Henlow Dec 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 157 - Dec 2021

and Town

Life

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

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Inside this issue...

Sale? Saving or Scam.........................................................................29 Board Games or Bored Games......................................................30 Snuggle Up.............................................................................................32 The Season of Giving....to Nature................................................. 34 Simple Winter Tasks...........................................................................37 Which Tumble Drier should you Choose?................................ 39 Wood Green: Here for every little star this Christmas........ 43 Sprouts, Stockings and Tinsel........................................................44 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 What’s On in December...................................................................50 Brand New Retro................................................................................ 53 £100 Christmas Prize Crossword...................................................58 Books to Gift.......................................................................................60 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

Snuggle Up

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Setting the Scene................................................................................. 4 Partying in a Pandemic!...................................................................... 8 What Wine? Ice Wine........................................................................ 12 Support EAAA this Christmas......................................................... 15 Take Part in a Penguin Parade for Marie Curie.........................16 The Best Beauty Advent Calendars..............................................19 Seasonal Recipe..................................................................................20 Oxygen Therapy: How it Helps..................................................... 22 Time for a Party!................................................................................. 24 Daily Dash Challenge for Sue Ryder............................................ 27

Partying in a Pandemic

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Katherine Sorrell, Debbie James, Trevor Langley, EAAA, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Caroline Knight, Rachel Leverton, Kate McCarthy, Wood Green and RSPCA

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography: galsand2 Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460

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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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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

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Setting the Scene Style a festive table for delicious meals with family and friends Whether you eat turkey and all the trimmings at 2pm or prepare a nut roast in the evening, a lavish meal is often the centrepiece of Christmas Day – not to mention other get-togethers around the dining table before the day itself. What could be nicer than enjoying a festive meal with your family or closest friends – perhaps with seasonal music and scented candles in the background adding to those Christmassy vibes?

Carefully setting and dressing the dining table for a Christmas meal can be as much a part of the ritual of Christmas Day as putting the turkey in the oven or opening gifts. To prevent it being a time-consuming chore it is best to plan ahead, consider how you will achieve the look you want and what key ingredients are required.

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First, decide on an overall theme. It could be something very simple and natural, in muted, neutral colours. Or a more sparkly feel with white and silver, frosting and tinsel. A classic look is always a good option, employing red, gold and deep green, perhaps with a touch of tartan, while for a modern effect you might choose pretty pastels or even bolder neons. The key is to stick to the theme pretty tightly so it all looks unified rather than thrown together.

The basis of everything is, of course, the dining table. If yours is not up to scratch, this is the perfect occasion for a tablecloth, which will disguise all manner of ills, including scratches, stains and even separate tables butted together for extra space (just make sure they’re roughly the same heights). Crisp, plain white cotton or unbleached, slubby linen are

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both classics – the former with a smarter look, the latter having a laid-back, Nordic appeal. You might add a slightly more decorative effect with a lace, embroidered or scalloped trim, or opt for a full-on festive effect with an all-over Christmas pattern.

Instead of a tablecloth (or perhaps as well as) you might add a slim runner along the length of the table. While fabric versions come ready-made, you can also improvise your own by arranging a narrow row of suitable decorations along the table – such as a garland of evergreen branches interspersed with pine cones and sprigs of berries, battery-operated micro lights, tea lights in little saucers, lanterns with candles, or seasonal floral displays.

An alternative to a runner is an eye-catching centrepiece. A classic wreath with candles always looks great, as does a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers and foliage (think eucalyptus, berried holly, spruce, viburnum, mistletoe, roses, ivy, carnations and gypsophila), or containers with Christmas bulbs such as amaryllis, paperwhites and hyacinths. Other variations could include a grouping of lanterns or pillar candles, a pile of small, beautifully wrapped presents, a bowl full of vintage, coloured-glass baubles or a wooden Christmas ornament.

If you are able to hang something above the table (perhaps from a pendant light – though beware of weight, and anything flammable) it is sure to make a dramatic impression. Ideas include a selection of greenery entwined around a slim metal frame, a scattering of origami stars made from metallic paper, a mobile made from baubles on ribbons hung from a foraged wooden bough, or a simple swirl of twinkly fairy lights. Delightful.

Similar ingredients can also be used, if desired, to decorate the backs of chairs – especially useful to unify mismatching seating or if you want to make an extra statement. Wreaths, baubles, pine cones, even small wrapped gifts, can all be tied to or hung from the back of a wooden chair for a very pretty look.

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2 Place mats and napkins – chosen to co-ordinate with the overall style – are important elements and, if you like, napkins can be folded or rolled and prettified with all sorts of sweet additions, such as cinnamon sticks, candy canes, mini wrapped gifts, tiny baubles, small wooden stars, velvet ribbons or coloured twine. And then, as the final components, it’s time to add crockery, cutlery and glassware. Use your best set (or sets – layering co-ordinated crockery can be so attractive), arranged super-neatly, with all extravagance possible: bowls on top of side plates on top of dinner plates; cutlery for all the different courses; glasses for water, wine and fizz, placed just so. The result? A gorgeous, welcoming Christmas table that’s full of impact.

1 Jazz up a simple wooden table with chunky crockery, golden goblets and baubles in bowls. Grey wooden micro star, £17.99; midwinter garland, £34.99; 50 warm white LED green micro fairy lights, £12.99; set of three antique gold glass baubles, £19.99; TruGlow® LED pillar candle trio, £26.99; Lights4fun: 01423 816 040; lights4fun.co.uk. Photograph: Oliver Perrott 2 Christmas-themed, red-and-white crockery for a warm and inviting table. Red and white Fair Isle 12-piece dinner set, £20; White Christmas Wreath 12-piece dinner set, £20; both George Home at Asda: 0800 952 0101; direct.asda.com.

3 Glowing reds and golds with ornaments, gifts and baubles creates a dramatic table setting. Faux-fur stocking, £5; cable-knit throw, £15; fur-trim pillow, £10; stag ornament, £8; trio of frosted tree decorations, £8; all B&M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk.

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Time of Year

Partying in a Pandemic!

I love to throw a party. Every year I’d host a festive bash for our friends. Then last year COVID happened. This year I’ve been looking forwards to throwing my party again but actually the virus is still rife in the community. The kids and staff at my son’s senior school are dropping like flies, and I realised that it simply wouldn’t be sensible to gather 15-20 people I care about in a confined space.

I felt a bit deflated until one of my friends asked, ‘Are you going to do your outdoor thing again? It was so much fun last year.’

I was a little taken aback, then I realised that I’d been so focussed on getting back to ‘normal’ I’d completely forgotten that amid all the darkness last year we’d actually had some great times, and one of them was my Christmas Party in the Yard. Back in 2020 when I’d realised we couldn’t host our friends in the usual way I decided to get creative. “I need to think outside the box,” I’d said to my husband…” In fact, I need to think ‘outside.’” He looked horrified, “You can’t host a Christmas party outside in the UK in December!” he said.

Well, I couldn’t host a conventional party sure, but they were unconventional times. I canvassed my friends, and they were on board. We decided that we would meet up in the afternoon to go for a lovely walk, then come back and hang out on my friend’s allotment because we’d already be dressed for the weather and allotment gatherings of more than three households were actually allowed!

I decided if we were going to do it, it would have to be full on magical. So, we hung outdoor fairy lights

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all-round the plot for a Winter Wonderland feel. We begged and borrowed outdoor lanterns and placed candles in jars on the table. We made garlands of pinecones, spruce clippings, eucalyptus, and ivy. My husband had the brilliant idea of tying star anise and cinnamon sticks to the garlands to make a really Christmassy smell, and he dragged out the summer gazebo We fired up BBQs, Patio heaters and a firepit and put all the garden chairs in the warmest area. And we made festive sausages with apple sauce and cranberry sauce instead of ketchup. There were mince pies and popcorn and we even roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallows.

For drinks we made spiced apple cider, hot chocolate with chocolate liqueur and squirty cream and mulled wine.

And there were blankets, rugs, and fleecy throws. We played music on an old battery operated CD player and laughed and talked until late.

My mistake was to think of this as a poor substitute for my usual Christmas party. My friends on the other hand thought of it as something quite lovely in its own right and were keen for a repeat in 2021, only hopefully in my garden this time, with easy access to posher plumbing when nature calls!

So, this year, we’re not risking an indoor party again yet, we’re going to repeat the outdoor get together, and it will be exactly what we make it, a wonderful celebration of friendship and joy, exactly as Christmas should be.

By Debbie James

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Food & Drink

What Wine?

IceWine

Canada, located in the northern part of North America, has English and French as two of the languages that are spoken, widely. Several other languages used include German, Spanish and Chinese. The history of Canada, plus cultures, religions, literature, music, the arts and sports bring countless visitors to Canada, year round.

Canadian wines have been produced for over two hundred years and are now recognised globally, with many receiving prestigious awards at competitions and events. I searched for wines ‘beyond the norm’ – to locate productions of Icewine.

Icewines are actually produced by a few countries. Canadian Icewines are high on the ‘leaderboard’ for quality and presentation, utilising fruits that have been frozen while still on the vine. The water content freezes, which allows for a more concentrated juice to develop. When the time is right for picking the fruit, the pickers have to be ‘ready for action’ at the optimum time. Canada is recognised as the largest Icewine producer, globally.

Lakeview Cellars is the oldest brand incorporated within the Diamond Estates family of beverages. Established during 1991, in Vineland, Lakeview Cellars continues to produce excellent wines. Splendid full-bodied red and full-flavoured white wines, from this company, are very popular and the wine productions accompany cuisine superbly, as well as being able to be enjoyed by themselves.

I found the luscious aged Icewines, produced by multi award-winning Lakeview Cellars, to be of exceptional quality and very impressive. White Vidal Icewine has the bouquet of sweet fruits and honey enticing to the grand mouthfeel. A wine that is great to pair with cuisine, wonderfully, including fruit desserts and also cheeses.

Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine is another truly fabulous production. This high-quality red Icewine is richly aromatic, with strawberry and cherry notes to please the nasal senses. The mouth’s pleasures follow on to enjoy the sensation, that include raspberries and red currants. When accompanying chocolate desserts and good cheeses, this makes them all perfect. Icewines increase in popularity every year and are a great ‘talking point’, always adding interest (and intrigue) to dining tables, plus occasions and events.

Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc 1067 Niagara Stone Road Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario LOS 1JO Canada www.lakeviewwinecellars.com www.diamondestates.ca

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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We are a specialised kitchen company working with Symphony Designs • Supply and Fit or Supply Only • Skilled Tradesmen - Quality Guaranteed • No Job Too Big or Too Small • Showroom in Shefford and Show Homes Locally • Free 3D Software Design

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Local News

Support EAAA this Christmas East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has launched the Gift of Life campaign to help its crews be there for someone in their darkest hour this Christmas. To date, the charity has treated over 20,000 patients and needs support from the public to keep flying and keep saving lives. Like their emergency services colleagues, the EAAA teams will be working around the clock over the festive period to provide critical care pre-hospital, 24 hours day.

At the heart of the Gift of Life campaign is fifty-oneyear-old Mark Drury who needed the advanced care of the air ambulance team last year when he suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. Mark had no prior health concerns or warning signs, but at about 1:30am that night his wife, Melanie, sensed

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him stirring unusually in his sleep. She turned on the bedside light to see Mark’s ears and lips turning blue.

His heart had stopped and he was in cardiac arrest.

Melanie called 999 and pulled Mark off the bed – using strength she didn’t know she had – to start CPR on their bedroom floor.

An ambulance quickly arrived and were able to restart Mark’s heart with a shock from a defibrillator, but he became extremely agitated. The ambulance team requested support from EAAA as Mark was in a difficult and combative state, needing enhanced care in order to transport him safely to hospital and prevent another cardiac arrest.

EAAA provide life-saving critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and need to raise 15 million a year to deliver and develop the service.

Ways to support EAAA this Christmas • Order your EAAA Christmas cards by 10 December • Send a message for the crew to read on Christmas Day • Buy a virtual gift, such as a blizzard blanket, to help keep EAAA’s patients warm • Light up your house in aid of EAAA • Donate to the Gift of Life campaign • Join the EAAA weekly lottery A donation of £42 to the Gift of Life campaign could help to buy a breathing mask used to treat Mark during his cardiac arrest and help EAAA to save more lives. For more info go to www.eaaa.org.uk/giftoflife

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Local News

Take part in a Penguin Parade for Marie Curie Marie Curie is calling on flipping fabulous young fundraisers to step out this festive season and take part in a penguin parade for families affected by terminal illness.

The newly launched Penguin Parade will see young children go for a waddle of any distance at their nursery or primary school, to raise money and light up the festive season for local families affected by terminal illness.

The cute fundraiser is fronted by Penelope the Penguin, who will make an appearance in plush toy form at nurseries and schools taking part.

Peter Sara, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser in the East of England said: “We’re so excited to be launching this brand-new fundraising event and hope our young supporters enjoy stretching their legs and going for a little waddle with Penelope.

“Christmas can be a difficult time for those who are bereaved, living with a terminal illness or caring for a loved one at the end of life. By taking part in the Penguin Parade, you can help us continue to be there for everyone who will need us now and in the future.

“Penelope hopes to join in on all the fun, but a little birdie tells us that stocks of Penelope the Penguin are limited, so pull your flipper out, and sign up now!”

The Penguin Parade is aimed at children aged 1-6 and the charity recommends taking part in small groups, such as nurseries or primary schools. Once signed up, participating nurseries and schools will get everything they need for the perfect Penguin Parade, including Penelope the Penguin a soft cuddly toy. Then all that’s left to do is raise as much as possible!

For more information on Penguin Parade and to sign up visit: mariecurie.org.uk/penguin-parade or contact your local Community Fundraiser, Peter Sara: peter.sara@mariecurie.org.uk or alternatively: 07887 625 449.

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Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year

to all our readers and advertisers.

From the team at The Villager x

COVID-19 precautions and PPE compliant

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Autumn Special Offer 20% off all Semi-Permanent Make-up Treatments Quote offer code: LD001

Book on line www.ldmobilebeautyandspmakeup.co.uk

Tel:07850282302 Email: lesleydownspmakeup@outlook.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Beauty

The Best Beauty Advent Calendars On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a calendar packed with beauty goodies…

Beauty advent calendars are hot news right now, so there are plenty to choose from. Most of our top picks just cover the twelve days running up to Christmas Day, so if you’re reading this mid-month, it’s not too late to treat a friend (or yourself)…

The best for make-up lovers Benefit’s The More the Merrier, 12 Merry Days of Makeup Calendar, £58.50 from Boots Benefit’s calendar is without a doubt one of the prettiest on the market, and highlights some of the brand’s hero products. There are four mascaras, an eyeliner and two face primers, along with an eye pencil, bronzer and other goodies.

The best for men 24 Grooming Essentials in Support of Macmillan Calendar, £85 from Boots My partner is seriously impressed with this calendar.

There’s a good range of products from some of Boots’ most popular brands. Behind those little blue and black doors, you’ll find everything from a No.7 Men’s Protect & Perfect Intense Serum to Ted Baker body washes. Most toiletries are a generous 50ml.

There’s also a pair of nail scissors, as well as tweezers and other essentials. Plus, £2 from every calendar will be donated to Macmillan to help support people with cancer.

The best for blowing the budget Bobbi Brown’s 12 Day Advent Calendar, £125 from www.bobbibrown.co.uk While the price is rather eye-watering, Bobbi Brown’s first ever advent calendar is actually pretty good value for money. If you bought the products separately, they’d cost you an extra £100.

Benefit’s The More the Merrier, 12 Merry Days of Makeup Calendar, £58.50 from Boots

24 Grooming Essentials in Support of Macmillan Calendar, £85 from Boots To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Bobbi Brown’s 12 Day Advent Calendar, £125 from www.bobbibrown.co.uk

By Kate Duggan The luxe-looking box reveals an array of Bobbi Brown’s bestsellers, including the ever-in-demand Shimmer Brick in Bronze, the Extra Lip Tint in Bare Pink, the Vitamin Enriched Face Base and the Smokey Eye Mascara.

The best if you love a bargain Dove Gently Nourishing Calendar, £20 from Amazon Proving that you don’t need to splash out to make someone’s day, Dove’s new calendar includes two full-sized Dove products, plus four miniatures and six other gifts. The focus is on spa-worthy pampering, so you’ll find goodies such as Dove’s Relaxing Body Wash and Essential Nourishment Hand Cream, alongside cleansing pads, a multi-charge cable and hair bobbles.

The best for tweens Disney’s Minnie Mouse 12 Days of Bath & Body, £20 from Superdrug Tween beauty queens and Disney fans alike will love this cute advent calendar. It’s full of pampering treats, including bath salts, a lip balm, body wash, body lotion and hand cream. (Plus, it’s better for their teeth than the traditional chocolate-filled calendars...)

The best for personalising Can’t find anything that’s quite right? Why not create your own calendar? Individually wrap and number small gifts and pop them in a gift box or cotton shopping bag. Head to the travel toiletries aisle for gifts or look for bargain gift sets to split. You could also add non-beauty gifts, like a mini scented candle, chocolates and stationery.also add non-beauty gifts, like a mini scented candle, chocolates and stationery.

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Seasonal Recipe

Fed up with the usual turkey recipes? Try these delicious turkey burgers topped with cranberry sauce and a Brussels sprout coleslaw.

Turkey Burger with Cranberry Sauce

and Brussels Sprout Coleslaw

Burgers 250g turkey breast mince ½ red onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, grated 1 egg, beaten 1 small apple peeled and coarsely grated 1 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper Olive oil (to cook) Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw 125g Brussels sprouts, trimmed ½ red onion 1 carrot, peeled 50g Greek yoghurt 30g mayonnaise 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp lemon juice Salt and pepper ¼ tsp ground cumin Handful of chives, chopped Handful of parsley, chopped

Rolls, lettuce and cranberry sauce, to serve

Serves 2

1. Place the mince in a bowl with the remaining ingredients for the burger and mix well. Shape the mixture into two burgers about 3cm thick.

Chill for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5. Place the burgers on a lined baking tray and brush the tops lightly with the olive oil. Bake in the oven for 20-25 mins, turning halfway through cooking, until cooked through.

3. To make the coleslaw, grate the Brussels sprouts, onion and carrot in a food processor. Place in a bowl.

Mix together the yoghurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cumin. Pour the yoghurt mixture over the vegetables and coat thoroughly. Stir in the herbs.

4. Serve the burgers in buns with lettuce, a spoonful of cranberry sauce and the coleslaw.

Nutrition per burger with coleslaw: 340kcal, fat 14g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 15g (of which sugars 13g), protein 36g, fibre 3.8g

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Local News

Oxygen Therapy: How it helps…

01462 684 214

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It’s amazing how many people feel better through breathing pure oxygen – sometimes helping with serious medical conditions they’ve had for years.

Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Letchworth has been doing oxygen therapy for 32 years and has helped thousands of people with MS, Parkinson’s, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and cancer. People visit the centre in Letchworth from far and wide, including from overseas, to be treated for many of these conditions.

More recently, oxygen therapy is being used to fight the long-lasting effects that some people experience after Covid-19. Known as ‘long covid’, the symptoms include extreme fatigue, brain fog (struggling to think clearly), breathlessness, anxiety and PTSD. What is oxygen therapy?

During oxygen therapy, people breathe pure oxygen under gentle pressure.

This is almost five times as much oxygen as usual. Often that extra oxygen helps to reduce pain, fight infection, increase energy levels and speed up the body’s natural healing processes. It can accelerate recovery from an operation and is used by athletes to improve performance too.

Give it a go!

The team at the centre is delighted to see oxygen helping so many people but is clear that it does not work for everyone. It is a natural therapy, without the side effects of prescription drugs, complementing conventional medicine. You do not need a referral from the NHS to use oxygen therapy, you can just contact the centre direct by email oxygen@hmstc.net or calling 01462 684 214.

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House of Colour

Time for a Party!

I am writing this in the confirmed hope that we will be partying in December. Time for the gladrags to finally come out of their wardrobe and into the spotlight, the dancefloor, etc.

If you’ve already been looking in the shops for evening wear you will have noticed that there is not much in the shops, the odd sparkly jumper and not much more. Understandably there has been hesitation on the part of retailers to commit to bringing out a lot and indeed online options are selling fast. So, if you are keen on something don’t hesitate as it won’t be there for long. The trends are highlighting a number of options which have been around and to some degree are perennials in the evening wear department so perhaps time to dig out what might be lurking in the absolute depths of your wardrobe.

Velvet - It suits everyone! The co-ord, suit option is featuring strongly this season in lots of jewel colours with something for all the seasons. I love this option as it has real flexibility, each piece can be worn separately. The blazer will look great more casually with jeans while the trousers can be worn daytime with any number of tops including knitwear chiming in with hi-low styling (adding the smarter element to something more casual in an outfit). Velvet wide leg trousers are a great addition if you need more volume in your style and are incredibly easy to wear from casual to more formal evening looks.

Sequins - Evening wear is bold this season and nothing says bold more than a few million sequins. A mainstay for evening but this season it can be found on flares in a variety of colours in addition to the camisole, and statement sleeve tops and dresses. For a more casual look add a white or cream shirt over a sequin camisole.

Jewellery - A statement piece of jewellery can instantly add the evening glamour to an outfit. If it suits your clothing personality go big – crystals in all their forms are being liberally added to jewellery in all its forms. Adding a new piece of jewellery can be a relatively inexpensive way of updating your look. You might be a fan of the layered necklace look which is set to continue. For evening you’ll be adding as many glittery smaller pieces as you fancy.

I think it works best if there are differing lengths to ensure each piece can be seen. It’s a great option for those who need a smaller scale look.

Shoe buckles - So many elegant evening shoes feature a beautiful buckle this season. You don’t

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necessarily need to buy a new pair of shoes but add a buckle to an existing pair of court shoes. Look on etsy for lots of options.

Relaxed styling For the ultimate in easy styling a feather hemmed pyjama style silk cropped trouser is a really fun option. Paired with a rib knit and jewelled heels for easy glamour. Check out Kitri.

I spent a few months in Paris as a student and a friend and I used to marvel at the style and glamour of the Parisian women. When analysing this closely we noticed that they didn’t restrict in any way the number of accessories they put on. No British restraint there. It became our mantra, ‘when in doubt, put it all on’. I think we need it this season, if it sparkles, shines and dazzles put it on!

Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-astylist

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Local News

Bedfordshire residents challenged to take on the December Daily Dash for Sue Ryder

This winter, people in Bedfordshire are being encouraged to take on a ‘daily dash’ to keep active and raise funds for a good cause.

The December Daily Dash challenge calls on the public to get outdoors and run, jog or walk 5k every day in December, whatever the weather, to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder, the national healthcare charity.

The challenge was founded in 2015 by Jackie and Mark Smith after Jackie’s dad received care from a Sue Ryder hospice at the end of his life. Inspired by the expert and compassionate care he received, they decided to set themselves a challenge to raise money for the charity.

Since its inception, the festive fundraiser has continued to grow in popularity, with thousands of people in the UK and across the world lacing up their trainers or walking shoes in a bid to boost their physical and mental health during the festive period.

Supporter, Kerry Surkitt, took part last year. She said, “I love a challenge and although it can be very challenging to get out every day in the winter, I soon got into the swing of it. The December Daily Dash really helped to keep me motivated when it was cold and horrible outside.”

It is free to sign up, but any money raised through fundraising goes directly towards Sue Ryder’s vital end of life, bereavement and neurological support. In 2020 over 1,200 people took part in the December Daily Dash, raising over £320,000.

Caroline Graham, Director of Fundraising at Sue Ryder said: “December can be an incredibly busy and difficult month for many and the December Daily Dash is a great way to take some time out to think and reflect whilst raising money for an incredible cause.

“Whether you do it alone, with friends, family or your furry companion, every step you take and pound you raise this winter helps Sue Ryder to support people when it matters most.”

To sign up to the December Daily Dash, visit: decemberdailydash.com.

Shires

Funeral Directors At Shires we understand that no two lives are the same, which is why every funeral we arrange is completely individual too. Whether you’re making the arrangements for a loved one or prudently planning your own, we’re here for you in every way.

40 Whitehorse Street, Baldock 01462 491 149 1 Howard Park Corner, Letchworth 01462 486 618 Also at Bedford, Dunstable, Luton & Sandy

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A FREE WILL for Homeowners Protect your home and legacy for your children • • • • • •

Keep your hard-earned wealth within the family Stop your home from being sold to pay for long term Care Fees.

Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions.

If you already have a Will … Is it up to date?

Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year.

Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected.

DON’T PUT IT OFF – Don’t let your home and money disappear, make sure your estate goes to your family… leaving “what you want” to “who you want”.

CALL 01767 660250 or email info@willandestateplanning.com for more information or to book a free meeting with one of our Will and Estate Planners either in your own home or at our offices.

Baystrait Ltd t/a Will & Estate Planning, Baystrait House, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL

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Finance

Sale! Saving or Scam?

You might think looking at a price tag would be simple enough, but it’s not always as clear as it seems.

When you see a special offer or a sales reduction, you have the right to certain information to help you make a informed decision about whether it’s good value.

The main law covering sales prices is the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, which says any price promoted as a ‘sale’ or ‘special offer’ must also list the original price. Usually this should be the price charged immediately before the sale started.

The seller must have charged this price for a ‘meaningful’ period, usually at least as long as the sale lasts. This means shops can’t simply put a dress on sale for £200 for one day, then sell it at £50 and bill it as being 75% off.

One thing to watch out for is when the seller compares the sales price with a ‘recommended retail price’ (RRP). This is usually allowed as long as it’s clear this is the case, even when the seller concerned has never charged that price themselves.

VAT INCLUDED When sellers offer goods to consumers, they must always list prices including any VAT that applies.

Sellers can only list prices excluding VAT when marketing directly to businesses and even then they must make it very clear they have done so.

Listed prices must always include any charge that

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is compulsory rather than an optional extra: for example, car dealers can’t add on a ‘hidden’ fee for number plates.

HAGGLING With all prices, there’s no legal reason you can’t offer a lower price. You have the same rights to haggle in Harrods as you do at a car-boot sale, though not always with the same likelihood of succeeding!

If you negotiate a discount, you still have the same consumer rights to return a faulty product or one that’s not as advertised. The seller might exclude the deal from their normal returns policies if you change your mind, though they’ll need to agree this with you before you buy.

DISTANCE SELLING Whatever price you pay, whether ‘on sale’ or not, your consumer rights are unaffected. You still have a legal right to a refund if goods are faulty, not as described or not fit for their stated purpose. You can also ask for a repair or replacement, but that’s entirely your choice. The only exception is if the price reduction was because of a flaw the seller told you about, such as a scuff mark or missing instructions.

Where sales can come into play is the retailer’s own policies that go beyond your legal rights. Many sellers will offer you store credit or a refund when the goods are fine and you’ve simply changed your mind. Sellers can exclude sale goods from this policy, though they should make this clear in advance.

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Games

Board Games or Bored Games?

There are two types of families; those that love a game of Monopoly, Trivial

By Sarah Davey Pursuit or Scrabble, and families like mine.

Our little festive hearts sink when guests suggest breaking out the Cluedo. We always thought we were odd until a few years ago when we befriended new neighbours. They invited us round for festive drinks and about halfway through the evening they suggested we play some games. They must have seen our collective look of horror. Oh no, they laughed, not BORED games...and with that they whipped out Dobble, Q-Bitz and Genius Square. These were games I had never heard of, although admittedly I hadn’t really researched the subject. What ensued were a couple of fast-paced fun-filled hours, which resulted in us buying the same games and few more besides.

That evening our neighbours showed us that we didn’t hate board games, we’d just been playing the wrong ones. My family is very kinaesthetic. We like to touch and manipulate things. We have a dozen different Rubik cubes and enjoy solving them. Traditional board games just aren’t engaging enough for us.

Dobble is a ‘spot-it’ style game. There is a deck of circular cards covered in images and each card shares just one image in common with each other card. The idea is to spot the match quicker than your neighbour in a series of lightning rounds. Like snap but way more challenging and far more entertaining.

Q-Bitz is a match-it game, where you race against other players to reproduce the pattern on a card, using sixteen cubes, which all have different pattern-parts on each face. There are speed and memory variations, and children tend to be better than adults...at least in our house.

If you love Tetris you’ll probably like Genius Square. The blocks are the same shapes and colours, and by throwing special dice you block out various co-ordinates on your square, then race to fit all the blocks into the remaining spaces.

These three games have become our family staples and we’ve discovered that lots of our friends prefer them to Neville Funerals August 2019.pdf‘bored 1 16/10/2019 13:47:00 traditional board gamesAdvert too. So, if you’re with board games’ try these and see if they convert you.

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Home Products By Katherine Sorrell

Snuggle up Perfect for those special small gifts.

Faux-fur stockings, £25 each, John Lewis.

Pull on your PJs and make a mug of hot chocolate: it’s time to get cosy. And for that extra-inviting touch, just add a few irresistible items made from sumptuous fake fur.

To appreciate the tactile quality of fake fur, the bedroom is a great place to start. Faux-fur throw, £20; fur-trim cushions, £8; bedding set, from £20; all B&M. The gorgeously shaggy pile of these faux-fur Mongolian cushions will add texture, trend and a pop of colour to your room.

Mongolian faux-fur cushions, £14 each, Julian Charles.

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Using faux fur in your home

Who needs glass baubles when you can add fluffy ones? Faux-fur hanging bauble, £2, Habitat.

Lift your interior with a brightly coloured, snuggly cushion. Burnt orange faux-fur cushion cover, £26, Audenza.

Sink into a sumptuous faux sheepskin bean bag and you’ll never want to get up again. icon® Yeanling faux-sheepskin bean bag, £99.99, BeanBagBazaar.

A graphic pattern makes this cushion as eye-catching as it is tactile. Madison faux-fur cushion in rust, £10, B&M. Boasting a luxe-glam style straight out of old-school Hollywood, these pieces are handmade in the UK. Oyster Bay accent chair, £695; Oyster Bay fabric bench; £495; both Furniture Village.

Affordable and ethical, this fauxsheepskin rug will also be cosy on your toes. Faux-fur rug, £34.99, Homesense.

STOCKISTS Audenza: audenza.com Bean Bag Bazaar: 01670 330 499; beanbagbazaar.co.uk Habitat : 0345 640 2020 ; habitat.co.uk John Lewis: 03456 100 336; johnlewis.com

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• Faux fur adds a sense of luxury and opulence without concerns about animal cruelty. Add it to any space that is lacking in texture for an instant feeling of cosiness and richness.

• Fake fur in interiors can take various forms, from small rugs to inviting throws, cushion covers to bean bags – and even entire stools or chairs. A little tends to go a long way, however.

Just a couple of furry accents is probably the ideal number, though at Christmas you may want to go a little more over the top and add in some fluffy baubles, stockings or even a furry tree ‘skirt’.

• If realism is an important consideration, look for longer hair and a variety of tones within the fur. Natural shades are, obviously, the ones to choose, bearing in mind that creams and ivories look more lifelike than bright white. Faux furs also come in a wide range of interesting artificial colours and, in winter, brighter, jewellike tones can add welcome notes of warmth.

• To make sure your faux-fur rugs, cushions, throws and other items last as long as possible, always follow the instructions on the care label. Usually, you’ll be able to put them in the machine on a cold, low-spin, delicates cycle, with mild detergent, then press excess water out and air dry to ensure they remain the right shape. You can detangle and tease the pile back into fluffy softness, either before or after washing, by using a wide-tooth comb or brush.

B & M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk Furniture Village : 0800 804 8879 ; furniturevillage.co.uk Homesense: 01923 473561; homesense.com Julian Charles: 0330 053 7501; juliancharles.co.uk

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Gardening

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

The season of giving… to nature The gift that keeps on giving There’s no better time to start giving to nature on a permanent basis. Most of us could improve our habits, so that we give more than we take.

Within around two years, new developments in England will be expected to demonstrate that their projects will increase biodiversity by at least ten per cent. Known as Biodiversity Net Gain, this is a big change from what happens at the moment. The new Environment Bill will make it necessary for developers to use ecological features and environmental enhancements to protect and improve existing natural habitat and green infrastructure.

Anyone with a garden can start right away, as we should all be nurturing nature so that biodiversity can triumph. You need to select plants with ample benefits for insects, allow wood piles and untidy areas to become part of the border, and use vertical fences and walls for further planting.

Best plants for wildlife Most gardens have room for a tree, if only a small one. Trees and shrubs can support a remarkable number of living things, so if you only have time to plant just one thing in your garden, make it a tree, a shrub or something that provides positive benefits for small creatures. If you have a little more time, a mixed hedge is just about the best you can offer wildlife.

• Betula: there are 521 species of invertebrates that are known to feed on birch trees and more than 100 of these are exclusive to that particular type of tree.

• Sorbus, the rowan tree: provides food for at least 160 species of insect and, of course, birds and small mammals love the berries.

• Malus, the native crab apple: provides homes for at

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least 90 insect species. Many different insects visit the spring blossom, then birds and other creatures eat the fruits. Even ornamental varieties of this delightful tree provide rich biodiversity benefits.

• Amelanchier, the June berry or serviceberry tree: has something to offer wildlife during several seasons. Early spring flowers for pollinators make this small tree look like a white cloud. It also provides multiple nesting opportunities for birds and juicy berries during the late summer.

• Conifers: really are worth having! Some have earned negative press over the years but this doesn’t detract from their value to wildlife. There’s probably no better tree for providing nesting sites and protection for a wide range of creatures.

• Flowering shrubs and perennials: choose single flowers over double, every time. They have an open shape that allows access for the pollinators and nectar-drinkers. Look for yellow stamens within a flower; these will support insects.

• Purple and blue flowers are best for bees! buddleia, catmint, lavender, pulmonaria, penstemon, allium and purple-flowering hardy geraniums can all be seen clearly. Ensure there is something flowering from early spring through to autumn and winter.

• Butterflies love hebes, sedum (Hylotelephium varieties), Verbena bonariensis, Origanum, Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’, buddleia, scabious and many wild flowers such as knapweed.

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Simple winter tasks This year’s festive season (at least at time of writing), is shaping up to be a little more ‘normal’, whatever that term now means. While most of us are looking forward to more socialising and togetherness, I’m betting a fair few might think back fondly to last year’s smaller, quieter Christmas. And this is where the garden comes into its own. There are always things to do out there, even in December. A few simple gardening tasks offer some pockets of calm and relief amid the busyness of the festive season.

They are also a wonderful way to get some fresh air and exercise to burn off those Christmas calories and winter gloominess!

First, take a look at your winter containers. If you have a particularly wet spell, make sure they don’t get flooded. If it’s dry, then plants will still need water regularly, just give the compost a chance to dry out each time. Pick off any leaves that look yellowed or diseased.

Do you like garlic? I love it. Now is the perfect time to start your own garlic crop, especially if like mine your soil is free-draining. Plant individual cloves of garlic. ‘Solent Wight’ is a great variety for our greyer British climate and forms large plump bulbs. If you have a sheltered warmer spot try ‘Lautrec Wight,’ which as its name suggests originates from the town of Lautrec in France. It produces particularly handsome pink/purple cloves and is widely regarded in France as the best garlic. Snip off any wispy ends or the birds will pull cloves from the soil (I learned that one from experience!). The bulbs will be ready to harvest when the leaves start to die off and turn

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yellow, which is usually around June or July.

Tidy established perennials by cutting back those that have become pulpy. Simply cut back the decaying material, chop it up and add it to the compost heap.

If you have an unheated greenhouse, a summer house or conservatory you can sow some sweet peas and leave them to germinate. Sow the seeds in deep pots or root-trainers filled with multi-purpose compost then keep the pots in a propagator or cover them with a transparent plastic bag. Once seeds have germinated, remove the covering.

If the soil isn’t frozen, you can plant bare-root fruit bushes such as gooseberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Make sure you dig a hole that can take the plant’s roots comfortably without squashing them. Then label them clearly because it’s easy to forget which varieties you’re growing!

Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the gardener in your life please can I recommend Gold Leaf Winter Touch gloves. They have a Thinsulate™ thermal lining which keeps hands toasty warm even in the coldest weather, AND an additional Ski-Dri™ waterproof, breathable lining so your hands remain dry even when used in the wet! I also love the reinforced palm because it’s great for spade work. As you can tell, I love mine, and I am neither sponsored by nor connected with the company in any way; mine were a recent gift and I’ve been raving about them to anyone who will listen ever since!

Happy Gardening 37

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By Kate McCarthy

Special Report

Drying to be Environmentally Friendly Which tumble drier should you choose?

I try to be eco-friendly.

I make only intentional purchases, recycle, repurpose, and use a washing line rather than a tumble dryer as much as possible.

But when it’s drizzling and cold outside and there are two loads of washing to dry, a tumble dryer is sometimes the only reasonable option.

Our ancient tumble dryer died recently. It was fifteen years old so lasted way beyond our expectations, but now we were in the market for a new one. Ecofriendliness was top of the agenda. No tumble drier is actually eco-friendly, but I wanted one that at least wasn’t openly hostile for the days when line-drying wasn’t an option.

There are two types of tumble dryer: condenser and vented. Condensers work by separating moisture from the air and storing it in a water container.

The container needs to be emptied after each cycle. Vented models have a large hose designed to transfer the moist air outside. While this saves you emptying a container, it may require some installation if you want to vent it through a wall.

Bigger drums provide more room for clothes to tumble, allowing for thorough drying and fewer creases. Drum capacity is measured in kilograms.

If you want to dry substantial amounts of clothes, look at models above 9kg.

Tumble dryers with sensors work out the ideal drying time for clothes. They remove the guesswork by automatically assessing the weight and moisture levels in the clothes. The machine then calculates how long the cycle should be, saving energy and money. And, because it knows when to stop, it prevents damage to clothes caused by over-drying.

Tumble dryer energy ratings range from A+++ which is super-efficient, to D which…erm…isn’t.

Even current models are not always terribly environmentally friendly. The most energy efficient models use a heat pump.

A heat pump tumble dryer absorbs the water from

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the wet laundry by passing hot air through the drum.

This air is then passed through an evaporator which removes the water and stores it in the tumble dryers’ reservoir. The air is then reheated and sent back through the drum multiple times until your laundry is dry.

This is different to normal vented and condenser tumble dryers, as neither of those models take advantage of the air they have already warmed.

So, heat pump tumble dryers use up to 50% less energy as they are reheating the air which is already warm from the previous cycle. This means they are better for the environment. Also, because heat pump tumble dryers operate at a lower temperature, clothes last longer, which is also an eco-win.

The two disadvantages are price, and a longer running time. Costs have fallen recently but they are still more expensive than conventional driers. The longer running time is because of the lower running temperatures.

We thought about it carefully and on balance felt that with energy prices set to keep rising, it was better to invest a little extra cash up front when buying our new tumble dryer rather than paying extra to use it over the long term.

If you don’t have to replace your drier immediately it might be worth waiting a little longer to see whether prices drop any more as heat pump models become more the norm.

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Local News

Wood Green: Here for every

little star this Christmas

For many homeless pets, kindness goes a long way in restoring their trust in humans. For Nora, a 10-yearold Terrier cross who was brought to Wood Green, The Animals Charity’s centre in Cambridgeshire after she was abandoned and tied to a farm gate, it was lifesaving. She was cold, wet, and in a very vulnerable condition. Worse still, Nora was almost completely blind, so the whole experience must have been terrifying.

Clarissa Luck, a Dog Carer at Wood Green, was one of the first to meet Nora. She recalls: “Her skin was infected, causing it to be painful and itchy. Her coat was matted all over, even on her paws, causing her discomfort with every step”. Nora had entered a state known as ‘emotional shut down’, where a dog’s needs have been neglected for so long that they won’t eat, walk or play.

Nora was a little star throughout her treatments Despite having a list of problems that ran from nose to tail, Nora was incredibly gentle while Wood Green worked tirelessly to bring her comfort and relief.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the charity was able to dedicate time, effort and resources to cut away the mats in Nora’s coat, clip her overgrown nails and give her regular medicated baths to soothe her itchy skin.

Experts at Wood Green attended to Nora’s infected ears, removed seven rotten teeth and treated her severely dry eyes. Unfortunately, the severe glaucoma that caused her to go blind was creating a build-up of pressure in her eyes, and the only way to

Nora before surgery

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ensure a pain-free future for Nora was to surgically remove both eyes. As she was already blind, this would at least prevent any further discomfort.

A whole new chapter was about to begin With daily checks, ongoing medication and a lot of patience and love, Nora quickly bounced back from her surgeries and was ready for rehoming. Despite her ordeal, Nora soon began to take pleasure in human company – and she always loved a fuss. While taking on a blind dog isn’t as hard as some people imagine, Nora had some special requirements for her retirement home.

Thankfully, patient owners Chris and Karen ticked all of Nora’s wish list and told Wood Green: “Nora has taken us on as her people. She doesn’t let anything that has happened in the past affect her and she really seems to enjoy life; her tail is always wagging and she even looks like she is smiling a lot of the time.”

Will you help more little stars like Nora to shine again?

Nora’s transformation is a wonderful turnaround and shows what the charity can achieve, thanks to the kindness of supporters. Gifts to Wood Green really do make such an impact so, if you can, please support the Little Stars Appeal this Christmas.

Your donation will enable the charity to continue caring for abandoned strays who need urgent care in the months ahead. To support Wood Green, and make a real difference to pets like Nora, please visit www.woodgreen.org.uk/littlestar

Nora after surgery

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Pets

Sprouts, Stockings and Tinsel

How to Have a Pet Friendly Christmas We all love Christmas! But, whilst we’re busy getting wrapped up in the festive fun, we may forget to think about the effect Christmas can have on our pets and other animals too.

This month we are sharing popular gift ideas, along with tips on how to keep your pets safe and calm during the holiday season.

Gifts For Dogs If you find yourself in a pet shop during the month of December, the chances are you will be greeted with a vast array of festive fun and edible treats. From flashing snowballs to squeaky sprouts. The range of dog toys at Christmas is tree-mendous.

Why not treat your dog to some new toys this Christmas? Do a quick audit before you leave for the shops to see what needs mending, washing or throwing away. Coats and jumpers for dogs are a great investment and definitely something they will appreciate on their Christmas Day walk.

Designs range from Christmas trees to fur lined tartan ones. Edible treats are popular all year round, but at Christmas the selection is incredible. Dog friendly advent calendars, rawhide reindeers, stockings and specially formulated mince pies.

Gifts For Cats Cats can sometimes be hard to buy for. However, if you spend some time in your local pet shop, you will discover the variety is actually much more abundant than originally thought. Why not a festive collar, new bedding or a scratching post? Toys with a Christmassy theme will sneak into most cat owners homes this year, along with a selection of treats.

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Alternative Gifts If your furry friend has plenty of toys, jumpers and festive bedding, then perhaps a less traditional gift is what you need this year. Why not treat your dog to a spa treatment for Christmas this year, or pamper them at home with a massage. Specially formulated bath oils can be purchased and added to their bath water if your dog has a dry coat or dry skin. Indoor floor to ceiling cat trees have made an appearance on this years wish list, along with portable pet teepees that provide your small pet with the personal space to either sleep or hide in.

Pet Friendly Christmas Christmas can be stressful for pets. The change in routine, visitors, loud music and decorations can all cause distress. Planning ahead can help reduce stress for pets and ensure they have a happy home at Christmas too. Try to find somewhere in your home that your pets can escape to if they need some time out. Lastly, don’t forget there are some foods that dogs mustn’t be given because they are either toxic or very unhealthy for them – chocolate, dried fruit, gravy, stuffing, pigs in blankets and some nut varieties.

If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999.

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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www.acs-aggregates.com

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER Pic-n-Mix Social Group 10.30am-12noon. Letchworth Library Meets the first Wednesday of every month. Each session has a theme or activity, and suggestions are made attendees. Drop in for a cuppa, a chat and make some new friends!

1, 8 & 15 DECEMBER BookTrust Storytime 2.15-2.45pm. Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Explore and share a BookTrust Storytime book with your little one.

Suitable for children under 5.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 2 DECEMBER The Arts Society North Herts 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art’ by Paula Nuttal. Visitors welcome. Lift access. theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 2, 9, 16 & 23 DECEMBER Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am and 11.15-11.45am Hitchin Library. Free. Fun sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills. Booking essential. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 2, 9, 16, & 30 DECEMBER Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm. The Orange Tree, Hitchin Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people generally 50+ age group.

Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 3 DECEMBER Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm on Zoom. Members free, Visitors £1. ‘A plague upon all your houses: Epidemic disease and our ancestors’ by Dr Janet Few. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk

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3, 10, 17 & 24 DECEMBER Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am & 11.30-12.00 noon Stevenage Library Free - donations welcome Fun, half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills and are an opportunity for you to meet other families too. Booking essential. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 3, 10 & 17 DECEMBER Bridge Club 1.30-4.30pm. Springfield House, Old Stevenage Community Centre Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly.

Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 4 DECEMBER Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Talk by Timothy Walker, retired Head of Oxford Botanic Gardens and wellknown speaker. Visitors welcome – small charge.

Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 4 TO 11 DECEMBER Jack and the Beanstalk A pantomime by Karen Mitchell by The Meppershall Players.

Matinee 3pm - All seats £5 Evening 7.30pm - Seats £10, Concessions £5 Call 01462 816336 or visit ticketsource.co.uk/ themeppershallplayers 5 DECEMBER Warden Abbey Vineyard Christmas Wine Sale 11am-4pm. The Garden Suite, Shuttleworth House, Old Warden Free entry. Local food and crafts.

Free tasting, mince pies (while stocks last) and parking.

Tel: 07981 113714 Web: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk

6 & 13 DECEMBER Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm. Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs.

Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 DECEMBER Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-10.30pm. Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Meets every Monday night.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 8 DECEMBER Walking Reading Event 10.30-11.30am. Letchworth Library Free event. Join us for a walk, read and talk, discussing ‘Christmas at the beach hut’ by Veronica Henry.

Copies available from the library.

Walk takes approximately one hour.

Booking essential.

Web: www.eventbrite.co.uk 10 & 31 DECEMBER Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock 10 Dec - Junction 24, caller Andy Rouse and Riseley Roughshod in the interval spot. 31 Dec - Oxford NAGS and caller Barry Goodman. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn and addictive! Book online.

Tel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 or 01582 724261 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER 11 & 12 DECEMBER Herts Winter Wonderland Christmas Market 11am-4pm. The Crown, 56 Long Lane, Aston End, Stevenage Adults £2, Under 18s free A great family day out, including a Santa’s grotto.

Instagram: @hertswinterwonderland 14 DECEMBER Caroline Taylor and Julian Perkins 8pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £20, free entry for under 27s, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s An evening with Caroline Taylor (soprano) and Julian Perkins (harpsichord).

Web: https://benslowmusic.org 18 DECEMBER Offley Christmas Market 2pm-8pm. Offley Village Hall Free entry. Santa’s Grotto, face painting and raffle.

21 DECEMBER Christmas at Benslow 6.30pm.

Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Experience a unique and elegant Christmas with friends and colleagues in true Benslow Music style set in our beautiful Victorian house within four-acre garden.

Tel: 01462 459446 Web: https://benslowmusic.org UNTIL 23 JANUARY Aladdin Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage It’s a magic carpet ride worth waiting for! Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants some Spiderman Pants! - can the Genie grant their wishes?

Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

EVERY WEEKDAY Clifton Walking Group Meets on weekdays at 8.30am and in the afternoon for an hour. A friendly bunch of people of various ages and abilities. Monthly weekend walk of 6-8 miles. No pressure to walk, just turn up as often or as seldom as you prefer. The group also meets for a coffee once a month and holds other social events.

Tel: Suzanne I’ons 07933 709006 Email: ionssuzanne@gmail.com Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group Annual membership £10 per household Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and much, much more. New groups are starting all the time.

Online talks every month. Nonmembers can try activities before joining. Web: LALG.org.uk

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Brand New Retro

Technology

Classic devices given a high-tech reboot We love our digital devices, our smart bulbs and our personal digital assistants. But sometimes we wish our various gadgets and gizmos had a bit more personality. In the future, few of us are likely to look back on our Amazon Echos with the nostalgia we have for the Sony Walkman, and digital timekeeping is never going to be as exciting as watching something pop out of a cuckoo clock. So we’re delighted to see some firms embracing modern technology with a distinctly retro twist.

Roberts is a great example of that. The £229 Revival iStream 3 looks like a proper old-school AM radio, complete with fauxleather covering and a distinctive golden grille. It’s beautiful and wonderfully oldfashioned, but it’s packed with the latest digital radio tech: it can play DAB radio and stream from the likes of Spotify and TIDAL. It even works with Alexa.

Vinyl has been making a comeback for some years now and there are some very retro-looking turntables available, but it might be sensible to stick with something less tacky, such as the Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable. This £194 turntable has proper hi-fi heritage, looks like it was made in 1970 and streams wirelessly to compatible audio systems and smart speakers.

Cassette tapes are back too, and you can pick up Bluetooth tape players for as little as £24. Some include USB drives you can copy your music onto; others simply connect to your Bluetooth headphones.

If you would like a rotary phone, Amazon’s virtual shelves include classic rotary models such as the GPO 746, which is a loving homage to the enormous phones of the pre-digital era. Expect to pay around £40.

If you miss the warm glow of filament bulbs, technology can help: Philips’ Hue smart bulb range now includes long-life, low-energy LED filaments that look ancient.

And as for the cuckoo clock mentioned earlier? John Lewis currently sells a ‘Tweeting’ cuckoo clock for £74. Don’t worry, the tweeting refers to its sound: it doesn’t post things to your Twitter account.

Roberts Revival iStream 3 It looks like it should only play you the shipping forecast but Roberts’ digital radio can stream from Spotify and play tunes from TIDAL. £229, Roberts.com

Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable Classic looks meet cutting-edge technology in this very clever turntable for vinyl records old or new. £194, sony.co.uk GPO 746 retro phone Phones like this are widely available and tick all the boxes: curly cords, just the right amount of finger resistance and, of course, a range of eye-popping colours. £40, Amazon.co.uk Philips Hue Filament light bulb Old-fashioned lighting meets modern LED technology. Like the rest of the Hue range these bulbs are controllable via phone, tablet or smart speaker if you have a Hue Bridge. £20, meethue.com

RED5 Retro mini arcade machine We hate to break it to you, but the arcade cabinets this little console looks like are over 50 years old. It comes pre-installed with over 200 arcade games. £20, Argos.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Electrician

James Cullip

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging

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

• coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates

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

• 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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Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates

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

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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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

C.S.

ROOFING SERVICES LTD

Flat Roofing • Tile Roofing • Slating Leadwork • Guttering • uPVC Fascias & Soffits Free Quotations Fully Insured

40 Years Collective Experience 10 Year Guarantee on all work

Tel: 07498 983850 Email: charliesewell@hotmail.co.uk 56

C.S Roofing Services Limited

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our November Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mike Read, Meppershall

November’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Win £100 in our The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Christmas Crossword

ACROSS 1 Harbour (4) 3 Precious stones (8) 9 Implement (7) 10 Concur (5) 11 Produced (12) 14 Short sleep (3) 16 Coarse (5) 17 Pronoun (3) 18 Despite (12) 21 Modify (5) 22 Design (7) 23 Daily (8) 24 Musical instrument (4)

DOWN 1 Imagining (8) 2 Wash (5) 4 Frozen water (3) 5 Sizes (12) 6 Créche (7) 7 Vomit (4)

8 Adequately (12) 12 Enumerate (5) 13 Pest (8) 15 Make ready (7) 19 All (5) 20 Imitation (4) 22 Vegetable (3)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, and send your entry to: Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Closing date: 16th December 2021 Name: Address: 58

Tel:

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Books

Books to Gift Books make great presents, especially when you can borrow them back in January…

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon James Norbury

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

Fans of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, and other illustrated books will love this new offering by James Norbury.

Each of the hand-drawn illustrations is accompanied by a short conversation between a panda and a dragon, offering words of wisdom we can all learn from. A book to treasure and to dip into time and time again.

Freckles Cecilia Ahern

Allegra has made a life for herself in Dublin, working as a traffic warden with a sideline as an artist’s model. She enjoys the routine and the rules, but she’s in Dublin for a reason and needs to pluck up the courage to see her mission through. A chance encounter with an angry driver makes Allegra re-evaluate her life and gives her a new purpose.

A light-hearted, humorous tale with some darker undertones, Freckles is sure to appeal to a range of readers.

The Exiles Christina Baker Kline

Buying for a fan of historical fiction? Exiles is a solid choice.

Several characters’ lives become entwined when pregnant Evangeline is sentenced to hard labour in Australia in 1840. On the ship, she meets teenage Hazel.

Meanwhile, Mathinna is faced with losing her family and indigenous community when the governor and his wife decide she needs ‘refining’. A rich, multilayered story with some shocking plot twists, The Exiles is the perfect book for curling up with on Boxing Day.

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Accountants

Beautician

HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer.

Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques.

Call Richard on 01438 813492 Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today.

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Classifieds Beautician

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

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Plumbing

Domestic Appliance Repairs Guaranteed Repairs To:

Washing Machines • Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers • Dishwashers No Call Out Charge!

Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small!

Please call Gary on

JB Domestic

Tel: 01767 680621 or Mob: 07778 891490

Electrician

07530 728091 Plumbing and Heating

Plastering. Painting and Decorating

Dave Mortby Plastering, Painting and Decorating

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

David.mortby@live.co.uk 62

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

Call Nigel on 01767 261122 for more information

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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 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.............01234 845000 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue............01438 729041 Carers Line........................................ 0808 808 7777 ChildLine..................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice.................................. 0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous................................0800 689 4732

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.

Crimestoppers..................................... 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care................... 0333 252 9152 Floodline........................................... 0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory........................... 0800 776 600 National Debt Line............................ 0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency.................................... 0800 111 999 NHS.....................................................................111 National Rail Enquiries..................... 03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.................................101 NSPCC............................................... 0808 800 5000 Pre-bereavement Helpline Support.. 0808 801 0688 Relate................................................. 0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line............................ 0300 1234 999 Samaritans...................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline............................ 0345 300 3900 Victim Support................................. 0845 30 30 900 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on:

Tel: 01767 261122

Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com 63