Henlow June 2022

VILLAGER The

Issue 163 - June 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Choosing Garden Furniture Five Reasons to Visit Sardinia Win £25 in our Prize Crossword Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in

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

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Inside this issue...

One Fun Day is finally back!................................................40 Trellis...........................................................................................44 The History of Coffee........................................................... 47 Puzzle Page...............................................................................48 What’s On in June...................................................................50 Villager Prize Crossword......................................................58 Summer Reads..........................................................................61

Exotic Plants

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Useful Numbers...................................................................... 63

Five reasons to visit Sardinia.................................................4 Brewing today: Round Corner Brewing Company........ 8 Outdoor Living......................................................................... 12 Is there such a thing as a mid life crisis?......................... 17 Buying Swimwear....................................................................18 All About Eczema................................................................... 23 Active Ingredients..................................................................26 Get the Best Deal...................................................................29 Choosing Garden Furniture.................................................32 What do we mean by exotic plants?.............................. 34

Outdoor Living

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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 - Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Katherine Sorrell, Tracey Anderson, Jennie Billings, Louise Addison, Kate Duggan, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, Rachel Leverton and Hertfordshire Therapy Centre

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

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

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

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Travel

Five reasons to visit Sardinia

By Solange Hando

Sun-bleached beaches, glistening shores and mouthwatering food: Sardinia is a holiday destination from heaven. While the island is known for its winning sun-sea-sand combination, this Italian gem is full of surprises too. Lush mountains, hidden grottoes, Roman ruins and a cultural capital all offer some exciting alternatives to lazy days by the beach – and all just a three-hour flight away!

If we’ve got you in the holiday mood, here are just five reasons why Sardinia should be on your radar when booking your next escape.

1. It’s a beach lover’s paradise Imagine swathes of powder-white sand kissed by crystal clear shores, heated by the Italian summer sun. Sounds like paradise, right? Whether you’re a family looking for shallow waters and gently sloping sands, or a couple seeking a secluded spot off the beaten track, Sardinia has a beach – or spiaggia – for everyone.

With over 1,800km of pristine coastline, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to stay. Cala Brandinchi, nicknamed ‘Little Tahiti’, is probably the island’s most famous beach. This thin arc of soft sand lapped by crystalline turquoise waters certainly lives up to its

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name. Its shallow waters are perfect for swimming, while the surrounding pine trees offer plenty of shade.

Families will love the soft sands and shallow waters of Chia’s Spiaggia Sa Colonia and Spiaggia Su Portu in the south of the island. Don’t forget to look out for the wild flamingos in the lagoon! Or if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, look no further than Spiaggia di Piscinas along the Costa Verde (Green Coast). This ribbon of golden sand is home to a vast expanse of dunes, rising up to 60m.

2. The food is divine Sardinia’s food is enough reason to visit alone. A wealth of local culinary traditions mixed with the island’s Mediterranean and Italian influences combine to create a delicious cuisine heavy in grilled and spitroasted meats, not to mention a mouth-watering array of breads and cheeses.

You’ll find all the classic Italian favourites such as pizza and pasta on most menus, but the local specialties are well worth a try. Su Porcheddu, or roast suckling pig, is a must-try for meat-eaters while vegetarians will love Culurgiones – pasta filled with potato, pecorino cheese, garlic and mint leaves, layered with a sweet tomato sauce.

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3. It’s more than just a beach break From colourful villages and rustic towns soaked in history to ancient stone buildings dating back thousands of years, Sardinia has plenty of sights and experiences to coax you away from the sand.

With a culture rich in history and tradition, there’s something new and exciting to discover around almost every corner. Walk the city walls of Alghero, explore Roman ruins in Nora or visit in the shoulder season and take a hiking trip into the island’s lush green mountains.

If you’re feeling adventurous, but want to stay close to your resort, you could even throw yourself into some water sports. Sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving opportunities await!

4. It’s the land of luxury Wake up to a view of the sparkling sea, treat yourself to a spa treatment, while away your afternoon in designer boutiques before enjoying a dinner fit for a king: there’s a reason why Sardinia is so popular with the rich and famous.

The Costa Smeralda region in the north is synonymous with glitz and glamour. This glistening stretch of coastline, starting in Porto Cervo and travelling around the headland to Portisco, oozes style and sophistication. Pick your favourite superyacht, treat yourself to lunch in a gourmet restaurant and people-watch from a charming pavement cafe. Oh, and keep an eye out for famous

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faces! Sardinia’s beauty attracts billionaires and celebrities from all over the globe.

5. The holiday season is long Blessed with a warm Mediterranean climate from April to October, Sardinia is renowned for its ‘sixmonth summers’. The island is at its hottest in July and August, with temperatures reaching a scorching 30°C. This is the perfect time to visit if you fancy lazing around on the beach, topping up the tan and soaking up the holiday atmosphere.

However, Sardinia also enjoys a balmy climate in April, May, September and October, giving you the chance to stretch out your summer for longer.

The shoulder season is a great time to visit if you’re looking for a quieter escape and slightly cooler temperatures. It’s also a prime time to buckle up your walking boots and do some exploring.

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Food & Drink

Brewing Today: Round Corner Brewing Company

Multi award-winning Round Corner Brewing Company is located in Melton Mowbray and produces beers of unmistakable character. Indeed, their logo states, ’Uncommonly Good Beer’. The beers are inspired by, and pay respect to, the hugely popular and very much thriving agricultural town and surrounding area. Certainly, the standards of Round Corner Brewing are very high – the numerous awards they keep gaining are testament to that! Melton Mowbray, plus the surrounding area, is recognised and renowned for locally-made Stilton cheese and pork pies. The market in Melton Mowbray has a long history. Food/drink events take place each year and attract vast amounts of visitors.

The Round Corner Brewing Company has more than twenty years of knowledge and experience, inputted by head brewer and co-founder Colin Paige. Combie Cryan is also co-founder and with their committed, dedicated team, they produce beers to an exceptional standard, which have something for all tastes and palates, having numerous lovers of their beers becoming ‘devotees’ to the brand.

FRISBY (4.2% vol). This very popular lager has its maturation period extended, plus, with Fuggles hops, then produces a most pleasant aroma and drinking taste. DROVERS (4,3% vol) is described as a ‘Session IPA’. This hazy, Vermont beer is dry-hopped and uses Lemondrop, Bavaria Mandarina, Citra, Mosaic and Motueka hops very well. STEEPLECHASE (4.4% vol) is a classic pale ale, utilising English barley malts to great advantage. New Zealand and US hops combine, for this very popular beer. GUNMETAL (4.8% vol) I would describe as a ‘Black Lager’. The dark brown appearance entices to the aroma and then on to the mouth’s pleasures. Biscuity, malty, smooth. REVEREND HOOKER (5.5% vol). This Irish stout is a further, hugely popular production. The mouthfeel and palate’s smooth experience definitely do not disappoint. HOPPING SPREE (6.6% vol). This West Coast IPA is a golden delight. The ABV is raised, so that the full potential of this beer comes to recognition – Splendid!

For all details of the full range of beers, plus latest news, tours and tastings, please make contact or visit the website.

Round Corner Brewing Ltd, Melton Mowbray Market, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1JY. Tel: +44 (0) 7585 792 494 E-mail: info@roundcornerbrewing.com www.roundcornerbrewing.com

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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Home Products

Outdoor Living This modern, clean-lined furniture is ideal for a small urban rooftop, patio or balcony. Montreal luxury rope-weave three-piece bistro set, £250, B&M.

By Katherine Sorrell

Create a relaxed summer vibe with gorgeous garden furnishings and accessories.

Add a spot of colour and pattern in the form of fun and funky cushions. Premium outdoor scatter cushion, £12, B&M. Lightweight and compact, this portable lantern (powered by a gas canister) can be safely popped on a tabletop or by a seating area for added atmosphere. Cosiscoop timber fire lantern, £179.99, Dobbies.

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This summer is all about the egg chair – it’s a garden must-have that offers an inviting place to curl up and while away the hours in the great outdoors. Rey hanging chair with stand, £989.99, Wayfair.

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The Art of the ‘Outerior’

Add a hammock to your outside space for the ultimate in luxury lounging. Cruz cotton hammock with macramé edging, £135, Beaumonde.

Introduce intrigue and a sense of extra depth to your garden with a mirror mounted to a wall or fence. Orlanda outdoor mirror, £149, Furniture Village.

A hardwood deckchair will last years and years. Choose a seat sling that complements other elements of your outdoor space. Rendezvous fruit deckchair, £175, Oliver Bonas.

Grab the curved metal handle and move this lamp around your garden to brighten your evening.

Corte IP44 outdoor colourchanging rechargeable table light, £36, Iconic Lights.

Mix and match a range of vivid colours for a vibrant and exciting garden style. Selection of outdoor furnishings and accessories, all John Lewis.

STOCKISTS B&M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk Dobbies: 0131 5616 406; dobbies.com Iconic Lights: 0161 837 6092; iconiclights.co.uk Oliver Bonas: 020 8059 2414; oliverbonas.com

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• Think of your outside space as another room of the house – or, if it’s particularly large, a series of rooms. What do you need to make it welcoming, comfortable and practical? Start with furniture for eating, chatting and relaxing – from dining sets to chairs and coffee tables to hammocks and swing seats.

• Add cushions, throws, beanbags and rugs that introduce coordinated colour, interesting patterns and attractive textures.

Modern outdoor textiles should be reasonably waterproof, mould-proof, stain-resistant and UV-resistant, though it is best to store them away over the winter.

• Lighting is vital, helping to extend the life of your garden beyond dusk. If you are planning building work, you could incorporate exterior-quality cabling and wired-in light fittings, but otherwise there are plenty of options in the form of solar and rechargeable lights in an array of different styles.

• You may wish to add some form of heating, such as a fire pit or brazier, chiminea, table-top heater or eco-friendly electric patio heater.

• Finally, consider including coordinating planters in a range of sizes, and perhaps one or two decorative pieces such as a garden artwork, sculpture, mirror or water feature.

Beaumonde: 01202 707 770; beaumonde.co.uk Furniture Village: 0800 804 8879; furniturevillage.co.uk John Lewis: 0345 610 0359; johnlewis.com Wayfair: wayfair.co.uk

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Special Report

By Tracey Anderson

Is there such a thing as a mid life crisis?

We’ve all heard the term ‘mid-life crisis.’ But what is it exactly?

The psychoanalyst Elliott Jaques first suggested the concept in in 1957. He hadn’t completed any research though, basing his assertion solely on a few autobiographies of famous men. He declared that that men in their mid-30s go through a depressive period when they contemplate their mortality for the first time. Jaques didn’t include women in this sweeping statement, citing the menopause, claiming it “obscured” women’s midlife transitions!

Gail Sheehy then popularized the idea in the 70s.

She based her assertions on rudimentary research from Yale, involving just 40 male subjects. In spite of this small sample, she confidently stated that the midlife crisis starts in the 40th year and ends at 45 ½, which seems oddly specific.

More recent research suggests that we all go through three to five major transitions in our lives, some voluntary and some involuntary. They might be personal, including serious illness, major career change, birth, or divorce, or they might be due to external factors such as a housefire, bankruptcy, death of a close family member or a pandemic. It can take five years or more to completely work through just one of these transitions so we could each spend 30-50% of our lives in transition. It makes a lot of sense therefore to learn some strategies for dealing with change.

First, accept that things change. Try not to fight or resist, and don’t go into denial. Acknowledge the change and lean into. Embrace the fact that although not all change is bad, even positive change brings stress. A new baby is joyful, but stressful, even if you planned for it. The same goes for starting a new business.

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During transition periods it helps to stick to routines.

Go for a walk or a run every day; make time to watch your favourite TV show, play five aside or practice your piano…whatever gives your life structure. These routines act as anchors to remind us that some things are still the same, and they give our brains a chance to recharge.

Eat healthily. Stress can make us crave comfort food, or alcohol. Concentrate on buying and eating healthy foods but allow a few treats too. Exercise even if you don’t want to. Walking at a brisk pace clear’s your mind and bathes your brain in feel-good hormones.

Have plenty of early nights. Set a regular bedtime and stick to it. Regular sleep really does refresh you and help you think more clearly.

Find a support group. This can be a formal group, such a bereavement group, or the informal support of a few good friends or family members. No-one can do everything alone. Asking for help is a mature, sensible approach to coping with transition..

Be proactive about changes. What can you do to make the transition happen more smoothly? Write the steps down you need to take and work through them one by one. When you look back you’ll be surprised how far you’ve come.

Most transitions even positive ones, involve a grieving period for the old life, where we come to terms with what we’ve lost or given up; a period of readjustment, which might seem chaotic, when we change habits, shed relationships, learn new skills, maybe even move house or continent; followed by a new beginning, where we can finally see a clear path ahead of us.

We can’t ignore transitions and we can’t will them away. When we learn to deal with change we can accept it, embrace it, and use it to move forward in our life.

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House of Colour

Buying swimwear?

As we might be able to actually travel to some hotter climes and enjoy some good weather thoughts turn to swimwear. Finding the right shapes and styles in swimwear is not always easy and I can’t say I enjoy finding it for myself but there are a few good principles to bear in mind. We all want to feel confident.

Great colour – choose a wow colour on you. There’s nothing more confidence inspiring knowing you’ve got the right colour on so make it one of your best.

Try it on at home – trying swimwear on in a shop can be thoroughly dispiriting, you’re not fully prepped when you look at yourself in the mirror, nor are you in the holiday you’re aiming for! Try at least two sizes in the same style as it can make a difference to coverage and comfort. Also move around a lot in it when you’re trying it on. Does it move with you or expose areas you’d rather not have on view? Clearly you need to be prepared to send/take them back.

Scale of pattern – When you’re looking at pattern be aware of the size and scale of it on you. Does it look too overwhelming or too small? Your style session notes if you’ve had a style consultation will help.

Shape – look at the shape of the swimsuit, bikini etc.

Is it more of a straight cut or does it have curves?

You need one that reflects your shape too.

Bikini, halter crop, tankini, etc. – there’s a lot to choose from. First consider are you lounging or actually swimming. If you’re in the sun a lot consider a rash vest for sun protection. If you’re wearing a cropped item, is it cropped in the right place? Do you look foreshortened in it? High waisted bikini bottoms are a big trend currently but can be too high for some body shapes.

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Trends – trends to look out for: Cut out – depending on your clothing personality elements where there is a piece cut out are definitely having moment. Angular body shapes and dramatic clothing personalities will feel most at home here. Be aware of where the cutout will sit on you and whether that will flatter your proportions, and cope with movement! A high leg cut is key to this trend and can be very flattering!

Ruffles – wonderful in larger scale on curvaceous figure and in smaller scale for those who need delicate prettiness.

Print – tropical prints and bold abstract designs are very much in evidence in swimwear, lovely on Dramatics and Naturals. Consider where the designs sit on your body when the swimwear piece is on – will that be flattering given your proportions. You won’t want a large line or end point highlighting your widest point.

Texture – can be a forgiving element and there are quite a few options from M&S to Free People that have a texture to the fabric. Ruching and fabric twists are a mainstay here. It’s a very on trend element currently too.

Micro-glitter – from sheen to a more eye catching element there is definitely a sprinkling of glitter and gleam to swimwear.

If it feels good and you feel good in it wear it and wear it with pride!

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

By Louise Addison

All about Eczema Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry skin, itchy skin, rashes and scaliness, blisters, and skin infections. It is triggered by a combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental factors, and stress. An eczema sufferer’s immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens, which causes the skin to inflame.

Eczema is intensely uncomfortable and irritating and notoriously difficult to treat.

It mostly presents for the first time in childhood and seems to be related to genetics (if your mum or dad had eczema, you are more likely to develop it), but it can sometimes suddenly appear in an adult. When eczema is triggered by one or more of the factors previously mentioned, the skin reacts by overproducing cells…which leads to those flaky, pink and red dry patches. With childhood eczema symptoms often improve with age, but you can’t get rid of it completely and it can flare up periodically throughout your life.

Since we can’t cure eczema, treatment is aimed at controlling both the condition and the effect it has on a sufferer’s life.

Moisturising is the number one treatment used to control eczema. Sufferers have a weakened skin barrier, meaning that cold or excessively dry air causes it to inflame. So, moisturising and supporting the skin barrier are important. Look for moisturizers that contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Humectants are things like hyaluronic acid and glycerine. These are low -molecular weight substances that bind moisture to the epidermis (outer layer) of the skin, so hydrating it. Emollients are saturated and unsaturated variable-length

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hydrocarbons which help maintain skin barrier function, and something called ‘cell membrane fluidity,’ which refers to the freedom of movement of protein and lipid constituents within the cell membranes. Emollients improve skin texture and appearance. Occlusives are oils and waxes which form physical barrier on the skin to block natural evaporation of water through the skin. Occlusives include petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, silicones, lanolin, and zinc oxide.

Some eczema sufferers find that bathing in hot water reduces itching. But hot water can strip the skin of oils, making it more prone to irritation and exacerbating the symptoms. Dermatologists recommend brief, lukewarm baths and showers using gentle cleansers such as those that are oat-based, alcohol-free and which contain moisturisers.

Cold dry air is best avoided by eczema sufferers, so a humidifier is a very useful tool to keep the air moist and prevent skin from dehydration.

Medication can’t cure eczema as I said earlier, but they have an important role in its control.

Sometimes, the over-the-counter moisturizers and lifestyle hacks aren’t enough and medical intervention is required. Topical topical corticosteroids are sometimes necessary as are topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

In addition, people with eczema are more prone to skin infections and these may need oral or topical antibiotics to bring them under control.

Eczema is so common that you almost certainly know someone with the condition, if you don’t suffer with it yourself, so learning a little about what helps and what to avoid can be very useful.

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Hello Villager Readers...

Good news! Having maintained 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 again, and to welcome new people keen to see how Oxygen Therapy may help them. Many people with health challenges find it gives them pain relief, energy boosts and faster healing.

To enable us to run the Oxygen Therapy additional sessions needed, our charity needs some extra pairs of hands! Can you help us please?

Full training and support are given, plus safety measures are observed at all times.

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Local News

Peter Noble is so impressed with how Oxygen Therapy changed his life that he intends to volunteer at The 01462 684 214 Herts MS Therapy Centre.

“Oxygen Therapy has done me the power of good, helping me recover from Long Covid. The people are welcoming and friendly,” says Peter. “I’d like to volunteer there in the future to give something back.”

Oxygen sessions at The Herts MS Therapy Centre are used as a complementary therapy that helps some people. It is safe to try and is natural. For over 30 years the charity has helped thousands of people with MS, Parkinson’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, ME, fibromyalgia, sleep apnoea, leg ulcers, cancer and – more recently – Long Covid.

Could you spare a couple of hours each week?

Please email oxygen@hmstc.net if you’d like to know more.

Thank you. We are grateful for your support.

Best wishes, Team HMSTC

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Beauty

Active Ingredients It sometimes feels like you need a science degree to decode skincare ingredients lists. So we thought it was time to explain some of the most common active ingredients and why you might want them.

Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid helps skin to lock in moisture.

By doing so, it makes skin plumper and softer, and smooths out wrinkles. If your skin feels dry, dehydrated or tight, you’d likely benefit from adding hyaluronic acid to your daily skincare routine. Don’t be put off by the name – hyaluronic acid won’t burn or irritate your skin.

Niacinamide Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3. It’s a real multitasker – keeping skin hydrated, improving texture and reducing redness, irritation and dark spots. It also helps to protect your skin and boost cell renewal.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) There are several types of AHAs, the most common being glycolic acid and lactic acid. They’re mainly used to exfoliate skin – removing dead cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin. Be warned though, AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so always wear sunscreen, even on cold and cloudy days. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you might want to stick to lactic acid, which is less likely to cause irritation.

CBD (cannabidiol) CBD is extracted from hemp. It calms and balances the skin, reducing inflammation, redness and acne.

It’s also an antioxidant, so helps to protect your skin from environmental damage.

Retinol A form of vitamin A, retinol boosts cell renewal to make skin look brighter and fresher. It can

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By Kate Duggan

reduce fine lines, scarring and sun damage. On the downside, it can cause dryness and irritation, so you’ll want to start off with a low concentration and work your way up. You’ll also need to combine it with a decent moisturiser and SPF. Vitamin C While vitamin C can’t replace sunscreen, it does helps to protect your skin from UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors. It also helps skin to heal, reduces dark patches and makes skin more radiant.

Peptides Peptides are a type of amino acid. They boost collagen and elastin so can make your skin look firmer and plumper.

Try these Looking for a great all-rounder? Try Olay’s new Vitamin C + AHA24 range. It combines Vitamin C, niacinamide and lactic acid to brighten and soften skin, increase hydration and reduce uneven pigmentation. The serum and moisturiser cost £34.99 each from www.boots.com and have been gathering rave reviews since they were launched earlier this year.

Bad Habit’s Repair Mode AHA/BHA Active Night Serum (£20, uk.morphe.com) gently exfoliates your skin while you sleep. Along with several different types of AHA and BHA (beta hydroxy acid), it contains magnesium and various plant extracts to soothe, brighten and hydrate your skin.

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

• • • • • • • •

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

Tel: 07970 162753

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

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

Keep your hard-earned wealth within the family Stop your home from being sold to pay for long term Care Fees.

Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions.

If you already have a Will … Is it up to date?

Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year.

Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected.

DON’T PUT IT OFF – Don’t let your home and money disappear, make sure your estate goes to your family… leaving “what you want” to “who you want”.

CALL 01767 660250 or email info@willandestateplanning.com for more information or to book a free meeting with one of our Will and Estate Planners either in your own home or at our offices.

Baystrait Ltd t/a Will & Estate Planning, Baystrait House, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL

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Finance

Get the best deal Savvy spenders know to use comparison sites for many personal finance and related services, but making the most of such sites isn’t always easy. Here are some top tips for getting the best deal while saving time.

INSURANCE Insurance is arguably the king of the comparison site, thanks to years of memorable ad campaigns.

Getting comparisons makes sense for most forms of insurance, whether you’re a first-time customer or your policy is coming up for renewal. It doesn’t just save time going to individual sites, but reduces the need to keep typing in the same details about the cover you require.

Counter-intuitively, it can make sense to try multiple comparison sites rather than just one. Both the policies and prices on offer can differ slightly across different comparison tools, so a little extra time could get you a better deal. The good news is that once you’ve run a search on a site, it will usually store your details and send you a reminder next year, letting you run a new search without having to type everything in again.

It’s also worth checking insurers that make a point of not being available through comparison sites, most notably Direct Line, as they may have better deals.

If you’ve got even more time to spare, check out cashback sites. You’ll need to check terms and conditions carefully, and be certain what you are

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signing up for, but they can work out to be a better option when you crunch the numbers. Occasionally you may get a cashback bonus that makes it a better option than going for a cheaper base price through a standard comparison site.

On the other hand, don’t get too caught up in comparison sites that offer deals such as cheap cinema tickets or meals out. These often have tight restrictions and you may overestimate how much use you’d actually make of these ‘rewards’. Think of them more as a tiebreaker if two sites have similar prices for a policy.

UTILITIES Sadly, gas and electricity supply is no longer an area where price comparison tools have much purpose.

At the time of writing, the cost of wholesale gas (which also affects electricity production costs) is so high that suppliers have little incentive to offer deals cheaper than the government-imposed price cap.

Without a crystal ball it’s impossible to predict future price movements, but it’s hard to see any supplier offering a sustainable fixed-price deal that’s below the price cap any time soon. The only real exception is power supplies to businesses where, unlike with consumers, there’s no price cap. Using a specialist business energy-comparison tool still makes sense.

BROADBAND, TV, MOBILES One area where people may overlook comparison tools is broadband, television and mobile phone

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services (particularly for those who own a handset outright). If you get your internet through a phone line rather than a cable network such as Virgin, you should be able to switch supplier with virtually no disruption, so even a small saving can be worthwhile.

Specialist comparison tools work particularly well with premium TV services, which can be confusing to navigate. Both Sky and BT offer channels in some form through their own TV provision, through Virgin cable, and through streaming-only deals, so comparing all the options can be much simpler via comparison sites.

MORTGAGES Mortgages may seem like an obvious area for comparison sites, but they usually aren’t a perfect option. That’s because whether a particular provider will offer a loan, and on what terms, will vary significantly between individual customers.

It’s certainly worth checking out a couple of price comparisons, but think of them more as a rough guide to whether buying a property in your desired price range is affordable rather than a way to choose a deal.

In many cases, using a mortgage broker makes sense, particularly if you have any special circumstances such as a poor credit history or being self-employed.

A good mortgage broker won’t just look at prices but

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will also give you a much better idea of which lender will be likely to accept or reject you. This reduces the risk of a vicious circle where a failed mortgage application means you have multiple credit checks on your credit record in a short period, each making you less attractive to lenders.

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31

Interiors

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By Katherine Sorrell

Choosing garden furniture Enhance your outside space with furniture that is handsome, comfortable, practical and long-lasting. Here are some tips on selecting the best options for you.

What could be nicer than relaxing over a coffee and a book on your balcony, enjoying drinks with friends in your courtyard or eating dinner with family in the garden? We all appreciate our outside spaces much more these days, and the trend is to treat them as extensions of our living areas, with lighting, soft furnishings and furniture that really suits the way we live. The good news is that huge changes in design and technology over recent years have brought about great improvements in the quality of outdoor furniture, ensuring that it is not only more comfortable to use but also looks better and lasts longer. There are endless choices, at all price levels, to suit any kind of outdoor lifestyle.

When picking out new garden furniture, the first question to ask is who will use the space, and what for? Will it be for meals, socialising or relaxing in the sun? How many people need to be accommodated,

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whether regularly or occasionally, and do they have any special requirements? Thinking about this will help decide what furniture you need, whether a dining set for six or more, a bar set, a small bistro set for two, a sofa and pair of armchairs with comfortable cushions, or a hammock, swing seat or set of loungers. In larger gardens, you may wish to have several groupings of furniture, and where there are beautiful views it is nice to place an armchair, bench seat or swinging egg chair so as to enjoy them. In a small garden, corner and L-shaped sofas, slim benches and foldaway chairs can help make the most of the space, or another way to compromise is to buy a set in which the table can be raised to dining height and, afterwards, lowered to act as a coffee table.

Consider where the furniture will be placed, as this will determine the largest sizes you can opt for.

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You will need level ground, near the house, with enough space not only for the furniture but also to pull chairs in and out and to walk comfortably around the set-up. Pay attention to the way the sun moves around the garden and avoid any particularly exposed areas, and consider whether it’s either necessary for furniture to be so heavy that it doesn’t get blown away or light enough to be moved around easily. Scale is important, too – in a small space, chunky pieces may look out of place, while slender furniture can be ‘lost’ in a large garden.

Bear in mind that, for a good proportion of the year, you won’t be using your new garden furniture – but you will be able to see it from the house. Does it look good from all angles? Will it need a cover of some sort? And some elements – e.g. cushions – will need to be stored during winter, so ensure there is enough space available, indoors or out, to do this.

Finally, how will the furniture work with its surroundings and what styles do you prefer?

Depending on the period of the house and the look of the garden, you may opt for a deliberately traditional look, something very modern, or a timeless style that’s somewhere in-between. The natural colours of rattan and timber, in classic, elegantly rounded shapes, work beautifully with country gardens and older properties, while brighter colours and minimal, angular shapes look great with modern properties and urban courtyards. Garden furniture can be a major investment, so it is worth spending time researching all the alternatives online and in person, asking the retailer about materials, durability, aftercare and any guarantees. Choose pieces that reflect both the interior of the house and your personality – and you will enjoy them immensely for many years to come.

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2 What material is best for garden furniture?

Metal Choose rust-proof metal and it will be strong, durable and low maintenance, though will retain heat on warm days (don’t burn your legs when you sit down!). It can be powder-coated for a choice of colours.

Timber Teak contains natural oils that enhance its durability, while solid oak is naturally long-lasting, provided some regular aftercare is carried out. All timber will wear naturally over time, but bear in mind that cheaper woods will not last nearly as long.

Weatherproof wicker While natural wicker is not weather-resistant, this popular choice is made using a synthetic material that can be woven like real rattan, with variations of tone and texture, onto a lightweight aluminium frame. Quality versions look and feel like natural wicker but are completely weatherproof.

Plastic Can be a cheap option, but not always. Look for sculptural shapes, cool colours and eco-friendly, recycled credentials.

1 A classic foldable design in walnut-coloured timber, this dining set is practical, good-looking and affordable.

Copenhagen four-seat dining set, £599, Dobbies.

2 Give your garden a modern makeover with a dining set in powder-coated aluminium. Zuiver Vondel small garden table, £849; small garden bench, £439; and pair of garden armchairs, £518; all Cuckooland.

3 Hand-woven in synthetic rattan with waterproof cushions, this sofa set has a classic/contemporary look that works in many styles of outdoor space. Sussex mocha sofa and lounge armchairs with 113cm coffee table, £2,159, Bridgman.

STOCKISTS Bridgman: 020 8804 7474; bridgman.co.uk Cuckooland: 01305 231 231; cuckooland.com Dobbies: 0131 5616 406; dobbies.com

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33

Gardening

What do we mean by exotic plants?

When we talk about exotic plants, it simply means those that are not native. Historically, here in the UK there has been a drive to promote the planting of native trees and shrubs, provided the provenance is known, because of the risks of pests and diseases.

The danger is lower when growing seed that has been harvested from trees grown here. The young plants tend to be more resilient and they display a better ability to adapt. Imported seeds, plants and trees carry a risk of introducing alien pests and diseases into the UK, against which our native species have no natural defence.

There is, however, a problem with the long-term biosecurity of our UK trees. Did you know there are now only around 30 truly native species, plus subspecies and hybrids that have naturalised themselves here? The term ‘native’ is generally defined as trees that established themselves in Britain around 10,000 years ago. This was the end of the last ice age, at a time when the English Channel was gradually forming.

Plant hunters began collecting specimens from around the world during Roman times. The activity saw plants introduced into Britain and this gradually opened the window for pests and diseases too. The

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Ages of Discovery and Enlightenment saw more and more explorers setting off around the world and bringing back unusual plants, in addition to teas, food, spices and animals. Many of the living species ended up in private collections or in botanical gardens.

This extended the range of plants within the UK, and we have come to love and admire many of these introduced species. The glorious Liquidambar, or sweet gum, for example, is native to Asia, parts of the Mediterranean and North America. Many acer trees originate not only from Japan but also from China and Korea. The tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, hails from North America, and many of the flowering cherries originate from Japan, China and the USA. Even apple trees have an exotic history! The original ancestor of many modern apple cultivars can be linked back to an ancient apple: Malus sieversii. This wild apple is native to the mountains of Kazakhstan in Asia, where they can still be found today.

It’s not surprising that UK trees have succumbed to many devastating problems. One of the first to be widely recognised was Dutch elm disease, which was said to have been accidentally imported from

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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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Canada in the late 1960s. It is thought to have killed over 30 million elms. Ash dieback was first reported around ten years ago and this disease is expected to kill up to 95 per cent of Fraxinus excelsior. In the last 30 years there have been more than 20 serious problems caused by imported pests and diseases.

Many diseases are caused by fungus pathogens, such as Phythopthora ramorum, which is affecting larch trees, and Phythopthora pluvialis, which affects western hemlock, certain types of pine trees and the Douglas fir. The latter was originally found in Oregon in the USA. The Oak Processionary Moth, native to southern Europe, is now found in London and restrictions on movement of oak trees have recently been put in place by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

This raises a question about exotic plants. Should we avoid planting them, or welcome species that are not native? Many people believe that the tipping point has now been reached. UK species are declining so rapidly that we need to extend the range of plants.

This means planting non-natives that will safeguard the future tree canopy of this green and pleasant island, especially now that we know the true value of trees in respect of tackling climate change.

There is a lot to be said for strength in diversity.

Planting exotic species together with natives will help to plan for the future, knowing that the climate is changing. It is estimated that summer

temperatures will rise by up to ten degrees centigrade by the end of the century. Extreme weather events, such as flooding, drought and high winds, are increasingly likely. UK wildlife generally prefers native species of tree and shrub, but looking to the future is now essential. Our woodlands, garden planting and the wider landscape requires future-proofing and cannot adapt fast enough without our help. The right plant in the right place, for both now and the future, has never been so important.

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

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www.acs-aggregates.com

Collection & Delivery of Loose Aggregates Building Sand • Sharp Sand • Ballast • MOT Type 1 • 10 & 20mm shingle Top Soil • Granite Dust • Cements • Drainage • EASYjoint • Sleepers

Open six days a week

Monday – Friday 7.00am – 4.30pm Saturday 8.00am – 12.00pm

Tel: 01438 311699 Mob: 07788 446635 Email: info@acs-aggregates.com Shangri-La Farm, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2JE

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39

Pets

One Fun Day Is Finally Back!

Saturday 18th June 2022 – 9.30am to 5pm The RSPCA ‘One Fun Day’ is back with exciting events all across the country.

Join us for what promises to be a spectacular day.

On Saturday 18th June 2022 at the RSPCA Bedford shop on Thurlow Street (near the bus station), we will be taking part in the National RSPCA One Fun Day. This is just one of over 40 events happening simultaneously across the country organised by the RSPCA to support our network of branches, animal centres and all of the animals in our care, and we would love you to be part of it.

One Fun Day is back ‘in the real world’ this year following our covid enforced virtual fun days in recent years, and we’re getting ready to welcome you to a wonderful day of animal-themed fun.

We will be running a tombola, name the bear competition, adopt a pet (cuddly toys) and a lucky dip amongst other things! Naturally, we will also be having a raffle with a lot of really exciting prizes – some of which have been very kindly donated by local businesses. Prizes range from Amazon vouchers to a Marks and Spencer food hamper.

Face painting is another popular activity that we will be running in the shop. Why not ask our talented artist to transform you or a member of the family into their favourite animal?

If you or your business or company would like to donate any raffle prizes – it is not too late. Please contact the Bedford shop on the number below, or drop us an email.

And if you would like to offer to volunteer to help out at your local One Fun Day event, visit the national RSPCA website, search for ‘One Fun Day Volunteer’ and complete the short form so that you can be matched with your nearest local One Fun Day. Or call the shop with your enquiry.

No two One Fun Day events are the same. If you are not in Bedford on Saturday 18th June but would

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really like to support the event, why not log on to the national RSPCA website. You will then be able to find out what’s taking place in your area. Everything from charity shop parties, family nature walks and family fun days. Ampthill, Hitchin and Cambridge for example, are all hosting exciting activities. All designed for us to celebrate being One RSPCA and raise valuable funds to directly help animals whilst having fun in your local area.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Have you seen our Facebook page yet, which keeps you informed of the work we undertake in the local area? We also detail the fluffy friends that are looking for their new ”forever homes”.

Please search “RSPCA Bedfordshire North” within Facebook and feel free to follow our page. You’ll then be able to see our fabulous Jubilee window display, as designed and created by our shop manager, Elsie.

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. info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Garden View

Trellis

Trellis is underutilised in most gardens, yet it has a myriad of uses. It can cover an ugly wall or screen an ugly garden building, and it can be used on one or more sides of a patio to provide privacy. You can use it as a framework to support plants but can also be a decorative feature in its own right.

Strategically placed trellis can make a garden appear more interesting. Counterintuitively it can also provide the illusion of greater space by interrupting the line of sight and making people curious so drawing them out into the garden to explore.

Most garden centres have a good range of functional and attractive trellis, readymade into units. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for there are companies who will precision cut a specific design and size for you. Obviously, you will pay more for the privilege, but you will get exactly what you want.

In a small space where you might only need one piece it can be a worthwhile investment, because in a small garden any structure is more noticeable and becomes a visual statement.

If you plan to grow plants up your trellis then make sure the posts or wall that it is fixed to will support the weight of the trellis plus the full-grown plant.

It can be tempting to plant a variety of climbers, but

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a small space often benefits from bold planting using fewer varieties. Beware of using all deciduous plants because the structure will look bare in the winter.

Vines such as Vitis coignetiae, which has large heartshaped leaves and beautiful autumn colour are great for a large area. V. vinifera ‘Purpurea’ has very attractive leaves which as the name suggests are purple. It produces bunches of dark, tightly clustered grapes.

Clematis are a good choice. C. montana is vigorous and might swamp a small trellis, but if you have the space they can be grown through other climbers and produce a fabulous summer display.

Ivies are good for winter colour. Don’t think that all ivies are dark green. H. Helix ‘Goldheart’ has super attractive yellow leaves edged in bright green while H. helix ‘Chester’ has leaves with wide cream margins and is good for brightening up a gloomy area.

Passion flowers look very exotic and are a particularly good choice for a trellis.

Scented climbing roses are one of my favourite plants to grow up trellis which is screening a patio.

I love ‘Compassion’, which has the most beautiful blooms in pink / apricot, and a strong, sweet fragrance. Prune every winter.

Remember to check trellis every year for broken or rotten supports and treat periodically with wood preservative to prolong its life and freshen its appearance.

Consider adding a trellis screen to your garden this summer.

Happy Gardening

By Rachael Leverton

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Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

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

Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

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

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Food & Drink

The History of Instant Coffee

I thought instant coffee was a recent innovation, but it has actually been around since the turn of the last century.

A chemist named George Constant Washington, developed and patented a coffee compound branded as Red E Coffee in the US. It was quite different to the instant coffee we know today, and a world away from fresh coffee. In the 1930s, the Brazilian coffee industry, wanted to develop a way to preserve excess coffee crops and experimented with liquid coffee extract. It was Nestlé, who pioneered powdered coffee, producing its iconic product in 1938. Instant coffee found popularity during the Second World War because of its a convenience and long shelf life, and the fact that it could be made anywhere without the need for a coffee machine. In fact, one year, the U.S. military bought more than one million cases of Nescafé, which represented a whole year’s output for the company!

In 1963 Maxwell House developed a freeze-drying process which came to dominate the market and gave a taste more comparable with fresh coffee. The green coffee bean is first roasted to bring out flavour and aroma. The roasted beans are then finely ground and dissolved in water. This coffee solution is then dried by one of two methods: freeze drying, which is the removal of water by sublimation; or spray drying.

These modern manufacturing methods have greatly improved the taste and solubility instant coffee, allowing better aroma and complexity of taste but it can never match the taste of the freshly ground variety. However, for convenience in a busy life, it’s an instant win!

By Tracey Anderson

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN JUNE 1 JUNE

3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 & 28 JUNE

6, 13, 20 & 27 JUNE

Meets the first Wednesday of every month. Each session has a theme or activity, and suggestions are made attendees. Drop in for a cuppa, a chat and make some new friends!

£3. Tuesdays and Fridays. Play from 1pm. Beginners and improvers welcome – we play very friendly Rubber Bridge.

Tel: Gill Cheaney 01462 686806 Email: bridgeclub@lalg.org.uk

Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills and are an opportunity for you to meet other families too. Booking essential. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Pic-n-Mix Social Group 10.30am-12pm Letchworth Library

1 JUNE

Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm. Shuttleworth

Guests £5 ‘Roald Dahl’s War’ with Graham Laurie. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth £15 (valid for one month). Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk

Bridge Club 1pm Howgills, South View, Letchworth

4 JUNE

The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm RAF Henlow, SG16 6DN

The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 JUNE

5 JUNE

Drawing, painting, coffee and chat.

No need to book. Occasional oneday courses and demonstrations.

Email: 99aegr@gmail.com

From the moment you arrive, circus performers on the ground and in the air will leave you with wide eyes and open mouths, whilst a circus skills workshop will teach your children the ropes. A truly unique day out and memorable occasion for all the family to celebrate.

Web: www.shuttleworth.org/ jubileeflyingcircus

Hinxworth Art Society 10am-12pm Hinxworth Village Hall

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 JUNE

Storytime 10.30-11am Stevenage Library

Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 2, 9, 15, 23 & 30 JUNE

Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin

Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friends generally 50+ age group.

Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 3 JUNE

Bedford Art Society 7.15pm for 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford

Members free, visitors £5 Jill Buckingham paints portraits in soft pastels.

Tel: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 Web: www.bedsartsociety.co.uk

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Jubilee Flying Circus Air Show 9.30am-5pm. Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade

6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30 JUNE

Retired Persons Table Tennis Club Mondays 11am-1.30pm. Thursdays 1.30-4pm Memorial Hall, Stotfold

The club plays both doubles and singles. Monthly subscription payable. Sadly, we are not a club for beginners at this time, but we do have vacancies for new members.

Email: terrygriffiths50@gmail.com 6, 13, 20 & 27 JUNE

Monday Painting Group 9.00am-12pm Letchworth Corner Sports Club, Whitethorn Lane

Meets every Monday. Each term we choose a selection of subjects to paint. If you are interested, you are welcome to try it for £5 per session.

Tel: Valerie Williams 01462 624439 Email: mondaypainting@lalg.org.uk

Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

6, 13, 20 & 27 JUNE

Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage

Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs.

Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 JUNE

Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-10.30pm. Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin

Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Meets every Monday night.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 9 JUNE

The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth

‘Augustus and Gwen John’ by Linda Smith. Visitors welcome. Lift access.

Web: theartssocietynorthherts. org.uk 9-11 JUNE

The Allotment Plot 7.30pm, bar from 7pm Meppershall Village Hall

Tickets £14 or table of 6 £80 HATS Drama Group. An evening of murder mystery, accompanied by a ploughman’s supper and quiz.

Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ hats-drama

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What's On

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 10th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.net

9, 15, 23 & 30 JUNE

13 JUNE

21 JUNE

We meet every Thursday for painting and drawing, etc. We are a friendly group who enjoy art and chatting. Tel: Mike 07977 347707

Meets second Monday of the month. Visitors welcome.

AGM and refreshments. Mike Muncaster will talk on ‘Gone for a Burton’. No admission charge for AGM. Everyone welcome. Parking.

Tel: Robin Salter 01234 261897

Hitchin Thursday Art Club 9.30am-12pm. St. John’s Community Centre, St. John’s Road, Hitchin

9, 15, 23 & 30 JUNE

Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am & 11.15-11.45am Hitchin Library

Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills.

Booking essential.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 10 JUNE

Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm and 7.30pm on Zoom Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford

AGM and ‘Lingering Legacies’ by Pamela Birch. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 10, 17 & 24 JUNE

Storytime 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 10, 17 & 24 JUNE

Bridge Club. 1.30-4.30pm Springfield House, Old Stevenage Community Centre

Icknield Quilters 7.45pm Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock

14 JUNE

Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm Baldock Library

Second Tuesday of the month. For children aged 5-12. Limited places book at the library.

16 JUNE

Hitchin Friendship Club 2.15-4.15pm St Michaels Mount Community Centre

Meets third Thursday of the month.

Talks, pub lunches, day trips, coffee mornings, holidays, refreshments, book exchange, raffle and quiz.

Email: hfcinfo885@gmail.com 21 JUNE

Make Music for Ukraine 11am Letchworth Garden Square

Make Music Day, a worldwide event of community singing. Individuals and groups will be making music interspersed with community singing. Donations for humanitarian aid. Tel: Elaine Fox 01462 735642 Email: elainefoxmm@gmail.com 19 JUNE

Stevenage RSPB Local Group coach trip to Strumpshaw Fen. 7.20am

Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge.

Play is informal and friendly.

Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517

RSPB speciality reedbed reserve site SE of Norwich for Swallowtail Butterflies and Norfolk hawker Dragonflies. Graham 01438 232055 Email: grahambeevor@hotmail.co.uk

11 JUNE

19 JUNE

Weston Concerts 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Weston

Tickets £18, under 25s £5 Alexander Chance (counter-tenor) and Toby Carr (lute).

Tickets: www.trybooking.co.uk/ BQFK Web: www.westonmusicsociety. org.uk

Concert by Moonrakers and OXUS 8pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

Tickets £20, under 27s free, livestream tickets £10, under 27s free An exciting collaborative ‘crossover’ programme will feature eight musicians on stage with folk songs interwoven with some of Vaughan Williams’s well-known work. Preconcert dining available.

Web: https://benslowmusic.org

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Bedford National Trust Association AGM 2.30pm Addison Centre, Kempston

26 JUNE

Ickleford Open Gardens 12 noon - 5pm

Adults £5, accompanied under 14s free. Ploughman’s lunches, cream teas and gluten free and vegan cakes. Proceeds to the St. Katharine’s Church.

Tel: Rosemary 01462 454760 Email: rhgillham@hotmail.com 26 JUNE

Afternoon Tea 4pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

£19.95pp/£24.95pp with a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy afternoon tea at Benslow Music complemented with live music. Booking required.

Tel: 01462 459446 Web: https://benslowmusic.org UNTIL 2 OCTOBER

Body & Soul Exhibition The Higgins, Bedford

Free entry. Body & Soul is a new exhibition exploring how women have been represented in art over the past two centuries.

Web: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk EVERY WEEKDAY

Clifton Walking Group

Meets on weekdays at 8.30am and in the afternoon for an hour. A friendly bunch of people of various ages and abilities. Monthly weekend walk of 6-8 miles.

Tel: Suzanne I’ons 07933 709006 Email: ionssuzanne@gmail.com Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group

Annual membership £10 per household. Many groups and activities. Online talks every month.

Non-members can try activities before joining. Web: lalg.org.uk

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MUSCLE

& MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: muscleandmotor@gmail.com www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

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Visit our beautiful

Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom

01438 725309

bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 54

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

Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

01438 211302 info@eastanglianloftladders.co.uk eastanglianloftladders.co.uk 56

Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

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May’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner Last Month’s Crossword Winner Philip Carter Stukeley Meadows, Huntingdon

Easy

Hard

C.S.

ROOFING SERVICES LTD

Flat Roofing • Tile Roofing • Slating Leadwork • Guttering • uPVC Fascias & Soffits Free Quotations Fully Insured

40 Years Collective Experience 10 Year Guarantee on all work

Tel: 07498 983850 Email: charliesewell@hotmail.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

C.S Roofing Services Limited 57

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Type of pudding (7) 5 Trimmed (5) 8 Large pebbles (5) 9 Brutal (7) 10 At right angles (13) 11 Without effort (6) 12 Grieves for (6) 15 A protest (13) 18 Financial system (7) 19 Beverage (5) 20 Stairs (5) 21 Hauled (7)

Complete the crossword and fill in your details below, before

16th June 2022 Either cut out this page and send to Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd. 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Or photograph your entry and email to competitions@villagermag.com The winner will be drawn at random from the correct entries.

Down 1 Sticky liquid (5) 2 Accompanies (7) 3 Assorted (13) 4 Split (6) 5 Book of facts (13) 6 Snarl (5) 7 Removes weapons (7) 11 Goes on forever (7) 13 Fence (7) 14 Remained (6) 16 Large deer (5) 17 Nude (5)

Name:

Address:

58



Tel:

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60

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Books

Summer Reads

Summer tiiime, and the living is eeeeasy…. Whether you’re looking for some barbecue inspiration or a new novel to keep you company on the hammock, we’ve got you covered.

By Kate Duggan

Tom Kerridge’s Outdoor Cooking Tom Kerridge

From Umami Mushroom & Halloumi Burgers to Shawarma Chicken Wraps, Tom Kerridge’s recipes will lift your barbecuing endeavours to the next level. Don’t panic, none of them will keep you tied to the kitchen while your friends are enjoying themselves with a beer in the garden. They may well nudge you into barbecuing daily well into autumn though.

One Italian Summer Rebecca Serle

Reeling from the death of her mother, Katy heads to Italy on what was supposed to be a long-awaited mother-anddaughter trip. While there, she meets the 30-year-old version of her mother – almost unrecognisable from the woman Katy’s known all her life. As the two women become friends against the vivid backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, Katy works through her grief and discovers a lot more about herself in the process.

The Modern Gardener Frances Tophill – published by Kyle Books

If spending time outdoors has got you itching to make some changes to your garden, this book is a good place to look for inspiration. As the subtitle explains, it’s intended as ‘a practical guide to gardening creatively, productively and sustainably’. You’ll find bags of information on everything from designing your garden, choosing plants and addressing common challenges to using your garden plants to make drinks, natural dyes and more.

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61

Classifieds Accountants

Plastering. Painting and Decorating

Dave Mortby Plastering, Painting and Decorating

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

David.mortby@live.co.uk

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Plastering Services

James Geekie Plastering

Domestic Appliance Repairs Guaranteed Repairs To:

All types of plastering - big or small

Washing Machines • Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers • Dishwashers

Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding

No Call Out Charge!

JB Domestic

Tel: 07792 415356 or 01462 490598 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 01767 680621 or Mob: 07778 891490

Electrician

Plumbing

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

Please call Gary on

07530 728091 Painting and Decorating

62

Plumbing and Heating

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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 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.............01234 845000 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue............01438 729041 Carers Line........................................ 0808 808 7777 ChildLine..................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice.................................. 0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous................................0800 689 4732

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The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

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.....................................................................111 National Rail Enquiries..................... 03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.................................101 NSPCC............................................... 0808 800 5000 Pre-bereavement Helpline Support.. 0808 801 0688 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:

Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com 63