VILLAGER Issue 90 - May 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

The VILLAGER Issue 90 - May 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue Win tickets to The Garden Theatre May Day Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Ickleford, Caldecote, Radwell, Fairfield Park, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Meppershall, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth Your Contents FREEcopy Employment Matters...... 39 Gallery 1066...... 40 Gallery 1066 40 The Grass Can Be Greener...... 42 30 Days Wild...... 45 John Bunyan River Cruises...... 48 R.A.T.S...... 52 Animal Stories...... 55 Geneva Motor Show 2016...... 59 Puzzle Page...... 60 What’s On...... 62 Raspberry Pavlova Roulade...... 64 The Old Villager Lock-Up...... 4 Macmillian Cancer Support...... 71 The Offside Rule...... 8 Prize Crossword...... 74 National Walk to School Week...... 10 Book Review...... 78 Win Tickets to the Garden Theatre - Knebworth House...... 12 In a Nutshell...... 16 John Bunyan River Cruises Cannes Film Festival...... 19 Fun Quiz...... 21 48 Wordsearch...... 24 Do you think you know about Parkinson’s Disease?...... 27 May Day...... 29 Beer at Home...... 30 The Samaritans...... 33 Beds YFC Country Show and Rally...... 34 Your Rights as an Employee...... 36 9,500 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Henlow, Langford, Astwick, Edworth, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Newnham, Radwell, Bygrave, Shillington, Holwell, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Ashwell End and Stanford (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Arlesey, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Stotfold)

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Tom Hancock, Susan Brookes-Morris, Publishers Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Ted Bruning, Carol H Scott, Pippa Greenwood, Villager Publications Ltd RSPB, Iain Betson, Nick Coffer and Willow Coby 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Tel: 01767 261122 Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 [email protected] [email protected] www.villagermag.com Photography Nigel Spooner and Darren Harbar Photography Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the Design and Artwork content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 History By Catherine Rose The Old Village Lock-Up

It is still possible to see the unique single-storey historian Mr A.W. Watkin’s recollections: gaols in villages across England that were once “Many years ago there was an old gravel pit on used to hold local miscreants and drunks for a the site of where Victoria Court now stands. In short time, usually overnight. Typified by their one corner were the remains of a building known small, often round or polygonal structure with as The Cage. My father told me that this was a a single door and a narrow slit or grille to let in building once used as a lock-up where drunks light, the majority of these buildings also had a and lawbreakers were temporarily housed. The pointed or domed roof. The latter is believed to building was earthed over on top and had a heavy have inspired the shape of the original policeman’s barrelled door.” helmet. When the County Police Act was introduced The village lock-up was used mainly in the 18th in 1839 that required every town to have its and first half of the 19th centuries to enable rural own police station with a paid police force, the communities to have their own law enforcement. buildings gradually started to become redundant It was useful for detaining poachers, drunks and as the act required that local police stations be petty criminals before they were brought in front built with their own secure purpose-built cells of the local town magistrate. They were also used making the village lock-up less necessary. to house straying animals which were released on During the Second World War, some lock-ups payment of a fine by the owner. Many well-known were used by the Home Guard as sentry posts or authors of this period have referred to the use of storage for arms but many more were demolished. lock-ups in their novels including Charles Dickens Of those that are left today, a number have been and Charles Kingsley. restored and are now listed buildings while some There was a wonderful array of nicknames for have been converted into private homes. these quirky buildings that either stood alone or In Bedfordshire, there are still lock-ups at Barton le were attached to other buildings. They included Clay, Clophill, Harrold and Silsoe. Others, such as round house, jug, bone house, watch tower, the one in Northill near The Crown public house, kitty, lobby, bridewell and the cage, that latter only partially remain. of which was a nickname that was used in both Built of red brick with a slate roof, the lock-up at Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Clophill adjoins the ‘village cage’ to the south of Small towns had their own lock-ups too. A report the green and measures what was probably a fairly in The Biggleswade Chronicle refers to local typical floor span of 22 square feet. 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 5 In 1936, J. Steele Elliot, writing for the Bedfordshire untypically, was used well into the 20th century by Historic Record Society, described an incident from which time it had been formally handed over to the 1814 Quarter Sessions records where a ‘breach the parish council. of the Peace in the said Parish of Clophill’ took In Hertfordshire, there are lock-ups at Anstey, place. It was reported (perhaps rather comically Ashwell, Barley, Buntingford and Shenley. for us reading it today) that ‘James Odell did, with A small square building with a pyramid-shaped Force and Violence, break open the pound there, roof made of slate, the Ashwell lock-up was built where his ass was impounded for Trespass’. Odell’s in 1800 out of stone obtained from the demolition sentence was ‘10 days in gaol’ and he was fined a of a north-east chapel in the chancel of St Mary’s shilling. Church. The lock-up retains its original studded By the early 20th century, Clophill’s lock-up was plank door in an oak frame, and a barred iron grille being used to store lime and as an advertising above but fell out of use in the early 20th century hoarding. In January 1985, it was grade II listed by after which it was used to keep the village fire cart English Heritage for its ‘socio-historical interest’. in until 1939. The octagonal building in Church Road, Harrold Despite their sturdy construction, it was not is one of the older surviving lock-ups. It was built unknown for people to escape the lock-up. After of ironstone in 1796 and has a pointed doorway. Amos Pammenter was imprisoned in the Ashwell It once had a pole in the centre that was used lock-up, he was fed ale by his friends using a to chain prisoners who were in transit between straw through the grille which clearly gave him Bedford and Luton. the strength to tunnel out under the door where In Buckinghamshire, old lock-up buildings exist he promptly went home to bed. It was after this at Amersham, Great Missenden, Wendover, incident that the authorities decided the Ashwell and West Wycombe. And amongst those left lock-up was not fit for purpose. in Cambridgeshire are buildings at Anstey, A similar incident occurred in 1858 when the St Broughton, Burwell, Coveney, and Eaton Socon. Neots Chronicle reported that on Friday, February The Eaton Socon lock-up, also nicknamed ‘the 27th ‘a prisoner, charged with felony, was placed cage’, was built in 1827 in School Lane opposite in the Eaton Socon lock-up about noon, to await St Mary’s Church at a time when Eaton Socon was his examination the next morning.’ The report part of Bedfordshire. Prisoners would be taken continues: ‘About ten o’clock at night, police- from there to Bedford Magistrates Court. constable Bedlow saw him safely locked up, and Today, Eaton Socon lock-up is open several times a about twelve o’clock went again, but the bird had year for visiting. You can find out more at the Eaton flown, having made a hole about two feet square Community website - http://www.escan.org.uk/. in the brick work, which was three bricks thick.’ Other surviving lock-ups in Cambridgeshire can As the lock-up had always been considered to be be seen at Fen Drayton, Fenstanton, Litlington, impregnable, due to the fact that ‘several notorious Needingworth, Parson Drove and Sawtry. characters had tried to make their escape out The Sawtry village lock-up was built in the 19th of it, but failed’, the daring escape caused much century, again of local brick with a (hipped) slate merriment in the village. roof. The doorway was studded with an iron grille It seems difficult for us to imagine today someone and it contained two cells, one on each side of a we know from our local village or town being passageway, both of which had iron-clad doors. locked up in a cell on the village green but there are Situated on the east side of the village green, still reminders that once, it was as commonplace as it faced the local police constable’s house and the stocks were in medieval times. 6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 7 Time of Year

By Tom Hancock

Will Somebody Please Explain…

…the Offsideas offside if, as well as satisfyingRule the previous Saturday 21st May is FA cup final day. Footie three points, he is: fans up and down the land will be involved in • Deemed by the referee to have participated in animated discussions along the lines of... the area of active play. “It should definitely be banned. It’d open up the field And this is the bit of the offside rule which causes and create more goal-scoring opportunities. Defenders all the arguments because it’s open to debate would have to be more alert.” what ‘participated in the area of active play’ “Are you mad? You’d get players hanging around the actually means. goal line waiting for a touch. It’d be easier to score but FIFA tried to clarify the definition back in 2005 so boring it wouldn’t be worth watching…” with the following “Like Bayern Munich versus Arsenal?” • Interfering with play by touching the ball “Yeah, exactly. Fancy another pint?” • Obstructing an opponent trying to get to the They are of course referring to the notoriously ball difficult to understand offside rule. • Gaining an advantage from being in an offside The offside rule has attained mythical status over position - including playing a ball which has the years. It states: rebounded from the post or crossbar. A player is offside when the ball is kicked by a Judging by the debates which still rage up and team-mate (that bit is important) if the referee down the land I’m not entirely sure that FIFA has thinks he satisfies all four of the following: laid that one to rest. • He is in his opponents’ half of the field The Offside Trap • He is nearer the opponents’ goal line than the This involves the defending team collectively ball, i.e. in front of the ball moving away from their goal to catch an • He is nearer the opponents’ goal line than the opposition striker in an offside position. second last opponent, i.e. in front of him (The Clearly, this carries the danger of the match last opponent is generally the goalkeeper) officials not spotting the infraction and the At this point I need to make clear that being striker being left facing only the goal keeper, and offside in itself is not an offence. He is only classed a great opportunity to score. 8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 9 Time of Year National Walk to School Week National Walk to School Week takes place from 16th -20th May. The week is promoted by Living Streets who provide classroom packs and ideas for activities to encourage more children to safely walk to school. It’s estimated that only half of 7-10 year olds do the recommended one hour exercise per day and studies suggest that many children are obese or overweight when they leave primary school. Encouraging children to walk to school not only helps them to stay trim, but also reduces the risk of heart conditions and other diseases in later life, and means that they are more alert in the classroom on a day-today basis. Walking is also better for the environment as it reduces congestion and pollution. Fewer cars and parking outside schools also means there is a reduced chance of accidents and injuries. Many children find it fun to walk to school with their parents or friends and look out for particular things along their route. Observation sheets are available which provide an opportunity to tick off things seen along the way, such as a church, shop, or petrol station. For those who can’t walk to school with a relative, being part of a walking-bus may offer a solution. Children walk with volunteers in a group along a designated route, dropping off passengers at schools By Susan Brookes-Morris along the way.

10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts NEW DEMENTIA CARE WING NOW OPEN

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 11 COMPETITION

“worth catching them whatever the show, wherever they go” 5 star rating NORTHERN ECHO “Open air at its best" EASTERN DAILY PRESS Win a Family Ticket to a Magical Evening of Garden Theatre at Knebworth House

This summer, Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be bringing three wonderful productions to Knebworth House. Performed in the spectacular setting of the Sunken Lawn in front of the House. Gates to the Gardens open at 6.00 pm - bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on and enjoy the atmosphere before the performances begin at 7.00pm. Then as dusk falls, the magic begins…. Your prize is a family ticket to one of these exciting 3 productions: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Thursday 23rd June A thrilling journey to the most magical of forests; where you will meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and hilarious travelling players. Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful new musical score and enchanting woodland creatures will make this a wonderful informal theatre experience. The Railway Children, Thursday 21st July The unforgettable and heart-warming story of adventure and family, as three children find a new home in a beautiful village. The children make new friends and discover the wonders of the Yorkshire hills and the railway lines scattered throughout them. Stunning period costume, traditional music and songs and a whole host of unforgettable characters, Peter Pan, Thursday 18th August The unforgettable story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter far away on the magical island of Neverland. There they encounter the enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruelest pirate of them all, Captain Hook. Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M.Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award winning writer Laura Turner, with original music and songs, and beautifully designed costumes. To enter, complete the form below (ticking preferred show) and send to: Knebworth Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Winners will be picked at random. Deadline: 31st May 2016 KNEBWORTH HOUSE COMPETITION ENTRY Question Name: (please tick correct answer): Address: Knebworth House is in which English county?   Dorset Tel:  Hertfordshire  Midsummer’s Night  Railway Children  Peter Pan  Essex Good luck! However, should you not be successful in the competition you can purchase tickets via the Knebworth House website. Tickets: Adult £14, Child (3-16) £10. Family ticket £42 (2+2) See www.knebworthhouse.com/events or call 01438 812661 Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com 12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts COMPETITION

Veggie week 1-2 page 2016_ppl.pdf 1 19/04/2016 16:40

Love your greens? Catch our special veggie menu during National Vegetarian Week. C

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 13 IT’S KNEBWORTH A VISIT!

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ABBA Wool-n-Things is an independent family run business in Baldock, Hertfordshire. ANGELS We stock an extensive range of products for all your knitting, crochet and cross-stitch needs. Our well stocked shop carries products from leading brands, such as DMC, Sirdar, Woolcraft, King Cole, James C Brett, Stylecraft, Debbie Bliss Appearing Monday and Noro. We also stock a wide range of patterns, needles, accessories and haberdashery • 100’s of classics on show which includes ribbon, sewing needles and buttons. • Music from the 50’s to the 80’s Here at Wool-n-Things we are enthusiastic about our hobbies and like to share our enthusiasm with our customers; our friendly and knowledgeable sta can • Great Tribute Acts advise you on everything from choosing the right colour yarn to adding those extra Appearing Sunday • Best Dressed Award special touches that can make your projects the envy of all your friends. • Picnic Area We are always willing to assist with any knitting and crochet problems you may be experiencing, just pop into our shop or why not come along to one of our crafty clubs. Nr Stevenage, Hertfordshire. SG1 2AX Knitting: Tuesday evenings 6-8pm and every other Thursday afternoon 1-3pm. Organised by www.classicmotorshows.co.uk Crochet: Alternate Thursday evening 6-8pm Trade Stand Enquiries 07582 486209 Knitting: Alternate Thursday evening 6-8pmOur clubs are attended by people of all ages and abilities. Admission £9.50 Includes Adventure Playground, We also run workshops, these include beginners knitting and beginners crochet, Park, Gardens and Dinosaur Trail. please see our website www.wool-n-things.co.uk for more details.

14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts GIFTS • HOME ACCESSORIES • FURNITURE UPHOLSTERY • FABRICS • INTERIOR DESIGN CURTAINS & BLINDS

HOMESTORE

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 15 Local News

InThe Neno Macadamia a Trust nutshell (NMT), with support from an increasing number of volunteers, students, Fairtrade companies eg: Liberation Foods and donors including The Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation, has been supporting the emergence of smallholder agroforestry in Malawi. NMT partners in Malawi are the Highland Macadamia Cooperative Union (HIMACUL) and its primary cooperatives based in all three regions of Malawi. This painstaking work which has been over 20 years in the making is now developing a proof of concept, “Climate Smart Macadamia Agroforestry”, which is set to transform thousands if not tens of thousands of lives in Malawi and in neighbouring countries too.

So, what is Climate Smart Macadamia Agroforestry, and why are developments like this so important? 2015 was a particularly difficult year for farmers in Malawi. The harvest of annual crops in May were very Ken Mkengala, HIMACUL’s manager said last poor following very heavy early rains and then erratic week “On the hunger situation, farmers have rain before harvest. The UN FAO famine early warning been impacted negatively by floods and system estimates that around 2.8 million people out drought that occurred last season. People are of 16 million total population in most districts of eating wild plants and some are dying. It is Malawi are in need of food aid. Maize reserves are not even easy to find maize at ADMARC (the not sufficient to last until the 2016 harvest. This is the government warehouses). Prices of this staple worst situation for at least 10 years. Wholesale price food everywhere in the country is now beyond for maize in Malawi is at least 50% higher and retail the reach of ordinary people. Next season Neno prices double last year. Erratic rains in 2016 as a result will continue to suffer from the effects of a of the worst El Nino for 18 years mean that farmers poor harvest brought about by the drought in reliant on rain fed annual cropping systems are 2015/2016.” extremely vulnerable. To donate to NMT’s general giving text to: 70070 NENO16 £(amount)

Climate Smart Macadamia Agroforestry offers some resilience to these farmers. The trees are drought tolerant and the nuts set 9 months before they are harvested. The nuts are mature while the annual crops are still growing providing farmers with either a very nutritious food source or a source of income at a time when farmers are normally very cash poor. Andrew Emmott NMT’s chair says that “In a nutshell - this is a natural form of crop insurance.” Macadamia is grown in highland areas of Malawi which are largely denuded of forest cover. The tree crop like macadamia with careful soil conservation with appropriate intercropping conserve improve soil organic carbon and reduce soil erosion. NMT are also developing a fuel-efficient gasifier cookstove which not only can be used to cook food but also produces 20% charcoal from the burnt To donate towards planting macadamia trees macadamia shells. There is also improved fuel wood efficiency of ca. 40%. text: 70070 MACS £(amount) NMT plan to develop voluntary carbon payments for the cookstoves using macadamia shell to reduce deforestation and the charcoal as activated carbon or biochar. NMT works closely with other Bedford charities including the Malawi Orphan Fund to raise awareness of these challenges and opportunities. We welcome your support and we will be involved in a number of fundraising events eg: a Plant Sale at Christ Church, Goldington Road, Bedford on Sunday 8th May from 11.00.

By Andrew Emmott (Chair) The Neno Macadamia Trust (Malawi) [email protected] http://www.nenomacadamiatrust.co.uk/donate.php To fund fuel efficient cook stoves text: 70070 Charity registration number 1104555 STOV £(amount) 16 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 17 Luxury fitted kitchens

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

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18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Time of Year Cannes Film Festival The prestigious Cannes Film Festival returns this year for the 69th time. Films of all genres are screened between May 11th – 22nd as the population of the city swells from around 80,000 to 200,000 across the two week period. But it hasn’t always been the lavish affair it is today. A man by the name of Jean Zay had the idea for the festival in 1939, however due to the imminent the occasion. Although most of the threat of World War ll, the opening year was festival has a strict access policy, and you won’t delayed until 1946 and its revival used as a way of get to walk down the iconic red carpet (which, encouraging tourism again in the French Riviera. incidentally, is changed three times a day!), as a In 1948 and 1950 the event was cancelled due to regular tourist you can buy tickets to a number a lack of funding and twenty years later, in 1968, of screenings including the ‘Director’s Fortnight the festival closed its gates once more, mid-way Section’ and can access several free screenings, through due to student and worker-uprisings. some of which have Q & A’s with up-and-coming Nowadays the festival is believed to have a budget directors. of €20 million with 850 staff employed to cover By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

THE UNFORGETTABLE Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

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

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

To advertiseSteve Dean 1/2in The page.indd Villager 1 and Townlife please call 01767 261122 09/03/2016 21:5119 CHAMBERLAIN MASSAGE CLINIC

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20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fun Quiz - Days of the Week 1. Since the mid-1930s, UK General Elections have always been held on which day of the week? 2. What is the only day of the week that is an anagram of a valid English word? 3. The final round of each the four major golf championships normally takes place on which day of the week? 4. What day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and his Apostles?... Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday? 5. According to the nursery rhyme, on what day of the week did Solomon Grundy get married? 6. Which day of the week features in the titles of top ten hit singles by New Order, Duran Duran and the Bangles? 7. Which TV and film character has the middle name of Friday and a first name to suggest she might be full of woe? 8. What is the first day of the week mentioned in the lyrics of the theme song for the TV show Happy Days? 9. “Mardi Gras” is French for what?... lazy Monday, fat Tuesday or angry Wednesday? 10. Hosted by Chris Evans, when the TV show TFI Friday was first broadcast in 1996, what did Channel 4 say the letters in “TFI” stood

for?

8. Sunday 9. Fat Tuesday 10. Thank Four It’s Four Thank 10. Tuesday Fat 9. Sunday 8.

7. Wednesday Addams (from The Addams family; the nursery rhyme Monday’s Child says “Wednesday’s child is full of woe”) woe”) of full is child “Wednesday’s says Child Monday’s rhyme nursery the family; Addams The (from Addams Wednesday 7.

6. Monday (Blue Monday, New Moon On Monday, Manic Monday) Monday) Manic Monday, On Moon New Monday, (Blue Monday 6. 1. Thursday 2: Judgment Day) 2. Monday (an anagram of dynamo) 3. Sunday 4. Maundy Thursday 5. Wednesday Wednesday 5. Thursday Maundy 4. Sunday 3. dynamo) of anagram (an Monday 2. Day) Judgment 2: Thursday 1.

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22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 23 24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 25 26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News Do you think you know about Parkinson’s Disease? It’s all about shaking, shuffling old people who are not content just where there is a constant buzz of dears - right? Wrong! to sit at home and let themselves conversation. Friendships have Of course, some people do fit deteriorate. been forged and helpful tips that stereotype but by no means To the strains of lively music swapped among people who may all. Although most sufferers are including Abba, people of varying previously have felt isolated and over 50, it can strike anyone at ages and mobility are giving it alone. An offshoot of the fitness almost any age and some have their all – encouraged and inspired class is a Nordic walking group not a tremor or a shake to be seen. by their enthusiastic and energetic (proven to especially benefit A lack of dopamine in the brain leader, Jane (whose husband people with Parkinson’s) which causes many frustrating symptoms is one of the younger class meets on Tuesdays at 9.45 am in such as stiffness, slowness and members). In September last year Bedford Park. tiredness that make ordinary the maximum attendance was just One in 500 people in the UK has things like dressing, writing and six, but word spread and by this Parkinson’s, with someone newly using a phone difficult. The search February, numbers had rocketed diagnosed each hour. So if you for a cure continues. to 20-plus. know anyone locally who could BUT special exercises do help In a happy and mutually benefit, do encourage them to and, if you were a fly on the wall supportive atmosphere, the give us a try. They will be sure of a at Clapham Village Hall on a classes have evolved to suit warm welcome. To find out more, Wednesday morning, you would varying needs. The tea break is ring Jane on 07740 103227 or see a determined group of now a regular and popular feature, email [email protected]

By Iain Betson

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 27 Come and join our Book Group

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

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

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

May DayBy Debbie Singh-Bhatti

My mum is proud to recall the year she was Maid of Honour to the May Queen. We have a photo of her and several other young girls, surrounding the May Queen who is wearing a flowing white gown and coronet of flowers. My own memories of May Day celebrations are less regal. I remember clutching a coloured ribbon attached to a maypole and weaving in and out an eight hour working day. of other children to make pretty patterns for our In 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and parents to watch and enjoy. Labor Unions in the US proclaimed that “eight This traditional image of May Day, which in Pagan hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from times celebrated the completion of seeding and and after May 1st 1886.” Without the backing of springtime fertility with village fetes and community the government or businesses, this ideal was not gathering, has little to do with why May 1st is realised, so when the day arrived 300,000 workers celebrated in Britain today, and why it is recognised walked off their jobs in protest. internationally as a public holiday. Strikes, picket lines, beatings, shootings, rock May Day is International Workers Day, and its history throwing and bombings followed, and finally major is a little more colourful than the ribbons of the progress was made in 1914 when the Ford Motor maypole or the handkerchiefs waved around by Company cut its standard work day to eight hours, Morris Dancers! whilst also doubling their workers’ pay. Amazingly, The late nineteenth century saw employees working productivity increased significantly and profit 10-18 hour days in unsafe and difficult conditions. margins doubled within two years. This encouraged Capitalist factory owners, keen to maximise their other companies to follow suit. output, kept them running as many hours as In the UK the Labour government declared May 1st a possible with a “sun up to sun down” working day. bank holiday in 1978 and it has been used regularly Death and injury were common. by protest groups to fight for their cause, especially An early British Socialist reformer, Robert Owen, for workers and their rights. In 2011 the Tories made campaigned for the work day to be divided into attempts to scrap May Day and move the bank thirds, coining in 1817 the phrase; “Eight hours holiday to October, but for now it remains in place labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” By and an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of all the late 1800s, Socialist movements in both Britain those who fought to secure better working hours and the USA were working towards the same end: and conditions for us all! To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 29 Food & Drink

Beer at Home By Ted Bruning Something like 1,000 new breweries finish? Short and sharp with a hint of sour apple. So, have opened in Britain in the last 10 year, not a favourite, then. and even though pubs are closing and From Black Sheep of Masham, North Yorkshire, which alcohol consumption is dropping, almost celebrated its silver anniversary last year, comes a more none of them have gone bust. Clearly promising attempt at a “craft” beer. Black Sheep is best they’re doing something right, and much known for its eponymous bitter, which is a superbly bigger, older, uglier breweries are trying executed albeit dead traditional malty brown beer to figure out what. And – joining being formulated with the Yorkshire palate firmly in mind. A a function of not beating – some pretty golden ale, whose floral hop aroma should burst out unlikely candidates are turning to that ol’ of the glass at you like a flower-filled hand grenade, sincerest form of flattery. is something of a departure. Have they nailed it with The unlikeliest of them all being Guinness, perhaps Golden Sheep (4.7%)? Yes they have – although the biggest one-product beer factory in the world. admittedly its more of a fruiterer’s than a florist’s. Back in December we had a look at Guinness’s West This is a Yorkshire thing. Yorkies are more about malt Indies Porter and we liked it. Now it’s summer and than hops and a golden ale is usually more about we’re looking at Guinness Golden Ale (4.5% abv), hops than malt – most even have a dose of wheat and do we like that too? Well, no. For a start, it’s not malt to keep that body light. But this is a curvaceous golden – in fact it’s closer to copper than gold. And mill-girl of a beer: malty nose with notes of lime then there’s the nose: “like feet, or warm Stilton – and cherry; rounded Pimms-y palate ripe with lactic and sour,” was one comment. “Sugary – diabetic strawberries; then green fruit or even apricot in a trucker’s pee,” was pithier still. The palate? “Thin and long, astringent, thirst-quenching finish. By the ‘eck! sharp.” “Where’s the malt?” “Soda water.” And the Wakes week must be early this year!

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

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32 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans welcome initiative to offer armed forces and their families specialist support Samaritans will be offering armed forces staff and Director of North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans, their families tailor-made confidential support Leigh Grigson, has welcomed the Chancellor’s services round the clock, wherever they are in the announcement: world, Chancellor George Osborne announced in “We rely on men and women in the armed forces to the recent Budget. put their lives on the line to keep us safe. With this The charity will receive £3.5m over 3 years to funding, Samaritans can share its expertise with the develop a national programme that helps military military so that those serving or leaving the forces personnel , veterans and their loved ones identify and their families are better equipped to deal with when someone may need emotional support, and their unique circumstances, as well as the day to access Samaritans’ services more easily, whether day struggles that we all face. they are in the UK or stationed overseas. “Samaritans are already here for anyone who is The money is coming from what’s known as the struggling, including those in the military. This LIBOR fund, following the rate-fixing issue, where funding will enable Samaritans nationally to share fines paid by the banks are passed on to the their expertise and give service men and women voluntary sector. vital skills in listening and supporting others that There will be 3 elements to the national they can use in their careers and later in their programme: civilian lives.” • Building on Samaritans’ existing digital Samaritans has a track record in tailoring its technology to offer service men and women at services to the needs of those who may be more home and abroad access to confidential support at risk of taking their own lives. For example, it has by text, email and instant messaging developed a listening scheme in prisons, which • Online training for military personnel and their is now in its 25th year, where inmates are trained families in listening skills, giving them the in listening skills and offer emotional support to confidence and expertise to encourage each prisoners finding it difficult to cope. other to open up when life is tough Since 2010 Samaritans has been working with • Face to face training to create listening Network Rail and the wider rail industry’s 200,000 volunteers within the forces, available night staff to develop online and face to face training and day for colleagues who need to talk about in the skills needed to identify anyone who may difficult thoughts or feelings be vulnerable, keep them safe, and direct them to Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the sources of support such as Samaritans. UK, and of men and women aged 20-34. For men who are 24 or younger and have left the armed For further information, please contact forces, the risk of them taking their own lives is Samaritans’ press office on 020 8394 8300 between 2 and 3 three times higher than men the or [email protected]. same age who haven’t served in the military.*

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 33 Local News Bedfordshire YFC Country Show and Rally At Manor Farm, Pertenhall, Beds, MK44 2AZ 21st May 2016 (Just off the B660 Bedford- Kimbolton Road) Lots of fun for all the family and a great day out - so save the date now and put it in your diary. Join us from 10am for a fun filled day out for all ages! Adults £8. Under 12’s free. Free Parking and Programmes!

The Young Farmer’s Rally The Country Show For the 400 Bedfordshire Young Farmers’ members, Apart from all the Young Farmers activities to the rally is a competitions day with livestock, watch and enjoy, the day offers something for all. horses, handicrafts, cookery, flowers, practical There will be combine harvesters, tractors, and skills and a lot of fun to be had along the way! With farm machinery to look at and learn about. The over 180 classes suitable for the ages from 10 to event is supported by the Red Tractor Assurance 26 years old, there really is something for all the Scheme which supports British food and farming members to work towards to win the Rally Cup! and we are delighted to have our very own “Red The Young Farmers competitors’ day starts with Tractor” on site! Look out for the prize draws and Show Jumping and dressage, whilst the livestock giveaways when you visit the Red Tractor. ring springs into action with Cattle, Sheep and Pigs Fifty trade stands with countryside themes attend. being shown to find the best of the best for the The Craft area will have a wide range of exhibitors, Grand Parade in the early afternoon. ranging from cakes/breads/pies, honey, spices, During the morning the handicrafts and flowers beer, jewellery, books/cards, toys, nik-nacks. This competitions are judged, with the Young Farmers will offer a great chance to pick up a lovely or showing of their skills, even the rugby playing lads unusual present. have a go! The children’s’ entertainment area with bouncy With competitors competing to be the best tractor castle, inflatable slide and face painter will be open driver, welder and blind folded painter there is all day. This is sited near the refreshments area and plenty to amuse visitors during day. There will be most importantly the Ice Cream van and bar! something for everyone. Birds of prey, alpacas, beagles, Thatcher display During the afternoon the focus is on the Main Ring and the Hemlock Morris dancers will provide other where there will be an actioned packed line up to attractions throughout the day. keep the whole family entertained for hours – see With a range of activities going on all day to provisional Main Ring timetable below entertain visitors to the show, we do hope you • 1pm Grand Parade of Livestock visit, learn about the Agricultural industry, and • 1.30pm Assault Course enjoy the show and what the Young Farmers get • 2pm Tug of War up to! • 2.30pm Kids Sweet Scramble After a year of planning by the hosts North Beds • 2.45pm Slide Challenge Young Farmers this will be the highlight of the • 3.10pm Olympic Relay year. • 3.30pm Parade of Oakley Hunt Fox Hounds • 3.50pm Pallet chariot challenge The rally is by kind permission of • 4.20pm Day’s Surprise The Bates Family. • 4.40pm Parade of Large Decorated Floats with Follow us on twitter and face book or theme of the past 70 years http://www.bedsyfc.co.uk/ 34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Reassurance when you need it most

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 35 Finance

Worried about losing your job? Your rights as an employee If your employer is struggling financially, you might holiday pay. You may be entitled to make a claim in be worried about losing your job. Many companies this way if: go into administration rather than liquidation, • You’ve not been able to obtain full payment as a however, which means that it’s not necessarily the preferential creditor. end for the business. • You were made redundant during the first 14 days Companies can be restructured and sold on as a of administration. ‘going concern,’ with staff being transferred over to • The company was liquidated straight away. a new employer under strict protective regulations. At the time of writing, the limit on payments via Unfortunately, other companies do enter a liquidation the National Insurance Fund is £475 per week, with process which effectively closes them down, and £14,250 being the maximum amount of statutory results in the unavoidable loss of all jobs. redundancy pay available in each case. Your employer goes into administration When the period of administration ends The process of administration provides a breathing The worst-case scenario at the end of administration space for your employer to obtain professional is that the company closes down. All jobs will be lost, advice, and consider all possible options to save the but you may be eligible to claim the redundancy pay company. They may be experiencing temporary cash mentioned above, depending on certain criteria. flow problems, in which case there’s a chance the You must have worked for your employer for a business could be sold on. continuous period of two years in order to be eligible, If this happens, the first 14 days are crucial for with the amount due being based on your weekly employees. pay, age, and the length of time that you’ve worked at • If you’re made redundant during this period, you the same place. become an ‘ordinary creditor’ and are placed at the The process of transferring to a new company bottom of the list for payment. If your employer’s business has been sold to another • If you’re retained as an employee after the initial company, specific rules protect your rights as an 14-days, this makes you a ‘preferential creditor’ and employee. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection puts you in a better position financially if you’re of Employment), or TUPE legislation, ensures that made redundant later on. employment terms and conditions at the point of What you can claim as a preferential creditor transfer are protected in the main. This is a reassuring You’ll be able to claim for: aspect in what is often an unsettling experience for • Any salary or commission outstanding for the four members of staff. months leading up to closure, up to a maximum of What happens if the business is liquidated? £800 in total. During a liquidation process, all business assets • Up to six weeks of accrued holiday pay. have to be sold in order to generate as much cash as • Some occupational pension payments. possible to repay creditors. Unfortunately this often It’s often the case, though, that insufficient funds are means that employees get very little, if any money, generated from the sale of business assets to pay which is where claiming via the NIF is extremely most creditors. In these instances you can turn to the helpful. National Insurance Fund for help. https://www.gov.uk/redundant-your-rights/redundancy-pay The National Insurance Fund (NIF) https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/work-comes-to-an-end/ The National Insurance Fund holds cash reserves that redundancy/redundancy-pay/#h-who-has-the-right-to-statutory- cover payments including redundancy, salary and redundancy-pay 36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts We build our mortgages around you

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 37 We take time to listen and ﬁnd the best way forward Contact us to arrange your free initial 30 minute visit (We are happy to come to you for a small extra charge) Wills Our staﬀ have successfully drafted Wills for many years; truly we are experts. £135 inc. Single Will £199 inc. Mirror Wills

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38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd Employment Employment Matters Employment Law Changes: Your Essential 9 Point Checklist Every April, new legislation relating to employment If an employer provides a previously contracted- rights and responsibilities is introduced. This year, out scheme, its employer and employee national the introduction of the National Living Wage has insurance contribution liability will increase. grabbed the headlines – here are all the important 4. Employer NICs are abolished for apprentices employment law changes: under age 25 1. The National Living Wage is introduced. In line with the Government’s aim to encourage Workers aged 25 and over will be entitled to the the creation of apprenticeships for young national living wage rate of £7.20 per hour from people, from 6 April 2016, employers will not pay the first pay reference period beginning on or employer NICs for apprentices aged under 25. after 1 April 2016. The national living wage is a 5. Statutory family-related pay and sick pay rates new top rate of the national minimum wage. are frozen Employers should check that employees’ pay There will be no increase to statutory sick pay, is not brought below the new rate by salary- statutory adoption, maternity, paternity or shared sacrifice arrangements. parental pay rates in April 2016. 2. Penalties for non-payment of the National 6. New limits on statutory redundancy pay and Minimum Wage are increased employment tribunal awards. The penalty for employers found not to have From 6th April 2016 the maximum amount of a paid the national minimum wage doubles from week’s pay for these purposes increases to £479, 1 April 2016. The enforcement is the same for and the maximum compensatory award for non-payment of the national living wage. From 1 unfair dismissal increases to £78,335. April 2016, the penalty is set at 200% of the total 7. Financial penalties can be imposed for non- underpayment. There is a minimum payment payment of tribunal awards of £100 and a maximum payment of £20,000 Legislation allowing tribunal enforcement officers and the maximum payment applies for each to impose a financial penalty on an employer that worker who has been underpaid, not to the total fails to pay a tribunal award or ACAS settlement payment for all workers. sum is expected to come into force in April 2016. The most serious cases e.g. producing false 8. A salary requirement is introduced for tier 2 records or refusing to answer questions from a workers compliance officer, may be criminally prosecuted Employers can sponsor skilled foreign workers by the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions to come to the UK to work for them under tier Office. The potential penalty on conviction is an 2 of the immigration points system. A new unlimited fine. requirement for a minimum salary of £35,000 will 3. A new State Pension Scheme is introduced and apply from 6 April 2016. contracting-out ends. 9. Public sector employees can be required to A single-tier state pension is introduced from repay exit payments 6 April 2016, replacing the previous basic state Regulations requiring higher earning public- pension and additional state pension. sector employees to repay exit payments if Employer-provided pension schemes will no they re-join the public sector within a year are longer be able to contract out of the state expected to come into force in April 2016 or soon pension and receive a national insurance rebate. after.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 39 Gallery 1066 Credit (left to right) ‘It’s good to be bad’, ‘Catch thieves just like flies’, ‘Catman and Robin’, ‘Is it a bird? Is it a plane?’ all by Doug Hyde

The Master of Disguise The nations favourite artist Doug Hyde has released his new collection ‘Masters in Disguise’ just in time for the new superhero film Batman vs Superman. Doug Hyde is recognised as the most popular living artist in the UK and with his sell out collections, please reserve your edition today before these iconic ‘super hero’s sell out! Available as collectable deluxe and paper editions, each limited edition is numbered and signed by Doug Hyde and is beautifully framed. Prices start from just £325.00. Save the date! DOUG HYDE IS COMING TO BALDOCK FOR A SOLO SHOW Gallery 1066 is thrilled to announce the arrival of this acclaimed international talent who will be in attendance at the gallery on 4th November. Come and meet the ‘man behind the smile’ and get in contact with the gallery to reserve your place on the guest list.

Gallery 1066 embraces Spring by welcoming new watercolour artist to their portfolio. Inspirational contemporary portrayals of the animal kingdom by Sarah Stokes have been warmly welcomed in the gallery this Spring. Sarah is drawn to a subject by its quirkiness, colour and beauty and she brings the animal to life with her medium of choice, watercolours. “I love the intensity and luminosity of its colours, and its unpredictability when I use it.” Prices start from £595.00 Ready to Land - Original Watercolour 12 x 8”

Jack is Back Gallery 1066 celebrated works by Jack Vettriano by opening its doors to a champagne reception last month, welcoming over 100 visitors in just 2 hours! Jack’s work is instantly recognisable with his most famous painting The Singing Butler out selling prints by Dali, Monet and Van Gough. It is a massive accolade to Gallery 1066 to be representing Britain’s most iconic artist, offering a collection of signed limited editions, each piece is beautifully framed and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Please contact the gallery to find out more about the Jack Vettriano collection. The Singing Butler - Jack Vettriano

Gallery 1066, the hidden jewel in Hertfordshire, is nestled down a cobbled mews on Hitchin Street, please take a moment out of your busy schedule and pop down to this charming old coaching town of Baldock and be inspired! A warm welcome awaits you. [email protected] www.gallery1066fineart.com T: 01462 896164 Gallery 1066 Fine Art Ltd, Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock, Herts. SG7 6AE 40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Come and meet outstanding contemporary artist and iconographer

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 41 Garden The Grass

By Pippa Greenwood Can Be www.pippagreenwood.com Greener

Your garden should now be starting to look lush row should be staggered, like bricks in a wall. and green, with beds and borders beginning to Lay the first row of turf using the adjacent path or come into their own. But if your lawn spoils it all, or lawn edging to form a straight line to work to. Roll you want to install one, now is the perfect time to out each turf carefully so that the edge abuts onto get started. its neighbour. Preparing the site Lay the next row, again ensuring that the long Remove all weeds, large stones, debris and any old edges of each abut onto the long edges of the last grass, then dig or fork over thoroughly to remove all row. To avoid damage, kneel on a plank placed over taproots of weeds. the previous row and continue until your new lawn Kill off an old lawn or a weed infested site with is in position. weedkiller based on glyphosate, then strip it off If you need a small section of turf to complete a or dig it in once it all dies off. Incorporate organic row, add this in the middle of a row rather than at matter to improve moisture retention on sandy the end so it is less likely to be dislodged or dry soils; on heavy soils dig in grit and organic matter out. For a curved edge lay the turves so that they for drainage. overlap the new lawn edge and cut to shape. Next, firm the whole area by treading it over evenly When finished, gently tamp the area over using in flat-soled boots, then rake thoroughly and the back of a rake and if any turves sink place some remove stones or other debris from the surface, extra soil underneath until they are level. Finally, treading gently down again if necessary. brush in a mixture of horticultural sand and finely Buying turf sieved soil over the surface, ensuring that gaps Buy turf from a reputable supplier which is suitable between the turves are filled in. for your requirements – some, especially those Care and maintenance including lots of dwarf ryegrass, are much tougher, Gently water the new lawn using a sprinkler, while some contain a seed mixture for use in shade. ensuring that the water penetrates right down to A ‘bowling green’ effect may look superb but will the root level. need more maintenance and be less hardwearing. Water regularly in dry weather, particularly for the Avoid cheaper turf as it can contain weeds, pests or first couple of months whilst the roots establish and diseases, or is simply not a good grass mixture. avoid walking on it during this time. You will soon Arrange delivery of turf when you need it and have a gorgeous lawn to be proud of. never store for more than two days. It can remain rolled up for up to 24 hours, but for any longer Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. unroll immediately, lay out flat on paving or plastic com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - sheeting and water regularly. fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice Laying the turf plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa, Lay turves closely together and do not allow the Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, edges to overlap. For an even finish, joins on each signed books and lots more besides. 42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 43 44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News 30 Days Wild Feeling wild? Take the wildlife challenge – commit to Random Acts of Wildness during June . . Draw a tree, collect stones, look up the Latin name of a bird or plant, make a plaintive tune through a piece of grass, thread a daisy chain – there many simple and pleasing ways to connect to nature. As way of engaging more meaningfully with nature and wildlife, the Wildlife Trust in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire - and Trusts across the country - are encouraging a daily activity or action during the month of June, looking to create the UK’s first month-long nature challenge event. 30 Days Wild involves doing Random Acts of Wildness each day anxiety, boost motivation and car park, contact 07734 478471 of June – for anyone registering improve mood. The actions can be Rebecca.green@wildlifebcn. in advance during May there for one second, one minute, one org www.wildlifebcn.org/ are posters, leaflets, wall charts, hour a day – to find out more and events/2016/05/01/dawn- stickers available, which will help register, visit www.wildlifebcn. chorus?instance=0 bring inspiration. org/30DaysWild Brampton Wood Spring Walk, It can be a sociable time to share Listings: Cambs; annual guided walk to wildness with family, friends and Dawn Chorus Sunday 1 May, see spring flowers, Sunday 1 May, colleagues - experiencing the 6-8am, Trumpington Meadows, 2.30-4.45pm; contact Tim Fryer benefits of being outside can Cambridge; meet at entrance to 07941 261346 www.wildlifebcn. affect the lowering of stress and the park just near the Byrons Pool org/events/2016/05/01/ brampton-wood-spring-guided- walks?instance=1 Walk at Gamlingay Wood, Cambs, Wed 4 May, 10am- midday; spring flowers and bluebells; contact Betty Cooke 01462 851954 bettycooke954@ btinternet.com www.wildlifebcn. org/events/2016/05/04/ walk-around-gamlingay- wood?instance=0 Fordham Woods visit, Cambs Friday 20 May, 6.45-9.30pm, exploring specilaist wildlife; contact Will Burdett 01353 661339 willburdett@btinternet. com www.wildlifebcn.org/ events/2016/05/20/visit-fordham- woods?instance=0 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 45 46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 47 Local News John Bunyan Boat takes to the water for the new cruising season With the arrival of spring the John Bunyan Community Boat takes to the river again for its fourth season on Bedford’s beautiful River Great Ouse. Since its launch in July 2013 the boat has carried over 15,000 people on private and public cruises. The 2016 programme starts on Sunday 1st May cruising from Priory Marina, calling in at Sovereigns The John Bunyan boat is run by a team of well- Quay (next to the Star Rowing Club) and cruising up trained volunteers in support of the Bedford & to Kempston. On Thursday afternoons the cruises Milton Keynes Waterway Park Trust and is licensed run from Sovereigns Quay towards Cardington by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. It carries Lock. Other regular public cruises include a three upto 50 passengers and is disabled friendly having hour cruise to Great Barford to The Anchor for lunch, a wheel chair access lift and toilet. The boat is also a cruise from the Town Centre to The Barns Hotel available for private charter hire for local groups, for Afternoon Tea, a Saturday evening Fish & Chip parties, wedding cruises, school parties. Super Cruise, the very popular Sunset Cruise and Full details can be found on the website: Afternoon Tea Cruises run in conjunction with The www.johnbunyanboat.org Bedford Swan Hotel. Tickets for the public cruises can be purchased on The highly acclaimed Thursday evening Jazz Cruises line, and at The Travel & Tourist Office at Bedford Bus continue on a monthly basis featuring top jazz Station, or the Corn Exchange Box Office, musicians. 13 St. Paul’s Square or by phoning 01946 817456 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]

48 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Seddington Nursery

FREE COMPOST Spend just £15 from our huge range of Basket/Pati o/Perennial plants and receive FREE compost worth £2.99 Spend £30 on Basket/Pati o/perennials and receive 5% discount plus FREE compost New Lower prices on decorati ve stones e.g. slate from £3.60 a bag, now stocking 5 colours of slate Compost - Growise 50L 4 for £10 New Levington 50L + 50% FREE from £5 Westlands Grosure 50L from £4 Miracle grow + 6 months feed from £4 All this and more follow our off ers at www.seddingtonnursery.com ______On Site Bedfordshire’s largest Sugar Craft Shop Top That Sugar Craft For all your cake decorati ng supplies. Now stocking the leading fl awless sugar paste Massa Ticino Sugar craft fi gures made to order. Sugar craft courses also available Great North Road Seddington Sandy Beds SG19 1NZ 01767 680983 CLOSED MONDAYS

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 49 T&G131x93AdvertReady.pdf 07/06/2015 13:34:43

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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 50 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 51 Loca\l News Street Village, near Buntingford since its purchase in 2010 and the cats and small mammals are in foster homes in the Bedford area. Fundraising features very prominently within our charity and during the year we hold events at various locations around the Bedfordshire area. Details of the animals for re-homing are available at our events and where possible, we bring along some of the dogs and small mammals to view. R.A.T.S. stands for Re-homing Animal Telephone R.A.T.S. DOG SHOW Service and reflects the origins of our charity. Our next major event is on Sunday 5th June We began in 1984 with a small group of dedicated and will be the first of two dog shows held each animal lovers who, via the telephone, put those year at G & M Growers in Upper Caldecote, Nr who needed an animal re-homed in touch with Biggleswade. This will be a Companion Dog Show those who wished to adopt. plus we will also have lots of Novelty classes for The charity continues today to be run entirely by those who just want to come along with their dog volunteers and we are proud to say that R.A.T.S. and have some fun. has grown into one of Bedfordshire’s leading Companion classes start at 11 am and Novelty animal charities. classes at 12.30 pm with registration for all classes Our aim is to re-home the dogs, cats and small opening at 9.30 am. mammals in our care into loving, secure homes so There will be various stalls at the show plus a good that they can live out the remainder of their lives selection of home-made refreshments, all made happily. All homes are vetted. and donated by our team of volunteer catering ladies. CHARITY SHOP The R.A.T.S. charity shop is located in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade and we are always in need of items to sell such as good, clean clothing and bric- a-brac etc. The shop is open Monday – Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

Poppy Freddie & Roxy

Volunteers are always welcome to help at our events, in the shop, or fundraise. Please contact us if you would like to help: Email: [email protected] Further details of our fundraising days and dog shows, together with the animals looking for new homes, can be found on our Website : www. Looking for a new home... rats-animalrescue.co.uk and on Face book: www. Bambi facebook.com/ratscharity If you are interested in re-homing any of the Whilst in our care, every animal will receive any animals above or any of our other animals, please necessary veterinary treatment required and it is contact the appropriate person below: our policy never to have a healthy animal put to Dog enquiries Pauline 01462 834458 sleep. Cat enquiries Liz 01767 681157 Our dogs have been based at our kennels in Hare Small Mammals Hazel 01234 357788 52 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts BICKERDIKES Garden Centre

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 53 TYNEHILL Boarding Kennels and Cattery

The kennels your dog would choose! 10% discount for new customers • Top quality kennels and cattery • Fully licensed and insured • Clean and hygienic environment • Dogs £12.50 to £15.00 • Cats £7.75 • 10% discount for family groups • Our dogs are happy dogs! Better kennels are only minutes away... www.tynehillkennelsandcattery.co.uk 01462 850606

Shillington Road, Lower Stondon, Beds, SG16 6JX

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

Animal Stories Don’t be average….. We’ve all seem the ‘extreme hoarders’ on TV – able to collect the items from you if you have a unable to move around their own homes because large enough donation. We can sell your donated of piles of newspapers clogging up rooms and items at one of our charity shops – in Thurlow Street corridors. Such extremes make entertaining telly, or the High Street, Bedford – and use the money but even the ‘average’ person owns a surprising to help local abandoned and neglected animals in amount of unnecessary stuff. Are you guilty of need of a new home. Don’t worry if the clothing is being average? tatty, or if you have odd, or scuffed shoes – we can • The average woman has about 22 garments still sell these for rag. in her wardrobe that she will never wear, but The RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch is a small absolutely refuses to throw out. local charity that is entirely responsible for raising • Added up across the country, women spend its own funds and supporting itself. We are currently more than £1.6 billion on more than 500 million experiencing a crisis as the number of animals items of clothing they will never wear. Placed on abandoned has increased by 65% over the last 5 a clothes rail, this would stretch for 15,534 miles. years. It costs us every day, £5 to look after one • Jeans are the most common item of unworn healthy cat and £8 for one healthy dog. This means clothes, with 88 per cent of the population that every month we need to find at least £1,300 to saying they own at least one pair that they house all the animals in our care and £2,000 for vet would never be seen out in. bills. The number of animals being abandoned is, • One in five people hoard up to six pairs of shoes unfortunately, still on the increase. that will never be worn. And almost everyone So, if you’re guilty of ‘being average’, why not sort owns at least one top they ‘would not be seen through you’re stuff, bring it into one of our shops dead in.’ – and transform your guilt into something a lot • Men have 19 items of unworn clothing lurking in more worthwhile? You can even sign up for gift aid. their wardrobes. It costs you nothing but makes your donation go • Two thirds of Brits dislike their junk and a quarter even further. say it makes them stressed. 6 Thurlow Street, Bedford, MK40 1LR 01234 930304 • One in five homes have enough unwanted items 49 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1RY 01234 353362 to fill an average bathroom and a similar number Please email [email protected] with enough to fill an entire bedroom. any enquiries. If you find yourself guilty of any of the above…help is at hand. You can donate any unwanted clothing, ANIMAL STORIES is one of a series of articles brought bric-a-brac, books, DVDs, CDs, toys, jewelry or small to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch furniture to the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch. We also now take electrical goods – and may be www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 55 56 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Fiddle Daemons Violins, Violas, Cellos, Bass Contact: Jackie@ ddledaemons.com 01767682693 or 07814970635

Professional repairs, restorations and set ups

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Part exchanges possible and instruments purchased

Free valuations

Alison’s Driver Training Alison Adams ADI

Female driving instructor friendly and reliable Areas covered Hitchin and Letchworth and surrounding villages. Competitive rates, block booking discounts available. A member of the driving instructors association For more details please contact Alison. Tel: 07983 646 246 Email: [email protected]

Please mention the Villager when responding to this advert for £3 o your rst lesson

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 57 Lambourn MOT and Service Centre Ltd

Your LOCAL MoT, tyre and service centre in Shefford 01462 811333 Pay us a visit – we’re near Morrisons! Lambourn MoT & Service Centre Unit 10, Old Bridge Way, Shefford, SG17 5HQ Visit: lambournservicecentre.co.uk

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58A1 Garage Doors 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding15/03/2016 to adverts 13:53 Motoring Geneva Motor Show 2016 The Geneva Motor Show is one late, owing to the growth of the Audi Q2 of the biggest events on the SUV and crossover in the family Audi’s Q-series of cars has been automotive calendar, and is an car market. The Scenic is hoping ever-popular, offering drivers opportunity for the largest car to fight back, bringing with it a raised ride height while manufacturers in the world to more radical styling and a design maintaining excellent on-road showcase their new models and that will no doubt attract younger characteristics. The Q2 will be technology. With hundreds of buyers back to the MPV.Jaguar the smallest of Audi’s SUVs, with stands spread across vast halls, the F-Type SVR entry-level models coming with motor show at Geneva gives a real It may have a snarling cat on the front-wheel drive. Of course, more insight into the direction that the bonnet, but this is no ordinary expensive Q2s will come with motor industry is heading. Jaguar. Set to be the company’s Audi’s popular Quattro all-wheel- Bugatti Chiron fastest production car, this drive system, which should mean Everyone knows of the legendary latest Jaguar is the first to have that despite its diminutive size the Bugatti Veyron, the W16-powered, been worked on by Jaguar Land Q2 will still be a capable off-road 250mph hypercar, which has Rover’s Special Vehicle Operation vehicle. spent 11 years at the top of the department. Capable of 200mph, Volvo V90 motoring chain. It’s time, however, the SVR is faster and lighter than a The V90 joins the 90 Series range, for a new model. Enter the Chiron. standard F-Type – and is £20,000 with both estate and saloon built Named after Bugatti’s most more expensive, too. Sitting at on Volvo’s ‘Scalable Platform successful driver, Louis Chiron, £110,000, the SVR features a Architecture’. Available with this latest model is reported to deployable rear spoiler and added petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid produce more than 1,400bhp and aerodynamic pieces designed to set-ups, there’s also the choice is capable of 288mph. The Chiron make it as stable as possible at of an all-wheel-drive mode, too. has been completely redesigned, high speed. With Volvo’s history of producing but does contain elements of Alpine Vision Concept reliable and good looking estate the Veyron. Likely to be the car French manufacturer Alpine is cars, we expect this one to be of the event, the Chiron should hoping to make a grand return to popular with families when it goes completely rewrite the rule book the motoring world with its Vision on sale later this year. in terms of speed and acceleration. Concept. A reveal in Monaco Skoda Vision S Renault Scenic confirmed that the display vehicle The Vision S concept marks the Putting the humble Scenic is 80 per cent of the production company’s first attempt at making beneath a fire-breathing Bugatti car – and breaks with Alpine a large SUV with four-wheel drive. may seem a little odd, but the tradition by mounting the engine Utilising a hybrid layout, the MPV’s importance can’t be in the middle of the car rather than concept features striking design understated. This size of vehicle the rear. If the concept is popular elements that give a small insight has been waning in popularity of enough, it will no doubt propel into what Skoda is planning to do Alpine into a full return to form. in the future. By Iain Betson

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 59 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.

60 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 61 This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com What’s OnIn May 2 May 4 May 2016 7 May May Day Celebrations Commemorating the Western Front The Signals Museum 10.30am-12.30pm 2014-2018 10am-4pm British Schools Museum, 7pm for 7.30 pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin The Comrades Club, Godmanchester the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such Free admission The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Celebrate May Day in traditional style with our Front Association is pleased to present a talk Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the much-loved maypole and country dancing, by Professor Brian Bond who will examine how Guardroom. See website for full information. including dancing by the Offley Morris Men. 1914/15 have been reappraised by historians and Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk Refreshments available. Children must be focus on 1916 as the pivotal year on the Western accompanied by a responsible adult. Front. Non WFA members most welcome. Small 8 May Tel: 01462 420144 donation is encouraged at the door to pay for the Ashwell at Home 2016 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk running of the branch. 11am-5pm Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com Adults £6, Under 18s free 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May Entertainment for all the family. Come and Branch Out Social Club for Single People 4 May explore ‘Ashwell’s Treasures’ with open gardens, 8.30-11pm North Herts Association of National Trust free children’s workshops, live music, veteran Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin 7.30pm cycles, Morris dancing, cow milking, funfair, Branch Out meets every Monday night and is a Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin lunches and teas and much more. Entry by medium-sized Social Club for single people. It Visitors £2 programme available on the day at the event or was formed in 1995 to bring together single, Talk will be “Insurance Claims Investigations” in advance from the website. Free parking. divorced, widowed and separated people, with Major Alan Gilmore, MBE. Tea/Coffee 50p - Web: www.ashwellathome.org.uk aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and payable on entry. Visitors welcome. Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s Tel: Colette House 01462 815585 9 May company. The club organises regular events, Icknield Quilters such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday 5, 12, 19 & 26 May 7.30pm for 7.45pm walks, theatre and concert visits, day and Baldock Community Orchestra Baldock Community Centre weekend trips and holidays. 7.15-8.30pm Visitors £3 Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Knights Templar School, Baldock A sewing evening which we welcome visitors to Web: www.branch-out.org.uk This exciting new orchestra meets every join us. Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk Thursday. Rachel Dawson will be the conductor. 4 May-28 September Anyone can join – you don’t have to live in 11 May Open Every Wednesday Baldock! There are few opportunities for Henlow Branch R N A 7.30pm Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden beginners, learners and rusty players in this Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow 10.30am-3.30pm area so join up now! Email: rdawson@ktemplar. The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval £5 including guided tour herts.sch.uk Association meets on the second Wednesday of Pre-book dedicated tours for more than 15. each month. Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 Produce from the Garden Stall. Enjoy a light 5, 12, 19 & 26 May lunch in beautiful surroundings or homemade Sapphire Social Club 11 May cakes, snacks and savouries. Come and visit 8.30pm Ampthill Great Park Lecture this inspirational volunteer-run garden revival. The Orange Tree, Hitchin 7.30 for 8pm Follow signs for the Walled Garden. No entry via We are a small, friendly social group that caters Connolly Hall, Redborne School, Ampthill Luton Hoo Hotel. (Sat nav LU1 4LF). for the unattached. Our members tend to be Tickets £8 including drink Tel: 01582 721443 around 50+ but we have no age bar. Varied Illustrated lecture by Sir Timothy Clifford on Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk events are organized throughout the month. No “Capability Brown at Ampthill Park - The Patron, joining fee for the first two months. the House and the Park”. Tickets from Ampthill Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 Town Council. for information Tel: 01525 404355 Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk Email: [email protected]

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

What’s On In May 12 May 15 May 22 May Stevenage RSPB Meeting Biggleswade Antiques Fair Stevenage RSPB Meeting 9.30am 9.30am-4pm 10am A morning walk across Biggleswade Common. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, An all day visit to Lakenheath Fen in the Brecks. Meet in the car park at Grid Ref TL 187453. Biggleswade Meet in the car park at Grid Ref TL724865. Entrance £1.50 12 May This antiques fair offers a diverse range of 28-30 May Behind the Scenes at the Museum antiques and collectables so whether you are Flower Festival Doors open 7pm, talk 7.30pm a professional dealer, an avid collector or just St Ipployts Church Tickets £5 including tea/coffee and biscuits looking for something special, this monthly fair Over the Bank Holiday weekend the beautiful on arrival is the place to visit. Café serving breakfast, lunch medieval church will be looking (and smelling) British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen and afternoon tea. even more stunning than usual as it will be filled Street, Hitchin Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 with flower arrangements along the theme of The third of our 2nd-Thurs-of-the-month talks. Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk Grand Days Out. The displays will vary from the As part of ‘Museums at Night’, Assistant Curator grand to the modest as our arrangers vary from Emily Shepperson reveals some of the secrets 18 May the almost professional to those who are “having the public rarely see. Doors open at 7 pm, talks Baldock Horticultural Society a go” all of whom have bags of imagination. begin 7.30 pm. Advance booking recommended. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Among the many “Grand Days Out” will be “Gone See website for additional titles. Baldock Arts and Heritage Centre, High Fishing”, “Test Match”, Teddy Bear’s Picnic”, “Ascot” Tel: 01462 420144 Street, Baldock and many, many more so you are bound to find a Email: [email protected] Members £5, Non-members £8 favourite one. Refreshments available. Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Baldock Horticultural Society is hosting an Tel: Mary Hooper 01462 457350 evening with Pippa Greenwood. Pippa’s subject Email: [email protected] 12 May will be “My Gardening Life”, answering questions Baldock and Clothall WI AGM along the way at what promises to be a 29 May 7.30pm thoroughly enjoyable and informative evening. The Sunday Dance Club United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Tel: Tickets 01462 893418 7.30-10.30pm Street, Baldock The Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Members only 21 May Letchworth AGM to vote for the committee, President and Vauxhall Male Voice Choir Concert Music with Janice Provider. Dances are Ballroom, resolutions for the coming year. Doors open 7pm, concert 7.30pm Latin and Popular Sequence. Ample free parking St Mary’s Church, Hitchin and licensed bar. Tel: David 01234 300179 12 May Tickets £8 Mid. Beds. Floral Society Vauxhall Male Voice Choir plus special guest 1-4 June 7.45pm Flitwick Village Hall artiste James Banville (organ). Refreshments Oklahoma Visitors £6 available. Tickets available on the door or by 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm Demonstration by Jackie Page entitled ‘In the telephone. Tickets: Ken Jones 01525 753110 or St Christopher School Theatre, Barrington Style of ...’. Visitors welcome. Brian Matthews 01525 841077 Road, Letchworth Tel: Marion Tucker 01234 742396 Web: www.vmvc.org Letchworth Arcadians present Oklahoma. Music by Richard Rogers. Books & lyrics by Oscar 14 May 21 & 22 May Hammerstein II. Ceilidh Annual Spring Exhibition Tel: Box Office 07511 519387 7.30-11pm Stondon Village Hall 10am-5pm Willian Village Hall Web: www.letchworth-arcadians.co.uk Tickets £10 Free admission Dance to The Cyriacs. Bar available. Tickets Letchworth Art Society Annual Spring Exhibition. 3 July available from any PCC member or Tracey With a heritage that spans 60 years this group of Bassingbourn ‘Braintrust’ Half Marathon 815760. Proceeds going to All Saints Church local artists exhibits twice a year, and the Spring 10am – Stondon. show lets everybody see member’s recent work. Bassingbourn Village College Refreshments available. Web: www.fit4thechallenge.co.uk

To advertiseadvertise in in The The Villager Villager and and TownlifeTown Townlife Life please please please call call 01767 01767call 01767 261122 261122 261122 63 Three Counties Radio

Serves up to 8

Raspberry Pavlova Roulade If you’re a fan of the Great British Bake Off, you’ll Pre-heat your oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4 have seen a fair few roulade disasters on the show. And yet, a simple roulade is actually very achievable Prepare a rectangular swiss roll tin (or just a shallow at home and it always looks great when served to baking tray) by lining it with baking parchment (you family and friends. The meringue here is basically a can stick it down with a few spots of butter). quick-cooked pavlova, meaning it is incredibly light In a large, grease-free mixing bowl, whisk the egg and fluffy. whites to soft peaks.While continuously whisking, This recipe is based on a beautiful roulade which slowly add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a was made for my show by pastry expert Simon time, until you have a stiff, glossy meringue mixture. Northcott. He made his with a whipped cream and Whisk in the vanilla extract, followed by the vinegar Nutella filling and topped it with hazelnuts. I’ve and cornflour. made mine a little more fruity, with an easy cream Pour the mixture on to the baking tin. Leave a gap and raspberry filling. Technically the addition of around the edges or else the meringue will stick. raspberries means that a slice of the roulade can Smooth it over with a knife or spatula so you get a (just about) qualify as one of your five a day! nice, regular spread. If you do want to make the nutty version, replace the Bake this for 15 minutes or until the meringue is a raspberries with two tablespoons of Nutella and top light golden colour but still soft on the inside. the roulade with chopped hazelnuts. Take the meringue out of the oven and leave it to cool. It will be quite flexible and malleable now. INGREDIENTS Cut another sheet of baking parchment. Turn the For the meringue: meringue over and put it on the new sheet of paper. 3 large egg whites Carefully pull away the baking parchment which the 175g white caster sugar meringue was baked on. 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold in the 1⁄2 tsp white wine vinegar raspberries, allowing some of them to crush up a 1 tsp cornflour little. Carefully spread this evenly over the cooled roulade and then simply roll it up tightly, with the For the filling: longest edge closest to you, leaving the greaseproof 300ml double or whipping cream paper behind as you go. 200g raspberries (or any similar red fruit, Put the roulade, seam down, on your serving plate. or a mixture) You can serve immediately but I find an hour in the fridge helps firm up the roulade. Just before serving, Icing sugar, to dust dust with icing sugar and grate some chocolate over (Optional) grated chocolate to decorate the top too if you fancy.

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.

64 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

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

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 65 Electrician www.rooneyelectrical.co.uk M.J.Building Ryall Supplies Ltd. Suppliers of Timber and all Building Materials

Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job? Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards • Paving & Walling • Fencing Rewires • Bricks • Calor Gas P.A.T testing • Aggregates • Plumbing Landlord inspections • Timber • Tools Qualified electrician Fully insured Turf Reliable service  Tidy work • Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK – Tel. 01462 730169 Call Nigel on: 100 Norton Road, Stotfold SG5 4PG 01767 221088 / 07941295883 www.mjryall.co.uk • [email protected]

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66Love your heating 1/2 page.indd 1 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding16/06/2015 to adverts 12:35 1st Glass Window Repairs James Cullip Painting & Decorating 30 years experience • interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging FULLY INSURED! • coving Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, • general household maintenance call us now for a free quotation. Steamed Up Glass • plastering services available Faulty Windows, Door Locks or Hinges Draughty Windows or Doors • free estimates Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters • fully insured New Conservatory Roofs We also supply and fit NEW Windows, References available Doors and Conservatories DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 NIL DEPOSIT - BALANCE UPON YOUR SATISFACTION e: [email protected] www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 07511 906161 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 67 Alan George Painting & Decorating Painter & Decorator Property Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Maintenance Reliable and Local Specialist

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68 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts NOT ALL SHUTTERS ARE THE SAME Bespoke interior window shutters FREE no obligation quotes

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70 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News

We currently have programmes in both Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to encourage people with cancer to get active. Research has shown that this can help people to cope better with the symptoms of their illness and treatment. People diagnosed with head and neck cancer may Macmillan Cancer Support provides medical, have to have surgery resulting in problems with emotional, financial and practical support to speaking and eating, this can be very isolating and people living with cancer and their friends and distressing so we are funding a Macmillan head family. Every day in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and neck cancer speech and language therapist in 23 people are diagnosed with cancer. the Luton and Bedfordshire area. We are lucky enough to have 151 Macmillan Macmillan grants and welfare benefits advice Professionals across both counties to help those Macmillan support line offering help and support people, however we still need your help to raise to people via the phone open Mon – Fri 9am-8pm. more funds and provide more services to help the For further information please call 0300 1000 200 ever increasing number of people who need our or email [email protected] support. 1 in 2 people will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives so here are some of the services we have in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to help these people; Macmillan oncology pharmacist at the Lister hospital to prepare chemotherapy doses, educate patients about side effects and generally support patients.

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72 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts April’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs B Cope from Letchworth

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 73 The Villager Prize Crossword Prize £25

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74 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts • Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves SHOWROOM NOW OPEN • Chimney Lining Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 10am – 5pm Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

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

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Cromwell stoves full page.indd 1 30/07/2015 17:32 What is 35 years old this year? THE BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER Yes every Friday since January 1981 one of our five teams of eight volunteers have met to record stories, articles, etc. of that day’s paper. The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER produces a FREE weekly MP3 Memory Stick version of that week’s Biggleswade Chronicle for the Blind and Visually Impaired Listeners, in Biggleswade, Arlesey, Shefford, Stotfold, Sandy, Potton, and surrounding villages. The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER is an independent registered charity (Number 281316) and is run totally by volunteers. If you know someone who may interested in receiving our weekly recording contact 07840 504940 Meet the BTN Team @ ASDA Biggleswade Saturday 30 APRIL 2016 Local news, for Local Listeners by Local Volunteers, supported and funded by Local organisations For more information please visit www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk

76 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts CM ROOFING Family run business Est. 20 yrs ALL CARPENTRY & BUILDING • Repairs & Re-roof • Lead Specialists SERVICES PROVIDED • Slating & Tiling Double Glazing • Windows & Doors • Guttering and Drainage Granite Work Tops • Gutter Clearing Kitchens & Bathrooms • Fascias & Soffits Wood & Laminate Flooring • UPVC Wall Cladding Loft & Garage Conversions • Moss Removal • Flat Roofing Mini Digger & Driver For Hire • Single Ply/3 Layer Felt Call James 7 days a week on • Liquid Plastics 01462 231734 We will beat any written quotation For more information & free estimate 07595 752466 01438 517166 / 07432 624335 [email protected] [email protected] Shefford, Bedfordshire www.cm-roofing.co.uk

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16 03 James Bonfield quarter.indd 1 05/02/2016 14:27 Books

Accountants ByBook Willow Coby Review The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse

This is an unusually short novel by Kate Mosse at just 250 pages. However readers won’t be disappointed as Mosse once again takes us Accountants back to the South of France and the area in the Pyrenees which provided the haunting backdrop to her weightier Labyrinth novels. It is 1933, and an Englishman visits a book antiquarian in France with a strange manuscript written in the now extinct Occitan language of the region. The antiquarian is curious and wants to know how an Englishman would have it in his possession. Slowly, the foreigner tells his story. In 1928, with Europe still recovering from the Aerials and Satellites aftermath of World War 1, Freddie is recovering from an illness. Still struggling to come to terms AERIALS & SATELLITES T/A Broadband Communications with the death of his older brother George, Established 1993 his doctor suggests a trip to France where the Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials mountain air in the south may help his recovery. Freesat & Satellite Installations He is consumed by grief and guilt over George’s Commercial IRS Systems death and welcomes the opportunity to visit the All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 country where his beloved brother died. Based in Stotfold A car crash during a storm in the mountains sees www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk him stranded in the oddly deserted-looking village Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217 of Nulle. He finds lodgings and the next day is invited to attend the Fete de Sainte-Etienne, a celebration of the village’s past. It is here that he Carpentry and Joinery meets Fabrissa, a beautiful mysterious woman. Mosse cleverly allows us to see the psychological effects of grief. As in the Labyrinth trilogy she Tim Jordon embeds the story in the medieval history of the Carpentry and Joinery Cathars (an ancient sect of Christianity, long since Made to measure quality timber products destroyed) in the region. Are there such things as supply and fit. ghosts or do we create them in our mind to deal Doors, Windows, Stairs, Gates, with the events that appear doomed to reoccur Kitchen Worktops, throughout history? Or are ghosts merely the Wood staining, painting and varnishing reminder of mistakes that we are condemned to Station Road, Lower Stondon, Beds. Tel: 01462 850363 or 07544 790071 repeat? 78 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Classifieds

Pet Services Property Maintenance R. CHAPMAN Home & Garden Services Patio’s Driveways Fencing Brickwork Painting & Decorating Tiling 20 Years Experience - No Job Too Small! 01462 850575 or 07950 311881

Plastering Services Removals MUSCLE & MOTOR Dave Mortby Jumbo van with up to 3 men. Helpful, efficient and friendly service Plastering, Rendering and Decorating for all your moving, carrying, and Mobile: 07722128189 domestic disposal needs, including Email: [email protected] house and garage clearance. Free estimates given Call Richard on: 2 Willow Tree Way, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1GE 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: [email protected] www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

Plastering Services Removals and Storage

James Geekie Plastering removals, storage, All types of plastering - big or small archive and shipping • House and office moves Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken • Large and small vehicles • Local/long distance and overseas removals Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings • Containerised storage Dry Lining and Screeding • Extremely high quality customer service Call for a no obligation quotation Tel: 07792 415356 or 01462 490598 01582 572967 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Plumbing and Heating StephensVan Dinky Hiread_02.indd 1 3/12/12 11:44:54 Chris’ Man & Van For hire Collections, Deliveries, Light Haulage...anything considered. Cheap rates Please call for further details 07747 828259 / 01525 754218

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