VILLAGER The
Issue 77 - March 2012
and Town Life
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
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Relax and be spoilt in our new refurbished salon
HOOPERS OF LONDON LTD
Hair and Beauty for all generations at Hoopers of London... ...quality and inspiration at an affordable cost.
Minx Nails from £20.00
March Offers Full head of highlights or full colour and cut and finish for just £50.00 with selected stylists throughout March 17 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 0JE
01767 210 210 www.hoopersoflondon.co.uk
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International Award Winners and UK Hair Colour Champions 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
In this Issue
VILLAGER
Issue 77 - March 2012
The
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and Town Life
Lauren Jackson
Hair and Beauty in Sandy
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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
Gamlingay Day Nursery
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Editorial Melanie Hulse, Solange Hando, Katherine Sorell, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, James Baggott, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Chris Russell and Rita Williams Hall Advertising Sales Nigel Frost nigel@villagermag.com Photography Anyaivanova Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton Beds. SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
VILLAGER The
and Town Life
Disclaimer
All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
Experienced Childcare
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Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!
Ebenezer Howard and The Garden Cities................................... 4 Wanted... Toadspotters and bug hunters..................................10 St. Davids Day..............................................................................13 Where am I?.................................................................................16 Style Guide for the Guys............................................................ 20 Buy for your Body Shape........................................................... 25 How to Choose the Right Care Home........................................27 Get a Look you Love................................................................... 29 Relieving Pain Naturally............................................................. 30 Ownbiz Networking....................................................................31 What’s you BMI.......................................................................... 32 Can Food Heal?........................................................................... 37 Going Solar..................................................................................41 Working From Home.................................................................. 42 Who Should Write Your Will...................................................... 44 Growing Peppers........................................................................ 50 Rural Ramblings......................................................................... 53 Lawn Care................................................................................... 55 Caring for Gardening Tools........................................................ 57 Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club.................................................. 58 Sandy Tourist Information Centre............................................. 62 Wordsearch................................................................................ 65 Motoring Review........................................................................68 Children’s Page........................................................................... 70 Seasonal Delights....................................................................... 73 What’s On................................................................................... 74 Nexus Drum and Bugle Corp..................................................... 77 Puzzle Page................................................................................80 Madiera....................................................................................... 83 No Room For Giraffes.................................................................89 Fun Quiz...................................................................................... 93
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EBENEZER HOWARD & THE GARDEN CITIES
BY MELANIE HULSE
In 1898 a small book was published which was to have an effect across the whole globe. The book was entitled ‘Tomorrow, a Peaceful Path to Real Reform’ and it’s theme led to the building of two Garden Ciies and inspired similar developments worldwide, setting a precedent in new standards of urban environments that is still held today. The author of this small book was Ebenezer Howard. Howard was born in Fore Street in the City of London and was the son of a shopkeeper. He was sent to schools in Suffolk and Hertfordshire, and subsequently held several clerical jobs, including one with Dr. Parker of the City Temple. In 1871, at the age of 21, influenced partly by a farming uncle, Howard emigrated to America with two frineds. He chose to go to Nebraska but soon discovered that he did not wish to be a farmer so he relocated to Chicago and worked as a reporter for the courts and newspapers. In the U.S. he became acquainted with, and admired, poets Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson and, influenced by their work, Howard began to contemplate ways it may be possible to improve the quality of life for the average person. By 1876 Howard was back in England where he found a job as a shorthand writer with the Hansard Company whose offices produce the official verbatim record of Parliament. Howard spent the rest of his life in this occupation but his thoughts and ideas, as published in his small book, grew larger than he could have possibly dreamed. Howard had an idea that he believed could transform the lives of those people who were forced to leave the country in order to seek work in the towns. He observed first hand how this migration caused towns to grow uncontrollably. By the late 19th century, towns and cities in
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England - and in many other industrialised nations, were overcrowded, polluted by factories and workshops and by the smoke from the coal fires of houses. Many people were living in slum housing with no sanitary facilities, gardens, or even yards and with far too many people crowded into far too few rooms. The quality of life for the poorest people, in particular, was indescribably dreadful. Sadly, life in the countryside had become little better with so many people out of work and living in houses that were as deficient in facilities as the worst houses found in more built-up areas. Many agricultural workers and their families were forced to leave the country and make their way to the towns where they hoped to find jobs and make homes but in actual fact, life in the towns for many of those who chose to migrate, was just as hard - unsanitary, crowded, hungry, unhealthy and poor, as the life they had thought to leave behind. In his book, Tomorrow, a Peaceful Path to Real Reform, Ebenezer Howard laid out his idea of combining every advantage he could see of both town and country living, whilst avoiding all of the disadvantages of either. He was utterly convinced that people would be attracted to this uniting of town and country and illustrated this with his famous Three Magnets diagram. He wrote: ‘There are, in reality, not only… two alternatives - town life and country life - but a third alternative, in
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A fabulous Tudor house built in the 13th Century.
Sunday 25th March 2012 Two great fashion shows 12.30pm and 2.30pm featuring dresses from Gowns and Garters, Northampton and Thistle Brides, Elsworth. Doors open 11am - 4pm • Free Admission • See over 30 local exhibitors.
Simply a Fair not to be missed! More details visit
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which all the advantages of the most energetic and active town life, with all the beauty and delight of the country, may be secured in perfect combination.’ Howard’s proposal was the building of ‘Garden Cities’ - industrial towns built away from the existing towns and with plenty of green space so that the atmosphere was akin to the country. A Garden City would cover an area of 6,000 acres consisting of 1,000 acres of urban development and 5,000 acres of farm-land and have a population of only 32,000 people. The population was intended to be socially mixed and there would be a planned range of facilities to enable the residents to enjoy a full social life. The intended quality of life in the Garden City would be far better than in the old industrial towns. Howard proposed that the Garden City would be built by a private, charitable, enterprise and as it developed, the profits it made would be used for the benefit of its residents. There would be comfortable, well-designed houses which were affordable to rent, as they were in the country, with large gardens widely spaced in tree-lined streets. The factories that would provide work for the population would be clean, healthy and safe places to work in and would not pollute the environment. The idylls of the countryside would be brought into the town. In 1902 the Garden City Association made the decision to go ahead and build a first Garden City as a social experiment to prove their belief that Howard’s ideas were practical. The following year land at Letchworth in Hertfordshire was bought, although it was only possible to buy 3,818 acres which was sadly rather less than the 6,000 acres Howard thought necessary to facilitate his scheme. A company called First Garden City Limited was formed to develop the Garden City. The first estate was opened in October 1903 and after cutting the first sod of earth, Earl Grey, who performed the ceremony said, “I think Mr. Ebenezer Howard is greatly to be congratulated
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upon the fact that within five short years his visionary hopes for tomorrow have become the almost fulfilled realisation of today…The fortunate community living on this estate will rejoice in the knowledge that the unearned increment which may result from the rents of a population of 30,000 souls will not go to enrich an individual landowner, but will be spent in such a way as will tend to refine the lives, ennoble the characters and exalt the minds of all who reside on the estate.” A great many of Howard’s ideas were incorporated and developed during the building of Letchworth Garden City. The town was designed with zoned areas so that the industry could be concentrated into one area, which was surrounded by industrial housing. There was a commercial centre and large houses for the wealthy were built at the edges of the town. The master plan drawn up by the architects Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin incorporated existing roads, trees and hedgerows and a large amount of green open spaces so that with careful landscaping the countryside could be brought into the town. The development of Letchworth Garden City was very successful and soon demonstrated many of the advantages of the Garden City concept. Housing in the town was to a high standard – most houses had large gardens, were often sited around open grassy areas and as many as possible were carefully located to receive the maximum amount of sunlight. The design of some of the early housing estates by Parker and Unwin were taken as standard for many similar developments
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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best. Not only enter the unbelievable world of close up professional magic that is second to none, you can now see a cabaret show that will leave you gasping, your guests enthralled and audience participation that is not only professional and but will cause laughter throughout and will be something to remember for a very long time. This is ideal for any corporate or private event. Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance). Please phone or email for details
07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com
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in this country, Germany and elsewhere. One idea that acted as an early publicity boost for the new Garden City was the 1905 Cheap Cottages Exhibition, the aim of which was to build affordable homes for just £150. This was possible by using innovative and new building materials and methods that elsewhere were restricted by prohibitive byelaws. First Garden City Limited leapt at the opportunity for Letchworth to host the exhibition, which resulted in over 120 new houses built, nationwide press coverage and over 50,000 visitors to the town. For many years Letchworth did not have a public house in the town centre. This was not, as many have assumed, because Letchworth was founded by Quakers, but rather because Ebenezer Howard suggested in his book that the liquor trade should be controlled and that residents should be asked to vote on whether or not to allow licensed premises in a Garden City. In Letchworth the residents voted against licensed premises from 1907 until 1958, when a licensed hotel, which was to become the Broadway Hotel, was allowed in the town centre. However, if a resident of the Garden City wanted an alcoholic drink, the village pubs in Norton and Willian were not far away, or they could join one of the societies that had a license to serve alcohol. Alternatively, the breweries in Baldock and Stotfold would deliver beer and spirits to the door. Letchworth did have a rather different public house, built in 1907. The Skittles Inn on Nevells Road did not sell alcohol but was built to provide the facilities and atmosphere of a pub, without the temptations of drink. ‘The pub with no beer’, as it became known, had a billiard room and served meals and drinks such as Cydrax & Bovril. In 1923, The Skittles Inn became a centre for adult education called The Settlement, which remains to this day. Many companies moved to Letchworth Garden City, attracted by the environment, housing and new factories. These included W.H. Smith’s bookbinders, J.M. Dent printers, and the furniture makers, Meredew. Letchworth had a flourishing
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early motor industry with Ascot and Phoenix producing motorcars, and Shelvoke & Drewry manufacturing dustcarts. One of the biggest employers in the Garden City was the Spirella Company of Great Britain, manufacturers of high-grade ladies’ corsets. The Garden City was a perfect environment for the philanthropic American company, with their motto, ‘Healthy Happy Workers Are The World’s Best’. Letchworth Garden City also attracted people, some of whose ideologies were unusual for the times. Families flocked to Letchworth’s tree-lined streets and green, open spaces. Some of these people were dedicated to living ‘The Simple Life’ rejecting the conventional dress of Edwardian England and choosing instead to wear sandals and smocks. The women shunned conventional hats and gloves and the children ran around freely, often barefoot. Many were vegetarian which choice was considered very unusual for these times when meat was seen as a desirable luxury. Some constructed special balconies on or beside their homes where they could sleep in the open air and wake early to take baths in the dew. The lifestyle of these rather alternative inhabitants of Letchworth drew much attention to the town and people in the surrounding area and even further afield found it a great talking point! It is claimed that the world’s first Garden City is still run today exactly as was intended. The Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation is an Industrial and Provident Society with charity status and a direct successor to First garden City Ltd. They manage the estate and feed the profits directly back into the town through a series of charitable aims. You can read more about the Letchworth Garden City initiative at www.lgchf.com
Photos Courtesy of www.letchworth.com
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WANTED IN 2012
TOAD SPOTTERS AND BUG HUNTERS
Here at The Wildlife Trust, March is fast becoming our favourite month; we have dusted off our New Year blues and are excited to announce the launch of our Garden Watch survey for 2012. We need local residents to start or renew their nature quests in their gardens, allotments or on their balconies to report to us the whereabouts of certain species throughout the year. To kick start this year’s survey, we have chosen the common toad as the species to seek in March. As March warms up, the courageous common toad will wake up from its winter slumber in its cool dark home and begin the perilous and daring
journey to the nearest pond to find a mate. Once they arrive, often en masse, the males will warm up their voices to gently coo at the females to find a mate. To find out more information on this fascinating creature and to submit a sighting, please visit the Garden Watch webpage www.wildlifebcn.org/ gardenwatch.htm or call the Wildlife Trust on 01954 713500. In 2011, we received thousands of new wildlife records which helped the Trust immensely in its work to map the distribution of species and their movements across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Later in the year we will be asking for records of butterflies, birds, mammals and spiders so keep an eye on the website for the latest news. To find out more about the Trust please visit www.wildlifebcn.org
TOPSSPOT Unisex Hair Salon
* Wella * Goldwell * L’Oreal * Matrix * Introductory offer for new clients with this advert.
25% off a cut and blow dry and all colour and a free treatment with every colour. Tel: 01767 680275 53 High Street, Sandy SG19 1AG Tues/Weds/Fri - 8.30am to 5pm Thur - 8.30am to late Sat - 7am to 2.30pm 10
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Bold Imaginative Reflective Three words to define your daughter’s future. Add three more:
Open Day
Thursday 8th March, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
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Is your old dentistry falling apart? Do you have loose or cracking teeth? Are your gums mysteriously receeding? What about Chronic Headaches? Did you know bite disorders & jaw joint problems are a major cause! Dr Raj Ahlowalia is a recognised expert in Complex Dentistry, Jaw & Bite Disorders, Temporo - Mandibular Joint Dysfunctions & Aesthetic Implant Restorative Dentistry. If you’re suffering from odd headaches or facial pain, you’d love for a nicer smile or an alternative to loose dentures or old & worn out dentistry consider calling for a FREE* consultation with Dr Raj Ahlowalia. Also check our website for more information on the impact of bite and jaw disorders.
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3 Victoria Place, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 9RN www.victoriaplacedental.com
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St David’s Day
1st MARCH
Stick a leek in your hatband, it’s St David’s Day! Maybe not as well-known as St Patrick’s Day or St George’s Day, but still a point in the rankings above St Andrew’s Day and hey, a party is a party, right? Now, I was brought up Roman Catholic, and although the Holy Office (the PC name for the Inquisition) would hardly recognise me as a kosher Catholic now, it’s still hard to shake off some of the attitudes. And as both a Catholic and an ex-Catholic I have always found it ironically amusing that the Welsh – by and large, as even they would admit, nonconformist – had such a devotion to a saint. They don’t believe in canonisation, for a start, and they certainly don’t share the monastic tradition; and David (son of the Prince of Powys and the Princess of Menevia) was not only canonised (in 1160 by Pope Callixtus II) but was also the Abbot of a large, aristocratic, and wealthy monastery. So, not exactly a Baptist role-model, then. Mind you, David himself would have had problems if interrogated by the Holy Office about his orthodoxy. He was born in about 500, just as the Saxons of Kent were being converted by St Augustine, and died by tradition on 1st March 589 (hence, celebrated on 1st March). By contemporary Roman standards his tonsure would have been all wrong, and he would have celebrated Easter on a date that would have horrified the Pope. In fact many of the tenets he would have adhered to were overturned by the Synod of Whitby in 664, when the old Celtic church pretty much capitulated to current Roman (and Saxon) practice. That makes him a heretic to just about everybody – contemporary Romans and subsequent nonconformists alike. To think, the Welsh defenders of early Christian tradition were, by comparison with their johnnycome-lately Saxon oppressors, heretics. Ah well, that’s history for you. Full of ironies! But these were ironies that wouldn’t go away. Samuel Pepys, more than a millennium after David’s death, records that on 1st March there were annual street processions in honour of the
Saint by dissenting London Welsh, aggressively opposed by protestant Anglicans; and in the 18th century Anglican London confectioners were satirising St David’s Day by producing gingerbread St David’s riding goats, known as “taffies” – hence our word “toffee”. The ironies continue even into our own time. St David’s stock, it is true, was not particularly high in the 19th and most of the 20th centuries when Wales was still largely Chapel. Only with the resurgence of less sharply denominational nationalism in the last 20 years has he been more widely adopted as a Welsh standard-bearer. In 2000 the Welsh Assembly voted to make 1st March a national holiday. In 2007, that notorious Catholic convert Tony Blair vetoed a bid to make it a Bank Holiday, despite 87% of the Welsh population being in favour. So: a proto-Catholic tells the culturally nonconformist Welsh that their sort-of Catholic but by the standards of his own times heterodox patron saint doesn’t merit a celebratory nationalist day off. Chew on that as you wish. I would rather chew on laver bread, bara brith, and (if you can find it) proper Welsh mountain mutton (a single leg of which, in my childhood, easily fed a family of seven at Sunday lunchtime with leftovers for Monday’s cottage pie). Washed down with a few pints of Brain’s SA from Cardiff or (again, if you can find it) Gwynt y Draig cider from Gwent. Or should that be Monmouthshire?
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WHERE ARE WE?
WHERE AM I? DO YOU KNOW?
These pictures are all taken in our distribution area. Do you know where they are?
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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 Gransden’s Thorncote Green Upper Caldecote Waresley Wrestlingworth
VILLAGER The
Issue 76 - Februa
ry 2012
and Town Life
Bringing Loca l Business to in Bigglesw local People ade, Sandy, Potton, Gam and all surro lingay unding villag es. 11,000 copie s delivered to over 30 and villages towns every mon th
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VILLAGER The
Issue 75 - Januar
y 2012
and Town Life
Bringing Loca l Business to in Bigglesw local People ade, Sandy, Potton, Gam and all surro lingay unding villag es. 11,000 copie s delivered to over 30 and villages towns every mon th
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VILLAGER The
Issue 74 - Decem
ber 2011
and Town Life
Bringing Loca l Business to in Bigglesw Local Peop ade, Sandy, le Potton, Gam and all surro lingay unding villag To advertise es in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767
261 122
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VILLAGER The
Issue 73 - Novem
ber 2011
and Town Life
Bringing Loca l Business to in Bigglesw Local Peop ade, Sandy, le Potton, Gam and all surro lingay unding villag To advertise es in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767
261 122
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and can be found in most shops, pubs, garages in all of the above and more including Biggleswade and Sandy.
Last month’s pictures were taken in Biggleswade.
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Booking your advertising space is easy just call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail nigel@villagermag.com
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THE JOHN O’GAUNT INN Sutton • Bedfordshire
The John O‘Gaunt Inn is a 16th century Grade II listed timber framed building with exposed oak beams and open fireplaces. Set in the picturesque village of Sutton, Sandy, Bedfordshire this village is home to a rare Packhorse bridge and ford. The beer garden is tranquil, overlooking open farmland to add to that country feeling. The pub has recently undergone extensive refurbishment including an extension for a dining area, and re-decoration to the bar areas and other facilities. The John O‘Gaunt Inn is a free house, serving several different real ales and excellent wines and food, using local produce. ANNOUNCEMENT • ANNOUNCEMENT • ANNOUNCEMENT • ANNOUNCEMENT
From the 2nd April 2012 the current owners, Stephen and Jennifer will welcome Chef, Chris and his wife Lilly along with daughter Georgia who will be taking residence. This will enable the pub to open its doors to fine country dining. Families are welcome to this friendly and welcoming environment. For further information and to keep up to date with news please follow us on Facebook or email: johnogauntinn@hotmail.co.uk
Karen F orte Bridal, Evening
& Occasionwear
Designers: • John Charles (as pictured) • Linea Raffaelli • Ann Balon • Michaela Louisa • Pronovias • Cabotine • Allison • Fee G • James Lakeland Sizes 6-26. Alteration service available Prices start from £120. From January 2012 - Open Every Sunday
36 Old North Road, Bassingbourn, Cambs, SG8 5JL.
Tel: 01763 242790
On the Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire border
www.karenforte.com
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SQUARE CAFÉ on Potton Market Square Winter Warmer menu now available
At the Square Café we pleased to offer a warm and friendly welcome to compliment our exciting range of made to order sandwiches, baguettes, rolls, Panini’s, salad bowls, jacket potatoes (with our various winter warmer fillings), pizza bread, pasties, sausage rolls, homemade cakes and a variety of specialist teas and coffee all served for our in or outdoor seating. Hot and cold food is available and we are conscious of the effect takeaway packaging has on the environment, that is why ours, where possible, is biodegradable, recyclable and comes from sustainable sources. In addition we promote the sale of fair-trade coffee.
Mon-Fri: 6.30am – 5pm, Sat: 9am – 3pm Now Open Sunday 25 Market Square, Potton, Beds Tel: 01767 260256 18
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Style Guide
For The Guys
When it comes to looking good, finding clothes that fit well, feel great and make the most of your best assets are essential. Making good style choices and keeping up with the latest trends ensure a modern result, but whether buying casual, work or formal wear, the most important factor to be considered is ‘will suit your body shape’. Tall Guys - Undoubtedly tall guys benefit from being able to wear pretty much all of the fashion forward trends on the high street as designers base their ranges around a taller frame. Colours and patterns look great on this physique and hip-length two-button blazers, straight-leg trousers and jeans - along with just below-the-knee belted coats - are easily worn by a tall man. It’s important to remember not to dress head-totoe in one colour, as this adds height to an already tall frame. Keep jackets a longer length to prevent looking out of proportion. Choose thin-soled shoes to avoid unnecessary elevation and ensure that suits and formal wear are properly tailored. Short Guys - Thanks to the wide variety of great trend clothes on offer online these days, shorter guys can take advantage of what the world market has to offer. Top Japanese designers build their ranges around the proportions of their countrymen, so if you also have a slim build their designs will fit you perfectly. If you struggle to find trousers that are the right length, visit a tailor and get them professionally shortened - that way you don’t have to compromise the fit around the waist. Choose clothes that are without fussy detailing and build your outfit around shades of similar colours - whether light or dark. This will help to elongate the frame and create fluid lines, giving
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the impression of height. Short jackets, boot-cut or straight leg jeans along with thick-soled shoes and boots will all aid in creating a taller appearance. Large Guys - Although finding really trendy clothes for larger guys on the high street can be hard, classic cuts and styles work well to create a very sophisticated and distinguished look. Choose clothes that fit properly - not too tight or too baggy - and ensure that fabric skims over your frame to smooth out your physique. Opt for a ‘relaxed’ fit in jeans and trousers and ensure that the material falls down close to your heel to create the look of longer, leaner legs. Dark colours will disguise troublesome areas and wearing an outfit that consists of similarly muted tones will create a slimmer and taller silhouette. Avoid patterns and colours - as they are unflattering for you - and instead, keep things simple. Check out online retailers for a great range of sizes. Skinny Guys - If you love high-end designer wear then you are sure to fit into the latest couture. But when you’re shopping on the high street, look for clothes that will fit properly, rather than opting for oversized or baggy items. They won’t make you look bigger, they will just swamp your slender frame. T-shirts that are slim fitting - not tight - look good. Ensure that there is movement in the fabric and that the material skims your body; check that there is no elastic in the garment or it will cling, not skim. Stick to slim-fitting trousers and jeans but avoid skinny-fits at all costs. Embrace colour and different hues and patterns to create a fuller appearance. Models wear River Island
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Simply Oak
Spectacular Showroom and Restaurant
SP RIN NO G W S AL ON E Simply Oak Amazing Spring Sale
We have many tables of all sizes, chairs, sideboards, chests, bookcases and bedroom furniture etc. Now is your chance to own a piece of this wonderful fully restored solid oak furniture.
Emporium 50+ Dealers
Large selection of jewellery from new inexpensive pieces to traditional antique and handmade, also handbags and clothes new and retro, cushions, throws, ornaments, mirrors, lighting, clocks, toys, collectables, furniture - including a large range of shabby chic and lifestyle accessories both new and old.
The Oaks Restaurant Chef’s Special Lunch
2 course meal £5.95. 3 course meal £8.95 - Monday to Friday
Sunday Traditional Carvery
Still only £7.95 adults and £4.95 children. Booking advisable (We use only British meats and fresh local vegetables). Homemade starters and desserts also available. We regret to inform our customers that due to circumstances beyond our control Simply Oak and the Oaks Restaurant are being put up for sale. We are able to honour all bookings and commitments up to the end of April, but if a buyer has not been found, we will have to close the Business on the 30th April 2012.
Opening hours:
Furniture: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 11am - 4pm
Restaurant: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 11am - 5pm
Potton Road, Biggleswade, Beds Tel: 01767 - 601 559 www.simplyoak.co.uk Email enquiries@simplyoak.co.uk
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hair and beauty in Sandy
by Lynn Vallance
The salon team with Gemma, centre I have visited many hair and beauty salons over the years and although I do not proclaim to be a ‘high maintenance’ type of girl I do like to take care of my appearance and I like to feel comfortable in the surroundings. That is why I can confidently and whole-heartedly recommend the wonderful services of Lauren Jackson Hair and Beauty salon in Sandy, Beds. Not only do the wonderful staff make you feel at ease the moment you walk through the door, they are very friendly and obliging and nothing is too much trouble. The team have been carefully chosen to create a fabulous experience for every customer. Walking into the salon you will always be greeted with a warm and friendly smile.
The beauty salon team of therapists
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Owner of the salon Gemma Jackson said “It comes naturally to us to be genuinely friendly to our customers and make them feel special the moment they enter our salon. We conduct a ‘meet and greet’ procedure by taking their coat and offering a drink. Upon my visit I was greeted in the hair salon and had my consultation with the stylist and was very well looked after by one of the fabulous apprentices. Whether you are having a quick trim or a full colour service you will normally be offered a gorgeous relaxing hair treatment which includes a head massage. The wash basin area is private so it was so easy to sit back, relax and drift off. In consultation I was asked key questions about my hair, what I do at home and my likes and dislikes. Regular clients of the salon often have new styles suggested to them to see if suitable and the salon staff really do their best to give you that ‘personal but professional’ approach to hair and beauty. Gemma added “Us ladies like to keep ourselves looking our best and with hard and stressful lives, we just need a little bit of ‘me time’ and that’s what we like to offer here at the salon.” The surroundings and decor are elegant and sophisticated with a charm of modern indulgence. Every type of service and treatment imaginable is available at Lauren Jackson Hair and Beauty from all hair styling and colouring techniques for men, women and children; general advice and hair
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extensions to tanning (either spray or sunbed); Flabelos weight loss and toning exercise system to a fully equipped beauty salon for facials; nail treatments; massages and much, much more. Rarely have I witnessed another salon who can offer so many different types of services and treatments and for such good value - and it’s all under one roof within the heart of Sandy. I indulged in many services including spray tanning, Flabelos, nails and beauty treatments and was extremely pleased with every result and the whole experience was fantastic. The salon, a member of The Good Salon Guide, is now it it’s eighth year of trading and is going from strength to strength. It is the ONLY hair and beauty salon in Sandy and is located in the main town with ample car parking facilities right in front of the salon - which is exceptionally good for elderly customers. In these difficult economic times it is important to remember that Lauren Jackson Hair and Beauty is an independent salon with a team of hard working individuals and I think it is good to support our local businesses within the community. Gemma said “We will always do our upmost to
SPECIAL OFFERS... Book any colour service over £50.00 in March with Vicki, Becky or Leanne and receive a luxury hair treatment worth £7.50 plus 50% discount (whilst you process) on any nail service. Receive a complimentary swedish neck, back & shoulder massage when you book our Pure & Natural or Age Defiance Facial. Please quote ‘Villager’ when booking. ensure you are completely satisfied with your hair or beauty service as your happiness is very important to us. We want you to tell your friends and family about us and how much we love making people look their best and all our staff really do enjoy working in this industry”.
For more information or to book call the salon on 01767 699919 or visit www.laurenjacksonhair.co.uk Villager ad on 131Facebook. x 93mm (LJ)_Layout 16/02/2012 17:41 Page 2 Find us Follow1 us on Twitter - LaurenJackson01.
WE LISTEN WE CREATE It’s all about making you feel wonderful
Belfry Court, Sandy, SG19 1JR Tel: 01767 699 919
www.laurenjacksonhair.com Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Sandy’s ONE and ONLY hair and beauty salon...
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Maharajah of Sandy 01767 689743/680475
OPEN 7 DAYS 5.30PM - 11.30PM 22 Market Square, Sandy SG19 1JA www.maharajahofsandy.co.uk
Upcoming events
We are now taking bookings for: Mothers Day Lunch Free glass of champagne and rose for every Mum dining.
Exquisite, modern Indian cuisine
Fully licensed
Takeaway menu available
The Royal Oak
Climate controlled
Potton
Join Colin, Jo and the team for a warm welcome at Potton’s oldest pub
Freshly prepared food Lunch served daily between 12noon - 2:30pm Dinner Monday to Saturday 6:30pm - 9:00pm with specials served Wednesday to Saturday please see the menu boards. Traditional Sunday Lunch served 12noon - 3pm
4 Biggleswade Road, Potton, Bedfordshire Tel: 01767 261888 www.royaloakpotton.co.uk 24
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Forget the latest trends
Buy For Your Body Shape If you love the latest fashion trends then you will no doubt regularly spend time traipsing the high street to update your wardrobe with the latest buys from your favourite stores. It’s a fact that most of us are happy to break the budget on the fashion front. But, no matter how stylish you are or how much you pay, your clothes will not look good if they don’t flatter your figure. Recognising and understanding your body shape is essential for looking great in outfits that you spend your hard-earned cash on. Choosing the appropriate shapes, cuts and styles will prove to do more for you than the latest ‘must have’ designs ever could - and that’s because the correct clothes work with your body shape to emphasise everything that’s good and conceal what’s not. So, before you go shopping, check out our guide to what’s right for you - you’ll be surprised at the results. There are four classic female body shapes: Hourglass - This is regarded as the most desirable female body shape - it epitomises femininity. This figure is defined by shoulders and hips that are similar in size and a waist that is significantly narrow in relation to the two. Choose simple, tailored and classically cut clothes that will show off your curves. Always emphasise your tiny waist by choosing wrap tops and slim fitting jackets. Dresses and skirts that finish just above the knee will showcase your shape. Be sure to avoid frills, embellishments and fussy clothes; instead keep things simple. Boyish - If you have narrow hips, a small waist and petite bust, then your shape is defined as being athletic and boyish. You will have a model like figure that is slim and elongated - perfect for
squeezing into any top designer dress. Creating curves is important for this body shape, so wearing tops that are structured to create the illusion of a hourglass figure are ideal - especially when embellished with layers of lace and fabric around the bust and hips. Drawing attention to the waist with a wide belt shows off a slim figure and creates a curvy silhouette. Bold patterns, colours and prints look best on a slender frame. Avoid clothes that are plain and shapeless - they won’t create the feminine look you need. Pear - Narrow shoulders, wide hips and fuller thighs create the pear shape. The main consideration when choosing flattering clothes is to draw attention away from the lower half and bring the focus on the shoulders and bust. Tops should be fitted and should end at the top of the hips to show off the waist. Wide, structured and embellished shoulders broaden the frame and patterned and textured blouses, jumpers and shirts create volume where it’s needed. A-line dresses and skirts skim the hips for a flattering result. Keep away from short, tight skirts that emphasis your biggest area. Apple - An enviable large bust, broad shoulders, narrow hips and a full middle are typical of an apple shaped figure and so the goal when dressing this body shape is to attain balance. The shoulders and waist require slimming and the torso lengthening. Choose clothes that skim your figure and that won’t cling. Boot-cut jeans and belted jackets look great on apple shapes. Patterns and detailing aren’t flattering for this shape - so stick to straightforward designs. All clothes shown are from House of Fraser.
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We now offer the exceptionally stylish Cavalio luxury vinyl tile. Wide range of the very popular Quickstep Laminate flooring. 100% wool carpets from as little as ÂŁ15.99m2. Multi widths stainfree, bleach cleanable carpet from the Abingdon range 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5m saving you money. Exceptional quality 80/20 wool twists available from our Cormar, Georgian, Ryalux, Mr Tomkinson and Penthouse ranges. Roll stock carpet to clear at only ÂŁ4.99m2 while stocks last choice of 5 colours as well as monthly special offers. Wide range of hardwearing, easy clean, slip resistant vinyls. Contract and safety flooring also available. We also offer rugs made to order from our multi width carpet range and a wide selection of Entrance matting. Free no obligation advice measure and quotes.
Quality in house fitting service by Leigh and Piers the proud owners of Potton Flooring. Customer service and satisfaction is guaranteed at the Potton Flooring Co. Visit our Showroom at the Old Lloyds Bank, 7 Market Square, Potton browse around in a non sales pressured environment.
Telephone: 01767 262777 Email: pottonf looring@hotmail.com www.thepottonf looringco.co.uk
7 Market Square, Potton, Beds. SG19 2NP Opening Times Mon-Fri - 9.00am to 5.30pm Sat - 9.00am to 2.00pm
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Care Homes
How to choose the right one Care of the elderly is an emotive subject. Whether you are choosing a care home for yourself, or searching on behalf of an elderly relative, you want to make sure you get it right. First you need to decide on the level of care required. Residential homes are for people who can no longer cope with daily activities in their home. They may also need help washing, bathing, dressing and going to the toilet. Nursing homes are for those people who require regular nursing care, by or under the supervision of a qualified nurse. Residents tend to have no mobility or severely limited mobility, mental confusion, and may be faecally incontinent. As with any home, location is important. You may want to choose a place where family or friends can visit regularly? Once a location has been decided on, select as many care homes as you can and visit every one of them. The Care Quality Commission (www.cqc. org.uk) have over 18000 care homes registered with them and publish all their inspection reports online, so this is a good place to start. Two other excellent sources of information are the websites www.yourcarehome.co.uk and www. carehomesupport.co.uk. Groundwork is good, but there is no substitute for visiting and assessing the standard of service yourself. Begin your inspection by ringing to arrange appointments to visit the premises. Ask
yourself if the phone was answered in a friendly way. Did the person answering the phone sound stressed or abrupt? When you visit, what are your first impressions? Is the place bright and clean, comfortable, welcoming and airy? Did the receptionist make eye contact and smile? Were you offered a cup of tea while you waited? What are the noise levels like? Are there any unpleasant odours? Look at the residents and chat to them if you can. Do they look clean, wellcared for and happy? Monitor how much interaction there is between the staff and the residents. Is there lots of friendly chatter? Check to see if call lights over doors are on and being left unanswered. This might indicate staffing problems. Check the floor, especially in corners and under beds. This is a good indicator of whether standards of hygiene and care are high throughout. When you’ve reached a decision, take good financial and legal advice. What are the fees and what do they include? Can you afford them on a long-term basis? What happens if funds dry up? What is the protocol for making a complaint? Consult the Office of Fair Trading ‘Fair Terms for Care’ booklet to see whether the contract you’ll be asked to sign is a fair one. Ask as many questions as you can up front, and you will help ensure that any move you or your elderly relative makes will be the right one.
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Get A Look You’ll Love
from a salon that’s perfect for you We all need a change from time to time and a great hair colour, manageable cut and fashionforward finish is all that’s needed to make us look and feel amazing. However, finding a hairdresser that will deliver what we want and at a price we can afford can be difficult. So, it’s important to think carefully about choosing a salon that’s right for you, before taking the plunge and trying out a whole new look. Putting a price on your hair It’s crucial to establish how much you are willing to pay for your hair-service, as salon prices vary widely. Local hairdressers are generally cheaper, while inner city salons and those that boast award-winning stylists can cost considerably more. But, if you are willing to invest in your tresses and don’t mind the extra spend, look out for a salon that belongs to the British Hairdressing Fellowship, as these teams are sure to be at the top of their game. Usually salons structure prices around the level of skill and expertise of their stylists and colour technicians. So, if you have a particular issue with your hair - such as it being over processed and damaged, or in need of a colour correction procedure - then it is certainly worth spending that extra bit of money to take advantage of the most highly experienced and skilled member of the team. However, if you are just after a simple trim or all-over colour, then a visit to a junior stylist is an affordable and sensible option. Taking advantage of free consultations It’s a good idea to check out a hairdresser’s website before paying them a visit in order to get a ‘feel’ for the place and to check out the cost of services on offer. A very trendy salon may be perfect for those looking for a cutting edge cut in contemporary surroundings, however it wouldn’t suit someone after a quiet and altogether more traditional setting. Take advantage of the free consultations that practically all salons provide, before making the decision to book in. Not only will you pick up some great information from those in the know, but you will also get a chance to observe the techniques they use and how well the staff interact with their customers. Most salons have separate colour technicians and
stylists, meaning that your colour will be applied by one member of staff and the cut and finish created by another. This ensures that you always get the very best treatment at each stage of the process. Talking to the experts Find a hairdresser that is in tune with your style requirements. If you love to make a statement and aren’t afraid to be bold, then booking in with a super trendy stylist who can inject some of their own creative flair into your look is a great idea. But, if you are more reserved and want to keep things classic when looking for a change, opt for a stylist that shares your sentiments. It’s great to get an expert opinion on what will suit you, but it is essential to be satisfied with the end result. Your stylist may tell you that you will look amazing with a short style, but if you love your long locks, don’t be talked into making a change that you will regret. Matching hairstyle to lifestyle Always explain your lifestyle to your hairdresser - a hairstyle that requires 45 minutes styling time, is not ideal for someone with a very busy life. Stay realistic about what can be achieved with your hair type and always illustrate your style ideas with pictures, to give your stylist a clear understanding of what you would like to accomplish. And once you have found a great hairdresser, be sure to hold on to them
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Relieving Pain...
...Naturally
Health experts advise that natural alternatives to over-the-counter pain relief are often the best solution. Julie Penfold looks at natural pain relief options for common health complaints. It’s an instant reaction for so many of us when pain first strikes; we simply take something to relieve our symptoms. Popping a pill is frequently our default setting and our usual answer is to take paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve symptoms – the most popular over-the-counter painkillers. The main pain-killing ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, which is found naturally in the herbs willow bark, poplar and meadowsweet. While willow bark and poplar are only available via a herbalist, meadowsweet can be found in natural health stores. Meadowsweet can be drank as a tea and is very effective at tackling pain fast, says natural medicine practitioner, Susse Wedel. “For general pain-killing use, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper are very good options. You can ingest these by adding to a hot water drink or sprinkling on food as and when required,” adds Susse. Tackling Headaches For headaches brought on by stress or tension, the herb rosemary is Susse’s top tip for relieving nervous tension, and just inhaling the aroma can help to ease tension. Rosemary essential oil can also be rubbed directly onto the temple for instant relief. Lavender and chamomile are two of the best relaxation herbs around and are a super option for easing headache pain. As stress headaches are commonly caused by a constriction of blood vessels in the head, rosemary and lavender can help to ease this pressure. These herbs are all available as herbal teas and are equally effective when consumed as a drink. Herbs which have an affinity to the head tend to have a high content of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are all naturally powerful against headache pain. For migraine sufferers, ginkgo can help to provide relief from painful symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and cutting out stimulants in the diet such as caffeinated drinks, sugar, tobacco and chocolate can also help, as these foods can trigger migraines, as well as prolonging them.
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Muscle Strain Adding several handfuls of fresh thyme to a bath can be an effective alternative to over-the-counter pain relief for muscle strain, as thyme eases both muscular and rheumatic pain. St John’s Wort oil and rosemary oil can also help to ease muscular aches and pains. Foods containing magnesium such as wholegrains, bananas, spinach, broccoli, tofu, nuts, seeds, beans and pulses can also assist in minimising painful flare-ups. Menstrual Pain Ginger helps to relax the uterine muscles and stops painful cramps, spasms and contractions. Drinking a ginger herbal tea, or creating your own tea by grating ginger and adding to hot water, can provide fast relief from severe period pain. As an additional tip, Susse recommends topping up with hot water regularly as this renews the active pain-killing properties and provides longer relief. Raspberry leaf tea is also effective for balancing hormones, relaxing muscles and relieving menstrual cramps. To ease bloating and pre-menstrual tension symptoms, Susse recommends yarrow tea. Other super relievers for period pain include: chamomile as it is high in calcium, minerals and contains muscle relaxant properties and valerian as this helps to reduce cramping and relaxes stomach muscles. In addition, taking a vitamin B6 supplement can also help to tackle muscle spasms associated with period pain.
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OWNBIZ
NETWORKING Are you self employed or in a small local business? If so OWNBIZ would like to hear from you. OWNBIZ is a low cost, self help, Business Association with a network of members who exchange ideas, information and advice. They also work together on Marketing and PR. Activities. Regular Monthly meetings include a breakfast, Lunch time and evening meetings. These are informal and usually cover a wide range of topics: 1st THURSDAY of the Month - Networking at Wyboston Lakes Conference Cente. 1st MONDAY of the Month - Networking at the Rising Sun, Potton (lunch time). 3rd FRIDAY of the Month - Business networking At the Ritzy India restaurant in Potton and a meal. There is also plenty of communication between meetings. An email newsletter is produced and there is a web site www.ownbiz.co.uk.Joint marketing activities are carried out by some members using the name Skillcircle. For more information phone Alan on 01767 310163 or email alan@ownbiz.co.uk
Counselling Service
‘The most basic of human needs is to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them’ (Ralph Nichols) Do you feel as if no-one is listening? My aim is to provide you with the space and time to examine issues which you may find difficult to discuss, even with friends or family, within the context of a confidential, warm and non-judgemental relationship. I am a professionally qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I offer lower cost counselling to adults and teenagers. Please contact me, Annie Jones, by email: info@duntoncentre.co.uk or telephone 01767 601259 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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What’s your BMI?
And does it matter?
Many years ago my mum joined a well known slimming club, and after several months was within three pounds of achieving the target weight the club had set for her, but try as she might, she just could not shift those last few pounds. After several disheartening weeks she finally gave up trying and eventually regained all the weight she had worked so hard to lose. This wouldn’t happen nowadays. Modern slimming clubs rarely dictate end weights and are more likely to invite you to set your own targets, although they will encourage you to choose a weight that is within a healthy range. But who decides what a healthy weight is, and does one size fit all? Since the 1970’s, health professionals have calculated a person’s BMI – or body mass index – as a guide to determining their “fatness”. Body mass index is calculated by dividing a person’s body weight by the square of their height, and universally the calculation is made by dividing kilograms by metres squared. So, if a person weighs 80 kilograms and is 1.8 metres tall, first square their height (1.8 x 1.8 = 3.24) and then divide this into their weight. Thus 80 divided by 3.24 gives a BMI of 24.7. Once armed with this information, what do you do with it? Health professionals suggest that a
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person’s BMI should fall between 20 and 25 to be classed as healthy. If it is below 20 you would be considered underweight and anything above 25 would be classed as overweight, with obesity setting in at a BMI of 30 and morbid obesity at 35 or more. Although a person’s BMI is a useful way of determining if they are at a healthy weight or not, it should be used with caution. Several factors can distort the results and render the BMI meaningless. For example, it is not appropriate for the very young, nor the very old and the excessively tall. Similarly, athletes and others with high muscle mass may appear abnormally overweight. At 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall and based on a BMI of 20-25, a healthy weight for my mum is between 8st 3lbs (53 kg) and 10st 5lbs (68 kg). The elusive target weight she couldn’t quite manage was 9st 13lbs (65 kg) – well within her healthy BMI range. What a shame this information wasn’t around all those years ago! If you would like to find out more or would like help calculating your own BMI, visit www. bbc.co.uk/health or www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/ Healthyweightcalculator.aspx. By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
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A haven of peace, pampering and relaxation in the heart of the historic market town of Potton. Our aim is to ensure that when you are here at Aromatics you feel fantastic! We are now opening 6 days a week and able to offer a wider range of beauty treatments such as waxing, manicures, pedicures, gels, spray tanning, microderm and much more.
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er Moth nts t a e r e G reatm Day t nd gift a ges packaable avail
~ Dermalogica Facials & Body Treatments ~ Indian Head Massage ~ Aromatherapy ~ Reflexology ~ Reiki Healing ~ Hopi Ear Candling ~ Hot Stone Therapy ~ and much more
Tel: 07711 204409 Aromatics Potton, The Barns Fitness Studios, The Coach House, Potton SG19 2NP sam@aromaticspotton.com www.aromaticspotton.co.uk
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Let us take care of it all
this Sunday
01767 260221 Enjoy a warm welcome at our newly refurbished bar, restaurant and hotel. We only serve the best local, seasonal produce and we’re open all day, starting with home-made cakes from 10am (11am Sunday).
The Coach House 12 Market Square Potton Bedfordshire SG19 2NP
Just 5 minutes from the A1 and the RSPB Reserve at Sandy. To reserve a table telephone
01767 260221
Car Park at rear 12 en-suite bedrooms The Front Room is also available for private dining, parties and meetings For sample menus & restaurant opening times visit www.coachhousepotton.co.uk
Find us on Facebook
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Bedfordshire Foot Clinic Podiatry/Chiropody Yvonne Siudak BSc (Hons.) MChS, HPC Registered
Podiatrist / Chiropodist Private Podiatry / Chiropody Care in Sandy, Bedfordshire, UK
A comprehensive service for all your foot care needs
Hard Skin • Corns • Nail Cutting Ingrown Toe Nails • Fungal Nail Infections General Foot Care • Verrucae Treatment • Diabetic Assessments • Biomechanical Assessments Full details of our specialist treatments are available, call Yvonne for an appointment:
Bedfordshire Foot Clinic
17 Georgetown Cottages, Tempsford Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2AE T: 01767 681704 M: 07562 748352 E: yvonne@thebedfordshirefootclinic.co.uk
www.yourfootclinic.co.uk
Also Cambridge Foot Clinic Tel: 01223 358431
Hypno-Band Weight Loss System Licensed Hypno-Band Practitioner What if you could have all the benefits of a surgical Gastric Band, without the surgery and cost? Well now you can! TOTAL THERAPY offers a very safe and trusting environment where you can discuss STOP SMOKING, HYPNO GASTRIC BAND, PHOBIAS/ANXITIES and many other problems. Kim Holloway 07710 493601 www.total-therapy.co.uk
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Can Food Heal?
Does what we eat make a difference? Spring at last, with more incentives for healthier eating. Salads somehow become more appetising and we can grow our own with longer, warmer days and so much cheaper too. Try growing cut and come again salad leaves in window boxes, or sprouting seeds, if you have no garden. With our busy lives it’s easy to forget we need to eat for nourishment, not just because we’re hungry. We know healthy eating goes towards preventing illness, but what if it may help to cure it as it appears, or even before we’re aware of it? As Chris Woollams writes in www. canceractive.com, a holistic charity website, “…how wonderful if a good diet could be like having your own personal mechanic on site 24/7 to ensure you never breakdown!” Whilst acknowledging that an accumulation of things such as genetics, stress, smoking, pathogens and poisonous chemicals can lead to cancer, in his book ‘The Rainbow Diet’, he describes dietary changes he believes will help make a difference, such as using super nutrients like, “…resveratrol from grape skins, polyphenols in olive oil, allicin in garlic, ellagic acid in berries, quercitin in onions and apples, vitamin K and indole-3-carbinol released by beneficial bacteria from ‘greens’ and broccoli, anthocyanins from deep purple foods”. A recent study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, has produced quite surprising results. Putting on too much weight was found to be a greater risk for breast cancer in women than drinking alcohol, and a lack of fruit, vegetables and fibre, high salt and excessive red meat consumption, together accounted for 9.2% of all cancers. At Harvard University, of 26,000 people they studied, those who closely followed a traditional Mediterranean diet, including more salads, fruit, fish and olive oil, were overall less likely to develop cancer. Just using olive oil in baking, as well as in cooking and on salads, had the greatest effect, reducing cancer risk by 9%. It also showed that
making any two changes to your diet, such as eating more peas, beans and lentils and less meat, could cut cancer risk by 12%. Balance, moderation and variety are key factors. Vary your dairy. Try goat’s cheese or manchego, a popular Spanish sheep cheese, and soya, coconut or almond milk on your cereal. Add quinoa (keenwa) or millet flakes and linseeds to your porridge. Eat the full spectrum of colours, yes even blue, blueberries! Try using xylitol instead of sugar. Keep drinking your usual tea, but also try green or white tea, both naturally sweet and even better for you. The odd glass of red wine is good too, but not the whole bottle of course. No excuses, the polyphenols are not just at the bottom! By Sue Blain
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Potton & District Club NEW MEMBERS WELCOME....£15 per year
To Get a New-look, Reward Style Membership Card (& Earn Points) apply now! this card will ENTITLE YOU to all Club BENEFITS, ie members Special Bar prices, FREE Hall Hire t&cs, FREE TRADE CARD Board & LOADS MORE... CHECK out www.pottonclub.co.uk web page
March
Fri 2nd March - JAM NIGHT - Local Artists showcase their Talents Bands include LOCKER 26, Music & Spies and Sever The Strings Sat 3rd March - The B4s Hilarious Covers Band Back by demand. Laugh, Laugh & more Laughter! Sat 10th March - Juke Rock & Blues (Established Band) - Possibly the best Rhythm n Blues band on the circuit. Guaranteed to get any party going! Sat 17th March - Machine Shed (Band) - Rock n’ Roll, Blues, Soul, Boogie band. Sat 24th March - Leech. (Back by Demand) One of the best rock covers bands around! Recently they performed at The Grand National - a 5,000 strong audience witnessing LEECH at their blistering and guitar busting best! Fri 30th March - OCTOBER ROSE (Back by Demand) Female fronted covers band: A high energy, visual, non stop rock n roller coaster ride through classic and modern rock and pop songs from some of the greatest artists of all time! Sat 31st March - Johnny Red - Rock n Roll,solo artist. (Back by Demand) Check out www.lemonrock.com/pottondistrictclub for more details Bar open Mon-Tues 7.30pm to 11.00pm Weds-Thur 6.00pm to 11.00pm Fri 5.00pm to 12.00am, Sat 12.00pm to 12.00am Sun 12.00pm to 10.30pm
Potton CIU Club, Charities Hall, Station Road, Potton Tel: 01767 261465 (Evenings) Website: www.pottonclub.co.uk
The Mothers Day 18th March
Gorgeous
Gift & Card Company
Gifts for all occasions. Wedding, Baby, Christening... Stockist of Spaceform, Willow Tree, Yankee Candles and Lily Flame Candles Gift Vouchers Available Opening times: Mon to Fri 9.30am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 5.00pm, Sun - Closed Ample Free Parking Unit 3, The Saxon Centre, Kingsfield Road, (opposite swimming pool) Off London Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8AT Join us on facebook Tel: 01767 600150 Website: www.gorgeousgiftsandcards.co.uk Sign up for our newsletter at the website 38
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Sally Anstee Accountants
Chartered Certified Accountants
- 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: Sally Anstee FCCA 01767 650700 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 30, Green End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds, SG19 3LF Email: Sally@anstee-accountants.com Website: www.anstee-accountants.com
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ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects including extensions, loft/garage conversions, garages and outbuildings through to new build dwellings 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 No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.
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Going Solar
Should you?
Since April 2010 when the government announced massive new incentives for making the switch, there has been a huge surge in the solar power industry, but recent changes to this incentive scheme (effective 12 December) demand the question, “Is it worth it?” Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV) consist of small solar cells wired together to form larger panels. These panels are fitted to roofs at least 10m2 in size which ideally face southeast to southwest. Although direction is not critical, the amount of electricity produced will depend upon the amount of sunlight received. The solar cells capture the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity which can be used in the home for lighting and to run household appliances. It is estimated that a solar installation could meet around 40-50% of a household’s annual electricity consumption. Electricity can only be generated during daylight hours,and as it cannot be stored, it must also be used during the day. When it is not possible to generate your own electricity, for example when it is dark, electricity is supplied by your utility company at a reduced charge. Under the government’s Feed In Tariff (FIT), any electricity produced and used by the householder is free and the excess is sold to the national grid
where it is bought by utility companies for supply to other consumers. In addition to the savings and potential earnings already outlined, you also get paid for generating the electricity in the first place. Although there is still money to be earned by switching to solar, the amount is substantially less than it was before the recent changes, so the cost of installation needs to be taken into consideration to determine whether or not it is a financially sound investment. The current cost for a typical solar system is around £11,000, and the estimated earnings over a 25 year period are around £13,750 – making a total gain of almost £3,000. Advice on the Money Saving Expert website suggests that unless you are able to pay outright for the installation of the panels, the cost of a loan or credit could dwarf,or possibly even wipe out,any savings made, so the decision to switch to solar should be made very carefully. Of course, there are other issues at stake here. It’s not all about money! By going solar, you will be using a free and renewable source of energy which doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. By reducing your personal carbon footprint you will be helping to ensure that the planet will still be here for your grandchildren and their children to enjoy in years to come!
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Working from home
Dad’s Taxis
Some time ago I was ruminating in a slightly melancholy vein about what life would be like as empty-nesters. Would we be a bit sad/lonely? Well, no we won’t. Because they’re NOT GOING! We always knew we’d be stuck with the boy, who has started tech. But what I didn’t realise (admittedly, because I never listen) is that he’s only going three days a week. Further, he’s studying music technology, so his homework seems to be very loud indeed. When I was his age I did try my best to make as much noise with my music as he manages with his, but since I was stuck with the discarded family Dansette while he seems to have the equivalent of The Who’s PA system I failed to make quite as much impact as he does. Also, the music of my teens was slightly more melodic than the thumpy stuff his generation favours – rock’n’roll may not be noise pollution, but dubstep most certainly is. Then we learnt that the girl isn’t going either. She was one grade off her first choice, but was offered a place for next year – yeah, that’s right, when the fees go up – and rather than settle for her second choice she decided to take a gap year. So, is she off backpacking around the Far East? No. She’s taking her gap year at home, that’s what. At least she’s not as noisy as he is, but we’re still lumbered with the pair of them. Well, I suppose it’s quite nice really, having them around the place. I’m kind of used to them, in a way, and there’ll certainly be a big them-shaped hole in our lives when they finally do go. In the meantime, though, Dad’s Taxis is not going into
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liquidation, and the home laundry service remains as gargantuan an enterprise as ever. In fact Dad’s Taxis seems to be expanding. The boy is supposed to take a ludicrously early bus in the morning for his hour-and-a-half journey into college, which seems a ridiculous amount of time for a 20-mile trip. Not surprisingly, he doesn’t always make it, and as he has to be there by 9am, that means the dog is still waiting to be walked by the time the taxi-driver arrives back. So that’s an hour off the working day for starters. In her case, it’s job interviews. Although the town I live in has some 30,000 souls it doesn’t seem to have anything in the way of facilities, not even a job centre. Nor does it have any buses, or at least none of them seem to go where we want them to, and the timetables appear to have been devised by someone who thinks that while everybody wants to flee the town, nobody wants to come back. Or not on the same day that they left, at any rate. So it’s Dad’s Taxis to the rescue, and more hours lopped off the working day. When my generation came to this point in our lives, we were simply taught to drive and bought an old banger (a pale-blue Ford Anglia, in my case). But things have changed, and not for the better. We took one look at how much it would cost to insure them to learn to drive with us and turned deathly pale. And that’s before paying for driving lessons (that’s the drawback with twins – double bubble!) and then insuring them once they pass. You’d have to be a millionaire. And we’re not. So Dad’s Taxis it is.
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Ash Tree Financial Services Independent Financial Advisers For friendly and expert advice in your financial planning 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
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WHO SHOULD WRITE MY WILL?
wills trust & Probate Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It determines who is to act for you when you die and who is to get what. Without a Will the States decides. Where appropriate, your Will should ensure children cannot to be disinherited, record executors and any guardian, and have Trust arrangements that can reduce any 40% inheritance tax liability and possibly protect the family home from an enforced sale to meet third party interests. You could do it yourself or on line but both are NOT recommended. There are too many important issues that could easily be overlooked leading to your wishes not being fulfilled and the tax and care system benefiting. On line is not necessarily cheap – a major provider charges £140 for a single Will. Solicitors and Will writers vary in their expertise and if you have an estate of any size or family complexity consider choosing a STEP solicitor (a member of Society of Trusts & Estate Practitioners). Local Solicitors can be an expensive option and usually require the inconvenience of attending their office, which can mean time off work. How much should you pay? Fees vary. A straight forward Single Will can be obtained for under £100 BUT beware of cheap and free offers. They not only often hide undisclosed costs e.g. if children are involved as well as high fees if more complex matters have to be addressed. You are especially warned against using Banks and those solicitors who require your Executors to use them for probate service. Solicitors probate terms vary but 3% is not untypical, whilst some Banks charge 5% to 9%! The £29.99 could be the most costly purchase you ever make. What happens at the Home Visit? A good Estate Planner will discuss and review your assets and liabilities as this is an excellent time to look at reviewing Life Insurance costs and the way it pays out to your estate. May
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be you are under insured or need new cover as your life changes. Many people have old or dormant pension pots which could be put to better use providing a higher return. There is also a system in place to check on under - performing investments which may have already paid out benefits or are yet to mature. This is a good time to review and claim for compensation which is normally free to apply with fees paid from the amount compensatedyou never know you may be sitting on a good wind fall. Nominated Critical Illness, Death in Service benefits and Life Insurance benefits may be channelled through Family By Pass Trusts reducing any IHT on the estate. Recovering Assets such as the dreaded Payment Protection Insurance could be refunded and paid back if you felt it was misssold. If you have a mortgage on your biggest asset you may not have the best deal and during the last 10 years many people ended up with deals including massive set up fees which could be refunded if proven unfair. Powers of Attorney should be put in place to allow your family to act should you ever become incapacitated. These can cover any incapacity from illnesses to complete loss of capacity. Leave it too late and the consequences are expensive! This is now an excellent opportunity to review your family finances and estate planning no matter how simple or complex Steven White, Director The Will Trusts & Probate Practice Ltd 0800 612 6371 or 07954 162 522
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Hot Waffle SEO
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Architects Building Surveyors Project Managers CDM Co-ordinators Sustainability Consultants Land Agents
BUILDING PLANS
Partnership Ltd
Levitt-partnership.co.uk
Your Local Architects .... want to design for you We specialise in Residential Development from the smallest extension to multi million pound developments for National House Builders. We cater to all your requirements and provide inspirational design concepts. Our plan service includes – Sketch Feasibility Design – Pre application to L.A. Planning Application – Building Regulation Application – On Site Inspections and R.I.B.A. Full Contract Services – you choose the extent of service. GIVE US A CALL or EMAIL TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT. Other Services Include:- Building Surveyors Project Management CDM Co-ordinators Sustainability Consultants Land Agents For further information please contact Harry Hughes – Managing Director Telephone:- 01767 312808 Email:– harry.hughes@levitt-partnership.co.uk
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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 46
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Gamlingay Day Nursery
experienced childcare
If you have been wondering where it is possible to find experienced care for your baby or child in the Gamlingay area then wonder no more. A new day nursery is opening at the Eco Hub offering friendly, warm care for your child in a way that reflects the environmentally friendly theme of the location. I spoke to Jane Roberts, proprietor, who was happy to explain: ‘The Hub is a very different venue for a nursery but we are very excited to be involved and to take the ethos of the location into the work we do as well. We have arranged to offer organic and locally sourced food, which will be incorporated into snacks, a good, home and cooked-fromscratch hot meal at lunch time and a substantial tea in the late afternoon – all prepared by a dedicated chef. The vegetables will be sourced at a local gardeners co-operative and all the fruit will be bought at the local farm shop. ‘We have also ensured that the area the nursery will use has a dedicated outdoor play-space with grassed areas and paving where the children can use the scooters and bikes. The room itself
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is so light and airy and with the power being from sustainable sources we are confident that the atmosphere is uplifting and healthy. We plan on arranging lots of nature walks and bughunting sessions as there is access to a wider outdoor area with bushes and trees and The Buts recreation ground is next door so the children can enjoy supervised time there too ‘I run three other day nurseries and have taken care to ensure that our care has a real homefrom-home feel to it. I only employ staff who are caring and experienced and willing to see every child as an individual. We are well known for our interaction with the parents who enjoy and appreciate staff taking time to recount small anecdotes about their child’s day and activities. We always ensure that the children have full, educational days which help them to learn as well as really enjoy their time at the nursery. We intend to organize sessions with Monkeynastics – a gymnastic and exercise group for little ones, Music for Little People, drama classes as well as French and Spanish classes which are fun and
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exciting for small children. ‘The staff who will be working at the Gamlingay day nursery are all people whom I have employed for some time who I know will bring their experience and enjoyment of their work to the children who come to us at the Eco Hub. We are planning to offer a very flexible service - from parents who want their child to be at the nursery for just one afternoon a week to those who work full time and perhaps even commute and so they need care for longer. We will be open from 7.30am until 6pm and can care for babies through to four years old. We also offer a breakfast club and an after school club for ages four to thirteen which combine experienced care and a good breakfast or, in the afternoons, a home made buffet style tea with a drop off/pick up service to and from the schools in the village. We can offer care which is compatible with shift work, school working hours or any other pattern, and are completely willing to look after children in an emergency situation – we offer day nursery services which really do fit with today’s lifestyle.
‘We are very excited to be able to use the Eco Hub facilities too such as the PC/Mac area, the wii and the large hall and work in co-operation with the Youth Club who will be running an initiative which involves renting out the air-hockey and table football games to the day nursery – the older children at the breakfast and after school clubs will be able to vote for what they would like to hire. Sarah Allen, who will be in charge of the nursery at Gamlingay is very keen to start a Mums and Tots group too which will run in combination with the nursery and help local Mums get to know one another and make friends while their little ones have fun too.’ If you like the sound of the new day nursery at this exciting and innovative venue of the future and you think your children will too then please be in touch with Gamlingay Day Nursery. All enquiries are very welcome.
Gamlingay Eco Hub
Stocks Lane, Gamlingay, SG19 3QP Tel: 01480 810400 Email: info@davidson-roberts.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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Growing Peppers
By Pippa Greenwood Growing your own peppers need not be a labour of love. In fact, it is not much more involved than growing tomatoes, so why not give it a try? Pepper plants can be unbelievably pretty too, with fruits in a range of shapes and colour, generally on compact plants and preceded by small and very pretty white flowers. Chilli and sweet, or bell, peppers can both be grown in a greenhouse border, in a sunny spot in the garden in warmer parts of the country, or on a sunny, sheltered spot on the patio. You’ll get the heavier, earlier crop if you grow the plants in a greenhouse or conservatory, but it is well worth growing them outside too, especially if you choose a spot close to a sunny wall for warmth. Sweet peppers are very high in vitamin A and both red and green peppers are also very high in vitamin C. Chilli peppers also have a good supply of vitamins C and A and in addition, contain both beta-carotene and something called capsaicin which is believed to have a useful effect on blood cholesterol levels. So all in all, there should be no stopping you, especially when you remember that they also make great eating – raw, roasted, on the BBQ, in stir fries, stuffed...in pasta sauces. The seeds are readily obtainable from many catalogues or garden centres but before you select what to grow, make sure you take into account the level of heat you’re likely to get with any chilli peppers you grow. Most seed packets and catalogues do make it very clear. Sow the seeds between now and early April. I use a multi-purpose or a seed compost as either work well, but to get good germination you will need to provide a bit of extra warmth, ideally from a heated propagator positioned in a spot where it receives plenty of natural light. If you don’t have the time or facilities to raise your own from seed, you can always buy a few plants in a garden centre or send off for them. We offer two tasty varieties a miniature sweet pepper, and a chilli pepper as part of my ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system, they are a regular favourite ( see www.pippagreenwood.com for details) Grow the plants on in any good quality multipurpose compost, keep them a tiny bit drier than you would a tomato plant and feed regularly with a high-potash liquid feed (most readily available as a ‘tomato food’). This helps to keep the plants growing strongly and the potash will encourage
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plenty of flowers and so fruits to form. If you are going for plants in pots, choose a pot or planter that has good drainage, add broken pots for extra drainage, and make sure that the pot is 30cm (12in) or more in diameter. Once there is no danger of late frosts, ideally by early June when temperatures are also warming up, you can put the pots or plants outside in a sheltered, sunny spot. Some sweet pepper plants can get quite tall and rather ungainly so be ready to give them a bit of extra support if necessary. A stout bamboo cane will usually do the trick, and tie the plant in loosely with twine, string or any other soft garden tie. If you’re after the hottest possible heat from your chilli peppers, then you’ll find this comes from fruits that are totally ripe, and that that ultimate heat is most likely to be achieved from peppers grown on plants that are grown in warmer conditions. So, if your plants are going to be looking gorgeous on your patio over the summer, make sure you put them somewhere extra warm – perhaps a sunny porch or window sill for that last bit of ripening time in the autumn. For sweet peppers, if you are growing them in patio pots in a sunny spot then you are likely to find that there are still some unripened fruits on the plants when temperatures start to fall at the end of summer and well into autumn. To increase the chances of these ripening and increasing to full size, move the pots to a warmer spot if possiblewhere they’ll get extra warmth and also plenty of natural light. If you want chillies that look particularly good on the patio there are plenty to choose from. ‘Black Pearl’ is a hot chilli pepper with a distinct blackish tinge to the mature leaves and fruits that are black early on and mature darkest red. For classic chillis with bright red, finger shaped fruits try ‘Thai Dragon’.
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J.R. Bibby Turf Supplies Quality Turf with a Quality Service
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Rural Ramblings BY GEOFF WHARTON
The Scouts Were Right A greenhouse is such a useful addition to any garden but unfortunately many seem to attract “rubbish” and dirt like a magnet and often end up full of everything apart from those things for which it was originally intended. Squeezing past all this stuff in order to access some small area to actually grow something, can be quite off-putting and rather intimidating! So much better to use the quiet part of the year for a good clear out in preparation for the growing season. The panes of broken glass letting in rain and cold air can be fixed , the glass cleaned of moss and algae and the dead foliage brushed up reducing possible reinfection. Many things which inevitably need to be done may be better planned ahead rather than acted on the spur of the moment. The seeds and varieties can be carefully chosen and if the order is sent in well in advance of the Spring rush, the choice is usually greater and the delivery time quicker. Compost can be bought well in advance rather than running out half-way through potting up. The soil can be prepared well in advance, if the conditions are suitable, allowing frost to break it up thus improving the tilth and making it easier to produce better conditions for optimum germination. The smell of new-mown grass is usually sufficient to encourage even the most reluctant of gardeners to venture outside to sort-out the lawn, but it is so annoying to pull out a dirty mower from it’s cosey winter hibernation from under a pile of old carpet, and find that the thing won’t even start or takes a gargantuan feat of gymnastic exertion finally ending with the snapping of the starter cord!!! Then the lady of the house chirps out some useful words of advice such as “I told you it would be better if you had given it a try last week, darling!” Followed by an equally tactful “I am sure YOU will be able to fix it this afternoon when that silly football match is on the TV dearest” Of course she is right! – change the oil, sharpen the blades and give it a start before you need to use it. Secateurs, loppers and hoes all need to be sharp in order to function properly. So many expensive tools are left to rust over winter and it is so easy to give them a smear of oil and a little grease on
the moving parts. When a sprayer has been used, it is better to wash it out leaving it clean and dry for next time otherwise you may not remember what was last used It is not a particularly good idea to spray your favourite plants against greenfly using a mix of insecticide and old weedkiller! Even if clean water is left in the sprayer, algae can still grow over winter and clumps can find their way into the nozzle, causing repetitive blockages and wasted time. Using tools and equipment which are welldesigned and fit for purpose can be such a pleasure, but equally can be so infuriating and frustrating if they don’t work well or continually break down. Quality is expensive but preventative maintenance is usually quick, easy and very cost effective. It makes sense to spend a little time giving things a check over to make sure that all is well.
Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified. General and specialist garden work: Jungle clearing, Pruning, Hedge and grass cutting, Regular maintenance, Licensed waste disposal. Full public liability cover. Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science Email:geoffwharton@hotmail.com
Tel: 01767 261727
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GILKS FENCING LTD Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public. •Maintenance free •Environmentally friendly •Stronger and lighter than concrete posts •Unique natural wood-grain finish •Dual faced fencing posts and gravel boards •Will not rot, crack, chip or split We are looking for show gardens to promote this exciting new product. Excellent prices for the first few selected. Interested? Call us.
•Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis Made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing • Concrete Slotted Posts • Professional Installation Available
QUALITY AND SERVICE
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Unit 2, 1 Stockton End, Off Sunderland Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 1SB Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com 54
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LAWN CARE
FOR MARCH 2012 Reader Offer
Moss Moss has been a real threat to lawns this year, and may be affecting your lawn. Apply a specific moss treatment now, or get ProLawnCare to spray with their special Moss Control Treatment. Moss dies in front of your eyes. It is best to do it now before the spring starts, otherwise it will crowd out the grass and lead to a thin and sparse lawn. Mowing Mow at last once a week now. Make sure mower has been serviced and blade replaced or sharpened. Fertiliser This is the time to feed and weed (preferably in that order). The fertiliser is predominately Nitrogen in a slow release form, but it may also need Phosphate and Potassium as well as vital trace elements to promote a vibrant lawn. Weed Control Once the weeds and grass are actively growing a selective herbicide to kill broad leaved weeds such as dandelions, daisies and clover within the grass can be applied. Patio/Driveway Weed Control Weeds can look unsightly at this time of year in patios and driveways. We can spray a total weed killer to kill them and keep weed free for up to 6 months.
Book up for a Weed Control Treatment and we’ll apply the Spring Fertiliser FREE OF CHARGE. (Existing customers will receive an additional treatment free of charge too). If you need Free Lawn Care Advice ask the Lawn Ranger on www.prolawncare.co.uk/askranger.asp Lawn fact: “58 m2 of lawn provides enough oxygen for one person for one day”
Actions required in Spring • Apply Moss Control Treatment • Mow Lawn At Least Once Per Week. • Apply Spring Fertiliser To Produce Vibrant Green Lawn • Spray Weeds In Lawn With Selective Herbicide • Spray Drive/Path/Patios With Total Herbicide To Keep Weed Free For Summer Call Deborah or Richard : 01480 812393 e-mail - info@prolawncare.co.uk
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GARDEN VIEW
Caring for garden tools As spring begins it’s time to take stock of our garden tools. Ideally these should have been cleaned, sharpened, polished and carefully stored at the start of winter. If they were you can pat yourself on the back and skip this month’s advice. Still with us? Oh dear, then you need some help. Tools which are badly stored may develop all manner of problems during their enforced rest period. First check electric power tools. Are the plugs and flexes in good, safe working order? If not, have them professionally repaired or replaced. Clean off any dust, then spray the metal surfaces of the tools with some general purpose oil. Turn the tool on so that the oil is worked into all those hard-toreach areas. If your mower is petrol-driven the spark-plugs should have been disconnected when the mowing season finished. If it takes unleaded petrol, then this loses ignition quality over time so ideally should have been siphoned off or run down at that point too. If you didn’t do this, then you’ll need to check the spark plugs and fuel, but before you do that, use a stiff brush to remove all the dust and old grass. You will then need to apply some grease to the height adjusters, turning them to work it through preventing them from seizingup. Check the throttle and clutch cables for wear and tear, and oil them, then clean any dust and dry grass out of the air filter. Check the blades, if
they are very blunt or damaged, they will need to be replaced or sharpened professionally. Electric mowers should have their cable checked, their plastic cover checked, and then be up-ended and any caked grass or dirt cleaned off with a stiff brush. Sharpen or replace the blades. Take a good look at your hand tools. Are shovels, forks and trowels looking sharp and clean? Most of us don’t care enough for these hard-working implements and then wonder why they don’t work well. Find a large bucket and fill it with about 2.5 kilos of rough builders’ sand and a litre of general purpose oil. Mix it all together until the sand is thoroughly moist. Clean any dried-on soil or rust off the tools using a stiff wire brush, then plunge them into the oily sand and leave them for a day or two. Remove and rub them with a rough cloth. Finally, sharpen the cutting edges with a fine metal file or sharpening stone. Some DIY stores offer this service if you don’t feel confident yourself. Bare wooden handles can be returned to smoothness if you give them a good rub with linseed oil. They’ll be much more comfortable on your hands if you do this. Finally, remember...all of this should have been done before the winter. With this new-found knowledge we can be better prepared in 2012!
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EGGING YOU ON
Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club Most cultures around the world use an egg as a symbol of new life. The ancient Egyptians, Persians and Hindus all believed the world began with an enormous egg. Even today in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and Russia eggs are a widely popular symbol of new life. Giving Easter eggs is not new. The household accounts of Edward 1 showed an expenditure of 18 pence for 450 eggs to be gold leafed and coloured as Easter gifts, whilst Faberge created jewelled Easter Eggs for the Russian Imperial Court. There are many traditions surrounding Easter Eggs. In parts of England and Scotland there are egg rolling competitions down steep hills. At Peterlee cricket club there is the annual egg jarping world championship where players aim to hit their rival’s hard boiled eggs with their own. The winner is the one with the last intact egg – the losers get to eat theirs! Looking for an Easter Egg? Biggleswade Sandy
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Lions can help you. We are holding our Easter Egg raffle again this year and can win one for only £1. At the end of February you will find our raffle in the following locations. Biggleswade – Crown Hotel, New Inn, White Hart, Surfin Cafe and Conservative Club: Sandy – Roundabout Club and The Bell: Henlow – The Five Bells, Engineer’s Arms and RAF Henlow: Potton Social Club, The White Hart -Shefford, The Wheatsheaf -Tempsford, The White Horse – Southill, The Crown – Northill, and Frosts at Willington. There’s a raffle near you, so have a go. The winner gets the delicious large Easter egg for only £1 a go. For more information visit our website www.biggeswadesandylions.org.uk. Our Secretary Dave Hagger will also be pleased to help – call 01462 814693. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at Biggleswade Conservative Club where you will be most welcome. We look forward to meeting you.
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Available in these colours:
Get ‘Em Off! We all can have trouble removing boots or shoes that have been put through their paces. The Middleton Get ‘Em Off Boot Remover makes taking your boots off easy and elegant, especially if you have difficulty bending down. Hand crafted at our Workshop in Britain from amazing Corian®, our boot remover is elegant and is designed for most shoe sizes and is very easy to clean.
T: 01767-317-773 E: info@middletonfurniture.co.uk www.middletonfurniture.co.uk
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SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
MARCH 2012
The year 2012 is going to be a very busy one for the Tourist Information Centre here in Sandy. There are a number of special events and items of local interest taking place over the next twelve months. Here is a taster of just some of these – Look out for further details. SANDY P3 GROUP. Sandy Town Council, in conjunction with Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charities and Central Bedfordshire Council is hoping to form a P3 Group here in Sandy. If you enjoy the beauty of Sandy’s delightful countryside and have a great interest in keeping it looking at its best - help us to form a group to improve the area for wildlife and people. P3 (People, Projects, Partnerships) is funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and is managed by the Council and its partners to encourage parish based community groups to get into, enjoy, improve and understand their local countryside. To find out more – or just enjoy a stroll – Come on a short country walk around Sandy on Saturday 17th March. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre at 1.30pm (BOOKING FOR THE WALK IS ESSENTIAL) For more details contact ourselves or Mike Fayers (Beds RCC) on 01767 626453, email mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk or Steve Halton (CBC) on 0300 300 6135 WALKERS ARE WELCOME STATUS FOR SANDY Sandy Town Council is hoping that Sandy will be the first town in East Anglia to obtain WALKERS ARE WELCOME status. WALKERS ARE WELCOME is an accreditation scheme which signals to walkers that they are welcomed as visitors to a community. We believe that achieving this status
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will bring useful benefits to local residents and the business community. If Sandy does gain Walkers are Welcome status this could strengthen our reputation as a place for visitors to enjoy the outdoors and bring useful benefits to the local economy. GREENSAND RIDGE WALK FESTIVAL – April 2012 This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Greensand Ridge Walk and we are hosting a day of celebrations on SUNDAY, 22nd APRIL from 9.30am onwards. The Greensand Ridge Walk is Bedfordshire’s premier long distance walk of some 40 miles and starts in Leighton Buzzard and finishes in Gamlingay. The day of celebrations will be held in the Town Car Park in Sandy. Around the TIC building there will be kiosks about the countryside and Bedfordshire rural life, there will be refreshments and much more. There will also be Guided Walks from 10am (Groups of up to 30 will set off every 15 minutes) to part of the Greensand Ridge Walk within Sandy parish. The Walk will start from the TIC, climb the Pinnacle, go along the Ridings on Sandy Heath and onwards to Deepdale and then return to the TIC. Please note that these will be timed walks and you will need to book HM THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE On Sunday, 22nd APRIL as mentioned above, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Greensand Ridge Walk. Also on that day, the Tourist Information Centre will launch a new publication to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. This illustrated leaflet will contain six brand new Walks around Sandy and its beautiful countryside. These will include a Pushchair Walk and a Town Walk and all will vary in length. There is one Walk for each decade of the Queen’s reign. Sandy Town Council would like to hear from you with regard details of any Jubilee Celebrations that you are arranging within the town. Contact Sandy Tourist Information Centre with details. The BEDFORDSHIRE WALKING FESTIVAL This Festival is an event organised by local Ramblers Groups and this year it is to be held between the Saturday, 8th to Sunday 16th September. There will be around seventy walks and these are all free. One of the walks will be the RU4 Challenge
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over the Greensand Ridge over the weekend of 15th & 16th September. We will receive full details about the Walking Festival in due course. As over the past few years, one of the walks will be organised by the Tourist Information Centre. This will be a new Walk called ‘The Lowfield Walk’. This Walk goes from the TIC to parts of the Pym family estate in Sandy including Lowfields, the Roman road called Hasells Hedge, and the Pinnacle TIC SUMMER WALKS and WINTER TALKS - 2012 SUMMER WALKS - The very popular Summer Guided Walks run by the Tourist Information Centre are presently being arranged. There will be three Guided Walks this year (plus the Walk in April being part of the Greensand Ridge Walk 25th anniversary (see above) and the Walk in September, being part of the Bedfordshire Walking Festival (see above). One of the three walks to be held during the summer of 2012 will be brand new and we will visit and hear about the historic village of Cardington – with its connections with Whitbread family, the prison reformer, John Howard and its airship heritage. WINTER TALKS - In view of last years very successful first Winter Talk, which was about RAF
Tempsford, the Tourist Information Centre will be arranging three Talks this year. One will be about a different aspect of Tempsford Airfield and the other two will be about different subjects relating to the locality CHANGE OF OPENING HOURS – SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE PLEASE NOTE that from Monday 2nd April 2012 the opening hours of the Tourist Information Centre will change to the following times:MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10am – 3pm SATURDAY 10am – 2pm SUNDAY Closed SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE is at the rear of the offices of Sandy Town Council at 10 Cambridge Road. Access to the Centre is either (a) via the Town Car Park in the High Street – we are in the far left hand corner or (b) from Cambridge Road – via the path at the side of the Town Council Offices. One of our many visitors called the Centre ‘an Aladdin’s cave’ – come and see for yourself Sandy Tourist Information Centre, Rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy Telephone 01767 682728 email tourism@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
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SANDY M.O.T CENTRE While-you-wait testing on site
FROODS AUTOSERVICES Your ‘main dealer’ alternative………..
Established over 20 years we have grown from strength to strength by word of mouth referrals due to the quality of our work and service. We provide vehicle maintenance, repairs and diagnostics for most makes of vehicles and have invested in training and state of the art diagnostic equipment to meet the demands of the modern car. We also provide: • Servicing & Repairs • MOTʼs on Site, including 4 x 4 Vehicles • Air Conditioning • Tyres • 4 Wheel Laser Alignment • Batteries & Exhausts • American Vehicle Service & Diagnostics • Vehicle Recovery & Transportation Service • Collect & Delivery Service • Courtesy Cars
It is our policy to keep our customers informed at all times with the fault, cause, cure and estimated cost which will be reported to the customer before we carry out any repair work. We recognise that it is important to use Original Equipment (OE) parts and the manufacturers recommended engine lubricants to prevent premature engine damage and this is standard practice. Personal Attention and Professional Service Telephone: 01767
680868 Email: info@froodsautoservices.co.uk Website: www.froodsautoservices.co.uk
10 Darlington Close, Sunderland Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 1RW
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Mats Cars Potton Based Local and Long Distance Private Hire Airport/Stations/Nights Out etc Can now carry up to 7 passengers + luggage in our new Luxury MPV. 4 Passenger car also available. Airport Transfers From Luton £40, Stansted £65, Heathrow £80, Gatwick £130 Tel: 01767 261871 Mob: 07983 218367 www.mats-cars.co.uk All major credit/debit cards accepted
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Top 5 Cars of the Tokyo Motor Show
By James Baggott, editor of car dealer
This year’s Tokyo Motor Show was dominated by green technologies and wacky concepts – but among the madness there were some important model launches. The show isn’t one of the biggest. Spread over four halls you can get around it easily in a day – unlike the blister-inducing mass of motors that is Europe’s biggest show in Frankfurt, Germany. However, as the Japanese makers’ home event, it is absolutely packed with innovation. I spent two days scouring the halls and soaking up the culture, but eventually these five emerged as my picks of the show. Toyota GT 86 It’s about time Toyota got interesting again and the GT 86 certainly floats our boat. Rumoured to cost around £28,000 when it goes on sale in the UK, the rear-wheel drive car features a 2.0-litre 197bhp unit and will hit 60mph in seven seconds. It certainly looked good on the stand and was a welcome break from the green concepts doing the rounds everywhere else. Subaru BRZ Subaru has been having a hard time of it in the UK of late, so the BRZ comes as a much-needed breath of fresh air. Jointly developed with Toyota, it’s the sister car to the GT 86, and in the company’s famous corporate blue it looked fantastic. The BRZ has slightly different body panels and interior to the Toyota. Just don’t mention the new, and very bland, Impreza also on display on the stand. Nissan Juke Nismo The Juke has been crying out for a real sporty model and it looks like Nissan may finally answer our prayers thanks to its tuning arm Nismo. This is the first car that’s been given the Nismo treatment and although currently billed as a “concept” it’s highly likely we’ll see it on our roads soon. Exterior and interior tweaks will be matched with a breathed-on powerplant. Mercedes F 125! We’re not big fans of concepts that don’t mean anything, but Mercedes was quick to point out the F 125! showcases the future design direction of the next S-Class. The concept featured fuel cell technology which would give it a range of 1,000km, a lightweight body construction, gullwing doors and a cloud-based infotainment system. But ignore all that, it’s the looks that are most likely to shape future luxury barges from the firm. Hino eZ Cargo Tucked away in the corner of the truck section of the show was this fantastic delivery van. Not only does it look superb, but it showcases EV technology and a clean uncluttered design that would make Apple proud. A spokesman for Hino told us it has a range of 50kms, can charge in six hours and hit 70kph. Trials will take place next year before a decision is made whether to put it into production. We just hope the looks are carried over – it certainly beats a boring Transit. 68
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Swimming Lessons • • • • •
Private pool - Tadlow ASA qualified teachers Beginners & stroke technique classes 1-2 pupils per class 10 week courses (term time only)
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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .
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SEASONAL DELIGHTS
Glazed Salmon Skewers & Sesame Noodles This is a great way to jazz up salmon – with a Japanese teriyaki sauce glaze served with sesame flavoured noodles. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading on the strips of salmon to prevent them from burning under the hot grill.
Serves 4 Ready in 40 minutes plus 30 minutes marinating
Ingredients
4 x salmon fillets, skinned 6 tbsp teriyaki sauce 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 250g packet medium egg noodles 2 tsp sesame seed oil
1 tsp grated root ginger 6 salad onions, trimmed and thinly sliced 40g radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced 2 tbsp sesame seeds 30ml honey, warmed
Method
1. Slice each salmon fillet widthways into 2 strips and place the strips in a shallow dish. Mix together the teriyaki sauce and garlic and pour over the salmon. Cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat the grill to medium. Thread the strips of salmon onto 8 wooden skewers. Grill the salmon skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side until just cooked through. 3. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain well. Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan and add the ginger, spring onions, radishes and sesame seeds. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes then add the noodles and toss well to mix. 4. Just before serving, brush the salmon skewers with the warmed honey and grill for a further few minutes. Divide the sesame noodles between four serving bowls and top with the salmon skewers.
Top Tip - To save time buy a small jar of ready prepared ginger puree rather than buying fresh root ginger – once opened it will keep in the fridge for a few weeks and is great for adding an Oriental flavour to rice and stir fries. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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what’S ON?
IN MARCH
2 March Women’s World Day of Prayer ‘Let Justice Prevail’ 2pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall Interdenominational service prepared by the Women of Malaysia and presented by members of all of Sandy and Beeston’s Churches. Speaker Mrs Jane Godley. Everyone (men and women) welcome. Tel: Doreen 01767 683815 Web: www.wwdp-natcomm.org 3 March Cake and Produce Stall 10am-12.00 noon, 9 Sandy Road, Everton Refreshments will be served and all proceeds from the sale of cakes and produce will go to St Mary’s Church Everton. 3 March Switzerland and its mountain flowers 2.00pm , The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society talk by Peter Sheasby on Switzerland and its mountain flowers. Visitors welcome to all meetings, a small charge applicable. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 6 March Tuesday Morning Walkers 9.30-11.30am, The Lodge, Sandy Adults £3, RSPB Members free Weekly walks around the reserve with a leader, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the site. Everyone welcome. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 6 March Gamlingay Dementia Information Point 10am-12 noon Gamlingay Eco Hub We are here to provide information, help people to understand confusion, help people to find strategies to cope and to provide someone to talk to who understands. We can help with financial issues, carers assessments, as well as provide you with information and support. If we can help in any way or you would like to find out more about the event please call our office on 01223 884 031. 7 March Naturalistic Planting 7.30pm , WI Hall, Waresley Road, Gamlingay Visitors very welcome £2.50 entry charge Tim Fuller from the ‘Plantsmans Preference Nursery’ in Norfolk is coming to talk to us about ‘Naturalistic planting’. Tel: Jean Venning 01767 261298
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Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 7 March Villagers: A History of Gamlingay 8pm St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Non-members £1.50 Langford History Society presents a talk by author, James Brown, about his recently published book about the history of Gamlingay. Tel: Ted Martin 01462 701096 Web: www.langfordhistory.org.uk 8 March Dickens Aloud 7.30pm Little Gransden Village Hall Adults £10, Concessions £9 Readings and supper to celebrate bicentenary of Charles Dickens. Tickets from Gt Gransden Village Stores or S Sullivan. Tel: S Sullivan 01767 677906 9 & 23 March Whist Drive (Refreshments included) 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information 10 March Think As You Shop: Local and Fairtrade Produce 10am-2pm Free entry St Andrew’s Church Chapter House, Biggleswade Presented by FAB (Fairtrade Association Biggleswade). Come and “Take A Step” for Fairtrade in 2012. Help us build a path of footprints - how long can we make it? Enjoy lunch with local produce soup and Fairtrade cake. Teas/coffees available. Kids’ colouring and quizzes. Information stalls, crafts and produce. 10 March Spring is in the air! 11am-1pm The Lodge, Sandy Adults £4, RSPB Members £3, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2 Take a walk out in the fresh air with us and enjoy the first signs of spring on the reserve. Flowers and trees are now beginning to bloom and the welcome song of the first summer migrants may be heard. Limited numbers, booking advisable Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 10 March Retail Therapy Afternoon 2-4pm Southill Village Hall Entrance £1 Friends of Southill Lower School. Come along and treat yourself or get your Mother’s Day gifts. Stalls full of wonderful things, delicious cakes, refreshments, raffle, face painting.All profits raised go to Southill Lower School
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what’S ON? IN MARCH
10 March West is West (15) Doors open 2.30pm, film starts 3pm Tickets £3.50 Space for Sports & Arts, Holmemead School, Mead End, Biggleswade A comedy drama set in Manchester in 1975 starring Jimi Mistry, Om Puri and Linda Bassett. Tel: 01767 626338 Web: www.ivelflix.org.uk
17 March-5 April Lambing Time 10.30am-5pm Wimpole Home Farm, near Arrington Normal Farm admission applies Head to Home Farm to meet the rare breed ewes and lambs and if you are lucky you may see a live birth. Learn more about lambing from our farm staff. Tel: 01223 206000 Web: www.wimpole.org
10 March Great Expectations 7.30 for 8pm Village Hall, High Street, Sutton Adults £10, Children £7.50 A professional production of an adaptation of Dickens’ well-loved novel. Tel: 01767 262116
23 March Prize Bingo and Fish n Chip Supper 8pm Ickwell Pre-school, The Green, Ickwell £8.50 per person including all bingo cards and supper For more information contact Vicky on 01767 691668 or email paul.vicky@btinternet.com
14 March Organ Concert 2-4pm Members £2.50, Non-Members £5. Pay at door. Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club are holding a social afternoon of music and dancing with local organist Bob Watts. Tel: 01234 344423 Web: www.organfax/clubs/bedford/html
24 March The Mystery of the Maharajah’s Diamond 7.30pm Memorial Hall, Wrestlingworth £15 including fish and chip supper A fun night of mystery and suspense - can you find out whodunit? 1920s fancy dress optional. Proceeds to Wrestlingworth Pre-School. Tickets available from Cameron’s or call Donna on 01767 631850.
16 March Caldecote Lower School Pamper Evening 6.30-10pm Advance tickets £2.50 per person which includes a drink and a chocolate, on the night £3 Treatments cost £5 for each 15/20 minute treatment which is payable on the evening: Indian Head Massage, Eyebrow shaping, Neck/Shoulder Massage, Reiki, Facials, Hair trims, Nails, Reflexology and many more. Remember these are only taster session. Mother’s Day Specials £10 – book early. Tel: For tickets and appointments Julie 01767 312583 or Tracey 01767 315586
24 March Waresley Village Hall Quiz 7.30 pm start £10 per person to include fish & chip supper Tel: Chris Thorne 01767 651239
16 & 17 March ‘Write about what you know’ 7.45pm Gamlingay First School, Cinques Road entrance Adults £7.50, Concessions £5 This lively comedy lifts the lid on a group of amateur writers and poets who meet every month in their local scout hut to discuss their writing, exchange tips and seek mutual encouragement. Bar provided by First School Association. Tickets available from the Cutting Mill or online. Web: www.gamlingayplayers.co.uk 16 March Bingo Night 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, a raffle and licensed bar. All proceeds to support the Village Hall. Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727
28 March Organ Concert 8-10.30pm Members £4, Non-members £5. Pay at door. Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club presents popular Organist Ian House. Tel: 01234 344423 Web: www.organfax/clubs/bedford/html 30 March Performers & Pints 10 Doors 8pm for 8.30pm start Tickets £3.50 on the door Red Lion Function Room, Station Road, Potton Will Mak is your host & headliner. Four ace artists, one great night! 1 April Easter Egg Hunt 2pm-5pm St John’s Hospice Grounds, Moggerhanger £3 entry for children and £1 for adults All children will receive a chocolate Easter egg for taking part, and also the chance to win a special prize! There will be the Easter egg hunt, raffle, stalls, cake decorating, mask decorating, teas, coffees and face painting. Tel: For further information Lauren Hasdell 01767 641044 Email: lauren.hasdell@sueryder.org
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Paul Hodson
Now Installing V Phase Units
Electrical Contractor Electrical Maintenance Commercial & Domestic Installations Rewires Fuse Board Upgrades Electric Heating Systems Underfloor Heating BT Points Periodic Testing Portable Appliance Testing Showers Free Estimates ELECSA Part P Approved All work carried out to IEE wiring regulations 17th edition Call to discuss your requirements
Tel: 01767 691668 Mob: 07887 776980 paul@hodson-electrical.co.uk
D M Specialist Joinery Based In Biggleswade
Mirrors made to order. Any size, shape and colour. Contact sales at D M Specialist Joiners on 01767 317773 Also available in Philpot’s of Hitchin 76
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NEXUS
DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS Nexus Drum & Bugle Corps, Bedfordshire’s only marching drum corps, competed at the British Youth Band Associations’ [BYBA] National Championships on the 2nd of October at the Keys Park Stadium in Hednesford, Cannock. Nexus performed their 2011 show, “Dare To Dream?”, which details the journey of a young child during a night’s sleep, and came away with an extremely respectable result of 2nd Place in Associate Class. After their show at the DCUK Championships last
month, Nexus are now ranked 14th in Europe. 2011 is both Nexus’ first year competing in both Associate Class, after being Division 3 and League Champions in 2010 with their undefeated show “How The West Was Won”, as well as it also being their first year competing in the Drum Corps United Kingdom [DCUK] circuit. Nexus are excited to be competing for the 2012 season, and anyone is interested or wishes to find out more is welcome to visit www.nexus-dbc.org. uk or to email info@nexus-dbc.org.uk.
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PK Cleaning Services 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 Visit us on www.pkcleaningservices.net
P.E. JAMES & SONS DOMESTIC PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS Small Repairs to Major Installations
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Exclusive Bespoke British Furniture T: 01767-317-773 E: info@middletonfurniture.co.uk www.middletonfurniture.co.uk
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CODEWORD
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
9 X 9 PUZZLE
How to play It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.
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Comet Cleaning Services ✷ Commercial ✷ High ✷ Fully
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Tel: 01767 261622 Mob: 07947 732883 Email: dialporter01@tiscali.co.uk
• Energy Saving Boiler Installs • Boiler Replacements • New System Installs • System Upgrades • LPG Boiler Installation & Servicing • Solar Panels • Underfloor Heating • Power Flushing • Servicing • Radiator, Cylinder and Megaflo installations and more...
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Mobile: 07828 297078 David Dennis CORGI Registered Gas Installer Phone: 01767 262 300 Web: www.edenheating.co.uk 5A King Street, Potton, Bedfordshire, SG19 2QT
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Madeira
By Solange Hando Madeira means ‘wood’, a name given to the island by the first Portuguese settlers in the 15th century, though they promptly burnt as much of the forest as they could to create arable land. Today the trees are back, 900,000 of them planted in the past decades, and as you approach this rugged but fertile island, dizzying slopes greet you with lush terraces where mango and banana groves compete with vineyards, passion fruit and papaya trees. Pretty as a postcard, Funchal, the capital, is a neat maze of tree-lined avenues with mosaic pavements, shaded squares and outdoor restaurants sweeping around a glistening bay. On these south-facing slopes, life is relaxed and there’s time to wander around the farmers’ market, the steep lanes draped in wisteria, the marina, or look out for the Beatles Boat turned into a restaurant, the statue of Zarco, the explorer who first set foot on the island, or that of Christopher Columbus who married a local girl. Some 2000 feet above the sea, the leafy suburb of Monte offers superb views, fragrant gardens and an iconic church where on August 15th, penitents go up the steps on their knees. Visitors prefer the cable-car but the fun way down is the toboggan, Madeiran-style, careering down the slope in a giant wicker basket, swung right and left by two handsome guys in white gear and straw hats. Just 36 miles by 14 miles in the Atlantic, closer to Africa than to Portugal, the motherland, this little gem of an island is surprisingly varied. All along the coast, rocks and cliffs tower dramatically above small pebble beaches pounded by the ocean. Experienced surfers head north to ride the waves but Funchal has gentle options, from coastal and dolphin-watching trips to a romantic twilight cruise on Santa Maria de Colombo, a stylish replica of Christopher Columbus’ boat. Others sail around the Desert Isles, home to wild goats, seals and thousands of sea birds while the ferry sets off for the more distant sister island of Porto Santo and its five miles of golden sands. Back on the main island, small towns and villages are scattered along the shore, Camara de Lobos with its fishermen’s chapel and wooden boats, Calheta and its sugar plant making ‘firewater’,
Porto Moniz with its bathing pools hollowed out of an old lava flow or Machico where Zarco is said to have landed. Not so far away, Torch Mountain recalls the great bonfires of the past, warning of approaching pirates, while the world’s second highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao, rises to a staggering 1900 feet and the windswept eastern peninsula stretches into the ocean, shared by the occasional lizard and a handful of seasoned walkers. Walking on Madeira is exhilarating and pleasant year round. Popular footpaths follow the levadas, the ancient irrigation channels still used to bring water from the humid but sparsely inhabited north to the rich farmlands of the south, with a network of over 800 miles. There are leisurely trails through the ancient laurel forest of the National Park covering two thirds of the island, past gurgling streams and waterfalls, picnic spots and panoramic ‘balconies’ suspended between heaven and earth. But most challenging of all is the mountainous interior and the fabulous but head-spinning hike from Pico de Areiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak towering above a dramatic moonscape at over 6000 feet.
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T&R Roofing Ltd
Family Business Est. 1985
• 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:
01767 314847 mob. 07831849847
CJ
DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD Specialists in Bespoke Joinery
Property Maintenance Exterior and Interior Painting Blocked Gutters Fascia Board Cleaning Chimney and Wall Pointing Patios, Fencing, Paths & Bases Brickwork and Repairs Fascia Board Painting uPVC Cleaning Insurance jobs welcome No job too small Free Estimates
01767 680532 or 0774 600 8188
cjpainting@hotmail.co.uk 84
Conservatories • Doors • Windows Staircases Handmade Kitchens Handmade Bedroom Furniture
Unit 8, Gracious Farm, Southill, Beds SG18 9JB T: 01462 816695 F: 01462 850915 E: info @driftwoodjoinery.com
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Business to Business Associates Ltd
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THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD
1st Prize £25 Name:
Complete the crossword on the following page, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 16th March 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
2nd Prize £15
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Last Month’s Crossword Solution To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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Fill in your details on the previous page and send your completed entry for a chance to win a cash prize.
Notes:
Across
Down
1 Bewitched (7)
1 Crawl (5)
5 Trimmed (5)
2 Soaks up (7)
8 Loosens (5)
3 Sundry items (13)
9 Evil (7)
4 Split (6)
10 Vertical (13)
5 Book of facts (13)
11 Without trouble (6)
6 Guttural noise (5)
12 Teeth (6)
7 Arid regions (7)
15 Display (13)
11 Perpetual (7)
18 Detonate (7)
13 Shake briskly (7)
19 Business transactions (5)
14 To be present at (6)
20 Stairs (5)
16 Type of syrup (5)
21 Destroys hearing (7)
17 Facial features (5)
Congratulations to last month’s crossword winners: 1st Prize - Mrs. P James from Henlow 2nd Prize - Janet White from Bromham 86
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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
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Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
• Spot stain and odour removal • Anti-stain protection • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured • Established for 22 years • Leather suites cleaned and reconditioned
01767 652971 or 07870 338074 D. Chandler
Electrical Services
NICEIC Part P Registered
All types of roofing work undertaken. Friendly, reliable and professional service.
Tel: 07989 423449 or 01767 317121 www.baroofing.co.uk
Domestic Re-wires Fuse Board Upgrades Testing and Inspecting Landlord Certificates Showers/Sockets/Lighting New Builds/Extensions Security Lighting Free Estimates. Competitive Rates. All work in accordance to BS7671 I.E.E. 17th Edition Wiring Regulations Friendly, Reliable and Insured NICEIC Backed 6 Year Warranty
07966 296304 or 01767 680929 dennischandler@hotmail.co.uk
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No Room For Giraffes
BY Chris Russell
When I first moved to London, I lived in a big house in a quiet, leafy suburb. It was a shared property, positively bursting at the seams with bits and bobs, nick-nacks and bric-a-brac (nobody really knows what bric-a-brac is, but it seems appropriate here. In fact, whilst I’m on the subject, what actually are nick-nacks?). Two days before we were due to move out of the house, it burned down. For legal reasons it’s probably best if I don’t go into the exact details of the incident; suffice it to say that it wasn’t our fault and we lost everything. In the immediate aftermath of the event, I learned two things: 1) estate agents are the spawn of Lucifer and 2) I am much happier when I own virtually nothing. I only missed one thing, in truth. My piano. Moving into the new place was a dream - I literally walked through the front door and was done - but I didn’t quite feel at ease again until I’d furnished it with a piano. It wasn’t so much the physical presence of the instrument that I craved, but more the ability to fill the house with music. This may seem unbearably pretentious and like a tremendously deep and cerebral person. I’m not either, of course, but this was of little concern to me at the time. I would go to parties and tell girls the story of the fire in the hope that hinting at an untapped river of pain running through my soul (I think that’s how I phrased it) would make them much more likely to get off with me. And so it was that, gradually, I began to understand that the fire had in one sense been a blessing. It had purged me of the scrapyard of pointless junk I had unwittingly collected over the years, and now I was free to be my own person again. I was lord of my gloriously empty manor. You can imagine my consternation, then, when in preparation for a recent house move I found myself packing up my bedroom once more and discovering that, just a few short years later, I somehow still owned TRUCKLOADS OF STUFF. I mean, ruddy truckloads. This discovery propelled me towards an unashamedly fascist cull of my belongings. One of the items that failed to make the cut during the move was a five-foot tall pink wicker giraffe I had
received as a gift some years earlier. I was rather fond of this curious ornament, as it happens, but when you’re executing a cull of this magnitude you have to be cold and ruthless, and there really was no room for giraffes. In the end I took it to my local charity shop, spent a short while reflecting on what sort of person would want to buy such a thing, and promptly left. Two hours later, as I turned the front-door key one final time and officially vacated my home, I saw a woman walking up the road with, you guessed it, a pink wicker giraffe under her arm. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, said Einstein, only moved around. The law of thermodynamics. True not just of tiny electrons, it seems, but apparently also of giraffes. Chris plays piano in South London power-pop band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents and released a record with Sting’s producer. Chris is currently working on his first novel, “Mockstars”. Read more of Chris’ blogs and tour diaries at www.TheLightyears.com.
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G & H SEAMER Funeral Directors
Family owned and managed business. Established 100 years.
24hr Service Pre-paid Funeral Plan Available Private Rest Chapel
47 High Street, Sandy
Telephone: 01767 680519
90
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Fine Textures
Artexing, Coving, Paper Hanging Quality Painting and Decorating Insurance work undertaken No obligation free quotation Friendly reliable service Contact info: Tel: 01767 601351 Mob: 07970060891 E-mail: robertwendon@aol.com
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Mark Dilley Electrical Part P Registered Company 22386 Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections No job too small Free estimates All work to BS7671 regulations City and Guilds qualified
Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430
mark@markdilleyelectrical.co.uk
92
Building & Maintenance
Domestic & Commercial Building & Maintenance Service • All types of Building & Maintenance work undertaken • Garage & Loft Conversions • All aspects of Carpentry • Bathroom & Kitchen Installations • Roofing (flat and pitched) • Landscaping & Brickwork • Alterations & Refurbishment Customer’s recommendations available on request
For a free quote call Richard on:
H. 01767 681704 M. 07941 855415
E. rcr.maintenance@uwclub.net
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C l a s s i f i e d s Bathrooms Installations and Plumbing
Domestic Repairs
Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines • Cookers Fridges • Vacs • Dryers
Bill Tangye
Beds Tel By or appointment only - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, Mob 01767 650750Tel: 07711 07802 393331 257105
Domestic Repairs
Builders
D.H. MEDLOCK & SON
“YOUNG’S BUILDERS” “YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MASTER BUILDERS” “QUALITY AND VALUE FROM START TO FINISH”
Domestic Appliances
Established 1967
Sales - Service - Spares Garage conversions from £5.9K
Extension - Sunrooms
Call 07811 985568 or 01767 261803 www.youngsbuilders.co.uk “Free quotes • Excellent references”
• • • • •
Extensions & Sunrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Walls, Patios & Decking General Building Work Property Maintenance
2 Station Chambers, Station Road, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8AH
Telephone: 01767 313384
Fun Quiz - The Alphabet 1. Which two letters of the alphabet have a “tittle” when written in lower case, but not when written in upper case? 2. Which month of the year features in the NATO phonetic alphabet? 3. Which Dutch airline is known by three consecutive letters of the alphabet? 4. Which European country’s version of Scrabble is the only version where the letter “z” is worth just one point? 5. What is the total number of raised and levelled dots used in braille to represent a single letter of the alphabet? 6. What is the first letter of the Greek alphabet to have a name in English that doesn’t end in “a”? 7. What is the only letter in the alphabet that has more than one syllable when spoken? 8. A circumflex is a symbol used to mark a long vowel in a number of languages, including French and Welsh. This symbol takes the form of an upside down version of which letter of the English alphabet? 9. On a standard UK keyboard, the key with a colon and semi-colon is immediately to the right of a key that features which letter of the alphabet? 10. Which two rivers in Britain have names that sound like letters that are next to each other in the alphabet? 1. i and j (a “tittle” is the dot on these) 2. November 3. KLM 4. Poland’s 5. Six 6. Epsilon (following alpha, beta, gamma and delta) 7. W 8. V 9. L 10. The Exe and the Wye
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Classifieds Fancy Dress
Handyman
Chesterfield Fancy Dress Hire 100’s of costumes for all occasions Adults from £15 • Childrens from £7.50 Wigs and accessories Range includes 60’s, 70’s, Superheroes, Medieval, Halloween, and many more ....
MIKE NEIGHBOUR Carpet Joiner, Glass Splashbacks for Kitchens Cupboards, Fitted Wardrobes, Loft Ladders etc 30 Years Experience
By appointment only - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, Beds
Tel: 07711 257105
Garden Specialists
01767 677898 or 07711 311956 Hairdressing
Leisure Lawns For the perfect garden
Garden Clearance, Hedgecutting, Mowing, Fencing, Patios, Tree Work and Turfing All aspects of landscaping Also supply and fit artificial grass for a no maintenance lawn Call David Scudds on 01767 681550 or 07807 063520 Email: leisurelawns@live.co.uk www.leisurelawns.co.uk
Garden Specialist
Handyman
Local, honest, professional service
Garden Specialists
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
94
Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter
M. Philmore (Phil) - Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter Disabled showers supplied and fitted. General plumbing and home maintenance. No job too small. 57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414
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Classifieds Massage & Reflexology
Private Car Hire
Travelling Massage and Reflexology David Sheppard – MFHT Tel: 07776 230327 Email: singinghealth@gmail.com www.travellingmassage.co.uk Painting Services
Property Improvements A professional property maintenance service
Property Improvements by
Gary Hare Carpentry • Kitchens • Bedrooms Decorating • Flooring Bathrooms •Tiling • and more...
Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420 Property Improvements
Physio Do you need a local physio? Rosemary Hand has over 20 years experience treating musculoskeletal/ sports injuries. Located in Great Gransden
For further details call 07595 041121 Pig Roasts
Tiling
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01767 682789
The hair colour you’ve been waiting for!!! The only salon in Sandy TO offer Redken’s ammonia free hair colour range ‘Chromatics’. We’re excited to announce we have the new colour range from Redken which contains no ammonia at all. It is a breakthrough in colour technology and is the future of hair colouring and we can offer you this right now. This particular colour is exclusive to Redken, with added protein to keep hair healthy and strong. It can make your hair feel up to 2x stronger than before colouring. You will be amazed at the results, we certainly are! All of our staff are trained by Redken to the highest level with either in-salon training or through attending London based courses so you receive the best. Being the only Redken salon in Sandy you have London trained stylists on your doorstep. We are offering this amazing hair colour with no price increase, so don’t except any less, have the best and care for your hair!! The benefits are: Hair up to 2x stronger due to the added protein in the colours, Increased longevity due to the new formula, No Ammonia, No Smell, Kinder to your scalp, High Shine
Offers for March
Book any ‘Chromatics’ colour service in March and receive 10% off your colour plus we’ll give you another 10% off your 2nd ‘Chromatics’ colour. This offer applies to new and regular customers (Time guidelines do apply, stylists/senior stylists only). 20% off cut and blow-drys with our graduate stylist Jemma (Mon-Fri only. Not to be used with any other offer. New clients only) To redeem these offer please mention this advert when booking your appointment. Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Fri 9.30 - 6.00pm, Wed & Thurs 9.30 - 9.00pm, Sat 8.30 - 2.30pm www.friendsfivestarhairdressing.com facebook.com/friendshair Friends Five Star Hairdressing 4 Shannon Court, Sandy, Bedfordshire sg19 1ag Large car park at rear of salon. Tel. 01767 682 789