Hitchin March 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 34 - March 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Discovering the

Scottish Highlands British Pie Week 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...

Get Sowing....................................................................26 Together for Animal Welfare..........................................29 Fun Quiz.........................................................................31 Transforming Pets’ Behaviour.........................................32 Tools of the Trade...........................................................34 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re a burden................39 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................42 Book Review..................................................................45 Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery Wins Award...............46 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Twentieth Century Medical Marvel

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Twentieth Century Medical Marvel...................................4 British Pie Week...............................................................8 Can a Spring Clean be Green?.........................................10 St. Francis’ Children’s Society..........................................12 Drinks: Loving Gin..........................................................15 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................16 New Trends for Spring/Summer 2021............................18 Eye Tests: What to Expect...............................................21 Applying for a Mortgage? Be Prepared!.........................23 Discovering the Scottish Highlands................................24

Can a Spring Clean be Green?

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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 - Catherine Rose, Tracey Anderson, Sarah Davey Trevor Langley, Nick Coffer, Jennie Billings, Jackie Mitchell, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, Wood Green, Rachael Leverton, AHM Installations and Kate Duggan

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

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

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

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History

By Catherine Rose

Twentieth Century Medical Marvel The last century saw some incredible developments in the field of medicine, including the ongoing identification of viruses, the discovery of DNA and perhaps one of the most important of all, the invention of penicillin, an invaluable weapon in the fight against bacterial infections.

The antibiotic era truly began eighty years ago in 1941, when the US developed widespread availability of penicillin. Although invented by Alexander Fleming in 1928, previously it had only been available in small batches.

It seems hard to imagine a life without antibiotics now, but prior to its development people would routinely die from even minor bacterial infections.

Antibiotics are produced from bacteria and fungi compounds that attack microbes, including other bacteria. But before Fleming’s discovery, human

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beings were already benefitting from antibiotics although they did not necessarily fully understand or appreciate why.

Traces of Tetracycline, possibly absorbed through diet or natural remedies, have been found in the skeletons of the Nubian people in Sudan dating back as early as 330AD and the ancient Egyptians would place poultices made of mouldy bread onto infected wounds, demonstrating that they knew this helped curb infection and promote healing.

In the late nineteenth century, a German physician named Paul Erlich noted that the newly invented chemical aniline dyes could stain and even destroy some bacteria but not others. This led him to believe that there must be chemical substances that could kill certain microbes while leaving others unharmed.

He subsequently used a chemical called

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arsphenamine to successfully treat syphilis although he called this treatment ‘chemotherapy’ (as in chemical therapy) rather than an antibiotic.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming was Professor of Bacteriology at St Mary’s Hospital, London when he discovered penicillin quite by accident.

He had been culturing a type of bacteria known as Staphylococcus, which causes sore throats, abscesses, and boils amongst other infections.

On returning from a holiday in Suffolk, Fleming discovered that one of his petri dishes had been left uncovered and had developed patches of mould.

Fleming noticed that there were no bacteria growing around the mould in this dish. The mould was called Penicillium notatum (today it is known as Penicillium rubens).

Fleming began to investigate further and discovered that compounds produced by this mould could kill not only Staphylococcus but a wide variety of bacteria. However, the compounds were unstable and he was only able to produce them in tiny quantities.

Fleming carried on his research but it wasn’t until eleven years later in 1939 that a team at Oxford University began work to purify and make penicillin available as a therapeutic drug. In order to do this, they had to produce gallons of mould filtrate.

In 1940, one of the Oxford team, a pathologist and pharmacologist named Howard Florey, demonstrated how mice could be protected from Staphylococcus bacteria by using penicillin. And in 1941, the first human being was injected with the drug: a fortythree-year-old policeman named Albert Alexander, who had developed serious abscesses after scratching himself while pruning roses.

Unfortunately, after making an initial recovery, Alexander died. But by the time Fleming successfully treated a patient named Harry Lambert in 1944 for

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streptococcal meningitis, penicillin was proven.

With Britain absorbed in the war effort and research virtually on hold, Florey realised that any development potential lay with the US pharmaceutical industry.

Following research into stabilisation of the drug, and large-scale production through collaboration with the chemical and fermentation industries in America, a meeting was organised by the Committee on Medical Research (CMR) with the top pharmaceutical companies: Pfizer, Merck, Squibb and Lederle.

The meeting went favourably and production of penicillin began in earnest, but it wasn’t an easy process. Pfizer’s John L. Smith summed it up by saying: “The mould is as temperamental as an opera singer, the yields are low, the isolation is difficult, the extraction is murder, the purification invites disaster, and the assay is unsatisfactory.”

Despite this, Pfizer succeeded in opening the first major manufacturing facility for penicillin on 1st March 1944.

By the end of the war, penicillin had been successfully used on wounded soldiers from the front line and was being dubbed ‘the wonder drug’.

In 1945, Fleming, Florey and biochemist Ernst Chain (their Oxford colleague) received the Nobel Prize for Medicine for the discovery and development of the first antibiotics.

The twentieth century was the golden age of antibiotics, with different spectrums subsequently being discovered, adapted, and used successfully, such as Streptomycin (an organism found in soil) and Cephalosporins.

However, there is a downside. Not all bacteria succumb to antibiotics and it is said that widespread use has led to resistant bacterial strains such as MRSA. Today, antibiotics have to constantly evolve to try and tackle this.

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Time of Year

British Pie Week March 1st – 7th It’s hard to beat a good pie. Savoury or sweet there is something blissful about cracking the crust to release the fragrant contents within.

Did you know that three quarters of the British population say they eat a pie at least once a month and the British pie industry is worth £1.2bn per year!

But when did the pie come to Britain?

The earliest reference to pies as ‘pyes’ seems to be in the 1300s. These first pies were savoury, meat-only affairs, and the pastry case was not for eating, it was there as a form of crockery and to help preserve the contents for longer, particularly on sea voyages.

Pie bases went by the unappetising name of coffins (‘coffyns’).

By medieval times pies had become something of a centrepiece for banqueting tables. Cooks became competitive and enormous pie cases were made which could contain anything from live actors to musicians. These were definitely for entertainment only and not baked for consumption, though the ‘coffyn’ reference would have added a certain frisson to proceedings.

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By Tracey Anderson

Shakespeare certainly used this ‘coffyn’ reference as a dramatic device. In his play Titus Andronicus, Titus has two male characters baked into a pie as a punishment. The pie is then served to their mother!

Harsh!

The nation’s favourite apple pie first materialised in the 14th Century. Another literary heavyweight, Geoffrey Chaucer published a recipe, which also contained figs, raisins, and pears, but no sugar, as it was too much of a luxury ingredient at the time. My personal favourite pie, the cherry pie, is said to have first been created for, and served to Elizabeth l. I shall be forever grateful to her majesty.

The pie continues to evolve, taking influences from other cultures. After watching The Bake-Off last year I tried my hand at Hermine’s Moroccan Tagine Pasties and Mark’s Aloo Gobi and Paneer Pasties. They were both delicious, but in UK polls the apple pie is consistently voted the favourite sweet pie while steak and ale tops the savoury charts. I do love a traditional steak and ale pie and there is a great recipe enclosed this month......Happy Pie Week.

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Time of Year

Can a Spring Clean be Green?

When the spring light catches the surfaces in my home, I see smears and dust, and I fall victim to ‘the spring-cleaning bug’. Suddenly I want to scrub, dust and polish everything in sight.

A few years ago, I made a big effort to become a ‘greener cleaner’. I worried about the active ingredients in my cleaning products and wondered how much damage that chemical cocktail was doing to the planet?

Most of us have a miniature chemical factory stashed under our sinks: detergents, bleaches, and degreasers, all containing potentially hazardous substances which find their way into groundwater and contaminate the lakes and the oceans.

Phosphates are some of the main culprits. They are common in laundry detergents and some cleaning products. An average consumer uses the equivalent of 14Kg of detergent a year. High phosphate levels in water cause ‘algae blooms’ which contribute to the death of fish and other water-dwelling creatures.

These algae blooms are becoming more common thanks to a combination of pollutants and global warming.

Cleaning products can have an adverse effect on our health. Household ammonia is often found in window or general glass cleaners. It is a skin and eye irritant and deadly to fish, even in low concentrations, so it’s not something we should flush down our drains. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is corrosive and an eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.

It is especially toxic to people with heart conditions or asthma. D-limonene is a degreasant found in citrus and orange cleaners. It is also a neurotoxin, an irritant and can cause respiratory distress.

But as I investigated Eco products I stumbled into a minefield. Many big companies produce eco-brands, but this involves ‘greenwashing’, which is defined as an attempt to make consumers believe a company is doing more to protect the environment than it actually is. They use unregulated words like ‘natural’ and ‘eco-friendly’ while still using potentially harmful chemicals. They don’t list ingredients or information about manufacture and supply, and if you check their websites there are no environmental targets

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By Sarah Davey published nor information about progress on their environmental impact.

I won’t lie, truly environmentally friendly products are more expensive so the cheapest way to do a green spring clean is to make your own and there are some great websites around with detailed instructions on how to do just this.

I did try to make my own but found that work constraints meant I struggled with some of the more time-consuming concoctions, but I’ve listed a couple of websites in case you feel you’d like to try this. I am a huge fan of distilled white vinegar which I use to clean toilets, windows, and mirrors. I also like Bicarbonate of Soda which is a great degreaser, scouring agent, and deodoriser. For ready-made cleaning products I’ve suggested a couple of UK websites which are certified environmentally and vegan friendly.

I’m not perfect. Sometimes I do grab a regular cleaning product for convenience but I’m gradually becoming greener and if we all switched even one or two of our products for a greener cleaner, the planet would thank us.

Homemade product recipes and lifestyle advice https://moralfibres.co.uk/ https://www.madeleineolivia.co.uk Certified environmentally friendly companies https://biod.co.uk/ https://greenscents.co.uk/

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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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Local News

St. Francis’ Children’s Society In the UK, almost 3,000 children are in need of an adoptive family, but the number of adoptions in England has fallen by a third in the last four years. Milton Keynes adoption agency St. Francis’ Children’s Society is encouraging people from all walks of life to consider whether they could adopt a vulnerable child.

There are very few circumstances which will completely rule you out from becoming an adoptive parent. In the UK, you can adopt if you are: • childless or already have children • married or in an enduring heterosexual or same sex relationship • single • heterosexual or LGBTQ+ • under or over 40 • of any or no religious faith • of any race or cultural background • employed or not • a homeowner or renting You can adopt if you’re married, in a long-term relationship or single. Caroline is a single, black adopter who became a mum with the help of SFCS. “I always knew I wanted children. It didn’t happen for me naturally, so I decided to adopt.

I’m divorced, but I work as a social worker, so was aware that you can be single and still adopt. Being a single parent is the hardest thing that I ever did, but it’s also the best!”

Adopters can be of any or no religious faith.

Children who are waiting for adoption come from many different backgrounds, cultures and religions, and SFCS accordingly welcomes adopters from all walks of life. Mahmood and Parveen are Muslim adopters whose faith was particularly important when it came to their decision to adopt with SFCS. “One of the reasons for us deciding to adopt was our religion,” says Mahmood. “Islam puts a lot of emphasis on helping other people and the Holy

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Quran specifically mentions helping orphans or those who do not have parents for any reason.

Adoption was something that we discussed when we first met many years ago, even before we tried for natural children of our own.”

You don’t need to own your own home or be ‘rich’ to adopt, either. Your financial stability and moneymanagement abilities will be discussed during your assessment, but being unemployed, on a low income or on benefits will not automatically rule you out from adopting.

You can also adopt whether you’re heterosexual or LGBTQ+. Emma and Zoe are a same sex couple who adopted siblings with the help of SFCS. Emma says: “If adoption is something that you feel is right for you, then go for it. Being LGBT is not something that should ever hold you back from adopting. What is important is that you have enough space physically and emotionally for a child. Our boys really don’t care that they have a Mummy and a Mama; they are safe and they are loved.”

If you can provide a safe, stable, loving home for a child or children who need it, the chances are you can adopt. Visit www.sfcs.org.uk and click on I’d Like To Adopt to learn more and begin your journey towards growing your family.

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Food & Drink

Drinks: Loving Gin Gin is a (worldwide) favourite, for many. The base flavour is from juniper berries and, today, numerous flavoured gins can be located. Gin is a most popular part of many cocktails, too.

Multi award-winning THUNDERFLOWER Gin is a small-batch, craft gin produced using the traditional London Dry method. The several botanical flavours, that include Macedonian juniper, English coriander, cardamoms, pink peppercorns, liquorice, angelica root, plus elderflower, sage and others, are extracted by vapour infusion. Dartmoor spring water, is then added to the final spirit.

Following a lengthy experimentation and development period, the eventual recipe was agreed upon, by Dominic and Anicca O’Nions and the full-bodied, spicy London Dry gin was finally created. The attractive bottles are presented with much pride. Following the popularity, since launch, production has had to be increased to meet demand, from their distillery in Teignmouth, Devon. All bottles are hand-signed.

THUNDERFLOWER DRY GIN (42% vol) is a small-batch, craft gin and (in my opinion) very worthwhile locating.

Made in the traditional London Dry method and using a ‘one-shot’ distillation process, with botanical flavours extracted, by vapour infusion, Dartmoor spring water complements the production, perfectly. Smooth and with an excellent body, this gin is balanced superbly and the palate enjoys a sensation, to the end.

THUNDERFLOWER FIRE-SHIP (58% vol) has to be experienced, to be believed! This powerful production has a story that relates to the Fire Ships that were used in naval warfare. These wooden ships were set alight, then steered and aimed, whilst ablaze, into the fleet of the enemy.

THUNDERFLOWER FIRE-SHIP 58 is known as ‘Navy Strength’ and, again, is distilled in small batches, utilising the London Dry method and vapour infusions to great advantage, with Dartmoor spring water being added.

For a perfect ‘match’, to the aforementioned gins, FRANKLIN & SONS LTD (Est 1886) Natural Indian Tonic Water is a recommended addition (www.franklinandsons.co.uk). The blend of sparkling spring water, natural botanical flavours, plus quinine and cinchona bark extract, pairs extremely well indeed, with the THUNDERFLOWER productions, which are truly a great addition to any gin enthusiast’s collection.

ThunderFlower Ltd. Tel: 44 (0) 1626 374 055 E-mail: hello@thunderflower.co.uk www.thunderflower.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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

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Food & Drink

Chuck-in-the-oven Baby Back Ribs I recently made the mistake of posting a similar recipe to this one on a local Facebook group. I wanted to publicise the fact that I’d used ribs from our local butcher and was proud of these deliciously tender and ribs. As well as the praise, the comment section was filled with “Rib Kings” who were seemingly furious at the recipe’s simplicity. I know there are 12, 24 and 36 hour versions for ribs, but these are truly the “chuck-in-theoven” easy version. And they are absolutely wonderful.

Ingredients You’ll need one full rack of baby back ribs, preferably with back membrane removed Store-cupboard marinade: 4 squirts ketchup 3 squirts honey Really good glug dark soy sauce Drizzle of oyster sauce Drizzle of sesame oil 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tbsp xiao xing wine

Serves 2 people

1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together. You can be pretty relaxed about the exact quantities. Save a little for later and rub the rest all over the ribs.

2. Pop them in a non-stick baking dish, add a little water to the base and cover with foil.

3. Bake at 130C for 4 hours, basting both sides every hour or so. You can always add a little water as you go to get the best bits off the bottom.

4. Uncover for the last 20 minutes and baste with the leftover sauce from earlier.

5. Carefully remove them from the pan and leave them to rest, wrapped in foil, for 15 minutes.

6. Cut them up and serve them immediately. The meat will be literally falling off the bone.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 16

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House of Colour

What’s coming up this season, new trends for Spring/Summer 2021 There has been something of a shift this season as a result of the pandemic with more restrained options being presented. There has also been an emphasis on the longevity of designs, rather than a rapid change for each season; evolution rather than revolution, with sustainability coming more to the fore..

Styles are echoing some of the 1990s looks this season with clean minimalist looks and more unisex designs as well continuing themes from last season. You may already have items that will still be contemporary.

• Sharp lines associated with the 90s are coming through along with transparent fabrics and thin straps. These are contrasted with chunky chains (continuing from winter) and cut out detailing.

Strong blazer lines with sharp shoulder pads are also in evidence and add up to some key options for those who need a more striking look, with angles in their clothing.

• A theme we have seen for a few seasons is the emphasis on metallics and leather. From silver to warm tones of gold and bronze • Some 70s boho chic is also continuing this season with crochet and fringing. Romantic dresses with transparency and flow can also be seen. Volume in sleeves will also be accenting dresses and tops in this season. Shirred edging and ruffles are also combining for a romantic, feminine elegance look.

• Classical tailoring is being reimagined this season blurring the lines between formal and casual. The ‘work from home’ items are being updated to introduce some cleaner lines with a more relaxed aesthetic. Those who favour a formal classic jacket will be able to take this trend on.

• An escapism feel for summer is being echoed with brighter colours, and vibrant patterns in easy silhouettes. Designers reflecting a desire to lift the mood in our clothing styles.

• Colour – this season has focussed on naturally derived colours. Neutral tones of camel, peach and rose are featuring as are the complete range of greens from apple sage to ice green. Blue is continuing to feature in all its hues heavily this season and particularly French navy. Highlighter brights make an appearance to add pops of colour. Optic white (for those who can wear optic white…) can be worn top to toe this coming summer!

Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look.

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Health

By Jackie Mitchell

Eye Tests: What to expect Going for a regular eye test is vitally important not only to examine your vision, but because a routine eye test can identify medical conditions at an early stage. According to the College of Optometrists, an eye test can detect high blood pressure, diabetes and even thyroid problems.

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, Clinical Adviser at the College says “Even if you’ve not had a sight test for over five years or if you have perfect vision, you should have an eye test to check for conditions such as glaucoma, where symptoms don’t show for three or four years.

If you have other problems such as red eyes, painful eyes or distortions in your vision, don’t delay having an eye test.”

Adults should generally have an eye test every two years, unless there’s a family history of eye disease. Your optometrist will advise how often you should have one.

The day before your appointment, the optometrist will phone to confirm you have no Covid-19 symptoms.

Allow at least forty-five minutes for your eye test, although it may

take longer as the optometrist must disinfect surfaces and follow Covid-compliant procedures to ensure sight tests are safe.

Optometrists wear PPE, follow social distancing and see fewer patients.

What to expect at an eye test?

Eye tests are tailored to suit the individual depending on the result of your last test, your family history and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. It will start with a discussion with your optometrist about whether there have been any changes in your eyesight before moving onto the diagnostic tests.

A range of machines is used to examine the eyes.

These include: • The non-contact tonometer, which checks whether the pressure inside the eyes is normal by bouncing a puff of air at each eye in turn.

• The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive machine that shines a LED light in your eye to enable your optometrist to view every layer (retina) of the back of your eye in detail.

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• The Slit Lamp is a microscope with a bright light enabling the optometrist to look at different parts of the eye front and back.

At the sight test, you will be asked to read from a chart that tests your distance and near vision.

Once all the tests are completed, the optometrist will summarise the findings and give you your prescription, which can be used when buying glasses.

The dispensing optician will help you choose a pair of glasses. “This is an art in itself as there are many aspects to consider, such as the weight of the glasses and the different coatings,” he adds.

When you return to collect your spectacles, the optician will make sure they fit properly and adjust them if necessary.

The optometrist may advise on contact lenses or there may be a specialist contact lenses optician.

“They will suggest the best lenses for your eyes. Usually you will try out the lenses for a couple of weeks to see if they are suitable,” says Daniel. www.college-optometrists.org Association of British Dispensing Opticians www.abdo.org.uk

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Finance

Applying for a mortgage? Be prepared!

If you applied for a mortgage in 2020 you faced an even longer wait than usual to get a decision thanks to an unprecedented backlog after the initial lockdown. That may slowly return to normal this year but it’s still worth taking every possible step to speed up the process. These are some of the best ways to avoid unnecessary delay.

Your Finances Be ready to answer questions about your income and your fixed or regular outgoings. Lenders need to know how much you are committed to spending each month outside of your mortgage and if you’d manage if interest rates rose.

Make sure you know the dates of any time you were under the coronavirus furlough scheme. If you’re still on furlough, check if you have a confirmed return-towork date.

Check your credit reports at all three UK agencies: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Look for any errors, for example if you have a closed credit account listed as still active.

Paperwork at the Ready If you use self-assessment, make sure your tax filings are up to date. You may be required to prove that your latest filing has been submitted and accepted before the lender will accept the relevant figures. If you applied for any government assistance such as the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, make sure you have up-to-date business accounts showing whether or not you are back to sustained profitable trading.

Have proof that you have the funds for your entire

deposit. If the money isn’t simply savings, you’ll likely have to provide bank statements showing it arriving in your account to fulfil money-laundering regulations. If it’s a gift, for example from a family member, they’ll usually have to provide bank statements showing they’ve either had it for a certain period or that it came from a legitimate source.

They may also have to sign a form confirming it is a gift rather than a loan and that they disclaim any right to ownership of your property. Make sure they are happy to do both of these and have any documentation in place.

Double-check all paperwork, including names, addresses and dates of birth. In particular, make sure the spelling of names is correct, hyphenated names are listed correctly and middle names are either included or excluded consistently. Any mismatches can throw a spanner in the works and cause annoying delays.

For all documentation you need to supply, check whether you need originals or if a photocopy or scan is acceptable. Check also whether any copies need to be certified as genuine and if so, where you can get certification.

Using a Broker One of the best things you can do is consider using a mortgage broker. They’ll be able to suggest specific mortgages where you stand the best chance of acceptance, removing the wasted time of an unsuccessful application. They’ll also save time by completing the application using their professional experience to avoid any errors or omissions.

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23

Travel

Discovering the Scottish Highlands If outdoor adventures and romantic scenery sound like key ingredients for your perfect staycation, it won’t take you long to fall in love with the Scottish Highlands.

Imagine awe-inspiring landscapes, towns rich in culture, fluffy Highland cows, centuries of history and castles straight from a fairy tale – all topped off with a dose of Scottish hospitality. If, like many of us this year, you’re on the hunt for a staycation closer to home instead of your usual holiday abroad, the Scottish Highlands should definitely be on your radar.

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Whether you choose to drive there in your own vehicle, kick back on a train journey or take one of the direct flights to Inverness from an airport near you, the Highlands are easier to access than you’d think. With so many sights and experiences to tick off while you’re there, we’ve put together just a ‘wee’ selection of the top things to do on a staycation in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

1. Hike or ski Ben Nevis A hiker’s paradise in summer and a skier’s playground in winter, the UK’s highest peak is a year-round magnet for keen outdoor types.

Nevis Range is the Scots’ favourite ski resort in winter, but its panoramic mountain views make it well worth a visit in the summer too. Take a cable car there to enjoy hikes of varying degrees, or for a real challenge, tackle the seven-hour trek to Ben Nevis’s peak! Regardless of the season, wrap up warm and wear your waterproofs; the weather can change very quickly at this altitude.

While exploring Ben Nevis, it’s a good idea to base yourself at nearby Fort William. Set amidst magnificent mountain scenery, this charming town has been coined the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and is a fantastic jumping off point for exploring the Highlands’ glens and mountains.

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2. Visit Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Lose yourself in the medieval history of Inverness’s picturesque ruined castle, dating all the way back to the thirteenth century. The castle also sits on the banks of the iconic Loch Ness, making the pair a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Scottish Highlands.

Book a fascinating tour around Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness to learn about their role in Highlands history, keeping an eye out for the mythical monster rumoured to roam these waters…

3. Spend a couple of days on the Isle of Skye Scotland’s crown jewel, the Isle of Skye is the largest and arguably the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Spectacular moors, rocky valleys, dramatic mountain ranges and white sandy beaches: Skye’s landscapes will take your breath away.

Admire the iconic Old Man of Storr, take a dip in the turquoise waters of magical Fairy Pools, walk along the cliff front to Neist Point Lighthouse and hike the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery. The Isle of Skye has no shortage of things to do; you could spend a week here alone!

4. Go hiking in Glen Coe You’ll hear the word ‘glen’ a lot on a holiday to the Scottish Highlands, mainly because this corner of the world is filled with them. These deep, narrow valleys are synonymous with beautiful

scenery, and Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s finest.

Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic explosions, Glen Coe’s beauty has made it the star of many famous films, including Skyfall and the Harry Potter series. Outdoorsy types will find plenty to do here, but if you don’t fancy exploring on foot, the A82 highway cuts straight through the verdant valley. Make time for plenty of stops – the scenery is truly out of this world!

Conveniently, Glen Coe is set just twenty-three miles south of Ben Nevis, making it easy to add both attractions into your holiday.

5. Explore Britain’s biggest national park Covering 1,748 square miles, Cairngorms National Park is twice the size of the Lake District and cradles five of the six highest summits in the UK. You could easily spend days exploring the mountains, lochs, rivers, forests and villages of this mammoth national park, but if you’re short on time don’t leave out a visit to Balmoral Castle – Queen Victoria’s favourite – and a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to follow too. As you explore, keep an eye out for the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, the UK’s only free-grazing reindeer!

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Get Sowing With the seed-sowing season upon us in earnest, now is the time to buy seeds from your local garden centre or a reputable online UK seed supplier. At the same time buy some seed-sowing or multipurpose compost and some small seed trays and get sowing!

Heated propagators are not essential, but they will dramatically increase the range of plants you can grow.

If you do use one, remove the seedlings when they appear then grow them on somewhere with plenty of natural light and, often, a fair degree of warmth.

A common problem is algae covering the surface of the compost when you sow slow-germinating seeds.

Using a freshly opened bag of compost and mains water reduces the chance of algae getting into the seed tray, and make sure your watering can is really clean. A thin layer of vermiculite on the surface of the compost can also help.

Seeds come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes.

Tiny seeds like begonias and lobelias must be more thinly spread or a congested thicket of seedlings competing for light, food, water and space that is more prone to diseases will result. Buy yourself some fine horticultural silver sand, make sure it is thoroughly dry and then mix the seed from the packet in about half a teaspoonful of sand before you sow. Play sand used in children’s sand pits works well too.

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I always recommend sowing seed into compost before you wet it and then, once the seeds have been sown, water the seed tray or pot by standing it in the sink or in a tray of water, with the water about 1cm in depth.

This will allow the moisture to be taken up without disturbing the seeds’ position.

Prick seedlings out when they are large enough to handle, but take care. Wait until there are the two seed leaves (larger, chunkier and differently shaped from the true seedling leaves) plus a pair of true seedling leaves.

With tiny seedlings I tend to transplant or prick them out in blocks, gently easing them apart slightly as I pop them into their new compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not saturated to minimise root damage.

Use a small dibber (or a pencil) to carefully ease the roots out, handling the top part of the seedling by the seed leaves, never by the stem. Make sure you put the seedlings into their new home immediately and water them in from the base, so that the compost and its moisture are in close contact with the fine roots.

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club.

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Pets

Together for Animal Welfare

At a time of change and uncertainty about the future, there are some things that we can depend on. The RSPCA is one of them. For nearly 200 years we have been at the forefront of animal welfare. This will never change. We will rescue and protect animals for as long as they need us.

We have worked hard to compile our “2021–2030 strategy” document that highlights the ways we will remain dedicated to this cause, to 2030 and beyond. It sets out how, in an ever-changing world, we will adapt, innovate and focus over the next decade and beyond, so that we can continue to do what we do. It is a very ambitious strategy that outlines our vision, mission, core beliefs and values.

Our eight bold priorities by 2030 are both critical and achievable to realising our vision and new mission.

1) Reduce neglect, abuse and cruelty to companion animals – including exotic pets – in England and Wales by 50 percent.

2) End the illegal selling of puppies and kittens in the UK. 3) See more than half of all the UK’s farm animals reared to RSPCA welfare standards and encourage people to eat less, eat better by encouraging people to eat less meat, fish, eggs and dairy from low welfare farms and to only choose higher welfare labels.

4) Secure a global commitment to developing, validating and accepting non-animal technologies to replace animal experiments, and put an end to severe suffering for laboratory animals 5) We’ll establish animal protection as a significant UK government goal. We want to see an Animal Protection Commission, legally established as an independent public body.

6) Achieve statutory powers in England and Wales for RSPCA inspectors under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

7) Secure the adoption by the United Nations of a comprehensive Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

8) Inspire a one million-strong movement for animal welfare by 2030, via our new Community Engagement Programme.

We endeavour to meet all of these goals by collaborating with individuals, branches, organisations, communities, colleagues in the welfare sector and governments. We’ll build new relationships and improve existing ones, so that we can reach even more animals and change the way society views animals.

Developing an annual Animal Kindness Index will help us track evolving public attitudes and behaviours, and show us where we need to focus our work.

We know that in order to create a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness, we need governments, civil society, businesses, communities, families and individuals to share our passion for positive change. From our animal rescuers and carers to our volunteers, from those who donate money or help raise awareness, to those who lead the change through their own acts of compassion, we are all in this together.

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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6. In March 2020, which country was named the happiest country in the world for a third consecutive year?... a) Switzerland; b) Finland; or c) Thailand?

7. Is the first note sung in the song Happy Birthday To You higher or lower in pitch than the last note sung in the song?

8. In 2014, which internet-based company launched a new marketing campaign that featured the slogan “find your happy”?

9. Which 2019 film was advertised with the tagline “put on a happy face”?

10. In 1982, what became the first UK number one hit single to have the word “happy” in its title?

1. Ice Hockey 2. Henry V 3. Glee 4. Milwaukee 5. Marilyn Monroe 6. b) Finland 7. Lower 8. Rightmove 9. Joker 10. Happy Talk (by Captain Sensible)

1. In the film Happy Gilmore, Adam Sandler stars as the title character, who discovers a talent for golf after struggling to find success at which other sport?

2. “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers” is part of a famous speech from which William Shakespeare play?

3. Also the title of a well known TV show, what word meaning “extreme happiness” can also refer to a type of song that originated in 18th-century England and is sung by three or more unaccompanied voices?

4. The TV sitcom Happy Days was set in which city in Wisconsin?

5. Who famously sang Happy Birthday Mr. President at a birthday celebration of John F. Kennedy held at Madison Square Garden in 1962?

Happy

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31

Local News

Transforming pets’ behaviour Services offered by Wood Green, The Animals Charity have helped thousands of pet owners in the past year. Going beyond the rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs, cats and small animals, Wood Green is also able to help people resolve any petrelated queries or concerns.

These come in many different forms, like one worried owner who called Wood Green after her cat, Toby, began acting aggressively towards her. A vet had ruled out any medical concerns, so the charity’s Behaviour & Training Specialists stepped in.

Wood Green discovered that another cat had moved in nearby, which meant the garden was no longer a safe space. Giving Toby outdoor access was vital for his wellbeing, so his owner was advised to block up the cat flap and let him out via the back door instead – meaning Toby could check the path was clear and venture out confidently.

Sam Prior, Cat Advisor at Wood Green (pictured above), said: “Since making these seemingly minor changes, Toby is back to his old self – no longer hiding indoors and redirecting frustration onto his owner. The key to changing our pets’ behaviour is understanding

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their emotional state, and what could be causing problems, which we can help with.”

If you are struggling with any pet-related issue, however big or small, please contact Wood Green as soon as possible. The charity may be able to offer a solution through advice, behavioural support or even financial support. If you are no longer able to care for a pet, their friendly team can help with that too.

Talk to Wood Green’s team on 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk

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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

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Garden View

Tools of the Trade The right tools make gardening easier, and in my opinion you should buy the best you can afford then look after them so they will last many years. But which tools are essential?

Gloves - Gardening is hard on the hands. Weeds, roots and digging are brutal on the skin. Buy a thick, good quality multi-purpose pair to begin with.

Make sure they fit. My first pair were too large and cumbersome. I was so naive I didn’t realise they came in different sizes...much like gardens...and gardeners!

Secateurs - The task of pruning comes around with alarming regularity, so a good pair of secateurs is one of the most used items in my garden tool kit. Find a pair that feel good to hold, are well-balanced and easy to operate with one hand. Keep them clean and sharp and they will serve you well for many seasons.

Trowel - Useful for hand weeding, dividing smaller plants, planting, potting on, and seed sowing.

Hand Fork – A hand fork is essential for breaking up compacted soil. Sometimes it’s easier to use than a trowel and is less likely to damage roots in more densely planted areas or when separating smaller plants.

I like a comfort handle for my hand tools but make sure to choose tools where the shaft of the handle and trowel (or fork) are one unit, not welded or rivetted together, as they are not as strong and snap with repeated use. I choose stainless-steel tools because they are rust resistant.

Watering can - A large watering can is great, but very heavy when full so if you have arthritis or not much upper body strength choose a smaller watering can that you can handle easily and make a few more trips to the tap. A rose allows for a gentle sprinkler effect on tiny seeds and seedlings. You can use a hose if you garden a larger area. Choose a multi-tasking one with misting and sprinkler attachments Spade –You can’t dig large areas without one. As with hand tools, I prefer stainless steel. Keep it clean, with a sharp edge for digging, planting, and edging beds.

Choose one that feels right for your height.

Fork - A stainless-steel fork is great for stony soil, and for breaking up compacted earth. It’s also good for lifting shrubs without damaging the root system too much.

Dutch Hoe - Weeding is a necessary task (and a somewhat relentless one during the growing season).

The Dutch hoe has a shallow angled blade with a front cutting edge for keeping weeds down between seedlings and established shrubs and plants.

Ground rake - Use this for breaking down the soil to that fine tilth gardening books go on about. Use the wide head and teeth to open and level the top surface of the soil, then use the back of the rake to firm it down. It makes seed-sowing easier and more likely to produce healthy seedlings.

Happy Gardening

By Rachael Leverton

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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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COVID-19 - SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES

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Local News

Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re a burden

em? –

We live in an aging society. There are far more people aged over 65 in the UK today compared to a generation ago,•and it’s a fact of life that our needs owers and baths change as we get older.

Slip resistant safety Why then, do we sometimes feel like a burden if we wer seats • Zero VAT ask for help in our later years?

Discounts for Age UK didover some research into why people struggle personnel • Disabled in later life. They found that older people often feel excluded, or they exclude themselves, from the y work and grants world around them. This was because of a few things, such as people feeling their lives didn’t hold as much worth; feeling that the benefits of making a change were outweighed by the effort; and not knowing how to change things.

We all have bad days. But if you’re struggling every w.ahminstallations.co.uk day with household tasks like paying bills, cooking or usingdetails. the bathroom, or your emotions are getting the ebsite for more better of you, then it’s time to act.

For support and guidance, call Age UK’s Advice Line any day of the year on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm).

When it comes to help in the home, it’s common for people only to seek help as a result of a fall, accident or near-miss. It’s also common for a spouse, carer or 05/02/2021 09:21 family member to take action on someone’s behalf.

At AHM Installations, we fit walk-in baths, showers and wetrooms.

We speak to customers every day who have had the courage to pick up the phone and ask for our guidance. Occasionally we help people to future-

proof their bathrooms, but usually our phone calls come from people who can no longer carry on safely as they are.

It’s not just asking for help that puts people off.

It’s also the worry that their bathroom will end up looking clinical, like a hospital bathroom. We can actually create very warm and welcoming designs using lovely flooring and tiles.

In the last 20 years, we’ve never had anyone say they didn’t like their bathroom. In fact, people send us letters and emails to say how much they love their new bathroom. It’s an opportunity to refresh and update one of the most important rooms of your house.

Here’s what some of our customers have said: “Not only have they done a great job, but they have been so kind to my mum who is very fragile both physically and emotionally at the moment.” Margot “I am extremely pleased with my bathroom. It exceeds expectations!” Angela “To be able to speak to the same person when calling the office… was very important to me and you dealt with my queries very efficiently.”

Mrs Pearce If you’re ready to seek help with your bathroom, please call our family-run team on 01462 530477.

Simon and Julie Symcox, co-founders of AHM Installations

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our February Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Barry Angove, Great Stukeley

February’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Outermost (7) 5 Six sided objects (5) 8 Turn (5) 9 Woman’s holdall (7) 10 Media notice (13) 11 Relaxed (6) 12 Idiotic (6) 15 Exhibition (13) 18 Not quietest (7) 19 Very angry (5) 20 Perfume (5) 21 Meals (7)

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

16th March 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 Additional (5) 2 Robbers (7) 3 Amusement (13) 4 Racial group (6) 5 Deep thought (13) 6 Religious text (5) 7 Seen (7) 11 Hugs (7) 13 Not public (7) 14 Commented (6) 16 Small rodent (5) 17 Requirements (5)

Name:

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Electrician

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Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job?

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Books

Read your way to a beautiful home Spring is traditionally the time to clean, refresh and beautify your home. If you’re not sure where to start, take inspiration from one of this month’s books.

The Easy Life

By Lynsey Crombie

Most of don’t have ‘cleaning the toilet’ or ‘sorting the cupboard of doom’ at the top of a list of favourite things to do on a Sunday. So why not leave the scrubbing for a bit and curl up with a book instead? The Easy Life will teach you tried and tested methods for a cleaner, more organised home. The focus is on time and energy-saving hacks. There are checklists, handy hints and plenty of down-to-earth advice.

The Declutter Challenge

by Cassandra Aarssen

As Cassandara says, ‘How do you create a home that makes you feel calm and happy instead of superstressed and a little ragey?’

The answer? Declutter.

Unlike other decluttering books, this one doesn’t just focus on the ‘how’, it also helps you to take a good look at the ‘why’, and deal with emotional baggage as well as physical clutter.

Wild at Home

By Hilton Carter

Clean & Green

By Nancy Birtwhistle

Whether you’re trying to be a bit greener this year or just fancy having fewer chemicals around your home, this book could prove invaluable. It’s packed with recipes for DIY cleaning products along with tips on everything from laundry to super-easy oven cleaning. (Who knew chopped up ivy leaves could be used to clean clothes?)

If you struggle to keep a succulent alive, are bored to death with peace lilies or want to know how to arrange houseplants for maximum impact, this is the book for you. The photos alone are enough to send you running for the garden centre. As well as bags of inspiration, you’ll also find practical advice on everything from taking cuttings to dealing with common pests and problems.

Homebody

By Joanna Gaines

Simplicity at Home

By Yumiko Sekine with Jenny Wapner

If you yearn for a simpler life, this book might be a good place to start. It offers advice for creating a calmer, minimalistic home by following Japanese traditions. There are also meal recipes and guidance on everything from mending ceramics using ‘kintsugi’ to patchworking and selecting plants. A must for fans of Japanese culture.

By Kate Duggan

Whether you’re decorating your first home or just want to refresh a room, it’s always a good idea to seek a bit of inspiration. But ultimately, you don’t want a show house; you want a home that reflects your personality. In Homebody, Joanna Gaines explains how to do just that. She talks the reader through different design styles, gives solutions to common problems (e.g. small dark rooms) and goes through what to consider for every room in the house. And, of course, there are plenty of photos to lust over too.

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Local News

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery wins at the UK Jewellery Awards

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN? LET US DO THE JOB YOU HATE BEFORE

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Independent jewellers across the country took to their laptop’s to honour and support the hardworking independent jewellery sector, where Hertfordshire’s own Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery proudly won ‘Bespoke Jewellery Retailer of the Year’ at Retail Jeweller’s UK Jewellery Awards.

The 2020 awards ceremony was held virtually, with participants encouraged to raise a glass to the hard-hit sector from home. The night brought together the jewellery industry’s finest for a celebration of the hard-working field.

The new category of ‘Bespoke Jewellery Retailer of the Year’ was introduced for 2020, specifically celebrating bespoke retailers. Judges commended Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, describing them as “a true bespoke jeweller in every sense of the word.”

The acclaimed bespoke jewellers specialise in individual design made possible by a team of qualified designers on hand in every studio. The importance placed into each customer’s story can directly be seen in the Halls Green studio, with each designer’s desk surrounded by personal cards and letters of thanks from their customers.

The panel of judges further commented: “this business was singled out for its steadfast dedication to customer led jewellery, setting the bar for bespoke jewellers in the trade.”

Owner and founder, Harriet Kelsall responded gleefully: “We couldn’t be happier. 2020 has been such a challenging year for everybody, including those of us in non-essential retail. It has been tough but still successful thanks to our amazing, loyal customers and our brilliant, agile and hardworking team.

Harriet went on to say: “This award is such a wonderful prize to win after such a tricky time and we are all even more inspired than ever to keep telling our customers love stories and life stories in the form of beautiful bespoke jewellery.”

The bespoke jewellers have won numerous previous awards for their ground-breaking concept of a working design studio combined with eye-catching retail, including winning ‘Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year’ at 2016’s UK Jewellery Awards and ‘Boutique Retailer of the Year’ in 2013.

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery’s Hertfordshire, Cambridge and Primrose Hill studios are still open to the public for you to see talented designers and goldsmiths hard at work creating beautiful jewellery. www.hkjewellery.co.uk

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Life

Alcoholics Anonymous....................... 0845 769 7555 Al-Anon family Groups....................... 0800 008 6811 Anglian Water.................................... 08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital................................. 01234 355122 Lister Hospital..................................... 01438 314333 Benefits for people with Disabilities..... 0800 882 200 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue............. 01438 729041 Carers Line......................................... 0808 808 7777 ChildLine................................................... 0800 1111 Citizens Advice................................... 0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers...................................... 0800 555 111

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area.

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

Cruse Bereavement Care.................... 0333 252 9152 Floodline............................................ 0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory............................ 0800 776 600 National Debt Line............................. 0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency..................................... 0800 111 999 NHS......................................................................111 National Rail Enquiries.......................03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line..................................101 NSPCC................................................ 0808 800 5000 Relate...................................................0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line............................. 0300 1234 999 Samaritans.................................................... 116 123 Tax Credit Helpline............................. 0345 300 3900 Victim Support.....................................845 30 30 900

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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