Henlow May 2013

Issue 54 - May 2013

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

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VILLAGERThe

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

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

EditorialSolange Hando, Julia Faulks,Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Helen Taylor, Pippa Greenwood, Alex Brown, Kate McLelland and Anthony Tavistock

Advertising SalesMary Williams Tel: 07453 [email protected]

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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 54 - May 2013

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

£25Prize

CrosswordSee Inside

Your

FREEcopy

VILLAGERThe

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

Bringing In The May ........................................................ 4Colonel Blood Steals the Crown Jewels ..........................7Ashwell at Home ............................................................. 8Langford Family Fete ......................................................11Tallinn Old Town, Estonia ............................................... 12Pedal Power.................................................................... 14Sapphire Social Club ....................................................... 17Study For Success ........................................................... 18Bird of Prey Centre .........................................................22Blown away ....................................................................24Perfect Posture ..............................................................26Ignorance is No Defence ................................................29Coping With Things You Cannot Hide ...........................35Animal Queries ............................................................... 41Children’s Page ...............................................................42Seasonal Delights .......................................................... 44Loft Insulation ................................................................47Puzzle Page ................................................................... 48Fun Quiz ......................................................................... 56What’s On ...................................................................... 58Wordsearch ................................................................... 60Book Reviews .................................................................62

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In this Issue

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One of the best indications that summer is about to arrive is when Britain’s hedgerows explode with the pink and white blossoms of the hawthorn. The hawthorn is one of those quintessentially English trees: although quietly unobtrusive for most of the year, it bursts into spectacular life in the late spring, with flowers crowded so densely together they look like snowfall. In the autumn it glows with clusters of red berries.No wonder the tree features so strongly in ancient folklore. The old name for hawthorn was “may” and the flower of the may tree has long been considered a symbol of hope. It even gave its name to The Mayflower, the famous ship that sailed from England in 1620, transporting a stalwart band of pilgrims to build a new life in America.As its alternative name suggests, hawthorn was central to ancient May Day celebrations.The old Celtic festival of May Day was known as ‘Beltane’ after the Celtic god of light, or the sun. The beginning of summer was also celebrated in Ancient Rome at the Floralia festival (dedicated to the flower goddess Flora), which took place at roughly the same time. May Day celebrations in Britain were probably a hybrid of both traditions mixed up with Druidic tree worship, and the introduction of Christianity did little to dispel these pagan traditions. On the first day of May, villagers would wake at daybreak and roam through the countryside, gathering flowers and hawthorn twigs to decorate their houses. A maypole – usually the trunk of a birch tree, stripped of its branches and decorated with ribbons and flowers - was set up in the middle of the village green. In olden times maypoles were constructed with three rings on the top - the highest and smallest was made of hawthorn. The community danced around the pole, singing traditional songs, while the men of the village performed Morris dances and the prettiest girl, dressed in floral garlands, was crowned Queen of the May. Occasionally a May King was also chosen, and the pair ruled over the festivities. In Elizabethan times, the king and queen were given the names ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Maid Marian’.These celebrations were derived from ancient

BRInGInG In THE MAY BY KATE MCLELLAND

fertility rituals and the ‘greenwood marriages’ that took place provide clear evidence of this. Often young girls came home from their country rambles with more than a garland of flowers. As one observer wrote: “I have hearde of tenne maidens whiche went to set May, and nine of them came home with childe.”May Day festivities reached their height in England during the Middle Ages but in 1644 the Puritans passed a law which made them illegal. This attempt to repress the celebrations eventually failed, mainly because they were too deeply rooted in rural culture. When the monarchy was restored some years later and Charles II came to the throne, people all over the country put up maypoles as a sign of loyalty to the crown.For the next two hundred years the old customs continued, but interest in May Day traditions began to fade. They enjoyed a brief revival in the Victorian era but any connection to fertility rites was deliberately overlooked and maypole dancing was reduced to an innocent children’s game.Sadly by this time the hawthorn – once the embodiment of hope for the coming summer – had also lost its significance, becoming just another tree in the British landscape.


Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, Blackbeard – outlaws, highwaymen and pirates always seem to have exercised a romantic fascination on the British. One such bloodthirsty brigand who might have entered the canon but hasn’t is Thomas Blood, an Irish-born adventurer who deserves to be better known if only because almost all of his daring coups were farcical failures.Blood was born in 1618 to a landed family in County Clare. In the Civil War he joined the Royalists, but as a Presbyterian quickly realised he was on the wrong side and went over to the Roundheads. He seems to have done well in Cromwell’s army (although it’s said his rank of Colonel was self-awarded), and when the war was over he was granted confiscated Royalist lands worth £500 a year.Unfortunately for Blood, the Monarchy was restored in 1660 and his lands were returned to their original owners. Bankrupt and furious, he and a gang of similarly dispossessed desperadoes tried to kidnap the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, the Duke of Ormonde, by storming Dublin Castle. It was his first fiasco: most of the gang (including his brother) were rounded up and hanged, while Blood fled to Holland. In 1670 he had another

9 MAY 1671: COLONEL BLOOD STEALS THE CROWN JEWELS

crack at Ormonde, who had moved to London. Blood mustered another gang and tried to kidnap the duke in broad daylight. Ormonde’s servants easily fought them off, though; and once again the gang paid the price while Blood escaped, with a £1,000 reward on his head.A few months later he popped up again, this time dressed as a vicar and, accompanied by a fictitious “wife”, befriended the 77-year-old keeper of the Crown Jewels, Talbot Edwards, who had the regalia in his cellar in the Tower of London and showed them to visitors for a fee. While there, the “wife” pretended to suffer a stomach cramp, so Edwards and his wife fussed over her and gave her a glass of brandy. Thus a connection was made; and over the ensuing weeks Blood visited often, gaining the old man’s confidence and even contracting a marriage between Edwards’s daughter and his (again, fictitious) nephew. On the morning of 9 May 1671 he brought some confederates to see the jewels and, while his “nephew” kept Mrs Edwards and the daughter occupied upstairs, hit the unsuspecting Edwards over the head with a mallet and started stuffing the regalia into a sack. Which proved too small. While Blood bashed one of the crowns flat with his mallet, one gang member tried to break the sceptre in two and another stuffed the orb down his trousers. The plan had been to walk out as innocently as they’d walked in, but at this point Edwards came round and started yelling. There was no plan B. The gang tried to run but were soon caught. And then a strange thing happened. Blood demanded a personal audience with the King – and received one. And instead of waving him off to Tyburn, Charles II set him free and even granted him a pension. Conspiracy theorists maintain that this shows that the perennially cash-strapped King was in on it; but if he had been, surely he would have shut Blood’s mouth for good at the business end of a rope? Perhaps the Merry Monarch just found the blundering bandit too hilarious to hang.Blood spent the rest of his life peacefully in London, even attending court sometimes, and died in 1680. It’s a shame he’s not better known – perhaps someone should make a film of his life. A farce.

Unknown man, formerly known as Thomas Blood, by Gerard Soest. Picture held in National

Gallery.


Ashwell at Home, Sunday 12th May 12-6pmEntertainment for all the family with open

gardens, exhibitions, guided walks, veteran cycles, garden music concerts, Morris dancing,

funfair, lunches & teas and much more.Entry by programme: £6 adults (under 14s free) -

available on the day. Free parking.

This year, Ashwell at Home will be on Sunday 12th May from 12 noon - 6.00pm, raising money for the village museum, church and school.To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this popular village event, there will be even more to see and do with entertainment for all the family. And, if you arrive promptly, you will be able to see the

unveiling of the new village sign at 12noon.In addition to 15 open gardens including a medieval farmhouse enclosed by a moat, you can visit the village lock-up (no longer in use!) and Ashwell cottage garden is hosting an

ASHWELL AT HoME 2013 SUNDAY 12TH MAY

archaeological dig. There will be a wide selection of displays including a Palestinian costume exhibition, harp demonstration, two model railways, old concertinas and accordions and much more. There will be Morris dancing, vintage cycle tour, Well Dressing (an ancient custom of thanksgiving for the purity of water during the Black Death), Mummers play, cricket match and Henry Harris’s funfair. And everywhere you will find “Ashwell Alive” plaques telling the history of many of the houses. New for this year are a music trail with short garden concerts performed by local musicians throughout the afternoon and guided walking tours that invite you to explore the historic heart of Ashwell and a wildlife tour through local countryside. There is also a ‘Made in Ashwell’ craft display and market.You can visit Ashwell Museum, the village school and even climb St. Mary’s Church tower for spectacular views over the village and way beyond (admission to the tower £3.00). Homemade lunches and teas will be readily available.

Entry £6 per person. Children under 14 free. Free parking.


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This established village event combines community and trade stalls, children’s and family activities with entertainment in a central arena, drawing visitors from Biggleswade, Bedford, Hitchin, Stevenage and surrounding towns and villages. Langford is aiming to raise £2,000 towards the upkeep of the Village Hall and Playing Fields, plus funds for local community groups such as Scouts and Guides, Langford Youth Football Cricket, the Church, the Lower School, and pre-school groups. The Fete organisers are currently looking for Sponsors from local businesses which will be closely associated with this event. Organisations can provide a raffle prize and/or financial donation of any size. The Fete is promoted through advertising, posters, flyers, local community groups and on the Internet. Where support is provided the name of your business will appear in all of these media. Of course, the fete organisers are only too aware of the continuing

LAnGFoRD FAMILY FETE 6TH JULY 2013

difficult economic conditions facing all businesses at this time. But please remember that this is not only an opportunity for you to support our local community, but also to promote your business to a wide audience of potential customers; and the success of this event depends upon the involvement and generosity of both businesses and their customers in our community.John Shipman, one of the fete organisers, would be really grateful for your involvement, and early commitment would be very much appreciated. If you would like to discuss something outside the scope of this letter we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please call John if you wish to discuss anything at all, on 01462 700 650.


Long ago on Toompea Hill, the noble families of Tallinn enjoyed fresh air and stunning views while at their feet, artisans and traders earned their living in dark mysterious lanes. Nowadays, in Estonia’s capital, the hill top welcomes everyone with its lovely esplanades looking down on red gabled roofs, cobbled alleyways, lofty spires and the remains of the city wall. The Baltic Sea glistens in the distance and the chiming of bells mingles with bird song.Up there, two cathedrals beckon, the old Lutheran church with tombs and coats of arms and the modern Russian Orthodox with golden mosaics and onion-shaped domes. Girls in Estonian dress sell roasted almonds on a quiet square and the Old Town, now a World Heritage site, tumbles down the picturesque streets, known as ‘Tallinn’s two legs’. In the humble Danish King’s Garden, they say, Valdemar II rested on his way to Toompea and inspired by a vision of what would become the Danish flag, he led his troops to victory. All around, flowering plants and medieval Guild signs line the meandering steps and alleyways where small art galleries and craft shops mingle with outdoor cafés and secluded courtyards. Look out for St Nicholas church, famous for its silver and dancing skeletons and St Olav’s which, when it was built in 1500, claimed the world’s tallest spire. The House of the Black Heads Brotherhood was for young unmarried merchants, protected by an African saint, and the ‘Fat Margaret’ tower, named after a cook, is now the Maritime Museum. Now and then, you catch a glimpse of the limestone city wall, dating back to the 13th century, over a mile long altogether and dotted with fairy tale towers, including the ivy-draped Viru Gate, the city’s icon, and the strangely-named ‘Maidens’ Tower’ where prostitutes were sent to jail. St Catherine’s Passage and the Masters’ Courtyard are awash with ceramics, quilts and hand-painted silk, sheer delight for photographers, but gems await on every corner, here a Dominican Priory, there a flour mill, a Great Guildhall and on the Town Hall Square, the oldest pharmacy in Europe.This colourful square has been the heart of town for 800 years. The Gothic Town Hall is a 15th century masterpiece, some say the best of its

Tallinn Old TOwn - EsTOniaBY SOLANGE HANDO

kind in Northern Europe, with dragons spouting water from the façade and Old Thomas, the local mascot, perched atop the tower. Pink, red, white or cream, tall merchant houses rise all around, bearing witness to the wealth of the Hanseatic League, a medieval guild which traded from the Baltic to the North Sea. Visitors gaze at the compass rose on the round stone and the great cauldrons of elk soup bubbling under the arcades where traditional restaurants beckon with fur-covered chairs. Some seek out the Bishops’ House festooned in apostles’ niches, others make their way to the City’s Museum and its scale model of Tallinn but sooner or later, the bakeries beckon with tempting displays of hand-made chocolates and marzipan, invented right here, in the old pharmacy. According to legend, the pharmacist was ill and the astute apprentice, who had to test all remedies, replaced the bitter herbs with sweet ingredients. Everyone loved it, especially the patients. So in Old Tallinn today, you’ll find marzipan in all shapes and colours and you can even try making your own in a local workshop.


Road cycling is an exhilarating way to challenge yourself and get fitYou know what they say about riding a bike – once you’ve learned you never forget. So if you enjoyed zooming down hills when you were younger (and struggling up them!) road cycling may be the ideal sport for you. As the name suggests, road cycling involves riding exclusively on roads, and the aim is to build up your speed and the distance you can cover. It’s a very efficient way to get fit and lose weight as it’s one of the few sports that you can sustain for two to four hours. Like running, it gets you out in the fresh air, but it is low impact and places less strain on your joints. Road bikes are designed for racing. They have a lightweight frame, narrow tyres and rounded handlebars so that you sit forward in an aerodynamic position. You can pay anything from £150 to £5000 plus. Cheaper bikes are made from steel or aluminium, while the more expensive are carbon fibre or titanium, which is amazingly strong and light.If you decide to take up the sport seriously, look for a well-known brand and expect to pay around £600. Getting the right size is important, so ask your local bike shop for advice. Your legs should

PEDAL PoWERBY ALEx BROWN

be almost straight when they are on the pedal at bottom of the turn. There are two types of pedals on road bikes. Platform pedals are like those on a traditional bicycle and you will need to add toe clips. Modern clipless pedals will need special shoes with cleats on them that fix your foot to the pedals. The saddle of a road bicycle is normally very narrow and can be uncomfortable, so you may want to get a gel cover or wear padded shorts. When you’re out on the roads, safety has to be your top priority. A helmet is a must, as is brightly coloured clothing. Ride your bike as if you were driving a car and obey traffic laws. Take a tool kit with you – a spare inner tube, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, pump and Allen keys are essential. It’s also sensible to carry your address and phone number in case of an accident.Think of road cycling as a long-term sport. It will take you a few weeks to get used to your bike and build up your speed and stamina. Joining a club is a great way to keep motivated. You’ll find a directory of over 1500 clubs at www.britishcycling.org.uk ranging from informal groups who ride for pleasure to competitive racing teams. So what are you waiting for – get on your bike!


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Sapphire Social and Singles Club has recently evolved from a social group for singles called Nexus, you may have heard of it, it was a nationwide organisation that had groups everywhere, that organisation has now gone into administration, thus leaving its members ‘high and dry’ and with no possibility of new members joining. In an effort to save our local group, which is the last remaining in our area, and to stay in touch with the friends we have made over the past 10-15 years we have decided to ‘go independent’, hence our new name Sapphire Social Club. Our membership is approximately 44 now.We still cater for the unattached from the age of 45 years and upwards. We are not a dating agency or a lonely hearts club, we are very much a social group where everyone can feel comfortable coming along to our events alone. Many good friendships have been forged over the years, even those that have moved away or who are no longer members still stay in touch. Yes, relationships have also been formed and we now have a number of couples although originally few joined with that intent. Separation, divorce or loss of a partner often leave many people completely at a loss socially and desperate for new friends, people who can empathize with them, and the older we become the more difficult many find it. Not for most of us the local disco and ‘hot spots’.We enjoy a variety of events which include meals out to suit all tastes, house parties, theatre trips both locally and to London which include everything from musicals, drama, pop,

SAPPHIRE SoCIAL CLUBWWW.SAPPHIRESOCIALSINGLESCLUB.CO.UK

tributes, Shakespeare and ballet, open air concerts, country walks which always include a Sunday lunch together, ten pin bowling, quizzes, short coach breaks, dancing, trivial pursuit evenings ‘at home’ etc. All these events are organised by our members, so our club is only as good and as interesting as we make it and we can always use new ideas and interests.We hold weekly bar nights in Hitchin on a Thursday evening from 8.30pm, a friendly get together and chat to catch up with one another and promote any events that are taking place. The first Thursday in the month we meet slightly earlier and enjoy a meal together. A monthly events list with contact numbers and a news letter is available for all members. We do welcome any potential new members to come along and meet us twice before deciding to join or not, someone is always available to meet you should you find that easier initially.There is a small annual fee for our members, £30 per head, which covers advertising, telephone, stationery and printing costs, any surplus funds will be put back in to subsidize an event (we always have the most lovely and well attended Christmas dinner dance.) Should you find yourself in need of new friends and social activities and think this may be right for you, feel free check us out. You can contact Joyce a club welcomer on 07960 440 417. If she is unavailable please leave a message and she will return your call.

Our web address is www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk


Get the results you want with our top tipsPreparation is the key to revising effectively. Make sure you know what type of exams you will have – short questions, multiple-choice or essays – and what topics they will cover. Organise your course notes and textbooks so that everything is easy to find. Work out how much time you have for each subject and don’t avoid the ones that you find particularly difficult – or easy. Make a timetable, but don’t spend so long making it look beautiful that you’re behind before you start! Remember to include your other commitments and try to maintain your normal routine of mealtimes, exercise and so on. Think about the time of day that you work best – some people are night owls while others get more done in the early morning. Plan a ten-minute break in every hour and don’t work for more than three hours at a time. Now divide the topics you need to learn into manageable chunks. To help memorise information, make notes and put as much as you can into your own words. Summarise key points and write them on index cards or sticky notes that you can put around the house. You may find that making a spider diagram or mind map is helpful. Try inventing your own mnemonics, such as

STUDY FoR SUCCESS BY ALEx BROWN

Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the points of the compass. You can also visualise a scene that includes details you need to remember – a battlefield or mountain habitat, for example.Make the most of revision classes offered by your school or college. You could also revise with a friend – practice explaining difficult concepts and ask each other challenging questions.Get hold of as many old exam papers and example questions as you can. Familiarise yourself with the way questions are worded and make sure you understand exactly what they are asking you to do. Prepare draft answers to questions that come up frequently. When the exam gets close, complete a paper within the time limit to get an idea of how quickly you need to work. To keep motivated, reward yourself with a weekly treat such as a trip to the cinema or a favourite meal. But if it’s not going so well, don’t give up! Adjust your timetable and focus on the areas you find most difficult, or common questions. Keep thinking about what a good grade will bring – a university place or that dream job.The night before the exam, have a quick look through your notes, but don’t cram. Get an early night so you wake up refreshed and ready to go. Good luck!


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The restaurant, located in the beautiful old Biggleswade Town Hall, a listed building with massive Doric Columns and superb Drum Clock, opened on 20th March. It features images of paintings by

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With Easter and summer fast approaching, many parents may be on the lookout for cheap days out to entertain the children. Nestled away at Shuttleworth Collage, Old Warden lays the bird of prey centre. Home to some fine examples of birds with attitude, this lovely location makes for a great day trip. It will provide a great experience for children and will also appeal to the enthusiast, private flying lessons are provided with a choice of either falcon or owl. The location itself is scenic and can provide a great backdrop to any walk. And for the adults, Old Warden is not too far from Ireland where the Black Horse pub can be found for a spot of lunch or drink. The large variety of birds includes some more exotic species, like the colourful parrots and caracaras; others include golden eagles, bald eagles and even vultures. There are a range of owls and smaller birds on display too. In the flying displays you will see the birds in action, where the sheer power of the birds can be observed. On my visit the centre put several different species of bird on display at the same time. This was great fun to watch, every bird has its own character and made the entire display very special. The centre also has a pelican which was displayed during the flying demonstration I viewed, He patiently sat in the audience.The staff members at the centre are all very friendly and passionate about their work. They were very happy to share some funny stories such as the time one of their birds flew all the

SHUTTLEWoRTH BIRD OF PREY CENTRE

way into the Midlands after being mocked by crows. There are multiple talks which take place during the day, visitors are free to listen in and learn more about a specific species of bird. This is another chance to get close to the birds. Some interesting bird facts • The fastest bird is the peregrine falcon. It can

swoop down on its prey at a speed of 300 km an hour. These can be seen at the centre whilst in flight or being fed.

• The highest fliers are vultures and geese. • Owls have the best vision and hearing at night;

on my visit to Shuttleworth I was informed Owls are 90% fluff and 10% eyes, disproving the myth that Owls are one of the wisest birds. True or not, the centre boasts a large variety of Owls. Including some Snowy owls, this will excite any Harry Potter fanatic.

• Parrots are the longest-living birds. They can reach an age of up to 100 years.

This is just one of the many hidden gems in Bedfordshire, this summer make the most of exploring and save money by just travelling a few miles from your front door. The children will find the experience enjoyable and also very educational. And if the birds don’t top the bill then why not check out the aircraft hangars on the same site. Shuttleworth offers many opportunities to spend an entire day out in one location.


Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more.

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You can’t beat the feeling of leaving the hairdressers with a perfectly blow-dried mane that’s glossy, bouncy and completely glamorous.When your hair looks great you feel fantastic, but as most of us are trying to cut down on our monthly spend, it can be hard to justify visits to the stylist in between your regular cut and colour.Because we don’t want you to compromise on looking and feeling great, we’ve compiled a guide that will help you to achieve a professional-looking blow-dry at home.Wash and GoIt’s really important to think carefully before buying shampoo and conditioner. You need to assess your hair’s needs and select products that will work with your hair to achieve the look you want.If your hair is dry, brittle and straw-like, you’ll need a shampoo and conditioner that will add much-needed moisture to your locks, leaving them manageable and supple when you come to style your hair.Coloured hair - particularly red shades, as they fade so fast - requires a specialist shampoo and conditioner that won’t strip away your hue, but will instead pamper it and prolong the time between colours.

BLoWn AWAYA SALON BLOW-DRY AT HOME BY HELEN TAYLOR

It’s worth investing in quality products for your hair, because cheap shampoos tend to contain harsh ingredients that strip the natural oils and quickly remove the artificial colour. Although you pay a lot more at the time of purchase, you’ll find that good shampoos and conditioners last a lot longer, because you don’t need to use so much of them. Be prepared not to see much lather when you wash though; professional products don’t behave the same way as cheaper versions, because their ingredients are better.Always ask your stylist for advice. They use them every day on all different hair types and will know what will work best for yours.Ready to BlowOnce you’ve washed your hair, wrap it in a towel and leave it for a short time, so that it’s damp rather than dripping wet when you start to dry it.Next, gently brush through your hair using a good brush - natural bristles are best. Keep an eye on plastic varieties, because they tend to break and can snag and pull at your hair, resulting in split ends and damage.Section your hair using clips - even if it’s relatively short. Start at the bottom of your hair first, moving to the top of your head last.Whilst your hair is damp apply a little oil or serum to the lengths to lock in moisture and add shine.Dry Like a ProfessionalUsing a round barrel brush (which creates volume and lift) start drying the first section, roots first. Keep your dryer about six inches away from your scalp, so that the heat isn’t too intense. Use your brush to grip and pull hair taut in the direction you want it to go.If your hair is very fine or damaged, use a cooler setting so that you don’t cause breakage. Direct the air from your dryer downwards - the nozzle will help with this - to create a smooth, sleek finish.Don’t move on to the next section until each is completely dry but be sure to keep moving your dryer as leaving heat concentrated on one area for too long will frazzle your locks.Set and add shine to your blow-dry by finishing off with a cool blast of air from your dryer and add a little more gloss or oil to make your tresses look even shinier.


BLoWn AWAYA SALON BLOW-DRY AT HOME BY HELEN TAYLOR

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Slumping at our desks and hunching our shoulders as we walk are hard habits to break, especially as we age and there’s no one there to tell us to ‘stand up straight!’ Here’s how to perfect your posture… As a nation we spend hours on our phones, laptops and in front of the TV, so it’s fair to say that posture is often the last thing on our mind. However, years of bending, twisting, slumping on the sofa or hauling heavy bags around, could take their toll and end up damaging your spine.Posture isn’t just about how you sit, but also affects the way you stand, lie down or move around. Bad posture can lead to back pain, repetitive strain injuries and may even worsen existing medical conditions. If you’re having a baby you need to be even more careful as pregnancy hormones will temporarily loosen your ligaments. Many of us will just sit back and accept the nagging aches and pains we feel throughout the day, whether we’re at our desks or on our feet for long periods. But making vital changes to the way you look after your posture could save you problems further down the line. Ergonomics (the posh name for posture) doesn’t have to be as complicated as it sounds - it’s just about supporting your back and reducing the strain that comes from aligning your body incorrectly. When sitting at a desk you can avoid bending awkwardly and straining muscles simply by readjusting your chair or positioning your keyboard and mouse in the right position. Invest in some posture-friendly props, such as wrist or foot rests, as well as an ergonomic chair.

PERFECT PoSTUREBY JULIA FAULKS

Avoid holding your phone between your neck and shoulder, carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, slumping forward in your chair, or slouching and hunching your shoulders over.It’s worth remembering that good posture doesn’t just bring physical benefits - you will look and feel more confident and attractive when you stand up straight and proud. Some people even claim that good posture can knock pounds off (sadly, this is just a visual illusion, but hey, it’s far easier than dieting). It’s also important to regularly exercise – walking and swimming are two easy activities that will help keep your spine healthy and your muscles in good shape. Forget walking around the house with a book balancing on your head - the next time you feel yourself drooping, remember these basic tips: 1. Keep both of your feet flat on the floor when sitting – if you can’t reach the floor, use a footrest. 2. Make sure your back is resting against the back of the chair and avoid leaning forward.3. As you walk, keep the weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels.4. Don’t lock your knees and wear supportive footwear. 5. Stand up, have a stretch or go for a walk. If you’re experiencing back ache or any other aches and pains that won’t go away it’s always a good idea to have it checked out by your doctor. You may also decide to search for a local osteopath who can decide what treatment you may need and give you some exercises that you can carry out at home.


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Taking professional financial advice is advisable, but your own education is essentialIn my parents’ day, money was a simpler matter. In many families they went to work, earned their money, paid their taxes and saved what they could. When it came time to buy a house, they approached the bank manager to see if he would be kind enough to lend them three times the husband’s salary (the wife stayed at home looking after the children) for a repayment mortgage which was paid off over 20 or 25 years before he got his final salary scheme pension.By the time I started earning money, it had become much more complicated. We were two people paying the mortgage needing much higher salary multiples to afford rising house prices. Then came the ending of MIRAS, the emergence of interest only mortgages and endowment policies to pay them off (or not as it turned out in some cases). Pensions became more complex too, with choices for opting out of SERPS, private pension schemes, money purchase schemes and final salary scheme pensions became a distant memory for most.Throw in the scandals of mis-selling of endowments and PPI to name just two, and it’s clear even for my generation the financial world has become a confusing place. Hedge funds, derivatives, swaps – even the so-called experts struggle to make sense of it.The common thing throughout all these generations, my parents, myself, our children, is that none of us have ever had any financial education. Not one single lesson in the classroom at my school was ever devoted to personal financial matters. The financial company employees are taught how to sell to us, but we have little idea of how to make a judgement on what they tell us.At last, this should be about to change.In 2011, 118,000 people signed an e-petition via the MoneySavingExpert.com website to force the issue of Financial Education in Schools to be debated in Parliament. Draft proposals have been published recently and are still under consultation into April, but it is expected that from September 2014, financial education will form part of the national curriculum in England, with 11-16 year olds receiving it as part

IGnoRAnCE IS no DEFEnCEBY ANTHONY TAVISTOCK

of their compulsory citizenship education.Plans are that pupils in Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 14) will be taught the function and use of money, personal budgeting, money management and a range of financial products and services.From 14 to 16 in Key Stage 4, they will be taught about wages, taxes, debt, credit, financial risk plus more sophisticated financial services and products.The Government wants students to have “the financial skills to enable them to manage their money on a day-to-day basis as well as to plan for future financial needs.”It is clear that the lessons are long overdue. You only have to look at how much the financial world has changed in the last 40 years to see that what is needed (and will hopefully be taught in schools) is a good grounding in the ‘basics’ of understanding personal finance. It is to be hoped that the generation that receive this education realise that their learning will need to continue long after they leave the classroom as the financial world continues to evolve.If knowledge is power, having the right financial knowledge will help our children avoid the mistakes with money we may have made along the way, and that can only be a good thing.In the meantime, pass on what you know already Mums and Dads, and a free Teen Cash Class is available at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/Teenagers-cash-class.


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Put on your glad rags and join Gallery 1066 on the red carpet for A Night with the Stars. A VIP preview will be held on Friday 17th May, 6-9pm with the exhibition continuing on Saturday 18th, 10 – 6pm and Sunday 19th, 11- 4pm. Be dazzled and inspired by paintings from some of the world’s most iconic figures from past to present. In this unique exhibition Gallery 1066 have brought together a spectacular collection from a selected group of award winning and world acclaimed artists, such as Paul Normansell, Jen Allen and Zinsky for a night amongst the stars. Gallery 1066 will also be introducing their new summer collection in the next coming

months. This includes some incredible talent from up and coming artists as well as new collections from their existing world acclaimed artists.

GALLERY 1066 A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

This is certainly a gallery with a difference, for a truly fine art experience then take a trip to this Hertfordshire jewel, a warm welcome always awaits along with a complimentary coffee or glass of wine. Enjoy fabulous works in a relaxed and informal atmosphere where their experienced team are on hand to help guide you from up and coming new talent to the most acclaimed artists. They offer home consultancy, gift vouchers, wedding lists and events throughout the year. Whether you are a first time buyer or an avid collector this is certainly a venue not to be missed.Invest in your home and enjoy beautiful works that you can enjoy every day and take a visit to this stunning gallery.

To find out more and to reserve your place at this exciting VIP preview event please contact

the Gallery on 01462 622233 or email [email protected].

To view their range of artists please visit www.gallery1066fineart.com


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However much effort you make with your garden, you can be sure that there will still be a few things that look awful. You may have made (or hope to make) beautiful borders, sensational shrubbery and lots more besides, but how do you cope with those things you just cannot seem to hide?A washing line may be essential but rarely adds to the appeal of the garden. If yours consists of two large poles with a line in between, try growing a pretty climber up the poles. If you use a self-clinging plant such as variegated ivy it won’t need any additional support. Alternatively make a chicken wire, trellis ‘box’ or frame around the posts and then allow the climber to scramble up, using plant ties if necessary. Summer flowering clematis or sweet pea will look great too. If you do use a more vigorous climber then be prepared to do some intermittent pruning. Decrepit sheds or moth-eaten garages can be a real eyesore. Sometimes a thorough scrub of the walls will do the trick, or why not make a feature out of the shed or garage and re-paint it. Consider erecting a trellis on one or more of the vertical surfaces and grow a selection of favourite climbers up it to make an even more attractive feature. If the garden can be a little gloomy then it helps if you paint any surfaces such as garage or shed walls with a paler colour.If your heating is fuelled by gas from an unattractive and enormous cylinder or oil from a large green tank, you will know that they have to be sited in an accessible position. You can use hazel wattle hurdles to hide them which are perfect as they also match with the adjacent boundary fence. Try using standard fence panels in the same way and again planting them with

CoPInG WITH THnGS YoU CAnnoT HIDEBY PIPPA GREENWOOD

climbers or scramblers will help. Whatever you do, make sure that you check on it from time to time and remove excessive climber growth so that the tank remains accessible. Is it the neighbouring garden that harbours the eye sore which makes you want to retreat back into your house? Something nasty next door is of course even harder to conceal but why not add a layer of trellis to the top of your existing fence and then use climbers once it is in position. Hold the trellis in position using batons of wood attached to the existing fence posts or special post-joining metal sleeves that you can buy from your fencing supplier or garden centre. Trellis is available in a range of shapes and need not be straight edged so you can create a range of different looks to suit your gardening style. Another option is to erect a pergola or arch to obscure or break up an unsightly view or the eyesore in the neighbour’s garden and adding plants will help to add a bit more height and soften the outline. If you combine some of your favourite flowering climbers with some evergreen planting too, you should even achieve good effects during the seasons when the leaves have fallen from many plants.Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for Pippa’s free newsletter packed full of gardening hints, happenings, advice and offers and you will also receive a free ebook on organic gardening. Don’t forget that you can buy Nemaslug and other biological controls, anti-slug matting and tape, Enviromesh and signed books, autumn vegetable packs and a hand-picked selection of garden products from the website too.


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Dear RSPCA vet,My husband keeps telling me that I shouldn’t give my cat ‘treats’ as she is overweight. Is this something I should be concerned about?Ruth, Sandy

Dear Ruth,Obesity – having too much body fat – is a disease that needs to be taken seriously. It can impair the health, welfare and quality of life of your pet. Studies have estimated that 22-44 per cent of dogs are overweight or obese, and these figures are similar for cats. Just a few examples of potentially serious medical conditions associated with obesity in pets include: diabetes mellitus, orthopaedic disease, heart disease, respiratory distress, high blood pressure, skin diseases and cancers.For dogs and cats there are a few simple checks you can do regularly, which can help you to prevent your pet from becoming obese:• You should be able to see and feel the outline

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AnIMAL QUERIES RSPCA NORTH BEDS

If your pet doesn’t pass all three checks, or if you are in any doubt about your pet’s weight, always consult your vet. They will be able to give your pet a health check and, if necessary, they’ll recommend a weight reduction programme. This will most likely involve making changes to your pet’s diet and making recommendations about exercise and activity. Making these changes will help prevent your pet from gaining excess body fat and keep your pet healthy and happy.

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SEASonAL DELIGHTSCHEESE, BACON AND ONION PIE

Perfect for a simple lunch or for an early summer picnic this savoury pie has a really

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in the supermarket or use flavoursome Italian diced pancetta instead.

FoR THE PASTRY225g plain flour

1 tsp mustard powderPinch of salt

115g butter, chilled and diced4-5 tbsp iced water

FoR THE FILLInG175g smoked bacon pieces

4 onions, peeled and thinly sliced1 tbsp sunflower oil

200g mature Cheddar cheese, gratedBeaten egg, to glaze

Tomato salad, to serve (see Tip)

Makes 8 slicesReady in 1½ hours, plus chilling

TipServe simply with a fresh tomato salad made by thickly slicing ripe vine tomatoes and layering with finely chopped spring onions and a few fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper.

1 To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl and stir in the mustard powder and salt. Add the diced butter and rub into the flour between your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

2 Stir in enough of the iced water with a round bladed knife to mix to a crumbly dough. Knead very lightly until just smooth then flatten into a disc and wrap in cling film. Chill for 20-25 minutes.

3 Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Dry-fry the bacon pieces in a large non-stick frying pan for 4-5 minutes until just golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the oil and sliced onions to the pan and fry gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the onions are very tender and pale golden. Leave to cool. Preheat the oven to 190°C, 375°F, Gas Mark 5. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

4 Roll out just over half the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line a 20x30cm loose-based fluted flan tin. Layer the bacon, onions and grated cheese in the pastry case and season between the layers with freshly ground black pepper.

5 Roll out the rest of the pastry and use to cover the filling. Seal the edges of the pastry with water then pinch them tightly together with fingertips. Trim off any excess pastry.

6 Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and pierce 3-4 holes in the top of the pie to allow the steam to escape. Bake on the hot baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold with tomato salad, if liked.


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We all know that heat rises, so if your loft isn’t adequately insulated your home could lose as much as a quarter of its heat through the roof. This is why loft insulation is so important.There are four types to choose from.Mineral wool matting is sold in rolls and is laid between the joists, with a second layer placed at right angles to cover the joists. Rigid insulation boards can be laid in lofts used for storage. Laid on top of mineral wool, wooden boarding is then fitted on top of the insulation boards. Alternatively, floor boarding pre-bonded with insulation board is available. If your loft space is irregular use loose-fill insulation. Sold in bags, this is poured between the joists to the right depth. Finally loose, fire-retardant insulation material should be blown into loft areas that are hard to access. A professional should be hired for this job which takes no more than a few hours.In all other cases if you are experienced at DIY you

LoFT InSULATIonBY DEBBIE SINGH-BHATTI

should be able to fit the loft insulation yourself, but wear a protective mask and gloves if handling mineral wool. To get a list of possible installers go to the National Insulation Association website or call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre free on 0800 512012.

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Santa Sleigh. The weather caused havoc with our Christmas Santa Sleigh programme and we were unable to visit some of the planned venues. We do apologise to those we did not get to see. Our thanks go to all those who helped “run” with the Sleigh. Teams involved were: Ampthill Rugby Club, Randy’s Runners, Orchid Lawns, St John Ambulance, ATC Cranfield, Flitwick and Ampthill Sea Cadets, Midshires Search and Rescue, ATC Henlow. Parcel Packing. We spent an enjoyable evening packing over 100 parcels before Christmas which were then distributed to senior citizens in the local area.Moonraker Sponsored Night Walk for MS Trust. The presentation evening for the teams raising the most sponsorship money for this walk was held in January. We were pleased to welcome the Barclays Bank Flitwick team who, with the full support of Barclays Bank Flitwick, took the 1st Prize and the Phil Davies Shield. In a very close

AMPTHILL & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB

2nd place was a team from Flitwick British Legion who were giving 50% of their money raised to the Poppy Appeal. Other organisations taking part in this annual event were: Cranfield British Legion, Orchid Lawns, Cranfield ATC (3 teams), Harlington Carnival, Flitwick and Ampthill Sea Cadets (2 teams), Bedford Hospital Stroke Unit (2 teams), Flitwick ATC (2 teams).The Lions Moonraker Walk is now a well-established nightwalk around Flitwick Moor. This is run on a 50/50 basis and teams give 50% to our stated charity and can keep 50% for their own organisation or specified charity if they so wish. This year’s successful walk raised £4,158. Information about our next walk, which will be in October, will be on our website. Since the walk started 8 years ago approximately £40,000 has been raised for charities.Lions work within the community, would you like to get involved? Call 0845 8332 883 or visit www.

ampthilllions.btck.com for more information.


Across1 Choose (6)4 Bends (6)9 Latest style (7)10 Work out (5)11 Scour (5)12 Remove (7)13 Arguing (11)18 Changed (7)20 Used to steer a car (5)22 Attempted (5)23 Kindergarten (7)24 Area, district (6)25 Head of newspaper (6)Down1 Least risk (6)2 not the winner (5)3 Type of plant (7)5 overturn (5)6 Rogue (7)7 Bedding (6)8 Unconnected (11)14 Loosening (7)15 Taken down (7)16 Haggle (6)17 Participant (6)19 Wireless (5)21 Expel (5)

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

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Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 17th May 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 - Ms Forster – Kempston Hardwick and 2nd prize - Mr Giles – St Neots

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)


Before After

1. Which British city has an underground train system that is nicknamed the Clockwork Orange?

2. Who has been the longest-serving female presenter of the TV show Blue Peter?

3. In the lyrics of the Tom Jones hit single Green Green Grass Of Home, what is the name of the girl who has “hair of gold and lips like cherries”?

4. Who wrote The Hunt For Red October?5. Yellow and Heather are the colours of which political party?6. In The Wizard Of Oz, what is the name of the city that is at the end

of the yellow brick road?7. In the National Lottery’s main Lotto draw, there are five different

colours of ball that can be picked. Four of these colours are used for ten balls, but which colour is only used for nine?

8. In which capital city would find the only McDonald’s where the large “M” sign is white instead of the standard yellow?

9. Which shade of purple was named after an 1869 battle in an Italian town?

10. In the world of TV, what was purple in 2000, black and white in 2001, red in 2002, blue in 2003, red in 2004, blue in 2005, gold in 2006, see through with neon lights in 2007, gold in 2008 and multicoloured in 2009?

Fun Quiz - Colours

1.Glasgow2.KonnieHuq3.Mary4.TomClancy5.TheScottishNationalParty6.EmeraldCity7.White(forballsnumberedonetonine)8.Paris(theyellowwasdeemedtobetootacky)9.Magenta

10.ThediaryroomchaironBigBrother


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18 April-10 MayArt Exhibition Free admission

Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishops StortfordRhodes is pleased to welcome back five artists from

Furneux Pelham. Paula Cherry, Nikki Simms, Tanya Roberts and Sally Anne-Latham will be joined by a fifth artist Shelley

Mason. Shelly Mason will be donating 10% of any sales during the show to Brain Tumour UK.

Web: www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 MaySapphire Social & Singles Club

8.30pm Meet in HitchinClub for those 45+ and unattached.

Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 for informationWeb: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

3 MayWihan String Quartet

8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, HitchinTickets £10, Free for young people and full time studentsProgramme includes works by Haydn, Mozart and Ravel.

Tickets also available from David’s Music, Letchworth and Hitchin Town Centre Initiative. Tel: Box Office 01462 459446

4 MayGarden Square Craft Market 8.30am-4.30pm

Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth Garden CityThe market specialises in the sale of genuine, high quality,

hand made goods and offers local artisans and craft workers the opportunity to show case their work.

4 MayThe Signals Museum 10am-4pm

The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence,

passport or Bus Pass is required to get an entry permit from the Guardroom. www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

4 MayShuttleworth Collection Flying Evening

Gates open 12 noon, flying starts 6.15pmShuttleworth Collection, Old Warden

Online Adults in advance £15, Adults on the gate £20, Accompanied under 16s free. Web: www.shuttleworth.org

6 MayMay Day 10.30am-12.30pm

British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, HitchinFree admission (donations welcome)

Come and celebrate May Day in style – fun for all the family. Maypole and Country Dancing for children and a visit by the

Offley Morris Men (weather permitting).Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

7, 14, 21 & 28 MayTuesday Morning Walkers

9.30-11.30am RSPB The Lodge, SandyWeekly walks around the reserve with a leader, looking

for birds, wildlife and enjoying the site. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

WHAT’S on?IN MAY

7, 14 & 21 MayMorris Dancing 8-10pm

Redborne Upper School (South Gymnasium), Flitwick Road, Ampthill

Every Tuesday. Morris Dancing for women and girls, and male or female musicians. Please wear running shoes.

Closed in school holidays – check website for information.Web: www.bedfordshirelace.org.uk/

8 MayLangford WI

7.15pm Methodist Chapel SchoolroomVisitors welcome - £3

Speaker Gail Stuart “Life with my father” (Eric Morecambe). Tel: 01462 700722 for details

9 MayBaldock Floral Society 7.30pm

United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, BaldockVisitors £6

Demonstration by Shamnina Hasnam entitled “Around the World in 90 days”. Part of Baldock Festival Fortnight.

Tel: 01462 642336 for further info

11 MayThe Rock Factor 7.30pm

Meppershall Village Hall, High Street, MeppershallTickets £5

Dance the night away to music by local rock covers band ‘The Rock Factor ‘. Followed by a disco and raffle with fab

prizes, such as personal training sessions, two ball golf, a nights accommodation at Beadlow Manor and a family

pass to Woburn Safari Park. A great night to raise funds for Meppershall Pre-School. Tickets: 01462 817507

11 & 12 MayHinxworth Art Society Exhibition Sale of Works

10am-4pm Hinxworth & Edworth Village Hall, HinxworthFree admission and parking

Original works of art for sale. All welcome. Raffle.Hot and cold refreshments.

12 MayAshwell at Home

12-6pmEntry by programme: £6 adults (under 14s free)

Entertainment for all the family with open gardens, exhibitions, guided walks, veteran cycles, garden music

concerts, Morris dancing, funfair, lunches & teas and much more. Programme available on the day. Free parking.

18 MayThe Roderick Swanston Lectures III – Wagner and Verdi in

the 1850s2pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Hitchin

Tickets £10, Free for young people and full time studentsRoderick turns to the two great, contrasting giants of the

nineteenth century opera, Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner, and particularly the work they produced in the

1850s.Tel: Box Office 01462 459446

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]


WHAT’S on?IN MAY

18 MayMusic, Arts and Crafts Festival

Meppershall Village Hall, Shefford Road, Meppershall2-5pm Arts & Craft Exhibition & Sale – Free admission

7.30pm Music and Lyrics Concert – Adults £4, Concessions £2.50

Concert tickets available from Meppershall Post Office and Roger’s Bakery, Meppershall.

18 MayWine Tasting Evening

7.30pmSt Andrews Church Hall, Langford

Tickets £10Friends of St Andrews Church Langford.

You are invited to join us on another global trip, tasting the produce of various vineyards. The evening will also provide

you with the opportunity to select the right wine for a future special event in your life i.e. wedding, anniversary, birthday or even perhaps Christmas. Ticket only event.

Tel: John 01462 634698 or Sarah 01462 700891

19 MayFlying Day & Light Aircraft Association Party in the Park

Gates open 9am, Flying starts 2pmShuttleworth Collection, Old Warden

Adults £20, Children freeContent subject to weather, availability and serviceability.

Tickets available online.Web: www.shuttleworth.org

25 MayIntroducing the Art of Beekeeping

10am-5pmBenslow Music, Hitchin

Tickets £80 (limited availability)Presented by the expert team of beekeepers which looks

after our own colonies of these fascinating and productive insects. We’ll supply you with protective suits to enable

you to get close. Lunch included.Tel: 01462 459446

25 MayGlam Rock Night Featuring “Matti Fantassi”

Arlesey Town Football ClubFree entry

Everyone welcome. Feel free to get your glam rock gear out of the wardrobe!

26 MayVoice Day with Graham Trew

10am-5pmBenslow Music, Hitchin

Tickets £90 (limited availability)One day workshop for all singers. Bring two contrasting songs and we’ll work on them in a relaxed master class atmosphere, addressing technique, interpretation and

performance issues in general and specific terms. Delicious lunch provided.

Tel: 01462 459446

27 MayDoric String Quartet

8pmPeter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Hitchin

Tickets £10, Free for young people and full time studentsProgramme includes works by Haydn, Brett Dean and

Dvorak.Tickets also available from David’s Music, Letchworth and

Hitchin Town Centre Initiative.Tel: Box Office 01462 459446

29 MayCottage Garden Society presents Helen Yemm

7pmThe Salvation Army Church, Letchworth

Members £5, Non-members £7Helen Yemm will give an illustrated talk about her previous garden and how she created her present cottage garden. Helen will promote and sign her new book, “Gardening in Pyjamas”. There will also be a plant stall. Refreshments

available.Tel: Maureen Hersee 01462 742475 for ticket information

8 & 9 JuneBedfordshire Chilli Cook-off

11am-3pmMansion House, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade

Up to 20 teams will compete to become the Bedfordshire Chilli Cook-off Champion and qualify for the UK Final later in the year. Teams will have 4 hours to cook a gallon of chilli

from scratch. Each team’s Chilli will be judged by our panel of Chilli experts. Entry fee is £10 per team (teams can be made up of any number of people). First prize is £250!!

All money raised from the Bedfordshire Chilli Cook-off will be donated to Clic Sargent.Tel: Shelley 01767 626208

Web: www.ukchillicookoff.co.uk

14 JuneCharity Golf Day12 noon onwards

Chesfield Downs Golf & Country Club, Graveley£40 per person including golf, evening meal & refreshments

£30 golf only£15 evening meal only

Charity Golf Day featuring many popular golfing competitions including longest drive, nearest the pin,

putting competition and others. Supporters can participate in the whole day or just come along for the golf or the

evening meal.Fundraiser by Ashwell’s Fight Against Cancer (A.F.A.C.),

set up by Christine Scholfield, to support the lesser known forms of cancer treatment that do not receive the levels of fundraising support available to those with a higher profile.

All profits will go to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.Places must be booked by the end of May.

Tel: Keith 07764 475391 for more information and booking form

Email: [email protected]


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The Joy Luck ClubAmy Tan

Before Carrie Bradshaw et al, four Chinese women began meeting in San Francisco to compare notes as recent immigrants. It was 1949 and they called themselves ‘The Joy Luck Club’. The women were bound together by circumstance and history, vowing to make money and a new life for themselves. It’s a complex and delicately interwoven tale of Chinese mothers and daughters, revealing secrets and lies and all striving to find a place in the modern world whilst feeling the constant tug of their past. If you’ve never read Tan before then this is a brilliant place to start.

The HelpKathryn Stockett

This is the story of three women: Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny, and their attempts to change the social structure and confines of a segregated Mississippi in the 1960s. Young Skeeter is a white woman with a degree, but no husband. She’s also lost her maid and confidante, ‘Constantine’ and nobody can tell her where she’s gone. Aibileen is a black maid who is essentially raising a white woman’s child for her, whilst grieving for her own dead son. Meanwhile Minny is a fantastic cook but an even greater gossip. Between them, the three plan to write and publish their own stories, revealing social scandals and ‘tellin’ it like it is’. It’s brilliant, and worth reading just to hear the revelation of the ‘terrible awful’. That’s a laugh-out-loud moment in itself.

BooKREVIEW


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Henlow May 2013

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Transcript of Henlow May 2013