Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages Your FREE copy VILLAGER The and Town Life Issue 193 - September 2022 LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS Inside this issue Visit Cape Verde ECO Bathroom Energy Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 3 Inside this issue... Editorial - Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Peter Ibbett, Katherine Sorrell, Jennie Billings, Martin Lewis, Caroline Knight, Rachael Leverton, Alan Titchmarsh, RSPCA, Potton Vets, Darren Cassey, Tom Hancock, Louise Addison, Sarah Davey and Kate Duggan Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 Frontnigel@villagermag.com261122CoverPhotography - tommybrison Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 VillagerPublishersPublications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 nigel@villagermag.com261122www.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. Five reasons to visit Cape Verde ........................................................... 4 Wines from Austria - A Good Choice 8 By Whippet to a Potton 12 Night Squatters 19 Ten ways to refresh your kitchen ....................................................... 20 Seasonal Recipe: Fish Stew ................................................................... 27 Autumn Beauty Trends: Revealed 29 Transitional Weather Dressing 30 Bedfordshire Walking Festival 34 The Fire Fighters Charity .........................................................................37 Is it time to rediscover squash?........................................................... 38 Respite at Home 40 Money on my mind 42 Eat, Drink, Repeat 45 Free Money ................................................................................................. 47 Make September a sumptuous celebration ................................... 48 Pruning Power 50 Green Fingers 53 RSPCA - Have you ever considered fostering? .............................. 54 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal 56 Ask Alan - Potton Vets ........................................................................... 59 Ford Fiesta .................................................................................................... 61 Fun Quiz 62 The latest in vehicle technology 63 Eco Bathroom Technology 64 Going back to his roots! ........................................................................ 67 Bare faced! The story of Hercules ...................................................... 70 The best apps for saving money 70 Home heating. Is it time for a change? 72 What’s on in September 74 One pot to rule them all ....................................................................... 77 A taste for turmeric................................................................................. 79 Puzzle Page 80 Roald Dahl Day 82 The Villager Prize Crossword ................................................................ 86 Book Review - Taking the plunge ........................................................ 91 Useful numbers 95 Get your business off to a flying start this year Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £37.50 +VAT per month Home Heating Time for a change? Pruning Power 50 72
1. The beaches are simply divine Powder-soft sand washed by turquoise sea, lined with swaying palm trees: the beaches in Cape Verde are pictures of pure paradise. Sal, the archipelago’s most popular island, is home to the gorgeous Santa Maria beach, where bustling bars, shops and restaurants offer a welcome break from the midday sun. Fancy a little more peace and quiet? On the island of Boa Vista, you’ll find unspoilt stretches of sand with barely a soul in sight to share them with. Praia de Chaves is a must-visit; this otherworldly beach boasts over 5km of sand and dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
3. You could see turtles and whales Cape Verde is home to some of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the world. On the reasons to visit Verde this winter
By Solange Hando
Five
With its endless white-sand beaches, stunning mountain scenery and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder Cape Verde is fast becoming one of the UK’s favourite spots for winter sun. Blessed with clear blue skies and temperatures in the high twenties, it’s the perfect destination to escape to during the UK’s colder months. This idyllic archipelago off the west coast of Africa may be known for its winning combination of sun, sea and sand, but with ten islands to explore there’s plenty of room for adventure too. From watching turtles hatch and hiking still-active volcanoes to a whole host of water sports, Cape Verde is packed with things to do should you need a break from the sunlounger. All just a six-hour flight away! to know Here are five reasons to consider Cape Verde when planning your next winter break – and what not to miss while you’re there.
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2. There are adventures to be had Thought Cape Verde was just a fly-and-flop destination? The beaches may be beautiful, but the archipelago’s volcanic landscape, jaw-dropping mountain scenery and cities bursting with culture make the islands an adventurer’s playground too. Witness the lunar-like landscape of Fogo, also home to the country’s largest volcano, or immerse yourself in Santiago’s rugged peaks and lush green valleys. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, you’ll love the island of São Vicente with its vibrant nightlife and buzzing live music scene. What’s more, the higher winds during November and March also make Cape Verde’s beaches a fantastic place to practice water sports, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to sailing. Wherever you go, you certainly won’t be short of things to do.
Cape
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The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts6 island of Sal you can visit Project Diversity, a nonprofit organisation that protects the turtles’ nesting sites and helps hatchlings make their way to the sea. Visit between July and December for the best chance of witnessing the tiny turtles’ journey. The waters around Boa Vista are also a known breeding ground for humpback whales, giving you the chance to book a catamaran tour to see the mighty mammals for yourself. Sightings are possible from late February through to May. Keep an eye out for dolphins too! 4. The festival fever is alive and kicking Festival-lovers listen up. Winter in Cape Verde brings with it a whole host of fantastic festivals and celebrations. Mindelo’s annual Carnival on the island of São Vicente is by far the archipelago’s most famous event. Held each year on Shrove Tuesday, the carnival sees the small Cape Verdean town come alive with live music, colourful costumes and Takingdancing.its influence from Brazil’s Mardi Gras, the carnival officially lasts a week – but locals will tell you Carnival fever begins at the end of the previous year! The event was unfortunately cancelled in 2022, but should be back up and running in 2023.
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5. It’s the perfect place to go island-hopping With each island offering its own unique flavour, why settle for just one? Imagine starting your holiday on the beach, followed by a couple of days spent walking through jaw-dropping mountain scenery, then the next morning you’re off to hike an active volcano. If that sounds exciting, you’ll love an islandhopping holiday around Cape Verde. With boat tours leaving daily, there’s ample opportunity to experience the true diversity of Cape Verde for yourself. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit the tiny island of Santo Antão – a wonderland for hikers. It’s by far the greenest island in the archipelago and is often considered the most scenic too.
Food & Drink
WINZER KREMS has the reputation of being one of the most significant producers of estate bottled quality wines in Austria. Winzer Krems produces wines of excellence. Specialising in growing grapes of major Austrian varieties, the juices are extracted using state-of-the-art equipment and then fermented with controlled temperature. www. winzerkrems.at Importer: Ehrmanns Ltd. For all details of the full range of wines, from each company, please visit their respective websites. Enjoy! Langley
As always,
ARTNER boasts some of the finest wine growing locations in Carnuntum. This region is located in the eastern area of Austria. Artner wine estate specialises in Austrian grape varieties that include Zweigelt. Several grapes, for white wines, are grown too. The estate also grows other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. www. artner.co.at Importer: Lea & Sandeman Co Ltd.
Importer: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies.
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WEINGUT ALLRAM is a major winery of the Kamptal, having well-known vineyards, including Heiligenstein, Gaisberg and Renner. Michaela and Erich Haas-Allram produce wines to an exceptional standard. Lorenz HaasAllram is manager of the cellar and ensures high-quality productions of this company’s wines. www.allram.at
Austria attracts many visitors, from global origins, constantly. From pretty alpine villages, through cities, boasting beautiful architecture, to stunning landscapes, with lakes, mountains, glaciers and so much more, there is something for everyone. Vienna is the capital city and home to Strauss, the renowned family that is famous for numerous musical scores, including much-loved and well-known waltzes. The Vienna Boys Choir has many followers, worldwide. Locating Mozart’s birthplace, cathedrals and a lot of other locations, including some of the world’s finest museums and art galleries, hold much interest. The high-quality wines, produced in Austria, many of which are multi award-winning, have become recognised for their distinctive, superb attributes. www. Grüneraustrianwine.comVeltlineris the most-planted grape variety in Austria. The grape is very capable of producing excellent white wines, from light productions to more concentrated and also sparkling delights. Zweigelt is Austria’s most-planted red wine grape variety. Zweigelt is utilised, to great advantage, to produce wines from dry to sweet in taste, including ice wines.
Trevor
Wines from Austria: A Good Choice
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By Whippet to a Potton Ideal Home at Earls Court in the 1980’s By Peter Ibbett A new generation of Pottonians may be unaware of how the distinctive modern timber framed houses around the town became the centre of attraction at London’s Earl’s Court in the era of the yearly Ideal Homes Exhibition. Local man Peter Hutchinson OBE started the Potton Timber Company in 1964 and his company became the market leader in selfbuild package homes. The 1982 Ideal Homes Exhibition featured the ‘Gransden’ house with a ‘Granchester’ following in 1983. One cost and time effective way for local Pottonians to travel to Earl’s Court was to make use of the Whippet coach service to London which came daily from Papworth via Huntingdon and St. Neots to Biggleswade and then on to King’s Cross Pentonville Road bus station (photo). A direct to Earl’s Court day special to the site service was also put on. Potton History Society holds many documents from the now demolished Victorian Manor House site which was the Delta Research Laboratories in the 1950’s and 60’s from which a 1975 Whippet timetable was recently rediscovered revealing that it cost £1.15 to get from Biggleswade to Kings Cross. The booklet ‘|Potton Manor:- An Enigma’by Trevor Ball is still available from the Society and local shops.
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A third question we are asked: ‘How can I help?’
2. A lot of the fruit and vegetables we distribute are donated to us. Volunteers drive weekly to food businesses, supermarkets, farmers and schools to collect their surplus and close-to-end-date veg, fruit, eggs, and bring it to our base in Potton. Allotment gardeners and local residents also donate produce.
A question we are often asked: ‘How do you deliver free of charge veg boxes to those in financial hardship? What is the process?’
4. Referrals of households suffering from food poverty come from other food banks, schools and agencies.
2. Donate produce – Help us fill the veg boxes for those in need with donations of home grown or bought fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs. See Local Schemes on our website for info on local collection venues or contact VBDS to arrange for us to collect.
VBDS The Hows and the Whys
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3. Donate £ – Support the wider work of VBDS. Contact us for more information or donate online via the website. Locally sourced food for local households in need, provided and run by the local community!
3. Grant funding and donations enable us to buy veg and fruit to supplement the boxes and is crucial to the operation of VBDS – see our list of funders on the website.
1. Donate time – Volunteer to help with the packing and delivery of veg boxes, or with collecting produce during the week. Or contact us if you would like to set up a Veg Box Donation Scheme in your area.
5. Once a week volunteers pack the veg boxes and deliver them to the homes on our list that week. Volunteers can be individuals who work together with another volunteer, or families. Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn compassion for others! One of our littlest volunteers said: ‘We are packing food for the hungry people.’
1. As a Christian charity, empathy and caring for others is the foundation for all that we do at the Veg Box Donation Scheme (VBDS). We care about people; we care about food poverty; we care about providing a healthy diet to those we deliver veg boxes to; we care about food waste! What is food poverty? ‘Food poverty is the inability of individuals and households to secure an adequate and nutritious diet. It can affect those living on low incomes, with limited access to transport and poor cooking skills.’ (https://buff.ly/3Ifd1iI). Education is important, and we will be printing easy-to-cook recipe cards using seasonal produce to accompany our weekly veg boxes.
Another popular question is: ‘How do we get a veg box from VBDS?’ See the page on our website explaining the process, under the About Us tab, or contact us. We do ask for a referral, but we will provide a one-off veg box while you sort this out .
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Night Squatters
Sound planning Consider as well soundproofing and ensuring others in the home keep their nocturnal manoeuvres to a minimum, from loud late-night games to simple stuff like not flushing noisy toilets. Encouragement At the age your youngster gets his or her first proper bed you’ll already be working on the greatest sleep stimulator of them all – words. Reaffirming that ‘big kids’ sleep in their own beds, and stay there, can be powerful, and is something your little one will relate to as he or she aspires to be grown-up and brave. How to keep children in their own rooms – and out of your bed – at night.
As ever, a solid, settled night-time routine is essential – so that’s dinner followed by a bath followed by a story etc. While children of school age typically adapt into a schedule that capitalises on their exhaustion late in the day, those not yet in full-time education may be more difficult to temper, as there is more flexibility in daytime outings and activities. Light and dark It’s imperative to have a good blackout blind –there’s nothing that lures a child out of bed more than the early rising of the sun… even if that’s at On5am!the flipside, and in a way that may seem slightly contradictory, keep a subtle night light nearby. Fear of the dark will always get little ones heading for reassurance and comfort… and big ones too!
Routine
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4 Overhaul your window treatments
A new shade can work wonders to update kitchen lighting, while even replacing a whole fitting –perhaps a pendant over an island unit or dining table, or a ceiling-mounted spotlight or track – is not usually very costly, provided wiring already exists. Choose bulbs carefully to give the right colour temperature – cool, bright white over working areas, with a warmer glow for relaxed eating. And don’t forget: installing a dimmer is always a good idea.
It’s simple to have a kitchen tap changed – though you must ensure that the new tap will fit the hole (or holes) in or by your sink – and an upgrade will give the room a new lease of life. As well as standard chrome and stainless steel, finishes include brass,
2 Assess your seating
1 Update your lighting
Create a new look for the heart of your home with these inspiring ideas.
3 Floor story Replacing a cheap vinyl floor covering with beautiful stone or ceramic floor tiles will have one of the biggest transformative effects in a kitchen, though it is definitely an investment. It may also be possible to add underfloor heating at the same time. Alternatively, it’s easy to hide an unattractive floor with a large rug – braided rugs look pretty and suit a traditional property, or there are lots of outdoor rugs in modern designs that can withstand drips and spills.
A new made-to-measure roller blind is an inexpensive kitchen update that will have a major impact. All kinds of colours and patterns are available, and they are straightforward to fit. A more expensive option would be New England-style shutters with adjustable louvres, which add thermal and acoustic insulation, too.
5 Taps matter
In a kitchen-diner or an island kitchen with bar stools, the style of seating plays a huge role in the overall scheme, and if yours are looking tired or frumpy, perhaps it’s time for an overhaul. Buy new, consider antique or vintage options or, if you still like your current pieces, consider repainting them or having them reupholstered.
Ten ways to refresh your kitchen
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By Katherine Sorrell copper, gold or black, or how about a pull-out spray, water filter or a boiling-water tap?
7 Glamorous hardware Among the easiest things to replace in a kitchen are cupboard handles, knobs and pulls, and there is an enormous range of shapes, styles and materials with which to smarten the look of the room – provided you swap them like-for-like. Exchanging handles for knobs, or vice versa, means that the pre-drilled holes will be in the wrong place. Measure for handles carefully so that the new ones can be bolted through the same holes.
8 A new splashback Retiling a splashback area behind the sink is likely to be reasonably straightforward, and can provide a gorgeous new focal point to the room. The messy bit is removing the old tiles and repairing the surface behind, but after that it’s simply a case of fitting
A well-designed kitchen has a place for everything, from cutlery to coffee pods. Start with a clear-out and throw out or give away everything you no longer use. If you need extra shelves inside cupboards, now is the time to add them, and utilise internal organisers to keep everything under control. Where space is short and items have to be on display, keep them as tidy as possible with efficient racks, rails and wall grids, adding baskets, jars and boxes that coordinate with each other and the room as a whole.
3. As soft as wool, but made from recycled plastic bottles, this rug is hard-wearing, stain-resistant and machine washable. Juno Doormouse rug, £235, Weaver Green.
9 Sort out your storage
2 your choice of new tiles. If saving money is key, plain, rectangular tiles can be made to look super-smart by laying them upright and aligned (rather than in the traditional offset brick pattern), and with coloured grout for a graphic, modern look.
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6 Fresh paint For a quick and easy new look, there’s nothing better than a coat of paint on the walls. Hardwearing, wipeable versions are always a good idea for kitchens. If your cabinets are looking the worse for wear, it may also be possible to repaint them, too. You’ll need to remove the doors and all the hardware, sand thoroughly and prime with an appropriate primer. A satin top coat is best to avoid highlighting fingerprints and any minor imperfections in the brushstrokes.
1. A custom-made blind will fit your window perfectly without breaking the bank. Regalis silver-patterned roller blinds, £57.71 for a 120x120cm window, English Blinds.
10 Artwork and accessories Take time to choose some beautiful paintings, prints or photographs to adorn your kitchen walls, hanging them in orderly lines or balanced groups. Add some accessories that coordinate with the style of your scheme, and perhaps some house plants and/or fresh flowers.
2. These smart, neutral tiles have been grouted to match the cabinets beneath. Marylebone Gloss Ivory Flat Metro Tiles, £19.95 per square metre, Walls and Floors.
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 25 PictureNesanByFramingArts Fine Art Picture Framing Choose Picture Framing in the comfort of your own home Consultation, collection and delivery included in the service Established 19 years Please call Sue on: 01954 719467 For a no obligation nesan.arts@btinternet.comappointmentwww.nesanarts.co.uk
26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Known for our specialist expertise and exciting curtain and blind design ideas Home selection Comprehensive range Free measuring and quotation Friendly, impartial design advice Local, family run business All blinds supplied meet current child safety regulations 01763 243894 www.newdawnblinds.co.ukNewDawnBlinds We are ‘Inspiration Dealers’ for Luxaflex Blinds Visit our showroom to see our motorised blinds. Unit 6a Highfields Business Park Old North Rd, Bassingbourn, Royston Herts SG8 5JT FruoeSeacebookpageforallthe late s t offers We are now open again for bookings andappointmentsshowroom
crusty
3. Add the fish cubes and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Discard any of the cleaned mussels do close when tapped, or that are damaged or broken. Add the remaining mussels to the and cook for 2-4 minutes to heat through. any mussels that remain closed.
not
4.
1. Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
pan
Discard
5. Pile into a large warm serving bowl, sprinkle over the chopped parsley and serve with lots of bread.
Ingredients 1 tbsp sunflower oil 225g carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes A handful of pitted black olives 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground black pepper 550g skinned and cubed white fish (cod, coley, pollock, hake) 115g mussels, debearded and cleaned Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, to garnish Crusty bread, to serve (optional) Fish Stew Seasonal Recipe Serves Preparation4 time 8 minutes Cooking time 15-20 minutes For more seafood and fish recipe inspiration, visit seafish.org Hearty and wholesome, this vibrant fish stew makes the perfect midweek meal
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2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, olives and bay leaf, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
that
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts28 Swimming Lessons • Private pool - Tadlow • ASA quali ed teachers • Beginners & stroke technique classes • 1-3 pupils per class • 10 week courses (term time only) • Mother and Toddler classes Call Heather on Tel: 01767 631053 Mob: 07511168499 Email: tadlowswimming@btinternet.com
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 29 Autumn Beauty Trends: Revealed Health & Beauty
Longest lashes It’s easy to look sallow and tired as the days grow shorter, which is why it’s a great idea to open up those peepers with a little perfectlycombinationmoreTheaccentuation.lashlookfocusesonaofapplied
From rustic to rugged, cosy to cool, autumn really is the season that offers so much, so get gorgeous over the next couple of months with these beautifying trends… we’ve even included a couple for the man in your life, too! Luscious hair Show off your shiny, luxurious hair this autumn as blow-dries make a comeback. The end of 2022 represents a brave new world of hair, so think big, think voluminous, think like you just stepped out of a salon. Boardroom beauty The sophisticated, clean beauty look is returning to the fore… whether it’s for the office or a social occasion. Think of matte skin, muted lips and perfectly groomed brows combining to create the perfect power look. Statement lip Following a gradual renaissance over the past couple of years, the statement lip is now well and truly back; so grab your lip liner and scarlet lipstick and prepare to pout your way through the autumn conversation.
mascara and individual fake lashes, each applied just at the corners in order to create that gorgeous Sixties-inspired look. Grunge goddess Finally, many of the looks to focus on this autumn and winter are all about high-gloss glamour, with grungy makeup offering something of a triumphant return. So sharpen that kohl eyeliner and revel in a rebel look which requires minimal skill whilst offering maximum impact.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts30 New season stock well into place in the shops and the weather getting a little cooler or unpredictable means a style shift. With our variable weather and temperatures, we need pieces that will allow us to accommodate those changes. Here are some tips to get you well prepared. Waistcoats – knitted or in lightweight fabrics have been a theme and continue into the Autumn this season. They work well over lighterweight shirts, t-shirts and can be useful as an additional layer under jackets. Chunkier knitted options, the sleeveless turtleneck, will take you further into the cooler months, work well paired with midi dress and boots if you can work looser layering. They also work well under a tailored jacket for another smoother layered look. Silk layers – layering underneath can be more flexible than adding a cardigan, much loved though they are. A silk layer can be cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. They are an absolute go to for me when the weather turns. Give yourself a variety of neckline options so that they don’t interfere with the neckline of your top. Patra Selections has a great range. Tailoring – more structure appearing in looks this season so use a tailored jacket over your lightweight knits. This continues the trend we’ve been seeing in the Spring looks too. Shorter and more waisted shapes are appearing in tailoring, great news for those who need a neater silhouette. Lightweight Leather – faux, real and vintage, there are lots of leather options available and they’re a great additional layer as the weather cools. Try alternative colours, pine greens, creams, tans, rather than the traditional black to update the look.
Silk skirts work particularly well with knits but it applies to patterned too. Colour - Are there some colours that you bracket as only to be worn in cooler months? Try breaking these out into different areas of your wardrobe. Could a ‘summery’ t-shirt work with a knit or jacket from your ‘winter’ wardrobe? Take your clothes out of the wardrobe (particularly your ‘winter’ clothe) House of Colour and go through them. Could they be paired with any of your lighterweight options that you might be about to put away? The other good reason to do this is to cast a critical eye over what is needed in the forthcoming season and what needs to be recycled etc. If you need more help putting outfits together and making your wardrobe really work for you find your nearest stylist and get a wardrobe session. You have more options than you think!
Transitional Weather Dressing
Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist
Statement skirts into Autumn – could your lightweight skirt from the summer work with a boot, ankle or knee high and layered knit on the top half?
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 31 Jill Dighton MA Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice BSc (Hons) Integrative Counselling MBACP (Accred)., UKCP Reg. Counselling Service Depressed? Anxious? Relationship Issues? Low Self Esteem? Have you considered Counselling sessions? Based in Grafham village, I offer a professionally qualified Counselling Service to individuals and couples in a secure, confidential & non-judgemental atmosphere. Ample parking. Concessionary rates available. Fo r further details: Te l: 07925 852 985 (Dedicated line with voicemail) Email: jill@jdighton.co.uk or visit www.jilldightoncounselling.co.uk
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts32 Long Covid has emerged as an ongoing condition whereby people who have contracted Covid-19 suffer the long term symptoms which sometimes persist for months. Some estimates suggest that 10% of Covid patients may still be experiencing symptoms more than three weeks after infection, and perhaps 60,000 people could be suffering from Long Covid symptoms after more than three months. (Source: NHS) The symptoms reported included chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of sense of smell, and concentration difficulties. These patients are not only those recovering from the severe form of the acute disease (requiring hospitalisation in an intensive care unit), but also those who had mild and moderate disease. Oxygen Therapy for people with Long Covid… Our Centre in Letchworth has the only Oxygen Therapy chamber in Herts. People visit us from Hertfordshire...Bedfordshire,and Europe! As a registered charity we aim to help as many people as possible, welcoming Oxygen Therapy May Help Long Covid Symptoms Local News 01462 684 214 anyone with any long-term or age-related condition, including people with Long Covid. Oxygen Therapy helps many people to fight extreme fatigue and concentration difficulties – often referred to as ‘brain fog’. In addition, it helps to fight infection and can enable quicker healing. Our friendly, qualified team supervises your session and answers any queries you may have. We also explain how we provide Oxygen Therapy sessions as safely as possible. To book your session please call us on 01462 684214 or email oxygen@hmstc.net. (Or search ‘oxygen therapy herts’ to find out more about our Oxygen Therapy online.)
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The highlight of the weekend of 17th and 18th is the challenge of the Greensand Ridge Path 40 miles, 19 miles on Saturday and 21 miles on Sunday. Its harder than it looks but well worth the We’veeffort.mentioned just a few and the great thing is almost all the walks are free and no booking Programmesrequired. are now available both in printed form and on the festival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk.
Have you ever thought about getting out into the countryside but feel it would better to go with others, or, are you are new to Bedfordshire and want to see what the county has to offer ? The Bedfordshire Walking Festival, could be just for you, with over 40 walks during the nine days the festival offers an opportunity not to be missed. Nine are in this part of the County starting on Sunday 11th with a morning 7 mile circular LangfordfromVillage Hall. Other circular morning walks include Willington/Moggerhanger, Three Mills and a nature reserve from Stotfold, Greensand Western Parkland from Everton, plus an afternoon four village circular from Roxton on Saturday 17th. If informative Heritage guided walks appeal to you there are two fascinating afternoon walks. The first on Monday 12th when doors are opened and curtains pulled back to reveal how Ladies, Leisure and Lakes have helped to shape Henlow. Entitled the “Three L’s of Henlow” and starts from St Mary’s Henlow at 1-30pm. This is followed on Wednesday with an equally fascinating walk on the Greensand Ridge examining the settlements and geology which forms the landscape to-day. Entitled “The other side of the ridge” and starts from Old Warden Church at 1-30pm. Just a little further away on Thursday 15th there is an opportunity to mix walking with river cruising to create a great day out for groups and Walking Festival
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Those who prefer to stride out and cover the miles taking all day will have to travel but their journeys will be worthwhile starting at Harrold Country Park on the first weekend with an Ouse Valley exploration of 12 miles on Saturday and a Village Meander of 18 miles on the Sunday. On Wednesday 14th join the Slow Ways linear walk from Bedford Bus Station to Riseley of 11 miles, and on Thursday a 16 mile circular gallop starts from Riseley and takes in the remoter parts of north Bedfordshire.
10th to 18th September inclusive
Bedfordshire
individuals as the festival has teamed up with the award winning John Bunyan Boat. A morning informative walk from Priory Marina to Great Barford is followed by an afternoon leisurely cruise back to Bedford. Flexibility is the key on this one because if the walk is too far for you there are options to join or leave at Willington and whatever you decide to do the cost of the trip is the same at just £20 per person. Booking necessary. www.johnbunyanboat.org.
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I’ve been part of the fire and rescue service since 2007, starting as a part-time firefighter in Essex before joining Hertfordshire, then Bedfordshire’s 999 fire control centre. You may have spoken to us when you dialled 999 after witnessing that accident on the A1M, perhaps when your car caught fire one night, or your neighbour’s bonfire got out of control, coming perilously close to your house. Always ready to receive your call and help you in your worst moments. It’s not a job that you often ‘leave at work’ and the pressure it puts on mental health is significant. That is one of the reasons why I, along with colleagues from all over the UK, are raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity The Charity offers specialist lifelong support for members of the UK’s fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives. To ensure the Charity can do this for over 5,000 people a year and to meet the £9m cost of operating its support services, it is dependent on regular Todonations.raiseas much money as possible, I am taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge in June 2023, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden; back-to-back, aiming for less than 15 hours climbing time. please help us to raise these much-needed funds – please scan the QR code to donate safely. you a business owner? you consider sponsoring us and have your company logo displayed on our social media posts? members of Fire Family who may be in need. Dave Smith, Upper Caldecote
Together we’re hoping to make a difference to
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Could
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Local fire & rescue service manager climbing the tallest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts38 Sport Is it time to rediscover squash?
If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to start with a black ball that has a blue dot (or a blue ball if you’re playing squash 57). It’s best to visit a sports shop to try a few racquets rather than just ordering online, as they come in different sizes.
If the thought of squash conjures up images of 90s businessmen, sweatbands and white shorts, it might be time to take another look. Squash has had a bit of an image overhaul over the last few years. It’s now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Highenergy, high-impact and high-adrenaline, squash has it all. It burns up to 800 calories an hour, gives you a full body workout, improves flexibility and tones your muscles. Fancy giving it a go? Here’s what you need to know… How to learn Never played squash before? Most leisure centres offer a variety of courses, including ones for complete beginners, women-only sessions and oneto-one lessons.
If you want to further develop your skills, try squash 101 (see below). Where to play Once you’re feeling more confident and have a decent grasp of the rules, you may want to book a squash court to play with a friend. Some leisure centres and gyms only allow members to book a court, but most offer ‘pay and play’ options for around £10 a session. Head to the website of your national squash federation to find your nearest Alternatively,www.ulstersquash.comwww.squashwales.comwww.scottishsquash.orgwww.englandsquash.comcourt:justGoogle ‘find a squash court’. Squash 101 If you struggle to find someone to play squash with, want to commit to playing regularly or fancy something a bit different, check out squash 101. You’ll play squash in a group and be led by an instructor. It’s more sociable than regular squash, and you’ll hone your skills, try different challenges and play against a variety of people. Squash 57 Like the idea of squash but worried you won’t be able to keep up? Try squash 57. Formerly called racquetball, squash 57 uses a larger racquet and a bigger, bouncier ball, which means it’s a lot easier to hit. What you’ll need As squash is played in a court, you’ll need nonmarking trainers. You’ll work up a sweat, so shorts or sports leggings are generally better than jogging bottoms. And you may want to invest in protective goggles to protect your eyes.
Ready for more of a challenge? Why not join a squash club? You’ll benefit from professional coaching, get the chance to compete and meet new people. Ask your local leisure centre for details or visit the website of your national squash federation.
Unless you’re taking lessons, you’ll probably need your own ball and racquet, although some leisure centres do rent out racquets and balls for a small extra fee.
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts40 A Respite at Home Volunteer’s Story Local News ‘I visit a lovely couple each week who are in their late 70’s. They were so grateful for any help as the husband has been very poorly for quite sometime and his wife has been caring for him by herself 24/7. At our first meeting they asked if it was possible for me to just sit with him to allow her to nip out to go food shopping and collect his medication. On my first visit, she thought her husband would most likely sleep whilst I was there and that she would be as quick as she could. I reassured her not to worry and to take her time as I would be there for a couple of hours. It turned out that he was almost as chatty as me and the time flew by! When she returned home she looked so pleased that he was still awake and he was smiling. Since my first visit, we have chatted about all sorts of things and anything that is troubling them. One thing he really wanted was for his wife to be able to get back to attending her Art class. Our manager had made them aware of the “Carers Sitting Voucher Scheme” and I helped them to apply. It’s humbling to know that such a small act like helping the clients fill in an application form can make such a huge difference to their lives. I have always enjoyed visiting my clients, each one of them has been truly grateful for our charity - we really do form Everyonefriendships.’hasastory to tell, so If you like meeting new people and spending time chatting and listening, then we would love to hear from you. Call our friendly team on 01234 743063, or 07483 376077 or email: respiteathomevolunteers@aol.co.uk Respite at Home Volunteers make a real difference to families living with life limiting illnesses offering a FREE befriending service, which also allows carers some much needed time off each week!
Every other provider is piggybacking off their signal, so, in effect, it’s the same signal. So by selecting one of the smaller companies all you’re doing is going with a virtual network, and everything else should remain the same. Obviously check before you sign up to see if 5G or tethering conditions are available, but beyond those things it’s the same line. It’s strange that mobile phones are such an integral part of our lives, yet many of us take for granted the competitiveness of the industry and don’t realise where we can be making savings.
In an era of prices rising inexplicably across the board in other elements of our life, the time is now to start working the equation back in our favour, so have a look at your bill, survey the competition and start the conversation!
42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Money
The Martin Lewis column He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers. In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at how, in a time of rising costs, we can make savings in other places. There’s so much attention at the moment on the cost of petrol, the cost of our utilities, the rise in inflation, and it all seems like bad news. Yet sometimes we are all guilty of obsessing over the negative elements whilst failing to recognise good opportunities elsewhere; and if you’re looking for one sector where costs, pretty much consistently over time, have always decreased, then reach into your pocket and take out your trusty mobile Telecommunications,phone.
broadband and connected industries continue to slash prices in what is a consumer-led price war, and the simple truth is many of us are still paying too much for our mobile phone contracts. So if you’re coughing more than about a tenner a month for your mobile phone contract – and by that I mean calls, texts and data, not the device itself – you’re probably in line to save some money. It all comes down to looking for the best-priced SIM for your needs, because once you find the right deal, it’s really very easy nowadays to grab your PAC code and switch networks. Now usually when I suggest switching to a different mobile provider, people come back with concern over signal strength for, say, Lebara Mobile or PlusNet or whoever it is offering the best deal on data. The reality though is that the communications network is run by four companies and four companies only – O2, EE, Vodafone and Three.
Money on my Mind
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 43 A FREE WILL for Homeowners Protect your home and legacy for your children • Keep your hard-earned wealth within the family • Stop your home from being sold to pay for long term Care Fees. • Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions. • If you already have a Will … Is it up to date? • Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year. • Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected. DON’T PUT IT OFF – Don’t let your home and money disappear, make sure your estate goes to your family… leaving “what you want” to “who you want”. CALL 01767 660250 or email info@willandestateplanning.com for more information or to book a free meeting with one of our Will and Estate Planners either in your own home or at our offices. Baystrait Ltd t/a Will & Estate Planning, Baystrait House, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 45 Travel Eat, Drink, Repeat Consider yourself to be a foodie? Then you will love these destinations where the cuisine is the top tourist attraction Somerset, UK What makes Somerset so intriguing as a foodie destination is perhaps its perfect location – close to the water for seafood, surrounded by a perfect farming and arable landscape, and located a sensible distance from London to still attract some of the best chefs. Bath has a wealth of fine dining experiences, including Menu Gordon Jones and The Olive Tree, plus the ‘sea-foodie’ must-visit, The Scallop Shell. Then there’s the Michelin-starred restaurant-cumpub The Pony and Trap in Chew Magna, and Osip and Matt’s Kitchen in Bruton, and The Courtyard Restaurant in Wells. And September could be a great time to plan a road trip through the county, as Weston-SuperMare hosts the eat:Weston festival (Sept 24th and December 11th), showcasing some of the best local producers. San Sebastian, Spain Boasting the second highest concentration of Michelin stars per square mile in the world after Kyoto, this Spanish Basque city is a unique culinary Yetgem.beyond the critically acclaimed Alameda, Elkano, Kokotxa and Zuberoa, there is also an array of fine tapas available in the old quarter of the city.
As you would expect, seafood is the main appeal for a city located on the coast, but the influence of Basque food also plays a major role, with everything from Idiazabal cheese to Espelette peppers to meaty stews, all washed down with the most perfect sangria or cerveza! Melton Mowbray, UK Back in the UK, and chocoholics would be crazy not to head to Melton Mowbray, the quintessential English market town on the weekend of November 19th/20th, when Chocfest descends in all its melty, sugary glory. Known as the ‘Rural Capital of Food’, Melton Mowbray has become the centre of excellence for local food producers, with its famous, generous pork pies – which are prided on the fact they don’t contain preservatives, flavours, artificial colours or hydrogenated fats – and stilton cheese.
Copenhagen, Denmark The city that spawned the ‘New Nordic Cuisine’ culinary trend – which revolves around using local ingredients and seasonal produce to create simple, elegant dishes, adapted from traditional Nordic techniques – Copenhagen is not only home to the world-famous Noma restaurant (ranked best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014), it is also the best place to sample Danish ‘must-try’ dishes such as pickled herring, Danish cheeses, and the classic Smørrebrøda Danish open-faced sandwich.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts46 VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY DO YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS? NO MONEY OR TIME TO EMPLOY THAT EXTRA PERSON! WHY NOT CALL ME!! • NVQ 3 IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • ECDL QUALIFICATION • EXPERIENCE IN WORD, EXCEL AND OUTLOOK • EXPERIENCED RECEPTIONIST • EXPERIENCE IN SAGE LINE 50 AND VARIOUS IN HOUSE ACCOUNTS PACKAGES • EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS *REASONABLE RATES* TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEBSITE AND GIVE ME A CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS www.helpinghandso ceservices.com Tel: 01767 690075 / 07966 554304 Email: maureen@helpinghandso ceservices.co.uk
Inflation continues to rise, and with it the gap between your outgoings and income shrinks. You can’t completely stop spending, but you can earn cash back when you spend. There’s a range of ways to do this, but you need to check the conditions carefully. Credit cards - The best-known option is a cashback credit card. This will give you a percentage of your spending back as money, usually sent to your bank account. You may get a fixed percentage on all spending, a percentage that depends how much you spend, or a varying percentage that depends exactly what you are spending on. Watch for any monthly fees and be sure these won’t wipe out the benefits. The key rule for using such cards is that you should only use them for purchases that you would have made anyway: don’t buy stuff just to boost your Thecashback.interest rates on cashback credit cards are often quite high, so make sure you pay the balance off in full every month, preferably by direct debit. And don’t get cash advances such as bank machine withdrawals as, again, the rates can be high. Bank accounts - Another option is to get a bank account that offers some form of cashback, often called a reward account. There’s often a small monthly fee, but if you are paying regular bills you can usually come out ahead. Check the conditions carefully though: some rewards accounts have a minimum amount that you must pay in each month.
However, make sure you check prices carefully and see if you could get it cheaper elsewhere, outweighing the rewards. Be particularly wary of any membership costs. Often such services are free or have a free tier, but they can have monthly fees that may come as a surprise and reduce the overall benefit. Loyalty cards - Finally, don’t forget about supermarket loyalty cards. They don’t pay cash but do offer discounts on future shops. These days, the best value often comes from taking advantage of tie-ups with other retailers and programs, though this does mean doing some research and keeping up to date with the latest policies.
For example, earlier this year anyone using the option to convert Sainsbury’s Nectar card points to Avios air miles effectively boosted their cashback by 25 per cent – though of course, that’s only worthwhile for people who planned to spend their air miles. Remember also that how much financial benefit you get from air miles can vary depending on the type of flight you book.
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Free money
Apps and online - The newest option is to use specialist apps and online sites. These aren’t operated by banks or credit card providers, but rather by independent businesses. In principle, all you need to do is visit the site or app before being passed on to the retailer and you’ll then earn a percentage of any spending as cashback.
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It’s not all over in September. Indeed, many people choose this month as their favourite when it comes to drama in the garden. The show is by no means over as days shorten and summer draws to a close. It’s a grand time of year to tidy away some of the excess and allow the garden to keep on giving. If your outdoor space is looking past its best, this is an opportunity to add to your plant palette. After all, wise gardeners plant today if they believe in tomorrow. Looking good in September
If you want something completely reliable in freedraining soil and a sunny position, try Anemanthele lessoniana, or pheasant’s tail grass. It’s a semievergreen mound of golden and green loveliness that is steaked with red at this time of year. It has an arching habit and waves its slender foliage gently in a breeze. During winter it provides a fiery, uplifting display. Don’t expect it to stay where you put it –this will pop up in various places and move itself around your garden, giving you a burst of glory that lasts for months on end. Use some of the larger grasses, including Miscanthus, as specimen plants amongst your borders. They will add froth and glory that improves throughout the year. When most plants are fading, these grasses will be stealing the show with their clump-forming habit and spectacular autumn flowers. Many deciduous grasses look stunning from late summer through to March, at which point they require cutting back hard, almost to the ground. Contrast and drama Pay attention to foliage if you want to create some astonishing contrast. Acers, in particular, are now
Caroline Gardendesignideas.co.ukKnight: Gardening Make September a sumptuous celebration
Top marks go to the huge range of ornamental grasses that are now reaching their peak in terms of beauty. There’s a grass to suit just about every type of space, from pots and containers to beds, herbaceous borders, roof gardens, wildlife gardens and coastal locations. The effect at this time of year is stunning. Swathes of gently swaying grasses lighten the soul. Some measure just a few centimetres high whilst others tower to three metres and more. The seed heads can be pink, purple, cream and white. A few grasses look like lambs’ tails and several resemble giant plumes on a circus horse’s head.
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 49 working their way to a crescendo. Their colour takes on a vibrancy that will improve over the next few weeks as the leaves turn gradually crimson, purple, bronze and brilliant yellow, according to variety. It’s all about placement. Position them where the leaves will provide the most pleasure. A red acer planted in front of a yellow or lime-green backdrop, for example, will provide a focal point. Look to the principles of a colour wheel to understand the relationship between hues and tones. Opposites provide drama and contrast, whilst the neighbouring colours will bring subtlety, peace and calm. A similar effect can be achieved closer to the soil by making the most of ground-cover plants such as heuchera, sometimes known as coral bells. There are red, yellow, lime green and orange-leafed varieties of this somewhat overlooked perennial. Plant them in groups, next to others with contrasting foliage, to brighten up the autumn understorey. The same applies to heathers, which seem to have fallen out of favour just now. Their late-summer and autumn flowers, in pinks, purples and white, light up the garden with a warm glow at this time of year. Erica varieties like free-draining soil in light shade and they can look stunning when planted amongst rocks and boulders, or towards the front of borders. Calluna, or ling heathers, like full sun in acid soil, so there is a heather suitable for almost any location except full shade or bog.
More shrubs and perennials for September
The sunny yellow flowers of rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ create a late-summer splash of colour during September. This award-winning beauty ensures that sunshine will stay in your garden right through to October and beyond. It works well with ornamental grasses and other daisy types including heleniums. These will keep on giving until late autumn. The crimson red flower of helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ is one of the best. Then there are asters, with their astonishing display of daisy-like purple, lilac and pink blooms. During a warm September they will be covered in bees and butterflies as they set the garden alight with a splash of vibrant colour. Asters are known as a symbol of love and wisdom – let’s all have some of these!
Many autumn-pruned plants benefit from ‘the rule of three.’ My grandfather taught me this and it and means that each year, in the autumn, after the shrub has flowered, you prune out one third of the oldest shoots. This encourages new growth the following spring while still allowing the shrub to flower on the old wood. Treated this way, the shrub will be completely rejuvenated every three years but will flower every year.
Pruning is best approached with a clear purpose. What is your aim? If a reshape is in order and you’re only partially shortening a stem, always prune to an outward facing bud which encourages a nice, open shape. As I’ve already mentioned, pruned plants will do a lot of growing, which means they’ll expend a lot of energy, hence all pruned plants need a good feed in the spring, before the growing season gets Finally,underway.ifyou do get it completely wrong, don’t panic. Generally, the worst that happens is that the plant looks a bit naff for one season then bounces back the following year. That’s the good thing about plants: they just keep on growing Prune in spring Buddleia, perovskia, dogwood, caryopteris, lavender, roses, fuchsias Prune in autumn Cotinus, forsythia, winter jasmine, philadelphus, spiraea, weigela, deutzia
magic or mystery involved: we’re working with the natural inclination of the plant. If the foli age and flowers are produced on new wood, then it makes sense to encourage the plant to produce as much of this as possible. It also makes sense to prune in the spring because any new growth in the autumn would be vulnerable to frost.
Pruning Power
There are two main pruning seasons: autumn and spring. Shrubs that flower in the winter, spring and early summer generally produce their flowers on old wood, which is any stem that grew the previous year. These shrubs need to be pruned in the autumn. Shrubs that flower in mid-summer or autumn tend to produce their flowers on this season’s growth, which means on stems that were produced this year. These shrubs should be left until spring before There’spruning.no
By Rachael Leverton
Pruning is a word which can instil fear into the heart of a novice gardener. I often get asked when to do it; how to do it, and how extensive it should be? Rarely do I get asked WHY do we do it?
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Pruning forces a plant into ‘growth mode’ as it tries to replace what it has lost. When should we prune?
While a shrub won’t die if it isn’t pruned, it might grow too large for the space, or become straggly, or produce poor quality flowers. So, gardeners prune in order to enhance a plant’s performance; to encour age it to produce better foliage, flowers, or fruit.
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He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses putting early preparations in place for winter. So winter is coming! Okay, so it’s a way off yet, but getting our plans together early for what we want to see in our gardens in winter, is actually a really good idea, even if the whole discussion feels a little, well, ‘out of season’, you might say! The notion of the winter vegetable is one we all stand by – rough, rustic, wholesome and happy, they are the meal mainstays of a season in which we want to be inside, wrapped up warm, with the products of our labour in front of us. Think about kale, brussels sprouts, parsnips, and who can resist the Jerusalem artichoke? These are all easy to get into the group, simple to maintain, and will flourish as the year goes on, ready for picking just when the temperatures begin to drop sharply in November.
You also need to start thinking about early spring vegetables – they’ll be longer in the ground but still working their magic through the winter months. In this case, definitely consider spinach, typically planted at the start of autumn, and carrots tooplanted in November and with a bit of protection, the Adelaide carrot flourishes across the colder months for an early-spring treat. You’ve also got leeks, winter salads, Lambs Lettuce, cress, mustard and tasty onions – all evidence that when the sun disappears, the work we can do in our gardens continues.
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TheGreenFingersAlanTitchmarshcolumn
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Pets
Being a foster carer is exceptionally rewarding. The RSPCA are always on the look out for new foster carers who can provide a safe, caring and loving environment for the cats and dogs that are rescued each year. Fostering an animal can help them recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury - taking the first steps towards finding a new, loving forever home. It’s very fulfilling to know that you played a key part in helping a rescued animal recover and to then start a new life with a new family. Fostering also gives those who are unable to take in an animal long term, due to commitments and circumstance, with an alternative. Why do we need foster carers?
Our foster carers aim to help rehabilitate the animals in their care. This then increases their chances of finding a forever home. Naturally, we try to rehome our animals as quickly as possible, but if they are involved in a prosecution case we could have them in our care for long periods. Some animals need one-to-one care or perhaps don’t cope well in an animal centre environment. This is where our team of fantastic foster carers comes in.
currently own one and you are able, you can foster two horses as company for each other. If you fit the criteria for an equine foster carer why not find out more and apply online. How can I get involved?
Have You ConsideredEverFostering?
If you are interested in the role of a foster carer, use our volunteer search on our national website to find opportunities near you. If there is nothing listed in your area, then it’s always worth checking with your nearest RSPCA branch or animal centre. We are always delighted to hear about people’s positive fostering experiences. So please do get in touch if you have a story you’d like to share. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, please contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.
When an animal is fostered space in our centres then become free, so that we can rescue more animals in desperate need. What does the role involve? You would be required to provide the care the animal needs; feeding, exercising, cleaning, socialising, giving medication and grooming. Essentially, there are two main avenues within fostering at the 1)RSPCA:Foster carers for animals ready to be rehomed. 2) Foster carers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take Someplace.of the animals that we take in have are not used to the care and affection that they deserved. Living with a foster family helps to provide them with that one-toone care, allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle. You may even be asked to foster an animal that is convalescing following illness or injury while they prepare for the adoption process. Providing stable futures Pardon the pun, but did you know that you could also foster a horse or a pony? You can foster a horse or a pony as a companion for your own horse. Or if you don’t
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Rehoming Appeal
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts56 Orea Oreo is a Bichon X Shih Tzu who is at first fearful of strangers (human and canine) but once he gets to know you and feels comfortable, he’s brimming with love and affection. Oreo is a playful chap and he will quickly become inseparable with his forever owner, once that all important bond has been forged. He needs to be slowly and gently introduced to new people to help him to gain confidence, and he could live with older children, who will understand his boundaries and let him have plenty of space initially. He is quite large for his breed and also quite strong. Oreo has shown reactivity towards certain dogs (usually high energy and excitable types) when out on walks, but he does like the company of wellmannered dogs, who he can get to know and trust. As such, we are happy to consider rehoming Oreo to a family with another dog. If you feel you able to offer this characterful little chap the loving home, please contact Julie on 01763 289827. Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. View the dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
Pets
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts58 For further information please call Trevor on Tel: 01767 261845 Mobile: 07941 187689 Email:Web:Gemmaton@hotmail.co.ukwww.gemmaton.com Wrought iron work, made to order, including • stairs • benches • individual beds • furniture Pottons Specialist Welding and Fabricating Company Gemmat o n for all your welding needs • Suppliers of manual and automated gates • Security doors and grills • Fire escapes • All welding projects
For more information
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 59 Making life easier 15 appointmentsminute15 Open7pmuntil appointmentsEmergency printedHelpfulnotes Family run by Alan & René Call today: 01767 260007 Appointments online at: pottonvets.co.uk 9 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Pets Dear Alan, My cat has fleas, even though I am putting flea drops on her. What must I do? Fleas are a real problem because of their life cycle. The adults sit on the pet, the eggs drop into the environment, they hatch out, turn to larvae then pupae and finally back into adults that jump back onto the pets (and people) in the house. The population can build up very fast and only a very small percentage are visible on your pet. There are many reasons for treatment failure: The drops might be working but new fleas are jumping on and you are seeing them before they die. The drops might kill the fleas slowly so you see them before they die. The drops might be working but you are putting them on too infrequently so the fleas can still breed. Flea control does not work if you do not treat all the animals in the house. The drops might be ineffective Ask Alan
Best
Preventing fleas is easier than eradicating them, but to do so use a combination of products to kill fleas on the pet and in the environment. Use products that kills fleas quickly, applied at the correct intervals and treat all the animals in the Therehouse.aremany different products; spot-ons, tablets, shampoos and sprays. Please come and see us, we will be able to choose the right combination to get Mog flea free. wishes, If you have any questions you would like answered, email them to villager@pottonvets.co.uk visit www.pottonvets.co.uk into the clinic in Potton Market Square.
or pop
please
Alan
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What is it? The Ford Fiesta is still the most common sight on UK roads and is a huge seller for Ford. It’s small yet practical and great value for money. With tweaked styling and improved technology, we’ve tested the latest version to see if it’s still one of the best all-rounders. What’s new? An obvious change is the tweaked exterior design, and there are also new technologies such as Matrix LED headlights and a configurable digital instrument display. What’s under the bonnet? One of the Fiesta’s key selling points is its range of electrified engines and there are hybrid and mild-hybrid petrol powertrains available. Our test car had the 1.0-litre mild hybrid with 123bhp and 170Nm of torque, promising 50mpg on the combined cycle. It felt punchy enough but would work better with manual transmission, as the seven-speed automatic on our car felt lethargic in urban driving. What’s it like to drive? Aside from the gearbox, the Fiesta is fantastic to drive. Our ST-Line Vignale specification test car included ‘sportstuned suspension’ but this generally delivered a comfortable ride on all but the most potholed roads. The steering is light and easy to use around town without being too fidgety at higher speeds. The Fiesta is a bit noisy on the motorway but is otherwise well-refined. How does it look? Subtle changes to the Fiesta’s classic shape give it a simpler, more sophisticated edge. A new bonnet shape increases nose height and the upper grille is larger. The new LED headlights give a more modern appearance, while the rear lights have a classy new black surround. Each trim level now has a more distinctive appearance. Our sporty ST-Line model gets a new upper grille with a deeper insert and gloss-black honeycomb finish, plus wide side vents. What’s it like inside? The Fiesta is pretty spacious, though the driving position can be slightly awkward for taller drivers. Materials quality is impressive. The technology is decent for a car of this size, especially the new 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The infotainment system’s screen feels a little dated, however. What’s the spec like? Our ST-Line Vignale costs £25,270, with features including 18-inch alloy wheels, ST-Line body kit, selectable drive modes, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment technology with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats and steering wheel, and various driver-assistance features. Total price was £27,970 after optional extras, including Matrix LED headlights (£850) and B&O premium sound system (£425). The parking pack is good value at £300. Although all this equipment makes the Fiesta more appealing, it does impact value for money when you consider the basic model starts at around £18,000. Verdict There’s still a lot to love about this smart supermini. It’s sweet to drive and comes with impressive equipment and technology. If you’re sensible with your specifications, it’s easy to get a smart supermini with everything you need for a small family.
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Darren Cassey tests the updated Ford Fiesta to see if it’s as good as ever.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts62 1. With which chocolate company would you associate the slogan “chocolate heaven since 1911”? 2. How many planets in the solar system are smaller than Earth? 3. In July 2007, a series of concerts called Live Earth took place around the world. Which famous singer headlined the London concert? 4. Which William Shakespeare play features the line “there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy”? 5. The 1986 single The Edge Of Heaven was promoted as the farewell single of which pop group? 6. What are the two colours on the earth wire on a standard British plug? 7. A song often known as Bread Of Heaven is regularly sung by fans of which national rugby union team? 8. With Heaven And Earth bring the third, what were the titles of the first two films in Oliver Stone’s trilogy of films on the Vietnam War? 9. What type of fired clay has a name that means “baked earth” in Italian? 10. In which religion do the Four Heavenly Kings each watch over one cardinal direction of the world? 1.Thorntons2.Three(Mercury,MarsandVenus)3.Madonna4.Hamlet5.Wham 6.Greenandyellow7.TheWalesnationalrugbyunionteam8.PlatoonandBornOnTheFourthOfJuly9.Terracotta10.Buddhism Heaven & Earth
A Heads-Up display is a small transparent unit which is mounted on top of the dashboard, in front of the driver. It displays information exactly where you need it – directly in the line of sight. Drivers get all the important information such as speed, warning signals and indicator arrows for navigation without having to looking down to the instrument cluster or the secondary display, hence the name. There are a few types of Heads-Up display. Some project on to your windscreen, and these can be harder to see in some lighting conditions. Some have a semi reflective sheet of glass that’s designed to reflect the display whilst allowing you to see through it, very much like in fighter aircraft.
Most Heads Up units plug in to the OBD port in your car to get their information, and some models can connect to your phone and Satnav which allows them to provide even more features in your line of vision. Prices start at under £100 so you can boost your driving safety while channelling your inner Tom Cruise in Top Gun. By Tom Hancock
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 63 The latest in vehicle technology Motoring Busier roads mean we need to use more of our concentration to monitor the traffic around us. Tightly enforced speed regulations mean we also need to watch our dashboard dials to keep on the right side of the law. Unfortunately, this means we have to take our eyes off the road frequently to read the gauges. Add in a sat nav and a lot of our mental bandwidth could be diverted at any one Entertime. the Heads-Up display. These have been around for while and are fitted as standard on some premium cars. But third-party units are widely available and easy to install.
Simple changes we can make if we’re keen on making our daily preparation and preening routines that much more ecologically friendly.
TWO - Water Wastage Showers, toilets, baths and bathroom sinks are collectively responsible for more than two-thirds of a household’s average water usage, meaning that any reduction we can make in water usage will have a hugely positive impact on the environment. There are simple measures we can all take such as showering rather than bathing, and beyond that changing an old showerhead for a low-flow version with high pressure. Also ensure leaky taps are fixed and are certainly not left running for any amount of time unnecessarily
FOUR - Limescale lag Limescale is something we commonly associate with poor performance in kettles and washing machines, and that’s correct. Yet, by extension, when our appliances require more energy, over a longer period, to perform the same function, both we and the environment are paying for the privilege.
THREE - Letting life flourish While the bathroom perhaps isn’t the most obvious place to begin inviting in the flora and fauna of the outside world, the humidity, moisture and flow of air actually makes it a great place for low-maintenance plants such as ferns to thrive. Meanwhile, adding in air-purifying plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, aloe vera and snake plants will actively improve the purity of the air in your bathroom. A biproduct of this is a decrease in mould, meaning less need for harmful cleaning products and chemicals.
– a tap left on can let through six litres of water in under a minute. That means small things such as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth or washing your face can offer a huge benefit in terms of saving water. And of course, whilst helping the environment you’re also reducing your water bill.
Eco Bathroom Energy
Special Report
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ONE - Plastic is not fantastic We all know the issue with single-use plastics, and the damage they do to the environment. The prevalence of refillable and reusable body products – soaps, gels, moisturisers etc. – and the number of retailers wising up to this trend, has kicked off a cultural shift that is rapidly gathering pace. Not only is this tendency for refillable products a trendy revolution, even if it is akin to wartime replenishment of products, but typically those products on offer have been developed with sensitive skin or vegan elements in mind, meaning they are better not just for the environment, but ourselves too.
From taps to showerheads to the big one, build-up inside your boiler, banishing limescale means keeping your heating appliances and waterflow systems running as efficiently as possible.
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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts66 ervicesecoratingurtenshawSDB All Domestic Work Undertaken Painting, Decorating, Wallpapering Interior and Exterior Work Over 30 years experience Fully InsuranceCityQualityInsuredWorkmanshipandGuildsQualifiedWork 01767 680762 07972 shadbeam@tiscali.co.uk622305 We can professionally clean... ConservatoriesFasciasUpholsteryCarpetsSotsGuttersPatiosDriveways0176722282207812335860 www.pkcleaningservicesltd.co.uk Find us on
The Channel 4 series saw the pair take in the delights of South Devon, the Isle of Wight, Carmarthenshire, Aberdeenshire and Norwich and Great Yarmouth. “It’s the beautiful sea air,” said Ainsley when asked what is it about the seaside and food that makes such a great combination, adding: “Being al fresco gives you an amazing appetite, and the smell of salt – and especially if you’re near the boats with the actual smell of fish – just makes you want to have a bag of fish ’n’ chips in your hand.”
In 2020 Ainsley was honoured to be awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting and the culinary arts. So where does his passion for food and cooking come from? “It definitely comes from my late mum Peppy, who taught me so much as I helped her in the kitchen. In a way, I suppose, she was passing down elements of her heritage. She didn’t only
In his first new book for over a decade, Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen published in 2019, he went island hopping between Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica and Antigua. He went off on his travels again the following year with Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook, and in 2021, when we were in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ainsley hit the spot with his newest cookbook, Ainsley’s Good Mood Food: Easy, comforting meals to lift your spirits. So, at 65, and back on our screens doing what he does best, what’s the secret of his success? “I don’t question it – I just keep doing what I’m doing! I’m very lucky to have a great job and I genuinely love meeting and working with really interesting people. Maybe that’s what audiences respond to – that what you’re seeing is not only fun, it’s also real.” & Grace Dent: © blink
teach me about ingredients and recipes, she showed me how to cook with joy and, most importantly, with a lot of rhythm.”
Ever-popular chef Ainsley Harriott, who first became a household name appearing on daytime TV shows such as Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook and Ready, Steady Cook, is back doing what he does best, cooking up a storm on his travels. Here we catch up with him…
Ainsley
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Channelproductions/4
Celebrity
The staycation has never been more popular and in his latest TV series Ainsley Harriott and restaurant critic Grace Dent, two of Britain’s most-loved foodies, have whetted our appetites as they explored some of the best seaside holiday destinations – and dishes – the British Isles have to offer in Best of British by the Sea.
And talking rhythm, Ainsley has twice swapped his oven gloves for dancing shoes to appear on family-favourite show Strictly Come Dancing, first partnering with Natalie Lowe, then returning for a Christmas Special with a dance routine with Karen ButClifton.there is nothing that Ainsley loves more than taking a culinary voyage back to his roots to explore the dishes of the Caribbean.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts68 &MUSCLEMOTOR Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email:www.muscleandmotor.co.ukmuscleandmotor@gmail.com 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. RELIABLECOMPANYROOFING ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 35 YEARS BUILT UP FELT ROOFING SPECIALISTS & GENERAL ROOF REPAIRS • SLATE & TILE • REPLACEMENT FASCIAS/ SOFFITS, UPVC OR TIMBER • GUTTERING MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP AT REALISTIC PRICES • FREE ESTIMATES 01767 312914 • 01707 272532 07973 844240 www.reliableroofing-herts.co.ukreliableroofing@btinternet.comPROPRIETORR.S.CROW F.I.O.R.
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70 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Bear Faced! The story of Hercules Special Report
More than forty years ago on September 13th 1980 Hercules the Grizzly bear had an eventful day. Hercules had been hired to star in a Kleenex commercial which was being filmed on the Scottish Island of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. Quite why Kleenex needed a full grown Grizzly for the job is not a matter of record, but at some point during the day’s shoot he seems to have become disillusioned with the idea of his impending stardom and wandered off. A massive search was set up but was eventually called off and Hercules was presumed dead. Then a crofter spotted the 8’ 4” (2.54m), half tonne animal as he was swimming. A rescue team arrived and shot Hercules with a tranquiliser dart. He was captured in a net and gently transported by helicopter back to his relieved owner and trainer. Following this escapade Hercules was fitted with a radio bleeper... just in case. The gentle giant went on to become a TV star, appearing regularly on children’s TV throughout the 1980’s and he even managed a cameo role in the James Bond film, Octopussy. He also appeared on several Hollywood chat shows and the cover of Time magazine. He died some twenty years later in February 2000, following a fall from which he never fully recovered.
By Gemma Brown
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With winter just around the corner, now is the time to think about your home’s heating system. Is your boiler running safely and efficiently while keeping running costs to a minimum? Home heating can contribute up to 60% of your home’s utility bills, so it’s important to ensure you are up to date with the best practices for maintaining and operating your central heating system. Out with the old The general rule is that once your boiler reaches around twenty years of service, you should replace it with a new unit. On average, your boiler will begin to operate less efficiently after ten to fifteen years, meaning it will need to work harder to heat your home, resulting in increased utility bills. Along with the potential cost of breakdowns and repairs for older boilers, it may be financially prudent to replace your boiler before it becomes a bigger expense. In with the new According to the plan for the UK to reach carbon net zero by 2050, the UK government has announced that new-build homes will not be allowed to install traditional gas boilers after 2025. This doesn’t mean you have to replace your existing gas boiler by this date, but you may wish to consider these heating alternatives, which will soon be considered the norm.
• Heat pumps: using a similar technology to that which operates your fridge freezer (but in reverse), heat pumps will be one of the main ways new-build homes are heated after 2025, by utilising only air and a small amount of electricity.
• Infrared heating panels: by emitting infrared energy into a room, the energy is absorbed directly into solid objects within three metres of the panel, causing them to warm up instantly. The infrared cannot warm air unfortunately, so the room will feel cold the moment it’s turned off.
Working from home this winter?
Home heating Is it time for a change?
Rather than electric portable heaters, which are really costly to run, an efficient central heating system set to around twenty degrees is still the recommended choice, even if you plan on heating just one room of the house. By using individual thermostats or radiator valves (or a smart thermostat) in each room, you can focus the heat towards the room you need to keep cosy, avoiding having to wear gloves and a woolly hat on your Zoom calls!
• Solar thermal panels: designed to be used alongside a regular gas or biomass boiler, solar thermal panels absorb heat from the sun, which is then transferred to a water tank for you to use as a hot water supply or for heating for your home.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts72 Special Report By Louise Addison
• Biomass boilers: these work in the same way as a conventional gas boiler, but rather than gas, the fuel is a plant-based mixture of either wood, pellet or woodchip. This means it’s a much greener solution than conventional fossil fuels.
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and
9 SEPTEMBER
Coffee
Sandy Astronomical Society 7pm Zoom general meeting followed by ‘Listening to Einstein’s Universe: the Exciting Dawn of GravitationalWave Astronomy’ by Prof Martin Web:Email:Hendry.info@sandyastro.co.uksandyastro.co.uk 1
Sunday 10.30amStrollForest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine Free - donations welcome Gentle Sunday walk around the park lasting approximately two hours. No need to book. Tel: 01234 767037 Web: www.marstonvale.org 1
4 SEPTEMBER Red Kite Concerts 14, 21 & SEPTEMBER 14, 14, 21 SEPTEMBER Luton Entry £7.50 including guided tour, school age children £1, under 5s and carers free. Last entry 2.30pm. No access from the hotel – please use LU1 4LF. Tel: 01582 721443 Web: Tickets:www.lutonhooestate.co.uktrybooking.co.uk/BMNU
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What's On Please mention The
Roxton & District Local History 7.15pmGroup for 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall Members free, visitors £4 Annual membership £20. Email: mariascreen1@gmail.com Web: roxtonhistory.org.uk 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 & 30 SEPTEMBER Open 10-11.30amDoorPotton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Tea, coffee and chat. Mondays (not bank holidays) and Fridays. Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 3
WHAT'S ON IN SEPTEMBER
Salvation Army, Chapel Street Coffee, tea, bacon butties, homemade cakes, cards, Bric-a-Brac, Books and jigsaws etc. Held on the first Saturday every month except January. Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 3
Sandy
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1 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 10-11.30amMorningPotton SEPTEMBER 9, SEPTEMBER Ukulele SEPTEMBER Sandy Historical Research Group (SHRG) Exhibition 1-4pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall Tel: 01767 226392 Email: secretary@shrg.uktr 3 SEPTEMBER Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Plants and Castles of Transylvania’ with Razvan Chisu, garden designer writer and editor known as the Transylvanian Gardener. Visitors welcome – small charge. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk
16, 23 & 30
21 & 28 SEPTEMBER Hinxworth Art Society Hinxworth10am-12pm Village Hall Drawing, painting, coffee and chat. No need to book. Occasional oneday courses and demonstrations. Email: 99aegr@gmail.com 7,
Open Wednesday at the Walled Luton10.30am-4pmGardenHooEstate,
Jersey Boys Tribute Night 7pm, show 8pm. Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine Tickets £15. The New West End Jerseys perform the incredible music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Book online. Tel: 01234 767037 for more details Web: www.marstonvale.org
9 SEPTEMBER Bedfordshire Family History 7pmSocietyand 7.30pm on Zoom Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford ‘RAF Henlow’ by Ted Martin. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk Villager Town
2022 5-6pm St. John’s Church, Cockayne Hatley Tickets £15, under 18s free The Flautadors Recorder Consort, performing on beautiful Renaissance instruments. Tickets available online or on the door. Web: www.redkiteconcerts.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 SEPTEMBER Branch Out Social Club for Single 8.30-10.30pmPeopleCromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Meets every Monday night. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 6 SEPTEMBER Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay ‘Gardening for Butterflies’ by Dr Ian Bedford. 7 SEPTEMBER Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group 1pm Shuttleworth Guests £5. ‘The Duncan Sandys Myth’ by Greg Baughen. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth £19.50/£17.50 online in advance (valid for 30 days). Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk Email: 99aegr@gmail.com 7,
Open Craft and Coffee 10-11.30am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 261138 7,
Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy Meets every Friday. Please email for more information on joining. Visitors welcome. Email: sandyukulelegroup1@gmail. Web:com www.sandyukulelegroup.com 3
Craft & Food Fayre 10am-3pm Jordans Mill, Broom A fantastic range of stalls including sweet treats, hand-made items, locally made foods and more. In the front car park and throughout the grounds of Jordans Mill. 2,
What's On 9 SEPTEMBER Bedford Art Society 7.15pm for 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford Members free, visitors £5 ‘Flowers in watercolour’ with Nicky Hunter, an artist specialising in watercolour, working and teaching from her studio at Westbury Arts Centre in Milton Keynes. Tel: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 Web: www.bedsartsociety.co.uk 10 SEPTEMBER Craft Fair Biggleswade10am-3pmSocialClub Free entry. Support local small businesses. crafteventsatbiggsWeb:thestitchincraftcabin@outlook.comEmail:facebook.com/ 11 SEPTEMBER Open Day and Wine Sale 11am-4pm Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden Adults £4 in advance online, £5 on day, children under 16 free, tours £5. Wine tasting, local food and other stalls, Petting farm, BBQ and Web:refreshments.www.wardenvineyard.org.uk 11 SEPTEMBER Guided Town Walk 2.30pm Meet at the Church Rooms, Sandy £3 per person. Led by Barry Groom. In aid of The Leprosy Mission. Refreshments available at the end. Please contact Colin to book. Tel: Colin Osborne 01767 682032 Email: colin.osborne@codo.co.uk 11 SEPTEMBER (Not Strictly) Jazz 5-7pm Tickets £20, 10-18 years £10 Fairfield House, Fairfield Road, Biggleswade Featuring a quartet of professional musicians who will perform jazz classics. Refreshments included. Contact Sarah for tickets. Tel: 01767 312176 Email: sarahwiggs@hotmail.co.uk 12 SEPTEMBER Sandy Flower Club The7.30pmConservative Bowls Club Pavilion (rear of the Conservative Club, Bedford Road) Visitors £5 The Flower Club meets second Monday in the month (excluding January, August and December). New members always welcome. Tel: Sue Alexander 01767 699729 or follow us on Facebook 14 SEPTEMBER Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust 7.15pm for 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnam Avenue, Bedford Illustrated talk ‘An Introduction to Bedfordshire’s Geology‘ by Bev Fowlston. Ample parking. All welcome. No charge but voluntary contributions appreciated. Tel: 01234 266057 Web: wildlifebcn.org 15 SEPTEMBER Sandy Astronomical Society 7.30pm Zoom talk by Dr Jane Clark on ‘Mapping the solar system from your back yard’. Email: info@sandyastro.co.uk Web: sandyastro.co.uk 15 SEPTEMBER Bedford RSPB Local Group ARA7.30pmClub, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Group members £1, Guest £2, annual group membership £5, under 18s free. Jo Thomas presents ‘Wildlife of Panama - from the Canal to the Sky’. Suitable for experts and novices. RSPB membership not essential. Facilities and refreshments at ground level. Secure parking. Tel: 07905 199769 Web: bedfordwww.rspb.org.uk/groups/ 15, 22 & 29 SEPTEMBER Biggleswade & District Camera Club. 8-10pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Non-members £3 See website for full programme. Web: biggleswadecameraclub.co.ukhttps:// 17 SEPTEMBER Coffee Extra 10.00 am to 11.30 am Potton Salvation Army, Chapel Street Coffee/Tea/Toasted Tea Cakes etc. Weekly “Open Door” (Tea/Coffee/ Chat) on Mondays & Fridays 10-11.30 a.m.(not Bank Holidays). Weekly “Open Craft & Coffee” on Wednesdays 10-11.30 a.m. Everyone Welcome. 20 SEPTEMBER Sandy Women’s Institute Sandy10am-12pmConservative Club, Bedford Road, Sandy Visitors £4. Meets third Tuesday of every month, except August. Visitors very welcome. Tel: 01767 680644 Email: sandywibeds@gmail.com 20 SEPTEMBER Bedford National Trust Association Addison2.15-3.15pmCentre, Kempston BNTA members £3, NT members £3.50, visitors £4. ‘Sulgrave Manor and the Washington Family’ by Martin Sirot-Smith (in costume). Non-members welcome. Tel: Garry Telling 01480 819625 Email: garry.geoff.telling@gmail.com UNTIL 2 OCTOBER Body & Soul Exhibition The Higgins, Bedford Free entry. Body & Soul is a new exhibition exploring how women have been represented in art over the past two centuries. Web: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 WHAT'S ON IN SEPTEMBER The deadline for What’s On entries is 12th September. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.net
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts76 • Commercial & Domestic • Vertical Sliding Sash Windows • Casement Windows • Residential & French Doors • Patio Doors • ‘A’ Rated Windows • Misted up double glazed units replaced • Discounts for pensioners available on windows • FENSA Certification • 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Potton Windows is the only local company to be awarded the Secured By Design accreditation, to all products manufactured at its Potton Factory, this is a Police Preferred specification for greater security. 01767 sales@pottonwindows.co.uk260626www.pottonwindows.co.uk Unit 2-6 Shannon Place, Potton SG19 2SP
From £179, instantbrands.co.uk 01767 261122
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On the internet, there’s a bitter war raging. On the one side you have the Instant Pot infantry, who claim their cooker is the best kitchen gadget ever. And on the other there is the Air Fryer army, who say the same about air fryers. The truth? They’re both right, especially if your air fryer is also a multifunction oven. These devices can replace lots of kitchen appliances and pans, making even complex cooking easier, faster and a lot less messy too. The Instant Pot is a programmable electric pressure cooker. That means you can get slow-cooked tenderness and flavour in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for soups, stews, chilli and much more. It’s great for steaming eggs and cooking rice too, and more recent models have an optional air-fryer attachment that does a pretty good job of Anfrying.air fryer is a bit confusingly named, because really it’s a convection oven with a whopping great fan in it. It enables you to get similar results to deep frying without using all that oil, and while you can’t cook everything – wet batters such as fish batter or tempura just fall off – it’s really good for things like chips, fried chicken and other tasty treats. Many devices offer a combination of these features, so for example, the Sage Smart Oven Pro is an oven, an air fryer, a toaster, a pizza oven and a slow cooker, while the Ninja Foodi Max 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker is a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, grill and steam oven with a built-in temperature sensor to deliver perfect results every time. Can they replace your existing appliances? We’d answer with a qualified yes. Multifunction cookers are incredibly handy and mean a lot less washing up, but they tend to excel at some things and only do okay with others –for example, an Instant Pot is a very good slow and pressure cooker, but the more expensive models’ air fryer lid is rather bulky and the results aren’t as good as a standalone air fryer, while Sage’s smart oven is a great air fryer and convection oven but a frustratingly slow toaster grill.
Technology
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 This evolution of the original Instant Pot is a great buy: it’s easy to use, works really well and cooks all kinds of things (although there isn’t an air fryer lid). You can even get a Star Wars one.
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Sage Smart Oven Pro This smart oven is so good we bought one. It’s a largecapacity air fryer that’s big enough to use for the Sunday roast too, and it has dedicated features for cooking pizzas, baking and slow cooking. £249, sageappliances.com
If an 8L multi-cooker is just too big, this 4.7L model offers similar features to the Foodi Max without the bulk. It’s ideal for couples and solo cooks. £149, ninjakitchen.co.uk
Ninja Foodi Max 15-in-1 With fifteen cooking functions, including pressure and slow cooking, air frying and even steam cooking, this really does replace a lot of different appliances. £249, ninjakitchen.co.uk
Instant Pot Duo Crisp This model takes the familiar Instant Pot pressure cooker and adds a swappable lid that turns it into an air fryer. The 8L model looks rather like Darth Vader is sitting on your counter.
One pot to rule them all Can multi-cookers really replace lots of pots and pans?
Ninja Foodi Mini 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker
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Prevents heart disease
A Taste for Turmeric
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC Eases aches and pains
While studies in humans are still in very early stages, lab and animal studies have shown promising effects of curcumin in the fight against cancer, by interfering with several important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread. While many of these studies are in their early stages, one thing is for sure: you no longer need to feel guilty about your weekly Indian takeaway.
Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects and fights those nasty cell-damaging atoms. Found in everything from fried food to air pollution, free radicals have been linked to both ageing and cancer and the fewer of them in our bodies, the better.
By reducing inflammation in the brain, the curcumin element enhances the flow of neurotransmitters.
Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function, which helps regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors. Beats cancer?
It’s tasty, has been around for centuries and is a key ingredient in Britain’s favourite dish – chicken tikka masala – but it’s only recently that the full benefits of turmeric have come to the fore. This gorgeously golden spice gives curry its orange tinge and has long been used in India as a medicinal herb. This is all down to compounds found within the spice, the most important of which is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It can also be used as a lively, peppery essence in things like juices, foods and stocks. Dried turmeric, meanwhile, which is much less potent, adds colour and enhanced earthiness to preparations such as roasts, rice and scrambled eggs. Supplement that! Of course, turmeric doesn’t have to be used in its raw form of food preparation; it can also be taken as a supplement. Terminology Turmeric is a plant and it’s the roots of the plant that are used to make the spice that is used in cooking and herbal drinks. Curcumin is the naturally occurring compound within the plant’s roots that give it it’s bright yellow colour and is known as a carotenoid compound. Turmeric powder has the highest curcumin concentration.
A powerful anti-inflammatory, there is evidence to suggest a daily dose of turmeric can greatly benefit those suffering from joint problems and arthritis. That said, turmeric is not listed as an arthritis treatment by the NHS, and therefore is unlikely to be prescribed by your GP.
From helping fight inflammation to preventing heart disease and cancer, turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence.
79To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 Health
Boosts moods
Rids you of free radicals
80 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZEasyCodewordSudoku Hard Sudoku Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.
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DayDahlRoald
Dahl has been called the World’s number one storyteller. One of the reasons for his popularity was his playful use of language. Taking a lesson from Shakespeare himself, Dahl invented thousands of words such as swashboggling and frobscottle, which were compiled in an illustrated dictionary in 2016 to celebrate the centenary of his birth. Dahl loved wordplay and would scribble words down swapping letters around and adopting spoonerisms and malapropisms. Dahl built his new words on familiar sounds, and rarely explained what they meant. Children instinctively work them out because they often sound like a word they already know. He also loved onomatopoeia, where a word is almost a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it, for example, lickswishy, squizzle, and fizzlecrump. And like many of Shakespeare’s invented words (lacklustre, dauntless and dwindle), some of Dahl’s have also escaped his books and entered into popular use. Who hasn’t use scrumdiddlyumptious at some point? He also loved to include more arcane words from his own childhood but less familiar to today’s children, such as blithering, and breeches. And he slipped biographical details into his stories, such as Matilda’s parrot being called Chopper, which was the name of his own little dog, and Matilda’s own name which was a name used for the tanks in WWll in North Africa where Dahl served.
Special Report
Wondercrump: “Wonderful or splendiferous”
Scrumdiddlyumptious: “Food that is utterly delicious”
Flushbunking: “Makes no sense whatsoever”
Snozzwanger: “A deadly three-footed creature that preys on Oompa-Loompas”
Frobscottle: A “green fizzy drink that the BFG and other giants drink instead of water”
Bopmuggered: “If a giant is bopmuggered, he is in a very bad situation”
Swashboggling: “Very special”
Dig out a Roald Dahl book today or watch a film and rejoice in the gloriumptious language of a literary Happygenius. Roald Dahl Day.
September 13th is Roald Dahl Day. It’s celebrated every year on his birthday. Dahl was born in 1916, and was adventurous in his youth, working out in Tanzania then becoming a fighter pilot in WWll. In the 1950s he moved to Buckinghamshire and began to write children’s stories from a small hut at the bottom of his garden. He wrote more than twenty children’s classics, all penned by hand on the yellow paper of the American legal pads he favoured, and all illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake. They include Charlies and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Matilda.
Words invented by Dahl:
Gobblefunk: To “play around with [words] and invent new words or meanings”
Lickswishy: “A lickswishy taste or flavour is gloriously delicious”
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Phizz-whizzing: “If you like something or someone”
By Sarah Davey
Snozzberry: “A type of berry you can eat”
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Be CourierHappier Want to build a scalable business from the ground up? Then Courier’s new book is worth the £35 investment. Featuring insights from entrepreneurs around the world, it covers everything from raising finance to spotting future opportunities and building resilience. Articles are accompanied with vibrant full-page photographs and hand-drawn images. You won’t be taking it on holiday though – it weighs a ton.. Freelancer Magazine edited by Sophie Cross OK, this one is a magazine, but there’s no way we could leave it out. Each issue is packed with interviews, articles and how-to guides. Whether you’re reading about an award-winning screenwriter, a music teacher or a copywriter, you’ll find yourself turning down every second page to refer to later. An essential resource for any freelancer..
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Work Better. Live Smarter.
Taking the plunge
Books By Kate Duggan Whether you’re freelancing, running a side hustle or thinking about setting up a small business for the first time, these books could make your life that little bit easier. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 91
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