Stevenage Feb 2022 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

February 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Romantic Getaways

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Inside this issue... Toxic Plants..............................................................................34 Do you sponsor a cat or dog?....................................................38 Contain your Excitement..........................................................40 How Safe is your Home?...........................................................42 7 Benefits of Private Schools....................................................45 The Story of the Devil’s Footprints............................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 What’s On in February..............................................................51 First Drive: Ford S-Max.............................................................52 Seasonal Recipe - Meatball Mac and Cheese............................54 Villager Prize Crossword...........................................................58 Book Review............................................................................60 Useful Numbers.......................................................................63

The Winter Olympics

Design for Well-Being

Ideas for a Romantic Getaway....................................................4 To Valentine, or not to Valentine?...............................................8 The Best Tablets for Everybody and Every Budget....................10 The Winter Olympics................................................................12 To Reverse Ageing Think Blue...................................................15 Drinks: Blue Monkey Brewery..................................................17 Night-time routines to help you get some rest.........................18 Get in the Zen...........................................................................20 Is Sitting the New Smoking?....................................................23 The Power of Great Make Up Shades........................................25 The Impact of Rising Inflation..................................................30 Design for Well-Being..............................................................32

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Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial: Kate McCarthy, Tracey Anderson,Louise Addison, Trevor Langley, Kate Duggan, Katherine Sorrell, Jennie Billings, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, and Rachael Leverton

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Travel

Ideas for a romantic getaway

With Valentine’s Day in the air, what better time to think about treating the one you love to a romantic getaway? Spending quality time with your lover is important. Whether you’re dating, going steady, or in your fiftieth year of marriage, ditching the daily routine and escaping to somewhere outstanding is vital for keeping romance alive. From luxurious spa weekends to glamping beneath a canopy of stars, there are countless ways to spark up romance – some predictable, and others less so. Whether you’re looking for a short break in the UK or a longer escape further afield, we’ve got you covered with these five romantic getaway ideas, guaranteed to add a little spice to your love life. Spa weekend When it comes to rest, relaxation and romance, nothing compares to an indulgent spa break in a dreamy locale. Although there are plenty of sun-soaked spa locations to jet off to (Bali and the Maldives, we’re thinking of you) the great thing about this type of break is that there’s probably a luxury spa within driving distance of you too. How does spending the day enjoying one another’s company in a bubbling Jacuzzi sound? Add a couples’ massage, luxurious facilities and fine dining into the mix, and you have the romantic getaway of dreams. From sprawling country house hotels cradled by

beautifully tended gardens to townhouses with ancient thermal spas, there’s a romantic spa weekend to suit every taste and budget too. Glamping Is there anything more romantic than cuddling up with the one you love in a cosy cabin next to a crackling fire? We think not! That’s why, when it comes to romantic breaks, glamping is certainly top of the list. It’s a broad term, with thousands of ‘glamping’ breaks cropping up all over the world in recent years. However, glamping is loosely defined as a holiday that allows you to experience nature, without having to pack your camping gear. From yurts in the Swiss mountains to log cabins deep in Canada’s Banff National Park, not to mention tipis, bell tents and hideaways at home too, there’s no better way to reconnect with Mother Nature. City break When we think of romantic city breaks, cruising along the Seine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower may be one of the first things that spring to mind. But Paris isn’t the only city that promises tales of beauty, love and romance. Rome is famous for its romantic opera, ballet and quaint, hidden cafes, while Venice’s gondola rides amidst historic palazzos are hard to beat. You can even book a serenade for you and your lover! Amsterdam’s dreamy canals and charming pavement

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cafes also put it high on the list – and that’s just in Europe. Set your sights a little further, and you and your beloved could be soaking up the old-world charm of Canada’s Quebec City, or cosying up beneath the cherry blossoms of Japan’s most romantic city, Kyoto. Island retreat For many of us, nothing says romance like sinking your toes into a soft, sandy beach – ideally with a cocktail in hand. And while the likes of Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Maldives certainly promise the honeymoon of dreams, there’s plenty of budgetfriendly islands to escape to on a budget too. From the remote mountainous terrain of Scotland’s Isle of Skye to the unspoilt beauty of Cornwall’s Scilly Isles, the UK is home to thousands of islands, big and small. So, whether you’re seeking outstanding scenery for watching the sunset or beautiful beaches for blustery coastal walks, the

island you call home has all the necessary ingredients for your next romantic getaway. Vineyard stays Culturally, wine has long been an important part of celebrating romance. From anniversary dinners to your wedding day, it’s no secret that a glass of vino makes everything feel a little bit more special. So, if you and your partner share a love for wine and the finer things in life, an intimate vineyard stay should definitely be on your radar when planning your next romantic getaway. The region of Tuscany in Italy is synonymous with fine dining, with its lush hillside vineyards, winetasting tours and sustainable approach to food. However, you could even find your dream vineyard holiday closer to home. The UK is home to dozens of estates, ranging from North Yorkshire to Kent, offering accommodation, wine tours, foodie experiences – and more.

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Time of Year

To Valentine, or not to Valentine? February 14th is Valentine’s Day.

My husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. There, I said it. Before you dismiss us as a couple of old cheapskate cynics, whose relationship is on the rocks, we’re both in our late thirties, have been married for twelve years, we rarely argue, and we laugh a lot. We just don’t feel the need to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Five years into our marriage we realised that fancy restaurants, or weekends away mean less when everyone else is there doing exactly the same thing at the same time just because its February 14th. So, we stopped. We do like to do something romantic during February, but to be honest we like to do something romantic at least once in every other month too. Here are our favourite ideas, not restricted to February. We cook a meal. Not just a run of the mill, any night of the week meal. We each choose something from one of our cookbooks (main course and dessert) and we set aside an evening to create it. We arrange it around the kids’ sleepovers with grandparents or friends. It’s our night and we buy good wine, dress up and enjoy each other’s company and the process of creating (and eating) a delicious meal. Write a poem…or a song. My husband writes bad poetry...I’m not joking, it’s terrible and stems from him insisting that poetry is not poetry unless it rhymes! I love poetry and once joked that if he loved me he’d write me an ode. So, he did, and it

was awful...but it did rhyme. Periodically he repeats the process, and the results are always hilariously bad. I stick them in a scrap book because as dire as they are, they hold a great deal of meaning for me. Movie marathon - The Die-Hard films might not be everyone’s idea of romantic film fodder, but we love them and every so often we have a day where we watch all of them back-to-back and buy in lunch and supper. Sometimes we do the Star Wars Trilogy (four, five and six...were there any others?), or the Lord of the Rings series (extended version), or the Bourne films. The point is, it’s an event. We set aside time to do it. Recreate a date - One of my favourite dates from before we were married was when my husband took me stargazing on a clear night. He was an amateur astronomer in his teens and knew his way around the night sky. We lay on top of his car, covered in blankets clutching binoculars while he told me stories about the constellations and encouraged me to look for shooting stars and the International Space Station (ISS)! Sometimes we recreate that, and I still get a buzz when I see the ISS moving swiftly across the sky. What favourite date could you recreate? If you love Valentine’s Day then you do you. But ask yourself, do you make Valentine plans with your partner just because that’s the thing to do? If so, perhaps it’s time to make a change. By Kate McCarthy

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Technology

Keep taking the tablets

The best tablets for everybody and every budget Tablets are among our very favourite devices. They’re fantastic all-rounders, capable of turning into glossy magazines or movie screens, children’s games or serious workhorses. And there’s never been a better time to buy one, whether you want a budget bargain or a high-end tablet for work. Amazon’s Fire HD range offers exceptional value for money, with models starting at just £49 for the Fire 7 to £149 for the Fire HD 10. That’s less than half the price of Apple’s iPad, and Amazon offers big discounts on Fire tablets every time it has a big sales event. You can’t access the Apple or Google app stores but Amazon’s own App Store is very good, and there are models specifically for children, with features including tough protective cases and excellent parental controls, as well as a year’s free subscription to Amazon Kids books, games and TV shows. The 500lb gorilla of the tablet world is Apple, whose iPads are arguably the best tablets around. The pick of the range for most people is the standard iPad at £319, but if you need more power the iPad Air (£579) and its smaller sibling the iPad mini (£479) are better still. And if you need the ultimate iPad, the iPad Pro starts at £749 for the 11-inch and £999 for the 12.9-inch. If you’d rather have a Windows tablet, Microsoft’s Surface Pro (£995) is a real rival to the iPad Pro, while the more affordable Surface Go (£369) is an excellent alternative to the iPad and iPad Air. There are also lots of nice tablets and 2-in-1 laptop/tablet hybrids from the usual PC names. Android tablets don’t have a great reputation – the cheap ones are usually awful – but Samsung’s tablets are up there with Apple in terms of quality. Our pick is the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (£298), which is the best value Android tablet if you want to run apps from the Google Play store.

Amazon Fire HD 8 An ideal simple tablet for surfing on the sofa, its’s easy to use, has a good selection of apps including the big names, and doesn’t cost much. £89, Amazon.co.uk Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Like the normal Fire HD, don’t pay full price for this kids’ tablet: Amazon discounts them when it has sales. The Kids edition includes a year’s free subscription to apps, e-books and TV shows. £139, Amazon.co.uk Apple iPad Apple’s control of the hardware and software delivers an unparalleled user experience, making them the best tablets made right now. The basic iPad is fine for most. £319, Apple.com

Microsoft Surface Go 3 Prefer Windows to iPadOS? Microsoft’s excellent tablet running Windows 10/Windows 11 is fast, good-looking and very flexible. £369, microsoft.com Galaxy Tab S6 Lite It’s not quite up to Apple standards in terms of software, but the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a good option if you’ve already invested in Android apps or just prefer Google’s way of doing things. £298, Samsung.com

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Special Report

The Winter Olympics February 4th – 20th

By Tracey Anderson

The modern Olympics first took place in 1868. Five years later Sweden decided to stage the first international competition for winter sports. It was called the Nordic Game, and only Scandinavian countries competed. Like the Olympics, it was staged every four years, but it always took place in Sweden. Then in 1908 figure skating was featured at the summer Olympics…sort of. It was actually showcased three months after the main event! In 1911 the international Olympic Committee (IOC) proposed a separate winter competition but initially the Swedes were not keen, then the First World War forced the cancellation of all Olympic events. In 1920, figure skating featured in the summer Olympic schedule again, and was joined by ice hockey, which proved very popular. Soon after, the Scandinavians agreed to stage an IOC-sanctioned International Winter Sports Week in Chamonix, in the French Alps. 16 nations took part, and it was so successful that in 1925, the Winter Olympics were formally recognised as a separate international event, effectively making the competition at Chamonix the first ever Winter Olympics. The original nine sporting events were: bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and skating (both figure skating and speed skating). More events have been added over the years and today there are fifteen: Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, crosscountry skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing,

ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, and snowboarding. An event that never made the final cut was Scandinavian skijoring. This event appeared as a demonstration in the St Moritz Winter Olympics in 1928 and involved competitors on skis clutching reins attached to a wooden harness, fitted to a horse. Then in 1932 at the Lake Placid Winter Games, sled dog racing was showcased. I rather wish they’d kept that one in, don’t you? Of course, a Winter Olympics relies heavily on snow. In 1964 in Innsbruck, Austria, there wasn’t enough of it and the games nearly didn’t go ahead! Fortunately, the Austrian army came to the rescue, transporting 20,000 blocks of ice from the mountains to the bobsled and luge track, and 40,000 cubic meters of snow to the Alpine skiing courses. Then as soon as the Winter Olympics ended (of course) Innsbruck received one of its heaviest snowfalls for years! Norway is the country that really punches above its weight at the Winter Olympics. It only has a population of five million (London alone has nearly nine million!) but to date has won 368 medals (132 gold, 125 silver, and 111 bronze) – way ahead of their nearest rivals, the United States, who have 305 medals and a population of 329 million! Whether skiing, bobsleighing or the figure skating is your winter sport of choice, pour a hot chocolate or a gluhwein and curl up under a blanket and enjoy all the action.

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Health/Fitness By Louise Addison

To Reverse Ageing Think Blue What are Blue Zones and what can they teach us about ageing? As a nation we’re obsessed with ageing. We try to turn the clock back with lotions, potions and sometimes Botox and fillers. Yet some nations seem to have solved this issue without resorting to cosmetics or surgery. These people live in the world’s so-called Blue Zones. The term ‘Blue Zones’ refers to geographic areas in which people have low rates of chronic disease including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and several types of cancer, and enjoy life spans more than a decade longer than people elsewhere in the world. The concept of Blue Zones grew out of the work done by researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain. The five Blue Zones are: Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, The Ogliastra Region in Sardinia, Loma Linda in California (which boasts the highest concentration of Seventh Day Adventists in the US), and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Dan Buettner, who is an author, explorer, educator, and endurance cyclist, studied these regions intensively and concluded that the inhabitants all shared certain characteristics. They exercise – but not at the gym, and they don’t run. Instead, they live in environments that encourage movement. They walk, garden, and tend to use manual tools rather than electric ones, when working in the house and garden. They live with purpose - The Okinawans call it ikigai and the Nicoyans call it plan de vida; both roughly translate to “why I wake up in the morning.” A sense of purpose adds several years to your life span. They take time out – Everyone, even those living in Blue Zones experience stress. Stress is the leading

cause of chronic inflammation and is associated with every major age-related disease. The Blue Zone populations understand how to deal with and diffuse that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap, and Sardinians do happy hour! They follow the 80% rule - The Okinawan’s have a 2,500-year-old Confucian mantra, ‘Hara hachi bu’, which they recite before meals. It reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight and gaining it. People in the Blue Zones eat their smallest meal in the early evening, and then they don’t eat any more for the rest of the day. They eat a plant-based diet -The people of the Blue Zones eat mainly plants and beans, limiting meat to small portions a few times per month. They drink moderately – Apart from the Adventists, all the people living in the Blue Zones drink alcohol regularly. Moderate drinkers actually outlive nondrinkers. So, keep to one to two glasses a day, preferably drunk with a meal and with friends or family They have a community - The world’s longest-lived people chose - or were born into - social circles that support healthy behaviours. For example, Okinawans created moais - groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious, so healthy social networks are essential for long life. So, if you are interested in living a longer, and healthier life…think blue!

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Food & Drink

Drinks: Blue Monkey Brewery Blue Monkey Handcrafted LONDON DRY Gin (40.5% vol) is a traditional gin which utilises 11 botanicals, to great advantage, that are sourced from worldwide origins. I found this (extremely) popular production to be smooth and very pleasing on the mouthfeel and palate. If flavoured gins are to your liking, then the range available, from Blue Monkey Brewery (Founded 2008), will certainly not disappoint. RHUBARB & CUSTARD Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol) has the traditional Handcrafted London Dry Gin infused with fresh, handpicked Yorkshire rhubarb, plus rich vanilla. A great gin, with spot-on flavour. Several other Blue Monkey gin productions are very popular, too. Many people like to see the changing colour of the BLUE to VIOLET Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol), as it seems to have ‘magic’ as an added ingredient. The natural extract, from the Indian Pea flower, creates a gin of blue colour, which changes (before your very eyes) to a violet colour, when tonic is added – amazing! The bouquet has overtones of lavender and Parma violet, that lead, enticingly, to the mouth’s pleasures and palate’s sensation. Other gins, from Blue Monkey Brewery, include SUMMER BERRIES Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol), which evokes thoughts of summer – to be enjoyed at any time of the year, plus MANGO & PASSION FRUIT Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol) and SALTED CARAMEL Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol), which all have ‘devotees’ amongst flavoured gin lovers. Other beverages, from Blue Monkey Brewery, offer an impressive range of beers, many of which are award-winning. PRIMATE BEST BITTER (4.0% vol) is well-recognised as an excellent session ale. This amber-coloured production is smooth and very popular. BG SIPS (4.0% vol) is a further, often selected beer. I found this pale ale to be easy-drinking and to possess a most pleasurable (extra) hoppy aroma, with tropical fruit notes and a great taste. INFINITY IPA (4.6% vol) is (I found) a golden ale of some repute. This past Champion Golden Ale of Great Britain is produced using an abundance of Citra hops, to ‘encourage’ the distinctive flavour. For further details, including other productions and stockists, please contact: Blue Monkey Brewing Ltd, 10 Pentrich Road, Giltbrook Industrial Park, Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire NG16 2UZ. Tel: 0115 938 5899. E-mail: info@bluemonkeybrewery.com www.bluemonkeybrewery.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Beauty

And so to sleep…

By Kate Duggan

Night-time routines to help you get some rest. Switch off screens It’s all too tempting to scroll through Instagram in bed, but try to resist. The blue light emitted from screens can interrupt your natural sleep-wake rhythm. Even if your phone has a night-time filter, screen-time can still make it harder to relax and fall asleep. Try downloading an app that blocks social media and other distractions at night. Cleanse the day away We tend to see makeup removal as a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Cleansing is an act of self-care and can help to release stress and tension. Look for a balm that can be massaged into your skin and easily removed with a damp muslin cloth. Bad Habit’s Omzzz Acai Nightly Cleansing Balm (£18, uk.morphe.com) is a good choice as it boosts moisture levels and has a calming lavender fragrance. For an extra soothing treat, try a heated face mask. Sensory Retreats Divine Glow Self-Heating Face Masks cost £15 for three from www.sensoryretreats.com. Use a night cream Night creams tend to be richer than day moisturisers. They often contain ingredients best used at night (such as retinol) and are designed to boost skin cell renewal. For best results, look for one that’s targeted at your age or skin type. No7, for example, offers three different formulations – Protect & Perfect Night Cream for women aged 35-45, Lift & Luminate (45-60) and Restore & Renew (60+). As an added bonus, each one now contains Boots’ Pre-Sleep Fragrance, which smells gorgeous and is designed to promote a better night’s sleep. They’re available from £24.95 at www.boots.com. Block out the light While children might need a nightlight, adults usually sleep much better in the dark. Darkness sends your body a signal that it’s time to rest and it increases your melatonin levels. If you need to sleep during the day, try using a sleep mask. The Tiffy & Tallulah Sleep Mask (£9, www.tiffyantallulah.com) is made

from vegan-silk. Not only does it block out the light, it also feels really comforting. Plus, it helps your skin to stay hydrated. Relax Does your mind keep racing while you’re trying to sleep? Try guided meditation: www.calm.com and www.thecalmsleep.com are a good place to start if you’re new to meditation. Or, if you struggle to meditate, try www.brain.fm, which offers music specifically designed to help your mind relax into sleep. And breathe… People have been using the power of aromatherapy for centuries. Add a few drops of essential oil to an electric diffuser half an hour before you want to sleep. You could make your own blend of calming aromatherapy oils, or just pick up a ready-made one. Alexandra Kay’s Time to Sleep Pure Essential Oil Blend (£20, www.greenpeople.co.uk) features seven sleep-inducing essential oils, including lavender, bergamot and frankincense. Together, they work to calm your senses and prepare you for sleep. (Plus, the blend smells divine.)

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Home Products

Get in the Zen By Katherine Sorrell This extra-deep love seat is soft and cosy, perfect for settling down with a good book or in front of a favourite movie. Truffle love seat chaise, £1,645, Loaf.

Help yourself make it through the final stages of winter with a home refresh that includes natural materials, uplifting colours, snuggly textures and delicious scents. Make a statement (and do some calming hanging around) with an indoor/outdoor hanging chair. Nest hanging rattan outdoor chair, £395, Rose & Grey.

Complete with Blue Lace Agate crystals, this hand-poured, luxury soy wax candle is infused with natural essential oils to help you de-stress, with soothing scents of sweet orange, rose geranium and ylang ylang. Time for Calm Blue Lace agate crystal candle, £32, Arora London.

Fill with water, add a few drops of essential oil, and at the touch of a button this pretty polyresin diffuser will infuse the air around you with a fine mist of scented vapour, as well as emitting a relaxing ambient light. Made by Zen gem diffuser, £67.99, Dobbies.

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Prioritise Comfort and Calm

You won’t be able to resist cuddling this soft and tactile cushion, a lovely addition to a chair, sofa or bed. Lia faux sheepskin cushion, £56, Lovasi International.

Every year, Dulux colour experts translate global design trends into the new Colour of the Year. The shade for 2022 is Bright Skies™, an airy and fresh tone that opens up and breathes new life into any space.

• Let in the light! Clean your windows, pull your curtains back and make sure blinds don’t hang down and obscure the sunshine. There’s no greater feelgood factor than natural light, especially necessary at this time of year. Woven from 100% recycled plastic, this contemporary garden rug is lightweight yet weather-resistant and durable, perfect for adding colour and style to your patio, decking or paved seating area. Ada Botanical outdoor rug (120 x 180cm), £17.99, Homescapes Online.

Combining a natural, organic quality with a curvy, contemporary design, this light would work as well above a dining table as it would in a living space or a bedroom. Lark pendant light in natural bamboo, £189, Cult Furniture. A simple desk, great storage, plenty of light and a gorgeous view: what could be nicer for your home office? Vandsted bamboo desk, £149.99; Vasby velvet dining chair, £79.99; both JYSK. STOCKISTS Cult Furniture: 020 8185 6960; cultfurniture.com Dulux: 0333 222 7171; dulux.co.uk/en/products JYSK: 03300 883 818; jysk.co.uk Lovasi International: 01293 522 179; lovasi.co.uk

• Choose colours for the way they make you feel. For cocooning at home, the best bets may be soft, nature-inspired colours such as sky blue, misty green and pastel pink. • Choose natural materials as much as possible. From wool and linen to bamboo and oak, they look gorgeous, have an enjoyable texture and don’t ‘off-gas’ noxious chemicals into your home. • Use all your senses. Add snuggly throws and cushions for the ultimate in comforting texture, and ensure that your home does not echo unpleasantly by throwing down soft rugs and, where necessary, adding wall hangings to dampen down unnecessary sound. • Create a feeling of relaxation with careful choices of home fragrance. Natural wax candles made with essential oils are better for you than paraffin candles that use synthetic fragrances, or an electric diffuser will fill your home with soothing scents and can safely be left unattended.

Arora London: aroralondon.com Dobbies: 0131 561 6406; dobbies.com Homescapes Online: 0121 368 0051; homescapesonline.com Loaf: 020 3141 8300; loaf.com Rose & Grey: 0161 926 8763; roseandgrey.co.uk

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Health

Is sitting the new smoking? According to a growing number of experts, sitting is the latest health hazard to look out for. But why is a sedentary lifestyle so bad for us, and what can we do about it? Working from home, online shopping and periods of self-isolation: since the first lockdown struck, many of us will have noticed that we’re sitting down more than ever before. Unfortunately, this change of lifestyle comes at a cost. Evidence suggests that excessive sitting can expose us to a range of health issues, from backache and varicose veins to diabetes. The reason? Humans were built to stand, with the heart, cardiovascular system and bowel functioning far more efficiently when we’re upright. Now, this isn’t great news for the thousands of us that have desk-based jobs – but don’t lose hope just yet. There are lots of things you can do to help: Invest in a standing desk If you work in an office or from home, one of the easiest ways to reduce your sitting time is to invest in a standing desk. Standing is certainly better for us than sitting. However, there is evidence to suggest that standing still for long periods of time isn’t hugely beneficial to our bodies either. Balance is key; start by standing for 30 to 60 minutes a day and gradually increase until you’re alternating between standing and sitting every hour. Take regular breaks It can be hard to motivate yourself to leave your

desk during the working day. However, taking regular breaks – even if it’s just to grab a cuppa – can make a world of difference. In the office and need to send an email? Get away from your desk and relay the message in person. Working from home and fancy a coffee? Treat yourself by taking a walk to your local cafe. And on days when you’re too busy to take a lunch break, set a timer to remind you to stretch or have a little walk around. Sit the right way If you’re spending much of your working life at a desk, it’s important to invest in an office chair that will help you perfect your posture. Choose a chair with lumbar support to ensure your lower back curves to the shape of the chair, and make sure it’s adjusted so your feet are resting on the floor. You should also avoid crossing your legs and try to keep your back straight as much as you can. Doing so will make the hours you do spend sitting as comfortable as possible. Get some exercise Evidence suggests that we need between 60-75 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per day to combat the dangers of excessive sitting – but the more frequent the better. You’ll be glad to hear that this doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym every day. Moderate exercise could be a brisk walk on your lunch break, a light bike ride or even those slightly more exerting cleaning duties, such as vacuuming, window cleaning or mopping the floor.

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House of Colour

The power of great make up shades Go along to any make up counter and there is a bewildering array of colours from eyeshadow to lipstick, not to mention the incredible ‘looks’ on offer. I think there comes a point where we aren’t really interested in creating a ‘look’ per se but rather a better version of us. And the right colours are brilliant at doing just that in the usual ways you’ve used them before. Nothing fancy required just a little more oomph. The reason make up can be so useful and just plain great is that it brings contrast back to our face. As we age we lose that contrast; our hair colour lightens, our lip colour goes, cheek colour lightens. You may hear of women feeling ‘invisible’ as they age, this is what is happening. Our eyes like to see contrast and are drawn to it. A few tips to consider: So, warmer skin tones need warmer shades of make up and cooler skintones need cooler shades of make up. This applies to everything except foundation which should be matching your natural skintone anyway. The wrong colours can almost add to shadows, highlight redness, and give a starker appearance. You may even feel like ‘someone else’ in the wrong colours. Lipstick – is your hardest working friend in your make up bag. I never really realised this until I had had colour analysis. I had always opted for a nude pink shade and focussed purely on my eyes as needing more make up. I was astonished that such a simple thing can be so powerful - it has the most amazing capacity to improve the glow of your skintone, open up the eyes and bring that contrast back. We all have several shades that work really well for us (wrong colour can have the opposite effect) and it’s not just for ‘going out’! Not all lipstick shades are easy to choose as pink for instance can have a warmer base or a cooler base. However a thorough colour analysis session will show you exactly what works for you. Blusher – a great blusher can give definition to your natural asset on the face, the cheekbones. Again this is great at adding that all important contrast back. Warmer skintones need the peachier shades while cooler tones can opt for the pinkier end of the spectrum. Always use a blusher brush or the sweep you apply will be too broad and focus on applying it to the natural apple of your cheek where you smile. I find even when I am at my palest at this time of year I could do with a slightly stronger shade of blusher than I might do the rest of the year. Ask your consultant for advice as the year progresses sometimes our blusher needs to shift too. Eyes – when you’re wearing your lipstick and blusher your eyes don’t necessarily need that much more if you want a quick easy look. You could add some mascara and finish there (how very quick is that!). So warmer skintones will need brown mascara and yes it really does make a difference to get this right. It also follows that warmer skintones need to avoid black/charcoal eyeliner and eyeshadow. Eyeshadows in creamy golden and brown shades are best for warmer tones while cooler skintones can enjoy the plums, navy, and lavender shades. On zoom calls a lot? Then you’ll need more make up than you might usually as the screen tends to mute our skintone. Consistency is also important – not mixing a cool shadow and a warm lipstick for instance which can be jarring. There is so much fun to have with a simple natural look that just enhances what is already there, bringing you back into focus. Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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A D V E R T O R I A L

CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOR THE BETTER

Sometimes life can feel so overwhelming. So much information and so many choices. Where do we even begin in the quest to feel calmer, happier and healthier in our body and mind?

We aren’t alone. Wellness coaching can help you to rethink old, limiting beliefs to change or improve ANY aspect of your life, for good. Wellness Coaching can help you to feel better, think better and live better. Jane Casey has been a registered nurse since 1999, predominantly working in palliative care, and is a qualified wellness coach. Her experiences in nursing, as well as her own personal journey, allow her to take a holistic, compassionate and realistic approach which strikes the right balance, for you. @janecaseycoach

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Local News

3 Steps to Decluttering For A Good Cause! Have you planned your spring declutter? Are you having a good clear out at home? Many people find a good old clear out very therapeutic. World-renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo links tidying to wellbeing, saying: “Putting your house in order is the magic that creates a vibrant and happy life.” She encourages you to organizing your home by getting rid of physical items that do not bring joy into your life. Here are three steps to a “feel good” declutter: Step 1: THE Declutter Question Ask yourself: “Does this item bring me joy?” Yes? Keep it! No? get rid of it! Step 2: Don’t Ditch It, Donate It Our charity is grateful for quality donations we can use as raffle prizes (such as gifts that you don’t want/need). We recently offered a FitBit fitness tracker as a raffle prize. It was brand new and unused… the person who kindly donated it had one already! Unusual items generate extra interest - such as the telescope that was given to us. Step 3: Visit HMSTC, Letchworth Decluttering can give you the extra space you need, ensuring your belongings bring joy to your life (if you followed the “KonMari” principle) – and help a great cause! We welcome items (no clothes or electrical items please) that we can use to help raise funds for our charity – and appreciate your support. Our current target is new oxygen therapy equipment. Can you help? Please call 01462 684214. Thank you.

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Finance

The impact of rising inflation Nobody likes paying more for things, but inflation may be a particular problem in 2022. Here’s what it could mean for your finances. Why is it increasing? The Bank of England has forecast inflation could regularly hit 4% or higher in 2022. That’s partly because some of the suspected causes of recent price rises may be here for some time. This includes: higher oil and gas prices (driven by worldwide demand) that affect manufacturing; a shortage of staff in lorry driving and hospitality pushing up wages; and supply-chain problems such as global shipping slowdowns and silicon chip shortages. The fact that it’s manufacturing costs rather than consumer demand for specific products may affect the way shoppers experience this inflation. It’s likely they’ll find everything seems a little pricier, rather than particular items suddenly feeling shockingly expensive. That could mean the squeeze of incomes – especially with National Insurance rising in April - is a little tighter. Not just spenders - Savers and investors may also notice the difference. A 4% inflation rate exceeds all but the most attractive savings rates on offer, meaning savers lose buying power over time. (Though savers are still better off than those not making any interest.) That could incentivise some people with spare cash to move to riskier investments in the hope of a better return. Effect on pensions - Rising inflation has consequences for pensioners, beyond increasing prices. The ‘triple lock’ means the state pension

rises each year by whichever is higher: rises in average earnings, inflation from the Consumer Price Index, or 2.5 percent. A prolonged spell of inflation above 2.5 percent could mean bigger pension rises. Effect on mortgages - Perhaps the biggest concern for many consumers is how inflation could affect their mortgages. Until the financial crisis of 2008, central banks and governments traditionally used higher interest rates as a way to bring down excessive inflation. The theory was simple: higher interest payments meant homeowners had less money to spend in the shops, meaning retailers couldn’t get away with too many price rises. Since 2008, however, central banks have tended to concentrate on keeping rates as low as possible so that people have spare money to spend and help keep the economy moving. Another argument against rate rises is that the current inflation doesn’t appear to be the result of consumers having too much money, but rather goods being more expensive to produce. That means interest-rate rises might not have that much effect and could even cause problems with consumers cutting back on purchases of non-essential goods. On the other hand, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (which sets interest rates in the UK) may conclude rate rises are its last resort against excessive inflation. That means existing borrowers, those coming to the end of fixed term deals, and those planning to take out a mortgage for the first time, should all build some extra slack into their calculations and make sure they could cope with any increase in their monthly repayments.

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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

Design for Well-being

How can you create an interiors scheme that adds to your overall comfort and contentment? We look at ways to decorate for a happy, healthy home. Science aligns with art when it comes to developing a sense of well-being in our homes. Although some elements of the well-being industry may be little more than optimistic nonsense, there is actually serious research that outlines ways in which we can redefine design schemes to promote mental and physical good health. Decades of scientific experiments have shown that, if we get it right, we can reduce stress, blood pressure and heart rates, while increasing productivity and creativity. Add some house plants - To start with, there is a big bonus that comes from introducing natural elements – such as house plants. Our brains are wired to respond positively to the signs of a healthy natural world – so that spider plant on your kitchen window really is making you happy. Not to mention the mental positives that come from the mindful repetition of watering, spraying, dead heading and so on, while enjoying watching your plant (hopefully) thrive in its environment. As well as real, living elements placed indoors, looking out onto beautiful views is demonstrably good for us, as are – intriguingly –artworks that realistically depict natural scenes, say the experts. Get the light right - Numerous studies have

also linked natural light to increases in mood and cognitive performance. If you are renovating, this means it’s really worth looking at light-enhancing alterations such as enlarging windows, replacing solid doors with glazed ones, adding a skylight or French doors, and so on. On a more basic level, check that curtains or tall furniture do not block windows, and place mirrors where they can bounce the light around a room. High-sheen surfaces can help with this, too. As for artificial lighting, it is worth designing this with our circadian rhythms in mind, so that it aligns with natural periods of light and dark, and too-bright light does not interrupt our sleep/wake cycle. One trick is to use full-spectrum lights during the daytime, which are similar to natural light and – perhaps using an app – dim them to a warm light in the evening, triggering melatonin and helping you go to sleep. Make sure your home smells and sounds good Throwing open the windows and airing your home thoroughly can be greatly beneficial and, further than that, why not add some scents that make you feel positive? Use a natural wax candle or an electric diffuser, and try lemon for office work or studying, cinnamon or vanilla for creativity and lavender for

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relaxing. Soften any tinny sounds around your home with rugs, wall hangings and large-leaved plants, while quietly playing de-stressing nature sounds such as the wind in the trees or birdsong. Consider colour - We all worry about getting colours right, and the theory goes that we react well to colours that remind us of positive experiences, which often occur in nature. So blue (water) is calming, green (spring growth) is stimulating, yellow (sunshine and crops) is welcoming and red (fruit and berries) is stimulating. In other studies, green has been linked to enhanced performance – so is a great colour for a home office. De-clutter and display - Few of us feel happy when our homes are messy, and studies have linked clutter with fatigue, depression and lack of focus. So, a good tidy up really can reduce stress and anxiety. But don’t go too far – sparse spaces are also stress-inducing, and the ideal option is to have well-organised areas in which you display items that are meaningful to you. A pleasing variation of colours and shapes, arranged with a sense of order, is the best way to appeal to the human brain. And it may sound obvious, but curved shapes are linked to comfort, while straight lines indicate efficiency – so a squishy sofa feels even more comfortable because of its rounded shape, while a work desk will benefit from the geometric lines of, let’s say, angular organisers and contemporary lighting. Be practical – and emotional - Our homes fulfil many different functions, more so these days than ever before, from work space to entertaining space to somewhere to unwind and relax. The practicalities of design are crucial to ensure that every corner

2 of your home works hard doing what it’s meant to do, so good storage is key (see clutter, above), as is an easy flow from room to room and the placing of furniture in convenient, practical ways. A lamp next to an armchair, with a side table close enough to reach, perhaps near a radiator or a fire; the dishwasher close to the cupboard in which the crockery is stored; a shower with an adjacent towel rail and enough space to stand and dry yourself… Where there are frustrations in carrying out your day-to-day life, try to change them and you may well find that your mood changes, too. And finally, create spaces for socialising, for bringing people together to talk and enjoy each other’s company – with seating in an L-shape or, even better, a circle, and also spaces for relaxation: calm and quiet, perhaps painted in a darker colour, where you can feel safe, private and completely, peacefully, yourself.

1 Fashionable, but also tranquil: this living room incorporates layers of texture and pops of greenery to create an intriguing and inviting space. Olivia linen fourseater sofa, £2,629; Tamara velvet armchair, £1,738; Alpha floor lamp, £1,179; Arc coffee table, £699; all Pepper Sq: 020 8243 8559; peppersq.com. 2 Lots of plants and the plentiful use of natural materials make this a calming, welcoming space. Black & White 100% wool Beni Ourain rugs, from £395 (and made to order), Tate & Darby: 07961 112 324; tateanddarby.com. 3 Not too cluttered, not too sparse, this bedroom also uses soft colours and appealing textures. Denver white wooden double bed, £229.99, Furniture and Choice: 0333 015 0000; furniturechoice.co.uk.

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Gardening

Toxic Plants Things to avoid in the garden We all know that gardens are good for us. The effects of gardening on mind and body have been well-documented in terms of mental and physical health, as well as the increased possibilities of social interaction that can arise through tuning in to the outdoor world. Indeed, the biophilia hypothesis explains the huge benefits to be gained from making connections with nature. But there are also a few dangers out there and it’s wise to consider any potential hazards too! Some plants are harmful and it’s essential to know which are poisonous for people and pets. If you are

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

intent on creating a sensory-type garden or your outside space is a playground for pets and kids, for example, it’s important to make it as safe as possible. Animals and young children tend to explore the world around them using their senses of touch, smell, taste and sound; they are not quite so tuned in to sight. Some plants will cause a slight upset stomach but others are capable of damaging organs if enough is eaten. A few plants are extremely poisonous and can even cause death, although this is very rare. Toxic plants We are designed to eat produce including fruit, vegetables and herbs. Some need to be cooked before consumption, whilst others can be eaten raw. Potatoes, for example, should never be eaten raw because they contain potentially toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids which are non-digestible. Brussels sprouts can cause too much gas in the intestines if eaten raw. It’s worth bearing this in mind if your child likes to grub about in the allotment or kitchen garden. The leaves of rhubarb are highly toxic and even the leaves of tomatoes will cause gastro-intestinal distress. We love to eat the stems

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of asparagus, but the little red berries are toxic. Pets such as dogs and cats are unable to consume some foods that are fine for humans. They include grapes, which can cause renal failure, several members of the onion family including leeks, and some mushrooms. Some of the most poisonous plants in the UK • One of the most toxic plants in the UK is monkshood, Aconitum napellus, also known as wolfsbane. Harry Potter fans will be familiar with this one, as even in the fictional wizarding world the potion is highly dangerous! It is a tall plant that produces beautiful purple-blue flowers in summer. They look rather like a monk’s habit, hence the common name. Despite the fact that touching the leaves and then eating even a small part, or allowing entry of the plant via an open wound, can lead to fatal poisoning, this plant is widely available for planting within gardens. It doesn’t always come with a warning. • The death-cap mushroom, Amanita phalliodes. This is a fairly common fungus here in the UK, growing in mixed deciduous woods, particularly under oak and beech trees. It’s quite a large mushroom, growing up to 15cm across with a domed, white cap. It looks similar to several edible mushrooms but is deadly poisonous. Some call it the silent assassin and only a small amount can result in death. It contains a toxin for which there is no known cure. • Hemlock, Conium maculatum is a highly poisonous flowering plant that is a member of the carrot

family. It has a rather attractive umbel flower and purple spots on the green stems. It’s common in the UK, growing by hedges, ditches and woodland edges. All parts of the plant are toxic because of a fast-acting poison called cicutoxin. This causes stomach upsets and even paralysis of the lungs. The Greek philosopher, Socrates, was said to have died after being poisoned by tea made from this plant. • Deadly nightshade, Atropa belladonna, is obviously poisonous – the clue is in the common name! It’s actually the fruits that are the biggest problem on this tall, bushy plant that likes shady and wooded areas. It produces bell-shaped flowers in early summer followed by black berries that can grow to the size of cherries. They look tempting to eat but contain the toxins atropine and scopolamine, which cause paralysis to organs, including the heart. It’s a potential killer in severe cases. • Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, has rightly earned a reputation for being one of Britain’s most dangerous plants. It probably won’t kill, but it burns severely due to its toxic sap, which reacts with human skin and sunlight. It’s a huge beast, growing up to 4.5 metres tall, with umbrellashaped white flower clusters. • Even foxgloves are poisonous, if consumed. They contain digitalis and other chemicals that affect the heart. The pretty, bell-shaped, tubular flowers are just the right size for little fingers, so you won’t want these transferred into the mouth.

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Pets

Do You Sponsor a Cat or Dog? RSPCA Sponsorship is one of the best ways you can help dogs and cats in need. It allows them to recover from neglect, abuse and abandonment in the safe, caring environment of our animal centres. Did you know that 2, 149 dogs and 4,903 cats were taken into our care during 2020? By sponsoring dog kennels or cat pods in our animal centres across England and Wales, you’ll be giving the gift of: life-saving veterinary treatment; shelter and safety; food and treats, plus expert rehabilitation and loving care. In return, you’ll receive a welcome pack, along with regular updates and photos from our centres all about the animals you’re helping. You’ll be able to see what a difference your Sponsorship is making to the dogs and cats in our care. How does sponsorship help? 1) Annual vaccines - Many of the dogs we care for need urgent and ongoing medical care. As well as helping fund safe, warm kennels for all dogs, RSPCA Sponsors help pay for everything from annual vaccines or flea and worm treatment to emergency surgery and treating chronic conditions. 2) Rehabilitation - We rescue dogs from terrible situations. Some have been abused, others neglected meaning they’ve never had human contact. It can take weeks, months – or longer – for them to recover and be ready for a new life, in a loving home. Your sponsorship could help fund this expert rehabilitation for dogs in our care. 3) New bedding - Sponsorship helps keep our cat pods well stocked, so our feline friends can feel at home while they’re with us. Somewhere warm and cosy to sleep, fun toys to keep them stimulated. Giving the gift of RSPCA Sponsorship is becoming more widely known and popular amongst animal lovers. Our animal centres across England and Wales are almost solely funded by the public. We rely on the

generosity of our sponsors to keep them all running. With more than 800 cats and dogs staying in our 14 animal centres at any one time, sponsorship couldn’t be more important. Our behaviour and welfare workers are able to work closely with the dogs that come into their care, because of the funding that comes from sponsorship. So many of them have been traumatised by cruelty and neglect, so they need a lot of extra help to overcome that. Special training plans are created, that are unique to each dog, in order for them to grow their confidence and trust people one more. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Garden View

Contain Your Excitement For me February marks the real beginning of the gardener’s year. Seed sowing starts in earnest, and we can begin to plan to bring the patio pots alive. As a gardener I do raise a lot of my plants from seeds in cold frames and greenhouses. But there is no right way to approach this. If you’re super busy and time in the garden is short, wait until late February and purchase fresh, well grown young plants from the garden centre. Yes its more expensive but it might be worth it in time and energy saved. The patio is a great place to indulge your creativity. Do you want a brilliant chaotic colour palate or a cool tranquil colour scheme, or maybe even monochrome calming greens in many textures of foliage. I think of patio pots like soft furnishings in the house…changing things up can transform the mood. While containers are conventionally planted in autumn and late spring, they can actually be planted at any time of year, and I like to get a couple planted up in February so they can become really established and give me a running a start. I use containers of all sizes but generally the large ones provide more impact. If they are to large and heavy to move easily, plant them with hardy bulbs or permanent shrubs or trees. You can then add seasonal geraniums and pansies etc around the core planting. Small, moveable containers can be planted with bright bulbs and specimen plants that can be brought to the front as they reach their peak with flowers or foliage. If you have a sheltered frost-free area for a cold frame or poly cover you can plant early, keep safe from the worst of the winter weather, and then bring them out when the frosts have finished. Good trees for larger containers are conifers. There is such a huge variety of shapes and colours to choose from. For patios its best to choose more compact, well-groomed shapes in bright greens or yellows. Groups of three or five pots containing contrasting shapes and colours work very well together. Alternatively go for similar shapes in a variety of sizes and colours. Because February tends to be quite wet drainage can be an issue. As a guide, patio and decking surfaces should be dry, or only wet if it’s rained

By Rachael Leverton recently. If a patio or decking is constantly wet it’s likely that algae and moss will start to grow which can look unsightly and make the surface dangerously slippery to walk on. Use a strong yard brush and approved detergent to keep hard surfaces clean and safe. As anticipation in gardening provides much of the pleasure take the garden furniture out of storage this month and clean it up…then you can enjoy a cup of tea on sunny days and watch your patio begin to wake up.

Happy Indoor Gardening

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Special Report

Home Security

How safe is your home? The ways in which we protect our homes have changed over the past decade. From CCTV systems, wireless doorbell cameras, automatic lighting, motion sensors, anti-vandal paint to good oldfashioned burglar alarms, the list of home security gadgets available is endless. But just how safe is your home? Last year alone there were more than 260,000 cases of home burglary in the UK, the majority of which were conducted by amateur thieves, and although your chances of crossing paths with Thomas Crown are quite slim, statistics show that your home is five times more likely to be targeted if no visible security measures are in place. How do I know if my home is secure? It is every homeowner’s worse nightmare: being woken up in the middle of the night by strange noises coming from downstairs, or coming home from an evening with friends to find a smashed window panel and a door left slightly ajar. With an understanding of basic theft prevention and an assessment of your property’s security, you will be in a better position than most to know if improvements are urgently needed in your home to protect your family.

Keep valuables out of sight That new flatscreen TV looks great on your wall, but did you know it can be seen from the street? Removing all valuables from an outside viewpoint gives thieves no reason to target your property. This includes car keys, smart devices, bags, wallets and of course jewellery. Even the packaging of expensive items shouldn’t be left outside as this acts as an advertisement to would-be thieves. Check for vulnerable entry points Are your doors reinforced uPVC plastic or solid wood? Forcing entry to a doorway is the most common tactic for burglars to enter your property. Ensure all entrance points are secured with suitable locking mechanisms in place. Windowless doors with a minimum of two locks are the most efficient. Keep sheds and garages secure Thieves will often enter a rear garden to obtain tools from a shed or garage as they are easily accessible, with many homeowners not locking them at all. Never give an intruder the opportunity to use your own belongings against you. Think like a thief Attempt to gain access to your own home without using a key. Is the rear garden fence easily scaled?

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Can you gain access to the top windows by climbing the drainpipe? Do the doors and windows move slightly if you force them? Understanding your home’s weaknesses will help you to understand what improvements are needed. Don’t make it easy for them If you lose your house keys, replace the locks immediately. There is always a chance that your keys will be found by someone who knows you or can follow you home. You should never leave house keys under the doormat or flowerpot; this is the first place intruders will check when trying to gain access. The most effective methods for protecting your home Under lock and key – the simplest solutions are always the most effective. Over 70% of home intruders gain access to properties by entering the front door. Always ensure it remains locked, along with all other entrances, windows, gates and garages. Let there be light – outdoor security lighting on timers or infrared motion sensors are a low-cost solution for deterring would-be intruders. Make sure you focus on dimly lit areas, which are hotspots for attacks, muggings and altercations with criminals who can take possession of your house or car keys. Smile for the camera – an alternative option to a full CCTV system without breaking the bank is a wireless doorbell camera. Burglars tend to knock on the front door before entering a property, to check if anyone

is at home. With a door camera you will naturally deter intruders, be able to see who is knocking on your smart device and have the added benefit of recording their face should future evidence be required. Home and away – the longer a house is uninhabited the more vulnerable it becomes. Use automatic lighting and timers for electronic devices to come on in the evenings, to give the illusion that your house remains occupied. Play it safe – if all of the above fails and an intruder has managed to enter your property, fear not. With a simple safe box your goods stand a better chance of remaining in your home. Fixing your safe securely in place in a hidden spot is the tried and tested method for preventing thieves escaping with your valuables.

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Education

7 benefits of private schools Wondering why people pay to send their child to an independent school? There are more advantages to a private education than you might think… Size Class sizes tend to be considerably smaller in private schools. An average state-funded primary school now has 26.6 pupils per class, but many classes have more than 30 children and not all classes have a full-time teaching assistant. According to the Independent Schools Council, which represents 80% of independent schools in the UK, the average pupilto-teacher ratio in private schools is just 8.9. Fewer pupils per teacher means more individual attention. Plus, independent schools tend to be smaller than state schools. This means they can often build a close-knit school community, where pupils know more of their peers. Culture Many independent schools (particularly those that offer boarding facilities) attract children from overseas, giving children a greater opportunity to socialise and learn from other cultures. Facilities Independent schools often offer better facilities than state-funded ones and more opportunities for trying different types of sport. This may be one of the reasons that more than 40% of the UK’s medalwinning athletes at the London 2012 Olympics were privately educated, even though only 7% of the UK population have attended independent schools. Art and music Budget cuts have led to state schools needing to make difficult choices. Art, drama and music have been some of the main casualties. Research carried out before the pandemic showed a 47% decrease in

theatre and drama opportunities and a 36% decrease in music activities. Grades Children at independent schools typically achieve higher grades than their state-educated peers. This year, 61% of GCSEs gained by privately educated children were grade 7 or above, compared to 26% of those gained by state-educated children. University choice State-educated pupils are often at a disadvantage when it comes to getting places at top universities. Not only are young people who have studied at a grammar or private school more likely to get the grades they need for Cambridge and similar settings, they’re also more likely to be accepted than their state-school peers. Earning potential Privately educated people typically earn more than their state-educated peers. In fact, by the time they’re 42, people who have been privately educated are likely to have earned around £200,000 extra. There are many reasons for this; for example, privately educated people are more likely to be able to afford to take unpaid internships to kickstart their careers. However, higher grades, better universities and more connections are likely to play a pretty big role in helping people to climb the ladder. Next steps… If you’ve read this article and thought, “Well, that’s all very well, but I can’t afford the fees,” you’re certainly not alone. Independent schools now cost, on average, more than £15,000 a year. However, many do offer means-tested bursaries and scholarships, so it’s certainly worth doing some initial research before you discount them.

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History By Tracey Anderson

The Story of the Devil’s Footprints In February 1855 one of the UK’s greatest unexplained mysteries occurred. Yet few people outside of Devon have ever heard about the mystery of the Devil’s footprints. On the evening of February 8th, a heavy snowfall blanketed the entire South Devon countryside. The last snow fell around midnight, and the following morning early risers were shocked to see a mysterious trail of footprints stretching for hundreds of miles in a straight line. Reports came in from Dawlish, Exmouth, Lympstone, Teignmouth and Topsham and everyone reported the same phenomenon. It was as though some creature had raced through the countryside leaving behind them tracks that no-one could identify. The tracks were exactly 8 inches apart, and approximately 2-3 inches long. Although they were shaped like a hoofprint they appeared to have been made by a two-legged rather than a four-legged animal. Bizarrely they passed over rooftops, along windowsills and through solid walls. In one place they reached a river and reappeared on the opposite side, two miles away! A rumour started that it was the devil roaming the countryside in search of sinners. Clergymen were keen to suggest this was indeed the case, and parishioners became scared to go out after dark. The footprints were reported in the national press at the time, which sparked some lively correspondence including plenty of theories; that the footprints were made by an escaped kangaroo, a badger (because their hind footprints fall exactly into their front footprints so give the appearance of a two-legged animal), and even a large balloon trailing a rope or a chain. Yet none of the theories could explain away everything the Devon residents reported that night,

so the myth of the Devil’s footprints persisted. It even inspired the 2014 film; Dark was the Night. Modern day psychologists have mooted a possible explanation for the events in the concept of ‘social contagion’ or ‘social epidemic,’ when an idea spreads by suggestion.. Journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell proposes three rules of social epidemics. First is ‘the law of the few,’ which involves influential people helping to tip an idea into widespread popularity. The clergy in 19th Century England would certainly have been influential in this regard. Secondly is ‘the stickiness factor’ which suggests that some ideas are more contagious than others. The idea of the Devil racing through the countryside would have been both exciting and terrifying. Finally, there is ‘…the importance of the cultural environment contributing to the spread of an idea.’ In 19th Century culture people were certainly more God-fearing and so more likely to be influenced by the Church. A more modern example of social contagion occurred in Holland, in 1978. A panda was reported in the press to have escaped from Rotterdam Zoo, which resulted in 100 sightings of the animal all over Holland, in spite of the fact the poor beast had been killed by train just a few yards from the zoo! In this case the authority of the press placed the idea in people’s minds, while excitement and anticipation caused them to perceive dogs and native wild animals as the panda and each ‘sighting’ triggered another… contagion in action. This phenomenon is also frequently observed with UFO sightings and other paranormal events. Whether a myth or just a trick of the mind, the Devil’s footprints remain an intriguing event and we’ll probably never know what really happened!

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Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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. 48

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN FEBRUARY 3 FEBRUARY The Arts Society North Herts Doors open 10.15am, 11am-12.15pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth ‘William Morris’ by Joanna Banham. Visitors welcome. Lift access. W: theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk 3, 10, 17 & 24 FEBRUARY Sapphire Social Singles Club 8pm. The Orange Tree, Hitchin Meet every Thursday. A friendly social group for single people to meet and make new friends generally 50+ age group. Tel/text: Ian 07900 890583 for info Web: sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 4 FEBRUARY Bedfordshire Family History Society 7pm. Drama Theatre, Mark Rutherford School, Bedford ‘Life in Nelson’s Navy’ by Major Alan Gilmore. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 4 FEBRUARY Bedford Art Society 7.15 for 7.30pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford Members free, visitors £6 Local artist Michael Croker will demonstrate landscape painting in oils. An entertaining evening is promised. Tel: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 Web: www.bedsartsociety.co.uk

5 FEBRUARY Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, agle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘A history of Daffodils in art, history, culture and gardens’ by Twigs Way, designer and garden historian. Twigs joins the group again to talk on Daffodils. Visitors welcome. www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

14 FEBRUARY Afternoon Concert 3pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £10, free entry for under 27s, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s Tom Caldecote (clarinet) Bridget Kerrison (soprano) Trevor Hughes (Piano). Live streamed. Web: https://benslowmusic.org

7, 14, 21 & 28 FEBRUARY Branch Out Club for Single People 8.30-10.30pm. Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Medium-sized social club for single people aged 40 upwards. Meets every Monday night. Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

18 FEBRUARY Maggini Quartet 8pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £20, free entry for under 27s, livestream tickets £10, free virtual tickets for under 27s Formed in 1988, the Maggini Quartet is one of the finest British string quartets. Pre-concert dining £25. Web: https://benslowmusic.org

7, 21 & 28 FEBRUARY Stevenage Choral Society 7.45pm. Stevenage Music Centre, Mobbsbury, Stevenage Every Monday during term time. No audition necessary. Try out a wide range of music, from the classics to show songs. Tel: 01438 365769 Email: info@stevenagechoral.org.uk Web: www.stevenagechoral.org.uk

4, 11, 18 & 25 FEBRUARY Bridge Club 1.30-4.30pm. Springfield House, Old Stevenage Community Centre Play social cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517

9 FEBRUARY Lunchtime Talk 10.30am-12.30pm. Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade Adults £21.50, Members £8 Don Albone meets Colonel and Mrs Shuttleworth. Hot drinks and cake on arrival. Admission includes 30-day access to the visitor attraction from the date of the talk. Web: www. shuttleworth.org/talks-programme to book

5 FEBRUARY The Signals Museum Open Day 10am-4pm RAF Henlow, SG16 6DN The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Call on the day if information is needed. Tel: 07778 837263 Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

11 FEBRUARY Unicorn Ceilidh Doors open 7.30pm. St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock Granny’s Attic, caller Barry Goodman and Peterborough Morris in the interval spot. Ceilidh dances are great fun, easy to learn - and addictive! Book online. Tel: Alan Creamer 07946 439095 Web: www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

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27 FEBRUARY Afternoon Tea 4pm. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin £19.95pp or £24.95pp with a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy afternoon tea at Benslow Music complemented with live music. Booking required. Tel: 01462 459446 Web: https://benslowmusic.org EVERY WEEKDAY Clifton Walking Group Meets on weekdays at 8.30am and in the afternoon for an hour. A friendly bunch of people of various ages and abilities. Monthly weekend walk of 6-8 miles. The group also meets for a coffee once a month and holds other social events. Tel: Suzanne I’ons 07933 709006 Email: ionssuzanne@gmail.com Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group Annual membership £10 per household. Many groups and activities including wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings and walking. New groups are starting all the time. Online talks every month. Web: LALG.org.uk

Motoring

First Drive: Ford S-Max What is it? One exception to the widespread replacement of MPVs with SUVs is Ford, with its S-Max and Galaxy seven-seaters both benefitting from a new hybrid powertrain that aims to keep these models going. What’s new? This latest S-Max Hybrid comes from investment into the brand’s Barcelona plant, with this powertrain also appearing in the new Kuga and Galaxy. It’s an all-new setup for Ford and is currently the only hybrid MPV of its kind. What’s under the bonnet? For the S-Max Hybrid, Ford combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a 1.1kWh battery and electric motor, with front-wheel drive via a CVT automatic transmission. It kicks out 187bhp, goes from 0-60mph time in 9.6 seconds and has a 115mph top speed, though most will choose the Hybrid for the efficiency benefits, with its 147g/km CO2 emissions being 10 per cent lower than the diesel’s. Ford claims a fuel economy figure of 44.1mpg but we averaged 50mpg during testing, giving us a 600-plus mile range. What’s it like to drive? The S-Max is rather good to drive, feeling more like a hatchback than a big sevenseater through corners, yet at the same time is a comfortable cruiser with a compliant ride. The hybrid system is also one of the best ‘selfcharging’ setups around and will even run as an EV for short bursts, which helps on efficiency. The CVT gearbox does somewhat sap performance when accelerating, but is largely quite a good fit.

How does it look? The S-Max isn’t bad-looking. In our test car’s ST-Line trim, it gets large two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a sporty body kit and a range of gloss black touches. We reckon a seven-seat people carrier has never looked so good. What’s it like inside? The interior layout is very much ‘old Ford’, with none of the digital dials and minimalist layout in the brand’s most modern models. However, the S-Max is practical, offering a flexible seating arrangement and three rows of seats that lets seven adults sit relatively comfortably. With just two front seats in position, it offers a huge 2,020 litres of boot space. What’s the spec like? The Hybrid is available in the same trio of trims as the standard S-Max – Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale. Standard equipment is generous with keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and an eight-inch touchscreen, but ST-Line would be our pick, adding electric and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, only the top-spec Vignale model comes with an electric boot and LED headlights, as well as a reversing camera and massaging leather seats. Prices start from £36,530 for a Titanium and rise to £41,790 for the Vignale. Verdict - The Ford S-Max is arguably better to drive and more spacious than many similarly-sized SUVs. The new hybrid powertrain gives the S-Max a further lifeline, and its efficiency will likely impress. Though pricey and not up-to-date inside, it remains one of the better seven-seaters on the market and a brilliant large family car.

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Seasonal Recipe

The ultimate comfort food and the perfect dish for getting ahead and reheating in the oven when needed. A delicious family meal that is equally indulgent for a special occasion. Want to save time? Use ready-prepared meatballs for a speedy option.

Meatball Mac and Cheese Meatballs 500g pork mince ½ tsp fennel seeds Pinch of smoked paprika Salt and black pepper Olive oil for drizzling Tomato Sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tbsp tomato puree 900ml passata 1 tsp caster sugar Salt and black pepper Pasta 350g macaroni or other pasta shape 250g mozzarella cheese, grated

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. 2. Place the pork mince in a bowl with the fennel seeds and paprika, and season with a little salt and pepper. Mix to combine then divide and shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs.

Serves 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes

3. Place the meatballs on a greased baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. Turn halfway through cooking. 4. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large shallow casserole dish and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato puree, passata, sugar and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes. 5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water according to packet instructions, then drain, reserving some water. Tip the pasta into the tomato sauce with the meatballs. Add a little of the reserved water to thin the sauce if needed. Scatter over the cheese and place the casserole dish back in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.

Nutrition per serving: 555kcal, fat 21g (of which saturates 9.1g), carbohydrates 53g (of which sugars 8.7g), protein 35g, fibre 3.9g

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SHIRON

Domestic Appliances Repairs of

Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Dishwashers Electric Ovens Electric Cookers Electric Hobs VAT Registered Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda and Whirlpool appliances.

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our January Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs G Studley from Sandy

January’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 European country (7) 5 Scour (5) 8 Inflamed (7) 9 Precise (5) 10 Strict (5) 11 Operating room (7) 12 Painter (6) 14 Lethal (6) 17 Non professional (7) 19 Likeness (5) 22 Edgy, anxious (5) 23 Revised (7) 24 Father (5) 25 Harnessed to ride (7)

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

16th February 2022 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Down 1 Types of transport (5) 2 Not tight (5) 3 E.g. Crete, Rhodes (7) 4 Tiny (6) 5 Stage set (5) 6 Oven cooked (7) 7 Torch power cell (7) 12 Made suitable (7) 13 Coached (7) 15 Once lived (7) 16 Destroys (6) 18 Including all (5) 20 Fourth month (5) 21 Finished (5)

Name:

Address:



Tel:

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Books

Books to get your teeth into Stuck in a rut when it comes to mealtimes? This month’s recommended books might help…

By Kate Duggan

Green One Pound Meals Miguel Barclay

Cooking on a budget really isn’t easy, but Miguel Barclay’s One Pound Meals series takes some of the headache out of meal preparation. The latest in the series focuses on planetfriendly dishes. As you’d expect, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan meals, from cauliflower cups to courgette kofte, but there are also lots of dishes to tempt staunch meat eaters too. Plus, you’ll get tips on eco-conscious shopping and minimising food waste.

Under the Olive Tree Irini Tzortzoglou

In the depths of winter, Irini’s recipes will transport you to sun-filled summer holidays. The first half of the book is dedicated to simpler midweek Greek meals. The second half is full of showstoppers to wow friends and family. Expect everything from moussaka, braised octopus, and baklava to chickpea fritters. You’ll also read about Irini’s family and where her love for good, honest ingredients and home cooking comes from.

Love to Cook Mary Berry

Lost your love for cooking? This TV series tie-in might help to bring it back. It features 120 recipes from one of the UK’s favourite cooks. The focus is on no-fuss recipes to ‘bring happiness into your kitchen’. You’ll find simple stir fries, easy curries, warming casseroles and plenty of mouthwatering puddings. Many of the dishes can be prepared the day before or frozen.

Pinch of Nom Comfort Food Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson

‘Comforting’ and ‘diet’ are two words that don’t usually go together. The Pinch of Nom team is trying to prove that you can enjoy flavoursome, satisfying meals even when you’re aiming to lose weight. Recipes include cheesy aubergine bake, slow-cooker stroganoff, and halloumi couscous burgers, along with plenty of indulgent desserts. There are 100 recipes altogether. More than 40 are vegetarian and 47 are gluten-free.

Nadiya’s Fast Flavours Nadiya Hussain

Don’t be deceived by the name – most of these recipes aren’t exactly speedy. However, most require under 30 minutes of hands-on time and a fair few can be whipped up for a quick midweek meal. There are twists on classics such as macaroni cheese, along with unique flavour combinations that are sure to please if you’re bored to tears with everyday meals. Think honey-baked sriracha drumsticks, coffee-glazed focaccia, and banana-skin bagels.

Family Comforts Rebecca Wilson

Fed up of cooking two different meals most nights? Not only are all these recipes child- and adult-friendly, each one can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree diets. You’ll find plenty of easy midweek meals, along with hands-off slow-cooker dishes, weekend meals and puddings. While they’re designed to appeal to kids, there are also big flavours to keep the grownups happy. Think mild curries, lemon and garlic chicken, and loaded Mexican sweet potatoes. Each recipe is nutritionist approved and there are extra tips on weaning, batch cooking and food preparation.

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I D Decorating Painting & Decorating Services Painting – Interior & Exterior Decorating Coving No Job Too Big Or Too Small Fully Insured & Free Estimates Telephone: Ian Dunklin 0790 508 3799

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Plumbing

Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small! Please call Gary on

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Stevenage Feb 2022

Articles inside

Book Review

Villager Prize Crossword

First Drive: Ford S-Max

Do you sponsor a cat or dog?

What’s On in February

7 Benefits of Private Schools

Design for Well-Being

The Story of the Devil’s Footprints

Contain your Excitement

The Impact of Rising Inflation

To Reverse Ageing Think Blue

Night-time routines to help you get some rest

Is Sitting the New Smoking?

The Power of Great Make Up Shades

To Valentine, or not to Valentine?

Get in the Zen

Ideas for a Romantic Getaway

Drinks: Blue Monkey Brewery