VILLAGER The
Issue 38 - July 2021
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
Woodland Holidays in the UK
Eating Al Fresco
Italian Style Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Hitchin, Great and Little Wymondley, St Ippolyts, ur E o Charlton and surrounding areas Y E y
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Inside this issue... Planning an Outdoor Kitchen.........................................24 Smart Gardening............................................................26 Keeping your Pets Cool...................................................29 Fun Quiz.........................................................................31 Summer Skin..................................................................32 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................34 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 Can a new garage door increase kerb appeal?................38 Villager Prize Crossword - Win £25...................... 42 Summer-worthy Audio books........................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47
Planning an Outdoor Kitchen
24
Woodland Holidays in the UK...........................................4 Eat Al Fresco Italian Style.................................................8 Here, for the Beer!..........................................................12 Sounds of Summer.........................................................15 Warmer Weather Dressing.............................................17 Open Water Swimming..................................................18 Beginner’s Guide to Stocks and Shares...........................20 Appley Ever After!..........................................................23
Sounds of Summer
15
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 - Tom Hancock, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Katherine Sorrell, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, Nick Coffer, Mark O’Keefe and Kate Duggan
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - xalanx 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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Staycation
Forest of Dean
Woodland holidays in the UK Whether you’re looking for a secluded escape or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, reconnect with Mother Nature with a visit to one of the UK’s most enchanting forests. If there’s one thing the UK has no shortage of, it’s unspoilt woodland. Our forests are brimming with beauty and wildlife all year round, making them perfect for nature watching, walking and mountain biking – or for just finding some peace and quiet. Look out for native ponies in the New Forest, walk in Robin Hood’s shoes amidst the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest, or live out your very own adventure in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. With so much of our country carpeted in thick woodland, you’ll be spoilt for choice on which forest to visit first. To get your imagination ticking, here are just three of the UK’s most impressive forests – and what not to miss when you’re there. The New Forest, Hampshire With historical roots reaching as far back as 1079, the New Forest is far from new. Once a royal hunting preserve, it’s now one of the UK’s most visited national parks, home to deer, native ponies and rare birds. Made up of unspoilt woodland, rare heathland and river valleys, there’s more to the New Forest
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than first meets the eye. Spend a long weekend in a traditional thatched cottage, gaze up at giant sequoias along the ‘Tall Trees Trail’, cycle through quaint villages, and meet the national park’s nosy wild ponies. There are plenty of activities and attractions for families too. The ‘Peppa Pig’ themed Paultons Park is a huge draw for children, while Longdown Activity Farm and the New Forest Wildlife Park are popular spots for animal lovers. The New Forest is also conveniently close to the UK’s glorious south coast. Watch the boats come and go from the harbour town of Lymington, a jumping-off point to the Isle of Wight, or walk along the beach to Hurst Castle from Milford-on-Sea. It’s this combination of woodland and coastline that make the New Forest a true holiday haven. The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire Step inside JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling’s magical worlds with a trip to Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. Its mysterious depths supposedly inspired Middle Earth, and key scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows were also filmed here. Dean’s history stretches back to medieval times, when it was used as a royal hunting forest. A source of timber for Tudor warships, and later a Victorian hub for iron and coal mining, in 1938 it was promoted
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to England’s first National Forest Park. Today, a landscape of woodlands, rivers, hills and valleys make the Forest of Dean a playground for outdoor pursuits. Recharge your batteries from a remote forest cabin before taking a high ropes course in the treetops or exploring some of the UK’s oldest underground mine workings at Clearwell Caves. The area is also home to one of the best rivers in the country for canoeing and kayaking – the River Wye. Paddle down the river solo or join a relaxing boat cruise, learning about the landscape as you go. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire Robin Hood’s legendary stomping ground, the ancient Sherwood Forest is entwined with myths and fairy tales. It’s hard to ignore Robin Hood while you’re here, with countless pubs, lodges, walking trails and even a festival named after him. But Sherwood Forest is much more than its most famous hero. Plenty of visitors travel here to see the forest’s gigantic oak trees, many of which have been standing for centuries. The Major Oak, believed to be 1,100 years old, is actually the biggest in Britain! Explore the hundreds of acres of ancient woodland
Sherwood Forest (John W. Schulze) here on foot or by bike, ticking off the Robin Hood statues along the way. Its history as a royal hunting forest means it’s also dotted with several grand ducal estates, many of which are open to the public. You could even time your visit around the annual Robin Hood festival, held in the forest every summer. Storytelling, sword fighting, dancing, and food, drink and craft stalls come together to create a fun atmosphere for kids and adults alike. And if that wasn’t enough, the charming village of Edwinstowe is also nearby, rumoured to be the marriage destination of Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
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Time of Year
Eat Al Fresco Italian Style During 2020 when we were all forced to stay home during that glorious first spring and summer of the pandemic, outdoor pizza oven sales soared as we all mourned our lost foreign holidays and long lazy sun-soaked lunches. The trend for al fresco Italian cooking shows no sign of letting up in 2021 so what should you look for in a pizza oven? Both wood fired pizza ovens and traditional BBQs use wood or coal to create fire for cooking on. They also cook similar foods, albeit in different ways. Wood fired ovens are designed to reach much hotter temperatures than BBQs and retain that heat for longer periods of time – a good wood fired oven reaches up to 400°C or higher, and some will stay hot throughout the day. From quick 3-minute pizzas to slow-cooked meats roasting for a few hours, outdoor ovens can do it all! It’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon but first consider what you will be cooking and how often. One of the biggest benefits of a pizza oven is that it can also barbecue grill and smoke food. But if all you want to do is grill a few burgers, you probably won’t want to have to wait for a big pizza oven to heat up! If your heart still says ‘pizza’ there are a number of options to choose from. Wood Fired Pizza Ovens - A heavy wood fired pizza oven is the classic and most authentic pizza oven. They generally feature an insulated brick dome that is ideal for reaching high temperatures over long periods.
Because they are heavy, they can’t be moved easily, and they require a strong base for support. They take time to heat up, and you need plenty of practice to get used to the various temperatures you need to cook different foods. These are for the serious al fresco chef. Portable Pizza Ovens - If you don’t want to fully commit your garden to a huge wood-fired pizza oven, a portable style is a great alternative. You can wheel them to a sunny spot and position them where the smoke won’t billow over your guests. They are obviously smaller than traditional brick ovens, and don’t retain heat for as long, but they heat up more quickly which is a plus. Tabletop Pizza Ovens - There are tabletop insulated wood fired pizza ovens available that are lightweight enough to be placed on any non-flammable surface. These compact pizza ovens are perfect for tiny gardens and even balconies and are ready to start cooking in just 25 minutes! Gas Fired Pizza Oven - If you aren’t a fan of building a wood fire, don’t want to annoy your neighbours with the smoke or just want to have better control over the heat, a gas pizza oven could be the perfect choice. They still feature high performing insulation, but don’t reach such high temperatures and can’t be used to smoke food smoker. A gas oven might also be the choice for you if you prefer a non-smoky, cleaner taste. Whatever your choice, buona pizza!
By Tom Hancock
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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that seeing the back of 2020 was a welcome event for each and every one of us, and we can now hopefully march into 2021 with renewed positivity and optimism. One thing is for sure though, there have also been some heart warming positives that we can take out of last year. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting
the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
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Food & Drink
Here, for the Beer!
There are many styles of beer around today. Porter ales originated in London, approx 1730 and by the late 1700’s became very popular in England. Stout is known for its classic style and is usually dark and heavy, being bitter, with a very good taste. Bitters came about during the latter part of the 19th century. Mild beers tend to be a little sweeter. Bottle-conditioned beers are conditioned within the bottle, having sufficient yeast and sugars to create a secondary fermentation within the bottle. Located in Nottingham, Castle Rock Brewery has been operating pubs since 1977 and brewing beers from 1998. Several award-winning ales are produced by Castle Rock Brewery, with some (very) well-established favourites. From their most impressive range I tried the following bottled productions. HARVEST PALE (4.3% vol) utilises Centennial, Cascade and Chinook hops to great advantage. This multi award-winning blonde ale exudes crispness, with citrusy overtones. Refreshing, to the last. Hailed as ‘the finest blonde beer’ – I agree! ELSIE MO (5.0% vol) uses Challenger, Bobek and Aurora hops to produce a ‘glorious’ golden ale (another flagship production). This excellent, balanced beer is a further award-winner from Castle Rock Brewery. A splendid nasal delight complements the malt and hops for the mouthfeel and palate’s sensation, perfectly. The superb bottle-conditioned version must be poured slowly (of course) and enjoyed slowly (of course). SCREECH OWL (5.5% vol) is brewed with Centennial and Cascade hops. Very wellestablished, within the ‘core range’ of beers – first brewed in 2008 – this is an extremely popular production. A classic American IPA, I found this beer both refreshing and full-bodied. An excellent finish extends the pleasure. Brewery tours, with tastings, are available and very popular. A most interesting Visitor Centre is enjoyed by many, too, which can also be hired, for some private functions. An estate of pubs stretches out to surrounding counties and Castle Rock productions are also to be located at numerous venues, plus supermarkets and off-licences. I found this company socially responsible, with committed and dedicated staff, producing excellent products and service. Castle Rock Brewery, Queensbridge Road, Nottingham, NG2 1NB. Tel: 44 (0) 115 985 1615 E-mail: admin@castlerockbrewery.co.uk www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk
As always, Enjoy!
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ey Trevor Langl Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
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Time of Year
Sounds of
Summer
2020 deprived us of concerts and festivals, so get that summer vibe on
2021 will be the year of the outdoor concert. With masking and social distancing still in place at time of writing many people may still not feel safe to attend indoor venues. But whether your tastes extend to the classics, jazz, pop, or folk there will definitely be an outdoor event to suit your family this summer. Most outdoor concerts tend to take place in large fields so there’s plenty of room for running around and even outdoor games such as frisbees and football, providing they’re played well away from the main crowd. These are mostly family affairs and providing children are versed in general good manners, and they’re not throwing food or punches, even young children can enjoy them. Evening concerts are even more special as the day fades and people light candles and lanterns. It can be magical…and we need a bit of magic this year. If you have young children consider sitting further back to allow more room to stretch out and wander around. Take small amounts of lots of different foods. Everyone loves nibbles. Take folding chairs, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent or those citronella candles and lots of rugs. Comfort is important, especially as the sun disappears. A flask of hot chocolate will keep everyone happy as the evening air takes on a chill. Some glowsticks or lanterns will make the event extra special. Enjoy.
TRAVEL FROM STEVENAGE/BALDOCK Letchworth/Hitchin on some dates DAY TRIPS Adult £33 7 Jul Easton Walled Gardens 8-10 Jul Hampton Court Flower Show £50 11 Jul Southend-on-Sea £19 13 Jul Norfolk Broads Cruise £37 18 Jul Wells-Next-The-Sea £19 18 Jul Horse Drawn Boat Trip &Cream Tea £44 20 Jul National Memorial Arboretum £26 21 Jul Sutton Hoo & Aldeburgh £39 22 Jul Painshill Park £35 23 Jul Great Yarmouth £19 24 Jul Aldeburgh £19 27 Jul Brighton £21 29 Jul Kew Palace & Gardens £39 30 Jul Festival of Quilts – NEC £38 1 Aug Hunstanton £19 4 Aug Cinderella – Matinee £65 5 Aug RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show £33 6 Aug Norwich £21 7 Aug Sheringham £19 8 Aug Southwold £19 Visit our website for more summer seaside trips £50 25 Aug Grease – MK – Matinee 26 Aug Beth Chatto & Green Island Gdns £42 28 Aug BBC Gardeners World Live – NEC £44 1 Sep Maidstone Cruise inc. Fish & Chips £52 2 Sep Kew Palace & Gardens £39 4 Sep Canterbury £26 9 Sep RHS Wisley Flower Show £37 15 Sep Orwell Lady River Cruise £52 25 Sep Chelsea Flower Show £108 28 Sep Horse Drawn Boat Trip &Cream Tea £44 30 Sep Tina the Musical – Matinee £67.50 Twice Weekly Seaside Trips & Thursford on Sale Now HOLIDAYS Date Days PP 2 Aug Solent Hotel 5 £450 5 Aug Highgrove Overnight Break 2 £175 7 Aug Isle of Wight 7 £625 8 Aug North Devon 6 £595 9 Aug Welsh Borders 5 £485 13 Sep Wye Valley 5 £450 13 Sep Devon Rail & Sail 6 £595 17 Sep Orkneys Ancient Secrets 7 £850 17 Sep Kent Castles, Gardens & 1940’s 4 £385 20 Sep Sunny South Coast 5 £475 20 Sep Royal Historic South Coast 5 £495 27 Sep Warner’s Holme Lacey 5 £495 4 Oct Eastbourne at Leisure 5 £375 8 Oct Bath & Bristol Weekend 4 £345 10 Oct Cardigan Bay 6 £525 MORE HOLIDAYS & DAY TRIPS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE
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House of Colour
A UK holiday or just some tips for warmer weather dressing! I am hoping that by the time you read this we may be in a small heatwave or at least a little local break away is on the cards! A little reminder of some good packing tips plus guidance on how to cope with hotter weather dressing. 1. Hats, essential. If you are buying a new hat, before you choose try on lots different colours and styles from a floppy straw hat to a panama to a baseball cap. Find a style and colour that really suits you. A good rule of thumb is to keep the brim no wider than your hair! (Although if you know your style you can stretch that as you will know what scale suits you). 2. Packing. If you are managing a break away roll your clothes into three sausages for packing to avoid creased clothes. Lay out your tops and dresses, one inside the other, with the most crushable fabrics on the outside and roll them into a sausage. Trousers and skirts go in the second sausage. Everything else goes in the third from swimwear, and pashminas in your wow colours of course! Turning jackets inside out will help avoid creases. Stuff sleeves with underwear and fill your clutch bag with socks, chargers and belts. Essentially leave no space unfilled! 3. Neutral shades on your bottom half will mean that they go with more items and you can pack less. 4. A holiday is a great chance to wear some different jewellery. Try brighter colours from your season palette and different styles and materials. Consider rings, earrings, belts, necklaces, bracelets when packing! Have fun with your holiday jewellery. I always go for the cheaper end of the spectrum in my accessories while travelling as I am prone to losing/dropping/leaving things. 5. Sunglasses are a must – we need the eye protection but also they are a stylish addition to your look. Black frames and even grey lenses can be too harsh for some so consider what will work best with your palette. 6. If you are venturing into the countryside you will need longer trousers to avoid insect bites etc. or
even just to cope with our variable weather. There are some stylish options out there (Acai outdoor wear offer some interesting alternatives for serious adventuring). Robell have a lightweight and versatile range of trousers in lots of colours which suit a number of different looks and travel really well. 7. Layers – for a holiday in the UK we definitely need to accommodate varying temperatures! Lightweight knits, a gilet (essential I find as it works on its own and with waterproofs if needed!) as well as shawls/pashminas are essential. 8. A skort? I know this might sound odd and immediately get you thinking about golf or clothing for toddlers but this is quite a helpful item in hot weather – lightweight and copes with a few adventures it’s a useful piece of clothing. There are even versions that can be used for swimming! Have a look at some golf clothing outfitters to find your perfect option. Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look. Find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/ find-a-stylist
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Exercise
Open Water Swimming Seven reasons to start
It’s freeing - With no restrictive lanes, you swim in your own space and at your own pace without worrying about being caught, lapped, or kicked. Also... the scenery actually changes! It’s social - open water swimming groups are generally friendly and non-competitive. It’s exhilarating - Swimming in nature is relaxing but stimulating. It’s physically and mentally challenging Acclimatising to the cold temperatures of the open water pushes you physically and mentally! You need to build up your stamina and train your body’s cold response. Wetsuits are not only allowed but recommended for beginners because they help keep you warm and improve buoyancy. Your energy levels will increase - Cold water excites nerves and speeds your heart rate. It’s a natural high! It’s good if you’re trying to lose weight - Although most open water swimmers are not doing it to lose weight, swimming in cold water requires your body to use more energy to keep you warm. So, you’ll burn
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By Sarah Davey fat more efficiently and increase your metabolism, and this will lead to weight loss as part of a caloriecontrolled diet. It’s good for pain management - Cold water immersion is used among athletes to help with injury and muscle pain. Swimming in cold water helps to minimise pain caused by inflammation. It seems to be particularly good for chronic pain. Website: www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com *Before taking up any new exercise regime consult your GP.
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Finance
Beginner’s Guide to Stocks and Shares
If you have some spare money to invest, shares often seem like a good starting point. They’re among the more straightforward financial assets, though you do need to take into account risks, administrative costs and taxes. The most important thing to understand about shares is that all the money you put in is at risk. You could lose some of your money if the price has fallen when you choose to sell. You could lose all of your money if the company goes into liquidation. Buy Online The simplest way to buy shares is through one of many online platforms that take care of the administrative and legal work for you, in return for fees. The fee structure varies across platforms but can include a regular charge for holding an account, a fixed or percentage fee each time you buy and sell, and in some cases an ‘inactivity’ fee. Which fee structure works best for you may depend on how often you intend to buy and sell shares. Make sure any platform you use is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Dividends One thing that’s easy to forget is that shareholders may get regular payments from the company known as dividends. These often depend on the company’s profits and are a way to encourage people to buy and hold shares, i.e. to keep them for longer rather than sell. If you compare the dividend payments across a
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year to the money you paid for the share, it can be a favourable ‘interest rate’ on your investment. You do need to check why a company is paying big dividends, however. Sometimes it’s because profits are rising and it has more cash to spare. Sometimes, though, it’s because revenue and profits are falling and the business offers bigger dividends to try to attract investors who’d otherwise be put off. Tax Implications Buying and selling shares does have tax implications. Each time you buy shares through an online platform in the UK, you have to pay 0.5% of the purchase price as stamp duty. If you make more than £12,300 profit in a year from selling shares, you’ll need to pay capital gains tax of either 10% or 20% of the profit above the £12,300, depending on your other income. The first £2,000 you receive in dividends each year is tax free. After that you’ll pay a special dividend tax of 7.5%, 32.5% or 38.1%, depending on whether you pay the basic rate, higher rate or additional rate for income tax. Stocks & Shares ISA You can reduce the tax costs by investing through a ‘stocks and shares ISA’. The money you put into this counts towards the annual £20,000 limit for all money you put into ISAs. You don’t have to pay capital gains tax or dividend tax for shares that you hold (or sell) through a stocks and shares ISA. How much benefit this brings will depend on your overall financial position.
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Food & Drink
Appley Ever After! A brief history of cider…and a cider cocktail
Apple trees have been cultivated since around the 5th century AD and cider, or something similar, seems to have been around for almost as long, although sometimes it was known as apple wine. It was brought to Britain by the Normans in around 1100 AD. Cider was originally a drink for the poor. Ale was made from malted barley and using grain for alcohol could mean going without bread. It was drunk instead of water because water at that time was often not safe to drink. The first settlers in America planted lots of apple trees simply so they could continue to make cider to drink. Originally it was made by crushing apples in a trough, until John Worlidge produced a special apple-mill in 1676. The best English cider is cask-conditioned; dry, fruity and with low carbonation. Normandy cider is sweeter and more effervescent with a complex taste. Both are perfect for consumption, chilled, on a warm summer evening. While a simple cider over ice is hard to beat, a cider sangria can take the drink to another level. Colourful, cold, fresh and fruity, it’s perfect for sharing with friends on a summer evening. Pour a bottle of dry white wine into a large jug – Pinot Grigio is perfect. Add 250ml lemonade, 125ml lime juice, a large handful of mint, and plenty of sliced strawberries, and orange and lime slices. Chill out for at least 15 minutes so the fruit infuses the drink and vice versa. By Sarah Davey Just before serving, add loads of ice and two bottles of your favourite cider. Enjoy!
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Interiors
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By Katherine Sorrell
Planning an outdoor kitchen We know the Australians have outdoor cooking down to a ‘T’, and in many parts of the USA garden kitchens are a popular feature, too. In the last few years, however, demand for al fresco kitchens in the UK has increased markedly. Despite our somewhat dodgy weather, it seems we’d all love to spend a little more time cooking, eating and socialising in the fresh air. So what are the key points to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen? Before you start You shouldn’t need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen, as it’s not considered a permanent structure, but if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, it is worth checking with your local authority. Another point to bear in mind is that your neighbours may be affected – by smoke, for example, or additional lighting – and it’s never a bad idea to talk your plans through with them and avoid any potential future problems.
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Location, location, location Where do you want to site your outdoor kitchen? You may already have a favourite spot in which to barbecue and eat, but if you’re starting from scratch there are a few major considerations. In a very large outdoor space, for example, you probably won’t want to stray too far from the house but, if you do, there will be a greater need for more facilities, such as a sink and tap, waste bin, storage and cooling. If you are linking your outdoor kitchen to water and power, exactly how will they connect? Bear in mind that the further you go from the source the more expensive it will be to install them. Your kitchen needs to sit on level ground, safely far from flammable materials, and preferably in a spot that’s away from wind and not fully exposed to the sun. Avoid frequently used walkways, steps, trip hazards and slippery ground, too. Finally, allow enough floor area for all the different elements you wish to
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include, as well as space to walk around them and comfortably open any doors and drawers, plus seating/eating space nearby for the maximum number of guests you plan to entertain. A choice of features The simplest outdoor kitchen could just be a barbecue with a fold-out table or wheeled trolley next to it for food preparation – maybe with a rubbish bin beneath, some sturdy lidded boxes and a few hooks on the side for implements. You might add a rotisserie or a pizza oven, and perhaps a storage shelf or cupboard. At the other end of the spectrum the fanciest outdoor kitchens are carefully planned, built-in extravaganzas – not dissimilar from an indoor kitchen – and will include a plumbed-in sink and a fridge, as well as a spacious, durable and easily cleaned countertop – perhaps made of stone for a natural look, or stainless steel for a modern, streamlined effect. Go top-of-therange and you could even include a dishwasher! Comfort and weather-proofing You may want to build your garden kitchen with some form of protection from rain showers – but do bear in mind that a grill needs to be properly ventilated if it’s sited under a permanent, solid cover. Roll-away awnings are a good solution for changeable British weather. Although the cooking will provide an element of warmth in itself, consider adding another form of heating near the dining area, such as a fire pit or an electric heater. It makes a nice focal point for gatherings, too. Lighting is an absolutely essential element, enabling you to safely continue cooking after dusk and adding ambience to the entertaining area. Design bright lighting near the barbecue, grill or oven, and decorative lighting near the dining table – perhaps rows of low-level lights or strings of pretty fairy lights.
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Finishing touches An outdoor kitchen can be a plain and simple, functional affair, but to make it more fun and personal, add some carefully designed, individual elements. How about patterned tiles on the wall behind the cooking area? A variety of cushions and throws on the seating? Colourful storage containers or textural floor tiles? Incorporate beautiful planting nearby – a herb garden would be handy – and you have the best of both worlds: a garden in which to relax and your own delightful outdoor eatery. 1 This sleek, built-in covered kitchen features timber, brick and a distressed, cement-effect porcelain floor paving. PorcelPave Cuba outdoor porcelain paving tiles, from £43.39 per square metre, The London Tile Company. 2 Personalise your outdoor kitchen with some decorative wall art. These tropical-inspired pieces are made from high-grade, brushed stainless steel and UV-resistant electrocoating, by New Zealand designer Lisa Turley of LisaSarah. 3 Stylish, hard-wearing and functional, WWOO kitchens are low maintenance and come in anthracite dark grey or light grey concrete. There are options to personalise: add a pizza oven, or a gas or charcoal barbecue. Choose a style and add extra shelves, wooden boxes, lights and even a kitchen sink. WWOO outdoor kitchen, £5,500, Garden House Design. STOCKISTS Garden House Design: 01903 774 774; gardenhousedesign.co.uk LisaSarah: lisasarah.com The London Tile Company: 0333 320 8048; londontile.co.uk
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Gardening
By Pippa Greenwood
Smart Gardening If you want more time to enjoy your garden, there’s plenty you can do to reduce the maintenance work. Soil Condition Get your soil in good condition before planting, by digging in bulky organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould. This improves soil fertility and moisture retention. Mulch flower beds and borders, and vegetable and fruit areas too. This hugely reduces the time you need to spend watering, weeding and generally titivating your plants. Make sure the soil is moist before you apply the mulch, to help it retain moisture during dry conditions. Remove big or deep-rooted weeds such as dandelions before you mulch; once in place the mulch will help prevent smaller and annual weeds from appearing. Big Containers Containers make for a lot more work than flowerbeds, as plants in a container are totally dependent on you for food and water. Grow as much as you can in the soil and choose pots and planters that are as big as possible and incorporate controlled-release fertiliser and moisture-retaining granules at planting time. Grow lots of bulbs; they are great labour-saving plants, as once planted they reappear every year with little need for care. In the current warmer climate even those plants like dahlias, gladioli and tulips – which traditionally were lifted and replanted each year – often seem able to withstand the winter without this effort. Perennials Grow lots of relatively short herbaceous perennials i.e.
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plants that reappear every spring and die back late in the season, as they are more low-effort than annuals, which need planting and removing every year. Varieties that are relatively short and sturdy are less likely to flop and should not require support. If plants do need staking or supporting, the quickest, easiest way to do this is to drive a few 45-60cm twiggy sticks, taken when you’ve had to cut back shrubs or trees, into the soil around the base of the plant. Twiggy sticks are unobtrusive and attractive enough to be left in place all year round, with no need for you to keep replacing them. Shrubs Shrubs are great plants, as once established they need little effort and often provide colour and interest for more than one season. If you want to minimise your input even further, go for shrubs such as Chaenomeles, rhododendrons and azaleas, deciduous cotoneasters and Magnolia stellate, which need little, if any, pruning. Grow ground cover plants – either herbaceous perennials or low-growing shrubby plants. These don’t need a lot of maintenance and will soon cover bare soil, meaning less weeding will be needed. Dense groundcover reduces evaporation from the soil and so also makes for less watering time. Plants such as Cistus x hybridus, lavenders and rosemaries work well on a dry site. Other good choices include hypericum, Euonymus fortune and Cotoneaster dammeri. At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find a range of pet-and-wildlife-friendly bio-controls, Speedweeders, the fantastic SpeedHoe, signed books and more.
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Pets
Keeping Your Pets Cool Now that we are in the full swing of a very hot season, it is important pets are not forgotten about during these hot spells. It can be fatal for animals to overheat and suffer from heatstroke, yet there are many ways it can be avoided by keeping our fury friends cool. Sadly the most common complaint the RSPCA receives during a heat wave is dogs being left in hot cars. When it is a hot day outside the temperature inside a parked car is almost doubled, and a dog can die of heatstroke within 15 short minutes. If a dog has been spotted left inside a parked car and is in obvious distress, call 999 immediately. The police have the correct authority to free the dog, potentially saving its life. Another common cause of dogs suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion is dog walking during the hottest parts of the day. This, again, can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal, yet easily avoided. On hot summer days, it is best to take dogs on their walks either early morning or late evening, outside the hours of 8am and 8pm when it is coolest, therefore preventing a dog from becoming overheated. A simple test before heading out on a dog walk is feeling the pavement outside. If it is too hot for a bare hand being held for 5 seconds, it is too hot for a dog. It is also best to remember, if it really is too hot, a dog will not die from missing just one dog walk.
There are six main things to look for if a dog is suffering from heatstroke; BRAIN – are they having a seizure; EYES – are they glazed over; BODY – do they have an extremely high temperature; LEGS – are they staggering or have they collapsed; MOUTH – are they panting or drooling excessively or have they vomited. If a dog has suspected heatstroke and any of these symptoms have been spotted move the dog somewhere cool, offer small amounts of tepid water, douse with cool (not cold) water and most importantly, contact a vet immediately. It is not only dogs who suffer in summer heat waves, another common complaint is rabbits in hot hutches. If a rabbit hutch is not properly protected from the sun, just like a dog in a hot car, rabbits can overheat and suffer from heatstroke which can be potentially fatal. Signs of heatstroke in bunnies are reddening of the ears, panting or salivating, slow moving, weak or convulsing. If a rabbit has suspected heatstroke and any of these symptoms are apparent, contact a vet immediately. However there are simple ways to keep rabbits cool to prevent them from overheating. Provide ample shade using sheets or parasols; place cold damp towels over hutch or run roofs; make sure they have plenty of cool, clean water which is replenished regularly; keep ice packs or frozen water bottles inside the hutch or run. Remember, if you see an animal in distress during hot weather, contact a vet immediately or the RSPCA animal helpline on 0300 1234 999. 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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Stars 1. The football team Red Star Belgrade are based in which European country? 2. What colour is the star on the flag of Israel? 3. Together with his wife, who owns and runs The Hand And Flowers in Marlow, which, in the 2012 Michelin Guide, became the first ever pub have two Michelin stars? 4. What type of animal goes before “star” to give a name by which Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, is commonly known? 5. What is the main colour of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
6. What is the Queen’s star sign? 7. Released in 2016, Blackstar is the 25th and final studio album by which famous singer? 8. How many “lucky star” numbers do you have to select when you buy a EuroMillions lottery ticket? 9. What is the name of the closest star to Earth? 10. In a 1953 film, what fictional land would you reach if you followed the directions “second star to the right and straight on till morning”?
1. Serbia 2. Blue 3. Tom Kerridge 4. Dog 5. Pink 6. Taurus 7. David Bowie 8. Two 9. The sun 10. Neverland (in the film Peter Pan)
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Health
Summer Skin Sunburn, heat rashes and other skin conditions can spoil even the loveliest summer’s day. Dr Rishika Sinha, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, says “Despite increased awareness about the dangers of excessive sun exposure, severe sunburn does still happen. If you are taking medication this could increase your susceptibility to the sun, but more likely the cause is simply being caught out in the sun without adequate protection.” The usual symptom of sunburn is red, hot skin that becomes painful and tender. In extreme cases, the skin can blister and you may experience headaches, nausea and vomiting. “As well as feeling unwell, repeated episodes of sunburn have been associated with increasing the overall risk of skin cancer,” says Dr Sinha. If you do suffer from sunburn apply something cooling to the skin such as a wet towel or take a cool (but not cold) shower. “Some aftersun lotions that contain aloe vera can help to soothe the skin and I would encourage plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration,” says Dr Sinha. “Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain. If the skin is blistered or swollen or you feel unwell, seek medical advice.” Of course, prevention is everything. Stay in the shade when the sun is at its highest (from 11am to 3pm). For sunscreen, Dr Sinha advises using SPF50 on exposed areas of skin and to reapply it every two to three hours. “It’s essential to use enough,” she says. “The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)
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For further information: www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk
recommends adults should apply at least six full teaspoons of sunscreen (about 36g) to cover the body.” Heat Rashes - ‘Prickly heat’ or ‘heat rash’ presents itself as small bumps under the skin caused by trapped sweat. These usually clear up when the affected area starts to cool. To ease the condition, try a cool compress or cool shower. Another skin condition ‘folliculitis’, (where hair follicles become inflamed), is caused by increased sweating coupled with tight clothing. “This causes small bumps on the skin arising from hair follicles,” says Dr Sinha. “They can occasionally be associated with ‘yellow heads’ or ‘pustules’ and sometimes require a short course of oral antibiotics to clear the eruption.” Insect bites - Common insect bites include mosquitoes and midges. Covering up can help reduce the risk of being bitten, as well as wearing insect repellents that contact 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide). Mask wearing - If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne, you may notice spots or acne as a direct result of mask-wearing during the pandemic. Dr Adil Sheraz, Consultant Dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation explains that this form of acne is thought to be caused by the friction of the mask on your skin and increased humidity, heat and blocking of pores. Dr Sheraz suggests using a barrier cream under the mask and washing your face with a water-based oilreducing or salicylic acid-based wash and use a daily moisturiser with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera or niacinamide.
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Food & Drink
Traditional home-made Jerk Chicken One of my greatest pleasures over the years has been how the food we feature directly reflects the wonderful diversity of the three counties we broadcast to. We can have British classics, great curries, Turkish and Middle Eastern treats, traditional pastas, fiery stir fries and much much more. A couple of years back I met up with Sacha Ojo in the studio. She launched her catering company, Sacha’s Kitchen, in Bedford when it became clear that her friends’ love of her Jamaican cooking suggested she deserved a much wider audience. Jamaican food is all about warmth, generosity and family –three words which describe Sacha perfectly. Obviously she had to give us her Jerk Chicken recipe. Apparently there are more Jerk Chicken recipes than there are days in a lifetime – Sacha’s family recipe is absolutely wonderful. Jerk sauce ingredients: 2 bunches spring onion, chopped 2 tbsp thyme 1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1 tbsp Pimento (Allspice) 1 tbsp coarse black pepper ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 2 tbsp dark brown sugar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2-4 Scotch Bonnet chillis, chopped (adjust to taste) 6 tbsp water Chopped parsley to serve • You can use whatever cuts of chicken you want – leg, thigh or even breast. Allow a couple of pieces per person.
• This is plenty of marinade to serve four people. • It goes without saying that you can also cook this chicken on the barbecue! 1. Place all the sauce ingredients into a food processor and blend until you get a smooth consistency. 2. Adjust for taste and heat, using more or less chilli. 3. Wash the chicken pieces (skin on), in water mixed with a really good squirt of lemon. 4. Slash small slits onto the chicken. Massage all the marinade into the chicken and leave in the fridge overnight. 5. Place in a tray and cover with foil. Bake at 160C/ Gas Mark 3 for 30 minutes then remove the foil, turn the oven up to 200C/ Gas Mark 5 and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and a lovely deep colour. 6. Scatter with the chopped parsley and serve with chips, mash or rice.
BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 34
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Easy Sudoku
Hard Sudoku
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 36
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Special Report
By Mark O’Keefe
An Open and Shut Case Could a new garage door increase the kerb appeal of your home?
What does your garage door say about your home? Never thought about it? Perhaps you should. As the housing market picks up and people begin to think about upgrading or downsizing the right garage door can significantly increase the kerb appeal and even the price of your house. There are two types of garage door: tilt-up and roll-up. Tilt-up garage doors consist of a single panel of material. The door has to be pulled out and then pivoted up so it can slide along the roof of the garage. Roll-up garage doors, on the other hand, are made of a number of horizontal sections which are hinged together for flexibility. Because it rests on rollers, it can be lifted, and rolled into place along the roof of the garage. Sectional roll-up doors are more expensive as a rule but have certain advantages. Since these doors don’t have to be pulled outwards they are a great option if space on your drive is tight. They also take up less room in the garage since they can be placed higher than a tilt-up door. Both types of doors are usually made from wood or steel. Wood is generally cheaper, and some people prefer the look. However, just like wooden patio furniture, a wooden door is more easily damaged by the weather and may warp, split, or blister. Steel is more expensive. It isn’t prone to warping but does need to be properly treated to prevent rust. Garage doors are also available in aluminium or fibreglass. Both of these materials are less expensive
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than steel or wood, but neither is as strong, and they are more prone to damage with normal wear and tear. Remember a garage door will be exposed to everything the weather can throw at it day in and day out, so will need regular maintenance. Doors should be washed down regularly. Wooden garage doors need to be repainted in alternate years to ensure that the wood stays protected. Steel doors can be painted and treated to an occasional shine with car wax. All moving parts should be lubricated with motor oil whenever the door starts to feel stuck. Consider… Remote control - For ease, convenience and even safety you can’t beat a remote-controlled door. Override - Make sure the remote can be manually overridden in case of power failure. You don’t want the kids, or the dog trapped in there, or even yourself. Security - Automatic door locking mechanisms are useful. Safety – This one is my top priority. To ensure that an electric garage door is deemed safe for use, it will have to incorporate at least one sufficient safety feature into its mechanism which will prevent personal injury. Every year children and adults are injured in accidents which involve older style garage doors. New doors should have an automatic reverse function. That way, if the door encounters any object as it is closing it will immediately stop and back-up.
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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our June Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Trudy Allan from Godmanchester
June’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions
Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
£25
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th July 2021 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.
Across 1 French castle (7) 5 Competed (5) 8 Very alike (9) 9 Poem (3) 10 Consumed (5) 12 Reflects (7) 13 Friendships (13) 15 Immediate (7) 17 In front (5) 19 A pronoun (3) 20 Emergency vehicle (9) 22 Concede (5) 23 Captivate (7) Down 1 Illegal act (5) 2 Beer (3) 3 Died out (7) 4 Embarrassed (13) 5 Person in power (5) 6 Large reptile (9) 7 Frocks (7) 11 Magnifies distant objects (9) 13 Form of travel (7) 14 Bright red (7) 16 Prize (5) 18 Reside (5) 21 And not (3)
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Shire Roofing
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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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Books
Summer-worthy audiobooks The right story in the hands of the right narrator makes for a perfect afternoon lounging in the garden.
By Kate Duggan Klara and the Sun By Kazuo Ishiguro (narrated by Sura Siu)
As an artificial friend, Klara’s job is to be a companion for a human child. When she’s chosen by Josie, Klara’s world starts to open up. She can now see much more than just the view from the shop window. The darkness of this dystopian world is revealed through Klara’s naive viewpoint. While Josie is clearly very ill, it’s her friend Rick who is seen by society as disadvantaged, as he’s not a ‘lifted’ child. A quietly beautiful, thought-provoking story.
The Stranger Times C.K. McDonnell (narrated by Brendan McDonald)
The Stranger Times newspaper reports on weird and wonderful tales from around the world – a dog eaten by a child’s drawing, a toilet possessed by the devil. While most of the tales are somewhat far-fetched, a very real supernatural danger could be a lot closer than the newspaper staff realise. If you love dry humour and urban fantasy, this audiobook will appeal.
Cunning Women Elizabeth Lee (narrated by Taj Atwal)
People rely on Sarah’s family for healing balms, protection and the odd curse, but it’s the seventeenth century and whispers of witchcraft are never far away. Sarah is used to being an outcast, but a forbidden relationship with a farmer’s son gives her a glimpse of how different her life could be. A gripping story and talented narrator make this a must-read for historical fiction fans.
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Plumbing
Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small! Please call Gary on
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For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on:
Tel: 01767 261122
Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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