The Incorporating Great Ashby VILLAGER & Old Town Directory and Town Life September 2016 Free Monthly Magazine Delivered to Homes and Businesses in the Area

Kitchen | Bedroom | Home Study

For all your design, supply and installation needs Family run business

Visit our showroom: Unit E, Gateway 1000, Whittle Way, Arlington Business Park, Stevenage SG1 2FP Tel: 01438 222929 www.kitchenergonomics.co.uk 2 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts The Incorporating Great Ashby VILLAGER & Old Town Directory and Town Life September 2016 Free Monthly Magazine Delivered to Homes and Businesses in the Stevenage Area

Kitchen | Bedroom | Home Study

For all your design, supply and installation needs Family run business

Visit or showroo nit atewa 1000 hittle a rlington siness ar tevenage 1 2 Tel 01 2222 Contents www.kitchenergonomics.co.uk

Luxury Grooming for your Beloved VIP Pets...... 24 Brilliant Bulbs...... 26 Bedfordshire Walking Festival...... 28 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...... 31 An Interview with Lewis Hamilton...... 33 Puzzle Page...... 36 What’s On...... 38 Prize Crossword...... 42 24 Wordsearch...... 45 VIP Pets

The Story of Glenn Miller...... 4 Upright Dutch Bikes...... 8 School Woes...... 10 Win a copy of the NEW Jordans Mill Guide...... 12 Five Top Old Movies...... 14 Fun Quiz...... 17 Going for the Wine - Valpolicella...... 18 Employment Matters...... 21 Lewis Hamilton 33 Animal Queries...... 22

Editorial: Catherine Rose, Kate Duggan, Susan Brookes-Morris, Publishers Trevor Langley, Carol H Scott, RSPCA, Sarah Fryer, Villager Publications Ltd Pippa Greenwood, Nick Coffer and James Baggott 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Advertising Sales [email protected] Victoria Tonkinson www.villagermag.com Tel: 01767 261122 E: [email protected] Photography - Szilagyi Palko Pal Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, and Darren Harbar Photography however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibil- ity for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the Design and Artwork advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 History By Catherine Rose

The Story of

BornGlenn in Iowa on 1st March 1904, Alton Glenn Miller Miller, known simply as Glenn Miller, came to trombonist and music arranger. prominence during the 1930s but particularly In 1928 he published a book ‘Glenn Miller’s 125 during WW2 with his Glenn Miller Orchestra. Jazz Breaks for Trombone’, the same year that he His musical abilities showed early on when he married his college sweetheart Helen Burger. But began playing the mandolin as a child. He then it wasn’t until 1935 that he eventually started switched to brass instruments, learning the recording jazz and swing under his own name. cornet and trombone. By 1918, the family had Moonlight Serenade is probably his most well- moved to Colorado and he was playing in the loved and memorable tune which he wrote in school band at Fort Morgan. Miller graduated 1939 following mentoring by Joseph Schillinger. from high school in 1921 by which time he Having struggled to find fame in what, by then, had developed a particularly keen interest in had become a popular genre of music, Miller dance band music and decided to become a developed his own unique musical band style that professional musician. went on to become known as ‘the Glenn Miller He subsequently worked with well-known bands sound’. With this new approach and arrangement and musicians including Boyd Senter, Ben Pollack, of instruments, the Glenn Miller Orchestra quickly Victor Young, the famous Bennie Goodman became the top jazz swing band in the country and the British bandleader Ray Noble whom with now famous hits including Chattanooga he helped form a US band. He was also musical Choo Choo and Pensylvania 6-5000. Miller also director for Tommy Dorsey and freelanced as a starred in two films. 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local children Time to needFoster you

Time to Care

Over the last year ’s fostering service has found fantastic foster families for children of all different ages and backgrounds who cannot live with their own families. However we still need your help.

We need inspirational and committed foster carers for local children and young people, particularly teenagers and brothers and sisters. If you have a spare room in your home and a commitment to caring for a child or young person, we would like to hear from you. Please call us on 0800 917 0925 to find out more. Hertfordshire County Council www.hertsdirect.org/fostering

www.facebook.com/hertfordshirefostering @HCCFosterAdopt

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 5 However, some jazz and swing critics argued them. Many years later it was confirmed that the that the Glenn Miller sound had no soul with its plane could indeed have been in the vicinity of emphasis on smooth production and perfectly the bombers at the time. played notes. It didn’t help that Miller himself had Wilder conspiracy theories suggested Miller was a reputation for coolness. Despite this, his music mixed up in spying and a German investigative proved very popular with the general public and journalist claimed in the 1970s that he had boosted the morale of the troops during WW2. seen proof from German Intelligence that Miller In 1942 he enlisted in the US Army and became actually arrived safely in Paris but suffered a fatal leader for the army air force band, quickly rising heart attack at a brothel that same evening which through the ranks to the position of major. was subsequently hushed up by concocting a Although stationed in London, Miller and his story that the plane had simply disappeared. This orchestra were based at Bedford for safety during doesn’t seem to account for what happened to the Blitz. The nearest airfield was RAF Twinwood the other two men though. at Clapham where, on 27th August 1944, he put The most likely and accepted theory is that the on a special concert - the only outdoor concert he Norseman had a design fault which resulted in performed at a British base. the fuel lines icing over in freezing temperatures, On the night of 14th December 1944, Major preventing fuel from reaching the engine. Glenn Miller slept at Milton Ernest Hall. The The plane was lightweight and would have following day he was bound for Paris, which had disintegrated on impact into the sea, killing all just been liberated from the Germans, to play those on board instantly. for the troops and look into the possibility of Glenn Miller’s band continued to perform after relocating his band there. his loss and in 1954 Jimmy Stewart starred as Just before 2pm on a near freezing afternoon, he Miller in the film The Glenn Miller Story. boarded a US Army Airforce UC-64A Norseman Glenn Miller was listed as ‘missing in action’. In single-engined plane, normally used for honour of his association with the town, a bronze transport, outside Twinwood Control Tower along bust of him was erected in an alcove on the with Lt Col. Norman Baesell and the pilot, Flight façade of Bedford Corn Exchange which you can Officer John Morgan. It was to be the last time. see to this day. The plane disappeared en route over the English Channel. Neither the plane, his companions’ nor Miller’s body were ever found. He was 40 and left behind Helen, their two adopted children and a huge fan base. Glenn Miller’s disappearance is a mystery that has endured and many theories have been put forward as to what happened. That day had been the first in several where air traffic at RAF Twinwood was not grounded due to thick fog and poor visibility. It is possible that due to poor visibility over the Channel, Morgan suffered what is known as spatial disorientation where a pilot loses sense of the horizon and quickly becomes physically confused as to the plane’s position and direction. This can result in a fatal loss of control and something called a ‘graveyard spiral’ which leads to a crash in less than two minutes. Another theory was that the small plane had been hit by allied bombs being jettisoned above it from a group of 100 Lancaster Bombers flying in what was known as the South Jettison Zone after aborted raids on Germany. A navigator later claimed to have glimpsed the aerial explosions causing the crash of a small monoplane below

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 7 Cycling

Upright Dutch Bikes By Kate Duggan I got my first bike for Christmas when I was about seven years old and my favourite ride was a and therefore protected from dirt and rain, thus circular tour through local villages. I remember cutting down on maintenance. Hub gears can pedalling breathlessly up one particular hill and also be changed while the bike is stationary, for then free-wheeling down the other side at great instance while waiting at traffic lights. speed! The chain also comes enclosed and this, along I inherited my love of cycling from my mum, with full wheel fenders and skirt guards, protects who as a teenager during the Second World War trousers and skirts from getting caught or soiled thought nothing of cycling 20 miles to a nearby from messy cogs or splashes of water and dirt. town and back again later in the day. She tells These characteristics are ideal if you want to cycle stories of getting lost in the countryside and of to work, for example, without having to change being directed home by friendly Italian Prisoners your clothes at the other end. of War. Wow! Dutch bikes come with rear wheel locks and also I didn’t know it at the time, but my beloved first at the rear you’ll find a rack, perfect for carrying bicycle was most probably an upright Dutch Bike parcels, bags or other items you might need at - the traditional, classic bike we might imagine work or on a visit to the shops. Front and rear Audrey Hepburn riding if she were still alive! lights are standard, and sometimes the front light Renowned for comfort, these are the bikes that 17 comes powered by a hub dynamo, providing million Dutch people ride every day, and which instant light at the touch of a button. are known in London as ‘Boris Bikes’! Other features to look for if you plan on cycling in Dutch bikes are most often used for commuting. all weathers are good quality tyres, stainless steel The upright position of the rider means it is easy spokes, a high quality paint finish and good hand to both see and be seen by other road users and grips. is more comfortable than alternative styles such Dutch bikes are great for across town rides but as mountain or racing bikes, as it puts no strain on they are fairly heavy and don’t have many gears, the back and takes weight off the wrists. so are not great for tackling hills. But they are Several features come as standard on Dutch comfortable, stable, feel safe and can look trendy! bikes. They use a hub gear, which is enclosed Typical prices vary from £200-£1,000. 8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 9 Time of Year School Woes By Susan Brookes-Morris

While many children run through the classroom do persevere. Try to pick a neutral time to discuss door each day, with barely a backwards glance, it, and take it gently. Raise the subject when they’re others, sadly, do not find the school experience feeling relaxed and up for talking, ie not right after such a happy one. school, when they’re tired, or when they want to The occasional grumble is rarely anything to worry just go and play. If your child is older, they may find about, but if your child frequently seems unhappy, it easier to open up to another family member or you may need to intervene. Early intervention can family friend, who isn’t involved in making them go help to avoid long-term issues, and your child is to the place they dread every day. more likely to develop a love of learning if they Once you have a better idea of what the problem enjoy the whole school experience. is, book a time to speak to your child’s teacher, There are a range of reasons your child may dread and, if needs be, the headteacher. They will be going to school, from bullying, to being shy or well used to dealing with a wide range of issues, particularly sensitive to noisy situations. They from bullying to a lack of confidence, and should may simply not like their teacher, or struggle with work with you to ease any problems. Do speak to being separated from you. your child about this first however, as you going Try to figure out exactly what’s bothering your into school could be exactly what they’re dreading child, and if there’s anything you can easily do and may make them clam up next time there’s a to fix it. Would arranging some play dates help problem. them to make friends? Could changing to packed The website www.bullying.co.uk has a wealth of lunches ease their dread of dinner time? Do they advice for parents whose child is being bullied, need more quality one-on-one time with you, including how to approach the school and how to to help them feel more secure when you’re not discuss it with your child. together? The charity Family Lives offers a free, confidential It isn’t always easy to get to the bottom of a child’s helpline for parents on all aspects of raising a reluctance to walk through the school gates. child, including issues with school. Sometimes they can’t explain what it is that makes Call 0808 800 2222 or visit the website: them scared, or they don’t feel able to tell you. But www.familylives.org.uk for more information. 10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 11 COMPETITION

Win a copy of the NEW Jordans Mill Souvenir Guide

Jordans Mill is a hidden gem, tucked in away in the heart of rural Bedfordshire on the banks of the River Ivel. It is a unique food heritage attraction with something for all the family - tours of the historic flour mill, beautiful gardens and woodland to explore, and the Riverside Café and Mill Store. Jordans Mill is open seven days a week from 9am until 5pm. In summer months it is open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays. A key part of the visitor experience is a guided tour of the lovingly restored, iconic Victorian mill which is steeped in history and situated in a glorious location. Once one of 400 wind and watermills across Bedfordshire, Jordans Mill is now one of only a few still remaining. The new Jordans Mill Souvenir Guide is a beautifully produced brochure that gives visitors and those with an interest in history and engineering a fascinating insight into Bedfordshire’s milling history, the Jordan family, and the next chapter in Jordans Mill’s story. Explore our gardens - Visitors are free to wander through the stunning Mill Gardens, unique food and flower gardens where crops, vegetables and fruits are grown alongside wild flowers and cultivated garden plants. From the Mill Gardens stroll across the bridge into our Mill Meadow and Woodland which are specially designed to attract wildlife. Let the children get back to nature with our cone throwing game, woodland path, tepees and bug hotel. Enjoy a meal or a snack in the Riverside Café with its stunning riverside terrace and picturesque views over the mill pond. The Café serves a varied and delicious seasonal menu, using local ingredients where possible, indeed much of the produce from the Mill Gardens makes its way into the kitchen. For further information visit www.jordansmill.com Please answer the following question – How many mills used to be in operation in Bedfordshire? Complete your details below and send your entry to Jordans Mill Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. The winner will be randomly selected. Deadline: 20th September 2016 Name: Address:

Tel: Email: Answer: Please tick if you would like to receive our e-newsletter 

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

104 Ampthill Road, Shefford, Beds SG17 5BB

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 13 Films Five Top Old Movies

There are several movies I could watch over and actress who holds her sister (Joan Crawford) captive again. Here’s my pick of the oldies! in an old Hollywood mansion. Full of menacing In It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) James Stewart stars twists and turns, it has a shock ending that will keep as a troubled family man, about to commit suicide you guessing! on Christmas Eve, feeling that his life has amounted Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws is about a killer to nothing. He is saved by his guardian angel shark that makes repeated attacks on New who shows him the lives he has touched and the residents and how it is finally tracked and disposed difference he has made to his community. of. The atmospheric music adds to the tension and Who couldn’t resist Gene Kelly, sloshing his way the interaction between the three male leads is through puddles and swinging from lamp posts in sharply observed. the 1952 film Singin’ in the Rain? Set in Hollywood Finally, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991) is a at the end of the silent movie era, the score also heart-warming cartoon about a beautiful young girl features Donald Connor’s iconic performance of who wins the affection of an enchanted beast. The Make ‘Em Laugh. animation is stunning and the score is beautiful. The psychological thriller What Ever Happened A new version starring Emma Watson is due for to Baby Jane (1962) stars Bette Davis as a failing release next March.

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 15 BLADES BARBERS ReDUCeD WAiTing Times nOW With seven team members at BLADes BARBeRs

DUE TO THE SUCCESS of the salon, Brendan, with 28 years of barbering experience, has come a long way having opened the salon in early 2009 initially on his own, he now has seven team members to accommodate customer demand for high quality gent’s hairdressing at Great Ashby in Stevenage. REDUCED WAITING TIMES. Since opening the salon, Brendan Opening Times has increased the size of his waiting area to provide extra monday 9am - 6pm seats, taken on additional highly qualified barbers and Tuesday 9am - 6pm is now training a junior team member to the same Wednesday 9am - 6pm high standard that customers have come to expect. Thursday 9am - 7pm BLADES BARBERS – is an upmarket salon charging Friday 8am - 6pm saturday 7.30am - 4pm local prices. It is situated in the perfect location at sunday Closed the Neighbourhood Centre in Great Ashby, with FREE AND PLENTIFUL PARKING making the whole experience easy and convenient. price List - no appointment necessary Wet Cut & Blow Dry £8.50 Wash Cut & Blow dry £12.50 Clipper Cuts £6.50 senior Citizens £6.00 Mon - Thurs 9am - 2pm, over 65 years Children £7.50 up to 11 years Beard Trim £3.00 Beard Trim £4.50 with cut throat shape up Lines & patterns prices from £1.00

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16 16 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fun Quiz - Business 1. The song There’s No Business Like Show Business was written for which musical? 2. Called “business reply mail” in the USA, by what name is this service known in the UK? 3. How many dragons are there on an episode of the TV show Dragon’s Den? 4. In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what is the name of Ebenezer Scrooge’s dead business partner, whose ghost visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve? 5. Who was Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills from 2010 to 2015? 6. The 1983 romantic comedy Risky Business was the first leading role for which Hollywood actor? 7. Losing My Virginity was the 1995 autobiography of which businessman? 8. What type of business was Wernham Hogg, the company at the centre of the TV sitcom The Office? 9. A group of which of the following animals is commonly referred to as a business?... a) foxes; b) ferrets; or c) flamingos? 10. In the early 1970s, who adopted the motto “taking care of business”, with an abbreviated version of this featuring on a

logo he created and on a number of items of jewellery?

8. Paper merchant 9. b) ferrets 10. Elvis Presley Elvis 10. ferrets b) 9. merchant Paper 8. 1. Annie Get Your Gun 2: Freepost 3. Five 4. Jacob Marley 5. Vince Cable 6. Tom Cruise 7. Richard Branson Branson Richard 7. Cruise Tom 6. Cable Vince 5. Marley Jacob 4. Five 3. Freepost 2: Gun Your Get Annie 1.

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 17 Food and Drink Going for the Wine Valpolicella The name Valpolicella conjures up visions of wonder, quality and grandeur. Valpolicella is a viticultural area in the province of Verona, Italy. Wines have been made in this area since at least the ancient Greeks inhabited. Valpolicella is the best recognised wine region in the north-eastern Italy’s Veneto wine region and growth of the wine industry, in this area, expanded greatly during the 1960’s. I searched for a range of these wines, from a single company dedicated and committed to producing high-quality wines.

The Bottega company has occasions and important preferences these wines pair gained a lot of knowledge events, by connoisseurs. extremely well with red meats, during the years producing Aged for 12-18 months in rich fish (such as salmon and excellent wines, with many oak, this production has a tuna), poultry, plus soft and prestigious awards being great aroma, which leads hard cheeses, too. collected for their outstanding enticingly to the full-bodied, productions. I found Bottega velvety-textured taste. Bottega www.bottegaspa.com to have a splendid, impressive Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore collection of Valpolicella (DOC) is a further example of As always, Enjoy! wines within their exceptional high-quality productions from range of beverages and food this company. The process of a products, all of which are double fermentation ensures Trevor Langley produced with responsibility the best aromas. Again, aged and a total respect for the in oaks, this is a superbly- areas’ environments and balanced, dry wine and is communities. long on the palate. Bottega Bottega Valpolicella Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella (DOC) is a very good (DOCG) I found full-bodied production and popular and well-balanced. A splendid, with many. This smooth, dry, dry finish on the palate makes ruby red wine has a pleasant this powerful, smooth wine, a bouquet and good mouthfeel. regular choice for numerous Bottega Valpolicella Classico lovers of Valpolicella. Superiore (DOC) is classed as These red Valpolicella wines a noble red wine. This wine utilise Corvina Rondinella and has an excellent structure Molinara grape varieties to and is chosen for numerous great advantage. For personal 18 LOOKING FOR AN ACCOUNTANT AND A PROFESSIONAL ONE TO ONE SERVICE ? We specialise in Small to Medium size Businesses, Sole Traders & Partnerships • Accounts • Tax Returns • Payroll • Vat For a free quotation and initial meeting call Chris Hughes 01438 362959 Email: [email protected]

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 19 20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Employment Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd Employment Matters Success in the workplace 5 things the Millennials can forget Every generation gets a label, for instance from you, and they can teach you about strategy Baby boomers, Generation X, and the latest is and business development from their years of Generation Y – the Millennials. experience. We often hear about stereotypes in the workplace 4. There’s no “I” in team and other generations may view the Millennials A team doesn’t function with just one person and as being unmotivated, in need of constant pats in order for any business to be successful, you on the back and praise, and a generation that has need to work well with the people around you. a sense of entitlement no matter what level or Open yourself up to the expertise that others position they find themselves in. bring to the table and you will learn and grow Working life is all about compromise, everyone professionally, show that you can work with other has a lot to bring to the table and if you people and overcome challenges in a group, and want to succeed there are certain workplace hopefully be seen as a potential future leader. considerations that every generation needs to 5. Not everything deserves applause keep in mind. Everyone likes to be rewarded and recognised for Here’s a 5 point check list to help the Millennials: a job well done to show they are valued and on 1. Work is work the right track. Employers want employees who Don’t get caught up thinking that working in places do a good job without having to be asked; they like Google with nap pods, catered meals, and want employees who can fly on their own without employee benefits and perks that one could only waiting for someone to guide them along the way; dream about are in fact reality. Most workplaces they want employees who can accept constructive don’t resemble that and although employers want criticism and run with it to improve. You can be their employees to be happy and love their jobs, that employee. having expectations that just aren’t realistic for 99% A final thought for every generation: of businesses is asking far too much. “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, 2. You won’t land your dream job on day one and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what Advancement takes time, and it’s likely that you you believe is great work. And the only way to do aren’t going to graduate and land your dream great work is to love what you do.” job in your dream company on day one. You can’t STEVE JOBS become an executive making all the decisions when you’re an entry-level employee, and the majority of people holding those roles started where you are now. The education system can forget to emphasise the learning curves and experience you’ll gain from working in your field so do understand that your career path is a journey, and no one reaches the destination on day one. 3. You don’t know everything The first generation to really watch and grow up with technology, Millennials are extremely tech-savvy and bring a whole new set of skills that other generations never envisaged would be needed in the workplace. Have respect for your colleagues who don’t understand Snapchat is. They can learn about this To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 21 Pets Animal Queries Dear RSPCA vet, and quiet place for your feline friend to rest. After years of putting it off, I now feel ready to • Cats need to visit the toilet easily. Give regular get my first cat as a pet. I’m very excited, but a bit access to a suitable toilet place, outside or a litter nervous too. What do I need to consider before I tray, kept separate to their eating and sleeping go ahead? areas. Mr S Owens, Clophill • Noises and objects can often scare cats. They need to have somewhere to hide away from Dear Mr Owens, perceived danger. To prevent your cat suffering, If only more people were like you ¬–¬ our always provide access to safe hiding places to charity would not be as inundated with so many allow him/her to escape feeling afraid. unwanted animals! Congratulations for taking the • Cats are very intelligent – a bored cat is an time to consider if this is the right decision for you. unhappy cat. Make sure there are plenty of Any animal is a long-term commitment, so every things to do with enough space to exercise, potential owner should do his or her research – climb and play. Indoor cats need more to keep just as you are. them entertained. Here are my top tips to giving a cat a good home: • Cats are active, needing opportunities to run, • Cats can become ill living in cold or wet places. jump and climb. They often feel safest when Provide a comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean high so provide a suitable high place to climb and rest, e.g. shelves. • Cats are inquisitive, so hazards at home and outside could injure them. Care for your cat by making sure your cat is in a safe, secure and hazard-free environment at all times. • Cats are territorial so become very attached to their home and environment. If you are going away, try to find someone to care for your cat – at home. If boarding, ease the move by taking familiar items along, e.g. your cat’s bed/toys. • Cats need neutering, micro-chipping, regular worming and treating against fleas, good quality food and medical treatment as, and when, it’s required. You need to carefully consider the financial costs before you make your final decision. If you do decide to offer an animal a home, please choose a rescue cat or kitten. Check our website or call the branch to find out who is waiting for adoption – there is bound to be someone you love.

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

22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts It’s a D g’s Life Professional Dog Grooming Fully Insured. City and Guilds qualified.

Grooming Services: Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning Bath and Blow Dry Full Groom Hand Stripping 1st Puppy Bath Free (up to 4 months) Health Check I have a variety of shampoos to suit individual needs. A quick spray of cologne and your pet will come home smelling wonderful. Other Services: Are there times when you need help with your pet? Have you got an unusually long day away from home? Are you out all day? I can help....dog walking or home visits to allow a toilet break or to give food. Please call to discuss your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you. Call Christina Valentine on 07717 077502 223 Cleveland Way, Great Ashby, Stevenage Herts SG1 6BX Based in Great Ashby

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 23 VIP Pets

Luxury Grooming for your Beloved VIP Pets... You could be mistaken for thinking when you first walk into VIP Pets you’re in a chic London Hair Salon – in fact VIP Pets in Hitchin, is a specialist dog grooming boutique and therapeutic spa with exceptional service standards – but quite incredibly with comparative and affordable high street prices, grooms start from just £19.99; spa treatments from only £1.99! It’s no wonder Terence and Adrian the owners have been inundated! In the vibrant heart of Hitchin on Sun Street, this independent family business has taken the local area by storm. After just 6 months providing services of excellence, already they’ve increased their opening hours to accommodate the unprecedented demand – the word is indeed out, discerning clients already travel from the outlying villages, even the BBC have heard of VIP Pets (read on!). With subtle notes of Lemongrass in the air, the boutique is tranquil and calm, the furniture is elegant with twists of brilliance in its design, which has attracted the BBC to film a documentary in the boutique soon to air on BBC1 at 9.00pm. VIP Pets are delighted to have been chosen to feature and showcase its grooming and therapeutic spa services, including a full size Jacuzzi bath enriched with natural Dead Sea salts, Dead Sea mud wraps, natural balms and facial cleansers, to treat and soothe skin conditions with a strong therapeutic focus on the health and wellbeing of your beloved pets. Grooms start from just £19.99 for a wash, blow dry and style; for £29.99 your pet can receive a wash, blow dry and style including a trim of the eyes and bottom to maintain hygiene; or for £39.99 the VIP full groom with a hand scissor or clip, de-shed and de-mat, in the style you decide (very large dogs or hand stripping may be a little extra). VIP Pets were the first to introduce a personal style consultation and a FREE health check. Stuart de Wolfe BVetMed CertVR GP Cert (SAM) MRCVS of the Hitchin Veterinary Surgery at St. Ibbs says “Groomers at VIP Pets, qualified at City and Guilds Level 3 (under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1974) may carry out health checks and refer on concerns - their early interventions have prevented minor health conditions worsening and have prevented a number of dogs from undergoing major surgery, I fully recommend their services”. Here’s where VIP Pets really stands out... all these extras come FREE with EVERY groom leaving your dog looking, feeling and definitely smelling like a million dollars: On arrival a blend of 10 calming (canine safe) aromatherapy oils are massaged in, reducing anxiety and calming even the liveliest of dogs; Nail clipping (a walk service is also offered at £4.99); a choice of 16 deluxe shampoos with natural extracts; triple wash (including a 100% Wild Wash natural flea and tick repellent); Choice to upgrade to a replenishing leave in coat conditioner; deep brush and hand blow dry (at VIP Pets they NEVER use drying cabinets and NEVER crate or cage any animal); and to finish a choice of colognes or a natural essential oil fragrance massage, leaving your pet smelling fresh for weeks! They even have designer perfumes from New York for complete indulgence!

All groomers at VIP Pets are qualified at the very high standard of City and Guilds level 3, not just the common level 1 and 2 basic qualifications. It’s this level of professionalism that sets VIP Pets apart – “Experience with Excellence” as Terence and Adrian say “For the Dogs we Love and for the peace of mind of every pet parent”. VIP Pets offer more than just grooming, stocking quality retail lines; handmade Italian Saffiano leather collars (the same leather as Hermes and Prada) for both summer and winter, 100% natural handmade dog treats, a 100% natural luxury human grade dog food range, and even their very own range of VIP canine spa therapy products; dead sea muds and salts; shampoos and conditioners, essential oil fragrances, nose and paw balms and their signature calming aromatherapy oils to relieve canine anxiety – great for motion sickness, fireworks or separation anxiety. And don’t forget Puppies! Their Puppy Pamper gets your little loved one used to the grooming room as early as possible! By Sarah Fryer

Call 01462 620343 to book and redeem your VILLAGER special offer - a complimentary Coat Conditioning Therapy [quote ‘VILLAGER1]. VIP Pets open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Read more at: www.vip-pets.co.uk Garden Brilliant Bulbs

It is spring bulb time in all the garden centres An old bucket - particularly an enamelled or now; they should be crammed full of bulbs, many galvanized one - makes a fabulous planter, but at a reasonable price and all of which promise to remember to drill some holes in the base or place a provide glorious masses of colour for years to come. layer of pebbles or grit at least 2” (5cm) deep in the By all means plant bulbs in beds and borders, bottom, so that excess water accumulates below but if you only have a terrace, patio or a back the level of the roots and the bulbs do not rot off. yard, then there are still plenty of bulb planting If your garden or back yard is a good size, then opportunities to be had! Bulbs have the potential large containers will look particularly handsome. to make any garden look gorgeous, but you can Packed with a single variety of one of the daffodils use them to add an element of fun as well as or tulips or any other spring bulbs, they will make glamour, colour and perfume. a striking display. Plant the container up in two Bulbs look fantastic if allowed to naturalise beneath layers, so that one lot of bulbs is a couple of inches trees, but miniature varieties look equally good deeper than the other, and the deeper ones will beneath shrubs. Choose miniature daffodils or flower later than those planted closer to the crocuses and plant them in a scattered effect surface to prolong the display. beneath the shrub, taking care to minimise damage An old bathroom suite or parts of it make wacky to the shrub’s roots. Keep them well watered in and unusual planters. A bath may need a lot of spring and you should have a fantastic display. compost to fill it – and don’t forget drainage - but Ornamental plastic-lined woven baskets, which it can act like a full-sized flowerbed. Even a hand are available inexpensively from local markets or basin, lavatory or the cistern can be planted up to on the internet, make perfect planting containers great effect. provided they are at least 3” (8 cm) deep. Old watering cans, wheelbarrows or even a Shallower baskets can be used for smaller bulbs decrepit pair of wellies or boots with a hole in such as crocuses - simply fill them with bulb fibre them will also make wonderful planters and will and plant up as you would a bowl of indoor bulbs. save you a fortune! To ensure adequate drainage, puncture some Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. holes in the plastic liner and use any normal multi- com for Pippa’s ‘Winter thru’ Spring’ collection purpose or loam based compost mixture. Baskets of vegetables for planting next month, along like this look particularly decorative in the spring, with a really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite and if you add a couple of ferns or ivies to larger gardening items including Nemaslug to baskets they will look even better. control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, An outdoor table is unlikely to be used for SpeedWeeders, ladybirds to control greenfly, entertaining in spring, so simply cover it to pull-out mini tunnels, signed books and lots more prevent the surface being spoiled and arrange a besides. selection of pots full of spring bulbs on it – the By Pippa Greenwood effect can be really splendid. www.pippagreenwood.com 26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Business gone slow? Let us help!

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

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 27 Local News Bedfordshire Walking Festival 2016 The month of September is an exciting time for those To the east of the county there are a number of who like to get out into the countryside and enjoy a excellent choices throughout the week commencing good walk. The Bedfordshire Walking Festival, now in with “Greensand Country” on Monday morning its eighth year, starts on Saturday 10th and continues starting from Sandy Market Square, followed everyday for nine days. Every year new places are on Tuesday by a special one off tour of Southill visited and the informative walks keep the county’s Estate, courtesy of Lady Whitbread, starting from history alive. Shuttleworth. Wednesday a morning walk “Great Ouse So what is in the programme. Briefly, there are and Ivel Riverside Walk” starting from Tempsford. Interest and Nature Walks, Short Walks, Health Walks, Thursday afternoon is “The Squires Walk” from Sandy Walkers Walks, Long Walks and the Greensand Ridge Market Square and on Friday morning you can “Follow Path 40 mile challenge. For those wanting a explore in the Monks Footsteps” starting from Warden Abbey different ways of walking try the Nordic Walking Vineyard. Why not take the family to a “Family Wildlife Taster sessions and a session with the new craze of Challenge Walk” on Saturday at the RSPB Sandy. Fitness walking. Fitness walking is much easier on the Further a field on Wednesday and Sunday 18th knees and joints than running or jogging and burns there are guided tours of Ampthill Great Park to off the same amount of energy. celebrate the anniversary of Capability Brown. Encouraging adults and children to be able to read Also on Wednesday a fascinating informative walk and use a map is no different to encouraging people through the industrial Leighton-”Linslade of the past” to read books and newspapers and to this end on or morning out for Parents or Grandparents with Sunday 11th September at the Marston Vale Forest toddlers at Willington. Centre there are two half day sessions entitled “Maps Do you fancy the 40 mile Greensand Ridge Path Can Be Fun”. The morning session is a family session challenge which takes place over the weekend of for parents or grandparents to bring their children 17th & 18th September. This is not only a delightful and grandchildren. The practical session starts with walk at anytime but a challenge when done over the an introduction to the basics of how to read a map, two days. after that there is an opportunity to put these new There are so many interesting walks why not get a found skills into practice with a fun walk around the programme. park. The cost is £10 for up to 2 adults and 2 children. The programme is available on the festival web site The afternoon session is similar but adults only. The www.bedswalkfest.co.uk and from local libraries, cost is £5 per person. Booking is essential. visitor centres and attractions or contact Organiser@ Wherever you live an interesting walk is nearby. bedswalkfest.co.uk.

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

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30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Three Counties Radio Valencia Paella Serves 4

I’m going a little further afield with my recipe for this INGREDIENTS month. Juan Valverde lives in Olney but is originally Olive oil from Valencia, home of traditional paella. His 400g chicken portions (leg and thigh) on the bone business, Paellas D’Olney delivers paellas to your 1 small white onion, chopped door and he brought some true Spanish sunshine 100g runner beans, sliced into the Weekend Kitchen studios. He also put us 100g butter beans straight on a couple of key things. 200g chopped ripe tomatoes Firstly, paella is not difficult to make. In fact, it Pinch of sweet paprika couldn’t be simpler and is pretty well foolproof if 1 cube of chicken stock to make 1.2 litres of stock you follow the method below. 400g paella rice Secondly, paella is not bright yellow, at least not A pinch of salt A pinch of saffron the way he was taught to make it. The ingredients 1. Pour a good glug of oil into the pan on a medium include chopped tomatoes, with the end result to high heat and fry off the chicken until well being a marvellously “rusty”, orange and yellow browned. Add the onions and cook for a couple hue to the finished dish. of minutes to soften, then chuck in the broad And there was a final surprise. With paella beans. originally being a peasant’s meal, he added butter 2. Throw in the tomatoes and cook for ten minutes, beans to bulk it up a little. then add the paprika, followed by the butter Whether you make this chicken beans and stock. Bring the stock back to the boil. version, opt for a mix of fish, chicken 3. Add the rice evenly across the whole pan, sprinkle and shellfish or just go for a totally in the saffron and a pinch of salt. vegetable mix, this versatile paella 4. Cook on a high heat for ten minutes then bring can form a regular part of your the heat down and cook for a further ten minutes family food repertoire. on a lower heat. You’ll need either a paella pan or a 5. Leave the paella to rest for a good 5 or 10 minutes large, flat-bottomed frying pan. before serving at the table.

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32A1 Garage Doors 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding15/03/2016 to adverts 13:53 Motoring

By James Baggott Author, Car Dealer Magazine An Interview with Lewis Hamilton He’s a British hero and an F1 always going to be there, because problem, with the engine switch champion and, at the launch of otherwise anyone could do it.” settings allowing 508 possible the new Mercedes-AMG GT R just Bikes beat cars combinations. after he won the British Grand Prix, His garage might be full of luxury He does what he likes here are Lewis Hamilton’s views on motors, but he rarely drives them, Hamilton has a reputation for road cars, racing outside F1 and preferring to keep the mileage low enjoying a celebrity lifestyle, and gaining an inch… and the value appreciating. So, he has been seen having fun on jet He wouldn’t drive in any other usually rides his motorbike! skis on holiday. series than F1 He thinks he’s matured Does the team tell him to reign On the subject of racing in For someone who has a reputation in his extra-curricular activities? something like the Nurburgring for speaking his mind, Hamilton “When I was at McLaren I said 24-hour race, he said: “I like that I portrays a calm aura and claims his ‘these are the things I like to do, can take [the AMG GT R] around years in racing have matured him. just so you’re aware’ and when the Nurburgring and have a lot He said: “Age, I’m sure, has helped, I joined this team I already told of fun, but I don’t really have any but as you grow with the team… them ‘these are the things I do, desire to race anything else. The you realise your place in the I’m not gonna stop!’ You know, I’m problem is, once you come out of team, you know, what I say to the conscious, I never want to watch F1, everything else is a step down.” camera is what the guys back at someone else drive my car, so I try Danger is exciting the factory hear me say, and you to be as sensible as I can whilst He does say he’d like to have a go realise that you’re affecting all having fun, which isn’t always the in MotoGP, because even riding his of those people with the things easiest balance.” bike on the motorway is scary. you say, so I’m conscious of those He wants to be a development On the subject of danger and things.” driver improving safety, he says: “One Engine settings “I was talking to Tobias [Moers, of the exciting factors is when we Hamilton had a tough time in AMG boss] and I was like ‘you’ve get in that car and we know the Baku after his team put him in the got all this Formula 1 technology danger factor is there. When I see wrong engine setting, and radio and you have the Formula 1 world Niki [Lauda], he’s just awesome, rules didn’t let the team tell him champion driving your car – utilise he’s a legend, he drove in a time how to fix it. that!” when people were dying often…I He acknowledged having fast, He therefore wants to do a “limited think it is important for us in the technical racing that’s also edition series, which I can test, sport to always be considering exciting is a difficult balance which I can set up and be hands- [safety] and always be working to find, but says that the cars on with the design.” on it, but I hope the danger’s being so technical does cause a To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 33 Premier Property Maintenance

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34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 35 Codeword 1 2

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

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

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 37 What’s OnIn September

4 May-28 September 3 September 5, 12, 19 & 26 September Open Every Wednesday Charity Dinner & Dance Branch Out Social Club for Single People Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden The Broadway Hotel, 8.30-11pm 10.30am-3.30pm £35 per person inc. 2 course meal Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin £5 including guided tour Organised by Sue Hutchinson and Lissa Branch Out meets every Monday night Pre-book dedicated tours for more than McGown who have taken up the challenge and is a medium-sized Social Club for 15. Produce from the Garden Stall. Enjoy of walking the Great Wall of China to raise single people. It was formed in 1995 to a light lunch in beautiful surroundings or money for Alzheimer’s Society. They hope bring together single, divorced, widowed homemade cakes, snacks and savouries. to raise more than £10,000 by taking part and separated people, aged 40 upwards, Come and visit this inspirational volunteer- in the walk and other fundraising events. from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to run garden revival. Disco and raffle. socialise and enjoy one another’s company. Follow signs for the Walled Garden. Email: [email protected] or The club organises regular events, such No entry via Luton Hoo Hotel. [email protected] as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday (Sat nav LU1 4LF). walks, theatre and concert visits, day and Tel: 01582 721443 3-25 September weekend trips and holidays. Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk Herts Open Studios 2016 Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Free entry Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 September Across Hertfordshire 110 Artists are busy Sapphire Social Club preparing to welcome the public into 8 September 8.30pm their homes and studios this Summer for Pip, Squeak and Wilfred – or should it The Orange Tree, Hitchin Herts Open Studios 2016! Hosted by Herts be Walter, Duncan and William? We are a small, friendly social group that Visual Arts, Herts Open Studios has been Doors open 7pm, talk begins 7.30pm caters for the unattached. running for 26 years, and celebrates a wide British Schools Museum, Our members tend to be around 50+ but range of local artists and makers. Their 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin we have no age bar. Varied events are continuing aim is to promote and support Tickets £5 including tea/coffee & biscuits organized throughout the month. No Hertfordshire artists, and Open Studios on arrival joining fee for the first two months. provides a fantastic opportunity not only In 2008, museum volunteer Bill Wilson Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or for artists, but for members of the public discovered he had three great uncles Ian 07900 890583 for information too. Ceramics, painting, photography, who had fought in WW1. He charts the Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk glass, there’s something for everyone. fascinating results of his family research It’s a unique opportunity to visit artists, triggered by his find of three medals. 3 September see demonstrations, get involved, and Advance booking recommended. The Signals Museum be inspired by your local art community! Tel: 01462 420144 10am-4pm Brochures, detailing all the venues and Email: jacky.birch@britishschoolsmuseum. The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is opening hours, are available from libraries, org.uk open to the public. Entry is free but official tourist information offices, gallery and art Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk photo ID such as a driving licence, passport venues or the website. or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an Tel: 07813 100651 entry ticket from the Guardroom. Email [email protected] See website for full information. Web: www.hvaf.org.uk Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

38 Please mentionPlease mentionPlease The mentionVillager The Villager The and Villager andTown Town and Life Town Life when Life when when responding responding responding to to to adverts adverts adverts What’s OnIn September

8 September 16 September 17 September and WI Meet Artist Henderson Cisz Autumn Concert at Weston 7.30pm 7-9pm 7.30pm Baldock Community Centre Gallery 1066 Fine Art, Weston Parish Church SG4 7DJ Visitors £3 including refreshment and 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock 17 September: Guitar duo Mark Eden and raffle ticket Come meet the award winning Brazilian Christopher Stell. ‘Healing and Therapy within the garden’ cityscape artist, Henderson Cisz. The 15 October: The Temple Ensemble. A with Ann Ludor. Visitors welcome. delicate style of his works makes us fall in chamber ensemble of young professional love with the elegant boulevards of Paris musicians. 12 September and the skyscrapers of New York all over 26 November: Hermanos Corbalán. Two Icknield Quilters again! We’re looking forward to welcoming brothers from Paraguay play Paraguayan 7.30pm for 7.45pm start you to this exciting evening sharing with harps. New pre-season offer of 3 concerts Baldock Community Centre you Henderson’s diverse collection of the for the price of 2! Transferable so if you £4 world’s defining skylines all under one roof. can’t come to one, give the ticket to Speaker will be Makit whose talk is entitled Please contact the gallery to reserve your a friend! See website for full details, “Lace and Quilting”. place on the guest list. including pre-concert suppers. Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk for more Tel: 01462 896164 Tel: 01462 790214 for information information Email: [email protected] Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk For full details of all this (and pre-concert 14 September 17 September suppers) visit Henlow Branch R N A Felici presents ‘Fairies in the Garden’ 7.30pm 6pm 1 & 2 October Community Centre, The Gardens, Hill Farm, Priors Hill, Pirton, SG5 3QH 17th Ashwell Book Weekend Henlow Tickets £8 Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval A magical evening for all ages - train rides, St. Mary’s Church, Ashwell Association meets on the second face painting, concert, fairy refreshments, Entrance £1, Children free Wednesday of each month. Fairy memorabilia and fairy silver jewellery Thousands of books for sale at bargain Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 for further for sale. Tickets available from Pirton prices. Refreshments available. information Village Shop or by telephone. Tel: Margaret 07801 673420

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

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40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts August’s Puzzle Solutions and Winner Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr P Grey from St Neots

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 41 The Villager Prize Crossword Prize £25

Across 1 Alcove (6) 4 Pieces of wood (6) 9 Family name (7) 10 Not outer (5) 11 Pry (5) 12 Compel (7) 13 Most definitely (11) 18 Group (7) 20 Male relative (5) 22 Mistake (5) 23 Observed (7) 24 Thawed (6) 25 Light wind (6)

Down  1 Fight back (6) 3 Liquid soap (7) 5 Robber (5) 6 Middle (7) 7 Inspect (6) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 8 Recalling (11) cut out this page and send to the address below before 14 Impartial (7) 15 Latitude zero degrees (7) 17th September 2016 16 Squeal (6) 17 Aggravate (6) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 19 Abrupt (5) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP 21 Form of transport (5)

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