v the illager...v illager the issue 4 - july 2016 and town life local news • local people •...

VILLAGERThe

and Town LifeIssue 4 - July 2016

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

Your

FREEcopy

Bringing Local Business to Local People 10,000 copies delivered to Newport Pagnell, Cranfield, Marston Moretaine and surrounding villages every month

Inside this issueWin an aerial picture by

BeSkyBeeHeritage

in Palermo

Win £25in our Prize Crossword

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PublishersVillager Publications Ltd

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

[email protected]

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.

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Alison Runham, Carol H Scott, Pippa Greenwood,

Iain Betson and Willow Coby

Advertising Sales/Local EditorialScott Blower - 01767 261122 [email protected]

Photography - Illia Bondar and Darren Harbar Photography

Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

10,000 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Newport Pagnell, Cranfield, Marston Moretaine and surrounding villages.

Contents VILLAGERTh e

and Town LifeIssue 4 - July 2016

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

Your

FREEcopy

Bringing Local Business to Local People 10,000 copies delivered to Newport Pagnell, Cran� eld, Marston Moretaine and surrounding villages every month

Inside this issueWin an aerial picture by

BeSkyBeeHeritage

in Palermo

Win £25in our Prize Crossword

The History of Soft Drinks ........................................4

Heritage in Palermo ................................................8

Win Tickets to see Dizzee Rascal ............................10

Childhood Obesity .................................................13

Employment Matters ............................................17

Water, Water Everywhere ......................................18

Children’s Page ......................................................20

Range Rover Evoque Convertible ...........................22

Puzzle Page ...........................................................24

What’s On ..............................................................26

Prize Crossword .....................................................28

Win an Aerial Picture from BeSkyBee ....................30

Book Review .........................................................31

Win an Aerial Photofrom BeSkyBee

30

Win Tickets to see Dizzee Rascal

10

August edition deadline Tuesday 12th July September edition deadline Friday 29th July

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts4

The History of Soft DrinksHistory

With the arrival of summer, we will consume thousands of gallons of soft drinks - from squash and cordials to fizzy ‘ades’ and coke – all produced by a global industry that is worth billions. But have you ever stopped to wonder how the soft drinks industry came about?The earliest mention of lemonade occurs in historical texts from the mid-1600s. A non-fizzy refreshing drink, probably only available to the more wealthy, it is believed to have come over from Italy via France and was made from water and lemons with sugar or honey added.In the late 1700s, a method for artificially carbonating water was invented by Dr Joseph Priestley. This meant that soda water was commercially available by 1800 and within 20 years, ginger beer was also being advertised. Household names of today such as Schweppes and R. Whites began selling manufactured lemonade in the 1850s that consisted of a citric acid base with oil of lemon, sugar and carbonated

water - very similar to today’s. Before mains supply was built, the water available, particularly in rural areas, was often contaminated and unsafe to drink. Consequently, every town and village had a wide selection of public houses that brewed their own ‘small beer’ as this was safer to drink than the water. Beer was even given to children. People also brewed their own drinks at home and would frequently boil water before adding natural flavourings such as nettle, barley, dandelion, burdock and ginger to improve the taste. This would then go through a natural fermentation process to produce a very low alcohol drink, frequently believed to have medicinal properties. Non-alcoholic versions of these drinks began to be produced commercially, becoming popular during the Victorian era and some of these ‘old fashioned’ herbal flavourings are still produced today.

By Catherine Rose


By the mid-Victorian era, ginger beer was ‘the most popular non-alcoholic beverage’ although lemonade must have come a close second. They were produced in ‘mineral factories’ across the country.Storing fizzy drinks required the development of suitable and stable containers. Round-ended glass bottles began to be manufactured for lemonade. This shape was deliberate so that the bottle had to be stored on its side which kept the cork moist and allowed for better sealing of the effervescent drink. Ginger beer on the other hand was usually stored in solid stoneware containers with a large cork pushed firmly into the top to prevent it from ‘popping’. The ingenious Cod’s bottle with its glass marble stopper became available at the end of the 19th century. These were eventually replaced by metal ‘crown’ and later screw caps. Aluminium cans with pull rings were introduced in the late 1950s. In the latter half of the 19th century, a drink made from the African kola (or cola) nut became available in the UK - known as ‘kola champagne’ or ‘kola tonic’. Meanwhile, in America, a similar drink was being made from the leaves of the Bolivian coca shrub. In 1886, Dr John Pemberton of Atlanta, Georgia decided to combine these two ingredients to produce his own ‘brain and nerve tonic’ which logically, he called ‘coca-cola’. Coca-cola proved so popular that Asa Candler bought the patent from Pemberton and set up the now world-famous Coca-Cola Company. Today, the Coca-Cola brand still uses the original and instantly recognisable ‘Spencerian Script’ logo that was first designed by Frank Robinson.Concentrated fruit drinks or cordials also began to appear at this time, again from companies that are still well-known today including Rose and its Lime Juice Cordial. By the First World War, the term ‘squash’ had become a recognised one for this type of concentrated soft drink. Robinsons

started making their squash and barley water in the 1930s.The 20th century paved the way for specialised essence-based soft drinks from brands such as Irn Bru, Tizer and Corona.Soft drinks factories were once commonplace in the UK. In mid-Bedfordshire for example, prior to 1900, the original Mineral Factory of Wells & Co. was situated in Biggleswade ahead of its brewery on the same site. The company brewed ginger beer and supplied soda water siphons although their largest trade was in ‘pop’ - sugary carbonated drinks of various flavours, the most popular being their Golden Lemonade.Commer lorries supplied the local pubs with ‘mineral waters’ in addition to the main trade of beers, wines and spirits, as well supplying them to private houses and shops. Soft drinks had become so popular that during the Second World War, the soft drinks industry was nationalised.There were even small factories in the villages. In Northill, just outside Biggleswade, another local mineral water factory was owned by Marsom Brothers. Situated opposite The Crown pub, today, a private house stands on the site and has old ginger beer bottles set into the eaves as homage to the firm.Although a new mineral water bottling unit was established in the old maltings in Biggleswade in 1952, Wells & Winch merged with Greene King in 1961 and the mineral factory closed in 1974.However, despite the closure of many of these small factories, the soft drinks story has evolved, turning from a cottage industry to one of gigantic proportions.

With thanks to Ken Page for information taken from his ‘Story of Biggleswade Brewery’.


10 YEAR

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader PartnershipConsumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long

standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 10 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Milton Keynes area and

manager Stephen Moon agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Stephen a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

advertorial

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

Lapped by the blue Tyrrhenian Sea, framed by mountains rising over 1,000 metres, Palermo is the bustling capital of the autonomous region of Sicily. Attracted by the natural harbour and strategic location, myriad civilisations landed on these shores and on its solitary headland, the iconic Mount Pellegrino has seen them all: Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish to name just a few, all leaving their mark on a city which became one of the richest on the Mediterranean.Today Palermo remains an enticing mix of old and new, tree-lined avenues festooned in hibiscus and oleander, traditional street markets, hidden courtyards and breezy squares and narrow twisting lanes where laundry flaps on the balconies. The air smells of oranges and lemons and freshly-baked pizza, church bells mingle with the hooting of scooters and pony and traps rattle side by side.Bursting with colour, Palermo is above all a city of palaces, theatres and churches, contributing to Sicily’s generous share of UNESCO sites. In a capital once protected by four patron saints, the most venerated today is Saint Rosalia, who freed the people from the plague. Churches pop up around every corner: austere or ornate, Norman, Renaissance, Baroque and more, but most endearing are the hidden chapels in the Vucciria neighbourhood, their gleaming interiors entirely covered in white stucco angels. Yet top of the list must be the Cathedral founded in the 12th century, boasting a magnificent doorway and royal tombs, a stunning Treasury and a rooftop walk, up 107 spiral steps but worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city bristling with domes, the sea and the surrounding hills.

Heritage in PalermoTravel

Meanwhile, far below, visitors head for Piazza Verdi to pose on the steps of the Teatro Massimo and gaze at its refined neo-classical façade flanked by two bronze lions. Dating back to the late19th century, it’s the third largest Opera House in Europe, justly renowned for its acoustics, and the place where the final scenes of the Godfather Part III were filmed in 1990. Stroll along the road and you come to another architectural gem, the Politeama Garibaldi Theatre; unlike Teatro Massimo, this was built for the common people who preferred operetta, plays, equestrian shows and the circus. Yet one of the theatre’s greatest moments was the performance of Puccini’s opera La Bohème in 1896, applauded by a near delirious audience after a disappointing reception in Turin. Now home to the Sicilian Foundation Symphonic Orchestra, it dazzles visitors with its grand entrance and superb decorations, while on some guided tours you might see the original painted stage curtain weighing 450 kilos. As for Palermo’s palaces, most exotic are the Zisa and Cuba in Arabic style, set in the former pleasure grounds of the Norman kings, but most impressive is the Norman Palace, currently the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. Following the Norman Conquest in 1072, the Arabic fortress was transformed into a sumptuous palace for the new Kings of Sicily, and as such is said to be the oldest royal residence in Europe. Beyond the 17th century façade, highlights include the splendid Ruggero Hall, named after Sicily’s first Norman King, and the 12th century Palatine Chapel. With its Norman architecture, its wooden ceiling in

traditional Islamic style and its glittering Byzantine mosaics and dome, it exemplifies the rich

blend of cultures which have shaped Palermo for over 1,000 years.

By Solange Hando

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts


COMPETITIONWin a pair of tickets to see

Dizzee Rascal!This summer, Friday 5th August,

Bedford Park Concerts and The Pad Presents are bringing one of the biggest line ups that the town has ever seen!

Dizzee Rascal! is headlining Bedford Park, with People Just Do Nothing - Kurupt FM, Wiley, Jaguar Skills

and Ms. Dynamite supporting.

Name:Address:

Tel:

Bedford Park Concerts are proud to announce that MC, producer and rapper Dizzee Rascal has been confirmed as the headline act for their Friday night concert, which will take place on the 5th August in Bedford Park. Dizzee Rascal has thrived within the UK garage scene since the early 2000’s, spanning genres from hiphop and grime to dance and bassline. Having collaborated with the likes of Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys and Florence & the Machine, Dizzee has evolved from his grime and garage roots into the mainstream scene, which has found him featured on the bill for festivals like Glastonbury and Radio 1 Big Weekend numerous times. His huge hits include ‘I Luv U’ and ‘Fix Up Look Sharp’, which went straight into the UK top 20 single charts. As well as his number 1 hit ‘Dance Wiv Me’ featuring Calvin Harris. Dizzee Rascal really developed and amerced himself deeper into the mainstream dance scene with this collaboration. Other hits include further number one hits ‘Holiday’ and ‘Dirtee Disco’ and ‘Bonkers’, which he sang at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics to an estimated worldwide audience of nine hundred million! Supporting Dizzee will be West London’s finest pirate radio station Kurupt FM. To add to this exciting line up will be English grime MC and rapper Wiley, Jaguar Skills and rapper, songwriter, recording artist, producer Ms Dynamite, who is the recipient of the Mercury prize, winner of two Brit awards and three Mobo awards. Tickets will go on sale from www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk/thepadpresentsTickets are priced at £35 inclusive of all booking fees

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Dizzee Rascal please complete your details below and send your entry to Dizzee Rascal Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. The winner will be randomly selected. Deadline: 20th July 2016


11To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 11

COMPETITION

at CranfieldWe are located in the heart of the village right next to the Village green and War Memorial. We aim to serve the best in traditional home cooked pub food with a cracking selection of ales, lagers and wines.

Join us for regular events, or stay over in one of our three double en-suite letting rooms, which two can be made in to a twin room. Tea/coffee making facilities also mini fridge in all rooms.

The Swan at Cranfield, 2 Court Road, Cranfield

MK43 0DR01234 750332

www.swanatcranfield.co.uk

The Swan

The Swan 1/2 page.indd 1 18/03/2016 17:10

121212

Local & ReliableEBAY COLLECTIONS

We are looking for more delivery people in this area to deliver our magazine.

Please contact Nigel for more detailsTel: 01767 261122 Email: [email protected]

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Health

Childhood ObesityMost parents would say their child’s health and life expectancy is vitally important. Yet nearly a third of all children in the UK are overweight or obese, potentially jeopardising their health and shortening their lifespan. Last year Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, warned that “[poor diets] and couch potato lifestyles are normalising obesity and as parents, a third of us can’t now spot when our own child is seriously overweight”. National Childhood Obesity Week, running from 4th-10th July, aims to raise awareness of this escalating problem.The Scale and Dangers of Childhood ObesityThe 2014 Public Health Survey for England identified 31.2% of 2-15 year olds as overweight or obese. The 2014/15 National Child Measurement identified 19.1% of Year 6 children (aged 10-11) as obese and 14.2% as overweight, while 9.1% of Reception children (aged 4-5) were already obese, with another 12.8% overweight. ‘Puppy fat’ that children ‘grow out of’ is a potentially dangerous myth. Obese children often grow into obese adults, increasing their risk of developing insulin resistance, premature onset of diabetes and heart disease, cardiovascular disease, disability, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis) and some cancers.Dr Sania Nishtar, Co-Chair of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity, warns of obesity’s “impact on educational attainment” and “physical, psychological and health consequences”.Tackling the Problem• The National Child Measurement Programme

(NCMP) provides data to help the government understand and tackle children’s weight issues and aims to engage with families about healthy lifestyles and weight issues. Trained healthcare professionals measure the height and weight of Reception and Year 6 children annually and calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI) centile.

• Initiatives such as Change4Life provide straightforward information about healthy family lifestyles.

• The Sugar Tax may be controversial, but government research shows that if we halved the

sugar in soft drinks, average sugar consumption would decrease significantly, particularly in 10-19 year olds. Dropping the nation’s sugar intake to recommended levels within 10 years would avoid 4,000 early deaths and save the NHS £480 million a year.

What Parents Can Do:• Give them the best start. Exclusively breastfeeding

babies until 6 months significantly reduces their risk of obesity.

• Reduce Their Sitting Time. Prolonged sitting damages health, even in people who exercise regularly. Keep binge-watching sessions to a minimum and break them up with bursts of activity.

• Increase Their Physical Activity. This needn’t be team sports or gym sessions. Walking or cycling to school (even part way), playground trips, countryside walks, gardening, kicking a football around, swimming, indoor snowboarding, playing tag or fitness videogames all provide great exercise.

• Ensure They Get Enough Sleep. Lack of sleep can affect appetite-stimulating hormones, as well as negatively affecting memory, concentration, immunity and mental and physical health.

• Improve Their Diet- Reduce sugar. Beware hidden sugars in sauces

and cereals, cut out sugary drinks, and gradually wean them off adding sugar to cereals or drinks.

- Provide Five a Day. Any form of fruit or vegetables will do, but ration juices, as these contain ‘free’ sugars just as sugary drinks do.

- Keep Portion Sizes Small for younger children.- Monitor Pocket Money Spending to ensure it

isn’t spent on junk food and sweets.Finally, Set a Good Example. Spending your free time in front of the TV eating unhealthy snacks makes it hard to persuade your child that following suit could damage their health.

For more information, visit:http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Childhealth6-15

http://www.nhs.uk/change4life

Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

13To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122


Has your financial position changed in the past year? Have you retired, sold an asset or started a new venture. Are you aware that you may need to let HMRC know that you need to complete a tax return? Do any of the following apply to you since 6 April 2015. • Started to rent out a property• Sold a property that is not your main home• Started a new business, even part-time around another job. • Do you earn more than £50,000 and do you or your partner receive child benefit?• Are you in receipt of dividend income, and a higher rate tax payer? • Have you become a company director?If any of these are relevant for the year ended 5 April 2016, they fall into the 2015/16 tax year, and you have until 5 October 2016 to notify HMRC that you need to complete a tax return. This 2015/16 tax return should be:• With HMRC by 31 October 2016, if you choose to file a paper tax return. • Or electronically filed by 31 January 2017. If you owe tax for 2015/16, then this should be paid by 31 January 2017. If your tax liability under self-assessment is more than £1,000 you may have to make payments on account of tax for 2016/17. Are you a higher rate tax payer? Do you pay into a personal pension scheme out of your taxed income? If so, are you claiming back the tax relief on your contributions? Some taxpayers assume they will receive higher rate tax relief automatically. However, this is not the case, and the onus is on the tax-payer to claim the tax relief and what HMRC owes you. A higher rate tax payer contributing £2,000 per year into a personal pension scheme can claim tax relief on this contribution at 20%, which is £400. If you don’t claim it, you will lose it. At present you can go back and claim tax relief for the past four tax years (up to and including the tax year ended 5 April 2013). Did you know that higher rate tax payers can also receive tax relief on donations to charity under Gift Aid. Again the relief due is 20% of what you have given to Charity over the tax year. All tax payers can claim tax relief for subscriptions paid to professional bodies, if you’re em-ployer does not reimburse you for this expense. Search for a form P87 on the HMRC website. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customsIf the thought of tax is bewildering, help is at hand. Please give me a call now for a free initial consultation.

Tel: 01525 552250Website: www.savageaccountants.co.uk Email: [email protected]


Dominic Mills & Co Solicitors

Specialists in: Wills, Powers of Attorney, Deputyship Applications, Probate and Administration of Estates, Inheritance Tax Planning, Care Fees Advice

Evening and Weekend AppointmentsFREE Home Visits

Brewery House, 84 High Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire MK16 8AQTel: 01908 618708 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.dmillsandco.com

Dominic Mills June 16.indd 1 25/05/2016 17:00:34

16 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts16


Employment

Employment MattersBREXIT - What could it mean for employees and employers?

Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd

If, on 23 June 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU what could be the effect for businesses and employees and the amount of employment law that comes from Brussels? Once out of the EU the government could in theory repeal some of it but would any government really do that?Many employment protections like equal pay, race and disability discrimination laws, and the right of return from maternity leave existed in some form in the UK before being imposed by Europe and much of it is regarded, by employers, employees as a good thing. Employment rights such as family leave, discrimination law and the right to paid holiday and family leave go further than the EU directives.If the UK did vote to leave, two years’ notice is required during which time the parties would negotiate the terms of departure. The UK will wish to stay in some sort of trading relationship with the EU and it will no doubt involve adherence to a certain amount of EU employment law. So, gazing into my crystal ball, if freed from EU constraints what is likely that would actually change?Agency WorkersThe most likely review is the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 which are unwieldy, unpopular with business and many workers. Discrimination It is difficult to imagine any government, employees or employers arguing that they should be free to discriminate and any change to the

existing regime of direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and harassment seems unlikely. Family Leave Rights to parental and family leave in the UK are a mixture of rights from the UK and EU. UK maternity leave and pay preceded the EU rights and are more generous in some respects. The new right to shared parental leave and the right to request flexible working are both purely UK domestic in origin. Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment (TUPE)TUPE often attracts a bad press, but the principle that employees should transfer when a business changes hands or is contracted out is useful and is incorporated and priced into many commercial outsourcing agreements. It seems most likely that the government would make some minor changes to make it more understandable and business/employee friendly, perhaps permitting the harmonisation of terms following a TUPE transfer. Holidays and working timeThe right to statutory paid holiday under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) is also now broadly accepted. However, there are aspects of this right and of other rights under the WTR that the government might want to tweak perhaps to give more a more flexible framework for the benefit of businesses and their employees. Collective redundancy consultationCollective redundancy consultation obligations are not particularly onerous and it is not obvious that businesses regard consulting with their employees as a burden that should be removed. In conclusionIf we retain some EU law the UK courts are likely to continue to regard judgments of the ECJ on those laws as persuasive and pre-Brexit UK court decisions incorporating ECJ interpretation would continue to be binding on lower courts and tribunals. If the UK does leave the EU, it seems unlikely that UK employment law would be transformed in any significant way, particularly in the short term.

Water, Water Everywhere...of foliage or flowers getting scorched - as can happen if they are wetted in bright sunlight.Where possible use a watering can or hose with a gentle nozzle attachment and water only the areas where the water is needed. If the soil is very dry before you start to water, then sprinkle the surface gently with a light drizzling of water and return a few minutes later - you will find that the water penetrates down to the roots much more effectively. Excessive watering on a very dry surface is likely to lead to a lot of run off and wastage.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including Nemaslug to safely control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, ladybirds to control greenfly, biological controls, pull-out mini tunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

With summer well under way, gardens will need more water than the rain is giving them, but how can you minimise the amount you apply, make best use of what you’ve got and still have a good-looking and productive garden?If possible, wait until the autumn to plant out trees, shrubs and climbers – it will be far harder for them to establish properly now and they are more likely to suffer serious setbacks. However, if you can’t avoid planting, improve the soil texture by digging and forking in plenty of garden compost, well-rotted manure or other bulky organic matter so that the soil is better equipped to retain moisture – sandy soil will then hold water more effectively whilst clay soil is less likely to crack. It may be hard work but it will make life a lot easier for the plants, and means you will spend far less time watering later on.It is still well worthwhile mulching beds, borders and your vegetable plot. The mulch needs to be 2” - 3” (5 - 7.5 cm) deep and you can use shredded composted bark, composted chipped bark, cocoa shells or many of the numerous pebbles, shingles and so forth which are now available. If the soil is well watered before the mulch goes on, then it will really help to keep moisture in the soil and, as all the materials I’ve suggested will let plenty of rain through, when it does rain the plants will still benefit. Mulching will also help to keep down weeds.In drier areas of your garden, try to use drought tolerant plants. Those with silvery or grey foliage such as the lavenders, Sedums (ice plants), rock roses (Helianthemum), rosemary and Convolvulus cneorum all tend to thrive in dry conditions, and are also more likely to do quite well if planted now.Make the most of any rainfall by fitting a water diverter to the drain pipe which takes water from the guttering from your greenhouse, house, conservatory or garage, and divert the rain straight into one or more water butts. You can also fit a water diverter to the downpipe which takes water from your bath, hand basin or kitchen sink. Normal amounts of shampoo, bubble bath and washing up liquid should pose no threats to plants, and these detergents may help with pest problems such as greenfly. Unless there’s no alternative, always water in the evening or extremely early in the morning, which drastically reduces the amount of water lost through evaporation, and means that there is far less chance

Garden

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

18


Cherry Trees Day Nursery and Preschool, Duncan Road, Wharley End, Cranfi eld, Bedfordshire, MK43 0ZU

Please call 01234 751900 or email [email protected]

Fun is an essential ingredient at Cherry Trees Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

You are welcome to visit and meet the team.

“The staff are always friendly and we have been thoroughly delighted with the

service provided, the activities, the routine, the meals, the interaction and the atmosphere of the whole nursery, it is all wonderful! I personally feel the staff go out of their way to ensure each child is happy which is all you could ask for.”Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

Now taking registrations

Ref: VMH16www.childbasepartnership.com

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CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE ON:-01908 584685 or 07708 253312

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Motoring

First Drive: Range Rover Evoque ConvertibleFour years after its concept debut, Range Rover’s Evoque convertible has come to fruition. Its hard top sibling has already sold more than half a million units since it was launched in 2011 and over 1,500 orders have so far been placed for the convertible variant.What is it?The Evoque convertible is the world’s first convertible compact SUV. Based on the same platform as the Evoque, and featuring much of the same spec, the convertible looks luxurious. The car’s chassis has received strengthening in order to maintain the car’s torsional rigidity, despite its lack of roof.What’s under the bonnet?A 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium diesel engine powers the 4x4, putting out 180PS and 430Nm of torque through the Efficient Driveline four-wheel-drive system. This system varies the flow of torque between the front and rear wheels in different driving conditions.Fuel economy is a modest 49.6mpg while the diesel emits 149g of C02 per kilometre, making it theoretically one of the most fuel efficient Range Rovers available.The 9-speed automatic gearbox is from the standard Evoque.

The added weight of the chassis – 1,967kg compared to the coupe’s 1,690kg – is noticeable when accelerating out of corners, though switching into its semi-automatic function and making use of the steering wheel mounted paddles proves slightly more responsive.What’s the spec like?A 10.2inch touchscreen allows the driver to navigate using easy pinch and swipe motions even whilst driving. However, it can prove difficult to read when the roof is down.Safety is accounted for by hidden aluminium roll over bars, which automatically deploy in the event of an accident.The convertible is not just a summer fancy. Boasting a 251litre boot, 500mm water wade ability, all terrain progress control and a ski hatch, it is a comfortable and relatively practical drive.The roof can operate at speeds of up to 30mph and, unlike some other convertibles, neither rear visibility nor boot capacity is compromised when the roof is folded down. Any rivals?Like for like, the Evoque convertible has no rivals. It is likely to draw a customer base from fans of luxury D-segment convertibles,

and drivers of the original Evoque are also expected to be tempted.What’s it like to drive?The 9-speed gearbox feels too sluggish for the convertible, due to the weight of the strengthened chassis. However, in its position as the new it-car for fashionistas, it is unlikely that the convertible will be tackling much more than the occasional country road.Acceleration to 60mph takes 9.7seconds while the vehicle tops out at 121mph and steering is reassuringly firm at both high and low speeds.Wind noise is reduced in convertible form thanks to clever aerodynamics and an optional wind deflector, meaning that noise and buffeting in the front of the cabin is limited, and audible conversations can be held even at motorway speeds.VerdictAs 4x4s go, the Evoque convertible wouldn’t be the obvious choice. Practicality is seriously limited, and realistically the model would only provide a comfortable long distance journey for two.But drivers wanting the benefits of both a 4x4 and a soft top can’t go wrong. Perhaps the model could do with some refinement, but for the first of its kind it will certainly set a precedent.

THE KNOWLEDGE:Model: 2016 Range Rover Evoque

Convertible 2.0-litre 4WD HSE Dynamic

Power: 180PSMax speed: 121mph

0-60mph: 9.7 secondsMPG: 49.6mpg

Emissions: 149g/km

222222


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

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Codeword

Easy Suduko Hard Suduko

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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to advertsPlease mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts26

2 JulyBuckingham Classic

3pm Richard Roper Playing Field, Lenborough Road, Gawcott

The annual social gathering for classic cars and motorcycles, interesting younger vehicles and Petrol

Heads. Rally plaques will be presented to entries received before 13 June. Held in conjunction with

Gawcott Village Fete, which includes a daytime pig roast, side shows, cream teas, children’s

entertainment, and an evening BBQ with live music until midnight. Entry forms available at www.

buckinghamrotary.co.uk and should be returned with a minimum entry fee of £8.00.

3 JulySunday Stroll 10.30am

The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine £1

Meet at Reception for a gentle Sunday walk. Hear how the Park was set up and a little about

the surrounding area. The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9. No need to book. Walk lasts approximately 2 hours.

Tel: 01234 767037 for more details

7 JulyVolunteer Task - Off Site

9.30am-3.30pm The Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine

Meet at the Barn in the Forest Centre car park at 9.30am and make sure you wear old, warm clothes

and strong footwear. We’ll be bridge building in Wiles Wood. All tools and information will be

provided. Tea and biscuits will be available, but if you plan to stay all day please bring a packed lunch. So that we have an accurate idea of numbers please

email if you wish to come. Email: [email protected]

7 JulyMemory Cafe 10am-12noon

Westbury Grange/The Limes, Westbury Lane, Newport Pagnell

£1.50 for tea/coffee, cake and raffle ticketFirst Wednesday of every month. A warm welcome

and support is extended to all people living with dementia and their carers/friends.

Tel: 01908 210322 for more information

9 JulyElectric Daisy Carnival

National Bowl, Milton KeynesA great line-up including Avicii, Paul van Dyk,

Sigma, Pendulum, Andy C. Grab a chance to see Avicii’s last ever EDC performance before retirement

from electronic dance music.Web: http://uk.electricdaisycarnival.com/

14 JulyVolunteer Task - Millennium Country Park

10am-4pm The Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine

Remedial Work to Storage Bay Roofing. Meet at the Barn in the Forest Centre car park and make sure you

wear old, warm clothes and strong footwear. So that we know how many to cater for please email if

you wish to come. Email: steven.gascoyne @marstonvale.org

15 JulyFarmers Market8.30am-1.30pmNewport Pagnell

16 JulyDarts Exhibition 6pm

Stewartby Club, Stewartby Way, StewartbyTickets £10

Lakeside Legends sees the following darts stars appear at the club: Current BDO Champion for the second time Scott Waites; one of the best known, most colourful and charismatic darts player of all time Bobby George and three times Winmau and

three times BDO World Dart Champion Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams. MC for the event will be the BDO MC

Little Richard Ashdown. I3 July 2pm - Play A Pro Singles Tournament. The

winner and runner up can take to the stage at the exhibition and play against a “Lakeside Legend”. Tournament entry is free, but you must buy an

exhibition ticket. Tickets on sale from Stewartby Club or online. Tel: Shane 077656 92488

Web: www.stewartbyclub.com

17 JulyFarmers’ Market 10.30am-3pm

The Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine Free admission

The Farmers Market, with local suppliers bringing

a host of quality goods to the Forest Centre, is held every third Sunday of the month. Free entry. May

not run in extreme weather conditions! Please call ahead for more information, if you are unsure. If

you are interested in becoming a stallholder, please contact [email protected] for more details.

21 JulyVolunteer Task - Off Site

9.30am-3.30pm The Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine

Meet at the Barn in the Forest Centre car park at 9.30am and make sure you wear old, warm clothes

and strong footwear. We’ll be installing a new barrier and fencing at Button’s Ramsey. If you intend

to head there yourself please contact us first as parking is strictly limited. All tools and information will be provided. Tea and biscuits will be available, but if you plan to stay all day please bring a packed

lunch. So that we have an accurate idea of numbers please email if you wish to come.

Email: [email protected]

23 JulyVolunteer Task - Millennium Country Park

10am-4pm The Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine

Ragwort removal. Meet at the Barn in the Forest Centre car park at and make sure you wear old,

warm clothes and strong footwear. We’ll be doing some ragwort removal from meadows. All tools and

information will be provided. Tea and biscuits will be available, but if you plan to stay all day please

bring a packed lunch.So that we have an accurate idea of numbers please

email if you wish to come.Email: [email protected]

27 JulyPond Dipping and Design - Kids’ Event

10am-3pm The Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine £4 per child

Find out who’s living in the pond and make a pond on a plate. All equipment will be provided to have a go at pond dipping followed by an indoor craft session. Sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm.

Booking essential – please telephone or email to book or for more information.

Tel: 01234 767037Email: [email protected]

What’s OnIn July

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

This is a small selection of What’s OnFor the full listing please go to our

website www.villagermag.com


June’s Puzzle Solutions and WinnersLast Month’s Crossword Winner

Mrs D Davis from Gamlingay

Easy

Hard

June’s Competition WinnersFarr Festival Claire Hodges from St NeotsShan Collins from BramptonCaitlin Hillard from WrestlingworthCaron Kitchener from StevenageMargaret Major from Henlow

Bickerdicks Garden CentreDonna Lincoln from Upper Caldecote


Name:

Address:

Tel:

28

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

15th July 2016 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd

24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Across7 Fruit (6)8 Echo (6)9 Sunrise (4)10 Centuries (8)11 Far away (7)13 Type of boat (5)15 Later (5)17 Immobilized (7)20 Correctly (8)21 Silly (4)23 Devils (6)24 Almost (6)

Down1 Information (4)2 Type of seabird (6)3 Cleaning (7)4 Intoxicated (5)5 Coil (6)6 Attractive (8)12 Deduced (8)14 Sickly sweet (7)16 Hire (6)18 Noon (6)19 Quick (5)

22 Trip (4)


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COMPETITION

Win a 12”x16” framed aerial pictureof your property, village or town

BeSkyBee Ltd is a professional local aerial photography service. We offer a wide range of aerial photographic solutions using the latest and most advanced drones and camera equipment. We are fully insured, qualified and have the permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to undertake aerial work.Aerial pictures of your property or business from as little as £45 (inc. VAT) | Framed aerial gift pictures from £75 (inc. VAT) | Estate Agents: market your client’s property with a unique perspective, our pricing makes aerial pictures accessible to all property types and sizes. Competition clue: all villages begin with the letter ‘G’. Contact [email protected] for more information.

CAN YOU NAME THE FOUR LOCAL VILLAGES ABOVE?To enter, complete the form below and send to:

BeSkyBee Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP The winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries. Deadline: 29th July 2016

BeeSkyBee COMPETITION ENTRY

Name:

Address:

Tel:

The 4 villages in photos above are:


COMPETITION Book ReviewBy Willow Coby

Books

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call

Scott on 01767 261122 or email

[email protected]

Business gone slow? Let us help!


The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerPublished in 2004, Niffenegger’s debut work has become an international best-seller.In 1991 20-year-old Claire is an artist who makes paper sculptures for a living. She bumps into 28-year-old Henry, a librarian at the local library. He has never met her before, but Claire has known him all her life; for Henry is not an ordinary man.He was born with a genetic disorder which causes him to time travel. He has no control over it, and cannot predict how long he will stay in one time. He jumps around his own timeline and experiences events in his own history.So, on this day in 1991 when he and Claire meet, she becomes a part of his experiences and therefore his timeline. He begins to travel within her life and their ‘first’ encounter is when Claire is just 6 years old. Over his many ‘visits’ as she grows into adulthood they form a close relationship and eventually fall in love.Written in the first person this novel alternates between Henry and Claire. We follow Claire’s timeline chronologically, with a note at the start of each chapter reminding us how old they each are at that point. Henry’s age does of course jump around. Niffenegger wanted to create the perfect soulmate. If that is what Henry is then it explains why Claire spends her life waiting for him to appear in hers. It raises the question of whether a brief moment of pure happiness is worth the pain when that moment is over.

v the illager...v illager the issue 4 - july 2016 and town life local news • local people •...

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