Potton june 14 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 94 - June 2014

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue

Donkey Derby in Eltisley

Domriss Care

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Contents Domriss Care

Reg Kensall: Centarian Shoe Designer........................................4 Avoid Those Holiday Scams......................................................12 Child Safety Week....................................................................15 Real Live Donkey Racing..........................................................16 Where Am I?............................................................................18 Father’s Day..............................................................................21 The Only Way Down.................................................................22 Choosing a BBQ........................................................................24 Sandy Tourist Information Centre.............................................26 Aromatherapy..........................................................................28 The Leaning Tower of Pisa........................................................30 Girlguiding in Potton and Sandy................................................3 St. John’s Hospice.....................................................................35 D-Day 1944..............................................................................37 Fun Quiz...................................................................................38 When a Child Has Cancer..........................................................41 Beer in June.............................................................................43 Don’t Sell Yourself Short...........................................................45 Extra Help Bedfordshire Central...............................................46

VILLAGER The

Issue 94 - June 2014

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue

Donkey Derby in Eltisley

Domriss Care

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

in Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton, Gamlingay and all surrounding villages 11,000 copies delivered to over 30 towns and villages every month

ur Yo EE FR1copy

Domriss Care............................................................................48 Plotting a Vegetable Garden....................................................50 Rural Ramblings.......................................................................52 Wordsearch..............................................................................55 Animal Heroes..........................................................................58 Natural Horsemanship.............................................................60 Children’s Page.........................................................................63 Interview with Sebastian Loeb.................................................64 News from RSPB.......................................................................67 Culinary Masters Recipe...........................................................71 Always Mix Your Drinks............................................................72 What’s On.................................................................................74 Puzzle Page..............................................................................80 Competition Winners...............................................................85 Prize Crossword........................................................................86 Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club.................................................91 Book Review............................................................................92 Classifieds................................................................................93

Plotting a Vegetable Garden

Editor - Catherine Rose Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Louise Addison, Sarah Davey, Melanie Ridley, Nick Clare, Publishers Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Alison Runhan, Solange Hando, Villager Publications Ltd Ted Bruning, Peter Lodge, Pippa Greenwood, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Mark Brandon, Geoff Wharton, North Beds RSPCA, Tel: 01767 261122 Heather Stopher,James Baggott, nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Bruce Edwards and Culinary Masters Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, Advertising Sales however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any Photography - Tatiana Gladskikh, Catherine Rose statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be and Nigel Frost Life please call 01767 261122reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.3 To advertise in The Villager and Town

History

Reg Kensall: Centenarian Shoe Designer By Catherine Rose

Born six months before the start of the First World War, Reg Kensall of Upper Caldecote celebrated his 100th birthday on 16th March. Although he has lived in the Bedfordshire village now for 20 years, he spent his career as a shoe designer, and for 28 years of it was head shoe designer for wellknown Leicester-based company Liberty Shoes Ltd. He kindly shared some of his experience with Catherine Rose. Reg was born in Great Yarmouth at number 20 Century Road. The house is still there and Reg’s son Richard has taken him back to see it on a couple of occasions. “It’s a nice house and has barely changed” says Reg. He was the eighth of nine children, having four brothers and four sisters, and has now survived them all. His father was a master basket maker and his parents married at 17. When Reg was nine months old, the family moved to Leicester to escape the wartime shelling on the coast. Growing up Reg was always top of his class in drawing and painting which he loved. When he left school at 14 he had a choice of two jobs: one in a hosiery warehouse for 12 shillings a week, the other in a shoe factory for 10 shillings a week. His mother advised him to go for the hosiery position as it was more money, but he hated it and soon went to join his older brother who at nearly 18

was already in charge of the pattern department at the shoe factory D Hendersons & Son. “That was the start of my career” says Reg. Hendersons made quality ladies semi-comfort shoes and Reg’s artistic flair was quickly put to use designing shoes for the company. Then when he was 19, he went to work for new flagship firm Liberty Shoes Ltd, starting as an assistant designer. Two years later he had been made head designer at the tender age of 21. He was to remain with the company for 28 years. Liberty Shoes was primarily a ladies fashion shoe manufacturer and sold to all the major shoe suppliers like Dolcis, Barretts, the Grattan warehouse and Manfield. At that time Leicester was at the centre of shoe manufacture in Britain and there was very little export. The stunning factory building, sadly now demolished, was the first in Britain to be built on the American model of concrete and steel. It was constructed in 1924 after the company’s founder, chairman and managing director Disney Charles Barlow went to the US to study the latest shoe manufacturing techniques just after the First World War. He came back with the idea of using the concept of the Statue of Liberty to create a “wonderful shoe factory”. Consequently, the state-of-the-art building had a 26 foot model of

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Open house We’re opening the doors of our newly renovated and redecorated guest bedrooms so you can have a look at the results of all our hard work. Each room has been individually styled in keeping with our seventeenth-century coaching inn, but with some extra-special finishing touches that we hope will make guests comfortable. Pop in during our summer open day to find out more and take home a tasty treat…

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the Statue of Liberty on top. Today new halls of residence for Leicester University have been built on the site but the original statue still takes pride of place on a plinth nearby. Reg describes how impressive the building was. “I had a beautiful office” he recalls. “All the doors inside the factory were done in mahogany with a miniature Liberty for a door knocker. There were four floors including a semi-basement, and there was wooden parquet flooring throughout, even in the rooms that had heavy machinery. People would come from abroad just to see the factory. It was very modern.” Reg would begin a shoe design by drawing a page of sketches of an idea, often going on trips overseas for inspiration. Then he and his boss, joint managing director Harry Briers, would go through the ideas and select the ones to be developed. Out of 50 designs, around 30 would be thrown away! Reg would then develop the ideas to be kept, making a more detailed drawing and designing a pattern where he would decide on features such as the heel height, materials to be used and the shape of the ‘last’ which is what the shoe was built on. “You had to know the shoe industry inside out” explains Reg “and not only did you have to know about shoes, you had to design to a price”. Samples would then have to be made and tested. Although Liberty sold shoes from size 2 to size 8 including half sizes, all sample shoes were made in size 4. By a twist

of fate, Reg’s wife Edna May took a size 4. Consequently Reg’s boss, Harry Briers would ask Reg take home dozens of pairs of shoes for Edna to test, which she would wear from dawn to dusk for around a week to see how durable and comfortable they were. “Let’s just say she had a lot of shoes” says Reg. There is a whole language associated with specialised manufacture and shoe-making was no different. Reg explains to me how dozens of ‘clickers’ were employed to cut out the leather, so called because their knives made a clicking sound as they were pulled out of the bench. For most creative and artistic people, designing shoes and being paid for it would be a dream career and Reg loved his job. “At the weekends, I used to look forward to getting back to work. I was inspired by it.” Reg saw lots of changes in shoe design while he was there which are reflected in his drawings. Designs were known by number rather than name and during the 1950s, design A47 was very popular. With the amount of suppliers buying from Liberty Shoes, at any one time there were undoubtedly thousands of ladies wearing shoes that had been designed by Reg. Competition was great in the shoe industry in those days and manufacture was on a grand scale. “If we had a full order book we were capable of producing 12,000-14,000 pairs of shoes a week” explains Reg. Harry Briers managed the large accounts such as those with Dolcis, and one design alone could bring back an order for 6,000-7,000 pairs of shoes in all size ranges. Designs were showcased at exhibitions run by the magazine The Boot and Shoe Organiser and a shoe design was a valuable commodity. Reg cites the example that before the war freelance shoe designers would charge five guineas for a

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TRIBUTE MUSIC CONCERT

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design which was a lot of money in those days probably about £200 today. One of Reg’s designs that proved very popular in around 1937/38 was a shoe made in ‘relaxed calf leather’. This type of leather was only available from Germany so after 1939 it became unobtainable. Reg also recounts the sad tale of shoe mercers Benz Brothers who were German, supplying parts like buckles etc. to the shoe industry. When the Second World War came, they were sent to Canada but their boat was torpedoed and lost at sea. The advent of the Second World War also meant that Reg had to go on active service for five and a half years, being called up in 1941. He describes those years as “dark times” and is eternally grateful he came through them. One Christmas when he was home on leave, he returned to

the factory during a blackout and vowed never to grumble about anything again. When asked about his secret to a long life, he replies that he doesn’t have one and that he just thanks God every day for his many blessings. Reg returned to his job in 1946 and stayed there until 1964 when the company finally went into voluntary liquidation. Reg was saddened to watch the demise of the shoe manufacturing industry in Britain, particularly as many of the businesses were family owned. “The boot and shoe industry was a major industry in this country and then there was a sudden decline and two or three businesses were closing down every week” he says. Reg went to smaller firm Hartshorn & Jesson where he was made a director and worked in leather buying and sales alongside designing.

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He finally retired in 1979 and he and Edna May moved to Bedfordshire in 1994, although sadly Edna became ill and died shortly afterwards. Despite this, Reg enjoys living in Bedfordshire and describes Upper Caldecote as “a most friendly village”. For his milestone birthday, Reg’s son Richard and wife Rosalyn worked hard to organise a grand birthday party for him with around 80 guests. Reg describes it as “one of the most memorable days of my life” and says “I can’t thank Richard and Rosalyn enough. I have a wonderful son and daughter-in-law. Since I retired they have been an absolute Godsend to me, and I have two lovely grandsons and three great grandchildren.” Since he reached centenarian status, Reg has been enjoying lots of attention with visits, five different birthday cakes and telegrams from both the Queen and the House of Commons which he

is proud to show. Now an honorary member of Biggleswade & District Art Society, Reg continues to draw and paint. He recently had an exhibition of his work and sold 34 paintings which made over £2,000 for charity. “My favourite artist is Vermeer” he tells me. Reg also continues to design shoes for his own pleasure. He shows me one of his latest: a red sandal with a swing strap. The ‘swing strap’ design was popular in the 1950s but has recently come back into fashion. A pair of Reg’s shoes and their accompanying box are currently on display in Northampton’s Boot and Shoe Museum where you can also buy postcards featuring them. We are very privileged to be able to publish a selection of Reg’s original and beautiful shoe designs here for the first time, some of them now over 80 years old.

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Three Counties Radio

Avoid those Holiday Scams By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

With the holiday season almost upon us, I thought this month would be a good time for me to warn you about some of the most common holiday related scams that sadly people fall for year after year. It’s seems a basic start, but only book holidays with good reputable companies THAT YOU’VE HEARD OF! It never ceases to amaze me how many people simply google ‘Cheap holiday’ and then part with hundreds of pounds on some website that may or may not be genuine. Always do your research to make sure you are paying a proper UK based company with a good reputation. It’s also advisable to use a company that is both a member of ABTA and ATOL for your protection. Having booked your holiday with a genuine company, the next mistake some people make is to purchase their travel insurance from scamsters rather than a bona fide company. Again use a quality British insurer that will actually answer the phone if you find yourself in need of making a claim from the poolside in Faliraki. Whilst you’re organising your health protection for your holiday, you should be aware that applying for your EHIC European health insurance card (which provides you with free or reduced health care in European countries) SHOULD be FREE! There are lots of websites out there that will charge you a fee for applying for the card on your behalf. Apply directly with the NHS or the post office and avoid be being ripped off! If you’re like me, you’ll probably hire a car while away. There are of course various scams to watch out for with hire cars. Only ever use good, recommended firms, avoid the dodgy little backstreet hire car company that charges half the price of anyone else. You’ll probably find out why they’re so cheap when the wheels fall off. One very important thing to watch out for when hiring a car abroad is that you ensure you have signed paperwork from the hire car company to confirm the condition of the car. Very often people drop off their hire car in a rush to get their flight home and don’t insist on this. It is imperative! I have known several people (sometimes using well-known companies) who have returned to the UK, checked their credit card, only to find a £500 charge for ‘damage’ to the car. Trying to prove that you didn’t cause it, when you’re no longer in the country and with no paperwork to support your argument, will be a nightmare. The final holiday scams you MUST be aware of regard the dreaded ‘Timeshares’ or ‘Holiday Clubs’. I lose track of the number of times I’ve dealt with complaints from consumers on my radio programme about these. Picture the scene: You’re strolling down the seafront, all bronzed and relaxed when a lovely, attractive (probably British) person approaches you and offers you either an invitation to an event or a scratch card that will provide you with the invite. Your guard is down as you’re on holiday so you agree. You’ll then be whisked off to a luxury venue, plied with pinot grigio and then forced to endure a hard sell on the advantages of joining their club. Sadly I have known even the most forceful, confident, savvy consumers get caught like this and the results have been awful. Very often timeshare and holiday club contracts are difficult (and in some cases impossible) to get out of. What many people also fail to recognise is that these holiday club memberships are sometimes to be passed down to your children, meaning many years of misery not only for you, but for your family when you’ve died! My advice is that when approached by anyone offering you something ‘for free’, particularly when your guard is down on holiday – KEEP WALKING!

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. 12

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Child Safety

Child Safety Week

By Louise Addison

Did you know that accidental injury is the second biggest killer of children in the UK. Only childhood cancer accounts for more deaths. Every week in the UK one child dies in a preventable accident, and around 300 children end up in Accident and Emergency departments every day! Children from the poorest UK families are 13 times more at risk, and are also more likely to be admitted to hospital with accidental injuries. Child Safety Week runs from 23rd – 29th June and is organised by The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT). They stress that although the number of children killed in accidents is shrinking due to everimproving emergency medical care, near-fatal accidents can leave lifelong mental as well as physical scars, and put families through hell. CAPT run awareness campaigns to explain how most accidents can be easily prevented. Parents often misunderstand the dangers their children face daily. For example, a child is hundreds of times more likely to be killed crossing a road than by a predatory kidnapper. But the media focus on paedophile scarestories, so parents over-estimate the risk of stranger danger and

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underestimate the risks involved in more mundane scenarios. To put it in perspective, fewer than eight children per year are murdered in the UK, whereas nearly 400 are killed in household or traffic accidents. As mornings can be a particularly stressful and accident-prone time, for this year’s campaign CAPT have enlisted the help of the Safety Superheroes, who will do battle with the villainous Morning Mayhem! Watch out for them in events this June. Here are three top tips to keep your kids safe! Make sure they STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN when crossing the road on the way to school (and again on their way home). Teach your kids about burn and scald risks: Don’t overfill the kettle, never use a knife to fish toast out of the toaster, take care with hairstraighteners, and always turn them off after use. Make sure your child knows how to call for emergency help - they might save someone’s life! Check out CAPT’s website www. capt.org.uk. Remember: Most safety is just common sense. Children’s brains are their most important defence against accidents, so let’s teach them to THINK.

Local News

Real Live Donkey Racing On a Village Green?

The normally quiet Cambridgeshire village of Eltisley will again be running a Donkey Derby on the 12th July with many more attractions added including a full size ox roast and an aerobatic air display. The whole event takes place on the village green with visitors expected from far and wide for what promises to be a great family day out. The event will be free to attend and there will be free parking. The day will start at 1pm and the donkey races will be taking place all afternoon with a “tote” betting system in place for people that think they can spot a winner! For those that want to be even more involved on the day, the event’s website (www. eltisleydonkeyderby.co.uk) has details of how to apply to be a rider or driver in one of the races as well as details of how to sponsor a donkey. Alongside the donkey derby there will be a village fete running all afternoon with traditional stalls

and free attractions. There will be teas and cakes on offer as well as the rare spectacle of a full size ox roast. Donkey rides and a children’s play area will also be set up for the day. Once the donkey racing and village fete has closed down the evening’s big event will start at 6pm. A Live Music Stage will be set up on the village green featuring local bands from the surrounding area. For more details go to: www.eltisleydonkeyderby.co.uk

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Where AM I?

Do You Know?

1 3 These pictures are all taken in our distribution area. Do you know where they are?

Last month’s answer Last month’s images were taken in Potton.

Where Are we?

VILLAGER The

The Villager and Town Life magazine is delivered door to door throughout:

Abbotsley, Beeston, Broom, Caxton, Cockayne Hatley, Cople, Croydon, Dunton, Eltisley, Everton, Everton Heath, Eyeworth, Gamlingay, Haynes, Henlow, Ickwell Green, Ireland, Langford, Lower Caldecote, Moggerhanger, Northill, Old Warden, Potton, Shuttleworth, Southill, Stanford, Sutton, The Gransdens, Thorncote Green, Upper Caldecote, Waresley and Wrestlingworth

and can be found in most shops, pubs, garages in all of the above and more including Biggleswade and Sandy. Booking your advertising space is easy just call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail nigel@villagermag.com

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Time of Year

Fathers’ Day By Sarah Davey

Most dads will receive a Fathers’ Day card on June 15th, but how many of them know just how important their role in the family is? Scientists are increasingly realizing just how much dads matter. Kids who feel loved by their father tend to have a greater sense of well-being, happiness and life satisfaction, than those who feel loved by their mother alone. Dads may also be responsible for endowing their child with the “stick-with-it-ness” that will serve them well throughout their life. University researchers found that a dad’s parenting style is more closely linked to whether teens will exhibit persistence than mum’s parenting. A persistent personality, in turn, was related to less delinquency and more engagement in school over time. Fathers who are most effective at this are those who listen to their children, have a close relationship, set appropriate rules, but also grant appropriate

freedoms. Quality time with dad is really important too. It doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday or day trip - simply playing ball in the back garden or watching a film together is fine. What’s important is that dad is there and fully engaged. So dads, why not use this Fathers’ day to get out, take the kids to the park and just enjoy being with your family.

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Travelogue

The Only Way Down... By Melanie Ridley

When we began our travels along the east coast of Australia at the beginning of February, April 20th seemed like a distant date in the calendar. This would be the day I would fulfil one of the top three on my bucket list: a skydive! Not only was I going to be jumping out of a plane, but I was booked to do the highest skydive in Australia. I would be falling 14,000 feet with a free fall of 60 seconds, whilst taking in views of the Great Barrier Reef before safely landing on the beach. During the days and months leading up to this day, I hadn’t felt nervous. This may have been due to two reasons: one being I believed it would be easy to back out and the other being that my brain was struggling to comprehend what was actually going to happen. Upon arrival at the office, I sat with my eight fellow jumpers waiting to be called. When the time came we all went downstairs where we were met by the gentlemen who we would be trusting with our lives. Putting your life in someone else’s hands is always a daunting prospect but speaking to the expert I was about to jump with and learning he had completed over 2,000 sky dives helped put my mind at ease. Once we were secured into our harnesses, we were lead to a shuttle bus which then took us to the runway where our tiny plane was waiting. During the ascent everyone in the plane was fairly quiet

apart from the professionals and you could feel the tense and anxious atmosphere. I was fourth to jump and watching the three people jump before me and disappear as they were sucked into gravity’s pull made my heart race. The only thing that was keeping me calm was thinking that hypothetically I was about to endure something similar to the Big Dipper at the fairground. As I stood poised and ready to jump out of the plane, or I should say before being given a helping hand out of the plane, the last words I heard were “1...2...3... Banana!” The adrenaline that pumps through your body as you free fall for 60 seconds through the sky is beyond measurable and, as one fellow skydiver described, it was incredible “to feel the cold mist of a cloud on my face”. When the free fall was over and my parachute opened, a large sense of relief rushed over my body. The view as we paraglided down towards Mission Beach was truly breathtaking. I could see parts of the Great Barrier Reef on one side, and on the other I could see the four mile beach which I would shortly be landing on. When my feet safely touched the ground, I knew one of my greatest experiences was sadly over.

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Time of Year

Choosing a BBQ By Debbie Singh-Bhatti You can’t beat the tantalising aroma and taste of freshly barbecued food, but how do you choose the best barbecue for you? When time is of the essence, a gas barbecue may be the best option. Fuelled by propane and lit by the touch of a button, they give instant heat - great for impromptu family meals after work. Some have multiple burners which can operate at varying temperatures to suit different foods, and the top models have flavouriser bars to give food that authentic charcoal flavour. If you like to relax over your cooking - maybe at the weekend when you have family and friends over a charcoal barbecue is a great option. Using lump wood or briquettes for fuel, they take about 45 minutes to warm up and you can adjust the heat by raising or lowering the grills. Kettle barbecues also come with lids for roasting or braising food. If portability is key, say for camping or picnicking,

then consider a smaller, lightweight model that can fit in the back of the car. You can even buy disposable barbecues that can be bought at the supermarket and thrown away after use. A warming rack is useful to keep food up to temperature whilst other food is still cooking, and don’t forget a fork, tongs and spatula! Now let’s go BBQ!

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Local News

SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Guided Walks and Talks 2014

A Guided Tour of the interior of The Lodge, Sandy and the gardens

The third Guided Walk of this year takes place on Thursday, 5th June and this will be a special visit to The Lodge at Sandy, now the UK Headquarters of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. This Tour will give you a rare opportunity to view the interior of this handsome Tudor style mansion built for the Peel family and to walk around the beautiful gardens that surround it and to hear the history of the house, the gardens and the famous families that lived here. The Peel family came to Sandy in 1851 when the Hill Estate or Warren was purchased by Captain Sir William Peel, VC the third son of Sir Robert Peel, the famous Prime Minister. Peel built a house (now the RSPB Gatehouse) in the then fashionable Swiss style which he called the Swiss Cottage. At his death in 1858 the estate passed to his younger brother Arthur Wellesley.Arthur Peel was a liberal politician and became a famous Speaker of the House of Commons. In 1870 he commissioned Henry Clutton, the famous architect to build a mansion house overlooking the greensand ridge. In 1934 the Peel family sold the estate and it was purchased by Sir Malcolm Stewart, who was Chairman of the London Brick Company. The Stewart’s made great changes to the interior of the house and added a number of important 18th century, Tudor and Victorian Tudor fireplaces and filled the house with many treasures and objects d’art, important paintings, medieval and Georgian tapestries and important furniture. Although these furnishings are no longer in the house you will be able to see the sumptuousness of décor of the house’s beautiful rooms. After a tour of the house we will

walk in the gardens. The Stewarts made great changes to these, greatly simplifying them and redesigning them a simple Italianate style. They built the large swimming pool in front of the house and added much statuary, urns and stone seats. Meet outside the main front door of The Lodge at 7pm. With regard to parking, drive along the main drive and go past the main house to the car parks beyond. The guided tour of the house will be given by Barry Groom of the TIC and Derek Niemann of the RSPB. The cost of the Guided Tour is £5.50 per person (payable on booking please)

A Guided Tour of Tempsford

The next Guided Walk will be led by local historian Steve Cooney around the historic Village of Tempsford and takes place on Thursday, 10th July. We will see, amongst many other buildings and historic points the site of Gannock Castle, which is a medieval moated site and a scheduled ancient monument. It is believed to have been built on the same spot as an earlier Danish fortress referred to in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle and dated 921 AD. On the way to the Parish church we will see the Old Maltings, probably the oldest building

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in the village and Gannock House a 15th century timber framed dwelling. St Peter’s Church is built on the site of a Saxon church. Records show that a Norman church was constructed and over the next few centuries much of the present church was built. In the church we will be able to see the Memorial Chapel dedicated to those who flew from RAF Tempsford. The airfield was perhaps the most secret airfield in the Second World War and was home to the Special Duties Squadrons, No 138 which dropped Special Operations Executives (SOE agents) and their supplies into occupied Europe, and No 161, which specialised in personnel delivery and retrieval by landing in Europe. Opposite the church stands the 17th century Wheatsheaf PH which was one of the many inns on this road when this part of the village was the actual Great North Road. Opposite the Wheatsheaf is Mill Lane which we will walk along to see Tempsford Mill, passing en route the Old Rectory which dates back to the 15th century and Church Barn, also dating from this period. At the bottom of the lane we will come to the Mill and the mill owner’s house. The Mill was originally a flour mill which was burnt down in the late 19th century and was subsequently used as a timber mill by the Tempsford Estate. We will visit the Millennium Garden Sanctuary. This area was originally the entrance to Tempsford Hall, former home of the Stuart family, but was cut off from the Hall in 1962 when the A1 trunk road was built. The area was neglected for over 30 years but in 1999 local residents transformed it into a wildlife sanctuary and woodland walk. The garden is open all year round and the history of the site is described on signs in the garden. We will see the new memorial recently unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales to honour the 75 World War Two women agents who helped resistance movements in occupied Europe and who flew from nearby RAF Tempsford. We will then walk to the Stuart Memorial Hall and visit the Tempsford Museum and Archives. The museum was opened in 2013 and houses a vast collection of memorabilia, artefacts, deeds, estate maps, newspaper articles, family papers, photographs, books and letters associated with the village. Refreshments will be served in the Hall. There will be much else to see in this very interesting and historic village. Meet outside Tempsford Parish Church at 7pm.

Please park in the village street. The cost of the Guided Tour is £5.50 per person (payable on booking please) Other TIC Walks:The Everton Walk Please note that this walk was due to take place on Friday, 9th May, but due to the inclement weather it was cancelled. A new date will be arranged shortly. Guided Walk in Southill Park Sunday 10th August 2.30pm The Potton Sutton Guided Wwalk Friday, 12th September 2.45pm A Guided Walk around Willington Thursday 18th September 6.30pm

TIC Autumn/Winter Talks

The actual dates and venues for this year’s three Talks will be as follows:The Life and Times of Francis Pym Monday, 13th October at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall Sandy and the Great War Tuesday, 4th November at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall The Rise and Fall of the Cardington Airships Tuesday, 2nd December at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall For further details of the Walks and the Talks contact the Tourist Information Centre

Sandy Tourist Information Centre, Rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy Telephone 01767 682728 – email tourism@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm

OPENING TIMES Saturday 10am-2pm Sundays and Bank Holidays Closed

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Health & Beauty

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By Alison Runham. www.alison.runham.co.uk Origins and Principles Aromatherapy is an ancient practice. It’s based on the systematic, therapeutic use of essential oils in holistic treatments with the aim of improving physical and emotional well-being. There are more than 400 identified essential oils extracted from plants all over the world. Aromatherapists believe these oils possess distinctive therapeutic properties. Having an Aromatherapy Treatment A treatment usually lasts around an hour. At the first session, the aromatherapist asks the patient about their medical history and well-being before choosing the most appropriate oils and techniques. Most therapists use massage, using a few drops of an essential oil or oil blend mixed with a base vegetable oil such as sweet almond. Massage allows aromatic molecules to penetrate the skin. But the therapist may also suggest: A compress - a cloth soaked in water and a

few drops of essential oil is applied to the affected area, allowing the oil molecules to pass through the skin. Inhalation – a few drops can be sprinkled on a pillow or used in a vaporiser, which can either be a simple candle oil burner or an electric vaporiser. Bath blends – an oil or oil blend for use in the bath can give the patient the double benefit of absorbing oil molecules both through their skin and via inhalation. Efficacy and Evidence While there is little scientific evidence, research suggests there may be limited, short-term improvement in the agitation that accompanies dementia, and anxiety and depression. It may also aid sleep. But more robust research is needed to prove its efficacy in treating other conditions.

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Travel

The Leaning Tower of Pisa By Solange Hando

On 5th January 1172, a widow named Berta di Bernardo passed away in Pisa, a prosperous city bristling with thousands of impressive towers. Yet, the cathedral didn’t have one of its own so the pious Berta left 60 ‘soldi’ in her Will to put things right. The foundations were laid 18 months later. Problems arose almost straightaway. The marshy ground struggled to accommodate the heavy marble blocks and for the next two centuries, it was all stop and start for the free-standing tower. Completed at last in the 1370s, it is the only monument in the cathedral ground which does not bear a signature. The tower kept on leaning throughout the ages, though little was done until the belfry of St Mark’s in Venice collapsed in 1902. The time had come to keep a close eye on Pisa and after long years of deliberations, it was decided that the tilt would be checked every year in June on the same day with the same instrument. All sorts of plans were hatched, injecting 90 tons of liquid cement, which almost led to disaster, lifting the tower to strengthen the foundations, which never came to fruition, but eventually in 1990, the ‘Iron Lady’ was forced to close her door. A new commission set to work, binding the weakest point with concealed steel cables, then piling tons of lead on the north side while Alpine climbers

installed a new monitoring system. For fear of vibration damage, the bells fell silent for seven years. In 1995, ‘Black September’ struck in the middle of the night as, following the injection of liquid nitrogen to secure anchors, a successful technique used in the London underground, the tower suddenly tilted at an alarming rate, causing great anxiety as diggers and cranes were frantically moved to the north side to increase the counterweight, before lead could be added. The battle was finally won in 2001 with tons of earth painstakingly removed under the tower, a few hundred grams at a time, to lower the side opposite the overhang. After 12 years and millions of lire, the leaning tower re-emerged, safe and beautifully pristine, despite its somewhat diminished iconic slant. Today, the visitors are back, just 30 at a time, climbing the 293 marble steps spiralling inside, slippery and smooth, hollowed out in the centre by millions of footprints. The incline takes you by surprise before you even step through the door and is most apparent on the lower floors as you lean one way then the other, but the view from the top is superb, the entire piazza at your feet, the cathedral and baptistry gleaming on extensive lawns, the red roofs of Pisa, the Tuscan hills and the blue waters of the Mediterranean glistening in the distance. But whether you climb up or stay on the ground, the tower remains a unique focal point in this superb World Heritage site. Rising to a lofty 56 meters, it looks like a giant wedding cake, eight creamy tiers decorated with a total of 207 delicate columns. Yet, it is an amazingly resilient building with over 32,000 marble blocks encircling a hollow cylindrical centre. Monitoring continues on a daily basis but experts are confident now that the tower is safe for at least 200 years. The pious lady of Pisa would be pleased.

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Local News

Girlguiding in Potton and Sandy

For over a hundred years, Girlguiding UK has provided a girls only environment where girls from 5 upwards can learn new things, make friends and grow in confidence in a non-judgemental environment. It doesn’t matter how you look or what you can or can’t do – you just have to be yourself. The present Guiders in Potton and Sandy have given many years service providing girls with Rainbow, Brownie and Guide meetings every week during term time. Some of them have decided that now is the time to retire so we are looking for new leaders with new ideas and new enthusiasm. Currently in Potton there are 2 Rainbow units which meet on Wednesday and Fridays and Sandy has 1 which meets on a Thursday. Potton has 3 Brownie packs which meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Sandy has 2 which both meet on Thursday evenings. Both Sandy and Potton have Guide units which meet on Thursday and Wednesday evening respectively. The girls usually meet once a week during term times but there are many other activities that they can take part in during the year, for example the Rainbows can go on sleepovers, the Brownies and

Guides can have indoor holidays or go camping. There are also events which involve all the girls either at District or Division level. This year is the Brownies 100th Birthday and there are year long celebrations. Already, the girls have been to Starburst – a regional event held in January at Butlins in Skegness, danced at the Brownie Boogie and had a fun time at an Starquest Activity Day at Boyd Field with activities such as wall climbing , rafting craft and cooking outside ending with a campfire. They will also have an opportunity to camp later in June at Sandye Place School The following is an article written by one of the Guides in Potton. What I enjoy about Guiding I go to 1st Potton Guides and really enjoy it. It is really fun because you go on lots of trips. The best was the Big Gig, a pop concert attended by 25,000 Guides! We also do fun and interesting activities like cooking, zumba and arts and crafts. On Remembrance Sunday I have held the Guide flag and laid a wreath. Thinking Day happens in February and Guides, Brownies and Rainbows attends a day to take part in activities. By Georgia Gidding When you become a Guider, you will be joining 70,000 women in the UK (and many more around the world) who are adult leaders in Guiding and will discover what they already know:- ADULTS HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS THE GIRLS DO.

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09/05/2014 09:4

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Local News

St John’s Hospice

An Invitation to our Forthcoming Events On Sunday 10th August, St John’s will be holding its annual summer fete from 11am to 4.00pm in the grounds of the hospice and the adjacent field. As in previous years, there will be fun, food and all kinds of activities for the family. Come along and check out the many stalls, enjoy a cuppa and cake in the lovely hospice gardens and meet Darth Vadar! This year St John’s magical Starlight Hike takes place on Saturday 13th September, starting at 10pm at the hospice itself. Come and join us in a 10k walk by moonlight to help raise money and remember your loved ones. As well as time to reflect, the evening will include entertainment along the way and refreshments afterwards. Entry is £15.00 and you can register at www. sueryder.org/starlighthikestjohns The following major fundraising event in St John’s calendar will be the Charity Ball which takes place on Saturday 22nd November at The Park Inn Hotel, Bedford. Chase away those first winter blues by joining us for a fantastic gala evening. Tickets are £50.00 per person and include a delicious meal, drinks and canapés on reception along with live entertainment. There will also be a photographer, charity auction, raffle and some fun new games this year. In addition to the events above, the St John’s Hospice charity shop is open six days a week: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

1pm on Saturdays. Drop by at the hospice for a bargain as stock is changing constantly. There is also a monthly sale on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 1pm. As well as coming along to the events, if you fancy getting more involved with the work of St John’s Hospice, there are lots of ways you can help. The fundraising team are always looking for volunteers to donate their time with a variety of tasks that you can choose from. The hospice relies on its volunteers as a valuable part of their team. If you don’t feel like becoming a regular volunteer, why not take part in an event? If you have a goal that you have always wanted to achieve, whether it is a challenge, a marathon, a bike ride, a walk or a run, you could raise money for St John’s Hospice at the same time. Alternatively, you could organise your own event, either on your own or with a fundraising group, to raise money for St John’s. You will have lots of support from the hospice. Finally, if you have had first hand experience of St John’s Hospice, we would love to hear from you. By sharing your story you can help support others who are going through difficult times. Please contact St John’s Hospice on 01767 642412 or email stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org if you would like to speak to anyone for more details. 35

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History

D-Day 1944 Democracy 1 - 0 Tyranny. By Ted Bruning On 6 June we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory of democracy over tyranny. And while most of the coverage of this great day will rightly focus on the unflinching selflessness of the 50,000 Allied soldiers, it’s worth sparing a moment to contemplate why democracy won. The young men confronting the Third Reich on D-Day may not have known it, but the soldiers opposing them had already been fatally undermined. A leadership that was corrupt, incompetent, divided, toadying and alternately swollen with pride and prostrated by fear, had made so many idiotic decisions over the past two years that no heroism on the part of its troops could redeem it. And at the heart of all the double-dealing, betrayal, and rottenness stood Adolf Hitler. After the invasion of Russia, Hitler more or less retreated to his Eastern HQ, surrounded by a small cadre of placemen, yes-men, courtiers and cronies who told him only what they thought he wanted to hear. He governed via a maze of overlapping bureaucracies fighting for his favour. And despite his remoteness he insisted on making even the smallest tactical decisions himself. This chaos effectively crippled the Germans defending Normandy.

They had almost no armoured support. Rommel, the commander on the ground, knew that tanks couldn’t move from rear to front because of Allied air-power, and wanted the armour right at the water’s edge. To the commander of Panzer Group West, Geyr von Shweppenburg, this was heresy. Hitler’s compromise was that the armour should be divided between them, but that von Schweppenburg couldn’t move without Hitler’s express orders – which, of course, came too late. Then there were the mythical divisions in Kent and Sussex that appeared to threaten the Pas de Calais. Their existence was conjured up by Allied deception specialists, and 15 German divisions remained north of the Seine to meet them. But these divisions had been fabricated by German army intelligence as part of a plot to discredit Himmler’s rival intelligence agency. There should have been a fleet of war-winning jet fighters overhead, for the Germans had been ahead of the Allies in the technology. But Hitler cancelled work on a feasible jet because a crony, Willi Messerschmidt, persuaded him to favour the Komet rocket-plane instead. As a result the Me262 didn’t appear until far too late. The occasions on which Hitler accepted bad advice that chimed

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with his preconceptions and fantasies and ignored sound advice that didn’t, are too numerous to relate; but they cost the Germans dear on D-Day, and they probably cost Germany the war. And here’s the contrast between tyranny and democracy. Churchill wasn’t short of bad ideas himself, trying to stop Nazi bombers by dropping parachute mines on them being one. And the Allied leaders argued bitterly. But Churchill and Roosevelt surrounded themselves with strong, capable advisers who weren’t afraid to argue their corners. Dowding, in charge of Fighter Command, threatened to resign in May 1940 when Churchill proposed to send more fighter squadrons to prop up the French. And Churchill bowed to his superior judgement! The Allies made mistakes. But the reason that the 159,000 troops who landed in Normandy broke through with fewer than 5,000 killed was that their leaders weren’t driven by fear of a despot; laid rational plans based on professional expertise and sound intelligence; and represented a society that could bury its differences and make sacrifices in defence of shared values. On D-Day, democracy proved to be strong and tyranny weak.

Fun Quiz - Inventions 1. Which toy was invented by accident in 1943 after a naval mechanical engineer knocked something off a shelf and watched the way it dropped onto a stack of books, a table and the floor? 2. In 1970, inventor Douglas Engelbart received a patent for what he called an “X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System”. By what name is this device commonly known today? 3. According to a well known proverb, what “is the mother of invention”? 4. Invented in the late 19th century by a chemist called John Pemberton, what was once advertised as a “valuable brain tonic, and a cure for all nervous afflictions”? 5. In the film Edward Scissorhands, which actor played Edward’s inventor? 6. In 1957, what was accidentally invented by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes when they were attempting to create three-dimensional plastic wallpaper and realised that what they had created had a more practical use? 7. Which was invented first? The pop-up toaster or sliced bread? 8. In 1974, a Hungarian with the first name of Erno invented what is considered by many to be the world’s best-selling toy of all time. What was his surname? 9. Invented by Henry Bessemer, the Bessemer process was the first inexpensive industrial process for the mass-production of which metal? 10. The first commercial version of what was invented in 1884 in Paris, when it was made from deer tallow, castor oil and beeswax, and was covered in silk paper? 1. The slinky 2. A computer mouse 3. Necessity 4. Coca-cola 5. Vincent Price 6. Bubble wrap 7. The pop-up toaster 8. Rubik (he invented the Rubik’s Cube) 9. Steel 10. Lipstick

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Local News

When a child has cancer:

one local couple’s story

Clare and Dean Quince’s two-year-old son Mason was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma liver cancer in July of last year and underwent a liver transplant in November 2013. Clare explains: “Before Mason was diagnosed he seemed well and healthy. He was randomly sick but this was not an everyday occurrence so we did not think anything of it. Mason had a big tummy but nothing that seemed different to any other child of his age. It was only when his tummy became really distended and veins appeared that we took him for a check-up. The doctor knew straight away and sent us to Lister Hospital who later that day told us the worse news possible and that was Mason had cancer.” He was transferred to the children’s cancer ward at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge where Mason’s parents were reassured that a strong dose of chemotherapy would be very effective in treating this type of tumour but that there was a chance Mason might need a liver transplant. Mason started having chemotherapy in August 2013. Unfortunately, it was found that the tumour had wrapped itself around his main blood vessels so following a five-day assessment at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, Mason was accepted for a transplant. He was home after 12 days but had to carry on having chemotherapy until December of last year. Mason had his first day at pre-school in May and Clare says: “I’m glad to say Mason is doing remarkably well and apart from ongoing medication and hospital check-ups, he leads a

near to normal life and is a typical cheeky little two-year-old boy”. Clare and Dean are hoping to raise money to help other children who are being treated at Addenbrookes Cancer Ward by holding a family fun day at The Cock Inn in Gamlingay on Saturday 21st June from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. There will be lots going on in the pub garden all afternoon with live music and a barbeque; stalls selling cakes, books, second hand toys and more; a bouncy castle; tombola; a lucky dip; hook the duck; face painting; children’s tattooing and a ‘name the giraffe’ competition. The day will end with a grand prize draw that has lots of fabulous prizes including Woburn Safari Park tickets; an iPod radio; a children’s patio set; a meat hamper; and vouchers for John o’ Gaunt Golf Club, Shepreth Zoo, Mathew Luke hairdresser and Tumble Tots. There are also many additional prizes to be won including everything from beauty treatments and free fuel to garden centre and meal vouchers. Said Clare: “We’d like to raise as much money as possible as well as everyone having a great afternoon out”. She is hoping to use the money to buy highchairs, ear thermometers, cot mobiles and a Blue Ray DVD player for the ward with even more items depending on the amount raised. For more information or to make a donation please contact Clare Quince on 07798 716225 or email c.quince@btinternet.com.

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Food and Drink

Beer in June By Ted Bruning

It’s flaming June, when England is at her best. Wimbledon. Cricket. Strawberries. Punting. That sort of thing. So on a pleasantly warm June day in England, what more suitable refreshment could there be than a nice cold lager? Because let’s face it, that’s what we drink in summer. But you don’t have to go for ordinary. Treat yourself to a genuine imported lager, one you haven’t tried before. I’ve picked two, one from Germany (which isn’t actually the historic home of lager – the Czech Republic is, but that’s another story), and one from Poland. Let’s start with Warsteiner from Westphalia. North-West Germany is known for decidedly bitter lagers such as Jever and Bitburger, but Warsteiner at 4.8% abv is altogether different. It’s very, very pale for a start – almost colourless, in fact.

The aroma is grassy-fresh, with a hint of bready yeast giving way to a suggestion of ginger. The palate is soft and light and the finish is slightly sweet, a bit peachy, with just a faint hop bitterness. An ice-cream soda of a beer. Tyskie comes from Tychy in Silesia, which was German from 1742 to 1945. The brewing tradition here is German; but the Poles are expert at brewing strong, muscular lagers and Tyskie at 5.6% is certainly muscular. The nose is rich and malty as you’d expect, but the palate is altogether different: quite sharp and tangy, a hint of lime, not malty at all. The finish is bitter and creamy at the same time, with a bit more of that thirst-quenching lime sourness. A beautiful beer – but treat it with respect!

Vanessa and her staff look forward to welcoming all new and existing customers to

The Cock Inn at Gamlingay 25 Church Street, Gamlingay, Beds

Tel: 01767 650255

New Chef New Menu Now Open 7 days a week Food Served

Monday - Saturday 12 noon to 2.30 pm and 6.00pm to 9.00pm Sunday 12 noon to 4.30pm Sunday Roast and full menu available Senior Citizens Lunch every Wednesday - 2 courses only £6.00 Large garden with children’s play area Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Computer Supply & Repair Fast, friendly and local support for all your computer and technology needs. Repairs, Upgrades, Custom Builds etc. Virus and Spyware Removal, PC Health Checks, Software/Hardware Sales, Networking and Wireless

No Call Out Fee Why pay shop prices when you can have a faster, cheaper and more personal service to your door available? With work guaranteed and a No Fix, No Fee motto, why shop anywhere else for your Computer needs?

The Gadget Guy Phone: 01767 641680 Mobile: 07776 497004 Email: sales@thegadgetguy.co.uk Web: www.thegadgetguy.co.uk 44

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CV Tips

Don’t Sell Yourself Short!

Top 10 CV writing tips

4. Grab attention! Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself. Be short and positive with your key strengths, skills and experience and avoid vague, sweeping statements. Ensure you keep three or four sentences tailored to the specific vacancy you’re applying for. 5. Employment history Place each position you have held in reverse chronological order (i.e. most recent first). Make sure there are no unexplained gaps. Use bullet points for clarity and conciseness. 6. Achievements Use between three to five achievements for each role and quantify your main contributions for each, e.g. money you saved or brought in for your employer, deals closed, and projects delivered etc. 7. Tailor your CV Once you have your main CV, always tailor it for each role you apply for which should also be reflected in your covering letter showing why you are the best person for that role and the organisation. Use keywords from the advert or job description. 8. Images Don’t add embedded tables, pictures, or other images to your CV. Applicant-tracking software can be confused by this data so where possible, leave them out. 9. Language, spelling and grammar Never write in the third person because everyone knows you’re the one writing it (unless it’s been written for you). It’s also an extra unnecessary word taking up valuable space! Always ask a family member or friend to read through your CV for any basic spelling or grammar errors and general feedback. 10. Other It sounds obvious, but use one contact number for a phone that will always be answered or has a voicemail function you’ll regularly check. This is also the case for an email address. Don’t include salary details but do say ‘references available upon request’. For further guidance on CV writing and the interview process as an applicant or employer, contact Sarah Reid via email – sarah.reid@solashr. com or visit her website at www.solashr.com. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 45

It’s a sobering thought that for every apprenticeship vacancy there is an average of 12 applications, and for graduates this year UK employers are receiving around 85 applicants per job. A job advert will usually attract 30 applications. These figures are likely to be higher in areas such as London and Cambridge. It’s therefore imperative to make your CV stand out from the competition. Follow my top ten CV Writing tips to give yours the competitive edge: 1. Layout There are no rights or wrongs with layout, just ensure it’s clear, logical and relevant. A winning CV needs to reflect your unique style and personality – by and about you. 2. White space White space on a CV is like taking a breath and draws a reader’s eyes to important points so avoid dense blocks of text. 3. Number of pages If possible, limit your CV to two pages. Employers take an average of ten seconds to read your CV, so keep it short and relevant.

Local News

Extra Help Bedfordshire Central By Peter Lodge

Hello everyone, my name is Peter Lodge and I am the Business owner of Extra Help Bedfordshire Central. Before joining the company, I spent 7 ½ years in the medical/care sector working within both the elderly and paediatric sectors. I decided that I wanted a bigger challenge but still in an area where I could make a difference to peoples quality of life. And did it roll…… before I knew it I was at Harben house at Newport Pagnell and getting myself ready to start training with two other new franchisees. During training I was so nervous thinking what have I let myself in for….. Thankfully Sarah, Claire and Louise were there to help put my mind at ease. The guest speakers who were there, were very helpful and knowledgeable of their own specialities. My business is now live and has started well. Now it is time to look forward and push myself to ensure the business grows and to succeed in ensuring the customers’ needs are met. I have now been running the Extra Help business

for 3 months and have loved it. I have had ups and downs, many more ups though. Business is growing and my clients are very happy with the services being provided to them. These range from house cleaning, ironing, and washing to food preparation, dog walking and companionship. So if you feel like you could use a little Extra Help at home, then please do not hesitate to call.

Relationship at breaking point? Caring, confidential legal advice about: • Divorce & separation • Cohabitation

• Financial settlements • Child contact & residence

Visit www.family-lawfirm.co.uk or email tamara.glanvill@family-lawfirm.co.uk Local meetings arranged at a time and place to suit you.

FREE

half hour telephone appointment

Call locally based family and divorce specialist Tamara Glanvill on 0845 680 2136 (local rate) Woolley & Co is a member of the Law Society and authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Head office: Warwick Enterprise Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick. CV35 9EF

46 W&Co_TamaraAd131.93mm07.13.indd

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Could you do with a helping hand?

Talk to Extra Help for the complete solution We can help with: • Cleaning & tidying • Ironing • Gardening • Dog walking • Household maintenance • Shopping • Meal preparation ….and so much more! From £10 per hour.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.

For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:01767 677540 or 07908 004816 e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com

Tel: 0845 219 8978

www.extra-help.co.uk

No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects TM

Anstee Gorst

Chartered Certified Accountants

Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.

Ash Tree Financial Services Independent Financial Advisers For friendly and expert advice in your financial planning

- Accounts preparation for Sole traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies - Self assessment tax returns - Cash Flow Forecasting - Vat, Payroll & Bookkeeping - Business Start Up Free Initial Consultation Phone: Antoinette Gorst ACCA or Sally Anstee FCCA 01767 650700 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 30, Green End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds, SG19 3LF Email: office@ansteegorst.co.uk Website: www.ansteegorst.co.uk

Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

including: Mortgages and Home Insurance Life assurance Critical Illness Cover Income Protection Pensions and Annuities Investments and Savings Contact Christopher Goodwin Ash Tree House, 48 Sutton Mill Road, Potton, SG19 2QB Tel: 01767 262760

goodwin@ashtree.uk.com www.ashtree.uk.com

Domriss Care Family run company going beyond the call of duty Working out of offices in the attractive rural location of Stratton Park, Biggleswade, family-run firm Domriss Care looks after patients across the towns and villages in mid Bedfordshire. Catherine Rose talked to the care managers there and found a company that goes beyond the call of duty. Originally part of the Abacus Care franchise, CQC registered Domriss Care has been operating independently since April 2014. The unusual title is a contraction of two of the founders’ names: Dominic Limby and his sister Larissa Baker. The company was originally set up by Dominic, Larissa, their parents Sue and George, and Dominic’s wife Cathy in 2012. All had worked in healthcare in the past so collectively they had plenty of know-how in caring for those in the local community. Between them they reckon they have more than 50 years of experience in the industry. There are six office-based staff and 15 care workers although when the company first started up as Abacus working from Sue and George’s home, they only had three or four carers which is testament to how their client base has grown. Larissa Baker is a company director as is her mum Sue, who has worked as a nurse at St John’s Hospice, and is also the registered manager. Dominic, the other director of the company does the IT work and George Limby does accounts. Elaine Hammersley and Emma Abbiss are the office care managers while Geoff Hillier is accounts manager. Care involves everything from preparing meals, shopping, jobs around the house and of course personal care. The majority of their patients are elderly, the oldest being 99, but they also look after younger vulnerable people too and some patients with MS. Central Beds is sectioned into Lots and currently the company works across Lot two which incorporates Biggleswade, Sandy, Upper Caldecote, Potton, Everton, Clifton, Langford, Arlesey and the surrounding areas but they are hoping to expand into Lot 1 which will include

Flitwick, Ampthill, Tempsford and Blunham. Domriss are the preferred providers for Central Bedfordshire Council, Continuing Health Care team within the NHS and recommended by the local District Nurse Team as well as private clients. Currently, Domriss looks after around 40 patients in their homes. Compulsory training must be completed before a carer is allowed out into the community, along with DBS checks (formerly known as CRB). However, carer training is ongoing and all staff have to renew their compulsory training annually. There are also extra courses on offer covering topics like dementia, end of life care and diabetes to ensure that carers are knowledgeable in all the kinds of conditions they are likely to encounter in their line of work. The carers have to work to a care plan. However, staff frequently go above and beyond the call of duty. Emma tells me how she used to plate up Christmas dinner for someone who had no family and was alone on Christmas Day and she has picked up milk and bread for people. Emma thinks that the palliative care Domriss offers is important and finds it rewarding to make someone as comfortable as possible at home in their final days, while giving support to their family. She also enjoys chatting to the elderly patients and hearing their stories from long ago. One patient Emma cared for was born in the year of the Titanic disaster. The work is often hard and the hours long but Elaine feels the rewards are worth it. “Seeing someone cancel their care because you have helped them get back on their feet again is wonderful” she says.

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Emma Abbis and Elaine Hammersley, care managers for Domriss Care.

Domriss Care Ltd

Unit 1, Stratton Park, Dunton Lane, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8QS

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

Website: www.domrisscare.co.uk Email: enquiries@domrisscare.co.uk Tel: 01767 312500/222325

Garden

Plotting a vegetable garden By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com Even the smallest garden can find space to grow vegetables. Start now and you can enjoy delicious home-grown salads all summer long. Producing useful quantities of your own vegetables doesn’t take up as much space as you might imagine. There’s a lot you can plant out or grow from seed right now that will give you some super-tasty, succulent, and top-quality salads in just a few weeks’ time. And salad leaves grown in ornamental pots can be as decorative as they are nutritious. Before you get sowing or planting, choose the right containers. Big ones are easier to maintain than small ones; and of course bigger pots mean more produce. Go for something of at least 30cm (12in) in diameter, larger if possible. As salad crops tend to be pretty short-term there’s no need to spend a fortune on compost. Ideally choose a good-quality multi-purpose compost, but you can get perfectly acceptable results with the contents of a growing-bag. I find the quality of the compost in these isn’t all that brilliant, but for the time you need it – and provided you keep it well-fertilised – it’ll be adequate. If you grow your own salad leaves you can get precisely the mix you like best. There are plenty of eye-catching lettuces such as the frilly Lollo, either a gorgeous bright-green standard Lollo a burgundy-tinged Lollo Rosso or a mixture of both. Treat them as cut-and-come-again crops, snipping off the leaves as you want them but not cutting into to the base, then they’ll put out new shoots and keep cropping for longer. Baby beet leaves are a popular salad ingredient, too. Choose a variety like Bull’s Blood for the prettiest leaves or grow any of the standard varieties, and you’ll also get a great-tasting root

crop later on. I generally harvest the young leaves a few at a time but let the plant produce a root too. There are still plenty of tomato plants in the shops now, but hunt carefully to find the ones that are still in top condition. If you choose an outdoor variety it can be grown in a pot on its own, and if you have a big enough container you can grow some other salad ingredients around the edge of the container. If you’re after some fire in your cooking, a chilli pepper thrives in a pot in a warm and very sheltered spot as do sweet peppers. Fresh herbs can make a salad more interesting too. Choose your favourites and either grow them in a dedicated herb pot with extra grit in the compost for good drainage, or even consider popping a few in with your main crops. Vegetables, like most plants, do best in a relatively warm spot with plenty of sun, so site your containers carefully. You want them to be easily accessible from the kitchen, but it’s more important to ensure they’re sheltered from the wind yet still get enough sun. You may prefer to raise some of your crops in pots and grow them on a bit before planting them out. The garden containers will always be full and looking their best, even while you’re harvesting them. The new plantings will very quickly blend in with the old, and all summer long you’ll have a garden that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the tastebuds. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for the AskPippa Q&A ervice, Nemaslug, natural pest controls and lots more besides!

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Transform Your Lawn Lawn Care - Turf - Renovations

Local Family Business

Duncan Tim Jane

Lawn Care Programmes

▪ Fertiliser, moss and weed treatments ▪ Scariﬁcation and aeration

Fresh Turf Supplied and Laid ▪ Full ground preparation

Renovations

▪ Re-seeding and repairs

Free lawn analysis

01767 359 488

Treatments from £15

www.brilliantlawns.co.uk

Brilliant Lawns Caring for your lawn

Pottons Specialist Welding and Fabricating Company

For further information please call Trevor on Tel: 01767 261845 Mobile: 07941 187689 Email: Gemmaton@hotmail.co.uk

ton for a ll yo Wrought iron work, ur w elding needs made to order, including

ma m e G • • • •

stairs benches individual beds furniture

Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

• • • •

Suppliers of manual and automated gates Security doors and grills Fire escapes All welding projects

Garden

Che Guevara in Chelmsford? Rural Ramblings. By Geoff Wharton Yesterday I was watching the local news which was covering the usual boring stuff about either local authority targets not being met or some cooking competition when my attention was drawn to a brief programme about someone who had been tending with loving care, a small piece of spare ground outside their house. They had been looking after it for several years and had planted a range of colourful plants in order to make a rather drab area a bit more interesting. Then the council came along and ordered them to remove the offending development and were going to fine them 50 pounds. Of course the people from the local authority were legally allowed to do this but it seemed to me a bit harsh when the idea was to improve the area. I have seen some areas of waste ground left covered in piles of waste and junk and the perpetrators disappear without any chance of fining them! I continued investigating this activity and came across the term guerrilla-gardening. This is described as being an act of gardening on land that the gardener does not have the legal right to utilise. It started in America but now has spread worldwide with individuals and small groups taking over all sorts of abandoned sites, waste ground and dilapidated areas with the intention of environmental improvement and making them more visually attractive. I have vague memories of hearing about someone living in Scotland in an area which was particularly devoid of trees. This person carried in his car seed ‘bombs’ containing a range of native tree seeds and every time they went out in the car they would throw out the bombs into the local countryside. Over the course of several years trees slowly started to increase and the landscape was transformed, hopefully for the better. Of course this kind of activity could be detrimental and there are all sorts of potential problems but here is a case where an individual had a vision to improve their surroundings and was willing to spend the time and effort on achieving this. Perhaps it would have been wiser and more effective to have discussed the ideas for change with others in order to exchange views, methods and implications ? All I know is that there are now lots of large trees growing where there were

previously none and we all like trees don’t we? I suppose the problem could be that the species selection could have been a problem and the trees may have been sprouting in places where they could have been a nuisance. The issue is that most people want to live in places which are not squalid and do not want to be surrounded by ugly piles of waste. Most people want to live in pleasant surroundings and some are even willing to volunteer and work at improving the habitat for wild animals and humans alike. Surely they should be encouraged to do this. It may be better if the activities were discussed and all points of view aired rather than individuals taking action which may not be universally welcome. Wouldn’t it be better for councils to offer support and advice for people wanting to make improvements rather than blankly saying that you can’t do it. Let’s take the guerrilla out of gardening And make everyone happy!

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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GILKS FENCING LTD FULL INSTALLATION SERVICE

• Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, • Timber or Concrete Posts CALL NOW FOR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION:

01767 650 615

Beds SG19 2HX Tel: 01767 650 Fax: 01767 654

615 944 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com

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SURECLEAN

J.R. Bibby Turf Supplies Quality Turf with a Quality Service

DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS ROOF MOSS REMOVAL AND GUTTER CLEANING We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system to restore exterior hard surfaces to as new condition.

Block Paving, Pathways, Patios Garden Wall and Stone Ornaments Ponds and Pools Also Re-sanding and Sealing Local Company

01767 400127/07870 338074 www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk

• Professional Turf Laying Service • Weed Treated & Fertilized • Fast Delivery • Commercial and Domestic • Free Estimates • All Areas Covered • Hard Landscaping Large or Small Jobs Undertaken

For your Free Estimate call Joe on:

01767 - 260 550

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ACE PEST CONTROL Fast, efficient, friendly service with very competitive rates Available - 7 days a week Local company. Established 25 years We specialise in all pest problems especially WASPS

Phone: 01767 627417 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

 Personal customer service, collection and delivery available.  Assessment of individual requirements.  Full after sales backup and parts service.  NEW Oregon, the world's only unique battery operated, self-sharpening s In stock. chain saw.  Ride-on and pedestrian mowers, chainsaws, strimmers, hedge trimmers, cultivators, estate and equestrian equipment. Trailers - sales, hire, service.  Accessories, oils, Aspen fuel, batteries, spares, security locks for garden/ horticultural machinery and trailers. horticultu

Appointed dealers for:

 Main dealer for Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki & Mountfield engines.

Honeydon Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2LY

01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm

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Pets

Animal Heroes RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch

Stories told about the heroes who help our animals. Our charity doesn’t have a rescue centre so we rely entirely on volunteer foster carers to look after our animals prior to re-homing. Be a hero – become a foster carer! Cat fostering Have you ever thought about fostering? We provide food, litter, toys, bedding and pay for any veterinary costs. You provide love and security. When a cat is in foster care the chance of finding a good match with new owners is increased. The foster carer is able to give much more information about the cats’ nature, and likes and dislikes – than if the cat was kept in a cattery. If you think you could become a cat fosterer, discuss with everyone in the house if it is something they would be happy to do. Don’t forget to take into consideration your own pets and how you think they would cope. Decide if fostering cats could fit into your home, family and lifestyle – for example, as a foster carer you’re responsible for keeping the cat secure in your house at all times. Some of the cats we help are initially quite timid. Have you the space, and patience, to give them a quiet place in which to settle? Also, are you prepared to have prospective new owners coming to your home to meet the cat? Our home check team assesses all prospective new owners, before being allowed to meet

the cat. The cat may also need to have regular visits to the vets for treatment, neutering or vaccination; so ideally you need your own transport. If you decide it’s a ‘YES’ to fostering – THANK YOU! Please contact us on 01234 266965, or via our website. We’ll then provide you with the food and equipment you need – and you’ll have our support at all times if you’ve any worries or questions. The cat, or kittens, will stay with you until the time comes to move to their new home – this can be anything from a few days to a couple of months. The tough bit is saying goodbye, but when you receive pictures and stories of how they’re getting on in their new lives – you’ll know it will have been worthwhile. Our heroes – the foster carers who’ve recently said goodbye to Tom, Mick, Malcolm and Una – will testify that fostering can be the best job in the world. ANIMAL HEROES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca.org.uk/local/ bedfordshire-northbranch

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TYNEHILL Boarding Kennels and Cattery

The kennels your dog would choose! 10% discount for new customers • • • • • •

Top quality kennels and cattery Fully licensed and insured Clean and hygienic environment Highly competitive rates Discount for family groups Our dogs are happy dogs!

Better kennels are only minutes away...

www.tynehillkennelsandcattery.co.uk 01462 850606

Shillington Road, Lower Stondon, Beds, SG16 6JX

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Horsemanship

Natural Horsemanship By Heather Stopher

When I meet people for the first time and tell them that I am a natural horsemanship trainer, the response is always the same: puzzlement followed by questions to elicit precisely what it is. So for the benefit of anyone who does not know, natural horsemanship, or - to give it its colloquial name ‘horse whispering’ - derives from the observation of wild horses and emulating how they communicate. This in turn translates into a universal language which is used to establish an astonishingly close bond with horses. The core belief in this system is the use of non-violence towards the horse. Most people who own horses have problems of one sort or another. Horses are not supposed to have a sense of humour, but some of the things I have seen really make me wonder. I regularly watch a horse barging out of his stable and dragging his owner to the nearest patch of grass. The poor owner puts up with this treatment from their horse because they have got used to it and now think it is ‘normal’. It is wrongly assumed that it is the horse that needs fixing if there is a problem, but interestingly, it is a lack of leadership by the owner that invites this horse to just do what it wants. In fact the horse is dominating the human. This behaviour is easily remedied. If you are in the horsey world, then how many times have you seen people with lunge whips and ropes yelling and screaming at the horse because it won’t load into a trailer? A horse is an animal that can feel a fly land on its back. It has always amazed me that people find it perfectly acceptable to whip a horse when the same treatment meted out to a dog would result in the RSPCA and the police being called. In the case of a non-loading horse, it is all fear-based. The horse is not going in because he is ‘stupid’ or ‘naughty’, he is quite literally, afraid for his life. A horse has

survived for millions of years by being cautious. A dark cave is where predators live and heaven help him if he is trapped in one of those, so he has an innate fear of small dark spaces. The frustrated and angry human trying to get the horse in is acting just like a predator and therefore we only confirm the horse’s worst fears when we try and force him to go into somewhere his every instinct is telling him to stay well clear of. These are just two examples of human and horse at crossed purposes, and, sadly neither owner is having any fun. Both problems can easily be sorted out when the horses and owners have been taught how to communicate with each other. We start on the ground and that translates directly into ridden solutions. In comparison, my horse will stay by my side at all three paces with no tack on at all. He will stop when I stop and go backwards when I go backwards. On my command he will also walk, trot or canter into the trailer and then reverse out again by my just lifting a few hairs on his tail. How much nicer for the horse and human is that? And you would not believe how much fun we had getting to this happy state. Like humans, horses have different personalities, so we work with the introverts in a very different way to the extroverts. To add to the equation, horses have two sides to their brain. The left gives a more measured response, whilst the right reacts before thinking. Like humans, some horses take longer to learn than others: it boils down to what motivates your horse to respond in a positive way. All this is easily taught and fun to learn and it will create a lasting bond with your horse. Most people are looking for a permanent ‘quick fix’. In the horse world there is no such thing. Everything takes time, and by taking the time to do it right in the first instance, guess what? The task takes less time to do properly again. Heather Stopher works as a natural horsemanship trainer in mid Bedfordshire.

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Horse Owners • Bored with hacking? • Fancy doing something new? • Want to have some fun with your horse? • Want to improve your horse’s manners?

Professional Dog & Cat Grooming

Then why not have a look at Natural Horsemanship?

Hydro Massage Bathing Bespoke Dog & Cat Grooming Handstripping Specialists De-shedding Treatments Open Plan Grooming

£15 p/h Call Heather:

38 Shortmead St Biggleswade www.hollywooddogs.co.uk 01767 600 212 Find us on Facebook

01767 627161

heather.stopher@btinternet.com

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

Swimming Lessons • • • • • •

Manor Farm Villager Advert A7 :Layout 1 03/07/2013 12:20

Private pool - Tadlow ASA qualified teachers Beginners & stroke technique classes 1-3 pupils per class 10 week courses (term time only) Mother and Toddler classes

C a l l He ather on Tel: 01767 631053 Pag Mob: 07885 516561

A flexible day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with extensive and well resourced grounds. r u o y f of Excellent links to s onth’ 1st m es the A1, St Neots and fe Sandy railway station.

30%

To find out more call us today

01767 681805 76 London Road, Sandy Beds. SG19 1DZ e: info@manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk w: www.manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk

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Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Motoring

Sébastien Loeb Interview

Loeb does Pikes Peak - http://youtu.be/Y20CLumT2Sg By James Baggott, editor of CarDealerMagazine.co.uk He’s the most successful driver in the World Rally Championship’s history, with an incredible nine titles to his name. He holds the record for fastest ascent of the buttock-clenching Pikes Peak hill climb – and if you haven’t seen the video, go do it now. But most of all he’s an all-round nice guy and a massive car nut. Sébastien Loeb is a legend among rally car fans and a hero to petrol heads. After years of dominating the world’s rally stages with Citroen, the 40-year-old is now starting at the bottom rung of the ladder once more and taking on a new challenge – competing in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) with Citroen. Here, in an exclusive interview, Loeb talks crashing his first car, gives his tips for driving on the limit, tries to sell us his Lamborghini Aventador and says he simply doesn’t care how he does in WTCC as long as it’s not finishing last. My first car was a Renault 5 GT Turbo. My friends all drove BMWs, Golf GTIs and Peugeot 205 GTIs at the time I was growing up. We all loved cars. I picked the Renault because I wanted a fast small car. My grandmother helped me buy it second-hand. It didn’t last too long – I crashed it. I’d had the GT Turbo for about a year before I drove it into a pole. I drove it too hard. I bought another one with a broken engine – there were lots of those around – and I swapped it over. I eventually part exchanged it for a Fiesta RS Turbo. This was no good in comparison as it had too much power going through the front wheels. It understeered all over the place. I soon got rid of that and moved on to a Peugeot 205 Rallye, after that two 205 GTIs, then I swapped into a Saxo VTS. I have to say the Saxo was my favourite. I used it to recce rallies in it before I competed in them. I modified it with a short gearbox, big brakes, better suspension, a roll cage and sports seats. It was a road car, but very quick and great fun to drive. These days I don’t really have much of a car collection. I have my Citroen C4 WRC car that was given to me as a present. I will keep that forever – it’s very special. I like to change my other cars regularly though. I have a Citroen DS5, a Lamborghini Aventador and a Porsche 911 Turbo. I’m changing the latter for a Cayenne and am selling the Aventador – do you want to buy it? I used to drive everywhere on the limit. I realised I had a talent behind the wheel in my Renault 5 when

I was quicker than all my friends. I’ve always liked to drive through corners fast and picked up the skill of sliding when my dad would take me to a field in his old saloon and he’d let me handbrake turn it. I always enjoyed those times. My best piece of advice to upcoming rally drivers is try and get noticed. I started off in a competition in France that had 15,000 entrants. I won the regionals and then everyone was pitched against each other in a national final. I won, but the judge chose the second placed guy over me. So I tried again the following year and won it again. I then had a call from the guy who is now my team manager who spotted my perseverance. So my advice is: Keep trying. In rally you need good notes. You need to be able to anticipate what’s coming up next and you can only do that with good pace notes. You have to focus on what you’re doing at that moment, maybe that’s adjusting brake pressure, but also think about what’s around the next bend. Winning the World Rally Championship in front of my friends and family was a career highlight. Of course my first World Championship was very special – it finally felt like I’d achieved something – but when I won the final stage, in my home town, in front of my friends and family, well, that was something else. It was a very proud moment. I don’t want to be in the queue this year. World Touring Cars are very different and I’m starting from zero again and learning how to improve. Racing is different to rallying: You’ve got other cars on the track at the same time for a start and you need to be perfect everywhere, with every braking point and every corner. These are all new things to be, but I will get the rhythm. I want a good position, but I prefer finishing first…

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RSPB

News from RSPB

by Mark Brandon The Lodge nature reserve and gardens As we head into the main summer months our breeding birds take centre stage. The major habitat and conservation work is put on hold until the autumn to avoid any disturbance to the birds, and our volunteers take to other tasks at this time. With the welcome warm, spring conditions this year, many birds raised their young early and have taken advantage of a good supply of insects throughout the season. Cold frosts and heavy rain can have a devastating effect on young birds in the nest and disrupt the all-important supply of food, so it was good news to have such a settled pattern of weather this year. The ravens were feeding their young on the hill fort nest at the end of April and into early May. This is the third consecutive successful year of breeding at The Lodge for this once scarce Bedfordshire species. Along with the common woodland birds, nuthatches, mistle thrush, green and great spotted woodpeckers and buzzards have all been seen and heard as they started nesting and raising young. As I write, the first hobby, a falcon that migrates here for the summer, has arrived and will be seen dashing over the heaths in search of dragonflies and insects in coming weeks. As spring turns to summer, The Lodge is a wonderful pace to see dragonflies and many types of exciting insects, bees and wasps. Another species that is doing well at The Lodge is the natterjack toad. These creatures are rare across the UK and normally breed around coastal dunes. Natterjacks have very specific requirements, so we manage the areas around the ponds for them. The only problem is that they are nocturnal, so hardly seen!

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It goes without saying that summer is a busier time than normal for our events programme at The Lodge kicking off with our Spring Fayre on June 1 which has the exciting addition of The Beds Artist Network coming to show local artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work and hold workshops for youngsters. And our archaeology and history event, Time Explorers on June 15 will be full of hands on activities, including new additions of thatching and brick making. There are lots more events in June. For details please visit: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge. The RSPB Lodge reserve is open every day from dawn to dusk. Entry is included in the car-parking fee - ÂŁ5 a car for non-members, free if you are members or just visiting the shop. The shop is open every day (9am-5pm and 10am-5pm weekends and Bank Holidays) and has everything for people who love nature. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity. In England and Wales, no: 207076. In Scotland, no: SC037654. RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL 01767 680541

THE BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER

Local news, for Local Listeners by Local volunteers supported and funded by Local organisations

• The Biggleswade Talking Newspaper is one way that the Blind and partially sighted person can independently access Local news. • If you know anyone who you feel would like to have a ‘’talking newspaper’’ on a memory stick each week, free to the listener, please contact David Gentle on 07840 504940 or visit our web site. • We are the official “talking newspaper’’ for Biggleswade, Arlesey, Potton, Sandy, Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding villages. • If the listener does not have the facilities to listen to the MP3 sound file contained on the memory stick we can lend them a player, free. • A note for the diary Saturday 12th July 2014 is BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER DAY – come and meet the team, we will be at ASDA Biggleswade between 9am and 3pm. • Giving details of the service and showing how we edit and record the week’s news.

www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk We are a registered charity No 281316 established in 1981

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ABOVE ALL Autocentre Unit 1, Sand Road Ind. Est., Great Gransden SG19 3AH

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AIR CONDITIONING – Recharging of system. DIAGNOSTICS - SNAP ON Diagnostic fault finding centre. EXHAUSTS - Supplied and fitted to all makes of cars and vans. BATTERIES - Supplied and fitted two and three year guarantee. BRAKES - Discs Pads Shoes. Cylinders etc supplied and fitted. CODE READING - Trace & rectify those alarming red dashboard warning lights. TYRES - All makes inc. Budget Avon, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli.

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by Culinary Masters

Food and Drink

Chilli Beef, Chorizo and Mature Cheddar Burgers

Spice up your summer barbeque with this month’s tasty recipe for homemade burgers. INGREDIENTS

For the mix 500g lean mince beef 200g chorizo sausage chopped into small chunks 4 x large fresh chillis 2 x red onions finely diced 4 x cloves of garlic finely diced 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper To serve Mature cheddar Iceburg lettuce, shredded Four large floured baps, toasted Sliced fresh tomato 1. Preheat oven to 180°C, 350°F, gas mark 4. 2. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

thoroughly. 3. Separate the mix into four patties. 4. Seal off the patties in a preheated pan with a small amount of cooking oil. 5. Once both sides are sealed in the pan, place into the oven for 10 minutes. 6. Remove from the oven and top each burger with a slice of mature cheddar then return to the oven for 2 minutes. 7. Remove once more from the oven and serve in a toasted bap with the shredded iceberg and sliced tomatoes. Based in Bedfordshire, Culinary Masters can supply a professional chef to cater for you in your home, whether it is a romantic meal for two or a dinner party for friends and family, you can enjoy the luxury of a meal out with all the shopping, cooking and clearing up done for you. Call 07872391726 for competitive quotes, menu options and more details. 71

Food & Drink

Always Mix your Drinks! By Nick Clare

In recent years there has been a big movement in craft beers. These are beers that are not made just for mass production but to truly add something to the art of brewing, coming out of breweries like Harviestoun, Meantime, Brewdog and many more. If you are local to Henlow then The Engineers Arms is a great pub that always has a wide selection of good craft beers, so check it out! The other ‘big thing’ in the drinks world over the last decade has been cocktails and even more recently people have been merging the two and creating beer cocktails (or beertails). It is important to note however, that although this is a current trend, drinks like Huckle My Buff which is a porter, cognac, muscovado sugar and egg yolk cocktail traditionally heated with a hot poker, have been around for hundreds of years. So it would seem we are just adding to a delicious British tradition with a modern twist to bring out the best in our great British beers. Here are a few recipes that you can try yourself:

Atlas 77 This is a variation on the champagne-based French 77. 25ml Sipsmith gin 35ml of Bramley and Gage elderflower liqueur 25ml lemon juice 7ml sugar syrup Harviestouns’ Schiehallion lager Add the first four ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and shake until well chilled. Fine strain into a coupe or cocktail (martinistyle) glass and top up with the Schiehallion. Delicious!

Atlas 77

Jalisco Highlander Jalisco Highlander 30ml Patron XO Café 30ml fresh espresso 30ml Old Engine Oil porter 15ml double cream 3ml sugar syrup (this may vary slightly on the bitterness of your espresso) Cinnamon (good quality ground) Shake everything together except the cinnamon in an icefilled shaker until well chilled. Strain into a coupe or martini glass and dust generously with the cinnamon.

Meantime Raspberry Daiquiri 25ml raspberry liqueur 25ml rum 25ml lime juice 6ml sugar syrup Add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and shake until well chilled. Pour into a martini glass and top up with around 40ml of Meantime raspberry wheat beer.

Jalisco Highlander

For more information on beertails or the ingredients used, contact me via my site www.mixedupbars.co.uk. Or to hire a barman for a hen party, wedding or any other event email nick@mixedupbars.co.uk 72

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n O s ’ t Wha

wildlife that we see and hear along the water’s edges. * Family = 2 adults & 2 children. Tickets: RSPB The Lodge shop Tel: 01767 680541 B&MK Boat Tel: 0800 328 2803 (from landline) 0330 123 9511 (from mobile). Or visit; Bedford Tourist Information Centre, St Paul’s Square, Bedford.

1 June Wilstead Bowls Club Open Day 10am-4pm Jubilee Playing Fields, off Bedford Road, Wilstead Everyone is welcome, come and have a go. Tel: Jean Ward Club Secretary 01234 740767

1 June Spring Fair 10am-5pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL £2 per car entrance fee. Lots of interesting stalls to browse through. Some small charges for activities. 1 June Shortmead Open Gardens 2-5pm Shortmead Lane, Biggleswade Admission £3, Accompanied under 16s free A rare opportunity to visit the grounds of Shortmead House and enjoy the beautiful ornamental and informal gardens. Light refreshments available, plant sales, WC, baby-changing facilities available. No dogs except guide dogs. All proceeds go to Friends of Shortmead. Tel: Marilyn Bond 01767 313663 Web: www.shortmead.com 3 June Potton Ladies Club 7.30pm The Working Men’s Club (Potton Club and Institute), Station Road, Potton Visitors £3, to include light refreshment The Club are pleased to welcome back Marion Moule, whose theme this time will be “The Victorian Kitchen”. 4 June Folk Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall First Wednesday every month. Open floor folk session evening. Tel: Chris 01767 640242 for more info 4 June Field Marshall Sir William Robertson 7pm for 7.30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk by John Spencer about William Robertson and his impact on the British Army in France and Flanders. Non-members most welcome. Web: www. westernfrontassociation.com 5 June River Ouse Summer Evening Wildlife Cruise 7-9.30pm Boat leaves promptly from Bedford Marina. MK41 9DJ RSPB Members: Adults £12, Children (5-16) £8, Family* £32. Non-RSPB Members Adults £15, Children £10, Family* £40 Join us on the Bedford Community Boat as we cruise downstream along the River Ouse from Bedford Marina towards Cardington Lock. A guide from The RSPB will be on board to help you enjoy the birds and

5, 12, 19 & 26 June Potton Youth Club 7-9pm Potton Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton Run by Groundwork Bedfordshire. Every Thursday for young people aged 11-19 (Year 7 +). Wide variety of activities for all. Web: www.groundwork.org.uk/beds 5 & 19 June Biggleswade Cancer Support Group 1-3pm The Meeting Room, Biggleswade Baptist Church Sessions free – donations welcome. An informal, confidential group for cancer patients, families and friends in the Biggleswade area. It is a place to meet with others and provide mutual support. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Tel: 07812 796581 Email: csgbiggleswade@gmail.com Facebook: Biggleswade Cancer Support Group 6 June Tour of Southill House 2.30-5.30pm £15.00 pre-book for the house tour (garden open) Red Cross Open Gardens event. Private tours of Southill House; a regency hall designed by Henry Holland in 1795 and has been in the Whitbread family since then. Afternoon tea will be served in the house. On the day garden only £4.00 but teas are separately priced. To enable groups of 25 people at a time to be guided around the house, we would ask people to pre-book by 23 May. Tel: Helen 01585-589083 or book on line www.redcross.org.uk/opengardens. 6 June Bingo Night 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar. Also open the box. Tel: 01767 640727 6, 13, 20 & 27 June Sandy Ukulele Group 7-9pm Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy The Sandy Ukulele Group meets every Friday night. Visitors and new member welcome. Email: Sandyukulelegroup1@gmail.com Web: www.sandyukulelegroup.com 7 June Mind, Body & Soul Fair 10am-4pm Blunham Village Hall Admission £2.50 Astrology Readings, Spiritualist Mediums, Clairvoyants, Tarot Cards. Crystals, Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Healing. Dowsing, Allergy Testing and much more. Refreshments will be available. In aid of Blunham Village Hall.

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7 June Ian Fleming and the Bletchley Park Connection 10.30am-3pm The Labour Hall, Biggleswade With tutor Sue Curran. A look at how Ian Fleming’s involvement with Bletchley Park led to the creation of James Bond. Tea and coffee available. 1 hour for lunch – bring a picnic or use local restaurants. Event organised by Biggleswade WEA – The Workers’ Educational Association. Tel: Clive Bandy 01462 730147. Email: Biggleswade.wea@virginmedia.com 7 June Summer Fête, 12 noon-3pm, St Andrew’s C of E VC Lower School, Brunt’s Lane, Biggleswade Free admission Bouncy castle, stalls, raffle, tombola, arena events, community and sports groups, Hobgoblin theatre show, Great St Andrew’s Bake-Off cake competition, BBQ & refreshments. Email: standrewsptfa@hotmail. co.uk Facebook: St Andrews PTFA 7 June Performers & Pints 22: Summer Sizzler 8pm The Rising Sun, 11 Everton Road, Potton Free entry. Big artists in little Potton. Four exceptional performers x 30 mins each = One incredible evening of quality and diversity. Twitter: @PerformersPints Web: www.facebook.com/performersandpints 10 June - Bee Keeping Talk or Papercrats Evening 20 June – Three Greens Walk & Pub Ladies Circle is a modern, vibrant club for women aged 18 to 45. Email: biggleswade.circle@yahoo.co.uk Twitter: @BwadeCircle Facebook: Biggleswade Ladies Circle 13 June Sing-A-Long Grease Night Doors open 7.45pm Potton Pre School Tickets £2.50 in advance or £3 on the door including a Pink Lady Cocktail or soft drink. Come along for a fun packed night. Adults only and fancy dress optional. Tickets from Potton Pre-School or on the door. 14 June Peregrine Recorder Orchestra Concert 7.30pm St Faith’s Church, Woolgrove Road, Hitchin Tickets £7, Concessions £5 Supported by Soprano Jackie Mitchell. Proceeds to Phase and Street Angels charities. 14 & 15 June Garden Gander 1-6pm Great Gransden Admission by programme £5, under 12s free Eight pretty gardens will be open to the public for a “garden gander”. None of the gardeners are professional but all take great care in looking after and developing their gardens. Teas with homemade cakes available in The Reading Room with opportunity to buy the popular Gransden Recipe Book. Gardens include plant stalls, craft exhibitions. A vintage bus will be providing free transport between the gardens – just flag down the driver. Funds raised will go towards maintaining the thatched Reading Room.

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15 June Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 Tel: 01480 382432 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk 21 June Summer Fete Sutton VA Lower School Lots of stalls, games, BBQ and bar. Main arena is set to be full of dance displays including the Maypole. Visit: Friends of Sutton Lower School Facebook page. 21st June Party On Potton @ Four Season Market 9am - 1pm – Potton Market Square Join the team in Orange to get a taster of what we have in store for the Big August Bank Holiday Weekend and what’s sizzling on our fantastic BBQ! 21 June Rose Queen Fête 2-4pm Blunham John Donne Lower School and St Edmunds or St James Church will be celebrating the annual Rose Queen Fête. Procession will start from Park Lane in Blunham at 2pm, followed by the crowning of the 2014 Rose Queen. Many traditional attractions. We will be holding a “Best Garden Rose” competition. Tel: John Donne Lower School 01767 640346 21 June The Big Wild Sleepout 5pm - pack camp by 10 am 22 June RSPB The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL Cost for camping pitch RSPB Members £15, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £6, Non-Members Adults £20, Children under 16 £10, under 5s free Camping under the stars, connect with nature as the nocturnal wildlife comes to life on the reserve. Join in with bat walks, see what spectacular moths we trap and enjoy music and storytelling around the camp fire. Booking essential. This is a Wild Sleepout! Sorry, no pets. All children must be accompanied with an adult. 22 June Open Churches Sunday 11.30am-5pm St Swithun’s Church, Sandy Views from the top of the tower (weather permitting), crafts, books, preserves, quiz, refreshments. 26 June Potton History Society Meeting 8pm Church Hall, Hatley Road, Potton ‘Discover your Ancestors’. Ellen Collier will illustrate how to research your own family tree. Visitors and new members always welcome. Light refreshments. Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.com 29 June Summer Classics 3pm St Andrew’s Church, Biggleswade Adults £10, Children under 16 £2 An afternoon concert of midsummer music! Refreshments available. Proceeds to Biggleswade Bells - a restoration project of St Andrew’s church bells. Tel: Tickets 01767 318537 Web: www.biggleswadebells.org.uk

DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery

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Unit 12, Gracious Farm, Southill, Beds SG18 9JB T: 01462 816695 F: 01462 850915 E: info@driftwoodjoinery.com

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Country Stoves Quarter page MAY Advert:Layout 1 10/

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• Wood burning & multi fuel stoves • HETAS certified installation • Chimney lining • Twin wall flue systems • Free survey & quotation • ICS Qualified chimney sweeps • Insurance certificates issued • Bird guards fitted • Local, professional & reliable

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Call Us Today on 01604 621562 or 01234 880567

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Windows | Doors | Conservatories replacement glass | repairs | and more

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We make a grand entrance! Composite doors from £695 UPVC Doors from £495 UPVC French Doors from £790 UPVC Windows UPVC Repair Service Free Estimates Certass Registered 10 Year Industry Backed Guarantee Covering Potton, Sandy, Biggleswade and surrounding area

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Extensions New Build Renovations Garage Conversions Loft Conversions Kitchen Fitting Driveways and Patios

For all your building needs Call John on 01767 222219 or 07831 283296

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Email: chippyjenkins@gmail.com References available on request Julian Biggs Plumbing Advert:Layout 1 17/05/2013 14

Julian Biggs Plumbing& Heating All aspects of plumbing & heating work Oil fired boilers - Servicing, Repairs, Installation Bathroom, showers and taps leaking taps to full installation

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Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• Spot stain and odour removal • Anti-stain protection • Leather suites cleaned and reconditioned • Tile and grout cleaning • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured • Local company

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 80

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Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: dialporter01@tiscali.co.uk 82

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Mark Dilley Electrical Part P Registered Company 22386 Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections

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Ironing Fairy Do you hate ironing, or just don’t have time to do it?... ...Then let me do it for you! • Friendly, reliable 1 to 1 service from a business that cares!

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Potton Windows Limited was established in 1987 84

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Crossword Solution for The Villager May Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mr P Keating from Stotfold

May’s Wildlife Competition The solution to the puzzle in the last issue of The Villager was MIGRATION. The winner, selected at random, was Mrs G Davison from Ickleford, who has been sent the prize, a copy of ‘Wildlife through the Year’ signed by the author.

Battle Of the Proms Competition The winners are Chloe Alder from Biggleswade, Miss C Ray from Stotfold, Jim Mynott from St Neots, Tim Croft from Granchester, Peter Rutt from Biggleswade and Miss C Chester from Willington

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Type of pudding (7) 5 Trimmed (5) 8 Large pebbles (5) 9 Brutal (7) 10 At right angles (13) 11 Without effort (6) 12 Grieves for (6) 15 A protest (13) 18 Financial system (7) 19 Beverage (5) 20 Stairs (5) 21 Hauled (7)

18th June 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd

ď&#x20AC;˘

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

Down 1 Sticky liquid (5) 2 Accompanies (7) 3 Assorted (13) 4 Split (6) 5 Book of facts (13) 6 Snarl (5) 7 Removes weapons (7) 11 Goes on forever (7) 13 Fence (7) 14 Remained (6) 16 Large deer (5) 17 Nude (5)

24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Name: Tel: Address:

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KEMP GARAGE DOORS SALES • INSTALLATION • REPAIRS • Family Run Business • 25 Years Experience • Up and Over • Sectional and Roller Doors www.kempgaragedoors.co.uk • Security Shutters

• Remote Control Door

SANDY • POTTON • All Major Brands

Supplied and Serviced

BIGGLESWADE • Call for a Free AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Quotation

• OAP Rates Available

01767 260165 Sandy

01480 210410 Eaton Socon To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Conservatories • • • • • • •

Misty Units New Locks Draughty Windows Dropped Doors Broken Hinges/Handles Extra Security Installation of New Windows, Doors and Conservatories

• Supply & fit at competitive prices • Free home calls to estimate & advise • Friendly reliable service For all enquiries, please call or email:

25 Years Experience Contact Stewart Gyles on T: 0798 444 1638 or

E: stewy_133@msn.com

E: pgscarpets@hotmail.co.uk

01767 221 057

01480 509 685 M: 07833 222 199

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Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

D.S. LEWIS CARPENTRY & BUILDING

• Property Maintenance & Improvements • Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms • Flat Pack Furniture Assembly • Extensions, Garage Conversions • New Build & Refurbishment

Carpentry Contracts Welcome

01480 473 524 M: 07967 184 163 T:

E: danlewis.carpentrybuilding@gmail.com Fully Insured Established 1990

PK Cleaning Services

T&R Roofing Ltd

Est. since 1988

z Professional

Carpet and Upholstery cleaning z Window cleaning z UPVC Fascia cleaning z Patio and Driveway cleaning z Gutter and Soffit cleaning

Free Estimates. Friendly and reliable service.

Paul Kaiser

Home 01767 222822 Mobile 07812 335860

• Felt Roofing Specialists (10 year & 15 year guarantee on high performance felts) • Tiling, Slating, Guttering • UPVC Facia/Soffits • Chimney Work

All NEW work guaranteed Fully insured for employer & Public Liability Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on:

Visit us on www.pkcleaningservices.net 90

Family Business Est. 1985

01767 314847 mob. 07831849847

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Melvin, Helen & Elizabeth Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club

Melvin Jones was born in 1879, the son of a United States army captain. As a young man he made his home in Chicago and in 1913 formed his own insurance agency. He joined a business man’s luncheon group promoting financial services, but, with its limited appeal, Melvin had other plans and asked, “What if these men, who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities”. At his invitation, men from Chicago clubs met and on 7 June, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born. He later abandoned his agency and devoted himself full time to Lions. In 1945 he represented Lions at the organisation of the United Nations Humanitarian Charter. His philosophy was “you can’t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.” Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880 and an illness at 18 months left her blind and deaf. Having learnt sign language and Braille, in 1890 she learnt to speak by touching her teacher’s lips

Local News and tongue when she made a sound. As an adult she was a tireless advocate of the disabled and in June 1925 she gave a speech to the Lions Clubs International Convention in which she challenged us to become “knights of the blind” – hence the many Lions campaigns against preventable blindness. A tragic number of children were orphaned by the blitz in the 2nd World War and the Canadian Lions wanted to send financial help to their counterparts in England, but there were no Lions Clubs. On the advice of the Office of the then Queen Elizabeth, the funds were administered by the Waifs and Strays Society. When the war ended, the Queen sent her equerry Colonel Edward Wyndham to Canada to thank the Lions. He was so impressed with what he learned, he returned to London, determined to form a Lions Club. London (Host) Lions Club received its Charter in March 1950, with Col. Wyndham as its Charter President. Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club received its Charter in October 1978. To find out more go to www.biggleswadesandylions.org.uk. Or phone 0845 833 9749 and speak to Dave or Judith Hagger. You are very welcome to come and meet us at one of our meetings and find out at firsthand about your local Lions. WE CARE: WE HELP

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Books

BOOK REVIEW

By Bruce Edwards

The Boys in The Boat Daniel James Brown Pub: Pan Books p/b £8.99 Wars affect people - a very simplistic truism and undeniable; as individuals, we can often consider how the World Wars and successive modern conflicts affect us. In this factual account, one man - Joe Rantz - may not have considered how the potential conflict of the Second World War would affect him when he broke free from a depressive lifestyle in 1930’s America. He developed a passion for rowing as a means of escape and the story explains his success. For any one who has a depth of interest in competitive sport, this true story - immensely detailed - documents how a dedicated team of young men took their rowing eight to Hitler’s Olympics in 1936, and against stiff competition, won the Gold medal. There’s a deep sense of emotive pride throughout the saga - for saga it must be - extending to the challenging achievements of the team. Not only did they win the specific event, but they also set a goal for others to aspire to - to win against all odds. As the UK soccer World Cup Squad sets out for Brazil, is there a comparison? The Games of 1936 were grand, impressive and a morale boost for Hitler, but the boys from America took home the medal - and eventually, we won the war. 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.” Villager Readers: Had a book published? If you’d like a chance to see it reviewed here, send us a copy.

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Classifieds Builders

Domestic Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs

“YOUNG’S BUILDERS” “YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MASTER BUILDERS” “QUALITY AND VALUE FROM START TO FINISH”

Garage conversions from £5.9K

Extension - Sunrooms

Call 07811 985568 or 01767 261803 www.youngsbuilders.co.uk “Free quotes • Excellent references”

• • • • •

Washing Machines • Cookers Fridges • Vacs • Dryers

Extensions & Sunrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Walls, Patios & Decking General Building Work Property Maintenance

Beauty Therapy

Bill Tangye

Beds Tel By or appointment only - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, Mob 01767 650750Tel: 07711 07802 393331 257105

Domestic Repairs JB Domestic Guaranteed Repairs To: Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Electric Ovens/Cookers Dishwashers

NVQ Level 3 Qualified Beauty & Holistic Therapist Friendly & Experienced. Fully Insured Offering a wide variety of treatments at fantastic prices! Professional home set up in Biggleswade, SG18 8DX Call/Text 07805025338 for more information

Find us on Facebook

No Call Out Charge! Tel: 01767 680621 Mobile: 07778 891490

Chauffeur Cars

Electricians

Decorating Services

Garden Specialist

DECORATING SERVICES

• Over 25 years experience • No job too big or too small • Free estimates T: 01767 222 028 M: 07887 618 832

Local, honest, professional service

email: topcoat@ntlworld.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Classifieds Garden Specialist

Painting Services

Hatley Garden Services Reliable Trustworthy Service Fully Insured

Border Care/Shrub Pruning, Hedge Trimming, Fence repair/Painting, Lawn Care, Turf laying Long Term Garden Maintenance, One Off Garden Tidy

Please call me (Kevin) for a free estimate: Tel: 01767 631174 Mobile: 07742 832810

Garden Machinery Service/Repair

Pet Services

Garden Machinery & Mowers Expert Service and Repair Collection & delivery available Unit 12a Whites Farm, Great North Road, Biggleswade SG18 9BE Tel: 01767 600085 Mob: 07593 553581

Handy Man

Photography

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitter

Plastering Services

M. Philmore (Phil) - Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter Disabled showers supplied and fitted. General plumbing. 57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07792 415356 or 01767 317161 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

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Classifieds Plastering Services

Steve Swain

Property Improvements

Plastering, Painting & Decorating Painting & Decorating Plastering, Pebble Dashing Rendering, Screeding Mob: 07887 861881 Tel: 01767 226404

Private Car Hire

Property Improvements

GARY BERRIDGE Plasterer & General Maintenance Including UPVC Doors and Windows Tiling, Painting and Decorating Free Quotes

T: 01767 316485 M: 07582 485155 E: garyberridge@ymail.com

Private Car Hire

Removals & Storage

Mats Cars Private Hire Potton Based

4+7 Seater Cars Available

Airport/Stations/Nights Out etc Local and Long Distance Tel: 01767 261871 Mob: 07983 218367 www.mats-cars.co.uk All major credit/debit cards accepted

Property Improvements A professional property maintenance service

Property Improvements by

removals, storage, archive and shipping • House and office moves • Large and small vehicles • Local/long distance and overseas removals • Containerised storage • Extremely high quality customer service Call for a no obligation quotation

01767 313230

enquiries@stephensremovals.com

Storage

Stephens Dinky ad_03.indd 1

3/12/12 11:45:18

Gary Hare

Domestic & Commercial Storage

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

New storage containers just arrived

(Near Potton)

Caravans and Cars Welcome Short and long term rates Secure site, cctv with full gated access 7 days a week

Carpentry • Kitchens • Bedrooms Decorating • Flooring Bathrooms •Tiling • and more...

Please call 01767 260248 or 07970 292055

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01767 682789

Friends five star hairdressing becomes a Redken certified colour salon Liz Judd, salon owner of Friends Five Star Hairdressing, has successfully passed her Redken certified colourist exams, a highly recognised certification within the hairdressing industry. Liz is one of a select group of hairdressers in the country to have completed this course which benefits the salon greatly. Liz brings all this information into the salon enabling the team at Friends to be trained to the highest level in colour theory and colour correction to produce perfect colour.

Friends welcomes Katie to the team Katie has over 13 years experience In the hairdressing industry and with a colour certification to show for her high knowledge in colouring Katie will join a team that prides themselves on giving their clients the highest standard of hairdressing services. Call 01767 682789 to book an appointment with Katie or any of the team at Friends

Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Fri 9.30 - 6.00pm, Wed & Thurs 9.30 - 9.00pm, Sat 8.30 - 4.00pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair Friends Five Star Hairdressing 1 Market Square, Sandy, Beds SG19 1HT Tel. 01767 682 789