Gad mar 15 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Now incorporating The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory

March 2015

and Town

Life

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Contents Making An Impact

The History of the Bicycle.................................................4 Mother’s Day Around the World.......................................8 You Get What You Pay For...............................................11 Give Me A Bell!...............................................................12 Great Ashby - A Desirable Modern Village......................15 Why Cards Are Still King.................................................16 A Holiday In Hampshire..................................................19 Wrinkle Removal............................................................21 Pass on the Salt..............................................................22 Quit While You’re Ahead.................................................24 There’s Something In The Air..........................................27 Computer Encryption.....................................................28 Fun Quiz.........................................................................28 Employment Matters.....................................................31 Making An Impact - Impact Interiors.............................32 Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Alison Runham, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Tim Saunders, Nooshin Hassan, Louise Addison, Carol H Scott, Kam Patel, Pippa Greenwood, James Baggott, Solange Hando, Susan Brookes-Morris, Ann Haldon, Andy Mydellton and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com

Facing North..................................................................35 Vet’s Tip..........................................................................37 Children’s Page...............................................................39 Landrover Discovery Sport SD4......................................40 Employing A Cleaner......................................................42 Seasonal Delights...........................................................44 Sète - Water Jousting.....................................................47 Puzzle Page....................................................................48 The Art of Wallpaper......................................................51 Pension Rules Are Changing...........................................53 Prize Crossword..............................................................54 Flowers and Mother’s Day..............................................56 Wordsearch....................................................................56 What’s On.......................................................................58 Damselflies and Demoiselles..........................................60 Book Review..................................................................62

Water Jousting

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services Photography provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the Sharon Cooper and Andy Croft LRPS editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 stored without the express permission of the publisher. 3

History

The History of the Bicycle

By Catherine Rose

Dan Albone

The city of Cambridge has long been renowned for its bicycles, and with the excitement of the Tour de France last summer, cycling as a sport is rapidly increasing in popularity. What’s more, one of cycling’s most famous inventors was born in Bedfordshire. Catherine Rose takes a look at the history of the mechanical two-wheeler. Despite the existence of a 600-year-old drawing from the workshop of Leonardo da Vinci showing a two-wheeled contraption, the first bicycle is said to have been invented by a German, Baron Karl von Drais. Nicknamed the Draisine, it was patented in 1818. It is believed that he had the idea when that

year’s crop failure led to the widespread death of horses and consequently, a transport shortage. His invention consisted of a two-wheeled wooden vehicle that was propelled by the rider’s legs and he test rode it from Manheim, covering eight miles in under an hour. Renamed the velocipede by the French (the modern French word for bicycle is ‘velo’) and the hobby or dandy horse in England, over the ensuing years, the model was refined. Then in 1839 a Scottish blacksmith, Kirkpatrick MacMillan invented a treadle driven version with rods that connected the treadles on the front wheel to crank pins on the back. The oldest existing pedal-driven bicycle is a similar design that was made by Gavin Dalzell, a cooper from Lanarkshire, who may have copied MacMillan. But it was in the 1860s that Frenchman Pierre Lallement, a mechanic, invented the Boneshaker which had pedals attached to a rotary crank mechanism on the front wheel. It was patented in 1866 and the patent sold to the Michaux family. It became very popular in England and there is one on display in the Science Museum. It is said to weigh the same as a fridge and was notoriously uncomfortable to ride. Once again this model was improved upon, most notably by James Starley in 1858 who is described as the father of the British bicycle industry. Solid rubber strips were cemented to the wheels for increased suspension and comfort, the saddle was moved forward to improve weight distribution

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and the handlebars widened and became higher. A ladies’ side saddle version also became available (although it must have been very difficult to ride!) The first cycle race was held in Paris in 1868 with an Englishman, James Moore, being the winner. That same year, the Phantom cycle became available. It was hinged in the middle to aid steering and was the first to use metal wire instead of wood for the spokes. Another Frenchman, Eugene Mayer is credited with inventing the high bicycle, the most famous of which is the Penny Farthing, in 1869. The large front wheel had the effect of increasing the bicycle’s speed and minimized road shocks but it was very difficult to mount and dangerous to drive. In reaction to this, the first ‘safety bicycles’ were invented in the 1870s. These were deliberately made to be low to the ground. The Shergold Safety bicycle is believed to be the oldest surviving vehicle with a chain driven rear wheel. This was closely followed by the Bicyclette designed by H.J. Lawson who registered the term ‘safety cycle’. Rover was one of the main manufacturers of the safety bicycle bringing out a version in 1885 with direct steering and rear chain drive that is very similar to our bicycle design of today. In 1884, Hilman, Herbert & Cooper brought out the Kangaroo, a gear and chain-driven bicycle that that was the first bicycle to be ridden for 100 miles. During this era, tandems, tricycles and even

quadracycles were brought out as the bicycle craze exploded. Four years later, John Boyd Dunlop, a Belfast vet, invented what the revolutionary pneumatic tyres with an inner tube, which he first made for his son’s tricycle. These quickly took over from solid tyres and by 1892 practically all bicycles had them. One of the most famous cycle inventors is Dan Albone, affectionately known locally as ‘Smiling Dan’, who was born in 1860 and grew up in Biggleswade. For his ninth birthday, he was given a Boneshaker which began a love affair with mechanical transport. Four years later, he had already built his own version of the Penny Farthing complete with suspension and was using it to win local races. When he left school, he became an apprentice at Thomas Course & Son in Hitchin Street, learning to be a millwright and engineer. By 1880, he had founded his own company in Biggleswade, the Ivel Cycle Works where he produced racing bikes – the Ivel Light Roadster and the Ivel Racer. He became known internationally, attracting custom from all over the world. When James Starley exhibited his Rover safety bicycle at the Stanley show, Albone took the design and adapted it, producing his own Ivel Safety Cycle which went on to beat world cycling distance records. He was to win many more cycle races, including two in Northampton (in 1885 and 1887) and in 1885 he founded a local cycling club. He even invented a bicycle child carrier. Unfortunately, there was a downturn in the economy in 1893, and Albone’s cycling business was forced into liquidation. However, he carried on producing motor cars and tractors and his name has gone down in history as a pioneering inventor of mechanical and motor vehicles. Bicycles continued to evolve over the 20th century and today they are multi-geared, hi-tech and lightweight. Although the advent and popularity of the motor car meant that there was a significant drop in the number of bicycles being used to get around from the 1950s onwards, today, a resurgence in cycling interest coupled with the opening of new cycle routes mean that hopefully, Cambridge will not be the only city to be populated with bicycles in the future. Photography: Biggleswade History Society

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Time of Year

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Mother’s Day around the World Mothers deserve attention all year round, so why do we celebrate mothers on one special day - and do other countries follow suit? The UK Traditionally, on ‘Mothering Sunday’ (the fourth Sunday in Lent) people returned to their baptismal ‘mother church’. As their parents’ home was often nearby, over time the day became a holiday for visiting family. Flowers were gathered on the way home and mums received Simnel cakes. Observance of Mothering Sunday gradually withered but after its revival in 1920 it spread throughout the Empire, becoming known as Mother’s Day. Around the World Most countries have a Mother’s Day, but origins and traditions vary. Unless stated otherwise, countries below follow U.S. tradition, celebrating on the second Sunday in May. In France, American soldiers introduced their Mother’s Day during the First World War. Originally focussed on fertile mothers, today Fête des Mères celebrates all mothers, who traditionally receive a cake shaped like a bouquet of flowers. France celebrates on the last Sunday in May, as does Sweden, where the

Red Cross sells plastic flowers in aid of deprived mothers. In Nepal, children return to the family home on “Aama ko Mukh Herne Din” (“to see Mother’s face”) on the last day of Baishak dark fortnight, making breakfast for their mothers and giving them gifts, favourite foods and new clothes. Those who have lost mothers visit Mata Tirtha, a sacred site with a pool in which they ‘look upon their mother’s face’. The USA didn’t keep English Mother’s Day, but Anna Jarvis campaigned for one in honour of her mother, who introduced “Mothers’ Friendship Day” after the Civil War. At a church service on the second anniversary of her mother’s death (the second Sunday of May), Anna distributed her mother’s favourite flowers: white carnations. Today they signify mothers who have passed away, while coloured carnations honour mothers still living. In Australia, Mother’s Day grew from Janet Heyden’s campaign to give gifts to lonely inmates of Newington State Home for Women. Schoolchildren in Japan draw pictures of their mothers for a nationwide competition and winning pictures travel the country in a mobile exhibition.

Mexico’s Mother’s Day on 10th May was once a pawn in battles between government and church on modernisation and materialism. It now celebrates both mothers and the Virgin Mary. Children often arrive at their mother’s house the night before. Traditionally the day starts with mass before mothers are presented with a breakfast of tamales and atole, but many mothers are now treated to breakfast at home, accompanied by a song. In Paraguay, Mother’s Day is celebrated with Dia de la Patria (Independence Day) on 15th May, to honour Juana María de Lara’s role in winning Paraguay’s independence. Similarly, Bolivia’s Dia de la Madre Boliviana on 27th May commemorates the women killed fighting for independence in the Battle of Coronilla. In Ethiopia, their ‘Antrosht’ celebration lasts three days, beginning after the rains have ceased (usually October/ November). Traditionally, mothers cook a special meal but daughters provide dairy products, vegetables and spices while sons bring the meat. Afterwards they enjoy traditional songs and dances. Why not celebrate Mexican-style this year and sing your Mum a song?

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You Get

Three Counties Radio

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

What You Pay For

In these cash strapped times, when the pennies don’t seem to stretch as far, it’s always important to make sure you’re getting the things you need at the best possible prices. We all know there are ways of ensuring you bag a bargain. Shopping around is of course the most effective way. The internet has allowed many of us to become experts in this. It should always be remembered though that sometimes, paying the least amount for something is not always the best policy. So when SHOULD you pay as much as you can afford? Life is sadly, all too short. The years seem to whiz by at ever increasing speed. When you face up to this, you realise that sometimes it’s worth paying a little bit more for a product or service. Is it really worth buying a TV from an online company you’ve never heard of when you can spend £30 more to buy it from a wellrespected high street retailer with a good record of customer service? I would suggest not! When that TV breaks several months down the line, do you really want to spend weeks of your short life, arguing with and struggling to communicate with the lesser known internet company? Was the £30 saving really worth it? No! Remember this, next time you go out of your way to save a little bit of money – it’s often simply not worth it. There are also times when you should actively spend as MUCH money as you can. The most obvious example of this is when buying a bed. My motto is, spend as much money as you can possibly afford on your bed. But why would I say such a crazy thing when there are so many companies selling beds at craaaaazy low prices? Simple! You normally get what you pay for where beds are concerned. If you buy a king size bed with a mattress for £100, you’ll almost certainly get a rubbish bed with springs that will stick in your back for years to come. Well I say years, it will probably only last a couple of years before it completely falls apart. You spend a third of your short life in bed, so always stretch yourself and spend as much as you can. When you’re still sinking under the duvet in supreme comfort 8 years down the line, you’ll be grateful you did. 10 years ago, when I worked in Northampton (home of the World’s best shoe makers), I bought a pair of £300 shoes. What? I hear you shout! You’re mad! Well, 10 years later, I still wear them several times a week. They polish up like new and are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. I think they’ll last me so long, I’ll end up wearing them in my coffin. For me, that was £300 well spent and actually when you look at the cost over many years, they weren’t really that expensive. A false economy would have been a pair of £40 shoes that fell apart after 6 months. In a nutshell, when you need quality and longevity, you should always look to spend as much as you can afford to. It’s also worth noting that in legal terms, the more you spend on a product, the more you can expect from it. As a consumer, you can legally expect a £3000 bed to last far longer than a £300 bed. If something goes wrong and the retailer refuses to help, the fact you spent a considerable amount will add weight to your case in front of the judge. So next time you decide that bargain hunting is the best policy of the savvy consumer, just remember, it isn’t ALWAYS so!

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am. Visit 11our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

History

Give me a Bell!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Who was Alexander Graham Bell? Earlier this week I witnessed a remarkable thing – a room full of people who not once during the three hours they were together, took out a mobile phone to check emails, send texts, play games – or even make a call! It was remarkable because for most of us, the telephone is an integral part of modern life, an extension of ‘us’. The humble phone has come a long way since its creation nearly 140 years ago. I wonder what its inventor would make of it now?! Alexander Graham Bell was born in Scotland on 3 March 1847, and subsequently moved to Canada with his parents at the age of 23. With his father, grandfather, uncle and brothers all working in elocution and speech, and with a mother and wife who were both deaf, Alexander developed an interest in acoustics. Initially teaching the deaf how to speak, he finally decided to concentrate on experimenting with hearing devices and the transmission of sound via electricity, which culminated in the invention of the first practical telephone. His innovative streak brought about some interesting results along the way! At the age of 16, he and his brother built a robotic head which they got to ‘speak’ a few words. Alexander then taught the family dog how to ‘talk’ by manipulating its

lips and vocal cords to form a crude sounding “Ow ah oo ga ma ma” (How are you grandmama?”)! He’s also famous for inventing the metal detector, quickly put together following the assassination of US President James Garfield, in order to locate in his body the bullet that killed him. But back to the telephone...Bell filed for a US patent to cover the transmission of sounds telegraphically on 14 February 1876 – the same day as rival inventor Elisha Gray. Even now, there is controversy about who got there first – the Scotsman or the American – but generally it is accredited to Bell. Three days after the patent was issued on 7 March 1876, Alexander got his telephone to work for the first time. He made a call to his assistant in an adjoining room, uttering the words, “Mr Watson, come here. I want to see you.” Later that year, he and Watson had a conversation 2 miles apart and as development continued, they were ultimately able to make a transcontinental call in January 1915 which spanned 3,400 miles. By 1886, more than 150,000 people in the United States owned telephones. Today, over 90% of American adults own a mobile phone, bringing the total in operation to more than 327 million! Now, that’s what I call a success story!

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Local

Great Ashby

A Desirable Modern Village By Catherine Rose Great Ashby on the northern outskirts of Stevenage has been a civil parish in Hertfordshire since 2011. Despite its old fashioned sounding name, its development began early in 1999 and it has now said to have become one of the most desirable places to live around the Stevenage area, attracting all types of people ranging from young couples to families. As a modern village, there is a feel of real community here and the crime rate is low. It is also a bonus in its convenience for those commuting into London too. Surrounded by attractive

woodland, there is a 2.8 kilometre woodland walk that takes in five woods on the Great Ashby estate. The woods are managed by North Hertfordshire District Council and boast enchanting names like Brooches Wood, Claypithills Spring and Serpentine Wood. As well as the natural woodland, a new district park has also been built that includes playing fields, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play areas and a nature reserve. Great Ashby benefits from everything you would need in a growing community with a a community centre, a veterinary

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surgery, a day nursery and a primary school, along with essential shops and a bus service. It is a ten minute drive from Stevenage town centre with its shopping centre, retail parks, secondary schools and facilities, and from historic old Stevenage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a conservation area. The Villager and Great Ashby Directory is proud to be the magazine servicing the needs of the community here, helping small businesses thrive and grow, and bringing you articles of interest every month.

Hobbies

Why cards are still king when you want to play Fancy a game of Strip Jack Naked? Or maybe Black Maria? What about a quick hand of Snip Snap Snorum? If these activities sound strange you may be relieved to discover that they are all card games whose rules are now lost in the mists of time, but it’s probably no surprise to find that some games have fallen out of fashion over the centuries. What is surprising is that card games have managed to survive at all in this age of virtual gaming. The fact that card games have lasted into the 21st century speaks volumes about the enduring power of playing cards to fascinate and entertain us. It’s now widely believed that they were invented in China: some of the earliest references to card playing by the Chinese nobility date as far back as the 9th century. Because they were light and easy to transport, traders carried decks of cards abroad and so the fashion rapidly spread to Egypt, Persia and India. Card games eventually reached Europe in the 15th century. During this period the Italians invented the Tarot deck, which saw an additional set of trump cards added to the

standard deck. These were used as ordinary playing cards until the 18th century, when they also began to be used for fortune-telling. The Georgians and Victorians were keen card players and favourite games included Whist, Ecarte, Faro and Loo. In the early 20th century games such as Pontoon, Gin Rummy, Canasta and Contract Bridge became popular but the interest in card games began to fade in the second half of that century as television and other distractions tempted people to abandon their social gaming habits. It’s good to know that in spite of computers and the internet (or perhaps because of them) card gaming is once more growing in popularity, but in addition to online gaming, people are also coming together to play socially. As well as old favourites such as Poker and Bridge, there’s a huge interest in collectible card games, where players use specially designed sets of playing cards and trade their cards during a game. You can find a list of local clubs at www.orcsnest. com/clubs.htm and www.ukgmn.co.uk or alternatively ask at your local library. Many pubs now host informal groups playing card games such as Cribbage or Poker, so it’s worth asking the landlord of your local pub if they have card playing evenings. If you can’t find a local group that meets your needs, you could consider setting up your own club. A pub or local café may be the ideal place to get together, but do check with the owner to see if they have any objections before setting up a meeting. This is particularly important if you want to play for money, as the premises may not be licensed for gambling. If you are joining – or starting – a club you’ll find it’s a good way to make new friends who share your passion. It’s also a great way to exercise your brain. So many different games … so many ways to play them. When you consider that all this potential can be found in just 52 pieces of printed paper, it’s no wonder that card games have managed to retain their appeal over thousands of years.

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Travel

A Holiday in Hampshire

By Tim Saunders

A holiday in Hampshire is something to be embraced. The county has some fascinating celebrity links. Peter Sellers was born in Southsea, Jack Dee was educated in Winchester and Jim Davidson lives in Stockbridge and has played at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton - a wonderful art deco venue that has seen many celebrities grace its stage, and which will be showing Barnum throughout 2015. Hampshire is also a popular location to film with Worzel Gummidge and Howard’s Way both shot here; in and around the Wallops and The Hamble, respectively. This affluent part of the south east is a large county with three cities: Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth. We stay near Wickham, from which it is easy to visit all three. The house is a pleasant Victorian terrace cottage with three bedrooms large enough for us to relax and not get under each other’s feet. On the day we venture to New Forest Wildlife Park, the weather turns to rain but that doesn’t matter. Even though it’s winter there are still some magnificent butterflies to be seen and all undercover, which is extremely welcome. Our daughters are mesmerised, as are we. By the time we head back outside the weather has slightly improved and we enjoy seeing a surprising variety of wildlife that ranges from otters to wild boar, wallabies and wolves. You certainly don’t expect to see these in Hampshire. Back inside there are ferrets and hedgehogs and even barn owls and badgers. It’s a real treat for the girls. On another day we visit Port Solent on the way to Portsmouth and have a relaxing stroll around the complex. It’s the perfect location for a family get together where Harriett and Heidi have a chance to meet up with their grandfather. “This wasn’t here when I was young; the developers have done a good job and there are a variety of shops,” says my father, who lived in Gosport and Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Petersfield in his youth. Another splendid day out can be found at the Watercress Line at Alresford. The service, maintained by the Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society, provides a wonderful opportunity for travellers to acquaint themselves with the glorious bygone age of steam. We board at Alresford and it is possible to stop at every station (Medstead, Four Marks and Ropley) along the 10 miles of track running to Alton. We travel on 31806 – SR U Class locomotive. Designed by R Maunsell it is one of just 50 and was built in 1928 at Brighton Works being withdrawn from service in January 1964. We all thoroughly enjoy ourselves and Harriett mimics the sound of the train as it makes its way down the track: “Jickety can, jickety can”. We alight at Alton to do some shopping. It’s a little walk into the market town from the railway station but there is enough time for us to amble about and then catch the 31806 back to picturesque Alresford. Watch the videos at http://www.travelwriter.biz For more information visit: www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk

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Beauty

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk You moisturise, tone, exfoliate, eat a healthy diet and stay out of the sun. You don’t smoke. But still those pesky wrinkles gradually gain ground. Available treatments can significantly reduce telltale signs of ageing, and whilst the effect won’t be as dramatic as cosmetic surgery, for many it’s enough to give them a ‘lift’ and a fresher appearance. Picking your therapist Recommendations are great, but always check the qualifications and experience of any therapist. Stay safe: • Therapists performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures don’t require medical qualifications and aren’t overseen by the Care Quality Commission, but many procedures carry risks and should only be performed by someone highly trained. The Treatments You Can Trust (TYCT) register, backed by the Department of Health, will tell you if the treatment provider is appropriately qualified. • Injectable cosmetic treatments should only be performed by an appropriately trained doctor, dermatologist, dentist or registered nurse within a clinical setting. • See your doctor for a review of your medical history before undergoing injectable treatments. All the treatments below may cause allergic reactions, which can potentially lead to anaphylaxis.

Wrinkle Removal:

The Results and the Risks

Ensure the therapist would know how to deal with this if it occurs. Injectable Treatments Botox® Botox® contains Botulinum toxin A, which relaxes the muscle underneath the wrinkle, smoothing it out. Pros: Effects usually last for several months. Cons: Possibility of flu-like symptoms for a day or so, and some bruising. Results can be slow to appear and repeat treatments are needed. Treated areas may be droopy for a while. Dermal fillers Dermal fillers (e.g. hyaluronic acid and collagen) are injected either to fill wrinkles or plump up lips. It’s highly recommended that they’re administered by a medical professional. Some fillers are more permanent than others. Pros: Permanent fillers give longlasting results. Cons: Results can sometimes be asymmetrical or lumpy, or the filler can drift away from the injection site, sometimes requiring surgical repair. Treated areas may be swollen, tender, bruised or itchy. In the worst case scenario, dermal fillers can cause necrosis (death of the surrounding tissue). You may require a local anaesthetic. Resurfacing Treatments These treatments work by damaging the outer skin layer, removing dead cells and stimulating new growth and collagen production to repair the damage. If you’re a cold sore

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sufferer, they may trigger an outbreak. Laser/light resurfacing (‘laser peel’) A pulsating burst of light from a laser or diode light is used to remove the skin’s outer cells layer by layer. Pros: May remove blemishes and scars too. Effects are long lasting (up to several years). Cons: Your skin will dry and peel after a few days. Facial redness may last for months. Chemical peels Chemicals are used to peel away the top layer of skin. Some peels have limited effects, but intensive peels using aggressive chemicals (e.g. salicylic acid) penetrate deeply, giving more noticeable results. Pros: Deep peels are a one-off, long-lasting treatment. Cons: Deeper peels can be uncomfortable and carry increased risk of scarring and pigmentation changes. A sedative and/or local anaesthetic may be needed. Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion uses fine abrasive crystals to ‘sand off’ the outer skin layer while a vacuum device removes dead cells. Pros: Noticeable results; may remove blemishes too. Cons: Temporary facial redness and slight bruising. May cause scarring and permanent pigmentation changes. Several treatments are needed for best results. Remember: Always tell your therapist about any sensitivities, allergies or medical conditions before you start treatment.

Health

Pass (on) the Salt National Salt Awareness Week 16th-22nd March 2015 marks the 16th National Salt Awareness Week. Research tells us that a high dietary salt intake is associated with the development of high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Note the word ‘high’ in the previous statement. Average salt consumption in this country is about 8.5g per person per day. This is about one and a quarter teaspoons. I know this because I measured it out and believe me, it doesn’t look a lot. So why all the fuss about reducing our intake by what amounts to just about half a teaspoon? Salt is composed of 40 percent Sodium and 60 percent Chloride. We need Sodium because it regulates water in the body, and helps in the transfer of electrical impulses along our nerve fibre system. But just 1g of salt per day would be sufficient to carry out all these functions. At 950 percent of the required daily amount 9.5g does seem suddenly like a very big number. Salt raises the blood pressure because Sodium

encourages the body to retain more water. This increased volume of water in the blood vessels creates higher pressure. Once you have high blood pressure you are more likely to develop heart disease, which is one of the leading killers in Britain today. So, is it just a matter of leaving the salt cellar in the cupboard when we lay the table? Well no: about 75 percent of salt is hidden in processed foods. Brits eat more crisps than the rest of Europe combined, and with each packet, up to 1g of salt! Processed meats, cheese, cereals, bread and ready meals are also high in salt. That’s the bad news – so what can we do about it? Well, we can read the labels and choose foods with the lowest amount of salt. Studies have shown that by reducing our salt intake along with saturated fat, and by increasing our intake of fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy foods like yoghurt, we can reduce our blood pressure. Ideally, this should be combined with maintaining a healthy weight, limiting our alcohol consumption, and increasing our physical activity levels. It sounds straightforward, but in reality we all need a little push sometimes. Why not take advantage of a health MOT at your local Fitness club or Health Spa. Most have facilities for measuring blood pressure and body fat, and many have staff qualified to advise on nutrition. You might be inspired to change your lifestyle. Who’d have imagined that reducing salt intake by just half a teaspoon per day would reap such big rewards. Now that’s got to be food for thought...just don’t add salt! By Louise Addison

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WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 36 or more words Good: 28 words Fair: 25 words

R U

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Health

Quit While You’re Ahead By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

March 14th is National No Smoking Day and there is ever-increasing evidence about the damage smoking can do to you: • The health problems: cancers (lung, larynx, lips, tongue, throat, oesophagus, stomach, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, testicles, cervix), emphysema, angina, heart attack, heart disease, stroke, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, pleurisy, liver damage, high blood pressure, circulation problems and gangrene leading to amputation, hair loss, hearing loss, glue ear, eye irritation, cataracts, gum disease, blindness, loss of sense of smell, osteoporosis, impotence, deformed or low mobility sperm, reduced fertility, miscarriage, low birth-weight babies and premature aging. • You risk causing all these diseases in those you love. Smoking around them increases their risk of lung cancer by 24% and heart disease by 25%. Children’s under-developed immune systems and faster breathing make them particularly vulnerable. Smoke toxins linger in a smoker’s breath and for two hours in the air, so smoking in another room doesn’t eliminate risk - and we now know that carcinogens and irritants adhere to hair, clothing, furniture, objects and floors in a room, putting babies at the chewing, crawling stage at risk. • You’ll save money and smell more pleasant. Helping You Quit Withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, irritability, insomnia, headache, depression, difficulty concentrating, dizziness and constipation usually peak 24 hours after your last cigarette, before easing off over 2-4 weeks. Ultimately, like any drug addict, smokers smoke not to feel better but to feel normal. That’s why you may need support. Counselling/Addiction Groups Local advisers from the NHS Stop Smoking Service can offer support, and you’re four times more likely to quit with their help. Visit http://www.nhs. uk/smokefree/help-and-advice/local-supportservices-helplines or ask your GP. Nicotine Replacement Therapy NRT can help you defeat nicotine addiction gradually, without those other toxic cigarette

ingredients: benzene and acetone (solvents); cadmium (used in batteries); cyanide and arsenic (well-known poisons); formaldehyde (dead body preserver); tar; ammonia; shellac and carbon monoxide (which sticks to your blood, robbing you of oxygen and straining your heart). NRT can greatly increase your chances of quitting smoking successfully and there are a range of products available on prescription or to buy. Some can be combined for your ideal dose and coverage. • Patches: release a steady dose of nicotine into your bloodstream. They’re very discreet and come in a range of doses and types. • Gum: gives a burst of nicotine when you are craving a cigarette. • Lozenges and soluble sublingual tablets (microtabs which dissolve under the tongue). • Inhalators: Similar to a cigarette, they’re ideal if you find the habit of holding a cigarette hard to break. • Nasal sprays: usually best suited to heavy smokers, they rapidly deliver a strong dose of nicotine. Research suggests they may be the most effective type of NRT. Other medication These prescription-only medications are only available to over-18s and aren’t suitable for everyone. Ensure your doctor is aware of your medical history, current mental or physical problems and medications. They don’t contain nicotine but help you overcome addiction. • Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride): Taken 1-2 weeks before you plan to quit and continued for around 2 months, it helps to relieve withdrawal symptoms. • Champix (Varenicline): also started 1-2 weeks before your planned quit date and continued for around 10 weeks. It reduces nicotine cravings and also decreases the ‘hit’ when you do have a cigarette. So now you know your options, why not try to make March 14th YOUR No Smoking Day? Good luck!

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Gif t AvaVouch ilab ers le

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BLADES BARBERS ReDUCeD WAiTing Times nOW With seven team members at BLADes BARBeRs

DUE TO THE SUCCESS of the salon, Brendan, with 28 years of barbering experience, has come a long way having opened the salon in early 2009 initially on his own, he now has seven team members to accommodate customer demand for high quality gent’s hairdressing at Great Ashby in Stevenage. REDUCED WAITING TIMES. Since opening the salon, Brendan has increased the size of his waiting area to provide extra seats, taken on additional highly qualified barbers and is now training a junior team member to the same high standard that customers have come to expect.

Opening Times

monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday saturday sunday

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 7pm 8am - 6pm 7.30am - 4pm Closed

BLADES BARBERS – is an upmarket salon charging local prices. It is situated in the perfect location at the Neighbourhood Centre in Great Ashby, with FREE AND PLENTIFUL PARKING making the whole experience easy and convenient.

price List -

no appointment necessary Wet Cut & Blow Dry

£8.50

Wash Cut & Blow dry

£12.50

Clipper Cuts

£6.50

senior Citizens

£6.00

Mon - Thurs 9am - 2pm, over 65 years

Children

£7.50

up to 11 years

Beard Trim Beard Trim

£3.00 £4.50

with cut throat shape up

Lines & patterns prices from

£1.00

Unit 1, st Francis House, Whitehorse Lane, great Ashby neighbourhood Centre, stevenage, sg1 6nH

Tel: 01438 317 482

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Well Being

There’s Something in the Air... Can you sense that change in the atmosphere? A gentle stirring, a delicate lifting of the spirits, a tender beginning of something new... Smile and breathe a sigh of relief because spring is once more here to greet us, as always, bringing the joys of nature alive once more. After a cold dark winter we can all feel a little weary and perhaps disheartened with New Year’s resolutions which we’ve not kept. Returning home in the darkness after work followed by awaking the next morning to equal darkness can also be depressing and draining. So for all those whose good intentions have already fallen by the wayside, or those who just need to feel revived, spring gives us the chance to start again – with Mother Nature on our side this time. We can find encouragement when there’s a little more sunshine in the day and a little colour in the countryside. Just as the soil of our gardens and parks is upturned by

the growth of new life, so we too can turn things around, whether it’s at work, at home, or in an important relationship. Just as the new green shoots in the ground miraculously produce hyacinths the colour of precious jewels, so we too can feel empowered to create something new: a new exercise regime, a new craft, or a new way of life. It seems fitting that as the natural world starts afresh at this time of year that we also take the opportunity to make a fresh start. It’s no wonder that Persian people celebrate their New Year at the beginning of spring, rejoicing in nature beginning again all around them. They enjoy a traditional meal on the day that spring officially begins and then take several days of holiday to visit family, rounding off the thirteen days of festivities with a picnic. Perhaps the British climate will bless us with mild enough weather so that we can visit our favourite outdoor space and do the same? Indeed

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By Nooshin Hassan

the village of Thriplow has been celebrating spring for years with their annual Daffodil Weekend - an event which really brings the community together and attracts thousands of tourists to enjoy the open gardens, local food and live music. It’s impossible not to feel rejuvenated by the appearance of clouds of pink and white blossom on the trees, the longer days and the sweet fresh fragrance in the air. There’s a sense of excitement and it’s as though the world is full of opportunities. It’s a chance for us to re-energise and renew any plans or commitments. Above all, it’s time to get out and enjoy all the wonders of nature around us. So whether you decide to tackle part of the Greensand Ridge Walk (views from the Ampthill Park section are “tremendous”) or simply head into your garden to pick some spring flowers (there is something incredibly cheerful about a vase of bright daffodils in the house), embrace it.

Technology

Computer Encryption By Kam Patel

Helping you get to know your personal computer. Information stored on computers is valuable and sometimes you or your employer doesn’t want someone having access to this data. We’ve read or heard stories about USB memory sticks going missing, laptops being left in the back of a taxi or break-ins where computer equipment has been stolen. What can you do to protect the data on these devices? Encryption. What is Encryption? Encryption is a way to secure data by scrambling the information so that it can only be accessed with the correct encryption key. When I purchased my Windows 8 laptop, the first thing I thought about was protection. Windows 8 comes with an application called BitLocker Drive Encryption. The

laptop I use has a single hard drive of 700GB. I ran the program and it provided me with 350GB of encrypted drive, and this is where I store all my personal files. In order for me to access it, I need to enter a password. If I forget, then I have to enter a recovery key that was created at the time of the encryption which is kept safe. I also use BitLocker to encrypt USB memory sticks so if I have to take any sensitive information out with me I know that this is secure as well. For operating systems without built-in encryption you can purchase encryption software, but I have come across a free open-source program called TrueCrypt. http://www.truecrypt.org/ Find out more at http://windows.microsoft.com/engb/windows-8/bitlocker-drive-encryption

Fun Quiz - The Internet 1. What colour are Mr. Blobby’s spots? 2. On the TV show Mrs. Brown’s boys, what is Mrs. Brown’s first name? 3. In the world of TV, which job has been held by Mr. Starling, Mr. Llewelyn, Mrs. McClusky, Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Keele, Mr. McNab, Mr. Robson and Mrs. Bassinger? 4. Which movie character has a pet cat called Mr. Bigglesworth? 5. The abbreviation Mrs. was originally a contraction of which longer word? 6. On a children’s TV show first broadcast in 1965, what was operated by Mr. Rusty? 7. Which literary character was found at a London railway station by Mr. and Mrs. Brown? 8. In the Beatrix Potter novel The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, what type of animal was the title character? 9. What did Mrs. Cobbitt sell on the TV show Trumpton? 10. Which two dwarfs from Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs can become Mr. Men from Roger Hargreaves’ series of books by putting “Mr.” in front of their names? 1. Yellow 2. Agnes 3. Head teacher of Grange Hill 4. Dr. Evil (in the Austin Powers films) 5. Mistress (note: Mistress originally applied to married and unmarried women) 6. The Magic Roundabout 7. Paddington Bear 8. A hedgehog 9. Flowers 10. Grumpy and Happy

Before

After

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EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Local & Reliable

LOOKING FOR AN ACCOUNTANT AND A PROFESSIONAL ONE TO ONE SERVICE ? We specialise in Small to Medium size Businesses, Sole Traders & Partnerships • Accounts • Tax Returns • Payroll • Vat For a free quotation and initial meeting call Chris Hughes 01438 362959 Email: chrishugheshb@btconnect.com

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Employment

Employment Matters Look out! The HMRC are about One of the essential employment issues for all small employers to get absolutely right – and particularly micro employers - is the exact detail of their workers’ employment status. Whether people who work for you are employed or self-employed is not a matter of choice and it depends on the nature of the role and the terms and conditions of that role that dictates their employment status. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are constantly on the lookout for ‘disguised employees’: that is those who claim self-employed status but are in fact employees. In an effort not to pay NICs and PAYE, some employers will say the employee is self-employed, or casual, or temporary and it is important that every employer is aware of the clear criteria HMRC publishes to correctly determine employment status. Self-employed: • they can decide what work they do and when, where or how to do it, • they can hire someone else to do the work • they can work for more than one client Employee: • they can’t send someone else to do their work • the business deducts PAYE and NICs from their wages • they have a contract of employment Casual worker: The term casual worker is normally used to refer to individuals who work on an ad hoc basis as ‘bank staff’ or waitresses, bar staff, and security staff at nightclubs.

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• There is no obligation on the employer to offer any work • There is no obligation on the worker or on the claimants to accept any Clearly someone working five days a week full time in a business is not ’casual’. Temporary If not supplied by an agency, a ‘temporary’ worker in a company is usually working on a short term or fixed term contract of employment. Why should it matter to you, the employer? From August last year HM Revenue and Customs took the decision to name and shame individuals who are car dealers, electricians and hairdressers publicly on its website. Defaulters have been pulled up for evasion across a range of taxes including NI and PAYE including a couple who owed £78,557 while running an electrical installation and repairs business; a Yorkshire-based hairdresser who owes £19,000; the owner of an off-licence who must pay back £21,500; and a farmer who was given a penalty of around £10,000. If you have any workers claiming to be selfemployed, casual, temporary or any other status, do check and make sure that HMRC can’t come knocking on your door and avoid having fines, adverse publicity and your company name at the top of their list for the next decade as a business worth visiting on a regular basis. Carol H Scott HR & Business Consulting Ltd

31 31

Making an Impact Impact Interiors. By Catherine Rose Impact Interiors and Flooring of Henlow is the brainchild of husband and wife team Matthew and Nina Blythe and it has just celebrated its first anniversary. With a showroom at the end of the high street, the aim of the company is to be able to provide a whole solution in one place for all your interior needs. Catherine Rose paid them a visit. With a background in carpentry and flooring, Matthew is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Building. His wife Nina has experience in soft furnishings and interior design, having previously worked for John Lewis. Using their joint expertise, they decided to set up their own company after they initially saw a need for a good quality interior supplier in the local area providing everything you would need in terms of interior décor for your home. The bright and welcoming showroom officially opened on 7th September 2013 and the company has just celebrated its first birthday with bubbly, balloons and 10% discount at a wellattended open day and evening. The discount was extended until the end of September.

However, local customers continue to save 10% on all orders as Matthew and Nina strongly believe in providing a great service to the local community. As a result, they are also happy to offer free local advice and evening visits/ quotations. With an emphasis on the personal touch and good customer relations, Impact Interiors covers the middle to top end of the interior design market. Matthew says: “We are growing through word of mouth reputation and fast establishing ourselves as a local provider of quality interiors.” And quality is clearly of paramount importance when it comes to the vast array of the best named products available at the Impact Interiors showroom. These include a wide range of carpets from manufacturers such as Axminster; wood and Karndean flooring; the latest wallpaper by wellknown companies like Harlequin and Sanderson; lighting; curtains (including tie backs, poles and finials), and blinds and wooden shutters by S-Craft and Luxaflex. Matthew describes Impact Interiors as “the biggest supplier of shutters in the area”. What’s more, they offer free fitting on all

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their shutters, curtains and blinds. Luxaflex orders can arrive in as little as two weeks. The showroom is packed with samples and brochures of what is available as well as a display of attractive on- trend ornaments including candles, clocks and even jewellery. There are also some lovely greetings cards. The company stocks seasonal gifts and runs promotions, their next being a series of Christmas shopping evenings where customers can purchase festive ornaments and cards, both at the shop and at the beautiful setting of Champneys nearby. Gift vouchers are available. The many samples to browse through include a range of fabric as the company also offers what is fast becoming a popular re-upholstery service. As well as providing an experienced upholsterer, when it comes to fitting anything from flooring to electrics, or hanging wallpaper, Matthew and Nina can supply local tradesmen to clients who need them. “We believe in the importance of local businesses” explains Matthew. The couple is currently delighted with customer growth to date and thanks to increasing recommendation, more people are hearing about them and coming in to see what they have to offer. This has led to a lot of repeat business. Impact Interiors is situated opposite The Crown public house at the end of Henlow’s High Street and the shop has negotiated free parking at the pub for its clients, as well as having customer parking bays at the right hand side of the showroom. The first Christmas shopping evening is on 14th November at the shop between 5pm and 8pm and the second is on 5th December where you can enjoy 10% off all merchandise, a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Other planned events are listed on the website, and Matthew and Nina are looking forward to a busy autumn. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

So, if you are in the Beds,Herts or Cambs area and thinking about a new look for any aspect of your home, make sure you don’t miss paying them a visit at:

Impact Interiors & Flooring 15a High Street, Henlow, Beds SG16 6BS Mon - Sat 10am-5pm 01462 816 429 07787 598 770 nina@impact-interiors.co.uk www.impact-interiors.co.uk 33

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Garden

Facing North The problem I am asked about most frequently is that of what to do with a north-facing wall. Everyone wants to know what you can plant up it but more importantly, what you can do to increase the chances of your chosen plant not just surviving but also thriving. Getting the right plant for the spot is essential and I’ve listed some great north-facing wall climbers below. But first consider whether you need year round cover (and so something evergreen) or would accept a deciduous climber that will lose its leaves but keep a framework of stems, or if you could live with an herbaceous climber that will die back each year and return again in the spring. If the wall is very shaded it may be worth reducing the shade if you can. Nearby wall-shrubs could be pruned back or overhanging trees crown lifted (the lower branches removed) or crown thinned (the crown’s density reduced). Walls may be a dark grey or brick colour but you can make the spot considerably more plant friendly if you change the colour of the wall before planting. A pale-coloured masonry paint on the wall will cause light to be reflected back to the plant and make it more likely to thrive. Consider growing more than one climber to increase the season of interest and so the amount of time that the wall looks good. Flowering may be reduced if the site is gloomy and so to maximise your climber’s flower power make sure that you apply sulphate of potash as this will increase flowering potential. Follow the instructions on the pack, and generally try to apply it to the root area in late summer and then again in spring. Make sure that the climber goes in at a good Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com distance from the wall up which it is to grow. A minimum of about 45cm (18in) should mean that it can develop a good strong root system and this will help to keep it growing well. Self-clinging climbers such as the climbing hydrangea or a variegated ivy can look great and help to provide at least part of the interest you’re after for your north-facing wall, but even these often need a bit of a helping hand to get them started – train the stems on to the wall and protect from wind until they get properly attached. TOP PLANTS FOR NORTH-FACING WALLS Akebia quinata. Pretty pale green foliage with vanilla perfumed purple-brown flowers in late spring. Berberidopsis coralline. Prefers acidic soil, clusters of deep red flowers in early autumn. Clematis. Many smaller flowered varieties such as white flowered, rampant C. montana do well. Codonopsis convolvulacea. Pretty bell or saucer shaped violet coloured flowers in summer. Humulus lupulus (the hop). The golden leafed ‘Aurea’ will perform quite well as long as the shade is not too intense or the site windy. Hydrangea anomela petiolaris A deciduous climber with broad creamy white flowerheads. Lathyrus latifolius. the everlasting pea. Small clusters of pinky purple flowers throughout the summer and in to early autumn Lonicera x Americana. Classic honeysuckle flowers in yellow flushed red and with a gorgeous perfume during the summer. Lonicera x tellamanniana. Bright yellowy orange honeysuckle flowers in late spring and summer. Vitis coignetiae. Renowned for its fabulous autumn colour.

Business gone slow? Let us help!

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a D gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life Professional Dog Grooming Fully Insured. City and Guilds qualified.

Grooming Services: Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning Bath and Blow Dry Full Groom Hand Stripping 1st Puppy Bath Free (up to 4 months) Health Check I have a variety of shampoos to suit individual needs. A quick spray of cologne and your pet will come home smelling wonderful.

Other Services: Are there times when you need help with your pet? Have you got an unusually long day away from home? Are you out all day? I can help....dog walking or home visits to allow a toilet break or to give food. Please call to discuss your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you.

Call Christina Valentine on 07717 077502

223 Cleveland Way, Great Ashby, Stevenage Herts SG1 6BX 36

n d i hby e s Ba at As e Gr

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Vet’s Tip - Pancreatitis The pancreas is an organ that sits underneath the stomach and the first part of the small intestines. It has two functions. The first is to produce enzymes which help to break down the food in order for food to be digested. Secondly it produces the hormone insulin. This hormone is important for the storage and release of glucose (sugar) and proteins. Pancreatitis simply means inflamed pancreas. This causes the enzymes to leak out and literally start “digesting” the pancreas like acid. Pancreatitis can occur suddenly or over a period of time. Both forms are serious and must be treated. Causes: a) Contaminated water or food, e.g. Pet raiding rubbish bins b) Bacterial or viral infection c) Obesity e.g. High fat content in blood stream d) Some drugs e.g. Some diuretics, antibiotics and organophosphates insecticides e) High fatty meals - most dogs cannot tolerate fat derived from pig products such as ham, pork or

Pets

bacon. Ingestion of these can cause pancreatitis. f ) Cushing’s or diabetes conditions. Signs of your pet having pancreatitis can be similar to that of a mild or severe gastro intestinal upset. Look out for vomiting, not eating, diarrhoea and depression. A diagnosis may be made if your pet has an increased temperature and hunched/painful abdominal appearance. Your pet may show some or none of these signs. Blood tests and x-rays are sometimes needed in order to make a correct diagnosis. Treatment for this condition is usually supportive. This means keeping the pet hydrated with fluids, giving pain relief and allowing the animal to rest. Quite often the pet is banned from eating and drinking completely for up to 5 days to allow the pancreas to heal. Obviously this would mean overnight stay in intensive care at the hospital. Future treatment and recovery usually means a change in lifestyle. A low fat diet for the rest of the pet’s life is essential.

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Ardeley St Lawrence Church of England Primary School and Nursery School Lane, Ardeley, Stevenage, SG2 7AJ

We are a thriving, well resourced primary school and nursery in the village of Ardeley, just 10 minutes from Stevenage. We are an outstanding Church of England school and our children succeed through opportunities to:  Learn in a safe, secure and stimulating environment  Flourish in small class sizes taught by our superb team of experienced and enthusiastic staff  Enjoy a vibrant curriculum that embraces outdoor learning through close links with the local farm, our own garden and vegetable plot  Take part in the school’s sporting life which ranks at Gold standard for School Games  Explore music and drama through concerts, the annual Christmas Nativity play and the Summer Show  Play an active role in rural community life through school and church activities  Enjoy an extensive programme of lunch and after school clubs  Benefit from a simulating programme of school visitors and off-site trips, including an annual residential trip  Grow into confident, responsible, articulate and thoughtful young people To find out more or arrange a visit to see us for yourselves please call our office 01438 861284.

www.ardeley.herts.sch.uk 38

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Motoring

Landrover Discovery Sport SD4 By James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk) It’s the first model in a new family of cars from Land Rover, but can the Discovery Sport live up to the legacy of the Freelander it replaces? James Baggott heads to Iceland to find out. What is it? The long-awaited replacement for the Freelander and the first in a new family of Discovery models. Land Rover has split its range into three distinct ‘pillars’. There’s Range Rover, the soon to be retired Defender range and then there’s Discovery. The Disco Sport is the first and where it sits in the range will become clear as the new models are unveiled. What’s under the bonnet? A diesel engine. Yes, for now at least, just the one. Jaguar Land Rover has an all-new set of power plants waiting in the wings, but they’re not ready yet. It comes in six-speed manual or nine-speed

The knowledge Model: Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 Price: From £32,995 Engine: 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged, diesel Power: 190bhp, 420Nm Max speed: 117mph 0-60mph: 9.8s CO2 emissions: 161g/km

automatic guises, has 190bhp and 420Nm of torque. CO2 emissions are 161g/km and it’ll return 47.1mpg. It’s nothing ground-breaking, but there’s little wrong with it either. What’s the spec like? Not too bad at all. There’s a new infotainment system which Land Rover - and sister firm Jaguar have been crying out for. There’s a new suite of apps which run on a smartphone and can be displayed on the car’s screen. Four trims are available - SE, SE Tech, HSE and HSE Luxury - all with varying levels of the usual extras. Options include an armrest cooler and warmer box, seven USB points and headrest mounted iPad holders. Any rivals? The Discovery Sport enters a marketplace full of premium compact off-roaders, including the popular Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Where the Land Rover stands tall is in its off-road ability - the tough Icelandic terrain covered so easily during this drive

would be the death of many a supposed off-roader. Its sevenseater layout is unique for this class of car. What’s it like to drive? We spent three days at the launch of the Discovery Sport in Iceland, tackling terrain that wouldn’t look out of place on the moon. However, the landscape was so extreme it gave us very little idea what it would be like to drive on a normal road. We can report it’s incredibly competent off road, though. We found the ride a little hard, but then that could have been the dreadful surfaces, and it was a little loud inside too, but again that was probably the studded tyres. Verdict There’s no doubt the Discovery Sport is a marked improvement on the Freelander. The interior is a vast improvement; it’s comfortable and has plenty of room in the front and back. The multimedia system is better than before, although not perfect, and off road it’s in its absolute element. However, with no time on ‘normal’ roads on the launch it’s impossible to report on what it would be like as a daily driver. We’ll reserve judgement on that for a later date. Still, we doubt this will harm the Disco Sport’s popularity - the brand is on such a roll it’s going to fly out of the showrooms.

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Time of Year

Employing a Cleaner By Debbie Singh-Bhatti After years of struggling to raise four children, work full time and care for a larger than average home, I eventually overcame feelings of guilt and shame at not being able to keep a clean and tidy house, and employed a company to do it instead. It felt like a load had been lifted! No more nagging feelings. No more panic. No more dread. Suddenly my house felt clean, loved and well cared for – and I wondered what all the fuss had been about! The number of people employing cleaners is on the increase. Some take this option because they

don’t like housework, whilst others don’t have time or else prefer to be doing other things. Yet others are too elderly, ill or infirm to clean for themselves. Whatever your reason, it is important to find a company you trust to care for your home and your valued possessions. The best way to find a cleaner is by personal recommendation, but if that isn’t possible, one of your first priorities should be to check out references and testimonials. If the company can prove they’ve done a good job for others, chances are they will serve you well too. Next, check out what insurance cover is in place. As a minimum there should be £5m Employers Liability and £1m Public/Products Liability insurance cover. Also, find out what procedures will be followed if your property gets damaged or broken during cleaning. Be sure to find out what vetting procedures are employed, and whether DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are made. Also, enquire about training and qualifications. Don’t forget to ask about temporary relief during holidays or periods of illness. Will the company provide a replacement, or are you expected to make alternative arrangements? Finally, find out how flexible your cleaning company is. Do they work to a fixed template, or are they happy to comply with your individual requirements? When I employed my cleaner, I was encouraged to state clearly what I wanted doing and how. A good cleaner is many things – but mind reader is not one of them! Before making your decision, do meet your cleaning representative first. A look around the house and a discussion about what you would like doing, should result in an estimate of how long it will take and how much it is going to cost. Most companies charge by the hour. I couldn’t afford to have my entire house cleaned every week, so I decided on the most important areas and then selected additional chores to be done on a fortnightly or monthly basis. If you are still undecided about whether to employ a cleaner or not, take advice from someone who knows and go for it! You’ll never look back!

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Stevenage airport taxiS

Stevenage Airport Taxis offer the most reliable and professional airport transfer service in and around the Stevenage area. We have several licensed vehicles that can cater for up to 8 passengers. We also provide a transport service for weddings, long distance journeys and any occasion day or night leisure trips. Please visit our website for any bookings or quotations

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Food and Drink

Seasonal Delights Smoked Haddock Kedgeree

Serves 4 Ready in 45 minutes Just a few ingredients are needed to make this simple rice dish but it’s full of flavour! It’s ideal for a quick and easy supper or filling weekend brunch served with crusty bread or warmed mini naan breads, if liked. INGREDIENTS 350g smoked haddock fillet 4 large eggs 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed ½ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp mild curry powder 300g easy-cook basmati rice 3tbsp fresh chopped coriander 1 Place the haddock in a large pan, cover with plenty of cold water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes until the fish just flakes. Boil the eggs in a small pan of water for 7-8 minutes. 2 Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and flake the flesh discarding any skin and 44

bones. Strain the cooking liquid into a jug – you’ll need about 600ml so top up with water if needed. Run the boiled eggs under cold water until cool enough to handle. Remove the shells and cut into wedges. Set aside. 3 Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan and fry the onion and garlic over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the spices and cook for 1 minute then add the basmati rice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the reserved stock and bring to the boil. 4 Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. Gently stir in the flaked haddock, eggs and coriander and heat through for 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately. TIP - Add a large handful of baby spinach leaves or some lightly fried mushrooms just before the end of cooking to make this dish even more substantial.

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HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire. Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer. Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques. Call Richard on 01438 813492 Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today.

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Travel

by Solange Hando

Sète - Water Jousting Between the vast lagoon of Thau and the blue waters of the Med. in the south of France, Sète is a delightful place crisscrossed by canals where myriad boats tie up along the quays. Quaint flower-draped bridges span the water, seafood restaurants set up their tables in the shade and pastel-coloured lanes climb up the hill for spectacular views. But the ‘Little Venice of Languedoc’ comes into its own at the height of summer when water jousting is in full swing, staging over 50 tournaments across the region. Most prestigious of all is the heavyweight Grand Prix held in Sète on the feast of St Louis. Tingling with anticipation, crowds gather early on the banks of the Royal Canal to watch the opening parade and the first ‘pass of honour’ when opponents exchange the traditional handshake and if they know each other well, a resounding kiss on the cheek in true French style. Two boats will compete, one red, one blue, each one with an oboist and a drummer playing traditional melodies in the bow to set the tone for the long-awaited festival. With their beribboned straw hats, they look straight out of a Venetian painting. Meanwhile, the White Knights take up their positions, 10 on each boat, most of them fishermen, entirely neutral but the strongest fastest oarsmen you’ve ever seen. Captain at the helm, the first star jouster climbs on the pedestal rising at the stern two metres above the water while others wait in line for their turn. All is set for action, shield protecting the jouster’s chest, long wooden spear with steel tips held tight Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

under the right arm. Oboists and drummers break into a frenzy, excitement mounts on all sides and the red and blue boats race furiously towards each other, ready to send the first jouster diving into the water. Which will it be, the blue, the red, both of them maybe? No problem, a small fleet of motor boats buzzes around, ready to pluck the unfortunate fully soaked heavyweight out of the deep. Sometimes a burly jouster will miss the water altogether and drop like a stone into the opponents’ boat. Oh la la… The crowds cheer, laugh, clap, the judges scribble copious notes for it isn’t just about getting wet or staying dry; speed, accuracy and respect for the rules matter too. At the end of the day, the winner will receive the best prize of all, ‘immortality’, just like a god, when his name is inscribed on the jousting shield, as per tradition for the past 348 years. Sète held its first jousting tournament on 29th July 1666 to mark the foundation of the harbour which would be linked to the Canal du Midi, then at the planning stage. In the early days of jousting, the blue boat was for bachelors, the red one for married men. Today colours denote different districts but wherever you come from, being a jouster is like belonging to a brotherhood, You are upholding an ancient tradition which reflects the very soul of Sète, a city on water where future generations train with pride in the local jousting school. Colourful, exciting and free to watch, jousting in Sète is one of the most exciting festivals in Languedoc.

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Home and Interiors

The Art of Wallpaper By Susan Brookes-Morris

Go along to any DIY store or specialist decorating shop and you will see lots of different types of wall coverings, but how did they originate? The first type of paper was introduced in Egypt around 4000 BC and was called papyrus. It was from about 200 BC that the Chinese started to put glued rice paper onto their walls, and around 105AD that they began to make paper from textile waste. Knowledge spread from the Chinese to the Middle East via prisoners in the eighth century. It took until the twelfth century for papermaking to reach Europe. English manufacturing methods became world famous, and in the eighteenth century wallpapers from London workshops were highly sought after. Initially, hand painted papers imitated architectural details or materials like marble and stucco, but eventually other patterns emerged. The 1920’s are known as the Golden Age of Wallpaper as some 400 million rolls were sold during that period. The industry was revolutionized after WW2 when plastic resins were added to make wallpapers stain resistant, washable, and more durable. Whilst the popularity of wallpaper has ebbed and flowed in the intervening years, there is now more variety than ever and a wide price range. The choice of wallpaper can affect the mood and style of a room and can influences the selection of furnishing. To get the best effect from any paper however, it is important to hang it correctly, so we have ‘pasted’ some great tips opposite…

Ten Top Wallpaper Tips

1. Make sure all your paper has the same lot number so that it matches. 2. Use a lining paper to prevent the top paper from creasing or stretching and help the paste to dry faster. 3. Apply a one-inch stripe of white paint along the top of the wall before papering over dark paint or wallpaper. It won’t be as noticeable if the wallpaper fails to align exactly at the top. 4. Use a special plumb bob to get paper straight. 5. Your first strip should be about four inches longer than the height of the wall. Strips after that should be at least two inches longer top and bottom and may need to be more to ensure a pattern match. 6. Turn off the power before papering around switches and receptacles. Remove cover plates and paper over them. Then make a diagonal slit from opposite corners. Trim away the triangular flaps and replace the cover plate. 7. Double check newly hung strips for bubbles and seam matches. 8. Use a sponge to wipe excess adhesive and rinse the sponge often. 9. Use a sharp utility knife to trim paper 10. A special paste is needed to hang a border on top of wallpaper. Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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Employment

Pensions Rules are Changing What You Need to Know If you’re confused by drawdown, annuity, tax wrappers and pots, you are definitely not alone. It sometimes feels like politicians are being deliberately obtuse - why don’t they use plain English when talking about pensions so we all know where we stand on this important issue? Although other choices are available, including property or stocks and shares, saving into a private pension does offer the following tax advantages: • The government pays tax relief on your payments • You’re not taxed on the money in your pension pot (up to certain limits) • At pension age you can withdraw a percentage of your pension as a tax-free lump sum But what about the State Pension – won’t that provide the income I need in retirement? State Pension rules are set to change from 2016 when a weekly flat rate will be introduced. These are some of the new rules, should you reach State Pension age on or after April 6th 2016: • The full pension amount will be a minimum of £148.40 per week (the actual amount to be decided upon in late 2015) • At least 10 qualifying years are needed to receive the new State Pension • The total number of qualifying years for eligibility has increased from 30 to 35 Auto enrolment Auto enrolment is new legislation that obliges employers to offer eligible employees a workplace pension. The new scheme, which was introduced in October 2012, is being rolled out to include all UK employers by February 2018. Currently, if you earn a minimum annual salary of £10,000, are aged between 22 years and the State Pension age, and work under a contract of employment in the UK, you are entitled to automatic enrolment on a workplace pension. New legislation regarding annuities Until recently, when you retired you had no other option but to use your pension fund to buy an annuity. Annuities provide you with a fixed income for life, and even though the legislation has now changed, this product may still offer the most stable income for you in retirement. The 2014 Budget saw changes to pension

legislation. From 2015 you will not be forced to buy an annuity with your pension fund, but can use the money in other ways. As a general rule, people choose the ‘income drawdown’ option, an annuity, or a mixture of the two. What is income drawdown? Income drawdown is an alternative to buying an annuity. You buy stocks, shares and other investments and take a regular income by cashing them in over time, with 25% of each ‘drawdown’ being tax-free. If you are not risk averse and you have a larger pension pot of £100,000 or more, the rewards can be greater. Income drawdown is a complicated option with high fees and charges, and it will not be right for everybody, but there is a middle-ground that offers the security of an annuity with a little more flexibility. An investment-linked annuity There are two types of investment-linked annuity: • Unit-linked: these depend on the performance of stocks, shares and other investments • With-profits: these retain part of your return in high-performing years for use if investment performance declines Charges and fees for pension products can be high, and serve to reduce the overall value of your fund. That’s why you need the advice and guidance of a professional financial expert to cut through the jargon, clearly explain what you are buying, and tell you the true cost of the product. By Ann Haldon

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Unkempt (6) 4 Bogs (6) 9 Get better (7) 10 Command (5) 11 Not dirty (5) 12 Rational (7) 13 Honourable (11) 18 Consistent (7) 20 Hoard (5) 22 Blockade (5) 23 Impartial (7) 25 Remained (6) Down 1 Swap (6) 2 Type of fruit (5)

ď&#x20AC;˘

24 Tasks (6)

3 Adult (5-2) 5 Incorrect (5) 6 Relating to healing (7)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

18th March 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

7 Saunter (6) 8 Substitute (11) 14 Apparent (7) 15 Reckon (7) 16 Cared for (6) 17 Shouted (6) 19 Overweight (5) 21 Transport (5)

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Time of Year

Flowers & Mother’s Day By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Mother’s Day began in 1908 after an American lady, Ann Jarvis, asked the local church if they would set aside a day to commemorate her mother’s death. From this grew the idea to create a holiday on which all mothers – alive or dead – could be remembered, parents respected, and family bonds strengthened. Ann started a campaign to have Mother’s Day recognised as a holiday. In 1914 she succeeded when US President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day, celebrated in May, an annual holiday. The practice has spread throughout the world! During her campaign, Ann posted or handed out white carnations, and this flower became a symbol for the day. Mothers would wear a white carnation

if their mother was dead, and a coloured one if she was still living. In the UK, Mother’s Day is celebrated in March on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, this was a time when all family members were granted time off work and could gather together to worship. The day became known as Mothering Sunday – or Rose Sunday – because roses were handed out to all women present at church. Flowers symbolise purity, beauty and life – all attributes possessed by mothers - and gradually the tradition of giving flowers grew. But above all, flowers are given because our mothers like them!

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n O s ’ t Wha In March 17 February-7 July Jill Grey - Life & Legacy Exhibition See website for opening times British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 2TS Collector, Curator, Code Breaker, Correspondent and Campaigner, Jill’s story, told mainly in her own words, will amaze and inspire you. A truly remarkable life - A truly remarkable legacy. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk 1 March Charity Fun Quiz 8pm Five Bells, Henlow Village £2 entry Charity Fun Quiz in aid of The Henlow Village Care Scheme. Teams of up to 8 people. Cash prizes and spot prizes. Raffle Tel: John 01767 680974 4 March The Fifth Army retreat in March 1918 7pm for 7.30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk by Jerry Murland. Non WFA members most welcome. A small donation is encouraged at the door to pay for the running of the branch. Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com

4 March North Herts Association of National Trust 7.30pm Non-members £2 Christchurch Bedford Road Hitchin The next meeting is “Chicksands Priory”. Not a member of NT - no problem - come along and enjoy the evening. Tel: Colin Roberts 01462 456869 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nhertfordassoc 5, 12, 19 & 26 March Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm Meet in Hitchin This social club caters for the unattached aged 50+ with varied events during the month. No joining fee for the first two months. Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 6 March Bedfordshire Family History Society Doors open 7.15pm Mark Rutherford School Drama Hall Wentworth Drive Bedford MK42 9RX Members free, Visitors £2 Illustrated talk is “Bread, gruel & suet dumplings-life in the workhouse”. Library and bookstall are available at meetings. Next meeting will be 10 April 2015. www.bfhs.org.uk

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. 58

7 March The Signals Museum 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry permit from the Guardroom. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 7 March The London Welsh Male Voice Choir 7pm St. Paul’s Church, Bedford Tickets £15 The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle presents The London Welsh Male Voice Choir. Soloist: Matthew Jones. Conductor: Edward-Rhys Harry. Accompanist: Annabel Thwaite. The Concert is to raise funds for Road Victims Trust (www.rvtrust.org.uk) and Bedford Day Care Hospice. Tel: Bedford Tourist Office 01234 718112, Rotarian Richard Owen 07711 293913, Road Victims Trust 01234 843345 or Bedford Day Care Hospice 01234 352015 for tickets 8 March The 2015 Cruise & Travel Show 10am-3pm Free entry The Executive Centre, Wyboston Lakes Join the experts from the world of travel. Meet Julie Peasgood, actress, presenter and travel journalist. Raffle Prize Draw: Grand Prize - Celebrity Cruises 5 night cruise from Southampton aboard Celebrity Eclipse for 2 people. All proceeds going to Chums - Child Bereavement, Trauma & Emotional Wellbeing Service. For free entry register online or call Cruise Select 01234 818795. Web: www.selecttravelgroup.co.uk/show

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n O s ’ t Wha In March 9 March Icknield Quilters 7.30pm for 7.45pm start Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock SG7 6DH Cost £3 Following our AGM, we will hear about the 2015 Challenge and the second block for a raffle quilt. Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk 14 March Easter Eggstravaganza 10am-1pm Ashwell Springs & URC Hall Duck Race, Egg Hunt, Café, Bouncy Castle, Crafts and prizes for winners and best dressed ducks. 15 March Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectables so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Café serving breakfast, lunches and afternoon tea. Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk

15 March Maggini Quartet 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Hitchin SG4 9RB Tickets £12, Free for under 25s and carers accompanying a disabled ticket holder We will be joined by the deservedly renowned Maggini Quartet with a programme including Beethoven – Op59 No1, Rawsthorne – 2nd Quartet and Dvorak – G major Op106. Formed in 1988, the Maggini Quartet is one of the finest British string quartets around today and their acclaimed recordings have won many international awards. Not a concert that should be missed – especially at the amazing Benslow price. A real bargain! Tel: 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org for tickets 18 March Sandy & District Horticultural Association 7.30pm The Bowls Pavilion, Sandy Conservative Club Visitors £3.50 A talk entitled ‘Growing & Showing Daffodils’ with John Gibson. Optional two course supper £7 per person. Tel: 01767 680983 to book supper

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

21 March The 14th Ashwell Flea Market 9.30am-1pm St. Mary’s Church, Ashwell Many weird and wonderful items are on sale at bargain prices. Tea and Coffee available. Proceeds to the Church Restoration Appeal. 21 March Chrissie Cadillac 9pm Meppershall Village Hall Members £2, Non-members £5 A rock n roll tribute to the 50s & 60s. Email: sharon1805@hotmail.co.uk to reserve tickets 27 & 28 March The 50th Letchworth and Baldock District Gang Show 7.30-9.30pm Fri & Sat, 2-4pm Sat St Francis College Theatre, Letchworth Tickets £7 (group discounts available) Come and ride the crest of the wave with us! Email: gang.show@hotmail.co.uk Web: Gangshow.ticketsource.co.uk 29 March The Sunday Dance Club 7.30-10.30pm The Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth, SG6 4ET Friendly and welcoming with plenty of floor space to practice. Great music to dance Ballroom, Latin and Popular Sequence. Ample free parking, sprung floor and licensed bar. Tel: David 01234 300179

Wildlife

Damselflies & Demoiselles

As well as mayflies and lacewings, damselflies and demoiselles are other species of dramatic net-winged creatures that can be seen regularly in wildlife gardens. One attraction is a wildlife pond; these bring all sorts of net-winged insects, even if the gardens are situated a little way from rivers. In ponds, damselfly aquatic nymphs spend about two years at the muddy bottom, waiting for tiny creatures to come their way. Then with lightening speed, the nymph shoots out its mouth parts to grab and eat the unsuspecting prey. The nymphs climb out of the pond for the final stage of their life cycle by using marginal plants and lilies. When I have seen damselflies or demoiselles early in the morning, I have witnessed them warming up their bodies by basking in the sun. I often think that they are using their translucent net wings to gain strength from solar energy. Damselflies have the smallest bodies of the dragonfly family. They have the same structure as all dragonflies with a long, slim body with four translucent membrane wings which culminate in a delicate net-like structure. Damselflies have one of nature’s most unusual mating rituals. It begins when the female uses her wings to signal to her selected partner that she is ready for

mating. The coupling position seems awkward and excruciating. The male locks the rear of his abdomen onto the back of her neck, then she loops her tail forward and locks onto the male’s chest which forms a heart shaped pattern. Sometimes the male persists with this bond while she lays her fertile eggs. He does this because he wants to be sure that the female is not intercepted by another male who could then replace his sperm with a new mating. In this way he guarantees that the eggs she lays will produce his progeny. The female usually descends towards the bottom of the pond using a water plant where she lays her eggs. She remains underwater long enough by creating air bubbles around her body which she uses to breathe whilst submerged. She injects her fertilised eggs into the centre of the plant’s stem, from which larvae will eventually emerge as aquatic nymphs. Laying eggs is a

By Andy Mydellton

dangerous task for a female damselfly because if she runs out of air bubbles, she will drown. Other dangers include being eaten by spiders and other pond predators. I have witnessed Blue Tailed Damselflies at Millstream Fork more often than other species probably because they prefer gardens and ponds. The Large Red is the second most common damselfly visiting the garden while scarcer sights include the Azure and the Common Blue. It is worth noting that these three species all prefer clear streams, such as the millstream, as well as the river from which it flows. The Banded Demoiselle is the most commonly seen species in this group. They can be distinguished by their 45mm blue body stems and large dark blue spots on each of their four wings.

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Books

Book Review By Bruce Edwards The Crooked House Christobel Kent Sphere H/b £14.99

Returning to one’s roots isn’t always a good thing, though it may kindle the wave of nostalgia as sometimes defined, a disease of the mind. Alison has tried to carve out a new life for herself - as a child she was known as Esme, a little girl in a disparate family that may not have been a family, for we’re given more than a hint that mother had ‘ a way on her’ and jealousy erupted in a horrendous fashion. Siblings died. Her father was killed. She hid, was rescued and survived into a dark life of her own that may yet be her undoing, especially now as she’s Alison. Reluctantly she’s coerced by her ‘boyfriend’ to return to her childhood haunts and this precipitates despair about her previous early associations and odd love life. The wedding that inspires the visit - Morgan’s - isn’t what it seems and the future father-inlaw isn’t the nice guy as imagined. The law is still expressing an interest in Alison too so the story is anything but straight forward, indeed you could lose your way amongst all the twists and turns if you don’t concentrate - but riveting it certainly can be. The dour coastline of East Anglia hides crooked secrets in the shadow of a nuclear power station (P D James wrote a not too dissimilar story with this backdrop) - see if you can unravel them before the last page. Suggestion and queries to: writerselect@gmail. com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation. Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll try to help.” 62

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