘Captain Tom’) and Dabirul Choudury ably demonstrate that today’s 50-year-olds could be looking forward to half a century or more of life. Celebrities turning 50 When actor Matt Le Blanc became a quinquagenarian, he made no attempt to hide his feelings: “It sucks. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. You kind of go, wow, where does the time go? I feel like I just turned 40.” Happily, film star Julianne Moore has managed to be a little more philosophical about reaching her half century milestone birthday: “The thing about 50 is that you’ve clearly reached a point where you have more of your life behind you than ahead of you, and that’s a very different place to be in. You’re thinking, ‘I’ve done most of it.’ I don’t like that feeling. But it makes you evaluate your life and go, ‘Am I doing what I want to do? Am I spending my time the way I want?’” Shakespeare’s take on old age From the age of 50 onwards we enter what

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Shakespeare, in his famous “Seven Ages of Man” speech, has described as the fifth and sixth ages of man. As Shakespeare lived at a time when bubonic plague was rife and the average life expectancy was just 35 years, living to a ripe old age wasn’t an option for many. These days we may enjoy higher standards of hygiene and healthcare, but the arrival of Covid-19 has been a reminder that as human beings we are all still susceptible to disease. Turning 50 has a new resonance within the Covid-19 crisis, as it underlines the fact that old age is accompanied by increasing risk and vulnerability. Remarkable recoveries Antibiotics have conquered bubonic plague, and in the same way coronavirus will almost certainly be defeated, either by a vaccine, an effective track-andtrace system or a combination of both. Meanwhile there have been some remarkable recoveries from Covid-19, including 106-year-old great-grandmother Connie Titchen from Birmingham, who successfully fought off coronavirus. Connie Titchen’s granddaughter Alex Jones told Sky News that her grandmother had led a “really active life,” with hobbies that included dancing, cycling and playing golf. After avoiding two world wars and the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918, Connie is a triumphant survivor. So whatever you may feel about turning 50, it seems the answer is not to fear what might happen, but to take care of ourselves and enjoy each day as it comes.

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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

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

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Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

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or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

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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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July’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Christina Giddings from Sandy Easy

Hard

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WALL COATING

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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 August 2020 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:

ď&#x20AC;˘

Address:

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Mansfield Bathrooms Ltd

A family run business, based in Great Ashby, offering a comprehensive bathroom fitting service

Plumbing 路 Tiling 路 Electrics Plastering 路 Carpentry 路 Decorating We can supply and fit all sanitaryware or fit only.

Tel: Aven on 07973 489527 Email: avenmansfield@btinternet.com Web: mansfieldbathrooms.wixsite.com/home

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Books

For The Love of the Land

A Cook Book to Celebrate British Farmers and their Food If we are able to take any positives from the devastation the coronavirus pandemic has caused, perhaps the way it has given some families a chance to reconnect and take stock of the things that are important to them, is something to cheer. Families used to rushing from pillar to post and grabbing meals on the go have been able to take time to cook and share meals together in a way they had perhaps forgotten. It has given some of us a new appreciation of what the food shop staff, delivery drivers, butchers, bakers, farmers and deli owners do to help us put great food on our table. So, For The Love of the Land, celebrating the stories and recipes of some of the UK’s finest farmers, is a timely release from cook book specialists Meze Publishing. Compiled by Jenny Jefferies, herself the wife of an arable farmer, the farms featured here cover the length and breadth of the UK, and see farmers specialising in a diverse array of produce; from game, pork, lamb, beef, cheese and dairy to the more unusual such as lavender, chillies and edible flowers. Among those to feature are Michelin-starred chef and Great British Menu regular Tommy Banks, who grew up on a farm in Yorkshire, award-winners Daylesford Organic Farming and dairy farmer, Katie Lowe, also known as the The Female Farmer. Meanwhile the range of recipes is mouth-watering; and often quintessentially British; from Blackbrook Beef Bolognese from a traditional lowland farm in Leicestershire, Reestit Mutton Soup by two sisters who run their family farm on Shetland and Pheasant and Asparagus Bake from a family run game shoot in Cambridgeshire. Jenny Jefferies, who compiled the book, commented: “After marrying my husband, John, I discovered the wonderful, challenging and sometimes isolating world of farming. I never

before quite appreciated where our food came from so it’s been a real privilege to speak with the farmers within this book; they are truly the backbone of our country. They nurture and provide for us; putting food on our table for us to enjoy, so let’s give thanks and praise for all the hard work that they do. “This book has become a labour of love and I hope this collection of stories and of the farmers’ favourite recipes is simply enjoyed for its food, provenance and for the sharing of good and positive stories. This is a celebration of British farming – enjoy!” For many farming families like Jenny and John, working the land and raising livestock is a true labour of love, and what they produce is the backbone of the country’s food and drink.The dishes in this book make the most of local and seasonal ingredients, creating delicious meals, puddings and bakes that anyone can cook up at home. Alongside that, members of these families have told the stories of their livelihoods: from losing sheep in snowstorms to stoking enthusiasm in the next generation, their honesty and passion is an inspiration and an education. As the landscape of British farming changes, we need to support high-quality food production and understand how farmers can work in harmony with nature to make our eating habits more sustainable. Whether you’re country born and bred or have never donned a pair of wellies, discover the food and stories in this book to help to put British farming back on the map and at the centre of your table. Published by Meze Publishing, July 14, 2020 For the Love of the Land is a 224-page hardback and retails at £22. It will be available to purchase from Amazon, bookshops including Waterstones and online from www.mezepublishing.co.uk

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Fun Quiz

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New Season Wardrobe Workout

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