Henlow Jan 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 134 - January 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Shop Local in 2020

Win tickets to see

Josie Long Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in

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

FRco1py

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Inside this issue... East Anglian Air Ambulance

The History of Dentistry.............................................................4 Charleston..................................................................................8 Shop Local in 2020...................................................................10 Win Tickets to see Josie Long..................................... 12 New Year’s Resolutions - What’s Yours?....................................14 A Taste of Mexico......................................................................17 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................................18 Style and Colour at your Wedding - Q&A..................................20 Beauty Boosters.......................................................................23 How I Beat Type 2 Diabetes......................................................24 Sidings Acapella.......................................................................29 Children’s Page.........................................................................30 East Anglian Air Ambulance.....................................................33 Your 2020 Vision for 2020.........................................................34 Dear Diary................................................................................36 Five Tasks for an Organised Financial Life in 2020.....................39 Choose BMAS for safe, easy-access bathrooms.........................40

owroom

ty Specialist

High-Rise Edibles.....................................................................43 Witch Hazel..............................................................................47 Our Eccentric Inventors: Are they having the last laugh?..........49 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal........................................................52 Fun Quiz...................................................................................52 RSPCA......................................................................................54 Making Family Life that little bit easier....................................57 Puzzle Page..............................................................................60 Easy Tips to Improve your Driving.............................................63 What’s On.................................................................................64 Start a New Year’s Revolution...................................................67 What should we make of Astrology?........................................70 Villager Prize Crossword............................................ 74 Book Review............................................................................77

BMAS - Safe, Easy-Access Bathrooms

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, Ann McCarthy, Tracey Anderson, Trevor Langley, Nick Coffer, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, John Spring, Anne Mccarthy, Sarah Davey, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, Kate McLelland, Iain Betson and Louise Addison.

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

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

easy-access bat

Are you struggling to get in or out of the bath or into the shower? You may even be worried abou - All adverts editorial are printed in good faith, you or aDisclaimer loved one areandexperiencing bathing difﬁ however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the speak with a specialist before making any adapta 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 expressexperts permission of the publisher. whilst assess Trust the mobility bathing

the Bathing Mobility Advisory To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please callWhen 01767using 261122 Service, you really are in expert hands. Unlike

a free3in-hom

History

The History of Dentistry Although most of us hate visiting the dentist, twenty-first century dental practices are a walk in the park compared to what our ancestors endured. Common perception is that our ancestors must have suffered from terrible teeth. In fact, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans probably had better teeth than we do today due to the lack of refined sugar in their diet. Like us, they cleaned their teeth with abrasive and breath-sweetening concoctions. Made from eggshells, soot, bones, pumice, myrrh or mint, they were usually applied with a cloth or the fingers. The ancient Chinese had invented toothbrushes using pigs’ bristles but although toothpicks and even dental floss were around, they weren’t in common use in Europe until 1780, when William Addis manufactured the first toothbrush. Toothache has long been a human scourge and there have been many outlandish remedies. Scribonius Largus, (his real name, not a Monty Python invention!) was physician to the Roman Emperor Claudius. To treat toothache, he would fumigate the mouth with smoke produced by burning henbane seeds followed by an oral rinse with hot water. This was supposed to evict the

tiny ‘tooth worms’ that for hundreds of years were believed to be the cause of cavities and toothache. False teeth were also around in ancient times, usually made of animal bone, ivory or wood. The Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization, were apparently particularly skilled at dentures using ox bone fixed in place by gold wire. Traditionally, physicians would treat tooth problems but the medieval era saw the arrival of specialist ‘tooth drawers’, the best being retained by royalty (King Henry VIII was said to have one). Travelling fairs and markets often featured a tooth drawer, usually identified by jester’s clothing and a string of teeth hanging around their neck. Blacksmiths, jewellers and apothecaries would also pull teeth as a sideline using whatever instruments they had at their disposal. In 1540, the Company of Barbers was merged with that of surgeons to create The United BarberSurgeons Company. Subsequently, high-street barbers were able to carry out rudimentary surgery that included dental work (hence the striped ‘blood and bandages’ barbers’ pole). The first English book on dentistry was The Operator for the Teeth by Charles Allen, published

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE HOUSE Savour the quintessential English past-time of taking tea in the grand setting of The House, Shuttleworth. Â£30.00 per person Sunday 26 January Sunday 31 May

2020 Dates

Sunday 19 July Sunday 20 September

Pre-book via - www.shuttleworth.org/afternoontea The House at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, SG18 9EA

Villager - Afternoon advert FP and Jan 20.indd To advertise in TheteaVillager Town1 Life please call 01767 261122

01767 627970

29/11/2019 11:24:20

in 1685. ‘Operators for the teeth’ were in fact the earliest dentists, as they were not only skilled enough to extract teeth but could also replace them with dentures or false teeth made from materials like gold, silver and ivory (from walrus, elephant or hippo). But by far the best material for false teeth was other human teeth! Consequently a market quickly sprang up where teeth were either robbed from corpses or bought by extraction from the mouths of the destitute (as in when young Fantine sells her teeth in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables). Allen also invented a recipe for whitening toothpaste made from powdered coral, rose water and a tree resin called ‘dragon’s blood’. During the seventeenth century, French physician and dental pioneer Pierre Fauchard was one of the first practitioners to explain how sugar in the mouth forms acids that decay enamel and cause cavities. He also wrote about methods to straighten teeth using orthodontics in his book The Surgeon Dentist, published in 1728. Alongside other French dentists, Fauchard used dental fillings made from mercury heated together with other metals. This was later refined by an English dentist named Bell to produce amalgam. The earliest dentistry lectures were by James Rae in 1764 at The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. By the nineteenth century, dentistry had become a recognised apprenticeship, so in 1858 The Dental Hospital and National Dental Hospital Schools opened in London. There were still many rogue dentists around so in the 1870s the newly founded Dental Reform Committee decreed that practicing dentists had

to complete a License in Dental Surgery in order to be officially registered. Unfortunately, the licence was only open to men so Lilian Murray, the first official female dentist in the UK, managed to qualify in Scotland where the barrier didn’t exist. Many dental innovations were made during the Victorian era. By 1840 it was possible to have ether as a general anaesthetic and four years later nitrous oxide or laughing gas was introduced, whereas previous painkillers had been whisky or cocaine. The invention of the foot-operated dental drill made filling teeth much easier, although with its slow cord-driven, skull-shaking vibrations, one can only imagine how unpleasant it still was. Following in the footsteps of an American company, in 1896 Colgate mass-produced the first commercially available toothpaste in a collapsible tube in the UK. Despite this, tooth health among the general population was far from ideal. In 1942 the Beveridge Report highlighted the need for regular dental check-ups for everyone, and in 1948 the formation of the NHS gave people free access to dental treatment for the first time. So many opted for dentures that the NHS was forced to charge for them from 1951. These days, dentures have largely been replaced by dental implants, many children now have braces to straighten their teeth and most of us have a healthy smile. But who knows? Our descendants may look back at dentistry today and consider it as crude as a blacksmith yanking out a rotten molar.

By Catherine Rose

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Travel

Charleston By Solange Hando

Down in South Carolina, on the edge of the Low Country, the pretty town of Charleston sits among creeks and waterways at the confluence of three rivers as they join the Atlantic Ocean. Spreading across islands and peninsula it is full of history and charm, an ‘American treasure’ founded in 1670 and named after Charles II of England. Beyond the tree-lined avenues on the peninsula, the Old Town is a delightful network of cobbled lanes and alleyways festooned in traditional buildings, some with weather-boarded façades, all gleaming white, others draped in pastel colours: mint-green, ocean-blue, pink, yellow and more. There are wooden shutters and wrought iron gates, quaint cottages and stylish mansions with colonnaded balconies and fabulous gardens, oleander, magnolia and roses blooming among water features and trees such as the flowering crepe myrtle and palmetto, the local emblem. During the Festival of Houses and Gardens held in early spring some of these private wonders are open to visitors, but at any time of year you can ride a horse-drawn carriage in this most beautiful area. It feels almost like a village, nothing disturbing the peace but the distant chiming of church bells. Meanwhile back in the bustling town, King Street beckons with a wide range of architectural styles and antique and designer boutiques, parallel to Meeting Street where the city’s vibrant market dates back to the 1790s. From the Great Hall to the open air sheds, it’s a vast colourful complex selling anything you ever wanted, including handmade souvenirs such as southern jewellery and sweetgrass baskets produced by the Gullahs,

descendants of the African slaves. To learn all about this troublesome though successful era, visit Middleton Place, a former plantation-cummuseum proud of its restored buildings, gardens and lakes. Slavery, independence, civil war and modern times, Charleston’s harbour played a major role in the country’s history, remembered in the Patriots’ Point Naval Museum on Mount Pleasant and in the sea forts of Sumter and Moultrie. Charleston’s most scenic promenade is in fact the Battery, the fortified sea wall leading to the peninsula’s southernmost tip, named White Point after the bleached oyster shells which covered it long ago. There are also great harbour views from the pier and the waterfront park where a sparkling ‘Pineapple Fountain’ symbolises hospitality, recalling the fruit displayed by travellers to signal their return. It’s a cool place to relax, watching brown pelicans diving for food and all sorts of crafts, from tall ships and cruisers to sailing yachts, fishing vessels, power boats and more. Crossing the river Cooper just upstream, the Ravenel bridge dazzles you with lofty towers and fan-shaped cables, while beyond the harbour the Atlantic coast is strung with lovely beaches and islands. Nearest to town are Folly Beach and Sullivans Island, praised for its window boxes and flower gardens, and the Isle of Palms boasting a marina, protected sea oats and wild dunes resort. Lots to do, lots to see but if time is short, cruising around the harbour is a must, especially at sunset when water and sky are ablaze with amazing colour.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

MAking LifE EASiER | WE SELL | WE REpAiR | WE CARE

COMFORT HOMECARE Mobility Superstore

SEE OUR WAV CARS IN THE MOTOR SECTION

from

£3495 LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE

* PART EXCHANGE WELCOME * EXCLUSIVE TO COMFORT HOMECARE

RISE & RECLINE CHAIRS STOCk CLEARANCE

SCOOTA CAR £5995 • Remote Central Locking • Reversing Camera • parking Sensors • phone Charger • Heating • Roll Down Windows • Window Wipers • Headlights

OVER 25 On DiSpLAY MADE TO MEASURE SERViCE AVAiLABLE

from

£495

WHEELCHAIRS BOOT SCOOTER

ELECTRIC BEDS

£495

Wheelchair & Scooter Adapted Cars 20 Now in Stock

£395

from

£11.50 pER WEEk

STAY WARM & DRY THIS WINTER SCOOTER CANOPY FROM

SpECiAL OffER

LEASE YOUR SCOOTER fROM AS LiTTLE AS

from £99

SALE 8MPH SCOOTER FROM

3YRS gUARAnTEE

£595

£495

STAIRLIFTS Bedfordshire’s

leading mobility specialist.

from £950 fitted

We also stock one of the Largest and most comprehensive Range of Bathroom & kitchen aids, Cosyfeet Shoes, Daily living aids.

We lead others follow!

OVER 40 SCOOTERS On DiSpLAY in OUR SHEffORD SUpERSTORE 3 years guarantee on all new mobility Scooters

Large selection of used scooters from £250 with guarantee free delivery and set up*

5B & 5C St francis Way, Shefford, Bedfordshire, Sg17 5DZ. www.comforthomecare.co.uk 01462 811211 www.comfortwavs.co.uk Opening Hours Monday – friday 9.00am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm *Some of the advertised scooters may already be sold, we reserve the right to change any offer without notice, some scooters advertised may be ex-demo, lightly used (full description available on request) ex lease hire scooters, bankrupt stock or part exchanges, a minimum or 3 months guarantee applied to all used scooters and 3 years on all new scooters.

Off ROAD pARking RigHT OUTSiDE THE SHOWROOM ©LW

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

Shopping

By Anne McCarthy

Shop Local in 2020 Why? Personalized Service - A small business owner will go the extra mile to make you happy. Local businesses are owned by your neighbours and friends. They care about you and are invested in your community. Unique Products - A national chain will sell hundreds or thousands of identikit products. Local stores sell unique merchandise in smaller numbers so you will buy something truly individual. It supports the arts - Small local businesses support creativity! Look for art on display created by local artists. These are one-of-akind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. It helps the local economy - The money you spend in a local business stays within your town and community, thus improving its future.

How? Instead of purchasing items from national chains, try to purchase things from a business local to your area. Buy a gift or a gift card at a local business in your area and give to a friend, family member, or co-worker. This will introduce the company to someone new and allow for the “shop local” mantra to spread. Promote their business! If you like a particular shop or independent restaurant share and like their social media accounts. Spread the word. Give them a great review. Send them a thank you. Say why you love them and let them share your testimonial.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

advertorial

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace

the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solutionâ&#x20AC;Ś Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you

how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Stephen Moon and he services Henlow and surrounding villages. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Stephen a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

Cloudy2Clear Windows... Service With A Smile!

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

Photo: GILES SMITH

WIN a PAIR of TICKETS to see JOSIE LONG at the JUNCTION, Cambridge on 17th JANUARY 2020 Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long is finally back on the road with a brand-new show about the mind-bending intensity of new motherhood, but it is also about kindness, gentleness and joy. A cult-optimist herself, Josie wants her audiences to feel optimistic about the future, although in this current day and age, that’s a big ask. But at the very least there will be some silly voices. Of course, its Josie Long: society’s biggest issues that we’re facing today, from climate change to Boris Johnson, cannot be ignored, but Tender’s main focus is about bringing new life into this ever-changing world. Having started performing comedy at just 14, Josie went on to win the BBC New Comedy Award, Chortle Best Newcomer, Best Newcomer at the 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Awards and then was nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards three years running. She has since sold out West End runs, performed at the most prestigious comedy festivals in the world, written five solo tours and sold out shows in LA and New York. On screen, Josie has been seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2), You Have Been Watching (Channel 4) and Skins (Channel 4), for which she also wrote. She has presented on BBC 6Music, was nominated for a Radio Academy Award for her adventurous short documentaries Short Cuts on Radio 4 and earned a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award nomination for her two short feature films, Let’s Go Swimming and Romance and Adventure and her recent feature film, Super November, was nominated for a BIFA Discovery Award. We have a pair of tickets to give away for Josie’s Cambridge Junction tour date on Friday 17th January. All you have to do is send in the answer to the below question!

JOSIE LONG COMPETITION ENTRY

How many times has Josie been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award?



For a chance to win tickets simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Josie Long Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 14th January 2020

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

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

Do you now spend more time looking in the mirror because your hair loss makes you self-conscious?

Start being more hair confident. Our qualified hair and scalp specialist will advise on the treatment options available to you. Guaranteed appointment within 4 weeks. GP referrals welcomed, but not required.

01462 670900

trichologistdeon@gmail.com www.trichologistsolutions.com Trichologist Solutions The Letchworth Clinic 17 Station Road, Letchworth SG6 3BB

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

Time of Year

New Year’s Resolutions What’s Yours?

By Tracey Anderson

A New Year’s resolution is a promise for the new year. Regardless of what resolution you commit to, the goal generally is to improve life in the coming year. Resolutions can come in many forms. Some people make a promise to change a bad habit, such as quitting smoking or eating less junk food. Other people make a promise to develop a positive habit, such as starting an exercise program, volunteering in their community, or recycling more. The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates all the way back to 153 B.C. January is named after Janus, a mythical god of early Rome. Janus had two faces — one looking forward, one looking backward. This allowed him to look back on the past and forward toward the future. On December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking backward into the old year and forward into the new year. This became a symbolic time for Romans to make resolutions for the new year and forgive enemies for troubles in the past. The Romans also believed Janus could forgive them for their wrongdoings in the previous year. They would give gifts and make promises, believing Janus would see this and bless them in the year ahead. And thus, the New Year’s resolution was born! What is your promise for 2020?

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

• 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

Order before December and receive a

10% discount (Please mention the Villager)

Tel: 01462 889649 Email: enquiries@bentleykitchens.co.uk Website: www.bentleykitchens.co.uk

Countrywear

FREE Postage & packing until Christmas

www.lodgeway-countrywear.co.uk 01462 816122 OPEN: MON-FRI 9:30am-5pm SAT 9:30am-4pm

Chicksands, Shefford, Beds SG17 5QB

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Food and Drink

A Taste of... Mexico

Mexican cuisine can be traced back several thousand years. Over the different regions, beef, pork and chicken, plus seafood, are extremely popular and some of the same dishes are often found throughout Mexico. Mexican foods offer ingredients of beans and corn, plus chilli peppers. These are regularly presented with meats, rice and spice. Red snapper, sea bass and prawns are very popular, too.

Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London, is a redeveloped retail area. During the 19th Century this site was London’s coal store and has a very interesting history. www.coaldropsyard.com Today, this area provides popular shopping and dining experiences, that include independent shops, businesses, bars and restaurants. Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor offer a warm welcome from Alejo and authentic Mexican dining, with dishes that include Tuna Tostadas, plus Tacos filled with marinated pork shoulder or fish, for example and their hugely-popular Ceviches. Starters include various Botanas, then on to Tostadas, that have Cochinita, Chicken Tinga and Tuna presentations. Very flavoursome Tortas (Mexican toasted sandwiches) are available, also. For Tacos the key is the salsa. Made fresh, in-house, these have Morita (Chipotle, tomatillos), Verde Fresca (Serrano chillies, tomatillos, coriander), plus Mexicana and Maya choices and more, through to El Diablo, which is made with some of the very hottest chillies known. Tacos offer Baja Fish (Corona-battered sea bass, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, coriander) and Choripapa (Chorizo, potato, salsa verde, coriander), which are very popular, amongst an excellent array, with mushroom, prawn and chicken inclusions, plus Al Pastor (Mexico City favourite and inspiration for this restaurant’s name). From the Mexican-style rotisserie, half and whole chickens are often selected, with different marinades and accompaniments. Exceptional, complementing flavours and splendid presentation definitely warrant ‘Compliments to Chef!’ If sharing plates are favoured, then Hake, Short Rib, Steak and more, will most certainly impress and satisfy. Dessert selections include creations of Fresh Pineapple, Corn Cake and Queso Fresco Cheesecake. Desserts pair wonderfully with cocktails and digestivos, too. Thank you to Lily and Maureen, for excellent service throughout. Popular with locals (always a good sign), a recommended restaurant to return to. Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DQ Tel: 44 (0) 20 7018 3335 Email: info@tacoselpastor.co.uk www.tacoselpastor.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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

Food & Drink

Portuguese Custard Tarts It’s been said over and again, food takes us back to a place, back to a memory, back to a moment in time. Whenever I smell fresh biscuits baking, I’m right back to my grandma’s kitchen. Whenever I smell a fresh baguette, it takes me back to my time living in France and that unmistakable early morning aroma which fills the villages and towns (often mixed in with the smell of strong coffee too!). So often on my Weekend Kitchen radio show, I am taken back to happy places by the food which my guests make. One such happy place is Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, where I have spent days and days enjoying the perfect weather, wonderful hospitality and amazing fresh food. And nothing personifies Portugal better than their traditional custard tart - moreish, light, and with the signature dark brown top crust, they will brighten any dark day. They’re also surprisingly easy to make - as shown in this brilliant recipe by Victoria Chidgey. She’s a highly talented young cake maker and baker, with her own thriving business called The Tring Cake Company. These tarts will put a smile on your face. Ingredients 1 block of puff pastry Icing sugar for dusting 6 egg yolks 185g caster sugar 50g cornflour 600ml whole milk 10g vanilla extract 1. In a pan, bring together the yolks, sugar, cornflour and vanilla. Slowly stir in the milk. 2. Put the pan onto a moderate heat and stir continuously until big bubbles appear in the middle.

3. Take off the heat, pour the mix into a bowl and cover with clingfilm. 4. Put this bowl in the fridge to chill while you roll your pastry. 5. Roll out the puff pastry using the icing sugar to dust the surface and rolling pin. 6. Cut the pastry in half and place one half of the pastry on top of the other. 7. Roll the pastry again until 5mm thick. 8. Roll the pastry into a tight sausage and cut into 16 discs. 9. Push the pastry into each hole of a cupcake tray, applying pressure around the sides so that they are evenly covered, all the way to the top edge. 10. Dust with icing sugar.

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

• From simple door replacements to complete fitted kitchens • Fully installed by local professionals in just a few days

After

Before Add in high quality appliances, sinks and other touches from brands such as Bosch, Neff, Franke and Blanco and you’ve got the recipe for your ideal kitchen. A team of local, professional fitters carry out the work with the minimum of disruption. So why not call or pop into Dream Doors East Herts’ showroom in Star Street, Ware today and let’s get started on creating your ideal kitchen.

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A KITCHEN MAKEOVER BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW

• Choose from a large selection of doors, worktops and appliances • 96 showrooms nationwide

5 Star Street, Ware, SG12 7AA

E BEFOR

NEW YE

AR,

Call us now for a free estimate:

NEW K

01920 463 302

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

I TC H E

THE UK’S #1 KITCHEN MAKEOVER EXPERTS.

AVERAGE SCORE 9.7/10

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

EST. 1999 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM NOW. 19

House of Colour

Style & Colour at your Wedding

Q&A

Q. How do I know what shade of white to choose for my wedding dress? A: Prior to dress shopping, if you can see a colour stylist to establish which colours naturally complements your individual skin tone to make you look radiant and your eyes shine brightly on your big day. For example Winter palettes can wear pure white or silvery finish dresses whilst summers suit soft white and delicate powder pinks. Springs look best in creams or perhaps a dove grey, and Autumns suit oyster or a light sage perhaps. It makes wedding dress searching quicker and even more pleasurable to know exactly what suits you before you even go start wedding dress shopping. Q. My partner feels stuffy in a suit, what are the wedding attire alternatives for him whilst still ensuring he looks smart? A: There are lots of great alternatives for men, both contemporary and traditional. If you are getting married in warmer climes, perhaps he can work a linen shirt and chinos for the beach? Colourful, patterned pocket squares add interest as do unique button holes for more formal looks. Some people ditch the jacket altogether and wear a waistcoat or braces for a fun twist. The key is to for the clothes to fit well and suit his body architecture and for it to be the right style to suit his personality. A great fit means the right sleeve, jacket length, button arrangement, shirt and trousers, but the texture and material are both key too. Q. I want to look gorgeous for my partner when we are on honeymoon, what are your top tips? A: Your partner will already think you gorgeous, but it is lovely to feel confident and chic on honeymoon to keep the wedding dream going! Be organised and pair several gorgeous tops, skirts, trousers, shorts, swimwear and scarves in your wow colours and seasonal neutrals so you can mix and match to create a number of outfits. Don’t forget to pack some great jewellery to lift any look. It is fun to get a new dress for a romantic dinner on your honeymoon to grab your partner’s attention and don’t forget to choose some gorgeous, well-fitting lingerie!

Q. What quick tips do you have for bringing colour to the wedding venue? A: Choose accent colours for your flowers, beautiful satin sashes on the wedding chairs and other decorations but everything doesn’t need to completely match. Choose maybe three colours that complement each other from your own season palette or have a range of similar tones so that there is coordination, but still some individuality. Use wedding menu ribbons, table decorations, wedding favours, flower centre pieces and napkins to add a pop of colour. Of course your own beautiful bouquet can have a stunning colourful impact. Q. I am doing my own wedding make up, what are your top tips? A. Make sure you choose cool make up colours if you are cool toned and warm make up colours if you are warm toned. Wear waterproof eye makeup and a good primer to ensure your make up stays on for most of the day. Add translucent powder in your perfect shade for extra staying power. Consider an illuminator on exposed shoulders, collar bones and cheekbones to bring a subtle but beautiful sheen. Always have access to top-up make up for a tidy up or after happy tears on the day. By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Mobile Foot Health Practitioner

Lucy E. Hobbs-Morris BA (hons), MCFHP, MAFHP telephone: 01462 641113 mobile: 07795 030774 email: hobbs_lucy@hotmail.com

Some of the problems I can help you with Toenail Cutting Thick nails Ingrown nails Corns Callous Cracked Heels Fungal Nails Diabetic Footcare Fully registered and insured 12 years experience

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Beauty Boosters Whether you’re suffering from dry skin or brassy blonde locks, this month we’re all about solving your beauty dilemmas. Skin feeling less baby soft and more adult rhino? Try a weekly salt scrub. Coffee fans will appreciate Rabot 1745’s Coffee Body Scrub, which is made from Arabica ground coffee, pure salt, cocoa butter and almond oil. The salt helps to remove dry skin and draw out toxins, the coffee works to freshen and tighten skin and the cocoa butter and almond oil soften and hydrate. The aroma of fresh coffee is also a good wake-up call on dark mornings. If you’re thinking that the packaging looks rather like a reusable coffee cup, you’d be right. And if you use that cup at any Hotel Chocolat café, you’ll get 50p off a hot drink. The Coffee Body Scrub costs £16 at Hotel Chocolat and www.rabot1745beauty.com, so will pay for itself in 32 coffees’ time… If it’s your face that’s feeling dry and parched (thanks a bunch central heating and winter winds), Frances Prescott TRI-SPRITZ might help. As well as boosting hydration, the facial mist works to support tissue recovery, calm and reduce inflammation, neutralise free radicals and protect from pollution. As an added bonus, it helps to set your makeup in place. I tend to use TRI-SPRITZ as a quick pick-me-up when my skin feels a bit dehydrated or just generally ‘meh’. It’s £45 from www.francesprescott.com. Blonde hair can start to look dull or brassy between hair appointments. Give it a lift with Philip Kingsley’s Pure Blonde Colour-Correcting Weekly Shampoo (£11.50) and Mask (£15). Whether you’re a natural blonde or have a little help, the shampoo and mask can help to tone down yellow and orange tones while repairing damage and replacing

Beauty By Kate Duggan

moisture. I’ve only tried them a couple of times, but can already see a difference. My hair looks lighter and much closer in colour to when I last had it highlighted. See www. philipkingsley.co.uk. Planning a winter getaway? Whether you’re hitting the slopes or chasing the sun, don’t forget to take your favourite toiletries with you. If you’re only going for a long weekend, it’s worth decanting your toiletries into reusable travel bottles and jars. It’ll mean you pass the 100ml or less rule for liquids and creams in your hand luggage, and saves you lugging extra weight around the airport. You also won’t need to fork out for travel-sized toiletries, which are usually a lot more expensive per ml than their full-sized counterparts. Wilko’s new travel pots (www.wilko. com) start at just 50p and can be used time and time again.

Dry shampoo bars are handy for travelling and an easy switch if you’re trying to reduce your plastic waste. Faith in Nature’s new shampoo bars have a lower PH level than most, making them better for your hair. Choose from Lavender & Geranium (one of the brand’s most popular fragrances) or the extra hydrating Coconut & Shea Butter. Both are 100% natural, packed with nourishing ingredients and fragranced with essential oils. And they’re just £5.79 each from www.faithinnature.co.uk.

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

Health

By John Spring

How I beat type 2 diabetes When his diabetes doctor suggested he should share how he put his diabetes into remission, John Spring went one better, he wrote a humorous book about it. I’ve now been in remission from type 2 diabetes (T2D) for eight years, so I guess I must be doing something right. Being in remission means that T2D isn’t damaging me anymore. The newly diagnosed will have been made well aware of the longer-term havoc it can do to their bodies. Unless, when they were told, they put their fingers in their ears and started humming, “La, la, la, I’m not listening”. Which is exactly what I did for several years. 5% of the UK’s adult population have been diagnosed with T2D, and another 1.3% don’t know they have it yet. By the year 2035, 10% of us will be type 2 diabetic. That might make the recently diagnosed feel a little better, as there is some safety in numbers, but the NHS isn’t too keen on the prospect. New patients may not be feeling any immediate effects of T2D, so it becomes easy to be complacent. You can liken it to a mild acid flowing around your body, slowly eating away at your nerves, your organs and your eyes. It is the end of this slow production line of diabetic damage that the NHS is now contending with. I’d read about rapid weight loss having a high success rate in putting T2D into remission and the NHS is now trialling liquid-based diets of 800 calories per day. There’s also bariatric surgery, but it isn’t infallible as a patient’s bad eating habits can find ways around it. Likewise, you probably don’t want to survive on liquids for the rest of your life, especially if they don’t contain alcohol. I devised my own practical regime for losing weight fast. The most positive benefit of this

workable approach was that I learned how to avoid temptation by becoming the master of my own food. I also learned how to fit exercise into my busy life. These are the lessons that have kept me in remission. I started by identifying the heavy hitters in my diet. I then developed workarounds to drastically reduce my consumption of those. I also preprepared my own breakfast and lunch, thus avoiding the calorific temptations lurking in coffee shops and lunchtime sandwich bars. My home cooked dinners featured healthier ingredients and I soon realised that there really is no such thing as a low-calorie takeaway. They are all evil. I discovered convenient exercise by walking set routes every day and I built up to being the world’s most unlikely runner. After four months I had lost four stone and my blood sugar came down from 60 mmol to 42mmol (48 mmol is the diabetic threshold). Most importantly I’d also equipped myself with the knowledge of how to maintain that weight loss. The low-calorie liquids or the surgeon’s knife may well kick T2D into remission, but they’re arduous procedures to undertake. Staying in remission is also hard work, but that has been made easier for me by using a new lifestyle to beat this lifestyle related disease. ‘How I Beat Type 2 Diabetes’ by John Spring is available on Amazon. £7.99.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

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

• • • • • • • • •

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

01438 318988

E: info@biggleswadepodiatry.com W: www.biggleswadepodiatry.com @biggleswade podiatry 26

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Local News

Let’s Fight Fatigue & Pain in 2020! Most people with a long term condition can experience exhaustion and chronic pain, affecting their daily lives. Therapies are available at The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth to help people fight fatigue and pain: 1. Oxygen Therapy Some people find Oxygen Therapy can accelerate healing, increase energy, reduce pain or combat stubborn infections, like leg ulcers. Some find it helpful before or after chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Rachel B says: “Without my Oxygen Treatment I would still be in agony from Fibromyalgia and probably jobless and depressed. I can’t begin to explain what a difference it has made for me.” 2. Physiotherapy & Exercise 01462 684 214 Physiotherapists and Personal Trainers work together to help people achieve greater mobility and reduce fatigue. Francis R has MS. She says: “I lost my confidence and needed support. The personalised exercises have restored my confidence in leading a more independent lifestyle.” 3. APS Pain Clinic Pain Reduction Therapy is an effective, drug free treatment for less pain, more energy and faster healing. Brian H attended the Pain Clinic. He explains: “I did the six week Pain Reduction Programme. I have had pain free mobility for the first time in nine months, despite moving furniture last week!” First Time Free! Who do you know who would like to have more energy or less pain? Tell them about The Herts MS Therapy Centre! Their first session is free! To find out more, visit www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk or call Claire on 01462 684 214.

Would you like more energy and less pain? • Oxygen Therapy • APS Pain Reduction

Therapy • Specialist Exercise and Fitness Training Visit The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth

First Time Free!

www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk Registered Charity 299524

Company Number 2215165

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

Call us on

01462 684 214 or email: toby@hmstc.net 27

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. Foot Pro HP advert_ppl.pdf

11/10/2017

Please 16:58 contact Teresa on 07967 685 995

The Foot Health Specialist • • • • • • • •

Call FootPro Podiatry today

Routine Podiatry & Chiropody Ingrowing Toenails Fungal Toenails Verrucae Treatments Gait Analysis & Biomechanics Orthotic Treatments Diabetes Management Childrens Clinic

07377 536 685

hcpc

registered

The SOCIETY CHIROPODISTS &

Suite 2 The Old Stables, Station Road, Arlesey, SG15 6RG

www.footpropodiatry.co.uk 28

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Local News

Sidings Acapella Thank You for your support Sidings Acapella is a successful eight man acapella singing group, a branch-line from Shannon Express Barbershop Harmony Club. Our style of singing is pure vocal, with no musical instruments to accompany. Our sound is four-part close harmony that gives a unique sound that goes down well with our audiences. Sidings sing a variety of songs, old and new, around the Pubs, Restaurants, Care homes and any charitable organisations that want us in the surrounding area. We sing because we love our hobby, but in the process collect for MacMillan Cancer Care. We have sung in many of the local pubs and restaurants this year and passed the bucket around collecting for MacMillan Cancer Care. The clientele in the establishments have been so generous, and we have just recently handed over a cheque for the sum of £1185 - not bad for doing something we love to do anyway! Sidings would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has so generously supported

us throughout the year. Shannon Express is currently having a recruitment drive by running a free 5 week Acapella Harmony Singing course for men who may enjoy the challenge. Everyone says that they can’t sing, but it’s not true, come along and have a go, you will be surprised at just how infectious it is and what a great hobby to have. We like to give everyone a chance, you do not have to be musical or read music, just enjoy singing and we will help you reach your potential. The course starts 7.30pm on 30 January 2020 at Potton Lower School, SG19 2PB. Phone 07771993896 or email sos@ shannonexpress.org.uk to reserve your place.

Treatment Studio We offer:

• Laser Hair Removal (Free Patch Test & Consultation) • Microblading (Free Consultation) • LVL (Lash Lift & Tint) • Eyebrow Wax & Tint • Classic Eyelash Extensions

Call, email or text to book – We have availability 7 days a week, including evenings

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

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

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

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST LARGE LUXURY EN-SUITE ROOMS FREE WIFI INTERNET ACCESS DIGITAL /SATELLITE TV WITH SPORT & FILMS FRIDGE IN ROOM PRIVATE LOCATION CLOSE TO TRAIN STATION MAJOR CREDIT CARDS TAKEN

Tel: 07970 162753

Email: ami@amcofm.co.uk or sally@amcofm.co.uk North Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 5DN

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Local News

East Anglian Air Ambulance East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is an incredible community-funded service in Cambridgeshire and here at The Villager, we are proud to announce that we have chosen to support this lifesaving charity as our charity of the year in 2020. We will be bringing you regular features to learn more about the team at EAAA and all the amazing work they do, as well all the different ways that you can get involved and support the air ambulance. You may not be aware, but over the last year (2018 / 2019), between its two bases and two helicopters (Norwich and Cambridge) the East Anglian Air Ambulance was tasked 1,798 times by helicopter, 1,023 times by rapid response vehicle and attended 1,664 patients in total. Of these patients there were 480 cardiac arrests, 355 road traffic collisions, 256 accidental injuries, 340 medical emergencies, 73 intentional self-harm incidents, 70 sporting incidents and 54 assault patients in the region. On top of this, the charity is striving ahead to become the first air ambulance in the East of England to fly 24/7. EAAA is already incredibly well equipped to fly in the hours of darkness, landing at unlit sites, however they currently only fly until 1:30am in the morning, coming back online by helicopter at 7am. This means there is a five and a half hour gap in the region where there is no helicopter coverage if needed. EAAA Strongly believe the time of day should not dictate the type of emergency medical care available to you, and are passionate about raising an additional £1 million a year in order to fund the extra flying hours to

Barbara McGee Fundraising Manager

provide a 24/7 helicopter emergency medical service. Barbara McGee, Fundraising Manager for Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, said: “The level of care our medical teams provide is absolutely outstanding and with the helicopter they can reach anywhere in East Anglia in 25 mins, taking the hospital to the patient and getting that patient the care they need as quickly as possible. “We’re passionate about being able to provide this service, by helicopter, 24 hours a day and estimate that by doing so we could help hundreds more patients each year, which would be amazing. But we can only do this by raising more money, so we’re incredibly grateful to all of the support we get from the community – and to Charity of the Year partnerships such as this one – which help us to be there for our patients. So please come to one of our events, play our lottery, play our raffle, volunteer for us - anything at all that you can do to help us will make a huge difference to our work.” Find out more at www.eaaa.org.uk/get-invovled

Sunrise at Cambridge Airport with Anglia Two, taken by Critical Care Paramedic Liam Sagi on a day shift in December

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

Time of Year

Your 2020 Vision for 2020 Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We often reflect on the past year and mourn chances we didn’t take or connections we didn’t make. Instead of looking longingly backwards, perhaps 2020 is a good year to develop your vision for the future so that it’s… well…20/20! Review your goals — short and long-term Are your everyday activities helping you to accomplish your short-term goals? Are you working on meaningful projects? Make sure at least some of your daily activities help you to accomplish your short-term goals, and that those short-term goals can build to let you accomplish larger goals and objectives. But don’t be a slave to your goals. It’s okay to change directions and shift deadlines. January is a great time revaluate. Are your long-term goals from six months ago still relevant to you today? It can be helpful to write down your goals using pen and paper, and then hang them in a place where you can see them. This acts as a visual prompt to remind you and inspire you during the day-to-day grind. Nurture relationships Sometimes friendships and family relationships get placed on the backburner when we’re busy. Are there If there friends and relatives in your contacts list who you haven’t spoken with lately?

Use this season to catch-up, reconnect, and nurture the relationships that matter. Request a planning meeting It could be with your boss, or your partner! When you think about the next year — do you see yourself staying at the same job? If so, do you want to be considered for promotion or a transfer? Would you like to plan a big trip with your partner, or start a family? With your boss you might mention projects you’d like to lead, qualifications you’d like to study for. With your partner you might want to talk about joining a gym together, planning a safari, or taking up ballroom dancing. These discussions are useful in both your work and your private life. They can help you understand points of dissatisfaction in your work or relationship and give you the clarity you need to explore a change. Invest in yourself There’s a difference between being comfortable and being complacent. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and take an online course, sign up with the Open University or night classes at college. Try out a yoga class or a massage, or simply go away with a friend or a partner to a spa for a few days. Reflect on lessons learned January is not all about new beginnings. It’s nice to think about all you accomplished during 2019. What did you learn? What did you achieve? A lot probably happened in the past 12 months, but life moves so fast that too often we don’t take time to reflect on all we’ve learned. Take note of your discoveries and think about ways you can apply those lessons with intention as you move into the new year.

By Anne McCarthy

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

CMY

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

Lifestyle

Dear Diary… Did you ever keep a diary when you were younger? I did. I poured my angst-ridden heart out to its blank pages. I look back on those fat notebooks with a mixture of fascination and horrified amusement. They are a funny, embarrassing, touching testament to my teenage turmoil and inner weirdness. I stopped journaling my thoughts at some point, but a few years ago, when I was gifted a rather beautiful notebook one Christmas, I started again. It was a good call. Writing in my diary helps me in many ways. I track my moods, my anxieties, the funny things my kids say, and the daily routine of writing helps me thrash out solutions to some of life’s challenges. There are many benefits to keeping a diary. It organises your thoughts - most of what we think and feel would be incomprehensible to anyone able to look inside our heads. Writing helps to articulate thoughts and make them comprehensible to our conscious mind. It improves your writing - Not everyone aspires to be a journalist or a writer. But many of us have to produce handouts, talks or web content in the course of our jobs. Writing daily in a diary helps us improve our style and fluency. It helps set and achieve goals - A diary is a good place to write down ambitions, aspirations and new year resolutions. Writing them down makes them real. They can then be used as a reminder, and to monitor progress. You can record ideas - It could be ideas for birthday gifts, holiday destinations or the name

By Sarah Davey of the shop in which you saw the perfect curtains for the bedroom you’re currently decorating. The benefit of a diary is that it can all be recorded in one place, whenever it comes to mind. It’s a stress-reliever - It can be helpful to ‘braindump’ anxieties, frustrations and pains into a diary. Teenage me waxed lyrical about problems with my parents, teachers and how worried I was that no boy would find me attractive while I had braces on my teeth. Adult me expresses concerns in my diary as a good way to free up any tension that prevents me from feeling content in my life today. You can reflect - Life races by at breakneck speed. We get caught up in day-to-day responsibilities and expectations. Journalling our thoughts is a good way to hit the pause button, take a step back and reflect. Whether it’s gratitude for something someone has done for us, or simply what we achieved today, a little daily reflection means can look back at our life after a few months or years and see how we’ve changed. We can note how our priorities have shifted and what we might do to be a better person in the future. It’s a memory prompt – Our brain is more likely to store information that we write down. Teachers know that when you write new knowledge down your brain makes stronger connections with the information which means you’ll be able to recall it more easily in the future. It boosts creativity - Diary-writing a great way to unleash creativity. Everyone has the potential to be creative, but most of us don’t take the time. You can start a novel, jot down ideas for outfits, plan a themed party, doodle or sketch. It’s your diary...have fun with it.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Keep your hard-earned wealth within the family Stop your home from being sold to pay for long term Care Fees. Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions. If you already have a Will … Is it up to date? Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year. Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected.

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

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Finance

Five Tasks for an Organised Financial Life in 2020

By Ann Haldon

January is the perfect time to organise your financial life and carry out those onerous or boring tasks you’ve been putting off for so long. Making a will, setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and checking your credit file are just three important ‘bigger picture’ jobs that can set you up for a secure future, and offer a little protection from life’s uncertainties. So here are the five tasks in more detail – tackle them in any order, and get your financial life organised in 2020. 1. Check your state pension forecast Checking how much state pension you might receive provides a clearer picture of how your financial situation could look in retirement. It also allows you to see if there are any gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record. This is important, as you may be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill those gaps and complete your NI record before you retire. At the time of writing you need to make full contributions for 35 years to be eligible for the new full state pension,¹ so it’s definitely worth investigating. 2. Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) A Lasting Power of Attorney is an official document whereby you appoint one or more attorneys to help you make financial or healthrelated decisions, or to make them on your behalf if you lose mental capacity in the future. You need to be over the age of 18 to make an LPA, and have the mental capacity at the time to make your own decisions. Drawing up an LPA is often regarded as unnecessary until later life, but it’s well worth considering at any time. 3. Write a will Making a will ensures your assets are passed down according to your wishes when you die, and with today’s complex family structures it can prevent a great deal of stress for those left behind. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance when making a will, particularly if you have a young family or your circumstances aren’t straightforward. 4. Take out ‘life event’ insurance Adverse life events such as chronic illness or

serious accident can derail your plans for the future. You may not be able to work or function in the way you used to, for instance, but if you’ve taken out appropriate insurance it can reduce some of the devastating financial impact for yourself and your family. 5. Check your credit report The state of your credit report affects your ability to borrow and obtain credit, and is a fundamental part of your overall financial situation. Lenders and credit card companies assess your creditworthiness by checking your credit file, and decide whether or not to sanction loans or grant credit based on its contents. If you blitz these jobs in January, you can relax for the rest of 2020 knowing that some of the mundane but very important financial issues that can affect your life so seriously are all under control. www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/your-nationalinsurance-record-and-your-state-pension www.moneywise.co.uk/work/everyday-life/10financial-chores-you-need-tackle-now www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article6422421/I-incomplete-years-NI-record-late-fill.html www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2019-0301%E2%80%8C%E2%80%8C/deal-week-get-free-willwritten-you-march

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

Hitchin Showroom

Bathing Mobility Specialist

Helping you bathe independently again Wet Rooms • Walk-In Showers • Walk-In Baths

67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin • Tel: 01462 889 097 herts@bathingmobility.co.uk • www.bathingmobility.co.uk

Free In-Home Design Consultations Available Now 40

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Choose BMAS for safe, high-quality

easy-access bathrooms Are you struggling to get in or out of the bath or to manage the step up into the shower? You may even be worried about slipping or falling. If you or a loved one are experiencing bathing difﬁculties, it makes sense to speak with a specialist before making any adaptations to your bathroom. Trust the mobility bathing experts

When using the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, you really are in expert hands. Unlike some bathroom companies, we specialise in mobility bathing and are passionate about helping people bathe safely in their own home. With over a decade of experience, BMAS have installed hundreds of wet rooms, walk-in showers and walk-in baths. Built on family values, we put you at the heart of everything we do and pride ourselves on the personal service we offer.

We take care of everything from design to completion

We manage every aspect related to creating your perfect bathroom. We start by listening to you and ﬁnding out about your needs

whilst assessing your current facilities during a free in-home visit. We don’t believe in hard sell and our advice is provided without any obligation. Your bathroom will be meticulously designed and our products are of the highest quality. All work is completed on time by our own tradespeople who will respect you and your home.

Introducing our Hitchin showroom View the quality of our products and workmanship for yourself in our brand new showroom.You can also receive free advice from our experts. We look forward to welcoming you.

67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin 01462 889 097

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Gardening

High-Rise Edibles By Pippa Greenwood Use high-rise gardening to give extra space, with hanging baskets, wall troughs and window boxes as homes for vegetables, herbs and even fruit. So, what does it take to succeed? Larger containers allow for more room for your crops’ roots and easier maintenance, as they will run out of moisture and fertiliser less frequently. Use suitable supporting brackets and screws for hanging baskets, window boxes and wall troughs, as they must support the weight of fully grown plants laden with crops, which will be heavier after watering. Check walls, balconies and windows sills will not be overloaded and consider using lighterweight loam-free or peat-free composts with lightweight containers made of bamboo, plastics or fibre glass. You’ll need to use good quality compost and feed crops in high-rise planters regularly and, as they’re more susceptible to drying out, regular watering is essential. The dwarf runner bean ‘Hestia’ is perfect for containers and can be sown directly into the compost in April, or raised in small pots or trays and then planted out into the high-rise planter. Dwarf French varieties such as ‘Duel’ or the purplepodded ‘Purple Tee Pee’ do well in a good sized window box Wall baskets, troughs and hanging baskets can play host to strawberries, which trail naturally over container edges. Plants can be bought from garden centres or by mail order at this time of year. There’s a huge selection of lettuce and other salad leaves available in a wide range of colours and leaf shapes. Fast-germinating and fast-growing, you can either buy small plants or sow the seed

directly into the compost. Creeping or trailing forms of herbs are a must for a basket, trough or window box, and thyme in particular is ideal for a container in a sunny spot. As it’s hardy it can be planted out at any time of year. Parsley, sage, tarragon, chives and basil all look good in wall baskets or window boxes and thrive in a sunny spot. Most oriental vegetables, such as the pak choi varieties ‘Red Choi’ and Mizuna (including the purple-veined ‘Mizuna Purple’) do well in a sheltered window box or wall trough. The two look stunning combined together, with the Mizuna positioned to ‘flop’ attractively over container edges. For a red and spicy theme use ‘Mustard Red Giant’. There are several varieties of tomatoes well-suited to containers such as hanging baskets, including the classic ‘Tumbling Tom’, available in both red and yellow varieties, and the red-fruited ‘Tumbler’. Raise them from seed sown now or buy plants to put into containers in late April or May. If you like tiny fruited tomatoes, consider ‘Hundreds and Thousands’. Chilli pepper plants such as ‘Super Chilli’ packed in a window box or wall trough will look stunning when covered in their glossy fruits. Chillies are tender so buy plants in May or June or sow seeds now. 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.

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

THE GARDEN ROBIN

• • • • • •

Driveways For a free quotation or advice Paving call Robin on Patios 01462 815968 07785 530558 Fencing Decking Garden Design & Build

E mail: robinsandler@yahoo. co. uk Web: w w w. t h e g a rd e n ro b i n . c o. u k

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

RESINBOUND DRIVEWAYS

MAINTENANCE AND WEED FREE HARD WEARING QUICK INSTALLATION CAN BE USED AS OVERLAY BESPOKE DESIGNS SUITABLE FOR DRIVEWAYS, PATHS AND PATIOS • 10 YEAR GUARANTEE • • • • • •

0800 046 1080 hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk 46

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Witch Hazel January is a great time to plant deciduous trees and at this time of year a tree with added winter interest is always a welcome sight. Enter the witch hazel. These lovely trees with their citrus-scented spidery flowers are widely sold in garden centres as container-grown plants Look for plants with a number of evenly distributed well-placed branches and avoid those showing signs of stress, damage or disease. Ideally choose an open, sunny position in the garden. They also work well if planted next to pathways and doors where you can enjoy their gorgeous scent on wintery days. Avoid very shady sites though or the plant may become straggly Witch hazels need free-draining soil that doesn’t dry out in summer. A light soil mixed with plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, is best. They will also grow on heavier clay soils but make sure that as well as digging in plenty of organic matter you ensure good drainage by planting on a slight mound, about

25-30cm (10in-1ft) high and 1m (3½ft) in diameter. The only soil witch hazels won’t tolerate is a shallow chalky soil. And make sure you don’t plant them out if the ground is waterlogged. Witch hazels grow slowly but eventually make large spreading shrubs. They aren’t fond of pruning so make sure you leave enough space around your plant for it can develop naturally. Make sure they are well-watered throughout the first couple of springs and summers as they take a long time to fully establish and lack of moisture can cause flowers to drop. They don’t need regular feeding but applying a top dressing of a general in late winter or early spring will help young plants to grow.

Happy New Year and Happy Gardening!

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Quirky Britain

By Kate McLelland

Our eccentric inventors: Are they having the last laugh? They might have been created the best part of a century ago, but William Heath Robinson’s delightfully wacky cartoons have a special resonance for us today, in our technology-obsessed age. Born in 1872, the famous British illustrator became a household name with his tonguein-cheek drawings of imaginary, labour-saving contraptions assembled from old bicycle wheels, bits of wood, lengths of piping and lots and lots of string. Heath Robinson used gentle humour to celebrate the kind of well-intentioned amateur inventor who spends hours tinkering with various odds and ends, dreaming of commercial success. Times may have changed, but thankfully we still have inventors who are happy to keep plodding away in the hope of a big breakthrough – even if some of their ideas are almost as wacky as those in Heath Robinson’s drawings. John Ward and the window cleaners’ friend Eccentric inventor John Ward is known for inventions such as the musical frying pan, the revolving teaspoon and the portable bra warmer. Starting out as a trainee painter and decorator, John tried several occupations before deciding to build a career around his barmy inventions. Like the contraptions in Heath Robinson’s famous cartoons, John uses recycled materials to create many of his inventions. These include a ‘helicopter car’ and the ‘ladder-bicycle’: a bike which can be ridden, but when turned through ninety degrees becomes a handy stepladder for cleaning windows. Although John doesn’t take his work too seriously, he has been invited to showcase his inventions on TV in the UK, America, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Russia. He has also been involved in all kinds of promotional work, and is often asked to create props, store displays and contraptions to be shown at county shows and exhibitions. Willy Johnson’s bottle top brainwave Willy Johnson is another British inventor who has patented a number of weird and wonderful ideas, including the ‘expanding plant pot’, a pleated plastic container “which can be expanded progressively to accommodate

increased root growth.” He has also invented a floating soap containing a compressed sponge (that only becomes accessible once the soap is used up), and a television that can be turned off by means of a ‘soft missile’ thrown at the screen. Although none of these inventions has yet reached a mass market, one of Willy Johnson’s recent inspirations – providing a further life for the humble bottle top – has attracted considerable media interest. His invention, known as a ‘ToPo®’, has been designed to become a fun educational toy once the bottle is empty. ToPo® bricks can be joined together in various ways, creating all kinds of shapes, and the addition of a single letter on each brick means they can also be used to spell out words. While William Heath Robinson’s work satirises the lengths some inventors will go to in order to develop a winning idea, it’s great to see two British inventors whose slightly off-the-wall approach and quirky creativity has paid off. It shows how far you can go with a few recycled bits and pieces … and a lot of string.

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

CMY

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

Pets

Rehoming Appeal Hattie

Hattie is a short-haired tabby who is about 8 years old. She moved out of her home as she didn’t get on with the other cats, (which is not so unusual) and she was taken in by a neighbour. Unfortunately, they are unable to keep her permanently. Hattie now deserves to find her forever home where there are no other pets or young children. A family with older children would be fine. She is friendly and likes to be fussed (sometimes it is on her terms). She is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped and would love to find her forever home. If you would like to find out more about Hattie, please call Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook. com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

Review of the Year 1. In August, Donald Trump cancelled a trip to Denmark after the Danish Prime Minister said that what was not for sale? 2. In August, which team were expelled from the English Football League due to unpaid debts? 3. To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, which TV soap opera aired a special episode featuring an all-female cast? 4. What was the specific date in 2019 on which the UK was originally due to leave the European Union? 5. In July, 15-year-old Jaden Ashman from Essex won over one million dollars after coming second alongside his Dutch teammate in the World Cup finals of which video game?

6. In January, who wrote to Emma Fairweather, saying “I have since learned you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury.”? 7. A McDonald’s restaurant in Edinburgh was asked by police to stop selling what in May due to a visit from Nigel Farage? 8. In June, 89-year-old Colin Thackery became the oldest person to win what? 9. In September, what became the first ever British-made TV show to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series? 10. After talks with Irish leader Leo Varadkar in February, who said there is a “special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan of how to carry it out safely”?

1. Greenland 2. Bury 3. Emmerdale 4. March 29th 5. Fornite 6. Prince Philip (after being involved in a car crash) 7. Milkshakes (fearing they would be thrown at him) 8. Britain’s Got Talent 9. Fleabag 10. Donald Tusk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Pets

I Do Solemnly Swear I Am Up To A LOT OF Good! Harry Potter references aside, the beginning of a new year sees an abundance of people making new year’s resolutions. Promises and pledges to make positive changes in their lives. Afterall, the beginning of January is the ideal time to pause and reflect once the Christmas festivities have ceased for another year. If thought out carefully New Year’s resolutions can be very positive and a force for good. Many of you will have already had the conversation with yourself about what your new year’s resolutions will be this year. While others haven’t really given it much thought. So here we have a list. For those of you who enjoy setting yourself goals and wishes, here are a few more suggestions with an RSPCA twist. 1) Have an early Spring clean. Eliminating clutter and unwanted ‘stuff’ from your house can feel very liberating and rewarding. So, this year why not vow to visit the RSPCA shop with all of your unwanted items; clothes, shoes, jewellery, books, DVD’s, CD’s. Don’t forget to fill in our gift aid form when you do. You could even keep a curver box under the stairs for charity items, when its full, bring it in. 2) Volunteering your time All of our shops rely on the dedication of our volunteers, who we could not operate without. They all do an incredible job. I regularly hear from our volunteers how rewarding it is working for the RSPCA, and many love the flexibility of the role. So it you have some regular spare time, why not pop down to your local RSPCA shop to find out how you can help. 3) Recycling Christmas presents Every now and then we receive Christmas presents that we are grateful for but didn’t ask

for and will therefore never use. They end up at the bottom of the wardrobe or at the back of a drawer collecting dust. We keep these gifts as we do not want to appear ungrateful nor do we want to upset anyone. Sound familiar? Well pop into your local RSPCA shop with any unwanted Christmas gifts and put them to good use. 4) Holding a sponsored event at work Organising and participating in a charity event at work is so uplifting. It raises team spirit and valuable amounts of money are raised in the process. So why not this year, hold an event at work to raise money for the RSPCA. Big or small we are incredibly grateful for all of our donations. You could hold a coffee morning, sponsored walk, golf tournament, an auction, football match, car wash or a bake sale. 5) Be a foster carer The RSPCA are really lucky to have an amazing group of foster carers that provide temporary homes for animals. Fostering an animal is incredibly rewarding and can help the animal to recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury. Fostering also provides people who would normally be unable to have an animal long term with an alternative. 6) Buying from charity shops more often Finally, one resolution you can make this year is to buy from charity shops more often, and to have them more in the forefront of your mind. So when it is World Book Day and you are being asked to magic a costume out of thin air – go to your local RSPCA shop! If you are after a new coat – check out your local RSPCA shop first. Whatever you decide your new year’s resolutions are going to be this coming year, see if any of them can have a ‘caring for animals’ theme.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

GILKS FENCING LTD

All Types of Fencing, Gates & Railings, SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

Call for a FREE Survey & Quotation Visit our Display Area at:

Gilks Fencing

Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX Tel:

01767 650 615

Email:

gilksfencing@hotmail.com

www.gilksfencing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job? Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

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

CARPET SALE UP TO 50% OFF PLUS FREE FITTING, FREE GRIPPERS When carpet purchased with underlay FURNITURE MOVED, OLD CARPETS REMOVED IF REQUIRED

FREE ESTIMATES WE CALL WITH SAMPLES AND MEASURE CARPETS FITTED IN ABOUT A WEEK

KEN SEABY CARPETS 01462 733203 07748 532632

KEN’S CARPET CARE, CARPET CLEANING, RE-FITS & REPAIRS

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 56

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Parenting

Making family life that little bit easier Ever feel like you’re trying to juggle too many balls, half of which are on fire? Here are a few ideas that might help… Plan like a pro If you have school-age children, you no doubt find yourself wishing they had their own personal assistant at times. (And a cook, cleaner and driver.) Between them, my two have drama, yoga, maths club, choir, piano, Taekwondo, dance, computer club, youth club and swimming lessons. And that’s before you factor in play dates, homework and school projects. I find the easiest way to remember who needs what, where and on what day, is through a Google calendar that I share with my partner. It means we constantly have notifications pinging at us, but we can remind the kids to grab their piano book or swim stuff in the morning. A wall planner is also handy, particularly a wipeclean weekly planner hung next to the front door or on the fridge. Use it to keep track of clubs, play dates, homework deadlines, whether they’re on school dinners or packed lunches and so on. I bought ours from Amazon for £5. Now I just need to get my kids to remember to check it… Encouraging children to put things away Fed up of the kids dumping their bags and coats on the floor when they walk through the door?

Make it as easy as possible for them to hang things up by installing extra hooks in your hallway. If the hooks are low enough to reach easily, and only for your kids’ coats and bags, it’s more likely they’ll get used. Once you’ve reminded your children to go back and hang their things up a dozen or so times, it becomes habit. Help babies to sleep outside your home When you’re a parenting journalist, you get sent a lot of press releases. The one new product that’s really stood out from the crowd for me recently is the POD Travel Crib. In short, it’s a travel cot that folds up to become a changing bag. The bag can be used to carry nappies, wipes and spare clothes, and the cot mattress doubles up as a changing mat. Genius, right? It takes less than a minute to turn it from bag into cot (and we all know that every second counts when it comes to sleeping babies). And, unlike a lot of baby products, this one looks rather stylish. Think designer laptop bag, but on a larger scale. I ordered one for my sister the day I received the press release, and it now goes with her pretty much everywhere. My niece sleeps better in it than the car seat and it means my sister doesn’t have to lug the pram around. It’s£65 from www.bizzigrowin.com.

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

By Kate Duggan - www.kateduggan.co.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Sure-Fix Sure-Fix Roofing & Building Solutions

Roofing & Building Solutions

Local Roofing Specialists covering Hertfordshire No

FREE

obliga Roof Repairs quotatiotion ns Flat Roofing New Roofs and Re-Roofs Fascias, Soffits and Guttering

24/7 Emergency Roof Repair 0800 5353847 or 07468 302359

www.surefixroofingandbuilding.co.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Motoring

Easy Tips to Improve Your Driving - 1

As we progress in our driving lives, gaining experience whilst doing so, we also pick up some bad habits. The following tips will help improve your driving which will act as a basis to take your driving skill further by being safer and even saving you money through car care and insurance. Don’t ‘Drive’ the Car – Control It By this I mean forcing the vehicle to do something against its ‘will’. Get to know your

car’s inertia, i.e. how quickly it slows down when you lift your right foot. How much do you need to turn the wheel to go around a corner? When’s the point at which the engine starts to labour or over-rev because it’s in the wrong gear? Learning how your car handles means you can set it up well in advance to go smoothly around a bend, for example. Posture Trying to control a car with a one hand holding the wheel at an 11 o’clock position is not only dangerous, it’s bad for your posture too. I see drivers doing ‘gymnastics’ as they negotiate a roundabout, swinging in the seat as they almost wrestle with the wheel. It all leads to untidy car control and leaves us tired after a journey. To improve this, hold the steering wheel with both hands at ‘10 to 2’ and feed it through your hands. Changing gear or a control will still mean you have one hand on the wheel.

By Iain Betson

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

WALL COATING

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

Before After

0800 046 1080 hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

n O s ’ t Wha In January

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

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 January Letchworth Corner Bridge Club 1.15pm The Cloisters Masonic Lodge, Letchworth Letchworth Corner Bridge Club plays duplicate Bridge every Thursday afternoon. We usually play 27 boards which takes just over 3 hours. Refreshments, including fresh homemade cakes, are available every week. The club warmly invites visits from prospective new members - please call John for more info. Tel: John Biggs 01462 433393

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 January Toddler Tales 2.15-2.45pm Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family welcomed. Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 January 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 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 January Stevenage Plus Social Group 8.15pm for 8.30pm Holiday Inn Express (opposite Matalan), Stevenage £2 - first night free. A fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas. New members always welcome. Tel: 01438 231550. Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 January 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 3 January RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group 7.30pm ‘The Settlement’, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City Local group members free, Visitors £3 ‘My journey in wildlife photography’ by Ben Andrew. Ben is an amateur wildlife photographer and RSPB staff member (he runs the RSPB’s photographic library). He details his journey into photography, successes and failures and how he has developed specific photo projects to tell stories through imagery. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 January 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

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 January Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Springfield House (the home of the Old Stevenage Community Centre) To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 January Rainmakers International Folk Dance Club 8-10pm The Parish Hall, Broadway, Letchworth Rainmakers is a friendly club for all. We enjoy folk dances of all styles from many countries around the world and meet most Fridays. Come on your own or with a friend. Tel: Roger 01438 812766 Web: www.rainmakers.org.uk 4 January Saturday Stories 10.30-11am Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1 per family welcomed. Stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. 4 January 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 5, 12, 19 & 26 January Hare & Hounds Hash House Harriers 11am H5 are a social running and walking club for mixed abilities, meeting every week in the Bedfordshire area. The trail is set by our hare from a local pub and typically lasts 1 hour covering between 3 and 4 miles. Family and dog friendly. Full details of the trails can be found online or via email. Email: info@h5hashers.org.uk Web: www.H5hashers.org.uk 6 January Drop-In Session 10.30am-12 noon Baldock Library Scam awareness talk. Drop in for a chat; make new friends over tea, biscuits and various activities. No need to book.

6, 13, 20 & 27 January Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Shefford Baptist Church Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds. First session free. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 6, 13, 20 & 27 January Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. A fun half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all ages. 6, 13, 20 & 27 January Café Connect 1-4pm Arlesey Resource Centre, High Street, Arlesey An exciting new community project in Arlesey! We want to bring the community together with a series of events chosen by YOU. Come along to Meet new people, Share your skills, Explore your interests, Learn something new, Develop your community and all with free tea, coffee and cakes! This project is delivered by Community Action Bedfordshire and NOAH Enterprise, and funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and Public Health. Tel: Priya 07814 704203 6, 13, 20 & 27 January Stevenage New Pathways 1-4pm Friends Meeting House Cuttys Lane, Stevenage £2 inc. hot drink & biscuits. A friendly place to meet and talk over issues in a positive way. Maybe go for walks, bring in speakers, form a craft group. Email: katiewilsonmind@gmail.com 6, 13, 20 & 27 January 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. We change partners every four games. Table numbers are drawn at the start of play. Free car park. Tel: Bob Findlay (Chairman) 01462 790211 6, 13, 20 & 27 January Stevenage Choral Society 7.45-9.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel School, Stevenage The society meets every Monday during term time. Free the friendly choir with a free session. 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 and be part of a friendly and supportive team. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

n O s ’ t Wha In January

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

6, 13, 20 & 27 January Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Staplers is a social folk dance club. All the dances are walked through first then called and you don’t need to come with a partner. Car parking is available next to the hall. Meets every Monday apart from bank holidays and some school holiday dates. Tel. 01462 624144 or 01462 680995 Web: www.staplers.org.uk

8 January 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. 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

6, 13, 20 & 27 January Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized social club for single people. The club organises regular events,day and weekend trips and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

8, 15, 22 & 29 January Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. A fun half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all age.

7 January Langford Gardening Club 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church St, Langford Members free, Non- members £3 (inc. refreshments). ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ with Betty Cook. Web: www.langford-gardening-club.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 January Willian Bowls Club 2pm Lower Green, Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth Come and bowl with us one Tuesday afternoon if you are free. Tel: David on 01462 642790 Web: www.willianbowlsclub.org 7, 14, 21 & 28 January Rosehill Community Singing Group 2-3pm Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road, Letchworth £4. A new group for the over 50s that meets every Tuesday with refreshments and time to chat after each session! The Monday group is now full. Drop-in session, no need to book. 7, 14, 21 & 28 January Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club. Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 8 January Letchworth Chamber Music Concert 7.45pm Howgills Friends Meeting House, 42 South View Tickets £15, Under 18s & students £7.50. Emma Halnan (flute) and Daniel King Smith (piano). Tickets available on the door. www.letchworthmusicclub.co.uk

8, 15, 22 & 29 January Toddler Tales 2.15-2.45pm Letchworth Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. A mix of lively stories and rhymes. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. 8, 15, 22 & 29 January Vivace Choir 7.30-9.30pm Edgeworth House, 121 High Street, Arlesey We are looking for keen singers to join our fun and friendly choir. Web: www.vivacechoir.co.uk 9 January Baldock & Clothall WI 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock Visitors £3. Tel: Lucy 01462 742609 for more info Email: Baldockclothallwi@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi 9, 16, 23 & 30 January Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage £3, annual membership £5. Friendly club for English country dancing – enjoyable, easy to learn and very sociable. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced. All dances walked through; guest callers ensure a varied programme. Tel: 01438 727239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk 14 January Transition Tuesday: What’s your carbon footprint? 7.30-9.15pm Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Way South, Letchworth If your New Year’s resolution is to reduce your carbon footprint then this talk would be a good first step. Join us to find out about the strengths and weaknesses of different online tools which you can use to estimate your carbon footprint and find out what makes the biggest impact. All welcome, admission free, but a £2 donation to help cover room hire and refreshments is welcome.

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

14 & 28 January Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Social club for retired and semi-retired professional and business men which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month for lunch. New members welcome. Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com 19 January RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group Trip Coach Trip to RSPB Lakenheath Fen. This excellent reserve in Suffolk, with huge reed beds, river and woodland, is good for wintering birds. Pick-ups Hitchin 8.00am, Letchworth 8.15am and Royston 8.35am. Leader: Malcolm Ingram. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com 19 January Stevenage RSPB Local Group car trip to Rainham Marshes 10am Get the new year off with a bang with an all-day car trip to this superb reserve close to the Dartford Crossing (but this side). Meet in the car park at 10am. Leader Graham Beevor Grid Ref 177/TQ 551790. Postcode RM19 1SZ. RSPB card required. Tel: 01438 226014. Web: ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/stevenage 21 January Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage RSPB Members £3, Non-members £4, Under 18s 50p ‘Farming, Birds and the Countryside’ with Alice Groom, Senior Policy Officer in the Land Use team of the RSPB. Tel: 01438 226014 Web: www.rspb.org/groups/Stevenage 31 January, 1, 2, 7 & 8 Feb Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves 31 Jan, 7 & 8 Feb 7.30pm; 1, 2 & 8 Feb 2.30pm The Oak Hall at Meppershall Village Hall, Walnut Tree Way Adults £10, Children £7, Family (2a + 2c) £30 HATS Drama Group present Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, a hilarious family pantomime by Ben Crocker. Doors open 30 mins before performances. Licensed bar. www.ticketsource.co.uk/hats-drama Hitchin & Surrounding Areas Fun & Social Stuff A welcoming social group based in Hitchin, but, also includes the surrounding areas. We arrange monthly socials, drinks socials, live music, pub quizzes, cinema, etc.. The group is a variety of people over 18 getting to know others in a social and friendly setting whilst also enjoying themselves. Email: meetup3@outlook.com Web: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-groupHVrvZZiQ

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Technology

Start a New Year’s revolution

High-tech ways to keep your New Year’s resolutions

The decorations are down, the gyms are going to be packed for the next few weeks and many of us have vowed to sort ourselves out. We’re going to get fitter, happier and more productive – and technology can help. One way technology can help is by making fitness more fun. For example, instead of a pricey gym subscription, why not buy yourself an e-bike? While some electric bikes are incredibly expensive, prices are falling fast: for example, Halfords sells a number of electric bikes for less than £600 and one is just £479. By comparison, a year’s membership of a very wellknown gym chain is £672. Whether you’re cycling down the streets, pounding the pavements or hitting the gym, it’s useful to track your progress to help with your motivation. There are tons of apps for everything, from recording the calories you consume to giving you challenging workouts. Some are incredibly focused, such as Seven: it gives you workouts you

can do in just seven minutes. Phones can track your movements through the day but if you really want to track your progress, a fitness tracker or a smartwatch can give you all kinds of information about what your body’s doing. The big daddy of the fitness tracking world is the Apple Watch, which comes in two flavours: the Series 3, which starts at £199, and the Series 5, which starts at £399. The series 4 was discontinued last year. If you have an iPhone, they’re the best smart watches you can buy. If you don’t have an iPhone or just don’t need a £400 Apple Watch, there are plenty of other options. Samsung makes a range of Galaxy Active watches from around £200 up that work really well with Android phones, and it also makes a simple fitness tracker called the Galaxy Fit. That’s currently £89. Fitbit has the £199 Versa 2 smartwatch and a range of fitness trackers including the £119 Charge 3 and the £69

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

Ace 2 for children. Garmin has fitness-focused smartwatches at all price points plus the cute and sub-£100 Vivosmart 4 trackers, and firms such as Huawei offer budget bargains such as the £59 Band 3 Pro. Every device is different, of course, but the main difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker is apps. Smartwatches generally have them and fitness trackers generally don’t. Not all fitness technology goes on your wrist. Smart scales have become even smarter recently and many of them now connect to the health app on your phone, so you can see changes to your body composition and your weight over time. If you don’t feel like dropping £130-plus on a Nokia / Withings smart scale, the budget technology brand Eufy makes some really nice smart ones for much less: its Bluetooth-connected smart scales are currently £39.99 and work brilliantly.

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

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Astrology

By Louise Addison

It’s Written in the Stars…or is it? What should we make of astrology? As the new year begins, those who enjoy astrology will check the heavens to see what the future might have in store. Astrologers look for answers, signs and predictions in the movements of the celestial bodies. There is a long history of humans using the stars to plan their lives. Farmers used the skies as a calendar as long ago as Ancient Egyptians, when the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, around mid-July, was seen as a marker of the imminent annual flooding of the Nile; and Sailors have long used the night skies to aid navigation. We don’t know who first came up with the idea of looking at divining the influences of nature on humans, but some form of astrology shows up in the various belief systems of ancient cultures. In Ancient China, noblemen looked at eclipses or sunspots as portents of good or bad times for their emperor. The Sumerians and Babylonians watched planets and stars as a way to keep track of where gods were in the sky. The ancient Egyptians contributed the idea that patterns of stars made up constellations, through which the sun appears to “move” at a specific time during the year. It’s thought that all of these ideas came together when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in around 330 BC. The Greek logisticians and mathematicians worked out rules for how divination by the stars could work. Imagine a straight line drawn from Earth through the Sun and out into space beyond our solar system to where the stars are. As the Earth follows its orbit around the Sun this imaginary line

rotates, pointing to different stars throughout one complete trip around the Sun — or one year. All the stars that lie close to the imaginary flat disk swept out by this imaginary line are said to be in the zodiac. The astronomer Ptolemy helped popularize the 12 signs in his book The Tetrabiblos. They are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Ptolemy also developed the idea that signs along the zodiac that were 30° wide, and that the sun moved through them regularly during the year. For centuries, astrology was considered basically the same thing as astronomy - the scientific study of celestial bodies. This only changed around the beginning of the Enlightenment in the late 17th century with Sir Isaac Newton’s work on the motion of the planets and gravity. He started a whole new mathematical and scientific approach to looking at the sky and the motion of planets and the earth. But the appeal of looking to the stars for answers has never waned. Astrology remains popular today, probably due to the fact that humans tend towards romanticism and also towards a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias where we search for interpretations that match what we already hope to be true. We latch on to events that corroborate our beliefs and ignore those that don’t fit the pattern. But if nothing else, astrology is fun, and scientist that I am…I still read the horoscopes!

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

T J Lee

Chimney Builders

Alan George Painter & Decorator

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

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

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

WINDOW REPAIRS

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

BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks ﬁxed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog ﬂaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 72

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

December’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Heather Urquhart from Hitchin Cambridge Gliding Competition Winner Mrs Beverley Sale-James from St Neots Christmas Quiz Competition Winner Mrs P Davies from Biggleswade

Easy

Hard

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

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 JANUARY hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

The Villager Prize Crossword

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

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

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Demand (6) 4 Swollen (5) 9 Tract of level high ground (7) 10 Examinations (5) 11 Restored to health (5) 12 Exact (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Sudden bursts of light (7) 20 Contest (5) 22 Strongly flavoured edible bulb (5) 23 Interconnected system (7) 24 Traffic light (5) 25 Changes to fit purpose (6) Down 1 Collision (6) 2 Step (5) 3 Slim (7) 5 Loosen (5) 6 Popular style (7) 7 Keeping down (11) 8 Pale or colourless (5) 14 Ingredient of nuclear power (7) 15 Restricted (7) 16 Happening, underway (5) 17 Trembles (6) 19 Thus (5) 21 Unit of soldiers (5)

Name: Tel:

ď&#x20AC;˘

Address:

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Taylor Made Interiors

The Complete Service

BathroomThe Specialist personal touch

• Installation • Kitchens • Plumbing • Tiling • Plastering • Painting • Decorating • Property maintenance Find me on Facebook

Please call 07890 872472/01462 700215 www.taylor-made-interiors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance

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

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

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

01438 211302 info@eastanglianloftladders.co.uk eastanglianloftladders.co.uk 76

Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Book Review By Kate Duggan

Classifieds Accountants

A Year of Reading Aloud by Georgina Rodgers (editor)

If you love poetry, try this collection of ‘52 poems to learn and love’, where you’ll find well-known names such as Sylvia Plath, E.E Cummings, William Blake and Maya Angelou alongside newer poets. Most of the poems are short enough to learn without too much difficulty, and they’re accompanied by a paragraph about the poet and the reason why the poem has been selected. Take up the challenge of learning one each week, or just dip in and out when you need an extra dose of beauty in your life.

Grow Cook Eat Diary 2020 by Sarah Raven

If you love gardening and cooking this could be the diary for you. Each month has a short list of what to sow, plant and harvest in your garden, along with other garden-related tasks and a simple recipe using in-season produce. Dishes range from Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry to Beef Carpaccio with Fennel Flowers. As you’d expect, there are plenty of stunning flower photographs throughout the diary, with one image for each week.

A Year of Living Thankfully by Lois Blyth

Can being more grateful change your life? According to this book it can, and Lois Blyth is on a mission to show you how. Each week, you’ll work through an activity to help you embrace gratitude and take pleasure in the little things. There’s guidance on turning negative thoughts around, learning to appreciate what you have and not letting others spoil your mood.

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

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

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

Plumbing

Dave Mortby Plastering, Decorating & Refurbishment

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

Email: David.mortby@live.co.uk

Removals

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

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

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area. The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

Cocaine Anonymous................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers..................................... 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care................... 0333 252 9152 Floodline........................................... 0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory........................... 0800 776 600 National Debt Line............................ 0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency.................................... 0800 111 999 NHS Direct................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..................... 03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.................................101 NSPCC............................................... 0808 800 5000 Relate................................................. 0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line............................ 0300 1234 999 Samaritans...................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline............................ 0345 300 3900 Victim Support................................. 0845 30 30 900

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

Tel: 01767 261122

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

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