Hitchin October 2018

VILLAGER The

Issue 7 - October 2018

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Seven Steps to the

Perfect Pumpkin Lantern Win two tickets to

The Festive Gift Fair Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Hitchin, Great and Little Wymondley, St Ippolyts, Charlton and surrounding areas every month

ur Yo EE FRco1 py

The Old White Horse • 1 High Street • Biggleswade • SG18 0JE Tel: 01767 314344 www.lolineinteriors.co.uk e: dave@lolineinteriors.co.uk 2

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Inside this issue...

Expansion of The Car Agents is good news for Hitchin

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The History of Specs...................................................................4 The Day of the Dead...................................................................8 Canada - Adventure on Athabasca...........................................10 Win Two Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair.....................................12 Yoga Mats - Which is the right one for you?..............................15 Bullying - What if your child is the bully?.................................16 Wines: Gems of Switzerland.....................................................19 Tips on how to wear neutrals with style...................................21 Reading Charity issues volunteer appeal..................................22 Blue Light Programme for the Emergency Services..................24 Saving options for your Children..............................................26 Seven Steps to the Perfect Pumpkin Lantern............................29 Parcels, Peculiarities and the Postal Service.............................30 Expansion of The Car Agents is good news for Hitchin..............32

Lawn Love................................................................................34 Beautiful Bulbs........................................................................37 Achieving a better work life balance........................................39 Teaching your dog to come back when called..........................43 Children’s Page.........................................................................44 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 Barmy about the British Bulldog..............................................51 What’s On.................................................................................52 Wordsearch..............................................................................57 Prize Crossword........................................................................58 No Man’s Sky............................................................................60 Fun Quiz...................................................................................60 Book Review............................................................................62

Achieving a better work life balance

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £25.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Tracey Anderson, Solange Hando, Iris Saunders, Louise Addison, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Sarah Davey, Rachael Leverton, Pippa Greenwood, Alison Runham, Nick Coffer and Kate Duggan

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

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

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

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History

The History of Specs Said to be man’s fifth most important invention, many of us see our spectacles as an indispensable dispensable. And with the array of modern designs available now, they are usually a fashion statement too. It’s a far cry from the 1930s when they were described as ‘medical appliances’.

Wearing glasses has often been associated with stigma and it wasn’t really until the 1960s and 70s – when figures in the public eye such as John Lennon, Michael Cane and Elton John turned their glasses into a signature style – that they began to be seen as potentially desirable accessories. But where did the idea of wearing lenses over your eyes to help correct your sight even begin?

Lenses have been around for a long time. The properties of optical lenses were known as far back as the ancient Greeks. The Vikings would grind

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lenses out of rock crystal, and in the 12th century in Europe, smooth-bottomed spherical magnifying lenses were called ‘reading stones’.

It is generally accepted that the first actual spectacles were made in northern Italy in the late 13th century and that they were in accepted use by the 1350s, with Italy exporting large numbers of eye glasses to the Middle and Far East. The lenses were manufactured by highly skilled ‘cristalleri’ at the famous Venetian island’s Murano glassworks, to exacting criteria.

One of the earliest (if not the earliest) artworks showing people wearing spectacles and using lenses is a series of frescoes by the Italian artist Tommaso da Modena, completed in 1352 at the Basilica san Nicolo in Treviso. They show Cardinal

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Hugh, or Hugo, of Provence wearing a pair to read with, and Cardinal Nicholas of Rouen attempting to decipher a text using a monocular lens on a handle. It is no coincidence that the order from which these cardinals came, the Dominicans, were known as the ‘carriers of the sciences’.

During this time, spectacles would not have had arms or earpieces but would have been made up of two magnifying lenses attached to a metal fame or holder that could be riveted to grip the nose (also known as pince nez or rivet spectacles). The spectacles would have acted like reading glasses, with convex lenses to correct long-sightedness only (hyperopia and age-related presbyopia).

In 1604, the well-known scientist and astronomer Johannes Kepler explained how convex and concave lenses could correct both long and shortsightedness (myopia) and, in 1629, The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers was formed in England. Their slogan was ‘a blessing to the aged’.

Although rigid rod side arms for spectacles were dreamt up as early as the beginning of the 1700s (possibly by the London optician Edward Scarlett), the innovation didn’t catch on initially, with people favouring the use of lorgnettes and scissor glasses until the late 18th century, even after optician James Ayscough improved on them by adding folding hinges.

It is polymath and US founding father Benjamin Franklin who is often credited with having invented bifocals (the forerunner to today’s varifocals) to correct both short and longsightedness in the same pair of spectacles. They were invented at some point during the mid to late 1700s and this belief is based on a letter Franklin wrote to his friend George Whatley, where he states that he is ‘happy in the invention

of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes are useful to me as ever they were.’ Although Franklin does not actually say he invented them himself, his reputation as a scientist and inventor meant that many took it to mean he did. But another theory is that he bought them on a visit to England and the true inventor remains anonymous. The debate will probably never be completely settled.

The first glasses for correcting astigmatism (where the eye is rugby ball shaped causing a blurred ‘double’ image) were invented in 1825 by a British astronomer named George Airy. By 1850, modern ‘temple’ glasses (with arms and a ‘temple’ that fits over the ears) were in use, and frame designs continued to evolve for comfort and practicality.

In the early 19th century, under the direction of optical scientist Moritz von Rohr, the lens manufacturer Zeiss came to dominate the spectacle lens field with their spherical point-focus lens known as Punktal®, and for the first time the wearer could see clearly through the whole of the lens, not just the centre of it. Zeiss was also able to move away from the limitations of what had previously been the only lens available – the round optical lens – to create spectacles in more ergonomic shapes that better fitted the wearer.

The 20th century saw a huge surge forward in spectacle technology with the introduction of polarisation, plastic frames, lightweight and photochromic lenses, specialist eyewear and, of course, contact lenses. The 1950s brought us the NHS and its now legendary NHS specs to the masses. Their iconic range of frames, typically either round wire ones or solid black plastic, is now seen as the ultimate retro chic.

By Catherine Rose

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Time of Year

The Day of the Dead Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. The two annual events differ in traditions and tone. While Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, the Day of the Dead festivities honour deceased family members.

Revellers don amazing makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. It actually takes place over two days: November 1st and 2nd - All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people.

These pre-Hispanic cultures considered death to be one part of life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit, and during Día de los Muertos they temporarily returned to Earth. Over the years these traditions blended with Christian traditions.

At the centre of the celebration is an altar, or ‘ofrenda’, built in homes and cemeteries. These are designed to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. They are loaded with offerings: water to quench thirst after the long journey, food, family photos, and a candle for each dead relative. The altars are decorated with marigolds which are scattered in a pathway to the grave-site, to guide wandering souls back to their place of rest. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the whole area.

In the 18th Century the term Calavera (which means ‘skull’) was used to describe short, humorous poems, often sarcastic tombstone epitaphs that poked fun at the living. In the early 20th century, Mexican political cartoonist and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada illustrated a calavera by drawing ‘Death’

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By Tracey Anderson

dressed in fancy French clothes. It was a social commentary about the way Mexican society copied so-called European sophistication. He captioned it, “Todos somos calaveras,” which translates as, “We are all skeletons.” He meant that underneath all our manmade finery, we are all the same. His stylised personification of Death was appropriated by the artist Diego Rivera in 1947, in his most famous piece of artwork - Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Almeda Park. He painted Death wearing a large feminine hat, and named her Catrina, slang for ‘the rich’. She was adopted as a symbol of the day of the Dead and today this elegant skull is seen everywhere during the festival, especially in the beautiful make-up and costumes worn by revellers. People of all ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and wear fancy suits and dresses.

Foods eaten included pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, which is a typical sweet bread containing anise seeds, and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough. There are also sugar skulls, in the style of the Catrina Calavera. These are part of a sugar art tradition brought by 17th-century Italian missionaries. They can be incredibly beautiful and complex. To drink there is often pulque, a sweet fermented beverage made from agave sap, the same sap from which tequila is produced.

Thanks to recognition by UNESCO and the global sharing of information, Día de los Muertos is more popular than ever—in Mexico, and increasingly abroad. It’s possible to find Day of the Dead celebrations in America and even in the UK. Last year there was festivals in London, Leeds, Bristol and Bournemouth. Look around your local area and see if anything is happening near you.

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9

Travel

Canada - Adventure on Athabasca Spreading out from the ‘Columbia’, the largest icefield in the Rockies, Athabasca is among the world’s most accessible glaciers, a popular day trip from Lake Louise, Jasper or even Banff, though this involves a longer drive. Winding along the Continental Divide, past soaring peaks, forests, waterfalls and lakes, the Icefields Parkway leads almost to the very edge, near the meeting point of the Jasper and Banff National Parks.

Up there the Discovery Centre is the first point of call with exhibits on the history and movements of the ice and the area’s natural world. It is the perfect introduction before tackling the day’s adventure but one should be prepared for changing weather and high altitude, with the glacier’s average height around 3,000 metres. There are walking trails for the brave and well-organised treats in season, led by knowledgeable and highly entertaining guides.

First on anyone’s list is the award-winning skywalk, just a five minute bus transfer from the centre.

Built into the rock, carefully integrated into the environment with near-zero footprint, it begins along a vertiginous cliff’s edge then steps out on a semi-circular look out with a glass floor, perched 280 metres above the valley. There you are, suspended between heaven and earth, the Sunwapta river meandering far below, the red craggy rocks almost within arm’s reach, the soaring birds, mighty glaciers and snow-covered peaks rising all around.

Even more exciting is the iconic ride on one of the giant Ice Explorers. The first few minutes include a steep scary descent on a stone track until you reach the edge of the Athabasca, a tongue of ice, six km long and thicker in places than the Eiffel Tower. Glacial vistas, snowy mountains etched into the sky, it’s like the end of the world, even though the Explorer can only venture so far on the crunchy surface. The ice is pure blue in places as this is the only colour it cannot absorb. Then the ‘giant’ stops, giving you ten minutes or so to walk around the safe icy section. No one ventures beyond the danger cones for untouched snow and ice are amazingly thick, dotted with hidden crevasses and water holes where lives have been lost. Sometimes a deep rumble echoes in the thin mountain air and you might spot an avalanche tumbling down the slope just ahead of you. Don’t expect to be alone on the glacier, it is highly popular, but whatever the crowds, you can switch off and commune with the natural world, so mighty and inspiring.

Visitors leaving before dusk are likely to see bears and elks close to the road, and those on the way to Jasper might enjoy the last rays of the sun on the Athabasca waterfall. Meanwhile, high above on the edge of the glacier, the lucky ones settle down in the lodge for a starlit night. Strange noises in the dark may remind them that the Athabasca is always on the move, receding by around five metres a year.

By Solange Hando

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Christmas is just around the corner More to see, try, touch, taste, enjoy and buy at The Festive Gift Fair

15-18th November 2018 NEC, Birmingham

CHRISTMAS WILL SOON BE UPON US…. and the dynamic FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, now in its 23rd fabulous year, continues to be the BEST place to start your Christmas experience and is one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK (Birmingham NEC 15-18 November 2018) As well as finding GREAT GIFTS for your loved ones, treats for yourself and all your sparkling Christmas essentials, you’re sure to have a fun-packed day!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, traditional gifts, festive food and great home decorations. With 325+ stalls all under one roof, the variety is huge, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes… and lots of Special Show Offers! There’s even a Present Creche to drop off your full bags. The festive atmosphere is always fantastic, and the great live music and Christmas entertainers are sure to get you into that Christmassy mood.

So, take the strain out of Christmas, enjoy a day out at the Festive Gift Fair and get your festive preparations off to a cracking start!

For more information and to book your advance tickets please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address by 16th October 2018 to: Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random. If you are not a lucky winner, adult tickets are priced from just £9.00. Book now by calling The Ticket Factory hotline on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk (£1.00 fulfilment fee for E-tickets and £2.50 for postal tickets - per transaction, not per ticket)

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BICKERDIKES

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Fitness

Yoga Mats

Which is the right one for you?

Yoga is hugely popular now, with classes and YouTube tutorials dedicated to making our cores stronger and our bodies more flexible.

Yoga doesn’t require a lot of equipment or space, which means it’s easy to practice between sessions on your own. But if you’re going to do this you will need a mat. There are all manner of different mats with prices ranging from £5-£100! Your choice should be based on the following: Thickness: Thickness equates to comfort, but thicker is not necessarily better. While thicker mats are more comfortable to kneel on they can make it harder to balance and your tree pose may topple.

A standard mat is 3-4mm thick. I find 5mm is a good compromise, that extra 1mm makes all the difference to comfort, yet allows me to feel the floor for good balance.

Material: This dictates the texture, stickiness, ecofriendliness, and sponginess (how much it yields to body-pressure), and how it wears over time. Most standard yoga mats are made of PVC. However newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber (avoid these if you are allergic to latex), jute, and organic cotton. Sponginess can vary widely with different blends of materials, but in general, PVC has the most “give” of any yoga mat material, while jute and cotton have the least.

Texture: The texture of your mat dictates how much traction it provides. Some people can’t tolerate certain textures so it’s as well to find one you like.

I had a jute mat once which made me feel queasy

when my skin rubbed against it. I prefer smooth bumps. My partner on the other hand loves the rough stuff and happily adopted my cast-off mat as his own!

Eco-friendliness: Practising yoga has connected me more to my body, the air I breath, the food I eat and the world in which I live. Many people who are drawn to yoga care about their environment so practicing on a yoga mat that will ultimately end up as landfill can feel wrong. Earth-friendly yoga mats are typically made from natural or recycled rubber.

They may incorporate natural materials, such as jute or organic cotton. If eco-friendliness is important to you avoid PVC mats.

Price: A basic 3-4mm plain solid-colour PVC yoga mat will be toward the low end of the price range.

From there you may pay more for patterns, logos; extra thickness; antimicrobial treatments; and textures, especially raised tactile patterns. Ecofriendly yoga mats tend to be toward the higher end of the price range.

Size and style: These are personal choices. If you’re tall you might need a longer mat. If you’re a larger build you might prefer a wider one. As for style, I rather like a complex geometric pattern in soft colours as it allows me to see at a glance whether my feet are aligned, and gives me something nice to focus on in longer holds. But you can choose your favourite colour, or one that matches your decor, or even your yoga outfit!

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By Iris Saunders

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Parenting

By Louise Addison

Bullying

What if your child is the bully?

My daughter’s teacher sounded embarrassed, “Tess is bullying another little girl,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it!” said Amy, “Tess wasn’t the bullying type!”

Her teacher explained that the girl had complained of being ostracised. This was upsetting but fairly normal behaviour among eight-year-old girls. Then her property started to go missing and was found stuffed in toilets or left outside in the rain. Finally, the teacher caught Tess red-handed cutting holes in the other girl’s coat with scissors she’d smuggled in from home!

Amy felt terrible.

“I was horrified. This is not the way she was brought up. Worse, I hadn’t got a clue how to deal with it.”

Amy told her husband, who was naturally furious with Tess, but they decided that simply going off at the deep-end might prove counter-productive.

Fortunately, Amy’s sister Sarah is a childpsychologist, so she rang her for advice.

Sarah was great. She told us that while it’s never pleasant to realise your child might be bullying others, it’s behaviour which needs to be confronted or it can escalate.

What shocked Amy and her husband most was that Tess would not initially admit she’d done wrong. She was what Sarah called ‘a controlling bully’. She was bright, pretty, good at reading social situations, charming to adults and popular with her peers. ‘Victim bullies’, the other type tend to lack self-control and fly off the handle using aggressive behaviour. ‘Controlling bullies’ like Tess often see little downside to their behaviour because adults don’t see the evidence or find it hard to believe.

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“We realised this probably started around the time her brother was born. Tess suddenly lost most of our attention and was expected to be the perfect older sister, help out and put her needs on hold much of the time. We’d kind of forgotten she was still a little girl, who needed us.”

Sarah’s solution was simple. “Admit, atone, apologise.” Tess needed to acknowledge what happened, to understand that her actions were hurtful and harmful, and to say sorry.

“In the end we sat her down and apologised for our behaviour, demonstrating that we accepted we had not behaved as well as we could. Then we asked her gently what the other girl had done to offend her so much that destroying her belongings seemed appropriate.” At that point Tess broke down. She quite liked the other girl she said, but she was angry with her and sad because every Friday the other girl’s mum collected her, and they went for tea and cake at the local cafe and talked about their day. There were other things too; this girl had great outfits for school dress-up days and brought in cakes that she and her mum had baked and iced together. “On the surface these were superficial silly things,” says Amy, “But it became clear Tess wanted more time with me. She didn’t feel she could ask so all her feelings of anger towards me were being directed towards this other poor child.”

In the end Tess made a card for the girl and apologised to her and her mother. “We replaced her coat and invited her for tea. Incredibly she accepted,” says Amy, “And they’ve become friends. I am much more aware now of how my own behaviour can affect the behaviour of my children.”

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17

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Food and Drink

Wines:

Gems of Switzerland Switzerland’s residents and visitors experience and enjoy an excellent quality of life. The country has magnificent glaciers and southern Switzerland has Mediterranean climate conditions. Many grape varieties, including indigenous, regional and international types, are grown and there is viticultural history of over 2000 years. The wines, from Swiss producers, are now recognised, globally. Valais is the largest wine region of Switzerland.

Multi award-winning Germanier wines have a history dating from 1896, when Urbain Germanier produced the first vintage at Balavaud. During the following years the wines have become renowned amongst the ‘premiers crus’ of the Valais. Jean-René Germanier has a team of specialists at each stage, in the productions of their exceptional wines. From the winegrower, through the winemaker and the cellar master, for example, plus other very talented personnel, they all work tirelessly to produce authentic wines, along with the logistics and administrations, etc. Quality is paramount and shows through with the numerous prestigious awards, received from regional, national and international competitions and events.

White wine productions include Petite Arvine and Heida Clos de la Couta, Vex, which have impressive bouquets. The mouthfeels appreciate the fullness of these wines, with fresh and excellent finishes on the palate. Wonderful with fish and seafood dishes. Red wines include Pinot Noir Balavaud, Vétroz Grand Cru and Cayas, Syrah. Expressive noses prevail and mouthfeels have a good balance, with dark fruit flavours. Perfect to accompany red meats, game and cheeses. Cornalin is powerful, elegant and rich. Popular with many connoisseurs, a superb bouquet leads, enticingly, to the splendid mouthfeel and palate sensation, which is long, with an abundance of dark fruits. Red meats, game dishes and cheeses all benefit from pairings with this wine. For a dessert wine Mitis Amigne de Vétroz Réserve will not disappoint, with its full-bodied mouthfeel and palate. The Amigne varietal is indigenous to the Valais and the wine is aged for 18 months in new oak barrels, to create the character of this exceptional production.

The winery embraces the benefits of the microclimate (warm and dry summers) and tours are arranged on request. UK stockists of Swiss wines include Hedonism and Alpine Wines.

E-mail: info@jrgermanier.ch www.jrgermanier.ch www.swissfinewine.ch

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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House of Colour

Tips on how to wear neutrals with style 1. When thinking about which neutrals suit us it all depends on our skin tone. Autumn colour palettes suit rich, warm earthy colours such as dark brown, tan, oyster, coffee, khaki, lizard grey, dark olive and marine navy, whilst Springs suit warm, clear colour choices like chocolate, beige, dove grey, bright navy, tan, honey and cream.

Winters look gorgeous in deep, cool colours such as silver, greys, charcoal, indigo, black, mole and stone. Summers suit cool, subtle neutrals such as pink beige, mushroom, rose brown, dark blue grey, light blue grey, soft navy and burgundy.

2. When it comes to shopping for neutrals, quality is the most important factor to consider. The better the quality of neutral, the more chic you will look.

3. Neutral colours can provide you with a solid base on which to build your outfit so invest in quality neutral trousers, jackets and blouses. If you want to make a statement, wear one of your wow colours against a neutral background to really make that colour pop! Think raspberry on French navy if you are a summer for example.

4. Know what whites suit your skin tones.

Generally, Springs suit creams, Autumns should choose oyster, Summers should opt for a soft white and Winters look gorgeous in pure white.

5. Many of us think that black should be worn because it is slimming, but the truth is black only suits people in the Winter palette and it will make everyone else appear tired with a dull looking complexion. Instead opt for a different dark neutral such as grey, brown or navy from your season’s palette which will make you look radiant.

6. Two neutrals are enough in one outfit, but try pairing darker neutrals that are often more authoritative with a lighter neutral, such as a dark olive jacket with a simple cream tee

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if you are an Autumn, or a pure white shirt with a charcoal skirt if you are a Winter. Enjoy experimenting a little.

Red tends to go well with all neutrals, with primary red being the only colour that suits all skin types. Black, navy, grey and whites go particularly well with red for cool skins whilst brown, beige, camel and cream set off red for warm skins. An outfit made up of neutral colours will often look incredible with a pop of red lipstick as long as it is a red that suits your skin tone. Summer palettes glow in cherry and coral red, Autumns beguile in rust or brick reds, Winters captivate in scarlet and carmine, Springs look gorgeous in geranium and poppy red.

Don’t be afraid to add statement jewellery to jazz up a more neutral outfit, making sure the scale of the jewellery suits your style.

Alternatively layer neutrals on neutrals for a fresh look. Powder pink and mushroom are an irresistible combination for a Summer.

Add a statement coat, handbag or shoes to an all neutral outfit. What could look better than someone with a Spring palette wearing a bright navy outfit with a pop of coral in their accessories?

Metallics are also considered neutrals in fashion whether that is gold, silver, copper, bronze, gunmetal, rose gold or pewter but your metallic is dependent on your season. Make sure you wear the right metals for your skin tones ie Autumns and Springs should choose warm golds whilst Winters and Summers look good in cool silvers.

By Jennie Billings Style and Colour Consultant at House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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Local News

Reading charity issues ‘Back to School’ volunteer appeal across Hertfordshire

As the new academic year gets well underway, national reading charity Beanstalk is stepping up its search for volunteers across Hertfordshire to help reach more children than ever before with its potentially lifechanging reading support programmes.

Beanstalk helps transform children’s life chances by recruiting and supporting volunteers and placing them in schools and pre-schools. These volunteers work with children to enable them to have the skills to become ready to read and prevent them from falling further behind in their language and communication skills.

In order to achieve this, Beanstalk needs members of the community who can volunteer a few hours a week to help local children become more confident readers through its range of programmes.

These programmes include Beanstalk’s 321 programme which sees trained reading helpers supporting three primary school children each for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. Through this regular, consistent support the child’s approach to learning and enjoyment of reading is transformed.

Volunteers are also needed for its Story Starters early years programme. Story Starters volunteers work one-to-one with children in a nursey or pre-school setting for two 20-minute sessions a week. All volunteers receive professional training and support to ensure that they are best able to support young children.

If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading helper or a Story Starter volunteer in Hertfordshire, please visit the website at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call Beanstalk on 0845 450 0301.

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23

Local News

Blue Light Programme

for the Emergency Services We all have mental health just as we have physical health. We know that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. But our independent research shows that the estimated quarter of a million people who work and volunteer in our emergency services are even more at risk of experiencing a mental health problem than the general population, but are less likely to get support.

In an independent survey commissioned by Mind of more than 3,500 blue light personnel, 87.5% said they had experienced stress and poor mental health while working for blue light services and almost half (44%) thought colleagues would be treated less favourably if they disclosed a mental health problem at work. Mind launched the Blue Light Programme in March 2015 with the mission of empowering emergency service employers, employees, new recruits, and volunteers to promote and support better mental health, both individually and in the workplace.

Since then, the Blue Light Programme has continued to work towards two overarching aims: 1. that blue light staff are more aware and responsive to their own and their colleagues’ mental health issues, more resilient and better able to manage their own mental health, and have improved access to information and support, and 2. that blue light employers are more aware of the importance of employee mental health, better equipped to support the mental health of their staff, and prepared to address mental health stigma and discrimination.

Mind in Mid Herts (MiMH) is an affiliated local Mind.

MiMH is an innovative and experienced provider of mental health services in Mid Hertfordshire, and have our wellbeing centres in St. Albans, Stevenage, Hertford, and Welwyn Garden City. As both individuals and as an organisation we are committed to providing high quality services for people aged 16 and over.

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Mind in Mid Herts launched the Blue Light Programme is June 2018. We provide mental health support for the emergency services (police, ambulance, fire and rescue, search and rescue, and control room) staff and volunteers who live and/ or work in Hertfordshire. The support is provided in three different ways: 1. Individual counselling which is an opportunity to talk, perhaps for the first time, about experiences (such as traumatic events), thoughts, and feelings that may be causing concern, 2. Workplace training which will give the participants awareness and understanding of mental health at work, and 3. Training and support for Champions who will run the local peer support groups.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Blue Light Programme in Hertfordshire or if you wish to refer yourself for counselling, please call us on 01727 865 070 or email us on bluelight@ mindinmidherts.org. uk. You can also find useful information and resources from Mind’s website which is mind. org.uk/bluelight.

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JCS Solicitors Family Solicitors and Mediators We are specialists in divorce and family law with over 25 years experience supporting clients during relationship breakdowns.

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Want to save for your children?

What are the options?

Putting money aside for your children is a great way to offer them a little security as they get older. You do not need to save a huge amount – even a few pounds each week adds up to a nice little nest egg over time.

You can teach younger children good money management skills by offering a little more pocket money as long as they save the extra amount. If they are old enough, get them involved in choosing a savings account and physically putting the money into it each month.

Junior ISA There are two types of ISA for children – a Cash Junior ISA, and a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA. They are available if your child is under-18 and living in the UK. The money in a Junior ISA belongs to your child and is locked away until their 18th birthday, when the account upgrades to an adult ISA. Unlike other savings accounts aimed at children, you will not have access to the money once it has been deposited.

• This tax year (2018/19) the savings limit is £4,260 for each account.

• There is no tax to pay on the interest or investment returns in a Junior ISA. Friendly Society tax-exempt plan A child tax-exempt savings plan offers a guaranteed minimum tax-free lump sum at the

end of the term from a share-based investment fund. This type of account is designed for saving over a relatively long period of time – usually 10-25 years.

• You can currently save £270 a year if you make ad hoc deposits, or £25 a month if it is on a regular basis.

• Charges vary between Friendly Societies so it is worth shopping around.

NS&I Premium Bonds Premium Bonds are an easy and very popular way to save money for a child. Instead of earning interest, each £1 bond you purchase has its own number that is entered into a prize draw each month and could win between £25 and £1 million.

You need to buy a minimum of £100 in Premium Bonds, with the maximum amount that can be held being £50,000.

• Prizes totalling more than £2million are paid out each month.

Child pension You can set up a pension fund for your child and transfer it to them when they reach the age of 18. Starting a child pension offers a little stability when they become an adult, and gives them a valuable head start in their retirement savings.

• The government tops up each contribution you make into a pension by 25% (up to a total of £2,880 in 2018/19), which considerably increases its overall value over time.

• You can still contribute more than £2,880, but it will not attract the government’s top-up.

However you decide to put money aside for your child, your attitude to risk may guide the decision as to whether to save or invest. You will also need to consider any fees and charges if you decide that investing is the preferable option. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/ childrens-savings-options www.gov.uk/junior-individual-savings-accounts www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/national-savings-andinvestment-products#toc-2

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Time of Year

Seven Steps to the Perfect Pumpkin Lantern 1. Choose a decent sized, rounded pumpkin. Fresh unblemished ones are best. Work on newspaper as pumpkin carving is messy!

2. Use a serrated blade to cut a lid. Make sure the hole is big enough so that you can scoop out the flesh inside.

3. Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the pulp and seeds. Thin the walls a little too by scraping away some of the flesh. This makes carving easier and allows more light through.

4. It’s best to draw your design in marker first. Bold shapes are easiest. For a professional finish use a paper template. You can draw your own or download one; tape it to the pumpkin then use a sharp pointed tool, like a knitting needle or nail, to poke holes around the design. when you remove the paper, the design will be left on the pumpkin.

5. A sharp, serrated knife will work best to cut out your design. Start at the centre and work outwards using short saw-like strokes for better control.

6. Rub some petroleum jelly on to the exposed parts of the pumpkin. This stops those areas turning brown.

7. If you’re using a real candle, put it in a small glass. Cut holes in the lid to allow heat and smoke to escape.

Fairy lights and battery-operated candles are the safest and best options for lighting.

Visit www.pumpkinpile.com for some great stencils and ideas.

By Sarah Davey

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Special

Parcels, Peculiarities and the Postal Service

Photo: Royal Mail Coach at The Science Museum. Credit Martinvl, Wikimedia Commons.

It’s World Post Day on 9th October, but how was our own postal service created?

Non-Humble Beginnings A royal dispatch system existed even in Edward IV’s reign, but it was Henry VIII who created the Master of the Posts role and Brian Tuke who truly founded the service.

Tuke, who became a knight and Master of the Posts in 1516, used his experience of continental postal services and his influence to create a formal postal network. In each key town he nominated, three horses were used to transport mail. Their stable was called a post, hence our mail system’s nickname.

But this service was truly Royal Mail, solely for the King and court. Common folk had to wait for Charles I to open up the King’s Posts to everyone in 1635. Cromwell’s more formal Office of Postage covered the whole Commonwealth, but once the monarchy was restored this was replaced by the General Post Office, a genuinely public service.

By this time, senders rather than recipients were paying the postage, and by 1661 letters were also being date-stamped – to mitigate complaints about delays.

Royal Mail was privatised in 2011 and the UK government sold its remaining shares in 2015, ending 499 years of public ownership.

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Privacy and Peculiarity Long before the internet, retaining privacy in communication while ensuring security was problematic.

Oliver Cromwell’s Principal Secretary of State, John Thurloe, regularly intercepted mail for intelligence purposes, but if he hadn’t, Sexby’s plot to assassinate Cromwell may never have been discovered. As for scam emails, they’re merely descendants of scam letters. In the 1870s, many US citizens received letters from someone claiming they had been given their name by a friend and offering $1,500 of ‘the best and safest’ counterfeit money for $75 of genuine cash (or a bargain $30,000 for $400).

On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, whom you might have expected to value his privacy given the times he lived in, is rumoured to have thrown his stamped letters into the street, relying on the good nature of passers-by to pick them up and post them.

Far more peculiar were the antics of Willie Reginald Bray, who was inspired to test the limits of the postal service by its own 1898 guide. Among other things, it promised to send creatures through the post, including a live bee, ‘if confined in a suitable receptacle’. Bray took a dog to the post office, which was ‘posted’ via a walk with an obliging postman, and even posted himself once. It’s also believed that in December 1899, he became the first person to send a postcard to Santa Claus Esq. Finally, while Lewis Carroll is now viewed as something of a dubious character by many, some of the advice in his letter-writing guide is still relevant today. He advised always placing a cheque or document in the envelope before you finish writing the letter, lest you forget to put it in.

Wise words indeed.

Further reading To the Letter, Simon Garfield, Canongate Letter of Note and More Letters of Note, Shaun Usher, Canongate Unbound

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Expansion of The Car Agents

is good news for Hitchin With local high streets under tremendous pressure these days it’s great to have a good news story! The Car Agents in Hitchin has bucked the trend by announcing the expansion of its Queen Street Service Centre.

The expansion of the servicing arm of the business is the latest stage in the evolution of The Car Agents, which moved from Brand Street to its current premises in 2013. Managing Director Simon Michell said: “Now, more than ever before, businesses have to keep evolving, to make sure they continue to meet customers’ changing needs.

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“A lot of people aren’t aware that behind our Queen Street showroom we actually have a large workshop with cutting-edge equipment and diagnostic technologies – and we’re adding a new building where we’ll carry out our detailing and storage business.

“Until now, we have concentrated on our core business: buying and selling Sports, Prestige and Classic Cars. But the expansion of our Queen Street Service Centre has enabled us to take the next evolutionary step by extending our servicing and maintenance offer to the local community.

“We’re now able to work on all vehicle makes and models. Under the expert eye of newly appointed Service Centre Manager Ben Fox, we provide the high level of service you’d expect from a main dealer, but without the hefty price tag. For example, we offer collection and delivery or a service loan car, and customers who prefer to wait while their vehicle is being serviced can relax on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee in our funky, retro-style Car Bar. It’s certainly very different from sitting on a plastic chair in a garage waiting room!”

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Retaining a visible high-street presence remains an absolute must for Simon. “With so many business transactions now carried out online, it would have been easy for us to opt for working out of a unit located in a sterile industrial area or a farm in the middle of nowhere. But we made a conscious decision to remain in the heart of Hitchin instead, to continue our involvement with the local community.”

Hitchin’s long-standing campaigner Keith Hoskins appreciates Simon’s investment in the local community. He said: “Cars and community are both at the heart of Simon Michell’s business. A long-time supporter of Hitchin Initiative, The Car Agents has been a presence in the town centre for many years, so it’s great to see Simon expanding the servicing side of his business to cater for all makes of vehicle.

“Simon supports Hitchin BID [Business Improvement District] too, by providing storage and maintenance for the exhibition trailer that gives local community groups a platform at Hitchin Market Place.

Simon is excited about embarking on the next stage in The Car Agents’ journey. He said: “Longterm customer relationships and community involvement are the cornerstone of our business.

I’m very excited about expanding our car servicing operations to cover all makes and models, because it will enable us to help even more people from the local area.”

PS: Our new Service Centre is now open! Enjoy main dealer facilities without the price tag, including collection & delivery or a loan car. We can keep your manufacturers warranty intact, also supply and fit tyres, carry out MOT’s and service all makes and models.

34 Queen Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 9TS Tel: 01462 441460 Email: info@thecaragents.com Web: www.thecaragents.com We are currently recruiting for a Service Technician, Service Advisor and Service Apprentice.

Please apply with a covering letter and your CV to the above address.

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Garden View

Lawn Love

There are times I threaten to astro-turf my entire garden, but then I remember the smell of freshly mown grass and how lovely it is to walk through the dew with the dogs in the morning, and I relent.

Of all garden tasks I find lawn-care the most tedious. I am not a lawn enthusiast, preferring plants. For me lawns are a necessary evil. I like sitting on them, walking on them, and they make my flowers look good, in much the way a frame enhances a picture. So, I feel I do have to give my lawn at least a little love and care.

By October lawn growth has slowed so you can raise your mowing height by at least one setting until mid-spring next year. If like mine your lawn sprouts moss the moment it rains, raise the mowing height even more so that at least 1 to 2cm of grass shows above the moss after grasscutting.

Damp grass builds up inside the mower so give the mower a good brush, scrape or hose down after every use. This necessary housekeeping prolongs the life of your mower.

After the middle of October there is no point applying weed-killer, so if you haven’t been diligent in weed control the only option will be hand-pulling them. I am rarely diligent about weed-killing, so you are in good company here!

Moss becomes more evident as the weather cools but you’re too late for raking by now. Probably best to embrace the lush greenness: moss lawns

By Rachael Leverton are all the rage in Japan anyway. On the other hand, if the weather is still warm and the ground is dry, apply moss killers, rake it out, reseed and water. You’ll thank me next year.

October is the best time for aerating the lawn. I used a fork for years until I bought a hollow-tine aerator three years ago, and now I’m a convert.

You can’t overdo it, insert them every few inches until you’re fed-up. It’s a great work-out. The hollow tines pull out little cores that look like fat worms. Leave them in place to recycle the nutrients. Aerating improves drainage and allows air, nutrients and rain to move down to the roots rather than sitting at the surface. Normally by now there has been enough rain to allow the tines to penetrate the soil making the job easier but who knows what the crazy UK weather will be doing when this article is published.

It’s best to fertilise the lawn after aerating if possible. This month is quite a good month for fertilising the lawn if you haven’t already got around to it. Not only does fertilisation give you a fantastic lawn ready for the winter but also offers some protection from the ravages of winter temperatures and diseases.

Make sure you collect fallen leaves weekly to discourage moss and disease.

I know some gardeners like to discourage leatherjackets and worm-activity but frankly I like watching starlings poke around for leather-jackets, and I like worms, they are my little garden friends, so if the odd worm cast is the price I must pay for their help then I’m happy to put up with them.

Happy Gardening

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Garden

Beautiful Bulbs

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

Why not make your house all the more special this winter with some colourful bowls of bulbs, perhaps with some gorgeous perfume too? You can buy ready-planted bowls of bulbs later in the year, but act now for a stunning display at a fraction of the price.

The best bulbs are those described as ‘prepared’, which means they will flower well, reliably and uniformly indoors. Although often pricier they are still great value, as results with standard bulbs may be unpredictable. I like to use prepared hyacinths, but I have bowls of non-prepared bulbs too.

Visit your local garden centre now and you should see a good array of bulbs for sale, plus all the other things you need. Special bulb bowls are a good buy, and are available in many colours. They’re like huge soup bowls, but in plastic or china, and have no drainage holes. You can use normal flower pots, but put a fully waterproof container or saucer beneath each pot to protect your furniture.

Bulb fibre or special compost formulated for indoor bulb planting performs better in containers without drainage, but is more expensive, and you can use standard multi-purpose compost if you wish.

Hyacinths for forcing are available in many shades, but use a single colour in any one container as there is often some variation in flowering times between the colours, and ideally you want all the flowers out simultaneously. Specially prepared crocus, paperwhite narcissus and some other daffodil types are also available. You can create a low-cost bowl with a large bag of inexpensive

dwarf narcissus, such as ‘Tete-a-Tete’. Crocuses also work well.

Fill your bowl about one third full of compost for larger bulbs to one half full for smaller bulbs.

Firm the compost gently and position the bulbs pointed end uppermost. They can be quite closely packed, but not so they touch each other or the sides of the bowl. Nestle the bulbs gently into the compost and then top up with compost so that just the noses are poking out. Water the compost lightly until moist but not waterlogged. Cover the bowls loosely with a black bin liner and put them in a cool, dark place so that the bulbs can form good root systems.

Check the bowls every week or so and apply a little more water if necessary. Bring the bowls out into the daylight once the shoots are about 2-3cm tall, which usually takes 3-5 weeks. Put them in a cool spot with plenty of natural daylight, where the shoots will continue to grow and develop a healthy green colour; they will now need a little more water.

Put your bulb bowl in a warmer room once the flower buds start to colour up. For a really smart look, cover the compost with some moss or tie a seasonal ribbon around the bowl.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items: stylish cloches, tunnels, the fantastic SpeedHoe, plant supports, raised bed kits, Easy-Tunnels, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?

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Health

Alison Runham ww.alison.runham.co.uk

Achieving A Better Work-Life Balance 1st – 5th October is National Work Life Week, an event run by the Working Families charity and focusing on how employees and employers can improve work-life balance.

The charity wants to create a society in which everyone can fully meet their work and caring responsibilities and has “real choice in balancing the interdependent demands of family, work and community at different life stages.”

However, this vision seems a long way from being realised. In research undertaken by Working Families, half of parents said their worklife balance was a source of stress and one in ten said they were ready to resign without another job to go to. It also revealed that seven out of ten parents worked at home in the evenings and at weekends, due to increasing workloads, lack of time for planning, organisational culture, and manager attitudes.

But working long hours is bad for our health.

Research published in 2015 by Public Health expert Prof Mika Kivimäki showed that people working 55 hours or more per week have a 33% higher risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of coronary heart disease than those who work a 35 to 40-hour week. While his study didn’t look at the potential reasons behind this link, experts have suggested that these increased risks are probably due to prolonged sitting, stress, less

time for exercise and less time for relaxation and healthy eating. Working long hours can mean not enough time looking after your health and wellbeing.

So, what can employees do to achieve a better work-life balance, and what can employers do to help their staff achieve it?

Employees: Think Flexibility The Working Families study showed that half of people in the UK want to work flexibly but currently, fewer than one in ten jobs advertised offer flexible working (even though it may be available in the role). Flexible working can become particularly important if you’re a parent or carer, but before you go looking for more flexible employment, be brave: approach your current employer. Discuss your requirements and possible solutions, such as more flexible working, changing work times, reducing your hours or working fully or partially from home.

You could also consider self-employment but be warned: this comes with its own downsides and doesn’t suit everyone. Finding and retaining work, selling your skills, doing your own bookkeeping and admin, taking sole responsibility for the quality and completion of projects and having nobody else to motivate you can be overwhelming and stressful – not to mention lonely. If you work by yourself from home, you

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39

also need to think about where you will work and how you will avoid distractions, including family and friends. Some are inclined to see working from home as not quite real work, failing to appreciate that you still have deadlines to meet.

• Whether you’re employed or self-employed, know when to say no and when to down tools.

• Leave work behind when your hours are finished and don’t be tempted to open those work-related emails.

• Get enough sleep. Working into the night is ultimately counter-productive as your memory, response time and concentration will all suffer. You’re also putting yourself at great risk of mental and physical health issues.

• Prioritise tasks and break them down into smaller steps so that you stay on track, avoid being overwhelmed and have a feeling of achievement.

Employers: Listen to Your Employees Some employers panic when employees ask for more flexibility, changes to working times, reduced hours or to work from home, but there’s no need to. It could be a positive change.

To become a more flexible employer: • Investigate how technology could help your employees work from home or while travelling for work. Cloud-based apps and services can allow workers to access real-time financial data, message colleagues and collaborate on projects online.

• If an employee requests a change to their working practice, listen to what they want with

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an open mind, but also express any concerns you have so that they have the chance to address them. Offer a trial period so that both of you can see how this new way of working performs in practice before making any commitment.

• Consider job-share options for both existing and new roles.

You should also consider the well-being of your employees and ensure you’re meeting your legal obligations to them.

• Do your employees get the breaks they’re entitled to in a place away from their workstation – and your queries?

• Do you signpost or offer mental and physical health services, such as counselling or lunchtime exercise activities?

• Do you ensure that the equipment they use is positioned correctly to avoid physical strain and fatigue?

• Are employees encouraged to speak up if they feel the demands placed on them are too great?

Do you encourage working smart, not working long?

Research shows that happier, healthier employees are more productive and likely to stick around and that millennials are increasingly looking for more flexible employers, so practising flexibility and caring about employee wellbeing is not just altruistic – it makes good business sense as well.

To find more, visit www.workingfamilies.org.uk.

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Puppy and Dog Training Classes various locations around Hertfordshire www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk 07774 374 686 hertsdogschool@dogstrust.org.uk @dogschoolhertfordshire

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Pets

Teaching your dog to come back when called Does your dog know how to come back when called? Most dogs love running around off the lead, but before you give your dog their ‘freedom’ it’s vital for their safety that you know they will come back when called.

The more your dog learns that they will get lots of praise and a reward whenever they come back, the more they will make the connection that you are more fun to be with than anything else. Choose a word or sound as your recall cue that you use ONLY when you want your dog to return. It should be short and sharp, like ‘come’, or a whistle. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog and the level of distractions you call them away from. You want your dog to learn that coming back to you is much more rewarding than ignoring you! Keep it fun and use a reward they really enjoy; this could be a treat they like or a game with their favourite toy.

For more ways to make life for you and your dog a walk in the park, visit Dogs Trust Dog School.

This national network of experienced trainers provides fun, educational training courses for all dog owners. Based on up-to-date scientific research, our trainers use only reward-based training methods to help you enhance the bond between you and your dog. Small classes of six dogs and two trainers mean you get the one-on-one time you need to learn effectively and most importantly, have fun!

Courses are five weeks long, with a free introductory session and are available in Harpenden, Stevenage and Letchworth Garden City. Visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk for more details and take your first step to making the most of your relationship your four-legged friend now.

Providing exceptional compassionate veterinary care for over 50 years Open 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4pm Saturday at Hitchin Laparoscopic (key-hole) surgery In-house laboratory Surgical and Medical Veterinary Certificate Holders Extensive range of nurse clinics Experienced local team Veterinary Acupuncture Puppy Parties

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Three Counties Radio

Chilli and Ginger

Baked Camembert (and three other variants) The main theme of my Weekend Kitchen programme is that food needn’t be complicated. Great flavours, fresh produce, cooked simply - that’s what it’s all about. And what could be simpler than bunging a camembert in the oven and eating it, hot and melting, with crusty French bread? This month’s recipe is actually four recipes in one - four original takes on the classic baked camembert. All created by a talented young chef, Jake Moxham, who co-owns the Oliver and Hare in Leighton Buzzard and the Axe and Compass in Heath And Reach.

My personal favourite is the chilli and ginger, just because it is so surprising, but all of these are lovely.

Ingredients (Serves 2) 250g Camembert 15g root Ginger 1 tsp chilli puree or sauce 1⁄2 fresh chilli

6. Place the camembert into a camembert baking dish (a round clay ramekin is perfect).

7. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and allow to cook for around 25-30 minutes, or until the camembert appears oozy. Leave to cool slightly and serve with lots of crusty bread.

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/ Gas Mark 4 2. Make 2 parallel cuts into the top of the camembert, approximately 4 centimetres long and 3 centimetres apart.

Variations:

3. Glaze the top of the camembert with chilli puree or chilli sauce.

Garlic and rosemary. As above with the rosemary one, but add two peeled garlic cloves into the slits as well.

4. Grate the ginger root evenly over the top of the camembert using a fine grater and allow any juice to drip onto the camembert.

5. Slice the fresh chilli into small pieces and spread evenly over the top of the camembert. For extra heat you can also insert pieces into the cuts already made.

Rosemary (the classic one). Simply insert two sprigs of rosemary into the slits and bake as above.

White wine and pear. Make the slits in the camembert. Glaze the top of the cheese generously with wine. Very thinly slice a 1/4 of a pear and place the slices on top of the cheese. Glaze with extra wine and bake as above.

Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

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STEVEN WILDMAN HIGH QUALITY CARPET CLEANING

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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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Quirky Britain

Barmy about the

British Bulldog

With some puppies costing as much as £2,500, an English Bulldog Fan Club on Facebook with 154,000 followers and merchandise that includes t-shirts, fridge magnets, cushions and Christmas cards, it’s clear that we Brits are more than a little barmy about our bulldogs.

So what’s the reason for this enduring love affair?

Over the past two hundred years our perception of this popular breed has gradually changed, as its image has transformed from feisty fighting dog to everyone’s favourite family pet.

Bulldog beginnings - Nowadays, as we laugh at funny Facebook posts of bulldogs in hats, or bulldogs splayed on couches, legs outstretched in an oddly human pose, it’s hard to grasp that the ancestors of this well-loved family pet were bred to excel in vicious blood sports.

With its stocky, muscular body shape and vice-like jaw, the bulldog breed was deemed perfect for the violent sport of bull-baiting, in particular the practice of ‘pinning the bull’, where specially trained dogs were taught to bite and hold on to the captive animal’s snout. Bulldogs were selectively bred for this bloodthirsty pastime, which was finally banned by the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835.

Throughout the 19th century the phrase ‘British bulldog spirit’ – as a watchword for unrelenting courage and bravery – became embedded in the public’s consciousness, and when the First World War broke out in the early 20th century, images of plucky bulldogs accompanied by slogans such as “They can’t muzzle me!” became a staple of wartime propaganda posters.

It was a strange co-incidence that the man at the forefront of British politics during the Second World War (as the country faced the very real possibility of a Nazi invasion) bore a striking resemblance to a bulldog, and a famous poster entitled ‘Holding the Line’ showed Winston Churchill’s head superimposed onto a bulldog’s body.

Brexit bulldogs - During the final decades of the 20th century the bulldog breed fell out of fashion, but in 1994 a string of popular TV ads featuring Churchill (aka ‘Churchie’) – a nodding-head car mascot with a cheerful “Ooooh yes!”/”Oooh no!” catchphrase – helped the bulldog reclaim its place in the nation’s hearts. And it was, perhaps, inevitable that as soon as the referendum vote was cast back in June 2016, the British Bulldog would be summoned out of its kennel to do battle once more, with pundits from both sides using the image to support their arguments.

The last word - According to a survey conducted in 2017 and 2018, one in four of us owns a dog, but despite the enduring popularity of the English Bulldog breed, it seems that it has only managed to reach number six in the nation’s poll of most popular dogs, while –Sacre Bleu! – the French Bulldog has recently been tipped to replace the Labrador as Britain’s best-loved canine pet. As our withdrawal from the EU draws ever closer, could we be preparing to swap our 250-year-old icon of British identity for something a little more … um …

European in style?

We can guess what Churchie would say: “Ooooh no!”

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n O s ’ t Wha In October

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1 October Hitchin Bridge Club 7.30pm Our Lady’s Church Hall, Nightingale Road, Hitchin Would you like to learn to play bridge? Learn a new skill, keep your mind active and make new friends.

The next beginners’ course starts 1 October.

Tel: Margaret 01462 623447 Email: mee.hitchin@ntlworld.com Web: hitchinbridgeclub.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October An Introduction to Shiatsu 10am-12 noon Walsworth Community Association, 99 Woolgrove Road, Hitchin £125. Practical 5 week workshop. Learn how to give your friends and family this traditional Japanese massage that deeply relaxes, revitalises and stimulates the body’s natural ability to re-balance and restore. Shiatsu is given on a mat on the floor through clothes (no oil used); gently pressure is applied using palms and thumbs.

Tel: Doe Warnes 07981 115418 Email: doe.warnes@gmail.com 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Staplers Country Dance Club 8-10pm St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin Staplers is a social folk dance club. If you don’t know what that means come along one Monday evening and meet us. It’s easy to start as all the dances are walked through first then called and you don’t need to come with a partner; lots of us come on our own. We are a friendly group and you will be made very welcome. Car parking is available next to the hall. We meet every Monday apart from Bank Holidays and the school summer holidays.

Tel. 01462 895567 or 01462 624144 Web: www.staplers.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays.

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

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2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October Stevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, Old Stevenage To play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. A wide level of ability play at the club. Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434 3 October North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Non-members £2 on the door. Talk on ‘Hitchin beneath your feet’ by Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews, renowned archaeologist and Heritage Access Officer at North Herts Museum. Non-members welcome.

Membership of the National Trust not necessary. Tea and coffee served during the evening. Second-hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting. Email: colettehouse@gmail.com Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 4 October T.Rextasy 8pm Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Tickets £25. Accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T. Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T. Rex and Bolan’s catalogue management, T.Rextasy have been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’. They have been performing all over the world for more than 25 years, a career that ironically out-lives Marc’s very own T. Rex. Tel: 01438 363200 Website: www.gordon-craig.co.uk/t-rextasy-i1932 4, 11, 18 & 25 October The Hitchin Thursday Club 9.30am-12 noon St John’s Community Hall, Hitchin A friendly group which meets every Thursday morning for recreational painting, drawing, etc..

The group is very easy going in its attitude to art – only doing your own thing. Still Life and raffle every month. No qualifications required – just come along with your drawing gear and you’ll receive a very warm welcome. Tel: Pauline 01767 315553 4, 11, 18 & 25 October Roundabouters Country Dance Club 8-10pm Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage Friendly club for English country dancing. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced. All dances walked through; club and guest callers ensure a varied programme.

Tel: 01438 727 239 Email: roundabouters@live.co.uk Web: www.roundabouters.org.uk

4, 11, 18 & 25 October Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin We are a small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 5 October Charity Quiz Night 7pm for 8pm start The Broadhall Suite, Stevenage FC £10 per person. Teams of 6-8 people. Choice of meal included. Bring along your pen, brain and change for raffle and games with lots of prizes to be won.

Organised by Wrights of Stevenage in aid of Willow Foundation, special days for seriously ill 16-40 year olds. To book your team place contact Natalie or pop into Wrights, 19 Market Place, Stevenage.

Tel: Natalie 01438 312312 Email: natalie.lane@wrightsof.com 5 October Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group RSPB 7.30pm Members free, Visitors £3 The Settlement, Nevells Road, Letchworth ‘Prickly but Sweet and Ratty Too!’ with Paul Wyer.

Paul works for the Wildlife Trust BCN and has a passion for hogs! His talk includes basic hedgehog and water vole ecology, with information on how we can help these endearing but declining small mammals. Tel: 01763 249459 Email: martinrjspc@hotmail.com Web: rspb.org.uk/groups/hitchinandletchworth 5, 12, 19 & 26 October Springfield House Friday Bridge Club 1.30pm Springfield House (the home of the Old Stevenage Community Centre) To play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517 6 & 7 October 19th Ashwell Book Weekend Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm St. Mary’s Church, Ashwell Adults £1, Children under 16 free Come and browse and buy from the hundreds of books for sale at bargain prices. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes available.

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n O s ’ t Wha In October

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com

8-13 October Libraries Week A national initiative to promote all libraries. Visit the website for all the events happening near you.

Web: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

are available on the door but advance purchase is recommended.

Email: enquiries@unicornceilidhs.org.uk Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/unicorn-ceilidhs

9 & 23 October Hitchin & District Probus Club 12 noon for 1pm Priory Hotel, Hitchin Social club for retired and semi-retired professional and business-men which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. 23 October is the AGM. Organised visits and events throughout the year. New members welcomed.

Tel: Roger Burt 01438 351891 Email: roger@mazda20.plus.com

16 October Restart a Heart 12-8pm DJB Training, Hitchin Priory, Tilehouse Street, Hitchin Free admission - donations requested Join our qualified trainers for an afternoon of presentation and practice. Leave with a certificate and the practical skills to help save a life. All ages welcome. No booking required, just turn up.

Tel: 01462 438888 Web: www.djbtraning.co.uk

11 October Awesome Nature - Yellowstone Park 7pm for 7.30pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Tickets £5. Joy Hall’s illustrated talk brings you the grandeur of America’s most iconic National Park.

Web: https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Tickets: https://bsmevents.yapsody.com//event/ index/194466?ref=directory_search

16 October Stevenage RSPB Local Group 7.30pm The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage RSPB Members £3, Non-members £3.50, Under 16s 50p. Chris Ward presents a talk about Northumberland and the Farne Islands, which may even stray into Yorkshire.

11 October Stevenage Plus Social Group New Member’s Night 8.15pm Stevenage Plus Social Group is a fun and friendly social group with members in their 30s and 40s from Stevenage, North Herts and surrounding areas. We have a varied programme of events on Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as day trips and weekends away. New members are always welcome. You can join us on any Thursday at 8.15pm to find out more about us or come along to the special New Member’s Night.

Tel: 01438 231550 Web www.stevenageplus.co.uk 12 October Unicorn Ceilidh 7.30-11pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Adults £10, Concessions and family tickets available. Unicorn Ceilidh with Melobo and caller Jane Bird. Kerry’s Cloggers play the interval slot.

Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Clear instructions from the caller before and during each dance allow anyone to join in and enjoy the dancing. Our combination of the finest live bands, top callers and a bar serving local Real Ale and Cider plus wine and soft drinks guarantee an excellent, fun-filled evening for all. Tickets

17 October Jackson Live in Concert 7.30pm Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Tickets: £26.50 J is one of the most experienced, dedicated and well-respected Michael Jackson Tribute artists in the world today, and he perfectly captures the electrifying energy of Michael’s live performances with 100% Live Vocals. He’s got the look, the moonwalk and the voice.

Tel: 01438 363200 Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk/ jackson-live-in-concert-i1933 20 October Weston Music Society Concert 7.30pm Weston Parish Church, SG4 7DJ Tickets £16. Andrey Lebedev & Iosif Purits - Guitar and Accordion. Bach, Vivaldi, Rodrigo and surprises! Last Autumn concerts is 17 November.

Tel: 01462 790214 Email: felicitylowe@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk 25 October Stevenage RSPB Local Group Morning Walk 9.30am Stanstead Innings, SG12 8HL A morning walk round this area of lakes, scrub and meadows, on the edge of Stanstead Abbots.

Meet in the car park at 9.30am. OS Map Ref: 166/ TL386115.

Tel: Leader Graham Beevor 01438 23205

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30 October Dancing For Fun 10am-12 noon British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults free, Children £3 inc. light refreshments Come and enjoy Maypole Dancing & English Country Dancing for children aged 6+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Numbers are limited, so please book in advance. The museum is not open outside of the stated activity session times on these days. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 31 October Rats, Bats and Cats Halloween Fun Day 10am-12pm & 1-3pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults free, Children £5 inc. drink & biscuit Activities are aimed at children aged 4-11 years old.

Accompanying children 3 and under are welcome.

All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Adults free. Booking is recommended.

The museum is not open outside of the stated activity session times on these days . Tel: 01462 420144 Web: https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 2 November Vintage Coffee Morning 10-11.30am Aston Village Hall, Near Stevenage, SG2 7ED Admission £3. Aston Cake Committee holds these events twice a year to raise money for charity.

Admission charge includes a huge choice of homemade cakes, unlimited tea and ‘proper’ coffee.

There is a mega raffle with a star prize luxury hamper and several craft stalls. In aid of PoHwer, a charity providing advocacy services for the disabled or disadvantaged. Why not also enjoy a lovely country walk along one of our many local footpaths or simply gaze at our beautiful views of the Beane Valley? Tel: Margie 01438 880248 7 November North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Non-members £2 on the door David Saunders will talk about his bike ride from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. Non-members welcome. Membership of the National Trust not necessary. Tea and coffee served during the evening.

Second-hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting.

Tel: Secretary Mrs Colette House 01462 815585 or 07831 111062 Email: colettehouse@gmail.com

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BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks fixed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog flaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 54

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Food & Drink

Chocolush Kalhua Espresso Martini

Vanillalicious Fudge Whip up this delicious, crumbly fudge using Shaken Udder milkshake. A perfect gift or treat!

Prepare: 15 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Ingredients Butter, for greasing 300ml Shaken Udder Vanillalicious milkshake 350g caster sugar 100g unsalted butter

This chocolatey take on an espresso Martini is so delicious you’ll want more than one!

Method 1. Grease an 18cm square cake tin with butter.

2. Put the Shaken Udder milkshake, sugar and butter in a heavy-based saucepan. Heat slowly, stirring all the time, until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted.

3. Bring to the boil and boil for 15-20 minutes, stirring all the time.

4. When the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (115°C on a sugar thermometer), remove from the heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes.

5. Beat the mixture with a spoon for a few minutes until it starts to thicken and the gloss disappears.

6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared tin and leave it to set at room temperature.

Ingredients 100ml Shaken Udder Chocolush milkshake 25ml Kalhua coffee liqueur 25ml Vodka 25ml espresso shot Ice Single Cream Chocolate, for dusting Method 1. In a cocktail shaker add all the liquid ingredients along with some ice.

2. Shake well to mix.

3. Pour into a martini glass and swirl with single cream and a dusting of chocolate.

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Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

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

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

Call Nigel on: 01462 506076 / 07941295883 Email: nigelrooney@hotmail.co.uk

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130 Cambridge Road, Hitchin, Herts SG4 0JN 01462 455772 or 07748 788369 Servicng and repair paul@totalsoftwater.com service also available www.totalsoftwater.com Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

September’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Miss C Swepstone from Buckden Winner of the Southlake Aqua Park Competition Holly Webb from Letchworth

Winner of the Cambridge Youth Ballet Competition Maxine Hendry from Wilstead

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

£25

Across 7 Moscow’s country (6) 8 Clears throat (6) 9 Continent (4) 10 Extra (8) 11 Picture houses (7) 13 Head organ (5) 15 Wooden barrier (5) 17 Go backwards (7) 20 Fell (8) 21 Limit, boundary (4) 23 Event, incident (6) 24 Idea (6)

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



16th October 2018 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1 Pet name for cat (4) 2 Property, manor (6) 3 Yellow fruits (7) 4 Corrosive liquids (5) 5 Six-string (6) 6 Explanations, hypotheses (8) 12 Recognize (8) 14 Title (7) 16 Fighting (6) 18 Occurrences (6) 19 Warn (5) 22 Enlarge, develop (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

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“Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless”

Extensions, Refurbishments, Loft and Garage Conversions, Landscaping and General Building Internal and external work with many local references View our testimonials at www.hertfordshirebuilders.co.uk

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Refurbishments

Architect drawings and planning applications catered for Estimates and ideas FREE

www.hertfordshirebuilders.co.uk Call Richard on 07818 061505 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Gaming

No Man’s Sky This game was originally released in 2016. Much to the dismay of the players it felt unfinished and did not deliver on the developers’ promises. With the ‘Next’ update everything has changed, all for the better.

This game is huge. It will take you 500 billion years to explore it all as most of its content is procedurally generated.

There isn’t a story as such, its more a voyage of discovery about the meaning of and the birth of life. It’s like Interstellar meets Bargain Hunt. You start on a planet next to a crashed drop pod and you go from there. The game does a decent job of guiding you through the means to survive then as you learn the basics you’ll know what is needed to progress.

However don’t expect to be shooting aliens all the time, it’s just not the point.

It’s a beautiful game with stunning cosmic backgrounds, beautiful landscapes and lush vegetation. You can build bases and farms, sell starships, command gigantic space fleets and send them on missions.

Explore the cosmos, destroy pirates, trade on markets. What you do is up to you.

The inventory system is cumbersome, but you’ll soon learn the ingredients needed to create items that will improve your game overall.

No Man’s Sky is spectacular, and it is improving all the time. Relax and discover space on a scale like never before.

Fun Quiz - Fruit and Veg 1. What fruit is the main ingredient of the dip guacamole?

2. À la crécy is a French cooking term that refers to a dish that is cooked with or served with which vegetable?

3. What commonly used two-word phrase originated in one of Aesop’s fables about a fox who couldn’t reach some fruit, so decided that the fruit was probably not ripe anyway?

4. What vegetable has a name that means “eat all” in French?

5. The phrase “forbidden fruit” originates in the Bible when Adam and Eve eat fruit despite God having commanded them not to. Which of Adam and Eve was the first to eat the fruit?

6. In an Indian restaurant, what is the main vegetable ingredient in a saag dish?

7. According to its packaging, the standard flavouring of the soft drink Lilt combines which two fruits?

8. What variety of lettuce is named after the Greek island where it originated?

9. Which 1967 hit single by Donovan was rumoured to be about the mistaken belief that someone could get high from smoking dried banana skins?

10. The vegetable the swede originated as a cross between which two other vegetables?

1. Avocado 2. Carrots 3. Sour Grapes 4. Mangetout 5. Eve 6. Spinach 7. Pineapple and Grapefruit 8. Cos (named after Kos) 9. Mellow Yellow 10. The turnip and the cabbage

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BICKERDIKES

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Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan Twisted Fairy Tales

If you like your fairy tales more Brothers Grimm than Disney, you’re in for a treat with this lot…

Removals

MUSCLE & MOTOR

Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: muscleandmotor@gmail.com www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

Nightjar

by Paul Jameson

‘Nightjar’ is the first novel of local author Paul Jameson, and it’s been described as ‘a fairy tale for grownups’. Set in the countryside around Sandy and Everton, two boys escape the strict boundaries of a feudal future to explore an old Roman Way. There they meet with Nightjar, a strange being who introduces them to the magick of Man and Nature.

As a search hurries to find the boys, adventure beckons. Only Nightjar is not all he seems...

Roofing

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel

by Louise Murphy

In Nazi-occupied Poland, two Jewish children take on new identities – Hansel and Gretel.

Pursued by soldiers, the children’s father and stepmother urge the children to seek safety in the forest while they try to draw the danger away. Deep in the woods lives an old woman who may be the children’s only hope. A harrowing read, but a memorable one.

Grimm Tales for Old and Young

by Philip Pullman

Pullman has reworked 50 of the Grimm brothers’ tales. He’s kept most of the content the same, but updated the language and ‘tidied them up’. The collection includes well-known tales, such as Rapunzel, Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin, along with lesser-known stories such as Hans-MyHedgehog and The Musicians of Bremen.

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

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

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