Potton December 2019 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 160 - December 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win an Introductory Lesson at

Cambridge Gliding Club Christmas

Traditions Win £100

in our Christmas Quiz

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

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Inside this issue... Christmas Traditions

Christmas Traditions........................................................................... 4 Camargue - Provence on the Wild Side............................................... 8 Win an Introductory Lesson at Cambridge Gliding Club............ 10 Win £100 in the Villager’s Christmas Quiz................................ 12 The Christmas Cracker Conundrum................................................... 14 The Liquid Deli - DemiJohn.............................................................. 16 Gurning: Not just a pretty face?........................................................ 21 Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf Recipe............................................ 25 Wordsearch...................................................................................... 27 Small Change with a Big Impact...................................................... 28 The Best Beauty Gift Sets................................................................. 32 Christmas at Ragdale Hall Spa.......................................................... 34 Sporty Styles to Suit Everyone.......................................................... 37 The Penguin Parage - Short Story.................................................... 40 The Red Hat Society......................................................................... 42 Have Yourself.... a Crisis-Free Christmas............................................ 45 The Introvert’s Guide to the Office Christmas Party.......................... 46 Man Trouble!.................................................................................... 48 Crowd Cuckoo Land.......................................................................... 51 Five Smart Ways to Pay for Christmas............................................... 54 Kitchens and Bathrooms at Henlow Building Supplies..................... 56

The Holly and the Ivy....................................................................... 58 Rural Ramblings............................................................................... 60 Fun Quiz........................................................................................... 63 Pruning Perfection........................................................................... 65 Pretty Christmas Trimmings that can Harm your Pets....................... 66 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal................................................................ 68 Ask Alan - Potton Vets...................................................................... 71 Feeding Garden Birds during the Winter.......................................... 72 Children’s Page................................................................................. 75 Christmas Eve Boxes......................................................................... 77 Lexus Luxury Goes Beyond Looks..................................................... 78 Traditional Christmas Style............................................................... 81 What Makes You Tick?...................................................................... 84 What’s On in December.................................................................... 86 Puzzle Page...................................................................................... 92 Your Festive Gadget Survival Guide.................................................. 95 The Gift of Experience...................................................................... 97 Win £25 in the Villager’s Prize Crossword................................100 Wine Wisdom................................................................................. 103 Mini Panettone - Little Festive Treats............................................. 104 Book Review.................................................................................. 106

Feeding Garden Birds

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, Sarah Davey, Trevor Langley, Kate McLelland, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Jackie Brewster, Tracey Anderson, Robert Grant, Ann Haldon, Rachael Leverton, Geoff Wharton, Pippa Greenwood, Potton Vets, RSPCA, Katherine Sorrell, Iain Betson, Louise Addison, and Tom Hancock

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

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@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.

Photography - bondd Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

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History

Christmas Traditions Christmas seems to come around sooner each year, with decorations in the shops from September onwards. However, at one time, people would decorate their homes on Christmas Eve as it was considered unlucky to do so any earlier. The Bible does not mention an actual date for the birth of Jesus, so in 300AD Pope Julius I decided that Christ’s birthday (Christmas Day) should be on 25th December. The Midwinter Solstice on 21st December was already a traditional pagan celebration, so by doing this Pope Julius effectively combined both. During the Midwinter Solstice homes would be decorated with evergreens, and a Yule Log – the first log of winter – would be ceremonially burnt to ward off evil on the night of the shortest day. This is the reason the word ‘yule’ relates to Christmas (only the real log has been turned into a chocolate cake!) Christians took holly as a symbol of Christ’s crown, the berries representing his blood. Mistletoe, which the Druids regarded as sacred because it effectively grows ‘in the air’, was also adopted by Christianity, the white berries reflecting the purity of the Virgin.

The Victorians set many of our modern Christmas traditions, such as cards and tinsel. During the festive season, mistletoe was hung in the entrance to the house as a sign of peace and goodwill. Because it is usual to greet people with a hug and a kiss when they arrive, ‘kissing under the mistletoe’ evolved into a custom by Victorian times. Christmas trees came over from Germany towards the end of the 1700s and were popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Trees would be decorated with real candles, strings of glass beads, candies and handmade ornaments of paper, wax, silver wire and blown glass. Just as today, the tree was topped with an angel, usually made of tin with a wax face, or with a star to symbolise the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. The first tinsel was made from real silver, stretched into very thin strips. Paper decorations, including paper chains, were also popular. Woolworths is said to have been the first shop to sell commercial Christmas tree ornaments in 1880, and the earliest electric Christmas tree lights were invented by Thomas Edison. By the 1930s, the first artificial trees and tinsel were available.

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Many of our Christmas customs originated in Europe. Gingerbread baked with honey, and Christmas decorations made from beeswax or glass, were available in markets across Europe 400 years ago. The advent calendar, with its little doors hiding biblical pictures, originated in Germany. Mince pies were invented in medieval times. They were originally made with minced lamb in homage to the shepherds of the Nativity. As was popular then, fat, dried fruit, peel and spices were added to the meat. There were 13 ingredients in total, representing the apostles. Although we no longer use minced lamb alongside the dried fruit, peel, suet and spices, the term ‘mincemeat’ to describe the filling has endured. Turkeys were brought to Britain in 1526 and it is said that King Henry VIII was the first to eat a turkey for Christmas dinner. However, goose, being large enough to feed an extended family over the festive season, remained the most popular choice until the 1950s when turkey took over. Father Christmas also has his beginnings in Europe. St Nicholas or ‘Sinterklaas’ (from which we derive Santa Claus) was a second-century saint known for giving gifts to the poor. His spirit was said to visit children on the night of the 5th December. In Holland, wooden shoes or clogs

would be left next to the hearth filled with an edible treat and straw for St Nicholas’ horse (from where we get the custom of putting out a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer). In return, St Nicholas would leave a small gift. As the custom spread across Europe, stockings began to be used instead of shoes. It is believed that an English baker, Tom Smith, invented the Christmas cracker by taking a sweet and a love motto and wrapping them in a strip of paper impregnated with a compound that ‘cracked’ when opened. In time, the wrapper was lengthened and small novelty gifts replaced the sweet. The first Christmas crackers went on sale in London in 1847 and Walter Smith, Tom’s son, started including paper hats. The first known Christmas card was made by Sir Henry Cole of The British Postal Service in 1843. Although it is often claimed that Coca Cola was responsible for putting Santa in red as part of a 1930s marketing campaign, it was the Victorians who first depicted Father Christmas in a red suit. Previously, the traditional colour for Saint Nicholas was green and you can still find some early Victorian Christmas cards where Father Christmas is wearing a green suit as well as those where he is wearing a red one.

By Catherine Rose

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Rooms from

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

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Travel

Camargue - Provence on the Wild Side As the river Rhône approaches the Mediterranean, it splits into the Grand Rhône and the Petit Rhône to form one of the largest deltas in Europe. This is the ‘Camargue’, an enticing place unlike anywhere else in France, where marshlands and lagoons glisten in the sun, fringed by broad windswept sands to the south while paddies, orchards and wheat spread on the fertile plain. But the deeper you head into the delta, the wilder the land strung with lakes and dunes, deserted beaches, sand bars, meadows and ponds festooned in tamarisks and yellow irises – and at the heart of it all, the saltwater lagoon of Vaccarès, which looks almost like a sea. Orchids and forgetme-nots splash colour here and there and along the coast delicate sand lilies, golden immortelles and sea lavender flutter in the breeze. With just ten inhabitants per square kilometre, these vast open spaces almost feel like the end of the earth, and although there are a few roads around the more isolated areas are easier to reach on horseback, as the locals do. There are guesthouses and stables where anyone can learn to ride or join a guided trek to enjoy a landscape with no boundaries. Scenery aside, the Camargue has a character all of its own, steeped in age-old culture and traditions. There may be few humans about but you’re sure to come across a paddock where white Camargue horses gallop semi-wild, manes flying in the wind, or you might find a whitewashed traditional

cottage thatched with reeds and shaped like a prow to withstand storms, a saltpan, a stretch of barren land or a ranch called ‘manade’ where black bulls are bred for the game of ‘cocarde’. The protected wetlands and coast attract around 350 bird species, from raptors and waterfowls to song and sea birds. Magpies and jackdaws are common but it’s always a treat to spot a colourful bee-eater, a crested hoopoe or a roller pirouetting in the air on a spectacular courtship dance. Yet, above all others, pink flamingos are the icon of the Camargue, wading in shallow lagoons, amazingly peaceful until something disturbs the peace and the whole colony takes flight, shrieking through a magnificent cloud of flaming colours. In the spring, thousands of chicks are born in the Regional Park, all fluffy and white, for it will take several years for them to turn pink. Some will stay in the Camargue throughout the winter; others take off across the sea in search of warmer climes. But when you reach the coast don’t expect glittering resorts, for this is still the wild ‘cowboy land’. Just look out for the lonely walled village of Aigues-Mortes, once a sea port, now inland, and Les-Saintes-Maries de la Mer, 8,000 residents and capital of the Camargue where gypsies from far and wide honour their patron saint on an annual pilgrimage. As visitors like to say, wherever you come from, ‘there is no place like the Camargue’.

By Solange Hando

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WIN AN INTRODUCTORY LESSON AT CAMBRIDGE GLIDING CLUB Cambridge Gliding Club was founded in 1935 as Cambridge University Gliding Club but changed its name on moving to Gransden Lodge in 1991. CGC continues to host Cambridge University GC and their members are a vibrant part of our activities. It also operates a motor glider for Hertfordshire Scouts and introduces several hundred of them to the sport of gliding annually. The Club is predominantly run by its members, of which there are over 160. Additionally the Cadet scheme, with about 20 members and 35-45 CUGC brings the total to nearly 230. The Club fleet of four dual-control gliders, four single seat ones for solo pilots and 70 privately owned ones can make it a very busy airfield on good gliding days! Although local residents will often see gliders silently circling overhead this is not all that CGC pilots do! We train 20 -30 new members to go solo annually, the distance record is 981 kilometres and the height record 12,992’ - and you will often see us flying aerobatics! It is possible to go solo from age 14 and there is no upper age limit. Pilots must meet medical requirements similar to a UK driving licence. There are certain height and weight limitations. CGC holds an Open Day annually and encourages members of the public to come and see what we do, – many even take an Introductory Lesson which can booked, at a discount, on, and for, that day. In 2020 it will be on Sunday, May 3rd from 10:30 a.m. Vouchers for a variety of Introductory Lessons can be bought on-line from the Club website at https://www.camgliding.uk/product-category/introductory-flight/ and make ideal Christmas or birthday presents.. For further details see www.camgliding.uk, contact the office on-line at office@camgliding.uk, or call 01767 677077 to book an Introductory Lesson.

CAMBRIDGE GLIDING CLUB COMPETITION ENTRY

When is the 2020 Cambridge Gliding Club Open Day?



For a chance to win a free 3,000’ aerotow and Introductory Lesson (worth £147) simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Cambridge Gliding Club, Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th December 2019

Name: Tel: Email: Address: 10 10

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For your chance to win £100 in our Christmas Quiz Simply answer the questions below and send your entry to: Christmas Quiz, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP by 16th December 2019

Win £100 in our Christmas Quiz

1. Now red, what colour was Father Christmas’s suit originally? 2. What is the main ingredient of marzipan? 3. In what decade did artificial Christmas trees first become commercially available? 4. What is the meaning of the word Advent? 5. A Victorian Christmas often included Smoking Bishop but what is it? 6. How many ingredients were traditionally put in a medieval mince pie? 7. Which saint is Father Christmas based on? 8. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure famously wrote the charity song Do They Know it’s Christmas? What was the year? 9. What is the little boy called in Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas story The Snowman? 10. From which country does eggnog originate? 11. By what name do French children know Father Christmas? 12. What was the Roman festival that pre-dates Christmas?

The team at The Villager would like to wish readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

The Christmas Cracker Conundrum

The environment is a hot topic right now and let’s face it Christmas crackers have never been eco-friendly. Refuse increases by 30% over the festive season. Can you even remember the plastic tat that fell out of last year’s crackers? Thought not. But if you feel like your Christmas table is not complete without a cracker and a snap there are alternatives to the supermarket classic. Try ‘12 days of Christmas crackers’ which include an eco-friendlier wooden toy. Recyclable Christmas crackers come with a snap, hat, a joke - but no gift. Re-usable crackers are also available and can be filled with a gift of choice. Some have refillable ’snaps’ which mean they can be used again and again. You can also make DIY Christmas crackers by saving cardboard toilet roll and rolling them in a pretty fabric or brown paper or newspaper. Fill them with a handwritten joke and gift and tie with string at each end. These look festive but are untied – rather than pulled apart. You can always shout BANG as you open them!

Cracker jokes for DIY crackers What does Santa do with fat elves? He sends them to an Elf Farm

What did Santa do when he went speed dating? He pulled a cracker

What’s a dog’s favourite carol? Bark, the herald angels sing

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The team at The Villager would like to wish all readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Food and Drink

The Liquid Deli - DemiJohn There are numerous liqueurs which can be located and, depending on liking and tastes, are every good, too. For hundreds of years liqueurs have been made, loved and appreciated, being one of the most popular alcoholic drinks around. Different herbs and fruits are included in the ingredients for the recipes, many of which are closely-guarded. If cocktails are a passion, then liqueurs will add a ‘zing’ and turn ok into the ‘WOW’ factor.

Demijohn, a liquid deli, was established during 2004 by Angus and Frances Ferguson. This family-run company quickly gained a reputation for high-quality liqueurs. Multi award-winning Demijohn goes to great lengths to source new ingredients, liqueurs, spirits, oils and vinegars from many locations in the UK and Europe. Eye-catching, beautifully-shaped glass bottles, decanters and containers, of various sizes, are an added bonus for the impressive presentation of products. The bottles, decanters and containers are reusable and a complimentary personal message can be included, on request. From the popular productions, utilising many fruits, including raspberries, damsons, cherries, blackcurrants and gooseberries, to rhubarb vodka and apricot brandy, plus so much more, there are plenty of choices and something for all tastes and palates, including organics. Several have a ‘following’ of devotees and regularly grace a great number of dining occasions-particularly a fine, favourite liqueur, for accompanying desserts or to enjoy afterwards. I located chocolate rum liqueur and found this exceptional, with outstanding balance, texture and flavour. Toffee whisky liqueur is very popular, as are Demijohn’s limoncello liqueur and also walnut liqueur, plus grapefruitcello – superb! Stores are located in Glasgow and York, with more planned. Online ordering is available (and easy), too. Deliveries are efficient and reliable. Liqueurs, whiskies, wines and spirits are all within their excellent ranges, plus superb oils and vinegars. Hampers and attractive gift packages are available, plus gift vouchers – perhaps surprise someone special? The website has all details and includes information on products, recipes, as well as particulars about gifts, weddings and ceremonies, also how to book a tasting event – now there’s a thought! Excellent and impressive products, presented with distinction. Tel: 0845 604 8350 Email: info@demijohn.co.uk www.demijohn.co.uk

As always, Enjoy! 16

ey Trevor Langl

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New Opening Times for December Monday - Friday 12 - 3pm, 6 -10pm Saturday 12 - 10.30pm Sunday 12 - 7pm Christmas Eve - Open all day 12 - 9.30pm

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The Live Music Venue

in Sandy

4TH DECEMBER  The Big Bell Pub Quiz Test your grey matter against Sandy’s finest. Starts 8.00pm

7TH DECEMBER  Barnyard Junkies New band to The Bell. A night of original music and covers. Starts 9.00pm

14TH DECEMBER  Leech Bell favourite returns. Kaiser Chiefs, Floyd, Clash, Green Day, REM, White Stripes and more. Starts 9.00pm

18TH DECEMBER  The Big Bell Pub Quiz Test your grey matter a gainst Sandy’s finest. Starts 8.00pm

21ST DECEMBER  Christmas Jumper Disco Prizes for the best and worst outfits on the night. Starts 9.00pm

31ST DECEMBER  New Year’s Eve Party Live music from The Curfew. Entry by ticket onle. Starts 8.00pm

FESTIVE OPENING HOURS At The Bell Christmas Day - Open 12.00pm till 2.00pm. Closed Christmas Night Boxing Day - Closed New Years Eve - Party from 8.00pm Entry by ticket only. Get yours early to avoid disappointment. Ticket price includes first drink. Live music from The Curfew. New Years Day - Open at 5.00pm

Garvan, Heather, Phoebe and the team would like to wish all our friends and customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Station Road, Sandy SG19 1AW T: 01767 692121 W: www.thebellsandy.com 20

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Quirky Britain

By Kate McLelland

Gurning: not just a pretty face? Surrounded by fields and overlooked by a historic twelfth century castle, Egremont is a quiet Cumberland market town on the edge of the picturesque Lake District. Very little disturbs the calm of this peaceful place until the month of September, when the Crab Fair comes to town. Toothless benefits The Crab Fair is, of course, the home of the famous World Gurning Championships. ‘Gurning’ is an ancient practice involving extreme facial contortions. Here you’ll see contestants with faces screwed into hideous (although some may say hilarious) shapes: eyes rolling, noses almost obscured by jutting lower lips, eyebrows raised or knitted together in a frown. The effect is startling, particularly if the rubber-faced contestant has few teeth to get in the way of his or her particular ‘gurn’ (one champion, Peter Jackman, went as far as having his back teeth removed, so he could manipulate his lower jaw more easily). There are few rules, but as Callum Scott, Chairman of the World Gurning Championships, recently told the Sports Gazette website, the basic aim is to demonstrate facial dexterity. “It is not simply about making the most grotesque face possible,” he says. “It is about making the biggest transformation in your face.” To add to the effect, gurners often frame their faces with a traditional leather horse collar known as a ‘braffin’, which is worn around the neck.

Gurning back the years The Egremont Crab Fair has nothing to do with seafood, as the name might suggest. The fair grew out of a custom started in medieval times by local nobleman Lord Egremont, who distributed crab apples to the townsfolk. The tradition continues to this day, when crowds line the town’s Main Street to catch apples thrown from a cart. While the history of the fair can be traced back to King Henry III (1207-1272), who granted it a Royal Charter, no one is sure when gurning first began, although back in 1852 it was described by one local newspaper as an ‘ancient tradition’. The word ‘gurn’ means to snarl or grimace and the term is said to have developed from the old English word girnen (also related to the word ‘grin’). There are some odd stories about the possible origins of gurning: one theory goes that gurning is an exaggeration of the face someone might pull when eating a bitter crab apple, but it’s also possible that its origins date back to the pre-Christian belief that a terrifying face could be used to scare evil spirits. The tradition of using grotesque faces as a protection from evil can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as the Etruscans, the Egyptians and the pre-Columbian peoples of South America, and it’s also why gargoyles and grotesques – ugly faces carved in stone – were used to protect medieval churches. Maybe gurning was originally developed to protect people from invaders or imagined supernatural threats? We’ll never know, but if you enjoy events where people enter into bizarre and often quite baffling competitive activities with good humour and great community spirit, head on down to Egremont. It’s guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

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Looking for a for a special Christmas present? Someone you know intrigued by seeing gliders flying overhead? Why not buy them a CGC Gliding Voucher? CGC offer a whole range of Introductory Lessons starting at ÂŁ117.50. We even do Fixed Price to Solo packages. Perhaps organise a group of friends or work colleagues and have an evening of gliding all to yourselves?

For further details see www.camgliding.uk email the office at office@camgliding.uk or call 01767 677077 Our office is open seven days a week April to October, five from November to April 22

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Food & Drink

Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf

This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic rich fruit Christmas cake. It will keep un-iced in an airtight container for a few days. Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving. Serves: 8-10 Ready in: 1hr 45mins, plus cooling

Ingredients 175g unsalted butter, softened 175g golden caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 2 tsp ground mixed spice Â˝ tsp baking powder 3 large eggs 75g sweetened dried cranberries 50g walnuts, chopped 50g hazelnuts, chopped Zest of 1 orange 1 tbsp orange juice Frosting Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing 2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles 75g fresh cranberries Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

1 Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking parchment. 2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice. 3 Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15 minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 4 Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.

TIP: Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festive-themed sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really sparkly finish. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Life Begins...

Small change with a big impact

By Kate McLelland

If you like to finish off your Christmas lunch with a traditional pudding, you might recall the old custom of putting a sixpence in the mixture. When the pudding was eaten on Christmas day, it was said that the lucky recipient – lucky, that is, provided he or she didn’t break a tooth on the coin – would enjoy wealth and good luck throughout the year to come. Nowadays the sixpence is no longer in circulation, having disappeared along with the farthing, halfpenny and threepence. As recently as May this year, two more low-value British coins, the 1p and 2p, were also threatened with extinction. However, a Treasury review suggesting we scrap our small change prompted a huge backlash from charities, small businesses and groups representing older, vulnerable people. The coins were reprieved, and as we celebrate the people power that saved our small change, maybe it’s time to look back at some of the low-value coins we’ve loved and lost. The sixpence First minted in the reign of Henry VIII’s son Edward VI (1537-1553), the sixpence was circulated until 1980. Also known as a ‘tanner’ or a ‘sixpenny bit’, the sixpence was worth one-fortieth of a pound sterling.

Sixpence facts: • The name ‘tanner’ is said to have originated in the reign of George II, when Chief Engraver to the Royal Mint John Sigismund Tanner redesigned the coin. • The full text for the old rhyme beginning “Something old, something new” runs “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” The threepenny bit This coin was also first minted during the reign of King Edward VI. Known variously as a threepence, thruppence or threepenny bit, the value of this well-loved little coin was one-eightieth of a pound sterling. The coin ceased to be legal tender after 31 August 1971, just over five months after decimalisation was introduced to the UK. Threepence facts: • This coin was originally used for Christmas puddings but it was replaced by the sixpence when the threepence was minted in brass. • A rare threepenny coin created for the reign of Edward VIII in the 1930s sold for £30,000 in 2013.

The farthing Representing one-quarter of an old penny, the farthing was first minted in silver in the thirteenth century, but copper farthings were circulated during the reigns of Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Elizabeth II. After 1956 no more farthings were minted and the coin ceased to be legal tender on 1st January 1961. Farthing facts: • The word ‘farthing’ is derived from an old English word, feorthing, meaning ‘a fourth part’. • The farthing is mentioned in the old nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and lemons’: “You owe me five farthings/Say the bells of St Martins”. While it’s understandable that the public might feel nostalgic towards coins that have been around for hundreds of years, our 1p and 2p coins have been with us for less than half a century. However, the outrage that followed the recent threat to remove them from circulation suggests that we’ll have small change jingling in our pockets for many more years to come.

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

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

Park House Nursing Care Centre, Mill Lane, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1NL T: 01767 692186 E: office@parkhousesandy.org W: www.parkhousecare.com 30

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Beauty

By Kate Duggan

The Best Beauty Gift Sets Beauty gift sets are not all created equal. There are the ones you buy in a panic on Christmas Eve – guaranteed to either end up in a charity shop or forgotten in a cupboard somewhere – and then there’s this little lot… Chocolate lovers will rejoice with this Nature’s Kitchen Double Indulgence Chocolate Gift Box (£24.99, www.lovelula.com). It features the Dark Chocolate Cleansing Butter Fudge Mask and Chocolate Mocha Polishing Scrub, both of which are packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as raw organic cacao, organic Italian roasted coffee beans and organic avocado, and smell delicious.

Fragrance fans will enjoy creating their own perfumed body oil with this Neal’s Yard Remedies Aromatherapy Bespoke Blending Kit (£32, www. nealsyardremedies.com). There are three organic essential oils to choose from – orange, lavender and palmarosa, along with a base oil, mixing bottle and the Little Book of Essential Oils. Know someone who could do with a bit of a break over Christmas? Treat them to the Fearne Cotton Calming Collection (£18, Boots). They’ll get a body wash, body mist, bath bomb, body lotion and candle – all with a fragrance designed to calm the mind and soothe the senses. And, as a bonus, there’s a rather pretty gift bag, so you don’t even need to wrap your gift up if you don’t want to. It can be tricky to choose skincare or make-up for someone. If in doubt, stick to a pretty new

cosmetics bag or a new brush set. The No7 Ultimate Brush Collection (£27, Boots) is a good bet. There’s an uber-soft brush for every makeup requirement, and a pot to keep them all in. Lip gloss fans will love Bobbi Brown’s Glossy Lip Duo (£16, www. bobbibrown.co.uk). Choose from Rosy and Pastel shades, or Bellini and Buff. Or buy both sets to get all four shades, and keep three for yourself. We won’t tell. Frequent travellers will welcome Green People’s Skin Retreat – Comfort & Clarity Collection. There’s a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Cleanser & Make-up Remover, a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Light Day Moisturiser and a 10ml Neutral Scent-Free Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream. All for the bargain price of £15 (www. greenpeople.co.uk). The products are aimed at people with sensitive skin, but they’re great allrounders that will suit most skin types. The 50ml version of the moisturiser is usually £19.50, so you’re pretty much getting the cleanser and 24hour cream for free. Need some small gifts for teachers, colleagues or friends? The Champneys Bubble Heaven Gift Set (from £16 at Boots) contains three of its bestselling bath soaks. As a set, it makes a great present, but it’s also ideal for splitting up into three smaller gifts. Looking for a male grooming gift set? The Mr Festive Gift Set at White Stuff features a Christmas-themed body wash and soap for just £12.50…

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Local News

Give the gift of ‘me-time’ this Christmas at Ragdale Hall Spa This Christmas, why not treat your loved one to a luxurious pampering spa experience they won’t ever forget! Combining state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture, Ragdale Hall Spa offers the most luxurious and extensive spa facilities in the country – including a newly opened Rooftop Infinity Pool (Ragdale Hall’s sixth pool!). All vouchers are valid for a whole year and come beautifully packaged in a presentation pack with a voucher wallet and brochure, ready to place under the Christmas tree. Gift vouchers can be ordered online at www.ragdalehall.co.uk or by telephone on 01664 433030. Still need convincing? Ragdale Hall offers: • State-of-the-art facilities including Rooftop Infinity Pool • Multi-million pound Thermal Spa featuring

Candle Pool, indoor and outdoor Waterfall Pool and a series of heat experiences • Spa days and spa breaks from just a few hours to a full seven days, plus a variety of fitness and specialist breaks • Exercise sessions, gym, mountain bike hire and tennis courts included at no extra charge Ragdale Hall Gift Vouchers can be tailored to suit the lucky recipient; give them a spa day or spa break voucher, or a monetary value voucher they can spend how they choose. And if they’ve already booked their visit, Treatment Vouchers are the perfect way to make their experience even better! Gift vouchers can be ordered online at www.ragdalehall.co.uk or by telephone on 01664 433030.

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At Blush Beauty, we offer a wide variety of beauty therapy treatments including: • Dermaplane • Body Treatments • Glycolic Chemical Peels • Massage • Microneedling • Spray Tans • Mesotherapy • Lashes • LED Light Therapy • Brows • Facials • Waxing

Book by calling 07881 371800 or directly via the Facebook page Blushbeautyroom1 Blushbeautyroomandaesthetics 22 Finzi Grove, Biggleswade, SG18 8UE

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House of Colour

Sporty Styles to Suit Everyone 4.

Are you thinking of starting a new sport or getting fit in the new year? We all know the physical benefits of exercise are numerous, but many of us get put off even starting because we feel self-conscious about how we look, so here are our top sporty styling tips, to help give you that boost of confidence to hit the ground running in 2020! 1. Exercise bras. Whatever the exercise, make sure you are wearing the right bra. Sports bras usually provide three levels of support; low, medium and high depending on your breast size and on the type of the exercise you are doing; for example low support may be required for yoga but high support for running and netball. Wearing the right fitting bra looks better, feels better and can even improve how well we perform during exercise, whilst wearing the wrong bra can result in breast pain and even soft tissue damage. Sports bras are stylish these days so head to a reputable lingerie or department store, get measured and find out what type of support you need. 2. Yoga leggings. Wearing, comfy, supportive and flattering yoga leggings will make you feel more confident and energized. They need to have smooth seams, so they don’t rub and are not too restrictive. Test their flexibility and ensure they are properly opaque! Leggings come in a huge variety of lengths, colours and prints, so have fun choosing a pair in your wow colours or a flattering pattern to reflect your personality. What’s more sports leggings can look fantastic paired with cosy knitwear in your style for relaxing around the house. 3. Swimwear. Don’t be tempted to just go for a dark muted colour thinking it will be more

flattering. By choosing swimmers in your wow colours, your eyes will sparkle and people will be drawn to look at your face, so you don’t need to worry about any stretch marks (not that you should worry, lots of us have them , they are just another gorgeous part of what makes you, you!). Base layers. Use natural fibers for your base layers. Look to buy sports tops made from cotton, bamboo or merino wool is brilliant at wicking away moisture, will keep you warm and is soft on the skin. Choose tops at a length that flatters your proportions but be streamlined and avoid feeling bulky. Try a playful pop of colour contrast between your layers. Water bottle. Choose a reusable, environmentally friendly water bottle, such as BPA free plastic, bamboo or metal and opt for one of your favourite wow colours as your musthave sporty accessory. Sports trainers. Get fitted for the right sports trainers for your foot and body architecture and the type of sports you intend to be doing and select a fabulous colour or gorgeous detail to express your personality. Fashion trainers have to have their own mention because they are also oh so on trend paired with jeans, dresses and skirts and there is an abundance of styles to choose from. Chunky soles can add a little height, but don’t go for extremes if you have shorter legs. If you have wider feet, make sure you choose something that is not restrictive but sleek may be better than super chunky soled trainers. Be sure to shop around. Flatforms may look fab on your friend, but you may be a sparkly sneakers sort of person. Running clothes. If you are a runner you will want leggings that stay in place, so you don’t have to yank your waistband up. Look for a handy inner pocket to pop your house key in. Choose a wind and waterproof jacket in your wow colour with the dual purpose of increasing your visibility on wintry days and looking like you were born to run.

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

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Local News

Are You Feeling Frazzled By The Festive Season? Would you like an energy boost to power through to 2020? The season’s festivities can be great fun but tiring too! Recent stories in the national press have highlighted how Oxygen Therapy can help people to feel more energised – the sessions give them a bit of ‘me time’ too! This can be so important during this hectic time of year. For many, tiredness and/or an abundance of flashing lights can lead to headaches and migraine. Migraine is so much more than simply a headache and affects more than one in six people in the UK. 190,000 migraine attacks are experienced every day in England alone. Oxygen Therapy and Migraine In Oxygen Therapy, pure oxygen is breathed through a mask under pressure in a specially constructed hyperbaric chamber. It is very safe with almost no side effects, unlike much medication. In the treatment of patients with migraine, Oxygen Therapy has been shown to often: • Stop acute attacks of migraine • Reduce intensity of migraine pain • Prevent cluster headache (one-sided pain, usually centred over one eye, one temple or the forehead) (Source: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Trust) To find out more, visit –our website (www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk/oxygen-therapy) and watch our short video about Oxygen Therapy. Do you suffer with migraines? How would less pain affect your life? Try Oxygen Therapy for free! Treat yourself – or a friend – to extra energy this Christmas! You are welcome to visit our Centre and try Oxygen Therapy for free. Simply email oxygen@hmstc.net or call us on 01462 684214.

Would you like more energy and less pain? Try Oxygen Therapy Visit The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth

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Short Story

The Penguin Parade By Jackie Brewster

“Chuck it all in this wheelbarrow,” Barry said. “How many did you manage to get?” “I’ve got Freddie Mercury, Elvis, Prince Philip and Batman,” Phil said, glad to unburden himself of his awkward load of cardboard. “Prince Philip?” Barry snorted. “Who lent you that?” “It’s Theresa’s. Don’t ask me what she does with it. Did you manage to get anyone?” “I’ve got Mr Bean and two Spice Girls,” Barry said proudly. “Found them in a skip. How did Theresa take you working today?” “She’s not delighted.” Phil pushed the loaded wheelbarrow towards the penguin enclosure. “I didn’t tell her I’d volunteered.” “Zoo animals still have to be fed,” Barry said, “even on Christmas day.” “She grumbled, but she’s gone off to my folks.” Phil shrugged. “She’ll have a nice time.” “Let’s get on with it, shall we? Don’t want to keep our stars waiting.” Every day at noon the Humboldt penguins performed their parade. They’d waddle out of their enclosure and over the little bridge for some welldeserved applause from the zoo visitors. It was the highlight of the penguins’ day. But Christmas was the one day of the year the zoo was closed. There would be no audience. Barry and Phil knew that the birds would be disappointed. Last year they sulked for a week. “Let’s set these things out along the fence,” Barry

said, unfolding a life-size cardboard cutout of Elvis. “Should we group them together or spread them out?” “Let’s see how well they stand up,” Phil said. “I don’t want them blowing over, that’ll really freak the birds out.” The penguins were already assembling by their gate and watching the men with interest. “Shall we bother with Batman?” Phil said. “Put him between the Spice Girls,” Barry said. “Have you got the fish?” “Yep.” Phil held up the bucket. “Let’s begin.” Barry undid the padlock and opened the gate. The birds did not move. “It’s not working,” Phil said. “They’re not buying it.” “You’d think they’d be thrilled to parade in front of all these celebrities.” Barry said. “What’s wrong with them?” “We haven’t got enough people,” Barry said. “I swear those birds have done a headcount.” The penguins refused to parade. Mr Bean wobbled over in the wind. “This is a disaster.” Phil forlornly shook the bucket of fish. “After all this effort.” “Phil, wait!” a familiar voice called breathlessly. Phil and Barry turned around to see a group of people jogging towards them. “It’s Theresa!” Phil clapped with joy. “She’s brought the whole family with her.” “We’ve come to support the penguins.” Theresa grinned. “How did you guess?” Phil gave her a hug. “When I saw you’d taken my Philip I put two and two together,” she said. Now that the crowd had grown to an acceptable size, the birds waddled dutifully over their little bridge. Everyone cheered. And if the penguins thought that certain members of the audience seemed a little stiff, they were too polite and professional to mention it.

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The Biggleswade Podiatry and Chiropody Clinic provides treatments for all conditions of the lower limb. Whether it is a routine foot hygiene appointment, biomechanical assessments for orthotics or minor surgery for ingrowing toe nails. We are fully equipped to help with any problem which is presented in the clinic. We offer professional advice and provide specialist treatment for a wide range of common foot problems such as:

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Continued on page 44

Local News

The Red Hat Society The Herts/Beds branch of the Red Hat Society is celebrating its 10 year Anniversary. The chapter called My Fair Ladies recently enjoyed a get together over a meal at the Three Horseshoes, Norton. There was much laughter over the tales of how our ladies had heard about and joined up with the RHS and some sadness about absent friends. The Red Hat Society is a growing “disorganization” of women who meet middle age with humour and enthusiasm. The inspiration behind the Society lies in the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph, about a woman who decides that when she grows old she will wear purple with a red hat and do lot of other things she never could as a ‘sensible adult’. In November 1997, a California woman named Sue Ellen Cooper, inspired by the poem, began giving vintage red hats with a copy of the poem as gifts to her friends when they had their 50th birthdays. The friends passed on more hats to their friends, and soon the group found themselves going out to tea and lunch together dressed in their beautiful red hats complete with purple dresses. Eventually the group became large enough to form a Society, and once the newspapers carried articles about them, the idea spread like wildfire. Ladies everywhere wanted to prove there could be fun after fifty for women of all walks of life. Today, there are about 100 chapters in the UK including My Fair Ladies based on the Herts/Beds border ! So if you are a local lady wanting to improve your social life and fancy some fun, friendship and a little frivolity, you may want to know more about the Redhatters. If so, please contact Pam via email myfairladies2@gmail.com or see the website http://myfairladies-redhatters.weebly.com

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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Have yourself…crisis-free Christmas One Christmas our whole family came down with flu; in other years our dog died, the oven exploded, and we had a power cut, although thankfully not all on the same day! Most Christmases are wonderful but sometimes life gets in the way. With a smidgeon of forethought though, you can make all the difference. First among potential disasters are digestive ones. A plate of salmonella is definitely not top of most people’s Christmas list! Invest in special thermometers for ovens and fridges and check they’re running at the right temperature. Less serious but still unpleasant are tummy upsets caused by over-indulgence of rich food and alcohol. Keep a supply of antacids and rehydration salts in your first aid box. Also stock up on plasters and anti-burn spray because preparing sprouts and getting the turkey in and out of the oven can be surprisingly dangerous tasks, especially after a cocktail or two! Then there are the unavoidable hitches such as illness which, let’s face it, can strike any time, even at Christmas. High temperatures and sore throats are no fun at all. Make sure you have ibuprofen and paracetamol to hand for both juniors and adults. Make two lists of emergency numbers. Include

NHS Direct, an emergency dentist, your gas and electricity suppliers, an emergency plumber, electrician, vet and a locksmith. A garage and taxi service are useful too. Keep one list at home in an easy-to-find place and the other about your person. Don’t forget to buy candles, matches, a flashlight and some batteries just in case of a power cut. Finally, there are the avoidable disasters caused by poor planning. Make sure the car is serviced and full of petrol if you have to travel. If you’re going abroad check all passports are up to date and that the dog or cat will be cared for. For peace of mind use boarding kennels or a professional pet sitter. Burglaries increase around Christmas because thieves know there are rich pickings to be had so check your security. Also check your household insurance is valid and that you have enough cover. Did you know that a third of parents forget to buy batteries for Christmas toys? Avoid disappointment on the day. Run through a check list before you leave the shop: do you need batteries, a battery charger, memory cards, a scart lead or an extra console controller? It’s easy to throw the instructions out with the packaging and wrapping paper so take care, and furthermore, if you think there is something wrong with the gift DO NOT take it to pieces. You will invalidate your warrantee! You can’t prevent all crises. Prepare by all means but try to keep a sense of perspective and humour and hopefully you’ll have a happy Christmas no matter what life throws at you! The year we all had flu we simply postponed Christmas and had the full works a few days later instead when we all felt much better.

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Christmas Party

By Tracey Anderson

The Introvert’s Guide to the Office Christmas Party Office Christmas parties are queer affairs where we drink and socialise with folk we might not choose to drink and socialise with on any other night of the year. At best they offer a bit of cringeworthy fun, at worst they strike fear into our hearts. Introverts in particular struggle with enforced bonhomie at large events. For those of us who aren’t social butterflies, what are our options? Do we have to endure the occasion, or might it be possible to enjoy it? Dutch courage may seem like the only way to get through the evening but tanking up on alcohol will almost certainly make things worse. Although it’s a party in name, remember this is a workrelated event so limit your alcohol intake to ensure you remain in control of your faculties, especially if under the influence you feel you might be tempted to give vent to your feelings of frustration at being passed over for promotion! A good rule of thumb is no more than two alcoholic drinks at any work function...even a festive one. It is estimated that at least 25% of the population are introverts so at least a quarter of your coworkers probably feel like you do about the party. Look for people standing on the edge, fidgeting with their glass and looking awkward. These are your people so take a deep breath and strike up a conversation with them. Concentrate on effective eye contact when you introduce yourself. Get into the habit of noticing the other person’s eye colour. Don’t worry about remembering it or commenting on it, just notice it. This helps to create an instant non-verbal connection and build rapport. It makes you seem confident, trustworthy and likeable. Have a few safe conversation topics in your armoury: good ones are the weather, movies, restaurants, books (you can either find common ground or ask for and offer recommendations), and light news topics (steer clear of Brexit though, and anything to do with the election). Also avoid work talk, that’s not the point of the event. If you’re stuck in a conversation with someone you find offensive, dull or with whom you have nothing in common it can be hard to keep a conversation going. A polite ‘So nice to chat with you, catch you later...’ should be an adequate sign-

off as you make your leave. The point of a party is to mingle so this won’t seem unfriendly. Remember - even if you would rather undergo root canal surgery than attend the office party it’s worth showing your face. Go along, have a drink and a mince pie then make a polite-but-early exit if you really can’t cope. People won’t generally mind or even remember that you left early but they might question why you didn’t show up at all.

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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Man Trouble! It might be your dad, your brother or your favourite uncle. If you don’t want to buy socks but you’re darned (excuse the pun) if you do know what to buy them, you need our handy guide. Too cool – If your problem recipient is too cool for a mundane gift try Rough Trade’s Album Club (www.roughtrade.com/gb). Each month your lucky man will receive a package containing the must-have album of the moment on cd or LP your choice. For genuine cool it’s hard to beat. Gift subscriptions start at £36 for three months. Too stylish – If a chap has a unique style it can be tough to choose anything guaranteed to appeal to his sartorial side. A few years ago, I discovered Bivolino (www.bivolino.com). Here your man can design his own shirt in 3D and have it custom made. The site has style advice and hints and tips on designing. It’s actually rather addictive and I guarantee that if fashion is his thing, he’ll have fun. E-vouchers start at £23.

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Business

By Robert Grant

Crowd Cuckoo Land

Can you trust crowdfunding? Every day some new gadget appears that we never knew we needed. Many of these new innovations are from the big companies, but more are now originating from micro businesses which use crowdfunding to raise their start-up cash. But what is crowdfunding and is it safe to buy from a company that may still be designing your gadget? Crowdfunding is replacing some of the more traditional ways which raised money to fund the development of an idea into a saleable product. Instead of borrowing from a bank or mortgaging their homes, entrepreneurs ask people like you to buy their products whilst they are still at the design stage. Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have sprung up to highlight campaigns and manage the funding process. You can browse people’s ideas, monitor progress, view promo videos and then choose from a range of purchase options to donate your cash and help the project get going. And this is where crowdfunding is not the same as buying a product. You give your money to the company and they promise to deliver your purchase as soon as they can. They don’t guarantee to deliver, nor to give you back your money if they fail. So, there are some risks to crowdfunding. From big ideas to tiny niche products it’s all there. By purchasing before the launch you’ll get a great discount on the final retail price and earn a warm

feeling that you really did help bring a product into existence. If you don’t want to buy an item, you can usually donate a small amount and receive some token thank you merchandise in return. Keep in mind that these projects are still mostly on the drawing board. Some sites like Kickstarter require the designers to have a prototype and be totally open about the state of the project; others don’t. Read all the documentation and update information before parting with your cash. All projects carry the risk that the idea won’t reach the manufacture stage, or that the developers will run off with the cash! Delivery dates are generally over optimistic with most projects falling at least a little behind, so don’t back a project with a delivery date in November if you need it for Christmas. Crowdfunding has produced some great success stories. Pebble Watches raised over $20 million for its first smart watch and became a leader in that field before being bought out by Fitbit. The Exploding Kittens game raised $9 million and is now selling through major high street shops. But others haven’t done as well. Ellio Motors raised $17 million for its 3-wheeler car but managed to burn through the cash and never produced a single vehicle. So, take a look at what’s out there, but do your homework and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Five Smart Ways to Pay for Christmas The cost of Christmas can take away some of the magic of the festive season if you’re not careful, as well as causing serious financial problems well into the New Year. Saving in advance is obviously the ideal, but if you’ve not been able to do so for this Christmas, there may still be an option that can reduce your credit card bill a little. 1. 0% purchase credit cards If your credit rating is good you may be able to obtain a credit card with 0% interest to pay for your Christmas purchases this year. You need to be careful not to miss a payment on the card, however, as you’ll lose the interest-free deal and will have to pay a high rate of interest on the remaining balance. 2. Regular savings accounts Regular savings accounts allow you to save a little money each month, and are a tried-and-trusted way to ease the pressure on your finances. They also offer a higher rate of interest than ‘standard’ savings accounts. Typically, you’ll need to hold a current account alongside the regular saver so it may be worthwhile switching banks if necessary. At the time of writing, 5% interest is available on some regular savings accounts, including First Direct and M&S Bank.¹ 3. Instant-access savings accounts Saving for Christmas in an instant-access savings account means your money isn’t tied up if you need it during the year. This can be both a blessing and a curse, however, particularly if you think you might spend the money on non-essentials. Although savings interest rates are currently very low, an easy access savings account does offer

more flexibility, whilst also providing a safe place for your money that’s separate from the everyday funds in your current account. 4. Credit unions Credit unions are non-profit financial organisations that sometimes offer Christmas savings clubs to their members. Similar to ‘traditional’ Christmas clubs, access to your savings is restricted until a few weeks before Christmas, and you can save in a number of ways. Crucially, credit union savings accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the same way as bank and building society accounts.² 5. Piggy bank or money jar If you’re disciplined with money and know you won’t be tempted to spend it during the year, a piggy bank could provide the answer to Christmas saving. Regularly emptying your pockets or purse of change adds up to a surprising amount if you start in January and save throughout the year. With so many beautifully decorated coin jars and money pots now available, it can be fun to save in this way. You could even buy novelty piggy banks for the children so they learn the habit of saving, or help them decorate their own mason jar. If you start in the New Year and save regularly you’ll easily save for some or all of next Christmas’s expenses, breathing a sigh of relief when you’re debt-free in January. ¹ www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/best-regularsavings-accounts ² https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/creditunions

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Design and build your dream bathroom or kitchen. Are you up for the challenge? Henlow Building Supplies is a longstanding and respected name in Biggleswade. The firm began in Henlow High Street 40 years ago as a tile shop with a builders’ merchant behind, moving to its current Biggleswade premises on Pegasus Drive opposite the retail park 14 years ago. A renowned one-stop shop for all your building needs, the company has now launched a new venture – HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms - in a dedicated purpose-built showroom upstairs. The move into bathrooms and kitchens has been a natural progression for the company who offers

Chris 56

hundreds of different wall and floor tile options, as well as new innovations like Wetwall shower panels and luxury Karndean vinyl flooring. Sitting somewhere between companies that supply and fit and those that simply sell to trade, Henlow Building Supplies is not only competitively priced, but will work directly with customers to create exactly the kitchen or bathroom they want using the fitter or builder of their choice. “Our aim is to build the relationship between trade, installer and customer and to manage those relationships so that the project goes smoothly” says Chris Curson, managing director. “We leave the installing up to the experts, saving you

Madeleine

Jon

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money and allowing us to focus on getting the design just right, although we recommend your installer takes a look before ordering. “If you need help finding an installer you can trust, we are happy to suggest plumbers or tilers that we have worked with before on previous projects.” Being an independent builders’ merchant, the HBS team knows the whole construction process inside out which is where they are invaluable to their customers. A family firm, Chris’s father David started the company in 1978 (before moving into an associated company, Henlow Bridge Lakes that specialises in camping, caravanning and fishing). Paul joined the enterprise in 2000 after studying construction and business at college respectively. The friendly family atmosphere permeates throughout the staff, many of whom have worked for the company for years. Starting her first job in the tile shop 21 years ago, Madeleine Major has been a part of the company since it was based in Henlow and still enjoys being a member of what she describes as “such a happy team”. HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms’ product range offers trade quality kitchen and bathrooms at good, better and best price points including showers, baths, WCs, basins, towel warmers, taps and tiles. Some items are available to take away from the warehouse the same day with free local delivery if the item is too bulky to collect. But that isn’t all. Jon Every, kitchen planner with over 25 experience explains: “We are not limited to the

products on display in our showroom. We can normally obtain almost any brand or made-to-order item, especially bespoke kitchen carcass and fascia sizes that high street competitors cannot provide.” At HBS, there is something to suit every budget, from residential to commercial projects. For example, you can buy a whole bathroom suite for just £250 including taps from stock but on the other hand, if you want to splash out on something fancier, the company is a displaying outlet for Laura Ashley, Roper Rhodes, RAK and Porcelanosa products. You can also buy a select range of wall and floor tiles from the warehouse at bulk rate. HBS takes an interest in the results of every project and loves to see customers’ before and after photos, so much so, the company has set up a Pinterest board on social media that includes Customer Case Studies and Real Bathroom Makeovers as well as lots of design inspiration. Ideas can also be found in their new upstairs showroom that has displays with on-trend colours for bathrooms and the latest kitchen innovations.

Henlow Building Supplies 3A Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswsade SG18 8QA Tel: 01767 312800 Email: sales@henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk Facebook: @HenlowBuildingSupplies Pinterest: Building 57 To advertise in The Villager and Town LifeHenlow please call 01767 261122 Supplies

Garden View

The Holly and the Ivy The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood the holly bears the crown. There’s no doubt that holly and ivy are synonymous with Christmas. This dates back to pre-Christian era when pagans used evergreen decorations in their mid-winter celebrations. It’s not hard to see why they were attracted to these beautiful plants which offer a promise of better times to come during the most barren time of the year. Early Christians adopted them too and imbued holly particularly with Christian symbolism. In the carol, ivy isn’t actually mentioned again until the last verse which is a repeat of the first. It has a cameo role because of earlier songs, such as ‘The Contest of The Ivy and The Holly,’ in which the attributes of holly (male) and ivy (female) are compared. Our ancestors lived close to the earth and the seasons and were open to symbolism. As modern gardeners we might be sceptical of the symbolism, but we can embrace the glory of these seasonal plants. Ivy (Hedera) comes in many sizes, from the tinyleaved ‘Spetchley’ to the hand-sized leaves of ‘Maple Leaf’. It also comes in a beautiful variety of colours from the rich green, crimped leaves of ‘Parsley crested’ which makes great ground cover, to the gorgeous red-stemmed yellow leaves of the climber ‘Sunrise’.

By Rachael Leverton

For winter baskets I’d recommend the lime-green ‘Ursula’ and her grey-leaved friend ‘Frederick’. Ivy is a doddle to grow. There are only a few things to remember. Cut it back in spring to encourage new growth and take cuttings between October and March when the growth is woody. Yellow varieties need sunshine and don’t let any of it grow into your eaves. Other than that, it is your undemanding gardening friend. Holly (Ilex) is pretty easy-going too. It will grow almost anywhere except really water-logged soil. It’s tolerant of pollution, salt and wind and grows really slowly, so it’s great for small gardens in the city and by the sea. Protect it from rabbits if they frequent your garden as they love to eat the bark. Trim it in August if you have to and remove plain green shoots on variegated varieties. Take cuttings in the late summer or autumn. It does resent root disturbance once it’s established so make sure you plant it in the right place first time. Hollies are male or female but not necessarily named to help you distinguish. ‘Silver Queen’ is actually male and ‘Martin’ is female! You’ll need both for berries so talk to an expert at the nursery or garden centre to be sure…or google the answer on your phone! If you only have room for one holly bush, grow a self-fertile variety such as ‘J C Van Tol’.

Happy Gardening

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Gardening & Wildlife

Rural Ramblings The Case of The Blind Bulb This is the time of year when I always forget to plan ahead and check through the bulb catalogues and be amazed at the range of varieties on offer. The close-up, high definition photographs are so tempting, but usually I forget to make an order or leave it far too late in the year for planting. This year I will try to be better organised. Many bulb suppliers offer a choice of sizes as well as varieties. The bigger bulbs have more food stored and usually produce better planting…… time for a little boring but possibly useful basic botany to explain the secret life of the daffodil and it’s cousins. Bulbs are called herbaceous perennials because they are non-woody and live for more than two years. They survive the winter by sending food down to their underground storage organ which consists of a ring of scale leaves surrounding (usually) an embryonic flower bud. What food does the bulb store and why does it do this? The food which is first formed is glucose sugar and is made in the leaves during the summer. It is then moved underground later in the summer as the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. It is then turned into starch in the swelling bulb. The following spring, the process is reversed and the starch is turned back to sugar and transported upwards to help the young leaves and extending flower to grow rapidly in spring even when normal growing conditions are not ideal because the light and temperature are low. Still awake?? This is useful to know because it hopefully explains why it’s important to leave all the leaves on to die back naturally after flowering to enable the bulb to re-plennish their food reserves for the FOLLOWING spring . In my opinion, watering, feeding and giving them as much light as possible during the growing

season will help to fatten the bulb and maintain flowering for future years. It is a bit like putting spare cash in the bank and leaving it there until next year when it can be withdrawn to help feed the family. If you grow your bulbs in the shade or they do not get enough water and nutrients in early summer and the leaves are tied up or removed before the food can be made and sent below, the flowering for the following year will become less and less resulting in decreasing flowers or even “blind” bulbs. Eventually they could disappear altogether and that is certainly not what we want!

By Geoff Wharton

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Christmas Presents 1. In a well known children’s story, who does CindyLou Who catch stealing Christmas presents? 2. Launched in the run-up to Christmas in 1983, which toys were said to have been born at Babyland General Hospital? 3. In the 2013 TV advert for John Lewis, what did the hare get the bear as a Christmas present? 4. At the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what does Scrooge arrange to be sent anonymously to the Cratchit family? 5. In the film Gremlins, what name does Billy give to the Mogwai he receives as a Christmas present?

6. On the TV show South Park, who brings presents to children whose diets have been high in fibre? 7. “I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree” is a line from which well known Christmas song? 8. In the 1996 film Jingle All the Way, what is the name of the toy that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is desperately trying to get for his son as a Christmas present? 9. Which 1997 novel by Terry Pratchett features a Santa Claus-like title character who gives presents to children on December 32nd? 10. What is the final item that the singer asks Santa for in the song Santa Baby?

1. The Grinch (in How The Grinch Stole Christmas) 2. Cabbage Patch Kids 3. An alarm clock 4. A turkey 5. Gizmo 6. Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo 7. All I Want For Christmas Is You (by Mariah Carey) 8. Turbo-Man 9. The Hogfather 10. A ring (“Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring”)

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Gardening

Pruning Perfection Winter is perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants (except if it is really icy or frosty), so get stuck in now that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are bare of leaves. Remember that for pruning to really benefit the plant, you need the right tools. For a small expanse of hedge or a shrub that needs reshaping, a good, sharp pair of well-oiled shears should do the job. When cutting along a hedge top, a guide line – such as a taut string – will help you get a neat, level surface. For larger hedges use a powered hedge cutter or hedge trimmer. Use ‘loppers’ for removal of stems at various heights and of varying thicknesses. These are available with various handle lengths (some have telescopic handles), so that you can reach higher. For relatively thick stems they are better than shears or secateurs and allow for accurate cutting. Wear goggles and ideally protective headgear if you have to cut back branches above your head. Everybody needs a pair of good-quality sharp secateurs for pruning smaller woody stems. Always cut to an outward-facing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards). Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems, for formative pruning (to ensure the plant grows in the right direction), and for pruning to encourage flowering. A proper pruning saw is necessary for pruning out or tidying up larger branches on trees and shrubs and is perfect for fruit trees. Use a sawing action for best results and make the pruning cut a few

By Pippa Greenwood

millimetres or so away from the main stem from which the branch you are removing is joined. A cut like this will heal quicker and is less prone to fungal rotting. MORE PRUNING TIPS • Always check the best pruning time for your plants – most hedges and many shrubs can be cut back now, but you may impact the flowering potential of others. • Some trees, mainly those in the Prunus family – such as edible and ornamental cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines – are prone to the potentially fatal fungal ‘silver leaf’ infection, and should be pruned in the summer months. • Pruning tools must be really sharp – blunt tools mean more effort and the risk of damage to the plant. • Create sloping cuts with secateurs, loppers and saws to prevent moisture accumulating (wetness encourages wood rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud to allow new growth without dieback. • Stand back from time to time when pruning, to let you see how you are affecting the overall shape of the plant. At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, tools, planters, raised bed kits and the “Grow Your Own with Pippa” system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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Pets

Pretty Christmas Trimmings That Can Harm Your Pets

The glitz and glitter of Christmas is so pretty that it’s easy to forget the potential dangers of our festive trimmings, so here are some of the possible hazards that may threaten your pet at this time of year. Spray snow Spray snow looks very pretty but it does contain chemicals that are harmful to animals. If your cat or dog licks the substance they could suffer from sickness and diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal problems. Tinsel Tinsel can cause a blockage in the intestines if eaten, and might require a trip to the vet to clear the blockage. Glitter The sparkle of glitter is very attractive to pets, but glitter is easily ingested. The tiny pieces can also lodge in their eyes and set up a nasty irritation.

By Ann Haldon

Baubles Glass baubles present a serious danger to pets if broken, and also pose a choking hazard. Fairy lights Your pet can be electrocuted by fairy lights if bitten through, but there’s also a danger they could become tangled in the lights and be unable to free themselves if they’re alone in the house. Silica gel Silica gel sachets are very small and your pet may eat them without you noticing. These sachets can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Whilst not wishing to diminish the joy of Christmas, it pays to make sure your pets are safe this festive season. Many of these trimmings aren’t obviously hazardous but they do have the potential to cause serious harm. burgesspetcare.com/blog/post.php?s=2017-1204-christmas-perils

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal Woody Woody is an extremely affectionate Greyhound/Saluki cross. An older dog but very young for his age. So often we see older dogs abandoned and it can be very confusing for them and cause a great deal of stress in the shelter. Woody loves human contact and closeness. He finds it hard to settle if left alone and so is looking for a home where he will have company for all or most of the day. Despite his age he still loves a long walk and to chase a ball. He has very few teeth left and the two bottom ones he has protrude, giving him a quirky and lovable smile that has made him a favourite at the shelter. Woody would not be suitable for a home with cats or small mammals and although he gets on well with other dogs, he can be a little greedy so would need to be fed separately if kept with other dogs If you can offer this gentle boy a home, please contact Julie on 01763 289827 View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf 07/06/2015 13:34:43 Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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Ask Alan

A commonly asked question at this time of year: How can I keep my pets safe and happy through the holiday period? We all enjoy December with the social whirl approaching Christmas, but for pets, this can be a very challenging time. Not only do they have to deal with fireworks and cold weather, but also with guests in the house and the change of routine and diet which often happens. As winter progresses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Remember to use visible clothing and collars when out walking and clean and dry dogs as soon as the walk is over. Consider coats and foot covers for short coated breeds. Cats may not want to go out in bad weather so consider having more litter trays around the house. For our rabbits and guinea pigs we can ensure hutches are under cover and well insulated. Relieve the stress of lots of people and bustle by ensuring that pets have quiet places where they can go where they go and not be disturbed. You can also use pheromone diffusers and L-tryptophan medication.

Pets Be careful with food. Chocolate, raisins and onions are all poisonous for pets. Fatty food and cooked bones can cause severe intestinal problems. Pets will often play with and swallow objects left on the floor like batteries, tinsel and baubles. Taking a few minutes to pet proof your decorations can avoid many unintended consequences. With a little forethought and planning there is no reason why you and your pets cannot have a wonderful, pleasant and peaceful holiday period. 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

Feeding Garden Birds During the Winter to visiting your garden, and may struggle to find alternative sources of food should you suddenly stop. Scrub your feeders regularly in hot soapy water, and give them a good rinse. Clear away any accumulations of droppings or spilled seeds. Keep feeders free of wet or mouldy foods. Why not try making this tasty recipe for the wildlife in your garden this winter.

Fat Cakes for Birds

Feeding birds in our gardens is possibly the most popular way for people to interact with nature. Most people do it during the cold winter months in order to help the birds survive. Around 75% of UK households feed the birds in their gardens. Winter can be a difficult time for wildlife. Temperatures plummet and food becomes very difficult to find. But we can lend a helping hand and provide sources of food for birds to turn to in the tough winter months. So what should we be feeding our feathery friends? Is there anything else we can be doing for them apart from putting food out regularly? • Provide appropriate seeds and grains (like nyjer, millet, oats, and sunflower seeds). • Only feed peanuts if they’re unsalted, fresh and sold for human consumption or by a reputable feed shop. • Why not try cooked pasta or rice, boiled potatoes, cheese, uncooked and unsalted bacon rind, raisins and sultanas. • Net-free fat or suet balls attract a wide range of species and provide a great boost of calories. • Apples, pears and soft fruits are popular and are a great autumn food. • Insects such as mealworms or waxworms. It is best to place feeders up high, above the height at which a cat can reach. Avoid leaving food on the ground, as any small mammals and birds eating it will become vulnerable to cats. Keep water bowls full of clean water. Check them regularly especially during frosty or snowy periods. Once you start putting food out for the birds, try to keep it up. Try to keep regularly topping up the feeders. The birds you are feeding will get used

What you need: Equipment Bowl, saucepan, spoon, string, old yoghurt pots. Ingredients Lard, unsalted peanuts, currants, sultanas, oats, breadcrumbs, cake crumbs, grated cheese. Method 1) The ideal ratio for this recipe is one part fat to two parts dry. Mix together all of your dry ingredients in a bowl. 2) Melt some lard in a pan and add the dry mix. Next stir really well until the fat has all been absorbed and the mixture binds and sticks together. 3) Make a small hole in the bottom of an old yoghurt pot and thread a piece of string through it. Tie a knot at the bottom of the string to keep it in place. 4) Now carefully spoon the warm fat mixture into the pot and gently press it down. 5) Leave the fat cakes to solidify by placing them in the fridge. 6) Once they have set carefully cut the pot off the fat cake. 7) Finally, hang the cake in a tree or bush for your feathery friends to enjoy.

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Parenting

By Kate Duggan - www.kateduggan.co.uk

Christmas Eve Boxes child, add it to their Christmas Eve box. Again, you might be able to grab a bargain on Christmas Eve, but if you’d rather not face the queues, try supermarkets, as they’ve really upped their game in recent years.

Planning a Christmas Eve box this year, but can’t decide what to put in it? Maybe we can help… Pyjamas Many of us give out the Christmas PJs right at the start of the month – to get as much wear out of them as possible. If you haven’t, then you may well be able to pick up a bargain in the days leading up to the 25th, as retailers often reduce their Christmas stock.

Slippers Cosy slippers will prove popular long after Boxing Day. If you’re splashing out, Moccis are a good choice. These hand-sewn moccasin slippers are ethically made in Sweden and available for babies right up to adults. A Christmas Day outfit If you’re planning a special Christmas Day outfit for your

A sweet treat Whether you go for a packet of sweets, a gingerbread figure or a sachet of hot chocolate, a sweet treat is likely to prove the most popular gift in the box. And let’s face it, your child isn’t going to get to sleep early anyway, so a bit of sugar isn’t likely to make too much difference. A book There are numerous Christmas tales to choose from. ‘The Jolly Christmas Postman’ is usually a winner with children under six, as it comes complete with extra mini-gifts, including a game and jigsaw. Then there’s ‘The Girl Who Saved Christmas’ and ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ for older children.

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A small toy, game or activity Choose a game you can all play together as a family, such as Dobble, or an activity to keep them quiet for five minutes while you finish preparing for t he big day. A memento Why not add a Christmas-themed memento to be brought out again year after year? This could be a small decoration for your child to hang on the tree, a mug to drink that hot chocolate from, or a plate for Santa’s mince pie. Other little gifts If your Christmas Eve box is still looking a bit empty, you could pop in some trinkets, stationery or accessories. We love the notebooks and badges from The Kindness Co-op.

George at ASDA Christmas Eve box, £2 Moccis, from £25, www.moccis.co.uk F&F cardigan, Sainsbury’s The Jolly Christmas Postman, £12.99 Father Christmas decoration, £5, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Santa dress up mug, £8, River Island

Motoring

Lexus Luxury Goes Beyond Looks Lexus’ UX 250 will certainly turn heads, and not from the noise. Its striking looks and angles make for a distinctive and arresting aesthetic. The rear lamps connect in a high-tech looking full-width strip. Triggered by ambient light levels, the auto-illuminating front LED lights give the aggressive front a poised stance, and the huge front grille that wraps around the front is unlike anything else on the market. Interior - The front of the UX’s cabin is where Lexus excels. The space feels generous and welcoming, and material quality is excellent. As usual, Lexus touts its superior craftsmanship – called Takumi – and named the top-end trim package after it. Several other trim options are available, as well as the standard model. The seats are comfortable, but rear space is limited. Passenger storage is reasonable, but not superb. There’s a smallish glovebox and front door bins, along with a central armrest cubby and a couple of cup holders. Rear-seat passengers are served with a couple of map pockets but no door bins. The Drive - The UX combines precise steering with good body control and resilient grip to feel quite keen in corners. It doesn’t wobble the way a tall SUV might, due to its lower centre of gravity. This combined with a seating position lower than other SUVs, the UX feels more car-like to manoeuvre. The brake pedal can feel awkward, owing to the hybrid system trying to balance regenerative braking to charge the battery with conventional deceleration. Speaking of the hybrid system, it features a new four-cylinder 176bhp 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain with direct-shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is self-charging and benefits from regenerative braking, so there’s no plug to

worry about. Economy estimates of 68.9-65.7mpg and emissions of 96-103g/km CO2 (for the 17- and 18-inch wheel front-wheel drive models) should prove useful in driving down your carbon footprint. Infotainment System - Lexus’ unique infotainment system can leave users wanting. The sat nav, for example, is awkward and notoriously fiddly. It’s an older postcode-based system, which makes searching by house or road number first impossible, and a limited database prevents some destinations from being entered. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto either, despite there being two USB ports available. A highly sensitive mousemat-like controller is used somewhat erratically to select options on screen. Luckily, the UX’s panel of physical buttons below the dash offer more conventional controls for climate and more. Key specs • Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, twin electric motor • Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive • Power: 179bhp • 0-60mph: 8.5 seconds • Top speed: 110mph • Economy/CO2: 53.3mpg/97g/km For • Very comfortable seats make for great long or short drives • Hybrid powertrain helps keep tax cost and emissions down • Peppy drive from a CVT gearbox • Low CO2 Emissions Against • Cramped rear seat and storage space • Poor towing ability • Difficult to use on-board tech • No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

Traditional Christmas style Our top tips for festive decorating will help you create a warm and welcoming look. A wreath on the front door A decorative essential for the Christmas season, a front-door wreath provides a wonderful festive welcome for visitors. There is an enormous variety of ready-made wreaths to choose from: classic or contemporary, heart-shaped or circular, small or large, utterly simple or lavish and complexâ&#x20AC;Ś or why not make your own, using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the garden?

An impressive tree Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular Christmas tree is the Nordmann fir, which will stay fresh for ages provided it gets enough water. The Norway spruce is less expensive, but tends to drop needles unless watered frequently. When buying a cut tree, ask the seller to saw half an inch off the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water. Before decorating, trim away any low-down or interior branches that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need, and position your tree away from

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sunny windows and radiators. Wind with an even distribution of lights and garlands (use a stepladder if necessary, and stand back regularly to assess), then add baubles and other ornaments, making sure to hang some in the centre of branches as well as at the tips, to create a sense of depth and interest. Mantelpieces, balustrades and pictures Drape generous armfuls of fir, ivy, holly and lush green foliage along mantelpieces and wind

among balustrades – you could even add them along the tops of pictures. Where appropriate, add pine cones, baubles, strings of tiny LED lights and maybe some small, battery-operated candles for a gorgeous, glowing display. Candles, candles everywhere Nothing says Christmas like warm, flickering candlelight – even better when the candles are scented. Stay safe and keep them away from decorations, though, and always remember to extinguish them before going to bed or leaving the house. Better still, use battery-operated candles, LED for low energy usage and very little heat, in the form of tea lights, pillars or bridge decorations. Piles of presents Presents under the tree look so much better when colourcoordinated and criss-crossed with ribbons and bows.

Inexpensive paper – even brown paper or newsprint – looks lovely if adorned with a home-made label, and avoiding metallic papers, which can’t be recycled, is good for the planet, too. You could even consider wrapping in fabric or employing a reusable box. For a finishing touch, add a tiny pine cone, small bauble or home-made iced biscuit. Setting the table Laying the table can be a pleasing ritual that results in an eye-catching display. Start by setting out a special runner and your best crockery, perhaps with plates that layer in colour or that include edgings of gold. Carefully position glassware and cutlery, and finish with greenery, pine cones, candles, baubles and other small-scale decorations, plus hand-written place settings. Hang up some stockings Children especially love to hang a stocking for Santa, but there’s no reason why adults can’t get in on the act, too – the effect is so charming, after all. If you don’t have a handy mantelpiece, try a peg rail, branch, coat hooks, along the banisters or specially bought stocking hooks. Arrangements of cards Don’t Christmas cards seem to arrive earlier each year? Despite the emergence of digital alternatives, they are still a lovely way both to keep in touch

with friends and family and to decorate your home. Give some thought as to how best to display them, whether it be neat rows on a shelf or mantelpiece (tall at the back, small at the front), tucked into mirrors and picture frames, stapled to ribbons and hung alongside the staircase (weight the end of the ribbon with a bauble or pine cone) or perhaps from rows of string using mini wooden pegs. Decorative displays As the festive season gets under way, additional decorative flourishes will start to signal the countdown to Christmas. Go to town with illuminated ornaments or keep it simple with a few poinsettias in pots, some bowls of clove-studded oranges and a few baubles or fairy lights bundled into a glass bowl or vase for a pretty, sparkly effect.

1. These metallic Christmas stockings feature a Moroccan-inspired design in gold foil. They are available in white or grey and can be personalised. Gold metallic Moroccan-print Christmas stockings, £59 each, Penelope Hope: 01481 721 410; www.penelopehope.com. 2. Ten warm white LED Christmas tree candle lights, £19.99; TruGlow LED pillar candles, from £7.99 each; wooden candle bridge, £11.99; all Lights4fun.co.uk: 01423 816 040; www. lights4fun.co.uk. Photograph Oliver Perrott 3. This beautiful door wreath weaves red berries with foliage in greens and silver-grey to welcome Christmas guests over the threshold. Foliage and berry wreath, £85, The Real Flower Company: 01730 818 300; www.realflowers.co.uk. 82

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Motoring

What Makes You Tick? I have always been intrigued by people’s choice of car. Why drive a Renault? Why run a sports-car? Why in red or silver? Actor and funny-man Stephen Fry owned a black London taxi. He said it was convenient for about-town driving, with its turn-on-a sixpence capability and room for five and all their luggage in the back. But is that his whole reason? Personally, I’m not sure if the convenience of such a runabout is outweighed by the inconvenience of tourists constantly flagging you down but hey, each to their own.

4 x 4s, SUVs, ‘Chelsea Tractors’? Come on owners. What made you brave the environmentalist death threats and buy one? Please don’t answer, “I had the safety of my children/grand-children in mind”. If you’ve read the reports on what a 4-wheel drive can do to its occupants in a head-on shunt, I don’t think you would be saying that. So, what really made you buy one? Are you an executive? Was a BMW or an Audi forced on you by the status of your job when secretly you wanted a Lexus or a Kia? I‘ve read of families overstretching themselves to run a new plate A Class Merc, just to stick it on the drive to impress the neighbours – it doesn’t surprise me. So over to you, and be honest with yourselves, because the choice of car you drive can say so much more about you to others than you think.

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n O s ’ t Wha In December

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

30 November-3 December Sandy Christmas Tree Festival Sandy Parish Church on Sat & Sun 12 noon-7pm, Mon & Tues 3.30-7pm Free entry. A fabulous display of imaginatively decorated Christmas Trees created by the local community. Live festive music and refreshments available during the weekend. 1 December Biggleswade Carnival Children’s Christmas Disco 3-5pm Biggleswade Social Club Tel: 07722761140 www.biggleswade-carnival.org 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 December Hare & Hounds Hash House Harriers 11am H5 are a social running and walking club for mixed abilities, meeting every week in the Bedfordshire area. The trail is set by our hare from a local pub and typically lasts 1 hour covering between 3 and 4 miles. Family and dog friendly. Email: info@h5hashers.org.uk Web: www.H5hashers.org.uk

3, 10 & 17 December 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

3, 10 & 17 December 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

5 December Moggerhanger Walkers Held on the 1st Thursday in the month. Weather dependent. Linda and Alan decide close to the date on the details and let people know by email. If you would like to be on their email list, or you have found a new walk to do or you would simply like more information, Linda and Alan Heath would be pleased to hear from you. Tel: 01767 640798 Email: alanheath@gmail.com 5 December Sandy Astronomical Society Mama’s Coffee Shop General meeting. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ groups/SandyAstronomicalSociety

5 December Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 4 December 10-10.40am Sutton Village Hall Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds. 1pm Princess Charlotte Room, Shuttleworth Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, Visitors £5 inc. raffle ticket. ‘The Troubled Birth of sensory and role play. First session free. Tel: 07981 the British Fighter 1911-18’ with Greg Baughen. The 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 27 & 30 December group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs ‘Open Door’ 10-11.30am Enjoy lunch in the Shuttleworth restaurant before Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street the meeting.Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Tea/coffee and chat on Mondays, Wednesdays and Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 5 December Fridays. All welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm 4 December The Kier Suite, Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay 2, 9, 16 & 23 December Sandy Night Owls Women’s Institute Visitors £3 inc. refreshments Ballroom and Latin Dance Classes 7.30pm Sandy Conservative Club AGM followed by Festive Social. 7.30-9.30pm Sutton Village Hall Visitors £4. Meets on the first Wednesday of each £9 per person. For adult beginners. Come along for month (except August). Friendly group where 5, 12 & 19 December a fun evening and learn to dance, especially if you guests will receive a warm welcome and enjoy a Amici Singers have two left feet. Tel: 07958 877440 varied programme and refreshments. 7.30-9.45pm Trinity Methodist Church, Email: info@learn2dancesandy.co.uk Email: sandynightowlswi@gmail.com Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Membership £15 per term (£45 per year) 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December 4 & 11 December The Amici Singers, a women’s chorus of 60 voices, Branch Out Social Club for Single People Mums and Dads Coffee Morning meets on Thursday evenings under the Direction 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin 9-10am Moggerhanger Church of Douglas Coombes MBE. We welcome all voices Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a Bring your pre-school children with you. Toys and ages and there aren’t any auditions. If you are medium-sized Social Club for single people. The club available in the church. Tea/coffee, juice, biscuits interested to join or for more information please organises regular events, day and weekend trips and £1 with fruit juice for your pre-school children. This contact any choir member or Carole. You will be holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 can be a good time to meet friends, have impromptu assured of a warm and friendly welcome. Web: www.branch-out.org.uk meetings, plan your next commitments, etc. Tel: Carole Lindsay-Douglas 01767 2603661 3 December Hatley Coffee Morning 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall Come along for a chat, coffee/tea and a slice of cake. Everyone welcome. Donations on the day. All donations split between Hatley Village Hall and Hatley St George Church. First Tuesday of the month. 3, 10 & 17 December Biggleswade Board Game Group 7.30-10.30pm George’s Hall, 67 High Street, Biggleswade Meets every Tuesday to play modern board games in a friendly atmosphere. New and experienced players welcome - bring your own games or try something new, there are always plenty available to play. Facebook: Biggleswade Board Game Group

4 & 11 December Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sandy Methodist Church Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds. Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, sensory and role play. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs 4, 11 & 18 December Ivel Bereavement Support Centre 10am-12 noon The Community Rooms, Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade Has a loved one died? Are you struggling coming to terms with it? Perhaps we can help you at our drop in centre on Wednesdays. Tel: Linda 07704734225

6, 13 & 20 December Get Fit Keep Fit 9.30-10.30am Moggerhanger Village Hall £5. Join Tina or Josh as they take you through a light-hearted sequence with a warm-up, exercises designed to improve muscular fitness, brain coordination, balance and general well-being, then a cool-down. It’s not over-strenuous; it’s fun and makes you feel good. Why not come and join us? Tel: Tony or Judith on 01767 640124 6, 13 & 20 December Lego Club 3.45-5pm Potton Library Love Lego? Come along and get building! Every Friday afternoon.

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n O s ’ t Wha In December

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

6, 13 & 20 December Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy Meets every Friday. Visitors welcome. Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com

7 December Coffee Morning 10-11.30am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Coffee, tea, bacon butties, homemade cakes, cards, bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws etc. Coffee Mornings are held on the first Saturday of every month except January. All welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 7 December Willington Christmas Market 10am-12 noon Peace Memorial Hall, Willington Come and enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of the festive season! Immerse yourself in the community atmosphere as you browse the produce of Bedfordshire’s makers, bakers and growers! Local produce, preserves and honey, handmade crafts and gifts, Southalls Butchers, cakes and sweet treats, café serving coffees, teas, cakes and bacon rolls. Tel: Emma 07905 281629 for further info Email: Sarah sjewers1@gmail.com 7 December Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Richard Gant ‘The History, Plants & Features of Madingley Hall Garden’. Richard is the Head Gardener, Madingley Hall, Cambridge. Followed by Christmas Tea. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 7 December Christmas Concert 6.30pm Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade Adults/seniors £10, Under 15s £5 inc. drink and mince pie. East Beds Concert Band with East Beds Youth Choir. Tickets available on the door or by email. Email: eastbedsconcertband@gmail.com 7, 14 & 21 December Lego & K’Nex Club 1.45-3.30pm Potton Library Love Lego and K’NEX? Come along and get building! 8 December Warden Abbey Vineyard Christmas Wine Sale 11am-4pm The Mansion (Garden Suite), Shuttleworth, Old Warden Free entry. Plus local food and crafts. Free tasting, parking, and mince pies (while stocks last). Tel: 07981 113714 www.wardenvineyard.org.uk 9 December Sandy Flower Club 7.30pm Sandy Conservative Bowling Pavilion, 19 Bedford Road Visitors £5. Tel: Marian Attfield 01767 226275

10 December Sutton WI 7.30pm Sutton Village Hall Group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. 11 December Business Buzz Biggleswade 10am-12 noon George’s Hall, Biggleswade £5. Drop-in session, second Wednesday of the month, for local small businesses in and around Beds. No membership, no booking, pay on the door. 11 December Biggleswade Ivel Rotary Club Santa Sleigh Santa will be out on his sleigh with his helpers collecting for Keech Cottage.

12 December Biggleswade & District Camera Club 7.30 for 8pm Biggleswade Conservative Club, St Andrews Street, Biggleswade SG18 8BA Non-members £3. ‘The More I Practice, the Luckier I Get’ a print presentation by Roger Hance FRPS AFIAP BPE5* (EAF). Tel: 01767 316176 Email: secretary@biggleswadecameraclub.co.uk

17 December Sandy Women’s Institute 10am Sandy Conservative Club Meets on the third Tuesday of each month (except August). Visitors are welcome (cost £4). Tel: Val Haygarth 01767 691711 Email: sandywibeds@gmail.com 17 December Potton Writer’s Club 7-9pm Potton Community Centre £3. Meets on the third Tuesday of each month. This month’s theme is ‘Migration’. All welcome - please call or email in advance so we know to expect you. Light refreshments. Tel: Tracey 07778 148030 Email: info pottonwriters@gmail.com 19 December Maggie Moo’s Christmas Doo! 10.30am-12 noon Sutton Village Hall £12 per child, £8 additional siblings. Help Maggie Moo and the Croo get ready for Christmas Day! There’s plenty to do, and lots of fun to be had, with moosic, moovement, play and crafts (includes a visit from Santa!). Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy

12 December Biggleswade Evening Women’s Institute 7.45pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade A new group which meets on the second Thursday of 19 December each month (except August). Guests welcome. Sandy Astronomical Society 7-9pm Blunham Playing Field 12 December Public viewing (weather permitting) using Potton History Society telescopes. Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ 8pm Potton Community Centre, Brook End SandyAstronomicalSociety Members free, Visitors £3 inc. refreshments Pictorial Entertainment. Finish the year with 19 December Christmas refreshments and enjoy a dip into our Biggleswade Poetry Table photographic and video archives of past & present 7.45-9pm The Courtyard Centre, Potton. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.org.uk 6 High Street, Biggleswade Grab a drink and join us to share poems. We look 14 December forward to hearing any poem you’d like to bring. Christmas Bazaar Email: leah@leahkstewart.com 10am-12 noon Moggerhanger Children’s activities, tombola and other activities and 20 December a raffle for our Christmas Hamper. Tea/coffee and Coral’s Afternoon Tea mince pies of course. Bring your children to join in 2.30-4pm Moggerhanger Church the festive activities, maybe make some Christmas £2.50 per person. Monthly afternoon tea. Net cards, ice biscuits or make paper chains. proceeds go equally to the church upkeep funds and St. John’s Hospice. 14 December Everton PCC 21 December 11am Manor Farm, Everton Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Grand Christmas Draw event. Hot chocolate and 7pm-1am (no admission after 10.30pm) marshmallows with draw at noon. The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade Advance tickets £16, on the door £18 14 December The ultimate 50s/60s Rock ’n’ Roll Christmas party Amici Singers Christmas Carol Concert tribute show, disco and dance night spectacular. 7pm St Swithun’s Parish Church, Sandy Licensed bar. Over 18s Limited seating – first come Come and join the Amicis for a night of festive music! first seated. Free car park. Tickets available from 15 December The Weatherley Centre or David’s Books Music Shop, Community Carols in the Garden Letchworth. 4pm Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Tel: Tickets Weatherley Centre 01767 315709 or Followed by refreshments. David’s Books Music Shop 01462 475900

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and Town Life Inside this issueLOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL

Kimbolton Castle

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Issue 109 - September 2015

Life

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

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Issue 111 - November 2015

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Local Business to Local ur E People Yo inEBiggleswa de, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay py FRand co all surrounding villages 11,000 copies delivered To advertise in The

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Why advertise anywhere else? 90

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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

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 92

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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

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 93

B urtenshaw D ecorating S ervices All Domestic Work Undertaken Painting, Decorating, Wallpapering Interior and Exterior Work Over 30 years experience Fully Insured Quality Workmanship City and Guilds Qualified Insurance Work

01767 680762 07972 622305 shadbeam@tiscali.co.uk

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0800 046 1080 30% OFF ORDERS PLACED IN DECEMBER hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk 94

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Technology

Your festive gadget survival guide Make sure your technology is happy this Christmas

For many households, Christmas means lots of new gadgets under the tree – and if you’re not prepared, that could mean a distinct lack of Christmas cheer if people can’t play with their new toys on Christmas morning. It’s still wise to have batteries of all sizes (ideally rechargeable ones) in common sizes such as AA, AAA and CR2032 for things like talking toys, games console controllers, radio car controllers and so on, but it might be wise to consider a few other things too. First of all, make sure you have a multi-tool or small toolkit to hand. Many toys now come either in hard-to-open transparent plastic, or with lots of cable ties and screws to stop people stealing them from their packaging. Some sharp scissors and a small cross-head screwdriver will be a big help here. Think about chargers, too. Not all gadgets such as phones and tablets arrive charged, and the ones that do are going to need

charging after a morning of intensive use. Check the devices that Santa’s bringing either come with charging cables or that you have the appropriate ones already. We’ve also found portable chargers (power banks) to be really useful for long trips to visit the family; if your car has a power/cigar lighter socket, investing in a USB adapter and a very long phone charging cable could be worthwhile. One of the biggest Christmas technology traumas is when games controllers are involved. Now that most games require an internet connection, consoles need to be running the most up-to-date system software before use, and downloading and installing that software can take hours. It’ll take longer still on Christmas morning if half of your street or block is doing that or streaming Christmas films on Netflix, so if at all possible try to connect the console and download the updates before Santa gets in his sleigh.

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Last but definitely not least, expect the unexpected. Make sure your home insurance covers the additional technology items that you’ve got in your home – some insurers, but not all, automatically increase your contents cover over the festive period – and make sure you keep receipts for any expensive items such as computers or smartphones. If any gadgets are easily broken or smashed – tablets are particularly prone to accidental injuries – then it’s a very good idea to invest in a protective case and/or screen protector. It’s also worth considering a dedicated gadget insurance policy if your home is now full of expensive and easily broken devices. Such policies tend to have reasonably low excesses – for example, having to pay £50 to replace the screen on an Apple Watch sounds like a lot, but Apple charges nearly £300 – and cover loss and theft as well as damage.

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Time of Year

By Louise Addison

The Gift of Experience When I was younger it used to drive me mad when my dad said ‘I don’t want anything for Christmas...’ How could he say that? Then a couple of years ago I realised I’d become him. I don’t want or even need more of anything. Many of my friends feel the same. We don’t want to add to plastic or clothes waste. We don’t want clutter. Yet the pleasure of giving and receiving at Christmas is something most of us enjoy, so why not give a gift experience instead. A National Trust Membership - Allows the recipient access to around 500 historic houses and gardens, monuments, social history sites, and beaches. Tickets to see a favourite band or artist perform Or perhaps a local artist they’ve never seen, or music event they’ve never attended. Live music is a great night out, and even better if you gift two tickets so they can take a friend. An up-close and personal experience with their favourite animal or insect - My friend loves hedgehogs so I paid for her to spend a day at the local hedgehog hospital. She learned all about hedgehogs and helped to feed and weigh them. She still talks about it today. You can buy ‘meet the animal’ experiences for every beastie from spiders to lemurs. There’s bound to be something for the animal-lover in your life. Tickets to a movie marathon - Whether your intended recipient is into sci-fi, horror, fantasy, musicals or old black and white movies, there will be an enterprising cinema or theatre running a specialist event. If they are not into a particular genre then a season pass to a cinema or theatre will allow them to watch whatever they want. Wine, whiskey or gin tasting session - What could be nicer than sharing an evening touring a winery or distillery learning about the flavours and techniques involved in producing their favourite tipple.

Cooking class - Classes can be for a particular type of cuisine, like Chinese or Thai, or for a particular technique like bread-making. There are generally other like-minded souls there so your recipient will make new friends. Spa treatment day – Life is stressful so very few people would turn their nose up at being pampered for a few hours. An escape room experience - If your intended recipient is into puzzles try tickets to an escape room. It’s a fun experience for everyone and a great gift for a family. A masterclass in something they love photography, juggling, golf, painting, writing... there are classes online and in the real world for any subject or skill you can think of. The happiness we experience from acquiring things fades very quickly. Experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than material goods. We are the sum total of our experiences and they stay with us for longer because of the way they are encoded in the brain. Each time we think about the experience we feel that same sense of happiness we felt initially. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

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C.S.

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Flat Roofing • Tile Roofing • Slating Leadwork • Guttering • uPVC Fascias & Soffits Free Quotations Fully Insured

40 Years Collective Experience 10 Year Guarantee on all work

Tel: 07305 641010 Email: charliesewell@hotmail.co.uk 98

C.S Roofing Services Limited

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Crossword Solution for The Villager November Edition Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner - Mr J Hoskins from Hitchin North Pole Competition Winner - Sophie Bright from Tilbrook

Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 South American animal (6) 4 Clans (6) 9 Whirlwind (7) 10 Male duck (5) 11 Casseroles (5) 12 Surprised (7) 13 Source of power (11) 18 Cars, buses etc. (7) 20 Dangerous (5) 22 Tacks (5) 23 Graceful (7) 24 Eighth month (6) 25 Flow (6)

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

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

Down 1 Painter (6) 2 American handbag (5) 3 Masterpiece (7) 5 Wireless (5) 6 Woollen cover (7) 7 Fast (6) 8 Assembled (11) 14 Departing (7) 15 Right (7) 16 Lines of a verse (6) 17 Method (6) 19 Clenched hands (5) 21 Frighten (5)

Name: Tel:

ď&#x20AC;˘

Address:

100

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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

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01767 260165 Sandy

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

101

MELTON

PLUMBING

AND

HEATING

A RELIABLE, QUALITY SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST - Gas Boiler Servicing and Maintenance - High Efficiency Gas Boiler Replacements - Full System Installations and Updates - Unvented Hot Water Installations - Landlord Gas Safety Certificates - All General Plumbing and Bathrooms - Radiator Flushing Based in St. Neots Covering All Surrounding Areas

FREE QUOTES ALL WORK GUARANTEED FULLY INSURED Tel: 07502 253276 Web: www.meltonheating.co.uk Email: info.meltonheating@gmail.com meltonplumbingandheating

Your Perfect Loft Access and Storage Solution Our services include: Loft Ladders Loft Hatches Insulation Loft Boarding Loft Lighting Balustrades We are a family run business who comply to building regulations, where our fitters are fully insured and all of our work is guaranteed. Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

01438 211302 info@eastanglianloftladders.co.uk eastanglianloftladders.co.uk 102

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By Tom Hancock

Wine Wisdom

Wine

Which wine should you choose? I was always a bit hazy about which wine to serve with which food. They didn’t teach that sort of thing at our local comprehensive. Then one day a chef friend explained that far from being an elitist concept it was simply about marrying flavours that blend well or complement each other, much like cooking. I managed to get her to distil her wisdom into this handy guide. Fish A delicate fish dish calls for a delicate wine, such as Pinot Grigio. If the fish is more robust and served with a rich sauce, it will require a more full-bodied flavoursome white like Chardonnay. Salty seafood marries surprisingly well with champagne. Chicken or Turkey Choose a full-flavoured white, like a white Côtes du Rhône, or a delicate red, such as a Frappato. Juicy red meat For beef or steak a rich red, such as a Bordeaux or

Cabernet Sauvignon will work well or even a Rioja. Spicy dishes – These require a spicy wine. Look for a Malbec, Syrah or Shiraz will all hold their own. If the spicy food is vegetarian, then a dry Riesling will pair well. Vegetarian food There is a misconception that vegetarian food should only be served with white wine. But medium reds, like Merlot work well with lots of vegetarian dishes, particularly tomato-based recipes. Cheese board Some cheeses go better with red, some with white. Sauternes and Stilton are a perfect match, while Chardonnay works well with brie. A dry Rosé is a good all-rounder. Remember, the main rule is to pair the characteristics of the dish with the characteristics of the wine. So, a buttery sauce will work well with white a wine also described as ‘buttery’. Experiment and enjoy!

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103

Food & Drink

Mini Panettone Little festive treats Preparation time: 45 minutes (allow 4-5 hours for proving time) Cooking time: 20 minutes Makes: 6 Ingredients 250g good quality plain flour 1 tsp dried yeast Pinch of salt 100ml whole milk, warmed (not hot) 3 eggs (Two beaten together, 1 extra) 1 tsp vanilla extract 50g golden caster sugar, plus extra for dusting 100g softened butter Zest and juice of one orange 100g raisins 100g sultanas 100g mixed peel (for non-peel-lovers you can substitute cranberries) 1. Soak the fruit overnight in the orange juice. 2. Mix the flour and salt, the yeast and the milk in a mixer with a dough hook. You can do it by hand, it just takes longer. Gradually mix in two beaten eggs and the vanilla. Knead until the dough is smooth and springy. Leave in a bowl,

covered with a damp cloth and allow to rise until doubled in size. 3. Add the sugar, butter and the yolk from the remaining egg. Mix again, either with the machine, or by hand, until the dough is smooth again. Add the fruit and zest and knead quickly until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all incorporated into the dough. Leave in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth, in a cool place for at least two hours until doubled in size again. You can leave it in the fridge overnight if you prefer. 4. Line a large, six-holed muffin tray with paper cases. Divide the dough into six portions and roll into balls. Place one ball into each muffin case, cover with a damp cloth and leave for 20 minutes. 5. Heat the oven to 180C / 160 fan or Gas mark 4. Brush the tops of the panettones with the remaining egg whites and dust with caster sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the muffins have risen and are golden in colour. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

Variation: Add some brandy to the overnight soak in orange juice for a little extra kick. 104

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Mark Dilley Electrical

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

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

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

No job too small Free estimates All work to BS7671 regulations City and Guilds qualified

Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

mark.dilley@btinternet.com

Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates

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

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105

Books

Book Review By Kate Duggan Little Robin Red Vest by Jan Fearnley

This classic picture book is now 20 years old. It tells the story of how the robin got his red vest. (Spoiler: Father Christmas gave it to him as a reward for the robin giving away his own woolly vests.) A great story, beautiful illustrations and a feel-good message to top it all off. What more could a young child want from a book on Christmas morning?

Burn After Writing (Teen Edition) by Rhiannon Shove

A journal with a difference, Burn after Writing invites teens to answer a series of questions to paint a picture of who they are, from ‘The song that makes me want to dance’ to ‘If I had a brainwashing machine, I would use it to’ and ‘Something I do that makes me feel proud of myself’. Perfect for 11 to 14 year olds. (The adult’s version is worth a look too.)

Veg by Jamie Oliver

Buying for a vegetarian? Or just someone who enjoys healthy food that tastes great and doesn’t take hours to prepare? This book is for them. There are twists on new classics, such as Veggie Moussaka and Vegan Lasagne, and plenty of more inspired dishes that could soon become old favourites, like Masala Stuffed Peppers, Pulled Mushroom Sandwich and Crispy Cauliflower Katsu. Some take a few minutes to make from scratch, while others are more suitable for chilled-out Sunday brunches or dinners with friends.

106

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Classifieds Accountants

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs Guaranteed Repairs To:

Washing Machines • Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers • Dishwashers No Call Out Charge!

JB Domestic

Tel: 01767 680621 or Mob: 07778 891490

Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES T/A Broadband Communications Established 1993

Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials Freesat & Satellite Installations Commercial IRS Systems All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 Based in Stotfold www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Builders

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Solo Appliances Domestic Appliance Repairs • • • •

Washing machines Tumble Dryers Dishwasher Electric Cookers/Ovens

Established over 30 years All work guaranteed

Tel: 07966 229085/01767 261847

Electricians

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

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

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Electricians

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

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107

Classifieds Fencing

Locksmith Services QUO FR TAT EE ION S

Fencing Services, Security Fences, Gates, Garden Fences, Repair & Restoration Call 01767 316901 or 07927 748460 Email: rsfencingservices83@gmail.com Web: www.rsfencingservices.co.uk

Foot Health Practitioner

Painter & Decorator Adam Staniforth

Katie Charles - Foot Health Practitioner - S.A.C. Dip. RFHP Professional footcare in the comfort of your own home Nail Trimming • Corns • Fungal Nail • Athletes Foot Hard Skin/Callus • Verruca Treatment • Thickened Nail Tel: 07841 479120 Email: info@katiefoothealth.co.uk Web: www.katiefoothealth.co.uk

Garden Specialist

Painter &

Decorator 07870 428357 adamstaniforth35@gmail.com

Painter & Decorator

RICHBAW

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

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

01767 699252 07901 985123

Handy Man

S Classified advert.indd 1

108

Painting Services

14/04/2015 21:23

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Classifieds Pet Services

Plumbing and Heating

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

Bathroom installations FREE estimates Over 35 years experience Based in Gamlingay

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

Plastering Services

Plumbing and Heating

Plumbing

Property Improvements

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

Property Improvements by

A professional property maintenance service

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

Do not hesitate to call Gary on:

07530 728091 Plumbing

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

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Property Improvements

Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

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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

109

Classifieds Property Maintenance

CJ Property Maintenance

Tiling

Free Estimates

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 Tel: 01767 680532 Mob: 0774 600 8188 cjpainting@hotmail.co.uk

MARK CURRELL CERAMIC TILER All tiling undertaken Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories Free Quotations â&#x20AC;˘ All Areas Covered Telephone: 01767 680081 / 07952 499002 Email: markcurrelltiling@masjcurrell.co.uk

Window Cleaner

Removals

MUSCLE & MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men. Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

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

Wood Suppliers

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

Lessons for all abilities Give a Riding Lesson gift voucher this Christmas

07875 192662 You can also find us on facebook

Roofing

Wood Suppliers

FOR SALE

Seasoned Hardwood Logs Any size load Telephone: 01438 355489 Mobile: 07721 508383 110

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

Alcoholics Anonymous..............................0845 769 7555 Al-Anon Family Groups..............................0800 008 6811 Anglian Water............................................08457 145 145 Bedford Hospital........................................ 01234 355122 Lister Hospital............................................ 01438 314333 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

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.

Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 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

For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on:

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111

We like to wish all our hair and beauty clients a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you for your continued support, we love looking after you at Friends and we look forward to seeing you in 2020.

Come and see us during December for your selection of vouchers to use through the new year. For our Christmas opening hours follow us on Facebook by either our page /friendshair or clicking our link on our website at www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com Check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/friendshair for all our special offers on hair and beauty

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