Henlow June 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 139 - June 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue The Power of the

Micro-Lift

Make the most of

The Web

Stylish

Summer Picnics

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month The Henlow, Hitchin and Stevenage Edition

ur Yo EE FRco1py

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Inside this issue... The Art of Home-School

Time for Tea!.......................................................................................... 4 The Art of Home School................................................................... 8 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe - Savoury...................................10 Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.............................................................. 12 Wines: A Good Choice - Sparkling................................................14 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe - Sweet...................................... 17 Help Save Herrings Green Activity Farm....................................18 Seventies Chic.....................................................................................20 Who needs to run when you can walk?.................................... 24 A Page of Calm.................................................................................... 27 Doing a little online clothes shopping?.....................................28 Children’s Parties..................................................................................32 Make the most of the Web............................................................36 Confessions of a Yoghurt-Knitter!............................................... 39 Chrysanthemums...............................................................................44 Is you pet fulfilled? Wood Green’s Advice................................49 Cracks ‘n’ Crevices.............................................................................. 53 Stylish Summer Picnics..................................................................... 55 Short Story - The Little Shepherd Boy.......................................58

RSPCA - Hertfordshire East News.................................................61 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal................................................................ 62 Four Summer Pet Health Hazards................................................64 Janus-Faced Drivers............................................................................66 The Power of the Micro-Lift..........................................................69 Visit the library from the comfort of your sofa......................71 Fun Quiz..................................................................................................71 Face-agram or Instabook?................................................................72 Wordsearch.......................................................................................... 75 Windsor & Eton Brewery - Beer through the Year................. 77 Children’s Page..................................................................................... 79 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................80 Baking - Strawberry and Cream Eclairs.......................................83 Villager Crossword.............................................................................86 Book Review.........................................................................................88 Create a Time Capsule...................................................................... 92 Useful Numbers..................................................................................95

Chrysanthemums

We are pleased to announce that the July edition of the Villager and Town Life magazine will be returning to a full printed version. The deadline to advertise in the July edition is 10th June. Editorial - Catherine Rose, Debra Grant, Nick Coffer, Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Katherine Sorrell, Kate McLelland, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Bob Grant, Sarah Davey, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, Jackie Brewster, RSPCA, Ann Haldon, Tracey Anderson, Iain Betson and Katherine Gillespie

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

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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.

History By Catherine Rose

Time for Tea! Tea has been enjoyed all over the world for more than a millennium but the English only adopted it as their own around four hundred years ago. Believed to have originated in Southern China, tea drinking dates back to around 3000 BC. However, it didn’t become popular in England until the 17th century, when it was made fashionable by King Charles II and his Portuguese wife Catherine de Braganza, who brought it over to the Royal court from her native country. Coffee houses had recently been established in London and were popular haunts of middle class gentlemen who went there to relax or conduct business. The custom of tea drinking was quickly introduced. Samuel Pepys referred to it in his diary of 1660: ‘…I did send for a cup of tee (a China drink) of which I never had drank before’. Tea would be brewed in the coffee houses early in the morning and kept in barrels. Cups of it would then be re-heated and served over the course of

the day. The coffee houses also sold loose leaf tea so that women, who did not frequent them, could enjoy it at home. It soon became popular for wives to host tea parties with their friends where tea was brewed and drunk black, often with sugar or honey added. Tea was very much the privilege of the wealthy. It was expensive to import and seen as a valuable commodity. It would be kept locked inside ornate caddies. Matching teapots, cups and saucers were prized possessions to be flaunted and cherished and there were many different designs manufactured in bone china during this time. The London Tea Auction was a hub of international tea trade. It was set up in 1706 and continued until as late as 1998 (with a break during the Second World War). Because tea was so expensive, the tea smuggling trade flourished and it wasn’t uncommon for tea leaves to be adulterated with all sorts of unpleasant

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(even poisonous) substances. The addition of milk therefore became increasingly popular as it would help to improve the taste of a poor-quality tea. In 1785, following pressure from tea merchants who were suffering due to the high incidence of tea smuggling, the government, led by Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, slashed the high import tax on tea, making it much more affordable to the masses. Thus, tea drinking grew in popularity amongst all classes, and it became common for servants to be allocated a tea allowance. Not everyone was happy about tea-drinking no longer being confined to the middle and upper classes. Following a long debate about whether tea was bad for the health of the working classes, causing ‘idleness’ and ‘melancholy’ amongst other things, it was eventually championed by philanthropists as part of the temperance movement, as alcohol was viewed as the far greater evil and working class people were then encouraged to become ‘teetotal’. The concept of afternoon tea is a peculiarly English tradition that conjures up images of bone china cake stands, cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and warm scones with jam and cream, but tea served with food was only introduced in the mid-19th century. It is said to have been first conceived in approximately 1840 by Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in order to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, which in those days was traditionally served quite late in the evening. The sandwich had been invented by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, around a century earlier

and the Duchess decided that tea served with a tray of sandwiches and some cake would do the job nicely. Soon friends were joining her for ‘afternoon tea’ at her home in Woburn Abbey and, thanks to her frequent trips to London, the custom grew to become a fashionable social event amongst the upper classes, with the addition of pastries and scones making it quite a substantial meal. During the Victorian era, a wider selection of tea began to be imported from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and India. Tea rooms serving afternoon tea grew in popularity, especially among women, as they were one of the few places where a woman could go without a chaperone. By the early 20th century, many establishments had expanded on the custom of having a musician playing in the background and were holding tea dances in the afternoons. Today, tea has become an integral part of our daily routine and could be described as Britain’s national drink. Although invented in America in the early 20th century, the tea bag didn’t become popular in England until the 1970s, when it revolutionised our tea drinking habits and put fortune tellers who read tea leaves at the bottom of a cup into decline! Still considered a rather genteel English custom, sumptuous afternoon teas are served by many top hotels, including London’s Claridges, the Dorchester, the Ritz and the Savoy, as well as Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. With a bewildering number of different tea blends on offer along with a ‘tea sommelier’ to help you choose, they are often booked up months ahead - a testament to tea’s enduring popularity.

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Parenting

The Art of Home-School Most children love to draw or paint. While so many of us are stuck at home it’s a great way to keep them occupied too. A few friends wondered if they should be encouraging more ‘mind-improving’ activities such as maths and English worksheets. Art tends to be viewed as a ‘bolt-on’ extra in school. But art is so much more, and along with music should be given a much more prominent role within education. Drawing, painting and sculpting help mental, social, and emotional development. Creating art boosts our ability to analyse and problem-solve. As a conscript teacher in the ‘school of mum and dad’ it’s easy to fall into the trap of ’right and wrong’ when we would be better to remember that art should be about the process rather than the product. As children manipulate a paintbrush or pencil, their fine motor skills improve. As they mix colours they learn about proportions, and when they experiment with different media they dabble in science. Most importantly if a child feels good about being able to experiment while creating art, it boosts their selfconfidence. Children who feel able to try things and make mistakes develop more creative ways to think which extend beyond their artwork. Lots of parents don’t feel comfortable with art, because unlike maths there isn’t a ‘correct’ way to do it’, or they feel they have to intervene to make things look ’right’. So, I’ve put together a list of art websites that offer tutorials aimed at the children themselves rather than at their parents. They all use real world art equipment, not digital platforms and have all been tested by my own 10-year-old artist-in-residence.

www.artforkidshub.com - This is a lovely art website for kids. It has hundreds of tutorials, mostly for drawing, but some painting and origami too. Mr Hub does the drawings in a slightly speeded up time scale, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow. artprojectsforkids.org - This site is run by an art teacher who has put together lots of fun art projects for kids. There are drawing lessons and craft projects. stepbysteppainting.net - A great site packed with online step-by-step canvas painting tutorials, suitable for all the family, with a complete section dedicated to kids. Older kids who are keen artists will love the more grown-up painting tutorials too. thepaintrepublic.com on Facebook - This is our favourite site by a country mile. Lindsay teaches live sessions on Facebook a couple of times per week. The tutorials then stay on the page so that children can access them at any time. She’s an encouraging, enthusiastic teacher and paints along with her sons, who are funny, lively and very normal, and this is the big bonus for my own son, who is missing his friends and the banter of the classroom. We probably underestimate how much of the important stuff in a school day doesn’t seem important at all. The silly incidents and funny anecdotes our children bring home are woven into the tapestry of their day-today existence, and at the moment that part of their lives is on hold. Lindsay and her boys are a breath of fresh air in our house. The art is great, and she also leads adult classes for when the kids are in bed. Cannot recommend this one highly enough. By Debra Grant

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Food & Drink

Prawn, chilli, garlic and lemon spaghetti A recipe from me this month, as I confess to you my pasta addiction. I basically live off the stuff. Practical, tasty, frugal and filling, a midweek pasta always hits the spot. I always make too much and always eat it all too. What can I say, there’s just something so satisfying about a bowl of pasta. This is one of my favourites as it’s so quick to make and is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and fiery. Use raw prawns where possible (I buy them frozen and in bulk when they’re on special offer), as this will add lots of flavour and their texture is nicer than pre-cooked ones. Ingredients 450g dried pasta (spaghetti or linguine) 300g raw king prawns 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced 1 large fresh (medium) red chilli, finely sliced Juice of 1 lemon Large handful of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil 1. Cook the pasta as per the packet instructions. 2. With 4 minutes cooking time left, pour a really good glug of oil into a pan and put the sliced garlic in. Turn the heat on, and cook the garlic over a gentle medium heat for a couple of minutes.

Serves 4 3. Chuck in the prawns and the chilli and let the prawns cook. You know they’re ready when they go pink. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Drain the pasta. Stir it immediately into the prawns, followed by the lemon juice. 5. Stir for a good minute, until the pasta is piping hot and covered with the juices from the pan. 6. Serve in individual bowls and finish with chopped parsley on top. 7. It’s your choice whether you serve it with Parmesan (I do, but controversial) or follow Italian tradition and not serve cheese with a seafood dish.

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.

By Solange Hando

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Travel

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna From a modest hunting lodge to a breath-taking palace and now a museum, Schönbrunn ranks among Austria’s top attractions, claiming seven million visitors a year. Restored, extended and embellished over time on the edge of Vienna, it survived a turbulent past to become the favourite summer residence of Austrian emperors for almost three centuries. Named ‘beautiful fountain’ after an artesian well, it is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its ‘remarkable Baroque ensemble and synthesis of the arts’. Beyond the wrought iron gates, the elegant façade, painted ‘Schönbrunn yellow’, rises across a vast courtyard where horse-drawn carriages invite visitors to explore the grounds in style. But first of all, the palace beckons with over 1,000 rooms filled with chandeliers and gold, paintings, tapestries, imperial portraits, Rococo furniture and more. Much of what we see today is the legacy of Maria-Theresa, the 18th century empress and only female ruler in the Habsburg dynasty. So Schönbrunn enjoyed a golden age as palace and gardens were remodelled for the pleasure of the empress and her court. Most impressive is the dazzling Hall of Mirrors where, they say, six year old Mozart performed for the empress before ‘springing onto her lap and kissing her heartily’. The Blue Chinese Salon with its rice paper hangings, the Porcelain Room and the Millions Room decorated with Indo-Persian miniatures are also due to Maria-Theresa, reflecting her love for all things exotic. A day would barely suffice to do justice to every room opened to the public, but of special note are the Walnut Room, used as audience hall by Emperor Franz Joseph, his wife Sisi’s apartments where a secret

staircase allowed her to escape from the pressures of the Court, the 43 metre long Great Gallery which hosted banquets and balls, the Hall of Ceremonies and its monumental paintings, the Chapel and the Napoleon Room where the French Emperor stayed when he occupied Vienna. Beyond this palatial treasure-filled interior, the Habsburg displayed their wealth and power in extensive grounds, from the botanical garden and Europe’s oldest zoological park to the orangerie, the palm house and the English and French gardens, the latter by a disciple of Le Nôtre who designed Versailles. Nature reserve, pristine gardens and recreation area all in one, the figures speak for themselves: 25 km of trees along the avenues, 30 km of hedges, 300,000 plants and 20 hectares of lawns mowed up to 21 times in season. Entry to the gardens is free and locals and visitors alike come to relax, gazing in wonder at the blazing colours of superb flower beds, listening to the cool gurgling of Neptune’s fountain or rambling through dark mysterious woods. There’s a manicured maze, a set of 18th century follies named ‘Roman ruin’, 32 neo-classical sculptures and a triumphal arch, or gloriette, on the hill top with panoramic views over palace and garden and the city beyond. It’s no wonder this is acclaimed as the best preserved Baroque garden in the world. The Austrian Empire came to an end after the first Word War but with its palace and gardens, Schönbrunn remains for all to enjoy and an enduring magnet for television and film crews, as seen in James Bond ‘The Living Daylight’ or the legendary Sisi By Solange Hando trilogy.

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Food & Drink

Wines: A Good Choice

Sparkling

Sparkling wines are a very popular choice for many people and can make a dining event into a special occasion, plus a celebration into a great experience. Numerous countries, globally, produce sparkling wines and the popularity of ‘sparklers’ increases every year. Sparkling wines can be enjoyed on their own, too. They offer excellent value, whilst continually impressing, with their wonderful perlages adding style.

Balfour 1503 Foxwood Cuvee NV (Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier) is by producer Hush Heath, Kent, England. 1503 is the foundation year for Hush Heath Manor. Extra dry, refreshing and crisp. A favourite for many. Corte Molino Prosecco DOC NV (Grapes: Glera, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay) is from producer Borgo Molino Vigne et Vini. Prosecco is hugely popular and a regular choice for lovers of sparkling wines. This DOC, extra dry, Italian sparkler is fantastic for pre dining drinks, as well as being a fabulous accompaniment to seafood, fish and white meats. Most Wanted Pinot Grigio Sparkling NV from Italy (Grapes: Pinot Grigio), by producer Cuvage SRL, has freshness and lightness complementing the citrus and other fruit flavours, perfectly. A great partnership with seafood dishes, particularly. Les Pionniers Champagne NV (Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier), by producer Piper Heidsieck, is a regular selection for numerous occasions. This aged production pleases the nasal senses with berry fruits, enticing the mouthfeel to its freshness, ready for the palate sensation, which follows superbly. Les Pionniers Vintage Champagne (Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir), by producer Piper Heidsieck, is a production often found on the ‘top table’. Again, this aged wine is fresh and possesses a well-balanced experience throughout, from the fruity bouquet to the last drop. These wines are a selection I have sourced from Co-op stores, which are available and open to everyone. Excellent quality beverages, including wines, spirits and beers, can be found at Co-op stores. The Co-op is committed to providing customers with great products, at very competitive prices, including own label, exclusives and well-established brands – from daily needs to special treats. If of interest, membership of the Co-op allows customers to enjoy rewards on selected products and purchases www.coop.co.uk/products/wine www.coop.co.uk www.infofairtrade.net

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Food & Drink

Chocolate Digestive Tiffin I don’t know about you, but I’m having to cook in a very different way these days, obviously entirely based on product availability. In the early days of this pandemic, it was nearly impossible to find flour. Which led to the question of how to make comforting sweet treats at home which didn’t contain flour. This tiffin was actually literally thrown together by my 6 year old, Billy, using what we could find in the snack cupboard. It’s not revolutionary but has the double advantage of being great fun for young children to make, while also being insanely moreish too. Oh and plus it goes a long way – 20 big slabs of it! Obviously with all that dark chocolate and sugar, bedtime was a bit tricky when we made it. But if your children are anything like mine in these strange times, 10pm is definitely the new 7pm anyway! Enjoy… Ingredients 1 pack chocolate digestives 125g butter 4 squirts golden syrup 300g dark chocolate 4 handfuls raisins (You can add whatever else you fancy really, handfuls of whatever you can find in the cupboard) 1. Gently crush up the digestives. 2. Melt the butter and syrup for 60 seconds in the microwave. When cooled, pour it into the biscuits and mix.

3. Add in 3 handfuls of raisins, mix again. 4. Melt the chocolate for 90-120 seconds in the microwave, then stir a couple of tablespoons into the mix. 5. Pour the mix into a non-stick tin and flatten out. 6. Spread the remaining melted chocolate over the top. 7. Pop it in the fridge for 45-60 minutes. 8. Slice into 16-20 pieces. Eat!

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Local News

Help Save Herrings Green Activity Farm A place to learn about birds of prey and animals and connect with nature Nestled amongst the lush fields in Wilstead you’ll find Herrings Green Activity Farm and Bird of Prey Centre. We’re home to more than 200 beautiful birds of prey and animals from around the world. We offer fun family friendly days out where you can learn about enigmatic birds and animals and have a go at a variety of activities. We’re a family run centre and our passion for birds of prey stretches back more than 40 years. Philip Gooden, a farmer’s son grew fond of magical birds of prey as a boy, learning the ropes from a neighbouring farmer - years later he would become a respected Falconer (and Fireman) running a successful business quite literally out of his back garden putting on flying displays up and down the country.

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Now daughter Emma runs things alongside an eccentric team of falconers and farm staff - and beloved office dog Murphy. The centre is home to more than 100 species of birds including owls, eagles, hawks and kestrels. Under our roof you’ll find majestic Great Grey Owls, Barn Owls, statuesque American Bald Eagles and unique characters like affable African Spoonbill Spoony, Dalmore our striking Golden Eagle and more unusual giants of the skies like Levi our silvery blue hued Chilean Eagle and Khibo our majestic Steller Sea Eagle who weighs a whopping 7kgs. Have you ever wanted to feel the thrill of being face to face with an owl or eagle and feel the rush of blood as they fly towards you? We’ll teach you how to handle and fly birds of prey. You can watch spectacular displays - you’ll be enchanted watching our feathered friends soar and swoop in the sky. You can meet farm animals including gentle giant Shire Horse Ned, fluffy guinea pigs, giant rabbits and an array of critters big and small. Fancy something a little different? We also run fun walks; you can take our zany goats or graceful Alpacas for a stroll in the countryside. There’s something for everyone. Amidst the quiet at the centre over the last few months, the babies have been booming. We’ve been thrilled to welcome twin goats, great horned owls Marvel and Maska, tawny owl Lil Spud and with other birds on eggs there’ll be more hatching soon. With the world and our lifestyles changing, it’s heart-warming

Maska and Marvel Great Horned Owls (Image @perelanner)

Alpaca baby Ty

to see new life beginning. But, we’re usually a hive of activity at this time of year and rely on visitor admission and pre-bookable activities to keep the centre running. Whilst our gates stay closed we are facing an uncertain future - it costs £800-£1,000 a day to feed and care for our animals. We need your support to continue, please donate to our Just Giving campaign; all proceeds go to the upkeep of our animals and birds of prey.

Kenya Mackinders Eagle Owl (Image @perelanner) To donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ herringsgreenfarmandbirdofpreycentre Buy an experience to look forward to: http://www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/ Vouchers are valid for 12months Email: falconry.centre@btconnect.com

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Interiors

Seventies Chic Get your groove on – it’s back to the Seventies! But this time around orange pine and avocado bathrooms are banned, in favour of good-looking furnishings, bold patterns and cool accessories. Seventies style is all about attitude. Bright and bold, it’s easy to introduce, often quite affordable and, because the furnishings are so striking, less is definitely more – a handful of well-chosen pieces can be carefully integrated into a modern scheme, adding an on-trend edge without becoming overpowering. Start with the distinctive Seventies colour palette – in general colours were quite earthy and muddy, from mustard and ochre to camel, olive and chocolate. Like the patterns of the time – geometrics such as circles within squares, paisleys and simple florals – these strong shades are best

employed in small doses, mitigated by pale or neutral backgrounds. Think small touches such as a cushion or two, a drum lampshade, some glassware and ceramics and a framed poster on your wall, for example. Typical of this decade is an element of comforting homespun, home-made style, hence the prevalence of handicrafts such as patchwork, weaving and macramé. Why not take a course, or teach yourself from books or online videos, and make your own, personalised pieces? Failing that, Etsy, Folksy and other online marketplaces have beautiful (and affordable) craft pieces.

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By Katherine Sorrell Include some wooden and, especially, rattan furnishings in the form of blocky furniture made of pine or covered in velvet or corduroy, and cane elements such as headboards, mirror frames and baskets. Try car boot sales, auctions or charity shops, though choose better quality items to create the right impression. A cream-coloured shagpile rug is another option and can be subtly updated with a Berber-style criss-cross pattern. Houseplants are important, and the bigger the better – no Seventies home was complete without a Swiss cheese plant and a spider plant in a handmade hanger. Complete the mix with some rustic kitchenware, a touch of vintage Laura Ashley, and perhaps even a beanbag or Moroccan pouffe.

Lava lamps Edward Craven-Walker (1918-2000) was a great British inventor, entrepreneur and eccentric. The story goes that he was in a pub one night when he noticed a peculiar egg timer, made from a cocktail shaker, old tins and wax, and filled with liquid. Fascinated, he bought the contraption and decided to try to improve on its design. It took 15 years, but in 1963 the Astro Lamp was launched and became an instant hit, appearing in TV programmes including The Prisoner, Doctor Who and The Avengers. Lava lamps came in a range of designs, and were ubiquitous until the late Seventies and Eighties; they were revived in the Nineties and have since become popular again – a retro classic that’s perfectly suited to a 21st century lifestyle.

1 Made to measure Seventies Flower Oval roman blinds by Orla Kiely, Blinds 2go: 0800 862 0464; blinds-2go.co.uk 2 Macramé wall hanging, £75, Cox & Cox: 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk 3 Retro Orla Kiely enamel teapot, £55, Andshine: 07765 530 607; andshine.co.uk 4 Silver and orange lava lamp, £35, Red Candy: 0121 224 7728; redcandy.co.uk

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Health

By Kate McLelland

Who needs to run when you can walk? It’s my first time with a local Nordic walking group, and no matter how hard I try, I remain at the back of the line while my companions steam on ahead. When we stop I am more than slightly out of breath and deeply apologetic about lagging so far behind. The others laugh at my serious expression, telling me that most ‘newbies’ quickly learn to keep up, once they have mastered the simple technique required. My fellow walkers come from different backgrounds and are of varying heights, ages and fitness levels. However, all are unanimous in their praise of Nordic Walking. As we sit and chat over a cup of coffee at the end of the session, they tell me about the transformational effect walking has had on their lives, from aiding recovery after a hip operation to helping with weight loss. Walking the Nordic Way - Nordic Walking originally began as a summer training regime for cross-country skiers. In order to walk the Nordic way, you use poles that engage your arms and upper body, propelling you forward. This removes pressure from the knees, making you feel much lighter on your feet; that’s the reason why Nordic Walking is often taken up by people who have undergone a hip replacement operation. It’s recommended that you learn the technique required from a qualified instructor, and you can find lists at either nordicwalking.co.uk (call 01392 956 856) or britishnordicwalking.org.uk (call 01446 773 876). Most instructors will provide the poles required, other than that, all you need is good walking shoes and appropriate, weatherproof clothing.

Why walking is good for health - Research carried out by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California discovered that brisk walking was more effective than running in reducing the risk of heart disease. What’s more, the benefits of walking aren’t limited to physical health. The mental health charity “Mind” claims that countryside walks can raise selfesteem and reduce depression, and most doctors agree that exercise can improve sleep patterns. Although thirty minutes is the ideal length of time for a daily walk, Dr I-Min Lee, a professor at Harvard Medical School, suggests starting with three ten minute walks each day, then building up to the full 30 minutes when you feel more confident. The right way to walk - It’s vital to maintain a good posture when you walk, so tighten your stomach muscles and keep your spine straight, with shoulders relaxed and your chin parallel to the ground, trying not to lean too far forward or too far back. Let your arms swing naturally and use the whole of your foot as you walk, rolling from heel to toe. Good shoes will improve stability and allow your feet to bend naturally: they should be made of waterproof material, with a thick heel (to absorb the shock as your heel contacts the ground) and flexible soles. Back at home, after my first Nordic walking session, my muscles ache and I’m aware that my body has had a thorough workout. Next time I see a runner I won’t feel my usual pang of guilt that I’m not out there as well, with my heart racing and my feet pounding the tarmac. I’ve found my ideal form of exercise, and it’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

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A Page of Calm Sometimes life is overwhelming, and it’s especially overwhelming right now. Sometimes we need practical things we can do in the moment to help, that don’t involve learning yoga, a new language or the ukulele. Restrict access to health-related news It’s important to keep up to date, but more than a few of us have found that the need to check and recheck has become compulsive, feeding our anxiety. It’s better for our mental health that we if we limit the amount of time we spend reading or watching news to one or two periods per day. Try not to seek constant reassurance It’s a natural human response to seek reassurance. Reassurance makes us feel calmer for a while. It’s difficult to provide reassurance in a situation where no-one really knows all the facts and things change from day to day. In this situation our brain can create

Well Being

a feedback cycle where we seek reassurance then have to re-seek it as the news shifts and makes us anxious again. In this way we become reassurance junkies, needing more and more. If you feel like this, it’s time to take action. Exercise Go for a walk. Jump. Dance. Shake your arms. Vigorous movement helps rid your system of adrenaline, which will help you feel calmer. 4-7-8 breathing You can do this exercise either sitting or lying down. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Take a deep, slow breath from your belly, and silently count to four as you breathe in. Hold your breath, and silently count from one to seven. Breathe out completely as you silently count from one to eight. Try to expel all the air out of your lungs by the time you reach eight. Repeat until you feel calmer.

By Louise Addison

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House of Colour

Doing a little online clothes shopping?

Some tips… Yes, we’re all doing a lot more online shopping these days for almost everything. When it comes to clothes there are some things to consider when making those big decisions… 1) Flexible - As it’s tricky planning for our future needs…like are we still going to be working in an office? It’s best to buy for your lifestyle now. That doesn’t mean nothing, or just loungewear, but garments that work for you at home and in your current lifestyle. We need to think about flexibility. A jumpsuit could be a perfect option to freshen your wardrobe as its versatile enough for home or being more adventurous outside as rules permit! It’s also something that can be dressed up or down. Ensure the colours and the style still work for you so it will have longevity in your wardrobe. 2) Tailoring – it has been forecast as something of a trend for spring/summer but is not an ideal online purchase. Fit is so key with tailoring, and I’m

talking jackets here, so unless you know the brand well steer clear. Jackets are still important, giving authority and depending on your role may be key in retaining professionalism online. Plus it helps us to prime our brain for work if we’re in work attire. 3) Be prepared to send it back! Sounds simple but so many of us just leave it. We then acquire this ‘stuff’ which clutters up our lives, damages the environment, not to mention the damage to our purse. If you know you don’t send things back then now is not the time to experiment online. 4) Try it on when you get it before removing any labels. You’ll know whether it’s right or whether it isn’t and then can organise a return. The longer you leave it the less inclined you’ll be to return it if it isn’t right. You also want to get maximum wear out of it so be keen to welcome it into your wardrobe – remove all the packaging as soon as you’re sure you’ll keep it. If you’re not actually that keen then perhaps it needs to go back? 5) Check the returns process before you buy. If the retailer relies on certain courier services or drop off points check that that is a viable option for you. It may not be at this time. 6) Colour online – colours can be really tricky to clearly identify online and some more so than others. Colour descriptions are not a failsafe either. Think whether the colour works with your existing wardrobe, can you see the colours working together? If you know your colour palette (through thorough colour analysis) you’ll understand that this is possible. How does the item you’re interested in contrast with others in the image being shown? If you’re not sure then don’t buy it unless you don’t mind returning it. 7) Be choosy – it’s tempting to look around online and feel that we ‘need’ something. But, is this something we are going to find useful in years to come? Or is it an impulse buy that isn’t really a wow on us? Wait a day or two and see if you still feel the same about an item before clicking on the ‘buy’ option. 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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Local News

Amazing Pain Relief After 32 Years! After a skiing accident Dave Mair from north Herts had severe, chronic pain for 32 years, affecting his day-to-day life. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. His research showed that many people with this condition find Oxygen Therapy beneficial. “I woke up every morning with aches and pains. It was like having an alien inside me! I saw that Oxygen Therapy had helped many people with Fibromyalgia enormously… and I wanted to try it,” says Dave. Oxygen Therapy involves breathing in pure oxygen through a mask under pressure in a specially constructed chamber. It is very safe with almost no side effects. It helps many people feel less pain, have more energy and heal quicker. “I discovered that The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth offers Oxygen Therapy. I did the free test session. The results were amazing! Many people feel benefits – usually after a few sessions. For me, my arthritic knee pain dissipated at the very start. I walked in with a limp and left walking normally. I haven’t limped since. A few sessions later the headache I’d had for eight years disappeared. Wow!” Dave now supervises Oxygen Therapy sessions. “I enjoyed the training 01462 684 214 and have made some great friends through the Centre,” says Dave. “We see miracles all the time. Some people, like me, have endured pain for many years. Oxygen Therapy may still help.” Would you or someone you know like less pain and more energy? Oxygen Therapy remains available with strict safety measures in place. Call The Herts MS Therapy Centre on 01462 684 214 for details.

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Parenting

Children’s Parties By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Keep the fun levels up and your stress levels down with our top party tips. Outdoor parties Most kids love a treasure hunt, and it ties in well with a pirate, knights or princess party. You could leave a series of clues leading to one big stash of small prizes to split (chocolate coins tend to go down well). Or you could hide sweets, trinkets and other mini prizes around the garden. Just make sure you keep a few extras to hand, to avoid any tears. Once they’ve found the treasure, you could: • Have a water pistol fight. • Challenge the kids to an obstacle course. • Hold a mini-Olympics, complete with ‘real’ medals. • Set up a tin can alley, or a game of skittles. Parties for craft-loving children If your child loves nothing more than creating a new work of art, why not dedicate the party to ‘making stuff’? Depending on the age of the children, you could: • Make masks out of paper plates, feathers, stickers, glitter and so on. • Paint pots or trinket boxes. • Decorate plates or mugs with porcelain pens. • Raid the recycling box to make robots, spaceships or monsters. Make sure you tell parents that the children will need old clothes or painting aprons. And bear in mind that paint may not have dried by the time the party finishes, so you’ll have to deliver the artwork at a later date. Parties for pre-teens Pre-teens may prefer to head out somewhere with a couple of friends. If they do want a party though, you could: • Host a sleepover, complete with movie, popcorn and a chocolate fountain.

• Hold a fashion show. Just raid some charity shops and let kids loose on the clothes with fabric pens, glitter and badges. • Have a disco party, with glow sticks, a glitter ball and a dance-off. Parties that let you take it easy If this all sounds like a bit too much work, you could turn to the professionals. From hiring a children’s entertainer to heading to a soft-play centre, there are plenty of options to choose from. And they’re often not as expensive as you might think. Some companies offer a full package including entertainment, food and a party bag, which can actually work out around the same price as you’d pay to buy it all yourself. Alternatively, you could let your child choose two or three friends to take out for the day. Head to the zoo, trampoline park, cinema, theme park, or just out for a picnic. Top tips for a successful party: • Don’t invite too many people. A good rule of thumb is to only invite one or two more than the age of your child. So if your son is turning five, you might want to invite six or seven children. However, it is a very rough guide, as all children are different. • Consider how many children there are in the class or friendship group. Inviting 12 of the 14 girls in your daughter’s class could cause a lot of upset. • Don’t overwhelm your child. Younger children may struggle with lots of excited guests, loud music and bright lights. Try to create a safe, quiet space where they can retreat if they need to. • Don’t feel you have to spend a fortune. Often the simpler, cheaper parties are the ones that children love the best. • Rope in as many helpers as you can!

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Business

Make the Most of the Web

Get to grips with going online and future-proof your business It looks as though normal service won’t resume for some weeks or months. Moving more of our business online makes sense. How do you make yourself visible on the web? You wouldn’t hide your physical business away and not tell anyone about it would you? If someone wandered into your shop by accident you wouldn’t ignore them, cross your fingers and hope they buy. Your website should work in the same way as your physical business. Information is the most powerful way to draw customers in and help them decide to click the buy button. Search engine algorithms love information. It tells them what your website is about, which means that they know how relevant you are when someone searches for a certain word or phrase. Other websites love information too. Advice, tutorials and case studies provide them with great content for their own visitors. Other websites that quote you and link to you are basically voting for you and your website as experts in your field, and experts go to the top of the search results. Customers love information. Why should a customer buy from you and not from your competitor a click away? Sometimes it’s down to price, but more often it boils down to trust and confidence. The more you help and inform your customers, guide them through the possible choices and point them towards the best solution, the more likely they will choose you. If you then provide great service and support, they’ll become a loyal customer.

By Bob Grant Web Consultant at get.uk.com

Fear of writing First you need some great content and almost everyone stalls at this point. But you don’t need to write a dissertation and you don’t need to be ‘a writer’. You need short, targeted, punchy articles. Think of your usual customers. What sorts of questions do they ask you? What confuses them? Who has used your products in the past and had a great experience? Why would you recommend one product over another? The answers are all short articles that people want to read, and that search engines love to see. 450- 600 words (a similar length to this article) are all you need. Add a couple of photos, maybe a short video and you’ve nailed it. Second you need to get the information on to your website, which should be under your control. You’ll need your login details and a little bit of training so ask your website designer for these. If you can’t currently edit your own website, check with your designer to see if this important feature can be added. If not, you’ll need to discuss with them about how to update the site. Finally, you need to repeat this process at least once a fortnight, more if you can manage it. You may hear about keyword research and ‘optimisation’, but don’t worry about this right now. 90% of the benefit comes from the content itself. If you write good articles, you’ll naturally use the right keywords. And honestly… a better use of your time is creating new content rather than chasing the last 10% on the existing stuff! So ‘get’ writing! Watch for more hints and tips in the following issues.

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Food & Drink

Confessions of a Yoghurt-Knitter! Lockdown has turned me into a home-schooling multi-tasker Our family live on yoghurt. We eat it with fruit for breakfast, swirl it in soups, use it as a replacement for cream, and as a side order with chilli and curry. Under lockdown, with shopping trips severely restricted I suddenly realised I was down to the last couple of tablespoons in the very last pot. Aaargh! But as much as my children feel yoghurt is the stuff of life, it didn’t really count as an essential reason for a trip to the shops. What was I to do? I vaguely recalled from my distant past, a Blue Peter episode, or possibly an episode of Why Don’t You? which contained a section on how to make your own yoghurt using milk and a thermos flask. Had I imagined that? I googled and discovered that there were a dozen or more tutorials about yoghurtmaking in a thermos. Brilliant. So, if you would like to do an edible science experiment with hands-on science and history homelearning, hang on to your home-stitched face masks.

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Let’s start with the science. All yogurt starts life as milk. With the addition of certain bacteria, under the right conditions, the milk transforms into a tangy, delicious yoghurty loveliness. The bacteria involved are Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus. They are both thermophilic, which means they activate at warm temperatures around 46°C, and begin to feed on the milk’s sugars (lactose). The process is called fermentation. Within 6-12 hours this creates delicious creamy yoghurt. The by-product of this fermentation process is lactic acid, which gives the yoghurt its signature sour flavour. It forces the milk’s protein, called casein molecules, to break down and recombine, transforming the milk from a liquid into a delicate, semisolid gel. Now for the history lesson. The word yoghurt is Turkish in origin and comes from the verb “yogurmak” (to thicken). There are records of

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yoghurt–making in Turkey going back to the 6th century BC. It’s thought that Central Asian herdsmen were the first yoghurt-makers. They stored their extra goat’s milk in containers made out of animal stomachs to preserve it while travelling. Some of the milk stored in these skins became thick and tart, yet remained edible, presumably to their delighted relief. The reason was the aforementioned bacteria which are termed good bacteria, in contrast with the bad bacteria responsible for stomach bugs. The good bacteria made the curdled milk a hostile environment for bad bacteria, so they couldn’t colonise it, while also creating a hardier and more substantial foodstuff. For centuries, yogurt was only made at home, not for mass production. That changed in the early 20th Century with the research of Bulgarian microbiologist Stamen Grigorov who first discovered the lactobacillus bacterial strain which ferments milk, and Russian biologist Ilya Metchnikoff, who as head of the Pasteur Institute in Paris developed the starter culture used to begin most batches of commercial yogurt from that time on.

And so...if I’ve inspired you to have a go at making your own yoghurt read on...

By Sarah Davey

Make Your Own Yoghurt You will need: • A Thermos flask that holds 1 pint. • 450-500ml of milk. Whole milk gives the creamiest results and is the one we prefer, but semi-skimmed also works well. • 4-5 tbsp live yoghurt at room temperature. (If the blurb on the pot says ’made with live cultures’ you’re good to go). • Optional - 25g milk powder. Some methods said this made the yoghurt thicker and creamier. I found that it gave the yoghurt a slightly grainy texture, but it might have been my ancient milk powder! • A kitchen thermometer is helpful but not necessary. Sterilise the flask by filling it with boiling water. I empty it and pop the lid on to keep it warm. Thermometer method - Heat the milk to 8286°C in a pan (to sterilise). Stay with the milk, it boils quickly! Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool to 46°C. Then whisk the roomtemperature yoghurt through and add the milk powder if using. No thermometer method - Heat the milk until a ring of bubbles forms around the edge of the pan. This means the milk has reached scalding point. I checked and it is between 82 and 86°C. Allow to cool for at least fifteen minutes. Then (make sure you have super-clean hands) dip your little finger into the centre of the milk up to the first knuckle. When you can comfortably hold it there for five seconds the good bacteria will be comfortable too (I checked and it’s somewhere around 46°C). Whichever method you use, pour the resulting mixture into the warmed, sterilised thermos flask. Seal and leave for 12 hours. I usually leave overnight. In the morning you should have yoghurt! Decant into clean glass jars and enjoy. You can use a few tablespoons of this yoghurt to make your next batch. It’s the food that keeps on giving.

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Chrysanthemums In recent years chrysanthemums, with their richly coloured flowers in a whole host of shapes and sizes, have had a well-deserved revival. They’re great in garden borders and beds, down on the allotment, in containers and grown in a greenhouse. If planted out over the next few weeks, you’ll get a tremendous display of flowers during late summer and into autumn. Their blooms come in a range of colours, mostly bronzes, mahoganies, golds, creams and yellows with a good few pinks, deep reds and purples too, and bring colour to your garden when most of the summer flowers are past their best. Growing Tips Check the information on the chrysanthemums you choose, as exactly how you treat them depends on the type or varieties you have. As a rule they’ll need planting with a spacing of 30-45cm (12-18in) and many will need support from a cane or proprietary support. Choose a well-fertilised and well-drained spot to grow them in the garden. When using pots or containers, make sure they

have plenty of drainage holes. The best compost is a loam-based John Innes No.3, and I’d add a little horticultural grit to keep the drainage good. Chrysanthemums need regular watering to flower well, but take care not to over water. To get the best out of them, a weekly feed during the growing season is worthwhile. You can buy specially formulated chrysanthemum fertilisers but if you don’t have one to hand then a high-potash liquid feed will do well. Pinch out the tips of chrysanthemum plants so that side-shoots will form rapidly, which will keep the plant bushy and flowering well. Just remove the tip of the young plant, leaving about five leaves. If you want your chrysanthemums to produce fewer but larger flowers, you will need to ‘disbud’ each flower stem by removing all the buds and side shoots (when they are about 2cm long), so that you are left with just the top or terminal bud. If you prefer more but smaller flowers (a ‘spray’) then you’ll need to do the opposite i.e. remove the terminal bud and leave all the side shoots.

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Chrysanthemums must be protected from frosts, so generally this means you’ll need to store them in frost-free conditions from late autumn until it is safe to plant them out again, usually in May or later, once there is no danger of frosts. When you lift your chrysanthemums for storing, carefully remove most of the garden soil from their roots. Next trim the top growth back to about 25cm (6in), and do the same with the roots. The plants can then be temporarily ‘planted’ in trays (seed trays will do) of well-drained compost kept in a frost-free spot over the winter. Occasional light watering of the roots may be needed, but keep the plants on the dry side. In early spring you’ll need to water the plants a little more to encourage them to start to grow away strongly, ready for planting out in late spring. If you opt for chrysanthemum types such as the Bebbie, Allouise or Misty varieties, you can plant these out any time from the end of April until June as long as all danger of frost has passed – so check the local weather forecast! With these you should pinch them out two to three weeks after planting and you should aim for three to four stems to develop per plant. If, when you pinch them out, there is any sign of a terminal bud, you’ll need to remove a large piece of the plant, maybe even more than half. A look through a few catalogues and websites will reveal just what a vast array of shapes, sizes, types and colours are available. Some of those that have really caught my eye include: • ‘Primrose Enbee’, an early spray type with simple, primrose-yellow blooms. • ‘Chestnut Talbot Maid’, an early spray double with near-spherical fox-brown flowers, and the lovely lilac-purple ‘Talbot Parade’. • The outdoor pot and bush forms such as the ‘Pompon Collection’ in several colours, including ‘Red’ and ‘Red Bronze’. • ‘Green Mist’, a seriously wacky variety with limegreen spidery flowers, just like those you generally only see in smart bouquets! • ‘Misty Primrose’ with near-spherical bright yellow flowers, and other Misty types in red and purple. • The ‘Spartan’ chrysanthemums such as ‘Raspberry’, with wonderfully pinkish petals and a striking contrasting golden-yellow centre, and the goldenorange ‘Spartan Linnet’. At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, Nemaslug and other great ‘green’ controls, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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THE GARDEN ROBIN

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Is your pet fulfilled?

Local News

Wood Green’s advice for recognising behavioural issues As owners, we see our pets all the time. This means signals that they are unhappy may simply go unnoticed, and behaviours that owners don’t like may be considered a normal part of their personality. Pets are creatures of habit, so some owners may be seeing a change in behaviour as a result of lockdown and a change in routine. It’s likely that many pets, especially dogs, will feel separation anxiety when owners return to work and school. Wood Green, The Animals Charity has decades of experience in caring for pets, as well as offering free advice and support to owners, so is sharing advice for anyone who may need help. Pets can become stressed or display behavioural problems more often than we think. If you notice a sudden change in your pet’s physical or mental wellbeing, it’s worth getting them seen by a vet to rule out any physical causes. Behavioural problems are more difficult to define as it often depends on when a pet is displaying a certain behaviour, why they are doing it, and whether the owner finds it acceptable. What we do know, however, is that pets’ behaviour is driven by their emotional state – just like humans. For dogs, jumping up can be caused by excitement, chewing can be caused by boredom and barking can be caused by fear. For cats, feelings of frustration can lead to aggression, often due to them not being able to exhibit natural hunting behaviours. By getting a deeper understanding of why our pets behave the way they do, we can begin to manage their behaviour with different care techniques and training methods. As well as meeting pets’ physical needs like food, exercise and veterinary care, it’s our duty to care for their mental and emotional needs too. Owners who do so are likely to have a well-rounded and content

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pet, and can prevent behavioural problems from developing. It’s key to ensure that five welfare needs are met: 1. Health. Pets must be protected from pain and suffering, and be treated if they become ill or injured. 2. Behaviour. Pets should be able to behave in a way that’s natural for their species – for example playing, running, digging, jumping or hunting. 3. Companionship. Some species are sociable and must live with others of their kind, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, whereas other species like hamsters are solitary. With cats and dogs, it often comes down to the individual pet. 4. Diet. Pets need to be fed appropriately for their species and age in order to prevent obesity or malnourishment, as well as having access to fresh, clean water. 5. Environment. Pets require a suitable environment to live in, with a comfortable place to rest and hide as well as space to exercise and explore. In a perfect world, all pets would be well-bred and well-raised. However, even if you’ve done a great job of raising a pet, or if you’ve taken on a pet from a previous home or rehoming centre like Wood Green, there will be lots of issues to consider along the way. It can be incredibly stressful if you’re having trouble with a pet, so the best approach is to be proactive and seek help as soon as possible. This is the first step to overcoming an issue, as it can be much harder to change a behaviour that’s been long established. Wood Green offers free pet advice to anyone who needs it and can guide you at every step of your journey – whether you’re considering getting a new pet, or need help with an existing pet. Find out more at woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice.

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By Rachael Leverton

Garden View

Cracks ‘n’ Crevices I love a crevice. A little gap between the lawn and the path; a cracked paving slab, or a little hole in a wall. These are tiny pockets where magic can happen. Does the crack or crevice sit mainly in the sun or the shade? If it’s sunny, you have a choice of plants with silvery or aromatic foliage. If it’s shady, choices will be more limited but there are still plants to suit. When planting, buy the smallest plants you can and gently strip off most of the compost. Squeeze them carefully into the crack or hole, water them and top dress with grit unless the crevice is in a vertical surface (because the grit will fall out!). Accept that some plants won’t survive, but if you monitor them and nurture them a little in the first year, watering and pushing a little more compost in if the rain washes any way, then most plants will establish themselves. The most successful time of year to plant cracks and crevices is March and April but don’t restrict yourself, any of these are worth trying. Dianthus squarrosus - Russian dianthus produces mats of blue-grey leaves and single white flowers with a pretty scent. Androsace sarmentosa ‘Sherriffii’ - This little plant is my go-to because it’s sturdy, establishes easily and is topped with pretty pink rosettes in the spring. Aubrieta deltoidei - I was always a bit snobby about this plant but when I saw it smothering an ugly cracked concrete wall at my son’s school, I fell in love with it. The purple against the pale grey concrete looked amazing. It can be sheared back after flowering to

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keep it in check but basically its bomb-proof. Arenaria alvacariensis - My ten-year-old calls these ’alien blobs’ which doesn’t do them any justice. They are really easy to establish and form an attractive green dome of tight foliage, smothered with small white flowers in late spring. Thymus serphyllum - Tiny-leaved thymes are great crevice plants, and useful in the kitchen! Erigeron karvinskianus - sprinkle seeds into crevices and this tiny daisy will grow and then self– seed happily. It’s particularly good for dry, sunny areas. Sempervivum - I have had a love affair with houseleeks since my student days. I wedge them into every crack and crevice in my garden. They will settle in and create little colonies almost anywhere you shove them, adding texture and colour. They’re evergreen too. What’s not to love? Vinca - Periwinkles have the prettiest little flowers, available in white, purples and blues, that actually thrive in shade, so they are perfect for brightening that neglected corner of the patio...the bit with the loose paving stone that rarely gets any sun and always looks a bit drab. My dad referred to cracks ‘n’ crevices plants as horticultural haberdashery! The tassels, beads and bows of the plant world, that cover the ugly seams and embellish the plain areas. I think that’s a brilliant description of these hardworking little plants.

Happy Gardening! 53

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Home Products

Solar bamboo Tiki garden torches, £12.99 for two; string of 20 Carnival outdoor battery festoon lights, £16.99; both Lights4fun. Photograph: Oliver Perrott.

Stylish Summer Picnics

Everything tastes better when it’s eaten al fresco. So when the forecast looks good, why not pack up some food and drink and head off for a day in the great outdoors? Bright colours and cheerful designs will add to the enjoyable atmosphere. Talking Tables Tropical Fiesta plates, £4 for a pack of 12; and napkins, £3.50 for a pack of 20; both Ocado. Picnic plates should be lightweight and unbreakable – these are made from pressed bamboo and would add a fun, festival vibe to any outdoor dining. Katie Alice Festival Folk picnicware, from a selection, Creative Tops.

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Practically Perfect Picnics

Fill your basket with supplies and head for the great outdoors. Hand-woven pom-pom basket, £30, Postcards Home.

The best picnic rugs are easy to carry and have a waterproof backing. Pure new wool Polo picnic rug in rainbow grey stripe, £69.95, Black by Design.

Get comfy with a folding chair. Mandala deck chair by Kirsten Star, £120, Art Wow.

Hang pop-up paper lanterns for a fun, party atmosphere. These brightly-coloured ones cost £4.99 for a pack of five, Ginger Ray.

Use a portable barbecue for delicious food on the go. Suitcasestyle barbecue, £79.95, Annabel James. Keep bottles chilled with handy wine cooler, £1, Poundland.

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• Research your perfect picnic spot carefully – whether it’s on the beach, in a woodland glade, near a playpark or just at the end of your garden. How far is it from the car park? Are there toilets? Can you bring your dog? Make sure you pack everything you need for the day, from plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks to a lightweight waterproof (just in case) plus a few blankets and a torch for when the sun starts to go down. • Decorate your picnic area with battery-powered fairy lights, lanterns and some bunting. Get comfy with camping chairs or deck chairs, using your picnic basket as a handy side table. Music adds atmosphere (though don’t disturb people nearby), so bring a portable radio or Bluetooth speakers and a phone. Do you need shade? On a hot day you’ll appreciate a tepee, canopy or mini popup tent. • Bring along games that all the family can play. Rounders and croquet are great, or organise a treasure hunt, play hide and seek, or set up an old-school egg-and-spoon or sack race. • The best picnic food? Anything yummy and not too melty or messy, especially if you can eat it with your fingers. Sandwiches, mini pies, kebabs, crisps, chopped vegetables with dips, plus fruit and something sweet, for example. Use coolers and ice packs to keep everything (especially drinks) cold.

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Short Story

The Little Shepherd Boy “Gran, what a pleasant surprise!” Gary said, seeing they had an unexpected visitor. “Karen, any chance of a quick word?” “Just a second.” Karen was helping Granny Joan take off her coat in the hall. “Go and make yourself comfortable in the sitting room, Joanie, and we’ll make some tea.” She followed her husband into the kitchen. As soon as Joan was out of earshot Gary turned to her urgently. “Where did you put it?” “What?” Karen said, and then her eyes widened. “I haven’t touched it. Where have you put it?” “I can’t remember,” Gary said filling the kettle, “I could’ve sworn I put it under the sink, but it’s not there now.” “Think, Gary, think,” Karen urged, and then called breezily, “Do you take sugar Joan?” “Two lumps please,” Joan called back. “Hurry up you two, I’ve got a lovely treat for you.” Joan had given them one of her treasured porcelain figurines last Easter. It was a little shepherd boy holding a lamb, and the most disturbing thing they’d ever seen. His wonky eyes followed them around the room, and a dribble of paint on his mouth gave the impression that he was trapped in a permanent groan. Even his lamb seemed terrified. Gary called him Zombie Kid. He looked as though he had either been painted by someone on their first day on the job, or a disgruntled employee on their last. Whenever Joan came to visit they put him in pride of place on the mantlepiece and then, with great relief, hid him away after she left. “Didn’t you put him on the bathroom shelf?” Gary asked. “Why would I put him there?” Karen snapped. “I don’t like him looking at me at the best of times, never mind when I’m sat on the lavatory.” “Perhaps we put him in the garage?” Gary suggested. “We did,” Karen said. “But don’t you remember, he came back in all by himself?” The two of them shivered. “That was weird,” Gary whispered. “Gary!” Karen gasped. “I’ve just remembered.” “What?” Gary asked nervously as the kettle came to the boil. “Do you remember when my sister came over to

help me spring clean?” Karen clutched Gary’s arm. “She chucked him in the box for the charity shop.” “Tell me she didn’t?” Gary pleaded. “She did,” Karen said. “She said, well this creepy thing isn’t going to spark joy for anyone, and in the box it went.” “Why didn’t you stop her?” Gary said. “You know how Gran feels about it.” “I’m so sorry,” Karen sniffed. “I wasn’t thinking. I meant to take him out, but then I just forgot.” “So, he’s finally gone then.” Gary felt a mixture of relief and guilt. “What are we going to tell Gran?” “Tell me what, dear?” Joan said, walking into the kitchen. “Shall we go into the sitting room?” Karen smiled, picking up the tea tray. As she entered the room she nearly threw the lot over the rug. On the coffee table was the little shepherd boy. “Look, I’ve found you another one.” Joan pointed at the figurine. “Isn’t he adorable?” Gary’s mouth opened and closed but he could find no words. “He was in a charity shop,” Joan chuckled. “I thought he could keep his little friend company.” “What a lovely thought.” Karen stared warily at the figurine. “I always wanted two of them.” “It’s the same one isn’t it?” Gary whispered in her ear. “Zombie kid.” Karen nodded slowly. “He’s a gorgeous boy!” Joan smiled indulgently, and then gazed up at the mantlepiece. “So where’s the other one then?”

By Jackie Brewster

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Pets

RSPCA Hertfordshire East News Registered Charity No. 208244

Covid-19 Update Due to the UK Government announcement, our national Society animal equine and wildlife centres must close to the public. No animal can be sent out on adoption or fostering. No animal can be admitted from the public, this includes wildlife. The RSPCA is continuing to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home during this difficult time and our priority is always to help animals in need. The only animals that can now be admitted are from our Inspectorate, hospitals and networking. The charity is already experiencing strain in our centres and frontline due to Covid-19 and this will worsen in the weeks ahead. To help the RSPCA to keep rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing through this challenging time, please visit www.rspca. org.uk/give or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181. Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Top priority is keeping our staff and volunteers safe. This is why our offices and charity shops have had to close, because many of the staff and volunteers are over 70 years of age, some with underlying health problems and therefore venerable. Sadly this means a loss of the generous donations from the general public, which has a knock-on effect to treating and re-homing unwanted or abused animals. Pets and Corona virus – Protecting each other There is no evidence that pets can get sick from Covid-19. Just like human hands, pet fur could carry the virus from one person to another. Wash hands well with soap after touching any pets or their belongings and avoid pet kisses – them and you! If your pet is sick or injured, call your vet before going to the surgery. Pets provide invaluable companionship. Practice social distancing Each person in the household can walk your dog once a day, but keep you and your dog at east two metres from others. Avoid contact with other people’s pets. Ensure your pet’s normal supplies for 14 days; make only essential trips to the pet shop. If you are self-isolating Think how you can provide for your pet’s needs. Dogs can be let out into your garden, or just outside your home to toilet, but keep your distance from others and minimise time outside. Can anyone else care for your pet is you are sick or in hospital? If your cat is used to staying in then keep them inside and clean their litter tray regularly. If an outdoor cat, try to minimise interactions with them. Helping each other Can you safely help a vulnerable person in your community with their pet? Could you donate pet food to your local food bank? Can you offer remote help to your local animal charity? All animal charities will be impacted by this crisis – please consider donating to support their work. Thank you and keep safe. In the event of an emergency or cruelty, please call 0300 1234 999 Branch Office: 01462 672278 Why not follow us on Facebook:- www.facebook.com/hertfordshireeastbranch or on our website:- www.rspca-hertfordshireeast.org.uk

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Biscuit and Boris

Biscuit and Boris are a bonded pair of male guinea pigs. They are very friendly, have been handled from a young age and suitable for a child’s pet under adult supervision. They are indoor guineas but would be able to have an outdoor hutch for the summer months and then be brought inside again for the winter. For more information please contact Zoe on 01234 342150 Please note that due to the current lockdown restrictions, we are suspending all adoptions at the moment but you can still register your interest in any of our animals by phoning the appropriate number or emailing Philippa on info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. The enquiries will be dealt with as soon as we are able to do so safely. 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.

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Pets

Four Summer Pet Health Hazards You’re probably aware of many of the dangers your pet faces during the summer months, but here are four unusual health hazards you may not have thought about. 1. Bee stings Not all bee stings cause anaphylactic shock, but some animals can be affected in the same way as humans. It’s a potentially serious health issue, and you should look out for vomiting and diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, and general unsteadiness. 2. Snake bites Although adders are the only venomous snake in the UK, their presence can be a problem for dogs in the summer. Snake bites may cause swelling of the airways, organ failure and shock, as well as considerable inflammation at the injury site. 3. Slug bait Some slug pellets contain a poisonous substance called metaldehyde, which can quickly cause serious health problems for pets if ingested. Signs

of poisoning include vomiting, seizures, tremors, and fits, and it’s crucial to seek help from a vet as a matter of urgency. 4. Poisonous plants and flowers There are many common plants and flowers that present a serious summer health hazard for your pet. Lilies are particularly poisonous to cats, and even the pollen can cause kidney failure. Other poisonous flowers and plants include foxgloves and lily of the valley, which can both cause heart arrhythmias in animals. It’s vital to seek emergency help from your vet if your pet has been exposed to any of these hazards – speed is of the essence, and could ultimately save their lives. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englandcambridgeshire-44208568 www.everydayhealth.com/columns/everydaypets/scary-summer-pet-health-hazards/

By Ann Haldon

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Driving

Janus-Faced Drivers

By Iain Betson

There is no doubt our personality changes when we get behind the wheel. I am sorry to say that we can, as drivers, be less than caring to completely selfish. This piece was inspired by three such examples I witnessed on a short stretch of A-road. Firstly, a speed restriction was in place to protect maintenance workers cone laying. The job is dangerous enough without drivers wilfully ignoring the limit with workers inches away from them. A little later, the overhead displays warned me of an accident and to move to the right, further backed up by both orange and blue lights on the attending vehicles. This warning was ignored by the van driver who undertook all of us in the left lane and sped past the scene. Finally, I came to a junction slip road onto the carriageway. The Highway Code states that if traffic is too dense then you must wait in the slip road until an opportunity arises to safely join the road. This was ignored by the driver who barged in, wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t content to sit behind a lorry, and swung into the right-hand lane causing all of us to brake hard. All those concerned wanted to continue their journey at the expense of others. Out of their cars, those drivers are likely polite, caring family people who would never jump a queue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are Janus-faced drivers. The roads are crammed enough as it is, but using them with courtesy will improve the experience for all.

Spot the Difference Can you find the 10 differences between these pictures?

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Well Being

The Power of the Micro-Lift

The importance of those little hits of happiness At the time of writing most of us are still in quarantine. This makes us unwilling participants in a huge psychological experiment, unprecedented in history. Quarantine itself is not the problem for most of us. With online shopping, online seminars, online meetings, there are a myriad of ways we remain connected to the outside world via technology. But the recent rise in mental health issues suggests that something about selfisolation is a huge problem. Psychologists studying the effects of lockdown on our mental health have discovered is that being in isolation means we miss regular doses of ‘micro-lifts’. Micro-lifts are those pleasurable little incidents scattered throughout our day, which we usually consider so insignificant we barely remember them. It’s someone smiling a cheery hello as you buy a morning paper, or the little accidental dance you end up doing with a colleague as you both tried to get through door at the same time and which made you giggle. These seemingly banal events lift our mood without us even realising. If you’re in isolation on your own these little microlifts don’t happen naturally. We begin to go into micro-lift deficit after about two weeks and this can cause our mood to nosedive. Even if you are isolated with your family it seems that micro-lifts are in much shorter supply, as they seem to be more dependent on those little interactions and connections we make with a wider circle of people going about our daily business. This means that while we’re in quarantine we can improve our sense of well-being by generating our own artificial micro-lifts. To do this we need to create opportunities for small, real connections with others throughout our day. It might be smiling and waving at the postman each morning or exchanging a few words from a safe social distance

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with a neighbour. I mentioned micro-lifts to my 17-year-old son after he’d looked a bit down and complained that, ‘…every day is the same right now. I have nothing to talk about with my mates anymore.’ After thinking about it for a while he came up with the idea of doing an online painting tutorial with a couple of friends. They all completed the same tutorial while chatting to each other on video call. It wasn’t about the end result; it was about the process of creating a time and space to connect with each other over a shared experience. They laughed a lot and teased each other and sounded like normal carefree teens for a short while. He felt much better afterwards, and it boosted his mood for a couple of days. They are planning to do something similar at regular intervals, which also gives them things to look forward to in the short term. Remember micro-lifts are not about the big stuff… this isn’t about setting out to lose twenty pounds, or learn Italian, or the cello, though these things might present opportunities for micro-lifts if you’re doing them with other people. They are about working brief meaningful connections with others into your day, and the beauty of micro-lifts, is that every time you connect and generate one for yourself, you are doing the same for someone else.

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WALL COATING

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Before After

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Local News

Visit the library from the comfort

of your sofa

With all our libraries closed and with most people staying at home there has never been a better time to visit our Virtual Library at www. centralbedfordshire. gov.uk/libraries. All you need is your library card number and a pin number to access a wealth of great resources. Not a member? Don’t worry you can register or request a pin online. Need something new to read? Find a great selection of e-books and magazines on the RBDigital App. You will find something for all the family. If you enjoy listening to a book check our two great audiobook libraries on the BorrowBox and RBDigital Apps. Keep up with what the papers are saying without leaving home with Pressreader.

Need to take a moment to relax? Download or stream some relaxing tunes with Freegal, our free music service. Struggling with home education? Have a look at Encyclopaedia Britannica. It has a junior level for lower and middle school children or if you need something a bit more in depth, find millions of articles from over 1300 reference books with Credo reference. Want to keep busy? Now is a great time to start researching your family history as Ancestry library is currently free to access from home. Remember all you need to access these great resources is your library card number and pin! Check out our Virtual Library at www.centralbedfordshire. gov.uk/libraries today!

One Hit Wonder Anagrams Can you unscramble these anagram pairs, where the first part of each clue is an anagram of the title of a hit single and the second part is an anagram of the name of the act whose only UK top ten hit single was with this single? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Not If We Don’t Launch by Our Pee Unproud Jam by A Fusion Hope So Bad Bar by Aptly Political Cry Grass A Guru by Trisha Chee Daft, Neat, Cheesy by The Human Wotsit UFO Nose by Sonja Oberon As Harmony by Ken Thack Jeering Satan Pun by Vas Thorpe I Am A Teeny Toad by Real Tall Men Fiery Hole Trouble by Mr Tender Baths

1. The Final Countdown by Europe 2. Jump Around by House Of Pain 3. Barbados by Typically Tropical 4. Sugar, Sugar by The Archies 5. The Safety Dance by Men Without Hats 6. One Of Us by Joan Osborne 7. My Sharona by The Knack 8. Turning Japanese by The Vapors 9. One Day At A Time by Lena Martell 10. I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts

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Life Begins... By Kate McLelland

Face-agram or Instabook? The mature user’s guide to social media Nowadays grandparents are proving a match for their grandchildren when it comes to posting comments and uploading photos to social networking sites such as Facebook. Social media’s fastest growing demographic is older users. When the seniors’ website silversurfers.com surveyed over three thousand of its members, it found that 81% of the sample checked their Facebook accounts more than once a day. But what if you haven’t yet ventured into social networking? How do you know where to start? These days, when everyone’s talking about ‘tweeting’, and ‘DMs’, or information appearing in ‘timelines’ or on ‘walls’, it’s hard to admit that you haven’t a clue about how it all works. If you’ve always wanted to dip your toe into the social networking pool - but fear you’ll drown in a sea of unfamiliar terms and bizarre practices - here’s a quick guide to three of the most popular platforms: Facebook According to silversurfers.com, Facebook is the

platform of choice for the over-50s. Many older users believe that they will get even more value from the site as they grow older. What is Facebook? It’s a free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload videos and images and send messages. You can find out what your friends are doing through a newsfeed, ‘like’ and publicly comment on items they have posted on their profiles, or contact them using a direct message (DM) only seen by the recipient. Facebook is the most popular of all social media platforms, so it’s very likely you’ll find someone you know there. On the downside, the site has been criticised for invasive advertising and for being vulnerable to hacking attacks and scams. It has also been accused of causing envy. When you see pictures of a party you weren’t invited to, or you watch your friends enjoying a holiday you could never afford, it may be hard to grit your teeth and press the ‘Like’ button. Twitter According to statistics portal Statista, 27% of Twitter users in the UK are aged 45 and over. High profile ‘mature’ users include Donald Trump and Stephen Fry, both of whom have enjoyed a rather volatile

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

Visit our beautiful

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

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relationship with the service. What is Twitter? Twitter is a free-to-use online news and social networking channel where users post and interact with short messages known as ‘tweets’. These messages are restricted to 140 characters, so Twitter probably won’t work for you if you’re the sort of person who likes to send long-winded ‘catch-up’ letters in Christmas cards. Tweeting is a great way to broadcast an opinion and connect with friends’ opinions. It’s also a shortcut method of finding what the public is thinking on any particular subject. Twitter uses a hashtag (#) indexing system, so you can find particular topics quickly and easily – for example #midlifecrisis will lead you to the latest comments related to that subject. The downside is that it’s not really designed as a messaging service. The brevity of the ‘tweet’ – at approximately 30 words – means that you need to be skilled at condensing your message into a short, pithy sentence. Instagram Instagram is the fastest growing social media network. It is currently more popular with the younger generation, but there are signs that older users are starting to catch on. What is Instagram? Instagram is a social networking app created so users can share photos and videos

from a smartphone or tablet. As soon as you post a photo or video on Instagram, it is displayed on your profile, and anyone who follows you will also see your posts in their own news feed. Likewise, you’ll see posts from the users you choose to follow. It’s a simplified version of Facebook, but with an emphasis on mobile use and visual sharing. You can comment, ‘like’, tag people in photos, send private messages and post an image simultaneously on other social media sites where you have a profile. Instagram is a quick and easy way to show the world where you are and what you’re doing. On the negative side, you and your friends will only be able to use this app on iPhone and Android phones; because Instagram has been created for mobile phone and tablet users, it doesn’t work as well on a standard computer or laptop. If you’re still feeling confused about which platform to choose, don’t worry. Simply ask around to find out which sites your friends and relatives use. That way, if you have any problems finding your way around, you’ll always have someone to help. At first social media may feel like an alien world with its own particular language but once you’ve started, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Before long you’ll be posting like a pro … or maybe even tweeting like a Trump?

WORDSEARCH

Can you find all of the weird-but-real words hidden in the grid? Abibliophobia

Gubbins

Absquatulate

Lollygag

Bibble

Nudiustertian

Bloviate

Pauciloquent

Borborygm

Quire

Brouhaha

Ratoon

Bumfuzzle

Sialoquent

Collywobbles

Wabbit

Comeuppance

Xertz

Erinaceous

Yarborough

Gardyloo

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Electrician

Alan George

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

Painter & Decorator Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist

Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job? Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates

City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience Sole trader No VAT Free estimates

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

Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256

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

or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

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Food & Drink

Windsor & Eton Brewery:

Beer through the Year

Windsor & Eton Brewery was founded during 2010 and now proudly possesses a Royal Warrant. Producing great classic and new beer styles, a good number of which are bottle conditioned, this brewery has a range of very impressive ales, that includes award winners and multi award-winning productions. KNIGHT of the GARTER Golden Ale: (3.8% vol). Described, on the label, as ‘Sunshine in a glass’ (I agree), this golden ale is brewed with a blend of hops from the New World. A citrus aroma greets the nasal senses, which follows, admirably, to the mouthfeel. GUARDSMAN Best Bitter: (4.2% vol). Extremely popular, Guardsman is brewed utilising Fuggles and Goldings whole leaf hops to great advantage. This easy-drinking, smooth production, has wide appeal, with its copper colour and excellent taste. A favourite with numerous beer lovers. WINDSOR KNOT Pale Ale: (4.5% vol). Brewed originally to commemorate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, this beer uses Sovereign and Nelson Sauvin hops and has many supporters amongst pale ale devotees. REPUBLIKA Craft Pilsner: (4.8% vol). This splendid craft beer is one of several productions, from the Windsor & Eton Brewery, which have won awards. Combinations of Saaz hops, Czech yeast and Pilsner malt produce this full-flavoured delight, which I found very refreshing. CONQUEROR Black IPA: (5.0% vol). Bringing together Cascade and Pacific Jade whole leaf hops, plus a blend of five speciality malts, this complex and noticeably rich IPA gained great interest from the outset. Superb, awesome and brilliant are some of the descriptions attributed to this beer. WASTELAND Double IPA: (10.0% vol). Belgian candi sugar is one of the ingredients for this Double IPA with ten different hops, that include some of the best of America and the New World. Another exceptional IPA, which certainly delivers on aroma, mouthfeel and the palate’s enjoyment, from the Windsor & Eton Brewery. Other popular productions include Capital Dry-Hopped Lager and Treason West Coast IPA. Ordering is easy and beers are delivered via courier to anywhere in the UK. Visitors to the brewery are made very welcome. Windsor & Eton Brewery, Duke Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1SE. Tel: 00 44 (0) 1753 854075 E-mail: sales@webrew.co.uk www.webrew.co.uk and on social media.

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Premier Painters and Decorators

Premier Painters and Decorators are a professional, punctual and hard working company delivering outstanding quality of work to our clients in and around Stevenage From wallpaper hanging, feature walls, coving and cornice work. We even clean facias, soffits and guttering. (PVC or Wood) If you would like to take advantage of our services, require a quote or advise please do not hesitate to contact us. Be assured when Premier quote a job there are NO HIDDEN EXTRAS. Private and commercial, exterior and interior painting services.

For a free quotation please contact Gary on Tel: 01438 353793 Mob: 07733 227961 Email: info@premierpd.co.uk

www.premierpd.co.uk

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

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Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 80

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“Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless”

Extensions, Refurbishments, Loft and Garage Conversions, Landscaping and General Building Internal and external work with many local references View our testimonials at www.hertfordshirebuilders.co.uk

Loft Conversions

Extensions Open Plan Living

Garage Conversions

Garden Rooms & Landscaping

Refurbishments

Architect drawings and planning applications catered for Estimates and ideas FREE

www.hertfordshirebuilders.co.uk Call Richard on 07818 061505 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Automated Gate Systems & Ancillary Components Remote Access Intercoms Commercial Automated Barriers Swing & Sliding Gate Automation

01234 709271 07789 714464

email: info@smpgateautomations.co.uk

Sales Service Repair Call Outs Automation of Existing Gates Residential Commercial

James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured

References available t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 e: go_on_james@hotmail.com www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

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Baking

Strawberry and Cream Eclairs Filled with sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries, these dainty pastries make a great treat for afternoon tea or can be served as a delicious summer dessert. Swap the strawberries for fresh raspberries or blueberries, if liked. Makes 8 Ready in 50 minutes, plus cooling Ingredients 50g butter, chilled and diced 65g plain flour, sifted 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten 300ml double cream 1 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 150g small strawberries 1 . Place the butter and 150ml cold water in a small pan and heat gently until the butter melts. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil then quickly remove from the heat and add all the flour. Beat thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Leave to cool for 3-4 minutes. 2. Preheat the oven to 220C, fan 200C, gas mark 7. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. Beat the eggs into the mixture, a little at a time, until smooth and glossy. Spoon the mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Pipe 8 x 10cm lengths, spaced well apart, onto the baking sheet.

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3. Bake for 12-15 mins until the eclairs are well risen and golden. Remove from the oven, pierce each eclair with the tip of a small knife and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes. This allows the steam to escape and dries out the centres of each eclair. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 4. Whip the cream and icing sugar in a bowl until softly peaking. Spoon into a large piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Hull and slice most of the strawberries (reserving four for decoration). 5 . Halve each eclair and fill with the cream then top with sliced strawberries. Sandwich back together and dust with icing sugar. Decorate each one with a swirl of piped cream and a reserved strawberry. TIP: You can make and bake the choux pastry eclairs a day in advance. If the pastry goes a little soft simply reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes until crisp.

n i t l h F e o J Plasterersam

Female Plasterer specialising in: Plastering, Plasterboarding, Making Good and Painting

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Crossword Solution for The Villager May Edition

Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy

Hard

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

The Villager Crossword

Across 1 Covered furniture with fabric and padding (11) 9 To make a choice (3) 10 Express the same phrase in another language (9) 11 Seers, forecasters (8) 12 Part of a cowboy boot (4) 14 Track for storing spare trains (6) 16 Capital city of Greece (6) 18 Massive (4) 86

19 Leave in a will (8) 22 Visiting, being present at. (9) 23 Stain, tint (3) 24 Vigorous polishing or cleaning (5,6) Down 2 Paved outdoor seating area (5) 3 Transcend, perform better than (8) 4 Disorganised, forgetful (6)

5 Requires little effort (4) 6 Typical specimen (7) 7 Pile of rotting plant matter (7,4) 8 Large revolving fairground ride (6,5) 13 Skirmish, grapple (8) 15 Computerised numerical display (7) 17 Observing, watching (6) 20 Assistants, attendants (5) 21 Remove the outer wrapping (4)

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GAS SAFE REGISTERED

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Books

A Good Read Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth

If in lockdown you’ve been re-watching the entire wonderful BBC series Call the Midwife, you might like to take the time to read the books on which it’s based. Jennifer Worth’s bestselling memoirs recall stories of life, birth and death in London’s East End during the 1950’s. It opens as Jennifer - then fresh-faced young Jenny Lee - arrives at Nonnatus House, a community of nuns who provide midwifery and district nursing for the close-knit families of the dockers of Poplar, and follows her as she lives and learns amongst them. Jenny is an honest and sympathetic narrator, quick to point out her own failings. The nuns, from calm, steady Sister Julienne to mischievous Sister Monica Joan are characterised beautifully, and Jenny’s fellow midwives are a memorable bunch. But it is the people of the East End who burst from the pages – from terrified runaways to hardy mothers of four (and even twenty four!), from seedy pimps to rough and ready dockers, all are described so vividly that they practically step out to meet you. The backdrop is almost a character in itself. As the book progresses, the reader begins to understand something of the history of the area – bombed heavily during the war, it has not recovered by the time Jenny arrives, and many families are caught in limbo, unable to do anything about their appalling living conditions. This element is explored in further detail in the subsequent volumes of the trilogy, particularly in ‘Shadows of the Workhouse’. And, of course, there are the birth stories. Every birth is different, and the book contains comic, tragic and poignant experiences. Worth balances human interest and medical detail deftly, never talking down to the reader but never baffling them with complex terminology, as she guides us through the emotions as well as the technicalities. For anyone with an interest in birth, midwifery, social history or just a good story, this is a must read.

By Katherine Gillespie

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Collins’ dystopian vision of Panem is even more sinister on the page. This land, which was once America, is now divided into twelve districts, controlled by the Capitol and subjugated both by hunger and by the yearly tradition of ‘reaping’ one boy and one girl from each area to fight to the death in a televised theatre of cruelty. In order to save her sister from this fate, Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her place. Instantly her life changes as she is taken first to the Capitol for a series of rituals, and then thrust into the Games themselves. To complicate matters further, she must decide whether her fellow ‘tribute’ from District 12, Peeta, can be trusted or whether he must be sacrificed in order for Katniss to save herself. This was the novel that turned my reluctant teenage reader into one who stayed up well into the small hours to finish it!

Hopscotch and Handbags by Lucy Mangan

Subtitled ‘The truth about being a girl’, this book is essential reading for grown up girls of all ages. In it, Lucy Mangan explores the subtleties of female life from school onwards. As the cover and the chapter headings suggest, the tone is light-hearted. This is no self help book – instead it’s a mixture of reminiscences, cautionary tales and laugh out loud moments. Packed with lists, diary entries, jokes and quizzes that are pure 1970’s Jackie magazine, the beauty of the book is how quickly you can place yourself within it. What girl doesn’t remember the intricate rules of teenage friendship, or the range of helpful excuses to get out of the dreaded PE lesson twice a week? Mangan’s style is chatty, confidential and inclusive - you instinctively feel like you are part of a gossipy group - and her points hit home. Even when you do find yourself matching 90% of the criteria that make you a grown up, you’ll still be safe in the knowledge that it is still ‘so much better than being a boy’!

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

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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

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Time Capsule

Create a Time Capsule Over supper one night my husband said thoughtfully, “You know what we should do? We should create a family time capsule and lock it away, then re-open it a decade from now.” For once all three of us instantly agreed with him, which never happens so kind of took him by surprise! Once he’d recovered, he went off to research and design one. A time capsule is simply a container which stores a selection of objects chosen as being typical of the present time, then put away or buried for discovery in the future. We are in the middle of the most significant planet-wide event since The Second World War. Our children are living through a period which will be taught in schools in years to come. And when their own children have ‘show and tell’ it’s kind of both cool and humbling to think of their classmates looking back in time through items, photos and notes deliberately selected by us, right now, as being representative of our hopes and fears and everyday life in lock-down. It’s relatively simple to design your own time capsule and if you’re creative and have the time then go for it. But while looking on the internet for ideas my husband came across a Canadian company who had done it so well and so completely that he felt anything he did would be reinventing the wheel. The company is called Long Creations and they’ve kindly provided free digital downloads for both kids and adults, so the whole family can take part. You can find the downloads here. Perhaps you could send photos of your creations in so we can feature them in future editions. https://letsembark.ca/time-capsule By Tracey Anderson

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Accountants

Appliance and 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

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Classifieds Domestic Appliance Repairs

Property Maintenance

Domestic Appliance Repairs Guaranteed Repairs To:

Washing Machines • Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers • Dishwashers

Dave Mortby Plastering, Decorating & Refurbishment

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07722 128189

JB Domestic

Tel: 01767 680621 or Mob: 07778 891490

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Rubbish Clearance

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

Helping to keep Hertfordshire Cleaner and Greener Waste carrier no. CBDU172513 We have Public Liability Insurance

H&M Rubbish Clearance

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Plumbing and Heating

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Wheelie Bin Cleaning Scrubbish ad Feb 2018.pdf

23/02/2018

16:31

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Prices from £5 5.00 per bin, cleaned every 4 weeks To book visit our website

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

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

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

Cocaine Anonymous................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers..................................... 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care................... 0333 252 9152 Floodline........................................... 0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory........................... 0800 776 600 National Debt Line............................ 0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency.................................... 0800 111 999 NHS Direct................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..................... 03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.................................101 NSPCC............................................... 0808 800 5000 Relate................................................. 0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line............................ 0300 1234 999 Samaritans...................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline............................ 0345 300 3900 Victim Support................................. 0845 30 30 900 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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

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