Henlow June 2019 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 127 - June 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win Tickets to

Folk by the Oak Midsummer Meanings 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

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Inside this issue... Win Tickets for the Hatfield House Battle Proms

Midsummer Meanings...............................................................4 Réunion Hotspot........................................................................8 Win a Family Pass to Folk by the Oak................................10 Win Tickets for the Hatfield House battle Proms...............12 Wine: Austria Sparkling Sensations..........................................14 Join us to beat heartbreak in Bedfordshire...............................18 South Beds Country Show........................................................23 The Impact of Stress and Ways to Manage it............................24 When Your Job is a Pain............................................................27 Let’s Fight Fatigue and Pain......................................................29 Swimwear and Holiday-Wear Tips............................................30 Sensational Summer Skin........................................................32 Great Outdoors.........................................................................37 Short-term or Long-term Mortgage.........................................38 Sitting Sustainably...................................................................42

RSPB Volunteers.......................................................................45 Play Tourist at Home................................................................47 Cyber Bullying - Not just for teens!...........................................48 Animal Stories..........................................................................50 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal........................................................53 YAMA Young Person’s Photography Competition......................55 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................................58 Puzzle Page..............................................................................60 What’s On.................................................................................64 So, you want to be a VET..........................................................69 Book Review............................................................................71 Prize Crossword...............................................................74 Useful Numbers.......................................................................79

YAMA Young Person’s Photography Competition

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, James Campbell, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Ann Haldon, Rachael Leverton, Sarah Davey, Tracey Anderson, RSPCA and Nick Coffer

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

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

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

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History

Midsummer Meanings The month of Wimbledon and Father’s Day; synonymous with freshly mown grass, the first Pimms and a sudden abundance of flowers, we welcome June as the beginning of summer. In Anglo-Saxon times, June was known as midsummer month or sera monath, meaning ‘dry month’. It also brought with it the big pagan celebration of the summer solstice – the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The longest day can occur on 20th, 21st or 22nd June, depending on when the sun is at its northernmost point in the Tropic of Cancer.

However, as is the case with this year, it most commonly falls on the 21st. Although they can happen, solstices on the other two dates are rare. For example, the last summer solstice to occur on 22nd June was in 1975. June’s summer solstice is also the time when the Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of daylight, known as the midnight sun. Meanwhile in the Southern Hemisphere, 1st June is the official start of winter and the Antarctic Circle experiences 24 hours of darkness.

Photograph Andrew Dunn, www.andrewdunnphoto.com

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It was the Romans who were responsible for giving the sixth month in their Roman and our Gregorian calendar its current name. Jun(e) is believed to be a shortened version of Iunius or Junius (the capital ‘J’ only came into existence as a separate written letter from ‘I’ during the 14th century – before this they were written in the same way). Junius is Latin for ‘sacred to Juno’. In Roman religion Juno was the wife of Jupiter and patron goddess of The Pantheon in Rome. She was also the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. The blessing she was said to bestow on couples who marry during this month has meant that June weddings remain popular to this day. Juno was attended by her companion bird, a peacock, and her messenger Iris, the hem of whose colourful robe would sometimes be glimpsed in the sky as a rainbow. In early Roman times, June had 29 days, but Emperor Julius Caesar added an extra day, making it 30 days long, but still a day shorter than most of the other months of the year. People born in June are said to be ruled by the planet Mercury, which represents youth. They come under the zodiac signs of either vivacious, optimistic Gemini (the twins) or loyal, stabilityloving Cancer (the crab).

Summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere Scientific studies have claimed that June babies tend to be physically stronger and suffer less with mental illnesses than those born in any other month. June has three birthstones: the pearl, said to stand for faith and purity of heart; moonstone for intuition, balance and new beginnings; and the more obscure alexandrite, which is supposed to bring health and longevity. The birth flowers for this month are the sweetsmelling rose, which in the traditional language of flowers represents romance and love, and the honeysuckle, whose meaning is fidelity and devotion.

There is a saying in folklore that in June, summer doesn’t begin until the elderflower is in blossom. As well as the summer solstice, other festivals that take place in June include well-dressing, where natural springs are honoured with elaborate decorations that include intricate mosaic-like pictures made using flowers, grasses, moss, seeds, bark and berries. Well-dressing is particularly popular across Derbyshire. The many significant historical events that have happened in the month of June include the signing of the Magna Carta on 15th June 1215, and the original Globe Theatre being destroyed by fire on 29th June 1613 after a cannon was let off to announce the arrival of the king’s entrance in Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. The infamous Battle of Waterloo took place on 18th June 1815 and just over a decade later, 10th June 1829 saw the inaugural Oxford versus Cambridge boat race (Oxford won). In June 1946, the first BBC television licenses were issued, costing £2. The Queen’s coronation took place on 2nd June 1953. It is also the month of her official birthday and the well-known Trooping of the Colour ceremony. Coincidentally, Queen Victoria, up until recently Britain’s longest reigning monarch, was also crowned in June, on 28th in 1838. D-Day, codenamed Operation Overlord, happened on 6th June 1944. The month of June has long fascinated poets, artists and lyricists from Shakespeare to Rogers and Hammerstein. ‘Flaming June’ is a famous painting by Lord Frederick Leighton completed in 1895. Scottish poet Robert Burns also paid homage to the month in the first lines of his wellknown poem ‘A Red Red Rose’. And there is no end of romantic ballads out there rhyming ‘June’ with ‘moon’. Believe it or not, June was a popular name for both boys and girls in the first part of the 20th century but over the last 40-50 years has declined in favour in the UK. However, June has enjoyed a resurgence as a favourite girls’ name in the USA during the past decade.

By Catherine Rose

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Travel

Réunion Hotspot Deep in the southern Indian Ocean, between Mauritius and Madagascar, Réunion island is an overseas French department and one of the most dramatic hotspots on earth. Heading west from St Denis the capital, the coastal road follows the new highway, now in its final stages, built on pylons above the ocean to protect the traffic from rock falls and swelling seas. On this remote island blooming with tropical flowers and fruit, the residents take it all in their stride, over 800,000 of them but no native tribes. This was a desert island when the Europeans arrived. Just 45 kilometres by 63 kilometres, it has much to offer along the shore with sheltered beaches and lagoons in the west, coral reefs, dolphins and whales out at sea, trade winds on the east coast and the awesome ‘Wild South’, strewn with lava rocks and battered by the waves crashing through eroded basalt cliffs. Ravines from the mountainous interior come right down to the water,

slicing the land with precipitous slopes, as ominous as the calderas and peaks spreading across the highlands. The Réunion National Park covers roughly 75% of the island, from a sizeable buffer area to the large central zone protected by UNESCO. At the heart of it all are three calderas framed by rugged ridges and rocks but draped in luxuriant vegetation. With over 1,000 species of native plants, it’s a haven for butterflies and birds, such as the slender cuckoo shrike or the white-tailed tropic bird, and myriad lizards including the brightly-coloured diurnal gecko. Trekkers make their way along the trails – an amazing 900 kilometres on this tiny island – while others take the ‘road of 400 bends’ climbing through gorge and tunnels to the Cilaos caldera and its pretty little resort at 1,200 metres. This is the ‘land of lentils and wine’ with fabulous views of the mountains, within reach of the Piton des Neiges, Réunion’s highest point at 3,070 metres.

By Solange Hando Hugging it to the north is the verdant Salazie caldera known for its thermal springs, waterfalls and record-breaking rain. It’s the green lung of the island, growing citrus fruit, bananas and peaches and the famous ‘chouchou’, a pear-shaped gourd eaten in many different ways. But the adjoining Mafate caldera is only accessible by donkey or helicopter. That’s the way the people like it, 700 or so scattered in remote hamlets, among them a handful of artists seeking inspiration away from it all. Idyllic, peaceful, this is Réunion in many ways but down in the south east the mighty Furnace Peak never rests. At 2,632 metres, it erupts several times a year, spouting its liquid lava for weeks or even months at a time. Fortunately there are no villages around and when it is safe, forestry road and microlights can take you right there, sending incredible shivers down your spine. Only the tip of the Furnace rises above the land and if the volcano collapses one day, the whole island will sink into the ocean.

The mighty Furnace Peak erupts several times a year

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Win a Family Pass to Folk by the Oak

Hatfield House welcomes back family friendly Folk Festival by the Oak on Sunday 14th July, for another day of exceptional wall to wall music and festival fun! Music lovers and festival fans from far and wide will once again be flocking to this stunning Hertfordshire venue for a packed day of sublime music and activities for all ages. Main stage Acts include Frank Turner, The Staves, Seth Lakeman and The Lost Words: Spell Songs (the musical companion piece to The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris). The Acorn Stage will be headlined by Elephant Sessions and will also welcome Robert and Jackie to talk about The Lost Words, their ‘beautiful protest’ at the loss of common nature words from the language of children. Being a smaller, one day festival makes Folk by the Oak a truly family friendly affair. There’s a dedicated family area that’s within sight and sound of the Main Stage so grown-ups don’t have to miss out on the music while entertaining the youngsters. While there’s plenty of delicious street food from around the world on offer, Folk by the Oak actively invite you to bring your own food and drink into the arena, so keeping the whole family fed and watered doesn’t have to break the bank or involve repeated trips back to the car! Activities on offer include natural craft activities, longbow archery, storytelling, brilliant bubble making, circus skills, face painting and much, much more! For more information on this fabulous family friendly festival go to www.folkbytheoak.com

FOLK BY THE OAK COMPETITION ENTRY



For a chance to win a family pass (admits 2 adults and 2 children) complete the form below and send to: Folk by the Oak Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th June 2019.

Name: Tel: Email: Address: 10

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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.

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Win Tickets for the Hatfield House Battle Proms

The Battle Proms, the UK’s premier picnic concert series returns to the historic Queen Elizabeth Oak Field in Hatfield House on Saturday 13 July, and we have 3 pairs of tickets to giveaway! The Battle Proms is a summer celebration with a full programme of captivating classical music from the 60-piece New English Concert Orchestra, complemented by toe-tapping vintage vocals and a breathtaking Spitfire aerial display by The Grace Spitfire, which is accredited with shooting down the first enemy aircraft over the Normandy beachhead on D-Day, 75 Years ago. There’s even a sensational freefall demonstration by The Red Devils parachute team, dramatic Napoleonic cavalry displays and groundshaking live fire from over 200 cannons! These quintessentially British ‘party in the park’ concerts feature magnificent musical firework displays, culminating in a flag waving, sing-a-long spectacular including all the ‘last night of the proms’ finale favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory!

Don’t want to leave it to chance? Book online at www.battleproms.com

BATTLE PROMS COMPETITION ENTRY



For a chance to win tickets to this unforgettable night out complete the form below and send to: Battle Proms Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th June 2019.

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

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

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Food and Drink

Wine: Austria Sparkling Sensations The pretty alpine villages of Austria, plus the beautiful architecture of town and city buildings, are constantly admired by numerous visitors from worldwide origins. Lakes, mountains, glaciers and stunning landscapes attract many, too, as well as the history of Austria. The cuisine of Austria has become well known and appreciated, along with very impressive high quality wines the country has to offer, a great number of which are (multi) award-winning productions.

Austria grows 40 grape varieties (26 white, 14 red) that are officially approved for the production of their quality wines. International varieties include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet, amongst numerous others. Austrian grape varieties include the much acclaimed Grüner Veltliner, which is now being planted, increasingly, in other countries. The ‘Quality Pyramid’ of Austria’s Sparkling wines has differing requirements, that are set out in a strict set of regulations, for each level, including varying maturation periods, ranging from 9 months to 30 months. Klassik, Reserve and Grosse (Grande) Reserve all have sparkling productions that are very popular indeed, with the latter two quality levels being known for their impressiveness, structure, elegance, bouquet, mouthfeel and palate sensation, particularly. A lot of cuisine enjoyment is enhanced by pairing with sparkling wines. Seafood, fish dishes and white meats, including poultry, plus pasta and rice, all have a great accompaniment and partnership with the ‘sparklers’ and their wonderful perlages. Schlumberger has a network of cellars that hold many barrels and bottles of sparkling wines. Robert Alwin Schlumberger had productions in 1842 and very soon after the wines were presented and served at the Imperial Court. Klassik Brut, Chardonnay Jahrgang Brut Reserve and Blanc De Noirs Brut Reserve will not disappoint. Refreshing, intense, fresh and fruity is how I would describe these productions. www.schlumberger.at Steininger has fabulous wines, too. Grüner Veltliner Steinhaus (Stone house) shows the character of this wine, which is derived from the soils. A superb example. www. weingut-steininger.at Weingut Moser and Weingut Müller both have impressive productions, also. Pure drinking pleasure is forthcoming from these companies’ wines. Respectively, www.moserwein.at and www.weingutmueller.at have a wealth of information. Tastings and tours, of all the wineries, are very popular.

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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TRAVEL FROM STEVENAGE & BALDOCK Letchworth/Hitchin on some dates DAY TRIPS Adult 13 Jun BBC Gdnrs World Live/Gd Fd £42.50 14 Jun Downton Abbey Explorer £57.00 15 Jun Southend-on-Sea £18.00 16 Jun Broadstairs £18.00 22 Jun Blenheim Palace Flower Show £32.00 23 Jun Southwold £18.00 27 Jun Easton Wlld Gdns/Bndry Mill £31.00 29 Jun Hunstanton £18.00 30 Jun Brighton £20.00 4/5/6 Jul Hampton Court Flower Show £49.00 7 Jul Cromer £18.00 14 Jul Southend-on -Sea £18.00 15 Jul London Lunch Cruise £46.50 23 Jul Oxford £25.00 24 Jul Sandringham Flower Show £36.00 2 Aug Festival of Quilts £37.00 3 Aug Frogmore House & Windsor £35.00 5 Aug Horsedrawn Boat Trip £42.00 6 Aug Highclere Castle £38.00 7 Aug Denbies & Polesden Lacey £43.00 9 Aug Mini Plant Tour, Oxford £45.00 10 Aug Sheringham £18.00 11 Aug Southwold £18.00 16 Aug Westfield & The Orbit £39.50 17 Aug Whitstable £18.00 THEATRE SHOWS AND EVENTS 31 Jul Joseph - Palladium £70.00 1 Aug Countryfile Live Blenheim Pal £49.00 14 Aug Joseph - Palladium £70.00 29 Aug Evita, Regents Park £79.00 4 Sep Waitress £57.50 4 Sep The Lion King £65.00 31 Oct War Horse - Wembley £75.00 18 Nov Tina The Musical £65.00 COACH TOURS 5 Days £475 22 Jul Warner Littlecote 6 Days £595 11 Aug Lake District 2 Days 25 Aug Highgrove Gardens £175 9 Sep Lazing along Llangollen 5 Days £495 12 Sep Harrogate Flower Show 3 Days £275 6 Days £595 15 Sep Captivating Cornwall 15 Sep Bournemouth - Hilton 6 Days £545 21 Sep Sidmouth/South Devon 6 Days £595 14/28 Oct Warner Bodelwyddan 5 Days £425 5 Days £460 4 Nov Warner Nidd Hall 5 Days £385 18 Nov Sidmouth Price per person sharing a twin/double

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RICHARD SHUTTLEWORTH

MURDER MYSTERY EVENING FRIDAY 19 JULY 2019

Will you find out who the murderer was, the motive and how the killing was executed? Includes a Three Course Meal - Â£50.00 Per Person www.shuttleworth.org/rosmurdermystery The House, Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, SG18 9EA

01767 627970

03/05/2019 to 12:34:10 16Villager - ROS Murder Mystery advert FP June 19.indd Please1 mention The Villager and Town Life when responding adverts

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Local News

Join us to beat heartbreak in Bedfordshire Do you enjoy working with others? Could you help raise money to fund life-saving research? The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is calling on the people of Bedfordshire to help accelerate the fight against heart disease by becoming a Volunteer in your community and raising money for lifesaving research. Our research starts with the heart but it doesn’t stop there. Heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia and diabetes are all connected and are more likely to take the people we love than anything else. Our life-saving research only happens because of people just like you.

How you can get involved We have many community volunteer opportunities, something to suit everyone; • Join a local Fundraising Group and organise events within your community. • Manage our collection tins within your local area. • Become an In Memoriam Secretary and support those remembering someone close to them. • Provide talks to clubs, associations, schools on the work of the BHF and how they can get involved. What we can offer you • A comprehensive induction to the BHF and Training for the role • An opportunity to meet others and fundraise together to beat heart disease • A volunteer pack and ongoing support from us • Flexibility to fit the role around your time and lifestyle • Reimbursement of expenses related to your volunteering

For more information on how you can support the BHF contact Sarah Cunningham BHF Fundraising Manager for Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Email: cunninghamsa@bhf.org.uk Tel: 07741 640182

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John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gaunt Golf Club

Become a member, start playing today Memberships available for men, ladies and juniors Two magnificent championship courses

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Please get in touch for more information... John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gaunt Golf Club, Sutton Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2LY Tel: Main Club - 01767 260360 Pro Shop - 01767 260094 Email: villageradvert@johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk Why not visit our website for more information at www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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AFTERNOON TEA AT THE HOUSE SUNDAY 14 JULY & SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER Savour the quintessentially English past-time of taking afternoon tea, in the grand setting of The House, Shuttleworth. The House will be open from 09.30 with guests encouraged to explore the rooms and find out about the Shuttleworth Family and Old Warden Park. For more information on our Festive Afternoon Teas, please view the below web page.

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

01767 627970

22Villager - Afternoon tea advert FP June 19.indd 1Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding adverts 03/05/2019 to 12:27:16

Local News

South Beds Country Show Back for a 3rd year at New Manor Farm, Harlington, the South Beds Country Show just gets bigger and better. Come and see the actionpacked arena, busy throughout the day with sheepdog and falconry displays, heavy horse turnouts and parades of vintage vehicles, with headline act the Wye Valley Axemen. Visit the food and craft marquees and browse the market stalls for that unique birthday gift and stop for refreshment in the bar or eat from one of the

catering stalls within the show. Everywhere you look there is something to see from farm animals to steam engines, vintage tractors to working craft demonstrations! Bring the family along, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget under 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accompanied by paying adult get in free! Come and join us on the 29th & 30th June and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

FRESH ELDERFLOWER BLOSSOMS REQUIRED Ransom Naturals Ltd are seeking Fresh Elderflower Blossoms. If you are interested in collecting you must register with us by either contacting us or visit the Company and speak to a member of staff for bags and picking instructions. Ransom Naturals Ltd 51-53 Bury Mead Road, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1RT Tel: 01462 437615 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Health

The Impact of Stress and Ways to Manage it A UK-wide survey, carried out in 2018, found that almost three-quarters of adults (73%) had, at some point over the year before, felt so stressed that they were overwhelmed or unable to cope. The study was commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation and is believed to be the largest and most comprehensive stress survey ever carried out across the UK with 4,619 people taking part. Sometimes stress can be a positive force, motivating you to perform well at a given time, on a critical work task, for example. But more often than not stress is a negative force. When we feel stressed adrenaline kicks in immediately to help prepare you for a physical response – your heart pumps faster, your breathing rate picks up and more blood flows to your muscles. You are primed for action. About ten minutes later, cortisol is released. Cortisol helps to maintain those high energy levels by turning stored fat and carbohydrates into simple fats and sugars to use as fuel to deal with the ‘crisis’. It also sharpens our senses before assisting with the physiological ‘return to normal’ process. You are primed for action but then there is no action. If your stress response doesn’t stop firing, and these stress levels stay elevated far longer than is necessary for survival, it can take a toll on your health. Chronic stress can cause a variety of symptoms

and can affect your overall well-being. Symptoms of chronic stress include: • Irritability • Anxiety • Depression • Headaches • Insomnia Women who are stressed are more likely than men who are stressed to experience depression and anxiety. What can we do to help ourselves? We can try and take more control by understanding the impact our lifestyle is having on our health. The following wellness changes can help: • Deep breathing exercises. • Meditation or mindfulness. • Take time for yourself. • Get enough sleep. • Eat the right foods – eat foods with B vitamins, such as bananas, fish, avocados, chicken, and dark green, leafy vegetables. Studies show that B vitamins can help relieve stress by regulating nerves and brain cells. • Get moving, even just moving away form your desk and outside for a few minutes can help. • Talk to friends or family. • Get professional help. For more tips and advice go to http://www.womenshealthhub.co.uk

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Health

When Your Job is a Pain

How to minimise work-induced injury Whether we work at a desk or in manual job, we can often develop pain or injury relating to our work. Two of the most common are neck and lower back pain. Back pain is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading cause of long-term sickness and is responsible for over 15 million sick days per year. Many aches and niggles can be related to repetitive strain, caused by doing a task over and over, or from prolonged and incorrect posture. In most cases it is a combination of factors which lead to pain, and symptoms can be hugely improved through the right exercise, physiotherapy and some simple lifestyle changes. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re regularly in a position which is not good for your body, it can start to wear down and cause injury. But you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to accept this as an inevitable consequence of work. Simple changes like obtaining a new chair, or setting up your work station correctly can have a positive impact. There are also exercises that we can do throughout the day which can help increase mobility and prevent injury. These exercises concentrate on ensuring a strong mobile thoracic spine, which promotes good posture while minimising the chance of injury. The thoracic spine is at the centre of our ability to move freely. If it

becomes stiff then this impacts on our lower back, our neck and our shoulders and arms. Shoulder rolls are excellent. Roll one at a time forward and then backward, then both together. Spinal rotation is also good. Lift your arms in front of you to shoulder height, bent at the elbows fingertips almost touching, then twist gently to the right and the left several times, trying to turn a little further each time without straining. Try some pectoral stretches by placing your hands behind your head and lacing your fingers together. Draw both elbows back to open the shoulders and ribcage. Hold the position for fifteen seconds. These exercises can be done easily while sitting or standing at your desk so do them three or four times per day. At home you can try a pelvic tilt. Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent. Flatten your back against the floor by tightening your abdominal muscles and bending your pelvis up slightly. Hold for up to 10 seconds. This about optimising your work place. Flexible sit/stand desks are becoming more popular. A sit/ stand desk is one that allows the user to alternate between sitting and standing by being able to lower or raise the work surface. By being able to alternate sitting and standing, users can vary their body position more often which is better for spine health. Small adjustments to both your work space and your approach to posture can help ensure that you remain pain-free and productive for longer.

By Louise Addison

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Local News

Let’s Fight Fatigue & Pain!

If you or someone you know has exhaustion and chronic pain, come along to a free drop-in event on Saturday 29th June. Between 12pm and 2pm anyone is welcome to find out more about Fighting Fatigue & Pain, a project run by Letchworth charity Herts MS Therapy Centre. Extreme fatigue and chronic pain can result from many conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME – and many others. The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth helps anyone with a long term condition, not just Multiple Sclerosis. It offers Physiotherapy, Oxygen Therapy, APS Pain Reduction Therapy and specialist exercise sessions to help people improve their quality of life. Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover faster after injury, surgery and cancer treatments. It’s also great for increasing energy. Some people find it reduces pain, especially people with Fibromyalgia and CFS. On 29th June, free test sessions are available. Rachel B says: “Without my Oxygen Treatment in Letchworth I would still be in agony from Fibromyalgia and probably jobless and depressed. I can’t even begin to explain what a difference it has made for me.” Nicki H has MS. She adds: “Also, it’s great to meet other people who have an idea of what you’re going through. It’s nice to have a chat with other people at the Centre.” Mark Boscher, the Chief Executive of Herts MS Therapy Centre added: “If you, or someone you know, lives with long term pain or fatigue – from any condition - maybe we can help them to gain more energy and feel less pain. Please come on Saturday 29th June.” To book your free test session, call Claire on 01462 684214 or email openday@hmstc.net

Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 29th June 2019, 12pm – 2pm Visit to find out about:

• Oxygen Therapy

(may accelerate healing, boost energy, reduce pain)

• APS Pain Reduction Therapy • Specialist physio and group exercise sessions (tailored to people with medical conditions)

Free test sessions available – book your place now!

Fighting Fatigue & Pain

We’re at Herts MS Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, SG6 2JF. Just turn up! For more details call Claire on 01462 684 214.

www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk

Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre is Charity 299524 and Company 2215165 Registered Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF

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House of Colour

Swimwear and

Holiday-Wear Tips Holiday season is nearly amongst us which means it’s time to think about this year’s holiday outfits. Everyone wants to feel fabulous on holiday but there are so many things to consider that sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start. So, we’ve done the hard bit for you… 1. Cut – When choosing the right swimwear cut think beyond whether it should be a tankini, bikini, or one piece. For those of us who like to show off our shoulders opt for a bandeau style top; a high waisted bikini bottom with a classic ruched middle helps to cover any wobbly areas. Take your time to find the right swimwear. 2. One piece - No longer the boring choice, one pieces now feature a host of cut-outs, zips, belts, knots and bang on trend patterns. One shouldered swimsuits, bows and retro patterns have all recently made a comeback. Just know what suits your style and wear what makes you feel fabulous on your poolside deckchair whilst sipping a spritzer! 3. Mixy matchy – Pairing patterns and block colours in bikini tops and bottoms can provide an interesting but not overstated look but bear in mind that a darker bikini bottom and more interesting bikini top usually gives better balance. If you are feeling daring mismatch two patterns to express a more rule breaking nature. 4. Pop Goes the Colour – Know your colours before you go holiday shopping because your skin tone is even more vital when you are revealing more of it on the beach! Autumns will suit gorgeous rust, corals and olives whilst Springs will wow in leafy greens, flamingo pink and turquoise. Winters will look amazing in jewel colours like emerald, electric blue and magenta whilst Summers will suit beautiful muted rose, dusty pink and cornflower for example. 5. Sustainable – Sustainability is gaining incredible momentum and swimwear is no exception. More swim labels are launching sustainable and ethical swim lines than ever before as more of us prioritise sustainability as a key shopping factor. 6. Sunnies – Don’t be tempted to do an online search to scrawl through the thousands of colours, styles and patterns (and variation on quality) on offer. Understanding your face

architecture is crucial to knowing what really suits you and most of us need to try lots of pairs on to see what works. You will invariably end up sending them back if you buy online. 7. Rocking your Shoes – This is the perfect time of year to add a pop of colour to your outfit through your footwear. The shops are adorned with yellow, green, leopard print and reds at the moment. 8. Arm Candy – Avoid large leather or plastic bags in hotter climates. If you rock the boho vibe try a linen sling bag with some tassels or texture, or if you like something a bit more dramatic perhaps try a metallic look. 9. Sarongs & Hats – Be playful and colourful in your choices especially if you are wearing block colour swimwear. The options are endless. When choosing your holiday hat, remember that dark colours like black and dark blue actually absorb heat. Oversized hats were on many of the catwalks but wear a size and shape that is right for your own scale and express your personality through design and detail. By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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Health & Beauty

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Sensational Summer Skin Finding the right sun lotion for your skin isn’t easy if you have sensitive skin. Some are too greasy or leave a white residue, and others can trigger prickly heat or eczema. I’ve tried a lot of lotions in my quest and Green People’s Scent Free Sun Lotion (£22.50) is one of the best I’ve found so far. It’s gentle on skin, non-greasy, rubs in easily and contains chamomile, green tea and aloe vera to soothe and refresh skin. It’s also reef-safe and 30p from each sale is donated to the Marine Conservation Society. With an SPF of 30, it’ll do fine for my Cornwall holiday this year, although I might swap to Jason Sunbrellas Family Sun Block SPF45 in the unlikely event I get invited to somewhere a bit more tropical. See www.greenpeople.co.uk Personally, I quite like my freckles. However, I’m not that keen on other areas of uneven pigmentation. Epionce’s MelanoLyte TX (£81) is a daily exfoliating treatment that’s clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation problems, such as melasma (dark, blotchy patches often linked to pregnancy) and sun spots. It also helps to remove dead skin cells so leaves skin feeling softer. And it does it all without any flaking or irritation. Epionce have swapped harsh bleaching agents like hydroquinone for gentler natural ingredients like liquorice root and mallow. My skin felt smoother and looked brighter and more even in just a couple of weeks. For best results, wait five minutes after applying before following with your usual moisturiser or the MelanoLyte Pigment Perfection Serum (£94.50). See www.epionce.co.uk

I’m loving No 7’s new HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation (£15) and Concealer (£14). The foundation is somewhere between a tinted moisturiser and a traditional foundation. It blends easily, lasts all day, offers great coverage and doesn’t feel too heavy. I don’t wear make-up every day and have forgotten to remove this one several times because the lightweight formula means I can’t feel I’m wearing it. As an added bonus, the foundation contains vitamins and antioxidants to nourish skin throughout the day. With twelve shades to choose from, it’s easy to find one that matches your skin tone, see www.boots.com The No 7 HydraLuminous Dark Circle Concealer comes in eight shades. While it’s specifically designed to target dark circles under the eyes, it also does a good job of covering redness and light scars. The concealer comes in a twistable pen topped with a sponge applicator. Just twist to release the concealer and then dab on to skin. I blend by tapping the area with my ring finger, but you can use the sponge if you prefer. I’ve taken to keeping some make-up wipes at the side of my bed for those evenings I forget to remove my make-up. At the moment, I’m using Image Skincare’s I BEAUTY Refreshing Facial Wipes (£12.40). They make short work of foundation, mascara and eyeshadow, and the added aloe vera leaves skin feeling refreshed. They’re also biodegradable (although, as with all wipes, they should never be flushed), see www.imageskincare.co.uk

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

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

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Registered HMRC Agent We take time to listen and ﬁnd the best way forward Contact us to arrange your free initial 30 minute visit

BOOK-KEEPING GETTING TOO MUCH FOR YOU?

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Lasting Power of Attorney Arranging for a relative/friend to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.

£350 inc. Plus Court fees to draft & register with Public Guardian Oﬃce Contact us for some friendly advice: 01462 674767 Abbeyhill 507 Broadway Letchworth SG6 3PT mhprobateservices@gmail.com

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

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

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Great Outdoors

Technology

Technology for long summer nights

The combination of long nights and nice weather means it’s time to head outdoors – and technology can help make the outdoors even greater and the light nights even brighter. Thanks to Bluetooth speakers, your music can go outside with you, but it’s wise to get a waterproof one just in case. We really like Denon’s DSB-250BT, which has really high-quality music streaming and great sound. It’s pricier than some rival devices at around £129, but it looks good indoors as well as out. For something a bit more portable to take to the beach or hotel pool, the UE Wonderboom goes for around £55 and includes something most Bluetooth speakers don’t: an inflatable ring so you can listen to it in the water. Another great gadget for outdoor entertaining is the solar LED light. LEDs use tiny amounts of energy so it doesn’t take much sunlight to give them enough charge for hours of illumination.

We’d recommend looking for warm white LEDs, which have a more yellow cast than the traditional blue ones: the light is warmer-looking and closer to incandescent bulbs, whereas bright white ones look a bit like car headlights. Expect to pay around £2 for a single LED post, rising to around £20 for a nice string of lights and £30 for a solar lamppost. If you’d rather have something brighter and more flexible, Philips has added garden lighting to its iPhone/Android-controlled Hue system, which also works with smart home devices such as Amazon Echo. The lights enable you to create ‘recipes’ for different effects as well as control each light individually, and while they’re still quite expensive – a coloured wall light is currently £100 on Amazon – they’re very well made and work brilliantly. In the UK no matter how nice the day, the nights can get cold very quickly. If you’re considering garden heating, don’t go for a

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gas heater: they’re incredibly wasteful because they heat the air around them whether there are people there or not. It’s a much better idea to get an infra-red heater, which costs a lot less to run. Expect to pay around £70 for a wall-mounted model and around £120 for a tabletop model such as Charles Bentley’s 2000W electric outdoor patio heater. If you’re heating food rather than people, technology can even help with the humble barbecue: clip-on LED lights enable you to cook in the dark, while Bluetooth thermometers enable you to check on the food temperature without opening the lid and letting heat escape. You can get a no-name version for around £20, but if brand names are important then Weber’s basic iGrill is currently £56. The all-singing, alldancing iGrill 3 has two probes instead of one, enabling you to check on two things at once, and retails at just under £100.

Finance

Short-term or long-term mortgage It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of mortgage products available, and the trend towards offering non-traditional mortgage terms doesn’t help when you’re trying to decide which loan is best. Banks and building societies are increasingly offering longer-term mortgages lasting 30 or 40 years alongside the ‘standard’ 25-year term with which many of us are familiar. Shorter-term mortgages of 15 years or so are also available, so what are the pros and cons of short-term and long-term mortgages, and which might be better for you? Why choose a short-term mortgage? Short-term mortgages have higher monthly repayments, but you’ll pay considerably less interest overall. If you’re able to put down a large deposit, you don’t need to borrow as much money, which is just one instance where short-term mortgages might be a good idea. An additional advantage is that, if you’ve been able to repay your mortgage sooner than later, the equity in your property will also grow faster. The initial consideration if you’re thinking about a short-term mortgage, however, is whether you can keep up repayments over this period. Can you afford a short-term mortgage? Your monthly budget will dictate whether it’s possible to repay your mortgage over a shorter period of time than the standard term, but you need to be very careful not to overstretch yourself financially. Also bear in mind the potential interest rate rises in the future, particularly considering the low rates we’ve enjoyed for more than a decade. In other words, the only direction interest rates are likely

to go is up, so it might be worthwhile considering mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI) to cover your repayments if you fall ill or lose your job. Why choose a long-term mortgage? You might choose a long-term mortgage to benefit from lower monthly payments. Perhaps you’re more at ease knowing you can comfortably afford the repayments on your biggest asset, and feel it’s worthwhile despite the extra interest you’ll pay over the course of the loan term. It’s also beneficial if you need a high loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. Another consideration with long-term mortgages is your age, as although long-term mortgages are becoming more mainstream, some lenders still don’t offer this type of mortgage term if it means it will take the borrower into their retirement years. On the other hand, younger applicants looking for their first property might have no problem in obtaining a mortgage with a duration of upwards of 35 years. So what are the main benefits and drawbacks of lengthier mortgages? Pros of a long-term mortgage • Monthly repayments are lower. • Interest rate rises will have less impact. • You may be able to secure a higher loan-to-value ratio. Cons of a long-term mortgage • It takes longer to repay. • You pay more interest overall. • You may be refused on age grounds. Affordability is the keyword when thinking about mortgages – hopefully between you and your lender, you’ll be able to find the right length of mortgage term and feel able to repay every month without too much difficulty.

By Ann Haldon

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DO YOU NEED TO MAKE OR UPDATE YOUR WILL? We offer a FREE initial appointment to discuss your circumstances, offering advice on Wills including ring-fencing your home from care and guidance regarding Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Bands. HOME VISITS are available at NO EXTRA CHARGE within a 20-mile Radius of Royston. SATURDAY MORNING appointments available on the following dates:* 8th and 22nd JUNE 2019 FREE WILL SERVICE for the over 55â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through the Cancer Research Free Will Scheme. For more information please contact:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts. SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241 121 t.pilcher@walkerspartnership.co.uk Wills | Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Conveyancing | Commercial Property *Home visit appointments are subject to availability. Saturdays by appointment only.

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Garden View

Sitting Sustainably One of the great pleasures in life has to be sitting outside on a summer evening, glass of wine in hand, gazing in reverie at your precious plot. But what are you sitting on? Is your furniture environmentally friendly? What about that lovely decking, or your garden shed? As gardeners we have a responsibility which extends far beyond our boundary. Trees are vital to the planet. They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and act as environmental filters, offsetting the effects of pollution. They also provide a habitat for birds and animals. Like many gardeners I take a keen interest in environmental matters so it came as a shock when I read recently that that every year our tiny island imports more unsustainably produced wood than anywhere else in the world! A good proportion of this wood is used to make garden buildings, furniture, fencing and decking. I was thrilled, therefore, to read about the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and their certification programme for sustainable produced and sourced wood? The FSC was founded in 1993, in response to public concern about deforestation. The council devised a wood-labelling scheme which allows a product to be traced right back down the supply chain from the consumer to its source. Any product bearing the FSC logo is guaranteed

By Rachael Leverton

to be from forests which are carefully managed to conserve biodiversity and support local communities. Unfortunately not all garden suppliers stock products which are FSC approved. So we need to demand that they do. The world’s forests are in decline. Some tropical hardwoods are already on the verge of extinction, and temperate forests in the northern hemisphere are also suffering because of unregulated treefelling. As a gardener and lover of our environment I feel more comfortable knowing that I’m not contributing to the destruction of our planet. If you’re replacing your garden furniture this year, ask to see the FSC certified label.

Happy Gardening Q. Is it possible to be environmentally friendly when buying PVC furniture? A. Yes it is. Many companies are now producing furniture made from recycled PVCs. You’re no longer limited to the standard flimsy offerings either. It’s now possible to find sturdy benches and picnic tables. Of course, the advantage of PVC is that it’s completely weatherproof; maintenance-free, and won’t rot, corrode or splinter!

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THE GARDEN ROBIN

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

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Phone: 01767 627417 Web: acepestcontrolbeds.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Local News

RSPB Volunteers

Tuesday afternoons, Thursday afternoons, Saturdays and extra help at weekends and busy periods, such as school holidays. Car-park meet and greet weekend roles. We are looking for help to manage the flow of traffic to the car-parks at busy times and give a first welcome as visitors arrive. Visitor Survey volunteers. A flexible role to come in at busy periods and ask our visitors to complete a Visitor Survey. Must be friendly and confident in talking to the public. We also have opportunities for flexible part time work in our busy and friendly shop. Full training will be given and a uniform supplied for all of these roles. Pop in and meet us at the shop, near the reserve entrance, anytime between 11:30 and 1:00 and have a chat with us over a cuppa and biscuit to find out more. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make this date but are interested in volunteering for one of these roles at The Lodge, please contact Mark Brandon, Visitor Experience Manager, The Lodge nature reserve; mark.brandon@rspb.org.uk 01767 693253 RSPB The Lodge Nature Reserve and Gardens Potton Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 693333

Do you love nature? Could you give some of your time to help us give nature a home at your local RSPB nature reserve? The RSPB is holding a volunteer recruitment day at The Lodge nature reserve at Sandy on Saturday 1 June between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. The RSPB is the largest conservation charity in Europe. We have over 13,000 fantastic volunteers across the country, and they come from all walks of life. Between them, they contribute over a million hours each year. As we plan our visitor programme at The Lodge for the coming year, we would like more volunteers to join us. If you are friendly, confident talking to the public and able to inspire our visitors about the work of the RSPB, then we want to hear from you. We are looking for the following help with these volunteering roles; Visitor Welcome Assistants; Working in our visitor centre, where you will welcome our visitors and introduce them to the reserve, be able to enthuse people to support the RSPB as new members, and talk about the birds and wildlife found here at The Lodge and our other reserves. For this role we are especially looking for help on Monday afternoons,

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Play Tourist at Home

Time of Year

Have you ever walked around your own area as if you were a tourist? You’d be surprised how much there is to see and how little you probably know about the place you live. We get so bogged down in daily routines that we don’t pay attention to what’s in front of our eyes. Here are five great reasons to explore your own area this summer. A fresh pair of eyes - Take roads and corners you’ve never taken before. Get lost in streets you’ve never been to and see things you never realized were there. You’ll see your area in a new light. A history lesson - You’ve driven or walked by that building, church, or statue thousands of times, but do you know the name of it or the story behind it? Take time to learn about the history and secrets of where you live! Read a book, visit a museum. Gaining a better understanding of an area’s heritage is a good way to learn to appreciate it. Meet New People - Engage in a conversation with a complete stranger while exploring your own town. Coffee shops are good places because the atmosphere is relaxed. Older people often enjoy a chat and may have a wealth of knowledge about the area, especially if they grew up there. A new perspective - Find the highest building or vantage point and see if you can get a bird’s eye view of your area. For a completely different experience, see if you can do it again at night! Refresh your mind - Playing tourist in your own town can make you reconnect with and appreciate it. A teacher of mine once said, ‘Keep exploring. Keep learning. Stay curious, and you won’t go far wrong.’ By Sarah Davey

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Technology

By Tracey Anderson

Cyber Bullying – Not just for teens!

Frequent tragic news items about cyber-bullying in teenagers might lead us to think that such behaviour is limited to this age group. But it has become as much of a problem for adults, and as adults can be adept at hiding their online identity – and far more malicious and sophisticated in the way they operate, it can be devastating for the victims If you are a victim of cyber bullying... Don’t retaliate - Bullies want a reaction. If you do react you will almost certainly escalate the behaviour, and have your response turned against you. Record Everything - Keep evidence of content: pictures, texts, emails, tweets, status updates that the person has sent or posted about you. If the cyberbullying is occurring on a blog or forum, take screenshots of the post. Build a case against the person harassing you. Talk to your employer - If the person harassing you is a co-worker, or if the bullying is occurring on a workrelated forum or blog your employer needs to know, this is where the evidence comes into play. Contact the police - If threats of physical harm are made, or you feel that the bully is dangerous, make a police report. The more evidence you have of the threats, the easier it will be for them to act. Talk about it - Speak with trusted friends about what you are going through. Many victims feel ashamed, but shame tends to disappear if you share your concerns. Report Abuse - Every reputable website has a ‘Report’ feature built in. Use it. Cut ties - Remove toxic people from your social media circle. BLOCK – Use the block feature on forums and phones to block the cyber bully at source.

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Pets

Animal Stories The large majority of the animals that come into our care at RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch come from National RSPCA Inspectorate from within our area. These animals are always our main priority, however we will always try and help members of the public wherever and however we can. Mocha and Biscuit came into our care back in April after the Branch was contacted by a member of the public asking for help. Their previous owners could no longer keep them due to a change in family circumstances, therefore had made the difficult decision to rehome the tabby duo. Both approximately five years old, this beautiful pair were previously kept as indoor cats where they had the run of the home, however they are quite inquisitive, so we fell they could go to a new home where they are able to explore a secure garden. They are both very friendly and would suit almost any family. Mocha, the male of the pair, will however need slightly more special treatment than Biscuit due to a urinary problem he had back in 2017. Although this causes him no issues and the problem has never reoccurred, he will need to stay on his special diet and supplements. He is a big boy weighing 6.7kg but is an absolute teddy bear! For more information about Mocha and Biscuit, or to enquire about rehoming these lovely tabbies, contact the Branch by emailing adopt@ rspcabedsnorth.org.uk or phoning 01234 266965.

RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch will always try and help members of the public with their pets in the best way that we can, but something that is always readily available is help for cat neutering. It is so important for cats, male and female, to be spayed or castrated. For females, apart from the most obvious, preventing pregnancies, spaying can also avoid females coming into season and therefore attracting unwanted make attention. It also prevents the risk of uterus infections. For males castration can significantly reduce urine marking and roaming, but can also prevent the risk of testicular cancer. Despite these health benefits, neutering isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always the most affordable procedure, so Bedfordshire North Branch can help. We can offer neutering vouchers to use at participating local vets in the area, to be put towards the cost of a cat spay or castration. The vouchers are worth ÂŁ30 and any remaining veterinary costs are to be covered by the applicant. Applicants must be in receipt of benefits or on a low income to qualify for neutering help. To request help, or for further information including eligibility for the scheme, contact the Branch by emailing info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk or phoning 01234 226965.

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Jinx

Can you help find a new home for this lovely young cat? A safe home on a farm or stable yard is needed for this little girl. Jinx is approx. 6-8 months old. She has been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. She is very nervous with people would benefit from a home where she can have some freedom and develop her mouse hunting skills! If you would like to find out more about Jinx please contact Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto 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.

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Local News

YAMA Young Person’s Photography Competition A passion for photography often starts at a young age. The YAMA (Youth Activity Music & Arts) Young Person’s Photography Competition, for all young people aged 5-19 living in Hertfordshire, recognises this next generation of talented young people who may have an interest in or enjoy taking photos, on their phones, tablets or even using traditional cameras! The Brief: Culture & My Community The judges want to view the world as seen through the eyes of young people. Culture is defined as ‘the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time’ by the Cambridge Dictionary. Brittanica Kids, describes the term as ‘Many different things make up a society’s culture. These things include food, language, clothing, tools,

music, arts, customs, beliefs, and religion’ For this year’s competition, in one single image, the judges would like you to photograph your view or perception of culture, within your community or around your community. This could be a celebration, an object, a building, or even people (with their permission). Please photograph something that reflects culture where you live or within your community. Winners Finalists will be selected and invited to our ProAction Annual Awards Evening at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield on Thursday 27 June 2019. Winners in each age category will receive an £100 Amazon gift card. The deadline for submissions is 2 June 2019. Please visit here for information on last year’s competition and submissions and winners.

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Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance Quality Workmanship Papering, Coving etc. Interior and Exterior Work Free Quotations Call W Firkins & Partners Ltd 01462 814117 or 07939 267083 Est 1981 20 Clifton Road, Shefford, Beds

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Food & Drink

BBQ Buffalo Chicken Wings

with a Blue Cheese Dip It’s amazing how many careers in food come about as a result of a big career change. People leave the rat race and set up a café, a cake making business, a food truck or a restaurant, making quality of life their key criteria. Although most say they’ve never worked harder than they now do in their new food career, they’ll also say they’ve never had more fun. One such man is Harp Gill, who left a stressful career in recruitment in the City to set up a BBQ and smoking catering company in Milton Keynes called The Rub BBQ. He is passionate about smoking and cooking meats perfectly. These Buffalo wings are a true classic – tangy, sharp, spicy and devilishly moreish. Ingredients: 1kg chicken wings (prepared how you like, in 3, 2 or 1 wing configuration). For the dry rub  2 tbsp paprika powder 2 tbsp garlic powder  2 tbsp sea salt  2 tbsp ground pepper For the buffalo sauce  250ml apple cider vinegar  100ml distilled white vinegar  2 tbsp ground cayenne powder  3 tbsp cayenne pepper powder 1 tbsp garlic powder  1 tbsp salt  150g salted butter For the blue cheese dip  500g of your desired blue cheese crumbled as fine as possible 500g Greek yoghurt   A dash of lemon juice   1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil  1 tbsp milk salt and pepper to taste

1. Place the chicken wings in a bowl and add the dry rub ingredients. Mix everything together well to ensure all the pieces are equally covered. 2. Cover with cling film and place in a fridge overnight (or for at least for 2 hours). 3. Place all of the sauce ingredients except the butter into a saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. 4. Reduce to a simmer for between 20-25 minutes stirring occasionally. 5. Add the butter and simmer gently for a further 15 minutes. Place to the side once done. 6. To make the blue cheese dip, place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Pop it in the fridge until ready to serve. 7. Now it is time to grill the wings. Place them skin side down over a hot BBQ and cook until the skin starts bubbling (5-8 minutes) and then turn them over for a further 1-2 minutes or until done. 8. Pop the buffalo sauce in a bowl and roll the wings in it, giving it a good coating. 9. Return them to the grill for a further minute to crisp up the sauce and then give them one final coating of the sauce (without grilling them again). They are ready to serve now. 10. Serve with the blue cheese dip and a stick of celery. These give a real wow factor at any family BBQ and make a perfect starter or lunch snack. NB: This recipe can also be done in the oven should you not have access to a BBQ. Cook the wings for an hour at 180C/ Gas Mark 4, covered with foil. The final glazing process can be done under a hot grill.

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

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n O s ’ t Wha 1 June The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 1 June Weekend Stories 10.30-11am Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. Stories are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. Until 2 June Chilterns Walking Festival Includes over 70 guided walks, events and activities covering the whole of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which stretches from Oxfordshire through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire into Hertfordshire. Details of all walks, events and activities can be found online. Most are free of charge though some require a small fee which is clearly shown. To assist walk leaders with expected numbers, most events must be prebooked. Web: www.visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest 3 June Drop-In Session 10.30am-12 noon Baldock Library Come and join us in the library for our new monthly drop-in session. Make new friends. Jigsaws. Colouring for calming. Refresments. 3, 10, 17 & 24 June Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Shefford Baptist Church Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 3, 10, 17 & 24 June Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. Baby Rhyme Times are a half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all ages. 3, 10, 17 & 24 June 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 3, 10, 17 & 24 June Hare & Hounds Hash House Harriers 7.30pm A social running and walking club for mixed abilities, meeting every week in the Bedfordshire. The trail is set from a local pub and lasts 1 hour covering between 3 and 4 miles. Family and dog friendly. Email: info@h5hashers.org.uk Web: www.H5hashers.org.uk

3, 10, 17 & 24 June Stevenage Choral Society 7.45-9.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel School, Stevenage No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, and be part of a friendly and supportive team, putting on excellent performances. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 3, 10, 17 & 24 June Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin A social folk dance club. All dances are walked through first then called. You don’t need to come with a partner; lots of us come on our own. Car parking is available next to the hall. Tel. 01462 624144 or 01462 680995 Web: www.staplers.org.uk

3, 10, 17 & 24 June 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 from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, day and weekend trips and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 www.branch-out.org.uk 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27 June Willian Bowls Club Every Tues 2pm & Thurs 6pm. Lower Green, Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth We are 100 years old this year and celebrating with “Come and Try Bowls” events throughout the season. All equipment and tuition is free, as is the first year’s membership to new bowlers. Tel: David on 01462 642790 Web: www.willianbowlsclub.org 4, 11, 18 & 25 June Rosehill Community Singing Group 2-3pm Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road, Letchworth £4. A new group for the over 50s that meets every Tuesday with refreshments and time to chat after each session! The Monday group is now full. Dropin session, no need to book. 4, 11, 18 & 25 June 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 5, 12, 19 & 26 June Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. Baby Rhyme times are a half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all age.

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

In June

5, 12, 19 & 26 June Toddler Tales 2.15-2.45pm Letchworth Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. 5, 12, 19 & 26 June 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. Find out more about the choir and its concerts online. Web: www.vivacechoir.co.uk 6 June The Arts Society North Herts Talk 11am & 2pm The Spirella Ballroom, Letchworth £7 on the door. Talk by Gavin Plumley on Gustav Klimt ‘imperial muralist turned radical painter’. This lecture looks at the many changes in the artist’s life. Email: theartssociety.nh@gmail.com Web: www.theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 June 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 available. Tel: John Biggs 01462 433393 6, 13, 20 & 27 June Toddler Tales 2.15-2.45pm Baldock Library Free event – voluntary contribution of £1. Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. 6, 13, 20 & 27 June 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 6, 13, 20 & 27 June Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage Friendly club for English country dancing. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced. All dances walked through. 13 June is a garden evening. 27 June is live music with a guest caller. Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk Tel: 01438 727239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 June 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. We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings.New members always welcome. Tel: 01438 231550. Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk

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n O s ’ t Wha In June

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 June Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin We are a small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above. We offer a variety of social events. New members are warmly welcome. Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 June Baldock Health Walk 11am Tesco car park, 58 High Street, Baldock Mind in Herts Health Walk every Friday. Tel: Stephanie Flint 01438 369215 Email: stephanie.flint@mindinherts.org.uk Web: www.mindinherts.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 June 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 7 & 21 June Stevenage Survivors Poetry Group 7.30pm Quaker Friends Meeting House £2 inc. drink & biscuits 8 June Weston Music Society Concert 7.30pm Weston Parish Church, SG4 7DJ Tickets £16 inc. programme & interval drink, Under 19s free, 19-25 years £5. A4 Brass Quartet, a fantastic young quartet with an eclectic repertoire, wonderful techniques and great stage presence. Formed in 2013 at the Royal Northern College of Music, A4 Brass Quartet comprises of principal players from some of the UK’s top brass bands. Tel: 01462 790573 E: felicitylowe@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk or https:// www.wegottickets.com 8 & 9 June East Anglian Model Railway Exhibition Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm The Arena, Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering Adults £8, Children £4, Family (2+2) £20 Layouts in all popular scales. Trade stands and demonstrations. Free vintage bus transfers from Kettering railway station. Superb facilities and ample free parking with disabled access. Tickets available online. Web: www.stneotsmrc.com 9 June The Friends of Pirton Parish Church Open Gardens 2-6pm Adults £5.50, Accompanied under 16s free Many attractions including gardens, Alpacas, Owls, Music, Bees/Insects, Church Bells, artwork for sale, plant stall, minibus for less mobile visitors. All proceeds to The Friends of St. Mary’s Church Fund for refurbishments of the building’s fabric.

11 June Transition Tuesday: Beauty and the Bike Film Screening 7.30-9.30pm Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Way South, Letchworth Free admission. TTL will be showing the film ‘Beauty and the Bike’ to learn why girls in cyclingfriendly countries continue to cycle into adulthood, whilst in many other countries, they tend to give up during the teenage years. Admission free but a £2 donation to help cover room hire and refreshments. 11 & 25 June 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 12 June Over 60s Lunch Club 12.45pm for 1pm lunch Garden City Court, Whiteway, off Radburn Way, Letchworth Garden City £5. Second Wednesday of every month. Come with friends or make new friends whilst you are here. Lunch will be a two course hot lunch. Please advise any dietary requirements when booking. Please call on a Monday to book your place for the Wednesday. Tel: 01462 473100 E: garden@quantumcare.co.uk 13 June Baldock & Clothall WI 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock Visitors £3. Visitors always welcome. Tel: Lucy 01462 742609 for more info Email: Baldockclothallwi@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi 15 June Auction of Promises & Things 7.30 for 8pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell Admission £3 inc. glass of wine & nibbles Previews: 14 June 7-9pm, Ashwell Parish Room and 15 June from 6pm at St Mary’s Church. Advance bids welcome. Supporting the restoration of Ashwell Village Museum. See the wide range of interesting and varied Lots online. Web: www.ashwellmuseum.wixsite.com/auction 16 June Stevenage RSPB Local Group trip to Minsmere 7.05am Adults £15.50, Under 18s £7.75 A coach trip with Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group to this flagship RSPB Reserve on the Suffolk coast. Meet at the rear of Waitrose store on Primett Road from where the coach leaves at 7.05am. Please bring your RSPB membership card, if applicable as entry to the Reserve is free for RSPB members. Tel: Graham Beevor 01438 232055

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22 June Party in the Park 3-8pm Arlesey Recreation Ground Free admission. Everyone welcome to join us for live music, food, bar and children’s activities as part of the Great Get Together. Email: arleseyeventsgroup@gmail.com Web: www.facebook.com/ arleseycommunityeventsgroup/ 22 June Orpheus Choir of North Herts - 50th Anniversary Concert 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Walkern Tickets £10, Children £5. A selection of the choir’s favourite music to mark its Golden Jubilee, including Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Byrd’s Four Part Mass and Bruckner’s Locus Iste. If you miss this one, catch us again at St George’s in Letchworth on 20 July. Tel: Box Office 07881 588662 www.orpheusnorthherts.com/future-concerts 28 & 29 June Williams Antiques & Restoration Showroom Open Days & Tea Room 10am-4pm Tythe Farm, School Lane, Colmworth Free admission. Free parking. Web: www.williamsantiques.co.uk 28 & 29 June An Evening of Entertainment Shefford Town Memorial Association Hall Tickets £10, Concessions £8 Meppershall Players June Production. Table seating – please bring your own supper. Licensed bar provided by S.T.M.A. Tickets available by telephone, online (small booking fee applies) or available on Monday events at STMA Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. Tel: 01462 816336 Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ themeppershallplayers 29 June Ashwell Museum Heritage Fund 3pm Tickets £5. A Tour featuring the Sculpture Garden and Studio of World famous of Sculptor John Mills and Jo Mills of Hinxworth. Numbers will be limited to 30 people. Refreshments and parking available. All proceeds will benefit the Ashwell Museum Heritage Fund. Tickets available from Sandra Barker. Tel: Sandra Barker 01462 743009 Email: sandra.basketmaker@gmail.com 30 June Mind Body & Soul Fair 10am-5pm Ibis Hotel, The Forum, Danestrete, Stevenage £3.50. Around 70 stands including mediums, therapists, exhibitors, arts, crafts, skincare, jewellery, wellbeing and much more. Speakers throughout the day. Refreshments. Raffle in aid of new Cancer Wellness Support Group. Email: karen@whitefeatherevents.com

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Education

So, you want to be aâ&#x20AC;Ś VET

Veterinary Medicine is a highly competitive field. Every year there are hundreds of applicants for each available place. It is probably one of the most over- subscribed courses in the country. You will need excellent A-levels. Most people have chemistry, biology and either physics or maths at Grade A or B. Some universities will accept other subjects if they are impressed with the candidate. You will need to check with individual universities. Many Veterinary schools expect candidates to take a BMAT test (BMAT stands for biomedical admissions test) in order to get into vet school. This is an aptitude test. Go to www.bmat.org.uk for information and sample questions. Be prepared not to get in at the first attempt. You can re-apply and make use of the year to gain experience. Whether it is a first attempt or a retry you need to differentiate yourself for the competition. Try to gain experience working in a vet practice, on farms assisting with lambing or calving, in dog kennels or at local zoos and animal rescue centres. Mostly you will be cleaning out kennels, feeding animals, making tea etc. It will almost certainly be unpaid. But ask lots of questions, and ask to observe interesting operations etc. Write up interesting cases and experiences as case studies, explain what you learned and submit these along with your application. This will prove to the university that you are self-motivated and dedicated, which counts for a lot during the application process. Remember that universities like to take on well-rounded students, so make sure develop hobbies and talents in other areas too. By James Campbell

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Book Review By Kate Duggan

Books

The Wych Elm by Tana French One horrific night changes Toby’s life for ever. He retreats to the place he feels safest – Ivy House, to look after his terminally ill uncle. But then a skull is discovered in the garden and Toby has to question everything he believes to be true. Are his cousins hiding something from him? Is his uncle a killer? And, with his own memory damaged, how can Toby be sure he’s not the murderer?

Stepsister By Jennifer Donnelly Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, but who stops to consider her stepsisters? Isabelle is neither pretty nor demure. But if she’s brave enough to cut off her own toe to fit her foot in a glass slipper, what else is she capable of? While Stepsister is aimed at young adults, this imaginative story is also likely to appeal to older readers who fancy losing themselves in a twisted fairy tale for a few hours.

Weber’s Greatest Hits By Jamie Purviance Over the years, Weber has released a series of books to accompany its bestselling barbeques. This has over 100 recipes for starters, mains (beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish and shellfish), sides and desserts. Dishes include Chicken Tacos, Salmon Skewers, Zesty Garlic Prawns, Chilli-Rubbed Chicken and, for the traditionalist, Texas Burgers.

Property by Lionel Shriver Looking for a book to dip in and out of, rather than devote whole sunny afternoons to? This collection of short stories and novellas might be the answer. If you want fast-paced action and loathe long passages of description, it’s probably not for you. If you enjoy wry humour, detailed characterisation and stories that you’re still pondering about hours later, it’s well worth a look.

51455

Paul Donald

Gas Plumbing & Central Heating

Free estimates No job to big or small 35 years experience

07973 410957 | 07415 100610 | 01462 815386 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

ROGERSONS

REMOVALS IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken

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

Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows 25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

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Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner Mr P Hughes from Hitchin Winner of the Ballet Competition Mrs P Stevens from Biggleswade

Easy

Hard

www.tbrooker.co.uk

Rethink Your Waste

Brookers on Bucklersbury has a great range of eco-friendly products in store Available at: 39 Bucklersbury, Hitchin, SG5 1BQ, 01462 434501 A bamboo drinks mug could help you cut down on single use plastic These are fully reusable and environmentally friendly

We have Brabantia compost bins and recycling sorters. Eco made easy!

Brabantia support a number of sustainability programs and are dedicated to helping the planet

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We also stock durable, gorgeous rugs made from recycled plastics

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 7. Manage, rule over (6) 8. Outfitter (6) 9. Information (4) 10. Set sail (8) 11. Most simple (7) 13. Vacant (5) 15. Caper, amazing feat (5) 16. Protection (7) 18. Stress, accent (8) 19. Otherwise (4) 21. Foolish (6) 22. 5 cent coin (6)

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

16th June 2019 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd

Down 1. Settee (4) 2. Connections, alliances (13) 3. Examine, study in detail (7) 4. Plump, rotund (5) 5. Outside edge of circle (13) 6. Household (8) 12. Tries (8) 14. Taunting, goading (7) 17. Separate, detached (5) 20. Trunk of plant (4)

24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name: Tel:

ď&#x20AC;˘

Address:

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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

BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks ﬁxed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog ﬂaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 76

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Classifieds Accountants

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

Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES T/A Broadband Communications Established 1993

Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials Freesat & Satellite Installations Commercial IRS Systems All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 Based in Stotfold www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Decorators Simon & Neil Johnston PAINTING & DECORATING

30 Years Experience Simon 07778 861115 Neil 07879 292411 Email: simon.johnston57@ntlworld.com

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

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

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Classifieds Electrical Contractor Electrical Contractor

N A Bush

• Domestic & Commercial • Extra Lights / Sockets • New Circuits • Full or Partial Rewires • Test Inspection Certificates • Consumer Unit Upgrades Neil 07981 310939

Experienced Qualified and Insured All work guaranteed

n.bush744@btinternet.com

Property Maintenance 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

Property Maintenance

Locksmith Services

Dave Mortby Plastering, Decorating & Refurbishment

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

Email: David.mortby@live.co.uk

Plastering Services

Removals

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 and Heating

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

Roofing

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