Hitchin August 2022

VILLAGER The

Issue 51 - August 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Mesmerising Morocco Time to Re-Mortgage?

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Inside this issue...

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!.....................................................30 National Allotments Week.............................................33 Happy Campers..............................................................34 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On in August.......................................................38 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................42

Stand Up for Fun

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Book Review: Al Fresco Reading.....................................44 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Mesmerising Morocco......................................................4 Stand Up for Fun..............................................................8 Brewing Today: Mount Saint Bernard Abbey..................12 Seasonal Recipe: Caponata with Tomato Sauce..............15 Water Works...................................................................16 What is Value-For-Money in Clothing?...........................21 Time to Re-Mortgage?...................................................22 Fortune Financial Planning............................................24 There’s More to Gardens than Plants..............................27 Green Fingers.................................................................28

National Allotments Week

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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 - Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Tom Hancock, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Caroline Knight, Alan Titchmarsh, RSPCA and Kate Duggan

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

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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Travel

By Solange Hando

Mesmerising Morocco Mazes of medinas, saffron-scented souks, sweeping deserts and epic mountain ranges: Morocco is a country of dizzying diversity. The landscapes here spell adventure and the cities are easily some of the most exciting in Africa.

It’s not called the ‘Gateway to Africa’ for nothing.

Just a mere three-hour flight away from London, a trip to Morocco is the perfect introduction to this mammoth continent, with a tantalising blend of adventure, culture and plenty of sunshine. There’s heaps to explore, so we’ve gathered together the most unmissable experiences to tick off while you’re there.

Lose yourself in Marrakech’s medinas Marrakech is a city that sweeps everyone off their feet. Love it or hate it, it’s an assault on your senses, filled with enough sounds, sights and smells to keep

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you mesmerised for days. Trace intricate tilework, admire Islamic architecture, get lost amidst the city’s maze of power-pink medinas and stop for some retail therapy in Djemaa El Fna square – where shopping, street food and culture collide.

Then there’s the souks: if you’re a sucker for exotic treasures and a bargain, you’ll be happy to hear that Marrakech is one of the best shopping destinations in the world! Soft leather bags, beautiful carpets, colourful spices and a whole host of North African flavours to try: a trip to Marrakech’s markets warrants plenty of extra room in your suitcase – and your stomach!

Spend some time in the Sahara Imagine falling asleep beneath a glittering tapestry of stars in the world’s largest desert. Sounds like paradise, right? That’s because few places on Earth

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compare to the Sahara, a sprawling expanse of vast plains and sun-baked dunes that occupy nearly all of North Africa.

You can experience the magic of the desert yourself in the south and east of Morocco, with heaps of tours departing from all of Morocco’s major cities. From camel trekking and quad-biking trips to sandboarding and immersive desert camping experiences, there’s something here for every type of traveller.

Visit the blue city of Chefchaouen Nestled in the heart of the Rif mountain range, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed buildings easily make it the prettiest and most photographed city in Morocco. The reasons behind the blue aren’t entirely clear: some say the walls were painted blue by the Jews who settled there after World War II, while others swear they were painted this way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Put your camera to good use in the narrow, winding streets of the old medina, and browse the souks for traditional Moroccan trinkets and treasures. The city has become a big hit with backpackers in recent years thanks to its artsy bohemian scene, but it’s still managed to maintain a healthy balance between ease and authenticity. To top it off, Chefchaouen’s close proximity to the Rif mountains also gives you access to beautiful hiking trails, whenever you need them.

Relax by the beach Boasting 2,500km of coastline, Morocco offers its fair share of blissful beaches too, but the most popular are found in the resort of Agadir in the south. This bustling city is framed by a beautiful stretch of sand, and is also a popular spot for golfers.

Known as the ‘Wind City of Africa’, Essaouira is another popular choice, particularly amongst windsurfers and kitesurfers looking to make the most of the port city’s gusty coastal winds. While the sands here are pleasant, Essaouira is more than just a beach resort. Despite a rise in tourism, the city’s culture and character have remained intact.

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Navigate the medina, admire the art galleries and watch the locals working on the electric-blue fishing boats that line the waterfront.

Trek the Atlas Mountains Hiking a portion of North Africa’s highest mountain range is an experience not to be missed. The High Atlas runs diagonally across Morocco for almost 1,000km, spanning arid desert landscapes, snowcapped peaks and lush green valleys. The range is also home to Morocco’s nomadic Berber population, who have an indigenous history dating back to at least 10,000 BC. With an elevation of 4,167m, Toubkal in southwestern Morocco is the range’s highest peak and is well worth the three-day climb for the views alone.

If you fancy something a little easier, don’t fear – there are scenic trails to suit every fitness level. The best time to visit is from spring through to autumn, although some may find it too hot to comfortably tackle the long-distance routes.

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Special Report

Stand Up for Fun

Try stand up paddleboarding this summer I fell in love with Stand Up Paddleboarding (or SUP) last summer when the local marina offered SUP lessons. Before the end of the first lesson, I was hooked. SUP involves standing on a board while using a paddle to manoeuvre your way through the water. It’s a super-fun way to explore local waterways and get some fresh air and exercise.

SUP is not difficult. We learned the basics in a day. There are more challenging forms of SUP, like SUP surfing and long-distance SUP touring, but recreational paddleboarding is pretty easy.

Paddle boards come in a range of different shapes, lengths, widths, and sizes. The most common paddle board size is about 3.3m long and between 75cm-90cm wide. They are much bigger than your average surfboard! Beginners are best to look for an All-Around board...which is built for all water types, balancing speed, stability, and tracking.

Inflatable paddle boards (or iSUPs) can be stored in a small space and easily transported then inflated when you’re ready to use them. Inflateable SUPs also float higher in the water, which is ideal for activities like SUP yoga (a real thing), and they are very durable Hard SUPs are made of an EPS foam core wrapped in materials like epoxy, fibreglass, wood, carbon fibre, or plastic. They tend to be slightly faster than inflatable SUPs, so perform better for SUP surfing.

But they are harder to store and transport because they’re so big.

By Tom Hancock 8

Extra equipment SUP Paddle - about 20-25cm taller than you are.

Paddle Leash - so your paddle can’t float away if you drop it or fall in.

SUP Leash - so your board can’t float away if you fall in!

PFD (Personal Flotation Device) - Safety first Flashlight and Safety Whistle - If you plan to paddle in the dark.

Shoes - neoprene shoes will keep your feet warm in cooler weather and won’t damage the board. I prefer bare feet.

Dry Bag - take a towel and a phone at the minimum.

Walk into the water to knee-deep, set the board on to the water’s surface. Place your paddle across your board, climb on and kneel on the board. Practice paddling on your knees until you feel comfortable.

Move one foot at a time and place your feet in the place where your knees have been resting. Slowly rise from a squat, with your heels flat, and slide your hands onto your paddle. Engage your core for stability. As soon as you stand up, make your first stroke with your paddle. This will help you build momentum and in turn, remain steadier. Stand with your feet parallel, hip-width apart, toes facing forward, and knees slightly bent. Wider boards are easier for a beginner to balance on.

It’s possible to teach yourself the basics but it’s more fun to take a class with other beginners. There will almost certainly be one near you this summer. So, join the craze and get paddling. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

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Food & Drink

Brewing Today: Mount Saint Bernard Abbey

A monastery can be a single building or, indeed, a collection of buildings that have living quarters and also places to work, for monks or nuns and usually a place for prayer – possibly a chapel or church, for example.

Self-sufficient monasteries can include a school, plus agricultural aspects, manufacturing facilities, plus other activities and pursuits, too. Mount Saint Bernard Abbey is located near Coalville, Leicestershire. This Roman Catholic Trappist monastery was established during 1835. The Abbey Church is dedicated to the Greater Glory of God and recorded as being in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Bernard.

Mount Saint Bernard Abbey offers many interesting features for visitors, from both the UK and worldwide origins, throughout the year. The Abbey Shop has numerous, most appealing items and products for sale, including a good number of books, with some authored by the monks. Cards, gifts, pictures, pottery and honey (from their own apiary), are all available and more, such as rosaries, chants and music – perhaps something for a special present?

Award-winning TYNT MEADOW ENGLISH TRAPPIST ALE (7.4% vol) is a very popular production, by Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. During 2017/18 space was created for a new brewery, with the production of the beer being carried out by the monks. The labelling for the bottled beer bows to and honours a 12th century Cistercian script, created by Brother Anselm Baker, who was an early monk of the community and an artist of note. The name ‘Tynt Meadow’ reflects and respects connections with the land and monastic life here for nearly 200 years. This full-bodied beer is fermented twice and utilises English barley and hops, plus an English strain of yeast, all to great advantage.

The deepish- brown colour has a reddened hue and entices to the gentle aroma, evoking thoughts of dark fruits. I found the beer to be well-balanced, having overtones of chocolate. The very pleasurable mouthfeel continues on, to the palate’s delight, for a memorable finish.

For more details, including Tynt Meadow ale stockists, the excellent website has all information.

Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, Oaks Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 5UL Tel: +44 (0) 1530 832298/832022.

E-mail: monks@mountsaintbernard.org E-mail: shop@mountsaintbernard.org E-mail: brewery@mountsaintbernard.org www.mountsaintbernard.org www.mountsaintbernardshop.org ways, Enjoy!

As al

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ey Trevor Langl

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Seasonal Recipe

Caponata with Tomato Sauce

Want to keep that summer feeling after your holiday? Try our delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipe.

Caponata - Caponata is a Sicilian dish consisting of chopped fried aubergine and other vegetables, seasoned with olive oil, tomato sauce, celery, olives, and capers. Delicious served hot or cold, it is the ideal dish for making ahead.

Ingredients 2 medium aubergines, cut into 3cm pieces 3 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 1 onion, chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 1cm pieces 4 celery stalks, cut into 1cm pieces 100ml white wine or red wine vinegar 1 tbsp tomato puree 2 tbsp capers, rinsed 10 green pitted olives 2 tbsp sugar 30g pine nuts Tomato sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 anchovy 1 tsp garlic, chopped 800g passata Salt and pepper

Serves 4 as a main dish (8 as a side) 1. Heat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas mark 6.

Place the aubergine pieces on 2 large baking trays.

Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and season. Bake for 20 minutes until just turning golden.

2. Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan (large enough to also hold the aubergine). Add the anchovy and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the passata and season, then simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

3. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion, pepper and celery for 5 minutes to soften. Tip the onion mixture into the tomato sauce with the remaining ingredients and the aubergine. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes.

4. Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition per serving: 336kcal, fat 23g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 25g (of which sugars 21g), protein 5.4g

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Special Report

Water Works The human body is made up primarily of water. Around 85% of the brain, 80% of blood and 70% of muscle is water. This is why maintaining our hydration levels is so important. During a single day, an average person loses around 2 - 4 litres of water through: urination 50%; sweating 34% and breathing 14% and this needs to be replenished. Most of us do not drink enough water…which includes tea, coffee, and squash. Water flushes toxins from our body, cushions and lubricates our joints and carries oxygen and nutrients into our cells. Water also helps regulate our body temperature and assists digestion. With insufficient water our bodies start to dehydrate.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include: • Reduced alertness • Reduced concentration • Slower reaction times • Tiredness • Headaches • Feelings of nausea • Low blood pressure • Constipation • Dry skin Dehydration even makes it harder to lose weight. Without enough water our bodies can’t metabolise the fat stored in cells as effectively, so the fat remains in the body. And water is also a natural appetite suppressant so drinking plenty of water keeps us feeling full and less likely to eat.

So as the title says, water works!

By Louise Addison

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House of Colour

What is value for money in clothing?

What is a wise purchase these days when we’re considering our budgets? Often our fashion choices are a multitude of trade offs and ‘that’ll do’. This path can lead us to a wardrobe which doesn’t get worn and is therefore really no value to us. The adage that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time highlights the issue. Buying cheaply is no guarantee of better value when we consider the number of wears we can get out of items, nor is necessarily buying more expensively but there are some tenets to consider which improves the value from our wardrobe: • Only buy an item on sale if you would have bought it at full price. It’s so easy to get swept away by the discount but once that thrill is over, are you actually going to wear it? It’s not a bargain if it sits unworn in your wardrobe.

• Consider when, with your current lifestyle, are you going to wear that item. It sounds like a really simple piece of advice but again it’s easy to get side-tracked and interested in wonderful sparkly number but how often are you going to wear it?

You might already have enough in that part of our wardrobe to cover those occasions. Often a new accessory can actually make older items in our wardrobe look instantly updated, so they can be a better choice.

• You might consider renting items for occasion wear dressing. This is often an area which requires more budget but gets the least wear. With the growing rental options available this could be a better choice.

• Are you buying quality or are you buying branding?

Quality can be found in your local charity shop or boutique but the brand name isn’t always a great guide to quality. Check the seams and how well finished they are. Look at zips and fastenings to make sure they work and are secure.

• Natural fibres – they last better and feel better.

When you consider how most of our synthetic fibres are versions of plastic and contribute to the microplastics in our oceans and food chain it makes sense to consider whether they’re our best choice.

• Comfort – as I mentioned natural fibres often feel better, keep us cooler in summer, and warmer in

winter. Beyond the material mix do ensure that whatever you’re buying is comfortable when you first try it on. There is no substitute for trying an item on and I would never recommend anyone to buy without trying on. Move around in it and make sure it’s not pulling, and that it sits well.

Apparently, we wear an uncomfortable item three times at most before that’s the end of it. Can we afford to be that wasteful?

• Make six outfits with any new item you buy. We need our clothing to work hard for us so put it together with other clothes as soon as you can.

If it doesn’t work consider whether the colour or style is right for you and whether it should stay in your wardrobe.

The best way to avoid a wardrobe you don’t wear?

Understand from a professional what suits you.

Know what colours and styles suit you so you’re not wasting money on clothes that you don’t end up wearing. That’s the best investment.

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

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Finance

Time to remortgage?

When a cost goes up tenfold in six months, it’s never good news. The Bank of England base rate that influences most mortgages is only moving in one direction, but what does it mean for homeowners?

The Bank of England base rate has gone up four times since December, taking it from 0.1% to 1%. While that technically affects the cost for banks to borrow from the Bank of England and each other, the base rate is also a key component in how much banks charge for mortgages.

How does that affect me?

To sum up the effects: ‘tracker’ mortgage rates will increase automatically after a base rate rise. Variable rate mortgages are at the bank’s discretion but usually change in line with the base rate. While fixed rate mortgages remain unchanged, the base rate will affect the deals on offer for people looking to remortgage.

Should I fix now?

Unless you think the base rate is going to fall significantly in coming years – and there’s still not much room for any decrease – remortgaging may well save you cash and give you peace of mind.

Don’t forget to take into account any fees, such as an exit fee for ending your current mortgage or an early repayment charge, if you want to leave before a fixed-rate period is up. The latter means you need to time things carefully to minimise overall costs.

Working out the best deal and weighing up these

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charges can be complicated, so it’s worth considering using a mortgage broker, particularly if you have nonstandard circumstances such as being self-employed or having a patchy credit history.

If you’ve still got several years left in a fixed deal, it’s unlikely remortgaging is going to save you money right now. Congratulate yourself on your foresight and/or luck and make a note in your calendar to start planning your next move when you have six months or so left to go.

If you are on a variable deal right now, the base rate rises should be a reminder to take another look at fixing. To put things in context, if you’re on a tracker or variable deal with more than £133,333 left to repay, the base rate rises since December are already costing you £100 more each month. And remember that none of that extra money is paying off the loan itself.

Every cloud…

The good news for all homeowners looking to remortgage is that you’re now a safer bet for lenders than when you first bought. That’s because the amount you still owe (and would need to borrow to remortgage) has fallen while, in most cases, the value of your home has increased. That dramatically reduces the risk for the lender that they’d be unable to recoup their money if they had to repossess and sell your home. There’s no guarantee, but that could mean you can secure a more favourable rate.

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

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

Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions.

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

Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year.

Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected.

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

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

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Business Review

Financial Times Top Mortgage Advisers come to Hitchin Town Centre, Bridge Street It was a proud and exciting time for Hitchin’s mortgage broker Fortune Financial last month, as they opened their new shop in town on the iconic Bridge Street near the Hitchin Priory.

It’s been a long-term dream of the company to become part of the Hitchin BID and establish themselves as one of the independent businesses in the beautiful town of Hitchin. In June they opened an inviting shop, offering customers the

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ability to secure mortgage appointments at their convenience 7 days a week, both day and evening.

They even take walk ins!

Earlier this year, Fortune Financial were recognised in the Financial Times for being voted a Top Mortgage Adviser, which was acknowledged through client feedback.

Fortune Financial have been established on the outskirts of Hitchin for over 10 years, offering mortgage advice and services to residents and buy to let investors. Their advice is professional, whilst having a modern spin on financial services.

The team is built on characters, as they want all clients to feel welcome anytime whether that be for a quick hello, to grab a drink or a structured mortgage appointment.

Why would you not?

They are currently offering to waive their standard £499 broker fee for all new residents of Hitchin and the surrounding area. Not only that, but they’ll also guarantee to get you the best mortgage product for your circumstances, from their large panel of lenders. This includes high

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street banks and building societies, plus specialist lenders. Not forgetting exclusive mortgage products!

Every mortgage completion, they do their bit for the environment by planting a tree, as a thank you. This lowers CO2 emissions and enables them to give back.

Why arrange your mortgage through Fortune Financial?

Whether you are a First Time Buyer or Home Mover, we can offer professional advice to ensure you are securing the most appropriate mortgage product. Every mortgage lender has unique lending criteria, so Fortune Financial will ensure you meet their requirements and obtain your new mortgage offer without delays. If you are an existing mortgage customer, we may be able to obtain you a product with your existing lender that they can’t offer direct, plus we have access to 1000’s of new rates which we can tailor to your needs. Their aim is to put you in a position to make an informed decision.

Kids corner!!!

They understand that convenience matters.

You can arrange an appointment via telephone, Zoom or face to face at the Bridge Street shop

and you’re even encouraged to bring along your children and let them enjoy our range of toys or even draw or colour a picture which can be pinned on their display wall, while you receive your advice over a tea, coffee or iced cold beer.

Their kids’ corner is fun and relaxing, children simply don’t want to leave.

Our services Fortune Financial offer many financial services, from Residential and Buy to Let Mortgages, Insurances such as Life cover, Critical Illness cover, Income Protection & Home Insurance, plus they can assist with writing your Will.

Why speak to the team?

Director and Mortgage Specialist Mark Seddon says, ‘It’s an important time to secure a mortgage product that works for you and your families’ circumstances. With the cost of living on the increase, its paramount people prevent their monthly mortgage payments becoming too high that they can’t meet your commitments. We can certainly help by being proactive and assessing circumstances. If your mortgage product is coming to an end, I’d advise speaking with us as early as 7 months prior. Rates are on the rise, so securing a rate now might be the key to missing out’.

Please contact the team on: T: 01462 510400 E: hitchin@fortunefinancial.co.uk W: www.fortunefinancial.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Gardening

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

There’s more to gardens than plants There’s more to gardens than plants Plants are the linchpin of a garden, the lifeblood of a space, lending movement, atmosphere, colour and soul. They provide calm energy and an essence of spirit, making a garden pulse with life, including the society of tiny creatures that coexist with vegetation and flora.

But there is more to a garden than these essential, addictive growing forces of nature. It hinges around design and layout. It’s all about interest. If you can see everything at a glance, then your space could be improved. The eye likes to be led from one thing to another and a sense of intrigue is always a positive thing.

Every garden can provide a desire to explore. A change in levels always helps, so a flat space might benefit from a step up to a patio or a step down to a seating area. It provides somewhere to ‘go’ and a reason to move throughout the space. If the garden has potential for a circulation route, provide one.

A different entry and exit point will enable you to travel around the garden rather than stepping in and out via the same route.

Then there is the illusion of blurring the boundaries.

Nobody needs to feel confined by fences or walls.

Those fences can be partially, if not wholly, hidden.

Use climbing plants that are suitable for the aspect and the height that you need. There are clematis for north-facing sites as well as sunnier situations.

Climbing roses can be secured to steel planting wires

or trellises, or choose something that is self-clinging such as Hydrangea petiolaris or a beautiful ivy with variegated leaves. Did you know that our native ivy, Hedera helix, is hugely beneficial to wildlife, supporting at least 50 different species?

The value of adornments Sculpture, mirrors, ornamental pieces and trinkets can look wonderful… or not. Placement is key.

Smaller items need to be partially hidden so that they seem to be part of the garden landscape, rather than appearing to have dropped out of the sky. Any number of statues can be placed amongst planting so that you barely know it is there. You might glimpse a beady eye when you’re admiring the geums or catch a flash of light from a mirror concealed within ivy.

Introduce water, seating and shade Water adds a further dimension and even a tiny bowl can enhance the quality of any garden because it is a world in itself. Ponds can help to improve mental health in addition to lowering blood pressure.

Don’t forget to provide somewhere to rest, in which to feel safe and relaxed. Give yourself a protective screen and something to lean against. In an overlooked space where prying eyes seem to be watching you, consider a canopy, sunshade, pergola or tall shrub.

Think of a garden boundary as the room, the hard landscaping as furniture and plants as the beautiful, soft interior furnishings that give the wow factor.

Enjoy yours this summer!

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Gardening

GreenFingers The Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about the most common mistakes we make in our gardens.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to our gardens, so with that in mind here are my top six gardening mistakes… and how to avoid them!

Firstly, you can have too much of a good thing! Less is more when it comes to good gardening, and if you cram too much together it’ll look a mess, or worse still, will die!

Another big error is over- and under-watering. Be regimented over your watering routine and adjust it depending on rainfall to ensure your garden is nicely hydrated at all times.

Next, always ensure what you’re pulling up are weeds and not slow-developing flowers, and on the same subject, give your plants a chance by ensuring the soil they’re in is in good condition.

You should also steer clear of what I call ‘the bullies’ – think Japanese knotweed and Russian vine – and the same goes for our animal friends. Sure, we may like to see a hedgehog, bird life, even the odd fox, but the best gardens are those that manage to protect the food supply present!

Remember, no two gardens are the same, in much the same way that no two gardeners are the same, and you’re never going to get it right all of the time.

The most important thing is to be organised and put the effort in – if you do that, the rewards will very often follow close behind.

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THE GARDEN ROBIN Complete Garden Design & Landscape Service

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Pets

Feeling

Hot Hot Hot! Last month, we experienced soaring temperatures that reached the mid to high thirties, making the UK feel more like the Maldives or the Bahamas! August may follow suit and if it does we need to take great care of our furry friends.

Holidays and Days Out - Up to 30 million Brits are expected to holiday in the UK in 2022. So as the Great British staycation is here to stay it’s likely many of us will be taking our four-legged friends along with us. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t welcome everywhere, so we would strongly advise that you plan your outings carefully. A little forward thinking could save your dogs from heatstroke this summer.

It is a staggering statistic and possibly not a widely known one, but when it is 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach 47 degrees within one hour. A lot of people assume it’s ok to leave their dog in the car if they have parked in the shade or if they leave the windows are open. However, a car can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn’t feel that warm. It’s very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm. Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.

Travelling With Pets - Whether you are travelling with your dog for a day out or to go away on holiday, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, think about what time of day you are planning on being in the car to travel there and back. With temperatures lower before 8am and after 6pm could your travel arrangements take advantage of these cooler temperatures in order to keep your dog safe and healthy? Secondly, think about where on your route you can stop off and have a comfort break.

Not just for the driver but for your dog to get some

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fresh air, cooling water and to stretch their legs. Last, but not least, make sure you take plenty of water for your dog to drink while they are travelling and their water bowl. Many camping shops now stock portable water bowls made of silicone that can collapse and fold flat.

Pets At Home - Our advice would be to never leave animals in conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day, even if it’s just for a short while. A common cause of dogs suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion is being taken out for a walk when it is too hot. A simple test before heading out on a dog walk is feeling the pavement outside. If it is too hot for a bare hand being held for 5 seconds, it is too hot for a dog.

Top Tips for Keeping Pets Cool 1. Try using a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin.

2. Make sure they have plenty of shade.

3. Give them constant access to fresh water.

4. Put ice cubes in their water bowl.

5. Give them damp towels to lie on.

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, please contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

9th-14th August

is National Allotments Week During World War II and immediately afterwards, almost everyone with a garden grew fruit and vegetables. Food was rationed so people supplemented their diet with produce they’d grown in their own back garden, or down on their allotment.

During the 1960’s allotments began to go out of fashion and continued to decline in popularity. As a society we were more affluent; more likely to buy what produce we needed from the local supermarket, and vegetable gardening just wasn’t considered sexy!

But with food prices soaring and less produce available on the supermarket shelves, added to an increased interest in plant-based diets and locally sourced food, allotments are enjoying a popularity surge.

And the statistics in the news are scary. The number of food banks is growing exponentially as families struggle to put even the most basic provisions on the table. There are concerns about additives and pesticides on shop-bought fruit and veg, yet the cost of organic food puts it out of the reach of the most consumers.

Is it any wonder that so many of us are taking matters into our own hands, deciding to emulate our grandparents and grow our own food? But growing food requires space, and modern housing often means tiny gardens. This is where allotments come into their own.

Allotments don’t just benefit the humans who tend them. Each plot is a complex web of plants, microorganisms, fungi, insects, and animals supporting pollination and offering a refuge for wildlife. To celebrate all the lovely bugs and beasties on Britain’s allotments, this year’s National Allotments Week is encouraging gardeners to take part in a mini-beast monitoring survey. Bugs are really important to the healthy functioning of an allotments. They pollinate fruit and veg, control pests, and improve the soil.

They are nature’s vital helpers. To take part in the survey visit the website listed below.

To acquire an allotment, simply approach your council. Price and availability varies around the country and in some areas there are waiting lists. But councils across the country are taking allotments and community gardens much more seriously now, and many are actively seeking to provide new sites. If an available plot is too large for your personal needs you may be able to rent half or find a like-minded friend to share it with.

Enquire today and you and your family could soon, quite literally, be reaping the benefits!

Useful Website http://www.nsalg.org.uk/ Survey https://www.nsalg.org.uk/news-events-campaigns/national-allotments-week/

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Holidays

Happy Campers

One side effect of the pandemic was that it sparked (or in some cases rekindled) a fondness for being outdoors, and camping increased in popularity. Now, with the price of fuel and food soaring, most of us have less disposable income for the family holiday so camping is enjoying an extended renaissance. If you are trying family camping for the first time this year here are some top tips.

Start small - Don’t plan a two-week family camping holiday on the Isle of White if the closest you’ve ever come to camping before this year is enjoying breakfast on a hotel patio in Majorca.

Test the water - If it’s your family’s first foray into camping trip it’s probably best to try a couple of local excursions before embarking on a full-scale vacation, particularly if you have young children (or teens). That way if it’s a disaster it’s not too difficult to return home.

Take company - Consider going with another family. Children in a group tend to occupy each other which leaves more time for the adults to relax.

Plan for down time - Pack a couple of board games and books in case the novelty of camping wears off after a while, or the kids are tired or (heaven forbid) it rains!

Be prepared - Pack a first aid kit which includes pain and cough relief, bug spray and plasters. And don’t forget lots of kid-friendly food and snacks.

Don’t over-schedule - A camping trip is a chance to get back to basics in more ways than one. Building a campfire, bug hunting, pond dipping, or sitting on the bank of a river eating ice cream while dangling your feet in the water can all fill an afternoon and make wonderful memories.

By Louise Addison The chances are that if you camp once you’ll go back for more.

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN AUGUST 1 AUGUST

Lego Club 4-5pm Letchworth Library

£3 per child First Monday of the month. For children ages 5-12 years. Hour of creative fun with Lego. Booking essential at the library.

1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 & 29 AUGUST

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

The club plays both doubles and singles. Monthly subscription payable. Vacancies for new members (but not beginners). Please email Terry for further details.

Email: terrygriffiths50@gmail.com 1, 8, 15 & 22 AUGUST

Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

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

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 AUGUST

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

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

Tel: Valerie Williams 01462 624439 Email: mondaypainting@lalg.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 AUGUST

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

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

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

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2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 & 30 AUGUST

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 AUGUST

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

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

Entry £7.50 including guided tour, school age children £1, under 5s and carers free Last entry 2.30pm. No access from the hotel – please use LU1 4LF. Tel: 01582 721443 Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk Tickets: https://trybooking.co.uk/ BMNU

Bridge Club 1pm Howgills, South View, Letchworth

3 AUGUST

Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Shuttleworth

Guests £5 ‘Keys Don’t Float’ by Bryan Pill of the Mission Aviation Fellowship.

Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth £19.50/£17.50 online in advance (valid for 30 days).

Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 3, 9, 19 & 26 AUGUST

Concerts at Benslow 8pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

Tickets £20, under 27s free entry 3 August - Jazz Night with Paul Eshelby and Friends. 9 August - Sarah Leonard (Soprano) and Stephen Gutman (Piano). 19 August - Shirley Smart (Cello). 26 August Wihan Quartet. Pre-concert dining available for some concerts.

Web: https://benslowmusic.org 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 AUGUST

Baby Rhyme Time 10.30am-11am Baldock Library

Free - donations welcome Fun session of songs and rhymes to help your child learn language skills.

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 AUGUST

Storytime 10.30-11am Stevenage Library

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

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Open Wednesday at the Walled Garden 10.30am-4.00pm Luton Hoo Estate, Luton

4, 11, 18 & 25 AUGUST

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

We meet every Thursday for painting and drawing, etc. We are a friendly group who enjoy art and chatting.

Tel: Mike 07977 347707 4, 11, 18 & 25 AUGUST

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

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

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 4, 11, 18 & 25 AUGUST

Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin

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

Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: sapphiresocialsinglesclub. co.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 AUGUST

Storytime 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

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

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN AUGUST 5, 12, 19 & 26 AUGUST

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

Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge.

Play is informal and friendly.

Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 6 AUGUST

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

The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. See website for full information. Call on the day if information is needed.

Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 7 AUGUST

Fun Charity Quiz Night 8pm Five Bells, Henlow Village

£2.50 per person Teams of up to 6 people. Prize for the winning team and also for last place, together with spot prizes and a raffle. In aid of Garden House Hospice Care.

Tel: John 07511 631045 Email: quizzesforcharity@outlook. com 9 AUGUST

Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm Baldock Library

£3 per child Second Tuesday of the month. For children ages 5-12 years. Hour of creative fun with Lego. Booking essential at the library.

9 AUGUST

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

Meets second Monday of the month. Visitors welcome.

10 AUGUST

Hitchin Flower Club 7.30pm. Church House, next to St Mary’s Church Churchyard, Hitchin

Visitors £8. ‘No Foam! Whatever Next!’ a floral demonstration by Catherine Holness.

13 & 26 AUGUST

Sabbath Service 11am & 7pm

Stevenage Liberal Synagogue welcomes members and visitors to their sabbath services on the second Saturday and fourth Friday evening of the month.

Tel: 01438 300222 Email stevenageliberalsynagogue@ gmail.com Web: www. stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk 18 AUGUST

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

Meets third Thursday of the month.

Interesting talks, pub lunches, day trips, coffee mornings, holidays and much more. Refreshments, book exchange, raffle and quiz.

Tel: 07974 374106 27 AUGUST

Castle Comedy Doors open 7.30pm, show 8pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade

A great night out in a friendly environment with some of the UK’s finest comedians on the bill.

Web: www.castlecomedy.co.uk 28 AUGUST

Afternoon Tea 4pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

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

Tel: 01462 459446 Web: https://benslowmusic.org

1 SEPTEMBER

Sandy Astronomical Society 7pm

Zoom general meeting followed by ‘Listening to Einstein’s Universe: the Exciting Dawn of Gravitational-Wave Astronomy’ by Prof Martin Hendry.

Email: info@sandyastro.co.uk Web: sandyastro.co.uk 4 SEPTEMBER

Red Kite Concerts 2022 5-6pm St. John’s Church, Cockayne Hatley

Tickets £15, under 18s free. The Flautadors Recorder Consort, performing on beautiful Renaissance instruments. Tickets available online or on the door.

Web: www.redkiteconcerts.com UNTIL 2 OCTOBER

Body & Soul Exhibition The Higgins, Bedford

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

Web: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk EVERY WEEKDAY

Clifton Walking Group

Meets on weekdays at 8.30am and in the afternoon for an hour. A friendly bunch of people of various ages and abilities. Monthly weekend walk of 6-8 miles. Group meets for coffee once a month and holds other social events.

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

Annual membership £10 per household.

Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and much, much more. New groups are starting all the time. Online talks every month.

Non-members can try activities before joining.

Web: lalg.org.uk

The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesday 10th August.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.net To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Shire Roofing

Quality above all

Family Run Roof Design and Costing • Slate and Tiled Roofing • Specialist Lead Roofing Installations Mineral Felt & GRP Roofing • Maintenance and Repairs • Property Maintenance

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07778 634900 or email: russ@shireroofing.com 40

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our July Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Jocelyn Rowe, Old Stevenage

July’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Complete the crossword and fill in your details below, before

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

Across 1 Deprive of food (6) 4 Scribble (6) 9 Complicated (7) 10 Meal of raw vegetables (5) 11 Additional (5) 12 Exactly alike (7) 13 Meeting (11) 18 Down-payment (7) 20 End of day (5) 22 Type of oil (5) 23 Result (7) 24 Process (6) 25 Holds firmly (6) Down 1 Private (6) 2 Allow to enter (5) 3 Krakatoa (7) 5 Beginning (5) 6 Sea mammal (7) 7 Not youngest (6) 8 Test (11) 14 Young dogs (7) 15 Hideous beast (7) 16 Fools (6) 17 Speaks (6) 19 Kind of turnip (5) 21 Increases in size (5)

Name:

Address:

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

Tel:

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Books

Al fresco reading The Change Kirsten Miller Jo, Nessa and Harriet find themselves at the age where society has all but dismissed them. But along with the hot flushes comes an awakening of power. Nessa is called to by murdered girls. Jo is learning to channel her rage into superstrength. And Harriet has ways of punishing those who need to be punished. Together, the women need to stop a murderer – for good. A brilliant, character-driven novel that will keep you reading long after the sun has turned in for the night.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone Benjamin Stevenson Ernest is at a family reunion.

Tensions are high, as a few years previously Ernest’s conviction put his brother in jail. Now a serial killer is on the loose and Ernest believes it’s one of his family members. But who? Part classic whodunnit, part dark comedy, fully original, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is a whole lot of fun.

Worn: A People’s History of Clothing Sofi Thanhauser Worn offers us a thoughtprovoking look at clothing fabrics – wool, linen, cotton, silk and synthetics. It explores the history of each fabric, how they’re produced today, and what that means for the people who grow and make them, and for the environment. While the focus is on the USA, Worn is nevertheless well worth a read. Much of it is quite disheartening, but there are glimmers of hope for a more sustainable clothing industry.

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By Kate Duggan

The Women Could Fly Megan Giddings In Josephine’s world, witchcraft trials never went away and Josephine’s family background means she’s under extra scrutiny. At 28, she’s nearing the age where she needs to be married. The alternative is lifelong monitoring by the state.

Neither appeal. Plus, Josephine’s mother vanished years ago, and left a rather unusual request in her will, which Josephine now needs to see through.

Silverview John le Carré John le Carré’s final book was published posthumously, with the help of his son. It’s everything you’d expect from the master of spy fiction, and more. The story centres on Julian, who’s moved to the English countryside for a quieter life, Edward, who seems to know an awful lot about Julian’s background, and Proctor, a British spy trying to uncover the source of a leak. Fast-paced, tightly plotted and intriguing, this short book is a worthy contender for your list of holiday reads.

Charred Genevieve Taylor Whether you’re a fully fledged vegetarian or just want to expand your barbecue repertoire, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in Charred. As the subtitle explains, Charred aims to be ‘the complete guide to vegetarian grilling and BBQ’, so you’ll find everything from veggie kebabs to Miso Grilled Aubergine or Smoked Mushrooms With Sherry & Garlic Cream. Simple to follow, with mouth-watering photos, this could quickly become your go-to summer cookbook.

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Plumbing

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

Please call Gary on

07530 728091 Wheelie Bin Cleaning

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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 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue............. 01438 729041 Carers Line......................................... 0808 808 7777 ChildLine................................................... 0800 1111 Citizens Advice................................... 0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers...................................... 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care.................... 0333 252 9152

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.

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