Hitchin July 2022

VILLAGER The

Issue 50 - July 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Naturalistic Planting Stay Cool this Summer 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...

Stay Cool this Summer...................................................31

Madeira The Pearl of the Atlantic

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Green Fingers.................................................................32 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On in July............................................................38 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................42 Book Review..................................................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Madeira: The Pearl of the Atlantic....................................4 Brewing Today: Titanic Brewery.......................................8 Shuttleworth Events......................................................14 Money on my Mind........................................................23

Stay Cool This Summer

Naturalistic Planting......................................................26 Looking for their new forever home...............................29

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £25.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Kate Duggan Matrin Lewis, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, Tom Hancock, and Alan Titchmarsh

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - followtheflow 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

Madeira: the pearl of the Atlantic

By Solange Hando Blessed with year-round sunshine, lush botanical gardens and world-famous levadas, Madeira is so much more than a sun, sea and sand destination – although it certainly has its fair share of beaches too. Geologically dramatic and bursting with colour, this tiny subtropical archipelago is a hit with holidaymakers from all over.

Set off the west coast of Africa, Madeira is made up of four Portuguese islands, but the largest – Madeira Island – is the one the world knows and loves. This is a place where you can hike amidst lush greenery and rugged mountains in the morning, and sunbathe on black-sand beaches in the afternoon. Diverse, safe and packed with culture and history, Madeira truly has something for everyone. In case you needed any more persuasion, here are just some of the reasons to put Madeira on your travel wish list, and what not to miss while you’re there.

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It’s a hiker’s paradise Hiking Madeira’s levadas is one of the island’s top activities, with thousands of people lacing up their hiking boots to discover Madeira’s secret interior each year. These irrigation canals were built to bring water from the north slopes to the south side of the island. Although still in use, they now have another purpose, providing a route for hikers to explore the island’s most dramatic landscapes.

With more than 2,000km to explore at heights reaching 1,861m, there are walking trails to suit every experience level. Some of the easier routes can be found in the south of the island, while the trails that require a higher skill level are in the north. Whichever you choose, you can expect spectacular scenery and a truly immersive experience. If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on Madeira’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo?

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Sample city life in Funchal Set against a backdrop of beautiful hills, Funchal has to be one of Europe’s prettiest capital cities. The perfect balance between laid-back and bustling, it’s known for its fascinating museums, botanical gardens, lively shopping scene and charming street cafes.

The old streets, twentieth-century boulevards and pretty squares of West Funchal are home to some of Madeira’s finest shops and museums. East Funchal is dominated by the old town, Zona Velha, which has now been transformed into a trendy quarter with modern bars, galleries, shops and restaurants.

If you’re a foodie, don’t miss a visit to Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal’s vibrant fruit, vegetable, fish and flower market. A trip to Maderia’s capital also wouldn’t be complete without exploring one of the city’s sensational botanical gardens. Madeira Botanical Garden is the biggest, with the most varied collection of flora from around the world.

Visit a black volcanic beach Madeira’s volcanic origin has not only gifted the island with rich and exuberant gardens, but some fantastic black beaches too. The black sand comes from eroded volcanic materials such as lava and basalt rocks, which explains why it’s typically found on beaches near volcanic activity.

One of the finest is Praia do Porto do Seixal, a stunning stretch of black sand in the north of the

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island with an incredible mountainous backdrop.

Since the beach faces east, it’s also considered one of the best spots for watching the sunrise in Madeira. Admire dramatic ridges and waterfalls as you swim before drying off in the morning sun.

Unlike many of the beaches on Madeira Island, the sand is soft too!

Take a boat trip Did you know: Madeira is one of the best places for dolphin and whale watching in Europe? A boat tour here will give you the chance to witness a staggering variety, some of which are extremely rare anywhere else on the planet. These include sperm whales, humpback whales, oceanic dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and more. Although various species can be sighted all year round, your best chance is between April and October.

You could also take the two-and-a-half hour boat trip to Porto Santo, the archipelago’s second largest island. Often called the ‘Golden island’ after its gorgeous 9km-long beach, Porto Santo is the perfect destination for a spot of sunbathing and swimming. The island is also one of the best places in Europe to practice diving and snorkelling. Head to the translucent waters of Zimbralinhos beach for a chance of seeing octopus, cuttlefish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and more.

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Food & Drink

Brewing Today: Titanic Brewery

Multi award-winning Titanic Brewery was established during 1985 in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Their first beer brewed was named Titanic Premium. This beer is continued today, with the name changed to ANCHOR (4.1% vol) and is very popular with many beer drinkers. The complete range of beers, from the Titanic Brewery, are all distinctive in their own right, having ‘devotees’ for a good number of the productions. Their ‘Beer of the Month’ has numerous followers and can include selected pale, traditional ruby, plum porter and others, which are carefully chosen, each month. I found something for all tastes, amongst Titanic’s beers.

PUB IN A BOX is extremely popular. Whilst being a splendid treat to enjoy at home, it is an obvious great gift idea, too. The box contains various bottled and canned beers, a Titanic Brewery pint glass, plus snacks and beer mats. A personalised gift card, with a message of your choice, can be included for a small charge. Different boxes – if a preference is required – can be for a Titanic Dark Ales Box, Titanic Light Ales Box, Mixed Can Cases and others.

STEERAGE (3.8% vol) pale ale has a good floral and hoppy aroma with a dry, refreshing mouthfeel and palate experience. ICEBERG (4.1% vol) is an American Pale Ale that was one of the first UK beers to use US hop varieties – citrusy and zesty. CAPPUCCINO STOUT (4.5% vol) has a good aroma of coffee, which follows through to the flavour of this stout, admirably. CHOCOLATE & VANILLA STOUT (4.5% vol) has chocolate and vanilla scents, leading enticingly, to the smooth, creamy taste. WHITE STAR (4.5% vol) I found to be golden and crisp, with an excellent aroma, evoking thoughts of honey and hops. An excellent fruity, malty ale. RASPBERRY PALE (4.7% vol) has raspberries on the nose, then a light, fresh mouthfeel and palate sensation. PLUM PORTER (4.9% vol) is a deep-red, with plum flavours in abundance – splendid! CAPTAIN SMITHS (5.2% vol) is traditional, malty and strong – a firm favourite.

The website has all information, including details about the range of beers, plus pubs, shop, tours, events, loyalty programme and more.

Titanic Brewery, Callender Place, Lingard Street, Burslem, Stoke–on–Trent, Staffordshire ST6 1JL. Tel: +44 (0) 1782 823447 E-mail: titanic@titanicbrewery.co.uk www.titanicbrewery.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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Local News

Shuttleworth Events Photography: Darren Harbar Photography

Family Air Show Shuttleworth Family Air Show on Sunday 7 August will be a highly entertaining event, with a memorable line-up of aerial displays and lots happening on the ground to make it a fun family day out.

Take your family by the hand and step back in time as you visit the Vintage Fairground – complete with a Merry-Go-Round and Helter Skelter!

Inside the Collection hangars, you’ll also find a cornucopia of activities to keep the kids (or even the big kids!) happy, whether it’s pedal planes or an Airfix Make and Paint courtesy of IPMS Brampton – with other educational Discovery Zones dotted around the site, including a large play area.

As you continue to explore the site, it will be almost impossible for you to resist a little dance as you listen to the upbeat songs from the beautiful Barn-Ettes.

Outdoors, you’ll be able to experience the sensation of riding on-board a 1920s bus – whether it’s the sole surviving Charabus or our Wellingborough doubledecker. The buses will take you up to the grand Shuttleworth House, which will be open to tour.

Visit the beautiful Swiss Garden and see if you can find Shuttleworth’s resident peacocks – Snowy and Storm. If you spot them, be sure to take a photo!

In the afternoon, the flying display starts – an aerial ballet in the Bedfordshire skies, consisting of Shuttleworth aircraft and awe-inspiring visitors. If the weather is suitably calm, the Edwardian aircraft – including the world’s oldest flying aeroplane, the 1909 Bleriot XI – may even be able to take to the skies, capping off what will be a truly memorable day.

For more information, please visit: shuttleworth.org/familyairshow

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Flying Proms Shuttleworth Flying Proms combines classical music with a delightful evening flying programme. The perfect event to sit out on the paddocks, relaxing with a picnic and a glass of something fizzy.

Gates open at 2pm, giving you plenty of time to find a good spot and settle in. The concert and flying display start at 7pm, so before the music starts do take the opportunity to explore!

The grand Shuttleworth House will be open to tour.

You’ll be able to see first-hand the ornate gold-leafed ceilings and panelled walls, the rare Erard grand piano, and hear the stories of the Shuttleworth family who once lived there.

Shuttleworth House is also accessible through the Shrubbery Walk at the end of which is the Swiss Garden, 9 acres of heritage landscape designed in the popular alpine style almost 200 years ago, with framed views, ponds and several charming miniature structures. It is a rare example of a Regency garden and boasts thirteen listed features.

The Collection’s hangar doors will be thrown open for you to wander around, taking in the sights and smells of vintage aeroplanes, whilst learning about some of the roles they played in their service and racing lives and other stories they can tell.

To add to the excitement, there will be vintage aircraft performing illuminated aerial displays above you, and a thrilling firework display to round off the evening - the day is set to be an unmissable event.

For more information, please visit: shuttleworth.org/flyingproms

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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

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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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Money

Money on my Mind The Martin Lewis column He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at keeping our money safe online.

Staying one step ahead of the fraudsters isn’t a battle just reserved for those who patrol the internet. The unregulated nature of the world’s biggest information source means we need to take control of our own vigilance. The good news is that by following a few easy steps, you can protect yourself from the dark forces at work across the web.

Firstly, when visiting a site, in the web address at the top, look for an ‘s’ after ‘http’ at the beginning of the line. The lack of an ‘s’ doesn’t directly imply you are on a scam website, but it is telling you that the security certificate is inadequate, and you should refrain from entering personal information.

Some browsers – Google Chrome being one – add a padlock icon denoting any website that is fully secure, or the web address could be shown in green.

The highest form of encryption for any site will show the website name before the address, also.

Mostly, ask yourself if what’s being offered is realistic. On the internet, just as in real life, if something you see online appears too good to be true – particularly if you’ve clicked on an advert or had a pop-up appear on your screen – it probably is.

Also have a look for how well written and presented the site is. There is a very real correlation between the trustworthiness of a site and the attention paid to spelling, punctuation and grammar. It may not surprise you to hear that few scammers are fully adept in the finer workings of the English language, particularly if that site is being run many thousands of miles from the UK, and authentic marketing will almost always look professional in style and content.

Furthermore, as much as Google may at times frustrate us by offering a multitude of options that are almost bewildering in number, it remains a great source for checking what we know. So if a site looks suspicious put its name into Google. If it’s a known rogue business then there’s a good chance it’s being discussed across the web.

Finally, if you are purchasing online, use a credit card or trackback financial tool, such as PayPal. That way if something does go awry, you have the security of reclaiming your money.

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Gardening

Naturalistic planting

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Naturalistic planting What is this style that we loosely call naturalistic planting? If a vision of opposites helps to define the image, a formal garden will come close. Think of the antithesis, and you’re nearly there. A naturalistic garden could be described as wild, but if it’s been designed this way, it’s anything but. Certainly, plants drive the design. You might not associate it with a closely mown lawn or perfectly straight paths.

Although, anything goes – and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t combine a naturalistic border with a neat and tidy lawn, or position it close to an undeviating hard surface.

A planting scheme that is full to overflowing with perennials, together with grasses and some structural plants too, appears to work in partnership with nature. It’s a form of re-wilding the borders whilst still maintaining some sort of control over the appearance. This idea of wildness is by no means new. Indeed, William Robinson, born in Ireland in 1838, wrote The Wild Garden in 1870. He was one of the most respected garden writers and horticulturists of his time.

The most successful of all plants – grass Grasses certainly have the ability to soften the landscape, forming bold statements of shape and form when used in drifts, clumps and swathes. Their flower and seed heads move in the breeze and merge effortlessly into nature. The naturalistic approach to gardening considers ecology as an important part of the process, therefore habitat potential of a planting scheme is a priority. Wildlife can abound in the damp

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understorey where there is opportunity for nest building and feasting on seed.

Grass, so it seems, is no longer just to walk on, its use has progressed. It is an undeniably successful plant that covers ground in just about every country. Just leave a patch of bare soil and sooner or later grass will appear. There are more than 10,000 different species plus perhaps 5,000 sedges and rushes, so it’s easy to see why we can access so many variations in colour, shape, form and texture.

Use grass for structural planting, to divide up your space in an informal way, to create moody areas, fill in bare spaces under trees, create wonderful texture and more. The uses for ornamental grasses are limitless.

Gardens to visit Consider the High Line in New York, for which talented designer Piet Oudolf was partly responsible.

This influential Dutchman and Henk Gerritson, a former artist from the Netherlands, are known for their ‘new wave planting’ style of ornamental grasses and perennials. Pensthorpe Natural Park Millennium Gardens in Norfolk is another fine example of Oudolf’s stunning work. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, created for the London Olympic Games in 2012, is a variation on a similar theme. The planting was designed by Nigel Dunnett and Professor James Hitchmough. They are pioneers of ecological and innovative approaches to planting within public spaces, aiming to integrate ecology and horticulture in a most effective and attractive manner.

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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 28

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Pets

Looking For Their New Forever Homes

MINDY The RSPCA rescue over 20,000 cats each year.

Madeline and Mindy These stunning girls were adopted from the RSPCA many years ago. Sadly when their owner lost their home, the have come back to us. Madeline is black and white Fluffy and super friendly and fussy.

Maddie is friendly but a little more cautious but once settled she loves chin rubs.

They have always been indoor cats but have been enjoying outside space in the cattery. With this in mind we feel they would benefit from some outside space.

These lovely girls have not had one enquiry. They are super friendly would love to get them back in a home, it’s what they deserve. They are in good health and don’t realise they are mature ladies.

We are looking to find a suitable home that will take both Madeline and Mindy, as they would very much like to stay together. They would both enjoy living with children but would prefer not to live with a dog.

Fat Cat Fat Cat is a lovely black and white domestic short hair crossbreed, who is approximately 4 years old.

Fat Cat’s owner has had to move into a care home so she is looking for a new lap to sit on. She had a very calming effect on her owner who was not well.

We think you may wish to think of a new name for her! Fat Cat is still looking for a lap to sit on. Fat Cat would prefer to be the only cat in the home and would also prefer not to live with a dog. He could live with children of secondary school age and would love to be able to go outside and explore.

Please make contact with a member of the team, if you would like to begin your cat adoption journey or if you have any questions about the process.

Call 01234 266965.

You can also get in touch my emailing us at: adopt@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk

FAT CAT

MADELINE To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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THE GARDEN ROBIN Complete Garden Design & Landscape Service Driveways, Patios and Paving Porcelain & Natural Stone Paving Wood and Composite Decking Pond Construction & Water Features Artificial Grass, Fencing and Screening Irrigation Systems Installed

Ca ll: 0 1 4 6 2 8 1 59 6 8 / 07 78 5 5 3 0 5 5 8 Em a il: rob i n sa nd l e r @ ya h o o. co. u k We b: www. thegardenrobin. co. uk

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Stay Cool this Summer UK houses don’t have air con as a rule. So how do we stay cool when the temperature rises?

Think inside out - Drink and eat cold things! Iced water, tea and squash will keep you hydrated and cool. Try chilled watermelon, grapes, and sorbets.

Make healthy lollies from diluted cordial with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber.

Poor man’s air con - Fans don’t cool air; they move it around. So put a bowl of iced water in front of your fan. This will cool the air blowing over the bowl and make the room feel cooler. If you have a ceiling fan make it spin anti-clockwise to create a cooling effect. The opposite is true in the winter.

Refrigerate your pillowcase - I am not joking. Pop your clean cotton pillowcases into the fridge and put them on your pillow just before bed. It feels great against your skin. You can also keep clean damp flannels or linen tea towels in the fridge and use them to cool your face and the back of your neck.

Be smart with windows - There is a reason many houses abroad have heavy shutters. They shade a home’s windows to prevent heat from getting in in the first place, keeping the house cool during the

Special Report

By Tom Hancock

day.UK houses don’t generally have shutters, but a white-backed blind or thick curtains will definitely help. At night if you sleep on the first floor or above and it’s possible and safe to do so, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a through draft.

Avoid using heat indoors - Eat cold food, or grill outdoors. If you have to cook indoors, try a slow cooker or Microwave which generate much less external heat. Avoid using the tumble dryer by hanging clothes outside.

Stay cool guys.

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Gardening

GreenFingers The Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about the pests that parade our petunias… and more.

We all want our outdoor spaces to be as beautiful and as thriving as possible, yet by employing a host of natural ways to put pests off, we can keep our courtyards canny, and our green spaces chemicalfree.

The best way to do this is to think about natural barriers. These, if done well, can comfortably eradicate snails and slugs and all those little creatures who slide and slime over our prized plants.

Any type of copper can be used to make a wall that electrically shocks their body, deterring them from moving further forward, while wood ashes or crushed eggshells also work to put those meddling molluscs off their lunch.

While most people consider sprays and pesticides as the best way to keep unwanted intruders away, there are a range of natural squirts that do the same thing. For instance, garlic and chilli may be a culinary staple, but they hold a secret power for gardeners looking to dispose of invaders in a natural manner.

Combine crushed garlic and chilli (powdered chilli will do if you don’t have fresh) with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and a small amount of dishwashing liquid or soap flakes. Leave to soak overnight in a jar, then strain and spray on plants. The spray is very

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effective towards aphids and caterpillars – but keep away from kids, avoid contact with your skin and eyes, and use within a fortnight!

It’s also worth reminding ourselves that not all bugs and beasties are bad news, and done well, you can encourage some into your garden. Plant mint, fennel, dill, yarrow, sunflowers and dandelions will attract ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings, all of which will happily feast on your aphids. Birds and hedgehogs eat slugs and snails, beetles and insects… as do frogs and toads.

Finally, try a trap. Earwigs can devastate seedlings, so if they do pose a problem in your garden, try filling a few plastic flowerpots with straw and balancing them upside down on sticks to attract the pests.

The earwigs crawl up the poles and take shelter in the pots at night and you can humanely dispose by emptying them in the morning.

Removing pests and critters the natural way takes effort, imagination and no small amount of patience, but opening your garden to nature’s bounty, whilst preserving as much life as possible, is surely the best and most satisfying way to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

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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 JULY 1 JULY

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 JULY

‘Fleshing out the bones’ with Ian Waller. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk

Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge.

Play is informal and friendly.

Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517

1 JULY

2 JULY

Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm and 7.30pm on Zoom Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford

Bedford Art Society 7.15pm for 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford

Members free, visitors £5 Jo Allsopp is a fully qualified and experienced art tutor and will demonstrate the use of watercolours and inks.

Tel: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 Web: www.bedsartsociety.co.uk 1 & 2 JULY

The Best of Times 7.45pm, Saturday matinee 3pm Woodside Hall, Hitchin

Tickets £15. Hitchin Thespians is proud to present a song and dance showcase featuring music from throughout their 120 years of performance. Highlights include numbers from Calamity Jane and West Side Story, into the modern era with Miss Saigon and Hairspray, and right up to date with The Greatest Showman.

Tickets: www.hitchinthespians.org. uk 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 & 29 JULY Bridge Club 1pm Howgills, South View, Letchworth

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

Tel: Gill Cheaney 01462 686806 Email: bridgeclub@lalg.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 JULY

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

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

The Signals Museum is open to the public. Entry is free but photo ID required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 2 JULY

Write, draw & model in 3D Letchworth Library

A fun filled family event. Suitable for children aged 6 & over. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are £3 per person.

Book your place in the Library.

Facebook.com/LetchworthLibrary

4, 11, 18 & 25 JULY

Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

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

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

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 4, 11, 18 & 25 JULY

Monday Meet Up Social Group 10.30am-2pm Baldock Library

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

4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 & 28 JULY

6 JULY

4 JULY

Meets on the first Monday of the month with a different theme every month. July’s theme is The Repair Shop. Drop in for a cuppa, a chat and make new friends.

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

The club plays both doubles and singles. Monthly subscription payable. Sadly, we are not a club for beginners at this time, but we do have vacancies for new members.

Email: terrygriffiths50@gmail.com 4, 11, 18 & 25 JULY

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

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk Pic-n-Mix Social Group 10.30am-12pm 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!

6 JULY

Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm. Shuttleworth

Guests £5 ‘Another Icarus: Percy Pilcher’ by Roy Smart. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth £15 (valid for one month).

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

Storytime 10.30-11am Letchworth Library

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

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

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

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

Tel: Valerie Williams 01462 624439 Email: mondaypainting@lalg.org.uk

What's On

Deadline for What’s On entries is Monday 11th July.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.net 6, 13, 20 & 27 JULY

7, 14, 21 & 28 JULY

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

Free. Story sessions for pre-school children.

Baby Rhyme Time 10.30am-11am Baldock Library

6, 13, 20 & 27 JULY

Storytime 10.30-11am Stevenage Library

Story Time 2.15pm-2.45pm Baldock Library

7, 14, 21 & 28 JULY

Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin

21 JULY

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

Meets third Thursday of the month.

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

Tel: 07974 374106 Email: hfcinfo885@gmail.com

Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

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

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

6, 13, 20 & 27 JULY

11 JULY

Drawing, painting, coffee and chat.

No need to book. Occasional oneday courses and demonstrations.

Email: 99aegr@gmail.com

Free.Spaces limited so booking essential. Call into the library or phone to book. Tel: 0300 123 4049

A multitude of events and attractions, including countless river activities, live music and performance areas, raft and dragon boat races, festival market, plus much more.

Web: riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk

11 JULY

UNTIL 2 OCTOBER

Hinxworth Art Society 10am-12pm Hinxworth Village Hall

7 JULY

The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth

‘The Art of Stealing: Nazi Looting’ by Shauna Isaac. Visitors welcome. Lift access. Web: theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 JULY

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

We meet every Thursday for painting and drawing, etc. We are a friendly group who enjoy art and chatting. Tel: Mike 07977 347707 7, 14, 21 & 28 JULY

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

Story Walk 10.30am Baldock Library

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

Meets second Monday of the month. Visitors welcome.

12 JULY

Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm Baldock Library

£3 per child. Second Tuesday of the month. For children ages 5-12 years.

Hour of creative fun with Lego.

Booking essential at the library.

12 JULY

Letchworth’s Poetry ID Book Launch 7pm David’s Bookshop, Letchworth

Free entry. Meet authors and hear poems from the new anthology ‘Sackful of Clouds’. Featuring the work of twenty local writers. Bar open. Email your name to confirm attendance. Email: staff@davidsbookshops.co.uk 14 JULY

Honey Bees at Benslow. 6pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

Tickets £20. Ashley Walker tells the story of the apiary behind the much-loved Benslow Honey.

Web: https://benslowmusic.org

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

23 & 24 JULY

Bedford River Festival

Body & Soul Exhibition The Higgins, Bedford

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

Web: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk EVERY WEEKDAY

Clifton Walking Group

Meets on weekdays at 8.30am and in the afternoon for an hour. A friendly bunch of people of various ages and abilities. Monthly weekend walk of 6-8 miles. No pressure to walk, just turn up as often or as seldom as you prefer. Group meets for coffee once a month and holds other social events.

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

Annual membership £10 per household. Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and much, much more. New groups are starting all the time.

Online talks every month. Nonmembers can try activities before joining. Web: lalg.org.uk

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

40

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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June’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner Last Month’s Crossword Winner Emily Haynes Great Paxton

Easy

Hard

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41

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Complete the crossword and fill in your details below, before

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

Across 1 Unable to hear (4) 3 Previously (8) 9 A lawn game (7) 10 Tease (5) 11 Produced (12) 14 Period of time (3) 16 Stop (5) 17 Feminine pronoun (3) 18 In spite of (12) 21 Shoreline (5) 22 Placing (7) 23 Daily (8) 24 Requests (4) Down 1 Twelfth month (8) 2 Embellish (5) 4 Not in (3) 5 Dimensions (12) 6 Entrants in a race (7) 7 A toy (2-2) 8 Adequately (12) 12 Map or diagram (5) 13 Communications (8) 15 Mean (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 Land measurement (4) 22 Small vegetable (3)

Name:

Address:

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

Tel:

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

43

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Books

Crafts, hobbies and weekend projects By Kate Duggan Summer tiiime, and the living is eeeeasy…. Whether you’re looking for some barbecue inspiration or a new novel to keep you company on the hammock, we’ve got you covered.

Learn Drawing Quickly Sharon Finmark

This little book packs in a huge amount. You’ll find plenty of practical advice on composition, shading, perspective, proportion, choosing materials and so on, along with simple exercises and ideas for subjects. There’s everything from watercolour flowers to sketched urban street scenes. An overarching theme is of finding the beauty in everyday objects – a kitchen shelf, kids playing on the carpet, a man’s shirt. If you want to start drawing, improve your existing skills or just get some fresh inspiration, this book is a must.

Woodwork: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual Published by DK

Many of us tried woodwork in school. And for most of us, that’s where we left it. If you fancy dusting off your skills, this book could prove invaluable. There’s detailed guidance on tools and techniques, as well as stepby-step instructions for a wide range of projects, from a simple chopping board and wine rack to a more ambitious glass-fronted cabinet and gateleg table. Whether you’ll learning how to sharpen a bench plane or make a bookcase, the full colour photographs and easy-to-follow instructions will make your life a lot easier.

She’s in Ctrl Anne-Marie Imafidon

Perhaps you’re looking to turn a hobby into a career?

Women are currently underrepresented in tech. In She’s in Ctrl, computer scientist Anne-Marie Imafidon looks at how more women could be encouraged into engineering, coding, physics and other STEM careers. She shares her own story, as well as those of other female pioneers who are helping to transform the world of science and technology.

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

45

Plumbing

Gary’s Plumbing 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

Over 40 years experience No job too small!

Please call Gary on

07530 728091 Wheelie Bin Cleaning

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 46

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

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The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

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