VILLAGER The
Issue 37 - June 2021
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
No Socks Please Father’s Day Gift Ideas Island Escapes
in the UK 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... Biological Bug Blasting..................................................27 Choose the right laptop for school or university.............28 House Works..................................................................30 Age UK...........................................................................33 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................35 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 Villager Prize Crossword.................................... 42 Celebrity Authors...........................................................44 Useful Numbers.............................................................47
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Biological Bug Blasting
House Works
Island Escapes in the UK...................................................4 Wine with me: England....................................................8 No Socks Please!.............................................................12 Cambridge Comedy Festival...........................................14 St Francis’ Children’s Society...........................................16 Which tipple to choose for summer................................21 Mission 24/7 is almost a reality......................................22 RSPCA - Get Involved......................................................24
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 - Trevor Langley, Kate Duggan, Helena Campbell, EAAA, RSPCA, Pippa Greenwood, Tom Hancock and Nick Coffer
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - anneleven 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
Isle of Skye
Island escapes in the UK Islands are synonymous with holidays. But did you know that you could get your dream island escape without even needing to leave the UK? It’s time to discover some of our home country’s most beautiful islands. It may surprise you to hear that the UK is home to not hundreds but thousands of islands, big and small. From Scotland’s archipelago of rugged isles to a scattering of sun-soaked islands off the south coast, these hidden gems could be exactly what you need for your next escape. True, you can’t expect guaranteed sunshine and swaying palms. But what you can expect is outstanding scenery, charming seaside towns, beautiful beaches and rare wildlife – all much closer to home. To get you in the holiday mood, here are three island escapes you won’t need your passport for. Isle of Wight The largest island in the UK, the Isle of Wight is one of our country’s most popular holiday destinations – and for good reason. Easily accessible by ferry from Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth, a mere
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two-hour journey from London, there’s no better place for a British bucket-and-spade break. It may be our biggest island, but at just over 22 miles wide, it’s still small enough to explore in a few days. Start in the west with a walk to the iconic Needles, three stacks of chalk and a lighthouse rising impressively out of the ocean. Soak up the views across Tennyson Down before hopping on an open-top bus to Alum Bay, where you can jump on a speedboat to see the Needles up close. Then there’s the magnificent Osbourne House in the north, Queen Victoria’s family home, and arguably the best beaches – Ventnor and Shanklin – in the south. With zoos, dinosaur trails, museums and adventure parks dotted across the island, there’s loads for families too. You could even time your visit around the annual Isle of Wight festival or Cowes Week, one of the UK’s biggest and longest running regattas. Isle of Skye Scotland has no shortage of beautiful islands, but most visitors will agree on which is the most breathtaking: Skye, of course! Spanning 50 miles
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from top to bottom, Skye is adored worldwide for its lush green moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs. Unlike the Isle of Wight, the weather up here is not always cheery, but the frequent shrouds of mist only add to the island’s serene, mystical presence. On good days, climb to the iconic Old Man of Storr for one of the island’s best viewpoints, or trek along the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery. Further south, the famously clear Fairy Pools are not to be missed. These beautiful rock pools are filled with crystal-clear spring water, fed by a series of waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains. Take a dip, if you can stand the cold! And when the mist closes in, rest up in one of the island’s cosy pubs or take a tour of a castle or two. Come rain or shine, Skye won’t let you down. Getting here is easy, thanks to the Skye Bridge that connects the island to the mainland. In terms of where to stay, your best bets are the pretty towns of Portree, Broadford and Dunvegan. From here, you’ll be well placed to explore some of the island’s finest sights. Isles of Scilly If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten track, the Isles of Scilly are a peaceful pocket of paradise, just 28 miles off the coast of Land’s End in Cornwall. With white-sand beaches, subtropical gardens and some of Britain’s best weather, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve left the UK entirely. There are five main islands: St Mary’s is the most populated, followed by Tresco, with very few people living on Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes.
Isle of Wight
Visiting the Scillies is like stepping back in time. Don’t come here looking for shops, amusement parks and arcades; this is a place to unwind and drink in your surroundings. Quiet, beautiful and completely unspoilt, you’ll have almost every pristine beach to yourself. The walks are outstanding and the islands are popular with nature-lovers too, thanks to the Atlantic grey seals that breed here, not to mention the flocks of rare seabirds. You can reach the islands by ferry or plane. Planes depart from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports, or you can take the three-hour ferry crossing from Penzance to St Mary’s.
Isles of Scilly
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Food & Drink
Wine with me: England
Wine productions, in England, most certainly have several centuries of knowledge and expertise. The 20th century saw increased developments and the wine industry became a more serious business, with English wines gaining much respect and acknowledgement, receiving numerous awards, at prestigious competitions and events. I searched for a company that produces and makes available, an excellent range of wines – something for all tastes and palates. Denbies Wine Estate is located in Surrey and was established during 1986. Several grape varieties are grown, for their wine productions, many of which are award-winning. BACCHUS (11% vol) is produced only in the best seasons, from 100% Bacchus grapes which are cold-fermented in stainless steel vats, plus a small portion that is barrel-fermented and aged. A wonderful pale-straw colour entices to the nasal appeal. The mouthfeel and palate enjoy the dry and full-bodied effect, perfectly, for this Vineyard Select, white wine production. SURREY GOLD (11.5% vol) I found to possess a bouquet of fragrances, then, following on, to have an excellent mouthfeel and palate. This is a white wine, Classic Collection, production. ROSE HILL (11.5% vol) is in the ‘middle’. Between white and red, this ‘pink’ production certainly does not disappoint. The bouquet of summer fruits extends to a real, bursting mouthfeel. This is a Classic Collection, wine. REDLANDS (12% vol) is to be found amongst the Cellarmaster’s Choice range, which is specifically selected by Denbies’ wine makers. A splendid red wine to accompany red meats and casseroles. WHITEDOWNS BRUT (12% vol) – Cellarmaster’s Choice – I consider a very good sparkling wine. This production is made from a blend of grape varieties grown on the Denbies Estate and then bottle-fermented, providing fruits, with fresh flavour and a perlage which entices to a lengthy appeal. A splendid wine to enjoy pre-dining (or whenever!). GREENFIELDS (12.5% vol), from their Vineyard Select range, is a further example of a superb, bottle-fermented ‘sparkler’. The golden-straw colour complements a most wonderful bouquet. The Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes give the impressive, crisp pleasures for the mouth’s enjoyment, which is extended. For all details and information, including wine tours and tastings, please contact: Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA. Tel: 44 (0) 1306 876 616 and visit: www.denbies.co.uk
As always, Enjoy!
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Once ubiquitous as the RAF’s primary trainer and first mount of many a trembling cadet, the Chippy is 75 this year. We celebrate it with a whisper of Moths to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Tiger Moth.
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2021 sees the return of the award-winning Drive-In Displays from the Shuttleworth Trust There is something to keep the whole family entertained! Find out more and book online at:
www.shuttleworth.org/scurryofchipmunks
Our most popular show, the military show will line up the Collection’s impressive collection from the Sopwith Pup to the Spitfire with current and vintage military visitors.
Shuttleworth air shows are the perfect family day out, expect thrilling air displays from historic aircraft and explore the beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden. Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/militaryairshow
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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”.
All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.
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Time of Year
No Socks Please…
From pocket money treats to push-the-boat-out presents, we’ve got plenty of ideas for Father’s Day gifts… It’s easy to pick up chocolate from the supermarket, but a personalised bar is so much more special. These luxury handmade chocolates cost £3.50 to £15 from www.cocoas.co.uk. Barbecue fans can take their skills to the next level with a barbecue rub from www.pigandpallet.co.uk. Individual packets are £4 each or splash out on a box of four for £14. If dad is hoping to indulge his travel lust a bit more this year, this T-shirt should whet his appetite. And it’s just £8 from Tu. A handcrafted, refillable pen will last for years. If you’re on a budget, try the Wood Wirkshop, which offers a range of wooden and acrylic styles from just £12. See www.facebook.com/TheWoodWirkshop. Whether your father is an avid runner or needs some encouragement to get off the couch, a Garmin Forerunner 35 might give him extra motivation. It’s £129.99 from www.very.co.uk. How about a hand-sewn notebook made from recycled paper from www.brucebramfield.com and priced from just £3.95? Even better, it can be personalised with your dad’s name or a short message for free. Dad will love a weekend relaxing in a hammock, available for £75 from Habitat. You can’t beat a homemade gift. If you’re stuck for ideas, why not try making a: • Bath fizzer. Wearing gloves, mix 100g of bicarbonate of soda, 50g of citric acid and 25g of cornflour. Keep stirring as you pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and around ten drops of essential oil. Mix in a few drops of water. You only need enough water to hold the dry ingredients together. Press the mixture into silicone moulds or ice cube trays and allow it to dry for at least two hours. • Bird box. This takes a bit more work, but can be achieved with a plank of wood, a hammer, drill and some nails. Search online for templates. • Mini herb garden. If dad loves cooking, you could create a mini herb garden in a pot with plug plants from your local garden centre. • Chocolates. Chop a couple of large bars into chunks and melt them in a large bowl over a pan of simmering water. Spoon the chocolate into silicone moulds, adding chopped nuts or sprinkles first. (The above activities do need an adult to supervise.)
By Kate Duggan
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Local News
Cambridge Comedy Festival The Cambridge Comedy Festival returns for its 14th edition presenting a spectacular event featuring superstar household names, the very best circuit acts, left-field fringe performers, live podcast shows plus brilliant family shows and all set in a beautiful countryside open air location. The Festival was launched in 2007 with the aim of recreating a micro version of the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival experience in Cambridge. Its unique appeal has been that it presented a host of big name comedians and the finest emerging to the city as they hone their shows for the Edinburgh Fringe and forthcoming UK tours and iron out any rough edges. It’s been venue based each year but in 2016 and 2017 we moved it outdoors to Jesus Green park which proved very popular and due to the current climate this year we’ve decided to once again host it outdoors but expand it into a fully fledged festival experience with camping. The festival will take place on Grange Farm in Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon which is where the Secret Garden Party was held – it’s a fantastic countryside location and its unique and quirky landscaped features lend itself perfectly to a comedy festival.
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We have over 150 acts appearing across 4 stages packed with so many amazingly funny comedians including household names from TV and stage such as Rob Beckett, Milton Jones, Dara Ó Briain, Ed Byrne, Gary Delaney, Nina Conti, Tom Allen, Al Murray, Reginald D Hunter and Russell Kane to the very best club circuit acts plus live podcast shows, lots of fantastic kids/family shows and after the comedy shows have finished each evening we’ve even got comedians having a go at DJ’ing their favourite tunes in the Glade bar area and if all of that isn’t enough to tickle your comedy appetite we’ve also got a fresh water swimming lake on site! We have camping right next to the arena and for those that want their creature comforts we’ve got Boutique Camping too. With either full weekend passes or individual day tickets (with or without camping) available we’ve tried to create an event for comedy fans so they get to watch all the very best acts in one place but also an event where they can feel safe and be outdoors. Full festival details can be found at www.cambridgecomedyfestival.com
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Local News
St. Francis’ Children’s Society Could you adopt siblings, and help keep brothers and sisters together? Latest figures show there are currently 2,030 children waiting to be adopted in England. Of those, approximately 44% are in sibling groups of two or more. Groups of children wait an average of 17 months to be adopted, which is 36% longer (135 days) than individual children. 56% of these children wait more than 18 months for their new family. In response to these figures, Milton Keynes adoption agency St. Francis’ Children’s Society (SFCS) has joined a national campaign which encourages people who are considering adoption to think about adopting brothers and sisters together. In most cases, keeping brothers and sisters together is vitally important when children are adopted. They share their life-stories and have a life-long bond, and have often been the only constants in each other’s lives. Siblings are much stronger together than apart. Natalie and Phil became parents when they adopted two brothers with the help of SFCS. Natalie says, “It’s easy to forget that adoption is just becoming new parents, and life does dramatically change for any new parents. The first few months were a massive culture shock for us and we did find things difficult. We bonded more quickly with the older child than we did with the baby, and we felt so much guilt over this. “We weren’t prepared for feeling quite so tired, to function on little sleep and to need to be ‘switched on’ all day, every day to meet the children’s needs. In hindsight, going from no children to two children overnight was a little crazy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We now feel like a normal, happy and complete family.” New research released as part of the campaign reveals that, while there are challenges in adopting more than one child, 88% of parents that adopted brothers and sisters say the positives outweigh
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any difficulties. And 61% of these adopters acknowledged that adopting children with their brothers and sisters has been the most beneficial factor in their child’s adoption journey. Owen and Abi adopted three sisters with SFCS in July 2019. The youngest two are twins who are now aged four, and the eldest is now aged 5. Owen says, “The love that we receive from the children and the love that we can give them is something you can’t put into words. They truly have completed our family and, nearly two years down the line, they’re just our kids. The things they do inspire us to be better. It’s a wonderful thing – I’d recommend it.” Brothers and sisters who need to stay together wait longer in care for adoptive families, through no fault of their own. Could you adopt siblings, and help keep brothers & sisters together? St. Francis’ Children’s Society is an independent adoption agency that welcomes all kinds of families for all kinds of children - regardless of age, race, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. Visit www.sfcs.org.uk to find out more.
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Food & Drink
Summer Wine
By Helena Campbell
Which tipple to choose for summer
The summer months require a different approach to wine. We’re more likely to want something refreshing, or to mix it with soda water for a spritzer. Also, even staunch red wine-lovers often drift towards a white or a rose as the temperatures rise. Look for a dry white with high acidity, a light to medium body. If you favour sweetness try to make sure it also has high acidity. Look for fruity notes, particularly apple and citrus, and stay away from fullbodied chardonnays. Try Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. A more unusual option is Albariño, a beautiful refreshing Spanish wine. Rosés are fresh-tasting because they are meant to be drunk young. They tend to be fruity and vary from sweeter to dry. Either work nicely for a summer day, and sparkling rosés are particularly pretty and festive for summer celebrations. Try Grenache rosé served cold for a perfect crisp blend of tannins and acidity. Sangiovese rosé is slightly sweeter and fruiter and perfect for warm summer evenings. Some folks just love their reds even in summer. However, avoid heavy, full-bodied varieties unless you want to feel sleepy and dehydrated. Look for lighter reds that are best served chilled, with low tannin and high acidity. Cinsault is probably my favourite summer red on account of its fruitiness. It’s nicely high in acidity too. Frappato is also a good summer choice with low tannins and a fresh taste. Lambrusco can be sneered at in some circles but it’s actually the perfect bubbly sweeter red for summer. Cheers.
TRAVEL FROM STEVENAGE/BALDOCK Letchworth/Hitchin on some dates DAY TRIPS Adult 16 Jun RHS Wisley Gardens £36 24 Jun East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens £36 26 Jun Blenheim Palace Flower Show £33 2 Jul Stamford & Barnsdale Gardens £35 7 Jul Easton Walled Gardens £33 8-10 Jul Hampton Court Flower Show £50 13 Jul Norfolk Broads Cruise £39 18 Jul Horse Drawn Boat & Cream Tea £44 20 Jul National Memorial Arboretum £26 21 Jul Sutton Hoo & Aldeburgh £39 22 Jul Painshill Park £35 29 Jul Kew Palace & Gardens £39 4 Aug Cinderella – Matinee £65 5 Aug Norfolk Broads Paddle Steamer £32 5 Aug RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show £33 6 Aug Norwich £21 18 Aug Joseph – Matinee £75 25 Aug Grease – Milton Keynes –Matinee £50 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 & Cream Tea £44 30 Sep Tina the Musical – Matinee £67.50 15 Oct Stamford Mkt & Rutland Tea Cruise £40 18 Nov Pretty Woman – Evening £65 Twice Weekly Seaside Trips Thursford Xmas Show Dates on Sale Now HOLIDAYS Date Days PP 23 Jul Durham Historic Weekend 4 £395 2 Aug Solent Hotel 5 £450 7 Aug Isle of Wight 7 £625 8 Aug North Devon 6 £595 9 Aug Welsh Borders 5 £485 16 Aug Heart of Lancashire 5 £515 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 4 £345 10 Oct Cardigan Bay 6 £525 17 Oct Autumn Colours New Forest 5 £550 MORE HOLIDAYS & DAY TRIPS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE
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Local News
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Mission 24/7 is almost a reality East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is online 365 days a year to help local people in the most lifethreatening or life-changing situations and is close to flying 24/7 for the very first time. Mission 24/7 has been a long-term goal of the charity’s and by the end of June, thanks to community support, this goal will be a reality. EAAA has long been passionate about closing the current gap (between 1:30am and 7am) where there is no helicopter coverage available in the region. During this time both of EAAA’s teams are available instead by rapid response vehicle, providing 24/7 emergency care across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire by car. By flying 24/7, EAAA will become the first air ambulance in the East of England to do so and estimate they will be tasked to 400 more patients a year, getting its teams to people in need as quickly as possible, 24 hours a day. This will be an exciting milestone for the air ambulance charity and for the region. Patrick Peal, CEO of EAAA, said: “We’ve dreamt of being able to fly 24/7 for years as we’re fiercely passionate about making sure the same standard of critical care is available, by helicopter, right across East Anglia no matter what time of day or night it is. We know people don’t stop having cardiac arrests, strokes or road traffic collisions when the helicopter goes offline, and we have been working towards this goal for some time. We’re hugely grateful for the
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community support which has got us here and are counting down the days to becoming fully 24/7 by helicopter.” Ready, steady, go – Chariots of Fire relay race for EAAA on Sunday 19 September Could you run in a 1.7-mile relay to help save lives? EAAA is the benefiting charity of this year’s Chariots of Fire relay race in Cambridge. Funds raised will help EAAA’s life-saving CPR and defibrillator training work for community groups, schools and workplaces. If you, or someone you know, can support EAAA by putting in a team get signed up while places are available by visiting the EAAA website or www. chariots-of-fire.co.uk. You just need six people (tickets cost £25 each) and to raise a suggested £50 per person towards the life-saving training - and to have fun taking part!
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Pets
Get Involved
Volunteering for the RSPCA is just one of the enjoyable ways of helping animal welfare and can be very rewarding. Volunteers make a huge contribution to the work we do to prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate the suffering of animals. The RSPCA shop located in Bedford town centre would very much welcome some volunteers. Volunteers Needed Our Bedford branch, situated across from the bus station is a very modern, vibrant and well-run shop. The current staff are very welcoming and friendly and would really appreciate some additional volunteers to help run the shop. Volunteering is such a great way to meet likeminded people who share the same enthusiasm for animal welfare. There are many other benefits too, such as: • gaining new skills or developing existing ones • the chance to try out something new • doing something useful and rewarding • gaining a sense of achievement • putting something back into the community • developing your personal skills and confidence Anyone can volunteer. We value diversity and encourage volunteers from all sections of the community. Unfortunately, there are limited opportunities for anyone who is under 16 years of age and some restrictions apply in relation to opportunities for under 18’s.
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An Interview with a Trustee Simon Mason has been a trustee for the RSPCA Bedford North Branch for nearly 3 years. His role within the team is that of the treasurer. Why did you want to become a trustee for the RSPCA? The welfare and wellbeing of animals has always been something that I care about. Naturally, when I heard that the Bedford North branch were recruiting, I was delighted. What do you enjoy about your role? I like being involved in the decision-making process regarding how money is to be saved and spent. I enjoy preparing and presenting the financial reports to the charity. Plus, I like being involved in my local community. Did you have any pets when you were growing up? Yes, we had a lovely Jack Russell. Before that we had three cats. I was brought up in quite a rural area, so we were near a lot of wildlife and farm animals. So, I have always grown up with a high degree of respect and care for animals. Have you always lived in Bedford? No. I moved here from Stratford-Upon-Avon, and before that I lived in Great Yarmouth. I’m originally from Norwich, so I am quite well travelled! What do you think about the new initiatives and campaigns announced in the annual review? Amazing! There are some really inspiring and creative ideas within the review, as well as the heartwarming stories of all the animals that have been rehabilitated and rehomed. 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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Gardening
Biological Bug Blasting
By Pippa Greenwood
Now that warmer weather has arrived, plants in the protected environment of a greenhouse or conservatory are likely to suffer attacks from pests and diseases. Why not tackle some of the more common pests using biological controls? They work well provided you have not used chemicals recently and don’t intend to introduce them. Biological controls may sound high-tech, but you are simply introducing tiny creatures in to control the pests, with no need for chemicals and therefore no chemical residues left on edible crops either. They’re safe for humans, pets and wildlife too! There are great controls for many outdoor pests, including slugs (Nemaslug), chafer grubs and leatherjackets, and one control with a wide range of vegetable-crop pest controllers in it. There is a nematode control for vine weevils that can be watered on to the compost of edible or ornamental plants. Best used in spring and autumn when there are higher levels of the grubs, it is easily applied with a watering can and is not too expensive. In greenhouses, plant-wrecking red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly numbers soon build up as the weather gets warmer. Whitefly also have a nasty habit of producing a very sticky excreta called honeydew and this causes a sugary layer to appear on the plants, often followed by black mould growth known as sooty mould. I’ve used a tiny parasitic wasp, Encarsia, with great results. This extremely small wasp lays her eggs in the young stage of the whitefly (often
called the whitefly scale), killing it in the process, and then new Encarsia wasps hatch out of the parasitised whitefly scales. Provided there are some whitefly in the greenhouse, and as long as temperatures average 10C (50F), it works a treat. Red spider mites (which cause minute but densely packed flecking on the plant foliage, often followed by browning and dieback) are tiny and difficult to spot, and you may only notice the devastation they cause. These pests thrive in the warmer drier conditions likely to prevail a little later in the year, but they can be controlled biologically too with a predatory mite known as Phytoseiulus. This tiny mite has a voracious appetite for all the life stages of the red spider mite and can be introduced as long as average temperatures are about 16C (61F). You can also get biological controls for other common greenhouse and conservatory pests, such as aphids (greenfly and blackfly), scale insects and mealy bugs. It really is a good way to keep pests down and provided you follow the instructions this truly environmentfriendly (and gardener-friendly too!) method takes some beating, so why not turn over a new leaf this year and let biological controls do the work for you? All the controls mentioned above are available from most biological control suppliers. 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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Parenting
Choose the Right Laptop for School or University So, you need a new laptop. With thousands to choose from, and a thick cloud of jargon to wade through, where do you start? First, make a list of what you will use the machine for. All laptops will let you browse the web, type essays, and watch videos. Do you need to run some specialist software? If you’re studying a programming course, graphic design, or photography for example, you’ll probably need a more powerful laptop. Gaming requires the most computer power so, if you want to run the latest games at full speed you’ll need to increase your budget accordingly. Next, you need to consider how you’re going to use the laptop. If you mostly use it at home at a desk, the laptop doesn’t need to be as portable. You can go for larger sizes and less battery life. If you need it in lessons throughout the day away from a power socket, consider a more compact design with a whole-day battery life. 2-in-1 laptops allow you to you unplug the keyboard and use the laptop as a tablet for even more convenience. Your budget will be dictated by the first two steps: the more features you need the more you’ll need to budget. For a basic, general-purpose laptop expect to pay about £400. If you need to run some specialist software look in the £400 to £800 bracket. Whatever laptop you decide on there are a few basic specifications you need to check. How fast your laptop can perform tasks is controlled by the microprocessor and memory. The faster your processor and the more memory you have, the more responsive your laptop will be. In general, bigger
numbers mean more power. As a minimum for your processor, I would advise an Intel i3 or any of the Ryzen devices. For memory (RAM) you need at least 4 GB, 8 GB or more if you can afford it. Apple laptops do their own thing beyond the scope of this article, but the premise is the same. Hard disks are where you store all of your information and programs. Most laptops use solid-state drives which are faster and use less battery than mechanical drives. If you’re only using your laptop for web browsing and writing essays, a 128 GB hard drive will probably be okay. If you want to use your laptop for anything more go for at least 256 GB or you’ll quickly run out of hard drive space. Once you get past the basic requirements it’s down to personal choice. If you can get to a computer shop try a few out. Make sure the keyboard and touchpad feel right for you. Check that the screen is clear and bright enough for you to easily read it. Make sure the size is either big enough for you to use the programs you need, or small enough to make it easily portable. One of the great things about computers is that techy people love to write reviews about them. Check the web for more advice, and check reviews for any laptop you’re thinking of buying. Paying more will always get you a more powerful laptop. But that extra power is only useful if you’re going to use it! My rough guide to laptop happiness - find the specification that meets your needs, then buy the model above that it if you can afford it.
By Tom Hancock
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Special Report
House Works
a recommendation but whoever you use, ensure you follow due diligence. The quality of the work is important but, amongst other checks you make, you will want to know that your builder is reliable and open to discussing your ideas. Note that is your responsibility to request an itemised schedule of works and have a clear process on how variations from that schedule will be dealt with, including payments. Project Manager Project management is not as simple as ordering materials and engaging the trades yourself. There are many Health & Safety and Construction Design & Management principles that need to be adhered to. Your builder will usually offer to project manage or you can engage a separate person. Keep a record Finally, make sure you have contracts in place as this protects all parties. Remember that as the homeowner you are legally responsible for ensuring that all structural or alteration work complies with building standards and, when you eventually sell your property, your buyer’s solicitor will want to see that paperwork.
If you’ve decided to make home improvements rather than move, remodelling your property could be in your 2021 plans. Whether it’s an extension or knocking down a wall to make a barrier-free space, you’ll likely need more than DIY skills to bring your dreams to life. As a rule, you should plan twice, execute once, and for that you’ll need to call the professionals. Interior Designer An interior designer will help you plan your living space to suit your lifestyle, even coming up with ideas that you’d never considered. This will save you time and money when you engage other professionals as you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you want and why. Architect An architect will focus mostly on the artistry and design of your proposed changes and will bring your ideas to life with architectural drawings. They will know the construction industry’s working methods and standards, and can guide you through the complex procedures of planning, building regulations and contractual arrangements. Architect/Planning Agent The architect will handle the
planning permission process for you, either dealing with it themselves or through a separate agent. Some changes to your property can be done without planning permission (known as ‘Permitted Development’) but for most larger alterations you will need to submit a planning application to your local authority. The architect/planning agent will be your liaison with the council’s planners, and will assist you in preparing the application, providing the council with relevant information, responding to raised concerns and negotiating changes. Structural Engineer An architect focuses more on the artistry and design of the building, while a structural engineer focuses more on the technical and structural side. An engineer makes sure that the building is functional and safe, and particularly if you need bigger modifications, this technical element is essential. Builder All the services involved in preparing for the work will cost, but the actual build itself is likely to use the bulk of your budget. Sometimes the designer or architect will be able to give you
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Local News
Could You Remember Age UK Hertfordshire in your Will? Age UK Hertfordshire is committed to being there for older people who need us. But the challenges we face as a society and the demand for the services we provide are only set to increase in future years, due to a projected rise in the number of older people in the UK. There are currently 10.8 million people over the age of 60 living in the UK. By 2031 this number is set to rise pass 20 million. In Hertfordshire the pattern is much the same with the over 65 population set to grow by 23% in the next five years. With the demand for Age UK Hertfordshire’s services rising exponentially and the ever increasing pressure on public funds, there is a risk that we won’t have the resources to ensure every older person can access the support they need in the future. In recent times, gifts in wills from our kind supporters have helped us fund many of our vital services for older people across Hertfordshire. We are very grateful for this generous support and want to ensure that many more generations can benefit T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf 07/06/2015 from our services.
Mark Hanna, Interim Chief Executive, said: “By leaving a gift to Age UK Hertfordshire you can help make sure that in the future no one in Hertfordshire has to face the challenges of older age alone.” “If you, like many others, have already remembered Age UK Hertfordshire in your will, thank you for your kindness” said Ellie Males, Community Engagement Officer. She continues, “Your legacy gift however small, will mean that we can still be there for people who need the support from Age UK Hertfordshire’s services”. To find out more please contact us on communications@ageukherts.org.uk or visit us online at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ 13:34:43 hertfordshire/get-involved/legacies/
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Food & Drink
Simple Thin Apple Tart I do love a pretty desert - but I’m also a rubbish pastry maker! So I’m all for a desert which has the wow factor, without needing Great British Bake Off level skills. This simplified version of the classic French “Tarte Fine aux Pommes” is not only delicious, it’s also easy to make. Above all, it looks beautiful. You’ll need: 1 roll of store-bought puff pastry (all butter is best) 3-4 (depending on size) sharp flavoured apples like a Braeburn or Granny Smith A knob of butter Caster sugar 1 tbsp apricot jam 1. Hunt around in your kitchen cupboards for two round shapes, one of which needs to be 1cm narrower than the other. The larger round needs to fit on your unrolled puff pastry. I used a dinner plate and the base of a cake tin. 2. Unroll the pastry. Use the larger round shape to cut out a circle, using a sharp knife. Place the smaller round on the pastry and gently score the pastry around it. You just need a slight indentation - don’t cut the pastry. Place on a non-stick baking tray. 3. Carefully peel the apples, trying to keep their round shape. Cut them into quarters and slice out the cores in a curved line. 4. Slice the quarters into thin slices, 2-3mm in thickness. Try to keep them of equal size by always cutting down towards the point of
the quarter where the core was, slightly rotating the quarter as you go. 5. Starting on the outside, arrange the apple slices in a circular fan pattern on the pastry base (see photo). Place them inside the circular border you marked. 6 Once you have completed the outside ring, do the same for the inside. 7. Melt a knob of butter in the microwave and carefully brush it onto the tart. Dust the tart quite generously with sugar. 8. Bake in an oven pre-heated to 220C/ Gas Mark 6 for around 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden around the edges and the apples caramelised. 9. Take the tart out of the oven. While it is cooling, melt the apricot jam in a saucepan and thin it out with a few drops of water. Glaze the top of the tart with the apricot jam using a pastry brush. Leave to set and serve once the tart is cool. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. **For a slight variation, you can also make an apple compote base. Cook down a cooking apple with some caster sugar until you have a smooth purée. Cover the base with this compote in a thin layer before placing the apples on top.
BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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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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MUSCLE
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Electrician
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Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates Qualified electrician Fully insured Reliable service Tidy work Free quote Satisfaction guaranteed
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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our May Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Lewis Graham, Hitchin
May’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions
Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
£25
Across 1 Seats (6) 4 Burst (6) 9 Reduce in length (7) 10 Moves rapidly (5) 11 After sunset (5) 12 Before (7) 13 Marvellously (11) 18 Cultivate (7) 20 Hurry (5) 22 Arrogant (5) 23 Terminates (7) 24 Sibling (6) 25 A sign (6)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th June 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.
Down 1 Place for gambling (6) 2 In the midst of (5) 3 Turned (7) 5 Senior (5) 6 Incomplete (7) 7 Large arid area (6) 8 Halted (11) 14 Apparent (7) 15 Sad (7) 16 Adjusts (6) 17 Container (6) 19 Narrow shelf (5) 21 Rub hard (5)
Name:
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Books
Celebrity Authors Actors and other celebrities often try their hand at fiction writing, with various degrees of success (and often a lot of help from a ghost writer). The authors we’re looking at this month have all managed to prove their writing skills to both readers and critics, in some cases carving out a whole new career for themselves.
By Kate Duggan
Us Three By Ruth Jones
Ruth Jones brings her usual Gavin and Stacey wit and warmth to her second novel. Us Three centres on a trio of women who became best friends at primary school. We follow their lives over the next 40+ years, through love and loss and all of life’s usual ups and downs. Like any relationship, friendship isn’t always easy, and this one is stretched almost to breaking point.
Uncommon Type By Tom Hanks
Uncommon Type is Tom Hanks’ collection of seventeen short stories. Most offer a slice of American life, whether it’s from the viewpoint of a ten-yearold boy or a war veteran. Each one references a typewriter and some characters appear in more than one story. Other than that, the stories are very diverse, ranging from one about a bowling whizz who becomes an unwilling celebrity, to timetravelling sci-fi.
Neil Patrick Harris by The Magic Misfits 1 & 2
The How I Met Your Mother star has written several books, including a choose your own adventure-style autobiography. His children’s series follows a street magician who teams up with other like-minded kids to stop villains in their tracks. Aimed at children aged eight and up, The Magic Misfits series is ideal for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch and Lemony Snicket. It’s very well-written, very different and very funny.
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Because of You By Dawn French
While Dawn French’s latest novel contains a dash of humour, it’s also heart wrenching, dealing as it does with stillbirth, abduction and grief. Two women give birth at the same hospital. Only one mother leaves with a baby. As the baby, Minnie, grows into a teenager, she becomes pregnant herself and discovers that everything she thought she knew may well be based on a lie.
A Bright Ray of Darkness By Ethan Hawke
The actor Ethan Hawke has returned to fiction writing after a break of almost two decades. A Bright Ray of Darkness draws on his own experiences and tells the story of a celebrated actor, William, whose personal life is crumbling around him, much to the delight of the press. William turns to the theatre, throwing himself into the world of Henry IV. A fascinating glimpse into the world of acting, privilege and fame.
Troy By Stephen Fry
The third book in Stephen Fry’s series retelling the Greek myths centres on probably the most famous myth of them all – the battle of Troy. Whether you think you know the full story or can just recall something about a queen called Helen and a wooden horse, this book is well worth a read. Fry really brings the tale to life, adding his own wry humour to the mix.
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Plumbing
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