VILLAGER The
Issue 146 - October 2018
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
In this issue Win two tickets to
The Festive Gift Fair Seven Steps to the Perfect
Pumpkin Lantern Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People in
Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
ur Yo EE FRco1py
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Inside this issue...
The History of Specs
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The History of Specs............................................................................... 4 National Charity Invites Over 75s for a Cuppa......................................... 8 New Zealand........................................................................................ 10 Win Two Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair................................................. 12 The Day of the Dead............................................................................. 16 Wines: Gems of Switzerland................................................................. 18 Bullying - What if your child is the bully............................................... 22 A Centenary Poppy Festival of Remembrance...................................... 25 Yoga Mats - Which is the right mat for you?......................................... 27 Reading Charity Issues Volunteers Appeal............................................ 29 Beauty Bargains................................................................................... 30 Beginners Guide to Firework Photography........................................... 32 Parcels, Peculiarities and the Postal Service......................................... 35 Tips on how to wear neutrals with style............................................... 39 Saving Options for your children.......................................................... 42 Becoming a Foster Carer....................................................................... 45
P&R Interiors........................................................................................ 48 Lawn Love............................................................................................ 50 Rural Ramblings................................................................................... 53 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal.................................................................... 55 Training your dog to come back when called....................................... 57 Indoor Games for Wet Autumn Days.................................................... 59 Ask Alan - Potton Vets.......................................................................... 61 Children’s Page..................................................................................... 62 The most rugged cars you can buy....................................................... 64 Barmy about the British Bulldog.......................................................... 67 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe............................................................... 68 What’s On............................................................................................. 74 Stay Safe Online................................................................................... 77 Seven Steps to the Perfect Pumpkin Lantern........................................ 79 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................... 80 Canada - Adventure on Athabasca....................................................... 82 Prize Crossword.................................................................................... 86 Fun Quiz............................................................................................... 89 No Man’s Sky........................................................................................ 90 Book Review........................................................................................ 92
P&R Interiors
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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, Tracey Anderson, Trevor Langley, Louise Addison, Iris Saunders, Kate Duggan, Tom Hancock, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Rachael Leverton, Geoff Wharton, Potton Vets, James Baggott, Nick Coffer, Sarah Davey, and Solange Hando
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Sandra Cunningham Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
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History
The History of Specs Said to be man’s fifth most important invention, many of us see our spectacles as an indispensable dispensable. And with the array of modern designs available now, they are usually a fashion statement too. It’s a far cry from the 1930s when they were described as ‘medical appliances’. Wearing glasses has often been associated with stigma and it wasn’t really until the 1960s and 70s – when figures in the public eye such as John Lennon, Michael Cane and Elton John turned their glasses into a signature style – that they began to be seen as potentially desirable accessories. But where did the idea of wearing lenses over your eyes to help correct your sight even begin? Lenses have been around for a long time. The properties of optical lenses were known as far back as the ancient Greeks. The Vikings would grind
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lenses out of rock crystal, and in the 12th century in Europe, smooth-bottomed spherical magnifying lenses were called ‘reading stones’. It is generally accepted that the first actual spectacles were made in northern Italy in the late 13th century and that they were in accepted use by the 1350s, with Italy exporting large numbers of eye glasses to the Middle and Far East. The lenses were manufactured by highly skilled ‘cristalleri’ at the famous Venetian island’s Murano glassworks, to exacting criteria. One of the earliest (if not the earliest) artworks showing people wearing spectacles and using lenses is a series of frescoes by the Italian artist Tommaso da Modena, completed in 1352 at the Basilica san Nicolo in Treviso. They show Cardinal
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The Old White Horse • 1 High Street • Biggleswade • SG18 0JE Tel: 01767 314344 www.lolineinteriors.co.uk e: dave@lolineinteriors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Hugh, or Hugo, of Provence wearing a pair to read with, and Cardinal Nicholas of Rouen attempting to decipher a text using a monocular lens on a handle. It is no coincidence that the order from which these cardinals came, the Dominicans, were known as the ‘carriers of the sciences’. During this time, spectacles would not have had arms or earpieces but would have been made up of two magnifying lenses attached to a metal fame or holder that could be riveted to grip the nose (also known as pince nez or rivet spectacles). The spectacles would have acted like reading glasses, with convex lenses to correct long-sightedness only (hyperopia and age-related presbyopia). In 1604, the well-known scientist and astronomer Johannes Kepler explained how convex and concave lenses could correct both long and shortsightedness (myopia) and, in 1629, The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers was formed in England. Their slogan was ‘a blessing to the aged’. Although rigid rod side arms for spectacles were dreamt up as early as the beginning of the 1700s (possibly by the London optician Edward Scarlett), the innovation didn’t catch on initially, with people favouring the use of lorgnettes and scissor glasses until the late 18th century, even after optician James Ayscough improved on them by adding folding hinges. It is polymath and US founding father Benjamin Franklin who is often credited with having invented bifocals (the forerunner to today’s varifocals) to correct both short and longsightedness in the same pair of spectacles. They were invented at some point during the mid to late 1700s and this belief is based on a letter Franklin wrote to his friend George Whatley, where he states that he is ‘happy in the invention
of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes are useful to me as ever they were.’ Although Franklin does not actually say he invented them himself, his reputation as a scientist and inventor meant that many took it to mean he did. But another theory is that he bought them on a visit to England and the true inventor remains anonymous. The debate will probably never be completely settled. The first glasses for correcting astigmatism (where the eye is rugby ball shaped causing a blurred ‘double’ image) were invented in 1825 by a British astronomer named George Airy. By 1850, modern ‘temple’ glasses (with arms and a ‘temple’ that fits over the ears) were in use, and frame designs continued to evolve for comfort and practicality. In the early 19th century, under the direction of optical scientist Moritz von Rohr, the lens manufacturer Zeiss came to dominate the spectacle lens field with their spherical point-focus lens known as Punktal®, and for the first time the wearer could see clearly through the whole of the lens, not just the centre of it. Zeiss was also able to move away from the limitations of what had previously been the only lens available – the round optical lens – to create spectacles in more ergonomic shapes that better fitted the wearer. The 20th century saw a huge surge forward in spectacle technology with the introduction of polarisation, plastic frames, lightweight and photochromic lenses, specialist eyewear and, of course, contact lenses. The 1950s brought us the NHS and its now legendary NHS specs to the masses. Their iconic range of frames, typically either round wire ones or solid black plastic, is now seen as the ultimate retro chic.
By Catherine Rose
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Rooms from
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Local News
National Charity invites over 75s
for a cuppa, cake and good company Contact the Elderly, a leading national charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people, is inviting residents in and around Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton to join its monthly tea parties and enjoy a few hours of tea, chat and good company. The first group in the area is being set up has space for a number of new guests to join and the charity is keen to raise awareness of these openings among the local community. Contact the Elderly, with the support of thousands of volunteers all across the UK, organises monthly tea parties for small groups of older people, aged 75 and above, who live alone and would like some company on a Sunday afternoon. Each guest is collected from their home by a volunteer driver and taken to a
volunteer host’s home, where they meet with a small group for tea, chat and friendship. The group is welcomed by a different host each month, but the drivers remain the same which means that over the months and years, acquaintances turn into friends and loneliness is replaced by companionship. Contact the Elderly’s Development Officer, Jenny Bright, said: “For older people who live alone, Sundays can be particularly long and difficult. These tea parties give people a chance to get together with others, make new friends, eat delicious cakes and enjoy a cup of tea. The monthly events make a real difference to the lives of those in the group and we would encourage anyone interested in coming along, or those who know of people to whom it might appeal, to get in touch.” The charity is also looking for volunteers to drive one or two older guests to their monthly tea parties (and enjoy a cuppa themselves!) or host the group once or twice a year, as well as a volunteer to spend an hour or two a month coordinating the group.
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Please get in touch on the details below. Residents of Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton, aged 75 and above, who live alone and struggle to get out, or have limited support from family and friends, and are interested in joining the Contact the Elderly group can contact the charity on Freephone 0800 716543, or Jenny Bright, Development Officer on 07379 519486 or email jenny.bright @contactthe-elderly.org.uk
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Travel
New Zealand A land far, far away. Of course, it depends on where you start from to get there. England and Europe were often the starting points in the past, but of course explorers came from the China mainland and many of its surrounding islands before that. The Mauri are believed to have been the first settlers. There is almost a mythical aura about them. Thinking about the original voyages, some took months to complete and sailors experienced very rough seas. Many boats were shipwrecked and people were lost forever. Once there, the intrepid travellers had to work hard to survive and often never saw their homeland again. There remains a very strong English heritage within the islands: descendants from those original adventure-seekers. Today, there are many flights, but none currently fly direct; therefore, the traveller has to cope with at least two flights. New Zealand is made up of two large islands and many smaller islands. Auckland is the most-populated place of the North Island. It is very modern and busy with a long list of activities that are especially designed for the keen tourist. There are many interesting places to see outside Auckland, but I did not get a chance to visit them. The South Island again is very different. A massive earthquake recently devastated Christchurch, its biggest city, but the new construction has now minimised the damage. The modern bus depot, I found impressive and highly organized. Its buses run frequently and to time, and they are very pleasant to ride on. Again, there is always something to see and do. The surrounding towns, beaches, mountains, deserts and forests are
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something I would highly recommend. Everything depends on your budget, from costly hotels, caravan homes or cheap Youth Hostels, where endless help can be provided to satisfy your hunger for sights and adventure. I would like to mention places like Franz Josef Glacier, Wanaka, the TranzAlpine train, and Oamaru; all can be reached by an inexpensive and reliable InterCit bus service that I found both fun and informative, with endless running commentaries about the surrounding area. In general, I found the New Zealanders or Kiwis very helpful, friendly, kind and with a very innovative outlook as a nation. Remember that many things can be seen and experienced that will cost you nothing, even if it is advertised with knowledgeable guides, like for example penguins and glow-worms (a miniature constellation at ground level). Remember that you will need time, as in days so take as long as you can to enjoy the visit to the maximum. Trips can be arranged before arriving, but this is something that I did not find necessary. The weather! Yes, the weather. It is just as complicated as the English weather and even more variable. Also, the seasons are upside down – December is in the summer! Whatever you imagined New Zealand to be, you will be very pleasantly surprised. It is like a fairytale, shrouded in mist so go and experience this wonderful adventure.
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Christmas is just around the corner More to see, try, touch, taste, enjoy and buy at The Festive Gift Fair
15-18th November 2018 NEC, Birmingham
CHRISTMAS WILL SOON BE UPON US…. and the dynamic FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, now in its 23rd fabulous year, continues to be the BEST place to start your Christmas experience and is one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK (Birmingham NEC 15-18 November 2018) As well as finding GREAT GIFTS for your loved ones, treats for yourself and all your sparkling Christmas essentials, you’re sure to have a fun-packed day! The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, traditional gifts, festive food and great home decorations. With 325+ stalls all under one roof, the variety is huge, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes… and lots of Special Show Offers! There’s even a Present Creche to drop off your full bags. The festive atmosphere is always fantastic, and the great live music and Christmas entertainers are sure to get you into that Christmassy mood. So, take the strain out of Christmas, enjoy a day out at the Festive Gift Fair and get your festive preparations off to a cracking start! For more information and to book your advance tickets please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk
We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address by 16th October 2018 to: Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random. If you are not a lucky winner, adult tickets are priced from just £9.00. Book now by calling The Ticket Factory hotline on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk (£1.00 fulfilment fee for E-tickets and £2.50 for postal tickets - per transaction, not per ticket)
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Time of Year
The Day of the Dead Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. The two annual events differ in traditions and tone. While Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, the Day of the Dead festivities honour deceased family members. Revellers don amazing makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. It actually takes place over two days: November 1st and 2nd - All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people. These pre-Hispanic cultures considered death to be one part of life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit, and during Día de los Muertos they temporarily returned to Earth. Over the years these traditions blended with Christian traditions. At the centre of the celebration is an altar, or ‘ofrenda’, built in homes and cemeteries. These are designed to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. They are loaded with offerings: water to quench thirst after the long journey, food, family photos, and a candle for each dead relative. The altars are decorated with marigolds which are scattered in a pathway to the grave-site, to guide wandering souls back to their place of rest. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the whole area. In the 18th Century the term Calavera (which means ‘skull’) was used to describe short, humorous poems, often sarcastic tombstone epitaphs that poked fun at the living. In the early 20th century, Mexican political cartoonist and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada illustrated a calavera by drawing ‘Death’
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By Tracey Anderson
dressed in fancy French clothes. It was a social commentary about the way Mexican society copied so-called European sophistication. He captioned it, “Todos somos calaveras,” which translates as, “We are all skeletons.” He meant that underneath all our manmade finery, we are all the same. His stylised personification of Death was appropriated by the artist Diego Rivera in 1947, in his most famous piece of artwork - Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Almeda Park. He painted Death wearing a large feminine hat, and named her Catrina, slang for ‘the rich’. She was adopted as a symbol of the day of the Dead and today this elegant skull is seen everywhere during the festival, especially in the beautiful make-up and costumes worn by revellers. People of all ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and wear fancy suits and dresses. Foods eaten included pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, which is a typical sweet bread containing anise seeds, and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough. There are also sugar skulls, in the style of the Catrina Calavera. These are part of a sugar art tradition brought by 17th-century Italian missionaries. They can be incredibly beautiful and complex. To drink there is often pulque, a sweet fermented beverage made from agave sap, the same sap from which tequila is produced. Thanks to recognition by UNESCO and the global sharing of information, Día de los Muertos is more popular than ever—in Mexico, and increasingly abroad. It’s possible to find Day of the Dead celebrations in America and even in the UK. Last year there was festivals in London, Leeds, Bristol and Bournemouth. Look around your local area and see if anything is happening near you.
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Food and Drink
Wines:
Gems of Switzerland Switzerland’s residents and visitors experience and enjoy an excellent quality of life. The country has magnificent glaciers and southern Switzerland has Mediterranean climate conditions. Many grape varieties, including indigenous, regional and international types, are grown and there is viticultural history of over 2000 years. The wines, from Swiss producers, are now recognised, globally. Valais is the largest wine region of Switzerland. Multi award-winning Germanier wines have a history dating from 1896, when Urbain Germanier produced the first vintage at Balavaud. During the following years the wines have become renowned amongst the ‘premiers crus’ of the Valais. Jean-René Germanier has a team of specialists at each stage, in the productions of their exceptional wines. From the winegrower, through the winemaker and the cellar master, for example, plus other very talented personnel, they all work tirelessly to produce authentic wines, along with the logistics and administrations, etc. Quality is paramount and shows through with the numerous prestigious awards, received from regional, national and international competitions and events. White wine productions include Petite Arvine and Heida Clos de la Couta, Vex, which have impressive bouquets. The mouthfeels appreciate the fullness of these wines, with fresh and excellent finishes on the palate. Wonderful with fish and seafood dishes. Red wines include Pinot Noir Balavaud, Vétroz Grand Cru and Cayas, Syrah. Expressive noses prevail and mouthfeels have a good balance, with dark fruit flavours. Perfect to accompany red meats, game and cheeses. Cornalin is powerful, elegant and rich. Popular with many connoisseurs, a superb bouquet leads, enticingly, to the splendid mouthfeel and palate sensation, which is long, with an abundance of dark fruits. Red meats, game dishes and cheeses all benefit from pairings with this wine. For a dessert wine Mitis Amigne de Vétroz Réserve will not disappoint, with its full-bodied mouthfeel and palate. The Amigne varietal is indigenous to the Valais and the wine is aged for 18 months in new oak barrels, to create the character of this exceptional production. The winery embraces the benefits of the microclimate (warm and dry summers) and tours are arranged on request. UK stockists of Swiss wines include Hedonism and Alpine Wines. E-mail: info@jrgermanier.ch www.jrgermanier.ch www.swissfinewine.ch
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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I believe in keeping an open mind Open Morning Saturday 13th October, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust
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Parenting
By Louise Addison
Bullying
What if your child is the bully? My daughter’s teacher sounded embarrassed, “Tess is bullying another little girl,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it!” said Amy, “Tess wasn’t the bullying type!” Her teacher explained that the girl had complained of being ostracised. This was upsetting but fairly normal behaviour among eight-year-old girls. Then her property started to go missing and was found stuffed in toilets or left outside in the rain. Finally, the teacher caught Tess red-handed cutting holes in the other girl’s coat with scissors she’d smuggled in from home! Amy felt terrible. “I was horrified. This is not the way she was brought up. Worse, I hadn’t got a clue how to deal with it.” Amy told her husband, who was naturally furious with Tess, but they decided that simply going off at the deep-end might prove counter-productive. Fortunately, Amy’s sister Sarah is a childpsychologist, so she rang her for advice. Sarah was great. She told us that while it’s never pleasant to realise your child might be bullying others, it’s behaviour which needs to be confronted or it can escalate. What shocked Amy and her husband most was that Tess would not initially admit she’d done wrong. She was what Sarah called ‘a controlling bully’. She was bright, pretty, good at reading social situations, charming to adults and popular with her peers. ‘Victim bullies’, the other type tend to lack self-control and fly off the handle using aggressive behaviour. ‘Controlling bullies’ like Tess often see little downside to their behaviour because adults don’t see the evidence or find it hard to believe.
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“We realised this probably started around the time her brother was born. Tess suddenly lost most of our attention and was expected to be the perfect older sister, help out and put her needs on hold much of the time. We’d kind of forgotten she was still a little girl, who needed us.” Sarah’s solution was simple. “Admit, atone, apologise.” Tess needed to acknowledge what happened, to understand that her actions were hurtful and harmful, and to say sorry. “In the end we sat her down and apologised for our behaviour, demonstrating that we accepted we had not behaved as well as we could. Then we asked her gently what the other girl had done to offend her so much that destroying her belongings seemed appropriate.” At that point Tess broke down. She quite liked the other girl she said, but she was angry with her and sad because every Friday the other girl’s mum collected her, and they went for tea and cake at the local cafe and talked about their day. There were other things too; this girl had great outfits for school dress-up days and brought in cakes that she and her mum had baked and iced together. “On the surface these were superficial silly things,” says Amy, “But it became clear Tess wanted more time with me. She didn’t feel she could ask so all her feelings of anger towards me were being directed towards this other poor child.” In the end Tess made a card for the girl and apologised to her and her mother. “We replaced her coat and invited her for tea. Incredibly she accepted,” says Amy, “And they’ve become friends. I am much more aware now of how my own behaviour can affect the behaviour of my children.”
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I believe in the value of knowledge Open Morning Saturday 13th October, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust
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Local News
A Centenary Poppy Festival of Remembrance A stunning display of 10,000 poppies is set to adorn St Mary Virgin Church in Northill as part of Northill Parish’s celebrations to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. With echoes of the spectacle that saw thousands of ceramic poppies fill the Tower of London’s moat in 2014, the community of Northill and Ickwell has come together to knit and crochet over 8,000 poppies already. They will be mounted onto three triangular camouflage nets and hung from the church walls between 1st and 11th November 2018. The ambitious project has involved all ages in the community, aided by Knit and Natter sessions and tutoring. Non-knitters have donated red wool, black buttons and knitting needles. Tying in the poppies began in August. Inside the church there will be further displays by local groups, organisations and the lower schools. The centrepiece will be a historical exhibition showing village life on the home front before, during and after the Great War. Giving details of the brave men from the parish who left to fight, the exhibition will also share the memories of local families - from their early optimism to their realisation of the harsh realities of war – and will include a display on Horton
Preparatory School at Ickwell Bury. The church will be open to the public from 10am-3pm daily throughout the festival. Entrance is free with donations welcome. The displays form part of a wider programme of events in the church that include the screening of ‘Oh, What a Lovely War’ on Friday 9th November at 7.30pm (entry is free with a donation for refreshments) and a WW1-themed community concert of music, poetry and singing, to include a guest choir, on Saturday 9th November at 7pm. Entrance is £10 and includes a glass of wine and a light snack. Please contact 01767 627551 for tickets. A limited number of framed commemorative poppies with a certificate, priced at £20, will be on sale. Knitted poppies will also be available for a minimum £3 donation. All proceeds from the 2018 Northill Parish Festival of Remembrance will be shared between Northill Church and the Royal British Legion.
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Yoga Mats
Which is the right one for you?
Yoga is hugely popular now, with classes and YouTube tutorials dedicated to making our cores stronger and our bodies more flexible. Yoga doesn’t require a lot of equipment or space, which means it’s easy to practice between sessions on your own. But if you’re going to do this you will need a mat. There are all manner of different mats with prices ranging from £5-£100! Your choice should be based on the following: Thickness: Thickness equates to comfort, but thicker is not necessarily better. While thicker mats are more comfortable to kneel on they can make it harder to balance and your tree pose may topple. A standard mat is 3-4mm thick. I find 5mm is a good compromise, that extra 1mm makes all the difference to comfort, yet allows me to feel the floor for good balance. Material: This dictates the texture, stickiness, ecofriendliness, and sponginess (how much it yields to body-pressure), and how it wears over time. Most standard yoga mats are made of PVC. However newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber (avoid these if you are allergic to latex), jute, and organic cotton. Sponginess can vary widely with different blends of materials, but in general, PVC has the most “give” of any yoga mat material, while jute and cotton have the least. Texture: The texture of your mat dictates how much traction it provides. Some people can’t tolerate certain textures so it’s as well to find one you like. I had a jute mat once which made me feel queasy
when my skin rubbed against it. I prefer smooth bumps. My partner on the other hand loves the rough stuff and happily adopted my cast-off mat as his own! Eco-friendliness: Practising yoga has connected me more to my body, the air I breath, the food I eat and the world in which I live. Many people who are drawn to yoga care about their environment so practicing on a yoga mat that will ultimately end up as landfill can feel wrong. Earth-friendly yoga mats are typically made from natural or recycled rubber. They may incorporate natural materials, such as jute or organic cotton. If eco-friendliness is important to you avoid PVC mats. Price: A basic 3-4mm plain solid-colour PVC yoga mat will be toward the low end of the price range. From there you may pay more for patterns, logos; extra thickness; antimicrobial treatments; and textures, especially raised tactile patterns. Ecofriendly yoga mats tend to be toward the higher end of the price range. Size and style: These are personal choices. If you’re tall you might need a longer mat. If you’re a larger build you might prefer a wider one. As for style, I rather like a complex geometric pattern in soft colours as it allows me to see at a glance whether my feet are aligned, and gives me something nice to focus on in longer holds. But you can choose your favourite colour, or one that matches your decor, or even your yoga outfit!
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Local News
Reading charity issues ‘Back to School’ volunteer appeal across Bedfordshire
As the new academic year gets well underway, national reading charity Beanstalk is stepping up its search for volunteers across Bedfordshire to help reach more children than ever before with its potentially lifechanging reading support programmes. Beanstalk helps transform children’s life chances by recruiting and supporting volunteers and placing them in schools and pre-schools. These volunteers work with children to enable them to have the skills to become ready to read and prevent them from falling further behind in their language and communication skills. In order to achieve this, Beanstalk needs members of the community who can volunteer a few hours a week to help local children become more confident readers through its range of programmes. These programmes include Beanstalk’s 321 programme which sees trained reading helpers supporting three primary school children each for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. Through this regular, consistent support the child’s approach to learning and enjoyment of reading is transformed. Volunteers are also needed for its Story Starters early years programme. Story Starters volunteers work one-to-one with children in a nursey or pre-school setting for two 20-minute sessions a week. All volunteers receive professional training and support to ensure that they are best able to support young children. If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading helper or a Story Starter volunteer in Bedfordshire, please visit the website at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call Beanstalk on 0845 450 0301.
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Health & Beauty
Beauty Bargains Everyone loves a bargain. Check out our top finds, from supermarket own-brands to discounted goodies…
Beauty Pie’s products are made by the same laboratories that supply lots of high-end brands, but they’re a whopping 85% cheaper. Bestsellers include the Wide Eyes Mascara (members’ price £3.92), Futurelipstick Luxe Shine (members’ price £3.50) and Plantastic Micropeeling Super Drops (members’ price £6.80). There is a £10 monthly membership fee, but you’ll easily save that with just one or two products. Why not club together with friends and split the fee and postage costs? See www.beautypie.com. Your kitchen cupboard could be a treasure trove of DIY beauty ingredients, such as olive oil, brown sugar and coconut oil. For softer skin, cut the foot out of an old pair of tights, pop a handful of porridge oats into it and tie a knot to secure them in place. Add the oat bundle to the bath as it’s running and enjoy a long, relaxing soak. Oats are a real multi-tasker – they cleanse, moisturise, exfoliate and soothe irritation. They can even help to treat eczema and other itchy skin conditions. And, as a bag of organic porridge oats costs less than £2 in Tesco, each oat bundle will cost you just a few pence. Have a walk down the beauty aisle when you’re doing the weekly shop. Take George at Asda’s Long Lasting Nail Polish in Rich List. It’s a delicious nude metallic and costs just £2 – see www.asda.com. Discount stores are handy for essentials such as shower gel and nail files, as well as budget makeup brands and fragrances. I found Dolce & Gabbana’s The One Essence in Home Bargains for £24.99 (RRP £68.50), www. homebargains.co.uk. High-street clothes stores
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often sell reasonably priced own-brand cosmetics. Sets tend to offer the best value (as long as you’re likely to use all the products). Next’s All In One Makeup Palette is a great buy. It’s available in two colourways – Natural and Glamour. For £12 you get a bronzer, highlighter, two blushers and three eyeshadows. They’re housed in an expensivelooking gold compact, complete with mirror. See www.next.co.uk. There’s often very little difference between baby wipes and makeup wipes, aside from the cost. Look for natural, biodegradable, unperfumed baby wipes, such as Earth Friendly Baby Gentle Aloe Vera Wipes. You get 72 wipes for £3.20, compared to 50 Clinique Take the Day Off Wipes for £13.40. Luxury aspirations but budget bank balance? Try TK Maxx. You never know what brands are going to be in stock, but when I browsed I found a fair few bargains. Particular highlights were an Aromatherapy Associates Moisturiser for £16.99 (RRP £50), a Bellapierre Extreme Concealing Kit for £14.99 (RRP £65) and a L’Oreal Lumino Contrast Mask for £16.99 (RRP £54). Other brands on sale included Crabtree & Evelyn, Rodial, Guerlain and Miller Harris. If you get a kick from saving big, try searching the beauty category on the www. tkmaxx.com website and sort by ‘RRP saving’.
By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
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Photography
By Tom Hancock
Beginner’s Guide to Firework Photography I’m a keen amateur photographer but I always failed at firework photography until last year when I decided to get serious. I’ve put together this short guide. Kit: camera, torch, tripod, charged battery (and spare), decent memory card, remote shutter release. Location: Get to any display early, before the crowds to choose the right spot. You want somewhere which avoids obstacles such as buildings or trees, street lights, car lights, and bright signs. Wind: Stand upwind of the fireworks (wind blowing away from you). If you’re downwind smoke will probably block most of your shots! Settings: I’ve finally mastered this! If you have a camera you can set to manual: Turn the flash off; Turn noise reduction on; Set ISO 100; Set Aperture to F11; Focus for landscape (slightly less than infinity - some cameras have a landscape setting); shutter speed - you need to experiment to find your preference - try everything from 1-15 seconds (NB. this is why you need the tripod and shutter-release cable, to avoid blurry photos) If you only have an automatic (point-and-shoot) camera: Look for a firework setting. If you don’t have one, try the landscape setting and experiment. I found clicking as soon as I heard the ‘whoosh’ of the firework being launched meant I caught the firework more often than not. Experiment: Try different settings, different shutter speeds and focal lengths. Use the torch to check and adjust settings. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to share your photos!
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EMERGENCY DENTURE REPAIRS 1 HOUR SERVICE 01767 651439 07973 141862
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Special
Parcels, Peculiarities and the Postal Service
Photo: Royal Mail Coach at The Science Museum. Credit Martinvl, Wikimedia Commons.
It’s World Post Day on 9th October, but how was our own postal service created? Non-Humble Beginnings A royal dispatch system existed even in Edward IV’s reign, but it was Henry VIII who created the Master of the Posts role and Brian Tuke who truly founded the service. Tuke, who became a knight and Master of the Posts in 1516, used his experience of continental postal services and his influence to create a formal postal network. In each key town he nominated, three horses were used to transport mail. Their stable was called a post, hence our mail system’s nickname. But this service was truly Royal Mail, solely for the King and court. Common folk had to wait for Charles I to open up the King’s Posts to everyone in 1635. Cromwell’s more formal Office of Postage covered the whole Commonwealth, but once the monarchy was restored this was replaced by the General Post Office, a genuinely public service. By this time, senders rather than recipients were paying the postage, and by 1661 letters were also being date-stamped – to mitigate complaints about delays. Royal Mail was privatised in 2011 and the UK government sold its remaining shares in 2015, ending 499 years of public ownership.
Privacy and Peculiarity Long before the internet, retaining privacy in communication while ensuring security was problematic. Oliver Cromwell’s Principal Secretary of State, John Thurloe, regularly intercepted mail for intelligence purposes, but if he hadn’t, Sexby’s plot to assassinate Cromwell may never have been discovered. As for scam emails, they’re merely descendants of scam letters. In the 1870s, many US citizens received letters from someone claiming they had been given their name by a friend and offering $1,500 of ‘the best and safest’ counterfeit money for $75 of genuine cash (or a bargain $30,000 for $400). On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, whom you might have expected to value his privacy given the times he lived in, is rumoured to have thrown his stamped letters into the street, relying on the good nature of passers-by to pick them up and post them. Far more peculiar were the antics of Willie Reginald Bray, who was inspired to test the limits of the postal service by its own 1898 guide. Among other things, it promised to send creatures through the post, including a live bee, ‘if confined in a suitable receptacle’. Bray took a dog to the post office, which was ‘posted’ via a walk with an obliging postman, and even posted himself once. It’s also believed that in December 1899, he became the first person to send a postcard to Santa Claus Esq. Finally, while Lewis Carroll is now viewed as something of a dubious character by many, some of the advice in his letter-writing guide is still relevant today. He advised always placing a cheque or document in the envelope before you finish writing the letter, lest you forget to put it in. Wise words indeed. Further reading To the Letter, Simon Garfield, Canongate Letter of Note and More Letters of Note, Shaun Usher, Canongate Unbound
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Create the perfect smile
To find out more about the Cosmetic Dentistry options we offer contact us today. Letchworth
01462 679 888
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Email: info@letchworthdentalsurgery.com
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01462 742 353
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Email: info@ashwelldental.com
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Local News
Fight Fatigue & Pain – Free Event People who are experiencing exhaustion and chronic pain are invited to a free drop-in event on Saturday 27th October. Between 12pm and 2pm anyone is welcome to find out more about Fighting Fatigue & Pain, a project run by Letchworth charity Herts MS Therapy Centre. Extreme fatigue and chronic pain can result from many conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME – and many others. The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth helps anyone with a long term condition, not just Multiple Sclerosis. It offers Physiotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, APS Pain Reduction Therapy and specialist exercise sessions to help people improve their quality of life. Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover faster after injury, surgery and cancer treatments. It’s also great for increasing energy. Some people find it reduces pain, especially people with Fibromyalgia and CFS. On 27th October, free test sessions are available. Rachel B says: “Without my Oxygen Treatment in Letchworth I would still be in agony from Fibromyalgia
and probably jobless and depressed. I can’t even begin to explain what a difference it has made for me.” Nicki H has MS. She adds: “Also, it’s great to meet other people who have an idea of what you’re going through. It’s nice to have a chat with other people at the Centre.” Mark Boscher, the Chief Executive of Herts MS Therapy Centre added: “If you, or someone you know, lives with long term pain or fatigue – from any condition - maybe we can help them to gain more energy and feel less pain. Please come on Saturday 27th October.” To book your free test session, call Claire on 01462 684214 or email openday@hmstc.net.
Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 27th October 2018, 12pm – 2pm Visit to find out about:
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
(may accelerate healing, boost energy, reduce pain)
• APS Pain Reduction Therapy • Specialist physio and group exercise sessions (tailored to people with medical conditions)
Free test sessions available – book your place now!
Fighting Fatigue & Pain
We’re at Herts MS Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, SG6 2JF. Just turn up! For more details call Claire on 01462 684 214.
www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk
Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre is Charity 299524 and Company 2215165 Registered Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF
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Welcome to the New You! Wouldn’t it be nice to turn back the years? Well, now you can.
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House of Colour
Tips on how to wear neutrals with style 1. When thinking about which neutrals suit us it all depends on our skin tone. Autumn colour palettes suit rich, warm earthy colours such as dark brown, tan, oyster, coffee, khaki, lizard grey, dark olive and marine navy, whilst Springs suit warm, clear colour choices like chocolate, beige, dove grey, bright navy, tan, honey and cream. Winters look gorgeous in deep, cool colours such as silver, greys, charcoal, indigo, black, mole and stone. Summers suit cool, subtle neutrals such as pink beige, mushroom, rose brown, dark blue grey, light blue grey, soft navy and burgundy. 2. When it comes to shopping for neutrals, quality is the most important factor to consider. The better the quality of neutral, the more chic you will look. 3. Neutral colours can provide you with a solid base on which to build your outfit so invest in quality neutral trousers, jackets and blouses. If you want to make a statement, wear one of your wow colours against a neutral background to really make that colour pop! Think raspberry on French navy if you are a summer for example. 4. Know what whites suit your skin tones. Generally, Springs suit creams, Autumns should choose oyster, Summers should opt for a soft white and Winters look gorgeous in pure white. 5. Many of us think that black should be worn because it is slimming, but the truth is black only suits people in the Winter palette and it will make everyone else appear tired with a dull looking complexion. Instead opt for a different dark neutral such as grey, brown or navy from your season’s palette which will make you look radiant. 6. Two neutrals are enough in one outfit, but try pairing darker neutrals that are often more authoritative with a lighter neutral, such as a dark olive jacket with a simple cream tee
7.
8.
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if you are an Autumn, or a pure white shirt with a charcoal skirt if you are a Winter. Enjoy experimenting a little. Red tends to go well with all neutrals, with primary red being the only colour that suits all skin types. Black, navy, grey and whites go particularly well with red for cool skins whilst brown, beige, camel and cream set off red for warm skins. An outfit made up of neutral colours will often look incredible with a pop of red lipstick as long as it is a red that suits your skin tone. Summer palettes glow in cherry and coral red, Autumns beguile in rust or brick reds, Winters captivate in scarlet and carmine, Springs look gorgeous in geranium and poppy red. Don’t be afraid to add statement jewellery to jazz up a more neutral outfit, making sure the scale of the jewellery suits your style. Alternatively layer neutrals on neutrals for a fresh look. Powder pink and mushroom are an irresistible combination for a Summer. Add a statement coat, handbag or shoes to an all neutral outfit. What could look better than someone with a Spring palette wearing a bright navy outfit with a pop of coral in their accessories? Metallics are also considered neutrals in fashion whether that is gold, silver, copper, bronze, gunmetal, rose gold or pewter but your metallic is dependent on your season. Make sure you wear the right metals for your skin tones ie Autumns and Springs should choose warm golds whilst Winters and Summers look good in cool silvers.
By Jennie Billings Style and Colour Consultant at House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk
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Do you love nature? Could you give some of your time to help us with our visitor operations at your local RSPB nature reserve? The RSPB is holding a volunteer recruitment day at The Lodge nature reserve at Sandy on Saturday 20 October between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. The RSPB is the largest conservation charity in Europe. We have over 13,000 fantastic volunteers across the country, and they come from all walks of life. Between them, they contribute over a million hours each year. We would like more volunteers to join us to work in our visitor centre and to help manage traffic and meet and greet in the car-park. If you are friendly, confident talking to the public and able to inspire our visitors about the work of the RSPB and supporting us as a charity, then we want to hear from you! We are looking for the following help with these volunteering roles; Visitor Information Centre Assistants; Working in our visitor centre, where you will give a warm welcome to our visitors and introduce them to the reserve. You will be able to enthuse people to support the RSPB as new members, and talk about the birds and
Local News
wildlife found here at The Lodge. For this role we are especially looking for help at weekends and people who can cover at busy periods, such as school holidays, but some weekday roles are also available. Car-park meet and greet and traffic management weekend roles. Garden guides. In 2019, we are planning to have guides in the garden, informing visitors of the work the head gardener and his team carry out. We also have weekend opportunities for flexible part time volunteering in our busy and friendly shop. Full training will be given and a uniform supplied for all of these roles. Pop in and meet us at the shop, near the reserve entrance, anytime between 11:30 and 1:00 and have a chat with us over a cuppa and biscuit to find out more. If you can’t make this date but are interested in volunteering for one of these roles at The Lodge, please contact Mark Brandon, Visitor Experience Manager, The Lodge nature reserve; mark.brandon@rspb.org.uk 01767 693253. RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens Potton Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL 01767 693333
Discover the true value of your home. For tips on how to present your home and improvements that may enhance its value, call your local property expert to book your free market appraisal.
Biggleswade: 01767 313256 49 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 0JH email: biggleswade@satchells.co.uk Lettings, commercial property, mortgages and conveyancing arranged.
www.satchells.com
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Finance
By Ann Haldon
Want to save for your children?
What are the options? Putting money aside for your children is a great way to offer them a little security as they get older. You do not need to save a huge amount – even a few pounds each week adds up to a nice little nest egg over time. You can teach younger children good money management skills by offering a little more pocket money as long as they save the extra amount. If they are old enough, get them involved in choosing a savings account and physically putting the money into it each month. Junior ISA There are two types of ISA for children – a Cash Junior ISA, and a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA. They are available if your child is under-18 and living in the UK. The money in a Junior ISA belongs to your child and is locked away until their 18th birthday, when the account upgrades to an adult ISA. Unlike other savings accounts aimed at children, you will not have access to the money once it has been deposited. • This tax year (2018/19) the savings limit is £4,260 for each account. • There is no tax to pay on the interest or investment returns in a Junior ISA. Friendly Society tax-exempt plan A child tax-exempt savings plan offers a guaranteed minimum tax-free lump sum at the
end of the term from a share-based investment fund. This type of account is designed for saving over a relatively long period of time – usually 10-25 years. • You can currently save £270 a year if you make ad hoc deposits, or £25 a month if it is on a regular basis. • Charges vary between Friendly Societies so it is worth shopping around. NS&I Premium Bonds Premium Bonds are an easy and very popular way to save money for a child. Instead of earning interest, each £1 bond you purchase has its own number that is entered into a prize draw each month and could win between £25 and £1 million. You need to buy a minimum of £100 in Premium Bonds, with the maximum amount that can be held being £50,000. • Prizes totalling more than £2million are paid out each month. Child pension You can set up a pension fund for your child and transfer it to them when they reach the age of 18. Starting a child pension offers a little stability when they become an adult, and gives them a valuable head start in their retirement savings. • The government tops up each contribution you make into a pension by 25% (up to a total of £2,880 in 2018/19), which considerably increases its overall value over time. • You can still contribute more than £2,880, but it will not attract the government’s top-up. However you decide to put money aside for your child, your attitude to risk may guide the decision as to whether to save or invest. You will also need to consider any fees and charges if you decide that investing is the preferable option. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/ childrens-savings-options www.gov.uk/junior-individual-savings-accounts www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/national-savings-andinvestment-products#toc-2
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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY
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Local & Reliable
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Parenting
Becoming a Foster Carer Tens of thousands of children enter the care system in the UK every year. If you think you could help, read on to find out more about fostering, including how to go about it and how much you could earn. Who can foster? Foster carers come from a range of backgrounds. You’ll need to: • Be at least 21. • Have the right to live in the UK permanently. • Have a spare bedroom. • Have enough time to look after a child. You don’t need to be in a relationship or own your own home, and you can have a job. You don’t need any qualifications, but previous experience with children is beneficial. What types of fostering are there? There are lots of different types of foster care. Some children only need a short-term placement. Others need a long-term home. You could even just offer emergency, overnight, weekend or respite care if you prefer. You could also choose to foster a young parent and their child. Both would live with you and you’d help the
parent to develop their skills until they were able to care for the child independently. What kind of children need fostering? Children from all backgrounds, and of all abilities and ages, find themselves in foster care. Many end up returning to their birth families or going on to be adopted. Some children have complex emotional or physical needs. Sometimes, foster carers specialise in a particular age group, whether it’s babies and toddlers, primary school children or teenagers. Some people focus on caring for disabled children or children seeking asylum. Your case worker will talk to you about what type of placement would be best for you. How much could I earn? The minimum weekly allowance per foster child starts from £127. Older children have greater allowances, as do children with special needs. So, for example, if you fostered a nine year old and a 15 year old, you’d receive at least £302 for each week you looked after them. That money would need to cover the child’s food, clothes, toys and other expenses.
Foster carers are sometimes paid a fee on top of the allowance. The amount you’ll receive will depend on the foster service you go through, and the needs of the child you foster. Many foster carers earn more than £500 a week for each child they foster. Foster carers get considerable tax relief on the money they earn from fostering. Foster payments also don’t usually have an effect on welfare benefits. What support would I get? You’d attend training programmes and be matched with your own social worker, who would be there to support you. Some services also have additional support available, such as a 24-hour helpline. How do I apply? You can foster through your local council, or through an independent fostering service. The application and assessment process usually takes around six to eight months. Where can I find out more? For more information about fostering, contact your local council or visit: www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk www.gov.uk/foster-carers
By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Local News
Making a Difference
Have you ever thought that you are not doing too badly compared to many other folks? Have you thought that you would like to give something back, to do something for people not as fortunate as you? Rotary Clubs are made up of men and women of all ages, backgrounds and differences, and there are 33,000 clubs all around the world. We raise money to help the needy, not always giving the money directly but by buying what is required and passing it on via the local Rotary club so that we know everything arrives where it is needed, and it is followed up. Clubs often work together on projects and help each other out for events. Recently, some of our members helped out at the Royston Rotary Kite Festival which raised money for the Sick Children’s Trust. Local clubs have helped in providing a garden for the injured children in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, an outside beautiful space where they can get out into the fresh air for a while. Our own club recently organized a Fun Day at the Ivel Valley School in Biggleswade, for children with special needs. Local clubs meet in Biggleswade, Sandy and the Biggleswade Ivel club which meets in the Green Man at Stanford near Biggleswade. We welcome anybody who would like to either join us as a member or get involved in any smaller way. Or maybe you have a local project that you would like us to help you with? We raise money by putting on all sorts of events, and we always find we enjoy ourselves along the way. For further information telephone Pam on 07817 014865
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With a spacious working showroom in the heart of Bedford, P & R Interiors is a local family-run firm that provides inspirational modern design and cost-effective solutions for both kitchens and bathrooms.
A stylish bathroom to suit your current needs….
With our ageing population, an increasing number of us are less mobile. P & R Interiors can design, supply and fit an up-to-the-minute bath or shower room which also discretely incorporates function and practicality for the less able. The best news is that many of these features are currently right on trend - from flush-to-floor shower trays and wet rooms, to walk-in showers with fixed glass screens – and built using the latest materials. Managing Director Paul Kynoch, who has decades of experience in the trade, explains: “We believe that simplicity and ease of use are key. Less mobile people may need a higher-level toilet or a lower access bath. Our basins and toilets can be hung at a custom height to suit every need. We have baths with a door, or showers with screens that open outwards to help prevent falls. “There are 54 working bays in our showroom that are constantly being updated. So, you can come in, see
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exactly what you are buying and experience firsthand how it works. We supply, and can fit, your entire bathroom.” P & R Interior’s own dedicated installation team can work on the supervised installation of your bathroom while adhering to local authority guidelines. Safety is paramount, and designs incorporate safety glass, thermostatically safe showers and non-slip floors. Such is the design quality of the bathrooms, that accessories for the less able such as a wall-mounted fold-down shower seat, work seamlessly with the installation to be barely noticeable. Fold-down grab bars beside the toilet and sturdy shower rails that double up as supports all help make daily bathing the hassle-free pleasure it should be. It’s worlds away from the disabled bathrooms found in hospitals and care homes. It is also now possible to install low level lighting under the bath that comes on automatically when you enter the bathroom at night. Hidden behind a two-way mirror that gives the illusion of flooring stretching beneath a ‘floating’ bath, the effect is as stunning as it is practical. This is the beauty of these safety and mobility features - they are so unobtrusively stylish, no one will notice you need that bit of extra help as they will simply be admiring your bathroom! Materials have moved on apace since the era of acrylic baths in ‘avocado’. Now there are high quality
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resins that produce super thin shower trays and beautiful ‘tapless’ baths. Towel rails can be colour matched to cabinets for as little as £100 extra. If you’re not a fan of wall tiles (although P & R Interiors carries a vast range), you can have waterproof panels instead. And if you have a smaller bathroom - as many of us do - then you will find P & R Interior’s wide but shallow depth basin units fit perfectly and provide spaciousness.
…and a kitchen to meet your future ones
Following customer demand, the fitted kitchen displays are now an integral part of the business meaning that when you visit P & R Interiors, you are only a step away from having your dream kitchen. Top quality German and English-style kitchens are available to suit every budget and the company offers a free 3D software design package that Paul describes as ‘photographic’. Specialising in high-tech German designed kitchens from Pronorm alongside more traditional-style English kitchens from JJO Plc, far from being out of most people’s pockets, P & R Interiors can often match trade prices and will always work to your budget. “It’s really unusual for us not be able to come up with
a solution for you” says Andrew Groom who has 20 years’ experience under his belt. Germany is the industry trendsetter in kitchen colours and design - and high street retailers eventually follow suit. Pronorm epitomises the elegance of a true ‘handleless’ kitchen. With its expansive, sleek cupboard fronts and modern electrically-operated doors - including ‘glass climbers’ that magically fold up like Venetian blinds - their kitchens are state-of-the-art. In years to come, we will all have convenient pull-down shelves and smart, hygienic ceramic or glass inserts on our cupboard fronts, but for now, Pronorm sets the bar. As with bathrooms, kitchen materials are better and more durable than ever. You can have traditional granite in a gloss or leathered finish, quartz or Corian worktops, and now there are other finishes to choose from including Hi-Macs, and Staron. One of the latest worktop materials is Dekton. Described as ‘bomb proof’, it doesn’t stain or mark, is 100% hygienic, and heat resistant. It has been described as the ‘most scratch resistant surface on the market’. Finish off your design with mood enhancing, colourchanging lights and you really will have a kitchen of the future. P & R Bathrooms provides design and full installation or supply only. There is a five-year guarantee on all AEG Premier Partner exclusive products and a 10year guarantee on all kitchens. Both trade and retail are welcome.
P & R Interiors, 9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00 pm Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm Tel: 0845 434 8401 Email: sales@pandrbathrooms.co.uk www.pandrinteriors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Garden View
Lawn Love
There are times I threaten to astro-turf my entire garden, but then I remember the smell of freshly mown grass and how lovely it is to walk through the dew with the dogs in the morning, and I relent. Of all garden tasks I find lawn-care the most tedious. I am not a lawn enthusiast, preferring plants. For me lawns are a necessary evil. I like sitting on them, walking on them, and they make my flowers look good, in much the way a frame enhances a picture. So, I feel I do have to give my lawn at least a little love and care. By October lawn growth has slowed so you can raise your mowing height by at least one setting until mid-spring next year. If like mine your lawn sprouts moss the moment it rains, raise the mowing height even more so that at least 1 to 2cm of grass shows above the moss after grasscutting. Damp grass builds up inside the mower so give the mower a good brush, scrape or hose down after every use. This necessary housekeeping prolongs the life of your mower. After the middle of October there is no point applying weed-killer, so if you haven’t been diligent in weed control the only option will be hand-pulling them. I am rarely diligent about weed-killing, so you are in good company here! Moss becomes more evident as the weather cools but you’re too late for raking by now. Probably best to embrace the lush greenness: moss lawns
By Rachael Leverton are all the rage in Japan anyway. On the other hand, if the weather is still warm and the ground is dry, apply moss killers, rake it out, reseed and water. You’ll thank me next year. October is the best time for aerating the lawn. I used a fork for years until I bought a hollow-tine aerator three years ago, and now I’m a convert. You can’t overdo it, insert them every few inches until you’re fed-up. It’s a great work-out. The hollow tines pull out little cores that look like fat worms. Leave them in place to recycle the nutrients. Aerating improves drainage and allows air, nutrients and rain to move down to the roots rather than sitting at the surface. Normally by now there has been enough rain to allow the tines to penetrate the soil making the job easier but who knows what the crazy UK weather will be doing when this article is published. It’s best to fertilise the lawn after aerating if possible. This month is quite a good month for fertilising the lawn if you haven’t already got around to it. Not only does fertilisation give you a fantastic lawn ready for the winter but also offers some protection from the ravages of winter temperatures and diseases. Make sure you collect fallen leaves weekly to discourage moss and disease. I know some gardeners like to discourage leatherjackets and worm-activity but frankly I like watching starlings poke around for leather-jackets, and I like worms, they are my little garden friends, so if the odd worm cast is the price I must pay for their help then I’m happy to put up with them.
Happy Gardening
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GARDEN DESIGNERS
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GILKS FENCING LTD
All Types of Fencing, Gates & Railings, SUPPLIED & INSTALLED
Call for a FREE Survey & Quotation Visit our Display Area at:
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Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX Tel:
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Gardening & Wildlife
Rural Ramblings The Flower of the Sun
It is said that Van Gogh was obsessed by them and painted them extensively. Maybe it was because they are almost larger than life in size, colour and wow factor. Fields of them, with their canary-yellow heads tracking the sun like mini solar panels are a sight to behold. Sunflowers are such an easy garden plant to grow and the rewards are great both for wildlife and decoration. Birds and bees love them either for the seeds or the pollen they produce. Of all the different bird seed available, sunflower seed must be one of the most attractive, probably because the energy level is so high due to the high oil content. Children seem to be particularly impressed by them especially when the tall varieties are grown. However, I prefer to grow the shorter flowering plants which have been specially bred for cut flowers. I like the multi-stemmed more orange coloured flowers which produce many flowers on strong 3040 cm stems which make a wonderful display either left in the garden or inside in the vase. If the flowers are left to set seed, the birds will be most thankful! Sunflowers are easy to grow and will tolerate drought and heat. They are annuals and are propagated from seed each year. I sow seed, under glass, in module trays at around the time I would sow runner beans, when the chance of frost has diminished. Germination takes about 1-2 weeks depending on the temperature. Growing on for about 3 weeks until they are around 5cm. tall and then toughen them up by placing them outside during the day when it is not too windy. Give them plenty of water.
I prefer to grow plants for transplanting rather than sowing the seed direct as I have better establishment they like a rich soil in a fairly sheltered but sunny place and will appreciate watering in until they establish themselves after a week or two. They can then be left to fend for themselves unless of course the rabbits spot them!! Spacing for the smaller growing varieties is about 40cm. I love the way they turn to follow the sun and just how easy they are to grow. They always seem to cheer you up and look so impressive. Give them a try for next year, you won’t be disappointed.
By Geoff Wharton
Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified. General and specialist garden work: Jungle clearing, Pruning, Hedge and grass cutting, Regular maintenance, Licensed waste disposal. Full public liability cover. Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science Email:geoffwharton@hotmail.com
Tel: 01767 261727
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BICKERDIKES
SURECLEAN DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS ROOF MOSS REMOVAL AND GUTTER CLEANING We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system to restore exterior hard surfaces to as new condition.
Block Paving, Pathways, Patios Garden Wall and Stone Ornaments Ponds and Pools Also Re-sanding and Sealing Local Company
01767 400127/07870 338074 www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk
Tim Brown 01767 627532 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com
BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS A Very Brown Hedge Indeed Aphids are one of the most common and troublesome of all garden insect pests. They attack a large number of garden plants throughout the country and are recently causing much disfigurement to ornamental conifer hedges. Commonly known as Greenfly and Blackfly, these aphids feed on hedges, sucking the sap of the plant and can spread several viruses, causing severe dieback. Cypress Aphid is currently troublesome and pre-dominantly affects conifer hedging. Damage inflicted on conifer hedges by the aphid Cinara cupressi is severe and can lead to large brown patches on the hedge. This leads to localised foliage death, reducing the aesthetic look of the hedge. As the aphid is active from May to October it is important to catch this problem early and apply treatments to stop its spread. At the first sign of brown patches call us for a free consultation and professional advice.
Tree & Shrub Pruning l Planting l Tree Removal l Stump Grinding l Hedge Cutting Health & Safety Reports l Disease & Insect Control
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Rehoming Appeal
Pets
Pepi
Pepi is a lovely ten year old male ginger cat who is friendly and loves a fuss. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he is sadly looking for a loving home. He has always lived in a semi-rural area, so we are looking for an edge of village location or a house with a large garden. He is used to living with other cats and a dog, but not children. He would make a lovely companion for a person alone or a pet for a small family with older children. If you would like to find out more about this lovely cat, please contact Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. View other small mammals, dogs and cats currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
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J.R. Bibby Turf Supplies GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE
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Our services extend across Beds, Herts and Cambs from RS Fencing 56
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Pets
Teaching your dog to come back when called Does your dog know how to come back when called? Most dogs love running around off the lead, but before you give your dog their ‘freedom’ it’s vital for their safety that you know they will come back when called. The more your dog learns that they will get lots of praise and a reward whenever they come back, the more they will make the connection that you are more fun to be with than anything else. Choose a word or sound as your recall cue that you use ONLY when you want your dog to return. It should be short and sharp, like ‘come’, or a whistle. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog and the level of distractions you call them away from. You want your dog to learn that coming back to you is much more rewarding than ignoring you! Keep it fun and use a reward they really enjoy; this could be a treat they like or a game with their favourite toy. For more ways to make life for you and your dog a walk in the park, visit Dogs Trust Dog School. This national network of experienced trainers provides fun, educational training courses for all dog owners. Based on up-to-date scientific research, our trainers use only reward-based training methods to help you enhance the bond between you and your dog. Small classes of six dogs and two trainers mean you get the one-on-one time you need to learn effectively and most importantly, have fun! Courses are five weeks long, with a free introductory session and are available in Yaxley, Buckden, Hinchingbrooke and Eaton Socon. Visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk for more details and take your first T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf 07/06/2015 13:34:43 friend now. step to making the most of your relationship your four-legged
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Puppy and Dog Training Classes various locations around Cambridgeshire www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk 07388 377371 cambridgeshiredogschool@dogstrust.org.uk @dogschoolcambridgeshire
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Pets
Indoor games
for wet autumn days
When the summer has gone and you’re not able to get out as much with your dog, it’s important to keep them active even if they’re in the house. Try these indoor games to stimulate mind and body, prevent boredom, and let your dog thrive through the wetter autumn months. Treasure Hunt It’s a good idea to play this game in a room that has carpet or other non-slip flooring so your dog doesn’t injure itself in the excitement. Hide some of their favourite treats in one or more areas of your home, and let them hunt for the ‘treasure’. If your dog is more tempted by toys, you could always replace the treats with their favourite ones. This is also a good game if you make people they know the ‘treasure’ – especially when children are involved as it keeps them entertained too.
Treat puzzles Stimulate your dog’s mind with chewable toys, puzzles, and activity balls in which you hide food treats. It will take some time to work out how to get to the treats, and the activity balls keep them physically active too. Ball games If you have a long hallway, you can roll the ball along and get them to bring it back. Throwing a ball up the stairs is also a great way to give them the exercise they need without setting foot outside. You’ll have a very tired friend on your hands before long, ready to play again the next rainy day. www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/indoor-games-dogs barkpost.com/life/12-rainy-day-entertainment-ideas-fordogs
By Ann Haldon
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Ask Alan
Pets
My dog is very naughty and I have heard about shock collars that can be used for training. Are they effective? It can be very frustrating when your dog does something naughty. They, however, do not think the same way we do. They want our attention and to please us, and they don’t do things just to annoy us. Their actions are motivated by instinct, frustration or boredom. They often look “guilty”, so we assume they know what they have done wrong. All they are doing, however, is reading our body language and anticipating the unpleasantness to come. They cannot link the punishment to their actions in the past. Using pain or fear as a punishment is cruel and inappropriate, using it for training is not effective and can leave your pet confused or cause anxiety disorders. Punitive, remote control, shock collars have been banned in the UK. If you have a challenging pet, it is much better to use positive training methods and get the help of a dog trainer or pet behaviorist to effectively change their behaviour. Using the correct techniques to influence our pets’ behaviour is the best way to foster a great relationship with our pets. 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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Children aged between 0 - 5 years
After School Care and Holiday Club for 5 - 12 year olds
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OFSTED rating - GOOD Qualified Nursery Practitioners A Sing & Sign nursery All staff paediatric first aid trained Freshly prepared meals by our in-house cook Kitchen hygiene rated '5' Fun French lessons for children Yoga for Babies and Toddlers Close to Sandy mainline station and the A1M A loving, home from home Follow us on Facebook
54 High St, Sandy Bedfordshire, SG19 1AJ
T: 01767 689688 E: bigexplorers@outlook.com W: www.miniexplorersdaynursery.co.uk
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Motoring
The most rugged cars you can buy We’ve rounded up nine of the most hard-wearing and brawny cars you can buy today, ideal for surviving a nuclear war – or the muddy car boot sale in Sandford, Gloucestershire. Jeep Wrangler
The latest Jeep Wrangler is more refined, luxurious and car-like than ever, but still retains the DNA of the original Willys Jeep – one of the most iconic off-roaders of all time. Solid axles ensure simplicity, allowing Wranglers to be modified for almost any purpose. For traversing sand dunes or mudplugging in a deep forest, the Wrangler is as tough as they come. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Originally known as the G-Wagen, this military-spec beast has morphed into the ideal transport for those who want to be seen. With glitzy chrome atop the blocky body, and optional AMG-tuned engines, it’s often seen in London’s most glamorous districts. However, it’s also one of the most serious off-roaders you can buy, thanks to a super-sophisticated 4WD system plus three locking differentials. When fitted with chunky tyres, the G-Class is near unstoppable.
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By James Baggott Ariel Nomad
Toyota Land Cruiser
The legendary Land Cruiser is the vehicle that pushed Land Rover out of Australia and showed the world that the Japanese could build offroaders that never broke down. Though the Land Cruiser isn’t as luxurious as a Range Rover, treat it properly and it’ll probably outlast you. There’s no compromise to be made off-road either. Isuzu D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks Isuzu’s D-Max pickup is already a pretty rugged vehicle, with a beefy diesel engine and four-wheel drive. The specialists at Arctic Trucks, however, have given it enormous tyres and widened arches, giving the car a more purposeful stance, while custom Fox suspension lets it deal with terrain that would trouble a mountain goat. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is typically used as a taxi in London rather than for blasting through sand dunes. But that’s where the ruggedness lies. Nobody expected the Prius to be as reliable as it is – but even daily abuse as Uber cabs can’t break them. Many of these cars have done over 500,000 miles and still have their original battery packs.
Most off-roaders are designed to traverse rough terrain at about 5mph. The Ariel Nomad is designed to do it at 50. With an engine and body from the Atom road car, the rear-wheel-drive Nomad bounces across the terrain rather than ploughing through it. It’s hardcore, open to the elements and great fun. Subaru Forester
Subaru has a reputation for producing reliable, rugged cars, and the Forester is no exception. Loved by farmers, Subaru owners tend to keep their cars for longer than any other. The brand’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is legendary for its simplicity and reliability, while boxer engines lower the centre of gravity and make for a reassuring drive. Toyota Hilux Our third Toyota is perhaps the most legendary – the Hilux, notably the ‘unkillable car’. On BBC’s Top Gear, a 1994 Hilux survived being left at sea, falling off a building, being crashed into a tree and crushed with a wrecking ball – and still started up afterwards. Today’s rather plusher Hilux still retains a well-earned reputation for serious reliability.
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Quirky Britain
Barmy about the
British Bulldog
With some puppies costing as much as £2,500, an English Bulldog Fan Club on Facebook with 154,000 followers and merchandise that includes t-shirts, fridge magnets, cushions and Christmas cards, it’s clear that we Brits are more than a little barmy about our bulldogs. So what’s the reason for this enduring love affair? Over the past two hundred years our perception of this popular breed has gradually changed, as its image has transformed from feisty fighting dog to everyone’s favourite family pet. Bulldog beginnings - Nowadays, as we laugh at funny Facebook posts of bulldogs in hats, or bulldogs splayed on couches, legs outstretched in an oddly human pose, it’s hard to grasp that the ancestors of this well-loved family pet were bred to excel in vicious blood sports. With its stocky, muscular body shape and vice-like jaw, the bulldog breed was deemed perfect for the violent sport of bull-baiting, in particular the practice of ‘pinning the bull’, where specially trained dogs were taught to bite and hold on to the captive animal’s snout. Bulldogs were selectively bred for this bloodthirsty pastime, which was finally banned by the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835. Throughout the 19th century the phrase ‘British bulldog spirit’ – as a watchword for unrelenting courage and bravery – became embedded in the public’s consciousness, and when the First World War broke out in the early 20th century, images of plucky bulldogs accompanied by slogans such as “They can’t muzzle me!” became a staple of wartime propaganda posters.
It was a strange co-incidence that the man at the forefront of British politics during the Second World War (as the country faced the very real possibility of a Nazi invasion) bore a striking resemblance to a bulldog, and a famous poster entitled ‘Holding the Line’ showed Winston Churchill’s head superimposed onto a bulldog’s body. Brexit bulldogs - During the final decades of the 20th century the bulldog breed fell out of fashion, but in 1994 a string of popular TV ads featuring Churchill (aka ‘Churchie’) – a nodding-head car mascot with a cheerful “Ooooh yes!”/”Oooh no!” catchphrase – helped the bulldog reclaim its place in the nation’s hearts. And it was, perhaps, inevitable that as soon as the referendum vote was cast back in June 2016, the British Bulldog would be summoned out of its kennel to do battle once more, with pundits from both sides using the image to support their arguments. The last word - According to a survey conducted in 2017 and 2018, one in four of us owns a dog, but despite the enduring popularity of the English Bulldog breed, it seems that it has only managed to reach number six in the nation’s poll of most popular dogs, while –Sacre Bleu! – the French Bulldog has recently been tipped to replace the Labrador as Britain’s best-loved canine pet. As our withdrawal from the EU draws ever closer, could we be preparing to swap our 250-year-old icon of British identity for something a little more … um … European in style? We can guess what Churchie would say: “Ooooh no!”
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Three Counties Radio
Chilli and Ginger
Baked Camembert (and three other variants) The main theme of my Weekend Kitchen programme is that food needn’t be complicated. Great flavours, fresh produce, cooked simply - that’s what it’s all about. And what could be simpler than bunging a camembert in the oven and eating it, hot and melting, with crusty French bread? This month’s recipe is actually four recipes in one - four original takes on the classic baked camembert. All created by a talented young chef, Jake Moxham, who co-owns the Oliver and Hare in Leighton Buzzard and the Axe and Compass in Heath And Reach. My personal favourite is the chilli and ginger, just because it is so surprising, but all of these are lovely. Ingredients (Serves 2) 250g Camembert 15g root Ginger 1 tsp chilli puree or sauce 1⁄2 fresh chilli
6. Place the camembert into a camembert baking dish (a round clay ramekin is perfect). 7. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and allow to cook for around 25-30 minutes, or until the camembert appears oozy. Leave to cool slightly and serve with lots of crusty bread.
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/ Gas Mark 4 2. Make 2 parallel cuts into the top of the camembert, approximately 4 centimetres long and 3 centimetres apart.
Variations:
3. Glaze the top of the camembert with chilli puree or chilli sauce.
Garlic and rosemary. As above with the rosemary one, but add two peeled garlic cloves into the slits as well.
4. Grate the ginger root evenly over the top of the camembert using a fine grater and allow any juice to drip onto the camembert. 5. Slice the fresh chilli into small pieces and spread evenly over the top of the camembert. For extra heat you can also insert pieces into the cuts already made.
Rosemary (the classic one). Simply insert two sprigs of rosemary into the slits and bake as above.
White wine and pear. Make the slits in the camembert. Glaze the top of the cheese generously with wine. Very thinly slice a 1/4 of a pear and place the slices on top of the cheese. Glaze with extra wine and bake as above.
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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Food & Drink
Chocolush Kalhua Espresso Martini
Vanillalicious Fudge Whip up this delicious, crumbly fudge using Shaken Udder milkshake. A perfect gift or treat! Prepare: 15 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Ingredients Butter, for greasing 300ml Shaken Udder Vanillalicious milkshake 350g caster sugar 100g unsalted butter
This chocolatey take on an espresso Martini is so delicious you’ll want more than one!
Method 1. Grease an 18cm square cake tin with butter. 2. Put the Shaken Udder milkshake, sugar and butter in a heavy-based saucepan. Heat slowly, stirring all the time, until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted. 3. Bring to the boil and boil for 15-20 minutes, stirring all the time. 4. When the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (115°C on a sugar thermometer), remove from the heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes. 5. Beat the mixture with a spoon for a few minutes until it starts to thicken and the gloss disappears. 6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared tin and leave it to set at room temperature.
Ingredients 100ml Shaken Udder Chocolush milkshake 25ml Kalhua coffee liqueur 25ml Vodka 25ml espresso shot Ice Single Cream Chocolate, for dusting Method 1. In a cocktail shaker add all the liquid ingredients along with some ice. 2. Shake well to mix. 3. Pour into a martini glass and swirl with single cream and a dusting of chocolate.
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Electrician
www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk
We can professionally clean... Carpets Upholstery Fascias Soffits Gutters Conservatories Patios Driveways 01767 222 822 07812 335 860 www.pkcleaningservicesltd.co.uk Find us on
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Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job? Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Electrical testing and certificates Qualified electrician Fully insured Reliable service Tidy work Free quote Satisfaction guaranteed
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n O s ’ t Wha In October
Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 2 October Hatley Coffee Morning 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall Come along for a chat, coffee/tea and a slice of cake. Everyone welcome. Donations on the day. All donations split between Hatley Village Hall and Hatley St George Church. First Tuesday of the every month. 2 October Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton Visitors £5 inc. light refreshments ‘My Life in Crime’ by Simon Michael. The Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Visitors always welcome. Tel: Sarah Burgoine 01767 631415 Email: sarahjburgoine@gmail.com 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October Phoenix Chorus 7.45-10.15pm Potton Lower School Have you loved the a capella singing shows on TV? Could you be pitch perfect with us? Phoenix A Capella Chorus meets every Tuesday. Visitors always welcome. Tel: Sarah 07842 101799 Email: pro@phoenixladies.co.uk Web: https://phoenixladies.co.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October 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
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3 October Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Princess Charlotte Room, Shuttleworth Visitors £7 inc. raffle ticket The Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Col. Rich Graham will give a talk about Flying the SR71. Enjoy lunch in the Shuttleworth restaurant before the meeting. Lots of free parking. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 3, 10, 17 & 31 October Mums and Dads Coffee Morning 9-10am Moggerhanger Church Bring your pre-school children with you. Toys available in the church. Tea/coffee, juice, biscuits £1 with fruit juice for your pre-school children. This can be a good time to meet friends, have impromptu meetings, plan your next commitments, etc.. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 October Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sandy Methodist Church Moosical fun for your little one! Music & movement classes for 0-5 year olds in Shefford, Sandy & Sutton. Come and join in the fun with your little moover. First session free. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 October Ivel Bereavement Support Centre 10am-12 noon The Community Rooms, Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade Has a loved one died? Are you struggling coming to terms with it? Perhaps we can help you at our drop in centre on Wednesdays. Tel: Carole or Jill 07704734225 for more information 4, 11, 18 & 25 October Moo Music Sandy, Biggleswade & Shefford 10-10.40am Sutton Village Hall Moosical fun for your little one! Music & movement classes for 0-5 year olds in Shefford, Sandy & Sutton. Come and join in the fun with your little moover. First session free. Tel: 07981 825654 Email: Heather sandymoo@moo-music.co.uk Web: www.moo-music.co.uk/sbs Facebook: www.facebook.com/moomusicsandy
4, 11, 18 & 25 October 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: Ann 01767 650630 or Carole 01767 260815 for further info 5, 12, 19 & 26 October Lego Club 3.45-5.00pm Potton Library Love Lego? Come along and get building! Every Friday afternoon. 5, 12, 19 & 26 October Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy Meets every Friday. Please email for more information on joining the group. Visitors welcome. Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com 5 & 19 October 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 6 October 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 “The Open Door” (Tea/Coffee & Chat) on Fridays 10-11.30am. Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 for further info 6 October 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 such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk
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n O s ’ t Wha In October 6 October Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Andrew Babicz with ‘Seasonal Container Gardening’. Andrew is a well-known lecturer and new speaker for our group. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 October Lego & K’NEX Club 1.45-3.30pm Potton Library Love Lego and K’NEX? Come along and get building! 8 October Sandy Flower Club 7.30pm Conservative Bowls Club Pavilion (Rear of the Conservative Club), Bedford Road Visitors £5. Demonstration by Gill McGregor entitled “Autumn Delights”. Raffle and tea/coffee. The Flower Club meets second Monday in the month (excluding Aug. Dec. & Jan). New members always welcome. Call for more info or follow us on Facebook. Tel: Sue Alexander 01767 699729 9 October Sutton WI 7.30pm Sutton Village Hall Auction of Harvest produce from members of the group. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. Please feel free to come and join us!
13 October Biggleswade, Sandy & District NCT Sale 10.30am Stratton School, Biggleswade Proceeds from the sale go to the NCT charity and entirely fund the breast-feeding counsellor at the local children’s centre. 14 October An Evening of Support and Reflection 6.30pm St Mary’s Church, Potton As part of ‘National Baby Loss Week’ and ‘Wave of Light’. Please come and join us for an evening of support and remembrance of our little stars that are no longer with us but who we think of everyday. ‘Wave of Light’ is an opportunity to join with bereaved parents, families and friends to commemorate all babies who sadly died to soon by lighting a candle. You can light a candle followed by some music and time to reflect and remember. You then have an opportunity to write a message on a star and hang it on the memory tree. Lastly, its tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance for a chat, a smile, a tear or a hug.
17 October ‘Poetry Table’ Club 8pm The Courtyard Centre in Biggleswade We’re a group of locals who meet around a table 11 October once a month to share and hear poetry. The Poetry Biggleswade Evening Women’s Institute Table is on the third Wednesday of every month at 7.45pm Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade The Courtyard Centre in Biggleswade. Get your invite A new group which meets on the second Thursday of at tinyletter.com/poetrytable or search ‘Biggleswade each month (except August). Guests welcome. Poetry Table’ for more. 11 & 25 October Biggleswade Ladies Circle A membership club for women aged between 18-45 who want to make new friends have fun and raise money for charity. We have now been established for over 55 years. Members are from all walks of life and are supported by various Honorary Members and some PIGS (Permanently Invited Guests). We are really keen to expand our membership to include lots more lovely local ladies! We all come from very different backgrounds and have different things going on in our lives and vary in age. We meet twice a month, usually on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month in or around Biggleswade. There are also many weekend events throughout the circling year. Most of our meetings are social meetings where we try out new things or just meet for a chat. We also have meetings where we discuss current things going on with circle such as upcoming fundraisers or any other business that needs to be discussed. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved and for more details of our next events, what have you got to lose? Tel: Lindsay 07811122212 Email: biggleswadecircle@gmail.com Facebook: Biggleswade Ladies Circle Twitter: @BwadeCircle
23 October Knit & Natter 10am-12 noon Moggerhanger Church 25 October Moggerhanger Walkers 10am Moggerhanger Church We hope to do the Tempsford-Blunham section of The Ringers’ Walk. Meet at Moggerhanger Church. The Ringers’ Walk is a circular walk of about 9 miles between the churches of Blunham, Great Barford, Roxton and Tempsford and we hope to do other sections of it in future. Walks usually start from the church at 10am and we try to end somewhere that serves a cup of coffee. They are open to villagers and non-villagers alike. Please call for more information or to give us details of an exciting walk you know of – we would be happy to hear from you. Tel: Dorothy 01767 640242, Jo 01767 641184 or Judith 01767 640124 25 October Biggleswade Flower Club 7.30pm Weatherly Centre, Biggleswade With Kath Doggett on the theme “This time of Year”. Tel: Moira Fuller Vice-Chair 01767 316104 25 October Potton History Society 8-10pm Potton Community Centre, Brook End Members free, Visitors £3 inc. refreshments Talk entitled “Dr Hunter of Gamlingay’s Tragic Story” by Jim Brown. Victorian ‘Quack’ or a ‘Real’ Doctor. The tragic tale associated with late Victorian Gamlingay. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.org.uk to find out more Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ pottonhistorysociety
18 October Coral’s Afternoon Tea 2.30-4pm Moggerhanger Church £2.50 per person Come and enjoy the freshly made cakes and scones made by Coral and friends. Net proceeds going equally to the church upkeep funds and St. John’s 26 October Hospice. Open to villagers and non-villagers alike, so Sandy Historical Society bring your friends and have a natter. 7.30pm Stone Croft Hall, St Swithuns Way, Sandy 21 October Members & students free, Visitors £2.50 inc. Biggleswade Antiques Fair refreshments 9.30am-4pm ‘Cracking Tales & Dark Deeds in Old Biggleswade’ The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, by Jane Dale. Biggleswade Tel: 01767 680171 Entrance £2, Under 16s free if accompanied by an adult This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques This is a small selection of and collectables so whether you are a professional the What’s On for the full dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Café listing please go to our serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 website Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk
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Mark Dilley Electrical Ltd
Part P Registered Company 22386
Undertaking all aspects of: building work • Extensions • Renovations • Conversions • New Builds.
T M E
Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections
carpentry • Kitchens • Timber flooring • Bespoke cupboards • Joinery work.
Ltd
No job too small Free estimates All work to BS7671 regulations City and Guilds qualified
01767 260076 07789 764978 daniel.jack@djackbuilding.co.uk
Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430
www.djackbuilding.co.uk
mark.dilley@btinternet.com
W.G.Thirkell & Sons 1-4 page_ppl.pdf
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W.G.THIRKELL & SONS LTD Quality Painting, Decorating, General Building Maintenance and Repairs. Renovations, Alterations, Plastering & Ceramic Tiling. Established 1948
Fully Insured for all works including Commercial and Listed Buildings. Free Estimates and advice. Telephone: 01767 682570 07966 389212 (Mobile) Email wgthirkell@aol.com
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10/0
Stay Safe Online Use the latest OS (Operating System) - The most recent OS is generally the safest. Microsoft’s Windows 10 is their most up-to-date OS, and anything earlier should really be upgraded. Don’t forget that free software updates are issued all the time. Take advantage of these and update regularly. Install security software - The main threats to your online security are hackers, viruses and spyware, (this last one is a programme that may be used to log your credit card details). Ideally you should have a firewall, plus antivirus and anti-spyware software as an absolute minimum. You really need all three, because individually they won’t protect you against every attack. Be sure to update them regularly. Ditch the SPAM! - As far as possible don’t open anything you think is SPAM. Use ‘disposable’ email addresses for registrations on sites with which you’re unfamiliar and use SPAM filter software. Wi-Fi Wisdom - Wireless networks can offer an easy way for people to eavesdrop on your PC. Because they use radio waves, anyone within range can pick up the signal, making them a target for hackers
Technology By Sarah Davey
who could be after your financial details, as well as freeloading unauthorised users who might piggyback your signal to access your broadband connection. Use an up-to-date router. Make sure you rename your network to make it more difficult to find, create a unique password and always turn on the encryption. Backup! Backup! Backup! Just in case. Back all your data up regularly, and from time to time check the backups.
Seasoned Firewood Locally sourced hardwood Split and fully seasoned
£65 a Dumpy Bag Including delivery (Builders Bag)
Simon Gurry 07734 159501 Gamlingay
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YOUR LOCAL EXPERT PLUMBING & DRAINAGE SERVICE
No call out charges • Pre-fixed price 24/7 • 365 days a year
Call your local plumber today Biggleswade, Sandy & Surrounding Areas
01767 662040 78
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Time of Year
Seven Steps to the Perfect Pumpkin Lantern 1. Choose a decent sized, rounded pumpkin. Fresh unblemished ones are best. Work on newspaper as pumpkin carving is messy! 2. Use a serrated blade to cut a lid. Make sure the hole is big enough so that you can scoop out the flesh inside. 3. Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the pulp and seeds. Thin the walls a little too by scraping away some of the flesh. This makes carving easier and allows more light through. 4. It’s best to draw your design in marker first. Bold shapes are easiest. For a professional finish use a paper template. You can draw your own or download one; tape it to the pumpkin then use a sharp pointed tool, like a knitting needle or nail, to poke holes around the design. when you remove the paper, the design will be left on the pumpkin. 5. A sharp, serrated knife will work best to cut out your design. Start at the centre and work outwards using short saw-like strokes for better control. 6. Rub some petroleum jelly on to the exposed parts of the pumpkin. This stops those areas turning brown. 7. If you’re using a real candle, put it in a small glass. Cut holes in the lid to allow heat and smoke to escape. Fairy lights and battery-operated candles are the safest and best options for lighting. Visit www.pumpkinpile.com for some great stencils and ideas. By Sarah Davey
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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. 80
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B urtenshaw D ecorating S ervices All Domestic Work Undertaken Painting, Decorating, Wallpapering Interior and Exterior Work Over 30 years experience Fully Insured Quality Workmanship City and Guilds Qualified
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
Insurance Work
01767 680762 07972 622305 shadbeam@tiscali.co.uk
Tel: (01767) 641575 Mobile: (07881) 627423 Email: cmfelectrical@hotmail.co.uk
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Travel
Canada - Adventure on Athabasca Spreading out from the ‘Columbia’, the largest icefield in the Rockies, Athabasca is among the world’s most accessible glaciers, a popular day trip from Lake Louise, Jasper or even Banff, though this involves a longer drive. Winding along the Continental Divide, past soaring peaks, forests, waterfalls and lakes, the Icefields Parkway leads almost to the very edge, near the meeting point of the Jasper and Banff National Parks. Up there the Discovery Centre is the first point of call with exhibits on the history and movements of the ice and the area’s natural world. It is the perfect introduction before tackling the day’s adventure but one should be prepared for changing weather and high altitude, with the glacier’s average height around 3,000 metres. There are walking trails for the brave and well-organised treats in season, led by knowledgeable and highly entertaining guides. First on anyone’s list is the award-winning skywalk, just a five minute bus transfer from the centre. Built into the rock, carefully integrated into the environment with near-zero footprint, it begins along a vertiginous cliff’s edge then steps out on a semi-circular look out with a glass floor, perched 280 metres above the valley. There you are, suspended between heaven and earth, the Sunwapta river meandering far below, the red craggy rocks almost within arm’s reach, the soaring birds, mighty glaciers and snow-covered peaks rising all around.
Even more exciting is the iconic ride on one of the giant Ice Explorers. The first few minutes include a steep scary descent on a stone track until you reach the edge of the Athabasca, a tongue of ice, six km long and thicker in places than the Eiffel Tower. Glacial vistas, snowy mountains etched into the sky, it’s like the end of the world, even though the Explorer can only venture so far on the crunchy surface. The ice is pure blue in places as this is the only colour it cannot absorb. Then the ‘giant’ stops, giving you ten minutes or so to walk around the safe icy section. No one ventures beyond the danger cones for untouched snow and ice are amazingly thick, dotted with hidden crevasses and water holes where lives have been lost. Sometimes a deep rumble echoes in the thin mountain air and you might spot an avalanche tumbling down the slope just ahead of you. Don’t expect to be alone on the glacier, it is highly popular, but whatever the crowds, you can switch off and commune with the natural world, so mighty and inspiring. Visitors leaving before dusk are likely to see bears and elks close to the road, and those on the way to Jasper might enjoy the last rays of the sun on the Athabasca waterfall. Meanwhile, high above on the edge of the glacier, the lucky ones settle down in the lodge for a starlit night. Strange noises in the dark may remind them that the Athabasca is always on the move, receding by around five metres a year.
By Solange Hando
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JL Oil Heating
Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Conservatories • • • • • • •
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25 Years Experience Contact Stewart Gyles on T: 0798 444 1638 or
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01767 400127 or 07870 338074 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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September’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Miss C Swepstone from Buckden Winner of the Southlake Aqua Park Competition Holly Webb from Letchworth
Winner of the Cambridge Youth Ballet Competition Maxine Hendry from Wilstead
Easy
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E: sales@i-glaze.co.uk
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Prize
£25
Across 7 Moscow’s country (6) 8 Clears throat (6) 9 Continent (4) 10 Extra (8) 11 Picture houses (7) 13 Head organ (5) 15 Wooden barrier (5) 17 Go backwards (7) 20 Fell (8) 21 Limit, boundary (4) 23 Event, incident (6) 24 Idea (6)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th October 2018 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Down 1 Pet name for cat (4) 2 Property, manor (6) 3 Yellow fruits (7) 4 Corrosive liquids (5) 5 Six-string (6) 6 Explanations, hypotheses (8) 12 Recognize (8) 14 Title (7) 16 Fighting (6) 18 Occurrences (6) 19 Warn (5) 22 Enlarge, develop (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
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01480 210410 Eaton Socon To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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BICKERDIKES • Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome
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Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: dialporter01@tiscali.co.uk 88
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Fun Quiz - Fruit and Veg 1. What fruit is the main ingredient of the dip guacamole? 2. À la crécy is a French cooking term that refers to a dish that is cooked with or served with which vegetable? 3. What commonly used two-word phrase originated in one of Aesop’s fables about a fox who couldn’t reach some fruit, so decided that the fruit was probably not ripe anyway? 4. What vegetable has a name that means “eat all” in French? 5. The phrase “forbidden fruit” originates in the Bible when Adam and Eve eat fruit despite God having commanded them not to. Which of Adam and Eve was the first to eat the fruit? 6. In an Indian restaurant, what is the main vegetable ingredient in a saag dish? 7. According to its packaging, the standard flavouring of the soft drink Lilt combines which two fruits? 8. What variety of lettuce is named after the Greek island where it originated? 9. Which 1967 hit single by Donovan was rumoured to be about the mistaken belief that someone could get high from smoking dried banana skins? 10. The vegetable the swede originated as a cross between which two other vegetables? 1. Avocado 2. Carrots 3. Sour Grapes 4. Mangetout 5. Eve 6. Spinach 7. Pineapple and Grapefruit 8. Cos (named after Kos) 9. Mellow Yellow 10. The turnip and the cabbage
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Gaming
No Man’s Sky This game was originally released in 2016. Much to the dismay of the players it felt unfinished and did not deliver on the developers’ promises. With the ‘Next’ update everything has changed, all for the better. This game is huge. It will take you 500 billion years to explore it all as most of its content is procedurally generated. There isn’t a story as such, its more a voyage of discovery about the meaning of and the birth of life. It’s like Interstellar meets Bargain Hunt. You start on a planet next to a crashed drop pod and you go from there. The game does a decent job of guiding you through the means to survive then as you learn the basics you’ll know what is needed to progress. However don’t expect to be shooting aliens all the time, it’s just not the point. It’s a beautiful game with stunning cosmic backgrounds, beautiful landscapes and lush vegetation. You can build bases and farms, sell starships, command gigantic space fleets and send them on missions. Explore the cosmos, destroy pirates, trade on markets. What you do is up to you. The inventory system is cumbersome, but you’ll soon learn the ingredients needed to create items that will improve your game overall. No Man’s Sky is spectacular, and it is improving all the time. Relax and discover space on a scale like never before.
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COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS STOVE/GAS FIRE INSTALLATION • Wood Burning/Multi Fuel Stove & Gas Fire Installation • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Free Survey & Quotation
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www.countrystovesandsweeps.co.uk
T&R Roofing Ltd
Family Business Est. 1985
• Felt Roofing Specialists (10 year & 15 year guarantee on high performance felts) • Tiling, Slating, Guttering • UPVC Facia/Soffits • Chimney Work
All NEW work guaranteed Fully insured for employer & Public Liability Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on:
01767 314847 mob. 07831849847 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Books
Book Review By Kate Duggan
Accountants
Twisted Fairy Tales
If you like your fairy tales more Brothers Grimm than Disney, you’re in for a treat with this lot…
Nightjar by Paul Jameson
‘Nightjar’ is the first novel of local author Paul Jameson, and it’s been described as ‘a fairy tale for grownups’. Set in the countryside around Sandy and Everton, two boys escape the strict boundaries of a feudal future to explore an old Roman Way. There they meet with Nightjar, a strange being who introduces them to the magick of Man and Nature. As a search hurries to find the boys, adventure beckons. Only Nightjar is not all he seems...
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy
In Nazi-occupied Poland, two Jewish children take on new identities – Hansel and Gretel. Pursued by soldiers, the children’s father and stepmother urge the children to seek safety in the forest while they try to draw the danger away. Deep in the woods lives an old woman who may be the children’s only hope. A harrowing read, but a memorable one.
Builders “YOUNG’S BUILDERS” “YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MASTER BUILDERS” “QUALITY AND VALUE FROM START TO FINISH”
Garage conversions from £5.9K
Extension - Sunrooms
Call 07811 985568 or 01767 261803 www.youngsbuilders.co.uk “Free quotes • Excellent references”
Domestic Repairs JB Domestic Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers No Call Out Charge!
Grimm Tales for Old and Young by Philip Pullman
Pullman has reworked 50 of the Grimm brothers’ tales. He’s kept most of the content the same, but updated the language and ‘tidied them up’. The collection includes well-known tales, such as Rapunzel, Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin, along with lesser-known stories such as Hans-MyHedgehog and The Musicians of Bremen.
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• Extensions & Sunrooms • Garage & Loft Conversions • Walls, Patios & Decking • General Building Work • Property Maintenance
Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490
Electricians
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Classifieds Garden Specialist
Painting Services
Hillier Garden Services All general garden maintenance jobs undertaken Over 20 years experience For all your gardening needs call Steve
01767 699252 07901 985123
Handy Man
HGS Classified advert.indd 1
Pet Services
14/04/2015 21:23
Locksmith Services
Plastering Services
Painter & Decorator
Plumbing
RICHBAW
DECOR LTD Richard Bawden - City and Guilds Qualified Mobile: 07757 013796 Home: 01767 835008 Email: r666baw@gmail.com
M. Philmore (Phil) - General Plumber Now semi retired but still available for general plumbing. 57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Classifieds Plumbing and Heating
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
Private Car Hire
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
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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
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LAST MINUTE BLOW-DRYS
Only £10
Call on the day you want your blow-dry and we will let you know our availability and stylist, it’s that easy. Call us on 01767 682789 to try our last minute blow-drys. We’ve been running for a year and it’s a great offer. Come and give it a try in our relaxing environment with complimentary refreshments and latest magazines to read. Let us pamper you.
Call us on 01767 682789 Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday 9.30am - 6.00pm Wednesday & Thursday 9.30 - 9.00pm, Saturday 8.30 - 4.00pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair
Friends Five Star Hairdressing 1 Market Square, Sandy, Beds SG19 1HT