Henlow June 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 151 - June 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

No Socks Please Father’s Day Gift Ideas Island Escapes

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Inside this issue...

Add Colour to your Kitchen

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Island Escapes in the UK........................................................................... 4 No Socks Please!.......................................................................................... 8 Choose the right laptop for school or university..........................10 Is Laughter the Best Medcine?.............................................................. 12 Cambridge Comedy Festival.................................................................. 15 St Francis’ Children’s Society.................................................................. 17 Wine with me: England............................................................................18 The Mental Health Moles are here to help...................................... 21 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................. 23 Little Luxuries: Daily pick-me-ups....................................................... 24 A More Sustainable Wardrobe?........................................................... 27 Let’s talk about the Perimenopause...................................................29 Herts MS Therapy Centre........................................................................ 31 How to deal with thinning hair.............................................................32 Which tipple to choose for summer................................................. 34 Mission 24/7 is almost a reality...........................................................36 Understanding Credit Scores................................................................38

Biological Bug Blasting.............................................................................40 The Garden Goddess...............................................................................44 How to choose the right care home.................................................. 47 Tech tools and digital DIY......................................................................50 Fun Quiz........................................................................................................ 53 House Works............................................................................................... 55 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal.......................................................................56 RSPCA - Get Involved..............................................................................59 Puzzle Page..................................................................................................60 Add colour to your kitchen...................................................................65 Age UK...........................................................................................................68 How to make sure your car is roadworthy......................................70 Villager Prize Crossword.............................................................74 Celebrity Authors...................................................................................... 76 Useful Numbers......................................................................................... 79

Biological Bug Blasting

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Kate Duggan, Tom Hancock, Trevor Langley, Nick Coffer, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Herts MS Therapy Centre, Kath McCarthy, Helena Campbell, EAAA, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA and Katherine Sorrell

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

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

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Staycation

Isle of Skye

Island escapes in the UK Islands are synonymous with holidays. But did you know that you could get your dream island escape without even needing to leave the UK? It’s time to discover some of our home country’s most beautiful islands.

It may surprise you to hear that the UK is home to not hundreds but thousands of islands, big and small. From Scotland’s archipelago of rugged isles to a scattering of sun-soaked islands off the south coast, these hidden gems could be exactly what you need for your next escape.

True, you can’t expect guaranteed sunshine and swaying palms. But what you can expect is outstanding scenery, charming seaside towns, beautiful beaches and rare wildlife – all much closer to home. To get you in the holiday mood, here are three island escapes you won’t need your passport for.

Isle of Wight The largest island in the UK, the Isle of Wight is one of our country’s most popular holiday destinations – and for good reason. Easily accessible by ferry from Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth, a mere

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two-hour journey from London, there’s no better place for a British bucket-and-spade break.

It may be our biggest island, but at just over 22 miles wide, it’s still small enough to explore in a few days. Start in the west with a walk to the iconic Needles, three stacks of chalk and a lighthouse rising impressively out of the ocean. Soak up the views across Tennyson Down before hopping on an open-top bus to Alum Bay, where you can jump on a speedboat to see the Needles up close.

Then there’s the magnificent Osbourne House in the north, Queen Victoria’s family home, and arguably the best beaches – Ventnor and Shanklin – in the south. With zoos, dinosaur trails, museums and adventure parks dotted across the island, there’s loads for families too. You could even time your visit around the annual Isle of Wight festival or Cowes Week, one of the UK’s biggest and longest running regattas.

Isle of Skye Scotland has no shortage of beautiful islands, but most visitors will agree on which is the most breathtaking: Skye, of course! Spanning 50 miles

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Our most popular show, the military show will line up the Collection’s impressive collection from the Sopwith Pup to the Spitfire with current and vintage military visitors.

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

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

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from top to bottom, Skye is adored worldwide for its lush green moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs.

Unlike the Isle of Wight, the weather up here is not always cheery, but the frequent shrouds of mist only add to the island’s serene, mystical presence. On good days, climb to the iconic Old Man of Storr for one of the island’s best viewpoints, or trek along the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery.

Further south, the famously clear Fairy Pools are not to be missed. These beautiful rock pools are filled with crystal-clear spring water, fed by a series of waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains. Take a dip, if you can stand the cold! And when the mist closes in, rest up in one of the island’s cosy pubs or take a tour of a castle or two. Come rain or shine, Skye won’t let you down.

Getting here is easy, thanks to the Skye Bridge that connects the island to the mainland. In terms of where to stay, your best bets are the pretty towns of Portree, Broadford and Dunvegan. From here, you’ll be well placed to explore some of the island’s finest sights.

Isles of Scilly If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten track, the Isles of Scilly are a peaceful pocket of paradise, just 28 miles off the coast of Land’s End in Cornwall.

With white-sand beaches, subtropical gardens and some of Britain’s best weather, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve left the UK entirely. There are five main islands: St Mary’s is the most populated, followed by Tresco, with very few people living on Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes.

Isle of Wight

Visiting the Scillies is like stepping back in time. Don’t come here looking for shops, amusement parks and arcades; this is a place to unwind and drink in your surroundings. Quiet, beautiful and completely unspoilt, you’ll have almost every pristine beach to yourself. The walks are outstanding and the islands are popular with nature-lovers too, thanks to the Atlantic grey seals that breed here, not to mention the flocks of rare seabirds.

You can reach the islands by ferry or plane. Planes depart from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports, or you can take the three-hour ferry crossing from Penzance to St Mary’s.

Isles of Scilly

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Time of Year

No Socks Please…

From pocket money treats to push-the-boat-out presents, we’ve got plenty of ideas for Father’s Day gifts…

It’s easy to pick up chocolate from the supermarket, but a personalised bar is so much more special. These luxury handmade chocolates cost £3.50 to £15 from www.cocoas.co.uk.

Barbecue fans can take their skills to the next level with a barbecue rub from www.pigandpallet.co.uk. Individual packets are £4 each or splash out on a box of four for £14.

If dad is hoping to indulge his travel lust a bit more this year, this T-shirt should whet his appetite. And it’s just £8 from Tu. A handcrafted, refillable pen will last for years. If you’re on a budget, try the Wood Wirkshop, which offers a range of wooden and acrylic styles from just £12. See www.facebook.com/TheWoodWirkshop.

Whether your father is an avid runner or needs some encouragement to get off the couch, a Garmin Forerunner 35 might give him extra motivation. It’s £129.99 from www.very.co.uk.

How about a hand-sewn notebook made from recycled paper from www.brucebramfield.com and priced from just £3.95? Even better, it can be personalised with your dad’s name or a short message for free.

Dad will love a weekend relaxing in a hammock, available for £75 from Habitat.

You can’t beat a homemade gift. If you’re stuck for ideas, why not try making a: • Bath fizzer. Wearing gloves, mix 100g of bicarbonate of soda, 50g of citric acid and 25g of cornflour. Keep stirring as you pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and around ten drops of essential oil. Mix in a few drops of water. You only need enough water to hold the dry ingredients together. Press the mixture into silicone moulds or ice cube trays and allow it to dry for at least two hours.

• Bird box. This takes a bit more work, but can be achieved with a plank of wood, a hammer, drill and some nails. Search online for templates.

• Mini herb garden. If dad loves cooking, you could create a mini herb garden in a pot with plug plants from your local garden centre.

• Chocolates. Chop a couple of large bars into chunks and melt them in a large bowl over a pan of simmering water. Spoon the chocolate into silicone moulds, adding chopped nuts or sprinkles first.

(The above activities do need an adult to supervise.)

By Kate Duggan

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Parenting

Choose the Right Laptop for School or University So, you need a new laptop. With thousands to choose from, and a thick cloud of jargon to wade through, where do you start?

First, make a list of what you will use the machine for. All laptops will let you browse the web, type essays, and watch videos. Do you need to run some specialist software? If you’re studying a programming course, graphic design, or photography for example, you’ll probably need a more powerful laptop. Gaming requires the most computer power so, if you want to run the latest games at full speed you’ll need to increase your budget accordingly.

Next, you need to consider how you’re going to use the laptop. If you mostly use it at home at a desk, the laptop doesn’t need to be as portable. You can go for larger sizes and less battery life. If you need it in lessons throughout the day away from a power socket, consider a more compact design with a whole-day battery life. 2-in-1 laptops allow you to you unplug the keyboard and use the laptop as a tablet for even more convenience.

Your budget will be dictated by the first two steps: the more features you need the more you’ll need to budget. For a basic, general-purpose laptop expect to pay about £400. If you need to run some specialist software look in the £400 to £800 bracket.

Whatever laptop you decide on there are a few basic specifications you need to check.

How fast your laptop can perform tasks is controlled by the microprocessor and memory. The faster your processor and the more memory you have, the more responsive your laptop will be. In general, bigger

numbers mean more power. As a minimum for your processor, I would advise an Intel i3 or any of the Ryzen devices. For memory (RAM) you need at least 4 GB, 8 GB or more if you can afford it. Apple laptops do their own thing beyond the scope of this article, but the premise is the same.

Hard disks are where you store all of your information and programs. Most laptops use solid-state drives which are faster and use less battery than mechanical drives. If you’re only using your laptop for web browsing and writing essays, a 128 GB hard drive will probably be okay. If you want to use your laptop for anything more go for at least 256 GB or you’ll quickly run out of hard drive space.

Once you get past the basic requirements it’s down to personal choice. If you can get to a computer shop try a few out. Make sure the keyboard and touchpad feel right for you. Check that the screen is clear and bright enough for you to easily read it.

Make sure the size is either big enough for you to use the programs you need, or small enough to make it easily portable.

One of the great things about computers is that techy people love to write reviews about them.

Check the web for more advice, and check reviews for any laptop you’re thinking of buying.

Paying more will always get you a more powerful laptop. But that extra power is only useful if you’re going to use it! My rough guide to laptop happiness - find the specification that meets your needs, then buy the model above that it if you can afford it.

By Tom Hancock

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.

I think we can all agree that seeing the back of 2020 was a welcome event for each and every one of us, and we can now hopefully march into 2021 with renewed positivity and optimism.

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

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting

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

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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Health

Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

It certainly seems to help It feels so good to laugh doesn’t it. Especially at the moment, after more than a year of social restrictions, closed pubs, theatres, and comedy clubs. On of the things I’ve missed the most during lockdown is communal laughter. It connects people.

From a tiny titter to a great guffaw, laughter can completely change the temperature of a room.

Scientists are fascinated by laughter. Researchers at the Loma Linda University in California have been researching the health benefits of laughter and made some interesting discoveries.

Laughter lowers blood pressure – and lower blood pressure means a reduced risk of stroke and heart attack.

It reduces stress hormone levels – laughter makes us feel less anxious and stressed, which reduces the negative impact of these emotions on our body, while simultaneously increasing the health of our immune system.

It helps tone your abs – Ok, it’s not going to replace your tums, bums, and thighs class but when you laugh the muscles in your stomach contract and relax, similar to when you intentionally exercise them. That can only be a good thing, right?

It increases cardio activity - Laughter gets your heart pumping and burns a similar number of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. Who knew?

It increases our sense of wellbeing. Doctors have

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found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight off diseases better than people with a more negative outlook. The reason for this may be that it boosts T-cells, which are the specialist immune system cells. Laughter activates T-cells, so happy people who laugh frequently are probably less vulnerable to infection!

It triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers, so laughter can help relieve chronic pain.

Did you know that we are 30 times more likely to laugh when in a group than when we’re alone? Or that that four-year-olds laugh 300 times a day but 40-year-olds only 300 times every 10 weeks! This is probably due to a number of factors, including the belief that adulthood and work is ‘serious’, but also because we worry about offending, about the joke falling flat, and about just not being funny. We become scared to be silly. No one is suggesting that you suddenly start telling off-colour mother-in-law jokes, but a little levity can lighten everyone’s day, whether it’s a shared snigger with a colleague over a one of your boss’s foibles, or a funny anecdote about your dog shared with a friend.

During last year’s lockdown with the shift to remote working, incidence of loneliness and depression has increased dramatically. Many of us have felt disconnected, so when we laugh with someone – even through a screen or 2m apart – we generate a cocktail of hormones that strengthens our emotional bonds, our

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Local News

Cambridge Comedy Festival The Cambridge Comedy Festival returns for its 14th edition presenting a spectacular event featuring superstar household names, the very best circuit acts, left-field fringe performers, live podcast shows plus brilliant family shows and all set in a beautiful countryside open air location.

The Festival was launched in 2007 with the aim of recreating a micro version of the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival experience in Cambridge.

Its unique appeal has been that it presented a host of big name comedians and the finest emerging to the city as they hone their shows for the Edinburgh Fringe and forthcoming UK tours and iron out any rough edges. It’s been venue based each year but in 2016 and 2017 we moved it outdoors to Jesus Green park which proved very popular and due to the current climate this year we’ve decided to once again host it outdoors but expand it into a fully fledged festival experience with camping.

The festival will take place on Grange Farm in Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon which is where the Secret Garden Party was held – it’s a fantastic countryside location and its unique and quirky landscaped features lend itself perfectly to a comedy festival.

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We have over 150 acts appearing across 4 stages packed with so many amazingly funny comedians including household names from TV and stage such as Rob Beckett, Milton Jones, Dara Ó Briain, Ed Byrne, Gary Delaney, Nina Conti, Tom Allen, Al Murray, Reginald D Hunter and Russell Kane to the very best club circuit acts plus live podcast shows, lots of fantastic kids/family shows and after the comedy shows have finished each evening we’ve even got comedians having a go at DJ’ing their favourite tunes in the Glade bar area and if all of that isn’t enough to tickle your comedy appetite we’ve also got a fresh water swimming lake on site!

We have camping right next to the arena and for those that want their creature comforts we’ve got Boutique Camping too.

With either full weekend passes or individual day tickets (with or without camping) available we’ve tried to create an event for comedy fans so they get to watch all the very best acts in one place but also an event where they can feel safe and be outdoors.

Full festival details can be found at www.cambridgecomedyfestival.com

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Local News

St. Francis’ Children’s Society Could you adopt siblings, and help keep brothers and sisters together?

Latest figures show there are currently 2,030 children waiting to be adopted in England. Of those, approximately 44% are in sibling groups of two or more. Groups of children wait an average of 17 months to be adopted, which is 36% longer (135 days) than individual children. 56% of these children wait more than 18 months for their new family.

In response to these figures, Milton Keynes adoption agency St. Francis’ Children’s Society (SFCS) has joined a national campaign which encourages people who are considering adoption to think about adopting brothers and sisters together.

In most cases, keeping brothers and sisters together is vitally important when children are adopted. They share their life-stories and have a life-long bond, and have often been the only constants in each other’s lives. Siblings are much stronger together than apart.

Natalie and Phil became parents when they adopted two brothers with the help of SFCS. Natalie says, “It’s easy to forget that adoption is just becoming new parents, and life does dramatically change for any new parents. The first few months were a massive culture shock for us and we did find things difficult.

We bonded more quickly with the older child than we did with the baby, and we felt so much guilt over this.

“We weren’t prepared for feeling quite so tired, to function on little sleep and to need to be ‘switched on’ all day, every day to meet the children’s needs.

In hindsight, going from no children to two children overnight was a little crazy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We now feel like a normal, happy and complete family.”

New research released as part of the campaign reveals that, while there are challenges in adopting more than one child, 88% of parents that adopted brothers and sisters say the positives outweigh

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any difficulties. And 61% of these adopters acknowledged that adopting children with their brothers and sisters has been the most beneficial factor in their child’s adoption journey.

Owen and Abi adopted three sisters with SFCS in July 2019. The youngest two are twins who are now aged four, and the eldest is now aged 5.

Owen says, “The love that we receive from the children and the love that we can give them is something you can’t put into words. They truly have completed our family and, nearly two years down the line, they’re just our kids. The things they do inspire us to be better. It’s a wonderful thing – I’d recommend it.”

Brothers and sisters who need to stay together wait longer in care for adoptive families, through no fault of their own. Could you adopt siblings, and help keep brothers & sisters together?

St. Francis’ Children’s Society is an independent adoption agency that welcomes all kinds of families for all kinds of children - regardless of age, race, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. Visit www.sfcs.org.uk to find out more.

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Food & Drink

Wine with me: England

Wine productions, in England, most certainly have several centuries of knowledge and expertise. The 20th century saw increased developments and the wine industry became a more serious business, with English wines gaining much respect and acknowledgement, receiving numerous awards, at prestigious competitions and events. I searched for a company that produces and makes available, an excellent range of wines – something for all tastes and palates.

Denbies Wine Estate is located in Surrey and was established during 1986. Several grape varieties are grown, for their wine productions, many of which are award-winning.

BACCHUS (11% vol) is produced only in the best seasons, from 100% Bacchus grapes which are cold-fermented in stainless steel vats, plus a small portion that is barrel-fermented and aged. A wonderful pale-straw colour entices to the nasal appeal. The mouthfeel and palate enjoy the dry and full-bodied effect, perfectly, for this Vineyard Select, white wine production.

SURREY GOLD (11.5% vol) I found to possess a bouquet of fragrances, then, following on, to have an excellent mouthfeel and palate. This is a white wine, Classic Collection, production.

ROSE HILL (11.5% vol) is in the ‘middle’. Between white and red, this ‘pink’ production certainly does not disappoint. The bouquet of summer fruits extends to a real, bursting mouthfeel. This is a Classic Collection, wine.

REDLANDS (12% vol) is to be found amongst the Cellarmaster’s Choice range, which is specifically selected by Denbies’ wine makers. A splendid red wine to accompany red meats and casseroles.

WHITEDOWNS BRUT (12% vol) – Cellarmaster’s Choice – I consider a very good sparkling wine. This production is made from a blend of grape varieties grown on the Denbies Estate and then bottle-fermented, providing fruits, with fresh flavour and a perlage which entices to a lengthy appeal. A splendid wine to enjoy pre-dining (or whenever!).

GREENFIELDS (12.5% vol), from their Vineyard Select range, is a further example of a superb, bottle-fermented ‘sparkler’. The golden-straw colour complements a most wonderful bouquet. The Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes give the impressive, crisp pleasures for the mouth’s enjoyment, which is extended.

For all details and information, including wine tours and tastings, please contact: Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA. Tel: 44 (0) 1306 876 616 and visit: www.denbies.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl 18

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Local News

The Mental Health Moles

are here to Help!

A founder of a mental health peer support company in Bedfordshire has published a short book highlighting mental health challenges.

3 May 2021: Similar to the style of the Mr. Men books, Luke Newman from Potton, has designed and written ‘The Mental Health Moles’ showing fifty-two storyboards accompanied with brightly coloured and boldly drawn illustrations with advice about mental health topics, such as anxiety, depression, grief, social media, stress, sleep and many more.

Luke has lost both his mother and sister to cancer and felt that there wasn’t an open platform for himself and other men to have a place to talk about their feelings openly.

So in 2019, Luke launched ‘For Men to Talk’ providing men with an opportunity to talk about their mental health during a weekly meeting. The group started at the beginning of 2020 in Jones Café in Biggleswade until the coronavirus lockdown moved them to the Zoom virtual online platform. The meetings will hopefully return to the café in July 2021, as well as continuing online, depending on lockdown restrictions.

Suitable for all ages and genders, ‘The Mental Health Moles’ book is available to purchase for £4.99 from the Amazon Kindle store via www.bit.ly/MHMOLES and £5.99 for the printed version which will soon be available from the ‘For Men To Talk’ website.

“I launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £300, so that 100 copies could be printed,” said Luke.

“People donated a minimum of amount of £10 and would receive a personalised and signed copy done myself. That target was reached in just eighteen hours. I can’t thank those people enough for the support”.

For more information about For Men to Talk and how to join the weekly sessions, please visit www.formentotalk.co.uk

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TRAVEL FROM STEVENAGE/BALDOCK Letchworth/Hitchin on some dates DAY TRIPS Adult 16 Jun RHS Wisley Gardens £36 24 Jun East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens £36 26 Jun Blenheim Palace Flower Show £33 2 Jul Stamford & Barnsdale Gardens £35 7 Jul Easton Walled Gardens £33 8-10 Jul Hampton Court Flower Show £50 13 Jul Norfolk Broads Cruise £39 18 Jul Horse Drawn Boat & Cream Tea £44 20 Jul National Memorial Arboretum £26 21 Jul Sutton Hoo & Aldeburgh £39 22 Jul Painshill Park £35 29 Jul Kew Palace & Gardens £39 4 Aug Cinderella – Matinee £65 5 Aug Norfolk Broads Paddle Steamer £32 5 Aug RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show £33 6 Aug Norwich £21 18 Aug Joseph – Matinee £75 25 Aug Grease – Milton Keynes –Matinee £50 26 Aug Beth Chatto & Green Island Gdns £42 28 Aug BBC Gardeners World Live – NEC £44 1 Sep Maidstone Cruise inc. Fish & Chips £52 2 Sep Kew Palace & Gardens £39 4 Sep Canterbury £26 9 Sep RHS Wisley Flower Show £37 15 Sep Orwell Lady River Cruise £52 25 Sep Chelsea Flower Show £108 28 Sep Horse Drawn Boat & Cream Tea £44 30 Sep Tina the Musical – Matinee £67.50 15 Oct Stamford Mkt & Rutland Tea Cruise £40 18 Nov Pretty Woman – Evening £65 Twice Weekly Seaside Trips Thursford Xmas Show Dates on Sale Now HOLIDAYS Date Days PP 23 Jul Durham Historic Weekend 4 £395 2 Aug Solent Hotel 5 £450 7 Aug Isle of Wight 7 £625 8 Aug North Devon 6 £595 9 Aug Welsh Borders 5 £485 16 Aug Heart of Lancashire 5 £515 13 Sep Wye Valley 5 £450 13 Sep Devon Rail & Sail 6 £595 17 Sep Orkneys Ancient Secrets 7 £850 17 Sep Kent Castles, Gardens & 1940’s 4 £385 20 Sep Sunny South Coast 5 £475 20 Sep Royal Historic South Coast 5 £495 27 Sep Warner’s Holme Lacey 5 £495 4 Oct Eastbourne at Leisure 5 £375 8 Oct Bath & Bristol 4 £345 10 Oct Cardigan Bay 6 £525 17 Oct Autumn Colours New Forest 5 £550 MORE HOLIDAYS & DAY TRIPS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

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Food & Drink

Simple Thin Apple Tart I do love a pretty desert - but I’m also a rubbish pastry maker! So I’m all for a desert which has the wow factor, without needing Great British Bake Off level skills. This simplified version of the classic French “Tarte Fine aux Pommes” is not only delicious, it’s also easy to make. Above all, it looks beautiful.

You’ll need: 1 roll of store-bought puff pastry (all butter is best) 3-4 (depending on size) sharp flavoured apples like a Braeburn or Granny Smith A knob of butter Caster sugar 1 tbsp apricot jam 1. Hunt around in your kitchen cupboards for two round shapes, one of which needs to be 1cm narrower than the other. The larger round needs to fit on your unrolled puff pastry. I used a dinner plate and the base of a cake tin.

2. Unroll the pastry. Use the larger round shape to cut out a circle, using a sharp knife. Place the smaller round on the pastry and gently score the pastry around it. You just need a slight indentation - don’t cut the pastry. Place on a non-stick baking tray.

3. Carefully peel the apples, trying to keep their round shape. Cut them into quarters and slice out the cores in a curved line.

4. Slice the quarters into thin slices, 2-3mm in thickness. Try to keep them of equal size by always cutting down towards the point of

the quarter where the core was, slightly rotating the quarter as you go.

5. Starting on the outside, arrange the apple slices in a circular fan pattern on the pastry base (see photo).

Place them inside the circular border you marked.

6 Once you have completed the outside ring, do the same for the inside.

7. Melt a knob of butter in the microwave and carefully brush it onto the tart. Dust the tart quite generously with sugar.

8. Bake in an oven pre-heated to 220C/ Gas Mark 6 for around 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden around the edges and the apples caramelised.

9. Take the tart out of the oven. While it is cooling, melt the apricot jam in a saucepan and thin it out with a few drops of water. Glaze the top of the tart with the apricot jam using a pastry brush. Leave to set and serve once the tart is cool. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. **For a slight variation, you can also make an apple compote base. Cook down a cooking apple with some caster sugar until you have a smooth purée. Cover the base with this compote in a thin layer before placing the apples on top.

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

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Beauty

Little Luxuries

Daily pick-me-ups

By Kate Duggan

When we treat ourselves, it tends to be a luxurious body lotion or expensive perfume that falls into the shopping basket.

But don’t forget those daily essentials. Shower gel might not seem exactly luxurious, but it can be. Look for one with added benefits, such as moisturising ingredients or just a fragrance that makes you smile.

Weleda’s (www.weleda.co.uk) new Aroma Showers range is a good place to start. There are several fragrances to choose from, at £8.25 each. Each one is designed to enhance your mood and turn your daily shower into a ‘spa-worthy’ experience. As an added bonus, the body wash is very rich and creamy, so leaves skin feeling softer.

Make that shower even better by trying a new shampoo and conditioner. Eco-brand Rhyme and Reason packs in plenty of natural, nourishing ingredients into its haircare range, from coconut oil to shea butter. There are five combos to choose from – Volume & Boost, Nourish & Gloss, Quench & Curl, Colour Protect and Repair & Restore – at £8.99 each from www.boots. co.uk. Personally, I like the Nourish & Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner as they help to detangle, smooth and add shine.

Sales of lipstick plummeted during the pandemic.

There’s little point applying lipstick when it’s covered up by a face mask. Now that restrictions are easing, a slick of lippie might help to put a spring back in your step. Your pre-pandemic ones will most likely need binning as they usually have a shelf-life of six to

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twelve months. Ideally, head to a make-up counter to choose a new lippie, as the colours are never 100% accurate on a screen.

My new go-to neutral is Bobbi Brown’s Crushed Shine Jelly Stick in Honey. It contains fruit oils and hyaluronic acid to help soften and hydrate lips and the colour is perfect for everyday use. Looking for something with a bit more wow factor? Try Papaya or Candy Apple. They’re £25 from www. bobbibrown.co.uk.

Speaking of make-up counters, why not treat yourself to a mini-makeover or make-up tutorial?

Lots of brands offer them for free, or for a fee that’s redeemable against new products. Some beauty counters offer walk-in consultations, but full makeup lessons usually need booking online or over the phone.

Sleep shouldn’t be a luxury, but it sure feels that way sometimes. If you’re struggling to drift off, try unwinding with the Luna Eye Mask from Sensory Retreats (£3.95, sensoryretreats.com). It’s self-heating (which feels surprisingly comforting) and infused with lavender to help you de-stress and relax.

Of course, you don’t need to buy anything new to add a dash of luxury to your daily routine. Many of us have shelves of products we hardly ever use. Why shouldn’t you wear your favourite perfume on the school run? Or massage in that scented body oil straight before bed? And you could take your evening bath to another level by lighting a scented candle, putting some music on and pouring yourself a glass of wine. Bliss.

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House of Colour

A more sustainable wardrobe?

An estimated £140m worth of clothing is sent to UK landfill each year – Source WRAP. The average person today buys 60 % more clothing than in 2000 Less than 1 % of used clothing is recycled into new garments Washing clothes releases half a million tonnes of plastic microfibres into the ocean every year, equivalent to more than 50 billion plastic bottles. - Ellen MacArthur Foundation It’s pretty shocking how much we consume and the impact that this has. Many of us are unaware how our buying habits are affecting our environment but what is clear is that we need to make some serious changes if we are going to protect our environment for the future.

The fashion chains are making changes and you will see new fibres aimed at being more sustainable, less polluting than many we rely on, including cotton. While they may be making changes we, as consumers will also need to play our part.

I cannot claim to be the most sustainable clothes shopper on the planet but, I do follow some basic principles.

• I buy clothes that I love – not ‘that’ll do’ which means we get some wear out of them but then they sit there unworn because they actually don’t give us a buzz, and soon become replaced or replaceable. I am fussy about what I get.

• I know what suits me which means my clothes get worn regularly. I don’t have clothing sitting in my wardrobe still with tags on. On average we wear 15% of our wardrobe 85% of the time, which goes some way to explaining why so much of our clothing ends up in landfill.

• I buy for my lifestyle – beautiful dresses that only get worn to tea at the Ritz are not on my list because they aren’t going to get worn!

• I try to buy good quality – because I want my clothes to last. It’s really easy to be tempted by the cheap fix, but it’s often regretted.

• When my clothes have reached the end of the line I recycle them.

• I have begun to look at the second hand options available beyond charity shops. Beyond Retro and Depop have proved fruitful providing more originality in terms of choice than often found on the current high street. There are so many more second hand options, rental too that this is really worth a look (try @ virtualmarketplace).

• I love British made options – we do still produce clothing! There are lots of independent British designer/ makers, many to be found at equestrian events (I’m not particularly into horses but the shopping can be amazing, particularly Burghley Horse Trials) and the larger country shows. Northampton is still home to many British made men’s shoes and you can still buys hats in Luton. There are also an increasing number of brands that have taken sustainable • Alterations – if clothing isn’t fitting, or just needs a tweak to make it more useful I will get it altered. It could even be remodelled into something quite different. It’s really worthwhile particularly when mass produced items don’t all cater for unique shapes! Having repairs professionally done can also breathe new life back into a garment.

I think we’re all going to need to reassess how we buy and how much we buy and probably be prepared to spend more for new items into the future. What we can understand though is what really suits us and buy what we love to get the most wear out of our clothes.

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

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Health

Let’s talk about the Perimenopause I was 39 when I started having menopausal symptoms. By 42, hot flushes were a daily annoyance; I was waking up several times a night with joint pain; and I just felt generally old. In short, the perimenopause was proving a royal pain in the ass.

The average age of the menopause is 51, but the perimenopause (the time leading up to the menopause when levels of oestrogen and progesterone are decreasing) can last for years.

Symptoms The most common symptoms include: • Irregular periods • Hot flushes/night sweats • Mood changes • Fatigue • Loss of libido • Joint paint • Urinary problems HRT Some types of HRT may slightly increase your risk of breast cancer but HRT could also decrease your risk of other serious illnesses, particularly if you’re going through the menopause early. In my case, my GP felt it was the right choice for me.

Since being on HRT, my joints no longer ache, I have more energy and the hot flushes have gone (thank god).

Dr Louise Newson is a leading menopause specialist and the founder of the Balance app.

She recommends seeking help early: “The perimenopause is when hormone levels start to reduce so this is actually the best time to start taking HRT. When hormone levels reduce, symptoms commonly occur and also health risks start, such as an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.”

Supplements Before starting HRT, I took turmeric and evening primrose oil, which did seem to ease my symptoms.

However, there is little evidence about how effective supplements are, and some should not be taken if you have certain health conditions. So do your research, speak to your doctor and only buy from a reputable retailer.

Dealing with hot flushes I kept a bottle of rose water in the fridge to spritz on my face when the heat hit. An electric fan can help, as can wearing layers that are easy to whip off. The NHS advises reducing alcohol and caffeine.

(Neither of which I succeeded at.)

If hot flushes are making your life a misery, do talk

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to your doctor, as they may be able to prescribe something.

Exercise Weight-bearing exercise (such as running) offers you some protection against osteoporosis. Ideally, find an exercise partner to keep you motivated. And if you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you need to try the ‘Zombies, Run!’ app.

If you’re not keen on running, there are thousands of exercise videos on YouTube, from Yoga With Adriene to high-energy dance workouts.

Useful info • The Menopause Doctor website has advice on everything from HRT to contraception. www.menopausedoctor.co.uk • The Balance app can help you to keep track of your period and symptoms. www.balance-app.com • www.healthandher.com offers a wealth of advice and relevant products.

• If your friends aren’t at the same stage, why not join a forum? ‘Totes Merry Peri’ on Facebook is my personal favourite.

(Please note that this article is intended to give a general overview of the subject and is not intended as medical advice.)

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Local News

Hello Villager Readers Good news! Having introduced thorough and careful safety measures at the Herts MS Therapy Centre, we are being asked to expand our programme of Oxygen Therapy sessions.

It’s fantastic to see familiar faces returning to us, and to welcome new people keen to see how Oxygen Therapy may help them. Also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, many people with health challenges find that it gives them pain relief, energy boosts and faster healing.

To enable us to run the additional sessions needed, our charity needs some extra pairs of hands!

Can you help us please?

We need some volunteers to help us grow our Oxygen Therapy programme. Full training and support are given, plus safety measures including social distancing are observed at all times. (Please note that our photo was taken before the pandemic.)

Dave Mair is so impressed with how Oxygen Therapy changed his life that he now volunteers at The Herts MS Therapy Centre, supervising sessions. “I really enjoyed the training and have made some great friends through the Centre,” says Dave. “We see miracles all the time.

Some people, like me, have endured pain from their injury or condition for many years. Oxygen Therapy may still help.”

Expanding our Oxygen Therapy availability enables us to help more people with serious health issues.

Could you spare us a couple of hours each week?

Please email oxygen@hmstc.net if you are interested.

Thank you. We are grateful for your support.

Best wishes, Team HMSTC

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Call us on

07743 172 393 or email: oxygen@hmstc.net 31

Health

By Kate McCarthy

Hair Today…

How to deal with thinning hair Male pattern baldness refers to a loss of hair on the scalp in men. It happens as hormone levels change over a man’s lifetime, especially in the later years and affects around 50% of men by age 50.

Although it’s a natural part of the aging process for millions of men, hair loss can be psychologically distressing to those experiencing it.

Many men spend vast amounts of money on various hair loss remedies in an effort to reverse the balding process. Hair transplant surgery is expensive and good results are not guaranteed. It’s actually easier to look after your remaining hairs than it is to grow new ones. Modern toupees look natural and although the best come with a large price tag, they are still considerably cheaper than surgery.

Between surgery and toupees there are other options. Baldness has bothered men for millennia and some ancient cures were frankly bizarre. They included rubbing onions on the head or applying potions with ingredients that included goat, goose or even hippo dung!

Thankfully, hair restoration products have dramatically improved since drug companies became involved. One product in particular Minoxidil has proved incredibly successful. It was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. However, an interesting side effect of Minoxidil is that it made

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hair grow. Now it is used as a topical treatment for male pattern hair loss. The preparation is called Rogain®. Unfortunately, if you stop using Rogain® the effect quickly reverses, so once the treatment starts it has to continue, and it isn’t available on the NHS so the cost can escalate quickly.

The simplest, cheapest, and most effective solution is actually to accept the situation. Hairdressers and barbers are the experts. They will help you to choose a new, flattering hairstyle. As a general rule, it’s best to keep the remaining hair as short as possible. Don’t be afraid to shave it all off; Mark Strong, Patrick Stewart, and Dwayne Johnson are all extremely attractive and charismatic bald men. If that’s too dramatic a step, then a good cut is a “short Caesar”, which is a close cut that manages to give the impression of hair. Another option is to allow the facial hair to grow to draw attention away from the baldness. A neat moustache and goatee can look very debonair. Just don’t go for a “comb-over.

A man who radiates confidence will always be attractive regardless of the amount of hair on his head. If you don’t make a big deal out of your thinning hair, nobody else will, either. And if in doubt, remember this anonymous quote; “God made some heads perfect - the rest he covered with hair”.

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Food & Drink

Summer Wine Which tipple to choose for summer

The summer months require a different approach to wine. We’re more likely to want something refreshing, or to mix it with soda water for a spritzer.

Also, even staunch red wine-lovers often drift towards a white or a rose as the temperatures rise.

Look for a dry white with high acidity, a light to medium body. If you favour sweetness try to make sure it also has high acidity. Look for fruity notes, particularly apple and citrus, and stay away from fullbodied chardonnays. Try Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. A more unusual option is Albariño, a beautiful refreshing Spanish wine.

Rosés are fresh-tasting because they are meant to be drunk young. They tend to be fruity and vary from sweeter to dry. Either work nicely for a summer day, and sparkling rosés are particularly pretty and festive for summer celebrations. Try Grenache rosé served cold for a perfect crisp blend of tannins and acidity.

Sangiovese rosé is slightly sweeter and fruiter and Advert August 2019.pdf 1 16/10/2019 perfect for Neville warmFunerals summer evenings.

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Some folks just love their reds even in summer.

However, avoid heavy, full-bodied varieties unless you want to feel sleepy and dehydrated. Look for lighter reds that are best served chilled, with low tannin and high acidity. Cinsault is probably my favourite summer red on account of its fruitiness.

It’s nicely high in acidity too. Frappato is also a good summer choice with low tannins and a fresh taste.

Lambrusco can be sneered at in some circles but it’s actually the perfect bubbly sweeter red for summer.

13:47:00 Cheers.

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Local News

Mission 24/7 is almost a reality East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is online 365 days a year to help local people in the most lifethreatening or life-changing situations and is close to flying 24/7 for the very first time. Mission 24/7 has been a long-term goal of the charity’s and by the end of June, thanks to community support, this goal will be a reality.

EAAA has long been passionate about closing the current gap (between 1:30am and 7am) where there is no helicopter coverage available in the region. During this time both of EAAA’s teams are available instead by rapid response vehicle, providing 24/7 emergency care across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire by car.

By flying 24/7, EAAA will become the first air ambulance in the East of England to do so and estimate they will be tasked to 400 more patients a year, getting its teams to people in need as quickly as possible, 24 hours a day. This will be an exciting milestone for the air ambulance charity and for the region.

Patrick Peal, CEO of EAAA, said: “We’ve dreamt of being able to fly 24/7 for years as we’re fiercely passionate about making sure the same standard of critical care is available, by helicopter, right across East Anglia no matter what time of day or night it is.

We know people don’t stop having cardiac arrests, strokes or road traffic collisions when the helicopter goes offline, and we have been working towards this goal for some time. We’re hugely grateful for the

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community support which has got us here and are counting down the days to becoming fully 24/7 by helicopter.”

Ready, steady, go – Chariots of Fire relay race for EAAA on Sunday 19 September Could you run in a 1.7-mile relay to help save lives?

EAAA is the benefiting charity of this year’s Chariots of Fire relay race in Cambridge. Funds raised will help EAAA’s life-saving CPR and defibrillator training work for community groups, schools and workplaces.

If you, or someone you know, can support EAAA by putting in a team get signed up while places are available by visiting the EAAA website or www. chariots-of-fire.co.uk. You just need six people (tickets cost £25 each) and to raise a suggested £50 per person towards the life-saving training - and to have fun taking part!

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Finance

Understanding Credit Scores Credit scores are a confusing and misunderstood part of personal finance, but understanding how they work can increase your chances of getting affordable credit.

You don’t actually have a single credit score.

Instead, three different credit ratings agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) each hold a file called a ‘credit report’ about you. It’s made up of a combination of publicly available information and data from lenders and companies that offer credit.

These include utility providers who send you a bill rather than charging up front.

Each agency also gives you a specific credit score that falls into designated categories, but the scales vary. For example, Experian’s maximum score is 999 and you’ll need 961 to get into the ‘Excellent’ category. Equifax’s maximum score is 700, with 466 needed for the ‘Excellent’ category. TransUnion goes up to 710, with 628 the threshold for ‘Excellent’.

Although the scales and calculations vary, over the long term you’ll commonly be in the same category for each agency. If you aren’t, it may be that one agency’s report doesn’t reflect a recent change as quickly as the others.

While the score is useful for tracking your progress over time, the specific number doesn’t actually matter that much. Potential lenders rarely, if ever, use the score as the sole or primary way of deciding if you get a loan. They’ll instead look at the individual items on your credit report.

So, what’s the use of a credit score to the consumer?

Think of it simply as a ‘one glance’ way to summarize

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the overall effects of the information on your credit report. As a rule of thumb, the better your score, the more likely you are to get credit at all, to get credit at a lower interest rate, and to get a higher credit limit or larger loan amount.

It’s definitely worth trying to boost your credit score, particularly before applying for a mortgage, but it’s more a case of good principles to follow rather than hard and fast rules. The simplest and quickest thing is to check for any mistakes or missing information on your credit report, particularly simple factors such as time at your current address and whether you are on the electoral roll. If you aren’t registered to vote, do so immediately.

Because it can take time to correct errors, it’s worth checking your credit report and scores regularly.

You’re legally entitled to a free copy of some basic details (a ‘statutory credit report’) from each of the agencies, but this doesn’t actually contain your score.

They’ll normally charge for full reports and scores.

Instead, rather confusingly, you can monitor your scores and report free of charge through certain third-party services that each cover a particular agency. These include Money Saving Expert’s Credit Club for Experian, ClearScore for Equifax and Credit Karma for TransUnion.

Other tips include always making the minimum payment on cards and loans, avoiding too many credit applications in quick succession, and checking how long adverse entries such as bankruptcy or county court judgments will stay on your credit report.

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39

Gardening

Biological Bug Blasting

By Pippa Greenwood

Warmth and protection – just what most of us need, plants too – but sadly now that the warmer weather has arrived, plants growing in the protected environment of a greenhouse or conservatory are especially likely to suffer attacks from a whole host of pests and diseases. If you want to get on top of the situation it is essential to act promptly, and what better way than to try to tackle some of the more common pests using biological controls? They work well, provided you have not been using chemicals in your greenhouse or conservatory too recently, and can refrain from them once your green controls are in place.

Biological controls may sound high-tech, but they are actually a straightforward and great way to sort problems out, as you are simply introducing tiny creatures in to control the pests – and of course it means there is no need for chemicals and therefore no chemical residues left on edible crops either. They’re safe for humans, pets and wildlife too!

There are great controls for many outdoor pests, including slugs (Nemaslug), chafer grubs and

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leatherjackets, and one control with a wide range of vegetable-crop pest controllers in it.

If vine weevils are the bane of your life there is a nematode control that can be watered on to the compost of edible or ornamental plants. This is best used in spring and autumn because higher levels of the grubs are around at that time. It is easy to apply using a watering can and is not too expensive either.

In greenhouses, red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly numbers soon build up as the weather gets warmer, and your plants are quickly wrecked if you don’t take action to stop the pests in their tracks.

Whitefly also have a nasty habit of producing a very sticky excreta called honeydew and this causes a sugary layer to appear on the plants, often followed by black mould growth known as sooty mould. I’ve used a tiny parasitic wasp, Encarsia, with great results. This extremely small wasp lays her eggs in the young stage of the whitefly (often called the whitefly scale), killing it in the process, and then new Encarsia wasps hatch out of the parasitised whitefly scales. Provided there are some whitefly in the greenhouse, and as long as

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temperatures average 10C (50F), it works a treat.

Red spider mites (which cause that minute but densely packed flecking on the plant foliage, often followed by browning and dieback) are so tiny that they are difficult to spot unless you have sharp eyesight, and you may only notice the devastation they cause.

These pests thrive in the warmer drier conditions likely to prevail a little later in the year, but they can be controlled biologically too with a predatory mite known as Phytoseiulus. This may be tiny but it has a voracious appetite for all the life stages of the red spider mite and can be introduced as long as average temperatures are about 16C (61F).

You can also get biological controls to get to grips with other common greenhouse and conservatory pests, such as aphids (greenfly and blackfly), scale insects and mealy bugs. It really is a good way to keep pests down and provided you follow the instructions this truly environment-friendly (and gardener-friendly too!) method takes some beating, so why not turn over a new leaf this year and let biological controls do the work for you?

All the controls mentioned above are available from most biological control suppliers.

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

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Garden View

The Garden Goddess Iris was the goddess of the rainbow in Greek mythology. I have a thing for Greek mythology, and I love Irises. The large, bearded types unfurl at this time of year and they reflect the colours of the spectrum from deepest purple, through dusky orange, egg-yolk yellow and the most delicate of blues, to the brightest of whites. They comprise of standard petals, which are carried aloft over the graceful fall petals, which arch downwards. From the upper bases of the falls grow groups of fuzzy hairs called beards and from this the bearded Iris gets her name. Even the foliage is attractive: large pale green swords that shoot straight upwards from the earth.

Bearded Irises love full sun and prefer to have their fleshy rhizomes (the underground stems) near the soil surface so they can take full advantage of the sun’s warmth. They actually prefer a more impoverished soil, so if your soil is a bit thin and dry they may be perfect for your garden.

As the clumps become overcrowded the centres die out. Dig them up immediately after flowering and chop them into single healthy rhizomes, each with a fan of leaves. Shorten each fan with scissors by about

half, then replant about 30cm apart in another sunny spot so that the rhizomes are just visible under the surface. Although they like drier conditions make sure they are watered in and looked after for a few weeks until established. But really you don’t need to do much to them. Overly enriched soil is not a friend to the iris, which might decline to flower in such conditions. My best flowering plants are in the driest, most sun-baked part of my plot!

But for those who have shadier gardens and boggier conditions try the non-bearded Iris sibirica. I have one in a sun-dappled spot by a water feature. Its leaves are greener and grassier, which complements the water, and it has lovely rich blue flowers which look particularly nice in the shade. I also like Iris ensata, which I plant by my pool at the water’s edge.

It’s also a good choice in borders if you garden on richer soil than mine.

So, invoke the power of the Goddess Iris in your garden, and enjoy the rainbow of colour.

Happy Gardening

By Rachael Leverton

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THE GARDEN ROBIN Complete Garden Design & Landscape Service Driveways, Patios and Paving Porcelain & Natural Stone Paving Wood and Composite Decking Pond Construction & Water Features Artificial Grass, Fencing and Screening Irrigation Systems Installed

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Special Report

By Tom Hancock

Care Homes

How to choose the right one Care of the elderly is an emotive subject, and has become even more so during the pandemic.

Whether you are choosing a care home for yourself, or searching on behalf of an elderly relative, you want to make sure you get it right.

First you need to decide on the level of care required.

Residential homes are for people who can no longer cope with daily activities in their home. They may also need help washing, bathing, dressing and going to the toilet.

Nursing homes are for those people who require regular nursing care, by or under the supervision of a qualified nurse. Residents tend to have no mobility or severely limited mobility, mental confusion, and may be faecally incontinent.

As with any home, location is important. You may want to choose a place where family or friends can visit regularly?

Once a location has been decided on, select as many care homes as you can and visit every one of them. The Care Quality Commission (www.cqc.org.uk) have over 18000 care homes registered with them and publish all their inspection reports online, so this is a good place to start.

Two other excellent sources of information are the websites www.yourcarehome.co.uk and www.carehomesupport.co.uk.

Groundwork is good, but there is no substitute for visiting and assessing the standard of service yourself. This is harder at the moment but that option should still be offered, even with all the

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restrictions in place. Begin your inspection by ringing to arrange appointments to visit the premises. Ask yourself if the phone was answered in a friendly way.

Did the person answering the phone sound stressed or abrupt?

When you visit, what are your first impressions? Is the place bright and clean, comfortable, welcoming and airy? Did the receptionist make eye contact and smile? Were you offered a cup of tea while you waited?

What are the noise levels like? Are there any unpleasant odours? Look at the residents and chat to them if you have an opportunity. Do they look clean, well-cared for and happy?

Monitor how much interaction there is between the staff and the residents. Is there lots of friendly chatter? Check to see if call lights over doors are on and being left unanswered. This might indicate staffing problems.

Check the floor, especially in corners and under beds. This is a good indicator of whether standards of hygiene and care are high throughout.

When you’ve reached a decision, take good financial and legal advice. What are the fees and what do they include? Can you afford them on a long-term basis?

What happens if funds dry up? What is the protocol for making a complaint? Consult the Office of Fair Trading ‘Fair Terms for Care’ booklet to see whether the contract you’ll be asked to sign is a fair one.

Ask as many questions as you can up front, and you will help ensure that any move you or your elderly relative makes will be the right one.

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49

Technology

Tech tools and digital DIY

From DIY to decorating, gadgets can take the “aieeeee!” out of DIY Many DIY tools have been untouched by the march of technology: there’s not much you can do to improve a hammer, although we do love electric screwdrivers. But that doesn’t mean technology isn’t helping us with DIY. Better batteries mean today’s cordless drills, hedge trimmers and pruning saws are powerful and run for longer, and lights such as smart bulbs and colour-changing panels have opened up all kinds of possibilities for digital decor – so for example, with a smart bulb system such as Philips’ Hue you can change the colour of a wall or an entire room with a single tap in an app.

There are outdoor versions too, enabling you to paint entire outside walls, fences or hedges with swathes of colour.

One of the most useful tools for DIYers is the smartphone or tablet.

It gives you access to the apps we’ve mentioned above, and it also gives you a way to photograph what you’re working on and plan what you want to do. There are also lots of apps such as Houzz to give you ideas for home improvements.

In addition to phone and tablet apps there are many affordable computer programs that you can use to design your home improvement projects or even a complete house build, as well as plenty of forums to help you solve any DIY disasters.

Some of our favourite DIY helpers are actually very simple: they do one thing and they do it brilliantly. For example, laser spirit levels save lots of time when you’re hanging pictures or hooks and trying to get them level, while clever paint rollers make painting walls and ceilings easier, faster and much less likely to end up with emulsion in places it isn’t supposed to be.

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Bosch Pocket Laser Spirit Level Some of the best ideas are simple, such as spirit levels that shine a thin laser light: perfect for lining up pictures on the wall or ensuring items that aren’t connected are level. £29, Wickes.co.uk

Leica Disto D1 Laser Measure This is a real lifesaver for anyone who needs to measure up spaces accurately: it’s a laser range finder and height measure that’s easy to use and weatherproof, so it won’t be destroyed if it gets wet. £84, the tapestore.co.uk

Saker Contour Gauge Profile Tool If you’ve ever struggled to fit flooring in awkward spaces or cut tiles accurately, this brilliant little gadget mimics the shape and locks in place so you can get perfectly shaped results. £17.99, Amazon JML Paint Racer Part paint roller, part paint kettle, the JML Paint Racer takes the hassle out of painting: pour your paint directly into the roller and say goodbye to messy trays and refill spills. £29.99, jmldirect.com Wagner 230V 280W Paint Sprayer Now the better weather is here it’s time to fix up your fencing. This automatic sprayer saves so much time and it helps you ensure you’re not using too much fencing paint too. £50, diy.com

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Thunder and Lightning

1. What is the name of the organisation dedicated to saving human life that was formed by Jeff Tracy and his sons in the TV show Thunderbirds?

2. Derived from a German word meaning “lightning war”, what name was commonly used by the British press to refer to the heavy air raids carried out by Germany against Britain in the Second World War? 3. The term “thunderbox” is used in Australian slang to refer to a what?

4. Which 1968 single features the lyrics “I like smoke and lightning, heavy metal thunder”, which led to the term “heavy metal” being used as a music genre?

5. What type of chocolate-covered, creamfilled pastry item has a name that means “lightning” in French?

6. In the National Lottery’s Thunderball draw, what is the highest number that the “Thunderball” number can be?

7. Which actor provides the voice of Lightning McQueen in the Cars film series?

8. Which play by William Shakespeare opens with the line “When shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain”?

9. In the 1980s film and TV series Blue Thunder, what mode of transport is Blue Thunder?

10. In which sport was a competitor owned by the Queen renamed Sandringham Lightning after it won a race in 1990?

1. International Rescue 2. The Blitz 3. Toilet 4. Born To Be Wild (by Steppenwolf) 5. Éclair 6. 14 7. Owen Wilson 8. Macbeth 9. Helicopter 10. Pigeon racing

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Full garden design, development of one specific area or planting advice

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07863 430296 info@inandout.design www.inandout.design

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Special Report

House Works

If you’ve decided to make home improvements rather than move, remodelling your property could be in your 2021 plans. Whether it’s an extension or knocking down a wall to make a barrier-free space, you’ll likely need more than DIY skills to bring your dreams to life.

As a rule, you should plan twice, execute once, and for that you’ll need to call the professionals.

Interior Designer An interior designer will help you plan your living space to suit your lifestyle, even coming up with ideas that you’d never considered. This will save you time and money when you engage other professionals as you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you want and why.

Architect An architect will focus mostly on the artistry and design of your proposed changes and will bring your ideas to life with architectural drawings.

They will know the construction industry’s working methods and standards, and can guide you through the complex procedures of planning, building regulations and contractual arrangements.

Architect/Planning Agent The architect will handle the

planning permission process for you, either dealing with it themselves or through a separate agent.

Some changes to your property can be done without planning permission (known as ‘Permitted Development’) but for most larger alterations you will need to submit a planning application to your local authority. The architect/planning agent will be your liaison with the council’s planners, and will assist you in preparing the application, providing the council with relevant information, responding to raised concerns and negotiating changes.

Structural Engineer An architect focuses more on the artistry and design of the building, while a structural engineer focuses more on the technical and structural side. An engineer makes sure that the building is functional and safe, and particularly if you need bigger modifications, this technical element is essential.

Builder All the services involved in preparing for the work will cost, but the actual build itself is likely to use the bulk of your budget.

Sometimes the designer or architect will be able to give you

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a recommendation but whoever you use, ensure you follow due diligence. The quality of the work is important but, amongst other checks you make, you will want to know that your builder is reliable and open to discussing your ideas.

Note that is your responsibility to request an itemised schedule of works and have a clear process on how variations from that schedule will be dealt with, including payments.

Project Manager Project management is not as simple as ordering materials and engaging the trades yourself.

There are many Health & Safety and Construction Design & Management principles that need to be adhered to. Your builder will usually offer to project manage or you can engage a separate person.

Keep a record Finally, make sure you have contracts in place as this protects all parties. Remember that as the homeowner you are legally responsible for ensuring that all structural or alteration work complies with building standards and, when you eventually sell your property, your buyer’s solicitor will want to see that paperwork.

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Pepe - This handsome gentleman is Pepe. He is 14 years old and has a lovely gentle nature. He can be a little shy when he first meets new people but that doesn’t last very long as he loves affection and likes to play.

It is very unfortunate that his owner has a change of personal circumstances and is no longer able to care for him. Very reluctantly they have asked RATS to find him a quiet, loving home for his retirement years.

Pepe would be most suited to an adult only home or one with older children and no other pets.

He is neutered and microchipped and will be ready for re-homing as soon as we have got his vaccinations up to date.

Could you give Pepe the special home he deserves? He may be an older boy but he has a lot to give and will make a wonderful companion.

If you would like to find out more about him, please contact Liz on 01767 681157.

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

View the dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ ratscharity.

You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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Get Involved

Volunteering for the RSPCA is just one of the enjoyable ways of helping animal welfare and can be very rewarding. Volunteers make a huge contribution to the work we do to prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate the suffering of animals.

The RSPCA shop located in Bedford town centre would very much welcome some volunteers.

Volunteers Needed Our Bedford branch, situated across from the bus station is a very modern, vibrant and well-run shop. The current staff are very welcoming and friendly and would really appreciate some additional volunteers to help run the shop.

Volunteering is such a great way to meet likeminded people who share the same enthusiasm for animal welfare. There are many other benefits too, such as: • gaining new skills or developing existing ones • the chance to try out something new • doing something useful and rewarding • gaining a sense of achievement • putting something back into the community • developing your personal skills and confidence Anyone can volunteer. We value diversity and encourage volunteers from all sections of the community. Unfortunately, there are limited opportunities for anyone who is under 16 years of age and some restrictions apply in relation to opportunities for under 18’s.

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Pets

An Interview with a Trustee Simon Mason has been a trustee for the RSPCA Bedford North Branch for nearly 3 years. His role within the team is that of the treasurer.

Why did you want to become a trustee for the RSPCA? The welfare and wellbeing of animals has always been something that I care about.

Naturally, when I heard that the Bedford North branch were recruiting, I was delighted.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I like being involved in the decision-making process regarding how money is to be saved and spent. I enjoy preparing and presenting the financial reports to the charity. Plus, I like being involved in my local community.

Did you have any pets when you were growing up?

Yes, we had a lovely Jack Russell. Before that we had three cats. I was brought up in quite a rural area, so we were near a lot of wildlife and farm animals. So, I have always grown up with a high degree of respect and care for animals.

Have you always lived in Bedford?

No. I moved here from Stratford-Upon-Avon, and before that I lived in Great Yarmouth. I’m originally from Norwich, so I am quite well travelled!

What do you think about the new initiatives and campaigns announced in the annual review?

Amazing! There are some really inspiring and creative ideas within the review, as well as the heartwarming stories of all the animals that have been rehabilitated and rehomed.

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

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

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

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Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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Interiors

1

By Katherine Sorrell

Add Colour to Your Kitchen If your kitchen is feeling bland and boring, it could simply be missing a dose of interesting colour.

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or just want a quick fix, there are plenty of ways in which to introduce bolder, brighter shades.

Kitchen cupboards and appliances Bring in a blast of colour with glossy, flat-fronted modern units that can be found in a range of punchy shades. Alternatively, the more traditional painted kitchen can be commissioned in any paint colour under the sun, from palest pastel to deepest black.

If this seems like overkill, a great way to create extra interest without going over the top is to specify a coloured island unit, combined with plain cupboards elsewhere. For those replacing free-standing appliances, you may wish to look out for examples in less usual colours – ice cream-coloured retro fridges, for example, or an Aga in a jewel-bright enamel. This look is not for the faint-hearted, of course, and is best teamed with neutrals in other areas of the room so as not to become oppressive or overwhelming.

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Worktops and splashbacks Teamed with understated kitchen cupboards, a bright worktop or splashback adds a strip of colour through the room and can give a welcome lift.

Sleek toughened glass can be painted on the back in any colour imaginable – some showrooms offer a standard range of shades, but others will, at an extra cost, provide a colour-matching service. Another option is to go for a dramatic shade of natural stone.

While most are relatively subtle, some do come in quite strong colours, such as green, red/brown or chocolate. Then there are stone composites (often called quartz), man-made solid surfaces (such as Corian), and laminates (generally the least expensive option), all of which also offer a range of interesting shades among their naturalistic imitations of stone and wood.

Walls and floors When faced with a boring kitchen there’s no doubt that one of the simplest ways to add some oomph is to paint a wall or two in a strong, appealing colour.

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Another option is to replace wall tiles – choose dramatic colours and even though the area covered is relatively small, the impact can be huge. Another cheap trick is to use plain white tiles, glossy and machine-edged, with brightly coloured grout (lemon yellow and sky blue are great): the grid-like effect is modern and the pop of colour intriguing. Floors are, of course, harder to deal with, unless you are carrying out a full-on renovation project, but one way to bring in instant colour is to throw down a small, washable rug. Make sure you use an underlay that stops it from slipping, and simply pop it into the washing machine when necessary. If you do happen to be going back to basics, vinyl and rubber flooring is available in all kinds of cool colourways while, for the more adventurous, poured floors – polished concrete or resin – can be dyed in any colour of your choosing.

Free-standing furniture Painting wooden furniture is a pretty straightforward job, involving plenty of patience for the preparation – sanding, cleaning and priming – and a steady hand for some careful brushing or paint-rolling. The difference it makes, however, can be phenomenal, especially when teamed with a change of knobs, handles, hinges and other hardware.

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2 Window treatments and soft furnishings Though a relatively small feature in many kitchens, a brightly coloured window treatment can really pack a punch. Since minimal roller blinds are the most practical for spaces where humidity and splashes are inevitable, they need not be terribly expensive, either. Or, where wooden shutters are an option, this could be just the place for an injection of something bright and breezy, perhaps reflecting the colours of the garden outside. Seating areas within kitchens are another ideal opportunity to bring in some exciting, colourful elements, whether in the form of upholstery, fabric-covered chair seats or simply a few scatter cushions.

Finishing touches If you have glass-fronted cabinets or open shelving, think about creating displays that make the most of gorgeous colours – perhaps cookbooks arranged in a rainbow, or a collection of vintage glassware.

Pendant shades over a kitchen island or dining table could be swapped for a more vivid alternative, always a nice way to add a few further spots of colour. The same goes for all kinds of accessories, from bread bins to tea canisters, even knife blocks, cupboard handles, plant pots, wall art or a small vase of flowers – don’t miss any opportunity to brighten up your culinary life and bring more colour into the heart of your home.

1 A vividly coloured seating area and a painted island unit add colour to this otherwise neutral space.

Twickenham Framed Handleless Shaker kitchen, Higham Furniture: 020 73810 488; higham.co.uk.

2 A stylish chevron splashback introduces a dose of blue to this minimal white kitchen. Savanna Petrol gloss wall tiles, £39.96 per square metre, The London Tile Company: 0333 320 8048; londontile.co.uk.

3 Painting free-standing furniture is a quick and cost-effective way to change your colour scheme. These pieces are by The Painted Furniture Company: 01285 656 041; paintedfurnitureco.co.uk.

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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

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Local News

Could You Remember Age UK Hertfordshire in your Will?

Age UK Hertfordshire is committed to being there for older people who need us. But the challenges we face as a society and the demand for the services we provide are only set to increase in future years, due to a projected rise in the number of older people in the UK. There are currently 10.8 million people over the age of 60 living in the UK. By 2031 this number is set to rise pass 20 million. In Hertfordshire the pattern is much the same with the over 65 population set to grow by 23% in the next five years.

With the demand for Age UK Hertfordshire’s services rising exponentially and the ever increasing pressure on public funds, there is a risk that we won’t have the resources to ensure every older person can access the support they need in the future.

In recent times, gifts in wills from our kind supporters have helped us fund many of our vital services for older people across Hertfordshire. We are very grateful for this generous support and want to ensure that many more generations can benefit from our services.

Mark Hanna, Interim Chief Executive, said: “By leaving a gift to Age UK Hertfordshire you can help make sure that in the future no one in Hertfordshire has to face the challenges of older age alone.”

“If you, like many others, have already remembered Age UK Hertfordshire in your will, thank you for your kindness” said Ellie Males, Community Engagement Officer. She continues, “Your legacy gift however small, will mean that we can still be there for people who need the support from Age UK Hertfordshire’s services”.

To find out more please contact us on communications@ageukherts.org.uk or visit us online at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ hertfordshire/get-involved/legacies/

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Motoring

How to make sure your car is roadworthy when lockdown restrictions end With the vaccine rollout in full swing and national lockdown measures taking effect, the roadmap to normality appears to be open.

However, for many of us who’ve been working from home and keeping journeys local, our cars might not be in the best condition when we want to get back on the road.

Here are a few tips and checks to make sure your car is in the best condition when normality resumes.

Fluids - Leaving your car for a long time is unlikely to affect the fluids too much, but it’s always worth checking in case they were low when you left the car.

Check your oil by pulling out the dipstick (it has a yellow top). Clean it, then dip it back in and check the level.

Also check windscreen washer fluid and coolant, as well as topping your fuel tank to the very top.

Letting fuel run low can drag built-up dirt through the fuel system.

Diesel particulate filter - If you drive a diesel car built since 2007 – and a few before that – you’ll have a diesel particulate filter (DPF). It’s designed to catch soot particles to clean up emissions and burn them off when the exhaust is hot.

However, if the system never gets hot enough, soot can build up and block the filter, so take the car on a longer drive to let it get up to temperature. However, if the DPF warning light comes on and doesn’t go away

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after a long drive, you might need to visit a garage.

Brakes - Over time and without use, corrosion can build on brake discs, which can cause issues if left long-term.

If you notice corrosion on the brakes, be careful for a while after you drive away. Don’t go too fast and brake earlier than normal, as braking performance might be worse. After a while the corrosion will be brushed off and the brakes will be back to normal.

Tyres - While your car is parked up for long periods, occasionally roll it forwards and backwards to prevent flat spots on the tyres.

Look for cuts, bulges and cracking as these indicate oncoming failure. Check your tyre pressures are in line with what the manufacturer recommends. The figures for this are usually in the manual or on the door pillar.

Battery - When a car is left stationary for a long time, the battery can drain, so it’s worth checking it has enough charge to get going.

Go out to your car and try to turn it on at a time when you don’t need to go somewhere, because if there’s no life in it then you’re not stranded. If it works, go for a fifteen-minute drive to keep the levels topped up – otherwise you’ll need jump leads to get it going.

While driving to top up your charge, don’t go too far from home in case it fails. If this happens, you know your battery needs to be replaced.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our May Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Lewis Graham, Hitchin

May’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

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Across 1 Seats (6) 4 Burst (6) 9 Reduce in length (7) 10 Moves rapidly (5) 11 After sunset (5) 12 Before (7) 13 Marvellously (11) 18 Cultivate (7) 20 Hurry (5) 22 Arrogant (5) 23 Terminates (7) 24 Sibling (6) 25 A sign (6)

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

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

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Books

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

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

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

Celebrity Authors Actors and other celebrities often try their hand at fiction writing, with various degrees of success (and often a lot of help from a ghost writer). The authors we’re looking at this month have all managed to prove their writing skills to both readers and critics, in some cases carving out a whole new career for themselves.

By Kate Duggan Us Three

By Ruth Jones

Ruth Jones brings her usual Gavin and Stacey wit and warmth to her second novel. Us Three centres on a trio of women who became best friends at primary school. We follow their lives over the next 40+ years, through love and loss and all of life’s usual ups and downs. Like any relationship, friendship isn’t always easy, and this one is stretched almost to breaking point.

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Uncommon Type

By Tom Hanks

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Uncommon Type is Tom Hanks’ collection of seventeen short stories. Most offer a slice of American life, whether it’s from the viewpoint of a ten-yearold boy or a war veteran. Each one references a typewriter and some characters appear in more than one story. Other than that, the stories are very diverse, ranging from one about a bowling whizz who becomes an unwilling celebrity, to timetravelling sci-fi.

The How I Met Your Mother star has written several books, including a choose your own adventure-style autobiography.

His children’s series follows a street magician who teams up with other like-minded kids to stop villains in their tracks. Aimed at children aged eight and up, The Magic Misfits series is ideal for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch and Lemony Snicket.

It’s very well-written, very different and very funny.

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Accountants

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