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 , Sandy, , 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, 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 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 davelolineinteriors.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 ingtn en cente undergoes major refurbishment Abbotsley, Beeston, Broom, Caxton, , 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, , 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 , , , , 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 , , Waresley and itc ests 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 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 Satrday rd Maxwell Hammer Smith Rock Covers Satrday th Back Beat Popular Covers Satrday th Honcho Deluxe Mix Covers Satrday th Buounce Ska Night JULY Satrday st Simon Baker’s Soul Show Satrday th FLARE Live Band Satrday th The Steve Scott Duo Back y popular demand Satrday nd Dance till Dawn Satrday th The 12’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

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.

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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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

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32 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Are you in pain? Does it affect your daily life? Letchworth’s APS Pain “I’ve had Sciatica for Clinic may help you… months. APS Pain Therapy APS Pain Reduction has been fantastic. The Therapy is safe, drug-free pain no longer stops me in and easy to try. my tracks – I can move and Many people find that it sleep so much better now,” Cathy M, April 2017 helps them to: Try APS Pain Therapy for FREE • Feel less pain – Your first session at the APS Clinic is free! To find out sometimes becoming completely pain-free more and arrange to book your free session, call • Enjoy improved quality of sleep Claire on 01462 684 214 – or email [email protected]. • Feel more energised Find out if the APS Pan Clinic can help you! • Reduce swelling and inflammation The APS Pain Clinic is part of registered charity “I have had pain free mobility for the first time in nine Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth. The months. I finished three weeks ago and so far I am still Centre welcomes people with any long term or pain free, despite moving furniture last week!” neurological condition. Brian H, 2016 About 80% people who try APS Pain Reduction Therapy say they feel less pain – or even no pain at all. For more information, visit: What is APS Pain Reduction Therapy? http://www.hertsmstherapy. It’s a micro-current therapy which simulates the org.uk/aps-pain-clinic/ body’s own healing systems. The treatment is comfortable and involves placing tiny electrodes on your skin.

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 33 House of Colour 5 Colour & Style Tips For the Bride There is so much to think about for the big day not least what to wear! The pictures of that day will be with you forevermore. So, you want to ensure you’re looking your absolute best. 1. Know your shade of white! Traditional “white” wedding dresses come in many shades from icy whites, soft whites, creams and ivories through to beige and coffee; so if a traditional colour is your choice then knowing your best shade of “white” will ensure you look radiant on your day. And if you don’t want to wear “white”! Then there is a huge range of alternative colours from blush and nude pinks, powder blues to pearly greys Welcome and silvers, soft golds, or anything you want 5 Colour & Style Tips for the Groom really. Either way, the right colour for you will 1. It’s all about the shirt. The quality of the shirt is give you an unrivalled glow. important as it can make a huge difference to the to the 2. A beautiful bright bouquet – Add stunning groom’s appearance. There are several different impact to your dress by holding a flattering and tones of white for example and knowing your beautiful bouquet of flowers. Even holding the best colour palette will define whether you are New You! colours that suit our skin tone close to us will best in bright white, cream, or variations on ivory brighten our complexion. Choose a bouquet or even a beige tone. scale and design that enhances your body shape 2. It’s a wedding, not business: If you stand by the Wouldn’t it be nice to turn back the years? and wedding dress style as well. Neither the style altar in a business suit that makes you look like nor colour should be overpowering, heavy or you’re heading into a meeting, you are not doing Well, now you can. unmanageable. yourself justice. It’s your wedding day so make My exciti ng range of non-surgical treatments may be just the answer. I off er the 3. Make one statement – Have something different the most of it and get it right. Choose something in your outfit that works with your style. Could well made, with definitive, tailored cuts that suit very latest dermal fi llers and wrinkle removing treatments that will leave you feeling it be different coloured shoes? An interesting you and don’t be afraid to let your outfit reflect revitalised with a new air of confi dence. Simply phone me to arrange a free and necklace that flatters and creates a focal point? your personality. no-obligati on discreet consultati on at my private clinic in the rural Bedfordshire village Only choose one area for the focal point or you’ll 3. Be square: A pocket square is a great little extra be overdoing it! accessory to lift a suit. Pick a colour that suits you of Cople to discuss your personal requirements. 4. Makeup that’s you – Find the colours and tones of and the wedding theme but don’t necessarily lipstick that look like you. You want to look your match it to your tie. A tie in one of your wow best in the photos with colours that reflect your colours with a patterned pocket square, or vice Wrinkle removing treatments skintone and lipstick that makes your eyes light versa, makes a style statement for all the right up. reasons. 5. Honeymoon glow – Get professionally fitted for 4. It’s the little things that count. Make sure that Dermal fi llers your swimsuit if you’re honeymoon is going to your outfit is perfect down to the last fine detail. be hot. Feeling confident and special in your Items such as ties, cravats and cufflinks are always swimsuit is a fabulous feeling, perfect for that noticed and it’s easy to go bolder in your colour Lip enhancements special time together. Have your favourite shawls choices. ready for a cover up when the evenings get 5. Best foot forward: A pair of high quality shoes are cooler. really important for the groom, adding weight to the look. They can have style and flair to reflect Arrange a free consultation your personality but make sure they are excellent quality to mark the occasion. Call me on either or email heooasma.om or visit my website at www.oasma.om By Jennie Billings where you can see my before and aft er pictures along with testi monials www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings from very sati sfi ed customers. 34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Donna Small FP.indd 1 09/09/2016 16:48 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 or email heooasma.om or visit my website at www.oasma.om where you can see my before and aft er pictures along with testi monials from very sati sfi ed customers. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 35

Donna Small FP.indd 1 09/09/2016 16:48 Hobbies By Kate McLelland

Hunters and seekers, Sign up here

An unusual arts project launched in Scunthorpe Geocaching - To get involved in geocaching this year has reflected the public’s growing passion you’ll need a sense of adventure, a GPS receiver for interactive games, particularly if they involve (anything from a smartphone app to a standalone solving puzzles to reach a goal. Five gold artworks, device costing several hundred pounds), access to with a value of at least £1,000 each, were hidden the internet and some form of transport. around the area and the clues to their location A geocache is a small, waterproof box containing were encoded in paintings hanging at the town’s a logbook, a pencil and a few (usually) low value 20-21 Arts Centre. items known as ‘swag’. You should never remove a Everyone loves the idea of finding hidden treasure, ‘swag’ item unless you replace it with something of but opportunities are not just limited to rare equal or higher value. When you find a geocache, events like the Scunthorpe gold hunt. Today it’s you must sign and date the log book, decide possible to take part in well-organised hobbies whether you want to swap any swag items, replace that encourage you to use your skills to track down the cache exactly where you found it then record hidden items or find concealed information. your visit online. The cache hider’s ‘reward’ is to Treasure Hunts - If you’d like to try out a treasure read the online comments left by the players who hunt you can buy maps online that will give you find the box. the chance to explore an area in your own time, The Geocache Association of Great Britain (gagb. working alone or in a group. Many hunts offer you co.uk) is a good source of information on all the chance to get to know an area better, learning aspects of geocaching. It also holds a database facts and exploring places you would not normally of landowners who have given permission for visit. At London’s City Hunt (cityhunt.co.uk) you can geocache activities, so you can avoid the risk of download a free map to explore less well-known trespassing. London areas with intriguing histories, such as If you enjoy following a trail and exploring new Blackfriars, Elephant and Castle and Bermondsey. locations, not to mention the thrill of using your Unfortunately there are no prizes involved - the detective skills to find something that would reward is simply enjoyment and knowledge - but otherwise remain hidden, then you’ll be well City Hunt plans to run an annual, mass-participation rewarded by these exciting outdoor hobbies. event for which prizes will be awarded. However you don’t always need the code-breaking Large treasure hunts often reach the news. The skills of Alan Turing or the high-tech powers 2012 Olympics was the backdrop to the biggest of GPS to find what you are looking for. On the ever treasure hunt game, when 466 participants, Scunthorpe gold hunt Rachel Welch of Grimbsy all ambassadors for the Olympic and Paralympic beat the crowd to discover the first object. How Games, worked in 93 teams of five to follow clues did she do it? By ignoring the codes provided and hidden on either side of the river Thames. relying solely on her powers of observation! 36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 37 Margaret House Residential Dementia Care Home Margaret House Residential and Dementia Everything we do is based around you Care Home was established by the Kelly - we have the time to spend with you family in 1975. We are proud to be 1 of the doing the things you like, whether that’s Top 20 Care Homes in the baking a cake, gardening or doing the on www.carehome.co.uk. This is because daily crossword, as well as the time to living at Margaret House is about so much talk, whenever you, or your relatives just more than just our great facilities. From want a chat. the moment you walk through the door, you sense our wonderful atmosphere and With innovative facilities, such as our you and your relatives can relax in the ‘magic table’ providing specialist knowledge that you will be happy, safe and dementia games, sensory baths and secure. With 42 ensuite rooms, in either our a skype lounge, as well as a cafe, new wing or the original hairdressers and cinema we are house, we will have determined to stay at the forefront a room to suit your of providing the best environment, needs and for you supported by the best sta , to to make your new provide you with the lifestyle that you home. deserve.

To see and feel the di erence for yourself, please contact Elaine on 01763 848272 to arrange a visit. Respite and Long Term care provided. argaret ose esidential and ementia are ome hrch nd arle oston wwwmargarethoseco

38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 39 40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Do you want to make a difference in your community? ’s Special Constabulary Wayne Humberstone, Special Constabulary Chief is recruiting, and Officer, said: “I have volunteered for the Special is keen to meet Constabulary for two decades alongside my full members of the time job, and I am proud to have reached the public who want to rank of Chief Officer. In that time, the Special make a difference in Constabulary has grown and we now have their community. Specials volunteering in various departments Members of the across the force supporting their full time Special Constabulary colleagues, as well as running and resourcing their will host an information evening at Police own operations. Headquarters in Woburn Road, Kempston, on “Volunteering with the Special Constabulary is Monday 8 May from 7.30pm. an opportunity like no other, and our Specials are The evening is a chance for members of the public amongst the most dedicated people I have met, interested in volunteering with the force to hear each volunteering hours which fit in with their more about the Special Constabulary from serving other life roles. I would encourage anyone who Specials, as well as more about the application is thinking about volunteering this year, or who process. wants to do something really worthwhile in their The Special Constabulary is the UK’s volunteer community, to come along and find out more at police force. Specials work closely with full time our next information evening.” Police Officers and Police Community Support Special Constables must be over 18 and be able Officers (PCSOs) both to patrol Bedfordshire’s to commit a minimum of 16 hours a month to the rural and urban communities, and volunteer in role, although Bedfordshire’s Specials volunteer an specialist units like Roads Policing. average of 28 hours a month. After completing their initial training and once To register, visit the ‘Volunteer With Us’ section they have taken their oaths, Specials continue of www.bedfordshire.police.uk. to be mentored and supported by experienced Alternatively call: 07590 465 193 colleagues before they become independent. or email: [email protected]

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42W&Co_131.93LS_T.Glanvill&A.Smith.indd 1Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding04/12/2014 to adverts 14:21 Local News Did you hear the one about the 3 men at the bar?

It was Dave’s fault. Sitting at the bar in the Red Lion pub in Potton, the Sunday football season coming to an end, the inevitable question was posed – ‘what days affordable so that no members are excluded are we going to do now there is no football?’ because of cost. We have started to operate our own Adi was too focussed on the matter in hand, his handicap system so that everyone that takes part beer, to consider this issue but Pete had never been has a fair chance of winning and whilst we pride one to shirk a challenge and that whirring noise ourselves on taking the competition element of our that followed that fateful night back in 2004 was the golf quite seriously the main focus of the days is that brain of one Peter Martin dealing with the matter everyone has fun and enjoys themselves. I think it in hand. After some consideration he had it - the would be fair to say that this approach has enabled answer they were seeking. Golf – we will play golf! a lot of new friendships to be made both inside and In fact we will form a golf society. outside of the Society so using that as a benchmark Initially Pete got hold of a few mates, put his hand I think we have been reasonably successful. That in his own pocket and sorted out a golf day at said however, we will never rest on our laurels and Wyboston. This was such a success that everyone are always looking for ways to improve the Society wanted to play again and so the Potton Golf Society so that our members enjoy their Society experience. was formed. However little did he realise what he We are always happy to have new members or had started. guests join us so if any of your readers are interested From these early beginnings of a few guys playing and feel they can contribute towards the ethos a few holes of golf and drinking a few beers some we have established then please contact me on 13 years later the Potton Golf Society is thriving and [email protected]. continuing to grow and develop. Pete continues to So much for nothing to do during the Summer then! drive the Society forward and remains as Chairman of the 5 man Committee that administrate and run the organisation and that now includes not only the current Captain of John O Gaunt Golf Club, Dave Wilsher, but also now numbers over 40 regular members. ‘We normally organise about 8 golf days a year at relatively local courses including one weekend away somewhere a bit further afield’ said Pete. ‘We always play on a Sunday so are relatively limited where we can play plus we always try and keep our

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 43 Local News

Gillan agent Reeve for good in the Biggleswade Community Here to help you Your Community Agent is here to help any resident that lives in Biggleswade. The service is largely funded by Biggleswade Town Council, it is free and confidential. Gill Reeves is DBS checked and employed part time by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, to assist residents with issues that may be causing them concern. Gill can work with residents over the phone or within their home. Gill has helped residents with things like, applying for Attendance Allowance (which is for those who are over 65 and have a disability that affects their daily living). Gill can help with Blue Badge application and assisting with form filling, budgeting, feeling safer at home and connecting people to a befriender, local groups and clubs. Gill can also refer people to the organisations and agencies that already exist to help people, such as, Citizens Advice Bureau, Social Services, Occupational Therapy, Council. At present fuel bills are on the increase, Gill can help you compare energy suppliers so that you can make an informed decision about who supplies your energy, hopefully saving you money. Contact Gill if you would like any information that could help you with your situation, on 07534 484750 or [email protected].

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44 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 45 We are looking for more delivery people in this area to deliver our magazine.

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46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Employment

Employment Matters How to Tweet your way to dismissal Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd an employer posted some time ago can have the Imagine an aggrieved employee takes to social same current negative impact on an employer’s media to moan about a bad day at work in a way reputation. that identifies their employer. It may - or it may not - Minimising risks pass under the employer’s radar and not be noticed. Employers: But the internet does not forget and once out there, • Talk to your employees about the issues around it never goes away. negative social media and explain how this could After a social media rant one employee found out - bring the company’s name into disrepute or be three years later - that it certainly didn’t. bullying other employees. The future impact on an organisation of negative • Ensure you have a clear social media policy social media is important, particularly as most people outlining what you consider specifically to be entering a new employment will doubtless search the gross misconduct, internet for recommendations and reviews. • Regularly remind employees of your expectations In Creighton v Together Housing Association Ltd, Mr regarding their social media activity, and your Creighton, an engineer who had been employed social media policy. by the Housing Association for nearly 30 years’ was • Be clear to employees that should you come dismissed when his employer discovered comments across a negative social media comment by them, that he had posted on his Twitter account three whether on their private or work social media, you years earlier. will investigate the matter and the findings of an A series of offensive comments regarding his investigation could result in an employee being employer and certain colleagues resulted in Mr dismissed for gross misconduct. Creighton’s employer dismissed him in line with its • Ensure any decisions made are well-documented, Disciplinary Policy. with clear reasons for your decision. Mr Creighton brought a claim for unfair dismissal, Employees: arguing that his tweets were private and posted • Before posting anything on social media – some three years previously. whether a comment about your employer or a The Employment Tribunal did not find in his favour photo of a night out – consider what effect it and that given the circumstances, his dismissal was could have on your employment if your boss or one of a range of reasonable responses open to colleagues saw it. his employer. The Tribunal made clear the age of • Do not think that just because your account has the Tweets was irrelevant. The Judge emphasised the highest privacy settings this means only your that once in the public domain the comments were ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ can see your comments. visible to anyone and would be there forever. • Just because a comment was written some time Even the most historic social media posts will ago, do not assume that it is now in the past and still be relevant when it comes to questioning an cannot be used by your employer. employee’s conduct. Tweets can be retweeted • Remember that if a comment or photo is out there and Facebook posts shared years after the original on social media, potentially anyone can see it and comments were made; they can also be searched for reuse it. and found via Google. Negative comments about Social media is just that – it’s social. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 47 Garden View By Rachael Leverton

TheLiving in a house full of stringHumble players I have to they are the perfect Viola plant for most British gardens think how to pronounce viola. My musicians say and will provide masses of colour at ankle-height. vee-oh-la but gardeners generally say vy-oh-la! I have many favourites. There is a pretty purple and Either way it’s a wonderfully obliging little flower yellow one in my garden called Heartsease which and so easy to grow. migrated from a neighbour’s garden and has Violas are a smaller-flowered version of a pansy self-seeded everywhere. I added Grey Owl, which but are more reliably perennial. They come is pale blue and soft yellow, and I propagated one in an amazingly wide range of colours and from my mother-in-law’s garden, called Irish Molly, flower patterns. They are also incredibly easy to which is various shades of subtle green, though propagate. I’ve seen other colours also being sold under To make more viola plants simply cut off 7-8cm that name! This year I have an exquisitely pretty / 3 inches of the shoot tips at any time of year. fragrant variety called Sorbet ‘Yellow Frost’. I can’t Remove the lower leaves and root them into sandy recommend it highly enough. compost. When they take, repot the little plantlets The thing is, they are so easy to grow that you can into 7.5cm / 3 inch pots of multi-purpose compost go to any garden centre and pick your favourite until they become established. They can then be colour combination. planted out in the garden. The whole process only Whether you say vee-oh-la or vy-oh-la, this lovely takes a matter of a few weeks! little flower will add music to your garden display. Violas are happy in sun, or dappled shade and prefer soil that doesn’t become too dry, so in fact Happy Gardening 48 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts BICKERDIKES Garden Centre

Pottons Specialist Welding For further information please call Trevor on Tel: 01767 261845 Mobile: 07941 187689 and Fabricating Company Email: [email protected] Web: www.gemmaton.com ton emma for al G l yo Wrought iron work, ur ds made to order, including welding nee • stairs • benches • Suppliers of manual and automated gates • individual beds • Security doors and grills • furniture • Fire escapes • All welding projects

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 49 Gardening & Wildlife Rural Ramblings Friend or Foe? By Geoff Wharton

One of the major time-consuming issues when growing near. I looking after a garden either for vegetables or always remove it ornamentals, is the control of weeds. I say control, but in this part of as they are never totally eliminated and as soon the country it seems as any soil cultivation is carried out, the dormant to be common and I seeds are brought up to the surface and obtain the do not know if it is on the stimulation they need for germination and thus the increase. problem continues. I am sure that there are many more Even when there is no soil disturbance such as with examples of wild flowering plants, lawns, weeds seem to appear as if by magic and which can provide an attractive spoil the appearance of an otherwise pristine sward. addition to our gardens, which are Most weeds are flowering wild plants with flowers usually seen as the venue for big, bold and of varying size and attractiveness. Some of them, brassy often non-native cultivated selections. I am even without human intervention of selection and sure that in the right location, some of the less breeding improvements can be a visual addition in invasive wild- flowered species could complement a garden, but they can also cause problems and the many gardens and probably already do so! dilemma is whether they should be removed or left. In some lawns for example we may have pretty primrose and daisies and it is a great shame to take the mower over their flowering heads. I must admit Geoff Wharton when I come across primroses, I try to strim around the clumps and allow them to set seed as they look Gardening Services so attractive. Similarly, I have a protective sympathy for purple or white violets which can also sometimes Reliable, experienced, well qualified. be present. However, in the rest of the garden, the General and specialist garden work: large white-flowered climbing bindweed does not Jungle clearing, Pruning, get the same ‘easy-going‘ tolerance and is always Hedge and grass cutting, actively hunted out and eventually eliminated. Regular maintenance, There are two wild flowers which can be so good Licensed waste disposal. at setting seed that they too can become a bit of Full public liability cover. a problem, even though they are both extremely pretty. I am talking about forget-me-not and Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science celandine. They are fairly easy to keep in check but Email:[email protected] the purple flowered mallow, with it’s deep root system, can grow quite large and smother other less-vigorous neighbours. I think the weed/wild flower combination which epitomises the ‘kill it or leave it?’ dilemma is a large- leaved perennial which has an attractive blue flower and looks superficially very like a mutant forget- me–not. It is called ALKANET and reproduces readily from seed, but it also generates a fleshy tap-root, which can be difficult to remove. Consequently this plant will spread rapidly and the large leaves will quickly smother any cultivated herbaceous plants Tel: 01767 261727 50 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 51 GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

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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 52 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Garden Outdoor RelaxationBy Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

When you get back from a hard day’s work, or The perfume of lavender is often used in when you simply find the time to escape into the aromatherapy because of its calming, soothing garden, it is essential that you are met by a soothing properties, so grow this in a sunny spot with free- environment. So, concentrate on a truly relaxing draining soil, perhaps to edge a border. It not only feel that will help you to unwind as you enjoy soft has lovely, slightly furry or felt-like foliage but also shades and textures of foliage, delicate flower produces that heavenly smell. colours and fabulous perfumes. Grasses and bamboos work well too; the rustling Plants have an amazing ability to calm and soothe sound of bamboo foliage as the stems sway gently even the most wound up, stressed out mood, but is one of the most relaxing sounds I know, and for what should you grow if you really want to create smaller spaces many of the grasses form wonderfully that perfect place to relax? rounded and quite irresistible clumps of foliage. Start by considering a fairly gentle perfume, like that When it comes to choosing flowers, if you want produced by many roses. One of my favourites is to relax then concentrate on cream, white and, of ‘Felicia’. For something richer try ‘Tuscany Superb’. course, the pastel shades. Green is known to be a If you have an arch, arbour, pergola or even a spare relaxing colour too, so include plenty of plants with bit of fence then train a honeysuckle over it. Its good foliage, and, in shady areas, a miniature grotto- delicately coloured flowers and fabulous perfume like patch planted up with ferns is wonderful. will cheer you up. And finally, before you rush off to the garden centre A sowing of night-scented stock will produce plants to buy some of these truly magical ingredients, just that are perfect for early evening relaxation, as this is a reminder that water in a garden always helps to when the flowers open and produce wafts of really relax you. Whether it’s a small pond or perhaps a sweet scent. bubble fountain, position it where you can hear If you have space for a good-sized container that sound of moving water or enjoy watching the plant, then grow your own Datura or Brugmansia. wildlife as it comes to feed and drink - and before Commonly known as the angel’s trumpet, these you know it, you will find that you want to move the plants produce large elegant trumpet-shaped whole of your life into your garden. flowers with a wonderful perfume. Think too of plants with a relaxing feel to them, such Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com as the grass Chasmanthium latifolium which grows for a really useful selection of favourite gardening to a height of about 45 cm and carries its flattened items including growing frames, SpeedHoes, seed heads above the leaves. They move about SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and delicately in the breeze. other nematode controls and copper tape, pull- Artemisia abrotanum has soft grey-green leaves and out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more releases a lovely aroma. besides. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 53 Tree Surgery • Landscaping • Fencing SURECLEAN DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS ROOF MOSS REMOVAL AND GUTTER CLEANING We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system to restore exterior hard surfaces to as new condition. Whether a full bespoke service or a garden re-vamp our speciality is in easily Block Paving, Pathways, Patios maintained and unique gardens Garden Wall and Stone Ornaments Fencing which provides privacy, shade and security Ponds and Pools Free quotations • Full liability insurance Also Re-sanding and Sealing Local Company 01767 400127/07870 338074 www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk

Tel: 07909 915978 • 01767 677953 [email protected] www.treeandlandscapes.com T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf 07/06/2015 13:34:43

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54 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel. TARGET Excellent: 78 or more words Good: 65 words Fair: 58 words O D T P S T D E A

Answer: POSTDATED

Fast, efficient, friendly service with very competitive rates Available - 7 days a week Local company. Established 30 years We specialise in all pest problems especially WASPS 5 Google rating one e aeestontroledsou

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 55 Pets Rehoming Appeal

If you would like more information on Cheeka or any of our other small mammals, please call Hazel on 01234 357788.

Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at [email protected] who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. View other small mammals, dogs and cats currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity

Re-homing Appeal for Cheeka. Cheeka is a dwarf female rabbit. She can be feisty, although out of her cage is very entertaining she needs an experienced owner. She has lived indoors up to now, but can be homed outdoors once the weather is a little warmer.

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 57 58 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Pets

Vaccination is a victim of Ask Alan it’s own success. When the Ruth asked: My cat Max is due his vaccination and I disease is common everyone have heard that he does not need to be vaccinated as wants to vaccinate. When the he is over 10 years old – what must I do? vaccination campaign works and the disease is no longer Vaccination protects pets against diseases that seen, then people tend to are highly contagious, or deadly. Vaccinations for question whether vaccinations some diseases do not need to be given every year are needed until the vaccination rate in the (although boosters are still needed every 3 years or population drops and the disease recurs again. so) but others are needed every year as it has been Scientific evidence supports regular vaccination shown that the immunity does not last longer than programs; we recommend that you continue to a year. vaccinate Max regularly. Generally vaccines are multivalent (more than 1 type of vaccine given at the same time) and it is not Best wishes, possible tell whether full immunity is developed every time to every component, but if you boost Alan all the components regularly you generally end up If you have any questions you would like answered, with good immunity to all the different parts of the please email them to [email protected] vaccine. For more information visit Also pet’s immune systems tend to become slightly www.pottonvets.co.uk less competent as they age, so regular boosters are or pop into the clinic in still important. Potton Market Square.

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 59 DOG WALKING & PET SITTING SERVICE

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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.

60 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Pets Animal Stories An update on our urgent appeal...

A few months ago, we featured the story of two • dropping your donation in at our Thurlow Street gorgeous little brothers -Timon and Pumbaa. Timon shop in Bedford. had some serious health problem and urgently • posting your donation to our shop. The address needed an operation on his eyes. We appealed for is: 6 Thurlow Street, Bedford, MK40 1LR Tel: 01234 donations to make this operation possible. 930304 Timon was born with under developed eyes and • emailing: [email protected] although he had some vision, it was very limited. Every animal that comes into our care is special. When he came into our care, things looked quite Although, in this article, we’re appealing specifically bleak for him. to help Timon – there are always animals needing Luckily, life has recently been transformed for these our help. cute little kittens. So, how can you support us in this vital work? Firstly, they found their forever home. They have a We’re constantly in need of stock for our shop. lovely new family who understand how special they Please donate any unwanted clothing, bric-a-brac, are – and a secure garden to keep them safe. These DVDs, CDs, books, toys, jewellery or small furniture. playful boys settled into their new home really well Whether it’s a single item, or several bags, we’d be and, once Timon had put on enough weight, he was delighted to see you. able to have his eye surgery. As well as donating items, making regular visits to Although a major operation, the surgery went the shop and buying from us, helps enormously in well and Timon is recovering nicely. Unfortunately, bringing in funds to help the animals. he may have to have another operation in a few If you’re interested in volunteering please give us months’ time – depending on how fast his eyes a call. We rely entirely on volunteers and couldn’t grow. help animals in our local area without the wonderful Despite this, Timon is a happy little fellow and this people who give their time to run and support the vital operation has made a huge difference to his branch. quality of life. As an added bonus, we can now see We need foster carers for our cats and rabbits, his lovely blue eyes too! and home checkers. We also need help in our The RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch would like to shop – whether it’s on the till, or behind the scenes say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has already sorting out donations – and volunteers to help with donated towards Timon’s care. However, we are fundraising. still short of our fundraising target –so if you would Supporting your RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch like to contribute, any donation would be greatly ensures that this local charity will appreciated. always be here for animals such PLEASE CAN YOU HELP US, CONTINUE TO HELP as Timon – protecting them and TIMON... by sponsoring his veterinary treatment and giving them new beginnings. aftercare? Please donate whatever you can by any of the following ways: ANIMAL STORIES is one of a series of articles brought to • bank transfer using the following details: Sort 60- you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch 02-13. Acc 51842483, quoting ‘TIMON CARE’ as a www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk reference. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 61 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, 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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62 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Pets

By Tracey Anderson

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Responsible dog ownership It’s summer. We’re more likely to head to the park your dog goes missing, he is returned to you. Each with the family dog. We’re also more likely to leave microchip has its own unique ID number plus the doors open so our beloved pet might sneak out. name of the dog’s owners and a contact number. Every year many much-loved family pets run off The tiny chip is inserted under the dog’s skin, and are never found, or they are hit by cars, killed between his shoulder blades. or injured. And every year there are news stories If the dog escapes, the police, a vet or a dog warden about dogs getting out of their homes or gardens can scan him and reunite him with his family. and attacking a passerby. How should we reduce the Train A well trained dog is a happy dog, and much risk of our dog becoming lost, causing a nuisance or nicer to live with than an untrained one! posing a risk to the general public. There are many good dog training clubs around. Neuter Neutering prevents dogs reproducing. The Choose one which encourages the use of kindness operation is routine and carried out under general and positive reinforcement. The Kennel Club run anaesthetic. the UK’s largest dog training programme, known But as well as preventing unwanted puppies, as the Good Citizen Dog Scheme. It starts at puppy neutering tends to produce calmer, less territorial foundation level and from there you can progress behaviour in males. They are less likely to wander through bronze, silver and gold awards. off in search of female dogs ’in season’. In females Exercise This is really important. A dog needs it avoids the messy inconvenience of ‘seasons’ and a chance to stretch his legs and explore his prevents womb infections, which can prove fatal. environment on a daily basis. A properly exercised Male dogs can be neutered any time from four dog is also less likely to wander. months old. Female dogs can be spayed before their If you work, think about employing a dog-walker. first season though some people prefer to leave it Make sure they’re police-checked and insured, and until three months after. Discuss this with your vet. ask for references. The Dogs Trust runs a subsidised neutering Be a responsible owner and your dog will thank you. campaign in several areas of the country. Check out Useful web addresses. their website. www.dogstrust.org.uk Microchip This is the best way to ensure that if www.thekennelclub.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 63 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 Motoring

Kia wants to ditch their bluePicanto rinse – which warns, then stops you, Value for money - As the time image and target a younger age if it senses a crash – as well as a of the test there were few details group with their spiced up city car. smart torque vectoring system as to what options will feature The refreshed model teams sporty that improves handling by on UK models. Kia UK will follow looks with a more focused driving braking individual wheels are also the conventional Kia strategy style to woo young professionals available. of one, two, and three levels of to part with their cash. But are the What’s under the bonnet? Three specification and the GT-Line, tweaks enough? engine options are offered: a driven here, will slot between two Looks and image - Kia has worked 1.0-litre, 67bhp, 89g/km, three- and three. hard to liven things up, with an cylinder; a 1.2-litre, 84bhp, 104g/ In the GT-Line model we tried at extended ‘tiger nose’ grille, smart km four-cylinder; and a 1.0-litre the Spanish launch, a seven-inch LED driving lights and a large front turbo charged, 100bhp version of media screen, wireless charging air intake. Double wheel arches the three cylinder. We couldn’t try for mobiles, Android Auto and add flair, there’s a ‘shark’ antenna the latter but both the 1.0-litre and Apple CarPlay all featured, along and the GT-Line specification 1.2-litre are punchy and more than with a heated steering wheel and includes sporty red trim and a adequately powered. Our pick is seats, climate control and electric twin-tipped exhaust. the 1.2-litre, which hits 60mph in windows and mirrors. Space and practicality - The 12 seconds, tops out at 107mph Verdict - Kia has sharpened up Picanto is Kia’s second best- and returns 61.4mpg. Manual and the looks and driving dynamics selling model in the UK after the automatic options are available of the third generation Picanto. Sportage and is predominantly across the range. In titanium silver or shiny red it bought as a second car by more Behind the wheel - The Picanto looks striking, and will likely attract mature buyers. Kia thinks the will divide opinion. Older buyers younger buyers who demand new technology – like wireless looking for a comfortable ride will cool technology. However, these charging for your mobile, parking notice the improved suspension. tweaks may put off the stalwart camera and Apple CarPlay – will However, the sprightly engines, Picanto buyer. Kia is confident tempt younger, first time car quicker turn in and faster steering though, and is promising ‘modest buyers. may make them feel too hurried price rises’ over the current range. Kia has created a little more cabin behind the wheel - exactly what The entry level model will be no space over its predecessor by Kia is hoping younger buyers will more than £9,000 and the top of increasing the wheelbase and appreciate. the range no more than £14,000. reducing the front overhang, but Overall there’s a noticeable That said, they’ve meddled with rear legroom is still limited. Up improvement in both ride and a well-known formula and that front you’ll sit shoulder to shoulder handling, largely thanks to brings risk – only time will tell if with your passenger, but there’s reduced weight and a stiffer body, the gamble will pay off. ample leg room and the driving but whether that’s suitable for you position is comfortable. will depend on your driving style. Autonomous emergency braking

66 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 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.

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68 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Books, Books, Books - Let’s Read A couple of years ago, we invited a guest speaker lower schools from Schoolreaders to come along to our Lions around our area in meeting to tell us all about the scheme. What an Central Bedfordshire inspiring scheme! The mission of Schoolreaders and offering a is to improve literacy of children by providing donation to buy volunteers to listen to children read in schools. reading scheme books to replenish stocks or We learnt that 1 in 3 children left primary school maybe library books. unable to read to the expected standard and of We are also keen to help schools increase their course, if they leave primary school with poor library stocks, and would be pleased to accept literacy ability that clearly must impact on the any unwanted children’s books you may wish to rest of their lives in so many ways. Many children dispose of, which we can sort and pass on suitable do not have the opportunity of reading regularly books to schools. Please contact Judith or Dave, or on a one-to one basis with an adult, and just 10 leave a message on 01462 814693. minutes reading a day boosts school achievement Interested in joining Lions, and keen to make a for the child. difference to not just children in your community Lions caught the inspiration, and as a result, 4 or 5 but many others, then, please do call for more of us regularly go to our respective allocated local information about Lions call 01462 814693 or schools and spend a couple of hours each week biggleswadesandylions.org.uk sitting with children on that one-to one basis, listening and helping them read!! (P.S. If you’d like to know more about So inspired have we been that in our own right, schoolreaders, contact them on admin@ Biggleswade Sandy Lions are approaching local schoolreaders.org or phone 01234 924111)

EBAY COLLECTIONS Local & Reliable

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Salmon with a port, honey, tomato and basil vinaigrette How do I cook fish? And how do I make it interesting? Those are two of the most common questions I get asked on the Weekend Kitchen. The answer is actually easy… cook it fresh and simply, and marry it with uncomplicated flavours. This is a lovely way to jazz up a salmon fillet – a sweet honey, port and balsamic vinaigrette, bringing colour and flavour to the fish. It’s a recipe created by Lisa Roberts, who runs Lisa Roberts Catering in . Of course, she has to make food which is guaranteed to work for a large crowd so you can be sure that this dish is foolproof for your dinner party with friends. SERVES 4

Ingredients it with port and honey and cook it slowly and gently 4 salmon steaks until all the port and honey has been absorbed. Put this to one side and allow it to cool. 1 red onion, diced Add the chopped tomato and the basil to the cooled A good glug of port onion mix. Season with a little salt and pepper. 1 tbsp honey Now add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Taste again 250ml olive oil and add a little vinegar if you feel it needs a little more A splash of balsamic vinegar tartness. Season again if needs be. 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered You can either grill the salmon fillet under a medium A big handful of basil leaves, chopped grill for 10 minutes, turning halfway through or simply A bunch of asparagus bake in the oven at 180C/ Gas Mark 4 for 10 minutes. New potatoes to serve Meanwhile, wash the asparagus and trim off the tough base. Cook them in boiling water for around four or five Cook the new potatoes in boiling water for around minutes (depending on their size), leaving them with a 15 minutes or until they are soft in the middle. Toss little bit of a crunch in the bite. them in a little butter and season with salt. When the salmon is cooked, place each fillet on a While the potatoes are cooking, make the few asparagus spears, top with the sweet tomato vinaigrette. Put the diced onion in a pan, cover vinaigrette and serve with the new potatoes. 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.

70 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts SHOULD HAVE GONE TO

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72 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 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 June

1 & 15 June 5, 12, 19 & 26 June 7, 14, 21 & 28 June Cancer Support Group Biggleswade and Area Stevenage Choral Society Ivel Bereavement Support Centre 1-3pm 7.30-9.45pm Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel 10am-12 noon The Community Rooms, Community Room, Biggleswade Baptist Church School, Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of Try our friendly choir with a FREE session. We are Has a loved one died? Are you struggling coming the month. Family and friends welcome too but no inviting you to meet like-minded people of all ages to terms with it? Perhaps we can help you at our under 16s. Tel: Gina 07812 796581 and abilities, to try out a wide range of music from drop in centre on Wednesdays. Tel: Carole or Jill Email: [email protected] the classics to show songs. Tel: 01438 365769 07704734225 for more information Facebook: Cancer Support Group Biggleswade Area Email: [email protected] Web: www.stevenagechoral.co.uk 10 June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 June The Good Old Days 7.30pm After School Lego Club 3.45-5pm Potton Library 5, 12, 19 & 26 June All Saints Church, Southill Tickets £10 Branch Out Social Club for Single People Performed by Fiona Harrison. Please telephone or 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 June 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, email for tickets. Tel: Tickets Maureen 01767 318117 Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a Email: [email protected] Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy medium-sized Social Club for single people. It was Meets every Friday. Visitors welcome. formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, 11 June Email: [email protected] widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, Beeston Open Gardens Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and 2-6pm Adults £4, Children free enjoy one another’s company. Nine gardens open. Programmes and raffle tickets 2, 16, & 30 June Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 www.branch-out.org.uk will be available at each open garden and there’s Craft and Chatter 7.30-10pm ample car parking at the north end of the village. St Marys Church Hall, Potton 6 June Plant stall and delicious refreshments served all £2.50 inc. refreshments Hatley Coffee Morning afternoon. All proceeds go to the local community Bring your own project. Cross stitch, sewing, 10am-1pm Hatley Village Hall and national charities. Everyone welcome. knitting, crochet, embroidery or something else. Come along for a chat, coffee/tea and a slice of Web: www.beestonopengardens.org.uk Web: www.facebook.com/craftandchatter cake. Everyone welcome. Donations on the day. All donations split between Hatley Village Hall and 12 June 3 June Hatley St George Church. Happy School Bag Collection 9-10.30am Quiz Night £3 per person Friends of Southill Lower School are collecting 7pm for prompt 7.30pm start 7 June second hand clothing, bedlinen, towels, paired Southill Parish Hall, Standford Road, Southill The Branch of the Western Front shoes and trainers, console games, soft toys, Teams of up to 8. Come as a team or join up on the Association 7pm for 7.30pm handbags, belts and hats to raise money for the night. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Prizes for The Comrades Club, Godmanchester school. Funds will go towards book bags, swimming the winning (and losing) teams. Talk by Geoff Coulton who will be giving a coaches, school equipment and contributions to Tel: Southill Lower School 01462 813312 to register presentation on “The German Infantry Uniform trips or themed days. Please take any donations, 1914-1918.” Non WFA members most welcome. securely tied in a plastic bag, at the Lower School at 3 June Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com this specific time as they cannot be accepted before/ Hitchin Band Concert after. Tel: 07941 631225 for more information 7.30pm St. Swithun’s Church, Sandy 7 June Admission £5 by ticket or on the door Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 12 June Concert by the Award Winning Hitchin Band in aid of 7.30pm Kier Suite, Gamlingay Eco Hub Sandy Flower Club The Leprosy Mission. Tel: Colin 01767 682032 Guests £3 7.30pm Evening outing. Details to be confirmed. Conservative Bowls Club Pavilion (rear of the 4 June Conservative Club, Bedford Rd) 160th Anniversary Celebration Open Air Service 7, 14, 21 & 28 June Visitors £5 (on the door) 3pm Mums and Dads Coffee Break Floral Demonstration by Sarah Long titled “Sweet Upper Caldecott Lower School, Manor Road, 9-10am Moggerhanger Church Smell of Summer”. Visitors welcome. Raffle and Upper Caldecote Bring your pre-school children with you. Toys tea and coffee. The Flower Club meets every second Come along to hear Bedford Brass performing. available in the church. Tea/coffee, juice, biscuits are Monday in the month and new members are always available at 50p per cup. welcome. 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 June

13 June 17 June partnership project which brings landowners and British Red Cross Cambridgeshire Open Gardens Gamlingay Players 4pm onwards conservation organisations together to manage 6-9pm South Farm, Fen Rd, Shingay-cum- Field behind the Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, land in an environmentally friendly way. Light Wendy, Royston, SG8 0HR Gamlingay Free admission refreshments. Everyone welcome – members and By ticket application only “The Big Picnic” featuring plays in the park! To non-members. Web: www.geag.org.uk Evening Drinks and canapés. Garden tours. 7 support “The Great Get Together” - part of national acres of landscaped gardens and a vibrant 13 acre events in memory of Jo Cox MP. The Players will be 22 June organic smallholding. An extensive programme of performing several short plays, some involving our Potton History Society Meeting development over 40 years has created beautiful young members, and there will be music from local 8pm Community Centre, Brook End, Potton formal gardens that surround the farmhouse groups. Bring a picnic. Licensed bar. Members free, Visitors £3 designed for year round colour and interest. There Email: [email protected] for further info ‘From Our Archives - New Material’. A display of new is a tapestry of orchards, vegetable fields, grazing material including the latest scrapbooks, photos and paddocks and herb beds that provide fresh fruit, 17 June documents that have been added to the Society’s herbs, vegetables, honey, eggs and meat for Performers & Pints Archives. Refreshments provided. over 200 Wedding Breakfasts a year. Wheelchair 8.30pm for 9pm start - 11.30pm access. Parking. By kind permission of South Farm’s Free entry The Rising Sun, 24 June Partners - Philip, Christine and James. 11 Everton Road, Potton Bedford Fake Festival 12 noon Bedford Park Tel: 01223 868684 for tickets A great community night out of fresh live music Early Bird tickets: Adults £17.50, Email: [email protected] for all. Four exceptional singer x 30 Young Person (10-17 years) £10, minutes each. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Family (2 Adults, 2 Young Persons) £44 17 June performerspints Twitter: @PerformersPints The UK’s only touring tribute festival is coming to Potton Town Councillor’s Surgery Bedford Park for the first time this summer. Queen, 10am-12.00 noon Potton Library 17 & 18 June Arctic Monkeys and The Jam, and five local support An opportunity to meet your local Potton Town Bolnhurst Vintage & Country Fayre bands providing the warm up to get you in the party Councillors. Gates open 10am mood. There will be a variety of family-friendly Adults £6, OAPs & 12-16 year olds £5, Under 12s free entertainment outside the marquee throughout the 17 June Vintage vehicles, Tractors, Steam engines, Stationary day, as well as food and drink stands. Discounted Swift Crafts 10am-12 noon Potton Library Engines. Market Stalls, Art & Crafts, Auto Jumble. early bird tickets are on sale until midnight on 24th Information about the Swifts that visit Potton and Ring Events, Dog Display Team, Sheepdog Display, May from the Fake Festivals website. a craft morning. Children’s Entertainer, Real Ale Bar Tent. W.I. Tea Web: www.fakefestivals.co.uk Tent, Live Band Saturday Evening. From Bedford 17 June follow B660 to Bolnhurst, Turn right into St. Neots 24 & 25 June Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre Annual Road, rally field is 1/2 mile along. Nearest postcode AooX (Art out of Ten) 10am-4pm Open Day 11am-4pm, last entry 3pm MK44 2ER. Tel: 07912 862460 The Reading Rooms, Great Gransden Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre, Banbury Web: www.bolnhurstrally.co.uk Free admission Road, Bishop’s Tachbrook, Warwick, CV33 9QJ Exhibition and sale of paintings and cards. Free entry and parking 17 & 18 June Refreshments homemade cakes, tea and coffee. A fun-packed day for the whole family with games, May Day Archive Display Donations to charity (not yet selected). food and lots of our breeding and working dogs. 11am-4pm Ickwell Village Hall Open Day is when we throw open our doors to A display of the Ickwell May Day Committee’s 27 June the public. Come and visit to see the amazing archives. Pop along to see an array of photos and Midsummer Vineyard Tour work we do and to join in the fun. There will be film footage throughout the history of Ickwell May 2.30pm & 4.30pm blindfold activities, puppy viewing, dog training Day. Refreshments available. Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden demonstration, children’s activities, tombolas, raffle, Adults £8, Accompanied children free, £5 for Friends gift shop, hog roast, cream teas and cakes. Please 21 June of Warden Abbey Vineyard members + 1 guest note no pet dogs allowed on site. Gamlingay Environmental Action Group Discover the secrets of the medieval vineyard, Tel: 0345 143 0216 8pm Kier Suite, Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay English wine-making, and how volunteers care for Email: [email protected] Free admission the vines all year round at this community project. Facebook: /GuideDogsNationalBreedingCentre Elizabeth Ranelagh from FWAG East and Siân Advance booking only. Williams from the Wildlife Trust will talk about this Web: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk/tours for info & booking To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 7575 Food and Drink

Summer There’s a beer for that Food The British summer, warm and dry one minute, jumper on and umbrella up the next. Hosepipe bans, embarrassing sunburn, difficult wardrobe choices, heatwaves, drizzle. Aah, the British summer. During the unpredictability of our warmest season there are some things you can be sure of: picnics, barbecues, pub beer gardens, dinner on the patio - all as much a part of the British summer as the smell of freshly mown grass. With each of these alfresco eating options there’s only one drink that can refresh the palate on a hot day, and that’s beer. From wheat Eating in the garden with friends affords you the beers and lagers to fruity pales and floral golden opportunity to create some suitably summery ales, beer has got you covered this summer. dishes in the kitchen, and the right beer match can Let’s start with picnics, where a lager should be really make the food sing. Aromatic Thai prawn included in your hamper. They’re crisp, clean, curry is perfectly partnered by the heat tempering diverse, versatile and offer more than most drinkers sweetness of a wheat beer. These refreshing, citrusy, appreciate. A classic pale lager, such as Rolling Rock, spritzy ales are like summer in a glass. Germany has a rich, caramel base overlaid with a peppery and Belgium have brewed beers using wheat bitterness, whereas German Pilsners (generally for centuries with the German sub-style, termed called Pils) such as Bitburger or Beck’s will have a ‘weisse’ (white) or ‘weizen’ (wheat), tending to use restrained lemony, herbal bitterness. Then there’s cereals only, whereas Belgian ‘witte’ or ‘wit’ (white) Helles, which rely slightly more on malt for their sub-styles use orange peel, curacao and herbs such flavour than Pilsners but with a similar clean and as coriander to flavour. Readily available wheat beer refreshing flavour. Augustiner Helles is a good options to explore include Blue Moon, Hoegaarden option to try. A popular lager in the UK is Camden and Thornbridge’s Versa. Town Brewery’s Hells, which cleverly straddles What’s summer without a barbecue? There’s a the Helles and Pilsner sub-styles and is a biscuity, talented tongsmith in every household who’s keen lemony, peppery and easy drinking beer. This show off their grill skill. Partner the charred delights diversity means a lager will complement all those with the robust, roasted and bittersweet character picnic classics like pork pies, scotch eggs, sausages of a dark lager. Dark lagers are an interesting and (cocktail or otherwise) cheese and ham sandwiches varied bunch. Vienna lagers, such as Samuel Adams and that picnic staple charcuterie. Look out for Boston Lager, are distinctly amber coloured and Caledonian Three Hop Lager, Sharp’s Cornish Pilsner offer a toasted, sweet and dry character. Dunkel, and Backyard Brew’s Bee17. Oktoberfest, Bock and Doppelbock are all dark, rich and hearty leaning heavily on the malt for caramel and roasted flavours. While Rauchbier, of which Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen is a good example, is a dark, roasted, woody beer with bursts of smokiness. Brooklyn Lager, Budvar Dark and Negra Modelo are reliable, available and delicious options and they all do a fine job of refreshing the palate after each barbecued bite.

There’s A Beer For That

For more details and to find your perfect match, visit www.beerforthat.com 76 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts J. Jenkins Building Services LEAK SHIELD Extensions Need A Plumber Fast? No Call out Fee New Build Renovations Call Alex on Garage Conversions 07762773796 Loft Conversions for friendly advice Kitchen Fitting Driveways and Patios loced rai oile verlowig o oold aer eas ap epair ahrooms rai rve For all your building needs rs ipe oile o illig p op oc eplaceme Call John on 01767 222219 or 07831 283296 Email: [email protected] hour Emergency Service ocal eliable aliied References available on request

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Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1 30/07/2015 17:31 Mark Dilley Electrical 1st Glass Window Repairs 30 years Part P Registered experience Company 22386 Extra sockets - Lighting FULLY INSURED! Extensions - Re-wires Local company who can fix all types of problems Security Lighting - Showers with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation. Inspections Steamed Up Glass Faulty Windows, Door Locks or Hinges No job too small Draughty Windows or Doors Free estimates Leaking Conservatory Roofs All work to BS7671 regulations Fascias and Gutters City and Guilds qualified New Conservatory Roofs We also supply and fit NEW Windows, Doors and Conservatories Tel: 01767 261008 DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE Mob: 07990 895430 NIL DEPOSIT - BALANCE UPON YOUR SATISFACTION [email protected] 07511 906161

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Villager 1/4 page advert.indd 1 17/09/2015 16:04 Motoring Plan Your Car Hire This Summer Wherever you holiday, having your own transport If hiring abroad, check that these codes are valid can add an extra dimension to your exploring, in that country or if your photo ID licence alone rather than having to rely on excursions offered is sufficient. If not, you may need an international by your hotel or travel company. driving permit too. Even if your break is in the UK, hiring can ease Finally, if you are overseas, in the words of Michael the journey there too. A couple of years ago we Caine in The Italian Job: “Remember they drive on caught the train to Cornwall; speeding by all the the wrong side of the road” (well, the right side traffic jams was very satisfying and when we actually). reached Penzance we hired a car and continued Joking aside, I found that once on the highway our journey. things were easy; it was at junctions and But if you haven’t hired a car in a while be aware roundabouts that things got tricky. Oh, and I lost that, since the abolition of the green paper part of count of times I tried to change gear with the the driving licence, in order to hire a vehicle you door handle! will now need to obtain a ‘check code’ from the Enjoy your holiday motoring and have a safe trip DLVA website (www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence). there. You give the hire company this code to allow them to access your driving licence information. These codes can only be used once, are valid for 21 days and are only for use with licences issued within the UK.

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 79 Codeword 1 2

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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

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A few weeks ago I had to buy new television. And 4KTVthat’s when I first came across the term ‘4K TV’. The catch is that to get the full benefit your DVD My last set was a high definition (HD) television, player, media player, or anything else you plug but since then things have moved up a notch. So into your TV must also use 4K. And of course what exactly is 4K TV and is it worth upgrading? you’ll need to upgrade your movies to the new 4K, or Ultra HD, gives you about four times the spec too. So this cost should be factored into any resolution of a normal HD TV. This means the decision you make. picture will be sharper and show much more Is it worth it? Well, when I saw a 4K movie playing detail, especially when viewed on larger screen on a large 4K screen it did look amazing. In fact sizes of more than 40 inches. The latest sets will so amazing that I invested in a 58 inch 4K TV and include HDR (High Dynamic Range) making the a disc player. ‘Invest’ is the right word to use as 4K colour depth far richer and more lifelike than will gradually become the new norm, just as HD anything before. When these two features are and Blu-ray did a few years ago. added together the result is a truly wonderful viewing experience. By Tom Hancock

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

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82 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Electrician CJ www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk Property Maintenance Interior and Exterior Painting Gutter Cleaning & Repairs uPVC Fascia Board Cleaning Fencing, Gates and all Repairs Do you find it difficult to get someone Patios and all Garden Work to come and do a small job? Double Glazing & Repairs Concrete Bases, Paths & Steps Fault finding/repairs Chimney & Wall Pointing Extra lights and sockets Brick Work & Repairs New fuse boards Driveway Cleaning Rewires P.A.T testing Broken Roof Tiles & Pots Landlord inspections All jobs undertaken Free Estimates Qualified electrician Fully insured Tel: 01767 680532 Reliable service  Tidy work Mob: 0774 600 8188 Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed [email protected] Call Nigel on: 15 Years Experience 01767 834024 / 07941295883

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 83 T&R Roofing Ltd Family Business Est. 1985 • Felt Roofing Specialists (10 year & 15 year guarantee on high performance felts) • Tiling, Slating, Guttering • UPVC Facia/Soffits • Chimney Work

All NEW work guaranteed Fully insured for employer & Public Liability

Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on: 01767 314847 mob. 07831849847

84 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts May’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner

Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs M J Burton from Great Staughton Last Month’s Jordans Mill Competition Winner Bridget Payne from Langford

Easy

Hard

Fun Quiz - Party Time 1. Appearing regularly alongside Noel Edmonds on the TV show Noel’s House Party, what colour were Mr Blobby’s spots? 2. With his 2016 hit single, Party Like A Russian, which famous British singer was accused of racism by Russian media, with one newspaper claiming he will never perform in Russia again? 3. Also used as a general term for a large celebration or party, what name is given to a large gathering of Scouts who rally at a national or international level? 4. What animal is the traditional mascot for the Republican Party of the USA? 5. Referring to himself as a “comedy terrorist”, whose 21st birthday party did Aaron Barschak gate-crash in 2003 by dressing up as Osama bin Laden? 6. According to the theme tune of the 1980s animated TV series Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles, which of the main characters “was a party dude”? 7. In a 1977 BBC TV production of the play Abigail’s Party, who played Abigail? 8. Named after a word that means “forbidden or disapproved of”, what party game was first published in 1989, with the aim being for a player to have their partners guess a word on their card without using the word itself or five additional words listed? 9. In 2012, Leanne Wood became the first female leader of which political party? 10. In the novel Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, which three characters does

Alice have a “mad tea-party” with?

8. Taboo 9. Plaid Cymru 10. The March Hare, the Hatter and the Dormouse the and Hatter the Hare, March The 10. Cymru Plaid 9. Taboo 8.

6. Michelangelo 7. No-one (Abigail is the daughter of one of the characters, but is never seen herself) seen never is but characters, the of one of daughter the is (Abigail No-one 7. Michelangelo 6. 1. Yellow 2. 3. Jamboree 4. The elephant 5. Prince William’s William’s Prince 5. elephant The 4. Jamboree 3. Williams Robbie 2. Yellow 1.

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

Across 7 Eighth month (6) 8 Son of a monarch (6) 9 Knock unconscious (4) 10 Family member (8) 11 Award (7) 13 Strangely (5) 15 Begin (5) 17 Fun-loving (7) 20 Single-storey residence (8) 21 A long walk (4) 22 Obstructs (6) 23 A rat (6)

Down  1 Mumble (6) 2 Destroy (4) 3 Gazing (7) 4 A fruit (5) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 5 Annual celebration (8) 6 Place of learning (6) cut out this page and send to the address below before 12 Fight (8) 14 Scowls (7) 16th June 2017 16 Ridicules (6) 18 Mean (6) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 19 Nearby (5) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP 21 Conceal (4)

Name:

Tel:

Address:

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 Time of Year by Tracey Anderson

Run Safely inChoose the rightSummer time - Avoid midday and 3pm Dress appropriately - Loose-fitting clothes help when the sun is at its strongest. If you’re training in take advantage of any breeze. Investigate techno a city air quality is best in the morning, and try to fabrics which allow sweat to pass through them choose a route which provides a lot of shade. and evaporate, keeping your core temperature Keep hydrated - Hydrate well about two hours lower. Use sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen. A before a run, even if you don’t feel thirsty. For visor to protect your face is a good idea but not a shorter runs of less than 45 minutes, drink water tight-fitting hat because the head is wear we lose throughout. For longer runs use drinks which help the most heat. maintain electrolyte levels. Start slower, stop sooner - Start your run a bit slower than usual. Know when to stop, because heat-induced illness is serious. Signs to watch for are headaches, confusion, loss of muscle control, hot and cold flushes, clammy skin and an upset stomach. If you experience any of these, seek shade, a drink and transport home. Use waterways - If possible try to choose a route that passes near water because it’s usually cooler and breezier which will help keep your core temperature down. You can make use of rivers, streams, a lake or the sea. If you can finish your run with a brief swim it’s a great way to cool down quickly.

88 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts phe proactive heating & environmental services

Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: [email protected]

DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD PK Cleaning Services Specialists in Bespoke Joinery Est. since 1988

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 89 Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY Local, National & International Removals CLEANING All Packing Services available Short or Long Term Storage • Spot stain and odour removal Fully Insured • Anti-stain protection Complimentary Surveys Carried • Leather suites cleaned and out at your residence. reconditioned Over 25 years removals experience • Tile and grout cleaning • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured T: 01767 315581 • Local company M: 07496 859677 E: [email protected]

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Beattie Moving 1/4Window page.indd 1 Doctor15/02/2017 12:07 epairs to indos oors onseratories isty nits ew ocks Draughty Windows Dropped Doors Broken ingesandles Extra Security Installation of ew Windows, Doors and Conservatories 5 Years Experience Contact Stewart Gyles on T 0798 444 1638 or 01767 221 057 E [email protected]

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P O N D

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

ByBook Kate Duggan Review

Inspirational stories - Tales of wartime, refugees and hardships overcome. The Girl Who Beat ISIS by Farida Khalaf and Andrea C. Hoffmann ISIS kidnapped Farida Khalaf from her Northern Iraqi village in 2014. Beaten, raped and sold as a slave, the teenage Farida refused to bow down to her captors or to convert to their religion. After numerous attempts, and nearly being beaten to death, Farida eventually escaped with five other girls. Having been granted asylum in Germany, this is W.G.Thirkell & Sons 1-4 page_ppl.pdf 1 10/04/2017 16:45 her harrowing tale as told to Andrea C. Hoffmann.

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

Accountants Builders “YOUNG’S BUILDERS” “YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MASTER BUILDERS” “QUALITY AND VALUE FROM START TO FINISH”

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Garden Specialist Oven Cleaning

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

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

Private Car Hire Removals & Storage

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 95 01767 682789

AT FRIENDS WE OFFER OUR CLIENTS 2 late evenings until 9pm • Highest standard of hairdressing 2 certified hair colourists • Great loyalty reward scheme Complimentary refreshments and magazines • All stylists London trained GRADUATE STYLIST OFFER Colour and cut & finish from only £50 Call 01767 682789 for this offer please quote at time of booking

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