Hitchin August 2019 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 17 - August 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Medieval Shopping Win tickets to see

Nathan Carter Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Hitchin, Great and Little Wymondley, St Ippolyts, ur Charlton and surrounding areas Yo EE y

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Inside this issue... Win Tickets to see Nathan Carter

Medieval Shopping....................................................................4 São Miguel, Top Hot Spot in the Azores......................................8 International Left Handers Day................................................10 Win Tickets to see Nathan Carter..............................................12 Worthy Wines - Romania.........................................................15 Make Exercise a Real HIIT.........................................................16 Belle of the Beach....................................................................19 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................................21 Top Style Tips for Crafters.........................................................22 Safe in the Sun.........................................................................26 Can you help EAAA save more lives?.........................................28 Quick and easy ways to save money on your holiday................31 Make your home office work harder for you.............................32

Add some Vertical Interest.......................................................35 Recycle your Wastewater.........................................................36 Bedfordshire Walking Festival..................................................39 Buries Treasure - Short Story....................................................40 Over the Moon? What a Load of Tosh!.......................................42 The Big Apple - A Brief History of Cider....................................45 UK Drive: Honda CR-V Hybrid...................................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 My Partner’s Lost in the Past....................................................51 What’s On.................................................................................52 Prize Crossword........................................................................58 Book Review............................................................................60 Useful Numbers.......................................................................63

Make Exercise a Real HIIT

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £25.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Kate Hammond, Trevor Langley, Mark O’Keefe, Kate Duggan, Nick Coffer, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Katherine Sorrell, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, Jackie Brewster, Kate McLelland, Sarah Davey, and James Baggott

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Anastasy Yarmolovich 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 Email: 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

Medieval Shopping

Shopping in medieval times would certainly have been an assault on the senses. The medieval town was a very different place to our shopping centres today. Although the problem of litter is a current (and valid) environmental concern thanks to our overuse of packaging, crowded medieval streets would have habitually run with sewage, blood from slaughtered animals, rats and loose livestock. Couple this with the fact most people didn’t wash very often, and one can only imagine the smell and noise (or hue and cry) of which you would have run the gauntlet, by popping out for a loaf of bread! There were two types of shop owner in medieval England: merchants and craftsmen, and both were commonly governed by guilds. Merchant or craft guilds consisted of members who traded in a certain commodity such as wool, or who were specifically skilled artisans, respectively. By grouping together as a guild, they were able to set standards and prices for their trade. Paying for membership of the guild also provided traders with protection.

Craft guilds would offer apprenticeships with the opportunity of learning a skill through a master craftsman and earning the resulting qualifications or papers. An apprenticeship was unwaged; sometimes families would even pay for their son to learn a respected trade. This payment would include food and lodging although it usually meant sleeping on the shop floor. Once a young man had completed his apprenticeship, he became a journeyman and would be paid for his services. A journeyman would have to produce his ‘masterwork’ to be given the title of master craftsman. There were punishments for those who broke the rules of the guild, often favouring the medieval penchant for humiliation (think of the popularity of the town and village stocks). For example, in those days bread was unleavened and sold by weight. A baker caught adding weights to his dough to make a heavier loaf would be made to walk through the town with the loaves tied around his neck. Likewise, a brewer who produced bad or adulterated beer would be forced

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to publicly drink it and then have the rest poured over his head. Banishment from a guild meant the merchant or artisan was unlikely to work in the town again. Most medieval trade premises were workshops as well, with the merchant or craftsman living above. Wealthier merchants would have larger houses built on the outskirts of the town. The shop front would generally have no glass windows but instead would be open to the street, with wooden shutters put up when it was closed. It was common for tradespeople to group their shops together, possibly because it was easier for the guilds to oversee, so streets became dedicated to one commodity or craft, for example, a street of bakeries or a lane of cobblers. We can still see this reflected in some old street names today. Because most people couldn’t read, medieval shop signs were symbols made of painted wood or wrought iron, sometimes partially gilded. These large signs were hung on brackets and chains attached to the building and were made obvious to the medieval customer. The sign for an apothecary was a pestle and mortar. A blacksmith had an anvil and hammer, while a farrier, who looked after horses’ hooves, might have had a simple horseshoe. In those days, barbers were also surgeons and dentists hence their sign: a red and white striped pole signified blood and bandages. It is thought that the ‘three balls’ sign for a pawnbroker (who lent money in exchange for the collateral of valuable goods) may have evolved from the symbol for three gold coins. A butcher’s sign was usually a bull’s head coupled with butchery tools. Most butchers would have a barn and slaughterhouse attached to the back of their shop and animals were killed on the premises.

Carcasses would be hung outside on hooks, and meat laid out on slabs or special sills attached to the building known as ‘shammels’. These were a common feature of medieval shop fronts. The typical overhangs of medieval buildings would have served to protect the goods on display below, both from the weather and things being thrown out of the windows above. As with the shop signs, instead of written notices shop owners would hang symbolic objects outside their premises to keep customers informed of what was going on. For example, if a brewer’s beer was ready, he would hang a green branch outside. Other examples of craftsmen or ‘mongers’ (tradespeople selling a certain type of goods) who might have a shop in a medieval town were: stonemason; draper (who sold cloth); tailor; carpenter; cobbler (who repaired old shoes) and cordwainer (who made new ones); grocer; furrier; fishmonger; baker; weaver; cheesemonger; cooper (barrel maker); cartwright; ironmonger; bowyer (who made archer’s bows); fletcher (who made the arrows); and chandler (who originally made candles). Many of these skills were passed down through families to become common surnames. As well as blacksmiths who forged iron, there were other metalsmiths including goldsmiths and silversmiths. Not only did goldsmiths make jewellery and other objects from gold but they also produced gold leaf to adorn the beautiful handwritten medieval manuscripts of the day. Most shops closed around 3pm, having been open as early as 6am. A curfew bell would be rung between 8pm and 9pm and everyone was then expected to vacate the streets or else have a very good excuse for being there. We could probably learn a lot from our medieval ancestors.

By Catherine Rose 6

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Travel

By Solange Hando

São Miguel, Top Hot Spot in the Azores Out in the Atlantic Ocean, this is the largest island in the Azores, a colourful place blooming year round but set precariously at the meeting point of three tectonic plates: Eurasian, African and North American. Bristling with dormant craters and cones, laced in waterfalls, hot springs and lakes, it’s truly awesome but these volcanic wonders hold every visitor spellbound. North-west of Ponta Delgada, the capital, a road winds up into the hills fringed in wild gladioli, hydrangea and agapanthus. The coastal scenery is delightful but turning inland you soon reach the ‘Royal Belvedere’, where in 1901 Dom Carlos looked down on the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Framed by verdant slopes, connected by a narrow strait, they spread across the crater of a dormant volcano, their lovely colours reflecting the ever-changing light, one lake as blue as the sky, the other turquoise and green. Meadows shimmer along the shore and beyond the slender bridge, the pretty town greets you with

cottage gardens, bandstand and church. According to legend, the lakes were created by rivers of tears when a shepherd and his beloved princess parted on the hilltop. At the heart of the island, at 575 metres, Fire Lake claims the purest water. In clear weather, vantage points along the road reveal some stunning views, but in its pristine nature reserve the lake can only be reached down a steep trail. The hike along the shore is challenging at times but gorgeous, with luminous water, sandy coves, scrubland and forest, cliffs and the crater rim rising towards the sky. Meanwhile on the northern slope, the hot springs of Caldeira Velha nestle among giant ferns and towering trees, nature in the raw almost like a Jurassic Park draped in red rocks and steaming water. An iron-rich waterfall tumbles down into the upper pool, pleasantly warm, but the lower pool reaches a tingling 360 C. It’s the perfect way to relax after exploring the nearby trails.

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In the luxuriant hills in the south-east, Furnas has its own geothermal gems. Down by the village, a stream meanders orangy-red through mud springs and bubbling pools where you hear the ‘Devil’s Heartbeat’ while mini-geysers pop all around. Then head for the landscaped gardens of Terra Nostra with its walking trails and bathing pools of different temperatures, most amazing the circular lagoon near the entrance, so large it rarely feels crowded. The orange water is likely to colour your skin but before you shower, take time to enjoy its health-giving minerals. A short drive away, the crater lake boasts a romantic beach with glistening water and a few pedal boats but you soon smell the fumaroles puffing relentlessly at the foot of the hill. The locals love them: want to cook your Sunday lunch or a festival feast? No problem; just set your pot in the ground, cover it up, and a few hours later the tasty ‘cozido’ stew is ready to share with family and friends.

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Vintage Airshow Sunday 1 September 2019

Celebrating the best of lovely old aircraft, artisan crafts, and steam punk/vintage outfits. There will also be live music, activities for children, a pilot chat on the BlĂŠriot, vintage bus rides, Swiss Garden tours, vehicle parades and a variety of traders.

Book now: www.shuttleworth.org/vintageairshow Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP Registered Charity No. 307534

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03/07/2019 14:55:55

Time of Year

International Left Handers Day August 13th is International Left-handers’ Day. As a leftie myself I’m always intrigued by the slew of articles that appear at this time of year with titles like, ‘Seven Facts You Never Knew About LeftHanders!’ The ‘facts’ are nearly always about how creative we are versus how clumsy we are, and one of the ‘facts’ which nearly always features in these lists is that those of us who are left-handed will die on average nine years earlier than our right-handed counterparts. Yikes! But is it actually true? Has anyone really checked this out? I did a little research and discovered that this ‘fact’ is based on two articles written by psychologists - one published in the 80s and one in the 90s. The articles were published in respected scientific journals, which gave them some gravitas. But why are lefties dying up to a decade earlier than everyone else? Are we slipping while using right-handed scissors and knives then bleeding out on the way to A&E? It seems pretty unlikely. Some 10-11% of the population are left-handed. If this were the case the streets would surely be awash with blood! Someone would have noticed, and ‘handedness’ would be the largest single predictor of life-expectancy! According to modern psychologists, who reexamined these studies, the previous researchers had made a small error. The original studies were carried out in Southern California, where lists are published of everyone who has died. The researchers used the lists to contact the relatives of 2000 of the deceased to ask whether they had been

left or right-handed. Clearly data protection was less of an issue in the late 20th Century! They found the oft-quoted figure that the left-handers died on average nine years earlier than their right-handed neighbours. But crucially the original researchers ONLY looked at the age at death, not when they died. Left handers are actually more common now than previously...or at least it appears we are. In fact, from the 1800s until the 1950s many left-handers were forced to live as right-handers, by teachers, or parents, or simply by the fact that most machinery in factories was designed for right-handers to use. Certainly, I can remember even as a child of the 70s being forced to write with my right hand by certain less enlightened staff at my village primary school. So, it’s probable that some of the dead people on those Californian lists may have been born lefthanded but spent most of their lives living as righthanders, and their families would have described them as such when the researchers called. Because of this historical discrimination many of those on the lists who were ‘out’ as left handers at least at the time the research was published would have been on average younger than right-handers and this would have skewed the results. So fellow lefties, the idea that we will die nine years earlier than the righties is a myth. PHEW! It’s true we may appear a little clumsier than right-handers but that is probably due to living in a world not designed for us. It does not affect our mortality...though I might just leave carving the Sunday joint to my right-handed husband!

By Kate Hammond

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advertorial

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WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

to watch Ireland’s No. 1 Entertainer

NATHAN CARTER

live at the GORDON CRAIG THEATRE

We are giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to watch Irish Country-Pop sensation Nathan Carter live in concert at the Gordon Craig Theatre on 1st October. One of the UK’s most exciting live performers, his energetic showmanship is proving irresistible for fans, even scoring him a prestigious slot performing for Pope Francis in Croke Park in Dublin, as well as shows in Ireland at the 3Arena Dublin and SSE Arena Belfast. This year, he marked St Patricks day with his very own show on BBC Radio Ulster, joined by fellow Country stars Catherine McGrath and Chloe Agnew. With tracks such as ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘I Wanna Dance’ receiving hit status, he is one of Ireland’s biggest artists, and with an incredible 7 top 10 albums under his belt, he is well on his way to becoming a household name. Most recently, the 2018 ‘Born for the Road’ shot straight into the top 5 at number 3. Growing up in a house where Country and Western music filled the air, Nathan was exposed to classic songs of Johnny Cash, Don Williams and Dolly Parton. From the tender age of 4 years old, not only learning to play guitar, piano and accordion, which plays a vital part in his live show, Nathan quickly became head chorister in the Liverpool Boys choir where he toured the world and even performed in front of the Pope in Rome.

For tickets, visit the venue box office or www.ticketline.co.uk

NATHAN CRAIG COMPETITION ENTRY

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For a chance to win tickets complete the form below and send to: Nathan Craig Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th August 2019. Terms & Conditions: No cash alternative available. Standard tickets only.

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

For full terms and conditions please go to www.villagermag.com

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104 Ampthill Road, Shefford, Beds SG17 5BB 14

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Food and Drink

Worthy Wines - Romania

Romania has borders with several countries, that include Bulgaria,Ukraine and Hungary, as well as bordering the Black Sea. Tourism plays a big role in the economy of the country, with many visitors enjoying sites, including Black Sea resorts, plus preserved cities and also castles. The cuisine of Romania has both Austrian and German influences. Excellent Romanian wines are produced, utilising numerous native, local and international grape varieties, with viticulture having a history of 6000+ years, making it one of the oldest in the world. Many wines constantly receive prestigious awards, at events and competitions, globally.

The Prince Stirbey vineyard has been family-owned for 300 years. Today, the vineyard is owned and managed by Baroness Ileana Kripp, whose ancestors were the founders, and her husband Jakob. At the turn of this century a new winery was constructed, incorporating modern technology, with wines produced by Oliver Bauer. The winery now produces natural wines, to an exceptional standard, which are available in many countries, including the UK. Prince Stirbey Cramposie is a sparkling wine, made with the indigenous white grape, Cramposie and by the traditional method. This extra brut, pale-yellow production is both fruity and fresh. The very pleasant bouquet leads to the fruit pleasures on the mouth and extends for a long finish. Prince Stirbey Tamaioasa Romanesca is a very popular dry white wine and uses the grape of the same name, to great advantage. An intense bouquet greets the nasal senses, which continues on to the mouthfeel. Prince Stirbey Novac is made using Novac grapes. Extremely popular, this red wine pleases many. The bouquet has plenty of fruits, that follow to the mouthfeel, which is ripe and juicy. Prince Stirbey Negru de Dragasani (and the Rezerva production) are both further splendid red wines, selected for quality, with intense bouquets and abundances of dark fruits, for the mouth and palate, being very evident. Medium, to full-bodied, smooth and velvet-like, they are perfect to accompany a lot of cuisine, including red meats, superbly. For all details, information and availability, please visit www.stirbey.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Health & Fitness

Make Exercise a Real HIIT Add some variety to your fitness regime When we think of the gym we usually picture ourselves jogging on a treadmill, or pounding a cross-trainer, non-stop for 45 minutes. Some people love it, and get a real buzz from a session, but if you’re like me you’ll count every single second as you wait for the torture to stop. What if you could get more health benefits by doing just half the exercise? When I heard this was a possibility at the gym I attend I couldn’t sign-up fast enough. Enter HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training (pronounced ‘hit’). HIIT involves short periods, 30 seconds or so, of high intensity exercise followed by equally short rest periods which you repeat for around 20 to 30 minutes. The idea is to work as hard as you possibly can during each work session, then catch your breath, then repeat. At the end of the whole work out you should be totally exhausted. At this point you might be thinking that the 45-minute gentle jog isn’t sounding so bad after all, but HIIT has a number of real advantages. Each work period can be a different exercise. Some can be cardio; some can be strength exercises. This keeps the workout interesting (good if like me you are easily bored) and also gives you the twin benefits of improving fitness and building muscle. High intensity exercise burns more calories and

more fat. Because you are working flat out your body needs to expend a lot more energy. It can’t keep pace with your needs by simply burning easily accessible temporary carbohydrate stores, so it has to start burning fat. It also needs a lot more oxygen which is why you get out of breath. But this raises your body’s metabolism to a much higher level than simply jogging. So, when you finish exercise your body stays in this high-energy state for much longer burning even more calories. Your whole body has to work a lot harder to keep up with the exercise, especially your heart. In fact HIIT strengthens your whole cardiovascular system. It’s also very good at reducing insulin resistance (one of the precursors to type ll diabetes) which makes it much easier for your body to regulate your blood sugar, as well as helping to high blood pressure, the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and more. HIIT is easily tailored to any fitness level. If you pop to your local gym, you’ll usually find beginner, intermediate and advanced level sessions. But if the gym really isn’t your thing, it’s easy to do a HIIT work out at home. There are lots of apps and videos to help you out. Spending just 20 minutes, three times a week on HIIT will kick your health drive into top gear, so why not give High Intensity Interval Training a try?

By Mark O’Keefe 16

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Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools

Inground & above ground pools servicing & maintenance Pool toys & chemicals | Hot tubs & Spas Steam showers & gazebos

Visit our showroom: Unit 1C, St Francis Way, Shefford Ind Estate, Beds SG17 5DZ Tel: 01462 819003 | www.crystalleisurepools.com

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Ashwell Jewellery Ltd Creating wonderful jewellery for over 30 years Based in Ashwell, we can create everything from a simple silver cufflink to the most exquisite Certified Diamond. • Commissions • Jewellery Repairs • Valuations Our Studio is open on Wednesdays 10am-6pm, Saturdays 10am-4pm and by appointment on other days. Please call 07764 475391 or 01462 743915. Discover more on our websites www.ashwelljewellery.com www.nordiclondonjewellery.com Ashwell Jewellery Ltd

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Beauty

Belle of the Beach By Kate Duggan

Whether you’re planning a week in a luxury Caribbean villa or going camping in Cornwall, this little lot deserve a spot in your suitcase. I’m a big fan of dry shampoos, particularly for camping, festivals and lazy weekends. Philip Kingsley’s One More Day Dry Shampoo is a good choice. It absorbs excess sebum, boosts volume and helps to prevent an itchy, irritated scalp. It’s a spray rather than a powder, so won’t leave you looking like you’ve been dusted with talc (unlike some other dry shampoos). The travel-sized 50ml bottle is perfect for holidays, although the 200ml is a lot better value for money. It’s £9-£19.50, see www.philipkingsley.co.uk. I’m very tempted by the new Como Viaggio Travel Styling Kits by Alfa Italia. Each kit comprises a travel hairdryer, mini ceramic styling iron, two sectioning clips and a bag for just £44.95. Travel hair-styling products tend to be a bit ‘meh’ when it comes to power, but this hairdryer is 1200w and the straighteners heat up to 190°C. Choose from dusky pink with a matching suede-effect case, or light blue or stone with a leather-look case, see www.alfaitaliapro.com. A facial oil can help to tackle dry patches, boost hydration and soften skin. Personally, I prefer a 100% natural oil like Gorgias London’s Age Renewal Facial Oil, which I’ve been using at nighttime for a few weeks now. It’s a 100% natural blend of seed and plant oils, including avocado,

prickly pear, olive and argan. The blend is packed with nutrients, vitamins, fatty acids, omega 9 and antioxidants. My skin drinks it up and always feels softer and ‘happier’ the morning after using it. It costs £44.95 from www.gorgiaslondon.com. I know I’m not the only one of my friendship group who slathers on face cream but rarely uses body lotion. If you’re also guilty of neglecting 80% of your skin, AL!VE’s Hydrating Spray Lotion could be the answer. It takes seconds to spray on and absorbs super-fast. It also feels lovely and cool, so is perfect for freshening up on a hot day. Best of all, you can pick it up for just £5 from Sainsbury’s. If, like me, your legs are less smooth alabaster and more pale mottled mess, fake tan can be your friend. Had a bad experience with bright orange streaks? Modern formulas are a huge improvement on their predecessors. Just exfoliate and moisturise well before you start. Bondi Sands’ Protect & Tan is a great introduction to self-tanning. As the name implies, it helps to protect your skin from the sun and builds a gradual, natural-looking tan over a few days of use. It’s SPF 15 so not strong enough for sunbathing but perfect if you’re popping to the shops. It’s an oil, but not greasy, and it leaves skin feeling softer for hours afterwards. It’s £12.99 at www.boots.com.

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Food & Drink

Harissa spiced lamb fillet with

zesty herby couscous All my chefs on the Weekend Kitchen have discerning customers to please. They’ll all say it’s what keeps them on their toes. Happy customers make for successful businesses. Paul Nicholls is one such top chef, and he runs the restaurant at Woburn Golf Club. Feeding hungry golfers who have just shot 15 over par and whose swing has gone to pieces cannot be easy! Luckily Paul is one of life’s chilled-out chefs and he just takes it in his stride. Here’s a lovely, comforting and simple meal – perfect for forgetting about those golfing blues. If your butcher hasn’t got lamb fillets, any cuts will do – you can even use chops, although you won’t be thinning them out with a rolling pin! Ingredients: 8 lamb fillets, trimmed 2 tbsp harissa paste 250g cous cous 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 lime, zested and juiced 3 tomatoes, finely diced 1/2 cucumber, finely diced 3 spring onions, chopped 1/2 bunch basil, finely chopped 1/2 bunch coriander, finely chopped 1/2 bunch mint, finely chopped 3 tbsp crème fraiche Salt and pepper Olive oil

Serves 4

1. Take your lamb fillets, pop them between two sheets of greaseproof paper and bash them with a rolling pin or hammer. Spoon over the harissa, mix well and leave to marinade in the fridge overnight. 2. The couscous will benefit from being made the night before too. Take a bowl, pour in the couscous and mix in the lemon and lime zests. Add in a little drizzle of oil and some salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix. 3. Pour in enough boiling water just to cover the couscous and immediately tightly cover the bowl with cling film. 4. Leave the couscous to steam for ten minutes, then gently fork it so it fluffs up. Let it cool a little, then mix through the remaining ingredients and pop it into the fridge to chill. 5. When you are ready to serve, heat a non-stick pan and add in a little oil on a medium heat. 6. Chuck in the fillets and flash fry them for two minutes on either side. 7. Take the fillets out and leave them to rest for a few minutes. Because they are thin, they will be perfectly pink. 8. Slice up the lamb on the diagonal, top the couscous with it and finish with a dollop of crème fraiche. 9. You can finish with some micro herbs or edible flowers for decorative effect.

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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House of Colour

Top Style Tips For Crafters Whether you love flower arranging, sewing, knitting, gardening, jewellery-making, or cake decorating. Do you absolutely love a sequin or 20, or do you prefer a floral print or something more classic? We all suit different colours and have different style personalities that will not only be reflected in what we wear, but in our homes, our belongings, hobbies and treasured items. Let’s look at the importance of style in crafting. 1. How do we know our style? When thinking about our clothes our body architecture and proportions will partly determine what styles suit us, but the other vital factor is our style personality and this is just as important when it comes to our homes and crafts. You may like classic, dramatic, bohemian, quirky or natural looks. If for example something you are crafting doesn’t feel quite right, it most probably clashes with your style personality. 2. Garments - When you are creating clothes of any sort, whether that be sewing, crocheting, or knitting, there is so much to consider! The shape of a sleeve, the length of a hemline or trouser length, the type of neckline, the lapels, the weight and type of fabric, embellishments and detail, and of course the colours all need to be considered to make sure they are perfect for the wearer. 3. Fabrics and texture are important to any crafter, but carefully consider whether you prefer and suit a soft fabric such as a silk, velvet or mohair or something less willowy like cotton or hemp? Softer fabrics can produce more movement – consider how the piece is going to be used. 4. Structure is again important regardless of your crafting project. If you are using paper you may

notice you choose either asymmetric or precise cuts. Consider the importance of layering or movement and polished versus relaxed styles. 5. Patterns - Maybe you suit large, bold, geometrics patterns, or perhaps you love a gorgeous floral, or a traditional herringbone or paisley. Different size and density of patterns is also key here. 6. Details are the cornerstone to any crafting. Buttons, embellishments, sparkly sequins, strong calligraphy are all representative of your style. Accessorising any crafty masterpiece is also an easy way to update an existing piece. 7. Know what matters to you - Whether you are a traditional crafter, or prefer more contemporary styles, knowing who you really are and what you want your message to be really helps you celebrate your creativity. Try organic touches, be seasonal, use unexpected add-ons, think practical and beautiful, re-purpose and be eco-proud if you can. Be unique and make it authentically you. After all this is the joy of crafting! By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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Parenting

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Safe in the Sun Our top tips for keeping children safe on holiday. Stop slips There are few things more pleasant than relaxing with a cool drink on a hot day beside a swimming pool. Bliss. Unfortunately, however much you tell your children not to run by the pool, they never seem to learn. While non-slip shoes won’t make your child any less likely to ignore your warnings, they could help to prevent a nasty fall. Slipfree® shoes can be used in and out of the water, and are also handy for protecting feet from hot pebbles on the beach. They’re quick-drying, breathable and comfortable. (My son would wear his 24/7 given the chance.) Available in a range of designs and sizes, Slipfree® shoes are priced at £14.95 at www. iloveslipfree.co.uk. Sun safety If your child hates having sunscreen re-applied, you might want to invest in a long-sleeved, long-legged sun suit like this one by Frugi, which has a UPF of 50+. You’ll still need to use sunscreen on exposed areas. M&S Kids Sun Smart Sun Spray is SPF50, suitable for sensitive skin and helps to moisturise skin while it protects. Let your child choose their own sun hat, as they’re more likely to wear it without protesting. It may not be quite as tasteful as the one you’d have chosen, but hey, you’re on holiday. Holiday homes Planning to rent a holiday home this summer? Set

a reminder on your phone to check the fire alarm when you get there. According to new research by VeriSmart, up to 40% of rental properties don’t have a working smoke alarm, despite it being a legal requirement. If the property has a gas fire, gas cooker, coal fire or wood burning stove, it should also have a carbon monoxide detector. Depending on the age of your child, you may need to check whether there’s a stair gate and safety latches before you go. If there isn’t, consider investing in a travel stair gate such as the Lindam Flexiguard, which folds up small and is easy to attach without screws. Stranger danger See www.nspcc.org.uk for advice on talking to your child about strangers and hazards. The site also has advice on online safety, what to check if your child is taking part in a club, and more. A child identity wristband is a good idea for younger children. Write your name and phone number on the wristband in case your child gets lost. (Search Amazon for ‘ID wristband’.) Stay hydrated You’ll need to make sure your child stays hydrated while you’re out and about. If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on bottled drinks (or waste all that plastic), a reusable water bottle is essential. The ones at Getting Personal can be personalised with your child’s name. Who knows, it might even encourage them not to lose it. One can hope.

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Local News

Can you help the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) save more lives? East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is a helicopter emergency medical service covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Since its launch in 2000, the organisation has been dispatched to over 25,000 life-saving missions. The air ambulance can be tasked to assist the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) with any type of life-threatening or life-changing incident which might require advanced medical care, equipment or a quick transfer to the most appropriate hospital. This community-funded service has two helicopters operating in the region, each carrying a Doctor and a Critical Care Paramedic anywhere in East Anglia within 25 minutes. The charity receives no regular government funding and relies almost entirely on public support to keep its two helicopters flying and saving lives. Mission 24/7 EAAA has announced plans to become a 24/7 helicopter service by the end of 2020; the first in the East of England. Currently there is a seven hour gap, from midnight to 7am, in the East of England where no helicopter coverage is available if needed. Research shows that there is a significant nighttime need for critical care by air ambulance. Photo Credit: EAAA

By flying around the clock, the charity estimate they could be dispatched to up to 600 more missions a year, saving hundreds more lives. In order to develop and deliver their service 24 hours a day by helicopter, they need to raise an additional £1 million each year on top of the £12 million they already need to raise to stay airborne. EAAA believe the time of day shouldn’t dictate what type of emergency medical services are available to you, which is why they are passionate about becoming the first 24/7 air ambulance by helicopter in the East of England. To support the mission 24/7 campaign, go to: www.mission247.co.uk Volunteer – together, we save lives. Volunteers are a huge part of the EAAA operation and help to keep its two helicopters flying and saving lives, every day of the year. From regularly helping to monitor and empty collection boxes in your local community to sporadic help at fundraising events, there are lots of different ways you can volunteer to help the EAAA save lives. No matter how much time you can spare, your contribution will make a huge difference to this essential community-funded service. National Air Ambulance Week 9 – 15 September. EAAA will have various street collections across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire building up to National Air Ambulance Week in September could you spare a few hours to help? Contact 03450 669 999, email volunteer@eaaa.org.uk or go online: www.eaaa.org.uk

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JCS Solicitors Family Solicitors and Mediators We are specialists in divorce and family law with over 25 years experience supporting clients during relationship breakdowns. Our services include: • Family Law • Divorce Law • Mediation • Children Issues • Collaborative Law

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DO YOU NEED TO MAKE OR UPDATE YOUR WILL? We offer a FREE initial appointment to discuss your circumstances, offering advice on Wills including ring-fencing your home from care and guidance regarding Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Bands. HOME VISITS are available at NO EXTRA CHARGE within a 20-mile Radius of Royston. SATURDAY MORNING appointments available on the following date:* SATURDAY 17th AUGUST 2019 FREE WILL SERVICE for the over 55â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through the Cancer Research Free Will Scheme. For more information please contact:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts. SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241 121 t.pilcher@walkerspartnership.co.uk Wills | Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Conveyancing | Commercial Property *Home visit appointments are subject to availability. Saturdays by appointment only.

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Finance

Quick and Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Summer Holiday

By Ann Haldon

Summer holidays provide much-needed rest and relaxation in the middle of our often-busy year, and may even be considered essential to our health and wellbeing. They do not need to cost the earth, but how can you save money without detracting from the enjoyment of this precious time away? Here are a few tips to free up some extra spending money for this year’s holiday, or cash to put towards your getaway next year. Negotiate on price - It is possible to negotiate down your holiday price, particularly if it’s last minute. Tour and hotel operators are likely to be open to negotiation if it means they can fill the last few places on a tour, or the remaining empty airline seats. Choose your travel times carefully - The times you travel can directly influence price so if you are able to fly during the night, for example, you may be able to save some money. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are said to be less popular for travelling when compared with Fridays and over the weekend, so if you can go midweek it might be worth it. Do you need to fly direct? - If you don’t need to fly directly to your ultimate destination, taking an indirect flight can save you money, particularly in the case of long-haul journeys. It does cost you more in time, however, so this may not appeal to everyone. Avoid the added flight extras - Flight extras such as extra legroom, on-board meal, and additional

luggage allowances, add a considerable sum to your ‘cheap’ flight if you’re not careful. Some airlines include these elements in the advertised price but beware if you are using a budget operator, as they may be added extras. Combine airport hotel and parking - If you are travelling early in the morning or from an airport a long way from home, you may need to stay in an airport hotel the night before. If so, you can save money by combining the accommodation costs with car parking for the duration of your holiday. Travel while you sleep - Travelling while you sleep is a great way to make savings on the cost of your holiday. Whether you are starting your journey by train, coach or cross-channel ferry, overnight travel using these methods can be considerably cheaper than booking a hotel for the night. Independent excursions - The cost of excursions can be eye-watering, especially for a family, so try organising your own days out to save money. You may be able to buy admission tickets to attractions and events before you go on holiday, and by booking transport locally you will have a truly authentic experience. Going to different places and enjoying new experiences are life-affirming, and can be more affordable than you think. Save money on your summer holiday by driving down prices across the board, whether that is for an all-inclusive package deal or an independently created journey of a lifetime.

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Interiors

1 By Katherine Sorrell

Make your home office work harder for you Make working from home less of a chore with our top tips for designing a room thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s both functional and attractive. SORT OUT YOUR STORAGE The old adage that you can never have too much storage is especially true in an office, where efficient organisation is key. While a combination of shelving, files and boxes works well for most people, why not seek out unique pieces to introduce a sense of character? Although chain stores and specialist shops sell office furniture at a range of prices, consider hunting around junk shops, second-hand furniture stores and salvage yards for interesting alternatives, such as old school lockers, distressed wall cupboards, huge wicker baskets or old factory trolleys. Bear

in mind that some stored items will need to be within easy reach, while those that are used less frequently can be stored on high shelves or in deep cupboards, and not necessarily in the same room. If your office is an awkward shape, a converted loft or under the stairs, for example, consider built-in storage in order to maximise the space. THE BEST DESK Size does matter when it comes to choosing a desk. Even in a small room, desk area will probably be more useful than floor space, so choose the biggest one possible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you will never

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regret having plenty of room on which to spread out. A desk with drawers or cubby holes is doubly practical, though lovers of a minimal look may wish to consider a glass desk: perfect if you can keep it clear and tidy most of the time. If you are running out of room, you could consider adding a small worktop to one side of your existing desk, as an L-shaped workspace is particularly ergonomic. ON THE WALLS Remove as much as possible from the surface of your desk, and make the most of the height of your room, by introducing wall-mounted storage. Pin boards, peg board, magnetic boards and hanging racks are all useful and good-looking. You might even consider wiring one or two adjustable lamps into the wall above your desk – another way to save a bit of work space. BE COLOUR CONFIDENT Neutral offices are the norm, but at home you’re not at risk of offending anyone else, so why not paint the room in a bold colour that makes you happy? Alternatively, there’s nothing to stop you covering a feature wall, or even the whole room, with patterned wallpaper. ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? A comfortable chair is an essential for any working area, and if you are likely to spend hours in it then an adjustable office chair on castors is the best choice. If yours is boring or ugly, it might be possible to re-cover and/or paint it; at worst, you could hang a length of fabric over the back and add an attractive cushion. SEE THE LIGHT Good lighting is vital to avoid eye strain when working at home. Lots of natural light is ideal, but glare from direct sunshine is not – experiment with the position of your desk and, if necessary, use a blind for shading. For working on dim days and in the evenings, fit overhead lighting that doesn’t cast any shadows over your working area – track lighting, inset ceiling spots and wall lamps are all options. Desk lamps should, ideally, be adjustable.

DETAILS MATTER Do you have enough plug sockets in the right places? If necessary, ask an electrician to add to what’s there in order to minimise messy and inconvenient cabling. About three inches above the work surface is good, plus some hidden lower down and out of sight. Sort the rest of the cables out with ties and clips (running them up table legs is a good idea, where possible) and, while you’re at it, consider labelling plugs so you know exactly which is which. DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET PERSONAL There’s no need to be bland. It’s your office, so make it personal. Add a pretty rug, a cushion, interesting desk accessories, a selection of plants, some colourful prints on the wall or a selection of framed photographs. Scent is important, as well – make the whole room fragrant with a vase of flowers, scented candle or reed diffuser, and this will be a room where you’ll enjoy spending time.

1. Helmer drawer unit on castors, £30, Ikea: 020 3645 0000; ikea.com/gb. 2. Batik desk by Cattelan Italia, £1,902, Chaplins: 020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk. 3. Olly adjustable table lamp, £67.20, Där Lighting: 01295 672 200; darlighting.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Gardening By Pippa Greenwood

Add Some Vertical Interest Whatever the size or shape of your garden, it will benefit from having some height added to it – and what better way to do this than with an arch or arbour? And, of course, any vertical structure you install in your garden makes for a new planting opportunity too… Position an arbour to overlook a good view or attractive part of the garden and you instantly create a fabulous place to sit and relax. An arch or an arbour can divide your garden into one or more rooms, a trick that makes your garden seem larger and more interesting. Chosen carefully, arches and arbours are good looking and a feature in their own right, and if you clothe them with climbers you are adding to their appeal. Plus, those climbers with the added ingredient of scent, like some of the rambling or climbing roses, or honeysuckle or jasmine, can totally transform the whole garden with their wafting perfume. The area around an arbour in a sunny spot with fairly free-draining soil can be planted with lavenders, so you can enjoy both the way it looks and the perfume and aromatic leaves after a stressful day. In sunny positions, plant thymes or camomile as a lawn on the approach to your archway or arbour; a fantastic aroma will be released when your feet gently crush the plants. Arches and arbours are available in a range of materials, with wood and metal being the most popular, both of which I find fit in with my gardening style. In these materials you can

transform them with wood stains or paints to a bright blue, rich red or any colour you fancy! An arch or an arbour can be constructed from scratch, but there is a wide range of ready-made arbours and kits for both arches and arbours available. If you choose wood, do ensure that it is a wood which is either naturally going to resist decay – western red cedar or a hardwood such as oak would be my preference, followed by Douglas fir or larch. Alternatively you can choose a softwood which has been tanalised or pressuretreated with a wood preservative, which will usually be somewhat cheaper. By choosing a wooden arch, perhaps with a rounded top and trellis up the sides, you ensure a really good planting space, and this more rustic look fits well in an informal garden. Many wooden arches are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. To find out what’s available, visit several local garden centres or take a look at mail-order products from the numerous arch and arbour websites, which make window shopping even easier!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find some great gardening items: Nemaslug, ladybirds and other great natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, planters, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Recycle your Wastewater I like to consider myself an eco-gardener. I use few pesticides and I recycle, upcycle and repurpose whenever I can. Like many people I own and use several water butts, which are a fantastic way to utilise all the lovely free rainwater nature provides. Over the past few years I’ve been reading and researching about other sources of water too. I’m talking about grey water. But what is grey water and how can gardeners make use of it? Grey water, for those not in the know, is any kind of household wastewater apart from toilet water, which is considered ‘black water’, and which should definitely not be recycled by the average gardener. You can reclaim water from your washing machine or dishwasher, but this can prove costly and time consuming. The best advice for us amateur ecogardeners is ‘keep it simple’, especially in the first instance. Basically, this means water from the kitchen sink, the bath or shower, or paddling pool. Getting grey water to the garden is not difficult. In the case of washing-up water, simply use a removable plastic bowl in the sink which can be carried out. For baths and paddling pools ask at your garden centre or local DIY store for a water siphon hand pump. All you have to do is prime the siphon with a couple of squeezes then let the water run out into your temporary storage containers.

Once you have the grey water you need to clean it before using it in the garden. This involves filtering it into a large watering can through a piece of fleece or muslin to remove any debris and obvious residue. The water should then be left to cool. It needs to be used within 24 hours to prevent bacterial build-up. Now that many of us are on water meters recycling our water makes both good environmental and sound economic sense too. Top Tips Keep it simple - It is possible to buy special kits to convert all your home’s grey water for gardenusage, but these can prove expensive. You’re more likely to try something that’s cheap and easy. If you really get into water-recycling though, then go for it! Think natural - Switch to environmentally friendly cleaning and beauty products. These are biodegradable and won’t harm your plants. Don’t forget the shower - Put the plug in when you shower, and you can save the water for the garden. Safety-first - All grey water will contain some bacteria. Use it within 24 hours but don’t use it for edible plants or for pots and containers, only on decorative border plants. Think laterally - You don’t have to restrict greywater to garden usage. Use it to clean the car too!

Happy Gardening

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Local News

Photo: Barry Ingram

Bedfordshire Walking Festival This September sees the 10th anniversary of what has become an annual and increasingly popular event, The Bedfordshire Walking Festival. From humble beginnings in 2009 the festival has grown and grown as more and more people are walking for leisure and fitness. Despite council cutbacks the range of urban and countryside paths are still generally well maintained and being used more often. For some, the benefit of joining a walk enables them to explore of new places and new paths, whilst for others it is the socialising. Whatever the reason there is a good walk in Bedfordshire not far from your door. Over the nine days from 7th to 15th September, there is a range of walks from one hour to nine hours duration, plus a range of informative walks of around 2-3 hours. Most are free and no booking is required. In this part of the county there are two walks from Shuttleworth, on Monday 9th a three hour circular intriguingly entitled “Its time to see the past, present and future” whilst on Tuesday a 2.5 hour informative walk “The hidden gems of Shuttleworth and Old Warden” both starting at 10-15. On Sunday 15th a two hour informative circular walk from Stotfold Mill entitled “The Mills of Etonbury Greenwheel” starting at 10-30.

2019

However if longer walks appeal why come to Sandy station on Saturday 7th for a 12 mile circular starting at 10-30 or sign up for the Greensand Ridge Path Challenge 40 miles over the weekend of 14th & 15th, if you cant do both days you could always come for one. Other walks in the area include a Health walk on Monday at 9-00 in Beeston, and on Friday an Informative walk in Willington and a linear bus walk from Haynes to Bedford. Further afield and celebrating our 10th anniversary, three walks based of the theme of 10 at Woburn on Saturday 7th. Sunday 8th at Priory Country Park Bedford. Sunday 15th at Ampthill Park. Plus walks around the county. If you are baffled by maps, confused by compasses, daunted by digital devices why not join a one day course on Sunday 8th at Maulden Village Hall. Cost £10 booking via web site.

For full details of the walks visit www.bedswalkfest.co.uk Contact Organiser@bedswalkfest.co.uk or pick up a programme

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Short Story

reckon it is?” “No idea. I can’t hear anything now but when I ran it made a sound like diamonds in a tin.” “Could be buried treasure?” Ralph grinned. “You never know what the sea is going to wash up.” Dylan began scooping away the sand with his hands. “Here’s a good place to start digging.” He lifted something out of the sand. “That’s a good shell, but not what was making the sound.” “Keep going, lad,” Ralph said. “There’s bound to be something else down there.” “Give me a hand then, Grandad,” Dylan said. “This is a two-man job.” Ralph laughed and got down on his knees. Between them they scooped out handfuls of wet sand. “Looks like we’re making our own little rock pool, Grandad,” Dylan laughed, as the hole began to fill with water. “After this we should go and see if we can find any crabs.” “Good idea,” Ralph said, “though this sand is starting to wear away my fingertips. I tell you what, Dylan,” Ralph said, reaching for his wallet, “run up to that kiosk and get us both a spade, the best you can get.” “Aw thanks, Grandad,” Dylan said. “We’ll be able to dig a huge hole then.” He threw off his coat and ran back up the beach. Ralph stood up and watched him go. Then he picked up Dylan’s coat and gave it a shake. The box of Tic Tacs in his pocket rattled like diamonds in a tin. Ralph smiled and put the coat down. Digging holes in the sand was one of the things Dylan had always enjoyed the most.

Buried Treasure “Dylan, come and have a paddle with me,” Ralph said to his grandson. Dylan had reached that difficult age. Not so long ago he would have built sandcastles with his grandad until the sun went down. But now he sat hunched on the sand in his coat, working his way forlornly through a box of Tic Tacs. He’d even refused an ice cream. Dylan squinted at the kids playing in the waves. “It looks a bit cold,” he said finally. “Well it won’t kill us,” Ralph said. “I’ve not come all this way not to have a paddle.” Dylan didn’t budge. “Come on, lad,” Ralph said as sternly as he dared, “let’s get some sand between your toes.” Dylan sighed, and put his Tic Tacs in his pocket. “Do this one thing for me,” Ralph said finally, “and then we can go home.” Dylan contemplated this deal in silence. Eventually, to Ralph’s relief, he began reluctantly pulling off his trainers. Off they sprinted, weaving between deckchairs and sandcastles. Ralph nearly had his toes in the surf when Dylan caught his arm. “Stop, Grandad! I just heard something strange, listen…” He jumped up and down. “Did you hear that?” he said. “Do it again,” Ralph said, moving closer. Dylan jumped and there was a sharp rattling sound. “It’s coming from under the sand.” Dylan jumped once more. “There’s something down there – I can hear it.” “So can I now,” Ralph said. “What do you

By Jackie Brewster

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Quirky Britain By Kate McLelland

Over the moon? What a load of tosh! “He was yakking nineteen to the dozen, acting like he was the bee’s knees, but when I said he was talking a load of tosh he got the hump.” Foreign visitors overhearing this conversation in a British pub could be forgiven for thinking they’d landed in a parallel universe, but if you’re a native Brit, you’ll have understood it as: “He was talking very quickly, behaving as though he was somebody special, but when I criticised what he was saying he became angry.” Here in the UK we love our idioms: in fact, English is probably the most idiom-friendly language nation in the world. The Oxford Dictionary defines an idiom as “a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.” Here are some great examples, together with their origins: A load of tosh Now taken to mean “a lot of nonsense”, the expression originally indicated success for London’s ‘toshers’: individuals who used to scour the city’s sewers searching for anything of value. ‘Tosh’ was actually the treasure the searchers found, but the word became a negative term to describe the unfortunate toshers themselves. Bob’s your uncle Believed to date from the Victorian era, “Bob’s your uncle” refers to something that is easily and smoothly achieved. It is thought that the expression was a sarcastic response to the appointment of Arthur Balfour to a prominent position in government by his uncle, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil. ‘Bob’ was Prime Minister at the time. All gone to pot This saying could refer to leftover scraps being

boiled up for tomorrow’s soup, but it’s more likely we owe it to the practice of iron smelting, where damaged tools or weapons would be melted down in a crucible. Gets my goat It was believed that nervous horses would become calm if a goat was placed in the stall beside them, so it was common for nineteenth century racing rivals to remove or ‘get’ the goat assigned to a potential winner, in order to unsettle the horse. Talking nineteen to the dozen In the eighteenth century steam pumps were installed in Cornish tin and copper mines to clear the floodwater. When working to their maximum capacity, these pumps were able to clear nineteen thousand gallons of water for every twelve bushels of coal used to fuel them. It must have been easy for the miners to make the imaginative leap between the rattling of the pumps at full steam and someone speaking rapidly. Raining cats and dogs Witches were supposed to ride out during storms in the shape of cats, while the Norse storm god Odin was attended by dogs, so there could be a pagan origin for this unlikely saying. A less fanciful explanation emerges from the filthy streets of seventeenth century Britain, when a heavy rainstorm might occasionally flush dead animals out of the drains. Given that most of these terms are archaic, outdated and obscure, it’s surprising that we continue to use them so enthusiastically today. Idioms may continue to baffle students of English, but there’s no doubt they help to give our speech its unique character and vitality.

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By Sarah Davey

Food & Drink

The Big Apple - A brief history of cider Cider is a popular and delicious summer drink, but have you ever wondered who first thought about turning apples into alcohol? Apple trees have been cultivated since around the 5th century AD and cider, or something similar, seems to have been around for almost as long, although sometimes it was known as ‘apple wine.’ It was brought to Britain by the Normans in around 1100 AD and was originally a drink for the poor. Ale was made from malted barley and using grain for alcohol could mean going without bread, so cider provided a good alternative. People drank it instead of water because sanitation was so poor, and water was often not safe to drink. It is believed that children were even baptised using cider because the water was so risky! The first settlers in America planted lots of apple trees simply so they could continue to make cider to drink. Originally, they crushed the apples in a trough, until a genius named John Worlidge produced the first apple-mill in 1676. In the 1800s The Temperance movement killed off the cider industry. Fired up by speeches from ministers and politicians, many farmers destroyed their ‘demon orchards,’ sparing only the trees used for sweet nonalcoholic juice. During the Prohibition years, American cider production fell by 76%. Today the best English cider is cask-conditioned; dry and fruity, with low carbonation. Normandy cider is sweeter and more effervescent with a complex flavour. Both drinks are perfect chilled, served on a warm summer evening, with friends. Cheers!

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Motoring

UK Drive: Honda CR-V Hybrid What is it? Honda’s best-selling CR-V SUV is reliable, practical and well-priced, and the latest model is stylish with a bolder, US-inspired look. An increased wheelbase means a more practical cabin, with a seven-seat version an option on the petrol-powered model. What’s new? Honda offers the CR-V with a 1.5-litre petrol engine – and this, the Hybrid. It’s Honda’s first electrified SUV, and aims to offer a good mix of efficiency and performance. What’s under the bonnet? A 2.0-litre VTEC petrol engine is paired to an electric motor and a lithiumion battery pack, giving a total output of 181bhp and 315Nm of torque. Front- or four-wheel-drive is available, with an e-CVT automatic transmission. 0-60mph takes 9.0 seconds and top speed is 112mph, but it never feels as quick as those figures suggest. Around town, it will exceed the claimed 53.3mpg fuel economy, but on motorways and at higher speeds fuel economy drops below 40mpg – disappointing for a model that claims to be so efficient. What’s it like to drive? The CR-V Hybrid is comfortable rather than sporty, with supportive seats and a well-composed suspension setup. It’s refined at speed with limited road and wind noise and there’s some roll in corners. How does it look? The striking front nose and overuse of chrome give a more American look, resulting in a bold-looking SUV. The new car is wider and more muscular and the angular front end makes it aerodynamically efficient. All models also benefit from front and rear LED

lights to give the CR-V plenty of presence. What’s it like inside? Quality is a big improvement, with plenty of soft-touch materials, as well as a clean, clutter-free layout, and wood trim. The absence of a transmission tunnel allows for a spacious centre console, while a traditional gearstick is replaced by buttons. The seven-inch touchscreen is loaded with features but can be difficult to operate. For practicality, the CR-V excels, even as the Hybrid. There’s 491 litres of load space, while the rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. What’s the spec like? The entry-level ‘S’ specification is a little disappointing, with satellite navigation and parking sensors missing. However, our high-spec SR grade car came with leather upholstery, keyless start and entry, heated front seats and ambient interior lighting. The Hybrid costs over £2,000 more than the petrol model, a significant chunk of money considering that running costs aren’t exactly revolutionary. Prices start from £30,130 for the Hybrid, with our test car costing £34,470 – putting it in a similar ballpark to Toyota’s RAV4. Verdict The CR-V Hybrid is the pick of Honda SUV’s line-up, and is ideal for quiet and efficient town driving. Honda should be admired for pushing ahead with electrification and abandoning diesel in its CR-V – especially as the SUV sector is still dominated by diesel-powered models. However, for long-distance efficiency, diesels still make sense, but for urban drivers wanting a stylish and practical SUV, the CR-V Hybrid could be ideal.

By James Baggott

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Codeword 1

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Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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Life Begins...

My partner’s lost in the past

By Kate McLelland Do you listen to Spotify while your partner still enjoys scratchy cassette recordings? Do you bristle each time he or she switches on the Yesterday channel, or counts out loose change instead of using a contactless card? Age affects people in different ways and if you’re a forwardlooking person who is willing to embrace change, it can be frustrating when your partner seems happier living in the past. If you can both laugh off your differences and set them aside, there’s no problem, but if your partner’s behaviour starts to affect your lifestyle as a couple, it could be a red flag for your relationship. At 56, Stephen Adebusi-Jones is two years younger than his wife Mary, but she feels his attitude to life is typical of someone much older. “Steve always wanted to hear the latest band, experiment with different foods and travel to new places,” says Mary. ”But all that stopped after he turned forty five. These days he prefers to stay in, listening to the same music he played when he was young. He even moans when I suggest

something different, like trying out a new recipe.” That’s a familiar story for Jamie Barber, who has lived with his partner Mimi for the past twentyfive years. “Mimi’s interest in Sixties nostalgia began when she started buying and selling vintage clothes and jewellery online,” Stephen explains. “She used to enjoy trawling charity shops and online auction sites for vintage buys, but now she just watches reruns of 1960s films and TV shows on YouTube.” It can be hard to understand how a partner who was once positive, optimistic and adventurous could lose those qualities as they age. While it’s easy to accuse them of being ‘stuck in a rut’, a psychiatrist may take a different view. If your partner is displaying symptoms such as low energy and general loss of pleasure in everyday life, it’s possible they are suffering from a condition called dysthymia. Also known as ‘Persistent Depressive Disorder’ and closely related to depression, this condition can last for years and, thanks to its undramatic symptoms, often goes undiagnosed.

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A person with dysthymia might suffer from low self-esteem, show little interest in daily activities and seem irritable and ‘down’ much of the time. Avoiding social activities, not getting minor tasks done and losing concentration are also signs of this condition. The good news is that it can be relieved by a combination of talking therapy and medication. If you believe that your partner’s mental health is at risk, you should encourage them to contact a GP. Alternatively you could find help from Age UK, which runs a free counselling service throughout the UK. Call Age UK’s helpline on 0800 678 1602 to locate a counsellor near you, or visit their website at ageuk.org.uk. Whoever came up with the wise old adage “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present!” seems to have understood the importance of looking forward, rather than living in the past. If you can communicate that message to your partner, there’s a chance it could transform both your lives for the better.

n O s ’ t Wha In August

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

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August The Hitchin Thursday Club 9.30am-12 noon St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin A friendly group which meets every Thursday morning for recreational painting, drawing, etc.. The group is very easy going in its attitude to art - only doing your own thing. Still Life and raffle every month. No qualifications required - just come along with your drawing gear and you’ll receive a very warm welcome. Tel: Pauline 01767 315553 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Stevenage Plus Social Group 8.15pm for 8.30pm Holiday Inn Express (opposite Matalan), Stevenage £2 - first night free Stevenage Plus Social Group is a fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas. We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as day trips and weekends away. New members always welcome. Tel: 01438 231550. Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin A small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above, offering a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along with no joining fee for the first two months. Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Springfield House (the home of the Old Stevenage Community Centre) To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 3 August The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. See website for full information. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 5, 12 & 19 August Stevenage New Pathways 1-4pm Friends Meeting House Cuttys Lane, Stevenage £2 inc. hot drink & biscuits A friendly place to meet and talk over issues in a positive way. Maybe go for walks, bring in speakers, form a craft group. Email: katiewilsonmind@gmail.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 August Hare & Hounds Hash House Harriers 7.30pm H5 are a social running and walking club for mixed abilities, meeting every week in the Bedfordshire area. The trail is set by our hare from a local pub and typically lasts 1 hour covering between 3 and 4 miles. Family and dog friendly. Full details of the trails can be found online or via email. Email: info@h5hashers.org.uk Web: www.H5hashers.org.uk

5, 12, 19 & 26 August Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 August Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club. Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 8 August The Arts Society North Herts Talk 11am-12.15pm Letchworth Broadway Cinema, Eastcheap, Letchworth £7 on the door Talk by Neil Faulkner on the Dead Sea Scrolls - an introduction to Palestine in the time of Christ. All welcome. Email: theartssociety.nh@gmail.com Web: www.theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 13 & 27 August Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Social club for retired and semi-retired professional and business men which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month for lunch. Organised visits and events throughout the year. New members welcome. Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com

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n O s ’ t Wha In August

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

14 August Hitchin Flower Club 7 for 7.30pm Church House, Church Yard, Hitchin Visitors £6.50. ‘Summer Breeze’ a Flower Arranging Demonstration by Vikki Traherne. Tel: Michelle 01462 637874 Facebook: Hitchin Flower Club-NAFAS 17 August Join the Dots Forest School Great Wymondley Village, near Hitchin Sessions every third Saturday of the month for children 2+ years, with additional dates in school holidays. Come and join our fun filled sessions involving games, den building, flora and fauna identification and much more. 2-5 years, 10.30am-12.30pm £16, siblings £12. 6-11 years, 1.15-4pm £20, siblings £18. Everyone welcome. Email: alison@jointhedotsforestschool.co.uk www.jointhedotsforestschool.co.uk 25 August RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group Trip 9.30am Reserve entry charges may apply Own transport trip to College Lake BBOWT (am) and the Tring Reservoirs (pm). A day out in the Chilterns, looking for resident and migrating birds and other wildlife in this attractive part of the world. Meet at College Lake car park (O/S 165, SP 935 139). Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com Until 29 August* Victorian S.T.E.A.M. - Children’s Activity Days 10am & 1pm The British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £5 per child. * Every Wednesday and Thursday. Come and celebrate the Victorian age of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics). Marvel at Victorian ingenuity, creativity and eccentricity, then take your fun creations home with you! Suitable for ages 4-11. Booking highly recommended. Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

30 August Hitchin Book Club 5pm Orange tree, Hitchin Admission £2.50 A friendly group who meets the last Friday of each month. No pressure to read books just turn up for a drink and chat. Web: https://hitchinbookclub.simdif.com or https://www.meetup.com/Hitchin-BookClub/ 31 August Hitchin Children’s Book Festival 10am-2pm The British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £6. Stories will come to life, as some of the best-loved children’s authors and illustrators read from, and talk about, their fabulous books. Join Harriet Muncaster and Fabi Santiago for a morning celebrating their children’s books. Book in advance. Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 17 & 24 September Parent Career Coaching Workshop 10-11.30am Symonds Green Community Centre, Stevenage £12.50 per session. Four Tuesday sessions with Jessica Cox, accredited career coach and recruitment professional, who will help you if you are a parent returning to work, looking for a new job or considering a career change. You will gain the tools to get you noticed, write a CV that stands out and much more. To book please call or visit the website. Tel: Jessica Cox 07388 537435 Web: https://peakperformancehr.co.uk/ contact/ Until 24 November The British Schools Museum 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults £5.50, Children 5-17 £3, Under 5s free The British Schools Museum re-opens for public visits. Normally open on Fridays 10am–4pm, Saturdays 10am–4pm and

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Sundays 2pm–5pm but please check the website for details of temporary changes to regular opening hours and of special activities and extra opening times during school holidays. Last entry time for the museum is 30 minutes before closing time. Discounts available for family groups. On the first Sunday of each month you can enjoy a Victorian lesson at no extra charge. Lessons start at 2.30 and 3.30pm - don’t be late! These sessions are very popular and advance booking is recommended. Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Until 15 December* First Threads: Preparing girls for life? Fri & Sat 10am & 4pm, Sun 2-5pm The British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin A new British Schools’ Museum Exhibition on girls’ early education featuring needlework samplers and the stories of the girls who sewed them. * Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Hitchin & Surrounding Areas Fun & Social Stuff A welcoming social group based in Hitchin, but, also includes the surrounding areas. We arrange monthly socials, drinks socials, live music, pub quizzes, cinema, etc.. The group is a variety of people over 18 getting to know others in a social and friendly setting. Email: meetup3@outlook.com Web: https://www.meetup.com/meetupgroup-HVrvZZiQ Hitchin Bridge Club Hitchin Bridge Club plays duplicate bridge several times each week. All levels of experience welcomed, hosts are available at some sessions for players without a partner. Workshops each month on topics for improving players. Beginners courses are run every year starting in October. Tel: Margaret 01462 623447 Email: mee.hitchin@ntlworld.com Web: hitchinbridgeclub.org.uk

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Crossword Solution for The Villager July Edition Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner - Mr T Bolton from Alconbury Bickerdikes Competition Winner - Mrs Jean Charter from Biggleswade

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Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan

Little Darlings by Melanie Golding

The Perfect Wife by JP Delaney

Vegan One Pound Meals by Miguel Barclay

Cleaning the Gold by Karin Slaughter and Lee Child

Lauren is convinced someone is planning to abduct her newborn twins, so when they go missing it seems her fears were justified. But when the twins are found, Lauren is convinced they’re not hers. Have they been swapped for changelings like she believes, or is Lauren suffering from post-partum psychosis? Is she the only one who can save the babies, or is she the one who’s putting them in danger? A chilling page-turner that keeps you guessing.

This book proves that vegan food can be as delicious, easy and inexpensive as it is healthy. There are twists on classic dishes, such as ‘artichoke paella’, ‘cashew pesto pasta’ and ‘tomato tarte tatin’, along with plenty of original dishes, such as ‘kimchi tacos’ and ‘sticky aubergine bao’. Most only use a handful of ingredients and all work out at around £1 per portion. Recipes are easy to follow and each is accompanied by a mouth-watering image.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Looking for a quick read? This collaboration between bestselling writers Karin Slaughter and Lee Child is just 80 pages long. It brings together two of their best-known characters – Jack Reacher and Will Trent. Will is undercover investigating Jack when they realise there are bigger fish to fry. A perfect slice of fast-paced action to enjoy while you’re waiting for your flight.

The Farm by Joanne Ramos

If you haven’t yet read the biography of Lale Sokolov, summer could be the perfect time as you’ll want the time to digest this book in peace. Lale was imprisoned in Auschwitz from 1942 and put to work tattooing the other prisoners. During his time at Auschwitz, Lale witnessed both the brutality of the human race, and its appetite for kindness, self-sacrifice and hope. While The Tattooist of Auschwitz is at times harrowing, it is also a love story. A must-read.

Abbie wakes in a hospital bed to discover everything she thinks she knows to be true is wrong. She’s an AI who’s been created by her tech genius husband using memories of the real Abbie, who died five years before. As she struggles to come to terms with her life, Abbie starts to question everything she’s been told. But when she has no rights, who can she trust? Suspense, twists and moral quandaries abound in this skilful thriller.

Golden Oaks farm doesn’t grow tomatoes, wheat or potatoes. It grows babies. The surrogate mothers (Hosts) are paid to incubate their rich clients’ embryos. While at Golden Oaks, they have to adhere to strict rules, from giving up their phones to following a diet. The Farm is told from the viewpoint of four women: Jane and Reagan are two of the hosts, while Mae is the brains behind the lucrative business. Ate is Jane’s cousin. The Farm is thoughtprovoking and topical, and a fantastic page-turner.

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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 61

Classifieds Appliance & Electrical Repairs

Wheelie Bin Cleaning Scrubbish ad Feb 2018.pdf

23/02/2018

16:31

Appliance and Electrical Repairs All makes of washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, hobs and hoods repaired, serviced and sold. No call out charges on accepted quotes Member of DASA 30 years 35 years local work experience Used as expert on BBC Watchdog

Prices from ÂŁ3.99 per bin, cleaned every 4 weeks

G.J. WATKINSON

01462 416565

01525 753547 or 07836 242122

To book visit our website

www.scrubbish.co.uk or call our office on

Property Improvement

Dave Mortby Plastering, Decorating & Refurbishment

Free Estimates Given

07722 128189

Email: David.mortby@live.co.uk

From just ÂŁ35.00 per month plus VAT

Call Nigel on 01767 261122 for more information

Removals

MUSCLE & MOTOR

Jumbo van with up to 3 men. Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

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

Roofing

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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