VILLAGER Issue 101 - April 2017 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

The VILLAGER Issue 101 - April 2017 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

In this issue Win Tickets to see The Saw Doctors Who do you think we are? 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 A M Optometrists...... 40 The Garage Shefford Ltd Fuchsia Perfect...... 42 Flower Power...... 45 John Bunyan Boat...... 48 22 R.A.T.S...... 51 Animal Stories...... 53 New Audi Q5...... 54 Fun Quiz...... 56 Puzzle Page...... 60 What’s On...... 62 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...... 65 Time for Tea...... 4 They Drive Amongst Us...... 67 Amateur Photographers...... 8 Wordsearch...... 68 Win Tickets to see The Saw Doctors Live...... 10 Prize Crossword...... 74 The Grand National...... 13 Book Review...... 77 Lake Atitlan - Guatemala...... 14 Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Unveil Rebrand...... 16 Shakespeare Day...... 18 The Garage Shefford Ltd...... 22 Wine: If it sparkles...... 25 There’s a Beer for That...... 26 Tips for Looking Good in Spring...... 28 Eat and Drink Yourself to Fitness...... 32 Who do you think we are?...... 34 St George’s Day...... 37 A M Optometrists 40 Employment Matters...... 38

9,500 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Henlow, Langford, Astwick, Edworth, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Newnham, Radwell, Bygrave, Shillington, Holwell, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Ashwell End and Stanford (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Arlesey, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Stotfold)

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Kate McLelland, Sarah Davey, Publishers Solange Hando, Susan Brookes-Morris, Trevor Langley, RSPCA, Villager Publications Ltd Jennie Billings, Carol H Scott, Rachael Leverton, Pippa Greenwood, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP James Baggott, Nick Coffer, Kate Duggan, Tel: 01767 261122 and There’s A Beer for That [email protected] www.villagermag.com Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 [email protected] Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the Photography content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any Ingrid Balabanova and Darren Harbar Photography statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

To advertiseAdvert in Booking The Villager Deadline and Town Friday Life 7th please April call 2017 01767 261122 Artwork Deadline Friday 7th April 2017 3 History By Catherine Rose

Time for Tea

Tea has been enjoyed all over the world for more frequent them, could enjoy it at home. It soon than a millennium but the English only adopted became popular for wives to host tea parties with it as their own around four hundred years ago. their friends where tea was brewed and drunk Believed to have originated in Southern China, black, often with sugar or honey added. tea drinking dates back to around 3000 BC. Tea was very much the privilege of the wealthy. It However, it didn’t become popular in England was expensive to import and seen as a valuable until the 17th century, when it was made commodity. It would be kept locked inside ornate fashionable by King Charles II and his Portuguese caddies. Matching teapots, cups and saucers wife Catherine de Braganza, who brought it over were prized possessions to be flaunted and to the Royal court from her native country. cherished and there were many different designs Coffee houses had recently been established in manufactured in bone china during this time. London and were popular haunts of middle class The London Tea Auction was a hub of gentlemen who went there to relax or conduct international tea trade. It was set up in 1706 and business. The custom of tea drinking was quickly continued until as late as 1998 (with a break introduced. Samuel Pepys referred to it in his during the Second World War). diary of 1660: ‘…I did send for a cup of tee (a Because tea was so expensive, the tea smuggling China drink) of which I never had drank before’. trade flourished and it wasn’t uncommon for Tea would be brewed in the coffee houses tea leaves to be adulterated with all sorts of early in the morning and kept in barrels. Cups unpleasant (and even poisonous) substances. The of it would then be re-heated and served over addition of milk therefore became increasingly the course of the day. The coffee houses also popular as it would help to improve the taste of a sold loose leaf tea so that women, who did not poor-quality tea. 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Insuring your future... today!

Income Protection

Your local Mortgage Adviser with access to Accident 1000’s of products. We offer professional advice making a personal recommendation Sickness tailored to your needs, enabling you to make Disability an informed decision. Our customers are our success, that’s why we feel so strongly about Redundancy offering a quality of service second to none.

Insurance Mortgages

Business Protection Re-Mortgages Life Cover Buy to Lets Critical Illness First Time Buyers Income Protection Home Movers Private Medical New Buyers

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on Home Insurance your mortgage. A broker fee of £487.00 will be charged on application of your mortgage.

Call us on: Contact us via: 01462 510 400 [email protected]

www.fortuneﬁnancial.co.uk Fortune Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of First Complete Limited. Registered Office: Alexander House, 40A Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 0AP. Registered in England. Tel: 020 36930544 Company number 07737045

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 5 In 1785, following pressure from tea merchants cake would do the job nicely. Soon friends were who were suffering due to the high incidence joining her for ‘afternoon tea’ at her home in of tea smuggling, the government, led by Prime Woburn Abbey and, thanks to her frequent Minister William Pitt the Younger, slashed the trips to London, the custom grew to become high import tax on tea, making it much more a fashionable social event amongst the upper affordable to the masses. Thus, tea drinking grew classes, with the addition of pastries and scones in popularity amongst all classes, and it became making it quite a substantial meal. common for servants to be allocated a tea During the Victorian era, a wider selection of tea allowance. began to be imported from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Not everyone was happy about tea-drinking no and India. Tea rooms serving afternoon tea grew longer being confined to the middle and upper in popularity, especially among women, as they classes. Following a long debate about whether were one of the few places where a woman tea was bad for the health of the working classes, could go without a chaperone. By the early 20th causing ‘idleness’ and ‘melancholy’ amongst century, many establishments had expanded on other things, it was eventually championed the custom of having a musician playing in the by philanthropists as part of the temperance background and were holding tea dances in the movement, as alcohol was viewed as the far afternoons. greater evil and working class people were then Today, tea has become an integral part of our encouraged to become ‘teetotal’. daily routine and could be described as Britain’s The concept of afternoon tea is a peculiarly national drink. Although invented in America in English tradition that conjures up images of bone the early 20th century, the tea bag didn’t become china cake stands, cucumber sandwiches with popular in England until the 1970s, when it the crusts cut off, and warm scones with jam revolutionised our tea drinking habits and put and cream, but tea served with food was only fortune tellers who read tea leaves at the bottom introduced in the mid-19th century. of a cup into decline! It is said to have been first conceived in Still considered a rather genteel English custom, approximately 1840 by Anna Russell, the seventh sumptuous afternoon teas are served by many Duchess of Bedford, in order to bridge the gap top hotels, including London’s Claridges, the between lunch and dinner, which in those days Dorchester, the Ritz and the Savoy, as well was traditionally served quite late in the evening. as Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. With a The sandwich had been invented by John bewildering number of different tea blends on Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, around a offer along with a ‘tea sommelier’ to help you century earlier and the Duchess decided that choose, they are often booked up months ahead tea served with a tray of sandwiches and some - a testament to tea’s enduring popularity. 6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts MAking LifE EASiER | WE SELL | WE REpAiR | WE CARE COMFORT

HOMECARE LEASE YOUR SCOOTER Mobility Superstore fROM AS LiTTLE AS £11. 50 pER WEEk SEE OUR STAY WARM WAV CARS IN THE MOTOR & DRY THIS SECTION Wheelchair & Scooter WINTER Adapted Cars SCOOTER 20 Now in Stock from £3495 CANOPY FROM LOW RATE FINANCE £395 * PART EXCHANGE WELCOME * AVAILABLE

EXCLUSIVE TO RISE & RECLINE COMFORT HOMECARE CHAIRS SCOOTA CAR STOCk £5995 CLEARANCE • Remote Central Locking • Reversing Camera OVER 25 • parking Sensors • phone Charger On DiSpLAY • Heating • Roll Down Windows MADE TO MEASURE SERViCE AVAiLABLE • Window Wipers • Headlights from £495 ELECTRIC BEDS WHEELCHAIRS BOOT SCOOTER SpECiAL SALE from 3YRS gUARAnTEE OffER 8MPH £99 from SCOOTER £595 £495 FROM £495 STAIRLIFTS Bedfordshire’s from £950 fitted leading mobility We also stock one of the Largest and most comprehensive Range specialist. of Bathroom & kitchen aids, Cosyfeet Shoes, Daily living aids. We lead others follow! 5B & 5C St francis Way, Shefford, Bedfordshire, Sg17 5DZ. OVER 40 SCOOTERS On DiSpLAY www.comforthomecare.co.uk 01462 811211 in OUR SHEffORD SUpERSTORE www.comfortwavs.co.uk 3 years guarantee on all new mobility Scooters Opening Hours Monday – friday 9.00am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm *Some of the advertised scooters may already be sold, we reserve the right to change any offer without notice, some scooters Off ROAD advertised may be ex-demo, lightly used (full description available on request) ex lease hire scooters, bankrupt stock or part exchanges, a minimum or 3 months guarantee applied to all used scooters and 3 years on all new scooters. pARking RigHT Large selection of used scooters from £250 OUTSiDE THE with guarantee free delivery and set up* SHOWROOM

©LW

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 7 Hobbies By Kate McLelland

The sky’s no limit for amateur photographers Ever since the BBC launched its ‘Weather Watchers’ on the kind of photography that really interests feature in November 2015, the work of the UK’s you. Wildlife shots? Portraits of people? Urban and amateur photographers has enjoyed unparalleled rural landscapes? Macro images? public exposure, with images contributed by keen Once you’ve decided, you’ll be able to focus on volunteers appearing on our TV screens morning, the specific items of equipment you need – for noon and night. example, would a tripod be useful for shooting in According to the BBC’s Head of Weather, Liz Howell, low light without flash? Will you need a telephoto the goal of Weather Watchers – launched as part lens for long distance shots? How about a wide- of the BBC’s flagship Make it Digital initiative - was angle lens, for photographing a high building or an to create a new, crowdsourced weather club that expansive landscape? would “enable people across the UK to help tell Final finish You may also want to think about how the story of the great British weather”. While it has your images will be used. Will you print them as definitely achieved that aim, it has also showcased hard copies and create a portfolio of your work, or the talent of Britain’s amateur photographers in an maybe share them online, using an image hosting unexpected way. So what do you need to become website such as Flikr? an amateur photographer? If you decide to go digital rather than use film, Which camera? When you start to shop for you will probably need to download some photo cameras, you may be confused by terms such as editing software. This can be expensive, but don’t ‘SLR’ or ‘DSLR’ and ‘mirrorless cameras’. worry if you can’t afford products at the top end of ‘SLR’ stands for ‘single lens reflex’. ‘DSLR’ is, of the market. You can download free software such course, used for a digital single lens reflex camera. as GIMP, Paint.NET or Photoscape that perform Both types use a mirror between the lens and the most of the functions you’ll need, without adding film (or digital image sensor), which means the to your budget. image you see through the viewfinder or display How do I learn? There are many ways to develop screen is the same as the one that will appear on the skills you need. You could take an adult the final image. The lighter, less bulky ‘mirrorless education course, join a local camera club, buy a camera’ (also known as a compact system camera) ‘how to’ book or simply look online for sites that is becoming more popular. offer advice to beginners. There are many, many websites available to Of course, it may be some time before you feel guide you towards the best purchase. If you are confident enough to share your work with a wider still finding it hard to make a decision after your audience. Then it will be up to you whether you research, you could drop into your local camera become a BBC Weather Watcher, an entrant for shop for some face-to-face advice. ‘Amateur Photographer of the Year’ or someone What subjects excite me? Before you stock up on who simply loves to share their work with family expensive equipment, it may be helpful to decide and friends. 8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Reg Charity No 307534 2017 AIRSHOWS The Collection is home to historic aircraft, vintage vehicles and motorcycles, with an adjacent period Swiss Garden for amateur photographers

07 SEASON 15 EVENING MAY PREMIERE JUL AIRSHOW 20 EVENING 06 EDWARDIAN MAY AIRSHOW AUG PAGEANT FLYING 04 FLY NAVY 19 JUN AUG PROMS 17 EVENING 03 SHUTTLEWORTH JUN AIRSHOW SEP HERITAGE MILITARY 02 01 RACE DAY JUL PAGEANT OCT

TICKETS AVAILABLE TO BOOK AT WWW.SHUTTLEWORTH.ORG Shuttleworth, Old Warden Nr Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 9 COMPETITION

Win a pair of tickets to see The Saw Doctors live at The Junction in Cambridge on Sunday 11th December 2017

Having taken a break from the road following their extensive 2012 tour, prominent Irish folk-rockers The Saw Doctors have announced their return to the UK with a full nationwide tour. Starting out playing in local pubs, The Saw Doctors were invited out on tour with Mike Scott of The Waterboys, spending 6 weeks touring the UK in 1989. After this, The Saw Doctors went from strength to strength when single ‘I Useta Lover’ spent nine weeks at number one and became Ireland’s best-selling single of all time. They followed up with the No 2 hit, N17, and a chart-topping album, If This Is Rock And Roll, I Want My Old Job Back. A steady run of chart entries continued with the recent Irish number ones for their cover of Sugababes’ ‘About You Now’. Over the years, The Saw Doctors have built up a reputation as an unmissable live band with countless sold out tours and an abundance of festival appearances, including Glastonbury and T in the Park. Famed for their unrelenting energy, a Saw Doctors live show is performed with as much passion and fervour as their small-town pub gigs 28 years ago.

Villager Magazine gives you the chance to win a pair of tickets to see The Saw Doctors live at the Junction in Cambridge on Sunday 11th December 2017. It promises to be a great night, and for the chance to win a place on the guest list (plus one), simply complete the following Saw Doctors song title: All the way from …… A. Dublin B. Galway C. Tuam D. Carrick-On-Shannon

To enter, simply answer the question and complete the form below. Send your entry to: Saw Doctors Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP The winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries. Deadline: 16th April 2017

THE SAW DOCTORS COMPETITION ENTRY To win tickets, answer the following question: Complete the Saw Doctors song title: All the way from.....  A. Dublin  B. Galway  C. Tuam  D. Carrick-On-Shannon  Name: Address:

Tel:

10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts advertorial COMPETITION Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a the frames and all the With years of experience decade Cloudy2Clear hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have a windows have become a Cloudy2Clear have come wealth of knowledge and Cloudy2Clear leading company for glass up with a simple and cost are recognised as a Which GUARANTEE All replacement. Issues with saving solution… Just Trusted Trader, plus our Customers That An double glazing can often replace the glass!! work is backed by an Average Quote Will be gradual and may only If you see condensation industry leading 25 year Take No Longer be noticed during a clear in your windows just visit guarantee. Cloudy2Clear Than 20 MINS!!! sunny day or during the our website or give us a also replace faulty locks winter. A failed glass unit call on 0800 61 21 118. handles and hinges on all may no longer provide We will send out our windows and doors. you with the protection highly experienced Your friendly local you need or be energy engineers for a free no Cloudy2Clear specialist is efficient. Why not spend a obligation quote. Tom Bliss and he services few minutes checking your A Cloudy2Clear quote the Luton, Stevenage, home to see if you have takes on average Letchworth, Dunstable & any failed double glazing? no longer than 20 surrounding areas. If you act now you can minutes. Once the quote So, if your windows are avoid these problems. is completed, we will steamed up, broken or Now, you may think sit down with you and damaged give Tom a call for you need to replace the explain the problem and a free quotation on whole window including tell you how we can fix it. 0800 61 21 118. Cloudy2Clear Windows... Service With A Smile! 

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 11 12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year

The GrandWill you have Nationala flutter on April 8th? The Grand National is one of those institutions, like the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, or the final of Strictly Come Dancing, where even those who never set foot in a betting shop open their wallet and enter the office sweepstake. But did you know that in April 3rd 1993, the world- famous horse race was reduced to a shambles? A disastrous sequence of events began just before the race was due to start when protestors ran onto the track near the first fence. They were removed and the race officials asked and seven riders never realised anything was wrong. horses and riders to line up again. They completed the gruelling course and raced to Then there were two false starts caused by horses the finish line. becoming tangled with the starting tape. On the Esha Ness, a 50-1 outsider trained by Jenny Pitman second false start, although the red recall flag was and ridden by John White, crossed the line first but waved it didn’t unfurl, and 30 of the 39 riders raced the race was declared void, depriving the horse’s away. owner, Patrick Bancroft, of the £76000 prize money. Members of the crowd and officials all tried to However she went on to win again two years later, recall the jockeys but without success. 11 riders with Royal Athlete. completed the first circuit before they pulled up, By Sarah Davey

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 13 Travel Lake Atitlan In the central highlands of Guatemala, ‘the most beautiful lake in the world’ shimmers at the foot of Guatemala mighty volcanoes, its crystal-clear waters constantly while below, the church beckons at the top of 18 changing from emerald and blue to turquoise or steps, each one symbolising a month in the Maya aquamarine. It’s the deepest lake in Central America, calendar. With its cobbled streets and red tiled roofs, created some 85,000 years ago by a massive volcanic ‘Chichi’ has a touch of magic and, twice a week, the eruption. market spills down the lanes in a head-spinning Today, new volcanoes mingle their reflections along kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and scents. Clad the south shore: San Pedro, seemingly extinct, in vibrant Maya dress, the locals wait for custom Toliman, a sleeping giant, and at 3,535 metres while the tourists shuffle around, bewildered by the Volcan Atitlan, the highest, which last erupted in stunning hand-woven textiles, the ritual masks, the 1853. At dawn, when the first fishermen cast their tiny crib figures, the roses, the lilies, the dried fish nets in the reeds and barely a ripple disturbs the from the lake and the fruit of the land. All around, water, it’s almost surreal, but by late morning the the slopes are laced with avocado orchards, small Pacific breeze whips up the waves to clear the air coffee plantations and generous patches of maize, and ‘carry away sin.’ the Maya’s staple diet and, they say, a life-giving gift It’s a blessing for the devout Maya who live in from the gods. colourful villages scattered along the shore, Meanwhile, at just over 1,560 metres, the lake worshipping both Christian and indigenous gods. glistens in the cusp of the hills. Boats set sail now Most fearsome is Maximon whose shrine is set up and then, gliding around an island, heading to a in a different house every year in Santiago Atitlan, village or ferrying a handful of visitors within arm’s just steps away from the church and the alleyways reach of the volcanoes. Most stay in the pretty brimming with embroidered clothes. At festival resort of Panajachel on the north-east bank, where time, the village bursts into a colourful frenzy, but red tuk-tuks rattle down a ‘high street’ lined with for much of the year the shore is quiet, dotted with outdoor eateries and stalls full of bags, hammocks hidden gems like San Pedro La Laguna and its hot and shawls in dazzling colours. There’s a small baths, or Santa Cruz set among verdant peaks and promenade draped in palms and bougainvillaea, ravines and challenging trails climbing into the thatched restaurants perched on stilts at the water’s hinterland. Here and there a mountain road comes edge, and a handful of boats bobbing at anchor down to the water but none circle the lake. along rickety pontoons. There’s no better place to In the Sierra Madre rising above Lake Atitlan, watch the sunset as the sky turns deep pink and the road leads to Chichicastenango, a bustling gold and the dark silhouettes of the volcanoes loom town where the Maya speak K’iche, one of 23 eerily above the water. In these mystical highlands, ethnic languages in Guatemala. Their traditional at the heart of Guatemala, legends come to life and shrine nestles among the pines up on the crest you can almost see the lost city lying deep down at the bottom of Atitlan. By Solange Hando

14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 15 Local News Essex & Herts Air Ambulance unveil rebrand The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) will Similarly, where merchandise, staff and volunteer launch their new branding on 6th March 2017. clothing and other assets were originally divided As of this year, the Air Ambulances of Essex and into separate colours and designs for Essex and Hertfordshire have been partnered for a decade. Hertfordshire, everything will now carry the new With 2017 representing the tenth anniversary of definitive brand. Herts Air Ambulance, the twentieth year of Essex Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Air Ambulance and the arrival of the Charity’s first said: “The rebrand of the Charity gives us a chance purchased helicopter this summer, EHAAT felt it was to align the two counties of Essex and Hertfordshire, time to solidify the partnership of the two counties. more so than ever before, and look to the future as The rebrand unifies the existing aircraft colour one. We are always passionate about innovation, schemes – red for Hertfordshire, and yellow for Essex and this step allows us to focus on the bigger picture bringing them together for the first time to signify of delivering the highest possible patient care in the united future of the Charity. order to save lives across the region. With this year The rebrand will culminate at the Charity’s 20th marking two huge milestones for the Charity, it’s the anniversary event on Sunday 25th June 2017. perfect time to unveil a more cohesive approach to Surrounded by supporters, volunteers and staff, the our operations, and continue to expand the EHAAT event at Audley End House will see the unveiling family. Our new website will launch on the 6th of the rebranded fleet, including the Charity’s two March and a new Charity shop in Royston will open helicopters and Rapid Response Vehicles. It will also the very next day, paving the way for the exciting be the first public outing of the newly-purchased year ahead.” Agusta Westland AW169. Rebranding on the 6th March will also mean a Research was undertaken by EHAAT to help change in how the Charity presents its missions. determine the direction of the rebrand exercise. A Regardless of the geographical location of the working group made up of volunteers, a Trustee and mission – or helicopter or Rapid Response Vehicle staff discussed ideas, which were then taken into used – the Charity asks for editors and reporters to consideration by the Charity’s branding agency, to always refer to the Charity as the Essex & Herts Air create the new look. Ambulance. Our mission is to save lives across Essex, Consolidating the Charity’s identity will also have Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas, and EHAAT cost-saving benefits for EHAAT. Instead of operating continues to do so, stronger and more connected two separate websites, as has been done previously, than ever before. the Charity’s brand new website will host all of the necessary information for supporters, former To view the Charity’s new website, please visit airlifted patients, event attendees and more. www.ehaat.org on Wednesday 8th March.

16 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Truly Independent

OPEN MORNING Saturday 6 May 9.30am – 1.00pm

Day and Boarding for girls and boys, aged 3 to 18 Forward-thinking, creative and supportive environment Excellent teaching, successful pupils and fantastic facilities

For more information please call 01462 650 947 or email [email protected] www.stchris.co.uk  @StChris_School  stchris_school

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 17 B5448 StC 194x131+5mmP 2.indd 1 30/01/2017 15:58 Time of Year by Susan Brookes-Morris Shakespeare Day Shakespeare Day will be celebrated on 23rd April. The date is linked to the date he died; as no one knows when Shakespeare was born because there is no record. It is known however that he was baptized on 26 April 1564 and died on 23 April 1616. Those celebrating may choose to attend the festivities held in Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. This is where Shakespeare, who was one of eight children, spent much of his early life and where he married Anne Hathaway who bore him three children. He is also thought to have retired to Stratford in 1613. The bells of Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare attended as a child will be rung and the Mayor will lead a procession which includes bands, other civic leaders, school children and actors. This will culminate with the Mayor putting flowers on Shakespeare’s grave. There will be activities for the whole weekend 22-23 April in celebration. The Globe theatre in London is associated with the time Shakespeare spent in the Capital as a playwright, actor and poet and houses an exhibition in honour of him. In Warwickshire’s Stratford, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre brings to life his work which includes 38 dramas and 154 sonnets. Here you can also visit buildings, houses and museums associated with the ‘Bard.’ It’s a great destination for Spring break.

Charles Wilson Carpets & Flooring

• Quality ﬂ ooring and carpets • Fresh, modern designs • Natural and sustainable ranges • 44 years of expertise 01462 450780 39 Hermitage Road, Hitchin www.charleswilsoncarpets.co.uk Ref: The Villager

18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 19 Easter 2017 Villager advert_ppl.pdf 1 15/03/2017 16:02

the Coach Treats & Tunes over Easter weekend

C M Y Easter Sunday CM Lunch 12-4pm

CY Treats for the kids CMY K Live music 7-10.30pm Easter Monday Breakfast 9-11am Lunch/dinner 12-7pm

achhousepoo www.co n.co.uk 01767 260221

20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 21 The Garage Shefford Ltd

WeA new family-run MOTlove and Service centre what has just Surrey forwe more than a dodecade but living in Shefford, opened in Shefford. Catherine Rose visited owners Ian was keen “to get our family life back and be local”. Ian and Sue Bailey and their daughter Emily who Emily has played a big part in the business for years. are bringing family values to the car maintenance “We work well together” she says. industry. Currently on a long lease (“we’re in it for the long On arrival at The Garage Shefford, conveniently haul”), the St Francis Road unit was a shell when they located a stone’s throw from Morrisons, I was greeted took it over in November 2016. by a welcome environment and Emily’s smile “We used local tradespeople to fit it out and they beaming over a tray of cup-cakes. That day had been were brilliant” says Ian. The family employed builder their official opening, having realised a longstanding Andy Kaye who is based in Sandy and used electrician dream to have a car business in their home town, and E. O’Connor. Shutters and alarms were installed by 1st so far it had gone well. Choice Security Systems of Hitchin. “We’ve been steadily busy” said Emily Gallagher who Ian’s wife Sue designed their website with its grey and mans the reception desk and manages the day-to- pink trademark colours. It was implemented by Don’t day running of the business. Panic Design who included images of vintage diecast Her father Ian is the main MOT tester and “the models – a nod to Ian’s passion for classic cars. driving force in the workshop”. He has had over 45 For a small business, The Garage Shefford offers a years in the industry since starting as an apprentice large choice of MOTs and services. As well as the usual panel beater/sprayer and subsequent mechanic in Class 4 MOT (cars, motorhomes and minibuses up Hoddesdon. What he doesn’t know about cars would to 12 seats), they also carry out Class 5L (16-seater probably fit on a postage stamp. minibuses and school buses) and Class 7 (vans Up until now, the family has run a successful garage in between 3000 and 3500 kg in weight).

22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Most local companies only offer Class 4. Ian also shop while they wait, Shefford town centre is on the points out: “Although Class 4 includes motorhomes, doorstep. And for those who want to watch, there is many garages can’t cater for the high-top ones but also an MOT viewing area. we can. I am a keen motor homer myself so I know “In Surrey, we have a lot of classic cars coming in” says exactly what they need.” Ian. “Although many are too old to require an MOT, Their prices are very competitive too. Class 4 MOTs are owners still like to have it and often work alongside £38, with Classes 7 and 5L both priced at £48. me. It’s reassuring for them.” If you combine an MOT with a service there is a Small wonder that The Garage Shefford has already further discount. For example, an interim service that been placed in the ‘white category’ by DVSA (Driver includes a 44-point check and oil/filter change starts and Vehicle Standards Agency) meaning it is fully from £85.95. When you include an MOT, it brings the compliant for the coveted Green Rating – an award price of the test down to £30. they have long held in Surrey. Difficult to achieve, The failure rate for their Surrey garage is one of the Ian expects this rating of excellence for Shefford in lowest in that area. Ian puts this down to their policy the near future. The Garage is also a member of RMI of ‘fair testing’ which they plan to replicate here. (Retail Motor Industry federation) and Trustmygarage “None of our staff is on bonus schemes so there’s no giving customers protection. incentive for them to up-sell” he says. “We want to instil confidence in everyone who Three different types of service can be booked – comes to us, whatever their age or gender. Not every annual, major and interim - on all makes and models owner knows about their cars. We provide honest, no of vehicle including Prestige and 4x4. And they will obligation estimates for repairs and our bills never throw in a complimentary wash and vac for the exceed those estimates. If we run into a problem annual and major services. while doing the job, that’s our problem, not the Coupled with their expertise, by using the latest high customer’s. specification computer diagnostics machine which “One of the things we have come to realise is that is 99% accurate, they can pinpoint and fix engine trust is low in this industry” says Ian “and rightly so problems. If they don’t have the part in stock, they get when you hear some of the horror stories. We don’t it from a local supplier. operate like that.” “We aim to complete all repairs the same day” says Emily. The Garage Shefford Ltd Other services will include an A/C recharge at £40 2b St Francis Way, from June for all makes and models. This comes with Shefford, SG17 5DZ a pressure check and an ultraviolet tracer dye which is Tel: 01462 414820 injected in with the gas free of charge to detect minor Opening hours: leaks. Monday – Friday, 8-5pm, Saturday, 8-2pm “It’s a really good thing to have done before summer” says Emily. “We also do air freshener bombs which Online booking can be found at their website: leave your car smelling beautifully fresh.” www.thegarageshefford.co.uk The comfortable waiting reception is child-friendly Facebook: The Garage Shefford with free coffee and wi-fi. For those who prefer to Twitter: @emilygarage To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 23 Watermill Bears Fiddle Daemons Official stockist of: Violins, Violas, Cellos, Bass CHARLIE BEARS Contact: Jackie@ ddledaemons.com STEIFF, KEEL & TY 01767682693 or 07814970635 Collectable bears & soft toys

We stock the Charlie Bear Professional repairs, Baby Boutique, Bearhouse, restorations and set ups Plush & Mohair Ranges with around 80 different C/B plush on display at any one time Quality instruments for you to choose from. for sale and hire to suit If you are a regular C/B collector you all ages and experience would be encouraged to take advantage of our loyalty card discount scheme. Part exchanges possible We are open 7 days a week and instruments at 16 The Wynd, Letchworth SG6 3EN purchased Tel: 01462 675297 Mobile: 07845873474 Free valuations

24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Food and Drink Wine: If it sparkles... Sparkling wines add a certain ‘something’ to a dining occasion and, indeed, are extremely popular for celebrations, parties, functions and events, etc. I searched various supermarkets and located numerous, splendid, sparkling wines, including champagnes, which are chosen regularly. Waitrose supermarkets are the food retail division of the John Lewis partnership. There are many outlets, which now include some small convenience stores, too. The start was founded, during 1904, by Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor. Following David Taylor’s departure from the business the surnames of the remaining founders were combined to create the Waitrose name.

Waitrose Prosecco (NV) Italy is a very popular, easy drinking, smooth production. This classic Italian sparkling wine is fresh and fruity for the mouthfeel and palate sensation. Chosen a lot as a great apéritif, prosecco is also loved as a spritz with soda water and mixed with various liqueurs, etc. Waitrose Cava Brut, Castillo Perelada (NV) Spain is another regular selection, for many. I find this fruity cava to have excellent quality and elegance. It is produced in partnership with Castillo Perelada, a renowned and much-respected family-owned winery in Spain that has a history dating back to the 14th century. Waitrose Rosé Champagne (NV) has an elegance and complements many dining tables, on numerous occasions. For a fruity rosé fizz, I find this wine perfect. Produced by the House of Alexandre Bonnet, this splendid pinot noir production has a beautiful colour and is an ideal apéritif, as well as often being enjoyed with a meal. Fantastic to add colour and sparkle to al fresco dining. Waitrose Brut Special Réserve Vintage Champagne I find very much suited to the ‘top table’. This multi award winner is both full and rich, being greatly appreciated on the mouthfeel, followed by a superb and impressive palate. The long finish adds to the pleasures of this production. Waitrose, which possesses a royal warrant to supply groceries, is a retailer offering food and beverages of outstanding quality. These sparkling selections, with their fine and persistent perlages, are just some of the many available, that appeal to me. Take time and pleasure to locate your favourites. www.waitrose.com

As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley To advertise in The Villager and Town Life call 01767 261122 25 Food and Drink Spring is coming There’s A Beer For That The darkness of winter has been replaced with the revitalising freshness of spring which also brings with it a gentle change in the food we eat. We’re now surrounded by a vibrancy of colour that you’ll see in your glass and on your plate - we’re talking fresh foods such as salmon with asparagus. But it’s also a great time to change what you drink with your food. Spring is a great time to enjoy fragrant ales with floral, grassy, blossom, lemon, citrus and tropical fruit notes abounding. Sound springtime ale with its fruity flavour pairing well with asparagus. enough for you? If you’re more a meat lover there’s an abundance Easter weekend can be a particular gastronomic of spring foods and beer matches to delve into. delight with friends and family coming together and Chicken with sugar snap peas and spring herbs just eating simple, delicious fare. So, at this years’ Easter shouts ‘spring’, and pairing it with a zesty golden feast which beers should you include on the dining ale will complement the dish. And is there a more table? springy food than lamb? Here beers got your back Let’s take salmon with roast asparagus. Here the too with pale ales offering the oomph to stand up beer needs to complement the crisp, clean flavours to the meat and the deftness to complement the of the dish without overwhelming them, so a wheat natural sweetness in the dish. Traditional English beer or saison fits the bill. Their citrus and spicy Bitters will also work very well here. notes will marry well with the dish. and there’s a There’s plenty of spring vegetarian dishes to get bittersweet fruitiness that couples particularly well your teeth into, too. Fabulous salads abound with with the asparagus. Keeping it fishy, both wheat additions such as asparagus, peas, spring onions beers and saisons (a type of pale ale) will work and spinach creating a gorgeous plate of spring well with fish such as grilled mackerel or sea bass. greenery. Lightness is needed with the beer too. Look to lagers too, which offer gentle citrus notes, Wheat beers, light lagers, subtle pale ales and crisp sweetness from the malt and also carbonation that’ll blonde ales have the gentle touch so look to those cleanse the palate. There’s even room for a Belgian for a suitably spritzy beer accompaniment. We’ll end with dessert of course, because there’s spring in our step there too with seasonal spring delights such as rhubarb, strawberries and raspberries offering a huge array of pudding possibilities. From crumbles to cobblers there’s a beer match for them all. Spring is rhubarbs moment in the sun so throw some in a crumble and pair it with a porter. For some raspberries sing spring and pavlova is a wonderfully indulgent dessert - pair yours with a raspberry fruit beer for a perfect match. So spring is here and it’s a good time to eat delicious fresh produce and pair your dishes with a diverse and versatile range of beers. What will be in your glass? There’s A Beer For That

For more details and to find your perfect match, visit www.beerforthat.com

26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Word Ladder Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided. Here is one F I R E possible solution (others may exist) FIRE hire here herd head HEAT ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

H E A T

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 27 House of Colour Tips for Looking Good in Spring! Transitional spring weather can be one of the most awkward times of the year to dress for, especially in this country! Perhaps it’s just a bit too warm to wear your winter coat, but a tad too chilly to slip your sandals on. Here are our tips on how to be stylish this spring: 1. Spring is all about colour as fresh, vibrant shades explode onto the high street. Experiment with colour in unexpected, striking combinations and contrasts. Try pairing different neutrals for a sophisticated look, or team neutrals with a 5. Darker bags can look too heavy for spring and colour for impact. summer time outfits so now is the time to 2. A patterned shirt or skirt in your style is perfect have a good look for a bag that complements for spring - try something sophisticated but your March to September wardrobe! Equally striking for dramatics, or a pattern that is funky investing in a stylish pair of colourful shoes in and neat for gamines! Patterns are a great way one of your wow colours makes you stand out to combine different colour combinations from the crowd of black and brown boots. together in one outfit. Try and find a pattern 6. Carry a stylish umbrella this spring. You might which incorporates your wow colours. have to google to find one that is really you. 3. Sunglasses - look around for a style that really Look for quirky or traditional styles in your suits you. Unless you are a winter palette avoid favourite colours to start conversations whilst black rims if you can. Warm coloured sun specs blocking torrential spring showers! for springs and autumns and cooler toned 7. Try a different make-up look using eye shadow shades are advisable for winters and summers. palettes and lipsticks in colours that really suit Make sure the style is flattering - these days the you will change up a winter outfit completely, shapes and styles on offer are endless. so if you think it’s still a bit cold to change your 4. Invest in a transitional trench coat which you wardrobe then this is how to start the transition! can wear year after year choose a great neutral 8. A spring jacket or cardigan in one of your colour from your seasonal palette so you can wow colours is a sure way to keep the cooler wear it with everything. Alternatively, boyfriend evenings at bay. Make sure though you don’t blazers, denim and bomber jackets for casual just buy the right colour but the right length, tailoring continue to be on-trend with new size, cut and shape. The current trend for added details such as ruffles, embroidery and oversized outerwear pieces and soft-volume embellishments. tailored separates styled with crisp shirts and blouses and tactile knits make for a versatile By Jennie Billings look. 9. Swap your jeans for a skirt when it is finally warm enough to get some sun to those legs! Different skirt lengths suit different bodies and personalities so wearing the right length can make or break an outfit. Are you a mini, midi or a maxi?! 10. Volume sleeves, ruffle trims and tie-knot details, structured silhouettes and asymmetric hemlines are all on-trend but stay true to what makes you feel comfortable and fabulous – we don’t all suit ruffles! 28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 29 30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fighting Fatigue & Pain: Free Event Saturday 16th April 2016, 11am – 1pm Would you like more energy and less pain? Do you have Fibromyalgia, CFS or ME? Or know someone whoLocal does? News Call in and find out about: • The only Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Herts • APS Therapy to reduce pain • Special dermatological bedding & clothing Fighting Fatigue &Free Oxygen Pain Taster sessions at 11.15am. Book now!

Free Event and CFS. On Fighting Fatigue & Pain People who are experiencing exhaustion and 22nd April chronic pain are invited to a free drop-in event on youWe’re can atsee Herts MS Therapy Centre, 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, SG6 2JF. Saturday 22nd April. Oxygen TherapyJust turn up!in action For more – or details try it for call free! Claire on 01462 684 214. Between 12pm and 2pm anyone is welcome to find Rachel B says: “Withoutwww.hertsmstherapy.org.uk my Oxygen Treatment out more about Fighting Fatigue & Pain, a project in LetchworthHertfordshire Multiple SclerosisI would Therapy Centre still is Charity be 299524in agony and Company from2215165 Registered Office 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF run by Letchworth charity Herts MS Therapy Centre. Fibromyalgia and probably jobless and depressed. I Extreme fatigue and chronic pain can result from can’t even begin to explain what a difference it has many conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Chronic made for me.” Fatigue Syndrome and ME – and many others. Nicki H has MS. She adds: “Also, it’s great to meet The Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth helps other people who have an idea of what you’re going anyone with a long term condition, not just Multiple through. It’s nice to have a chat with other people at Sclerosis. It offers Physiotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen the Centre.” Therapy, APS Pain Reduction Therapy and Functional Mark Boscher, the Chief Executive of Herts MS Rehabilitation exercise and fitness training to help Therapy Centre added: “If you, or someone you people improve their quality of life. Free taster know, lives with long term pain or fatigue – from any sessions are available on 22nd April. condition - maybe we can help them to gain more Oxygen Therapy helps some people recover faster energy and feel less pain. Please come on Saturday after injury, surgery and cancer treatments. It’s also 22nd April.” great for increasing energy. Some people find it To book your free test session, call Claire on 01462 reduces pain, especially people with Fibromyalgia 684214 or email [email protected].

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 31 Local News Eat & Drink Yourself to Fitness Tips from Full Bottle Fitness We want to show you healthy eating doesn’t 4) Water - is it important? have to be complicated. Follow a few simple The minimum levels of daily water consumption guidelines and you’ll be feeling healthier should be two litres or eight and ten glasses. quickly! The requirement of two litres of water is 1) Macronutrients: equivalent to just over three and a half pints. When we consider the nutritional needs of However, much depends upon the level of the body to survive and function, we can activity that you engage in, your physical broadly divide the diet into macronutrients health, your size and weight and whether it’s a (carbohydrate, protein and fat), and hot day or not. We would always recommend micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). The that drinking water little and often is the best three macronutrients all supply us with calories way to stay hydrated. You should drink two or energy. The body requires these nutrients in pints of water between an hour before high large amounts to grow, develop and continually intensity based exercise to improve your thrive. It is important to have a variety of all performance. Warning, alcohol and coffee can three daily. Make sure you are getting your undo the good work as help us to pass water macronutrients from good sources (at least for not retain it. most of the time!) Eating and drinking healthily doesn’t have to Protein: chicken, tuna, salmon, beef, white fish, be confusing. Just by following a few simple pork, prawns & turkey. guidelines like the ones above you will be Carbs: brown rice, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, making a huge improvement to your health. oats, grains & fruit. If you are looking to get fitter, remember you Fat: olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, nuts, fish oil, cannot outrun a bad diet. If you are looking for butter & eggs. weekly inspiration look on our Facebook page. 2) Cook from scratch https://www.facebook.com/fullbottlefitness When you cook from scratch you’ll know Full Bottle Fitness focuses on Lifestyle Change, exactly what is in the food you are eating. You Personal Fitness Training and Fitness Classes. will reduce your consumption of preservatives Please contact us if you would like to find out and other chemicals that are put into packaged more. food. This a much healthier way of eating, it will www.fullbottlefitness.co.uk save you lots of money and your food will taste Get Fit, Stay Fit and Have Fun. better! 3) Eat the rainbow – Fruit and Veg When it comes to veggies, the more colourful the better. The colour of the vegetable is an indicator of the vitamins and nutrients it contains. It is important to eat a huge variety of colours.... literally eat the rainbow! They should make up over a third of the food we eat each day. Aim to eat between five and eight portions of fruit and veg each day. Choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced. Fruit and veg are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. 32 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 33 Who Do You Think We Are? Have you seen TV programmes or read books that • To learn new things – from the service’s changing show how things were in the past? Even if you are not exhibitions and events, by booking a talk or visit for interested in history you may like detective stories a group you belong to or, by becoming a volunteer where the case hinges on written evidence of past and helping to make the documents available to events or follow a sport where you recall the past others performance of your team. You might be surprised • To preserve Bedfordshire’s past by encouraging at the impact the past has on our communities, our Bedfordshire organisations to pass their documents hobbies, our environment – our lives – on a daily basis. to the service for safekeeping. Whatever your interest the evidence we use to build Using the service is easy. You can: a picture of the past is likely to be from documents • Visit the office in Bedford to see documents for that record facts, figures, decisions and actions. If that yourself. Just make an appointment so that our evidence is to be found it needs to be looked after and friendly, expert staff have time to give you all the made available. This is where archive services such as assistance you need. Bedfordshire Archives come in. Bedfordshire Archives • Find out what documents the service has by is one of a network of archive services throughout exploring the online catalogue. the counties of England and Wales often referred to • Use the website to find information about the as county record offices. In fact you may know the documents and what they tell us about people and service as Bedfordshire Record Office, its official name places in Bedfordshire. until 1996. You may also find some of the documents online Bedfordshire Archives collects and preserves via third-party subscription websites as the result of documents that record what has happened and licensing agreements with Bedfordshire Archives. is happening in the county of Bedfordshire. The However, this is a long and time consuming business documents are carefully stored and described so that and will only ever be viable for a small proportion of anyone can find and use them. the millions of documents the service holds. Here are just a few examples of how you could use the Funded by Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire archives: and Luton Borough councils Bedfordshire Archives • To investigate Bedfordshire’s families, places and provides a service for the whole county. The past – either do-it-yourself or pay someone to do it documents in its care date from the 1100s to the for you present day and together they help us understand the • As inspiration for new works of fact, fiction or art – who, what and where that have made Bedfordshire this year Bedfordshire Archives have run projects in the county we know today. creative writing and textile art Find out more at www.bedford.gov.uk/archive 34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE

www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking. • CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST • LARGE LUXURY EN-SUITE ROOMS • FREE WIFI INTERNET ACCESS • SKY TV/DVD PLAYER • FRIDGE IN ROOM • PRIVATE LOC ATION • CLOSE TO TRAIN STATION • MAJOR CREDIT CARDS TAKEN Tel: 07970 162753 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] North Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 5DN

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 35 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

Probate Helping you prove a Will after death. £545 inc. Plus Court fees [unless it is a huge estate] to obtain a Grant of Probate from the Court

Lasting Power of Attorney Arranging for a relative/friend to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. £350 inc. Plus Court fees to draft & register with Public Guardian Oﬃce

36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year St George’s Day Did you know that St George never actually set foot in Britain? It’s believed he was born in Lydda in Palestine, or in Cappadocia (now in central Turkey), and brought up in Palestine. His father was a Roman soldier, and when his parents died, George decided he would travel to Nicomedia (Turkey) to join the Roman army. He served for several years, progressing up the ranks to become sacrifice their children to appease the dragon. One an imperial guard of the Emperor. day George was riding past the village and met a George was a devout Christian, and was tortured young princess, whose turn it was to be sacrificed. and executed for refusing to give up his Christian George rescued the girl and offered to slay the faith. It’s believed that he was killed on 23rd April dragon for the villagers, if they would convert to 300AD, which is why St George’s Day is celebrated Christianity. They agreed, so he killed the dragon. on April 23rd each year. Today the Feast of St George is celebrated in So where does the dragon come into it? The countries across the world, including Palestine, legend of George and the dragon dates back Syria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. If you’re hundreds of years, to the 11th century, if not taking part, perhaps you could adopt the old earlier. According to the legend, a dragon was English custom of wearing a red rose in your lapel terrorising a small village. The villagers would on St George’s Day. By Susan Brookes-Morris

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 37 Employment Employment Matters Immigration Act 2016 Big Brother is watching; don’t fall foul by employing an illegal worker.

Whether you employ one or 100 people, you want Interviewers must: to be known as an employer of choice, enjoying 1. See all the applicant’s original documents. a professional reputation and are a company that 2. Check the documents are valid, genuine, original people want to come and work for. and unchanged and belong to the person who There is a duty upon every employer that they must has produced them, in the applicant’s presence: check that every job applicant is allowed to work in I. the dates for the applicant’s right to work in the UK before employing them. the UK haven’t expired The Immigration Act 2016 (‘the Act’) contains II. photos are the same across all documents and new powers to deal with those who do not have look like the applicant permission to be in the UK and makes it even harder III. dates of birth are the same across all for illegal workers to work, rent property and /or documents receive financial support in the UK. IV. the applicant has permission to do the type/ There are further sanctions against employers, illegal number of hours of work being offered workers and those individuals who are responsible V. for students to see evidence of their study and for the recruitment of illegal workers, as follows: vacation time 1. The previous threshold that the Home Office VI. if 2 documents give different names, ensure had to show to bring a criminal prosecution the applicant has supporting documents against an individual who was responsible for showing why they’re different, eg a marriage the recruitment of an illegal worker was that they or a divorce “knowingly” employed an illegal worker. Interviewers must check for authenticity, make and The Act amends the threshold to whether or not keep copies of the documents, record the date of the individual “knows” or “has reasonable cause the check, and place with application pack. to believe” that a worker is illegal. This change The Home Office is also naming and shaming means that the culpability threshold has been employers and a bar was visited on 21st February reduced, with the aim of increasing prosecutions and found to be illegally employing an Indian and these are most likely to be against individuals woman who had overstayed her visa. A warning responsible for recruitment. The maximum notice was issued and a fine of up to £20,000 will be criminal penalty has also increased to 5 years imposed unless the employer can demonstrate that from 2, plus an unlimited fine. appropriate right to work checks were carried out 2. Certain employers can claim an employment on staff. allowance for Class 1 NI Contributions equating Carol H Scott up to £2,000 a year off their NICs bill. This HR and Business Consulting Ltd allowance will be revoked where an employer is found to have employed an illegal worker. 3. An illegal worker, who is convicted for working illegally, could be personally liable for a fine and/or imprisonment. Any earnings received by the illegal worker from their employer can be recovered and the employer will have to co- operate with the Home Office. Every applicant without exception attending an interview should be advised in advance that they must bring to the first interview proof in the form of original documents of their eligibility to work in the UK at that time.

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

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

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

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

handelsbanken.co.uk/hitchin

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

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 39 Photography by Darren Harbar Photography www.darrenharbar.co.uk

A.M. OPTOMETRISTS A.M. Optometrists is an established and well- This independent company will give you a full respected practice originally founded in 1995 by MOT of eye health using the latest diagnostic Andrew Merry, who has since retired. A rebranding equipment. One of these pieces of equipment was carried out five years ago that included an is an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) unit eye-catching new logo. It has also moved with the – the only one in Letchworth – that enables the times and today offers some of the most clinically optometrist to spot potential problems up to five advanced specialist eye care. years earlier than a regular eye exam. The practice is headed by owner David Abrahams. OCT is a non-invasive imaging tool that uses light He is part of an experienced team of four qualified waves to take photos of the retina in cross-sections. optometrists that include Hazel Fox, Suzi Berg This gives a detailed picture of any potential and Bernie Raftery, working alongside Practice disease including glaucoma, age-related macular Manager and qualified dispensing optician Janet degeneration which can lead to severe loss of England who has been with them for nine years. vision and diabetic eye problems. The whole team is assisted by experienced support They can also check an eye’s Macular Pigment staff. All receive regular on-going training and Optical Density (MPOD) which protects the attend the latest trade shows to keep abreast of retina from harmful light and is an indication of current developments. whether a patient is at risk of developing macular degeneration. The good news is that with early detection, taking nutritional supplements or a change in diet is often all that is needed to reverse the decline in eye health so early warning is key. Even if you don’t want to take advantage of a more detailed examination, the friendly optometrists’ routine eye test will check your eye pressure and field of vision before your prescription is dispensed. Should spectacles be required, the team of highly qualified dispensing staff will be happy to assist with your choice of frames and lenses to suit your prescription.

40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Once your eyes are thoroughly checked, you are spoilt for choice in terms of the latest designer frames and branded lenses. The practice is keen to ensure that their customers leave happy and remain happy with a personalised service that covers ladies, gents, unisex and children’s spectacles. “A.M. Optometrists are interested in the science of vision and how we can help patients obtain the best vision possible through good eye health and eyewear. We continually strive to develop the practice to the highest level by investing in cutting edge equipment and skills” says Janet. Among the wide range of spectacles on offer, A.M. Optometrists has several that are not typical of the high street chains and that you may not have come The company also specialises in fashionable across before. American designer Diana Von Furstenberg frames that are favoured by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, as well as stocking all the latest styles from popular designers such as Calvin Klein, Ray Ban and Lacoste, to name but a few. Turnaround is quick, normally with a pair of single vision lenses being dispensed in three days and varifocals in seven. For those who are not won over by the gorgeous frames on offer, A.M. Optometrists can fit the whole range of contact lenses from dailies to gas permeable, fulfilling just about any prescription. NHS customers are welcomed with NHS eye tests and vouchers accepted. With a long-standing presence in Letchworth, For example, you might fancy a pair of artisan A.M. Optometrists already has a valued and loyal spectacles with hand-painted frames by Israeli customer base but are always welcoming new designer Ronit Furst and her team of artists customers, young and old, to experience the who offer a range of ‘mix and match’ shapes and difference at their practice. Appointments can be patterns as well as a bespoke design service. All made by phone, online or by dropping in. Opening frames are personally signed by the artist. times are: Or you may choose to go with spectacles from Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm and Saturday 9am Danish company Lindberg who supplies top – 1.00pm. quality rimless and flexible titanium frames that are They look forward to meeting you and hope to also some of the lightest ever produced. Weighing make your experience at A.M. Optometrists a less than two grams you will hardly know you are helpful and pleasant one. wearing them and the range is offered in a dazzling array of colours with a variety of designs. A.M. Optometrists has 2 special offers for readers. “Lindberg frames are our premium range for our Simply mention ‘The Villager’ more discerning spectacle wearer as they can tailor when ordering new spectacles in April and May their own look, choosing colour shape and style and get 25% off your new frames. “says Janet. For the more environmentally conscious customer, Also, ‘Like and comment’ our Facebook page there is the stylish and ethical ECO range by Italian by 30th April, and one lucky winner will be chosen company Modo. Eco frames are made from nearly at random to win a pair of designer sunglasses. 100% recycled material and for each one sold Modo donates a frame to a third world country A.M. Optometrists and plants a tree there. To date, the company has 29 Leys Avenue, Letchworth Garden City, Herts. SG6 3ED planted 1.4 million trees and at around £89 for a Tel: 01462 486123 frame, they are good for the budget conscious too. email: [email protected] To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 41 Garden View By Rachael Leverton

Fuchsia Perfect I love hardy fuchsias. They are some of the most Once they are mature you can more or less leave rewarding plants to grow. They are easy to them to it. Simply sprinkle a handful or two of propagate, flower well and are not the least bit fertiliser around them in the spring and again in temperamental. the summer. They are named after a 16th Century German There are lots of lovely varieties. “Mrs. Popple” is herbalist and physician called Leonard Fuchs. Lots tall with red and purple flowers. “Mrs. W. P. Wood” of gardeners struggle to spell fuchsia but if you is paler with pearly flowers. I have a soft spot for think of his name and stick and ‘ia’ on the end you “Whiteknight’s Pearl” which is beautiful pale pink. have it! If you have a smaller plot try “Tom Thumb” or “Alice In mild areas or at the seaside they can grow into Hoffman”. huge shrubs. Elsewhere hard frosts see off most of It’s a little known fact that the berries and inner the top growth in winter, then new shoots burst petals of fuchsias are edible (though it’s worth up from the soil in the spring, maturing into small noting that ‘edible’ doesn’t mean they necessarily shrubs about 2-3 feet / 60-100cm tall. taste good!). However there is now a variety At this time of year rooted cuttings are cheap. bred especially for eating. It’s called “Berry” and Grow them on for a few weeks under cover, produces fruit with a flavour something like a changing the pot to a slightly larger one as they sweet fig. The fuchsia berries are rich in vitamin grow, then plant them out in May. Choose a sunny C and antioxidants. They don’t have a long shelf spot in well-drained soil. life so pick them when they are soft and squishy Make sure you pinch out the shoot tips frequently. and eat them fresh, or freeze small quantities as It delays the flowers a little but they will become you collect them, until you have enough to make bushy little plants which produce more flowers in fuchsia jam or add to muffins, much as you might the long-run. add blueberries. Happy Gardening. 42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts BICKERDIKES Garden Centre

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 43 4444 PleasePlease mention mention The The Villager Villager and and Town Town Life Life when when responding responding to to adverts adverts Garden Flower

By Pippa GreenwoodPower www.pippagreenwood.com

You can inexpensively and easily grow a huge range holes using a dibber (or a pencil if you don’t have of flowers from seed at home. Just about every one). RootTrainers are ideal for larger seeds such as perennial flower is available to grow from seed, sunflowers. Don’t sow too densely or the seedlings and once they have reached flowering size they’ll will need more thinning out and will be more likely just keep on performing! There are lots to choose to become drawn, leggy and weak. Once in place, from, including lupins, silene, Echinaceae, geranium, just cover the seed with compost. perennial poppies, delphiniums, gaillardia, If you are sowing larger seed into cells, just pop hollyhocks, rudbeckia and salvia. Pay a visit to your the seeds in to the prepared holes and cover to the local garden centre or use a seed catalogue and start required depth. planning; you could save a fortune, and all from a Next, use a watering can with the rose attached and packet or two of seed. water thoroughly. If the seed sown was quite small, To start, you need containers to sow the seed into it is best to stand the tray in a shallow tray or bowl of – I like to use half-sized seed trays, RootTrainers or water, so the compost absorbs water from below – smaller individual cells – and some good quality this way the seeds are less likely to be displaced. compost and your chosen seeds. It helps if you Finally, label your seed trays clearly, ideally with have something to tamp down the compost too, a permanent marker. Many perennials need heat plus labels, a permanent marker, a dibber and some for the seed to germinate reliably. Put the trays, vermiculite (for covering seeds that need some light pots or cells into a propagator, standing each on to germinate well). moist capillary matting. Once the seedlings appear, Sieve compost through a compost sieve to remove gradually lower the temperature and then prick the larger lumps, leaving fine compost perfect for each one out into its own pot. Keep them fed and seed sowing. If you sieve it straight into the pots, watered as they grow and in just a few weeks or cells or trays, make sure you collect up any that falls months you will have some great plants ready for on the surface below. the garden. Once the compost is in the tray or pot, firm it down Visit Pippa’s website so that there are no large gaps beneath the surface, www.pippagreenwood.com and level it off to make it easier to sow the seeds to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants evenly and at the same depth. You can make your accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, own tamper using a piece of wood with a small or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s block of wood nailed to it to make a ‘handle’. favourite gardening items including SpeedHoes, It is easier to look after seedlings if the seed has SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other been sown in straight rows; make the rows using nematode controls for leather jackets, vine weevils a plastic plant label. Check the packets for the and other pests, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books correct depths for the seeds, and if you are sowing and lots more besides. seeds in small cells then it is easier to make the To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 45 46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 47 Local News

John Bunyan2017 SeasonBoat Launch The John Bunyan is Bedford’s Community Boat run The boat which carries 50 passengers also has by volunteers, and provides cruises both public and monthly Lunch Cruises to The Anchor in Great private hire on Bedford’s River Great Ouse. Last year Barford and Afternoon Tea Cruises to The Barns it carried over 7,000 passengers and in total has Hotel, plus a monthly Jazz Cruise featuring top carried over 22,000 passengers since it was launched national and regional jazz trios. in July 2013. The boat is fully licensed for drinks, has a 5 Star Food This year’s public cruises launch on Easter Saturday Certificate, and is available for private functions and with an evening Fish and Chip Supper Cruise, parties of all descriptions including wedding cruises. followed on Sunday afternoon by an Afternoon Tea Cruise, Bank Holiday Monday also has a special Due to being run by volunteers prices are very Afternoon Cruise. Thereafter there are public cruises reasonable and cruises can be booked online at every Thursday and Sunday with Fish & Chip Supper www.johnbunyanboat.org, Cruises on various Friday and Saturday evenings. or by phoning 01908 690301 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 48 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts T&G131x186AdvertReady.pdf 30/07/2016 16:27:44

John Bunyan Boat

CMY

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 49 50 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Rehoming Appeal Dolly This is Dolly, a lovely friendly Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She is about a year old. Dolly is just great with people and most other dogs. Everyone at the rescue has fallen for Dolly as she is such a nice girl. If you can offer Dolly a new home, please telephone Julie on 01763 289827. Alternatively please email Philippa at info.rats@ gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team.

View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity Home checks are carried out on potential homes. Gardening a Pain? 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]

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 51 TYNEHILL Boarding Kennels and Cattery

The kennels your dog would choose! 10% discount for new customers For further information • Top quality kennels and cattery • Fully licensed and insured or to book your advertising space • Clean and hygienic environment call Nigel on 01767 261122 • Dogs £12.50 to £15.00 • Cats £7.75 e-mail: [email protected] • 10% discount for family groups • Our dogs are happy dogs! or visit our website Better kennels are only minutes away... www.villagermag.com www.tynehillkennelsandcattery.co.uk 01462 850606 The VILLAGER and Town Life Shillington Road, Lower Stondon, Beds, SG16 6JX

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

Animal Stories Urgent appeal…

We would like you to meet two gorgeous little kittens ¬– ¬Timon and Pumbaa ¬– who have recently come into the care of the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch. Pumbaa is a typically boisterous and healthy kitten, but his poor little brother has some serious health problems. Timon was born with under developed eyes and although he has some vision, it is very limited. Our keep an eye on our website for updates of their Vet has advised that one of his eyes will have to be progress. removed. Although, this sounds horrible, it is the Although, in this article we’re appealing specifically best way of ensuring that Timon can develop into a to help Timon – there are always animals in our happy, and healthy cat. care needing help. We are a small local charity that PLEASE CAN YOU HELP US, HELP TIMON... by is entirely responsible for raising its own funds and sponsoring his veterinary treatment and aftercare? supporting itself. We are currently experiencing Please donate whatever you can by any of the a crisis as the number of animals abandoned has following ways: increased by 65% over the last 5 years. It costs us • bank transfer using the following details: Sort 60- every day, £5 to look after one healthy cat and £8 for 02-13. Acc 51842483, quoting ‘TIMON CARE’ as a one healthy dog. This means that every month we reference. need to find at least £1,300 to house all the animals • dropping your donation in at our Thurlow Street in our care and £2,000 for vet bills. shop in Bedford. Animals like Timon cost us a huge amount more – so • posting your donation to our shop. The address really stretch our (already stretched) finances to the is: 6 Thurlow Street, Bedford, MK40 1LR Tel: 01234 limit. 930304 The number of animals being abandoned in • emailing: [email protected] Bedfordshire is, unfortunately, still on the increase. Please let us know if you have donated, so we can You can help by donating money, unwanted goods thank you and keep you up to date with Timon’s to our shop so we can sell it and raise funds, or by progress (but only if you would like to be updated). volunteering. Please consider if you could help Once Timon has been successfully treated and Timon, or any other animal in our care…thank you! has made a full recovery, he and his brother will be looking for their forever home – together. They ANIMAL STORIES is one of a series of articles brought to will need an inside home together, or one with a you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch completely secure garden/enclosure. If you think www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk you can offer these two lovely brothers that home, To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 53 Motoring

New Audi Q5 By James Baggott Replacing ultra-successful cars Space and practicality A 2.0-litre TFSI petrol option is never easy for a manufacturer, The new Q5 is bigger and wider with 250bhp is also available. It’s but that’s the challenge Audi has than its predecessor – but still capable of returning 40.9mpg and faced with the Q5, the brand’s 90kg lighter. Inside there’s more emits 157g/km. A feisty 3.0-litre best-selling SUV. Built at the headroom and rear knee-room, V6 TDi completes the line-up, manufacturer’s most advanced while boot space is up 10 litres. producing 284bhp and a stonking ‘smart factory’ in Mexico, the Two adults will sit comfortably in 620Nm of torque. refreshed off-roader is packed the back, but a large transmission Behind the wheel with clever technology, features tunnel seriously eats into rear The new Q5 is quite simply revised engines and a fresh look legroom in the middle seat. brilliant to drive. We tested the that the maker hopes will continue Safety systems are plentiful and car on a variety of terrain, from to win over buyers. But has it done buyers can opt for active lane motorways to cities and beaches enough? assist, pre-sense assistance which to dirt tracks; it took them all in Looks and image helps detect if a crash is imminent its stride. On the road it’s quiet, The new Q5 may be a little less and can apply the brakes for you, refined and accomplished, while flashy than its Jaguar F-Pace rival, and cross-traffic assistance at the in the grit it was surefooted and but that smart new octagonal rear that will help when pulling secure. nose, dramatic headlights and out of parking spaces. In slow The revised 2.0-litre diesel engine sharp body creases give it fantastic moving traffic it’s even partly is punchy and works brilliantly presence on the road. That’s autonomous, slowing down and when combined with the 7-speed helped by a wonderfully squat speeding up in jams while keeping S-tronic gearbox - overall it’s by stance and perfect proportions. you in your lane. far and away the best choice of Inside the quality is clear. Solid, What’s under the bonnet? transmission. good quality materials are There are three engine options Verdict everywhere and the leather seats to pick from – but the best seller, Audi has moved the game on are comfortable and perfectly and our pick of the bunch, is with its new Q5 but not ruined adjustable. There is plenty of space the 187bhp, 400Nm, 2.0-litre a recipe that has won it so many around the driver and logically TDI, which will account for 60 admirers. Stylish, comfortable and placed controls for the multimedia per cent of sales in the UK. This great to drive, it’s now packed system. comes as standard with a clever with even more clever technology There’s also a three-zone climate new Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive and features. With best in class control system, an optional Bang system that can switch seamlessly performance and economy, and & Olufsen sound system, and the between two and four-wheel some highly tempting optional optional virtual cockpit, which drive automatically. Fuel economy extras, we’d be very surprised if replaces the dials with a 12.3-inch is 56.5mpg with emissions of any of its rivals managed to usurp high resolution display. 132g/km, and it hits 60mph in it at the top of the sales charts any 7.7 seconds and goes on to a top time soon. speed of 135mph.

54 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel. TARGET Excellent: 43 or more words Good: 36 words Fair: 30 words L A D N A M H N E

Answer: MANHANDLE Kee it local Not everyone trusts the internet, we prefer the traditional methods, come and have a cup of Tea, and talk to us face to face about your next Car or Van.

01462 457070 25 High Road, Shillington, Near Hitchin, Herts, SG5 3LL

Car and Commercial Vehicle Sales

To advertiseJohn Cox half in page The 3-17.indd Villager and1 Town Life please call 01767 261122 07/03/2017 16:2155 Fun Quiz - Awards and Prizes 1. Originally receiving the most votes, which dog was removed as a candidate for the first ever Best Actor Oscar after the Academy wanted to have a human actor win the award so they would appear more serious? 2. Which London art museum hosts the annual Turner Prize exhibition? 3. The Man of Steel award is given annually to the player voted best in which sport? 4. Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? 5. Which annual award has a name containing three nouns that, according to an analysis of the Oxford English Corpus of over one billion words, are the first, second and third most commonly used nouns in the English language? 6. On which game show were a chequebook and pen awarded as a booby prize? 7. Winning in 1966, who was the first footballer to win the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award? 8. After winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, Bob Dylan became only the second person to have won both an Oscar and a Nobel Prize. Born in Dublin in 1856, who was the first? 9. What is the maximum individual prize in a monthly premium bonds draw? 10. Sometimes referred to as the animals’ Victoria Cross, the Dickin Medal was established in 1943 and was awarded 54 times to honour actions during World War Two. What type of animals were honoured more than any other,

with 32 awards in total?

9. One million pounds 10. Pigeons 10. pounds million One 9.

8. George Bernard Shaw (winning the Nobel Prize for Literature and an Oscar for Adapted Screenplay for Pygmalion) for Screenplay Adapted for Oscar an and Literature for Prize Nobel the (winning Shaw Bernard George 8. 1. Rin Tin Tin 2. Tate Britain 3. Rugby League 4. Marie Curie 5. Time Person of the Year 6. Blankety Blank 7. Eusebio 7. Blank Blankety 6. Year the of Person Time 5. Curie Marie 4. League Rugby 3. Britain Tate 2. Tin Tin Rin 1.

56 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts LEAK SHIELD Need A Plumber Fast? No Call out Fee Call Alex on 07762773796 for friendly advice Blocked Drain • Toilet Overflowing No Hot/Cold Water • Leaks & Tap Repair Bathrooms • Drain CCTV Survey Burst Pipe • Toilet not filling up Stop Cock Replacement

hour Emergency Service Local | Reliable | Qualified

LSP 1/4 page advert.indd 1 12/07/2016 18:03

01767 631 746

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 57 Painting & Decorating

Property Maintenance

Quality Workmanship Papering, Coving etc. Interior and Exterior Work Free Quotations Call W Firkins & Partners Ltd 01462 814117 or 07939 267083 Est 1981 20 Clifton Road, Shefford, Beds

58 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 59 Codeword

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22

23 24

25 26

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

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

60 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts WHY HIRE A SKIP? RUBBISH CLEARANCE HERTFORDSHIRE 24 HOURS 7 DAYS FULLY INSURED & LICENCED DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL SERVICE GARAGE - LOFT - OFFICE - HOUSE - GARDEN WASTE - APPLIANCES PROBATE CLEARANCE | DE CLUTTERING SERVICE

BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER 01438 215 018 | www.rubbishclearanceherts.co.uk | 07960 98 32 98

HRC half page.indd 1 20/02/2017 16:40

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 61 Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to [email protected] What’s On In April 1 April 3, 10, 17 & 24 April 6 April The Signals Museum Open Day Branch Out Social Club for Single People Stevenage RSPB 10am-4pm 8.30-11pm 9.30am The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin A morning walk over Pegsdon Hills where to the public. Entry is free but official photo Branch Out meets every Monday night and is early migrants are often seen. Please park ID such as a driving licence, passport or over a medium-sized Social Club for single people. behind the Live & Let Live PH, not in the pub 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket It was formed in 1995 to bring together car park. Map Ref: 166/TL 119302. The walk from the Guardroom. See website for full single, divorced, widowed and separated will be led Trevor Storey. information. people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy 6, 13, 20 & 27 April one another’s company. The club organises Sapphire Social Club 1 April regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, 8.30pm Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert The Orange Tree, Hitchin Hardy Plant Society visits, day and weekend trips and holidays. We are a small and friendly group for single 2pm Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 people generally aged 50 and above. We offer Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Web: www.branch-out.org.uk a variety of social events during the month Biggleswade and the opportunity to meet and make new Nursery owner Kevin Hughes talks about ‘The 5 April friends. Potential new members are warmly Early Spring Flora of Andalucia’. Plants for North Herts Association welcome to come along and meet us with no sale. Visitors welcome - small charge which of the National Trust joining fee for the first two months. includes refreshments. 7.30pm Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin for information Non-members £2 on the door Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 3, 10 & 24 April ‘The History of Audley End and Saffron Stevenage Choral Society Walden’ by Linda Kerridge. Visitors welcome. 8 April 7.30-9.45pm Membership of National Trust not necessary. Vivace Choir Easter Concert Stevenage Music Centre, Nobel School, Tea/coffee 50p payable on entry. 7.30pm Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage All Saints Shillington, Church Street, Every Monday. Try our friendly choir with a 5-8 April SG5 3LH FREE session. No audition necessary! We are LYSISTRATA by Aristophanes Adults £12, Teens & Students £8, Children free inviting you to meet like-minded people of 7.45pm Programme: Holy Week segments of Messiah all ages and abilities, to try out a wide range Lytton Theatre, Vardon Road, Stevenage by Handel, Vivaldi - Gloria, Bach - Sanctus in of music from the classics to show songs Stevenage Lytton Players presents LYSISTRATA C (BWV238), Lottie - Crucifixus, Mozart - Ave and be part of our friendly and supportive by Aristophanes. The men of Athens and Verum Corpus. team, putting on excellent performances Sparta have been fighting a long-drawn The programme consists of sacred music from whilst having fun... We’re looking forward out war and the women are fed up with it. the 18th century, contrasting meditation to singing with you! The repertoire for our Lysistrata decides to take action to stop the on the sorrow of Holy Week with songs of Spring concert is the Vaughan Williams Sea fighting by the women withholding sex from celebration. Lotti and Vivaldi express the Symphony. the men until they sign a peace treaty. All she warm, passionate spirit of Catholic Italy, while Tel: 01438 365769 has to do is convince both the men and the Bach and Handel reflect the seriousness and Email: [email protected] women. This raunchy comedy will show how solidity of Protestant Germany and England, Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk difficult it can be not to give in to your urges. with Mozart as an Austrian Catholic fitting Sex or war? They can’t have both! neatly in between. New members welcome. Tel: Box Office: 01438 357407 Tickets available on the door or by telephone. What’s on entries to Web: www.lyttonplayers.co.uk for tickets Tel: Ticket Manager 01462 711735 [email protected] Web: www.vivacechoir.co.uk 62 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com What’s On In April 10 April 18 April 22 April Icknield Quilters Stevenage RSPB The Jukebox Heroes Rocking Back to the 7.30pm for 7.45pm start 7.30pm 70s Baldock Community Centre The Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, 7.30pm Speaker Chris Yates will talk about ‘The Artful Stevenage Tempsford Village Hall, Church Street, B a g’. Members £3, Non-members £4, Under Tempsford Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk for more 16s 50p Advance tickets £12.50 + booking fee, £15 information Michael Hooper will present a talk based on on the door visits to Botswana and Zimbabwe. There will LAD (Life Amid Debt) Fundraiser. A high 12 April be a Plants and Flowers Bring-and-Buy stall octane live seventies show delivered by Henlow Branch R N A 7.30pm at this meeting. an ensemble dedicated to re-creating the Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow Tel: 01438 861547 energy, atmosphere and fun of the Glam Rock The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval hey days. Members include Jeff Brown (Ex- Association meets on the second Wednesday 19 April sweet) Steve Whalley (Ex-Slade) Phil Hendriks of each month. Herts at War Talk (Bay City Rollers) Pete Phipps (The Glitter Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 for further Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Band) Philip Wright (Paper Lace) and Dave information Free admission - donations welcome Major (T-Rex). The Original Jukebox Heroes The Large Lecture Theatre (adjacent set comprises of songs from each respective 13 April to Western Auditorium), University of band member’s career. Baldock & Clothall WI Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Web: Tickets www.ents24.com/uk/tour- 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Return of the successful series of military dates/original-jukebox-heroes Whitehorse Street, Baldock talks. Peter Hart will talk about the Air War Visitors £3 including refreshment and over Arras. Please book tickets online. 23 April raffle ticket Web: http://hertsatwar.co.uk/talks Stevenage RSPB The WI has all sorts of good things lined up 10.00am for 2017 and lots of other things you might be 22 April An all day visit to Paxton Pits, a popular site interested in - a book club, a walking group, Vintage & Homemade Gift Fair for summer migrants and water birds. Led by a craft club, a knitting and crochet group, a 11am-4pm Paul Collis. Meet in Paxton Pits car park Map cinema group and a supper club. Hopefully Tempsford Village Hall, Church Street, Ref: 153/TL 195629. there is something for everyone. Tempsford Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Entry 50p 23 April baldockclothallwi Tea and cake. Stallholders wanted – 6ft Weston Cricket Club Open Day inside tables and 9ft x 9ft outside £10. Call 1pm 16 April or email for details and booking form. Weston Cricket Club, Park Drive, Damask Biggleswade Antiques Fair Fundraising event for Life Amid Debt; a small Green Road, Weston 9.30am-4pm local debt advice charity based in Ramsey 20/20 Match at 2pm. All players welcome. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, and St Neots. Afternoon fun for all the family. Bar and BBQ Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 Tel: 07717 471974 from 1pm. Sign up for one of their youth This antiques fair offers a diverse range of Email: [email protected] teams. antiques and collectables so whether you Tel: William Pugh – Captain 07912 318503 are a professional dealer, an avid collector Email: [email protected] or just looking for something special, this Web: www.weston.play-cricket.com monthly fair is the place to visit. Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. What’s on entries to [email protected] Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 63 Visit our beautiful Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice

Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom

01438 725309 [email protected] www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS

HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer.

Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques.

Call Richard on 01438 813492

Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today.

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

Gluten-free Brownies Some of the most popular recipes on my Weekend Kitchen programme are those which are gluten-free. Making great food - cakes and bakes in particular - without the need for gluten needn’t be difficult. Take these wonderful brownies for example. They are muddy, fudgey, soft and moreish. Cakes made with gluten-free flour can be a little dry but in such a ‘wet’ mix as this, the finished brownies are as moist as can be. The recipe comes from a real baking expert, and a lovely regular on my show. Paul Barker runs the Cinnamon Square Bakery in Rickmansworth, and he shares this recipe and others in his baking bible, ‘Cinnamon Square - A Measured Approach’.

Ingredients 3. Finally, add the gluten-free flour and stir until 210g unsalted butter thoroughly combined. 210g dark Belgian chocolate 4. Pour the mixture into a 23cm square baking pan, lined with greaseproof baking paper. 285g caster sugar 5. If the batter is still warm, it will make its own level. 170g beaten egg at room temperature However, if the batter has thickened, you will need (that should be about 4 eggs) to spread it level across the baking pan. 6. Place the pan into your oven and bake at 170°C / Gas 125g gluten-free plain flour Mark4 for 25-30 minutes. It is better to slightly under bake these brownies as they will continue to cook 1. Place the butter and chocolate in a plastic bowl once out of the oven. You actually want the centre to and gently melt them in the microwave or over still be slightly soft when baked. a hot water bath. You want the mix to get quite 7. Once the brownies have cooled, you can dust with warm. This will help keep the batter fluid when a little icing sugar, top with some store-bought adding the eggs. chocolate fudge, or a simple chocolate ganache 2. In a separate bowl combine the sugar and eggs (made by melting together equal weight of dark together, and then pour (whilst stirring) into the chocolate and cream). This recipe makes nine large butter/chocolate mixture. square brownies or 18 smaller rectangles. 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 Town Life please call 01767 261122 65 Electrician Ian O’Neil www.rooneyelectrical.co.uk Bespoke Furniture

Cabinet making Joinery Do you find it difficult to get someone Sash window repair to come and do a small job? Antique furniture repair & restoration French polishing Fault finding/repairs Antique and modern upholstery Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards No job too small Rewires Free quotes P.A.T testing Established 1995 Landlord inspections Qualified electrician Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed Call Nigel on: 01462 506076 / 07941295883 www.hertsandbedselectrical.co.uk 01462 490333

James Cullip Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured References available

t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 e: [email protected] www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

66 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Motoring They Drive Amongst Us... This piece was inspired by a video of a driver 2. How difficult can it be to drive into a workshop doing something earth-shatteringly stupid - and with an inspection pit? Line the car up and the internet is full of this stuff. Though worth a drive slowly in. Alternatively, speed in at a crazy chuckle, they serve as a reminder to avoid such angle and jam the car sideways down the pit. people. 1. Top place must go to the video that prompted My top 5: this piece. Taken by the dashcam of a car 5. The car trailing a pump nozzle and 3m of hose waiting to fill-up at a petrol station, it shows from its filler cap. Like you didn’t hear some a driver using a cigarette lighter to see how sort of bang as it snapped off the pump? much fuel is in the tank, with predictable 4. The 4 x 4 driver who exits, via a tight left- results. The dashcam driver, seeing the hander, a car-wash set on a bank. They floor it, conflagration unfolding before their eyes, shoot off the road and roll over-and-over down drove off before things really got out of hand, the bank. Pity you wasted your money on that but presumably it didn’t turn out well. premium wash eh? 3. Those classic instances of tail-gating over a You have been warned: they drive amongst us. rising bollard, which is designed to stop such an act and has signs saying so. Still, some drivers think it doesn’t apply to them, until their transport is lifted three feet off the ground.

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 67 Before After

Please call Darren for a free quotation 07472091434 www.hercuclean.co.uk

68Hercuclean half page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding08/03/2017 to adverts 17:22 Alan George 1st Glass Window Repairs Painter & Decorator ears eerience

Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving FULLY INSURED! Reliable and Local Specialist Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, City & Guilds trained call us now for a free quotation. with 30 years experience Steamed Up Glass Faulty Windows, Door Locks or Hinges Draughty Windows or Doors Sole trader Leaking Conservatory Roofs No VAT Fascias and Gutters Free estimates New Conservatory Roofs We also supply and fit NEW Windows, Doors and Conservatories Call Alan on DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS 01582 454604 EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE Mob:07760198256 NIL DEPOSIT - BALANCE UPON YOUR SATISFACTION or E-Mail: [email protected] 07511 906161

L.C.A Plumbing & Heating are a trusted, professional company with over 10 years’ experience in the trade. OAP discounts Boiler installations with up Boiler installations to ten year warranties Landlord checks Very competitive and Leaks knowledgeable Taps replaced Fully insured Fully qualified staff Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for free friendly, helpful and professional advice. We look forward to hearing from you.

01234 266220

To advertiseLCA half page.indd in The Villager1 and Town Life please call 01767 261122 15/03/2017 16:0369 • Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 10am – 5pm Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement

Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT [email protected] 01480 812281 | 07786 854946 www.cromwellstoves.co.uk

Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1 30/07/2015 17:31

Up to 50% O Furniture moved, old carpets removed if required FREE ESTIMATES We call with samples and measure Carpets tted in about a week 01462 733203 / 07748 532632

Carpet and domestic cleaning along with Klean-Rite 07745 515260

70 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 51455 Paul Donald Gas Plumbing & Central Heating Boiler Changes | Boiler repairs | Boiler servicing Power flushing | Unvented cylinders | Underfloor heating Central heating installations | Bathroom installations Landlords certificates Free estimates No job to big or small 35 years experience

07973 410957 | 07415 100610 | 01462 815386

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 71 WINDOW REPAIRS Serving all of Herts - Based in Stevenage Specialising in replacing misted units

BEFORE AFTER email: [email protected] website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks ﬁxed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog ﬂaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews

72 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts March’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr P Berridge from Little Paxton

Easy

Hard

www.taylormadejoineryltd.co.uk [email protected]

T: 01462 338 313 M: 07855 834 424 We are proud to be a facebook.com/TaylorMadeJoineryLtd member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen Unit C1 Manor Farm, Upper Stondon, Beds, SG16 6LJ

To advertiseTaylor made in joinery.indd The Villager 2 and Town Life please call 01767 261122 17/03/2015 10:2073 The Villager Prize Crossword Prize £25

Across 7 Type of hat (6) 8 Assault (6) 9 Not pretty (4) 10 Exciting (8) 11 Style of writing (7) 13 Cold (5) 15 Freshwater fish (5) 17 Loosening (7) 20 Fruit trees are grown here (8) 21 Legend (4) 22 Mixes together (6) 23 Writer (6)

Down  1 Zero (6) 2 Remain (4) 3 Foretell (7) 4 Boring (5) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 5 Evenly (8) 6 Economise (6) cut out this page and send to the address below before 12 Chuckling (8) 14 Uncommon (7) 16th April 2017 16 Seldom (6) 18 Idea (6) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 19 Squash (5) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP 21 Dumb (4)

Name:

Tel:

Address:

74 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 75 COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS STOVE/GAS FIRE INSTALLATION LOCAL • Wood Burning/Multi Fuel Stove & Gas Fire Installation • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Free Survey & Quotation

CHIMNEY SWEEPING EPS • Brush & Vacuum Sweep • Smo k e £ Test • Clean & Tidy • Insurance Certi cate • Bird Guards Fitt ed From CALL NOW ON: £40.00 07847 849202 T: 01767 627591 - Northill, Beds E: [email protected] MasterCard Maes tro www.countrystovesandsweeps.co.uk

76 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Books

ByBook Kate Duggan Review Our books this month are all about change, from shifting viewpoints to rewriting history. Take Courage, IAN SIMPSON Anne Brontë and the Art of Life Carpentry and Joinery by Samantha Ellis All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Anne is often seen as the ‘other Brontë’. Most of us would Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows struggle to remember the names of either of her books. In part this is because of the 25 years experience way she’s usually portrayed – quiet, reserved and, well, less Free estimates interesting than her siblings. Ellis goes to great lengths to show that this was far from the Please call 01462 851695 case. Anne’s novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, was, in many ways, more subversive and ahead or 07967162448 of its time than those of her sisters. As Ellis talks E-mail [email protected] us through her research, a very different Anne Brontë starts to emerge. Take Courage is far from a dry clinical biography; Ellis is clearly indignant at Anne’s treatment and the book is a real pleasure to read. JIM THE SWEEP FOR ALL YOUR The Art of Contribution CHIMNEY SWEEPING NEEDS by Ann Skinner ALL TYPES OF FIREPLACE AND The Art of Contribution aims CHIMNEY SWEPT to help people live a more meaningful life. Life coach OPEN FIRES, LOG BURNERS, Ann Skinner shares her STOVES AND INGLENOOKS advice for making a positive EVENING AND WEEKEND impact on the world. The APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE book is broken up into short, easily digestible chapters. INSURANCE CERTIFICATE They focus on lessons PROVIDED that Skinner has learnt herself, from embracing WEDDINGS ATTENDED imperfections to contributing not ‘from a place of feeling that some things in the world need fixing, but from a place of wanting to add joy to it’. JIM TURNER INSTITUTE OF CHIMNEY SWEEPS REGISTERED SWEEP MILL LANE, CAMPTON, BEDFORDSHIRE TELEPHONE: 07891 306566

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 77 Classifieds

Accountants Alterations

BESPOKE • EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL Call Jane on: M 07976 966 284 T 01462 671 760 LETCHWORTH

Aerials and Satellites Carpentry and Joinery AERIALS & SATELLITES T/A Broadband Communications Tim Jordon Established 1993 Carpentry and Joinery Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials Made to measure quality timber products Freesat & Satellite Installations supply and fit. Commercial IRS Systems Doors, Windows, Stairs, Gates, All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 Kitchen Worktops, Based in Stotfold Wood staining, painting and varnishing www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk Station Road, Lower Stondon, Beds. Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217 Tel: 01462 850363 or 07544 790071

Plastering Services

ro st £5. per month ls T all Nigel on 222 or ore inoration

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

Plastering Services Property Maintenance James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings DIY Home Solutions Dry Lining and Screeding General property maintenance All jobs undertaken Tel: 07792 415356 or 01462 490598 Call Darren on Email: [email protected] 01462 850786 or 07710 462544

Plumbing and Heating Darren FrippRemovals classified.indd 1 08/03/2017 09:49 MUSCLE & MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men. Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance. Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: [email protected] www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

Property Maintenance Removals and Storage

R. CHAPMAN removals, storage, Home & Garden Services archive and shipping Patio’s • House and office moves Driveways • Large and small vehicles Fencing • Local/long distance and overseas removals Brickwork • Containerised storage Painting & Decorating • Extremely high quality customer service Tiling Call for a no obligation quotation 20 Years Experience - No Job Too Small! 01582 572967 01462 850575 or 07950 311881 [email protected]

Property Maintenance StephensRoofing Dinky ad_02.indd 1 3/12/12 11:44:54

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 79 STOTFOLD MILL

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 15 th 6-7th MAY 2017 YEAR!

IT’S A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

Main Arena Attractions

The Saunders’ Steam Collection Vintage Fairground Free Kids Zone Medieval Village Beer Marquee Craft & Gift Marquee Open Daily: 10.30am - 5.00pm Lots of Outside Trade Stands Location: Stotfold, Bedfordshire SG5 4DL Food Court

Admission On The Day Live Music

Adults: £10.00 Children: £5.00 Mill & Tea Room Open

Senior Citizens: £5.00 Under 4s: Free And Much, Much More...

For the latest Steam Fair For advance discounted tickets please news follow Stotfold Mill visit www.stotfoldmill.com/steam-fair on Facebook and Twitter!

Sponsored by Saunders Garage. Registered Charity No. 1086392.

NOW0402_SM_Steam_Fair_2017_Villager_131x194_Ad_AW.indd 1 06/03/2017 13:18