Potton March 2019

VILLAGER The

Issue 151 - March 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue The History of

Plastic What are

Ectopic Beats?

Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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

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Inside this issue...

Win a Pair of Tickets to Kelmarsh Country Show

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The History of Plastic.............................................................................. 4 Lisbon.................................................................................................... 8 Dash Cams............................................................................................ 10 Win a Pair of Tickets to Kelmarsh Country Show........................... 12 Czech Republic..................................................................................... 14 Mothers’ Day Musings.......................................................................... 17 Short Story - Laundry Day.................................................................... 18 Wine with me: Austria......................................................................... 20 Wordsearch.......................................................................................... 23 What the Doctor Ordered..................................................................... 25 Simple Style......................................................................................... 26 Natural Beauty..................................................................................... 31 What are Ectopic Beats?....................................................................... 33 Wedding Party Style............................................................................ 34 World Speech Day................................................................................ 37 Do you suffer from Hay Fever?.............................................................. 38 Read Right........................................................................................... 40 Children’s Page..................................................................................... 43 How to Wake-up Refreshed.................................................................. 44 Is it still worthwhile investing in a Cash ISA?........................................ 46

Garden Trends - Where Interior Meets Exterior..................................... 48 Fabulous Fruit Trees.............................................................................. 51 Fun Quiz............................................................................................... 53 Hardy Annuals...................................................................................... 54 Growing Green Fingers......................................................................... 56 Beware the Ides of March!.................................................................... 58 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal.................................................................... 60 Animal Stories...................................................................................... 63 Ask Alan - Potton Vets.......................................................................... 65 Is a Diesel Car Right for Me?................................................................. 66 A Social Event that’s Murder to Attend................................................. 69 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................... 70 What’s On............................................................................................. 74 Mid Beds and Ivel Valley - Respite at Home.......................................... 79 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................... 80 Prize Crossword.......................................................................... 86 Book Review........................................................................................ 91 Useful Numbers................................................................................... 95

Garden Trends Henlow Building Supplies

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £37.50 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Tom Hancock, Daniela, Kath McLean, Jackie Brewster, Trevor Langley, Sarah Davey, Katherine Sorrell, Kate Duggan, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Potton Vets, James Baggott, Kate McLelland and Nick Coffer

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

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

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

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3

History

The History of Plastic It has been around for a relatively short space of time but in less than 200 years it has become our indispensable disposable. Now, with the realisation that it is having a hugely detrimental impact on our environment, are its days numbered? This month we look at the history of plastic.

Put simply, plastics are polymer chains which can be carbon or silicon-based and moulded into any shape.

Bakelite is usually thought of as our first ever commercial plastic. However, before Bakelite, there were other types of plastic derived from natural and organic sources.

Rubber, a plant-based material, was being used as early as the 1820s. Commonly used for rubber bands, shoe soles and tyres, rubber was manufactured from a substance called latex, which is the thick milky sap that is produced by many plants but primarily the rubber tree.

Elastic, invented in 1820 by Thomas Hancock who founded the British rubber industry, is also produced from latex. Today, rubber is mainly made artificially.

Similarly, in 1839, a German chemist, Eduard Simon, accidentally came across what he

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called Styrol (now known as styrene) while experimenting with the distillation of a natural resin of the Turkish sweetgum tree. However, he did not realise the potential of what he had discovered until his work was resurrected in the early 1900s by Hermann Staudinger to become the basis of polystyrene.

The material of a thousand uses Another plant-derived substance, and the first stable man-made material to be considered as the forerunner of the plastics family, was called Parkesine. It was unveiled by Alexander Parkes at London’s Great International Exhibition in 1862 and used to make objects like buttons and cutlery handles.

Derived from cellulose, it could be heated, moulded into whatever shape was needed and then cooled to retain this shape – much like every other plastic. Cellulose also gave rise to celluloid, most famous for its revolutionary use in photographic film, and the thin sheet plastic, cellophane.

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Bakelite was invented in 1907. It was different as it was the first plastic to be made from a nonplant source.

A hard resin formed from formaldehyde and phenol (a chemical that comes from coal tar), its manufacture was perfected by a Belgian inventor Leo Baekeland (although earlier formaldehyde combination plastics had been invented just before 1900).

Non-conductive, like plastics in general, Bakelite was initially used as an insulator for electrical wires (hence its use in old plugs and light switches) but went on to be made into all kinds of everyday objects from decorative bowls and cigarette holders to telephones and jewellery. The Bakelite Corporation’s tagline was ‘the material of a thousand uses’, which could equally be applied to all plastic today.

Bakelite had its problems, however. It was brittle and colouring it proved difficult (most Bakelite objects are either black or various shades of brown). Its use died out and it was gradually replaced by next-generation plastics which included vinyl and the clear plastics acrylic and Plexiglass.

In 1930, Badische Anilin & Soda-Fabrik, better known as recording tape manufacturer BASF, used the work of Simon and Staudinger to start commercially manufacturing polystyrene, which could be injected, extruded or moulded.

Later, the Dow Chemical Company produced the first foamed polystyrene (made from beads) which they dubbed Styrofoam – a light, air-filled yet strong insulating plastic that went on to be used in disposable cups, packaging and the building industry.

By the 1930s, a range of synthetic plastics was being produced in a variety of colours:

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polyester, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polythene, polyurethanes and nylon. This is now seen as the most significant era in the history of plastics.

Manufacture was taken over by petrochemical companies who turned crude oil into massproduced plastics for every conceivable commercial and domestic requirement. It was endlessly versatile, very difficult to break and easy to clean – a miracle material.

The ubiquitous and now controversial plastic drinks bottle was born after the development of polyethylene in 1941, as it was discovered that this type of plastic can withstand up to two atmospheres of pressure. In 1948, Tupperware was invented.

Inexpensive to mass-produce, plastics quickly became an integral part of our disposable society – the basis of toys, clothes, computers, televisions, furniture, cutlery and the bags and packaging surrounding them. By simply tweaking the polymer chains, a plastic suitable for any form or function could be made.

Today, the robustness of plastic has also proved to be its downfall.

Plastic can be divided into two types: thermoplastic and thermoset. Thermoplastic can be reheated and reshaped but thermoset plastic cannot. It is therefore the most polluting of plastics, as it cannot be recycled and takes thousands of years to degrade.

But any plastics that find their way into the sea are also broken down by the environment into microplastics that can invade living organisms, including, ultimately, ourselves.

So, as we ingest increasingly more of our miracle invention, is our DNA chain slowly becoming a polymer one?

By Catherine Rose

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7

Travel

Lisbon Swept by the Atlantic breeze on the banks of the river Tagus, Lisbon is a lovely city where beyond the tree-lined avenues and elegant squares, the past lingers in myriad nooks and crannies. Old or new, quiet or bustling, the Portuguese capital is full of contrasts and always surprising.

At the foot of the ‘seven hills’, Baixa, the lower town, is the main commercial hub, rebuilt in neo-classical style by the Marquis of Pombal after the 1755 earthquake. At the heart of it all is the spacious Rossio Square, beautifully paved in wave-like patterns of limestone and basalt.

Fountains, flower sellers, cafés and pastry shops, it’s a place to relax and watch the world go by. Restaurants and boutiques line the popular Augusta Street, while beyond the Triumphal Arch the vast Plaça do Comércio opens out on to the river, spanned by the 25th of April suspension bridge. Inspired by the Golden Gate in San Francisco,

the bridge commemorates the peaceful return to democracy in 1974 when the population muzzled the soldiers’ rifles with carnations.

“a nostalgic place where old-fashioned trams rattle on the cobbles” Stylish façades, blue mosaics glinting in the sunshine, churches, museums and gardens: there’s plenty to explore in the centre, but sooner or later visitors come across the intriguing Santa Justa Elevator, a neo-gothic lift embellished with filigree, wood panels and brass fittings. Built in 1902 by an apprentice of Eiffel, it takes you up to the western heights of Bairro Alto overlooking the low town and river. Sleepy in the day, lively at night, this old district loves bohemian life.

On the eastern side of town, the traditional Alfama district clambers up the slopes, just

like the Kasbah set up long ago

by Moorish invaders. Tightly packed houses, steep winding lanes, narrow passageways and hidden squares, it’s a nostalgic place where old-fashioned trams rattle on the cobbles and the melancholy sound of Fado guitars drifts in dark tavernas.

Up on the top is Castelo de Sao Jorge, the citadel built by the Moors then turned into a royal palace. It’s well worth the climb, for up on the battlements one can enjoy the most magnificent panorama over Lisbon and the river Tagus on its way to Belem, where caravels once set off to explore the world.

At the mouth of the river, Belem claims some of the finest buildings financed by the golden Age of Discoveries, including two UNESCO sites, the grand Jeronimos Monastery, with its turrets and archways mirrored in a pond, and – also commissioned

by Manuel I – the fortified yet delicate Belem Tower lapped by ocean waves. But most dramatic perhaps is the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1960 and rising 52 metres above a huge mariner’s compass. Shaped like a caravel about to sail, it is flanked by statues of maritime heroes, among them Vasco de Gama, and led on the prow by the great pioneer Henry the Navigator.

By Solange Hando

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9

Technology

Dash Cams

By Tom Hancock

The dashboard camera, or dash cam, has become increasingly popular recently. So, should you think about buying one?

A dash cam is a special camera that is mounted on a car dashboard for the purpose of recording sounds and images while you’re driving.

But why might you want one?

First-hand evidence in case of a car accident - This is the main reason why people invest in one. If you are involved in a collision you can prove that it was not your fault by submitting the camera footage as evidence. It’s a compelling reason for buying one.

Reporting a dangerous driver - Sometimes you see a driver do something so reckless and irresponsible right in front of you that you fear for the safety of other road-users. Reporting that person becomes much easier with evidence. In the US there are special channels for reporting dangerous drivers, with the aim of making roads safer for everyone. It is probable that the UK will follow suit.

Extra insurance for parents - We worry when our teens first start to borrow the car that they may not stick to the rules of the road. Knowing that there is a dash cam monitoring their driving behaviour is an extra incentive for them to pay attention, or they might not be trusted to take the car out again!

Prevention of insurance claim scams - Insurance fraud is a growing problem with vehicles. Some drivers purposely cause minor car accidents in

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order to put the blame on the other party, so they can extort money from the victim. The victim has no way of proving their innocence, so these people also fake injuries in order to collect the insurance money from their insurance companies.

A dash cam will at least allow you to prove that you were not at fault in such a case.

It keeps an eye on your car while you are not in it! - Have you ever returned to your car in a car park to find it’s been scratched? Or are you sure the neighbour’s children are scraping their bikes along the side of your vehicle when they squeeze past on the drive? A well-installed dash camera can efficiently record such events because most can be set to record even when the car engine isn’t running. Some can even send all the data to your laptop or smart phone remotely, giving you peace of mind.

Because the best camera is the one you have with you - It’s not all about the car! Check out online videos of dash cams capturing unexpected phenomena. A family of ducks stopping traffic in Birmingham, a plane crashing right in front of a guy driving down a highway, and one Russian car driver’s dash camera recorded an enormous meteor that flew over Russia. The clip ended up being viewed millions of times on YouTube!

Dash cams are set to become as necessary an addition to our driving life as sat-navs. If you don’t already have one, perhaps you should think about it.

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We’ve got five pairs of adult passes up for grabs to this April’s Kelmarsh Country Show

Easter Delight as the 2019 Kelmarsh Country Show Returns

The Kelmarsh Country Show arrives this Easter Bank Holiday welcoming a brand new line up of family fun activities, live Main Arena demonstrations, have a go features, sporting championship qualifiers as well as an abundance of shopping opportunities from over 200 trade stands selling lots of country inspired goods. Set in the heart of the Northamptonshire and Leicestershire countryside, there’s plenty to do with the family this April.

Bringing a brand new line up to the Realtree Main Arena, visitors can enjoy live performances from the Red Devil Parachute Display Team, stunts with the amazing Squibb Motocross Stunt team, a Strongman competition as well as a fire spectacular show.

For 2019, Kelmarsh welcomes its brand new Interactive Arena too, which has plenty in store for families with little ones. From Ridgeside Falconry and Gamegoer Gundogs, families can also catch Little Nippers, K9 Sheepdog and Duck show and a superb Hound Parade. Elsewhere, a dedicated Kids Zone offer the younger ones everything from face painting, balloon modelling, a giant games arena, circus whizz fun, ferret racing, a mini farm and so much more.

If it’s food that you’re after, Kelmarsh welcomes a brand new Chefs Demo Area, which will be home to professional chefs, Rachel Green, Pete Gott, Jose Souto and Alan Coxon. With the return of the Folk Roots Festival, a brand new Club Tent offering lots of crafts and rural past times to discover, a Pet Dog Arena, lots of gundogs and a vintage section, there really is so much to experience at the 2019 Kelmarsh Country Show.

If you’re on the lookout for something different to entertain the family this year, then why not head over to Kelmarsh this Easter, taking place over 21st and 22nd April. To pre-book your tickets and to save, simply visit the Kelmarsh Country Show website today and discover what’s in store.

Fancy making a little bit more of your trip with us this year? Visitors to this year’s show can also become a member and enjoy all the added benefits of the all-new Members Enclosure, visit www.kelmarshcountryshow.co.uk.

Countryman Fairs organise five award-winning events across the UK throughout the year, each showcasing the very best in country life. For more information visit the website at www.countrymanfairs.co.uk and join us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and developments as they happen.

Competition

KELMARSH COUNTRY SHOW COMPETITION ENTRY

The Realtree Main Arena plays host to which of the following display acts…? a) The Red Devil Parachutes  b) The Blue Free-fallers  c) The Green Skydivers 



To enter, answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Kelmarsh Country Show Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th March 2019.

Name: Tel: Email: Address: 12

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13

Travel

Czech Republic In 2018, whilst most parts of Europe were commemorating the end of the First World War, the Czech Republic was instead celebrating the hundredth year of its birth. October 1918 saw the birth of the new country of Czechoslovakia, which existed as an independent, sovereign country until 1938, when it was invaded by Nazi Germany.

In 1948, Czechoslovakia was then taken over by the Soviets and this occupation lasted until 1989.

In 1993, Czechoslovakia was dissolved and two separate countries were formed: the Czech Republic and The Slovak Republic. Both countries joined the European Union in 2004.

These momentous events, naturally shaped both past and current generations, and in my opinion, created a rather divided nation in terms of beliefs and principles. There are the pro-Germans; the pro-Russians; the pure nationalists and many others who believe in either capitalism or socialism. No surprise then, that many Czechs are constantly grumpy and wishing for change.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. It is a beautiful city of many spires and towers: these belonging to an endless number of churches and other historic buildings. The river Vltava flows through the centre of Prague and there are many beautiful bridges to see – perhaps the most famous being the Charles Bridge, which is adorned by many statues.

There are many theatres; of special note is The Black Theatre - a special invention of the Czechs, which

is well worth seeing. There are also many museums and galleries, including The National Museum, which has recently been renovated and allows one to gain a very real understanding of the turbulent history of the republic, through its many exhibits and presentations.

Outside Prague, there is a whole host of cities and towns that are begging to be explored. My favourite area lies to the south. The town of town of České Budějovice is recommended, as is the town of Třeboň, a spa town surrounded by woods and many lakes. The spa specialises in peat baths. There is also a highly recommended strong drink called Black Gold, which is made from the famous waters.

This area is near to the border with Austria, so many people also speak German.

In the Bohemian region, towns such as Kutná Hora (east), Ústi nad Labem (North) and another spa town, Marianské Laznĕ (West) can be visited and admired. Many mountain ranges, woods, caves and nature reserves can also be enjoyed by nature lovers. In Moravia, which is also part of the Czech Republic, towns such as Brno and Olomouc are worthy of a visit.

Prague is a very cosmopolitan city with many visitors from all over the world, so it can be hard sometimes to find a native Czech. Unfortunately, with this diversity, the Czech cuisine has been largely replaced by food from outside cultures and it can be quite a challenge to find a traditional Czech meal.

By Daniela

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Registered Charity No 307534

W W W.S H U T T L EWO RT H. O RG

MOTHERING SUNDAY EVENTS

Swiss Garden Guided Tours - www.shuttleworth.org/mothering-sunday Sunday Roast at The House - www.shuttleworth.org/mothersdayroast

OUR VISITOR ATTRACTION A visit to Shuttleworth makes for a great day out, with lots to offer for all ages. Our Swiss Garden has 13 listed structures, a woodland sculpture walk, resident peacocks and ducks. Explore its historic features and lovely planting schemes. Children’s trails run throughout the year, each with a sticker to collect.

The Collection is a treasure trove of airworthy vintage aircraft from 1909-1950, agricultural exhibits, and classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and vintage buses. Flying displays take place May-October.

Shuttleworth, Old Warden, Bedfordshire SG18 9EP - 01767 627927 16Villager - Mother's Day FP Mar 19.indd

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07/02/2019 to 10:39:45 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding adverts

Time of Year

Mothers’ Day Musings

March 31st is Mothers’ Day and I wonder if I’m the only mum who finds it irritating?

I mean, I love flowers and chocolates as much as anyone, but I value them more when they come ‘just because’, rather than because Clinton Cards emailed a prompt.

And don’t get me started on Primary schools and their ‘Mothers’ Day mornings.

Rearranging my working day so my child won’t be disappointed by my absence is stress I don’t need…I thought Mothers’ Day was supposed to be about me! No, Mothers’ Day feels phoney. My husband is a hands-on dad, who knows how to cook and wield a vacuum cleaner; but if I didn’t remind him about Mothers’ Day he’d forget, and so would the kids, because he wouldn’t remind them.

Last year I didn’t remind, they forgot, then they all felt bad, which wasn’t my aim, because I didn’t care. So, we had a chat. I told them I knew they loved me, and Mothers’ Day wasn’t important to me, but perhaps each of them could pick a time when they did something little and nice for me, when I least expected it, and tell me it was for Mothers’ Day. I don’t think I expected much to happen, other than to free them (and me) from social pressure, but a few weeks later my 12-year-old left a dark chocolate Bounty Bar on my desk one evening (food of the Gods and difficult to find!), with a little post-it that read ‘For Mothers’ Day because I know it’s your favourite’; and a few weeks after that my nine-year-old drew me the most beautiful picture of a dragon because he knows I like dragons. Somehow those gifts felt more real than any I’d received before.

I’ve not mentioned it again this year. Maybe they’ll remember, maybe they won’t.

By Kath McLean Maybe I’ll get another dark chocolate Bounty…I won’t complain.

THE WHEATSHEAF P U B L I C H O U S E - G AM L I N G AY Following extensive improvements to the bar,

The Wheatsheaf has now re-opened offering a warm welcome to all customers

Fish and Chips Takeaway Service (Fresh Fish Delivered Daily) Meals Served from 6.00pm - 8.30pm daily (except Mondays) For Sunday lunches - please book by Friday morning We will also shortly be opening a Pizza Bar and a Tapas Bar U P C O M I N G E V E N T S AT T H E W H E AT S H E A F Sat 2nd March Antoine Fleuriot International Solo Guitarist & Singer

Sat 9th March Stacey Lee Singer

Mon 15th April Charity Race Night raising money for Alzheimers

Sat 20th April Easter Saturday Alabama Express 1940s Steel Band

The Wheatsheaf, 92 Church Street, Gamlingay SG19 3JJ Tel: 01767 651743 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

17

Short Story

Laundry Day

By Jackie Brewster

“Give me a hand with this would you?”

Danny had been sitting anxiously on the park bench.

He turned to a lady with a mass of wild grey hair struggling to throw a length of thin rope over the branch of a nearby oak tree.

“Me?” Danny said.

“Yes you, you’re a tall lad,” she called, unravelling the rope. “I want to tie this end to this tree, and the other end to that big one over there.”

Danny was glad of the distraction. His cousin had set him up on a blind date with her friend Rebecca, and he wasn’t at all sure what to expect.

Under the lady’s watchful eye, he tied up the rope so that it was taut between the two trees.

“We’re going to peg out my washing,” she said, smiling.

He then saw a wicker basket filled with damp laundry on a rock behind her.

“It’s only bedding. There’s no unmentionables, so don’t get your knickers in a twist.”

“Do you always dry your washing in the park?”

Danny asked.. “Aren’t you worried that someone might steal it?”

“Who’d want my threadbare sheets?” the lady cackled, unravelling a flowery duvet cover. “It’s my First Day of Spring ritual, they always smell lovely after a blast of country air.”

“Doesn’t anybody ever stop you?” he asked.

“Like who?” She took a couple of pegs from a bag.

“Air’s free, isn’t it?”

“I suppose,” Danny agreed, looking at his watch.

“What’s up?” she said. “Stood you up, has she?”

“I hope not.” Danny helped her straighten the sheets.

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As she pegged the last pillow case a small scrap of white fabric fluttered to the ground.

Danny picked it up before it could get muddy. It was a handkerchief, and across one corner was neatly embroidered the name ‘Rebecca’.

“That’s funny,” he said, frowning, “the girl I’m waiting for is called Rebecca.”

“Well fancy that.” She coyly took the handkerchief from him. “Bet you weren’t expecting me.”

Danny gulped. It was clear he’d been the victim of his cousin’s cruel practical joke.

“You seem like a really nice person,” he began, “and you’ve got some very interesting laundry ideas…”

“Thank you,” the lady said admiring her line of washing. “You seem quite a nice lad yourself.”

“But I’m worried about the age gap,” Danny continued, choosing his words carefully. “I’m not sure we’d have a lot in common.”

The lady brushed her hair out of her eyes and squinted at him. “I have to disagree,” she said, and winked. “There’s one thing we’ve got in common.”

“What’s that?” Danny said warily; he’d hoped she would be better at taking the hint.

“My granddaughter Rebecca,” she laughed, as a girl of Danny’s age walked towards them.

“Hello Nanna.” She kissed the lady on the cheek.

“Hello Rebecca. This is Danny. He’s been very chivalrous.”

Danny felt his face burning. She patted his shoulder kindly. “I don’t think you need a chaperone.” She handed him the basket. “Just bring in my washing when it’s ready.”

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Greensand Country Festival May 2019

With activities including open gardens, churchyard tours, history talks, nature walks, treasure trails, children’s activities and traditional country crafts, there’s something for everyone at the Greensand Country Festival.

Get involved: greensandcountry.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Food and Drink

Wine with Me: Austria Austrian cuisine is now available and very much enjoyed, globally. The popularity of wines, produced in Austria, are now recognised and acknowledged, having many which have received awards, at prestigious competitions and events, in Austria and around the world.

Scheiblhofer is a family winery in Andau, Austria. Founder, Johann Scheiblhofer, created and developed the winery. Johann’s son, Erich, has now become much respected on the wine scene too, gaining a lot of recognition for his wine styles. Burgenland Reserve The Chardonnay has good fruits on the nose continuing through to the mouthfeel and palate, for this excellent, dry white wine. Burgenland Reserve The Legends and Burgenland Praittenbrunn have grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot utilised, to great advantage, for these powerful, red productions.

Aged in new French oak barrels, they have a deep ruby-red colour, with dark fruits extending on to the mouthfeel, which has a splendid body, that is full with a long palate, boasting great structure.

Fantastic with red meats and game dishes. For the full range and more information, www.scheiblhofer.at Weingut Hirschmugl is located in Styria, at Domaene am Seggauberg. The non-poisonous adder snake is incorporated in the company’s logo, as they are considered an indicator of a healthy environment. Grape varieties grown include Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, Traminer, Muscaris, Cabernet Blanc and Cabertin. Wines produced are classified as Styrian Drinking Pleasure, Nobilis – utilising grapes from the best locations in the vineyards, Aurum – produced in limited quantities and aged, plus Sparkling wine, which is only produced during exceptional years and Natural wine.

Decto Rosso is a wonderful brut wine. This salmon-coloured presentation has fine bubbles and a really pleasant, fruity bouquet. An elegant wine and a great appetiser, too.

Cabernet Blanc I found aromatic and with a very good mouthfeel and palate sensation. Their Chardonnay and Chardonnay Nobilis (aged), with intense, full-bodied, long palates, are regular selections, for many. Muscaris has numerous ‘devotees’, also. Dry, aromatic and with a full body, this graces many dining occasions, constantly. RWC is aged and very popular. The deep, red colour, is appreciated and extended, for bouquet, plus great pleasures on the mouth and palate.

Other productions include splendid fruit vinegars, grape pit oil, plus grape pit flour and honey. For all details, www. hirschmugl-domaene.at

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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

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

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All info is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes.

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Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Fashion

What the

Doctor Ordered

The rise and fall and rise of the Dr. Marten boot

When you read the words Dr Martens, what do you think of? Skinheads? Clowns? Workmen? Or high fashion?

Because in spite of being associated with all the groups above, Dr Martens have remained one of the most consistently cool items of clothing in the past 50 years.

They really were invented by a doctor too, Dr. Klaus Maertens, a German army doctor. He injured his foot while skiing and found standard issue WWll army boots very uncomfortable and not at all conducive to recovery. So, he designed his own shoe, which replaced the leather soul with one which had air-cushioning. Originally the boots were sold as orthopaedic devices and bizarrely the majority of its customers for the first fifteen years were housewives, mainly over forty years old.

But then an advert for the boots with the aircushioned sole caught the eye of the Griggs family, who ran a shoe company in Britain, specialising in sturdy work boots, and they bought the patent.

They made a few tweaks to the design, including reshaping the heel, and they also anglicised the name. The classic yellow-stitched Dr. Martens AirWair boot was launched on April 1st, 1960. The date gave rise to the name 1460. This footwear was no April Fool joke though. The boots quickly became popular with factory workers, postmen and police officers.

But these were not the kind of people known for

inspiring fashion choices so how did Dr. Martens become so cool?

It started with youth sub-cultures, like Mods and Skinheads, who adopted the boots as symbols of working-class pride. There was some irony in the fact that when these groups clashed with police BOTH sides were wearing Dr. Martens!

Pete Townsend of The Who is generally credited with giving Dr. Martens international exposure, when he chose to wear them on stage at concerts.

From about 1966 they began to gain fashion status, generally by groups who associated themselves with ant-establishment values. Punks, Goths, New Wave and Grunge groups all embraced the Dr. Marten, and they gradually became more mainstream with Britpop.

But by the new Millennium sales were dropping.

The Dr. Marten 1460 was seen as old. Eventually the company moved production to China.

In 2004 a new line of footwear was introduced, deliberately designed to appeal to younger buyers.

They were softer, easier to break in and had a translucent heel. This paid off and sales began to climb again. In 2012 Dr. Martens had its best year for sales ever. Shortly after they were sold to the investment firm Permira, and have continued to rise in popularity ever since, becoming a mainstream wardrobe staple.

I wonder what the original Dr. Maertens would make of all that!

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By Sarah Davey 25

Interiors

Simple Style

By Kate McLelland

For a fuss-free and timelessly good-looking style, choose plain and simple chic.

We all want our homes to be comfortable, practical and good-looking. Just as important as gorgeous colours and appealing accessories are necessities such as easy-to-clean surfaces, effective lighting and durable kitchenware. Which is where simple style – a combination of form and function that is completely unpretentious and always hard working – excels. It takes classic designs that have

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stood the test of time and combines them with the best of modern furnishings, using tactile materials and pale, neutral colours to achieve a look that is calm and quiet, comfortable and honest, and hugely pleasing to live with.

Walls and floors are the starting point. Quick and inexpensive to achieve are walls in plain paint shades. Neutrals are fundamental, with a palette of soft whites ranging from chalk, ivory and bone through to deeper taupes and greys, with stronger accents providing contrast: sage green, midnight blue or earthy brown, for example. More finished surfaces, as appropriate to the room, could include grasscloth wallpaper, bevel-edge tiles or timber panelling. As for floors, the key is to combine the practicality of sturdy materials such as traditional stone flags, brick pavers or wooden floorboards with the softness of plain or minimally patterned carpets or conveniently placed, understated rugs.

Furniture should be pared down in style, chosen for its strength, durability and comfort first and foremost, and always clean-lined as opposed to

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over-decorative. Windsor or ladder-back chairs, wooden stools, blanket boxes and traditional dressers are all just right for the simple interior, especially when made from natural wood or painted in a muted shade. Mixing eras works perfectly, too, provided pieces are chosen for their inherent good design and plain style, transcending all fads and fashions.

Rather than elaborate window treatments of any type, this style has a less-is-more feel, and where windows can be left bare, then why not? Panelled wooden shutters look elegant and discreet, while Roman blinds and gathered curtains are preferable to anything elaborate. Other soft furnishings might include the plainest of loose covers for chairs and sofas (avoid frilled valances or other flourishes) and cushions with no-nonsense fastenings and the most basic of trims. Linen, cotton and wool are ideal fabrics for this style: unassuming, natural fibres that have been the backbone of classical decorating for centuries. Look for plain colours and stripes, adding a range of textures for interest. In addition to the soft drape of textiles, introduce a range of natural materials, such as woven willow, sisal, slate or timber, to provide an interesting atmosphere even in an apparently minimal room.

To ensure a calm and airy feel overall, good storage is vital. Ancillary areas such as utility rooms, laundry rooms, boot rooms and dressing rooms are a great asset, but where space is more limited then well-designed cupboards, shelves and other storage areas are incredibly helpful in terms of clearing away the clutter and confusion of everyday life and making simple rooms feel more spacious and liveable. In kitchens, a freestanding storage piece such as a dresser, plate rack or butcher’s block breaks up the uniformity of fitted cupboards and creates a more timeless appearance.

Finally, when it comes to lighting, inset spotlights throw light where needed without drawing the eye, while classic fittings, such as glass pendants, Anglepoise table lamps or slender wall lights with ceramic shades can be added where necessary.

As for finishing touches, beware an abundance of accessories (always opt for quality over quantity),

and choose essential items such as wooden peg hooks, hand-made soap, thick woollen throws and blankets, blue and white crockery, rustic bread boards and pillar candles, plus loose arrangements of gorgeous cottage-garden flowers.

Key ingredients of simple style • Consider wooden panelling, tongue-and-groove boarding, textured wallpaper and classic tiles as options for your walls.

• Opt for classic floorboards, stone or slate flags, brick pavers or terracotta tiles for the floor, combined with plain carpets and/or subtle rugs.

• Combine soft white shades with a few deeper colours.

• Choose natural materials such as wood, slate, wicker, wool and cotton.

• Ensure rooms are clear of clutter by making the most of storage space.

• Remember that good design applies across all eras, so combining old and new will work if furnishings are chosen carefully for both form and function.

• Avoid bold patterns in favour of plains and stripes.

• Fit wooden shutters, Roman blinds or softly gathered curtains at the windows, or leave them bare if you dare.

1. Cuddlemuffin modular corner sofa with chaise, £4,645, Loaf.

2. Scala side table, £175, Loaf: 0345 468 0667; www.loaf.com.

3. Impressive Concrete Wood light grey laminate, £27.99 m2, Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; www.carpetright.co.uk.

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29

LUCIA BIERMANSKI

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Eyebrows - Get perfect brows by mimicking your existing brow hair. Whether you want to add definition, correct the symmetry or enhance the shape of your existing brows to create a bold look, you are in perfect hands. Lucia is a Royal Artist for Phibrows and uses the latest advanced techniques to create perfect brows for each individual, including Phibrows Microblading and Ombre Brows.

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Eyeliner - Perfect solution for those who struggle to apply eyeliner every day, or who just want that perfect look without spending too much time. With very neatly applied eyeliner Lucia can create many looks for you. It can open your eyes, or just gently enhance your lash line, making this a perfect treatment for the everyday lifestyle.

Microneedling - SkinPen stimulates the natural production of new, healthy collagen and elastin reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars with little downtime! It’s also effective on stretch marks, large pores, thin skin, lax skin, hyperpigmentation, and improves skin texture.

About Lucia Lucia Biermanski is a leading expert in Permanent Cosmetics and Microblading with over 10 years of experience in this specialism and a vast portfolio of work.

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Contact Lucia Biermanski on 07849 106731 or email: lucia.biermanski@hotmail.co.uk Instagram: lucia_biermanski Facebook: luciabiermanskimicropigmentation Lucia works from her clinic in Biggleswade and also holds Permanent Cosmetics Clinic Days at Maxwells Hair and Beauty Salon Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Health & Beauty

Natural Beauty

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Looking for natural skin and haircare products that are as effective as they are gentle? Here’s our pick of some of the best natural brands on the market.

Green People is one of the UK’s best known organic brands. It was born out of a mother’s need for gentle, natural products that wouldn’t irritate her daughter’s sensitive skin. The entire range is free from synthetic chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, alcohol (ethanol) and artificial fragrances. It’s also been cruelty-free and suitable for vegetarians from day one. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try the Age Defy + Cleanse & Soothe Balm. It’s made from natural oils and waxes with added essential oils. Used with the muslin cloth provided, it’s very effective at removing makeup and leaves skin feeling soft and pampered. £32 may seem steep for a cleaner, but a little goes a long way so it should last for months.

See www.greenpeople.co.uk.

Swiss company Weleda (www.weleda.co.uk) has been making natural skincare products for almost 100 years. The brand has always been cruelty-free, and is committed to sustainability and treating people fairly. Their bestselling Skin Food is a multipurpose balm for treating dry skin patches. Weleda has recently introduced a Skin Food Lipbalm, £6.95. Like its big sister, the lip balm is made from natural waxes, blended with essential oils such as rosemary, chamomile and calendula. It’s non-sticky, suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free.

Pop one in your bag to guard against chapped lips.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a key ingredient in most high street shampoos. It gives you plenty of lather but can leave hair feeling dry and brittle. Faith in Nature sells a wide range of SLS-free shampoos.

Recent releases include the Dragon Fruit Shampoo and Conditioner, which are 99% natural, suitable for all hair types and have a rich, tropical fragrance. At £5.50 each, they’re a great price too.

Lyonsleaf is a family-run business producing 100% natural skincare products. Most ingredients are grown on the family’s Somerset farm. Lyonsleaf doesn’t use any artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances and recently went plastic-free. Try the Body Butter, £16.99, which is made from shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil and other natural ingredients. It’s rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, smells divine and leaves skin feeling softer and more hydrated. See www.lovelula.com.

Natural skincare and hair products can be difficult to find on the highstreet. Holland and Barratt is worth popping into for brands such as Weleda, Tisserand, Dr Organic and Faith in Nature. If you’re shopping online, head to www. biggreensmile.co.uk, www.lovelula.com or www. naturalcollection.com. All three sites have strict policies about the types of products that they’ll sell. For example, Love Lula has a strict no parabens, no SLS and no animal testing policy.

Big Green Smile also lets you filter your search by what’s important to you, so if you only want organic, vegan products, for example, it’ll show you which ones are suitable.

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Health

By Louise Addison

In a Heartbeat What are ectopic beats?

Ectopic heartbeats are extra heartbeats that occur just before a regular beat. Ectopic beats are normal ad usually they are not a cause for concern.

About 70% of medically normal adults without any symptoms at all have ectopic beats if monitored over 24 hours. They are far less common in children and are more likely to be a result of an underlying heart abnormality in those cases.

There are two types of ectopic beat: PAC - Premature atrial contractions, which begin in the upper chambers of the heart.

PVC - Premature ventricular contractions, which begin in the lower chambers of the heart.

An ectopic beat might be felt as an extra awareness of the heart beating; a feeling of faintness; a sensation of the heart stopping for a second, or a fluttering sensation in the chest.

The fact that some people become aware of their ectopic beats doesn’t automatically mean there is a problem. Most commonly people who become aware of their ectopic beats are also susceptible to anxiety. What tends to happen is that during an episode of anxiety their system is flooded with adrenalin and their heart begins to race. They become aware of their heart racing, and then suddenly they experience a (perfectly normal) ectopic beat, only it feels anything but normal to them because their heart is already racing. They

By Louise Addison

can then become hyper-aware of any perceived differences in rhythm, and this can feed their anxiety.

Most GPs can diagnose ectopic heartbeats from symptoms and by listening with a stethoscope.

Sometimes they will arrange a precautionary electrocardiogram (ECG).

If someone is aware of their ectopic beat only when they are sitting quietly, this is less of a concern than if the ectopics become noticeable after exercise, such as running upstairs. Ectopics are also of more concern if there is a history of a previous heart attack, or a family of heart disease.

A GP will want to rule out complications such as ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmia.

If further investigation is required the GP might order an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), or a coronary angiography, an MRI, a CT scan, or exercise testing.

In most cases ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment; however, there are certain well-known triggers. It can be helpful to review all medications and their possible interactions, stop smoking, reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, and reduce stress and anxiety as much as possible.

Remember, most ectopic heartbeats are not a cause for concern, but if they are persistent, or you are worried, then consult your GP.

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House of Colour

Gemma &Tom Brittle Wedding photographed by Kylee Lee Photography

Wedding Party Style You have chosen your wedding dress and your gorgeous groom is well on his way to sorting his attire, now it is time to turn your attention to the wonderful ladies and gents who are going to be right there by your side celebrating with you and making sure that everything goes perfectly.

BRIDESMAIDS STYLE 1. Be Organised – Put together a budget and timescale and have a chat with your bridesmaids about what is really important to them. Do some research about what is available and don’t forget it is not necessary to buy a bridesmaid’s dress from a wedding dress shop. Most high street shops and department stores offer suitable party, occasion or formal attire these days. With a growing emphasis on fashion ecoawareness, you may want to avoid a one-wear mindset so your bridesmaids can re-use their outfit for other occasions.

2. Style Dilemma - Your bridesmaids are unlikely to share the same body type, height and style personality. It is a dilemma, so how can you make sure your best girls feel fabulous in their outfits? If you have a little bit of budget one top tip is have a tailor alter the dress for each bridesmaid in their own chic style. Think different necklines, sleeves or slightly different lengths (although don’t go to wild on this because your tribe can end up looking a little wonky). Ensure each bridesmaids dress is wellfitting and they feel gorgeous and comfortable, but this should still be subject to a few certain guidelines from the bride!

3. Colour - Taking the tailored tip one step further, of course not all colours suit all skin tones and so you may want to choose a colour but have

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4.

5.

6.

7.

different tones for different bridesmaids. Teals and blues are good example for how to work this tip - teals for the warmer tones and cornflower or airforce blues for the cooler tones will ensure they all look radiant.

Red - all about it - The only colour that suits all skin tones is primary red so choosing accents in this colour to brighten up a more neutral coloured bridesmaid dress can be a beautiful way to go. Full on red bridesmaids’ dresses risk over shadowing the bride so watch out! It is still considered rude for guests to turn up at a wedding wearing red for the same reason.

Accessorise – Choosing a classic bridesmaids dress can help keep things simple, but always encourage your bridesmaids to express their individual personalities through their accessories including shoes, hair detailing, bracelets and earrings.

Think outside the box – If it suits the style personalities of your bridesmaids and you want them to wear something a little bit more modern, try on-trend smart playsuits, edgy trouser suits or cheongsams.

Shawls – A lovely touch is to provide your bridesmaids with a chic shawl for any wedding evenings where the weather may cool. Shawls are often good value, re-usable and can be found in every colour under the sun. Your bridesmaids will definitely appreciate the thought (and you)!

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

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Local News

World Speech Day The first World Speech Day took place on 15 March 2016 with ‘live speaking events’ in Athens, Singapore, Moscow and more. The purpose of World Speech Day is to share ideas and bring communities together through the power of speeches. Now in its fourth year, 2019 is set to be the most ambitious celebration of speeches yet with hundreds of community events being organised across the globe, including Biggleswade!

To find out more about your local World Speech Day celebration you are invited to explore the event website at leahkstewart.com/start or search online for World Speech Day Biggleswade.

Public speaking is often seen as something done by the powerful, privileged or elite. This view is not without evidence but, with increasing means for anyone to present ideas online, people are (re)discovering speaking as a powerful way to advocate for or initiate important social change.

All events for World Speech Day are put together by volunteer teams and anyone can host an event, you just need to contact the not-for-profit organisation worldspeechday.com with enough time to put your intention into place.

Fear of public speaking is often cited as the most common of all phobias. Without a doubt, it takes courage to stand a share a story, message or idea that you hope will help others. On the

Leah Stewart

evening of Friday 15th March 2019 nine amazing Biggleswade locals will each step forward to give 5 minute speeches to a small audience on topics important to them and our world and, hopefully, our community too!

Leah K Stewart Biggleswade-based Speaker Coach and Initiator of World Speech Day Biggleswade

Sarah Stones

Hazel Newhouse

Michael Nobbs

Chiemeka Ozumba

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37

Local News

Do you suffer from Hay Fever?

Hay Fever is an allergic reaction to pollen which affects up to one in five people.

If you suffer from Hay Fever, you know what to expect as the pollen count increases: sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Many people find they have increased fatigue with Hay Fever.

Hay Fever Treatment There is no current cure for Hay Fever, although symptoms generally improve which age. 10% - 20% of people find that their symptoms completely disappear over time.

In America, Dr Elena Eustache is successfully treating hay fever with Oxygen Therapy. “At the Eustache Institute, we feel it’s important to raise awareness about hyperbaric oxygen treatment for those who have been diagnosed with Hay Fever because it’s the perfect treatment to help relieve symptoms associated with this particular allergy,” says Dr. Eustache.

Oxygen Treatment involves breathing in pure oxygen through a mask under pressure. Many people find that Oxygen Therapy helps them with: • Reduced pain • Increased energy • Faster healing • Decreased inflammation Good news! If you would like to try Oxygen Treatment for your Hay Fever symptoms, you don’t need to travel to America! The Herts MS Therapy Centre is conveniently located Letchworth and welcomes anyone with any long term condition or serious health challenge.

Free Session of Oxygen Therapy Hay Fever sufferers are welcome to try a test session of Oxygen Therapy for free.

For more details or to book your appointment, please contact Claire on 01462 684 214 or email hayfever@hmstc.net

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Welcome to the New You! Wouldn’t it be nice to turn back the years?

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39

Health

By Kath McLean

Read Right!

Could your child benefit from a binocular vision exam?

When Sarah’s 10-year-old daughter complained of headaches after school, she did what any sensible parent would do and booked an eye test. After a 15-minute exam she was told that Maisie did not need any glasses and that there was nothing wrong with her.

After a few months, Maisie’s symptoms hadn’t disappeared, and her grades were suffering.

“She didn’t want to read and was falling behind in class.”

Sarah took her back to the optician, who this time gave Maisie some glasses.

“She wore them for a couple of weeks but gave up after that as they weren’t helping, in fact she said that they made things worse for seeing the whiteboard.

Sarah’s friend advised her to take Maisie to see the optometrist who had helped her son when he had struggled with similar issues.

“Immediately I could see that this was a different kind of eye exam.” We didn’t feel rushed. The optometrist was really interested the type of difficulties Maisie was experiencing, when they happened, and how she coped with them. She performed a whole battery of tests and explained everything as she was going along. She told us that Maisie was having difficulty co-ordinating her eyes so was having to put in more effort to ‘see’, and as she became more tired with the effort of school and study, it became harder and harder for her to keep up the co-ordination, so she just gave up. It all made sense. She’d come home grouchy, rubbing her eyes and with a headache. It was all too much for her.”

Optometrists who specialise in what is known as Behavioural Optometry, or who run specialist

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binocular vision clinics understand that an eye examination should be about more than whether a child can read the bottom line of a chart some distance away. In a classroom eyes need work as a team at all distances. They should be able to point accurately at the same point on a page, then be able to refocus quickly and accurately on the whiteboard and back again, hundreds of times per day. They need to be able scan across lines of text without drifting off to another line. If eyes can’t work as a team, children might try for a while but often develop unhelpful coping mechanisms like turning their head, screwing their eyes up, and excessive blinking. Eventually they give up and may become disenfranchised from learning.

Some groups of children, like those with dyslexia, or those with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to the binocular vision system malfunctioning.

Binocular vision examinations measure the ability of the child’s eyes to work together, and then the optometrist can make helpful suggestions, such as glasses, or exercises (sometimes called vision therapy), or a mixture of both. Occasionally coloured overlays might prove useful too.

Unfortunately, these types of examination are not available on the NHS, but Sarah says that her money was well spent. “Maisie had some new glasses and a short course of exercises.

Within weeks her grades had picked up and she was coming home more cheerful and with no headaches. I would recommend that all parents should take their child for a specialist eye examination if they feel something is wrong.”

Useful websites: babo.co.uk

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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

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43

Well-Being

By Louise Addison

How to Wake-up Refreshed Do you spring out of bed each morning with the bright eyes and energy of a five-year-old on Christmas morning? No, me neither.

But there are a few tips which might help: Get enough sleep – It’s so obvious it actually does need stating: most of us do not get anywhere near enough sleep. Sleep needs vary from person to person, but most of us need at least eight hours uninterrupted shut-eye. I haven’t slept like that since my children were born, and the oldest is now eight!

Make your room dark and quiet – Too much extraneous light and noise is not conducive to good sleep. Invest in thick curtains or a sleep mask if light is an issue and soft earplugs if your neighbour has noisy dogs or a twitchy car alarm.

Renew your mattress – Mattresses do not last forever. They become saggy and less supportive with age, which makes us fidget and interferes with the quality of our sleep. A good mattress should support your spine and allow your body to relax totally.

Have a bath – Yes really. A soak before bed will relax your muscles and calm your mind. Lavender bath products are especially good at inducing sleep.

Clear your head – It’s difficult to sleep if your head is still whirring from the events of the day. Concentrate on your breathing and allow thoughts to float away. Anything you are dealing with will still be there tomorrow and you’ll cope better if you’ve had a good night’s sleep.

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Finance

Is it still worthwhile investing in a Cash ISA? As we come to the end of the financial year, you may be wondering if it’s still worthwhile opening a cash ISA, and whether this tax-free savings account offers the significant benefits it once did.

Here are a few reasons to give cash ISAs another chance. You may decide to think again about this useful savings product and the possible long-term benefits for yourself and your family.

First of all, however, let’s look briefly at the Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) to find out what it is and the impact it’s having on savers in the UK. What is the Personal Savings Allowance?

The Personal Savings Allowance was introduced by the government in 2016, and allows you to earn £1,000 of savings interest tax-free. If you’re a higher rate taxpayer the limit is £500, with additional rate taxpayers being ineligible for this tax-free allowance.

You’d need a healthy savings pot to breach your PSA limit but of course that’s not impossible. Also, where previously an ISA was the only savings product offering tax-free interest, you can now use a number of different accounts, some of which offer much higher interest rates than an ISA.

Cash ISAs can offer a safe haven for your savings in the long-term But the key here is that if you are likely to go over your PSA, cash ISA interest doesn’t count towards that limit, so you can earn it tax-free and still have your full £1,000 (or £500) PSA allowance.

Potential for increased earnings and a change in tax bracket Whether you’re earning an average or relatively low wage at present, the potential exists for you to increase your earnings and change tax brackets in the future. The Personal Savings Allowance is

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By Ann Haldon

halved to £500 for higher rate taxpayers, and you may find the threshold isn’t as out of reach in years to come as it currently seems.

Saving flexibility Cash ISAs offer considerable flexibility, with some providers allowing you to withdraw money and pay it back during the same tax year without losing any of your ISA allowance. This allowance, currently £20,000 (tax year 2019/20),¹ can also be spread across a cash ISA and a stocks and shares ISA in the same tax year.

Potential to leave your ISA savings to your partner on death In April 2015, the government introduced new rules whereby the balance of an ISA on death can be inherited by a spouse or civil partner taxfree. In practice, they would able to use your ISA allowance (to the value of your ISA balance) as well as their own for the tax year in which you die.

Consider a cash ISA as part of your savings mix Clearly, saving into an account other than a cash ISA offers benefits, but it’s not a good idea to totally discount them when interest rates are low.

Cash ISAs can offer a safe haven for your savings in the long-term, and can be passed down to your family tax-free.

It may prove to be an important savings product for the future you, but don’t forget to shop around for the best rates. ¹ www.rsmuk.com/ideas-and-insights/tax-facts ² www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/

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Garden Trends...where interior

meets exterior

For the last 20 years Indian natural stone paving has dominated the UK paving market. However in recent years, Driven by the rising popularity of bi-fold doors and a desire for open plan living. A new import, Italian vitrified paving is starting to become more popular for use in the garden.

Vitrified paving is a robust and versatile paving material and is offered in a range of colours, textures and sizes. It is made using similar materials and techniques that internal porcelain tiles floor tiles are made out of. Only thicker for the UK climate. Quality importers of vitrified paving like Stonemarket and Marshalls have now settled on a 20mm thickness for outside.

The Stonemarket portfolio of vitrified products is extensive. The classic lucent collection has a gently riven texture in three attractive colours, Copper, Cotswold and Blue. The Gravity range has plenty of urban cool and is perfect for contemporary neutral schemes. The Knotwood range which perfectly recreates the colours and texture of wood planks.

Has proved extremely popular with HBS customers over the last two years. Being vitrified, Knotwood has none of the technical issues of wood so will rot or warp.

‘Many of our customers worry about algae growth, but require a cost effective and attractive solution’ says Paul Curson, one of the directors at HBS. So this year we have decided to stock the Stonemarket Fortuna range. ‘Being Vitrified paving, it absorbs little or no moisture allowing moss and algae little

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opportunity to grow’ he continued ‘This means hardly any maintenance is needed to keep your patio looking fantastic’.

Due to the impervious nature of the vitrified paving it needs to be laid slightly differently to traditional sandstone and concrete. To help adhesion, a bonding slurry is added to the paving before bedding on to the mortar bed below. Vitrified also requires a narrow joint and you may want to consider employing an installer who has experience of laying product to tight joint tolerances.

If you are looking for some landscaping work to be undertaken give HBS a call or drop in to discuss your requirements. The yard is only 2 minutes from Biggleswade retail park with plenty of free parking.

‘Trade and public are both welcome’ says Jake who is often the initial point of contact for paving enquiries ‘we can also organise samples and provide FREE material quotes’.

After all your inspiration and planning, finding the right installer is essential, as you will rely on their advice, product knowledge and workmanship to achieve the desired end result.

To help you make a more informed decision we can also help you find an installer. However as always we recommend that you obtain three quotes.

Some of our customers are Marshalls registered and would have also made an investment in the specialist diamond cutting tool required. Along with knowledge of Marshalls/Stonemarket products.

Vitrified paving may not take over the whole of the paving market just yet as depending on the theme of the garden and client budget.

Concrete and natural stone paving still have their own place in the hard landscaping material mix. However in future years. A robot may be mopping the patio like a kitchen floor and hoovering the artificial grass. Voice controlled by virtual assistant on our smartphone or Jake smart speaker.

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HENLOW BUILDING SUPPLIES Stratton Business Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8QA Telephone: 01767 312800 Website: www.henlowbuildingsupplies.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Pottons Specialist Welding and Fabricating Company

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Garden

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

Fabulous Fruit Trees It is not difficult to grow a fair quantity of fruit, such as apples, pears, plums or cherries, in even a tiny garden – so how do you manage it?

First, choose a ‘rootstock’ – the type of tree root the fruit variety has been grafted on to – that has a dwarfing effect, meaning the tree is unlikely to become huge. Examples include rootstocks ‘Pixey’ on plums, ‘M9’ on apples or ‘Quince A’ on pears.

An apple or pear can be a border edging, with each tree spreading to 150cm (5ft) and trained into a horizontal barrier about 45cm (18in) about ground, which bears fruit along the horizontal ‘arms’. Either place a pollinator tree nearby to ensure good fruit set, or choose the self-fertile ‘Concorde’ pear for a reasonable crop with just one tree. Ready-trained step-overs are available from some garden centres and specialist fruit nurseries.

With a bit of planting space next to it, you could grow your fruit as an ‘espalier’ Growing fruit trees in pots works well, provided you use a good-sized pot – perhaps even a half-barrel. Use a loam-based John Innes No. 3 compost and place plenty of drainage material at the base of the container – broken flower pots work well! Make sure the tree is fed and wellwatered and kept under control.

‘Family Trees’, on to which two additional varieties of the same fruit have been grafted, let you grow three varieties of apple or pear on one tree. The varieties are selected to cross-pollinate and you should get a fair crop from an established tree.

With limited space, you can grow ‘Ballerina’ or ‘Minarettes’ trees. These columnar apple trees produce fruit on short spurs growing out of the main stem, resulting in trees measuring up to 2.4m (8ft) tall, but which can be planted just 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart. Many different varieties are available, including dessert apples, cooking apples, pears, plums, gages and damsons.

If space is so limited that you can only have one tree, choose a ‘self-fertile’ variety that doesn’t need a companion and can fertilise its own flowers. For apples, varieties include ‘Queen Cox’, ‘Greensleeves’ or ‘Red Devil’, for pears ‘Concorde’ or ‘Invincible’, for cherries ‘Stella’ and for plums ‘Victoria’. A pollinator will give a heavier crop, but without you’ll still get a fair quantity of fruit.

You can grow fruit as an ‘espalier’, trained and pruned so that the tree lays flat against a fence or framework, with several parallel fruit-bearing arms or in a fan shape against the surface. This works well for cherries, plums, damsons and apricots.

A cordon or single-stemmed apple or pear can be trained over a simple arch, or grow one variety up one side and another (a suitable pollinator) up the other – it’ll look stunning in the spring when in flower, and then again when it bears its tasty crop!

At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find some great gardening items: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for vegetable plants and advice, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls, stylish cloches, pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your club.

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Fun Quiz - The Weather 1. What type of weather condition is defined by the Met Office “as moderate or heavy falling snow with winds speeds of 30 miles per hour or more and a reasonably extensive snow cover reducing visibility to 200 metres or less”?

2. “Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away” is the opening line of the theme song to which TV show?

3. What determines whether a particular type of weather phenomenon is called a hurricane, a cyclone and a typhoon?... a) its wind speed; b) its location; or c) the time of year it forms?

4. In which 1993 film is the main character a weatherman called Phil Connors?

5. Which two of Santa’s reindeer have names that are derived from words meaning “thunder” and “lightning”?

6. Derived from Greek terms meaning “the study of things high in the air”, what word refers to the study of the weather?

7. Which 1985 film’s title is also the name of an electrical weather phenomenon named after the patron saint of sailors?

8. According to the lyrics of the only hit single by The Weather Girls, it starts “raining men” at just about what time?

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53

Garden View

Hardy Annuals

By Rachael Leverton

Hardy annuals: the name is an oxymoron. Hardy plants are supposed to be able to survive the winter aren’t they, but annuals, by their definition, don’t.

In fact, the names hardy, half-hardy and tender, when applied to annuals, refer to the relative cold tolerance of the newly planted seeds.

Hardy annual seeds can handle being frozen in the soil so are ideal for planting outside, either in the autumn or now.

Productive, adaptable and cheap, they are the ideal credit-crunch plants. They are also easy-togrow, so are brilliant for beginner gardeners.

For best results sow them as thinly as possible, cover lightly with sifted soil then firm it down.

Protect them from cats and birds with netting until the seedlings are well established then thin them out to the distance recommended on the packet.

Good flowers for the annual-novice include poppy, calendula, larkspur, fried- egg plants (limnanthes), love-in-the-mist, clarkia and cornflowers.

If I could grow only one it would be Nigella damascena (love-in-the-mist). It’s an old cottagegarden plant and ‘Miss Jekyll’ is a beautiful, soft, pure blue variety with the added bonus of stripy seed pods once the flowers have faded.

The king of the hardy annuals though has to be the sunflower. Children particularly love to grow them. Sow them singly in small pots or directly

54

into the earth. If you sow them directly, plant two seeds into each hole and thin to one once they are established. They may need to be staked as they grow. There are some terrific varieties. A favourite of mine is Prado Red, which as the name suggests, produces deep red flowers. If you pinch them out, they‘ll grow to five feet and produce numerous blooms on each plant.

If sunflowers are the kings of the hardy annuals, then sweet peas are surely the fragrant queens.

Old-fashioned or antique varieties tend to be best for scent though their flowers are slightly smaller.

The great thing about sweet peas is that you have to pick them to prolong flowering so you have a wonderful excuse to have a fragrant home all summer long. Sweet peas should be planted a little deeper than other annuals. They are very thirsty flowers. My granddad used to line his sweet pea trenches with lots of wet newspaper. He won prizes for his blooms, so he obviously knew a thing or two about it.

Next time you’re at the garden centre...walk right on by the showy (and expensive) potted plants and head for the seed section. For a very small outlay you can add colour, shape, interest and completely transform your plot ...and if you don’t like it, you can always change it again next year.

Happy Gardening

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55

Parenting

Growing Green Fingers Helping your child to discover a love of gardening Their own little corner - our child may not have the same taste in plants as you do. So, if you can, give them their own mini-plot to experiment with. Let them choose the plants they want (after discussing soil conditions, shade etc.) and give them the responsibility of watering and weeding. Children aren’t known for their patience so try to incorporate some plants that will give instant enjoyment and have a strong fragrance, such as lavenders and geraniums, along with others that are easy to grow and worth the wait, such as sunflowers, sweet peas and marigolds.

Grow your own - Fussy eaters can often be persuaded to try new things if they’ve had a hand in growing them. If you have the space for a raised bed, you could try courgettes, lettuces, or dwarf runner beans. Limited space?

Potatoes, carrots and peas can be grown in pots. Tomatoes thrive against a sunny wall, while pepper

plants and herbs will be fine on a windowsill.

Wildlife - Encourage your child to hang bird feeders in the garden and fill a shallow bowl for a bird bath. You could also help them to make a bee hotel by tying sections of bamboo canes together, or fixing the canes into a terracotta pot with some modelling clay.

Older children might enjoy identifying different birds, bees and insects using a book or app.

Somewhere to play - You may not have room for a football pitch or trampoline, but even small gardens can usually offer some space for play. A few fixed logs can make a fun mini-obstacle course for example, and a swing can provide hours of enjoyment. Why not build a temporary den over a low hanging branch with some old sheets, clothes pegs and cushions?

You could also make a mini-sandpit with a trough, large plant pot or small paddling pool.

A fairy garden - Create a fairy

garden together by filling a shallow container with soil and adding a few small plants. You could use a small plant pot for a house, create a miniature lake with a ramekin and make a swing with sticks and string. Add some solar-powered twinkly lights and a couple of small wooden or plastic elves and fairies.

Safety first - Teach children never to eat anything from the garden without checking with you first.

Do head to the RHS website (www. rhs.org.uk) to find out what plants to avoid growing though; some are very poisonous and others can irritate skin and eyes. Keep sharp tools, plant food and weed killer safely out of reach at all times. If you have a pond, cover it with a rigid metal grille.

More inspiration The BBC has lots of ideas for encouraging children into gardening, from growing patterns on the lawn to building a wormery.

See www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/ gardening_with_children.

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

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Garden Centre

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ALL YOU NEED FOR YOUR GARDEN, THROUGH ALL THE SEASONS To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

57

Time of Year

Beware the Ides of March!

By Tom Hancock

“Beware the Ides of March!” I’ve heard this saying often throughout my life but only recently thought to find out about it.

It’s actually a quote from William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. Early in the play a soothsayer declares it, forewarning of the eventual assassination of Caesar (apologies if that spoils the ending for anyone!)

But what are the Ides of March?

In the ancient Roman calendar the Ides was one of three markers used each month, which related to the position of the moon. Ides comes from the Latin verb ‘to divide’ The Ides in March fell on the 15th and marked the full moon.

It happens that Julius Caesar was murdered on March 15th, 44BC. He was stabbed to death by a group of Senators shortly after being declared ‘Dictator Perpetuus’, which means, ‘dictator for life.’ His death lead to the Liberators’ civil war and the new Principate period of the Roman Empire.

So, the Ides of March is actually the anniversary of Julius Caesar’s murder and Shakespeare played on this with his oft-quoted soothsayer. People adopted the expression and it is still used as a warning that something bad could befall a T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf 07/06/2015 13:34:43 person on this date.

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59

Pets

Rehoming Appeal Lulu

Lulu is a year old and a very gentle, medium sized crossbreed girl. She will make a great addition to any family with older children/teenagers. She will need puppy classes and lead training and a secure garden to run around in.

She will also need someone who is around most of the day to help her settle into her new home.

If you can offer this lovely girl a home, please contact Julie on 01763 289827.

Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@ gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team.

View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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J.R. Bibby Turf Supplies Quality Turf with a Quality Service

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61

QU

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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

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Pets

Animal Stories Back in October 2017 we had two beautiful British Shorthairs signed over into our care. It was a heartbreaking story in which their owner had made the decision to give them up due to being seriously ill. Twyler and Sirius had been with their owner since they were born, so at four years old they were very wary of arriving in our cattery. Although they were both very friendly, they were quiet and unsure. We were keen to find them the perfect loving home to move into so they could get back to living a cosy family life.

Two weeks later we found them their perfect new family home and they took no time in getting settled in! They had already made good use of their new owners’ king-size bed, preferring that to their cat bed; and Sirius also made sure he had done a complete scout of their new home, leaving not one single cupboard he hadn’t investigated. A cat tree was put up for them by the patio windows and it was obvious they were keen to start going outside, as Twyler in particular, spent most of her hours watching the birds.

Over a year later and we received a lovely update from their new owners to let us know how they are.

It appears Christmas was a particular favourite of both Twyler and Sirius as they spent most of their days over the festive period seeing who could fit into the smallest Amazon delivery box! They have

discovered Sirius has somewhat of a sweet tooth and have learnt to keep Jammie Dodgers out of his reach, whereas Twyler is more interested in stealing their socks!

It is so lovely when such an upsetting story like where these two cats have come from turns around into a happily ever after and it is clear Twyler and Sirius have found their perfect match.

Some of the cats in our care, a little like this pair, find it hard to get used to life in a cattery whilst we are finding them their new home. It may be because they are used to home comforts, or sometimes they just need much more human interaction. If this is the case it is ideal to move these cats into Foster Care where they can wait for their new owner in a cosy, comfortable home with plenty of company. At the moment we are very short of Foster Carers for cats and kittens, and as it will soon be kitten season, we’ll soon be in urgent need! Fosterers are vital to the rehabilitation of the animals that come into our care and it is so rewarding being a part of giving those animals their second chance.

More information about becoming a Foster Carer for cats or kittens can be provided by emailing us at volunteer@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk or calling our office on 01234 266965. Potential Fosterers will need experience with pet animals and have access to a car.

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IT’S OFFICIAL - WE’RE MOVING! You can now find us at our beautiful new salon at

Unit 1 Trumpetons Farm Thorncote Green SG19 1PU Next to Franklins Farm shop We look forward to seeing you there!

01767 600212 | www.hollywooddogs.co.uk 64

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Ask Alan

Pets

Pets in the Springtime

It’s that time of year when it is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and we are all getting out more after what felt like a long winter.

Although we all feel better round his time of year, there are some things we need to consider to keep our pets safe.

Spring bulbs (daffodils, hyacinths) are beautiful but are poisonous to our pets. The most poisonous part is the bulb but eating any part of the plant can cause problems. Mostly it is severe vomiting and gastrointestinal upset but they can make you dog very poorly.

Viral Haemorrhagic disease can cause sudden death in your rabbit – make sure they are vaccinated for VHD1, VHD2 and Myxomatosis.

As the weather warms up, ticks become more prevalent, make sure you are using effective tick and flea control.

Ticks cause local irritation where they bite and stay attached and can spread tick-bourn diseases like Lymes disease and Babesiosis.

Easter time means chocolate and raisins, both of which are poisonous to pets. Take care that they do not share with you while you are enjoying Easter treats and Hot Cross Buns.

This is such a lovely time of year, and can be enjoyed by all with just a few precautions.

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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Motoring

By James Baggott

Is a diesel car right for me?

Despite recent bad publicity, diesels still fit the bill for some drivers – and we explain why.

Since September 2015, when news broke that Volkswagen had covered up illegally high emissions of nitrogen oxides from its diesel vehicles, diesel has come under a lot of pressure, with calls for it to be heavily taxed or even banned altogether.

Many say that diesel was mis-sold to buyers, promising low emissions and high fuel economy when in reality it was totally unsuitable for the journeys they do – but for some it’s still a good choice…

What’s your mileage?

Diesel cars make sense for drivers doing over 20,000 miles a year, who benefit from the increased fuel economy a diesel engine provides – and will save money over time.

Diesel fuel contains more energy than petrol, so despite being slightly more expensive it offers better fuel economy. However, in most cases, diesel variants of cars cost more to buy than their petrol equivalents, hence this price gap dictates the break-even mileage.

For example, the Volkswagen Golf 1.6-litre diesel costs around £1,600 more than the equivalent petrol car, giving a break-even mileage

of 75,000 based on official fuel economy figures. For an average driver, that’s over six years, but someone doing 30,000 miles a year would break even in less than three years.

What type of journeys do you usually do?

Diesels are only efficient after heating up, which means they’ll be inefficient and polluting during the first 10 miles or so of any journey – not good if you regularly make short trips. In addition, modern pollution control systems need the engines to be running at a certain RPM to function. This is easily achievable on the motorway, but if your car starts a regeneration cycle while idling on the school run, you risk clogging up exhaust gas recirculation systems or diesel particulate filters.

How heavily loaded are you?

Diesels have more torque or pulling power than petrol engines and thus are ideal for heavily loaded vehicles such as people carriers, vans, or trucks, or for those who often tow heavy items like caravans or horse boxes.

A diesel is more pleasant to use when loaded to capacity, and won’t suffer as much strain as a petrol car would.

Which cars are you looking at?

Sometimes there really is no alternative to a diesel unless you choose a different car – for example, there’s currently not a single petrol-powered crew-cab pickup truck on the UK market. The same can be true of people carriers and some executive or family cars.

Diesel can also be the sensible option in the luxury end of the market, where the petrol offering is perhaps a powerful V8 with poor fuel economy. In these situations, consider the diesel if you intend to take regular long journeys and have it serviced to keep the emission control systems running properly.

Certainly, many diesel car drivers would be better off in a petrol model, or an equivalent hybrid or electric model. Yet the fuel has its uses, for high-mileage, heavily laden or penny-pinching buyers. As always, shop carefully and consider all the options before buying.

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EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Local & Reliable

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Quirky Britain

A social event that’s murder to attend We all love an excuse to get together with likeminded people, have a chat, a nice meal and maybe a few drinks.

Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? So what if we added another element to this cosy, social gathering?

Let’s say, a bloody murder? How about dividing the partygoers up into victims, suspects and detectives and spending the rest of the evening trying to fathom out the motives and methods that led to the terrible crimes the guests have witnessed?

Welcome to the world of Murder Mystery events, where, over the course of an evening, every budding Sherlock Holmes or Jane Marple has the opportunity to solve a grisly murder or two, following a trail of clues carefully laid down by the organisers.

Now everyone could play detective in the comfort of their own homes.

‘After Dark’ is the only murder mystery company in the world officially licensed by Agatha Christie Limited (who manage the literary and media rights for Agatha Christie’s works). Company Manager Tom Fisher says: “We perform around 150 murder mysteries a year, travelling up and down the country.” The company’s most popular format is the ‘criminal cabaret’, a dinner floorshow usually accompanied by a three-course meal. Tom explains: “Guests are invited to watch scenes of evidence in between courses and then, as dinner is served, they can question and interrogate the suspects to

discover who committed the deed!”

From ‘Carry On’ film themed scenarios to murder on board the Titanic, After Dark’s varied programme caters for public events and private functions, including birthdays, hen nights and corporate functions, and their work is typical of the many murder mystery companies – both large and small – that operate across the UK. Whodunnit? The inventor of the Murder Mystery In 1981 – almost one hundred years after Sherlock Holmes first appeared in print – Liverpool businesswoman Joy Swift had a brainwave.

Joy owned a small chain of hotels and was looking for an idea to entertain her guests in the evenings.

The rest, as they say, is history. Hiring local actors to play the main characters, Joy came up with an interactive entertainment that would allow her guests to act as sleuths in a murder mystery scenario.

Her plan was so successful that three years later she found herself travelling across the Atlantic to stage her first murder mystery weekend in New York. She has since helped to develop the genre on TV and in different parts of the world.

It’s easy to see why a social gathering that involves dressing up, drama, teamwork and a bit of fine dining might be popular. But back in 1981, when Joy Swift had her revolutionary idea to entertain bored hotel guests, she couldn’t possibly have imagined that her simple Murder Mystery game would go on to achieve such long lasting national and international success.

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By Kate McLelland

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Three Counties Radio

L‘ ighter’ Coq au Vin Serves 2 Coq au vin is a traditional autumnal dish, slow cooked to get all the flavour out of the meat. That said, it can be a little heavy. This simple version, created by Andrei Lussman (owner of the Lussmans restaurants in Hertfordshire), is a lighter take on the French classic. Andrei is a fascinating and charming character, almost an old-school restaurateur and raconteur from a bygone age. This dish would grace a midweek family supper or a dinner party alike.

Ingredients: 2 large free-range chicken legs 150g tomato wedges 400ml beef stock Handful of fresh basil 150ml white wine 80g red onion, sliced 6g fresh red chilli, chopped 25ml oil 10g garlic, peeled and chopped Salt and pepper to season

1. If you do not have an oven-proof dish which can also be used on the hob, do this first part of the recipe in a deep skillet or frying pan and then transfer to an oven-proof dish.

2. Pour the oil into your dish, put it on a medium heat on the hob and and pop your seasoned chicken legs in.

3. When these begin to become nice and golden, add the red onions.

4. Cook until the onions are caramelised, then add the basil, garlic and chilli.

5. Pour over your white wine, stir through and finish with the stock.

6. Cover the dish and place in a pre-heated oven (180°C/ Gas Mark 4) for between one and one and a half hours. The dish is ready when the meat falls off the bone.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve, preferably with some lovely crusty bread.

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

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73

n O s ’ t Wha In March

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 & 29 March ‘Open Door’ 10-11.30am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Tea/coffee, chat and browse various stalls on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Tel: 01767 261138 for further info 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 March Get Fit Keep Fit 9.30-10.30am Moggerhanger Village Hall £5. Join Tina or Josh as they take you through a light-hearted sequence with a warm-up, exercises designed to improve muscular fitness, brain coordination, balance and general well-being, then a cool-down. It’s not over-strenuous; it’s fun. Why not come and join us?Tel: 01767 640124 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 March Lego Club 3.45-5.00pm Potton Library Love Lego? Come along and get building! Every Friday afternoon.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 March Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy Meets every Friday.

Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com 2 March Coffee Morning 10-11.30am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Coffee, tea, bacon butties, homemade cakes, cards, Bric-a-Brac, books, jigsaws etc.. Coffee Mornings are held on the first Saturday of every month except January. Weekly “Open Door” (tea/coffee, chat and browse various stalls) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10-11.30am. Everyone welcome.

Tel: 01767 261138 for further info 2 March The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 2 March Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade New speaker to the group, Neil Timm talks about ‘World of Ferns’. Neil owns and runs The Fern Nursery, Binbrook, Lincs and is the author of HPS booklet on Ferns. Neil will bring plants to the talk. www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 March Lego & K’NEX Club 1.45-3.30pm Potton Library Love Lego and K’NEX? Come along and get building!

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2 March Performers & Pints 8.30pm for 9pm until 11.30pm The Rising Sun, 11 Everton Road, Potton A great community night out of fresh live music for all. Three singer songwriter music acts: Hazeyjane, El Jay Rose and Elizabeth & Jameson.

Web: www.facebook.com/performerspints 4, 11, 18 & 25 March 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. 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. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 5 March Hatley Coffee Morning 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall Come along for a chat, coffee/tea and a slice of cake. Donations on the day. First Tuesday of the every month.

5 March Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton Visitors £5 inc. light refreshments Cheese & Wine evening with a Bring & Buy sale, with the proceeds going to Megan Zammit, granddaughter of a member towards her trip to Malaysia. A representative from Potton’s New Voices Choir will also give a brief insight into the choir.

Visitors welcome. Tel: Sarah Burgoine 01767 631415 Email: sarahjburgoine@gmail.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 March Phoenix Chorus 7.45-10.15pm Potton Lower School Phoenix A Capella Chorus meets every Tuesday.

Visitors always welcome. Tel: Sarah 07842 101799 Email: pro@phoenixladies.co.uk Web: https://phoenixladies.co.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 March Biggleswade Ivel Badminton Club 8-10.30pm Biggleswade Recreation Centre (Stratton Leisure Centre) £3 per night. Seeking competitive badminton players wishing to play in local leagues. Visitors welcome.

Email: IvelBC@hotmail.com Facebook: Facebook.com/IvelBC 6 March Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Princess Charlotte Room, Shuttleworth Visitors £5 inc. raffle ticket. AGM and showing of ‘Spitfire’. The Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk

6 March Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm The Kier Suite, Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay Visitors £3. Zsazsa Serer will talk about ‘Tropical Plants’. Visitors welcome. Refreshments provided.

6, 13, 20 & 27 March Mums and Dads Coffee Morning 9-10am Moggerhanger Church Bring your pre-school children with you. Toys available in the church. Tea/coffee, juice, biscuits £1 with fruit juice for your pre-school children.

6, 13, 20 & 27 March Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sandy Methodist Church Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds.

Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, sensory and role play. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 6, 13, 20 & 27 March Ivel Bereavement Support Centre 10am-12 noon The Community Rooms, Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade Has a loved one died? Are you struggling coming to terms with it? Perhaps we can help you at our drop in centre on Wednesdays. Tel: Linda 07704734225 7 March Sandy Astronomical Society 7pm Mama’s Coffee Shop, Sandy Monthly meeting. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ groups/SandyAstronomicalSociety 7, 14, 21 & 28 March Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sutton Village Hall Music and movement classes for 0-5 year olds.

Original moosic, lots of moovement, dancing, sensory and role play. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 7, 14, 21 & 28 March Amici Singers 7.30-9.45pm Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade Membership £15 per term (£45 per year) The Amici Singers are a non-auditioning female ensemble with a focus on fun! We do lots of tours, rehearse once a week and work hard/play hard. No auditions, just come along to a session to hear us, or if you want to join in then your first session is FREE! We only ask three things, that you love to sing, love to make friends (which is what Amici stands for) and like new opportunities. Anyone is welcome to come along and listen at any time.

Tel: Carole Lindsay-Douglas 01767 2603661

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n O s ’ t Wha In March

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

8 March Quiz Night 7pm for 7.30pm Sandy Secondary School £6 per person inc. ploughman’s supper. Teams min. 3 and max. 8 people. Fundraising Quiz Night organised by the Friends of Sandy Secondary School.

Please bring nibbles but there will be a licensed bar.

Email: friendsofsandysecondaryschool@hotmail.com Web: www.jumblebee.co.uk/fosssquiznightmar2019

11 March Sandy Flower Club 7.30pm Conservative Bowls Club pavilion (Rear of the Conservative Club, Bedford Rd.) Visitors £5. Demonstration by Jo Poulter ‘All Shapes and Sizes. The Flower Club meets second Monday in the month (excluding Aug. Dec. & Jan). New members and visitors welcome. Raffle and tea/ coffee. Call for more information or follow us on Facebook. Tel: Sue Alexander 01767 699729

8 March Spring Quiz Evening 7.30pm St. Swithun’s Church Rooms, Sandy £2.50 per person. Teams to consist of up to six persons. In aid of the Sandy Branch of The Leprosy Mission. Tel: Colin Osborne 01767 682032

12 March Sandy Historical Research Group 7.30pm Beeston Methodist Church Hall, The Baulk, off Lime Avenue Members free, Visitors £3.50. ‘Up with the Lark’, the story of Agricultural Labourers by Ian Waller. Ample parking next to the church.

8 & 22 March Craft and Chatter 7.30-10pm St Marys Church Hall, Potton £2.50 inc. refreshments. Bring your own project.

Cross stitch, sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery or something else. Meet like-minded people and make new friends, help each other out with tips and advice and chat at the same time.

Web: www.facebook.com/craftandchatter

12 March Sutton WI 7.30pm Sutton Village Hall The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. Please feel free to come and join us!

21 March Biggleswade Poetry Table 7.45-9pm The Courtyard Centre, 6 High Street, Biggleswade Grab a drink and join us to share poems.

Email: leah@leahkstewart.com 23 March 2019 Biggleswade Gang Show 2pm & 6.30pm Stratton Upper School, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Adults £8, Children £4, Concessions £6, Family (2a + 2c) £20. The young people of Biggleswade Scouting and Guiding are putting on a show of songs, dances, sketches and comedy with the theme of space. A cast of 130 Cubs, Brownies, Beavers and Guides.

Admission by ticket only. Tickets available from Satchells Estate Agents, High Street, Biggleswade.

28 March Biggleswade and District Flower Arrangement Society 7.30pm The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade If you love flowers, we invite you to join us on the fourth Thursday of the month for “flowers and fellowship” where you will be able to relax with fellow enthusiasts and our guest demonstrators.

Tel: Moira Fuller (Chairman) 01767 316104

14 March Biggleswade Evening Women’s Institute 7.45pm The Weatherley Centre, 9 March Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade 28 March Biggleswade, Sandy & District NCT Sale A new group which meets on the second Thursday of Potton History Society 10.30am Stratton School, Biggleswade each month (except August). Guests welcome.

8-10pm Potton Community Centre, Brook End Proceeds from the sale go to the NCT charity and Members free, Visitors £3 inc. refreshments entirely fund the breast-feeding counsellor at the 15 March This month’s talk is called “Eynesbury’s Waterloo”; local children’s centre.

World Speech Day a talk about the heroic and tragic tales behind a 7pm The Weatherley Centre, bundle of photographs saved from a tip illustrating 9 March Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade family life for the Flint Family at Waterloo Farm in Mad March Hare Day 11am-4pm Admission by ticket only. Come along for speeches Eynesbury. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.org.uk Artisans Gallery, 44 High Street, Shefford on everything from mental health, to personal Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ Come and meet the artists with music, tea and cakes development, to social action and environmental pottonhistorysociety and home crafted Mayfly Cider. It will be wear a sustainability. Web: https://leahkstewart.com/start/ silly hat day!! ‘Artisans in the Yard’ has evolved from 29 March Adrian Goulding’s ‘Projects in Wood’ workshop into 16 March Sandy Historical Society a unique gallery inviting visiting artists to show Four Seasons Market 7.30pm Stonecroft Hall, St Swithun’s Way, Sandy and sell their work. It is situated at the rear of the 9am-1pm Potton Market Square Admission £2.50 inc. refreshments, members & Shefford Building Supplies - Artisans Gallery is open A fantastic opportunity to meet some local producers students free. ‘Many a Sundry Flower’ by Michael on Fridays and Saturdays from 1am-4pm - just drop and sample and buy their products including cheese, Brown, Garden Historian and Horticulturist. in and have a browse; it’s a cracking place to buy a artisan bread, vegetables, ale, free range meats, Tel: 01767 680171 special gift or for something to enhance your home. local crafts, sweets and chocolate, plus much more.

Items in wood, pewter, resin, paintings, traditional The market has a great atmosphere for all to enjoy 29 & 30 March ironware and ceramics.. whilst you visit the town’s shops on Market Square. Gamlingay Players ‘A Sting in the Tale’ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArtisansInTheYard 7.45pmThe Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay 17 March Tickets £9, Concessions £7.50 9 March Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair A murder mystery by Brian Clemens and Dennis Ivelflix Community Cinema: Wonder 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Spooner. Tickets available from the Eco Hub or Doors open 2.30pm, Film starts 3pm Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade online.Web: www.gamlingayplayers.co.uk Canada Block, Biggleswade Academy, Mead End Entrance £2, Under 16s free if accompanied by an Admission £4 on the door adult. This fair offers a diverse range of antiques and 30 March A friendly community activity that is run ‘not for collectables so whether you are a professional dealer, Spring Coffee Morning profit’. All welcome. Plenty of easy, free parking on an avid collector or just looking for something 10am-12noon site and disabled access. special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Café Everton Village Hall Tel: Alan 01767 310163 for more info serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Homemade cakes and jams; produce and plants; Web: www.ivelflix.org.uk Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 raffle and books. Come and enjoy refreshment of all Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk kinds supporting St Marys Parish Church of Everton

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Electrician

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Local News

Mid Beds & Ivel Valley - Respite at Home Respite at Home Volunteers are a group of amazing caring people who give up their free time to help people in their own homes who are affected by life limiting illnesses. Caring for someone you love at home can be tiring and isolating. The volunteers can relieve the family/carer, giving them time to see their friends, go shopping or simply relax. The volunteers offer friendship and support to the families in this situation. The volunteer may take the patient out for a cup of tea at a local garden centre, play a board game, have a chat or just sit with them while they sleep. On a weekly basis our volunteer’s visit the family give practical help where it’s needed and become a supporting friend during the illness – and often far beyond.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! This year Respite at Home Volunteers West Mid Beds and Ivel Valley is 20 years old, hip hip hooray!!

Our Superhero volunteers will be out and about this year at a variety of events across Bedfordshire, so why not come along and say Happy Birthday to us, there will be fun and games!

1-12 May 2019 - Stotfold Steam Fayre

8 June 2019 - Flitwick Carnival

5 July 2019 - Ampthill Gala Day and many more!

We are also looking for more volunteers to help support families with life limiting illnesses in Bedfordshire. So if you have a couple of hours to spare each week and enjoy spending time chatting and listening? Then this is an opportunity for you! So why not join our lively team and help us celebrate 20 years of working in the local c You can follow us this year on our Facebook page and see how our challenge 20-20-20, 20 years, 20 events, 20K is going! www.facebook.com/respiteathomevolunteers Tel: 01234 743063, email: respiteathomevolunteers@aol.co.uk

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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

All jobs undertaken

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

Free Estimates

Tel: 01767 680532 Mob: 0774 600 8188

cjpainting@hotmail.co.uk 15 Years Experience

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

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N O T YO U R AV E R A G E H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T C O M PA N Y

WINDOWS & DOORS • • • • • • • •

‘A’ RATED HIGH SECURITY SECURED BY DESIGN FENSA REGISTERED WINDOW 10 YEAR GUARANTEE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION EXTENSIVE CHOICE OF DESIGN AVAILABLE IN ALL COLOURS AND WOOD GRAIN EFFECTS

0800 046 1080 UP TO 40% OFF IN MARCH hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk 82

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MELTON

PLUMBING

AND

HEATING

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

FREE QUOTES ALL WORK GUARANTEED FULLY INSURED

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

Tel: 07502 253276 Web: www.meltonheating.co.uk Email: info.meltonheating@gmail.com meltonplumbingandheating

DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

Conservatories • Doors • Windows Staircases Handmade Kitchens Handmade Bedroom Furniture

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

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February’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr P Newman from Hitchin Warden Abbey Vineyard Competition Winner Mr Edward Yorke from Sandy Easy

Hard

N O T YO U R AV E R A G E H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T C O M PA N Y

WALL COATING

ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN BREATHABLE COATINGS WEATHER PROOF SMOOTH OR TEXTURED SELF CLEANING PROTECTS YOUR WALLS CLEAN & TIDY INSTALLATION SUITABLE FOR MASONRY OR RENDER • COLOUR MATCH AVAILABLE • 10 YEAR GUARANTEE • • • • • • • •

Before After

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

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

£25

Across 7. Sea between Europe and Africa (13) 8. Created, designed (8) 9. Perfectly fair or flat (4) 10. Normally, typically (7) 12. Unwanted plants (5) 14. Holding device (5) 16. Copenhagen’s country (7) 19. Astonish (4) 20. Tropical fruits (8) 22. Celebrated, toasted (13)

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

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

Down 1. Green leafy plant (4) 2. Picture house (6) 3. Fabric (7) 4. Wedded woman (5) 5. Dust might cause this! (6) 6. Chart of dates (8) 11. Answer (8) 13. Tomato sauce (7) 15. Organize, oversee (6) 17. First working day (6) 18. Waste material (5) 21. Foot digits (4)

Name: Tel:



Address:

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

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

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

87

COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS STOVE/GAS FIRE INSTALLATION • Wood Burning/Multi Fuel Stove & Gas Fire Installation • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Free Survey & Quotation

EPS

CHIMNEY SWEEPING • Brush & Vacuum Sweep • Smoke Test

£

• Clean & Tidy • Insurance Certificate • Bird Guards Fitted

From

40.00

£ T:

01767 627591 - Northill, Beds

E: countrystovesandsweeps@gmail.com

www.countrystovesandsweeps.co.uk

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®

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

01767 680791 wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk/bedford

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Book Review

By Kate Duggan

Accountants

Books to share. Whether you give them as a gift or only pass them on once you’ve turned the last page, these books were made for sharing with friends and family.

Becoming

By Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s autobiography became an instant hit when it was published late last year, and it’s easy to see why. Her trademark warmth, humility and intelligence shine from every page.

The memoir takes us from Michelle’s early childhood to her time as First Lady, and beyond.

Entertaining, thought-provoking and inspiring to boot.

When All is Said

by Anne Griffin

Widower Maurice sits at a bar in Ireland, raising toasts to the most important people in his life, from the brother who died so many years ago to his late wife. His joys, tragedies and regrets are laid bare.

A warm, powerful tale that’s hugely enjoyable to read. You’ll miss Maurice’s humour, straight-talking and honesty when you reach the end.

Bi Folding Doors

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

Supplied and installed within 3 weeks from qualified installers.

We will beat any like for like quote.

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

Mark Dilley Electrical Part P Registered Company 22386

Humans of London

by Cathy Teesdale

Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections Electric Vehicle Charging Points

Cathy Teesdale has taken thousands of photographs across Greater London over the years.

This book features more than 250 of her best shots with short quotes from the subjects. Beautiful pictures, interesting stories, a glimpse into other people’s lives – what more could you ask for from a coffee table book?

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

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

mark.dilley@btinternet.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Classifieds Carpentry

Garden Specialist

CARPENTRY & BUILDING REFURBISHMENTS, KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, DECORATING & FLOORING

01767 652102 / 07967 184163

Local, honest, professional service

dlewis.carpentry@gmail.com

Domestic Repairs

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

Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

Heating Services

Electricians

Garden Specialist

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

01767 699252 07901 985123 92

From just £35.00 per month plus VAT

Call Nigel on 01767 261122 for more information Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Classifieds Holiday Cottages

Pet Services

Locksmith Services

Pet Services

PET/HOUSE SITTER EXPERIENCED ANIMAL LOVER

I will look after your pets in your home or mine.

I have a secure garden and live close to the countryside.

FULLY INSURED Call Fay on 07883 844561

Painter & Decorator

Plastering Services

RICHBAW

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

Painting Services

Plumbing

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

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

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Classifieds Plumbing and Heating

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

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

Roofing

Property Improvements

GB

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

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

Tiling

Property Improvements A professional property maintenance service

Property Improvements by

Gary Hare

MARK CURRELL CERAMIC TILER

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

All tiling undertaken Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories Free Quotations • All Areas Covered

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Telephone: 01767 680081 / 07952 499002 Email: markcurrelltiling@masjcurrell.co.uk

Will Writers

Removals

MUSCLE & MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

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

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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:

Tel: 01767 261122

Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com

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