Henlow March edition by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 42 - March 2012

and Town Life

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Prize Crossword See Inside

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VILLAGER

Issue 42 - March 2012

The

and Town Life

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

ur Yo EE Rcopy

Editorial

Solange Hando, Katherine Sorell, Arthur Kemp, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, James Baggott, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Sue Blain and Suki North

Advertising Sales Teresa Brooks teresa@villagermag.com Tel: 07401120021

Front Cover Image Digieye

Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Publishers

Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton Beds. SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

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 provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Welcome to the March edition. So, we finally had the snow! Not as bad as last year and gone as quickly as it came but still plenty of time for snowballs and snowmen though. So now we can look forward to Spring and time to start thinking about the gardens again. I’m no gardener but I took a look at my garden and it looks a little bit sorry for itself after Winter! Question is, do I get out there myself and tackle it or do I just get a local company to do the hard work for me... then I can do all the nice bits like the planting and the admiring! Green fingered or not, it’s that time of year when we start thinking about coming out of Winter hibernation and visiting the garden centres, farm shops and general brushing off Winter! I’m counting the days until I can acceptably wear my flip flops again! How was your Valentine’s Day? I hope many of you were spoiled and romanced. Of course my day was very busy with constant knocks at the door, flowers, flowers, more flowers…I wish! No, in fact my Valentine was a beautiful card from my daughter covered in all kinds of sparkly bits and a huge amount of glue – and I loved it. On March 18th, it’s all about our Mum’s and taking a bit of time to appreciate them and treat them to a day full of flowers, chocolates, presents and of course a lovely meal. This is one of the commercial days I love the best (excuse the cynicism!). Our Mum’s should have every day like this but it is nice to treat them especially nicely on Mother’s Day! So, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month, please remember to email me any information about groups, events or charity work going on in our areas. Teresa E: Teresa@villagermag.com T: 07401 120021 Check out the Villager & Town Life website

www.villagermag.com

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St David’s Day

1st MARCH

Stick a leek in your hatband, it’s St David’s Day! Maybe not as well-known as St Patrick’s Day or St George’s Day, but still a point in the rankings above St Andrew’s Day and hey, a party is a party, right? Now, I was brought up Roman Catholic, and although the Holy Office (the PC name for the Inquisition) would hardly recognise me as a kosher Catholic now, it’s still hard to shake off some of the attitudes. And as both a Catholic and an ex-Catholic I have always found it ironically amusing that the Welsh – by and large, as even they would admit, nonconformist – had such a devotion to a saint. They don’t believe in canonisation, for a start, and they certainly don’t share the monastic tradition; and David (son of the Prince of Powys and the Princess of Menevia) was not only canonised (in 1160 by Pope Callixtus II) but was also the Abbot of a large, aristocratic, and wealthy monastery. So, not exactly a Baptist role-model, then. Mind you, David himself would have had problems if interrogated by the Holy Office about his orthodoxy. He was born in about 500, just as the Saxons of Kent were being converted by St Augustine, and died by tradition on 1st March 589 (hence, celebrated on 1st March). By contemporary Roman standards his tonsure would have been all wrong, and he would have celebrated Easter on a date that would have horrified the Pope. In fact many of the tenets he would have adhered to were overturned by the Synod of Whitby in 664, when the old Celtic church pretty much capitulated to current Roman (and Saxon) practice. That makes him a heretic to just about everybody – contemporary Romans and subsequent nonconformists alike. To think, the Welsh defenders of early Christian tradition were, by comparison with their johnnycome-lately Saxon oppressors, heretics. Ah well, that’s history for you. Full of ironies! But these were ironies that wouldn’t go away. Samuel Pepys, more than a millennium after David’s death, records that on 1st March there were annual street processions in honour of the

Saint by dissenting London Welsh, aggressively opposed by protestant Anglicans; and in the 18th century Anglican London confectioners were satirising St David’s Day by producing gingerbread St David’s riding goats, known as “taffies” – hence our word “toffee”. The ironies continue even into our own time. St David’s stock, it is true, was not particularly high in the 19th and most of the 20th centuries when Wales was still largely Chapel. Only with the resurgence of less sharply denominational nationalism in the last 20 years has he been more widely adopted as a Welsh standard-bearer. In 2000 the Welsh Assembly voted to make 1st March a national holiday. In 2007, that notorious Catholic convert Tony Blair vetoed a bid to make it a Bank Holiday, despite 87% of the Welsh population being in favour. So: a proto-Catholic tells the culturally nonconformist Welsh that their sort-of Catholic but by the standards of his own times heterodox patron saint doesn’t merit a celebratory nationalist day off. Chew on that as you wish. I would rather chew on laver bread, bara brith, and (if you can find it) proper Welsh mountain mutton (a single leg of which, in my childhood, easily fed a family of seven at Sunday lunchtime with leftovers for Monday’s cottage pie). Washed down with a few pints of Brain’s SA from Cardiff or (again, if you can find it) Gwynt y Draig cider from Gwent. Or should that be Monmouthshire?

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Herts Visual Arts

joins the year of celebrations! Artists - open your studio to the public during this year of celebration. Calling all artists throughout Hertfordshire – applications are now invited to join HVA and to participate in Herts Open Studios 2012 which this year runs from 8-30 September. Application for taking part will commence on 1st February 2012 so please take a look at http:// www.hvaf.org.uk/open-studios for all the details you will need, or contact the HVA Open Studios coordinator on 07813 100651 / openstudios@hvaf. org.uk. With 2012 bringing us the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, this surely is a year of celebration - culminating with the greatest local artistic event of the year - Herts Open Studios! If you are a visual artist, come and take part - it’s a great time to showcase your creativity. It is always a difficult thing to do – taking your art to your public. Galleries, private shows or small art shops on the high street – all these have their place and are great for some, but taking-part in the largest art event in Hertfordshire - Herts Opens Studios – offers artists the most powerful way of getting their work seen. With the economic climate being so difficult Open Studios is a cost-effective way to show off your work and your talent. By opening your studio doors, and inviting the public to come and see art in action, this three week event gives you the artist a great opportunity to interact with your audience – talk to them about your work, the inspiration and creativity behind it. You may even wish to give a demonstration or two to show how it all comes together. Herts Visual Arts welcomes artists working in all media to take part, from painters in oil, acrylic and, water-colour, to ceramics, jewellery, photography – both digital and film; glass artists, fused to stained and everything in-between,

Julie Kimber

sculptures and engravers, calligraphy to graffiti, artists of textiles and fashion creators – the only stipulation being that you live or work in the county of Hertfordshire. Whether you are a professional artist or a passionate amateur and want to showcase your work to art enthusiasts and potential buyers, we welcome you to join-in this year of artistic celebration. A meeting for new participants and sharers to get the most out of the event is being arranged for the end of February, and help is at hand throughout the process from HVA’s team of volunteer Area Coordinators. The Open Studios event is publicised via a targeted media campaign. Details of all participating artists plus a photo of their work is included in 25,000 colour brochures (available in July) which will be distributed via libraries, museums, tourist information offices, commercial outlets etc across the county. Artists’ details plus photos of their work will also be featuring on the HVA’s website. And for the first time, accompanying the usual press relations, a social media campaign will be used to publicise the event (that’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to you and me!) giving HVA members a huge audience. Don’t forget - Herts Open Studios runs from 8-30 September and the application process starts 1 February 2012. Go online (www.hvaf.org.uk) and sign-up now, or contact Linda Warminger on 07813 100651 / openstudios@hvaf.org.uk to find out more about Herts Opens Studios, and the other benefits and opportunities of being part of Herts Visual Arts. So get processing your application and let’s make this year’s ‘Herts Open Studios’ the biggest yet HVA can’t do it without YOU because it’s all about the ART!! For more details on this event and others run by HVA visit www.hvaf.org.uk

Ben Shalom

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Style Guide

For The Guys

When it comes to looking good, finding clothes that fit well, feel great and make the most of your best assets are essential. Making good style choices and keeping up with the latest trends ensure a modern result, but whether buying casual, work or formal wear, the most important factor to be considered is ‘will suit your body shape’. Tall Guys - Undoubtedly tall guys benefit from being able to wear pretty much all of the fashion forward trends on the high street as designers base their ranges around a taller frame. Colours and patterns look great on this physique and hip-length two-button blazers, straight-leg trousers and jeans - along with just below-the-knee belted coats - are easily worn by a tall man. It’s important to remember not to dress head-totoe in one colour, as this adds height to an already tall frame. Keep jackets a longer length to prevent looking out of proportion. Choose thin-soled shoes to avoid unnecessary elevation and ensure that suits and formal wear are properly tailored. Short Guys - Thanks to the wide variety of great trend clothes on offer online these days, shorter guys can take advantage of what the world market has to offer. Top Japanese designers build their ranges around the proportions of their countrymen, so if you also have a slim build their designs will fit you perfectly. If you struggle to find trousers that are the right length, visit a tailor and get them professionally shortened - that way you don’t have to compromise the fit around the waist. Choose clothes that are without fussy detailing and build your outfit around shades of similar colours - whether light or dark. This will help to elongate the frame and create fluid lines, giving

the impression of height. Short jackets, boot-cut or straight leg jeans along with thick-soled shoes and boots will all aid in creating a taller appearance. Large Guys - Although finding really trendy clothes for larger guys on the high street can be hard, classic cuts and styles work well to create a very sophisticated and distinguished look. Choose clothes that fit properly - not too tight or too baggy - and ensure that fabric skims over your frame to smooth out your physique. Opt for a ‘relaxed’ fit in jeans and trousers and ensure that the material falls down close to your heel to create the look of longer, leaner legs. Dark colours will disguise troublesome areas and wearing an outfit that consists of similarly muted tones will create a slimmer and taller silhouette. Avoid patterns and colours - as they are unflattering for you - and instead, keep things simple. Check out online retailers for a great range of sizes. Skinny Guys - If you love high-end designer wear then you are sure to fit into the latest couture. But when you’re shopping on the high street, look for clothes that will fit properly, rather than opting for oversized or baggy items. They won’t make you look bigger, they will just swamp your slender frame. T-shirts that are slim fitting - not tight - look good. Ensure that there is movement in the fabric and that the material skims your body; check that there is no elastic in the garment or it will cling, not skim. Stick to slim-fitting trousers and jeans but avoid skinny-fits at all costs. Embrace colour and different hues and patterns to create a fuller appearance. Models wear River Island

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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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best. Not only enter the unbelievable world of close up professional magic that is second to none, you can now see a cabaret show that will leave you gasping, your guests enthralled and audience participation that is not only professional and but will cause laughter throughout and will be something to remember for a very long time. This is ideal for any corporate or private event. Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. 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 â&#x20AC;˘ 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com

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Forget the latest trends

Buy For Your Body Shape If you love the latest fashion trends then you will no doubt regularly spend time traipsing the high street to update your wardrobe with the latest buys from your favourite stores. It’s a fact that most of us are happy to break the budget on the fashion front. But, no matter how stylish you are or how much you pay, your clothes will not look good if they don’t flatter your figure. Recognising and understanding your body shape is essential for looking great in outfits that you spend your hard-earned cash on. Choosing the appropriate shapes, cuts and styles will prove to do more for you than the latest ‘must have’ designs ever could - and that’s because the correct clothes work with your body shape to emphasise everything that’s good and conceal what’s not. So, before you go shopping, check out our guide to what’s right for you - you’ll be surprised at the results. There are four classic female body shapes: Hourglass - This is regarded as the most desirable female body shape - it epitomises femininity. This figure is defined by shoulders and hips that are similar in size and a waist that is significantly narrow in relation to the two. Choose simple, tailored and classically cut clothes that will show off your curves. Always emphasise your tiny waist by choosing wrap tops and slim fitting jackets. Dresses and skirts that finish just above the knee will showcase your shape. Be sure to avoid frills, embellishments and fussy clothes; instead keep things simple. Boyish - If you have narrow hips, a small waist and petite bust, then your shape is defined as being athletic and boyish. You will have a model like figure that is slim and elongated - perfect for

squeezing into any top designer dress. Creating curves is important for this body shape, so wearing tops that are structured to create the illusion of a hourglass figure are ideal - especially when embellished with layers of lace and fabric around the bust and hips. Drawing attention to the waist with a wide belt shows off a slim figure and creates a curvy silhouette. Bold patterns, colours and prints look best on a slender frame. Avoid clothes that are plain and shapeless - they won’t create the feminine look you need. Pear - Narrow shoulders, wide hips and fuller thighs create the pear shape. The main consideration when choosing flattering clothes is to draw attention away from the lower half and bring the focus on the shoulders and bust. Tops should be fitted and should end at the top of the hips to show off the waist. Wide, structured and embellished shoulders broaden the frame and patterned and textured blouses, jumpers and shirts create volume where it’s needed. A-line dresses and skirts skim the hips for a flattering result. Keep away from short, tight skirts that emphasis your biggest area. Apple - An enviable large bust, broad shoulders, narrow hips and a full middle are typical of an apple shaped figure and so the goal when dressing this body shape is to attain balance. The shoulders and waist require slimming and the torso lengthening. Choose clothes that skim your figure and that won’t cling. Boot-cut jeans and belted jackets look great on apple shapes. Patterns and detailing aren’t flattering for this shape - so stick to straightforward designs. All clothes shown are from House of Fraser.

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Exclusive Bespoke British Furniture T: 01767-317-773 E: info@middletonfurniture.co.uk www.middletonfurniture.co.uk

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Care Homes

How to choose the right one Care of the elderly is an emotive subject. Whether you are choosing a care home for yourself, or searching on behalf of an elderly relative, you want to make sure you get it right. First you need to decide on the level of care required. Residential homes are for people who can no longer cope with daily activities in their home. They may also need help washing, bathing, dressing and going to the toilet. Nursing homes are for those people who require regular nursing care, by or under the supervision of a qualified nurse. Residents tend to have no mobility or severely limited mobility, mental confusion, and may be faecally incontinent. As with any home, location is important. You may want to choose a place where family or friends can visit regularly? Once a location has been decided on, select as many care homes as you can and visit every one of them. The Care Quality Commission (www.cqc. org.uk) have over 18000 care homes registered with them and publish all their inspection reports online, so this is a good place to start. Two other excellent sources of information are the websites www.yourcarehome.co.uk and www. carehomesupport.co.uk. Groundwork is good, but there is no substitute for visiting and assessing the standard of service yourself. Begin your inspection by ringing to arrange appointments to visit the premises. Ask

yourself if the phone was answered in a friendly way. Did the person answering the phone sound stressed or abrupt? When you visit, what are your first impressions? Is the place bright and clean, comfortable, welcoming and airy? Did the receptionist make eye contact and smile? Were you offered a cup of tea while you waited? What are the noise levels like? Are there any unpleasant odours? Look at the residents and chat to them if you can. Do they look clean, wellcared for and happy? Monitor how much interaction there is between the staff and the residents. Is there lots of friendly chatter? Check to see if call lights over doors are on and being left unanswered. This might indicate staffing problems. Check the floor, especially in corners and under beds. This is a good indicator of whether standards of hygiene and care are high throughout. When you’ve reached a decision, take good financial and legal advice. What are the fees and what do they include? Can you afford them on a long-term basis? What happens if funds dry up? What is the protocol for making a complaint? Consult the Office of Fair Trading ‘Fair Terms for Care’ booklet to see whether the contract you’ll be asked to sign is a fair one. Ask as many questions as you can up front, and you will help ensure that any move you or your elderly relative makes will be the right one.

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Get A Look You’ll Love

from a salon that’s perfect for you We all need a change from time to time and a great hair colour, manageable cut and fashionforward finish is all that’s needed to make us look and feel amazing. However, finding a hairdresser that will deliver what we want and at a price we can afford can be difficult. So, it’s important to think carefully about choosing a salon that’s right for you, before taking the plunge and trying out a whole new look. Putting a price on your hair It’s crucial to establish how much you are willing to pay for your hair-service, as salon prices vary widely. Local hairdressers are generally cheaper, while inner city salons and those that boast award-winning stylists can cost considerably more. But, if you are willing to invest in your tresses and don’t mind the extra spend, look out for a salon that belongs to the British Hairdressing Fellowship, as these teams are sure to be at the top of their game. Usually salons structure prices around the level of skill and expertise of their stylists and colour technicians. So, if you have a particular issue with your hair - such as it being over processed and damaged, or in need of a colour correction procedure - then it is certainly worth spending that extra bit of money to take advantage of the most highly experienced and skilled member of the team. However, if you are just after a simple trim or all-over colour, then a visit to a junior stylist is an affordable and sensible option. Taking advantage of free consultations It’s a good idea to check out a hairdresser’s website before paying them a visit in order to get a ‘feel’ for the place and to check out the cost of services on offer. A very trendy salon may be perfect for those looking for a cutting edge cut in contemporary surroundings, however it wouldn’t suit someone after a quiet and altogether more traditional setting. Take advantage of the free consultations that practically all salons provide, before making the decision to book in. Not only will you pick up some great information from those in the know, but you will also get a chance to observe the techniques they use and how well the staff interact with their customers. Most salons have separate colour technicians and

stylists, meaning that your colour will be applied by one member of staff and the cut and finish created by another. This ensures that you always get the very best treatment at each stage of the process. Talking to the experts Find a hairdresser that is in tune with your style requirements. If you love to make a statement and aren’t afraid to be bold, then booking in with a super trendy stylist who can inject some of their own creative flair into your look is a great idea. But, if you are more reserved and want to keep things classic when looking for a change, opt for a stylist that shares your sentiments. It’s great to get an expert opinion on what will suit you, but it is essential to be satisfied with the end result. Your stylist may tell you that you will look amazing with a short style, but if you love your long locks, don’t be talked into making a change that you will regret. Matching hairstyle to lifestyle Always explain your lifestyle to your hairdresser - a hairstyle that requires 45 minutes styling time, is not ideal for someone with a very busy life. Stay realistic about what can be achieved with your hair type and always illustrate your style ideas with pictures, to give your stylist a clear understanding of what you would like to accomplish. And once you have found a great hairdresser, be sure to hold on to them

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Crystal Palms Henlow & Inspire Tuition â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I am a Reiki healer based in Henlow and also provide Tuition Training. I have just advertised for the first time with The Villager. I wanted to say thank you Teresa and the team there for producing such a fabulous eye catching advert for me. I was really short of time and you took over and made my work look ten times better. As a result of this I have been inundated with calls for information and bookings and am absolutely delighted with the response to my adverts.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Linda Watson, Henlow Another happy customer! Why not let us help your business? Call Teresa on 07401 120021 or email Teresa@villagermag

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Relieving Pain...

...Naturally

Health experts advise that natural alternatives to over-the-counter pain relief are often the best solution. Julie Penfold looks at natural pain relief options for common health complaints. It’s an instant reaction for so many of us when pain first strikes; we simply take something to relieve our symptoms. Popping a pill is frequently our default setting and our usual answer is to take paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve symptoms – the most popular over-the-counter painkillers. The main pain-killing ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, which is found naturally in the herbs willow bark, poplar and meadowsweet. While willow bark and poplar are only available via a herbalist, meadowsweet can be found in natural health stores. Meadowsweet can be drank as a tea and is very effective at tackling pain fast, says natural medicine practitioner, Susse Wedel. “For general pain-killing use, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper are very good options. You can ingest these by adding to a hot water drink or sprinkling on food as and when required,” adds Susse. Tackling Headaches For headaches brought on by stress or tension, the herb rosemary is Susse’s top tip for relieving nervous tension, and just inhaling the aroma can help to ease tension. Rosemary essential oil can also be rubbed directly onto the temple for instant relief. Lavender and chamomile are two of the best relaxation herbs around and are a super option for easing headache pain. As stress headaches are commonly caused by a constriction of blood vessels in the head, rosemary and lavender can help to ease this pressure. These herbs are all available as herbal teas and are equally effective when consumed as a drink. Herbs which have an affinity to the head tend to have a high content of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are all naturally powerful against headache pain. For migraine sufferers, ginkgo can help to provide relief from painful symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and cutting out stimulants in the diet such as caffeinated drinks, sugar, tobacco and chocolate can also help, as these foods can trigger migraines, as well as prolonging them.

Muscle Strain Adding several handfuls of fresh thyme to a bath can be an effective alternative to over-the-counter pain relief for muscle strain, as thyme eases both muscular and rheumatic pain. St John’s Wort oil and rosemary oil can also help to ease muscular aches and pains. Foods containing magnesium such as wholegrains, bananas, spinach, broccoli, tofu, nuts, seeds, beans and pulses can also assist in minimising painful flare-ups. Menstrual Pain Ginger helps to relax the uterine muscles and stops painful cramps, spasms and contractions. Drinking a ginger herbal tea, or creating your own tea by grating ginger and adding to hot water, can provide fast relief from severe period pain. As an additional tip, Susse recommends topping up with hot water regularly as this renews the active pain-killing properties and provides longer relief. Raspberry leaf tea is also effective for balancing hormones, relaxing muscles and relieving menstrual cramps. To ease bloating and pre-menstrual tension symptoms, Susse recommends yarrow tea. Other super relievers for period pain include: chamomile as it is high in calcium, minerals and contains muscle relaxant properties and valerian as this helps to reduce cramping and relaxes stomach muscles. In addition, taking a vitamin B6 supplement can also help to tackle muscle spasms associated with period pain.

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18th March - Mother’s Day! Treat someone special this Mother’s Day Deluxe Pamper - Facial & Back Massage £35 Mini Pamper - Facial & Mini Back Massage £20 Offer applies to treatments booked in March or vouchers bought for Mother’s Day 8 Cherry Trees, Lower Stondon Beds, SG16 6DT e. faye@fayesbeautyhut.com www.fayesbeautyhut.com t. 07912 645310

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The Fairfield Players

DRAMA GROUP

Are you looking for an inexpensive and fun hobby? Why not join our small but friendly drama group The Fairfield Players, based at the Memorial Hall in Stotfold? The Players started at the old Fairfield Hospital over 40 years ago, and moved to Stotfold in 1994, when the hospital closed. We meet once a week on a Wednesday between 8pm – 10pm, and are waiting to welcome YOU! Now we are back after our Christmas & New Year break, we are preparing to recruit and audition during January & into February for our June production, & are hoping to welcome all comers – not only those who want to tread the boards. Our Wardrobe mistress would love some help as would the back stage, sounds & lights crew,

so there is something for everyone who has an interest in the theatre. So if you are over 16 years of age and interested, contact the secretary on 01462 624369 for a chat and further details, & look at our website www. fairfieldplayersathome.com where you’ll get a look at our history & lots more pictures!!

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What’s your BMI?

And does it matter?

Many years ago my mum joined a well known slimming club, and after several months was within three pounds of achieving the target weight the club had set for her, but try as she might, she just could not shift those last few pounds. After several disheartening weeks she finally gave up trying and eventually regained all the weight she had worked so hard to lose. This wouldn’t happen nowadays. Modern slimming clubs rarely dictate end weights and are more likely to invite you to set your own targets, although they will encourage you to choose a weight that is within a healthy range. But who decides what a healthy weight is, and does one size fit all? Since the 1970’s, health professionals have calculated a person’s BMI – or body mass index – as a guide to determining their “fatness”. Body mass index is calculated by dividing a person’s body weight by the square of their height, and universally the calculation is made by dividing kilograms by metres squared. So, if a person weighs 80 kilograms and is 1.8 metres tall, first square their height (1.8 x 1.8 = 3.24) and then divide this into their weight. Thus 80 divided by 3.24 gives a BMI of 24.7. Once armed with this information, what do you do with it? Health professionals suggest that a

person’s BMI should fall between 20 and 25 to be classed as healthy. If it is below 20 you would be considered underweight and anything above 25 would be classed as overweight, with obesity setting in at a BMI of 30 and morbid obesity at 35 or more. Although a person’s BMI is a useful way of determining if they are at a healthy weight or not, it should be used with caution. Several factors can distort the results and render the BMI meaningless. For example, it is not appropriate for the very young, nor the very old and the excessively tall. Similarly, athletes and others with high muscle mass may appear abnormally overweight. At 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall and based on a BMI of 20-25, a healthy weight for my mum is between 8st 3lbs (53 kg) and 10st 5lbs (68 kg). The elusive target weight she couldn’t quite manage was 9st 13lbs (65 kg) – well within her healthy BMI range. What a shame this information wasn’t around all those years ago! If you would like to find out more or would like help calculating your own BMI, visit www. bbc.co.uk/health or www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/ Healthyweightcalculator.aspx. By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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CRYSTAL PALMS REIKI Why not take time out to relax and refresh your mind, body and soul? Feeling stressed, depressed, suffering from illness or simply in need of relaxing rejuvenation? Then why not give Reiki a try... Reiki (meaning ‘life force energy’) is a safe, natural, gentle, non-intrusive, fully clothed, healing therapy combining deep relaxation with the healing power of crystals, leaving you calm, revitalised and re-energised. Reiki can help to alleviate the symptoms of ill health and promote spiritual, physical and emotional well-being and can be beneficial for:

• Stress reduction and promoting relaxation • Depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems • Maintaining general wellness, pain relief, headaches • Relaxation pre and post surgery • Clearing energy blockages, promoting natural healing

I am a qualified, fully insured Reiki practitioner working from home near Henlow, Bedfordshire and have had outstanding results. I have also been a predictive card reader for 11 years and can offer a variety of card readings to suit.

Reiki with Crystal Healing 1 hour £25 (3 sessions for £60) Tarot and Angel Readings 45 mins £20 Gift vouchers available for special occasions on request Phone or email Linda Watson for details or an information pack Tel: 01462 819169 or is 07739 391497 Email: linda.watson41@yahoo.com

Put the sunshine into your body and soul for 2012... try the Reiki experience! 22

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Can Food Heal?

Does what we eat make a difference? Spring at last, with more incentives for healthier eating. Salads somehow become more appetising and we can grow our own with longer, warmer days and so much cheaper too. Try growing cut and come again salad leaves in window boxes, or sprouting seeds, if you have no garden. With our busy lives it’s easy to forget we need to eat for nourishment, not just because we’re hungry. We know healthy eating goes towards preventing illness, but what if it may help to cure it as it appears, or even before we’re aware of it? As Chris Woollams writes in www. canceractive.com, a holistic charity website, “…how wonderful if a good diet could be like having your own personal mechanic on site 24/7 to ensure you never breakdown!” Whilst acknowledging that an accumulation of things such as genetics, stress, smoking, pathogens and poisonous chemicals can lead to cancer, in his book ‘The Rainbow Diet’, he describes dietary changes he believes will help make a difference, such as using super nutrients like, “…resveratrol from grape skins, polyphenols in olive oil, allicin in garlic, ellagic acid in berries, quercitin in onions and apples, vitamin K and indole-3-carbinol released by beneficial bacteria from ‘greens’ and broccoli, anthocyanins from deep purple foods”. A recent study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, has produced quite surprising results. Putting on too much weight was found to be a greater risk for breast cancer in women than drinking alcohol, and a lack of fruit, vegetables and fibre, high salt and excessive red meat consumption, together accounted for 9.2% of all cancers. At Harvard University, of 26,000 people they studied, those who closely followed a traditional Mediterranean diet, including more salads, fruit, fish and olive oil, were overall less likely to develop cancer. Just using olive oil in baking, as well as in cooking and on salads, had the greatest effect, reducing cancer risk by 9%. It also showed that

making any two changes to your diet, such as eating more peas, beans and lentils and less meat, could cut cancer risk by 12%. Balance, moderation and variety are key factors. Vary your dairy. Try goat’s cheese or manchego, a popular Spanish sheep cheese, and soya, coconut or almond milk on your cereal. Add quinoa (keenwa) or millet flakes and linseeds to your porridge. Eat the full spectrum of colours, yes even blue, blueberries! Try using xylitol instead of sugar. Keep drinking your usual tea, but also try green or white tea, both naturally sweet and even better for you. The odd glass of red wine is good too, but not the whole bottle of course. No excuses, the polyphenols are not just at the bottom! By Sue Blain

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Going Solar

Should you?

Since April 2010 when the government announced massive new incentives for making the switch, there has been a huge surge in the solar power industry, but recent changes to this incentive scheme (effective 12 December) demand the question, “Is it worth it?” Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV) consist of small solar cells wired together to form larger panels. These panels are fitted to roofs at least 10m2 in size which ideally face southeast to southwest. Although direction is not critical, the amount of electricity produced will depend upon the amount of sunlight received. The solar cells capture the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity which can be used in the home for lighting and to run household appliances. It is estimated that a solar installation could meet around 40-50% of a household’s annual electricity consumption. Electricity can only be generated during daylight hours,and as it cannot be stored, it must also be used during the day. When it is not possible to generate your own electricity, for example when it is dark, electricity is supplied by your utility company at a reduced charge. Under the government’s Feed In Tariff (FIT), any electricity produced and used by the householder is free and the excess is sold to the national grid

where it is bought by utility companies for supply to other consumers. In addition to the savings and potential earnings already outlined, you also get paid for generating the electricity in the first place. Although there is still money to be earned by switching to solar, the amount is substantially less than it was before the recent changes, so the cost of installation needs to be taken into consideration to determine whether or not it is a financially sound investment. The current cost for a typical solar system is around £11,000, and the estimated earnings over a 25 year period are around £13,750 – making a total gain of almost £3,000. Advice on the Money Saving Expert website suggests that unless you are able to pay outright for the installation of the panels, the cost of a loan or credit could dwarf,or possibly even wipe out,any savings made, so the decision to switch to solar should be made very carefully. Of course, there are other issues at stake here. It’s not all about money! By going solar, you will be using a free and renewable source of energy which doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. By reducing your personal carbon footprint you will be helping to ensure that the planet will still be here for your grandchildren and their children to enjoy in years to come!

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Madeira

By Solange Hando Madeira means ‘wood’, a name given to the island by the first Portuguese settlers in the 15th century, though they promptly burnt as much of the forest as they could to create arable land. Today the trees are back, 900,000 of them planted in the past decades, and as you approach this rugged but fertile island, dizzying slopes greet you with lush terraces where mango and banana groves compete with vineyards, passion fruit and papaya trees. Pretty as a postcard, Funchal, the capital, is a neat maze of tree-lined avenues with mosaic pavements, shaded squares and outdoor restaurants sweeping around a glistening bay. On these south-facing slopes, life is relaxed and there’s time to wander around the farmers’ market, the steep lanes draped in wisteria, the marina, or look out for the Beatles Boat turned into a restaurant, the statue of Zarco, the explorer who first set foot on the island, or that of Christopher Columbus who married a local girl. Some 2000 feet above the sea, the leafy suburb of Monte offers superb views, fragrant gardens and an iconic church where on August 15th, penitents go up the steps on their knees. Visitors prefer the cable-car but the fun way down is the toboggan, Madeiran-style, careering down the slope in a giant wicker basket, swung right and left by two handsome guys in white gear and straw hats. Just 36 miles by 14 miles in the Atlantic, closer to Africa than to Portugal, the motherland, this little gem of an island is surprisingly varied. All along the coast, rocks and cliffs tower dramatically above small pebble beaches pounded by the ocean. Experienced surfers head north to ride the waves but Funchal has gentle options, from coastal and dolphin-watching trips to a romantic twilight cruise on Santa Maria de Colombo, a stylish replica of Christopher Columbus’ boat. Others sail around the Desert Isles, home to wild goats, seals and thousands of sea birds while the ferry sets off for the more distant sister island of Porto Santo and its five miles of golden sands. Back on the main island, small towns and villages are scattered along the shore, Camara de Lobos with its fishermen’s chapel and wooden boats, Calheta and its sugar plant making ‘firewater’,

Porto Moniz with its bathing pools hollowed out of an old lava flow or Machico where Zarco is said to have landed. Not so far away, Torch Mountain recalls the great bonfires of the past, warning of approaching pirates, while the world’s second highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao, rises to a staggering 1900 feet and the windswept eastern peninsula stretches into the ocean, shared by the occasional lizard and a handful of seasoned walkers. Walking on Madeira is exhilarating and pleasant year round. Popular footpaths follow the levadas, the ancient irrigation channels still used to bring water from the humid but sparsely inhabited north to the rich farmlands of the south, with a network of over 800 miles. There are leisurely trails through the ancient laurel forest of the National Park covering two thirds of the island, past gurgling streams and waterfalls, picnic spots and panoramic ‘balconies’ suspended between heaven and earth. But most challenging of all is the mountainous interior and the fabulous but head-spinning hike from Pico de Areiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak towering above a dramatic moonscape at over 6000 feet.

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CREATIONS

Flowers ‘Taylor-Made’ For You

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WHO SHOULD WRITE MY WILL?

wills trust & Probate Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It determines who is to act for you when you die and who is to get what. Without a Will the States decides. Where appropriate, your Will should ensure children cannot to be disinherited, record executors and any guardian, and have Trust arrangements that can reduce any 40% inheritance tax liability and possibly protect the family home from an enforced sale to meet third party interests. You could do it yourself or on line but both are NOT recommended. There are too many important issues that could easily be overlooked leading to your wishes not being fulfilled and the tax and care system benefiting. On line is not necessarily cheap – a major provider charges £140 for a single Will. Solicitors and Will writers vary in their expertise and if you have an estate of any size or family complexity consider choosing a STEP solicitor (a member of Society of Trusts & Estate Practitioners). Local Solicitors can be an expensive option and usually require the inconvenience of attending their office, which can mean time off work. How much should you pay? Fees vary. A straight forward Single Will can be obtained for under £100 BUT beware of cheap and free offers. They not only often hide undisclosed costs e.g. if children are involved as well as high fees if more complex matters have to be addressed. You are especially warned against using Banks and those solicitors who require your Executors to use them for probate service. Solicitors probate terms vary but 3% is not untypical, whilst some Banks charge 5% to 9%! The £29.99 could be the most costly purchase you ever make. What happens at the Home Visit? A good Estate Planner will discuss and review your assets and liabilities as this is an excellent time to look at reviewing Life Insurance costs and the way it pays out to your estate. May

be you are under insured or need new cover as your life changes. Many people have old or dormant pension pots which could be put to better use providing a higher return. There is also a system in place to check on under - performing investments which may have already paid out benefits or are yet to mature. This is a good time to review and claim for compensation which is normally free to apply with fees paid from the amount compensatedyou never know you may be sitting on a good wind fall. Nominated Critical Illness, Death in Service benefits and Life Insurance benefits may be channelled through Family By Pass Trusts reducing any IHT on the estate. Recovering Assets such as the dreaded Payment Protection Insurance could be refunded and paid back if you felt it was misssold. If you have a mortgage on your biggest asset you may not have the best deal and during the last 10 years many people ended up with deals including massive set up fees which could be refunded if proven unfair. Powers of Attorney should be put in place to allow your family to act should you ever become incapacitated. These can cover any incapacity from illnesses to complete loss of capacity. Leave it too late and the consequences are expensive! This is now an excellent opportunity to review your family finances and estate planning no matter how simple or complex Steven White, Director The Will Trusts & Probate Practice Ltd 0800 612 6371 or 07954 162 522

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Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking. • continental breakfast • large luxury en-suite rooms • free wifi internet access • sky tv/dvd player • fridge in room • private location • close to train station • major credit cards taken

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Email: ami@amcofm.co.uk or sally@amcofm.co.uk North Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 5DN

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COMPETITION PAGES COMPETITION PAGES Win a Full Set of Calgel Nail Overlays Just answer the following question to be in with a chance of winning. How much does a set of Calgel overlays cost? Please send your entries to the address below by 30th March 2012. Nails by Pam Competition Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The Winner will be drawn at random

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SUNSHINE GARDENS

Call 01462 896427

t’s hard to believe that 20 years have gone by since David Hammond first packed the boot of his car with a handful of old tools to start Sunshine Gardens (Baldock). The years since have seen the business grow into one of the most reliable garden maintenance companies in the area and to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, Sunshine Gardens (Baldock) are donating a free one day garden tidy up once a month throughout 2012 to a deserving cause. Nominations will be given in North Herts with the main aim being to help the disabled and elderly families in need.

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“I feel it is time to give something back to the area” says owner David. “We are proud of our company and proud of the work we carry out and I know that in these tough times some people cannot afford to keep their gardens neat and tidy like they have done in the past. We are more than happy to donate our time and equipment for one day a month to help some of the less fortunate residents.” Sunshine Gardens (Baldock) specialise in regular and reliable garden maintenance. Weekly or fortnightly visits take up 90% of their work load each week, along with any garden tidy ups and clearances. Bringing their own high spec petrol garden machinery, they cut and edge lawns, weed beds and border, prune and shape hedges and shrubs and weed and sweep paths and patios. With many people now working longer hours, it is nice to come home and see one of the chores of life all completed for them, leaving the weekends free to enjoy themselves. Elderly residents rely on help too in looking after their pride and joy but have often been let down in the past. “Although we carry out the larger jobs too, our main priority is our regular customers. They need to know that we care and will turn up every week or fortnight

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so they don’t have to worry about the upkeep of their gardens and we fit in any one off jobs around our regulars. When our customers use our service 12 months of the year we believe they deserve our loyalty.” Sunshine Gardens (Baldock) carry out work for many commercial properties as well as private dwellings. Grass verges, shrubs, car parks and boundary hedges all require maintenance as first impressions count for local businesses. Landlords, too, use our services as many of their tenants are not green fingered and so the landlords enlist our services to ensure that the garden work is done.

As well as being one of the best and most reliable garden maintenance companies in the area, Sunshine Gardens (Baldock) also carry out one off landscaping jobs. Whether it be fencing, patios, decking, turfing (especially February through to May) or just that “nightmare” being cleared, we have the skill base in our friendly staff to carry out these jobs to a high standard you will be pleased with. So, whatever your needs, please give us a call and see if we can be of service.

 Lawns cut and edged  Borders and beds weeded  Shrubs pruned and shaped  Paths and patios swept  Rubbish removed  Patios and decking  Hedges cut  Turfing  Fences

Gardening a pain? Let us take the strain!

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Weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits arranged and one-off nightmares cleared

From just £12 per week Get 2 free months with this advert 20 years experience, friendly & reliable service

For more details or for a free quotation call 01462 896427 or email: david.sunshinegardensbaldock@mail.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

GILKS FENCING LTD Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public.

•Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis Made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing • Concrete Slotted Posts • Professional Installation Available

Unit 2, 1 Stockton End, Off Sunderland Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 1SB Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com

Phil’s Landscaping Services When quality counts. Over 40 years experience Multi skilled in all building work Block paved drives, patios, brickwork, decking, fencing, garden buildings, bases, gates & posts 3 tonne digger service Footings, drainage & soakaways

Just ring Phil on 07922 849682 for a free quote 34

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Growing Peppers

By Pippa Greenwood Growing your own peppers need not be a labour of love. In fact, it is not much more involved than growing tomatoes, so why not give it a try? Pepper plants can be unbelievably pretty too, with fruits in a range of shapes and colour, generally on compact plants and preceded by small and very pretty white flowers. Chilli and sweet, or bell, peppers can both be grown in a greenhouse border, in a sunny spot in the garden in warmer parts of the country, or on a sunny, sheltered spot on the patio. You’ll get the heavier, earlier crop if you grow the plants in a greenhouse or conservatory, but it is well worth growing them outside too, especially if you choose a spot close to a sunny wall for warmth. Sweet peppers are very high in vitamin A and both red and green peppers are also very high in vitamin C. Chilli peppers also have a good supply of vitamins C and A and in addition, contain both beta-carotene and something called capsaicin which is believed to have a useful effect on blood cholesterol levels. So all in all, there should be no stopping you, especially when you remember that they also make great eating – raw, roasted, on the BBQ, in stir fries, stuffed...in pasta sauces. The seeds are readily obtainable from many catalogues or garden centres but before you select what to grow, make sure you take into account the level of heat you’re likely to get with any chilli peppers you grow. Most seed packets and catalogues do make it very clear. Sow the seeds between now and early April. I use a multi-purpose or a seed compost as either work well, but to get good germination you will need to provide a bit of extra warmth, ideally from a heated propagator positioned in a spot where it receives plenty of natural light. If you don’t have the time or facilities to raise your own from seed, you can always buy a few plants in a garden centre or send off for them. We offer two tasty varieties a miniature sweet pepper, and a chilli pepper as part of my ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system, they are a regular favourite ( see www.pippagreenwood.com for details) Grow the plants on in any good quality multipurpose compost, keep them a tiny bit drier than you would a tomato plant and feed regularly with a high-potash liquid feed (most readily available as a ‘tomato food’). This helps to keep the plants growing strongly and the potash will encourage

plenty of flowers and so fruits to form. If you are going for plants in pots, choose a pot or planter that has good drainage, add broken pots for extra drainage, and make sure that the pot is 30cm (12in) or more in diameter. Once there is no danger of late frosts, ideally by early June when temperatures are also warming up, you can put the pots or plants outside in a sheltered, sunny spot. Some sweet pepper plants can get quite tall and rather ungainly so be ready to give them a bit of extra support if necessary. A stout bamboo cane will usually do the trick, and tie the plant in loosely with twine, string or any other soft garden tie. If you’re after the hottest possible heat from your chilli peppers, then you’ll find this comes from fruits that are totally ripe, and that that ultimate heat is most likely to be achieved from peppers grown on plants that are grown in warmer conditions. So, if your plants are going to be looking gorgeous on your patio over the summer, make sure you put them somewhere extra warm – perhaps a sunny porch or window sill for that last bit of ripening time in the autumn. For sweet peppers, if you are growing them in patio pots in a sunny spot then you are likely to find that there are still some unripened fruits on the plants when temperatures start to fall at the end of summer and well into autumn. To increase the chances of these ripening and increasing to full size, move the pots to a warmer spot if possiblewhere they’ll get extra warmth and also plenty of natural light. If you want chillies that look particularly good on the patio there are plenty to choose from. ‘Black Pearl’ is a hot chilli pepper with a distinct blackish tinge to the mature leaves and fruits that are black early on and mature darkest red. For classic chillis with bright red, finger shaped fruits try ‘Thai Dragon’.

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Hitchin

Luton

01462 759819

01582 639811

01462 759819

01462 730769

Baldock

Stevenage

Letchworth

01462 759819

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01438 771738

0800 056 5711

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Rural Ramblings BY GEOFF WHARTON

The Scouts Were Right A greenhouse is such a useful addition to any garden but unfortunately many seem to attract “rubbish” and dirt like a magnet and often end up full of everything apart from those things for which it was originally intended. Squeezing past all this stuff in order to access some small area to actually grow something, can be quite off-putting and rather intimidating! So much better to use the quiet part of the year for a good clear out in preparation for the growing season. The panes of broken glass letting in rain and cold air can be fixed , the glass cleaned of moss and algae and the dead foliage brushed up reducing possible reinfection. Many things which inevitably need to be done may be better planned ahead rather than acted on the spur of the moment. The seeds and varieties can be carefully chosen and if the order is sent in well in advance of the Spring rush, the choice is usually greater and the delivery time quicker. Compost can be bought well in advance rather than running out half-way through potting up. The soil can be prepared well in advance, if the conditions are suitable, allowing frost to break it up thus improving the tilth and making it easier to produce better conditions for optimum germination. The smell of new-mown grass is usually sufficient to encourage even the most reluctant of gardeners to venture outside to sort-out the lawn, but it is so annoying to pull out a dirty mower from it’s cosey winter hibernation from under a pile of old carpet, and find that the thing won’t even start or takes a gargantuan feat of gymnastic exertion finally ending with the snapping of the starter cord!!! Then the lady of the house chirps out some useful words of advice such as “I told you it would be better if you had given it a try last week, darling!” Followed by an equally tactful “I am sure YOU will be able to fix it this afternoon when that silly football match is on the TV dearest” Of course she is right! – change the oil, sharpen the blades and give it a start before you need to use it. Secateurs, loppers and hoes all need to be sharp in order to function properly. So many expensive tools are left to rust over winter and it is so easy to give them a smear of oil and a little grease on

the moving parts. When a sprayer has been used, it is better to wash it out leaving it clean and dry for next time otherwise you may not remember what was last used It is not a particularly good idea to spray your favourite plants against greenfly using a mix of insecticide and old weedkiller! Even if clean water is left in the sprayer, algae can still grow over winter and clumps can find their way into the nozzle, causing repetitive blockages and wasted time. Using tools and equipment which are welldesigned and fit for purpose can be such a pleasure, but equally can be so infuriating and frustrating if they don’t work well or continually break down. Quality is expensive but preventative maintenance is usually quick, easy and very cost effective. It makes sense to spend a little time giving things a check over to make sure that all is well.

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified. General and specialist garden work: Jungle clearing, Pruning, Hedge and grass cutting, Regular maintenance, Licensed waste disposal. Full public liability cover. Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science Email:geoffwharton@hotmail.com

Tel: 01767 261727

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Inspire Tuition Service Experienced and enthusiastic primary school teacher has vacancies for KS1 and KS2 pupils SATS, 11+, Literacy and Numeracy I offer a fun, professional, child centred approach to learning, regular reports, Behaviour Management packages Full information pack available Phone or email Linda Watson: 01462 819169 or 07739 381497 linda.watson41@yahoo.com Prices from ÂŁ15 per 50 min. session

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Top 5 Cars of the Tokyo Motor Show

By James Baggott, editor of car dealer

This year’s Tokyo Motor Show was dominated by green technologies and wacky concepts – but among the madness there were some important model launches. The show isn’t one of the biggest. Spread over four halls you can get around it easily in a day – unlike the blister-inducing mass of motors that is Europe’s biggest show in Frankfurt, Germany. However, as the Japanese makers’ home event, it is absolutely packed with innovation. I spent two days scouring the halls and soaking up the culture, but eventually these five emerged as my picks of the show. Toyota GT 86 It’s about time Toyota got interesting again and the GT 86 certainly floats our boat. Rumoured to cost around £28,000 when it goes on sale in the UK, the rear-wheel drive car features a 2.0-litre 197bhp unit and will hit 60mph in seven seconds. It certainly looked good on the stand and was a welcome break from the green concepts doing the rounds everywhere else. Subaru BRZ Subaru has been having a hard time of it in the UK of late, so the BRZ comes as a much-needed breath of fresh air. Jointly developed with Toyota, it’s the sister car to the GT 86, and in the company’s famous corporate blue it looked fantastic. The BRZ has slightly different body panels and interior to the Toyota. Just don’t mention the new, and very bland, Impreza also on display on the stand. Nissan Juke Nismo The Juke has been crying out for a real sporty model and it looks like Nissan may finally answer our prayers thanks to its tuning arm Nismo. This is the first car that’s been given the Nismo treatment and although currently billed as a “concept” it’s highly likely we’ll see it on our roads soon. Exterior and interior tweaks will be matched with a breathed-on powerplant. Mercedes F 125! We’re not big fans of concepts that don’t mean anything, but Mercedes was quick to point out the F 125! showcases the future design direction of the next S-Class. The concept featured fuel cell technology which would give it a range of 1,000km, a lightweight body construction, gullwing doors and a cloud-based infotainment system. But ignore all that, it’s the looks that are most likely to shape future luxury barges from the firm. Hino eZ Cargo Tucked away in the corner of the truck section of the show was this fantastic delivery van. Not only does it look superb, but it showcases EV technology and a clean uncluttered design that would make Apple proud. A spokesman for Hino told us it has a range of 50kms, can charge in six hours and hit 70kph. Trials will take place next year before a decision is made whether to put it into production. We just hope the looks are carried over – it certainly beats a boring Transit. 40

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Ace Garage Doors Quality, Reliability and Great Value

• High levels of security • Sales, service and repairs • Same day service 24/7 • Free no obligation quotations • Suppliers and installers for all leading garage doors • Automation for new and existing garage doors

Hitchin: 01462 812927 Stevenage: 01438 742664

Mobile: 07870 987817 www.ace-garage-doors.co.uk

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Glazed Salmon Skewers & Sesame Noodles This is a great way to jazz up salmon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with a Japanese teriyaki sauce glaze served with sesame flavoured noodles. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading on the strips of salmon to prevent them from burning under the hot grill.

Serves 4 Ready in 40 minutes plus 30 minutes marinating

Ingredients

4 x salmon fillets, skinned 6 tbsp teriyaki sauce 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 250g packet medium egg noodles 2 tsp sesame seed oil

1 tsp grated root ginger 6 salad onions, trimmed and thinly sliced 40g radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced 2 tbsp sesame seeds 30ml honey, warmed

Method

1. Slice each salmon fillet widthways into 2 strips and place the strips in a shallow dish. Mix together the teriyaki sauce and garlic and pour over the salmon. Cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat the grill to medium. Thread the strips of salmon onto 8 wooden skewers. Grill the salmon skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side until just cooked through. 3. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain well. Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan and add the ginger, spring onions, radishes and sesame seeds. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes then add the noodles and toss well to mix. 4. Just before serving, brush the salmon skewers with the warmed honey and grill for a further few minutes. Divide the sesame noodles between four serving bowls and top with the salmon skewers.

Top Tip - To save time buy a small jar of ready prepared ginger puree rather than buying fresh root ginger â&#x20AC;&#x201C; once opened it will keep in the fridge for a few weeks and is great for adding an Oriental flavour to rice and stir fries. 42

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Oakford Builders

D M Specialist Joinery Based In Biggleswade

Qualified Carpenters and General Builders Friendly, Reliable Service Over 24 years experience Extensions Conversions Alterations Kitchens & Bathrooms Call: 07541795213 Email: oakfordbuilders@hotmail.com

Mirrors made to order. Any size, shape and colour. Contact sales at D M Specialist Joiners on 01767 317773 Also available in Philpotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Hitchin

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Fun Quiz - The Alphabet 1. Which two letters of the alphabet have a “tittle” when written in lower case, but not when written in upper case? 2. Which month of the year features in the NATO phonetic alphabet? 3. Which Dutch airline is known by three consecutive letters of the alphabet? 4. Which European country’s version of Scrabble is the only version where the letter “z” is worth just one point? 5. What is the total number of raised and levelled dots used in braille to represent a single letter of the alphabet? 6. What is the first letter of the Greek alphabet to have a name in English that doesn’t end in “a”? 7. What is the only letter in the alphabet that has more than one syllable when spoken? 8. A circumflex is a symbol used to mark a long vowel in a number of languages, including French and Welsh. This symbol takes the form of an upside down version of which letter of the English alphabet? 9. On a standard UK keyboard, the key with a colon and semi-colon is immediately to the right of a key that features which letter of the alphabet? 10. Which two rivers in Britain have names that sound like letters that are next to each other in the alphabet? 1. i and j (a “tittle” is the dot on these) 2. November 3. KLM 4. Poland’s 5. Six 6. Epsilon (following alpha, beta, gamma and delta) 7. W 8. V 9. L 10. The Exe and the Wye

J W A Building & Maintenance

• Extensions • Carpentry • Kitchens • Plastering • Brickwork • Domestic

• Patios • Plumbing • Decking • Painting • Tiling • Commercial

• Driveways • Electrics • Roofing • Decorating • Bathrooms • Refurbishments

Tel: 01462 735565 Mob: 07866 528411 info@jwa-building and maintenance.co.uk jwa-buildingandmaintenance.co.uk 14 Glebe Avenue, Arlesey, Bedfordshire SG15 6UP To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Michael Brett Electrical Over 40 years experience Part P & NICEIC Registered

Lighting & Rewiring, Fuse Boards Extra Sockets, Garden Lighting, Extensions Testing & Certificates FREE ESTIMATES Phone Colin on 07973 432759 or 01462 743824 RMS ad:Layout 2

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Page 1

HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU?

FRIENDLY & IMPARTIAL ADVICE • FREE SITE SURVEY • FULL WRITTEN QUOTATION

for quality & reliability

For a guaranteed professional finish start with a Dulux Select Decorator Dulux Select Decorators:

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s -ANAGE YOUR JOB PROFESSIONALLY FROM INITIAL QUOTE TO lNAL COAT s &OLLOW THE STRICT Dulux #ODE OF 0RACTICE TO GIVE YOU THE HIGHEST STANDARDS s ,OOK AFTER YOUR HOME LEAVING IT CLEAN AND TIDY s !RE ASSESSED AND APPROVED BY Dulux *Ask your decorator or visit www.duluxdecorators.co.uk for details

Dulux, Dulux Select Decorators logo and the wave are trademarks of The AkzoNobel Group of Companies

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WANTED IN 2012

TOAD SPOTTERS AND BUG HUNTERS

Here at The Wildlife Trust, March is fast becoming our favourite month; we have dusted off our New Year blues and are excited to announce the launch of our Garden Watch survey for 2012. We need local residents to start or renew their nature quests in their gardens, allotments or on their balconies to report to us the whereabouts of certain species throughout the year. To kick start this year’s survey, we have chosen the common toad as the species to seek in March. As March warms up, the courageous common toad will wake up from its winter slumber in its cool dark home and begin the perilous and daring

journey to the nearest pond to find a mate. Once they arrive, often en masse, the males will warm up their voices to gently coo at the females to find a mate. To find out more information on this fascinating creature and to submit a sighting, please visit the Garden Watch webpage www.wildlifebcn.org/ gardenwatch.htm or call the Wildlife Trust on 01954 713500. In 2011, we received thousands of new wildlife records which helped the Trust immensely in its work to map the distribution of species and their movements across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Later in the year we will be asking for records of butterflies, birds, mammals and spiders so keep an eye on the website for the latest news. To find out more about the Trust please visit www.wildlifebcn.org

D. Daniels

Carpentry & Bespoke Joinery

A Reputation To Maintain Specialists in: • Kitchen Design & Installation • Wardrobes • Gates • Internal and External Doors • All other aspects undertaken

A proud member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen

Call for free estimation Direct: 07790 906180 Office: 01234 381544 Email: darrendaniels@hotmail.co.uk

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CODEWORD

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple! 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 puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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Fully qualiFied â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 25 years experienCe

PlumbinG & heatinG ltd

gas

Gas installer Boiler installation with 5 year warranty Boiler breakdown & power flushing Frozen condense pipe rectified Boiler service and landlord certification

water PlumbinG and heatinG

Full heating & bathroom installation Under floor heating Mains pressure upgrades General plumbing work & maintenance

solar solar

Solar thermal for hot water Solar PV installation by MCS approved installers Solar cylinder upgrades & breakdowns

Call: 01462 292247 / 07566 118 247 218627

14 Pear Tree Close, Lower Stondon, Bedfordshire SG16 6ND Email: dave@dhplumb.co.uk Website: www.dhplumb.co.uk

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Water Softeners

AND Walk in Bathing solutions? Hardwater (Limescale) causes problems in homes and for people with skin problems – blocked showers, ‘scummed up’ shower screens and scale stains in toilets and wash basins are hard to clean but Limescale is more of a problem where you can’t see it; reduced water flow through pipes, scaled up heating systems and boilers – and of course, higher heating bills & maintenance costs. Mark Allen formed Ashwell Water in 2005 after his son’s Eczema benefited from the installation of a Water Softener. Itchy and Dry Skin is exaggerated by the harsh soaps, shampoos and cleaning products we use everyday, normally in significant amounts to combat the effects of hard water. The most popular solution to the problem of hard water is to have a water softener installed in your home. They are simple to fit, easy to maintain and they will dramatically improve the quality of your domestic water supply. Water Softeners reduce the amount of fuel and detergents that you consume. This is kinder on the environment, extends appliance life and reduces boiler problems / plumber call outs thus saving you money! Water Softeners can last twenty plus years and unlike most household appliances, they actually have a payback time – typically within four years. “We experienced luxurious soft water on holiday, to find that our son’s skin improved dramatically, only to flair up again when we returned home again,” says Mark. “We’ve had many customers confirming that a water softener has noticeably helped. This combined with scale free showers, soft laundry, and significantly less cleaning required in bathrooms and kitchens make a water softener an essential appliance for your home.” Water Softeners fit in to a standard kitchen cabinet or under most kitchen sinks and are tailored to today’s modern water demands and environment. Ashwell Water are an independent supplier, with the average unit costing around £730, with a lifespan of 20 years - this equates to approx. £50 per year (including running costs). Units come with a minimum of a

five year warranty. Ashwell Water offer WALK IN BATHING solutions to address customers concerns with getting in to and out of their existing bath or shower. This customised service offers simple solutions (shower seats) through to premium quality baths / showers at a fraction of the cost of the big advertisers. Ashwell Water prices offer average savings of around £2000 with the supply and install of a complete bath / shower system – Contact Ashwell Water to arrange a free survey. Ashwell Water offer independent advice and the best overall solutions / brands based around our customers needs, budget and environment. So there really is an alternative to hardwater and bathing safely, and comfortably in your home. CONTACT: Freephone – 0800 634 3470 Email: info@ashwellwater.co.uk Web: www.ashwellwater.co.uk

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Garden and Property Maintenance internal and external repairs Fencing and timber structures Environmental retaining walls Decking and paving Decorating and internal repairs Routing cables and networking Satellite fault finding and repairing Shed repairs including new felt or roof

From start to finish we offer a professional and friendly service so that all our customers are delighted to see the dramatic improvements to their property. Base preparation

Main build

The final result!

Chapman Property Maintenance 50 Plum Tree Road, Lower Stondon, Henlow Bedfordshire. SG16 6NE Tel: 01462 813164 or 07767 442904 Email: chapmanGL2000@aol.com

Chapman Property Maintenance

Please feel free to call Steve for general advice and an estimate

01462 813164 or 07767 442904

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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .

Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free

Tel: 01767 260188 Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk parent company est. 1998

Available in these colours:

Get ‘Em Off! We all can have trouble removing boots or shoes that have been put through their paces. The Middleton Get ‘Em Off Boot Remover makes taking your boots off easy and elegant, especially if you have difficulty bending down. Hand crafted at our Workshop in Britain from amazing Corian®, our boot remover is elegant and is designed for most shoe sizes and is very easy to clean.

T: 01767-317-773 E: info@middletonfurniture.co.uk www.middletonfurniture.co.uk

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Business to Business Associates Ltd

VIP CLUB

www.b-b-a.com sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

1st Prize £25 Name:

Complete the crossword on the following page, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 16th March 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Solution To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Fill in your details on the previous page and send your completed entry for a chance to win a cash prize.

Notes:

Across

Down

1 Bewitched (7)

1 Crawl (5)

5 Trimmed (5)

2 Soaks up (7)

8 Loosens (5)

3 Sundry items (13)

9 Evil (7)

4 Split (6)

10 Vertical (13)

5 Book of facts (13)

11 Without trouble (6)

6 Guttural noise (5)

12 Teeth (6)

7 Arid regions (7)

15 Display (13)

11 Perpetual (7)

18 Detonate (7)

13 Shake briskly (7)

19 Business transactions (5)

14 To be present at (6)

20 Stairs (5)

16 Type of syrup (5)

21 Destroys hearing (7)

17 Facial features (5)

Congratulations to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crossword winners: 1st Prize - Mrs. P James from Henlow 2nd Prize - Janet White from Bromham 54

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ok o L w e N Curtains Suite covers Business Suits Ball gowns Table Cloths Bedding New Zips Shortening

EST 1985

Dry Cleaning (Same Day) Laundry Tailoring Repairs & Alterations Curtains & Upholstery Covers Duvets & Bedding Ironing Shirt Service Shoe Repairs Wedding Dresses Leather, Suede & Wax In Home Carpet Cleaning

Special Offer

20% off

Curtain & Upholstery

4 Sun Street

Collection & Delivery

SG7 6QA

www.newlookdrycleaners.co.uk

BALDOCK 56

Dry Cleaners

01462 895501

OPEN Mon-Fri 8:30-6:00 Saturday 8:30-5:00

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All types of roofing work undertaken. Friendly, reliable and professional service.

Tel: 07989 423449 or 01767 317121 www.baroofing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

what’S ON?

IN MARCH

3 March Switzerland and its mountain flowers 2.00pm , The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society talk by Peter Sheasby on Switzerland and its mountain flowers. Visitors welcome to all meetings, a small charge applicable. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 6 March Tuesday Morning Walkers 9.30-11.30am The Lodge, Sandy Adults £3, RSPB Members free Weekly walks around the reserve with a leader, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the site. Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 6 March Gamlingay Dementia Information Point 10am-12 noon Gamlingay Eco Hub We are here to provide information, help people to understand confusion, help people to find strategies to cope and to provide someone to talk to who understands. We can help with financial issues, carers assessments, as well as provide you with information and support. If we can help in any way or you would like to find out more about the event please call our office on 01223 884 031. 7 & 21 March Tea Dances 2-4.15 pm Shefford Town Memorial Hall, Hitchin Road, Shefford Admission £2.30 Tea Dances - Ballroom, Latin, Sequence and Olde Tyme dancing. Refreshments. Tel: Maurice Whalley 01462 628656 7 March Naturalistic Planting 7.30pm , WI Hall, Waresley Road, Gamlingay Visitors very welcome £2.50 entry charge Tim Fuller from the ‘Plantsmans Preference Nursery’ in Norfolk is coming to talk to us about ‘Naturalistic planting’. Tel: Jean Venning 01767 261298 7 March Villagers: A History of Gamlingay 8pm St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Non-members £1.50 Langford History Society presents a talk by author, James Brown, about his recently published book

Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com about the history of Gamlingay. Tel: Ted Martin 01462 701096 Web: www.langfordhistory.org.uk 8 March Dickens Aloud 7.30pm Little Gransden Village Hall Adults £10, Concessions £9 Readings and supper to celebrate bicentenary of Charles Dickens. Tickets from Gt Gransden Village Stores or S Sullivan. Tel: S Sullivan 01767 677906 10 March Think As You Shop: Local and Fairtrade Produce 10am-2pm Free entry St Andrew’s Church Chapter House, Biggleswade Presented by FAB (Fairtrade Association Biggleswade). Come and “Take A Step” for Fairtrade in 2012. Help us build a path of footprints - how long can we make it? Enjoy lunch with local produce soup and Fairtrade cake. Teas/coffees available. Kids’ colouring and quizzes. Information stalls, crafts and produce. 10 March Spring is in the air! 11am-1pm The Lodge, Sandy Adults £4, RSPB Members £3, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2 Take a walk out in the fresh air with us and enjoy the first signs of spring on the reserve. Flowers and trees are now beginning to bloom and the welcome song of the first summer migrants may be heard. Limited numbers, booking advisable Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 10 March Charity Soul Night 7.30pm-midnight Arlesey Football Club Tickets £5 Organised by Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Tickets: Steve/Sally 01462 734585 or Lesley at Arlesey FC 01462 734504 10 March Table Top Sale/Indoor Car Boot Sale 10am-1pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Stotfold Refreshments and raffle. Proceeds to friends of St. Mary’s for Church restoration.

what’S ON? IN MARCH

10, 17, 24 & 31 March Vegetable Growing Workshops for Beginners 2-4pm Norton Allotment site, Letchworth Garden City £7.50 per session or £25 for all four booked together, including refreshments, materials and plants for practical sessions Following the success of Letchworth District Gardeners Association’s workshops they are running them again at their trading store on the Norton allotment site. Places strictly limited. Tel: Maureen 01462 742475 Email: maureenhersee@btinternet.com 14 March Organ Concert 2-4pm Members £2.50, Non-Members £5. Pay at door. Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club are holding a social afternoon of music and dancing with local organist Bob Watts. Tel: 01234 344423 Web: www.organfax/clubs/bedford/html 14 March Langford WI 7.15pm Methodist Church Hall, Langford Visitors £3 Guest speaker will be Louise Reed “Meet Emily Pankhurst”. Visitors welcome. 15 March Vintage Garden Tools 7.45pm Central Methodist Church Hall, Pixmore Avenue, LGC Members £1, Non-members £2 Letchworth District Gardeners Association talk by John Miller of Vintage Garden Store. This will be a talk/demonstration of styles and history of design and usage of tools. Tel: Jo Schurch 07913 774504 Web: www.ldga.org.uk 17 March Mostly Music 11am-midday St Mary’s Church, Baldock (The Big Church with the spire) THE Saturday Morning event. Contemporary music with a Christian feel. Come and enjoy Coffee, Tea & Cake with Praise Be!, St Mary’s modern music band.

17 March - 5 April Lambing Time 10.30am-5pm Wimpole Home Farm, near Arrington Normal Farm admission applies Head to Home Farm to meet the rare breed ewes and lambs and if you are lucky you may see a live birth. Learn more about lambing from our farm staff. Tel: 01223 206000 Web: www.wimpole.org 18 March Mother’s Day Walk and Quiz 10am-4pm The Lodge, Sandy Quiz sheet £1 donation Treat your Mum to a relaxing walk around the reserve and have a go at completing our nature themed quiz sheet. Walk is not guided. Booking not required. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 28 March Organ Concert 8-10.30pm Members £4, Non-members £5. Pay at door. Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club presents popular Organist Ian House. Tel: 01234 344423 Web: www.organfax/clubs/bedford/html The Bedfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is calling for entries for projects which improve the county’s appearance, preserve its character and promote sustainability. The three categories for entries are Landscape Improvement, Historic and New Buildings and Sustainable Living. Deadline 21 May. Web: www.cprebeds.plus.com/lcawards.pdf Email: ann.cw@cprebeds.org.uk 1 April Easter Egg Hunt 2pm-5pm St John’s Hospice Grounds, Moggerhanger £3 entry for children and £1 for adults All children will receive a chocolate Easter egg for taking part, and also the chance to win a special prize! There will be the Easter egg hunt, raffle, stalls, cake decorating, mask decorating, teas, coffees and face painting. Tel: For further information Lauren Hasdell 01767 641044 Email: lauren.hasdell@sueryder.org

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Alan George Painter & Decorator Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

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

M&M

Painting & Decorating Domestic Specialist Over 15 years experience Interior & Exterior Decorating Free No Obligation Estimates Fair Prices Reliable Quality Work Call Martin on T: 01438 354486 M: 07775 645717 Please mention the Villager when you call - special rates apply

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Business gone slow? Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Teresa on 07401 120021 or email teresa@villagermag.com 62

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Classifieds

Carpentry

Plastering

R.G.Carpentry

James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small

All aspects of carpentry undertaken City & Guilds qualified 25 years experience Reliable, friendly, high quality service Mob: 07803 711121 Tel: 01462 851159 Email: r.howitt@talktalk.net

Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07992 415356 or 01767 317161 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Property Maintenance

R. CHAPMAN

01462 732632

Home & Garden Services

sales@steam2clean.co.uk www.steam2clean.co.uk

Patio’s Driveways Fencing Brickwork Painting & Decorating Tiling 20 Years Experience - No Job Too Small!

C A r p E T A N D u p h O l s T E rY C l E A N I N g Drying time kept to a minimum Flea & Dustmite control available 24 Years’ Experience Fully Insured

01462 850575 or 07950 311881

NO VAT for a limited period

S2C_ADD.indd

Lots of Choice Immediate Availability

09/12/2010

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Pet Services

The Carpet Trade Centre • • • •

Over 10,000sq ft of warehouse to choose from 100’s of designs, stock always changing Vinyl/cushion floor stock Large choice of rugs

Upholstery

Delivery and fitting service in days rather than weeks Low, low prices, high quality stock

Tel: 01462 851637 Units 5A-6, Henlow Industrial Estate Henlow SG16 6DS

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