VILLAGER The
Issue 43 - Dec 2021
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue Style a
Festive Table Island Breaks for
Winter Sun
Win £100 in our Christmas Prize Crossword
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Inside this issue... Wood Green: Here for every little star this Christmas.....28 Sprouts, Stockings and Tinsel.........................................31 Island Breaks for Winter Sun..........................................32 The Car Industy’s Most Eco-friendly Advancements........34 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On in December..................................................38 Fun Quiz.........................................................................40 £100 Christmas Prize Crossword.....................................42 Books to Gift..................................................................44 Useful Numbers.............................................................47
Snuggle Up
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Setting the Scene.............................................................4 The Best Beauty Advent Calendars...................................8 Partying in a Pandemic!.................................................10 What Wine? Ice Wine......................................................12 Take Part in a Penguin Parade for Marie Curie................15 Time for a Party!.............................................................16 Sale! Saving or Scam?....................................................20 Brand New Retro............................................................22 Snuggle Up....................................................................24 The Season of Giving.....to nature...................................27
Partying in a Pandemic
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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 - Katherine Sorrell, Kate Duggan, Debbie James, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Caroline Knight, Wood Green and RSPCA
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - serezniy 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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Interiors
By Katherine Sorrell
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Setting the Scene Style a festive table for delicious meals with family and friends Whether you eat turkey and all the trimmings at 2pm or prepare a nut roast in the evening, a lavish meal is often the centrepiece of Christmas Day – not to mention other get-togethers around the dining table before the day itself. What could be nicer than enjoying a festive meal with your family or closest friends – perhaps with seasonal music and scented candles in the background adding to those Christmassy vibes? Carefully setting and dressing the dining table for a Christmas meal can be as much a part of the ritual of Christmas Day as putting the turkey in the oven or opening gifts. To prevent it being a time-consuming chore it is best to plan ahead, consider how you will achieve the look you want and what key ingredients are required.
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First, decide on an overall theme. It could be something very simple and natural, in muted, neutral colours. Or a more sparkly feel with white and silver, frosting and tinsel. A classic look is always a good option, employing red, gold and deep green, perhaps with a touch of tartan, while for a modern effect you might choose pretty pastels or even bolder neons. The key is to stick to the theme pretty tightly so it all looks unified rather than thrown together. The basis of everything is, of course, the dining table. If yours is not up to scratch, this is the perfect occasion for a tablecloth, which will disguise all manner of ills, including scratches, stains and even separate tables butted together for extra space (just make sure they’re roughly the same heights). Crisp, plain white cotton or unbleached, slubby linen are
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both classics – the former with a smarter look, the latter having a laid-back, Nordic appeal. You might add a slightly more decorative effect with a lace, embroidered or scalloped trim, or opt for a full-on festive effect with an all-over Christmas pattern. Instead of a tablecloth (or perhaps as well as) you might add a slim runner along the length of the table. While fabric versions come ready-made, you can also improvise your own by arranging a narrow row of suitable decorations along the table – such as a garland of evergreen branches interspersed with pine cones and sprigs of berries, battery-operated micro lights, tea lights in little saucers, lanterns with candles, or seasonal floral displays. An alternative to a runner is an eye-catching centrepiece. A classic wreath with candles always looks great, as does a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers and foliage (think eucalyptus, berried holly, spruce, viburnum, mistletoe, roses, ivy, carnations and gypsophila), or containers with Christmas bulbs such as amaryllis, paperwhites and hyacinths. Other variations could include a grouping of lanterns or pillar candles, a pile of small, beautifully wrapped presents, a bowl full of vintage, coloured-glass baubles or a wooden Christmas ornament. If you are able to hang something above the table (perhaps from a pendant light – though beware of weight, and anything flammable) it is sure to make a dramatic impression. Ideas include a selection of greenery entwined around a slim metal frame, a scattering of origami stars made from metallic paper, a mobile made from baubles on ribbons hung from a foraged wooden bough, or a simple swirl of twinkly fairy lights. Delightful. Similar ingredients can also be used, if desired, to decorate the backs of chairs – especially useful to unify mismatching seating or if you want to make an extra statement. Wreaths, baubles, pine cones, even small wrapped gifts, can all be tied to or hung from the back of a wooden chair for a very pretty look.
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2 Place mats and napkins – chosen to co-ordinate with the overall style – are important elements and, if you like, napkins can be folded or rolled and prettified with all sorts of sweet additions, such as cinnamon sticks, candy canes, mini wrapped gifts, tiny baubles, small wooden stars, velvet ribbons or coloured twine. And then, as the final components, it’s time to add crockery, cutlery and glassware. Use your best set (or sets – layering co-ordinated crockery can be so attractive), arranged super-neatly, with all extravagance possible: bowls on top of side plates on top of dinner plates; cutlery for all the different courses; glasses for water, wine and fizz, placed just so. The result? A gorgeous, welcoming Christmas table that’s full of impact.
1 Jazz up a simple wooden table with chunky crockery, golden goblets and baubles in bowls. Grey wooden micro star, £17.99; midwinter garland, £34.99; 50 warm white LED green micro fairy lights, £12.99; set of three antique gold glass baubles, £19.99; TruGlow® LED pillar candle trio, £26.99; Lights4fun: 01423 816 040; lights4fun.co.uk. Photograph: Oliver Perrott 2 Christmas-themed, red-and-white crockery for a warm and inviting table. Red and white Fair Isle 12-piece dinner set, £20; White Christmas Wreath 12-piece dinner set, £20; both George Home at Asda: 0800 952 0101; direct.asda.com. 3 Glowing reds and golds with ornaments, gifts and baubles creates a dramatic table setting. Faux-fur stocking, £5; cable-knit throw, £15; fur-trim pillow, £10; stag ornament, £8; trio of frosted tree decorations, £8; all B&M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk.
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Beauty
The Best Beauty Advent Calendars On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a calendar packed with beauty goodies… Beauty advent calendars are hot news right now, so there are plenty to choose from. Most of our top picks just cover the twelve days running up to Christmas Day, so if you’re reading this mid-month, it’s not too late to treat a friend (or yourself)… The best for make-up lovers Benefit’s The More the Merrier, 12 Merry Days of Makeup Calendar, £58.50 from Boots Benefit’s calendar is without a doubt one of the prettiest on the market, and highlights some of the brand’s hero products. There are four mascaras, an eyeliner and two face primers, along with an eye pencil, bronzer and other goodies. The best for men 24 Grooming Essentials in Support of Macmillan Calendar, £85 from Boots My partner is seriously impressed with this calendar. There’s a good range of products from some of Boots’ most popular brands. Behind those little blue and black doors, you’ll find everything from a No.7 Men’s Protect & Perfect Intense Serum to Ted Baker body washes. Most toiletries are a generous 50ml. There’s also a pair of nail scissors, as well as tweezers and other essentials. Plus, £2 from every calendar will be donated to Macmillan to help support people with cancer. The best for blowing the budget Bobbi Brown’s 12 Day Advent Calendar, £125 from www.bobbibrown.co.uk While the price is rather eye-watering, Bobbi Brown’s first ever advent calendar is actually pretty good value for money. If you bought the products separately, they’d cost you an extra £100.
Benefit’s The More the Merrier, 12 Merry Days of Makeup Calendar, £58.50 from Boots
24 Grooming Essentials in Support of Macmillan Calendar, £85 from Boots 8
Bobbi Brown’s 12 Day Advent Calendar, £125 from www.bobbibrown.co.uk
By Kate Duggan The luxe-looking box reveals an array of Bobbi Brown’s bestsellers, including the ever-in-demand Shimmer Brick in Bronze, the Extra Lip Tint in Bare Pink, the Vitamin Enriched Face Base and the Smokey Eye Mascara. The best if you love a bargain Dove Gently Nourishing Calendar, £20 from Amazon Proving that you don’t need to splash out to make someone’s day, Dove’s new calendar includes two full-sized Dove products, plus four miniatures and six other gifts. The focus is on spa-worthy pampering, so you’ll find goodies such as Dove’s Relaxing Body Wash and Essential Nourishment Hand Cream, alongside cleansing pads, a multi-charge cable and hair bobbles. The best for tweens Disney’s Minnie Mouse 12 Days of Bath & Body, £20 from Superdrug Tween beauty queens and Disney fans alike will love this cute advent calendar. It’s full of pampering treats, including bath salts, a lip balm, body wash, body lotion and hand cream. (Plus, it’s better for their teeth than the traditional chocolate-filled calendars...) The best for personalising Can’t find anything that’s quite right? Why not create your own calendar? Individually wrap and number small gifts and pop them in a gift box or cotton shopping bag. Head to the travel toiletries aisle for gifts or look for bargain gift sets to split. You could also add non-beauty gifts, like a mini scented candle, chocolates and stationery.also add non-beauty gifts, like a mini scented candle, chocolates and stationery.
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Time of Year
Partying in a Pandemic! I love to throw a party. Every year I’d host a festive bash for our friends. Then last year COVID happened. This year I’ve been looking forwards to throwing my party again but actually the virus is still rife in the community. The kids and staff at my son’s senior school are dropping like flies, and I realised that it simply wouldn’t be sensible to gather 15-20 people I care about in a confined space. I felt a bit deflated until one of my friends asked, ‘Are you going to do your outdoor thing again? It was so much fun last year.’ I was a little taken aback, then I realised that I’d been so focussed on getting back to ‘normal’ I’d completely forgotten that amid all the darkness last year we’d actually had some great times, and one of them was my Christmas Party in the Yard. Back in 2020 when I’d realised we couldn’t host our friends in the usual way I decided to get creative. “I need to think outside the box,” I’d said to my husband…” In fact, I need to think ‘outside.’” He looked horrified, “You can’t host a Christmas party outside in the UK in December!” he said. Well, I couldn’t host a conventional party sure, but they were unconventional times. I canvassed my friends, and they were on board. We decided that we would meet up in the afternoon to go for a lovely walk, then come back and hang out on my friend’s allotment because we’d already be dressed for the weather and allotment gatherings of more than three households were actually allowed! I decided if we were going to do it, it would have to be full on magical. So, we hung outdoor fairy lights
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all-round the plot for a Winter Wonderland feel. We begged and borrowed outdoor lanterns and placed candles in jars on the table. We made garlands of pinecones, spruce clippings, eucalyptus, and ivy. My husband had the brilliant idea of tying star anise and cinnamon sticks to the garlands to make a really Christmassy smell, and he dragged out the summer gazebo We fired up BBQs, Patio heaters and a firepit and put all the garden chairs in the warmest area. And we made festive sausages with apple sauce and cranberry sauce instead of ketchup. There were mince pies and popcorn and we even roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallows. For drinks we made spiced apple cider, hot chocolate with chocolate liqueur and squirty cream and mulled wine. And there were blankets, rugs, and fleecy throws. We played music on an old battery operated CD player and laughed and talked until late. My mistake was to think of this as a poor substitute for my usual Christmas party. My friends on the other hand thought of it as something quite lovely in its own right and were keen for a repeat in 2021, only hopefully in my garden this time, with easy access to posher plumbing when nature calls! So, this year, we’re not risking an indoor party again yet, we’re going to repeat the outdoor get together, and it will be exactly what we make it, a wonderful celebration of friendship and joy, exactly as Christmas should be. By Debbie James
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Food & Drink
What Wine? IceWine
Canada, located in the northern part of North America, has English and French as two of the languages that are spoken, widely. Several other languages used include German, Spanish and Chinese. The history of Canada, plus cultures, religions, literature, music, the arts and sports bring countless visitors to Canada, year round. Canadian wines have been produced for over two hundred years and are now recognised globally, with many receiving prestigious awards at competitions and events. I searched for wines ‘beyond the norm’ – to locate productions of Icewine. Icewines are actually produced by a few countries. Canadian Icewines are high on the ‘leaderboard’ for quality and presentation, utilising fruits that have been frozen while still on the vine. The water content freezes, which allows for a more concentrated juice to develop. When the time is right for picking the fruit, the pickers have to be ‘ready for action’ at the optimum time. Canada is recognised as the largest Icewine producer, globally. Lakeview Cellars is the oldest brand incorporated within the Diamond Estates family of beverages. Established during 1991, in Vineland, Lakeview Cellars continues to produce excellent wines. Splendid full-bodied red and full-flavoured white wines, from this company, are very popular and the wine productions accompany cuisine superbly, as well as being able to be enjoyed by themselves. I found the luscious aged Icewines, produced by multi award-winning Lakeview Cellars, to be of exceptional quality and very impressive. White Vidal Icewine has the bouquet of sweet fruits and honey enticing to the grand mouthfeel. A wine that is great to pair with cuisine, wonderfully, including fruit desserts and also cheeses. Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine is another truly fabulous production. This high-quality red Icewine is richly aromatic, with strawberry and cherry notes to please the nasal senses. The mouth’s pleasures follow on to enjoy the sensation, that include raspberries and red currants. When accompanying chocolate desserts and good cheeses, this makes them all perfect. Icewines increase in popularity every year and are a great ‘talking point’, always adding interest (and intrigue) to dining tables, plus occasions and events. Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc 1067 Niagara Stone Road Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario LOS 1JO Canada www.lakeviewwinecellars.com www.diamondestates.ca
As always, Enjoy!
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ey Trevor Langl
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Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers. From the team at The Villager x
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Local News
Take part in a Penguin Parade for Marie Curie Marie Curie is calling on flipping fabulous young fundraisers to step out this festive season and take part in a penguin parade for families affected by terminal illness. The newly launched Penguin Parade will see young children go for a waddle of any distance at their nursery or primary school, to raise money and light up the festive season for local families affected by terminal illness. The cute fundraiser is fronted by Penelope the Penguin, who will make an appearance in plush toy form at nurseries and schools taking part. Peter Sara, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser in the East of England said: “We’re so excited to be launching this brand-new fundraising event and hope our young supporters enjoy stretching their legs and going for a little waddle with Penelope. “Christmas can be a difficult time for those who are bereaved, living with a terminal illness or caring for a loved one at the end of life. By taking part in the Penguin Parade, you can help us continue to be there for everyone who will need us now and in the future. “Penelope hopes to join in on all the fun, but a little birdie tells us that stocks of Penelope the Penguin are limited, so pull your flipper out, and sign up now!” The Penguin Parade is aimed at children aged 1-6 and the charity recommends taking part in small groups, such as nurseries or primary schools. Once signed up, participating nurseries and schools will get everything they need for the perfect Penguin Parade, including Penelope the Penguin a soft cuddly toy. Then all that’s left to do is raise as much as possible! For more information on Penguin Parade and to sign up visit: mariecurie.org.uk/penguin-parade or contact your local Community Fundraiser, Peter Sara: peter.sara@mariecurie.org.uk or alternatively: 07887 625 449.
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House of Colour
Time for a Party! I am writing this in the confirmed hope that we will be partying in December. Time for the gladrags to finally come out of their wardrobe and into the spotlight, the dancefloor, etc. If you’ve already been looking in the shops for evening wear you will have noticed that there is not much in the shops, the odd sparkly jumper and not much more. Understandably there has been hesitation on the part of retailers to commit to bringing out a lot and indeed online options are selling fast. So, if you are keen on something don’t hesitate as it won’t be there for long. The trends are highlighting a number of options which have been around and to some degree are perennials in the evening wear department so perhaps time to dig out what might be lurking in the absolute depths of your wardrobe. Velvet - It suits everyone! The co-ord, suit option is featuring strongly this season in lots of jewel colours with something for all the seasons. I love this option as it has real flexibility, each piece can be worn separately. The blazer will look great more casually with jeans while the trousers can be worn daytime with any number of tops including knitwear chiming in with hi-low styling (adding the smarter element to something more casual in an outfit). Velvet wide leg trousers are a great addition if you need more volume in your style and are incredibly easy to wear from casual to more formal evening looks. Sequins - Evening wear is bold this season and nothing says bold more than a few million sequins. A mainstay for evening but this season it can be found on flares in a variety of colours in addition to the camisole, and statement sleeve tops and dresses. For a more casual look add a white or cream shirt over a sequin camisole. Jewellery - A statement piece of jewellery can instantly add the evening glamour to an outfit. If it suits your clothing personality go big – crystals in all their forms are being liberally added to jewellery in all its forms. Adding a new piece of jewellery can be a relatively inexpensive way of updating your look. You might be a fan of the layered necklace look which is set to continue. For evening you’ll be adding as many glittery smaller pieces as you fancy. I think it works best if there are differing lengths to ensure each piece can be seen. It’s a great option for those who need a smaller scale look. Shoe buckles - So many elegant evening shoes feature a beautiful buckle this season. You don’t
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necessarily need to buy a new pair of shoes but add a buckle to an existing pair of court shoes. Look on etsy for lots of options. Relaxed styling For the ultimate in easy styling a feather hemmed pyjama style silk cropped trouser is a really fun option. Paired with a rib knit and jewelled heels for easy glamour. Check out Kitri. I spent a few months in Paris as a student and a friend and I used to marvel at the style and glamour of the Parisian women. When analysing this closely we noticed that they didn’t restrict in any way the number of accessories they put on. No British restraint there. It became our mantra, ‘when in doubt, put it all on’. I think we need it this season, if it sparkles, shines and dazzles put it on! Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-astylist
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Wellness Coaching is for everyone! What are your goals for the coming year?
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Finance
Sale! Saving or Scam? You might think looking at a price tag would be simple enough, but it’s not always as clear as it seems. When you see a special offer or a sales reduction, you have the right to certain information to help you make a informed decision about whether it’s good value. The main law covering sales prices is the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, which says any price promoted as a ‘sale’ or ‘special offer’ must also list the original price. Usually this should be the price charged immediately before the sale started. The seller must have charged this price for a ‘meaningful’ period, usually at least as long as the sale lasts. This means shops can’t simply put a dress on sale for £200 for one day, then sell it at £50 and bill it as being 75% off. One thing to watch out for is when the seller compares the sales price with a ‘recommended retail price’ (RRP). This is usually allowed as long as it’s clear this is the case, even when the seller concerned has never charged that price themselves. VAT INCLUDED When sellers offer goods to consumers, they must always list prices including any VAT that applies. Sellers can only list prices excluding VAT when marketing directly to businesses and even then they must make it very clear they have done so. Listed prices must always include any charge that
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is compulsory rather than an optional extra: for example, car dealers can’t add on a ‘hidden’ fee for number plates. HAGGLING With all prices, there’s no legal reason you can’t offer a lower price. You have the same rights to haggle in Harrods as you do at a car-boot sale, though not always with the same likelihood of succeeding! If you negotiate a discount, you still have the same consumer rights to return a faulty product or one that’s not as advertised. The seller might exclude the deal from their normal returns policies if you change your mind, though they’ll need to agree this with you before you buy. DISTANCE SELLING Whatever price you pay, whether ‘on sale’ or not, your consumer rights are unaffected. You still have a legal right to a refund if goods are faulty, not as described or not fit for their stated purpose. You can also ask for a repair or replacement, but that’s entirely your choice. The only exception is if the price reduction was because of a flaw the seller told you about, such as a scuff mark or missing instructions. Where sales can come into play is the retailer’s own policies that go beyond your legal rights. Many sellers will offer you store credit or a refund when the goods are fine and you’ve simply changed your mind. Sellers can exclude sale goods from this policy, though they should make this clear in advance.
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Technology
Brand New Retro
Classic devices given a high-tech reboot We love our digital devices, our smart bulbs and our personal digital assistants. But sometimes we wish our various gadgets and gizmos had a bit more personality. In the future, few of us are likely to look back on our Amazon Echos with the nostalgia we have for the Sony Walkman, and digital timekeeping is never going to be as exciting as watching something pop out of a cuckoo clock. So we’re delighted to see some firms embracing modern technology with a distinctly retro twist. Roberts is a great example of that. The £229 Revival iStream 3 looks like a proper old-school AM radio, complete with fauxleather covering and a distinctive golden grille. It’s beautiful and wonderfully oldfashioned, but it’s packed with the latest digital radio tech: it can play DAB radio and stream from the likes of Spotify and TIDAL. It even works with Alexa. Vinyl has been making a comeback for some years now and there are some very retro-looking turntables available, but it might be sensible to stick with something less tacky, such as the Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable. This £194 turntable has proper hi-fi heritage, looks like it was made in 1970 and streams wirelessly to compatible audio systems and smart speakers. Cassette tapes are back too, and you can pick up Bluetooth tape players for as little as £24. Some include USB drives you can copy your music onto; others simply connect to your Bluetooth headphones. If you would like a rotary phone, Amazon’s virtual shelves include classic rotary models such as the GPO 746, which is a loving homage to the enormous phones of the pre-digital era. Expect to pay around £40. If you miss the warm glow of filament bulbs, technology can help: Philips’ Hue smart bulb range now includes long-life, low-energy LED filaments that look ancient. And as for the cuckoo clock mentioned earlier? John Lewis currently sells a ‘Tweeting’ cuckoo clock for £74. Don’t worry, the tweeting refers to its sound: it doesn’t post things to your Twitter account.
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Roberts Revival iStream 3 It looks like it should only play you the shipping forecast but Roberts’ digital radio can stream from Spotify and play tunes from TIDAL. £229, Roberts.com
Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable Classic looks meet cutting-edge technology in this very clever turntable for vinyl records old or new. £194, sony.co.uk GPO 746 retro phone Phones like this are widely available and tick all the boxes: curly cords, just the right amount of finger resistance and, of course, a range of eye-popping colours. £40, Amazon.co.uk Philips Hue Filament light bulb Old-fashioned lighting meets modern LED technology. Like the rest of the Hue range these bulbs are controllable via phone, tablet or smart speaker if you have a Hue Bridge. £20, meethue.com
RED5 Retro mini arcade machine We hate to break it to you, but the arcade cabinets this little console looks like are over 50 years old. It comes pre-installed with over 200 arcade games. £20, Argos.co.uk
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Home Products By Katherine Sorrell
Snuggle up Perfect for those special small gifts. Faux-fur stockings, £25 each, John Lewis.
Pull on your PJs and make a mug of hot chocolate: it’s time to get cosy. And for that extra-inviting touch, just add a few irresistible items made from sumptuous fake fur. To appreciate the tactile quality of fake fur, the bedroom is a great place to start. Faux-fur throw, £20; fur-trim cushions, £8; bedding set, from £20; all B&M. The gorgeously shaggy pile of these faux-fur Mongolian cushions will add texture, trend and a pop of colour to your room. Mongolian faux-fur cushions, £14 each, Julian Charles.
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Using faux fur in your home
Who needs glass baubles when you can add fluffy ones? Faux-fur hanging bauble, £2, Habitat.
Lift your interior with a brightly coloured, snuggly cushion. Burnt orange faux-fur cushion cover, £26, Audenza.
Sink into a sumptuous faux sheepskin bean bag and you’ll never want to get up again. icon® Yeanling faux-sheepskin bean bag, £99.99, BeanBagBazaar.
A graphic pattern makes this cushion as eye-catching as it is tactile. Madison faux-fur cushion in rust, £10, B&M. Boasting a luxe-glam style straight out of old-school Hollywood, these pieces are handmade in the UK. Oyster Bay accent chair, £695; Oyster Bay fabric bench; £495; both Furniture Village.
Affordable and ethical, this fauxsheepskin rug will also be cosy on your toes. Faux-fur rug, £34.99, Homesense.
STOCKISTS Audenza: audenza.com Bean Bag Bazaar: 01670 330 499; beanbagbazaar.co.uk Habitat : 0345 640 2020 ; habitat.co.uk John Lewis: 03456 100 336; johnlewis.com
• Faux fur adds a sense of luxury and opulence without concerns about animal cruelty. Add it to any space that is lacking in texture for an instant feeling of cosiness and richness. • Fake fur in interiors can take various forms, from small rugs to inviting throws, cushion covers to bean bags – and even entire stools or chairs. A little tends to go a long way, however. Just a couple of furry accents is probably the ideal number, though at Christmas you may want to go a little more over the top and add in some fluffy baubles, stockings or even a furry tree ‘skirt’. • If realism is an important consideration, look for longer hair and a variety of tones within the fur. Natural shades are, obviously, the ones to choose, bearing in mind that creams and ivories look more lifelike than bright white. Faux furs also come in a wide range of interesting artificial colours and, in winter, brighter, jewellike tones can add welcome notes of warmth. • To make sure your faux-fur rugs, cushions, throws and other items last as long as possible, always follow the instructions on the care label. Usually, you’ll be able to put them in the machine on a cold, low-spin, delicates cycle, with mild detergent, then press excess water out and air dry to ensure they remain the right shape. You can detangle and tease the pile back into fluffy softness, either before or after washing, by using a wide-tooth comb or brush.
B & M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk Furniture Village : 0800 804 8879 ; furniturevillage.co.uk Homesense: 01923 473561; homesense.com Julian Charles: 0330 053 7501; juliancharles.co.uk
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Gardening
Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk
The season of giving… to nature The gift that keeps on giving There’s no better time to start giving to nature on a permanent basis. Most of us could improve our habits, so that we give more than we take. Within around two years, new developments in England will be expected to demonstrate that their projects will increase biodiversity by at least ten per cent. Known as Biodiversity Net Gain, this is a big change from what happens at the moment. The new Environment Bill will make it necessary for developers to use ecological features and environmental enhancements to protect and improve existing natural habitat and green infrastructure. Anyone with a garden can start right away, as we should all be nurturing nature so that biodiversity can triumph. You need to select plants with ample benefits for insects, allow wood piles and untidy areas to become part of the border, and use vertical fences and walls for further planting. Best plants for wildlife Most gardens have room for a tree, if only a small one. Trees and shrubs can support a remarkable number of living things, so if you only have time to plant just one thing in your garden, make it a tree, a shrub or something that provides positive benefits for small creatures. If you have a little more time, a mixed hedge is just about the best you can offer wildlife. • Betula: there are 521 species of invertebrates that are known to feed on birch trees and more than 100 of these are exclusive to that particular type of tree. • Sorbus, the rowan tree: provides food for at least 160 species of insect and, of course, birds and small mammals love the berries. • Malus, the native crab apple: provides homes for at
least 90 insect species. Many different insects visit the spring blossom, then birds and other creatures eat the fruits. Even ornamental varieties of this delightful tree provide rich biodiversity benefits. • Amelanchier, the June berry or serviceberry tree: has something to offer wildlife during several seasons. Early spring flowers for pollinators make this small tree look like a white cloud. It also provides multiple nesting opportunities for birds and juicy berries during the late summer. • Conifers: really are worth having! Some have earned negative press over the years but this doesn’t detract from their value to wildlife. There’s probably no better tree for providing nesting sites and protection for a wide range of creatures. • Flowering shrubs and perennials: choose single flowers over double, every time. They have an open shape that allows access for the pollinators and nectar-drinkers. Look for yellow stamens within a flower; these will support insects. • Purple and blue flowers are best for bees! buddleia, catmint, lavender, pulmonaria, penstemon, allium and purple-flowering hardy geraniums can all be seen clearly. Ensure there is something flowering from early spring through to autumn and winter. • Butterflies love hebes, sedum (Hylotelephium varieties), Verbena bonariensis, Origanum, Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’, buddleia, scabious and many wild flowers such as knapweed.
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Local News
Wood Green: Here for every
little star this Christmas
For many homeless pets, kindness goes a long way in restoring their trust in humans. For Nora, a 10-yearold Terrier cross who was brought to Wood Green, The Animals Charity’s centre in Cambridgeshire after she was abandoned and tied to a farm gate, it was lifesaving. She was cold, wet, and in a very vulnerable condition. Worse still, Nora was almost completely blind, so the whole experience must have been terrifying. Clarissa Luck, a Dog Carer at Wood Green, was one of the first to meet Nora. She recalls: “Her skin was infected, causing it to be painful and itchy. Her coat was matted all over, even on her paws, causing her discomfort with every step”. Nora had entered a state known as ‘emotional shut down’, where a dog’s needs have been neglected for so long that they won’t eat, walk or play. Nora was a little star throughout her treatments Despite having a list of problems that ran from nose to tail, Nora was incredibly gentle while Wood Green worked tirelessly to bring her comfort and relief. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the charity was able to dedicate time, effort and resources to cut away the mats in Nora’s coat, clip her overgrown nails and give her regular medicated baths to soothe her itchy skin. Experts at Wood Green attended to Nora’s infected ears, removed seven rotten teeth and treated her severely dry eyes. Unfortunately, the severe glaucoma that caused her to go blind was creating a build-up of pressure in her eyes, and the only way to
Nora before surgery
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ensure a pain-free future for Nora was to surgically remove both eyes. As she was already blind, this would at least prevent any further discomfort. A whole new chapter was about to begin With daily checks, ongoing medication and a lot of patience and love, Nora quickly bounced back from her surgeries and was ready for rehoming. Despite her ordeal, Nora soon began to take pleasure in human company – and she always loved a fuss. While taking on a blind dog isn’t as hard as some people imagine, Nora had some special requirements for her retirement home. Thankfully, patient owners Chris and Karen ticked all of Nora’s wish list and told Wood Green: “Nora has taken us on as her people. She doesn’t let anything that has happened in the past affect her and she really seems to enjoy life; her tail is always wagging and she even looks like she is smiling a lot of the time.” Will you help more little stars like Nora to shine again? Nora’s transformation is a wonderful turnaround and shows what the charity can achieve, thanks to the kindness of supporters. Gifts to Wood Green really do make such an impact so, if you can, please support the Little Stars Appeal this Christmas. Your donation will enable the charity to continue caring for abandoned strays who need urgent care in the months ahead. To support Wood Green, and make a real difference to pets like Nora, please visit www.woodgreen.org.uk/littlestar
Nora after surgery
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Pets
Sprouts, Stockings and Tinsel
How to Have a Pet Friendly Christmas We all love Christmas! But, whilst we’re busy getting wrapped up in the festive fun, we may forget to think about the effect Christmas can have on our pets and other animals too. This month we are sharing popular gift ideas, along with tips on how to keep your pets safe and calm during the holiday season. Gifts For Dogs If you find yourself in a pet shop during the month of December, the chances are you will be greeted with a vast array of festive fun and edible treats. From flashing snowballs to squeaky sprouts. The range of dog toys at Christmas is tree-mendous. Why not treat your dog to some new toys this Christmas? Do a quick audit before you leave for the shops to see what needs mending, washing or throwing away. Coats and jumpers for dogs are a great investment and definitely something they will appreciate on their Christmas Day walk. Designs range from Christmas trees to fur lined tartan ones. Edible treats are popular all year round, but at Christmas the selection is incredible. Dog friendly advent calendars, rawhide reindeers, stockings and specially formulated mince pies. Gifts For Cats Cats can sometimes be hard to buy for. However, if you spend some time in your local pet shop, you will discover the variety is actually much more abundant than originally thought. Why not a festive collar, new bedding or a scratching post? Toys with a Christmassy theme will sneak into most cat owners homes this year, along with a selection of treats.
Alternative Gifts If your furry friend has plenty of toys, jumpers and festive bedding, then perhaps a less traditional gift is what you need this year. Why not treat your dog to a spa treatment for Christmas this year, or pamper them at home with a massage. Specially formulated bath oils can be purchased and added to their bath water if your dog has a dry coat or dry skin. Indoor floor to ceiling cat trees have made an appearance on this years wish list, along with portable pet teepees that provide your small pet with the personal space to either sleep or hide in. Pet Friendly Christmas Christmas can be stressful for pets. The change in routine, visitors, loud music and decorations can all cause distress. Planning ahead can help reduce stress for pets and ensure they have a happy home at Christmas too. Try to find somewhere in your home that your pets can escape to if they need some time out. Lastly, don’t forget there are some foods that dogs mustn’t be given because they are either toxic or very unhealthy for them – chocolate, dried fruit, gravy, stuffing, pigs in blankets and some nut varieties. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304
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Travel
Mallorca
Island breaks for winter sun With summer well and truly behind us, many of us will already be missing the feeling of sun on our skin and sand between our toes. Sigh. You don’t need to wait until summer to get your fix of sun, sea and sand though. While this time last year we were all stuck indoors watching Netflix and making banana bread, now that the world’s starting to open up again there are a handful of destinations across Europe that are welcoming British tourists with open arms. And is there anywhere dreamier to escape to than an island? From the Mediterranean paradise of Greece’s sparkling shores to the sun-drenched Canaries off the west coast of Africa, here are some of the best islands to escape to this winter. The Canary Islands, Spain If you’re searching for guaranteed winter sun close to home, the Canary Islands should be on your radar. This cluster of islands off the coast of northern Africa are famous for their volcanic landscape and year-round sunshine. Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are the archipelago’s most popular islands, but the tiny isles of La Palma,
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La Gomera and El Hierro are also packed full of charm. A favourite amongst British tourists, and for good reason, Lanzarote is so much more than a beach holiday. Although it doesn’t fall short on its selection of pristine, white and black-sand beaches, the island’s otherworldly landscape is signposted with walking and cycling trails to guide the more adventurous visitor. Head to Timanfaya National Park and feel the heat of the island’s most famous volcano, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the spectacular scenery: the choice is yours! Just a few miles south of here lies Fuertenventura, the archipelago’s second largest island. Like Lanzarote, the island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009, and has some of the biggest and best beaches in the Canaries. The Balearic Islands, Spain Made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, Spain’s Balearic Islands are synonymous with sun, sea and sand. In the winter months you can still expect averages of around 14-16°C and plenty of sunshine.
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Mallorca is by far the largest of the four, and also the most popular. With its postcard-worthy beaches washed by turquoise sea and strewn with hidden coves, it’s easy to see why! Although best known for its coastline, hordes of cyclists and hikers also flock here to conquer the island’s many mountains. Its capital and historical heart, Palma, is definitely worth a visit; filled with markets, pretty churches and galleries, it’s also known for its up-and-coming drinking and dining scene. Then there’s Ibiza. Although there’s more to this gorgeous island than first meets the eye, the party scene here is legendary, beckoning thousands of tourists each year. Menorca sits on the other end of the spectrum. Mallorca’s teeny neighbour, this distinctly rural island is perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds. Its endless beaches are some of the loveliest in the Mediterranean and the beautiful green countryside makes it perfect for cool afternoon strolls in the sunshine. The Greek Islands, Greece A cocktail of history, sun-bleached beaches and aquamarine shores, Greece’s islands are nothing
short of paradise. From the gorgeous whitewashed houses of Santorini and historic remains in Corfu to the deep gorges, mountain peaks and turquoise lagoons of Crete, there’s a Greek Island for everyone. Summer can be busy in Greece but you can expect a quieter vibe in the winter. Bars and restaurants will still be lively in the more popular islands, often with a more local scene, and you’ll have more personal space to explore safely and at your own pace. With over 200 islands to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice of where to stay. Santorini is easily one of the most popular, thanks to its spectacular scenery and array of glamorous hotels. Zakynthos, or Zante for short, is hot on its heels. This is an island for beach lovers, home to one of the world’s most famous beaches – Smuggler’s Cove. Only accessible by boat, and surrounded by impossibly clear waters, its remoteness draws people in. Then there’s Crete with its tapestry of ancient treasures, vibrant cities, dreamy villages and splendid beaches. Oh, and did we mention the food? Crete also has some of the warmest temperatures during the winter months due to its southerly position.
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Motoring
The car industry’s most
eco-friendly advancements Climate change is a hot topic in the car industry, but it’s not just the powertrain that’s the focus. Manufacturers have been working to make the whole car-building process more eco-friendly. Here, we take a look at some of the ways cars are getting greener. Mini Strip The Mini Strip is a one-off concept car that prioritises sustainability above all else. Features include an unpainted body with just a film to protect it from corrosion, recycled Perspex for the panoramic roof, all but the necessary interior trim removed, and cork used throughout. Despite remaining a concept, the British firm says it can be used as a “catalyst for more sustainable use of resources in automotive design”. Synthetic fuel Alternatives to electric vehicles are being considered, with a less talked-about option being synthetic fuels or e-Fuels. Essentially no different from the petrol and diesel that comes from crude oil, they are instead produced from carbon dioxide and hydrogen using renewable energy. Porsche and Siemens are two big companies working together on this technology. Although it is currently more efficient to use that renewable energy to charge an electric vehicle, e-Fuels are a sustainable way to fuel the millions of existing petrol and diesel vehicles. Volvo’s wool interiors Volvo has been one of the manufacturers most committed to electrifying its line-up, but it’s also focused on sustainability elsewhere, offering a unique wool upholstery. It’s a blend that’s 30 per cent wool and 70 per cent recycled polyester,
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available at no extra cost on some vehicles. Seaqual Yarn Last year, Fiat became the first manufacturer to use Seaqual yarn for its seat upholstery, with the Cupra Born’s bucket seats also using the material. Seaqual is an initiative based in Italy focussed on fighting plastic pollution in the ocean. Its ‘Yarn’ product is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, with about 10 per cent coming from upcycled marine litter. Eco-friendly production Most major car manufacturers have announced plans to electrify their range and set targets for carbon neutral production at their factories. This is being achieved in various ways, such as powering factories with renewable energy. Toyota uses water-based paints on cars, removes pollutants before they are released through smokestacks, cleans wastewater on-site before it is released, and grows forests inside its factory sites. Last year, the Japanese company announced plans to build a “prototype city of the future” at the base of Mount Fuji. It will be fully connected and powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Bentley of the future Bentley is a luxury car firm, with a mission to make sure it builds more sustainable cars. In 2019 it revealed the EXP 100 GT concept car, an autonomous electric vehicle. Everything about its construction had sustainability in mind. For example, some of the furnishings used a dyeing process that strives to achieve zero discharge of chemicals into the environment, while others come from a material called Vegea, which uses the by-products of winemaking. It also uses wood from naturally felled trees.
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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. 36
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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER Pic-n-Mix Social Group 10.30am-12noon. Letchworth Library Meets the first Wednesday of every month. Each session has a theme or activity, and suggestions are made attendees. Drop in for a cuppa, a chat and make some new friends!
3 DECEMBER Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm on Zoom. Members free, Visitors £1. ‘A plague upon all your houses: Epidemic disease and our ancestors’ by Dr Janet Few. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk
1, 8 & 15 DECEMBER BookTrust Storytime 2.15-2.45pm. Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Explore and share a BookTrust Storytime book with your little one. Suitable for children under 5. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk
3, 10, 17 & 24 DECEMBER Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am & 11.30-12.00 noon Stevenage 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. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk
2 DECEMBER The Arts Society North Herts 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art’ by Paula Nuttal. Visitors welcome. Lift access. Web: theartssocietynorthherts. org.uk 2, 9, 16 & 23 DECEMBER Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am and 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 are an opportunity for you to meet other families too. Booking essential. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk
3, 10 & 17 DECEMBER 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 4 DECEMBER Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Talk by Timothy Walker, retired Head of Oxford Botanic Gardens and well-known speaker. Visitors welcome – small charge. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk
6 & 13 DECEMBER Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm. Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 DECEMBER 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 8 DECEMBER Walking Reading Event 10.30-11.30am. Letchworth Library Free event. Join us for a walk, read and talk, discussing ‘Christmas at the beach hut’ by Veronica Henry. Copies available from the library. Walk takes approximately one hour. Booking essential. Web: www.eventbrite.co.uk 10 & 31 DECEMBER Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock 10 Dec - Junction 24, caller Andy Rouse and Riseley Roughshod in the interval spot. 31 Dec - Oxford NAGS and caller Barry Goodman. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn and addictive! Book online. Tel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 or 01582 724261 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk
2, 9, 16, & 30 DECEMBER 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 www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk
5 DECEMBER Warden Abbey Vineyard Christmas Wine Sale 11am-4pm. The Garden Suite, Shuttleworth House, Old Warden Free entry. Local food and crafts. Free tasting, mince pies (while stocks last) and parking. Tel: 07981 113714 Web: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk
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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER 11 & 12 DECEMBER Herts Winter Wonderland Christmas Market 11am-4pm. The Crown, 56 Long Lane, Aston End, Stevenage Adults £2, Under 18s free A great family day out, including a Santa’s grotto, a live singer and visits from some Disney characters. Instagram: @hertswinterwonderland 14 DECEMBER Caroline Taylor and Julian Perkins 8pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £20, free entry for under 27s, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s An evening with Caroline Taylor (soprano) and Julian Perkins (harpsichord). Web: https://benslowmusic.org 18 DECEMBER Offley Christmas Market 2pm-8pm. Offley Village Hall Free entry. Santa’s Grotto, face painting and raffle.
21 DECEMBER Christmas at Benslow 6.30pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Experience a unique and elegant Christmas with friends and colleagues in true Benslow Music style set in our beautiful Victorian house within four-acre garden. Tel: 01462 459446 Web: https://benslowmusic.org UNTIL 23 JANUARY Aladdin Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage It’s a magic carpet ride worth waiting for! Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants some Spiderman Pants! - can the Genie grant their wishes? Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk
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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. No pressure to walk, just turn up as often or as seldom as you prefer. The group also meets for a coffee once a month and holds other social events. Tel: Suzanne I’ons 07933 709006 for more info 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. Nonmembers can try activities before joining. Web: LALG.org.uk
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Christmas Literature 1. In which fictional land is it always snowing, but never Christmas? 2. According to the famous nursery rhyme, when Little Jack Horner put his thumb into a Christmas pie, what did he pull out? 3. The first ever Royal Christmas Message was delivered by King George V, but which famous author wrote it? 4. In a famous novel set around Christmas time, who lived on Mount Crumpit with his pet dog Max? 5. Who wrote the 1997 novel The Hogfather, where the Santa Claus-like title character would grant children’s wishes and bring them presents on December 32nd? 6. Who wrote and illustrated the 1984 children’s book Mr Christmas?
7. Although originally published anonymously in 1823, Clement Clarke Moore is generally thought to have written the poem called A Visit From Saint Nicholas. Also used as an alternative title for this poem, what are its first five words? 8. Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, who wrote the 2012 book The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas, are best known as members of which pop band? 9. Which famous author recalled his Christmas memories as a child in Swansea in the 1954 book A Child’s Christmas In Wales? 10. “God bless us, every one”, the final line of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is said by which character?
1. Narnia 2. A plum (“he put in his thumb and pulled out a plum”) 3. Rudyard Kipling 4. The Grinch 5. Terry Pratchett 6. Roger Hargreaves (as part of his Mr Men series) 7. ‘Twas the night befoe Christmas 8. McFly 9. Dylan Thomas 10. Tiny Tim
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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our November Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mike Read, Meppershall
November’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions
Easy
Hard
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Win £100 in our The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.
Christmas Crossword
ACROSS 1 Harbour (4) 3 Precious stones (8) 9 Implement (7) 10 Concur (5) 11 Produced (12) 14 Short sleep (3) 16 Coarse (5) 17 Pronoun (3) 18 Despite (12) 21 Modify (5) 22 Design (7) 23 Daily (8) 24 Musical instrument (4)
DOWN 1 Imagining (8) 2 Wash (5) 4 Frozen water (3) 5 Sizes (12) 6 Créche (7) 7 Vomit (4)
8 Adequately (12) 12 Enumerate (5) 13 Pest (8) 15 Make ready (7) 19 All (5) 20 Imitation (4) 22 Vegetable (3)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, and send your entry to: Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Closing date: 16th December 2021 Name: Address: 42
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Books
Books to Gift Books make great presents, especially when you can borrow them back in January… Big Panda and Tiny Dragon James Norbury
Fans of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, and other illustrated books will love this new offering by James Norbury. Each of the hand-drawn illustrations is accompanied by a short conversation between a panda and a dragon, offering words of wisdom we can all learn from. A book to treasure and to dip into time and time again.
Freckles Cecilia Ahern
Allegra has made a life for herself in Dublin, working as a traffic warden with a sideline as an artist’s model. She enjoys the routine and the rules, but she’s in Dublin for a reason and needs to pluck up the courage to see her mission through. A chance encounter with an angry driver makes Allegra re-evaluate her life and gives her a new purpose. A light-hearted, humorous tale with some darker undertones, Freckles is sure to appeal to a range of readers.
The Exiles Christina Baker Kline
Buying for a fan of historical fiction? Exiles is a solid choice. Several characters’ lives become entwined when pregnant Evangeline is sentenced to hard labour in Australia in 1840. On the ship, she meets teenage Hazel. Meanwhile, Mathinna is faced with losing her family and indigenous community when the governor and his wife decide she needs ‘refining’. A rich, multilayered story with some shocking plot twists, The Exiles is the perfect book for curling up with on Boxing Day.
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By Kate Duggan
All In Billy Jean King
Former tennis pro Billy Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in what would become known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’. Since then, King has fought many more battles, from striving to be taken seriously as a female athlete to campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights. Her long-awaited autobiography also reveals the more personal challenges King has overcome, from an eating disorder to near-bankruptcy. A must for tennis fans and autobiography lovers.
Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad
If you’re buying for someone who loves poring over recipe books, you can’t go wrong with Ottolenghi. For his latest book, Ottolenghi has partnered with head chef Noor Murad. The result is a book packed with recipes to help home cooks to impress with less stress. The recipes are also adaptable, so the reader can bring their own twist to a dish or use up leftovers. Just make sure the person you’re buying for promises to make you the Upside-Down Lemon, Maple and Vanilla Pudding…
The Replacement Melanie Golding
A delicious thriller for a reader to sink their teeth into on a cold winter’s night, The Replacement centres on Ruby and her sister, Joanna. The book starts as Ruby claims a seemingly abandoned child as her own. Soon after, police detective Joanna is called to investigate the attempted murder of Ruby’s neighbour. Elements of folk lore and mythology are woven into the story, adding a unique twist to a familiar genre.
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