Potton Jan 2019

VILLAGER The

Issue 149 - January 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Corsica Discover the Alta Rocca

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ur Yo EE FRco1py

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Inside this issue...

Make the most of the January Sales

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The History of Coco................................................................................. 4 Corsica - Discover the Alta Rocca............................................................ 8 Dining - South Bank Style.................................................................... 10 Win £100 to spend on ‘Real Deals For You’...............................12 Beds Fire and rescue Looking for Wholetime Firefighters..................... 14 Beat the January Blues......................................................................... 17 Get on trend with a home bar.............................................................. 18 Henlow Building Supplies - Kitchens and Bathrooms........................... 22 Diary like Pepys.................................................................................... 25 Are Aging Lines a Good Thing?............................................................. 26 The Best of the Best............................................................................. 29 Learn a Language................................................................................. 31 Make the most of the january Sales..................................................... 33 Upping your Style Game in 2019.......................................................... 34 Once Upon a Time................................................................................ 38 Grab you knitting and take to the streets............................................. 41 Do you need a social detox?................................................................. 43 Spot the Pension Scammers................................................................. 44

How to keep your pets warm this winter.............................................. 46 Winter Colour....................................................................................... 51 Rural Ramblings................................................................................... 53 Great Gardening Books........................................................................ 54 Tech for the New You............................................................................ 56 R.A.T.S. rehoming Appeal..................................................................... 58 Fun Quiz............................................................................................... 58 Ask Alan - Potton Vets.......................................................................... 60 RSPCA Animal Stories........................................................................... 63 Ditching the 9-5................................................................................... 65 Children’s Page..................................................................................... 66 How to get the best deal on your car insurance.................................... 69 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................... 72 What’s On............................................................................................. 74 Be SMART in 2019................................................................................ 78 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................... 80 £25 Prize Crossword.............................................................86 Be Prepared for Winter......................................................................... 88 Book Review........................................................................................ 91 Useful Numbers................................................................................... 95

Spot the Pension Scammers

44

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, Trevor Langley, Tom Hancock, Katherine Sorrell, Lesley Wade, Kate McLelland, Kate Duggan, Tracey Anderson, Sarah Davey, Helen Venables, Louise Addison, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, Rachael Leverton, Potton Vets, RSPCA, Kate Duggan, James Baggott, Nick Coffer.

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

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

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

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3

History

The History of Coco

By Catherine Rose

Chanel is one of the most iconic names in haute couture and its founder, Coco, was a legend in her own lifetime. Said to be responsible for making the tan fashionable, she is equally famous for her sayings that included “A woman can never be too rich or too thin”. This month we look back at the inventor of the LBD and Chanel No. 5.

Coco Chanel’s story is a classic rags-to-riches tale. Born in 1883 at a charity hospital to unmarried parents Eugénie Devolle (Jeanne) and peddlar Albert Chanel, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel rose above her humble start to become

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one of the most influential people of the 20th century – not only for her fashion design, dressmaking and millinery skills but also for the way in which she revolutionised how women dressed.

Chanel grew up with two brothers and three sisters in a one-room lodging house until her mother died of TB when she was 12. She was then sent to an orphanage in Aubazine. It was here that she learned to sew.

Her early aspirations were to be a performer, however, and after she left the orphanage, Gabrielle got a job singing between acts at

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La Rotonde, a popular cabaret venue. It was here she earned the nickname Coco. Her voice, however, was not good enough to propel her onto the main stage.

At the age of 23, she met the rich textile heir Etienne Balsan at La Rotonde and became his mistress, moving into his chateau near Compiègne. Balsan showed her a life of luxury and she started designing hats. Two years later she attracted the attention of a friend of Balsan’s, an Englishman called Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel.

After she became a licensed milliner in 1910, it was Capel who installed her in Paris and set her up with her first shop – Chanel Modes.

She quickly earned the patronage of actress Gabrielle Dorziat and her hats became sought after.

In 1913, Capel helped finance her second shop – a clothing boutique in Deauville which sold casual outfits for leisure and sport in fabrics like jersey and tricot, which had previously only ever been used to make men’s underwear. She conceived her popular sailor blouse here and was helped by her sister Antoinette and her Aunt Adrienne, who would model and promote her designs.

In 1915, with World War One underway, Coco opened another shop, this time in Biarritz where many wealthy Spaniards had been exiled. The shop was so successful that Coco was able to pay back all the money that Capel had given her.

Capel’s elegance and taste in clothing influenced Coco greatly and although she loved him, he went on to marry an English aristocrat, Lady Diana Wyndham, in 1918. It was a terrible blow to Coco when he was killed in a car crash a year later and she never truly recovered from it.

By now a qualified couturière, she set up her own fashion house in the prestigious Rue Cambon in Paris, selling hats, clothing and her Chanel No. 5 perfume. Women adored her boyish look and modern easy-to-wear style. Her eponymous little black dress was nicknamed Le Garçonne (the boy) and was revolutionary for using a colour previously only worn for mourning. Her famous straight-lined Chanel suit, which was released in 1925, bore many hallmarks of men’s tailoring and didn’t

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require a corset. She would say: “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”

The business grew and in 1920 Coco was helping to both finance and design dance costumes for the famous Ballet Russes, inviting the exiled Russian composer Igor Stravinksy and his family to share her home Bel Respiro.

Theophile Bader, the founder of Galleries Lafayette, was keen to sell Chanel No. 5 with its signature square bottle (said to have been modelled on Capel’s aftershave), and persuaded Coco to part with all but a 10% share in ‘Parfums Chanel’ that he set up with the Wertheimer brothers, owners of the perfume and jewellery firm Bourjois. Coco was to regret her decision for the next twenty years and after the war, took the men to court and had the terms re-negotiated with back payments that made her a millionaire.

Known for her cutting wit, Chanel moved in the most fashionable circles in Paris and was friends and lovers with the talented, famous and elite, including Pablo Picasso and the Prince of Wales. The Duke of Westminster, a long-time lover, gave her the land on which she built her villa La Pausa and even proposed to her, but she never married, saying: “I never wanted to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird”.

During the 1930s, popularity with her clothes waned and she decided to shut her Maison de Chanel at the start of the war – 4,000 people lost their jobs. Her anti-Semitic views and subsequent affair with a German soldier caused scandal and following the war, Coco went into hiding in Switzerland.

In the 1950s, Coco Chanel re-emerged on the fashion scene to become as popular as she ever was. She was 70. Marilyn Monroe famously said that Chanel No. 5 was the only thing she wore in bed.

Coco spent her last 30 years in the Paris Ritz and died there in January 1971. Designer Karl Lagerfield took over her mantle in 1983 and still works out of her original premises.

Today her famous Chanel brand, with the interlocking C logo she designed, is owned by the Wertheimer family and generates millions.

As Coco once said: “Fashion fades but style remains.”

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7

Travel

Corsica

With 40% of the land protected by a Regional Nature Park, Corsica is often called the ‘Isle of Beauty’, a worthy epithet as beyond the fabulous coastline, the hinterland has its own spectacular scenery. Down in the south, just inland from the popular resorts, the Alta Rocca is one of these lovely mountain regions laced in walking trails with only a couple of minor roads winding their way across the land. Up there time seems to stand still.

Forests rich in oak and chestnut trees, lofty Laricio pines, pastures, tumbling streams and dramatic rocks, this is a paradise for all nature lovers. Red kites soar in the thermals and there are peregrine falcons, golden eagles and bearded vultures with a mighty wingspan. Nuthatches splash colour in the trees, lizards and salamanders scamper along the tracks, wild cats and boars forage here and there. Meanwhile deer graze in the shade but the mouflons with long horns like to perch on the most inaccessible rocks, basking in the bright Mediterranean sun. Flowers and plants vary with the altitude but favourites include myrtle and thyme, the delicate blue ancoli peeping out of rocky crags and the wild sweet-scented immortelle.

The Alta Rocca starts in Ospedale, the first mountain village at 900 metres, then stretches north towards the Bavella pass where at 1,218 metres one enjoys superb views of the pink rocky ‘needles’ by the same name. This is on the old transhumance route and the nearby trails invite

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By Solange Hando

Discover the Alta Rocca you to explore further. It’s an awesome spot protected by the statue of Our Lady of the Snows, installed with great difficulty by local monks.

It may feel like the roof of the world but besides its natural wonders, the Alta Rocca is a land of hilltop villages where traditions survive on the ‘heritage trail’. On the western edge, Sainte Lucie de Tallano is a lively little place, all granite houses and cobbled lanes with convent and church, old bread ovens, oil mill and nearby thermal springs in their natural settings. Then there’s Levie and its Alta Rocca museum and the ‘coutellerie’ where traditional Corsican knives are still made in various shapes and sizes. Yet this pretty village has other claims to fame for if you feel like a walk, a trail can lead you to the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s quiet and atmospheric, dotted with remnants of walls, tower and storing areas. According to historians however, the Alta Rocca has 9,000 years of history, making it one of the oldest inhabited districts in Corsica.

At just over 300 metres, the village of Sartène can vouch for that, with a museum of prehistory, nearby dolmens and menhirs and gateway to the highlands, once known as the Land of the Lords.

Enjoy the local wine then, as you wander through stepped alleyways and narrow lanes framed by granite hills, you may well agree that as the locals say, Sartène is ‘the most Corsican of all Corsican villages’.

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Rooms from

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by Black Swan. It has high quality lounges, dining room and bathroom facilities as well as a salon.

Outside there is are extensive enclosed gardens as well as internal courtyards. The property is a detached, purpose built care home with a car park at the front.

The Home is situated between the villages of Potton and Gamlingay in easy access of local amenities.

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We look forward to meeting you...

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9

Food and Drink

Dining South Bank Style

London’s South Bank has a lot to offer all ages. World-class attractions provide interest and fascination for the whole family. The London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, London Dungeon, Sea Life London Aquarium and much, much more are all extremely popular. Restaurants on the South Bank offer everything from a light snack, through brasserie-style grills, to full, top restaurant experiences.

The London Marriott Hotel County Hall boasts Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, to both residents and non-residents, this restaurant has fine views of the River Thames, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and surrounding area. The Library serves awardwinning Afternoon Teas, plus Dinners. An exceptional range of wines/drinks and handcrafted cocktails, including a magnificent selection of over 100 gins and more than 50 whiskies are available.

Starters, in Gillray’s restaurant, can include Cornish Oysters, champagne dressing, spring onion, chilli and Pan-Fried Scallops, black pudding purée, apple salad, hazelnut dressing. Beetroot-Cured Salmon and Hand-Chopped Steak Tartare, all with accompaniments, are further very popular options. Main courses have a splendid range of 35 Day Dry-Aged Aberdeen Angus hand-selected Steaks (choose your preferred design and style of steak knife, from the boxed selections that are offered), all served with bone marrow and confit vine cherry tomatoes. Whether ‘bone-in’ or ‘bone-out’ is favoured, sizes include 150g Fillet, through 500g Prime Rib, to Gillray’s Bulls Head 1kg Bone-In Rib-Eye and their outstanding ‘Meat Feast’ (Compliments to Chef ). Other dishes include Spatchcock Chicken, Fish and more, which are further often-selected choices.

The very talented brigade of chefs and kitchen personnel ensure all cuisine is cooked and presented, perfectly. The tender succulent steaks have regular ‘devotees’. Sunday roast is always popular, too. The complementing flavours of the dishes of cuisine are superb. Desserts include Chocolate & Hazelnut Bar and Adult Ice Cream with gin, brandy and rum – another popular selection.

All dietary requirements can be catered for, plus parties, events and occasions accommodated easily. Many thanks to Yara and Alexandra for impeccable service, throughout.

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB Tel: 44(0) 20 7902 8000 Email: enquiry@gillrays.com www.gillrays.com www.marriottcountyhall.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Win £100 to spend on our Real Deals For You Promotion

When you buy tools from your nearest Real Deals for You Approved Stockist you can be assured that you’re not only supporting Henlow Building Supplies, a local independent business, but you’re also buying big name products at the fairest prices. With incredible offers and brand new products, Real Deals for You offer you unbeatable shopping savings.

Competition

To be in with a chance to win £100 to spend on the Real Deals For You Promotion, simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Henlow Building Supplies Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th January 2019.

Where is Henlow Building Supplies based?

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Local News

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Looking for Wholetime Firefighters Looking to start the New Year with a new challenge? Looking for a career that is both interesting, exciting and helps your community? Ever thought of becoming a firefighter?

There’s a lot more to it than just fighting fires – you get to work in your community to help protect vulnerable people and prevent emergencies from happening.

Throughout January Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) are running a recruitment campaign for wholetime (also known as full-time) firefighters to its crews.

The recruitment period opens on 4 January and closes on 8 February.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service operate a 24 hour shift system with Firefighters being on duty for 24 hours followed by 72 hours off duty. This gives our firefighters the opportunity for a great work/life balance.

Wholetime firefighters are based in Bedford, Dunstable, Kempston, Luton and Stopsley and are trained not only in firefighting and dealing with road traffic collisions but also specialist skills such as water rescue, animal rescue, working at

height and dealing with hazardous materials. You can also obtain your HGV licence and learn to drive a fire appliance such as our aerial platform or special rescue unit.

BFRS is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is particularly for more women and people from under-represented sections of its community to apply to become a firefighter.

To be a wholetime Firefighter you should live in Bedfordshire, or within 10 miles of its border, be fit, 18 by the 22nd March, have three GCSEs or equivalent, be able to swim and have a full driving licence (with no pending issues).

The Service is looking for individuals who possess a range of personal qualities to work in the local communities, these include: • Being keen to contribute to a safer community • Committed to equality and fairness • An understanding of their role with regards to health, safety and welfare.

• • • •

Highly motivated Effective team member Effective communicator Flexible approach to undertaking new initiatives.

Successful candidates will be required to serve at any community fire station within the Bedfordshire area. Candidates will be required to gain Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) clearance and pass a Service Medical.

Apply online from 4th January 2019, job description and personnel specification, together with other relevant details may be obtained from www.bedsfire. gov.uk/Careers/WholetimeRecruitment.aspx .

Closing date for applications is 1200 noon on Friday 8 February 2019.

After this date the shortlisting process will take place and those selected will be invited to undertake the first stage of the selection process. The recruitment process can be lengthy and the final, successful candidates will begin their thirteen week training course in September 2019.

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Get fired up in 2019

New Year!

New Career!

RECRUITING NOW www.bedsfire.gov.uk/careers @bedsfire

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15 05/12/2018 17:14

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Time of Year

Beat the January Blues

By Tom Hancock

It’s hard not to feel a little deflated after all the festive fun. Here are five ways to beat the January blue Exercise! I can hear your groans but one of the best ways to fight the blues and improve wellbeing is exercise. January is a great time to join a gym... motivation for change is high and there are lots of introductory deals and taster sessions on offer.

But if the gym doesn’t appeal then try walking. A brisk walk in the open air is guaranteed to get your endorphins racing Eat well! I know we’ve all eaten rather too well over Christmas but now is the time to sort out your diet.

In a post-festive slump, we are far more likely to continue the cycle of eating junk food for a quick high – only to spiral downwards into feelings of guilt and self-loathing as the sugar rush subsides. Stock up on fruit and veg, lean meat, nuts and grains, and watch your energy levels rise.

Sleep more - Most of us don’t sleep enough over Christmas, and sleep-deprivation is known to contribute to feeling blue. Over the Christmas period our sleep patterns tend to be more irregular, due to late nights, sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings at relatives’ houses, and the consumption of more than usual quantities of alcohol.

Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and ensure you get at least eight-hours sleep for a couple of weeks. See how much your mood and performance increases.

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17

Home Products

By Katherine Sorrell

Get on trend with a home bar From a drinks trolley to a full-on basement hideout, what could be more fun than serving up cocktails in your very own home bar?

The ultimate in kitchen decadence: a built-in champagne bar. This is part of a Hartford kitchen, from £40,000, painted in Chicory, by Tom Howley bespoke kitchens.

Show off your bar skills with a shiny serving tray. Add a cocktail shaker and glasses for a high-fashion finish. Brandy round metal tray, £39, made.com.

These hand-made, mouthblown glasses are perfect for martinis and more.

Cocktail glasses, £24.95, Annabel James.

Transform your bar into the coolest place in town.

Neon pineapple light, £70, Smithers of Stamford.

Metallic detailing and gold trim give this tray a glamorous finish, perfect for serving an espresso martini.

Leopard print tray, £29, The French Bedroom Company.

Stay home and Socialise • Where will your bar go? Most people opt for the kitchen or dining room, but the living room and basement are also popular, while outdoor bars are a growing trend. For a fully integrated bar with a sink and refrigerator, don’t forget that you’ll need access to water and electricity.

• Unused corners can easily become a home bar – a desk or broad shelf will work just as well as a traditional counter. Inject some pizzazz by wallpapering behind with a glamorous, oversized or metallic print and adding a fun neon sign.

• No need to spend a fortune on a built-in bar – just say ‘party time’ with a glamorous bar trolley. A great place to display your most beautiful bottles and glassware, it adds instant personality and can be moved from place to place as the occasion arises.

• Money no object? Invest in a built-in champagne bar in your kitchen or a special wine fridge. Or, if your pockets are not quite so bottomless, simply buy a large wine cooler and stock up on ice.

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A 1920s inspired gold and glass cocktail shaker, for those that prefer their cocktails shaken and not stirred. Cocktail shaker, £25.50, Audenza.

Designer Jonathan Adler specialises in modern American glamour. This luxe Jacques bar cart, £1,450, with Barbell ice bucket, £298, and barware set, £198, definitely fits the bill.

Is it always Gin O’clock in your house? Made from heat-resistant glass, these shimmery designs can hold both hot and cold drinks. The teapot contains a filter basket which is perfect for infusing tea leaves or gin flavourings.

G&Tea cocktail set, £30, Red Candy.

Brass-clad doors and a mango-wood and antique brass frame give a luxe, Art Deco look to this bar cabinet, with plenty of space inside for storing and serving cocktails and wine. Pascali bar cabinet, £619, Atkin and Thyme.

Potton & District Club Entertainment 2019 - Keeping LIVE MUSIC live every week!

New members welcome to apply for membership. Call in for an easy to complete membership form.

DECEMBER

Saturday 29th - Karaoke Night

Monday 31st - NYE Party

JANUARY

Saturday 5th - Donut Saturday 12th - 100 Foot Drop Friday 18th - Jason & The Skaganaughts* Saturday 19th - Karaoke Night Saturday 26th - The Soulman*

FEBRUARY

Saturday 3rd - Soul Intention* Soul Band Saturday 9th - Soul Power Duo Saturday 16th - 7twenty7 Friday 22nd - Karaoke Night Saturday 23rd - Lantern Rouge

MARCH

Saturday 2nd - Scooted & Booted Ska night All info is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes.

When you see this * an ENTRY FEE will apply.

Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk 20

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21

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 22

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

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

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

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

Madeleine

Jon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henlow Building Supplies 3A Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswsade SG18 8QA Tel: 01767 312800 Fax: 01767 318371 Email: sales@henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk Facebook: @HenlowBuildingSupplies Pinterest: Henlow Building Supplies

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

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

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

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

HBS Kitchens and Bathrooms has a fabulous offer for Villager readers. Simply sign up for a kitchen measure during January or March 2019 and you will be in with a chance to win a Carron Phoenix Larunda 3-in-1 hot tap worth up to £650.

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Diary like Pepys

Time of Year

S ee our F a ce

bo

ok

Even in a digital age diaries are surprisingly popular Christmas gifts.

Perhaps you found yourself sitting pen-poised on January 1st.

On January 1st, 1660 Samuel Pepys was in the same position. That was the day he began his diary. He could have had no idea what an important document it would become. It is one of the most important documents for historians studying the English Restoration period, which coincidentally also began in 1660.

Pepys’ diaries are special because for just under a decade he recorded the minutiae of his everyday life. It helped that he was quite well-connected. His cousin, Edward Montagu, was a highranking naval officer who found a position for Pepys at the Navy Office in the City of London. His hard work and talent saw Pepys promoted through the ranks very quickly. His cousin’s position also meant that Pepys was present at many important events, all of which he recorded in his meticulous shorthand.

For example, Pepys was aboard one of the ships which sailed to Holland to bring Charles II back to England.

He attended King Charles II’s coronation, and he was also President of the Royal Society for a while.

Pepys recorded everything. He gave vivid accounts of the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London. It is from him that we are able to relive the theatre of the period, as well as fashion and popular food and drink.

His diary has been of invaluable assistance to historians and has given much pleasure to its many readers.

We are in turbulent times right now, and about to enter an extraordinary year for our country. Who knows… the historians of the future might be reading your entries on the aftermath of Brexit!

By Lesley Wade

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Life Begins...

Are Aging Lines a Good Thing?

By Kate McLelland

Walk into certain Superdrug stores nowadays and you might come away with more than toothpaste, deodorant and bubble bath. Once you’ve filled your basket with all the usual health and beauty products, you can slip into a private room for a BOTOX® injection.

BOTOX® has been around as a cosmetic treatment since the early Nineties, when it was hailed as a miracle anti-aging procedure.

The procedure eases out ‘dynamic’ facial wrinkles (created by muscle contractions) by paralysing the muscle underlying the wrinkle, resulting in a smooth and more youthful appearance that can last up to four months.

By public demand?

Superdrug’s new ‘Skin Renew’ initiative, which brings anti-aging treatments to the high street, is part of a wider beauty marketing trend designed to persuade us that non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers and chemical peels should be considered as part of a normal beauty routine. Caris Newson, Head of Superdrug’s Health and Wellbeing Services, insists that the firm is only “listening to what people are telling us they would like” following feedback from

10,000 customers, but the initiative has been criticised by the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons, who say that customers could suffer from skin infections or even permanent muscle paralysis if treatments are not administered correctly.

Preventative measures Controversially, Superdrug’s ‘Skin Renew’ service is available to customers over twenty-five, and this has led to accusations that the company is encouraging younger people to seek unnecessary treatment. Cost may be another factor that encourages consumers, old and young alike, to experiment with anti-aging treatments.

Customers who would previously have expected to pay around £300 for BOTOX® injections at a beauty clinic can now book a Superdrug appointment from just £99.

While this may make non-surgical cosmetic treatments available to all (rather than just the rich and famous), it seems ironic that this high street roll-out has come at a time when many celebrities are resisting the pressure to stay young-looking for as long as possible.

Celebrities speak out Last year Marie Claire magazine

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asked a number of high-profile stars for their opinion about cosmetic treatments, and the results were surprising. Out of those in favour of BOTOX®, forty-five-year-old Broadchurch actor Olivia Colman admitted “I LOVED it” after having a course of injections, while plain-speaking film star Scarlett Johansson bluntly declared: “I don’t want to be an old hag!”

But a greater number of celebrities seemed to be against anti-aging treatments. Julia Roberts (star of movies such as ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Notting Hill’) has been a vocal opponent of cosmetic surgery in recent years. She says: “Your face tells a story… and it shouldn’t be a story about your drive to the doctor’s office.”

Whether you love the fact that BOTOX®, chemical peels and fillers are becoming more affordable and easier to obtain, or you support Julia Roberts’ views on aging naturally, as our population steadily ages (we’ll see 8.6 million extra people aged 65 years and over in 50 years’ time) it’s likely that we’ll see more and more of our high street outlets promising to iron out our wrinkles and restore the glow of youth for less than £100.

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Health & Beauty

The Best of the Best

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

The best thing about being a beauty writer is that I get to try a lot of products for free. Over the years I’ve tried hundreds of them, from high-tech gadgets to budget buys. I’m a sucker for shiny new things, so a product has to be very, very good for me to buy a replacement once it runs out. Without further ado, here’s my ‘best-of-the-best’ – the goodies I come back to time and time again.

A lot of beauty writers seem to spend hours on their daily skincare routines. I am not one of those people. I’m lucky to have five minutes to myself of a morning, so I really love a multitasker. Frances Prescott’s Tri-Balm is a cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser in one. I have to admit, I do still use an extra moisturiser most days, but if I don’t have time then at least I know my skin will still feel soft and nourished. Now £46 seems pretty steep for a cleanser I know, but I use mine pretty much every day and it lasts for months. See www. francesprescott. com I love lighting a candle when I’m in the bath and Janjira’s Grapefruit and Tangerine Massage Candle is one of my favourites. And this is no ordinary candle – it slowly melts to give you a small pool of natural oils to massage into your skin. Heaven. The scent is subtle but gorgeous. £32, from www.janjira.co.uk.

If, like me, you sometimes struggle to get to sleep, try Neal’s Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist. I spray it liberally onto my pillow and it really does seem to help. It’s a blend of organic essential oils known for their ability to calm the senses and promote rest – such as lavender, vetiver and mandarin. The result is a gentle, comforting scent. It’s £15 from www.nealsyardremedies.com.

I find a lot of lipsticks too drying and dislike the stickiness of lip gloss. Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tint is my go-to alternative.

It’s like a moisturising lip balm but flushes your lips for a hint of colour and adds shine.

The effect lasts about as long as a lip gloss. I’m currently on my second Bare Pink and am planning to treat myself to the Bare Melon and Bare Popsicle shades soon. £25.50, from www.bobbibrown. co.uk.

While I like to have a few perfumes on the shelf, I tend to have a favourite for a few years at a time, while the rest sit gathering dust. My current favourite is Connock London’s Kukui. There’s a dash of fresh flowers, including gardenia rose and white jasmine, warmed by sandalwood, vetiver and white amber. Cashmere and vanilla add the comfort factor. The result is a grown-up fragrance that’s sensual, subtle and (in my opinion) totally addictive. It’s priced from £35 at www. connocklondon.co.uk, but do Google for offers.

At the time of writing I have my eye on a giftset that includes three 30ml Connock London fragrances for £42.49 (RRP £84.99) at www.psyche.co.uk.

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Learning

By Tracey Anderson

Learn a Language Want to learn a new language in 2019? It’s not as hard as you think! I learned Spanish alongside my son to encourage him while he was studying for his GCSE. It started as a joke, but I quickly became hooked. Here’s what I learned about language learning.

New words? - You may not need to learn as many as you think! In English just 300 words make up 65% of all written material! We use some words a lot, and luckily that’s the case in every other language too.

You can buy or make decks of flash cards of these words. There is even a flash card app called Anki which presents words at precisely the right intervals to maximise memorisation.

Cognates - These are words which are spelled almost the same in English and which have the same meaning. In French, lots of ‘ion’ words are spelled the same even though they are pronounced differently: action, nation, communication etc. In Spanish the same words end in ‘ción’ and in Italian ‘zione’. Simple right?

There are also words such as hélicoptère (French) or aeropuerto (Spanish) which are similar enough to the English word that you will recognise them immediately. You can google ‘Cognates’ for the language you are learning.

Interaction - You need to hear and speak the language consistently. Look up Radio stations, YouTube channels, news websites, and blogs in the language you want to learn. Advertise for someone to practice conversation with. Ask

friends on Facebook or in the school playground whether they know a native speaker who would converse with you for half an hour in exchange for coffee and cake! There are groups dedicated to language exchange on Facebook too. By forcing yourself to converse you will improve very quickly.

Free Resources – I have passable Spanish thanks to the Duo Lingo app. The BBC has introductory courses to around 40 different languages.

Omniglot.com is a great open-source resource to all manner of languages, and I found fluentu.com brilliant for Spanish.

Embrace mistakes – We learn by making mistakes.

As children we speak, we’re corrected, and we adapt.

Even at aged fifty I still come across new English words and phrases. You can’t ever completely learn a language. Just use everything you know with the emphasis on communication rather than perfection.

Native speakers will not be offended by your slips... they will most likely be charmed and fall over themselves to help correct you.

Use SMART goals - SMART means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timed. A good example is, ‘By the end of January I will be able to hold a simple conversation with a waiter, book a table, order food, and ask for the bill. Or you might aim to complete three lessons per day on Duo Lingo for the whole of a month. You might even set yourself the task of passing an online test, a GCSE. The point is, you have a time frame, and the achievements you make are measurable, so you can see how far you’ve come.

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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Make the most of the January Sales We all love a bargain, and sales save us so much money, right? Yes...but you need to shop smart to take proper advantage of the discounts, and to avoid buying things you don’t need.

So here is our one-stop shopping guide to the January Sales.

Do your research - Many retailers market their sales beforehand and some even let you fill your shopping cart before sales officially open. This means you can think and plan, and make sure that your purchases are relevant to your needs.

Goodbye post-sales regrets!

Shop your wardrobe first - Take stock of what you already own. This is important when you’re sales shopping. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of snapping up a great deal only to find that you already own three almost identical items to the bargain you just bought. If you go sales shopping armed with the knowledge that you DON’T need brown boots, or another leather jacket, you are more likely to make wise buying choices. Also, if you already know what you do own you can think about what each item you purchase will co-ordinate with, and just like that, you’re adding cool-headed calm to the salesshopping mix!

Don’t forget postage costs - If you’re shopping online, extra costs like postage, customs and shipping aren’t usually included in discounts.

Factor this in and keep checking your cart before you hit the ‘Pay’ button.

Force yourself to try things on - If it’s worth

queueing for the changing room, and you still love it when it’s on, it’s probably a good find! If you can’t be bothered to queue then put it back, you don’t love it that much.

Set a budget - If you don’t start with a limit you’re almost guaranteed to blow your budget. Because... new clothes! Also treat your budget as a limit not a target!

Beware of returns policies - Most retailers won’t let you return sale items just because you don’t like them once you get them home but...

Know your rights - If a sale item is faulty then your rights as a consumer are exactly the same as if the item was full price.

Plan your route - Planning will keep you focused and avoid you being lured into shops you’re better off avoiding.

Take a friend - Make sure they are the rational, honest type of friend who will tell you if something doesn’t suit you or doesn’t fit you. to keep you from blowing your budget on things you shouldn’t.

Wear clothes that are easy to get in and out of - you don’t want to have to spend half an hour in the changing room taking off boots with fiddly catches and tops with twenty buttons multiple times. ‘Nuff said!

Eat something first - Food is cheaper and healthier at home. Plus, it’s scientific fact that clothes shopping on an empty stomach causes us to make impulse buys to satisfy hunger cravings!

The human brain is quirky like that.

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House of Colour

Upping Your Style Game in 2019

A cold and gloomy January is the perfect time to gain style kudos by balancing warmth and comfort with sumptuous fabrics to create an altogether chic look.

Even wearing the right winter wrap can mean you ooze layered style, especially if it is in one of your wow colours; whilst wearing the right or wrong type of boots for your body shape could make or break your outfit. Here’s how to up your style game in the colder months of 2019.

1. The new year is often a time for self-reinvention. Do you know what you like and like what you know?

Why not dare to try something a little different?

Quite often we rule out wearing a different colour or style because we find its easy and safe to wear the same type of things. Find your fashion groove by mixing different neutrals and wow colours from your colour palette or choose an on-trend pattern you haven’t tried before.

2. Now is the time to declutter. Evaluate whether you love each item of clothing in your wardrobe or whether its just ok. You don’t need a jam-packed wardrobe to look good, but you should love everything in it. Keep your loved clothes and give away anything that doesn’t suit you, giving you space to start afresh and organise your style. It also makes getting dressed in the morning a lot easier.

Cleared wardrobe, clear mind.

3. On the back of the growing drive towards more ecological dressing, this new year choose carefully from shops you know support your ethics and only buy the items you love and will be able to wear again and again. Think carefully but don’t be afraid to spend if it is an investment and a much-needed piece. Quality speaks!

4. The new year is often a time for us to focus on giving our health a boost. Have you considered that what you wear when you exercise can really affect how you feel about taking part? If you look and feel good in your leggings, swimsuit or running shorts, then you are more likely to drag yourself out of bed to the gym. Invest in some quality sports gear to give yourself the oomph you might need to get out of bed.

5. Try some new accessories. We all have our daily favourites but try wearing a necklace or earrings

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that makes a statement that’s all about you. You will be amazed how many compliments you get when you wear jewellery that’s perfect for your style personality and colour palette.

6. Don’t turn yourself into a walking rainbow but try mixing up to three colours in your colour palette including the neutrals that suit your season.

Everyone gets a form of white in their season, Autumn colour palettes suit rich, warm earthy colours such as oyster, whilst Springs suit a warm beige or cream. Winters look gorgeous in a cool bright white and stone. Summers suit cool, subtle neutrals such as soft white and pink beige. Add a pop of colour to your neutrals with a vibrant bag, hat/ scarf and gloves set, or a pair of red boots as seen in all the shops this winter.

7. Love your body and shape. Cinch in your waist or elongate your mid-section, draw attention to your best parts and wear the right length hemline, trouser length and sleeves. Style is the detail.

8. If you are planning to hit the sales just make sure that you choose items not because they are a great bargain but because they are perfect for you. A great rule of thumb is never to buy something you wouldn’t be happy to pay full price for. It is all about quality over quantity.

9. Winter is an amazing time to wear gorgeous prints whether it’s this season’s hot checks, gorgeous floral or animal prints. Winter is also a great time to try different materials that suit your body type whether that be leather, tweed, velvet or silk just to name a few. Try pairing a chunky knit sweater with a leather skirt for a smart casual look if you love a bit of drama. Alternatively, a neutral colour wool dress worn under a tweed jacket will create a sophisticated yet chic vibe for anyone who loves a classic look.

10. Not everyone suits high necks but if they look good on you then pair a high neck with long boots to create an elongated silhouette or opt for a high neck worn underneath a circle neck jumper or tunic dress for a layered and more casual look.

By Helen Venables, MD at House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk

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

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Local News

Let’s Fight Fatigue & Pain!

If you or someone you know has exhaustion and chronic pain, come along to a free drop-in event on Saturday 26th January.

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

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

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

Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover faster after injury, surgery and cancer treatments. It’s also great for increasing energy. Some people find it reduces pain, especially people with Fibromyalgia and CFS. On 26th January, free test sessions are available.

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

Nicki H has MS. She adds: “Also, it’s great to meet other people who have an idea of what you’re going through.

It’s nice to have a chat with other people at the Centre.”

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

Please come on Saturday 26th January.”

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

Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 26th January 2019, 12pm – 2pm Visit to find out about:

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

(may accelerate healing, boost energy, reduce pain)

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

Free test sessions available – book your place now!

Fighting Fatigue & Pain

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

www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk

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

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Time of Year

By Lesley Wade

Once Upon a Time

National Storytelling week runs from January 26th – February 2nd When did you last tell a story? Probably more recently than you think because as humans we tend to think in images and narrative.

Think about your favourite anecdote; the one you’re called upon to recount at every family gathering and which gets embellished a little more each time it’s told. That’s story telling in action and it’s the oldest art form in the world.

Since man first developed the power of speech, stories have been the traditional medium of communication between generations, used to educate and entertain.

There is evidence of storytelling in languages as diverse as Sanskrit, Old German, Latin, Chinese, Greek, Icelandic and Old Slavonic.

One of the earliest surviving records is from Egyptian culture. The sons of Cheops (the pyramid builder) are pictured in hieroglyphics on ancient papyrus entertaining him with stories.

Specialist storytellers evolved, known as bards. They were also poets and musicians and their job was to entertain by creating and performing poetic oral narrations. These generally chronicled the events of a war or praised the daring deeds and achievements of leaders and their forebears.

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Bards were also known as minstrels and jongleurs and often enjoyed a high status within their community.

The bardic community preserved many tales from different cultures which are still enjoyed today, including: • The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (English) • The Iliad and The Odyssey (Greek) • The Tain (Irish) • The Ramayana (Indian) Religious leaders also made use of storytelling to guide and teach their followers. This practice is still used, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism Ordinary folk also told stories, particularly at festival time and many such folk tales were collected and recorded by writers such as The Brothers Grimm.

The Society for Storytelling organises the National Storytelling Week each year to promote the art, value and practice of storytelling.

Storytelling events will be taking place in schools, libraries, museums, art galleries and residential homes. Check out what’s in your area.

Web Address - The Society for Story Telling www.sfs.org.uk

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Quirky Britain

By Kate McLelland

Grab your knitting and take to the streets Fluffy and lovable, ‘yarn bombing’ could be described as graffiti in sheep’s clothing. It combines the ‘matronly’ crafts of knitting and crochet with the maternal gesture of wrapping something cold in a warm blanket, with the objective of transforming the concrete and steel objects usually found in an urban streetscape. Lamp-posts, parking meters, bicycles, cars — even objects as large as buses and bridges — have all been ‘bombed’ in recent years.

Yarn bombing (aka guerilla knitting or guerilla crochet) has become a way for artists to reclaim and personalise public spaces that might otherwise be considered unwelcoming. The trend began in 2005 in Houston, Texas, when textile artist Magda Sayeg decided to cover the door handle of her shop with a knitted wrapping.

Magda admits that at the time she had no idea of where her actions might lead: “All I wanted to see was something warm, fuzzy and humanlike on the cold, steel grey facade I looked at every day.”

British artist Lauren O’Farrell learned to knit while recovering

from cancer treatment in her twenties, and subsequently formed a knitting club with her friend. As her skills developed she decided to direct her energies towards becoming – in her words – a “squishy Banksy”.

Lauren isn’t afraid of making big statements with her work. One of her early projects involved covering a phone box (displayed in Parliament Square as part of the BT ‘Art Box’ charity project) with a giant ‘cosy’. She didn’t seek permission to cover the box and admits she didn’t worry until the police asked her what she was doing. “We told them it was a craft project and we wanted to take a photo, and they let us,” Lauren explained to theartsdesk.com.

“The fact that they did opened the floodgates. I thought, I could now do this anywhere.”

These days people of all ages are inspired to take to the streets with knitting needles and crochet hooks. A few years ago 104-yearold grandmother Grace Brett came to public attention as possibly the oldest street artist in the world.

As part of a band of ‘yarnstormers’

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known as the Souter Stormers, she helped to decorate various landmarks in Selkirk, Scotland, during the YES Arts Festival, where yarn-bombed items included public benches, phone boxes and trees. Grace, who became a focus for media attention during the festival, told interviewers she thought the town looked lovely, adding: “I’m not bragging, but I’m quite pleased with what I’ve done.”

Yarn bombing has now become an integral part of many community events and festivals across Britain and its gentle, non-confrontational approach has also led to an association with a number of projects linked to mental health. In Cornwall “We are enough: the creative yarn bomb of love” is a project created to raise awareness of people who suffer with social anxiety. This year-long community arts initiative will conclude in May 2019 during Mental Health Awareness Week and the project reflects the views of many communities who see yarn bombing as the perfect way to convey a message of hope, positivity and kindness.

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Discover the true value of your home.

For tips on how to present your home and improvements that may enhance its value, call your local property expert to book your free market appraisal.

Biggleswade: 01767 313256 49 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 0JH email: biggleswade@satchells.co.uk Lettings, commercial property, mortgages and conveyancing arranged.

www.satchells.com

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Time of Year

Do you need a Social Detox?

By Louise Addison

January is the traditional time for a detox after the excesses of the festive period, so how about a social detox?

Do I need one? If there is someone in your life who drains your emotional energy, then that person is likely to be toxic and you are better off without them.

Fortunately, our seven-step plan will free you from social toxicity in 2019 Identify – Toxic people are manipulative and selfish.

They are impossible to work with. They rarely apologise for or own their mistakes. If you dread spending time with a person, they are probably toxic and it’s time to move on. If it’s a colleague or a boss start looking for another job.

Be determined - The person might be part of your social circle, or your immediate superior, or they might recognise that you are distancing yourself and try to claw back the friendship. You need to be clear in your own mind and create a mental separation, even if you can’t create a physical one right now.

Set boundaries – Don’t respond to texts, block their number if you can. If it’s a work colleague, only respond to work-related matters and keep the relationship strictly professional. Social media is trickier. Blocking or unfriending can make life awkward if you share mutual friends or work together. I would suggest you unfollow rather than unfriend, and don’t interact with them. The algorithms of most social media sites tend to flag up people you interact with regularly, so by not commenting or responding to them they will gradually disappear from your online world. Stick to your boundaries because toxic people exploit weakness.

Be less ‘nice’ - Not to everyone, just to toxic people.

Toxic people take advantage of kind people.

They thrive by draining your good energy. There is no need to be nasty, simply stop being overly accommodating.

Accept you can’t save them - Toxic people show up when they need something: attention, money; a shoulder to cry on. They want a way back into your life. Be determined and maintain your boundaries. If they are in real straits direct them to resources that specialise in the help they currently require. Solving their problem is not your responsibility.

Family matters - Toxic family members are particularly difficult to deal with as a clean break is often impossible. But you can still establish clear boundaries, even if they are in your head. Limit interactions, perhaps only phone a toxic parent once a month for 20 minutes, or restrict visits to three times per year, whatever works for you. The point is, take control, visualise your boundaries clearly then stick to them.

Treat it like a relationship break-up - Be kind to yourself. We are primed as humans to need relationships, but we don’t need unhealthy relationships. The more time you spend away from toxic people, with positive, loving people who bring joy to your life, the more uplifted you will feel. Make time for people who bring you happiness and let go of those who bring you anything less.

IMPORTANT - Please note that there is a difference between people who are truly toxic and people who have a negative outlook because they struggle with depression. Most of us can tell the difference between toxicity and depression. If your friend or family member suffers from clinical depression let them know that you love and support them. Don’t cut them out of your life.

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43

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Spot the Pension Scammers

Since new regulations were introduced in 2015 allowing greater pension freedoms, criminals have been targeting retirees, and those approaching retirement, in an attempt to fraudulently exploit the system.

Figures published by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) show that victims of pension scams lost £91,000 each on average in 2017, with more than 30% of pension holders aged 45-65 being unaware of how to check that they’re dealing with a legitimate pension adviser.¹ So how do you know if you’re being targeted by pension scammers?

Unexpected contact Unsolicited contact by someone offering advice on your pension is likely to be a scam. They may claim to be backed by the government, but no legitimate pension-related organisation or adviser would cold-call you. This type of contact could also be made by email, text, post or in person.

Free pension review A common tactic used by scammers, and one that gives them access to a considerable amount of personal and financial information, is offering a free pension review. If you’re under 55 they may try to persuade you to take your pension early; otherwise

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it could be with a view to transferring your pension into a fraudulent or unregulated scheme.

Releasing pension monies early If you’re under the age of 55, pension scammers may tell you it’s possible to access your pension early. This isn’t the case unless you meet certain, very limited, criteria regarding your health.

Withdrawing your pension below the age of 55 will trigger a tax liability of 55% of the amount withdrawn. You may also lose your pension entirely if the proposed new scheme/investment plan is fraudulent or unregulated, and still face this tax charge.

Higher/guaranteed returns One of the fundamental aspects of investing is that there are no firm guarantees. Scammers may tell you guaranteed returns at a certain percentage are available, or perhaps that you’ll receive higher returns from the investment product they’re offering, but this is not the case. They may also say their investment strategy is low risk, but a low-risk strategy is not associated with high returns.

Time-limited offers Scammers sometimes pressurise their victims into signing quickly, saying it’s a time-limited offer.

They may even arrange for a courier to deliver their documents and then wait until you sign them. This gives you little time to go through the documents properly, and to carefully consider what you’re doing.

Tax loopholes Pension fraudsters might say they know of tax loopholes, or ways in which you could make extra savings on tax. There are no tax loopholes with legitimate pension arrangements.

Withholding contact details If they don’t want you to call them back, have limited contact information available, only a mobile phone number or a PO Box address, for example, you should cease communications with them straight away.

Hopefully, being aware of the common tactics used by pension scammers, and when they’re likely to be used, will offer some protection, and help you avoid becoming one of the unfortunate and startling statistics. ¹www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/regulatorswarn-public-pension-scammer-tactics-victimsreport-losing-average-91000-2017

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Pets

How to keep your pets warm this winter As winter deepens and the weather starts to bite, it’s important to make sure our pets are warm and comfortable to avoid illness and distress.

Even those animals with thick, furry coats are susceptible to the cold, so what can we do to help our dogs, cats, and rabbits stay warm this winter?

Keeping your dog warm and cosy A warm dog coat offers protection from the winter cold, and as temperatures drop, even dogs with the thickest fur will benefit from the extra insulation when exercising or playing outside. A fleece-lined inner layer with a waterproof outer is a good choice, particularly if the two layers can be detached and used individually as the weather dictates.

By Ann Haldon

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Making sure your cat is warm this winter It’s more difficult to ensure your cat is warm in the winter given their independent nature, but they have a natural inclination to find warm places. That’s why it’s advisable to provide a cosy shelter in your garden, to reduce the likelihood of them sitting underneath cars or in other warm but dangerous places.

Protecting your rabbit from the worst of the winter weather If your rabbit is spending the winter in an outdoor hutch, you’ll need to provide additional protection from the elements. Siting their hutch away from the cold winds and driving rain, providing extra bedding, covering the hutch with a blanket and their run/outdoor area with tarpaulin, will all help to keep them healthy and safe.

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Garden

Winter Colour

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

Happy New Year to you! Despite the winter weather, with planning and strategic planting your garden can still look gorgeous, with colourful plants to add interest to your plot.

Dogwoods or Cornus are great winter stem-colour plants. Planted in a moist sunny spot, the crimsonred stems are stunning during winter, plus in autumn you’ll get red and purple foliage. To keep these colourful stems coming, cut them back to ground level in late spring every alternate year.

Winter classic good looks come from hollies, either green-leaved or in variegated form, such as ‘Argentea Marginata’ with silvery leaf edges, ‘Golden Queen’ with golden-yellow leaf edges, or ‘Ferrox Argentea’ with silver-edged leaves covered with prickles!

Some willows can be kept quite small, and have stunning coloured winter stems. For egg-yolk yellow stems go for Salix alba ‘Vitellina’, for scarletorange stems there is ‘Britzensis’, or Salix acutifolia ‘Blue Streak’ has purple stems with a slivery-grey bloom and grey buds. These stems also need to be cut back to ground level every two years.

The ghost bramble, Rubus cockburnianus, a relative of the standard bramble, has arching white stems that look great in winter sunshine. In summer it produces sprays of small purple flowers.

Christmas Roses or hellebores, including Helleborus argutiflorus, have cup-shaped green flowers with prominent stamens, are tough and perform well. The classic Christmas rose proper is white-flowered (developing a pink tinge as they age), and look stunning against the central cluster of golden-yellow stamens. The variety ‘Potters

Wheel’ has flowers up to 10cm in diameter.

Snowdrops in single and double forms look great planted in drifts or naturalised on a grassy bank.

Buy ready-to-flower snowdrops in pots now, plant them out, and then plant them ‘in the green’ in a month or two’s time, when you can get the bulbs, complete with leaves, ready for planting by mail order.

Winter aconites have bright yellow, shiny petals and flowers like golden stars, and produce a superb display when planted close to and amongst snowdrops. Plenty of moisture without waterlogging is key.

Winter flowering pansies make a splash of colour in any garden, with just about every conceivable colour available. Even when struck by frost, the flowers soon perk up again.

Clematis cirrhosa is a winter-flowering climber with yellow to white bell-shaped flowers and a delicate lemony perfume. The inner surface of the petals is delicately freckled, with variety ‘Freckles’ having the best dark spotting. The flowers last from early winter until the start of spring.

Winter-flowering jasmine can be loosely trained against a wall for a great winter display of bright yellow starry flowers, and will remind you that spring is coming!

At www.pippagreenwood.com you can join ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for great vegetable plants and weekly advice, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club?

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51

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BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS A Very Brown Hedge Indeed Aphids are one of the most common and troublesome of all garden insect pests. They attack a large number of garden plants throughout the country and are recently causing much disfigurement to ornamental conifer hedges. Commonly known as Greenfly and Blackfly, these aphids feed on hedges, sucking the sap of the plant and can spread several viruses, causing severe dieback.

Cypress Aphid is currently troublesome and pre-dominantly affects conifer hedging. Damage inflicted on conifer hedges by the aphid Cinara cupressi is severe and can lead to large brown patches on the hedge. This leads to localised foliage death, reducing the aesthetic look of the hedge. As the aphid is active from May to October it is important to catch this problem early and apply treatments to stop its spread. At the first sign of brown patches call us for a free consultation and professional advice.

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Gardening & Wildlife

Rural Ramblings Small Is Beautiful

I have finally worked out that whenever we have a hot, dry summer, the autumn colour seems to be enhanced and this year has been outstanding.

Even, the trees and shrubs which are normally not particularly impressive and not specifically grown for a pre-winter display, have come up with some interesting yellows and oranges.

Many years ago I made the decision to visit an arboretum, which at first seems to be rather boring way to spend your time, but turned out to be one of the most memorable places I have visited. It was called Westonbirt and is located near Bristol. It just happened to be during the half-term holidays and apart from the stunning larger trees, there was a collection of mature maples (Acer palmatum) which, at the time of the visit, were at their best, displaying all their glorious technicolour leaves. It really was a stunning sight and I came away determined to grow some at home.

I started with a very small acer which has finely shaped leaves and is purple during the year (dissectum atropupurem) I grew it in a large pot but unfortunately it did not survive. I thought I would try to grow some ordinary palmatum from seed with the intention of selecting the best for autumn colour. I managed to germinate quite a few and planted them out all around the garden but the rabbits managed to sniff them out and exterminated the lot apart from a lone survivor which was smothered in wire netting to preserve at least one. It grew into a small but perfectly shaped tree. You could say large shrub. The small leaves of all Japanese maples are finely shaped, but it is the dark red of their autumn colour which is the icing on the cake. Even a tree grown from seed and not a specially cultivated variety (as

are available in garden centres,) will make an excellent specimen.

All Acer palmatum are slow growers and as such make an excellent addition especially to smaller gardens. They are rather expensive to buy due to the fact that the different named varieties, which have the enhanced colours in their foliage, have to be grafted , which is labour intensive. However, as I found, even the common seedlings make beautiful trees if you are willing to wait a few years! I have never come across anyone who does not think they are “perfect little sweeties�

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53

Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Great Gardening Books

If you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas now is the perfect time to curl up in front of the fire with a gardening book you’ve brought for yourself. We have a few to recommend.

RHS Great British Village Show by Matthew Biggs and Thane Prince - The village show is a quintessential British tradition, and for many gardeners it represents the pinnacle of their sowing and growing year. This charming and informative book takes you behind the scenes of this very British institution, offering insights into the worlds of judges and contestants. It’s beautifully illustrated with photographs, and offers wonderful gems of insider information, including how to stage your produce, and what the judges are really looking for. There are even recipes for prize-worthy jams and preserves. If you’ve never attended a village show this book will make you yearn for a summer of tents and teas; you might even be tempted to become a competitor.

One Magic Square by Lolo Hubein – Following on from the previous book, have you ever wanted to have a go at growing your own vegetables and fruit but feel completely clueless? We’re always hearing that the best and cheapest food is the food you grow in your own garden, but it all seems rather complicated to a total novice. In One Magic Square, Lolo Hubein shows how you can start your own productive food garden in ten minutes a day on a single square metre. She provides simple plot designs starting with salads, and gradually expanding to include beans, tomatoes, corn, roots and much more. She also stresses the benefits of companion planting and provides ideas. The bite-sized designs (pun totally intended!) allow you to extend by one square metre each season, or to pick your favourites. The magic of square-metre gardening is in allowing your project to grow in a manageable way, from simple to more complex. There are even designs catering for different tastes and specific diets.

RSPB Gardening for Wildlife by Adrian Thomas - If you long to have butterflies and bees in your flowerbeds, birds singing in your trees, and hedgehogs bustling about under your bushes then look no further than this wonderful guide to wildlife gardening Adrian Thomas explains the intricacies of attracting wildlife to your garden whether you have a small plot or more than an acre. His style is accessible, but rich in detail. He draws on the latest wildlife research to explain the ecological principles, and to dispel some of the myths which have traditionally prevented gardeners from pursuing a wildlife-friendly approach. There are practical projects to help you create entire habitats, and long lists of suitable plants and trees, and it’s packed to brim with helpful photographs. If you love wildlife and want to encourage more to visit your garden, this inspirational book will help you sow the seeds and reap the rewards.

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Our services extend across Beds, Herts and Cambs from RS Fencing To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

55

Technology

Tech for the New You

£99; if all you want to track is your heart rate, you can get a heart rate monitoring watch from Decathlon for £15.99. Even GPS watches are much more affordable: the Kalenji Onmove 220 GPS Watch is currently £69.99.

Don’t forget the second-hand market, either. At the time of writing you could get an Apple Watch Series 3 GPS Nike+ watch, a great smartwatch, for £229.99 on eBay. That’s a pretty good discount on the usual RRP of £359.

If you do have a smartwatch, there are some excellent fitness apps for those too. The Apple Watch is particularly blessed with endless activity trackers. We like Carrot Fit, which is available for iPhone as well as Apple Watch.

Unusually where other apps offer positive reinforcement, Carrot is bad-tempered, judgmental and deliberately offensive. If you have a dark sense of humour though it’s a lot of fun.

If human beings were any good at keeping New Year’s resolutions, the gyms would be full to bursting and the streets full of joggers all year round, not just for the first few weeks.

Tech can’t transform you from couch potato to body beautiful, but it can keep you focused on the goal. The good news is that you might already have most of what you need in your smartphone.

Many modern smartphones contain the sensors to track all kinds of exercise apart from (obviously) swimming. If your device has GPS it can track your running or cycling, but even if it doesn’t it can usually track your steps and distance. In some cases they can also track your elevation and tell you how many flights of stairs you’ve climbed.

Both Apple and Google have their own fitness tracking apps in the form of Activity and Google Fit respectively, but some of the best fitness tracking apps are

by third parties. Nike Training Club is a great workout app, while Runkeeper and Strava are brilliant.

It’s not just about exercising, of course. Healthy eating can make a big difference to your energy levels and your body shape. MyFitnessPal enables you to track what your food intake to get an insight into your personal nutrition. The app is free, although some of its more advanced features require a monthly subscription. That’s something to check with health and fitness apps generally: apps that appear to be free are often very limited in what they can do, and some subscription plans are frighteningly expensive.

If you do decide to get some hardware, even that needn’t cost a fortune. Yes, the latest Apple Watch is pretty expensive at £399-plus, but you can get a perfectly good runner’s watch like the TomTom Runner 3 or Garmin Forerunner 35 for about

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57

Pets

Rehoming Appeal Cookie & Crumble

Cookie and Crumble are two indoor Abyssinian female Guinea Pigs. They are just over a year old and came from a home where they had not been handled and it has taken time to get them used to being picked up and stroked.

They are improving and looking for an experienced home to bring them on.

They love being fed treats, pieces of carrot etc and do not bite, they just need someone who can be patient with them.

If you could offer Cookie and Crumble a home, please call Hazel on 01234 357788.

Any potential home will be vetted by one of our volunteers.

Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team View other small mammals, dogs and cats currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

Fun Quiz - Review of the Year 1. When he was born in April, what position did Prince Louis of Cambridge take in the line of succession to the British throne?

2. Ingvar Kamprad, who died in January at the age of 91, is best remembered for founding which business in 1943?

3. Which country hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics?

4. After over two decades on the BBC, what was broadcast on ITV for the first time in April as part of an advert break during an episode of Britain’s Got Talent?

5. In January, the results of Donald Trump’s first medical since becoming US President revealed that he was taking a drug called finasteride to try to prevent what?

6. In June, which country officially lifted a ban meaning that there were no longer any countries in the world where women were forbidden to drive motor vehicles?

7. Which song did Theresa May briefly dance to as she stepped onto stage for her keynote speech at the 2018 Conservative party conference?

8. Following their wedding in May, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the Duke and Duchess of where?

9. In June, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, became only the second ever elected head of government to do what while in office?

10. In July, which song dropped from number one to number 97 to set a record for the fastest ever fall from the top of the UK singles charts in a single week?

1. Fifth 2. Ikea 3. South Korea 4. The National Lottery results 5. Hair loss 6. Saudi Arabia 7. Dancing Queen 8. Sussex 9. Give birth 10. Three Lions

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Pets

Ask Alan

When Monty was vaccinated, I was told that he was overweight.

He looks ok to me. What is the normal weight for a Labrador?

Even within the same breed, there is variation, so the ideal weight is judged by their body condition score, with a 2.5-3 out of 5 being ideal. You should be able to see a waist from the side and above, be able to feel (but not necessarily see) the ribs and not have protruding spine or hips. There is not an ideal weight for a breed, only for the individual, which we can tell you, once we have seen the body score.

Most dogs we see are overweight rather than underweight.

As in humans, being overweight is not good for your pets. It predisposes to diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, some tumours and makes the effects of arthritis much worse.

Keeping the weight off is easier than losing the weight, but it is possible with diet and exercise (as in humans). Dieting a pet can be difficult as a large part of our pleasure is making them happy, and food makes them very happy. It is possible to do, without making them miserable. It is best to come and get advice as to how to do it and the best foods to use.

Most basic hints – use a good quality, lifestage appropriate food; weigh the food to give them the amount they should have for the weight they are supposed to be (not the weight they are), and increase exercise.

Lean dogs live longer happier lives.

Best wishes

Alan

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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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GILKS FENCING LTD

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Puppy and Dog Training Classes

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Pets

Animal Stories Our small RSPCA Branch covers a large area including the whole of North Bedfordshire, taking care of cats, kittens and small animals in need before finding them happy, forever homes. A large majority of these animals come into our care via National RSPCA Inspectors, sadly not all coming from very nice situations. However this isn’t always the case. Once in a while due to various reasons and circumstances a truly beloved pet can simply no longer be kept. It can be a heartbreaking decision, but one made in the best interest of the animals.

In this instance it was these two, Tarquin and Millie-Mollie. The pair had lived together with a lovely lady since they were kittens. Unfortunately their owner was moving into sheltered housing where she was unable to take them with her. She made the devastating decision to sign the cats into our care, to find them new homes.

Tarquin, 6 years old and Millie-Mollie, 8 years were much loved, well fed and truly pampered pets.

Although their previous owner has said they didn’t particularly get on, more tolerating each other’s company than actual companions but since coming arriving at our cattery they seem to be glad to have each other close by. We would love them to go to a new home together, somewhere quiet with plenty of company during the day.

Handsome boy Tarquin has a beautifully marked

ginger coat. His little bent over ear adds to his charm and good looks and suits his cheeky chappy personality. Millie-Mollie is your typically pretty girl next door tuxedo cat who is definitely the more timid of the two. She is very sweet, but also very shy. They both like their food and come running when ‘dinner time’ is announced.

Although a sad start to the story, we are hoping to give this lovely duo a happy ending, where they can become someone else’s pride and joy. If you would like to give Millie-Mollie and Tarquin a loving home, or would like to find out more about them, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone on 01234 266965 or via email at adopt@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk.

We have lots of older cats in our care needing homes which are sadly notoriously more difficult to rehomed compared to kittens, but are not without their benefits! Older cats already have their personalities developed, so you can find the perfect fit for your family. They are also usually well trained, easy to fit into routines and are more content, happy to relax in your company rather than getting into mischief. If you would like to find out about the other cats in our care needing homes, please feel free to contact us or visit our website www.rspca.org.uk/local/bedfordshirenorth-branch

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63

A flexible day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with extensive and well resourced grounds. ur o y f f o Excellent links to s onth’ 1st m es the A1, St Neots and fe Sandy railway station.

30%

To find out more call us today

01767 681805 76 London Road, Sandy Beds. SG19 1DZ e: info@manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk w: www.manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk

• • • • • •

Swimming Lessons

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

Call Heather on Tel: 01767 631053 Mob: 07511168499

Email: tadlowswimming@btinternet.com 64

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Ditching the 9-5: Flexible Working Achieving a decent work-life balance can seem like the Holy Grail of parenting. But it doesn’t have to be…

Decide what you want This may seem obvious (MORE TIME!), but it’s a good idea to set out exactly what it is you want to achieve, and what you’re prepared to do to get there. Do you want to pick the kids up from school more often, or have more time with your toddler during the day? Do you need more time off during the school holidays? Or do you just want to attend sports days, school plays and other activities without using your holiday allowance? How much of your salary can you afford to sacrifice?

Making your current job work for you If you’re happy in your current job, could you reduce your hours?

When you factor in childcare costs you might not be as out of pocket as you might expect. Or perhaps you could work at home

more often (saving time on the dreaded commute) or change the hours you work? Starting work just 15 minutes earlier each day and cutting your lunch by 15 minutes might mean you could leave the office 2.5 hours earlier every Friday. If you want an extra day off, perhaps you could work longer hours but fewer days?

Your rights Most employees have the statutory right to make an application for flexible working and employers need a good reason to turn down such a request. ‘Flexible working’ covers everything from changing your hours to sharing your job with a colleague.

Parents are also entitled to take up to 18 weeks off work (up to four weeks a year) unpaid to look after their child, as long as they’ve been in the same job for at least one year.

The Citizens Advice has a lot of information for people who want to change their working hours. See

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Parenting www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Looking for a new job More and more employers are starting to wake up to the fact that happier employees usually leads to a better standard of work.

You’ll find that a lot of job adverts now mention flexible working.

According to the Office of National Statistics, more than 7 million people in the UK have some kind of flexible working arrangement with their employer.

If you’re struggling to find a suitable job and know someone in a similar position, could you apply for a job share together? While it’s still not common place, job sharing is becoming more accepted by employers. The Civil Service, for example, states that it ‘positively promotes all forms of flexible working, including job sharing’ and offers guidance to managers on how to make it work.

There are several job search agencies and websites specialising in roles that allow flexible working, including job shares.

Try www.capabilityjane.com, www.workingmums.co.uk and www.flexibleworks.co.uk.

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

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Children aged between 0 - 5 years

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

• • • • • • • • • •

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

54 High St, Sandy Bedfordshire, SG19 1AJ

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

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Motoring

By James Baggott

How to get the best deal on your car insurance Nobody likes to pay more than they have to with car insurance. We take a look at how you can save money on your premiums.

Increase your excess Keeping your excess low to minimise the upfront cost can result in much higher premiums, so experiment with different excesses when shopping around. Your policy price could tumble by simply adding £50 more to your excess, but make sure you can afford to pay it in the event of a claim.

Consider your annual mileage The more miles you tell your insurer you’re doing, the more of a risk you are, hence the price is higher. So if you’re covering a few thousand miles less each year than your insurance allows, cut them out of your policy.

Keep the number of named drivers down Adding multiple users to a policy will increase costs, so drop anyone who uses the car very infrequently and use a temporary cover service when needed instead.

Add an alarm system Although most new cars have excellent security equipment, some older models lack decent anti-theft protection.

Investing in an aftermarket alarm system with an immobiliser will result in long-term savings by way of cheaper insurance premiums – especially if you fit a Thatchamapproved system.

Opt for a black box policy For younger drivers in particular, a black box policy can drastically reduce insurance costs. Insurers fit a data recorder to your car and monitor your driving habits, mileage covered and where you’ve been. As they can track exactly how you’re driving, your initial cost is reduced and good road habits can lead to renewal discounts.

Are the extras necessary?

Options like breakdown and courtesy car cover sound worthwhile, but can often be found cheaper elsewhere, while extras like cover while driving abroad may be unnecessary.

Garage your car Securely parking your car in a garage makes it less likely to be stolen and it won’t get damaged while parked, meaning cheaper premiums. The same applies if you can park in a secure area at work.

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Pay annually – if you can afford to The total annual insurance price when paying monthly is often higher than paying one lump sum, so you’ll save in the long run if you can afford to do this – but don’t take out bank loans or use a credit card, as this will cost more than a monthly direct debit.

Take a Pass Plus course Pass Plus courses are great for any motorist – new or old – and insurers recognise the course benefits and offer discounts for those who have taken them. You’re a safer and more experienced driver in their eyes, thus less of a risk.

Don’t be afraid to shop around As convenient as it may be to pick the cheapest insurance deal from a price comparison site, it won’t save much money.

Use that as a starting point, and then pick up the phone. Tell one insurer of another’s prices and see if they’ll offer a better deal – and if they do, go back to the first and let them know. You could knock hundreds of pounds off your premium with a few calls.

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EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Local & Reliable

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Three Counties Radio

Chocolate Custard, Chocolate Crumble, Salted Caramel Sauce Having made this dish myself, you have my word that it’s wonderful. It should come with a health warning though, as the dusty chocolate crumble is utterly addictive. I found myself eating it off the spoon, and that was before I’d made the set custard! This dish is the creation of chef Steve Barringer, a former Masterchef The Professionals runner up. He’s just taken the leap and opened his own relaxed fine dining restaurant, Eileen’s, in the beautiful market town of Ampthill. This dessert enables you to serve food at home which looks like fine dining, but with a method which is very much open to all levels of cooking confidence.

Set custard 375ml double cream 60ml egg yolk 113g sugar 190g milk chocolate 1.5 leaves gelatine (soaked in water) Caramel Sauce 200g sugar 200ml double cream Chocolate crumble 100g sugar 125g ground almonds 75g plain flour 50g cocoa powder 3g salt 65g melted butter Whole hazelnuts, coarsely chopped to serve Chocolate Custard Whisk the egg yolk and sugar, bring the cream to the boil. Pour this on to the egg and sugar mix, place it all back into the pan and cook on a low heat until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Whisk in the soaked gelatine.

Pop the chocolate into a bowl, pour the mixture on to the chocolate and mix until the chocolate has melted.

Place into container and leave to set for around 2 hours, or until set. You can also just pour it into individual ramekins.

Caramel sauce Place the sugar into cold plan and put on the heat.

Cook it until it has reached a light caramel stage, add the cream and then whisk until the sugar has disappeared. Add salt and place into container to cool.

Chocolate crumble Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, melt the butter, add it to the dry ingredients, stir with a wooden spoon and then place it on a tray.

Bake at 180C/ Gas Mark 4 for around 10 minutes, stirring a few times. It’ll come out dusty and powdery.

Pipe the custard into your serving bowls, top with the caramel and finish with the crumble and hazelnuts.

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

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n O s ’ t Wha In January 1 January Hatley Coffee Morning 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall Come along for a chat, coffee/tea and a slice of cake. Everyone welcome. Donations on the day. All donations split between Hatley Village Hall and Hatley St George Church.

First Tuesday of the every month.

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 January Amici Singers 7.30-9.45pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Membership £15 per term (£45 per year) The Amici Singers are a non-auditioning female ensemble with a focus on fun! We do lots of tours, rehearse once a week and work hard/play hard. No auditions, just come 2 January along to a session to hear us, or if you want Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group to join in then your first session is FREE! We 1pm only ask three things, that you love to sing, Princess Charlotte Room, Shuttleworth love to make friends (which is what Amici Visitors £7 inc. raffle ticket stands for) and like new opportunities.

The Group meets on the first Wednesday Anyone is welcome to come along and listen of every month. Enjoy lunch in the at any time.

Shuttleworth restaurant before the meeting. Tel: Ann 01767 650630 or Carole 01767 Lots of free parking.

260815 for further info Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 4, 11, 18 & 25 January Lego Club 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 January 3.45-5.00pm Ivel Bereavement Support Centre Potton Library 10am-12 noon Love Lego? Come along and get building!

The Community Rooms, Baptist Church, Every Friday afternoon.

24 London Road, Biggleswade Has a loved one died? Are you struggling 4, 11, 18 & 25 January coming to terms with it? Perhaps we Sandy Ukulele Group can help you at our drop in centre on 7-9pm Wednesdays.

Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy Tel: Carole or Jill 07704734225 for more Meets every Friday. Please email for more information information on joining the group. Visitors welcome.

Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com 74

5 January Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Simon White talks about the Highlights of Chelsea and Hampton Court. Simon has been Sales/Garden Centre Manager at Peter Beales Roses for over 36 years. Plants and sundries for sale.

Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 January Lego & K’NEX Club 1.45-3.30pm Potton Library Love Lego and K’NEX? Come along and get building!

7, 14, 21 & 28 January Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 8 January Sutton WI 7.30pm Sutton Village Hall The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. Please feel free to come and join us!

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n O s ’ t Wha In January

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

8 January Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton Visitors £5 inc. light refreshments The speaker will be Gordon McCann talking about Barbuda after the Hurricane. The Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month.

Visitors always welcome.

Tel: Sarah Burgoine 01767 631415 Email: sarahjburgoine@gmail.com 8, 15, 22 & 29 January 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 8, 15, 22 & 29 January 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 9 January Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm The Kier Suite, Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay Visitors £3 Geoff Hodge will talk about ‘The Life and Times of a Gardening Editor’. Visitors welcome. Tea, coffee and raffle provided.

9, 16, 23 & 30 January Mums and Dads Coffee Morning 9-10am Moggerhanger Church Bring your pre-school children with you.

Toys available in the church. Tea/coffee, juice, biscuits £1 with fruit juice for your pre-school children. This can be a good time to meet friends, have impromptu meetings, plan your next commitments, etc..

9, 16, 23 & 30 January Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sandy Methodist Church Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds so ideal for siblings of different ages. Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, sensory and role play. First session free. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/ moomusicsandy

12 January Ivelflix Community Cinema: Murder on the Orient Express Doors open 2.30pm, Film starts 3pm Canada Block, Biggleswade Academy, Mead End Admission £4 on the door A friendly community activity that is run “not for profit”. All welcome. Plenty of easy, free parking on site and disabled access.

Tel: Alan 01767 310163 for more info Web: www.ivelflix.org.uk 19 January Biggleswade Poetry Table 7.45-9pm The Courtyard Centre, 6 High Street, Biggleswade Grab a drink and join us to share poems. We look forward to hearing any poem you’d like to bring. Email: leah@leahkstewart.com

20 January Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, 10 January Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Biggleswade Evening Women’s Institute Entrance £2, Under 16s free if accompanied 7.45pm Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade by an adult A new group which meets on the second This fair offers a diverse range of antiques Thursday of each month (except August). and collectables so whether you are a Guests welcome. professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly 10, 17, 24 & 31 January fair is the place to visit. Café serving Moo Music Sandy, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Biggleswade & Shefford Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 10-10.40am Sutton Village Hall Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds so ideal for siblings of different 25 January ages. Original moosic, lots of moovement, Sandy Historical Society dancing, sensory and role play. First session 7.30pm free. Tel: 07981 825654 Stonecroft Hall, St Swithins Way, Sandy Email: sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Members & students free, Visitors £2.50 inc.

Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs refreshments Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ‘St Neots River in Bygone Days’ by Rodney moomusicsandy Todman. Tel: 01767 680171

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

Undertaking all aspects of: building work • Extensions • Renovations • Conversions • New Builds.

T M E

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

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info@cromwellstoves.co.uk 01480 812281

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Renovations, Alterations, Plastering & Ceramic Tiling.

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Fully Insured for all works including Commercial and Listed Buildings.

Free Estimates and advice.

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0800 046 1080 UP TO 40% OFF IN JANUARY hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Time of Year

Be SMART in 2019 Most resolutions fail because they are too vague.

Make your 2019 resoultions SMART. Specific - Rather than, ‘I will lose weight,’ say, ‘I will lose 7lbs by the end of January by cutting out deserts, and walking a mile a day.’

Measurable - What does your success look like? Is it a 15lb weight-loss by the end of March? Is it fitting into a size 12 dresss? An effective goal is easy to visualise.

Attainable - By all means be ambitious; aiming to save £2500 during 2019 for your dream holiday in 2020 is fine, but make sure you can break down the goal into attainable steps which can be achieved in a shorter time frame. Can you save £200 per month from your current income? If not can you pick up some bar work or sell some possessions on eBay. Maybe you could save £100 per month over two years and take your dream holiday in 2021. Now your target is attainable.

Realistic - If your goal is to win X Factor but you couldn’t hold a tune in a bucket it’s time for a reality check. If you are 100lbs over your ideal weight, you are never going to be a size ten for your beach

By Tom Hancock

holiday in July. But realistic doesn’t just mean ‘able to atttain’, it means ‘willing to attain.’ If you want to retrain as a nurse, will you put in the hours of study and take a pay cut while you’re doing that?

Time-limited - Set a goal. Research shows that three months is good as it’s short enough to see the end-point, and long enough for significant change.

Whether it’s passing your driving test, or shedding a stone or two before your wedding day; three months is a good time-frame.

3 Windows 3 Doors 3 Conservatories 3 Orangeries 3 Bi folds 3 Repairs T: 01767 765440 78

E: sales@i-glaze.co.uk

W: www.i-glaze.co.uk

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

Misty Units New Locks Draughty Windows Dropped Doors Broken Hinges/Handles Extra Security Installation of New Windows, Doors and Conservatories

25 Years Experience Contact Stewart Gyles on T: 0798 444 1638 or

01767 221 057

E: stewy_133@msn.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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

All jobs undertaken

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

Free Estimates

Tel: 01767 680532 Mob: 0774 600 8188

cjpainting@hotmail.co.uk 15 Years Experience

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

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Local News

Can you help those most in need in the community this winter?

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) are an independent registered charity, providing support to local community groups and charities, many of whom are working with some of the county’s most vulnerable and in need.

They have launched their Surviving Winter appeal to support those who may struggle with food or fuel poverty during the winter months. It is estimated that over 41,700 households in Bedfordshire live in poverty.

Francesca Johnstone, Head of Grantmaking at BLCF says “We are asking the people and businesses of Bedfordshire to come together to support those in need and help them cope over the winter months.

For many people it can sometimes be a choice between heating or eating, this isn’t just something that affects older people, but also families and others in need. Monies raised will support those

most vulnerable in the community, together we can help to make a real difference.”

BLCF are partnering with local grassroot organisations who work with those most vulnerable in the community. They are working with local Bedford Foodbank, The Need Project, FACES & Age Concern to provide essential items like food parcels, winter kits, or even helping towards paying fuel costs for those most in need.

The appeal is running between until February 2019 and aims to raise £10,000 to support individuals and families across the county during the winter months.

If you are a local business or individual that would like to support this appeal please get in touch on 01234 834930. Alternatively you can donate by text to: ‘BLCF10’ followed by the amount (£5 or £10) to 70070 Or visit our website link: http://www.blcf.org.uk/ giving/donate/winter/

Seasoned Firewood Locally sourced hardwood Split and fully seasoned

£65 a Dumpy Bag Including delivery (Builders Bag)

Simon Gurry 07734 159501 Don’t shiver, we deliver 82

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DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

Electrician

www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk

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

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

Conservatories • Doors • Windows Staircases Handmade Kitchens Handmade Bedroom Furniture

Unit 12, Gracious Farm, Southill, Beds SG18 9JB T: 01462 816695 F: 01462 850915 E: info@driftwoodjoinery.com

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

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

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

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December’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr John Morley from Letchworth Christmas Competition Winner Sue Sandford from St Neots Easy

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0800 046 1080 UP TO 40% OFF IN JANUARY hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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The Villager Prize Crossword

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

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

Prize

£25

Across 1. Small town (7) 5. Hot chocolate (5) 8. Pant leg (7) 9. Estate, farm (5) 10. Defeated side (5) 11. Computer software (7) 12. Basement (6) 14. Removed skin (6) 17. Anglophone (7) 19. Vagrant (5) 22. Ran (5) 23. Changing (7) 24. Ease off, put feet up (5) 25. Snakes and ____, game (7) Down 1. Absolutely necessary (5) 2. Appears, seems (5) 3. Mozart’s home (7) 4. Our continent (6) 5. Ship’s freight (5) 6. Manage, direct (7) 7. Repentant (7) 12. More obvious (7) 13. Well reasoned (7) 15. Went into (7) 16. Large spade (6) 18. List of words at back of book (5) 20. Similar (5) 21. Sheets (5)

Name: Tel:



Address:

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

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

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

87

Motoring

Be Prepared in Winter Do you recall the weather we had a mere eight weeks before the start of last year’s hot spell? The “Beast from the East” dumped snow across the UK. And we had to drive in it.

It’s said every year, but it is worth repeating: a little preparation time on your car will pay dividends if the “Beast” comes back.

Check your vehicle’s lights work, windows are clear, wipers work, fluids are full, the battery is charged, and your tyres are in good and legal condition. On this last point you could consider changing to winter tyres, as they have proven benefits when the temperature drops below 5 degrees. Alternatively, I have found a pair of snow socks around the driving wheels of my car a viable,

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if short-term, alternative.

When making a journey it’s wise to take the following: warning triangle, a torch, boots, de-icer, ice scraper and a fully charged phone, perhaps with spare battery pack. Some recommend taking a tow rope and shovel too; if you are likely to use country lanes then yes, but on a trip to the shops, perhaps not.

If you must make a long journey, even via the motorway network, and snow has fallen or is expected, take a blanket and a hot drink in a flask. We have all heard the stories of blocked motorways, the resultant tailbacks and motorists spending a freezing night on the hard shoulder.

Being prepared is the watch word in winter.

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

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

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

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

mark.dilley@btinternet.com

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Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan Reasons to Stay Alive

By Matt Haig

An estimated 10% of people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. If you’re waging your own battle against this debilitating illness, Reasons to Stay Alive may help. Matt Haig chronicles his own fight against depression and shares what worked for him. It’s an honest, warm, humorous and very relatable read. You may also find Haig’s Notes on a Nervous Planet of interest if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks.

Slow

by Gizzi Erskine

Comfort eating doesn’t have to mean chocolate, shop-bought pies and a vat of ice cream. It can mean taking the time to show yourself some self-care by preparing delicious, wholesome, hearty dishes.

Slow has plenty of recipes to help you do just that, from warming winter stews to slow-roasted meats and decadent desserts. They’re all written in Gizzi’s usual easy, unaffected style. Salt Beef Brisket anyone? Or Lemon Sherbet Meringue Pie? Yum.

COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS STOVE/GAS FIRE INSTALLATION

Why Mummy Drinks

by Gill Sims

Frazzled parents everywhere will find something to relate to in Why Mummy Drinks. Humorous reflections on parenting in the modern world precede spaces to jot down your own thoughts each day. If you like journals EPS (and laughing), and have ever wondered whether you should just record yourself shouting ‘Teeth! Hair! Shoes! Hurry up!’ to save having to speak in the morning, this book is for you.

• Wood Burning/Multi Fuel Stove & Gas Fire Installation • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Free Survey & Quotation

CHIMNEY SWEEPING • Brush & Vacuum Sweep • Smoke Test

£

• Clean & Tidy • Insurance Certificate • Bird Guards Fitted

From

40.00

£ T:

01767 627591 - Northill, Beds

E: countrystovesandsweeps@gmail.com

www.countrystovesandsweeps.co.uk

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91

Classifieds Accountants

Electricians

Bi Folding Doors

Garden Specialist

Craft Bi Fold Doors Beautiful Smart Aluminium Bi Folding or Sliding Patio Doors, available in many colours and options.

Supplied and installed within 3 weeks from qualified installers.

We will beat any like for like quote.

Local, honest, professional service

Tel: 07850 650400 Web: www.craftbifolddoors.co.uk Email: Craftbifoldoors@gmail.com

Carers Required - Shared Lives

Garden Specialist

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

01767 699252 07901 985123

Handy Man

Domestic Repairs

HGS Classified advert.indd 1

14/04/2015 21:23

JB Domestic Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers No Call Out Charge!

Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

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Classifieds Locksmith Services

Plastering Services

Painter & Decorator

Plumbing

RICHBAW

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

M. Philmore (Phil) - General Plumber Now semi retired but still available for general plumbing.

57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

Painting Services

Plumbing and Heating

Pet Services

Private Car Hire

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Classifieds Property Improvements

Roofing

Property Improvements by

A professional property maintenance service

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

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Tiling

Property Improvements

GB

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

Removals

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

Will Writers

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

Riding School

Wood Suppliers

MANOR FARM RIDING SCHOOL Sutton, Beds - SG19 2ND

Lessons, Hacks - Pony Club Centre Pre-school rides, £12 on weekdays 07875 192662 You can also find us on facebook 94

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

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

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area.

The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

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

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

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The Old White Horse • 1 High Street • Biggleswade • SG18 0JE Tel: 01767 314344 www.lolineinteriors.co.uk e: dave@lolineinteriors.co.uk