Potton April 2019

VILLAGER The

Issue 152 - April 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue The History of

Children’s Toys Join the

Race for Life Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay ur E o Y and all surrounding villages REpy

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Inside this issue...

Win a Refresh and Revive Day for two at Ragdale Hall Spa

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The History of Children’s Toys.................................................................. 4 Organise an Easter Egg Hunt.................................................................. 8 Win a Refresh and Revive Day at Ragdale Hall Spa............................... 10 Win Two Tickets to Classic Ibiza............................................................ 12 Spring into Pattern............................................................................... 14 Wines Worth Locating: Il Roncal........................................................... 19 Welcome in the May............................................................................ 20 P&R Interiors........................................................................................ 22 April Fools’ Day..................................................................................... 25 A Pint, a Pie and a Piece of Local History.............................................. 26 Host the Best Garage Sale.................................................................... 28 Seven Reasons to Join a Gym Today...................................................... 31 Tikal, Guatemala.................................................................................. 32 Henlow Building Supplies - Kitchens and Bathrooms........................... 34 What is Reiki?....................................................................................... 37 BDCPS Need Volunteers........................................................................ 38 Make a Date to Join the Race for Life.................................................... 40 Spring is in the Air................................................................................ 42 Colour and Style Trends - Spring/Summer 2019................................... 49 Fun Quiz............................................................................................... 51 Music and Dementia: Breaking the Silence.......................................... 52 Open Banking: What’s in it for you?...................................................... 54 Pecoro, Sandy....................................................................................... 56 Open Your Garden................................................................................ 58

Rural Ramblings................................................................................... 61 Wordsearch.......................................................................................... 63 Heavenly Herbs.................................................................................... 64 Hiring a Tree Surgeon........................................................................... 66 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal.................................................................... 69 Animal Stories...................................................................................... 71 Ask Alan - Potton Vets.......................................................................... 73 Children’s Page..................................................................................... 75 Is a Hybrid Car right for me?................................................................. 76 Don’t be an April Fool........................................................................... 78 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................... 81 The Perfect Pair.................................................................................... 82 Buying a Hamster................................................................................. 84 What’s On............................................................................................. 86 Treating Head Lice................................................................................ 91 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................... 92 Portugal............................................................................................... 94 Short Story - The Easter Hedgehog....................................................... 97 Prize Crossword.................................................................................. 100 Book Review...................................................................................... 103 How to get a Good Sleep.................................................................... 105 Local Books........................................................................................ 106

Win Two Tickets to Classic Ibiza

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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, Sarah Davey, Katherine Sorrell, Trevor Langley, Lorraine Wood, Ian Robbins, Solange Hando, Louise Addison, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Kate McLelland, Ann Haldon, Rachael Leverton, Geoff Wharton, Pippa Greenwood, Ian Robbins, RSPCA, Potton Vets, James Baggott, Nick Coffer, Kath McLean, Daniela, Jackie Brewster and Dr. Michelle O’Reilly

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

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

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

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History

The History of Children’s Toys

By Catherine Rose

Since the dawn of time, children have played with toys both to amuse themselves and to learn about the world around them. From a simple cup and ball to a Slinky, toys don’t necessarily have to be complicated to provide hours of enjoyment.

Some of the oldest known toys are human-type figures or dolls. The word ‘doll’ or ‘dolly’ is said to have originated in the 16th century and was a term of endearment used for a female pet or mistress, as well as being the shortened form of the name Dorothy.

Children of ancient Greece and Rome played with dolls made from the materials that were available, such as ivory, wood, clay or bunched together rags (the original rag dolls). Unlike traditional African dolls, we know that these dolls were playthings rather than for magic or spiritual rituals as they have been found inside the graves of ancient Roman children.

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Different cultures over the ages have had their own dolls. For example, the Inuits made dolls from soapstone and fur, while Native American Indians had dolls made from corn husks. These dolls didn’t have a face and legend has it that it was the crop goddesses’ punishment to the doll for her vanity.

The first jigsaw puzzle was made in 1767 Ancient Japanese Dogu dolls date back as far as 8,000 BC. Their use is not known but by the 11th century, elaborately dressed wood and straw Hina dolls were used as toys. Later, wood and wax Kokeshi dolls were produced, typified by their oversized heads and absence of limbs.

The fascinating folkloric Russian or Matryoshka wooden nesting dolls first appeared in the late

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19th century and are now a world-famous symbol of the country.

Contrary to popular belief, a peg or Dutch doll was originally a jointed wooden doll produced in Germany, although we now think of them as being the simple dolls made from clothes pegs during the first half of the 20th century that were popular among children from impoverished families.

Increasingly common from the 1860s, Parian dolls had a stuffed fabric body and an unglazed hand-painted porcelain face (sometimes hands and feet also) with proper hair and glass eyes.

Interestingly, brown eyes predominated until Queen Victoria’s influence made blue eyes more sought after.

Like the doll, articulated figures made to move with strings or rods, otherwise known as marionettes, and their counterpart, hand puppets, were in use across East Asia to Europe as early as the first dolls.

Initially created for performance, French minstrels in the 13th century would entertain crowds with hand puppets and it was out of this tradition that Punch (originally Punchinello) and Judy was born, first recorded in England in 1662.

Today, we see the tale of Punch and Judy as a rather horrifying lesson in physical abuse, but in those days children were viewed as miniadults so would not have been protected from violence in the real world – hence some of the more gruesome fairy tale books. It was the late Victorians who first began to treat children with more sensitivity and to shield them from the often harsh realities of adulthood.

In the past, children wouldn’t have owned as many toys as they do today – perhaps only two or three items. These could have included a hoop and stick, an inflated ball made of a pig’s bladder and a set of glass marbles. Very wealthy children, particularly girls, would have been lucky enough to own a doll’s house (invented in the 16th century) or a rocking horse. Slightly less well-off children might have had a hobby horse – a simple wooden horse’s head on a stick that could also be ‘ridden’.

Christmas stockings would have included an orange or a bag of nuts as often as a skipping rope, a set of jacks or a simple string used for cat’s cradle.

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Some of the most popular toys were invented by academics in pursuit of learning. The first jigsaw puzzle was made in 1767 by John Spilsbury, who cut up maps of the world to teach children geography. The kaleidoscope (Greek for ‘beautiful form watcher’) was invented in 1816 by Scottish scientist Sir David Brewster while studying polarisation optics.

The now iconic teddy bear was unveiled in the US in 1902 and is said to have been named after President Theodore Roosevelt. The following year, teddy bears began to be produced in Europe, notably Germany where the now famous teddy company Steiff was launched; their collectable bears are recognisable by the button in their ear.

The industrial revolution brought mass production of toys and the coming of train sets, metal die-cast cars and mechanical playthings.

The subsequent advent of plastics brought with it a huge surge in the development of toys and the 20th century heralded more availability and variety than ever with the invention of Lego (from the Danish ‘leg godt’ meaning ‘play well’), Meccano and, today, all manner of electronic gizmos.

But the best toy of all? It will undoubtedly always be a child’s imagination.

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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.

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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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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Organise an Easter Egg Hunt Easter egg hunts are great fun, but it can be hard to come up with original ideas.

Depending on the ages of the children the hunt can be easy or fiendishly difficult Here are some ideas Bunny Bounce Challenge - Set up different activity posts around the garden or park. At each one, the kids need to complete a physical challenge in order to receive an egg. The challenges could include star jumps, hopping, hula-hooping, or doing a silly dance.

Easter Rhyme Challenge - If you’re good at rhymes, create a set of rhyming clues that take the children from one hiding place to another until they find the eggs.

Pirate Bunny Treasure Hunt - Create a treasure map which the children have to follow to discover where the chocolate eggs are hidden. Perhaps a paw print or an Easter Egg could mark the spot instead of an X Easter Craft Challenge - Set up different craft activities around the house or garden. For each cute Easter craft your child completes, they win a little chocolate egg.

Easter Bonnet Competition - Challenge the kids to create their own Easter bonnets from craft materials and old hats (Charity shops are great for

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cheap hats). You can give chocolate egg prizes for the most creative, the prettiest, the funniest etc The Scrambled Egg Hunt - This is a great Easter egg hunt idea for older kids. At each station leave cards with single letters written on them, or a set of plastic toy letters. The challenge is to rearrange the letters to spell the word of the next place to find a clue, for example ‘bath’ or ‘shed’ or ‘stairs’. At the final station they get to collect their eggs.

Colour-Coded Easter Egg Hunt - Use a pack of eggs in different colours. Give each child a colour.

They can only collect eggs which match that colour.

Bunny Vouchers Easter Egg Hunt - Some children can’t have chocolate due to a medical condition, so instead of chocolate treats, pop little slips of paper inside plastic eggs. Each slip should have a little treat written on it for your child to claim over the next week or so; things like ‘ go trampolining with my dad’, or ‘fly a kite with mummy.

Egg Decoder Hunt - Take apart colourful hollow plastic eggs and put them back together with mismatched colours. The children must work in teams to find the eggs hidden around the garden, take them apart and put them back together with the matching colour. The team with the most colour-matched eggs wins the big prize.

Happy hunting!

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Win a Refresh & Revive Day

for two at Ragdale Hall Spa

Ragdale Hall Spa is located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside and combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture, to create one of the most luxurious and extensive spa facilities in the country. The newly opened Rooftop Infinity Pool, Ragdale Hall Spa’s sixth pool, is heated to 35 degrees and offers stunning panoramic views. Ragdale Hall Spa was recently awarded Best Destination Spa* by the Good Spa Guide and is renowned for outstanding customer service.

Win a Refresh and Revive Day for two, where you and your guest will enjoy unlimited use of the Thermal Spa and pools, gym and exercise classes. You’ll both enjoy a 50-minute Blissful Face and Back Therapy, plus a three-course lunch in the Dining Room.

If you’re not the lucky winner, then Ragdale Hall Spa gift vouchers are the best way to give the gift of ‘me-time’ to friends, family and loved ones. Monetary spa gift vouchers start from just £25 so there’s something to suit all tastes and pockets.

For more information, visit ragdalehall.co.uk or call 01664 433030.

T&C’s - Arrive at Ragdale Hall Spa for 8.30am and leave at 6.00pm feeling refreshed and revived!

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Competition

RAGDALE HALL SPA COMPETITION ENTRY

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To enter, simply complete the form below and send to: Ragdale Hall Spa Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th April 2019.

Name: Tel: Email: Address: 10

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Win two tickets to Classic Ibiza with San Miguel at Hatfield House Classic Ibiza, with premium Spanish beer brand San Miguel, is returning to Hertfordshire on 31st August.

The concert sees the Urban Soul Orchestra (USO), DJ Goldierocks and a host of live vocalists perform some of dance music’s most iconic tracks in the delightful grounds of Hatfield House.

Here’s what to expect: 1. Dance music A-listers: USO have performed with a veritable who’s-who of dance music, including Nightmares On Wax, Groove Armada and Robert Miles.

2. Superstar DJ: Goldierocks has performed exclusively for Kate Moss, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Giorgio Armani and the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.

3. Get set to select: The set-list includes some of the biggest dance-tracks dating back to the 90s. At Easter you can vote for your favourite track to be added to the set on Classic Ibiza’s Facebook page (@ClassicIbiza).

4. Family friendly: Classic Ibiza is a concert for all the family, so whether you’re six or 60 you are assured of having a fantastic evening.

5. Food for thought: You can bring your own picnic and refreshments or take advantage of the local street-food vendors and bars on site.

6. A night of two halves: Classic Ibiza starts with a chill-out set, where you can relax over a glass of bubbly, or dance along as the sun fades. The music gets ramped up in the second half and you’ll be transported to a magical, alfresco celebration, with accompanying lasers.

Visit: www.classicibiza.co.uk or call 01283 841601.

Tickets: Adults: £39.50, Children (5 –16): £17.50, Under 5’s: free, Car-parking: free.

Simply send or email your entry by 16th April 2019 to: Classic Ibiza Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. Email: nigel@villagermag.com The winner will be drawn randomly.



CLASSIC IBIZA TICKET COMPETITION ENTRY

To win 2 free tickets to Classic Ibiza answer the question below and email or post your response by 16th April 2019.

Ibiza is part of which group of islands?

A: The Falkland Islands  B: The Balearic Islands  C: The Shetland Islands  Name: Address: Tel: Email: 12

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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

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Spring into pattern Sweetly pretty or boldly dramatic, pattern has the potential to transform any room.

While you could be forgiven for thinking that anything goes in interior design these days (actually, it pretty much does), eye-catching patterns are certainly having a moment. From simple geometrics to the catwalk-inspired ‘matchy matchy’ look of all-over pattern – yet another rollback to the styles of the Seventies and Eighties – pattern seems to be everywhere, even in an unexpected trend for covering ceilings with patterned wallpaper or faux tin tiles (look it up on social media for examples and how-tos.)

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There’s no doubt that including pattern brings character to a home, but it can be daunting, and may not seem like an easy thing to pull off. Start by looking for inspiration – perhaps in the form of something you already own, such as a painting, vase or throw, or else images in magazines, books and websites. Then think about where you stand in terms of your pattern partiality. Simple, graphic motifs in muted colours, or naturalistic designs in vivid shades? Large scale or small? Historical prints or modern? Don’t forget that pattern is also present in subtle ways, such as the weave of fabric or basketry, the grain of timber or the loops of knitting, for example. These almost invisible patterns all add to the dynamism of a scheme, and should not be overlooked. Next, consider where it’s appropriate to use pattern. For some, it’s a subtle element within a room, such as a small blind or a cushion cover; for others, it’s all-out, from walls and floor to fabrics and accessories. Remember that, in bigger rooms, you can afford to use very large-scale patterns for impact, while smaller rooms are generally better suited to medium- or small-scale patterns – unless you want to make a particular feature out of a tiny room by filling it

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with a giant pattern (this can work really well in a downstairs WC, for example).

Create a mood board using swatches of fabrics, wallpapers and paint Many people are worried by the idea of mixing patterns together and, if that’s you, there’s no harm in starting simple, with just a dash of a single pattern. For anyone who wishes to be daring and combine two or more patterns, one way to start is by studying the professional pattern books created by the fabric and wallpaper manufacturers, where it is easy to see which patterns work with which. This option, however, does limit you to the offerings of one company, so to introduce greater variety and interest, try creating a mood board, using swatches of fabrics, wallpapers and paint, and cut-out images of furnishings, loosely attached to a large, white sheet of board. Some interior designers are less formal, and simply like to spread everything out in front of them. Either way, it helps to place the most dominant pattern first – which may be the brightest, or the one with the largest scale – and work from there, adding others as you go. The point is to see how well the different elements work together, swapping items in and out, or changing their proportions, until the overall look feels right for you. Combining patterns can be as simple as choosing a floral and a stripe in one colourway, or it may involve time and effort spent on putting together just the right elements from a variety of sources.

For patterns that co-ordinate, complementary colours are key. Lighter and darker versions of the same hue work well together, and will provide 1

3 a pleasing variety, rather than all colours being exactly the same. After working out a comfortable colour balance, think about scale, as a variety of scales adds interest and impact. Bear in mind that very small-scale patterns are only really noticeable close up; from a distance they look like a plain colour, so are a decorative but quite subtle element within a scheme. Next: density.

Loose, open patterns give a visual ‘breather’, while intricate patterns with closely placed designs have more drama. As with scale, when using several types of pattern together a variety of densities gives balance and interest. And finally: design.

Abstract, figurative, retro, traditional, modern – you name it, there’s something for everyone, and a confident mix of patterns that cohere will make a room seem like it has evolved naturally over time and provide enormous, long-lasting appeal.

A lush, dark foliage print gives this living room a dramatic focus. Digitally printed and washable, this wallpaper is made with eco-friendly inks and is hung by applying ready-mixed adhesive straight onto the wall. Green Sanctuary Anthracite wallpaper, £150 for a box of three 300cm rolls, Decoville: www.decoville.co.uk.

2 Bringing catwalk fashion to the home, Oasis Home has partnered with fabric specialist Clarke & Clarke to produce a collection of homewares inspired by the iconic feminine touches and unique design details synonymous with Oasis fashion. Odette tub chair upholstered in Amelia Toile linen by Oasis home, £499, The French Bedroom Co: 01444 415 430; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.

3 Designed in 1956 by Lisbet Job, this floral wallpaper still works beautifully in modern homes. It is made using water-based dyes and paper sourced from one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly paper mills. Aurora wallpaper by Boråstapeter, £72, Cloudberry Living: 0330 123 3301; www.cloudberryliving.co.uk.

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Specialist Gift, Card and Balloon Shop situated within the Saxon Centre in Biggleswade.

WE HAVE RECENTLY EXTENDED THE SHOP TO DOUBLE THE SIZE. With free parking outside, why not pop in and browse our gorgeous gifts and cards.

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Fashion On The Farm Lots of great offers in store and on line

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Food and Drink

Wines Worth Locating: Il Roncal

Italy is renowned for producing many high-quality products, from cars to designer fashions and much more.

Visitors to Italy return year after year and take much pleasure in the landscapes, beautiful coastal areas, plus culture, arts and history of the country. The wines that Italy produces are very impressive, with many being award-winning. Numerous wine producers have olive groves also and Italian olive oils are most excellent, along with their wines.

The Il Roncal Estate is located on the Montebello Hill, near Cividale del Friuli and was founded during 1986.

Ribolla Gialla I found to be an excellent dry white wine. Produced using 100% Ribolla Gialla grapes, the bouquet is both fresh and enticing. The mouthfeel and palate continue the enjoyment of this production, especially with fish and seafood dishes. Spumante Brut is most excellent, too. This white sparkler utilises 50% Chardonnay and 50% Ribolla Gialla grapes. The fine perlage provides a very acceptable experience, with vibrancy and freshness. Splendid to commence a meal and to accompany seafood dishes, etc. Civon is a very popular dry red wine. Carefully-selected, hand-picked grapes follows with the containment in French oak barriques and then on to stainless steel tanks, before bottling. A ruby-red colour greets the eye and an intense bouquet pleases. Full-bodied, for the mouth’s pleasures, it is then smooth for the palate. A wine that will cellar very well. Perfect with red meats and game.

Verduzzo Friulano has 100% grapes, of the same name, to produce this superbly sweet dessert wine. Golden-yellow, in colour, the nose is of sweet fruits. Absolutely, a pleasure on the palate and great to pair with cakes and many desserts.

These are just a selection, from the range of productions by Il Roncal, which also includes very impressive extra virgin olive oil. Il Roncal is also a resort, utilising the old mansion, that offers comfortable rooms which overlook the vineyards.

Guests’ comforts and memorable experiences are high on the agenda for Il Roncal, which prides itself on delivering a holiday of interest and information, as well as peace, with guided tours of the vineyard and tastings being very popular, indeed. www.ilroncal.it Other productions include splendid fruit vinegars, grape pit oil, plus grape pit flour and honey.

For all details, www.hirschmugl-domaene.at

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Local News

Welcome in the May Traditional May Day festivities will again be held at Ickwell Green on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th.

It’s a very long running tradition at Ickwell, which is one of the few places in the world to be able to boast of having a permanent maypole.

Records have been found of May Day celebrations at Ickwell dating back to 1563. At the time payments were listed in the Church Wardens’ accounts for the purchase of shoes for the dancers, bells for the shoes, food and drink. Payments were also made to various people for their paynes (efforts) and to mysnstrells. It was obviously a day of feasting and dancing.

May Day celebrations have carried on nearly every year since the, with some interruptions in the 20th century when the two World Wars took place.

While some things have changed over the years, it is still a great family fun day out, starting with a procession led by Morris Men from the grounds of the Crown public house in Northill to Ickwell Green, which departs at 1.30 pm. The road is closed during the procession so if you arrive before that time you can park in one of the designated car parks to make the most of the afternoon.

On arriving at Ickwell Green, Paulina Fojuth will be crowned as May Queen by outgoing Queen Fiona Sutherland. She will then be presented with a flowery garland and sceptre by her attendants. Look out for the little flower girls too who are dressed

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to represent daisies, buttercups, violets, rosebuds, forget-me-nots and mayflowers who all skip up to the maypole and say a few words in homage to the Queen.

After the crowning ceremony, visitors will be treated to a fantastic display of dancing around the maypole from the children of the villages before the adults take their turn. There will be country dancing, Morris dancing as well as the skilful plaiting of ribbons around the maypole itself.

Once you’ve watched the spectacular display of dancing and celebrated the crowning of the new Queen you can wander over to the Village hall for a cup of tea and slice of home-made cake and browse the craft stalls, have a pony ride, enjoy the merry-go-round and buy some local produce.

We hope that the sun will shine for this year’s May Day festival and that you can join us for a celebration of rural England at its best. If you stay to the end of the dancing in the arena, you can take part and have a special dance of the circassian circle around the maypole too!

For more information about the Ickwell May Day Festival, visit www.ickwellmayday.co.uk

By Lorraine Wood Photos, by Nadine Grummitt, show the 2018 May Queen Fiona Sutherland and the Old Scholars in action plaiting the ribbons around the maypole.

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New for 2019!

Greensand Festival 2019 at The Swiss Garden This May, the Swiss Garden will be hosting six wonderful activities as part of the Greensand Festival: Cultivating Mindfulness Workshop on Thursday 2 and Friday 31 May www.shuttleworth.org/mindfulness-practice Herbs Presentation – Cultivation & Use through the Ages on Friday 3 May www.shuttleworth.org/herbs-presentation The Therapeutic Garden: Essential Oils & Wellbeing on Thursday 9 May www.shuttleworth.org/essential-oils-workshop Tai Chi on Friday 10 May www.shuttleworth.org/tai-chi Yoga and Meditation Practice on Monday 13 and Monday 20 May www.shuttleworth.org/yogapractice Foot Reflexology Sessions on Friday 24 May www.shuttleworth.org/reflexology The Swiss Garden, Old Warden, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP

Villager - Greensand Festival FP Apr 19.indd 1

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01767 627933

21/02/2019 16:02:54

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With a spacious working showroom in the heart of Bedford, P & R Interiors is a local family-run firm that provides inspirational modern design and cost-effective solutions for both kitchens and bathrooms.

A stylish bathroom to suit your current needs….

With our ageing population, an increasing number of us are less mobile. P & R Interiors can design, supply and fit an up-to-the-minute bath or shower room which also discretely incorporates function and practicality for the less able.

The best news is that many of these features are currently right on trend - from flush-to-floor shower trays and wet rooms, to walk-in showers with fixed glass screens – and built using the latest materials.

Managing Director Paul Kynoch, who has decades of experience in the trade, explains: “We believe that simplicity and ease of use are key. Less mobile people may need a higher-level toilet or a lower access bath. Our basins and toilets can be hung at a custom height to suit every need. We have baths with a door, or showers with screens that open outwards to help prevent falls.

“There are 54 working bays in our showroom that are constantly being updated. So, you can come in, see

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exactly what you are buying and experience firsthand how it works. We supply, and can fit, your entire bathroom.”

P & R Interior’s own dedicated installation team can work on the supervised installation of your bathroom while adhering to local authority guidelines. Safety is paramount, and designs incorporate safety glass, thermostatically safe showers and non-slip floors.

Such is the design quality of the bathrooms, that accessories for the less able such as a wall-mounted fold-down shower seat, work seamlessly with the installation to be barely noticeable. Fold-down grab bars beside the toilet and sturdy shower rails that double up as supports all help make daily bathing the hassle-free pleasure it should be. It’s worlds away from the disabled bathrooms found in hospitals and care homes.

It is also now possible to install low level lighting under the bath that comes on automatically when you enter the bathroom at night. Hidden behind a two-way mirror that gives the illusion of flooring stretching beneath a ‘floating’ bath, the effect is as stunning as it is practical. This is the beauty of these safety and mobility features - they are so unobtrusively stylish, no one will notice you need that bit of extra help as they will simply be admiring your bathroom!

Materials have moved on apace since the era of acrylic baths in ‘avocado’. Now there are high quality

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resins that produce super thin shower trays and beautiful ‘tapless’ baths. Towel rails can be colour matched to cabinets for as little as £100 extra.

If you’re not a fan of wall tiles (although P & R Interiors carries a vast range), you can have waterproof panels instead. And if you have a smaller bathroom - as many of us do - then you will find P & R Interior’s wide but shallow depth basin units fit perfectly and provide spaciousness.

…and a kitchen to meet your future ones

Following customer demand, the fitted kitchen displays are now an integral part of the business meaning that when you visit P & R Interiors, you are only a step away from having your dream kitchen.

Top quality German and English-style kitchens are available to suit every budget and the company offers a free 3D software design package that Paul describes as ‘photographic’.

Specialising in high-tech German designed kitchens from Pronorm alongside more traditional-style English kitchens from JJO Plc, far from being out of most people’s pockets, P & R Interiors can often match trade prices and will always work to your budget.

“It’s really unusual for us not be able to come up with

a solution for you” says Andrew Groom who has 20 years’ experience under his belt.

Germany is the industry trendsetter in kitchen colours and design - and high street retailers eventually follow suit. Pronorm epitomises the elegance of a true ‘handleless’ kitchen. With its expansive, sleek cupboard fronts and modern electrically-operated doors - including ‘glass climbers’ that magically fold up like Venetian blinds - their kitchens are state-of-the-art. In years to come, we will all have convenient pull-down shelves and smart, hygienic ceramic or glass inserts on our cupboard fronts, but for now, Pronorm sets the bar.

As with bathrooms, kitchen materials are better and more durable than ever. You can have traditional granite in a gloss or leathered finish, quartz or Corian worktops, and now there are other finishes to choose from including Hi-Macs, and Staron. One of the latest worktop materials is Dekton. Described as ‘bomb proof’, it doesn’t stain or mark, is 100% hygienic, and heat resistant. It has been described as the ‘most scratch resistant surface on the market’.

Finish off your design with mood enhancing, colourchanging lights and you really will have a kitchen of the future.

P & R Bathrooms provides design and full installation or supply only. There is a five-year guarantee on all AEG Premier Partner exclusive products and a 10year guarantee on all kitchens. Both trade and retail are welcome.

P & R Interiors, 9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00 pm Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm Tel: 0845 434 8401 Email: sales@pandrbathrooms.co.uk www.pandrinteriors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Time of Year

April Fools’ Day

By Ian Robbins

Surprisingly little is known about the origins of April Fools’ Day. There seem to be three main theories.

Some attribute it to the 14th Century English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. He told a story where a fox plays a prank on a rooster, who nearly gets eaten because of it. He doesn’t refer directly to April 1st but refers to 32 days ‘syn March began’, which translates as 32 days since March began, i.e. April 1st.

Some believe April Fools’ Day started because of events in the calendar dating back to Roman times. The Renewal Festivals were a celebration of the start of the new year, which at the time was around the end of March and the Spring Equinox. As part of the tradition servants could boss their masters around and children could boss their parents around, so the idea of pranks may have come about then.

A rival calendar theory is that at some point people started celebrating new year at the beginning of January, instead of the end of March. Those who continued to celebrate it at the end of March were considered to be fools.

Finally, some people believe it spread to the UK from Northern Europe.

There it is known as April Fish Day. It’s though this is because there are a lot of fish in French streams and rivers around 1st April, and they are easy to catch - foolish fish!

So became a tradition to play tricks on people on April 1st too by attaching a paper fish to someone’s.

The truth is that probably all of these events have played their part in creating the tradition.

Have fun...and don’t get pranked!

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Quirky Britain

A pint, a pie and a piece of local history As you stand at the bar, ordering a pint of Old Peculier and a steak pie, it’s unlikely you will be thinking about the name of your local pub. But once you’ve emptied your ale glass and polished off the pie, you may find time to consider how your particular hostelry got its name.

A time before signs Pub signs were originally created for people who could not read or write, so a strong visual image was essential when it came to attracting customers.

The history trail begins in ancient Rome. A taberna (a name which gave us the word ‘tavern’) was a small shop that sold wine, and owners traditionally used vine leaves as a trading sign. From 43 AD onwards, when the Roman culture spread to Britain, landlords who couldn’t lay their hands on vine leaves, resorted to using any local greenery that would do the job. Holly was plentiful – and usefully evergreen – so bushes were uprooted and hung outside instead hence The Holly Bush, The Bush or The Bull and Bush.

By 1393, however, it became compulsory for inns to put up a sign that would identify them to the official Ale Taster (surely the most in-demand job of the medieval era).

Animal crackers Heraldry has also played a role in the naming of pubs: it was a common practice for inns to adopt the animals or symbols displayed on the crests of high-ranking aristocrats, often because these

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people were important local landowners.

There are over 600 Red Lion pubs in the UK. Other heraldic animal names include The Blue Boar (from the badge of the Earls of Oxford) and The Black Griffin (from the coat of arms of an aristocratic Cardiff family) and The Bear and Ragged Staff (from the crest of the earls of Warwick), but pubs called The Black Horse are thought to be named after highwayman Dick Turpin’s legendary ride from London to York on his horse, Black Bess.

Holy orders Alcohol and religion don’t sit well together, so it’s surprising to discover that some pub names are based on biblical references or religious iconography.

St Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews describes faith as a “steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope” (hence The Hope and Anchor), The Lamb and Flag harks back to the Crusades (when the Lamb of God was shown carrying the English flag of St George) and The Crossed Keys is the emblem of St Peter, who holds the keys to heaven.

There are so many more naming traditions to explore, including sporting names, hunting names, literary names and trade-related names: each one providing a fascinating insight into the way we used to live. So next time you pass a pub sign swinging gently in the breeze, think of it less as a painted board and more as an intriguing window into history.

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Greensand Country Festival May 2019

With activities including open gardens, churchyard tours, history talks, nature walks, treasure trails, children’s activities and traditional country crafts, there’s something for everyone at the Greensand Country Festival.

Get involved: greensandcountry.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Time of Year

Host the Best Garage Sale Garage sales are great way to raise a little extra cash. Maximise your profit with our top tips.

Choose the right time - Weekend mornings are traditional, but Sunday afternoons might be good because people often like a walk after lunch. If you live on the same road as a primary school, try a weekday morning to attract people dropping their children off.

Teamwork - Team up with a few neighbours to host a road-full of garage sales. By pooling resources, you could reach a wider range of potential customers.

Advertise - Successful garage sales rely on spreading the word beforehand. Put up fliers or advertise in your local village or Parish magazine (like the one you’re holding!). If your village has a Facebook page, list your sale on that.

Put up signs - Simple, bright signs work best. A large arrow pointing the way along with the words ‘GARAGE SALE’ will do the trick. Remember to remove them afterwards so you don’t contravene any by-laws.

Prepare - Think about what buyers might need.

If you’re selling a lot of clothes, is there a screen so people can try things on in private. Is there a mirror? If you’re selling electronics or small appliances, have batteries or extension cords handy so people can see an item works.

Have change - Have plenty of coins on hand so you can quickly provide change for customers.

Make it look like a shop - People browse longer

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in well-organised boutiques and stores. Borrow or rent tables so shoppers don’t have to bend over or rummage on the ground to inspect items.

Put some bright bunting up to make it look welcoming. Group similar items together: kitchen items in one area; kids’ clothes in another etc. This helps people evaluate what you have on offer quickly.

Price It Right, and Offer Deals - A good rule of thumb is to sell items at 10-25% of their original value. People don’t look to spend a lot in a garage sale. If you think something is worth £50 or more it might be better to use eBay. Towards the end of your sale, consider posting an ‘everything must go’ sign and offer deals or bundles. Or have a few paper bags on hand and tell people to fill them with whatever they’d like for £5 or £10 per bag.

Make It a Party - Music entices people to stay longer and spend more. So, crank up the tunes, put out some nibbles and drinks, and make people feel welcome.

Be Comfortable - Wear comfortable clothes, a hat and sunscreen, depending on the weather. Have drinks and snacks handy.

Be Safe - Lock your doors while you’re running the sale. Safeguard your money: use a zipped bumbag or an apron with large pockets. Cash boxes can disappear while you’re distracted with a buyer.

Enlist a friend to help as an extra pair of eyes and hands.

By Sarah Davey Have fun!

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Health & Fitness

Seven Reasons to Join a Gym Today Health benefits – Regular exercise has been proven to reduce your risk of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s also been proven to increase your good blood cholesterol and improve mental health.

Stronger mind – Exercise actually increases brain function. Because it improves the flow of blood to your brain it helps the brain remain healthy, increasing the ability to grow new nerve fibres and replace damaged ones, thus reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Weight management – Exercise helps to burn unwanted fat and increase muscle mass, helping you control your weight and maintain it at a healthy level.

Motivation – Committing to a regular workout is not easy. And sometimes when we don’t get quick results, we tend to give up. At a gym you will see and meet people like you, slowly building towards their goal. That sense of being part of a like-minded community is very motivating.

Socialising – Some of those people you nod and smile at in the gym will go on to become friends. The gym is an excellent place to hang out with people whose goals are aligned with yours.

Uninterrupted workout routine – While your running or cycling routine might be interrupted by the weather, if you’re a gym member you can simply rock up there and exercise all year long.

Professional guidance – Good gyms have well-trained professional staff who can instruct you how to use equipment safely and give advice about technique and nutrition.

Pop along to your local gym today and start reaping the benefits of regular exercise.

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Travel

Tikal, Guatemala In the north-east corner of Guatemala, between Belize and Mexico, Tikal is an awesome site, the once powerful city of Maya rulers, now smothered in virgin forest. Discovered in the mid-19th century, it lies within the Tikal National Park listed by UNESCO for both its natural and cultural wonders.

The site greets you with an ancient reservoir, one of 20 or so designed to capture rainwater, a couple of museums and a visitors’ centre, but beyond the entrance there is no commercialisation, just pristine jungle bristling with remains. Howler monkeys swing in the trees, toucans splash colour here and there and you might come across tarantula and rattle snakes or the odd crocodile basking by the water. Fortunately jaguars are likely to keep away. The main circular trail meanders for miles and guides will keep everyone safe as they point out some of the 185 species of trees, including the lofty ceiba, the national emblem, the incense tree, still precious for Maya rituals, and the sturdy Ya wood once used for lintels, at its best when cut during the full moon.

The city was founded around 600 BC, and after modest beginnings the Tikal rulers established their dynasty, growing from strength to strength as they developed agriculture, religion and trade, built monuments and causeways and encouraged culture and arts. By 750 AD Tikal had 100,000 residents, but by 900 AD dwindling resources and warfare had brought its demise. Yet sizeable vestiges have been unearthed while others are still buried in the surrounding rainforest.

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According to experts, this is the most important city of the Classic Period in Maya civilisation.

“Walk slowly,” say the guides, “listen to the silence” and as you gaze at the remains of palaces, the game courts, the unusual Twin Pyramids or the Lost World where ancestors observed the Milky Way, the old stones release the most powerful vibes across the land. Temples rise, unperturbed by the passing of time, from the old Inscription Temple to the Jaguar Priest, the most recent, built around 810 AD. Most impressive is the Grand Plaza, the heart of the city, with its acropolis for residential areas and royal tombs and several temples where important religious events were held. Among them are the Temple of Masks and the Great Jaguar Temple, the true icon of Guatemala, protecting the tomb of the famous Jasaw. A scene carved in sapodilla wood shows the victorious ruler carried back to the city on his people’s shoulders.

But away from it all and wonderfully quiet is Temple IV, also known as the ‘Two-headed Snake’, erected around 745 AD and the highest at 65 metres. Climb to the top – steps are carefully concealed around the back – and the jungle takes your breath away, a dense ocean of greenery spreading as far as you can see. Mysterious sounds echo in the breeze, shadows vanish in the undergrowth and, rising eerily above the trees, the old Maya temples bear witness to a distant past.

By Solange Hando

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Design and build your dream bathroom or kitchen.

Are you up for the challenge?

Henlow Building Supplies is a longstanding and respected name in Biggleswade. The firm began in Henlow High Street 40 years ago as a tile shop with a builders’ merchant behind, moving to its current Biggleswade premises on Pegasus Drive opposite the retail park 14 years ago. A renowned one-stop shop for all your building needs, the company has now launched a new venture – HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms - in a dedicated purpose-built showroom upstairs.

The move into bathrooms and kitchens has been a natural progression for the company who offers

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hundreds of different wall and floor tile options, as well as new innovations like Wetwall shower panels and luxury Karndean vinyl flooring.

Sitting somewhere between companies that supply and fit and those that simply sell to trade, Henlow Building Supplies is not only competitively priced, but will work directly with customers to create exactly the kitchen or bathroom they want using the fitter or builder of their choice.

“Our aim is to build the relationship between trade, installer and customer and to manage those relationships so that the project goes smoothly” says Chris Curson, managing director.

“We leave the installing up to the experts, saving you

Madeleine

Jon

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money and allowing us to focus on getting the design just right, although we recommend your installer takes a look before ordering.

“If you need help finding an installer you can trust, we are happy to suggest plumbers or tilers that we have worked with before on previous projects.”

Being an independent builders’ merchant, the HBS team knows the whole construction process inside out which is where they are invaluable to their customers.

A family firm, Chris’s father David started the company in 1978 (before moving into an associated company, Henlow Bridge Lakes that specialises in camping, caravanning and fishing). David’s brotherin-law Paul Sapiano still works at the company along with Chris’s brother, also Paul. The two siblings joined the enterprise in 2000 after studying construction and business at college respectively.

The friendly family atmosphere permeates throughout the staff, many of whom have worked for the company for years. Starting her first job in the tile shop 21 years ago, Madeleine Major has been a part of the company since it was based in Henlow and still enjoys being a member of what she describes as “such a happy team”.

HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms’ product range offers trade quality kitchen and bathrooms at good, better and best price points including showers, baths, WCs, basins, towel warmers, taps and tiles. Some items are available to take away from the warehouse the same day with free local delivery if the item is too bulky to collect.

But that isn’t all. Jon Every, kitchen planner with over 25 experience explains: “We are not limited to the products on display in our showroom. We can normally obtain almost any brand or made-to-order item, especially bespoke kitchen carcass and fascia sizes that high street competitors cannot provide.”

At HBS, there is something to suit every budget, from residential to commercial projects. For example, you can buy a whole bathroom suite for just £250 including taps from stock but on the other hand, if you want to splash out on something fancier, the company is a displaying outlet for Laura Ashley products. You can also buy a select range of wall and floor tiles from the warehouse at bulk rate.

HBS takes an interest in the results of every project and loves to see customers’ before and after photos, so much so, the company has set up a Pinterest board on social media that includes Customer Case Studies and Real Bathroom Makeovers as well as lots of design inspiration.

Ideas can also be found in their new upstairs showroom that has displays with on-trend colours for bathrooms and the latest kitchen innovations.

Henlow Building Supplies 3A Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswsade SG18 8QA Tel: 01767 312800 Fax: 01767 318371 Email: sales@henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk Facebook: @HenlowBuildingSupplies Building 35 To advertise in The VillagerPinterest: and Town LifeHenlow please call 01767 261122 Supplies

An Evening of Healing

you won’t forget with renowned healer Matthew Manning

7pm – 10pm, Saturday 27th April Tickets £23 .00 purchased online from https://www.tickx.co.uk/event/1613340/ an-evening-with-matthew-manning/ Free car parking. Pay bar.

Weatherly Centre, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8JH

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Health

By Louise Addison

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of complementary therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It has been around for thousands of years but it’s current form was first developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist called Mikao Usui. It is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient.

Some controversy surrounds Reiki, because it is hard to prove its effectiveness through scientific means. But many people believe it works.

The word ‘Reiki’ means ‘mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.’ It comes from the Japanese words ‘rei’ (universal) and ‘ki’ (life energy).

The idea of Reiki is that is channels energy from the practitioner to target and work on the energy channels of the patient. According to practitioners, energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical injury or emotional pain. If not released these these energy blocks can cause illness. By improving the flow of energy around the body, practitioners say they can enable relaxation, reduce pain, and speed healing.

Reiki is held in a peaceful setting. The patient will remain fully clothed, and sit in a comfortable chair, or lie on a table. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the head, limbs, and torso using different hand shapes, for between 2 and 5 minutes. The hands can be placed over 20 different areas of the body. If there is an active injury, the hands may be held just above the wound.

The transfer of energy takes place while the hands are held over the patient. During this time, the practitioner’s hands may be warm and tingling.

Each hand position is held until the practitioner senses that the energy has stopped flowing.When the practitioner feels that the heat, or energy, in their hands has abated, they will remove their hands and place them over a different area of the body.

Sessions can last 15-90 minutes. The number of sessions will vary, depending on what a client wishes to accomplish.

According to practitioners, the healing effects are mediated by channeling the universal energy known as qi, pronounced ‘chi.’ It is the life force energy that some people believe surrounds all of us. Reiki experts say that while this energy is not measurable by modern scientific techniques, it can be felt by those who can tune in to it.

Reiki is said to induce deep relaxation, help people cope with difficulties, relieve emotional stress, and improve overall wellbeing. People who love Reiki describe it as ‘intensely relaxing.’

Reiki is used to help treat many conditions including: cancer, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

Patients report feeling better after a session.

Research from Cancer Research U.K. says that one reason could be that the therapist spends time with them and touches them. This is soothing for patients who may be overwhelmed by invasive therapy, fear, and stress.

Individuals report different experiences. Some say that the practitioner’s hands become hot, others report cooling hands and some people feel pulsating waves. The most common reports are of a release.

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Local News

BDCPS Need Volunteers BDCPS are looking for people to join our award winning organisation and dynamic team, for an exciting, fun and life changing experience you will never forget! We are a small, local charity who provide holiday schemes and clubs for young people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

At BDCPS we ensure that we have a 1:1 support for our young people, ensuring that all of their care needs are met, meaning that we rely heavily on bank staff and volunteers to be able to offer out the services to our families.

Genevieve, now 18 and a paid member of staff, was just 14 when she began volunteering with BDCPS. “Working with BDCPS is the thing I am most proud of.

My confidence has improved, I have met so many amazing people and I always leave with a smile on my face. You are making a difference, no matter how big or small, in someone’s life. Worth every moment”.

What we offer: Excellent training and induction, Room for progression, Reward Scheme and DBS check You will gain: Valuable life skills, Experience for future careers, a new perspective on life andNew friendships Location: Bedford Scheme weeks: 22nd July - 16th August (including training) Hourly rate (inc. holiday pay) starts from £6.61- £9.90 (depending on age and experience). Find out more information and apply today by calling 01234 351759, emailing cp.enquiries@bdcps.org.uk or visiting our website www.bdcps.org.uk to download an application pack.

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Want to slim in time for spring?

Join Slimming World in Upper Caldecote Supporting residents in Upper Caldecote and the surrounding villages.

Every Tuesday 5.30pm at All Saints Church Hall, Biggleswade Road, Upper Caldecote with new consultant Roz. Mob: 07934248729 Email: swroz.thomson@gmail.com

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Local News

Make a Date to Join the Race for Life This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone – women, men and children - to join the Race for Life. There are events for people of all ages and abilities taking place across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Peterborough throughout the summer.

Annie Ashwell, one of Cancer Research UK’s Event Managers, said: “Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. They help people with cancer by raising money for research, including clinical trials which give patients access to the latest treatments.

“You don’t have to be sporty to take part. You don’t need to train or compete against anyone else. All you need to do is go to the Race for Life website, pick an event, sign up and then have fun raising money in whatever way you like.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k,10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

“Taking part in our Race for Life events enables likeminded people to get together and remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those who

have survived. At the same time, they are helping to make a difference to people with cancer, right now.

She added: “Our Race for Life events have been women-only since they started, over 25 years ago.

But we now feel the time is right to open them up so that everyone - women, men and children – has the chance to participate together.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer, at some point during their lifetime. Sadly, this means nearly everyone is touched by the disease, either directly or through a loved one or friend.

“To make a significant difference in the fight against cancer we need to harness as much energy and commitment as possible – so what better way than involving everyone in the community in our events.”

Annie continued: “This year, we’re urging mums, dads, nans, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends and workmates to show their support by joining the Race for Life. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.”

To enter Race for Life today visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

30% Off the Joining Fee at Easter

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Health & Beauty

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Spring is in the Air Meet your new spring essentials, from a multi-tasking moisturiser to an eco-friendly toothbrush…

Regular readers may remember that I was lusting after Connock London’s new fragrances before Christmas. Well I’m happy to say they didn’t disappoint. Manuka is my new go-to perfume. As you might gather from the name, it’s based around honey, so has a rich, comforting scent. Lemon and mandarin add a burst of citrus freshness, jasmine and other florals add romance, and warm amber, vetivert and musks provide warmth and tone down the sweetness. The result is a rich, grownup fragrance, which is unlike anything else on the market and perfect for spring/summer. A real signature scent, it’s £75 from www.connocklondon.co.uk.

With winter finally behind us and longer days stretching ahead, it’s time to start thinking about sun protection again. If, like me, you barely have time to cleanse and moisturise in the mornings, let alone add anything else to your routine, a moisturiser with SPF is your friend. I’m currently using Manuka Doctor’s Apiclear Daily Defence – a moisturiser, primer and SPF 20 lotion in one. It’s suitable for all skin-types, helps to blur fine lines and wrinkles, and contains hyaluronic acid and manuka honey to lock in moisture. It’s £24.99 from www.manukadoctor.co.uk and Holland & Barrett stores.

Trying to cut down on your plastic waste? Bamboo toothbrushes are all the rage right now. If you want to try one, I recommend the Humble Brush (see www.thehumble.co). The handle is made from sustainably grown bamboo, which can be

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composted when you’ve finished with it (as long as you cut the head off ). It’s ergonomically shaped, and the nylon bristles are better for your teeth than other synthetic bristles. As if that wasn’t enough, every brush sold helps to provide children in need with oral care products and support. It’s £4 from Boots, Superdrug, The Co-op, Holland and Barratt and other retailers.

Concentrated products are another way to cut down on plastic waste. Men-ü’s Shower Gel is so concentrated that one bottle can last up to six months, which makes the £26.85 price tag a bit more bearable. It contains Pro Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to help keep skin healthy and avoid dry patches. And the citrus, mint and menthol scent is a welcome boost in the mornings.

While the shower gel is aimed at men, I find it to be pretty unisex, so have been nicking my partner’s most mornings. See www.men-u.com.

I’m a huge fan of Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tints (£25.50 each). They fall somewhere between a lipstick and a gloss, and give lips a subtle, natural colour, while adding moisture. It seems other customers are in agreement, as three new shades were added to the collection back in January. Bare Nude, Bare Raspberry and Bare Blackberry have joined Bare Pink, Bare Melon and Bare Popsicle.

I find Bare Nude perfect for the school run and nipping to the shops. It adds a hint of colour and plenty of shine. See www.bobbibrown. co.uk.

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Local News

Let’s Fight Fatigue & Pain!

If you or someone you know has exhaustion and chronic pain, come along to a free drop-in event on Saturday 13th April.

Between 12pm and 2pm anyone is welcome to find out more about Fighting Fatigue & Pain, a project run by Letchworth charity Herts MS Therapy Centre.

Extreme fatigue and chronic pain can result from many conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME – and many others.

The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth helps anyone with a long term condition, not just Multiple Sclerosis. It offers Physiotherapy, Oxygen Therapy, APS Pain Reduction Therapy and specialist exercise sessions to help people improve their quality of life.

Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover faster after injury, surgery and cancer treatments. It’s also great for increasing energy. Some people find it reduces pain, especially people with Fibromyalgia and CFS. On 13th April, free test sessions are available.

Rachel B says: “Without my Oxygen Treatment in Letchworth I would still be in agony from Fibromyalgia and probably jobless and depressed. I can’t even begin to explain what a difference it has made for me.”

Nicki H has MS. She adds: “Also, it’s great to meet other people who have an idea of what you’re going through. It’s nice to have a chat with other people at the Centre.”

Mark Boscher, the Chief Executive of Herts MS Therapy Centre added: “If you, or someone you know, lives with long term pain or fatigue – from any condition - maybe we can help them to gain more energy and feel less pain.

Please come on Saturday 13th April.”

To book your free test session, call Claire on 01462 684214 or email openday@hmstc.net

Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 13th April 2019, 12pm – 2pm Visit to find out about:

• Oxygen Therapy

(may accelerate healing, boost energy, reduce pain)

• APS Pain Reduction Therapy • Specialist physio and group exercise sessions (tailored to people with medical conditions)

Free test sessions available – book your place now!

Fighting Fatigue & Pain

We’re at Herts MS Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, SG6 2JF. Just turn up! For more details call Claire on 01462 684 214.

www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk

Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre is Charity 299524 and Company 2215165 Registered Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF

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LUCIA BIERMANSKI

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Eyebrows - Get perfect brows by mimicking your existing brow hair. Whether you want to add definition, correct the symmetry or enhance the shape of your existing brows to create a bold look, you are in perfect hands. Lucia is a Royal Artist for Phibrows and uses the latest advanced techniques to create perfect brows for each individual, including Phibrows Microblading and Ombre Brows.

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Using the latest techniques and best products available in the industry helps her to acheive the best long lasting results. Having completed extensive training with some of the best internationall recognised artists, she is specialising in all types of Permanent Cosmetics for eyebrows, eyes and lips.

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Contact Lucia Biermanski on 07849 106731 or email: lucia.biermanski@hotmail.co.uk Instagram: lucia_biermanski Facebook: luciabiermanskimicropigmentation Lucia works from her clinic in Biggleswade and also holds Permanent Cosmetics Clinic Days at Maxwells Hair and Beauty Salon To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Welcome to the New You! Wouldn’t it be nice to turn back the years?

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My exciting range of non-surgical treatments may be just the answer. I offer the very latest dermal fillers and wrinkle removing treatments that will leave you feeling revitalised with a new air of confidence. Simply phone me to arrange a free and no-obligation discreet consultation at my private clinic in the rural Bedfordshire village of Cople to discuss your personal requirements.

Wrinkle removing treatments Dermal fillers Lip enhancements

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Call me on either or email hello@donnasmall.com or visit my website at www.donnasmall.com where you can see my before and after pictures along with testimonials from very satisfied customers.

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House of Colour

Colour & Style Trends

Spring/Summer 2019

6.

7.

1. Colour – One of the most noteworthy trends from the catwalk was its homage to diversity, fluidity, inclusivity and authenticity. More than ever colour made a commanding statement on the catwalks, both neutral and subtle as well as bold, from metallics to sage green, brick red to earthy beige and turmeric tones, versus just about any pink. There is something for everyone.

2. Going to Work Structure and Feminism – On trend for several seasons now, tailored garments have been providing structure for a sharp and elegant look in the workplace including in bold colours. Feminine silhouettes are emphasised through form-fitting dresses, midi and pencil skirts and nipped-in blazers. Lace trims and satin can be introduced to enhance femininity.

3. Modern Prairie – Prairie inspired looks which incorporate a western, modern twist will be seen a lot this summer. Midi dresses with romantic ruffles and ditsy florals will suit those with natural romantic style and can even be worn with western inspired accessories for a fresh interpretation. Bandana-inspired dresses are revisited in contemporary cuts and asymmetric dresses equally cut a dash.

4. Leisure Luxe – Leisurewear is no longer for the home or the gym in an age when natural healthy living is the biggest trend of them all.

As athleisure transitions into life wear, comfort and functionality creates gorgeous wearable silhouettes that flatter a variety of shapes and can suit any budget.

5. Hyper Tropical – This look is vibrant and eyecatching and is therefore best suited to those who like to make a bit of a statement. Think

8.

9.

10.

glamour, colour-driven, bold patterns on any coordinates and dresses using shiny fabrics, ethically sourced feather trims, sequins and beading. The pieces can transition effortlessly from beach to bar with an upgrade in accessories.

Nomadic Cool – This relaxed, dressed-down nomadic vibe is inspired by a generation prioritising global travel and is best worn as a rich interplay of prints and textures across long and layered silhouettes and sport basics.

Makeup trends – With Pantone’s nod of approval to living coral as their colour of the year, Autumns and Springs can successfully carry off this warm hue in their lipsticks, nail varnishes and eyeshadows, and perfectly pair them with warm nudes and gold accessories, particularly complementing a sun-kissed complexion.

Cooler tones should reach for more blue-based equivalents ranging from Winter’s magenta to Summer’s softer rose or raspberry.

Accessories – Be playful in your choices! In fact bling it on! This is the season for those of us where more is more and the bigger is better.

Headbands have made a comeback, as has jewellery dripping in crystals and large heart shapes, but as always choose pieces that make you feel gorgeous rather than overwhelmed.

Handbags – When choosing a summer handbag many of us avoid heavy leather or plastic as they add weight to an outfit and can be uncomfortable to carry in sticky climes.

Environmentally friendly cotton sling bags, crochet or fringe bags are a more practical and cooler option and fits with the hot right now boho vibe. Or choose sporty rucksacks, boxy bags with a gorgeous handle, the seen everywhere bum bag, belt bag or giant tote as your signature bag.

Shoes – There is a strong opportunity for footwear in bright colours this season whilst elevated sole trainers also feature strongly.

This season is all about having fun with your footwear as the catwalks were covered with feathers, toe ring sandals and crystals on shoes.

By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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49

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All about Advertising 1. Which product was famously advertised with a poster featuring model Eva Herzigová and the caption “hello boys”?

2. First broadcast in 2007, which TV show was named after a slang term coined in the 1950s that advertisers working on Madison Avenue in New York City used to refer to themselves?

3. What do the initials O.H.A.C. stand for when used in a lonely hearts advert?

4. What number goes after the phrase “bet you can’t eat” to give an advertising slogan used

by Shredded Wheat in the 1980s?

5. After being used in an advertising campaign for the Renault Clio, what term entered the Oxford English Dictionary where it was defined as “the quality of being exciting or sexually attractive”?

6. Founded in 1953, which cinema advertising company became well known for it’s theme tune, called Asteroid?

7. Marketed as a “genuine champagne perry”, what was the first alcoholic drink to be advertised on British TV and was also the first alcoholic drink aimed specifically at women?

8. What was the first song from a John Lewis Christmas advert to reach number one in the UK singles chart?

9. What was the appropriately named product that was the first product to be advertised on Channel Five?

10. In the 1970s, which group was built around singer Victor Willis, with an advert released to find other members reading “Macho types wanted: must have moustache”?

1. Wonderbra 2. Mad Men 3. Own House And Car 4. Three 5. Va-va-voom 6. Pearl And Dean 7. Babycham 8. The Power Of Love (by Gabrielle Aplin) 9. Chanel No. 5 10. Village People

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51

Life Begins...

Music and Dementia: Breaking the Silence

By Kate McLelland Your first kiss, that devastating relationship break-up or the holiday of a lifetime: music has the power to evoke memories in ways that nothing else can. But what if you can no longer remember key events in your life? Recent research has shown the remarkable effect music can have on dementia patients, many of whom have lost the ability to communicate.

Children respond to music at an early age, before words and language are developed, so it’s not surprising that music can still provoke a powerful reaction when our verbal capabilities have been reduced or lost.

Sound science Listening to music can lift your mood by stimulating the release of dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter that helps to control the brain’s reward and pleasure centres. In a 2011 study

by McGill University in Montreal, participants’ dopamine levels rose up by 9% when they were listening to music they liked.

When adults come together as a group to sing or listen to a piece of music, a similar effect can be found.

Seeing is believing A YouTube video viewed over two million times shows an American man called Henry, living in residential care, who for ten years barely communicated with his carers and family members. The video shows that after listening to the music he enjoyed as a young man on an iPod, Henry is literally ‘restored to life’: singing, moving his body and giving spirited answers to the questions posed by an interviewer.

Chreanne Montgomery-Smith had a similar experience while working in a nursing home, when she noticed that residents responded

52

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Scientists have discovered that their bodies release the hormone oxytocin (the effect of this ‘bonding hormone’ can be seen when a parent sings a lullaby to their child) and this shared experience can create strong ties of friendship and community.

Children respond to music before words and language are developed

positively to music.

“One of the activities I did with them was a quiz which involved playing familiar tunes,” explains Chreanne in an interview with Age UK. “The first week I did it nobody sang, the second week a few people joined in. By the third week everybody was singing along. It made me realise that people with dementia had a special ability to remember songs.”

She went on to found Singing for the Brain, which is run by the Alzheimer’s Society. This initiative aims to boost confidence, selfesteem and quality of life for people with dementia and their carers through interactive singing sessions.

Scientific research into the effect of music on dementia sufferers has yet to reach any definite conclusions, but according to Chreanne Montgomery-Smith, the benefits of bringing music into the lives of patients is clear: “Even if people with dementia can’t talk, they may be able to sing, whistle, clap or tap their feet.

It helps them, and their carers, to feel life is worthwhile.”

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53

Finance

Open banking:

What’s in it for you?

By Ann Haldon Open banking has heralded something of a revolution in the retail banking industry in the UK. It offers protection if you decide to share personal banking information with authorised third parties, and as a bank customer could offer you access to financial tools and resources that make money management easier.

So why has open banking been introduced, and how might it affect you in day-to-day life?

Why introduce open banking?

An investigation into the retail banking market by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed insufficient competition between the larger, more established banks and newer entrants.

It was found ‘traditional’ banks were not trying sufficiently hard to retain or win customers, whilst new banks were finding growth particularly challenging. The CMA wants the industry as a whole to be more competitive, and also to make better use of advancing technology for the benefit of customers.

How does open banking work in practice?

When you sign up to a third-party provider’s service, they request permission to access your bank account. If this is provided, your bank is contacted and the instruction processed. The FCA publishes a list of registered providers, with two different types of service being on offer:

Open banking can help you find the best deals Account information services This could include budgeting assistance, being able to view all the information from different bank accounts in one place or receiving recommendations for financial products based on an assessment of your spending habits and transactional history.

Payment initiation services Payment initiation services allow you to make payments directly from your bank account without having to use MasterCard or Visa as an intermediary.

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What are the potential benefits of open banking?

Open banking can help you find the best deals and most suitable products based on your financial habits and regular payments. It also provides a framework to help you budget and better manage your money.

From a security perspective, you won’t be asked to share any login details other than with your bank, and you remain in control of the process from start to finish. You can limit the access for third parties to a defined period of time and revoke it whenever you wish.

Are there any downsides?

One potential downside of open banking is the threat that fraudsters could gain access to your bank account information. Security of your data as it’s transferred and used by other firms is a legitimate concern and you would need to contact your bank to find out their policy in this event.

The new legislation is designed to offer protection if you are targeted, however. It’s also crucial to ensure third party providers are regulated by the FCA, and you can search the Financial Services Register online or the Open Banking Directory to find out.

The main point to remember about open banking is that you don’t have to allow any third-party access to your bank account. It’s a system that only works on express permissions but one that could, in theory, help you make the most of your money. www.gov.uk/government/publications/retailbanking-market-investigation-overview blog.yoyowallet.com/open-banking-benefits www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/openbanking register.fca.org.uk https://www.openbanking.org.uk/customers/ regulated-providers

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Pecoro

An authentic taste of Italy

in the heart of Sandy Pecoro has been spreading a ray of Mediterranean sunshine on Sandy Market Square since August 2016 with its traditional homemade Italian pizzas, pasta and desserts. Increasingly popular with locals, this bijou restaurant has recently had some exciting developments and is now offering home deliveries.

Thanks in part to grant funding from Central Bedfordshire Council and Sandy Town Council, owners Alan Calzari and Annabel Foxley have recently been able to realise their dreams of expansion with the opening of a fabulous new extension, doubling the restaurant’s capacity.

Finished last November, Alan says: “Everyone seems to like the extension. It allows us to cater for more customers and bigger parties whereas before we were having to turn people away.”

“It’s definitely paying off” says Annabel. “We are so grateful to Sandy Town Council, especially its clerk Chris Robson who was massively supportive with our grant application.”

With the extension, the restaurant has kept to the same simple style and eco-friendly ethos of the main restaurant area, using rustic timber and local companies to supply the lighting and airconditioning.

New Extension The bright space features large glass sliding doors at the front which means that in summer, diners can have an ‘al fresco’ experience.

“If we have a summer like last year, we are hoping to host some special evenings in it with local musicians performing” says Annabel.

Fully licensed with a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere, Pecoro is not only happy to take bookings for private parties but will also provide bespoke party food at your home or venue, whatever the occasion.

Location Images: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography (www.actuance.photo)

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Food Images: Matthew Foster - Instagram mattfoster_photos

Darren Harbar Photography (www.darrenharbar.co.uk)

They can do large deliveries too - up to 80 pizzas, thanks to the addition of a designated driver every night except Mondays.

The delivery service is facilitated using Pecoro’s new app, downloadable on both Apple and Android. Launched last month, people are already using it to order genuine homecooked takeaways for delivery or collection.

The app includes an easy card payment option. You can even design your own pizza on it. And having the app means that Pecoro can also offer regular promotions.

The restaurant menu continues to feature Pecoro’s own recipe, using dough that is proved over 48 hours to obtain a crispier and more digestible pizza. There is also an offer of delicious pasta dishes and homemade Italian desserts.

Authentic cheese and meat platters are sourced from small suppliers in Italy whose produce cannot be found in local supermarkets. Freshlymade specials change daily, and gluten-free options can be provided on request, in advance.

“Customers are becoming increasingly aware of what is in their food” explains Alan. “They are realising that food freshly prepared from scratch and good quality produce really does taste better and is healthier.”

Pecoro’s dishes are good value for money too, with a freshly-made Margherita pizza starting at £6.50.

The restaurant’s ongoing success and expansion has meant that it has been able to increase its staffing levels and providing jobs to local people.

“Business has grown and we’re so grateful every day for the continued support we’re receiving” says OPENING HOURS Annabel.

SPECIAL OFFER Download the new Pecoro app and receive 10% off your first order with the code VILLAGER10 Search for ‘Pecoro’ in the App Store

Tue, Wed & Thu 5pm to 9pm Fri & Sat 5pm to 10pm Sun 4pm to 8pm

12a Market Square, Sandy, Beds. SG19 1HU Tel: 01767 683259 Email: ilpecoro28@gmail.com Facebook: @Pecoro For further information and online bookings visit: www.pecoro.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

57

Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Open Your Garden This month I’m going to talk about The National Garden Scheme. This wonderful initiative gives garden-lovers unique access to more than 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales. It also raises money for nursing and health charities through admission fees, teas and cake.

Beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

By opening your garden to visitors, you’ll give people a great day out, and raise money to help those in need. Even better you’ll connect with a community of like-minded garden-owners, all passionate about their beautiful gardens.

Is your garden worth visiting?

Do friends and family wax lyrical about your plot?

Do neighbours ask for advice and cuttings? Do you sometimes wish you could show other people the result of all your hard work? If you answered yes to these questions, then it’s very likely other people would love to see your garden too.

It might seem a somewhat daunting experience but opening your garden to the public can be very

58

enjoyable. Many people get the bug and open their gardens year after year. Most people start by opening once in a year, but many go on to open twice a year, to show off their garden in different seasons.

You don’t need a big garden. There are some tiny plots in the NGS. What matters is quality, character and interest.

NGS will support you all the way with their network of helpful, friendly volunteers. Initially you’ll be visited by one of the team during the season you feel your garden would look best.

And if you don’t feel as though garden is worthy of being part of the scheme, why not visit open gardens in your area to gain inspiration, hints and tips, make new gardening friends, and raise a bit of money for charity.

Happy Gardening Call 01483 211 535 to speak to one of the NGS team Or visit www.ngs.org.uk

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Our Pride - Your Joy • Conservatories • Orangeries • Sunrooms • Porches • Composite Entrance Doors • Bi-Folding Doors • Energy Rated Glazing • Garage Conversions • Tiled Roof Garden Rooms • Re-Furbish Your Existing Conservatory Your specialist local company, who build with care and dedication from design to completion

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Gardening & Wildlife

Rural Ramblings Let’s Have More Trees!

As the government has not exactly been having the best of times recently, I was impressed to read that they have come up with the idea (not exactly a new one but who cares) that we could all benefit by having more trees around us to help us feel better and reduce the stresses and strains of modern life. They have appointed a “Green Knight” to co-ordinate the proposed planting of up to 12 million trees, one million in towns and cities and the rest in rural areas, creating several new forests. It is proposed that farmers will be subsidised and will be paid as if they are growing crops as was the case with the old set aside arrangements.

I do hope these proposals will be followed through and the ideas will be put into practice and the money will be found to finance the scheme in full as the long term benefits could be huge. It is interesting for our government to be considering long-term initiatives rather than headline grabbing short-term ideas they usually come up with.

The benefits will be both subtle and practical.

Flood prevention has been identified as one outcome in areas particularly prone to these disasters. Habitats for a whole range of wildlife will be generated and the scarred landscape associated with industrialization would be softened. People love wandering around wooded areas and secondary holiday-type ventures could be developed. The outcry from residents in Sheffield where a large number of road–side trees were removed without consultation with the locals (as I understand was the case) indicates just how important trees can be to some people. I personally have experience of the dying of a very large Giant Redwood tree and it is quite an emotional experience to see the areas of brown foliage getting larger and larger and realising that nothing can be done to stop this progress.

Planting lots of trees will of course have cost

implications but I think that the majority of people would be supportive of this project, especially thinking of the benefits for future generations.

We have been responsible for many negative effects on our surroundings and it is about time that something practical was done to turn the clock back and restore our green and pleasant land to something like it used to be. I say good luck to The Green Knight, may your plans bear fruits!

By Geoff Wharton

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified.

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63

Garden

Heavenly

Herbs

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

I’ve always liked to grow herbs in pots – they look pretty, and ornamental variegated forms are available too. More importantly, they can be kept in any well-lit spot close to the house, ideal if your garden soil is wet and soggy, plus they are in easy reach if you fancy perking up the supper with some fresh, zingy herbs. If your life lacks a garden, then herbs in window boxes are perfect. Making a herb planter is easy and inexpensive, and the results should be long-lasting.

If your life lacks a garden, then herbs in window boxes are perfect You need a good-sized container – terracotta is ideal for these plants, many of which have Mediterranean origins. You also need some goodquality compost, some horticultural grit and (of course) your favourite herbs. A local nursery or garden centre should provide a fantastic array of herbs perfect for your planter at this time of year. Some of my favourites include: variegated cream and green sage; ‘Tricolor’ sage, which also has splashes of purple on its leaves; golden lemon thyme (with a great lemony flavour); prostrate rosemary; chives; and golden oregano. Choose herbs you enjoy eating but opt for pretty varieties where available.

Good drainage is essential for a herb pot, so use broken crocks (such a smashed flower pots or kitchen crockery) laid loosely over the drainage hole(s) before you add compost and gravel.

Always use proper horticultural grit and mix about one-part grit in with three parts compost.

Positioning the plants properly within the container is important. The plants will get bigger, so allow them room to grow, but – as you’ll be constantly trimming them throughout the growing season – planting a little closer than the plant label suggests should be fine! If you include

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a trailing or prostrate form of herb, it helps to position it close to the edge so it can cascade downwards. I also suggest you hide the labels around the edges of the pot, just beneath the soil, for later reference.

Once all the plants are in position, fill in all the gaps between the root balls and around the edges of the container with the compost and grit mixture, firming it in as you go. Next, top dress the compost with grit, which helps to keep drainage good around the plant crowns, makes the planter look better and helps discourage weeds and pests.

Next, water the pot well, top up the grit layer if necessary, and stand your pot in a sheltered spot close to the house door or on your balcony or patio so it is easily accessible. If you find you’re not eating the foliage fast enough, you can freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays with a little water for use later in the year when growth is slower.

At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find some great gardening items: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for vegetable plants and advice, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls, stylish cloches, pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your club.

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Garden

Hiring a Tree Surgeon Tree surgeons plant, maintain and perform hazard assessments on trees. They prune or cut down trees where necessary. It can be a dangerous job, involving the use of power tools, a lot of climbing and working at height. Yet surprisingly anyone can call themselves a tree surgeon!

So, it’s up to you to research the company or individual carefully before hiring them.

What qualifications should you look for?

The National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) is part of the City & Guilds group and is the governing body which issues certificates of competence for tree surgeons. As a minimum, any tree surgeon you hire should hold the following certificates: CS30 – Maintenance of the chainsaw, on site preparation and basic cross cutting CS31 – Fell and process small trees CS38 – Climb a tree and perform aerial rescue CS39 – Use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness First Aid at Work You should ask if the tree surgeon works to British Standards and see if he or she can name the relevant ones. The two main British standards for tree work are: British Standard 3998:2010 Tree work.

Recommendations British Standard 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations It’s also worth asking whether they have any other qualifications - like a relevant degree, additional

NPTC certification, or whether they are a member of the Arboricultural Association (AA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) or the Royal Forestry Society?

The difference between an arborist and a tree surgeon is education. The International Society of Arboriculture has developed a certification program and testing that gives the individual the distinction of being called a Certified Arborist. The responsibility of being a Certified Arborist means maintaining the educational credits every year.

These are highly skilled and qualified individuals who care about trees.

Any contractor should provide you with a free quotation, in writing. This should break down exactly what’s included in the price. For example, does the final price for the job include the hire of any equipment, stump grinding, taxes, and the clearance and disposal of waste?

They will also be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of how the law applies to their job.

Take a look at the equipment your chosen tree surgeon brings with him to the job - and how he uses it. In particular: Any worker should be wearing the right personal protective equipment. This should typically include a helmet with visor and ear protection, chainsaw boots and chainsaw trousers. Anyone working up in a tree should be wearing - and using - a harness and a rope.

Follow our tips and any contractor you employ should do a tree-mendous job.

By Ian Robbins

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GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

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Honeydon Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2LY

01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm

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Local News

Rehoming Appeal Gino

This is Gino, a friendly tabby and white boy who is about 7 years old. He is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and would like a home where he is the only pet. He has not been used to living with young children, but he would probably be fine with older children.

He likes people, loves to be fussed and can be a real “lap cat�. Gino will make a great companion.

If you would like to find out more about Gino please contact Liz on 01767 681157.

Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team.

View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity.

You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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YOUR LOCAL EXPERT PLUMBING & DRAINAGE SERVICE

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Pets

Animal Stories It’s been a quiet few weeks for our Branch with very few animals coming into our care, but we now have these two lovely ladies looking for their new forever homes. Two very different cats that are both looking for their perfect match.

First of all is our tortoiseshell tabby cat, Tinks. At approximately four years old, she came into our care unneutered therefore has likely had previous litters of kittens. Now spayed, has made a full recovery and is ready to find a new family. Tinks found herself coming into our care due to not getting along with her previous owner’s partner, however since being with her foster carer she has been fine with the male of the household therefore we know she doesn’t have a problem with males in general! She is a very sweet girl who is friendly, very chatty, likes to play and would be suitable to most family homes. Preferably not with a dog, but somewhere she can go out and explore.

We have had a few enquiries for this gorgeous girl, but unfortunately not yet the right ones for her.

Shelley is also looking for a new home to retire to after coming to us under very sad circumstances.

Both of her previous owners sadly passed away within just a month of each other, leaving Shelley and her three cat friends’ homeless, ending up in our care. Her three friends have all found new loving homes to go to, but at the ripe old age of 12

and the oldest of the bunch, Shelley is yet to have her second chance. When she arrived with us poor Shelley had very itchy skin and her coat was quite patchy, but after receiving some flea treatment she is flea free and back to normal. She will need regular treatment going forward to maintain her now lovely coat.

It has taken Shelley a while to settle into our cattery. Having been with her previous owners her whole life she has found it all a little stressful so we are keen to find her a quiet, loving home to go to. Although shy, she does like a fuss when sat with calmly and quietly, and will need a home that will give her time to settle in properly. She is used to being an indoor cat and is likely to spend the majority of her time indoors, however could go out into a secure garden for a little explore. Her ideal home would be an adult only home.

For more information about either of these lovely ladies including enquiries about adoption or anything else, please contact us by email at adopt@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk or by phone 01234 266965. To keep up to date with the animals in our care visit our website www.rspca.org.uk/local/bedfordshire-northbranch or our facebook and instagram pages @rspcabedsnorthbranch

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IT’S OFFICIAL - WE’RE MOVING! You can now find us at our beautiful new salon at

Unit 1 Trumpetons Farm Thorncote Green SG19 1PU Next to Franklins Farm shop We look forward to seeing you there!

01767 600212 | www.hollywooddogs.co.uk 72

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Ask Alan

Pets

Can Potton Vets do home visits?

Yes, this is a popular service we offer. Reasons for requesting a home visit are many and varied. Some reasons are: • Pets (or their owners) who dislike visiting a surgery.

• Pets who get stressed or in pain.

• Multiple pets, where it is easier for us to come to you.

• Owners who find it more convenient to be seen at home.

• Long-term or chronic treatments.

• End of life treatment.

It is usually better to see seriously ill pets or those needing more advanced diagnostics at Potton Vets where we have a team who are fully equipped and trained to deal with these cases. If you are unable to bring your pet in to the surgery, a collect and drop off service can be arranged.

However, pets needing health checks, vaccination or treatment for non-serious conditions can be seen at home.

Even simple diagnostics (e.g. drawing bloods) can be done at home.

Pets are living longer, and these aging pets can be difficult to get to the vet as they are often painful and sometimes confused. Home visits are ideal in these circumstances.

Our home visits are be surprisingly good value when arranged in advance and at a mutually convenient time.

It’s not just the Vets. Routine nurse clinics can also be done at your home by our qualified Vet Nurses.

Wishing you all a happy Easter, and don’t let the pets get hold of the chocolates!

Best wishes 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.

Alan

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• • • • • •

Swimming Lessons

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

Call Heather on Tel: 01767 631053 Mob: 07511168499

Email: tadlowswimming@btinternet.com

Children aged between 0 - 5 years

After School Care and Holiday Club for 5 - 12 year olds

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OFSTED rating - GOOD Qualified Nursery Practitioners A Sing & Sign nursery All staff paediatric first aid trained Freshly prepared meals by our in-house cook Kitchen hygiene rated '5' Fun French lessons for children Yoga for Babies and Toddlers Close to Sandy mainline station and the A1M A loving, home from home Follow us on Facebook

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54 High St, Sandy Bedfordshire, SG19 1AJ

T: 01767 689688 E: bigexplorers@outlook.com W: www.miniexplorersdaynursery.co.uk

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Motoring

Is a hybrid car right for me?

By James Baggott

Where do you live?

Being able to charge a plug-in hybrid or range-extending electric car at home is critical, as they benefit most from regular charging.

Ranges of around 30 miles on battery power provide a costsaving regular commute.

Worried about the environment?

There are a few environmental concerns surrounding hybrid vehicles – for example, battery manufacture contributes significantly to the hybrid’s environmental footprint.

The hybrid wins, however, when it comes to local emissions and air pollution. The ability to run on electricity alone at low speeds helps with particulate emissions.

Are hybrid cars reliable?

Hybrids have proven longevity and if looked after, a hybrid’s battery pack will last the vehicle’s lifetime.

Regenerative braking reduces brake and tyre wear, adding maintenance costs.

How much do you have to spend?

Adding electric motors and batteries means hybrids command a price premium so carefully consider the cost benefits and whether your mileage will be sufficient to make the most of it.

There are good reasons to switch from a petrol or diesel car, such as concerns over environmental impact, tax benefits for low emissions vehicles or simply to save money at the pumps.

As full-electric cars aren’t suitable for every driver, a hybrid car that merges combustion technology with electrification may be the answer.

Types of hybrid Mild hybrids use small electric motors and battery packs exclusively to aid the engine, and never drive the wheels directly.

Traditional or parallel hybrids, popularised by the Toyota Prius in the late 90s, use a larger battery pack and electric motor and are capable of a few miles on electric power alone, with the engine cutting in over a certain speed or throttle load. All electric power is gained from brake regeneration and engine power.

Plug-in hybrids can be plugged in to a socket, have bigger battery packs and electric motors, and can usually travel at least 20 miles without using the combustion engine.

Increasingly rare are rangeextending electric vehicles – essentially electric cars with a combustion engine that acts as a generator.

What’s your mileage?

High-mileage users still benefit from a diesel over a hybrid in most situations. On a motorway cruise, a hybrid car reverts to being a petrol vehicle – but with the extra weight of a battery and electric motor.

This is especially true of plug-in hybrids, which only have excellent fuel economy figures when the battery is charged.

However, a high-mileage driver would see the cost benefits of a hybrid compared to a standard petrol car.

Where do you drive?

The benefits of a hybrid system are most keenly felt around town, with the engine cutting in only when necessary.

The electric motor’s instant torque means hybrids accelerate quickly from standing, and if driven gently most will remain a full EV at citycentre speeds.

On faster roads, however, the CVT gearbox used in most mainstream hybrid cars doesn’t respond well.

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Technology

Don’t be an April Fool

Beware the tech scams trying to trick you

Unlike April Fools’ Day, which ends at noon, online trickery goes on all day every day. Some fraud is easily spotted but others can be really convincing.

One of the most common kinds of trickery is ‘phishing’, which is when you receive official-looking emails from what appears to be your bank or a big-name website. The email usually says there’s something wrong with your account: click here to log in and fix it. But the link goes to a sophisticated fake, and if you enter your details the fraudsters can then use your details on the real website.

That’s bad enough if it’s just one site, but many people use the same password on lots of different ones. If the fraudsters get your details for one website, they can then get into all the other sites you use.

To prevent that from happening you can do a number of things.

Firstly, never use the same password on more than one site and use the password manager

built into Apple Macs, iPads and iPhones or use a third-party password manager such as 1Password, LastPass or Dashlane.

Secondly, set up two-factor authentication. Sites from Google, Microsoft and other big names enable you to supplement your password so that when anybody tries to log in, a code is sent to your phone. No code, no entry.

Thirdly, invest in security software. Look for ‘anti-phishing’ in the features list: that means incoming emails are scanned against a list of known offenders.

It doesn’t get rid of every fake email but it does filter most.

Finally, be suspicious. Your bank will never email you if there’s a security problem or other issue with your account; similarly Apple or Microsoft don’t remotely monitor your computer and contact you if they find problems. If in doubt, phone the company or visit their website by typing its address into your web browser.

Sometimes the fraudsters will phone you. They’ll say they’re BT, or Amazon, or Apple, or Microsoft, and their goal is to get you to download and install a program which they say will fix your problems. It won’t: it enables them to take control of your computer and either get your personal details or lock it up until you agree to pay a ransom.

These calls are never genuine.

Other scams are really old, but they’ve been updated for the digital age. Fraudsters misrepresent items on online shopping or auction sites, or they run offers for too-good-to-betrue deals as Facebook adverts – recent ads offered mountain bikes worth more than £500 for less than £50. There were no bikes, of course, and because the fraudsters weren’t in the UK anybody they fooled would find it exceptionally difficult to get their money back. Stick to reputable sites and go with your gut: if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

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EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Local & Reliable

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We clean your oven…. ....so you don’t have to.

Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned

Rob Radford contact details Tel: 01767 640594 Mobile: 07960 467805 www.ovenwizards.com

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Food & Drink

Salted Caramel

Hot Cross Buns

These sweet and sticky hot cross buns use Shaken Udder Salted Caramel Milkshake instead of milk and chocolate chips in place of raisins to create a luxurious take on an Easter classic!

Makes: 10 Prepare: 1 ½ hours Cook: 12 minutes Ingredients 500g pack white bread mix 50g butter 50g golden caster sugar 100g milk chocolate chips 200ml Shaken Udder Salted Caramel Milkshake 100ml water 100ml milk 1 large egg For the crosses & decoration: 3 tbsps plain flour 2 tbsps water Golden syrup, melted, for brushing 1. Tip the bread mix into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Rub in the butter with your fingertips, then add the chocolate chips.

2. In a measuring jug, pour in the milkshake and water, then beat in the egg and transfer onto the dried ingredients. Mix to a very moist dough (the wetter the better).

3. Leave for 5 minutes then cut into 10 equal pieces and roughly shape into buns with oiled hands (this helps to stop the mixture sticking too much – try not to use extra flour as it will toughen the dough).

4. Space the buns apart on 2 greased baking sheets and cover loosely with cling film.

Leave the buns in a warm room until they’ve risen to about half the size again (this will take anything from 45 minutes to 1¼ hours, depending on how warm and moist the environment is).

5. When the buns are risen, heat the oven to 220ºC/fan 200ºC/Gas Mark 7 and make the crosses. Mix the flour with the water to make a paste. Pour into a plastic food bag and make a tiny nick in one of the corners. Pipe crosses on each bun.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until risen and golden. Brush with golden syrup. The buns will keep fresh for a day, and after that are best toasted.

Cook’s Tip Using a pre-prepared white bread mix cuts down on the time factor, but still produces delicious results.

Shaken Udder Salted Caramel Milkshake is available in 330ml bottles from Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado. For more information visit www.shakenudder.com

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

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Food & Drink

The Perfect Pear!

They may look a little underwhelming with their crinkly green skin, but avocado-lovers know that the fresh creamy flesh is simply delicious and a perfect complement to eggs, smoked bacon, griddled chicken...I could go on.

The avocado pear turns out not to be a pear at all, but a berry. It also turns out to be pretty much the perfect food.

They have a reputation for being ‘bad’ and high in calories. It’s true that a medium-sized avocado contains 30g of fat (as much as a quarterpound burger!) but an avocado’s fat is mostly monounsaturated fat (that’s the good kind).

Studies have shown that avocado eaters are less at risk for metabolic syndrome, which also puts them at less risk of type-2 diabetes and heart attacks.

Avocados contain folate, an important nutrient for pregnant women and infants, and interestingly have also been shown to slow and possibly reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients.

If you are weaning your baby, avocados are a

By Kath McLean

great first food because of their soft texture, and nutritional benefits, like healthy fats for brain development.

Avocados are high in carotenoids so offer skin protection against aging caused by UV damage.

They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for people with rheumatoid arthritis but also because inflammation has been linked to Alzheimer’s, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancer.

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Pets

Buying a Hamster

Although a relatively ‘low-profile’ pet compared with cats and dogs, hamsters need lots of loving care and attention. They typically live for two or three years so are a long-term responsibility, but they bring lots of fun into your home and can make great first pets.

If you’re thinking of buying a hamster, here’s a little information that might help them settle in.

Characteristics With 24 different types of hamster you won’t be short of choice, but Syrian (or golden) and dwarf hamsters are among the most popular. Adults of the golden variety need to be kept alone as they’re inclined to fight, as are males of the dwarf hamster variety, so all-female groups are best.

Diet Pre-prepared hamster mix is a good choice of staple diet and should be supplemented with small amounts of fruit and vegetables. Hamsters need to grind down their teeth regularly as

they grow continually, so providing them with crunchy snacks or small chew toys can help to keep their teeth short.

Play Hamsters love to play and can be quite adventurous, so a cage with different levels is ideal. You can add plastic toys for entertainment, and tunnels for them to run through.

A hamster’s needs are quite complex, but by being aware of their behaviour and characteristics as well as eating and playing habits, you’ll be able to meet their requirements with confidence and enjoy their company as part of the family. www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/looking-afterhamster www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pet-talk/petcare-small-animal-hamster

By Ann Haldon

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n O s ’ t Wha 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 24, 26 & 29 April ‘Open Door’ 10-11.30am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Tea/coffee, chat and browse various stalls on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Tel: 01767 261138 for further info

3 April Sandy Night Owls Women’s Institute 7.30pm Sandy Conservative Club A new group which meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except August).

Guests very welcome.

2 April Hatley Coffee Morning 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall Come along for a chat, coffee/tea and a slice of cake. Everyone welcome. Donations on the day.

All donations split between Hatley Village Hall and Hatley St George Church. First Tuesday of the month.

3, 10, 17 & 24 April Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sandy Methodist Church Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds.

Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, sensory and role play. First session free. Please check dates over Easter holidays. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy

2 April Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton Visitors £5 inc. light refreshments. Talk by Jason Middleton ‘Diamond, Gemstone of Distinction’.

Tel: Sarah Burgoine 01767 631415 Email: sarahjburgoine@gmail.com 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Phoenix Chorus 7.45-10.15pm Potton Lower School Have you loved the a capella singing shows on TV? Could you be pitch perfect with us? Phoenix A Capella Chorus meets every Tuesday. Visitors always welcome. Tel: Sarah 07842 101799 Email: pro@phoenixladies.co.uk Web: https://phoenixladies.co.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Biggleswade Ivel Badminton Club 8-10.30pm Biggleswade Recreation Centre (Stratton Leisure Centre) £3 per night. Seeking competitive badminton players wishing to play in local leagues. Visitors welcome.

Email: IvelBC@hotmail.com Facebook: Facebook.com/IvelBC 3 April Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Princess Charlotte Room, Shuttleworth Visitors £5 inc. raffle ticket. ‘Mission Aviation Fellowship’ with Bryan Pill. The Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Enjoy lunch in the Shuttleworth restaurant before the meeting. Lots of free parking. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 3 April Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm The Kier Suite, Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay Visitors £3 inc. tea/coffee & biscuits Simon McWilliams of Hedgehog Plants based in Risby, Suffolk, will talk about ‘Spring Flowering Shrubs and Woodlanders’. Simon and Jay specialise in growing interesting hardy plants and completed their first ever RHS display at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2018. Plants for sale. Visitors welcome.

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3, 10, 17 & 24 April Ivel Bereavement Support Centre 10am-12 noon The Community Rooms, Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade Has a loved one died? Are you struggling coming to terms with it? Perhaps we can help you at our drop in centre on Wednesdays. Tel: Linda 07704734225 3 & 24 April Mums and Dads Coffee Morning 9-10am Moggerhanger Church Bring your pre-school children with you. Toys available in the church. Tea/coffee, juice, biscuits £1 with fruit juice for your pre-school children. This can be a good time to meet friends, have impromptu meetings, plan your next commitments, etc..

4 April Coffee Morning (Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice) 11am-2pm Sandy Conservative Club Join your local hospice team at the Sandy Conservative Club for tea and cake, and find out more about the services provided by St John’s Hospice. There will also be a raffle.

Tel: Harjot 01767 642421 for more info Email: harjot.kaur@suerydercare.org 4 April Sandy Astronomical Society 7pm Mama’s Coffee Shop, Sandy AGM & General meeting.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ SandyAstronomicalSociety 4, 11, 18 & 25 April Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sutton Village Hall Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds.

Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, sensory and role play. First session free. Please check dates over Easter holidays. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

In April

4, 11 & 25 April Amici Singers 7.30-9.45pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Membership £15 per term (£45 per year). The Amici Singers would welcome everyone to join our ladies Choir. We are a very friendly group who meet on Thursday evenings under the Direction of Douglas Coombes MBE. We are rehearsing a beautiful collection of music which will be included in a short cruise along the Scottish Borders and for our Annual Concert in June. We welcome all voices and ages. If you are interested please contact Carole.

Tel: Carole Lindsay-Douglas 01767 2603661 5 April Potton Playhouse AGM 7.30pm Potton Community Centre The Potton Playhouse Committee invite current and potential members to its AGM. This will be held upstairs in the Potton Community Centre.

5 April Craft and Chatter 7.30-10pm St Marys Church Hall, Potton £2.50 inc. refreshments. Bring your own project.

Cross stitch, sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery or something else. Meet like-minded people.

Web: www.facebook.com/craftandchatter 5, 12 & 26 April Get Fit Keep Fit 9.30-10.30am Moggerhanger Village Hall £5. Join Tina or Josh as they take you through a light-hearted sequence with a warm-up, exercises designed to improve muscular fitness, brain coordination, balance and general well-being, then a cool-down. Why not come and join us?

Tel: Tony or Judith on 01767 640124 5, 12 & 26 April Lego Club 3.45-5.00pm Potton Library Love Lego? Come along and get building! Every Friday afternoon.

5, 12 & 26 April Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy Meets every Friday. Please email for more information on joining the group. Visitors welcome.

Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com 6 April Coffee Morning 10-11.30am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Coffee, tea, bacon butties, homemade cakes, cards, Bric-a-Brac, books, jigsaws etc.. Coffee Mornings are held on the first Saturday of every month except January. Weekly “Open Door” (tea/coffee, chat and browse various stalls) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10-11.30am. Everyone welcome.

Tel: 01767 261138 for further info

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n O s ’ t Wha 6 April Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Speaker will be Val Bourne with ‘Spring Cottage Gardening with the Dearly Beloved’. Val is a wellknown author, lecturer and gardener. Plants for sale.

Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 6 April Spring Concert 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Biggleswade Tickets £10, Under 16s £5, Under 12s free Biggleswade & District Choral Society present a Spring Choral Concert featuring Eternal Light by Howard Goodall and Magnificat by John Rutter.

Tel: Tickets 01767 317900.

6, 13, 20 & 27 April Lego & K’Nex Club 1.45-3.30pm Potton Library Love Lego and K’NEX? Come along and get building!

8 April Sandy Flower Club 7.30pm Conservative Bowls Club pavilion (Rear of the Conservative Club, Bedford Rd.) Visitors £5. The Flower Club meets second Monday in the month (excluding Aug. Dec. & Jan). New members and visitors welcome. Raffle and tea/ coffee. Tel: Sue Alexander 01767 699729 9 April Sutton WI 7.30pm Sutton Village Hall The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. Please feel free to come and join us!

11 April Biggleswade Evening Women’s Institute 7.45pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade A new group which meets on the second Thursday of each month (except August). Guests welcome.

13 April Posh Togs & Accessories Sale 10.30am-2-30pm St Edmund or St James Church, Blunham We will be holding a ‘Posh Togs’ sale of nearly new special occasion clothes and accessories, to coincide with our monthly Community Café. Changing facilities will be provided).

13 April Ivelflix Community Cinema: Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society Doors open 2.30pm, Film starts 3pm Canada Block, Biggleswade Academy, Mead End Admission £4 on the door A friendly community activity that is run ‘not for profit’. All welcome. Plenty of easy, free parking on site and disabled access.

Tel: Alan 01767 310163 for more info Web: www.ivelflix.org.uk

16 April Sandy Women’s Institute 10am Conservative Club Sandy Meets on the third Tuesday of each month (except August). We have a great programme of speakers, activities and excursions.

Tel: Val Haygarth (President) 01767 691711 Email: valeriehaygarth@btinternet.com.

16 April Potton Writer’s Club 7-9pm Potton Community Centre £3. A friendly, informal group whose aim is to improve their writing through encouraging each other, and by regularly entering competitions. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

This month’s theme is ‘Sorry, wrong number’. All welcome - please call or email in advance so we know to expect you. Light refreshments available.

Tel: Tracey 07778 148030 Email: info pottonwriters@gmail.com 18 April Biggleswade Poetry Table 7.45-9pm The Courtyard Centre, 6 High Street, Biggleswade Grab a drink and join us to share poems.

Email: leah@leahkstewart.com 21 April Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £2, Under 16s free if accompanied by an adult. This fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectable. Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk 25 April Biggleswade and District Flower Arrangement Society 7.30pm The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade If you love flowers, we invite you to join us on the fourth Thursday of the month for “flowers and fellowship” where you will be able to relax with fellow enthusiasts and our guest demonstrators.

Please call Moira for further details about the club.

Tel: Moira Fuller (Chairman) 01767 316104 25 April Potton History Society 8-10pm Potton Community Centre, Brook End Members free, Visitors £3 inc. refreshments This month’s talk is called ‘Potton Family Stories’. It is a talk by Heather Curry from Potton History Society.

Heather has been working through the society’s rich seam of family files in the society’s annexe and has uncovered some fascinating tales of parish life in Potton. Pop along to find out what Heather has discovered. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ pottonhistorysociety

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

In April

26 April Sandy Historical Society 7.30pm Stonecroft Hall, St Swithun’s Way, Sandy Admission £2.50 inc. refreshments, members & students free. AGM and ‘The History of Bedford Brickworks’ by David Szymanski. Tel: 01767 680171 27 April Potton Art Club Spring Exhibition 10am-1pm Community Centre, Brook End, Potton Tea, coffee and cakes available.

27 April Charity Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament 11am Gransden Tennis Club, The Sports Field, Sand Rd, Great Gransden Entry £10 per player. Players can enter as a mixed pair or individually. Discretionary donations for coffee and lunch. Raffle with fantastic prizes. All proceeds to Cancer Research UK. Presentation of the Edith Thompson Memorial Trophy to the winners will be around 4pm. Please email to enter the tournament. Closing date for entries 20 April.

Email :Nicolahipwell@btinternet.com Web: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ GransdensLawnTennisClub 1 May Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm The Kier Suite, Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay Visitors £3 inc. tea/coffee & biscuits Margaret Nimmo-Smith will talk about Hardy Ferns.

Please come along and ask any questions on this specialist subject. Plants for sale. Visitors welcome.

5 May Cambridge Gliding Centre Open Day 10am-4pm Gransden Lodge Airfield Free admission. Come and visit Gransden Lodge Airfield to find out about the sport of gliding.

Discounted trial gliding lessons with our qualified instructors will be available using a choice of winch launch, aerotow or motor glider. Call the office to book your flight in advance. Free talks about gliding and static displays. Refreshments available. The Airfield entrance is on the B1046 between Little Gransden & Longstowe, opposite Gransden Lodge Farm (enter SG19 3EB into your sat nav).

Tel: 01767 677077 Web: www.camgliding.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CambridgeGlidingCentre 25 May Celebration of Disability Sports Activities 10am-4pm Riverside Square, Bedford Come and try a different sport with demonstrations, a chance to meet Paralympic athletes, an information desk and live entertainment. The event seeks to break down some of the barriers that many disabled people perceive make it more difficult for them to take that first important step into sport. Everyone welcome – able bodied people are promised an entertaining day too.

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Parenting

Treating Head Lice There are few parents of school age children who haven’t received the dreaded head lice letter. For many of us, it’s a regular occurrence.

Checking for head lice Head lice are sneaky, quick-footed, tiny little beggars. You’re unlikely to spot the live lice just by looking, so you’ll need to use a nit comb to try to catch one. You can also look for egg cases (nits) on wet hair, and some children get a rash on the back of their neck or behind their ears. The very thought of nits tends to make everyone suddenly itchy, but watch for your child scratching their head when they’re not thinking about lice, such as when they’re absorbed in a TV programme.

If your child does have nits, check the rest of the family, and then use one or more of the following methods.

The constant combing method Smother your child’s hair in conditioner and then go through every inch of it with a nit comb,

wiping the comb on a piece of tissue after each stroke. Repeat daily until you can no longer find any evidence of lice. If your child has short to medium hair, this might be all you need to do. Personally, however, I once combed my daughter’s long hair repeatedly, then decided to treat with a head lice solution ‘just in case’. Within minutes there were lots of dead lice on her shoulders.

I’m sure you could get rid of head lice by combing alone but be prepared to make it a daily habit for at least two weeks.

Electric combs These nit combs emit a small electrical current to kill head lice.

They only work on the live lice though, not the eggs, so you’ll need to repeat the process every few days, for at least two weeks. It’s a laborious process that’s every bit as time consuming as the previous method.

Chemical treatments There are numerous treatments

on the market. The stronger ones claim to kill lice and eggs within minutes. Others need to be left on overnight or only kill the live lice, not the eggs. You’ll usually need at least half a bottle for each person, more in some cases. We’ve had the best results with NitWits, Full Marks and Lyclear. None of them have aggravated my daughter’s sensitive skin, but some have required a repeat treatment.

Tips: • Head lice spread quickly. If your child’s best friend has them, it’s unlikely your child will have escaped. And yes, there’s a good chance you’ll get them too.

• If your child has long hair, keep it tied back, ideally in a plait so it’s less ‘swishy’.

• Even if your child doesn’t have head lice, try to thoroughly comb through hair with a nit comb once a fortnight, to keep lice at bay. It’s a chore but could prevent an infestation if you catch a stray louse in time.

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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Travel

Portugal

Portugal is quite a small country on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe; about the size of Ireland. There are three usual destinations: Porto, Lisbon and Faro; each area with its unique attractions.

Porto is a large town in the northern part of the country. It is a town with some very steep streets, which allow spectacular views. Like Lisbon, it is full of history – depicted in its churches, museums and parks. Trips on the River Douro allow you to admire many bridges built in different times and provide awesome views from the water. Portugal depends on tourism and there are many trips to nearby places, such as the Porto wine farms in the heart of the Douro River, the colourful seaside ‘huts’ (Costa Nova) and the ‘Venice’ of Portugal (Aveiro) – where you can taste ‘Ovos moles’, a heavenly local pastry. It is interesting to note that one Porto wine has been in Scottish hands (now Symington Family Estate) since 1882. Throughout the trips, the tourist guides provide you with much interesting information and always do their best to enable you to enjoy your trip to the maximum. I visited one beach in Porto, but the North Atlantic Ocean makes it, for me, rough and rather cold, but it still provided a pleasant walk in the sea.

I have visited all three places and Lisbon is my favourite. I stayed for five weeks and everyday there was something else to explore: from museums,

art galleries, parks, S. Jorge Castle, the sea world, excavations, train trips along the river Tejo (as far as a fascinating fishing village called Cascais), and so on. The beach in Cascais felt inviting even in December. The restaurants can be very traditional or very modern with varied and delicious food. I would recommend a restaurant where you can pick fresh fish to be cooked for you, then and there.

Faro is often visited because of its beaches, but I just like looking at them, not sunbathing and frying myself to a cinder. The town itself has several interesting tourist attractions, but not as many when compared to Lisbon or Porto. On this coastline, A Rocha (a Centre of Study and Environmental Interpretation) was founded in 1983 and is run by a team of volunteers. It provides valuable data on birds as they are regularly caught and ringed, and the information is then recorded. I had the privilege to be part of this team in April 1994 as a Voluntary Warden.

One advantage that I found in Portugal is that the weather is mild even in winter, making winter visits pleasant and bearable. Unfortunately though, many houses do not have any heating, which can be a little uncomfortable in the colder season. Obviously, their summers can be hot.

People say Spanish and Portuguese are similar, but when a Spanish and a Portuguese person meet they often prefer to communicate in English.

Besides these three areas, there are also many rural towns and villages with fascinating, natural beauty.

Hiring a car is advised, as it will enable you to explore and appreciate the area more fully - allowing you to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience and to make memories that you will treasure forever.

By Daniela

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Electrician

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The Easter Hedgehog “Derek, what are you doing out here at the crack of dawn?” Kelly, with a milk bottle in each hand, was surprised to find her husband hiding under the carport.

“Kelly, you nearly gave me a heart attack!” Derek gasped. “What are you doing up?”

“Something’s been drinking the cream off the top of our milk,” Kelly said. “I have to bring it in as soon as the milkman’s been.”

“Just get under here quick.” Derek pulled her elbow. “You’ll give the game away.”

“What game?” Kelly huddled next to him.

“Operation Soak The Easter Bunny,” Derek smiled, rubbing his hands together.

“You mean soak Carl?” Kelly sighed.

“Honestly, when are you two ever going to grow up?”

Derek and his brother-in-law Carl had a long history of playing practical jokes on each other.

At Christmas Carl had decked Derek’s conifers in toilet roll, and on Valentine’s Day Derek had filled Carl’s van with balloons.

Derek knew a revenge attack was overdue.

Kelly hugged herself to keep warm.

“How can you be so sure he’s coming today?”

“Because the man’s an idiot,” Derek smirked. “He’s been dropping hints that I would be ‘hopping mad’ at Easter, and yesterday I spotted him coming out of the fancy dress shop in town with a pink rabbit suit under his arm.”

“You think he’s coming as the Easter Bunny?” Kelly laughed. “This I’ve got to see.”

“But I’m ready for him,” Derek chuckled. “I’ve rigged up the sprinkler system on the lawn to full power, and I’ve got my hand on the outside tap.

Hang on, someone’s coming through the gate now.”

Derek and Kelly held their breath as a dark figure crept along the path beside them.

“I thought you said he was coming as the Easter Bunny,” Kelly whispered.

“He’s wearing an old brown dressing gown.”

“And what’s that mask he’s wearing all about?” Derek whispered. “It’s all brown and spiky.”

“It’s a hedgehog mask.” Kelly frowned. “Perhaps his Easter Bunny costume didn’t fit?”

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Short Story

By Jackie Brewster

The strangely dressed figure scurried under the washing line and stepped onto the boobytrapped lawn. Derek deftly turned on the tap.

The hosepipe gurgled and the sprinkler system hissed into life.

Their visitor leapt into the air like a startled cat as thousands of icy jets shot up his dressing gown.

Derek and Kelly howled with laughter. Holding his hedgehog mask onto his face, Carl sprinted right past them and back through the gate.

A familiar voice behind them said, “What are you two cackling at?”

“We’ve just given Carl the fright of his life,” Derek laughed, and turned to find Carl, dressed as a pink bunny carrying a tray of eggs.

“How did you get changed so quickly?” Kelly gasped. “Where’s your hedgehog mask?”

“I don’t have one,” Carl said, “unlike that sopping wet chap who just ran past me.”

“So, who was that?” Kelly clutched her milk bottles to her chest, and a thought occurred to her. “You don’t suppose he’s the one who’s been guzzling the top of my milk, do you?”

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Crossword Solution for The Villager March Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs T Wood from Kimbolton Kelmarsh Competition Winners - Miss A Morris from Pegsdon, Mrs J Nagel from Buckden, J Manning from Gamlingay, Mrs M Dunne from Easton and M Eldreo from Langford

March’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy

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Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

£25

Across 1 Protected from harm (4) 3 Ordinary; occurring regularly (8) 9 Animation (7) 10 Answer (5) 11 Go into (5) 12 To splatter, spray with liquid (6) 14 Nearest the bottom (6) 16 Person in charge of a newspaper (6) 19 Centre (6) 21 Striped animal (5) 24 Acting family, Sir John and Hayley (5) 25 Under (7) 26 Young frogs (8) 27 Fewer in number (4)

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

16th April 2019 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1 Covertly (8) 2 Initial, original (5) 4 Disappear (6) 5 Rustic, in the countryside (5) 6 Down payment (7) 7 Child’s toy on a string (2-2) 8 Tennis playing areas (6) 13 Respires (8) 15 Spun around (7) 17 Sets of twelve (6) 18 Small stone (6) 20 Dance hall, nightclub (5) 22 Responsibility, guilt (5) 23 Miss out (4)

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Book Review By Kate Duggan Scribe to Screen. Don’t miss out on reading the novel of these TV and film adaptions.

The Woman in the Window

by A. J. Finn

Dr Anna Fox is agoraphobic and lives alone. She spends her days watching films, talking to people online and spying on the neighbours. She also drinks a lot of wine and is rather slapdash with her medications. So when she thinks she’s witnessed a serious crime, how can she make people believe her? And can she really trust her own judgement? A slow-burning thriller. Read it before the film comes out this autumn.

Bird Box

By Josh Malerman

Malorie is taking the children on a journey down the river. They will all need blindfolds, because even a glimpse at what waits outside could kill them. ‘Boy’ and ‘girl’ have never seen a tree or the sky, but at four years old they’re trained to listen very, very carefully, because it’s not just monsters that can kill you. This atmospheric thriller was a hit on Netflix and the book is even better. Expect a tense, rollercoaster of a ride.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

By Gail Honeyman Eleanor has an ordinary job, in an ordinary town. But to her colleagues, Eleanor herself is decidedly odd.

When she inadvertently helps an acquaintance to rescue an elderly man, Eleanor discovers there may be more to life than just existing. A beautiful book about the importance of human connections. The film is currently in development, starring Reese Witherspoon as Eleanor.

Books

Big Little Lies

By Liane Moriarty

Series two of Big Little Lies is due this June. If you haven’t yet read the book that the first series was based on, now’s the time. It follows three mothers in the run up to a murder investigation. Madeline is fiercely loyal, impetuous and prone to holding a grudge. Celeste is stunningly beautiful but her perfect home life isn’t all it seems. The youngest of the three, Jane, is struggling with a secret from her past. As the three women become closer, a rift grows between the trio and the rest of the kindergarten parents. But is it really big enough to lead to murder? A wry, witty portrayal of modern life.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

by Patrick Ness

In Prentisstown it’s never quiet.

The thoughts of men and animals crowd you wherever you walk. But then Todd finds a patch of silence, where the thoughts of others can’t penetrate, and discovers that everything he believes to be true may be a lie.

The Knife of Never Letting Go is the first book in a series. The film adaptation, Chaos Walking, hit cinemas last month.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette

by Maria Semple

Renowned architect and eccentric Bernadette has disappeared and it seems it’s up to her 14 year old daughter, Bee, to figure out what happened. Bee’s journey will take her all the way to Antarctica. An amusing read told through emails, letters, phone transcriptions and official reports. The film stars Cate Blanchett and Kristen Wiig.

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Health

How to get a good sleep

‘A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything’ (Irish proverb) If only there was a magic button at our disposal to deliver us to the restorative yet often elusive realm of sleep whenever we so desired. In the absence of this magic button, trying even a few of these tips should help give us the best chance for easing ourselves into beguiling, healing slumber.

• Banishing our mobile phones to another room (or at least away from our beds) is arguably the most effective thing we can do for how long and how well we sleep.

Why? Our phones emit blue light, a type of light the brain interprets as daylight. This light is known to suppress melatonin, a hormone that rises about two hours before bedtime and has sleep-inducing effects. This light from our phones beaming into our eyes at night is telling our brains that it’s day-time and to be awake! Buy an old-fashioned alarm clock and read a book before sleep.

• To regulate our 24-hour circadian rhythm, try to get up and go to bed at the same time 7 days a week (yes, sorry – that means weekends too).

• Naps are good, but not after 3 pm and for no longer than 30 minutes. This is because of a chemical called adenosine, which builds up in the brain the longer you are awake, creating ‘sleep pressure’. Having a long nap will take away some of that pressure, so you will be left with less sleep drive when it comes to bedtime.

• Avoid coffee or tea from midday. Caffeine persists in our systems for 10-12 hours (i.e. a really, really long time) and works by blocking the sleepiness signal normally communicated to the brain by adenosine.

• Exercise has widely-documented beneficial effects on sleep quality and duration, primarily by reducing stress. Try to include even a little bit of exercise into your day e.g. a 20 min walk, or yoga. Exercise in the evening isn’t a good idea though, as it will raise your body temperature and heart rate, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

• Try to avoid large meals that could cause indigestion at night, especially within the 2 hours before bedtime. However, don’t go to bed hungry either. In that case, have a non-sugary snack; this can help reduce night-time waking.

• To help set our circadian rhythm, try to expose yourself to daylight outdoors (even a murky grey sky will work) as soon as you can after waking. Loss of daylight informs the master circadian clock in our brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, that it’s night-time: time for the release of melatonin that signals our brain that it’s time for sleep. Therefore, in the evening, turn off any bright overhead lights and have lowered, dim lights where you spend your evening hours, and have the bedroom as dark as possible during the night (e.g. try an eye mask or black-out curtains).

• Bedroom temperature is important too – ideally, it should be quite cool (18-20 Celsius). To fall asleep, your core temperature needs to drop by about 1 degree Celsius. This temperature dip triggers the evening surge in melatonin, and with it, the initiation of sleep.

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by Dr. Michelle O’Reilly Ph.D. Neuroscientist, science writer and (mostly recovered) insomniac.

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Book Review

Local Books Beer & Spirits: Haunted Hostelries of Bedfordshire

The Curious History of Mazes

First in a series, this guide to the haunted hostelries of Bedfordshire by local authors, Julie & Trevor Bounford, has an extra twist; a ghostly gazetteer listing over forty locations of reported paranormal activity and ‘Who’s There?’, a compelling ghost story, not for the faint hearted but bound to put you in the right frame of mind for any spectral encounter.

A county with hidden depths and intriguing stories and characters, the shire’s taverns have witnessed all manner of life and death over the centuries, offering the possibilities of happenings that defy rational explanation.

The gazetteer lists sightings, sounds and sensations. Sightings of people from the past; a grieving seafaring captain, a Second World War soldier and Cavaliers from the English Civil War. Besides sailors and soldiers, there are former landlords and landladies, stable lads, nurses, ill-fated young lovers and small children. There are reports of illuminating orbs floating across rooms, of lights being switched off and on, of pages being turned by invisible hands, and of objects being violently thrown, elevated – or even tidied-up. Sounds of knocking, footsteps, slamming doors, of young and old voices that cry, call, sing or shout; of money being counted in the cellar and jangling coat hangers in the wardrobe.

Sensations of strange energies, a tap on the shoulder or a push in the stomach, of cold spots, warms spots, pleasant and unpleasant aromas; of anxiety and distress, and the touch of a cool hand on the forehead.

Mazes and labyrinths are as popular as ever.

Mazes can help improve your concentration and mental dexterity. Labyrinths can create mindfulness, a heightened awareness of yourself and others, and, eventually, clarity.

Walking meditations are also generally acknowledged as having physiological benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing incidents of anxiety and even chronic pain, and reducing insomnia. There is even vital dementia research being conducted, measuring people’s 3-D navigational skills (one of the first lost in dementia). Their curious history does not run in a “steady straight” line, but, instead, begins with the labyrinth: a simple motif that is no doubt familiar to us all. With its true origins still shrouded in mystery, the chronicle of the labyrinth, and more recently of the maze, spans the past four thousand years, taking many twists and turns. Archetypes that have emerged over the centuries, serving different symbolic, ritualistic, and practical purposes worldwide. As such, the labyrinth is embedded in our psyche as a powerful symbol of the human experience.

There are many intriguing aspects to this marvellous history. Drawing upon a wealth of historical and classical literature; accounts written by explorers, archaeologists, historians; and the output of modern and contemporary world-renowned experts and enthusiasts, local author Julie Bounford explores the evolution of mazes through time and across continents, presenting the history in a fun and engaging format while challenging readers to solve 100 mazes — many created exclusively by illustrator and artist Trevor Bounford.

£6.99 via Amazon and all good bookshops

£12.99 via Amazon and all good bookshops

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DECOR LTD Richard Bawden - City and Guilds Qualified Mobile: 07757 013796 Home: 01767 835008 Email: r666baw@gmail.com

Painting Services

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Plumbing and Heating

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

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Classifieds Plumbing and Heating

Removals

MUSCLE & MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

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

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Property Improvements

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Riding School

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Friends Five Star Hairdressing 1 Market Square, Sandy, Beds SG19 1HT