Henlow July 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 152 - July 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Woodland Holidays in the UK

Eating Al Fresco

Italian Style Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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

FRco1py

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Inside this issue...

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen

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Woodland Holidays in the UK................................................................ 4 Eat Al Fresco Italian Style......................................................................... 8 Here, for the Beer!..................................................................................... 12 Sounds of Summer....................................................................................14 Anniversaries - Late Summer 2021........................................................16 The Cannes Film Festival..........................................................................19 Open Water Swimming............................................................................ 21 Child-friendly Gardens............................................................................ 22 Warmer Weather Dressing..................................................................... 25 Summer Skin...............................................................................................26 Green your beauty routine..................................................................... 31 Real men wear sunscreen....................................................................... 35 Can a garage door increase the kerb appeal of your home?....36 Beginner’s Guide to Stocks and Shares............................................. 39 Planning an Outdoor Kitchen...............................................................40

Smart Gardening........................................................................................ 42 Bring the Indoors Out.............................................................................45 Save Water...................................................................................................48 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal....................................................................... 52 Keeping your Pets Cool...........................................................................54 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................. 57 Appley Ever After!....................................................................................58 Puzzle Page..................................................................................................60 Don’t let rain stop play............................................................................ 62 The best apps for hiking and trails.....................................................64 Short Story - Finch Pinching.................................................................. 67 Best summer convertibles for all budgets........................................ 71 Villager Prize Crossword - Win £25..........................................74 Summer-worthy Audio books.............................................................. 76 Useful Numbers......................................................................................... 79

Sounds of Summer

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Trevor Langley, Tom Hancock, Sarah Davey, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Louise Addison, Mark O’Keefe, Katherine Sorrell, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Nick Coffer, Jackie Brewster, Herts MS Therapy Centre, and Kate Duggan

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

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

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

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Staycation

Forest of Dean

Woodland holidays in the UK Whether you’re looking for a secluded escape or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, reconnect with Mother Nature with a visit to one of the UK’s most enchanting forests.

If there’s one thing the UK has no shortage of, it’s unspoilt woodland. Our forests are brimming with beauty and wildlife all year round, making them perfect for nature watching, walking and mountain biking – or for just finding some peace and quiet.

Look out for native ponies in the New Forest, walk in Robin Hood’s shoes amidst the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest, or live out your very own adventure in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. With so much of our country carpeted in thick woodland, you’ll be spoilt for choice on which forest to visit first. To get your imagination ticking, here are just three of the UK’s most impressive forests – and what not to miss when you’re there.

The New Forest, Hampshire With historical roots reaching as far back as 1079, the New Forest is far from new. Once a royal hunting preserve, it’s now one of the UK’s most visited national parks, home to deer, native ponies and rare birds.

Made up of unspoilt woodland, rare heathland and river valleys, there’s more to the New Forest

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than first meets the eye. Spend a long weekend in a traditional thatched cottage, gaze up at giant sequoias along the ‘Tall Trees Trail’, cycle through quaint villages, and meet the national park’s nosy wild ponies. There are plenty of activities and attractions for families too. The ‘Peppa Pig’ themed Paultons Park is a huge draw for children, while Longdown Activity Farm and the New Forest Wildlife Park are popular spots for animal lovers.

The New Forest is also conveniently close to the UK’s glorious south coast. Watch the boats come and go from the harbour town of Lymington, a jumping-off point to the Isle of Wight, or walk along the beach to Hurst Castle from Milford-on-Sea. It’s this combination of woodland and coastline that make the New Forest a true holiday haven.

The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire Step inside JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling’s magical worlds with a trip to Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. Its mysterious depths supposedly inspired Middle Earth, and key scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows were also filmed here.

Dean’s history stretches back to medieval times, when it was used as a royal hunting forest. A source of timber for Tudor warships, and later a Victorian hub for iron and coal mining, in 1938 it was promoted

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to England’s first National Forest Park.

Today, a landscape of woodlands, rivers, hills and valleys make the Forest of Dean a playground for outdoor pursuits. Recharge your batteries from a remote forest cabin before taking a high ropes course in the treetops or exploring some of the UK’s oldest underground mine workings at Clearwell Caves.

The area is also home to one of the best rivers in the country for canoeing and kayaking – the River Wye. Paddle down the river solo or join a relaxing boat cruise, learning about the landscape as you go.

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire Robin Hood’s legendary stomping ground, the ancient Sherwood Forest is entwined with myths and fairy tales. It’s hard to ignore Robin Hood while you’re here, with countless pubs, lodges, walking trails and even a festival named after him. But Sherwood Forest is much more than its most famous hero.

Plenty of visitors travel here to see the forest’s gigantic oak trees, many of which have been standing for centuries. The Major Oak, believed to be 1,100 years old, is actually the biggest in Britain!

Explore the hundreds of acres of ancient woodland

Sherwood Forest (John W. Schulze) here on foot or by bike, ticking off the Robin Hood statues along the way. Its history as a royal hunting forest means it’s also dotted with several grand ducal estates, many of which are open to the public.

You could even time your visit around the annual Robin Hood festival, held in the forest every summer. Storytelling, sword fighting, dancing, and food, drink and craft stalls come together to create a fun atmosphere for kids and adults alike. And if that wasn’t enough, the charming village of Edwinstowe is also nearby, rumoured to be the marriage destination of Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

New Forest (Victor Ochieng)

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7

Time of Year

Eat Al Fresco Italian Style During 2020 when we were all forced to stay home during that glorious first spring and summer of the pandemic, outdoor pizza oven sales soared as we all mourned our lost foreign holidays and long lazy sun-soaked lunches. The trend for al fresco Italian cooking shows no sign of letting up in 2021 so what should you look for in a pizza oven?

Both wood fired pizza ovens and traditional BBQs use wood or coal to create fire for cooking on. They also cook similar foods, albeit in different ways.

Wood fired ovens are designed to reach much hotter temperatures than BBQs and retain that heat for longer periods of time – a good wood fired oven reaches up to 400°C or higher, and some will stay hot throughout the day. From quick 3-minute pizzas to slow-cooked meats roasting for a few hours, outdoor ovens can do it all!

It’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon but first consider what you will be cooking and how often.

One of the biggest benefits of a pizza oven is that it can also barbecue grill and smoke food. But if all you want to do is grill a few burgers, you probably won’t want to have to wait for a big pizza oven to heat up!

If your heart still says ‘pizza’ there are a number of options to choose from.

Wood Fired Pizza Ovens - A heavy wood fired pizza oven is the classic and most authentic pizza oven.

They generally feature an insulated brick dome that is ideal for reaching high temperatures over long periods.

Because they are heavy, they can’t be moved easily, and they require a strong base for support. They take time to heat up, and you need plenty of practice to get used to the various temperatures you need to cook different foods. These are for the serious al fresco chef.

Portable Pizza Ovens - If you don’t want to fully commit your garden to a huge wood-fired pizza oven, a portable style is a great alternative. You can wheel them to a sunny spot and position them where the smoke won’t billow over your guests.

They are obviously smaller than traditional brick ovens, and don’t retain heat for as long, but they heat up more quickly which is a plus.

Tabletop Pizza Ovens - There are tabletop insulated wood fired pizza ovens available that are lightweight enough to be placed on any non-flammable surface.

These compact pizza ovens are perfect for tiny gardens and even balconies and are ready to start cooking in just 25 minutes!

Gas Fired Pizza Oven - If you aren’t a fan of building a wood fire, don’t want to annoy your neighbours with the smoke or just want to have better control over the heat, a gas pizza oven could be the perfect choice. They still feature high performing insulation, but don’t reach such high temperatures and can’t be used to smoke food smoker. A gas oven might also be the choice for you if you prefer a non-smoky, cleaner taste.

Whatever your choice, buona pizza!

By Tom Hancock

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One thing is for sure though, there have also been some heart warming positives that we can take out of last year. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit.

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the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

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Food & Drink

Here, for the Beer!

There are many styles of beer around today. Porter ales originated in London, approx 1730 and by the late 1700’s became very popular in England. Stout is known for its classic style and is usually dark and heavy, being bitter, with a very good taste. Bitters came about during the latter part of the 19th century. Mild beers tend to be a little sweeter. Bottle-conditioned beers are conditioned within the bottle, having sufficient yeast and sugars to create a secondary fermentation within the bottle.

Located in Nottingham, Castle Rock Brewery has been operating pubs since 1977 and brewing beers from 1998. Several award-winning ales are produced by Castle Rock Brewery, with some (very) well-established favourites. From their most impressive range I tried the following bottled productions.

HARVEST PALE (4.3% vol) utilises Centennial, Cascade and Chinook hops to great advantage. This multi award-winning blonde ale exudes crispness, with citrusy overtones. Refreshing, to the last. Hailed as ‘the finest blonde beer’ – I agree! ELSIE MO (5.0% vol) uses Challenger, Bobek and Aurora hops to produce a ‘glorious’ golden ale (another flagship production). This excellent, balanced beer is a further award-winner from Castle Rock Brewery. A splendid nasal delight complements the malt and hops for the mouthfeel and palate’s sensation, perfectly. The superb bottle-conditioned version must be poured slowly (of course) and enjoyed slowly (of course). SCREECH OWL (5.5% vol) is brewed with Centennial and Cascade hops. Very wellestablished, within the ‘core range’ of beers – first brewed in 2008 – this is an extremely popular production.

A classic American IPA, I found this beer both refreshing and full-bodied. An excellent finish extends the pleasure.

Brewery tours, with tastings, are available and very popular. A most interesting Visitor Centre is enjoyed by many, too, which can also be hired, for some private functions. An estate of pubs stretches out to surrounding counties and Castle Rock productions are also to be located at numerous venues, plus supermarkets and off-licences.

I found this company socially responsible, with committed and dedicated staff, producing excellent products and service.

Castle Rock Brewery, Queensbridge Road, Nottingham, NG2 1NB. Tel: 44 (0) 115 985 1615 E-mail: admin@castlerockbrewery.co.uk www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl 12

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Time of Year

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Summer

2020 deprived us of concerts and festivals, so get that summer vibe on

2021 will be the year of the outdoor concert. With masking and social distancing still in place at time of writing many people may still not feel safe to attend indoor venues. But whether your tastes extend to the classics, jazz, pop, or folk there will definitely be an outdoor event to suit your family this summer.

Most outdoor concerts tend to take place in large fields so there’s plenty of room for running around and even outdoor games such as frisbees and football, providing they’re played well away from the main crowd. These are mostly family affairs and providing children are versed in general good manners, and they’re not throwing food or punches, even young children can enjoy them.

Evening concerts are even more special as the day fades and people light candles and lanterns. It can be magical…and we need a bit of magic this year.

If you have young children consider sitting further back to allow more room to stretch out and wander around.

Take small amounts of lots of different foods.

Everyone loves nibbles.

Take folding chairs, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent or those citronella candles and lots of rugs. Comfort is important, especially as the sun disappears.

A flask of hot chocolate will keep everyone happy as the evening air takes on a chill.

Some glowsticks or lanterns will make the event extra special.

Enjoy.

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A family favourite celebrating the perennial need for speed, from Richard Shuttleworth’s favourite racer to visiting speedsters.

Shuttleworth air shows are the perfect family day out, expect thrilling air displays from historic aircraft and explore the beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden.

There is something to keep the whole family entertained!

Find out more and book online at:

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The Shuttleworth Flying Circus is a completely new Drive-In Evening Air Display with incredible and popular barnstorming air displays; jaw dropping roving circus performers keeping you entertained from your covid-secure parking box; the famous twilight aerobatic pyrotechnic display and a bonanza fireworks display.

Whether a flying circus means to you the Red Baron or the Ministry of Silly Walks, you’ll find it all at the Shuttleworth Flying Circus.

Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/flyingcircus

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Time of Year

The Cannes Film Festival

Tue, 6 Jul 2021 – Sat, 17 Jul 2021 The world’s first ever competitive international film festival was held in Venice in 1932. Initially the festival and its awards was about the national prestige of the participating countries as much as it was about the films.

As World War II approached people noticed that the Venice film awards began to favour countries of the fascist alliance, most notably Germany and Italy.

In 1939 France was a certainty for The Festival’s top prize - with Jean Renoir’s La Grande Illusion. But instead it was awarded jointly to the German film Olympia and the Italian film Luciano Serra, Pilota.

The French were furious and with good reason.

Olympia was produced in association with Joseph Goebbel’s Ministry of Propaganda and the Italian entry was made by Mussolini’s son!

The French withdrew from the competition. The British and American judges resigned citing their anger at the way political dogma and ideology were interfering with artistic appreciation.

Later that year a group of critics and film makers petitioned the French government to hold an alternative international film festival in France.

This festival would promote artistic independence so films could be shown without fear of political repression.

Initially the French government were reticent as they had no wish to offend Mussolini but the group - which included the co-founder of cinema,

Louis Lumière - were persuasive and the idea was eventually approved.

Several locations were considered. Officially Cannes won because of its, ‘sunny and enchanting location,’ but it’s widely acknowledged that the real reason was because the City of Cannes agreed to fund a dedicated venue for the festival. And there interrupted only by World War II, and more recently the pandemic of 2020 - it remains.

Today the festival continues to uphold the highest artistic standards. In an industry dominated by ‘the bottom line’ Cannes stays true to its roots.

At the time of writing cinemas are opening their doors again so why not enter into the Cannes spirit and head to your local movie house? Even better pick a film that’s a bit different to your usual choice?

You might be pleasantly surprised.

And if you can’t get to the cinema yet, try renting one of these previous Palme D’Or (the top prize) winners, don your finery, buy in popcorn and champagne, and create a little bit of Cannes in your sitting room.

The Third Man (dir. Carol Reed, 1949) Taxi Driver (dir. Martin Scorsese, 1976) Apocalypse Now (dir. Francis Ford Coppola, 1979) The Piano (dir. Jane Campion, 1993) Pulp Fiction (dir. Quentin Tarantino, 1994) Secrets & Lies (dir. Mike Leigh, 1996) Parasite (dir. Bong Joon-ho, 2019)

By Sarah Davey

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Exercise

Open Water Swimming

Seven reasons to start

It’s freeing - With no restrictive lanes, you swim in your own space and at your own pace without worrying about being caught, lapped, or kicked. Also... the scenery actually changes!

It’s social - open water swimming groups are generally friendly and non-competitive.

It’s exhilarating - Swimming in nature is relaxing but stimulating.

It’s physically and mentally challenging Acclimatising to the cold temperatures of the open water pushes you physically and mentally! You need to build up your stamina and train your body’s cold response. Wetsuits are not only allowed but recommended for beginners because they help keep you warm and improve buoyancy.

Your energy levels will increase - Cold water excites nerves and speeds your heart rate. It’s a natural high!

It’s good if you’re trying to lose weight - Although most open water swimmers are not doing it to lose weight, swimming in cold water requires your body to use more energy to keep you warm. So, you’ll burn

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By Sarah Davey fat more efficiently and increase your metabolism, and this will lead to weight loss as part of a caloriecontrolled diet.

It’s good for pain management - Cold water immersion is used among athletes to help with injury and muscle pain. Swimming in cold water helps to minimise pain caused by inflammation. It seems to be particularly good for chronic pain.

Website: www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com *Before taking up any new exercise regime consult your GP.

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Parenting

Child-friendly Gardens The sun is out and it’s time to play. Struggling to get your children away from the TV and out into the garden? Our tips might help.

Encourage play Sandpits, mud kitchens and swings tend to be popular with younger children. Older ones usually love trampolines. However, play doesn’t have to be restricted to set areas of your garden. Stepping stones through a lawn or wildflower patch can keep toddlers entertained for hours, as can a tub of water and a mini watering can. Trees can be great for climbing (you could even add some extra handholds).

And what child doesn’t love making a den with an old sheet or cardboard boxes?

Time for quiet Children need spaces to be quiet and calm too. A swinging egg chair can be the perfect spot to curl up with a book. And a hammock is ideal for daydreaming in, whether you’re seven or 70. Try to make sure there are shady spots to help protect children on hot days.

Get growing Children aren’t exactly known for their patience, so they tend to prefer sowing fast-growing plants.

Sunflowers are a good choice, as it’s fun to see how high they’ve grown each week. You could also try growing fruit and vegetables. Who knows, that might even nudge your child into trying some new food (we can’t promise any miracles here). Check www. freestuff.co.uk/gardening-freebies for free seeds and growing packs. You can invest in pretty pots and children’s gardening tools if you want, but yoghurt

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pots and an old spoon will do the trick just as well.

Encourage imagination A string of solar-powered lights, a couple of pretty plants and some old toys can quickly turn an unloved patch or large plant pot into a fairy garden. You could also let your child use washable chalks on your patio to create a racing track for their cars or fields for their toy animals.

Attract wildlife It’s good for children to learn about caring for other creatures. Why not attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators into your garden with nectar-rich flowers?

Bring the birds in with seeds, a bird bath and places to nest. If you’re looking for a craft project, you could help your child to build a bug hotel, bee house or bird feeder.

Safety first • Lock garden shears, secateurs and other garden tools in a shed or lockable box.

• If your children are very young, you might want to avoid poisonous plants.

• Keep thorny, prickly plants away from the front of a border and children’s play areas.

• Teach children about safety (e.g. not to eat any berries before checking with you).

• Fit a grate over ponds.

• Check that your water butt has a secure lid.

• Pop ping-pong balls on bamboo canes and other pointy plant supports.

• Make sure gates can be bolted shut out of reach of little hands.

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House of Colour

A UK holiday or just some tips for warmer weather dressing!

I am hoping that by the time you read this we may be in a small heatwave or at least a little local break away is on the cards!

A little reminder of some good packing tips plus guidance on how to cope with hotter weather dressing.

1. Hats, essential. If you are buying a new hat, before you choose try on lots different colours and styles from a floppy straw hat to a panama to a baseball cap.

Find a style and colour that really suits you. A good rule of thumb is to keep the brim no wider than your hair! (Although if you know your style you can stretch that as you will know what scale suits you).

2. Packing. If you are managing a break away roll your clothes into three sausages for packing to avoid creased clothes. Lay out your tops and dresses, one inside the other, with the most crushable fabrics on the outside and roll them into a sausage. Trousers and skirts go in the second sausage. Everything else goes in the third from swimwear, and pashminas in your wow colours of course! Turning jackets inside out will help avoid creases. Stuff sleeves with underwear and fill your clutch bag with socks, chargers and belts. Essentially leave no space unfilled!

3. Neutral shades on your bottom half will mean that they go with more items and you can pack less.

4. A holiday is a great chance to wear some different jewellery. Try brighter colours from your season palette and different styles and materials.

Consider rings, earrings, belts, necklaces, bracelets when packing! Have fun with your holiday jewellery. I always go for the cheaper end of the spectrum in my accessories while travelling as I am prone to losing/dropping/leaving things.

5. Sunglasses are a must – we need the eye protection but also they are a stylish addition to your look. Black frames and even grey lenses can be too harsh for some so consider what will work best with your palette.

6. If you are venturing into the countryside you will need longer trousers to avoid insect bites etc. or

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even just to cope with our variable weather. There are some stylish options out there (Acai outdoor wear offer some interesting alternatives for serious adventuring). Robell have a lightweight and versatile range of trousers in lots of colours which suit a number of different looks and travel really well.

7. Layers – for a holiday in the UK we definitely need to accommodate varying temperatures!

Lightweight knits, a gilet (essential I find as it works on its own and with waterproofs if needed!) as well as shawls/pashminas are essential.

8. A skort? I know this might sound odd and immediately get you thinking about golf or clothing for toddlers but this is quite a helpful item in hot weather – lightweight and copes with a few adventures it’s a useful piece of clothing.

There are even versions that can be used for swimming! Have a look at some golf clothing outfitters to find your perfect option.

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

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Health

Summer Skin Sunburn, heat rashes and other skin conditions can spoil even the loveliest summer’s day.

Dr Rishika Sinha, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, says “Despite increased awareness about the dangers of excessive sun exposure, severe sunburn does still happen.

If you are taking medication this could increase your susceptibility to the sun, but more likely the cause is simply being caught out in the sun without adequate protection.”

The usual symptom of sunburn is red, hot skin that becomes painful and tender. In extreme cases, the skin can blister and you may experience headaches, nausea and vomiting. “As well as feeling unwell, repeated episodes of sunburn have been associated with increasing the overall risk of skin cancer,” says Dr Sinha.

If you do suffer from sunburn apply something cooling to the skin such as a wet towel or take a cool (but not cold) shower. “Some aftersun lotions that contain aloe vera can help to soothe the skin and I would encourage plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration,” says Dr Sinha. “Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain. If the skin is blistered or swollen or you feel unwell, seek medical advice.”

Of course, prevention is everything. Stay in the shade when the sun is at its highest (from 11am to 3pm). For sunscreen, Dr Sinha advises using SPF50 on exposed areas of skin and to reapply it every two to three hours. “It’s essential to use enough,” she says.

“The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)

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For further information: www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk

recommends adults should apply at least six full teaspoons of sunscreen (about 36g) to cover the body.”

Heat Rashes - ‘Prickly heat’ or ‘heat rash’ presents itself as small bumps under the skin caused by trapped sweat. These usually clear up when the affected area starts to cool. To ease the condition, try a cool compress or cool shower.

Another skin condition ‘folliculitis’, (where hair follicles become inflamed), is caused by increased sweating coupled with tight clothing. “This causes small bumps on the skin arising from hair follicles,” says Dr Sinha. “They can occasionally be associated with ‘yellow heads’ or ‘pustules’ and sometimes require a short course of oral antibiotics to clear the eruption.”

Insect bites - Common insect bites include mosquitoes and midges. Covering up can help reduce the risk of being bitten, as well as wearing insect repellents that contact 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide).

Mask wearing - If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne, you may notice spots or acne as a direct result of mask-wearing during the pandemic. Dr Adil Sheraz, Consultant Dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation explains that this form of acne is thought to be caused by the friction of the mask on your skin and increased humidity, heat and blocking of pores.

Dr Sheraz suggests using a barrier cream under the mask and washing your face with a water-based oilreducing or salicylic acid-based wash and use a daily moisturiser with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera or niacinamide.

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Green your beauty routine Easy swaps to minimise your beauty footprint Cut down your beauty miles We all know about buying local when it comes to food, but have you ever thought of the beauty miles linked to your favourite shampoo? One of the easiest ways to make a difference is to choose products that have been made here in the UK. It cuts down on transport emissions and helps to support local businesses. Not all British brands actually make their products in the UK of course. So you’ll need to do your homework.

One of my recent discoveries is Soak Sunday (www. soaksunday.com). All products are made right here in the UK and are cruelty-free and vegan friendly.

The packaging is glass, aluminium or recycled plastic and delivery boxes are made from FSC-certified cardboard.

But Soak Sunday’s green credentials aren’t the only reason I adore the brand. The products are lush. My personal favourite so far is the Rose Utopia Botanical Bath Soak, £14, which is made with real rose and lavender petals, as well as Himalayan salt and plant oils. It turns a regular bath into a spa-like experience.

Check packaging Many of us have been shocked by images of plastic waste in our oceans. Unfortunately, glass is heavier that plastic, which results in higher transport emissions. So it’s not as easy as you might think to decide which is greener. If you decide to go for plastic packaging, look for recycled bottles that can be recycled again. Avoid cling film and plastic wrap as it’s harder to recycle. Prefer glass? If possible, choose refillable glass bottles, as reusing requires less energy than recycling.

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Beauty

By Kate Duggan

You could also switch to solid shampoo, conditioner and soap bars to significantly cut down on both packaging and transport emissions.

Read the ingredients list Try to avoid palm oil and other ingredients that are destroying the rainforest or are toxic to the environment. When palm oil is included, make sure the brand has committed to sourcing it sustainably.

Switch to marine-safe sunscreen Around 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen is washed into the sea every year, most of which contains ingredients that are harmful to coral and other marine life. So choose an eco-sunscreen that states it’s reef-safe. Green People’s sunscreens (www.greenpeople.co.uk), for example, are easy to rub in and include plant oils and botanicals to help moisturise skin. They’re non-toxic, offer broad-spectrum sun protection and are available in factors 15 to 30.

Ditch the disposables Lots of the healthcare products we use are designed to be thrown away after just one use. Swapping to washable versions can really cut down on waste, and may even save you money in the long run. Try www.ogato.co for reusable cleansing pads, www. modibodi.co.uk for period underwear and www. honouryourflow.co.uk for reusable sanitary pads.

Shop ethically Don’t fancy checking ingredients lists? Make it easier for yourself by buying from an ethical retailer, like Holland & Barratt, www.biggreensmile.co.uk or www. naturalcollection.com, which only stock ethical, sustainable brands.

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Local News

Unleash your inner adventurer!

Are you ready for an exhilarating challenge?

Now is the perfect time to plan an unforgettable experience!

Test your nerve and feel the buzz… of a skydive! This is an amazing activity that you’ll remember forever.

A skydive for charity satisfies your inner craving for adrenaline with the ultimate incentive – to support a local good cause. You’ll tick ‘skydive’ off your bucket list too!

What’s involved?

In a nutshell, you’ll be jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet, flying through the clouds at up to 120mph. But don’t worry! During our tandem charity skydives you are strapped to a qualified instructor at all times. You also receive training before you jump.

The Herts MS Therapy Centre helps people with neurological and long term conditions such as MS, Stroke, Cancer, ME, CFS and Parkinson’s. To jump for free all you need to do is raise a minimum of £395 for our Letchworth-based charity.

You can reserve your place initially with a £70 deposit and carry on fundraising until your jump. You can take part in your very own skydiving adventure - whilst at the same time raising vital funds for a great cause!

The best bit!

A tandem skydive is for absolutely everyone! Our previous jumps have involved people of mixed abilities and disabilities… no fitness is required, just be prepared to jump!

Are you tempted?

Go on… you know you want to… find out more! Contact Herts MS Therapy Centre on 01462 684 214 or email jump@hmstc.net. Let’s go!

01462 684 214

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Try Oxygen Therapy Visit The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth WE ARE OPEN EXTRA SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE

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Health

By Louise Addison

Real Men Wear Sunscreen And hats and sunspecs…oh yes they do.

Is there anyone who doesn’t know that sunbathing with too little skin protection is dangerous? As well as being painful sunburn can be a prelude to skin cancer later in life. Unfortunately, it seems that men are complacent about sun protection, and die from skin cancer at almost twice the rate of women.

Sunburn is the damage caused to skin by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Sadly for Brits, UV rays are not blocked by cloud cover so we should always use a sunscreen, even in the absence of blue skies.

And the sun’s rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm, so use this time to take a break in the shade.

Sunburn is not just a holiday problem. Most of us burn when we’re not really aware of being exposed to the sun: a children’s sports day; gardening or walking the dog are all potential sunburn situations.

Australians had a fabulous campaign to counteract the effects of the strong Antipodean sun. Their catchphrase: “Slip, Slop, Slap “, reminds them to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.

But this year they ran a Sun Smart campaign aimed primarily at men, who often fail to realise the value of sunscreen. Skin cancer can be lethal, but it’s also largely preventable, and most skin cancers can be avoided by using good sun protection. This year, thanks to COVID-19 we are socialising outdoors more so it’s critical we protect our skin.

The Australian campaign features a dad protecting all the household items he cares about such as the car, decking and the barbeque from the effects of

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harmful UV. His young son then points out the irony that he’s forgotten to protect his own skin. The takeaway message is, if you cover something it lasts longer. That applies to your possessions but more importantly it applies to your skin – at any age.

If you know you are going to be exposed to the sun for several hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat, loose long-sleeved shirt, and long trousers. Baseball caps may be the hat of choice for British men but they don’t provide the necessary protection for the delicate skin on the back of the neck. Choose a ‘Foreign Legion’ style hat instead with cloth that hangs down at the back, or a wide-brimmed Panama.

Don’t forget close-fitting wrap-around sunspecs to protect your eyes. Look for sunglasses stamped with BS EN ISO 12312-1 for general use, and BS ISO 12312-3 if you participate regularly in outdoor activities such as running or cycling etc.

Poor application of sunscreen is a common way to get sunburnt. Areas often overlooked are inside the top of the arms, tops of the ears and at the edges of clothes and swimwear. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or exercise. Take extra care with balding heads where the skin is extremely delicate. Use a total sun block or a hat.

Remember, some medicines, including some antibiotics and anti-depressants, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunburn. Ask your GP for information if you are concerned.

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Special Report

By Mark O’Keefe

An Open and Shut Case Could a new garage door

increase the kerb appeal of your home?

What does your garage door say about your home?

Never thought about it? Perhaps you should. As the housing market picks up and people begin to think about upgrading or downsizing the right garage door can significantly increase the kerb appeal and even the price of your house.

There are two types of garage door: tilt-up and roll-up.

Tilt-up garage doors consist of a single panel of material. The door has to be pulled out and then pivoted up so it can slide along the roof of the garage. Roll-up garage doors, on the other hand, are made of a number of horizontal sections which are hinged together for flexibility. Because it rests on rollers, it can be lifted, and rolled into place along the roof of the garage.

Sectional roll-up doors are more expensive as a rule but have certain advantages. Since these doors don’t have to be pulled outwards they are a great option if space on your drive is tight. They also take up less room in the garage since they can be placed higher than a tilt-up door.

Both types of doors are usually made from wood or steel. Wood is generally cheaper, and some people prefer the look. However, just like wooden patio furniture, a wooden door is more easily damaged by the weather and may warp, split, or blister.

Steel is more expensive. It isn’t prone to warping but does need to be properly treated to prevent rust.

Garage doors are also available in aluminium or fibreglass. Both of these materials are less expensive

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than steel or wood, but neither is as strong, and they are more prone to damage with normal wear and tear.

Remember a garage door will be exposed to everything the weather can throw at it day in and day out, so will need regular maintenance.

Doors should be washed down regularly. Wooden garage doors need to be repainted in alternate years to ensure that the wood stays protected. Steel doors can be painted and treated to an occasional shine with car wax. All moving parts should be lubricated with motor oil whenever the door starts to feel stuck.

Consider…

Remote control - For ease, convenience and even safety you can’t beat a remote-controlled door.

Override - Make sure the remote can be manually overridden in case of power failure. You don’t want the kids, or the dog trapped in there, or even yourself.

Security - Automatic door locking mechanisms are useful.

Safety – This one is my top priority. To ensure that an electric garage door is deemed safe for use, it will have to incorporate at least one sufficient safety feature into its mechanism which will prevent personal injury. Every year children and adults are injured in accidents which involve older style garage doors. New doors should have an automatic reverse function. That way, if the door encounters any object as it is closing it will immediately stop and back-up.

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Finance

Beginner’s Guide to Stocks and Shares

If you have some spare money to invest, shares often seem like a good starting point. They’re among the more straightforward financial assets, though you do need to take into account risks, administrative costs and taxes.

The most important thing to understand about shares is that all the money you put in is at risk. You could lose some of your money if the price has fallen when you choose to sell. You could lose all of your money if the company goes into liquidation.

Buy Online The simplest way to buy shares is through one of many online platforms that take care of the administrative and legal work for you, in return for fees. The fee structure varies across platforms but can include a regular charge for holding an account, a fixed or percentage fee each time you buy and sell, and in some cases an ‘inactivity’ fee.

Which fee structure works best for you may depend on how often you intend to buy and sell shares.

Make sure any platform you use is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Dividends One thing that’s easy to forget is that shareholders may get regular payments from the company known as dividends. These often depend on the company’s profits and are a way to encourage people to buy and hold shares, i.e. to keep them for longer rather than sell.

If you compare the dividend payments across a

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year to the money you paid for the share, it can be a favourable ‘interest rate’ on your investment.

You do need to check why a company is paying big dividends, however. Sometimes it’s because profits are rising and it has more cash to spare. Sometimes, though, it’s because revenue and profits are falling and the business offers bigger dividends to try to attract investors who’d otherwise be put off.

Tax Implications Buying and selling shares does have tax implications.

Each time you buy shares through an online platform in the UK, you have to pay 0.5% of the purchase price as stamp duty. If you make more than £12,300 profit in a year from selling shares, you’ll need to pay capital gains tax of either 10% or 20% of the profit above the £12,300, depending on your other income.

The first £2,000 you receive in dividends each year is tax free. After that you’ll pay a special dividend tax of 7.5%, 32.5% or 38.1%, depending on whether you pay the basic rate, higher rate or additional rate for income tax.

Stocks & Shares ISA You can reduce the tax costs by investing through a ‘stocks and shares ISA’. The money you put into this counts towards the annual £20,000 limit for all money you put into ISAs. You don’t have to pay capital gains tax or dividend tax for shares that you hold (or sell) through a stocks and shares ISA. How much benefit this brings will depend on your overall financial position.

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Interiors

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By Katherine Sorrell

Planning an outdoor kitchen We know the Australians have outdoor cooking down to a ‘T’, and in many parts of the USA garden kitchens are a popular feature, too. In the last few years, however, demand for al fresco kitchens in the UK has increased markedly. Despite our somewhat dodgy weather, it seems we’d all love to spend a little more time cooking, eating and socialising in the fresh air. So what are the key points to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen?

Before you start You shouldn’t need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen, as it’s not considered a permanent structure, but if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, it is worth checking with your local authority. Another point to bear in mind is that your neighbours may be affected – by smoke, for example, or additional lighting – and it’s never a bad idea to talk your plans through with them and avoid any potential future problems.

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Location, location, location Where do you want to site your outdoor kitchen?

You may already have a favourite spot in which to barbecue and eat, but if you’re starting from scratch there are a few major considerations. In a very large outdoor space, for example, you probably won’t want to stray too far from the house but, if you do, there will be a greater need for more facilities, such as a sink and tap, waste bin, storage and cooling.

If you are linking your outdoor kitchen to water and power, exactly how will they connect? Bear in mind that the further you go from the source the more expensive it will be to install them. Your kitchen needs to sit on level ground, safely far from flammable materials, and preferably in a spot that’s away from wind and not fully exposed to the sun.

Avoid frequently used walkways, steps, trip hazards and slippery ground, too. Finally, allow enough floor area for all the different elements you wish to

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include, as well as space to walk around them and comfortably open any doors and drawers, plus seating/eating space nearby for the maximum number of guests you plan to entertain.

A choice of features The simplest outdoor kitchen could just be a barbecue with a fold-out table or wheeled trolley next to it for food preparation – maybe with a rubbish bin beneath, some sturdy lidded boxes and a few hooks on the side for implements. You might add a rotisserie or a pizza oven, and perhaps a storage shelf or cupboard. At the other end of the spectrum the fanciest outdoor kitchens are carefully planned, built-in extravaganzas – not dissimilar from an indoor kitchen – and will include a plumbed-in sink and a fridge, as well as a spacious, durable and easily cleaned countertop – perhaps made of stone for a natural look, or stainless steel for a modern, streamlined effect. Go top-of-therange and you could even include a dishwasher!

Comfort and weather-proofing You may want to build your garden kitchen with some form of protection from rain showers – but do bear in mind that a grill needs to be properly ventilated if it’s sited under a permanent, solid cover. Roll-away awnings are a good solution for changeable British weather. Although the cooking will provide an element of warmth in itself, consider adding another form of heating near the dining area, such as a fire pit or an electric heater. It makes a nice focal point for gatherings, too. Lighting is an absolutely essential element, enabling you to safely continue cooking after dusk and adding ambience to the entertaining area. Design bright lighting near the barbecue, grill or oven, and decorative lighting near the dining table – perhaps rows of low-level lights or strings of pretty fairy lights.

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Finishing touches An outdoor kitchen can be a plain and simple, functional affair, but to make it more fun and personal, add some carefully designed, individual elements. How about patterned tiles on the wall behind the cooking area? A variety of cushions and throws on the seating? Colourful storage containers or textural floor tiles? Incorporate beautiful planting nearby – a herb garden would be handy – and you have the best of both worlds: a garden in which to relax and your own delightful outdoor eatery.

1 This sleek, built-in covered kitchen features timber, brick and a distressed, cement-effect porcelain floor paving. PorcelPave Cuba outdoor porcelain paving tiles, from £43.39 per square metre, The London Tile Company.

2 Personalise your outdoor kitchen with some decorative wall art. These tropical-inspired pieces are made from high-grade, brushed stainless steel and UV-resistant electrocoating,

by New Zealand designer Lisa Turley of LisaSarah.

3 Stylish, hard-wearing and functional, WWOO kitchens are low maintenance and come in anthracite dark grey or light grey concrete. There are options to personalise: add a pizza oven, or a gas or charcoal barbecue. Choose a style and add extra shelves, wooden boxes, lights and even a kitchen sink. WWOO outdoor kitchen, £5,500, Garden House Design.

STOCKISTS Garden House Design: 01903 774 774; gardenhousedesign.co.uk LisaSarah: lisasarah.com The London Tile Company: 0333 320 8048; londontile.co.uk

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Smart Gardening If you want more time to enjoy your garden, there’s plenty you can do to reduce the maintenance work.

Soil Condition Get your soil in good condition before planting, by digging in bulky organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould. This improves soil fertility and moisture retention.

Mulch flower beds and borders, and vegetable and fruit areas too. This hugely reduces the time you need to spend watering, weeding and generally titivating your plants. Make sure the soil is moist before you apply the mulch, to help it retain moisture during dry conditions. Remove big or deep-rooted weeds such as dandelions before you mulch; once in place the mulch will help prevent smaller and annual weeds from appearing.

Big Containers Containers make for a lot more work than flowerbeds, as plants in a container are totally dependent on you for food and water. Grow as much as you can in the soil and choose pots and planters that are as big as possible and incorporate controlled-release fertiliser and moisture-retaining granules at planting time.

Grow lots of bulbs; they are great labour-saving plants, as once planted they reappear every year with little need for care. In the current warmer climate even those plants like dahlias, gladioli and tulips – which traditionally were lifted and replanted each year – often seem able to withstand the winter without this effort.

Perennials Grow lots of relatively short herbaceous perennials i.e.

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plants that reappear every spring and die back late in the season, as they are more low-effort than annuals, which need planting and removing every year. Varieties that are relatively short and sturdy are less likely to flop and should not require support.

If plants do need staking or supporting, the quickest, easiest way to do this is to drive a few 45-60cm twiggy sticks, taken when you’ve had to cut back shrubs or trees, into the soil around the base of the plant.

Twiggy sticks are unobtrusive and attractive enough to be left in place all year round, with no need for you to keep replacing them.

Shrubs Shrubs are great plants, as once established they need little effort and often provide colour and interest for more than one season. If you want to minimise your input even further, go for shrubs such as Chaenomeles, rhododendrons and azaleas, deciduous cotoneasters and Magnolia stellate, which need little, if any, pruning.

Grow ground cover plants – either herbaceous perennials or low-growing shrubby plants. These don’t need a lot of maintenance and will soon cover bare soil, meaning less weeding will be needed. Dense groundcover reduces evaporation from the soil and so also makes for less watering time. Plants such as Cistus x hybridus, lavenders and rosemaries work well on a dry site. Other good choices include hypericum, Euonymus fortune and Cotoneaster dammeri.

At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find a range of pet-and-wildlife-friendly bio-controls, Speedweeders, the fantastic SpeedHoe, signed books and more.

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Home Products

Bring the Indoors Out

By Katherine Sorrell

This tiled table contains its own fire pit (or ice bowl) and is surrounded by four low-level dining chairs with weather-resistant cushions. Ava four-seater tile firepit outdoor living set, £899, Dobbies.

Get truly comfortable in the garden by turning it into a fully functioning outdoor living room, warm and well-lit, with relaxing seating and lovely finishing touches.

When a real lawn just isn’t possible, a spot of fake turf can add a splash of colour and a quirky sense of comfort. Bute artificial grass, £14.99 per square metre, Carpetright.

This impressive selection of lanterns, outdoor candles, festoon lights and fairy lights is from Lights4fun. Photograph: Oliver Perrott.

This retro-meets-modern garden bench features a traditional peacock-style metal frame and an ultrachic pattern in a playful shade of pink. Pretty pink metal garden bench, £195, Rockett St George.

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Hand-made in the UK using high-quality British steel, this fire pit comes with a detachable barbecue swing arm and in seven sizes.

Plain Jane fire pit, from £233, FirepitsUK.

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All the ingredients for al fresco living

Woven around a strong metal frame in a smooth egg shape, this hanging chair is made from durable materials that look just like rattan. It’s big enough to snuggle up in with a book and a glass of wine.

Indoor outdoor hanging chair, £425, Cox & Cox.

Made from recycled plastic bottles, this rug can withstand moisture, mildew, mould and UV light. Its design is reversible: simply flip over for a new look. Fab Hab Tokyo outdoor rug in burnt orange, £59.95, Cuckooland.

This decorative textured rope light has a warm white solar bulb with an amber filament. After charging during daylight hours, it works for up to eight hours at a time.

LED solar garden light, £65, Ella James.

A rust-resistant steel frame holds a 3m polyester canopy for protection from sun and rain. Elegant and practical. Sail shade gazebo, £299, Dobbies.

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STOCKISTS Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk Cuckooland: 01305 231 231; cuckooland.com Ella James: 01572 759 190; ellajames.co.uk Lights4fun: 01423 816 040; lights4fun.co.uk

• If you’re planning on spending lots of time outdoors this summer, and keeping those sunny days going well into the evenings, think first of providing shady spots, and then of some form of warmth.

Pile up blankets and throws, for sure, but consider a gas or electric heater or – more romantically – a fire pit.

• To extend day into night you’ll need outdoor lighting: some functional, simply to see what you’re barbecuing or pouring into a glass, and some decorative, just to make the space look and feel gorgeous. It may be relatively easy to add a protected outdoor plug socket (ask a qualified electrician), and add a dramatic floor lamp or set of fairy lights. Alternatively, there’s a vast range of good-quality solar lights to choose from these days and, of course, candles and night lights look incredibly pretty, and can be protected from breezes with lanterns and jars.

• Seating is all-important, whether it’s upright seats and a table for dining, bar sets for informal drinks with friends or sofas and squashy chairs for lounging. These days, outdoor furniture – using modern fabric technology – can look just like your upholstered living room furniture, but of course there are always the classics of outdoor rattan, wood and metal. Look for versatile furnishings such as rise-andfall tables that take you from coffee to dining, or pieces that are grouped around their own fire table. And if space and budget allow, have fun by adding cocoons, hammocks and swing seats as occasional spots for complete relaxation.

• Finishing touches pull the whole indoor/ outdoor look together, from patterned outdoor rugs to piles of cushions, plus quirky outdoor eating sets and colourful glassware. With imagination and flair you can have great fun setting up a welcoming garden ‘room’, a truly special place to spend the days – and nights…

Cox & Cox: 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk Dobbies: 0131 561 6406; dobbies.com FirepitsUK: 01873 840 777; firepitsuk.co.uk Rockett St George: 01444 253 391; rockettstgeorge.co.uk

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Garden View

Save Water

In spite of the somewhat soggy spring water is an increasingly precious resource in the UK. Over the past few decades, rivers, reservoirs, and ground water supplies have become depleted. It’s important to save water where we can.

Most of us have enough space for at least one water butt, and there are slimline versions for smaller plots.

Connect them to every available downpipe around your house! Fit guttering to sheds and summer houses to allow even more water collection. Keep the butts covered to prevent leaves falling in and deter mosquitos from breeding.

Bulk up soil with organic matter, such as compost and leaf mould. This improves free-draining soil particularly, but most soil types will benefit. It prevents clay soil baking hard and damaging roots, and on boggy soil it improves drainage and oxygenation. It’s win-win, whatever soil you garden on.

Water during cooler parts of the day. A good soak every few days is better than little and often, because when only the surface is wet most of the water evaporates or drains away. Also, water only at critical stages like germination, or when you’ve just transplanted young plants with immature root systems, or when fruit is setting such as tomatoes or strawberries.

Bare soil loses moisture quickly through evaporation so mulch, mulch, mulch. Use straw, grass clippings or leaf mould. Mulching has the added benefit of smothering weeds.

A green lawn looks lush, but no-one should be watering a lawn nowadays. Yes it will yellow, but lawns are tough and will green up at the first sign of rain.

I retired my sprinkler system years ago. Sprinklers are wasteful and it’s better to implement targeted watering or even a slow drip-irrigation system. Work with your garden rather than against it. My freedraining lime soil favours plants such as lavenders and other silver-leaved species. If you garden on clay you might choose roses or ribes sanguineum and Malus (crab apples).

Greenhouses can be a major source of water wastage. Never place pots directly on to staging.

Instead use capillary matting or trays to capture runoff and enable plants to access this when needed.

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The only time you shouldn’t use rainwater is with seedlings. They are vulnerable a variety of fungal infections called which fall under the catchall phrase, ‘damping off disease’. Tap water only is recommended for seedlings. But once they are potted up, you can switch to harvested rainwater.

‘Grey’ water is water from washing up or washing vegetables, or even bathwater. Collecting it can be a good idea providing you take certain precautions.

There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube to help you make the most of your own grey water. Use rinsing water only or eco products free from phosphates which are harmful to the microflora in the soil.

Bathwater should not be stored for too long and should only be used to water flowers, never edible crops, because of the risk of bacterial growth harmful to humans if ingested.

I hope this has inspired you to save water in your garden this summer.

Happy Gardening

By Rachael Leverton

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Chico - This handsome lurcher is Chico. He is only a year old and is very much learning the ropes but he’s

still not sure about how to behave around other dogs. His new owner will need to help him to learn vital social skills with his fellow four-legged friends but we are sure that he’ll take to it like a duck to water once he’s shown the way.

Chico loves a fuss and isn’t keen on being separated from his human buddies. He is great with children and is happiest when he’s surrounded by friendly people but due to his size and strength, we are not able to rehome Chico with young children (teenagers would be fine).

A typical lurcher, he loves bounding around at incredible speed and grace after balls and Chico’s ideal home would be an active family with plenty of time to help him with his training and development. He needs to be the only pet in the home (definitely no cats).

If you would like to find out more about Chico, please contact Julie on 01763 289827.

Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team.

View the 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.

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Pets

Keeping Your Pets Cool Now that we are in the full swing of a very hot season, it is important pets are not forgotten about during these hot spells. It can be fatal for animals to overheat and suffer from heatstroke, yet there are many ways it can be avoided by keeping our fury friends cool.

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

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

There are six main things to look for if a dog is suffering from heatstroke; BRAIN – are they having a seizure; EYES – are they glazed over; BODY – do they have an extremely high temperature; LEGS – are they staggering or have they collapsed; MOUTH – are they panting or drooling excessively or have they vomited.

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

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

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

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

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

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

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Food & Drink

Traditional home-made Jerk Chicken One of my greatest pleasures over the years has been how the food we feature directly reflects the wonderful diversity of the three counties we broadcast to. We can have British classics, great curries, Turkish and Middle Eastern treats, traditional pastas, fiery stir fries and much much more. A couple of years back I met up with Sacha Ojo in the studio. She launched her catering company, Sacha’s Kitchen, in Bedford when it became clear that her friends’ love of her Jamaican cooking suggested she deserved a much wider audience. Jamaican food is all about warmth, generosity and family –three words which describe Sacha perfectly. Obviously she had to give us her Jerk Chicken recipe. Apparently there are more Jerk Chicken recipes than there are days in a lifetime – Sacha’s family recipe is absolutely wonderful.

Jerk sauce ingredients: 2 bunches spring onion, chopped 2 tbsp thyme 1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1 tbsp Pimento (Allspice) 1 tbsp coarse black pepper ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 2 tbsp dark brown sugar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2-4 Scotch Bonnet chillis, chopped (adjust to taste) 6 tbsp water Chopped parsley to serve • You can use whatever cuts of chicken you want – leg, thigh or even breast. Allow a couple of pieces per person.

• This is plenty of marinade to serve four people.

• It goes without saying that you can also cook this chicken on the barbecue!

1. Place all the sauce ingredients into a food processor and blend until you get a smooth consistency.

2. Adjust for taste and heat, using more or less chilli.

3. Wash the chicken pieces (skin on), in water mixed with a really good squirt of lemon.

4. Slash small slits onto the chicken. Massage all the marinade into the chicken and leave in the fridge overnight.

5. Place in a tray and cover with foil. Bake at 160C/ Gas Mark 3 for 30 minutes then remove the foil, turn the oven up to 200C/ Gas Mark 5 and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and a lovely deep colour.

6. Scatter with the chopped parsley and serve with chips, mash or rice.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Food & Drink

Appley Ever After!

A brief history of cider…and a cider cocktail

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

It was brought to Britain by the Normans in around 1100 AD. Cider was originally a drink for the poor. Ale was made from malted barley and using grain for alcohol could mean going without bread.

It was drunk instead of water because water at that time was often not safe to drink.

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

Originally it was made by crushing apples in a trough, until John Worlidge produced a special apple-mill in 1676.

The best English cider is cask-conditioned; dry, fruity and with low carbonation. Normandy cider is sweeter and more effervescent with a complex taste. Both are perfect for consumption, chilled, on a warm summer evening.

While a simple cider over ice is hard to beat, a cider sangria can take the drink to another level. Colourful, cold, fresh and fruity, it’s perfect for sharing with friends on a summer evening.

Pour a bottle of dry white wine into a large jug – Pinot Grigio is perfect.

Add 250ml lemonade, 125ml lime juice, a large handful of mint, and plenty of sliced strawberries, and orange and lime slices.

Chill out for at least 15 minutes so the fruit infuses the drink and vice versa.

By Sarah Davey Just before serving, add loads of ice and two bottles of your favourite cider. Enjoy!

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Technology

Don’t let rain stop play Waterproof tech for outdoor entertaining The British summer is famous for its unpredictability, playing havoc with outdoor entertaining. But with the right gadgets, rain needn’t stop play.

Lots of gadgets are either water resistant or waterproof, so for example you’ll often find smart speakers and smartphones described as IPX7, IP67, IPX8 or IP68. Those numbers are important because they tell you exactly how protected the device is: IPX7 can survive being dunked in up to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes; IP67 is the same but also dust-proof. IPX8 and IP68 can go slightly deeper (1.5m) for the same amount of time.

Either rating should ensure that your gadget can cope with an unexpected shower or spill.

If you’re a barbecue fan, you don’t need to stop cooking just because the weather’s turned: all you need to do to keep your food safe is to keep the lid down. If you know in advance that the forecast is bad you can pre-cook most of your food in the oven for a quick sear in the barbecue at the end, or you can use a Bluetooth thermometer such as the Meater+ to remotely monitor your barbecue, so you don’t get wet or have to open the lid to check on your progress. Just be aware that persistent rain will lower the temperature of a traditional kettle barbecue, so you’ll need more charcoal than on drier days.

Don’t bring a charcoal barbecue into an enclosed area such as a garage: the fumes are dangerous and continue even after the fire is out.

Fancy a waterproof TV? You can get a fully weatherproof enclosure for TVs up to 43 inches for £891 from TheTVShield. co.uk, rising to just over £3,000 for an enclosure big enough for a 70 to 80-inch display. These enclosures can survive a full hour of being sprayed with a hose, and by having a separate enclosure you can replace the TV with a similar-sized one any time.

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Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM This small speaker delivers surprisingly big sound, and its IPX7 water resistance means you don’t need to panic if the clouds open above your party. £59.99, John Lewis

The TV Shield Weatherproof any TV with this complete enclosure, which can withstand constant hosing for up to an hour. Sizes range from about 30 inches to 80 inches.

From £891, TheTVShield.co.uk Meater+ This Bluetooth thermometer with a 50m range means you can stay dry without losing track of your barbecue’s progress, and it’s as useful indoors in the kitchen as it is in a barbecue. £99, meater.com

GoPro HERO6 Black This action camera is waterproof down to 33 feet, so it’s the perfect way to film outdoor fun without worrying about the camera getting dropped. It’s great for extreme sports too. £329, GoPro.com

Sonos Roam If you’re already part of the Sonos multi-room music family, the Roam is a great way to expand your system to the great outdoors. It sounds great and is IP67 rated for dust and water. £159, sonos.com

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Finch Pinching “It’s him from next door.”

Jean shuffled into Glady’s conservatory, bin bags on her feet. “He wants a word.”

“Mr Bertle?” Gladys put down her coffee cup. “Let him in if you must, but don’t forget I’ve just had the parquet flooring polished.” She knew exactly what this was about.

The cheek of the man.

It all began when Gladys observed a flock of goldfinches visiting Mr Bertle’s garden. Lovely, colourful birds, more exotic than her drab sparrows. Something was wrong with the world.

Bertle’s garden was just a sorry patch of weedy lawn and he was forever going at his crazy paving with a pressure washer on Sunday mornings, which was a nuisance when she liked peace and quiet. Gladys’s garden had been landscaped by professionals, it was serene, the goldfinches would complement her planting scheme. She’d sent her ‘assistant’ Jean next door on a fact-finding mission.

“Just enquire casually as to what he’s putting in his bird feeder,” she instructed Jean. “You know, as one keen ornithologist to another.”

Jean had fretted over the responsibility of the mission, but had gone on the promise of chocolate hobnobs, and miraculously returned ten minutes later with the necessary information, “I said what you told me to, one keen proctologist to another.” She brushed biscuit crumbs onto Glady’s wool rug, which didn’t go unnoticed. “And he said goldfinches like sunflower seeds so that’s what he gives them.”

“Ah, I knew it!” Gladys declared, powering up her laptop. “Operation goldfinch is underway.”

Gladys had sent Jean out to install an ornamental wrought iron bird table she ordered online from a reputable company. She furnished it with the best sunflower seeds money could buy. Then she played the waiting game.

This morning she was rewarded. The whole flock of goldfinches flew straight over Bertle’s garden and alighted in hers. She’d been enjoying them with her morning coffee. Beautiful creatures, they were now hers to keep. Of course Bertle wouldn’t like it.

Gladys sat up straight and smoothed her hair. She

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Short Story

By Jackie Brewster

would deal with this sore loser in her trademark brisk fashion. Bertle strode in wearing two supermarket bags over his shoes, closely followed by Jean.

“I know what you’re up to!” he declared. “You’re after pinching my finches.”

“Pinch finches!” Gladys laughed, throwing her head back, “How could one possibly steal a flock of wild birds? Really Mr Bertle, are you taking the right tablets?”

“You sent this lady round,” he continued, gesturing at Jean, “specifically to get intelligence.”

The very idea that Jean could acquire intelligence amused Gladys no end.

“If the birds prefer my garden that’s entirely up to them,” she scoffed, removing an imaginary piece of lint from her skirt. “Perhaps they just have impeccable taste.”

“Did she tell you everything I told her about the finches?” He grinned, much to Gladys’s surprise. “I bet she didn’t” “What else did he tell you, Jean?” Gladys shot a look at Jean.

“He said they like sunflower seeds.” Jean scratched her head and looked around the room for a means of escape. “And that’s what he gives them.”

“And what else?” Gladys persisted impatiently.

“He said he hopes you’ve got a decent pressure washer and some ear plugs,” she added, quickly stuffing a hobnob into her mouth so that she wouldn’t be expected to say anything more.

“What on earth can you mean?” Gladys objected, bewildered.

“You’ll see soon enough,” Bertle laughed, just as the first splash of bird poo hit the conservatory roof and a riotous squawking broke out around the bird table.

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Motoring

The best summer convertibles for all budgets With road trips on the cards this summer, what drop-tops should be on your shopping list?

Though restrictions may remain in place, there’s hope that the pandemic might begin to ease in the coming months, with greater freedom to enjoy summer weather.

And though question marks may remain over foreign travel, British roads trips will hopefully be allowed. One of the best ways to enjoy such trips is with a convertible, allowing you that open-air freedom to explore.

Here are eight fantastic options for all budgets.

Up to £5,000 – Volvo C70 Though better known for its estate cars and SUVs, Volvo has sold convertibles in the past, the result being the C70.

So while this modest budget may allow access to a range of convertibles, the Volvo wins thanks to its mix of comfort, style and practicality.

Up to £15,000 – BMW M3 There is no shortage of options in the used market for a convertible for less than £15,000. The BMW M3 Convertible is our pick for performance, comfort, sporty thrills and dramatic styling. This budget will get you a tidy E45 generation from the early 2000s.

Up to £25,000 – Mazda MX-5 £25,000 could get you a brand new drop-top. Though options are still limited, our choice would be the truly brilliant Mazda MX-5, which in entrylevel form and with the peppy 1.5-litre petrol engine just fits this budget.

Though Mazda does offer more powerful MX-5s, many reckon the less powerful option is the sweet spot in this roadster’s range.

Up to £40,000 – Audi TT Roadster £40,000 provides access to more upmarket new convertibles, including the excellent Audi TT Roadster that perfectly combines quality with fun.

Coming in at £38,530, you can even afford to upgrade to the mid-spec Sport Edition version, with larger 19-inch alloy wheels and a black styling pack.

Up to £50,000 – Porsche 718 Boxster Porsche’s 718 Boxster is a convertible that’s as sharp to drive as a model with a fixed roof. Though the ‘entry-level’ Porsche, this roadster is a truly brilliant sports car in its own right, offering a fabulous drive, strong performance and sleek and stylish looks.

Up to £100,000 – Porsche 911 Cabriolet A budget this large can get you behind the wheel of a drop-top version of Porsche’s most iconic model – the 911. Though it’s all too easy to push the 911’s price into six digits, £100,000 can get you a Carrera or four-wheel-drive Carrera 4 version, which you can happily use every day rather than just saving it for the occasional weekend in summer.

Over £100,000 – Bentley Continental GT There really isn’t any finer luxurious convertible than the Bentley Continental GT – a car for those with seemingly unlimited funds to splash out. Though it’s not as sporty as other drop-top supercars that this budget can get you, the Bentley’s focus on ultimate quality and comfort truly puts it into a league of its own. The price is a rather sizable £173,000, and that’s before you’ve even thought about options.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our June Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Trudy Allan from Godmanchester

June’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

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

16th July 2021 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Across 1 French castle (7) 5 Competed (5) 8 Very alike (9) 9 Poem (3) 10 Consumed (5) 12 Reflects (7) 13 Friendships (13) 15 Immediate (7) 17 In front (5) 19 A pronoun (3) 20 Emergency vehicle (9) 22 Concede (5) 23 Captivate (7) Down 1 Illegal act (5) 2 Beer (3) 3 Died out (7) 4 Embarrassed (13) 5 Person in power (5) 6 Large reptile (9) 7 Frocks (7) 11 Magnifies distant objects (9) 13 Form of travel (7) 14 Bright red (7) 16 Prize (5) 18 Reside (5) 21 And not (3)

Name:

Address:

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

Tel:

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Books

Summer-worthy audiobooks The right story in the hands of the right narrator makes for a perfect afternoon lounging in the garden.

Night Watch Terry Pratchett (narrated by Stephen Briggs)

By Kate Duggan Klara and the Sun

By Kazuo Ishiguro (narrated by Sura Siu)

As an artificial friend, Klara’s job is to be a companion for a human child. When she’s chosen by Josie, Klara’s world starts to open up. She can now see much more than just the view from the shop window.

The darkness of this dystopian world is revealed through Klara’s naive viewpoint. While Josie is clearly very ill, it’s her friend Rick who is seen by society as disadvantaged, as he’s not a ‘lifted’ child.

A quietly beautiful, thought-provoking story.

The Stranger Times C.K. McDonnell (narrated by Brendan McDonald)

The Stranger Times newspaper reports on weird and wonderful tales from around the world – a dog eaten by a child’s drawing, a toilet possessed by the devil. While most of the tales are somewhat far-fetched, a very real supernatural danger could be a lot closer than the newspaper staff realise. If you love dry humour and urban fantasy, this audiobook will appeal.

Cunning Women Elizabeth Lee (narrated

by Taj Atwal)

People rely on Sarah’s family for healing balms, protection and the odd curse, but it’s the seventeenth century and whispers of witchcraft are never far away.

Sarah is used to being an outcast, but a forbidden relationship with a farmer’s son gives her a glimpse of how different her life could be. A gripping story and talented narrator make this a must-read for historical fiction fans.

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Audiobooks might be having their heyday now, but it’s still worth delving into the back catalogue to discover gems like this one.

Commander Sam Vimes is accidentally sent back in time, where he discovers he has the important job of stopping a rebellion from turning into a slaughter. He also needs to close down a torture chamber, clean up the city watch and keep his younger self from dying. Oh, and stop a murderous villain who travelled back with him. Easy…

Early Morning Riser Katherine Heiny (narrated by Kate Rudd)

Jane meets Duncan soon after arriving in Boyne City. Falling for him is easy, but Duncan isn’t the settling down type.

Everywhere Jane looks, there’s an ex with a prior claim to him. She does her best to move on, but a tragic accident sees Jane and Duncan taking on responsibilities neither of them planned for. An enjoyable taste of small-town American life by the author of Standard Deviation, Early Morning Riser is ideal for lazy summer afternoons.

Runaway Girls Jacqueline Wilson (narrated by Mandeep Dhillon)

One for the kids… Lucy lives a financially privileged life in Victorian England but has little in the way of emotional comfort, so she runs away from home. Luckily for Lucy, she meets a street performer called Kitty, who has the wits to survive on London’s dangerous streets. The narrator does a skilful job of bringing an already engaging story to life. My twelve-year-old was hooked.

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Accountants

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs Guaranteed Repairs To:

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

JB Domestic

Tel: 01767 680621 or Mob: 07778 891490

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Classifieds Electrician

Plumbing

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

Please call Gary on

07530 728091 Oven Cleaning

Plumbing and Heating

Plastering. Painting and Decorating

Property Maintenance

Dave Mortby Plastering, Painting and Decorating

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

David.mortby@live.co.uk

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

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

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