Henlow December 2019 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 133 - December 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win an Introductory Lesson at

Cambridge Gliding Club Christmas

Traditions Win £100

in our Christmas Quiz

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... Christmas Traditions

Christmas Traditions...................................................................4 Camargue - Provence on the Wild Side.......................................8 Win an Introductory Lesson at Cambridge Gliding Club.....10 Win £100 in the Villager’s Christmas Quiz.........................12 The Liquid Deli - DemiJohn......................................................14 Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf Recipe....................................16 Christmas Eve Boxes.................................................................19 Gurning: Not just a pretty face?................................................21 Christmas at Ragdale Hall Spa..................................................23 Sporty Styles to Suit Everyone..................................................24 The Best Beauty Gift Sets.........................................................27 Have yourself..... a Crisis-Free Christmas..................................30 Traditional Christmas Style.......................................................32 Crowd Cuckoo Land..................................................................37 Five Smart Ways to Pay for Christmas.......................................38

Kitchens and Bathrooms - Henlow Building Supplies...............40 Pruning Perfection...................................................................42 The Holly and the Ivy...............................................................45 Small Change with a Big Impact..............................................48 The Penguin Parade - Short Story............................................53 Feeding Garden Birds During the Winter..................................55 Lexus Luxury Goes Beyond Looks.............................................56 Man Trouble!............................................................................59 Puzzle Page..............................................................................60 The Gift of Experience..............................................................62 What’s On in December............................................................64 Wine Wisdom...........................................................................68 Win £25 in the Villager’s Prize Crossword..........................74 Book Review............................................................................77 Useful Numbers.......................................................................79

Feeding Garden Birds

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, Kate Duggan, Kate McLelland, Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Katherine Sorrell, Robert Grant, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, Jackie Brewster, RSPCA, Louise Addison, and Tom Hancock

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Svetlana Kolpakova 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

Christmas Traditions Christmas seems to come around sooner each year, with decorations in the shops from September onwards. However, at one time, people would decorate their homes on Christmas Eve as it was considered unlucky to do so any earlier. The Bible does not mention an actual date for the birth of Jesus, so in 300AD Pope Julius I decided that Christ’s birthday (Christmas Day) should be on 25th December. The Midwinter Solstice on 21st December was already a traditional pagan celebration, so by doing this Pope Julius effectively combined both. During the Midwinter Solstice homes would be decorated with evergreens, and a Yule Log – the first log of winter – would be ceremonially burnt to ward off evil on the night of the shortest day. This is the reason the word ‘yule’ relates to Christmas (only the real log has been turned into a chocolate cake!) Christians took holly as a symbol of Christ’s crown, the berries representing his blood. Mistletoe, which the Druids regarded as sacred because it effectively grows ‘in the air’, was also adopted by Christianity, the white berries reflecting the purity of the Virgin.

The Victorians set many of our modern Christmas traditions, such as cards and tinsel. During the festive season, mistletoe was hung in the entrance to the house as a sign of peace and goodwill. Because it is usual to greet people with a hug and a kiss when they arrive, ‘kissing under the mistletoe’ evolved into a custom by Victorian times. Christmas trees came over from Germany towards the end of the 1700s and were popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Trees would be decorated with real candles, strings of glass beads, candies and handmade ornaments of paper, wax, silver wire and blown glass. Just as today, the tree was topped with an angel, usually made of tin with a wax face, or with a star to symbolise the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. The first tinsel was made from real silver, stretched into very thin strips. Paper decorations, including paper chains, were also popular. Woolworths is said to have been the first shop to sell commercial Christmas tree ornaments in 1880, and the earliest electric Christmas tree lights were invented by Thomas Edison. By the 1930s, the first artificial trees and tinsel were available.

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Many of our Christmas customs originated in Europe. Gingerbread baked with honey, and Christmas decorations made from beeswax or glass, were available in markets across Europe 400 years ago. The advent calendar, with its little doors hiding biblical pictures, originated in Germany. Mince pies were invented in medieval times. They were originally made with minced lamb in homage to the shepherds of the Nativity. As was popular then, fat, dried fruit, peel and spices were added to the meat. There were 13 ingredients in total, representing the apostles. Although we no longer use minced lamb alongside the dried fruit, peel, suet and spices, the term ‘mincemeat’ to describe the filling has endured. Turkeys were brought to Britain in 1526 and it is said that King Henry VIII was the first to eat a turkey for Christmas dinner. However, goose, being large enough to feed an extended family over the festive season, remained the most popular choice until the 1950s when turkey took over. Father Christmas also has his beginnings in Europe. St Nicholas or ‘Sinterklaas’ (from which we derive Santa Claus) was a second-century saint known for giving gifts to the poor. His spirit was said to visit children on the night of the 5th December. In Holland, wooden shoes or clogs

would be left next to the hearth filled with an edible treat and straw for St Nicholas’ horse (from where we get the custom of putting out a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer). In return, St Nicholas would leave a small gift. As the custom spread across Europe, stockings began to be used instead of shoes. It is believed that an English baker, Tom Smith, invented the Christmas cracker by taking a sweet and a love motto and wrapping them in a strip of paper impregnated with a compound that ‘cracked’ when opened. In time, the wrapper was lengthened and small novelty gifts replaced the sweet. The first Christmas crackers went on sale in London in 1847 and Walter Smith, Tom’s son, started including paper hats. The first known Christmas card was made by Sir Henry Cole of The British Postal Service in 1843. Although it is often claimed that Coca Cola was responsible for putting Santa in red as part of a 1930s marketing campaign, it was the Victorians who first depicted Father Christmas in a red suit. Previously, the traditional colour for Saint Nicholas was green and you can still find some early Victorian Christmas cards where Father Christmas is wearing a green suit as well as those where he is wearing a red one.

By Catherine Rose

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Travel

Camargue - Provence on the Wild Side As the river Rhône approaches the Mediterranean, it splits into the Grand Rhône and the Petit Rhône to form one of the largest deltas in Europe. This is the ‘Camargue’, an enticing place unlike anywhere else in France, where marshlands and lagoons glisten in the sun, fringed by broad windswept sands to the south while paddies, orchards and wheat spread on the fertile plain. But the deeper you head into the delta, the wilder the land strung with lakes and dunes, deserted beaches, sand bars, meadows and ponds festooned in tamarisks and yellow irises – and at the heart of it all, the saltwater lagoon of Vaccarès, which looks almost like a sea. Orchids and forgetme-nots splash colour here and there and along the coast delicate sand lilies, golden immortelles and sea lavender flutter in the breeze. With just ten inhabitants per square kilometre, these vast open spaces almost feel like the end of the earth, and although there are a few roads around the more isolated areas are easier to reach on horseback, as the locals do. There are guesthouses and stables where anyone can learn to ride or join a guided trek to enjoy a landscape with no boundaries. Scenery aside, the Camargue has a character all of its own, steeped in age-old culture and traditions. There may be few humans about but you’re sure to come across a paddock where white Camargue horses gallop semi-wild, manes flying in the wind, or you might find a whitewashed traditional

cottage thatched with reeds and shaped like a prow to withstand storms, a saltpan, a stretch of barren land or a ranch called ‘manade’ where black bulls are bred for the game of ‘cocarde’. The protected wetlands and coast attract around 350 bird species, from raptors and waterfowls to song and sea birds. Magpies and jackdaws are common but it’s always a treat to spot a colourful bee-eater, a crested hoopoe or a roller pirouetting in the air on a spectacular courtship dance. Yet, above all others, pink flamingos are the icon of the Camargue, wading in shallow lagoons, amazingly peaceful until something disturbs the peace and the whole colony takes flight, shrieking through a magnificent cloud of flaming colours. In the spring, thousands of chicks are born in the Regional Park, all fluffy and white, for it will take several years for them to turn pink. Some will stay in the Camargue throughout the winter; others take off across the sea in search of warmer climes. But when you reach the coast don’t expect glittering resorts, for this is still the wild ‘cowboy land’. Just look out for the lonely walled village of Aigues-Mortes, once a sea port, now inland, and Les-Saintes-Maries de la Mer, 8,000 residents and capital of the Camargue where gypsies from far and wide honour their patron saint on an annual pilgrimage. As visitors like to say, wherever you come from, ‘there is no place like the Camargue’.

By Solange Hando

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WIN AN INTRODUCTORY LESSON AT CAMBRIDGE GLIDING CLUB Cambridge Gliding Club was founded in 1935 as Cambridge University Gliding Club but changed its name on moving to Gransden Lodge in 1991. CGC continues to host Cambridge University GC and their members are a vibrant part of our activities. It also operates a motor glider for Hertfordshire Scouts and introduces several hundred of them to the sport of gliding annually. The Club is predominantly run by its members, of which there are over 160. Additionally the Cadet scheme, with about 20 members and 35-45 CUGC brings the total to nearly 230. The Club fleet of four dual-control gliders, four single seat ones for solo pilots and 70 privately owned ones can make it a very busy airfield on good gliding days! Although local residents will often see gliders silently circling overhead this is not all that CGC pilots do! We train 20 -30 new members to go solo annually, the distance record is 981 kilometres and the height record 12,992’ - and you will often see us flying aerobatics! It is possible to go solo from age 14 and there is no upper age limit. Pilots must meet medical requirements similar to a UK driving licence. There are certain height and weight limitations. CGC holds an Open Day annually and encourages members of the public to come and see what we do, – many even take an Introductory Lesson which can booked, at a discount, on, and for, that day. In 2020 it will be on Sunday, May 3rd from 10:30 a.m. Vouchers for a variety of Introductory Lessons can be bought on-line from the Club website at https://www.camgliding.uk/product-category/introductory-flight/ and make ideal Christmas or birthday presents.. For further details see www.camgliding.uk, contact the office on-line at office@camgliding.uk, or call 01767 677077 to book an Introductory Lesson.

CAMBRIDGE GLIDING CLUB COMPETITION ENTRY

When is the 2020 Cambridge Gliding Club Open Day?



For a chance to win a free 3,000’ aerotow and Introductory Lesson (worth £147) simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Cambridge Gliding Club, Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th December 2019

Name: Tel: Email: Address: 10 10

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advertorial

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For your chance to win £100 in our Christmas Quiz Simply answer the questions below and send your entry to: Christmas Quiz, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP by 16th December 2019

Win £100 in our Christmas Quiz

1. Now red, what colour was Father Christmas’s suit originally? 2. What is the main ingredient of marzipan? 3. In what decade did artificial Christmas trees first become commercially available? 4. What is the meaning of the word Advent? 5. A Victorian Christmas often included Smoking Bishop but what is it? 6. How many ingredients were traditionally put in a medieval mince pie? 7. Which saint is Father Christmas based on? 8. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure famously wrote the charity song Do They Know it’s Christmas? What was the year? 9. What is the little boy called in Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas story The Snowman? 10. From which country does eggnog originate? 11. By what name do French children know Father Christmas? 12. What was the Roman festival that pre-dates Christmas?

The team at The Villager would like to wish readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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The team at The Villager would like to wish all readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Food and Drink

The Liquid Deli - DemiJohn There are numerous liqueurs which can be located and, depending on liking and tastes, are every good, too. For hundreds of years liqueurs have been made, loved and appreciated, being one of the most popular alcoholic drinks around. Different herbs and fruits are included in the ingredients for the recipes, many of which are closely-guarded. If cocktails are a passion, then liqueurs will add a ‘zing’ and turn ok into the ‘WOW’ factor.

Demijohn, a liquid deli, was established during 2004 by Angus and Frances Ferguson. This family-run company quickly gained a reputation for high-quality liqueurs. Multi award-winning Demijohn goes to great lengths to source new ingredients, liqueurs, spirits, oils and vinegars from many locations in the UK and Europe. Eye-catching, beautifully-shaped glass bottles, decanters and containers, of various sizes, are an added bonus for the impressive presentation of products. The bottles, decanters and containers are reusable and a complimentary personal message can be included, on request. From the popular productions, utilising many fruits, including raspberries, damsons, cherries, blackcurrants and gooseberries, to rhubarb vodka and apricot brandy, plus so much more, there are plenty of choices and something for all tastes and palates, including organics. Several have a ‘following’ of devotees and regularly grace a great number of dining occasions-particularly a fine, favourite liqueur, for accompanying desserts or to enjoy afterwards. I located chocolate rum liqueur and found this exceptional, with outstanding balance, texture and flavour. Toffee whisky liqueur is very popular, as are Demijohn’s limoncello liqueur and also walnut liqueur, plus grapefruitcello – superb! Stores are located in Glasgow and York, with more planned. Online ordering is available (and easy), too. Deliveries are efficient and reliable. Liqueurs, whiskies, wines and spirits are all within their excellent ranges, plus superb oils and vinegars. Hampers and attractive gift packages are available, plus gift vouchers – perhaps surprise someone special? The website has all details and includes information on products, recipes, as well as particulars about gifts, weddings and ceremonies, also how to book a tasting event – now there’s a thought! Excellent and impressive products, presented with distinction. Tel: 0845 604 8350 Email: info@demijohn.co.uk www.demijohn.co.uk

As always, Enjoy! 14

ey Trevor Langl

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Food & Drink

Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf

This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic rich fruit Christmas cake. It will keep un-iced in an airtight container for a few days. Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving. Serves: 8-10 Ready in: 1hr 45mins, plus cooling

Ingredients 175g unsalted butter, softened 175g golden caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 2 tsp ground mixed spice Â˝ tsp baking powder 3 large eggs 75g sweetened dried cranberries 50g walnuts, chopped 50g hazelnuts, chopped Zest of 1 orange 1 tbsp orange juice Frosting Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing 2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles 75g fresh cranberries Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

1 Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking parchment. 2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice. 3 Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15 minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 4 Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.

TIP: Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festive-themed sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really sparkly finish. 16

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Parenting

By Kate Duggan - www.kateduggan.co.uk

Christmas Eve Boxes child, add it to their Christmas Eve box. Again, you might be able to grab a bargain on Christmas Eve, but if you’d rather not face the queues, try supermarkets, as they’ve really upped their game in recent years.

Planning a Christmas Eve box this year, but can’t decide what to put in it? Maybe we can help… Pyjamas Many of us give out the Christmas PJs right at the start of the month – to get as much wear out of them as possible. If you haven’t, then you may well be able to pick up a bargain in the days leading up to the 25th, as retailers often reduce their Christmas stock.

Slippers Cosy slippers will prove popular long after Boxing Day. If you’re splashing out, Moccis are a good choice. These hand-sewn moccasin slippers are ethically made in Sweden and available for babies right up to adults. A Christmas Day outfit If you’re planning a special Christmas Day outfit for your

A sweet treat Whether you go for a packet of sweets, a gingerbread figure or a sachet of hot chocolate, a sweet treat is likely to prove the most popular gift in the box. And let’s face it, your child isn’t going to get to sleep early anyway, so a bit of sugar isn’t likely to make too much difference. A book There are numerous Christmas tales to choose from. ‘The Jolly Christmas Postman’ is usually a winner with children under six, as it comes complete with extra mini-gifts, including a game and jigsaw. Then there’s ‘The Girl Who Saved Christmas’ and ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ for older children.

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A small toy, game or activity Choose a game you can all play together as a family, such as Dobble, or an activity to keep them quiet for five minutes while you finish preparing for t he big day. A memento Why not add a Christmas-themed memento to be brought out again year after year? This could be a small decoration for your child to hang on the tree, a mug to drink that hot chocolate from, or a plate for Santa’s mince pie. Other little gifts If your Christmas Eve box is still looking a bit empty, you could pop in some trinkets, stationery or accessories. We love the notebooks and badges from The Kindness Co-op.

George at ASDA Christmas Eve box, £2 Moccis, from £25, www.moccis.co.uk F&F cardigan, Sainsbury’s The Jolly Christmas Postman, £12.99 Father Christmas decoration, £5, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Santa dress up mug, £8, River Island

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Quirky Britain

By Kate McLelland

Gurning: not just a pretty face? Surrounded by fields and overlooked by a historic twelfth century castle, Egremont is a quiet Cumberland market town on the edge of the picturesque Lake District. Very little disturbs the calm of this peaceful place until the month of September, when the Crab Fair comes to town. Toothless benefits The Crab Fair is, of course, the home of the famous World Gurning Championships. ‘Gurning’ is an ancient practice involving extreme facial contortions. Here you’ll see contestants with faces screwed into hideous (although some may say hilarious) shapes: eyes rolling, noses almost obscured by jutting lower lips, eyebrows raised or knitted together in a frown. The effect is startling, particularly if the rubber-faced contestant has few teeth to get in the way of his or her particular ‘gurn’ (one champion, Peter Jackman, went as far as having his back teeth removed, so he could manipulate his lower jaw more easily). There are few rules, but as Callum Scott, Chairman of the World Gurning Championships, recently told the Sports Gazette website, the basic aim is to demonstrate facial dexterity. “It is not simply about making the most grotesque face possible,” he says. “It is about making the biggest transformation in your face.” To add to the effect, gurners often frame their faces with a traditional leather horse collar known as a ‘braffin’, which is worn around the neck.

Gurning back the years The Egremont Crab Fair has nothing to do with seafood, as the name might suggest. The fair grew out of a custom started in medieval times by local nobleman Lord Egremont, who distributed crab apples to the townsfolk. The tradition continues to this day, when crowds line the town’s Main Street to catch apples thrown from a cart. While the history of the fair can be traced back to King Henry III (1207-1272), who granted it a Royal Charter, no one is sure when gurning first began, although back in 1852 it was described by one local newspaper as an ‘ancient tradition’. The word ‘gurn’ means to snarl or grimace and the term is said to have developed from the old English word girnen (also related to the word ‘grin’). There are some odd stories about the possible origins of gurning: one theory goes that gurning is an exaggeration of the face someone might pull when eating a bitter crab apple, but it’s also possible that its origins date back to the pre-Christian belief that a terrifying face could be used to scare evil spirits. The tradition of using grotesque faces as a protection from evil can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as the Etruscans, the Egyptians and the pre-Columbian peoples of South America, and it’s also why gargoyles and grotesques – ugly faces carved in stone – were used to protect medieval churches. Maybe gurning was originally developed to protect people from invaders or imagined supernatural threats? We’ll never know, but if you enjoy events where people enter into bizarre and often quite baffling competitive activities with good humour and great community spirit, head on down to Egremont. It’s guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

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Countrywear

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Local News

Give the gift of ‘me-time’ this Christmas at Ragdale Hall Spa This Christmas, why not treat your loved one to a luxurious pampering spa experience they won’t ever forget! Combining state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture, Ragdale Hall Spa offers the most luxurious and extensive spa facilities in the country – including a newly opened Rooftop Infinity Pool (Ragdale Hall’s sixth pool!). All vouchers are valid for a whole year and come beautifully packaged in a presentation pack with a voucher wallet and brochure, ready to place under the Christmas tree. Gift vouchers can be ordered online at www.ragdalehall.co.uk or by telephone on 01664 433030. Still need convincing? Ragdale Hall offers: • State-of-the-art facilities including Rooftop Infinity Pool • Multi-million pound Thermal Spa featuring

Candle Pool, indoor and outdoor Waterfall Pool and a series of heat experiences • Spa days and spa breaks from just a few hours to a full seven days, plus a variety of fitness and specialist breaks • Exercise sessions, gym, mountain bike hire and tennis courts included at no extra charge Ragdale Hall Gift Vouchers can be tailored to suit the lucky recipient; give them a spa day or spa break voucher, or a monetary value voucher they can spend how they choose. And if they’ve already booked their visit, Treatment Vouchers are the perfect way to make their experience even better! Gift vouchers can be ordered online at www.ragdalehall.co.uk or by telephone on 01664 433030.

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House of Colour

Sporty Styles to Suit Everyone 4.

5. Are you thinking of starting a new sport or getting fit in the new year? We all know the physical benefits of exercise are numerous, but many of us get put off even starting because we feel self-conscious about how we look, so here are our top sporty styling tips, to help give you that boost of confidence to hit the ground running in 2020! 1. Exercise bras. Whatever the exercise, make sure you are wearing the right bra. Sports bras usually provide three levels of support; low, medium and high depending on your breast size and on the type of the exercise you are doing; for example low support may be required for yoga but high support for running and netball. Wearing the right fitting bra looks better, feels better and can even improve how well we perform during exercise, whilst wearing the wrong bra can result in breast pain and even soft tissue damage. Sports bras are stylish these days so head to a reputable lingerie or department store, get measured and find out what type of support you need. 2. Yoga leggings. Wearing, comfy, supportive and flattering yoga leggings will make you feel more confident and energized. They need to have smooth seams, so they don’t rub and are not too restrictive. Test their flexibility and ensure they are properly opaque! Leggings come in a huge variety of lengths, colours and prints, so have fun choosing a pair in your wow colours or a flattering pattern to reflect your personality. What’s more sports leggings can look fantastic paired with cosy knitwear in your style for relaxing around the house. 3. Swimwear. Don’t be tempted to just go for a dark muted colour thinking it will be more

flattering. By choosing swimmers in your wow colours, your eyes will sparkle and people will be drawn to look at your face, so you don’t need to worry about any stretch marks (not that you should worry, lots of us have them , they are just another gorgeous part of what makes you, you!). Base layers. Use natural fibers for your base layers. Look to buy sports tops made from cotton, bamboo or merino wool is brilliant at wicking away moisture, will keep you warm and is soft on the skin. Choose tops at a length that flatters your proportions but be streamlined and avoid feeling bulky. Try a playful pop of colour contrast between your layers. Water bottle. Choose a reusable, environmentally friendly water bottle, such as BPA free plastic, bamboo or metal and opt for one of your favourite wow colours as your musthave sporty accessory. Sports trainers. Get fitted for the right sports trainers for your foot and body architecture and the type of sports you intend to be doing and select a fabulous colour or gorgeous detail to express your personality. Fashion trainers have to have their own mention because they are also oh so on trend paired with jeans, dresses and skirts and there is an abundance of styles to choose from. Chunky soles can add a little height, but don’t go for extremes if you have shorter legs. If you have wider feet, make sure you choose something that is not restrictive but sleek may be better than super chunky soled trainers. Be sure to shop around. Flatforms may look fab on your friend, but you may be a sparkly sneakers sort of person. Running clothes. If you are a runner you will want leggings that stay in place, so you don’t have to yank your waistband up. Look for a handy inner pocket to pop your house key in. Choose a wind and waterproof jacket in your wow colour with the dual purpose of increasing your visibility on wintry days and looking like you were born to run. 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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A caring companion service for the

elderly

After my Mum died of Alzheimer’s, with five caring daughters wanting to give her the time she needed and deserved, it was heart breaking we couldn’t give her that time due to our commitments. We are now at the stage in our lives where we would like to help the elderly, having the time to care that I wish we could have found for my Mum.

Trustworthy Friendship with a Caring Approach Days out: Shopping, Cinema, Bowls, Garden Centres, Visiting Friends etc We provide wheelchair access and transport. Fees are applicable to individual needs and requirements.

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07960 780860 info@browzers.org www.browzers.org Browzers Studio, 42 Coneygate, Meppershall, Bedfordshire, SG17 5GB @browzersstudio To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Beauty

By Kate Duggan

The Best Beauty Gift Sets Beauty gift sets are not all created equal. There are the ones you buy in a panic on Christmas Eve – guaranteed to either end up in a charity shop or forgotten in a cupboard somewhere – and then there’s this little lot… Chocolate lovers will rejoice with this Nature’s Kitchen Double Indulgence Chocolate Gift Box (£24.99, www.lovelula.com). It features the Dark Chocolate Cleansing Butter Fudge Mask and Chocolate Mocha Polishing Scrub, both of which are packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as raw organic cacao, organic Italian roasted coffee beans and organic avocado, and smell delicious.

Fragrance fans will enjoy creating their own perfumed body oil with this Neal’s Yard Remedies Aromatherapy Bespoke Blending Kit (£32, www. nealsyardremedies.com). There are three organic essential oils to choose from – orange, lavender and palmarosa, along with a base oil, mixing bottle and the Little Book of Essential Oils. Know someone who could do with a bit of a break over Christmas? Treat them to the Fearne Cotton Calming Collection (£18, Boots). They’ll get a body wash, body mist, bath bomb, body lotion and candle – all with a fragrance designed to calm the mind and soothe the senses. And, as a bonus, there’s a rather pretty gift bag, so you don’t even need to wrap your gift up if you don’t want to. It can be tricky to choose skincare or make-up for someone. If in doubt, stick to a pretty new

cosmetics bag or a new brush set. The No7 Ultimate Brush Collection (£27, Boots) is a good bet. There’s an uber-soft brush for every makeup requirement, and a pot to keep them all in. Lip gloss fans will love Bobbi Brown’s Glossy Lip Duo (£16, www. bobbibrown.co.uk). Choose from Rosy and Pastel shades, or Bellini and Buff. Or buy both sets to get all four shades, and keep three for yourself. We won’t tell. Frequent travellers will welcome Green People’s Skin Retreat – Comfort & Clarity Collection. There’s a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Cleanser & Make-up Remover, a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Light Day Moisturiser and a 10ml Neutral Scent-Free Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream. All for the bargain price of £15 (www. greenpeople.co.uk). The products are aimed at people with sensitive skin, but they’re great allrounders that will suit most skin types. The 50ml version of the moisturiser is usually £19.50, so you’re pretty much getting the cleanser and 24hour cream for free. Need some small gifts for teachers, colleagues or friends? The Champneys Bubble Heaven Gift Set (from £16 at Boots) contains three of its bestselling bath soaks. As a set, it makes a great present, but it’s also ideal for splitting up into three smaller gifts. Looking for a male grooming gift set? The Mr Festive Gift Set at White Stuff features a Christmas-themed body wash and soap for just £12.50…

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Local News

Are You Feeling Frazzled By The Festive Season? Would you like an energy boost to power through to 2020? The season’s festivities can be great fun but tiring too! Recent stories in the national press have highlighted how Oxygen Therapy can help people to feel more energised – the sessions give them a bit of ‘me time’ too! This can be so important during this hectic time of year. For many, tiredness and/or an abundance of flashing lights can lead to headaches and migraine. Migraine is so much more than simply a headache and affects more than one in six people in the UK. 190,000 migraine attacks are experienced every day in England alone. Oxygen Therapy and Migraine In Oxygen Therapy, pure oxygen is breathed through a mask under pressure in a specially constructed hyperbaric chamber. It is very safe with almost no side effects, unlike much medication. In the treatment of patients with migraine, Oxygen Therapy has been shown to often: • Stop acute attacks of migraine • Reduce intensity of migraine pain • Prevent cluster headache (one-sided pain, usually centred over one eye, one temple or the forehead) (Source: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Trust) To find out more, visit –our website (www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk/oxygen-therapy) and watch our short video about Oxygen Therapy. Do you suffer with migraines? How would less pain affect your life? Try Oxygen Therapy for free! Treat yourself – or a friend – to extra energy this Christmas! You are welcome to visit our Centre and try Oxygen Therapy for free. Simply email oxygen@hmstc.net or call us on 01462 684214.

Would you like more energy and less pain? Try Oxygen Therapy Visit The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth

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Company Number 2215165

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The Biggleswade Podiatry and Chiropody Clinic provides treatments for all conditions of the lower limb. Whether it is a routine foot hygiene appointment, biomechanical assessments for orthotics or minor surgery for ingrowing toe nails. We are fully equipped to help with any problem which is presented in the clinic. We offer professional advice and provide specialist treatment for a wide range of common foot problems such as:

David Diep BSc Podiatric Medicine BSc Sports Science HCPC Registered Podiatrist

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Diabetic assessments Biomechanical assessments Sports injuries of the lower limb Custom made Orthotics Verrucas and warts In-growing toe nails Fungal infections of skin and nail Corns and calluses Nail cutting service

Call today to book an appointment on

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E: info@biggleswadepodiatry.com W: www.biggleswadepodiatry.com @biggleswade podiatry To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Have yourself…crisis-free Christmas One Christmas our whole family came down with flu; in other years our dog died, the oven exploded, and we had a power cut, although thankfully not all on the same day! Most Christmases are wonderful but sometimes life gets in the way. With a smidgeon of forethought though, you can make all the difference. First among potential disasters are digestive ones. A plate of salmonella is definitely not top of most people’s Christmas list! Invest in special thermometers for ovens and fridges and check they’re running at the right temperature. Less serious but still unpleasant are tummy upsets caused by over-indulgence of rich food and alcohol. Keep a supply of antacids and rehydration salts in your first aid box. Also stock up on plasters and anti-burn spray because preparing sprouts and getting the turkey in and out of the oven can be surprisingly dangerous tasks, especially after a cocktail or two! Then there are the unavoidable hitches such as illness which, let’s face it, can strike any time, even at Christmas. High temperatures and sore throats are no fun at all. Make sure you have ibuprofen and paracetamol to hand for both juniors and adults. Make two lists of emergency numbers. Include

NHS Direct, an emergency dentist, your gas and electricity suppliers, an emergency plumber, electrician, vet and a locksmith. A garage and taxi service are useful too. Keep one list at home in an easy-to-find place and the other about your person. Don’t forget to buy candles, matches, a flashlight and some batteries just in case of a power cut. Finally, there are the avoidable disasters caused by poor planning. Make sure the car is serviced and full of petrol if you have to travel. If you’re going abroad check all passports are up to date and that the dog or cat will be cared for. For peace of mind use boarding kennels or a professional pet sitter. Burglaries increase around Christmas because thieves know there are rich pickings to be had so check your security. Also check your household insurance is valid and that you have enough cover. Did you know that a third of parents forget to buy batteries for Christmas toys? Avoid disappointment on the day. Run through a check list before you leave the shop: do you need batteries, a battery charger, memory cards, a scart lead or an extra console controller? It’s easy to throw the instructions out with the packaging and wrapping paper so take care, and furthermore, if you think there is something wrong with the gift DO NOT take it to pieces. You will invalidate your warrantee! You can’t prevent all crises. Prepare by all means but try to keep a sense of perspective and humour and hopefully you’ll have a happy Christmas no matter what life throws at you! The year we all had flu we simply postponed Christmas and had the full works a few days later instead when we all felt much better.

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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

Traditional Christmas style Our top tips for festive decorating will help you create a warm and welcoming look. A wreath on the front door A decorative essential for the Christmas season, a front-door wreath provides a wonderful festive welcome for visitors. There is an enormous variety of ready-made wreaths to choose from: classic or contemporary, heart-shaped or circular, small or large, utterly simple or lavish and complexâ&#x20AC;Ś or why not make your own, using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the garden?

An impressive tree Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular Christmas tree is the Nordmann fir, which will stay fresh for ages provided it gets enough water. The Norway spruce is less expensive, but tends to drop needles unless watered frequently. When buying a cut tree, ask the seller to saw half an inch off the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water. Before decorating, trim away any low-down or interior branches that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need, and position your tree away from

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sunny windows and radiators. Wind with an even distribution of lights and garlands (use a stepladder if necessary, and stand back regularly to assess), then add baubles and other ornaments, making sure to hang some in the centre of branches as well as at the tips, to create a sense of depth and interest. Mantelpieces, balustrades and pictures Drape generous armfuls of fir, ivy, holly and lush green foliage along mantelpieces and wind

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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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DON’T PUT IT OFF – Don’t let your home and money disappear, make sure your estate goes to your family… leaving “what you want” to “who you want”. CALL 01767 660250 for more information or to book a free meeting with one of our Will and Estate Planners either in your own home or at our offices. Baystrait Ltd t/a Will & Estate Planning, Baystrait House, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL

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among balustrades – you could even add them along the tops of pictures. Where appropriate, add pine cones, baubles, strings of tiny LED lights and maybe some small, battery-operated candles for a gorgeous, glowing display. Candles, candles everywhere Nothing says Christmas like warm, flickering candlelight – even better when the candles are scented. Stay safe and keep them away from decorations, though, and always remember to extinguish them before going to bed or leaving the house. Better still, use battery-operated candles, LED for low energy usage and very little heat, in the form of tea lights, pillars or bridge decorations. Piles of presents Presents under the tree look so much better when colourcoordinated and criss-crossed with ribbons and bows.

Inexpensive paper – even brown paper or newsprint – looks lovely if adorned with a home-made label, and avoiding metallic papers, which can’t be recycled, is good for the planet, too. You could even consider wrapping in fabric or employing a reusable box. For a finishing touch, add a tiny pine cone, small bauble or home-made iced biscuit. Setting the table Laying the table can be a pleasing ritual that results in an eye-catching display. Start by setting out a special runner and your best crockery, perhaps with plates that layer in colour or that include edgings of gold. Carefully position glassware and cutlery, and finish with greenery, pine cones, candles, baubles and other small-scale decorations, plus hand-written place settings. Hang up some stockings Children especially love to hang a stocking for Santa, but there’s no reason why adults can’t get in on the act, too – the effect is so charming, after all. If you don’t have a handy mantelpiece, try a peg rail, branch, coat hooks, along the banisters or specially bought stocking hooks. Arrangements of cards Don’t Christmas cards seem to arrive earlier each year? Despite the emergence of digital alternatives, they are still a lovely way both to keep in touch

with friends and family and to decorate your home. Give some thought as to how best to display them, whether it be neat rows on a shelf or mantelpiece (tall at the back, small at the front), tucked into mirrors and picture frames, stapled to ribbons and hung alongside the staircase (weight the end of the ribbon with a bauble or pine cone) or perhaps from rows of string using mini wooden pegs. Decorative displays As the festive season gets under way, additional decorative flourishes will start to signal the countdown to Christmas. Go to town with illuminated ornaments or keep it simple with a few poinsettias in pots, some bowls of clove-studded oranges and a few baubles or fairy lights bundled into a glass bowl or vase for a pretty, sparkly effect.

1. These metallic Christmas stockings feature a Moroccan-inspired design in gold foil. They are available in white or grey and can be personalised. Gold metallic Moroccan-print Christmas stockings, £59 each, Penelope Hope: 01481 721 410; www.penelopehope.com. 2. Ten warm white LED Christmas tree candle lights, £19.99; TruGlow LED pillar candles, from £7.99 each; wooden candle bridge, £11.99; all Lights4fun.co.uk: 01423 816 040; www. lights4fun.co.uk. Photograph Oliver Perrott 3. This beautiful door wreath weaves red berries with foliage in greens and silver-grey to welcome Christmas guests over the threshold. Foliage and berry wreath, £85, The Real Flower Company: 01730 818 300; www.realflowers.co.uk. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Business

By Robert Grant

Crowd Cuckoo Land

Can you trust crowdfunding? Every day some new gadget appears that we never knew we needed. Many of these new innovations are from the big companies, but more are now originating from micro businesses which use crowdfunding to raise their start-up cash. But what is crowdfunding and is it safe to buy from a company that may still be designing your gadget? Crowdfunding is replacing some of the more traditional ways which raised money to fund the development of an idea into a saleable product. Instead of borrowing from a bank or mortgaging their homes, entrepreneurs ask people like you to buy their products whilst they are still at the design stage. Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have sprung up to highlight campaigns and manage the funding process. You can browse people’s ideas, monitor progress, view promo videos and then choose from a range of purchase options to donate your cash and help the project get going. And this is where crowdfunding is not the same as buying a product. You give your money to the company and they promise to deliver your purchase as soon as they can. They don’t guarantee to deliver, nor to give you back your money if they fail. So, there are some risks to crowdfunding. From big ideas to tiny niche products it’s all there. By purchasing before the launch you’ll get a great discount on the final retail price and earn a warm

feeling that you really did help bring a product into existence. If you don’t want to buy an item, you can usually donate a small amount and receive some token thank you merchandise in return. Keep in mind that these projects are still mostly on the drawing board. Some sites like Kickstarter require the designers to have a prototype and be totally open about the state of the project; others don’t. Read all the documentation and update information before parting with your cash. All projects carry the risk that the idea won’t reach the manufacture stage, or that the developers will run off with the cash! Delivery dates are generally over optimistic with most projects falling at least a little behind, so don’t back a project with a delivery date in November if you need it for Christmas. Crowdfunding has produced some great success stories. Pebble Watches raised over $20 million for its first smart watch and became a leader in that field before being bought out by Fitbit. The Exploding Kittens game raised $9 million and is now selling through major high street shops. But others haven’t done as well. Ellio Motors raised $17 million for its 3-wheeler car but managed to burn through the cash and never produced a single vehicle. So, take a look at what’s out there, but do your homework and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Five Smart Ways to Pay for Christmas The cost of Christmas can take away some of the magic of the festive season if you’re not careful, as well as causing serious financial problems well into the New Year. Saving in advance is obviously the ideal, but if you’ve not been able to do so for this Christmas, there may still be an option that can reduce your credit card bill a little. 1. 0% purchase credit cards If your credit rating is good you may be able to obtain a credit card with 0% interest to pay for your Christmas purchases this year. You need to be careful not to miss a payment on the card, however, as you’ll lose the interest-free deal and will have to pay a high rate of interest on the remaining balance. 2. Regular savings accounts Regular savings accounts allow you to save a little money each month, and are a tried-and-trusted way to ease the pressure on your finances. They also offer a higher rate of interest than ‘standard’ savings accounts. Typically, you’ll need to hold a current account alongside the regular saver so it may be worthwhile switching banks if necessary. At the time of writing, 5% interest is available on some regular savings accounts, including First Direct and M&S Bank.¹ 3. Instant-access savings accounts Saving for Christmas in an instant-access savings account means your money isn’t tied up if you need it during the year. This can be both a blessing and a curse, however, particularly if you think you might spend the money on non-essentials. Although savings interest rates are currently very low, an easy access savings account does offer

more flexibility, whilst also providing a safe place for your money that’s separate from the everyday funds in your current account. 4. Credit unions Credit unions are non-profit financial organisations that sometimes offer Christmas savings clubs to their members. Similar to ‘traditional’ Christmas clubs, access to your savings is restricted until a few weeks before Christmas, and you can save in a number of ways. Crucially, credit union savings accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the same way as bank and building society accounts.² 5. Piggy bank or money jar If you’re disciplined with money and know you won’t be tempted to spend it during the year, a piggy bank could provide the answer to Christmas saving. Regularly emptying your pockets or purse of change adds up to a surprising amount if you start in January and save throughout the year. With so many beautifully decorated coin jars and money pots now available, it can be fun to save in this way. You could even buy novelty piggy banks for the children so they learn the habit of saving, or help them decorate their own mason jar. If you start in the New Year and save regularly you’ll easily save for some or all of next Christmas’s expenses, breathing a sigh of relief when you’re debt-free in January. ¹ www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/best-regularsavings-accounts ² https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/creditunions

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Neville Funerals Advert August 2019.pdf 1 16/10/2019 13:47:00

CMY

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Design and build your dream bathroom or kitchen. Are you up for the challenge? Henlow Building Supplies is a longstanding and respected name in Biggleswade. The firm began in Henlow High Street 40 years ago as a tile shop with a builders’ merchant behind, moving to its current Biggleswade premises on Pegasus Drive opposite the retail park 14 years ago. A renowned one-stop shop for all your building needs, the company has now launched a new venture – HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms - in a dedicated purpose-built showroom upstairs. The move into bathrooms and kitchens has been a natural progression for the company who offers

Chris 40

hundreds of different wall and floor tile options, as well as new innovations like Wetwall shower panels and luxury Karndean vinyl flooring. Sitting somewhere between companies that supply and fit and those that simply sell to trade, Henlow Building Supplies is not only competitively priced, but will work directly with customers to create exactly the kitchen or bathroom they want using the fitter or builder of their choice. “Our aim is to build the relationship between trade, installer and customer and to manage those relationships so that the project goes smoothly” says Chris Curson, managing director. “We leave the installing up to the experts, saving you

Madeleine

Jon

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money and allowing us to focus on getting the design just right, although we recommend your installer takes a look before ordering. “If you need help finding an installer you can trust, we are happy to suggest plumbers or tilers that we have worked with before on previous projects.” Being an independent builders’ merchant, the HBS team knows the whole construction process inside out which is where they are invaluable to their customers. A family firm, Chris’s father David started the company in 1978 (before moving into an associated company, Henlow Bridge Lakes that specialises in camping, caravanning and fishing). Paul joined the enterprise in 2000 after studying construction and business at college respectively. The friendly family atmosphere permeates throughout the staff, many of whom have worked for the company for years. Starting her first job in the tile shop 21 years ago, Madeleine Major has been a part of the company since it was based in Henlow and still enjoys being a member of what she describes as “such a happy team”. HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms’ product range offers trade quality kitchen and bathrooms at good, better and best price points including showers, baths, WCs, basins, towel warmers, taps and tiles. Some items are available to take away from the warehouse the same day with free local delivery if the item is too bulky to collect. But that isn’t all. Jon Every, kitchen planner with over 25 experience explains: “We are not limited to the

products on display in our showroom. We can normally obtain almost any brand or made-to-order item, especially bespoke kitchen carcass and fascia sizes that high street competitors cannot provide.” At HBS, there is something to suit every budget, from residential to commercial projects. For example, you can buy a whole bathroom suite for just £250 including taps from stock but on the other hand, if you want to splash out on something fancier, the company is a displaying outlet for Laura Ashley, Roper Rhodes, RAK and Porcelanosa products. You can also buy a select range of wall and floor tiles from the warehouse at bulk rate. HBS takes an interest in the results of every project and loves to see customers’ before and after photos, so much so, the company has set up a Pinterest board on social media that includes Customer Case Studies and Real Bathroom Makeovers as well as lots of design inspiration. Ideas can also be found in their new upstairs showroom that has displays with on-trend colours for bathrooms and the latest kitchen innovations.

Henlow Building Supplies 3A Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswsade SG18 8QA Tel: 01767 312800 Email: sales@henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk Facebook: @HenlowBuildingSupplies Pinterest: Building 41 To advertise in The Villager and Town LifeHenlow please call 01767 261122 Supplies

Gardening

Pruning Perfection Winter is perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants (except if it is really icy or frosty), so get stuck in now that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are bare of leaves. Remember that for pruning to really benefit the plant, you need the right tools. For a small expanse of hedge or a shrub that needs reshaping, a good, sharp pair of well-oiled shears should do the job. When cutting along a hedge top, a guide line – such as a taut string – will help you get a neat, level surface. For larger hedges use a powered hedge cutter or hedge trimmer. Use ‘loppers’ for removal of stems at various heights and of varying thicknesses. These are available with various handle lengths (some have telescopic handles), so that you can reach higher. For relatively thick stems they are better than shears or secateurs and allow for accurate cutting. Wear goggles and ideally protective headgear if you have to cut back branches above your head. Everybody needs a pair of good-quality sharp secateurs for pruning smaller woody stems. Always cut to an outward-facing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards). Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems, for formative pruning (to ensure the plant grows in the right direction), and for pruning to encourage flowering. A proper pruning saw is necessary for pruning out or tidying up larger branches on trees and shrubs and is perfect for fruit trees. Use a sawing action for best results and make the pruning cut a few

By Pippa Greenwood

millimetres or so away from the main stem from which the branch you are removing is joined. A cut like this will heal quicker and is less prone to fungal rotting. MORE PRUNING TIPS • Always check the best pruning time for your plants – most hedges and many shrubs can be cut back now, but you may impact the flowering potential of others. • Some trees, mainly those in the Prunus family – such as edible and ornamental cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines – are prone to the potentially fatal fungal ‘silver leaf’ infection, and should be pruned in the summer months. • Pruning tools must be really sharp – blunt tools mean more effort and the risk of damage to the plant. • Create sloping cuts with secateurs, loppers and saws to prevent moisture accumulating (wetness encourages wood rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud to allow new growth without dieback. • Stand back from time to time when pruning, to let you see how you are affecting the overall shape of the plant. At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, tools, planters, raised bed kits and the “Grow Your Own with Pippa” system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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Garden View

The Holly and the Ivy The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood the holly bears the crown. There’s no doubt that holly and ivy are synonymous with Christmas. This dates back to pre-Christian era when pagans used evergreen decorations in their mid-winter celebrations. It’s not hard to see why they were attracted to these beautiful plants which offer a promise of better times to come during the most barren time of the year. Early Christians adopted them too and imbued holly particularly with Christian symbolism. In the carol, ivy isn’t actually mentioned again until the last verse which is a repeat of the first. It has a cameo role because of earlier songs, such as ‘The Contest of The Ivy and The Holly,’ in which the attributes of holly (male) and ivy (female) are compared. Our ancestors lived close to the earth and the seasons and were open to symbolism. As modern gardeners we might be sceptical of the symbolism, but we can embrace the glory of these seasonal plants. Ivy (Hedera) comes in many sizes, from the tinyleaved ‘Spetchley’ to the hand-sized leaves of ‘Maple Leaf’. It also comes in a beautiful variety of colours from the rich green, crimped leaves of ‘Parsley crested’ which makes great ground cover, to the gorgeous red-stemmed yellow leaves of the climber ‘Sunrise’.

By Rachael Leverton

For winter baskets I’d recommend the lime-green ‘Ursula’ and her grey-leaved friend ‘Frederick’. Ivy is a doddle to grow. There are only a few things to remember. Cut it back in spring to encourage new growth and take cuttings between October and March when the growth is woody. Yellow varieties need sunshine and don’t let any of it grow into your eaves. Other than that, it is your undemanding gardening friend. Holly (Ilex) is pretty easy-going too. It will grow almost anywhere except really water-logged soil. It’s tolerant of pollution, salt and wind and grows really slowly, so it’s great for small gardens in the city and by the sea. Protect it from rabbits if they frequent your garden as they love to eat the bark. Trim it in August if you have to and remove plain green shoots on variegated varieties. Take cuttings in the late summer or autumn. It does resent root disturbance once it’s established so make sure you plant it in the right place first time. Hollies are male or female but not necessarily named to help you distinguish. ‘Silver Queen’ is actually male and ‘Martin’ is female! You’ll need both for berries so talk to an expert at the nursery or garden centre to be sure…or google the answer on your phone! If you only have room for one holly bush, grow a self-fertile variety such as ‘J C Van Tol’.

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Happy Gardening

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Life Begins...

Small change with a big impact

By Kate McLelland

If you like to finish off your Christmas lunch with a traditional pudding, you might recall the old custom of putting a sixpence in the mixture. When the pudding was eaten on Christmas day, it was said that the lucky recipient – lucky, that is, provided he or she didn’t break a tooth on the coin – would enjoy wealth and good luck throughout the year to come. Nowadays the sixpence is no longer in circulation, having disappeared along with the farthing, halfpenny and threepence. As recently as May this year, two more low-value British coins, the 1p and 2p, were also threatened with extinction. However, a Treasury review suggesting we scrap our small change prompted a huge backlash from charities, small businesses and groups representing older, vulnerable people. The coins were reprieved, and as we celebrate the people power that saved our small change, maybe it’s time to look back at some of the low-value coins we’ve loved and lost. The sixpence First minted in the reign of Henry VIII’s son Edward VI (1537-1553), the sixpence was circulated until 1980. Also known as a ‘tanner’ or a ‘sixpenny bit’, the sixpence was worth one-fortieth of a pound sterling.

Sixpence facts: • The name ‘tanner’ is said to have originated in the reign of George II, when Chief Engraver to the Royal Mint John Sigismund Tanner redesigned the coin. • The full text for the old rhyme beginning “Something old, something new” runs “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” The threepenny bit This coin was also first minted during the reign of King Edward VI. Known variously as a threepence, thruppence or threepenny bit, the value of this well-loved little coin was one-eightieth of a pound sterling. The coin ceased to be legal tender after 31 August 1971, just over five months after decimalisation was introduced to the UK. Threepence facts: • This coin was originally used for Christmas puddings but it was replaced by the sixpence when the threepence was minted in brass. • A rare threepenny coin created for the reign of Edward VIII in the 1930s sold for £30,000 in 2013.

The farthing Representing one-quarter of an old penny, the farthing was first minted in silver in the thirteenth century, but copper farthings were circulated during the reigns of Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Elizabeth II. After 1956 no more farthings were minted and the coin ceased to be legal tender on 1st January 1961. Farthing facts: • The word ‘farthing’ is derived from an old English word, feorthing, meaning ‘a fourth part’. • The farthing is mentioned in the old nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and lemons’: “You owe me five farthings/Say the bells of St Martins”. While it’s understandable that the public might feel nostalgic towards coins that have been around for hundreds of years, our 1p and 2p coins have been with us for less than half a century. However, the outrage that followed the recent threat to remove them from circulation suggests that we’ll have small change jingling in our pockets for many more years to come.

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Short Story

By Jackie Brewster

The Penguin Parade “Chuck it all in this wheelbarrow,” Barry said. “How many did you manage to get?” “I’ve got Freddie Mercury, Elvis, Prince Philip and Batman,” Phil said, glad to unburden himself of his awkward load of cardboard. “Prince Philip?” Barry snorted. “Who lent you that?” “It’s Theresa’s. Don’t ask me what she does with it. Did you manage to get anyone?” “I’ve got Mr Bean and two Spice Girls,” Barry said proudly. “Found them in a skip. How did Theresa take you working today?” “She’s not delighted.” Phil pushed the loaded wheelbarrow towards the penguin enclosure. “I didn’t tell her I’d volunteered.” “Zoo animals still have to be fed,” Barry said, “even on Christmas day.” “She grumbled, but she’s gone off to my folks.” Phil shrugged. “She’ll have a nice time.” “Let’s get on with it, shall we? Don’t want to keep our stars waiting.” Every day at noon the Humboldt penguins performed their parade. They’d waddle out of their enclosure and over the little bridge for some welldeserved applause from the zoo visitors. It was the highlight of the penguins’ day. But Christmas was the one day of the year the zoo was closed. There would be no audience. Barry and Phil knew that the birds would be disappointed. Last year they sulked for a week. “Let’s set these things out along the fence,” Barry said, unfolding a life-size cardboard cutout of Elvis. “Should we group them together or spread them out?” “Let’s see how well they stand up,” Phil said. “I don’t want them blowing over, that’ll really freak the birds out.” The penguins were already assembling by their gate and watching the men with interest. “Shall we bother with Batman?” Phil said. “Put him between the Spice Girls,” Barry said. “Have you got the fish?”

“Yep.” Phil held up the bucket. “Let’s begin.” Barry undid the padlock and opened the gate. The birds did not move. “It’s not working,” Phil said. “They’re not buying it.” “You’d think they’d be thrilled to parade in front of all these celebrities.” Barry said. “What’s wrong with them?” “We haven’t got enough people,” Barry said. “I swear those birds have done a headcount.” The penguins refused to parade. Mr Bean wobbled over in the wind. “This is a disaster.” Phil forlornly shook the bucket of fish. “After all this effort.” “Phil, wait!” a familiar voice called breathlessly. Phil and Barry turned around to see a group of people jogging towards them. “It’s Theresa!” Phil clapped with joy. “She’s brought the whole family with her.” “We’ve come to support the penguins.” Theresa grinned. “How did you guess?” Phil gave her a hug. “When I saw you’d taken my Philip I put two and two together,” she said. Now that the crowd had grown to an acceptable size, the birds waddled dutifully over their little bridge. Everyone cheered. And if the penguins thought that certain members of the audience seemed a little stiff, they were too polite and professional to mention it.

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Pets

Feeding Garden Birds During the Winter to visiting your garden, and may struggle to find alternative sources of food should you suddenly stop. Scrub your feeders regularly in hot soapy water, and give them a good rinse. Clear away any accumulations of droppings or spilled seeds. Keep feeders free of wet or mouldy foods. Why not try making this tasty recipe for the wildlife in your garden this winter.

Fat Cakes for Birds

Feeding birds in our gardens is possibly the most popular way for people to interact with nature. Most people do it during the cold winter months in order to help the birds survive. Around 75% of UK households feed the birds in their gardens. Winter can be a difficult time for wildlife. Temperatures plummet and food becomes very difficult to find. But we can lend a helping hand and provide sources of food for birds to turn to in the tough winter months. So what should we be feeding our feathery friends? Is there anything else we can be doing for them apart from putting food out regularly? • Provide appropriate seeds and grains (like nyjer, millet, oats, and sunflower seeds). • Only feed peanuts if they’re unsalted, fresh and sold for human consumption or by a reputable feed shop. • Why not try cooked pasta or rice, boiled potatoes, cheese, uncooked and unsalted bacon rind, raisins and sultanas. • Net-free fat or suet balls attract a wide range of species and provide a great boost of calories. • Apples, pears and soft fruits are popular and are a great autumn food. • Insects such as mealworms or waxworms. It is best to place feeders up high, above the height at which a cat can reach. Avoid leaving food on the ground, as any small mammals and birds eating it will become vulnerable to cats. Keep water bowls full of clean water. Check them regularly especially during frosty or snowy periods. Once you start putting food out for the birds, try to keep it up. Try to keep regularly topping up the feeders. The birds you are feeding will get used

What you need: Equipment Bowl, saucepan, spoon, string, old yoghurt pots. Ingredients Lard, unsalted peanuts, currants, sultanas, oats, breadcrumbs, cake crumbs, grated cheese. Method 1) The ideal ratio for this recipe is one part fat to two parts dry. Mix together all of your dry ingredients in a bowl. 2) Melt some lard in a pan and add the dry mix. Next stir really well until the fat has all been absorbed and the mixture binds and sticks together. 3) Make a small hole in the bottom of an old yoghurt pot and thread a piece of string through it. Tie a knot at the bottom of the string to keep it in place. 4) Now carefully spoon the warm fat mixture into the pot and gently press it down. 5) Leave the fat cakes to solidify by placing them in the fridge. 6) Once they have set carefully cut the pot off the fat cake. 7) Finally, hang the cake in a tree or bush for your feathery friends to enjoy.

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Motoring

Lexus Luxury Goes Beyond Looks Lexus’ UX 250 will certainly turn heads, and not from the noise. Its striking looks and angles make for a distinctive and arresting aesthetic. The rear lamps connect in a high-tech looking full-width strip. Triggered by ambient light levels, the auto-illuminating front LED lights give the aggressive front a poised stance, and the huge front grille that wraps around the front is unlike anything else on the market. Interior - The front of the UX’s cabin is where Lexus excels. The space feels generous and welcoming, and material quality is excellent. As usual, Lexus touts its superior craftsmanship – called Takumi – and named the top-end trim package after it. Several other trim options are available, as well as the standard model. The seats are comfortable, but rear space is limited. Passenger storage is reasonable, but not superb. There’s a smallish glovebox and front door bins, along with a central armrest cubby and a couple of cup holders. Rear-seat passengers are served with a couple of map pockets but no door bins. The Drive - The UX combines precise steering with good body control and resilient grip to feel quite keen in corners. It doesn’t wobble the way a tall SUV might, due to its lower centre of gravity. This combined with a seating position lower than other SUVs, the UX feels more car-like to manoeuvre. The brake pedal can feel awkward, owing to the hybrid system trying to balance regenerative braking to charge the battery with conventional deceleration. Speaking of the hybrid system, it features a new four-cylinder 176bhp 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain with direct-shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is self-charging and benefits from regenerative braking, so there’s no plug to

worry about. Economy estimates of 68.9-65.7mpg and emissions of 96-103g/km CO2 (for the 17- and 18-inch wheel front-wheel drive models) should prove useful in driving down your carbon footprint. Infotainment System - Lexus’ unique infotainment system can leave users wanting. The sat nav, for example, is awkward and notoriously fiddly. It’s an older postcode-based system, which makes searching by house or road number first impossible, and a limited database prevents some destinations from being entered. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto either, despite there being two USB ports available. A highly sensitive mousemat-like controller is used somewhat erratically to select options on screen. Luckily, the UX’s panel of physical buttons below the dash offer more conventional controls for climate and more. Key specs • Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, twin electric motor • Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive • Power: 179bhp • 0-60mph: 8.5 seconds • Top speed: 110mph • Economy/CO2: 53.3mpg/97g/km For • Very comfortable seats make for great long or short drives • Hybrid powertrain helps keep tax cost and emissions down • Peppy drive from a CVT gearbox • Low CO2 Emissions Against • Cramped rear seat and storage space • Poor towing ability • Difficult to use on-board tech • No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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By Sarah Davey

It might be your dad, your brother or your favourite uncle. If you don’t want to buy socks but you’re darned (excuse the pun) if you do know what to buy them, you need our handy guide. Too cool – If your problem recipient is too cool for a mundane gift try Rough Trade’s Album Club (www.roughtrade.com/gb). Each month your lucky man will receive a package containing the must-have album of the moment on cd or LP your choice. For genuine cool it’s hard to beat. Gift subscriptions start at £36 for three months. Too stylish – If a chap has a unique style it can be tough to choose anything guaranteed to appeal to his sartorial side. A few years ago, I discovered Bivolino (www.bivolino.com). Here your man can design his own shirt in 3D and have it custom made. The site has style advice and hints and tips

Time of Year

Man Trouble! on designing. It’s actually rather addictive and I guarantee that if fashion is his thing, he’ll have fun. E-vouchers start at £23. Too much stuff - Sometimes, and this is often the case with older men, they really don’t want for anything and secretly dread having to dispose of unwanted smellies and sweets, and their drawers are already overflowing with socks and ties. In this instance a gift subscription to a magazine can be extremely welcome. There’s a title for just about every interest, including current affairs, history, psychology and sport. Many can be purchased for downloading to a tablet or phone if that’s his preferred mode of reading. Too Kind - The final male is the trickiest to satisfy. He’s grumpy and unappreciative, no matter what. So why ‘too kind’? Well make lemonade from his lemons. In this case I’d recommend a charity gift so at least someone somewhere in the world will appreciate your festive generosity! Happy hunting.

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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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.

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Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

Time of Year

By Louise Addison

The Gift of Experience When I was younger it used to drive me mad when my dad said ‘I don’t want anything for Christmas...’ How could he say that? Then a couple of years ago I realised I’d become him. I don’t want or even need more of anything. Many of my friends feel the same. We don’t want to add to plastic or clothes waste. We don’t want clutter. Yet the pleasure of giving and receiving at Christmas is something most of us enjoy, so why not give a gift experience instead. A National Trust Membership - Allows the recipient access to around 500 historic houses and gardens, monuments, social history sites, and beaches. Tickets to see a favourite band or artist perform Or perhaps a local artist they’ve never seen, or music event they’ve never attended. Live music is a great night out, and even better if you gift two tickets so they can take a friend. An up-close and personal experience with their favourite animal or insect - My friend loves hedgehogs so I paid for her to spend a day at the local hedgehog hospital. She learned all about hedgehogs and helped to feed and weigh them. She still talks about it today. You can buy ‘meet the animal’ experiences for every beastie from spiders to lemurs. There’s bound to be something for the animal-lover in your life. Tickets to a movie marathon - Whether your intended recipient is into sci-fi, horror, fantasy, musicals or old black and white movies, there will be an enterprising cinema or theatre running a specialist event. If they are not into a particular genre then a season pass to a cinema or theatre will allow them to watch whatever they want. Wine, whiskey or gin tasting session - What could be nicer than sharing an evening touring a winery or distillery learning about the flavours and techniques involved in producing their favourite tipple.

Cooking class - Classes can be for a particular type of cuisine, like Chinese or Thai, or for a particular technique like bread-making. There are generally other like-minded souls there so your recipient will make new friends. Spa treatment day – Life is stressful so very few people would turn their nose up at being pampered for a few hours. An escape room experience - If your intended recipient is into puzzles try tickets to an escape room. It’s a fun experience for everyone and a great gift for a family. A masterclass in something they love photography, juggling, golf, painting, writing... there are classes online and in the real world for any subject or skill you can think of. The happiness we experience from acquiring things fades very quickly. Experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than material goods. We are the sum total of our experiences and they stay with us for longer because of the way they are encoded in the brain. Each time we think about the experience we feel that same sense of happiness we felt initially. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

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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

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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

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

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

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n O s ’ t Wha In December

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

1 December Fun Charity Quiz 8pm The Five Bells, Henlow Village £2 per person. In aid of Guide Dogs, Bedford branch. Teams of up to 8 members. Cash prize for the winning team and booby prize too. Raffle and some spot prizes (no knowledge required!). Tel: John 07511 631045 Email: quizzesforcharity@outlook.com 2 December Drop-In Session 10.30am-12 noon Baldock Library Talk from Hertfordshire Local History and Archives. Drop in for a chat; make new friends over tea, biscuits and various activities. No need to book. 2 & 9 December Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Shefford Baptist Church Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds. Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, sensory and role play. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family Baby Rhyme Times are a fun half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December 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. Email: katiewilsonmind@gmail.com 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December Weston Bridge Group 2.45-5.30pm Reading Room, Weston Village Hall Meets every Monday. The emphasis of play is informal, friendly and social Bridge. Mid-session hot drink and biscuit for £2.50. All levels welcome from beginner to more advanced. No partners required, just turn up.Free car park. Tel: Bob Findlay (Chairman) 01462 790211 3 December Langford Gardening Club 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Members free, Non- members £3. ‘Traditional Treasures’ with Barry and Gill Goodman. Barry Goodman is a singer, musician, songwriter, caller and folk arts educator. He has performed at folk clubs, concerts, arts festivals, village halls and churches. Barry and Gill will present ‘Traditional Treasures’ a handful of quirky English customs in story, song and pictures. Web: www.langford-gardening-club.co.uk

3, 10 & 17 December Willian Bowls Club 2pm Lower Green, Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth Come and have a bowl with us one Tuesday afternoon if you are free. Tel: David on 01462 642790 Web: www.willianbowlsclub.org

3, 10 & 17 December 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. Dropin session, no need to book. 3, 10 & 17 December Over 50s Singles Group 7-9pm The Orchard, Fairfield Park A new evening group for over 50s singles. Come and spend a couple of hours in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. No fees - just the price of a drink. Email: fpsatfairfield@caramail.com 5 December The Arts Society North Herts 11am & 2pm Spirella Ballroom Letchworth Visitors £7 on the door. ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. Peter Medhurst will explore the wealth of music, traditions and customs for Christmas across the centuries. All visitors are welcome. Web: theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 5, 12 & 19 December Baldock Community Orchestra 7.15pm Knights Templar School (Room CS1), Baldock £7 per week or 10 week term £50. A friendly group of musicians. Come and give us a try, first session free! Tel: Rachel Dawson 07818 480332 5, 12 & 19 December 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. New members always welcome. Tel: 01438 231550. Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk 5, 12 & 19 December 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. Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

6 December RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group 7.30pm ‘The Settlement’, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City Local group members free, Visitors £3 ‘Islander’ by Patrick Barkham. We go on a journey around some of Britain’s most intriguing small islands, meeting their wild residents – from Orkney voles to Bonxies. Patrick explores how small islands can be ecological laboratories, warning signals and sanctuaries – for wildlife and us. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com 6, 13 & 20 December 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 7 December Mid Beds Cancer Support Group 11am-1pm Village Hall, Walnut Tree Way, Meppershall Meppershall and all surrounding areas. Informal cancer group for patients, families, friends and carers who wish to meet others for support and information. Come along to our meetings - we’d love to talk you! Tel: 01462 813943 or 07961 377526 Email: daksha.trivedi@btconnect.com 7 December Carols by Candlelight 3.30pm The Church of St Mary Magdalene, Caldecote Tickets £10. Carol singing with mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls in the interval. Free ample parking, disabled access. Please call or email for tickets. Tel: Grazyna 01462 895830 Email: carols@caldecotechurchfriends.org.uk 7 December Lift up Clifton 4.40pm, light up 5pm Broad Street/Grange Street junction outside Admiral pub. 7 December Orpheus Choir of North Herts 7pm St Mary’s Church, Henlow Tickets £10 inc. interval refreshments 7 December Yuletide Music 7.30pm Church of St Peter, Arlesey Tickets £12, Concessions £10 inc. mulled punch and mince pie Vivace Choir and Strings present Yuletide Music including Benjamin Britten’s ‘A Ceremony of Carols’. Tickets available by telephone or on the door. Tel: 07584 322438

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n O s ’ t Wha In December

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

8 December RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group Trip Own transport trip. Visit Ferry Meadows (parkland on the edge of Peterborough with lakes, woodland and hides) followed by the wild habitat of Woodwalton Fen. Meet at Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre (parking charge applies). Leader Martin Johnson. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com 10 December Transition Tuesday: Making a Cracking Christmas 7.30-9.15pm. Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Way South, Letchworth Want to celebrate Christmas in style but with a low carbon footprint? Join us for an evening of workshops and demonstrations on how to make Christmas crackers, Christmas decorations, Christmas wrapping papers and little gifts. There will be an opportunity to help us create the decorations for Transition Town Letchworth’s ‘Green Christmas’ entry to Letchworth’s Christmas Tree Festival. All welcome, admission free, but a £2 donation to help cover room hire and refreshments is welcome. 11 December 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. Afternoon quiz. Two-course hot lunch with soft drink. Everyone welcome. First lunch free. Call on Monday to book your place and advise of any dietary requirements when booking. Tel: 01462 473100 Email: garden@quantumcare.co.uk

11 December Letchworth Chamber Music Concert 7.45 pm Howgills Friends Meeting House, 42 South View Tickets £15, Under 18s & students £7.50 Michael Foyle (violin) and Maksim Ŝtŝura (piano) will include in their recital works by Beethoven (Sonata in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2), Delius (Violin Sonata No. 3) and Richard Strauss (Violin Sonata in E flat, Op. 18). Tickets available on the door. Web: www.letchworthmusicclub.co.uk 12 December Baldock & Clothall WI 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock Visitors £3 Christmas party with Ukulele Band and food. Visitors always welcome. Tel: Lucy 01462 742609 for more info Email: Baldockclothallwi@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi

12 December Stevenage Locomotive Society 7.30pm Community Arts Centre, Roaring Meg Retail Park Members free, Visitors £2. Tony Bowles ‘The Paul Riley Commemorative Show – Part 2, 1965-1968.’ Light refreshment break mid-way through evening. Web: www.stevenagelocosociety.co.uk 12-14 December Christmas at Woodside 2019 7.30pm Woodside Hall, Hitchin Tickets £12.50 inc. mince pie and glass of punch Hitchin Thespians present Christmas at Woodside 2019. An interactive concert of traditional carols and newer festive favourites with the combined forces of the Hitchin Thespians choir and some of its show performers. You will be entertained by wandering carollers, boisterous tavern-dwellers and heart-warming families. Tel: 01462 641575

13 December Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Adults £11, Concessions available With Chalktown, caller Jane Bird and Hertfordshire Holly in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Clear instructions from the caller before and during each dance allow anyone to join in and enjoy the dancing. Tel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 or 01582 724261 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk 14 & 15 December Smilin’ Sam’s Holiday Hoedown 11am & 2pm St Christopher School Theatre, Barrington Road, Letchworth Adults £8, children/concessions £6, family £24 Smilin’ Sam welcomes y’all to step into your dancing boots and get ready for the finest event of the year… The Holiday Hoedown. Family friendly panto. Immersive original production created with the younger audience in mind. The relaxed performances are suitable for the more sensitive viewers as we have a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the performances. Wheelchair and carer spaces available and floor level seating for those with visual impairments. Guide dogs welcome. Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/imajicatheatre 14 & 15 December Stotfold Art Group Winter Exhibition & Craft Fayre 11am-4pm Roecroft Centre, Church Road, Stotfold Free entry Many unique gifts, paintings and crafts on sale. Come and browse and enjoy St Mary’s Christmas Tree festival next door.

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15 December Stevenage RSPB Local Group car trip to Thurrock Thameside 10am A new venue for the group on the north bank of the Thames downstream from Tilbury, for wintering waders and passerines. Meet in the car park at 10am. Leader Trevor Storey. Grid Ref. 178/TQ 696804. Postcode SS17 0RN. Tel: 01438 226014. Web: ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/stevenage 16 December Have a Messy Christmas! 10.30-11.30am Shefford Baptist Church £10 per child, £7.50 additional siblings With our fabulous festive music, mess to be made, and a messy present to take home, there’s plenty of fun to be had! Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 16 December My First Christmoos! 10.30-11.30am Shefford Baptist Church £12 per child Start your Tiny Moover’s first Christmas off with a special Moo Music session. With moosic, moovement, and keepsakes to craft, you can enjoy making special memories with your little bestie (includes a visit from Santa!). Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 17 December Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage RSPB Members £3, Non-members £4, Under 18s 50p Christmas social. Join us for our annual buffet supper with games and quizzes. Tel: 01438 226014 Web: www.rspb.org/groups/Stevenage 22 December Family Carols & Christingles Service 3-5pm Shefford Baptist Church Exploring the birth of Jesus in an accessible way, using a nativity script, Bible readings and familiar carols. Christingles will be prepared (all items supplied for you) and we’ll light the candles to share the light that Jesus can bring into our lives. Refreshments, including cake will then be served. Everyone welcome! Web: www.SheffordBaptist.org.uk

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T J Lee

Chimney Builders (Hitchin) Tel: 01462 234717 Mob: 07966 404469 Email: terryjleebuilding@gmail.com T J Lee Chimney Builders

Visit our beautiful

Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom

01438 725309

bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

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

Wine

Wine Wisdom

By Tom Hancock

Which wine should you choose? I was always a bit hazy about which wine to serve with which food. They didn’t teach that sort of thing at our local comprehensive. Then one day a chef friend explained that far from being an elitist concept it was simply about marrying flavours that blend well or complement each other, much like cooking. I managed to get her to distil her wisdom into this handy guide. Fish A delicate fish dish calls for a delicate wine, such as Pinot Grigio. If the fish is more robust and served with a rich sauce, it will require a more full-bodied flavoursome white like Chardonnay. Salty seafood marries surprisingly well with champagne. Chicken or Turkey Choose a full-flavoured white, like a white Côtes du Rhône, or a delicate red, such as a Frappato. Juicy red meat For beef or steak a rich red, such as a Bordeaux or

Cabernet Sauvignon will work well or even a Rioja. Spicy dishes – These require a spicy wine. Look for a Malbec, Syrah or Shiraz will all hold their own. If the spicy food is vegetarian, then a dry Riesling will pair well. Vegetarian food There is a misconception that vegetarian food should only be served with white wine. But medium reds, like Merlot work well with lots of vegetarian dishes, particularly tomato-based recipes. Cheese board Some cheeses go better with red, some with white. Sauternes and Stilton are a perfect match, while Chardonnay works well with brie. A dry Rosé is a good all-rounder. Remember, the main rule is to pair the characteristics of the dish with the characteristics of the wine. So, a buttery sauce will work well with white a wine also described as ‘buttery’. Experiment and enjoy!

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Sure-Fix Sure-Fix Roofing & Building Solutions

Roofing & Building Solutions

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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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Before After

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Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner Mr J Hoskins from Hitchin North Pole Competition Winner Sophie Bright from Tilbrook

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 South American animal (6) 4 Clans (6) 9 Whirlwind (7) 10 Male duck (5) 11 Casseroles (5) 12 Surprised (7) 13 Source of power (11) 18 Cars, buses etc. (7) 20 Dangerous (5) 22 Tacks (5) 23 Graceful (7) 24 Eighth month (6) 25 Flow (6)

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

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

Down 1 Painter (6) 2 American handbag (5) 3 Masterpiece (7) 5 Wireless (5) 6 Woollen cover (7) 7 Fast (6) 8 Assembled (11) 14 Departing (7) 15 Right (7) 16 Lines of a verse (6) 17 Method (6) 19 Clenched hands (5) 21 Frighten (5)

Name: Tel:

ď&#x20AC;˘

Address:

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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

INSULATING SPRAYFOAM • BBA APPROVED SPRAYFOAM • CAN GREATLY REDUCE ENERGY BILLS • UPGRADE YOUR PROPERTIES ‘U’ VALUE • ELIMINATES DRAFTS OR ‘DRAW’ FROM THE ROOF SPACE • MESS & HASSLE FREE • QUALIFIES AS AN ESM • FIRE SAFE

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

ROGERSONS

REMOVALS

Man with Van

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

Tel: 01462 627074 Mob: 07867 531368

Speak to Matt • No job too big or small

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. 76

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Books

Book Review By Kate Duggan

Accountants

Little Robin Red Vest by Jan Fearnley

This classic picture book is now 20 years old. It tells the story of how the robin got his red vest. (Spoiler: Father Christmas gave it to him as a reward for the robin giving away his own woolly vests.) A great story, beautiful illustrations and a feel-good message to top it all off. What more could a young child want from a book on Christmas morning?

Burn After Writing (Teen Edition) by Rhiannon Shove

A journal with a difference, Burn after Writing invites teens to answer a series of questions to paint a picture of who they are, from ‘The song that makes me want to dance’ to ‘If I had a brainwashing machine, I would use it to’ and ‘Something I do that makes me feel proud of myself’. Perfect for 11 to 14 year olds. (The adult’s version is worth a look too.)

Veg by Jamie Oliver

Buying for a vegetarian? Or just someone who enjoys healthy food that tastes great and doesn’t take hours to prepare? This book is for them. There are twists on new classics, such as Veggie Moussaka and Vegan Lasagne, and plenty of more inspired dishes that could soon become old favourites, like Masala Stuffed Peppers, Pulled Mushroom Sandwich and Crispy Cauliflower Katsu. Some take a few minutes to make from scratch, while others are more suitable for chilled-out Sunday brunches or dinners with friends.

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

Carpentry and Joinery

Tim Jordon

Carpentry and Joinery 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

Locksmith Services

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Classifieds Property Maintenance

Plastering Services

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

Dave Mortby Plastering, Decorating & Refurbishment

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

Email: David.mortby@live.co.uk

Removals

Plumbing

Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small! Do not hesitate to call Gary on:

07530 728091

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

Plumbing and Heating

Roofing

Property Maintenance

Wood Suppliers

R. CHAPMAN

Home & Garden Services

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

01462 850575 or 07950 311881 78

FOR SALE

Seasoned Hardwood Logs Any size load Telephone: 01438 355489 Mobile: 07721 508383

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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.

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