VILLAGER Issue 96 - November 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

The VILLAGER Issue 96 - November 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

In this issue Win a YippeeYo Firework Fiestas! Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Relax & Renew B e a u t y S t u d i o

Voted Americas most wanted non-invasive beauty treatment Suitable for all skin types, the Venus Freeze is a comfortable warm treatment that's used as a non-surgical face lift, helping to improve lines, wrinkles, jowls & a double chin. On the body it will tighten loose skin, reduce cellulite & fat, resulting in a more defined youthful appearance. What results will I get? Tighter skin • Softening of wrinkles • More youthful appearance • Reduced cellulite • More contoured silhouette • All this with... NO downtime • NO pain • NO Discomfort • Just £25 for a taster session when you mention the Villager Call today for a free consultation www.renewbeautystudio.co.uk [email protected] 2T: 07984 744 218 Please M mentionillard The W Villageray, H anditc Townhin Life, H whenert respondings SG4 0 toQ advertsE The VILLAGER Issue 95 - October 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS In this issue Win tickets to an evening of o i oow o Goings On 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 Employment Matters...... 39 The Barber Co., Baldock...... 40 Garden Fireworks...... 43 Hedges...... 48 Animal Know-How...... 50 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...... 55 Nissan’s Bonkers BladeGlider...... 57 Puzzle Page...... 60 What’s On...... 62 Fun Quiz...... 64 Children’s Page...... 69 Win a YippeeYo 12 Wordsearch...... 71 Prize Crossword...... 74 The History of Golf...... 4 St Andrew’s Day...... 76 War Poets...... 8 Book Review...... 78 Herts and Beds Army Cadets...... 10 Win a YippieYo...... 12 Winning Wines - Germany...... 15 Symi Island...... 16 What’s the best way to watch TV?...... 19 Firewoek Fiestas...... 21 How to say No!...... 22 Open Plan Living...... 24 I need a hero...... 27 Christmas - It’s just around the corner...... 29 Are we tired of shabby chic?...... 30 Autumn Activities...... 33 How much does it really cost to buy a home...... 34 The Barber Co 40 Have we become the stuff of classic comedy...... 36 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 - Sarah Fryer, Susan Brookes-Morris, Trevor Langley, Publishers Solange Hando, Kate Duggan, Sarah Davey, Katherine Sorrell, Villager Publications Ltd Kate McLelland, Carol H Scott, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP RSPCA, James Baggott, Nick Coffer and Willow Coby Tel: 01767 261122 [email protected] Advertising Sales/Local Editorial www.villagermag.com Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 [email protected] Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, Photography however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the Botond Horvoth 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 Sarah Fryer The History of

Golf nature trails

Although it is presumed the game of Golf dates case, the languages in question are medieval Dutch RSPB shop back many many years, it was only in the 19th and old Scots. century that it gained popularity in England. The medieval Dutch word “kolf” or “kolve” meant It is said the game originated in the Netherlands, “club.” It is believed that word passed to the Scots, events & activities however, this has been questioned over the years whose old Scots dialect transformed the word into with many countries wanting to claim it as their “golve,” “gowl” or “gouf.” own. By the 16th Century, the word “golf” had emerged. Some historians believe that Kolven from Holland Over the years, many women began playing golf and Chole from Belgium influenced the game. in huge numbers and clubs were finding more and Golf as we know it today originated from a game more female members were wanting to join. played on the eastern coast of Scotland in the There are however, a handful of golf clubs in Kingdom of Fife during the 15th century. Players today’s modern society that retain this somewhat would hit a pebble around a natural course of archaic and possibly sexist rule, by still not allowing sand dunes, rabbit runs and tracks using a stick female members, although nice in a way that some or primitive club, but that was where the game tradition has remained. ended. However, whilst these games and countless One prestigious members only club which has other stick and ball sports were being played, they changed its policy is the R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf seemed to be missing that one vital ingredient that Club) which is now allowing women to become r is unique to golf - the hole. Whatever the argument members, however, this hasn’t always been the ve regarding origins, there can be no dispute that case. Scotland certainly gave birth to the game we know It wasn’t until September the 18th, 2014 that they o and love as golf today. decided to mail ballots to 2,500 club members disc Golf has always been a sport associated with asking if they should abolish it’s ‘men only’ The Lodge etiquette and discipline, and one which for many membership rule. many years, only applied to men. Women were The response must of been colossal, as a statement rarely seen on a golf course, and this was not for the was put out declaring “The Royal and Ancient Golf reason many people think. Club has voted overwhelmingly to welcome women There is an old wives tale associated with the word as members. The R&A is now a mixed golf club. ‘golf’ but unfortunately, there proves to be very little Significant initial number of women to be fast-tracked RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens truth to it’s existence. “Golf” is not an acronym for into membership over the coming months” . “Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden” Golf is in fact a very structured game in more ways Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL However, this urban legend continues to stand than one, and etiquette plays a massive part of this. Tel: 01767 693333 strong. Apart from the attire worn by the players, there are It is thought the myth started as a joke back in the many other rules which have to be adhered too. 19th century when gentlemen would get together Etiquette in many ways, is there to show respect to and talk about the game ahead, their wives at the other players involved in the all round event. rspb.org.uk/thelodge home, a gents day! Lack of etiquette may not be a punishable offence, Like most modern words, the word “golf” actually but it is certainly not socially acceptable. facebook.com/RSPBhertsandbeds derives from older languages and dialects. In this Golf etiquette is not just about social acceptance. It

Image: family activity at The Lodge by RSPB (rspb-images.com) 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654. LGE-0087-16-17 nature trails RSPB shop events & activities over discThe Lodge

RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 693333 rspb.org.uk/thelodge facebook.com/RSPBhertsandbeds

Image: family activity at The Lodge by RSPB (rspb-images.com) ToThe Royaladvertise Society for the in Protection The of Villager Birds (RSPB) is aand registered Townlife charity: England please and Wales no. call 207076, 01767 Scotland no. 261122 SC037654. LGE-0087-16-17 5 is essential for the safety of players and spectators caricature of the original elegant attire golfers once a like. wore, which somewhat mocks the tradition. Keeping a brisk pace so that the game is enjoyable So apart from the clothing, what else has changed to all course users is a must and unlike other sports, over the years in terms of the actual game itself? it is socially acceptable to allow players to pass you Well a few rules of play have in fact changed quite and take their turn first if it will alleviate a holdup at dramatically, such as the: a hole. “I Can’t Tell If That’s My Ball Covered in All That Dirt?” Maintaining the quality of the Golf course is also Original rules state that if a player’s ball is covered up there with social etiquette. The correct footwear by sand, fallen leaves or the like...the ball may not be must be worn at all times on the course to eliminate lifted for identification.” damage to the turf. The 1956 rules allowed you to remove impediments Since golf began in Scotland, it was inevitable the from the ball to check if it was yours, but the player weather would be somewhat cooler than that of was not allowed to pick it up to make sure. In 2008 its counterparts, and traditionally raining, therefore however, the rules were changed to allow players players would require something a little more suited to lift the ball for identification purposes so long as for its climate. Tweed suits with plus fours were they made it clear to their opponent beforehand. paired with high, exposed woolen socks, thick-soled Believe it or not, even genuine comedic rules once leather shoes and flat caps in a style that was often applied such as the “That Dog Just Ate My Ball” Rule. suited for other outdoor pursuits such as hunting or In centuries gone by there was a genuine rule that rambling. “If a dog happens to carry off or damage a ball in the One may question as to why wool was the chosen course of playing, the party to whom it belongs shall fabric for such garments, when severe weather be entitled to use another, and lay it as near to the spot conditions played such a vital role in the game? where taken from as can be honestly guessed.” Clothing must of become heavy and absorbent and Apparently Aberdeen had such a stray dog been extremely uncomfortable for the wearer. problem back then, that in 1783, the Society of Maybe it came down to cost, although bring it back Golfers deemed it necessary to implement this rule to current day living, and wool is one of the most regarding canines running off with balls in play. Not expensive fabrics money can buy. something I could envisage on today’s courses or in Heavy sweaters, knitted vests, and ties often our rules book to be honest! completed the look. Such sophisticated clothing at Golf will continue to dominate in the sporting the time rendered golf a purely upper-class sport. arena, and attract a certain calibre of player, but In the 20th century, golf attire evolved as it travelled at least in today’s modern society, women can be to different countries and climates, and while it is equal and enjoy the sport too. Major brands will still expensive, it is more accessible than ever, with continue to churn out clothing, such a vast array of brands producing the clothing equipment and accessories to appease varying budgets today. for every eventuality, but Golf attire has evolved a long way from its origins. culture will remain, Today, most golf clothing is designed first to and etiquette will be functional with the style element becoming stand strong secondary. Original golf materials such as wool keeping the and tweed are almost never seen anymore and the tradition of once classic, earthy palette of colors and patterns golf alive. has been replaced with high-tech blends and an anything-goes approach to color. Pastels are popular with baby pinks and sky blues leading the way. Some golfers take it a step further and wear loud argyles and highlighter-bright tones that are a sad

6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 7 History By Susan Brookes-Morris War Poets As we head towards Armistice Day, it’s a pertinent whilst Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves time to reflect on the work of the ‘War Poets.’ The survived but went on to express their emotional phrase is generally taken to refer to the 16 men distress through poetry. who wrote about their first-hand experiences of Wilfred Owen is generally accepted as the the First World War and who are commemorated greatest war poet to have written in the English in a slate memorial at Poets Corner. Language. After being blown up, suffering The 16 are; Richard Aldington, Laurence Binyon, concussion and being shell-shocked, Owen was Edmund Blunden, Rupert Brooke, Wilfrid Gibson, sent to a psychiatric hospital in Edinburgh were Robert Graves, Julian Grenfell, Ivor Gurney, David he met Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon who Jones, Robert Nichols, Wilfred Owen, Herbert inspired him to develop his poetry further. Read, Isaac Rosenberg, Siegfried Sassoon, Charles Owen was awarded a George Cross in October Sorley and Edward Thomas. 1918 having seized a machine gun and shot and Now often studied as part of the English captured several Germans, but just a few weeks curriculum, the work of these poets is particularly later, he was killed at Orps. notable for being violent and realistic and His most famous poem is ‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ challenging earlier poetry which had a pro-war meaning ‘it is sweet and right’ with the last line message. Their work expresses extreme emotions going on to mean ‘to die for your country.’ In his of fear, anger and love. poem The Sentry he talks about how one of his The War Poets Association says; ‘the young sentries was blinded. He said ‘All a poet can do is soldier poets of the First World War established warn. That is why the true poet must be truthful.’ war poetry as a literary genre. Their combined Anthologies celebrating the best of the genre voice has become one of the defining texts of often include: Charles Sorley’s ‘When you see Twentieth Century Europe.’ millions of the mouthless dead’, Isaac Rosenberg’s Some such as, Isaac Rosenberg, Edward Thomas, ‘Break of Day in the Trenches’, ‘Lights Out’ by Charles Sorley and Wilfred Owen died in action, Edward Thomas, ‘To his love’ by Ivor Gurney and ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke. Whilst not written by one of the commemorated 16, the most quoted poem of this era remains ‘In Flanders Fields’ which was written by former doctor John McCrae during the second battle of Ypres. Many widely renowned British poets also have war poems covering a wide range of conflicts within their collections, including Kipling, Tennyson, Hughes, Larkin and Hardy.

8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts BICKERDIKES Garden Centre

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 9 Local News Come on you lot! A’Tennn…Shun!

No this isn’t Bad Lads Army, this is a well-established character. We are a Military skills based organisation Youth Organisation within your local area offering that offers the chance to meet new friends, take part you the chance to get out there and do something in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme and we extra special, exciting, demanding, fun, by meeting are recognized amongst the Educational Authority new people, learning new skills and bringing on for the high level of vocational skills that match your those you may already have. school standards of teaching. The Detachment is part of the National Cadet Force You’ll learn stuff like 1st Aid, Map Reading, Weapon Organisation and meets on Monday and Wednesday Skills plus more. You’ll have the opportunity to go evenings from 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Chicksands adventure training and take part in sports plus you’ll Camp. Our Cadets both male and female are also do stuff within and for your local community. Its accepted from the age of 12 – 18 yrs of age. There something that you can add to your CV when you are events that are arranged over some weekends leave school and apply for future jobs. and the Detachment goes on two Camps each year WHY YOU ??...... why not find out more by getting in – Easter and Summer. touch and coming up for a visit with your Parents/ We will offer you honesty, trust and respect allowing Guardians to see us for real. You’ll be surprised what you to develop your courage, integrity and personal you’ve been missing out on!! BEDS & HERTS ACF - CHICKSANDS DETACHMENT Building 210, JITG Chicksands,Shefford Beds SG17 5PR. Staff Sergeant Clare Smith – Detachment Commander Email: [email protected] Tel: 07882 822377 10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts THURSDAY 10TH NOVEMBER & THURSDAY 8TH DECEMBER 5PM – 9PM

WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO AN EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EVENT AT CHAMPNEYS HENLOW. Christmas Why battle with the high street when you can shop in beautiful surroundings and even with enjoy some relaxing spa treatments. Champneys Take advantage of exclusive promotions. THE OPEN EVENING INCLUDES: • Makeovers • Brow shaping • Facials & body treatments • St Tropez tanning • Elemis mini treatments • Goody bags & nibbles

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 11 COMPETITION Win a YippieYo With the start of autumn comes the time when the kids are back at school, and weekend activities are looked forward to by parents and children; the chance to spend some quality time together after a long week at work and school. Use the sunny days, and use the nippy days and take the YippieYo out and about as it is a one of a kind, off-road buggy. The YippieYo is unique in its design as it is pulled rather than pushed, which means that it can withstand obstacles such as stones, sand or snow. You can even add on a YippieYo bag that will fit in It is GS certified and complies with all safety and the luggage rack to complement the buggy. quality standards in accordance with the European This is a completely unique crossbuggy which the Standard for Pushchairs and Prams (EN 1888).Two kids love and can ‘hop on and hop off’ while at the kids between 1-6 years can fit in it, and it’s been same time enjoying the relaxed, convertible feel. designed so that there are no sharps edges or pinch points for wondering fingers. Answer the question and complete your details below. It has a single axle, special suspension system, Send your entry to YippieYo, Villager Publications Ltd, aluminium hand welded frame, and off road, no 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. maintenance tyres which makes it ideal for active, outdoor families. The YippieYo is produced in Where is the YippieYo produced? Germany and Switzerland and can be folded and put away in three easy and simple steps, so it can fold flat and fit comfortably in the back of your car. It also Name: weighs in at only 12kg (empty of course). Address: We offer a wide variety of colours which you can configure yourself through our online Tel: store so you can choose a style Email: that suits you. Deadline: 18th November 2016

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

Charles Wilson Carpets & Flooring

Quality ﬂ ooring and carpets Reliable ﬁ tting service Mobile service available Open Thursdays until 7pm

01462 450780 39 Hermitage Road, Hitchin www.charleswilsoncarpets.co.uk Ref: The Villager

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 13 48 High Street, Baldock, Herts SG7 6BJ 01462 491110 Italian Restaurant il forno (Family run restaurant) Now taking • Chef/Proprietor with over bookings 40 years experience for all your Christmas • Sensibly priced menu functions (generous portions) • Open evenings from 6.30pm • Quality ingredients, produce, home cooked food - (at the weekend, we can and choice open earlier for pre-booked • Pasta, veal, chicken, lamb, steaks, fresh fish, seafood, tables) vegetarian dishes and more • Weekday special offer: complimentary vegetables and potatoes of the day or side salad with all meat or fish main courses (from the menu or chalk board). Open for Christmas • Always available on our chalk board: pasta dishes, Day lunch daily, seasonal, fresh fish and seafood specials & New Years Eve (special menu including fresh lobster applicable) - bookings only Bookings not always necessary but advisable, especially at the weekend

Il Forno 1/2 page.indd 1 16/10/2015 16:55

14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Food and Drink Winning Wines: Germany

Riesling wines are very popular and excellent value for money. I searched for a German wine producer with a range of wines to satisfy many tastes and occasions. Numerous German wines are of high quality and I located the award-winning wines from Kloster Eberbach, amongst several producers and considered them to be outstanding. VDP indicates ‘Association of German Pradikat Wine Estates’ and ensures strict guidelines are adhered to.

The Eberbach Monastery dates from 1136 and the monks established a wine cellar, for their productions. Kloster Eberbach is a large German wine producer that is to be found in two wine regions. Wines produced by Kloster Eberbach are of exceptional quality and very well regarded, worldwide.

The grapes used, for the productions of these splendid wines, are of the highest quality. The presentation of the wines also impressed me and I found the following – which is just part of their superb range – to be very acceptable indeed.

Berg Schlossberg has an elegant bouquet that leads enticingly to the wonderful mouthfeel and palate sensation. This dry production is very popular and a favourite with many connoisseurs. Crescentia Baiken (Riesling Spätlese) is, again, dry and most impressive on the palate. Another popular choice, for many. Steinberger (Riesling Trocken) and Gehrn (Rielsing Trocken), I found to have very good bouquets and palates. Both with excellent finishes. Höllenberg (Spätburgunder Trocken) will create a great response, with guests. This production is medium- bodied and has a very good balance. The palate enjoys the sensation of this wine, very much so. An impressive production and a popular choice, for numerous wine lovers.

Riesling wines accompany countless dishes, including fish, seafood and chicken etc, extremely well. I found these wines to be elegant, with excellent character and have, particularly, very good mouthfeel and palate sensations. Kloster Eberbach is a company dedicated and committed to producing high-quality wines, with much love, knowledge and expertise. Details of these productions and of the full range of their wines can be located at www.kloster-eberbach.de As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley 15 Travel and the beautiful mansions of the Italian era glow in the midday sun. At the end of the peninsula, the iconic clock tower leads to a smaller bay where pleasure and fishing boats bob at anchor and a sprinkling of parasols betrays the presence of a beach. Meanwhile downtown, a few stalls sell sponges and olive oil but beyond the harbour, it’s all tangled lanes and steps, hundreds of them, climbing up to Chorio Symi through tightly-packed houses. It’s easy to lose all Island sense of direction in this never-ending maze but Just 35 minutes from Rhodes by catamaran, Symi is there are decorated gables and balconies, potted one of the prettiest Dodecanese islands, ‘a neo- plants, secret gardens planted with vines, jasmine classical beauty’, they say, ‘ blanketed by the blue and citrus trees and courtyards covered in patterned sky’, rising like a sentinel on the edge of the Greek pebbles, here an anchor, there a ship or a dolphin. At archipelago. It’s only 8x13 km but the traditional the top, the view opens out on the fjord-like bay of ambience and scenery simply steal your heart away. Pedi where below the rose-tinted hill tops, holly oak From afar, the island is a rock, barren and dry, but and conifers tumble down almost to the water’s edge. sail into the harbour and on the deep blue inlet of There, life moves at a leisurely pace, fishermen mend the Aegean sea, Symi greets you like a dream with their nets on the quay and a narrow coastal path all the colours of the rainbow nestling in the cusp of leads to the quiet cove of St Nicholas, reached only on the hills. Shimmering reflections, pastel-hued houses foot or by water taxi. at the waterside, Chorio, the old village climbing up St Nicholas is no exception for all along this deeply the slopes, toy-like windmills along the crest, it’s a indented coastline, near-deserted coves nestle below delightful scene which budding artists aim to capture the cliffs, lapped by clear turquoise water, with not a from myriad vantage points. Chorio and Yialos, the road in sight. There are cruises around the island, past harbour, make up the capital named after the island. uninhabited islets and dramatic outcrops, but the Stepping ashore in Yialos is awesome. In such a most enchanting stop along the way is the Orthodox lovely place, where do visitors start? Some make Monastery of Panormitis down south, rebuilt their way along the scenic promenade around the Venetian-style in the 18th century and claiming horse-shoe harbour, others while away the time in the world’s highest Baroque tower. It’s dedicated shaded tavernas where salads and seafood come with to Archangel Michael, the island’s patron saint, and glorious views. Bells chime all around, tiny chapels when day visitors have left, it’s a wonderful haven of beckon up interminable peace framed by pine-covered hills on the edge of flights of steps the sea. Approaching Panormitis by sea is magical but one can return on a mountain road reaching over 600 metres at Oros Vigla, the ‘look-out’. It’s a scenic rollercoaster through forests and open land, peppered with ruined castles, forlorn chapels, goat tracks, footpaths vanishing into the distance and unforgettable views, from the rugged meandering coast to the nearby islands and, far below, the colourful harbour of Symi bathed in translucent light.

By Solange Hando

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

Professional repairs, restorations and set ups

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Part exchanges possible and instruments purchased

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MENU CHRISTMAS

Don’t leave your Christmas party until the last minute! If you’re planning a meal for 10 or more people, you can choose from our delicious festive menu, including succulent roast turkey, braised beef, 01767 260221 hazelnut tart and panettone bread and butter pudding. www.coachhousepotton.co.uk View the full menu online and then give us a call. [email protected]

To TCHadvertise Nov 16 inVillager The Villageradvert (F).indd and Townlife 1 please call 01767 261122 18/10/2016 08:1417 18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Entertainment

By Kate Duggan

Most of us enjoy curling up in-front of the TV on a cold winter’s night. And, as long as you have decent broadband, these days there’s plentyTV of ways to watch your favourite shows.Guide What’s the best way If you’re feeling a bit flummoxed by all the options available, our quick guide might help to make your to watch TV? mind up. Freeview – Free Netflix – £5.99-£8.99 per month As the name implies, Freeview gives you access to Netflix is a subscription service that allows you to more than 60 TV channels, for free. You can also watch thousands of films and TV shows through watch hundreds of programmes that have aired your smart TV, laptop, phone, tablet and other in the previous seven days. With most TVs, you devices. You can choose what you want to watch shouldn’t need any extra equipment, but TVs bought from a huge menu, including programmes made before 2010 might require a set-top box, which by Netflix, such as the award-winning Orange is the costs from £30. You will need a TV aerial, and not all New Black. You don’t need any extra equipment; channels are available in all locations, so it’s worth there are no adverts and you can pause, rewind, fast checking what you can get before you buy anything. forward and watch again as much as you like. There’s Satellite TV – from around £7.50 a month also no contract, so you can cancel when you want. There are a range of providers to choose from, Amazon Prime – £79 per year including Sky, Virgin Media, BT and Talk Talk, all of Like Netflix, Amazon Prime is a subscription service which give you access to a wide range of digital that allows you to watch films and TV shows through channels. You will need a set-top box, and in some a multitude of digital devices. With some older TVs, cases a satellite dish, which is normally included in you’ll need to buy a fire stick (which costs around the cost of your subscription, and you’ll need to take £30). There doesn’t seem to be quite as much choice out a 12-18 month contract. Most providers have with Amazon Prime as there is with Netflix, but if you different packages to choose from, and you can add take into consideration the other benefits of Prime, on bundles, such as sports channels. Some providers such as free music, next-day Amazon delivery and offer wider phone and broadband packages. BT, for cloud-storage for photos, it is a great price. If you example, offers 80 channels, unlimited broadband don’t want the extras, you can opt for Prime video, and free weekend calls from around £10 per month. for just £5.99 per month. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 19

Time of Year Firework fiestas!

By Kate Duggan

Top tips for making your fireworks party go off Games with a bang… If you have children coming, why not keep Food and decorations them busy making a Guy? You’ll need to provide A warming autumnal soup is sure to go down well plenty of old material, plus stuffing. You could with guests, and mini sparklers are a great way also pre-make a papier-mâché head using paper, to liven up sandwiches. For pudding, you could glue and balloons, or buy it from a craft store or decorate cakes with coloured icing in the shape eBay. Alternatively, you could have a Guy making of fireworks or rockets, and don’t forget the toffee competition, where everyone makes a smaller apples! Guy, or decorates a gingerbread man, with a prize To make an easy firework rocket, roll a rectangle for the winner. of coloured card into a tube and stick in place Kids and adults alike love a piñata, and you with double sided tape. Cut out a circle of card, can buy them in a variety of shapes. Fill yours with a wedge missing, roll and tape to make a with sweets or small treats, such as stickers and cone for the top. Stick it on and attach a wooden balloons, and hang it outside from a tree. Make barbeque skewer (with the point cut off) to the sure you give whoever’s swinging the stick plenty inside of the tube. Fill the tube with sweets, close of space! the bottom with a circle of card, and glue on Fireworks some paper streamers. Display several in a tall Most people will want to watch the fireworks from glass vase. outside, so you might want to dig out some spare Decorate the table with layers of coloured tissue blankets, gloves and hats for anyone who isn’t paper in red, yellow and orange, rather than a prepared. If you’re setting off your own fireworks, table cloth, and string party lights around the take time to explain the danger to children, and walls. You could also try attaching streamers to make it clear how far back they need to stand. colourful paper lanterns to hang from the ceiling. You’ll also want to ensure that any pets are safely Drinks inside. Of course, it’s safer and cheaper to take Hot chocolate with whipped cream and advantage of a nearby firework display. marshmallows is sure to prove popular with They can be seen for miles, so you may well children and drivers. You could also make a be able to stay in your own garden, avoid warming alcoholic drink for adults, such as mulled the crowds and make the most of those wine, liqueur coffee or hot toddy. warming drinks... To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 21 Tips By Sarah Davey

HowI always found it hard to say no. I was chronically To Say over-committed and had little time for myself. One day I broke down in tears and my friend Louise, who is life coach, took me on one side. “Let go of your sense of importance!” she said, which took me by surprise. I thought I was just trying to be nice. “You get an emotional hit from feeling indispensible,” she added. As uncomfortable as that made me feel I could see that perhaps she was right. I asked her for some tips. 4. Money requests are always tricky. Have a 1. Focus on those activities you love. The next No!phrase ready which you feel comfortable time you are asked to volunteer for something using such as, ‘I am already fully committed evaluate the request and see if it resonates. If financially this year.’ not it will be easier to say no. 5. Revealuate your current commitments. If 2. Get over being ‘nice’. Stop being afraid to you agreed to something a while ago which disappoint people and be authentic in your you feel won’t work for you, tell the people response. You will be respected for it. involved immediately and help them formulate 3. Make any no very clear. Saying, ‘Maybe in the a different plan if necessary. new year,’ or ‘Let me get back to you,’ leaves the 6. Practice! Saying no in non-threatening other person feeling you might be interested. situations will help you prepare for saying no It’s unfair if actually you’re not. where there is more at stake.

22 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 23 Home By Katherine Sorrell

Open Plan Who doesn’t love the idea of living in a light, bright and airy open-plan space? Katherine Sorrell explains how to get the most out of it. aroundLiving the edges, or spacing it too far To ensure an open-plan room looks good and apart, and group it so that sofas and chairs are functions brilliantly, carefully plan how you’ll use sociable, either facing each other or creating a the space – for cooking, eating, entertaining, corner (modular units are good for this). working, relaxing and so on – then divide it into Try to include an island or peninsular unit between appropriate areas. These zones can be created with the kitchen and the rest of the room. This gives a changes of level, but generally it’s through use visual break between the two zones and lets the of flooring, colour and pattern, lighting and the cook chat with family or guests. positioning of furniture. Kitchen manufacturers produce products that Kitchens/halls need splash-proof flooring that blend kitchen, dining and living functions, from can be mopped, while sitting areas should feel cabinets that co-ordinate with free-standing inviting and comfortable, so use different (but storage to media units that incorporate a TV, to complementary) floorings to create visually help design a space that blends easily from one distinct zones, or lay one practical flooring zone to another. throughout. Stone or ceramic tiles, engineered One final point: bear in mind that sound carries or laminate floorboards, rubber and good and if you’re eating dinner, watching TV or quality vinyl are all suitable – simply soften with catching up on emails you won’t want to be rugs around your sofas and chairs to create the disturbed by the extractor fan or the dishwasher. framework for a separate ‘living’ area. If possible, put your washing machine somewhere Pale colours emphasise open, airy spaces, while separate and buy super-quiet appliances. darker shades can help make large areas feel cosy. Get the light right One option in an open-plan room is to use tones of Good lighting makes a big difference, helping one colour, going from light at one end to darker to zone the space and provide either strong at the other. In long, thin spaces, painting the end illumination or soft ambience. Food preparation walls in a deeper shade makes them appear closer, areas need bright lights, which can be in the thus improving the proportions, while a neutral bottoms of wall-mounted cabinets or, if you have scheme throughout can have matching accents an island unit, can be a ceiling-mounted track or a of a brighter colour – say, a rug in the living area, row of pendants. To give flexible lighting that can glasses on the dining table and kitchen accessories be turned up or down easily in dining and living – for a smart and interesting look. areas, experts advise installing a range of circuits Conventional furniture may not work as well as controlled by separate switches or dimmers, but expected in an open-plan space, so search for this can involve disruption and extra expense. larger-than-average pieces that look good from all Instead, replace main light switches with dimmers angles, not just the front. Avoid placing the seating and plug in a selection of table or floor lamps. 24 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 25 26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Health & Beauty

By Kate Duggan I need a www.kateduggan.co.uk Skin saviours to see you through the winter months. the time I get toHero relax in the bath of concentrated rosehip fruit before one of the kids barges in.) and seed oils, it’s 100% natural Janjira is a Thai brand and focuses and packed with antioxidants on natural ingredients that have and Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9. 87% been proven to work. The mask of users reported a significant costs £20 and can be ordered improvement in the appearance from www.janjira.co.uk. of fine lines after using it. Weleda’s Skin Food is celebrating Skin feeling dry, tight and its 90th anniversary dehydrated? Try Dr. Weil for this year. Beloved Origins™ Mega-Mushroom by people the Skin Relief, £27.50-£40. It’s very world over, Skin light, almost like a toner, but You may find that your skin Food works incredibly hydrating and leaves craves a richer moisturiser in the miracles on dry, skin feeling plumped and soft. colder months. I’ve been using rough patches. Use Apply with a soft cloth or cotton Ishga’s Anti-oxidant Marine it as an intensive wool pads. Key ingredients Face Cream, £70, for a few weeks hand-cream, or to spot-treat include mushroom extracts now, and highly recommend patches of dry skin. Alternatively, and a blend of essential oils. It’s it. Ingredients include seaweed hand it to a partner and demand currently on sale in a rather lovely extract, shea butter, apricot a foot massage. It’s packed with limited edition bottle printed in a kernel oil, macadamia nut oil and rich natural ingredients, including seabuckthorn pattern. Available aloe vera. It’s very hydrating and sweet almond oil and beeswax, from www.origins.co.uk and some soothing, and rich without being and fragranced with essential branches of Boots and House of too heavy or greasy. Ishga is a oils. Skin Food is usually £9.95, Fraser. Scottish luxury skincare brand but www.biggreensmile.com was Another brand and is available through some offering 20% off at the time of to recognise spas and online at www.ishga. writing. the potential of co.uk. I’m not the best for remembering mushrooms is Rosehip oil has long been to exfoliate, particularly when Janjira. They’ve revered for its skin healing I can hide away under jeans included mushroom properties. Amongst and winter woollies. However, extract in their other benefits it can Odylique’s Coconut Candy Pomegranate & help with fine lines, Scrub, £25, makes it a treat. Acai Facial Mask, scarring, blemishes Formulated with Fairtrade sugar, £20. Thankfully, and dry patches. coconut oil, cocoa butter, poppy you wouldn’t know that by If you want to try seeds and other skin enriching the smell, as it has a gorgeous, it for yourself, ingredients, it feels lovely to almost tropical scent. Lovely and Pai’s Rosehip massage in and moisturises light, this mask helps to hydrate, BioRegenerate Oil, while it exfoliates. (Plus it smells plump and brighten skin in just £22, is a good choice. rather nice.) Skin feels softer and 10 minutes. (Which is about all A powerful blend smoother. Heaven. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 27 www.shamrockclinic.co.uk Located in Lower Stondon. October special oﬀ ers: Brow shaping & L.V.L. Lashes. £38.00 Semi permanent makeup. £190.00 Regular Gel manicures & pedicures £23.00 Medical pedicure for the treatment of:- ingrowing toe nails | corns | calluses fungal infections | cracked heels all with a nail polish colour of your choice. £35.00 Regular Pedicure. £25.00 Luxury facial, including microdermabrasion & a Crystal Clear mask. £35.00 Facial waxing from £10.00

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28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year Christmas Study your list It’s just around Are there items which can be bought online? Do any of your local shops offer home delivery? Look into local veg-box schemes. Divide the remaining the corner! list into manageable chunks and purchase a few …Christmas that is. Now we all know someone things each week. For foodstuffs, begin with items who buys their prezzies in the January sales, has which can be frozen and end with the fresh items their cards written and addressed by Easter and which need to be purchased just a day or two their turkey ordered before the first frost. We hate before. their smugness and lack of proper festive spirit but Puds and cakes mainly we hate them because we know that we Make these early to give them time to mature. Stir could never ever be that organised...until now! up Sunday is the last Sunday before advent and We’re not suggesting that you start planning this year is on November 30th. This is traditionally Christmas while on your summer holidays but it the time when Christmas puddings are made. I does pay to be a little bit organised. You’ll arrive at make my Christmas cake during the first week of December 25th with far fewer grey hairs and much December which gives me time to feed it as much lower blood pressure if you plan ahead. brandy as it will hold. Yum! Clear out food cupboards Write the cards Be ruthless. Chuck out all the out-of-date items It’s bit of a chore but put the carols on, pour a glass and things you know will never be eaten. Make of something festive and get into the spirit. You’ll room for all those festive goodies. feel really virtuous when they’re done. Clear out toy cupboards Tree lights and outdoor lights Be ruthless. Involve the kids. Donate outgrown Test them well in advance so they can be replaced and unplayed-with items to charity. If you are an if necessary. eBayer, spend an afternoon listing items for sale. Check bed and linen status! Order meat early Will you need to buy or borrow fold-up beds, or Farmers’ markets and shops are teeming at this extra bedding for your guests? What about elderly Christmas time. Don’t imagine you’ll get what you guests? They may be able to lie down on a Z bed want if you leave it until the last minute. but will they ever be able to get up again! Who’s coming to dinner? By now you should be feeling organised and in Are there any vegetarians, vegans or dairy control. You may even feel the beginnings of a intolerances among your guests. Are you planning smug smile twitch at the corners of your mouth. a party? List all the food, alcohol and gift items you Enjoy it…you earned it. Just be aware that think you will need and add to it as you go along. someone somewhere hates you for it!

29 Hobbies By Kate McLelland Are we tired of

Not by a long chalk! It’s a trend that has beenshabby going strong for over pointchic? you will be trying to create the look twenty years and there’s no sign of it disappearing of furniture that has been painted many just yet. ‘Shabby chic’ has been around since times and used so much that the paint has the 1990s, when holidaymakers returning from begun to rub off at the contact points, so sand destinations such as Provence, Tuscany and Greece only where you think the item would have been tried to recreate the weathered, sun-baked surfaces repeatedly touched (around handles or on the top found in traditional Mediterranean buildings in their and bottom corners of your piece). Don’t rush this own homes, using specialist paint techniques. part of the project, apply light pressure and start In recent years a growing interest in upcycling has sanding in a place where the effect will be less created a healthy market for furniture painted in visible. the shabby chic style. Dark brown wooden furniture 4 Dampen a cloth and pass it over your item to has been unpopular for decades and upcyclers have remove all the sanding dust, then wait until it is been able to take advantage of this trend, buying completely dry. pieces at knockdown prices, refurbishing them with 5 Chalk based paint is porous, so it is liable to pick chalk-based paints and selling them on for a profit up marks and stains if it is not sealed with a layer on Gumtree, Ebay or Shpock. of soft wax. Use a different brush for applying It’s relatively easy to revive a piece of furniture using the wax and don’t use that brush for any other chalk based paints. This flexible medium requires no purpose (this also applies with coloured waxes stripping, sanding or priming and you’ll only need to – if you’ve used a dark wax on the brush, don’t master a few basic techniques before you can start use it to apply a lighter shade). Apply the wax to use it with confidence: generously, using a clean cloth to remove any 1 Wash the furniture with clean, soapy water to excess. remove any surface dirt, and allow to dry. Don’t be 6 If you are painting furniture for the garden, you tempted to clean with wax, as this won’t provide a should not apply wax at all as it will not set (just secure base for applying the paint. be aware that the piece will age and fade more 2 When you’re aiming for a rustic style, the brush rapidly if it is left outside). If your indoor item is strokes can go in any direction. It’s usual to apply likely to get a lot of use, let the wax dry for two to coats of paint in different colours to create a three weeks before bringing it into service. layered effect, and this is best achieved by using Whether you want to revive pieces that you a lighter shade under or over a darker shade for currently own or you fancy trying your hand at contrast. upcycling and selling on, you’ll find that turning 3 Allow at least an hour for the surface to dry yesterday’s scrap items into today’s interior design then sand with very fine sandpaper. At this treasures is rewarding … and highly addictive.

30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Let us help you get your business off to a flying start

FREEYour The copy ILLAGER Issue 54 - October 2013 V The The Issue 56 - December 2013 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS Your FREE ILLAGER copy ILLAGER V Issue 58 - February 2014 V and Town Life The and Town Life The LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARI Inside this issue TIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS VILLAGER ILLAGERTown Life The Ultimate Issue 59 - March 2014 V and Christmas Survival Guide LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCALand CHARITIES Town • L Life Issue 57 - January 2014 CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS Inside this issue OCAL PRODUCTS LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL How to make Free Advice & Support a Christmas Wreath for Local Businesses

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, Godmanchester, The Hemingf and all surrounding villages every month Bringing Local Business to Local People ords Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, The Hemingfords and all surrounding villages every month 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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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 31 Reassurance when you need it most

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

Pokemon Go was a hit in the summer, and there’s Activities nothing stopping you giving it a go now that it’s AutumnIt can be difficult to entertain children in the winter. colder. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically a (There are only so many trips to a soft play centre smartphone app that gets users to search for and your sanity will take.) If you’re stuck for something to collect digital cartoon characters. They can be do this weekend, maybe we can help… anywhere, so it’s a good way to encourage the kids Head outside - Getting kids out for some fresh to head into town with you. air isn’t always an easy task, particularly when the Get crafty - Ah - the hours of fun that can be had weather is miserable. If the promise of puddle with an empty washing up bottle and some sticky- jumping isn’t doing the trick, these ideas might backed plastic. The best craft activities result in tempt them into their coats and hats: something you can use again. (Children tend to get • Cut a strip of sticky-backed plastic and secure a bit annoyed when their masterpieces end up in it around your child’s wrist, sticky side out. the recycling box.) You could: Help them collect leaves to stick on to make an • Make skittles out of empty plastic bottles. autumnal bracelet. Decorate them with coloured tape or mix acrylic • Collect autumn leaves to make a woodland paint with PVA glue and paint them. picture when you get home. Use the leaves for the • Design a T-shirt, using tie-dye or fabric pens. body of a hedgehog, owl or Gruffalo. • Order some cyanotype paper (also called nature • If you’d rather not stray too far from the house, print or sun paper). It acts a bit like photographic why not set up a treasure hunt in the garden, with paper, but develops in sunlight. Areas not covered a pirate map and clues to follow? For treasure you turn blue. Place beads, leaves, feathers etc. on the could hide some chocolate coins or a small gift. paper and put it in the sun to develop. Geocaching is popular with children and adults • Cover a box with photos cut out from a magazine, alike. You use a smartphone to find a ‘cache’ using its to keep hair slides, pencils or knick-knacks tidy. GPS coordinates. There are more than 70,000 hidden Watch a show across the UK and popular walks can have several Disney on Ice’s Frozen is currently on its UK tour, caches on route. Caches are usually small containers as is The Nutcracker and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. containing a logbook to sign and sometimes a small Alternatively, check out smaller, local theatres. trinket, which you can swap with something of Matinee tickets often cost from as little as £5. your own. You’ll need to download an app for your If film is more your thing, many of the larger cinemas smartphone and visit www.geocaching.com to plan offer discounted tickets for family showings. Odeon your route. Kids shows, for example, are £2.50 or less per ticket. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 33 Finance How much does it really cost to buy a home? The true cost of buying a home isn’t always obvious when you start looking, and many people are unaware just how much the additional fees can mount up. In fact, when consumer group Which? carried out a national property survey, Environmental - An environmental search utilises over 25% of buyers and sellers said that moving historical information about how the land on had cost them more than expected. which the property was built, and the land nearby, So apart from your mortgage, what extra fees and was used in the past – industrial or commercial expenses might you face when buying a home? uses, for example – and indicates whether Homebuyer Surveys contamination might be an issue. Any risk of Mortgage lenders will carry out a basic valuation flooding is also highlighted using data from the survey to confirm how much the property is Environment Agency. worth. The price of this can start from around Stamp Duty £150, but varies according to its value. Stamp Duty affects the purchasers of residential Two other types of survey are also available - a freehold or leasehold properties sold for over Homebuyer Report and a full structural survey. £125,000, with rates currently standing at¹: The cost of these surveys can vary depending on • £125,001 to £250,000: 2% your location and the size of the property, but • £250,001 to £925,000: 5% expect to pay from around £250 for a Homebuyer • £925,001 to £1.5 million: 10% Report and upwards of £600 for a structural • Over £1.5 million: 12% survey. As a buyer, you must send a Stamp Duty Land Tax Conveyancing and Solicitor’s Fees (SDLT) return along with your payment within 30 Solicitors tend to charge a fixed fee for their time, days of completion. and then add on the costs of local authority and Removals land/water searches separately, along with other Using a removals firm can seem like a large searches that you might want to carry out. expense if you don’t have a lot of possessions, More than 60 different searches are available, but and many people choose to hire a van instead. many are specialised and only relevant to a small Removals firms generally charge from £300 for a number of properties. These are the searches most small move, but may charge more for weekends. commonly used by homebuyers: Home Insurance Local Authority - Local authority searches include Buildings insurance is an important aspect of the Local Land Charges Register. Your solicitor will buying a property, and will be a requirement also find out about any issues such as new roads by your lender if you’ve taken out a mortgage. that are being planned near the property, any Contents insurance also protects your belongings in parking restrictions or tree preservation orders, for the event of fire, flood, or other disaster. It’s a good example. idea to factor in these extra costs before you start Land registry - This will confirm who holds the looking for a property. You’ll be more confident that legal title to the land, and whether there are any your budget will stretch far enough, and won’t have charges on the property, such as a mortgage. to suffer any nasty surprises later on. Drainage and Water - The water company will www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and- confirm whether the property is connected to the property/guides/buying-a-house/the-cost-of- mains water supply, drainage and surface water buying-a-house/ drainage. This search also reveals whether any www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/ public drains are located on the land. estimate-your-overall-buying-and-moving-costs 34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts We take time to listen and ﬁnd the best way forward Contact us to arrange your free initial 30 minute visit (We are happy to come to you for a small extra charge) Wills Our staﬀ have successfully drafted Wills for many years; truly we are experts. £135 inc. Single Will £199 inc. Mirror Wills

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 35 Life Begins... By Kate McLelland Have we become the stuff of Classic Comedy

If you belong to the Baby Envy Thy Neighbour disguise a damp patch. Perhaps Boomer generation (born The one-upmanship that’s why we’ve seen a rise in between 1946 and 1964) demonstrated by Hyacinth tenants’ complaints between you’ve probably noticed that Bucket in Keeping Up 2007 and 2015… the programmes you watched Appearances is far from dead. Good for the planet on TV when you were young Last year in a survey of 1,016 UK Not all of us have become are now available everywhere, adults, 13% said they envied a grumpy, envious or dishonest in with episodes on YouTube neighbour’s home, while 80% old age. Some have learned to and repeats on mainstream were prepared to spend £100+ respect the environment and live television. on home accessories to impress sustainably. These are the guests But there is a downside: gone are the people next door. who - like Tom and Barbara from the days when we could watch Today’s Hyacinth is likely to be The Good Life - arrive late via as young people, laughing at the hostess of the party, standing public transport, proffering a box the follies of the old. This time in her perfectly-planned kitchen, of freshly-laid eggs. They love around we are more likely to surrounded by every conceivable nothing better than to air their see a reflection of ourselves. gadget. The canapés may have views on ‘green’ topics and you’ll Walk into any party where Baby been delivered by Waitrose, but enjoy chatting to these people, Boomers are gathered together, you can bet the wine came from until they point out that your and you’ll recognise some the budget supermarket. lifestyle is destroying the planet. familiar types: Love thy Landlord Research suggests that we tend The Art of Grumpiness We all loved to hate Rupert to grow more eccentric with Since the character of Victor Rigsby in Rising Damp. Rigsby age. “Younger people modify Meldrew appeared in One Foot was the penny-pinching, vain, their behaviour to social norms,” in the Grave, we’ve turned being boastful and cowardly landlord says Peter Tyrer, a professor grumpy into an art form, with who lorded it over a household from Imperial College London. Grumpy Old Women theatre of seedy bedsits. “But as people get older, there tours, Grumpy Old Men birthday Of the two million buy-to-let is evidence of reduced plasticity cards and “grumpy” celebrities landlords in the UK, many are of the nervous system.” In simple like Lord Alan Sugar. Baby Boomers who have invested terms, we become more set in As you enter the party it won’t be in property to supplement their our ways and cease to care what hard to find a present-day Victor pensions. Most are, of course, others think. Perhaps it’s not all Meldrew. Follow the loudest model landlords: but as the bad. We feel affection for TV’s voice in the room to overhear wine flows more freely, don’t be classic comedy creations because a blow-by-blow account of his surprised if you overhear some of their unique, quirky character latest victory over “faceless less than scrupulous Boomers traits. Let’s hope people will learn bureaucracy”. swapping tips about how to to love us in the same way. 36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts We build our mortgages around you

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EBAY COLLECTIONS Local & Reliable

38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Employment Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd Employment Matters Holiday Pay Calculations What Constitutes “Normal Pay” Holiday pay is still making headlines as the Court Council employees brought claims for underpaid of Appeal (“CoA”) gives its decision in the holiday holiday, including voluntary overtime and other pay and commission case of Lock -v- British Gas. allowances they were paid for out of hours work. - Mr Lock was a salesman who received The Judge in this case made it clear that the commission linked to the number of sales he starting point for all holiday pay questions is to achieved. Commission made up, on average, establish what constitutes “normal pay” and the over 60% of Mr Lock’s take home pay however Judge found that out of hours standby payments his holiday pay was based on his basic pay only. and call out allowances that had been regularly - This case went to the European Court of Justice paid e.g. at a rate of one week in four or five, (“ECJ”), where it was found that Mr Lock’s should be included. commission should be included in holiday pay. It found that only voluntary overtime that had - The UK courts had to decide whether the been regularly worked should be included in Working Time Regulations 1998 (“WTR”) could holiday pay e.g. an individual who regularly be interpreted to give effect to the ECJ’s decision worked overtime on Saturdays and counted this as and found that it could. part of their “normal” working pattern was entitled British Gas appealed to the CoA. The CoA to have these payments included. dismissed British Gas’ appeal and found that the However, an individual who worked voluntary WTR should and can be interpreted to include overtime on an ad hoc, occasional or rare basis results based commission in Mr Lock’s holiday was not entitled to have these payments included. pay and its judgment was released on Friday, 7 The Tribunal agreed with previous decisions which October 2016. found that the right to include all regularly worked The CoA did stress that its decision should payments only applies to the first 20 days of leave be confined only to contractual results based taken each year and not to the statutory leave commission of the type Mr Lock received. (eight days) or any contractual leave. Another Employment Tribunal has found that My advice to those employers who have not payments for voluntary overtime, out of hours yet developed a strategy to deal with potential standby allowances, and call out allowances holiday pay claims is to start to think about it. should be included in the first 20 days holiday pay How many of your employees could be affected? provided they are linked to work and have been Just as with pension auto enrolment it is time to paid regularly enough to be considered part of a take a proactive approach and calculate possible worker’s normal remuneration. liabilities, and any financial impact this could have A group of Dudley Metropolitan Borough on the business finances in the future.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 39 A Contemporary Barberswith a In life, it is a given, that women want to find a modern twist great hair salon. They require the best stylists, a John Carini, owner, has been barbering since he perfect ambience in which to relax, and a home left college in 1986. He started out as a junior, from home feel whilst they preen and beautify which gave him an insight into the male grooming themselves. But why does this same attitude not arena. He continued on his journey and went to apply to men? work for his uncle, which is where he stayed until Guys do seem to get the rough end of the deal 1996 when he opened his first branch of The when it comes to grooming, with nowhere locally Barber Co in Radlett, Hertfordshire. really offering an equivalent service to that of The success of the Radlett branch spoke volumes the women. Until now this is, until The Barber Co and so The Barber Co opened it’s second salon in arrived into Baldock in August 2016. Baldock. Run by Costa, the aim of the salon was to create a perfect environment for men to feel like they too could enjoy a bit of “me time” whilst retaining their male pride and manly physique. John and Costa have provided just that, and are proud of their modern, yet contemporary finish with exposed brickwork, oak furniture and stunning beams. Being in a grade II listed building also adds character to the salon and fits in perfectly with Baldock being a historical market town. Costa, manager at Baldock, has 20 years barbering experience and offers his clientele the very best of on trend modern styles. He is a specialist of 40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts “fading” and feels very passionate and imagination and attention of the marketplace creative when it comes to styling men’s hair. which is constantly bombarded with “scientific” The guys at The Barber Co are also pleased jargon and magical claims. to be able to offer childrens cuts, and in The guys felt this was the answer, simplistic yet fact take the stress out of this momentous effective and the perfect product for the shop. occasion for the parents, by offering a TV, Throughout November, The Barber Co are offering pre loaded with kids programmes. The a £2.00 discount off all of their MuK products when perfect distraction and not a service offered purchased with a haircut. In fact, the boys are also by most barbers. offering a November only discount of £1.50 off all Customers can also enjoy free wifi whilst in gents haircuts too. Simply mention The Villager to the salon, free parking and air con over the receive yours. hot summer months. The salon is open six days a week, Monday Like all salons, John and Costa felt they to Saturday, and offers a walk in service, no wanted to use a product in the shop that appointments needed. really performs and provides the perfect Word is spreading fast that this little gem of a hair solution for all of their customers. barbers is hot footing it to the leaderboard when it Founded in Australia in 2006, Muk comes to needing a decent men’s haircut. People embarked on a journey to develop a brand like word of mouth and word is, if you require a that went against the trend of all other hair modern haircut in a stylish setting, then The Barber care companies. The vision was to create a Co is the place to go. product range that not only outperformed For further information call 01462 337797 or the market leaders, but grabbed the pop in and see us at 52 High Street, Baldock.

By Sarah Fryer Photography: Darren Harbar To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 41 TREE CARE & JHLANDSCAPING We will OF STEVENAGE beat any written quote by a HERTFORDSHIRE reputable company! All kinds of trees expertly Topped, Trimmed, Felled or Pruned, Hedge Trimming & Cutting, Overgrown Garden Clearance, Fences Erected or Repaired, Turf Laid, Patios Laid, Stump Removal, Rubbish Removed, Pressure Washing Any Garden work undertaken Free estimates and special rates for OAPs ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED 14 day cancellation required No job too big or too small

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J H Tree CareGardening 1/4 page.indd 1 a Pain? 14/09/2016 13:19 2 FREE Let us take the Strain! shrubs We are here for your landscaping projects too for new orders  Patios  Artificial lawns  Deckings  Fencing  Turfing  Re-design and more  One off ‘nightmares’ cleared Book your weekly or fortnightly maintenance visits NOW Prices from just £14.00 per week For more details or for a free quotation call 01462 262103 or email: [email protected]

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

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com Garden Fireworks

You may be planning a traditional display of The angels’ fishing rods, diorama, have arching fireworks on November 5th, but why not also think stems in great numbers surrounded by broad, ahead and plant yourself a few garden fireworks? almost grass-like leaves, each measuring up to 5 ft At this time of year, there are still several stunning (1.5m) in length. The rich pink funnel-shaped flowers flowers that remind me of fireworks, such as the dangle and sway in the wind and keep on bobbing flamboyant red hot pokers or kniphofias, also straight back up again, even on a windy site. known as torch lilies. Kniphofia ‘Brimstone’ has a Consider growing some lupins for summer, either rich yellowy-orange colour while the smaller ‘Little a yellow variety or ‘My Castle’, which has rich red Maid’ has ivory-yellow flower spikes and reaches a flowers - just like a rocket racing skywards, but far height of about 2 ft (60cm). ‘Fiery Fred’ has blazing less noisy. orangey-red flowers, while those of ‘Alcazar’ are If you want a tree but space is limited, the bright red. Available in garden centres now, they Kilmarnock willow, Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’, is a do well if planted out in early autumn or spring in a good option, reaching a height of about 6 ft (1.8 m) sunny spot with a well drained soil. Once established after 10 or 15 years. It has long weeping branches you will have a regular display that really will go off and bright yellow fuzzy catkins in spring, far better like a rocket! than any real Roman candle I know! Crocosmias help provide colour at this time of Look around nearby gardens to see what a fantastic year, so take a look at ‘Lucifer’, with its flame-red, display autumn foliage can put on, then plant almost trumpet-shaped flowers clustered along anything with good autumn colour to guarantee a an elegantly arching spike, or for golden yellow glowing bonfire every autumn. Your garden centre flowers consider ‘Canary Bird’. The many varieties should have a plentiful supply of shrubs and trees at of crocosmia thrive in sun or part shade in a well this time of year. drained yet also moist soil. Pot-grown plants should Finally, if you are having a bonfire, make it at the be available for planting now or in the spring, or last minute to minimise the risk of hedgehogs or you can buy the corms to plant towards the end other wildlife hiding beneath the heap coming to an of winter; these plants will look like the ultimate untimely end. The hedgehog is one of the gardener’s elegant arching firework. best friends, as it eats huge numbers of slugs and If fireworks like star clusters are more your scene, many other garden pests. think about sedums or ice plants, many of which Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com to have star-shaped flowers. Some of the sedums, book Pippa for a gardening talk, or peruse the really such as ‘Autumn Joy’, are still just about in flower, useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, but plant pot-grown specimens now and from including Nemaslug to control slugs, pop-up crop late summer you will have a tremendous show of covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, blooms for several weeks, certain to attract bees and pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa butterflies. Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed books and lots more besides. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 43 44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Photo: Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

Do you love The volunteering roles are: running family and children’s events, wildlife watches on the reserve and working in our visitor centre where you can inspire our visitors about the work of the RSPB and the birds The RSPB is holding a volunteer recruitment day at and wildlife found here. We also have opportunities The LodgeNature nature reserve at Sandy on Saturday 26 for flexible part time work in our busy and friendly November, between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. shop. Full training and a uniform will supplied. The RSPB is the largest conservation charity in Europe. Pop in and meet us at the shop, near the reserve We have over 13,000 fantastic volunteers across the entrance, anytime between 10:30 and 2:30 and have country, and they come from all walks of life. Between a chat with us over a cuppa and biscuit to find out them, they contribute over a million hours each year. more. As we plan our visitor programme at The Lodge for If you can’t make this date but are interested in the coming year, we would like more volunteers to volunteering at The Lodge, please contact join us. If you are friendly, are confident talking to the Mark Brandon, Visitor Experience Manager, public and able to inspire our visitors about the work The Lodge nature reserve; [email protected] of the RSPB then we want to hear from you. 01767 693253. GILKS FENCING LTD All Types of Fencing, Gates & Railings, SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

Call for a FREE Survey & Quotation Visit our Display Area at: Gilks Fencing Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX Tel: 01767 650 615 Email: [email protected] www.gilksfencing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 45 46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 47 Garden View By Rachael Leverton

On the whole, it’s best to choose a hedge which is in keeping with the style of your house and the GardenHedges boundaries are emotive subjects. There area in which you live. So smart Victorian terraces have been any number of feuds between look great fronted by evergreen privet or box while neighbours over this very issue down the years rural properties might consider a more natural and the main cause of aggro seems to be the hedge of holly, hawthorn, beech, rowan and humble hedge. blackthorn. While not entirely evergreen, a mixed Actually, in spite of the improvements in fancy hedge like this will provide beautiful autumn fencing panels over the years, there really is colour and plentiful food for wildlife. nothing nicer than a well kept hedge. I’ve seen gorgeous fuchsia hedges on my trips Suburban hedgerows not only soften an otherwise to the south coast, while slow-growing Yew is built-up landscape, they provide a lifeline for the attractive and works well on poor, chalky soils. wildlife which lives in towns and cities. Euonymus does well even in polluted areas or Hedges provide shelter, privacy and - if chosen for coastal regions plagued by salt winds. fruit and flowers - food. November is a great time to plant a new hedge. Even the much maligned Leyland cypress has No matter which type you choose, the secret of a part to play. It can provide a brilliant buffer success lies in the soil preparation. Dig over the against traffic noise for a start, and will screen ground thoroughly and don’t skimp on the organic unsightly views very quickly. Unfortunately it can matter. easily become an out-of-control monster if left Decide on the planting line and dig out a trench unchecked. Some have reached 36m/120ft! about 12 inches/30cm deep. Fill the base with The trick with Leylandii is to remove their tops well-rotted manure or compost then replace the about 1m/3ft before they reach the desired height soil, adding in more organic matter as you go. then clip them twice a year: once in April, once in Make sure you mulch around the young plants to September. help suppress weeds and retain moisture. This keeps them looking very smart but makes You can trim the hedge even when it is young. It them rather high-maintenance hedges. encourages stronger growth and a denser hedge Fortunately there are many slower growing structure. Plus a well maintained hedge will ensure hedging plants which don’t require such intensive that you and your neighbours stay on good terms care. for years to come.

48 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts T&G131x186AdvertReady.pdf 30/07/2016 16:27:44

CMY

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 49 Pets

Animal Know-How Fun for some – fear for others The RSPCA receives hundreds of calls relating to • Make sure they’re kept in a safe place during any fireworks every year – and in our multi-cultural display. society, fireworks are no longer used on just one day • Never punish or fuss over them as it can make in November. The RSPCA says that it is important things worse. to consider our pets’ needs as they can become • Make sure your pets are microchipped in case very distressed, and confused, by the unusual noise they escape. levels. • Give your dog their walk earlier in the day. The RSPCA would always advise letting your vet • Never ever take a dog to a fireworks display – know of any signs of stress – or unusual behavior – even if they don’t make noise – it’s still highly in your animal, so they can give you advice to help likely to be a stressful situation for them. your pet in the long-term. However, there are also • Pheromone diffusers may help dogs and cats feel some quick tips to help you and your pet during the calmer. fireworks: The RSPCA would also ask organisers to be vigilant • For any pet – whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or and give plenty of notice to people in the area and rodent – make sure you provide suitable hiding also to ensure there are no farm or zoo animals in places with extra bedding where they can feel the area who may be affected. safe. This is also true for animals that live outside. Wildlife can also be burned to death by bonfires, • Close all windows and curtains. so organisers should check them carefully before • Play music or put on the television to muffle the lighting to make sure there are no wild animals fireworks. You can also use a ‘Sounds Scary!’ CD to nesting or hiding inside. It helps to build the bonfire help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud noises. as near as possible to the time of lighting, or move them before lighting, to ensure hedgehogs and other wildlife are not sleeping in the pile when it is lit. So, for the safety and happiness of your pet, follow a few simple steps and ensure that everyone can – if not enjoy – tolerate, the celebrations.

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

50 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 51 Business gone slow? Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email [email protected]

52 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Come and Have Fun with Your Dog with The Barkley Dog Training

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 53 HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

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

Chocolate Truffled Meringues I often say to my listeners “did I ever mention that I lived in France for 10 years?” and I can hear the communal groan go up as I do so! So yes, I probably did mention it and yes, I did live in Lille for the best part of the decade. Of course one of the things I loved about France was the food. My local bakery used to make something called a “Merveilleux”, literally translated as a “Marvellous”, and I would treat myself to one on a regular basis. Two big domed meringues, glued together with chocolate, rolled in chocolate and covered in, well, more chocolate. So when pastry chef Diana Woo, who runs the Délices Patisserie and Bakery in Bedford town centre, came on my show, I could not resist asking her to make a version of this favourite of mine. And she certainly didn’t disappoint. Perfect light meringues, naughty chocolate filling - and very pretty to boot. Make these a treat for family and friends…

For the meringues 4. Bake for 1 hour in the oven, with the door slightly 180g egg whites (about 6) open (you can use a wooden spoon to keep it 375g sugar ajar). 5. When the meringues are cold, gouge a small part For the ganache of the meringue out from the bottom. Set the 50g whipping cream meringues aside. 100g milk 6. Now make the ganache. Put the milk and the 350 dark chocolate cream into a pan. Bring to the boil. Once boiling, pour the liquid onto the chocolate. For the decoration 7. Wait two minutes for the chocolate to melt, then 150g chocolate sprinkles use a whisk to mix well. Cover with a plastic film and put aside to cool. 1. Preheat your oven to 120C/ Gas Mark 1/2 8. With a spoon, put some ganache into holes that 2. Whisk the egg whites at a medium-high speed you made in the half-meringues. Spread some with 100g of sugar. When the egg whites become more ganache around the bases and stick the two really firm, sprinkle in the rest of the sugar and halves together to make a big ball. keep on whisking. 9. With a brush, coat the outside of the sphere with 3. Pipe the meringues into quite large half sphere some ganache then roll it into chocolate sprinkles shapes (around 5cm wide) on parchment paper or desiccated coconut (or anything flaky!) to coat on baking trays. it.

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

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 55 Lambourn MOT and Service Centre Ltd

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56A1 Garage Doors 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding15/03/2016 to adverts 13:53 Motoring We try Nissan’s bonkers As we hit the back straight of the twisting kart track in the middle of a shanty town in Brazil, the wail of the concept car’s electric motors reaches a crescendo. F1BladeGlider experts Williams Advanced It’s banshee-like in pitch and Engineering and features an It’s not supercar fast, but will push would rival a hover bike from Star unusual three-seater layout where you back into the sports seats Wars in tone – this is noise like no both passengers sit behind and and throw you around enough to electric car that’s gone before it, either side of the driver. induce a whiff of travel sickness. and it’s pointing to the future of Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed There’s currently no word on electric vehicles (EVs) for Nissan. a drive of the multimillion pound range, though – which we’d guess We’ve come to Rio de Janeiro to concept car; however, we did means it’s currently pretty poor. experience this mad Batmobile- get to experience it from the Unfortunately, the chances of like sports car concept, dubbed passenger seat. being able to order a BladeGlider the BladeGlider. Even from here it’s clear the from your local dealer any time With a narrow front track and BladeGlider offers a completely soon is highly unlikely. This is just aerodynamically designed body unique driving experience. Those one of two produced and they’re that widens like an arrow to the two front wheels and the wide- likely to be the last. Well, in this rear, the concept car takes design track rear make for a planted and form at least. cues from the Delta Wing Le Mans agile ride. On the tiny test track it So you might be wondering what racer of 2012. whipped between corners with a the point is? Well, Nissan says Although that car’s track time was whiff of tyre-smoking oversteer that’s simple, really: they want to short lived, the lessons Nissan when our test driver got playful. make people realise electrification learned are brought back to life in For us mere mortals the BladeGlider doesn’t mean dull, and a sports car this mad sports car concept that’s offers a drift mode, similar to that concept as bonkers as this proves part Robin Reliant, part McLaren found on the Focus RS, for sideways otherwise. F1, part Caterham. fun – yet more technology Nissan is long overdue a sister car With two 174bhp electric motors, debuting here that is likely to filter to the Leaf, the world’s best-selling independently powering each rear down to other Nissans. EV, and many will be hoping the wheel, the BladeGlider is good The BladeGlider did feet softly lessons Nissan has learned here for nearly 120mph and 60mph in sprung, though, more hot hatch will lead to a thrilling follow-up. under five seconds. than sports car over the kerbs. Fortunately, after a very It’s been built in conjunction with But most importantly it was great short passenger fun – and, with the instant torque ride, all the signs available from those electric are pointing motors, it felt swift too. in the right direction for a smash hit.

By James Baggott Car Dealer Magazine 57 Motoring What Are We Paying For Unfortunately I had to have some glass replaced on one of my cars this week. I won’t go into detail but suffice to say I have a crime number from the local constabulary and they rang me the next day to say they have an “interesting” lead. Here’s Exactly? hoping. praise, I don’t want a letter from the lawyers, so I got chatting to the glass technician about the they will remain nameless. But the big surprises cars he’s worked on and how well each was put were a super-car brand and two German marques together. Based on a completely unscientific that have done the opposite to Ford: penny- survey of a man working on an average of 50 cars pinching leading to a drop in quality. a week, I’ve a very rough countdown of the best It goes to show that, just because a car has a good and worst built cars. The top two were no surprise. (or bad) name, built on past reputation, it doesn’t It was those further down that raised an eyebrow. follow that this will continue. The product will Bentley was number one in his experience, with sometimes improve whilst at other times quality Mercedes at two. It got interesting from then on can deteriorate, regardless of the price charged. as his number three best-built car was Ford. They So what are we paying for exactly? The badge on have really upped their game in the last few years the bonnet, or the quality of the build? and it shows, with well put together vehicles and quality materials. Snapping at their heels was Vauxhall, again for the same reason. Now for the lower ranked ones: Sorry, but unlike the four above, who I’m sure will gladly take the

58 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts LOCAL

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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

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 61 Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s OnIn November

2 November 6 November 10 November North Herts Ass. of the National Trust Phoenix A Capella Show Chorus Baldock and Clothall WI 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, 6pm Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage 7.30pm Baldock Community Centre Hitchin SG5 1HF Visitors £2 Tickets £15, Concessions £13, Family £45 Visitors £3 including refreshment and raffle Talk by Martin Lloyd on ‘Passports, Assassins, An evening of musical entertainment with ticket. Speaker to be confirmed. Traitors & Spies’. Meetings are held on the first Phoenix Chorus, Footworks Dance & Musical Wednesday of each month. Visitors welcome. Theatre School, Potton School Choir and 11 November Footlights Quartet. Charity Quiz Night 8pm 3, 10, 17 & 24 November Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk Mount Pleasant Golf Club Sapphire Social Club Web: www.phoenixladies.co.uk £3 per person. Maximum 6 per team. Turn 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin up on the night or register your team online. We are a small and friendly group for single 7, 14, 21 & 28 November Web: at www.stondon.net people generally aged 50 and above. We Branch Out Social Club for Single People offer a variety of social events. Potential new 8.30-11pm 11-26 November members are warmly welcome to come along Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Letchworth Art Society Autumn Exhibition and meet us with no joining fee for the first Branch Out meets every Monday night and is Community Museum Gallery, The Arcade, two months. Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or a medium-sized Social Club for single people. Letchworth Ian 07900 890583 for information It was formed in 1995 to bring together Web: letchworthartsociety.info Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, 14 November 5 November Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy Icknield Quilters 7.30pm for 7.45pm start The Signals Museum 10am-4pm one another’s company. The club organises Baldock Community Centre £4 The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open regular events, weekend trips and holidays. Sewing evening together a Quilter’s Guild to the public. Entry is free but official photo Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 suitcase collection - Celebrating Tradition. ID is required to get an entry ticket from the Web: www.branch-out.org.uk Visitors welcome. www.icknieldquilters.co.uk Guardroom. www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 9 November 15 November 5 November Henlow Branch R N A Stevenage RSPB 7.30pm Ashwell Fireworks & Bonfire Night 7.30pm Friends Meeting House, Gates open 5pm, Display 6.30pm Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage Small Gains, Station Road, Ashwell The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval Members £3, Non-members £4, In advance: Family ticket £12, Association meets on the second Wednesday Under 16s 50p. 3rd Tuesday of the month On the gate: Family ticket £15, Adults £5, of each month. Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 meeting. Rev. Tom Gladwin’s will give a talk Children £3, Under 4s free entitled ‘A naturalist in the Mojave Desert’. Ashwell Primary School PTA event. Advance 10 November tickets available from the School Office. Stargazing Night 6.30-9pm 16 November Please walk to Small Gains or park on Station RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy Herts at War Talk Road or Lucas Lane as parking is limited. Adults £5, Children £3 Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Sandy Astronomical Society will be visiting The Large Lecture Theatre, University of 6 November The Lodge and showing the amazing planets Hertfs, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Annual Healing Open Day 11am-4pm and stars of the night sky. An introduction to Andy Robertshaw will talk about The attack Gentle Touch Healing Centre, Enterprise the stars will kick off the event. Meet at the on Beaumont Hamel. Andy was lead historical House, Wrest Park, Silsoe, MK45 4HS Gatehouse car park. Booking and payment in consultant for Spielberg’s film adaptation of Free admission advance is essential. Please leave a contact ‘War Horse’, which he also starred in. He is a Celebrating our 19th Anniversary. We will be number for the day. Limited numbers. regular consultant and on-screen expert for offering free Healing and free Therapy advice Tel: 01767 693253 a host of TV and radio shows. Please book on the day. Refreshments provided. Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge tickets online. www.hertsatwar.co.uk/talks 62 Please mentionPlease mentionPlease The mentionVillager The Villager The and Villager andTown Town and Life Town Life when Life when when responding responding responding to to to adverts adverts adverts 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 November

18 & 19 November 20 November 26 November Bedford Camera Club Annual Exhibition The Annual Exhibition of photographs of RSPB Volunteer Recruitment Day 10am-4.30pm Harpur Suite, Bedford Shillington through the years. 10.30am-2.30pm Celebrating its 110th Anniversary. The club 2.30pm Shillington Village Hall, The High RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy has around 50 regular members and they Road, Shillington Admission £2 Do you love nature? Could you give some of welcome new members of any experience. The archive of old photographs of Shillington your time to help us give nature a home at Web: www.bedfordcameraclub.co.uk through the years has been amassed and your local RSPB nature reserve? If you are now stands in excess of 500+ mounted prints friendly, confident talking to the public and 18 & 19 November showing the development of the village, with able to inspire our visitors about the work of Fairfield Players present images from the very early 1900’s until very the RSPB, then we want to hear from you. Full “Thriller of the Year” near the present day. Tel: Janet or Peter Watts training will be given and a uniform supplied. 7.45pm Memorial Hall, Hallworth Drive, 01462 712080 for further information If you can’t make this date but are interested Stotfold Tickets £10 Email: [email protected] in volunteering at The Lodge, please contact A play by Glyn Jones. On her return from a Mark Brandon Tel: 01767 693253 celebration party Gillian finds she has been 24 November Email: [email protected] sent a copy of her own novel The Lady Is Dead. Stevenage RSPB 1.30pm The series of accidents that follow convince Thursday afternoon walk at Heartwood Forest 26 November her that someone is trying to murder her by near Sandridge. Meet at the car park, Grid The Corbalan Brothers one of the methods described in her book. Ref TL 172109. 7.30pm Weston Church, SG4 7DJ Entry is by ticket only. Tickets available by The Corbalan Brothers bring two Paraguayan telephone or email. Tel: Box Office 25 & 26 November harps to play a wide variety of folk and 01767 631265 or 01462 624369 Sinbad the Sailor Pantomime contemporary music. Email: [email protected] Fri 7.45pm, Sat 3pm & 7.45pm Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk Meppershall Village Hall 20 November Tickets Matinees £6, Concessions £5, 26 & 27 November Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm Evenings £8, Concessions £7 Christmas Fayre 10-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, The Meppershall Players present ‘Sinbad Jordan’s Mill, Holme Mills, Southill Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 the Sailor’ by Karen Mitchell. A traditional Broom Free admission This antiques fair offers a diverse range of pantomime suitable for all the family. Tickets Find some perfect Christmas gifts, enjoy our antiques and collectables. Café serving on sale now at Roger’s Bakery Meppershall seasonal menu and listen to the carol singers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. 01462 813398. performing in the Riverside Café. There will Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 be free face painting for children and also a Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk 26 November Christmas photography booth with leading Conservation Experience Day local photographer Darren Harbar (pre- 20 November 10am-3pm Maulden Heath bookable only). Web: jordansmill.com Hertfordshire Carols Workshop £35 per person 2-4.30pm Experience practical conservation first-hand 29 November Guide HQ, Icknield Way, Letchworth with The Greensand Trust and give something Hitchin Oddfellows Friendship Group £7 inc. music and refreshments back to your local environment. Spend a 10.30am-12 noon Tilehouse Street Baptist With Chiltern West Gallery Quire. Recreating morning working outdoors on a local site Church, Upper Tilehouse Street, Hitchin the Sounds and Scenes of a bygone age by. under the expertise of our Countryside We are starting a new Friendship Group Singing and playing the joyful music of our Ranger. After lunch outdoors enjoy a guided in Hitchin and would love you to join us. Country Churches from the 18th century. walk with our Biodiversity Officer to give you Monthly event. Call to find out more or just Come and learn local Christmas carols. an insight into the site’s habitats and wildlife. turn up on the day. Tea/coffee provided - Tel: 07505 131880 18+ only Web: https://www.eventbrite. donations to Garden House Hospice. Web: www.cwgq.co.uk co.uk/e/conservation-experience-day- Tel: Helen Lindsey 01462 432321 tickets-28187929857 Web: www.oddfellows.co.uk To advertiseadvertise in in The The Villager Villager and and TownlifeTown Townlife Life please please please call call 01767 01767call 01767 261122 261122 261122 63 Fun Quiz - Shapes

1. What name is given to a triangle where two of its three sides are equal in length? 2. Which are there more of among the individual cubes that make up a Rubik’s cube?... a) cubes with one coloured sticker; b) cubes with two coloured stickers; or c) cubes with three coloured stickers? 3. The Oval is home to which county cricket club? 4. With the first law stating that “the orbit of every planet is an ellipse with the sun at a focus”, who discovered the three laws of planetary motion? 5. Where in the human body would you find a small bone called the anvil, which is shaped like the tool it is named after? 6. The only standard road sign in the UK that is octagonal in shape orders drivers to do what? 7. How many years old was Harry Potter when Lord Voldemort killed his parents and left Harry with a scar shaped like a lightning bolt? 8. In which American state would you find the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defence? 9. Who designed Madonna’s famous cone bra that she wore on her Blond Ambition Tour of 1990? 10. How many distinct shapes of falling pieces are there in the game

of Tetris?

3. Surrey 4. (Johannes) Kepler 5. The ear 6. Stop 7. One 8. Virginia 9. Jean Paul Gaultier 10. Seven 10. Gaultier Paul Jean 9. Virginia 8. One 7. Stop 6. ear The 5. Kepler (Johannes) 4. Surrey 3. 1. Isosceles 2. b) cubes with two coloured stickers (there are 12 of these compared to 6 with one colour and 8 with three colours) colours) three with 8 and colour one with 6 to compared these of 12 are (there stickers coloured two with cubes b) 2. Isosceles 1.

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70 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 71 Woburn Competition Winner Mr Long from St Neots

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72 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Octobers’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr M. L. Steele from Baldock

Easy

Hard

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Across 7 Factual books (13) 8 Announced (8) 9 Concerts (4) 10 Large church (7) 12 Main artery in the body (5) 14 Small dog (5) 16 Removal of data (7) 19 Unsuccessful (4) 20 Clapping (8) 22 Protest march (13)

Down 1 Leg joint (4) 2 Rides a bike (6) 3 Frightened (7) 4 Used for digging (5)  6 Female child (8) 11 Remote (8) 13 Get ready (7) 15 Eight pints (6) 17 Begins (6) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 18 Artificial (5) cut out this page and send to the address below before 21 Work hard (4) 18th November 2016 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 75 Time of Year Electrician St Andrew’s www.rooneyelectrical.co.uk By Susan Brookes-Morris Day Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job? St Andrew’s day is the 30th November. An annual Fault finding/repairs bank holiday has taken place in his honour since Extra lights and sockets 2007, in Scotland. The day is marked with musical celebrations, dancing and special food. There is New fuse boards also free entry to many castles and attractions on Rewires that day. P.A.T testing St Andrew is a busy chap; he also the patron saint Landlord inspections of Cyprus, Greece, Russia, Bulgaria and several other countries as well as gout, sore throats and Qualified electrician Fully insured spinsters! Reliable service  Tidy work Before leaving to follow Jesus, Andrew was a Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed fisherman. Amongst his notable acts are: bringing the first foreigners to meet Jesus, and getting a Call Nigel on: crowd of people to share food with those beside them. He became one of the twelve disciples. 01767 221088 / 07941295883 Andrew’s brother was Peter, the founder of the church. This relationship helped the Scots appeal for protection from the Pope against the English in 1320. St Andrew was crucified by the Romans on an ‘X’ shaped cross. This is reflected in the white of the Scottish national flag which is known as the Saltire. • Wood Burning Stoves Some of St Andrew’s relics can be found at St • Multi Fuel Stoves Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, others are in • Chimney Lining Amalfi, Italy. Whilst now famous as the birthplace • Twin Wall Flue of modern golf and for having a notable university, Systems St Andrews the town is believed to be so called • Installation and Supply because it once housed some of St Andrew’s relics. • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

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