Potton Jan 2022 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 185 - Jan 2022

and Town

Life

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

Happy New Year Inside this issue Health and Well-being

Holidays

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages

ur Yo EE FRco1py

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Inside this issue...

Using Neutral Colours

Health and Well-Being Holidays in the UK............................................4 Drinks: It’s a Gin Thing!................................................................................. 8 The Perfect Cup of Coffee.........................................................................10 History on a Slide.......................................................................................... 12 Look Back in Time......................................................................................... 17 Save Energy... and the Planet....................................................................19 Choosing and Using Neutral Colours.................................................... 23 7 Easy Beauty Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep...............................26 Fun Quiz...........................................................................................................29 Healthier Alternatives to Sugar...............................................................30 Feeling Frazzled by the Festive Season?...............................................32 New Year, New You for 2022................................................................... 35 How to put an outfit together.................................................................37 Greensand Champions Awards...............................................................40 Fishing for Benefits.......................................................................................43 How to be a Vegan......................................................................................44 Out of Business? Your Rights................................................................... 47

New Year, New Bathroom, Fresh Start!................................................48 All the Colours of the Rainbow..............................................................50 Plants as Air Purifiers................................................................................... 53 RSPCA: Why Not Foster?........................................................................... 54 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal..........................................................................56 Ask Alan: Potton Vets.................................................................................59 Used Car Bargains.........................................................................................60 Wordsearch.................................................................................................... 63 A Fresh New Year.........................................................................................64 Plumbing Problems...................................................................................... 67 Top Tech for Every Kitchen.......................................................................68 Choose a Gym...............................................................................................70 What’s Your Hobby?.....................................................................................72 What’s on January.........................................................................................75 Personal Electric Transport....................................................................... 76 Seasonal Recipe: Ramen Tofu Noodle Bowl....................................... 79 Puzzle Page.....................................................................................................80 Villager Prize Crossword............................................................................86 Short Story: The Cupboard Under the Stairs.....................................89 Book Review: Fresh Starts..........................................................................91

How to be a Vegan

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 - Trevor Langley, Andy Davis, Peter Ibbett, Caitlin McNamara, Katherine Sorrell, Kate Duggan, Potton Vets, Herts Therapy Centre, Gavin May, Jennie Billings, Caroline Knight, Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Tracey Anderson, Toby Malone, Jackie Brewster,

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

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

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. 3

Travel

Health and wellbeing holidays

in the UK

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing more important than our health. With the New Year’s resolution season now upon us, it’s the perfect time to set some goals that prioritise your body and mind – and what better way to start than with a holiday dedicated to just that? Health and wellbeing holidays are the latest trend to hit the tourism market. In a world where our pace of life is getting faster and faster, there’s becoming a growing need for sanctuaries that allow us to slow down and take some time to focus on what’s important – our health. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel far for these kinds of holidays either. The UK is packed with fitness, health and wellbeing escapes. Arvon Creative Writing Retreats, West Yorkshire Calling all aspiring writers; Arvon’s Writing Retreats in the Pennine Hills give you the chance to shut out the noise, gather your thoughts and reignite your creativity. Regardless of your writing experience, you can enjoy a stellar line-up of published writers leading courses on everything from fiction, short stories and poetry to biography, life writing and screenwriting. Keep it simple in a single room, or stretch out in your very own apartment – the choice is yours! Reclaim Yourself, Scottish Highlands If sunrise yoga, delicious healthy meals, daily adventures and outstanding natural beauty all

sound like chicken soup for the soul, you’ll love this wilderness and wellbeing weekend in the Scottish Cairngorms. When you’re not relaxing in your rustic lodge, you’ll be freewheeling across the mountainscape, taking dips in Loch Garten and exploring the national park with a conservationist. And to top it off, Reclaim Yourself aims to offset the travel emissions of all their guests – making a holiday here good for you and the planet. The Tree, North Yorkshire Nestled in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, The Tree is the perfect place to rest your mind, body and soul. Stay for the weekend and you can expect tasty vegetarian meals (including Sunday lunch), afternoon tea, spa treatments and relaxation workshops, with plenty of time carved out to spend in the sauna and Jacuzzi too. There’s also the option to choose the yoga weekend option, for a similar itinerary but with more downward facing dog. Balance Holidays, Yorkshire Set in Broughton Hall in Yorkshire, a picturesque country estate framed by moorland, Balance Holidays’ holistic summer retreat is all about reconnecting with Mother Nature. Your days here will be filled with activities such as wild swimming, barefoot woodland walks, tree climbing, forest

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bathing and meditation workshops. Of course, rest is important too, which is why you’ll have plenty of free time to soak up your tranquil surroundings. Book a stay here, and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling blissfully refreshed. Our Retreat, Somerset This yoga and meditation retreat is hosted in a beautiful nineteenth-century farmhouse in the heart of Somerset’s idyllic countryside. A daily schedule at Our Retreat typically includes morning meditation, restorative yin yoga or Pilates, breath work, sound baths and guided walks. Don’t worry, you’ll have flexibility to do what you want too, with plenty of time carved out for reading, massages or simply dozing off in the sun. Throw in some wholesome meals and you have a retreat that’s guaranteed to nourish your mind, body and soul. Skyros, the Isle of Wight Hosted at The Grange, a Georgian B&B with sweeping sea views and a spacious garden, Skyros is famous for its two, three and four-night courses that help you become the person you truly want to be. From writing, comedy and photography to yoga, dance and wellbeing, there are holidays for everyone – whatever you’re into and whether you’re travelling

solo or with friends. The location is pretty idyllic too; set in the south of the Isle of Wight, a stone’s throw from the sea, there’s plenty to do, see and explore nearby. Yeotown, Devon This rustic-meets-luxury haven near Barnstaple is best known for its health and fitness programme. This is not your average fitness holiday; expect everything from long hikes along the North Devon coastline and bike rides in the forest to sunrise yoga and lessons on diet and nutrition. There’s also a hot tub and sauna to make the most of, not to mention healthy, vegan cuisine delicious enough to convert even the most hardened carnivore. Birch, Hertfordshire Proof that you don’t always need to escape to the countryside to slow down, this country manor hotel on the outskirts of London provides a creative space to recharge or get involved in an array of classes. Take part in classes ranging from gong baths to sourdough and soda breadmaking, glassblowing workshops and yoga. Oh, and did we mention the five-star facilities? Start your day in the gym, swim some lengths in the outdoor pool and dine on homegrown food, every day.

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Food & Drink

Drinks: It’s a Gin Thing!

Juniper berries form the base flavour for gins and productions of these alcoholic beverages dates back centuries. Today, many different botanicals can be and are used, to great advantage, to produce gins that are a clear liquid through to a great number of coloured variations, which are appreciated and loved by numerous gin connoisseurs. Gin cocktails are hugely popular too and have devotees, globally. For some gin lovers a simple gin & tonic is satisfying and welcoming. I searched for a company producing a good range of handcrafted gins, that utilises botanicals to create outstanding gins, which appeal to many. The Ruddy Fine Distillery is very proud of their productions, which have been developed over recent years, by Cheryl Stretton and Rory Thorpe. Their LONDON DRY GIN (42% ABV) is infused with 11 botanicals, all carefully selected to provide an excellent, balanced product. The sweetness of orange zest is complemented by fragrant spices and botanicals, to produce this smooth, extremely popular gin. Botanicals used for the production of this gin include the exotic lemongrass. SUMMER BERRIES GIN (42% ABV) has, as the name suggests, juicy berries, evoking thoughts of summer in England. Red fruits are in abundance, for the bouquet. Again, excellent on the mouthfeel and palate’s sensation. Cardamom combines with the other botanicals, to provide this ‘pink favourite’, that pink gin lovers fully enjoy. Other Ruddy Fine gin productions include NAVY STRENGTH GIN, CHRISTMAS GIN (Limited Edition) and LOCKDOWN GIN (Limited Edition). Gift vouchers are available too, plus other merchandise to complement the range. The Ruddy Fine Distillery, created by Cheryl Stretton and Rory Thorpe, is located in the pretty, rural village of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire. The Ruddy Fine Gin Club is very popular, with memberships steadily increasing. For a ‘something different’ type of gift the Ruddy Fine Minis Gift Boxes are very attractively presented and could be the answer. As Cheryl and Rory say, “Our passion and desire to create the finest small batch craft gins comes through in every refreshing sip”. For all details and information please contact or visit their website. The Ruddy Fine Distillery Ltd, 39 Nottingham South & Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Nottingham NG11 7EP. Tel: 07540 096 234 E-mail: info@ruddyfine.co.uk www.ruddyfine.co.uk ways, Enjoy!

As al

ey Trevor Langl

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Rooms from

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

Key Features

£750

• Landscaped gardens

per week

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

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

We look forward to meeting you...

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Food & Drink

The Perfect Cup of Coffee Do you love a cup of freshly brewed coffee? Me too. But making it is such a faff - coffee grinder, beans, filter, etc. It can get very tedious, especially if you just want a quick shot. So, what about getting rid of all of that hassle with a coffee pod machine? Coffee pod machines are a great shortcut to great tasting drinks. Simply load a pre packaged pod into the holder, press brew, and let the machine do all the work for you. Recycle the empty pod and sit back to enjoy your drink. No mess, no fuss. The machine works by having a precisely measured amount of coffee (along with any other flavourings) in a special pod. When you press the brew button the device draws water from its reservoir, heats it, and then pumps it through the pod to brew the drink. Your coffee is then poured into your cup and frothed on the way. The contents of the pod dictate what drink you’ll get. There are endless options from expresso to latte to hot chocolates and other drinks. Some machines allow you to manually vary how the drink is made, others identify each pod and will run the best program for that particular drink.

Prices vary from around £40 to a couple of hundred depending on what features you want. There are a few different types of pods, and each machine is usually tied to a particular brand, so make sure you check out what’s available before you buy. Recycling pods has become a lot easier with initiatives like https:// podback.org/ So put your feet up and let technology take the strain.

By Andy Davis

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History

History on a Slide

Once upon a time before there was broadband, the world wide web and Microsoft Power-point presentations the slide projector was the essential piece of equipment at Potton History Society meetings in the last quarter of the 20th century. The Society now holds a fair collection of redundant slides which have not felt, for a couple of decades, the excitement of strong projector bulb light passing through their surface revealing to all the instant in time they encapsulate. Now digitised they only have memories of being inserted into cassette holders upside down or back to front or over heated by being jammed in the projectors mechanism or even dropped on the floor by a nervous speaker dealing with an unfamiliar machine. Life was not always plain sailing for the humble slide. Tucked away in a box in a quiet corner of an archive they seem to have no future. Occasionally a curious society member brings them out into the 21st century world to spark memories of days in the pre-digital age.

Biggleswade Road has changed as the 1991 slide shows. The crumbling ironstone wall and the meadow with its views to the Wrestlingworth ridge have given way to new housing, some of whose roads bear the names of History Society members who helped create the archive of slides reflecting their youth and mid-20th century developments in the ancient market town. Prices of petrol remain a topic of conversation as does the problem of traffic and heavy lorries! Do you have old slides of Potton that lie lonely and forgotten in drawers or cupboards? The Potton History Society can give them a home and a future. Items can be copied and returned. Our January meeting features the stories behind the street names of the town as well as a look at possible names for future developments. Why not join one of Bedfordshire’s most active societies. Check our web site for details

By Peter Ibbett

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Crematorium and memorial gardens created and managed by the Austin family in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.

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Serving the local community for ten generations

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Environment

Save Energy… and the planet

There are many simple changes you can make in our homes to reduce your electricity and gas usage and do our bit towards saving the planet. Thermostat - The thermostat is your friend! It’s an uncomplicated way to take control of your energy usage. By turning the heating thermostat down by one degree you can save around £60 a year. A smart thermostat can connect to your Wi-Fi so you can control your heating and hot water through your smart phone, tablet, or desktop. A smart meter monitors and displays your energy use in near realtime so you can see exactly how much electricity and/ or gas you’re using and use the information to make adjustments to cut household costs. Lighting - Buy energy saving lightbulbs. Gradually phase out any incandescent or halogen bulbs in your home. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are the most energy-efficient bulbs available and are much cheaper to run. Turn lights off in unused rooms. Consider a timer switch to set lamps to come on and off. These plug straight into the wall can be programmable. Did you know that dust sitting on lampshades or bulbs can dim the light in your home? Regularly clean lamp shades or fittings to ensure the light can get through. Stop the standby - Switch appliances off at the plug to save energy. This alone could save you £35 a year. Unblock the radiators - Items of furniture are often placed in from of radiators which partially blocks heat circulation. Moving furniture just a few centimetres away from radiators can help boost the temperature of your room, which means you may be able to turn your thermostat down and save money, without feeling the temperature difference. Also, many radiators are placed under windows, and are completely covered by full-length curtains when they are drawn, effectively curtailing their ability to heat a room. Hemming curtains to a shorter length can make a massive difference. By Caitlin McNamara

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We are now open again for bookings and showroom appointments

S ee o

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Known for our specialist expertise and exciting curtain and blind design ideas  Home selection  Comprehensive range  Free measuring and quotation  Friendly, impartial design advice  Local, family run business  All blinds supplied meet current child safety regulations

01763 243894

www.newdawnblinds.co.uk New Dawn Blinds

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

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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

Choosing and using neutral colours For a look that is classically stylish, easy to live with and works in every room, choose a subtle palette of whites, greys and browns. In a room decorated with neutrals, you will always feel at home. With an almost infinite range of colours, from the purest white to pale, mid and deep tones of grey, beige and brown, they work well for both old and new houses, and for small or large spaces. Think of the glow of polished wood, the texture of rattan, the variations of natural pebbles – these luscious shades, chosen and combined with care, can be full of character. First, the basics. Pale can definitely be interesting: shades of not-quite-white offer a surprising range of options, from fresh, bright and airy to rich, warm and restful. Rooms painted in pure white can appear bigger and brighter, thanks to the way the colour reflects light around. A clean white wall is a great background for vibrant paintings, for the coloured spines of books, or for a simple jug of flowers. And if brilliant white is too cold, choose a white with a pink or yellow undertone that warms the space and

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is more flattering against the skin. Beyond white, pale neutrals vary in hue from cream to sand, through taupe to stone and bleachedtimber tones, while darker neutrals vary from charcoal and ebony to chocolate – and there is a whole rainbow in between to choose from, including beautiful greys, from palest dove to darkest steel. Many people love the laid-back, fresh feel of a room that puts white on white, or combines a range of very pale tones, but with neutrals it is also possible to employ counterpoints of darker tones against lighter colours, or even to go dark and dramatic all over. Choose colours by trying them out in situ, using small tester pots before committing to a bigger purchase. Paint at least two coats on several pieces of card, and stick them up on every wall around the room in question. Observe the colours at the times you’ll usually be in the room, and with your lights

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both on and off, as lighting has a marked effect on neutrals. The trick is to select layers of colour rather than just one, creating an interesting, subtly varied effect. When combining neutrals, avoid using different hues that are all of the same tone. An easy way to choose is to take a colour chart and go up or down (dark to light) within the same colour family, rather than working across from colour to colour. You could use darker tones for woodwork, with lighter ones for walls or, if you have features such as cornices and dadoes, perhaps vary the wall tones with lighter ones above and darker ones below the divisions. You can also use different neutrals to provide a gentle visual link from room to room: perhaps a very pale colour in a narrow hallway, with slightly darker hues in a living room and a warm tone in a dining room, for example. With paint colours sorted, continue the layering effect with flooring, wallcoverings, furnishings and accessories. In any neutral scheme, it is surfaces that are the star, and success comes from choosing textures – hard and soft, rough and smooth, squishy and knobbly – as carefully as you would colours. Natural is key, so aim for simple upholstery, window treatments, bed linen and table linens, in fabrics that have subtle and attractive variations in texture – crisp linen, soft cotton, warm wool, floaty muslin, fluffy sheepskin, and so on. Bring out the cosiness of a small bedroom, for example, with a shaggy rug, matt-painted walls, velvet curtains and soft woollen

throws. Or emphasise a light and airy living room with satin-varnished floorboards, glossy woodwork, sheer curtains and silk cushions. While there is inherent pattern in many of these textures (the weave of a rug or a wicker basket, for example) you may wish to introduce some surface pattern, too. In rooms that are, on the whole, relatively plain, small pattern features will stand out as focal points. Checks and stripes, chevrons and zigzags, damasks and geometrics can all look particularly good. Similarly, the occasional spot of colour, whether it’s a pale pink cushion, a turquoise vase or a mustard-coloured lampshade, may be the perfect finishing touch for an all-neutral room, adding just a touch of drama and personality to the calm and welcoming vibe.

1 Handmade in the UK, this love seat is composed of Scandinavian birch, with feather-wrapped foam cushions for squishy comfort. Banoffee love seat, £1,445, Loaf: 020 3141 8300; loaf.com. 2 Inspired by classic wingback chairs, these stately beds have ample storage space concealed beneath. Kenley ottoman storage bed in oatmeal fabric, £699.99 (double), Furniture & Choice: 0333 015 0000; furniturechoice.co.uk. 3 This table teams two planks of tactile and sustainably sourced white oiled oak with black metal legs. Industrial oak table, £975; Edie dining chairs, £525 (pair); all Nordic House: 01872 223 220; nordichouse.co.uk.

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Beauty

7 easy beauty resolutions Supercharge your bath Who doesn’t love a soak in the bath on a cold winter’s night? Make yours a treat for your skin and senses with a handful of fragranced bath salts. Dove’s are a good choice. They’re made from pure sea salt to ease aching muscles, with added natural moisturisers to boost hydration. And you have a choice of three aromatherapy-inspired fragrances, at £6.99 from www.boots.com and www.superdrug.com. Use SPF Your skin doesn’t need to be at risk of burning to be damaged by UV rays. So it’s important to protect it all year around. A good facial sunscreen shouldn’t feel greasy or block pores. Alternatively, you can just opt for a moisturiser with added SPF, but to get the full benefit, you may need to use more than usual. Give your nails a break Gels and acrylics are great, but your nails do need a rest now and then to recuperate. If your nails are feeling brittle, file them short to reduce the risk of breakage. Treat them to a weekly nail-strengthening treatment and a daily cuticle oil. If you want some colour, choose a gentle nail polish. Nailberry polishes (£15, www. nailberry.co.uk) are breathable and free from alcohol, phthalates and harsh chemicals. Treat your hair If you struggle to find the time for a weekly hair mask, try an overnight one. JOICO’s Defy Damage Sleepover Treatment contains moringa seed oil to add shine and softness, along with other natural ingredients that help to strengthen hair and protect it from further damage. It’s non-greasy and you don’t even need to rinse it out the following morning. It costs £20 at www.lookfantastic.com.

you’ll want to keep

Try something new It’s all too easy to get stuck in a beauty rut. If you fancy trying something new, book yourself in for a skin consultation or mini makeover at a cosmetics counter. Or visit a few counters and ask for their recommendations. (You may get given some free samples to try at home.) You could also sign up for a beauty box subscription, like those by Birchbox, Glossy Box and Look Fantastic, which will give you the chance to sample lots of different brands. Switch to green beauty It’s simpler than you might think to make more eco-conscious choices. To start with, look for easily recyclable, zero-waste packaging. Check that the brands you use are certified cruelty-free. And swap disposable products for reusable ones, such as a bamboo razors, refillable deodorants and washable cleansing pads. To make life easier, buy from retailers that have strict eco policies, like www.biggreensmile.com, www.naturalcollection.com and www.lovelula.com.

By Kate Duggan

Feed your skin Boost a healthy diet with a vitamin supplement. Manifesto’s Beauty gummies (£39.90, www.manifesto-nutrition.co) are a good choice as they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants and taste great. The hero ingredient is astaxanthin, which has been found to improve skin’s elasticity. There’s also zinc, biotin and Vitamin A to help strengthen your hair and nails, collagen boosting Vitamin C, and other ingredients your skin will thank you for.

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Shires

Funeral Directors At Shires we understand that no two lives are the same, which is why every funeral we arrange is completely individual too. Whether you’re making the arrangements for a loved one or prudently planning your own, we’re here for you in every way.

3 Belfry Court, Sandy SG19 1JR 01767 683 600 shires.sandy@cpjfield.co.uk Also at Bedford, Baldock, Dunstable, Letchworth & Luton

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• • • • • •

Swimming Lessons

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

Call Heather on Tel: 01767 631053 Mob: 07511168499

Email: tadlowswimming@btinternet.com

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Review of the Year 1. Which computer pioneer and codebreaker features on the new Bank of England 50 pound note that entered circulation in 2021? 2. Before later admitting it was an April Fool’s joke to help promote its upcoming electric cars, which car manufacturer said in a press release that it was changing the fourth letter in its name to a “t”? 3. At the 2021 Brit Awards, who became the first ever all-female group to win the Best British Group award? 4. Which online fashion retailer bought the brand Debenhams in January and the brands Burton, Wallis and Dorothy Perkins in February? 5. Name the only two players to score for England in the penalty shoot-out of the UEFA Euro 2020 Final.

6. Which British city was stripped of its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2021 due to developments along its waterfront? 7. In 2021, El Salvador become the first country in the world to make what legal tender? 8. Instead of its usual course on the River Thames, the 2021 University Boat Race was held in Cambridgeshire on a stretch of which river? 9. 2021 saw which 83-year-old become the oldest ever person to win an Academy Award for acting? 10. Name the three countries who finished above Great Britain in the medal table at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

1. Alan Turing 2. Volkswagen 3. Little Mix 4. Boohoo.com 5. Harry Kane and Harry Maguire 6. Liverpool 7. Bitcoin 8. The Great Ouse 9. Anthony Hopkins 10. USA, China and Japan

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Health

Healthier alternatives to sugar Blamed for everything from obesity to tooth decay, sugar has gone from being a symbol of wealth to an international health crisis. Sugar’s addictive qualities combined with its prevalence in everyday convenience food make it difficult to consume in safe quantities. Thankfully, healthier alternatives are now available, promising lower-calorie or more nutritious substitutes to our favourite sweetener. To help you navigate the ever-growing world of sugar alternatives, here are the best ones to add to your shopping basket in 2022. Honey - Quite possibly the most popular alternative sweetener on the market, honey is packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, like table sugar, it’s also high in calories and breaks down to glucose and fructose, so unfortunately poses some of the same health risks. Unlike sugar though, honey has been linked to improved heart health and lower blood pressure. Plus, its soothing, healing qualities make it a great cold remedy. Coconut sugar - Made from coconut palm sap, coconut sugar is another natural sweetener to consider if you’re looking to lower your sugar intake. While regular sugar contains no nutrients, coconut sugar requires little processing and so retains small amounts of iron, zinc, calcium, potassium and antioxidants. Although this makes it a healthier option, coconut sugar still contains the same number of calories as normal sugar, so should be used sparingly. Stevia - The holy grail of sugar alternatives, stevia is a natural sweetener that’s extracted from the leaves

of a South American shrub. Unbelievably, it contains zero calories while being up to 350 times sweeter than sugar, meaning that you need much less to satisfy your sugar craving. Although it’s non-chemical, stevia extracts do have a noticeable aftertaste. However, it does come in various forms, including powder and liquid, so it’s worth shopping around to find one you like. Sugar alcohols - A type of sweet carbohydrate, sugar alcohols are processed from plant fibres such as birch, berries and cornhusks, and contain half the number of calories as sugar. Don’t be deceived by the name; sugar alcohols don’t actually contain any ethanol – or sugar for that matter. Unlike regular sugar, they don’t cause tooth decay or an increase in blood sugar. Plus, they’re low in fructose too – sugar’s most harmful ingredient. Erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol are just a few examples to look out for in ingredient lists. Commonly found in jams, sweets and chewing gum, they’re also used in sweetener brands such as Truvia. Yacon syrup - Agave syrup and maple syrup are hard to top, but the latest syrup to enter the market is that of the yacon kind. Extracted from the South American yacon plant, this sweet, dark, thick syrup contains a special type of sugar molecule that our bodies can’t digest. This means that it contains just one-third of the calories of regular sugar, making it the latest craze amongst dieters. Its high fructan content has also linked it to an array of health benefits, from helping constipation to lowering blood sugar. What’s not to love?

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Local News

Feeling Frazzled By The Festive Season? Would you like an energy boost to start 2022? The season’s festivities can be great fun but tiring too! Recent stories in the national press have highlighted how Oxygen Therapy can help people to feel more energised – the sessions give them a bit of ‘me time’ too! This can be so important during this hectic time of year. For many, tiredness and/or an abundance of flashing lights can lead to headaches and migraine. Migraine is so much more than simply a headache and affects more than one in six people in the UK. 190,000 migraine attacks are experienced every day in England alone. Oxygen Therapy and Migraine In Oxygen Therapy, pure oxygen is breathed through a mask under pressure in a specially constructed hyperbaric chamber. It is very safe with almost no side effects, unlike much medication. In the treatment of patients with migraine, Oxygen Therapy has been shown to often: • Stop acute attacks of migraine • Reduce intensity of migraine pain • Prevent cluster headache (one-sided pain, usually centred over one eye, one temple or the forehead) (Source: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Trust) 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, CFS and Migraines. Do you suffer with migraines? How would less pain affect your life? You are welcome to visit our Centre and try Oxygen Therapy. Simply email oxygen@hmstc.net or call us on 01462 684214. 01462 684 214

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Jill Dighton MA Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice BSc (Hons) Integrative Counselling MBACP (Accred)., UKCP Reg.

Counselling Service Depressed? Anxious? Relationship Issues? Low Self Esteem? Have you considered Counselling sessions? Based in Grafham village, I offer a professionally qualified Counselling Service to individuals and couples in a secure, confidential & non-judgemental atmosphere. Ample parking. Concessionary rates available.

For further details:

Tel: 07925 852 985 (Dedicated line with voicemail)

Email: jill@jdighton.co.uk or visit www.jilldightoncounselling.co.uk

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Health/Fitness

New Year, New You, for 2022 You don’t get fat and unfit between Christmas and New Year…. Think about that phrase, and then understand that the reality is, all the damage is done between New Year and Christmas! So, why is it that every year, despite our best intentions, those heartfelt resolutions we make at New Year fail to continue beyond February? The main two reasons are: • We don’t set ourselves clear, specific or even realistic targets, instead making statements like “I’ll get fitter this year” or “I’m going to eat more sensibly” • We inherently anticipate ‘failure’ as it is what we have always done…..right? WRONG…… Let’s do it differently this year by trying to adhere to the following 5 step plan: 1) SET A GOAL - Make sure that this goal is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-framed) not just a vague statement like, “I’m going to lose weight this year”. Change that for something like “I’m going to get back into my favourite jeans by March!’ or “I want to be able to Run 5k by Easter”. With either of these statements there are simple ways to get yourself started. With running you can easily download one of the many apps that are available that will take you from the sofa to a 5k run. Diet wise, you should always initially think about creating

a calorie deficit i.e. putting less calories in to your system than you are burning, by tracking your movements and balancing that against the calories that you consume. 2) MAKE A PLAN - Failing to plan is planning to fail. How are you going to achieve that goal? Start a training and food diary and ensure that what you write in there is realistic, honest and achievable. The mere act of logging information acts as a catalyst to help you stay on track. 3) PREPARE TO CHANGE - Habits; they are usually our downfall when it comes to following and continuing a plan. It takes at least two months for us to adopt a change or a new habit. That may be exercise, eating, drinking or anything else and so we must always bear this in mind when setting out on this journey. 4) OWN THE DECISION - Once you have decided upon your plan and your goal, you need to ‘Own It’. This means writing it down, sharing it with friends and relatives and maybe even making a statement on social media. That way, you will feel invested, and others will help and support your endeavours 5) ASK FOR HELP - We are not all experts in nutrition, exercise and how to even go about setting ourselves a goal. So if you are unsure, seek help. Contact a Nutritionist, talk to a Personal Trainer or ask the community for help. The last two years have been a bit of a rough ride for us all, so why not use the start of 2022 as a stepping stone towards a brighter future? Gavin May (www.gavinmayfitness.com)

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House of Colour

How to put an outfit together You’ve probably read countless articles giving you a set of rules that mean you can magically achieve the perfect look, the capsule wardrobe, the ideal level of jewellery etc. I know some of you, as indeed have I held onto many of these ideals years later. Some of which might have been helpful, some less so. We can’t all live in a box and we don’t all suit the same items or looks (although much can be tweaked to suit). I wanted to put together a set of thoughts, some guidance to consider, to help you create some impact, keep contemporary, get the most out of your clothes, and bring together an outfit. Balance – Not all of us can work a high level of volume on the top and bottom half so choose one area that will have a more relaxed, or greater volume and keep the other area neater in line with your shape. Key to this and true for almost everyone is the need to come in at the waist. I know I may be triggering a shudder here but you need to show your shape to avoid looking oversized. So, if you know your best point (we all have an area that is our most flattering for belt/ waist emphasis, and a style consultation will tell you where that is) use it – tuck your shirt in, try the French tuck if that seems too much, which is tucked in at the front and out at the back. Put a belt on a dress to give you shape. Honestly, it does look better. Hi-low dressing – this rarely seems to date. It’s the concept of taking a casual piece and pairing it with something more formal. This could be a blazer with jeans, trainers with more formal trousers. Play around with what you have adding one casual element to a more formal look and vice versa. It’s a great way to get more wear out of our wardrobe. Colour – there are a lot of neutrals around at the moment plus colour too. If you don’t yet know what colours really flatter your skintone (there are lots too!) think about the occasion. A more professional environment means more neutral tones and currently camel, cream, brown, blue and darker greens are all good contemporary choices (black is not everyone’s friend, and there are lots of alternatives). Add one piece of colour to two neutrals to balance your look in a more formal environment. Make it a wow colour for the best impact! Accessories – are key. They can add the interest to basics, and give you a much more polished look, whether dressing casually or formally. Wear a necklace, earrings, watch/bracelet, and you instantly look more put together. Keep changing them too, go

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through your jewellery box and dig some out. Find a handbag that suits your look and practical needs, so you don’t have to rely on a supermarket shopper when needs must. Have you got a good umbrella, one with some colour, or style rather than a plain black one? The details can really add the impact. Shoes – in my experience they can really sabotage a look if they’re not right or look like they’ve seen better days. Highly practical options are probably the most tempting in our January weather, and there’s nothing essentially wrong with that but don’t be tempted to wear them everywhere because it’s easy and they’re near the door. Review your shoe wardrobe as you would your main wardrobe. If you need practicality, find ones that suit you too, that add something. There are lots of heavier styles around right now which are great for the weather and some clothing personalities (not all…). Do you feel good in it? If you don’t like what you’re wearing then let it go. You know how it affects your day… Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-astylist

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Local News

Young People - apply now

to be recognised as a Greensand Champion! Against the backdrop of the recent UN Climate Conference COP26, our wonderful planet and its precious resources are very much on everyone’s minds at this time. Here at The Greensand Trust we are committed to tackling the climate emergency and hope to inspire others to get involved, but we’re also keen that young people who are already actively involved in protecting the local environment are rightly recognised through our Greensand Champions Awards where we celebrate locals groups, schools and individuals as Greensand Champions for their positive environmental action. What’s a Greensand Champion? The Greensand Trust in partnership with Greensand Country is looking for Greensand Champions groups or individual young people who are doing something amazing for the Greensand Country environment. We want to hear what young people are doing and give them the recognition they deserve as our ‘Greensand Champions’ joining our digital Hall of Fame and receiving a Greensand Champions seed bomb. A Greensand Champion could be, for example, a young person who: - Offers ongoing support for a local environmental group or cause - Undertakes proactive habitat enhancement in the Greensand Country landscape area taking action against climate change - Understands, campaigns and shares information relating to the unique Greensand Country landscape and its vulnerability to climate change and other factors Award Categories Young people from Greensand Country can become a Greensand Champion – you can nominate yourself or someone you feel deserves recognition for the great environmental work they are doing.

Entries are open in the following three categories: • Individuals aged 10 and under • Individuals aged 11 – 18yrs • Groups e.g. schools, uniformed groups, youth groups One overall winner will be chosen in each category by a panel of judges and named as Greensand Champion overall winner in March 2022. Last year’s winner Clophill Preschool was selected as the children refill water bottles, compost waste and collect rainwater to save resources and look out for wildlife on their local walks when they’re not busy growing fruit and vegetables to eat on their allotment. You can enter yourself or nominate someone you feel fits the bill using the entry form on our website – entries close at the end of January. Erika Pratt, Education Co-ordinator at The Greensand Trust, who is leading the scheme, commented: “We need our young people to know that every action, large or small, can help us live more sustainably and protect both Greensand Country and our planet, for the future. Greensand Champions aims to celebrate positive environmental action by supporting the achievements of those young people who are already committed and involved and challenge ourselves and others to do more - together we can really make a difference and help improve our local environment.” Please submit your entry to the Greensand Champions Scheme 2021/22 to champions@greensandtrust.org before 31st January 2022. Full details of the scheme including many examples of what makes a Greensand Champion and application/nomination form are available at: www.greensandtrust.org/greensand-champions

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Techlink IT Keeping your IT healthy

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Health Useful websites https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/fish-and-shellfish-nutrition

Fishing for Benefits

Why we should all be eating oily fish Oily fish are those that are high in omega-3 fatty acid. This is an essential fatty acid which our body cannot manufacture for itself so has to obtain from food. Omega-3 fatty acid is a polyunsaturated fat, made up of two main fatty acids - EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) The most common and easily accessible oily fish in the UK are salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies. Unlike salmon, which is oily whether fresh, tinned, or smoked, tuna is classed as an oily fish only when fresh and not when it’s tinned, because the canning process reduces the longchain omega-3 fatty acids to levels similar to those in white fish. Also, tuna contains small amounts of mercury, which is toxic to humans, and we are advised to restrict the amount we eat. Smoked salmon contains a lot of sodium so is best eaten in small quantities, but the soft bones in tinned salmon are positively beneficial for adding calcium and phosphorous to our diet. Eating a diet rich in oily fish has many health benefits. Protection against heart disease – Numerous scientific studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid is beneficial for helping to reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure, two of the greatest predictors for heart disease. Neuroprotective properties - The DHA in omega-3 fatty acid, is required for proper brain development and function and offers protection against certain neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Joint protection - Omega-3 fatty acid is naturally

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anti-inflammatory and has been shown in several scientific studies to offer protection of joints and may even help in the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. Positive mental health implications - Because depression appears less common in nations where people eat large amounts of oily fish, scientists have conducted studies which suggest that fish oils may prevent or treat depression and other mood disorders. This may be because omega-3s travels easily through the brain cell membrane and may then interact with mood-related molecules inside the brain. Their anti-inflammatory actions may help relieve depression and anxiety. Reduces risk of certain cancers - Omega-3 supplementation is widely employed in the treatment of cancer patients as a supplement to the main treatment. Many research papers since the 1970s have shown links with omega-3 fatty acid and a reduced risk of certain cancers, including colon, breast, and prostate. This is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA. The NHS currently recommends that we include at least two portions of fish in our diet a week, one of which should be an oily fish. One portion is about 140g. However, all girls and women who reached menopause age, including those trying for a baby, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should have no more than 2 portions of oily fish a week. A portion is around 140g. This is because the low levels of pollutants that oily fish contain can build up in the body and may harm an unborn baby during a future pregnancy.

Special Report

How to be a Vegan (or Vegetarian) The headlines about meat-eating emphasise that rearing animals for food is a major contributor to climate change, but you don’t have to look far to understand that animal welfare and personal health are also significant motivators for the increased adoption of more plant-based diets. It was recently reported that, over the last decade, the UK’s meat consumption dropped by 17%. That’s a great start, but although we know why we should consider this new way of eating, the how seems to have less attention, so let’s look at some simple changes that we can all adopt. Cooking from scratch The easiest option is to eat pretty much as you always did, but to use meat-free alternatives. Mince, burgers, sausages, fish and chicken all have vegan substitutes available and in some cases it’s really quite difficult to spot the difference. Oat milk is the winner for its sustainability credentials, with almond milk now generally frowned upon. Butter substitutes have been around for years; vegan cheese is available but is a bit of an acquired taste. Replacements for eggs depends on the recipe, so you’ll have to do your research. If this way of eating is going to stick, you’ll want to try some new recipes. Most recipes have considerably more ingredients that meat-based meals do, including herbs and spices. If you love cooking and have lots of jars of flavourings in your cupboards you won’t mind this. Otherwise, you might want to consider a ready-to-cook option. For this, look at the booming market of recipe boxes. British company Gousto offer around 60

recipes each week, with 20% vegan and a further 30% vegetarian (meaning over half the meals don’t contain meat). Around 80% of HelloFresh meals contain meat so they are not a great choice, but you could try their sister brand GreenChef and another popular provider, Mindful Chef. Ready-to-eat Supermarkets have a selection of plant-based ready meals and frozen meal deliveries are available from a number of companies, including Planty and Allplants. Take-away food is a bit more challenging. It is possible though and the online menus should offer a clear indication of which of their options are vegetarian and vegan. Eating out Choose a restaurant or pub that offers many of the same options as usual but in a veggie version, and some recipes that are specifically targeted for nonmeat eaters. Even better is a specific vegan menu, and Wagamama deserve recognition for having introduced this at the start of 2021. Happy Cow (happycow.net or download the app) is a useful resource with social feedback on many eateries, or your local Facebook group will have lots of people giving you recommendations (or ‘avoids’). Be realistic Like any new regime, a wholesale overnight change will be challenging and will often lead to failure. But even if you could just do one no-animal-products day each week, you will have cut your meat intake by 14% and in time you’ll realise that you often prefer the veggie or vegan option.

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Finance

Out of Business? Your Rights When a retailer or service provider goes out of business, you may be worried about whether you’ll lose out if you’ve paid for goods or services you haven’t yet received, or you want a refund for faulty products. Let’s run through your legal rights. Administration or Liquidation? If the business is in administration then it’s still ‘in business’, even if it isn’t actively trading. There’ll be an attempt to rescue it, for example by selling it to a new owner. While this happens, your legal rights are still technically valid. This means it’s still worth asking for a refund or return as it’s possible (if unlikely) that you’ll get what you ask for. If the company has gone into liquidation, it’s definitely not coming back. You’ll need to find the appointed administrator and write to formally register your claim. In most cases you’ll only get a small proportion of what you’re owed (or nothing at all) as some creditors take priority, for example HMRC chasing uncollected taxes. However, it’s still worth lodging the claim just in case. Card Cover - Another option is to make a claim through your card provider. If you paid some or all of the cost on a credit card and the total cost was at least £100, you have a legal right to get any relevant refunds from your card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If you paid using a debit card, you can often make a similar claim under a voluntary industry scheme called chargeback.

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Holiday Cover - Many tour operators are part of the government’s ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence) scheme, run by the Civil Aviation Authority. If you book through an ATOL member and they go out of business, you should get a refund. If you are already abroad when the business fails, the scheme should settle any outstanding hotel bills and cover your flight home. Note that ATOL is designed for package holidays that include a flight. If you only booked accommodation, you’ll need to check if you booked through a member of ABTA (formerly the Association of British Travel Agents). If so, and the company fails, you should get similar benefits to the ATOL scheme. Utility Cover - Another industry with protection is gas and electricity. As many customers have experienced in recent months, when a utility supplier stops trading, regulator Ofgem guarantees supplies are uninterrupted. It will source another supplier to take on the customers, though this will be at a ‘deemed’ rate that will often be more than your tariff with the old supplier. Ofgem advises customers not to initiate a switch until they are set up with the new supplier, at which point they can switch elsewhere with no exit fees. Customers who were in credit and owed money by the old supplier will get it back from the new supplier, though this may take some time. Customers who were in debit to the old supplier will normally need to pay back the money to the new supplier.

Business Review

New year, new bathroom Fresh start! AFTER

Being able to enjoy a warm bath or a shower is something we take for granted but when mobility is impaired, people are often denied that simple pleasure. When the bathroom in your home has served you well over the years, and is functioning perfectly, it seems an extravagance to replace it. But if getting in and out of the bath or shower is becoming increasingly challenging, that investment could be the key to living independently for longer, and to improving your health and wellbeing. At the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) Hitchin, they know just what a positive impact having easy and safe access to a shower or bath can have. BMAS manager Lee Brand, says the benefits of making your bathroom safe and comfortable are not just restricted to the physical ones, such as reducing the risk of slipping or tripping, but have wider health benefits bringing peace of mind and improved quality of life. Regain your independence “You don’t have the anxiety of worrying about slipping or falling,” he says. “Having a bathroom that is safe and easy to use reduces the stress of trying to manage with facilities that are no longer fit for purpose.” Being able to maintain the standards of personal hygiene you would want, at any age, makes a big difference to your confidence and self-esteem too, he says. Even though a new bathroom may seem an extravagance, it can mean someone has more years of independent living and brings peace of mind to the whole family. Wet rooms are the ultimate accessibility solution, offering total level access, but BMAS also install

BEFORE

bathrooms with low level shower trays and walk in baths. Combined with specialist slip-resistant flooring, easy-clean hygienic wallboards, safety grab rails and fold down shower seating, your bathroom can become fully usable again. A complete service for your convenience BMAS provides an end-to-end service, starting with the initial free consultation to providing a well thought-out, accessible bathroom design and a comprehensive quote. They supply all the products and carry out all the necessary works themselves, including removing the old bathroom and any building adaptations and electrical works. Importantly, they manage the whole process for you, so you won’t have to arrange multiple tradespeople and payments and they will be there to answer your questions every step of the way. Works can be completed in as little as five days and your home will be kept clean and tidy throughout. To find out more about their range of bathrooms visit the BMAS showroom at 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB or call 01462 889 097 or see bathingmobility.co.uk They offer a free design appointment service in your own home with absolutely no obligation or pressure selling.

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Gardening

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

All the colours of the rainbow Joy in the winter garden - The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your patch of outdoor space to ensure it fills you with joy – even in January. You need either strong structural design that looks stunning at any time of year, or a wonderful array of rainbow shades, punctuated by architectural forms. But how can you achieve this? Planting a rainbow - Aim to provide something that fits into the chart of the seven visible spectrum colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Almost certainly, you will already have some green, but there are many different shades. The secret is to have one shade of green set off against another – dark and light is the classic combination. You can play with greens all year round, but January is the month they can really bring the show alive. Reds for the winter garden - Think about stems and bark as well as flowers, foliage and berries, and there is a feast of red opportunity. The fiery stems of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ or Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ will set the border ablaze, particularly if you prune down your cornus in late winter or very early spring so that the new growth is pleasingly vertical. The rich mahogany bark of Prunus serrula, or Tibetan cherry, can look stunning against a backdrop of dark green hedging or the brown leaves of winter beech. Lower to the ground you might consider heuchera such as H. ‘Forever Red’ or H. ‘Paprika’. Then we have rhododendrons, some of which can be adorned with a blousy show of scarlet this month. Don’t forget red-flowering evergreen camellias too – their winter flowers stand out against the dark green foliage. Create orange and yellow sunshine in the garden With ornamental grasses in borders or pots, January will glow. Clumps of tall miscanthus with its warm,

yellow-orange stems and seed heads will look dignified in January, providing structure and colour. Choose an orange-stemmed cornus for vertical accent and dot these plants around in repeated forms to bring the picture together. Plant Eranthis hyemalis, the winter aconite, under deciduous shrubs to create a spreading, golden carpet and consider Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’, a magnificent structural shrub with yellow, scented winter flowers to transform a shady corner. Beat the winter blues with garden blue, indigo and violet - Blue fescue is an evergreen grass that can create winter blues and there are plenty of conifers and shrubs with steely-blue foliage to provide structure and colour, including Juniperus ‘Blue Star’ and Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’. Eucalyptus gunnii, with its strikingly blue juvenile leaves, can be tamed by clipping for winter beauty. For an indigo or violet hue, consider the conifer Cryptomeria japonica, which turns a pleasing shade of purple in winter. Evergreen heucheras can provide low mounds of purple foliage to line paths and provide a safe haven for wildlife. Your winter garden is likely to be viewed through glass for much of this month, so help it to come alive with colour!

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Pottons Specialist Welding and Fabricating Company

For further information please call Trevor on Tel: 01767 261845 Mobile: 07941 187689 Email: Gemmaton@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.gemmaton.com

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Suppliers of manual and automated gates Security doors and grills Fire escapes All welding projects

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Plants as air purifiers A friend recently asked me whether there are any plants which might help with the humidity and mould problem in the bathroom and back bedroom of her Victorian house. It’s a problem that actually affects many British households. Many of our homes are old, and in our damp climate humidity can rise pretty quickly in the winter when all the windows are closed, and the radiators are on. With increased humidity comes the increased risk of mould and associated respiratory problems Obviously, we can install a dehumidifier or an extractor fan, but nature also provides her own dehumidifiers and air purifiers in the form of certain house plants. The best houseplants for mould-prone areas are those which are efficient at absorbing moisture through their leaves. Not all plants are equally efficient at this task so I’ve selected four of the best. Each offers a different aesthetic so there should be one that’s perfect for you. English ivy is a native plant and it’s a low-cost option. It removes airborne mould, but also other toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight so is perfect for north-facing rooms. You need to keep it out of reach of toddlers and pets because the leaves are toxic. Peace Lilies remind me of the film Hot Fuzz. Sergeant Angel, played by Sean Pegg loved his Peace Lily, and he had good reason. Not only are they elegant plants with stunning white flowers, but research conducted by NASA found the Peace Lily to be one

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of the top indoor plants for air purification. This tropical plant breaks down and neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. One of the advantages of a Peace Lily is that it tells you when its thirsty by drooping and that it’s getting too much light by turning yellow. They love high humidity areas with indirect sunlight like most bathrooms and are great at preventing mould. Like English ivy the leaves and flowers are toxic. Palms add a tropical touch to a room and will efficiently reduce humidity. There are many varieties and some of the best are the lady palm, dwarf palm and reed palm. Indirect light is best and keep the surface of the soil moist but not wet. The Snake Plant is a wonderfully architectural succulent. Its evergreen sword-shaped leaves grow upright, and almost resemble artificial foliage. It’s great at air purification and is one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. This quality makes it particularly good for use in a bedroom as it can help regulate healthy airflow. Snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, including CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene and act as an effective defence against airborne allergies. Plants can’t solve a full-on damp problem and they won’t replace a built-in humidifier or extractor fan. But plants are a great way to improve the quality of the air in your home and they look beautiful too.

Happy Indoor Gardening 53

Pets

Why Not Foster?

Have you ever considered becoming a foster carer? Caring for a pet is very rewarding, but for some families it is not always possible. Quite often when you are renting or between homes, having a pet in not an option. For many, cost is the reason they have not got a pet. Recently the cost of kittens, cats, puppies and dogs seems to have grown and grown. So being a foster carer may be a better and cheaper option. Being a foster carer is extremely rewarding. The RSPCA are always on the look out for new volunteer foster carers who can provide a safe, calm and loving environment for the cats and dogs our inspectors rescue each year. Fostering an animal can help them recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury - taking the first steps towards finding a new, loving forever home. Why do we need foster carers at the RSPCA? The volunteer role of a foster carer is both a crucial and a rewarding one, giving people the opportunity to make a huge difference to animal welfare. Our foster carers aim to help rehabilitate animals which then increases their chances of finding a forever home. Naturally, we try to rehome our animals as quickly as possible, but if they are involved in a prosecution case we could have them in our care for long periods. Some animals need one-to-one care or perhaps don’t cope well in an animal centre environment. This is where our team of fantastic foster carers comes in. When an animal is fostered space in our centres then become free, so that we can rescue more animals in desperate need. What does the role involve? There are two types of fostering roles at the RSPCA: 1) Foster carers for animals ready to be rehomed. 2) Foster carers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take place.

All carers are responsible for the welfare of the animal in their care and are a crucial part in the rehabilitation of the animal. You would be required to provide the care the animal needs; feeding, exercising, cleaning, socialising, giving medication and grooming. Many animals that we take in have either suffered or are not used to the care and affection that they deserved. Living with a foster family helps to provide them with one-to-one care, allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle. You may even be asked to foster an animal that is convalescing following illness or injury while they prepare for the adoption process. Providing stable futures Did you know that you could also foster a horse or a pony? You can foster a horse or a pony as a companion for your own horse. Or if you don’t currently own one and you are able, you can foster two horses as company for each other. If you fit the criteria for an equine foster carer why not find out more and apply online. How can I get involved? If you are interested in the role of an animal fosterer, use our volunteer search on our national website to find opportunities near you. If there is nothing listed in your area, then it’s always worth checking with your nearest RSPCA branch or animal centre. The RSPCA is always delighted to hear about people’s positive fostering experiences. Get in touch if you have a story you’d like to share. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal Lexi

Lexi is a Bengal cross. She is 3 years old and is a friendly girl who likes to be the centre of attention. She can be rather dominant with other cats and so she needs a home where she is the only pet. We feel it is important that Lexi’s new owner(s) are experienced cat owners and have knowledge of Bengal behaviour. Like most Bengals she is very active, so a home with a garden where she can explore is required, preferably in a rural area. She needs an adult only home or a family with older children. If you would like to find out more about Lexi, please contact Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info. rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team View the dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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Ask Alan 2021 from a veterinary perspective.

COVID still played a large part in the way we worked, but we also faced shortages in medicines, vaccines, and prescription foods. The price of “everything” has increased. On top of this, there is a shortage of vets and veterinary nurses in the UK (for a variety of reasons), so most vet practices are under pressure from too few staff and a tired workforce (as are many professional industries). Recently Avian flu’ has made another appearance, so all birds (including poultry) need to be kept under cover. Movement between the UK and Europe is a bureaucratic nightmare. Pet Passports are now out, this has been replaced with a 12-16 page Animal Health Certificate each time you visit Europe. Pancytopaenia in cats is a newly identified condition, the cause is still not known, and there was a wave of gastro-intestinal and contagious upper respiratory cases.

Pets Not everything is bad though, we have seen many new puppies and kittens. Despite all the challenges, our team kept on smiling and our lovely clients kept on being supportive, and we stand ready for the challenges of 2022. Happy new year everyone. Best wishes to you all and stay safe!

Alan

If you have any questions you would like answered, please email them to villager@pottonvets.co.uk For more information visit

www.pottonvets.co.uk or pop into the clinic in Potton Market Square.

Making life easier

15 15 minute appointments

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01767 260007

Appointments online at: pottonvets.co.uk 9 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP

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Motoring

Used car bargains: the models that are escaping the big price rises In recent months, with new car production badly affected by a shortage of components – namely due to limited supplies of semiconductors, which are used in everything from reversing cameras to safety assistance systems – buyers are flocking to used cars like never before. It’s having a huge knock-on effect on the prices of used cars too – especially on the models with long waiting times for a brand-

new version. In fact, recent data from automotive analysts Cap HPI showed that values rose by 20.3 per cent in a five month period, with some cars jumping in value by nearly 50 per cent in that time. It means that used cars are now pricier than they’ve ever been. However, there is still a range of models that continue to offer great value for money. Here are the used car bargains still available.

Vauxhall Astra Though Vauxhall’s Astra might not be the most aspirational car in its class, that has never harmed its popularity. And it’s this that works to its advantage if you’re looking for a bargain, as with the huge choice of models available, it helps to guarantee you a great deal on a used example. So while the soon-to-be-replaced Astra might cost you £20,000 new, by looking at nearly-new versions you can quite easily save yourself well in excess of £5,000. We spotted a 2020 car with under 10,000 miles on the clock for just £13,495 – you’d struggle to find a new city car for that price. While it’s often overlooked, the Astra is still good to drive, looks good and has a practical interior that is ideal for families. BMW X3 M Competition BMW’s M division is best known for its sports saloons like the M3 and M5, but these days the brand’s sporty SUVs play an equally important part. Take the X3 M

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Competition, for example, the brand’s entry-level M model in the SUV line-up – though with its 503bhp twin turbo 3.0-litre engine under the bonnet, it’s far from basic in terms of performance. If you wanted a new model it would set you back an eyewatering £83,000 (and that’s before you’ve chosen any optional extras). But by looking at used versions instead you can save a considerable chunk of money. We found a 2020 car with just 5,000 miles on the clock for £60,000, which is a vast saving off the original list price. Mercedes SL While Mercedes might be gearing up to launch its new ‘SL’ as its convertible flagship, its recently axed predecessor is well worth your attention. Though more old-school in its character, this glamorous drop-top is still dripping in class, with a punchy engine that would prove effortless on the long-distance trips this Mercedes is meant for.

Though no longer available to buy new, before its production run ended a factory-fresh version would have set you back upwards of £80,000. But today, you could expect to find a one-year-old example with just a few thousand miles on the clock for around £65,000. Granted, that’s still a lot of money, but a very generous saving off the original asking price. Audi e-tron Due to the increased popularity of electric cars, it often means bargains are quite rare. One exception to that rule is the Audi e-tron – the brand’s flagship SUV – which, despite its highquality, tech-laden interior and comfortable drive isn’t holding its value quite as well as you might expect. But that just makes it a terrific used buy, especially as a 2020 car with under 10,000 miles on the clock can be had for £45,000 – a huge £15,000 saving on what you’d pay for a brand-new model. Just be aware

that this applies to the ‘50’ model with the smaller battery option, which only allows for an electric range of around 200 miles. Volkswagen Arteon Sometimes the best trick to finding a used car bargain is to choose a car that flies under the radar, and one great example is the Volkswagen Arteon. It’s the brand’s most ‘executive’ model these days, yet despite its striking design it’s often cast aside by buyers who favour a more premium badge. By doing so they’re missing out on its refined driving experience, upmarket interior and efficient engines, though. However, you can use this to your benefit, as a 2020 car in high-spec R-Line trim with low miles is available from around £26,000 – an almost ridiculous £13,000 less than the list price of a new example. So, while used car values might be rising at a silly rate, there are most certainly still bargains that can be had.

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Home Products By Katherine Sorrell

A Fresh New Year

Good-looking storage makes organisation more enjoyable. Matt black steel and bamboo caddy, £10; all-purpose hob cleaner, £3; bamboo and plastic scrubbing brush, £2; bamboo round dish brush, £2; all Dunelm.

January is a great time to catch up on all those household chores and get going with an early ‘spring’ clean. Make it more enjoyable and planet-friendly by choosing good-looking tools and eco-conscious supplies. Make light work of dusting without the need for toxic chemicals. Living Nostalgia genuine natural ostrich feather duster, Kitchen Craft. This coconut fibre scourer has a bamboo handle, both of which are plant-based and biodegradable; the stainless-steel wire is easily recyclable. Bambaw reusable bamboo dish brush, £6, Beaumonde. This lemon-scented washingup soap bar is 100% natural, biodegradable, plastic-free and contains no palm oil. Dish-washing soap bar in lemon, £7.99, Suusco.

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Make light work of house cleaning

The sustainable way to clean dirty dishes. Simply compost when finished with them. Natural latex rubber gloves, £3, Zero Zen Store.

Generously sized and made from pure cotton, this gingham apron features a pair of handy patch pockets. Auberge apron in Wedgwood blue, £16.99, Walton & Co.

This eco-friendly cleaner works on a range of high-gloss surfaces, and comes in a reusable aluminium bottle along with a microfibre cloth. Glass cleaner starter pack, £6.99, Wearth London.

Take the effort out of everyday cleaning. Longhandle dustpan and brush, £25, Garden Trading.

These heavy-knitted cloths can be used, washed, and used again. Bleached stockinette dishcloth, £1.79, Walton & Co.

STOCKISTS Beaumonde: 01202 707 770; beaumonde.co.uk Garden Trading: 01993 845 559; gardentrading.co.uk Suusco: suusco.com Wearth London: wearthlondon.com

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• If you can’t bear the thought of tackling all the cleaning at once, divide it into manageable tasks, and devote perhaps an hour a week – or else tackle one room at a time, maybe over a weekend. • Be prepared. Have a thorough clear-out and tidy, change into old clothes and rubber gloves, and gather the necessary equipment and products. This is where a sturdy caddy, a tool belt, or an apron with plenty of large pockets becomes invaluable – keeping everything with you as you go will save lots of time. • As you work, try to be organised, whether it’s one room at a time or one task at a time. The chores will generally divide into five main areas: vacuuming, dusting, mopping/ scrubbing, washing and wiping, and polishing, so bear this in mind when planning, so as not to miss anything out. • Don’t forget specific tasks such as turning mattresses, spotcleaning upholstery, deepcleaning the oven, defrosting the freezer, descaling the shower head and steam cleaning carpets. • Work from the top of a room to the bottom (in other words, dust the pendant light before polishing the table beneath it). Prioritise the hardest-to-clean item in the room to do early on – then the rest of the room will be a breeze.

Dunelm: 0845 165 6565; dunelm.com Kitchen Craft: 0121 604 6000; kitchencraft.co.uk Walton & Co: 01423 326 332; waltonshop.co.uk Zero Zen Store: 01737 550 844; zerozen.co.uk

WANTED

Old delivery trolleys and paper delivery bags bought for cash. Please contact Nigel on

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Plumbing

Plumbing Problems. Would you know what to do? Frozen Pipes Turn off the mains water supply. If the frozen pipe has a split, empty the coldwater cistern by opening all the cold taps. If the pipe hasn’t split, thaw it out slowly by applying hot water bottles. If any part of the hot water system is frozen or there is a split, turn the central heating off and call a professional. Burst pipe Turn off the mains water. Open all the cold taps so the pipes and storage system drain quickly, but do not turn on the hot taps. Turn off the central heating, any electric immersion heaters and call a professional. By Tracey Anderson Blocked sink or toilet If the sink is blocked, unscrew the trap - the u-shaped pipe under the sink (don’t forget to put a bowl underneath to catch any water!) - and check. If the blockage isn’t there, or your toilet is blocked, use a plunger that completely covers the outlet. It creates a vacuum to suck and push the blockage away. A chemical dissolver breaks down organic material, clearing the blockage away with little or no mess. Call a professional if the blockage remains. The best way to prevent plumbing emergencies is to make sure your storage system and exposed pipes are well insulated and have your central heating system serviced annually.

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Technology

Top tech for every kitchen Brilliant buys for every kind of cooking From setting alarms on our smart speakers to using an instant-read digital thermometer to check our roasts are the perfect temperature, technology has helped us make countless meals. Some of the cleverest tech is also very simple. Take the Meater, for example. It’s a thermometer with a built-in Bluetooth connection that sends temperature information to your phone and rings an alarm when it’s time to take your roast out of the oven; its case doubles as a charger so it’s always ready to help. Technology has revitalised lots of devices. The Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC is a newer version of BBC Good Food’s favourite bread maker, with programmes not just for bread but for pasta and pizza dough and cake too, while the £22 Stirr gives the humble wooden spoon an upgrade: it’s an automatic stirrer you put in your pot to prevent your soup sticking or your gravy getting lumpy. If you prefer do-everything devices, you’ll love the Thermomix. It’s not so much a gadget as an entire food preparation system that’s capable of doing pretty much anything: weighing ingredients, blending vegetables, grinding spices, boiling and simmering, kneading dough, whisking sauces, grating vegetables and cheese, chopping meat, caramelising onions and much more. Two kinds of device have become incredibly popular in the last few years: the Instant Pot and the air fryer. The former is a programmable one-pot electric pressure cooker that can do multiple kinds of cooking: slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yoghurt making, soup making and much more, and with prices under £60 for the entry level model it’s a brilliant buy. An air fryer uses heat and air to get the same effects as deep frying without the oil: instead of immersing the food in a vat of boiling oil you just give it a little spray with cooking oil. The results are superb for almost everything apart from wet batters, which tend to fall off, and there are stacks of models: our current favourite, Sage’s The Smart Oven, is an air fryer, oven, grill, toaster, pizza oven, slow cooker and much more. You can even get an Instant Pot with a second lid that turns it into an air fryer: the Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer is currently around £199.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 If you haven’t tried Instant Pot boiled eggs you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s also great for making soup, stews, chilli, rice and even yoghurt. £59, Amazon.co.uk Sage The Smart Oven This brilliant multi-cooker is great for small spaces because it does so much: it’s a grill, an oven, an air fryer, a toaster, a food warmer, a pizza oven and more. £249, sageappliances.com Thermomix It’s not cheap but when you consider all the things the Thermomix can do, from weighing and chopping ingredients to sautéing and even frying, it’s incredibly useful. £1,099, vorwerk.co.uk

Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC There are bread makers, and then there are bread makers that can also make cakes and pizza dough and pasta dough. If you can bake it, this Panasonic can make it. £199, johnlewis.com

Stirr Say goodbye to the tyranny of pots that need constant stirring: Stirr does it for you so you can do something more fun while your sauce thickens or your soup cooks. £21.99, uutensil.com

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Health/Fitness By Toby Malone

Choose a Gym You’ve made it through Christmas but, as usual, you’ve come out the other side with a few extra pounds around your middle. It’s time to don the workout kit and exercise. But choosing a gym can be a challenging task. What workout regime do you want? Will you feel comfortable? What facilities and equipment should you be using? The best way to find this out is to book appointments and visit a few. Most gyms will be happy to have a member of staff walk you around the facility, show you what’s on offer and explain what other classes and programs there are. As you go round you need to keep an eye open to work out if this is the right place for you. Are the staff friendly and helpful? Chat to some of the trainers and fitness team. They should be happy to talk to you about your goals and offer guidance as to what sorts of exercise might work best for you. You should get a feel for their attitude to new members, especially if you’ve never been a regular gym goer. Have a think before you go about what sorts of exercise you might like best. If you prefer classes then you’ll need to make sure you ask about their timetable. Ask to see where the classes take place and ask about numbers attending. Too few people can mean a class loses the group energy. If you like pumping iron, make sure the weight area and machines match your skill level. Again, check numbers as you want to be able to use the equipment without having to wait for too long. Are

there enough stations? Is there enough room for what you want to do? Is there enough equipment so you’re not waiting for someone else to finish with it before you can get going again? Functional training is becoming more popular now, where you use body weight and movement to build strength and flexibility. If this is your thing make sure the gym has the right equipment for what you want to do. Is there a big enough space set aside for this activity? What sort of people are using the gym? If it’s full of body builders you might feel out of place if your aim is simply to tone up a little. If the swimming pool is full of people in their seventies swimming slowly and chatting and you like to sprint lengths, you might need to look elsewhere for your work outs. The gym should be somewhere you enjoy going. Having the right mix of people goes a long way to creating that feeling. After you’ve seen round the gym think about attending for a couple of sessions before committing to a membership. Many places offer a proper introductory gym session where a trainer will take you through all the equipment and suggest an individualised workout program. Use this session to confirm whether the place is right for you and to jump start your exercise program. Going to the gym has to be fun. If it’s not you will find excuses not to go. Losing weight and getting in shape is all about perseverance. It’s hard work but worth it.

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

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Hobbies

What’s Your Hobby? Are you looking for a new hobby for 2022? We have some great ideas, most of them modest, proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a hobby. Painting - If you felt that you failed at art when you were at school why not try again as an adult? It’s not about aiming to be the next Monet or Picasso (though you never know!), but about learning to express yourself in a no pressure environment. Join a Choir - Now that singing is allowed again the time is right to join a choir. Communal singing is good for reducing stress and improving your health. It also helps to make new friends. Try Pottery - If every you’ve watched The Great Pottery Throw Down (and if you haven’t why not?) and thought ‘That looks fun!,’ now is the perfect time to investigate pottery classes at your local college. Its a tactile, absorbing hobby and you’ll get to meet some lovely creative people. Start a small veggie garden - And when I say small I mean really small. If you’ve never gardened before it can be daunting. So, choose an old garden pot, or measure out one square metre of your plot and choose something interesting to grow, like rainbow chard, or heritage tomatoes. You even get to eat what you grow. As you become more confident add another pot, or another square metre. Baby steps. Learn to cook - If you can’t cook, buy a simple instructional book, and get stuck in. Delia Smith’s How to Cookbooks are particularly good. They take you through which pots and pans you need and even how to boil an egg. If you can already cook, you could set aside one night a week to try a new recipe. You might decide to try Mexican recipes, or Indian

recipes or regional recipes from around the UK. Get the family involved and have fun with it Photography - We are all photographers now. Every smartphone has a camera. There are evening classes in smartphone photography now. Or maybe you have a nice camera and have never worked out how to use it properly. Taking beautiful pictures is a skill we can all learn and being able to record a beautiful moment: the birth of a child, a family holiday, or just a sunny afternoon in the garden will make it worth the effort. Learn to Sew - A few years ago I took an evening class called ‘Make do and Mend.’ It taught simple skills like hemming, mending and minor adjustments. I even made a festive tablecloth! Of course, you might prefer to make clothes from scratch. Creating my own wardrobe is on my bucket list and one day I’ll take a class and begin to learn how. Take a Walk - Wherever you live there will be a book of local walks. Discover pocket parks, hidden historical monuments and pretty or interesting views. Better still, find a friend to walk and talk with and explore the area around your home. Learn Language but stay close to home - The UK has some beautiful languages. Choose from British Sign Language (BSL), Welsh or Gaelic. You can attend a class or learn online, or with an app. Duo is a particularly good app for Welsh or Gaelic, and it’s completely free. If you prefer in person lessons then most colleges offer evening classes in BSL. These are some ideas for new hobbies. If nothing here piques your interest, think about what you love to do and then find a class, or a book and get stuck in. By Loraine Franklin

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MUSCLE

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN JANUARY 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 JANUARY

Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-10.30pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Meets every Monday night. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

4 JANUARY

Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay Non-members £3. ‘The Joys of the National Garden Scheme’ by Kate Gardener. Visitors welcome.

5 JANUARY

Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm. Shuttleworth Members £5. ‘Ups and Downs of 30 Years’ Flying’ with Paul Drakes. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth is £15 (valid for one month) but free for SVAS and AEG members. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk

6, 13, 20 & 27 JANUARY

Biggleswade & District Camera Club 8-10pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Non-members £3 See website for full programme. Web: biggleswadecameraclub.co.uk

7 JANUARY

Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm. Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford ‘The Brooks of Flitwick Manor’ by Richard Morgan. www.bfhs.org.uk

7, 14, 21 & 28 JANUARY

Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm. Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy Meets every Friday. Please email for more information on joining. Visitors welcome. Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com

8 JANUARY

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Talk by Kerry Barehead on Roses dos and don’ts. Visitors welcome – small charge. www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

12 JANUARY

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust 7.15pm for 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnam Avenue, Bedford Free entry – donations appreciated Illustrated talk by Graham Bellamy ‘Bedfordshire’s Wild Life and Wild Places: 20 years into the new millennium’. All welcome. Tel: 01234 266057 Web: www.wildlifebcn.org or

16 JANUARY

Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair 9am-4pm. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Café serving food and drinks all day. Free parking. Wheelchair/pushchair access. Tel: Marcel 07887 648255 Web: www.marcelfairs.co.uk

18 JANUARY

Bedford National Trust Association 2.15pm. Addison Centre, Kempston, Beds. MK42 8PN Small admission fee ‘The Century of Deception - The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth - Century England’ by Ian Keable. No need to book. Parking available. Tel: Betty Thomas 01480 860421

18 JANUARY

Sandy Women’s Institute 10am-12 noon Sandy Conservative Club, Bedford Road, Sandy Visitors £4. Meets third Tuesday of every month, except August. Jane Kennedy will be teaching the basics of British Sign Language. Visitors very welcome. Tel: 01767 680644 Email: sandywibeds@gmail.com

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21, 23, 28 & 29 JANUARY

The Sleeping Beauty Fri & Sat 7.30pm, Sun 1.30pm & 5.30pm Meppershall Village Hall Adults £12, Children £7, Family of 4 £34 HATS present The Sleeping Beauty. Traditional family pantomime by Norman Robbins. www.ticketsource.co.uk/hatsdrama

22 JANUARY

Bedford RSPB Local Group Meeting 7.30-9.30pm ARA Club, Manton Lane, Bedford Members £1, guests £2, under 18 free ‘Jewels in the Air’ by Wilf Powell which describes aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds. COVID restrictions may apply. RSPB membership not essential. Annual membership £5. Web: rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford

24 JANUARY

Learning Lunchtime 11am-12 noon Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine Free - donations welcome Peter Holden MBE gives a fascinating talk to tie-in with the much-loved project he helped set up - the Big Garden Birdwatch. No need to book but limited spaces. Tel: 01234 767037 for more details Web: www.marstonvale.org

28 JANUARY

Sandy Historical Society 7.30pm Stonecroft Hall, St Swithins Way, Sandy Entry £2.50 inc. refreshments, members and students free ‘David Ibbett, Sandy Draper. His life and times’ by Peter Ibbett Tel: 01767 680171

Special Report

Personal Electric Transport Going Green on the Roads Our efforts to be green have been centring around transport recently. The UK is set to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. But what about going even greener still with small, personal electric vehicles. Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV) have been around since the Eighties. The concept was pioneered by Sir Clive Sinclair with his C5. At that time, the vision of personal electric transport was ahead of its time as the technology for batteries and motors could not deliver a truly usable vehicle. But in 2021 electric powered bikes and scooters have now made their way on to our streets and roads. So, what are your choices and what are you legally allowed to do with these new PLEVs? E-bikes are the easiest to understand. These are basically bicycles, (so they are not classed as an electric vehicle), with an electric motor and battery bolted on to the frame to provide power assistance to your normal pedalling. Providing your electrically powered bicycle has working pedals, a less than 250 W motor, and a top speed of under 15 mph it still classes as a bicycle. You can ride it on roads, cycle paths and anywhere else a pushbike is legal. You can of course buy more powerful e-bikes, but as soon as you go above these specifications they are classed as a motorbike and you’ll need a licence, road tax, insurance, and everything else that goes with it. An alternative is to go for an electric scooter. You’ve probably seen these popping up around

the country in various rental hire schemes. These are basically stand-up scooters with a battery and motor built into the footplate. With a throttle and brake built onto the handlebars you simply step on and off you go. But one of the big differences to e-bikes is that electric scooters are actually illegal to ride on UK roads. This may come as a surprise as you’ve no doubt seen numerous people zipping around towns on rental machines. Scooter law is evolving fast and rental scooters have been given special permission to run on roads while the government analyses their effect on town congestion and traffic usage. But this special permission is not (yet) extended to privately owned personal electric scooters. These are still classed as electric vehicles which would again mean having tax, insurance, etc. to be legal on the roads. Even then, because they fall into the Personal Light

Electric Vehicle category, their low-power and maximum speed mean they can’t be used on public roads. This leaves scooters stuck in an inconvenient situation, even if you made them road legal…they wouldn’t be road legal! There is a lot of pressure to change this, but for now if you have a personal electric scooter you are only legally allowed to use it on private land where you have the landowner’s permission. Riding a scooter on the road or pavement is breaking the law and you could be prosecuted. So, before you invest in one of these innovative personal transport solutions do make sure that you are legally allowed to use it to get to where you want to go. With the potential savings in carbon emissions and traffic congestion expect the laws to change quickly over the next few years as we all try to do our bit to save the planet.

By Andy Davis

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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

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

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Seasonal Recipe

This is such a light, refreshing soup and low-carb too, thanks to the addition of vegetable noodles. You could also use kelp noodles or regular noodles instead.

Ramen Tofu Noodle Bowl Ingredients 1 medium courgette (or use 150g kelp noodles or cooked regular noodles) 1½ tbsp olive oil 450g firm tofu, drained and cut into 2cm cubes 2 spring onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 600ml vegetable stock 2 pak choi, roughly chopped 150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1 tbsp white miso paste 2 tbsp tamari soy sauce Handful of beansprouts To serve 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves 1. Use a spiraliser to make long noodles from the courgette; alternatively use a swivel potato peeler to create long strips. Set aside. If using kelp or

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 14 minutes Serves 4

regular noodles prepare according to instructions and drain well. 2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan and add the tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes over a medium-high heat until the tofu is lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside. 3. Heat the remaining oil in a pan and sauté the spring onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes over a medium heat. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Add the pak choi and mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes until the pak choi has wilted. Stir in the miso paste, tamari soy sauce, beansprouts, tofu and courgette (or other) noodles and stir briefly. Turn off the heat and allow the soup to sit for 1–2 minutes to allow the noodles to soften. 4. Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter over the sesame seeds and coriander to serve.

Nutrition per serving: 176kcal, fat 10.6g (of which saturates 3g), carbohydrates 5.4g (of which sugars 3.7g), protein 14.5g

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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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

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

01767 221 057

E: stewy_133@msn.com

DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

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Unit 12, Gracious Farm, Southill, Beds SG18 9JB T: 01462 816695 F: 01462 850915 E: info@driftwoodjoinery.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our December Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Lindsey Smith, Abbotsley

December’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 King’s title (7) 5 Herb (5) 8 Sprays water (9) 9 Curved line (3) 10 Sword (5) 12 Remote military camp (7) 13 Incendiary guns (13) 15 Highest noble rank (7) 17 Tests (5) 19 Concerned with the environment (3) 20 Raised area (9) 22 Give up (5) 23 Wandered (7)

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

16th January 2022 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Down 1 Disguises (5) 2 Glass container (3) 3 Genuine, honest (7) 4 Colourful small birds (13) 5 Hat (5) 6 E.g. EastEnders (4,5) 7 Finds (7) 11 Region in space (5,4) 13 Nervous (7) 14 Outside (4-3) 16 Fear (5) 18 Church council (5) 21 Climbing plant (3)

Name:

Address:



Tel:

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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

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Short Story

The Cupboard Under the Stairs “Whatever you do, don’t open the cupboard under the stairs.” Those were the final words Tonie’s cousin Shirley said before she left for the airport. Now there was an impatient man from the gas company wanting to read the meter, which, inconveniently, happened to be in the cupboard under the stairs. Tonie was in a quandary. While Shirley was away, she’d promised to check in on Uncle Norman every day. She’d been doing her best to avoid Norman’s cupboard but the persistent hissing and squeaking coming from within was hard to ignore. “Has Shirley got back into breeding snakes?” she’d asked Uncle Norman cautiously. Shirley had been acting very secretive lately, keeping unusual hours, her phone always ringing, and now there was suddenly cash to spend on a minibreak. Tonie was certain that whatever was hidden behind the door was the answer. “Snakes? I don’t think that’s it.” Norman shook his head while holding court in his favourite armchair. “She did tell me what she’s doing but I can’t remember everything.” Whatever it was, though, Tonie noticed he also avoided the cupboard under the stairs. “Would it be alright if the man read the meter?” Tonie called through to the sitting room, smiling innocently at the man from the gas company. “It’ll only take a minute.” “Tell him there’s no need, I don’t bother with the gas fire much,” Norman called back stroppily. This was untrue, Norman had the fire on all day long; the sitting room was tropical. “He says he’s got to read it to send you an accurate

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bill,” she called, “and it hasn’t been done in over a year.” “Just send me a guesstimate,” Norman called back dismissively. “I’m happy to pay the going rate.” The man on the doorstep looked at his clipboard irritably and Tonie grimaced apologetically. “I’m only trying to do my job,” he tutted. “Is that the cupboard there?” He took a step across the threshold. “He’s coming in!” Tonie called to Norman. The situation had escalated, and he still hadn’t got out of his armchair. If there was a snake in the cupboard, she reasoned it would not be her fault. The gas man had let himself in uninvited and would have to shoulder the responsibility. She grabbed an umbrella from the coat stand just in case. “How are you with snakes?” she asked casually as he turned the door handle. “You’d better not be opening that door; I remember what she’s doing now!” Norman called from the sitting room. “There’ll be hell to pay!” The door burst open. The man from the gas company staggered backwards. “What’s all this?” he cried. Tonie shrieked and batted the air blindly with her umbrella. It took her a moment to realise that she was not fighting a reptile but a cloud of colourful balloons. “I told you not to open it,” Norman said gruffly. “Balloon sculptures for events, that’s what Shirley’s up to. Good luck getting them all back in there now.”

By Jackie Brewster 89

T&R Roofing Ltd ®

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• • • • • • • • • •

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Unit 2-6 Shannon Place, Potton SG19 2SP 90

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Fresh starts Give your New Year’s resolutions a helping hand… Running Made Easy Lisa Jackson and Susie Whalley

Whether you’ve got your mind set on running a marathon this year, or you just want to complete Couch to 5K, this book could prove as invaluable as the right pair of trainers. Within its pages, you’ll find plenty of tips, running plans and advice, mainly aimed at beginner runners. Perhaps most importantly, however, you’ll also find lots of motivational real-life stories of people who’ve used running to dramatically improve their lives.

The Book of Hopes Edited by Katherine Rundell

This book brings together poems, short stories, essays and illustrations – all designed to ‘comfort, inspire and entertain’. It’s perfect for dipping into on a coffee break or when you’re in need of a moment of solace. While it’s aimed at children, there’s no reason why The Book of Hopes can’t be enjoyed just as much by adults. A beautiful book to give or receive.

Everyday Cook Donal Skehan

Is your New Year’s resolution to cook more meals from scratch? Most of the recipes in Everyday Cook are designed to take you from fridge to table within half an hour. (Some dishes can be whipped up in just fifteen minutes.) There are also meals to freeze for days when you really don’t have the energy to cook. The recipes might be simple, but they’re far from boring. Think Cheat’s Spring Risotto, Kung Pao Chicken and Aubergine, and Spicy Prawn Aglio e Olio.

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Books

By Kate Duggan

The Wildlife Gardener Kate Bradbury

British wildlife has declined dramatically over the last few decades. Once common species, such as the hedgehog, are under threat. If you want to play a role in helping to reverse the decline, this book is a good starting point. It’s packed with practical tips on encouraging all manner of wildlife into your garden. You’ll find step-by-step projects, ideas for plants and plenty of gorgeous photography. And you’ll also be taught how to identify some of your new garden visitors.

Farrow & Ball Recipes for Decorating Joa Studholme

Planning to refresh your home in 2022? Before you go anywhere near a paintbrush, get some advice and inspiration from the experts. Farrow & Ball’s no-nonsense guide covers everything from creating different moods using colour, to tackling common problems such as dark rooms and small spaces. There are several case studies and tons of photos. Whether you’re craving an ultra-modern living room or want to bring some country-cottage comfort to your kitchen, this book is for you.

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide Jen Gale

Going green can feel pretty daunting, but this book sets out small steps we can all take to help combat climate change, reduce plastic and cut waste. It’s about making more conscious, informed choices – from small swaps that you’ll barely notice to more impactful life changes. There are no lectures, no guilt trips and no preaching – just relatable, easy-toread advice and ideas.

Classifieds Accountants

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Haberdashery

HGS Classified advert.indd 1

Painter & Decorator

14/04/2015 21:23

Adam Staniforth

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Decorator 07870 428357 adamstaniforth35@gmail.com

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DECOR LTD Richard Bawden - City and Guilds Qualified Mobile: 07757 013796 Home: 01767 835008 Email: r666baw@gmail.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Classifieds Painter & Decorator

Plumbing and Heating

Alan Porter Painting & Decorating General Maintenance Interior & Exterior

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Potton Jan 2022

Articles inside

Short Story: The Cupboard Under the Stairs

Villager Prize Crossword

Seasonal Recipe: Ramen Tofu Noodle Bowl

Personal Electric Transport

Choose a Gym

What’s on January

Plumbing Problems

A Fresh New Year

Used Car Bargains

RSPCA: Why Not Foster?

All the Colours of the Rainbow

How to be a Vegan

Plants as Air Purifiers

Out of Business? Your Rights

Greensand Champions Awards

Fishing for Benefits

How to put an outfit together

Choosing and Using Neutral Colours

New Year, New You for 2022

Health and Well-Being Holidays in the UK

Fun Quiz

The Perfect Cup of Coffee

7 Easy Beauty Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep

Save Energy... and the Planet

Healthier Alternatives to Sugar