henlow january

Issue 50 - January 2013

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Radwell, Shillington, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Pirton, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin and Letchworth

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VILLAGERThe

and Town LifeLOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts2

Champneys Henlow presents anevening with Style HeavenThursday 24th January 2013 from 6 pm – 8.15pm

www.champneys.com Champneys Resorts @Champneys

Learn how to recession-proof yourwardrobe, see how to create four looks fromone dress plus styling demos & how to do ityourself. Come on girls, bring a friend &get fabulous style!

The evening includes:Wine & canapés on arrival at 6pmWorkshop from 6.15pm – 8.15pm

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Limited places available.

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18979B-HG-Style Heaven Advert_Layout 1 30/11/2012 15:56 Page 1

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122 3

EditorialClaudia Leaf, Solange Hando, Alex Brown, Ted Bruning and Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Advertising SalesNigel [email protected]

Front Cover ImageChee-onn Leong

Design and ArtworkDesign 9 Tel 07762 969460

PublishersVillager Publications Ltd24 Market Square, Potton Beds. SG19 2NPTel: 01767 [email protected]

DisclaimerAll 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.

VILLAGERThe

and Town Life

Issue 50 - January 2013

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Radwell, Shillington, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Pirton, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin and Letchworth

£25Prize

CrosswordSee Inside

Your

FREEcopy

VILLAGERThe

and Town LifeLOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS 6

New YearNew Hobby

Sale Savvy ........................................................4

Cape Town ...................................................... 9

New Year New You ........................................ 10

Taxing Times .................................................. 13

Dealing with Stress........................................ 15

Body Beautiful ............................................... 17

Recovering from a Financial Hangover ........20

Big Garden Birdwatch ................................... 22

Wrap Up for Winter .......................................27

Seasonal Delights ..........................................28

Children’s Page ..............................................32

Puzzle Page ...................................................36

What’s On ..................................................... 40

Plastic Fantastic .............................................45

Animal Know HowSeasonal Advice for Winter

30

You are now able to view the Villager Magazine online at

www.villagermag.com

In this Issue

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SALE! No matter where you look or where you go, the message at this time of the year is the same: now is the time to bag yourself a bargain. Yet even though buying items in the sales can make your hard earned cash go further, please remember that you are still spending money, not saving it! Here are a few tips for getting the best possible deals without ending up with buyer’s remorse!First of all, do your homework before the sales start. Visit your favourite shops and pick out the items that you really want to buy, and even try them on beforehand. Make a list and stick to it, then when the shops open you can make a beeline for the items you want without wasting time, and risking life and limb battling with a hundred other shoppers who are elbowing their way through the pile of reduced items!Alternatively, why not shop online? Still do the research, but buy in the comfort of your home without having to wrestle your way through a busy store. Online shops usually give some indication of stock levels. If they only have a few items left then make your purchase at the beginning of the sale, but if there are plenty, why not wait a week or so to see if the price drops further?When deciding what to buy in the sales, don’t choose anything that you wouldn’t be tempted to pay full price for. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it – or you could end up with something you won’t wear and it will end up being a complete waste of money – no matter how much you ‘saved’ compared with the usual price!When tempted to buy something, ask yourself whether you already have something like it in your wardrobe at home. If you do, it begs the question, do you really need it? You might have a penchant for a particular style or colour, but honestly, how many black pencil skirts do you really need?!That said, it is much better to buy items that you can add to your capsule wardrobe than it is to snap up a statement jacket, or bizarre shirt, that will only team up with one or two pieces in your clothing collection - even it does have 70%

SALE SAvvY!BY DeBBie Singh-Bhatti

off! Stick with classic, timeless designs in tonal colours that suit your skin type, and in styles that flatter your body shape. Choose neutral colours which can be dressed up or down with colourful accessories and your clothes will go much further!So, armed with this guide to savvy sales shopping, go grab yourself a bag and bag yourself a bargain!


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Eat healthily, start exercising, get more sleep… As you list your usual New Year resolutions, why not add in something fun for once? January is the perfect time to lift your spirits out of a winter slump by starting a new hobby, and there have never been so many activities to try.To narrow down your choice, think about what you’d like to add your life. Do you want to meet more people? Be more active? Learn a skill? Get creative? You may want to develop something that you are already interested in, or try something completely new.Look around to find out what’s going on. Your adult education centre and library will be able to help, and you’ll find information in cafés, newsagents, community centres and local magazines.If you were inspired by the 2012 Olympics, you could try a new sport or exercise class, but getting fit doesn’t have to mean sport. Why not follow the Strictly contestants and sample the benefits of ballroom dancing or Zumba, or simply aim to get out more and enjoy the countryside? Geocaching is an exciting new outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. It’s essentially

NEw YEAR, NEw HoBBYBY ALex BROWN

a high-tech treasure hunt. Another new trend is roller derby – a fast-paced contact sport where teams race to lap the opposition as they skate around the track.If you fancy using your mind more than your body, you could learn a new language in preparation for a foreign holiday perhaps. Or build on an existing interest by joining a photography class or book group.Music can reduce stress and improve your mood, so why not dust off that instrument you haven’t touched for years and join an amateur orchestra? Choirs are increasingly popular and you’re sure to find a range of musical styles available. Crafts have had a real boost lately, with knitting and sewing groups setting up all over the country. Jewellery and card-making are also satisfying. You can get started quite cheaply and pick up the basics quickly. The bonus is that you get to keep the end result, or give it as a gift. You also have the potential to earn money by selling your creations.Increased access to computers means that we can get involved in a whole host of new communities without even leaving the house. Many of us enjoy researching our family trees and finding the facts behind our memories. it’s also easy to use social networks to track down old school friends and colleagues that we’ve lost touch with.And if none of these is for you, how about foraging, meditation, wine-tasting, line-dancing, magic tricks, bee-keeping, historical re-enactments, home baking…the list really is endless!


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Draped like a silver necklace around the green slopes of Signal Hill, Cape Town, the ‘Mother City’, is an intriguing mix of pastel-coloured walls, red roofs and mighty skyscrapers lapped by the Atlantic surf. Dutch and British settlers left a fair heritage, from the star-shaped castle of Good Hope to the Houses of Parliament, the Anglican Cathedral, once the diocese of Desmund Tutu, and the Company’s Gardens. The modern town has tree-lined avenues and upmarket stores but in the midst of it all are quaint colonial buildings and colourful alleyways, especially in the Malay district, a favourite location for film producers and still home to descendants of Asian slaves.Seapoint is a leisurely place to picnic on the lawns, stroll on the promenade to enjoy the ocean breeze or gaze at fur seals basking on the rocks. Meanwhile beyond the lively Greenmarket at the heart of town, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront bustles from morning to night. there are fishing boats along the quay, english pubs and al fresco restaurants, Zulu dancers, Jazz musicians and people of all ages having a good time. It’s a great place to sample fresh seafood or a mega ice cream, hunt for the finest african craft or sail around the harbour feeling at home as you gaze at the bright red Victorian clock tower. A dainty pedestrian bridge swings now and then to let the boats go through and Table Mountain looks down on the scene in quiet splendour.Silhouetted against the blue sky or lost in the mist at over 1000 metres, the mountain has a mind of its own so it’s best to check the forecast and

CAPE TowNBY SOLANGe HANDO

choose a good day to head for the top. Some visitors walk up the steep trails, three hours or so by the easiest route, most queue for the cable car to be whizzed up to the summit in just six minutes. The platform revolves so everyone has a turn to look at the view, more vertiginous as you climb until you near the top, hanging just metres from the sheer cliff face. Up there, the panorama takes your breath away, from the glistening city and harbour to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held in captivity, now a sanctuary for seabirds and penguins, from the verdant Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head to the Cape peninsula and the Twelve Apostles stretching into the ocean. Myriad footpaths crisscross the vast rocky plateau, sprinkled with 1500 species of plants, among them flowering protea and golden fynbos. there are Cape canaries and orange sunbirds, goat antelopes and elands, baboons and rock hyraxes, resembling oversized guinea pigs, who have wisely set up home near the coffee shop.Suddenly the fog horn blows, sending everyone rushing back to the cable car. Mist rolls across the mountain tops, the temperature drops, the view disappears and you can’t see the edge of the cliff. it’s a relief to head back down into the sunshine where the ocean rolls as far as you can see and the beat of African drums and dancers echoes along the waterfront. Table Mountain has vanished like a dream but on the eastern slopes of the National Park, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens release their most exotic fragrance in the setting sun.


It’s January, and having eaten and drunk your way through the contents of at least three shopping trolleys during the festive season, you are feeling in need of a quick fix so you can begin to feel healthy again. The time of the year doesn’t help. Spring is still a couple of months away and although you’d love to go for a bracing walk in the park, you know that after half an hour in muddy boots, being soaked by persistent rain, you’ll give up and go home. But what’s the alternative when you need a regular exercise regime to help you lose weight? Working out at home with the help of a video console has become a popular alternative to going out to a dance class or a gym. The great advantage is that it allows you to design a programme to suit your own needs and preferences. However if - like me - you’re not a great self-motivator, you may find it hard to keep going without a human instructor to give encouragement. So how do you find a movement class that will suit you? A quick browse round the websites of local clubs is likely to reveal a baffling array of exercise styles with exotic-sounding names such as Zumba, Pilates, Ashtanga Yoga, Spinning and Tai Chi. It’s nice to be spoiled for choice, but there are a few things to consider before you start shopping for the lycra bodysuit and matching accessories. How old are you? Do you have any medical conditions? How much exercise do you normally take?If a leisurely stroll around the supermarket is your main form of exercise then a cardiovascular workout is probably not the place to start. You need to build your programme slowly, so it may benefit you to start with a beginners’ yoga class where you will be concentrating on breathing and stretching rather than trying to push yourself beyond your limits.Don’t make the common mistake of assuming that yoga is just about bending your torso into strange positions whilst inhaling incense and chanting. Real yoga is definitely not for the faint-hearted and its emphasis on slow movements, posture and deep breathing really helps to build muscular strength and improve balance. If you are new to exercise classes you will be glad to know that yoga is about doing as much as you feel your own body can manage.there are a variety of different kinds of yoga, some of which are really quite challenging for a beginner, so do have a chat with the instructor before booking your course to make sure that you have chosen the right type for you.Pilates borrows heavily from Yoga and was originally

NEw YEAR, NEw YoUBY CLAUDIA LeAF

devised to help injured dancers and athletes. Once again there is an emphasis on good posture and exercises are designed to strengthen the spine, improve circulation and open up the joints. a fitness programme that is currently enjoying huge success in this country is Zumba. invented by Columbian choreographer Alberto Perez in the 1990s, Zumba combines exercise with dance. Unlike conventional dance classes where the instructor faces the class and teaches a series of steps, Zumba is a continuous series of free-flowing moves – the instructor stands with his or her back to the class, demonstrating actions for the students to follow.With its slogan “Ditch the workout – join the party”, it offers a great way to enjoy exercise without feeling that you are being observed and judged by the instructor. If you enjoy dancing to music then this is probably a good choice, but do think twice if your movement is restricted or if you suffer from high blood pressure.However you decide to pursue your new exercise regime, make a promise to yourself to keep it up. You won’t really start feeling the benefit until you’ve settled in to your new classes and begun to master those new moves. After a few weeks you’ll be surprised to find how much better you feel.it may take a few attempts before you find a class that suits you, but it will be worth it in the end. Make sure the New Year really does mean a new you.


Some self-employed people are really organised and keep all their receipts and invoices in a safe place and file them properly and do their books every month and, when it’s time to fill in their tax returns, have everything they need to hand and can sail through it in a morning or less.Not me. And quite possibly not you either.Actually, I do have a system of sorts – the euphemistically-named “dump file” system. everything related to income tax goes into a big box, and at the end of the year I spend days – two or three, usually – arranging it in some sort of order and turning it into a spreadsheet that bears at least a passing resemblance to what I’ve actually earned and what I’ve actually spent. then i send it all off to my accountant, who is the rampart that stands between me and HMRC.We all know the quote about death and taxes (although for the life of me I can’t remember who actually said it – Mark Twain?), but in point of fact we very nearly didn’t have income tax. It was invented in 1799 along with window tax and hearth tax and clock tax and all those other weird taxes that paid for the napoleonic Wars. at first it was fairly mild – 10% of all incomes above £60 a year – and as soon as the war was over it was scrapped like all the others. even when it was reintroduced in 1842 to recover from a financial crisis, like how never happens nowadays – hah! – it wasn’t expected to be permanent. But it turned out to be one of the easiest of taxes to collect because, in the eyes of the voters (most of whom still didn’t have to

TAxING TImESBY TeD BRUNING

pay it), it was the fairest, and – well, we still have it. But it was only about 100 years ago that Lloyd George’s Liberal government really started giving it some wellie. In 1874, for instance, it yielded less than 10% of all government income. Then in 1918 Lloyd George whacked the rate up to 30% to pay for World War I, and even though Mrs Thatcher slashed it to 22% it’s still the mainstay of the Treasury’s revenues.For those of us lucky enough to have a job – or unlucky enough to be chained to a desk, depending on how you look at it – income tax is something that can be taken for granted because since 1944, when PAYe was invented, it’s been docked off wages before you can take it down the bookie’s. For the rest of us – well, it’s not something you want to get wrong. HMRC is actually amazingly patient with dysfunctional arithmophobics like me. They’re always very cheery and patient on the odd occasions when I have to ring them, and although I’m sure they wouldn’t bung me in chokey for an error of a few quid, they do quite reasonably expect to receive any underpayment back as quickly as they refund overpayments (which I’ve always found to be pleasingly quickly). And that can blow quite a hole in my none-too-careful budgeting.Which is why I have an accountant. She’s not all that cheap, but she’s as comforting as a favourite armchair. No shocks, no surprises, nothing to worry about – and occasionally you even find a 50p stuck down the side.


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Stress is the term used to describe our physical, mental and emotional reactions to what is happening in our lives. It is a perfectly natural reaction and was a vital response for our forebearers when faced with a fight or flight situation. Stress - when handled in the right way - can be good for us: it enables us to take on challenges, face fears and step outside our comfort zone. We also actively seek out that adrenaline rush when doing extreme sports, playing video games or watching horror movies. But too much stress on a daily basis may lead to you finding it hard to cope - like half a million people in the UK every year who report experiencing work-related stress. This is when stress becomes a part of your life and you find yourself having to deal with physical, mental or emotional pressures every day with no respite. Signs of stress - When you are stressed your muscles contract and prepare for action. Your heart rate speeds up and your blood pressure rises. Your body will react in one or more different ways, such as: breathlessness, feeling sick, headaches, constant tiredness, sweating, constipation or diarrhoea, muscle spasm, heartburn, lack of appetite and sexual difficulties.as a result, you may find it difficult to concentrate or to make decisions. You may start to avoid difficult situations or avoid talking to people about what’s going on and may find yourself crying frequently and feeling depressed.If not dealt with, stress can contribute to serious health problems such as ulcers, heart attacks and

DEALING wITH STRESSHOW CAN YOU BeST COPe WITH STReSS?

strokes.Learning to relax - You may not always be able to remove the elements of your life which are causing you stress, but there are things you can do to help you deal with it. Giving yourself some quiet time to relax can really help. Use the time to read or listen to music or try a relaxation technique for 20 minutes: close your eyes, breathing slowly and deeply. Think about which muscles are tense and try to relax them, imagining the tension just easing away. Focus on each part of your body in turn, starting with your feet and moving up through your body to the top of your head. You could also try a yoga or relaxation class to help relieve stress or go for regular walks at lunchtime. Tackling stress - It may sound simple, but have you actually looked at exactly what is causing you stress and how you may be able to change the situation? If a person at work is causing you problems, can you discuss it with them or someone else? If you have too much work, can you find some help or ask a colleague to share the load? If you’ve said ‘yes’ to too many things, are there some you can say ‘no’ to? However much pressure you are under, try to take regular breaks to remove yourself from the cycle. Try to be well-organised - many situations look better when you know exactly what it is you have to deal with, rather than worrying about it. Find as much help as you can - whether it’s in the home or at work, so that you are sharing the load - and talk to friends, family or colleagues so you don’t feel that you are coping alone.


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When it comes to skincare most of us are pretty good at looking after our face. We’re used to cleansing, toning and moisturising as part of our daily routine and every year we spend a small fortune on trying products that claim to make us look more beautiful, youthful and radiant. We think nothing of this, but what about our body? Many of us completely neglect the rest of our skin, especially in the wintertime. It’s easy to become lazy when you’re covered up under layers of clothing, but we all want super-soft skin.If you’re honest you probably won’t have thoroughly scrubbed, buffed and polished your body since the summer months just before applying your fake tan. There’s no doubt that your skin will be looking dull and lackluster as a result. You’ll be pleased to hear then, that there are some quick, easy and simple steps that will have you ready to bare all in no time. All you have to do is promise to follow them once or twice a week. The reward? Fabulous skin all over.The Benefits of BrushingThere’s been a lot of hype about body brushing. It has been shown to have great results on reducing the appearance of cellulite, toning the skin and guaranteeing a youthful glow.Using a dry natural bristle body brush, work from your feet upwards in long, firm, sweeping strokes. Be careful not to press too hard - the idea is to invigorate the skin, not irritate it.This action has been proven to boost circulation and lift skin-dulling impurities from the pores in one easy action.Be Brave - Boost Your CirculationAlthough this isn’t the most appealing step, it definitely does the job. When you’re in the shower, alternate between blasts of warm and cold water for about 30 seconds. You only need to do it a couple of times to encourage blood that’s rich with fresh nutrients and oxygen to travel to the surface of your skin, leaving it looking healthy and glowing. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliateexfoliators have great results when used on both face and body. The tiny grains lift and remove impurities and dead skin cells from the skin, leaving it looking instantly brighter.it’s best to use an exfoliator that has fine

BoDY BEAUTIFUL TReAT YOUR BODY TO SOMe TLC THIS WINTeR

particles, rather than coarser varieties, because they are less abrasive on the skin. Use a circular motion to apply the product to damp skin and work from your feet upwards, spending time massaging every bit of your skin.Rinse thoroughly, and move on to the next stage.Gently Does ItWhether you consider your skin to be sensitive or not, it’s always best to choose a shower gel that’s designed for sensitive skin and one which has natural ingredients.The harsh chemicals that can be found in some products strip the skin of essential moisture and leave it feeling dry and irritated.Don’t be tempted to have the water too hot when you’re in the shower, as it dehydrates the skin - instead turn down the heat to pleasantly warm.Lock-In MoistureIt’s essential to moisturise your body every time you shower. Leave your skin damp and massage a generous amount of product into the skin - this helps to lock-in moisture for long-lasting hydration.Again, try to use moisturisers that have been designed for sensitive skin and which are free from harsh ingredients.Try to avoid perfumed products. They smell great, but can contain strong chemicals which have a drying effect on delicate areas of skin.


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So again we find ourselves starting the New Year on the financial back foot, following overindulgence at Christmas. While this dilemma may seem inescapable, it is certainly not without remedy. Here’s how to begin your New Year with a proactive monetary success story rather than spending Q1 worried about cash flow. This is your five-step guide to recovering from a Christmas financial hangover.1. Personal PreparationStart by deciding whether you’re going to use a paper notepad or software. Some people prefer pen and paper, but software for personal finance management or even just a spreadsheet will give you an efficient way to keep track of your funds using an intuitive interface. Next, you need to bolster your conviction to rectify the situation. If you’ve had good intentions in the past to tackle your finances but found yourself falling by the wayside, you’ll understand the importance of this step. A process touted by many world-renowned business coaches is to take a notepad and create two columns. On one side, put the positive things which will come from organising your money, and on the other list the downsides of what will happen and how failure will feel. This process can transform your intentions from whimsical fancy into serious conviction.2. Assessing Your SituationBefore addressing the problem at hand, you need to understand what the damage is. This means coming to terms with exactly how much you spent and involves delving into the nitty-gritty of your naughtiness, a psychologically repelling task that is tempting to avoid.If you haven’t had your credit card statement in yet, sit down with a notepad or a spreadsheet and tally up what you spent on Christmas presents. After this, do a rough calculation of what was spent on other factors such as food, drink and travel. You can always phone your card company and ask for the current balance if you’ve lost track.3. Laying Down Your TargetsNext, make a comprehensive list of every single essential outgoing for the month including an allowance for food. Once you know what this figure is, subtract it from your income and you will

YoUR FIvE STEP GUIDETO ReCOVeRING FROM A FINANCIAL HANGOVeR

know exactly how much is left to divide between your card bill/overdraft and other spending for the coming months.4. Breaking Your Targets DownBreaking targets down into milestones is another strategy adopted by many renowned business coaches. Once you have your monthly budget, you can then break down your weekly, or even daily spending allowance. If you stick to these targets, you cannot fail and by the end of your plan, you will inevitably be free from your Christmas financial woes. Be as detailed as possible in your planning, accounting for any and all expenditures.5. Other Steps to TakeIt’s common when struggling to get on top of finances to avoid contacting organisations to whom money is owed, such as credit card or utility bill companies. Ironically, communication can gain a great deal of leeway here. If necessary, phone up and inform them you’re unable to pay the bill this month but you can pay extra at the end of February. They will often be more than happy to accommodate, allowing you get on with your day-to-day life, conscience unburdened from money issues.If you continue to struggle to make ends meet, there are companies out there to help. Both CCCS (http://www.cccs.co.uk) and Payplan (http://www.payplan.com/) are organisations set up to offer free advice and also debt management plans for those in need. Best of luck.


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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

Tel: 07970 162753email: [email protected] or [email protected]

north road, Baldock, Hertfordshire sg7 5dn


Take part on January 26th-27thDid you know that British gardens occupy twice the area set aside for nature reserves? This means they play a vital role in wildlife conservation. How you can helpPut up nest boxes and roosting pockets These provide places for birds to breed and sleep.Set up feeding stations High energy foods like stale cake, biscuits, pastry, pasta and potato are enjoyed by many birds. Raisins and other dried fruit are welcomed by Blackbirds and Thrushes. Most garden centres stock a variety of proprietary bird seed and nuts which appeal across the species but don’t forget to scatter some under hedges for shy birds like Dunnocks and Wrens who prefer to feed on the ground.Make sure fresh water is available It’s important for drinking and bathing.Once you’ve created a welcoming environment it’s time to sit back and take part in The Big Garden Birdwatch run by the RSPB (Royal Society

BIG GARDEN BIRDwATCHBY SARAH DAVeY

for the Protection of Birds). Simply spend an hour recording how many birds and which species visit your garden on either the 26th or 27th of January and submit your results online at the address below. Not only will the results will be analysed and published on the site but you’ll get the warm glow that comes from knowing you’ve done your bit for bird conservation.Visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch


Specialists in Country Homes,Rural and Commercial Property Lettings in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire

01462 713713bestresidential.co.uk

Download ouriPhone app

Smyth & Co. are small business specialists offering a broad range of services to Sole Traders, Partnerships & Limited Companies including:

Business Start-Up Assistance Corporate & Personal Tax Advice Self Assessment Tax Returns Management & Annual Accounts Bookkeeping, Payroll, CIS & VAT Business plans and forecasts

For a free consultation call 01767 220214

4 High Street, Langford, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 9RR

www.smythaccountants.co.uk

C

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PRINT - Smith & Co. 27-06-08.pdf 27/06/2008 16:06:46

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES

Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private

residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.

For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:-

01767 677540 or 07908 004816

e-mail: [email protected]

No VAT payable for design and drawingservices on residential projects

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

BIG GARDEN BIRDwATCHBY SARAH DAVeY


gas

water

solar

Gas installerBoiler installation with 5 year warrantyBoiler breakdown & power flushingFrozen condense pipe rectifiedBoiler service and landlord certification

Call: 01462 292247 / 07566 118 24714 Pear Tree Close, Lower Stondon, Bedfordshire SG16 6NDEmail: [email protected] Website: www.dhplumb.co.uk

PlumbinG and heatinGFull heating & bathroom installationUnder floor heating Mains pressure upgradesGeneral plumbing work & maintenance

solarSolar thermal for hot waterSolar PV installation by MCS approved installersSolar cylinder upgrades & breakdowns

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THE LOG MANEstablished 1972

• All Size Fires & Woodburners Catered For

• Half & Full Loads Delivered

Contact: Phillip JeppsYour Local Log Man

T: 01462 711 430M: 07860 411 378

Hardwood Logs


Winter is upon us and even if you think that it can’t become any colder, it’s time to face facts because the lowest temperatures are likely yet to come. Most plants in British gardens are good and hardy, but when conditions become particularly miserable even these may suffer. So whether your garden is already covered in snow and ice, or simply suffering from a slight frosting, it’s time to make sure that it’s wrapped up warm.Plants in containers are particularly vulnerable to winter damage as their roots are not protected beneath the soil but instead are relatively exposed with only the container and a layer of compost to protect them. This leaves the roots in serious danger so, if the garden soil is not frozen solid, plunge any pot that can be plunged. If it’s too heavy to move then wrap it up well in several layers of bubble wrap polythene or old curtains – it may not look pretty but it’ll do the job. Most shrubs and trees in your garden will be ‘hardy’ in the UK, able to withstand all but the most harsh weather but if very harsh weather is forecast or there has been a spell of mild weather which may have encouraged the plant to produce some soft, new growth, then drape a double layer of horticultural fleece over the top growth of the plants and anchor it well.a double fleece layer can of course be used on plants in beds and borders too. Make sure you weigh down the edges of the fleece well with bricks, or use metal pegs at intervals along its length. Larger individual plants in borders can be given good, individual protection if you use four sturdy canes to create a framework, wrap with netting or chicken wire and fill the central space around the plant with dry bracken, straw or leaves.Many wall shrubs, for example the pineapple broom, are grown in this relatively warm and sheltered spot because they aren’t the hardiest of plants. To dramatically reduce any risk of cold damage you can make a similar ‘cage’ of mesh around these and again fill it with dry material so that the plant inside remains snug. It is essential with any such protection that you don’t use materials that cannot ‘breathe’ or else it may become damp inside and the plants will start to deteriorate.evergreens in containers and in open ground may

wRAP UPFOR WINTeR

suffer from drought as well as foliage or stem growth – during the cold weather they continue to need a fair amount of water and if this is frozen solid in the soil, they soon suffer. Deep mulch applied to the soil surface on the root area before the ground becomes frosted will help immensely. During milder spells, if the soil is dry, give them a drink too.Although most fruit trees such as apples, pears, cherries and plums are definitely hardy, they are also prone to damage. Although quite tough, the newly opened blossom and the buds themselves may be damaged, with late frosts being most harmful because the buds are further developed. a fleece cover will help here too. if you live in a particularly cold part of the country and are planting new fruit plants buy them from a local specialist nursery who know local conditions, and try to buy late flowering varieties where possible. If your garden is inclined to be a bit windswept, it may be worth investing in some fleecy jackets for your favourite shrubs. These are made from fleece and are like massive bags, complete with a drawstring at the open end. Just pop them over the plant and tighten the drawstring. Alternatively use a double layer of ordinary fleece, such as the type we offer on my website, wrap it around and cut to size before clipping or tying in place.Outdoor taps and pipework are likely to need protection too, and if left open to the elements could result in burst pipes and expensive bills. I suggest turning outside taps off at the mains, but if this isn’t feasible or logical, do make sure any exposed pipework is properly insulated. Your local builder’s merchant or DIY store is worth a visit for this job - well insulated pipes and garden taps could save you a fortune.Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for some great gift ideas and items for your garden, including signed copies of Pippa’s books, hand-made terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, cloches, pop-up plant cloches, raised bed kits, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Cards, heated propagators and lots more! You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and receive a free e-book on organic gardening.


SEASoNAL DELIGHTSCHOCOLATe PeCAN PIe

If you have a bowlful of nuts left over from Christmas then why not make this classic American favourite with a British twist – simply replace half the pecan nuts with

walnuts, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts. Serve with a dollop of thick Greek yoghurt or whipped

cream.

Serves 8Ready in 1½ hours plus chilling

INGREDIENTSFor the pastry:225g plain flour

100g butter, diced1 medium egg, beaten with 2tbsp cold water

For the filling:100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

50g butter, diced75g golden syrup

4 tbsp maple syrup75g caster sugar

4 medium eggs, beaten175g pecan nuts (or a mixture of pecans,

walnuts, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts)

1 to make the pastry, sift the flour into a bowl and add the diced butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg and water and mix to a crumbly dough. turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap and chill the pastry for 20 minutes.

2 Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface and use to line a 25cm round deep metal pie tin (or a loose-based fluted flan tin). Crimp the pastry edge with your fingers and prick the base all over with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes.

3 Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6 and place a baking sheet in the oven to heat. to make the filling, melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat and stir in the golden syrup, maple syrup and sugar then whisk in the beaten eggs. Chop half the nuts and stir into the mixture.

4 Gently pour the mixture into the pastry case and sprinkle over the rest of the nuts (roughly chopping the hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, if using). Slide the pie tin onto the preheated baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/350F/Gas 4 and bake for a further 25-30 minutes until the filling has set and the pastry is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold.


GILKS FENCING LTD

Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776www.gilksfencing.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public.

•CloseboardFencing •TGVGates •TrellisMadetoCustomersDesign •LapPanelFencing •Railings •ChainLink •KneeRailFencing •ConcreteSlottedPosts •ProfessionalInstallationAvailable

New Address for Gilks Fencing Ltd

Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX

15% OFF all your Winter ProjectsIn January and February 2013

Call 01462 896427 for your FREE quoation

BOOK EARLY – Last few weeks available

For more details or for a free quotation call 01462 896427or email: [email protected]

Gardening a Pain? Let us take the Strain!

20 Years in Herts & Beds (1992-2012)

SEASoNAL DELIGHTSCHOCOLATe PeCAN PIe

Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself?

parent company est. 1998

Contact James on: 01767 260188or Mobile: 07812 666081

email: [email protected] can also book at www.ovenmen.com

We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • ExtractorsAgas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept)

Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) ....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) .....£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ...................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean) ............£12 Hob .................................................................£12 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free


During a cold snap, a fluffy scarf, an extra pair of socks or a delicious hot chocolate can make things more bearable for us humans. But for many animals, winter can be deadly ¬– so please do your bit to prevent animals suffering.• if you have a pond, make sure you check it

every day for ice; as toxic gases can build up in the water of a frozen pond. these may kill fish or frogs that are hibernating at the bottom. If a pond freezes over, carefully place a saucepan of hot water on the surface to gently melt a hole in the ice. Never tip boiling water straight onto the pond or break the ice with force, as this can harm or even kill any fish living there. Dog owners must keep their pets well away from ponds and lakes that are iced over. Thin ice may break under a dog’s weight. Also watch out for dogs’ paws becoming impacted with snow – this can cause them discomfort.

• Keep a close eye on outdoor pets, such as guinea pigs and rabbits. Put extra bedding in their home and be prepared to move them into a shed or unused garage for extra shelter whilst the weather is cold.

• try to maintain a regular routine with your dog. Although you may not feel like taking your dog for a walk on dark wintry evenings, exercise is needed to keep your pet happy and healthy. always wear reflective clothing to make yourself visible when walking near roads in the dark. and don’t forget your pets too – fit

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW SeASONAL ADVICe FOR WINTeR

your dog with a reflective collar.• give your pets a treat, but remember that too

much rich food isn’t good for animals. Some seasonal foods, such as grapes, sultanas and raisins are toxic to dogs, and chocolate can actually kill them. Splinters of poultry bones are also dangerous to dogs and cats, as they can become stuck in their throats or even pierce their intestinal tract.

• if horses and ponies are kept outside during the winter they must have access to shelter at all times. They also need a constant supply of fresh water (check that ice hasn’t formed on it) and a rug to protect them against the cold and wet. extra food will be needed too, as winter grazing provides very little nourishment.

So, don’t forget your pets’ specific needs during the winter months. Try to keep to a regular routine of feeding and exercising them, and protect them from the harsh weather.ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA North Bedfordshire

branchwww.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk


•Clothing Alteration & Repairs

•Curtains & Blind making up service

Sew much more...Call Eve on:

07599 539 636 (Located in Baldock)

www.evenstitches.vpweb.co.uk

Eve 'n ' Stitches

•Clothing Alteration & Repairs

Sewing Services

Stitches Stitches Sewing


Find yourideal car today!

01462 457070 / 07595 87541425 High Street, Shillington,

Herts, SG5 [email protected]

Cash 4 CarsTel: 07429 883884

Cash 4 CarsAll cars and vans brought for cash

£100-£5000Runners and non runners

Fully insured.

For a polite and friendly service call Paul on 07429 883884

• interior/exterior - all aspects

• wallpaper hanging

• coving

• general household maintenance

• plastering services available

• free estimates

• fully insured

References available

James CullipPainting & Decorating

t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545e: [email protected]

10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

FULLY INSURED!Local company who can fix all types

of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation.

Steamed Up GlassFaulty Window

or Door Locks & HingesDraughty Windows and DoorsLeaking Conservatory Roofs

Fascias and GuttersNew Conservatory Roofs

EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

1st Glass Window Repairs30

yearsexperience


Delivery and fitting service in days rather than weeks

Low, low prices, high quality stock

Lots of ChoiceImmediate Availability

The Carpet Trade Centre• Over10,000sqftof warehousetochoosefrom• 100’sofdesigns, stockalwayschanging• Vinyl/cushionfloorstock• Largechoiceofrugs

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

Henlow SG16 6DS


How to play It’s simple! Fill in

the grid so that

each row, column

and 3x3 box,

contains the digits

1 through to 9 with

no repetition.

Use your logic to

solve the puzzle.

Watch out! Sudoku

is highly addictive.

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22

23 24

25 26

a B C D e F g h i J K L M n O P Q R S t U V W X Y Z

9 x 9 PUZZLE

CoD

Ewo

RD

36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts


TV AERIAL &SATELLITE SPECIALIST

See our website for acomprehensive list of our services

www.allbandaerials.co.uk

CALL FREE0800 7317988

To discuss your requirements or to make an appointment

ALLBAND AERIALS22 Bedford Road

Lower Stondon, Beds SG16 6EA

Painting & Decorating

Property Maintenance

Quality WorkmanshipPapering, Coving etc.

Interior and Exterior WorkFree Quotations

CallW Firkins & Partners Ltd

01462 814117 or 07939 267083Est 1981

20 Clifton Road, Shefford, Beds


Made to Measure Quality Timber Products

Doors, Windows, Stairs, Gates,

Cabinets & Mouldings

T. Jordan Carpentry & Joinery

Please call Tim on 01462 85036322 Station Road, Lower Stondon, Henlow SG16 6JP

R . France & Son

all building works undertakenextensions

modernizationsloft and garage conversations

Bathrooms into wet roomspvCu windows and doors

disabled rampsdecorating/ papering etc

please call01767 223675 / 01767 31521407880 594495 / 07929 732850

EST. 1970


30th October-9 January 2013Xhibit @ Priory House

Office hoursPriory House, Shefford Free admission

An exciting mix of pastel, painting, photography, prints and ceramics by Artists’ Network

Bedfordshire artists Michael Brace, Janis Coles, Ian Grinham, Carol Mountford, Anja Penger-Onyett,

Ruth Rickwood and Jamie Stevenson

5 & 6 JanuaryAntique & Collectors Fair

Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 9am-4pmWood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester

Adults & Concessions £3.50, Children Free, Online price Adults & Concessions £2.50

Whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector looking to complete a cherished

collection, or an enthusiast searching for the ‘once in a lifetime’ treasure, the fair offers a diverse range

of antiques and collectables.Web: www.aztecevents.co.uk

wHAT’S oN?IN JANUARY

9 JanuaryLangford WI

7.15pmMethodist Church Schoolroom, Langford

£3Speaker Len Little on “Training and use of Police

Dogs”. Visitors welcome.

10 JanuaryTo the Edges of the Universe

Course £50 for 10 1½hr sessions. Various concessions available.

St Andrews Church Hall, Church Street, Langford, SG18 9QA

Langford WeA. Many exciting discoveries are being made by

giant telescopes and space probes combined with computer techniques are pushing our knowledge of

the Universe to its edges. Tutor Tony Woodhouse.

Tel: Jean Chapman 01462 700306

Entries into our what’s on sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please

email the details to [email protected]


J W ABuilding & Maintenance

• Extensions • Patios • Driveways • Carpentry • Plumbing • Electrics • Kitchens • Decking • Roofing • Plastering • Painting • Decorating • Brickwork • Tiling • Bathrooms • Domestic • Commercial • Refurbishments

Tel:01462735565Mob:[email protected]

jwa-buildingandmaintenance.co.uk14GlebeAvenue,Arlesey,BedfordshireSG156UP

Quality PVC-U Windows & DoorsMANUFACTURERS & INSTALLERS

Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Bi-Folding Doors & Composite Doors

Unit 2-6 Shannon Place,Potton, Sandy, Beds SG19 2SP

T. 01767 260 626E. [email protected]

www.pottonwindows.co.uk

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC • Verticle Sliding Sash Windows

• Casement Windows

• Residential & French Doors

• Patio Doors • Pivot Windows

• 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee

• Discount for Pensioners • FENSA Certification

Potton Windows Limited was established in 1987


Across1 Argument (7)5 Engine (5)8 Certain (9)9 Rodent (3)10 Nightclub (5)12 oblivious (7)13 musical backing (13)15 operating room (7)17 Edition (5)19 ocean (3)20 Young adults (9)22 Fashion (5)23 weekday (7)Down1 Chopped up (5)2 male child (3)3 Alike (7)4 Incentive (13)5 Tv, radio (5)6 Intimidates (9)7 Draw back (7)11 Personal Assistant (9)13 Painters (7)14 Copy (7)16 Heading (5)18 Thesis (5)21 Finish (3)

42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Name:

Address:

Tel:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 18th January 2013.

Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

1st Prize£25

Last Month’s Crossword Winners. Congratulations to:1st prize - Mr P Chells from Great Barford and 2nd prize - Heather Grant from Sandy

For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com

Ty Interiors Prize Crossword Sponsored by Ty Interiors, The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4RF

Please enter me into the prize draw to be drawn at end of 3 months for £1000 off a fully fitted kitchen. T&C’s apply. (Please tick)


Interior and Exterior WorkWallpapering and Coving

Reliable and Local Specialist

City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience

Painter & Decorator

Alan George

Sole traderNo VAT

Free estimates

Call Alan on 01582 454604

Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: [email protected]


There are no two ways about it: wood windows always add character to a property. They are inviting, homely and will certainly enhance most houses. The downside, of course, is the high maintenance, lower energy efficiency and recently the cost will almost always exceed that of plastic. But plastic won’t always give you the aesthetics you may desire, or your property commands. However, there is now a product range on the market which does tick all the boxes and, even more surprisingly, they are manufactured in Biggleswade!the Storm range of windows and doors offers a very high quality wood-grain effect UPVC product which replicates the visual detailed beauty of traditional wood but with the major benefits of plastic. With full draught exclusion, weather proofing and noise reduction as well as significant maintenance reduction, they address the areas natural products are weaker in, particularly important with the recent rise in fuel tarrifs. Not only that but the nature of the products allow for more light to permeate as

PLASTIC FANTASTICLANGFORD WINDOWS

the frames are narrower while still maintaining the traditional timber sight lines. They don’t just come in white but a range of effects and colours (heritage greens being particularly popular at the moment) and to increase the light in the room further, the range can be coloured externally only.To further enhance the traditional look, leading and Georgian bars can be added and - the smallest of details to truly authenticate the look - a variety of handles, including the epitomy of the english country cottage, black or pewter monkey tail ironmongery can even be an option. Not something you would ever imagine sitting on plastic! To truly demonstrate the Storm authentic look, we have had several customers whose applications have passed the stringent Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation requirements.So, far from being purely functional, plastic really can improve the overall look, efficiency and function of your home, and without the maintenance it will certainly add to your precious time too!


Tel: 07507 963008 Boiler replacements and breakdowns

Power flushingGeneral plumbing & heating

Radiators, cylinders and tanks. Gas safe registered.

All types of roofing work undertaken.

Friendly, reliable and professional service.

Tel: 07989 423449 or 01767 317121

www.baroofing.co.uk

Drying time kept to a minimum

Flea & Dustmite control available

24 Years’ Experience

Fully Insured

NO VAT for a limited period

01462 732632 [email protected]

CArpET AND uphOlsTErY ClEANINg

S2C_ADD.indd 1 09/12/2010 16:41

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Property Maintenance

R. CHAPMANHome & Garden Services

Patio’sDrivewaysFencingBrickworkPainting & DecoratingTiling

20 Years Experience - No Job Too Small!01462 850575 or 07950 311881

Chimney Sweepsweeping Certificate issued

iCs registered

please call Brian on 07968 [email protected]

Chimney Sweep

Logs & Kindling

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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

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Stephens Dinky ad_02.indd 1 3/12/12 11:44:54

Removals & Storage

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Specialist in Remedial Massage for:• Stressrelatedtension• Preandpostcompetitiontreatments• Sportsinjuries• Neck/backcomplaints• Internationalathleteclientele

By appointmentMob:07989863693www.supple-flex.co.uk

Massage

C l a s s i f i e d s

Come along to Baldock and enjoy a fine art experience!

WillowMews 6a Hitchin Street Baldock Herts SG7 6AEtel : 01462 622233 www.gallery1066fineart.com

open tuesday - saturday 10am - 6pm, private viewings available

Celebrate the New Year with

Gallery 1066

Fabian Perez

Enjoy a fine art experience, complimentary glass of wine and artworkfrom over 70 artists from around the world.This leading HertfordshireGallery has somuch to offer including fabulous works from artists suchas Rolf Harris, Dylan Izaak and Doug Hyde.

Our team is on hand to guide the first time buyer to the connoisseur –with an array of collectable signed limited editions, originals,sculptures and gift sets.

henlow january

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