VILLAGER The
Issue 46 - March 2022
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
Top Five
Cruise Destinations Make your
Mother’s Day 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... Sunshine Gardens: Celebrating 30 Years.........................24 Conifer Charm................................................................26 Swiss Chard....................................................................29 Amazing Animals and their Superpowers......................33 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On in March........................................................38 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................42 Book Review: New Starts...............................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47
It’s Pancake Day At Last!
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Top Five Cruise Destinations.............................................4 Make Your Mother’s Day...................................................8 It’s Pancake Day at Last!.................................................12 Spring Clean your Kitchen..............................................14 Looking for Quality?.......................................................16 The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods............................19 Wines: A Choice Selection..............................................21 Driving Insurance Charges..............................................22
Sunshine Gardens Celebrating 30 Years
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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 - Faye Carter, Sarah Davey, Kate McCarthy, Jennie Billings, Trevor Langley, Caroline Knight, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA and Kate Duggan
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - picalotta Design and Artwork - Design 9 • Tel 07762 969460
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
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Travel
Top five cruise destinations
Is there anything more idyllic than waking up on a cruise ship and drawing your blinds to reveal an endless expanse of ocean? Add in cocktails by the pool, daily entertainment, exquisite food and shopping galore, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect holiday. That’s not even touching on the destinations you stop off at along the way! From the Greek Islands and Norwegian fjords to Egypt’s River Nile, cruises can take you all over the globe. So, if you want to tick multiple countries, cities or ports off your travel wish list, a cruise holiday should definitely be on your radar for 2022. The cruise industry was hit hard during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – but thankfully it’s now back up and running. To give you some inspiration, here are five of the world’s most popular destinations to visit on a cruise. The Norwegian fjords If you’re more interested in adventure than sun, sea and sand, Norway’s dramatic fjords are sure to deliver. Carved from glaciers, these long, narrow, saltwater inlets make up the majority of the country’s northern coast and boast some of Scandinavia’s most exceptional scenery. A cruise is undoubtedly the best way to soak up the sights. Exploring from a ship means you can get close to Norway’s tumbling waterfalls and skyscraper cliffs, looking out for rare seabirds and even a glimpse of a sperm whale if you’re lucky. Most Norwegian cruises will also stop at remote fishing villages along the
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way, where you can sample some of the freshest and most delicious seafood. What’s more, with hotel and food prices in Norway renowned for being sky high, a cruise can also be the most affordable way to experience this part of the world. The River Nile As far as river cruises are concerned, there aren’t many that could compare to a voyage along the Egyptian stretch of the River Nile. Measuring about 4,160 miles in length, shared by eleven countries, the Nile is widely considered the longest river in the world. There’s no better way to put its sheer scale into perspective than to sail along a portion on a scenic river cruise. Starting in Cairo, capital city of Egypt and home to the ancient Pyramids of Giza, many Nile cruises will take you on a captivating journey through Luxor and its royal tombs, all the way to Aswan and its spectacular High Dam. Whether you’re into your history or simply want to soak up the culture, it’s impossible not to be blown away by the 7,000-year-old history you’ll witness at every turn. The Greek Islands With more than 6,000 Greek islands peppering the Aegean and Ionian seas, it’s no surprise that islandhopping cruises around Greece are some of the most popular cruises around. This is a corner of the world made for exploring by ship. Start in Athens and spend your first couple of
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days exploring the capital before embarking on your journey. Top cruise destinations include Mykonos with its waterside cocktail bars and white-sand beaches, Rhodes with its Old Town and uninterrupted swathes of sand, and Santorini, where the sunsets are world-renowned. Many cruises will also take you to the archipelago’s lesser known islands too, Chania and Thessaloniki being good examples. The Caribbean The Caribbean’s wealth of white-sand beaches washed by turquoise seas make it an incredibly popular cruise destination for sun-seekers. Thanks to the islands’ close proximity to one another, you could wake up in a new country every day. Snorkel with turtles in Tobago, enjoy the sounds of reggae and taste of jerk chicken in Jamaica and brush up on your colonial history in Barbados.
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Although equally colourful, each island has its own distinct character, meaning there’s enough to please wildlife lovers, history enthusiasts, foodies and anyone who just wants to laze on the beach. Alaska Coined ‘The Last Frontier’, Alaska is the USA’s most sparsely populated state – and its wildest. A cruise here will make you feel like you’ve walked straight into one of David Attenborough’s documentaries. Sail past gigantic glaciers, snap photographs of sea lions from the ship, take a shore excursion to see brown bears and witness breaching whales; the cruise itineraries around Alaska’s largely untamed landscape are hard to beat. You can also expect visits to Alaska’s state capital of Juneau, only reachable by air or by water, Glacier Bay National Park, and Skagway, a compact city saturated with history from the Gold Rush era.
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Time of Year
By Faye Carter
Make your Mother’s Day Your life changes forever the day you bring home your little bundle of joy. Whether you give birth naturally, adopt or foster, this little person now depends on you for everything. From now on they come first, you come second, and a poor second at that. Being a mother is fabulous, and funny, and frightening. It’s the best and worst of jobs. There are cuddles and giggles, sports days and parents’ evenings, Nativities, and music recitals…there are also blazing rows with slammed doors, sleepless nights and more vomit than you ever realised one small human could produce. Mums are multi-tasking maestros. Carer, teacher, agony aunt, tour guide, drill sergeant, PA, and chauffeur… Even when they leave home it doesn’t stop. I still rely on my mother for advice, help with childcare, and a shoulder to cry on when things go pear-shaped. It’s only now as with children of my own, that I realise what my own mother went through – why she made me do my homework, go to bed early, stop beating my sister up, eat my broccoli, save my pocket money, don’t talk to strangers, and say please and thank you. Mother’s Day might have become a cliché, but it does give us the perfect opportunity to say thank you to our mums for everything they have done and still do for us. Anna Jarvis, who founded Mothers’ Day in the US
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said she came to regret campaigning to get the day recognised, because it became commercialised. She hated that people sent cards with a pre-printed message rather than writing a letter. So, although it’s a nice gesture to buy a card and give flowers and chocolates, it’s even nicer to do something special to show you care – maybe valet her car or treat her to a pamper session, or just visit and spend the afternoon chatting. Time is the most precious gift of all. And go beyond the message in the card. Write a few personal lines of your own to tell your mother what she means to you. Make sure she knows that she’s loved and appreciated all year round.
FACTS Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world, usually in March or in May. In the UK, it is a mixture of a Christian tradition, and the celebration of motherhood that began in the USA in the early 20th century. During the 16th century, people in service would return to their home or ‘mother’ church on the fourth Sunday in Lent – Mothering Sunday. The modern version of Mothers’ Day we know today became a regular event in the 1950s, largely thanks to businesses keen to exploit its commercial potential!
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Time of Year
It’s Pancake Day …at last! Pancake Day is a bit late in 2022 We’ve had to wait until March 1st
This is because the date changes each year because it’s related to Easter, and Easter Day varies annually according to the spring equinox. Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, which is 40 days before Easter. This Lent period represents the time Jesus fasted in the desert. Historically, Christians went to confession on Shrove Tuesday seeking absolution for their sins. In fact, the word ‘shrove’ originates from the Old English word ‘shrive,’ which means ‘to give absolution after confession.’ Then they returned home to tuck into rich foods, made to use up all the fatty ingredients ahead of Ash Wednesday when the Lent fast began. There is evidence that the Christian Pancake Day derived from a pagan festival which welcomed the arrival of spring. The Pagans made circular pancakes to symbolise the sun, and which were thought to imbue the sun’s power and strength to those who ate them. Whatever their history pancakes are universally popular and being able to flip them well guarantees the flipper appreciative ‘Oohs’ and ‘Ahs’ from their audience. For the perfect flip use a well-greased nonstick pan and make sure its hot. When you pour in the batter make sure the edges are perfectly cooked. A little shake will make sure the pancake is loose and ready to flip. Use a nice strong upward wrist flick and keep your eye on the pancake. Enjoy! By Sarah Davey
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Time of Year By Kate McCarthy
Spring Clean Your Kitchen If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of springcleaning, the kitchen is a great place to start. First throw away obvious rubbish. Then empty the bin and take out the recycling. Do the washing up (or load the dishwasher) and then wash out the bin and recycling containers with warm soapy water. Leave them upside down outside to dry. Remove everything from the kitchen cupboards. Throw away empty containers, consolidate halfempty duplicates, and get rid of products you’ll never use. Check ‘use by’ dates and get rid of embarrassingly ancient jars. For pots, pans, cutlery, and crockery, be honest about what you use regularly and what you will use over the coming months. No-one really needs 29 mugs, surely. Wipe down cabinets and put everything you’re keeping back inside. Take stock of your kitchen gadgets. Those you use on a regular basis need to be within easy reach. Those you use less frequently can go on a higher shelf. If you know you haven’t used a gadget in the last year, donate it or dispose of it. I realised this time that I will never use a milk-frother or a stand-alone steamer. Fetch a step ladder or stool and wipe the tops of all kitchen cabinets. Then wipe the handles, walls, and light switches. Wipe down windowsills and polish windows with glass cleaner or white vinegar. Clean the countertops. Most can be cleaned with soapy water, but some require specialist cleaning products Wipe down any small appliances that live on the countertop — like the toaster or coffee machine. Scrub the sink and faucet. You can use a specialist drain-cleaning product, but I use couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of white vinegar poured down afterward. Let it sit for
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30 minutes, and then pour a couple of kettles of hot water down to rinse it through. Vacuum behind the fridge because dust can interfere with its efficiency. Then empty everything out and throw away expired food. Remove drawers and shelves and wash them in the sink with mild soapy water. Wipe everything down, paying special attention to the rubber seals that tend to collect crumbs. If your fridge is stainless steel, use either a specialty cleaner or a tiny amount of oil on a clean cloth to polish away fingerprints. To clean a microwave, fill a glass bowl a cup of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar and microwave it for three minutes until it’s boiling. This steam-clean will help soften caked-on food inside making it easier to wipe down. Clean the stove top (and grates if you have a gas stove), with warm soapy water. You might need a degreaser on the hood, stovetop, and backsplash. If you have a dishwasher check the filter for any food that might be stuck and rinse it. Run the empty dishwasher on hot using a specialty cleaning product. If you have a waste disposal unit, Run the tap with it on, then grind up some ice cubes and finally half a lemon to freshen it up. Vacuum the floor thoroughly, paying attention to the gaps between the countertop appliances. Wipe down baseboards with warm soapy water, then mop or scrub the floor. Finally deep clean and descale clean any regularly used items like the kettle and coffee pot. Rinse thoroughly. Stand back and enjoy your kitchen. Then feel totally vindicated in buying a takeaway tonight so you don’t mess it up again!
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House of Colour
Looking for Quality? Quality clothing should look, last and feel good for longer. Deciding what is quality and what isn’t is not necessarily so easy. In simplistic terms it should feel good to the touch and have some weight to it. For many years the mantra is ‘you get what you pay for’, but it isn’t always so straightforward. Yes, the very cheap end of the market will not last well. But higher end clothing does not always mean quality or quality that will last. Designer clothes can still use cheaper fabrics and not last in the way you might expect of the pricetag. • Jackets, and coats’ shoulder seams should finish at the outer edge of your shoulder. • Patterns should match at the seams – particularly in stripes or checks! • Lining – does it give you enough space to move easily? Linings are expensive to replace if they get damaged through being too tight or poorly fitting. • Zips – double check that a zip fastens easily. It’s infuriating when it repeatedly jams. If this does happen try a lubricant but you need to be mindful which to choose as they can damage the fabric. Your options could be; a graphite pencil, talc powder, lip balm, vaseline, bar soap, glass cleaner and even wax paper. Apply your chosen lubricant along the teeth of the zip to help it slide. • Enough fabric? Cheaper items tend to skimp on the amount of fabric that is used so consider going a size up. Hems should have a generous amount of fabric (1.5”) to add weight which means it should hang well. • Knitwear – natural fibres will generally last better and look better in the long term than acrylic options, so choose those whenever you can. If you find a jumper has pilled then invest in a knitwear comb and gently use it to remove the loose fibres, wash and then press and your jumper can look as good as new. • Consider your own needs in terms of durability. Silk is still a beautiful fabric and can be extremely good quality but it isn’t necessarily the most robust so think about what the item of clothing is going to be used for. • Seams. Looking at seams can be revealing. Good quality items tend to have more generous seams and are well finished, neat and don’t have threads loose.
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• Alterations can make a difference to the fit and durability of an item. Make sure that the alteration is as good as or better than the original work on the garment. • Lighter colours need to be good quality as they look cheaper faster so be prepared to look carefully and potentially spend more. • Looking after your clothes means they will last longer too! Enjoy the new Spring season! Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist
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Mobile Foot Health Practitioner
Lucy E. Hobbs-Morris BA (hons), MCFHP, MAFHP telephone: 01462 641113 mobile: 07795 030774 email: hobbs_lucy@hotmail.com
Some of the problems I can help you with Toenail Cutting Thick nails Ingrown nails Corns Callous Cracked Heels Fungal Nails Diabetic Footcare Fully registered and insured 12 years experience
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Before and After Photos
CONTOURING
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These non-invasive procedures have little or no side effects.
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Health
The dangers of ultra-processed foods More than half the calories we eat in the UK now come from ultra-processed foods, but how are these foods affecting our health and what can we do to cut back? Generally, most of the food we eat has been processed in one way or another. Milk is pasteurised to make it safe to drink, beans are dried to extend their shelf life and seeds are pressed to produce oils. However, this doesn’t necessarily make these foods unhealthy. Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, contain ingredients you wouldn’t typically find in your kitchen cupboard. Some of the foods that fall into this category are unsurprising. Crisps, fizzy drinks, biscuits and ice cream are all highly processed, but did you know that breakfast cereals and ready meals are too? Created to be convenient, cheap and tasty, ultraprocessed foods are typically high in sugars, refined grains, fats and salt. They have very little nutritional value, are highly addictive and have also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even some cancers. So, how can we cut back? Check your labels One of the easiest ways to check whether a food product is highly processed is to read the ingredients list. A label full of long words you can’t pronounce is one sign that a food is highly processed. You can also check the Nutrition Information Panel to identify foods with high amounts of saturated fat, sugar and sodium (salt). Find substitutes There are plenty of substitutes to ultra-processed foods on the market. Instead of crisps try low-fat popcorn, which is wholegrain and a good source of
fibre. Swap sugary cereals for unsweetened oatmeal, and replace white bread with a homemade or granary loaf. Cook more meals from scratch When you prepare a meal from scratch, you have more control over the ingredients you’re consuming. Start compiling a list of quick and easy meal ideas to prepare when you’re feeling lazy. Salads, omelettes and stir-fries require little effort, and are super tasty too. Be wary of false advertising Don’t be fooled by phrases like ‘fat-free’, ‘natural’, ‘no added sugar’ and ‘sugar-free’. Foods that are advertised as healthy often contain artificial ingredients or other chemical additives, such as artificial sweetener, which make them significantly more processed – and unhealthy – than they might first appear. Keep healthy snacks on hand If you’re in a rush, grabbing a packet of crisps and a cereal bar on your way out the door is tempting. However, keeping your kitchen stocked with portable, nutritious snacks can make it much easier to make healthy choices on the go. Fresh fruit, unsalted nuts and hard boiled eggs are simple, tasty snacks that’ll keep you energised throughout the day. Take it slow If ultra-processed foods constitute a large portion of your diet, reduce your intake slowly to begin with. Going cold turkey increases your likelihood of craving the high-fat, high-sugar foods your body has become accustomed to, so start by trying to enjoy one unprocessed or minimally processed meal a day, and gradually increase as you see fit.
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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY
DO YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS? NO MONEY OR TIME TO EMPLOY THAT EXTRA PERSON! WHY NOT CALL ME!! • • • • •
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Food & Drink
Wines: A Choice Selection
Certainly, there are many retailers, independents, supermarkets and other outlets, that offer numerous wines. A good number of which are of excellent and superb quality. Whether a preference is for red, white or something ‘pink’, there are beverages to choose from. For this quest I searched for a range of wines, that are widely available and decided to go for the red and white options. Of course, sparkling wines are available – perhaps for a later time! VINHO VERDE LOUREIRO (12% vol), from Portugal, is a most acceptable white wine production. I found this wine to be fresh, fruity and, although great on its own, to pair with white fish dishes, plus salads, perfectly. ALBARINO ADELANTE (12.5% vol) is from Spain. This white wine is extremely popular. Grapes are handpicked, from the Galacia region. Fruits, on the nose, are then enticed to the mouth’s pleasures and sensation on the palate. Great with seafood dishes, particularly. For red wines I chose TOSCANA (13% vol) from Italy. This wine has many ‘devotees’, being handcrafted, in collaboration with one of the oldest and most highly-regarded wine estates, in Tuscany. This very impressive, aged production, has dark fruit flavours in abundance, which follow from the nasal pleasures. Wonderful to pair with red meats and casseroles. Another ‘famous’ red wine is BAROLO (14% vol). This ‘King of Wines’ and ‘Wine of Kings’ is renowned for its distinctive high-quality, being produced by utilising Nebbiolo grapes, to great advantage. Again, from Italy, this wine, which is also aged, has connoisseurs who regularly enjoy the bouquet, pronounced flavours and long finish. Perfect to accompany steak, beef and red meat dishes. I located these wines (just some of their range) at a Morrisons store. Trading from 1899, Morrisons now has a range of wines and drinks, that are very acceptable, indeed. The wines described are within the ‘the Best’ range. This range of wines, from Morrisons, comes from their wine experts, who constantly search for exceptional quality wines, from around the world, which are produced by some of the very best wine producers, globally. Take time and pleasure, to locate some favourites. www.morrisons.co.uk
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Finance
Driving Insurance Charges Shopping around for motor insurance is a great way to save cash, but you could also cut costs with a range of alternative insurance models. Several companies now offer a pay-as-you-go or payby-mile policy. This means that rather than paying a set premium for the year, customers pay a varying amount depending on how much they actually drive. It’s certainly an approach many would have appreciated in 2020, when car use slumped during lockdown. Such policies aren’t quite as simple as they seem. The per-mile rate will still take into account risk factors such as car model and driving experience. There’s also a fixed fee that applies even if you don’t drive at all, designed to cover such risks as your car being stolen. Whether such policies work out cheaper depends on individual circumstances. As a rough rule, they are most likely to suit people driving less than around 6,000-7,000 miles a year. Customers of pay-per-mile policies must fit a device (sometimes dubbed a black box) to their car, which simply measures distance. However, some specialist policies offer cheaper deals that use more extensive data to assess risk. These telematics policies usually offer discounts, either at annual renewal time or on monthly payments, based on the way the customer drives. Factors that can reduce premiums include shorter journeys, keeping to speed limits and avoiding sudden braking, and driving at safer times such as during daylight but outside of rush hour. Telematics deals are most suitable for young drivers who’d normally be charged extremely high premiums
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based on industry assumptions about their risk level. Some insurers will only cover young drivers on such a policy. If you take out a telematic or ‘black box’ insurance policy, you need to read the conditions carefully. Some will simply offer discounts when you drive in a less risky way. Others use the data to enforce conditions such as only driving a certain amount or not driving after a ‘curfew’ time. Breaching these conditions won’t usually invalidate the policy but will instead make you liable for higher premiums. Another option to save on premiums is to take and pass an advanced driving course. These cover topics such as driving in extremely busy traffic or coping with adverse weather such as heavy rain or wind. They often put more emphasis on observation and anticipation of potential hazards. In theory, passing such a course qualifies you for lower premiums, particularly where you’d otherwise face steep charges based on age or experience. The problem is that there are several different courses and qualifications available and not all insurers recognise all qualifications. The IAM Roadsmart and Pass Pluss qualifications are the most commonly accepted, but you will need to check with each insurer. Another limitation is that the cost of taking an advanced driving course may outweigh or limit the savings on insurance premiums. For this reason, experts advise that you shouldn’t consider such courses solely as a money-saving exercise and instead take into account the inherent benefits of becoming a more skilled and confident driver.
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A FREE WILL for Homeowners Protect your home and legacy for your children • • • • • •
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Celebrating 30 Years (And still going strong!) I cannot believe we have reached our 30th year in maintaining gardens in the North Herts/Beds area. In that time, we have maintained and landscaped 1000’s of gardens, big and small. It all started in 1992 when my full time Insurance job allowed me plenty of time during the day which helped with childcare for our two children, but still left spare time that I didn’t know how to fill. I loved maintaining our 100ft garden in Baldock, so I thought why not maintain and tidy other gardens too for extra income for my family. Back then we didn’t have internet and google so the only way to put our name out there was placing adverts in the local paper, Yellow Pages and Thompsons Directories. Although, if you missed the cut off point for the Directories then you had to wait for a whole year to get in! Our first job came in and off I trotted to quote, it was to dig up a small apple tree stump and roots Easy job!?? (Or so I thought). The quote of £25 was accepted and I went round a day later with all my home DIY tools (How naive was I?). It was June, very hot and 5 hours later I managed to cut away the last of the roots. 5 hours!! I thought it would be a couple of hours at the most - welcome to the real world of professional gardening Dave. It didn’t put me off too much and I soon realised there was more to this gardening lark than I first thought. The adverts were working and soon had a steady stream of accepted quotes, which was great!
However, after a month or two, it became apparent how many times the customers said, “I’m so glad you have actually turned up.” The gardening and landscaping industry was renowned for letting clients down, I was so shocked, and it dawned on me there was a huge gap in the market for reliable and regular gardeners. I made it my mantra, if I said I was coming to give you a quote, I would turn up and meet you! (Regardless of what happens) and I have remained steadfast to that ethos. One of earlier landscaping project was for The Hertfordshire Football Association in Letchworth Garden City. They had built a new stand, changing rooms and clubhouse and wanted their frontage completely landscaped. After planting a new 100ft hawthorn hedge along the perimeter, we commissioned bespoke double metal entry gates. We finished with a beautiful new lawn, eye-catching shrubs and trees to complete the project. That was 25 years ago and to this day I still get a buzz seeing it every time I go pass. The years have flown by since those early days and we’ve had some highs and lows on the way, our premises have been broken into three times – it was heart-breaking. We have also met some wonderful customers, some who have now sadly passed away. We now maintain over 300 client’s gardens/grounds (residential and commercial) on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis. I have a strong team of 7 gardeners who love their job ensuring our customers gardens are looking their best. We also have 2 landscapers who carry out all our fencing, patio, decking and artificial lawn projects and we are fortunate to be fully booked until the end of April 2022. A YOUNG ME OUTSIDE THE HERTS FA GROUND IN LETCHWORTH AFTER LANDSCAPING THEIR GROUNDS.
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I feel very grateful to be in this situation when other companies have unfortunately suffered during the past 2 years. Of course, it’s not just about the gardening aspect which keeps us successful. We now have a great office team running everything behind the scenes, with Office Manager Stella Piper and Assistant Sarah Henderson, ensuring phones are answered in a timely manner and quotes are sent out within 48 hours of my quotation appointment, along with many other important and vital activities ensuring the business runs smoothly. Our regular clients receive a bi-annual Newsletter which keeps them informed of their schedule, what work we will be carrying out in the coming seasons amongst other articles. They also receive an automated email two days prior to a planned visit, keeping them informed all the way. Our teams are super friendly and amenable and use only the top of the range commercial machinery to carry out the work. We also take away all the green waste after the completion of each visit so no need to use brown bins. We invoice once per month and accept a whole range of payment methods including our new automated payments, credit/debit card, cheque, and BACS transfers. We make it as easy as we possibly can.
What do you want from your garden? You are just one call or email away from sitting back, relaxing and letting us do all your hard work for you, so you can enjoy a lovely looking garden at the weekend. As well as garden maintenance, we also carry out one off tidy-ups, we love tackling garden nightmares and getting your outdoor space back into shape so you can utilise it again. Now is the best time to book your visit in readiness for Spring and Summer. Just Google “Sunshine Gardens Baldock” and see our 50 plus genuine 5-star reviews and testimonials for your peace of mind. Do you have a garden that needs transforming? Can we help you with your landscaping project? We can transform your tired and neglected gardens using our imagination and skills enabling you to enjoy your outdoor space. Book early though as we are already fully booked until the end of April/May 2022. Contact us for a free written quotation which will be sent to you within 48 hours. We are proud to be one of the most long standing and trusted garden maintenance and landscaping companies in your area.
Dave and his teams are ready and raring to go in 2022. To help celebrate our 30th year in business, we are offering the first 10 new clients 12 months garden maintenance for the price of just 9 months. Contact us on 01462 262200 office@sunshinegardensbaldock.co.uk PLEASE SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT IN THIS MAGAZINE FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON PAGE 32.
Sunshine Gardens
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2021
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Gardening
Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk
Conifer Charm Many people love to despise conifers, perhaps because they dismiss their huge variety with just one word – leylandii. The Leyland cypress, Cupressocyparis leylandii, seems to fire up hatred due to its size. The trees can grow up to 90cm per year and could reach 61 metres high. People have a habit of planting them inappropriately, then failing to keep them under control. Whilst legal disputes involving neighbours and leylandii run into thousands, others celebrate the beauty and grandeur of a rather spectacular tree that can take pride of place in a suitable setting. It grows into an impressive specimen and also plays host to many birds and other wildlife. Indeed, the National Pinetum in Bedgebury, Kent, is proud of what is believed to be the tallest and oldest leylandii hedge in Britain, measuring over 40 metres. Conifers possess charms that should never be overlooked. These cone-bearing trees are hugely diverse and they hold impressive carbon-capturing statistics. The largest tree in the world, measured by volume, is a giant sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum, in California, measuring 83m tall with a diameter of 11m at the base. It is considered to be middle-aged, being around 2,000 years old. The magnificent cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, can easily grow to 35m high and almost as wide. This is the oldest cedar of all and there are some situated on the slopes of Mount Lebanon that are said to be 2,500 years old. At the other end of the scale, many miniature conifers will not reach even 100cm tall at maturity.
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Pinus mugo is the dwarf mountain pine and it sits comfortably within a mixed border or can be grown in a large pot. There are hundreds of different shapes, colours, contrasting textures and forms of conifers that can provide colour and interest throughout the year. The pencil-slim Italian cypress is widely used in Mediterranean-style gardens here in the UK, creating vertical impact and drama all year round. In contrast, prostrate spreading junipers such as Juniperus horizontalis provide excellent ground cover and colour-changing foliage from summer through to winter. Juniperus is known for its dark berry-like cones, which can be used in food dishes such as casseroles and stuffing. They are also the main flavouring for gin. However, the red, fleshy berries produced by Taxus baccata, the English yew, are highly toxic. Some conifers, such as yew, respond extremely well to clipping, whilst others, including leylandii, go brown and won’t re-grow if you cut back into old wood. Not all conifers are evergreen. The beautiful, native larch tree loses its soft, needle-shaped leaves in winter. Others change colour throughout the seasons, including Cryptomeria japonica, which is blue-green in spring, turns green during summer and rusty-red in winter. This conifer has soft, tactile foliage, whereas the monkey puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana, has sharp foliage that can cut like a razor blade. Never underestimate this amazing family of trees – there is something suitable to lend a touch of unique magic to any outdoor space.
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Garden View
Swiss Chard March means the start of outdoor sowing season in the UK, as the days begin to lengthen and become warmer. I discovered Swiss Chard several years ago when I was looking for something more interesting than spinach. It’s rarely found in the supermarkets for some reason and is quite delicious. It’s also easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance. Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens is sometimes called Rainbow Chard because of its ornamental stems. The fact it’s so decorative, with its large fleshy dark green leaves and bright stalks in shades of red, purple, gold and white make it a good choice for a small garden. It looks attractive in containers or borders. To grow it, choose a sunny (but not sun-baked) spot, prepare the soil well (or use compost in a large container), make shallow drills about 40cm apart and sow the chard seeds thinly, approximately 1.5cm deep. Cover the seeds with soil and water well. You can start sowing in March, then every few weeks you can repeat sow, until September for a continuous crop that will even see you through the winter if you give it a little protection. I move my pots to the greenhouse. As the seedlings begin to grow, thin out the plants
By Rachael Leverton
so that they’re 25-30cm apart. Water well after thinning. Chard is an easy vegetable to look after but keep an eye open for slugs and snails. Birds also seem to like the little seedlings (at least in my garden) so you might need to protect them. Young chard leaves can be eaten fresh so use the early thinned leaves for salads. The adult chard leaves are ready to harvest about 10-12 weeks after sowing, though later in the year it will take a little longer. It’s a wonderful cut-and-come-again plant. Cut individual leaves as you need them, and the plant will keep producing new growth. Swiss chard varieties to try My favourite variety is ‘Bright Lights’ which has rainbow-coloured stems. It’s particularly good for autumn crops. ‘Fantasy’ has pretty red stems and is good if your garden tends to be damp as it’s resistant to mildew. As its name suggests ‘Bright Yellow’ has yellow stalks and is very striking. All three of these varieties can be over-wintered with a little protection and provide you with an early crop the following spring.
Happy Indoor Gardening
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www.acs-aggregates.com
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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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Pets
Amazing Animals and their Superpowers I always marvel at the sight of a cat walking along the narrowest of fences as though it were a tightrope. Elegant and skillful. Perfectly balanced. It makes me wonder what other superpowers cats and other animals have. Cats Let’s start with an impressive fact, that a cat’s genome is 95% tiger. They share many behaviours with their jungle ancestors including scent marking by scratching, pouncing, urine marking and prey stalking. As we know cats claws all point downwards. Did you know it is for this reason that a cat cannot come down a tree forwards, and they must back down the trunk? Incredible. Each cats nose print is unique much like a humans finger print! Cats walk like giraffes and camels. They move both of their right feet first, then they move both of their left feet. No other animals walk this way. Some cats are ambidextrous, but 40% are either left or right pawed. Male cats are more likely to be left pawed, while female cats are more likely to be right pawed. In 1963 a cat went into space! We are all aware that a monkeys and dogs have been sent into space, but did you know that a cat braved the great unknown too? On 18th October 1963, ‘Astrocat’, also known as Felicette, was the first and only cat to go into space. Dogs Dogs can detect one drop of liquid in 20 Olympic sized swimming pools. For this reason, dogs are trained to sniff out people, drugs and even money. Remarkably, dogs are now being trained to detect diseases such as malaria, diabetes, tuberculosis, and Covid-19. It was during one of The Royal Institution Christmas lectures last December that Professor Jonathan Van-Tam demonstrated how dogs can detect the Covid-19 virus. Greyhounds can reach a top speed of 45mph within seconds of starting to run, compared to a cheetah that
can reach 70mph. However, cheetahs can only keep this going for around 30 seconds meaning a greyhound would actually outrun a cheetah! Greyhounds can easily run at speeds in excess of 35mph for seven miles. Despite the cheetah’s head start, they’d soon be overtaken. Did you know that dogs have 3 eyelids? Their third eyelids is called the nictitating membrane and helps to protect and clean the eye. If you have a dog, you may have noticed that they move their ears a lot. A dog has an incredible 18 muscles that are responsible for moving their ears! Their ears are vital in helping them communicate with us and other dogs. They can hear over 4 times the distance of a human. So, next time you come across a cat or dog, stop to marvel at how amazing they are. 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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H&M Rubbish Clearance Est. 10 years in Hitchin. Support local business Call us for a free no obligation quote House and Garden Clearance Helping to keep Hertfordshire Cleaner and Greener Waste carrier no. CBDU172513 We have Public Liability Insurance
Call 01462 431284 or 07557 527416 / 07368 374811 H & M Clearance @clearance_h
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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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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 MARCH Storytime 10.30-11am Stevenage Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 3 MARCH The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘Miniatures of the Wallace Collection’ by Stephen Duffy. Visitors welcome. Lift access. theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 MARCH Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am & 11.15-11.45am Hitchin Library Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes, perfect for helping your child to learn language skills. Booking essential. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 MARCH Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friends generally 50+ age group. Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 4 MARCH Bedford Art Society 7.15 for 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford Members free, visitors £5. Stephie Butler will demonstrate how to use liquid charcoal in conjunction with watercolour to create exciting works of art. Tel: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 Web: www.bedsartsociety.co.uk 4, 11, 18 & 25 MARCH BookTrust Storytime 2.15-2.45pm Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Interactive story sessions, perfect for pre-school children. No need to book. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk
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4, 11, 18 & 25 MARCH Bridge Club 1.30-4.30pm Springfield House, Old Stevenage Community Centre Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 4 & 25 MARCH Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm and 7.30pm on Zoom Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford 4 March - ‘The Admiral and His Mistress – Horatio and Emma’ by David Fowler. 25 March – ‘My Ancestor Was a Liar’ by Dave Annal. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 5 MARCH Ashwell’s Famous Flea Market 9.30am-1.00pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell Free entry All sorts of weird and wonderful things for sale. Tea and coffee available. 5 MARCH The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm RAF Henlow, SG16 6DN The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s bus pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. See website for full information. Call on the day if information is needed. Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 5 MARCH Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Hostas – Little and Large’ by Colin Ward. Colin is a well-known nursery owner and a member of our group. Plants for sale. Visitors welcome – small charge. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk
6TH MARCH Five Bells, Henlow Village Fun Charity Quiz in aid of Jackie’s Drop-In Centre, starting at 8pm. Teams of up to 6 members are invited. Entry is £2.50 per person. There is a cash prize for the winners and a prize for last place, as well as spot prizes and a raffle. Further info from John on 07511 631045 or emailing quizzesforcharity@ outlook.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Baby Rhyme Time 10.30-11am Letchworth Library Free - donations welcome Fun half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills and are an opportunity for you to meet other families too. Booking essential. Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Staplers Folk Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Meets every Monday apart from bank holidays and some school holiday dates. It’s easy to start as all the dances are walked through first then called. Everyone welcome, whether a complete beginner or with some experience. You don’t have to bring a partner as many dancers come alone or with friends. Tel. 01462 624144 or 01462 680995 Web: www.staplers.org.uk
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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN MARCH 7, 14, 21 & 28 MARCH Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-10.30pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 11 MARCH Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm. St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, caller Bob Morgan and Tappalachian in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Book online. Alan Creamer 07946 439095 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk 15 MARCH Bedford National Trust Association 2.15-3.15pm Addison Centre, Kempston BNTA members £3, NT members £3.50, visitors £4 ‘35 years as a TV quizzer’, a talk by quizzer James Higg, veteran of such shows as 15 to One, Eggheads and The weakest link. Non-members welcome. Garry Telling 01480 819625 Email: garry.geoff.telling@gmail.com 19 MARCH Ceilidh. 7pm for7.30pm Grange Community Centre, Middlefields, Letchworth £12 per person. Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group event. Music by Time of your Life Trio with caller Barry Goodman. Pay bar. Bring snacks for the interval. Web: lalg.org.uk/ceilidh 20 MARCH Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Fen Drayton Lakes. Meet 10am No charge for RSPSB members All-day car trip to RSPB reserve in Cambridgeshire for what should be an excellent day’s all-round birding. Meet in the reserve car park at Fen Drayton Road, grid ref 154/TL 342 697, postcode CB24 4R. Leader Graham Beevor. Booking not required. Tel: 01438 232055
21 MARCH Early Music Day Concert with The Parnassian Ensemble 1pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £10, free entry for under 27s, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s Early Music Day is a celebration of more than a millennium of music, through concerts, events, and happenings taking place simultaneously across Europe. It is held every year on 21 March, the first day of Spring and birth date of Johann Sebastian Bach. Web: https://benslowmusic.org 23 MARCH Lunchtime Talk 10.30am-12.30pm Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade ‘The House: The Shuttleworth Peacock’, this engaging presentation covers the story behind the Shuttleworth Minton Peacock and the Wreck of the Loch Ard. Web: shuttleworth.org/talksprogramme 24 MARCH Stevenage RSPB Local Group Trip to Therfield Heath & Fox Covert Meet 9.30am No charge for RSPSB members Morning visit by car to this downland site near Royston and the adjoining H&MWT woodland reserve. Meet at the Sports Centre car park off Baldock Road, grid ref 154/TL 347404, postcode SG8 5BJ. Leader Trevor Storey. Booking not required. Tel: 01438 232055 SATURDAY 26TH MARCH Mozart Requiem 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell, SG7 5LY Anthems by Brahms, Mendelssohn & Mozar. Royston Choral Society Musical Director - Andrew O’Brien Tickets £15 Under 18s £1 Available from: www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk 01920 822723 or ask a choir member
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27 MARCH Afternoon Tea. 4pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin £19.95pp or £24.95pp with a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy afternoon tea at Benslow Music complemented with live music. Booking required. Tel: 01462 459446 www.benslowmusic.org 30 MARCH-2 APRIL Sweet Charity Doors open 7.15pm for 7.45pm Pirton Village Hall Tickets: Wednesday £10, other days £12 Pirton Players perform the terrific musical Sweet Charity. Tickets available from Pirton Village Shop or online. Bar available. www.pirtonplayers.org 31 MARCH A Taste of Benslow Music with Symphonia Academica 7.30-10pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £30. An Evening of music, wine tasting and cheese on a journey through Europe. Web: benslowmusic.org EVERY WEEKDAY Clifton Walking Group Meets on weekdays at 8.30am and in the afternoon for an hour. A friendly bunch of people of various ages and abilities. Monthly weekend walk of 6-8 miles. No pressure to walk, just turn up as often or as seldom as you prefer. The group also meets for a coffee once a month and holds other social events. Tel: Suzanne 07933 709006 Email: ionssuzanne@gmail.com Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group Annual membership £10 per household. Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and more. New groups are starting all the time. Online talks every month. Non-members can try activities before joining. Web: LALG.org.uk
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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our February Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Nathalie Powers, Lower Stondon
February’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions
Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
£25
Across 1 Money (4) 3 Used in board game (5,3) 9 Scold severely (7) 10 Electronic post (5) 11 Young cabbage plants (6,6) 14 To allow (3) 16 Type of drum (5) 17 Joint (3) 18 Seen in a rink (6-6) 21 Violent disturbances (5) 22 Stabbing weapon (7) 23 Supporting column (8) 24 Popular sport (4)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th March 2022 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.
Down 1 Advises (8) 2 Serious (5) 4 Stowed away (3) 5 Lock picks (8,4) 6 Loyal (7) 7 Story (4) 8 Eats its own kind (12) 12 Doomed (5) 13 Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15 Twice as much (7) 19 South American dance (5) 20 Hold tightly (4) 22 Type of snake (3)
Name:
Address:
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Shire Roofing
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MUSCLE
& MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men. Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.
Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: muscleandmotor@gmail.com www.muscleandmotor.co.uk
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New Starts
Books Forget January, there’s no better time for a new beginning than spring…
The Meaningful Money Handbook Pete Matthew
Consumed Aja Barber
Atomic Habits James Clear
Decluttering at the Speed of Life Dana K. White
If you need to get your finances in order (that’s most of us then), The Meaningful Money Handbook could prove invaluable. It’ll help you to cut through the confusion, figure out how to get out of debt, create a personal financial plan and grow your savings. If you’re already starting to wince at the thought of reading a book about finances, rest assured that there’s no jargon or judgement – just plenty of straightforward advice and useful tips.
All too often, major change feels so daunting that we don’t act, or we give up after a few days. Instead, James Clear recommends making tiny tweaks to your daily routines. Atomic Habits shows the reader how to break bad habits and start new ones. James Clear sets out, step-by-step, how to make small improvements that, over time, become life-altering. His advice is backed by psychologists, but as Clear says, this book is “not an academic research paper; it’s an operating manual.”
Survival Skills for Freelancers Sarah Townsend
At some point, everyone dreams of quitting their job and becoming their own boss. Whether you’ve already made the move or you’re just thinking of taking the plunge, this book can help you to ride the roller coaster that is self-employment. It’s full of helpful advice, from how to avoid burnout and look after your mental health to how to tackle imposter syndrome.
Feel like you shop to fill a void? Uncomfortable with your role in fast fashion? Or do you just want to learn how to enjoy fashion sustainably and ethically? Whatever your motivation, this book is well worth a read. Aja Barber shares her story of how she came to understand the systemic injustices in the fashion industry. You’ll learn about the history of the textile industry, the growing issue of fast fashion and, crucially, what you can do to bring about change.
Clutter can be overwhelming. The more possessions you have, the more time it usually takes to organise, tidy and clean your home. Unlike other decluttering books, this one isn’t just a ‘how to’ guide; it also addresses the emotional challenges that make it difficult to let go of unnecessary possessions. It’s also packed with practical advice and tips. Plus, it’s funny.
30 Day Kick Start Plan Joe Wicks
It’s hard to make healthier choices in the depths of winter, but lighter evenings and warmer days are just around the corner. 30 Day Kick Start Plan can help you eat better, move more and stay motivated. You’ll find 100 recipes to try, along with six workouts and weekly plans to help you stay on track. There’s also advice on everything from sleep and meditation to goal setting. In short, it’s far more than just another healthy-eating cookbook.
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By Kate Duggan 45
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