Hitchin Jan 2022

VILLAGER The

Issue 44 - Jan 2022

and Town

Life

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

Happy New Year Inside this issue Health and Well-being

Holidays

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in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue...

RSPCA: Why Not Foster?.................................................30 Seasonal Recipe: Ramen Tofu Noodle Bowl....................35 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On in January......................................................38 Wordsearch....................................................................39 How to be a Vegan.........................................................40 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................42 Book Review: Fresh Starts..............................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Using Neutral Colours

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Health and well-Being Holidays in the UK........................4 Personal Electric Transport...............................................8 How to put an outfit together........................................10 Drinks: It’s a Gin Thing!...................................................12 Choosing and using Neutral Colours...............................16 New Year, New You for 2022...........................................21 Out of Business? Your Rights..........................................23 New Year, New Bathroom, Fresh Start!...........................24 All the Colours of the Rainbow.......................................26 Plants as Air Purifiers.....................................................29

How to be a Vegan

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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 - Andy Davis,Jennie Billings, Trevor Langley, Katherine Sorrell, Gavin May, Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, Caroline Knight, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA and Kate Duggan

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

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

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

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Travel

Health and wellbeing holidays

in the UK

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing more important than our health.

With the New Year’s resolution season now upon us, it’s the perfect time to set some goals that prioritise your body and mind – and what better way to start than with a holiday dedicated to just that?

Health and wellbeing holidays are the latest trend to hit the tourism market. In a world where our pace of life is getting faster and faster, there’s becoming a growing need for sanctuaries that allow us to slow down and take some time to focus on what’s important – our health.

Fortunately, you don’t need to travel far for these kinds of holidays either. The UK is packed with fitness, health and wellbeing escapes.

Arvon Creative Writing Retreats, West Yorkshire Calling all aspiring writers; Arvon’s Writing Retreats in the Pennine Hills give you the chance to shut out the noise, gather your thoughts and reignite your creativity. Regardless of your writing experience, you can enjoy a stellar line-up of published writers leading courses on everything from fiction, short stories and poetry to biography, life writing and screenwriting.

Keep it simple in a single room, or stretch out in your very own apartment – the choice is yours!

Reclaim Yourself, Scottish Highlands If sunrise yoga, delicious healthy meals, daily adventures and outstanding natural beauty all

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sound like chicken soup for the soul, you’ll love this wilderness and wellbeing weekend in the Scottish Cairngorms.

When you’re not relaxing in your rustic lodge, you’ll be freewheeling across the mountainscape, taking dips in Loch Garten and exploring the national park with a conservationist. And to top it off, Reclaim Yourself aims to offset the travel emissions of all their guests – making a holiday here good for you and the planet.

The Tree, North Yorkshire Nestled in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, The Tree is the perfect place to rest your mind, body and soul.

Stay for the weekend and you can expect tasty vegetarian meals (including Sunday lunch), afternoon tea, spa treatments and relaxation workshops, with plenty of time carved out to spend in the sauna and Jacuzzi too.

There’s also the option to choose the yoga weekend option, for a similar itinerary but with more downward facing dog.

Balance Holidays, Yorkshire Set in Broughton Hall in Yorkshire, a picturesque country estate framed by moorland, Balance Holidays’ holistic summer retreat is all about reconnecting with Mother Nature. Your days here will be filled with activities such as wild swimming, barefoot woodland walks, tree climbing, forest

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bathing and meditation workshops.

Of course, rest is important too, which is why you’ll have plenty of free time to soak up your tranquil surroundings. Book a stay here, and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling blissfully refreshed.

Our Retreat, Somerset This yoga and meditation retreat is hosted in a beautiful nineteenth-century farmhouse in the heart of Somerset’s idyllic countryside. A daily schedule at Our Retreat typically includes morning meditation, restorative yin yoga or Pilates, breath work, sound baths and guided walks.

Don’t worry, you’ll have flexibility to do what you want too, with plenty of time carved out for reading, massages or simply dozing off in the sun. Throw in some wholesome meals and you have a retreat that’s guaranteed to nourish your mind, body and soul.

Skyros, the Isle of Wight Hosted at The Grange, a Georgian B&B with sweeping sea views and a spacious garden, Skyros is famous for its two, three and four-night courses that help you become the person you truly want to be.

From writing, comedy and photography to yoga, dance and wellbeing, there are holidays for everyone – whatever you’re into and whether you’re travelling

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solo or with friends. The location is pretty idyllic too; set in the south of the Isle of Wight, a stone’s throw from the sea, there’s plenty to do, see and explore nearby.

Yeotown, Devon This rustic-meets-luxury haven near Barnstaple is best known for its health and fitness programme.

This is not your average fitness holiday; expect everything from long hikes along the North Devon coastline and bike rides in the forest to sunrise yoga and lessons on diet and nutrition. There’s also a hot tub and sauna to make the most of, not to mention healthy, vegan cuisine delicious enough to convert even the most hardened carnivore.

Birch, Hertfordshire Proof that you don’t always need to escape to the countryside to slow down, this country manor hotel on the outskirts of London provides a creative space to recharge or get involved in an array of classes.

Take part in classes ranging from gong baths to sourdough and soda breadmaking, glassblowing workshops and yoga. Oh, and did we mention the five-star facilities? Start your day in the gym, swim some lengths in the outdoor pool and dine on homegrown food, every day.

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Special Report

Personal Electric Transport Going Green on the Roads Our efforts to be green have been centring around transport recently.

The UK is set to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. But what about going even greener still with small, personal electric vehicles.

Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV) have been around since the Eighties. The concept was pioneered by Sir Clive Sinclair with his C5. At that time, the vision of personal electric transport was ahead of its time as the technology for batteries and motors could not deliver a truly usable vehicle. But in 2021 electric powered bikes and scooters have now made their way on to our streets and roads.

So, what are your choices and what are you legally allowed to do with these new PLEVs? E-bikes are the easiest to understand. These are basically bicycles, (so they are not classed as an electric vehicle), with an electric motor and battery bolted on to the frame to provide power assistance to your normal pedalling. Providing your electrically powered bicycle has working pedals, a less than 250 W motor, and a top speed of under 15 mph it still classes as a bicycle. You can ride it on roads, cycle paths and anywhere else a pushbike is legal. You can of course buy more powerful e-bikes, but as soon as you go above these specifications they are classed as a motorbike and you’ll need a licence, road tax, insurance, and everything else that goes with it.

An alternative is to go for an electric scooter. You’ve probably seen these popping up around

the country in various rental hire schemes. These are basically stand-up scooters with a battery and motor built into the footplate.

With a throttle and brake built onto the handlebars you simply step on and off you go.

But one of the big differences to e-bikes is that electric scooters are actually illegal to ride on UK roads. This may come as a surprise as you’ve no doubt seen numerous people zipping around towns on rental machines. Scooter law is evolving fast and rental scooters have been given special permission to run on roads while the government analyses their effect on town congestion and traffic usage.

But this special permission is not (yet) extended to privately owned personal electric scooters. These are still classed as electric vehicles which would again mean having tax, insurance, etc. to be legal on the roads. Even then, because they fall into the Personal Light

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Electric Vehicle category, their low-power and maximum speed mean they can’t be used on public roads. This leaves scooters stuck in an inconvenient situation, even if you made them road legal…they wouldn’t be road legal!

There is a lot of pressure to change this, but for now if you have a personal electric scooter you are only legally allowed to use it on private land where you have the landowner’s permission. Riding a scooter on the road or pavement is breaking the law and you could be prosecuted.

So, before you invest in one of these innovative personal transport solutions do make sure that you are legally allowed to use it to get to where you want to go. With the potential savings in carbon emissions and traffic congestion expect the laws to change quickly over the next few years as we all try to do our bit to save the planet.

By Andy Davis

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House of Colour

How to put an outfit together You’ve probably read countless articles giving you a set of rules that mean you can magically achieve the perfect look, the capsule wardrobe, the ideal level of jewellery etc. I know some of you, as indeed have I held onto many of these ideals years later. Some of which might have been helpful, some less so. We can’t all live in a box and we don’t all suit the same items or looks (although much can be tweaked to suit). I wanted to put together a set of thoughts, some guidance to consider, to help you create some impact, keep contemporary, get the most out of your clothes, and bring together an outfit.

Balance – Not all of us can work a high level of volume on the top and bottom half so choose one area that will have a more relaxed, or greater volume and keep the other area neater in line with your shape. Key to this and true for almost everyone is the need to come in at the waist. I know I may be triggering a shudder here but you need to show your shape to avoid looking oversized. So, if you know your best point (we all have an area that is our most flattering for belt/ waist emphasis, and a style consultation will tell you where that is) use it – tuck your shirt in, try the French tuck if that seems too much, which is tucked in at the front and out at the back. Put a belt on a dress to give you shape.

Honestly, it does look better.

Hi-low dressing – this rarely seems to date. It’s the concept of taking a casual piece and pairing it with something more formal. This could be a blazer with jeans, trainers with more formal trousers. Play around with what you have adding one casual element to a more formal look and vice versa. It’s a great way to get more wear out of our wardrobe.

Colour – there are a lot of neutrals around at the moment plus colour too. If you don’t yet know what colours really flatter your skintone (there are lots too!) think about the occasion. A more professional environment means more neutral tones and currently camel, cream, brown, blue and darker greens are all good contemporary choices (black is not everyone’s friend, and there are lots of alternatives). Add one piece of colour to two neutrals to balance your look in a more formal environment. Make it a wow colour for the best impact!

Accessories – are key. They can add the interest to basics, and give you a much more polished look, whether dressing casually or formally. Wear a necklace, earrings, watch/bracelet, and you instantly look more put together. Keep changing them too, go

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through your jewellery box and dig some out. Find a handbag that suits your look and practical needs, so you don’t have to rely on a supermarket shopper when needs must. Have you got a good umbrella, one with some colour, or style rather than a plain black one? The details can really add the impact.

Shoes – in my experience they can really sabotage a look if they’re not right or look like they’ve seen better days. Highly practical options are probably the most tempting in our January weather, and there’s nothing essentially wrong with that but don’t be tempted to wear them everywhere because it’s easy and they’re near the door. Review your shoe wardrobe as you would your main wardrobe. If you need practicality, find ones that suit you too, that add something. There are lots of heavier styles around right now which are great for the weather and some clothing personalities (not all…).

Do you feel good in it? If you don’t like what you’re wearing then let it go. You know how it affects your day…

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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Food & Drink

Drinks: It’s a Gin Thing!

Juniper berries form the base flavour for gins and productions of these alcoholic beverages dates back centuries.

Today, many different botanicals can be and are used, to great advantage, to produce gins that are a clear liquid through to a great number of coloured variations, which are appreciated and loved by numerous gin connoisseurs. Gin cocktails are hugely popular too and have devotees, globally. For some gin lovers a simple gin & tonic is satisfying and welcoming. I searched for a company producing a good range of handcrafted gins, that utilises botanicals to create outstanding gins, which appeal to many.

The Ruddy Fine Distillery is very proud of their productions, which have been developed over recent years, by Cheryl Stretton and Rory Thorpe. Their LONDON DRY GIN (42% ABV) is infused with 11 botanicals, all carefully selected to provide an excellent, balanced product. The sweetness of orange zest is complemented by fragrant spices and botanicals, to produce this smooth, extremely popular gin. Botanicals used for the production of this gin include the exotic lemongrass.

SUMMER BERRIES GIN (42% ABV) has, as the name suggests, juicy berries, evoking thoughts of summer in England. Red fruits are in abundance, for the bouquet. Again, excellent on the mouthfeel and palate’s sensation.

Cardamom combines with the other botanicals, to provide this ‘pink favourite’, that pink gin lovers fully enjoy.

Other Ruddy Fine gin productions include NAVY STRENGTH GIN, CHRISTMAS GIN (Limited Edition) and LOCKDOWN GIN (Limited Edition). Gift vouchers are available too, plus other merchandise to complement the range. The Ruddy Fine Distillery, created by Cheryl Stretton and Rory Thorpe, is located in the pretty, rural village of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire.

The Ruddy Fine Gin Club is very popular, with memberships steadily increasing. For a ‘something different’ type of gift the Ruddy Fine Minis Gift Boxes are very attractively presented and could be the answer. As Cheryl and Rory say, “Our passion and desire to create the finest small batch craft gins comes through in every refreshing sip”. For all details and information please contact or visit their website.

The Ruddy Fine Distillery Ltd, 39 Nottingham South & Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Nottingham NG11 7EP. Tel: 07540 096 234 E-mail: info@ruddyfine.co.uk www.ruddyfine.co.uk ways, Enjoy!

As al

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ey Trevor Langl

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Interiors

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By Katherine Sorrell

Choosing and using neutral colours For a look that is classically stylish, easy to live with and works in every room, choose a subtle palette of whites, greys and browns.

In a room decorated with neutrals, you will always feel at home. With an almost infinite range of colours, from the purest white to pale, mid and deep tones of grey, beige and brown, they work well for both old and new houses, and for small or large spaces. Think of the glow of polished wood, the texture of rattan, the variations of natural pebbles – these luscious shades, chosen and combined with care, can be full of character.

First, the basics. Pale can definitely be interesting: shades of not-quite-white offer a surprising range of options, from fresh, bright and airy to rich, warm and restful. Rooms painted in pure white can appear bigger and brighter, thanks to the way the colour reflects light around. A clean white wall is a great background for vibrant paintings, for the coloured spines of books, or for a simple jug of flowers. And if brilliant white is too cold, choose a white with a pink or yellow undertone that warms the space and

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is more flattering against the skin.

Beyond white, pale neutrals vary in hue from cream to sand, through taupe to stone and bleachedtimber tones, while darker neutrals vary from charcoal and ebony to chocolate – and there is a whole rainbow in between to choose from, including beautiful greys, from palest dove to darkest steel.

Many people love the laid-back, fresh feel of a room that puts white on white, or combines a range of very pale tones, but with neutrals it is also possible to employ counterpoints of darker tones against lighter colours, or even to go dark and dramatic all over.

Choose colours by trying them out in situ, using small tester pots before committing to a bigger purchase. Paint at least two coats on several pieces of card, and stick them up on every wall around the room in question. Observe the colours at the times you’ll usually be in the room, and with your lights

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both on and off, as lighting has a marked effect on neutrals.

The trick is to select layers of colour rather than just one, creating an interesting, subtly varied effect.

When combining neutrals, avoid using different hues that are all of the same tone. An easy way to choose is to take a colour chart and go up or down (dark to light) within the same colour family, rather than working across from colour to colour. You could use darker tones for woodwork, with lighter ones for walls or, if you have features such as cornices and dadoes, perhaps vary the wall tones with lighter ones above and darker ones below the divisions. You can also use different neutrals to provide a gentle visual link from room to room: perhaps a very pale colour in a narrow hallway, with slightly darker hues in a living room and a warm tone in a dining room, for example.

With paint colours sorted, continue the layering effect with flooring, wallcoverings, furnishings and accessories. In any neutral scheme, it is surfaces that are the star, and success comes from choosing textures – hard and soft, rough and smooth, squishy and knobbly – as carefully as you would colours.

Natural is key, so aim for simple upholstery, window treatments, bed linen and table linens, in fabrics that have subtle and attractive variations in texture – crisp linen, soft cotton, warm wool, floaty muslin, fluffy sheepskin, and so on. Bring out the cosiness of a small bedroom, for example, with a shaggy rug, matt-painted walls, velvet curtains and soft woollen

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throws. Or emphasise a light and airy living room with satin-varnished floorboards, glossy woodwork, sheer curtains and silk cushions.

While there is inherent pattern in many of these textures (the weave of a rug or a wicker basket, for example) you may wish to introduce some surface pattern, too. In rooms that are, on the whole, relatively plain, small pattern features will stand out as focal points. Checks and stripes, chevrons and zigzags, damasks and geometrics can all look particularly good. Similarly, the occasional spot of colour, whether it’s a pale pink cushion, a turquoise vase or a mustard-coloured lampshade, may be the perfect finishing touch for an all-neutral room, adding just a touch of drama and personality to the calm and welcoming vibe.

1 Handmade in the UK, this love seat is composed of Scandinavian birch, with feather-wrapped foam cushions for squishy comfort. Banoffee love seat, £1,445, Loaf: 020 3141 8300; loaf.com.

2 Inspired by classic wingback chairs, these stately beds have ample storage space concealed beneath.

Kenley ottoman storage bed in oatmeal fabric, £699.99 (double), Furniture & Choice: 0333 015 0000; furniturechoice.co.uk.

3 This table teams two planks of tactile and sustainably sourced white oiled oak with black metal legs.

Industrial oak table, £975; Edie dining chairs, £525 (pair); all Nordic House: 01872 223 220; nordichouse.co.uk.

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A D V E R T O R I A L

CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOR THE BETTER

Sometimes life can feel so overwhelming.

So much information and so many choices.

Where do we even begin in the quest to feel calmer, happier and healthier in our body and mind?

We aren’t alone.

Wellness coaching can help you to rethink old, limiting beliefs to change or improve ANY aspect of your life, for good.

Wellness Coaching can help you to feel better, think better and live better.

Jane Casey has been a registered nurse since 1999, predominantly working in palliative care, and is a qualified wellness coach.

Her experiences in nursing, as well as her own personal journey, allow her to take a holistic, compassionate and realistic approach which strikes the right balance, for you.

Contact Jane to find out more: E: janecaseywellness@outlook.com W: janecaseywellnesscoaching.com

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@janecaseycoach

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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

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Health/Fitness

New Year, New You, for 2022 You don’t get fat and unfit between Christmas and New Year….

Think about that phrase, and then understand that the reality is, all the damage is done between New Year and Christmas!

So, why is it that every year, despite our best intentions, those heartfelt resolutions we make at New Year fail to continue beyond February? The main two reasons are: • We don’t set ourselves clear, specific or even realistic targets, instead making statements like “I’ll get fitter this year” or “I’m going to eat more sensibly” • We inherently anticipate ‘failure’ as it is what we have always done…..right?

WRONG…… Let’s do it differently this year by trying to adhere to the following 5 step plan: 1) SET A GOAL - Make sure that this goal is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-framed) not just a vague statement like, “I’m going to lose weight this year”. Change that for something like “I’m going to get back into my favourite jeans by March!’ or “I want to be able to Run 5k by Easter”. With either of these statements there are simple ways to get yourself started. With running you can easily download one of the many apps that are available that will take you from the sofa to a 5k run. Diet wise, you should always initially think about creating

a calorie deficit i.e. putting less calories in to your system than you are burning, by tracking your movements and balancing that against the calories that you consume.

2) MAKE A PLAN - Failing to plan is planning to fail.

How are you going to achieve that goal? Start a training and food diary and ensure that what you write in there is realistic, honest and achievable.

The mere act of logging information acts as a catalyst to help you stay on track.

3) PREPARE TO CHANGE - Habits; they are usually our downfall when it comes to following and continuing a plan. It takes at least two months for us to adopt a change or a new habit. That may be exercise, eating, drinking or anything else and so we must always bear this in mind when setting out on this journey.

4) OWN THE DECISION - Once you have decided upon your plan and your goal, you need to ‘Own It’. This means writing it down, sharing it with friends and relatives and maybe even making a statement on social media. That way, you will feel invested, and others will help and support your endeavours 5) ASK FOR HELP - We are not all experts in nutrition, exercise and how to even go about setting ourselves a goal. So if you are unsure, seek help. Contact a Nutritionist, talk to a Personal Trainer or ask the community for help.

The last two years have been a bit of a rough ride for us all, so why not use the start of 2022 as a stepping stone towards a brighter future?

Gavin May (www.gavinmayfitness.com)

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

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

Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions.

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

Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year.

Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected.

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

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

Baystrait Ltd t/a Will & Estate Planning, Baystrait House, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL

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Finance

Out of Business? Your Rights When a retailer or service provider goes out of business, you may be worried about whether you’ll lose out if you’ve paid for goods or services you haven’t yet received, or you want a refund for faulty products. Let’s run through your legal rights.

Administration or Liquidation? If the business is in administration then it’s still ‘in business’, even if it isn’t actively trading. There’ll be an attempt to rescue it, for example by selling it to a new owner. While this happens, your legal rights are still technically valid. This means it’s still worth asking for a refund or return as it’s possible (if unlikely) that you’ll get what you ask for.

If the company has gone into liquidation, it’s definitely not coming back. You’ll need to find the appointed administrator and write to formally register your claim. In most cases you’ll only get a small proportion of what you’re owed (or nothing at all) as some creditors take priority, for example HMRC chasing uncollected taxes. However, it’s still worth lodging the claim just in case.

Card Cover - Another option is to make a claim through your card provider. If you paid some or all of the cost on a credit card and the total cost was at least £100, you have a legal right to get any relevant refunds from your card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If you paid using a debit card, you can often make a similar claim under a voluntary industry scheme called chargeback.

Holiday Cover - Many tour operators are part of the government’s ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence) scheme, run by the Civil Aviation Authority. If you book through an ATOL member and they go out of business, you should get a refund. If you are already abroad when the business fails, the scheme should settle any outstanding hotel bills and cover your flight home. Note that ATOL is designed for package holidays that include a flight. If you only booked accommodation, you’ll need to check if you booked through a member of ABTA (formerly the Association of British Travel Agents). If so, and the company fails, you should get similar benefits to the ATOL scheme.

Utility Cover - Another industry with protection is gas and electricity. As many customers have experienced in recent months, when a utility supplier stops trading, regulator Ofgem guarantees supplies are uninterrupted. It will source another supplier to take on the customers, though this will be at a ‘deemed’ rate that will often be more than your tariff with the old supplier.

Ofgem advises customers not to initiate a switch until they are set up with the new supplier, at which point they can switch elsewhere with no exit fees.

Customers who were in credit and owed money by the old supplier will get it back from the new supplier, though this may take some time. Customers who were in debit to the old supplier will normally need to pay back the money to the new supplier.

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Business Review

New year, new bathroom Fresh start!

AFTER

Being able to enjoy a warm bath or a shower is something we take for granted but when mobility is impaired, people are often denied that simple pleasure.

When the bathroom in your home has served you well over the years, and is functioning perfectly, it seems an extravagance to replace it. But if getting in and out of the bath or shower is becoming increasingly challenging, that investment could be the key to living independently for longer, and to improving your health and wellbeing.

At the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) Hitchin, they know just what a positive impact having easy and safe access to a shower or bath can have.

BMAS manager Lee Brand, says the benefits of making your bathroom safe and comfortable are not just restricted to the physical ones, such as reducing the risk of slipping or tripping, but have wider health benefits bringing peace of mind and improved quality of life.

Regain your independence “You don’t have the anxiety of worrying about slipping or falling,” he says. “Having a bathroom that is safe and easy to use reduces the stress of trying to manage with facilities that are no longer fit for purpose.”

Being able to maintain the standards of personal hygiene you would want, at any age, makes a big difference to your confidence and self-esteem too, he says. Even though a new bathroom may seem an extravagance, it can mean someone has more years of independent living and brings peace of mind to the whole family.

Wet rooms are the ultimate accessibility solution, offering total level access, but BMAS also install

BEFORE

bathrooms with low level shower trays and walk in baths. Combined with specialist slip-resistant flooring, easy-clean hygienic wallboards, safety grab rails and fold down shower seating, your bathroom can become fully usable again.

A complete service for your convenience BMAS provides an end-to-end service, starting with the initial free consultation to providing a well thought-out, accessible bathroom design and a comprehensive quote. They supply all the products and carry out all the necessary works themselves, including removing the old bathroom and any building adaptations and electrical works.

Importantly, they manage the whole process for you, so you won’t have to arrange multiple tradespeople and payments and they will be there to answer your questions every step of the way. Works can be completed in as little as five days and your home will be kept clean and tidy throughout.

To find out more about their range of bathrooms visit the BMAS showroom at 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB or call 01462 889 097 or see bathingmobility.co.uk They offer a free design appointment service in your own home with absolutely no obligation or pressure selling.

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25

Gardening

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

All the colours of the rainbow Joy in the winter garden - The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your patch of outdoor space to ensure it fills you with joy – even in January.

You need either strong structural design that looks stunning at any time of year, or a wonderful array of rainbow shades, punctuated by architectural forms.

But how can you achieve this?

Planting a rainbow - Aim to provide something that fits into the chart of the seven visible spectrum colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Almost certainly, you will already have some green, but there are many different shades. The secret is to have one shade of green set off against another – dark and light is the classic combination.

You can play with greens all year round, but January is the month they can really bring the show alive.

Reds for the winter garden - Think about stems and bark as well as flowers, foliage and berries, and there is a feast of red opportunity. The fiery stems of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ or Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ will set the border ablaze, particularly if you prune down your cornus in late winter or very early spring so that the new growth is pleasingly vertical.

The rich mahogany bark of Prunus serrula, or Tibetan cherry, can look stunning against a backdrop of dark green hedging or the brown leaves of winter beech.

Lower to the ground you might consider heuchera such as H. ‘Forever Red’ or H. ‘Paprika’. Then we have rhododendrons, some of which can be adorned with a blousy show of scarlet this month. Don’t forget red-flowering evergreen camellias too – their winter flowers stand out against the dark green foliage.

Create orange and yellow sunshine in the garden With ornamental grasses in borders or pots, January will glow. Clumps of tall miscanthus with its warm,

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yellow-orange stems and seed heads will look dignified in January, providing structure and colour.

Choose an orange-stemmed cornus for vertical accent and dot these plants around in repeated forms to bring the picture together. Plant Eranthis hyemalis, the winter aconite, under deciduous shrubs to create a spreading, golden carpet and consider Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’, a magnificent structural shrub with yellow, scented winter flowers to transform a shady corner.

Beat the winter blues with garden blue, indigo and violet - Blue fescue is an evergreen grass that can create winter blues and there are plenty of conifers and shrubs with steely-blue foliage to provide structure and colour, including Juniperus ‘Blue Star’ and Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’. Eucalyptus gunnii, with its strikingly blue juvenile leaves, can be tamed by clipping for winter beauty. For an indigo or violet hue, consider the conifer Cryptomeria japonica, which turns a pleasing shade of purple in winter.

Evergreen heucheras can provide low mounds of purple foliage to line paths and provide a safe haven for wildlife.

Your winter garden is likely to be viewed through glass for much of this month, so help it to come alive with colour!

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THE GARDEN ROBIN

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discount with this advert

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Complete Garden Design & Landscape Service

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Garden Design

Full garden design, development of one specific area or planting advice

Tel: Email: Web:

07863 430296 info@inandout.design www.inandout.design

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Plants as air purifiers A friend recently asked me whether there are any plants which might help with the humidity and mould problem in the bathroom and back bedroom of her Victorian house. It’s a problem that actually affects many British households. Many of our homes are old, and in our damp climate humidity can rise pretty quickly in the winter when all the windows are closed, and the radiators are on. With increased humidity comes the increased risk of mould and associated respiratory problems Obviously, we can install a dehumidifier or an extractor fan, but nature also provides her own dehumidifiers and air purifiers in the form of certain house plants.

The best houseplants for mould-prone areas are those which are efficient at absorbing moisture through their leaves. Not all plants are equally efficient at this task so I’ve selected four of the best.

Each offers a different aesthetic so there should be one that’s perfect for you.

English ivy is a native plant and it’s a low-cost option.

It removes airborne mould, but also other toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight so is perfect for north-facing rooms. You need to keep it out of reach of toddlers and pets because the leaves are toxic.

Peace Lilies remind me of the film Hot Fuzz. Sergeant Angel, played by Sean Pegg loved his Peace Lily, and he had good reason. Not only are they elegant plants with stunning white flowers, but research conducted by NASA found the Peace Lily to be one

of the top indoor plants for air purification. This tropical plant breaks down and neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.

One of the advantages of a Peace Lily is that it tells you when its thirsty by drooping and that it’s getting too much light by turning yellow. They love high humidity areas with indirect sunlight like most bathrooms and are great at preventing mould. Like English ivy the leaves and flowers are toxic.

Palms add a tropical touch to a room and will efficiently reduce humidity. There are many varieties and some of the best are the lady palm, dwarf palm and reed palm. Indirect light is best and keep the surface of the soil moist but not wet.

The Snake Plant is a wonderfully architectural succulent. Its evergreen sword-shaped leaves grow upright, and almost resemble artificial foliage. It’s great at air purification and is one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. This quality makes it particularly good for use in a bedroom as it can help regulate healthy airflow.

Snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, including CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene and act as an effective defence against airborne allergies.

Plants can’t solve a full-on damp problem and they won’t replace a built-in humidifier or extractor fan.

But plants are a great way to improve the quality of the air in your home and they look beautiful too.

Happy Indoor Gardening

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Pets

Why Not Foster?

Have you ever considered becoming a foster carer?

Caring for a pet is very rewarding, but for some families it is not always possible. Quite often when you are renting or between homes, having a pet in not an option. For many, cost is the reason they have not got a pet. Recently the cost of kittens, cats, puppies and dogs seems to have grown and grown. So being a foster carer may be a better and cheaper option.

Being a foster carer is extremely rewarding. The RSPCA are always on the look out for new volunteer foster carers who can provide a safe, calm and loving environment for the cats and dogs our inspectors rescue each year. Fostering an animal can help them recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury - taking the first steps towards finding a new, loving forever home.

Why do we need foster carers at the RSPCA? The volunteer role of a foster carer is both a crucial and a rewarding one, giving people the opportunity to make a huge difference to animal welfare. Our foster carers aim to help rehabilitate animals which then increases their chances of finding a forever home.

Naturally, we try to rehome our animals as quickly as possible, but if they are involved in a prosecution case we could have them in our care for long periods.

Some animals need one-to-one care or perhaps don’t cope well in an animal centre environment. This is where our team of fantastic foster carers comes in.

When an animal is fostered space in our centres then become free, so that we can rescue more animals in desperate need.

What does the role involve?

There are two types of fostering roles at the RSPCA: 1) Foster carers for animals ready to be rehomed.

2) Foster carers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take place.

All carers are responsible for the welfare of the animal in their care and are a crucial part in the rehabilitation of the animal. You would be required to provide the care the animal needs; feeding, exercising, cleaning, socialising, giving medication and grooming. Many animals that we take in have either suffered or are not used to the care and affection that they deserved.

Living with a foster family helps to provide them with one-to-one care, allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle.

You may even be asked to foster an animal that is convalescing following illness or injury while they prepare for the adoption process.

Providing stable futures Did you know that you could also foster a horse or a pony? You can foster a horse or a pony as a companion for your own horse. Or if you don’t currently own one and you are able, you can foster two horses as company for each other. If you fit the criteria for an equine foster carer why not find out more and apply online.

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in the role of an animal fosterer, use our volunteer search on our national website to find opportunities near you.

If there is nothing listed in your area, then it’s always worth checking with your nearest RSPCA branch or animal centre.

The RSPCA is always delighted to hear about people’s positive fostering experiences. Get in touch if you have a story you’d like to share.

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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www.acs-aggregates.com

Collection & Delivery of Loose Aggregates Building Sand • Sharp Sand • Ballast • MOT Type 1 • 10 & 20mm shingle Top Soil • Granite Dust • Cements • Drainage • EASYjoint • Sleepers

Open six days a week

Monday – Friday 7.00am – 4.30pm Saturday 8.00am – 12.00pm

Tel: 01438 311699 Mob: 07788 446635 Email: info@acs-aggregates.com Shangri-La Farm, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2JE To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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

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

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MUSCLE

& MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

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

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H&M Rubbish Clearance Est. 10 years in Hitchin.

Support local business Call us for a free no obligation quote House and Garden Clearance Helping to keep Hertfordshire Cleaner and Greener Waste carrier no. CBDU172513 We have Public Liability Insurance

Call 01462 431284 or 07557 527416 / 07368 374811 H & M Clearance @clearance_h

Shire Roofing

Quality above all

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07778 634900 or email: russ@shireroofing.com 34

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Seasonal Recipe

This is such a light, refreshing soup and low-carb too, thanks to the addition of vegetable noodles. You could also use kelp noodles or regular noodles instead.

Ramen Tofu Noodle Bowl Ingredients 1 medium courgette (or use 150g kelp noodles or cooked regular noodles) 1½ tbsp olive oil 450g firm tofu, drained and cut into 2cm cubes 2 spring onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 600ml vegetable stock 2 pak choi, roughly chopped 150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1 tbsp white miso paste 2 tbsp tamari soy sauce Handful of beansprouts To serve 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves 1. Use a spiraliser to make long noodles from the courgette; alternatively use a swivel potato peeler to create long strips. Set aside. If using kelp or

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 14 minutes Serves 4

regular noodles prepare according to instructions and drain well.

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan and add the tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes over a medium-high heat until the tofu is lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Heat the remaining oil in a pan and sauté the spring onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes over a medium heat.

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to the boil.

Add the pak choi and mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes until the pak choi has wilted. Stir in the miso paste, tamari soy sauce, beansprouts, tofu and courgette (or other) noodles and stir briefly. Turn off the heat and allow the soup to sit for 1–2 minutes to allow the noodles to soften.

4. Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter over the sesame seeds and coriander to serve.

Nutrition per serving: 176kcal, fat 10.6g (of which saturates 3g), carbohydrates 5.4g (of which sugars 3.7g), protein 14.5g

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN JANUARY 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 JANUARY 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 5 JANUARY Pic-n-Mix Social Group 10.30am-12 noon. 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!

5 JANUARY

Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm. Shuttleworth Members £5. ‘Ups and Downs of 30 Years’ Flying’ with Paul Drakes. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth is £15 (valid for one month) but free for SVAS and AEG members.

Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk

6, 13, 20 & 27 JANUARY Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am & 11.15-11.45am Hitchin Library Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills and are an opportunity for you to meet other families too. Booking essential.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

7 JANUARY Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm. Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford ‘The Brooks of Flitwick Manor’ by Richard Morgan. www.bfhs.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 JANUARY 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. Booking essential. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 JANUARY 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 7, 14, 21 & 28 JANUARY BookTrust Storytime 2.15-2.45pm Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book. Web: www.hertfordshire. gov.uk 8 JANUARY Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Talk by Kerry Barehead on Roses dos and don’ts. Visitors welcome – small charge. www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

10, 17, 24 & 31 JANUARY 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 12 JANUARY Tedesca Quartet with Charles Matthews 8pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £20, free entry for under 27s, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s The first visit of the year from the popular Tedesca Quartet, joined by the pianist Charles Matthews. Preconcert dining £25.

Web: https://benslowmusic.org 16 JANUARY

Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair 9am-4pm.

The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Café serving food and drinks all day.

Free parking. Wheelchair/pushchair access. Tel: Marcel 07887 648255 Web: www.marcelfairs.co.uk

21, 23, 28 & 29 JANUARY The Sleeping Beauty Fri & Sat 7.30pm, Sun 1.30pm & 5.30pm Meppershall Village Hall Adults £12, Children £7, Family of 4 £34 HATS present The Sleeping Beauty.

Traditional family pantomime by Norman Robbins.

Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hatsdrama

6, 13, 20 & 27 JANUARY Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm. The Orange Tree, Hitchin Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friends generally 50+ age group.

Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

10, 17, 24 & 31 JANUARY Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills. Booking essential.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN JANUARY 22 JANUARY

Bedford RSPB Local Group Meeting 7.30-9.30pm ARA Club, Manton Lane, Bedford Members £1, guests £2, under 18 free ‘Jewels in the Air’ by Wilf Powell which describes aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds. . RSPB membership not essential. Annual membership £5. rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford

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

30 JANUARY Afternoon Tea 4pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin £19.95pp or £24.95pp with a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy afternoon tea at Benslow Music complemented with live music. Booking required.

Tel: 01462 459446 benslowmusic.org 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 Email: ionssuzanne@gmail.com

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LETCHWORTH ARTS & LEISURE GROUP Annual membership £10 per household Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and much, much more.

New groups are starting all the time. Online talks every month.

Non-members can try activities before joining.

Web: LALG.org.uk

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Special Report

How to be a Vegan (or Vegetarian) The headlines about meat-eating emphasise that rearing animals for food is a major contributor to climate change, but you don’t have to look far to understand that animal welfare and personal health are also significant motivators for the increased adoption of more plant-based diets.

It was recently reported that, over the last decade, the UK’s meat consumption dropped by 17%. That’s a great start, but although we know why we should consider this new way of eating, the how seems to have less attention, so let’s look at some simple changes that we can all adopt.

Cooking from scratch The easiest option is to eat pretty much as you always did, but to use meat-free alternatives. Mince, burgers, sausages, fish and chicken all have vegan substitutes available and in some cases it’s really quite difficult to spot the difference.

Oat milk is the winner for its sustainability credentials, with almond milk now generally frowned upon. Butter substitutes have been around for years; vegan cheese is available but is a bit of an acquired taste. Replacements for eggs depends on the recipe, so you’ll have to do your research.

If this way of eating is going to stick, you’ll want to try some new recipes. Most recipes have considerably more ingredients that meat-based meals do, including herbs and spices. If you love cooking and have lots of jars of flavourings in your cupboards you won’t mind this. Otherwise, you might want to consider a ready-to-cook option.

For this, look at the booming market of recipe boxes. British company Gousto offer around 60

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recipes each week, with 20% vegan and a further 30% vegetarian (meaning over half the meals don’t contain meat). Around 80% of HelloFresh meals contain meat so they are not a great choice, but you could try their sister brand GreenChef and another popular provider, Mindful Chef.

Ready-to-eat Supermarkets have a selection of plant-based ready meals and frozen meal deliveries are available from a number of companies, including Planty and Allplants.

Take-away food is a bit more challenging. It is possible though and the online menus should offer a clear indication of which of their options are vegetarian and vegan.

Eating out Choose a restaurant or pub that offers many of the same options as usual but in a veggie version, and some recipes that are specifically targeted for nonmeat eaters. Even better is a specific vegan menu, and Wagamama deserve recognition for having introduced this at the start of 2021.

Happy Cow (happycow.net or download the app) is a useful resource with social feedback on many eateries, or your local Facebook group will have lots of people giving you recommendations (or ‘avoids’).

Be realistic Like any new regime, a wholesale overnight change will be challenging and will often lead to failure. But even if you could just do one no-animal-products day each week, you will have cut your meat intake by 14% and in time you’ll realise that you often prefer the veggie or vegan option.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our December Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Lindsey Smith, Abbotsley

December’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 King’s title (7) 5 Herb (5) 8 Sprays water (9) 9 Curved line (3) 10 Sword (5) 12 Remote military camp (7) 13 Incendiary guns (13) 15 Highest noble rank (7) 17 Tests (5) 19 Concerned with the environment (3) 20 Raised area (9) 22 Give up (5) 23 Wandered (7)

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

16th January 2022 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Down 1 Disguises (5) 2 Glass container (3) 3 Genuine, honest (7) 4 Colourful small birds (13) 5 Hat (5) 6 E.g. EastEnders (4,5) 7 Finds (7) 11 Region in space (5,4) 13 Nervous (7) 14 Outside (4-3) 16 Fear (5) 18 Church council (5) 21 Climbing plant (3)

Name:

Address:

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

Tel:

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Classifieds Electrician

Plumbing

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

Please call Gary on

07530 728091

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Fresh starts Give your New Year’s resolutions a helping hand…

Running Made Easy Lisa Jackson and Susie Whalley

Whether you’ve got your mind set on running a marathon this year, or you just want to complete Couch to 5K, this book could prove as invaluable as the right pair of trainers. Within its pages, you’ll find plenty of tips, running plans and advice, mainly aimed at beginner runners. Perhaps most importantly, however, you’ll also find lots of motivational real-life stories of people who’ve used running to dramatically improve their lives.

The Book of Hopes Edited by Katherine Rundell

This book brings together poems, short stories, essays and illustrations – all designed to ‘comfort, inspire and entertain’.

It’s perfect for dipping into on a coffee break or when you’re in need of a moment of solace. While it’s aimed at children, there’s no reason why The Book of Hopes can’t be enjoyed just as much by adults. A beautiful book to give or receive.

Everyday Cook Donal Skehan

Is your New Year’s resolution to cook more meals from scratch?

Most of the recipes in Everyday Cook are designed to take you from fridge to table within half an hour. (Some dishes can be whipped up in just fifteen minutes.) There are also meals to freeze for days when you really don’t have the energy to cook. The recipes might be simple, but they’re far from boring. Think Cheat’s Spring Risotto, Kung Pao Chicken and Aubergine, and Spicy Prawn Aglio e Olio.

Books

By Kate Duggan

The Wildlife Gardener Kate Bradbury

British wildlife has declined dramatically over the last few decades. Once common species, such as the hedgehog, are under threat. If you want to play a role in helping to reverse the decline, this book is a good starting point. It’s packed with practical tips on encouraging all manner of wildlife into your garden. You’ll find step-by-step projects, ideas for plants and plenty of gorgeous photography. And you’ll also be taught how to identify some of your new garden visitors.

Farrow & Ball Recipes for Decorating Joa Studholme

Planning to refresh your home in 2022? Before you go anywhere near a paintbrush, get some advice and inspiration from the experts. Farrow & Ball’s no-nonsense guide covers everything from creating different moods using colour, to tackling common problems such as dark rooms and small spaces.

There are several case studies and tons of photos.

Whether you’re craving an ultra-modern living room or want to bring some country-cottage comfort to your kitchen, this book is for you.

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide Jen Gale

Going green can feel pretty daunting, but this book sets out small steps we can all take to help combat climate change, reduce plastic and cut waste. It’s about making more conscious, informed choices – from small swaps that you’ll barely notice to more impactful life changes. There are no lectures, no guilt trips and no preaching – just relatable, easy-toread advice and ideas.

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