Henlow jan 15 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 74 - January 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

The History of the Bicycle

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Contents The History of the Bicycle

VILLAGER The

and Town

Issue 74 - January 2015

Life

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

Inside this issue

The History of the Bicycle

Swan UK Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

ur Yo EE FRcopy

The Truly ‘Green’ Garden..................................26 RSPB Biggest Garden Wildlife Survey..............28 Wordsearch.....................................................31 Puzzle Page.....................................................36 What’s On in January.......................................39 Prize Crossword...............................................42

The History of the Bicycle..................................4 Christmas Presents - Your Rights!......................8 Winter Sales....................................................11 Swan UK..........................................................12 Beer of the Month...........................................15 Fun Quiz..........................................................17 Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living..............21 1st Helow Station Guides - Come and join.......22

Swan UK

9,500 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Henlow, Langford, Astwick, Edworth, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Newnham, Radwell, Bygrave, Shillington, Holwell, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Ashwell End and Stanford (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Arlesey, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Stotfold)

Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Ted Bruning, and Pippa Greenwood Advertising Sales Simon Smith - 07876 596677 simon@villagermag.com Photography - Terry Rug, Heidi Hodgson, Emma Porter, Biggleswade History Society, Cathy Yeulet and Catherine Rose Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

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

History

The History of the Bicycle

By Catherine Rose

Dan Albone

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

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

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

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

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Three Counties Radio

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Christmas Presents

Your Rights!

At this time of year with the sherry flowing and the credit card making a frequent appearance, I always think it’s worth reminding ourselves of what we are and are not entitled to as consumers when it comes to Christmas presents. The first thing to consider is the returns policy of any company your purchase from. Many consumers wrongly believe they have the right to return non-faulty goods to a retailer and that they are duty bound to give you a refund. Although many companies have their own ‘goodwill’ returns policies, consumer law does not provide for this. Therefore if you are purchasing a present for someone and are worried that they may want to change it, or in the case of clothing, that it may be the wrong size, always ask the retailer what they will allow after you’ve left with the goods. If you want clarification, ask to see their official returns policy. To save on embarrassment, NEVER buy clothes as a present from a company that does not accept non-faulty returns. Please also bear in mind that even if the company DOES allow non-faulty returns, the present must be returned in re-saleable condition. Tearing of packaging, removal of tags etc can render a product non-returnable so remember this when you’re excitedly tearing open those packages on Christmas day. Christmas presents purchased online have different rules that are worth bearing in mind. Consumers who purchase goods online are protected by ‘Distance Selling Regulations’. This entitles the buyer to return the goods within the first 14 days whether they are faulty or not. Check the postage rules in the terms and conditions for the company though as many companies will expect you to pay the cost of postage when returning non faulty goods. What about if the Christmas present you’ve been bought IS faulty? Well it’s worth remembering that the sales of goods act remains the same, whether it’s Christmas or not. Therefore any product purchased must: a) Be fit for purpose, b) Be of reasonable quality, c) Last for a reasonable amount of time. The key to returning faulty products is not to delay. For the first 4 weeks after purchase buyers are entitled to return faulty goods and obtain a full refund. However, after this period of time, the retailer has greater rights. After 4 weeks, the retailer has to offer either: a) A repair of the product, b) An exchange, c) A refund Many people come to my radio show frustrated that they cannot get their money back on a 5 week old faulty item they’ve purchased. It’s with great reluctance I have to break the bad news to them that the retailer is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to repair goods when they are this old. It’s also worth remembering that there is no such thing as a 12 month cut off for a customer’s rights. Although a manufacturer’s guarantee may expire after 12 months, you are still well within your rights to return faulty goods for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time depending on how much you’ve spent on the goods in the first place. The final piece of advice I would offer is KEEP the receipt. Where nonfaulty goods are concerned, without a receipt, companies are under no obligation to accept returns. With faulty goods, you will still have to prove the purchase which may be possible with a credit card bill or bank statement, but with a cash purchase will be impossible. Don’t risk it, just put the receipts for those presents in a safe place.

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am. 8

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Time of Year

SALE!

Make the most of the winter sales Everyone loves a bargain, and at this time of year there are plenty of them around, but it can be easy to get carried away. Here are some tips on how to stay in control of what ends up in your shopping basket! Decide what you need first. Go through your wardrobe to check for gaps, scout through your cupboards, and think about what you actually use. There’s no point filling up with stuff just because there’s 70% off! Do your research. Take a stroll down the high street or browse on line to see what catches your eye. Try on where appropriate and make a list of everything you really want , so that when the doors open you can make a beeline for it. Go early – or late. To be sure of getting what you really want, visit the sale in the first couple of days, but if you want the cheapest prices, wait until the end.

Stick to a budget. It’s easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment and compromise on what you are willing to pay. If you are too weak to say no in the face of temptation, take cash and only spend what you have. Take a sale buddy. They could be the head of reason when you choose to ignore all the above advice! Happy shopping! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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at Center parcs, we want our people to share in the success their hard work brings, enjoy a sense of wellbeing and a good lifestyle, and make the most of their time with us. We offer unique benefits such as: • discounted Center parcs breaks • day visitor passes • Free use of village facilities

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Swan UK

September 2014 saw the launch of SWAN UK’s local networks pilot scheme. Run by the charity Genetic Alliance UK, SWAN UK’s byline is ‘syndromes without a name’ and its aim is to support families with children who have undiagnosed genetic disorders. For many families, it can be devastating having no formal diagnosis or prognosis for a child’s condition, with a lack of support from outside groups as they ‘don’t fit in’ anywhere. It is estimated that 6,000 children a year are born with undiagnosed syndromes. The initial pilot scheme is running for two years, funded by a grant from the National Lottery through The Big Lottery Fund. Eight SWAN UK members have been recruited in six areas of England to become local parent representatives running a range of area activities and awareness raising events, and enabling families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions to access practical and emotional support in their local community. One of these representatives is qualified teacher Nicola Judd lives just outside Bedford and is married with two children: a daughter aged seven and a son aged five years. She says: “My ‘swan’ is my daughter and she has clinical diagnoses of ASD, epilepsy and severe learning difficulties. We are currently undergoing genetic testing to maybe find the cause of these issues as there is no history of any of them in either families, and also to help her epilepsy as it is currently still uncontrolled after two years of different medications. She attends a

SEN school locally and my son attends mainstream school.” Nicola is also studying for a part-time Masters degree in Childhood Studies (with particular interest in disabilities) and is very involved in her daughter’s school as treasurer for the PTA. She continues: “I wear a lot of ‘hats’ but primarily I am a parent which is why I am very excited about becoming a parent rep for SWAN UK. I have fundraising and marketing experience through various jobs I had before becoming a teacher, and through current volunteer roles. I was introduced to SWAN UK through a friend when becoming increasingly frustrated when no one could tell us why my daughter had her issues and have found the support and work they do to raise awareness invaluable, as well as meeting other parents both locally and online. It’s such a reassurance and relief that we are not alone!” Lauren Roberts, SWAN UK coordinator, said: “Since SWAN UK was established in 2011, local support is the most frequently requested service from our members. We are thrilled to be in a position to start making this a reality, whilst also offering personal and professional development opportunities to our volunteer parent reps - many of whom have had to give up their careers due to their caring role.” If you live in Bedfordshire and are affected by having a child with an undiagnosed genetic disorder, you can contact Nicola by emailing nicola.judd@undiagnosed.org.uk

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Food & Drink

Beer of the Month by Ted Bruning It’s a modern habit, this business of abstaining in January. In Medieval times, before central heating and artificial light obliterated the seasons, winter was still winter, and what you needed to fight off the cold was plenty of calories. They even had a couple of big festivals in January. Twelfth Night on 5th January was celebrated by a big beery party. The following Monday – Plough Monday – supposedly marked the start of the farming year but was actually just a boozy procession of garlanded ploughs. So let’s all huddle indoors for warmth and knock the tops off a couple of bottles of real liquid nutrition. Strong lagers have had a bad press in this country, mainly because most brands are super strength

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firewaters aimed at the drunks-in-thepark market. Not Peroni Gran Riserva, though. The stronger stablemate of everyone’s favourite Italian, it comes in at 6.6% alcohol; and although it looks like an ordinary pale yellow lager the malty undertones in the grassy, hoppy nose warns you that it’s not. Then comes the palate – rich, smooth, warming, but not oversweet – and finally a soft finish with just a little floweriness from the Saaz hop. One to sip by the fireside! Like Peroni, Greene King’s Abbot Ale has a stronger sibling just right for when there’s a nip in the air. Abbot Reserve is a cockle-warming 6.5% alcohol. The nose is earthy, with the pear-drop sent of phenols; the palate is creamy and rich, but with a balancing sharpness; and the finish is dark, intense, and teasingly bitter. It almost makes winter worthwhile.

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Fun Quiz - Review of the Year 1. One Down, Five To Go was the sub-title of a 2014 stage show featuring which famous group? 2. The acronym “yolo” was added to the Oxford online dictionary in 2014. What four-word phrase does it stand for? 3. In March, which famous couple said they were going to “consciously uncouple”? 4. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games? 5. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics? 6. A selfie set up by the host of the Academy Awards ceremony in 2014 set a new record for the most retweeted image ever. Who was this host? 7. Rounded to the nearest whole number, what percentage of voters said “yes” in the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence? 8. On January 1st, which country in the Baltic region of Europe adopted the Euro as its currency to become the 18th member of the Eurozone? 9. Written by Harry Hill, the short-lived 2014 musical with the main title of I Can’t Sing was based around which TV show? 10. On July 8th, what promotion did the Róisín Dubh pub in Galway run that meant a German beer called Erdinger, which they started selling at 4 euros a pint, ended up being sold for just 50 cents a pint? 1. Monty Python 2. You only live once 3. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin 4. England 5. Russia 6. Ellen DeGeneres 7. 45% 8. Latvia 9. The X Factor 10. They reduced the price by 50 cents for every goal Germany scored in the World Cup match against Brazil

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

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Health & Beauty

Healthy Living Local centre is a national flagship

Having just been chosen as the complementary health centre which has made the most ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community’ in the country, the Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living appears to be on a roll during this, its 30th anniversary year. A registered charity with over 1,200 people using its services each week, the centre has become one of the leading and possibly the largest such facility in the country. However, despite its national reputation as a centre of excellence, the centre is not well known locally – and many people are not aware of how its work might help them. Whether it is using one-to-one therapies like osteopathy or acupuncture, or attending groupbased classes like Yoga, Pilates and T’ai Chi,

complementary approaches can help with many conditions from back problems and easing pain from arthritis, to reducing stress and promoting relaxation. They can give people more energy, and may be able to help with or relieve symptoms of other chronic physical conditions. Quite simply, these approaches can help people to feel better! The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living offers: • A complementary therapy clinic staffed by highly skilled and qualified professionals • Over 70 day, evening and weekend classes taught by talented and experienced tutors • A large counselling and low-cost counselling department • Special programmes for older people, carers and for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. If you have not found out the benefits to be had from visiting this nationally recognised centre, to find out more, visit www.letchworthcentre.com, or telephone 01462 678804.

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Girl Guides

1st Henlow Station Guides Would you like to come and join us? Guide numbers have dropped recently, and currently we have just a few Guides, so we are appealing for others to come and join us. We meet in the Community Centre at RAF Henlow during term-time from 7.15-8.45pm, on a Tuesday evening. In the past, we have taken part in a varied range of activities, some of which are listed below: • We went to the Big Gig 2013, the pop concert for all Guides and Senior Section only • We have had a delicious visit to Cadbury World • A Guide sleepover at the National Space Centre in Leicester was a highlight. We slept amongst the exhibits! • We have been to the RAF Signals Museum to help with our Communication badge • We took part in a Starlight Hike for St John’s Hospice, and just 2 Guides and 2 Guiders, along with 2 Mums and a brother, completed the course and raised over £400 for the charity

• We take part in Guide incident hikes for East Bedfordshire Guides and celebrate Thinking Day with Henlow District • We have been geocaching, which was amazing! • We have had weekend Guide Holidays - we sleep indoors and do lots of outdoor activities • We have been bell ringing in a Henlow church, which was enjoyable • Of course we do badges, ranging from Communications, Science, Space, Agility and Sport, to Confectioner, Chocolate and Partyplanner, with many more in between • We loved the sessions in Archery, Rafting and lighting fires and cooking on them • We take part in the Remembrance Day parade and Service. The varied and interesting programme we run will continue from January onwards. If you would like to join us, please ring Sue Gow on 07759 121474 or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk and register your interest on Join Us.

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Reassurance when you need it most

Neville Funeral Service

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Garden By Pippa Greenwood

The Truly ‘Green’ Garden There are so many ways in which you can plot and scheme about all that your garden could have to offer in 2015, but there’s one thing I would ask you to consider: take the plunge, ring the changes and ‘Go Organic’. Many gardeners have decided that they really want to concentrate on natural methods of pest control and the use of natural fertilising materials rather than chemical feeds. And they do it because it works and makes life so much better for the other less powerful creatures and plants we share our space with. Since we moved to our Hampshire garden nearly twenty years ago, I have kept it completely organic and believe me, it really is not difficult. Weed control can certainly be harder as there is no resorting to herbicides such as glyphosate, but if your garden doesn’t have too many persistent weeds, even that should not be too difficult. If you do have an existing problem then make weeding a regular part of your gardening time and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how speedily you start to get on top of it. True, organic gardening does take a bit more planning and forethought. If you grow vegetables you will need to ensure that you rotate your crops. Just divide the space you have into three or four chunks and then ensure that each year you grow related crops together and then the following year, move each group into a new plot. It also pays to ensure that you really do garden as ‘well’ as you can, avoiding too many short cuts and taking the plant’s health and vigour as a prime consideration. In any part of the garden you need to try to choose plants that really are suited to the

site as those grown in unsuitable conditions will be more prone to disease and pest attack. Regular patrols to find problems, so that they can be caught at the early stages and dealt with promptly, mean fewer problems in the long-term and should ensure that you catch an infestation of pests or a disease outbreak before it gets too bad. Sprays of certain kinds are ‘allowed’ (those based on soft soap to control certain pests, copper based fungicides to control diseases etc) but most organic gardeners prefer to avoid them altogether. I am a great fan of horticultural fleece. Placed over a crop such as calabrese from the moment you plant it out, you should be able to ward off all the common pests including caterpillars, cabbage root fly and aphids. Traps such as submerged beakers of old beer or milk to catch slugs and sticky yellow cards to trap flying pests, all work well. Of course for many pests there are also biological controls available, plus a whole range of controls to stop greenhouse pests. Keeping the soil in good condition is a must and if you don’t already have a compost bin or heap, get on and make or buy one straight away. The choice is up to you, but I strongly recommend it, for a whole host of reasons, only some of which I have mentioned here. www.pippagreenwood.com to make veg growing easy with ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Pippa sends your chosen veg plants to you and each week emails advice and tips for getting the best results; plus lots of great barriers and biological controls

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RSPB

Worlds’ biggest garden wildlife survey RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 24th and 25th January 2015 The UK will once again be peering out of their windows for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January 2015. To take part, families are asked to spend just one hour at any time over the birdwatch weekend noting the highest number of each bird seen in their gardens or local outside space. They then have to submit their results to the RSPB before 13th February, either online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or in the post. Aggie Rothon, RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Project Manager says: “This is a fun, relaxing activity for families or individuals and everyone who takes part will be helping to give nature a home. “Now in its 36th year, Big Garden Birdwatch continues to help us learn about what is happening with our much-loved birds and other visitors, giving us an overall picture of how we will be able to help wildlife for generations to come.” For more information, images and interviews please contact: RSPB Communications team in the east: 01603 660066 or 01603 697591

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For more details or for a free quotation call 01462 896427 or email: david.sunshinegardensbaldock@mail.com 28

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#benakedinyourgarden Need to upgrade your fencing?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been very pleased with Radwell Fencing. The work has been carried out to a high standard and everyone I dealt with was helpful, friendly and efficientâ&#x20AC;?, Mr Richards, Letchworth.

Free no obligation quotations Decking Sheds Garden and Equine Fencing Animal proofing Repairs and maintenance References available on request

Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RadwellFencing

Tel: 01462 486943 Web: radwellfencing.co.uk Email: info@radwellfencing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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THE LOG MAN Established 1972

Lambourn

Hardwood Logs

MOT and Service Centre Ltd

• All Size Fires & Woodburners Catered For

01462 811333

Your LOCAL MoT, tyre and service centre in Shefford

Pay us a visit – we’re near Morrisons! Lambourn MoT & Service Centre Unit 10, Old Bridge Way, Shefford, SG17 5HQ

• Half & Full Loads Delivered

Visit: lambournservicecentre.co.uk

Contact:

Phillip Jepps Your Local Log Man

T: M:

01462 711 430 07860 411 378

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Electrician www.rooneyelectrical.co.uk

Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job? Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Rewires P.A.T testing Landlord inspections Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

Call Nigel on: 01767 221088 / 07941295883

A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Broken locks, handles, hinges, replacement misted glass units, catflaps, draughty windows EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT For free advice call Dave today

01462 619651 Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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

PlumbinG & heatinG ltd

gas

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

water PlumbinG and heatinG

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

solar solar

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

Call: 01462 292247 / 07566 118 247 218627

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

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 36

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows 25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

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n O s ’ t Wha In January 3 January Garden Square Craft Market 8.30am-4.30pm Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth Garden City The market specialises in the sale of genuine, high quality, hand made goods and offers local artisans and craft workers the opportunity to show case their work. 8, 15, 22 & 29 January Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm Meet in Hitchin This social club caters for the unattached aged 50+. No joining fee for the first two months. Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 9 January Bedfordshire Family History Society Doors open 7.15pm Mark Rutherford School Drama Hall, Wentworth Drive, Bedford, MK42 9RX Members free, Visitors £2 Illustrated talk “The Convict Ship The Lady Juliana” by Ann James. Library and bookstall. Next meeting Friday 6 February. www.bfhs.org.uk

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14 January Henlow Branch of the Royal Naval Association 7.30pm Aragon Housing Association Hall, The Gardens, Henlow, SG16 6DG The Henlow Branch of the Royal Naval Association meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Ex services or not all are welcome. Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 for further information 18 January Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Admission £1.50 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectables so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Café serving breakfast, lunches and afternoon tea. Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk

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

1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience All Building Services Provided

FULLY INSURED!

Fully Qualified & Insured

Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation.

Free Local Estimates No Job Too Big Or Small

Steamed Up Glass Faulty Windows, Door Locks or Hinges Draughty Windows or Doors Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters New Conservatory Roofs

Call James 7 days a week on:

07595 752 466 01462 231 734

We also supply and fit NEW Windows, Doors and Conservatories

JamesBonfieldCarpentry@yahoo.co.uk Shefford, Bedfordshire

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured

References available t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 e: go_on_james@hotmail.com www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

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Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword, Codeword and Suduko Solutions Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner Joyce Barnes from St Neots

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Be quiet! (4) 3 A cool treat (8) 9 Organise (7) 10 Clamour, din (5) 11 Corrections (12) 13 Calm (6) 15 Arachnid (6) 17 Self service store (12) 20 Nimble (5) 21 Window covering (7) 22 Best (8) 23 Jewels (4)

1 Weightiest (8) 2 Remove clothes (5) 4 Intelligent (6) 5 Up-to-date (12)

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

16th January 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

ď&#x20AC;˘

Down

6 Lived (7) 7 Humble (4) 8 Proclamation (12) 12 Gifts (8) 14 Procedure (7) 16 Hits (6) 18 Rub out (5) 19 Long pointed tooth (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

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

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

SEMI RETIRED

BRICK LAYER For those smaller jobs 40 years in the trade Small patios Garden Walls Brickwork repairs Re-pointing General maintenance Fully insured

Call Richard on 01462 734233 or 07733890490 Answer-phone on both numbers and will return all calls. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES T/A Broadband Communications Established 1993

Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials Freesat & Satellite Installations Commercial IRS Systems All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 Based in Stotfold www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Bakery & Coffee Shop

Garden City

Bakery & Coffee Shop

Hand made in Letchworth

Breads and cakes daily Open daily on Leys Avenue Letchworth Garden City T. 01462 671354

Visit our beautiful

Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom

01438 725309

bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 46

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Classifieds Electricians

Property Maintenance R. CHAPMAN

Home & Garden Services

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

01462 850575 or 07950 311881

Pet Services

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

01582 572967

enquiries@stephensremovals.com

Stephens Dinky ad_02.indd 1

Plastering Services Lawes Plastering

3/12/12 11:44:54

Slimming World love

Experienced local plasterer based in Gravenhurst.

Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

Monday Evenings: 7.30 pm

Quality workmanship, clean and tidy

Langford Group

Ivy Leaf Club Station Road Consultant: Debbi For more information contact Debbi on her mobile: 07875228272

Contact • Plastering Paul on • Coving 07731 649628 • Artex

slimmingworld.com 0844 897 8000

Plastering Services

Lawes Plastering.indd 1

Van Hire

02/11/2014 10:38

James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07792 415356 or 01462 490598 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Chris’ Man & Van

For hire

Collections, Deliveries, Light Haulage...anything considered. Cheap rates Please call for further details

07747 828259 / 01525 754218

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