The Issue 129 - May 2017 VILLAGER and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS In this issue RSPB Garden Birdwatch Results Win Tickets to see Sam Brookes Live Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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

11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month Your To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 FREEcopy1 2 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts The Issue 129 - May 2017 VILLAGER and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS In this issue RSPB Garden Birdwatch Results Win Tickets to see Sam Brookes Live Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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

11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month Your Contents To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please all FREEcopy1 Landscape Journeys...... 45 Employment Matters...... 46 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results...... 48 Slug Survival...... 51 Rural Ramblings...... 52 Wordsearch...... 54 Bank Holidays...... 57 Bedfordshire’s cleverest puppies need more parents...... 58 Animal Know-How...... 60 Ask Alan - Potton Vets...... 62 Big Garden Birdwatch Results 48 Children’s Page...... 65 BMW M760Li xDrive...... 67 This History of Beauty...... 4 Seasonal Delights...... 71 Where Am I?...... 8 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...... 73 Win a pair of tickets to see Sam Brookes Live...... 10 What’s On...... 74 Win afternoon tea for two at Jordans Mill...... 12 Fun Quiz...... 78 Ready for Revision...... 15 Puzzle Page...... 80 Wine: Gems of Italy...... 16 Prize Crossword...... 86 Collections...... 19 Book Review...... 92 Laughter is the best medicine...... 20 Love my Stretch...... 22 National Doughnut Week...... 25 Music 4 Memory Group in Potton...... 26 Sani Pass - South Africa...... 28 Skin Deep...... 31 Tips for Mums...... 32 Bringing our Community Together...... 35 Local charity launches new partnership...... 37 Here comes the summer sun...... 39 Should you pay off debts with your pension...... 40 Sani Pass 28 A Home with Character...... 42

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Sarah Davey, Trevor Langley, RSPCA, Publishers Tracey Anderson, Solange Hando, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Villager Publications Ltd Kate Duggan, Carol H Scott, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP James Baggott, Potton Vets and Nick Coffer, Tel: 01767 261122 [email protected] Advertising Sales/Local Editorial www.villagermag.com Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 [email protected] Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, Photography however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility pr2is and Darren Harbar Photography for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. To advertiseAdvert Booking in The Villager Deadline and Thursday Town Life 11th please May call 2017 01767 261122 Artwork Deadline Thursday 11th May 2017 3 History

By Catherine Rose

The History of Beauty

Surviving examples of primitive art usually We all have an innate appreciation of beauty depict women as full-figured, even fat, and often but throughout history and across cultures, the pregnant. This is because fertility was of primary concept of what makes a woman beautiful has importance for those civilizations. When survival changed according to the social background and was precarious, a woman’s ability to reproduce fashions of the time. was the bottom line. 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 5 Just as we do today, people adorned their bodies keep a small box of them on their dressing table. with jewellery, paint, tattoos and piercings, not During the 19th century an hourglass figure only to look attractive but also as status symbols. became the desired female body shape and And status has always played a big part in our corsets, long used as undergarments (the name concept of beauty. ‘corset’ comes from the Latin ‘corpus’ meaning We can get a good idea of beauty ideals during body), were designed to achieve a waist any period by looking at art. Throughout the circumference of down to 18”, later accentuated medieval and early Renaissance era, ‘beautiful’ by the bustle. women had narrow shoulders and small breasts Following WWI and the suffrage movement, that emphasised their weaker sex compared to a new sense of female liberation produced a the broad, sword-wielding shoulders of their beauty revolution. Women no longer wanted menfolk. In many paintings women are also to be sexual objects to please men. Hemlines shown with very rounded stomachs. This didn’t went up for the first time and dresses became necessarily mean they were pregnant: it was a straighter, giving a slender, more androgynous beauty ideal indicating a woman was fertile and appearance. Women even wore suits and long able to have many children. hair was cropped. Coco Chanel, who banished It was also a religious time and for women, the notion that only a porcelain complexion appearing virtuous was a sign of beauty. could be beautiful when she showed off a suntan, Somewhat odd to us today, a long neck and a declared “a woman can never be too rich or too high forehead were prized, with almost non- thin”, arguably beginning the modern trend. existent brows to accentuate it. Women would The 1930s-50s saw curves return, possibly thanks often pluck or shave hair from their hairline to to the Hollywood film industry and stars like achieve this look. Once married, they were also Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne expected to modestly cover their hair, which was Mansfield who were the epitome of female how the elaborate headpieces and veils of this beauty. Wearing full make-up also began to be period came about. the norm, in imitation of actors who used it to During the late Renaissance and Baroque eras emphasise their looks on-screen. Max Factor was women became more voluptuous – think originally a make-up artist to the stars. With the of Rubens whose buxom females would be rise in hemlines, the focus shifted to shapely legs considered obese by today’s standards. There was and it was arguably the start of female epilation, a rationale behind this. Food was hard to come by when once women had even worn ‘mirkins’ unless you were wealthy and being full-figured (pubic wigs). meant you were well-fed and therefore of high The 1960s saw another beauty revolution. Society status - hence a desirable mate. was finally recovering from WWII, rationing had In a similar way, if you were light-skinned, it ended in 1954 and young people were enjoying meant that you were clearly a lady from a genteel a wave of new music with its roots based in black family as only poor outdoor labourers had ‘coarse culture. Once again women were re-establishing tanned skin’. So for several centuries beauty was their power and asserting their sexual freedom. measured by how pale you were (hence the term Mini-skirts arrived along with big hair. Twiggy, ‘fair’ meaning ‘beautiful’). the slender, doe-eyed model from north-west The poisonous lead-based white make-up that London became the most desirable example of achieved this was also used for disguising the womanhood. Compare her with the women in widespread blemishes from disease. Hair was Rubens’ The Three Graces and you could not have now a beauty statement and powdered wigs two more opposing ideals. were worn because many women suffered Over the last fifty years, beauty goals have gone from hair loss due to venereal disease. These through more subtle changes. The athletic, toned had become very elaborate and tall by the 18th female figure became popular in the 1980s with century thanks to fashionista Marie Antionette. the advent of the ubiquitous exercise video. Along with wigs came fake beauty patches Today, with models that range from the catwalk to cover up smallpox scars. Made of materials clothes-horse Gigi Hadid and black model Winnie such as mouse fur and velvet, eventually these Harlow who has vitiligo, to the curvy Ashley ‘mouches’ (French for ‘flies’) became a status Graham, we now seem to be embracing more symbol and women of beauty and fashion would diversity in women’s beauty than ever before.

6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts MAking LifE EASiER | WE SELL | WE REpAiR | WE CARE COMFORT

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 7 WHERE AM I? Do You Know? 2 1

3 Do you know where these pictures were taken? April’s Answer Last month’s images were taken in Biggleswade. Our Where Am I photography is by Darren Harbar Photography.

The Issue 128 - April 2017 WHERE ARE WE? VILLAGER LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCALand CHARITIES Town • LOCAL Life PRODUCTS The Villager and Town Life magazine is delivered door to door throughout: In this issue rrintn Garden centre undergoes major refurbishment Abbotsley, Beeston, Broom, Caxton, Cockayne Hatley, Cople, Win Tickets to see The Saw Doctors Croydon, Dunton, Eltisley, Everton, Everton Heath, Eyeworth, Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

The Issue 127 - March 2017 Gamlingay, Haynes, Henlow, Ickwell Green, Ireland, Langford, Bringing Local Business to Local People in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages VILLAGER 11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month Lower Caldecote, Moggerhanger, Northill, Old Warden, Potton, To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCALand CHARITIES Town • LOCAL Life PRODUCTS Your FREEcopy1 Shuttleworth, Southill, Stanford, Sutton, The Gransdens, In this issue Slutins for Gardens Thorncote Green, Upper Caldecote, Waresley and Wrestlingworth arian ancer Awareness Month and can be found in most shops, pubs, garages in all of the above and more Win in our Prize Crossword £25 including Biggleswade and Sandy.

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages 11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month Booking your advertising space is easy just call Nigel on 01767 261122 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 Your FREE1 or e-mail [email protected] copy 8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts WHERE AM I? T H E R I S I N G S U N P R E S E N T S Do You Know? PIGS WILL FLY!... THE 17th POTTON BEER FESTIVAL! ~ 27th APRIL - 1st MAY 2017 40 REAL ALES. REAL CIDERS AND CRAFT KEG Entertainment! THU 27th APRIL - QUIZ NIGHT WITH RICH! FRI 28th APRIL - THE GOODGES - Starts 9pm SAT 29th APRIL - PERFORMERS & PINTS - Starts 9pm SUN 30th APRIL - THE SKELTONS - Starts 9pm

BAR FOOD Thur 6.00pm - 12.00am Thur 6.00pm - 9.30pm Fri 12 noon - 3.00pm and 5.00 pm - 12.00am Fri 12 noon - 3.00pm and 6.00pm - 9.30pm Sat 12 noon - 12.00am Sat 12 noon - 9.30pm Sun 12 noon - 12.00am Sun 12 noon - 8.30pm Mon 12 noon - 11.00pm Mon 12 noon - 9.00pm

BAR SNACKS & SPECIALS TRUST ME I’M A DOCTOR! INCLUDING: THEY’RE TASTY! DR BOB’S FAMOUS SCOTCH EGGS!

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 9 COMPETITION

Win a pair of tickets to see Sam Brookes live at The Portland Arms in Cambridge on Tuesday 9th May 2017

London based songsmith and former Sunday Times ‘Breaking Act’ Sam Brookes is still one of the UK alt-folk’s best kept secrets. His acclaimed 2014 album was tipped by The Independent for a Mercury Prize nomination and received support from the likes of Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2. With over 5 million plays on Spotify, it is fair to say that those who know his music, love his music….and those who don’t, are about to. Brookes’ new single My Girl Drinks Coffee, his first for over two years, marks an exciting shift in the Sam Brookes sound. Already well known as an idiosyncratic singer-songwriter, Sam challenged himself to expand his sonic pallet, spending a few years out the game gigging and experimenting with new material. The end result is an immediate and ethereal work of chic melancholy, built on synthesised textures that devilishly underpin his soaring signature vocal. Now Sam’s new soundworld is as evocative of Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem or Grimes as it is the obvious titans of influence for any British troubadour. Jointly produced by Grammy nominated Dom Monks (Ray Lamontagne, Laura Marling & Katie Melua) and Berlin based ex-pat Greg Freeman (Goldfrapp, Portico, Mumford & Sons), the track was arranged and recorded on a trip to a remote boathouse and completed at Guy Chamber’s Sleeper Sounds studio in London, where the production duo truly realised Sam’s dark but dancey vision.

The Villager Magazine gives you the chance to win a pair of tickets for Sam’s gig at The Portland Arms in Cambridge on Tuesday May 9. Answer the following question for your chance of winning: ‘My Girl Drinks Coffee’ was recorded on a remote boathouse on which Scottish island? A. Skye B. Colonsay C. Mull D. Jura To enter, simply answer the question and complete the form below. Send your entry to: Sam Brookes Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP All entries must be received by 12pm on Monday 8th May, winner will be notified on the 8th.

THE SAM BROOKES COMPETITION ENTRY To win tickets, answer the following question: Complete the Saw Doctors song title: ‘My Girl Drinks Coffee’ was recorded on a remote boathouse on which Scottish island?  A. Skye  B. Colonsay  C. Mull  D. Jura  Name: Address: Tel:

1010 PleasePlease mentionmention The The VillagerVillager andand Town Town LifeLife whenwhen respondingresponding toto advertsadverts COMPETITION 

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 11 COMPETITION

Win an afternoon tea for two with Prosecco at Jordans Mill

Jordans Mill is a hidden gem, tucked in away in the heart of rural Bedfordshire on the banks of the River Ivel. It is a unique food heritage attraction with something for all the family - tours of the historic flour mill, beautiful gardens and woodland to explore, and the Riverside Café and Mill Store. Jordans Mill is open seven days a week from 9am until 5pm. In summer months it is open later in the evenings, see the website for more details. Enjoy a meal or a snack in the Riverside Café with its stunning riverside terrace and picturesque views over the mill pond. The Café serves a varied and delicious seasonal menu, using local ingredients where possible, indeed much of the produce from the Mill Gardens makes its way into the kitchen. This year Jordans Mill has launched afternoon teas, available by pre-booking only. Served in beautiful surroundings our delicious freshly baked, home-made afternoon teas are a treat not to be missed. Choose from either the traditional Whizzer’s Afternoon Tea or for something different try our Shunter’s Afternoon Tea with mini beef sliders, scotch egg, fish finger sandwich and cakes and scones. Both are served with a selection of teas and coffee and have the option to add a Prosecco or beer. There is even a children’s tea for the little people. Whatever you choose simply admire the view, take a stroll through our Mill Gardens or book onto a guided tour of the historic watermill for the perfect leisurely afternoon. For further information visit www.jordansmill.com

Please answer the following question – On which river is Jordans Mill situated? Complete your details below and send your entry to Jordans Mill Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. The winner will be randomly selected. Deadline: 16th May 2017 Name: Address:

Tel: Email: Answer: Please tick if you would like to receive our e-newsletter 

12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts COMPETITION

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 13 14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year Ready for Revision Exam time is stressful for the focus. Aim to drink around up to 1.5-2 litres of water, whole family. So what’s the best way to cope? diluted fruit juice or herbal teas per day. Drinks There’s no way round it, the answer has to be rich in caffeine, such as Red Bull or coffee trigger planning and preparation. production of the stress hormone cortisol which Set up your revision timetable as early as possible, can make you feel even more edgy and nervous, that way you can pace yourself. It’s too tempting to and make it harder to focus and find the right words put everything off then face a last-minute panic. under exam pressure. How do you study best? Some people prefer to Gentle exercise, such as walking, or cycling, in spend a whole day on one subject, others prefer between study improves the blood circulation to the to break their time into smaller blocks and tackle brain and actually relieves stress, making you feel several subjects in short burst. Whichever you more relaxed. choose, make sure you take a short break every hour On the day of an exam focus on breathing; slow or so. Pop outside, stretch your legs, have a drink deep breaths in and out will help to reduce levels and maybe a snack. Oxygen, nutritious food and of the stress hormone cortisol. Try not to engage in water are essential for concentration and mental pre-or post exam discussion, as this can make you alertness. feel anxious. Effective brain function relies on neurotransmitters, If you’re well prepared and well-rested then you are which are chemicals made from amino acids. These ready. But remember they are only exams. They are are found in food rich in good quality protein, like one measure of your ability taken at one point in lean meat, fish, soya and beans. In order to convert time. They do not relate to who you are as a person, the amino acids into neurotransmitters the body or how well you will ultimately do in life. All you can also need vitamins and minerals, so top up on fruit ever do is try your best on the day. Good luck. and vegetables. Refined sugar, found in sweets What type of learner are you? and chocolate releases glucose too quickly into Visual learners - prefer note cards and tend to map the bloodstream and this can cause mood swings. out information on paper. Emotions run high around exam time anyway, so Auditory learners - prefer to read their notes aloud, it is better to snack on nuts, seeds and fruit, which and listen to them being played back. provide a slow, steady release of glucose. Kinaesthetic learners need action – Record your Our brains also depend on proper hydration to voice and play back the information while walking. function optimally. Brain cells require a delicate Take revision notes to the gym and read while balance between water and various elements to running on a treadmill, even sitting on a swing operate. Research has found that if we’re even reading notes can work. slightly dehydrated we find it more difficult to By Sarah Davey

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 15 Food and Drink Wine: Gems of Italy Italy has numerous wine producers, in many regions. Multi award-winning Conti Faina estate, with its vineyards, growing both indigenous and international grape varieties, plus olive groves and more, is to be found in the heart of Umbria. Some 40K from Perugia, this area once belonged to the Borghese Princes in past times. From the 18th century the estate has been the property of the Counts Faina of Civitella dè Conti. The winery, founded in 1876, was commenced by digging into the rock beneath the impressive 13th century castle of Collelungo.

The ruby-red Pinot Noir 1883 wine is classic and aged in top-quality French oak barriques. The bouquet of dark fruits is most inviting. The mouthfeel is treated to the dryness and elegance of this wine, with a delighted palate following through, to the excellent finish. A great accompaniment to roasts, etc. Maltempo and Villa Murelli are also red productions and, again, have wonderful aromas of forest fruits. These well-structured wines have mouthfeels and palates well satisfied, with impressive finishes. Montione and Macchia della Torre are both easy-drinking white wines. Straw-yellow in colour and each with a fresh fruit bouquet, plus dry flavour, make these very popular selections, for many. Splendid pairings with fish and white meat dishes. For a sparkling production I enjoy the Senatore Zeffirino. This superb brut sparkling wine is elegant with its persistent perlage that enhances a dining occasion and is also often chosen for celebrations and events. An admirable aroma leads, enticingly, to the wonderful mouthfeel and impressive palate sensation. The wines produced at the Collelungo Winery are appreciated and respected by a good number of wine lovers and connoisseurs. The estate’s productions also include excellent olive oil, as well as walnut trees and seed crops. Accommodation, with all modern requirements, in the restored and preserved 11th century Benedictine Monastery, is available, too. Conti Faina Winery continues to promote theatre, cinema, arts and literature. Also, tastings, tours, medieval dinners, plus numerous events, happen throughout each year, whilst being committed to producing wine and olive oil to an exceptional standard of quality. www.contifaina.it As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley 16 Please mention The Villager when responding to adverts the 01767 260221 Coach www.coachhousepotton.co.uk Nibbles Sides from £3 from £3 The perfect starter before your main and From bubble & squeak to leaving enough room for pudding. sweet potato fries From Cajun squid to baked Camembert Puds Sandwiches from £4 £8 Always room for a home- made pudding from Pick your bread, your side and a fi lling, from the rhubarb & custard brûlée Coach club, with smoked bacon to the grilled to pecan pie. Or a carefully halloumi with our house pesto selected English cheese Available 12-2.30pm every day board with crackers if you haven’t got a sweet tooth Pub from £12 Wrap yourself around our tasty pub dinners, Sunday including a proper pie of beef, Guinness & mushroom or a smoked bacon collar roast Sunday only from £12 No meat From 18-hour from £9 shoulder of lamb to rolled pork belly Plenty of choice for veggies, including with crackling, plus a asparagus, spinach, leek & pea risotto and veggie option of half falafel burger with avocado salad a roast caulifl ower with herb butter

Roasts served with a Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, Gluten free roasted roots, seasonal We now have a full gluten free menu with plenty greens and house gravy of choice for starter main and pudding too!

est. 1785

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 17

TCH Villager advert.indd 1 18/04/2017 14:22 It’s party time at the Eco Hub! Why not hold your next party at the Eco Hub? A modern, beautifully designed, spacious community building, it makes an ideal party venue. It has a large hall for children to run around in, and a fully licensed bar and commercial kitchen facilities for the grown ups. There are also smaller rooms available for quieter gatherings.

• Party food, bouncy castle, soft play, football, face painting by arrangement • Free car parking • Outdoor landscaped area • Easy disabled access

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18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Hobbies

About a third of people in the UK own a collection. called the endowment effect, which describes our CollectionsFrom water colour miniatures to novelty pens, tendency to value things more once we own them. people like to collect things - but why? Well there The other is the concept of contagion, and this isn’t one reason. For some, like football fans who applies particularly to celebrity items because some collect club memorabilia, it is a way to express their collectors see such objects as being infused with the loyalty; for others, like a coin collector who is proud essence of the person who owned them. of a rare find, it can become an obsession. You Collecting can be an absorbing and fun hobby, and don’t even have to collect something physical: train can be a good way to make like-minded friends. spotters collect engine numbers and information. There are online communities for chatting about Humans are unique in the way we collect items your collection. There are also be meet-ups where purely for the satisfaction of seeking out and owning you can swap or buy additions. them. It’s thought that we started to collect things To start a collection choose something that is as early as 12,000 years ago, when our ancestors meaningful to you and works with your budget. ceased their nomadic lifestyles and settled in one I have one friend who collects silly limericks, location. There is much speculation about why we which cost her nothing, and another who collects collect, yet little agreement between scientists. aesthetically pleasing glass objects, which can set It’s true some people collect items like fine art her back several hundred pounds. Both get great or wine as investments, but the vast majority of pleasure from their hobby. The choice of things to collections are not actually worth a lot. There are a collect is limitless…so what are you waiting for? couple of interesting theories. One is a phenomenon by Sarah Davey

Memories are made of this… From your very first visit to the end of your special day, we take pride in guiding you through the perfect wedding; unobtrusively efficient, always approachable, and entirely focused on making your dream a reality. Open Evening Tuesday 6 June 4.00–8.00 pm. The owners and staff warmly invite you to experience the magical location of South Farm and tour our beautiful gardens, enchanting house, barn and stables.

South Farm: Distinctly Different weddings

Herts/Cambs borders [email protected] www.south-farm.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 19 Health By Tracey Anderson Laughter is the best medicine Where is your nearest comedy club? Current It’s good exercise - The body’s response to research suggests it’s worth knowing where you laughter is quite similar to the body’s response to can get a good laugh as it may improve your exercise. After several seconds of laughter, your health. heart rate elevates. We don’t recommend that Laughter is like a good massage - A good belly lie about watching reruns of Seinfeld all day but laugh relaxes the muscles for up to 45 minutes. as part of a healthy lifestyle comedy is a great It lowers stress and wards off colds - Stress addition. hormones take a toll on our bodies making it It’s a heart-friendly activity - Scientists at The difficult for us to fight off illness. Studies suggest University of Maryland determined that subjects that laughing not only reduces levels of these with heart disease were 40 percent less likely hormones, it boosts the immune system. So dig to laugh in many situations compared to those out those old episodes of Father Ted or Dad’s without heart disease; and in fact were more Army! prone to anger and hostility. It increases pain tolerance - According to I can’t say for certain that laughter really is the neuroscientist Robert Provine, pain reduction is best medicine, but it certainly won’t hurt you to one of the biggest benefits of laughter. Studies book a ticket to see your favourite comedian. have proved that those who watch or experience Take a friend because research also suggests comedic content are able to tolerate more pain, that we laugh even more when we are in the probably due to the release of hormones called company of others, so you both get a double endorphins. dose of healthy happiness.

20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fiddle Daemons Violins, Violas, Cellos, Bass Contact: Jackie@ ddledaemons.com 01767682693 or 07814970635

Professional repairs, restorations and set ups

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Potton & District Club 2017 NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. Keeping LIVE MUSIC live! every week! MAY Bank Holiday Monday - 1st May - The Mighty Quiz 7.30 (fundraising event for Alzheimer’s Research UK) All welcome Saturday 6th - Easy-Livin (Party Band) Saturday 13th - The 88s (Popular 80s Band) Saturday 20th - Five Ska* (Ska & 2tone Night) Friday 26th - Simon Bakers Soul Show* (Soul/Motown/Disco) JUNE Saturday 3rd - Maxwell Hammer Smith (Rock Covers) Saturday 10th - Back Beat (Popular Covers) Saturday 17th - Honcho Deluxe (Mix Covers) Saturday 24th - Bubounce (Ska Night*) All info is provided in good faith, always check the web page pottonclub.co.uk for changes. When you see this * an ENTRY FEE will apply. Weight Watcher meetings every Tuesday starting at 6pm Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 21 Local News

LoveMy Stretch is a new way for to protectMy your Stretch favourite canal or river. Find your favourite stretch on the map, share your Talking to boaters, people out and about on the story and donate to help maintain our beauty towpaths, and at our open days and museums, it’s waterways, and that special spot will be yours for clear that the waterways mean different things to a year, with a dedicated space on our map and a different people. But whether it’s favourite cycle beautiful certificate for you to keep. You can also route, the place you go for peace and quiet or the browse through and see other memorable spots spot where you fell in love, everyone seems to across the network for inspiration. have a stretch of the waterways that’s extra special Support your favourite stretch and ensure these to them. historic treasures and the habitats they provide are We love hearing why our waterways have a place kept safe for generations to come. in people’s hearts, so to celebrate your memorable places and give their stories a home of their own, Benefits/ Uses: we’ve developed a dedicated new site to just • Unusual gift called – Love My Stretch • Helps maintenance of historic treasures lovemystretch.canalrivertrust.org.uk • Featured on the CRT website

22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts the latest o all f e or rs f At New Dawn we are . te known for our specialist expertise si b and exciting curtain and blind design ideas. e Our package includes: New Dawn is a local, family run business, • Home Selection w why not give us a call and be inspired by r • Free Measuring and our ideas? fitting u • Friendly and impartial We start with a visit to your home and a chat about your needs. We’ll bring along o design advice • All blinds supplied a comprehensive range of samples in a range of styles, colours and materials. While e meet current child safety regulations you are viewing the samples we will take e measurements so we can provide you with a written quotation. S We keep up to date with modern technologies so we can create the perfect solution for your home from a simple roller blind through to blinds and curtains for kitchens, living rooms, 01763 243894 bedrooms, bathrooms, conservatories even www.newdawnblinds.co.uk awnings for outside. Whatever your needs, we [email protected] can deliver the ideal result.

New Dawn blinds 1/2 page.indd 1 11/10/2016 16:24

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 23 CRAFT & GIFT FAIR Hand made cra s & unique gi s in support of

Sunday 7th May FREE ENTRY 10am - 3pm Comrades Club 58 Cambridge Street, Godmanchester, PE29 2AY FREE entry with a donation to Save the Children appreciated. Stallholders Tel: 01536 500915 email: [email protected]

24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year By Tracey Anderson National Doughnut Week May 13th-19th is National Donut week. Who The first doughnut machine was invented by doesn’t love a naughty donut? But where did they Adolph Levitt, an enterprising Russian refugee who come from? sold fried doughnuts from his bakery to hungry The humble doughnut has a convoluted past. crowds of New York theatre-goers. Doughnut The Dutch are credited for inventing them; they machines were a hit at the 1934 World Fair in are first mentioned in a recipe book back in Chicago, where they were marketed as the future 1803. Doughnuts as we know first appeared in of food-production. Then a Frenchman named Joe Manhattan, (originally New Amsterdam). They LeBeau, who was struggling financially, sold his rejoiced under the unappetizing Dutch name of secret doughnut and also the name Krispy Kreme, olykoeks, which translates as oily cakes! to a store owner named Ishmael Armstrong, who From there history gets a bit hazy. Elizabeth hired his nephew, Vernon Rudolph, and put him Gregory was a New England ship captain’s mother. to work selling the treats door-to-door. A business She made a deep-fried dough that incorporated legend was born. her son’s spice cargo of nutmeg and cinnamon, By the late 1950s, there were 29 Krispy Kreme along with lemon rind. One story says she store-factories in 12 states. Today they have stores invented it so that the crew could store a pastry across the world but all the doughnuts are still on long voyages, and that it might help ward off made to the original recipe. scurvy and colds! Mrs. Gregory filled the centre In the UK the doughnut is enjoying a surge of of her deep-fried pastries with nuts, probably popularity. You can buy gourmet donuts at because that was the part of the dough which specialist shops and independent bakers pride might not cook through. Hence they became themselves on their own variations. There has known as doughnuts! never been a better time to be a doughnut-lover. Her son claimed credit for putting the hole in the National donut week has been running for 26 doughnut. Some people think he did it to save on years. It was launched in 1991 by independent ingredients and costs. One nice story has it that baker Christopher Freeman. The aim was to the doughnut acquired its hole when, one night in celebrate the donut and raise money for charity. a storm, he needed both hands free so skewered Last year nearly £23000 was raised for The one of his mom’s doughnuts on a spoke of his Children’s Trust, which supports brain-injured ship’s wheel. children. In the First World War American soldiers were So is it doughnut or donut? The dictionary states made gifts of doughnuts by French women ‘doughnut’ with ‘donut’ listed as an American volunteers, to give them a taste of home. The variant. But really, who cares? They are delicious soldiers carried their taste for the sweet treat back and this month you can indulge and help a to the US when the war ended. worthwhile cause. What could be better? To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 25 Local News Music 4 Memory Group access memories and in Potton to communicate with other people. It is also Dementia Awareness Week really enjoyable and it 14 -20th May 2017 is obvious that some of our members are We thought we would use Dementia Awareness getting a great deal Week, which is set for 14th to 20th May in 2017, to from the meetings. tell you about the Music 4 Memory group which The group is supported by the Tibbs Dementia is now operating in Potton. It meets regularly on Foundation, a charity which provides a range of Wednesday afternoons from 2.30 to 4pm in the services and activities for people with dementia Community Centre, Brook End, Potton. and their families and carers, mostly based in and The group offers support to people with Dementia around Bedford. The Potton group is run by Alice and their family members and carers though music Ream, a qualified Music Therapist and local musician, therapy. This sound rather serious, but in fact is great assisted by a bunch of volunteers who are along for fun. It means that a gang of us get together and sing the fun of it. lots of songs, mess about with different instruments If you would like more information about the and share poetry and conversation. There is always group, as a user of the service, as a volunteer or tea and biscuits and quite often cake. with any offer to support it in other ways, There is good evidence that music is a great way to please contact Alice on 07934 375602 enable everyone including people with dementia to or email her at [email protected]

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26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 27 Travel By Solange Hando Sani Pass South Africa

South Africa’s highest range almost defies and there are board games to while away the time, imagination. Named Drakensberg, or Dragon carvings, wall hangings and beads to bargain for, Mountain, known to the Zulus as Barrier of Spears, it and skis and boots lined up on a rack, just in case. forms the eastern section of the Great Escarpment, Locals talk of dragons, bush men, rock art and over a pristine wilderness laced in waterfalls and 2,000 species of plants and 300 of birds. Visitors can challenging trails, while on the Sani Pass at 2,874 stay the night in a luxury African hut or share basic metres the highest pub in Africa lures day visitors facilities while listening to frightening tales from with mulled wine and breathtaking views. seasoned backpackers. There’s plenty of Maluti beer But to stand on the ‘roof of Africa’, one must tackle to liven up the evening but above the bar, a sign the hair-raising drive up to the pass. Copper- reminds one and all that ‘It’s tough at the top’. coloured antelopes graze quietly on the slopes while Winters are for skiing, summers for trekking across fresh water springs gurgle on the rocks. Baboons vast open spaces, perhaps climbing Thabana plod around, baring their teeth to protect their Ntlenyana, the highest peak at 3,482 metres, young. At the Good Hope Centre, taxi drivers call out or hiking to Tugela, the world’s second highest ‘one more customer, just one more’. waterfall with a total drop of 947 metres. Beyond the border post, a no man’s land heads up to But most visitors just drive up for a taste of the pass and the kingdom of Lesotho on the other adventure and a hearty reward of steaming home- side. It’s a mere ribbon of road where four-wheel made soup and mountain trout. The view from the drives rattle and jerk high above a fast dwindling window is fantastic but out on the heath, there are valley. The track still glows like molten gold in places, wild carnations and black-faced orchids and lesser more tortuous as you climb, littered with rocks kestrels swooping down on invisible prey. Far below, and stones and lined with warning signs. Towering slopes roll down to the valley floor, a soft velvety boulders send shivers down your spine but there’s carpet in shades of purple, pink and gold. nowhere to stop. Sometimes a few day-trippers venture into Lesotho, One last three point turn and you are there, having just minutes away, to sit by the fire in a village gained over 1,300 metres in altitude, fighting for hut, drink sorghum beer from a communal mug breath in the thin air and almost blown away by and make friends with Angora goats and children ferocious winds and vertiginous views. It’s like the smothered up in blankets. It feels like another Grand Canyon say the rangers, but everyone heads planet, bitingly cold, but the highest pub in Africa straight to the Sani Top chalet, teetering all forlorn soon calls you back while at the foot of the mighty on the very edge of the escarpment. In this rustic Drakensberg, a heavenly valley glows in the late lodge, old letters and photographs mingle with car afternoon sun, sprinkled with pink feathery blossom adverts, shot on the spot but no one knows how, and yellow-wood trees. 28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Sani Pass South Africa

Picture Framing Top That By Sugarcraft Nesan Arts Fine Art Picture Framing Bedfordshire’s largest Sugarcraft shop

Opening Hours Choose Picture Framing in the Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm comfort of your own home Sunday 10am - 2pm Closed Mondays Consultation, collection and Cake tin and stand hire Everything you need to make beautiful cakes delivery included in the service with help and advice on hand Established 19 years Cakes also made to order Please call Sue on: Class room on site for sugarcraft lessons 01954 719467 Based at Seddington Garden Centre For a no obligation appointment A1 Great North Road Seddington Sandy Beds. SG19 1NZ 01767 686054 option 1 [email protected] www.topthatsugarcraft.co.uk www.nesanarts.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 29 Yvonne Siudak BSc (Hons.) in Podiatry, MChs, HCPC Reg Podiatrist / Chiropodist Private Podiatry / Chiropody Care in Sandy, Bedfordshire, UK A comprehensive service for all your Foot Care needs Hard Skin • Corns • Nail Cutting • Ingrown Toe Nails • Fungal Nail Infections • General Foot Care • Verrucae Treatment • Laser Treatment • Diabetic Assessments • Biomechanical Assessments Full details of our specialist treatments are available, call Yvonne for an appointment: 2 Belfry Court, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1JR T: 01767 692 822 M: 07841 033 014 E: [email protected] www.yourfootclinic.co.uk Also Cambridge Foot Clinic Tel: 01223 358 431

30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Health & Beauty

By Louise Addison

TheSkin skin is our largest body organ. It works quietly Deep away, constantly renewing itself, shedding dead Your face should never feel sore or puffy when the cells every 28 days. It also provides a barrier against treatment is over. You should look like a cleaner, the environment and keeps our insides where they shinier, healthier version of you! should be! I’m up for that. The skin on our face and hands is more exposed Which skin technologies really work? than other areas so it’s unsurprising that the Alpha-hydroxy acids These are present in many combined effects of pollution, UV exposure and moisturisers. Their effectiveness depends on stress mean these are the places which show signs concentration. Between 8-15% they are a very of aging first. effective skin smoother. At strengths of over 15% There are thousands of product on the market that they are used in chemical peels which should only promise us all manner of miracles but do any of be carried out by a Dermatologist. them work and is there anything we can really do Trans-retinoic acid It’s been proven to reduce to hold back time? wrinkles, increase epidermal thickness and What about facials? Having a facial is a luxurious stimulate collagen deposition. It is effective in but is it really doing anything? Beauticians say yes. serum at very low concentrations but the effect Although the skin self-renews, dead cells on the is cumulative, so you will need to view it as a surface make it look dull. Facials help by physically long-term strategy. It’s also very sensitive to sun removing dead cell build-up, to reveal younger light and breaks down on exposure, and can cause fresher skin underneath. a mild skin reaction so should only be applied at There are a bewildering array of facials to suit night. skin type, age and budget they all follow a similar Vitamin C serum This is a highly effective anti- pattern. oxidant and wrinkle-reducer but needs to be The first step is a deep cleanse, followed by concentrated (10% or more) and stabilised in order exfoliation then, depending on which treatment to work. Keep it out of the light and use in the you’ve agreed with your beautician it can include morning. It breaks down on exposure to sunlight steaming, blackhead and whitehead extraction, so use it under a moisturiser with a high SPF. Use massage, face mask and moisturiser. Variations only stabilised, colour-free preparations. If there is a include aromatherapy oils and acupressure. yellow tinge, it’s no longer effective. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 31 House of Colour Tips for Mums How to look good at the school gates Mums are under constant pressure with ever growing to-do lists. However we still want to look as good as we can! Here are my top tips on how to up your look at the school gates with minimal effort. 1. Within your colour scheme, pick the colours that suit you best and dress up a simple outfit with a statement item in one of your wow shades. A staple accessory like a scarf or a statement necklace could be the perfect thing to spice up your outfit, so you can still pull off your everyday clothes, but with a colourful twist. 5. Show off your favourite part of you. Whether 2. Try a simple jacket within your colour scheme it’s legs, shoulders or arms, show the parts and style. It’s often tempting to wear the of you that make you feel confident! Use same old coat that’s been in the back of the accessories to draw the eyes to where you wardrobe for years. Instead, try dressing up a want them to look! casual jeans and boots look with a wonderful 6. Since lower heels are always in the shops jacket which emphasises your personality. there will be interesting choices on the Always stick to the right colours and it’s a market. Comfy shoes are vital but show your simple fix to complete your look. personality with some zebra flats or bang on- 3. Add trend to a wardrobe staple. A classic trend trainers. Step out of your comfort zone knitted jumper doesn’t have to look like and try something different but which still something from 90’s TV. Update this in your suits your personality and makes you smile! best seasonal colours and you’ve instantly 7. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a new haircut upped your look. when you need it. It is amazing how well cut 4. Try changing your jean style to flatter your hair enhances your look. Make sure your hair shape. Everyone needs jeans but to look great is the colour it is supposed to be and that the they also need to reflect your personality and cut suits your face shape and personality! fit your body. Consider investing here – you 8. Having two good statement bags helps us know you will wear them a lot! feel and look good at the school gates. Buy one in a neutral colour and another in a wow colour that will make your neutral outfit zing! Bags are key to any outfit at any time as well as providing a home for the all-important snacks, toys etc. 9. In bad weather a fabulous pair of wellies or an umbrella in your wow colours can add fun and statement to your outfit and be a great talking point! 10. A bit of lippy in your best colours will lift your eyes and make your skin glow. Always a great boost. By Jennie Billings www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings 32 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 33 AROMATICS Pampering & Beauty Holistics

Welcome to Aromatics – a haven of peace, pampering and relaxation in the heart of Potton. Check Bespoke packages out our to suit all. See our magic May website for our latest deals. deals

Treatments include: • Facial & Body Treatments • Manicures & Pedicures • Holistic Treatments • Pregnancy Massage • Waxing • Spa Packages • Eye Care • Hen & Bridal Packages • Lash Perfect Eyelash • Bio-Sculpture Extensions • Sports Massage • Teen treatments • Pedicures

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Aromatics Villager advert May17.indd 1 06/04/2017 12:02 WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten Countrywear minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which NEW may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word SPRING/SUMMER must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central STOCK letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There now available in store and online! is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel. TARGET Excellent: 33 or more words Good: 27 words Fair: 24 words E F N O U www.lodgeway-countrywear.co.uk 01462 816122 OPEN: MON-FRI 9am-5pm SAT 9am-12pm T R Chicksands, Shefford, Beds SG17 5QB

34 Please mention The VillagerAnswer: and FORTUNE Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Bringing our

On Saturday 6th May 2017 between 9.30am and Community3.30pm The Rotary Club of Biggleswade Ivel and together Jordan’s Mill will be joining forces to provide a day full of fun and activity. Really? How will this happen? There is will be a lot to enjoy including organised walks so come along to Jordans Mill on 6th May and join in the fun of discovering something about our local and national charities who will be providing games and activities for all the family. Most of these activities will cost you nothing other than Starting from Jordan’s Mill you may like to your time and energy as you take part in the choose either a long walk of approximately 7 enjoyment of the day. The variety of games miles around the Biggleswade Green Wheel and activities will include a scarecrow hunt or a shorter walk of about 3 miles partly along in the woods and meadow, flying chickens, the Green Wheel and through the countryside various sports, and the Stroke Association will back to Jordan’s Mill to enjoy the rest of the fun be there to test your blood pressure as part of and activities. The walk will be supported with their Stroke Awareness Campaign aided by local drinks and refreshments and on completion you Rotarians. will receive a medal and a certificate. You could If you would like to be part of this day and for use these walks as a means of raising funds for information on charity stands to advertise your organisation, special interest group, school, your charity/organisation contact Dawn church or charity etc. There will be a small fee of Walton at [email protected] £5.00 for each adult taking part and registration or Toby Frost at [email protected] for both walks will be between 9.30-10.30am. Any profit from this fee will go towards paying for a Fun Day at a local special needs school. If you would like to register for one of these walks please contact Colin McCartney 01767 314669 / [email protected] or to find out more details take a look at www.ivelrotary.org.uk Rotarian Elizabeth A McCartney Member of the Rotary Club of Biggleswade Ivel To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 35 Welcome to the New You! Wouldn’t it be nice to turn back the years? Well, now you can. My exciti ng range of non-surgical treatments may be just the answer. I off er the very latest dermal fi llers and wrinkle removing treatments that will leave you feeling revitalised with a new air of confi dence. Simply phone me to arrange a free and no-obligati on discreet consultati on at my private clinic in the rural Bedfordshire village of Cople to discuss your personal requirements. Wrinkle removing treatments Dermal fi llers Lip enhancements Arrange a free consultation Call me on either 01234 838980 or 07773 553055 email [email protected] or visit my website at www.donnasmall.com where you can see my before and aft er pictures along with testi monials from very sati sfi ed customers. 36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Donna Small FP.indd 1 09/09/2016 16:48 Local News Local Charity Launches New Partnership Local charity Herts the partnership with The MS Therapy Centre Herts MS Therapy Centre. and Coloplast, have We hope that we can help announced they are even more people with working work together continence-related issues in 2017. to be as active and confident as possible.” “We welcome anyone Coloplast supported the charity by sponsoring its with any long term or ‘Fighting Fatigue & Pain’ Open Days during 2016. neurological condition. Many of the people we help This programme continues throughout 2017, with experience continence-related issues,” said Mark the next Open Day being held on 29 July, 12pm – Boscher, Chief Executive of The Herts MS Therapy 2pm. Centre. “It’s great to be working together with In addition, discreet surgeries are held every month Coloplast to raise awareness of the products and at The Herts MS Therapy’s Centre at 30 Campus Five support that are available.” in Letchworth. People are able to book a private Coloplast develops continence solutions that make appointment with a continence specialist for advice life easier for people with intimate healthcare and support. Welcome needs. The Letchworth charity is looking forward to the exciting possibilities that this partnership can If you would like more achieve. details, please contact to the Head of Consumer Marketing at Coloplast, Sarah Claire on Fraser commented: “Our products offer high levels of discreetness as well as providing optimal 01462 684 214 or email New You! functionality. We are very much looking forward to [email protected]

Wouldn’t it be nice to turn back the years? Well, now you can. Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Sessions My exciti ng range of non-surgical treatments may be just the answer. I off er the Free test sessions available for: very latest dermal fi llers and wrinkle removing treatments that will leave you feeling • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy revitalised with a new air of confi dence. Simply phone me to arrange a free and (can accelerate healing, boost energy, reduce pain) no-obligati on discreet consultati on at my private clinic in the rural Bedfordshire village APS Pain Reduction Therapy of Cople to discuss your personal requirements. • • Specialist physio and group exercise sessions (tailored to people with medical conditions) Wrinkle removing treatments Book your place now! Dermal fi llers

Lip enhancements Fighting Fatigue & Pain We’re at Herts MS Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, SG6 2JF. Arrange a free consultation For more details call Claire on 01462 684 214. This advert is kindly sponsored by Coloplast. Discover continence and urology products for intimate healthcare needs. Call me on either 01234 838980 or 07773 553055 email [email protected] or visit my website at www.donnasmall.com www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk Ref: Villager where you can see my before and aft er pictures along with testi monials Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre is Charity 299524 and Company 2215165 Registered Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF from very sati sfi ed customers. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 37

Donna Small FP.indd 1 09/09/2016 16:48 EMERGENCY DENTURE REPAIRS 1 HOUR SERVICE 01767 651439 07973 141862 REPAIR OR A CLEAN AND POLISH ON YOUR DENTURES BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN COLLECTION AND DELIVERY ALSO AVAILABLE

Denture repairs 1/4 page.indd 1 09/09/2016 16:42

38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Health & Beauty

By Kate Duggan Here comes the www.kateduggan.co.uk A coconut hair treatment, homemade body scrub and the perfect day-to-night palette… meet your new summer beauty summer sun kit. Lighter evenings are a great could be the answer. It’s packed full of natural ingredients. The excuse for after-work drinks. with nourishing oils, including bath oil (£22.50) is perfect for a Bobbi Brown’s new Sultry Nude hazelnut and jojoba, so helps pampering soak after a long day. Eye and Cheek Palette, £48, to soothe and moisturise lips. It smells amazing, and leaves Less sticky than lipgloss, it hides skin feeling soft and smooth. See dry patches and adds a touch www.pravera.co.uk. of colour. The Instant Light Lip For hair in need of some TLC, try Comfort Oil is available in four Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Rosemary shades, including a lip plumping & Cedarwood Hair Treatment. Mint. My favourite is Honey Glam, which gives you a shimmery golden pout. See www.clarins. co.uk. is perfect for popping in your A sugar scrub is ideal for handbag ready for cocktail hour. exfoliating legs that have been The four eyeshadows have a hidden away for months on end. slight metallic shimmer and And it’s surprisingly quick and the blush suits most skin tones. easy to make one at home. Just Easy to apply, with great staying add around two tablespoons Organic coconut oil is blended power, the powders are housed of olive oil to four tablespoons with essential oils of organic in a very lust-worthy gold case. of sugar. You’re aiming for a rosemary, cedarwood, and The only downside is the lack of mixture that’s easy to massage lavender. You only need a small brushes. See www.bobbibrown. into your skin, but not so liquid amount, less than a teaspoon. co.uk. that it’ll drip all over your bath Coconut oil is solid at room If your lips are feeling a bit mat. The sugar acts as a natural temperature, but dissolves into a dry and flaky, Clarins’ Instant exfoliator, and the olive oil is very liquid when heated, so just warm Light Lip Comfort Oil, £19, moisturising, so it’ll leave your it between your hands, then skin feeling much smoother. You massage it through your hair. can also add extra ingredients You can leave it to the basic scrub. Honey helps on for 30 minutes, your skin to repair itself and retain but I like to use it water, so try adding a tablespoon as an overnight to the mix. If you’re not keen on treatment. (As the smell of olive oil, fragrance an added bonus, the scrub with a couple of drops the lavender of essential oil. scent helps me to There are four core products in sleep.) It leaves Primavera’s new Harmonising hair feeling soft, Rose and Osmanthus body care sleek and much range – a body cream, bath more manageable. oil, body wash and body oil. £6.50 from www. Designed to nourish skin and nealsyardremedies. provide a real treat for the senses, com the products are organic and To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 39 Finance

Should you pay off debts with your pension?

The 2014 Budget introduced new regulations on cash. This is likely to offer a poor reward in terms of how personal pensions can be accessed. These new conversion, however, and also may not provide you pension freedoms mean that, if you have a money with sufficient income in retirement. purchase or defined contribution pension, buying an Be careful about Pension Recycling annuity is no longer your only option at retirement. The government has introduced legislation to Many people have since chosen to withdraw pension prevent ‘pension recycling’. This situation occurs monies to invest in other financial products, and when someone uses their pension to pay off debt some have decided to pay off debts with the money. before they retire, with the intention of replacing their So is it a good idea to repay debt in this way, and pension money whilst still working. what are the main aspects to consider? Even if you do not deliberately set out to do this, by Do you want to access your pension before you withdrawing your pension you could be inadvertently retire? caught out by the pension recycling regulations. Some pension schemes allow you to access your For example, if you: pension at the age of 55. Doing so can significantly • Withdraw over £30,000 from your pension, and as a reduce the amount you have available in older age, result: however, unless you have other pensions or a large • Receive £7,500 or more tax-free, and then: savings pot. • Increase your pension contributions by more than Tax issues you shouldn’t ignore 30% You can withdraw a 25% tax-free lump sum from your The rules apply regardless of whether you pay pension, but taking any more than this percentage off debt with the money, and can result in the will increase your level of income for that tax year. This anticipated ‘tax-free’ sums being taxed by up to 70% could mean that you enter a higher rate tax band, by the government. The reason why these rules have and subsequently lose much of the benefit of gaining been introduced is to prevent people benefiting from access to this money. taking more than one series of tax-free sums from Will it affect your benefits entitlement? their pensions, and as encouragement to save more If you claim means-tested benefits, withdrawing for retirement. a lump sum from your pension could affect your With so many people now expected to live longer, entitlement. It might severely reduce the amounts you it can be risky to use your pension to pay off debt. receive, or even mean that you can’t make a claim. Personal circumstances will dictate whether it’s the What are the costs of accessing your pension? right move for you, but it’s crucial that you obtain Many pension providers charge a fee for early access pension advice from an independent financial adviser to a pension, and there is generally a charge each before taking any action. time you make a withdrawal. This could severely You’ll be able to find out the ‘bottom line’ figure once deplete your pension fund, making it expensive and the tax, charges, loss of benefits and other potential unrealistic financially to repay debts in this way. deductions have been taken into account, and decide Final salary schemes whether or not it’s truly worthwhile. If you have a final salary pension, you might be https://debtcamel.co.uk/2015-pension-changes-a- tempted to transfer your money into a personal new-option-for-paying-off-debts/ pension scheme that gives you access to withdraw https://debtcamel.co.uk/debts-pension-recycling-tax/ 40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Support Workers £8.85 per hour

The Marbrook Centre is a purpose built neurological rehabilitation centre for people who have experienced life changing incidents or are living with long term conditions such as dementia We pride ourselves on being different to other care homes. We value natural ability as well as related work experience. We need people who care, demonstrate empathy and passion, with good communication skills and have the talent to really make a difference to our resident’s lives.

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 41 Home Interiors

AThere’s more Home to interior style than eye-catching with accessories. Consider introducing an appealing sense of charm and character with these interesting ideas. Is your home lacking in an indefinable something? Character Has it lost its period features? Would it benefit In a period home you might seek out reclaimed from some appealing detailing, the restoration examples or find well-made reproductions; also, of authenticity or some aids to functionality? decide whether to paint them or, conversely, strip Sometimes it is worth considering some more them. architectural alterations, which don’t necessarily Panelling can enhance a room or hallway and have to cost a fortune. Here are a few suggestions. comes in a wide variety of styles, from Jacobean to Improve your floors contemporary, and is relatively easy to fit. If you have original timber boards in good condition Get the lighting right beneath your floor coverings, then sanding them You can improve inadequate or imbalanced built in back, staining and/or oiling them is a relatively lighting or out of character fittings: either discreetly straightforward procedure for a competent DIYer; with minimal downlighters in the ceiling, simple alternatively, employ a professional. Boards in poor wall lights or versatile LED strips - or go for full-on condition can be renovated to an extent, or consider drama with huge, eye-catching chandeliers. replacing them with reclaimed boards that match All in the details the style of your home. Small details like cupboard knobs, door and window Homes built between the late 19th century and furniture, light switches, plug sockets and even the the middle of the 20th often feature colourful, humble pull cord can all make a difference. Cheap patterned geometric or encaustic tiles, generally plastic light switches can be swapped for upmarket along the hallway and garden path. Even if they are ones which are lovely to look at and pleasant discoloured or damaged they should be repairable, to touch. The same goes for door and window and with the right specialist the results will be furniture: think, for example, how different your dramatic. front door would look with a gorgeous, matching Think about mouldings set of letterbox, bell and numbers. From skirting to ceiling roses, door surrounds to dados, mouldings contribute enormously to the overall look of a home. Research carefully, to ensure they correspond in scale and design to the age and style of your architecture. Modern replicas are often available, but sometimes going to a specialist is necessary and this is not cheap. Ease of alteration depends on your circumstances but this is definitely a project to bear in mind when considering renovation work. What about woodwork? In living rooms lacking storage, build across the recesses either side of the fireplace, with cupboards below and display shelving above. The same goes for alcove shelving elsewhere, window seats, wardrobes and other forms of built-in joinery. Consider these additions carefully, so that they complement your home in terms of scale and detailing. And, plan to remove and replace completely inappropriate built-in storage or seating when possible. Replacing poor quality or badly designed interior doors with beautiful ones is a major enhancement. 42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 43 EBAY COLLECTIONS Local & Reliable

44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Landscape Journeys Gillian has painted all her life and has been inspired by the changing light and mood of the Countryside field, in England and on the Continent, she is inspired she paints. She uses the full richness and resonance by the effects of light, and the shapes and spaces that of oil paint to create her well constructed and these create on the canvas. Always painting at the convincing compositions which typify and evoke the scene – the open air, corner of a field, or the street. tranquillity of our quiet English Landscapes. Gillian has exhibited in London, at the Mall Gallery Much of her work is inspired by her surroundings in with the Society of Women Artists, the Royal Institute East Bedfordshire, but the opportunities presented of Oil Painters, Bankside Gallery, the Summer by her frequent travels to Europe and beyond have Exhibition at the Royal Academy, and local Galleries. given her a chance to adjust her palate, and present Gillian exhibits at Hertford Art Society each year, the variations in light so different from the English and is a Member of the Eagle Gallery in Castle Road, environment. Bedford, where she exhibits every month. Also Gillian is passionate about painting and seizes every Bedfordshire Artists Network, and Biggleswade Art opportunity to pick up her paints and ‘get out there’ Society. for her next project. It is primarily through carefully Gillian Flack (Local Artist) observed and sensitively handled colour that Gillian Showing her Latest Paintings at EAGLE GALLERY produces her tonal paintings. The first stage of each 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP painting, the under painting is a contributing factor Saturday 6th May – Saturday 13th May 10:30 – 5:30 to the success of the work. Always painting in the Sunday 11 – 4 www.gillianflack.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 45 Employment Employment Matters Why every ‘High Tech’ customer experience still needs a human face Don’t let technology blind you to the fact that it’s Now start looking at this from the business people who provide great service, particularly when viewpoint. By giving your employees these three they go beyond customer expectations. things also creates great customer experiences: Whenever anyone talks about any great customer Autonomy - Flexible process which give employees service they’ve received they will invariably talk freedom to do what’s right for the customer and about the person who made it happen. react to their specific situation, treating them as Perhaps it was the hotel receptionist who arranged individuals for the kitchen to reopen because you were delayed Competence - Customers being dealt with by and missed dinner. The air steward who found paper people who know what they’re doing, giving and pencil to keep your child busy. The call centre efficient service with the right answers, in the right operator who resolved an ongoing problem with way and at the right time, with their competence care and kindness. being linked to customer experience. It is not a coincidence that companies which Belonging regularly appear in the ‘best customer experience’ Ensuring customers can relate to the organisation by charts are just as well known for engaged creating a bond based on shared values and common employees as they are for great service. Many other goals of the business with its employees. companies which claim to give great service to Despite increasingly living our lives through customers often overlook what makes the biggest technology – human beings will always play the difference: their people and the empathy those central role in creating great customer experiences. people can bring to the customer experience. It’s still the employees who are programming the list For people to be happy, motivated, and engaged at of processes to follow in order to solve a problem - work the three crucial things employees need are: designing the screens and coming up with the ideas. Autonomy - Allowing them control over how they So now it’s a good time to take another look at the complete the task at hand, with a focus on the organisation’s customer experience strategy and start outcome, not the process, empowering empathetic by understanding what your customers really want. people. But before starting out to design flow charts of Competence - Giving them support to be good at the ‘customer journey’, write scripts and overly- their job, developing their skills in line with their complex measurement frameworks, take the ambitions, creating ongoing development. time to understand what’s really important to the Belonging - Ensuring they have a connection to employees of the business too. their colleagues and the company through a shared By involving them in designing the customer service sense of purpose, with open communication to experience your business can find a way to please build trust. both customers and employees at the same time!

Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd

46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Your local divorce & family law specialists

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To W&Co_131.93LS_T.Glanvill&A.Smith.inddadvertise in The Villager and Town 1Life please call 01767 261122 04/12/2014 14:2147 Wildlife RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results

Robins, starlings and blackbirds joined by more unusual visitors • UK gardens have seen a boom in the number Weather conditions leading up to the Birdwatch of visits from unusual migrant birds such as meant that this year UK gardens were treated to a waxwings range of different visitors. Along with waxwings, • Number of robins seen visiting gardens at its there was also a large jump in the number of visits highest level for more than 20 years from other migrant birds. In the East there were 5 • In excess of 497,000 people took part in the times as many redwing and fieldfare seen and an 2017 Birdwatch counting over 8 million birds 18% increase in sightings of brambling as the sub- Nearly 7, 000 people in Bedfordshire joined nearly zero temperatures on the continent forced them half-a-million people across the UK in the world’s to go in search of milder conditions. largest garden wildlife survey, counting more Dr Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientists, than eight million birds during the 38th RSPB Big said: “The sight of a robin or blackbird perched Garden Birdwatch, witnessing some exciting and on the garden fence is often one of the first unusual visitors. experiences we have with nature. So to have over In Bedfordshire, there was no change to the top half-a-million people taking part and counting a two. House sparrows held on to the top spot being bumper eight million birds across one weekend is seen in the 70% of gardens during the survey amazing. Using the information from the weekend despite having decreased nationally by 57% we’ll be able to create a snapshot of how our since 1979. Starlings were another non-mover garden birds are doing. remaining in second place, although there was a “In the lead up to the Birdwatch there was 26% rise in the number of gardens starlings were some speculation as to whether we could see a seen in. ‘waxwing winter’ and the results prove that to Blackbirds knocked the blue tits out of the top be the case. Flocks of these striking looking birds three as they moved up two places from fifth to arrived in the UK along the North Sea coast and third, being seen in a whopping 95% of gardens, will have moved across the country in search of making them the county’s most widespread bird. food, favouring gardens where they can feast on The event held over the last weekend in January berries. With it only happening once every 7-8 also revealed an explosion in the number of years, it will have been a treat for the lucky people recorded sightings of waxwings. These attractive who managed to catch a glimpse of one.” looking birds flock to UK gardens in winter once There was also good news for robins, with the every 7-8 years when the berry crop fails in their average number seen visiting gardens at its native Scandinavia. Known as an ‘irruption’, results highest level since 1986, helping it climb from showed that within the region waxwings were number nine to number seven in Bedfordshire and seen in around 5 times more gardens in 2017 the same jump nationally, its joint highest-ever compared to previous years. position in the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings. 48 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Blackbird was another climber, moving to number invaluable resource for birds – throughout the year three in the East and becoming the region’s most birds need food, water and a safe place to shelter. widespread garden bird after being spotted in If we all provide these things in our outdoor spaces more than 96% of gardens. it will be a huge help to our garden birds, perhaps The survey also highlighted a downturn in even playing a role in reversing some declines.” Bedfordshire in the recorded sightings of blue tits The nation’s school children noticed a similar (-15%), great tits (-12%) and coal tits (-20%) on last pattern when taking part in the RSPB Big Schools year’s figures. Dr Hayhow explained: “Numbers of Birdwatch. The UK-wide survey of birds in schools small bodied birds such as blue tits and great tits saw over 73,000 school children – almost 1, 900 of are susceptible to changes in weather throughout whom took part in Bedfordshire - spend an hour the year, and scientists believe that the prolonged in nature counting birds. Nationally, the blackbird wet weather during the 2016 breeding season remained the most common playground visitor for led to fewer younger birds surviving than usual, the ninth year in succession with over 88% schools meaning there are fewer to be seen in gardens.” spotting at least one. However in Bedfordshire the This year’s results also pointed to the positive woodpigeon took the number one spot. effects that wildlife friendly gardens are having on Big Garden Birdwatch and Big Schools’ Birdwatch bird behaviours. Recorded sightings increased for are a part of the RSPB Giving Nature a Home sixteen of the top 20 Big Garden Birdwatch birds campaign, aimed at tackling the house crisis facing between 2016 and 2017 showing how gardens the UK’s threatened wildlife. The charity is asking are becoming an invaluable resource for our most people to provide a place for wildlife in their common British garden birds. gardens and outdoor spaces – whether it’s putting Claire Thomas, RSPB Wildlife Advisor, said: “This up a nest box for birds, creating a pond for frogs or year was another incredible year for the Big building a home for hedgehogs. Garden Birdwatch, with our favourite garden birds like starlings, robins and goldfinches, joined in For more information about the RSPB Big Garden the gardens up and down the country by more Birdwatch results – www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch unusual visitors. Our gardens can become an

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To Philadvertise Loverage in half The page.indd Villager 1 and Town Life please call 01767 261122 13/03/2017 09:3849 SURECLEAN GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS ROOF MOSS REMOVAL Personal customer service, collection AND GUTTER CLEANING and delivery available. Assessment of individual requirements. We use a revolutionary industrial pressure Full after sales backup and parts service. rotary cleaning system to restore NEW Oregon, the world's only unique exterior hard surfaces to as new condition. battery operated, self-sharpening chain saw.s In stock. Block Paving, Pathways, Patios Ride-on and pedestrian mowers, Garden Wall and Stone Ornaments chainsaws, strimmers, hedge trimmers, Ponds and Pools cultivators, estate and equestrian equipment. Trailers - sales, hire, service. Also Re-sanding and Sealing Accessories, oils, Aspen fuel, batteries, Local Company spares, security locks for garden/ horticulturalhorticultu machinery and trailers. 01767 400127/07870 338074 Main dealer for Briggs & Stratton, www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki & Mountfield Appointed dealers for: engines.

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50 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Garden Slug

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.comSurvival Whether your garden is big or small, or you have just • Encourage natural predators such as hedgehogs, a few planters in a back yard or on a balcony, the frogs, toads, slow worms and ground beetles. If chances are that slugs will cause you grief. There are you keep hens consider letting them clear the about thirty species of slug in the UK and most feed ground for you – but obviously only before you throughout the year, especially after dark and when start planting and sowing! the soil is wet or moist – and now that spring is here, • Use the Nemaslug nematode control, a treatment they’re out in force! I like because it is harmless to everything except However, most slugs actually do little damage to slugs. It works swiftly and silently too and, if living plants, instead preferring to feast on dead and you’re a potato grower and you drench the soil dying material. Typically it is smaller slugs like the around the potato plants about six weeks before greyish-black keeled slug and the pinkish-beige-grey anticipated harvest, the nematodes soon get to field slug which are more likely to wreak havoc. With work and your potatoes should be virtually slug- estimates of there being about 200 slugs per average damage free. Use it to clear a slug-infested raised cubic metre of average garden soil, the situation can bed or planter and apply self-adhesive copper soon get out of hand. tape around the rim of the container to keep the Keeled slugs in particular love to feast below ground, contents slug free. Find out more about Nemaslug as well as on plants above the soil surface. In no time and copper tape at www.pippagreenwood.com/ at all slugs can eat through the base of a young stem, products/protect-your-crops. killing the plant in the process, or eat seedlings even • Barriers such as crushed shells, wool pellets, soot, before they have had a chance to emerge above the pine needles or copper-impregnated fabric can soil surface! Later in the year, they will begin to tunnel also work well, but may need replacing regularly into potato tubers and carrots too. and results seem to vary. They breed quickly and very efficiently, and you’re • Traps filled with beer can reduce slug numbers in most likely to spot the clumps of eggs on the soil your garden dramatically. You can buy ready- surface, beneath flopped foliage and amongst moist made traps or make your own using inexpensive organic matter. Each egg is about 1-2mm in diameter plastic beakers plunged into the soil, the rim and a clear, milky or off-white coloured sphere. protruding 1-2cm above the soil surface and filled So what can you do with these squidgy little with a well-flavoured beer. menaces? Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. • Go on an evening slug hunt, in particular after it com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants has rained or you have done some watering. accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, • Choose vegetable varieties which have useful or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s resistance to slugs. With potatoes, main crop favourite gardening items including SpeedHoes, varieties usually suffer most, so try to grow mainly SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and earlies. Choose varieties such as Charlotte, Kestrel, copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books Sante or Wilja to give a better chance of success. and lots more besides. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 51 Gardening & Wildlife Rural Ramblings Moss Treatment On lawns I have previously been treating moss in lawns the whole lawn with lawn sand, which is mainly sand of and now that the course, but with the addition of iron sulphate, lower levels of which is the compound which actually does semi-living moss the damage. The sand is there only to provide remnants had been a bulking agent to enable an even spread of exposed, I went in for the the controlling agent and therefore reduces kill and made up another the chance of scorching the grass. The iron batch for the sprayer which I sulphate provides an additional benefit of now keep handy!! Will keep you toughening the grass and a slight fertiliser informed as to the outcome, but so effect. far I have found it so much easier, cheaper I had found that two treatments a year, once and quicker to make up a solution and spray in Spring and the other in Autumn were and the dog can go on the grass within hours. effective, but only control was possible and not total elimination and without regular By Geoff Wharton applications, the moss would re-appear, especially during the dampness of winter and under trees. Geoff Wharton If the sand was applied evenly, preferably in half doses at a time, it was effective, but I Gardening Services was interested in an easier way of application Reliable, experienced, well qualified. and decided to look up the active ingredient General and specialist garden work: and quickly found suppliers of ferrous (iron) Jungle clearing, Pruning, sulphate to be applied as a spray and it was Hedge and grass cutting, extremely cheap in comparison to the sand Regular maintenance, mixture I had previously used. Licensed waste disposal. I followed the instructions by using 5g per Full public liability cover. litre and sprayed a particularly spongy area of green which was so mossy that there was little Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science grass to be seen! I think the moss began to Email:[email protected] darken and show signs of distress within a few hours and by the next morning had turned a pleasing shade of dark brown and was definitely being subdued. During the following two weeks, the grass had made a remarkable recovery and I decided to give it a cut. The moss had been so thick and tall that the mower cut a lot of the half- dead moss and of course, it would have helped to have scarified it before hand. Anyway, I cut Tel: 01767 261727 52 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts J.R. Bibby Turf Supplies Quality Turf with a Quality Service • Professional Turf Laying Service • Weed Treated & Fertilized • Fast Delivery • Commercial and Domestic • Free Estimates • All Areas Covered • Hard Landscaping Large or Small Jobs Undertaken ForFor youryour FreeFree EstimateEstimate callcall JoeJoe on:on: 0176701767 -- 260260 550550 GILKS FENCING LTD All Types of Fencing, Gates & Railings, SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

Call for a FREE Survey & Quotation Visit our Display Area at: Gilks Fencing Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX Tel: 01767 650 615 Email: [email protected] www.gilksfencing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 53 City

Aberdeen Plymouth Southampton Bangor Reading Stirling Bath Ripon Sunderland Belfast Cardiff Chester Derby Dundee Durham Edinburgh Ely Hull Lincoln London Norwich Oxford Perth

Find the words of British cities in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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C

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CM

MY

CY

CMY

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56 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year

By Sarah Davey BankI’m in two minds about bank holidays. Holidays On the one hand it’s a holiday, yay, and there are two of them in May…another yay; on the other it’s a prescribed Bank holiday if the current incumbent of No. 10 feels holiday so most people are off work at the same time, she needs a popularity boost. so there are queues and traffic jams wherever you Not everyone would welcome it though. The go. It would make more sense to me if bank holidays Confederation of British Industry calculates that just were rolled into an additional 8 days of compulsory one extra day could cost the nation £6.5 billion. It leave which could be taken anytime. sounds a lot but they also calculate that the cost In the UK we actually fair pretty badly in the bank to the economy of work-related stress and mental holiday stakes anyway. 8 public holidays is not a lot. health problems is somewhere between £4-5 billion, The Italians have 12 days; the Austrians 13, while and that sick-days cost over £12 billion per year. Spain and Portugal enjoy 14 public holidays per year! Given those figures it might be presumed that a There has been a long-running campaign for an couple of extra days’ holiday per year could prove extra bank holiday in the UK somewhere around beneficial over all. October. This is favoured because the period from However you plan to spend your two bank holidays August Bank Holiday to Christmas is a long time this month make sure you check the travel news. I to work without a break! Past Prime Ministers have plan to stay local. There are loads of great things to on occasion indicated this might be a possibility. It do on our doorstep and I really don’t want to spend occurred to me that we might get a bonus ‘Brexit’ my extra day off stuck in a traffic jam!

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 57 Local News Bedfordshire’s cleverest puppies need more ‘puppy parents’ They will help with the housework, load a washing machine and open doors – but now the region’s cleverest puppies are calling for your help. Charity Canine Partners is looking for special volunteer ‘puppy parents’ that can look after puppies that are training to become assistance dogs for physically disabled people. Carol Lloyd has been a puppy parent for 10 years and is currently looking after her 13th puppy, 11-month-old Labrador Milo. She says she loves helping to train and socialise the puppies. Carol and Milo also attend puppy training classes “I would recommend being a puppy parent. It’s a and they have home visits from Bedford satellite really nice way of having a dog. It’s fantastic seeing trainer Lorraine Lotan who gives Carol guidance on the difference a dog makes to someone’s life,” said the charity’s reward-based training techniques – Carol. praising the puppy and giving it lots of treats, toys The 56-year-old cleaner from Wootton, Bedfordshire and playtime when they get something right. joined the charity’s team of volunteers after moving When he is about 13 months old he will go to one of to the area from Milton Keynes. Canine Partners’ advanced training centres in West She said: “I liked the idea of having a dog but also Sussex or Leicestershire to develop the skills he is having a purpose to that. learning with his puppy parent. “Rather than having a pet dog, we have Canine Mum-of-two Carol said: “The first time a puppy Partners’ puppies.” leaves you for its advanced training is the worst but Carol has been looking after Milo since he was eight it makes all the heart ache of the puppy leaving weeks old and she has been teaching him the basic worthwhile when you see the difference it will make skills he needed for life as an assistance dog, while to someone’s life.” ensuring he was always well-behaved. Now she is calling for more people to sign up and She has taken him on busses and trains and visited join the growing band of volunteers. supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, She added: “I really enjoy being a puppy parent parks and banks. And they are making sure they met and in Bedford we have a fantastic support group lots of other people and animals. so you’re never on your own. We also have a great satellite trainer in Lorraine.” It comes after the group hosted a special puppy party which gave people the chance to meet the puppies and existing volunteers and watch demonstrations showcasing some of the skills puppy parents teach the dogs. There’s still time to sign up as a volunteer puppy parent for Canine Partners. Puppy parents receive full ongoing support, both at their homes and at puppy training classes. Food, equipment, vet bills and temporary holiday care is provided. And there’s another chance to meet the team at the Bedford group’s summer show June 24 at Happy Dog Training in Clapham. For more information call 01730 716017 or visit caninepartners.org.uk/puppyparties. 58 destination PLEASE CUT OUT COUPON AND BRING WITH YOU WHEN AQUATICS VISITING THE SHOP & RECEIVE centre of excellence A ONE OFF DISCOUNT OF 10%  OFF ALL PRODUCTS* WHEN YOU SPEND OVER £50 AND REGISTER BEDFORD STORE FOR OUR FREE LOYALTY CARD. *excludes all aquariums/ OPEN NOW! cabinets/anything already on offer VILLAGER • POND SEASON •  • PUMPS • FILTERS • NETS TELFORD WAY, CAMBRIDGE ROAD DON’T FORGET • COVER NETS • TREATMENTS BEDFORD, BEDFORDSHIRE MK42 0PQ POND PRODUCTS • BASKETS • AQUATIC COMPOST • PLANTS • FOOD • KOI Tel: 01234 242486 ARE AVAILABLE Live Stock • Coral Tables • Inspiring Displays admin@ The Destination aquatic • Ornaments • Gravels/Substrates destinationaquatics.co.uk & pond team will be on hand • Live/Artificial Plants • Everything You www.destinationaquatics.co.uk to guide you through Need for Your Pond or Aquarium. fishkeeping, whether you are • Aquarium & Pond Servicing OPENING HOURS: new to the hobby or want to • Initial Installation Advice Mon - Closed, upgrade to something more • Bespoke Aquariums • Loyalty Cards Tues-Fri 10-6pm, challenging! Loyalty • 1,000’s of Lines Available Sat 9-5pm, cards will be available. Almost Instantly Sun 10-5pm

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To THEadvertise VILLAGER in The POND.indd Villager 1 and Town Life please call 01767 261122 10/03/2017 10:22:2459 Pets Animal Know-how

Happy holidays for everyone… In the excitement of preparing for a holiday or weekend away, don’t forget to make arrangements for your pets. Sorting out care arrangements for your pet can take time, so you should always do this well in advance. • if and when they may need any medication and Never leave pets on their own without a how to give it to them; responsible person to care for them; you must • how to socialise with them. make sure they get the care they need. When Whoever you choose to care for your pets while someone else is looking after your pet they too you are away, make sure that you: have a legal responsibility to ensure your pet’s • are confident that they will care for your pet welfare and you should make sure that they properly; understand your pet’s needs and any special • give them clear instructions on how to care for requirements that he, or she, may have. your pet; There are a number of options to ensure your • leave the name and number of your vet and, if pet is cared for when you are away. You can leave possible, a number where you can be contacted them with friends or family, have a pet-sitter, or in case of emergencies; take them to a boarding establishment. • keep your pet’s vaccinations and flea and Many pets can find the absence of their owner worming treatments up-to-date. and/or a change of routine stressful. It is important It is a criminal offence to leave any animal without that all of your pet’s needs are met, and that you making proper arrangements for their welfare. leave clear instructions on how to look after your But, if organised properly, holidays can be a pet, including: welcome break for both you and your pets. Happy • dietary requirements; holidays to you all. • daily health checks (especially for small animals to check that they are eating and toileting ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought properly, and to check they are healthy ie fly- to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch strike in rabbits); www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk • how and when to exercise them; 60 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 61 Pets Ask Alan Dental disease in Dogs and Cats – Part 2 will progress causing pain and When it comes to dental disease, as in humans – eventual loss of prevention is better than cure. teeth. Ways to help prevent dental disease in the first Your dentist would place are brushing, dental diets, dental chews and never say to you water additives. “your teeth have To help you choose, the Veterinary Oral Health tartar but why Council (VOHC) produce a helpful list of effective don’t we wait for products that reduce plaque and tartar (http:// it to get worse before taking action”. In the same www.vohc.org). way, pets benefit from 6 monthly checks and early Some chews and diets can help to keep the tip of treatment. the tooth clean, but do not remove plaque from If you would like to the gum line. They can also can contain a lot of have your pet’s teeth calories, so beware that your pet does not gain to checked – please book much weight. a free appointment with Once gum disease has started, a dental scale and our qualified veterinary polish is required, as the disease will not stop by nurses on itself and, if the tartar is not removed, the disease 01767 260007.

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Annual Preventative Twice yearly Parasite control Annual savings healthcare health checks programme vaccination Call today: 01767 260007 Visit: pottonvets.co.uk 9 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP

62 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Rehoming Appeal This month’s rescue Pudding animals looking for their forever home are Jessie and Pudding. Jessie and Pudding are sisters and are looking for a home where they can stay together. If you would like to find out more about Jessie They are nearly 5 years old and Pudding, please contact Liz on 01767 and very friendly girls who 681157. love fuss and attention. Alternatively please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@ Jessie is a real lap cat and gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your very affectionate and enquiry on to the team Pudding loves to play. View other dogs, cats and small mammals They will make wonderful currently in our care for re-homing on our companions but have not Jessie website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or lived with dogs or young facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity children previously. Home checks are carried out on potential homes.

Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded. Spacious, individual, heated chalets with large covered runs. Inspection welcome. Boarding from £7.30/day.

Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded. 64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden Telephone 01767 677 759 www.catterybedfordshire.co.uk Open all year. The cattery for caring owners. Comfort and security for your pet.

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 63 Manor Farm Villager Advert A7 :Layout 1 03/07/2013 12:20 Pag

A flexible day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with extensive and well 30% resourced grounds. off your s Excellent links to 1st month’ fees the A1, St Neots and Sandy railway station. To find out more call us today 01767 681805 76 London Road, Sandy Beds. SG19 1DZ e: [email protected] w: www.manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk

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

Call Heather on Tel: 01767 631053 Mob: 07885 516561 64 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 65 66 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Motoring BMW M760Li xDrive Those of you hoping this was Space and practicality Value for money BMW’s M7 need to look away The 7 Series does feel a little For £132,310, you do get some now. Although this may be the smaller in the rear than rivals from goodies thrown in. Lightweight fastest BMW ever made, if you’re Mercedes and Audi, though. Up 20-inch alloys, a Bowers & Wilkins after a fire-breathing, full-blooded front the driving position is a little sound system and Car Play are M car, the M760Li will leave you cosseting too, but it’s easy to get included, as is an Advanced a little disappointed. BMW says comfortable. Parking System, adaptive LED that’s because this is a car for What’s under the bonnet? headlights, a head-up display, buyers with something of a split BMW made a lot of noise about it and massaging seats. There’s even personality. One moment they being 30 years since they installed rear-seat entertainment and a may be keen on a country road a V12 engine in their 7 Series panoramic glass sunroof provided assault so they can enjoy the at the launch. Since then, the too. There’s also an extensive glorious V12, the next they might 12-cylinder lump has doubled options list, including night vision want to kick back and relax in the in power: the 2017 6.6-litre unit and BMW laser headlights. massaging seats and just cruise boasts a whopping 601bhp, a Verdict along. staggering 800Nm of torque and is The fact BMW perseveres with Looks and image capable of propelling it to 60mph a V12 is a revelation. With The 7 Series has long been a in just 3.6 seconds. That gives it downsizing the current buzzword, luxury choice for the type of buyer the impressive title of the fastest it seems hard to believe that a who still enjoys driving, though – accelerating BMW ever made, manufacturer would launch a and the M760Li is the epitome of but you’ll pay at the pumps; the 6.6-litre petrol drinking lump. that. With several driving modes M760Li will return 22.1mpg and Although the market for it will be to choose from, sporty drivers are emits 294g/km. small, we’re still very glad it has. well catered for when its sport Behind the wheel OK, so this might not be the M7 setting is active. With the comfort The BMW is a true Jekyll and Hyde that many performance BMW setting it’s mellower, more relaxed, car with distinct personalities fans crave, but it’s as close to it as it eases over bumps and floats behind the wheel. On the track it we’re going to get. It’s great fun along beautifully. was incredibly swift and that V12 to drive, sumptuously luxurious The looks of the M760Li won’t makes a pleasingly sound and, and wonderfully relaxing when be for everyone but inside is a while there may be some body roll, you want it to be - and all in, a very wonderful place to spend time. it’s not too intrusive. It’s all helped competent and exciting 7 Series For those who are chauffeured by four-wheel drive that has a rear indeed. the back seats are arguably wheel drive bias when needed. more comfortable than up front. The steering is a little light in the There are multimedia screens to comfort setting, though, but flick it enjoy, cushioned headrests and into sport and it’s far better. massaging, reclining seat backs.

By James Baggott

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 67 Autocentre 10% ABOVE ALL Discount on production of Unit 1, Sand Road Ind. Est., Great Gransden SG19 3AH this advert (T & C’s apply) Tel: 01767 679000 MOT TESTING SERVICING For class 4 or 7 vehicles Good Garage Scheme Class IV Cars and vans up to 3000kg Industry Standard Service Class VII Vans over 3000kg up to 3500kg Or to manufacturer specification AIR CONDITIONING – Recharging of system. DIAGNOSTICS - SNAP ON Diagnostic fault finding centre. EXHAUSTS - Supplied and fitted to all makes of cars and vans. BATTERIES - Supplied and fitted two and three year guarantee. BRAKES - Discs Pads Shoes. Cylinders etc supplied and fitted. CODE READING - Trace & rectify those alarming red dashboard warning lights. TYRES - All makes inc. Budget Avon, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli.

68 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 69 SHOULD HAVE GONE TO

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Let us ask you one question, has life become too hectic? Maybe we can help.... Fully insured, highly professional, discreet, competitive rates. For further information For further information contact Rachel or Scott on:- or to book your advertising space Tel: 01767 631755 call Nigel on 01767 261122 Mob: 07804 187266 Email: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] or visit our website www.villagermag.com

The VILLAGER and Town Life

70 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Food and Drink Seasonal Delights

Camembert and Red Pepper Tarts Makes 4 Ready in 45 minutes

A really quick and easy snack, starter or light supper dish made with just five ingredients.

INGREDIENTS 3. Top each pastry square with some of the 2 large red peppers, deseeded and cut into strips roasted pepper strips and cheese slices. 1 tbsp olive oil 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes 250g puff pastry until the pastry is risen and golden and the 150g Camembert cheese, thinly sliced cheese has melted. Serve warm with the salad 150g bag rocket and watercress salad leaves.

1. Preheat the oven to 220C, 200C Fan, Gas Mark 7. Place the pepper strips in a shallow roasting Tip tin. Drizzle over the olive oil and roast for 15 Add extra flavour by spreading a thin layer of pesto minutes until just tender. Leave to cool. sauce or tomato chutney in the pastry square 2. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to before topping with the pepper and cheese. a rough square shape the thickness of a pound coin. Trim with a sharp knife to make a 26cm square. Cut into 4 x 13cm squares. Place the squares of pastry on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. With the tip of the knife, score a border in each pastry square about 1cm in from the outer edge. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 71 DUNTON LANE ASPARAGUS 2017 SEASON NOW OPEN

To buy locally our freshly cut asparagus is only available from the barrow @ Park Corner Park, Dunton Lane, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8SH

For Enquiries or Orders please contact The Asparagus Lady on 07702 964925

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Live life on the veg Call your local veg man Richard on 01525 851851 riverford.co.uk

72 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Three Counties Radio

7 Layer Bar I am not sure I know any food writers who are more prolific than Hannah Miles. Every time she is a guest on my programme, she seems to have added another couple to her list and she is now up to well over 30 books. Her latest is called Traybakes (published by Lorenz Books) and, in it, she shows how versatile traybake cakes can be. This indulgent tray bake may actually be the Queen of Traybakes. Loads of indulgent ingredients, bound together by a can of condensed milk, to create a perfect snack or lunchbox treat, especially for your children or grandchildren. It’s also ideal, as traybakes often are, if you need to rustle together a cake for the school fete or a cake sale at work. This is a big treat bar, packed with flavour, fun… and calories!

Ingredients 1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4/180C/350F. For the base 2. Blitz the biscuits to fine crumbs. Melt the butter in a 300g/ digestive biscuits or graham crackers saucepan and pour into the crumbs. 125g butter 3. Stir well so that all the crumbs are coated in the For the topping butter. Press the crumbs out in an even layer over 200g chocolate chips the base of the tin using the back of a spoon. 100g fudge pieces or butterscotch chips 4. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the biscuit base in a layer. Sprinkle over the fudge pieces, raisins and 60g raisins pecans. Sprinkle over the coconut and hazelnuts. 100g pecans, coarsely chopped 5. Drizzle with the condensed milk. Bake for 25 – 30 150g flake sweetened coconut (or desiccated) minutes until golden brown then leave to cool 60g toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped completely in the tin. 398g can of condensed milk 6. Cut into 24 squares to serve. This layer cake will store in an airtight container for up to 3 days - if it Equipment: food processor or blender, 35cm x 25cm lasts that long! deep baking tin, greased and lined

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

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 73 Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to [email protected] What’s On In May

1 May 3 & 17 May 6 May Potton May Day Fete/Car Boot Cancer Support Group Biggleswade and Area Simon’s Fundraising Day 11am-3pm The Hollow, Potton 1-3pm 2.30pm Biggleswade Rugby Club Adults £2, Children £1, Family £5 Community Room, Biggleswade Baptist Church Rugby spectators free, Evening tickets £5, The Car Boot Sale is open to arrivals from 10.00am The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Under 16s £2 - cars £5 and vans £10. Stalls for the fete are £10 month. Tel: Gina 07812 796581 Organised by Simon Jarvis, a Biggleswade Rugby in advance or £15 on the day. Attractions include Email: [email protected] player and supporter, who wants to remember a Fun Dog Show (12.00pm), Birds of Prey flying Facebook: Cancer Support Group Biggleswade Area people lost to cancer and who are fighting it at display (1.00pm), Gary Richardson Multi-skills Sport the moment. Simon aims to raise £10,000 for Training, Archery and Funfair Amusements. 5, 12, 19 & 26 May Macmillan Cancer Support. The event kicks off Tel: Judy Oliver 01767 26143 After School Lego Club with a rugby match playing for the Bob ‘the Bugle’ Email: [email protected] 3.45-5pm Potton Library Bakewell Trophy. This is followed by an evening of live entertainment hosted by comedian Jeremy 1-31 May 5, 12, 19 & 26 May O’Donnell and featuring local musicians and a Mill Open Month Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm fireworks display. Evening tickets and raffle tickets Jordans Mill, Biggleswade Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy available from Biggleswade Rugby Club, Blinds “Bread Through Time”. Visit our mill and learn all Meets every Friday. Visitors welcome. Interiors & Gifts (BIG) High Street Biggleswade, about the history of bread over time. Email: [email protected] telephone, email, Facebook or PayPal Family & Web: www.jordansmill.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com Friends to the email address. If you would like to make a donation, donate a prize for the raffles or 2 May 6 May sponsor a rugby player tel: Simon 07713 088792 Hatley Coffee Morning Charity Fun Day Email: [email protected] 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall 9.30am-3.30pm Jordans Mill, Biggleswade Facebook: /Simon’s Fundraising Day Everyone welcome. Donations on the day - split The Rotary Club of Biggleswade Ivel and Jordans between Hatley Village Hall and Hatley St George Mill will be joining forces to provide a day full of 7 May Church. First Tuesday of every month. fun. Activities include a scarecrow hunt in the British Red Cross Open Gardens woods, flying chickens, various sports and the Stroke 2-5pm The Old Rectory, Church Lane, 3 May Association will be there to test your blood pressure. Wrestlingworth, Sandy The Cambridgeshire Branch of the Western Front Contact Dawn Walton dawn.walton@jordansmill. Adults £4, Under 12s free Association 7pm for 7.30pm com or Toby Frost [email protected] 4 acre garden full of colour and interest. The owner The Comrades Club, Godmanchester has a free style of gardening sensitive to nature and A talk by Mark Stanyard who will be giving a 6 May wildlife. Beds overflow with tulips, alliums, bearded presentation on “Two VCs in three armies” about The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm iris, peonies, poppies, geraniums and much more. members of the Salvation army who won the VC. The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the Beautiful mature trees and many more planted Non WFA members most welcome. A small donation public. Entry is free but official photo ID is required in the last 30 years including a large selection of is encouraged. www.westernfrontassociation.com to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. betulas. Gravel gardens, box hedging and wild Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk flower meadows with a new natural pond. Parking 3 May in field next door. Plant stall. By kind permission of Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 6 May Mrs Josephine Hoy 7.30pm Kier Suite, Gamlingay Eco Hub Green Wheel Walk Guests £3 Registration 9.30-10.30am 8 May Guest speaker is Zsuzsa Seres on Herbs in General. Adults £5 Jordans Mill Sandy Flower Club 7.30pm Organised by the Rotary Club of Biggleswade Ivel. Conservative Bowls Club pavilion (Rear of the 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 May Starting from Jordans Mill you may choose either a Conservative Club, Bedford Road_ Ivel Bereavement Support Centre long walk of approx 7 miles around the Biggleswade Visitors £5 payable on the door 10am-12 noonThe Community Rooms, Baptist Green Wheel or a shorter walk of about 3 miles. Floral Demonstration by Jenni Baker titled “Whiskers Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade Any profit from the registration fee will go towards on Kittens”. Visitors welcome. Raffle and tea and Has a loved one died? Are you struggling coming to paying for a Fun Day at a local special needs school. coffee. The Flower Club meets every second Monday terms with it? Perhaps we can help you at our drop Tel: Colin McCartney 01767 314669 to find out more in the month at 7.30pm and new members are in centre on Wednesdays. Email: [email protected] always welcome. Tel: Carole or Jill 07704734225 for more information Web: www.ivelrotary.org.uk Tel: Sue Alexander 01767 699729 7474 Please mentionPlease mention The Villager The Villager and Town and Town Life Life when when responding responding to to adverts adverts This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com What’s On In May

8, 15 & 22 May to the canvas, both working on the same painting 20 May Stevenage Choral Society in their recognisable Turner inspired style. For Spring Coffee Morning 7.30-9.45pm reserve your place on the guest list please contact 10am-12 noon Everton Village Hall Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel School, the gallery. Stalls include bedding plants, delicious cakes and Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage Tel: 01462 896164 preserves, produce and raffle. Come and enjoy while Every Monday. Try our friendly choir with a FREE Email: [email protected] supporting the beautiful 12th century St Mary’s session. No audition necessary! We are inviting you Web: www.gallery1066fineart.com Church of Everton to meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities, to try out a wide range of music from the classics 13 May 20 May to show songs and be part of our friendly and Potton Town Council Surgery Gamlingay & District Gardening Plant Sale supportive team, putting on excellent performances 10am-12.00 noon Potton Library 2.30pm Honey Hill, Gamlingay whilst having fun. Tel: 01438 365769 An opportunity to meet your local town councillors. By kind permission of Mrs Eileen Knibbs. Email: [email protected] Refreshments available. Web: www.stevenagechoral.co.uk 13 May The Amici Singers - Biggleswade - 20 May 9 May Conducting Day Locrian Chamber Choir Spring Concert British Red Cross Bedfordshire Trinity Methodist, Shortmead Street, 3pm Cockayne Hatley Church Flowering Arranging Demonstration & Shopping Biggleswade £50 Tickets £8 inc. cream tea, Under 16s free Opportunity Spaces for a maximum of 8 conductors - any level - Tickets available from Camerons, Market Square, 11am-3pm Savin’s Wholesalers, morning mentoring workshop with Musical Director Potton. Tel: Tickets 01767 261431 Vinegar Hill, Hatch, Sandy Tickets £10 Douglas Coombes MBE. Afternoon rehearsing with Refreshments, soup and cakes, raffle and tombola. The Amici Singers, followed by a concert in the 21 May Free parking. Tel: Tickets Sandra 01582 589084 evening with feedback from choir and audience. Biggleswade Antiques Fair Web: www.redcross.org.uk for further details You’ll learn so much by doing AND observing. 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Tel: Carole Lindsay-Douglas 01767 260815 Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 9 May This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques Sandy Historical Research Group 13 May and collectables so whether you are a professional 7.30pm Beeston Methodist Church Hall NCR Nearly New Sale dealer, an avid collector or just looking for Entrance £3.50, Members free 2.15-3.30pm, 2pm for NCT members something special, this monthly fair is the place to Sandy, ‘Yesterday and Today’, A Slide Presentation with a valid membership card visit. Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon of old photos showing how Sandy has changed Stratton Upper School, Eagle Farm Road, tea. Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 over the years. Feel free to join in and add your Biggleswade Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk comments and experiences. Refreshments Admission £1 in aid of NCT charity available. Ample parking. Biggleswade, Sandy & District Branch of the 25 May National Childbirth Trust (NCT)’s Spring/Summer Potton History Society 7.30pm 10 May Nearly New Sale. Bag your bargain or sell your Community Centre, Brook End, Potton Quiz Evening 7.30pm Potton Library surplus! Clothes 0-8 years, maternity wear, nursery Members free, Visitors £3 £2 All welcome. furniture and equipment, toys and games, buggies Note: 7.30pm for a walk around Potton to hear and prams. Please be aware we have a no buggy the history of the shops past and present. From 10 & 24 May policy due to space restrictions. 8.00pm: A display of photos and documents will be Storytime 1.30-2pm Potton Library on display in the Community Centre. Refreshments For pre-school children, toddlers and parents/carers. 19-21 May provided. Moggerhanger Plant Sale 11 May Little Orchard, 36 Blunham Road, Moggerhanger 31 May Artists Chris and Steve Rocks at Gallery 1066! Fri 10am-2pm Coffee Morning and Ploughman’s Bedfordshire Women in Rural Enterprise 7-9pm Gallery 1066 Fine Art Ltd, Willow Mews, Lunches 7.15pm The Crown, Northill 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock Sat 10am-4pm Ploughman’s Lunches & Cream Teas The network meeting for women in small business The incredible twin brothers will unveil their latest Sun 12 noon-4pm Ploughman’s Lunches and meets on the last Wednesday of the month. WiRE unseen original works and limited edition collection Cream Teas is a charitable organisation encouraging women in at a champagne receptions at Gallery 1066 in All proceeds to St. John’s Church. business. Email: [email protected] Baldock. Recognised for their mature approach Tel: 01767 641184 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 7575 Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Conservatories • Misty Units • New Locks • Draughty Windows • Dropped Doors • Broken Hinges/Handles • Extra Security • Installation of New Windows, Doors and Conservatories 25 Years Experience Contact Stewart Gyles on T: 0798 444 1638 or 01767 221 057 E: [email protected] W.G.Thirkell & Sons 1-4 page_ppl.pdf 1 10/04/2017 16:45

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76 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Motoring Are You A Car or a Motorbike? Whether by neglect, a careless attitude or personal experience of taking half the engine out financial constraints, in the longer nights of the just to get to the back of a headlight, but that’s winter months I noticed quite a few cars with only not an excuse not to change it as soon as you one working headlamp or rear light. know it’s faulty. I’ve not made an in-depth investigation into the Only having one headlight means you could state of UK car servicing, but I have good hearsay miss that child stepping into the road, and evidence from dealer’s service departments that the consequence of no brake-lights needs no more than a few cars are coming into them way explanation. past their service interval dates and with a lot For us drivers, on meeting your single-lamped car of niggling faults on them too, of which failed on a dark night our first reaction is that you are headlamps are one. Whether this is down to a motorbike, so we can prepare to overtake you owners being so financially stretched they are accordingly - until our lights pick out the rest of delaying paying service charges, or not bothering your ill-illuminated bodywork. to check their cars are working 100% or, if they And by then, to take avoiding action may be too do, finding such faults doesn’t worry them, I do late. not know. But when it comes to external lights they should bother. It’s an offence not to have working lights, and for obvious reasons. I know changing lamps on modern cars is an utter pain, I’ve had

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 77 Fun Quiz - Days of the Week

1. If Monday’s child is fair of face, which day’s child has “far to go”? 2. What is the only word in the English language that is an anagram of one of the seven days of the week? 3. Shrove Tuesday occurs how many days before Easter Sunday? 4. In a well known 1873 novel, which literary character realises he has won a bet that he thought he had lost when he finds out that what he thinks is a Sunday is actually a Saturday? 5. What was the name of the sequel to the film Saturday Night Fever? 6. Since 1935, every General Election in the UK has been held on which day of the week? 7. The term “Mardi Gras” translates from French as what?... a) Big Monday; b) Fat Tuesday; or c) Lazy Wednesday? 8. On what day of the week did the September 11 terrorist attacks of 2001 take place? 9. Who played Wednesday Addams in the 1991 film The Addams Family? 10. In 1979, what became the first UK number one hit single to have a

day of the week in the title?

5. Staying Alive 6. Thursday 7. b) Fat Tuesday 8. Tuesday 9. Christina Ricci 10. Sunday Girl (by Blondie) (by Girl Sunday 10. Ricci Christina 9. Tuesday 8. Tuesday Fat b) 7. Thursday 6. Alive Staying 5.

4. Phileas Fogg (in Around The World In Eighty Days, confusing dates after crossing the international date line) line) date international the crossing after dates confusing Days, Eighty In World The Around (in Fogg Phileas 4. 1. Thursday’s 2. Dynamo (an anagram of “Monday”) 3. 47 47 3. “Monday”) of anagram (an Dynamo 2. Thursday’s 1.

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78 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local, National & International Removals All Packing Services available Short or Long Term Storage Fully Insured Complimentary Surveys Carried out at your residence. Over 25 years removals experience

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80 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Extensions New builds Rewires Smoke alarms Landlord certificates Fault finding and repairs Consumer unit replacements Lighting and power (internal & external) Boiler controls Inspection and testing Free quotations Part P approved All types of electrical work undertaken

Tel: (01767) 641575 Mobile: (07881) 627423 Email: [email protected]

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 81 Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING • Spot stain and odour removal • Anti-stain protection • Leather suites cleaned and reconditioned • Tile and grout cleaning • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured • Local company

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01234 266220

82 LCA half page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding15/03/2017 to adverts 16:03 1st Glass Window Repairs 0 years phe eperience proactive heating & environmental services

FULLY INSURED! Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation. Steamed Up Glass Faulty Windows, Door Locks or Hinges Draughty Windows or Doors Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters New Conservatory Roofs We also supply and fit NEW Windows, Doors and Conservatories DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE NIL DEPOSIT - BALANCE UPON YOUR SATISFACTION 07511 906161 J. Jenkins Building Services Extensions New Build Renovations Garage Conversions Loft Conversions Kitchen Fitting Driveways and Patios For all your building needs Call John on 01767 222219 or 07831 283296 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: [email protected] References available on request

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 83 84 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts April’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner

Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs Pamela Bryant from Eltisley Last Month’s Saw Doctors Competition Winner Mr Gordon Filkins from Ickleford

Easy

Hard

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 85 The Villager Prize Crossword Prize £25

Across 7 Scratch (6) 8 Lower spine (6) 9 Settee (4) 10 Very young frogs (8) 11 Normally (7) 13 Closes (5) 15 Not heavy (5) 17 Moves up (7) 20 Keeps you dry (8) 21 Coffee shop (4) 23 Aggravates (6) 24 End (6)

Down 1 Repeat (4)  2 Yellow fruit (6) 3 E.g. snake (7) 4 Scottish river (5) 5 Level (6) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 6 Skilled (8) 12 Dieting (8) cut out this page and send to the address below before 14 Mortified (7) 16 Terror (6) 16th May 2017 18 Getaway (6) 19 Dental care (5) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 22 Blaze (4) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Name:

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86 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts KEMP GARAGE DOORS SALES • INSTALLATION • REPAIRS • Family Run Business • 25 Years Experience • Up and Over • Sectional and Roller Doors www.kempgaragedoors.co.uk • Security Shutters  • Remote Control Door SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands Supplied and Serviced BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS Quotation • OAP Rates Available 01767 260165 Sandy 01480 210410 Eaton Socon

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 87 PK Cleaning Services CJ Est. since 1988 Property Maintenance Interior and Exterior Painting • Professional Carpet and Gutter Cleaning & Repairs Upholstery Cleaning uPVC Fascia Board Cleaning • Leather Cleaning Fencing, Gates and all Repairs • Window Cleaning Patios and all Garden Work • UPVC Fascia Cleaning Double Glazing & Repairs • Patio and Driveway Cleaning Concrete Bases, Paths & Steps • Gutter and Soffit Cleaning Chimney & Wall Pointing Brick Work & Repairs Free Estimates Driveway Cleaning Friendly and Reliable Service Broken Roof Tiles & Pots

All jobs undertaken Free Estimates Paul Kaiser Tel: 01767 680532 Home 01767 222822 Mob: 0774 600 8188 Mobile 07812 335860 [email protected] Visit us on 15 Years Experience www.pk-cleaningservices.co.uk

Electrician COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS www.rooneyelectrical.co.uk STOVE/GAS FIRE

INSTAL LATION • Wood Burning/Multi Fuel Stove & Gas Fire Installation Do you find it difficult to get someone • Chimney Lining to come and do a small job? • Twin Wall Flue Systems Fault finding/repairs • Free Survey & Quotation Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards CHIMNEY SWEEPING Rewires EPS • Brush & Vacuum Sweep P.A.T testing • Smoke Test Landlord inspections £ • Clean & Tidy Qualified electrician Fully insured • Insurance Certi cate Reliable service  Tidy work • Bird Guards Fitt ed From Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed Call Nigel on: £40.00 01767 834024 / 07941295883 T: 01767 627591 - Northill, Beds E: [email protected] www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk www.countrystovesandsweeps.co.uk

88 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Ltd

Undertaking all aspects of: building work carpentry • Extensions • Kitchens • Renovations • Timber • Conversions flooring • New Builds. • Bespoke cupboards • Joinery work. Ltd T 01767 260076 M 07789 764978 E [email protected] www.djackbuilding.co.uk

Villager 1/4 page advert.indd 1 17/09/2015 16:04

3 Windows 3 Doors 3 Conservatories 3 Orangeries 3 Bi folds 3 Repairs

T: 01767 765440 E: [email protected] W: www.i-glaze.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 89 DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

• Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 10am – 5pm Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement Conservatories • Doors • Windows Staircases Handmade Kitchens Handmade Bedroom Furniture Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT Unit 12, Gracious Farm, Southill, Beds SG18 9JB [email protected] T: 01462 816695 F: 01462 850915 01480 812281 | 07786 854946 E: [email protected] www.cromwellstoves.co.uk

Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1 30/07/2015 17:31

Middleton Blazing Wood Briquettes 100% renewable energy. Made from compressed wood waste Available from the following distributors for £5 per bag: M.J. Ryall E.D. Elson 100-102 Norton Road, Unit 1 Brick Knoll Park Stotfold, SG5 4PG St Albans, AL1 5UG Tel: 01462 730169 Tel: 01727 790750 Or directly from our workshop: Middleton Bespoke Joinery 2-3 Pegasus Mews, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswade, SG18 8QA Tel: 01767 317773

Delivery to areas covered by this Villager Magazine is free if purchasing a pallet load of 30 bags. Great for use with Chimineas and firepits and we’ll include a free firepit (as pictured) with each pallet purchased.

90 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Mark Dilley Electrical

Part P Registered Company 22386 Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections

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

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430 [email protected]

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 91 Books

ByBook Kate Duggan Review

This month’s books are all about relationships, from first loves and families to fleeting friendships. Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran Mexican Solimar risks everything to start a new life in America, but as an illegal immigrant she has few rights. When she’s thrown into a detention centre, her son is placed in foster care. Kavya is an American-Indian chef desperate for a child. When she’s given Solimar’s toddler to care for it seems like a dream come true. One boy – two mothers, both of whom will do everything in their power in order to keep him. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, this looks set to become one of this year’s bestsellers.

See You in the Cosmos T&R Roofing by Jack Cheng Ltd 11 year old Alex loves everything to do with space. So Family Business Est. 1985 he builds a rocket and sets off • Felt Roofing Specialists for a rocket festival in Mexico. (10 year & 15 year guarantee on His plan is to launch his rocket into space, attached to an iPod high performance felts) on which Alex is recording • Tiling, Slating, Guttering his thoughts and feelings • UPVC Facia/Soffits about his family and the people he meets • Chimney Work on his journey. While it’s been catalogued as a children’s book, See You in the Cosmos definitely All NEW work guaranteed has crossover appeal. Fresh, imaginative and full Fully insured for employer & of energy, this is perfect for fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Public Liability Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on: 01767 314847 mob. 07831849847

92 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Classifieds

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

Aerials and Satellites Domestic Repairs AERIALS & SATELLITES T/A Broadband Communications Domestic Appliance Repairs Established 1993 Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials Washing Machines • Cookers Freesat & Satellite Installations Commercial IRS Systems Fridges • Vacs • Dryers All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 Based in Stotfold www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk Tel Byor appointmentBill only Tangye - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, MobBeds Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217 01767 650750Tel: 07711 07802257105 393331

Electricians

Garden Specialist

Local, honest, professional service

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 93 Classifieds

Garden Specialist Oven Cleaning

We clean your oven…. Hillier Garden Services ....so you don’t have to. All general garden maintenance jobs undertaken Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor Over 20 years experience or Aga professionally For all your gardening cleaned. needs call Steve 01767 699252 Rob Radford contact details 07901 985123 Tel: 01767 640594 Mobile: 07960 467805 www.ovenwizards.com

HGS ClassifiedGarden advert.indd Specialist 1 14/04/2015 21:23Painting Services

Handy Man Pet Services

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitter Plumbing and Heating M. Philmore (Phil) - Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter Disabled showers supplied and fitted. General plumbing.

57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR

Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

94 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Classifieds

Private Car Hire Removals & Storage

removals, storage, archive and shipping • House and office moves • Large and small vehicles • Local/long distance and overseas removals • Containerised storage • Extremely high quality customer service Call for a no obligation quotation 01767 313230 [email protected]

Property Improvements StephensRiding Dinky ad_03.indd School 1 3/12/12 11:45:18 MANOR FARM RIDING SCHOOL GARY BERRIDGE Sutton, Beds - SG19 2ND G Plasterer & General Maintenance Lessons, Hacks - Pony Club Centre B Including UPVC Doors and Windows Pre-school rides - £10 Tiling, Painting and Decorating Holiday Livery available Free Quotes T: 01767 316485 M: 07582 485155 07875 192662 E: [email protected] You can also find us on facebook

Property Improvements Roofing

A Property Improvements professional property by maintenance service Gary Hare Carpentry • Kitchens • Bedrooms Decorating • Flooring Bathrooms •Tiling • and more... Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Removals Storage MUSCLE & MOTOR P.D. Secure Container Storage Jumbo van with up to 3 men. 20’ x 8’ x 8’ containers Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and Secure Locked & Gated Area domestic disposal needs, including Domestic and Commercial Storage house and garage clearance. Short and Long Term Rates Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Please call Gamlingay 01767 650777 Email: [email protected] www.muscleandmotor.co.uk or email [email protected]

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 95 The ld White orse 1 igh Street Biggleswade SG18 0E Tel 01767 314344 www.lolineinteriors.co.u e davelolineinteriors.co.u