Potton july 18 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 143 - July 2018

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win tickets to

Meraki Festival The Invention of

Photography Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

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

ur Yo EE FRco1py

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Inside this issue...

Win Tools to make Gardening Easier

The Invention of Photograhy.................................................................. 4 Mauritius: Natural World........................................................................ 8 Win Tickets to Meraki Festival.............................................................. 10 Win Tools to Make Gardening Easier..................................................... 12 Garden Tools......................................................................................... 14 Wines: More Gems of Austria............................................................... 17 Party On Potton.................................................................................... 19 Take Control of your Electronic Inbox.................................................... 20 Cambridge Summer Music................................................................... 22 How Safe is your Suntan?..................................................................... 24 Beauty and the Beach.......................................................................... 28 Steps to a Healthier Heart.................................................................... 30 Dwile Flonking with the Devil and his Tailors....................................... 33 Abbotsley Feast Week.......................................................................... 34

Tips for a Formal or Black Tie Summer Event........................................ 37 Helping People in Bedfordshire Reduce their Risk of Breast Cancer...... 40 Out and About - Tech tools for wherever you may roam....................... 43 Piercing Problems................................................................................ 44 How to Save Money on your Summer Holiday this Year........................ 46 Feeling Fruity....................................................................................... 48 Rural Ramblings................................................................................... 51 Stretch Benefits.................................................................................... 52 Animal Know-How............................................................................... 54 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal.................................................................... 57 Ask Alan............................................................................................... 58 Children’s Page..................................................................................... 60 Summer Fun on a Budget.................................................................... 62 Should you buy an automatic car?....................................................... 65 Still not sure if I’d trust it...................................................................... 66 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................... 69 Plastered.............................................................................................. 70 What’s On............................................................................................. 74 Meditation: Marvellous Medicure or New Age Fad?............................. 78 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................... 86 Prize Crossword.................................................................................... 86 Bladder Weakness................................................................................ 90 Book Review........................................................................................ 92

How Safe is your Suntan?

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £37.50 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Tracey Anderson, Trevor Langley, Lisa Calder, Alison Runham, Kate Duggan, Louise Addison, Kate McLelland, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Rachael Leverton, Geoff Wharton, Sarah Davey, RSPCA, Potton Vets, Kate Duggan, Tom Wiltshire, Iain Betson and Nick Coffer

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

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

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

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History

By Catherine Rose

Light Drawing The Invention of Photography With summer finally here, many of us will be going on our annual holidays. Growing up, a camera was always on our family packing list to capture those happy holiday moments and the scenery of foreign shores. Nowadays, cameras in smart phones are so advanced that most of us already carry around the means to record our lives in our pocket. But how did photography come out of the darkroom? Before a way to permanently capture an image was invented, the forerunner to photography was the camera obscura, Latin for ‘dark room’. Discovered in 1600 (or probably earlier), an upside down, back-to-front image of the outside world can be projected onto a wall in a darkened room through a pinhole aperture. During the Renaissance, it was found that the effect could be replicated by using a box – the first ‘pinhole camera’ – with mirrors employed to reflect the image so that it was the right way round.

The first physical photograph, based on the camera obscura, was taken in 1825 by Frenchman Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. The result, ‘View from a Window at Le Gras’, is very grainy and took around eight hours to develop. Niépce did it by coating a pewter plate with bitumen of Judea, which hardens when exposed to light. He then placed it in a camera obscura. When the unhardened parts of the bitumen were washed away, it left a negative image on the plate from which a print could be made. He called the process heliography (sun drawing). But it was in 1839 that photography is said to have truly been born with the invention of the daguerreotype process by Louis Daguerre, a scenery artist and friend of Niépce who had inherited his notes on the latter’s death in 1833. Using a glass plate coated with light-reactive silver iodide, the image was developed with the aid of mercury vapour. Unlike heliography, the daguerreotype required

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only minutes of exposure rather than hours. The image was later fixed onto the plate with a hot salt solution. Although still a negative, because it was silver on glass, it appeared as a positive image when viewed from the right angle. Photography, Greek for ‘drawing with light’, was unveiled to the world that same year and the daguerreotype became the first commercially viable process. There are numerous portraits taken at this time, some astonishingly clear, such as the self-portrait by Robert Cornelius, often claimed to be the “first portrait photograph ever taken”, and John Draper’s wonderful study of his sister Dorothy wearing an early 19th century decorated bonnet. At around the same time in England, Henry Fox Talbot had already created photographic negatives on paper using silver chloride but, much like Niepce’s heliography, the images took several hours to expose. Talbot began to develop it further, culminating in his invention of the calotype process (Greek for ‘beautiful picture’). Unlike the daguerreotype which formed a single image on a glass plate, one calotype negative could be used to produce unlimited prints. Talbot’s ‘silver halide’ was the foundation for wet film technology that has endured until the present day. In 1851, the wet collodian process was introduced by Frederick Archer, which used glass negatives printed onto albumen paper. This process could capture sharp images faster than ever before, with the advantage that one lightsensitised plate could fit up to eight prints. It soon became the universal method for producing carte-de-visites (photographic calling cards), tintypes (small inexpensive portraits printed onto thin sheets of black enamelled iron) and ambrotypes (like daguerreotypes in that they were printed onto glass). Renowned Victorian photographers like Lewis Carroll and Julia Margaret Cameron used this process to produce their remarkable studies. Its drawbacks were that plates had to be prepared and used immediately, and it remained difficult to capture movement without the image being blurred. 1871 saw the beginning of modern photography with the advent of the

dry plate. Coated with silver salts suspended in gelatin rather than collodian solution, it was sixty times more sensitive and meant that handheld cameras could be used without the need for a stabilising tripod. In 1888, George Eastman made the first commercial camera available to the general public – the Kodak. Under the slogan: ‘You press the button, we do the rest’, the camera came with a roll of flexible film – initially paper and later transparent nitrocellulose – which, following exposure, could be sent to one of Kodak’s printing facilities. Although there had been early experiments with colour photography, most notably James Maxwell’s tartan ribbon of 1855, photographs remained black and white, with colour only achieved by hand-tinting. The first colour photography appeared when the Lumiere brothers invented their Autochrome process in 1907, which used panchromatic emulsion. Although it didn’t become a commercial success, some of the images it achieved are stunning, such as the 1913 ‘Portraits of Christina’ by Mervyn O’Gorman (The Royal Photographic Society) – a series of colour photos of a young girl identified only recently as 16-year-old Christina Bevan. The invention of Kodachrome colour film in 1935 meant that colour photographs were well and truly on their way. But just as some artists falsely believed the advent of photography meant an end to painting, so black and white photographs, with an artistic and often edgy interpretation of their subject, have remained popular even in the new era of digital photography.

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Travel

By Solange Hando

Mauritius: Natural World In the southern reaches of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is blessed with idyllic beaches, but a few steps inland another kind of paradise waits to be discovered, stunning and lush, as the island endeavours to protect its wildlife and dwindling forest. Great swathes were lost to timber and plantations. The remainder covers about 18% of the land, only 2% of it native trees, but nestling in gorges or climbing to mountain tops it still harbours 670 species of plants. Meanwhile, imported casuarinas sway along the shore, banyans thrive and Chinese guava bushes spread unhindered. There are fan-shaped traveller’s palms and unusual trees protected in botanical gardens, including the hyophorbe amaricaulis palm in Curepipe and the rare talipot in Pamplemousse, which takes up to 60 years to flower and then dies. As for the wildlife, boars and Javanese deer live alongside the long-tailed macaques, the ornate rainbow-coloured geckos and thousands of fruit bats, or ‘flying foxes’, the only native mammals, with wings up to a metre across. Although the dodo is extinct, other native birds may fare better, such as the pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels breeding once again in protected areas. Down in the south west, beyond the tea plantations of Darling Wood, the road climbs through scented pines towards the Grand Bassin sacred lake and Hindu shrine. Nearby, the Native Garden of Petrin displays the lovely red ‘earring’, or national flower, and an array of medicinal

plants. But most enticing of all in the area is the Black River Gorges National Park, covering over 6,000 hectares of forest laced with scenic trails. Echo parakeets flash emerald green along the Macchabee ridge, white tropicbirds flit through the air with the grace of ballet dancers. On the very edge of the gorge the Black River viewpoint can be easily accessed, a breathtaking place where, below the jagged peaks, the thicklywooded slopes tumble down to the sea More views can be enjoyed along the road down to the coast, most dramatic the precipitous peak on Le Morne peninsula where runaway slaves jumped to their death. Chamarel is a must-see, starting with the island’s highest waterfall leaping down 83 metres. But the top attraction is the legendary waves of ‘Coloured Earth’ spread across a slope, red, purple, pink, silver and gold. Now protected by walkways, this unique phenomenon was caused by the uneven cooling of lava, and you can buy a sample in a bottle. Shake as you will, the colours will separate again within a day. On the central plateau, the Deer’s Hole caldera is equally impressive. Its slopes are cloaked with vegetation, its floor is choked with silt but as you stand on the rim between heaven and earth, you look across an island bristling with eerie peaks, the Rampart, the Guard, the unmistakable silhouette of the Thumb or Pieter Both, resembling a human figure, named after a drowned admiral. Legend has it that if this pinnacle falls, disaster will strike. So far, fortunately, Pieter Both has kept his head and as kestrels soar above the rustling slopes, you can enjoy the natural world of a truly stunning island.

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All Saints

Pixie Lott

Judge Jules

Win 2 Tickets to Meraki Festival Meraki is back! We’re announcing our 2018 music lineup in the lead up to the festival and it’s already obvious that we’ve kicked things up a notch! We have two festival music stages filled with incredible artists, from global superstars like All Saints, Pixie Lott, Nik Kershaw and 10cc, to national and local favourites like Boogie Storm, Simon McBride and Annabel Williams. We also have an assortment of amazing activities which you can pack into your days at Meraki - these include: Europe’s largest outdoor waterslide, swimming pools, roller disco, caving, free massage, face painting, kids comedy & theatre and much, much more. Our All-Inclusive Tickets mean that once you’re through the gates, you don’t have to pay for any of our festival activities - you can enjoy all of your favourite parts of the festival and not pay a penny more – just focus on having a great time and creating magical summer memories! And for those of you who like to hear your tunes blasting off a set of decks, The House of Neon dance tent will be pumping out party classics each night with a stellar lineup of DJs that includes legends like Judge Jules, Danny Rampling, Tall Paul, and Seb Fontaine. Whether you come and camp for a long weekend, join us an amazing day or grab an evening ticket and party with us for one night only - we look forward to seeing you in August for an incredible festival filled with Meraki summer fun! To be in with a chance to win 2 tickets to Meraki Festival simply send your entry by 16th July 2018 to: Meraki Festival, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn randomly.

MERAKI FESTIVAL COMPETITION ENTRY

For a chance to win 2 tickets to Meraki Festival simply complete your details below and post your response by 16th July 2018 to: Meraki Festival Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. Name:



Don’t want to leave it to chance? For the full line-up and to book tickets go to merakifestival.com

Address:

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Authentic Italian Pizza Traditional Pasta Dishes Home-Made Desserts Our dough is made in house daily and proved for 48 hours to obtain a crispy, highly-digestible pizza.

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Win Tools to Make

Gardening Easier Win top quality carbon steel garden tools plus a gift voucher, together worth over £100.

At Bickerdikes you’ll find a huge selection of best quality plants: flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs and turf. If you are new to gardening the Bickerdike team’s friendly, welcoming, professional and practical advice will ensure you plant the right plant in the right place. What’s more, hardy plants are guaranteed for two years providing they are planted and cared for correctly. For well over 80 years the Bickerdike family have been in the horticultural industry. Following the family tradition Mark and Debbie Bickerdike opened Bickerdikes Garden Centre in 1999, applying the same principles as previous generations of the family: quality, choice, value for money and above all personal service. The Bickerdikes service extends to their carry to car assistance and free delivery for larger items if you spend £15 or more. Plus the Bickerdikes Reward Card scheme means that every time you make a purchase you’ll earn points towards future purchases. Once you’ve browsed all the plants, containers and pots, tools and equipment, plant feeds and fertilisers, garden furniture, huge range of gifts and gift food you’ll be ready to visit Norton’s Café. Pop in for coffee or a light snack or maybe lunch. There’s a full menu all day starting with breakfast and there’s waitress service too.

Competition

BICKERDIKES COMPETITION ENTRY Name: Tel:

QUESTION...

How much do you need to spend to get free delivery for larger items?



Answer the question below to be in with a chance to win a compete set of seven Wilkinson Sword carbon steel garden tools, all with a five-year guarantee: (hand fork and trowel, garden rake and lawn rake, digging spade, digging fork and Dutch hoe) plus a £20 voucher to spend at Bickerdikes. (Please note the wheelbarrow is not part of the prize.) To enter, complete the form below and send to: Bickerdikes Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. The winner will be picked at random. Deadline: 16th July 2018

Email: Address: 12

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A great day out for the whole family! Home to over 200 animals and birds, children’s playground, tractor trailer rides, flying displays, animal meet and greats, crazy golf and more. All included in the admission - Adult £12.50 Senior £11.50 Child (3-15 years) £9.50 Family (2 adults & 2 children) £34.50 and children under 3 years are free. Bedfordshire Food & Garden Festival - 7th & 8th July A great day our for all you foodies plus inspiration for all you gardeners. Adult £6.00 Senior £5.00 Child (3-15 years) £2.50 Includes admission into the activity farm and bird of prey centre. Herrings Green Activity Farm, Wilstead MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Tel: 01234 742362 / 01234 742766 The Family Farm - Open 7 days a week 10.00 - 6.00

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Time of Year

Garden Toys Gardens are a great place for kids to run around and get that all important fresh air and exercise. The addition of a toy or two will mean you can keep them happily occupied for hours. Swings are perennially popular. Make sure the size and style is appropriate to the age of the child. Better still buy one which has changeable seats so you can upgrade as the child grows, or simply ring the changes now and then. Slides come in all sizes. They can be independent structures or attached to climbing frames. You really do get what you pay for in this instance. Do your homework. Is a metal or wooden frame best for your garden. How much use will it get and how many and what ages of children does it need to support? Get the best you can afford and it will serve you for many years. Trampolines are a relative newbie to the UK garden compared with slides and swings but they are rightfully popular. Even adults can’t resist them. You’ll need a flat surface, and a safety net is highly recommended. Most trampolining injuries occur when one child lands on another so buy the biggest your garden will allow. It’s almost impossible to police the ‘one child at a time’ recommendation so bigger is safer as each child has more space.

Kids love dens. Provide a Wendy house or a tepee and let their imagination run wild. If you have the funds you can buy an elaborate fort or tree house. If you don’t have space for a permanent Wendy house, provide poles and old blankets and let them construct their own! If you have space for a sand and water area your children will love it. There are simple small plastic tables designed for the purpose and huge wooden luxury models complete with seats and sunshade. Use specialist play sand to fill it. Make sure you buy one with a cover to protect it from the weather and prevent neighbourhood cats from using it as a toilet. We can’t all have a proper pool in the garden but most of us have room for a paddling pool. Add a couple of supersoaker water pistols and a waterslide made from heavy duty silicon and you’re set for an afternoon of splashy delight. If you have a large space you could invest in some football goals or a badminton set. But for those who love to play games and have a smaller space there’s croquet or outdoor skittles. And there are now outdoor giant versions of family favourites like Connect 4, Jenga and Chess. Time for some outdoor fun.

By Tracey Anderson

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01767 260221

the

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Food and Drink

Wines:

More Gems of Austria I continued my quest, searching for Austrian wines that have been recognised and acknowledged with awards, for their qualities, plus wines that, in my opinion, deserve to be.

Weingut Forstreiter is located in Krems-Hollenburg, a traditional wine growing village of the Kremstal region. The Forstreiter family has been producing wine since 1868. Forstreiter Grüner Veltliner Ried Kremser Kogl and Grüner Veltliner Tabor Kremstal Reserve are both extremely popular, classic productions. These splendid white wines have most pleasant bouquets. Both possess a good balance, with tropical fruit flavours, very acceptable mouthfeel and lengthy palate sensations. Forstreiter Riesling Schotter is balanced and refreshing. This great, dry, white wine, is chosen regularly for many dining occasions and is excellent for the mouth’s pleasures and on to the palate. These wines are wonderful accompaniments to a lot of cuisine, including fish, seafood, plus white meats and are just a selection of the Forstreiter white wines. Their ranges include outstanding reds, too. www.forstreiter.at Anton Bauer produces superb white and red wines. As the company says, “The wines are with soul”, every year. For my ‘wines of choice’ I selected the powerful Zweigelt and the Wagram Reserve Zweigelt Alte Reben productions. Dark fruits are very much displayed for the bouquets and lead, enticingly, to the mouthfeel and splendid palate sensations. Wonderful with red meats, etc. For a sweeter choice I found Kracher, that produces a fantastic range of wines. Burgenland Beerenauslese Cuvée ‘hit the spot’, for me. Absolutely divine, when a sweet wine is called for. The bouquet brings delight, plus the mouthfeel and palate will not be disappointed with this production, having luscious fruits in abundance. For all details of the full ranges www.antonbauer.at and www. kracher.at The Top Selection Company sources high-quality wines, spirits, plus drinks, from global origins and offers an exceptional portfolio. Their wines and other beverages can be located in top hotels and restaurants, plus many retailers. Top Selection also offers a complete service, including advice about cuisine pairings and winery visits, etc. www. topselection.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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GARDEN WALK & TALK

The cost of your tour includes a hot beverage, scone, cream and jam for just Â£12.50

3RD JULY 2018, 2 - 3.30PM

Come and learn more about our gardens and how you can create the perfect outdoor space

SEE HOW WE GROW CEREALS, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GROW YOUR VERY OWN VEG OR FLOWER PATCH IDEAS ON HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT WILDLIFE IN YOUR OWN GARDENS

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Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Langford Road Broom, Nr Biggleswade SG18 9JY Call: 01767 603940

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Local News

Party On Potton

10th Anniversary BIG Weekend Friday 24th – Monday 27th August 2018 Henry Smith Playing Field, Brook End, Potton SG19 2QS Pottians’, Pottonians or Pottians lets not worry (but I do apologise) about my pour, paw, poorspelling; let’s just concentrate on the one and only, the greatest, largest and best ever event that’s about to happen on the Henry Smith playing field. The pressure cooker is no longer on explode mode; we’re pretty much there. We’ve got the acts sorted, the events are planned, the steam engines and Potton car along with SPIV are coming to the show, Wrayfield Dog Agility Club are putting on their leads, Potton Library has some amazing treats and even Leon’s back but this time storytelling - yippeeee! The History Society has ‘The POP story’ for their August meeting at 8pm on Thursday 23rd August at the Community Centre as a pre-weekend appetiser (George you’re wonderful), make sure you support. The bouncy castles aren’t yet inflated but will be every day. Rehearsals they tell me are going very well. Friday night club, disco, DJ thingy night might just be the weekend’s “I can’t believe I missed it night”. On second thoughts it might be 3-act Comedy Sunday. We’ve only gone and put live music on during the day and that’s every day; paid for by my raffle ticket sales in 2016 so buy loads this year please. People with children will want to kiss and cuddle the Kids’ Zone man because it’s ridiculously big fun. We’re a small town with a big heart and everyone working with little people is about to give us ‘little people mayhem’. The hippos are hungry, the wheelbarrows are lined up with their wheels greased. Sport, oh sport – the sports lot are stretching in woods; anatomy watch out, you’ll

discover muscles Galen didn’t know existed! The arty and crafty are sewing, stitching, melting, bending and making their wares, Churches Together are already together and Widdershins is twirling the ends of his moustache. There’s no slow start; we’re off at 100mph and have gone mad on sound decks, lighting and DJ. Friday night is going to be an awesome meeting of London and Ibiza, it will be the hottest night this side of the equator not just the A1. Saturday’s the midday parade followed by Community Day,with live music and the wonderful Sound Express in the evening. Sunday’s just silly with 3 comedians and an MC and Arts and Crafts galore during the day, and Monday’s all about pushing through the pain barrier with more sports than the Olympics. There’s a fun run, a fun walk or a fun cycle. There’s thrown an egg, caught an egg, hit a ball, caught a ball and Zorbing. The grand finale, the final night is of course those perfectly spelt thespians. . There’s so much every day just not enough space to tell you so check out our website www.partyonpotton.org.uk or find us on Facebook/Partyonpotton to keep up with what’s happening and to hear all the latest news. We’ve done the hard work it’s now down to you to support, enjoy and volunteer as we need help over the weekend to make it happen. Our email address is committee@partyonpotton.org. uk, contact us, we would like to hear from you especially if you fancy volunteering (even for just an hour). 4 nights, 3 days of total crazy, fun, communityfilled love is nearly upon you – only in wonderful Potton.

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Technology

By Lisa Calder

Take Control Of Your Electronic Inbox!

‘Why do you have 9632 emails in your inbox?’ I looked at my husband, ‘Um...is that a lot? How many are in your inbox?’ ‘About twenty,’ he replied. I looked at my inbox. There were emails I had meant to deal with; emails from clients and the kids’ schools with information I needed; there were time-sensitive offers I’d never got around to investigating; endless updates from the social media platforms I subscribed to, and the rest I’d kept just in case, of what I’m not entirely sure. I wondered idly if there was such a thing as being an email hoarder. I clearly had a problem and I needed to act. I paused my work and began to sift through the backlog. An hour later I’d made little progress. ‘Just delete the lot,’ said my husband. ‘It’ll be like ripping off a plaster. The anticipation is the worst bit.’ Could I do that? It was tempting. But I paused. I couldn’t. I did have a problem! I decided to compromise. I kept the last month’s emails and deleted everything else. EVERYTHING. WOW it felt liberating. I looked at my almostempty inbox. It felt so good I quickly went through the month’s worth of emails I’d kept, and deleted anything I knew I’d never get around to answering. I replied to and actioned emails which required a response, then deleted them too. But while I was working five new emails arrived and in the back

of my mind I knew how easily those five would become fifty...and then five thousand. I needed to futureproof my inbox! I decided I’d set aside fifteen minutes once or possibly twice a day to deal with email. If I needed to save information I would file it in a folder on my laptop. Then once a month I would quickly go through the inbox and delete anything else that I knew would never be actioned. To be honest that’s been the hardest part. I feel genuine anxiety about deleting emails. FOMO (fear of missing out) is a real problem for many people with email issues. So many emails are ‘offers’. What if that amazing offer never comes up again? Believe me, a quick trawl through my pre-deletion inbox, indicates they do...frequently. What’s more, these ‘offers’ are often time-sensitive and so we hang on to them ‘just in case’, then miss the deadline anyway and still don’t delete them. I found it useful to cap my emails at 50 and I use an email system to filter school emails into a separate inbox, so I can see at a glance when ‘Dress like a Roman’ day or ‘Bring an onion to school’ day (yes really) is coming up! Your system might have to be different. The trick is to invent one to suit your own personality and routine. I feel more in control and organised now I’m on top of my inbox. Now to tackle the cupboard under the stairs!

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Local News

Cambridge Summer Music 5-21 July 2018 For two weeks each July, some of the world’s most beautiful performance spaces resound to superb classical, jazz and world music. Cambridge Summer Music is back, attracting more than 15,000 concertgoers every year with a stellar cast of international performers and exciting new talent. 2018 is the 40th annual festival – and to launch the celebrations, the Bach Choir and Orpheus Sinfonia under CSM’s new director David Hill will raise the roof of King’s College Chapel with Mozart 40th Symphony, Fauré Requiem and Bernstein Chichester Psalms (5 July, 8pm). A packed fortnight follows, with highlights including pianist Joanna Macgregor playing Beethoven and Chopin (14 July, 7.30pm, West Road Concert Hall); trumpeter Crispian Steel-Perkins with David Hill performing 17th and 18th century classics (19 July, 7.30pm, Queens’ College Chapel); the Gould Piano Trio featuring an arrangement of Schoenberg’s Verklärt Nacht (10 July, 7.30pm, Jesus College Chapel); and the Brodsky Quartet’s Wheel of 4Tunes, devised for their own 40th anniversary, which chooses the programme at the spin of a wheel (13 July, 7.30pm, Jesus College Chapel). Rising stars include 2017 Cardiff singer of the world Catriona Morison (16 July, 7.30pm, Old Divinity School) and Radio 3 New Generation artist Ashley Riches. Bass-baritone Ashley will be joined by pianist Joseph Middleton for his recital Songs before sleep, to include the world premiere of a new work by composer Kate Whitley, co-commissioned with the BBC and the Royal Philharmonic Society. (8 July, 7.30pm, The Old Divinity School; Radio 3 broadcast 10 July).

If less formal music is more to your taste, there is a huge range of sounds and styles to sample. You can hear traditional fiddle music from the Scottish band Blazin’ Fiddles (7 July, 7.30pm, Cambridge Junction); jazz from the singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe (20 July, 7.30pm, Downing College), and light Classical through to swing, jazz and pop from the saxophone/ clarinet quartet Simply Reeds (21 July, 1.10pm, St Columba’s Church). Film buffs will be treated to a screening of the silent movie The General (1926), a hair-raising comedy set in the American Civil War, starring Buster Keaton – brought to life by organist Richard Hills (11 July, 9pm, St John’s College Chapel). There’ll also be informal music in the open air, as once again the Festival features its popular Sounds Green series of concerts in the Cambridge Botanic Garden (Wednesdays at 6.15pm). Imagine the scene – relaxing under the trees on a Wednesday evening after a busy day, with a cool drink and a delicious picnic, listening to the hugely popular Cambridge-based band Prime Brass (4 July); the exhilarating, gypsy-infused sounds of Eastern Europe (She’koyokh, 11 July); TG Collective’s heady mix of hot club, flamenco and contemporary classical (18 July); or the toe-tapping Jazz, Samba and Bossa Nova of Afro-Brazilian band Afrosamba (25 July). CSM 2018 closes as it began, with an iconic choral work – Bach’s B minor Mass performed English Voices with director Tim Brown. Using only ten singers and a pared-down period orchestra, the astonishing intricacy and visceral nature of the score shines through. Let the celebrations begin! Tickets and information at www.cambridgesummermusic.com or www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/tickets Twitter @cambridgemusic Facebook /cambridgesummermusic

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Health

Alison Runham ww.alison.runham.co.uk

How Safe is Your Suntan? Books and magazines often advise us how to ‘tan safely’ and describe people as looking ‘healthy and tanned’, inextricably linking these two words in our minds. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. As the NHS baldly states, “There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan.” If you’re not convinced, let’s look at why your skin tans. The Problem with Suntans However light it is, however slowly you built it up, and whether you got it lying in your back garden, a Mediterranean beach or a sunbed, a tan proves that your skin has been exposed to too much radiation. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, around 5% of the UV (ultraviolet) radiation it receives is UVB, responsible for sunburn. The other 95% is UVA, responsible for tanning, aging, wrinkling and coarsening the skin. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, stimulating cells called melanocytes to produce melanin, the brown pigment that gives your skin its tanned appearance. This is the skin’s defence mechanism. Your skin has good reason to go into defence mode. Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and nonmelanoma skin cancer too.

The Problem with Sunbeds The World Health Organization classifies sunbeds as a ‘Group 1 Carcinogen’ – something scientifically proven to cause cancer in humans. Sunbeds, sunlamps and tanning booths emit the same harmful UV radiation as the sun, so they increase your risk of developing both malignant melanoma and no-melanoma skin cancers too. But tanning devices are potentially more dangerous than sun exposure. Many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday tropical sun, and you’re relying on manufacturers and operators to ensure you get a ‘safe’ dose of UV. In 2006, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products stated the maximum ultraviolet radiation from sunbeds shouldn’t exceed 0.3W/m2, or 11 standard erythema doses per hour (erythema means reddening of the skin caused by sunburn). That’s equivalent to exposure to the tropical sun, which the World Health Organization (WHO) describes as extreme. So, it’s not surprising that sunbeds can cause more damage than exposure to sunlight. Your risk depends on your skin type, including the presence of moles, and the frequency and length of your sunbed sessions. Age is a factor too and, in the UK, it’s illegal for people under the age of 18 to use sunbeds.

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Potton & District Club Keeping LIVE MUSIC live! every week!

New members welcome to apply for membership. Call in for an easy to complete membership form. Guests and visitors always welcome.

JULY

Saturday 7th - Scooted & Booted* (SKA Night) Friday 13th - Quiz Night (Tbc)

AUGUST

Saturday 11th - Simon Baker Soul Show Saturday 25th - Cardinal Kings (local band) Bank Holiday Monday - open from 12

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 8th - Rhythm & Blues Band Saturday 15th - Summerland Covers band Saturday 22nd - The Dekkertones (SKA Night)* Friday 28th - The Soulman* All info is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes. When you see this * an ENTRY FEE will apply.

Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk 26

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“Sunbed use and overexposure to the sun can be a risk to the skin at any age,” say The British Association of Dermatologists. “However, a review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that first exposure to sunbeds before the age of 35 years increases the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent.” Unfortunately, the symptoms of skin damage can take up to 20 years to appear, so it can be easy to fool yourself that you’ve done no harm. But research shows that people who are frequently exposed to UV rays before the age of 25 or who experience sunburn in childhood have a greatly increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Guidelines for using Tanning Equipment A sunbed operator should discuss your skin type with you before you use a sunbed and advise you on the limit of your session length. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends you shouldn’t use UV tanning equipment if you: • have fair, sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly • have a history of sunburn, particularly in childhood, or badly sun-damaged skin • have lots of freckles and red hair • have lots of moles • are taking medicines or using creams that make your skin sensitive to sunlight • have a medical condition aggravated by sunlight, such as vitiligo • have a personal or family history of skin cancer

You should also be especially cautious if you’re pregnant. Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive and prone to burning and pigmentation (patches of dark skin). Some studies have suggested there may be a link between increased UV rays and folic acid deficiency, as UV rays can break down folic acid. Folic acid is vital for the development of the baby’s neural system (brain and spinal cord). Stay Safe in the Sun Avoid the sun when it’s strongest (between 11am and 3pm, March to October, in the UK). Never allow yourself to burn. Cover your skin and don’t forget a hat and sunglasses. If you’re not wearing sunglasses or wearing sunglasses without adequate UVA and UVB protection, then your eyes can suffer damage too, resulting in conjunctivitis, irritation or even cataracts. Remember that sunscreen only reduces UV exposure; it doesn’t eliminate it. Use sunscreen that’s in date, with at least four-star UVA protection and an SPF of at least 15 (30 or higher if you’re fairskinned or using it on children). Useful information: Sunbed regulation Act 2010: www.legislation.gov. uk/ukpga/2010/20/contents HSE guidance on the use of UV tanning equipment: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc869.pdf British Association of Dermatologists’ advice on sunbeds: www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skincancer/sunbeds NHS sunscreen and sun safety advice: www.nhs. uk/livewell/skin/pages/sunsafe.aspx

Health & Beauty

Beauty and the Beach From a £3.75 multi-tasker to a £70 serum, we have plenty of beauty goodies to tempt you with this month. Still hiding your legs away under loose trousers and maxi dresses? Try Neals Yard Remedies’ Seaweed Salt Scrub. It’s superb at getting rid of dry skin and leaves legs feeling much softer and smoother. The salt and kaolin also help to draw out toxins. And, as an added bonus, the essential oils, including ginger, grapefruit and frankincense, smell amazing, so the scrub is a real pleasure to use. It’s £18 from www.nealsyardremedies.com If, like me, you prefer a serum to a heavy moisturiser in the summer, and you’re over 30, you might want to check out Murad’s Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum. It’s been proven to reduce age spots and other pigmentation, while hydrating, softening and brightening. Results are impressive. Some benefits can be seen instantly, while others take a few weeks. More than 1,000 people took part in the clinical trial, and 100% of them agreed that the serum lightened their dark spots, reduced discolouration and generally improved the appearance of their skin. Personally, I saw a noticeable difference in just over a week. The serum costs £70 from John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenhams. You can’t beat a multitasker, especially when you’re short on suitcase space and want to cram some more flipflops in. Frances Prescott’s Tri-Balm is my new favourite multi-tasker. It’s a cleanser, exfoliator

and moisturiser in one, and a stick balm, so you just massage it into your skin, rinse off and pat dry. Tri-Balm is formulated with natural oils and waxes, including rice bran oil, wheatgerm oil and beeswax; it’s rich in hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, and super gentle. Skin feels clean, plumped and soft instantly. It costs £46 at www.francesprescott.com Tea-tree oil is another great multi-tasker. Pop a bottle in your beach bag to treat scrapes, insect bites, spots and more. Meghan Markle swears by it, saying “The one thing I cannot live without when I’m traveling is tea-tree oil. If you get a cut, a mosquito bite, a small breakout … it’s my little cure it all.” Thursday Plantation’s tea-tree oil is harvested in Australia and is said to be one of the purest on the market. It’s £5 from Boots, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. We all know the importance of cleansing, but most of us are guilty of falling into bed without taking our make-up off on at least the odd occasion. I keep a packet of Faith in Nature’s Facial Wipes in my bedside cupboard. They’re free from fragrance and alcohol, and contain aloe vera and chamomile to soothe and hydrate skin. (Plus, unlike some wipes I’ve tried, these actually do remove makeup.) They’re £3.25 from www.faithinnature.co.uk

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

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Health By Louise Addison

Steps to a

Healthier Heart Cardiovascular disease causes 26% of all deaths in the UK; that’s over 150,000 deaths each year – an average of 420 people each day or one death every three minutes. Those are the scary statistics but what can you do to improve the health of your heart? Below are the top tips according to leading cardiologists. Walk 30 minutes every day, no matter what! – A half hour walk every day decreases an individual’s chances of a heart attack by 30%. If you think you’ll skip days find a walking buddy and hold each other accountable. Find out your blood pressure and take steps to bring it down – Your blood pressure may be a more important factor than your cholesterol! If the doctor prescribes medication take it, but you can also take steps to lower it yourself and maybe reduce the need for medication. The best ways are to exercise and lose some belly fat. Individuals with high levels of fat in the abdominal cavity (belly fat) and around their abdominal organs are more likely to develop high blood pressure because this fat interferes with the function of the kidneys, which regulate the blood pressure. Know what your HDL number is and then do what you can to raise it to 1.3 mmol/l - In women especially it seems that a higher HDL (good cholesterol) number is more important than a low LDL (bad cholesterol) number. Eat about 25g of raw, fresh, unsalted nuts per day – especially walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios and almonds. Nuts are packed with omega 3 oils, raise levels of HDL good

cholesterol, decrease inflammation and have a good effect on the heart. Healthy fats such as olive or rapeseed oil have a positive effect too, and the really good news is that an alcoholic drink per day also works in your favour! Eat a good quality tomato pasta sauce! Simple tomato pasta sauce is loaded with potassium which aids lowering of blood pressure. Floss! – Most people don’t know that your oral health has an effect on arterial health so make sure those pearly whites stay clean and flossed. Limit saturated fat and avoid trans fats – Try to keep saturated fat below 20g per day. Both saturated fat and trans fats (found in many processed foods) lead to inflammation of the arteries. Read labels and avoid foods which list sugar as one of the first five ingredients – In particular don’t be fooled by foods which claim to be ‘low fat’ because often they contain extra sugar instead. Healthy fats such as olive oil are better than empty sugar calories. Drink wine – But not too much! It’s a slightly bizarre (but consistent scientific truth) that teetotal folk have a higher risk of heart disease than those who drink in moderation. But a glass of red wine occasionally is very different to binge drinking once a week so be careful with this tip. Eat a rainbow of fruit and veg – Five to nine servings a day will help to keep your heart in tip-top condition. It may sound a lot but if you add chopped veg to pie fillings and casseroles and eat fruit at breakfast and salad stuff for snacks it all adds up.

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Quirky Britain

Dwile Flonking with the Devil and his Tailors Why Britain’s traditional pub games may be poised to make a comeback

Playing games – both indoor and outdoor – has been a feature of British pubs for hundreds, and possibly thousands, of years. Here are just some of the archaic games still played in Britain’s pubs: Devil Among the Tailors This old pub game is a form of table or bar skittles, where nine skittles are arranged in a square, opentopped wooden box usually placed on a table top. A vertical pole rises from one corner of the box from which a small, wooden ball (about the size of a golf ball) is suspended from a chain or string. The aim is to swing the ball in an arc to catch the skittles, rather than aiming directly at them. And the name? Legend has it that in 1805 the game of bar skittles was renamed after the cavalry was called to break up a group of tailors who were rioting. The army’s horsemen were said to have cleared the streets as effectively as a ball ploughing through skittles. Dwile Flonking Honestly, you couldn’t make it up. Dwile Flonking is a game in which two teams of twelve players take turns to hold hands and dance in a circle, at the same time trying to avoid being hit by a beersoaked cloth (the ‘dwile’ in question) wielded by an opposing team member in the middle. Losers get to drink a chamber pot filled with ale, in doublequick time. Dwile Flonking apparently has its origins in an ancient harvest ritual. The word ‘dwile’ is a knitted floor cloth, while ‘flonk’ is probably a corruption of ‘flong’ (used in olden days as the past tense for ‘fling’).

Toad in the Hole No, it’s not a hearty helping of sausage and batter served up by the pub landlord. This is a simple game where contestants toss brass coins onto a lead-topped table with a hole in the middle. Players try to land their coins (known as ‘toads’) either on the flat surface of the table or in the hole, scoring one or two points respectively. The game is a variant of ‘Pitch-penny’ (or ‘Chuck Farthing’), which dates back to the 18th century or possibly even earlier. Ringing the Bull The idea here is to throw a metal ring (hung from the ceiling on a rope) onto a metal hook on the wall. The hook has replaced the original target – a bull’s horn – that gave the game its name. Ringing the Bull was reputedly a game brought back by pilgrims from Jerusalem in medieval times, and the story is given some weight by the fact that the most famous pub to host the game is an ancient Nottingham hostelry called “Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem”. These traditional pub games have an innocent charm that provides a welcome relief from the beeping, flashing, coin-munching fruit machines that have become such a familiar sight in Britain’s drinking establishments. Wouldn’t it be ironic if we entered a pub in ten years’ time and – instead of finding customers hunched over their smartphones and laptops – we discovered a group of players happily engaged in a game of Devil Among the Tailors?

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By Kate McLelland 33

Local News

Abbotsley Feast Week You may have heard of Abbotsley’s annual ‘Feast Week’ which takes place in July and maybe even joined in the fun. But what it’s all about and how did it start? ‘Feast Week’ (originally ‘The Patronical Festival’) is in honour of St. Margaret of Antioch, the Patron Saint of St. Margaret’s Church in Abbotsley, who was canonised in 304AD. Her feast day is 20 July. St. Margaret’s has been celebrating its patron saint since it was built in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Bringing this up to our times, in the 1930’s the celebrations increased. They began with a church service on the village green followed by a procession to the Church and then family fun with a fairground roundabout and swing boats. As the years progressed this grew to include a fete and barn dance. In 1977, following the successful village celebrations for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, ‘Feast Week’ started to take the format that exists today and, in 2000, a Scarecrow Festival was introduced.

This year the theme has moved from scarecrows to ‘Plant your Pants’ and the village will be full of trousers topped with colourful flowers. Abbotsley warmly welcomes you to come and see and to join in the fun and celebrations at its fete on the village playing fields and barn dance at the Eight Bells. St. Margaret’s will hold its celebratory Service on 22 July. See ‘Whats On’ for dates and times and www.abbotsley.org.uk for more information on the week and its history.

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House of Colour

Tips for a Formal or Black Tie Summer Event 1. Consider the venue in which the event is being held. Although you should always wear clothes that work well with your skin tone, also make sure you have considered your setting. If the event is being held outside, shoes with heels that don’t sink into the ground are a good plan. 2. Consider the weather that day. Have you ever noticed how much your mood and therefore choice of clothes is affected by the weather? But your mood can be completely uplifted by wearing a wow colour from your palette and if your style benefits from pattern or texture then introduce this into your outfit as well make sure you are feeling your very best despite the damp conditions. 3. If you are wearing predominantly neutral colours, try adding a pop of one of your wow colours to your summer event outfit. It is amazing how a colourful shawl, hat, shoes, necklace or bag can make your whole outfit come alive! To add interest, think about using gorgeous different textures or patterns, depending on your personal style as well. 4. Use accessories to stand out with style. Your skin tone determines whether you should wear cool white metal or warm yellow metal jewellery. Mixing fresh dynamic colours with stunning jewellery designs can redefine an otherwise simple but chic outfit. 5. Wear shoes that you find comfortable and never wear them for the first time to an event where you might be standing around for hours. It is rare that we choose to wear flats to a black tie or formal dress event but make sure you wear a heel that is comfortable and that suits your style personality whether that is wedges, block heels, stilettos, courts or platforms! 6. Choose a bag that not only works with your outfit and your personal scale but is also a size that can hold all your necessities in case you wish to touch up your make up. 7. If you wish to wear a big hat to your event, make sure that it is not too large for your personal style. Hats need to be balanced out with your outfit, personality and body shape. 8. Make sure the outfit you wear displays your best assets and is tailored to your

natural body shape. Trying to hide parts of your body that you do not like by swamping is never a good look, nor are overly tight dresses or trousers. This is an important time to really enjoy looking your very best! ..AND FOR THE MEN 1. Consider the formality of the occasion. Choose something well made, with a definitive, tailored cut that suits you. 2. The quality of the shirt is important as is the colour. Knowing your colour palette will define whether you are best in bright white, cream, or variations on ivory or a beige tone. 3. Pick your trouser style and length carefully! Find out what suits you when it comes to choosing between a skinnier or straight legged trousers, and single, double or no pleats. 4. It’s the little things that count. Make sure that your outfit is perfect down to the last fine detail. Items such as ties, cravats and cufflinks are always noticed and it’s an easy way to show a pop of colour or style creativity.

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Local News

Fight Fatigue & Pain – Free Event

People who are experiencing exhaustion and chronic pain are invited to a free drop-in event on Saturday 28th July. Between 12pm and 2pm anyone is welcome to find out more about Fighting Fatigue & Pain, a project run by Letchworth charity Herts MS Therapy Centre. Extreme fatigue and chronic pain can result from many conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME – and many others. The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth helps anyone with a long term condition, not just Multiple Sclerosis. It offers Physiotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, APS Pain Reduction Therapy and specialist exercise sessions to help people improve their quality of life. Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover faster after injury, surgery and cancer treatments. It’s also great for increasing energy. Some people find it reduces pain, especially people with Fibromyalgia and CFS. On 28th July, free test sessions are available. Rachel B says: “Without my Oxygen Treatment in Letchworth I would still be in agony from Fibromyalgia and probably jobless and depressed. I can’t even begin to explain what a difference it has made for me.” Nicki H has MS. She adds: “Also, it’s great to meet other people who have an idea of what you’re going through. It’s nice to have a chat with other people at the Centre.” Mark Boscher, the Chief Executive of Herts MS Therapy Centre added: “If you, or someone you know, lives with long term pain or fatigue – from any condition - maybe we can help them to gain more energy and feel less pain. Please come on Saturday 28th July.” To book your free test session, call Claire on 01462 684214 or email openday@hmstc.net.

Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 28th July 2018, 12pm – 2pm Visit to find out about:

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

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Health

Helping people in the Bedfordshire

area reduce their risk of breast cancer Breast Cancer UK Ambassador, Caron Brooks, offers free ‘Let’s Prevent Breast Cancer’ talks to local groups and businesses in Bedfordshire. Breast cancer incidence rates continue to rise year on year. Today 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime – that’s over 55,000 people every year. 1 in 5 will be under the age of 50. It is alarming that so many younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer and it is not a trend we can put down to screening and awareness alone. Breast Cancer UK is a national charity dedicated to addressing the key risk factors for breast cancer and launched its Ambassador Programme in 2016 with funding from The Big Lottery. Caron Brooks is one of 46 volunteers, who have been trained by the charity to go out into their communities and talk to people about prevention not just diagnosis and cure. The Ambassadors encourage people to become more aware of the risk factors for breast cancer and share simple ways to lead a healthier life presented in a positive, upbeat style. “Having been through treatment for breast

cancer myself I wanted to do something to raise awareness of the risks for this awful disease.” explains Ampthill-based Caron. “I know we can’t totally eliminate our risk of breast cancer but I also know there is a lot we can do to reduce that risk. And as an Ambassador for Breast Cancer UK I’m able to go out to talk to people about this and hopefully encourage some to make even small changes to their lifestyle which may help to reduce those risks.”. A ‘Let’s Prevent Breast Cancer’ talk lasts about an hour and covers the following areas • How breast cancer develops • Risk factors for breast cancer • Why oestrogen is significant for breast cancer • Simple ways to reduce your risk and lead a healthier life All attendees are provided with literature to take away afterwards and encouraged to make one change in their lives to #ReduceYourRisk. Anyone wishing to find out more about hosting and booking a ‘Let’s Prevent Breast Cancer’ talk, should go to http://www.breastcanceruk.org. uk/book-a-talk or call 0845 680 1322.

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Out and About

Technology

Tech tools for wherever you may roam

Whether it’s a long walk or an epic adventure, technology can make travelling much easier. It’s amazing how much can be crammed into a small space: for example the Clippa Lady Mini Multi-Tool Hair Clip (£8) combines a bottle opener, scraper, ruler, small screwdriver and a nail file in a simple pink hair clip. If you fancy something that’s more practical than pretty, the evergreen Leatherman multitool and its many imitators crams an astonishing number of tools into something barely larger than a pair of pliers, and while you can’t generally fly with them in your carry-on luggage – many multi-tools have various cutting bits that make them potential weapons – they’re very useful things to pack, or to have on a hike or in a caravan. It pays to shop around, though: the top Leatherman models can be ruinously expensive but they’re often heavily discounted, so for example the £149.95 Wave is currently available from several retailers for nearer £100. Much cheaper options are available too.

Wearable technology is becoming a big deal in the great outdoors too. Apple’s Series 3 Apple Watch has built-in GPS and is available with its own 4G data connection, albeit only on EE, which enables you to track your route and get directions without having to take your phone out or even bring it with you. And there are now tons of focused GPS watches for sports and for hiking, such as TomTom’s Adventurer GPS watch (£199) or if you’re feeling really flush, Garmin’s Fenix 5 Multisports (£439). Where Apple’s device is a smartwatch that can do GPS, rival devices were designed with GPS as their main priority and are often better bets for serious sports people. TomTom and Garmin are the big names in this market but there are plenty of cheaper options from less established firms too. If you’ll be travelling for a while and think your phone battery won’t last, there are several options for topping up its charge. Some phones enable you to swap the batteries (although the most expensive

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phones, such as iPhones and the latest Android flagships, don’t), but most big name devices can accept power pack cases that combine a protective case and extra battery in one item. That means much more life between charges, but it does add quite a lot of bulk and weight. Expect to pay around £60 for an established brand such as Mophie’s Juice Pack for the iPhone, and steer clear of no-name products on eBay – dodgy batteries can go on fire with horrific consequences, so it’s wise to stick to recognised brands from reputable sellers. Another option is a portable charger. Solar ones aren’t much cop in the UK except on the sunniest days, but precharged devices such as Aukey’s excellent Power Bank can be used to charge tablets, phones, handheld games consoles and other small items such as Kindles. Again, they’re often discounted and £20 is the sweet spot for a decent one. You can expect to get more than four full charges for a smartphone or one and a half for a big tablet.

Health

Piercing Problems

I’m quite a relaxed parent (compared with many of my friends) so when my teenage daughter Tash decided she wanted her tongue pierced I was more curious than horrified. It was all set to go ahead until we went for a routine family visit to the dentist. I casually mentioned the imminent tongue-piercing and the dentist’s reaction made us both reconsider on the spot! In turns out that dentists are not fans of oral piercing due to the many issues they cause. “Gums are very thin and easily traumatised. Even brushing too hard can cause gum recession and loose teeth,” she said. The oral and dental complications associated with tongue piercings can be categorised as acute or chronic. Acute complications occur a short time after piercing and include: infection, pain, swelling of the tongue, changes to speech, swallowing and chewing, and allergy to the metal used. There have even been reports of galvanic current between barbell and metallic dental restorations. Chronic (longer term) complications include chipping, tooth fracture, gum trauma and recession. One U.S. study found that 41% of people with pierced lips had receding gums, compared with only 7% who had no oral piercing. Finally there is a risk of overgrowth of surrounding tissue leading to the ornament becoming embedded. Tash decided on the spot that she wasn’t going to go ahead, and I decided that perhaps I needed to be a little less liberal in the future…which is why I said a firm no to her By Tracey Anderson request for a tattoo less than a week later!

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FIVE COUNTIES

LEGAL SERVICES Low Cost Personal Legal Services in Herts, Beds, Bucks, Cambs and Northants Our Philosophy - To reduce overheads and pass on savings to our clients. We offer: • Free initial discussion to assess your demands and needs to see how we may be able to help. • Fixed Conveyancing Fees from £300 • Fixed Probate Fees from £225 • Home visits and ‘out of hours service’ at no extra cost • All work carried out by a qualified solicitor with over 30 years practical experience in property and wills and probate • No VAT on fees Call us on 07500 090803 Email: info@fivecountieslegalservices.co.uk Web: www.fivecountieslegalservices.co.uk

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

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

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

How to Save Money on Your Summer Holiday This Year

The cost of travelling abroad has increased over the last year or so, mainly due to a fall in the value of sterling, but there are still ways you can save money on your summer holiday. You may secure a better exchange rate by visiting non-Euro countries such as Croatia or Poland, but what else can you do to reduce your costs without taking away the joy of a well-earned break? Before you go Be flexible If you can travel over a range of dates or don’t have a particular destination in mind, you’ll have more chance of finding a bargain. Maybe you just want to relax on a beach in the sun, in which case the destination may not be so important, or you might be looking for a city break with no particular country in mind. Forget the frills Although you can’t carry liquids through the airport, taking your own food on board can save a considerable amount of money, particularly if you’re feeding a family. If you’re travelling with a ‘no frills’ airline, taking hand luggage only can also reduce your costs. Staying overnight at the airport? A deal that combines an overnight stay and parking at the hotel is likely to be cheaper than parking at the airport for the duration of your holiday. You can often save money by booking online, rather than through your travel agent.

Check data roaming charges before you go New legislation introduced in 2017 means that you can now use your mobile phone allowance free in EUmember states. Beware of ‘fair usage’ limits applied by mobile phone providers, however, as a lower limit may be set on your usage abroad. When you’ve reached your destination City sightseeing Many European cities offer free walking tours that are relaxed, informative, and help you get your bearings for the other days you’re there. They offer you a ‘feel’ for the city, with many people giving donations to the guide at the end of the tour, based on their experience. Avoid the tourist traps when eating out Eating away from the main sights, even if it’s only a short walk away, can literally halve your food and drink costs – although meals eaten with an iconic view are certainly memorable, so is the bill when you leave. If out for an evening drink, save money by standing at the bar rather than having your drinks served at a table. If breakfast isn’t part of your package, a local café will be far cheaper than paying hotel prices where a premium tends to be charged if they’re not pre-booked. Make lunch your biggest meal Set lunch menu prices can be considerably cheaper than paying for an extravagant dinner in the evening. Although you may not want to make lunch your main meal every day, doing so for one or two days means you can also enjoy a few lunchtime drinks without breaking the bank. Saving money on holiday needn’t be difficult. A little pre-planning goes a long way, so research your chosen city or resort well, and reap the benefits of making your money go further. www.uswitch.com/mobiles/guides/mobileroaming-charges/ www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/budget-travelsimple-ways-to-save-money-on-your-holiday/

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Garden View

Feeling Fruity Have you ever wished you could grow fresh fruit in your garden but worry the space is too small, or it won’t look pretty, or it’s too difficult? What if I was to tell you that even a beginner can successfully grow a wide variety of fruit from apples and pears to plums, cherries, blueberries and raspberries, and possibly even figs or nectarines? The first thing you need to know is that the sweeter the fruit is meant to be the more sun it will require. Sun boosts sugar levels. If you have a sunny wall it’s an ideal place to train a sun-loving fruit tree like a peach or an apricot. Plant the tree at the base of the wall but not too close (about 30cm is about right) in soil enriched with fertiliser and good quality compost. As it grows splay the branches evenly and attach them to the wall. As the plant grows gradually cut out old straggly branches and tie in new healthy branches. The idea of splaying or ‘fanning’ is that as much sun as possible gets to the fruit, so it can ripen beautifully and maximise your crop. It also has the benefit of being a great space saver. Choose a variety that won’t grow too large. In slightly shadier spots you can grow

gooseberries or raspberries, or my favourite morello cherries. Most of these come in compact varieties and can also be fan-trained against a wall if space is an issue. I have a tiny orchard of minarettes - space-saving apple, pear and plum trees bought as single vertical stems which I grow in pots. They grow to a maximum of 6 feet / 2m high and no wider than 45cm. My children love them! Simply cut back the side stems to about 10cm at this time of year and you’re good to go. Just remember that pot-grown plants rely totally on you for their food and water. Thick glazed / non-porous pots are best because they retain water and act as insulation in extreme cold. Use the correct compost and food for the plant but most will do well with a regular high potash liquid feed from early spring to late summer. As a gardener I was quite late to fruit-growing, but I realised quickly that it becomes an addictive hobby. And as a complete bonus I’ve noticed a definite increase in my bee population over the past few years. Free food, and good for the environment too. What could be better?

By Rachael Leverton

Happy Gardening

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Gardening & Wildlife

Rural Ramblings A Dozen Dead Ones Glorious summer has finally arrived ! Really looking forward to all those sweet and juicy tomato fruits especially the homegrown ones. I think my favourite fruit from the garden must be the old cherry variety which is sooooooo sweet especially when the watering is restricted later in the season. I can almost taste them already! Then I remember the old phrase “don’t count your chickens before they hatch”. This I will ignore as I am confident after countless years of growing the things, it will all be plain sailing. The seeds were sown and soon up they popped. I prefer to sow them individually, one seed per module cell. There is much less disturbance as there is no pricking out and they can be potted up easily from the cells. This year I followed the same routine. They soon started to appreciate the extra volume of compost in the pots and extension growth was going ahead pleasingly. One day I happened to notice that the tips seemed a little pale and slightly twisted and the young leaves a little smaller than normal or was it just my imagination?? A few days later and the appearance was no better, in fact I suspected it was getting a little worse but I felt they would grow out of it. Summer tomatoes were on their way! On the third inspection I finally accepted there was a problem. The growing points were definitely curled and the young leaves at the growing point were small and mis-shapen. Some of the plants were turning yellow. The question was, what was the cause? I have been growing tomatoes for many years and nothing had been different… and then the penny dropped... could this possibly be the result of some contamination of the compost? I already knew that tomatoes are particularly sensitive to the effects of residual weed-killer as found in some batches of straw from cereal growing. Could it be that some of the ingredients used in the manufacture of the compost I had used when potting up (not seed sowing) had included some of this material? I had

no idea as to the brand of compost, as I routinely use different makes, but I now strongly suspect that this was the cause of the problem. My binned plants may be only the tip of the iceberg and I wonder if the producers ever bother to check on their product with reference to the sourcing of materials and the issue of possible contamination. Checking the internet seems to reveal that herbicide damage in compost has been identified in other countries. Next year I think I will be a little more careful when choosing in what I will be growing my young plants.

By Geoff Wharton

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

Tel: 01767 261727

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Health & Fitness

Stretch Benefits In an attempt to prevent injury, most of us stretch before exercise and some (though not as many) stretch afterwards. But if we’re doing fairly steady activities (jogging, cycling or walking) then while stretching will improve our flexibility there is not much evidence it will prevent muscle injury. In these cases the advice is to warm up with five minutes of light, gradual exercise instead. The reason for this is that it’s important to increase the blood flow to the muscles and heart steadily, sudden changes will cause muscles to fatigue more quickly. Stretching is more effective if you’re doing the type of exercise where you land constantly and forcefully on your feet, or stop and start quickly (sprinting, tennis, weight-lifting, or competitive team sports like football). The more flexible the muscles are the more impact they’ll be able to sustain. But everyone benefits from stretching after a workout. During exercise lactic acid builds up

in your muscles. This can lead to soreness and fatigue. Stretching after a workout helps to eliminate the lactic acid and restore the muscle to its relaxed state, preventing the fatigue.

By Sarah Davey

GILKS FENCING LTD

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SURECLEAN DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS

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Pets

Animal Know-How

Is a rabbit your perfect pet? Rabbits are a popular choice for many families with an estimated 1.5 million rabbits kept as pets in the UK. And it’s no surprise, as rabbits are highly intelligent, inquisitive animals. They come in a variety of breeds, shapes and sizes and each bunny has their own unique personality.Typically, they’ll live for 8 -12 years, but some may live for longer. Here is some advice to find out if a rabbit is the best pet for you. Home sweet home – they need: • A large shelter where they can rest together and apart from each other. • A large, secure exercise area permanently attached to their shelter, where they can hop, jump, run, dig and search (forage) for food. • Places to hide when they feel afraid or want to spend time alone. • Lots of space so they have room to exercise. • To be able to stand up fully without their ears touching the roof. • Protection from hazards, bad weather, high and low temperatures and predators. Food and drink – they need: • Fresh, clean drinking water – available 24/7. • Lots of good quality hay and/or grass – available 24/7 (growing or freshly picked grass is fine but NEVER feed lawnmower clippings). • An adult-sized handful of safe, washed leafy greens (e.g. cabbage, broccoli, kale and mint). They’d also enjoy a daily portion of high quality pellets/nuggets – about two egg cups full are enough for a medium-sized adult rabbit! • Only feed carrots and apples in small amounts as occasional treats. Don’t feed any other types of treats as these may harm rabbits! To be able to act naturally – they need: • To be able to exercise, graze on growing grass, forage, hide and dig every day!

• To be able to play with their friendly, neutered rabbit companion(s) every day. • Lots of safe toys to play with and chew. • To be able to play with people who will be quiet and gentle around them, and who won’t punish or shout at them. To stay healthy – they need: • To be checked for signs of pain, illness, injury or changes in behaviour every day. Talk to your vet if you suspect any problems. • To be taken for an annual vet health check and regular vaccinations. • For owners to check their bottom and tail area every day to make sure they are clean. You should also check the length of their nails and teeth every week to make sure they’re not too long. • Rabbits need to be neutered so they don’t have unwanted babies. This also keeps them healthy and reduces the risk of them fighting with each other. A pet rabbit for a child may seem like a good idea, but you may have realised after reading this article, that rabbits are not low-maintenance pets! So, although they can make wonderful pets, the primary caregiver should always be an adult. Think carefully if you can give a pet rabbit everything they need and a forever home with your family. If you still think rabbits are your perfect pet, please contact the RSPCA to see if you can give one of the unwanted rabbits in our care, a home.

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

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FRE

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 Fencing Services  Security Fences  Garden Fences  Gates  Repair & Restoration Call 01767 316901 or 07927 748460

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Our services extend across Beds, Herts and Cambs from RS Fencing

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

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

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

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

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Rehoming Appeal

Local News

Luis

Luis is a 4 year old cheeky Yorkshire terrier who had been very neglected. His teeth were in a terrible state before he went to the vets for a full dental clean. Luis is a very friendly dog who loves people and is very affectionate. He is not bothered about other dogs coming near him if they approach him in a calm way. Luis can be very protective of his food especially around other dogs, so we think it is best he is an only dog in the home. He can be very dominant, wanting his own way. An adopter will need to work with this behaviour until he learns that he is not the boss. Because of this we will not let Luis go to a family with children but he would make a newly retired person a great companion. Luis is housetrained but a new owner will need to be patient with him as he can make a few mistakes and be very unsure in a new home. Once he begins to feel secure, his house training should then return to normal. If you can offer this lovely boy a home, please contact Julie on 01763 289827 Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team.

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Pets

Ask Alan

I had trouble with my last rabbitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teeth and I want to avoid it happening again, what must I do? Many of the common problems that we see in practice in rabbits can be avoided by good husbandry, especially diet. Rabbits have open-ended teeth that do not stop growing (as ours do), so they are kept at the correct length through wear as the rabbit eats. If the teeth overgrow and move a little in the jaw then the teeth wear unevenly, causing sharp spurs, which hurt the gums and tongue. At this point, the only way to keep them comfortable is to burr the teeth regularly. Teeth get too long if not enough time is spent eating course food (hay or grass). Teeth can move if the bones in the jaw become thinner, through not exercising (chewing) enough or if the calcium intake is not correct. The best way to keep your rabbit well is to feed

a good quality hay/grass based diet with no more than a small handful of pelleted concentrate twice a week (so they spend more time chewing). Avoid mixed/ muesli type diets as rabbits selectively feed and pick out the bits they like (as we all do). The bits they avoid tend to be the pellets with the calcium. Feeding this way also helps to keep the gut healthy, which prevents soft stool and fly-strike. Make these simple changes to help your rabbit have a long, healthy life. Best wishes,

Alan

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

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Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded. Spacious, individual, heated chalets with large covered runs. Inspection welcome. Boarding from ÂŁ7.50/day. Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded. 64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden

Telephone 01767 677 759 www.catterybedfordshire.co.uk Open all year.

The cattery for caring owners. Comfort and security for your pet. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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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

Manor Farm Villager Advert A7 :Layout 1 03/07/2013 12:20

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

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Parenting

Summer Fun on a Budget Want to make your pennies stretch a bit further this summer? Keep reading… Free local events Install the Eventbrite app on your phone (or check www.eventbrite. co.uk) for family-friendly events near you, from food and drink festivals to pop-up art exhibitions. Most are free and tickets can be booked using the app. If you can bear to brave the crowds, shopping malls often have free family activities on over the summer, including kids’ entertainers and competitions. Gone are the days when libraries were silent places reserved for studying. Now they regularly play host to all manner of familyfriendly events, including treasure hunts and storytelling. Many events are free, while others incur a small charge. Sign up to your local library’s social media pages or newsletter to be the first to hear what’s coming up. Cut-price shows Several of the larger cinema chains offer cut-price kids clubs. Vue and Odeon’s kids clubs, for example, are at 10am on Saturday

and Sundays at most cinemas, and every morning during the summer, with tickets priced from £2.50. The offer is usually only valid for one particular film. Heading to London? The Audience Club offers free tickets to a host of live shows. Membership costs £5 and there’s a £3 (plus VAT) admin charge for each ticket, meaning you could easily save £100 per show. Most tickets are offered last minute and you can only get two per member. See www. theaudienceclub.com. My Box Office (www.myboxoffice. biz) also runs a similar scheme for an annual fee of £15, which gets you discounted tickets to a range of shows across the UK. Again, tickets are usually offered last minute, and there are only ever a limited number available, so you need to be quick! TV companies offer free audience tickets for many of their programmes, from Dancing on Ice to The Voice. Most of them can be requested through www. sroaudiences.com. There don’t tend to be many children’s

programmes, but the website is well worth a look if you have older children. Discount vouchers Wowcher, Groupon and other voucher sites do have some great deals, but they usually involve signing up to a daily alert. Bownty (www.bownty.co.uk) gathers all the offers together in one place, and you don’t have to sign up for newsletters. You can search by location and activity, and when we checked there were cut-price deals on soft play and kids craft sessions. Kids Pass gives you discounts for a wide range of activities and venues, including cinemas, aquariums, zoos and more. You also get free kids’ meals (with a paying adult) at restaurants such as Giraffe, Prezzo and Bella Italia. The card usually costs £39.99 for a year but there are often offers available, including £1 for a 30 day trial (you’ll need to make sure you cancel within the trial period). The website is www.kidspass.co.uk, but search online for special offers before buying.

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

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Could you give a Luton child a forever family? We would love to hear from families who are looking to adopt sibling groups, young babies as well as mixed heritage children. Come to our adoption information event on Saturday 7 July; drop in between 10.30am to 12 noon. The Rufus Centre, Moorﬁeld Room, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1AH Presentation at 10.45am and the opportunity to speak to an adopter and social workers.

Please call the Adoption Team on 01582 547804 to reserve a place or to learn more about adoption.

www.luton.gov.uk/adoption

Children aged between 0 - 5 years

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

• • • • • • • • • •

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

54 High St, Sandy Bedfordshire, SG19 1AJ

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

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ABOVE ALL Autocentre Unit 1, Sand Road Ind. Est., Great Gransden SG19 3AH www.aboveallautocentre.co.uk

Tel: 01767 679000

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Motoring

Should you buy an automatic car? Pros and cons explained

British motorists traditionally favoured manual gearboxes, but automatics are increasingly popular. Tom Wiltshire explains everything you need to know. Though early automatic gearboxes tended to dent performance, fuel economy and driving pleasure, times have moved on, and the modern automatic can sometimes be a better choice than the manual gearbox. Some performance automatics can actually beat the manuals off the line, while the cash-conscious may enjoy lower CO2 emissions and higher fuel economy. A good automatic transmission also makes for a relaxing drive, giving your left leg a rest and letting the car do the work. Always test drive a car, however, as there are still awful automatic gearboxes out there. Automatics tend to be more expensive to buy, and much more expensive to repair if they go wrong. Here’s our guide to the different types of automatic gearbox available today. Torque converter/traditional auto Though now much refined and improved, these automatics have

been available since the 1940s, and use a fluid-filled coupling in place of a traditional clutch. Torque converter automatics tend to offer very smooth shifts, making for a comfortable ride. They can be slow to pick up, though. However, modern units – such as the ZF ‘box fitted to dozens of high performance cars – offer no discernible penalty to performance or economy. Dual-clutch gearbox The dual-clutch gearbox uses a pair of robotised clutches working together to provide lightning-fast shifts, making them ideal for sports cars. There’s no real penalty in performance or economy, but at low speeds in stop-start traffic dual-clutch boxes can be jerky and unpleasant. Early units can be unreliable and costly to repair. Manufacturers have different names for them – the Volkswagen group use DSG, Porsche PDK, Renault EDC, Hyundai and Kia DCT – but fundamentally they all work the same way. CVT Standing for ‘continuously variable transmission’, CVTs do not have standard ‘gears’. Instead,

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By Tom Wiltshire an infinitely changeable single ratio theoretically ensures correct gearing for maximum power or economy, depending on conditions. Around since the 1950s, the CVT ‘box can be incredibly economical when driven carefully. However, they can provide a somewhat disconnected feel to the car – and attempts at rapid acceleration are usually met by spiralling engine revs and lots of noise. Their smoothness and variable nature makes them ideal in a hybrid car. Automated manual transmission Cheap, easy to install and lightweight, these gearboxes leave existing clutch and gearbox operations in place, but simply robotise the action. Automated manuals are often despised, can be horrifically jerky, and dawdle under hard acceleration. In fact, automated manual transmissions have ruined a fair few cars, so are probably best avoided. Electric vehicle Electric cars don’t technically have a transmission, but are worth looking at if you’re considering an automatic car. They act almost identically in most conditions, with two pedals and no gears to shift, but also have a totally smooth and silent powertrain and zero tailpipe emissions. EV’s aren’t ideal for everyone – you’ll need somewhere to charge, and if you regularly do longer trips you’ll definitely need some form of combustion engine. However, if your circumstances suit, you could be a convert to the electric lifestyle.

Motoring

Still Not Sure if I’d Trust It Recently I rented a car equipped with a lanedeparture warning system (LDWS). There are three types of LDWS, each with varying degrees of alert and control. From a simple audible warning system, through to a system that advises the driver to take-action to correct the departure, to taking full control of the steering – and the car I’d rented had this latter system. On a dual-carriageway, the steering fought my action to move into an empty lane unless I put the appropriate indicator on. I assume the LDWS worked in concert with a Collision Avoidance System (CAS), checking the distance to the car in front and, should I close up to perform an overtake, provided I put the indicator on, it would know I had good reason to change lanes and not fight me turning the wheel. You would think that would be all well and good. But I recall an incident that happened a few years ago

when a lorry in front of me shed its load on the carriageway, which I avoided by a sharp turn of the wheel – but I didn’t have time to indicate! Shed loads don’t fall off vehicles and keep moving – they come to a stop very fast and I doubt a CAS would have time to react and free up the LDWS control from the steering, thus allowing me to turn the wheel to avoid the danger. Maybe it can? Maybe it can’t? On balance I’d prefer not trusting an LDWS, but simply keep my eyes peeled and see a hazard for myself, rather than putting my faith in some form of auto-pilot.

By Iain Betson

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Three Counties Radio

KOREAN POPCORN CHICKEN Put simply, this recipe is one of the tastiest things I have enjoyed on the Weekend Kitchen. It should carry a health warning as it is insanely moreish. Once you take one bitesized piece of deliciousness, you really just cannot stop. The recipe was created by Kumud Ghandi, who runs the excellent Cooking Academy cookery school in Rickmansworth. Her story is an interesting one he family have always been in the spice trade, and her dishes always burst with flavour. I have also made a vegetarian version of these at home, using a vegetarian ‘chicken’ replacement. For the chicken: 500g chicken thigh (skinless and bones) cut into bite size pieces 50g cashew nuts 1 tbsp rice wine 2 tsp ginger powder 1⁄2 tsp fine sea salt 1⁄4 tsp ground black pepper 190g corn starch Oil for frying For the sauce: 5 tbsp tomato sauce/ketchup 1 1⁄2 tbsp Korean chilli paste (or any chilli paste) 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp dark brown sugar 1 tbsp soy sauce 2 tsp sesame oil 1⁄2 tsp chopped garlic For the garnish: Sesame seeds Finely chopped spring onion Finely sliced red chilli (optional)

1. Place the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add the rice wine, ginger powder, salt, and ground black pepper and mix them well. Cover the bowl with cling film and marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in the fridge. 2. Coat each chicken piece with the corn starch powder thoroughly. It’s best doing this in 4 to 5 batches so that they are well covered with the starch powder. 3. Pour some cooking oil into a deep wok and bring it to a temperature of around 175C. 4. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through (this will be around 2-3 minutes). 5. Take them out and set aside onto kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this with the remaining chicken. 6. Don’t put too much chicken in one go as it can lower the oil temperature too much. To make the chicken pieces extra crunchy, fry them all twice. This is actually worth the effort! Set aside. 7. Pour all the ingredients for the sauce into a heated pan, boil on a medium heat until the sauce thickens a little bit (approximately 1-2 minutes), stirring constantly. 8. Add the cashew nuts and fried chicken and coat with the sauce quickly. 9. Serve by garnishing with spring onion and sesame seeds and the optional red chilli. Eat your portion before anyone else makes it into the kitchen…

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

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Health

Plastered!

By Louise Addison

Which wound covering should you choose?

The other day I popped into the pharmacy for a box of plasters to be confronted by a ssmorgesboard of choice! There is now a plaster for every occasion. If you’ve ever been confused read on. Faster Healing – Hydrocolloid is a substance which forms a gel when it absorbs water. It maintains a moist environment around a wound that prevents drying of the skin and a hard scab. This substance revolutionised blister healing. Specialist blister plasters form a second skin and prevent rubbing, while wicking away the moisture and encouraging healing. They should be in every hiker’s backpack as well as in the handbag of every girl who loves new shoes! Spray-on – This is great for minor cuts and grazes especially on tricky areas like elbows and knees.

A clear flexible film is sprayed over the area to protect it from bacteria. Pain-killing – Yes really! These temporarily relieve pain by dispensing painkilling ingredients on to the skin. They are best for sports injuries, sprains and backache Blood-stopping – Micro-dispersed oxidised cellulose (m-doc) is a powder which rapidly absorbs blood from wounds. It forms a soft gel layer over the cut to stop the flow. Great for kitchen knife injuries and shaving cuts which won’t stop bleeding. Burn plasters – Like blister plasters these are made with hydrocolloid that stops the plaster sticking to the burn and restores the natural level of moisture to the skin so that it can regenerate with less scarring.

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n O s ’ t Wha 28 June-1 July Dunton’s Big Weekender 2018 Various venues in Dunton The long weekend aims to help local organisations fundraise and create enjoyable outings for all the family, with lots of things for everyone to participate in and see. Tel: Janice Pritchett 01767 318121 Email: janice.pritchett@outlook.com 30 June & 1 July Sutton Flower Festival 2018 10am-5pm All Saints Church, Sutton Free admission – donations gratefully accepted Sutton village Annual Flower Festival and exhibition of local artwork. The theme will be ‘A Night at the Theatre’. Refreshments will be available and a variety of stalls will be open from 1-5pm in the garden directly opposite the church. 1 July Hatley Village Fête 1-4.30pm Playing Field, Hatley St George BBQ, beer tent, tea tent, stalls, games, antique cars and much, much more. Everybody welcome. 1 July East Beds Concert Band at St Andrew’s Gates open 2pm, Concert 3pm St Andrew’s Church, Biggleswade Adults £8, Children £5, Family (2+2) £18 This year the theme is ‘Summer’, and there will be a wide range of music from Barry Manilow to William Walton - an eclectic mix. Bring a picnic and sit in the grounds whilst enjoying the music. This year, there will be an opportunity to enjoy Pimm’s, homemade cakes, and strawberries and cream and the fantastic homemade ice-cream from Mr and Mrs Maynard. Proceeds to be split equally between the St Andrew’s Organ Appeal and East Beds Concert Band. 1 July Sutton Duck Race 3pm Sutton Packhorse Bridge and Ford Tickets to sponsor ducks are £2 each and can be obtained from John or Derek. There will be prizes of £150 for the first duck home, £50 for the second and £25 for the third to reach the bridge. Tel: John 0778 6657029 Derek 01767 261742 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 July Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

3 July Hatley Coffee Morning 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall Come along for a chat, coffee/tea and a slice of cake. Donations on the day. All donations split between Hatley Village Hall and Hatley St George Church. First Tuesday of the every month. 3 July Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton Visitors £5 inc. light refreshments Meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Visitors always welcome. Tel: Sarah Burgoine 01767 631415 Email: sarahjburgoine@gmail.com

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

In July

5 July Cancer Support Group Biggleswade and Area 1-3pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade The group meets on the 1st Thursday of the month. Has cancer touched your life? All are welcome to attend this support group - recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, caregivers, family and friends. Tel: Gina 07812 796581 Web: www.cancersupportgroup.org.uk

5, 12, 19 & 26 July Amici Singers 7.30-9.45pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Membership £15 per term (£45 per year) 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 July The Amici Singers are a non-auditioning female Phoenix Chorus ensemble with a focus on fun! We do lots of tours, 7.45-10.15pm Potton Lower School rehearse once a week and work hard/play hard. No Have you loved the a capella singing shows on TV? auditions, just come along to a session to hear us, or Phoenix A Capella Chorus meets every Tuesday. if you want to join in then your first session is FREE! Tel: Sarah 07842 101799 E: pro@phoenixladies.co.uk We only ask three things, that you love to sing, love Web: www.phoenixladies.co.uk to watch us perform to make friends and like new opportunities. Tel: Ann 01767 650630 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 July Biggleswade Ivel Badminton Club 6, 13, 20 & 27 July 8-10.30pm Biggleswade Recreation Centre Sandy Ukulele Group (Stratton Leisure Centre) 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy £3 per night. Seeking competitive badminton players Meets every Friday. Please email for more wishing to play in local leagues. information on joining the group. Visitors welcome. Visitors Welcome. Email: IvelBC@hotmail.com Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Facebook: Facebook.com/IvelBC Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com 4 July Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Princess Charlotte Room, Shuttleworth Visitors £7 inc. raffle ticket. The Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Charlie Haylock will give a talk on ‘An Eccentric Look at the Countryside’. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 4, 11 & 18 July Mums and Dads Coffee Morning 9-10am Moggerhanger Church Bring your pre-school children with you. Toys available in the church. Refreshments available. 4, 11, 18 & 25 July Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sandy Methodist Church Moosical fun for your little one! Music & movement classes for 0-5 year olds. First session free. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbsy 4, 11, 18 & 25 July Ivel Bereavement Support Centre 10am-12 noon The Community Rooms, Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade Has a loved one died? Are you struggling coming to terms with it? Perhaps we can help you at our drop in centre on Wednesdays. Tel: Carole 07704734225

7 July Coffee Morning 10-11.30am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Coffee, tea, bacon butties, homemade cakes, cards, bric-a-brac, books and jigsaws, etc.. Coffee Mornings are held on the first Saturday every month except January. Weekly “Chat @ Coffee” on Fridays 1011.30am. Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 7 July Locrian Chamber Choir and East Beds Chamber Choir Concert 7.30pm St Marys Church, Ashwell Tickets £14, Under 16s free. With children from Sutton School. Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and Brahams Liebeslieder Walzes. Tickets from Camerons, Potton Market Square or by telephone. Tel: 01767 260304 8 July Old Warden Village Fête 2.30pm Orchard Grange, Old Warden Traditional Church Fête with tea & cake, beer tent and BBQ, tombola, plant stall and games. Parking in the Village Hall car park. All proceeds to St. Leonard’s Church for urgent repairs to the roof and tower. Please help us look after this beautiful historic church for future generations. Donations of tombola prizes and cakes gratefully received. Tel: Rod Ives 01767 627569 for tombola prizes Email: victoria@diggledesign.com for cakes

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n O s ’ t Wha 8 July The Adventures of Dr Dolittle by Illyria Entry from 5pm, Show 6pm RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy Adults £15, Children (4-16) £8, Family (2+2) £42 Outdoor theatre show by Illyria held on the lawns of The Lodge gardens. A funny, much-loved and exciting adventure, with a strong message about responsibility towards animals and the environment. Suitable for cheeky monkeys aged 4+. Web: https://illyria.cloudvenue.co.uk/theadventures ofdoctordolittleatrspbthelodgenaturereserve 9 July Sandy Flower Club 7.30pm Conservative Bowls Club Pavilion (rear of the Conservative Club, Bedford Road) Visitors £5 - on the door. Demonstration by Fiona Harrison “Going Dutch”. Raffle and tea and coffee. The Flower Club meets every second Monday in the month. Tel: Sue Alexander 01767 699729 10 & 21 July Vineyard Tour & Tasting 10.30am-2pm Warden Abbey Vineyard, Old Warden Adults £10, Friends of Warden Abbey Vineyard + 1 guest £6, Accompanied children free The volunteers at Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden, are doubling the number of public vineyard tours and tastings this year, including more Saturday tours. As well as general tours, the “Walking in the Monks’ Footsteps” walk around the vineyard on 10 July is led by volunteer Margaret Roberts who is writing a book on the history of the abbey. On the walk she’ll interpret the landscape features surrounding the vineyard and what they reveal about the life of the abbey’s occupants. Advance booking essential. Gift vouchers available for tours. Web: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk

14 July Abbotsley Feast Week Fête 2pm Abbotsley Playing Fields Free admission. Traditional village fete with stalls, a bar with local award winning Hardings cider and real ale, barbeque with delicious burgers and sausages from Woodview Farm, vintage cars and much more! Come along and enter your favourite pet in the pet show, reveal your true strength in the tug of war or try your luck with the raffle. Other events include the popular pub quiz night at the Eight Bells on 17 July and golf on 20 July, plus cream teas, bingo and live jazz during Feast Week. Web: www.abbotsley.org.uk 15 July Croydon Cambs Classic Vehicle Show 12 noon-4pm Croydon Village (opposite the Church) Admission £3, show vehicles & children free Show Vehicles arrival from 10.30am. Hosted by Danny Hopkins (Ed Practical Classics). Drivers’ breakfasts, vehicle parades, BBQ, beer and Pimm’s tent, cream teas, children’s games and fête stalls. Pre-registration of classic vehicles helpful or turn up on the day. Tel: 01223 208939/208532 Email: croydonvillagecambs@gmail.com Web: www.croydon-village.co.uk 18 July ‘Poetry Table’ Club 8pm The Pembroke Arms, Biggleswade The next evening for sharing poems in a cosy pub will be on Wednesday 18 July at The Pembroke Arms from 8pm. Search ‘Biggleswade Poetry Table’ for more. Tel: Leah 07954 708988

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

In July

21 July Abbotsley Feast Week Barn Dance 7.30pm Eight Bells Pub, Abbotsley Adults £7, Children £3.50 Whether you fancy a Dixon Sixsome, Farmers Gallop, Gay Gordons or a good old Military Two Step, come and join in the fun with the Bullenbush Band and dozy doe the night away. Tickets available from Eight Bells or via email. Email: nickthecrisp@gmail.com Web: www.abbotsley.org.uk 21 & 22 July Biennial Fuchsia Festival 11am-4pm Caldecote Church, SG7 5LD Beds and Herts Fuchsia Society. Come and see the church transformed inside into a riot of colour and bloom. Enjoy homemade refreshments in the church grounds. Find out about the church’s history and our latest finds. Browse through some local amateur crafters’ stalls. 26 July Biggleswade Flower Club 7.30pm Weatherly Centre, Biggleswade Tel: Moira Fuller Vice-Chair 01767 316104 26 July Potton History Society 8pm to 10pm Members free, Visitors £3 - refreshments included Potton Community Centre, Brook End “From Bedfordshire to Berlin”. A talk by Ron Pickford - A Second World War tale involving the family history of one of the area’s local families. Visitors welcome. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.org.uk to find out more Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ pottonhistorysociety

19 July Festival at Sandy Upper School 1-7pm Celebrating the end of the Upper School and the 12 July opening of the new Secondary School. Funfair, dog Biggleswade Evening Women’s Institute show, 50+ stalls and live music from local musicians. 28 & 29 July 7.45pm Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade All proceeds made by the school will be donated Flower Festival A new group which meets on the second Thursday of to charity. Beeston Methodist Chapel, The Baulk, off Lime each month (except August). Guests welcome. Avenue, Off A1 South, Sandy Roundabout 20 July Theme is “Inspirational Women”. 13 & 27 July Old Warden History & Heritage Society Saturday 10.30am-3.30pm. Cakes, books, craft, Craft and Chatter 7pm Warden Abbey, Garden Suite, The House cards, grocery, tombola stall, refreshments, light 7.30-10pm St Marys Church Hall, Potton (Shuttleworth), Old Warden Park lunches and afternoon teas. Burgers & hot dogs will £2.50 inc. refreshments Advance tickets only – Non-Members £7.50, be served 12-2pm. Display by the Sandy Historical Bring your own project. Cross stitch, sewing, OWH&HS Members £5. The Grand unveiling of a Research Group in the vestry. Courtyard Singers will knitting, crochet, embroidery or something else. Reconstructive Painting. Old Warden’s lost Cistercian be singing in the church at 1.30pm. Meet like-minded people and make new friends, Abbey has been reconstructed in an aerial view Sunday 10.30am Morning Service Conducted by help each other out with tips and advice and chat at painting by former English Heritage artist Peter Rev. Martin Dawes. Lunches will be served from the same time. www.facebook.com/craftandchatter Dunn. The painting will be unveiled, revealing what 12.15pm-1.30pm. Refreshments will be served the Warden Abbey may have looked like in the late during the afternoon. Plenty of parking behind 14 July 14th Century. View the painting and the display of the chapel Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Everton Village Hall the geophysical survey results from 2017. Tea/coffee Midsummer coffee morning with stalls including & pastries. Free Parking - access via the Main Lodge, homemade cakes, jams and preserves and homeOld Warden Village, and follow carpark signs at The grown produce and plants. Books and raffle. Enjoy House. Tel: Christine Hill 01234 381982 refreshments and time with others in support of St Email: owhhs@btinternet.com Mary’s Church, Everton. Web: www.greensandcountry.com/category/events

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Life Begins...

By Kate McLelland

Meditation: marvellous medicine or new age fad? were almost unaffected when they focused on the experience, non-meditators’ found their breathing, heart rate and blood pressure increased. However, after just 20 minutes of meditation the non-meditators had a much calmer response to the same thoughts. Reducing stress, inducing sleep In the programme 100 Years Younger in 21 days, Professor Philp suggests that meditation can extend life expectancy by promoting better sleep. A 2015 study of forty nine middleaged and older adults who had difficulty sleeping revealed that mindfulness meditation – which encourages subjects to beat stress by focusing on moment-bymoment experiences, thoughts and emotions – was found to be particularly effective. Like many older adults, Sherrie Hewson believed that meditation wasn’t for her, but once she understood its effects, she experienced something of a revelation. The practice of meditation won’t suit everyone, but as medical science discovers more and more potential health benefits, anyone who experiences stress, sleeplessness or negative emotions on a regular basis would be well advised to give it a try.

“I always say I haven’t slept since 1993,” declared 67-year-old actor Sherrie Hewson on the reality TV programme, 100 Years Younger in 21 Days, which aired earlier this year. Sherrie was taking part in an experiment conducted for ITV television by Professor Ian Philp, an expert who advises the World Health Organisation on age-related health matters. When her sleep patterns were analysed, the data confirmed that she woke at regular intervals throughout the night. Although Sherrie’s participation in the TV show involved weeks of healthy eating and exercise, her sleep pattern changed very little during the course of the experiment. She was only able to enjoy her first good night’s sleep after her first successful attempt at meditation. Sherrie isn’t alone. Twenty two per cent of Britons experience interrupted sleep, often caused by anxiety or depression. In the short term this can negatively affect mood and memory and in the long term it can lead to more serious health problems. Fight or flight So, can meditation help older people to beat stress? Meditation encourages people to take charge of their own emotions, and over time this has been shown

to result in permanent changes to neural pathways in the brain. When the University of Pittsburgh in America carried out research into the effects of meditation, MRI scans revealed that the amygdala – the brain’s ‘fight or flight’ centre, linked to fear and emotion – appeared to shrink over time, while the prefrontal cortex (associated with concentration, awareness and decision-making) became thicker. Improving concentration Meditation aids concentration by encouraging you to turn off unwanted or distracting thoughts. In an observation exercise for meditators and non-meditators designed by Italian neuroscientist Giuseppe Pagnoni, the meditators significantly outperformed in the test results. You can learn to control your thoughts during meditation by taking action when your mind starts to wander. The technique involves simply acknowledging the distraction and turning back to your main focus as soon as possible. Taming your emotions In a recent study published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition, meditators and nonmeditators were asked to think about an experience that made them angry. While meditators

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

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

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Sureclean

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

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

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

01767 221 057

E: stewy_133@msn.com

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• Spot stain and odour removal • Anti-stain protection • Leather suites cleaned and reconditioned • Tile and grout cleaning • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured • Local company

01767 400127 or 07870 338074

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Mark Dilley Electrical

COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS STOVE/GAS FIRE INSTALLATION

Part P Registered Company 22386

EPS

Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections No job too small Free estimates All work to BS7671 regulations City and Guilds qualified

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

CHIMNEY SWEEPING • Brush & Vacuum Sweep • Smoke Test

• Clean & Tidy • Insurance Certificate • Bird Guards Fitted

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

mark.dilley@btinternet.com

From

40.00

£ T:

01767 627591 - Northill, Beds

E: countrystovesandsweeps@gmail.com

www.countrystovesandsweeps.co.uk

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Juneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner Mrs C Daily from Huntingdon Winner of the Beadlow Manor Competition Mr Kevin Lockie from Stotfold

Winner of the Folk By the Oak Competition Debbie Bryant from Potton

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 One of the seasons (6) 4 Heaviness (6) 9 Massive (7) 10 Beside (5) 11 Surrounded by (5) 12 Tenth month (7) 13 Powerful optical instruments (11) 18 Anguish (7) 20 Complete (5) 22 Lively dance (5) 23 Disorder (7) 24 Female sibling (6) 25 Lively (6)

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

ď&#x20AC;˘

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

Down 1 A horse for example (6) 2 Rhythm (5) 3 Person in charge (5) 6 Farewell (4-3) 7 Big cats (6) 8 Protest (11) 14 Rude remarks (7) 15 External (7) 16 Modifies (6) 17 Tired (6) 19 Astound (5) 21 Brass instruments (5)

Name: Tel: Address:

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

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

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

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

01767 680791 wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk/bedford

Building Services • Extensions • New Roofs/Repairs • Flat Rooﬁng • Soﬃt & Facias/Guttering • Painting/Decorating • Home ImprovementsAl Contact us on:

07710 486 154 07515 747 585 01767 262 465

e: rj.buildingservices@yahoo.com 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE 88

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Ltd

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

T M E

carpentry • Kitchens • Timber flooring • Bespoke cupboards • Joinery work.

01767 260076 07789 764978 daniel.jack@djackbuilding.co.uk

Ltd

www.djackbuilding.co.uk

Villager 1/4 page advert.indd 1

17/09/2015 16:04

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

E: sales@i-glaze.co.uk

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W: www.i-glaze.co.uk 89

Health

Bladder Weakness As I carried two heavy bags of shopping into the house I sneezed, and my bladder emptied itself on to the hall floor. I was wearing a light skirt and no tights so there was nothing to stop it. Horrified I dropped the shopping, ran to the toilet, finished ‘going’, then cleaned myself and the floor. I thought maybe it was a one-off freak incident but over the next few weeks it happened more and more, admittedly not as dramatically as the first time but enough that I became very selfconscious. Why was this happening? I was only 49, slim and a runner. I did my Kegel exercises regularly. Incontinence didn’t happen to people like me surely? Eventually I plucked up the courage to speak to my GP. By the time I got into the consulting room I was so anxious I burst into tears. Thankfully she was very reassuring. It turns out that although Kegels are helpful they are not a cure-all. Some of us have hypertonic muscles – our pelvic floors are too tight, which can also cause leaking. In these cases Kegels may make the problem worse! The GP also informed me that while most people think of incontinence as a problem for the elderly she treats cases in teenagers, right through to octogenarians and beyond. As we age hormone changes mean we are more likely to leak, but there are many causes: pelvic floor trauma caused by childbirth or sex, interstitial cystitis, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy, neurological disorders, fistula, and even certain medications. Somehow in my head I (completely unfairly) equated incontinence with people who don’t care about themselves. I couldn’t be incontinent because I was fit, wore make-up and had regular haircuts (yes I know that sounds crazy but apparently it’s quite a common misconception!). In fact, high-impact sports can damage a pelvic floor. Runners, gymnasts, dancers and weightlifters may put more strain on their pelvic floor than it can handle and as a result can experience stress urinary incontinence. There was even a physio team dedicated to the pelvic floors of female athletes at the last Olympics! A couple of my friends blamed childbirth but according to the GP, although this can be a factor,

most women don’t experience a long-term problem. It’s just as likely to be down to anatomy, lifestyle and habits! I had been avoiding drinking in social situations, and straining out as much urine as I could when I went to the loo to try to prevent leaks happening later. But my GP informed me that both these habits were probably doing more harm than good. Straining when going to the loo can cause a prolapse…not good, and avoiding drinking means more concentrated urine which irritates the bladder lining resulting in a false urge to wee. My leakiness was a combination of hormone changes and my love of running. I was referred to a specialist physio and while I am not completely cured it’s now much less of an issue. Bladder leakage more common than you think in all age groups, and I want you to know that there is nothing to be ashamed of and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

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

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Books

Book Review By Kate Duggan

Accountants

Holiday Reads Sun-lounger worthy reads to keep you occupied this summer…

Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

With so many new releases each year, it’s all too easy for books to get buried in the sands of time. Salvage the Bones deserves to be unburied. 15-year-old Esch lives with her three brothers, her alcoholic father and the memory of her mother in a crumbling shack in Mississippi. Hurricane Katrina is on the way and the family is woefully unprepared. If you’re a fan of Alice Walker or Harper Lee, and love getting lost in a devastatingly beautiful read, this one is for you.

I Still Dream

by James Smythe It’s 1997. In between making mix-tapes and arguing with her mum, Laura Bow finds time to create a computer programme. She calls it Organon. At first, Organon is just something to tell her thoughts and feelings to – an online journal that talks back. But as the years pass, it becomes clear that Laura has created an AI with more potential than she could ever have imagined. A gripping read.

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

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

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Domestic Repairs

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

Bill Tangye

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

Domestic Repairs JB Domestic Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers No Call Out Charge! Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

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Classifieds Electricians

Painting Services

Garden Specialist

Pet Services

Local, honest, professional service

Garden Specialist

Plastering Services

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

01767 699252 07901 985123

Handy Man

HGS Classified advert.indd 1

Plumbing

14/04/2015 21:23

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

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Classifieds Removals

Plumbing and Heating

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

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

Private Car Hire

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

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

Roofing

Property Improvements Property Improvements by

A professional property maintenance service

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

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Tiling

Property Improvements

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

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

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

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

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

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

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

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

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