Potton Nov 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 171 - November 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue The History of

Place Names Travel

Insurance Advice

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Inside this issue... Getting Fruity

The History of Place Names........................................................................4 Québec City..................................................................................................... 8 Life-Saving Memories..................................................................................10 Potton’s History in a Model....................................................................... 12 St. Francis Children’s Society..................................................................... 15 Drinks: Gin is in...............................................................................................16 Forever Friends...............................................................................................19 Are you eating enough fibre?................................................................... 22 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe................................................................ 24 Brain Benefits................................................................................................. 27 Making an Entrance.....................................................................................28 Do try this at home......................................................................................33 The Coding Conundrum............................................................................ 35 Anti-Gravity Technology for Pain-free Rehab....................................37 The Boot Edit - House of Colour............................................................40 Gifts of Gorgeousness.................................................................................43 Heroic dogs with skills that save lives..................................................44 Travel Insurance Advice.............................................................................. 47 Getting Fruity................................................................................................50 Rural Ramblings............................................................................................. 53

Rhubarb, Rhubarb........................................................................................ 55 In a Pickle........................................................................................................56 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal..........................................................................58 Another Successful Adoptober...............................................................61 Ask Alan - Potton Vets............................................................................... 62 First Drive: Volkswagen e-Up!..................................................................64 Short Story - Borrowing Berkley.............................................................66 Fast Fashion..................................................................................................... 71 Get a good tech deal on Black Friday....................................................72 Age UK - It’s great being back!..................................................................75 Respite at Home Volunteers.................................................................... 77 We will remember them........................................................................... 78 Wordsearch.................................................................................................... 78 Puzzle Page.....................................................................................................80 Fire Pit Fun....................................................................................................... 83 Fun Quiz........................................................................................................... 83 Villager Prize Crossword............................................................................86 The Book Nook..............................................................................................91 Useful Numbers............................................................................................95

Québec City

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £37.50 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, EAAA, Peter Ibbett, Trevor Langley, Tracey Anderson, Nick Coffer, Louise Addison, Katherine Sorrell, Kevin Shen, RehabHub, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Kate McLelland, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton Rachael Leverton, Sally Harris, RSPCA, Potton Vets, Sarah Davey and Kate Duggan

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

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Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 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. 3

History By Catherine Rose

Edinburgh

The History of Place Names The origin of our village and town names can provide a fascinating insight into their history. Did you know that the study of place names is called toponomastics? Generally, places have earned their names from the people that founded the settlement, the surrounding landscape, or the flora and fauna that have featured there. Over time, with the evolution of language and through local dialects, place names have changed throughout generations, sometimes becoming quite different versions of what they were hundreds of years ago.

Castle Combe

The UK has had a varied history, having been home to many conquering invaders and numerous tribes. Consequently, our modern place names have been contributed to by the Celts, the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings and even the French. We often think of the Romans as having founded our major cities but their Latin names were either based on the existing Old English ones or were so radically different that their use hasn’t survived (for example, the Roman Verulamium for what is now St Albans). Many people think the word ‘chester’ is Roman but in fact its roots are Celtic. Manchester is derived from the Celtic words mamm meaning ‘a breastshaped hill’ and ceaster – ‘a fortified city’. Most of our current city, town and village names were given to them by our most ancient ancestors. Tre in a place name denotes a homestead or hamlet and was usually paired with the name of the person who owned it, so Tregare in Wales means ‘Gare’s home’. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given their proximity across the Bristol Channel, this prefix is seen even more widely in Cornwall. Another common Cornish prefix is penn which is a ‘headland’. Penzance is a conjugation of penn and sans which together mean ‘holy headland’. Like tre, a town or village name ending in by is Old Norse for ‘homestead’. The Vikings are also responsible for place names that begin or end with

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holm. In Old Norse, this meant ‘island’ and usually referred to a settlement surrounded by marsh or water. Water, especially rivers, features widely in place name origins. For example, Luton is derived from ‘Lea’ after the river that flows through it and tun which is Anglo-Saxon for a large farm or settlement (which probably later evolved into our modern word ‘town’). Another common place name inclusion is ‘ham’. Hamm was Anglo-Saxon for ‘small village’ and is almost certainly the origin of the word ‘hamlet’. Mor(e) or Mer referred to a ‘lake’ in Old English (mer also means ‘sea’ in French). You can find variations of it in town names such as Cromer and Swanmore. Numerous places have the word bury in them. This did not refer to a burial plot as it might sound but is the Old English word for a large estate, known by the Anglo-Saxons as a burh. The root has also given rise to towns with ‘borough’ and ‘burgh’ in them. Stead or sted comes from the Anglo-Saxon word stede for ‘place’ (hence the word ‘homestead’ means ‘place of home’.) Featured in the town names of Stow, Stowmarket and Stow on the Wold (from wald or weald being the Old English for ‘forest’), a stow was somewhere holy. Less obviously, it also gave Bristol its name as the town was originally called ‘Brigg’s Stow’ meaning ‘the holy place by the bridge’. The suffix ley signifies a forest clearing and there

are many villages and towns in the UK ending in -ley or -ly that date from a time when our island was covered in woodland. The Viking word was thwaite, seen particularly in the north today. One interesting suffix is wick or wich. This was the Anglo-Saxon noun for ‘produce’ and was bestowed on a farm with a prefix that told you what it produced. So, for example, Greenwich is said to have originally been an arable farm some distance from London, Woolwich, a sheep farm, while Chiswick would have been a dairy farm (chis being ‘cheese’). Other Old English words which feature in place names are cott or cote for ‘small house’ (hence our word ‘cottage’), clopp meaning ‘small hill’, combe which referred to ‘a valley’, holt for ‘a wood’, and den which was a pasture, usually for livestock like pigs (not to be confused with the suffix don which comes from the word dun meaning ‘hill’.) Many of our county names also have ancient origins. For example, ‘Essex’ was the place where the East-Saxons settled (‘East Sax’), ‘Sussex’ the South-Saxons, and Middlesex, which has now been absorbed into Greater London, was where the Middle-Saxons lived. East Anglia was also named from the tribe that once inhabited it, the Angles. Although today it is difficult to still see their origins, deciphering old place names can give us the strongest clue as to how the landscape must have once looked.

Penzance 6

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Travel

Québec City

By Solange Hando

In 1534 French explorer Jacques Cartier planted a cross on the shores of Gaspé Bay, claiming the land for his king. But for seventy years or so the ‘New France’ was a distant dream, until Samuel de Champlain set up a trading post along the ‘Kebec’, the ‘narrowing waters’ of the St Lawrence River. Rival settlers soon brought ongoing conflict and, on the strategic Diamond Cape high above the river, the so-called ‘Gibraltar of Canada’ fell to English rule in 1759. Today sprinkled with English traditions yet fiercely loyal to its French roots, language included, the provincial capital is hailed as one of the most attractive cities on the continent. On the Plains of Abraham where the final battle took place, history is recalled among quiet groves and picnic spots. Just a stroll away the Grande Allée is an elegant tree-lined boulevard, nicknamed Champs-Elysées, while on Parliament Hill the National Assembly sits in an opulent building, in French Renaissance style, topped by a lofty tower. The nearby St Louis’ gate leads into the Vieux Québec, the only remaining walled city in North America. First there’s the Upper Town gathered around the Chateau Frontenac, bristling with tower, turrets and copper roof. Now a nostalgic century-old hotel, it welcomes royalty, leaders and stars close to the site where French governors resided. Meanwhile, visitors stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, a magical place with glorious river views and the joyful ambience of musicians and artists. You find historic buildings and

statues, among them Champlain who founded the city in 1608, a 350-year-old cathedral, a Holy Trinity modelled on St-Martin-in-the-Fields and a UNESCO monument celebrating the title granted in 1985 to the first North American city. Ride a horse-drawn carriage or explore on foot and you discover neat stone houses with pastel frames, fleur-de-lys on the blue Québec flag and myriad treasures hidden in the lanes. Next, wander around the citadel that took over thirty years to complete. The 22nd Royal Regiment still parades on the grounds, very Englishlike in red tunics and bearskin hats. The Lower Town beckons down steep slopes and ‘Breakneck Stairs’ or a short scenic ride in the old funicular, gazing at dormer windows and rooftops, a cruise ship or two below the cape and ferries sailing across the river. The rail track ends in the former house of Mississippi explorer, Louis Jolliet, in the delightful district of Petit-Champlain. Once the humble home of artisans and traders, it’s a bustling little place with winding lanes and pretty squares glistening with cobbles, peppered with French bakeries, outdoor cafés, restaurants and boutiques full of arts and craft. Just down the road, a lovely promenade invites walkers and cyclists to enjoy the old port and the quiet marina behind the lock. But most breathtaking is the harbour cruise with costumed guide, revealing the bucolic Orleans Island, the sparkling Montmorency Falls and the city’s historic skyline mirrored like a fairy tale in the great St Lawrence on its way to the ocean.

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Rooms from

Potton View Care Home can accommodate up to 31 residents, all on the ground floor. The Home has been completely refurbished in 2018 when it was purchased by Black Swan. It has high quality lounges, dining room and bathroom facilities as well as a salon. Outside there is are extensive enclosed gardens as well as internal courtyards. The property is a detached, purpose built care home with a car park at the front. The Home is situated between the villages of Potton and Gamlingay in easy access of local amenities.

Key Features

£750

• Landscaped gardens

per week

• Close to the local amenities • Fully refurbished in 2018 • Home cooked food • En-suite bedrooms with large wetrooms

We are very proud of what we do and are always keen to show visitors around. No appointment is necessary so please feel free to drop in for a guided tour, coffee and cake!

We look forward to meeting you...

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Local News

Life-Saving Memories As East Anglian Air Ambulance continues to mark its 20th anniversary, we share with you some memories from supporters who have benefitted from its vital work. Megan from Cambridge I used to be a fundraising intern at EAAA and loved it! Recently they came out to my aunty who had a burst brain aneurysm and if they hadn’t of got to her as quickly as they did, she would not be alive today! She’s currently in rehab and will be for a long time but she’s making progress. I really can’t thank EAAA enough for what they do! Sue from Cambridgeshire My memory is of the EAAA Crew from Cambridge stabilising my condition and getting me to Addenbrooke’s Hospital so that I can be here today. I might have lost part of an arm but thanks to EAAA, I am alive. This is why I support EAAA and will continue to do so for as long as I can. Judy from Fowlmere On the 3rd February 2014 I had a cardiac arrest while at home. I was helping my eight-year-old daughter with her homework and had only just returned from work. My husband, on calling 999, performed CPR for 12 minutes while awaiting an ambulance. The EAAA team by road attended first and without their intervention, I literally would not be here today retelling my memory. Not forgetting how proud I am of my husband, too, he is also my hero!

Lucy from Willingham On 8 November 2019 the crew were called out to my husband who had dislocated his hip and broken his femur. He was in considerable pain and the doctor had to administer ketamine before he could move him. It was incredibly traumatic but also a crazy couple of hours as my husband was treated on the kitchen floor. The crew were amazing with him and with me. Sadly, my husband passed away three weeks later from the cancer that had metastasised in his bones. I will never forget or thank enough the amazing team that helped us through that day. Maria from Weston Colville I fell off a horse on Dec 1st 2011. I knew immediately that it was bad as I couldn’t feel anything below my neck. I will never forget the care I was given with such professionalism by the crew that day. To extract me from a ditch without moving my spine, in a lot of mud, must have been very difficult, but done so quietly and calmly. I spent a long time recovering, but I got my life back. I am eternally grateful to EAAA for all you do. I often see EAAA flying over my village and always wave! Get involved and help EAAA save lives • Support EAAA by playing the 20th anniversary raffle, with 15 prizes up for grabs at just £1 per ticket eaaaraffle.org • Leave EAAA your memory and find out more about the history of the service at eaaa.org.uk/20years • Sign up to play in the EAAA weekly lottery, which funds 45% of EAAA’s life-saving missions at www.eaaa.org.uk/shout

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History

Potton’s History in a Model

One of the jewels of the Potton History Society archives are models made by the late Keith Lawrence. His 1995 Potton Shambles building of the 1930’s is a quality piece of work, meticulously researched to be as accurate as possible. Keith also used our photographic collection to provide two diorama boards to go with the model. One shows the Potton By Peter Ibbett of c1929 before Lloyds Bank became part of the townscape as in the duplicate 1950’s board . The second side shows the late 1950’s when Potton still had a Howards Drapery Shop to meet all the needs of local families. You can see a tribute presentation of Keith’s work on the Society web site. He has left future generations a unique legacy of models, drawings, pictures and articles. If you have the skills YOU could make a model of the current Clock House and draw and paint more diorama boards to go with it! Book an appointment with our secretary to view the model and dioramas to see if you can add to our collection.

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www.jordansmill.com Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Southill Road, Broom, Nr Biggleswade SG18 9JY To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

great place to do business

In a time when so many people are working from home, getting together for meetings can be difficult. Gamlingay Eco Hub is open for your business, offering affordable, flexible meeting space for anyone who needs an alternative to Zoom. We can offer socially distant spacing, light airy rooms and breakout areas. • Free wi-fi and parking

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Local News

St Francis Children’s Society In the UK, almost 3,000 children are in need of an adoptive family and the number of adoptions in England has fallen by a third in the last four years. In response to this fall in numbers, Milton Keynes adoption agency St. Francis’ Children’s Society has joined the national #YouCanAdopt campaign, which aims to bust some of the myths around who is eligible to adopt. Earlier this year, a new report revealed that 45% of adults in the UK have considered adoption or would consider it in future. But, despite this, 62% of adults feel they don’t know much about the adoption process - and this lack of knowledge may contribute to many people not taking the important first step. With 40% of people admitting they don’t know if they’re eligible to adopt and 29% thinking they wouldn’t be able to, St. Francis’ Children’s Society (SFCS) is aiming to increase the number of people taking the first steps towards adopting a child. You can adopt if you’re married, in a long-term relationship or single. You could be heterosexual or LGBT+, it doesn’t matter. In fact, 1 in 7 adoptions in England in 2019 were to same-sex couples. You may be hoping to adopt your first child, or you may already have birth or adopted children in your family. Adopters can be of any or no religious faith. Children who are waiting for adoption come from many different backgrounds, cultures and religions, and SFCS accordingly welcomes adopters from all walks of life.

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You don’t need to own your own home or be ‘rich’ to adopt. Your financial stability and money-management abilities will be discussed during the adoption assessment, but being unemployed, on a low income or on benefits will not automatically rule you out from becoming an adoptive parent. Having a disability or a mental health condition won’t automatically exclude you from adopting a child either. Any health condition, mental or physical, will be explored fully to help us understand any issues you may experience with parenting a child. But don’t rule yourself out before speaking to one of our friendly team of social workers. St. Francis’ Children’s Society is proud to support the #YouCanAdopt campaign, which will be running until the beginning of December 2020. You can find lots more information about who can adopt by searching #YouCanAdopt on Google, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Singer Sinitta is one of several adopters who are backing the campaign. The mum of two said: “I would definitely encourage others to consider adoption. The feeling of finally becoming a mother was almost indescribable; it’s just everything. It was everything I wanted and more. I love my children more than anything and I always say that love is thicker than blood.” If you can provide a safe, stable, loving home for a child or children who need it, the chances are #YouCanAdopt. Visit www.sfcs.org.uk and click on I’d Like To Adopt to learn more and begin your journey towards growing your family.

Food & Drink

Drinks: Gin is in

Gin is an extremely popular alcoholic beverage. This flavoured white spirit utilises barley, corn or rye in its distillation and dates from the Middle Ages. The base flavour comes from juniper berries. Different styles of gin are available today, including flavoured variations. Gin cocktails are a regular choice, for numerous ‘devotees’ and the world-renowned ‘Gin & Tonic’ is always a favourite, with many. Highclere Castle is located approx 5 miles south of Newbury, Hampshire and is home to the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. A lot of very interesting history of this property and grounds is well-documented. Highclere Castle and the Estate have been used, both internally and externally, for a good number of films and TV productions and known around the world as the fictional setting for the hugely popular production of Downton Abbey. The Estate is very impressive indeed. The Carnarvon family have resided at Highclere Castle since 1679. Royal guests, plus statesmen, famous musicians and celebrities, are all amongst numerous visitors who have been welcomed to this exceptional property and location. Highclere Castle Gin (Alc. 43.5% Vol.) is multi award-winning and is produced from one of the oldest copper gin stills, dating back to the 19th century, in England’s oldest gin distillery. Very carefully, botanicals, grown on the Highclere Estate, were selected and then after many, many weeks and months of experimenting, finally the selections were chosen for the recipe. The botanicals include essential oils and give Highclere Gin its outstanding, unique, smooth and elegant flavour. Juniper, lavender, coriander, lime flower, citrus peels, angelica root, cassia bark, green cardamom, liquorice root and peppercorns, plus Highclere oats are all included to produce the exquisite production that is Highclere Castle Gin. A phrase I have never used before is, “Try it, to believe it!” On its Own, with Ice, Gin & Tonic, Classic Martini, Negroni, White Lady, or whatever a favourite choice is, I found this gin most certainly did not disappoint – the prestigious awards that keep coming, are testament to that! Tel: +44 (0) 1635 253 210 E-mail:contact@highclerecastlespirits.com www.highclerecastlegin.com www.highclerecastle.co.uk Highclere Castle Spirits Estate Office, Highclere Park, Newbury, RG20 9RN

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl 16

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Friendship

Forever Friends

By Tracey Anderson

Making friends as an adult The world is going through uncertain times and friends have never been more important. They provide stability, comfort, and connection. The defining feature of friendship is that it’s voluntary. We retain friendships because we want to, not because we have to. The downside is that friendships often fall by the wayside. Our adult lives are incredibly busy with obligations to work, spouses, children and older parents, and friendships can suffer as a result. We can lose friendships so rapidly that some of us live our lives as adults essentially friendless and this has ramifications for our mental health. Studies suggest that, without friends, we’re at higher risk of depression and anxiety, and that the key difference between the happiest and unhappiest people is how socially connected they are. Making friends as an adult takes deliberate effort, and this can be an issue if you lack confidence socially. Shy people often avoid events where they might have to interact socially. One way to get over this is to assume that people will like you. Studies show that this mindset is actually a self-fulfilling prophecy. People who assume they will be liked share more about themselves, disagree less, and have a more positive attitude, which of course makes positive social interaction more likely. As a child friendships seem to happen organically. As an adult we need to let go of this idea and take responsibility rather than waiting passively. We need to show up at event and say ‘hello’ when we get there. We need to introduce ourselves yourself to other people, and ask for their phone numbers, then

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follow up and arrange to meet, and we need to go through this initiation process repeatedly. It can be scary but the pay-off is worth it. In studies, people with good initiation skills tend to have more and better friendships. Initiation doesn’t turn a person into a friend. Some people are good at connecting but struggle to sustain relationships. Sociologists have long recognised that friendships thrive on continuous interaction. This means choosing activities carefully. It’s a good idea to sign up for activities that provide multiple opportunities to connect, such as a language class, a writing course, or a book club a book club. Repeated interactions capitalise on the ‘exposure effect’, our tendency to like things more, the more familiar they are. So, if we want to make friends, we should commit to showing up somewhere for a few months. At the moment this is even more difficult than usual because of pandemic restrictions, but in fact people are starting to connect more in online groups. Some studies have shown that shy people actually find online interaction easier and that people tend to open up more because they have time to think before posting. These online relationships have the capacity to become lasting friendships in the real world. If your aim is to find local friends to hang out with after the pandemic then its best to find local based groups, even if they are online for now. A quick search of my local area on Facebook threw up groups for crochet, eco-living, gardening, cooking, and a book club. We all need friends so take a deep breath and say hello first.

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Welcome to Potton Federation

School Open Days 2020 The school Open Days are taking place virtually and will be available for you to view online from Monday 16th November 2020. Visit our websites - pottonlower.co.uk and pottonmiddle.co.uk and head to the Open Day and Prospectus Section. There you will find a link to our YouTube channel and our Open Day video. We are hoping to be able to welcome you into school in the future and will provide an update on this as soon as we can. In the meantime, please visit our school from the comfort of your home. You will meet our Executive Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher and enjoy a tour of our amazing facilities.

Potton Lower School and Potton Middle School | Mill Lane | Potton | SG19 2PG To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Health

Are you eating enough fibre? Discover the benefits of increasing your fibre intake – by Guts UK charity Fibre is the indigestible part of plant-based foods that does not get absorbed into our body. Many of us are aware of fibre and know it’s an important component of any healthy diet, yet most of us don’t eat enough of it. We used to believe that fibre didn’t do much at all, assuming that because the human body couldn’t digest it, it just ‘travelled’ through our digestive system. In fact, fibre is absolutely vital for gut health, helping to prevent constipation and even bowel cancer. Perhaps most importantly, fibre is the food for over 100 trillion microorganisms that live in your gut. This ‘good gut bacteria’ is vital to your wellbeing, defending against harmful microorganisms and easing absorption of some essential

vitamins. Therefore, it’s important that we feed it! “The average person in the UK eats less than 20g of fibre per day, or less than two-thirds of the recommended 30g amount. Through recent research, we know that additional fibre in the diet reduces the risk of chronic common conditions, such as bowel cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes,” says Julie Thompson, specialist dietician and information manager at Guts UK charity. Foods that are rich in fibre include wholegrain cereals, wholewheat pasta, oats and wholegrain bread. Fruit and vegetables such as berries, pears, melon, oranges, broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn are also rich in fibre, as are peas, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and potatoes. There are a number of simple steps you can take to increase your fibre intake, like swapping

to wholegrain bread, opting for wholewheat pasta or choosing potatoes with skins, such as baked potatoes, wedges or boiled new potatoes. Think about adding beans, lentils or chickpeas to stews, curries and salads. “If you are planning to increase the amount of fibre in your diet, you should do this gradually,” Julie continued. “Increasing your fibre intake suddenly can cause symptoms such as wind and bloating”. The science never lies. A paper published in the Lancet medical journal that analysed 185 studies and 58 clinical trials discovered just how important fibre can be in contributing to a long and healthy life. “The paper suggests that if you shifted 1,000 people from a low fibre diet (less than 15g) to a high-fibre one (25-29g), it would prevent thirteen deaths and six cases of heart disease,” Julie explained. “It’s simple – the more fibre we eat, the better!”

Guts UK is the charity for the digestive system. The digestive system is truly fascinating, but it is very complex. Millions are affected by digestive diseases, yet our guts have been underfunded and misunderstood for decades. With new knowledge and research, we can diagnose earlier, develop kinder treatments and ultimately, a cure. Learn more at gutscharity.org.uk, call 01484 483 123 or email info@gutscharity.org.uk – we’re here to help.

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Food & Drink

Slow-cooked marinated baby back ribs Cards on the table, I absolutely love ribs. I also have nothing but admiration for anyone who can cook them the “hardcore” way. You know, slowly smoked for hours and hours on a perfectly heated BBQ, perfectly marinated, pulling apart as you eat them. Only problem is, you need about 24 hours notice for that and I just don’t have that kind of organisation in my life. So these are the “it’s 3pm and I fancy ribs this evening” version. Plus they are baked in the oven, so won’t get spoiled by rain cancelling the BBQ. They are literally foolproof and work however you make the marinade. You’ll need a large rack of baby back ribs for two people (or one rack per person if you love ribs as much as I do). Ask your butcher to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs if you can. Store cupboard marinade: Lots of squirts of ketchup, honey, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, a couple of teaspoons garlic powder and a drizzle of xiao xing wine. Don’t worry about the quantities, and don’t worry if you are missing an ingredient. You just want a lovely, dark and slightly sticky sauce.

1. Rub the ribs all over in the mixed sauce (save a bit of the sauce for later), pop them in a baking dish and cover with foil. 2. Bake them at 130C for 3-4 hours, basting both sides every hour (you will likely need to add a little bit of water to the pan to get the best bits off the bottom). 3. Uncover the ribs for the last 15 minutes and baste with the leftover sauce from earlier. 4. Once cooked, remove and leave to rest, wrapped in foil, for 15 minutes. 5. Cut up and serve. The meat will be falling off the bone.

These are lovely served with a simple coleslaw and corn on the cob.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 24

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IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A HIGH-QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVER FOR UP TO 50% LESS THAN A NEW FULLY FITTED KITCHEN, WHY NOT PAY A VISIT TO DREAM DOORS EAST HERTS SHOWROOM IN WARE Highly-experienced owners Carly and Tom promise you a warm welcome. More importantly they will help you design and create your ideal kitchen using our impressive range of highquality products and can typically reface your kitchen in as little as two to three days. Dream Doors is the UK’s #1 kitchen makeover specialist and we take the hassle out of your kitchen revamp from the very beginning. Once we’ve arranged a free, no obligation visit to your home - at a time that’s convenient for you we will measure up your kitchen. Our experienced kitchen designers can then talk you through our extensive range of products and help you narrow down your selection. No matter if your style is traditional, contemporary, exclusive, modern or classic we have a range of doors and worktops that will suit you and your style.

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Brain Health

Brain Benefits Brain health is as important as physical health Over the past few decades neuroscientists have discovered that the grey blancmange-like structure between our ears is capable of adapting, healing, rewiring and even renewing itself. What’s more, we can make changes which positively impact the health of our brain, and science has given us some interesting ways to do this. Juggling Various studies found that volunteers who participated in a juggling exercise improved connections in areas of their brains involved in visual and motor activity. Furthermore, the changes were still present several weeks after they stopped. The researchers chose juggling becasue it’s a complex skill, but other complex activities would also work, for example: salsa dancing, life-drawing or learning a musical instrument. The key is that the new skill you choose to learn should be unrelated to what you normally do. It should take you out of your comfort zone. Tasks which involve genuine concentration, such as studying a musical instrument, playing chess, juggling, and dancing, are associated with a lower risk for dementia. Dancing, it turns out is particularly good as it is both physically and mentally challenging. Learning a new language is also good for a brain

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By Louise Addison

workout, causing an increase in grey matter in the areas related to the use of language. Sleep For those of us who love our beds it’s good news; sleep is necessary for brain health. It’s not such good news for people who struggle with insomnia and disrupted sleep though. Poor sleep is linked to rapid reductions in brain volume, so your brain actually shrinks. Areas of the brain dealing with language, balance, maths and decision-making were the most affected. Poor sleep causes protein build-up in the brain, which negatively impacts brain cells. Sleep repairs and restores brain function, so improving sleep habits is important for brain health. Experts suggest between 7–8 hours per night as optimal. If you feel you aren’t sleeping well it’s important to talk to your doctor as underlying issues such as snoring, or high levels of anxiety, may need to be addressed. Exercise It’s not only good for your body but it helps memory, motor skills, and learning ability. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy; simply running on a treadmill or pedalling a stationary bike for 30 minutes has benefits. Exercise increases heart rate, so more oxygen is pumped to the brain, and it releases beneficial hormones too, improving mood and sleep, while reducing stress levels and anxiety. See why dancing is so brain-friendly? It ticks ALL the boxes. Mindfulness It’s not just a fad. Science says meditation is beneficial for mental health. Our brains often function on auto-pilot. Being in the moment while going about your day and noticing any tension or preoccupations without judging is effective in combating stress. Meditation rewires your brain, leading to: raised happiness levels, stress reduction, increased concentration, improved working memory, decreased emotional outbursts, and better problem-solving. By taking care of your brain you can increase white and grey matter, improve mental health, and slow down cognitive decline. It’s time to be brainy!

Interiors By Katherine Sorrell

Making an Entrance Your hallway needs to be a good-looking, welcoming space for visitors and a practical area for storage. Get the basics right, says Katherine Sorrell, and the rest will follow.

Colour and pattern for the walls Choose a paint colour or wallpaper that you love, and that coordinates with the colours that can be seen in adjoining rooms. While pale colours reflect light and emphasise a sense of space, dark schemes can be both cosy and interesting. In busy households with young children and pets, it’s a good idea to protect at least the lower halves of the walls from wear and tear. Extra-tough paint is a good choice, or consider adding a dado rail and cladding the walls below it with tongueand-groove panelling, tiles or hard-wearing vinyl wallpaper. Period-style patterned tiles or embossed wallpapers are particularly appropriate for older properties with period features; you might want to choose patterns that echo other elements of the house, such as cornices or fireplace surrounds.

Choosing the right flooring It makes sense for the flooring to be durable, nonslip, dirt-resistant and easy to keep clean – pale carpet is probably not a good idea. So, what to choose? Tiles are very easy to care for, and there are various options, including stone, ceramic or quarry, or colourful Victorian encaustic (perfect for period properties). Floorboards or parquet will need regular polishing or waxing, but be careful with wood laminates – they are cheaper, but may not last long. Good quality vinyl flooring, in sheet or tile form is sturdy, cleanable and comfortable underfoot. If you prefer a more luxurious feel, a dark wool carpet in an 80:20 mix of wool and nylon with a twist pile should withstand heavy usage or, for a more rustic look, how about tough natural matting such as coir, sisal or rush?

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Lighting makes all the difference Halls are often windowless and dark and, while they do not need to be very bright, should be welcoming and lead the eye into your home, as well as safely illuminating any steps or thresholds. One small change that may help is to use a specialist light-reflecting paint, or wallpaper with a metallic sheen. Add a large mirror, too – also helpful for checking your reflection just before you leave the house. In terms of light fittings, wall lights are not ideal in a narrow hall, as they may just act as obstacles; a series of recessed ceiling downlights is better or, if your ceilings are high enough, a pendant (or a row of them) that suits the style of other furnishings works well. Storage is essential Most people store a variety of things in their halls and the type of storage you choose is best moulded around what you need to store, how much space it will take up and how frequently you need to access it. Built-in storage makes the most of every inch of space. Shallow, floor-to-ceiling

3 cupboards with doors painted the same colour as the walls, or mirrored to maximise light, will hold masses yet be barely noticeable. Alternatively, make a statement with a choice of free-standing, perhaps vintage or upcycled, cupboards, sideboards or benches. Umbrella stands, dog beds and boot racks are ideal for spacious, country-style halls, while narrow, urban halls might benefit from a high-up hook for a bike and a slim shelf above a radiator on which to keep post and keys. Add a finishing touch In a hall that has windows, think about how your blinds or curtains will complement the rest of the space. The colours and patterns of fabric can coordinate with cushions or upholstery on seating, for example. A long, thin floor runner adds a nice touch of softness, pattern and texture on hard floors but always use a non-slip underlay beneath. Hang paintings or photographs on the walls, in rows or informal groupings, taking care that their frames coordinate with each other and with the décor overall. Finally, why not add some plants, books or a pretty lamp on a console table? You can create a beautiful display that shows off your personality and creates a lovely welcome to your home.

1 In a spacious hallway, more than one item of storage furniture will work a treat. They don’t have to match exactly – this pairing helps create a welcoming, eclectic look that has heaps of character. Wiltshire console table in natural solid oak, £299.99, St Ives tallboy in natural and painted oak, £299.99; both Oak Furnitureland: 0800 440 2254; oakfurnitureland.co.uk. 2 A spacious sideboard is an excellent addition to any hall, combining hidden storage and surface display space. This one blends pale timber with classic black for a smart and minimal look. Greenwich large sideboard, £229, Nala mango wood table lamp, £25; Butterscotch rush basket, £22; all Dunelm: 0345 165 6565; dunelm.com. 3 A pale wood floor is practical and beautiful, and tongue-and-groove walls are easy to maintain in case of muddy splashes. Tegola Westminster traditional oak wood flooring, £49.99 per square metre; natural coir Bee doormat, £15; both Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk.

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Picture Framing By

Nesan Arts

Fine Art Picture Framing Choose Picture Framing in the comfort of your own home Consultation, collection and delivery included in the service Established 19 years Please call Sue on: 01954 719467 For a no obligation appointment

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We are ‘Inspiration Dealers’ for Luxaflex Blinds Visit our showroom to see our motorised blinds. Unit 6a Highfields Business Park Old North Rd, Bassingbourn, Royston Herts SG8 5JT

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Private pool - Tadlow ASA qualified teachers Beginners & stroke technique classes 1-3 pupils per class 10 week courses (term time only) Mother and Toddler classes

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Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com 32

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Parenting

Do try this at home… Fun science experiments that the whole family will enjoy

A homemade lava lamp This lava lamp is short-lived, but pretty magical. You’ll need • A glass • Vegetable oil • Water • A bright food colouring (e.g. red or green) • An Alka-Seltzer tablet What to do Fill the glass to about halfway with vegetable oil. Add around a fifth of a glass of water. Add around 10 drops of food colouring. Drop in the Alka-Seltzer tablet and watch the marvel unfold. Why it works The oil floats on the water. When you drop the tablet in, it reacts with the water to make carbon dioxide bubbles. They carry the coloured water to the top, before popping and sinking back down.

Iceberg For this experiment, you probably have everything you need already. You’ll need • A glass • Ice cubes • Salt • String What to do Dangle a piece of string in the glass with one hand. Pop ice cubes into the glass so that it’s at least half-full. Can you pull the ice-cubes out of the glass using the string? Repeat the first two steps. Pour a couple of tablespoons of salt over the ice cubes and the string. Wait 10 seconds and pull the string out. This time, the ice cubes should come out with the string. Why it works The salt makes the edges of the ice cubes start to melt but then they partially refreeze, sticking to the string as they do.

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Runaway milk Don’t worry, this is a lot less messy than it sounds. You’ll need • A plate or wide, shallow bowl • Full fat milk • Food colouring (ideally three different colours) • Washing-up liquid What to do Pour some milk into the plate. (You only need it to be around a centimetre deep.) Add a few drops of food colouring in different areas. Not too many, there should be large gaps between each one. Dip a finger in the washing-up liquid and then touch one of the spots of food colouring. Repeat with other spots of food colouring. The colour will swirl away from your touch. Why it works The milk and washing-up liquid can’t mix. What you’re seeing is the fat particles swirling away from the washing-up liquid. Don’t have food colouring? Try touching a felt tip pen to the milk instead.

When the time comes, and you need to look into nursing care for a friend or relative, come and see us at the Park House Nursing Care Centre in Sandy. With our team of dedicated carers and support staff, we provide specialised 24 hour care to adults of all ages in a homely and friendly atmosphere. Some of the people in our community may be living with dementia, whilst others may have complex care needs requiring the intervention of our qualified nurses. And we place a great value on socialising, with a varied programme of activities. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find visiting very easy with parking on site and a warm welcome from our staff.

Come and see what we are about. You are welcome any time.

Park House Nursing Care Centre, Mill Lane, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1NL T: 01767 692186 E: office@parkhousesandy.org W: www.parkhousecare.com 34

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Technology By Kevin Shen https://www.udemy.com/course/ learn-python-by-coding-games

The Coding Conundrum How to get kids learning to code When my son Lee started secondary school this year, the subject he was most looking forward to studying was computer science. He wants to learn to code and create his own programs. But a few weeks in and he was starting to lose enthusiasm. The problem is that he hasn’t yet touched a computer, only partly because of COVID safety procedures. They learn about programming and how computers work, but it’s all on paper without a single line of code. I looked at his syllabus and frankly it’s not going to get much better for several months! Computer science courses at school talk about computers much more than they talk about programming. Kids desperate to code become frustrated and switch off from the subject. Fewer children in the UK are now progressing to become computer programmers. That’s unfortunate when it’s one of the most sought after skills in today’s workforce. There is a shortage of specialist computer science teachers. Most computer programmers work in industry, where salaries are higher. So children are taught by non-specialists who mostly do not have a software engineering background. Hence the syllabus becomes weighted to teaching general computing rather than coding. How do we turn kids on to coding? Most want to create the next top selling computer games, or a killer app for their phone. How do we harness that and create the next generation of coders?

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Learning is currently going through big changes thanks to the pandemic. We can’t rely on having kids in a classroom with their teacher for the whole of a term at the moment because of various year groups or members of a bubble needing to self-isolate. But online learning opens up an almost infinite number of options for students. Web sites like Udemy or Coursera offer high-quality, well-taught courses in a vast range of topics. For Lee I found a Udemy course, tailored to his age range that taught coding through designing and building games (I’ve included the web address below). It teaches Python, the same programming language that he’ll use at school, and indeed the one most schools use. All the lessons are video, so there’s no reading long documents. Coding starts as soon as the programming software (which is free!) is installed. He can go at his own pace, take lessons whenever he wants, and replay explanations as many times as he wants until he fully understands. Personal help is just a few clicks away. Send a message and an answer comes back in about a day or so from the actual tutor. It’s just like having a private computer science teacher at a fraction of the cost - less than the cost of a single tutor session in fact! So how’s he doing? The enthusiasm is back. He’s blasting through the lessons and loving it. At this rate he’ll finish the course this term which will take him to GCSE coding standard in just a few months. After that the sky’s the limit.

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Anti-gravity technology for pain-free rehab Our anti-gravity treadmill allows you to walk, run, build strength, and recover from injury and surgery in a comfortable, pain-free, and supportive environment. It can be used as part of a treatment session or on a pay-as-you-go basis as part of a progressive plan. The Alter-G cleverly ‘unweights’ you down to as little as 20% of your bodyweight where there is little or no pain and more normal movement is possible. This is the key to improving strength and function. • Problems with bones and joints – arthritis, stress fractures and major injuries • Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries • Prep for, and recovery from surgery • Neurological, degenerative and progressive lifelong conditions When you work with us at the Rehab Hub you have the support of our knowledgeable and caring team of Practitioners, all focused on helping you be your best.

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IONA BLACK

Personal Trainer Offering personal training on your door step Either 1-1 or group training in a location at your convenience. Initial consultation is free of charge. Consultation includes a discussion either face to face or over the phone about you, and what you want to get out of working with me. Areas covered: Longstowe, Caxton, Bourn, Eltisley, Great/Little Gransden, Waresley, Abbotsley, Gamlingay, Dry Drayton, Papworth, Elsworth and Boxworth. No matter your goal I adapt to each and every single client so they get the best out of the programme.

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Local News

What’s That Oxygen Therapy About? It is amazing how many people feel better through breathing pure oxygen. At Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, in Letchworth, we have been doing Oxygen Therapy for 32 years. We have helped thousands of people with MS, Parkinson’s, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, leg ulcers, bedsores, and cancer. People visit us from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire... and Europe! Oxygen Therapy means breathing pure oxygen under gentle pressure enabling our bodies to absorb a higher proportion of the oxygen we breath. (Normal air has about 21% oxygen.) During Oxygen Therapy, people breathe in almost five times as much oxygen as usual, so oxygen levels carried around their bodies should be higher too. Often that extra oxygen helps the body to reduce pain, fight infection, increase energy levels and speed up the body’s natural healing processes. It can accelerate recovery from an operation and is used by athletes to improve performance. We have the only Oxygen Chamber in Hertfordshire. It seats up to seven people and is like a small tube train carriage. Each person wears a mask that supplies the medical grade oxygen. Our team shows you everything you need to know. All sessions are run by two staff following strict safety procedures (including keeping everyone Covid-safe). Many of our oxygen sessions are run by trained volunteers. If you know someone who can help us for 2 hours a week ask them to contact us at volunteering@hmstc.net We are delighted to see oxygen helping so many people… and are very clear that it does not work for everyone. It is a natural therapy, without the side effects of prescription drugs. Talk to us about what you hope Oxygen Therapy might help you with by emailing oxygen@hmstc.net. Or call us on 01462 684 214.

Would you like more energy and less pain? Try Oxygen Therapy Visit The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth WE ARE OPEN EXTRA SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE

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07743 172 393 or email: oxygen@hmstc.net 39

House of Colour

The Boot Edit The shops are full of a real range of boots this season – sleek and sophisticated to heavy and chunky options. You may even already have something at home which will is still really current. Here’s my guide to your options this season – what to look out for and how you might wear them. Chunky soled heavy boot – form the hiking inspired to the Dr Martin and clog, there is a wide variety of heavier options out there. This is very much carrying through the utility trend we’ve seen last season. They can work with the cut off jean, wide legged and the Mom jean options but for some people they’re going to work really well with a midi dress. If you’re drawn to clothes with a natural distressed look some chunky soled boots could be your thing. Sleek sharp and pointed – The cowboy boot has been given a sleeker upgrade this season. They have retained their point but have added angles at the heel often with a shiner finish to the leather. Marks and Spencer and Zara have options. The low heeled ankle boot with block heel (quite a sixties feel to it) continues into this season from last again with patent finish. All these work well with the clean lines in comfort tailoring trends we’re seeing but also act as a nice contrast with softer fabrics.

Heeled knee – high - Continuing some seventies inspired looks the heeled knee high is definitely making an entrance this season. Some with a slouchy suede and some with rich leather, cone heel and a vintage feel. Works well with the just below the knee lengths and longer looks in hems we’re seeing. The look doesn’t always require a close fit to the calf making them an easier option for those who struggle to get the right leg fit. If you need clothes the flow and movement these will work well for you. Check out Clarks and Dune. Luxurious fabrics – some patterns, kitten heels in velours are also to be found, even with embellishments. A great way to update an existing look and will add the glamour to some clothing personalities. N.B. Tights – some interesting colours in Heist and Snag. If you already have a lot of colour in your wardrobe opt for your best neutrals. Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look. Find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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Andrea is thrilled to announce the opening of her new business venture at

The CuTTing Mill Offering years of experience in the hair and beauty industry, Andrea and Jane offer a warm professional welcome to all clients, old and new. Looking forward to seeing you all as we head towards Christmas and the New Year.

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Beauty

Gifts of Gorgeousness By Kate Duggan

Beauty gifts that Santa will wish he thought of, from stocking fillers to luxury treats Eco lovers will appreciate Biovene Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars (£4 each). They’re also a great gift for anyone planning on going travelling next year, as they take up very little space in a suitcase but last for weeks. The bars are free from parabens, sulphates and other harsh chemicals and use natural goodies like macadamia oil and shea butter to gently cleanse and nourish hair. See www.justmylook.com. Alternatively, the Eco Warrior Mini Cube by the Little Soap Company (www. littlesoapcompany.co.uk) is as pretty as it is eco. For £8, you get a Sensitive Facial Bar, Exfoliating Bar, Shampoo Bar and Shaving Bar. They’re all plantbased, free from synthetics and packed with natural ingredients such as essential oils, pink clay, oatmeal and coconut oil. What make-up lover isn’t a fan of Urban Decay’s Naked Eyeshadow Palettes (£43)? The Ultraviolet one is likely to cause squeals of delight on Christmas Day from any fan of a bold smoky eye. The twelve shades are a mix of mattes, metallic and shimmers. The focus is purple, from lilac to deepest aubergine (but with names like ‘Euphoric’ and ‘Cyber Punk’…), and there are complementary nudes and golds to create the perfect dramatic eye. As you’d expect from Urban Decay (www.urgandecay.co.uk), the shadows go on easily and stay put for hours. Pair the palette

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with the Lash Freak Mascara (£21) for extra brownie points. Most of us rarely treat ourselves to a new make-up bag, but they’re always nice to get. (Because, let’s face it, how many of us ever get around to cleaning out the powder, lipstick stains and other gunk that accumulates in them?) The Tierra Palm Multicoloured Makeup Bag (£16.50) from Oliver Bonas is likely to be well-received. If you’re feeling especially generous, team it with the coordinating Wash Bag (£24). Do you make your own Christmas crackers? Forget a plastic fish or silver napkin ring, pop in a Leighton Denny Back to Nature Nail Polish in Peony or Forest (£12) instead. They’re vegan, 75% natural and designed to have a lower impact on the environment than most nail varnishes. See www.LD-Boutique.com. Give someone the gift of a good night’s sleep with the Tonic Velvet Eye Mask (£15 from www.amara.com) and T his Works’ Choose Sleep Kit (£10 from www.thisworks.com). The mask is velvet on one side and satin on the other, so it feels lush against skin. The Choose Sleep Kit contains miniatures of two of This Works’ bestselling products – the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and Stress Check Roll-On. Know someone who loves luxuriating in the bath tub? A Biovene Hair Wrap Treatment (£3 from www.justmylook.com) would make a great stocking filler. It’s easy to use: just pop it over your hair, use the sticky tab to keep it in place, and then rinse off after twenty minutes. It smells divine and leaves hair feeling softer and healthier.

Animal Tales

Heroic dogs with skills that save lives While technology offers some amazing new ways of tracking down lost people and animals, there are many rescue scenarios where dogs’ natural skills have proven infinitely superior to high-tech gadgets. Here we look at the way their unique abilities are being harnessed to save lives. ‘Newfies’, superdogs of the sea Possessed of unusual strength and resilience, Newfoundland dogs were highly valued by Canadian fishermen, who also prized their calm and loyal nature. With their muscular build, thick coats and webbed paws, Newfoundlands are completely at home in the water. At Portishead Marina near Bristol, a charity called Newfound Friends makes the most of the Newfies’ remarkable talents. The dogs not only work in children’s hospices as therapy dogs, they also take part in sea rescues and rescue training, showing off their skills at festivals across the UK. Ellie Bedford, a volunteer and trainer with the charity, told the TV channel Beastly: “No human can do what these dogs can do. I’m a lifeguard myself and I would struggle to tow two people, whereas these guys can pull in ten people.” A bad start for Bear Today many different breeds are used in search and rescue operations, but the victims they search for are not always human. This year’s terrible bushfires in Australia displaced and killed up to three billion wild animals, including thousands of koala bears. During an epic rescue mission in some of the areas worst hit by the bushfires, a very special Australian Koolie dog – aptly named ‘Bear’ – was brought in to search for surviving koalas. Bear was brought up in a domestic setting, but with

his high energy levels and obsessive/compulsive behaviours it quickly became clear that he was never going to be a family pet. Fortunately an animal conservation charity spotted his potential after he was abandoned by his owners. “He was a very high-energy young adult and apparently ate the whole flat he was living in,” his trainer Romane Cristescu told the Australian Geographic magazine. Ironically the qualities that made him unsuitable as a pet have made him the perfect rescue dog. Romane puts Bear’s previous bad behaviour down to boredom, commenting: “his worst nightmare is to be left behind when you go to work.” However, once the dog started his koala detection training, he showed an outstanding ability to locate suffering animals. Raising rescuers’ spirits Bear rescued a hundred koalas that would have otherwise have died in the blackened and burnedout landscape of the Australian bush. In addition to this impressive record, he has also played an important role in keeping his human team-mates’ spirits up. It seems that hero animals such as Newfound Friends’ therapy dogs and Aussie koala tracker Bear not only protect humans and animals, they also have a profound effect on our mental health. Australian travel presenter and wildlife campaigner Tyson Mayr told the News.com.au website: “I quickly saw just how much of an impact [Bear] was having, not just with the koalas he was saving, but also the smiles he was bringing to the already tired and exhausted wildlife carers, rescuers and vets from around the country.”

By Kate McLelland

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Travel Insurance Advice

As thoughts turn to holidays in 2021, the issue of travel insurance has never been more complicated. The disruption from COVID-19 led many travellers to discover their policy wasn’t quite as comprehensive as they assumed. With local lockdowns, travel bans and quarantine an ever-changing situation in recent months, all too many people have found planned trips either impossible or no longer quite what they expected. If you’ve got an annual policy, your first step should be checking the date the policy began. The precise details will vary between insurers, but as a general rule any ordinary policy taken out after the start of April 2020 will almost certainly exclude any claims related to COVID-19. Instead, you’ll need to look for a policy that specifically covers coronavirus. Most such policies will only cover the medical effects, though a few policies will also cover cancellation. Whether you are relying on a pre-April 2020 policy or take out a new one that includes COVID-19 cancellation, check the conditions that will trigger a payout. Some policies will only cover you getting COVID-19 while some will pay out if a family member gets it. Some will only cover a positive diagnosis while others will cover cases where you are told to self-isolate, for example because you’ve been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive. Coronavirus has also brought much greater attention to Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advisories, something that’s normally only been an issue for people travelling to far-off war-torn nations. At the time of writing, the FCO still had a default position advising against any non-essential travel to any country that wasn’t specifically exempted.

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Finance

If you do travel to a country that’s under such an advisory, your insurance is automatically invalid. However, a travel insurance policy almost certainly won’t cover you cancelling a trip because the FCO advice has changed. If you decide against travel altogether, you can usually cancel an ongoing annual policy and get a refund in proportion to the remaining time, minus any administrative fee. This won’t be allowed if you’ve already made a claim on the policy during the cover period, for example from a previous trip. Despite the increased limitations, travel insurance may soon be even more important in Europe. At the time of writing, the UK and the European Union had yet to agree an extension of the UK’s participation in the European Health Identity Card program beyond the end of 2020. The EHIC isn’t insurance, but rather a mutual agreement that covers European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Anyone with an EHIC is entitled to medical treatment on the same basis as residents of the country where they fall ill. EHIC has never been a substitute for travel insurance, as it doesn’t cover disruption from illness or injury such as having to rebook flights home. However, if the UK does leave EHIC, travelling to the continent without travel insurance could lead to hefty medical bills even for basic treatment.

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Getting Fruity You can grow fruit in your garden even when short on space, by making the fruit work in more ways than one and making the best use of their good looks. At this time of year the widest selection of fruit plants is available from specialist fruit nurseries as ‘bare root’ plants, and this is also the perfect time to plant fruit. A simple metal arch can be used to train tree fruit such as apples or pears up the sides and over the top. For perfect pollination (and maximum crops), plant two different apples in the same pollination group on each side of the arch. You can use cordon apples or simple ‘whips’ (straight stems). A good fruit tree nursery will be able to advise on the best combinations. Cherries can do surprisingly well in a large pots, planters or a wooden half-barrel. The combination of their lovely white spring blossom and tasty summer fruit makes then an attractive plant for a sunny, sheltered patio or back yard. Choose a cherry on a ‘dwarfing rootstock’ such as Gisela 5 to ensure it does not get too big. There are many types of fruit that take up extremely little space, such as Ballerina apples; alternatively, train cordon apples or pears vertically and spaced 6090cm (2-3ft) apart to form columnar trees. Prune the fruiting laterals in summer and restrict the tree height to 1.8-2.4m (6-8ft). Ideal for the front of a vegetable plot or a flower border, a stepover is trained to form one ‘arm’ of fruit to the left and one to the right, generally about

45cm (18ins) above ground level (hence the name); you can buy these ready-trained. Vines can produce a good crop in the UK in a sheltered, sunny spot. They can be trained up walls or over a pergola to create shade. Many have fabulous autumnal colours. There are peach varieties nowadays that grow well and produce a worthwhile crop. Avalon is recommended for its ability to crop if you have space, but there are several varieties available on sufficiently dwarfing root stocks that do well in good-sized containers. Peach Bonanza grafted on to a St Julien rootstock is compact, has attractive pink blossom and, despite its dwarf size, produces fullsized fruit. Hybrid berries can also be trained over arches to form shade and a delicious crop – I recommend loosely tying them to a chunky wooden arch. You can then enjoy the flowers followed by the rich good looks of the fruit. Strawberries in pots can crop heavily if kept well fed and watered. Either plant them into a large pot or container full of good quality compost, or use a strawberry planter with individual planting holes into each of which a strawberry plant is placed. It looks good and makes it harder for slugs and snails to get to the fruit! Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.

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Garden/Wildlife

Rural Ramblings Mysterious Arts

By Geoff Wharton

Have you ever had a tree or shrub turning into something else which has different leaves from the original? It sometimes appears that there are two different plants growing together, one the original (often smaller) and another one, next to it, seemingly attached and starting to take over like some sort of parasite feeding on the one you had purchased. Many people don’t realise that many of the more expensive ornamental trees and shrubs we buy actually consist of two parts. Top fruit trees such as apple, pear and plum are in a similar category together with roses. Soft fruit bushes such as black currants do not fit into this group as will be explained later, I hope! The two parts mentioned previously are called the rootstock and the scion and during propagation the two parts are cleverly joined together. The reason why this complicated process is carried out is because sometimes, for example in roses, propagation from cuttings, (which DOES produce the same variety), is not very successful for it to be commercially viable. Therefore roses are propagated by budding onto a wild rose rootstock, which is more effective. Sometimes, after planting, the rootstock starts to produce strong shoots which are often more thorny and the leaves are more divided so can be identified and removed by cutting them out as low as possible. If this is not carried out, the vigorous growth from the wild rose root system will take over and you will be left with small “dog rose” flowers and only a few of the ones you originally had. Fruit trees are usually propagated by “budding” which is the taking of a single bud of a known variety, together with a little stem tissue and inserting it into the young stem growing from a rootstock (better described by a diagram!) Once the two parts have fused together, the bud will grow into the aerial part of the tree and the rootstock will have an effect by controlling the vigour and earliness of fruiting. Sometimes, as with roses, the rootstock will produce it’s own shoots (called suckers), and that is why fruit trees, roses and some difficult to propagate ornamental shrubs sometimes start to turn into something different i.e. a plant from the rootstock. You may be saying why are these plants not usually propagated from seed? The reason is because of genetic variation which simply means that you will not end up with the same plant you started with. For example, you have a nice Cox apple tree and you want more of them, you therefore take the seeds from the fruit and grow new trees from them. Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely they will turn out to be the same

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variety and will most probably produce only “crab” apples!! Apple trees are not easily produced from cuttings and the vigour can be controlled together with earlier fruiting, by budding onto a dwarfing rootstock even though it is a fiddly process. You may hear that a plant has been grafted. This means that a small twig is used instead of a bud. The process is basically the same i.e. a rootstock is used and the twig is the scion which grows into the variety of plant which is required. I hope this is all perfectly clear! P.S. Blackcurrants are grown on their own roots and are not budded or grafted. You can propagate them from cuttings and you will end up with the same variety. P.P.S. The Cox tree was a very rare seedling identified by it’s special properties of great tasting fruit. It is best propagated asexually by budding or grafting.

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By Rachael Leverton

Garden View

Rhubarb Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a reasonably easy trouble-free plant to grow. It is also a handsome plant, with large leaves and striking red stems, and who doesn’t love a rhubarb crumble? The trick is to choose the right spot. Ideally it needs to be planted in full sun but if your garden is very sheltered it will tolerate partial shade. Don’t plant it anywhere where it might be in the way, disturbed, or need to be moved from. Rhubarb has an extensive root system and prefers to stay put, for at least a decade, so give careful thought to the spot. Rhubarb dislikes wet soil, so make sure it’s welldrained. Dig in plenty of organic matter a month or so before planting. It’s generally easier and more productive to grow rhubarb from crowns (divided plants) rather than seed, and from now until Christmas is the perfect time to plant. Dig a hole a little wider than the rhubarb crown in your prepared ground. Plant so that the growing tip is about an inch /2.5 cm below the surface. Firm the soil well around the roots to removed air pockets. Water well and mulch with organic matter, avoiding the growing tip. During the growing season keep the area around the plant free of weeds and give an occasional good soaking in prolonged dry periods. Remove any flower heads that appear in the spring. Flowering will

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weaken the stems. If the crown rots, your soil was too wet, but following all the advice I’ve given earlier should prevent this happening! Harvest time is May until July, but rhubarb is a long-term investment so don’t harvest it during the first year. It needs that full first year of growth to establish a strong root system. Second year leave at least five strong stems when you harvest. After that you can leave three or four stems each time. You should get 2-3 crops per season. Remove only the largest stems when picking and wait till the leaves have fully opened. Pull gently from the base with a slight twist. The leaves are poisonous but can be safely composted. Once your rhubarb is established you might want to try a forced crop for sweeter more tender stems. Rhubarb is forced by growing it in the absence of light in a microclimate slightly warmer than the outside temperature. You can start forcing in January for best results. Remove dead leaves and weeds from around the crown and add a layer of straw or shredded paper to warm the emerging shoots and to protect them from frost. Then cover the crown with an upturned dustbin or large crock pot to cut out all the light. The rhubarb should be ready for harvesting 8 weeks later.

Happy Gardening! 55

Food & Drink

By Sally Harris

In a Pickle Quick pickling is the new big thing in the kitchen When I was a child, family get-togethers involved buffet lunches. One of the highlights were the big jars of ‘quick pickles’ that my father, aunts, and uncles had been taught to make by my grandmother. Quick pickles are vegetables pickled in a solution of vinegar, water, salt and sometimes sugar, then kept in the fridge. These are not deeply pickled onions, nor fermentation. Quick pickles taste light, fresh and crunchy. My Grandmother pickled fresh veg from her garden during the Second World War. Veg needs to be super-fresh and undamaged. It can be cut to any shape. I like to boil green veg such as green beans and asparagus for two or three minutes then plunge them into ice cold water to preserve their bright colour, but it’s optional. To make the basic brine use equal parts light vinegar and water. By light vinegar I mean white, apple cider, white wine, or rice vinegar. Don’t use pickling vinegars or balsamic. To the brine add whatever spices you like. Dill seed, chilli flakes and garlic are nice. Coriander, ginger, turmeric, and thyme work with carrots. Classic combinations include green beans with garlic and fresh dill, and cherry tomatoes with black peppercorns and garlic. We grew some squash this year and quick pickled some of the little ones with onion and garlic. Wide-mouth large jars are the best containers. Wash them and their lids, and rings in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry completely. Wash and dry the vegetables then prep them. Peel any carrots, trim the end of beans etc. Cut vegetables into evenly sized pieces. Add any flavourings to the jars. You can choose

different flavours for each vegetable jar. Pack the vegetables as tightly into the jars as you can without damaging them, leaving a couple of centimetres space at the top. To make the brine, place the vinegar, water, salt, and any sugar into a small saucepan. Heat on high to bring to the boil. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, filling each jar to within 2cm of the top. You’ll get better at judging how much brine to make as you repeat the process. Gently tap the jars against the counter a few times to remove all the air bubbles. Top up with more brine if needed. Seal the jars tightly. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 48 hours. The pickles improve with flavour as they age. They can be stored in the fridge for about 2 months. Flavours for Quick Pickles Fresh herbs: dill, thyme, oregano, and rosemary hold up well Dried herbs: thyme, dill, rosemary, oregano, or marjoram Garlic cloves: smashed for mild garlic flavour, or sliced for stronger garlic flavour Fresh ginger: peeled and thinly sliced Whole spices: mustard seed, coriander, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, chilli flakes Ground spices: turmeric or smoked paprika are great for both colour and flavour Vegetables for Pickling Cucumbers, summer squash, ginger, red onion thinly sliced Carrots- Peel - cut into batons or rounds Green beans, asparagus - blanch to preserve colour Cherry tomatoes - pickle whole

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Fifi

This pretty little cat is Fifi. She is a year old and although a little shy when she first meets people, she soon comes out of her shell and has a very sweet nature. She likes to play with her toys and be fussed. She is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and would be suitable for a home without young children (older children/ teenagers would be fine). If you would like to find out more about Fifi, 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. T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am07/06/2015 until 4.00 pm.13:34:43

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Pets

Another Successful Adoptober As Adoptober draws to a close we reflect upon the true magic of this service. With online searches for puppies tripling, adoption is an amazing solution. Adopting a dog or cat as a family pet is becoming much more common as people are finding out the many advantages it has over buying a kitten or puppy. New owners are becoming much more scrupulous about the history and background of the animals they welcome into their lives. The large majority of cats and dogs that are part of the adoption scheme are there as a result of a house move, death or divorce. Not because they have behaviour problems or were stray. Many people are attracted to adoption for this reason, and the idea of giving the animals a second chance. Why Adopt? 1) A second chance – you are giving a second chance to a much loved pet by adopting one rather than buying one. RSPCA shelters are bursting with happy and healthy pets, ready for their next new home. 2) Happy and healthy pets – you would be rehoming a happy and healthy pet that is already house trained and used to living with a family. 3) The cost – getting a new pet can be more expensive than you had originally anticipated. The prices of kittens and puppies are still on the rise, with popular dog breeds fetching £3000 each. Not only is the animal cheaper from a shelter, other expenses are often free. Most shelters spay, neuter and vaccinate all animals reducing the cost of having a pet even further.

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4) Having an older pet through the adoption service has plenty of advantages. It does eliminate the need to go to puppy training classes each week, paying for microchipping, training them to go to the toilet in the correct way. 5) You are helping more than one animal. By giving money to the rehoming centre you are giving help to all of the animals within the centre. Also, by adopting an animal you are making room for another animal to come into the centre. Advantages of Having a Pet Where to begin. There are numerous benefits to having a pet, whatever the age, shape or size. Having a pet can be an exciting adventure, be it a cat, dog, hamster or rabbit. They have several health benefits including; reducing stress, decreasing loneliness, helping to raise activity levels and improving ones immune system. According to studies spending time with your pet can increase levels of oxytocin in your body, as well as lowering your blood pressure. Pets can help you to find and make friends. It’s amazing how many people you can end up talking to as you take your dog for a walk. Or even while you are in the pet shop buying hamster bedding. Pets are always such a great talking point at work and in turn help you to socialise. Pets are great for children. They can boost their confidence and skills of empathy. Pets are wonderful listeners and can help children to feel safe. Animals teach children how to be responsible, as they can help to feed, clean and walk their pets. So, if you, a friend or family member are considering making the decision to be a pet owner – consider adoption – consider the RSPCA. 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

Pets

Ask Alan

Fear of fireworks - A common question

While we are unlikely to have organised firework events this year, there are still likely to be fireworks in gardens which scare pets. This is a common and distressing problem, for pets and owners. Close windows to reduce the noise and draw the curtains to cut out the flashes. Have a radio or television on in the background to disguise the noise. Try not to leave them alone when fireworks are expected. Make sure they are secure as they can bolt if frightened. Make a den, well in advance. This should be an enclosed space where they can feel safe, with their own bedding and toys. If possible, feed dogs a large carbohydrate rich meal before the expected event as this can be calming. Do not punish them when they start to act fearfully as this will make it worse. Also, do not fuss or cuddle them as this can signal that their fearful behaviour is appropriate, and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to reinforce it. Stay calm yourself and try to ignore their unusual behaviour. This can be hard but

behaving normally is the best response for them. Pheromone plug-ins or collars are available, as is a range of liquids or tablets which contain L-tryptophan that may help to calm them without sedating them. Start using them at least a few hours before you think they will be needed. If this is not helping, they may be phobic and may need behavioural intervention, desensitisation and medical treatment. Desensitisation is a long process and needs to be started in advance and you will need help from your vet and a behavioural therapist. If you have any questions you would like answered, please email them to villager@pottonvets.co.uk. Best wishes,

Alan If you have any questions you would like answered, please email them to villager@pottonvets.co.uk For more information visit www.pottonvets.co.uk or pop into the clinic in Potton Market Square.

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Motoring

First Drive: Volkswagen e-Up!

Volkswagen has improved its electric e-Up! Jack Evans finds out how. What is it? In the race to gain EV supremacy, it seems that many manufacturers have forgotten that often the best application of electric technology is in smaller city cars – such as Volkswagen’s new e-Up! EV, which has been given bigger batteries to improve that allimportant range. What’s new? The exterior of the e-Up! doesn’t look particularly different from the car it replaces, with the bulk of the changes being under the skin. As well as boosting the battery count to improve range, VW has added the ability to fast-charge the car. What’s under the bonnet? The e-Up! has an electric motor linked to a 32.3kWh battery. Power reaches the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox, and in total it pushes out 80.5bhp and a healthy 210Nm of torque. The e-Up takes 11.6 seconds from 0-60mph with a maximum speed of 81mph, with a claimed 159 miles between charges. Combined charging system technology gives an 80 per cent charge in just an hour from zero, via a 40kW DC charger. A standard domestic wall box takes four hours, while using a three-pin plug needs around 16 hours for a full charge. What’s it like to drive? The e-Up! is fun to drive, with the zippy acceleration you only get from an EV. The steering and the ride are good too. It’s nimble around town and unflustered even at higher motorway speeds.

How does it look? We like the undercover looks of the e-Up! Slim LED running lights up front help differentiate it, while the charging port is where you’d usually find the filler cap. The compact proportions lend the Up! to town driving and it’s a doddle to park. It’s conservatively styled for an electric vehicle but this should appeal to many. What’s it like inside? The cabin of the e-Up! is business as usual. The forward part of the interior feels uncluttered, the steering wheel has plenty of adjustment, the seats are comfortable and forward visibility is good. Our five-door model granted easy access to the rear of the car and had adequate rear legroom, though headroom is limited for very tall passengers. What’s the spec like? Our test car came in at a reasonable £20,555 after the government’s plug-in car grant. Cruise control, parking sensors at both front and rear and a rear-view camera are standard, while a five-inch colour touchscreen system houses Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio. Volkswagen includes a 16amp charging cable for use at wall boxes and charge points, and a 10amp cable for mains charging. Verdict The plucky e-Up! has hit the nail on the head, and with around 150 miles per charge offers a genuinely usable range. The ability to fast charge means much shorter wait times if you do need to plug in. Most importantly, however, the e-Up! is fun, and that’s certainly an aspect that many EVs have missed from the process of driving.

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Short Story

By Jackie Brewster

Borrowing Berkley

“If you want my advice on how to impress girls,” Mabel declared, “you’ve got to show a bit of chivalry.” Even though Lewis desperately needed advice on how to impress girls, his Aunt Mabel would be the last person he’d ask. “She’s a nice young lady.” Mabel pointed at the girl jogging across the park. “She would be just right for you.” “Keep your voice down,” Lewis blushed. “She’ll hear you.” Lewis had volunteered to walk Mabel’s dog, Berkley, round the park. Unfortunately, he hadn’t planned on Mabel coming too. She wore mismatched wellies and a hat that looked as though it was part of a jester costume. “You just need to get her to notice you,” Mabel said. Being noticed was certainly something Mabel was an expert on, Lewis thought ruefully. “She’s called Becky,” Lewis muttered under his breath. “She’s at my school.” Becky trained on the park every day after school. Lewis desperately wanted Becky to notice him, but he wasn’t about to tell Mabel that. In class that morning he’d overheard Becky telling her friend how much she loved dogs and would always stop to pet them. He hatched a plan to borrow Berkeley, stroll casually past Becky and strike up a conversation. Keep it simple. His aunt had other ideas. “She’s not seen us yet has she?” She glanced over her shoulder at Becky, who had paused to do some stretches. “She doesn’t know we’re together?” “Whatever you’re planning,” Lewis panicked, “don’t do it.” But Mabel wasn’t listening.

“You take Berkley over to the swings and wait.” She handed him the dog’s lead. “When I give the signal come running over and give me assistance.” “Assistance with what?” Lewis was alarmed. “What are you going to do?” “Just pretend we don’t know each other, and it’ll look like you’re helping a lady in distress.” Mabel adjusted her hat. “That’ll impress her. You’ll be the talk of the school playground.” “We don’t call it a playground,” Lewis protested. “I’m in the sixth form you know, we don’t play.” Mabel was already walking away from him, her wellies squelching as she went. Berkley sniffed a tree and Lewis watched his aunt warily. As she reached the edge of the path she deliberately sat down on the ground. “Help, I’ve fallen!” she called out. Lewis was mortified. Presumably this was his cue to go dashing over and rescue her. However, Becky was closer and reached Mabel first. “Are you hurt?” Becky sounded concerned. “Can I help?” “Not you!” Mabel protested. “I need that young man to help me.” “What young man?” Becky looked around. “That chivalrous young man.” Mabel pointed at Lewis. “Who I’ve never met before in my life.” Lewis dithered. His aunt’s plan was ludicrous, but it might just work. Pulling Berkeley, he ran over, reached for Mabel’s hand and hauled her to her feet. “There you go, Madam,” he said stiffly, “I hope you’re alright.” Berkeley yapped excitedly and licked Mabel’s face. “Aww Berkeley,” Mable laughed. “Were you worried about Mummy?” Becky scowled at Lewis. “Were you trying to steal this lady’s dog?” She turned to Mabel. “Should I call the police?” “Don’t worry,” Mabel said, cuddling Berkley, “I’m sure he was just borrowing him.” “Alright,” Becky nodded, looking at her watch. “I’ve got to go but shout if he gives you any more trouble.” “Why did you say that?” Lewis cried, as soon as Becky left them. “She thinks I’m a dog thief now.” “Say what?” Mabel dusted herself down. “It was a complete success. She’s definitely noticed you now.”

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NOVEMBER’S SPECIAL OFFER

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Fast Fashion

Green Tips

The ‘fast fashion’ industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, second only to oil. With clothes being so cheap nowadays, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying outfits that you’ll only wear a few times before getting bored. But this attitude of treating fashion as disposable does come at an environmental cost. They hide it well, but fast fashion companies are responsible for shockingly high carbon emissions, waste water production and huge amounts of landfill waste. So, what can we do? Changing our shopping habits can make a difference. Buying more clothes second-hand from charity shops, car boot sales or websites like eBay and Depop can prevent perfectly good clothes from being thrown away. You can get rid of your old clothes in this way too, or why not try a clothes swap with friends? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! If you are hitting the high street, look out for shops that use eco-friendly, biodegradable materials like organic cotton, linen and hemp. Synthetics, on the other hand, are the fast fashion industry’s worst culprits. These can include polyester, nylon and acrylic, all of which need a lot of oil to produce and are not biodegradable. As with many ‘green’ products, you will usually pay more for eco-friendly fashion, but the clothes you buy will undoubtedly last a lot longer. Forking out more money for high-quality, sustainable items that you’ll get lots of wear out of – and don’t harm the planet – seems like a fair deal.

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Technology

Get a good tech deal on Black Friday For tech shoppers, November is Gadget Christmas. That’s because the last Friday of the month, the 27th of November, is Black Friday. Black Friday is when online shops and many high street retailers offer amazing discounts on all kinds of products. And the discounts can be massive, with hundreds of pounds off high-end laptops, big TVs and other bigticket purchases. The name Black Friday is a little misleading because many of the retailers now run deals the week leading up to Black Friday and/or the week after. Many of the deals are genuine, but it’s important to do a little homework because some of them are a little creative. Some deals are rather like the supermarket wine promotions where the price of a £6 bottle of wine is briefly raised to £9; the shop then goes back to the original price and sticks a ‘Save £3.00!’ sticker on it. In tech, the same thing can happen with prices going up just before Black Friday to create a discount that isn’t really a discount. Another common trick is to quote a recommended retail price that nobody sensible ever paid. For example, a TV supposedly reduced from £1,799 to £999 may well have been on sale for £1,099 for the last six months. You’re still getting a saving, but it’s not as exciting as the shop wants you to think. Technology can help here. Use Pricespy. co.uk to see what other retailers are charging for the same product, and for Amazon deals use CamelCamelCamel. com to look at a product’s Amazon price history to see if a deal is good or just too good to be true. As with any sale, don’t let the prospect of a big discount persuade you to buy something you don’t want or need, and if you pay by credit card make sure you pay it off as soon as you can. The interest on some cards can easily wipe out your Black Friday savings.

Xbox One X Expect big discounts on Microsoft’s superb console and Sony’s PS4 too: as their replacements are imminent there will be big savings to be had, especially on bundles with included games. Usually £395, www.xbox.com Instant Pot We love the Instant Pot, a programmable electric pressure cooker that’s brilliant for soups, stews, chilli, curries, rice and pretty much anything else you can cook in a pot. It’s usually Amazon’s Black Friday bestseller. Usually £84, www.amazon.co.uk

Philips Ambilight TV There are always great Black Friday discounts on smart TVs, and some of the biggest we’ve seen were on Philips’ clever Ambilight range, which uses coloured light to make the room match what’s on screen. Various prices, www.philips.co.uk Amazon Echo Amazon’s smart speakers get discounted for every Amazon sale event and Black Friday is no exception. The third-generation Echo delivers surprisingly great sound despite its compact dimensions. Usually £89, www.amazon.co.uk Big-name laptops If you’ve been looking for a new laptop, you’ll see some great deals on laptops from big names such as Microsoft, ASUS and Lenovo. Some of the best discounts are on the most expensive models but you’ll find good budget deals too. Various prices, www.currys.co.uk

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Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Conservatories • • • • • • •

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It’s great being back!

Local News

Age UK Hertfordshire’s Help in the Home Service had to be suspended in late March, due to lockdown. This bought new challenges for both clients and the local charity. With many of their clients relying on their helpers, not just for the cleaning but also for the company, they had to re-imagine how they could provide this vital and much loved service. “We quickly identified the clients who urgently needed our help and did all we could to support them,” says Mark Hanna, Director of Operations. “For some of our clients their Helper is much more than just a cleaner, so we’re trying to get the service back up and running as quickly as we can, whilst following government guidelines and prioritising everyone’s safety.” Age UK Hertfordshire’s Help in the Home Service have prepared PPE safe packs ready for their re-opening, and are already providing essential support, such as collecting prescriptions, food shopping and socially distanced visits for many of their clients. Their Home Helpers are ecstatic to be starting back at work with one Home Helper saying: “It’s great being back cleaning for my client. My lovely client took this photo of me on my first day back in over 4 months! She said ‘give us a twirl’, which I did then she snapped up their crazy photo, and we both collapsed in hysterics.” If you would like to find out more information on how you could join their team of Friendly Home Helpers, you can visit them at: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/get-involved/work-for-us/ or call 01707 386 066.

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FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS... Internal & External Decorating Plastering Refurbishments Quality Workmanship A friendly and reliable service

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Local News

We are 21 this year - Join us as to help others! Respite at Home Volunteers are a charity which have been coming to the rescue of hundreds of families across Central Bedfordshire over the last 21 years. The charity provides a befriending service to families living with life limiting illnesses There has never been a better time to help others, so we are calling for new Super Hero Volunteer Friends everywhere to join our lively team Our service is limited at the moment due to social distancing, but If you have a phone and enjoy spending time chatting and listening and have a sense of humour then this could be a real life changing opportunity for you No capes required, but full telephone training and support are given and no prior experience needed, just your extra special powers of warmth and empathy to help others You could really help to change someone’s world for the better at this time, just by a telephoning a family a couple of times a week For more information about our Super Volunteer Friends service, or to make a referral if you are lonely and just want a friendly chat, then we can come to your rescue! Call 01234 743063 or email: respiteathomevolunteers@aol.co.uk

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C.S Roofing Services Limited 77

Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

We will remember them

Why do we wear a poppy? Scarlet poppies grow wild all over Western Europe wherever the soil has been disturbed. The battles of the First World War churned up such vast areas of earth that millions of poppies germinated and bloomed, often around the bodies of the fallen soldiers. A Canadian surgeon called John McRae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields in which the poppies symbolise the deaths of those who fought. It is a haunting memorial to those soldiers who have died in any war. Why do we have a two-minute silence? It was on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month that the guns of World War I fell silent. Four years of fighting and devastation finally ended. The following year ceremonies of remembrance took place on what was known as Armistice Day. An Australian journalist, Edward George Honey first proposed a respectful silence to remember the dead. He wrote a letter to the London Evening News which was brought to the attention of King George V. The king then issued a proclamation which called for a two-minute silence. These days Armistice Day is known as Remembrance Sunday and is a chance to honour the fallen soldiers of all conflicts.

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 80

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Domestic & Commercial Professional carpet & upholstery cleaning at an affordable price Pubs & Restaurants • End of Tenancy • Offices & Venues Fogging Sanitation Services Fully Insured • Children and pet friendly chemicals

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Before After

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Fire Pit Fun

Safety Advice

Socialising outside for safety in a pandemic is fine during the summer but can it still be done in November? Try a fire pit! A fire creates a focal point at an outdoor gathering. People love to gather around fire. Add a few rugs, mugs of hot chocolate or mulled wine and some marshmallows for toasting and you have the making of a snuggly evening under the stars. While a wood-burning fire pit can be the perfect backyard addition if you have close neighbours or live in an area with restrictions on wood burning, buy a propane or natural gas model. A fire pit lights up the night in a cosy way that can be complimented By Sally Harris with candles in jars or fairy lights. Fancy garden lighting in the world can’t compete with the flickering of flames. Don’t worry if you have a small garden, a firepit is still an option, and you’re closer to the drink cabinet for refills! Tell friends to come dressed warm and bring a blanket. In Norway, where they entertain outside all year round there is a saying, ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!’ SAFETY FIRST: Fire pits should be at least 10 feet from your home or other structures. Don’t place a fire pit beneath a tree or awning. Don’t put a wood-burning fire pit on a deck. If you want to use your deck choose a gas fire pit which won’t send out sparks. Educate your kids about fire safety, and always supervise children around an open flame, even when you’re sure they know the rules. Keep a container of water, a hose, sand, or a fire extinguisher on hand whenever you light up the fire pit.

1. In 2018, Winona Ryder revealed that she might have married Keanu Reeves due to the authenticity of a wedding scene in which film? 2. Donald Trump is only the second only US President to have been divorced before taking office. Who was the first? 3. In the nursery rhyme Solomon Grundy, on what day did Solomon Grundy get married? 4. Whose marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller all ended in divorce? 5. Who wrote the 1983 novel Hollywood Wives, the 1986 novel Hollywood Husbands and the 2003 novel Hollywood Divorces? 6. Which of the following comes first in the Church of England’s traditional wedding vows?... a) in sickness and in health; b) to love and to cherish; or c) for richer, for poorer?

Marriage & Di vorce

7. After divoricing Alana Stewart in 1984 and Rachel Hunter in 2006, who said “instead of getting married again, I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and just give her a house”? 8. Who meets his future wife Jo Jo in a 1993 book that has the sub-title The Wilderness Years, but in the next book in the series, released in 1999 with the sub-title The Cappuccino Years, has separated from her and is going through a divorce? 9. In a 1995 interview with Martin Bashir for the TV show Panorama, who famously said “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded”? 10. By the end of the TV series Friends, which of the main characters had been divorced three times?

1. Bram Stoker’s Dracula 2. Ronald Reagan 3. Wednesday 4. Marilyn Monroe’s 5. Jackie Collins 6. c) for richer, for poorer 7. Rod Stewart 8. Adrian Mole 9. Princess Diana 10. Ross

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Crossword Solution for The Villager October Edition Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner - Martin Cooper - Biggleswade

Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

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 November 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 Ten years (6) 4 Pictures (6) 9 Level high land (7) 10 Tag (5) 11 Poem (5) 12 Selections (7) 13 Demolition (11) 18 Pharmacist (7) 20 Perfect (5) 22 Spoils (5) 23 Against (7) 24 Scale (6) 25 Grown ups (6) Down 1 Leave (6) 2 Absurd (5) 3 Lowest (7) 5 Greeting (5) 6 Used for smoking (7) 7 Spatter (6) 8 Commas, colons. (11) 14 Dusk (7) 15 Stumbled (7) 16 Afraid (6) 17 Play equipment (6) 19 Edition (5) 21 Artists frame (5)

Name:

Address:

ď&#x20AC;˘

Tel:

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Mark Dilley Electrical Part P Registered Company 22386 Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections Electric Vehicle Charging Points

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Classifieds

The Book Nook

From historical fiction to dystopian literature plus new releases to older books that deserve more attention, there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into this month.

By Kate Duggan

The Midnight Library By Matt Haig

Nora’s overdose doesn’t result in, as she’d hoped, nothingness. Instead, she’s transported to the Midnight Library, where she gets the chance to try the other lives she could have led if she’d made different choices. As she faces her regrets (from not marrying to not becoming an Olympic swimmer), Nora discovers that the path not taken isn’t always the panacea she thinks it is.

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Accountants

A Room Made of Leaves By Kate Grenville

A Room Made of Leaves is the fictionalised account of a real woman’s life – Elizabeth Macarthur. It’s set in the late eighteenth century. Women had few prospects beyond marriage, so when Elizabeth marries the cold, ambitious John Macarthur she has little choice but to follow him wherever he decides to go, even if that’s to the other side of the world to live in a new settlement in Australia. A must for historical fiction fans.

A Song for the Dark Times By Ian Rankin

Rebus is back, but this time it’s personal: his son-in-law is missing. Rebus heads out to solve the mystery. His daughter seems to be the obvious main suspect, so which role will Rebus prioritise – detective or father? Meanwhile, back in Edinburgh, DI Siobhan Clarke is on her own case, that of the murder of a wealthy Saudi student. These two very different cases may turn out to be part of the same tangled web. A Song for the Dark Times is a gripping crime thriller with plenty of twists to keep you turning the pages.

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Cleaning Services

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Classifieds Domestic Appliance Repairs

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Foot Health Practitioner

Electricians

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Hillier Garden Services All general garden maintenance jobs undertaken Over 20 years experience For all your gardening needs call Steve

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Classifieds Painter & Decorator

Haberdashery

Adam Staniforth

Painter &

Decorator 07870 428357 adamstaniforth35@gmail.com

Handy Man

Painter & Decorator

RICHBAW

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Oven Cleaning

Painting Services

Painter & Decorator

Pet Services

Alan Porter Painting & Decorating General Maintenance Interior & Exterior

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Classifieds Pest Services

Plumbing and Heating

Reliable Local Pest Control Services. We provide fast and effective control of WASPS, RATS, MICE, COCKROACHES, BEDBUGS and FLEAS. ULV residential and commercial disinfection services. Jobs and service contracts catered for. Call today 01480 369802 / 07969753267 Please note: we are currently using unmarked vans

Property Improvements

Plastering Services

GARY BERRIDGE Plasterer & General Maintenance Including UPVC Doors and Windows Tiling, Painting and Decorating Free Quotes

T: 01767 316485 M: 07582 485155 E: garyberridge@ymail.com

Plumbing

Property Improvements

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

Property Improvements by

Gary Hare Carpentry • Kitchens • Bedrooms Decorating • Flooring Bathrooms •Tiling • and more...

Please call Gary on

07530 728091

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Wood Suppliers

Plumbing and Heating

Boiler installations & system upgrades Appliance servicing, breakdowns & repairs Landlord certificates Power flushing

A professional property maintenance service

Bathroom installations FREE estimates Over 35 years experience Based in Gamlingay

Contact Kevin Woodfield - Mob: 07860 274303 Tel: 0800 2118399 Email: kevin@alphaplumbingandheating.co.uk Web: www.alphaplumbingandheating.co.uk

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Potton Nov 2020

Articles inside

The Book Nook

Fast Fashion

Age UK - It’s great being back

Short Story - Borrowing Berkley

Another Successful Adoptober

Rhubarb, Rhubarb

First Drive: Volkswagen e-Up

In a Pickle

Getting Fruity

Heroic dogs with skills that save lives

Gifts of Gorgeousness

Travel Insurance Advice

Anti-Gravity Technology for Pain-free Rehab

Do try this at home

The Boot Edit - House of Colour

The Coding Conundrum

Making an Entrance

Are you eating enough fibre?

Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe

St. Francis Children’s Society

Forever Friends

Québec City

Brain Benefits

Life-Saving Memories

The History of Place Names