The Issue 130 - June 2017 VILLAGER and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS In this issue The History of Hygiene Win Tickets to Knebworth’s Summer Music Spectacular 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 GREAT NEWS The Villager Magazine will be delivered door to door in Biggleswade from our Contents July edition Rural Ramblings...... 50 Outdoor Relaxation...... 53 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal...... 56 Ask Alan - Potton Vets...... 59 Animal Stories...... 61 Who Let the Dogs Out?...... 63 Children’s Page...... 64 Kia Picanto...... 66 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...... 70 Wordsearch...... 73 What’s On...... 74 The History of Hygiene 4 Summer Food - There’s a Beer for that...... 76 Plan your car hire this summer...... 79 The History of Hygiene...... 4 Puzzle Page...... 80 Where Am I?...... 8 4KTV...... 82 China - Pandas in Chengdu...... 10 Fun Quiz...... 85 Win Tickets to Knebworth’s Summer Spectacular...... 12 Prize Crossword...... 86 Wine: More Gems of Italy...... 14 Run Safely in Summer...... 88 World’s Best Dad...... 17 Book Review...... 92 Wimbledon Fortnight...... 18 Trooping the Colour...... 21 The Mature User’s Guide to Social Media...... 23 Outdoor Relaxation 53 Carers Week...... 24 Top Tips to Help your Child Sleep...... 29 Hear Hear...... 31 5 Colour and Style Tips for the Bride...... 34 Hunters and Seekers...... 36 Do you want to make a difference to your community?...... 41 Potton Golf Society...... 43 Employment Matters...... 47 The Humble Viola...... 48
Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, RSPCA, Publishers Sarah Davey,Tom Hancock, Kate McLelland, Alison Runham, Villager Publications Ltd Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Carol H Scott, Rachael Leverton, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Geoff Wharton, Pippa Greenwood, Potton Vets, Tracey Anderson, Tel: 01767 261122 James Baggott, Nick Coffer, There’s a Beer for that and Kate Duggan [email protected] www.villagermag.com Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, [email protected] however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility Photography for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the ZoomTeam and Darren Harbar Photography advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 permission of the publisher. To advertiseAdvert Booking in The Villager Deadline and Thursday Town Life 8th please June call 2017 01767 261122 Artwork Deadline Thursday 8th June 2017 3 History By Catherine Rose
The History of Hygiene
We take for granted the availability of hot water jettisoned out of the window to fall in the gutter on tap and the vast range of personal hygiene below, unless you were lucky enough to be products available. But in the Middle Ages, things within spitting distance of an open cess pit. were a little different. Warning: not to be read This is one reason why gentlemen would always while eating! accompany their ladies on the right – firstly so To get an idea of living conditions during the that they could have their sword arm free and 1400s, we can look at an account by the social secondly so that chivalrously, they were in the critic Erasmus (1466-1536) who wrote: firing line from anything thrown down from “Floors are, in general, laid with white clay, and above. Pavements were generally built high and are covered with rushes, occasionally renewed, gutters would have been filthy places, running but so imperfectly that the bottom layer is with vermin and excrement. left undisturbed, sometimes for twenty years, It wasn’t all dirty. In fact, Crusaders had already harbouring expectoration, vomiting, the leakage brought soap back to England from the Far East, of dogs and men, ale droppings, scraps of fish, and this was made of mutton fat, ash and soda and other abominations not fit to be mentioned.” and scented with oils. The Romans had had very Outside the house, conditions weren’t much high standards of personal hygiene and began better. Our modern sewage system didn’t exist the popularity of public baths (which is why until Victorian times. In towns, waste from public swimming pools were referred to as public chamber pots kept under the bed was simply baths even up until the last century). 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts The ld White Horse 1 High treet iggleswade 18 0J Tel 01767 314344 www.lolineinteriors.co.u e dave lolineinteriors.co.u
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 5 When the Roman Empire fell, the concept of commonplace – even wigs could become public bathing survived in many English towns. infested. Wealthy women carried nosegays to For example, Southwark, then a town south of combat bad smells when outdoors. London, boasted 18. However, because men and Pomanders would be hung in wardrobes to women bathed naked together, they acquired sweeten the smell of stale clothing. When clothes a reputation. Southwark bath-houses became were washed, to remove stains, they were known as ‘The Stews’ (fourteenth century slang scrubbed with a mixture of urine, ashes and lye. for a brothel). Soapwort, a flower that lathers in water was used. Seasonal baths were recommended by the Intimate hygiene was fraught with problems. monasteries but understandably, large quantities Sanitary towels were washable rags filled with of hot water were difficult to come by without sphagnum moss, also known as blood moss and the plumbing we enjoy today. Personal bathing often used in battle for its absorbent properties. was therefore less common. When it took place, it But menstruating women were considered so was often in a wooden barrel with various herbs poisonous that the philosopher Pliny claimed a added to the water. If a family bathed, it was good insecticide was to stand one naked in the usual for everyone to use the same bath water middle of a crop! with the youngest going in last (which is believed The first toothbrush was not patented until the to have coined the expression ‘don’t throw the middle of the 19th century. Before this, teeth baby out with the bath water’). were cleaned with a cloth and a herbal abrasive, Personal hygiene amongst the nobility was usually ashes of rosemary and mint or powdered better. Before dining, they would wash their sage, followed by a vinegar mouthwash. hands in a stone basin called a laver (French for Most people simply put up with bad teeth but ‘to wash’). Castles also had garderobes or privy when toothache became unbearable, they chambers – primitive toilets consisting of a stone chewed cloves or visited the local barber who in or wooden bench with a hole cut in. Waste would those days was also a minor surgeon, hence the fall into the moat below, so abandon here all barber’s traditional striped red and white pole romantic notions of a fairy tale castle surrounded which stands for blood and bandages. by sparkling water. Medieval castles would have Following the widespread outbreak of the Black been encircled in slurry. Death, Edward III passed a law to clean up ditches The King had a servant specifically to wipe his and waterways. Although it would be around bottom with the grand title of ‘The Groom of the 300 years before bacteria were discovered, the King’s Close Stool’. The groom looked after the link between poor hygiene and the spread of the King’s personal commode and although it sounds disease had been noticed. like a grim job, it was a highly respected and Since then, we have thankfully become much trusted position. cleaner. Some argue we have gone too far the People didn’t change their clothing as often other way, and that a little dirt helps strengthen as we do today so body odour was disguised immunity – although I am sure none of us would with copious amounts of perfume. Lice were wish a return to the Middle Ages.
6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 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? May’s Answer Last month’s images were taken in Potton. 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 ingt n en cent e 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 129 - May 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 en Thorncote Green, Upper Caldecote, Waresley and Wrestlingworth i tc es ts Win Tickets and can be found in most shops, pubs, garages in all of the above and more to see Sam Brookes Live Win £25 in our including Biggleswade and Sandy. 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 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 MAking LifE EASiER | WE SELL | WE REpAiR | WE CARE WHERE AM I? Do You Know? COMFORT
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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 9 Travel By Solange Hando
China
Only Pandas1,000 giant pandas are believed to survive in Chengdu the wilds of China, 80% of them in the south-west Besides the giant pandas, you’re almost sure to spot province of Sichuan where, in 1987, a Research and a few members of the red variety, much smaller and Breeding Centre for Giant Pandas was set up in a often going in pairs, sleeping in the trees, eating, northern suburb of Chengdu. From the original lapping up water or just nosing around. Other rare six pandas rescued at the start of the programme, breeds who found a home in Chengdu include nearly 100 have been successfully bred, thus black-necked cranes, white storks and golden increasing the population without affecting those in monkeys who live alongside song birds, egrets, the wild. Today this award-winning centre is one of peacocks and swans. the best places in the world to see giant pandas in a Meanwhile the new-born pandas are cared for in the semi-wild environment. nursery, so tiny you can’t imagine they’ll ever grow Not surprisingly, the centre is a popular attraction into soft furry giants - but visitors who don’t mind the for foreign and domestic tourists, including Chinese extra cost can have a peep or even a cuddle. But it is schoolchildren on their annual outing, but those all in a good cause for this is a non-profit organisation in the know visit early in the morning to avoid tour and all funds are reinvested into the project. groups and watch the pandas waking up, all set for Besides the adoption scheme, the centre raises their bamboo breakfast. It’s also a pleasant time extra funds through various activities and the sale to wander through the grounds, before the heat of panda memorabilia in order to sustain its twofold sets in, and enjoy over 100 hectares of greenery ambition: conservation and education. landscaped to resemble the bears’ natural habitat, Conservation involves studying the behaviour and with hills and lake, 400 species of trees and some specific needs of pandas and encouraging breeding, 10,000 clumps of bamboo and bushes. naturally or, if that fails, by artificial insemination. In this natural environment the pandas are not as Increasing numbers, they say, is the key to survival pristine and white as their cuddly toy counterparts, and the time may come when some bears born in but despite their somewhat muddy bottoms you captivity could be released into the wild. On the can’t help falling in love with those big dark eyes other hand, education means raising awareness that seem to look straight into your soul. Wander about the giant pandas’ plight, not only in the along the trails and you gaze in wonder as you see Chengdu Centre but also worldwide by working pandas eat, sleep or play in large enclosures and, if with a range of partners far beyond the borders. you’re lucky, you may get within feet of a bear. But Having settled in Edinburgh in December 2011, Tian most of the time they’re far too busy to take any Tian and Yang Guang haven’t managed to breed notice, for there’s bamboo to munch, trees to climb just yet but they are doing well and remain the only and mates and cubs to socialise with. giant pandas in the UK. 10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 11 COMPETITION
Win tickets to Knebworth’s summer music spectacular
Classic Ibiza and The Great British Prom are coming to Knebworth this summer to wow thousands of concertgoers with anthemic tunes, performed by globally renowned artists. On Saturday 19 August the Knebworth air will be filled with dance anthems at Classic Ibiza. The evening brings together Urban Soul Orchestra (USO) and DJ Goldierocks. Stephen Hussey, conductor of USO, comments: “The Classic Ibiza formula works so well because it is something new and different that appeals to so many people: Ibiza dance tunes meets classical orchestra; stunning stately home meets music festival. There is something for all ages to enjoy - everyone is guaranteed a great time!” Sunday 20 August will bring a completely different atmosphere to Knebworth. The Great British Prom, sees the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), Classical Brit award-winning Only Men Aloud, soprano Annette Wardell and The Band of the Home Counties Pipes and Drums playing iconic music from around the British Isles. Justin Pearson, General Manager and Artistic Director of the NSO, says: “Conducted by the amazing Anthony Inglis, we shall faithfully recreate the buzz of the Last Night of the Proms. Thrilling to the 1812 Overture, being charmed by the dazzling Annette Wardell, an entire band of pipers, fireworks, Only Men Aloud and a full symphony orchestra. Unmissable!” Visit: www.classicibiza.co.uk or www.greatbritishprom.co.uk or call 01630 674342. Tickets: £35 in advance (£38 on night). Car-parking is free. Bring a picnic or take advantage of the onsite food vendors. To enter, simply answer the question and complete the form below. Send your entry to: Knebworth Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP The winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries. Deadline: 16th June 2017
KNEBWORTH COMPETITION ENTRY To win 2 free tickets to Classic Ibiza or The Great British Prom answer the following question Who will be conducting the orchestra at either Classic Ibiza or The Great British Prom? Answer: Name: Tel: 12Address: Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Email: Preferred concert: Classic Ibiza Great British Prom
12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts COMPETITION
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 13 Food and Drink Wine: More Gems of Italy
Villa Bucher is located in Italy’s Umbrian hills, in an area of the middle valley of the Tevere. Villa Bucher Auro (grapes: grechetto, sauvignon blanc) and Terre Dei Castelli (grapes: chardonnay, sauvignon blanc) are both very popular white wines. The bouquets are appreciated on the nose, then the mouthfeel and palate’s pleasures follow. The red wine varieties of Auro (grapes: cabernet franc) and Terre Dei Castelli (grapes: cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot) are powerful, with aromas leading perfectly to splendid flavours of dark fruits, with memorable finishes. Primus (grapes: cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot) is a further excellent red wine. Again, this powerful production is regularly selected and has many devotees, having a splendid bouquet and plenty of fruits for the tastebuds. www. villabucher.com Sode di Sant’ Angelo is to be found in the area of Montebamboli. Sode di Sant’ Angelo Le Gessaie (grapes: vermentino di maremma, viognier) has a bright straw-yellow colour. Elegance and a good fruit bouquet are immediate impressions. A full-bodied, intense mouthfeel continues, to further this production’s appeal. The extended palate is impressive. Dautore (grapes: sangiovese, merlot, alicante) has an intense ruby-red colour and a wonderful bouquet, with plenty of dark fruits to greet the nasal senses. This full-bodied wine has great structure, which is recognised in the mouth with much appreciation. www.sodesantangelo.com The Casata Mergè winery is located on the border between Frascati and Monte Porzio Catone. Sesto 21 Sauvignon (grapes: sauvignon) and Sesto 21 Frascati Superiore (grapes: malvasia) both have an attractive pale-yellow colour. The versatile nature of these wines make them a regular choice, for many. The bouquets are certainly inviting and the balance, plus length on the palate, of each wine, confirms their popularity. Their range of powerful red wines includes Sesto 21 Syrah (grapes: syrah) and Panta Rei (grapes: merlot, cabernet sauvignon). Both have intensity on the nose and throughout, with a superb abundance of dark fruits for the mouthfeel and a persistent length on the finish. Sesto 21 Passito (grapes: malvasia) is a sweet, dessert wine, with a golden-yellow colour, intense nose, very superb taste and splendid, persistent finish. www.casatamerge.it
As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley 14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts the Coach We know fresh tastes best. That’s why we make everything in-house, from burgers to ice-cream.
We buy local too – our asparagus is grown in Potton and our bread is baked in the square.
Book a table 01767 260221 www.coachhousepotton.co.uk
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 15
TCH Villager advert June 17.indd 1 16/05/2017 17:41 16 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year
At a social gathering recently someone mentioned Now the waters become murky. How did Fathers’ World’sFathers’ Day and immediately there was a chorus BestDay make the leap acrossDad the Atlantic? No-one of, ‘Made up day!’ and ‘Invented by greeting seems to know, but it’s likely that – in the manner card companies!’ That seemed to be the general of other American traditions - it gradually seeped consensus, but I got to wondering whether Fathers’ into the British consciousness. Greetings cards Day really was just the product of a boardroom manufacturers definitely played their part though. meeting at Hallmark, so I set out to investigate. Never ones to miss a trick, they began producing There is evidence that a Babylonian boy named cards and we bought them. It seems that in the UK, Elmesu, carved some sort of greeting on a clay tablet Fathers’ Day really took off in the 1970s but, unlike in 4000 years ago wishing his father health and long the US, it’s never been declared an ‘official’ day. life, but I don’t think we can say Fathers’ Day started Still, as traditions go it’s a nice one. The role of dads there - mostly because that’s pretty much it for the has changed a lot in a generation. Most now take evidence until about 100 years ago. on a substantial amount of child care and are much The most common theory about modern Fathers’ more hands-on than their own dads were. Research Day is that it originated in the US, and with one shows that dads who are involved in day-to-day particular lady, a Mrs. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. childcare are key figures in helping their children She felt that just as we dedicate a special day to develop good self-esteem and self-confidence. Their mothers, so we should do the same for fathers. It rough-play helps children learn a sense of control meant a lot to her, because she and her siblings and independence. Crucially, dads who get involved were raised in a loving manner by her own father when their children are young, are much more likely after her mother died in childbirth. to stay involved and in touch if their marriage breaks So she began a campaign, and the first Fathers’ Day down. was held on June 19th (her father’s birthday) in Dads are important, so let yours know how much 1910. It grew in popularity and in 1966, President you love him this Fathers’ Day. Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation declaring that the third Sunday in June would be Fathers’ Day. By Sarah Davey To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 17 Time of Year Wimbledon Fortnight Wimbledon fortnight may be as British as summer roller, which allowed a smooth outdoor surface to be rain but it originated across the English Channel. It created. By the mid 19th century tennis was being derives from a French handball game called jeu de played regularly on grass, and at the same time paume, or ‘game of the palm’ which was played in more powerful racquets with longer handles were the 12th century in French Monasteries. Even the produced. name derives from the French expression ‘tenez- The first lawn tennis club was founded in 1872 in vous prêt, which means ‘get ready’ and was called by Leamington, Warwickshire. In 1875 J. M. Heathcote the player about the serve the ball. The game was asked his wife to cover a ball in flannel to make it first recorded in English as ‘tenetz’, by the poet John easier to hit on wet grass. His idea was a success and Gower in 1399. quickly caught on. The game was very popular with French royalty and Lawn tennis became increasingly popular and the it was they who introduced it to the rest of Europe. management of The All-England Croquet Club, at In 1414 Henry V received a gift of tennis balls from Wimbledon in London, was persuaded to set aside the future king of France, Charles Vll. Henry then one of their lawns for the game. In 1877 it changed initiated the tradition of aristocratic play in Britain. its name to the All-England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Early players hit the balls with their bare hands but Club and organised the first Wimbledon Tennis soon large gloves were preferred, and by the early Championships. There were 22 entrants, all men and 16th century short-handled racquets had appeared. the winner was Spencer Gore. A separate women’s The first world tennis championships were held championship ran for the first time in 1884 and was in the mid 18th century and was recognisably the won by Maud Watson. game we know today, played in an enclosed court. The rules were different though as the ball was Fun Fact allowed to bounce off a wall. Every year about 27,000 kilos of strawberries, 7,000 Two inventions transformed the game: the first was litres of cream, 60,000 pints of Pimms and 14,000 the invention of the rubber ball, which could bounce bottles of Champagne are consumed by spectators on grass, and the second was the lawnmower and during Wimbledon.
By Sarah Davey
18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts BROOM VILLAGE HALL AVAILABLE FOR REGULAR AND OCCASIONAL BOOKINGS
Regular User rates from £7 per hour, Charity Functions £10 per hour, Occasional Users from £15 per hour Contact - Bookings & General Enquiries: Sue Jones, 11 Kings Road, Broom. SG18 9JB Tel: 01767 312907 Broom Village hall, High Street, Broom, Bedfordshire. SG18 9NP
www.broomvillagehall.wordpress.com
Charity Number 265576
Broom Village Hall HP.indd 1 15/05/2017 17:54
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 19 Potton & District Club 2017 NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. Keeping LIVE MUSIC live! every week! JUNE Sat rday rd Maxwell Hammer Smith Rock Covers Sat rday th Back Beat Popular Covers Sat rday th Honcho Deluxe Mix Covers Sat rday th Bu ounce Ska Night JULY Sat rday st Simon Baker’s Soul Show Sat rday th FLARE Live Band Sat rday th The Steve Scott Duo Back y popular demand Sat rday nd Dance till Dawn Sat rday th The 1 2’s 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. eight atcher meetings every esday starting at pm Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk 20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Tradition
By Tom Hancock
Trooping the Colour Where does the tradition come from?
The custom of Trooping the Colour dates back to notably for the two World Wars, The trooping of the the time of Charles II in the 17th. Colours has been an annual event since. Although I know about the parades which mark The impressive ceremony is now held on the the Queen’s official birthday I have never really occasion of our own Queen’s Official Birthday. The known what the phrase ‘Trooping the Colours’ precise date varies but it takes place in June. It is actually means. carried out by her personal troops, the Household In fact The Colours carry upon them all the battle Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen honours of a Regiment and as such have major herself attending and taking the salute. significance for each and every soldier serving The Queen used to ride her own horse, side saddle, in that Regiment. In olden days they were hung wearing the uniform of the regiment whose colour outside the Battalion or Regimental headquarters was being trooped. Since 1987, she has attended after a good day’s battle, so The Colours identified in a carriage. Regiments take their turn for this their headquarters. They were carried into battle honour in rotation depending on their operational so that in the fog of war, if a soldier was lost, he commitments. knew to search for the colours to locate the rest of Over 1000 officers and men, and 200 horses take his Regiment. Hence each day The Colours were part in the parade, together with 200 musicians trooped in front of the soldiers to make sure that from six bands and corps of drums. The parade route they would always recognise them. extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to In London, the Foot Guards used to do this as part Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again. of their daily Guard Mounting on Horse Guards and As the clock on the Horse Guards Building strikes the modern Trooping the Colour parade is along 11am, the Royal Procession arrives and The Queen similar lines. takes the Royal Salute. The parade begins with the The Grenadier Guards first began to mark The Inspection, The Queen driving slowly down the Sovereign’s Official Birthday under the reign of ranks of all six Guards and then past the Household Charles ll in 1748. When George III became King Cavalry. After the event, the Royal Family gathers in 1760, it was ordered that parades should mark on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch an the King’s Birthday. With only a few breaks, most RAF flypast. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 21 22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Life Begins...
By Kate McLelland
The mature user’s guide to social media
Nowadays grandparents are proving a match for interact with short messages known as ‘tweets’. their grandchildren when it comes to posting If you want to find out what the public is thinking comments and uploading photos to social on any particular subject, ask Twitter. It’s also a great networking sites such as Facebook. Social media’s way to broadcast an opinion and connect with fastest growing demographic is older users. When friends’ views, but messages are restricted to 140 the seniors’ website silversurfers.com recently characters, so Twitter won’t work for you if you’re the surveyed over three thousand of its members, sort of person who likes to send long-winded ‘catch- it found that 81% of the sample checked their up’ letters in Christmas cards. Facebook accounts more than once a day. Instagram - Instagram is the fastest growing social But what if you haven’t yet ventured into social media network. It is currently more popular with the networking? How do you know where to start? younger generation, but there are signs that older Here’s a quick guide to three of the most popular users are starting to catch on. platforms: What is Instagram? Instagram is a social networking Facebook - According to silversurfers.com, app created so users can share photos and videos Facebook is the platform of choice for the over 50s. from a smartphone or tablet. It’s a simplified version Many older users believe that they will get even of Facebook, but with an emphasis on mobile use more value from the site as they grow older. and visual sharing. Instagram is a quick and easy What is Facebook? It’s a free social networking way to show the world where you are and what website that allows registered users to create you’re doing. On the negative side, you and your profiles, upload videos, images and send messages. friends will only be able to use this app on iPhone Facebook is the most popular of all social media and Android phones; because Instagram has been platforms, so it’s very likely you’ll find someone you created for mobile phone and tablet users, it doesn’t know there. On the downside, the site has been work as well on a standard computer or laptop. criticised for invasive advertising and for being If you’re still feeling confused about which platform vulnerable to hacking attacks and scams. to choose, don’t worry. Simply ask around to find out Twitter - According to statistics portal Statista, 27% which sites your friends and relatives use. That way of Twitter users in the UK are aged 45 and over. High if you have any problems finding your way around, profile ‘mature’ users include Donald Trump and you’ll always have someone to help. Stephen Fry, both of whom have enjoyed a rather At first social media may feel like an alien world with volatile relationship with the service. its own particular language but once you’ve started, What is Twitter? Twitter is a free-to-use online news you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Before long you’ll be and social networking channel where users post and posting like a pro or maybe tweeting like a Trump? To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 23 Health Alison Runham ww.alison.runham.co.uk Carers Week
Who Cares for The Carers? Carers Week is an annual awareness event Research shows that caring can isolate carers and highlighting the challenges carers face. This year’s potentially damage their physical and mental campaign runs from 12th to 18th June and focuses health and their relationships. It can also make it on Building Carer Friendly Communities: ‘places difficult to hold down a job, even driving them that understand a carer’s daily reality and do what into poverty. they can to make life a little bit easier for them.’ Are You a Hidden Carer? Caring in the UK “Please don’t call me a carer - I don’t want that title. I The facts: am her son, not a carer!” • Three out of five of us will become a carer at “I pop in to my neighbour every day and do all her some point. shopping and cleaning for her, but I am not her carer. • Around 6.5 million people in the UK provide They go in to get her up and washed.” unpaid care for a disabled, ill or older relative or These responses, gathered by a recent campaign friend. to identify ‘hidden’ carers, highlight a common • At least 380,000 older carers in England provide problem. Many carers don’t see themselves as 50+ hours of care a week without any help from carers if they don’t help someone dress, take their local authority; over 100,000 are in their medication, move about or go to the loo - or eighties and beyond. if they’re ‘just’ a husband, wife, parent, son, • Many carers are unaware of the support and daughter, friend etc. Yet helping with shopping, financial help they’re entitled to. laundry, cleaning, cooking, form-filling or money “We know that caring for a loved one can be a management is all part of caring, and caring is rewarding experience, but without the right support caring - whoever it’s for. at the right time, caring can also have a huge impact Building Carer Friendly Communities on a carer’s emotional and physical health, work and Carers say that support and awareness in their finances,” says Heléna Herklots CBE, Chief Executive community make a positive difference. The Carers of charity Carers UK. Week campaign wants us to raise awareness in 24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fiddle Daemons SAFFORD’S COACHES Violins, Violas, Cellos, ass 2017 DAY EXCURSIONS SAT 3 JUNE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH & CUTTY SARK SUN 4 JUNE JANE AUSTEN HOUSE MUSEUM & CHAWTON HOUSE GARDENS Contact: Jackie@ ddledaemons.com SAT 10 JUNE CLACTON-ON-SEA SUN 11 JUNE EAST ANGLIAN RAIL MUSEUM 01767682693 or 07814970635 SAT 17 JUNE BBC GARDENERS WORLD & GOOD FOOD SHOW NEC SUN 18 JUNE HUNSTANTON SAT 24 JUNE BLENHEIM PALACE FLOWER SHOW SUN 25 JUNE BRIGHTON Professional repairs, SAT 1 JULY WISBECH ROSE FAIR SUN 2 JULY SOUTHEND-ON-SEA restorations and set ups SAT 8 JULY RHS FLOWER SHOW, HAMPTON COURT SUN 9 JULY SKEGNESS OR MABLETHORPE Quality instruments FRI 14 JULY ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO, FAIRFORD for sale and hire to suit 2017 HOLIDAY TOURS 24-28 JULY WESTON-SUPER-MARE ...... £382 all ages and experience 31 JULY-4 AUG. SCARBOROUGH ...... £313 7-10 AUGUST ROYAL EDINBURGH TATTOO & LOCH KATRINE ...... £348 12-16 AUGUST CORNISH DELIGHTS – ST.IVES ...... £340 Part exchanges possible 21-25 AUGUST SCOTTISH BORDERS & THE LAKE DISTRICT...... £340 26 AUG-1 SEPT. CLASSIC KILLARNEY & THE RING OF KERRY IRELAND...... £592 and instruments 28 AUG-1 SEPT. TENBY – SOUTH WALES ...... £377 purchased 3-7 SEPT. LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL ...... £320 PLUS MANY MORE DESTINATIONS PLEASE RING FOR YOUR FREE COLOUR BROCHURE Free valuations ON 01767 677395 OR 677923 www.saffordscoaches.co.uk
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To Newadvertise Dawn blinds in The 1/2 Villager page.indd and 1 Town Life please call 01767 261122 11/10/2016 16:2425 schools and organisations; recommend carer- Carers Trust friendly organisations, services and businesses; www.carers.org/ [email protected]; and pledge to make our own organisations carer- Tel: 0300 772 9600 friendly. If you’re an employer, this could include Carers UK giving carer employees: www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice • An extended lunch hour, giving them time to [email protected]; eat and check on the person they care for. Tel: 0808 808 7777 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm • Flexibility to work more when they can, while Independent Age allowing time off for appointments and www.independentage.org; adapting start/finish times etc. email: [email protected]; If you’re a GP, hairdresser, physiotherapist or any Tel: 0800 319 6789 Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm other professional person offering appointments, Macmillan Cancer Support could you offer mobile services or make www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/ appointments to fit around carers’ needs? audience/looking-after-someone-with-cancer. Sources of Support for Carers html; Help is available, but can be hard to find. Tel: 0808 808 00 00 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm The NHS Choice Care Page The MND Association www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support- www.mndassociation.org/for-carers; email: guide/Pages/what-is-social-care.aspx [email protected]; These eight charities support Carers Week. el: 0808 802 6262 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & 7-10.30pm Services they offer include counselling, practical The MS Society and financial help, respite care and advice. www.mssociety.org.uk/ms-support/for-carers; Age UK email: [email protected]; www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/advice-for- Tel: 0808 800 8000 Mon-Fri 9am–7pm carers/are-you-a-carer; Which? Elderly Care Tel: 0800 678 1174 www.which.co.uk/elderly-care/for-carers
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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 28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Parenting Top Tips to Help Your Child Sleep Late nights, early mornings and take the kids to the park, or play for when it gets cold, can help to night-time wanderings can really out in the garden in the afternoon. cut down on the excuses. have an effect on your child’s Try calming music Make peace wellbeing (and your stress levels). Quiet, soothing music can help We all find it hard to get to sleep If your child is struggling to sleep, your child to relax. If you play if we’re worried or stressed. Your these tips might help. the same song every night, it child is no different. If they’re Get into a routine can even become a sleep trigger. upset because you’re cross, According to Jessica Alexander Good choices include Kesang or if they’re worried about an of The Sleep Council, a bedtime Marstrand’s ‘In the Land of Dreams’, argument from earlier in the day, routine is vital. She told the NHS, and ‘Hello Night’, which you can they might struggle to drop off. “A bedtime ritual teaches the find on YouTube. You could also try So try to make peace and keep brain to become familiar with recordings of white noise, which calm. Take time to discuss what is sleep times and wake times. some children find relaxing. bothering them, from exam nerves It programmes the brain and Cut down on sugar to fall-outs with friends. internal body clock to get used to Fruit juice, squash, sugary drinks Find out what works, and stick to it a set routine.” and caffeine can all stop your child All children are different, and the Ban screen time before bed from getting to sleep. Try to make perfect solution for one might not The blue light emitted by sure they stick to water or milk work for another. Some parents smartphones, tablets and other for a few hours before bedtime. swear by bathing their child before digital devices has been found And cut out any sugary snacks, bed; others find a bath wakes their to disrupt sleep. A Norwegian or anything that might cause child up. A few drops of lavender study of 10,000 teenagers found bloating or trapped wind. Even essential oil on their pillow helps that the more time the teenagers naturally sweet foods, such as some children to drop off, while spent on electronic devices during honey, can have an effect on your others just dislike the smell. Some the day, the less sleep they got. So child’s sleep pattern. children sleep better in complete keep phones, tablets and TVs out Plan ahead darkness; others need a nightlight of your child’s room and ban them What excuses does your child use to feel secure enough to rest. from being used for at least an for getting out of bed in the night? As with all parenting, there is an hour before bedtime. What can you do to make it easier element of trial and error involved, Get plenty of exercise for them to stay in bed? Little but when you find what works for Both exercise and time spent things, like a bottle of water on the your child, build it into your daily outdoors have been found to bedside table, or an extra blanket routine. promote a better night’s sleep. So
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Denture repairs 1/4 page.indd 1 09/09/2016 16:42
30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Health
By Louise Addison HearSo you’ve decided that you need a hearingHear aid. But which one? Obviously the first thing to do is talk to an audiologist. They will assess the nature of your hearing loss, its cause, and its severity. Here are some issues you might wish to discuss with them. If you have severe hearing loss, you may need a larger hearing aid. Small hearing aids are easily damaged by earwax or draining ear fluid, so may not be the best choice for you if you are prone to excessive build-up of earwax, or to ear infections. If you want to be able to reduce some types to what will best suit both your hearing needs and of background noise and boost certain sound aesthetics. frequencies some smaller hearing aids may not be Consider your dexterity. If you have arthritis, you may suitable. find it difficult to insert and remove smaller hearing If you use electronic devices like a mobile phone, aids. Larger ones are easier to handle. mp3 player, or laptop that are capable of sending a Although some hearing aids are available on the wireless signal, then you may want a hearing aid that NHS, top of the range hearing aids can be very is wireless compatible. expensive. Most private health care plans don’t cover If cosmetic appearance is important, let your them either, so your budget may be a factor in your audiologist know. They can help narrow the choices decision.
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 31 Air-Conditioned Salon and free Wi-Fi