Hitchin Nov 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 42 - Nov 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Host the Perfect

Bonfire Night Bash Best Tech to

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Inside this issue...

New Hitchin Community Nature Network......................29 Under Pressure...............................................................30 Beauty Bargains.............................................................33 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On in November..................................................38 Wordsearch....................................................................39 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................42 Book Review: Historical Fiction......................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Fireworks in the Borders

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A Most Magical Time........................................................4 Wine: Christmas Crackers.................................................8 Host the Perfect Bonfire Night Bash...............................12 St Ippolyts Church Nativity Crib Festival.........................14 The New Office Workwear..............................................18 Your Right to a Refund...................................................21 Protect and Survive........................................................24

Under Pressure

Fireworks in the Borders.................................................26

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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 - Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Rachael Leverton, Caroline Knight and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - ND3000 Design and Artwork - Design 9 • Tel 07762 969460

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

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

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Staycation

Gibside Tyne & Wear

A Most Magical Time It wouldn’t be the most magical time of the year without a twinkling Christmas light trail. With everything from enchanting fairy-lit tunnels to themed light shows, these after-dark illuminated experiences have boomed in popularity over recent years. Throw in some mulled wine and festive music, and Christmas light trails have everything you need to add some sparkle to your winter this year.

With so many to choose from, we’ve put together a list of the top Christmas light trails in the UK. Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh Founded all the way back in 1670, Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden’s lush landscape makes the perfect backdrop for this botany-themed trail that will be returning for the fifth year this Christmas.

Wander amongst laser lights, giant luminescent sculptures, tunnels of light, giant baubles and sparkling snowflakes. Be sure to hang around for the grand finale too; a technicolour light show cast across the garden’s Inverleith House, this spectacle is just another way Edinburgh brings this historic facade to life.

Christmas at Gibside, Tyne and Wear This spectacular light trail is what happens when lighting specialists, Ignite, partner up with one of the National Trust’s grandest Georgian estates.

These eighteenth-century gardens near Newcastle are transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland each Christmas, complete with glowing woodland mushrooms, lantern-lit trails, illuminated trees and picture-perfect tunnels filled with twinkling lights.

Don’t forget to look out for Father Christmas amidst all the action too!

Lightopia, Manchester Lighting up Heaton Park for yet another year, this award-winning annual festival of light is bringing with it fresh installations and exciting new routes this Christmas.

It’s advised to come hungry, as there’s an entire food court for your taste buds to explore. Once you’ve refuelled, an interactive music space, astronomy zone filled with space-themed installations, and synchronised light, sound and water show await.

Royal Bontanic Gardens, Edinburgh

Lightopia, Manchester

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Kew Gardens, London

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Christmas at Kew Gardens, London Arguably the most popular and established festive light trail in the South, Christmas at Kew Gardens uses its exotic plants and beautiful botanicals to give visitors a truly magical experience.

New imaginative installations are added each year to keep the trail fresh. You can expect to see everything from treetop waterfalls and neonwrapped trees to flaming sculptures and spectacular water displays – all set against the impressive backdrop that is Kew’s gigantic greenhouse.

Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire One of the National Trust’s most visited properties, Waddesdon Manor’s Victorian country house and gardens are a spectacle to see at any time of year.

Add in the immersive light and sound installations, twinkling fairy-tale tunnels and a show-stopping light display, and you’re left with an immersive experience that never fails to amaze.

To top it off, there’s even a Christmas fair that pops up each winter. Shop for presents while sipping mulled wine and nibbling mince pies.

Christmas at the Eden Project, Cornwall Cornwall’s Eden Project is nothing short of inspiring, but seeing its world-famous biomes light up the landscape at Christmas could fool you into thinking you’ve travelled to another planet entirely.

Mixing innovative light installations and live music with ice skating, a reindeer trail and Father Christmas himself, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to soak up the magic of Christmas.

The Eden Project, Cornwall

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Food & Drink

Wine: Christmas Crackers

For Christmas festivities wines always find general favour. Which wines, what with and when, need not be so complex. I selected some popular choices, that satisfy many situations and also pair with food, admirably. Not forgetting Santa (and his grown-up helpers!), when he does his rounds, a joyful sherry is always welcome!

For Christmas morning Bucks Fizz has become a regular, traditional, option, for many. A mix of two parts orange juice and one part champagne, can incorporate your favourite champagne. I like a champagne that is powerful, elegant and crisp. Bucks Fizz can also be purchased ready mixed, in bottles.

To accompany turkey, Merlot can be classed as a lighter wine option. Chilean Merlot is wonderful and Clos Apalta Casa Lapostolle is excellent. This dark-coloured production is bold and voluptuous. A great recommendation for a wine to enjoy around the Christmas table.

Goose has a stronger flavour than turkey and Pinot Noir makes a splendid accompaniment. Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough, from New Zealand, pairs well with the rich flavours of goose. The complex palate is well-balanced for this wine, which is regularly chosen as a pairing for this dish.

Cherry Brandy Liqueur, having grand notes of maraschino cherries and fresh morella, is also splendid by itself.

The Grant’s production (a favourite tipple of Queen Victoria, I am informed), makes a brilliant tasting addition to a rich and fruity Christmas punch, as well as being a fabulous pairing with Christmas pudding.

Port is a trusted favourite, for ending a meal, particularly with cheeses. A favourite of mine is Graham’s. The deep ruby-red colour entices to the dark, fruity bouquet, which furthers the enjoyment for the mouthfeel and palate, with a long finish.

We cannot forget Santa, of course! A good idea (in my opinion) is to leave a very acceptable sherry for Santa – and his grown-up helpers! Fernando de Castilla Classic Pedro Ximenez I find to be a sherry that goes on pleasing. Big on flavour and sweetness, this is very good and elegant.

I know, I know, it’s that time of year again. But, if it works, it works!

I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the drinks (if you wish to) that suit you. Merry Christmas!

As always, Enjoy!

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.

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

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

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

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

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

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Time of Year

Snap, Crackle and POP Host the Perfect Bonfire Night Bash

By Kate McCarthy

Pre Covid we hosted an annual bonfire party for friends. We’re not big on planning but we follow the four Fs – Friends, Flame, Food, Fireworks. Our little bonfire bash afforded our social group the opportunity to meet together informally to enjoy life’s simple things: food, warmth, companionship, and laughter, and we really missed it in 2020, so this year we’re planning to bring it back. If you fancy hosting your own get together I’ll share our ‘recipe for success’ here.

Let’s start with the bonfire. There is a ‘proper’ way to build a fire which affects how long it will last and the amount of heat it gives off. It’s best to arrange kindling (e.g., twigs, cardboard, and small pieces of wood) in a sort of wigwam shape over a base of tinder (e.g., paper, wood shavings or fire lighters) and then add more bulky pieces of wood and logs which ignite more slowly but burn longer. Light the fire about 20-30 minutes before the party is due to start so that it is burning merrily when your guests arrive.

Some people don’t like the idea of a Guy Fawkes, but if it appeals to you, you can hold a Guy Fawkes competition with prizes for the best or the funniest.

Our garden is small, so we don’t have room for huge effigies, so we dress up our Halloween skeleton as Guy and he gets a seat of honour at our garden table…that’s probably weird but it’s our party so you don’t get to judge!

No gathering is complete without food. November weather is traditionally cold and damp, so homemade soup, served in old mugs is always welcome.

Guests often want to contribute to the food

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table. We have no rules so this usually results in a completely random selection of goodies, though we always provide hot dogs with fried onions (is there anything on earth that can beat that smell?) and homemade parkin, mainly because parkin is easy, and I can make it when I remember.

Fireworks are a must of course. They are also expensive in large quantities so don’t be shy about asking your guests to bring along a banger or two.

Even with a substantial financial outlay, your display is unlikely to be hugely impressive, but that is absolutely not the point of a homegrown bonfire night party. It’s amazing how much enjoyment can be gleaned from the humblest box of shop-bought rockets. Invest in lots of sparklers too. Everyone loves sparklers, even adults, so be sure to have a good supply at hand, with matches to light them with and a bucket of water to extinguish them.

Always remember the firework code and stay safe at all times.

Other tips we have learned from (sometimes bitter) personal experience is to make sure that carpets are protected if people are going to be in and out of the house, especially if the ground outside is wet, and have a supply of torches on hand if your bonfire is located some distance from the back door (which to be honest it should be!)

For me, the key to hosting a successful bonfire party is similar to handling fireworks – set everything up, light the fuse, then step away and allow the magic to happen.

Happy Bonfire Night!

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Local News

St. Ippolyts Church Nativity Crib Festival 4th and 5th December, 11am to 5pm We are very much looking forward to having our wonderful Nativity Crib Festival back in the Church this Christmas.

Last year we realised very early on that our beautiful medieval church with its narrow spaces between the pews was not going to allow social distancing.

We decided to hold a Virtual Crib Festival instead so that everyone could still enjoy this amazing event, which marks the start of Christmas in St Ipployts and beyond.

We managed to conquer the complexities of scheduling on Facebook and Instagram and discovered how difficult it is to take a good photo. We posted several cribs and their “stories” a day during advent (over 80 in total) to create a wonderful on-line event that reached over 20,000 people from as far afield as India, Vietnam and New Zealand.

It will be fabulous to be back in the church this year with, hopefully, more cribs than ever to see. We had more than 200 cribs on show in 2019, each with the story behind the crib. One was a small as a walnut!

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Entry is £3, children are free and St Ippolyts Church is in Ashbrook Lane, St Ippolyts, near Hitchin, SG4 7PB. Sadly we won’t be doing refreshments or the human crib this year due to Covid restrictions. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the church.

You can see details on Facebook under Nativity Crib Festival, or on Instagram @st_ippolyts_crib_festival.

For more details contact organiser Barbara Thomas on 01462 421647 or 07443 2228468.

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House of Colour

The New Office Workwear You may be venturing into the office, you may be starting a new position or looking at what you have an what you need this season to go to work.

The office environment has had dramatic shift for obvious reasons and office workwear has been shifting to a more casual phase. This movement is not altogether new but has been speeded up in the recent year. Over history our formal wear has always given way to the casual/sports options. The fashion trends are also reflecting this move. I know though that it’s not always going to work well for us if we relinquish all elements of formality – offices of people in tracksuits and dressing gowns aren’t going to work well!

• If you love your casual wear there are some looks at the moment that elevate your casual. This trend is about looks that can be taken to the office but retain their comfort level. Hi-lo styling is the key – taking a casual piece and adding something more structured. A more structured blazer with looser fitting trousers. The key here is a more relaxed silhouette with knitwear that skims your shape. Lots of knit waistcoats, and practical detailing, quilting and elasticated fabrics are key elements you will see this season. This is particularly useful look on clothing personalities that need some texture.

• Colours that match and or tone (tonal dressing) is a great way to bring this to life. Neutrals are wonderful here, as they are the most useful colours in your wardrobe and often convey the higher levels of authority and we could still do with retaining some of that! Use one of your best neutrals and add in other tones of the same colour to create the look. This is a fabulous look on Autumns and Summers.

• Accessories can add to the formality where casual has been the focus in the clothing choices. You can add in some structure with a tote bag, useful shape too. Heels in either slingbacks or boots also add some structure to the looser silhouettes.

• Ultra-wide leg trousers paired with cable knit is a fab way to tie together this relaxed working style.

Look out for the chequerboard and jacquard design on knitwear too. You might also pair this with blanket-like shawls and scarves – an easy way to add the texture in. This is an ultra-relaxed look and not necessarily right for all office environments but a great way to smarten up from the tracksuit!

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• If texture is not your best friend then opt for sleeker look. The minimalist looks at the moment feature clean-cut asymmetric lines in both tops and skirts, cut out detailing, and refined knitwear. Look out for the cleaner lines. Straight leg trousers and jeans are key pieces here (you probably already have some…), add minimal jewellery, sleeker shapes. You might add a leather blazer here.

• If you need a prettier look opt for the fuller rounded statement sleeve tops that we have been seeing over the last few seasons which continue into this. Pair it with a pencil or midi skirt, cinching in your waist – definitely use a belt here. The bow and lace, ruffles are all still very current so take a top from your summer wardrobe with longer sleeves and see if it won’t work with skirt from your winter wardrobe? Play around and don’t confine your self necessarily to ‘winter’ and ‘summer’ wardrobes but try combining some items. Add some heeled knee high boots to a midi skirt for your autumn work look.

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-astylist

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Finance

Your Right to a Refund When you buy something and you want your money back, it’s key to know your rights. Your legal position depends not just on how you bought a product and what, if anything, is wrong with it. It also depends on how you paid for it.

Faulty, false or fake You have the legal right to a refund in three cases: the item is faulty, the item isn’t as described, or the item doesn’t do something the seller said it would. In each case you have the right to a full refund and you don’t have to accept a credit note or voucher.

There’s no time limit as such for exercising the legal refund right. However, the more time passes, the less scope you have for getting a refund when something breaks. It becomes a question of whether you should reasonably have expected it to last as long.

Changed your mind?

For goods that don’t meet first three rules return rights are dependent on the seller’s policy. They may offer a refund or a credit note, and they may impose a time limit.

If you bought something online, by mail or over the phone, you have an extra ‘distance selling’ right. With such purchases you have the right to change your mind and cancel your purchase without a reason, even if the products are not faulty.

This right has three time limits. You have 14 days after receiving the goods to tell the seller you want the refund. You then have 14 days to return the goods,

at your own expense. The seller than has 14 days to refund you.

Card cover If you use a card, the card provider may also be liable. For example, the ‘Section 75’ rule applies if you make a purchase between £100 and £30,000 and use a credit card to pay any or all of the cost. The rule applies even if you pay just £1 on the credit card and the balance by cash or debit card.

Section 75 simply means your card provider has the same legal responsibility as the seller. This can mean issuing refunds for faulty goods, but also making things right if the seller doesn’t deliver the goods at all.

Chargeback If you used a debit card or the purchase cost was less than £100, you can use an alternative claiming method called chargeback. This involves your card provider claiming the money back from the seller’s bank.

Chargeback isn’t a legal right but rather a scheme operated by most major card providers. The rules are a bit tighter than Section 75. You’ve normally got 120 days after discovering a problem to make a claim.

Another big difference is that you must have tried and failed to get a refund from the seller before you can make a chargeback claim. Unlike with Section 75, you can only get back the money you actually spent on the card, not necessarily the entire purchase price.

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Protect and Survive No…not the 1970s public information campaign exhorting us to hide under a table in case of nuclear attack. This is far more useful. It’s my public information campaign about protecting tender perennials and taking cuttings to over winter so your plants survive and even multiply. First the protection: to protect tender perennials such as Salvias and Pelargoniums, lift them and bring them into a greenhouse. If you have a heater, set it to the frost setting (around 5C). You can use bubble wrap to insulate the greenhouse for additional heat conservation. If you do this the heater will only need to kick in on extremely cold days and nights.

For tender bulbs and tubers such as dahlias, wait until the foliage has been blackened by the frost, then lift them and place in a box of sand in a dry, dark, frost-free location.

Plants like Agapanthus, which are generally happy to be left in the ground with a little protection, are best left undisturbed. Cover the top with a generous quantity of well-rotted compost or bark mulch. This can be removed from around the crown of the plant in spring and will help retain moisture throughout the spring growing season.

November is the start of the bare root planting season. Plant roses, hedging and trees, and it’s also

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a good time to move any of these plants which you think are in the wrong area of the garden. They are more likely to survive this treatment if moved at this time of year.

So, what else can we do in November?

• Ideally your spring bulbs should already be planted but if you haven’t done it yet, just put some in this month. November is actually the perfect month to plant tulip bulbs are because the less time they are in the ground the less likelihood of them developing a virus called tulip fire blight.

• Plant garlic cloves if you have an area with free draining soil.

• Dig over the vegetable plot, leaving clods to break down over winter • Rake the fallen leaves regularly from lawn areas because if you leave them they deprive the lawn of light.

• Bring in garden tools for the winter. Clean, sharpen, and oil them first.

• Keep removing weeds. It is easier to see them once garden plants have died back. November is a great time to get rid of persistent perennial weeds.

Happy Gardening

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Gardening

Fireworks in the Borders

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Seize the opportunity for planting As winter begins to wrap its chilly fingers around the garden, it’s hardly surprising that many people turn inwards and gardening activities gradually slow down or even cease. But there’s plenty of opportunity to create a visual feast that will carry you through the colder months of the year. The garden can be enjoyed from both indoors and out, and November is the perfect planting time while there is still warmth in the soil. What’s more, bare-rooted plants are often available at this time of year, making them much easier to transport – and less expensive too.

Consider planting shrubs that will give you colourful berries, trees for fiery autumn foliage, those that provide winter stem colour and structural plants that will make your garden look appealing throughout every season. Aim to have a few plants that give you something beautiful every month, so that your garden is set alight during dull days.

Be sure to invite birds into your garden too. They will love most autumn and winter berries and will also appreciate supplementary food from bird feeders. In return they’ll provide a continually changing picture to brighten up the season.

Five shrubs to provide fireworks for the season Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ looks fairly inconspicuous for most of the year, but then comes its awe-inspiring bead-like berries that are violetpurple in colour. They stay on the shrub after the leaves have dropped, when the display of pom-pom berries is as vibrant as any firework in the sky. It’s easy

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to see why this plant is known as the beautyberry.

The spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus, is a great little shrub at any time of year. But autumn is when it excels. Choose the variety E. ‘Red Cascade’ for maximum impact. The autumn leaf colour is wonderful, then the generous display of fruits needs to be seen in order to be believed. Each one is a vibrant red but when it splits open it reveals delightfully clashing colours from bright orange seeds.

Viburnum opulus, the guelder rose, is a shrub that provides interest during three seasons. There are clusters of creamy white flowers in spring, then it is smothered in hanging bunches of luscious red berries in autumn that are loved by birds. The rich red autumn foliage colour is also a sight to behold.

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to autumn leaf colour. Acers are well known for their incredible display of red, yellow and orange leaves. But it’s Amelanchier that wins the autumn show. Also known as snowy mespilus, this small tree sets the borders alight with scarlet, orange and crimson leaves.

Shrubs really do steal the show at this time of year, but not only because of their leaves and berries.

Cornus, or dogwood, has vibrant stem colour once the leaves have dropped. There are varieties with lime-green stems, some with flaming orange and red stems and others with dark purple tones. Plant en masse for maximum effect and cut the stems down each year in late winter, so that next year’s show is equally as vibrant.

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THE GARDEN ROBIN

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Tel: 01438 311699 Mob: 07788 446635 Email: info@acs-aggregates.com Shangri-La Farm, Todds Green, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2JE 28

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Local News

New Hitchin community nature network launched Concerned by the loss of wildlife across our landscape, a group of Hitchin residents has decided to take matters into their own hands. They have launched Hitchin Nature Network: an exciting new community project to restore nature to gardens and green spaces across our town.

The group are encouraging Hitchin residents to make space in their gardens for wildlife. They are providing top tips and asking people to contact them via the Hitchin Nature Network Facebook page. Here people can share the area they have set aside for nature and what wildlife they are encouraging in their gardens.

Over time the group will capture this information and track progress as the network builds across Hitchin.

That way even the smallest actions taken will add up to create a community nature reserve across our town.

Melanie Coath, co-founder of Hitchin Nature Network said: “We’re encouraging people to set aside an area of their garden for nature by planting flowers for bees and butterflies, putting up nest

boxes or letting part of their lawn grow longer for crickets and grasshoppers. My family and I have been delighted by the garden visitors we’ve had since allowing an area of our garden to become wilder” Simon Wightman, another co-founder, added: “Anyone can do something for nature no matter what the size of your garden, patio or even windowsill. All of these small actions can add up to make a big difference!”

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29

Health

Under Pressure It’s responsible for 60% of strokes and half of all heart attacks, yet because it typically has no symptoms, most people with high blood pressure have no idea they are at risk – hence why it is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. The British Heart Foundation estimates that up to 4.8 million people live with undiagnosed high blood pressure in the UK, and the only way to find out whether it affects you is by having a blood pressure check.

The good news, however, is that every NHS pharmacy in England will offer free blood pressure checks to people aged 40 and over as part of a new deal between pharmacies and the NHS. This will undoubtedly help to increase detection of undiagnosed hypertension.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a level that’s consistently at or above 140/90 and it affects one in three adults in the UK. Usually the cause is not clear but there are factors that can increase your risk of getting it, including: • Being overweight • Eating too much salt and not eating enough fruit and vegetables • Not doing enough exercise • Drinking too much alcohol or coffee • Smoking • Being a poor sleeper • Being aged 65 and over • Family history of high blood pressure or heart disease • Ethnicity – being of black African or black Caribbean descent • Living in a deprived area Speaking about the new high street pharmacy blood pressure check scheme, the charity’s director of

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policy and influencing, John Maringay, added: “This breakthrough programme will also help with the devastating burden of backlog of care left by the Covid-19 pandemic, which could see the number of people waiting for heart care and diagnosis peak at around 550,385 in January 2024, according to our latest report.

“Having your blood pressure checked by your local pharmacist is a simple and quick test that will only take about five minutes to complete. Knowing your blood pressure levels will also mean you can discuss the risks with a healthcare professional, who will signpost you to the most effective source of treatment and onward management of your condition. Prevention is always better than cure, so it’s important that you know your numbers and check your blood pressure.”

It’s also possible to diagnose hypotension or low blood pressure with a blood pressure check. A low blood pressure reading is one that’s less than 90/60.

Symptoms that might indicate your blood pressure is too low include light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, generally feeling weak, confusion and fainting.

Our blood pressure can vary depending on what time it is, as it gradually increases throughout the day. What we’re doing and how we’re feeling can also affect it. There’s a number of possible causes of low blood pressure. For example, it can be low because you’re fit and healthy or be inherited hypotension from your parents. Some people naturally develop low blood pressure as they age. In addition, being pregnant, having certain medical conditions such as diabetes and some medications can cause low blood pressure too.

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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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Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB

31 14/01/2021 13:33

If you want to love your bathroom and kitchen come to P&R.

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Contemporary or Classic Kitchens AEG Appliances Kitchens from Pro Norm and our own brand (UK made)

FULL FITTING SERVICE OR SUPPLY ONLY P & R Interiors, 9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ (You’ll find us under the multi-storey car park) Tel: 01234 352414 Email: sales@pandrinteriors.store

www.pandrinteriors.co.uk

Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm Sat 10.00am to 4.00pm 32

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Beauty

Beauty Bargains Luxe doesn’t have to mean eye-wateringly expensive.

Here’s how to find a few beauty bargains this winter…

Go for own-brand Supermarkets and fashion brands often have their own beauty ranges. Aldi’s Lacura range (www.aldi. co.uk) has a legion of loyal fans and you can pick up an eye palette for just £5.99. And H&M’s nail polishes are amongst the best I’ve tried, and an absolute bargain at just £3.99. My nails stayed chip-free for weeks.

Scour discount sites Check out stores like TK Maxx and B&M. You’ll often find heavily discounted skincare, cosmetics, electricals and toiletries from top brands. A quick search on www.tkmaxx.com uncovered a Calvin Klein perfume at 70% off, a Rodial moisturiser at 76% off and an Eve Lom gift set at 49% off.

Try something new We often stick to products we know, but it’s worth trying cheaper brands now and then. Inecto, for example, gets great reviews. All products are vegan, made in the UK and up to 98% natural. Plus, prices start at under £2. Try the Argan range for super-shiny hair. A full-size bottle of shampoo is just £1.49. Find your nearest stockist at www.inecto.com.

Consider memberships Memberships like those offered by Beauty Pie give you the chance to buy luxury products at a fraction of the price. Beauty Pie’s memberships start from £5 a month. You can then purchase products ranging from moisturisers (priced from £8.48) to fragrance (priced from £18.67). They’re created in some of the world’s top labs but are a heck of a lot cheaper than you could buy them for in store. I took out a £10-a-month plan (three-month minimum) and saved more than £150 in my first month. My favourite product so far is the Plantastic Apricot Butter

By Kate Duggan Cleansing Balm, which leaves skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated. At the time of publishing, BEAUTYPIE10 will get you an extra £10 off at www. beautypie.com.

Buy in bulk Products usually come down in price as they go up in volume. So, if you’re treating yourself to a favourite product, it usually pays to buy the biggest size you can afford. For example, a 400ml bottle of Faith in Nature’s Grapefruit & Orange Shampoo is £5.79 (£14.48 a litre), but you can get a 5 litre bottle from Amazon for £35 (£7 a litre). Don’t want to use the same product for a whole year? Look out for refill shops where you take your own container to stock up on food and toiletries, or consider sharing products (and costs) with friends and family.

Sign up for sales Sign up for Money Saving Expert’s newsletter to find out when your favourite shops’ sales start. It’s also worth checking whether you can get a discount as a reward for signing up to brands’ own newsletters.

And check sites like www.vouchercodes.co.uk before you buy anything at full price.

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33

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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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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37

What's On

WHAT'S ON IN NOVEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 NOVEMBER

Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm.

Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Meets every Monday during term time. No audition necessary.

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

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 NOVEMBER

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. Meets every Monday night.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

4 NOVEMBER

The Arts Society North Herts 11am-12.15pm.

Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘Romance and ruins’ by Sue Rollin.

Visitors welcome. Lift access.

Web: theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk

4, 11, 18 & 25 NOVEMBER

5 NOVEMBER

Coull String Quartet 8pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £20, free entry for under 27s, pre-concert dining £25, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s Enjoy an evening with the Coull String Quartet which was formed in 1974 by students at the Royal Academy of Music and still includes two founder members.

Web: https://benslowmusic.org

5, 12, 19 & 26 NOVEMBER

Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am and 11.30am-12 noon Stevenage Library Fun, half hour sessions of songs and rhymes, perfect for helping your child to learn language skills.

Booking essential.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

5, 12, 19 & 26 NOVEMBER

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

6 NOVEMBER

12 NOVEMBER

Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock With Bosun Higgs, caller Ian Nichols and Rockhopper Morris in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Book online.

Tel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 or 01582 724261 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

12 NOVEMBER

The Magic of Motown 7.30pm. Tickets £30 Celebrating 60 magical years of Motown, immerse yourself in the sound of a generation as The Magic of Motown returns to the stage!

Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk

19 NOVEMBER

Celebration of Local Authors 7.30-9.30pm.

220 Nevells Road, Letchworth.

Free entry.

Celebrating local authors across a variety of genres. Donations to The Settlement welcome.

Tel: 01462 682828 Web: www.letchworthsettlement. org.uk

20 NOVEMBER

Baby Rhyme Time 10.15-10.45am.

Hitchin Library Fun, half hour sessions of songs and rhymes, perfect for helping your child to learn language skills.

Booking essential.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Pirton Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm. Pirton Village Hall Adults £1, under 16s free if accompanied by an adult A variety of stalls selling high quality handmade crafts. Light refreshments.

Masks advised. One-way system in operation.

Email: pirtoncraft2021@gmail.com

5 NOVEMBER

6 NOVEMBER

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Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm on Zoom.

Members free, Visitors £1 ‘The History of Ickwell Bury including The Harvey Family 1680–1924’ with Felicity Brimblecombe.

Web: www.bfhs.org.uk

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Plant hunting in Vietnam’ with Andrew Luke who is the head gardener at Wrest Park. Visitors welcome – small charge.

Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

Men in Mind 2-5pm 27 Sun Street, Hitchin Informal coffee afternoon to promote men’s mental health awareness.

21 NOVEMBER

Charity Quiz 8pm The Five Bells in Henlow Village £2.50 per person In aid of Asthma UK, in memory of Carl Couzens. Teams of up to 6. Prizes for first and second plus some ‘spot prizes’. Raffle.

Tel: John Burlison 07511 631045 info/ to book Email: j.burlison@outlook.com

What's On

WHAT'S ON IN NOVEMBER 26-28 NOVEMBER

Knebworth Christmas Fair 10am-4pm Knebworth House Packed with Christmas gifts, presents for everyone and delicious festive food and drink to buy, this really is a festive event for everyone.

Web: www.knebworthchristmasfair. co.uk

27 NOVEMBER

Weston Music Society Concert 7.30pm. Holy Trinity Church Weston Tickets £20, 25 years and under £5 Rachel Podger – violin. Kristian Bezuidenhout – Fortepiano. Two of Europe’s greatest Baroque musicians will perform music by JS Bach and CPE Bach. Tel: 01462 790214 Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org. uk/

26 NOVEMBER-23 JANUARY

Aladdin Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage It’s a magic carpet ride worth waiting for! Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants some Spiderman Pants!

- can the Genie grant their wishes?

Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk

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28 NOVEMBER

Afternoon Tea 4pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Indulge in one of the finest British traditions at Benslow Music complemented with live music.

Tel: 01462 45944 Web: https://benslowmusic.org Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group Annual membership £10 per household Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and much, much more. New groups are starting all the time. Online talks every month. Non-members can try activities before joining.

Web: LALG.org.uk

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Business Profile

5 reasons to be cheerful this Winter

Winter can make life harder, but it is also a season to savour.

1. Winter is beautiful Frosty mornings, the fresh air, sparkling cobwebs, the long shadows as the sun dips… there are so many beautiful things about Winter.

Getting out for a walk and enjoying your surroundings is a great way to keep both body and mind healthy. But for some people, getting out of the house isn’t an option. Our customers often tell us that if the weather is bad, it’s difficult to get around.

If that’s the case, take a moment each day to enjoy what you can see out of the window or in your garden. Pick up a pen and draw something or write a poem about what makes Winter beautiful.

2. Birds flock to our gardens Our gardens, balconies and windowsills are perfect for attracting wildlife in search of scarce Winter food. Put out sunflower seeds, peanuts or fat balls, and don’t forget to provide some water for them too.

3. The festive season Sending cards or letters to those you love, watching Christmas films, spending time with family and friends, or simply wishing someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in the street – it all gives you a sense of warmth and hope during the Winter.

And if restrictions stay as they are, we will be able to gather on Christmas Day. One of our customers said: “My daughter and grandchildren don’t live far away. We’ll definitely get together for Christmas. I can’t wait.”

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4. Snuggling up with a hot drink and a good film or book Snuggling under a blanket with a mug of something warm and something to watch or read is a comforting thing to do at any time of year.

And in the cold winter months, keeping warm also has the added benefit of helping to stave off those winter bugs. We’re sold!

5. Without Winter there would be no Spring One of the best things about the British seasons is that as one departs, another arrives. Just think about how much we appreciate those early daffodils that appear as the weather changes in the Spring, the birth of new lambs, the longer, sunnier days. It always comes with a feeling that after the Winter, we’ve all earned it!

If you’re concerned about staying warm and well this Winter, Age UK (0800 169 65 65) has a useful guide called ‘Winter Wrapped Up’. If you need a printout of it, please call us and we’d be happy to help.

At AHM Installations we prioritise quality of life over everything. We enjoy helping people, which includes listening to the challenges our customers face at home.

One of the customers we spoke to about their concerns for this Winter has disabilities. We’re delighted that he can now enjoy a nice warm shower on a cold winter’s day because he feels so much safer with his new shower cubicle, grab bars and seat, which we recently installed.

Call our family-run team on 0800 731 6495.

AHM Installations install safe, affordable, stylish bathrooms for anyone with limited mobility.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our October Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Carol Peters, Letchworth

October’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com 41

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Nearest (7) 5 Inexpensive (5) 8 Type of cattle (7) 9 A slight fever (5) 10 Sweet, thick liquid (5) 11 Flat area of high land (7) 12 Form of dance (6) 14 In good condition (6) 17 Family member (7) 19 Trimmed (5) 22 Enclosed within (5) 23 Non-professional (7) 24 Dizzy (5) 25 Painters (7)

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

16th November 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 3D squares (5) 2 To give or volunteer (5) 3 Prototype (7) 4 Soldiers (6) 5 Bedtime drink (5) 6 Obvious (7) 7 Contaminate (7) 12 Imploring (7) 13 Highly intelligent (7) 15 Graceful (7) 16 Type of fruit (6) 18 Unclean (5) 20 Conjecture (5) 21 Risks (5)

Name:

Address:

42



Tel:

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43

MUSCLE

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

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

& 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

Your Perfect Loft Access and Storage Solution Our services include: Loft Ladders Loft Hatches Insulation Loft Boarding Loft Lighting Balustrades We are a family run business who comply to building regulations, where our fitters are fully insured and all of our work is guaranteed.

Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

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Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

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Books

Historical Fiction Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline

Foster child Molly steals a book from the local library. As retribution, she’s told to help an elderly lady clean out her loft.

While they sort through her childhood belongings, Vivian reveals the stories behind them.

As one of 250,000 destitute children sent from New York to rural states, Vivian was at the mercy of strangers, some of whom would see her as little more than free labour. A hauntingly evocative novel about a little-known practice, Orphan Train is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter’s night.

Hidden Child Louise Fein

Eleanor seems to have it all, including a devoted, successful husband – Edward – and a delightful four-year-old daughter – Mabel. But when Mabel starts having seizures, life takes a drastic turn. For Edward is a passionate advocate of the eugenics movement and is pushing for the forced sterilisation of those the movement sees as defective – people like Mabel. How far will the family go to keep their secrets hidden?

And the Mountains Echoed Khalid Hosseini

This multi-layered story starts in 1950s Afghanistan when a beloved sister, Pari, is sold into a ‘better life’. Over the years, numerous characters reveal their tales, from the girl’s brother, Abdullah, and their stepmother to a seemingly unconnected expat. While Pari forgets her past, she cannot escape the feeling that something is missing. And The Mountains Echoed reads like a series of connected short stories, all of which are beautifully written, tender and rich in detail.

All The Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr

Marie-Laure huddles in a Saint-Malo house as WWII bombs rain down around her.

Blind, alone, with just a small stone to protect her. A few streets away, a German boy – Werner – works alongside his comrades as they make a last stand against the Americans.

The lyrical writing of All The Light We Cannot See makes you want to savour every page. The characters make you want to race from one page to the next. Stunning.

Pony R. J. Palacio

The author of Wonder is back.

This time, the book is set in 1860s America. When Silas’s father is abducted by outlaws, Silas sets out to find him.

He’s accompanied by a pony belonging to one of the outlaws and his friend Mittenwool, who’s a ghost. Twists and turns abound. Part adventure, part Wild West coming of age, Pony has been marketed as a children’s book, but will no doubt be enjoyed by a wide range of readers.

A Net for Small Fishes Lucy Jago

Set in the early 1600s, A Net for Small Fishes is based on the true story of Frances Howard and Anne Turner. Here, Frances has wealth and beauty, but is married to an abusive husband and is deeply unhappy. Anne has talent and charm, but little power. The pair form an unlikely friendship. But their attempt to break away from conventions and seek some small happiness could lead to their downfall.

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By Kate Duggan 45

Plumbing

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

Please call Gary on

07530 728091 Electrician

Shire Roofing

Quality above all

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07778 634900 or email: russ@shireroofing.com 46

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

Alcoholics Anonymous....................... 0845 769 7555 Al-Anon family Groups....................... 0800 008 6811 Anglian Water.................................... 08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital................................. 01234 355122 Lister Hospital..................................... 01438 314333 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue............. 01438 729041 Carers Line......................................... 0808 808 7777 ChildLine................................................... 0800 1111 Citizens Advice................................... 0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers...................................... 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care.................... 0333 252 9152

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