Henlow-Apr-16.Pdf

The VILLAGER Issue 89 - April 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS Inside this issue Win tickets to The Battle Proms The Lace Makers 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 Polgara’s Secrets...... 48 Go On, Grow Your Own!...... 51 True Gents Barbers Gadgets for the Indoor Gardener...... 52 30 Moles...... 55 Hallelujah!...... 58 Spring Clean...... 60 Golden Years...... 63 Animal Queries...... 65 Children’s Page...... 66 Range Rover On Test...... 69 Pear and Ginger Tiramisu Trifle...... 70 Beer At Home...... 72 The Lace Makers...... 4 What’s On...... 74 Off the Wall - Gallery 1066...... 8 Does Your Pet Have an Allergy?...... 78 Masquerade Ball, Wyboston Lakes...... 10 Puzzle Page...... 80 The London Marathon...... 12 Don’t Be Taken in by the Pension Scammers...... 82 Bedfordshire Young Farmers...... 15 Prize Crossword...... 86 Organ Scholarship Scheme...... 16 Rethink Your Drinking Habits...... 88 Win Tickets to the Battle Proms...... 19 Book Review...... 94 Flooded?...... 23 April Fool...... 25 Spring is in the Air...... 27 Polgara’s Secrets Fighting Pain and Fatigue...... 29 48 True Gents Barbers...... 30 Sugar: Not So Sweet and Innocent...... 33 Herts Careline...... 34 Get the Haircut You Want...... 38 Schönbrunn Palace -Vienna...... 40 Planning a Master Bedroom...... 42 Raymond James Investment Services...... 44 Employment Matters...... 47

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, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Louise Addison, Publishers Susan Brookes-Morris, Kate Duggan, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Villager Publications Ltd Alison Runham, Solange Hando, Katherine Sorrell, Carol H Scott, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Pippa Greenwood, RSPB, Nick Coffer, Kate Duggan, Iain Betson, Tel: 01767 261122 Kate McLelland and Bruce Edwards [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 Alexander Rath 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

LaceThe traditional and skilled craft of lace making Makers the Brussels and Italian tradition which meant to produce trimmings for clothes and household working the decorative elements first and then items was once an important cottage industry ‘grounding’ them in a mesh afterwards. in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Lace was made on hessian pillows, traditionally Buckinghamshire. These counties were the major filled with straw, that rested on a wooden stand or producers for the East Midlands region and ‘horse’. Lace patterns or ‘prickings’ were transferred thousands of men, woman and children were onto paper parchment using pin holes and Indian employed in the lace trade to earn a living, often ink. This paper pattern was then attached to the working out of their homes to sell lace by the yard pillow and the lace was made by working around to local dealers. pattern pins with silk, cotton or linen threads Lace making dates back hundreds of years and which were carried on a large number of bobbins there are many different types with varying styles moved over each other during the process. and methods of production. In Bedfordshire, the Made from wood or bone, Bedfordshire bobbins original handmade lace was old point ground lace were unique in that they had a slim shank and made in the French Lille style. With this type of were weighted with a spray of glass beads. Thread lace, the pattern and (back)ground were worked would be wound, looped, twisted or plaited together and the designs highlighted using a shiny around the pattern pins to painstakingly produce thread called gimp. The lace was intricate and took the strips of delicate lace. a long time to produce. Its delicate nature meant From the 16th century onwards ‘bone’ lace making that it was particularly popular in the fashion was taught in Bedfordshire workhouses. This industry for ladies’ dresses. practice led to the development of Lace Schools It may be that the style of Bedfordshire lace - similar to the Bedfordshire Straw Plait Schools - was influenced by royalty. It is rumoured that during the 17th and 18th centuries. Queen Catherine (Catalina) of Aragon taught the However, these ‘schools’ were no more than early townsfolk of Ampthill how to make it when she sweat shops that exploited children from poor was imprisoned there for a time while waiting for families who would have to supply dealers with her divorce from King Henry VIII to be finalised. large quantities of lace for a pittance of a wage Other parts of the country, such as the well-known handed over to their struggling families. Hours lace-making area of Honiton in Devon, followed were long and the children were often beaten if 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 5 their lace wasn’t up to the required standard. makers moved to producing Maltese and Torchon In true slave labour tradition, lace ‘tells’ became lace. Maltese lace had been showcased at the popular - a chant by the young lace makers that Great Exhibiton of 1851 and its novel, eye-catching they would call out together as they worked. The design had instantly become the height of fashion tells often incorporated a variation of counting up while the word ‘torchon’ is actually French for to, or down from, the number 19, which is believed ‘dishcloth’. As its name suggests, it is a rustic, to have been synonymous with the change of peasant-style lace that lends itself well to more pattern pins. durable household pieces such as table linen. Demand for home-produced lace during this Both types of lace were worked with plaits rather time and throughout the 18th century was high than a ground to tie together bolder, more solid as imports of foreign lace were banned and the designs - something that machines were unable Napoleonic Wars made it hard to come by. The to reproduce. It came to be called ‘Bedfordshire local lace industry thrived as a result but its days Lace’, often incorporating small features and were to be numbered. details to prove that the lace was handmade. In The decline began in 1809 when John Heathcoat Buckinghamshire, old point lace continued to be of Nottingham invented a bobbin net-making favoured, becoming known as ‘Bucks Point’. machine which semi-automated the production Despite local lace makers’ attempts at adapting of lace. Now, only the decorative elements needed to the changing market, the First World War saw a to be done by hand. This inevitably led on to the further decline in demand for English lace with the invention of a machine that could produce lace arrival of Belgian refugees. Belgium is still a well- entirely. Although its quality was not as good known nation of professional lace makers who, as handmade lace, it was sufficient to supply with changing fashions, were able to supply what the demand of the middle classes. The need for small demand there was at this time. handmade lace began to diminish. By the first half of the 20th century, the local lace Queen Victoria’s choice of Honiton lace for her making industry was all but dead. However, during wedding dress in 1840 rather than that from the Second World War, it enjoyed a resurgence the East Midlands was a further blow to the when American soldiers stationed locally started Bedfordshire lace making industry. In addition, by buying small items of lace to send back to loved this time, import duty had gone down and foreign ones at home. lace was also entering the country. Its quality was Lace making as a hobby started to regain deemed to be far superior to that made in the popularity around 50 years ago. The Association centre of England. of Lacemakers was set up in Elstow in 1975 and a Furthermore, by the 1880s, the 1876 Education year later, the Lace Guild - a national organisation Act, which ensured all children had access to - was founded in Bedford. Local group Aragon a proper education, outlawed the lace schools Lacemakers (named after Queen Catherine) also that had not only exploited their charges but formed in Bedfordshire in 1977. frequently deprived them of the teaching that The history of Bedfordshire lace making continues would enable them to learn to read and write. to be of interest and has certainly left its pattern Census figures show that in 1861, there were over mark. Bedford Museum and Cecil Higgins Gallery 26,000 lace makers in Bedfordshire but that by have examples of Bedfordshire lace, while Wardown 1891, this figure had dwindled to just 3,376. Park Museum in Luton houses a wonderful display In response to this decline, Bedfordshire lace of lace making examples and artefacts. 6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 7 Gallery 1066 ‘Off the Wall’ ‘Lion’ by Matt Buckley A new perspective to looking at Art… At Gallery 1066 we aim to bring a diverse mix of eclectic art in many guises to the heart of Hertfordshire. Motivated by our client’s demands we offer a unique and ‘off the wall’ art portfolio to put an individual stamp on their homes. With over 80 artists from around the globe our gallery is constantly evolving and offering a new experience on every visit. Introducing 3 Outstanding Sculptors…

Jennine Parker Sculpture is an increasingly exciting and popular genre and Jennine is one of the most highly regarded Matt Buckley contemporary sculptors working in Welcoming Matt Buckley and his striking collection the UK. of contemporary sculpture; emotionally evocative, These stunning bronze sculptures fiercely modern yet remaining utterly affordable. represent the ideas of love, Made from reconstituted stone and marble resin protection and guidance, seen each piece is carefully hand painted to offer through the enfolding wings of an individuality to bring each sculpt to life. Buckley angel or the warmth of a human has directed and sculpted many famous figurines embrace. including the Beano and Dandy, Roald Dahl, We are now showcasing Jennine’s Bagpuss, The Magic Roundabout, Mr Benn and new quartet in the gallery please Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and visit us to see the complete Stingray, to name but a few. Gallery 1066 is proud collection, prices start to represent this incredible new collection, prices from £495.00. start from just £70.00.

‘Affinity’ by Jennine Parker Bob Crooks Bob Crooks is one of Britain’s most highly recognised leading glassblowers. Renowned for his high quality, skilfully executed dynamic forms and surfaces. His work has been exhibited at international level and in noted exhibitions in Italy, China, Scandinavia, Australia and the USA, alongside many exhibitions at home in the UK. Each piece is designed, handmade and finished by Bob. No moulds are used to create the forms or surfaces achieved. We work closely with Crooks and offer bespoke commissions; if you would like a unique piece of glass sculpture personal to you or someone you love, why not choose Bespoke Glassware something out of the ordinary! Prices start from £85.00. by Bob Crooks

To find out more about Gallery 1066 and our exciting year ahead of new artist collections and artist events please visit us for a fine art experience and join the art revolution on your doorstep! A warm welcome awaits you. [email protected] www.gallery1066fineart.com T: 01462 896164 Gallery 1066 Fine Art Ltd, Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street Baldock, Herts. SG7 6AE 8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 9 Wyboston Lakes is holding an exclusive Masquerade Ball on Saturday 11th June

To mark the beginning of a fantastic summer, Wyboston Lakes is holding an exclusive Masquerade Ball is the perfect opportunity Masquerade Ball on Saturday 11th June and for an evening of style, elegance and tickets are on sale now. From 7pm, guests will entertainment! Tickets are £46.95 per person be treated to a selection of canapes on arrival, and include all of the above. Overnight followed by a stunning three course dinner packages are also available, priced at £86.95 and live music from dynamic local band, per person (based on 2 sharing) so if you need Vision. a place to rest your dancing shoes, our award- With a black tie dress code and a beautifully winning, luxurious hotel rooms will be waiting themed venue, the Wyboston Lakes for you.

So book your tickets now at www.wybostonlakesbookings.co.uk or call 0333 7007 667 and join us for a brilliantly fun and memorable night!

10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts THEVILLAGERMAG MASQ 11032016.pdf 1 11/03/2016 14:24:58

You are invited to our Masquerade Ball at Wyboston Lakes

• Saturday 11th June @ 7pm • Canapés on arrival • 3 course dinner • Live music from Vision C • Beautifully themed venue M • Dress Code: Black Tie Y Sc��

MY Inclusive overnight package CY priced at £86.95 per person CMY (based on 2 sharing)

K £46.95 per person Secure your tickets today ...

Book online at www.wybostonlakesbookings.co.uk or call us on 0333 7007 667.

Facebook.com/wybostonlakes @wybostonlakes instagram.com/Wyboston_Lakes

Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire, MK44 3AL

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 11 Time of Year The 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on Sunday 24th April. First held on 29th March 1981 with just 6,255 participants crossing the finishing line, the event now holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest annual fund raising event in the world, and has The raised over £450 million for charity since it started. The race was founded by former Olympic champion Chris Brasher, and athlete John Disley. London After competing in the New York City Marathon in November 1979, Brasher felt inspired to organise a similar event in Britain that could bring together people of all races, creeds and backgrounds in a Marathon joyful way. The race is set over a flat course around the River Thames, and covers a distance of 26 miles and 385 By Debbie Singh-Bhatti yards. Starting at three separate points it ends in The Mall alongside St James’s Park. The year 2010 saw the biggest field since the race began, with 36,549 crossing the finishing line, and around 38,000 people are expected to take part this year. There are several ways to apply for a place in the race. The cheapest is by ballot entry. This is done online and last year applications took place over a five day period a week after the marathon was run. It costs around £35 to enter, and organisers expect nearly a quarter of a million people to apply this year, but only 50,000 will be successful, and it is predicted that 12,000 people will drop out. The fee can be paid at time of application or later, but if unsuccessful the fee will be forfeited. Many opt to donate it to charity if this happens. If you are not one of the lucky ones, the next option is via a charity. The Marathon website (www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com) lists charities that have reserved places on offer, but there are usually more runners than places. Successful applicants are likely to be selected according to their connection with the charity and the amount of money they have pledged to raise. Entry can cost up to £100 and you may be expected to raise a four figure sum! Other admission methods include Good-For-Age Entry, available to previous entrants who have completed the race within a specified time for their age, and British Athletics Clubs can apply for entries for their members. A small number of places are also offered through competitions on the Marathon’s Twitter and Facebook sites. Only participants who complete the race inside eight hours receive a medal and have their finish time published in the official results. A small number of runners, known as the ‘Ever-Presents’ has completed every London Marathon since 1981. The oldest is aged 82, the youngest 57. 12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 13 THE UNFORGETTABLE Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).

Please phone or email for details 07719 261147 • 01767 260671 email: [email protected] www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk

14Steve Dean 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding09/03/2016 to adverts 21:51 Local News Bedfordshire YFC Ready for a Fun Day - 21st May 2016 Bedfordshire Young Farmers is celebrating its 70th competition and the flour and water fight! year with the 69th Annual Show and Rally being The day offers something for all, with about hosted by North Beds Young Farmers at Manor 2500 general public in attendance enjoying the Farm, Green End, Pertenhall, Bedfordshire, MK44 numerous trade stands, craft stalls, children’s 2AZ, by kind permission of the Bates Family on entertainment area, vintage tractors, show Saturday 21st May 2016. jumping, main ring attractions and many more Bedfordshire Young Farmers has 7 clubs and over things to see and do. 400 members and is open to all who are aged Entry £8 which includes free car parking and show between 10 and 26 who have a passion for the yearbook. Under 12’s free. countryside who want to make lifelong friends, Lots of fun for all the family and a great day out. have fun, learn a wide range of skills, travel and take part in many competitions. For more information on contact Federation of Throughout the day numerous competitions Jane Helliwell, County Organiser, Bedfordshire take place which come to a finale in the main Young Farmers’ Clubs, Wootton Park Farm, ring in the afternoon with a hard fought tug Hall End Road, Wootton, Bedford Mk43 9HT of war competition, grand parade of winning Telephone 01234 765903 stock, parade of hounds, and at the end the long or follow us on twitter and face book awaiting and highly contested decorated floats or http://www.bedsyfc.co.uk/

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 15 Local News Pipe Up For Place On Organ Scholarship Scheme Are you aged between 10 and 21 and interested in playing the ‘king of instruments’, the pipe organ? If so, you may be in luck as we’re accepting applications for a quartet of year-long organ scholarships. We at the Bedfordshire Organists’ Association have secured funding from the Williams Church Music Trust to offer the Young Organists Training Scheme to aspiring musicians from across Beds and much of Herts. James Watson, an 11-year-old chorister at St Mary’s Church in Hitchin who is already hitting the right notes on the organ, said: “I enjoy it because of the pieces you learn and the different sounds you make.” Each scholar will receive 36 half-hour lessons over a year with accredited teachers and will be able to attend masterclasses and workshops with high- profile organ recitalists and tutors. Prospective scholars are expected to have some keyboard ability already, but we will consider all applications. “This is a fantastic opportunity,” said BOA president Alan Childs, who is also director of music at St Mary’s Church, Hitchin. “We are looking for the next generation of organists the scholar’s parents and any church the aspiring to keep the art alive in our area. There is nothing like organist may be associated with. the thrill of filling a beautiful building with wonderful To apply for a YOTS scholarship visit http://www. sounds. bedfordshireorganists.org/ and fill in the online “We are extremely grateful for the generous support application form, or contact us and we’ll send you of the Williams Church Music Trust who have made a paper copy. the launch of this exciting project possible. If you are member of a church (any denomination) “Don’t hesitate to contact us and find out more if you – laity, clergy, parent, musician, youth worker – and think you could be a BOA Organ Scholar.” you are aware of any young person who may be Lessons will be monitored to ensure scholars are interested, please pass these details on. progressing well and attending regularly, and the For more information contact our president Alan teachers will provide termly feedback to the BOA, Childs through the details below: Alan Childs 31 Luton Road, Barton Le Clay, Beds MK45 4LQ [email protected] 01582 883420

16 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Established for over 40 years. Located in 300 acres of stunning Bedfordshire parkland. Experience the di erence at Beadlow Manor with our improved drainage and greens. Featuring two distinct, well-maintained golf courses, your game will always be challenging and varied regardless of handicap. Now under new management with an ever-growing reputation for great food. Memberships from £616* *Please also enquire about our special rates for those currently employed in the military/police/ re services. Summer societies from £24 per person Our customer service and friendly atmosphere truly sets us apart. For enquiries, please contact Laura Pick, Membership/Events Co-ordinator on 01525 860800 or on [email protected] and quote code VL01

EVERY TUESDAY Every saturday 6-9PM 10am-12pm

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To advertiseUntitled-3 1 in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 14/03/2016 15:5717 RESTAURANT FULLY LICENCED

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Winner of (for king prawn, ﬁ sh, duck, clay oven and British Curry Life Award 2014 speciality dishes add £2.50 each)

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18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts COMPETITION Win Tickets to the Battle Proms

We have 6 pairs of tickets to give away The striking backdrop of the grand Elizabethan architecture of Burghley House will once again play host to the opening night of the UK’s premier picnic concert series as the Battle Proms returns to Stamford, Lincolnshire, on Saturday 9 July, before heading to the beautiful, leafy parkland of Hatfield House, Hatfield on Saturday 23 July. Audience members will be treated to an exceptional evening of sublime classical music, carefully choreographed Spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and a stunning firework finale– all part of the Battle Proms experience! The concerts will once again be raising funds for their charity partner, Combat stress and organisers are now encouraging people to book early to ensure they don’t miss out on the best available ticket prices for this fabulous summer celebration. Tickets can be ordered online at www.battleproms.com, or by calling the Box Office on 01432 355 416 We have 6 pairs of tickets to these fabulous concerts to give away! Winners can choose which of the 2 stunning venues to attend. To enter, simply complete the form below and send to Battle Proms Competition, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Winners will be picked at random. Deadline: 29th April 2016

BATTLE PROMS COMPETITION ENTRY

Name:  Address:

Tel:

ToPlease advertise mention in The The Villager Villager and and Townlife Town Life please when call responding 01767 261122 to adverts 19 Fun Quiz - Signs and Symbols 1. What is the only sign of the zodiac that has a symbol that isn’t a living thing or things? 2. In which Irish town might you see welcome signs saying “you’ve come a long way” in reference to a song written in 1912? 3. Released in 2011, Ed Sheeran’s debut album had a title that consisted solely of which mathematical symbol? 4. What symbol appears on the triangular road sign that warns of a hidden dip? 5. Derived from the fact that it looks like four Greek gamma letters fixed to each other, the gammadion cross is an alternative name for what symbol? 6. On a standard UK keyboard, the pound sign appears on the same key as which number? 7. What five letter word do you get if you put together the chemical symbols for the elements Tungsten, Silver and Einsteinium? 8. The ampersand symbol evolved from combining the two letters of which Latin word? 9. On British roads, what animal features on a road sign warning of wild animals? 10. Which famous sign had a letter “L” covered up briefly in 1987 due to

a visit by Pope John Paul II?

9. A deer 10. The Hollywood sign (becoming “Holywood”) (becoming sign Hollywood The 10. deer A 9. 4. An exclamation mark 5. The swastika 6. Three 7. Wages (W, Ag, Es) 8. Et (which means “and” in Latin) Latin) in “and” means (which Et 8. Es) Ag, (W, Wages 7. Three 6. swastika The 5. mark exclamation An 4.

1. Libra (the symbol is “scales”) 2: Judgment Day) 2. Tipperary (after the song “It’s A Long Way To Tipperary”) 3. A plus sign sign plus A 3. Tipperary”) To Way BeforeLong A “It’s song the (after Tipperary 2. Day) Judgment 2: “scales”) After is symbol (the Libra 1.

20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 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 21 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

22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year Flooded?

What should you do? By Susan Brookes-Morris Recently there has been horrendous flooding charity The National Flood Forum can help if you across parts of the UK. If it happens to you what you are having trouble obtaining insurance. Photograph need most is information, about what to do, who your property in detail in case it is necessary to to contact and anything that might help mitigate compare the condition before and after flooding. potential damage and help you cope. Place valuable and sentimental items on high First contact your local authority or the Environment shelving and electrical goods at least 1.5 metres Agency to find out about the likelihood of flooding. above floor level. If there’s a possibility you could be affected, sign up If the worst happens and you are flooded, The for flood warning messages. National Flood Forum information states: Make a flood plan. This will cover what you will do if Always protect your own and your family’s life. Often the worst should happen and steps you can take in this will mean evacuating. Follow the advice of the advance. The Environment Agency provides advice emergency services. If you are staying in your home, about making a plan and has a range of templates keep safe and warm and move to upper floors. Do you can use. It is also a good idea to prepare a flood not touch floodwater as it may be contaminated. kit in case of evacuation. Include items such as a Do not approach buildings that are unsafe and be torch, warm and waterproof clothing, medication, extra vigilant if you are in a building that has been water, food, rubber gloves and boots, relevant flooded, as hazards may be hidden and items may documentation, money, toys for children, and food move suddenly with the water flow. Do not enter for pets. deep or fast flowing water. Turn off gas and electric Get specialist advice about materials which might supplies. help to minimise damage. The Blue Pages is an They also provide useful advice on what to do independent directory which provides details of after you are flooded, including how to make sure relevant products, suppliers, builders and insurers. it is safe to re-enter your home, and guidance on Whilst such work may seem costly, for most people cleaning up and drying out. making their property more resilient to flooding is Environment Agency: www.gov.uk/government/ cheaper than the cost of repairing damage which organisations/environment-agency also has a huge emotional impact, and could Floodline: 0345 988 1188. mean you have to live away from your home for National Flood Forum: 01299 403055. an extended period. Preventative work may also www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk lead to a reduced insurance premium or excess. The The Blue Pages: www.bluepages.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 23 Let us help you get your business off to a flying start

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Banish Win those winter blue Inside this issue £50 in our bumper Inside this issue Christmas prize crossword Win £25 in our Prize CrosswordHappy Mother’s Day Big Garden 25-26thBird JanuaryWatch 2014 Make your Mother’s Day Bringing Local Business to Local People Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, Banish The Hemingfords and all surrounding villages every month those wi The Bestto buyWay a car nter blues Bringing Local Business to Local People WinCovering: Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, The Hemingfords Win £25 Buckden • Brampton • Cambourne • Godmanchester Your and all surrounding villages every month in our Prize Crossword 1 £25 in our Prize CrosswordThe Hemingfords and all surrounding areas FREEcopy Your FREEBringingcopy Local Business to Local People Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanch and all surrounding villages every month ter, ester, The Hemingf Bringing Local Business to Local People ords Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, dingGodmanches villages every month The Hemingfords and all surroun Your FREEcopy Our award winning magazines offer a unique local advertising platform. Printed on high quality paper we are still able to offer incredible prices along with a second-to-none service, professional advert design and a team just waiting to help you. With over 9,500 copies being delivered door to door every month can your business wait any longer to be in The Villager? Advertising in The Villager and Town Life could not be easier, for further information or to book your advertising space please call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail [email protected] or visit our website www.villagermag.com

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24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year April Fool! Look out; look out there’s a prankster about! If you asked my late father-in-law what he Hilaria, a time of jollity: the most popular theory remembered about 1957 he’d lecture you for an though is that it crossed the channel from France. hour about the Russians launching Sputnik 1. In 1582 Pope Gregory switched the French If you’d asked my own dad and he would have calendar from the Roman, Julian one to the smiled and said, ‘The great Panorama spaghetti new, shorter, Gregorian calendar. Under the old hoax!’ calendar New Year was celebrated from March My dad loved documentaries almost as much 25th to April 1st. The first day of the Gregorian as he loved a good joke so when the BBC ran calendar is, if course, January 1st. their now infamous spoof programme about the Some refused to accept the new calendar and spaghetti harvest in Ticino, Switzerland, he was in still celebrated New Year on April 1st. People his element. Spaghetti was considered an exotic called them poisson d’Avril or April fish. ‘Poisson’ food at the time and my father had never tasted is in fact a corruption of the word passion and it. He was caught out along with the majority of is a reference to the mocking and tormenting the British public and laughed along with the of Jesus by the Romans at his crucifixion. It joke. The fact that the distinguished broadcaster definitely loses something in translation though! Richard Dimbleby was in on it tickled him all the In England, April Fools’ Day is a bit of a misnomer more. as we only have until 12 noon to play our pranks; It is believed that this was the first time the not really fair when the Scots enjoy a full 48 hours medium of television had been used to stage an of ‘hunting the gowk’ (cuckoo). April Fools’ Day joke. It’s always worth watching or reading the No-one knows the true origin of April Fools’ Day. news on April 1st as many programmes and It might date back to the Roman spring festival of newspapers run hoax articles. Previous jokes have included: A full page BMW car advertisement detailing their new ‘cross-channel’ model which could be either right or left hand drive, had pedals on both sides and a moveable steering wheel. A report on dehydrated water, claiming that a special powder could be converted to water by exposing it to UV light. A report about the discovered remains of a new dinosaur which apparently had a Roman coin in its stomach. I always think that the best pranks are those which involve sending someone on a ‘fool’s errand’, for a left handed spanner, striped paint or a long weight. Try it and see for yourself. Be sure to do it before midday though or you may be told: April Fools’ has been and gone; you’re the fool and I am none. After By Louise Addison To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 25 26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Health & Beauty

Spring is in the air Spring is a great time to clear out gives great, natural of a wildflower the makeup bag (or overflowing looking coverage, meadow – floral, cupboard in my case) and treat while hydrating but not too sweet. yourself to a few new goodies. and softening It’s unashamedly skin. 94% of girly, with notes testers reported including hyacinth dramatically and white rose, improved skin warmed with tone. If you can’t sandalwood and wait to take your musk. And, at just makeup off at £19.99 for 50ml, the end of the day because your it’s a bit of a bargain. Team it with face feels dry and uncomfortable, the English Daisy body lotion, you need to try this foundation. £6.50 and embrace the warmer It contains hyaluronic acid and weather. other ingredients that help to I’m finding that the sun’s keep skin hydrated for up to 12 reappearance means it’s a lot hours after applying it. Available easier to drag the kids out for How pretty is this new palette in 10 shades, the Aqua Glow a walk (although it’ll be a while from Paul & Joe? Teaming an eye Serum Foundation retails at before we’re out of our wellies I shadow duo with a powder blush, £34.50. reckon). Along with wet wipes the palette is available in two If your hair is looking a little ‘meh’, and plasters, the one thing I shades: Papillons de Printemps but there’s still weeks to go until always take with me is Pure & and Floral Nectar (pictured). your next trip to the salon, try Light Organic’s Essential Family Retailing at £28 each, they’re not a KC Color Mask. Available in on-the-Go Cream. It’s packed cheap, but the colours are easy 14 shades, including platinum, with plant-derived vitamins, to apply and you’ll be the envy golden copper, plum and coffee, and helps to treat everything of the other bathroom mirror these masks revitalise coloured from insect bites and bruises to hoggers on a night out. If you hair. A small amount helps to eczema. The 18 natural active really want to splash out, Paul & maintain the hair colour and add ingredients include soothing Joe have also released some new brightness, while a larger amount calendula, hydrating shea butter lipsticks, in three vibrant spring can deepen the colour intensity. and nourishing avocado. Priced shades. Just apply to freshly washed hair, at £15, it’s available from www. Many people find that they comb through, leave for up to ten pureandlightorganic.eu and need to buy a new minutes and wash out. They’re www.lovelula.co.uk. foundation for particularly useful for toning spring/summer, as down brassy tones in blonde their skin loses its hair, and giving depth to darker winter hibernation shades. The masks also contain paleness. (Or that’s Pro-Vitamin B5 and keratin my excuse anyway.) derivative, to help repair the The new Aqua Glow cuticle. Prices start from under £5. Serum Foundation Spring demands a lighter, fresher by Stila combines fragrance, and Yardley London foundation with a has just released the perfect one. treatment serum. It English Daisy is reminiscent By Kate Duggan To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 27 Fiddle Daemons Violins, Violas, Cellos, Bass Contact: Jackie@ ddledaemons.com

3-5 HitchinStreet, Baldock, Herts SG7 6AL 01767682693 or 07814970635 01462 612889 Wool-n-Things is an independent family run business in Baldock, Hertfordshire. Professional repairs, We stock an extensive range of products for all your knitting, crochet and cross-stitch needs. Our well stocked shop carries products from leading brands, restorations and set ups such as DMC, Sirdar, Woolcraft, King Cole, James C Brett, Stylecraft, Debbie Bliss and Noro. We also stock a wide range of patterns, needles, accessories and haberdashery Quality instruments which includes ribbon, sewing needles and buttons. Here at Wool-n-Things we are enthusiastic about our hobbies and like to share for sale and hire to suit our enthusiasm with our customers; our friendly and knowledgeable sta can advise you on everything from choosing the right colour yarn to adding those extra all ages and experience special touches that can make your projects the envy of all your friends. We are always willing to assist with any knitting and crochet problems you may be experiencing, just pop into our shop or why not come along to Part exchanges possible one of our crafty clubs. and instruments Knitting: Tuesday evenings 6-8pm and every other Thursday afternoon 1-3pm. Crochet: Alternate Thursday evening 6-8pm purchased Knitting: Alternate Thursday evening 6-8pmOur clubs are attended by people of all ages and abilities. We also run workshops, these include beginners knitting and beginners crochet, Free valuations please see our website www.wool-n-things.co.uk for more details.

28 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 who does? Call in and find out about: • The only Hyperbaric Oxygen LocalTherapy News in Herts • APS Therapy to reduce pain • Special dermatological bedding & clothing Fighting FatigueFree Oxygen & Taster sessionsPain at 11.15am. Book now! Drop-In Event - 16th April People with Fibromyalgia, CFS and ME who are experiencing the extreme exhaustion and pain Fighting Fatigue & Pain that often accompany these conditions are invited to a local charity’s Open Day on SaturdayWe’re 16th at Herts MSOn 16thTherapy April, youCentre, can see 30 Oxygen Campus Therapy Five, and Letchworth, SG6 2JF. April. Just turn up!APS Pain For Reduction more details Therapy call in action Claire – plus on give 01462 684 214. Between 11am and 1pm anyone is welcome to them a go for free! find out more about Fighting Fatigue & Pain, Brianwww.hertsmstherapy.org.uk H had APS Pain Reduction Therapy in a service run by Letchworth charity HertsHertfordshire MS Multiple SclerosisLetchworth. Therapy Centre is HeCharity said: 299524 “I anddid Company the six2215165 week Registered Pain Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF Therapy Centre. Reduction Programme. It worked well for me. I The charity helps anyone with long term or life have had pain free mobility for the first time in limiting conditions – not just Multiple Sclerosis. nine months. I finished five weeks ago. So far I am It is the only place in Hertfordshire that offers still pain free, despite moving furniture last week! Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and APS Pain Mark Boscher, Chief Executive of Herts MS Therapy Reduction Therapy. Centre added: “If you, or someone you know, has Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover Fibromyalgia, CFS or ME, maybe we can help them faster after injury, surgery, chemotherapy and to gain more energy and feel less pain.” radiotherapy. It’s also great for increasing energy. The event runs from 11am to 1pm on Saturday Some people find it reduces pain, especially 16th April. For more details, call Claire on 01462 people with Fibromyalgia. 684214 or EMAIL [email protected].

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 who does? Call in and find out about: • The only Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Herts • APS Therapy to reduce pain • Special dermatological bedding & clothing Free Oxygen Taster sessions at 11.15am. Book 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. 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 29 True Gents Barbers Last autumn, Tony Miceli took over running the As described by a recent customer, it truly was oldest barbers in Hitchin. Renamed True Gents, the ‘hidden gem of Hitchin’. With the dark front the shop has undergone a transformation with a windows, many passers by didn’t know the major refurbishment while continuing to offer a barbers still existed. However, with the recent good old fashioned gentlemen’s barber service in refurbishment True Gents has had, the barbers is an attractive contemporary environment. now fully exposed for all to admire. With some of “As a local man I couldn’t let this opportunity the alterations, including the new wood textured slip through my fingers” says Tony. “I knew there flooring, lighting and Tiffany lampshades, many is a high demand for a place where gentlemen have said the barbers is unrecognisable.” can go to be gentleman and feel at home and Men’s barbers are often quite small and narrow that’s when, last autumn, True Gents was born. but True Gents is very spacious. A double-fronted

30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts property, it has four barber’s chairs and an ample a pair. Currently, everyone who visits True Gents waiting area for customers. The Tiffany lights add receives a free gift. Complimentary beverages and a classy feel as well as paying homage to times snacks are also offered to clients. However, Tony past along with the original automatic sterilisers doesn’t see himself as being in competition with that are still on display. A new doormat with the local hairdressers as the service he offers is unique. eye-catching True Gents logo that was conceived “We are at the other end of the spectrum to the by Tony welcomes clients. ladies or unisex hairdresser” he says. “I’m fighting There are four professional barbers, three of whom the barber’s corner. To me, a gentleman should are full time and rack up an impressive 45 years go to a barber and a lady should go to a ladies’ experience between them. Customer testimonials hairdresser. Unless he has long hair, why should on the company’s Facebook page describe the hair a man pay the higher prices of a ladies’ or unisex cuts as the best around and wet shaves are now salon?” also being offered. A local man himself, Tony’s ethos is grounded in As its name would suggest, True Gents Barbers supporting home-grown businesses and keeping aims to attract the discerning gentleman who the character of the town alive. His barbers are wants a good quality gentlemen’s barber service. all from Hitchin or the surrounding area and he “We cater for all ages here” says Tony “from the describes his pet hate as being when corporate, young gentleman to the elderly customer who London or foreign companies come in, set up but come from all walks of life.” And contrary to what then take local money out of the town. many might suppose of a barber, True Gents Being a business that traditionally deals in cash, doesn’t only specialise in the traditional short, back the shop still retains its old fashioned tills but and sides. “We can also do the latest haircuts for a modern till with a credit card facility is to be teenagers” Tony explains. “Once individuals visit us, introduced in the near future and CCTV cameras we tend to get repeat business. We are mid-range, have already been installed. not overpriced and we don’t just give you a good “Our methods are traditional but our premises wet shave, we also give you a great haircut”. and ideology are totally up to date” says Tony who Tony continuously runs promotions to attract new seems set to bring the old fashioned quality and customers. Most recently he had a silent auction service of the local gentlemen’s barber firmly into for top quality men’s shoes worth around £150 the modern age.

By Catherine Rose Photography: Darren Harbar

True Gents Barbers 30 Bucklersbury, Hitchin, SG5 1BG Tel: 01462 454686 www.truegentsbarbers.co.uk Facebook - True Gents Barbers Twitter @_truegents_ 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

Alison Runham Sugar: www.alison.runham.co.uk Not so sweet and innocent Recently, evidence of sugar’s evils and a potential healthy foods, but they all contain sugars too. sugar tax have dominated the media. The Chief Hear ‘sugary foods’ and you probably think of fizzy Executive of the NHS has even proposed a 20% NHS or fruit drinks, sweetened coffees, biscuits, cakes ‘sugar tax’ on food in England’s NHS cafes. and chocolate. But check the ingredients of ketchup, So why is sugar nutrition’s new super-villain? pickle, salad cream, barbecue sauce, bottled cooking Storing Sugar as Fat sauces or shop-bought soup, curry, pizza, savoury Sugar’s most obvious risks are obesity, which costs foods and low fat ‘healthy’ options - many use large the NHS around £6.4bn per year, and tooth decay. quantities of sugar to improve their taste. What’s less obvious is that when we don’t burn off How Much Is Too Much? the sugar we consume our bodies convert it to fat, Intrinsic sugars (those naturally occurring in milk or storing it partly in the liver, which can lead to fatty whole fruit) aren’t related to adverse health effects. liver disease, and partly in our fatty tissues. A study However, free sugars - those added to foods or of the development of visceral fat - the dangerous, naturally present in fruit juices, honey and syrup – hard-to-shift fat that’s stored around the internal are, and the World Health Organisation has advised organs - showed that while it increased in all us to reduce intake of free sugars to 10% of our daily participants, it increased most in people consuming calories, and down to 5% for further health benefits. sugar-sweetened drinks on a daily basis. The UK Government has recommended this 5% limit. High sugar intake, hand-in-hand with obesity, can 5% of our calorie intake is equivalent to around also increase our risk of hypertension (high blood 25-30g of sugar (around seven teaspoons). Had a can pressure), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, of standard Coke today, or five Jaffa Cakes? You’ve stroke, gout, osteoarthritis, depression, respiratory exceeded your daily sugar allowance. The allowance problems, sleep apnoea, infertility problems, breast for children aged 4-6 is 19g a day and for 7-10 year cancer and bowel cancer. olds, 24g. Yet a standard 200ml Capri Sun contains Sugary foods can make our blood sugar levels 20g of sugar. seesaw too, making us irritable and tired when we Sugar Swaps and Drops come ‘down’. However, experts are divided about • Swap cereals with added sugar or honey for whether a high sugar diet makes us prone to thrush, unsweetened cereals with fruit. although diabetics are at higher risk and there’s • Swap sugary desserts for fruit, plain yogurts or anecdotal evidence of low sugar diets helping with homemade milk puddings. recurring thrush. • Ensure sweet treats deliver nutrition too - choose Sugar by Any Other Name... Is Still As Sweet malt loaf over doughnuts. Your latest grocery purchase may not say it contains • Exchange fizzy drinks for sparkling water mixed ‘sugar’, but glucose, dextrose, maltose, fructose with a no-added-sugar squash. (found in fruit) and lactose (found in cow’s milk) • Gradually wean yourself off sugar added in hot are all different forms of sugar, as is sucrose (our drinks, cooking and baking. everyday sugar). Honey, molasses, syrup and fruit Drastically reducing your sugar intake is tough, juice concentrate are often included in supposedly so start small and let your body (and taste buds) acclimatise.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 33 Local News Herts Careline Thousands of Who can benefit? Hertfordshire These services are not just for older people. residents benefit Hertfordshire Careline’s services can help support from community the independence and wellbeing of people of all alarms and telecare ages and circumstances, including: services provided • Those who live alone by Hertfordshire • People returning home from hospital Careline. • Those prone to falls Its range of high-tech • People with disabilities or restricted mobility equipment that • Younger people with long term health needs links directly to its • Vulnerable adults Hertfordshire based • Unpaid carers to help with their breaks control room offers • Victims of domestic violence reassurance and • Those targeted by repeat or distraction burglaries peace of mind to thousands of residents across the Hitchin resident, Alan Doggett, is a great believer in county, thanks to the subsidised community alarm the services of Hertfordshire Careline: “My mother and telecare services available from Hertfordshire in-law has had the Herts Careline system in place Careline. And because of their collaboration in her flat for some years. Last November my phone with Hertfordshire County Council and Herts rang and displayed Herts Careline. I immediately Independent Living Service, there is plenty of knew something had happened and was told about funding still available to provide community alarm my mother in-law’s fall and that an ambulance had and other assistive technology services for older been called. This was excellent and I went straight to and vulnerable people at a significantly reduced her house to assist and deal with her and the arriving price. ambulance. She was in distress and was admitted Life-critical emergency response to hospital. In all dealings the service received was Hertfordshire Careline has over thirty years succinct and professional. For lonely or vulnerable of experience providing high quality, cost people this service is a must and from my experience, effective services that promote the welfare and proof of its necessity.” independence of residents. Its Hitchin based 100% customer satisfaction and Award Finalists Control Centre takes a staggering 1,000 calls a The service has been so well received by residents day - at least one third of these are life critical in Hertfordshire that its been shortlisted from over emergencies. Their assistive technology service can 700 bids from councils across the country in the be up and running within a matter of a few days, Local Government Chronicle Awards. Hertfordshire providing reassurance for users and their families, Careline will now strive for a winning place in friends and carers. There are no upfront costs or the award categories of Health and Social Care, long term contracts, and when compared to other Partnership of the Year, and Business Transformation. types of care the monthly cost of the service is very And, in its recent annual Customer Satisfaction modest. Survey, 100% of those who responded said they would recommend the service to a friend. 100% also said that both they and their families felt more independent and reassured by having its community alarm or telecare service. Hertfordshire Careline is also the only community alarm provider in the region to have received the Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence accreditation. Find out more For more information about community alarms and telecare in Hertfordshire call 0300 999 2 999, visit www.care-line.co.uk, or email careline@north-herts. co.uk

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

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 35 36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Reassurance when you need it most

Neville Funeral Service Neville Funeral Service (inc George Squire & Son since 1976) (inc David J Binks since 2005)) 24 Clifton Road Sheﬀ ord SG17 5AE 96 Walsworth Road Hitchin SG4 9SU t: 01462 813258 t: 01462 444910 e: sheﬀ [email protected] e: [email protected] www.nevillefuneralservice.com

EBAY COLLECTIONS Local & Reliable

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 37 Health & Beauty By Debbie Singh-Bhatti Get The Haircut You Want Make sure the stylist sees and touches your hair you have and a good stylist won’t try to do the before they pick up the scissors. impossible. But they will use it as a tool to open a It is important for the stylist to see how your discussion on which aspects will work for you. hair looks currently, how you style it now and to Are you high or low-maintenance? check out your hair’s growth patterns. If someone If you’re a ponytail-n-go kind of girl, don’t ask offers to shampoo before the stylist sees you, ask for a hairstyle which requires lots of work to to talk with the stylist first. get right. It’ll only frustrate you on a day-to-day Use the right language basis. Be specific about what you want. The best Ask about products way is to talk in terms of problems. List the Part of the reason your hair looks so good when problems have with your hair. If it’s dry or fly- you leave the salon is because stylists use the away or lank and doesn’t hold a style, let the right products. While you’re sitting in your chair stylist know. Tell them about previous colour or ask about what they are using and why. Do they chemical problems. This is a very effective way have any tips to help you recreate the styling to communicate because the hairdresser will go when you get home? into problem-solving mode and allows them to Hairdressers are professionals. They are full make suggestions you might not have thought of knowledge and will be happy to share it of. because they want a happy client who will return Bring in a hairstyle scrapbook regularly. Photographs are a terrific starting point. Take in images of styles and colours you love. But be prepared for some ideas to be shelved. Your dream hairstyle might not work with the hair

38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts We build our mortgages around you

All homes are different. The same applies to the need for home financing. Therefore we offer individual and flexible solutions for all your mortgage needs and requirements. We can find a financial solution to suit your needs whether buying a new home or remortgaging.

Julie Donnelly - Individual Banking Manager Tel: 01462 441488, email: [email protected]

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

handelsbanken.co.uk/hitchin

Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered Office: Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ), 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY. Registered in England and Wales No, BR 000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No, 502007-7862. Head Office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 39 Travel By Solange Hando Schönbrunn Palace - Vienna From a modest hunting lodge to a breath-taking the Court, the 43 metre long palace and now a museum, Schönbrunn ranks Great Gallery which hosted banquets and balls, the among Austria’s top attractions, claiming seven Hall of Ceremonies and its monumental paintings, million visitors a year. Restored, extended and the Chapel and the Napoleon Room where the embellished over time on the edge of Vienna, it French Emperor stayed when he occupied Vienna. survived a turbulent past to become the favourite Beyond this palatial treasure-filled interior, the summer residence of Austrian emperors for almost Habsburg displayed their wealth and power in three centuries. Named ‘beautiful fountain’ after extensive grounds, from the botanical garden and an artesian well, it will soon celebrate 20 years as Europe’s oldest zoological park to the orangerie, the a UNESCO World Heritage site for its ‘remarkable palm house and the English and French gardens, Baroque ensemble and synthesis of the arts’. the latter by a disciple of Le Nôtre who designed Beyond the wrought iron gates, the elegant façade, Versailles. Nature reserve, pristine gardens and painted ‘Schönbrunn yellow’, rises across a vast recreation area all in one, the figures speak for courtyard where horse-drawn carriages invite themselves: 25 km of trees along the avenues, 30 km visitors to explore the grounds in style. But first of of hedges, 300,000 plants and 20 hectares of lawns all, the palace beckons with over 1,000 rooms filled mowed up to 21 times in season. with chandeliers and gold, paintings, tapestries, Entry to the gardens is free and locals and visitors imperial portraits, Rococo furniture and more. Much alike come to relax, gazing in wonder at the blazing of what we see today is the legacy of Maria-Theresa, colours of superb flower beds, listening to the cool the 18th century empress and only female ruler in gurgling of Neptune’s fountain or rambling through the Habsburg dynasty. So Schönbrunn enjoyed a dark mysterious woods. There’s a manicured maze, golden age as palace and gardens were remodelled a set of 18th century follies named ‘Roman ruin’, for the pleasure of the empress and her court. Most 32 neo-classical sculptures and a triumphal arch, impressive is the dazzling Hall of Mirrors where, they or gloriette, on the hill top with panoramic views say, six year old Mozart performed for the empress over palace and garden and the city beyond. It’s before ‘springing onto her lap and kissing her no wonder this is acclaimed as the best preserved heartily’. The Blue Chinese Salon with its rice paper Baroque garden in the world. hangings, the Porcelain Room and the Millions The Austrian Empire came to an end after the Room decorated with Indo-Persian miniatures are first Word War but with its palace and gardens, also due to Maria-Theresa, reflecting her love for all Schönbrunn remains for all to enjoy and an things exotic. enduring magnet for television and film crews, as A day would barely suffice to do justice to every seen in James Bond ‘The Living Daylight’ or the room opened to the public, but of special note are legendary Sisi trilogy. the Walnut Room, used as audience hall by Emperor Franz Joseph, his wife Sisi’s apartments where a secret staircase allowed her to escape from the pressures of

40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE

www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking. • continental breakfast • large luxury en-suite rooms • free wifi internet access • sky tv/dvd player • fridge in room • private loc ation • close to train station • major credit cards taken Tel: 07970 162753 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] North Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 5DN

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 41 Home Interiors Soft carpet, sumptuous curtains and a deeply buttoned headboard all add up to a sense of luxury. Huntington bed, £1,175, Sweetpea & Willow, tel 0345 257 2627; www.sweetpeaandwillow.com.

Planning a Master Bedroom Your bedroom is a highly personal space, but if you traditional look with character – and still enjoy are considering selling, or want to enhance your warmth underfoot. The latter option also saves the property value long term, you’ll need to design it space that the radiator would have taken up. so it has general appeal, says Katherine Sorrell. Well-designed lighting is an asset in the master Your first consideration when planning a master bedroom and though a central pendant is fine bedroom is comfort. Zone the space according to for general, overhead light, add wall-mounted use – sleeping, dressing, exercising, checking your reading lights beside the bed, a bright, adjustable laptop, reading – perhaps drawing a scaled plan of light above your dressing table and perhaps a the room to help with layout. It’s nice to have your table lamp or two to create a gentle glow, thus bedhead opposite the window, for example, with a providing pleasing ambience and flexibility. For bedside table each side, but allow at least 450mm restful darkness for sleeping, ensure curtains have of space around the bed to give you enough room. a blackout lining, or choose well-fitting shutters – Include plenty of storage: a wall of fitted which will block out noise, too. wardrobes is a great option, and you can add It is important to get the combination of bed linen free-standing pieces such as chests of drawers and and window treatments right - when the bed is blanket boxes for character and flexibility. It may plain, some pattern at the window is lovely, and also be possible to create a separate dressing area, vice versa – simply avoid two patterns that clash. using a tall bedhead, a bookcase or wide wardrobe Plain curtains can look beautiful if made from a as a partition. generous amount of fabric, hung from a pole with Although watching TV is not necessarily conducive pretty finials at the ends, and finished with an to a good night’s sleep, it is still a lovely idea to edging of ruffles or a contrast border. If privacy is a include one in the bedroom – it’s ideal for a Sunday problem, consider adding sheer or lace curtains. lie-in. Fitted furniture manufacturers can provide An en-suite - virtually a necessity nowadays - will cupboards from which TVs pop up or slide out, make your home more saleable and may add while music specialists offer all sorts of speakers value. A walk-in wardrobe could be converted to and sound systems. You will probably also want a an en-suite (though a proper bath will need more place for a landline phone, a small desk for your room), or knock through and steal space from an computer, e-reader or tablet, and somewhere to adjacent room. Compact fittings can be effective plug in a phone charger. Even in a bedroom, you in a tight space, but must be practical for regular can’t have too many plug sockets. use. Remember, the least expensive place to install Wall-to-wall carpet, especially pure new wool, is an en-suite bathroom is close to other plumbing, a good idea for a master bedroom but choose a particularly the soil pipe. And, because the room high quality underlay for bounce and softness. leads directly off the bedroom, install low-noise Alternatively, combine underfloor heating sanitaryware, dimmable lights and a high-powered with engineered wooden boards and rugs for a extractor fan controlled separately from the light. 42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Are you between the ages of 16 - 23 years old? Would you like to start a career in a quick developing industry? Become an IT apprentice with Solveway today!

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46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd Employment Employment Matters Driving While On Business? Changes to Checking Driving Licences! What’s changed? Every fleet insurance company requires this to This is ‘Real Time’ licence checking. Penalty points validate the insurance. Also, in event of a serious (endorsements) and any other changes will now road accident and subsequent investigation, the only be recorded electronically. If an offence is investigator will always wish to verify the legality committed a licence will still need to be submitted and capability of the driver. and any fines paid, but the court deals with the Not having a robust procedure can put the paperwork differently. No offences will be printed employer, the company and the employee at on any paper licence or counterpart, so neither the serious risk of breaching the legal duty of care photocard nor the paper licence will provide an responsibilities and risks possible corporate and accurate account of any driving endorsements or personal prosecution. changes. The employer’s duty of care does not change What must the employer do? because of the type of vehicle driven, who owns All employers have a legal duty of care, not only the vehicle, or how much driving the employee/ to their employees/workers, but other road users, worker does as part of their job when a person is driving on company business, or How can I comply with my employer’s legal uses a company vehicle. duties? As a minimum, employers must check on offering As a minimum this will include licence checks and employment to someone who will drive for them re checks, vehicle maintenance and safety checks - and then at regular intervals - key information and measures to confirm the continued capability such as: of the driver. • The driver holds a full and valid driving licence What is the easiest way to carry out the new for the type of vehicle they are to drive driving licence checks? • That the licence is accurate and up to date. This information is now held on DVLA’s driver • Whether a driver is still within their two year record, and can be viewed on line, or gained by probationary period phone or by post. • And, of course, if they have any endorsements or Online is the easiest option for the employer and disqualifications. they need the employee’s permission to enable legal access the information. The employee/worker will need to create a licence ‘check code’ - valid for 21 days - to enable them to view their licence detail and gets this by going on line at https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence They will need: their driving licence number, their National Insurance number and the postcode on their driving licence. Once they have the check code the details can be accessed and the employer can save the details electronically or print a hard copy for insurance purposes and personnel records. Will anyone else need these details? Car rental companies and other vehicle hire organisations use this system so it will pay to be prepared! 47 By Catherine Rose Photography: Darren Harbar

Polgara’s Secrets Opened just a few weeks ago, Polgara’s Secrets quality of the leather before they buy. When she in Hitchin is fast becoming the place to go if you saw the current premises up for rent one day while want a stylish, beautifully-crafted leather bag or out walking in Hitchin, she knew she had found a top quality handmade scarf at affordable prices. her shop. She signed the lease on the property Lorraine Matthews talked to The Villager about three days later. realising her dream and the reasons she supports The interior of the shop has been fitted out UK manufacturers. simply in wood to give a contemporary look and It is perhaps no surprise that there is a hint of uses display details such as bespoke ladders and magical discovery about Polgara’s Secrets. Polgara shelving to showcase the products to their fullest is a fictional sorceress in the books by David and advantage. Leigh Eddings. “I read the books years ago and I Although some of Polgara’s Secrets leather loved the name” explains Lorraine. “I decided that office and laptop bags are imported from top if I ever realised my dream of having a shop, that quality producers in Italy, Lorraine’s priority is is what I would call it. Polgara is a feisty character to support small UK manufacturers. These days, who loves precious stones but she is also helpful. a large proportion of the leather goods we buy She is my inspiration in choosing the beautiful are imported from abroad and not only are they products we have to offer.” not always of good quality, a customer does not The shop is the natural development of a website know if they have been ethically produced, or that Lorraine had already been running for around sometimes even which animal the skin has actually a year, selling leather bags and jewellery. Although come from. By using and having a relationship it was successful, she knew that customers like with her suppliers in the UK, Lorraine is able to to be able to touch and open bags, feeling the give her customers confidence that they are not 48 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts only supporting British manufacturing but that the leather bag or belt anywhere else around here for products are both well and ethically made. the same price.” One of Lorraine’s main suppliers, Owen & Berry, is a Lorraine’s most popular bag of the moment is an 75-year-old company based in Somerset who has Owen & Berry shoulder bag that converts to a back its own tannery and manufactures its top quality pack. Called Mathilde, it comes in leather or suede bags entirely on site. When she first saw their bags, and retails from between £120 to £145. Another Lorraine immediately fell in love with their quality advantage of using small UK manufacturers is and exclusive designs. She has now taken on that Polgara’s Secrets can also offer bespoke bags Owen & Berry as an official supplier. or have one of their existing styles customised if Having a weekend away and want to do it in style? required, providing a service for the discerning Polgara’s Secrets’ all-leather overnight bags are customer that wants a unique bag to suit her made in Scotland by a company called Rowallen needs, style and budget. and, ranging from £99 to £140, they are incredibly So are there any future plans? “I want to grow good value. the business and expand upstairs, selling leather Leather belts for both men and women are also jackets, hats & gloves” says Lorraine. Judging by its available. Unlike many belts on the market which growing popularity, it would appear that Polgara’s use reconstituted leather, Polgara’s Secrets only Secrets is set for success and that when it comes to stocks products made entirely of prime hide which finding great leather at small prices, the cat is truly is far better quality and more supple. out of the bag. As well as leather goods, Lorraine also sells Polgara’s Secrets beautiful handmade silk scarves from Ladycrow of Scotland, along with their pewter scarf rings. 4 The Arcade Walk, Hitchin, The scarves, which are hand-dyed, retail at a very Herts. SG5 1EE reasonable £16 to £30. Tel: 07557 640532 “The shop has been so well received” says Lorraine. “People say that you simply can’t find a top quality

www.polgarassecrets.com Facebook - Polgaras Secrets To advertise in The Villager and TownlifeTwitter please - @polgaras_secrets call 01767 261122 email: [email protected] 50 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Garden

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com Go On, Grow Your Own! Enjoying a delicious meal which includes some will get a good range from seed merchants or home grown ingredients is a wonderful feeling garden centres, but if you would like advice from – it fills you full of just the right sort of pride (and me to ensure great results, don’t forget that you maybe even a little bit of smugness!). It simply feels can still order garden-ready plants, accompanied good to indulge in a bit of Grow Your Own and then by weekly advice and tips emails specific to the reap the rewards. vegetables you’ve chosen to grow. There are more You may well have been sowing and potting on details at www.pippagreenwood.com/grow-your- vegetables for a while now, but if you’re behind own and you can use the code 12419-E7SPS at the schedule or haven’t produced vegetables before, checkout to get £4.00 discount, whichever pack size don’t panic – there’s still time to grow just about any you choose. Garden-ready plants can be planted crop in your plot this year. out immediately and, provided you follow the Most plants can be raised from seed now, but there instructions, keep them well-watered during drier are a few that are likely to give a much better yield weather and apply feed at regular intervals, you will with an earlier start. Instead, buy in plants of crops soon be harvesting crops such as climbing French such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli peppers, and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sugar-snap melons and aubergines over the next month or so. peas, peppers, chillies, onions, melons, butternut Some vegetables can be directly sown now into squash, beetroot and courgettes. well-prepared garden soil in a suitable spot in all Most vegetables need a good fertile soil and but the coolest gardens – beetroot, lettuce, beans, a sunny or partly shaded spot, so choose your peas, carrots, rocket, spinach to name but a few. growing area with care. If space is limited, don’t Slightly more tender crops such as sweetcorn, worry – most vegetables will do well in good sized squash and courgettes fare better if given a bit of containers (minimum 30cm x 30cm x 30cm) with extra heat when you are germinating the seeds, good-quality compost, though bigger pots will which is where an electrically heated propagator need less frequent watering. But, whether you plant really comes into its own. The seedlings may then and sow vegetables in pots, tubs, greenhouses need pricking out and potting on until they are or open ground, the end result will be gorgeous sturdy enough to live in the great outdoors, but tasting, super-fresh vegetables. So go on, get try to ‘harden off’ the young plants before placing growing! them into their final positions as they may be damaged by cold, wind or rain. Put the young Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. plants outside on warm days once the weather com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - has stabilised, and bring them back under cover fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice at night. Leave them outside after a week or so, plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa covering them with fleece at night to let them (don’t forget your offer code 12419-E7SPS for a £4 acclimatise. discount), Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up To save time, you can buy in small plants and you crop covers, signed books and lots more besides. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 51 Technology Gadgets for the indoor gardener You don’t need to get dirty to grow great things

Spring has spring and it’s open to improve air circulation that sips from any glass or mug. gardening season. But not for plants that don’t like it too There are four animals and four everybody has a garden or hot. herbs to choose from, although access to decent growing While you’re in IKEA, it’s worth of course you can put your own space - and even if you do checking out their self-watering herbs in instead. have the space, the recent plant pots too. The Sötcitron and Even the smartphone has made stormy weather has been PS Fejö pots (from £6 to £16) are its presence felt in the world of enough to keep all but the most designed for those of us who gardening, and there are lots determined gardener indoors. don’t always remember to water of apps and devices for indoor Don’t despair, though: there are our plants, and do a superb job and outdoor gardening. One plenty of gadgets that enable for very little money. of the cleverest devices is the you to grow great things indoors Fancy something a little more Parrot Flower Power, a wireless or when you have limited space high-tech? The Click and Grow device that sits in your plant for green things. There are even (€59.95 from clickandgrow. pot and monitors the plant’s tools to design gardens that com) describes itself as a health, sending alerts to your don’t exist. “smart garden” and uses a phone. It’s available for Apple If you’re also a keen cook, NASA-inspired combination of and Android phones, measures you’ll like the Indoor Allotment hydroponics and electronics sunlight, temperature, fertiliser (£24.99, currently on pre-order to ensure that your plants get and moisture, and it currently at Firebox.com): it’s a miniature the right combination of water, costs £42. That’s probably a bit herb garden complete with oxygen and nutrients without steep if you’re growing cress, but picket fence and storage shed. you doing anything. It includes if you’ve got something exotic or It includes basil, coriander a LED lamp for maximum temperamental it could be a very and oregano along with germination, and because wise investment indeed. everything you need to get it’s LED the running costs are There’s another type of digital your herbs growing - and microscopic. The creators gardening you can do, and that’s it’s small enough to fit in the suggest growing petunias, to create a virtual one in your corner of a windowsill. If you tomatoes, chillies, basil or thyme computer - something you can fancy something a little bit but it should be able to handle do just for fun, or to plan what more ambitious, IKEA’s Socker anything that isn’t too large. you’ll do to a real garden space. miniature greenhouse is just £12 If you’ve got green fingered There are many garden planning with an assembled size of 45cm children, the Chuppon self- apps to choose from, including wide, 22cm deep and 35cm watering animal planter (£9.99) My Garden (free from www. high, which is more than enough should delight them: it’s a gardena.com/uk) and Marshalls for all kinds of plants. You can ceramic animal with a herb Garden Visualiser (free from also keep the roof vents partly basket on its back and a straw www.marshalls.co.uk). 52 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Seddington Nursery

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 53 54 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Health & Beauty By Debbie Singh-Bhatti Moles Moles are small coloured spots on the skin, most often brownish in colour, which can be flat or raised, rough or smooth and circular or oval with a smooth edge. Some moles are present at birth but most develop during the first thirty years of life, with fair skinned people having more moles teenage years) and for changes to existing moles. than those with darker skin. These are things to look for: Most moles are completely harmless and it is Moles with uneven colouring or lots of different common for them to change in number and shades appearance. However, in rare cases they can Moles with an uneven or ragged edge develop into melanoma - a serious and Bleeding, itchy, red, inflamed or crusty moles aggressive form of skin cancer. Moles which grow – particularly if they are more Melanomas usually appear as a dark, fast-growing than 0.5cm diameter (about the width of the end spot that was not there before, or as a pre-existing of a pencil). mole that changes shape, size or colour and If you are concerned about any of the above, visit bleeds, itches or reddens. your GP immediately. The main treatment for You should check your skin every few months melanoma is surgery, and if diagnosed and treated for new moles that develop (especially after the early, it is usually successful.

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 55 56 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 57 Hobbies By Kate McLelland Hallelujah!

Why joining a choir is something to celebrate comes from choral singing. It’s my first session with my local community choir Choirs come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important but we’ve spent the past twenty minutes doing to find one that suits you: physical exercises, learning breathing techniques Classical concert choirs or choral societies and attempting tongue twisters. I’m wondering Large choirs that stage several concerts throughout when I will actually get the chance to sing? As the year, sometimes with an orchestra. They may if he could read my mind, Graham - the Choir perform concert works such as Mozart’s Requiem or Director - launches into an explanation of why it’s Handel’s Messiah. so important to spend time warming up both our Church choirs bodies and our voices. Depending on the type of worship practised by At the end of a two-hour session, during which we the congregation, you could find yourself singing tackle songs ranging from “All That Jazz” from the traditional sacred music, gospel songs or modern musical Chicago to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, my hymns that sound more like pop hits. new choir buddies and I are all excited and elated. Community choirs and other singing groups We are already discussing the possibility of taking Depending on what’s available in your local area part in a local festival. you might find choirs that sing rock and pop, songs Back at home, reflecting on my first ever choral from the shows, folk songs or even beatbox and rap. session, it occurred to me that there’s a lot more to Generally speaking any group that describes itself joining a choir than just enjoying a good sing-along, as a ‘community choir’ is less likely to require you to and this view is backed up by a number of high audition or read music. profile experts in the world of the arts, education When looking for a choir to join you can either do and medical science. some research on the internet (try www.choirs.org. Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at uk) or ask around locally. The arts page in your local the Institute of Education, University of London has newspaper will tell you which choirs are performing extensively studied the developmental and medical in your area. aspects of singing. He claims that the health benefits Most choirs are happy to welcome new members are both physical and psychological. “Singing has so get in touch with the Choir Director to ask about physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity the standard expected of new members. Do you that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and need to audition? Is reading music a requirement? exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even How much does it cost to join and what is the when sitting.” commitment? He believes that singing is also important for mental Being in a choir provides an opportunity to sing health: “reducing stress levels through the action of songs you love with like-minded people, and the endocrine system, which is linked to our sense of to share your love of music with others through emotional well-being.” He also believes that there are performance. If that doesn’t persuade you to join, psychological benefits from the increased sense of then the health and wellbeing aspects of choral community, belonging and shared endeavour that singing certainly should. 58 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 59 Time of Year Spring Clean By Kate Duggan If you’re planning a good old spring clean, the first thing you’ll want to do is declutter. If you don’t love it or use it, get rid of it. Charity shops are always happy to take clean clothes, ornaments, books and toys off your hands, or you could earn a bit of cash by selling on eBay, or through your local Facebook selling group. If the thought of decluttering feels a bit daunting, try to tackle one area at a time. You can start small, with the ‘drawer of doom’ for instance, working your way up to the main living areas and your bulging wardrobes. Separate items into store, sell, other wasted spaces, and look for multipurpose donate and recycle piles. If you’re dithering over storage solutions, such as chests that can double something, try packing it away for six months, up as tables. then seeing whether you’ve missed it. Just When it comes to the cleaning itself, remember to remember to clearly mark the box and set yourself clean from top to bottom, so you don’t knock dirt a calendar reminder to go through it again. or debris onto clean surfaces. You may also want to invest in some better All that’s left is to revel in your cleaner, brighter storage. MakeT&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf the most of unused alcoves 07/06/2015 and 13:34:43home. Enjoy!

CMY

60 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts GILKS FENCING LTD All Types of Fencing, Gates & Railings, SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

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62Lawnrite 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding10/03/2016 to adverts 10:08 History Golden Years Memories of 50 years ago The cleverest inventions often fail at what they’re hovercraft, SR-N2, to cross the Solent between Ryde intended to do but then go on to succeed brilliantly and Southsea – a service that still runs today, albeit elsewhere. I could write a list, but seeing that 6th with rather more modern craft! April 1966 is perhaps the most significant date in its But the Channel was the challenge. It was open sea, history, let’s focus on one example: the hovercraft. the weather could be rough, and hovercraft had not We tend to think of the hovercraft as a product of so far proved themselves terribly robust (the VA-3’s our own age, and indeed it is; but the advantages of career was ended by a storm). But the potential minimizing or even eliminating contact between hull pickings were rich: international travel was becoming and water have long been obvious. The first patent in more affordable and more popular, and Dover and hovercraft design was taken out by John Thornycroft Folkestone were at full stretch. So, on that April day (as in Vosper Thornycroft) way back in 1877 - but his 50 years ago, the 38-seater SR-N6 raised itself up on was the age of steam, and no suitable engine existed. its rubber skirt, trundled down the Ramsgate beach Once petrol engines were available, designers that would be the service’s home for the next 16 became interested in contactless or reduced-contact years, and set off on the 40-minute, 35-mile journey motorboats again - but now their inspiration was to Calais. Connecting coaches would take passengers aviation technology, and between 1915 and 1940 on to Paris for £3.7s.6d or Brussels for £2.7s.6d. prototypes of various stepped-hull and hydroplane Cheaper and faster they might be, but cross-Channel coastal craft were built in Austro-Hungary, Finland, hovercraft never really challenged the ferry’s the USSR, the USA amongst others. supremacy. Like the British airliners, the Trident and World War II put a stop to these developments, but the VC-10, there wasn’t enough demand for them in the 1950s a Norfolk boatbuilder, Christopher to justify a permanent production line. The oil crisis Cockerell, decided to revisit Thorneycroft’s patent. of the early ‘70s made them less competitive; the Light but powerful engines were plentiful, and opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 proved a fatal Cockerell was also able to design a way of swirling the blow. The last two were retired in September 2000, air cushion on which his hovercraft would ride that just a year after the death of their inventor. made it more efficient still. At last, a craft that would Hovercraft are, of course, still in use around the world rise clear out of the water! as coastal search and rescue vessels, as military Cockerell’s design won the support of the National transport and assault craft, as buses using frozen Research Development Council, which licensed Alaskan rivers in winter, although they’ve never his 1955 patent to a number of builders including eclipsed conventional vessels as was once hoped. Saunders-Roe; and on 11th June 1959 the four- But the field in which they have seater 28mph SR-N1 (Saunders Roe Nautical 1) was proved most successful is one launched. The craft was then shipped to Calais and on that Cockerell probably never 25th July made the first Channel crossing. expected: gardening. For in It wasn’t the first into service, though – that honour 1964 a Swedish engineer, went to the rival Vickers-Armstrong 3, which started a Karl Dahlman, saw scheduled ferry service across the Dee between Rhyl an early hovercraft and Wallasey in July and August 1962. The second, in action...and launched in the same year, used a new Saunders-Roe invented the Flymo.

Happy 50th birthdays to Chris Evans (1st), Teddy Sheringham (2nd), Lisa Stansfield (11th), and Phil Tufnell (29th). Cake and botox to you all! To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 63 TYNEHILL Boarding Kennels and Cattery

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64 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Pets

Animal

Dear RSPCA vet, Queries I’m lucky to own two boisterous 8 month-old kittens – Roger and Nelson. I’ve heard about microchipping, but I don’t want to do anything to hurt them. Is microchipping a young cat really necessary? Joe, Bedford

Dear Joe, Yes, I think microchipping is vital to keep your beloved pets as safe as possible. You’ll have discovered by now how adventurous cats can be! Microchipping your kittens will give them the best chance of being identified animals don’t even notice – it’s certainly no worse and returned to you if they become lost or stolen. than an injection that we all expect human babies Heartbreakingly, thousands of pets are lost every to have! year, and many are never reunited with their You obviously love your kittens. For the cost of a owners – microchipping can change that. few take-away coffees, microchipping is a great This microchip gives each of your kittens their investment and the best way of protecting them. own unique code. He can then be scanned and It’s also recommended for all other animals and matched to your contact details, which are kept birds. on a database. Make sure you update these details The RSPCA run regular microchipping events – so every time you move. keep an eye out for one in your area. Please don’t worry that this will hurt Roger and Nelson. If you saw them being carried around by ANIMAL QUERIES is one of a series of articles brought their mother, you’d have noticed kittens have a to you by the RSPCA North Bedfordshire branch loose fold of skin on the back of their neck. This is where your vet will inject a tiny microchip. Most www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 65 66 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Bold Imaginative Reflective

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68 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Motoring Range Rover On Test It’s the dreaded question that The multimedia system might be However, what really sets the anyone even remotely connected showing its age a little but it works Range Rover apart are the little to cars fears more than any other: well. It takes seconds to hook your touches. Things like the soft-close what’s your favourite car? phone up for music streaming, the doors, the illuminated logos But finally I might have the satnav might look a little dated but projected onto the floor by the answer: the Range Rover. Not the it got us to France, Switzerland and wing mirrors at night, and the Sport or Evoque but the good old home without fail and it’s simple front seat armrests that adjust fashioned, full fat Rangie. to set a DVD running for the rear to the perfect height. I love the A looming family holiday looming occupants while listening to Dad fridge in the centre console, the involving a 1,500-mile trip gave FM in the front. cameras all around the car that the perfect excuse to borrow the Then there’s the size – I know make it a doddle to park, and the car, and after two 13-hour shifts Range Rovers are massive, but split tailgate that automatically behind the wheel I can honestly when it comes to getting a ski opens and closes at the touch of say there’s nothing else I’d rather trip’s worth of luggage inside, it a button. have been in. coped admirably. Despite using But above all it’s the fact that Here’s why. First, it’s super up the entire boot space there despite all this luxury and Rolls comfortable. The front seats in was ample room inside – enough Royce-rivaling opulence, it’s still our Range Rover were heated and to curl up for a snooze in the back so utterly capable off road. As we cooled and had more adjustments and enjoy the equally cosseting arrived in Villars, Switzerland, the than a home hi-fi amplifier from rear seats when my wife drove. snow was falling heavily and cars the 1980s. The huge armchair like For its size it’s no slouch. Our test were being abandoned up the seats with cushioned headrests car had the delightful 4.4-litre mountain as snow chains failed to never dulled a muscle and left us SDV8. Despite only returning do their jobs. But not the Range with no aches and pains. 26mpg, with a top speed of Rover. A flick of the all terrain With a five-year-old on board, the 135mph and a 0-60mph time response button to its Snow & Ice £7,300 entertainment pack (yes, of 6.8 seconds, it’s brisk enough setting and away we went. you read that right) was a blessing. for French Autoroutes. It piles So there you have it. The one car I Two 10.2-inch rear screens and on speed in a smooth and linear would buy if I had to live it with it wireless headphones meant fashion, quietly and without fuss, for the rest of my life. Just as long Finding Nemo could work his whilst adding to the feeling of as I could afford the £109,710 for fishy magic at keeping the Are We luxury travel. the pleasure… Nearly There Yets at bay until at least Dover. By Iain Betson

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Pear and Ginger Tiramisu Trifle

I’ve long said that the best home cooking needn’t The ingredients will combine better at room be in any way complicated. In fact, the simpler the temperature. better as far as I am concerned. Also, there is no need Whisk the eggs yolks, caster sugar and vanilla to come up with revolutionary creations. Often the together with an electric whisk for around 5 minutes tastiest recipes are just simple twists on much-loved until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add in the tub of classics. This pear and ginger tiramisu recipe, created Mascarpone and mix until smooth. by food writer and blogger Ren Behan, meets all of In a second, clean bowl, beat your egg whites until these criteria. Easy to prepare, it looks great and soft peaks form. With a metal spoon, fold the egg tastes wonderful. It also misses out the coffee which whites into your egg and Mascarpone mixture. is a bonus for anyone who has to avoid caffeine. A lovely treat to serve at a relaxed family meal, a posh Have a large trifle bowl or six small glasses/tumblers dinner party or after a barbecue. ready. Peel, core and finely slice the pears. INGREDIENTS Pour the sherry into a small bowl, dip six ginger 3 large free-range eggs – yolks and whites biscuits into the sherry and then place one in each separated glass, or lay them all flat across one bowl, working 100g caster sugar quickly so that the biscuits don’t get too soggy. 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract 250g tub Mascarpone Add a few slices of pear on top of the ginger biscuits. 2 very ripe pears Next, spoon some of your creamy mixture into the 250ml sherry bottom of your tumblers/bowl. ½ packet Ginger Snap Biscuits or Ginger Cake Repeat until all the mixture is used up. 100g grated dark or white chocolate Cover with clingfilm and refrigerate, preferably for sprinkling on top overnight. Just before eating, sprinkle with grated A dusting of cocoa powder (optional) dark or white chocolate, dust with a little cocoa powder if you wish and then 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.

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Beer at Home By Ted Bruning All the talk in the beer world for the it any good? last two or three years has been of craft Well, it’s certainly interesting. My little tasting brewers and craft beers. But what’s the panel identified aromas of Rooibos bubble bath difference between the craft brewers (honest!), lemongrass, basil, straw and peach, while of today and the straightforward the palate was honeyed, viscous, sweet, and not microbrewers of yesteryear? unlike a passion fruit J2O – certainly with none of Well, to the naked eye the most obvious the bitterness you’d expect from an IPA. Similarly distinction is that craft brewers are the finish – peppery, with a hint of chilli, but with no much more adventurous in typography discernible hop bitterness. and graphic design. Their labels tend to be an Adnams, like many an old-established brewer undisciplined jumble of colours and fonts and there feeling threatened by these crafty newcomers, has are generally far too many words, none of which tell also gone down the bonkers-labelling route for you much about the actual contents. So let’s turn its Innovation IPA (a hearty 6.7% abv); with far too to the contents now, and compare an ultramodern many words, a completely made-up back story, and hyperactive craft IPA to a version made by a brewery a list of exotic hop varieties which looks impressive that’s been ploughing the same row for so long now but means nothing to you and me. The beer, though, it must surely have succumbed to boredom long ago. pleased: sweet citrus notes on the nose – mandarin Punk IPA at 5.6% abv comes from Brewdog, the or perhaps tangelo; a richer, creamier mouth feel pioneering Scottish craft brewer that came to fame than Punk IPA with a slightly soapy sweetness; and a through its use of negative marketing, courting rich, dark, lingering finish. controversy to gain the media’s attention. This is So, then: both excellently fruity and complex beers. perhaps the country’s best-selling craft beer – but is Neither of them a bit like an IPA, though.

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72Love your heating 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding16/06/2015 to adverts 12:35 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 73 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 April 2 April 7, 14, 21 & 28 April 14 April The Signals Museum Baldock Community Orchestra Caldecote Church Talk 10am-4pm 7.15-8.30pm Door open 7pm, talk 7.30pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open Knights Templar School, Baldock British Schools Museum, to the public. Entry is free but official photo This exciting new orchestra meets every 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin ID such as a driving licence, passport or Thursday. Rachel Dawson will be the Tickets £5 including tea/coffee & biscuits over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry conductor. Anyone can join – you don’t on arrival ticket from the Guardroom. have to live in Baldock! There are few Second Thursday of the month talk. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk opportunities for beginners, learners and Caldecote Church - the restoration of a local rusty players in this area so join up now! gem. Peter Robbins’ illustrated talk on 4, 11, 18 & 25 April Email: [email protected] the restoration of Caldecote church (near Branch Out Social Club for Single People Ashwell) by a small band of volunteers. 8.30-11pm 7, 14, 21 & 28 April Spaces are limited so booking advised. Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Sapphire Social Club Tel: Bookings 01462 420144 Branch Out meets every Monday night and 8.30pm Email: jacky.birch@britishschoolsmuseum. is a medium-sized Social Club for single The Orange Tree, Hitchin org.uk people. It was formed in 1995 to bring We are a small, friendly social group that Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org. together single, divorced, widowed and caters for the unattached. Our members uk for other talks separated people, aged 40 upwards, from tend to be around 50+ but we have no age the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise bar. Varied events are organized throughout 14 April and enjoy one another’s company. The club the month. No joining fee for the first two Baldock and Clothall WI organises regular events, such as dinners, months. 7.30pm discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 Baldock Community Centre and concert visits, day and weekend trips 890583 for information Visitors £3 including refreshments & raffle and holidays. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk ticket. ‘Look after your feet’ with Karen Web: www.branch-out.org.uk Perry, a chiropodist. 11 April 6 April Icknield Quilters 14 April North Herts Association of National Trust 7.30pm for 7.45pm start Mid Beds. Floral Society Meeting 7.30pm Visitors £2 Baldock Community Centre 7.45pm Visitors £5 Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin Visitors £4 Flitwick Village Hall Talk will be Rudyard Kipling ‘His Life and Speaker is Mary Gamester on ‘India, Demonstration entitled ‘Floral Fairground’ Remarkable Story’ with Gary Enstone. Uzbekistan & Vienna’. Visitors welcome. by Rekha Naidoo. Visitors welcome. Tea/Coffee 50p - payable on entry. Visitors Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk for more Tel: Marion Tucker 01234 742396 welcome. Tel: Colette House 01462 815585 information 15 & 16 April 13 April ‘More Deadly Than’ Henlow Branch R N A 6.45pm for 7.15pm start 7.30pm Wilbury Junior School, Bedford Road, Deadline for What’s On Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow Letchworth entries is the 12th of the The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval Tickets £10 Association meets on the second Wilbury Hills Amateur Theatricals (WHAT) previous month. Wednesday of each month. presents ‘More Deadly Than’. Is a woman’s Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 place in the home? Should jelly have trifle

74 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 What’s On In April in it? Is the female of the species more 23 April 2 May deadly than the male? Fish & Chips, Bar Weston Music Society Concert May Day Celebrations & Raffle. Tickets from David’s Bookshop, 7.30pm 10.30am-12.30pm Letchworth. Holy Trinity Church, Weston British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Tel. 01462 732238 Tickets £15 inc. programme and interval Street, Hitchin Free admission Web: www.whatperform.org drink, Under 19s free Celebrate May Day in traditional style with Weston Music Society presents the first our much-loved maypole and country 17 April concert of the 2016 season with Amy dancing, including dancing by the Offley Biggleswade Antiques Fair Harman (bassoon) and pianist Tom Poster. Morris Men. Refreshments available. 9.30am-4pm Amy is a current YCAT artist, co-principal Children must be accompanied by a The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, bassoon in the Philharmonia Orchestra responsible adult. Tel: 01462 420144 Biggleswade and principal bassoon in the Aurora www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Entrance £1.50 Orchestra. Tom is internationally recognised This antiques fair offers a diverse range of as a pianist of outstanding artistry and 8 May antiques and collectables so whether you versatility. Ashwell at Home 2016 are a professional dealer, an avid collector Tel: Tickets 01462 790573 11am-5pm Adults £6, Under 18s free or just looking for something special, this Email: [email protected] Come and explore ‘Ashwell’s Treasures’ with monthly fair is the place to visit. Café Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk open gardens, free children’s workshops, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Facebook: Weston Music Society live music, veteran cycles, Morris dancing, Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Twitter: @westonconcerts cow milking, funfair, lunches and teas and Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk much more. Entry by programme available 23 April on the day at the event or in advance from 22 April Spring Concert: JS Bach’s St John Passion the website. Free parking. Call My Bluff & What’s My Line? Evening 7.30pm Web: www.ashwellathome.org.uk 7.30pm Church of St Andrew and St George, St The Memorial Hall, Hallworth Drive, George’s Way, Stevenage 3 July Stotfold Tickets £10 in advance, on the door £12, Bassingbourn ‘Braintrust’ Half Marathon Tickets £10 including fish & chip supper Under 16s free 10am Bassingbourn Village College during interval Stevenage Choral Society is performing this Web: www.fit4thechallenge.co.uk Fairfield Players are hosting an evening of jewel in the crown of classical music. fun, consisting of ‘Call My Bluff’ and ‘What’s Tel: Tickets 07932 694695 Positive Movement My Line?’ Audience members, working Email: [email protected] Coming to a venue near you together in teams, will try to identify the A local healthy living centre is looking for correct definition of words from amongst 24 April 150 older people of all physical abilities to the spoof definitions in Call My Bluff, while The Sunday Dance Club take part in specially designed wellbeing What’s My Line? will have the teams trying 7.30-10.30pm programme to be held at venues in to guess the occupation being mimed. The Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Entry by ticket only. Tickets can be obtained Letchworth Royston and villages. The friendly, weekly from Cards and Crafts, Stotfold or by Meet our New Guest Music Provider classes will combine gentle exercise and contacting the Box Office and Dance Ballroom, Latin and Popular movement with time to socialise over tea. Tel: Box Office on 01767 631265 Sequence. Ample free parking and licensed Cost to participants will be a nominal £2.50 Email: [email protected] bar. Tel: David 01234 300179 per session. Tel: The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living 01462 678804 to enrol Email: positivemovement@ letchworthcentre.org. To advertiseadvertise in in The The Villager Villager and and TownTownlife Townlife Life please please please call call 01767 01767call 01767 261122 261122 261122 75 76 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts ALL CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES PROVIDED Double Glazing • Windows & Doors Granite Work Tops Kitchens & Bathrooms Wood & Laminate Flooring NOT ALL SHUTTERS Loft & Garage Conversions ARE THE SAME Mini Digger & Driver For Hire Bespoke interior window shutters Call James 7 days a week on FREE no obligation quotes 01462 231734 Blinds • Awnings • Shutters 07595 752466 [email protected] 01438 817999 Shefford, Bedfordshire www.mdmblinds.co.uk | 15 station Road Knebworth

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 77 Pets Does your pet have an allergy? It’s not just unwanted visitors that make your pet scratch. Allergies are common in most domestic pets, and scratching is just one sign that something’s not right. You might notice a loss of fur if your dog has dermatitis, and is constantly scratching to relieve the itch. Potential triggers include new shampoos, a different type of food, or a seasonal allergy, as these affect animals just as much as humans. General signs and symptoms of an allergic Bee stings are particularly dangerous reaction A puppy’s natural inquisitive and playful nature Here are one or two signs to look out for so you invariably leads it into dangerous situations, but if can treat your pet as quickly as possible: it chews or swallows a bee, the resulting reaction • Cats: lesions, lumps and bumps on their skin – can be severe. these are often felt rather than seen, and may be It could cause their face to swell, with breathing accompanied by bald patches around the base problems developing from a narrowed airway, and of the tail or underside of the body. you’ll need to get emergency help from your vet in • Dogs: frequently shaking its head – look for such cases. They may prescribe an EpiPen so you’re signs of redness in the ears, as it could be the prepared if it happens again. start of an allergen-based infection. http://www.petplan.co.uk/allergies.asp • Rabbits: flaky skin or soreness in the ears can be http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/ caused by an allergy to mites. archive/2012/06/22/pets-seasonal-allergies.aspx

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Easy Suduko Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 81 Finance Don’t be Taken in by the Pension Scammers Since new pension regulations were introduced in has enabled scammers to get away with too many 2015, conmen have been using the new freedoms sophisticated cons. to target people approaching retirement. One of It’s hoped that Project Bloom will bring awareness the scams involves telling those under the age of to the issue, however, and specific advice is offered 55 that a ‘legal loophole’ allows them access to their to anyone concerned about their pension. You full pension, with no requirement to pay tax on the need to be wary of: money withdrawn (in reality, a rate of up to 55%). • Anyone offering a ‘free pension review’ or Pension monies are then moved into an access to your pension pot if you’re under the alternative scheme run by the fraudsters, with age of fifty-five savings either being stolen or severely diminished • Offers of help to obtain a pension statement, or after extortionate charges are made for the to provide a tracing service for lost pensions ‘service’. The Pensions Advisory Service provides free advice To make matters worse, HM Revenue and Customs if you’re worried about potential scams, or to has been sending out bills to reclaim tax on the discuss your pension options in general. amounts withdrawn, leaving victims of the scam A sophisticated approach with no pension savings and in large-scale debt in One of the problems is that scammers set up some cases. sophisticated systems and procedures that include How can the conmen operate so effectively? glossy brochures and polished, well-rehearsed Although younger people are a clear target for speeches. This makes the entire con appear pension scammers, those aged 55 and over are legitimate unless you’re aware that this type of also under threat. With no restrictions on how fraud is taking place. pension savings can be used, unscrupulous Bringing awareness of what’s happening is key to individuals and criminal groups are taking combating crimes like this, and hopefully Project advantage of a lack of regulation within the Bloom will help to prevent more people suffering industry, plus an uncertainty about how best to the devastating loss of their retirement income. invest such a large amount of money. Watch out for fake websites Inefficient systems also form part of the problem, Fraudsters are even setting up fake websites with enabling conmen to set up these rogue pension names very similar to legitimate bodies offering schemes. HM Revenue and Customs are not free advice. They may be able to gain access to pension regulators, but having introduced a ‘fit your personal information in this way, and then and proper person’ test in 2014, they have at least contact you directly via phone or email. attempted to control the potential for fraudulent It pays to check the web address you’re typing in activity. very carefully, to ensure that the site is legitimate HMRC has the power to de-register or refuse to and not part of the fraudsters’ arsenal of tricks. register a new pension scheme, but some have said they should take more responsibility for http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/ what is happening to victims, rather than investing-pensions/pension-liberation-scam- chasing them for tax payments. victims-facing-huge-tax-bills-11364036908047 Project Bloom taskforce A new taskforce has been set up by the http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/ government and the National Crime pensions/article-3419232/Should- Agency to combat the problem of pension-scam-victims-let-tax-bills.html pension fraud. A ‘perfect storm’ of new pension http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/ regulations, lack of awareness about pensions/article-3397828/Three-tell- where to reinvest, and the fact that tale-signs-duped-pension-fraudsters. large sums of money are involved, html 82 Alan George

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84 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Crossword Solution for The Villager March Edition

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mr J Clements - Potton

March’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy Hard Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email [email protected] To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 85 The Villager Prize Crossword Prize £25

Across 7 Sight (6) 8 Female relative (6) 9 Largest continent (4) 10 Fit and healthy (8) 11 Beetles, ants etc (7) 13 Animal furs (5) 15 Invoices (5) 17 Considers (7) 20 Taking small bites (8) 21 Solely (4) 23 Distributed (6) 24 A capital city (6)

Down  1 Fasteners (4) 2 Buccaneer (6) 3 Young children (7) 4 Sailing boat (5) 5 Involuntary action (6) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 6 Menacing (8) cut out this page and send to the address below before 12 Loudest (8) 14 Harshly (7) 15th April 2016 16 Hard work (6) 18 Drenches (6) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 19 Feathered friends? (5) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP 22 Stolen goods (4)

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86 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 87 Life Begins...

By Kate McLelland

It’s time to re-think your drinking habits

Why we shouldn’t ignore those inhibitions and relaxes them – but with another activity that will warnings about drinking alcohol there are other less compelling challenge you and bring you into in old age reasons for taking a drink. contact with other people. If you’ve enjoyed a lifetime’s Sometimes we drink to relieve Avoid temptation. Try not to keep moderate drinking it may be hard boredom and loneliness, because alcohol at home where it is easily to face the prospect of cutting drinking at a certain time has accessible. Buy individual bottles down, or giving up, as you grow become habitual, or because other of wine rather than wine boxes. It’s older. But the truth is that when people expect us to. Here are much easier to keep track of how people age, they become much some tips to help you break out of much you are actually drinking more sensitive to the effects of those old routines and establish when you are pouring from a alcohol. new ones: bottle. One of the reasons is that older We are creatures of habit. If you Don’t get trapped by routines. If people carry less water in their are used to pouring your first drink you always meet friends in a place bodies, resulting in a higher of the evening at 6.30pm, try to where alcohol is freely available blood-alcohol concentration make it an hour later and have a – like a pub – meet them in a that can lead to confusion and non-alcoholic drink in its place. different location such as a coffee accidents. The toxins in alcohol Gradually start to drink later and bar. If it has to be a pub, alternate also build up over time, increasing later until you’ve reduced the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks an older person’s vulnerability number of drinks you normally or order a glass of water with your to diseases such as heart and have by at least half. wine and drink both more slowly. liver disease and some cancers. We all need a bit of help. It’s We all need rewards for doing Other health problems may be important to tell friends and family well. Estimate how much you made worse by drinking and that you’re making an effort to cut would normally spend on booze taking prescription drugs with down on drinking. Bring them into and buy yourself something nice alcohol can also have serious your plans so they can help you to with the money when you’ve consequences. avoid your usual drinking ‘triggers’. managed to cut down. Most of us have a vision of how we Don’t set yourself unrealistic You may find it tough at first would like to enjoy our retirement targets. Avoid saying that you’re to break old habits, but feeling and later years and it probably giving up alcohol forever. Start out healthy, energetic, slimmer and doesn’t involve disease and with an objective to keep off the better off financially should not disability. So why do we find it so booze for a couple of days, then a only help you reach your goals, hard to reduce our consumption? week, then longer. but allow you to look forward to People enjoy alcohol because it If you drink to relieve boredom the future with greater confidence. elevates their mood, breaks down or loneliness, try to fill that space 88 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery

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Accountants ByBook Bruce Edwards Review Marriages are made in Bond Street Penrose Halson Pub: Macmillan h/b £16.99 ISBN: 978-1-4472-8262-4

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Stephens Dinky ad_02.indd 1 3/12/12 11:44:54 STOTFOLD MILL

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