Henlow Sept 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 154 - Sept 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Bike to School Week

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Inside this issue...

Ouch! A Guide to Ear-Piercing......................................................28 Don’t Pay Too Much Tax..................................................................30 Prepare for Next Spring....................................................................32 Bedfordshire Walking Festival.........................................................37 Low Maintenance Gardening..........................................................41 Wildlife Friendly Back Gardens..................................................... 43 Seasonal Recipe: Paprika Chicken................................................46 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 Fun Quiz................................................................................................. 55 Villager Prize Crossword.......................................................58

Charming Cathedral Cities

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Book Review..........................................................................................61 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

Charming Cathedral Cities in the UK............................................ 4 The History of the Blackpool Illuminations............................... 8 Where should you go to university?............................................10 Drinks: Make Mine a Crabbie.......................................................... 12 Bike to School Week.......................................................................... 15 Don’t Replace It, Repair It!...............................................................16 Why we have seasons........................................................................18 Don’t Suffer in Silence......................................................................20 Buying Outerwear Without Losing Style.................................. 23 Natural Wonders of the Beauty World...................................... 27

Low Maintenance Gardening

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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 - Susan Taylor, Jayne Grant, Trevor Langley, Louise Addison, Kate McCarthy, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Rachel Leverton and RSPCA

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography: romrodinka 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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Staycation

St_Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall

Charming Cathedral Cities

in the UK

The UK is famous for its magnificent cathedrals, welcoming more than eleven million visitors a year. Together, these beautiful structures and the cities they call home offer a fascinating insight into our country’s religious history.

Cities and cathedrals are intrinsically linked.

Historically, their association began in the 1540s, when Henry VIII created six cathedral towns and gave them all city status by letters patent. Today, however, despite popular belief, not all cities need to have a cathedral in order to become a city; it just so happens that most – even the smaller ones – were built around cathedrals.

As a result, the UK is peppered with a handful of unassuming cathedral cities, small in size but brimming with old-world charm. Perfect for summer city breaks and cosy winter escapes, here are just four of our favourite off-the-beaten-track cathedral cities in the UK. Wells, Somerset Whoever said ‘the bigger the better’ has clearly never been to Wells, a tiny medieval city in Somerset.

It wouldn’t hold the title of England’s smallest

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city without its magnificent cathedral. Standing alongside the grand Bishop’s Palace – the official residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells since the twelfth century – the pair are a sight to behold.

The cathedral’s iconic West Front is adorned with 300 intricate carvings, making it one of the most impressive collections of medieval sculpture in the western world.

Away from the cathedral, Wells’ charming cobbled streets, ancient market place and medieval buildings beckon. Visit on Wednesday or Saturday to peruse the farmers’ market’s local produce, before admiring the historical buildings and learning a thing or two at one of the nearby museums.

Ely, Cambridgeshire Another small city, dominated by its showstopping cathedral, Ely is a perfect day-trip’s distance away from Cambridge.

Naturally, the cathedral is the city’s star attraction.

With a history stretching back over 1,300 years, the current structure dates back to 1081, gaining its esteemed cathedral status in the early twelfth century. Since then, it’s seen various additions and restorations.

But the cathedral isn’t the only reason to visit.

Discover the city’s medieval streets and Georgian houses, stopping for lunch in one of the pretty traditional tea rooms. Or brush up on your history at

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the UK’s only stained-glass museum.

Fancy a touch of nature? Take a leisurely walk down the waterside, stopping to watch the narrowboats drift past. If you plan a trip between March and September, you can even hop on a river cruise yourself. You’ll be treated to a fresh angle of the cathedral, not to mention a plethora of birdlife.

Ripon, Yorkshire Claiming to be the UK’s oldest city, Ripon is steeped in history and tradition. From the 9pm horn blower – a tradition that dates back 1,100 years – to the outstanding 672 AD cathedral, this is a historian’s paradise.

The cathedral is most famous for housing a sacred crypt, built in 672 by Saint Wilfrid, which mindblowingly predates England itself! Adding to this, the cathedral’s West Front has been hailed as one of the most impressive examples of Early Gothic architecture.

Cathedral aside, Ripon also boasts a bustling marketplace, a high street of eclectic shops and a fascinating Victorian Workhouse museum. Fountains Abbey is also worth jumping in the car for; just a tenminute drive from the heart of Ripon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is England’s best-preserved Cistercian monastery.

Kirkwall, Scottish Highlands Although not technically a city, Kirkwall is the capital of Orkney, a group of remote islands off the coast of mainland Scotland. Holding the title of the UK’s most northerly cathedral, St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall. Fondly known by locals as ‘Light in the North’, it was built in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus who was martyred here.

Brimming with Scandinavian charm, Kirkwall is famous for its Norse roots, having been one of the most important towns during the Viking age.

Close to the cathedral, you’ll find Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace – widely regarded as some of Scotland’s finest examples of architecture. The Orkney Museum is also worth a visit; this treasure trove of exhibitions and artefacts paints a fascinating picture of the islands’ thousand-year history.

But of course, a visit to Kirkwall wouldn’t be complete without some time by the harbour front.

Watch the local fishing fleet head out to sea as you wine and dine in one of the restaurants by the water.

Wells Cathedral

Ripon Cathedral

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Ely Cathedral

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History

Towards the Light

The history of the famous Blackpool Illuminations Blackpool’s evolution into a popular seaside resort began in the 18th century, when sea air was widely regarded as having health-giving properties, and it became fashionable to take holidays at the coast.

In 1781, a road was built that allowed visitors to travel from Manchester to Blackpool by stagecoach, which opened up the seaside town to people from the nearby mill towns of Lancashire, but there was little in the way of entertainment aside from a grass-covered promenade, a bowling green, and a theatre.

When the railway line arrived in town in 1846, Talbot Road Station (now called Blackpool North) was built, and holiday makers arrived in their thousands during the ‘Wakes Weeks’, when mills and factories were closed so the machinery could be serviced.

In 1863, the North Pier was opened to the public, followed by the Central Pier and Victoria Pier. A large amusement park was built, which eventually became the Pleasure Beach. In 1878, the Winter Gardens were opened, providing indoor entertainment during poor weather.

Until 1879 the streets were lit by gas light but in that year the Council devoted the sum of £5000 (around £600000 in today’s money) to experiment with the concept of electric street lighting. On the September 19th in 8 dynamo-electric machines powered by 16 Robey engines were used to power 8 arc lamps on the promenade which emitted the equivalent of 48,000 candles of light in total. Between 70,000 and 100,000 visitors travelled from all over Britain to witness the event, which had been widely reported in the press!

The light generated was called “artificial sunshine” and they were most likely the first electric streetlights in the world.

In 1912, to mark the first Royal visit to Blackpool a new section of the promenade was opened, called the Princess Parade. It was decorated garlands of 10,000 electric light bulbs. They were so impressive and popular that they were staged again in September of that year and the following year. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the First World War meant they weren’t staged again until 1925. They gradually became more ambitious, including animated attractions, until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 once again halted the event. Even after the war restrictions on the use of fuel and decorative lighting meant that the illuminations did not reappear until 1949.

Since then, they have been staged every year in the same format. They are switched on at the beginning of September and run for 66 nights. Curiously until 2020

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By Susan Taylor

they had never extended into the Christmas period.

But last year, in a morale-raising move they ran through till the start of January. It was the first time that the resort was unable to hold a live Switch-On celebration.

Instead, a virtual celebration was staged on Friday 4th September. The lights were switched on jointly by local heroes, including a consultant, two nurses, a hospital catering manager, two fundraisers, and a therapy dog and his owner. Each carried an illuminated strip that was attached to the main switch so that they could all play a part in Blackpool’s first ever socially distanced Switch-On. In 2021 the illuminations will again run through until January to help boost the local tourist economy.

It’s big, brash, and totally British, and the Blackpool illuminations should be seen by everyone at least once.

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Education

Time to Choose?

By Jayne Grant

Where should you go to university?

If you’re a student entering Year 13 you may be trying to narrow down your choice of university. It can be quite a task because there are so many. Even if you know what you want to study - chemical engineering, maths, architecture, medicine, music etc., different universities can have radically different approaches.

Here are some points to consider.

Course and Contact Hours - How much tutor contact do you want or need? Do you want a more conventionally academic course, or would you prefer something more practical and hands on?

Scholarships - These can be awarded for a variety of reasons: academic excellence, music, and sports are most common. The good news is that you don’t have to be studying music, or sports as a subject, just willing to perform on behalf of the university.

Bursaries - If you grew up in the care system or come from a background where parental finances are strained, universities may offer a financial incentive for you to attend.

Modules - You can usually check course modules online. Do they look interesting? You don’t want to end up studying something you hate for a year.

Placements - Are there any placements associated with your course? Are they compulsory? Whereabouts in the course do they fall? Are they paid?

The Student Halls - Are there halls and are they near the university? Not having to negotiate transport and bus timetables can be a bonus when there are so many other new skills to learn. Student flats can be great, but in the first year when you don’t know anyone it can be daunting organising bill-sharing and rent payments on top of everything else. Consider location; rents in London and the South can be considerably higher than other parts of the UK. Societies - What are you into? Some unis are famous for their theatrical societies, others for their sports facilities, sailing clubs, choral societies, or orchestras. If you have a hobby you are passionate about there will be a university society for you.

Nightlife - If you’re the nightclub type you might want to make sure you’re going somewhere with a good night scene. People assume all universities have this, but some are situated on isolated campuses, and you might need to take this into consideration.

Local Area - If you like to get out hill walking at the weekends then London might not be the best choice of city. But if you love art galleries and theatre trips it might be the perfect place. If you love to sail or sea kayak, then you might like to consider universities near the coast. Do you want easy access to a gym? A swimming pool? Dance studio?

Is your chosen uni where you think it is? - Think I’m joking? I grew up in Warwick and every year without fail we had lots of people wandering around the castle area asking where Warwick University was. They were always surprised when we said, ‘Coventry!’

How far away from home is it and are there are good transport links? - If you want to pop home now and then, you might not relish a nine-hour bus ride.

Going to open days is a great idea, to get a first-hand feel of where you could be staying. This year open days should be happening again, so go to a few, and trust your gut.

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

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

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

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

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

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Food & Drink

Drinks: Make mine a Crabbie

Alcoholic beverages, from beers, lagers, ciders, through wines and liqueurs, to spirits and more, have been consumed and enjoyed for many, many centuries. The whisky industry is doing very well, indeed. With the UK and export markets increasing, whisky, most definitely, can be said to have ‘stood the test of time’. As societies become more affluent, then the requirement for whisky grows, being something of a status symbol, clearly giving signs of a higher lifestyle. For example, it is reported that in China, people are enjoying Scotch whisky in western-style bars and it has become a growing trend. My quest, on this occasion, was to locate whiskies which I find interesting and satisfying.

John Crabbie & Co have been purveyors of wine and spirits since 1801. John Crabbie and his family owned a lot of property in Leith, north of Edinburgh and exported around the globe. Providing fine, single malt Scotch whiskies was John Crabbie’s objective in life.

Several whiskies are within the Crabbie range. Yardhead Single Malt is so named because of the original site in Leith. The Crabbie 12 year old Speyside Single Malt whisky is hugely popular and produced utilising bourbon casks, to great advantage. The bouquet is most enticing and the smooth, well-balanced mouthfeel continues the delight, with an excellent body that has superb depth and a richness that follows for the palate’s pleasure, having fruity and vanilla overtones.

Other Crabbie whiskies include 8 year old and 12 year old productions, plus 15 year old Highland Single Malt. 40 year old Speyside Single Malt (44.5% vol) and 50 year old Islay Single Malt (46.5% vol) are destined for the ‘top table’, most certainly, I suspect. Stockists of Crabbie whiskies include supermarkets, independent wines/drinks retailers, bars, restaurants and they can be purchased online, too.

It is always exciting and very satisfying to find whiskies that are fresh and have interest, with a good nose and flavour. The flavour and finish, on the palate, having great importance – then duly noted and remembered!

John Crabbie & Co, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 5QN. Tel: 44 (0) 151 480 8800 www.crabbiewhisky.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl 12

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Time of Year

Bike to School Week 27th Sept – 1st Oct Bike to School Week takes place from 27th September to 1st October 2021. It encourage families to cycle and scoot to school.

Cycling is second only to swimming as a low impact activity that offers full-body workout. When your child is cycling, almost all of their major muscle group gets into action. Even though riding a bike primarily depends on the muscles on the lower body, the muscles on the upper body are also engaged.

Children who cycle regularly have improved cardiovascular fitness. They have stronger bones, better joint mobility, and tend to be more flexible.

Cycling also improves postural balance and coordination.

Being outside exposes them to more vitamin D, which is good for the immune system…just make sure they wear sunscreen if the weather is fine.

The combination of exercise and light reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while improving brain development, mental well-being.

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Most importantly, children who are active while growing up, are more likely to become active healthy adults. So, get your kids cycling to school and start a good habit that will last a (healthy) lifetime.

By Louise Addison

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Home

Don’t Replace It, Repair It! Last weekend I prepared a nice roast dinner. I seasoned the chicken, popped it in the oven and turned it to the usual temperature. Fans and lights all came on so I left it for a hour to cook. When I returned to check on its progress there was no delicious smell and the chicken still looked a bit anaemic. On closer examination it was completely raw! All the oven dials were set correctly, just no heat. Now I had to buy a new oven! Or did I? There couldn’t be that much inside an oven to go wrong could there? An oven is basically a heater with a thermostat. Surely there must be someone, who could fix these sorts of things, especially in today’s eco friendly, let’s not throw things away society. A little research and a Facebook enquiry led me to Pete and his household appliance repair business.

A quick phone call followed I described the problem.

He confidently diagnosed a broken heating element.

It was going to cost £40 including his callout fees and he’d be over Tuesday. As easy as that.

Tuesday came, as did Pete. Half an hour later the oven was back up and running.

Pete was very happy to chat about the white goods market. Most problems, it transpires, can be fixed quite easily, and at a fraction of the cost of replacing the appliance. Blocked pipes, burnt-out motors, faulty

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sensors, and objects jamming mechanisms are all common faults. Sometimes the repair isn’t as simple, but with a bit of knowledge can still be fixed. For example he’d had a customer lose all the heat in their tumble drier. The heating element was OK, but two capacitors on the circuit board had blown. He was able to replace those (50p each cost price plus his time!!) and his customer was back to having dry clothes again.

Pete explained that most appliances get replaced well before they need to be. It’s very easy to get into the mindset of throwing something out as soon as it stops, especially if you contact the official manufacturer repair service and hear their prices. But as long as the rest of the machine is still in good condition, a small amount spent on some new parts, fitted by a qualified engineer can give you years of extra service.

So the next time your washing machine refuses to empty the water, or your dishwasher fails to clean the crockery, don’t start browsing the web for the best deals, give your local version of ‘Pete the repair man’ a call. He’ll save you money, keep your appliance out of the landfill sites and save you the hassle of having to learn how to use a new device. He will also drink an unusually large amount of tea and during a half hour visit. Thanks Pete!

By Susan Taylor

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Special Report

In Season - Why we have seasons September 22nd marks the Autumn Equinox. It’s the end of summer and the start of a new season.

But what is a season? We all instinctively know the difference between summer and winter but who decides when they start and end? Are there official dates? Well actually yes.

A season is defined as a period of the year distinguished by special climate conditions. The four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter each have their own light, temperature, and weather patterns that repeat yearly.

In the UK the winter solstice generally begins on December 21 or 22. This is the day of the year with the shortest period of daylight. Summer begins on June 20 or 21, the summer solstice, the day which has the most daylight of any day in the year. Spring and autumn, begin on days that have equal amounts of daylight and darkness. The vernal, or spring, equinox falls on March 20 or 21, which brings us back to autumn which starts at the end of the month. The seasons of the Northern Hemisphere are the opposite of those in the Southern Hemisphere, which is why in Australia, summer begins in December, winter begins in June and Christmas lunch is served on the beach!

Our seasons occur because Earth is tilted on its axis relative to the orbital plane, the invisible, flat disc where most objects in the solar system orbit the sun.

Earth revolves on its axis, which is an invisible line that runs through its centre, from pole to pole.

In June, when our Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, the sun’s rays hit it for more of the day than in winter, which means we receive more hours of

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daylight. In December, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, there are fewer hours of daylight.

But our four-season year is not experienced all over the globe. Four seasons only occur in the midlatitudes, which are places that are not too near the poles or Equator. The further north (or south) you go within these mid-latitudes, the bigger the differences in the seasons. For example, Helsinki in Finland sees a full 18.5 hours of daylight in the middle of June whereas in mid-December it barely gets 6 hours.

Athens in Greece however in the far south of Europe, has a smaller variation, with 14.5 hours of daylight in June and 9.5 hours in December.

Places near the Equator experience little seasonal variation and receive the same amount of daylight and darkness throughout the whole year. These places remain warm year-round and typically have just two seasons, a rainy season, and a dry one.

Polar regions do experience seasonal variation, although they are obviously colder than most other places on the planet. Near the poles, the amount of daylight changes dramatically between summer and winter. In Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost city in the U.S., it stays light all day long between mid-May and early August, while in winter the city is in total darkness.

I love the fact we have four seasons in the UK but just a small change in global temperature could cause the seasons to shift or become more extreme. We can’t take our wonderful seasons for granted.

By Kate McCarthy

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Health

Don’t Suffer in Silence The ability to hear is one of our most important senses, enabling us to connect to and make sense of the world. It’s the brain’s main connection to what’s happening around us and our hearing is always on duty, 24 hours a day, every day. It’s a sense we tend to take for granted, yet ear problems can develop at any time due to blockages or infections.

Here, we look at some of the common causes of ear discomfort.

Earwax build-up Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. This usually passes out of the ear harmlessly but sometimes too much wax can build up and lead to blocked ears. It’s a very common problem and can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) drops.

Some people naturally produce a lot of earwax leading to regularly blocked ears. Other factors that can increase the risk of too much wax building up include: • Producing naturally hard or dry earwax • Having narrow or hairy ear canals • Getting older, as earwax becomes drier with age If you have a build-up of earwax, you may experience symptoms such as: earache, hearing loss, tinnitus, itchiness, vertigo or develop an infection.

Pressure in your ears Your sinuses and ears are closely connected so when you have sinus congestion, this can lead to pressure in your ears. Having clogged sinuses can lead to pain, dizziness, and a muffled sensation. Treating the congestion in your sinuses is the first step. Try using

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a nasal saline decongestant spray or hold a warm, moist muslin cloth to your face – this can help to ease the pressure and discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids too, as staying hydrated can help to keep nasal mucus thin.

Swimmer’s ear Despite the name, you don’t need to have been in the pool to get this! It has the medical name otitis externa and is an infection of the ear canal.

Swimmer’s ear is usually caused by bacteria, although it can sometimes be brought on by a virus or fungus.

Symptoms include itching in the ear, pain, and trouble hearing (sound may seem muffled as your ear canal swells). You might also experience fluid draining out of the ear. Prescription ear drops are the most common treatment for this condition.

Hearing loss This often develops gradually with age, although it can also be caused by repeated exposure to loud noises. General signs of hearing loss include misunderstanding what is being said to you, asking people to repeat themselves or regularly watching TV with the volume turned up higher. There are a number of treatment options and recommendations will depend on the cause of your hearing problems.

Who to ask for help?

A sudden change to your hearing is likely to need an appointment with your GP. But if you have ongoing problems such as regular earwax build-up, or you have gradual age-related hearing loss, then it’s worth visiting a specialist.

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House of Colour

Buying outerwear, activity wear, winter wear without losing style Considerations of practicality often trump any thoughts of style when it comes to wet weather clothing, activity wear and colder weather items.

Our desire to be warm and comfortable can often mean any considerations of style are long left behind. These clothes do not often put a spring in our step or enhance our look! I thought I’d give you a few ideas to boost your look and tackle buying those practical pieces we all need.

1) Decide what you need. I know this sound really obvious but our lifestyles can change year on year, so be honest about what you are going to need. Get all those clothes you currently have in this category together and cast a critical eye over them. What is now past its best, could do with renewing or needs some other attention (dry cleaners?). What is missing?

2) Start early. Kick this process off ahead of the season. If you know in advance what you need you have more time to consider the options and find something great rather than buying out of desperation an item ‘that’ll do’ that you subsequently regret and then feel you have to hang on to. You want to feel great in these clothes too!

3) Online research can really come into its own at this stage. If you need serious performance or have some particular requirements get online and again start sooner rather than later. Clothing retailers start getting their first season’s options out early. Don’t just go to your usual option, keep a broad mind. Contact your consultant too to see if they have any top tips for particular brands that might work for you.

4) Colour is key. A neutral or a wow colour will serve you best for investment pieces. You will be confident that it looks fab on you too. It will also work with everything else in your wardrobe.

It will also add some style and interest in it’s own right. Plus it will be a boost when you put it on.

5) Styles. Remember there is huge variety out there with new brands coming along all the time so don’t go for the first thing. Does this highly practical waterproof hit any of my style considerations? Does it come in at my waist if that’s what my style needs (they do exist)? Is there an interesting detail that adds something

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to it? If you’re not seeing anything great leave it a little while and come back to it.

6) Accessories. If you’re not investing in a new snow proof, rain proof option just yet think about renewing the gloves, hats, etc. in some fab colours. This is where you can add some more personality (and if you’ve done style consultation you’ll know what that could look like) to your look. Again don’t necessarily just opt for the first woolley hat offering warmth that comes your way. Be choosy, would a little felt trilby (they can be waterproof!) actually be more fun and stylish while walking the dog?

7) Don’t compromise. You might be spending a fair amount of time in that winter jacket, why not absolutely love it. We owe it to ourselves.

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-astylist

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Local News

Oxygen Therapy Cures Local Lady’s Leg Ulcers A local lady is over-joyed as a Letchworth-based charity has helped to transform her life.

Having suffered immense pain through leg ulcers, Dorothy’s day-to-day life had been affected for years.

Anyone who has experienced leg ulcers knows of the debilitating pain that comes with them. They can take months or even years to heal – many leg ulcers simply don’t improve.

After just two months of receiving Oxygen Therapy at the Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth, Dorothy’s leg ulcers disappeared. Her doctor gave her the ‘all clear’. Her District Nurse no longer needs to visit as no ulcers means that no daily dressing is needed!

“It’s such a joy not to have pain,” said Dorothy, from north Herts.

“I tried different treatments for my leg ulcers, but they didn’t work.

Instead, my leg ulcers got wider and deeper, affecting my whole life.”

She added: “I know when I’ve been in the Oxygen Chamber.

I have so much more energy when I get home.”

“Dorothy’s story is amazing,” says Mark, Chair of the Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth. “Many people find that Oxygen Therapy helps them to feel more energised and heal faster. To cure leg ulcers in two months is wonderful and we are all delighted for Dorothy. If anyone else has stubborn leg ulcers, we ‘d love to try to help them.”

To find out more about Oxygen Therapy, contact Herts MS Therapy Centre on 01462 684214 or email oxygen@hmstc.net.

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Beauty

Natural Wonders of the Beauty World Sometimes, simplicity is best…

Aloe vera Aloe is one of my all-time favourite skincare essentials. People tend to think of it as merely a sunburn remedy, but it’s a fantastic hydrator that can be used all over the body. It’s also chock-full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and it can work wonders on psoriasis and other skin conditions. You can use it direct from a plant (I have several at home), or just buy it in a tub for ease of use. Look for 99%100% pure aloe vera that hasn’t been watered down.

(It will contain preservatives.)

Try it… as an overnight face mask. Aloe can be a bit sticky and does take a while to absorb, so it’s not ideal for morning use if you’re in a hurry. Instead, I like to use it before bed. Massage it into dry skin and reap the benefits the next morning. Your skin should feel softer, plumper and more hydrated for a fraction of the cost of a normal night cream.

Coconut oil Another awesome hydrator, coconut oil has been found to help skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis. It soothes, calms and moisturises skin. (It also smells delicious.) Coconut oil is a real multitasker as you can use it all over, including your hair, and, of course, you can cook with it. A little goes a very long way, so a £10ish jar will likely last you for several months. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature but melts easily.

Try it… as a hair mask. Warm a small amount (around quarter of a teaspoon full) between your hands to melt it. Massage the oil into your hair, wrap it in a towel and leave for half an hour before shampooing out.

Lemon Lemon oil contains citric acid, so may help to fade dark spots and brighten skin. It can be quite harsh though, so it’s best not to use it undiluted, and make sure you do a patch test first. A few drops of lemon essential oil in filtered water is a great toner for dull or acne-prone skin. (Just keep it away from your eyes!) That said, I mainly like lemon just for the smell.

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By Kate Duggan It’s been used in aromatherapy for generations and is one of the best stress-busting, energy-boosting essential oils around.

Try it… as a mood lifting aromatherapy blend. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil and a few of geranium essential oil to water in a diffuser or oil burner. Alternatively, try the Time to Smile blend by Alexandra Kay (£20, www.greenpeople.co.uk), which combines lemon with other uplifting scents such as cedar and peppermint. It smells amazing and really does brighten your mood.

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Ear-Piercing

Ouch! A guide to ear-piercing Vertical lobe - If you have space for two earrings on your lobe, you could try a vertical lobe piercing, where two studs are stacked on top of each other.

Upper lobe - This position, where the main lobe narrows into the outer curve, is ideal for small, intricate piercings.

Helix - A helix piercing typically sits at the top of your ear cartilage. There’s plenty of room in this area, so double and triple helix piercings are quite common.

Forward Helix - A forward helix sits on the inner and top half of your ear cartilage, a couple of inches in and down from the temple. It can be a single stud or ring, as well as a series of piercings.

Conch - A conch piercing refers to the middle section of the ear. An inner conch is when a stud is punctured right through the middle, and nestles in the inner curve, and an outer conch is where a hoop will start in the middle but hugs the outer edge of your ear. This is a little more painful than the other piercings mentioned so far.

Industrial / Scaffold - An industrial piercing requires two holes, both in the outer cartilage. They’re usually punctured diagonally opposite each other (but the angle is up to you) and linked together with a barbell. This is a little more painful again.

Daith - A daith piercing sits through the most inner part of the ear’s cartilage. Some people find this piercing offers them relief from severe migraines.

Rook - Just above the daith sits a ridge, which is referred to as a rook.

Tragus and Anti-tragus - Sitting just above the ear canal, is the tragus and opposite sits the anti-tragus. Both are usually only big enough for one piercing.

Snug - Sitting slightly above the anti-tragus is a piercing spot called the ‘snug’. Possibly because of how snugly a Funerals Advert August 2019.pdf 1 16/10/2019 13:47:00 small hoop Neville hugs it.

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Finance

Don’t Pay Too Much Tax There are several HMRC programs that can reduce your taxable income. These aren’t shady scams but rather perfectly legitimate offers from the government, though admittedly ones they don’t always shout about.

Marriage Allowance If you are married or in a civil partnership you could get up to £252 a year through Marriage Allowance.

That’s where one partner transfers £1,260 of their personal allowance to the other partner, who’ll then pay less in tax.

The allowance is only available (and only makes financial sense) if one partner is a basic-rate taxpayer and the other doesn’t pay income tax and you should always crunch the numbers before applying.

The person making the transfer (the non-taxpayer) can apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-marriageallowance. The person receiving the transfer (the taxpayer) can’t make the application. All you need to apply is both partners’ national insurance numbers and proof of identity. HMRC will then apply the changes to both partners, either through their tax code or self-assessment.

When you apply, you can backdate your claim to cover any of the previous four tax years where you met the criteria. For previous-year claims, HMRC simply sends a cheque or bank payment for the relevant amount to the partner receiving the personal allowance transfer.

Once you’ve had an application approved, the personal allowance transfer will remain in place until you cancel it.

Working From Home Allowance If you’ve worked at home regularly (even if it’s part-time or a ‘temporary’ arrangement during COVID), you can get tax relief to compensate you for your costs. This tax relief will reduce your taxable income and thus you’ll pay less tax. You can claim it at www.tax.service.gov.uk/claim-tax-relief-expenses/only-claiming-working-fromhome-tax-relief.

You have two ways to work out the amount of the relief. One is to calculate the actual extra costs you’ve incurred, which can include a share of utility bills and costs such as office equipment. The other is to take a flat amount of £6 a week, which doesn’t require any evidence of the costs. It’s a small amount but adds up to more than £60 a year just for filling in a short online application. You can also backdate claims to cover two years, though the rate was £4 a week until April 2020.

Work Uniform Claims If you’re an employee with a work uniform and pay to clean it yourself, or you pay for repairing work equipment, you can claim tax relief on these costs. The uniform expenses are only for clothes that you have to wear for work and people wouldn’t normally wear outside of work. For example, you couldn’t claim for an ordinary suit.

You can claim the actual expenses of cleaning or repairs, but you will need to apply by post and send supporting receipts to HMRC. Alternatively you can claim a flat rate based on occupation. For example, army staff can claim £100 a year, ambulance staff £185 a year and prison officers £80 a year. Full details are at www.gov. uk/guidance/job-expenses-for-uniforms-work-clothing-and-tools.

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Prepare for next spring September is the time to plan your spring bulb purchases. The best selections always sell out quickly and it’s frustrating when the prettiest crocuses and tulips are not available.

If you’re planting bulbs for the first time, or in a new area of the garden it helps to have a colour scheme in mind. In a boy-dominated house (three sons and a husband) I like to give some areas of my garden a more girly theme. Tulips are great for this purpose (and are some of my favourite flowers). Try ‘La Belle Epoque’, which is a frothy peony-flowered tulip with pale coffee petals flushed with pink. I would contrast the texture of its showier blooms with another more traditional tulip, Pink Diamond’ or ‘Apricot Beauty’.

If you’d prefer less ‘pretty’ and more drama try the almost-black ‘Paul Scherer’, which should flower in late April or early May and makes a good foil to the aforementioned Apricot Beauty, which flowers at the same time.

I garden on quite dry limey soil, and I’ve mentioned before my love affair with Bath Chatto’s planting schemes. Sadly, she died in 2018 but her gardens and trust continue and are well worth a visit. This year on their recommendation I’m trying Ornithogalum pyrenaicum, known poetically as the spiked star of Bethlehem, and more prosaically as Bath asparagus..

It has subtle, green flowers and grows to 50-60cm

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tall. It pairs well with silver-leaved plants like Stachys, which grows like a weed in my garden, and best of all, once established you can harvest it like asparagus.

I like to plant up a few pots this month, for some late autumn and winter colour. I favour Rust-toned heucheras, paired with miniature grasses such as Carex buchananii; Oxblood-coloured ajuga, silverleaved thymes and small-leaved trailing ivies make great combinations too.

I have sempervivums shoved in crevices all over my garden. They are incredibly hardy and will survive all manner of frost and poor weather. We have a lovely sheltered sunny patio with a small table and chairs which is lovely to sit out on even in the winter. A few years ago, I started planting up shallow terracotta trays and a couple of old tin bowls with differing varieties of house leek. I mix one-part horticultural grit to one part peat-free multipurpose compost for the planting mix, and make sure any container has lots of drainage. Handy tip - top dress with grit or stones if you don’t want the birds to start digging around scattering your planting mix and unearthing your plants! I learned the hard way! These little flat planting bowls make a lovely table display and also make wonderful birthday and…erm…Christmas gifts.

Happy Planning

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Local News

Bedfordshire Walking Festival The Bedfordshire Walking Festival is back and offers almost 40 walking opportunities over nine days in September. The festival starts at 8-00am on Saturday 11th September and finishes Sunday afternoon 19th September.

Now in its 11th year the festival attracts almost all levels of walkers from those who want a short distance and some information about the places they walk through, to the walkers who want a good enjoyable walk for around three hours or six to eight miles, to those who want a long walk taking most of the day.

If you have ever thought about getting out into the countryside but feel it would better to go with others, or if you are new to Bedfordshire and want to see what it has to offer the festival offers a great opportunity.

The Bedfordshire Walking Festival has walks across the length and breath of the county over the nine days and there are some interesting ones in this part of the county.

Over the first weekend there is an opportunity for people of all ages to take part in the 3 Green Wheel Challenge. 3 walks, 3 Green wheels, 2 days starting with the Sandy Green Wheel at 9-00am on Saturday 11th September followed by Biggleswade Green Wheel at 1-30pm. 6 miles and 7 miles respectively. On Sunday its the 10.6 mile Etonbury

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Green Wheel starting at 10-00am in Stotfold.

On Tuesday an interesting 7 mile circular walk from Potton entitled “Potton-Gamlingay circular”, and on Sunday 19th a choice of an 8 mile morning or 5 mile afternoon walk from Biggleswade Market place both entitled “A different Green Wheel” because they are both circular walks but follow different paths. Also on that day and aimed at the 30’s and 40’s age group there is a 12 mile Sandy-Everton circular starting from Sandy railway Station at 10-30am.

Further afield you could defy superstition with a walk in Bedford on Monday 13th or enjoy a walk near the source of the River Ivel from Radwell Meadows on Wednesday 15th.

If one challenge is not enough for you why not try the 30k mini Greensand Ridge Path Challenge on Saturday 18th September.

All the walks are free however unlike previous years when you could just turn up many require advance booking. Due to government regulations relating to Covid where advance booking is not required contact details will be taken on the day. Don’t let this stop you from coming along and enjoying a walk at the Bedfordshire Walking Festival 11th to 19th September.

Full details are available on the web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk

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Gardening

Low-maintenance gardening Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Ask anyone who looks after a garden if they would like a high-maintenance outdoor space and the answer will almost definitely be no. So how do you achieve a garden that is easy to look after.

Keep it Simple Start with simple things. Look around to see how potty you have gone over pots - you really don’t want too many. The content within pots and containers requires regular watering by the head gardener and nutrients within the compost depletes within just a few weeks and they require feeding. Plants also require gentle snipping to keep them looking neat and attractive, and to encourage more flowers. If you have shrubs in pots, they might need pruning as well as turning so that each side of the plant receives an equal amount of light. If all this is making you feel exhausted, just keep a few very large containers for certain specimens and make them into a feature. If, however, you aren’t ready to abandon your potaholic habits, group them together so that they can create their own microclimate. Each pot will provide a bit of shade for another and the air around them will enjoy increased humidity.

No Mow Next, we come to the lawn, if there is one. You don’t need to mow every week and you could allow the grass sward to grow longer. Welcome weeds and wildflowers into the lawn; it’s far better for wildlife than a monoculture of grass. Provided the lawn looks

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vaguely green, it really doesn’t matter if there are daisies, dandelions, moss or most other self-seeded delights amongst the grass. The gentle buzzing of bees is the reward you get for being more relaxed about your green carpet. Lawn edges can be defined by using some sort of edging system that will stop the grass spreading into the flowerbeds. These really do take the stress out of maintaining a neat edge. There are dozens of options, from rustic and durable Corten weathering steel through to rubber, plastic, wood and brick.

Keep Weeds in the Dark Ask a gardener about a job that always needs doing and weeds will be high on the agenda. There’s a very simple way to stop weeds growing: cover up your soil! It’s inevitable that nature will send something to infiltrate any little patch of bare ground. So, if you would rather choose your own variety of species to grow in your garden, rather than whatever a passing bird decides to eject, ensure you plant densely. While new plants are establishing, spread mulch onto any bare soil to stop weeds taking hold.

Shrubby Heroes Shrubs are generally the best low-maintenance plant of all. Replace any annual planting schemes with shrub beds, but don’t inflict the hedge-cutter ‘blob treatment’ on them. The secret lies in choosing your plants wisely and thus not planting something that grows larger than the space available. You can allow them to grow into their natural form.

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Pets

Wildlife Friendly Back Gardens

How wildlife friendly is your back garden?

Wildlife can struggle during particularly warm spells and heatwaves. This might be from a lack of water or suddenly having limited food supplies. As humans we enjoy a cold drink or dipping our feet in a paddling pool to cool down. So do our garden birds, pollinators and hedgehogs. Providing fresh, clean drinking and bathing water, along with some shade will help immensely.

What can you do specifically?

Planning is a good idea in order to create an attractive and productive wildlife habitat. Think vertically as well as horizontally when you are creating a new environment for your garden wildlife. Trees and shrubs provide wonderful amounts of shade and food for small animals. Include varieties like hosta, japonica and even rhubarb for their large leaves. Ground covering plants are also valuable additions to your garden and enjoyed by a wide range of creatures and insects.

Consider installing feeders and nesting boxes for the local birds. If you keep them well stocked and in good

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condition you will have plenty of regular visitors.

Bird baths are increasing in popularity and can either be homemade or shop bought. Garden Centres and nurseries are getting much better now at providing us with information about which plants are bee friendly.

Again, plan carefully where these will go in your garden – perhaps away from the main walkways and seating areas. Selecting fruit or nut bearing varieties of plants will be very much appreciated by the local wildlife.

There are some shrubs that produce berries all year round. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted along a south facing walls to provide summer shade.

If you haven’t got a garden, then worry not. Patios and balconies are great locations for container gardens!

Autumn is round the corner It is worth noting we will be slipping into Autumn after the heatwaves of summer. Quite often we like to ‘tidy’ our gardens and fill our green wheelie bins with leaves, cuttings and other plant material. Much of our wildlife actually relies on the leaves and dead flower heads that we like to completely remove. Consider whether you can have a ‘wild’ area of your garden this year that you do not completely clear, and marvel at the little creatures who make it their home – and larder! Similarly, there maybe areas of your garden that you chose to leave and allow to grow wild. Resisting the urge to weed sections, allowing plants to grow without being pruned back.

Have a potter around your garden this week and see if there are any small changes that can be made, to help the wildlife flourish during these warmer months.

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

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

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

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Seasonal Recipe

Slow-roasted paprika chicken with lemon and artichokes

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes Serves 6

This is such an easy recipe. Everything is simply placed in a roasting dish and slow-cooked in the oven, creating an amazing spicy lemony flavour. Serve leftovers for lunch the following day cold with salad.

Ingredients 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tsp sumac 3 tbsp olive oil 1 organic chicken, jointed 1 bulb of garlic (separated into unpeeled cloves) Sprig of thyme 2 unwaxed lemons, cut into quarters 150 ml chicken stock Black pepper 1 x 400g can artichoke hearts

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C/150°C fan/gas mark 3.

2. Mix together the paprika, sumac and olive oil. Put the chicken pieces into a roasting tin and add the garlic cloves, thyme and lemon quarters. Pour over the paprika oil and rub all over the chicken pieces.

3. Drizzle over the stock and season with black pepper. Cover the dish with foil and cook in the oven for 2 hours.

4. Remove the foil from the roasting tin, add the artichoke hearts and turn the oven up to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.

Cook for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is golden.

Nutrition per serving: 387kcal, fat 27.8g (of which saturates 7g), carbohydrate 1.4g (of which sugars 0.6g), protein 33.2g.

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

HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer.

Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques.

Call Richard on 01438 813492 Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today.

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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

53

MUSCLE

RELIABLE ROOFING COMPANY

& 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

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 35 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS • SLATE & TILE • REPLACEMENT FASCIAS/ SOFFITS, UPVC OR TIMBER • GUTTERING MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP AT REALISTIC PRICES PROPRIETOR R.S. CROW F.I.O.R. • FREE ESTIMATES

01767 312914 • 01707 272532 07973 844240 www.reliableroofing-herts.co.uk reliableroofing@btinternet.com

James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects 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 54

• wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured

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

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Baby 1. According to the lyrics of the traditional lullaby Hush Little Baby, what is the first thing that “mama’s gonna buy you”?

2. Joe Wicks is well known for a series of cookbooks called Lean In 15. What similar title did he use for a 2020 book that advised on how to take a baby from breastfeeding, through first foods, to enjoying family mealtimes?

3. Before falling out to make way for adult teeth, most children develop a full set of how many baby teeth?

4. Commonly known as “dummy” in the UK, what is the common name in the USA for an item that is used by a baby to suck on and consists of a teat, a mouth shield and a handle?

5. What number one hit single with “baby” in the title was due to have a six-word title before two words were dropped as record company executives were worried that it might be seen to condone domestic violence?

6. In which film did Arnold Swarzennegger famously say “Hasta la vista, baby”?

7. Is a bush baby?... a) a primate; b) a marsupial; or c) a rodent?

8. The song Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice samples the bassline of which 1981 number one hit single?

9. What name is given to a birth where the baby is born bottom first instead of head first?

10. Who played the “three men” in the 1987 film Three Men And A Baby?

1. A mockingbird 2. Wean In 15 3. 20 4. Pacifier 5. Baby One More Time (by Britney Spears; originally due to be called Hit Me Baby One More Time) 6. Terminator 2: Judgement Day 7. a) a primate 8. Under Pressure (by Queen and David Bowie) 9. Breech birth 10. Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg

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55

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 56

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August’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner Last Month’s Crossword Winner Diana Williams, Alconbury

Easy

Hard

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

Call now for a free, no obligation quotation 57

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Entrance (6) 4 Be owned by (6) 9 Hold (7) 10 Previous (5) 11 Brush (5) 12 Conversing (7) 13 Promises (11) 18 Sediment (7) 20 Undressed (5) 22 Avoid (5) 23 In the open air (7) 24 Guard (6) 25 Grown-ups (6)

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

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

Down 1 Blame (6) 2 Type of light boat (5) 3 Soap (7) 5 Banish (5) 6 Belief (7) 7 Car repair centre (6) 8 Directive (11) 14 Make clear (7) 15 Caught fire (7) 16 Snakes (6) 17 Worships (6) 19 Curse (5) 21 Small hill (5)

Name:

Address:

58



Tel:

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59

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN? LET US DO THE JOB YOU HATE BEFORE

Ovens Grills l Extractors

AFTER

Filters BBQs l Microwaves

Hobs Ranges l AGAs

l

l

l

l

l

l

I’m simply delighted at how sparkly clean my oven and hob look now! It really does look like the cooker is brand new again!

Call Roy Heathcote or go online for a quote

0800 840 7127

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Books

Challenges Faced and Struggles Overcome

By Kate Duggan

Conjure Women Afia Atakora

Set a few years after the abolition of slavery, Conjure Women tells the story of Rue. As a ‘conjure woman’, Rue has learnt how to treat minor ailments and birth babies. But when a baby is born with black eyes and other children succumb to a mysterious illness, Rue’s community starts to turn against her.

Rue has many secrets, one of which could change her community forever. A beautifully written book for fans of Toni Morrison and Yaa Gyasi.

Widowland CJ Carey

In a reimagined timeline where the Nazis won World War II, women in Britain are subject to strict controls. As an elite ‘Geli woman’ with a high-up boyfriend, Rose enjoys some privileges and has seemingly settled into the role prescribed for her. She’s tasked with rewriting classic books to align them to this new world order. However, when Rose is sent to infiltrate Widowland – the slums where childless, husbandless women over fifty are banished to – in order to report back on a rebellious faction, she has to decide whose side she’s really on. A slow-burner, but ultimately gripping.

The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club Josie Lloyd

The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club is a surprisingly lighthearted, uplifting read based on the author’s own experiences with cancer. The main character is Keira, whose world comes crashing down after a cancer diagnosis. Struggling to come to terms with her illness, Keira finds solace, companionship and laughter in a running group of other cancer patients and survivors.

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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

Domestic Appliance Repairs

James Geekie Plastering

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 Oven Cleaning

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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 Benefits for people with Disabilities.... 0800 882 200 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

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area.

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

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

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

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Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com 63