Hitchin May 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 36 - May 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue The History of the

Chimney Sweep Discovering

Pembrokeshire Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue...

Time for a Picnic

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The History of the Chimney Sweep...................................4 Meeting Outside? Time for a Picnic...................................8 Born to Run. Tips for Runners.........................................12 Summer Key Wardrobe Items.........................................15 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................17 Fun Quiz.........................................................................19 Drinks: The Spirit of Gin..................................................20 Is Buy-to-Let Still Worthwhile?......................................23 Happy Big Birthday Henlow Building Supplies...............24

Perfect Planting.............................................................26 Feeling the Heat.............................................................29 Purple Sprouting Broccoli...............................................31 Beautiful Cat Looking for a Forever Home......................32 Be Fire Safe with a Fire Safe...........................................34 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 Discover Pembrokeshire.................................................38 £25 Villager Prize Crossword.............................. 42 Book Review..................................................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Happy Big Birthday Henlow Building Supplies

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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 - Hannah Merry-Wade, Izzy Holden, Susan Brown, Jennie Billings, Nick Coffer, Trevor Langley, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Tom Hancock and Kate Duggan

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

As Lucky Can Be? The History of the Chimney Sweep Spring is here, and with it the urge to make everything clean and fresh, including the chimney. If your fireplace is clogged and sooty from use during the cold winter months, now is the time to call a chimney sweep. This skilled high-tech profession has a rich and dark history.

The profession of ‘sweep’ dates back to the 16th century. Originally the service was needed only by the wealthy with grand estates, but gradually the trend of installing chimneys in every home caught on, and the demand for sweeps grew. The houses in city streets were tightly packed and sweeps would work from house to house, sometimes roof to roof, cleaning sooty chimneys.

In the 17th century the government introduced a hearth tax, based partly on the number of chimneys a house possessed. People wanted to avoid the tax, so builders connected flues of new fireplaces with the existing chimney, creating a maze of narrow, pitch black tunnels inside homes.

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When people switched fuel from wood to coal, chimneys became coated with sticky soot deposits.

These had to be cleaned frequently; otherwise, the house filled with toxic fumes. So, chimney sweeps became associated with restoring fresh air in homes and thus became symbols of good health.

Unfortunately, the sweeps themselves did not enjoy good health. Tiny children between 4 and 11 years old became the primary ‘tools’ used for cleaning because they were small enough to squeeze through the narrow, maze-like chimneys.

It must have been a terrifying job, working without light in suffocating cramped conditions.

By Hannah Merry-Wade

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The children, known as ‘climbing boys’ were either sold by destitute parents or were chosen from orphanages. Their job was to scrape the coal deposits from the flue lining. If a young child was afraid to climb, the master would sometimes light a small fire to ‘motivate’ him to move. It’s actually where the phrase ‘to light a fire under someone’ originated.

The boys’ only official day off was May Day, and in Rochester they still commemorate this with the Sweeps Festival (sadly cancelled this year) involving three days of fun, real ale, music, and dancing across the bank holiday weekend.

These children suffered bone malformation, soot inhalation, and cancers.

Some of them became trapped and died of suffocation inside chimneys. Most didn’t make it to middle age.

After many humanitarian appeals to Government, in 1864, the English Parliament finally passed the “Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers” which made it illegal to send a child up a chimney.

Today’s professional chimney sweeps are educated in the science of chimneys and fireplaces as well as in building codes. It is important to employ a qualified professionally trained sweep, from a recognised organisation, so you know they are well-trained and fully insured. Many are also skilled to carry out appliance servicing and fitting chimney cowls etc.

National Association of Chimney Sweeps: nacs.org.uk Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps: apics.org.uk Guild of Master Sweeps: guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk

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Time of Year

Meeting outside?

Time for a picnic We can finally meet up with other households but it’s going to be outside only for a while yet. Let’s make the most of it then with good planning and some fun accessories.

Create some evening  atmosphere with Outdoor TruGlow® Candles, £26.99 for 3 from lights4fun.co.uk

• Research your perfect picnic spot carefully. How far is it from the car park and is there a charge for parking? Are there toilets? Can you bring your dog? Is there somewhere to shelter if it’s too hot or there’s a sudden shower.

• Pack everything you need for the day: water, sunscreen, a lightweight waterproof (just in case), warmer layers and the all-important face mask and hand-santiser. A plastic bag for your rubbish will be handy too.

• Decorate your picnic area with battery-powered fairy lights, lanterns and some bunting. Get comfy with camping chairs or deck chairs, using your picnic basket as a handy side table. Music adds atmosphere so take a Bluetooth speaker.

• Bring along games that all the family can play.

Rounders and croquet are great, or organise a treasure hunt, play hide and seek, or set up an old-school egg-and-spoon or sack race.

• The best picnic food? Anything you can eat with your fingers. Sandwiches, mini pies, kebabs, chopped vegetables with dips, plus fruit and something sweet, for example.

 With compartments for dippy sauce & sections so the peas don’t touch the carrots this little car is perfect for turning fussy eaters into foodies. £32.99 at bluebrontide.com

 Giant picnic blanket means plenty of room for social distancing! £59.95 annabeljames.co.uk  This pirate themed kit allows children to build their very own pirate’s hideaway. £45 at thedenkitco.com

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Salute the bravery of the local SOE agents who flew from local Tempsford in aircraft such as our Lysander.

2021 sees the return of the award-winning Drive-In Displays from the Shuttleworth Trust There is something to keep the whole family entertained!

Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/spiesandintrigue

A celebration of innovation and remembering the 1951 Festival of Britain when the Collection’s Comet was suspended from the ceiling in honour of its record-breaking role.

Shuttleworth air shows are the perfect family day out, expect thrilling air displays from historic aircraft and explore the beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden.

Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/flyingfestival

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.

I think we can all agree that seeing the back of 2020 was a welcome event for each and every one of us, and we can now hopefully march into 2021 with renewed positivity and optimism.

One thing is for sure though, there have also been some heart warming positives that we can take out of last year. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting

the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.com

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Born to Run TRAVEL FROM STEVENAGE/BALDOCK Letchworth/Hitchin on some dates DAY TRIPS Adult 23 May Wells-Next-The-Sea £19 26 May Stody Lodge Garden & Cream Tea £41 28 May Norwich £21 31 May Southwold £19 8 Jun Whitstable £19 12 Jun Sheringham £19 16 Jun RHS Wisley Gardens £36 23 Jun Broadstairs £19 24 Jun East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens £36 26 Jun Blenheim Palace Flower Show £33 26 Jun Hunstanton £19 1 Jul Norfolk Broads Mississippi Steamer £32 2 Jul Stamford & Barnsdale Gardens £35 7 Jul Easton Walled Gardens £33 8-10 Jul Hampton Court Flower Show £50 20 Jul National Memorial Arboretum £26 22 Jul Painshill Park £35 29 Jul Kew Palace & Gardens £39 30 Jul Festival of Quilts – NEC £38 4 Aug Cinderella – Matinee £65 4 Aug Norfolk Broads Mississippi Steamer £32 25 Aug Grease – Milton Keynes – Matinee £50 26 Aug Beth Chatto & Green Island Gardens £42 27 Aug Clacton Air Show £19 9 Sep RHS Wisley Flower Show £37 25 Sep Chelsea Flower Show £108 30 Sep Tina the Musical – Matinee £67.50 Thursford Xmas Show Dates on Sale Now HOLIDAYS Date Days PP 17 Jun Yorkshire Explorer 5 £425 5 Jul Warner’s Bodelwyddan Castle 5 £495 23 Jul Durham Historic Weekend 4 £395 24 Jul Tatton Park Flower Show 4 £335 30 Jul Settle to Carlisle Railway 5 £475 7 Aug Isle of Wight 7 £625 8 Aug North Devon 6 £595 9 Aug Welsh Borders 5 £485 16 Aug Heart of Lancashire 5 £515 20 Aug Liverpool Weekend City Break 4 £375 23 Aug Warner’s Nidd Hall 5 £535 27 Aug Sidmouth & South Devon 6 £615 29 Aug Northern Ireland 7 £795 13 Sep Wye Valley 5 £450 13 Sep Devon Rail & Sail 6 £595 17 Sep Kent: Castles, Gardens &1940’s 4 £385 17 Sep Orkneys Ancient Secrets 7 £850 20 Sep Sunny South Coast 5 £475 20 Sep Royal Historic South Coast 5 £495 27 Sep Warner’s Holme Lacey 5 £495 MORE HOLIDAYS & DAY TRIPS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

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Tips for all Runners

Did you start Couch to 5K during lockdown? Did you fall in love with running? Or do you need motivating? Here are our top tips as runners.

Walk – You heard us. Walk to warm up, loosen your muscles, and prime your joints for the activity of running. If you walk the first five to 10 minutes of your workout, especially if it’s early in the morning, of you’ve been sitting at a desk for hours, it’s easier on your body and you’ll find your rhythm more quickly.

Go slower – Not walking this time. We mean find your sustainable pace. This is the pace you can run at easily and most of your runs should be at this level of effort. Once or twice a week you can do the speedwork and tempo runs, which train your body to get faster. Running this way reduces your risk of injury and burnout. The sustainable pace should be slow enough to maintain a conversation without huffing and puffing, but not so slow you can sing your favourite song!

Find your time of day – We all have a natural body clock. Try running at different times until you find the perfect workout hour for you.

Eat wholesome carbs beforehand – The meal you eat before your run should be the most carb rich one of the day (think fruit, veg and wholegrains rather than chocolate cake!), so your body has plenty of ready-to-burn fuel. Obviously don’t eat JUST before you run…but you knew that, right?

Make it recreational – Choose a great playlist, or your favourite audio book or podcast. Or run with a friend to catch up on all the gossip or put the world to rights. This is your time, and it should be enjoyable, so you’ll look forward to it and want to keep doing it.

By Izzy Holden and Susan Brown

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STRUGGLING TO USE YOUR BATHROOM? If using your bathroom has become a chore or you are worried about your safety, BMAS Hitchin can help. We are experts in bathing mobility and will make your bathroom safe and comfortable so you can enjoy independent bathing and showering in your own home.

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House of Colour

Summer Key Wardrobe Items Whether you are looking to completely revamp your wardrobe this season or just hunting a few key pieces to update your look this is my take on those items that will see you through the summer. As there is never a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to style, not all these items are going to work for everyone. I know there are lots of articles promising you a ‘this is all you need’ approach. (And indeed I used to lap them up, quite mistakenly as it turns out). This is not one of them. This is a range of items which you can either dig out from your existing wardrobe or find afresh which may work for you depending on your clothing personality (if you need help on finding that then please contact your local consultant, it’s a game changer!).

The Shirt – yes the humble shirt is really having a moment. For some it’s never gone away, but the shapes and styles have diversified recently. The ‘boyfriend’ shirt, oversized crisp cotton cut in masculine style is featuring quite strongly. And while it can be limited in terms of colour ways, think men’s shirting, it’s a fresh look tucked in or out which would work well on those with classic and drama in their clothing personality. Softer fabrics lyocell and cupro (new natural based fibre mixes) form the bases of less structured options, with a more relaxed feel, still oversized. Short sleeved versions take this into the warmer weather. Delicate printed puffed sleeve options and ruffled blouses are still very contemporary and perfect for those who need pretty detail.

The Jacket – Be it blazer, denim or safari the jacket is a staple for the season. Blazers take the more classic theme but are updated in lighter and brighter colours and team with the shirt classic or floral. The denim jacket, a long serving staple is back too. It chimes in with the utility feel which is very current but it also works so well with the delicate dresses and skirts we’re still seeing this season. Look out for cream or coloured versions.

Taking this a step further safari styles are also prominent and a great investment as they rarely seem to date.

The Midi Skirt – the midi dress has been around for a number of seasons now and while still current the skirt at this length is featuring more strongly. Often using floaty fabrics with movement or taking a slit/wrap skirt style it features pretty patterns as an update on the pleated versions. Details can include some embroidery or craftwork options – great for those who need some texture in their look. Longer lengths are also coming in this season so if you can wear that length then embrace it. Pair it with a matching top or a slimmer fitting top to complement it.

The Mule or Toe Post Sandal – There are a huge variety of options around for both of these. If you need a chunky heavy soled option, a sporty style or a delicate strappy look there is a toe post style for you. The heeled mule is also featuring strongly this season with closed or open toe. Flatter versions including the flatform chunky sole and the more delicate squared slider style are also key options this season.

Key Accessories – the smaller structured or softer cross body bag with chain or metal detailing is a great option for those who need smaller scale, continuing from previous seasons. Raffia and natural detailing in larger styles are great for those with natural in their clothing personality. Chunky chains, seashell, craft beading, woven details will all feature on bags, and jewellery this 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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Food & Drink

All the Quesadillas

Time to talk about one of the staples in my house. We are a bit quesadilla “crazy”.

They are so versatile, so quick and so cheap that I just keep serving them up in different ways to my children.

They are also a brilliant way of using up leftovers and, perhaps surprisingly, hold up pretty well in a packed lunch box too to be eaten cold at school.

Once you have got the basics mastered, there is no looking back.

For each quesadilla, you’ll need two large flour tortillas, the filling, a hot large pan and some olive oil.

There are no limits to the filling combinations you can The filings will usually always need something melty, use. Here are some of the ones I use at home: just to glue it all together - not to mention that the translation of quesadilla is apparently “Cheesy-Dude”!

Leftover chilli con carne and cheddar Simply build the quesadilla by placing one tortilla on Leftover bolognese sauce and parmesan your worktop, cover it with your choice of filling and Leftover Sunday roast and veg, topped with a little leave a border of a couple of centimetre. cheese (I love using brie with chicken) Top the filling with the other tortilla and heat up your Thinly spread tomato puree and grated mozzarella pan to a medium-high temperature.

Grated cheddar, sweetcorn and cherry tomatoes Pour in a good glug of oil.

Sliced cooked chorizo and feta Carefully slide the quesadilla in Lightly mashed butternut squash or sweet potato with and let the base crisp up nicely. feta Using a flat spatula, gently turn the French mustard, crispy bacon and grated Emmental quesadilla over and crisp up the cheese other tortilla. Serve immediately, cut into segments like a pizza.

Camembert with red onion chutney

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Clothes 1. A sporran is a type of pouch that is commonly worn on top of which pocketless item of clothing?

2. What style of baggy trousers gathered at the ankle was named after a traditional character in 16thcentury Italian comedy?

3. Following Matt Smith’s early appearances on Doctor Who, fashion retailers reported that sales of what items of clothing had doubled?

4. Flip-flops are known by what name in Australia, which in the UK would mean items of underwear or swimwear?

5. First featuring in the 1936 film Keep Your Seats Please, which song was banned by the BBC, who labelled lyrics such as “pyjamas lying side by side, ladies nighties I have spied” as smutty?

6. A laundry symbol featuring a circle inside a square with a cross through them indicates that you should not do what with an item of clothing?

7. What is the only item of clothing that Bugs Bunny normally wears?

8. What did the letters stand for in the name of the online fashion retailer ASOS when it was first founded and sold imitations of clothing from the world of TV and film?

9. Which of the following wasn’t a colour of one of the skirts worn by the female members of Bucks Fizz that were ripped off during their performance at the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest?... a) blue; b) yellow; or c) green?

10. In 2004, which famous tennis player launched a line of designer clothing called Aneres?

1. A kilt 2. Pantaloons 3. Bow ties 4. Thongs 5. When I’m Cleaning Windows (by George Formby) 6. Tumble dry it 7. Gloves 8. As seen on screen 9. b) yellow 10. Serena Williams (the label’s name is her first name spelt backwards)

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Food & Drink

Drinks: The Spirit of Gin

History is in abundance in Lincoln and Lincolnshire. Also, with this area being renowned as a prime agricultural region, numerous grains, plus vegetables, fruits and flowers, stem (excuse the pun) from here. Animals, including cattle and sheep, are another reason for Lincolnshire’s success, through to these modern times, plus events, sports, places and venues of much interest. Lincolnshire has its fair share of drinks’ producers and I searched for something that (I considered) was different and very worthwhile locating.

The Gentlemen Distillers Ltd is a small and friendly family-based company, located in the historic city of Lincoln. All the team at the Gentlemen Distillers Ltd are or have been musicians, that played in brass bands and concert bands. The production of gins has to be ‘balanced’, with each inclusion playing its part – rather like the members’ instruments of a band.

BANDSMAN GIN (40% vol) is produced using the method of cold compounding. A mix of both fresh and dried botanicals are utilised, to great advantage, to flavour the spirit in its liquid form. Smooth and silk-like, is how I would describe this gin. High-quality botanicals/inclusions used are Juniper, Dandelion Root, Tomatoes, Basil, Raisins, Rosemary, Parsley and Elderflower. Pale lemon, in colour, I found this gin crisp and with a good, fresh, juniper-led taste.

BANDMASTER LONDON DRY GIN (40% vol) came into being following a substantial development period – a ‘journey of discovery’. The Bandmaster production finally evolved and was created by redistilling through a handmade copper pot still. This gin, too, gained much interest and praise, when launched, being crisp and with the initial bouquet enticing to the impressive mouthfeel. Herbaceous notes are most acceptably evident in this production, which has a hint of fruit, for an excellent ending on the palate.

Ordering is easy (online, too). Orders are processed and dispatched quickly. These gins are perfect to enjoy on their own, over ice and with a good number of mixers, tonic, ginger ale, etc. Take time to find a favourite ‘tipple’.

For all products, merchandise, details, gift presentations and stockists, please contact The Gentlemen Distillers Ltd. Tel: 44 (0) 1522 695 893 Mob: 44 (0) 7857 629 101 E-mail: james@thegentlemendistillers.co.uk and visit: www.bandsmangin.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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Finance

Is Buy-To-Let Still Worthwhile?

Buy-to-let remains an attractive investment vehicle for many, but it’s an ever-changing market. The key is understanding the risks and responsibilities rather than thinking of it as a sure-fire route to riches.

The appeal is obvious. The respective market conditions mean rents on a property commonly exceed mortgage costs, leaving headroom for a healthy profit even after maintenance costs. Buyto-let landlords also have the potential profit from long-term house price rises if and when they sell.

The rental market varies greatly between regions.

In the most recent annual figures, English rents rose nearly three times as much as those in Scotland.

London makes a big difference: as a rough rule over the past decade, swings in the rate of increase have been more dramatic in the city than across the country as a whole. The long-term effects of changes to work and study locations on rental markets remains uncertain.

Legal changes both effective and planned may also make buy-to-let less attractive. During the pandemic renters received extra protection against eviction when falling into arrears. Meanwhile the right of landlords to end rolling tenancies (those without fixed terms) on two months’ notice may be under threat.

The tax situation is also changing. From the 2020-21 tax year, landlords can no longer claim mortgage interest as a taxable expense against rental income.

Instead they can claim a 20 per cent tax credit on the value of mortgage interest payments. That rate is fixed regardless of the landlord’s tax bracket, leading some higher-tax and additional-tax payers to explore setting up a limited company to buy and

rent property and benefit from lower corporation tax rates.

You’ll also need to take professional advice on the effects of capital gains tax if and when you sell the property. Rates and allowances are both under ongoing reviews, while the rules on what happens if you lived in the property before renting (or had a lodger) are changing.

You’ll also need to pay attention to ever-increasing safety regulations. From April 2021 all electrical installations must be tested and inspected at least once every five years.

None of this really matters if you can’t afford to buy a property for rental purposes in the first place.

Much of the application and assessment process is the same as for getting a mortgage on your own home, though a buy-to-let mortgage is normally on an interest-only basis. Rates tend to be significantly higher than for residential mortgages, with 3 per cent a rough average at the end of 2020.

You’ll need a high deposit, often at least 25 per cent of the purchase value. You’ll also need to show that the property can reasonably be expected to command a rent that’s at least 25 per cent higher than the mortgage payment. If you own more than three buy-to-let properties you’re considered a ‘portfolio landlord’ and government rules mean lenders have to apply stricter criteria to new applications.

Remember also that you’ll have to pay any applicable stamp duty on each purchase (as and when the current coronavirus stamp duty holiday ends). The exemption for first-time buyers only applies when buying a property to live in yourself.

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Happy Big Birthday Henlow Building Supplies!

Competitive Prices and Friendly Advice One of the oldest and most respected builders merchants in the area, HBS is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The Villager takes a look back at the local company’s history.

When it comes to having a company ethos, Henlow Building Supplies stands by the same foundations it was built on: We believe in quality products sourced from ethically responsible suppliers with a robust supply chain and after sales support. For over 40 years we have successfully been selling building materials to both trade and the general public. Our strength comes from the specialist knowledge of our staff members and being able to offer our customers competitive prices on stocked and specially made to order items.

A family founded company, Henlow Building Supplies started life in 1978 as a small hardware and ironmongery shop – Henlow Hardware and Do-ItYourself - operating out of a premises in Henlow High

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Street that had previously been a grocers. Today, the building is home to a local dog groomer.

The business was set up by David Curson along with his sister Jan Sapiano who had previously worked at Shefford Building Supplies. Within a year, David’s brother-in-law Paul Sapiano also left his job to join Dave and Jan. After three years the business grew and was officially incorporated as Henlow Building Supplies on 27th February 1981.

When Henlow Building Supplies started in the early 1980s, the country was deep in recession and Dave and Paul had to work hard during those tough years of the 80s and 90s to build the business.

In spite of these challenges, Henlow Ceramic Tile was established during the 90s and the company’s longest serving employee, Madelaine Major, joined them in 1997. That same year, Henlow Building Supplies temporarily moved to the old Redlands site in Arlesey Road, Henlow which is now owned by Henlow Bridge Lakes.

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David’s sons, Chris and Paul Curson, joined the company at the beginning of the millennium, learning the family’s traditional values of personal service and knowledgeable advice which has earned them trust and respect with builders, trades people and the general public over the years. Both Chris and Paul are now managing directors.

In 2002, HBS joined the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF). To be a member of this organisation, merchants must work to a charter which covers customer care, depth of stock, structured credit, and product knowledge, all of which is underpinned by training and support provided by the federation.

During autumn and winter of 2003 both Henlow Building Supplies and Henlow Ceramic Tile moved from their established customer bases in Henlow and relocated to their joint current location at the rear of Stratton Business Park. They opened their doors to local builders, trades people and DIY enthusiasts in and around Biggleswade on 2nd January 2004.

HBS joined the National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) in 2005 – a buying group for independent builders, plumbers, and hardware merchants. Through joint purchasing, independent merchants have the same buying power as the national merchant chains.

“This meant we could finally offer competitive pricing coupled with more personal service” explains Chris.

Among the local manufacturers that HBS has long supported are Marshalls Paving based in Sandy and St Ives, Plasmor Blocks based in Biggleswade and ACO Drainage based in Shefford.

With the rise in internet shopping, HBS overhauled their key departments during the recession years of 2008/2009 including plumbing, ironmongery and

electrical in order to offer even better prices and reduce packaging.

2011 saw the introduction of state-of-the-art bathroom products into the tile showroom making HBS a one stop shop for customers’ bathroom projects. The showroom was expanded again in 2018 and the HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms brand was officially launched. Being supply only, its overriding aim is to manage the relationship between the trade installer and customer so that the project goes smoothly for both.

After many committed years working for HBS, Paul Sapiano retired in 2019.

Last year HBS took the opportunity during the COVID lockdowns to further improve the premises and update their IT systems. They also dropped many retail brands to concentrate on more trade quality products. Chris Curson explains: “Our stock profile is now firmly focused on trades people and the small to medium sized construction company. However we still welcome the public who will find some fantastic products that are not available in the DIY stores.”

In January 2020, in partnership with Crystal Direct, HBS opened a UPVC window and door centre with a dedicated specialist and an online pricing portal, once again adding more strings to their builders merchant bow.

So how is the company celebrating their significant birthday during these difficult times?

“For our birthday year we have redesigned our logo and signage” says Chris. “We have also invested in two new delivery vehicles. Look out for our new maroon crane lorry due on the road in April 2021.

“Like everybody we look forward to the end of COVID restrictions so that we can celebrate our 40-year birthday with colleagues, customers and supplier partners once it is safe to do so - including Madelaine who still works for the company.”

Henlow Building Supplies, 3A Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswsade SG18 8QA Tel: 01767 312800 Email: sales@henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk Web: www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk Facebook: @HenlowBuildingSupplies Pinterest: Henlow Building Supplies

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25

Gardening

Perfect Planting

By Pippa Greenwood

With the warmer weather and more time being spent in your garden, you may be considering additions, such as something to bring more architecture or structure, to clothe a wall or fence, or add perfume or perhaps colour at an ‘off’ time of year. It’s important to plant correctly, so what are the top tips for tremendous planting?

Make sure the plant is properly suited to the space you have available and dig the planting hole bigger than the current root ball. Use a fork on clay soils, as this is less likely to impede drainage, and make sure the hole is large enough to incorporate some bulky organic matter plus some grit. Fork over the sides of the planting hole. Use garden compost, well-rotted manure or proprietary planting mix to improve the soil texture and add nutrients. If the soil is really poor, use some general fertiliser.

Tease the roots out well before planting. If necessary, soak the root ball in water for a couple of hours first, to loosen it up and make it easier for the roots to spread.

Lower the plant into the hole and gradually add the soil mixed with planting compost. Check that only the roots are buried, not the stem, as planting too deep can kill and will make the plant perform poorly. (The only exception to this is clematis.) Place a cane over the top of the planting hole to judge the correct soil level. Firm the soil around the roots. The surface of the compost on the existing root ball needs to be level

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with the soil surface.

Re-check the planting depth, water in well and apply a 7.5cm (3”) deep mulch all over the root area. This reduces moisture loss and helps keep weeds in check.

Very lanky or large tress should be staked. Make sure that the stake goes in so that root damage is minimised, holding it in place with a tree-tie and buffer.

Short stakes are generally believed to be best.

Keep the new tree or shrub really well watered and don’t let the soil become dry – watering is key to success in this establishment phase.

It’s good to have a garden that’s productive and pretty, so save some space for growing some vegetables.

At this time of year, you can still raise some plants from seed yourself, but you may want to buy some garden-ready plants to get things moving even more quickly and ensure they crop before the season ends.

For a selection of my favourite varieties of tomatoes, sweetcorn, broccoli, runner beans, climbing French beans, lettuces, beetroot, peppers, chillies, courgettes, squash, onions and more, accompanied by my weekly tips and advice, take a look at my new website and select what you want to grow from the UK-grown range!

At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find stylish cloches, Nemaslug, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, Grower Frames and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.

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Pets

Feeling The Heat As much as humans and animals alike love some sun, your dog needs a little bit of extra care at this time of year.

PAW PADS Although warm weather and long walks go hand in hand, your dog’s sensitive paw pads can be scalded by hot pavements. Walking early or late and on the shady side of the street helps, but you could also apply paw wax to prevent the pads from drying and cracking.

PESKY PESTS Fleas and ticks love the summertime so check for any parasites, particularly when you’ve walked your dog in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible as they can start transmitting disease within a couple of hours.

BRUSHING AND BATHING You might imagine a springtime short back and sides would do your dog a favour. But although in theory it makes them cooler, it also removes all their sun protection – and covering your pet with factor 50 is never going to be a fun job.

A good brushing as the weather warms up is a great start, as it removes any build-up of dead hair.

Taking your pooch to a professional groomer will mean enough – but not too much – hair is clipped.

The close attention that your groomer will give to your pet will also ensure they’ve had a look at ears, paws, nails and skin, and picked up any developing problems before they become serious.

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Garden View

Purple sprouting broccoli Purple Sprouting Broccoli is a beautiful, tasty addition to the dinner table, and the garden. It has a great flavour, a long harvesting season and is nutritionally beneficial. A single portion provides half your daily requirement of carotenoids, plus high levels of folic acid and vitamins A and C. It’s definitely a ‘planahead’ crop though. If you start planting now you will give yourself something to look forward to next January, and as it is a ‘cut and come again’ crop, that long season should keep you going until April or May! Purple-sprouting broccoli is extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -12°C. You can actually start raising seeds in March, for even earlier crops. I usually start the new year with good intentions of staggering my planting like this (because it is one of my favourites veg), then forget and end up planting in April or May. One of the reasons I love it is that I garden on fairly alkaline soil, in which it thrives. It prefers a heavier soil than mine ideally but seems to do well enough in my garden. I dig in a fair amount of leaf mould and well-rotted manure to bulk it up. Purple sprouting broccoli doesn’t like exposed sites, because the wind buffets the stems, so if your garden is more open it will need a bit of protection.

Sow seeds into small pots or multi-cell trays, using a good quality multi-purpose seed and cuttings compost. When the little plants are large enough to

handle, prick the seedlings out and transplant them into single 9cm pots. Watering them in well.

Once the plants have matured, fork the soil over.

Remove large stones and perennial weeds. Even if your soil is heavier it’s worth digging in some organic matter to improve texture and moisture retention. I don’t need to add lime to my soil but if you garden on neutral or acid soil, you’d be advised to work some in. Transplant when the broccoli plants are 7-9cm tall. Water them well before removing from their pots, and plant them 50-60cm apart, with a similar distance between the rows. Brassicas dislike loose soil, so make sure you firm around the plants lightly with your foot. Water again after planting. Six plants will produce enough broccoli to feed a family of four. I grow more because I love it.

Harvest when the flower shoots are well developed but before the flowers have actually opened. Cut the central spears with a sharp knife first, as this encourages the side shoots to develop quickly. Then crop the side shoots regularly to extend the cropping time.

January seems a long way away right now, but a little planning and preparation will ensure that deliciousness will await when we get there.

Happy Gardening

By Rachael Leverton

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Pets

Beautiful Cat Looking for a Forever Home We have a lovely cat that is looking for a forever home. A lovely cat who we will all dearly miss.

His name is Max, and he joined us in October last year via the RSPCA Inspectorate. Very often when the national RSPCA pick up sick and injured animals, they are given to their local Branch to care for and rehome. Unfortunately, Max came in with horrendous wounds. It was not clear to the team whether his injuries had been caused by a bad collar injury, a burn, or another type of injury. But it was clear that he would need to be in our care for quite some time.

Some animals such as Max, spend much longer in our care for rehabilitation purposes. It is essential that we make sure that each animal is fit, well and healthy before being rehomed. Our Vet advised that it would take time and some medical intervention to help him heal. Progress has been very slow, but very rewarding. We now feel we are nearly there, and Max is ready for the next stage, and to find a loving home.

Max has spent a lot of time in our cattery facilities and also with one of our dedicated foster carers. He would make such a lovely pet. We believe he used to be somebody’s pet, but when he was found he was as a stray. Despite our best efforts, nobody has come forward to claim him.

Max is an extremely friendly cat. He has shown everybody a lot of love and affection. Max loves to play - his favourite toy is currently a walnut!! He is often seen with it bopping it around the room. Max is definitely a ‘lap-sitter’, and loves being cosy and warm. You will be pleased to know that he is a very clean cat and is very good at using his litter tray. Max loves going outside, so he will need access to a quiet garden. We think that Max is approximately 4 years old.

If Max sounds like your ideal pet, then please contact the team using the contact details below. All of our dogs and cats will come spayed or snipped, vaccinated and microchipped. And, to help your pet in their time of need why not consider getting RSPCA Pet Insurance?

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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www.acs-aggregates.com

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Security

Be Fire Safe with a Fire Safe

If your house caught fire, would your important documents be safe?

By Tom Hancock

We should be proactive about protecting critical information in case of a fire.

Although lots of us have gone digital when it comes to storage of personal information, certain items still need to come in hard copies. And some things, other than papers, also need to be stored in a safe place.

Ask yourself what you need easy access to when you’re in an emergency fire crisis?

Original birth certificate • Wills • Business documents • Property deeds National Insurance details • Insurance documents • Car documents Other original documents • Spare keys for house and car • Passports Heirloom jewellery • Emergency cash A file containing information: emergency numbers of insurance companies, bank, lawyer, family members, medical prescriptions, GP, and vet details.

A fire safe is a box designed to protect valuables from heat damage and smoke caused by fire. The level of protection is determined by the type of fire safe and its fire rating.

Not all fire safe boxes are alike. Standard fireproof safes protect valuables against intense heat and smoke damage for periods of up to 120 minutes. But it depends on what you want to store.

The fire test standards require that the critical maximum temperature of the following media cannot be exceeded: Digital media: 120˚C; Computer data: 52˚C because electronic media melts at a lower temperature than paper combusts. A fire safe rated suitable for paper documents is NOT suitable for digital media.

Most homes don’t have a fire safe…but can you afford to be without one?

Shire Roofing

Quality above all

Family Run Roof Design and Costing • Slate and Tiled Roofing • Specialist Lead Roofing Installations Mineral Felt & GRP Roofing • Maintenance and Repairs • Property Maintenance

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07778 634900 or email: russ@shireroofing.com 34

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Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

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

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Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

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Codeword 1

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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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Travel Tenby

Discover Pembrokeshire If you’re craving sandy beaches and coastal scenery, but aren’t expecting to travel abroad this summer, the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire could be the staycation for you.

Nestled into the tip of Wales’ most westerly point, Pembrokeshire’s dramatic cliff faces, horseshoe bays and sandy beaches could fool you into thinking you travelled abroad after all.

With its Celtic sites and offshore islands, not to mention Britain’s smallest (and probably most charming) city, Pembrokeshire has something for everyone. Here are five activities you shouldn’t miss...

Spend a day in St Davids The tiny city of St Davids is really no bigger than a village, but is full to the brim with history, religious significance and Welsh charm.

Its star attraction is the twelfth century cathedral, which is also the birthplace and burial site of Wales’ patron saint. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it still draws in thousands of visitors each year.

After a tour of the cathedral, visit the medieval ruins of Bishop’s Palace and enjoy a coffee in one of the city’s cosy little eateries!

Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path The 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the most spectacular long-distance trails in Britain – and a national park in its own right.

Serious hikers take on the whole trail over two or three weeks, but you only have to walk a small section to get a taste of the coastline’s epic scenery.

Drink in Pembrokeshire’s dramatic cliff tops and stunning ocean views, and stop for a rest on one of the trail’s wide, sandy beaches.

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Hop from beach to beach Pembrokeshire’s beaches are arguably the best in the UK. And with 50 to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice.

Barafundle Bay is a must-visit – a pocket of semitropical paradise on Pembrokeshire’s south coast – while the seaside town of Tenby is also a fantastic place to stay.

Then there are the water sports. Practice water skiing, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing and kayaking, or if you’re really seeking a thrill, try coasteering. Born on these very shores, this combination of adventure swimming, rock climbing and cliff jumping brings you face to face with Pembrokeshire’s rugged natural beauty.

Visit a Celtic village If you’ve ever wondered how things might have looked 2,000 years ago, the treasured historical site of Castell Henllys paints a pretty accurate picture.

After evidence of numerous Iron Age roundhouses was excavated here, the Celtic village has now been reconstructed for visitors. Take a tour of the roundhouses and old granary, and stroll through the site’s beautiful woodland, learning about Celtic life, myths and legends.

Take a boat to Pembrokeshire’s islands Pembrokeshire’s rocky offshore islands are known for their rich wildlife, with puffins, grey seals and thousands of rare birds all calling the islands home.

Take a boat trip to Skomer and Skockholm during nesting season to sight millions of seabirds, including razorbills, puffins, storm petrels and guillemots. A designated RSPB reserve, Ramsey Island is another important breeding site, and is open during the summer for day trips.

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RELIABLE ROOFING COMPANY ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 35 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS • SLATE & TILE • REPLACEMENT FASCIAS/ SOFFITS, UPVC OR TIMBER • GUTTERING MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP AT REALISTIC PRICES PROPRIETOR R.S. CROW F.I.O.R. • FREE ESTIMATES

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MUSCLE

& MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our April Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Anne Goodger, Gamlingay

April’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Choose (6) 4 Bends (6) 9 Latest style (7) 10 Work out (5) 11 Scour (5) 12 Remove (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Changed (7) 20 Used to steer a car (5) 22 Attempted (5) 23 Kindergarten (7) 24 Area, district (6) 25 Head of newspaper (6)

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

16th May 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 Least risk (6) 2 Not the winner (5) 3 Type of plant (7) 5 Overturn (5) 6 Rogue (7) 7 Bedding (6) 8 Unconnected (11) 14 Loosening (7) 15 Taken down (7) 16 Haggle (6) 17 Participant (6) 19 Wireless (5) 21 Expel (5)

Name:

Address:

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

Tel:

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Books

Coming-of-age Tales Stories of grit, determination, friendship and hope Where the Crawdads Sing

By Delia Owens

When her mother walks out, Kya is left to fend for herself – her father too drunk or disinterested to care for a young child. Kya finds her own way in her beloved marshlands. Many years later, popular Chase Andrews is found dead. Fingers start pointing at the reclusive ‘Marsh Girl’, whose shack Chase is known to have regularly visited. Can Kya receive a fair trial by the town that turned its back on her? A powerful, lyrical read that will leave you wanting more.

Girl A

By Abigail Dean

By Kate Duggan

We Need New Names

By NoViolet Bulawayo

In some ways, Darling is like any other ten-year-old – running around with her friends, chatting about pop stars and creating mischief. But Darling is living in a poverty-stricken area of Zimbabwe called Paradise. Her friends are dressed in rags, her school has been closed and there are few opportunities to break out. But when Darling gets the chance to move to the USA, it’s far from the paradise she hopes for.

King of Rabbits

By Karla Neblett

Lex Gracie is Girl A. The girl that survived the house of horrors.

The girl that escaped and freed her siblings. Now in her twenties with a successful career, Lex is tasked with executing her dead mother’s will. She wants to turn her former home into a community centre. But to do so, she’ll need her siblings’ agreement and to confront her own past.

This is far from an easy read, but it’s even harder to put down.

King of Rabbits is a story of a child brought up in a family ravaged by drug addiction, poverty and crime. The story is revealed by both five-year-old Kai and his teenage self. One is full of optimism; his main concern is whether he can become the fastest runner in his primary school. Fifteen-year-old Kai, however, is defined by a past tragedy and seems set to follow his parents’ mistakes. At times heart-breaking, at others hopeful, King of Rabbits is a stunningly wellexecuted debut novel.

Body of Stars

by Laura Maylene Walter

Careless

By Kirsty Capes

Like all the other girls she knows, Celeste was born with a pattern of birthmarks setting out her future, and with it, the future of her family. At some point, those birthmarks will become fixed and Celeste will enter a transition to adulthood. But this transition is a dangerous time. Can Celeste forge her own path, or is she bound to follow the road set out by her birthmarks? A unique, dystopian story, with relatable characters, Body of Stars is a must read for fans of A Handmaid’s Tale, Vox and The Power.

Bess is fifteen, a foster child and pregnant by an older teenager who isn’t interested in a full-time relationship. But this book is about so much more. Above all, it’s about friendship, resilience and that tricky time of being a teenager and feeling like the world is against you.

In Bess’s case, she has more obstacles to overcome than most teenagers, but she faces them with wry humour, bucketloads of grit and her best friend by her side. The author was in care herself and keen to widen the narrative around children in care. She’s succeeded.

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Plumbing

Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small!

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