Potton August 2018 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 144 - August 2018

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win a family ticket to

Herrings Green Activity Farm

Fairground Attraction

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages 16,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

ur Yo EE FRco1py

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Inside this issue... 12

Win a Family Ticket to Herrings Green Activity Farm What on Earth? The History of Surrealism.............................................. 4 Sigiriya: the Lion Rock in Sri Lanka......................................................... 8 Smoke Signals to Smartphones............................................................ 10 Win a Family Ticket to Herrings Green Activity Farm............................. 12 Wines: A Good Choice - Rosé................................................................ 15 Better Health? There’s an App for that!................................................. 16 Fairground Attraction........................................................................... 21 Summer Sunscreen Tips....................................................................... 22 Eat to Boost your Mood........................................................................ 24 P&R Interiors........................................................................................ 26 Gadgets for Summer Living.................................................................. 30 Use Style to Blow Away Negativity During Menopause........................ 32 9th Annual Bedfordshire Walking Festival............................................ 35 Staying Safe in the Sun........................................................................ 36 Could you bring the magic of reading to a child?.................................. 41

The Roaming Empire............................................................................ 42 Managing the Cost of Entertaining the Kids this Summer.................... 45 Party on Potton. The Big Weekend..................................................47-50 Lethal Leatherjackets........................................................................... 53 Rural Ramblings................................................................................... 55 R.A.T.S Rehoming Appeal..................................................................... 56 Ask Alan - Potton Vets.......................................................................... 59 Animal Know-How................................................................................. 6 Children’s Page..................................................................................... 63 Best Convertibles for Under £2000....................................................... 64 A Sting in the Tail................................................................................. 67 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................... 68 Life Begins - Back to Stay..................................................................... 70 What’s On............................................................................................. 74 Wordsearch.......................................................................................... 77 Celebrating the well-dressed well........................................................ 79 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................... 80 Fun Quiz............................................................................................... 82 Prize Crossword.................................................................................... 86 The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials................................................... 89 Book Review........................................................................................ 91

P&R Interiors

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £37.50 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Tom Hancock, Trevor Langley, Alison Runham, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Barry Ingram, Kate Duggan, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, Potton Vets, RSPCA, Iain Betson, Nick Coffer, and Kate McLelland

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Jit-anong Sae-ung 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

By Catherine Rose

What on Earth?

The History of Surrealism Surrealism was a radical philosophical movement that was born, seemingly out of nowhere, around a century ago. Famously led by artists such as Salvador Dali and André Breton, it had an enormous impact on our modern culture, encompassing not only art and literature but film, photography, music, political thought and even everyday objects. Surrealism evolved in the 1920s from Dadaism – a politically-based art movement that was a reaction to the First World War. With a Marxist bias, Dadaism rejected logic, reasoning and the status quo that its artists blamed for causing the war, and challenged traditional concepts of art. With its foundations in Dadaism, Surrealism also reflected the development of psychology which was bringing the concepts of psychoanalysis and exploration of the subconscious to the fore. Surrealist art and literature consequently used

dream-like states and seemingly out-of-place but symbolic images to give new interpretation to the world. Despite the fact it is often thought of as purely an art form, Surrealism was first and foremost a literary movement and there were some incredible but now mostly forgotten Surrealist writers during the 1920s and 30s – for example the Polish Jewish writer Bruno Schulz who in 1934 wrote The Street of Crocodiles, a book of Surrealist short stories. (Tragically, he was shot by the Gestapo in 1942.) The word ‘surrealism’ was invented by the writer Guillaume Apollinaire in 1917 when describing a new ballet Parade written by Jean Cocteau and Erik Satie. The term was subsequently taken up by the founder of the Surrealist movement, the French poet André Breton (1896-1966).

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A writer and scientist, Breton had trained in medicine and psychiatry, working in a neurological hospital during the war where he used Freud’s theories to treat soldiers suffering from shell shock. From his experiences Breton developed a method of artistic expression called ‘automatism’, which involved writing automatically from the subconscious, enabling the artist to tap into the furthest reaches of the imagination. In his first Manifesto of Surrealism, published in 1924, Breton outlined the idea that Surrealism was a way for the arts to encourage political change as it forced people to ‘think outside the box’. His theories subsequently attracted many followers including Dali (1904-1989), the Spanish painter Joan Miro (1894-1983), German artist Max Ernst (1891-1976), filmmaker Luis Bunuel (1900-1983), American photographer Man Ray (1890-1976) and the Belgian artist Rene Magritte (1898-1967). Surrealist artworks are often disturbing and filled with strange and symbolic images, juxtaposing objects which would not be found together in real life. For example, Dali’s well-known painting The Persistence of Time shows giant clocks melting in an imaginary landscape. Perhaps less familiar but equally striking is German artist Meret Oppenheim’s Object painted in 1936, which depicts a cup, saucer and spoon made of fur. The technique of trompe l’oeil (trick of the eye) also featured in Surrealist art, as in Dali’s clever Swans Reflecting Elephants which shows swans swimming on a lake and the swans’ reflections as elephants below it. As with the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements before it, Surrealism spread its imaginative tendrils into other creative areas. Surrealist photography was taken up with enthusiasm by photographers including Man Ray, who took the memorable shot of a naked woman with two scroll-like ‘F holes’ painted on either side of the small of her back so that her body resembled a violin. Surrealist films made an appearance, the most famous and controversial at the time being the 1929 Un Chien Andalou (An Andalusian Dog)

by Luis Bunuel and Dali, which features hands coming out of a wall and a woman having her eyeball cut open with a razorblade! (Dali was later asked by Alfred Hitchcock to create a dream sequence for his film Spellbound in 1945.) Dali, along with other artists, conceived Surrealist everyday objects such as the lobster telephone, a woman’s hat in the shape of a stiletto shoe in a collaboration with the fashion designer Elsa Schiparelli, and a sofa that was built to resemble actress Mae West’s lips. Although Surrealism was declared a dead movement by the Second World War, artists continued to produce paintings in its style, such as Magritte’s famous The Son of Man painted in 1966 (the year of André Breton’s death) where a man (Magritte himself ), wearing a 1960s suit and bowler hat, stands with his face obscured by a floating apple. The ‘realism’ of the image makes it all the more striking and is a typical technique of Surrealist art which is often three-dimensional in its appearance. Since the deaths of the original Surrealist artists, Surrealism’s legacy has lived on, heavily shaping the creative arts and thinking of today. Artists who did not consider themselves Surrealists but were clearly influenced by it include Frida Kahlo and Jackson Pollock. Surrealism freed writers and artists to work directly from their imaginations and to express their thoughts, rather than what they could see in front of them, in ways that had never before been achieved, except perhaps by the innovative 16th century artist Hieronymus Bosch – but that’s another article!

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Travel

By Solange Hando

Sigiriya: The Lion Rock in Sri Lanka There are no lions in Sri Lanka but when the first king arrived from India, his flag portrayed a lion symbolising hope and freedom. The Sri Lankan flag has endured ever since, except in colonial times when it was tucked away in England, in the Royal Chelsea Hospital. Today visitors come from far and wide to set eyes on Sigiriya, the Lion Rock rising in the central province, a sheer 200 metres above the plain. It’s a scenic landmark, hauntingly dramatic since patricide and usurper king Kasyapa built his palace on the very top in 477. Away from the capital, he designed this impregnable fortress to keep safe, should his half-brother, the rightful heir, return from exile. He did, in 495, and when Kasyapa foolishly came down to lead his army, the royal elephant suddenly changed direction. It was to avoid a bog, they say, but thinking this was a signal to retreat, the army deserted. Kasyapa killed himself on the spot. The palace was abandoned, Buddhist monks settled back in the caves and all was forgotten until the 19th century when the British scaled the rock and discovered the ruins. Sigiriya is now a world heritage site and whatever the crowds, the mighty copper-coloured rock takes your breath away, rugged and scarred, inaccessible, it seems, yet you can see patches of grass and lonely trees sprouting from the top. At the base of the rock, a gentle stroll takes you past the remains of outer and inner ramparts, the moats and water gardens, until you reach the

natural archway marking the start of the steep stone steps. Then it’s a climb to the fresco cave – branching up a near vertical spiral staircase – where sensuous bejewelled maidens have beckoned for over 1,500 years. With slender waists and generous bosoms, the ladies of the court appear almost unreal in soft golden colours. Over the centuries, myriad pilgrims and artists have fallen in love with these Cloud Maidens and recorded their impressions on the nearby Mirror Wall. Roughly half-way up, the open Lion Terrace is a great place to rest, enjoy the view and gaze at what was once the Lion Staircase House, the last and only gateway to the palace on the top. The lion lost its head long ago but the massive paws carved into the rock beckon the fittest up the last dizzying stairway. The summit takes everyone by surprise, a plateau stretching 1.5 hectares, glowing with red terraces and ancient walls. This is the highest point and innermost precinct of the whole complex, where a royal garden and outer and inner palaces converged on a rock-cut pool. There are very few ruins up there but no one seems to mind, for spellbinding vistas lead you from the plain and formal gardens far below to the wooded slopes, the terraced gardens and the boulder gardens where the dramatic ‘Cobra Hood Cave’ preserves fragments of ancient paintings. Mountains rise in the distance, but on this lofty perch you feel on top of the world.

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Technology

By Tom Hancock

Smoke Signals to Smartphones!

Have you ever wondered what life was like before smartphones? One of the oldest forms of long distance communication is smoke signals, used in both Ancient China and by Native Americans to warn of enemy attacks. Then there were carrier or homing pigeons, which are birds that have been bred to find their way home over immensely long distances. A short message was written on a small piece of paper which was inserted into a small metal canister and attached to the leg of a pigeon. They were mainly used by the military and were a surprisingly accurate and effective way of communicating during battle. In 1837, two sets of inventors simultaneously developed an electrical telegraph: Wheatstone and Cooke in England, and Samuel Morse in the United States. Morse and an assistant developed a new signalling alphabet using dots and dashes that became the standard for telegraph communication. By 1861, this Morse telegraph system connected the West and East coasts of America, and put the Pony Express (a mail-delivery service which had connected communities across the vastness of the United States) out of business. As technology improved, the telegraph became an audio transponder, where messages were translated based on the interval between two clicks. Alexander Graham Bell is commonly credited as the inventor of the telephone, though in fact many individuals contributed to the devices we use today but it was Bell who filed the patent in 1876

for an “apparatus for transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically” The earliest text-based machine was the fax machine. It’s been around since the 1880s, though it only achieved commercial success in 1966, when Xerox introduced the Magnafax Telecopier. This behemoth weighed over 20Kg and sent digital versions of documents through phone lines via a series of dial tones. The fax machine became popular with business and in newsrooms because it allowed people to send documents across the world in a matter of minutes, replacing courier mail services and telegrams. In 1973, Motorola produced the first ‘mobile’ phone, which weighed over 2Kg! Today, we’ve come a long way from those oversized devices and have access to phones that weigh around the same as a bar of chocolate, and slip easily into our pockets. With the advent of the Internet came ‘Instant Messaging’. ICQ was the first stand-alone instant messenger. This was the first centralized service which allowed individual user profiles. It was the grandfather of all other instant messaging services. Today we use our mobiles for much more than talking. On average we spend just 6 minutes per day talking on the phone, but more than 26 minutes texting! Originally, we had to type out every letter according to the numerical keypad on our mobile devices. Now we have full QWERTY touch screen keyboards with predictive text and autocorrect capabilities that make it easier than ever to communicate. How amazing is that?

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Win a Family Ticket to visit Herrings Green Activity Farm & Bird of Prey Centre

Herrings Green Activity Farm is a family run business so we know how important it is to provide our visitors with a feel good family day out. Home to over 200 animals and birds of prey, the farm allows visitors to get close encounters with our birds and animals. Every day we have interactive displays and keeper talks going on every thirty minutes including meet and handle our owls, pat a pet, flying displays, groom our donkeys, animal and critter displays, have a go at flying an owl, shire horse talk and more. As well as all of our displays there is lots to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day: children’s play areas including our new for 2018 pirates’ cove, crazy golf, tractor and trailer rides, craft barn, pony rides (additional cost), tyre trails & barrel rides (additional cost). If you just fancy sitting back and relaxing then you can enjoy an array of delicious cakes, freshly baked baguettes, and a variety of hot drinks from our tea room, visit our traditional sweet shop for tasty treats or our ice cream parlour. With an amazing team of friendly staff we are able to give you a memorable day out for the whole family. All activities are included in the general admission prices, there’s no need to pre-book just come along and join in the fun. Adult £12.50 Senior £11.50 Child (3-15 years) £9.50 Family (2 adults & 2 children) £34.50 Children under 3 years are free. The farm also offers a variety of experience days; 2 hour, half and full day experiences for all ages. Get closer to the birds, meet, handle and free fly many different species of owls, hawks, eagles and falcons. See our website for more details. To be in with a chance to win a family ticket to Herrings Green Farm simply send your entry by 16th August 2018 to: Herrings Green Farm Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. The winner will be drawn randomly.

HERRINGS GREEN FARM COMPETITION ENTRY

For a chance to win a family ticket to Herrings Green Farm simply complete your details below and post your entry by 16th Aug 2018 to: Herrings Green Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:



Herrings Green Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Tel: 01234 742362/01234 742766 Open 7 days a week 10.00 – 5.00

Address:

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Food and Drink

Wines:

A Good Choice – Rosé Rosé wines are very popular for drinking in the summer months. Now, with several styles being available, made utilising a wide variety of grapes, they can be enjoyed throughout the full year. Popularity speaks for itself, as many countries, worldwide, now produce these wines, which incorporate some of their colour from the grape skins. Adding colour to a dining table and al fresco, for example, as well as making fabulous apéritifs, these wines are a great choice. Indeed, sophistication comes to mind, when the pink wines are around.

La Vieille Ferme Rosé (France) is a very popular (dry) wine. I find this has pleasant, light-red fruits for the bouquet and most pleasing mouthfeel, which continues on, to the palate sensation. Pairs well with grilled meats, salads and a lot of cuisine. Coeur de Cardeline (France) is a further, often-selected, production. This Côtes de Provence pale-pink pleaser exudes a bouquet of summer fruits, which enticingly leads to the mouth’s pleasures. The excellent flavours continue to the palate, for a most satisfying finish. Grilled meats, fish, pasta and salads, match very well with this wine. Arniston Bay Rosé (South Africa) is a Fairtrade production which graces many dining tables. The name is a reference to the blue skies, wonderful beaches and the fishing village. Again, the bouquet pleases, very well and the mouthfeel follows, with red berry flavours, plus a positive, memorable finish. Great to accompany numerous dishes of cuisine. These are just a selection. Each to their own and we all have our preferences – whether red, white, sparkling or other. Take pleasure in finding your favourites. I located these wines at Co-op stores. Having been a customer of the Co-op for many years, I have noticed an increase in the variety of household goods and foods, as time progresses. With the choices of wines, spirits, beers and other beverages available, the Co-op, I consider, is most worthwhile visiting. If Co-op membership is of interest, then customesr gain rewards on selected purchases and products. The Co-op also supports Fairtrade. For more details www.coop.co.uk www.infofairtrade.net

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Health

Alison Runham ww.alison.runham.co.uk

Better Health?

There’s an App for That! There seems to be an app for everything these days, so it’s not surprising that there are plenty of apps to help you improve your fitness, health and wellbeing. Here are ten apps that could help you discover a healthier, happier you. Fitness Apps PAID Daily Workouts, Daily Workout Apps LLC A top seller on Amazon, this app offers 39 area-targeted 5-10-minute workouts, including stretch, Pilates and kettlebell exercises. They can be combined randomly or in custom mode to create longer sessions that exercise the whole body. There’s a timer and on-screen instructions, meaning you can use it offline, but you’ll need the internet to watch the video demonstrations. If you want to try before you buy, there’s a popular free version limited to just 10 workouts. Ratings: Google Play 4.6/5; iTunes 4.7/5; Amazon 4/5 FREE Fitbit, Fitbit Inc. Designed to work with Fitbit activity trackers and smart scales, this app can track your daily goals

and food intake and assess your progress over time for steps, distance and calories burned. You can also compare stats with your Fitbit Friends - useful if you find a bit of competition a good motivator. Ratings: Google Play: 3.9/5; iTunes 3.8/5; Amazon 4.3/5; Windows 3.7/5 Active 10, NHS Active 10 tracks your walking, prompting you when you need to increase your pace to a brisk walk (about 3 miles an hour). It also sets you goals, rewards your progress and allows you to share your progress on social media. Ratings: Google Play: 3.1/5; iTunes 3.2/5 Couch to 5K, NHS This app’s 9-week programme tracks your progress as it gradually builds you up to running 5 kilometres, using a mix of running and walking. It suggests a different schedule each week and celebrity trainers tell you when to run and when to walk. A countdown timer shows how long you’ve got left on each run. Ratings: Google Play: 4.3/5; iTunes 4.7/5

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Health and Wellbeing PAID Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson, Hive Brain Software Another Amazon top seller, this app provides relaxing guided meditations intended to clear your mind, beat insomnia and help you to get deep, restful sleep. Ratings: Google Play: 4.5/5; iTunes 4.3; Amazon 4/5 FREE Headspace: Meditation and Mindfulness, Headspace Inc A Google Play top seller, this app teaches you how to meditate and live mindfully, with exercises on everything from managing anxiety and stress to breathing, sleep, happiness, calm and focus. It claims to train your mind in just a few minutes a day, using guided meditations and teaching classic meditation techniques. It can also send custom push notifications to remind you to add some mindfulness to your day. You can track your progress and share it with others. Ratings: Google Play: 4.6/5; iTunes 4.9/5; Amazon 4/5 Chill Panda, NHS Suitable for children and (less serious) adults, this family-friendly app allows you to develop an awareness of the relationship between your emotions, activities and body state. The app can measure your heart rate and help you learn what makes you feel better. The cute Chill Panda will suggest an activity suitable for your emotional and physical state. Ratings: Google Play: 2.8/5; Also available on iTunes

Diet and Nutrition PAID Carbs and Cals, Chello Publishing Ltd Ideal for diabetics but suitable for everyone, this app provides photos and nutritional values for over 3,500 food and drink items available in the UK, compiled by a diabetes dietary specialist. You can also add custom meals and use the meal calculator, calendar, recipe builder and exercise tracker. A special diabetes section allows you to record blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake. Ratings: Google Play: 3.6/5; iTunes 3.2/5; Amazon 4/5 FREE Foodvisor, Foodvisor The Foodvisor app claims that if you take a photo of your plate, it can recognise your food, estimate your serving sizes and instantly provide a detailed nutrition report (and add the details to your food diary). It can also track your physical activities and calories burned, highlighting weak areas that need attention. Ratings: Google Play 2.7/5; iTunes 4.5/5 My Fitness Pal, My Fitness Pal Inc This hugely popular app is a calorie counter, diet tracker and exercise tracker all in one. It can scan the barcodes of over 4 million foods and recognises over 2 million others, giving you detailed nutrition information about them. It can also suggest exercises, link to some other exercise apps, log your exercise and track your steps. With goal-setting, a recipe importer, a restaurant meal logger and the ability to add photos and share your progress, it really is the app that has everything. Ratings: Google Play 4.6/5; iTunes 4.7/5; Amazon 3.7/5 Using an app to improve your health and fitness may seem counter-intuitive, with the media issuing dire warnings about the effects of too much screen time: prolonged sitting and diabetes, diminishing social interaction, eye strain... However, used correctly, technology can motivate and educate us to eat more healthily, exercise and socialise, sharing our efforts with others. So why not give one of these apps a try?

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Bedfordshire

60TH AL ANNU RALLY

Steam & Country Fayre 14th, 15th & 16th September 2018 Old Warden Park, nr Biggleswade (SAT NAV SG18 9DX)

MANY GREAT ATTRACTIONS

ADMISSION PRICES

Steam Engines of all sizes Action Packed Arena Working Demonstrations Heavy Horses Fairground Organs Working Crafts Craft & Food Halls Trade & Market Stalls Vintage Vehicles Old Time Fairground Vintage Tractors Morris Dancing Licensed Bar & Refreshments

Saturday & Sunday Adult

£15.00

Friday Adult

£12.00

CHILDREN (Under (Under 16) 16) CHILDREN

FREE ADMISSION

FREE CAR PARKING Coach Parties Welcome - please contact us Free Entry to SAC Members

Book Tickets Online at Discounted Prices!

www.bseps.org.uk Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society

Gates Open 9am

Charity no 291744

Caravan & Camping Area Download or contact for booking form

@BedfordSteam

All Enquiries to: BSEPS, PO Box 346, Henlow, Beds SG6 9GP Tel: 01462 887200 Email: show@bseps.org.uk 20

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Days Out

Fairground Attraction

Why we like to be scared

Fairs and theme parks never seem to lose their attraction. My kids love them as much as I did. The smell of candyfloss, the music and the thrills. It’s a perfect summer combination. Not everyone will agree with me though. My wife is terrified of anything more exciting than the merry-go-round. So why do I love Blackpool’s Big One, while her knuckles go white on the dodgems? According to psychologists it comes down to something he calls a “type T” personality. Type T’s are thrill-seekers who thrive on the uncertainty and intensity of activities that most people would find hair-raising. It seems some of us enjoy the physical sensations associated with fear: the adrenaline rush; the pounding heart and the sweaty palms. Scary rides make us feel alive. Terrifying experiences induce a sense of euphoria once we’re back on solid ground though we only enjoy them experts say, when we’re within a “protective frame” that assures us that deep down, we’re still safe. Recent research has pinpointed certain genes which may be responsible for those of us with type T personalities. Biochemists have isolated a gene called DRD4 which seems more common in rollercoaster-lovers like me. New technologies have allowed engineers to design coasters that change speeds

quickly, shoot up hundreds of feet into the air, and make all sorts of twists and subject the body to intense forces. Research suggests that extreme fairground rides tend to appeal particularly to those of us who lead stressful, structured or controlled lives. It’s certainly true that roller coasters are a way of breaking out of the humdrum expectations of everyday life. Theme parks allow us to act like children again; to experience true excitement and behave a little wildly. Where else as an adult can you scream at the top of your lungs and throw your arms in the air without being sent for psychological evaluation? Adventure parks are also a great way of bringing families and friends together. Riders share the thrill and adventure of having survived what feels like an extreme experience, even though the rides there are very safe. This bonds the participants more closely. It’s even been suggested because of this that theme parks and rollercoasters are good places to go on a date because in situations of high emotional intensity attraction is more likely. If you’re looking for a great day out this summer where you can get in touch with your inner risktaker, feel closer to your family and maybe even find romance...head for the nearest theme park. It’s a scream!

By Tom Hancock

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Health

By Louise Addison

Summer Sunscreen Tips

Don’t skimp – You need to apply a shot glass-sized amount of suntan lotion in the morning, then reapply every couple of hours. Skimping means you aren’t protected! High is not necessarily best – It’s better to reapply factor 30 every couple of hours than to apply factor 70 once. Choose Broad Spectrum – These sunscreens provide the maximum protection against the widest range of UV wavelengths. Don’t forget - the eyes, the tip of the nose, the tops of the feet, the lips, and near the hairline and scalp. These are the places people most commonly suffer sun-burn. Apply even if you’re not at the beach – Incidental sun exposure from walking down the street, driving with the windows open and sitting in front of a window, account for most of our exposure to UV throughout our lives. Apply suntan lotion wherever you are! Reapply – Even water-resistant sunscreen needs regular reapplication. If it’s expired throw it out – Expired sunscreen breaks down and is less effective. Use a high SPF moisturiser – Every day, even in the winter! It really is the best thing you can do to protect your skin daily.

The perfect venue for any event A modern, multi-functional community centre with ﬂexible space to cater for community groups, parties, business meetings and weddings. Village location with easy links to A1/A14/Cambridge/ Bedford. We oﬀer a warm and friendly atmosphere coupled with a professional service to help your event go smoothly.

Discounts available for local charities & non-proﬁt organisations

• Free parking & wi-ﬁ • Easy disabled access • Licensed bar • Commercial kitchen

manager@gamlingayecohub.org.uk | 01767 651226 Stocks Lane, Gamlingay, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 3JR

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Drinks 2 Go UNDER NEW

Polish Beers Tyskie Perla Green Zywiec & Lech

Open 7 Days a Week 12:00 to 22:00

4 for £4.49

MANAGEMENT

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25 High Street, Sandy SG19 1AG Tel: 01767 692489 Facebook - Drinks2Go Instagram - @Drinks2GoSandy

SELECTED WINES 3 Bottles for £10

CARLING

4 Cans for £4.00

CIROC FLAVOURS RRP £31.99 NOW £25.99

CARLSBERG

4 Cans for £3.50

HARDYS VR WINE RRP £6.49 NOW £4.99

FOSTERS

4 Cans for £3.50 Old Speckled Hen London Pride Hobgoblin, Spitfire and Pedigree Ale

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STELLA ARTOIS HEINEKEN, KRONENBOURG 1664 & BUDWEISER 4 Cans for £4.00

Phone Top Ups Gas, Electric & Water

ALL OFFERS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. OFFERS END 31ST SEPTEMBER 2018 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Health & Lifestyle

Eat to Boost Your Mood We all feel a bit low from time to time. Try modifying your diet. Go Mediterranean: Scientists have found that those who followed a classic Mediterranean diet were 30 per cent less likely to develop depression. It is thought that the combination of omega 3 fatty acids together with natural unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants from olive oil and nuts, flavonoids and other phytochemicals from fruit and other plant foods and large amounts of natural folates and other B vitamins in the overall Mediterranean dietary pattern may help to protect against depression. Eat selenium: Studies have linked low mood with low levels of the mineral selenium. Eating nuts is the best way to increase your intake. Brazil nuts are the most concentrated selenium source. Just three nuts contain the recommended daily intake of selenium for a woman. Watch your blood sugar: The glycaemic index (GI) is a numerical system that indicates how quickly carbohydrates will make your blood sugar levels rise. Fluctuations in blood sugar lead to

swings in mood and energy. Choose foods that are slow to digest, and which offer a gradual, sustained energy release. Boost your serotonin: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which is converted in our bodies into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Low serotonin levels are often associated with depression. Proteins such as lean chicken, tuna, salmon and beans are tryptophan-rich and have been proven to boost the mood. Get plenty of fish: Research suggests that omega 3, the essential fatty acids found in fish oils, can improve your mood. Regular consumption of oily fish (salmon, tuna and mackeral) has been associated with better moods and a higher selfreported mental health, even after adjustment for factors such as income, age and other eating patterns. Remember that depression is not low mood. It is a serious mental health condition. If you think you are suffering from depression please consult your GP.

By Louise Addison

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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

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 M40 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

Gadgets for Summer Living

See ou rw eb s

Sit outside with a drink on a warm summer evening? Don’t mind if I do, but I do mind being eaten alive by mosquitoes! This year I am installing a Bug Zapper Light Bulb. The bulb provides two different modes that can be chosen with the wall switch: Antimozzie or light plus anti-mozzie. The bulb’s 360-degree LED blue-violet light band emits a wavelength of 365-420nm, which attracts mosquitoes. It’s safe for human’s though, as there is no radiation, it’s non-toxic and chemical-free. Really intense summer sun calls for a parasol. Now you can choose one with solar-powered internal lights which will also charge a small electronic device like a phone. Your teens will love you. It’s always good to have something to sit on when out and about over the summer. Whether you are going camping or for a walk on the beach a blanket is a useful item. Unfortunately, they can

ite

be a bit bulky. Enter the Pocket Blanket, available from good camping shops. Made of water repellent, puncture resistant, lightweight nylon, they fold into a 3 x 2-inch (7.5 x 5 cm) pouch. It fits two people lying down or four people sitting, and its weighted corners will help to keep it from blowing around. It’s irritating when one party member disappears, and you have little or no phone reception to let them know you’re waiting. Try an off-grid communication device like Gotoky. It’s like a tiny modern-day walkie-talkie which connects to your phone with Bluetooth, has a range of 4 miles and lets you contact other people who have downloaded the app, bypassing the need for mobile coverage. With two per pack you can text or even share grid locations. As a bonus communications are end-to-end encrypted!

By Tom Hancock

l the latest ofe l a for At New Dawn we are rs.

known for our specialist expertise and exciting curtain and blind design ideas.

Our package includes: • Home Selection • Free Measuring and fitting • Friendly and impartial design advice • All blinds supplied meet current child safety regulations

New Dawn is a local, family run business, why not give us a call and be inspired by our ideas? We start with a visit to your home and a chat about your needs. We’ll bring along a comprehensive range of samples in a range of styles, colours and materials. While you are viewing the samples we will take measurements so we can provide you with a written quotation.

We keep up to date with modern technologies so we can create the perfect solution for your home from a simple roller blind through to blinds and curtains for kitchens, living rooms, 01763 243894 bedrooms, bathrooms, conservatories even www.newdawnblinds.co.uk awnings for outside. Whatever your needs, we info@newdawnblinds.co.uk can deliver the ideal result.

30New Dawn blinds 1/2 page.indd

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House of Colour

Use Style to Blow Away Negativity During Menopause Menopause is steeped in negativity, rarely talked about openly and is often associated with weight gain, mood swings and hot flushes. However, menopause is different for every woman and there are many ways we can halt the negative association of this all-important phase in life that every woman goes through. To follow are tips on how to build your confidence using style and colour during Menopause. 1. Its not always easy but try seeing this as a new phase to your life; perhaps a new chance to reinvent yourself and to celebrate your body, skin and confidence. Always highlight your body parts that you like and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think, just perhaps because you are on the good side of fifty, that you must fade into the background! Now is your time! 2. Oestrogen is key to building collagen in our skin, so during menopause your skin may lose elasticity, or look duller and feel thinner or drier. Being well moisturised and wearing the right coloured makeup will make you appear healthier. The right lipstick is key! 3. Black is often thought of as a slimming colour but if you are not a winter season then it is not your colour. As we age even some winters begin to struggle to carry it off! Tailoring and the art of layering is far more helpful in creating a slimmer look. 4. If you are feeling flushed, know that the right colours will bring down high colouring and if you feel your complexion needs a lift try the more vibrant colours in your colour palette. Importantly, autumns and springs suit warm tones whilst winters and summers should wear cool tones. 5. If you feel like foundation is too chalky on your skin now, try using a BB cream as it has all the benefits of hydrating like a moisturiser, providing the coverage of a light foundation and often contains a sunscreen. Try www. houseofcolour.co.uk/shop?category=56 6. It is important to exercise when going through menopause so keep active and choose great sportswear to keep you motivated. Get re-measured for a good fitting bra, invest in some quality sports kit including a great sports bra and choose some trainers

in a fabulous colour from your colour palette and you are ready hit the gym or pound the pavements! 7. If you are feeling flushed, know that the right colours will bring down high colouring and if you feel your complexion needs a lift try the more vibrant colours in your colour palette. Importantly, autumns and springs suit warm tones whilst winters and summers should wear cool tones. 8. Use accessories close to your face such a scarves, necklaces or earrings in one of, or an assortment of, your wow colours to highlight your complexion and to look great. 9. Comfortable dressing will be another vital consideration during menopause so wearing the right size and shape is important. Some of us may want our clothes to skim over our torso, but make sure you do not swamp your body; you can always add a belt to bring the silhouette in a little. Learning where on your body to best wear a belt is key. It is absolutely possible to prioritise style whilst still being comfortable. 10. Wearing more breathable fabrics that allows the air to flow such as linen or 100% cotton will help with hot flushes. Avoid anything labelled100% polyester. 11. Patterns are a great way to mask sweat but choose one that really suits you. Different patterns suit different style personalities. You may have something with a lovely pattern in your wardrobe right now that fits well but never feels quite right. It probably isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a pattern that suits YOU.

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

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Air-Co

nditio and fr ned Salon ee WiFi

La Vida

HAIRDRESSING

Professional hairdressing in Biggleswade

We welcome all clients both old and new OPENING HOURS Monday - Closed, Tuesday 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday 9.00am - 8.00pm, Thursday 9.00am - 8.00pm Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am - 4.00pm

MODELS REQUIRED

We are looking for models for free of charge cut & blowdrys with our fully supervised apprentice. These training sessions will be held on Thursday lunchtime/afternoon. Please contact the salon for details.

Over 15 years of successful hairdressing 1 Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AH Tel: 01767 600510 Web: www.lavidahair.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our current offers To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Local News By Barry Ingram

9th Annual Bedfordshire Walking Festival September is a great month for walking, the air is cooler, it feels fresher and colours begin advancing through the trees. In Bedfordshire the whole county begins that change and is a great place to enjoy a walk. The Bedfordshire Walking Festival 8th to 16th September offers lots of opportunities for people of almost all abilities. Whether it is one of the many walks for health of between 30-90 minutes, an informative guided walk of around two hours, a half day walk of around 3 hours, or for the really serious, full days of between 12-21 miles. For the family an evening of Trails and Tales for older children with an afternoon version for younger ones. Why not take the train with a ride on the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway and return on foot along the Grand Union Canal. Food lovers will enjoy first collecting food from the hedgerows then going back and transforming the goodies into Jam and more at Clophill Around this part of Bedfordshire there are informative walks around Biggleswade Yes, there is a lot more to Bigglewade than meets the eye, also from Shuttleworth, Northill and a fascinating history walk at Willington. Those who enjoy walkers walks have an option of a 13 mile day walk from Roxton or half day afternoon one from Blunham Rounding off the nine days over the weekend of 15th & 16th is the annual Greensand Ridge Challenge 40 miles across the Greensand Country.

If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do both days why not come for one. On Sunday 16th is the Launch of the Sandy Green Wheel Walking Route at 2-00pm and after the opening ceremony there will be walks of 90 minutes, ideal for families and one of 6 miles approximately 2-3 hours. One of the most attractive features of the festival is that almost all the walks are free and do not require booking so you can just turn up. Some mostly the health walks it is better to phone the leader beforehand. Where booking and charges are necessary these are shown in the programme and bookings along with payment can be made via the festival web site. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t space to extol all the virtues of the festival and its walks extending across the county to Luton, Dunstable and beyond in the south to Keysoe, Swineshead and Bedford in the North and East to West across the Greensand Country with plenty in the middle. Only a few have been mentioned so why not explore Bedfordshire on foot this September after picking up a programme or visiting the festival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk

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Health & Beauty

Staying safe in the sun Don’t know your UVA from your UVB? Worried about a mole? Want to be prepared in case you get sunburnt? This guide is for you… First up – the difference between UVA and UVB. Both are types of ultraviolet radiation that can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. UVA rays prematurely age skin, leading to more wrinkles and pigmentation. UVB rays are the ones that actually burn. ‘SPF’ is short for sun protection factor. The higher the number, the better the protection. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or over. However, the SPF only relates to UVB rays, not UVA rays. So you’ll need to look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation. You then need to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply it at least every two hours. Weleda’s Edelweiss Sunscreen Facial Lotion protects against both UVA and UVB, has an SPF of 30 and is packed with skinfriendly ingredients, such as organic coconut and jojoba oils. It’s suitable for all skin types and smells rather lovely, with subtle notes of citrus and lavender. Priced at £13.95, the lotion can be bought online from www.weleda.co.uk. If you do forget to slap on the sunscreen, aloe vera can help to soothe sunburnt skin. Not all aloe vera gels are created equally, however. Some contain very little actual aloe vera, so do check the ingredients list. Dr. Organic Aloe Vera Gel is a good choice. It has an instant cooling effect, is hypoallergenic and helps to restore hydration. The gel costs £5.59 from Holland & Barrett.

Do you suffer from prickly heat, or find you only have to look at the sun to go red? Trilogy’s Very Gentle Calming Serum is worth a try. It’s specially formulated to reduce inflammation and irritation. As the name suggests, it’s fragrancefree and gentle enough for even sensitive skin. Ingredients include aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, sweet almond oil and evening primrose oil. The serum costs £29.50 from Boots or www.trilogyproducts.co.uk. If you’re worried about a mole or other changes to your skin, it’s always best to book in to see your GP. In the meantime, The British Association of Dermatologists’ ABCD-Easy guide details the main things to look for: • Asymmetry: the two halves of the area may differ in shape. • Border: the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches. • Colour: this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen. • Diameter: most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor. • Expert: if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist. Your GP can refer you via the NHS. For more information about protecting your skin, check out www.bad.org.uk.

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

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Local News

Let’s Fight Fatigue, Pain… and Brain Fog! Letchworth-based charity The Herts MS Therapy Centre helps people to fight chronic pain and the exhausting tiredness that often accompanies it. We understand how debilitating pain and fatigue can be. We know all about brain fog too. We aim to help as many people as we can, with any long term or neurological condition. Increasingly, we help people who have Fibromyalgia. Do you, or someone you know, have Fibromyalgia? We host a free drop-in support group at our Centre in Letchworth, and offer two therapies that help many people with Fibromyalgia: Oxygen Therapy – involves breathing in pure oxygen under gentle pressure. It helps many people via pain reduction, energy boosts and accelerated healing. Steve N has Fibromyalgia. He says: “Hyperbaric oxygen has made a significant difference, helping with my chronic tiredness and alleviating some of the joint and muscle pain, generally making life a whole lot more pleasant.” Pain Reduction Therapy - is an effective, drug free treatment for less pain, more energy and faster healing. Research shows beneficial results in around 80% of people with chronic pain. Brian H says: “I did the six week Pain Reduction Programme. It worked well for me. I have had pain free mobility for the first time in nine months.” Give it a go! Try Oxygen Therapy or Pain Reduction Therapy for free, (see our voucher below). Call Claire on 01462 684 214 – or visit www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk for more details. Let’s fight fatigue and pain!

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Local News

Could you bring the magic of reading to a child in your community? Life is better when everyone can read well and express themselves confidently. Beanstalk is a national reading charity that transforms childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life chances by recruiting and supporting volunteers and placing them in local primary schools. These volunteers work with children who have either fallen behind with their reading, lack confidence, or struggle with their fluency, comprehension or vocabulary. The charity is searching for members of the community Bedfordshire, particularly Biggleswade and Sandy, who can spare a few hours a week helping children to become more confident readers. As a Beanstalk reading helper you will work with three children at a local primary school and spend 30 minutes with each child twice a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. These sessions help children to develop their

reading skills in a fun and engaging way with support from a dedicated adult. No experience or qualifications connected to working with children are required to become a reading helper. Beanstalk just needs volunteers to have a passion for working with children to give them the best possible chance of improving their confidence and literacy. If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading helper in Bedfordshire, please contact us in the below ways: info@beanstalkcharity.org.uk www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk 0845 450 0301

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Technology

The Roaming Empire

How to access the internet when you’re on holiday

Internet access can be really useful when you’re travelling. Map apps can help you find your way around and others can help you get better deals on tourist attractions, discover the best places to eat and drink or avoid the worst tourist traps. But how do you actually get online without spending a fortune? The cheapest way to get online is via free Wi-Fi, which is available in all kinds of places – not just the familiar cafes and transport hubs but in malls, on public transport and anywhere else tourists are likely to go. Be wary, though, especially if you’re using your device for something private such as online banking. It’s very easy to set up a convincing-looking Wi-Fi hotspot and then intercept the data people send, such as their online banking IDs. If in doubt use a security program called a Virtual Private Network (VPN) –Tunnelbear is one example – which establishes a secure, eyes-only tunnel between you and the site you’re visiting. Another option is to use your

mobile phone to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. This enables other devices to connect to your phone and use its data connection. It’s very easy to do (the relevant option will be in your phone’s settings menu) but be careful if you have a monthly data transfer limit: using multiple devices can quickly take you beyond your monthly cap. If your phone doesn’t have this feature you can buy a “dongle” or a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot; the former plugs into your laptop’s USB port to give it mobile data access and the latter is a portable device that creates a Wi-Fi hotspot your other devices can use. You should be particularly careful about using mobile data if you’re outside the UK and EU. Charges for mobile data abroad can be terrifying, so we’d strongly recommend buying a mobile data add-on that gives you a fixed amount of data for a fixed price. You can usually get more than enough mobile data for your daily needs for just a few pounds per day.

Make sure your contract doesn’t already include roaming, though. For example, our Vodafone contract includes free roaming in 48 different countries. It doesn’t include North or South America, Africa or Asia but it covers Europe and several groups of islands. For the time being, you won’t be charged extra for using your mobile or tablet in the European Union as roaming charges within the EU were scrapped in 2017. However, when the UK leaves Europe under Brexit, operators will no longer be compelled to let their customers roam for free. It’s possible that they may decide to stick to the current arrangement, but we’re not very optimistic. Whatever you do, be careful what you’re doing. Streaming Netflix or iPlayer programmes is best kept to Wi-Fi, as the downloads can be huge, and beware apps that do things in the background when you’re not actually using your phone. We find it’s best to keep our phones off or in aeroplane mode when we’re not actually using them.

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

How to manage the cost

of entertaining the kids this summer

If you’re worried about the cost of entertaining your children this summer, you’re not alone. It’s been estimated the average family spends £389 on entertaining the kids during the summer holidays.¹ So in the light of this, what can you do to ease your financial situation at this time of year? Here are just a few ideas to help you manage the cost of entertaining the children and deal with the inevitable back-to-school expenditure. Prioritise your spending Prioritising essential outgoings, such as rent, mortgage payments or council tax, allows you to steer clear of serious financial trouble. You’re not risking the roof over your head and will still be able to buy the groceries to feed your family. Make a budget By carefully budgeting before the summer begins, you may find areas where you can cut back. Knowing exactly where your money goes means you can consciously reduce your outgoings wherever possible, and potentially find some extra money to spend on taking the kids for a day out. Find free or low-cost activities in your area Make full use of the internet by searching for free activities in your area. You should be able to find a few deals on days out, or coupons and vouchers for money off entry to kids’ attractions. Theme parks can be particularly expensive for families, but with a ‘2 for 1’ offer on admissions, or a meal deal when

you’re there, you’ll all enjoy a great day out without it breaking the bank. Get the children involved with money If your children are old enough you can introduce them to the realities of managing money, albeit with small amounts at first. They’ll begin to understand that money is finite, and they can’t have everything they want. What about back-to-school costs? The cost of school uniforms and all the other ancillary bits and pieces the children need for the new term can be the final straw for your finances at the end of the summer holidays, so what can you do to help yourself financially in this respect? • Buying school uniform towards the end of the summer holidays is a good idea. Children grow so quickly and this way you can also make sure they get the most wear out of their uniform. • Some schools operate second-hand uniform sales when the end of the holidays is approaching – this can offer huge savings as you don’t have to buy new items. • Giving a slightly older child some money to buy their own stationery or other school items can teach them about money management, particularly if you let them keep the change. For families on low incomes, dealing with school summer holiday costs adds stress to an already challenging financial situation. Keeping the children entertained can be expensive, but with a little planning and budgeting, hopefully it won’t impact too heavily on family finances at this time or during the rest of the year. ¹ www.business-reporter.co.uk/2017/06/19/costof-entertaining-children-during-summer-holidaysestimated-at-389/ www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/blog/how-tohandle-back-to-school-costs www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/blog/can-youcope-with-the-cost-of-kids-this-summer

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EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Garden

Lethal Leatherjackets Daddy-longlegs or crane-flies are starting to hatch out now as adults, but it is their young – known as leatherjackets – that really cause grief in gardens. If your lawn has yellowing patches on it or you’ve noticed it being ripped up in the last few weeks, chances are leatherjackets are to blame and it is likely that the problem will get a lot worse. Leatherjackets feed on grass roots (and can also cause problems in flowerbeds and vegetable plots) and this may cause the plants they attack to be weakened and even die back; worst of all, these juicy larvae are tasty snacks for animals such as crows, rooks, magpies, badgers or foxes. So if there are leatherjackets in your garden, these animals will search them out, ripping up your lawn or excavating beds and borders in the process. Lawns are usually worst affected and can be quickly devastated. What is the best way to check if you have them? Early in the evening, water a couple of the yellowed patches thoroughly and do the same with a ripped-up patch. Next, cover these areas in black polythene weighed down with a couple of bricks or similar. A double layer of black bin liners or an opened-out plastic compost bag will work well. Next morning, lift the polythene and you’ll see the pests on the soil or lawn surface. So how do you know leatherjackets are to blame? Leatherjackets are greyish-brown, tubular, legless, up to about 4.5cm long and so nearly transparent that you can often see inside them, lunch and all. To remove more, repeat this black polythene trick

and deposit the pests on the bird table as free and nutritious bird food. For a much quicker, easier and more thorough solution, use the biological control nematode ‘Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer’. It is quick and easy to apply – I just use a watering can and water it onto the affected area shortly after I’ve seen the first daddy-longlegs and when soil conditions are right – usually late August to late October. As long as you keep the area moist for about three or four weeks, it works a treat – and is even safe if you have a dog, pet rabbit or other pets (or kids!) who use the lawn. So how can you get hold of this? There are two pack sizes available, suitable for standard lawns or those with a very large area to cover but you won’t find them in garden centres as they have a short shelf life. You can, however, find out more and order them from www.pippagreenwood. com/products in the Protect Your Plants section. We’ll send them out by first class post in an insulated envelope for you to show those pesky leatherjackets who’s the boss! Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find some great gardening items: Nemaslug, green controls for leatherjackets, chafer grubs, ants and greenfly, plus garden plant supports, raised bed kits, Easy-Tunnels, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! You can even book Pippa for a gardening talk at your local gardening club.

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Tim Brown 01767 627532 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS A Very Brown Hedge Indeed Aphids are one of the most common and troublesome of all garden insect pests. They attack a large number of garden plants throughout the country and are recently causing much disfigurement to ornamental conifer hedges. Commonly known as Greenfly and Blackfly, these aphids feed on hedges, sucking the sap of the plant and can spread several viruses, causing severe dieback. Cypress Aphid is currently troublesome and pre-dominantly affects conifer hedging. Damage inflicted on conifer hedges by the aphid Cinara cupressi is severe and can lead to large brown patches on the hedge. This leads to localised foliage death, reducing the aesthetic look of the hedge. As the aphid is active from May to October it is important to catch this problem early and apply treatments to stop its spread. At the first sign of brown patches call us for a free consultation and professional advice.

Tree & Shrub Pruning l Planting l Tree Removal l Stump Grinding l Hedge Cutting Health & Safety Reports l Disease & Insect Control

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Gardening & Wildlife

Rural Ramblings Will There Or Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t There?

Funny old year weather wise this year. Mind, we were warned that due to global warming the summers may get a little dryer and hotter, but this is starting to get serious as the sun continues to beat down EVERY day and the temperature is so high in the afternoon that it becomes difficult to work. The grass has stopped growing weeks ago and has already turned the colour of cornflakes, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, it will grow back as soon as rain eventually comes, most probably as a torrential thunderstorm!! Grass is amazingly responsive to fluctuating soil water content and will start to re-grow within days of a downpour. It is not worth watering during drought conditions as the volume of water required to make any significant difference is very high and most people are on a meter. A hosepipe can use about 1000 litres of water per hour and a sprinkler would have to be left on for several hours to make any difference I think that most people would see it as socially questionable to irrigate the lawn when water reserves are under stress, even if there hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been a hosepipe ban. I think that if the dry weather continues, it will be only a matter of time for water controls to be implemented, even though the reductions in consumption are estimated to be only a maximum of 5% . Once established, most trees are able to withstand a period of drought. However, anything newly planted this year, especially on sandy soil and bare rooted, will be at risk. A slow application of water over a long time is much more preferable than a dousing, as the water has to get down into the

depths of the soil where the roots can absorb it. Many times I have seen people spraying their borders for a few minutes wetting the leaves but having no significant effect on the soil. Following a downpour, it is interesting to scrape away the soil surface to see how little the water has penetrated so squirting a hosepipe for a few minutes will do little to alleviate wilting. I think that we will soon have to resort to the watering can and building up the muscles again with the bonus that lugging all that heavy stuff around is bound to be doing us good (and hopefully our pampered plants!)

By Geoff Wharton

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified. General and specialist garden work: Jungle clearing, Pruning, Hedge and grass cutting, Regular maintenance, Licensed waste disposal. Full public liability cover. Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science Email:geoffwharton@hotmail.com

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Local News

Rehoming Appeal Skittle and Willow

This is Skittle (ginger/white) and Willow (black/ginger/white), a lovely pair of female guinea pigs. Skittle was born in July 2015 and Willow in March 2017. They were a little shy when they first came in to RATS as they had not been handled much due to the family having a very lively new puppy. They were handed in to hopefully find a quieter family to live with. They are happy to live in a hutch outdoors in the warmer months but will then need to be indoors or inside a shed for the winter. If you could offer Skittle and Willow a home, please call Hazel on 01234 357788. Any potential home will be vetted by one of our volunteers. Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team. View other small mammals, dogs and cats 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.

ACE PEST CONTROL Fast, efficient, friendly service with very competitive rates Available - 7 days a week Local company. Established 30 years We specialise in all pest problems especially WASPS 5 Google rating

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GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

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Ask Alan

With this hot weather, what can we do for our pets? As the weather heats up there are a few things that you need to take into account. Heat: Pets cannot sweat to exchange heat. They rely on panting and are prone to heatstroke, which can be fatal, or leave lasting brain or kidney damage. Prevention is definitely best. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exercise pets in the heat of the day and make sure there is plentiful clean water. Rabbits and guinea pigs are best kept in shaded runs with good airflow during the day, rather than enclosed hutches. Never leave a pet in a car, even for a few minutes, as heat stroke occurs very quickly. Grass seeds: Grass seeds get everywhere as your dog runs through the fields (ears, eyes, feet, skin, airways). Try to prevent exposure and always check your pet very carefully after walks. Check the ears, eyes, between the toes, between all the legs and remove any seeds. Once they get stuck they migrate quite quickly into the skin and cause

Pets severe reactions. Disease: Vomiting and diarrhoea and allergic skin disease are more common in hot weather. Try to prevent dogs from picking things up on walks and respond quickly if they are itching or have gut problems. Fleas and ticks: These parasites are more numerous and active in the summer, make sure you have regular, effective control in place. By taking a few simple precautions, we can all enjoy the great summer with our pets! Best wishes,

Alan

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

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Pets

Animal Know-How When the sun, isn’t always fun… For many animals, the hot weather can be extremely dangerous. Both wildlife and our beloved pets need careful monitoring. For example, many dog owners are unaware of the dangers of leaving their pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes. Here are a few sobering facts: • We are a nation of pet lovers, yet are far more likely to leave our dog in a car alone for a few minutes, than our phone. • Almost half of us mistakenly believe it is ok to leave a dog in a car if we leave a window partially open or park in the shade. Unfortunately, these are myths. In reality, neither action has any significant effect on the temperature inside a parked car. • A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour. • Dogs can die within 20 minutes of been left in a car. That’s much quicker than it takes for you to queue up at Costa and eat your lunch. On a warm day, you just have to touch the dashboard, steering wheel or seats to know how hot the inside of a car can get. But it’s not just on warm days when dogs are at risk – vehicles can be death traps even in cooler temperatures. The message is simple: don’t leave your dog in a parked car. If you see a dog in distress in a parked car call the Police Service (999) or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Caravans and conservatories can pose similar threats to your beloved pets (not just dogs) – so

think before you leave. If you’re feeling the heat, so is everything else! Think about the animals that aren’t pets and ensure you put out plenty of fresh water. Fill shallow bowls with water and place them in shady spots around your garden. If your water containers are deep, add a large rock at one end, so should any small creature accidentally fall in they can easily crawl out. Bird baths and water dishes should have the water changed daily, as spells of hot weather can accelerate the growth of harmful bacteria, especially when multiple creatures are using the same water supply for drinking and bathing. Finding food is also a challenge for our wildlife in these hot and dry conditions. Earthworms tunnel deep into the soil, out of reach of those animals that usually feast on them, such as Blackbirds, Robins, Hedgehogs and Badgers. Leaving a selection of chopped fruits and live mealworms for your garden birds, dry cat biscuits for any visiting hedgehogs and canned dog food for your badgers will all be most welcome. Think to save a life!

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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Children aged between 0 - 5 years

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

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Motoring

Best Convertibles

For Under £2,000

By James Baggott

With summer in full swing, if you want a drop-top to provide that wind-in-your-hair experience we’ve picked out some of the best convertibles for under £2,000. MG TF Readily available and well-priced, most MG TF’s come with a peppy 1.8-litre engine and all have a folding cloth roof. It’s still a relatively handsome looking car that seems to have aged well, and we found a number for well under our £2,000 budget. Citroen C3 Pluriel Designed to be five cars in one, the C3 Pluriel wasn’t successful, meaning you can pick up decent used examples and, though they may not have a sports car design, you still get that drop-top experience very cheaply. Most cars get alloy wheels and air conditioning, but make sure the folding roof functions correctly. Mercedes SLK Buying a used Mercedes can mean higher repair costs and pricier parts, so choose carefully – a decent servicing history is essential. An early 2000s SLK should be well-equipped, with electronically-adjustable seats and cruise control. Toyota MR2 For no-frills, involving motoring, the little MR2 provides exciting performance from a 1.8-litre engine, and its compact size makes it feel nimble on the road. The lack of any real boot does make it impractical but there are plenty of reasonable examples available within budget.

Mazda MX-5 The MX-5 is a reliable, cheap-to-repair convertible and is a go-to choice for those who want a relatively involving drive coupled with compact dimensions. Rust is an issue, particularly on early models, but a clean example will provide miles of trouble-free motoring. Mini Convertible The ‘new’ Mini has proved to be immensely popular, and the convertible version was snapped up as a result of its cutesy styling and reasonably powerful range of engines. Available well within our £2,000 budget, make sure that the interior is straight, and listen for strange noises from the costly-to-replace power steering pump. Saab 9-3 The 9-3 convertible is a comfortable and spacious drop-top, and there are plenty of spare parts and components available should you need replacements, despite Saab’s now defunct status. Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Most Bugs come comprehensively equipped, with air conditioning and alloy wheels just some of the extras you’ll find fitted, and the Beetle is a decent and reliable soft-top. BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) There are many examples of 3 Series convertibles to be found at this budget. Most common are E46 models, which are sturdy and excellent to drive. A variety of engines are available too, with even the top end straight-six models well in this price bracket. Double check the arches as these are prone to rust. In addition, turn the steering lock to lock while travelling at low speed and listen out for any troubling knocking noises. Audi TT Roadster There aren’t many about in this price range, but the Audi TT Roadster is a fine option. Strong build quality, reliable engines and quirky styling mean that this soft-top still looks and feels fresh today. At this price you’ll be looking at a high-mileage example, but providing it’s got a decent service history there’s no reason why these can’t be hasslefree convertibles.

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A Sting in the Tail Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is used by thousands of drivers to finance a car purchase, as it offers flexibility and affordability. PCP is a loan but, unlike a traditional loan, you won’t own the car at the term end (unless you choose to). This has the advantage of lower monthly payments. Determined by the dealer, the car will have a Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) at the PCP term end. When the time comes, should the car be valued at a figure higher than this, then you will have the difference between the two figures to put down as a deposit on your next car. Sounds good. Low payments and a deposit at the end. But be aware of the PCP terms, otherwise you may get stung. Adverts not only show the fun and affordability of owning a new car, they also show the small-print – notably the annual mileage clause. To get the GMFV

figure up, and thus the monthly payments down, the dealer wants a low mileage car at term end. A figure of 6,000 annual miles – that’s 120 miles PER WEEK – is common, which is my weekly commute. Any other driving will take you over that annual figure and the excess charge could be 8p/mile. A mid-20s driver I know signed up for a 3-year PCP with such a term. He reached the 18,000 limit in 15 months and the finance company have told him to put away at least £120 per month to cover the excess mileage fee he will incur. PCP is viable way to finance a car but, like any contract, read the small print!

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Churros with chocolate sauce and cinnamon sugar

Churros is hands down one of my absolute favourite things. It takes me back to Spanish holidays, hot sun and chocolate all over my fingers! It’s easy to make at home though and will make you a hero with your children. This recipe was created by Haydn Groves. A former National Chef of the Year, he took on the three great cycle tour routes (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana) with former footballer Geoff Thomas to raise money for cancer research. He produced a beautiful charity cookbook called “Back In The Saddle” as a result, which mixes travel journal and photography with wonderful recipes from all the stops he made on the journey. This churros recipe comes, of course, from one of the stages he rode in Spain.

For the sauce: 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa) 40g double cream 40g full-fat milk 20g caster sugar (or omit for a bitter sauce) For the churros: 250ml water 25g caster sugar 25g vegetable oil 1⁄2 tsp salt 125g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 2 litres vegetable oil for frying To coat: 100g caster sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon

1. To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into a pan and gently melt together, stirring occasionally until you have a smooth shiny sauce. Keep it warm. 2. To make the churros, in a small saucepan over a medium heat, combine the water, caster sugar, vegetable oil and salt. Bring to the boil and remove from heat. Sieve the flour and baking powder together and stir into the liquid until the mixture forms a ball. 3. Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer, or deep frying pan, to 190°C. 4. Mix the remaining caster sugar and cinnamon and set aside. 5. Using a piping bag with a 12mm star nozzle, pipe lines of the dough, 8-10cm in length onto parchment paper. 6. Taking care not to splash yourself with hot oil, gently pick up the piped churros pieces from the paper and place into the oil and fry until golden for approximately 3 minutes. 7. Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and put onto a tray lined with kitchen paper to drain. 8. Dust with the cinnamon sugar and serve freshly cooked with the warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

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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Life Begins...

By Kate McLelland

Back to stay

(and not just for the weekend) When the Chancellor announced a relief on Stamp Duty payments for first time buyers in November 2017, it’s likely that millions of parents across the UK breathed a sigh of relief. It is estimated that 3.4 million parents in the UK are living with grown up children who’ve returned to the family home, and these mums and dads may have hoped this tax incentive would be the nudge their offspring needed to finally fly the nest. The phenomenon of so-called ‘Boomerang Kids’ (adults who return to the parental home after living independent lives) hit the headlines recently when the London School of Economics and Political Science carried out research with parents aged between 50 and 75 from seventeen different European countries. The study, published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, examined the effects on quality of life for older people who shared a house with a grown up child. Researchers looked at factors such as freedom to enjoy yourself, to make your own decisions and control your environment, and the results were disturbing. The

academics who authored the study pulled no punches when it came to their conclusions: “We found that parents’ experienced a decline in quality of life when one of their children returned to live with them,” they stated, adding: “Parents enjoy their independence when their children leave the home, and refilling an empty nest may be regarded as a violation of this life course stage.”

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Preparing the ground for your child’s return The biggest mistake reported by people who have been through the ‘boomerang’ experience is that they didn’t discuss the terms of the arrangement before their child moved back in. This is the time to establish the ground rules and set clear goals for the end of their stay. It may seem insensitive to talk about leaving before your child has even moved back in, but acknowledging this as a temporary arrangement will help them hold on to a sense of independence. If your child has a job, you should agree upfront on the amount they will contribute towards the

household bills. If they are not working you could ask them to help in various ways, such as cleaning, shopping or tending the garden. Discuss how things will work if your child invites friends round, and which rooms are off-limits at those times. It may be less stressful if you restrict visits to certain days or hours. Finally – and most importantly – it’s vital to treat your child as the adult they have become. In the years they have been living away from you, it’s likely they will have established a lifestyle that’s very different to the family life you shared together, so give them space and don’t be tempted to ‘parent’ them in the way you used to do. Whatever your child’s reason for returning home, it’s likely that this is just a phase, after which they will once again be able to lead an independent life. Handled carefully, this episode may even strengthen the bonds between you and your son or daughter, creating a tighter family unit that will go on providing mutual support far into the future.

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n O s ’ t Wha In August

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1 August Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Princess Charlotte Room, Shuttleworth Visitors £7 inc. raffle ticket The Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Mike Pugh Davies will give a talk on ‘The Berlin Air Lift 1948-49’. Make it a good day out by enjoying lunch in the Shuttleworth restaurant before the meeting. Lots of free parking. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August 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: Carole or Jill 07704734225 for more information 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden 10.30am-4pm £5 entry includes guided tour of historic walled garden or Edwardian era farm complex Food and light refreshments available. Please pre-book dedicated tours for more than 15 people. A1081 Luton to Harpenden take Newmill End turning. No access via the Hotel. Postcode LU1 4LF. Wednesdays until 26 September. Tel: 01582 721443 Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 2 August Light Lunch 12-1.30pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade £4 per person Homemade soups with roll, plus a slice of cake with tea/coffee. Proceeds to Christian Aid. 2 August Cancer Support Group Biggleswade and Area 1-3pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade The group meets on the 1st Thursday of every month. Has cancer touched your life? All are welcome to attend this support group - recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, caregivers, family and friends. For additional information or to chat before attending, please call Gina. Tel: Gina 07812 796581 Web: www.cancersupportgroup.org.uk

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August Amici Singers 7.30-9.45pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Membership £15 per term (£45 per year) The Amici Singers are a non-auditioning female ensemble with a focus on fun! We do lots of tours, rehearse once a week and work hard/play hard. No auditions, just come along to a session to hear us, or if you want to join in then your first session is FREE! We only ask three things, that you love to sing, love to make friends (which is what Amici stands for) and like new opportunities. Anyone is welcome to come along and listen at any time. Please check dates over the summer holidays. Tel: Ann 01767 650630 or Carole 01767 260815 for further info 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 August Lego Club 3.45-5.00pm Potton Library Love Lego? Come along and get building! Every Friday afternoon. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 August 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 4 August 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 every month except January. Weekly “Chat @ Coffee” on Fridays 1011.30am. Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 for further information 4 August Coffee Morning 10am-12 noon 2 Leeds Smith Drive, Sandy Come along to the home of Colin & Diane Osborne for coffee, tea & squash; cakes, Bring & Buy, plants and book Stalls; raffle and various competitions. In aid of The Leprosy Mission. 4 August The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

4, 11, 18 & 25 August Lego & K’NEX Club 1.45-3.30pm Potton Library Love Lego and K’NEX? Come along and get building! 6, 13, 20 & 27 August Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 7 August 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 every month. 7 August Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton Visitors £5 inc. light refreshments Talk on Camps International by Sophie Barton. Meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Visitors always welcome. Tel: Sarah Burgoine 01767 631415 Email: sarahjburgoine@gmail.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 August 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 7, 14, 21 & 28 August 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

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n O s ’ t Wha In August

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

7 & 25 August Vineyard Tour & Tasting 10.30am-2pm Warden Abbey Vineyard, Old Warden Adults £10, Friends of Warden Abbey Vineyard + 1 guest £6, Accompanied children free The volunteers at Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden, are doubling the number of public vineyard tours and tastings this year, including more Saturday tours. As well as general tours, the “Walking in the Monks’ Footsteps” walk around the vineyard on 7 August is led by volunteer Margaret Roberts who is writing a book on the history of the abbey. On the walk, as well as telling the story of the abbey, she’ll interpret the landscape features surrounding the vineyard and what they reveal about the life of the abbey’s occupants. Advance booking essential. Gift vouchers available for tours. Web: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk

10 & 24 August 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 and make new friends, help each other out with tips and advice and chat at the same time. Web: www.facebook.com/craftandchatter

9 August Meeting of Vintage & Classic Vehicles 4pm Sports Ground, Pirton, Hitchin Free entry Entertainment, raffle, tombola, souvenirs, bar and refreshments. In aid of RNLI. Tel: Mike Frisby 01462 433716 Email: frisby1963@hotmail.co.uk

23 August Potton History Society 8-10pm Members free, Visitors £3 - refreshments included Potton Community Centre, Brook End Potton Celebrates - The POP story. A dip into our archives and stories from those who helped build up what has become a biennial treat for all Pottonians. Visitors welcome. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.org.uk to find out more Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ pottonhistorysociety

9 & 23 August Biggleswade Ladies Circle A membership club for women aged between 18-45 who want to make new friends have fun and raise money for charity. We have now been established for over 55 years. Members are from all walks of life and are supported by various Honorary Members and some PIGS (Permanently Invited Guests). We are really keen to expand our membership to include lots more lovely local ladies! We all come from very different backgrounds and have different things going on in our lives and vary in age. We meet twice a month, usually on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month in or around Biggleswade. There are also many weekend events throughout the circling year. Most of our meetings are social meetings where we try out new things or just meet for a chat. We also have meetings where we discuss current things going on with circle such as upcoming fundraisers or any other business that needs to be discussed. Some examples of past social meetings include knit and natter, car care at Kwik Fit, a DVD evening, hearing dogs for the deaf talk, cocktail evenings, bingo, trips to the theatre, Christmas crafts, chocolate parties and much more! 9 August – Geocaching and 23 August – Gliding taster and pizza. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved and for more details of our next events, what have you got to lose? Tel: Lindsay 07811122212 Email: biggleswadecircle@gmail.com Facebook: Biggleswade Ladies Circle Twitter: @BwadeCircle

15 August ‘Poetry Table’ Club 8pm The Pembroke Arms, Biggleswade The next evening for sharing poems in a cosy pub will be on Wednesday 15 August at The Pembroke Arms from 8pm. Search ‘Biggleswade Poetry Table’ for more. Tel: Leah 07954 708988

25 & 26 August The Pantaloons 2018 Outdoor Theatre Shows 2pm & 7pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £15, Children (age 7-16) £8, Under 7s free, Family 2+2 £40 Saturday As You Like It. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…” Welcome to the Forest of Arden, a world of clowns, lovers, runaways and rebels. The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons present their innovative and hilarious open-air version of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, with folky, foot-stomping live music and their own inimitable brand of buffoonery. Sunday “The Importance of Being Earnest”. Everybody loves Ernest. In fact, Cecily and Gwendolen are both engaged to Ernest. The only trouble is, Ernest doesn’t exist. Or does he…? This energetic and musical production from the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons’ infuses Wilde’s witty words with snappy new songs and frantically funny physical theatre to give this perennially popular play a hilarious contemporary twist! Bring your blankets, picnics and chairs, bring a bottle of your favourite tipple and enjoy theatre in the open air. Assistance dogs only please. Tickets available to buy before each performance from the ticket yurt. Online booking fee of £1.25 per transaction applies. Web: www.thepantaloons.co.uk

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28 August Knit & Natter 10am-12 noon Moggerhanger Church 6-9 September ‘Art4Africa’ Art Exhibition 9am-6pm The Old Chapel House, Riseley Road, Keysoe, MK44 2HT An array of paintings, pottery, sculptures, photography, jewellery and gifts from renowned national and local artists will be showcased and available to buy, with 100% of the proceeds going to local charity, Rise Africa UK, which supports the education of vulnerable children in Tanzania. BBQ on Saturday and Sunday. Web: art4africa.co.uk 8 September Potton Show St Mary’s Hall & Field, Potton Schedules available from Tysoes Hardware, Potton Library, Potton Post Office or online. Deadline for entries is 6 September. Barn dance in the evening. On Sunday 9th there is a craft fair from 11 - 5pm Tel: Sheila Woods 01767 261047 for further info Web: www.pottonshow.org.uk 8 September Barn Dance 8pm Potton Show Marque, St Mary’s Hall & Field, Potton Tickets £12.50 inc. fish & chip supper With the Ivel Valley Band & Caller. Please bring your own drinks. Please contact any committee member for tickets, or purchase them from Tysoes Hardware or Camerons Newsagent. Please note tickets must be purchased in advance to allow for catering. Web: www.pottonshow.org.uk 9 September Potton Show Annual Craft Fair 12-5pm St Mary’s Field, Hatley Road, Potton Lots of stalls. An ideal opportunity to shop for those unique and unusual gifts! Refreshments available all afternoon. Tel: Jane 01767 260293 for stall enquiries 22 September Starlight Hike, St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger A night to remember. Join us for a walk under the stars, remembering loved ones and raising funds for St John’s Hospice along 5k or 10k routes. Tel: 01767 642412 Web: www.sueryder.org/stjohnsstarlighthike 29 September Amy Alive and Super Fearless Charity Gig 7.30pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Tickets £10. With Amy Alive, an Amy Winehouse professional singer, and local band Super Fearless. In aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice under the charity of the Marc Bolan London Music project. Tickets available from the Weatherley Centre or by telephone. Tel: Tickets John Clements 01767 316736

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Quirky Britain

Celebrating

the well-dressed well If you happen to visit the Midlands region between May and September, you might be in for a big surprise. During this time intriguing temporary structures can appear almost overnight, creating a riot of colour in the middle of an ordinary town or village street. These structures can be anything up to twelve foot tall and the complex artwork at the centre will be created from natural materials such as flowers, mosses, leaves, twigs, seeds, beans and small pine cones. If you’re new to the area you might imagine that these objects have been randomly placed as part of a local art festival, but look a little closer and you’ll realise that each display has been carefully positioned so it frames a well or freshwater spring. So what exactly is going on? Welcome to the world of well-dressing (also known as ‘well-flowering’), a thriving tradition that predates the time when historical records began. According to the website welldressing. com over a hundred villages and towns in Britain still take part annually, creating artworks to celebrate their local fresh water source. The history of well-dressing It’s likely that the custom began as a pagan ritual, designed to pay tribute to the spirit that guarded the natural spring. The early Church, disapproving of such heathen traditions, reinterpreted the rites as a Christian thanksgiving ceremony. The practice remained popular until the reign of Henry VIII, when Chancellor Thomas Cromwell issued instructions for well-dressing equipment to be destroyed: presumably because ‘idolatrous’ images – forbidden by Henry’s reformed church – were being used. That must have come as a blow to rural communities like Tissington in Derbyshire. Sir Richard Fitzherbert, the ninth baronet of Tissington Hall, claims that during natural disasters the wells provided a lifeline for the people. He explains: “In times of drought they never dried up, so everyone lived from the water,

and in times of plague, the village cut itself off from the outside world and had a safe, reliable water source for survival.” A race against time The process starts when the wooden boards on which the designs will be mounted are soaked in a local river or pond for several days. Clay is then smoothed onto the wet wooden frame, ready for the design to be added. Creating the artwork can take up to a week, so after the design has been etched into the wet clay, everyone needs to work quickly to make sure the display goes up in time. There is huge competition between villages to create the best display and that competitive spirit has now been channelled into an official event. Last year the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show started a competition to recognise the artistic flair of the nation’s well-dressers and for two years running these displays have enjoyed pride of place in RHS Chatsworth’s community area. So, if you happen to visit the Midlands over the summer, look out for these spectacular boards. Nowadays the concept of ‘well-dressing’ may seem a little archaic, but these remarkable displays stand as a tribute to the skill, patience and local pride of the volunteers who work so hard to create them.

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By Kate McLelland 79

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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. 80

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Extensions New builds Rewires Smoke alarms Landlord certificates Fault finding and repairs Consumer unit replacements Lighting and power (internal & external) Boiler controls Inspection and testing Free quotations Part P approved All types of electrical work undertaken

Tel: (01767) 641575 Mobile: (07881) 627423 Email: cmfelectrical@hotmail.co.uk

We can professionally clean... Carpets Upholstery Fascias Soffits Gutters Conservatories Patios Driveways 01767 222 822 07812 335 860 www.pkcleaningservicesltd.co.uk Find us on

3 Windows 3 Doors 3 Conservatories 3 Orangeries 3 Bi folds 3 Repairs T: 01767 765440

E: sales@i-glaze.co.uk

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W: www.i-glaze.co.uk 81

Fun Quiz - The Sun And The Moon 1. In Greek mythology, who died when he flew too close to the sun and the wax in his wings melted? 2. What number goes after “Apollo” to give the name of the mission that saw Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the moon? 3. The name of which beer is also the name given to an aura of plasma that surrounds the sun and can especially be seen during an eclipse? 4. “Moon starers” is an apporiate anagram for what eleven letter word? 5. Approximately 99% of the entire mass of the sun is composed from which two chemical elements? 6. “They danced by the light of the moon” is the last line in which famous poem? 7. Occurring twice a year, what name is given to a time when the sun crosses the celestial equator and when the length of day and night are approximately equal? 8. Which film studio’s logo depicts a young boy fishing while sitting on a crescent moon? 9. Approximately how long does it take light from the sun to reach the earth after it has been emitted from the sun’s surface?... 8 seconds, 8 minutes or 8 hours? 10. Written and directed by Fritz Lang, the 1929 film Frau Im Mond, meaning Woman In The Moon, is generally credited with introducing which technique, which is now commonly used immediately before important events? 1. Icarus 2. 11 3. Corona 4. Astronomers 5. Hydrogen and Helium 6. The Owl And The Pussycat 7. Equinox 8. Dreamworks 9. 8 minutes 10. The backwards countdown (e.g. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, …)

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Â®

TRADITIONAL SWEEPING SERVICE NESTS REMOVED CAGES, CAPS AND COWLS FITTED SWEEPING CERTIFICATES ISSUED PROFESSIONAL, CLEAN SERVICE FULLY INSURED POLICE CHECKED

01767 680791 wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk/bedford

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CJ Property Maintenance Interior and Exterior Painting Gutter Cleaning & Repairs uPVC Fascia Board Cleaning Fencing, Gates and all Repairs Patios and all Garden Work Double Glazing & Repairs Concrete Bases, Paths & Steps Chimney & Wall Pointing Brick Work & Repairs Driveway Cleaning Broken Roof Tiles & Pots

All jobs undertaken

Free Estimates

Tel: 01767 680532 Mob: 0774 600 8188

cjpainting@hotmail.co.uk 15 Years Experience

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Julyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner Mr D Thomas from Biggleswade Winner of the Meraki Festival Competition Anne Rowell from Brampton

Winner of the Bickerdikes Competition Maurice Leake from Stevenage

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 7 Corporations (13) 8 Emotions (8) 9 Poverty-stricken (4) 10 Modified (7) 12 Confess (5) 14 Incident (5) 16 Place of education (7) 19 Slice open (4) 20 Sidewalk (8) 22 Chances (13

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

ď&#x20AC;˘

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

Down 1 Complimentary (4) 2 Thump (6) 3 Innovator (7) 4 Artificial (5) 5 Torn (6) 6 Irritating (8) 11 Evolves (8) 13 Nunnery (7) 15 Country (6) 17 Boundaries (6) 18 Notices (5) 21 Require (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

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KEMP GARAGE DOORS SALES • INSTALLATION • REPAIRS • Family Run Business • 25 Years Experience • Up and Over • Sectional and Roller Doors www.kempgaragedoors.co.uk • Security Shutters

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

01480 210410 Eaton Socon To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

Weekly, fortnightly, monthly home cleaning

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

Ironing service One off deep cleans End of tenancy cleans Commercial & office cleaning

Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

Free quotations Pet households welcome Trustworthy, reliable insured Over 20 years of experience

Call Nigel on: 01767 834024 / 07941295883 Email: nigelrooney@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 07947 935194

Email: bluebellecleaning@gmail.com

• Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

W.G.Thirkell & Sons 1-4 page_ppl.pdf

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Monday & Wednesday to Saturday – 10am – 5pm

CMY

Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement

W.G.THIRKELL & SONS LTD Quality Painting, Decorating, General Building Maintenance and Repairs. Renovations, Alterations, Plastering & Ceramic Tiling. Established 1948

Fully Insured for all works including Commercial and Listed Buildings. Free Estimates and advice. Telephone: 01767 682570 07966 389212 (Mobile) Email wgthirkell@aol.com

Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT

info@cromwellstoves.co.uk 01480 812281

www.cromwellstoves.co.uk 88

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10/0

Events

Coming Up....

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Burghley House, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, is a most grand property of the Elizabethan period. The gardens, too, are superb. The house was built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, during the mid to late 16th Century. Queen Victoria visited in 1844, as many other noble visitors have, to this day, enjoying the House and the wonderful gardens. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials take place, in the grounds of Burghley House, each year. This annual event is one of the six leading events of its kind in the world. Burghley has been holding horse trials here since 1961, when the 6th Marquess of Exeter arranged an event that proved so popular, and grew year on year, to what is now, the very best of international eventing. Thousands of visitors attend the venue, during the days of the horse trials, with much ‘retail therapy’ to be had, too. Clothing, footwear, leather goods, gifts, food and beverages, glassware, sculptures, paintings and beauty products, are just some, from the range of items available. I always allow myself time to visit these very interesting retail exhibitors. Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country attract a lot of interest, during the days of the event, with intense competition between those taking part. Olympic mounts of the future are judged at these events. The Stallion Parade makes quite a show and the Concours d’ Elégance is very grand. With the presentation of horses and riders, the display rings and the whole site, a lot of praise must go to the ground crew and all involved, as months of planning go into this event, to make it the success it always is. Different displays and competitions take place on each of the days. It is not necessary to be a complete equine expert to enjoy this event. There is something for everyone and every age, to be found at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. This year’s event is Thursday 30 August to Sunday 02 September 2018. www.burghley-horse.co.uk www.burghley.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: dialporter01@tiscali.co.uk

T&R Roofing Ltd

Family Business Est. 1985

• Felt Roofing Specialists (10 year & 15 year guarantee on high performance felts) • Tiling, Slating, Guttering • UPVC Facia/Soffits • Chimney Work

All NEW work guaranteed Fully insured for employer & Public Liability Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on:

01767 314847 mob. 07831849847 90

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Books

Book Review By Kate Duggan Inspire your wanderlust Thinking about booking a last-minute holiday? These books should help to inspire your wanderlust. (Or just transport you to distant climes while you’re lounging in your garden.)

The Bean Trees

by Barbara Kingsolver With so many new releases Determined to avoid ending up like her Kentucky classmates – pregnant and married before she’s 18, Taylor buys a beaten up old car and a tank of petrol, and heads west. By the time her car breaks down in Arizona, she has a three-year-old Cherokee girl in tow. First published 30 years ago, The Bean Trees beautifully evokes the landscape and spirit of 1980s Southwestern America.

Adventures of a Young Naturalist by Sir David Attenborough

In 1954, David Attenborough began his exploration of the world, seeking out rare animals for London Zoo and sharing his experiences with a captive TV audience back at home. Adventures of a Young Naturalist charts his adventures across Guyana, Indonesia and Paraguay, from coming face-to-face with Komodo dragons and giant armadillos to befriending a young male orangutan. Numerous photographs help to bring the tales to life.

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Classifieds Accountants

Domestic Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines • Cookers Fridges • Vacs • Dryers

Bill Tangye

Beds Tel By or appointment only - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, Mob 01767 650750Tel: 07711 07802 393331 257105

Domestic Repairs

Builders “YOUNG’S BUILDERS”

JB Domestic

“YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MASTER BUILDERS” “QUALITY AND VALUE FROM START TO FINISH”

Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers

Garage conversions from £5.9K

Extension - Sunrooms

Call 07811 985568 or 01767 261803 www.youngsbuilders.co.uk “Free quotes • Excellent references”

• Extensions & Sunrooms • Garage & Loft Conversions • Walls, Patios & Decking • General Building Work • Property Maintenance

No Call Out Charge! Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

Electricians

YOUR LOCAL EXPERT PLUMBING & DRAINAGE SERVICE

No call out charges • Pre-fixed price 24/7 • 365 days a year

Call your local plumber today Biggleswade, Sandy & Surrounding Areas

01767 662040 92

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

Call Nigel on 01767 261122 for more information

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Classifieds Garden Specialist

Pet Services

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

01767 699252 07901 985123

Handy Man

HGS Classified advert.indd 1

Painter & Decorator

RICHBAW

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

Painting Services

Plastering Services

14/04/2015 21:23

Plumbing

M. Philmore (Phil) - General Plumber Now semi retired but still available for general plumbing. 57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

Plumbing and Heating

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Classifieds Private Car Hire

Riding School MANOR FARM RIDING SCHOOL Sutton, Beds - SG19 2ND

Lessons, Hacks - Pony Club Centre Holiday activities and taster rides available 07875 192662 You can also find us on facebook

Roofing

Property Improvements Property Improvements by

A professional property maintenance service

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

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Tennis

Property Improvements

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

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

TENNIS for BEGINNERS Children & Adults All Welcome

Jack on 01767 692242 www.biggleswadetennis.co.uk

Tiling

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.

MARK CURRELL CERAMIC TILER

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

All tiling undertaken Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories Free Quotations • All Areas Covered Telephone: 01767 680081 / 07952 499002 Email: markcurrelltiling@masjcurrell.co.uk

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

Alcoholics Anonymous..............................0845 769 7555 Anglian Water............................................08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital........................................ 01234 355122 Lister Hospital............................................ 01438 314333 Addenbrooks Hospital............................... 01223 245151 Benefits for people with Disabilities...........0800 882 200 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.................... 01234 351081 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue................... 01438 729041 Carers Line..................................................0808 808 7777 ChildLine...........................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice...........................................0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area. The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

Crimestoppers..............................................0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care............................0333 252 9152 Floodline....................................................0845 988 1188 Frank-Drug Advisory....................................0800 776 600 National Debt Line.....................................0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency............................................0800 111 999 NHS Direct.........................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..............................03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.........................................101 NSPCC.........................................................0808 800 5000 Relate..........................................................0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line....................................0300 1234 999 Samaritans............................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline.....................................0345 300 3900 Victim Support..........................................0845 30 30 900

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AT FRIENDS FIVE STAR HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY WE OFFER TO OUR CLIENTS • 5 Star Hairdressing and Beauty Services • Open 2 evenings until 9pm • Free colour consultation clinics • London trained stylists along with Redken certified colourists on the team • Balayage certified colour specialists • Relaxing and peaceful beauty treatment room • Powerful 200w sunbed with amazing packages • Point reward scheme • Complimentary refreshments and extensive range of magazines to read

Call us on 01767 682789 Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday 9.30am - 6.00pm Wednesday & Thursday 9.30 - 9.00pm, Saturday 8.30 - 4.00pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair

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