HItchin Feb 2019

VILLAGER The

Issue 11 - February 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue The History of

Hysteria

My Gardening

Valentine Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Hitchin, Great and Little Wymondley, St Ippolyts, Charlton and surrounding areas every month

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Inside this issue...

Win a Bottle of Bedfordshire Bubbly and Vineyard Tour

World Spay Day........................................................................30

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Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................................32 Swimming, Super Sport!..........................................................35 Puzzle Page..............................................................................36 What’s On.................................................................................38 Fun Quiz...................................................................................41 Prize Crossword........................................................ 42 Book Review............................................................................45 Useful Numbers.......................................................................47

The History of Hysteria...............................................................4 That’s the Spirit - Gin..................................................................8 Win a Bottle of Bedfordshire Bubbly.......................... 12 How to Effortlessly Wear Living Coral.......................................16 Sing into Spring with Phoenix..................................................18 Spring Clean your Finances for a Richer 2019...........................21 Reasons why you should join a WI in 2019...............................22 My Gardening Valentine...........................................................24 Greensand Country Announces 2019 Festival...........................27

Greensand Country 2019 Festival

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R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal........................................................29

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £25.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Nick Coffer, Lesley Wade, and Kate Duggan

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

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

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

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History

The History of Hysteria

By Catherine Rose Everyone knows the modern day meaning of hysteria. The Oxford dictionary defines it as ‘exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people’.

But did you know it was also an old-fashioned term for a female medical condition during the 19th century? The following article contains sensitive material!

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The term hysteria comes from the Ancient Greek word for womb. Physicians believed that many female ailments were caused by a ‘wandering uterus’ that moved around inside the body resulting in blockages that caused all kinds of physical diseases.

During the second century, a Roman physician, surgeon and philosopher named Galen

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hypothesised that the disease of hysteria was caused by sexual deprivation so was most prevalent in nuns, virgins and widows.

During the sexually repressed Victorian era, doctors’ diagnosis of hysteria in female patients became increasingly common. In 1859, a French physician, Dr Pierre Briquet claimed that a quarter of Victorian women suffered from what he called hysteron-neurasthenic disorders.

Physicians believed that many female ailments were caused by a ‘wandering uterus’ It was believed that women were of a more nervous disposition than men and could develop any number of psychological symptoms from the simple fact they possessed a womb. Hysteria would be diagnosed from a range of physical symptoms such as feeling faint, anxiety, insomnia, fluid retention, muscle spasms, breathlessness, loss of appetite, emotional instability and irritability. It was therefore easy for a woman to be misdiagnosed with hysteria when she really had a serious physical condition such as epilepsy.

The cure was simple however. The patient was advised to have regular sexual intercourse.

However, for unmarried women, this simply wasn’t possible, so doctors would carry out pelvic massage to induce what they termed ‘hysterical paroxysm’.

This seems shocking to us today, despite the fact we are far more sexually liberated and educated than these Victorian women were, many of whom led such sheltered lives they didn’t even know what sexual intercourse involved until they married.

Other treatments for hysteria could include bed rest, bland food, isolation and lack of any mental stimulation. In extreme cases a hysterectomy was performed, or the woman was sent to an asylum.

Contrary to what you might expect, physicians considered pelvic massage to be no more than a medical duty. In fact, it was looked upon as a tiresome task that often took time and effort to achieve. As a result, to meet the growing need for the treatment of ‘hysterical’ women, the first vibrator was invented – not the modern sex toy, but a bona fide medical aid.

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Initially, treatment was hydrotherapy-based.

Hydrotherapy had in fact been around since the 1700s at bath houses for general massage and wellbeing (much as in spas today), but it was now specifically redesigned for pelvic massage via a jet of water attached to a special chair.

Then in 1870, a clockwork vibrator became available. Three years later, an electromechanical device was invented and is said to have been tried out at an asylum in France.

Rather frighteningly, an American doctor, George Taylor, came up with a steam-powered vibrator called ‘The Manipulator’ in 1869 that was the size of a dining room table and needed coal regularly shovelled into it to make it work!

By the beginning of the 20th century hand-held portable electrical vibrators such as ‘Dr Harry F Waite’s Tissue Oscillator’ were now available to the general public so that women suffering from hysteria could treat themselves in the privacy of their own home.

The development of psychology and increased understanding of the human mind meant that the idea of hysteria was replaced by more accurate diagnoses of either physical or specific psychological conditions such as personality disorders, anxiety and neuroses.

As for vibrators, they gradually came to be seen not as health aids but as devices for sexual gratification and were appearing in pornographic films as early as the 1930s, long after respectable doctors had disowned them as a form of medical treatment.

The American Psychiatric Society dropped the term ‘hysteria’ in 1952 and today it is no longer recognised as a medical condition.

However, there are still psychological definitions related to the term. Histrionic personality disorder for example is said to affect around two to three percent of the population. People with this disorder tend to be overemotional and exhibit attention-seeking behaviour, amongst other traits. Psychoanalysis now uses the terms ‘conversion’ or ‘somatization’ disorder for people who are suffering from symptoms that are rooted in the mind and have no apparent physical cause, whether patients are women or not.

A film with an all-star cast including Sheridan Smith and Jonathon Pryce about the invention of the vibrator was released in 2011. It was called ‘Hysteria’.

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Food and Drink

That’s the Spirit

Gin

Gin’s basic flavour is from juniper berries and gin making can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Today, many gins are widely available. There are different styles of gins, plus flavoured and very aromatic gins, too. Gin cocktails continue to be hugely popular, with many ‘devotees’.

Warner Edwards are creators and distillers of hand-crafted, artisan gins. Their Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin is named because the original rhubarb crop, from which the current rhubarb crops are descended, was grown in the kitchen garden of Buckingham Palace, during Queen Victoria’s reign. The mouthfeel and palate enjoys the tangy sweetness. Also, prosecco makes a great mix with this gin. Other Warner Edwards hand-crafted gins include their splendid Harrington Dry. www.warneredwards.com The Cotswolds Distillery, established 2014, produces an excellent quality, hand-crafted, dry gin, which is unfiltered, so as to retain all the flavour of the botanical extracts and essential oils. This classic production is produced in small batches and is well-balanced, with an ‘inviting’ nose of citrus amongst the bouquet’s appeal. The mouthfeel and palate continue the enjoyment, which is clean and crisp. This exceptional gin is part of their range. www.cotswoldsdistillery.com Gordon’s is a very well-established company. Premium Pink Distilled Gin I found refreshing and aromatic. The inclusion of raspberry, strawberry and redcurrant ‘natural flavourings’, make for a superbly-balanced and often-selected gin production. Another impressive gin, inspired by Gordon’s original pink gin recipe of 1880. A company dedicated and committed to producing and supplying high-quality drinks. www.gordonsgin.com Chase Rhubarb & Bramley Apple is a single-estate production, from the Chase Distillery Company, Chase distils from the field to the bottle and has an excellent range of drinks. This gin is carefully crafted by distilling G B gin with freshly-pressed rhubarb and bramley apple juice, which comes directly from the farm. This impressive production is perfect anytime and great for spritz cocktails. www.chasedistillery.co.uk I located these gins at Waitrose, the food and retail division of John Lewis Partnership. Founded during 1904, Waitrose possesses a royal warrant to supply groceries and offers food and beverages of outstanding quality, many of which are multi award-winning. www.waitrose.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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advertorial

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WIN A BOTTLE OF

BEDFORDSHIRE BUBBLY and a Vineyard Tour for two at

Warden Abbey Vineyard Did you know Bedfordshire’s medieval vineyard is now an exciting community project?

Nestled in the rolling Bedfordshire hills, this beautiful five acre field near Old Warden was first planted with vines in medieval times by monks at Warden Abbey - one of the oldest Cistercian settlements in England. Centuries later, the monks’ “Lyttel Vineyard” was re-planted and has produced award-winning wines ever since, with medals at regional, national and international level.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity now lease the vineyard and run it as a “not for profit” community project, offering opportunities for learning, improving physical and mental wellbeing, and reducing isolation. All proceeds from wine sales go to keeping the project going.

Today it’s an army of volunteers who turn out in sun, rain and even snow to tend the vines. They also promote the project, fund-raise, run tours and talks, a donate-a-vine scheme, school visits, as well as social and therapeutic horticulture, wildlife and heritage projects.

Public and group tours are held on a number of dates each year (see website). Also, visitors to the annual Open Day on Sept 8th will be able to discover its history, tour the vineyard, taste wines and relax with local food and craft stalls, children’s activities and BBQ. Tel: 07981 113714 Email: info@wardenvineyard.org.uk Website: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk

Competition

(Entrants must be aged 18 or over)

To enter, answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Warden Abbey Vineyard Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th February 2019.

WARDEN ABBEY VINEYARD COMPETITION ENTRY

Which well known Bedfordshire “Pilgrim” is the vineyard’s Nonconformist wine named after?



Tour vouchers will be posted out to the winner, and the bottle of wine will be available for collection during their tour.

Alternatively, the winner may arrange to collect the wine at another time. Please note the prize CANNOT be delivered.

Name: Tel: Email: Address: 12

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House of Colour

How To Effortlessly Wear

Living Coral – The Colour of 2019 The Pantone Colour Institute has announced their colour of 2019 is the gorgeous Living Coral (16-1546) but can we all wear this warm and energising colour?

Through their extensive research, The Pantone Institute chose Living Coral ‘partly as an antidote’ to the ‘cold and distant’ digital world and as ‘a shade of connection’.

How to wear it….

1. We associate coral with the fresh, warmth and sun-kissed coral seas of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines – but the gorgeous warm hue that is Living Coral will not work for all skin tones; particularly those that suit cool colours. Some of us have warm pigment in our skin which is yellow based, while others of us have cool pigment which is blue based. When you wear the right tones for your skin you will look brighter, fresher and younger but when a blue based cool skin undertone is wearing warm colours they appear sallow and slightly blurred. Equally when someone with a warm yellow based skin undertone wears cool colours they will appear washed out, older and tired. Coral is a warm yellow based pink and so will suit those with warm skin tones much better than those with cool.

2. Don’t despair though if you are cool toned ie if you have a Winter or Summer colour palette, blue based equivalents range from Winter’s shocking pink, magenta and ice pink to Summer’s softer rose, powder pink or raspberry. If you are cool toned but still want to wear the oh so modern Living Coral then an alternative is to wear a pattern with a splash and a dash of coral.

3. Springs and Autumns should check their own wardrobes before racing to the shops. You may

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already have variants of coral - which range from soft peach through to perfect coral and orange reds - which look gorgeous on you and are already within your capsule wardrobe. Shockingly 30% of the clothes in British wardrobes are rarely worn.

If you do want to buy something of sartorial style in Living Coral consider whether you would better suit wearing Living Coral from head to toe in a gorgeous maxi dress or summer suit, but for others it may best work as a blouse or as summer trousers.

As a pop of colour, coral looks gorgeous as a scarf, belt, shoes or handbag, particularly against a backdrop of a warm navy and maybe more in 2019’s spring and summer time which are the times of year when coral naturally finds its way into the shops. Using a pop of coral in these types of accessories will also work well with your neutrals for a memorable business look.

Coral is also fantastic in a lipstick, blusher and on nails for those with warm colour tones. Just make sure you don’t go too orange, which can look exciting on some people but not on everyone.

At a time when looking at how to drastically reduce pollution, plastics, disposal and carbon emissions is of critical importance, Living Coral couldn’t be timelier. Just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life, Living Coral reminds us of our precious world and our responsibility to protect it.

By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant,HOUSE OF COLOUR www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2019

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Local News

Sing into Spring with Phoenix!

Looking for something new to try? Do you love to sing in the car, or the shower?

Or maybe you used to sing in a choir, and are looking for a new opportunity?

Sing into Spring with Phoenix!

Starting on 5th March, Phoenix Chorus are running a 4-week course in A Cappella singing. If you’re a fan of the Pitch Perfect movies or Pitch Battle and The Voice on TV, here’s your chance to try it.

Indulge your love of music and singing Experience the unique 4-part a cappella harmony Make time for you at least one night a week for a month, to do something you really enjoy!

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We’re a Ladies A Cappella chorus based in Potton, Beds, but our members come from all over, most within a 25 mile radius. As long as you’re at least 16 we’d love you to join us in March so we can all learn a new song together and you can take part in a free ‘Friends and Family’ performance too.

Have a look at our website https://phoenixladies. co.uk or call us on 07845 101799 for further information on how you can……

Sing into Spring! We’d love to meet you!

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Spring Clean Your Finances

for a Richer 2019 Spring is the season when we give our homes a good clean and tidy up, so why not do the same with your finances? There are many ways to take control of your financial life, and the majority of them are so easy it’s worth looking at all the possibilities.

Get organised -Financial decluttering offers a clearer view of your overall financial situation and valuable insight into unhealthy spending habits.

Begin by finding all your relevant paperwork such as mortgage statements, insurance policies, credit agreements and utility bills, and decide which documents you need to keep.

Reduce outgoings and make paying easier - Not only can you save money by cancelling subscriptions that you no longer need, sorting out your paperwork highlights any excessively high payments you’ve been making and allows for tighter financial control. You can sign up to receive paperless bills and bank statements, which helps to declutter your physical living space.

Becoming debt-free is a liberating and important element of a financial spring clean Make a new budget - Whether or not you already operate a budget, making a new one can instil fresh life into your finances. Ensure you factor in all important annual events including birthdays, Christmas and holidays in the budget, so you arrive at an accurate plan for monthly expenditure.

Plan finances ahead - If you’re planning a big purchase in 2019 – say a holiday or a car - in conjunction with your new budget, saving a little each month can help to achieve your goals without going into debt. Maybe you could open a new savings account for each prospective large purchase or use a traditional piggy bank at home and watch your savings grow the old-fashioned way.

Track your spending - With so many personal finance apps and tools now available, you can track your spending wherever you are. You might prefer to use a spreadsheet, or write down your spending in a notebook. Whatever you do, keeping track of your spend helps you stick to your budget and deal confidently with the inevitable financial setbacks we all experience.

Tackle debt - By tackling debt, you free yourself from the threat of serious financial difficulty and provide new opportunities to save. You might choose to use the ‘debt snowball’ method of paying off the smallest debts first or get stuck right in and pay off the largest debt. However you decide to approach it, becoming debt-free is liberating and an important element of a financial spring clean.

Overhauling your finances can make a significant impact on life in general and helps you to make the most of your money. Start your spring clean this month and you’ll be reaping the rewards not only in 2019, but for many years to come. http://tiny.cc/Clearscore-finance http://tiny.cc/Goodhousekeep

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Local News

Reasons why you should join a WI in 2019!

No matter if you’re from Baldock area or somewhere else in the UK, joining a WI could be a great thing for you to do in 2019, and here are some reasons why: • You will be part of something really special. The WI is the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK, which is something we are very proud of, so we would love to see more women joining, or even more WIs being set up!

• Your voice will be heard. By joining a WI, you will be able to make a real impact on local, national and international issues.

• You will have the opportunity to learn, develop and pass on your skills. At the WI, we are all about sharing our knowledge, so if you have some kitchen secrets, craft tips, garden hints or anything you feel would benefit a group, you would be able to share!

• You will be able to attend at least 11 monthly meetings, with the added opportunity to take part in other additional events, trips, clubs and activities that we run.

• You will have access to WI Life, the WI membership magazine. They release 8 issues a year that are packed full of WI news and event information.

• You will be given a membership discount on a wide variety of courses at Denman (http://www.denman.org. uk) the WI’s own residential college in Oxfordshire. There are courses on almost anything you can think of so look on the website.

• You can get to know like-minded women in your area. The WI is a great way to meet new people and make friends that are interested in similar things to you.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the WI organisation you can look at the national WI website – https://www.thewiorg.uk.

Or you can contact Baldock and Clothall WI on baldockclothallwi@hotmail.co.uk Or look at our facebook page Baldockclothallwi.

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Garden View

My Gardening Valentine

By Rachael Leverton

In the run-up to Valentine’s Day someone always asks me what they should buy for the gardener in their life.

It’s a tricky question to answer. Many people think we must like cut flowers, but actually I’m not keen and most gardeners I know aren’t either. We have gardens full of the things after all, and we tend to prefer our plants living and breathing in their natural environment, rather than imported from abroad and wrapped in cellophane.

Unless you know a bit about gardening, and the tastes of your own particular gardener you’re probably best-off avoiding plants too. The nongreen-fingered venture into dangerous territory when they try to buy plants because there are so many variables. Will it suit the soil? Is it too invasive? Will it poison the gardener’s dog…or children…eek?

It’s a thorny issue (pardon the pun) so here is my go-to gift list guaranteed to make you the Valentine hero of your gardening amour.

Don’t buy a sweatshirt which declares ‘headgardener. They are naff, and most gardeners prefer old, comfy clothes which do the job better.

However, if you present your gardener with a tough tunic or gardening apron, which is thornproof, and which has lots of deep pockets to house secateurs and trowels, they will love you forever.

Then there are wellies. Who knew wellies could be romantic? But gardening folk drool over wellies the way Supermodels drool over Jimmy Choos.

And there’s so much wellie-choice now. We all prefer something with a thick sole but there are bright and colourful wellies and traditional ones.

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For the ultimate in warmth and breathability I can recommend a proper Gore-Tex pair...sheer luxury. Mine remain the favourite Valentine gift my husband ever bought me. He knows how to romance a woman!

A proper long-necked watering can, with a brass rose will also earn you Valentine brownie points.

Bigger isn’t necessarily better though unless your Valentine boasts big biceps! Watering cans are heavy when full. I find 3-4 litres is about the right size.

A bunch of long-stemmed red roses will set you back at least £40 and they might last a few days.

For a similar price you can buy the gardener in your life Felco secateurs (with Valentine red handles) and they’ll last forever. I know which I’d prefer.

Garden trugs are so practical. Most gardeners I know would be delighted to receive one. The trug is a great gift but even better when filled with a few gardening goodies such as packets of seed, water retaining granules, plant food etc. You could add some hand tools too, such as a trowel and a fork. Make sure they are stainless steel and have long handles for ease of use.

And insulated mug or a good flask will always warm the heart of your Valentine because hot drinks don’t remain hot for long outside, even on a warm day.

Finally, don’t forget gardening vouchers. Often us gardeners spot the perfect plant or gardening accessory when we’re strapped for cash, so vouchers are a perfect gift to save for a rainy day... and gardeners love rainy days, Valentine’s or not.

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Local News

Greensand Country Announces 2019 Festival Following the huge success of the first Greensand Country Festival in 2018, the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is planning an even BIGGER and BETTER programme of events for 2019, and extending the Festival to run throughout May. The Greensand Country Festival, from 1 – 31 May, will encompass a wide variety of events, provided by our partners, local businesses, special interest groups, clubs and visitor attractions across the landscape, from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay.

The Festival is a celebration of Greensand Country, helping to encourage those living within this distinct landscape to get out and explore the beautiful countryside on their doorstep. There are a variety of events already scheduled, including open gardens, churchyard tours, history talks, nature walks, village treasure trails, introductory sessions for bowls, photo and poetry competitions, art workshops, children’s activities and traditional country crafts.

Lindsay Measures, Events and Engagements Officer at the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership

explains: “We were overwhelmed with the fantastic response to our first Greensand Country Festival and have therefore decided to extend the programme this year. With family fun, trail runs, countryside walks, horse-rides, guided trains and nature activities, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Greensand Country Festival is a great opportunity for local organisations and businesses to promote our shared landscape for the benefit of everyone. If you have an idea for an event or would like to run an activity, please contact lindsay@ greensandcountry.com The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is led by the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and the Greensand Trust and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is made possible by National Lottery players. Without them we couldn’t fund the project.

For further information about the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership visit www.greensandcountry.com and for regular updates follow @greensandsocial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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THE GARDEN ROBIN

GARDEN DESIGNERS

Professional Paving & Landscaping • • • • • •

Driveways For a free quotation or advice Paving call Robin on Patios 01462 815968 07785 530558 Fencing Decking Garden Design & Build

Email: robinsandler@yahoo. co. uk Web: w w w. t h e g a rd e n ro b i n . c o. u k

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Groundwork • Driveways • Concreting • Patios Turfing • Fencing • Re-pointing • Brickwork All work guaranteed and finished to a very high standard Free quotations

Tel: 07802 355122 Email: coxjames416@yahoo.com

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Rehoming Appeal

Pets

Disney

This is Disney, a very loving 3 year old Lurcher who likes people and other dogs. She walks well on the lead and is house trained.

Like most Lurchers, Disney has a high chase instinct, so she would not be suitable to rehome with cats or other small mammals. She will also need to be kept on a lead when not in an enclosed area as she will chase any small creature, including cats. She will need a large garden to run around in, which must have an extra high secure fence as she has no problem in jumping fences of 8 ft. or less.

Disney is becoming depressed in the kennels, so if you can offer this lovely girl a home, please contact Julie on 01763 289827. Any potential home will be vetted by one of our volunteers.

Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team.

View other small mammals, dogs and cats currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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Pets

World Spay Day The last Tuesday of February, every year, is World Spay Day. Originally started in 1995 by the Doris Day Animal League in America, it is now recognised and supported by animal charities in 70 countries worldwide, and this year on Tuesday 26th February, it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The purpose of World Spay Day is to raise awareness of the importance of neutering and encourage more owners to snip or spay their cat.

It is estimated that there are between 9.5 and 11.6 million owned cats in the UK, 75% of these cats are acquired as kittens. Although a large majority of these will be neutered, sadly not all are which has lead to the cat population in the UK reaching crisis point. The National RSPCA reported that in October the RSPCA as a whole took in more than 12,000 cats in just four months. Although not a direct solution, owners can help tackle the cat crisis by ensuring their cats and kittens are neutered.

There are many common myths surrounding cat neutering, the most prominent being that cats should be allowed to have a litter of kittens before spaying.

This is not true. Allowing a cat ‘one litter’ gives a very small window to neuter because of the need to wait until her kittens have been weaned; by which time the cat may be pregnant again. The probability of an unneutered cat getting pregnant is over 80% and 85% of these are either unplanned or unwanted litters. A cat or kitten can be neutered from 4 months old or otherwise determined by your vet.

Although the most obvious benefit of neutering a cat

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is to prevent it getting pregnant, there are actually many other positives to getting a cat snipped or spayed; so here are the facts.

• Female cats are spayed, meaning the womb and ovaries are removed • Males are castrated or snipped, meaning the testicles are removed • Spaying prevents females coming into season, where they would ordinarily attract unwanted male attention • Neutering prevents the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterus infections and cancers in females.

• Castration prevents males urine marking and roaming • Neutering will protect cats from the disease FIV • Neutering in some cases can also reduce the risk of a cat being stolen for breeding To promote the importance of cat neutering, most animal charities have schemes in place to support the public and their cats, and our local Branch is no different! RSPCA Bedfordshire North are offering cat neutering vouchers to the public to help with the cost of neutering, and support the cat crisis. The vouchers are for the value of £30 to go towards the cost of a spay or neuter at one of our participating vets and are available to members of the public in receipt of benefits.

If you would like support getting your cat neutered, or have a general enquiry regarding spaying or castrating, please contact the Branch via email info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk

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Three Counties Radio

Caramel Drip Cake

As we head into a New Year, this is a show-stopper cake to banish all the blues. What is great about it is how you can make it look so spectacular with relatively easy techniques. It’s the creation of a lovely cake maker, Hayley Pfeifer, from the Dunstable Cake House, who is a regular on my Weekend Kitchen show. She likes her cakes big, bold and glamorous and this caramel drip cake fits the mould perfectly!

For the sponge: 450g caster sugar 450g self-raising flour 450g butter 450g eggs (approx. 8 Large Eggs) A tablespoon of store-bought caramel from a jar A little drizzle of caramel flavouring Buttercream 500g butter 1000g icing sugar Drizzle of caramel Flavouring Extra caramel from the store-bought jar for filling and drip effect Flake chocolate for decorating Pre-heat oven to 160C/ Gas Mark 3

1. Line 3 x 8” tins 2. Mix the butter and caster sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add the sieved flour gradually, then add the eggs, the caramel and flavouring.

3. Divide the mix between the tins, then put them into the oven.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a skewer comes out of the sponges clean.

5. Leave the cakes to cool on a wire rack.

6. Mix the butter and icing sugar together for the buttercream filling and add a drizzle of caramel flavouring.

7. Take one cake. Spread caramel on top, then buttercream.Top it with another cake, then repeat the caramel and buttercream filling.Top with the last cake.

8. Add buttercream to the top and sides and create a smooth finish using a side scraper or a pallet knife dipped into some hot water.

9. Pour lots of caramel onto the top centre of the cake and use a pallet knife to ease the caramel towards the edges to create the drips. Be creative - it’ll look different every time.

10. Sprinkle some chocolate flakes on the top and it’s ready to serve.

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

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Are you fed up with limescale?

We have extensive knowledge of the water softening industry and a large stock of all types and brands of softeners to cater for all homes.

Let us find the best solution for you and rid your life of limescale forever!

The UK’s leading supplier of Water Softeners and Drinking Water Filters Showroom: Telephone: Email: Website:

130 Cambridge Road, Hitchin, Herts SG4 0JN 01462 455772 or 07748 788369 Servicng and repair paul@totalsoftwater.com service also available www.totalsoftwater.com

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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

BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks fixed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog flaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 34

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Health & Fitness

Swimming, Super Sport!

Swimming isn’t a sport, it’s just a way to keep from drowning! So goes the old joke. But swimming is a great way to keep fit, and here’s why.

It’s a full body workout - Swimming is a great mixture of cardio and strength. It improves endurance and works out all your muscle groups.

It improves mental health - The motion and act of swimming through water is very meditational. The focus it requires reduces stress levels and anxiety.

It’s a mood booster - Swimming, like most exercise, produces endorphins encourages the release of serotonin. These chemicals are known to boost your mood.

You’re unlikely to injure yourself - Swimming is non-weight-bearing so the risk of injury is very small.

It is sweat-free - If you hate getting sweaty, swimming is perfect. The water constantly cools you down.

It’s for everyone - Fat, thin, old, young, disabled or able-bodied. Almost anyone can swim.

It has long-term health benefits - Swimming has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce joint pain, improve heart function and lung capacity, and increase bone strength.

It’s a great calorie-burner - Swimming burns more calories than running!

By Lesley Wade Take a trip to your local pool today.

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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37

n O s ’ t Wha In February

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

February Exhibition: ‘ Joseph Lancaster’s Educational Revolution’ British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Supported by a £50,000 grant through the AIM Biffa Award History Makers scheme.

Joseph Lancaster was a visionary pioneer of elementary education. His work brought school within reach of millions of children around the world. It is also a very local story. The Museum boasts the world’s only remaining Lancasterian Schoolroom.

The AIM Biffa Award grant has allowed the Museum to use a variety of high-tech approaches to tell the fascinating story of Lancaster and those who continued and benefited from his work. There will be video, audio and interactive elements, all presented to retain the Museum’s unique authentic experience. Check website for dates.

Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 1 February RSPB Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group 7.30pm ‘The Settlement’, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City Local group members free, Visitors £3 ‘Birds: their Hidden World’ with Peter Holden MBE. This talk looks at British birds and their amazing lives, the sort of information that most ‘bird books’ leave out! Peter worked for the RSPB for over 40 years and we are delighted to welcome him back to Letchworth. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com 1, 8, 15 & 22 February Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Springfield House (the home of the Old Stevenage Community Centre) To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 2 February The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

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4, 11, 18 & 25 February Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Staplers is a social folk dance club. It’s easy to start as all the dances are walked through first then called and you don’t need to come with a partner; lots of us come on our own.

We are a friendly group and you will be made very welcome. Car parking is available next to the hall. We meet every Monday apart from bank holidays and the school summer holidays. Tel. 01462 895567 or 01462 624144 Web: www.staplers.org.uk 4, 11, 18 & 25 February Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people.

It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 February Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club.

Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 6 February North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Visitors £2 on the door. ‘Inspirational Women’ by author Damien O’Dell. He will talk about some women who shaped and changed our society against the odds and their legacy, including Queen Elizabeth I, Octavia Hill and Odette Churchill. Non-members welcome.

Membership of the National Trust not necessary. Tea and coffee served during the evening. Second-hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting.

Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com

7, 14, 21 & 28 February The Hitchin Thursday Club 9.30am-12 noon St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin A friendly group which meets every Thursday morning for recreational painting, drawing, etc.. The group is very easy going in its attitude to art - only doing your own thing. Still Life and raffle every month. No qualifications required - just come along with your drawing gear and you’ll receive a very warm welcome. Tel: Pauline 01767 315553 7, 14, 21 & 28 February Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage Friendly club for English country dancing. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced. All dances walked through; club and guest callers ensure a varied programme.

Live music from Carousel Band on 7th Feb and AGM on 21st Feb. Tel: 01438 727239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 February Stevenage Plus Social Group 8.15pm for 8.30pm Holiday Inn Express (opposite Matalan), Stevenage £2 - first night free Stevenage Plus Social Group is a fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas. We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as day trips and weekends away. New members are always welcome. Tel: 01438 231550.

Email: welcome@stevenage.plus Web: www.stevenageplus.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 February Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin We are a small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

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n O s ’ t Wha In February

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

8 February Unicorn Ceilidh 7.30-11pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Adults £10, Concessions and family tickets available. With Urban Folk Theory and Barry Goodman. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Clear instructions from the caller before and during each dance allow anyone to join in and enjoy the dancing. Our combination of the finest live bands, top callers and a bar serving local Real Ale and Cider plus wine and soft drinks guarantee an excellent, fun-filled evening for all. Tickets are available on the door but advance purchase is recommended.

Email: enquiries@unicornceilidhs.org.uk Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/unicornceilidhs 12 & 26 February Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Social club for retired and semi-retired professional and business-men which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month for lunch. Organised visits and events throughout the year. New members welcome. Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com 14 February Stevenage RSPB Local Group trip to Willington 9.30am A morning walk near the river Great Ouse, with a stop half way for refreshments at Danish Camp cafe. Meet at Willington Dovecote NT car park at 9.30am. Map ref: 153/TL 106499. Postcode MK44 3PX. Tel: Leader Graham Beevor 01438 232055 15 February Letchworth Chamber Music Concert 7.45 pm Howgills Friends Meeting House, 42 South View Tickets £15, Students & Under 18s £7 Concert by Kate Romano (clarinet) and Simon Marlow (piano) playing works by Schumann (Fantasy Pieces for clarinet and piano), Poulenc (Sonata for clarinet and piano) and Arthur Benjamin (Le Tombeau de Ravel). Tickets available on the door.

Web: www.letchworthmusicclub.co.uk

15 February-24 November The British Schools Museum 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults £5.50, Children 5-17 £3, Under 5s free The British Schools Museum re-opens for public visits. Please check the website for opening hours and for special activities during school holidays. Last entry time for the museum is 30 minutes before closing time. Discounts available for family groups.

Please allow at least two hours for your visit.

On the first Sunday of each month you can enjoy a Victorian lesson at no extra charge.

Advance booking is recommended.

Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 17 February Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group RSPB Coach Trip Coach fares Adults £15.50 Under 18s £7.75 Abberton Reservoir EWT and Tollesbury, Essex. After spending the morning at Abberton, we will continue to Tollesbury on the Blackwater estuary, where we will look for raptors, waders and water birds. Coach Pick Up Points: Letchworth: 7.45am. Hitchin: 8.00am. Stevenage: 8.10am. Recommended donation of £2.00 at Abberton.

Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com Web: rspb.org.uk/groups/ hitchinandletchworth 20 February ‘Kids Discovery Day’ 10am-12pm & 1-3pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £5 per child inc. drink and biscuit, Adults free Join us at the Museum this half-term and let the kids get creative making some Victorian inspired toys and games. From kaleidoscopes to peg dolls, there will be lots of traditional toys to design, craft and take home to enjoy, and also a large scale collaborative work for all to contribute towards and play with. Activities are aimed at children aged 4-11 years. All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Booking recommended. The Museum is not open outside of the stated activity session times on these days and not all the Museum displays will be accessible.

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22 February Hitchin Book Club 5pm Orange tree, Hitchin Admission £2. A friendly group who meets the last Friday of each month. No pressure to read books just turn up for a drink and chat.

Web: https://hitchinbookclub.simdif.com or https://www.meetup.com/Hitchin-BookClub/ 24 February Stevenage RSPB Local Group trip to Marston Vale Country Park 9.30am £2.50, Concessions £1.75 for wetland nature reserve. A morning visit to the park south west of Bedford. Meet in the car park at 9.30am. OS Map Ref: 153/TL 004417.

Postcode MK43 0PS. Tel: Leader Trevor Storey 01438 226014 9 March Table Top sale 10am-12 noon St. Mary’s Church Hall, Stotfold Organised by Friends of St. Mary’s Church.

Refreshments and Raffle. Proceeds for the restoration of the church. Tables £5.

Tel: Chris Webster 01462 834108 Hitchin & Surrounding Areas Fun & Social Stuff A welcoming social group based in Hitchin, but, also includes the surrounding areas. We arrange monthly socials, drinks socials, live music, pub quizzes, cinema, etc.. The group is a variety of people over 18 getting to know others in a social and friendly setting whilst also enjoying themselves.

Email: meetup3@outlook.com Web: https://www.meetup.com/meetupgroup-HVrvZZiQ Hitchin Bridge Club Hitchin Bridge Club plays duplicate bridge several times each week. All levels of experience welcomed, hosts are available at some sessions for players without a partner. Workshops each month on topics for improving players. Beginners courses are run every year starting in October. For further information please contact Margaret or visit the website Tel: Margaret 01462 623447 Email: mee.hitchin@ntlworld.com Web: hitchinbridgeclub.org.uk

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T J Lee

Chimney Builders (Hitchin) Tel: 01462 234717 Mob: 07966 404469 Email: terryjleebuilding@gmail.com T J Lee Chimney Builders

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January’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs D Roberts from St Neots Henlow Building Supplies Competition Winner Rob Lumkin from Shillington Easy

Hard

Fun Quiz - Poetry 1. In the poem The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner, what type of bird does the mariner shoot and kill?

2. The novel Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald took its name from a line in which famous poem by John Keats?

3. What type of poem shares its name with the third most populated city in the Republic of Ireland?

4. Well known for the many love poems she wrote for other women, on what island was the ancient Greek poet Sappho born?

5. As well as the title characters, what other two types of animal feature in Edward Lear’s poem The Owl And The Pussycat?

6. Celebrating the life and poetry of Robert Burns, Burns Night occurs on the 25th of which calendar month?

7. The epic poem The Iliad by Homer is set during a ten-year siege of which city?

8. Inspired by the final two lines of a poem by William Ernest Henley, “I am” is the motto of which international sporting event?

9. What is unusual about the entire content of a poem by Demetri Martin called Dammit, I’m Mad? 10. In a famous poem by Rudyard Kipling, complete the last line of the verse that begins “Man’s timid heart is bursting with the things he must not say, for the Woman that God gave him isn’t his to give away, but when hunter meets with husbands, each confirms the other’s tale”...

1. An albatross 2. Ode To A Nightingale 3. Limerick 4. Lesbos (leading to origin of the term “lesbians”) 5. Pig (whose ring in its nose is used as a wedding ring) and Turkey (who marries them) 6. January 7. Troy 8. The Invictus Games 9. It is a palindrome (i.e. it reads the same backwards as it does forwards, as does its title) 10. The female of the species is more deadly than the male

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41

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1. Chewing (6) 4. Acquiesced (6) 9. Garbage (7) 10. Religious images (5) 11. Points on a saw (5) 12. Rising (7) 13. Impersonations (11) 18. Evolve, mature (7) 20. First-rate (5) 22. Arm joint (5) 23. To carry out, to perform (7) 24. Robin red-_____ (6) 25. Modifies for purpose (6)

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

16th February 2019 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1. Explodes, pops (6) 2. Item of furniture (5) 3. Not that or this (7) 5. Sorrow, sadness (5) 6. Wearing away (7) 7. Blueprint (6) 8. Deep thinker (11) 14. Mobile, transportable (7) 15. Alternatively (7) 16. Word describing an action (6) 17. Crawls, inches (6) 19. Grassy gardens (5) 21. Rotund (5)

Name: Tel:



Address:

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Electrician

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Book Review By Kate Duggan

Books

This month’s books are perfect for discussing at your book club, dissecting over dinner and chatting about on social media.

The Silence of the Girls

By Pat Barker

The Silence of the Girls is a vivid retelling of Homer’s Iliad. However, this time the focus is on the minor characters, namely the women taken as ‘spoils of war’. Queen Briseis is taken as a sex slave by Achilles when he destroys her city. Through Briseis we hear of the other female slaves in the encampment – women who are forced to serve the men that killed their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons.

This is Going to Hurt

by Adam Kay

Codename Villanelle

By Luke Jennings

If you loved the BBC’s Killing Eve, don’t miss the book it was based on.

Villanelle is a cold-blooded assassin who you just can’t help but root for. Eve is the woman tasked with stopping her. The storyline is quite different from that of the TV series and has less dark humour, but there’s still plenty of suspense to keep you reading.

Roar

by Cecelia Ahern

From 100 hour weeks to moral conundrums and emergency operations, the life of a junior doctor is far from easy. Adam Kay reveals all through six years of diary entries.

Surprisingly, This is Going to Hurt is an incredibly funny book, particularly the numerous footnotes explaining hospital lingo. However, Kay also gives us an insight into the stark reality of life on the frontline of the NHS.

Ahern’s latest book is a collection of satirical short stories. Each focuses on an unnamed female protagonist and most are a literal interpretation of a stereotype or saying. The trophy wife’s partner builds her a shelf to sit on, where she can be admired by his friends and family. The woman who feels invisible to society starts to slowly disappear. There are plenty of themes to digest and discuss and a lot of enjoyment to be had in each tale.

Once Upon a River

by Diane Setterfield

Sunny Side Up

by Susan Calman

A man stumbles into The Swan inn carrying the body of what appears to be a dead girl in his arms. A few hours later, the little girl stirs. But who is she? Part adult fairy tale, part folk tale, Once Upon a River celebrates the art of storytelling and weaves numerous stories into one rich tapestry.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Comedian and Strictly star Susan Calman is on a mission to encourage ‘joy, kindness and community’ with her latest book.

There are anecdotes from her own life and examples of random acts of kindness that have been shared by her fans. Sunny Side Up is full of warmth, positivity and (of course) plenty of humour.

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Removals

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Roofing

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