VILLAGER The
Issue 29 - October 2020
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
In this issue Coping with
Arthritis Is Halloween
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Inside this issue... The History of Whisky
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Beautiful Berberis..................................................24 Is Halloween Cancelled?.........................................26 Wordsearch............................................................26 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal......................................28 Inspiring Kindness..................................................31 Bedrooms on a Budget...........................................33 An Arcade in your Pocket........................................34 Puzzle Page............................................................36 Villager Prize Crossword.........................................42 Book Review..........................................................44
Beautiful Berberis The Angels’ Share - The History of Whisky................4 Andorra....................................................................8 Coping with Arthritis..............................................10 Sleep - Quantity versus Quality..............................12 Dine in Style: Sam’s Riverside.................................15 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.................................16 The Art of Self-Care................................................19 A New Trend.... Going into the Office?....................20 The Money Pandemic.............................................23
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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, Solange Hando, Maggie McKeown, Trevor Langley, Nick Coffer, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, John Lister, Rachael Leverton, Sarah Davey, RSPCA and Bob Grant
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History
By Catherine Rose
The Angels’ Share A History of Whisky Whisky (or whiskey) is the tipple of connoisseurs. It is made from fermented grain mash distilled in either copper or Coffey (patent) stills, depending on the type of whisky being produced. Barley is normally used, although rye, wheat, and corn (the base of American bourbon) are also suitable. The grains can be malted for flavour by steeping them until they start to germinate and then drying them. This not only locks in enzymes helpful to the fermentation process but also brings out the grain sugar known as maltose, which gives malt whisky its characteristic caramel taste. After distilling, whisky is then traditionally aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years. The word whisky comes from the Gaelic for ‘water’ – uisce (Irish) or uisge (Scottish) (pronounced oosh keh). Short for ‘water of life’, this term originated from the Latin for alcohol – aqua vitae. But is it whisky or whiskey? Technically, both are correct. Whiskey is the spelling used by the Irish whereas in Scotland it is Scotch whisky, or simply Scotch – a term popular in the United States. There are three different types of whisky: malt whisky (which can be single or blended), grain
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whisky and blended whisky. The champagne of whiskies – single malt – comes from one distillery, while a blended malt will be the product of more than one. Grain whiskies are made using grains that have not been malted, while blended whiskies can be a mix of grain whiskies or of grain and malt. Blended whiskies tend to be the least expensive (and the brands you would probably use for a whisky mac). The earliest evidence of whisky distillation can be found in ancient Mesopotamia, where it was used not as a drink but as a base for making perfumes. There is subsequent evidence that the ancient Celts distilled whisky as a beverage. Northern Europe did not have the climate to grow grapes, so people who lived in these colder areas had to use more readily available sources to make alcohol. By the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Christian monks in Ireland and Scotland were distilling whisky, which they used as a health tonic. The first written record of whisky making was in 1494 when Friar John Cor “received eight bolls of malt to make aqua vitae”. This would have been enough to make around 1,500 bottles. During this time, whisky was not being left to age in casks as its primary use was as medicine, so it had not yet been discovered that ageing improved the flavour.
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With the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII in 1541, banished monks set up their own distilleries which increased whisky’s consumption and popularity. The oldest surviving distillery is in Ireland - Old Bushmills Distillery - founded in 1608. Whisky became Scotland’s national drink after King James IV of Scotland was said to have visited Islay in 1493 to see distilling there. He popularised whisky drinking, and when Scotland was made a part of Great Britain in 1707 it quickly became synonymous with the alcoholic beverage. Whisky has also been at the heart of conflict. In 1725 England introduced a higher tax on malt, along with legislation that dictated the minimum size for a still. The Scots saw this as a direct attack on their heritage, which consisted mainly of cottage distilleries. There were bloody riots and as a consequence, it is estimated that nearly half of the whisky production across Scotland went underground after people refused to pay the tax. Across the North Channel, the old Irish ballad Whiskey in the Jar (made famous by Thin Lizzy in the 1970s) was originally about Irish Highwayman Patrick Fleming, who was hanged in 1650. Although a violent criminal, he became a folk hero for robbing and killing the English gentry after Oliver Cromwell’s invasion of Ireland. In 1823 the British Government was petitioned to
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make whisky production both profitable and legal, so The Excise Act was passed and whisky smuggling, which had been rife for around 150 years, died out. The whisky market took off. Up until then, whisky had continued to be drunk fresh from the still, but now, thanks to increased storage and overseas shipping, it was discovered that whisky tasted better when left longer in the barrel. Seven years after The Excise Act was passed, Aenas Coffey invented a process to make blended whisky in higher volumes. This lighter drink proved so popular that widespread consumption grew. Along with the Coffey still came the art of the whisky blender – Johnnie Walker, a grocer from Kilmarnock, being one of the first. Today whisky has never been more popular. There are over a hundred working distilleries in Scotland. Stills on the Scottish island of Islay still use water from the peat-rich streams there to make their distinctive-tasting malt whiskies. And after a decline in Ireland there has been a recent resurgence in whisky making, with twenty-five distilleries operating in 2019 and a further twentyfour planned. And for those of you who don’t already know, ‘the angels’ share’ is the evocative term given to the amount of whisky lost through evaporation during distillation.
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Travel
By Solange Hando
Andorra Enclosed by the Pyrenees in a narrow valley between France and Spain, the principality of Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe at just 15 by 18 miles. On the right bank of the Gran Valira, at over 3,000 feet, Andora la Vella is the highest capital, its tall buildings making the most of limited space. But beyond the duty-free shops of Escaldes, mountains and valleys spread across the land, so peaceful and unspoiled, it is nature at its best. Imagine seventy-two peaks in this mini-country, dozens of lakes glistening blue, rivers and wetlands and, for those in the know, fabulous ski slopes in winter and in the bright summer sun wonderful trails rambling from Mediterranean to Alpine zones. Family walks or challenging hikes, this is a well-kept secret, and with so much to explore in summer the only problem is knowing where to start. Rambling, climbing, horse riding, canyoning, fishing, the scenery unfolds all along the trails, catering for different abilities and sometimes joining the long-distance footpaths dotted with mountain shelters. In the south-east, close to the capital, MadriuPerafita-Claror is the country’s second most important river basin and a UNESCO site listed for its cultural landscape. Rising up to 9,530 feet at Portelleta Peak, the park stretches over seven miles and, with no traffic allowed, boasts 70% of Andorra’s 1,500 species of fauna and flora, including rare and endangered specimens. It’s sheer
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delight for nature lovers: here a lonely mountain goat perched on a rock, there a family of boars scrounging in the shadows, marmots twittering in the sun, bearded vultures gliding overhead or a tiny goldcrest, ‘King of the Birds’ in local folklore. There’s a wealth of medicinal plants, mushrooms, flowers, trees and shrubs, thriving in their own microclimates according to altitude and soil, on sunny slopes or in the shade. Among the many trails is the ‘Mountain Path’ climbing up the Madriu valley, ‘the Mother River’, towards the distant peaks tackled by mountaineers. But even a morning trek from the capital is full of rewards, though steep in places. First there are fabulous views of the town far below, framed by peaks draped in eternal snow, then beyond the old bridge and foaming rapids is a nostalgic mule trail winding its way up through stones and rocks, as it has done for hundreds of years. At over 5,300 feet, the forlorn settlement of Ramio nestles among pastures and fields dotted with remnants of dry stone walls and huts. Lizards bask on the stones, butterflies flutter here and there then all is quiet until a thunderous roar sends shivers down your spine, the Madriu crashing through fallen branches and trees. But further up, beyond the conifers, the landslides and barren ridges, the valley opens out and the Fontverd refuge greets trekkers with flower meadows, rivulets and pools plus the young Madriu where they can dip their feet in freezing water. At 6,151 feet, it feels like a dream.
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Health
Coping with Arthritis Put simply, arthritis means inflammation of the joints and can be due to numerous causes. Although it is thought of as a disease of the elderly, it can affect people of all ages, even children. There are more than a hundred different types and over 10,000 people in the UK live with the disease. Arthritic symptoms can be very debilitating, with joint pain, stiffness, loss of movement, swelling and bone deformity. Two of the commonest are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the knees, hips, spine, and fingers. It occurs when cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the joints wears away or becomes damaged through illness or injury. It can also have a hereditary factor. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its synovium – the soft tissue around joints that produces lubricating synovial fluid. Over time, this damages the joint. It can also lead to systemic symptoms such as generalised fatigue, loss of appetite and even anaemia.
By Catherine Rose
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Sadly, arthritis is not curable but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms. The first step is to go and see your GP, who can check your joint condition and range of movement and refer you to a specialist for assessment. Treatments for arthritis aim to reduce pain and swelling and to help with movement. They can include medication, physiotherapy, walking aids, steroid injections into the joint, or in severe cases, joint replacement. Targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joint will help alleviate pressure and reduce pain. A relatively new and effective treatment for osteoarthritis is AposTherapy®, which works to realign your joints and improve your gait or walking pattern through the daily wearing of special customised footwear. Treatment can take several years but results over time have shown greatly decreased levels of pain in patients. Applying heat pads or ice packs can also help temporarily relieve pain and/or swelling. The most important thing is to keep the joint moving as much as possible. Although your instinct may be to rest, this will be detrimental in the long term. Your doctor may recommend you for surgery – usually a hip or knee replacement. Currently knee replacements do not last as long as hip replacements, so consultants are not as willing to carry them out on younger people. Losing weight will help as it reduces pressure on the joints. You may find that certain foods exacerbate your arthritis, so choosing a diet rich in antioxidants can be beneficial. Avoiding fatty, processed and sugary foods can make a difference. There are also supplements available over the counter that reduce inflammation and support joint health, such as curcumin and glucosamine. It is now believed that some people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are sensitive to gluten, so cutting this out of your diet may be worth trying. Living with arthritis is not always easy, but do not despair as there is help available.
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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that the sooner we see the back of 2020 and this dreadful corona virus the better. That said, there are also some heart warming positives that we can take out of this situation. 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 again”.
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Health
Sleep
Should we worry about
quantity or quality?
During Lockdown, my sleep suffered. Like everyone else my anxiety levels rocketed, and I tossed and turned for hours. I dug out my Fitbit which I hadn’t worn since the start of Lockdown and began tracking my sleep again. I realised that my sleep score which had previously been 87-92 (good-excellent), was now languishing around 6164 (bottom end of fair) occasionally dipping into the 50s (poor). No wonder I felt tired and tearful. Something needed to change. To optimise sleep health, we need to balance how long we sleep with how well we sleep. For years, researchers recommended eight hours of sleep each night as optimal. Now professionals consider sleep quality to be of equal importance in reaping all the benefits of sleep. In fact, sleep quality is probably a better indicator of overall mental health, mood, and energy levels than sleep quantity. Prior to lockdown I’d been a 10:30pm-6am sleeper, Occasionally 11pm-6:30am. Although that was 30 minutes shy of the perfect 8 hours I always woke just before my alarm, feeling rested. During Lockdown bedtimes had become later and later, and although I was ‘sleeping’ for longer, and not setting the alarm, my sleep was clearly not of the quality I was used to. Fitness trackers like the Fitbit monitor the quality of our sleep by looking at how much time we spend in the various stages. We cycle through the various stages each night and we each have a unique cycle. During light sleep our body unwinds and relaxes. This is always the first stage of sleep
and we spend most of our time asleep in it. It’s important to our mental and physical health that we get enough light sleep. Deep sleep typically occurs within the first few hours of sleep. Our breathing is slower, our muscles relax fully and we’re harder to wake during this stage. Typically, we spend about 13% of our night in deep sleep, and this is when our body repairs itself. Deep sleep aids learning, memory, and it supports our immune system. Finally, REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is when we dream. Our heart rate increases, and our breathing becomes more irregular. We also experience a form of paralysis (so we don’t start acting out our dreams!). REM sleep is important for mood regulation, learning and memory. It’s when our brains process and consolidate our experiences from the day. A regular bedtime is an important factor in sleep quality. Avoiding stimulants like the blue light from electronic devices, or the caffeine in coffee are also a factor, as is making sure we have enough gentle exercise during the day. I decided to take an hour-long walk every day and moved my bedtime back to 10:30pm. I avoided checking my phone for 30 minutes before bed and didn’t drink coffee after 7pm. I noticed improvements almost immediately and within a week my sleep had more-or-less reset to normal. Within a fortnight my sleep score was back up in the 80s and hasn’t dropped since. If you’re feeling stressed and tired or are struggling with a low mood its worth looking at both the quality and quantity of your sleep.
By Maggie McKeown
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Food & Drink
Dine in Style: Sam’s Riverside Hammersmith is located in west London. Kensington borders the district to the east and Chiswick to the west. Shepherd’s Bush is found to the north and Fulham to the south of Hammersmith. The original definition of Hammersmith was a place with a hammer smithy or forge. Architecture and culture feature as further attractions to this area. The world-famous Hammersmith Apollo Concert Hall and Theatre, plus other entertainment venues, attract many visitors, too.
Sam’s Riverside is Sam Harrison’s restaurant and is located by the River Thames, adjacent to the Riverside Studios and close to Hammersmith Bridge. Opened 2019, Sam’s Riverside has attracted much interest (and recommendations) since commencement. Whether pre theatre, lunch, dinner (maybe romantic) or the ever- popular Sunday Lunch event is of interest, Sam’s Riverside certainly does not disappoint in any way – ambience, cuisine, food, drinks, service and the genuine, warm welcome from Arianna. Starters offer oysters and seafood, including salmon and crab, plus other favourites of beef tartare, quail egg and game terrine. My selection of Roast Butternut Squash, Goat’s Curd, Spinach and Pumpkin Seeds arrived perfectly cooked and presented. Certainly a good indication of the qualities that were to follow. Main courses have fish options, plus pork, steak, partridge, duck and more. I opted for Brick Chicken, Black Cabbage, plus Poor Man’s Parmesan, with selected sides of brussels sprouts, nutmeg brown butter and creamed spinach. This proved to be an excellent choice, being succulent, tender and very flavoursome. The complementing flavours were ‘exceptional’ – not a word I use lightly. Desserts list indulgent delectations, including Queen of Puddings and Rum Baba. Chilled Chocolate Pudding, Milk Ice Cream, Honeycomb, absolutely ‘hits the spot’ and, with the flavours coming through, brings the dining experience towards a (reluctant) close. The wines and drinks offer beverages from worldwide origins, with something for everyone. The wines showcase countries, regions and varietals that are most excellent and very popular, be it a red, white, sparkling, fortified or other. Gift vouchers are available, too – now, there’s a thought! Thank you to the brigade of very talented chefs and kitchen personnel and to Krystian for knowledge of the cuisine and exemplary service, throughout. Highly recommended. Sam’s Riverside, 1 Crisp Walk, London W6 9DN Tel: 44 (0) 20 8237 1020 E-mail: sam@samsriverside.co.uk www.samsriverside.co.uk
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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Food & Drink
Classic French Chocolate Mousse I’m all for innovation and doing things differently. But some things just need to stay true to their classic routes. For example, I love making fresh pizza, and a true Napolitana pizza base only uses yeast, water and flour. No new-fangled additions of sugar, honey or semolina. The same goes for the classic French version of chocolate mousse. No need for whipped cream or any flavourings – this is strictly just chocolate, eggs and a touch of sugar. Perfectly simple and simply perfect. This recipe works on a per person basis, just make it as big or as small as you need, although a minimum batch for two people is best… Ingredients per person: 1 egg 35g quality dark chocolate (70% is best) 1 teaspoon caster sugar 1. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a gently simmering pan of water (the bowl mustn’t touch the water). 2. Meanwhile. separate out the egg white and egg yolk. 3. Whisk the egg white until firm and stiff. Whisk in the sugar. You’ll get a lovely silky mix.
4. Once the chocolate is melted, add in the egg yolk and stir well. The mix will go a little thick. 5. Stir in one third of the beaten egg whites to loosen the chocolate mix. 6. Now you need to fold in the remaining egg white. Pour it onto the chocolate mix. Using a metal spoon, fold the egg white using a swirling “figure of eight” motion. Turn the bowl as you do it too. The combination of the figure of eight and turning the bowl will mean the egg whites fold in beautifully. It’s important to fold and not stir – if you stir too hard, you will take all of the air out of the egg. 7. Pour the finished mix into either several small ramekins/ glasses, or one large one bowl, and chill in the fridge for at least four hours. 8. You can decorate with a little grated chocolate and serve.
BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 16
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Beauty
By Kate Duggan
The Art of Self-Care
Show yourself some extra kindness this autumn Many of us have been inspired to exercise more this year. Exercise can boost your mood and ease anxiety, as well as help to keep you healthy. But as the days grow shorter and colder, it’s all too easy to let those good habits slip. If you need some extra motivation to keep up (or increase) your activity level, why not try: • Exercising with a friend or family member. • Giving a different kind of exercise a go, such as martial arts or an online dance class. • Downloading the Couch to 5K app by Public Health England (I recommend choosing Sarah Millican as your personal trainer). • Treating yourself to some new fitness togs. While you can don’t need expensive gym gear, it’s important to at least be comfortable while you work out, and you’ll need decent trainers for outdoor high-impact work. • Setting yourself achievable goals, e.g. being able to jog/swim/cycle/row/walk a certain distance, gaining the next martial arts’ belt, or just perfecting a new dance routine! Ideally, set small goals that you can reach within the next few weeks, as well as a more ambitious long-term target if you fancy pushing yourself. • Write down why you’re doing this and stick your note somewhere prominent, like the fridge. Keep it simple, such as “I’m going to exercise three times a week to keep myself mentally and physically healthy” or “I’m going to swim every week because I know I feel calmer afterwards” or “I’m going to do Pilates twice a week to keep my body flexible and to enjoy better sleep.” Know someone who could do with a helping hand to unwind? Meditation app Headspace has launched a series of new gift cards with Boots. Each one gives the recipient a six-month subscription to guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, videos and calming music. There are four themed meditation collections to choose from: Mind, Health, Sleep and Focus. (They all give full access to Headspace and are £30 at www. boots.com.) A good hair day can put a real spring in your step. My new favourite hair product is Percy & Reed’s Smoothed, Sealed & Sensational Volumising No Oil Oil (£15, www.percyandreed.com). A couple of drops smoothed through damp hair helps to reduce frizz, boost shine and add volume. You hair will look healthier and bouncier with minimum effort. If you’re worried about using an oil, don’t be. This one is non-greasy so it won’t turn your hair into an oil slick. As an added benefit, it helps to nourish hair and protect it
from heat-related damage. (I do love a multi-tasker.) Cha Vøhtz’s Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil is designed to lock in moisture to leave skin feeling softer, smoother and more radiant. More importantly, it smells and feels lovely. As the name implies, this is a luxury product. It’s packed with natural active ingredients, including neroli, pomegranate oil and safflower. And at £25 for 50ml, it’s not cheap. But, if you fancy a treat for your skin and your senses, the oil is available from www. greenpeople.co.uk.
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House of Colour
A new trend…going into the office? Plus the trendy trends in the shops... As some of us are venturing back into the office, manufacturers designers are considering what we are going to be prioritising in terms of our clothing requirements in this new era. Given many of us have been living in ‘athleisurewear’ aka loungepants, pyjamas etc. for a while how many of us want to compromise on comfort even if we know we are going to have to smarten up to venture to work? Many manufacturers are looking at how fabrics can become softer, smoother but still perform. I’m all for comfort in clothing. On average we wear an item three times if it’s uncomfortable before we stop wearing it altogether. That average is possibly on it’s way down! Do check how comfortable any new purchases are before you commit. Tricky if you can’t try them on at the shop but be prepared to return them if you won’t want to sit in them for long… The shops are luring us back out with new Autumn looks after a tricky summer season.
Some looks to consider: Elegant Comfort: The designers have heard and offer something to bridge the need for smarter clothing with ease. Following the new minimalism trend of last season natural materials brushed materials and soft fleece are incorporated into looser fitting dresses and jackets. Cosying up the winter the shearling jacket will make an appearance. Chain detailing features heavily and can be found on bags jewellery and belts. Look for cut out detailing. Those with Natural and Classic in their clothing personality will enjoy. Femme Dress Code: Celebrating traditional feminine silhouettes and contemporary styling. Slightly dressier look, focussing on the waist and softer A-line shapes. The shirt dress, tailored skirts are also popular. Volume in the sleeve and the pencil skirt is key. Look for hammered silk, recycled synthetic sheers for soft draped blouses. Some graphic and geometric prints and a dramatic edge to the look. A structured belt is a good investment to create shape here. Soft Retro: Following on from the heritage styles of last season the 1970s looks are featuring heavily in this trend. This is something you might be able to redefine from existing pieces in your wardrobe. Tweed, suede and corduroy all feature heavily in this trend and give it a relaxed look. Vintage prints feature paired with easy classic pieces cardigan, crew and poloneck. Some clothing personalities will want to add lace collars and vintage accessories. You might even see a penny loafer… New Historics: Taking forward the Victoriana of last season with corsetry and fit and flare styles. Look at taking pieces from last season and adding in different accessories to keep them on trend. Voluminous sleeves paired with lace and leather are making themselves felt in this trend. Statement jewellery, inspired by the Crown jewels, large scale are key to this look. Prints take their inspiration from baroque interiors. The kitten heel also makes an appearance. Romantics and Dramatics will love playing around with this look. House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk
By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk
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Mobile Foot Health Practitioner
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Finance By John Lister
The Money Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a mighty short-term impact on personal finances, but the effects could be here for many years. It’s a fool’s errand to try to make financial predictions, but we can certainly make some educated guesses about what happens next. Tax rises of some kind seem almost inevitable after the public spending deficit exploded with furlough pay and other measures. It is true the government has explicitly committed to no rises in the rates of income tax, national insurance or VAT until the next general election. That said, a cut in personal allowances or the 40% rate threshold would mean a bigger tax take without breaking the letter of the pledge. It’s also getting harder to see the famed pension ‘triple lock’ surviving. It currently guarantees the state pension will rise each year in line with average earnings, inflation, or 2.5%, whichever is highest. One possibility is to ditch the 2.5% figure and simple go with the higher of earnings or inflation. It seems many of us have got the taste for avoiding the commute and there’ll certainly be some permanent shift away from office working. That could affect the housing market, with the commuter belt become less of a mandatory destination for some. Meanwhile, city centre offices could be less in demand by business and potentially repurposed as apartments. Some effects have already been felt, with traditional two-bed buyers now looking to three-bed properties, earmarking the extra room as a home office.
The mortgage market has already absorbed the initial shock of COVID-19 with a period where few lenders were interested in anyone with less than a 40 percent deposit. Fortunately that seems a short-term measure, but it certainly appears 95% mortgages will get rarer while rates and availability will become even more favourable to those with bigger deposits. Even the practicalities of day-to-day spending have been changed by the coronavirus, with the upper limit for contactless payments rising from £30 to £45. With few signs of increased fraud, this is likely to be a permanent switch. Once overseas trips become more normal again, reading travel insurance policies in full will become more important. Many insurers put in a hard deadline after which new policies didn’t cover losses stemming from COVID-19. Until that changes, holidaying could be a more risky proposition, while it’s possible COVID cover could become an optional extra. Finally, investors and those with non-state pension plans will continue to be somewhat at the mercy of markets. Stocks have certainly taken a huge hit during the pandemic, though many analysts hope they’ll recover in the medium-term given that this is ultimately a financial hit stemming from a health crisis rather than a fundamental economic failing. As always, it’s important not to panic when markets fall and remember that losses aren’t ‘real’ until you sell. John Lister (www.johnlisterwriting.com) is a freelance writer based in Bristol, specialising in technology and personal finance.
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Garden View
By Rachael Leverton
Beautiful Berberis Berberis thunbergii are deciduous shrubs which look particularly fabulous at this time year, producing highly coloured leaves, and often berries which last well into winter. These berries are actually edible and rich in vitamin C, though because they are very acidic, they are not widely consumed by people. They are an important food for many small birds though. They get their other name of ‘barberry bush’ because of their vicious spines. This makes them useful as an impenetrable barrier hedge and may be another reason why the berries aren’t harvested much! Like the colourful Japanese Maple, they originate from Eastern Asia. Berberis vary in colour according to the cultivar and variety. The common Berberis thunbergii have green leaves in spring and summer which turn rich burgundy in autumn. If you’d like the purple colour all year round choose Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea, which has purple leaves in spring that turn rich mahogany in autumn. Though Berberis are generally grown for their autumn colour, they are a hard-working shrub, and produce a mass of tiny yellow flowers in spring, providing interest at either end of the year. There is a Berberis for most gardens: They can grow to a maximum height and spread of 1.5m, but there are now dwarf forms which grow to just 50cm, try ‘Tiny Gold’ or ‘Lutin Rouge’. They grow best in full
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sun but also tolerate partial shade. They do well in most soil types, and even do well in drought, but will thrive particularly well in well drained moist soil. Their easy-going nature extends to aftercare, as they are generally pest-free and require little attention, other than a trim to tidy them up periodically. If you don’t have much space or mainly grow in containers on a balcony ‘Lutin Rouge’ does very well in a pot. Mid-September to October, and mid-March to April are the best times to plant so now is the perfect time. Dig a hole double the width of the root ball. Sprinkle in a handful of blood, fish and bone and work into the ground. Place the plant into the hole, fill in with soil around the root ball and firm the soil down gently but firmly, finish by watering well. They will appreciate being mulched with well-rotted organic matter in late spring, but they aren’t fussy; grass cuttings will do fine. My absolute favourite is Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Admiration’. This lovely plant has extremely attractive orange-red foliage, edged with yellow, and forms an attractive mound shape. Its masses of small yellow flowers in the spring followed by purple-crimson berries in autumn make it the most perfect Berberis in my opinion.
Happy Gardening!
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Time of Year
By Sarah Davey
Is Halloween Cancelled? Trick-or-Treat is either a fun chance to dress-up and claim free sweets from neighbours, or it’s an antisocial American travesty which has infiltrated these shores. I happen to fall squarely in the latter camp, my kids, the former. They start planning their outfits in March. I don’t want to rain on their scary parades, but what should we do about Halloween in the face of a global pandemic? It’s not certain that any of our neighbours will actually welcome my young visitors (or plaguebearers as I’ve come to think of them of them since their return to school) to their doorsteps, no matter how cute their costumes or beguiling their manners. And frankly I’d freak out about them grabbing handfuls of potentially COVID-coated Crunchie bars, so I’m not exactly devastated that I won’t have to accompany them door-todoor and smile apologetically as they beg for treats. But neither am I a total killjoy, so I’ve come up with some ideas
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for alternative activities: Hang a spooky piñata for your children in your own back garden. Create a haunted house for your kids at home. Let them dress up and be scared in a fun-but-safe way. Create a spooky scavenger hunt inside and out. Leave clues, or a trail of blood, or spiders. Snuggle up and watch a ‘scary’ movie...something like Monsters Inc or The Corpse Bride (depending on age). Read age-appropriate ghost stories in the dark in front of the fire, or if the weather is favourable, go outside, snuggle under blankets, light pumpkins and toast marshmallows on a camping stove or fire pit. That’s the sort of trick-ortreat night I could get behind. I suppose we should also leave a bowl of Quality Street and bottle of hand sanitizer on the doorstep and wave at the hardcore trick-or-treaters from the safety of the upstairs window. Whatever you decide, have a Happy COVID-safe Halloween
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Pets
Rehoming Appeal
Billy
This is 9 year old Billy. He has always lived in a flat, but since coming into our cattery he has shown quite an interest in the world outside. We think that after he has settled into a home in a quiet location (not a town) his owner may be able to gradually introduce hm to the garden etc. Billy is a friendly, affectionate boy who likes attention from adults and will make a good companion for someone. He can be a little nervous at times and can be easily frightened, so he will need an understanding adult only home where he is the only pet. He has been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and is just waiting for that special person to give him the love that he craves. If you would like to find out more about Billy, please contact Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. View the dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
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Pets
Inspiring Kindness One of the key values that has enveloped the country during lockdown is kindness. Kindness in all of its forms, to all people. Acts of kindness towards our neighbours, strangers and loved ones have rippled across the country, gaining momentum, gathering energy. As we ease our way out of lockdown and into the ‘new normal’ we are invited to continue with this mindset. Being kind even has its own hashtag, its own branded t-shirts. But how does the RSPCA promote kindness? The RSPCA have been inspiring kindness amongst young people for decades, working alongside teachers, parents and youth justice professionals. With a wide range of free lesson plans and accompanying resources, we work in partnership with hundreds of schools nationwide. Through the ‘Generation Kind’ project, we are ramping up our efforts to inspire kindness in the classroom. It is important for children to learn about animal welfare from a young age. ‘The Great Debate’ project gives young people an exciting forum to understand all aspects of animal welfare and the importance of participating in political processes. Children enjoying healthy relationships with animals and is something the RSPCA help to promote in schools via the ‘Compassionate Class’ programme. Through our education work we can help children and young people to develop empathy and compassion for all living beings. We have found that talks in school assemblies are an engaging way to inspire a
future generation. Our volunteer speakers are often retired teachers. These sessions can be booked by primary schools across England and Wales. “When this generation of children get older, they’ll be far more empathetic towards the needs of animals and they’ll be more willing to contact the RSPCA when they suspect that an animal is being mistreated. Our hope is that this will reduce animal suffering for generations to come.” David Allen, RSPCA, Head of Prevention and Education Tips for Fostering a Love of Animals 1) Explore the great outdoors. Take time to observe animals in the wild. Look under rocks to find centipedes and wood lice. Watch how squirrels interact with each other. Sit as still as possible and see what wildlife you can see and hear. 2) Become a member of your local library. Promote an interest in all animals by reading books about them. 3) Have the opportunity to be responsible for caring for an animal. This could be a class pet, a family pet or helping a neighbour with their animals. 4) Visit a local animal shelter. They are great places to get close to animals and learn more about how to protect them. It is easy to assume that all children will naturally be kind and loving to animals. It is something that needs to be taught, nurtured and modelled. As with adults. Not everyone has an instinct for being gentle and compassionate towards animals. Encouraging young people to respect animal habitats is also included in the work we do with schools. By protecting the environment you are also protecting animals. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304
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Parenting
Bedrooms on a budget Kitting out a child’s bedroom can be extremely pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or upgrading furniture as your child grows, these tips from Kate Duggan might help you to stick to your budget… Look for quality furniture second-hand If you want furniture to last, look for plain, solidly built furniture. We bought my daughter’s chest of drawers when she was a baby. It’s plain white, but we stuck some removable decals on to ‘prettify’ it. And, as it’s decent quality, it’s lasted well (she’s now eleven). It was second-hand and cost well under £50 – contrast this to the new chest of drawers bought subsequently at twice the price, but of nowhere near the same quality. So my top tip is, buy decent furniture second-hand rather than cheap furniture new. Solid pine furniture lasts for years and is easily available second-hand. You can paint it with chalk paint and update it in different colours as your child’s tastes change. I picked up an ugly (but well-built) bureau for £12 a couple of years ago. The result of some chalk paint and new handles is an attractive, unique piece of furniture that could be passed down to future generations. Facebook, eBay and Gumtree are good places to look for furniture, as are Freecycle and local charity warehouse stores. I’ve also picked up bargains at my local tip. Look for customer returns Prefer to buy new? Some stores offer customer
returns at a discounted price. Wayfair often sells returned furniture at 25% off, for example, and most items are in perfect condition. At www.nnwarehouse.uk, you’ll find furniture from children’s brand Noa & Nani at knock-down prices. In exchange for accepting a minor cosmetic imperfection (e.g. a small scratch or dent), you could save over 50% on the RRP. At the time of writing, a grey single bed is on sale at £39, rather than the usual £129. There’s also a bunk bed for £89, a wooden toy box for £20 and lots more. Think of resale value If you’re buying for the short term and don’t fancy a customer return, look for brands that you can easily sell on again. Ikea’s Kallax storage units, for example, seem to hold their value well and are robust enough to withstand a few knocks. Decorating on the cheap Pick up some wooden picture frames from a charity shop and paint them in different coordinating colours. If you’re decorating a baby or toddler’s bedroom, cut out an applique from an outgrown or stained Babygro or T-shirt. Once framed, it looks like a handmade (expensive) piece of art. You could also try sticking colourful buttons on some cardboard in the shape of your child’s initials and then framing it. Or just use pictures from a calendar or even a comic. You may have a limited budget, but with a bit of perseverance and imagination, you can give your child a room to be proud of.
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Gaming
An Arcade in Your Pocket!
Retro-gaming has gone miniature Do you like to play games on the go? Mobile phones are great and there are some fantastic games out there, but sometimes only a classic arcade or console game will do. So how do you fit a full-sized arcade cabinet or games console into your pocket? Introducing the game emulator. Retro gaming is a big thing these days. Lots of talented programmers have created software that lets you play all the arcade machines and classic games consoles on modern hardware such as your phone or laptop. These are not games based on the originals. These emulators run the actual code from the classic machines. So, you’re playing the REAL THING. So how do you get hold of these emulators? There are two main routes: The emulators and games are all available on the Internet. Whether you’ve got a laptop, a phone, a tablet, or anything else you will be able to find an emulator to turn it into the arcade machine of your choice. You’ll also need to get hold of some game ROMs and then install everything onto your device. My best advice is to search YouTube for some tutorials on how to do it. If you’re using a laptop or computer, you can connect any game controller to make playing the game easier. If you’re on a phone or tablet you can buy game controllers that clip onto your device so you can use both hands to control the
game without having to hold your phone. All of this does take a bit of technical knowledge or research to get everything working. But it’s worth the effort as you achieve gaming nirvana for free, or at least for the cost of a decent game controller. The second, and easiest option is to simply buy a portable, retro games console. If you can remember back to the original Game Boys and PSPs, you’ll be familiar with the look and feel of these devices. They basically involve a box with a screen and joysticks and buttons positioned around it and on the edges. These devices range in price from around £30 to about £200 depending on the range of consoles they can emulate and the number of games they include. The lower-priced models will cope with older consoles and arcade machines. The more you pay the more powerful the devices will be so they can emulate the more advanced systems, Nintendo 64, GameCube, PlayStation, etc. All of these ready-made consoles will come with a number of built-in games, but most allow you to download and install other games from the Internet. So, if you fancy a trip back in time to a 1980s arcade, a Super Nintendo game fest, or an hour playing your favourite original PlayStation game stick one of these in your pocket. Then the next time you step on the train or sit back in the car you’ll be set for some retro gaming fun.
By Bob Grant www.bytesnbits.co.uk
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RELIABLE ROOFING COMPANY ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 35 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS • SLATE & TILE • REPLACEMENT FASCIAS/ SOFFITS, UPVC OR TIMBER • GUTTERING MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP AT REALISTIC PRICES PROPRIETOR R.S. CROW F.I.O.R. • FREE ESTIMATES
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MUSCLE
& MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men. Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.
Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: muscleandmotor@gmail.com www.muscleandmotor.co.uk
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Codeword 1
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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. 36
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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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WINDOW REPAIRS
Serving all of Herts - Based in Stevenage Specialising in replacing misted units
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 38
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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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September’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Rose Habberley – Catworth Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th October 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.
Prize
ÂŁ25
Across 1 Fog (4) 3 Travellers (8) 9 Table support (7) 10 Entrance (5) 11 Clarifications (12) 14 Epoch (3) 16 Sphere (5) 17 To drink (3) 18 Uses camera (12) 21 Large sea (5) 22 Lawn game (7) 23 Mixing (8) 24 Steak (4) Down 1 Mumbled (8) 2 Snooze (5) 4 Poem (3) 5 Ice-box (12) 6 Proverbs (7) 7 Painful (4) 8 Untangled (12) 12 Amid (5) 13 Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15 Accomplish (7) 19 Dwelling (5) 20 Grave (4) 22 Tin (3)
Name:
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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
By Kate Duggan
Inspiring Children’s Books This month we’re looking at children’s books that inspire, educate and open minds.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World
The latest instalment in the popular Rebel Girls series reveals the stories of athletes, entertainers, business women, activists, creators, scientists, politicians and other inspiring women. Each one is an immigrant and many of them have had to overcome significant challenges to succeed. The mini-biographies only take a few minutes to read and each one is accompanied by an illustration, so it’s a good book for dipping in and out of.
Wonder By R. J. Palacio
Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf
There’s a new boy in class. Ahmet is shy, scared and doesn’t speak much English, but the nine-year-old narrator is determined to make friends with him. And when it turns out that Ahmet could be forever separated from his family due to changes to the refugee laws, the narrator hatches a plan to help. A great book for both children and adults, The Boy at the Back of the Class gently introduces readers to subjects such as refugees, bullying, racism and fairness. My eleven-year-old and I loved it.
Spy Toys By Mark Powers and Tim Wesson
While some children want to be the centre of attention, Auggie is desperate just to fit in. But his facial disfigurement attracts stares, taunts and even screams. We meet Auggie as he’s about to start school for the first time, after years of being home-schooled. Above anything, Wonder is about friendship, families and acceptance.
The Raggy Dolls meets Toy Story in this action packed adventure. When three toys are rejected as not being fit for purpose, they’re soon recruited for a new mission – protecting the prime minister’s son. From a short-tempered doll to a less-than-cuddly teddy bear, these characters help to prove that differences can be strengths. My eight-year-old will find any excuse not to read, but he happily devoured all three books in the series.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Dr Seuss
Matilda By Roald Dahl
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is a rousing, rhyming call to the reader to follow their ambitions, forge their own destiny and do it all with a spring in their step. While it’s very optimistic and upbeat, there are also a few reminders that life doesn’t always go according to plan and that sometimes you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try another path.
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Matilda has been pushed around and kept down her whole life. Her parents openly dislike her. Her headteacher is a sadistic bully. But what they don’t know is that Matilda is a genius, and has unlocked a part of her brain that allows her to do some pretty miraculous things. Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale has been entertaining and inspiring children for generations.
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ROGERSONS
REMOVALS
Man with Van
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Gas Engineer
Gas & Boiler Herts
Local Gas Engineer for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Servicing Gas safety checks for Home and Rental Properties Boiler Installs & Repairs All central heating problems
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Alcoholics Anonymous....................... 0845 769 7555 Al-Anon family Groups....................... 0800 008 6811 Anglian Water.................................... 08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital................................. 01234 355122 Lister Hospital..................................... 01438 314333 Benefits for people with Disabilities..... 0800 882 200 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue............. 01438 729041 Carers Line......................................... 0808 808 7777 ChildLine................................................... 0800 1111 Citizens Advice................................... 0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers...................................... 0800 555 111
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Cruse Bereavement Care.................... 0333 252 9152 Floodline............................................ 0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory............................ 0800 776 600 National Debt Line............................. 0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency..................................... 0800 111 999 NHS Direct................................................. 0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries.......................03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line..................................101 NSPCC................................................ 0808 800 5000 Relate...................................................0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line............................. 0300 1234 999 Samaritans.................................................... 116 123 Tax Credit Helpline............................. 0345 300 3900 Victim Support.....................................845 30 30 900
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Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com
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