V The ILLAGER · machine in Switzerland. ... Cadbury’s Dairy Milk was launched in 1905 with the...

1

VILLAGERThe

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

Your

FREEcopy

November 2017

Bringing Local Business to Local People in the Stevenage Area every month

In this issueThe History of

ChocolateWin tickets to the

Festive Gift FairWin £25

in our Prize Crossword

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts2

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 3

Editorial: Catherine Rose, Tracey Anderson, Trevor Langley, Tom Hancock, Emily Kench, Jennie Billings, Carol H Scott,

Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, There’s a Beer For That, Nick Coffer,and Kate Duggan.

Advertising Sales/Local EditorialNigel Frost - 01767 261122

[email protected]

Photography Satori and Darren Harbar Photography

Design and ArtworkDesign 9 - Tel 07762 969460

PublishersVillager Publications Ltd

24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NPTel: 01767 261122

[email protected] www.villagermag.com

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility

for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of

this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Contents

The History of Chocolate ..................................................4The Poppy Factory ...........................................................8Mixed Wine Matters ......................................................10Win Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair .................................12What’s been happening at Baldock Library ...................15Sparkler Safety ..............................................................16Feeding Garden Birds this Winter ..................................19How to choose your winter coat ....................................20Employment Matters ....................................................23Nature on Prescription, Doctor’s Orders .........................24

A Busy November ..........................................................27Animal Know-How ........................................................28Cosy Nights In with Beer and Food ................................30Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe ........................................33Volunteers Wanted for RSPB The Lodge Shop ................34Puzzle Page ...................................................................36What’s On ......................................................................38Prize Crossword .............................................................42Luxury Care Home - Welwyn Garden City ......................44Book Review .................................................................46

1

VILLAGERTh e

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

Your

FREEcopy

November 2017

Bringing Local Business to Local People in the Stevenage Area every month

In this issueThe History of

ChocolateWin tickets to the

Festive Gift FairWin £25

in our Prize Crossword

Cosy Nights with Beer and Food

31

Feeding Garden Birdsthis Winter

19

Advert Booking and Artwork Deadline: Thursday 9th November for the DECEMBER edition


History

Our favourite confectionary, chocolate dates back four thousand years. Originating in Central America, indigenous Indian tribes first produced an antecedent very different to today’s.Although debated, the word chocolate is said to come from the Mayan term ‘xocalatl’ meaning ‘bitter water’. It was the Mayans who first cultivated the cacao plant that grew in the rainforests of Mesoamerica - an area that today encompasses Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. They fermented, roasted and ground the beans of the plant into a paste that they would mix with water and spices to produce a potent frothy bitter liquor. Drunk cold, it was used as an aphrodisiac and believed to have magical mood-enhancing properties. On conquering the Mayans, the Aztecs - who lived in the mountains where cacao did not grow naturally - demanded a tax in cacao seeds so

that they could control and cultivate the beans themselves. Cacao seeds became a currency for the Aztecs and were used to buy everything from produce to prostitutes! The Aztecs believed that the cacao plant was a gift from their god Quetzalcoatl - the god of creation and wisdom. Their chocolate and chilli drink was so precious, it was reserved for those of importance such as rulers, warriors and priests, and often drunk from gold vessels during religious ceremonies. Women were not permitted to partake as the effects were considered too potent. When the Spanish conquered the region in the 1500s, one Jesuit missionary described it as follows:“…Loathsome to such as are not acquainted with it, having a scum or froth that is very unpleasant to taste. Yet it is a drink very much esteemed among the Indians, where with they feast noble men who

The History of Chocolate

By Catherine Rose

pass through their country… which they say is good for the stomach and against the catarrh.”Because it was so valued, the Spanish conquistadors took chocolate back to Spain where they added sugar to sweeten the fermented drink and it was enjoyed by nobility. Soon the custom of drinking chocolate had spread to the rest of Europe. Chocolate houses sprang up and cocoa plantations were grown in tropical regions of the various colonies.It wasn’t until 1828 that the solid sweet chocolate we know and love today was invented. Casparus van Houten, who had a factory in Amsterdam producing drinking chocolate, invented the hydraulic cocoa press which separated the cocoa butter (contained in the bean’s nib) from the cocoa mass. This mass was then ground to produce cocoa powder which became the basis for modern chocolate. Casparus’ son Coenraad van Houten, a chemist, continued his father’s work, adding alkaline salts to remove the naturally bitter taste. By using the ‘Dutching method’ that combined the cocoa powder with water, cocoa butter and sugar and then heating it, Coenraad could produce a thick chocolate paste that was poured into moulds where it hardened into a delicious confectionary.Van Houten’s patent expired in 1836, allowing other companies to start manufacturing their own brands of edible chocolate. In 1847 J.S. Fry & Sons produced the first commercial solid chocolate bar in England. Although it was not as palatable as the chocolate we eat today (it would have been more bitter and slightly gritty), people were enthralled by the new confectionary. Meanwhile John Cadbury had opened a small shop in Birmingham selling cocoa powder in 1824. A Quaker, he believed cocoa was a healthy

alternative to alcohol. Six years later he set up his first factory producing 16 diverse types of drinking chocolate in both powder and pressed cake form. In 1866, the year that Fry’s started marketing their eponymous Fry’s Chocolate Cream, Cadbury’s sons Richard and George, philanthropists who had inherited their father’s business, purchased one of van Houten’s cocoa presses. They began producing boxes of chocolates, although these were expensive and only bought by the well-off or for special occasions. In 1875, Cadbury’s unveiled its dark chocolate Easter egg filled with chocolate dragees, and towards the end of the century began to produce its first chocolate bars.The Swiss have long been at the forefront of chocolate-making and in the same year that Cadbury’s launched its Easter egg, the first milk chocolate bar was made by a Swiss confectioner named Daniel Peter after he added condensed milk to the chocolate-making process. Then in 1879, Rodolphe Lindt invented the conching machine in Switzerland. The machine agitated the chocolate mixture and revolutionised the texture of chocolate, making a much smoother, more velvety paste.The early part of the 20th century saw an explosion in the availability of chocolate to the public with names that are still popular 100 years later. Cadbury’s Dairy Milk was launched in 1905 with the claim that it had more milk in it than any other chocolate bar. In 1914, Fry’s Turkish Delight was launched. Then in 1915, Milk Tray came onto the market, aiming to be the first box of chocolates to be readily affordable. Four years later, Cadbury’s bought out Fry’s and has since gone on to become a market leader in chocolate manufacture, research and development. Today, chocolate-making has become an art.


7To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Time of Year

The Poppy FactoryMajor George Howson was an engineer. He was a man of great energy and determination. He won the military cross in WWl. He was addicted to strong Turkish cigarettes and bought them 10000 at a time. He was also the founder of The Royal British Legion Poppy factory!Through the work of Anna Guerin of France and Moina Michael of the USA, both very practical women who took Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields”, and devised a way of raising vital funds for wartime charities. The British Legion had been set up the year before and the very first French Poppy Appeal – using silk poppies made by widows - had raised £106,000. In 1921 the first British Poppy appeal was held. In the first year the poppies were imported from France and there was huge demand as poppies quickly became the icons of remembrance. The Major made a connection; Remembrance Day needed poppies and wounded ex-soldiers needed work. In a letter to his parents he spoke of using a £2000 cheque he had been given to set up a factory to, ‘…give the disabled their chance.’ He wrote that he felt the project would probably not be successful but that he ought to attempt it anyway. He set up The Disabled Society in London with just five injured ex-servicemen, and in spite of his initial lack of optimism, in few years that had grown to 350 men. He set up a sister factory in Edinburgh to supply poppies to Scotland, and the London factory moved to larger premises near the Thames in Richmond and was renamed The Poppy Factory.As time went on the needs of veterans changed. They wanted to work in their own communities, closer to their families and to use the many and varied skills they had acquired during their careers in the armed services, prior to becoming injured.

In 2010, The Poppy Factory began to actively help disabled ex-Service find the work they wanted in the places they wanted to be. It continues to build on its strong historical foundations to provide an employability service that supports hundreds of ex-Service personnel with varying health challenges into meaningful employment with businesses across the country every year.

By Tracey Anderson

Moina Michael was an American

professor. She wrote a response to McCrae’s poem

in 1918 entitled We Shall Keep The Faith. She vowed to always wear a

poppy as a symbol of Remembrance for those who served in the war.

She realised the need to provide financial and occupational support for

ex-Servicemen after teaching a class of disabled veterans at the University of

Georgia, and so she pursued the idea of selling silk poppies to raise funds for them.



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Food and Drink

Mixed Wine Matters

As a convenience retailer, the Co-op is relied upon to provide food, beverages and household requirements at a moment’s notice, whilst offering other services, too. For many, many years, the Co-op has satisfied millions and millions of delighted customers. Now, the Co-op is showing real commitment to being a leading retailer of beers, wines and spirits, several of which are award-winning. From Portugal Escudo Real Vinho Verde regularly pleases wine lovers. The white wine is great to drink on its own and to accompany many dishes, also. If al fresco dining is an option, this slightly sparkling production will not disappoint.Spain has many wines, too. I located Marqués de Valido Gran Reserva Rioja. This wine has a lot of devotees and, as a matured red, from the region, is extremely popular for numerous dining occasions. Wonderful to accompany a good number of dishes, including Sunday roasts.France has been a favoured wine producer for centuries and I am very much impressed with the Les Launes Delas Crozes-Hermitage wine production. This is a regular choice for many, with dark fruits being very apparent on the nose, mouthfeel and palate.For Italy’s wines I do like Chianti and Villa Boscorotondo Chianti Classico Riserva impresses me. This much loved wine adorns many dining tables and accompanies numerous dishes of cuisine, superbly.

Good for ageing.For Germany, for me, it has to be riesling. The Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett receives my vote. A most pleasant bouquet leads, enticingly, to the mouthfeel and palate sensations. Wonderful to pair with white meats, fish, seafood and many other dishes.Champagne is always a favourite, to add that extra ‘something’ to a dining occasion or event. Les Pionniers Vintage Champagne is, I find, a most splendid blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties. On its own or to accompany cuisine, with its long finish, this is one for the ‘top table’.As part of the membership promotion customers can be rewarded for buying own label beers, wines and spirits. The Co-op is committed to supporting global communities via Fairtrade. These selections are just some of the many choices available. Please visit the website for all details. www.coop.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

Trevor Langley


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We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away

COMPETITION

Simply send your name and address by Friday 10th Nov 2017 to:Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NPThe winner will be drawn at random.If you are not a lucky winner, adult tickets are priced from just £8.50.Book now by calling The Ticket Factory on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.theticketfactory.com (£2.50 fulfilment fee, for postal bookings. £1.50 for E-tickets)

Christmas is just around the cornerMore to see, try, touch, taste, enjoy and buy

at The Festive Gift Fair16-19 November 2017 NEC

Christmas means gifts for your loved ones, hanging decorations on the tree, excitement on children’s faces, party games, movies by the fire and a table fit for a festive feast…! All of which can be found as this fabulous

Christmas Shopping Fair returns to the NEC, 16-19 NOVEMBER, with loads of new and exciting stalls.Often the most time-consuming part is finding clever presents. There’s no need to be stuck for ideas,

start with a trip to THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR and you’ll see how fun and easy Christmas shopping can be!From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring 350 stalls

overflowing with thousands upon thousands of CRACKING GIFT IDEAS and DECORATIONS that don’t cost the earth. The variety is HUGE, with presents for all ages – from babies to teenagers,

and parents to grandparents.When your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present crèche

and continue to shop, or stop for a bite to eat in one of the FOUR sparkly catering/entertainment areas, where you can ENJOY watching a

great line-up of live musical acts – to get you rocking round the Christmas Tree!

COME ARMED WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST AND EXPECT TO GO HOME TRIUMPHANT.

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Local News

What’s been happening at Baldock Library

Summer Reading Challenge - I am delighted to say that we had a record number of children take up the challenge this summer, over 350!!! Some of the comments we received from parents and children were;“very enjoyable, loved looking round the library to find the pictures.”“nice lady to talk to about my books”“great encouragement for my child to continue reading through the summer”We ended up having 4 presentations to give out the certificates and medals as we had had so many children participate.2nd October was the start of “Get Online Week”. A number of people who wanted to learn more about IT either booked an Taster session - available Mondays and Tuesdays 10.30-12, a one-to-one with a staff member or visited our IT Champion Wednesdays 4pm-5pm.Monday 9th October was the beginning of Libraries Week, we had a stall in Tesco’s Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon. Staff chatted to lots of people giving out goody bags and telling people about our new online service Borrow Box for downloading audio and ebooks free. Many were very pleasantly surprised about all the services we offer.For children during October half-term we held a Puppet Making Workshop, when children made

finger puppets, good fun.Chatterbooks Reading Group 8-12 year olds started up again Thursday 12th October 4-5pm, if you would like to join fill in the online form at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/chatterbooks or ask staff for details. During November a display will be in the library- on loan from Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies - called ”That’s’ Tasty”, so come along and look at some old recipes!! Both food and medicinal.Saturday 4th November sees a Pop-Up stall in the library in aid of the “Cat’s Protection League”, ideal place to buy some gifts for Christmas.Remember that our Display Boards and space for stall are available for hire.Early Years activities continue as usual;Baby Rhyme Time - Wednesday 10.30-11amStorysacks - in partnership with the Children’s Centre- Thursday 2.15-3pm (term time only)Toddler Tales –Thursday 2.15-2.45pm (holiday time)Saturday Stories –for under 8s 10.30-11am 1st Saturday of the month.

Thank you once again for all who continue to support your local library.


Time of Year

Fireworks in the garden can be great fun, as long as they are used safely. Each year, over half of all firework injuries are suffered by children.Did you know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers are not toys and should never be given to a child under five.Always buy sparklers from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards. This means that they should have BS 7114 written on the pack.

Don’t buy sparklers from anywhere you’re not sure about, such as the back of a van or from a temporary, unlicensed market stall.Read the instructions in daylight. Make sure you have: A torch A bucket or two of water Eye protection and glovesDid you know?• It is against the law to carry fireworks in public if

you’re under 18• Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is

under 18• It is an offence to let fireworks off during night

hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year (1am)

• It is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875 to tamper with or modify fireworks

By Tom Hancock

Sparkler Safety


104 Ampthil l Road, Shefford, Beds SG17 5BB

RSPB

by Emily Kench

Feeding garden birds this winterAs the nights draw in, the weather turns, and the days shorten, life becomes even more challenging for our garden birds. Food in the wider countryside dampens in abundance, as the buds of berries and seeds shut down until spring. Blackbirds, sparrows and robins amongst others make their way to our gardens in hope of finding a winter feast, relying on our generosity and appreciation to see them through colder climes.Putting food out is a fantastic way of seeing birds up close, but if you want to help - make sure you’re giving them the right diet. These are the top five foods to feed your garden birds:Peanuts - Tits, finches and great spotted woodpeckers are just some of the birds that love peanuts. Peanuts are a bird superfood: full of energy. If you’re lucky you may even see nuthatches stealing them and burying these snacks in your flowerbed for later. Bird seed mixtures - These are great for many different birds. Get a mix with small seeds for

dunnocks, sparrows, finches and collared doves. Mixtures that use wheat, barley, beans, lentils or dried rice should be avoided. They only attract the bigger birds, like pigeons, which will scare off the smaller guys.Black sunflower seeds - These great all-year-round, but with a high-oil content they’re perfect for helping birds build up fat to keep warm over winter. The hearts (the seeds without the hard outer coating) are a popular no-mess food and will attract colourful siskins and chaffinches. Birds cake and food bars - Fat balls or suet bars are excellent winter food and easy to make. Leave suet or lard in a room to warm up, then cut up into chunks in a bowl. Throw in bird seed, raisins, peanuts, a little grated cheese, and mix with your fingertips. Keep squidging until the fat holds it together, then stick into half a coconut or an empty yoghurt pot. Hang upside down from your bird table or tree and watch the greenfinches and tits

squabble over the last delicious scraps.Leftovers - Some leftovers from your Sunday roast can go straight onto the bird table. Chopped unsalted bacon rind, dried fruit, old apples, pears and crumbled cheese will all be enjoyed by your garden visitors. However some foods should be avoided, like cooking fat from roasts and Christmas turkey mixes with meat juices which have a runny, greasy mixture and stick to birds’ feathers stopping them from being waterproof. Other foods to avoid are dried coconut, cooked porridge oats, milk and mouldy food.Don’t forget! All birds need fresh water for bathing and drinking but it can be difficult with many ponds freezing over. Keep your bird bath topped up, and float a ball on the surface to stop the water from turning into ice.If you want to learn more about how to attract wildlife to your garden click rspb.org.uk/homes , and to purchase bird feeders and tables visit shopping.rspb.org.uk

We will also be hosting a ‘Giving Nature a Home’ event at The Lodge on 12 November, where visitors can make bird cakes, fill up their feeders and see their favourite garden birds close up during ringing demonstrations. Details can be found athttps://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-446900

Photography by Chris Gomersall


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

We are wearing our winter coats for a significant part of the year so they are worth spending more on. We live in a variable and often cold environment so they need to be able to withstand the British weather! There are a number of things to think about when considering what to buy…• Choose a winter coat in a great neutral colour –

this will ensure it works really well with the rest of your wardrobe. Try and avoid black as this only works for a few skin tones. Pale grey, navy and camel are better choices.

• Think about your lifestyle – are you working in a formal environment and need to be dressed smartly? Then a formal coat is a must. If you’re a Mum on the run consider shorter options in great shapes with more informal feel.

• Spend time in a car? If you spend hours of your day in a car a long coat can be impractical. It will end up really creased and is less likely to wear well. Shorter lengths would work really well.

• The right coat style is a great way to make an impact – make sure it gives you a fabulous feeling when you wear it. That’s when the compliments flow.

• Scarves – use a scarf near your face in one of your wow colours to lift your neutral coat. If you know your clothing personality you’ll know if you need delicate lace, ruffles or luxury.

• Check the lining and hems to make sure the coat is well made. The lining should be generous to allow for movement. You want your coat to last for a number of seasons without needing a replacement lining which can be costly.

• Is this a timeless style for you? Anything that is the right style for you will last beyond the changes in fashion and ensure your investment will be worth it.

• Always dry clean a coat. This will ensure it stands the test of time. Using a domestic washing machine is liable to make it shrink or change the texture of the fabric.

• Will you be wearing a jumper underneath your coat? It’s easy to forget what we might be wearing with our coat when we try it on in the shop but think about when you’re likely to wear it and how much space there is for extra layers.

By Jennie Billingswww.houseofcolour.co.uk/

jenniebillings

How to choose and make the most of your Winter Coat

House of Colour


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Employment

Employment MattersHow many times have employees complained that rather than have a company Christmas party or some other entertainment they would rather have the money instead?From 6 April 2016 a statutory exemption was applied to ‘trivial benefits’ made by employers to their employees. ‘Trivial’ benefits are tax-free to employees and do not need to be notified to HMRC What is a `trivial’ benefit?‘Trivial’ Benefits can include, but are not limited to, gift vouchers for a shop, store gift cards, flowers, chocolates, wine, hampers or taking staff out for a meal.To count as `trivial’ the benefit must satisfy the following conditions:• No more than £50 per benefit • Not cash or a cash voucher • There is no entitlement to the benefit as part of

the employee’s contract (including salary sacrifice schemes).

• It is not provided in recognition of a work-related service or contractual duty.

If the cost of a benefit is more than £50, the benefit does not apply and the full amount is taxable, not just the excess over £50.

Determining the `cost’A £50 ceiling applies in determining whether a benefit is trivial or not. It is the cost of providing the benefit to each employee that is critical, rather than the total cost to the employer. It does not matter whether the employer provides a benefit to only one employee or to, say, 500 employees.The cost is the VAT inclusive cost, irrespective of whether the VAT is recovered by the employee.Where a benefit is provided to a group of employees and it is impracticable to work out the cost to each individual, the benefit will be regarded as trivial if the average cost does not exceed £50 (provided that the other conditions are also met).HMRC advise taking a common-sense approach, when it is not possible to work out the exact cost and they provide examples of where an average cost valuation would be acceptable in their guidance. For example, a meal out for five employees where the total bill came to £240, HMRC would accept an average cost of £48 per person (making the benefit trivial).A valued benefitIt is well worth considering offering the option of a different type of thank you at Christmas time that everyone in the company will appreciate and value.

Is it time for a change from the

usual company Christmas

party?

Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd


Local News

We all know that nature and wildlife is good for our health, but a new report makes it official and underlines that if the medical profession could prescribe nature in a tablet form they would - that’s a pill not an electrical device! The Wildlife Trust’s survey (conducted by the University of Essex) shows how health and wellbeing are significantly boosted by spending time exercising outdoors – and especially by volunteering. Put simply, working outside with a group of like-minded people is really good for all of us, making us feel better, happier and more connected to others. Of the volunteers who took part in the Wildlife Trusts survey, more than two thirds had a greater sense of wellbeing within six weeks, with overwhelmingly positive feedback quotes ranging from: “I feel more connected to nature and my environment and have developed interests in this area,” to “It’s restoring my faith in human nature.” Read more here www.wildlifebcn.org/news/2017/10/08/nature-prescription-doctors-ordersThe Wildlife Trust BCN run regular weekly work parties on Cambridgeshire nature reserves www.wildlifebcn.org/work-parties and, along with the exercise, bring a sense of fun and engagement, typically accompanied by an outdoor slice of cake and a cuppa.

Nature on prescription doctor’s orders...

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root plants are not feasible once the leaves start to appear next year.Use seed catalogues and websites to help decide what you want to grow next year. Many suppliers offer seeds and young plants of many vegetables, so order now and you can relax, knowing that you have got your first choice selection. Check out my website, www.pippagreenwood.com/grow-your-own, for a Grow Your Own package perfect for the less experienced vegetable grower - the plants you choose come with weekly advice emails telling you exactly what you need to be doing. Established clumps of bamboo should be thinned out now. The extra space that the remaining canes will have will allow them to grow away better, and also gives them more freedom to move about in that way which makes bamboos so very appealing.Less tender bulbs e.g. nerines and many of the agapanthus, will winter better if you give them protection now. Mound dry chipped bark or other mulch over the area in which they are planted.And last but not least, before water butts fill up with autumn rain grab a sturdy brush and clean each one out thoroughly, removing deposits of algae, soggy bits of plant and general gunge! Rinse out and then re-install ready to collect some rain.Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a gorgeous selection of useful gardening items, perfect for gifts too, including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, fleece jackets, cloches, fruit cages, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls, copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

Despite the seasonal slowdown there are lots of jobs which, if done now, could end up saving you time and money later on - so here are the top November gardening tasks to get to grips with.Hoe off weeds that are around now, as some might still set seed during mild, damp periods. Provided they have no seed pods their top-growth can safely be composted, but bin, burn or rot down fleshy weed roots to prevent them growing in the compost heap!Cut back or pick off obviously diseased leaves and stems to neaten flower beds and borders, and remove some of the foliage that is dying back purely due to the time of year. Leave some deteriorating but healthy foliage in place to provide protection for the crowns of more fragile plants.Rabbits become more of a menace as natural food supplies reduce, so make sure that rabbit netting is not damaged and that trees, especially those that have been planted recently, are fitted with tree guards.If there is a sizeable tree near your lawn, rake up fallen leaves on a regular basis to prevent damage to the grass beneath.Trees, shrubs, climbers that have been planted recently may need protection from frost and cold winds over their first winter. Use a layer of horticultural fleece draped over the plant and pegged; it can be removed on warmer days. If you’re planning on hedge-planting, remember that many hedging plants are cheaper if bought ‘bare root field grown’, meaning lifted from their nursery field without being potted on. Order now to make sure you get the pick of the bunch. Bare

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

A Busy November


Pets

Fireworks are enjoyed year-round by lots of people, but many animals are frightened by them. It doesn’t have to be that way though, so if your pet is scared, there are lots of things you can do to help. • Make sure your dog or cat always has

somewhere to hide if they want to and has access to this place at all times. For example, this may be under some furniture or in a cupboard.

• Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise.

• Have your pets microchipped in case they do escape – by law, your dog should already be microchipped.

• During fireworks seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.

• At nightfall, close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.

• Never punish your pets when they are scared as this will only make things worse in the long run.

Also, please don’t forget smaller animals! If your pets live outside, partly cover cages, pens and

aviaries with blankets so that one area is well soundproofed.Make sure that your pets are still able to look out, but provide lots of extra bedding so your pets have something to burrow in.Perhaps, consider bringing them indoors. This should be done gradually, so you will need to plan ahead so they aren’t frightened.The RSPCA suggests choosing lower-noise fireworks so that they reduce the stress to animals. Also, they suggest only using fireworks on traditional celebration dates (such as New Year’s Eve or Bonfire Night). Most owners will already know to expect fireworks on these dates, and should have prepared accordingly to help their animals cope.Having a pet comes with responsibilities – so please check that your animal is happy before you have fun with fireworks.

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch

www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

Animal Know-HowFireworks frighten animals – help them feel safe


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Food and Drink

Cosy Nights In with Beer and FoodIt’s November, it’s cold and it gets darker earlier. So, at this time of year there are few things more welcome than a cosy night in. Wholesome food, good telly to relax in front of and, of course, the right drink - that’s where beer comes in. Beer is your perfect partner for snug evenings at home. Imagine, you’ve lovingly cooked a steak pie, what better way to bring out the best in it than with a sturdy bitter. Bitters possess just the right flavour intensity to match the rich, dense flavours of a pie. They’re often well balanced between malt sweetness and hop bitterness, perhaps leaning more heavily on the former. The caramel taste will pick out the sweetness in the meat and the pastry and complement it beautifully. There’s also enough carbonation in the bottled version of these beers to cut through the texture of the pie and refresh the palate. Some to look out for: Fuller’s ESB, Sharp’s Doom Bar, Adnams Southwold and Marston’s Pedigree. A comforting fish pie is fresh out of the oven and you’re ready to tuck in. There’s only one drink that can marry perfectly with all those fishy flavours - beer is best! Here you have a couple of options, both of which match the intensity of a fish pie: lager and wheat beer. Lagers are crisp, clean and offer a bready sweetness and some subtle citrus which are going to complement the fish very well. They’re also well carbonated so they’re great palate cleansers. Look out for Mahou, Pravha and

Five Points Pils. Wheat beers are light, spritzy and fruity so also do a superb job of complementing the fish and refreshing the mouth in between bites, but they have a creamy mouthfeel which melds well with the creaminess of the pie.If you want something easy and hassle-free it doesn’t come much simpler than cheese on toast. Here a pale ale makes a perfect cheesy partner. Classic English pales like Timothy Taylor’s Landlord have a subtle caramel sweetness and fruity tang from the hops. Both characteristics are going to spike some fruity sweetness in the cheese and really lift the flavour. American pale ales also work wondrously well and the flavour intensity is often turned up a notch or two. Try Lagunitas IPA, Goose Island IPA or Thornbridge Jaipur. For ultimate ease on a cosy night-in there’s nothing quite like a takeaway, particularly an Indian curry. For the perfect beer match focus on the intensity of the heat in your chosen dish. If you like a mild curry, pale ales and IPAs are great and will add some depth of flavour. If you prefer a medium spiced dish a bitter is a good option, where the beer will temper the heat and bring out the sweetness in the food. Or if you like the heat turned all the way up, reach for a temperature dampening wheat beer and then put your feet up.Staying in has never been more delicious.

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Chorizo crusted cod fillets with saffron potatoes and pepperade

Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can

also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

This is a real dinner party dish. Take a simple fillet of cod, top it with a perfect chorizo crust and serve it with delicately flavoured saffron potatoes and a lovely sweet pepper and shallot ‘pepperade’. Created by Ivor Morgan, head chef at the SG4 Brasserie at

the Needham House Hotel in Hitchin, this is a great example of how restaurant quality food can be recreated at home…

You’ll need:4 x 180g cod fillets.The thicker the better.

Crust 100g finely chopped chorizo

75g breadcrumbs200g unsalted butter

30g chopped tarragon Zest of 1 lemon

Pepperade 4 roasted red peppers

2 banana shallots ( cut into long slices) 6 plum tomatoes (roughly chopped)

2 cloves chopped garlicPinch of saffronCapers to finish

Potatoes3 peeled new potatoes per portion

Good pinch of saffronSpring of thyme

1. Firstly sweat the chorizo in a medium hot pan with a little oil and cook until the chorizo starts to release its own oils.

2. Add the butter and breadcrumbs and continue to cook out until the butter has melted and is well mixed through.

3. Place the mix onto some greaseproof paper then place another piece on top of that and roll out to your required thickness (3mm or so).

4. Pop it into the fridge and allow it to set before cutting to the size required (you will cut it to the

exact size of each of the fish fillets you will be cooking).

5. To make the pepperade, grill the red peppers until charred. Peel, deseed and finely slice. Sweat off the garlic in a good amount of olive oil then add the shallots and cook until cooked with very little colour.

6. Add the peppers, saffron and a little sugar and salt to taste and cook until you see some juice being released.

7. In go the chopped tomatoes and continue to cook until the sauce starts to naturally thicken. It is then ready and can be quickly reheated when ready to serve.

8. Cook the potatoes in well salted water, adding in the saffron and thyme too.

9. Once cooked, leave the potatoes to cool down in the water the potatoes were cooked in to allow the saffron to marinade into the potatoes. When ready to use, you’ll just need to simply reheat them gently.

10. To cook the fish, place the fillets into a hot frying pan with a little oil. Cook until the fish has got a nice caramelised bottom and you can see that the fish is 3⁄4 cooked.

11. Now turn it over and the place the pre-cut crust on top, then put the fish under the grill so you can toast the crust until a golden colour.The fish will continue to cook while under the grill.

12. Once the fish is cooked, you are then ready to serve the dish. Put the fish on a dollop of pepperade and serve with the potatoes. Lovely.

Three Counties Radio


Local News

The RSPB is holding a recruitment day for volunteers to join our friendly shop team at The Lodge nature reserve at Sandy, on Saturday 25 November, between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. The RSPB is the largest conservation charity in Europe. We have over 13,000 fantastic volunteers across the country, and they come from all walks of life. Between them, they contribute over a million hours each year. The Lodge shop is one of most popular and busy on our reserves, and we would like more volunteers to join us to help give our customers an excellent service. If you are friendly, live locally, are confident talking to the public, and able to inspire our visitors about the work of the RSPB, then we want to hear from you. Hours can be flexible, and various options of full days or half days and lunch-time cover over both week days and weekends are available.Full training will be given and a uniform supplied for the role.

Pop in and meet us at the shop, near the reserve entrance, anytime between 11:30 and 2:00 on the 25 November and have a chat with us over a cuppa and biscuit to find out more. If you can’t make this date but are interested in volunteering at The Lodge (or for other visitor engagement roles above), please contact Mark Brandon, Visitor Experience Manager, The Lodge nature reserve; 01767 [email protected] The Lodge nature reserve and gardensPotton Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL01767 693333

Would you like to help us by giving some of your time to help our friendly team at the RSPB The Lodge shop?


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

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

Codeword

Easy Suduko Hard Suduko


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1 NovemberNorth Herts Association of the National Trust7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin

Non-members £2 on the door‘Wimpole Hall, a talk by Veronica Bennett.

Membership of the National Trust not necessary. Tea and coffee served during the evening. Second

hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 NovemberVivace Choir 7.30-9.30pm

Edgeworth House, 121 High Street, ArleseyWe are looking for keen singers to join our fun and

friendly choir. Find out more about the choir and its concerts online. Web: www.vivacechoir.co.uk

2 NovemberLecture on Sorolla - Painter of Sunlight

11am or 2pm Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth Visitors £7

The Arts Society North Hertfordshire presents this lecture on Joaquin Sorolla whose paintings of

fishermen, beach scenes, portraits and regional studies of Spain are full of colour and light. Lecturer

Gail Turner. Visitors welcome. Free parking.Email [email protected] for more information

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 NovemberSapphire Social Club

8.30pm The Orange Tree, HitchinWe are a small and friendly group for single people generally aged 50 and above. We offer a variety of

social events during the month and the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Potential new

members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

3, 10, 17 & 24 NovemberSpringfield House Friday Bridge Club

1.30pm Old Stevenage Community CentreTo play cut-in Chicago Bridge. Play is informal and

friendly. Tel: Richard Bean 01438 221517

4 NovemberThe Signals Museum Open Day 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 over 60s Bus Pass is

required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

4 NovemberCambridgeshire and Bedfordshire

Hardy Plant Society2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road,

BiggleswadeGroup AGM followed by a talk by Andrew Ward on ‘Indispensable Plants’. Andrew is a Nursery owner.

Plants for sale. Visitors welcome - small chargeWeb: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

6, 13, 20 & 27 NovemberBranch Out Social Club for Single People

8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, HitchinBranch Out meets every Monday night and is a

medium-sized Social Club for single people. It brings together single, divorced, widowed and separated

people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s

company. The club organises regular events, weekend trips and holidays.

Tel: Lorna 01438 233657 www.branch-out.org.uk

7, 14, 12 & 28 NovemberStevenage Bridge Club 7.30pm

Priory Nursery, Stanmore Road, StevenageTo play Duplicate Bridge. A host system is run to find partners, if required. Tel: Phil Cooper 07957 813434

8 NovemberHenlow Branch R N A 7.30pm

Community Centre, The Gardens, HenlowThe Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval Association meets on the second Wednesday of each month.Tel: Jack Stafford 01462 850618 for further info

8 NovemberLetchworth Chamber Music Concert 7.45pm

Howgills Friends Meeting House, 42 South ViewTickets £12, Under 18s & students £6

Hear the up and coming, competition-winning Foyle-Štšura Duo - Michael Foyle (piano) and

Maksim Štšura (violin). They will be playing the beautiful violin sonatas by Mozart (in B flat K178), Poulenc and Franck. Tickets available on the door.

Web: www.letchworthmusicclub.co.uk

9 NovemberBaldock & Clothall WI 7.30pm

United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock

Visitors £3 including refreshment and raffle ticketFacebook: www.facebook.com/baldockclothallwi

11 NovemberStevenage Choral Society and Mid Herts Youth

Orchestra Concert7.30pm Church of St. Andrew and St. George,

St. Georges Way, StevenageAdvance tickets £12, On the door £14, Under 16s £5Giacomo Puccini’s Messa or Messa a quattro voci is a Mass composed for orchestra and four-part choir with tenor, bass and baritone soloists. An operatic

mass so loads of great melodies. Website: www.stevenagechoral.org.ukWeb: Tickets www.WeGottickets.com/

StevenageChoral

11 & 12 NovemberTwo Artists@Two Brewers Open Studio

Mill End, SandonChris and Marion Hewitt are Two Artists@Two

Brewers. There will be a selection of art for sale including painting, drawing, glass, photography

and sculpture, created by Chris and Marion in their studio. They will be raising funds for Cancer

Research from donations and 10% on all sales.

11-25 NovemberLetchworth Art Society Autumn ExhibitionOpen daily 10am-4.45pm but not Sundays

Community Museum Gallery, The Arcade, Letchworth

Free admission All work by local artists.

13 NovemberIcknield Quilters

7.30pm for 7.45pm startBaldock Community Centre £4

Speaker will be Janice Gunner on ‘Pastime to Profession’. Visitors welcome.

Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk for more info

18 NovemberWildlife Trust Wild Storytelling

10am-12 noonBarton Library, Barton-le-Clay Beds

A theatrical and magical story telling experience that will take you on a magical journey to discover

some local wildlife. Jane Lambourne is a celebrated local story teller who delivers a rich experience that everyone should have the chance to enjoy.

Suitable for children up to 10 years. Spaces on the storytelling workshops are limited, so book a place

to avoid disappointment!Tel: Sarah Cowling 01525 874317

What’s OnIn November

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

month.What’s on entries to

[email protected]


18 NovemberVillage Market 1-5pm

Shillington Village Free admissionHosted by Shillington WI. All local stallholders.

Crafts, food, Christmas gifts, cosmetics, cards and stationery, jewellery, pre-loved and much more.

Raffle and refreshments.

18 NovemberQuiz Night - Stondon Village Hall

£4 per personIn aid of All Saints Church, Stondon. Teams of up to 6 people. BYO. Prizes for the winners. Call or email

to register. Tel: Ian 01462 816041Email: [email protected]

18 NovemberWeston Music Society Concert

7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, WestonTickets £15, Under 19s free

The Piatti String Quartet are one of the most distinguished quartets of their generation. Prize-winners at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International

String Quartet Competition, they have performed in all the major venues and festivals around the

country as well as concerts throughout the world. Please call or email to reserve tickets.

Tel: 01462 790573Email: [email protected]

Web: www.westonmusicsociety.org.uk

19 NovemberBiggleswade Antiques Fair

9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectables so whether you are a professional

dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon

tea. Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk

19 NovemberRSPB Stevenage Day Trip to Black Park

10am Adults £15, Under 18s £7.50An all-day car trip to the Buckinghamshire Country

Park named after the black bark of the Corsican Pine tree. There is a visitor centre and café. Meet in the Pay & Display car park at of 10.00 am. Bring a

packed lunch. Leader Trevor Storey.Tel: 01438 861547

19 NovemberChristmas Fayre at The Forum 11am-3pm

The Forum Conference & Banqueting Suites, Danestrete, Stevenage

With quality stalls, refreshments and a raffle. A Father Christmas Minion will be making a special

appearance. All profits will help the children of Nakuru in Kenya. The children are living in a

deprived environment and three generations of the Newman family will be helping them via teaching,

playing, building and renovating.

19 NovemberShillington Archive Exhibition

2.30pm Shillington Village Hall, SG5 3LRAdmission £2.50 inc. light refreshments

The archive covers many subjects, including farming, schools and schoolchildren, carnivals, pubs and inns,

houses and developments, churches and chapels, and, of course, people. The archive currently holds images dating from the early 1900’s onwards. If you have any aspects of family history you would like to explore, then, perhaps, we can add some

details to your research. If you have any pictures of Shillington through the years, then we should be

most appreciative to see them, for possible inclusion in our ever growing archive. Light refreshments will

be available during the afternoon.Tel: Peter Watts 01462 712080

Email: [email protected]

21 NovemberStevenage RSPB 7.30pm

Friends’ Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, StevenageMembers £3, Non-members £4, Under 16s 50p

Revd. Tom Gladwin will present his talk entitled ‘A Naturalist in the Mojave Desert’. Bring- and-Buy cake stall. Refreshments free. Small donations welcome.

25 NovemberHitchin Symphony Orchestra Concert

7.30pm St Mary’s Church, HitchinAdults £14, Concessions £12, Under 16s free - £2

discount if bought before 22 NovPaul Ibbotson wrote the Cello Concerto in spring

2015 and it is being brought to life by Hitchin Symphony Orchestra. Tickets available from Hitchin

Town Centre Initiative, by telephone or online.Tel: HSO Box Office 01462 458614

Web: www.wegottickets.com (search for Hitchin Symphony Orchestra)

Web: https://paulibbotson.wixsite.com/composer

25 NovemberTenors Unlimited ‘The Rat Pack of Opera’

7.30pm The Broadway Theatre LetchworthInternationally acclaimed operatic trio Tenors

Unlimited, the ‘Rat Pack of Opera’ will perform with local choir Box of Frogs, as part of their nationwide tour ‘From Venice to Vegas’. Tenors Unlimited have performed alongside notables such as Sting, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Hayley Westenra, Simply Red and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few.

They are currently touring the UK.Web: www.tenorsunlimited.com

26 NovemberHertfordshire Carol Workshop 2-4.30pm

Guide HQ, Icknield Way, Letchworth£8 inc. music and refreshments

With Chiltern West Gallery Quire. Recreating the Sounds and Scenes of a bygone age by. Singing and

Playing the joyful music of our Country Churches from the 18th century. Contact Jenny to book.

Tel: Jenny 07505 131880Web: www.cwgq.co.uk

30 NovemberNight Seeker Night Time Team Challenge

Kit check from 5.30pmMarriotts Sports Centre,

Telford Avenue, Stevenage£25 per person inc. meal, refreshments & Night

Seeker safety packIn aid of Garden House Hospice Care. Starting from HQ at Marriotts Sports Centre, teams of two people will set out together to reach a number of different

check points. Covering a 3-mile loop each team must navigate around the course using only a basic guide & map. Time is of the essence as teams battle

it out to reach as many check points as possible in the fastest time to win the prestigious ‘Night Seeker’

trophy! Participants must be over 18.Tel: 01462 679540

Web: www.ghhospicecare.org.uk to sign up online

Hitchin & Surrounding Areas - Fun & Social StuffA Social Group based in Hitchin, but also aimed at

the surrounding areas. The groups arranges drinks, socials, going to Live Music events, charity events,

Pub Quizzes, etc.. The aim of the group is to enable a variety of people who are over 18 years old (with no upper age limit) to get to know each other in a social and friendly setting whilst also enjoying a

variety of events & activities.Web: www.meetup.com/meetup-group-HVrvZZiQ

What’s OnIn November

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to

our website www.villagermag.com


Answer: ADVENTURE

WORDWHEELUsing only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 78 or more words Good: 69 words Fair: 63 words

ED

NA UE R

TV


October’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners

Last Month’s Crossword WinnerJennifer Burns – Kimbolton

Easy

Hard

GAS SAFE REGISTERED


Name:

Address:

Tel:

Prize£25

The Villager Prize Crossword

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below,

cut out this page and send to the address below before

16th November 2017 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd

24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Across7 Type of fruit (6)8 Opulence (6)9 Touch (4)10 Start (8)11 Modified (7)13 Impede (5)15 Remove from home (5)17 Water closets (7)20 Calculation (8)21 Horrid (4)23 Male relatives (6)24 Snub (6)

Down1 Manufactured (4)2 Horse’s fastest pace (6)3 Observed (7)4 Chubby (5)5 Specialist (6)6 Piece of jewellery (8)12 Splitting (8)14 Advisory group (7)16 Cold (6)18 Caring (6)19 Slightly drunk (5)22 Lie in wait (4)

42


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Brand New Luxury Care Home to Open in Welwyn Garden CityA brand new luxury care facility situated in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire is opening in January 2018. Oakview Lodge will showcase how style and elegance can be incorporated in to the development of a Care Home, whilst incorporating state of the art design and functionality. However, it will come at a cost that is affordable to the local community. Oakview Lodge Care Home already has a public open day already planned for Sunday 21st of January 2018, for local people to come in and see the home, meet the team and enjoy some refreshments. Built on the old site of the Queen Elizabeth ll Hospital, Oakview Lodge will be spread over three floors, and will boast 48 en-suite bedrooms as well as 6 double bedrooms for couples, a hair salon, a café/bistro, a relaxation spa, a shop, a cinema room, a family room and numerous lounges/communal areas.

Oakview Lodge will be part of the family owned business Country Court Care, who have been established since 1983 and has its headquarters in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Their belief is that all older people deserve the best quality of life and this sits at the heart of their family ethos.Country Court Care delivers award winning care through its care homes, which are located across the UK. Oakview Lodge Care Home will form an integral part of Country Court Care’s of care facilities, and will take the group’s total number of care facilities to 28. If you’d like more information about Oakview Lodge, we’d love to hear from you! Please email [email protected], or call Robb Shingles on 0843 506 9452.For more information, contact Robb Shingles, Marketing & PR Manager on 0843 506 9452Email [email protected] or visit our website www.countrycourtcare.com

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Gift InspirationBooks make great gifts. If you’re stuck for inspiration or looking for some ideas for your own Christmas wish list, check out this month’s recommendations.

The Gender Game by Bella ForrestIn Violet Bates’s world, women rule. Men have few rights and boys can be sent away if they’re deemed capable of aggression. Across the river it’s another story – in Patrus men have the power. Violet is serving time in a detention facility when she’s offered the chance to have her slate wiped clean, in return for completing a mission in Patrus. An enjoyable, easy read.

The Stolen Child by Sanjida Kay Without giving too much away, The Stolen Child centres around Zoe, Ollie and their daughter, Evie. Evie was adopted by the couple from birth, but starts to receive letters and gifts from a man claiming to be her father. A man who says he wants her back. Full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Book ReviewBy Kate Duggan

Books

V The ILLAGER · machine in Switzerland. ... Cadbury’s Dairy Milk was launched in 1905 with the...

Documents

Transcript of V The ILLAGER · machine in Switzerland. ... Cadbury’s Dairy Milk was launched in 1905 with the...