VILLAGER Issue 92 - July 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

The VILLAGER Issue 92 - July 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue Win a pair of tickets to see Dizzee Rascal Horseboarding at the Annual Burghley Game and Country Fair Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Ickleford, Caldecote, Radwell, Fairfield Park, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Meppershall, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth Your Contents FREEcopy The Unlikely Furniture Company Water, Water Everywhere...... 42 Honey and Berries - Natural and Pure...... 45 Garden Ornaments...... 48 22 Horseboarding...... 50 Animal Know-How...... 52 First Drive...... 55 Nick Coffey’s Weekend Recipe...... 57 RATS...... 58 Puzzle Page...... 60 What’s On...... 62 The Greater Outdoors...... 64 Storage Solutions...... 66 The History of Soft Drinks...... 4 An Independent Nation...... 69 Heritage in Palermo...... 8 Homemade Ice Lollies...... 70 Keep Calm and Get Colouring...... 10 Prize Crossword...... 74 Win an Aerial Picture from BeSkyBee...... 12 Book Review...... 78 Emmeline Pankhurst Day...... 15 Win Tickets to See Dizzee Rascal...... 16 Children’s Page...... 21 The Unlikely Furniture Company...... 22 Quadcopters...... 24 Which type of ISA is best for you?...... 26 Benefits of Fitness Boot Camp and High Intensity Classes...... 29 Fighting Fatigue and Pain...... 31 Summer Lovin’...... 33 Top Tips for Charities and Good Causes...... 34 Wimbledon Facts...... 36 Employment Matters...... 39 Holywood Dogs 40 Hollywood Dogs...... 40

August Edition booking and copy deadline is Tuesday12th July. September edition booking and copy deadline is Friday 29th July. 9,500 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Henlow, Langford, Astwick, Edworth, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Newnham, Radwell, Bygrave, Shillington, Holwell, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Ashwell End and Stanford (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Arlesey, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Stotfold)

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Kate McLelland, Publishers Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Kate Duggan, Toni Hasler, Louise Addison, Villager Publications Ltd Carol H Scott, Sarah Fryer, Trevor Langley, Pippa Greenwood, RSPB, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Iain Betson, Nick Coffer, Katherine Sorrell, Tom Hancock and Tel: 01767 261122 Willow Coby [email protected] Advertising Sales/Local Editorial www.villagermag.com Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 [email protected] Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, Photography however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the Goodluz and Darren Harbar Photography content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any Design and Artwork statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 History By Catherine Rose The History of Soft Drinks

With the arrival of summer, we will consume water - very similar to today’s. thousands of gallons of soft drinks - from Before mains supply was built, the water squash and cordials to fizzy ‘ades’ and coke – all available, particularly in rural areas, was often produced by a global industry that is worth contaminated and unsafe to drink. Consequently, billions. But have you ever stopped to wonder every town and village had a wide selection of how the soft drinks industry came about? public houses that brewed their own ‘small beer’ The earliest mention of lemonade occurs in as this was safer to drink than the water. Beer was historical texts from the mid-1600s. A non-fizzy even given to children. refreshing drink, probably only available to the People also brewed their own drinks at home more wealthy, it is believed to have come over and would frequently boil water before adding from Italy via France and was made from water natural flavourings such as nettle, barley, and lemons with sugar or honey added. dandelion, burdock and ginger to improve the In the late 1700s, a method for artificially taste. This would then go through a natural carbonating water was invented by Dr Joseph fermentation process to produce a very low Priestley. This meant that soda water was alcohol drink, frequently believed to have commercially available by 1800 and within 20 medicinal properties. years, ginger beer was also being advertised. Non-alcoholic versions of these drinks began to Household names of today such as Schweppes be produced commercially, becoming popular and R. Whites began selling manufactured during the Victorian era and some of these ‘old lemonade in the 1850s that consisted of a citric fashioned’ herbal flavourings are still produced acid base with oil of lemon, sugar and carbonated today. 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Creative Kitchens & Bedroom Design Modern • Contemporary • Traditional

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Loline June 16.indd 1 16/05/2016 18:33:44 By the mid-Victorian era, ginger beer was ‘the most popular non-alcoholic beverage’ although lemonade must have come a close second. They were produced in ‘mineral factories’ across the country. Storing fizzy drinks required the development of suitable and stable containers. Round-ended glass bottles began to be manufactured for lemonade. This shape was deliberate so that the bottle had to be stored on its side which kept the cork moist and allowed for better sealing of the effervescent drink. Ginger beer on the other hand was usually stored in solid stoneware containers with a large cork pushed firmly into the top to prevent it from ‘popping’. The ingenious Cod’s bottle with its glass marble stopper became available at the end of the 19th started making their squash and barley water in century. These were eventually replaced by metal the 1930s. ‘crown’ and later screw caps. Aluminium cans with The 20th century paved the way for specialised pull rings were introduced in the late 1950s. essence-based soft drinks from brands such as Irn In the latter half of the 19th century, a drink Bru, Tizer and Corona. made from the African kola (or cola) nut became Soft drinks factories were once commonplace in available in the UK - known as ‘kola champagne’ the UK. In mid-Bedfordshire for example, prior or ‘kola tonic’. Meanwhile, in America, a similar to 1900, the original Mineral Factory of Wells drink was being made from the leaves of the & Co. was situated in Biggleswade ahead of its Bolivian coca shrub. brewery on the same site. The company brewed In 1886, Dr John Pemberton of Atlanta, Georgia ginger beer and supplied soda water siphons decided to combine these two ingredients to although their largest trade was in ‘pop’ - sugary produce his own ‘brain and nerve tonic’ which carbonated drinks of various flavours, the most logically, he called ‘coca-cola’. Coca-cola proved so popular being their Golden Lemonade. popular that Asa Candler bought the patent from Commer lorries supplied the local pubs with Pemberton and set up the now world-famous ‘mineral waters’ in addition to the main trade of Coca-Cola Company. Today, the Coca-Cola brand beers, wines and spirits, as well supplying them still uses the original and instantly recognisable to private houses and shops. Soft drinks had ‘Spencerian Script’ logo that was first designed by become so popular that during the Second World Frank Robinson. War, the soft drinks industry was nationalised. Concentrated fruit drinks or cordials also began There were even small factories in the villages. In to appear at this time, again from companies that Northill, just outside Biggleswade, another local are still well-known today including Rose and mineral water factory was owned by Marsom its Lime Juice Cordial. By the First World War, the Brothers. Situated opposite The Crown pub, term ‘squash’ had become a recognised one for today, a private house stands on the site and this type of concentrated soft drink. Robinsons has old ginger beer bottles set into the eaves as homage to the firm. Although a new mineral water bottling unit was established in the old maltings in Biggleswade in 1952, Wells & Winch merged with Greene King in 1961 and the mineral factory closed in 1974. However, despite the closure of many of these small factories, the soft drinks story has evolved, turning from a cottage industry to one of gigantic proportions.

With thanks to Ken Page for information taken from his ‘Story of Biggleswade Brewery’. 6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 7 131x194mm JM generic Villager advert (embed).indd 1 10/06/2016 14:29 Travel By Solange Hando Heritage in Palermo Lapped by the blue Tyrrhenian Sea, framed by Meanwhile, far below, visitors head for Piazza Verdi to mountains rising over 1,000 metres, Palermo is the pose on the steps of the Teatro Massimo and gaze at bustling capital of the autonomous region of Sicily. its refined neo-classical façade flanked by two bronze Attracted by the natural harbour and strategic lions. Dating back to the late19th century, it’s the third location, myriad civilisations landed on these shores largest Opera House in Europe, justly renowned for its and on its solitary headland, the iconic Mount acoustics, and the place where the final scenes of the Pellegrino has seen them all: Phoenicians, Romans, Godfather Part III were filmed in 1990. Arabs, Normans, Spanish to name just a few, all Stroll along the road and you come to another leaving their mark on a city which became one of the architectural gem, the Politeama Garibaldi Theatre; richest on the Mediterranean. unlike Teatro Massimo, this was built for the common Today Palermo remains an enticing mix of old and people who preferred operetta, plays, equestrian new, tree-lined avenues festooned in hibiscus shows and the circus. Yet one of the theatre’s greatest and oleander, traditional street markets, hidden moments was the performance of Puccini’s opera courtyards and breezy squares and narrow twisting La Bohème in 1896, applauded by a near delirious lanes where laundry flaps on the balconies. The air audience after a disappointing reception in Turin. smells of oranges and lemons and freshly-baked Now home to the Sicilian Foundation Symphonic pizza, church bells mingle with the hooting of Orchestra, it dazzles visitors with its grand entrance scooters and pony and traps rattle side by side. and superb decorations, while on some guided tours Bursting with colour, Palermo is above all a city of you might see the original painted stage curtain palaces, theatres and churches, contributing to Sicily’s weighing 450 kilos. generous share of UNESCO sites. In a capital once As for Palermo’s palaces, most exotic are the Zisa protected by four patron saints, the most venerated and Cuba in Arabic style, set in the former pleasure today is Saint Rosalia, who freed the people from grounds of the Norman kings, but most impressive is the plague. Churches pop up around every corner: the Norman Palace, currently the seat of the Sicilian austere or ornate, Norman, Renaissance, Baroque and Regional Assembly. Following the Norman Conquest more, but most endearing are the hidden chapels in in 1072, the Arabic fortress was transformed into a the Vucciria neighbourhood, their gleaming interiors sumptuous palace for the new Kings of Sicily, and as entirely covered in white stucco angels. Yet top of such is said to be the oldest royal residence in Europe. the list must be the Cathedral founded in the 12th Beyond the 17th century façade, highlights include century, boasting a magnificent doorway and royal the splendid Ruggero Hall, named after Sicily’s first tombs, a stunning Treasury and a Norman King, and the 12th century Palatine Chapel. rooftop walk, up 107 spiral steps but With its Norman architecture, its wooden ceiling in worth the effort for the panoramic view traditional Islamic style and its glittering Byzantine of the city bristling with mosaics and dome, it exemplifies the rich domes, the sea and the blend of cultures which have shaped surrounding hills. Palermo for over 1,000 years.

8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Now Open in Henlow! Quite simply our belief at Merry Poppets® is to provide the best child care support and early year’s education for our children and their families. We promote a secure, warm, friendly and caring environment designed to encourage happy confident children that are completely prepared for their move to full time education. Our purpose built nursery at Henlow provides an exceptional environment where children can learn, explore and play to their hearts content. Generous sized classrooms, large outdoor play and activity areas that includes a vegetable and fruit garden, football and basketball court, all designed to keep young, active children healthy and engaged! For an informal viewing, registration or further information please call Sarah Lawton, Rebecca Ogilvie or Amy Green on 01462 850242 or 812470 who will be pleased to deal with your enquiry. Large outdoor garden and activity areas How to find us  Open from 8am to 6pm –

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Merry Poppets Nursery, Building 942, Derwent Road, RAF Henlow, Henlow, Bedfordshire, SG16 6DN Tel: 01462 850242 or 812470 www.merrypoppets.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 9 Hobbies By Kate McLelland Keep calm and get colouring

Close your eyes and think back to the simple Dr David Holmes: “With our workaholic culture, pleasures of childhood: a rainbow box of crayons we spend most of our lives in ‘beta mode’, which on the table and, beside it, a book of illustrations is when we’re alert, problem-solving, decision- just waiting to be coloured in. Remember the making. By actively altering the preponderance intense concentration as you filled in the blank of certain brain patterns, you can shift into ‘alpha spaces with your favourite shades of yellow, red, mode’, which is more like the state of mind purple, green and blue? we have as children. Meditation and similar Now fast-forward to the present day, when techniques require learning and practice, whereas high-tech gadgets and gizmos allow us to create anyone can just drop into colouring-in.” sophisticated and brightly coloured designs with Colouring may seem like a solitary pastime but just a few mouse clicks. Such innovations should it can also become a social activity: in recent have consigned the humble crayon to the dustbin years colouring clubs and parties have proved of history, so it’s amazing to learn that in the popular, particularly in America and France. The second decade of the 21st century one of the most Ladies Coloring Club is a Facebook Group based popular hobbies is adult colouring. in the US which links to groups around the world. It has become a global phenomenon, spreading to Alternatively you could start your own group countries as diverse as Brazil and New Zealand. In like 38-year-old Suzanne Parsonage from Bristol, fact the interest is so great that the world’s largest who launched a colourists group from her local wooden pencil manufacturer, Faber-Castell, has pub. Many local libraries also host adult colouring been forced to increase shifts at its German factory sessions. in order to keep up with demand. If you are eager to try colouring for yourself but Printers and booksellers have also seen a don’t want to invest in a book of illustrations just stratospheric rise in the popularity of colouring yet, go online and download some free printable books created for the adult market. Millie Marotta’s pages. You’ll find some great library printables Animal Kingdom, Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden at www.pinterest.com that will help you decide (now translated into 14 different languages) and whether adult colouring is for you. If you are Emma Farrarons’ The Mindfulness Colouring Book feeling that this hobby is a little too childish, you’ll feature high on the UK’s bestseller lists. be relieved to hear that a recent article in Director Mindfulness, with its emphasis on being aware of magazine identified a growing trend amongst the present moment, fits particularly well with this business leaders who have taken up colouring in hobby because colouring is essentially a repetitive, order to alleviate stress. undemanding activity that can be used to focus So grab a box of crayons or felt-tips and make a the mind. Colourists claim that their hobby can start. It seems there’s every reason to add a little lead to a calmer, almost meditative frame of mind colour to your everyday life - and all you need to and this view is supported by clinical psychologist worry about is keeping within the lines! 10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 11 COMPETITION

Win a 12”x16” framed aerial picture of your property, village or town BeSkyBee Ltd is a professional local aerial photography service. We offer a wide range of aerial photographic solutions using the latest and most advanced drones and camera equipment. We are fully insured, qualified and have the permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to undertake aerial work. Aerial pictures of your property or business from as little as £45 (inc. VAT) | Framed aerial gift pictures from £75 (inc. VAT) | Estate Agents: market your client’s property with a unique perspective, our pricing makes aerial pictures accessible to all property types and sizes. Competition clue: all villages begin with the letter ‘G’. Contact [email protected] for more information. CAN YOU NAME THE FOUR LOCAL VILLAGES ABOVE? To enter, complete the form below and send to: BeSkyBee Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP The winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries. Deadline: 29th July 2016 BeeSkyBee COMPETITION ENTRY The 4 villages in photos above are: Name: Address: 

Tel:

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

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 13 14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year By Debbie Singh-Bhatti Emmeline Pankhurst Day It still happens today: women instrumental in winning women struggling for the right to be the right to vote. Born in recognised on an equal footing Manchester on 15th July 1858, with men; women fighting to she launched the Women’s Social have a say in how things are run and Political Union (WSPU) in in male-dominated governments; 1903. Notorious for their ‘deeds women dying for daring to stand not words’ approach, its members up for what they believe. literally fought their way to victory This was the situation in the UK with demonstrations, window at the start of last century, but smashing, arson, bombings, by 1918 - following the valiant kidnappings, hunger strikes and efforts of women during World by chaining themselves to railings. War l when they undertook jobs Their most famous act of violence normally carried out by men and occurred in 1913 when Emily proved they could do the work Davison was killed after throwing just as well - women over the herself under the king’s horse. age of 30 were granted the right On July 14th we commemorate to vote. Ten years later this was Emmeline Pankhurst Day, but extended to women aged 21 and perhaps the best way we can over. celebrate her achievement is by Emmeline PankhurstGBN summer was Villager artwork_ppl.pdf 1 14/06/2016 22:56 exercising our right to vote.

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 15 COMPETITION Win a pair of tickets to see Dizzee Rascal! This summer, Friday 5th August, Bedford Park Concerts and The Pad Presents are bringing one of the biggest line ups that the town has ever seen! Dizzee Rascal! is headlining Bedford Park, with People Just Do Nothing - Kurupt FM, Wiley, Jaguar Skills and Ms. Dynamite supporting.

Bedford Park Concerts are proud to announce that MC, producer and rapper Dizzee Rascal has been confirmed as the headline act for their Friday night concert, which will take place on the 5th August in Bedford Park. Dizzee Rascal has thrived within the UK garage scene since the early 2000’s, spanning genres from hiphop and grime to dance and bassline. Having collaborated with the likes of Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys and Florence & the Machine, Dizzee has evolved from his grime and garage roots into the mainstream scene, which has found him featured on the bill for festivals like Glastonbury and Radio 1 Big Weekend numerous times. His huge hits include ‘I Luv U’ and ‘Fix Up Look Sharp’, which went straight into the UK top 20 single charts. As well as his number 1 hit ‘Dance Wiv Me’ featuring Calvin Harris. Dizzee Rascal really developed and amerced himself deeper into the mainstream dance scene with this collaboration. Other hits include further number one hits ‘Holiday’ and ‘Dirtee Disco’ and ‘Bonkers’, which he sang at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics to an estimated worldwide audience of nine hundred million! Supporting Dizzee will be West London’s finest pirate radio station Kurupt FM. To add to this exciting line up will be English grime MC and rapper Wiley, Jaguar Skills and rapper, songwriter, recording artist, producer Ms Dynamite, who is the recipient of the Mercury prize, winner of two Brit awards and three Mobo awards. Tickets will go on sale from www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk/thepadpresents Tickets are priced at £35 inclusive of all booking fees

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Dizzee Rascal please complete your details below and send your entry to Dizzee Rascal Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. The winner will be randomly selected. Deadline: 20th July 2016

Name: Address:

Tel:

16 Please mention The VillagerPlease mention and Town The Life Villager when respondingand Town Life to whenadverts responding to adverts COMPETITION Luxury fitted kitchens

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The personal touch We know how important your kitchen is to you, and that’s why we offer a fully personalised service. Each project is carefully managed to your own timescale and budget, with a certified Contact us today team on hand to make sure that you are kept informed and For further information or for a no obligation quote involved at every stage. contact us today by telephoning We guarantee a professional service that will fulfil your needs 01767 692968 or emailing [email protected] and be delivered on time, and on budget.

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 17 Come and join our Book Group

Our Baldock and Letchworth branches of Shires will be holding a book club for the recently bereaved in the local area. It’s a perfect opportunity for people to meet once a month over a cuppa and biscuits, and come together through the love of books. If you enjoy a good read and would like to share your enjoyment of a book, then please come along and join us, and feel free to bring a friend. Where: The United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock When: the first Tuesday of every month at 10am till 11.30am If you would like to know more, please contact Donna at Shires on 01462 491149

Inc. Shires Because every life is unique 40 Whitehorse Street, Baldock | 01462 491149 1 Howard Park Corner, Letchworth Garden City | 01462 486618 Also at: Kempston, Bedford, Dunstable & Luton www.cpjfield.co.uk

18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 19 20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 21 By Catherine Rose

The Unlikely Furniture Company The Unlikely Furniture Company certainly lives up covering a wide range of styles from ‘industrial’ to its name. For a start, its showroom is inside the to ‘shabby chic’ and ‘retro’. The customer is then unexpected setting of the huge CARPETS 4 LESS invited to mix and match from these themes to warehouse in Caxton Road, Bedford and when you create their own individual space. pay them a visit, you quickly realise this is no ‘run Graham is a firm believer that living in an of the mill’ furniture showroom. Instead, it offers increasingly cosmopolitan society, our furniture its customers the opportunity to express their true should not be restricted to one style. The interior individuality. design ‘mash up’ is cutting edge right now and The Officially opened last month, The Unlikely Furniture Unlikely Furniture Company is a local supplier that Company is a must-see if you are thinking of reflects this in its products. Consequently, it offers investing in any type of furniture. But even if the kind of unusual furniture you won’t necessarily you are only shopping for a carpet, you should find on the high street with everything from ‘lived definitely drop by. in’ pieces made of distressed wood to stainless steel Graham believes it is “an exciting time for furniture” and high tech, glossy designs. There is also a range having come through the eras of ‘anything as long of accessories on display including mirrors and as it’s brown’ and ‘everything providing it matches’. clocks, many of which are quirky and unusual. Bucking the trend for more conservative styles, “We have something for everyone here” says the showroom has different bays that have been Graham. “The furniture trade isn’t catering for the built by Graham himself, each containing a theme way people want to combine pieces to create their

22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts own style. These days, customers are looking for individuality and to be able to express themselves in their own nest.” If you are looking for the very latest materials, then you will probably find something to suit you here. The company’s striking reclaimed wood furniture is proving particularly popular, especially amongst the more eco-conscious young. The wood comes mostly from New Zealand and because it is reclaimed, each item of furniture is unique with a wonderfully modern edge yet coupled with a mellow, antique feel. Equally popular are the beautifully designed Italian-style tables which are glamorous enough for fine dining yet sit perfectly in today’s ultra- modern kitchen-diners. You can also buy tables and shelving made from resin-bound concrete that not only pay homage to the current industrial trend but will also undoubtedly provide a talking point in your home. The beauty of The Unlikely Furniture Company ethos is that these can be paired with other styles and Graham is on hand to give advice. Determined to bring out the interior designer in all of us, Graham says: “I chose the name of the company because I wanted to pose a question in people’s minds. What is it that is ‘unlikely’ about this furniture company?” If you visit The Unlikely Furniture Company, you can find out for yourself and Graham is confident that The Unlikely Furniture Company you will love the experience. at CARPETS 4 LESS “We should enjoy shopping for furniture as it is the best way for being creative Caxton Road, in how you express your Elms Farm Industrial Estate way of life” he says. Bedford MK41 0HT 01234 220075

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 23 Hobbies By Kate Duggan Quadcopters

it’ll do tricks such as 360° flips. I’ve never had much luck flying remote control helicopters, but find this one surprisingly responsive for the price. Quadcopters, or drones as they’re also called, are Outdoors you can get speeds of up to 11mph and similar to remote controlled helicopters, but have a height of 20 metres. It is very small and light, so four rotary blades. They’re a lot of fun to fly, but the camera isn’t the best, and you’ll want a spare there’s more to quadcopters than just a zoom battery as each charge only lasts a few minutes, around the park. Many of them come with inbuilt but all in all it’s a good entry model. video cameras, or the ability to attach a camera, Even if you just buy a small, cheaper quadcopter so you can film a bird’s eye view of the area they’re for personal use only, there are some restrictions flying over. on flying it, so do visit www.quadcopters.co.uk With a quadcopter, you could take aerial shots of for more information. your village, check out places that are inaccessible by road or foot, and capture some of the beauty of gliding over a lake or fields. Quadcopters can also be used for practical purposes, such as checking whether there are any loose tiles on your roof. You will want to be careful where you fly your quadcopter; as your neighbours likely won’t appreciate you taking shots of them sunbathing in their garden. Some quadcopters are primarily designed for outdoor use, some indoor, and some are multi- purpose. They start at around £30, but you do get what you pay for. The camera quality on the cheaper models is pretty poor. They’re also usually smaller, harder to fly and have a lower range, so can’t go as high or far. A high-end quadcopter with a professional high definition video camera can set you back more than £3,000. Drone racing is becoming increasingly popular, with events held around the UK, and you can buy kits to make and customise your own quadcopter. If you’re looking to use a quadcopter for commercial purposes, you will need to register it with the Civil Aviation Authority, and undertake a training course to get a Permission for Aerial Work. You’ll also likely need to get public liability insurance. If you just want one for fun, the Parrot MiniDrone Rolling Spider is a good beginner’s model. Priced at around £50, it has large detachable wheels, so you can manoeuvre it along the ceiling and up and down walls, as well as in the air. The wheels also protect the blades when it crashes (which it will). You control it using your smartphone and 24 Fiddle Daemons iolins iolas Cellos Bass Contact: Jackie@ ddledaemons.com 01767682693 or 07814970635

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Part exchanges possible and instruments purchased

Free valuations

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 25 Finance Which type of ISA is best for you? Individual Savings Accounts were first introduced in 2015 in an attempt to boost the first-time buyer 1999. They provided exemption from income tax and market. For every £4 saved, the government has capital gains tax, and quickly became a popular place pledged to add a £1 bonus (up to a maximum of to save and invest. £3,000), making it a great way to save for a deposit on Back then, it was a straightforward choice between a a first property. Cash ISA or a Stocks and Shares equivalent, but with Inheritance ISA To avoid having to pay tax on seven different types of Individual Savings Account a deceased partner’s ISA savings, the Chancellor now available, making the right choice is much more introduced the facility to inherit tax-free from complicated. December 2014. From the date of a spouse’s death, So how do you know which ISA is best for you, and the surviving partner is granted an Additional even whether you’re eligible to apply? We take a look Permitted Subscription (APS) for the total amount in at the different ISA accounts available, to identify the account, and has three years in which to use it. which ones might suit your needs. Lifetime ISA The Lifetime ISA will be introduced from Instant Access Cash ISA A straightforward tax-free 2017, and is for people between the ages of 18 and savings account offered by banks and building 39. A 25% bonus from the government is available, societies - interest rates have fallen considerably in so for every £4 saved they will put in £1 up to a recent years, but it’s also a risk-free way to put your maximum of £1,000. money to one side. It can be used towards the purchase of a house up to You get instant access to your savings, and need to be the value of £450,000, otherwise you need to keep at least 16 years of age to open this account. the money in the account until the age of 60 to avoid Stocks and Shares ISA Stocks and Shares ISAs a penalty. are open to anyone aged 18 or over. The money Innovative Finance ISA This is seen to be a riskier is divided between various investment products, choice for investors, but one that potentially brings including company shares, government and higher returns. One of the risks is that your money corporate bonds, and unit trusts. won’t be protected by the Financial Services Although as an investment there’s greater risk with a Compensation Scheme because the banks are not Stocks and Shares ISA, you can control your exposure involved. to it by splitting your annual allowance between this You place your money with peer-to-peer lending and a Cash ISA. platforms, which could attract a higher Junior ISA Parents can save for rate of interest than with Cash their children in a Junior ISA. or Stocks and Shares ISAs. It’s open to children under At the time of writing, the age of 18, but the however, there are child can only open an only eight such online account if they are lenders offering this aged 16 or over. The type of ISA. annual allowance http://www. currently stands at £4,080, thisismoney.co.uk/ but a child between the money/saving/ ages of 16 and 18 can also article-3505692/The-seven- open an adult ISA, which different-types-offer-choose- boosts their saving capacity. one-you.html Help to Buy ISA A fairly recent http://www.moneywise. addition to the ISA family, the Help to co.uk/banking-saving/savings- Buy ISA was introduced in December accounts-isas/how-to-inherit-isa 26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 27 CHAMBERLAIN MASSAGE CLINIC

Swedish Massage Deep Tissue Massage Sports Massage Injury Rehab Kinesio Taping Clinics in Langford, Letchworth and Wrestlingworth Dean Chamberlain B.Sc www.chamberlainmassageclinic.co.uk 07902547391 or 01767631866 [email protected] Facebook: Chamberlain Massage Clinic

28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Benefits of the Fitness Boot Camp & High Intensity Fitness Classes Have you recently said you need to improve your a goal, really highlight how exercise, diet and fitness? If you have said,” yes,” then you should nutrition are linked, as well as all your other consider boot camps or high intensity fitness lifestyle choices. You might not get the same classes. sense of interconnectedness from classes or Forget the idea of military style training and hellish sessions where you simply drop in and view as assault courses that leave you crumpled in a heap separate from the rest of your life. after the end of a grueling session. Dismiss any • Dynamic workout notions you have of terrifying and confidence- Many people lose focus and motivation because knocking instructors screaming at your lack of they get bored. The whole point of Boot Camp physical prowess. Consider instead the real Fitness is that it is as diverse as it is intense. If you add Boot Camp benefits. This is an exercise class that in the fact that you will be progressing and can go a long way to improving your fitness levels changing along the way, then you have an in a safe and effective manner. interesting exercise mix that should keep you If you have no idea what a Fitness Boot Camp engaged enough to realise your exercise goals. involves then your first step is to find out? • Like-minded exercisers • Concentrated focus Some people take up activities for the social If you already keep active and fit with regular scene, others because they are firmly fixed on exercise then your attention is already geared a goal. A real positive about Boot Camp is that towards fitness. However, at times, if you want because of what it stands for, you are going to make big changes, such as to lose weight to meet other people similar to yourself who and tone up quickly and effectively, you may want to seriously improve their lives and fitness. need to up the ante and focus in on your goal. However, this shared goal means that there is a Boot Camp is an ideal way to help you reach sense of camaraderie and support which is not your target by honing in on what you want and always found in other exercise sessions. offering intense exercise sessions to make sure • Faster results you get there. Boot Camp is effective at identifying ways of • Creates healthy expectations reaching health and fitness goals in a faster way. Fitness classes which you can easily dip in and Left to your own devices you might struggle out of might offer a relaxed way of keeping in to get there at all and classes or sessions which shape, but they don’t necessarily generate a repeat one style of exercise might not deliver the sense of personal responsibility. A Boot Camp right results on time either. where you’re expected to show Boot Camp may be a challenge but effort and determination, as well as because it is something you can really commitment, can really inspire you get to grips with the benefits are to put healthy pressure on yourself. greater than the sum of each training This in turn means that you’re more session. Find out about what Boot involved and more motivated to Camp can do for your body, mind not let down your trainer, the others and soul! Speak to Tina if you want around you and most importantly, help with your goals or feel you need you! to improve your technique. The FBF • Motivates you to examine your team are all here to help. Feel free to lifestyle ask Tina, Rob and Dean any questions Because of the focus on fitness in you have at any time. a Boot Camp environment, you naturally start to look at your life as Tina Sales a whole and how healthy you are. Full Bottle Fitness Lead Fitness Expert Assessments of your fitness levels, 07952 648682 monitoring and working toward www.fullbottlefitness.co.uk 29 30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 16th April 2016, 11am – 1pm Would you like more energy and less pain? Do you have Fibromyalgia, CFS or ME? Or know someone whoLocal does? News Call in and find out about: • The only Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Herts • APS Therapy to reduce pain • Special dermatological bedding & clothing Fighting Fatigue &Free Oxygen Pain Taster sessions at 11.15am. Book now!

Drop-In Event - 30th July people with People with Fibromyalgia, CFS and ME who are Fibromyalgia. On Fighting Fatigue & Pain experiencing the exhaustion and pain that often 30thWe’re Jult youat Herts can MS Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, SG6 2JF. accompany these conditions are invited to a local see OxygenJust Therapy turn up! in For action more -details plus try call it Claire for free! on 01462 684 214. chaity’s Open Day on Saturday 30th July. Brian H had the APS Painwww.hertsmstherapy.org.uk Reduction Therapy Between 12pm and 2pm anyone is welcome to find in Letchworth.Hertfordshire Multiple HeSclerosis said: Therapy Centre “I didis Charity the 299524 sixand Company week 2215165 Pain Registered Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF ot more about Fighting Fatigue and Pain, a project Reduction Programme and it worked well for me. I run by Letchworth charity Herts MS Therapy Centre. have had pain free mobility for the first time in nine The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth helps months. I finished three weeks ago and so far I am anyone with long term or life limiting conditions still pain free, despite moving furniture last week!” - not just Multiple Sclerosis. It currently offers Mark Boscher, the Chief Executive of Herts MS Physiotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, APS Pain Therapy Centre added: “If you, or someone you Reduction Therapy and Functional Rehabilitation know, has Fibromyalgia, CFS or ME, maybe we can exercise and fitness training to help people address help them gain more energy and feel less pain. We the physical challenges of their medical conditions. want to welcome as many people as possible on For example, come along on 30th July and try the Saturday 30th July.” Anti-Gravity Treadmill! (Recently feature on BBC The event runs from 12pm to 2pm and is sponsored Breakfast). by Coloplast. You can discover their range of urology Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover and incontinence products on the day. faster after injury, surgery, chemotherapy and For more details and to book your free tast radiotherapy. It’s also great for increasing energy. sessions, call Claire on 01462 684214 or email Some people find it reduces pain, especially [email protected] Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 30th July 2016, 12pm – 2pm Visit to find out about: • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (may accelerate healing, boost energy, reduce pain) • APS Pain Reduction Therapy • Anti-Gravity Treadmill (as seen on BBC News) • Specialist physio and group exercise sessions (tailored to people with medical conditions) Free test sessions available – book your place now!

Fighting Fatigue & Pain

We’re at Herts MS Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, SG6 2JF. Just turn up! For more details call Claire on 01462 684 214.

This event is kindly sponsored by Coloplast. Discover continence and urology products for intimate healthcare needs. www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre is Charity 299524 and Company 2215165 Registered Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 31 32 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Health & Beauty Summer By Kate Duggan It’s been a very long time coming, but summer is finally here. I’ve dusted off the sunnies and dug out my sandals, but couldn’t resist investing in a few new goodies… A new lip gloss it can take my look from day to daily exfoliation, is always on night with ease.Lovin’ What’s more, it’s followed by my summer housed in a cute metallic clutch Believa’s Natural shopping list. bag, which you can detach from Intensiv Body This year I’ve the palette and use on its own. A Lotion, £23.99. gone for Neal’s bargain at just £15. It’s packed with Yard’s organic Now I am not normally a fan argan oil, aloe Lip Gloss in of nettles. I seem to be forever vera, jojoba and Fig, £9.50. It’s getting stung by them when shea butter, so rich in seed retrieving a football out of the is incredibly and fruit oils, long grass or trailing after my moisturising. so nourishes dog through the woods. But they Thankfully it’s also lips while do have some good qualities. easily absorbed, giving them a Nettles are packed with amino as I’m usually decent burst acids and proteins, so can help running late for the of colour. It’s to strengthen your hair. You can school run. Natural easy to apply make an effective hair rinse by Intensiv is very gentle, so is and also has a steeping leaves in hot water, but suitable for allergy sufferers, and subtle orange if that sounds like a bit too much may help with eczema and other flavour and effort, try Paul Mitchell’s Super dry skin complaints. scent. Being Strong System. This British fragrance house a gloss, the three-step Atkinsons is celebrating its colour doesn’t hair care 200th anniversary this year. last that long, but it does leave range uses To celebrate, and mark the my lips feeling moisturised. nettles Queen’s 90th birthday year, it Next on my list is a new makeup and other has launched a new perfume, palette. I like one that I can keep botanical Oud Save the Queen. Inspired in my bag then whip out when ingredients by the Orient, this fragrance is there’s talk of cocktails. Marks to bursting with spicy, exotic notes, and Spencer’s Autograph strengthen including bergamot, jasmine, Face Palette ticks all the boxes. hair, add orange blossom and, of course, There are nine eyeshadows, two shine and oud. However, there are also blushers and four highlighters, so prevent sun notes of the damage. quintessentially I’ve been British Earl using it for a few weeks now and Grey tea. This am suitably impressed. fragrance is on I am incredibly lazy when it my wish list, comes to body lotion, so don’t rather than tend to use it as much as I should shopping list, when I’m covered up in the unfortunately, winter. So once summer hits, as it’s an eye my legs are a bit of a sorry sight. watering £150. I’ve been tackling them with To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 33 Fundraising Tips

Top Tips for Charities and Good Causes Readers may recall that in last month’s charity enabled by employers / companies. column I mentioned seven local causes which The statistics showed that 47% of people had are hard at work in the towns and villages to participated in informal or formal volunteering which the Villager is distributed. They and all at least once a month in the last 12 months the charities in our area are the local “heroes” while 69% of people had taken part in formal usually volunteering their time to benefit their and/or informal volunteering at least once in local community, and no doubt they have some the last 12 months. It is interesting to note that fun in the process – I certainly hope they do! I employer supported volunteering showed the was very pleased to get a response from one of least number of volunteers – 3% of people the charities I mentioned, Potton Hall for All. Kim participated in employer supported volunteering Gutteridge, a Trustee of the charity, contacted at least once a month me and mentioned that they are busy working while 8% of people said they had been involved towards obtaining planning permission for the in employer volunteering at least once in the new Community Hall which, as their Facebook past 12 months. I suspect that may be because page states is for “Potton’s future Olympians, perhaps there are too few employers who BAFTA winners, nature lovers, chart toppers and encourage employer supported volunteering. historians”. I wish them the best of luck with Perhaps local employers might like to consider their project and hope that local people will rally including this for all their staff? around this local cause. Charities and Volunteers go together like salt The Trustees of Potton Hall for All, and the and pepper, bread and butter - an essential Trustees of the very many other causes in permanent partnership. our area are all volunteers and the charities Volunteers are just ordinary people, yet they themselves may have other volunteers, who are make such a difference. Charities need to be not Trustees, who run the charities. Volunteers sure that they don’t take their volunteers for give their time freely and are a very granted. The most important aspect of valuable resource for charities. In a UK volunteer management for all charities government survey, “Community is to remember two simple little Life Survey” for 2014 – 2015 words, “Thank you!” Once your (the latest one, no further volunteers are on board, it update since then), they is essential to keep them describe three categories motivated. Motivating of volunteering : volunteers is a topic I Formal volunteering will deal with in another – giving unpaid help column but there are through groups, clubs or many useful and easy organisations ways to do so. More Informal volunteering – information on volunteer giving unpaid help as an management can be individual to people who found on my website are not relatives www.support4charities.com Employer supported volunteering - volunteering by Toni Hasler undertaken by employees that is of Support4charities.com 34 34 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 35 Time of Year By Louise Addison

Wimbledon fortnight is the annual event which only boys were selectedFacts but in 1977 girls were enthuses even non-tennis-lovers. used for the first time though it was only in 1985 Here are some Wimbledon facts to muse on as you they were allowed to appear on centre court. enjoy the matches. More than 50 000 tennis balls used at Wimbledon Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event to be every year! 700 or so go missing when they played on grass, which is cut to exactly 8mm for accidentally fly into the crowd. Balls are replaced the competition. every 7-9 games, and those not in use are stored in There is a strict dress code. Players must dress special refrigerated containers to make sure they in mainly white clothing and umpires request are kept in peak condition. them to comply. Even Roger Federer was asked to Wimbledon is synonymous with strawberries change his shoes because they had orange soles! and more than 140 000 tubs will be consumed There are 250 ball boys and girls at Wimbledon. by spectators this year. Players on the other hand Their average age is 15. They are all volunteers prefer bananas for energy and will consume selected from participating schools. Historically around 15000 of them!

EBAY COLLECTIONS Local & Reliable

36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE We take time to listen and find the best way forward Contact us to arrange your free initial 30 minute visit (We are happy to come to you for a small extra charge) Wills www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk Our staff have successfully drafted Wills for many years; truly we are experts. Close to Baldock town centre in spacious £135 inc. Single Will £199 inc. Mirror Wills surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking. Probate Helping you prove a Will after death. • CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST £545 inc. Plus Court fees [unless it is a huge estate] • LARGE LUXURY EN-SUITE ROOMS to obtain a Grant of Probate from the Court • FREE WIFI INTERNET ACCESS • SKY TV/DVD PLAYER Lasting Power of Attorney • FRIDGE IN ROOM Arranging for a relative/friend to act on your behalf if you • PRIVATE LOC ATION lose mental capacity. • CLOSE TO TRAIN STATION £350 inc. Plus Court fees to draft & register with Public Guardian Office • MAJOR CREDIT CARDS TAKEN

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 37 38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Employment Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd Employment Matters BREXIT - What could it mean for employees and employers? If, on 23 June 2016, the UK voted to leave the existing regime of direct discrimination, indirect EU what could be the effect for businesses and discrimination and harassment seems unlikely. employees and the amount of employment law Family Leave that comes from Brussels? Once out of the EU the Rights to parental and family leave in the UK government could in theory repeal some of it but are a mixture of rights from the UK and EU. UK would any government really do that? maternity leave and pay preceded the EU rights Many employment protections like equal pay, race and are more generous in some respects. The and disability discrimination laws, and the right of new right to shared parental leave and the right return from maternity leave existed in some form to request flexible working are both purely UK in the UK before being imposed by Europe and domestic in origin. much of it is regarded, by employers, employees Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of as a good thing. Employment rights such as family Employment (TUPE) leave, discrimination law and the right to paid TUPE often attracts a bad press, but the principle holiday and family leave go further than the EU that employees should transfer when a business directives. changes hands or is contracted out is useful and If the UK did vote to leave, two years’ notice is is incorporated and priced into many commercial required during which time the parties would outsourcing agreements. It seems most likely that negotiate the terms of departure. The UK will wish the government would make some minor changes to stay in some sort of trading relationship with to make it more understandable and business/ the EU and it will no doubt involve adherence to a employee friendly, perhaps permitting the certain amount of EU employment law. harmonisation of terms following a TUPE transfer. So, gazing into my crystal ball, if freed from EU Holidays and working time constraints what is likely that would actually The right to statutory paid holiday under the change? Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) is also now Agency Workers broadly accepted. However, there are aspects of The most likely review is the Agency Workers this right and of other rights under the WTR that Regulations 2010 which are unwieldy, unpopular the government might want to tweak perhaps with business and many workers. to give more a more flexible framework for the Discrimination benefit of businesses and their employees. It is difficult to imagine any government, Collective redundancy consultation employees or employers arguing that they should Collective redundancy consultation obligations be free to discriminate and any change to the are not particularly onerous and it is not obvious that businesses regard consulting with their employees as a burden that should be removed. In conclusion If we retain some EU law the UK courts are likely to continue to regard judgments of the ECJ on those laws as persuasive and pre-Brexit UK court decisions incorporating ECJ interpretation would continue to be binding on lower courts and tribunals. If the UK does leave the EU, it seems unlikely that UK employment law would be transformed in any significant way, particularly in the short term. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 39 Hollywood Dogs

By Sarah Fryer

From Pampered Pooches to Coiffured Cats... Personal hygiene and caring for oneself is big One business however that you could trust with business, it was once a regime that only really your furry friend is Hollywood Dogs, a family applied to women, but then men started to follow business based in Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. suit and wanted part of our beauty phenomena. Husband & Wife team Rachel and Matt have been Well in today’s society, it has extended even further, here for 12 years, and within this time have built up it is no longer just the female and male generation an unparalleled reputation. They are trusted by all that enjoys receiving pedicures and specialist of their clients and the repeat business they receive hair care, it is our four legged friends too, yes our reflects this. beloved pets. Dog owners in many ways, treat their animals like Dog grooming is becoming ever more popular, their children and would have nothing less than the and such a vast array of services are on offer for our best for them when it comes to any kind of care and pampered pooches, however, not all parlours are attention. safe or carry out the level of professional service we Introducing the Team, you have Rachel who is would expect for our dogs. head stylist to the dogs, Matt, who is Rachel’s

40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts husband and is the bather to the dogs and Chelsea, a talented groomer, who recently attained a distinction in her City & Guilds qualification in Dog Grooming. So what kind of services are on offer for our dogs? Well in fact there are many ranging from grooming, shampooing, facials and deep cleansing massages to name but a few. Hollywood Dogs only use the best products on their clients and are proud to use Wildwash shampoos and conditioners which are 100% natural , ph balanced to suit your pet’s skin and using a unique blend of pure essential oils to enhance your pet’s coat and treat sensitive skin issues. Every dog receives a Blueberry Facial with their grooming treatment to brighten and cleanse the face. One of the packages offered at the salon is the hugely popular ‘Star-Shine and Sparkle’ treatment which is ideal for short haired dogs like Labradors. By using the hydro massage bath, it deep cleanses the coat and helps to dramatically cut down the amount of hair that your dog sheds in the home. Something every pet owner can relate too. Another on offer is ‘The Hollywood A List Groom’ which is their signature full groom service. A personal consultation is carried out followed by a relaxing Southbark Blueberry Facial. Next the client would receive a deep cleansing hydro massage bath, a fluff dry and complete groom out, a de- shedding treatment, De-matting (if necessary), a breed appropriate haircut, Pedicure, ear and eye cleanse (ear plucking if necessary) and to finish off a spritz of doggie cologne. Your dog will leave the salon looking and smelling like a million dollars. So how often should pet owners be getting their animals groomed? Well it is advisable to keep your dog or cat’s coat free from tangles and foreign It is not just our barking friends that can benefit from bodies every 4 to 8 weeks. Obviously this time the grooming and hygiene procedures, Hollywood frame can vary from animal to animal, but Rachel dogs also cater for our feline friends too. and her team are happy to assist anyone with any The service is called ‘The Cat’s Whiskers’ and includes questions. a personal consultation, a complete groom out and Rachel and Co also have a retail section with unique removal of all undercoat, a deep cleansing hydro products to treat your pet, including Wildwash massage bath (optional, depending on your cat), a shampoos, designer dog collars and handmade pedicure and an ear and eye cleanse, and of course a unique dog tags from Hashtagdogtag. spritz of cologne to leave your cat smelling divine. In fact the boutique is expanding all the time with Hollywood dogs also have a very active facebook new and exciting products and the fact some of community where you can read many reviews from them are unique, makes it even better. many of their clients and join in with the latest There is also a walk in nail clipping service available Hollywood Dogs news. with no pre booked appointment needed. The cost The Salon is open Tuesday to Saturday from is just £5.00 9am to 5pm so pop along and say hello or call Like human beauty salons, there are add ons you can have to any package, such as teeth cleaning and 01767 600212 ear plucking. Both available from £8.00 46 Shortmead Street, Biggleswade SG18 9AP To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 41 Garden Water, Water Everywhere... With summer well under way, gardens will need of foliage or flowers getting scorched - as can more water than the rain is giving them, but how happen if they are wetted in bright sunlight. can you minimise the amount you apply, make best Where possible use a watering can or hose with a use of what you’ve got and still have a good-looking gentle nozzle attachment and water only the areas and productive garden? where the water is needed. If the soil is very dry If possible, wait until the autumn to plant out trees, before you start to water, then sprinkle the surface shrubs and climbers – it will be far harder for them gently with a light drizzling of water and return to establish properly now and they are more likely to a few minutes later - you will find that the water suffer serious setbacks. However, if you can’t avoid penetrates down to the roots much more effectively. planting, improve the soil texture by digging and Excessive watering on a very dry surface is likely to forking in plenty of garden compost, well-rotted lead to a lot of run off and wastage. manure or other bulky organic matter so that the Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com soil is better equipped to retain moisture – sandy for a really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite soil will then hold water more effectively whilst clay gardening items including Nemaslug to safely soil is less likely to crack. It may be hard work but it control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, will make life a lot easier for the plants, and means SpeedWeeders, ladybirds to control greenfly, you will spend far less time watering later on. biological controls, pull-out mini tunnels, signed It is still well worthwhile mulching beds, borders books and lots more besides. and your vegetable plot. The mulch needs to be 2” - 3” (5 - 7.5 cm) deep and you can use shredded composted bark, composted chipped bark, cocoa shells or many of the numerous pebbles, shingles and so forth which are now available. If the soil is well watered before the mulch goes on, then it will really help to keep moisture in the soil and, as all the materials I’ve suggested will let plenty of rain through, when it does rain the plants will still benefit. Mulching will also help to keep down weeds. In drier areas of your garden, try to use drought tolerant plants. Those with silvery or grey foliage such as the lavenders, Sedums (ice plants), rock roses (Helianthemum), rosemary and Convolvulus cneorum all tend to thrive in dry conditions, and are also more likely to do quite well if planted now. Make the most of any rainfall by fitting a water diverter to the drain pipe which takes water from the guttering from your greenhouse, house, conservatory or garage, and divert the rain straight into one or more water butts. You can also fit a water diverter to the downpipe which takes water from your bath, hand basin or kitchen sink. Normal amounts of shampoo, bubble bath and washing up liquid should pose no threats to plants, and these detergents may help with pest problems such as greenfly. Unless there’s no alternative, always water in the evening or extremely early in the morning, which By Pippa Greenwood drastically reduces the amount of water lost through evaporation, and means that there is far less chance www.pippagreenwood.com 42 M.J.Building Ryall Supplies Ltd. Suppliers of Timber and all Building Materials

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 43 44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Food and Drink Honey and Berries Natural and Pure Tsar’s organic honeys start off in the remote, mountainous Altai region of Siberia. There are no pesticides, chemicals and nothing to contaminate. Documented to have antibacterial properties, the 100% Raw Sweet Clover Honey is TA10. The 100% Raw Buckwheat Honey is TA20 and, despite its name, has no connections with wheat. These organic, Siberian honeys have individual, superb flavours. Not having been overheated, the coarsely-filtered raw honeys preserve enzymes that produce both antibacterial and health-giving properties. The Buckwheat Honey is particularly recognised for its medicinal benefits.

I found the Sweet Clover Honey Other products, new to me, ingredient for cuisine. The Aronia to be not too sweet – in fact just which I find exceptional also, Berry Chutneys are impressive right – for the tastebuds and are from award-winning Beri and popular, too. The chutneys with a very pleasant mild flavour. Da. Aronia berries are now utilise whole Aronia berries, plus This active 10+ production is grown in the UK and the Beri Da other natural ingredients, to known and respected for its handcrafted products are made produce the exceptional flavours. sedative and anti-inflammatory with selectively, handpicked Great to accompany a lot of benefits. The Buckwheat berries, that are homegrown, dishes and fine foods. The Beri Da Monofloral Honey has many in organic conditions, on the products are free from artificial devotees, too. Nectar is also foothills of Snowdonia. Aronia colourings, preservatives and collected from the Altai region berries are recognised for additives. Email: aronia@berida. of Siberia for this intensely- having a high concentration co.uk www.berida.co.uk flavoured, active 20+ honey. A of antioxidants. The berries are most splendid production, with also grown in Eastern Europe a very rich, powerful and lasting and are native to North America. taste, which gives the palate However, they were planted in extended pleasures. This honey is Wales in recent years and are attributed to having antioxidant thriving. The berries are rich in and good healing properties. vitamins C and E. These honeys are available in the UK. The fruity Aronia Berry Vinegar I find really good and Email: [email protected] very appealing to have as a www.tsarshoney.co.uk condiment and also to use as an As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 45 46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 47 Garden View Garden Ornaments

By Rachael Leverton

Ornaments polarise gardeners. They’re a love ‘em or hate ‘em subject. I fell firmly into the hate ‘em category. I thought dad’s own avuncular manner. A girly friend of mine they had a place in big country gardens but looked has a series of small bronze faeries set around slightly tacky in suburbia. This antipathy may date her tiny plot, which are perfectly in tune with her back to my childhood and Mrs. Frost, our elderly personality. neighbour, who had a front garden stuffed to I favour natural materials myself but several years the brim with gnomes, windmills and concrete ago I purchased beautiful and rather elegant heron toadstools. If our ball ever strayed into this shrine to created from recycled metal. I adore it because it kitsch she’d burst from her house with a banshee- reflects both my love of birds and my passion for like scream, brandishing a broom at us. recycling. It stands near a boulder fountain and Somewhere along the way though I’ve mellowed. I occasionally brandish a broomstick at my sons As I’ve studied show gardens and magazines I’ve when their football strays too near... realised that ornaments have a definite place in a Ornament Ideas… garden as long as two important considerations ...not a gnome in sight! are met: To set off ornamental grasses try ceramic balls in Context vivid blues and greens set among cobbles. The ornaments complement the style of the For minimalist contemporary plots, mirrored garden. Classical statuary doesn’t work in columns and pyramids look striking. contemporary spaces, while traditional gardens Classical statuary and urns look best in more formal, might need to avoid stainless steel or modern, traditional settings. They are best made from abstract sculptures. marble or stone. Resin copies can look tacky. Size Don’t be frightened to show your sense of humour. Ornaments should be an appropriate size for the Quirky can look brilliant in the right setting. setting. Sculptor Dennis Fairweather’s best seller is a stone Rules are there to be broken of course and face and hands which emerge from a tub of water whatever your garden type or size the ornament as if the figure had just been for a dip! you choose should be special to you. Natural materials can be a good starting point for My father had a grumpy gargoyle-like creature, set garden ornament novices. Balls and sculptures among ferns at the bottom of his patch. It made made from willow are subtle and elegant additions everyone who saw it smile in recognition of my to any garden. 48 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts GILKS FENCING LTD All Types of Fencing, Gates & Railings, SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

Call for a FREE Survey & Quotation Visit our Display Area at: Gilks Fencing Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX Tel: 01767 650 615 Email: [email protected] www.gilksfencing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 49 Local News Horseboarding at the Annual Burghley Game and Country Fair It’s May Bank Holiday Weekend the sun is shining and her horse Ronnie (Oberon) the crowds flood in to spend a great family day out at are based in Potton, the the annual Burghley Game and Country Fair. hometown of The Villager. Everywhere is buzzing with the crowds, the food Amy and her family had seen tents and stalls are packed with three arenas full of Horseboarding by chance attractions for people to watch and interact with, and wanted to get involved. including gun dogs, falconry, motorbike stunt “We spoke to Dan at the displays to name but a few. In addition to these there trade stand but just couldn’t is the fairly new extreme sport of Horseboarding, get a team together” being run twice daily in the countryside and main explains Amy. “We contacted the Sport again later Andy Singleton Arenas. on through Facebook and they put us in touch with Daniel Fowler-Prime, the founder of Horseboarding a stand in boarder who was experienced and helped UK said, “The crowds at Burghley were some of the us to train and get our team to the events” biggest we have seen at this event, People were The team Bruises Easily is now competing at every coming to the trade stand to tell us they came for the opportunity and now have a full time boarder Reece day just to see the Horseboarding teams compete Wagland. Reece was not actively competing at the which is great”. time of introduction due to the loss of his team horse In 2004 Daniel and his brother Tom discovered that from Scally Wags the previous season. horses and boarders could be put together for racing Bruises Easily quickly qualified through the novice purposes. After experimenting it was decided that category, with Burghley therefore being their first padding and head protection should be considered intermediate entry as a fully committed team. as essential equipment for this extreme sport. The competition was thrilling with an amazing For a number of years Horseboarding UK has been performance all round, Bruises Easily won the one of the main attractions for the Living Heritage intermediate category at Burghley with an eight shows and teams travel around the country to second lead ahead of second place. compete and give a fabulous display of boarding, Amy said, “It was so exciting racing in front of the horse-riding and great team work. Naturally, one cheering crowds with such a lovely group of people the biggest attractions for the crowd is the all cheering each other’s teams on, Horseboarding is spectacular crashes when a boarder parts a fantastic sport to be involved in. company sometimes at great speed from If you are interested in getting involved in the sport the other elements of the team. like Amy and Reece then follow the link on One new team that is progressing Facebook www.facebook.com/UKHorseboarding/ very quickly this season is Bruises or visit the website at www.horseboarding.org. Easily. The rider Amy Fordham and

50 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf 07/06/2015 13:34:43

CMY

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 51 Pets

Animal Know-How The dangers of a British summer…

Many dog owners are unaware of the dangers of • Dogs can die within 20 minutes of been left in a leaving their pets in parked cars, even for a few car. That’s much quicker than it takes for you to minutes. Here are a few sobering facts: queue up at Costa and eat your lunch. • We are a nation of pet lovers, yet are far more On a warm day, you just have to touch the likely to leave our dog in a car alone for a few dashboard, steering wheel or seats to know how minutes, than our phone. hot the inside of a car can get. But it’s not just on • Almost half of us mistakenly believe it warm days when dogs are at risk – vehicles can be is ok to leave a dog in a car if we leave a death traps even in cooler temperatures. window partially open or park in the shade. Under 20 minutes in a hot car can prove fatal to Unfortunately, these are myths. In reality, a dog should its body temperature exceed 41 neither action has any significant effect on the degrees. As the temperature inside the car rises, temperature inside a parked car. in just a matter of minutes, the dog’s suffering • A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, will become evident through excessive panting, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When whimpering or barking. This will develop into a it’s 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an loss of muscle control and ultimately the kidneys unbearable 47 degrees within the hour. will cease to function, the brain will become irreversibly damaged and the heart will stop. Sadly, many of the dogs that will die in cars this year will be beloved family pets. The owners simply don’t realise how quickly the temperature in their car can reach the same as an oven. The message is simple: don’t leave your dog in a parked car. If you see a dog in distress in a parked car call the Police Service (999) or the RSPCA on 0300 1234999. Caravans and conservatories can pose similar threats to your beloved pets – so think before you leave.

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca.org.UK/local/bedfordshire-north-branch

52 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 53 Electrician Lambourn www.rooneyelectrical.co.uk MOT and Service Centre Ltd

Your LOCAL MoT, tyre and service centre in Shefford Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job? 01462 811333 Fault finding/repairs Pay us a visit – we’re near Morrisons! Lambourn MoT & Service Centre Extra lights and sockets Unit 10, Old Bridge Way, New fuse boards Shefford, SG17 5HQ Rewires P.A.T testing Visit: lambournservicecentre.co.uk Landlord inspections

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54A1 Garage Doors 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding15/03/2016 to adverts 13:53 Motoring First Drive: Range Rover Evoque Convertible Four years after its concept debut, The added weight of the chassis and drivers of the original Evoque Range Rover’s Evoque convertible – 1,967kg compared to the are also expected to be tempted. has come to fruition. Its hard top coupe’s 1,690kg – is noticeable What’s it like to drive? sibling has already sold more than when accelerating out of corners, The 9-speed gearbox feels too half a million units since it was though switching into its semi- sluggish for the convertible, due launched in 2011 and over 1,500 automatic function and making to the weight of the strengthened orders have so far been placed for use of the steering wheel mounted chassis. However, in its position as the convertible variant. paddles proves slightly more the new it-car for fashionistas, it is What is it? responsive. unlikely that the convertible will The Evoque convertible is the What’s the spec like? be tackling much more than the world’s first convertible compact A 10.2inch touchscreen allows the occasional country road. SUV. Based on the same platform driver to navigate using easy pinch Acceleration to 60mph takes as the Evoque, and featuring much and swipe motions even whilst 9.7seconds while the vehicle tops of the same spec, the convertible driving. However, it can prove out at 121mph and steering is looks luxurious. The car’s chassis difficult to read when the roof is reassuringly firm at both high and has received strengthening down. low speeds. in order to maintain the car’s Safety is accounted for by hidden Wind noise is reduced in torsional rigidity, despite its lack aluminium roll over bars, which convertible form thanks to clever of roof. automatically deploy in the event aerodynamics and an optional What’s under the bonnet? of an accident. wind deflector, meaning that A 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium The convertible is not just a noise and buffeting in the front of diesel engine powers the 4x4, summer fancy. Boasting a 251litre the cabin is limited, and audible putting out 180PS and 430Nm boot, 500mm water wade ability, conversations can be held even at of torque through the Efficient all terrain progress control and a motorway speeds. Driveline four-wheel-drive system. ski hatch, it is a comfortable and Verdict This system varies the flow of relatively practical drive. As 4x4s go, the Evoque convertible torque between the front and The roof can operate at speeds wouldn’t be the obvious choice. rear wheels in different driving of up to 30mph and, unlike some Practicality is seriously limited, conditions. other convertibles, neither rear and realistically the model would Fuel economy is a modest visibility nor boot capacity is only provide a comfortable long 49.6mpg while the diesel emits compromised when the roof is distance journey for two. 149g of C02 per kilometre, folded down. But drivers wanting the benefits of making it theoretically one of the Any rivals? both a 4x4 and a soft top can’t go most fuel efficient Range Rovers Like for like, the Evoque wrong. Perhaps the model could available. convertible has no rivals. It is likely do with some refinement, but for The 9-speed automatic gearbox to draw a customer base from fans the first of its kind it will certainly is from the standard Evoque. of luxury D-segment convertibles, set a precedent.

THE KNOWLEDGE: Model: 2016 Range Rover Evoque Convertible 2.0-litre 4WD HSE Dynamic Power: 180PS Max speed: 121mph 0-60mph: 9.7 seconds MPG: 49.6mpg Emissions: 149g/km

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 55 HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

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

Classic Kedgeree Many of the chefs and cooks on my Weekend Kitchen show are great characters with brilliant stories. Take Turan Turan, who runs classes about food smoking and curing in Great Linford. Thirty years a London firefighter, his new career involves a much safer form of smoke! Hot and cold smoking fish at home is actually really easy, safe and a lot of fun and Turan’s full methods for hot smoking salmon and cold smoking haddock can be found on the recipe sheet at http://bbc.in/fishsmoking. One of my favourite dishes involving smoked fish has to be a classic kedgeree and Turan made a beautiful one for the show. You can follow his instructions for home-smoking the haddock at the link above, or simply buy it in store. The result is a fragrant, balanced and delicate kedgeree which is delicious hot or cold. INGREDIENTS In a pan of boiling water, hard boil the eggs for 10 450ml water minutes and cool under water. 350g cold smoked haddock loin (store-bought or If your haddock is not cooked, you’ll need to poach made using the method above) it. In a shallow pan of simmering water add the cold 170g long grain rice smoked haddock and bay leaves, cover and simmer 2 large free range eggs for about five minutes. 2 tomatoes seeded and chopped Remove the haddock from the pan and leave to cool. 2 spring onions Carefully remove the skin and flake the fish. Set this 12mm of fresh ginger peeled and grated aside. 2 tbsp mild or medium curry powder Heat a pan with a glug of oil and the butter then add 1 tbsp black mustard seeds the ginger, onion and garlic. Soften for five minutes 2 bay leaves and add the curry powder, mustard seeds, rice and 2 handfuls of fresh coriander leaves salt - coating the rice with the melted ingredients. 1 clove garlic, grated Add the water to the rice and bring to the boil. 1 red chilli finely chopped. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked Juice of half a lemon and the water has been absorbed. 1 tbsp vegetable oil Quarter the hard boiled eggs, 1 tsp butter Add the flaked haddock to the rice and mix in the 1 tsp salt coriander and chilli. Stir gently and place in a warm serving dish. Garnish with the remaining coriander and serve.

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

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 57 Local News Rehoming Appeal This is Duncan, just one of several rabbits and guinea pigs that are being cared for by R.A.T.S. at the present time. Duncan was born in October 2013. He is a lovely rabbit but came to R.A.T.S. as he didn’t get on with the children in his family. He is a bit of a character - being very lively, and is perhaps best suited to someone with some experience in keeping rabbits. If you would like more information on Duncan 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

58 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Alan George Painter & Decorator

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 61 This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com What’s OnIn July 4 May-28 September 6 July 9 July Open Every Wednesday Battle of the Somme July 1916 Vivace Summer Concert 2016 - Fairest Isle Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden 7pm for 7.30pm 3.30pm 10.30am-3.30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Upper £5 including guided tour The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Tilehouse Street, Hitchin Pre-book dedicated tours for more than 15. Association is pleased to present a talk by Martin Adults £10 adults, Teens £8, Children Produce from the Garden Stall. Enjoy a light Middlebrook on the use of battle of the Somme An exploration of English Music including works lunch in beautiful surroundings or homemade 1916. Non WFA members most welcome. A by Handel, Parry, Elgar and Shearing. Admission cakes, snacks and savouries. Come and visit small donation is encouraged at the door to pay includes tea and cake. Tickets available from this inspirational volunteer-run garden revival. for the running of the branch. Hitchin Festival Box Office or the Ticket Manager. Follow signs for the Walled Garden. No entry via Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com Tel: Ticket Manager 01462 735642 Luton Hoo Hotel. (Sat nav LU1 4LF). Web: www.vivacechoir.co.uk Tel: 01582 721443 7, 14, 21 & 28 July Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk Baldock Community Orchestra 9 July 7.15-8.30pm 10th Anniversary Concert 3 July Knights Templar School, Baldock 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bassingbourn ‘Braintrust’ Half Marathon This exciting new orchestra meets every Putnoe Heights, Bedford 10am Bassingbourn Village College Thursday. Rachel Dawson will be the conductor. Tickets £8, Concessions £6 Web: www.fit4thechallenge.co.uk Anyone can join – you don’t have to live in Bedford Community Chamber Orchestra Baldock! There are few opportunities for presents their 10th Anniversary Summer 3 July beginners, learners and rusty players in this area Concert. Music includes ‘Adagio from Spartacus’ Shefford Annual Duck Race so join up now! by Khachaturian, ‘Finlandia’ by Sibelius and a 12pm-4pm Email: [email protected] Medley of 007 Themes. Tickets available on the Bangkok Lounge Garden, Bedford Road, Shefford door. Email: [email protected] Shefford Annual Duck Race for Acorn Pre-School. 7, 14, 21 & 28 July A Family Fun afternoon which is in its 19th year. Sapphire Social Club 13 July Sponsor a duck to race down the river, there will 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin Henlow Branch R N A 7.30pm also be stalls, face painting, a bouncy castle and We are a small, friendly social group that caters Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow food and drink provided by the Bangkok Lounge. for the unattached. Our members tend to be The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval Tel: Andrea, Acorn Pre-School 01462 816281 around 50+ but we have no age bar. Varied Association meets on the second Wednesday of events are organized throughout the month. No each month. Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 4, 11, 18 & 25 July joining fee for the first two months. Branch Out Social Club for Single People Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 14 July 8.30-11pm Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk Education and Social Mobility Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Doors open 7pm, talk starts 7.30pm Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a 9 July British Schools Museum, medium-sized Social Club for single people. It The Signals Museum 10am-4pm 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin was formed in 1995 to bring together single, The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to Tickets £5 including tea/coffee and biscuits on divorced, widowed and separated people, the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such arrival. Collections intern Helen Tyler charts the aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus effects on social mobility linked to improvements Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the in public education in the Victorian period. company. The club organises regular events, Guardroom. See website for full information. The fifth of our 2nd-Thurs-of-the-month talks. such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk Advance booking recommended. walks, theatre and concert visits, day and Tel 01462 420144 weekend trips and holidays. Email: [email protected] Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

62 Please mentionPlease mentionPlease The mentionVillager The Villager The and Villager andTown Town and Life Town Life when Life when when responding responding responding to to to adverts adverts adverts Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s On In July 16 & 17 July For children aged 4 and above. Booking 30 & 31 July Art Appreciation & Skills Weekend essential. Children must be accompanied by a Fuchsia Festival 12 noon-5pm Clophill Eco Lodges, Clophill, Bedfordshire responsible adult, but adult admission is free. The Church of St Mary Magdalene, Caldecote, MK45 4BP Please note the museum is only open for these SG7 5LE Free admission £90 per person for 2 days including lunch and pre-booked, timed children’s sessions on these Caldecote Church Friends. A display by the Beds. professional tuition. Led by Katharina Kubrick for days, not for regular museum visits. Sessions & Herts. Fuchsia Society with refreshments, beginner, intermediate or advanced artists. Two take place in the boys’ school at the top of the Fuchsia Plant and ‘Bring and Buy’ sales. days including tuition on drawing and sketching, slope. Tel 01462 420144 Donations welcome - to be solely used for the creative session in ink or charcoal, colour mix Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk restoration of this tiny, medieval and beautiful demonstration and oils tutorial and masterpiece church. Please note: No toilet facilities. creation on Sunday afternoon. Equipment 27 July Tel: 01462 742446 starter pack £15. Tel: 07935 911207 Choir Concert by City Chorus Web: www.caldecotechurchfriends.org.uk Web: www.clophillecolodges.org.uk 7.30pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Tickets £10 31 July 22 July Letchworth City Chorus bring the West End The Sunday Dance Club Hitchin on the Somme and more to Hitchin with an exhilarating set of 7.30-10.30pm The Spirella Ballroom, 7pm British Schools Museum, tunes from Les Mis., Phantom and other smash Bridge Road, Letchworth 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £5 hit musicals. You will be humming along and Chill Out in our air conditioned ballroom. Dance, Hitchin on the Somme: Illustrated talk by tapping your toes, you may even be dancing Ballroom, Latin and Popular Sequence. Free “Herts at War” historian Dan Hill marking the and singing along! Come and hear North Herts parking and licensed bar. Tel: 01234 300179 involvement of the Hertfordshire Regiment at foremost Community Choir singing some of the Battle of the Somme 1916. Tel 01462 420144 musicals’ biggest numbers! You never know, you 16 August Email: [email protected] might even want to join them! Cash Bar. Busk Til Dusk 2016 3-10pm Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Sue Ryder - St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger 28 July Following the amazing success of last year’s 23 July Thursday Drop-in 11am-2pm event, Sue Ryder is pleased to announce Busk Sir Geoffrey de Haviland British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, till Dusk 2016. This year’s event promises to be 2pm British Schools Museum, Hitchin £2.50 per child, Adults free even bigger and better. Some fantastic acts from 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £5 Different trail or activity every week. All children 2015 are reappearing this year. This festival-in- Illustrated talk by Mike Ramsden on Sir must be accompanied by an adult. Please note a-day really has something for everyone. From Geoffrey de Haviland. Mike trained at the de this session takes place in the Infants’ school classical to rock, pop and everything in between Havilland aeronautical school as an engineering (ground floor space that includes reception/ you won’t be disappointed. An event that you apprentice. He worked for de Havilland Aircraft meeting room, the exhibition gallery and won’t forget, while raising lots of money for Company in the early fifties. He then became discovery room) the rest of the museum will your local hospice. Bring your blankets, picnics editor of Flight 1964-1981. He was editor in chief be shut during this session and only adults and painted faces. There will be something for of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Vice President accompanying children will be admitted. everybody including a variety of food traders and of the de Havilland museum 1982-2012 and St John’s Bar serving real ales, cider and Pimm’s, is a trustee of the Geoffrey de Havilland Flying 30 July with all profits going to the hospice. Foundation. Tel 01462 420144 Harpenden Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival Web: http://www.busktilldusk.com/ Email: [email protected] Doors open 1.30pm, music starts 2pm and ends Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 10pm. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Rd, Escape over land and sea this July Harpenden with Gallery 1066 Let the power of art take you away this summer as 27 July To find out more about the line-up and festival, we exhibit an outstanding collection of land and Children’s Discovery Day – Don’t lick the please visit the website. seascape artists. Exhibiting over 20 acclaimed artists wallpaper Tel: Tickets 01472 349222 from the UK and around the globe Gallery 1066 10am-12.30pm, 1-3.30pm Web: www.harpendenbluesfestival.co.uk for will celebrate the inspirational natural landscape. British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, information and tickets Show continues until the end of July. Admission free, please contact the gallery for further details. Hitchin Facebook: www.facebook.com/ gallery1066fineart.com. 01462 896164 £4 per child, Adults free events/220765788277809/ [email protected] To advertiseadvertise in in The The Villager Villager and and TownlifeTown Townlife Life please please please call call 01767 01767call 01767 261122 261122 261122 63 Technology The Greater Outdoors The gadgets that make Summer sizzle

Let’s be optimistic and pray for a charger, which has an RRP of from around £50 and can chill a long hot summer. What gadgets £39.99, is widely available for as bottle of white wine in less than can help your summer really little as £13.99. While you’re at 10 minutes, while the lower-tech sizzle? From making parties more it, you could buy yourself a solar bottle wraps sit in the fridge entertaining to ensuring your powered wireless speaker too: until you need them, chill bottles barbecued food is full of flavour the Gemtune Kinna speaker is in around 15 minutes and cost and not food poisoning, gadgets £40, while the larger and longer £9.99. Beer drinkers can join in are here to help you make the range Jabadoo wireless outdoor too: the Xcellent Global Beer most of every second of summer. solar speaker is £99. Even if you Chiller Chilling Sticks, stainless One of the big trends this year don’t go solar, a wireless speaker steel rods you freeze and then is solar power - not because is an excellent investment for stick in your beer bottles, are Britain has suddenly got sunnier, summertime sounds, as it means £9.99 for two. The chillers work in but because the combination of you don’t need to keep your some soft drink bottles too. more efficient solar technology music close to a power point. We started off with optimism, and low-power technology For many of us summer but let’s add some realism too: such as LED lights means solar means outdoor cooking, and the British weather being what gadgets work properly, even of course there are plenty of it is, it’s a good idea to have when it’s a bit dull. You’ll have products designed just for us. early warning of incoming bad seen endless solar lights and The Looftlighter (£48) and BBQ weather. An outdoor weather spotlights, but how about solar- Dragon (£46) use super-heated station provides just that, and powered water fountains, bird air to get your barbecue started you can choose from traditional baths or other water features? quickly, while the iGrill Mini (£43) clock designs with integrated You can spend from around is a Bluetooth thermometer that barometers and thermometers £50 to several hundred pounds tells your phone when your food from around £25 or go high-tech depending on how complex the is ready. If money’s no object, the with a wireless weather station, feature is and what it’s made of: SmartGrill offers voice control, which can cost from around cheap ones tend to be made of recipe apps and notifications on £25 to several hundred pounds resin, while natural stone takes your phone or tablet. The bad depending on the features you you into the hundreds. news: the smallest one is around want to have. Or you could Solar power is also very good for £1,400 and the most expensive always go on Amazon and buy charging phones, which is handy model, the 42-inch, is nearly the Amscan PPP GB Umbrella if you’ve embraced streaming £7,000. Hat, which offers the protection music and use your smartphone Gadgets aren’t just about of an umbrella with the hands- to play sounds in the garden. grilling, and they don’t all require free convenience of a hat for just It pays to shop around: for a second mortgage either. £2.99. example the PowerBee Executive Automatic wine coolers cost 64 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 1st Glass Window Repairs ears eerience

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Well-designed storage makes an enormous racks at the bottom, an umbrella hook, and a shelf difference to our homes, so interiors expert at the top. Alternatively, it may be possible to build Katherine Sorrell takes us through some room- an under-stair cupboard, kitted out with hooks, by-room ideas. shelves and racks. Our homes are full of stuff, and each room requires Bathrooms - Custom-made floor and wall cabinets specific solutions. You could do this yourself, are ideal for storing toiletries and spare towels, plotting on graph paper where doors, windows, keeping surfaces clear, while vanity units with radiators and other furnishings will go, making shelves, drawers and cabinets can be built around use of ‘dead’ spaces such as under stairs or sloping sanitaryware to cover up pipe work. Alternatively, ceilings, the alcoves either side of a chimney breast consider free-standing options such as dressers, or the space below a bay window. Alternatively, cupboards and chests, and wall-mounted pieces interior designers can create an overall ‘look’, like shelves, racks and mirrored cupboards. Pipe but should understand space planning, while runs can be hidden behind false walls of studwork architects are suited to more extensive works that and plasterboard, within which you can punch involve extensions or alterations, and can help to shallow shelves and cupboards. Do the same when make the most of your space. building a shower wall and create niches in which Living rooms - Often the public face of a home, to store shampoos and soaps. the living room is where you’ll show off treasured Bedrooms - There are four ways to fit out a possessions whilst concealing less attractive items, bedroom: use free-standing pieces that you can so to cope with these twin demands build in take with you when you move (but probably storage that includes open shelving and/or display won’t be space efficient); find a carpenter or joiner niches as well as cupboards. A central chimney to make a bespoke room; use a fitted-furniture breast with alcoves either side is ideal for shelving specialist, whose ranges often feature ingenious above and cupboards below, or run a long, low storage solutions; or use inexpensive, off-the-shelf cupboard along one wall – perhaps incorporating elements from DIY shops or storage specialists, a fireplace or TV in the centre – the top of which and make it up yourself. It’s a question of working can serve as seating or display space. If two rooms out what best suits you, your property and your have been knocked into one there may be space pocket. for shelving or cupboards over the central double Children’s rooms - Raised beds with storage doors, or in a small room it may be possible to fit underneath are great for storing clothes or toys. shelving above or around the door or the windows. Drawers should be easy to open, but with stops Halls - Hallway storage is all about organisation – that prevent them from sliding right out. Use large slimline furniture such as console tables or storage boxes, baskets or cupboards for bigger toys, and benches works well. For a variety of storage types, smaller containers for things like Lego, toy soldiers supplement coat hooks behind the door with shoe and paints. 66 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery

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68 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts History An Independent Nation America is centre stage at the moment with sent troops there to keep order. On March 5th the imminent presidential elections. The U.S. 1770 British soldiers fired on a mob. Several men prides itself on its independence, but what is were killed in what became known as the Boston Independence Day really about? Massacre. The soldiers involved were arrested but In the eighteenth century, America was a series of there remained a very anti-British feeling among thirteen colonies governed from Britain. Initially the colonies. the relationship between the two countries On the same day as the Boston Massacre most of was strong but gradually the colonists became the Townshend acts were abolished. But Britain irritated by their lowly status. Simple decisions had a point to prove so left the Tea Act in place. which affected their daily lives took months This infuriated the colonists. They turned away to implement because they had to be passed all tea clippers from their harbours. Then on through Parliament in England. During Britain’s December 16th 1773 a group of colonists dressed war with France it paid less attention to the as Indians boarded a ship and threw the cargo of American colonies and they became more self tea into the sea. This became known as the Boston reliant setting up their own de facto government Tea Party. When the British Government heard systems. what had happened ministers were incensed. When Britain noticed this burgeoning Britain closed Boston Port and put Massachusetts independence it decided to impose greater under military rule. Anger in the colonies spilled control again: the agriculture, trade and purchases over. In 1774 the First Continental Congress met of goods were too important to lose. At the same in Philadelphia and drafted the Declaration of time Britain resented the costs of protecting the Rights and Grievances. There were attempts at colonies and decided these should be funded conciliation but when armed colonial militia through taxation. The Stamp Act, passed in 1765 inflicted a defeat on the British army at Lexington meant certain imported items were taxed. These and Concord the American War of Independence were marked with an official stamp. In protest was under way. merchants banded together and refused to buy The war officially began in 1775 and ended with goods from Britain. The act was cancelled in early the peace treaty of 1783. It transformed the 1766. original thirteen British Colonies into the But the British Government under King George United States of America. III still held the power and in 1767 Charles America officially split from Britain on 4th July Townshend, the chancellor of the exchequer 1776 with the signing of The Declaration of imposed new taxes on tea, paint, lead, paper and Independence. glass. He also passed the Quartering Act whereby British soldiers were to be quartered in the homes of the civilian population. Once again the colonists boycotted British goods in protest. The rebellion centred on Boston so the British Government

By Tom Hancock

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 69 Food & Drink Homemade Ice Lollies Do you share the same childhood memories of 2. Sugar improves the taste and softens the summertime as me? When it got hot, did you take texture. Too little will result in a solid block of out the ice cube tray, fill it with diluted cordial and flavoured ice; too much will result in a lolly that eagerly wait for it to set so that you could enjoy is partially liquid. Healthier alternatives to sugar impromptu homemade ice lollies? And were you include date syrup, honey and coconut sugar. usually disappointed when you came face to 3. When filling the mould, leave about 5mm at the face with crunchy, crystallised cubes of weakly top to allow the mixture to expand. flavoured water rather than the delicious, mouth- 4. To make sure the sticks stand upright, freeze watering, thirst-quenching, temperature -cooling for about an hour and then insert the sticks. creations you were expecting?! Alternatively, cover the top of the moulds with Legend has it that the ice lolly was invented in foil, make a slit and insert the sticks through it. 1905 by an 11 year old American boy named Frank 5. Freezing quickly reduces the amount of ice Epperson, who accidentally left a glass of soda crystals. Turn the freezer to the coldest setting with a mixing stick poking out of it on his porch and place the moulds at the back. Lollies on overnight. The next day, he found he had made a average take around 4-5 hours to freeze but delicious frozen treat. Regardless of their origin, set faster, the higher the water to sugar ratio. homemade ice lollies offer endless possibilities. Alcohol slows the process, with too much Orange and lemon, minted milk, strawberries and alcohol resulting in a slushy lolly! cream, pineapple and coconut, grapefruit and 6. To un-mould, immerse in hot water for 20-30 campari or vodka and tonic are just some of the seconds. Dip just below the top rim and pull flavours you could try. hard on the sticks to yank the lollies out. To avoid the disappointing results I experienced, 7. Store frozen lollies in sealable freezer bags or here are a few tips to ensure success at the freezer. waxed paper. Make sure they are airtight to 1. Make the mixture too strong. Cold numbs the prevent ice crystals from forming inside. taste buds, so add extra lemon juice, balsamic 8. For super quick lollies, simply freeze pieces vinegar or even chilli to give the lolly oomph! of fruit. Cover bananas in peanut butter or chocolate spread before freezing or blend fruit puree with plain yoghurt. Frozen Angel Delight tastes just like mini milks!

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70 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 71 June’s Competition Winners

Farr Festival Claire Hodges from St Neots Shan Collins from Brampton Caitlin Hillard from Wrestlingworth Caron Kitchener from Stevenage Margaret Major from Henlow

Bickerdicks Garden Centre Donna Lincoln from Upper Caldecote

72 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts June’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs D Davis from Gamlingay

Easy

Hard

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Across 7 Fruit (6) 8 Echo (6) 9 Sunrise (4) 10 Centuries (8) 11 Far away (7) 13 Type of boat (5) 15 Later (5) 17 Immobilized (7) 20 Correctly (8) 21 Silly (4) 23 Devils (6) 24 Almost (6)

Down 1 Information (4) 2 Type of seabird (6)  3 Cleaning (7) 4 Intoxicated (5) 5 Coil (6) 6 Attractive (8) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 12 Deduced (8) 14 Sickly sweet (7) cut out this page and send to the address below before 16 Hire (6) 18 Noon (6) 15th July 2016 19 Quick (5) 22 Trip (4) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

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76 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fun Quiz - Money 1. Which US President features on a one dollar bill? 2. What two word term refers to an instruction a bank account holder gives to their bank in order to pay a set amount of money from their account to another account at regular intervals? 3. What is the main colour of a 20 Euro note? 4. In London slang, how much money would you have in total if you had a “monkey” and a “pony”? 5. Money Never Sleeps was the sub-title of the 2010 sequel to which 1980s film? 6. How many times is the word “money” mentioned in the chorus of the ABBA song Money Money Money? 7. On a standard UK keyboard, the pound sign appears on what number key? 8. Founded in 1762, what was the world’s second oldest merchant bank, which collapsed in 1995 after suffering losses of over one billion dollars due to the actions of “rogue trader” Nick Leeson? 9. Which is worth more?... two kilograms of one pound coins or one kilogram of two pound coins?

10. Rich Uncle Pennybags is the mascot for what?

7. Three 8. Baring’s Bank 9. Two kilograms of one pound coins (£210 v £166) 10. The board game Monopoly game board The 10. £166) v (£210 coins pound one of kilograms Two 9. Bank Baring’s 8. Three 7.

4. £525 (£500 plus £25) 5. 1Wall Street 6. Seven (“Money Money Money” twice, plus “If I had a little money, it’s a rich man’s world”) world”) man’s rich a it’s money, little a had I “If plus twice, Money” Money (“Money Seven 6. Street 1Wall 5. £25) plus (£500 £525 4. 1. George Washington 2: Standing order (note: direct debit is incorrect as this doesn’t refer to fixed amounts) 3. Blue Blue 3. amounts) fixed to refer doesn’t this as incorrect is debit direct (note: order Standing 2: Washington George 1.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 77 Books

Accountants ByBook Willow Coby Review The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Published in 2004, Niffenegger’s debut work has become an international best-seller. Accountants In 1991 20-year-old Claire is an artist who makes paper sculptures for a living. She bumps into 28-year-old Henry, a librarian at the local library. He has never met her before, but Claire has known him all her life; for Henry is not an ordinary man. He was born with a genetic disorder which causes Aerials and Satellites him to time travel. He has no control over it, and cannot predict how long he will stay in one AERIALS & SATELLITES T/A Broadband Communications time. He jumps around his own timeline and Established 1993 experiences events in his own history. Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials So, on this day in 1991 when he and Claire meet, Freesat & Satellite Installations she becomes a part of his experiences and Commercial IRS Systems therefore his timeline. He begins to travel within All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 her life and their ‘first’ encounter is when Claire is Based in Stotfold just 6 years old. Over his many ‘visits’ as she grows www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217 into adulthood they form a close relationship and eventually fall in love. Written in the first person this novel alternates between Henry and Claire. We follow Claire’s Carpentry and Joinery timeline chronologically, with a note at the start of each chapter reminding us how old they each are at that point. Henry’s age does of course jump Tim Jordon around. Carpentry and Joinery Niffenegger wanted to create the perfect Made to measure quality timber products supply and fit. soulmate. If that is what Henry is then it explains Doors, Windows, Stairs, Gates, why Claire spends her life waiting for him to Kitchen Worktops, appear in hers. It raises the question of whether a Wood staining, painting and varnishing brief moment of pure happiness is worth the pain Station Road, Lower Stondon, Beds. when that moment is over. Tel: 01462 850363 or 07544 790071 78 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Classifieds

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