Henlow may 18

VILLAGER The

Issue 114 - May 2018

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win two tickets to the

Battle Proms

at Hatfield House

RSPB

Big Garden Birdwatch Results

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Radwell, Fairfield Park, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, ur Holwell, Meppershall, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey & Letchworth Yo EE To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

FRco1py

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Inside this issue...

Wonderfully Windsor...............................................................40 Striking Sunflowers..................................................................43 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.....................................................46 Mind in Mid Herts....................................................................48

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Win a One Night Break at Dunston Hall

Jewels of our Past.......................................................................4 Ashwell at Home........................................................................8 Win Two Tickets to the Battle Prom at Hatfield House..............10 Win a One Night Break for Two at Dunston Hall........................12 Shuttleworth Spitfire Fires Into Life.........................................16

Ground Control.........................................................................51 Animal Stories..........................................................................53 R.A.T.S. Rehoming appeal........................................................54 Infiniti QX50.............................................................................56 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................................59 Puzzle Page..............................................................................60 What’s On.................................................................................62 Prize Crossword........................................................................74 Book Review............................................................................76

Winning Wines: Macedonia......................................................21 Children’s Page.........................................................................22 Morris Dancing May Day...........................................................27 Secrets to Successful Shopping................................................29 World Asthma Day...................................................................31 Sense of Summer.....................................................................34 British Sandwich Week.............................................................37 Make Procrastination History...................................................38

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Shuttleworth Spitfire

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Tracey Anderson, Jennie Billings,Sarah Davey, Kate Duggan, Hannah Fenton, Suzanne Roynon, Pippa Greenwood, RSPB, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, James Baggott and Nick Coffer.

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Michael Lane, Darren Harbar Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

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

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

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History

Jewels of our Past

By Catherine Rose

There is no doubt that antique jewellery has a fascination like no other. Worn close to the skin and often commissioned for an individual, it exudes an aura of its original wearer from across the centuries.

Walking around the Victoria and Albert Museum’s jewellery section is a kleptomaniac’s paradise. On display in a darkened hall, gold and precious jewels from civilisations past are illuminated like the treasures of Aladdin’s Cave.

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Humanity’s universal desire to craft mined metals, stones, and natural treasures like shells, horn or bone into beautiful adornments dates back to primitive times. Jewellery makers have long been skilled artisans, able to work with materials at levels of delicate intricacy.

In early times, jewellery was often worn in the form of amulets for power or protection against evil, and as a status symbol. Gold jewellery was buried with the dead as payment for their

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passage into the afterlife and to ensure the person’s continued importance. We are most familiar with this from the discovery of ancient Egyptian tombs, but other civilizations such as the Incas and the ancient Greeks also buried jewellery with their dead. Gold ceremonial collars have been found when unearthing Celtic Bronze Age burials.

One such collar known as the Shannongrove Gorget (800-700BC), uncovered in Ireland in the 1700s, was deliberately folded in half, perhaps in a ritual to prevent someone else from wearing it.

Much of the archaeological jewellery on display in museums today comes from ancient tombs.

Crowns made of precious metals and stones to indicate royalty began as ceremonial wreaths in Greek and Roman times, or possibly earlier. They were made of flowers, twigs and leaves (such as laurel, oak and ivy) and would be placed on the head of someone who had been valiant in battle or excelled as an athlete. The word ‘crown’ comes from the Latin ‘corona’ meaning wreath.

Alexander the Great is said to have established the crown as a symbol of royalty in 356-323BC. Over the centuries, crowns continued to become heavier, more elaborate and bejewelled, forming a key part of the monarch’s coronation ceremony.

Precious stones have long been symbolic, for example, pearls once represented purity.

Originally, diamonds and rubies weren’t faceted but would simply be polished as roundels or ovals – a style known as cabochon. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that the skill of cutting stones developed. These sparkling gems became popular and were at their most spectacular seen in the glow of candlelight. Sadly, little diamond jewellery from the 17th and 18th centuries survives, as diamonds had become so prized they were often removed from old jewellery and reused.

During the medieval era, jewellery was very much about status and religion. Royalty and nobility wore gold, silver and precious metals while lower ranks would wear jewellery made of pewter or copper set with semi-precious stones, or translucent enamel made using melted ground glass set into metal.

Centuries later, this notion was subverted by Art Nouveau, a radical movement that began in 1895 and went on to shape our modern world in many

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ways from marketing to furniture design. Art Nouveau jewellers saw no hierarchy of materials, meaning gold and diamonds were combined with base metals and enamel. Symbolism was as important as it had been in medieval times.

During this time, as in the past, wearing large pieces of jewellery on the bodice continued to be popular. Today, this fashion along with the general wearing of brooches – still popular up until the mid-20th century – is now seen as dated and has largely fallen out of favour.

The 17th century heralded increased importation of a variety of gems. As a result, a wider range of coloured stones such as citrine and pink topaz began to make an appearance. Jewellery was often tailored to the individual and included the use of cameos and miniature portraits of the wearer or their loved one. It is believed that during this century, opaque enamel was invented by a Frenchman, Jean Toutin de Chateaudun.

The Victorians were as ostentatious in their jewellery as they were with all other forms of ornamentation, favouring flowers and birds which reflected their interest in the natural world and tied in with their ‘language of flowers’ symbolism. Jewellery became largely worn by women, whereas in previous centuries men had frequently worn it too.

Although today’s jewellery makers still use ancient techniques in metalwork and stone setting, contemporary jewellers are reinventing the way we see and wear jewellery. These innovations are being led by designers like Wallace Chang who produces cameo jewellery from 3D images of the human face and has invented a new stone setting that does away with the traditional obtrusive claw technique.

Prague-based jewellery designer Janja Prokic, who has showcased at London Fashion Week, designs symbolic fairy-tale jewellery that links directly back to the wearer. She often uses pearls to represent womanhood and says: “As they become polished by contact with human skin, each appears to absorb nutrients from the skin. The result is that this gives them a particular glow peculiar to the wearer.”

And in the end, don’t we all want our jewellery to be a reflection of ourselves?

By Catherine Rose

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Local News

Ashwell at Home

A Fun Day Out for All the Family Sunday 13th May – 11am to 5pm The picturesque village of Ashwell welcomes visitors to its popular annual event ‘Ashwell at Home’, where you can enjoy a wide range of things to see and do, with entertainment for all the family.

In addition to the traditional programme with open gardens, musical performances, craft stalls and activities for children, this year Ashwell at Home will be commemorating the centenary of two highly significant moments. Women’s Suffrage finally became law in February 1918 and on 11th November in the same year came the Armistice which ended the fighting on the Western Front in the First World War. Both events will be marked with a series of performances, events, activities and workshops during the day, many of them making particular reference to the part played by the people of Ashwell at the time.

What’s On? The programme includes: • Open gardens • Fun for children including free workshops • Musical concerts and live music around the village • Morris Men and Tudor dancing • Walks and Talks • Arts and Crafts • Archaeology: bring your own garden finds • And many other attractions

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With special activities around this year’s theme: • A Bagpipe Tribute to the Fallen • Poppy Walking Trail • Make and Plant Poppies • Suffragette March • Lest We Forget: poetry and readings from WW1 • Ashwell Bury as a WW1 Convalescence Hospital • Hospital Walk: following the trail the convalescing soldiers would have taken • Celebrating the Women of Ashwell A wide range of refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Tickets are £7 per person, under 18’s free.

Available on the day or in advance from the website www.ashwellathome.org.uk (earlybird tickets £6 when purchased online before the day) Ashwell is in north Hertfordshire, easily accessible from the A1(M) Junction 10 and the A505.

For more information visit www.ashwellathome.org.uk

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Win 2 tickets

to a Spectacular Summer Concert

We have 3 pairs of tickets worth £88 each to be won for the 18th annual Battle Proms at Hatfield House on Saturday 14th July, as the UK’s premier picnic concert series returns for a packed afternoon and evening of entertainment!

Treat yourself and a friend or loved one to a full programme of captivating classical music from the 60-piece New English Concert Orchestra, complemented by toe-tapping vintage vocals, breathtaking Spitfire display to Elgar’s Nimrod, sensational freefall demonstration

by The Red Devils parachute team, dramatic WWI cavalry display and groundshaking live fire from over 200 cannons!

All set in the historic and leafy surrounds of the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field at Hatfield House, this quintessentially British ‘party in the park’ features magnificent musical firework displays, culminating in a flag waving, sing-a-long spectacular including all the ‘last night of the proms’ finale favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory!

Simply send your entry by 16th May 2018 to: Battle Proms Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries.

BATTLE PROMS COMPETITION ENTRY

For a chance to win 2 tickets simply complete your details below and post your response by 16th May 2018 to: Battle Proms Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. Name:



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

Order by 30th April and enjoy the Early bird price of just £36 per adult for an afternoon and evening of sublime music and dramatic displays!

Address:

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Win a One Night Break for Two including dinner, bed and breakfast and 36 holes of golf The four-star Dunston Hall, in Norwich – managed by Redefine|BDL Hotels (RBH), the UK’s leading hotel management company – offers guests a firstclass, all-round golf experience in fabulous surroundings.

Its 6,275 yard, par-71 USGA-rated course is beautifully contoured around the estate and features magnificent parkland fairways dotted with trees and strategically placed bunkers. With its other golf facilities also including a 22-bay floodlit driving range, an undulating pitching green with bunkers, and even a nine-hole Footgolf course, this is golf at its best.

Dunston Hall’s Elizabethan-style mansion, dating from 1859, has been lovingly restored to all its former glory as a four-star hotel. Built against 150 acres of stunning wooded Norfolk parkland, the setting is just as unique as its history. The hotel boasts spacious bedrooms and a well-equipped health club with a cardio gym and recently refurbished pool, sauna, and spa, as well as a choice of eating and drinking options.

Dunston Hall is located just four miles from Norwich city centre and train station, and eight miles from Norwich Airport.

www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/dunston-hall Villager Magazines has partnered with Dunston Hall to offer its readers the chance to win a one night, dinner, bed and breakfast break for two at the four-star resort, with 36 holes of golf included.

The winner will be drawn at random from all the correct answers.

DUNSTON HALL COMPETITION ENTRY

For a chance to win simply correctly answer the following question and post your response by 16th May 2018 to Dunston Hall Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. Dunston Hall is in Norwich. For which reason is the city well known?

A: Its coal mines  B: The home of Colman’s mustard  C: The birthplace of actress Jenna Coleman, star of TV drama Victoria 

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If you’re not lucky enough to be the winner, a two-night DB&B break at Dunston Hall, with 36 holes of golf, costs from just £159 per person, based on two sharing. Call 01508 470444 for more details or to book.

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Local News

AR501 with pilot Stu Goldspink Wednesday 21 March 2018 © Darren Harbar

Shuttleworth Spitfire fires into life The Shuttleworth Collection’s Spitfire AR501 soared successfully into the skies for its maiden flight, following a full restoration project, at 15.47 on Tuesday 20 March 2018, in the hands of experienced warbird pilot Stu Goldspink.

The pilot reported that the aircraft is handling beautifully and all systems functioning correctly with just a couple of minor adjustments required.

A second, longer, test flight was carried out the next morning confirming the aircraft is behaving well. The flight test programme will continue over the next few weeks.

This Spitfire is an original aircraft that saw active service in the Second World War and is wearing the livery of No 310 (Czech) Squadron, where it served in operations in 1942-1943. Sporting its original ‘clipped’ wing tips that gave Spitfires a better roll rate rather than the standard elliptical tips most are familiar with.

The painstaking restoration which took over 10 years to complete by the Collection’s fulltime engineering team and skilled volunteers, involved completely dismantling the airframe into its smallest components to inspect and refurbish all the parts. The project included the complete overhaul of the 1,440hp Rolls Royce Merlin V12 engine, also carried out ‘in house’, and a new propeller and spinner.

Chief Engineer Jean-Michel Munn said, “This is a very original aircraft, and one that served in combat during the Second World War. It’s a privilege for The

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Collection to be able to return it to airworthy status and have it back flying for visitors to experience the sight and sound of this iconic type.”

AR501 is intending to display for the first time since restoration at The Collection’s Season Premiere and RAF 100 airshow on Sunday 6th May. Stu Goldspink will be giving the pilot chat with the aircraft at 11.00 before the air display begins at 14.00. Veterans over 85 have free entry to this show.

For more details see www.shuttleworth.org/premiere The Shuttleworth Collection is based at Old Warden aerodrome is just off the A1 at Biggleswade, postcode SG18 9EP. AR501 can also be seen onscreen (static) in the RAF at 100 with Ewan and Colin McGregor on BBC One, screening Sunday 25 March at 20.30!

AR501 first test flight flown by pilot Stu Goldspink © Darren Harbar

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BICKERDIKES

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Food and Drink

Winning Wines: Macedonia

Macedonia has a lot to offer. This republic, in south eastern Europe and successor state of former Yugoslavia, has a very interesting history, boasting beautiful architecture, amongst many attributes. The climate is hot and dry, during the summer months. Skopje is the capital of Macedonia and tourism brings many visitors to the country, every year.

The region of Tikveš is recognised and famous for the production of high-quality grapes, which, along with much knowledge and expertise, produce excellent wines. Numerous grape varietals are grown, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Merlot and Pinot Noir, plus many others. The Stobi winery enjoys perfect conditions and produces multi award-winning wines utilising modern technology. The Stobi Winery continually seeks to create new vineyards and expand, as their splendid wines become known and available worldwide, including the UK, with an excellent distribution and delivery organisation.

Stobi Žilavka, is produced using a local grape variety. A pleasant bouquet and very good mouthfeel, with a peppery finish, make this a popular light to medium-bodied, dry white wine. Stobi Chardonnay, is unoaked, dry and medium-bodied. Elegant and intense, again, this is another extremely popular choice, for many. Stobi Muscat Ottonel, is aromatic on the bouquet, which leads, enticingly, to the very acceptable mouthfeel and floral palate sensation, of this intense, dry, white production, with a fresh finish. Stobi Cuvée, I found as a medium-bodied, dry, white wine. This is produced using a blend of local grapes and delivers a very good bouquet.

Elegant and intense on the palate, a crisp finish adds to the pleasures of this wine. These wines accompany many dishes, including white meats, fish, seafood, salads and antipasti, perfectly.

These selections are just some of the wines available in a splendid range from the Stobi Winery, which has something for everyone’s palate, including exceptional red wines that are aged in oak. Stobi multi award-winning wines are available in the UK. Tel: 0845 370 2255 Email: sales@signature-wines.co.uk www.signature-wines.co.uk www.stobi.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Local News

Are you in pain? Does it affect your daily life?

Letchworth’s APS Pain Clinic may help you…

APS Pain Reduction Therapy is safe, drug-free and easy to try. Many people find that it helps them to: • Feel less pain – sometimes becoming completely pain-free • Enjoy improved quality of sleep • Feel more energised • Reduce swelling and inflammation “I have had pain free mobility for the first time in nine months. I finished three weeks ago and so far I am still pain free, despite moving furniture last week!” says Brian H About 80% people who try APS Pain Reduction Therapy say that they feel less pain – or even no pain at all.

What is APS Pain Reduction Therapy?

It’s a micro-current therapy which simulates the body’s own healing systems. The treatment is comfortable and involves placing tiny electrodes on your skin.

“I’ve had Sciatica for months. APS Pain Therapy has been fantastic. The pain no longer stops me in my

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tracks – I can move and sleep so much better now,” says Cathy M Try APS Pain Therapy for FREE Your first session at the APS Clinic is free! To find out more and arrange to book your free session, call Claire on 01462 684 214 – or email aps@hmstc.net.

Find out if the APS Pan Clinic can help you!

The APS Pain Clinic is part of registered charity Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth. The Centre welcomes people with any long term or neurological condition.

For more information, visit: http://www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk/aps-pain-clinic/

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Morris Dancing MayDay Morris dancing is a part of the May Revels, or May Day celebrations. It dates back to late mediaeval times and the earliest mention is from 1458.

The origins of the name are unknown. There is speculation that it has Spanish Arab roots and comes from ‘Moorish Dancing’ but this is not provable. Many of the earliest known records relate to the early 16th century English Royal Court, so it is possible that there may be some connections with the courtly Morisco dances seen in continental Europe at that time.

The church had been a great supporter of the Morris traditions until the Reformation. After this it was considered frivolous and frowned upon by the authorities for many decades until the restoration of Charles II in 1660. ‘Merrie Englande’ saw traditional festivities experience a renaissance Foot we Prosee HP today advert_ppl.pdf 11/10/2017 and the dances are believed1to have

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By Tracey Anderson

mostly developed in the hundred years or so after this date.

Changes in social patterns, social mobility, and types of recreation in the Victorian era meant that by the end of the 19th century the Morris had become rather unfashionable. It came very close to dying out completely, then by chance, the folk song and dance collector Cecil Sharp saw the Morris at Headington on Boxing Day 1899, and 16:58 a revival which continues to this day. started

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House of Colour

Secrets to Successful Shopping 1. Most major shopping mistakes come from buying outfits. That’s how clothes are displayed in the shop so that’s what we think we should buy, but that way we end up with loads of clothes and only ever have a few outfits. Buy individual items that are the perfect colour and style for you and they will all work together to build an amazing wardrobe that really works for you and your lifestyle.

2. Before you go shopping be ruthless! Keep garments only if you feel good wearing them and remove those that you never wear, especially ones you haven’t worn for over a year, or that you have several similar versions of.

Your clothes should accentuate you and your personality, not cover you up. By reviewing your wardrobe and removing rogue garments you can identify what is required pre-shopping.

3. When shopping online always choose by colour, size, style and the detail. Read the reviews, be clear on the return policy, check the size chart and look at the detailed photos. Vitally always edit your basket and only buy what you need, and what will fit and suit you! Remember that the colours you see on screen, may not be accurate to what arrives in the post – if it’s wrong, send it back!

4. Buy smart: a bargain is only a bargain if you actually wear it. Many people make the common mistake of buying an item just because it is on ‘sale’. Don’t buy on impulse.

Never buy anything in the sale you wouldn’t pay full price for! Similarly buying the season’s latest fashion could be a waste of money if it doesn’t suit you! There is nothing wrong with being interested in the latest trends but only if they suit your shape, colour and clothing personality.

5. Be colour confident by knowing what colours truly suit you. Learn which colours brighten your eyes, make your skin look radiant and

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create a glowing, healthy and confident you.

These may not be the colours that you have been wearing for the last 10 years! You will be amazed at how many compliments you get when you wear the right colours!

Always bear in mind if a new piece you are considering buying needs dry cleaning or hand washing. Does it fit with your lifestyle? Will you wear it enough times?

A Capsule Wardrobe is a timeless clothing collection which you can use to make unlimited combinations to suit any occasion and stops those moments of panic about what to wear!

Before you decide to keep or buy any garment, think does this make me look and feel fabulous?

Does it flatter my shape and colouring? Does it work with my lifestyle – will I actually wear it? Is the price acceptable?

Make your clothes work hard for you by investing in some timeless pieces that will last for years, such as coats, handbags and shoes.

Choose some accessories that will transform an outfit. Be aware of what accessories really suit you. Is gold better for you than silver? Chunky or dainty bracelets? Big or small earrings?

Many people buy the wrong size. Buy for the size that you are now and resist the urge to buy for the shape you think or hope you might be in the future! If you don’t like the number on the size label – cut it out!

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By Jennie Billings www.houseofcolour.co.uk/ jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk 29

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Time of Year

World Asthma Day May 1st

I was diagnosed with Asthma when I was eight.

I’m always alarmed at how little people, even fellow asthmatics know about the condition.

Here are a few facts I feel should be known more widely.

Boys are twice as likely to develop asthma as girls.

The reasons why are not fully understood.

Children do not typically grow out of asthma – In spite of the myth almost 95% of children with asthma will experience symptoms into adulthood.

10% of all asthmatics have severe asthma. That’s a significant 1-2% of the population.

A major asthma trigger is cigarette smoke – that’s first OR second-hand smoke. Please think before you light-up, especially in front of children.

Most asthma-related deaths are caused by lack of oxygen. Rapid administration of oxygen can save lives.

Most people who experience a potentially fatal asthma attack will survive if they reach hospital.

Don’t delay.

I hope the next fact will be reassuring if like me you suffer from severe asthma: Most asthmatics who suffer a fatal or near fatal attack are non-compliant. This means they are not taking their medication as prescribed, or they delay seeking treatment. If we are sensible, take our medication appropriately and always carry a rescue inhaler we are UNlikely to experience a fatal or near fatal attack.

And more good news: Life-expectancy of mild asthmatics and nonasthmatics is the same. If you look after yourself there’s no reason not to live to a ripe old age.

BUT even mild asthmatics can experience near fatal or fatal attacks if they become complacent and non-compliant about their treatment.

So for those of us with Asthma, compliance and self-care is key. Live long and prosper my fellow asthmatics.

By Sarah Davey To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Health & Beauty

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Sense of Summer Say hello to your summer beauty essentials, from the perfect tinted moisturiser to your new favourite lip balm.

While most of us are pretty good at slapping on the sun cream these days, it’s all too easy to forget about protecting our hair. Sun damage can make hair frizzy, dry and hard to manage, as Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, explains, “UV rays act on hair in a similar way to bleach; they degrade its protein structure, leaving strands weaker and more vulnerable to breakage and further damage.” Philip Kingsley’s Sun Shield, £22, can help to keep your hair healthier. As well as offering sun protection, this lightweight spray also helps to prevent damage caused by chlorine and salt water. And, as an extra bonus, it reduces colour fade, and smooths and conditions to boot.

See www.philipkingsley.co.uk Skin does a pretty good job of renewing cells but a helping hand is always appreciated. Green People’s Age Defy+ Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator, £22 from www.greenpeople.co.uk, uses pineapple extract and finely ground bamboo stems to gently remove old, dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. The exfoliating cream also includes bentonite clay to unblock your pores. In all, there are a whopping 24 beauty-enhancing active ingredients, including orange peel oil and extracts of rosemary leaf and hibiscus flower. Use it two to three times a week for softer, smoother skin that looks and feels healthier.

If you’re looking for a new tinted lip balm, Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tint (www. bobbibrown.co.uk) should be on your wish list. It’s super nourishing and works wonders on dry, chapped lips. There are four shades to choose

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from, all of which work to accentuate your own natural lip colour. So Bare Pink, for example, gives your lips a flushed glow, while Bare Popsicle adds a hint of deeper red. Think moisturising lip balm combined with a lightweight gloss. At £25.50, this is certainly not a budget buy, but it does feel like a real treat so is well worth splurging on.

It can feel like there’s a new super-ingredient being touted in the beauty world every week.

However, sometimes the old, tried and tested ingredients really are the best. Retinol, for instance, is probably the best ingredient for stimulating collagen production. It’s pretty potent, so most creams only include 1% or less of retinol, to avoid irritation. However, IMAGE skincare have found a way to formulate an overnight mask which includes 3% retinol, without any of the usual side effects. The results of regular use are impressive – firmer, softer skin, with fewer visible lines. Ageless Total Overnight Retinol Masque retails at £80.

Call 0345 504 0461 to find your nearest stockist.

If you’re ready to swap your foundation for a tinted moisturiser, check out Weleda’s new Beauty Balm Tinted Day Cream, £18.95. It’s packed with botanical goodness, including shea butter, jojoba oil, organic iris and cucumber extract, so is really nourishing. You won’t get the full coverage of a foundation, but the balm is lightly tinted and does a good job of covering imperfections and evening out skin tone. All in all, it’s perfect for summer, as it’s lightweight, doesn’t clog pores, and saves you time in the morning. What’s not to like?

See www.weleda.co.uk

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We take time to listen and find the best way forward Contact us to arrange your free initial 30 minute visit (We are happy to come to you for a small extra charge)

Wills Our staff have successfully drafted Wills for many years; truly we are experts.

£135 inc. Single Will

£199 inc. Mirror Wills

Probate

Helping you prove a Will after death.

£545 inc. Plus Court fees [unless it is a huge estate] to obtain a Grant of Probate from the Court

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

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

www.yogaforbacks.co.uk

YOGA FOR YOUR BACK

No previous yoga experience required Sign up for the next 12-week course

DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR REVISE YOUR EXISTING WILL? If so, please take advantage of our reduced rate wills offer.Please note that reduced rate wills will be available every week day from 8.00am until 6.00pm, and on Tuesday evenings until 8.00pm, by appointment only.

Also on the Saturday morning of 5TH MAY, again by appointment only: Reduced rates are:Double Wills - £280.00 plus VAT Single Will - £150.00 plus VAT

This course will put YOU in charge of your BACK and give you a ‘toolkit’ for life. Learn skills to improve the health of your back for the long-term.

If you are suffering from pain, weakness and ongoing issues with your back - sign up for this course and open up a whole new world of health and movement.

Contact Idunn Rodziewicz idunnr@b�nternet.com Courses throughout the year in Hitchin

HOME VISITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITHIN A 20 MILE RADIUS OF ROYSTON. For more information please contact:THE WALKERS PARTNERSHIP Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241121 Email: t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk

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TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk

Extensions & newbuilds Design & Planning Approvals Building Regulations Project Management Professional service Fully insured as featured in Channel 4’s The Best Laid Plans

www.rgharchitects.co.uk Tel 01462 790808 36

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 • SKY TV/DVD PLAYER • 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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Time of Year

By Hannah Fenton

British Sandwich Week May 14th–20th

Ever since John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich ordered cold beef between slices of toast, to avoid getting up from his card game, his name has become synonymous with our favourite lunchtime choice. But what makes a good sandwich?

Start with good bread. Any bread you’re using for a sandwich should be delicious enough to eat on its own. Make your own or buy a high-quality artisan loaf. If you only have supermarket bread, try toasting it or charring it on a griddle. It should be crisp enough to provide some structure to the foundation of the sandwich but yield in the centre.

Rolls are good for sloppy fillings if you carve out a little bread from the dome of the roll to create a little space for them. This stops the filling sliding out when you take a bite.

When it comes to selecting the right bread for your sandwich it comes down to personal preference. A good place to start is balance of texture. A soft roll complements crisp lettuce or crunchy coleslaw, or hot chips. A thick-crusted toasted bread is great with pulled pork or roasted veg. But these are guidelines only - a soft rolled filled with mashed egg and mayonnaise is a joy and yet has almost no contrast in textures.

Soggy sandwiches divide people. I think it’s down to intention. Consider the deliciousness of a sloppy stewed steak and onion filling where the gravy soaks into the bread. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Then consider a soggy

cheese and tomato sandwich from a bad buffet.

I think you’ll see where I’m going with that. Yet nearly everyone I spoke to while researching this article said a dry sandwich is unacceptable. Lack of butter, or filling is a sandwich crime.

To avoid sandwich sogginess...or dryness, a good layer of fat such as butter or an olive oil spread will resist moisture and keep it in the sandwich rather than letting it soak into the bread.

On to the vegetables. Wash and dry them then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

This extra step is small but makes sure the veggies pack a flavourful punch with every bite. Creamy but sharp coleslaw, or tangy pickles add a vivid brightness to the ensemble.

A nutritionally well-balance sandwich will probably contain protein. From ham to egg to tofu the protein is better if it’s well flavoured and thinly sliced, diced or mashed. Too thick and it becomes difficult to bite through and chew.

Think about the position of the individual elements within your sandwich too. Would the meat be better placed in the centre or on the bottom? would cold elements be better layered on top of hot elements? My personal bugbear is thick slippery slices of tomato in the middle of a sandwich, so when you bite into it there is a tectonic plate shift and one slice of tomato shoots out of the far side and lands in your lap!

We take the humble sandwich for granted yet we know when we’ve had a great one. So, let’s hear it for National Sandwich Week. Smell the bread, admire the layers, season the filling and take a bite.

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Life Coaching

By Suzanne Roynond

Make Procrastination History

When you distract yourself with almost anything to avoid what you ‘should’ be doing, procrastination is making itself at home in your life.

Cleaning a cupboard rather than dealing with your finances or spending all day watching TV when you promised to finish something for your partner might seem harmless, but each time you put something off, you drain your energy and damage your self-esteem.

Low level procrastination is easy to combat with a little determination, a list and a sense of achievement for each accomplishment.

However, a skilled procrastinator can always find a reason not to do something. Procrastination becomes a habit and broken

promises cause hurt, arguments, disappointment and resentment.

It’s frustrating for friends and family and ultimately the procrastinator loses the respect of those closest to them.

What the procrastinator doesn’t realise is each tiny avoidance strategy damages them too.

The knowledge they are letting themselves and others down chips away at their emotional and physical wellbeing. The outcome can be lethargy, stress headaches and even depression.

Life Coaching can make a difference for a habitual procrastinator. The client takes responsibility for their own actions and by working with a coach to set and commit to achievable goals, excuses and procrastination can

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become a thing of the past.

Of course, if getting around to calling a coach is another subject of procrastination – read a little book called “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy, then pick out the biggest and ugliest frog you can find and have it for breakfast!

Suzanne Roynon is a personal performance life coach www.yoursuccess.coach

BORED WITH BT? VEXED BY VIRGIN? TIRED OF TALK TALK? SICK OF SKY? FASTER INTERNET, MADE IN HITCHIN

We’re one of the UK’s leading broadband providers.

We consistently beat all the big suppliers for speed, reliability and customer service.

For hassle-free, FAST LOCAL BROADBAND visit www.idnet.com or call 01462 659 350

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Travel

Wonderfully Windsor With a variety of attractions, activities and a vibrant history, The Royal borough of Windsor is the prime location for a weekend retreat.

A Classic Castle The first notion that comes to mind when thinking of Windsor is of course, its famous castle. The oldest castle in the world, Windsor Castle has been home to 39 monarchs, including our current royal family.

It’s highly recommendable to take the Precinct Tour, which explores the outside areas of the castle and is absolutely free. The tour briefs visitors on the history of the castle, its role in contemporary society and has stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Every Saturday throughout the year and during school holidays, special drop-in family activities are included in the price of admission to the castle and there is also a free family trail for children aged 5-11 which educates them on the marvellous history of

the castle. At the end of their visit, families can ask a warden to stamp their ticket (if bought directly from Royal Collection Trust) and convert it into a 1-Year Pass, which allows them to enjoy free re-admission for 12 months.

For more information, visit: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle

Historical Hotels Forty acres of stunning parkland span across the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor. The estate consists of an 18th century mansion, a chapel, a Georgian White House and 75 event spaces.

Following a recent renovation, the hotel itself offers a unique blend of original features reflecting its rich heritage perfectly mixed with a contemporary style.

The 1705 Restaurant and Bar is great for wining and dining during a stay, the restaurant promises

Photos: Royal Collection Trust Š Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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only the freshest of ingredients produced by the finest British suppliers. Many rooms have been recently refurbished with a modern style, and the White House itself offers 400 luxury suites including spacious family rooms with ample sleeping quarters for two adults and two children.

For more information, visit: www.phcompany.com/de-vere/beaumont-estate/

Family Fun A Quacking Day Out Take a one hour Duck Tour through the heart of Windsor, exploring all of the famous landmarks.

There are two types of tours- Swan and Mallard, which vary in time spent on the road and water.

Starting by road, the “Duck” incredibly travels down the slipway and splashes into the River Thames, a real excitement for small children and offering

unforgettable views of Windsor Castle and Eton. The amphibious tour comes with live entertainment and a knowledgable guide on hand.

For more information, visit: www.windsorducktours.co.uk A Treasure Trail The Windsor Mystery Treasure Trail is targeted at children as young as six and as it’s self-guided, they can take as long as they like to amble through the two mile walking route.

The trail is downloaded via PDF and is great for getting youngsters active. Every signpost, building and statue potentially hides a clue- explore the Bachelor’s Acre and see Windsor on foot all the while cracking clues, solving mysteries and best of all, having fun.

For more information and download a PDF map, visit: ww.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/the-windsormystery-treasure-trail

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Garden

Striking Sunflowers Sunflowers are one of the most stunning and impressive flowers you could have in your garden, and are easy to grow too. Sow them this month to achieve a fantastic flowery display in just a few months’ time. So which ones should you choose and how do you go about getting the best crop of flowers?

There are fast-growing and potentially very tall varieties such as ‘Russian Giant’ and ‘Titan’, with the latter reaching a potential height of up to 360cm or 12ft and having heads of up to 60cm (2ft) in diameter!

There are some delightful miniature or dwarf varieties. The F1 variety ‘Little Dorrit’ grows to about 60cm (2ft) and has rich yellow flowers with very dark centres. Another favourite is ‘Little Leo’ at just 45cm (18in), which makes lots of impact with golden yellow heads on multi-branching stems.

Nowadays there are many colours other than yellow readily available, such as ‘Black Magic’, which has maroon flowers and is multi-branching, reaching a height of about 180cm (6ft).

Grow yourself a few for cutting too, and you’ll have a vase or more full of flowers that would cost a fortune in the shops. Many varieties are suitable, including the orangey-brown ‘Velvet Queen’, ‘Black Velvet’ and the bi-coloured and pollen-free ‘Magic Roundabout’.

For containers, ‘Pacino Colada’ is a compact variety growing to just 40cm (16in) and has 10cm (4in) wide golden-yellow flowers, making a wonderful plant for a sunny patio, sheltered balcony or in the flower beds.

Children love a competition to grow the tallest plant and varieties like ‘Russian Giant’ and ‘Giant Single’

are perfect for smaller gardeners, and as they reach heights of about 180cm (6ft) will soon dwarf them!

Sunflowers make a cheap and cheerful addition to a garden boundary, adding splashes of colour to a dreary fence line or helping to mask a garage or shed.

You should get a good crop of blooms if you sow sunflowers between March and May, depending on the weather and where you live. You can sow them straight into the soil or into pots of compost. I like to use RootTrainers to encourage really well-developed and deep roots to develop, and make it easy to plant out the sunflowers with minimum root disturbance; see www.pippagreenwood.com/products/growgreat-crops for more information.

As their name suggests, sunflowers need plenty of sunshine to thrive. However, although many are tall, each plant does not actually take up much space at ground level.

Slugs and snails love sunflowers so I always grow them in small individual pots and plant them out when they’re a few inches tall. This means they’re bigger and tougher and better able to resist attack.

As an added precaution, put a ring of slug-deterring material around the base of each one – crushed shells, crushed eggshells, coco-shell or pine needles for instance.

If you’re growing sunflowers on anything other than a protected site, it may be necessary to give the taller varieties some support in the form of a sturdy bamboo cane or slim stake, just in case the wind blows too strongly!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in May accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus RootTrainers, Nemaslug, biocontrols, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

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Wildlife

John Bridges (rspb-images.com)

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch results reveal a golden year for the goldfinch • Favourable conditions lead to a surge in sightings of goldfinch, long-tailed tit and coal tit, along with many other smaller garden birds.

• The results revealed a dip in sightings of our more solitary species like blackbird and robin as the mild winter meant they spent more time foraging for food away from our gardens.

• Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, including over 5,200 people in Bedfordshire, spent an hour watching the birds that visit their garden or outdoor space as a part of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

• Over 1 million birds were counted in the East, contributing to an impressive 6.7 million birds counted nationally.

The latest results from the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch have revealed a golden year for the goldfinch along with a number of other small birds after a surge in sightings in gardens across the country.

Now in its 39th year, the Birdwatch is a chance for people of all ages to count the number of birds that visit their garden helping the RSPB build up a picture of how they are doing. This year, over 5,200 people across Bedfordshire, joined nearly half-amillion people nationally in counting an impressive 6.7 million birds.

The event held over the last weekend in January revealed an increase in sightings of smaller birds, such as goldfinch, long-tailed tit and coal tit that can usually be seen visiting gardens and outside spaces in mixed flocks. In Bedfordshire, recorded sightings of the brightly coloured, sociable finch rose by 12% on 2017 figures and its bright red face was seen in 35% of the county’s gardens. Other small birds that are thought to have benefited from the mild January weather include long-tailed tit (+26%), coal tit (+24%), and blue tit (+9%).

It also proved to be a good year for the greenfinch after an 18% rise in sightings regionally, a welcome sign for a species that has undergone a 60% decline in UK sightings since the first survey in 1979.

The influx of these species to our gardens is thought to be linked to the favourable conditions during their successful breeding season in 2017. This, combined with the kind autumn and winter weather in the run up to the Birdwatch, will have contributed to the rise in sightings.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist, said: “Our garden birds are a part of our everyday life, whether it’s the robin perched on the garden fence or

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the flock of starlings you see on your way to work. To have hundreds of thousands of people spend an hour watching the wildlife in their garden isn’t only great to see, but it also helps us build up a picture of how our garden birds are doing, which is really helpful.

“Last summer was a really good year for many breeding birds with warm weather creating great conditions for many smaller birds to raise their young to adulthood.

The rise in sightings of goldfinch, long-tailed tit and coal tit, along with chaffinches and greenfinches, goes to show that in the absence of cold weather they can survive the winter months in good numbers. Looking at the results it is likely that across the UK this is what people are seeing in their garden.”

It is likely that the warmer temperatures during the autumn and winter will have made it easier for these birds to find food, like insects, in our gardens, which in previous colder winters would have been harder to come by because of frosts and snow.

The survey also highlighted a county-wide dip in the number of recorded sightings of blackbirds (-26%), robins (-18%) and wren (-21%) on last year’s figures.

Dr Hayhow explained: “We all will have noticed that the weather earlier in the winter was slightly warmer than we’re used to, and our garden birds have felt this too. It’s usual for there to be more food available in the wider countryside during a mild winter meaning birds are less reliant on the treats we put out on the garden feeders. However, unlike the finches and tits, robins and wrens did not have a good breeding season in 2017 and data from other surveys indicate that their numbers may be down overall this year.”

In Bedfordshire, the house sparrow remained at the top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings in the region. Starling held onto the second spot once more, and the woodpigeon moved up one rank from 2017 to round off the top three.

Throughout the first half of the spring term the nation’s school children took part in the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch. The UK-wide survey of birds in school grounds saw over 1,200 school children in Bedfordshire spend an hour in nature counting the birds. Despite a drop in Big Garden Birdwatch sightings, the blackbird remained top of the Big Schools Birdwatch rankings with one being spotted in 88% of schools – a 22% increase on 2017.

For a full round up of all the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch results and to see which birds were visiting gardens where you live, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

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BICKERDIKES

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Local News

Mind in Mid Herts Mind in Mid Herts is inviting you for a gentle walk every Friday morning. Admire beautiful scenery, socialise and keep active! The walks usually last for forty minutes and we finish off with a cup of tea at a local cafĂŠ.

We meet by the main Tesco entrance and stroll down through the woods near Weston Hills.

The walk is run in a partnership with Hertfordshire Health Walks scheme.

Please contact Ian Rees for more information: ian.rees@mindinmidherts.org.uk call 01438369216 or text 07562187160 General information about Mind in Mid Herts charity can be found on www.mindinmidherts.org.uk Health Walks, Baldock, Fridays, 11am

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Ground Control You can’t go wrong with a geranium. They grow well where other plants struggle, particularly those shady areas, or parts of the garden with poor soil. And they are so useful - they provide hundreds of pretty flowers and also smother the ground with a welter of leaves that prevent weeds from taking hold.

Don’t confuse these hardy geraniums with the tender bedding plants with the horseshoe leaf-markings. They may be commonly called geraniums but they are in fact pelargoniums and not hardy so would perish in a hard frost. True geraniums are as tough as old boots. There are loads to choose from offering a wide range of colours and habits.

If you want a carpet of tiny pale pink saucer flowers try Geranium sanguineum striatum. It’s great for growing in the crevices of a garden path, or even in a shallow tub or sink where its finely cut leaves show of the flowers to their best advantage.

Geranium macrorrhizum is probably the most reliable ground cover of them all. It creates a low dense mass of aromatic hairy leaves about 30cm /

12 inches high. The flowers open in late spring and there are varieties in white, pale pink or magenta.

These are followed by bright red seedheads providing interest well into the autumn.

Propagation is ridiculously easy. Simply rip up a clump of the thick creeping stems and push them into the ground where you want them to establish.

Make sure they don’t dry out and you can be assured of success.

If you’d like a plant with a bit of height go for Geranium psilostemon. This grows to about 1.5m / 5 feet. It has deep magent flowers with a black eye, and is a great self-seeder.

If you struggle with a patch of denser shade I can recommend the blue-flowered Geranium himalayense, and also ‘Johnson’s Blue’. Both will form clumps about 30cm / 12 inches high.

Whether you have a new garden which needs to be filled with colour, or an established garden with a few bald patches, plant hardy geraniums and you won’t be disappointed.

Happy Gardening

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Pets

Animal Stories An amazing story In the last edition, our letters article highlighted the importance of micro-chipping cats. Our vet wrote about how adventurous cats can be and the dangers this can lead to. Only weeks later, we’ve been involved in an amazing story which should have every loving pet owner booking their own fur baby in for microchipping.

Recently, we received a message from a member of the public about a stray white cat who had been visiting her Aunt’s house for about 2 weeks. They lived in Scotland.

The cat was friendly and in good condition – but these lovely ladies were concerned about the cat and where she had suddenly appeared from.

As a result, one of our volunteers went to scan the wee cat in the hope that she was microchipped.

Amazingly, they found that she had been registered as missing since 5th February 2018.

Even more amazing was that she had gone missing from Bedford, England. She was found in Hamilton, Scotland!

After a very tearful phone call to the cat’s relieved owner, arrangements were made to get the wee girl home.

This amazing story goes to show that you should never rule out distance when looking for your lost cat. We will never know how this gorgeous cat travelled over 350 miles to end up where she did. It’s highly likely that her curiosity led her to being trapped in a delivery van. This isn’t as unusual a situation as you might think. However, the likelihood of cat and owner being re-united is made infinitely more possible if they are microchipped.

Microchipping most animals is easy and relatively cheap. It simply involves a vet injecting a tiny microchip (the same size as a grain of rice) into the loose skin on their neck. Most animals don’t even notice.

This microchip gives your pet their own unique code. They can then be scanned and matched to your contact details, which are kept on a database. Make sure you update these details every time you move.

If you do lose your pet you can also help by registering them with www.petslocated.com.

This wonderful website continually, automatically matches lost dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, snakes/reptiles (or any other lost pet) with animals which are listed on the site as ‘found’ and e-mails registered owners as soon as a potential match is made. They cover the whole of the UK. So, thankfully, this story has a very happy ending. But it does highlight the importance of microchipping your beloved pet. Heartbreakingly, thousands of pets are lost every year, and many are never reunited with their owners.

Microchipping can change that. The RSPCA also run regular microchipping events – so keep an eye out for one in your area.

ANIMAL STORIES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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53

Local News

Rehoming Appeal Lulu and Lottie

Lulu and Lottie are 6 years old. They came in together and have been with us for a few weeks now which has given us time to assess them. We feel that they would probably be better homed separately.

Lulu (white) is quite outgoing, very lively and playful.

She loves to be fussed and have the occasional cuddle.

We feel that she will make a nice companion in an adult only household where she is the only pet.

Lottie (tabby) is much more cautious in her approach. It will take her time to fully trust so we are looking for a patient, experienced cat owner. Lottie does like to be fussed and will allow gentle brushing of her long coat.

She is a lovely girl who needs a quiet, adult only household where she can feel safe and gain her confidence.

Lulu and Lottie are not used to living with either children or dogs.

If you would like to find out more about these pretty girls, 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 other small mammals, dogs and cats 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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55

Motoring

Infiniti QX50 What is it?

Launched in the UK less than 10 years ago, Japanese luxury brand Infiniti is still attempting to establish itself as an alternative to the German trio and struggling to top 3,500 sales a year.

The firm’s latest attempt to change that is a mid-size SUV to tempt buyers away from the BMW X3 or Audi Q5. With smart technology, a distinctive design and a clever new engine, Infiniti is hoping the QX50 will rapidly become the brand’s best-selling car.

What’s new?

The QX50 debuts a number of world-first gadgets. These include dynamic noise-cancelling technology in the engine, seats designed in conjunction with NASA, and a petrol engine that promises sports performance with the economy of a diesel.

What’s under the bonnet?

That clever new VC-Turbo engine is a world-first variable compression ratio engine, offering the power of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel. Currently there are no plans to offer a diesel engine.

The 2.0-litre engine produces 268bhp and 380Nm of torque, whereas a petrol-powered BMW X3 20i offers 184bhp and 290Nm – thus apparently giving the QX50 the upper hand.

What’s it like to drive?

The engine generates impressive performance, hitting 60mph in 6.3 seconds – two seconds faster than the equivalent BMW – and gives a top speed of 143mph.

Much of the noise it makes is synthetically generated, teetering on the edge of deeply satisfying and incredibly annoying. There’s also a CVT automatic gearbox, which becomes very audible at higher revs.

Although Infiniti’s drive-by-wire steering allows the car to do clever things – like independently steer individual wheels, hundreds of time a second – it lacks feel, particularly at slow speeds. Whether that’ll bother the average buyer remains to be seen.

The QX50’s new chassis and groundup design has certainly resulted in a quiet and comfortable ride, and a dynamic noise-cancelling engine mount, which stops noise entering

the cabin, means it’s calm inside too.

Hit the car’s ProPilot button and it’ll steer for you (but you’ll need to keep a hand on the wheel), speeding up and slowing down with traffic. The Forward Collision Warning system uses radar to spot traffic slowing down and Infiniti says it can even detect a slowing motorbike hidden in front of an HGV. How does it look?

The QX50 has a welcome and genuinely different design, and the quite hard-on-the-eye look of Infiniti SUVs of past has been toned down.

What’s it like inside?

Inside is where the QX50 really shines. Hand-stitched leather panels, alcantara and a swooping dash give it a luxury feel, and it’s far better packaged than early Infiniti models.

What’s the spec like?

The QX50 is slated to arrive either late this year or very early in 2019, so as such Infiniti is remaining tight lipped about specification and pricing. Executives did tell us that it would undercut BMW and Audi rivals and it’s likely much of the new technology will be included as standard.

Verdict Infiniti believes the QX50 is the best car it has ever made – and we’d find it hard to argue with them.

The clever new VC-Turbo engine is impressive, the ride quality and interior finish excellent and we even like the looks. Quite how Brits will react to a petrol-powered SUV with no diesel option remains to be seen, though, and its success will hinge on just how much it undercuts established rivals from the German brands.

By James Baggott

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MOTs £35 (for all cars, vans, minibuses, motorhomes,and goods vehicles up to 3500kg)

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Local & Reliable

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COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS STOVE/GAS FIRE INSTALLATION • Wood Burning/Multi Fuel Stove & Gas Fire Installation • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Free Survey & Quotation

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Three Counties Radio

GUVEC

TURKISH CHICKEN COOKED IN A CLAY POT Sometimes someone walks into the Weekend Kitchen studio and one of their dishes just brings with it all the aroma and flavour of its country of origin. This Chicken Guvec (pronounced ‘Goo-Vetch’) has all of the evocative elements of classic Turkish cooking. The meltingly tender meat and the unmistakable flavour of sweet peppers.

The recipe was created by Yuksel Couling, who set up her catering company in Wilstead near Bedford (http://www.pomegranatesumac.com) when friends and family made it clear to her that her talents were being wasted just cooking for them! She uses the exact same principles her Turkish upbringing gave her - cook generously, simply and deliciously with fresh ingredients.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a clay pot to use. Any form of oven proof dish will be fine. If you can get to a Turkish shop, buy proper Turkish pepper paste for this. If not, supermarkets have plenty of acceptable variants.

To serve 4, you’ll need 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into slightly smaller pieces 1 large onion, thickly sliced 2 large green peppers thickly sliced. You can use any peppers you like here but the long green Turkish peppers are the most authentic 1 tbsp hot pepper paste 1 tbsp tomato purée 2 tomatoes, sliced 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano 1 tsp salt 50 ml sunflower oil 100 ml water

1 Place the chicken and the rest of ingredients (except for the oil and sliced tomatoes) into a mixing bowl. Mix everything well.

2 Pour the oil into your pot (it doesn’t have to be a clay pot). Add the chicken mixture and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the water and stir.

3 Place the sliced tomatoes on top of the chicken mixture in the pot, and cover. Cook in the oven at 180C/ Gas Mark 4 for 30 minutes. To cook on the hob, simmer it for 30 minutes.

4 Serve with plain rice and salad.

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

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

60

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C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

CHASEHOUSE DEVELOPMENTS LTD All aspects of general building and landscaping undertaken.

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61

n O s ’ t Wha 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 May “Come and Try Bowls” Days Tues 2pm, Thurs 6pm Willian Bowls Club, Lower Green, Norton Common, Letchworth Free tuition and all equipment provided. Any new bowler wanting to join after a session, will be offered free 2018 Membership.

Tel: 01462 642790 www.willianbowlsclub.org 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 May Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners. Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 2 May North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Non-members £2 on the door AGM and talk on ‘All the King’s Horses and All The King’s Men’ by Keith Baldwin. Nonmembers welcome. Tel: Colin 01462 713391 Email: colinecropley@gmail.com 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Baldock Library Free event. Baby Rhyme Times are a fun half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all ages.

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May Toddler Tales 2.15-2.45pm Letchworth Library Free event. Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and pre-school children.

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May Vivace Choir 7.30-9.30pm Edgeworth House, 121 High Street, Arlesey We are looking for keen singers to join our fun and friendly choir. Web: www.vivacechoir.co.uk 3 May Arts Society North Hertfordshire Lecture 11am or 2pm Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road Letchworth £7 - pay on the door A lecture by Dr Paul Roberts on ‘Sicilian Splendours from Greece to the Normans’. Sicily was occupied by all of the great powers from the Greeks to the Normans. Free parking.

Email: theartssociety.nh@gmail.com Web: www.theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk

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3, 10, 17 & 31 May Baldock Community Orchestra 7.15pm Knights Templar School (Room CS1), Baldock £7 per week or 10 week term £50 A friendly group of musicians... Come and give us a try! Tel: Rachel Dawson 07818 480332 4 May Hitchin & Letchworth RSPB 7.30pm The Settlement, Letchworth, SG6 4UB John Dingemans talks on about a quest to see and photograph the three species of hummingbirds in Texas 4, 11, 18 & 25 May Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Old Stevenage Community Centre To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 5 May The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but ID is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 5 May A day in the woods Bottoms Corner Wood, Gravenhurst £70 inc. course fee, all materials, tea, coffee, fruit and cake. Basket making for beginners. An introduction to an ancient craft, make your very first basket in a day. Tel: 01462 711815 Web: www.wassledine.co.uk 5-12 May Annual Camera Club Exhibition Sat 10am-4pm, Community Museum, The Arcade, LGC Showing the best photographic images from members of the club. All welcome.

Web: www.letchworthcameraclub.org.uk 6 May Season Premiere and RAF Centenary 9am-6pm Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome Enjoy a thrilling air display and entertainment for the whole family. The Collection’s own aircraft span 1909 through to 1950, and don’t miss the newly restored Spitfire.

Tel: 01767 627933 Email: enquiries@shuttleworth.org Web: www.shuttleworth.org

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

In May

7 May May Day Celebrations 10.30am-12.30pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Maypole & Country Dancing, plus a visit by Ramrugge Clog Dancers. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk/ 9 May The Third Reich in 100 Objects 7.15pm Baldock Library Adults £7, Concessions £5 A joint enterprise between Litfest18 and the Baldock Festival, sees historian Roger Moorhouse talking about “The Third Reich in 100 Objects”, a novel and fascinating approach to Nazi German history. Tel: Baldock Library 01707 281533 Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/litfest 9 May Henlow Branch R N A 7.30pm Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval Association meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Tel: Jack Stafford 01462 850618 9 May Letchworth Music Club 8.30pm Howgills Friends Meeting House, 42 South View, Letchworth Tickets £5. Hear a special, end of season, piano recital by Hertfordshire concert pianist, Adrian Oldland, after the Club’s AGM. Tickets at the reduced price of £5 will be available on the door.

Web: www.letchworthmusicclub.co.uk 10 May Stevenage RSPB Car Trip 9.30am Meet in Walkern Sports Ground car park at 9.30 am. Map Ref: 166/TL286255 Walkern and Bennington Area. A morning walk through local countryside. Refreshments half way, at Benington Village Hall. Walk led by Paul Collis. Tel: Paul Collis 01438 861547 10 May Baldock & Clothall WI 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock Visitors £3 www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi 10 May Stevenage Floral Art Society 7.45pm High Street Methodist Hall Visitors very welcome.

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n O s ’ t Wha 10, 17, 24 & 31 May Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage Friendly club for English country dancing. All dances walked through; club and guest callers ensure a varied programme. First week free.

Tel. 01438 727239 www.roundabouters.org.uk Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk 11-20 May Ashwell Music Festival St Mary’s Church, Ashwell Please visit the website for further information and tickets. www.ashwellmusicfestival.org 12 May St Mary’s Henlow Table Top Sale 11am-3pm In and around St Mary’s Church A chance to make money by selling unwanted items or showcasing your craft or cake-making skills. Tables will be provided - £5 for small (75cm x 75cm) or £10 for large (150cm x 75 cm). Tel: Carol 01462 814349 13 May Bridges of London Walk Adults £17 inc. coach travel, 12 years and under £10, £8 without travel A fun day out in the capital that offers some beautiful sights whilst you walk the Bridges of London raising vital funds for patient care at Garden House Hospice Care. Walkers can either travel to London by coach from Letchworth or meet at Battersea Park. Coach places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Tel: 01462 679540 Email: sophie.bottazzi@ghhospicecare.org.uk Web: www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/support-us/ events/detail/bridges-of-london-2018 13 May Ashwell at Home 2018 11am-5pm Adults £7, Under 18s free, Earlybird tickets £6 Entertainment for all the family with open gardens, free children’s workshops, live music and a wide range of street and indoor entertainment. Free parking. www.ashwellathome.org.uk 14 May Icknield Quilters 7.30pm for 7.45pm start Baldock Community Centre Visitors £3 Sewing evening. Visitors welcome.

Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk for more info

14 & 21 May Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Shefford Baptist Church Music & movement classes for 0-5 year olds in Sandy & Sutton. New sessions in Shefford!

Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 15 May Stevenage RSPB AGM 7.30pm Friends’ Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage A short AGM followed by a Members’ Slide Show. If you have any pictures you would like to share, please contact Barry Tremlett.

Tel: 01438 223789 16 May Baldock Horticultural Society Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Knights Templar School, Baldock Tickets £9. Anne Swithinbank will speak on “My Devon Garden”. Tickets available from Baldock Community Centre. Car parking available at the Weston Way end of the school.

17 May Letchworth District Gardeners Association 7.45pm Talk by Zsuzsa Serer of Herbal Haven on ‘Propagating, growing & using herbs’.

Web: www.ldga.org.uk 17-19 May Henlow Amateur Theatrical Society Annual Evening of One Act Plays Doors open 6.45pm, Curtain up 7.30pm Henlow Theatre, Hitchin Road, Henlow Camp Tickets £9, Concessions £7. The three plays are Womberang by Sue Townsend; Cream Cracker Under the Settee by Alan Bennett and Two Women and a Chair by Michael Olsen. Tickets available by telephone or online.

Web: www.henlowtheatre.org.uk Tel: Box Office 01462 700785 or 07876 353677 20 May Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50. A diverse range of antiques and collectables. Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Tel: 01480 382432 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk

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This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com

In May

20 May Stevenage RSPB Car Trip 10.00am Meet at RSPB Lakenheath reserve at 10.00 am. Map Ref: 143/TL724865 Lakenheath and Weeting Heath An all-day car outing meeting first at RSPB Lakenheath reserve and moving on later to the Weeting Reserve for possible Stone Curlews. The walk will be led by Graham Beevor. Fee payable at Weeting Reserve. Tel: 01438 232055 20 May Knebworth Open Gardens 12 noon-5pm Tickets £5, Under 12s free 14 gardens of varying styles will be open to visitors. The Woolmer Green band will be playing in one of the gardens and visitors will be able to see a working pottery studio in another. The local gardening charity ‘Waste Not Want Not’ will have a stall with plants for sale on the village green. Refreshments will be available in several gardens, including delicious homemade cakes, tea and coffee and soft drinks. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and relax in any garden for a while. Sponsored by Knebworth Twinning Association. Tickets available from Knebworth Village News, Station Road from 6 May, via email and from the ticket stall in front of St Martin’s Church from 11am until 3pm on the day of the event. Email: knebworthtwinning@gmail.com 27 May Red Cross Open Gardens 2-5pm Odsey Park, Nr Baldock, SG7 6SD £5, Under 12 free. Victorian garden of about 3 acres, re-created over the past 35 years, with recent addition to new barn conversion.

Walled garden, statue and other garden walks.

Millennium Avenue walk to temple and family mausoleum. Entrance from A505 between Royston and Baldock. Alternative access from Ashwell station to Ashwell village road. Parking on site. Suitable for wheelchairs. By kind permission of Mr & Mrs Christopher Fordham and Mr Jeremy Fordham.

Hitchin & Surrounding Areas - Fun & Social Stuff A Social Group based in Hitchin, but also aimed at the surrounding areas. The groups arranges drinks, socials, going to Live Music events, charity events, Pub Quizzes, etc.. The aim of the group is to enable a variety of people who are over 18 years old (with no upper age limit) to get to know each other in a social and friendly setting. www.meetup.com/meetup-group-HVrvZZiQ

63

Up to 50% Off With our all inclusive priced deals.

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Blue Van &

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Painting and Decorating Free advice and free quotations.

Give Rob a call 07866 631386 Office: 01462 700396 Mobile: 07866 631386 Email: info@rmsdecoration.co.uk Web: rmsdecoration.co.uk

Visit our beautiful

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Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 66

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Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance Quality Workmanship Papering, Coving etc.

Interior and Exterior Work Free Quotations Call W Firkins & Partners Ltd 01462 814117 or 07939 267083 Est 1981 20 Clifton Road, Shefford, Beds

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Gas Plumbing & Central Heating

Boiler Changes | Boiler repairs | Boiler servicing Power flushing | Unvented cylinders | Underfloor heating Central heating installations | Bathroom installations Landlords certificates

Free estimates No job to big or small 35 years experience

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

67

WINDOW REPAIRS

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

BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks fixed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog flaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 68

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LOCAL

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07847 849202 Mas terCard

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69

James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

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

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

70

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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71

Alan George

PK Cleaning Services Est. since 1988

Painter & Decorator

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Free Estimates Friendly and Reliable Service

Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Leather Cleaning Window Cleaning UPVC Fascia Cleaning Patio and Driveway Cleaning Gutter and Soffit Cleaning

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April’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr T Blunt from St Neots Winner of the Classic Ibiza Competition Andrea Rawlings from Hitchin

Winner of the Harpenden Blues Competition Kathy Cox from Biggleswade

Easy

Hard

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73

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

£25

Across 7 Starchy vegetable (6) 8 Keep hold of (6) 9 Dish (4) 10 Quickly (8) 11 Modified (7) 13 Shell (5) 15 Swivel round (5) 17 Type of sword (7) 20 Semi-darkness (8) 21 Serene (4) 23 Jail (6) 24 Idea (6)

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



16th May 2018 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1 Single handed (4) 2 Hit very hard (6) 3 Bragged (7) 4 Star sign (5) 5 Artist’s workroom (6) 6 Local languages (8) 12 Toward a lower place (8) 14 Fastenings (7) 16 Dash of liquid (6) 18 Find (6) 19 Extreme pain (5) 22 Stolen valuables (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

74

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PLUMBING & HEATING LTD FULLY QUALIFIED — 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

INSTALLATION Boiler installation with 7 - 10 year warranty Boiler breakdown & power flushing Frozen condense pipe rectified Boiler service and landlord certification

PLUMBING Bathroom installation Wetroom installation Mains pressure upgrade General plumbing work & maintenance

BOILER INSTALLATION Combi and system boiler’s upgrade Underfloor heating Warm air and powermax upgrade Boiler breakdown repair

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75

Classifieds Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan Curl up with a book Make the most of the longer evenings by curling up with one of this month’s top reads.

The Witchfinder’s Sister

by Beth Underdown

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows

Alice Hopkins finds herself caught up in her brother Matthew’s war against witches in 17th century England. How far will she go to draw suspicion away from herself and those she loves? When a birthmark can be seen as evidence of witchcraft, no one is safe. Tense, atmospheric and chilling in its reimagining of historical events, The Witchfinder’s Sister makes for a gripping read.

25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

Only Child

by Rhiannon Navin Seven year old Zach Taylor’s world changes forever when his brother is killed in a mass shooting. As his parents struggle to cope with their grief, Zach finds his own ways of dealing with his loss. A beautiful story that is as much about forgiveness and family as it is about loss. We can’t guarantee you won’t cry, but you certainly won’t forget Only Child in a hurry.

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