Leighton Buzzard & Villages August|September 2015
• Features • News • Puzzles • Recipes • What’s On • Competitions • Reviews • Beauty • Travel • Entertainment • Law • Garden • Money … and more 12,000 copies delivered each issue to Cheddington, Wing, Slapton, Northall, Stewkley, Billington, Heath & Reach, and selected areas of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade.
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Editor: Andrena Carden-White Advertising: buzz@beelocalmagazine.co.uk
Telephone: 01525 222473
Features
20 DIY Law 22 Taking it Back 34 Your Money Matters
6 Fostering 32 First day at school
Entertainment
43 Win a flight experience
36 In Review
Community
In other Areas: Bee Local Aylesbury & Villages Bee Local MK South & Villages Visit the website for more details of our distribution Ask about our sister magazine, The Vine, in Dunstable, Luton and Dunstable Villages We do our best to get things right but neither the publisher or contributors will take any liability for loss or damage by errors. Bee Local Magazine is published by The Vine Magazine Limited. The publisher does not officially endorse advertisements or the views held by contributors. No part of the publication can be published either in print or online without permission
Consumer Advice
Competition
8 Local News 46 What’s On
Leisure
Home & Garden
and more
10 How to sell your home 14 Buying a sofa 25 Your garden in August 38 Organic garden
30 Barbecue Fruit
Left Hander’s Day, Bounty Hunters Puzzles Looking Up
Health & Beauty 18 Lumps and Bumps Bee Local Magazine supports KidsOut. To find out how they help 1000’s of children, locally and nationally visit www.kidsout.org
Hello and welcome to the first issue of Bee Local Magazine (formerly The Vine). I hope you like the new look and our new character “Herbee”. Thank you to Steve Jones of Moonhound for naming our little Bee. Congratulations to Val and Chris who won the theatre tickets in the last issue of The Vine, in this issue you can win a flight experience, it would make a great present. As always, I would love to hear from you Andrena
ps Herbee is hiding in one of the adverts see if you can spot him. GET THE www.beelocalmagazine.co.uk LOCAL BUZZ Tell our advertisers you found them in Bee Local Magazine
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FCA appeal for new carers
...to find room to foster young parents with their child Foster Care Associates (FCA) is helping young parents in Bedfordshire to develop their parenting skills by providing support in the home of a specially trained foster carer. The aim is to keep the family together and stop the children from going into care. FCA which marks its 21st anniversary of providing care and support to children and young people this year, is appealing for potential carers across Bedfordshire with the time, dedication and room to care for a young parent and their child to consider a move into fostering. A parent and child placement offers the parent and child the best opportunity to remain together. A young parent may be struggling to care for their child and require extra support, and these placements allow the parent
to develop their parenting skills in a stable and caring environment whilst in the guidance of their foster carer. FCA encourages parent and child placements because they allow the parent to maintain and build upon their relationship with the child, meaning a foster home can play a pivotal role in ensuring the parent and child a happy lifetime together. Karen Bolton, registered manager, from FCA Thames Valley said: "Rather than referring struggling young parents to residential units to have their parenting assessed, local authorities are increasingly beginning to refer them to parent and child foster placements. “With fully trained support staff across Bedfordshire ready to work with new carers and guide them, FCA offer full support and guidance to carers and children alike to ensure that each relationship fulfils the children
and the family as whole� Placements can range from shortterm assessment periods, which generally last up to 12 weeks, to more long-term ones that offer the chance to help the parent provide care and guidance to the child. This means an appropriate placement can be found to suit the foster home. Some are pre-birth placements that help parents to prepare for the birth of the child. FCA provide support to those undertaking parent and child placements every step of the way, including training, a financial allowance, access to carer support groups and organised family activities - all contributing factors as to why FCA placements are 22% more stable than the national average. For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA call 0800 022 4012 or visit www.thefca.co.uk
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Fostering a child with us means you get the support you need to make a real difference to someone’s life. We’re the largest independent fostering agency in the UK, with one-to-one support for you and your foster child. That’s why our placements are 22% more stable than the national average. Find room in your life to foster. Call Foster Care Associates today on 0800 022 4012.
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community News from Appledown
This is Tor, a lurcher aged 3 years. He is house-trained, good with people and other dogs. He needs owners who will be happy to carry on with his training. This affectionate dog would love to be part of a family, but would not be suitable for a home with children younger than teenagers. If you feel you could offer Tor, or any of our other dogs, a loving and secure home please call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our staff will be happy to offer advice and information. We have restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details. Check our website for adoption information. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY. Call: 01525 220383 or e-mail: appledown.kennels@btinternet. com www.appledownrescue.co.uk (Reg. Charity No. 1116848)
LOCAL NEWS
An empty Leighton Buzzard shop is being brought back to stunning life by an award-winning champion of women's fashions. Rosa Cristini's SoYou boutique is moving to 28a Market Square at the top of the high street in the next few weeks, following renovation work. Rosa, who recently won the title of Entrepreneur of the Year at the FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards, said her customers greatly appreciate the opportunity to have a place to go where they can get advice on what to wear. “It is so important for ladies to get the dress that is right for them, especially the ladies of the Leighton Buzzard areas who are very discerning and know their styles,” said Rosa. “The new SoYou gives the boutique room to cope with more customers to browse, to talk and to make sure they have what's right for them in an easily accessible, relaxing space.” Many years ago the shop housed a traditional lingerie boutique
called SUSAN’s and Rosa is proud of bringing life back to a closed down shop. The business is moving from upstairs at the Green House. Rosa said: “I am grateful to Jackie Burgess, the owner of the Green House for her help in providing SoYou with such an incredible opening location for its launch. “I've always loved the look and feel of Leighton Buzzard town centre. It's great to be part of a revival!” Rosa was also proud to be a champion of Leighton Buzzard at the recent FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards where won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. For more information seek out SoYou on Facebook or visit the website at www.soyouboutique. co.uk
12th September Appeldown’s Open Day and Dog Show
www.appledown rescue.co.uk
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home by Mark Reynolds Pierce & Company (Wing) mark@pierceandco.co.uk 01296 20 1234
Information Needed Selling a property is a very stressful experience, you are asked constantly for different documents which takes a lot of time. Getting the information from the outset will ease the burden and show you are a serious seller and care about your property. Your Home Is At Risk‌ The type of information an A phrase you will have seen and agent will ask for is read on many a mortgage advert, but is not just mortgages that put your home at risk.
An Energy Performance Certificate Building regulation certificates Gas & Electrical certificates Running costs such as electric, gas, council tax, water, building & contents insurance Any service charges or ground rents (flats)
What am I talking about? When you are trying to sell your property, you want the first person that comes through the door to buy YOUR property, not the one down the road or around the corner but YOUR property! So if you are trying to sell your property, the following tips may help you achieve an offer. The Outside Cutting the grass and cleaning the windows (unless you are in a top floor flat!) will make the property more attractive. Tidy up the flower beds, clean the path and drive if you have one. Check the gutters, are they clean and debris free? Think what you thought when you bought the property as you approached the property. First impressions count and can make the difference between getting an offer or no interest at all.
The Inside Try to keep your property as tidy and as clean as possible. I appreciate this can be a big ask but in theory it is only for a short time. Previously, having freshly baked bread on the go with fresh coffee percolating used to be a deal winner, but now most people are seeing through this and believe you are hiding something, like damp! The same goes for those plugin air fresheners, I’ve lost count the amount of times potential buyers love the house but are concerned about the smell masking something! Viewings Put YOUR trust in YOUR agent, after all you did chose them. When there are viewings be on hand to answer any questions, but try not to get involved in trying to sell your property. If you follow the tips above it will sell itself!
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home
Shopping for a New Sofa Susan Brookes-Morris
FIVE Sofa Facts from: www.sofaworkshop.com
1.The word ‘sofa’ dates back to 2000BC Egypt and derives from the Arabic word ‘suffah’ (which loosely translates as ‘bench’).
Buying a new sofa is a significant financial purchase. Here are a few pointers to help with your decision:
Think about what size is most suitable. Proportions are 2.Over it’s lifespan the average important. For example if you have sofa will host around 782 high ceilings a high backed sofa visitors. That’s a lot of bums on may look better than a low backed seats! style. A huge sofa in a small room 3.It will also be witness to 293 can be overbearing and leave little arguments, but 1,369 cuddles. room for other furniture. In some spaces two smaller sofas or a sofa 4.Your sofa will be used 489 and arm chair combination will be times as a bed – 293 of those more aesthetically pleasing than nights on the sofa will be the one large one. result of a domestic dispute. Consider your comfort when 5.People sit on their sofa for an deciding on the overall size too. average of 4 hours each day. The height and depth of the seat bespokeoflondon.co.uk can make a vast difference. I am relatively short and often find I have to perch near the edge of the seat on some designs in order for my feet to touch the ground. So do try them out.
decide which style you prefer are arm shape: square, rolled, wide or narrow; the overall line of the sofa, straight or curved; and the design of the legs. There are many options in terms of upholstery: fabric or leather, plain or patterned. Think about durability in terms of the fabric and the look you are trying to create. Even if you decide on leather you will probably still have a choice between natural look, a smoother more even finish, or faux leather instead. Fabrics may be cottonbased, velvet and chenille types or microfibre. Most designers recommend a plain colour for the main sofa and the use of scatter cushions to add a splash of another colour or patterns. Cushions can be changed more easily if you decide the look needs updating in the future.
When considering shape and style To aid longevity, choose a sturdy you need to decide whether you frame with good joinery and want to create a relaxed style or springs. You can often get a a more formal look. Solid backs protective coating applied to your and styles such as Chesterfields’ new sofa to help protect against lovelysofas.co.uk are neater and more traditional, spills too. whereas loose-backed and corner Finally many new sofas have extra sofa arrangements are more features such as recliner options or contemporary. Corner sofas are built in audio. Or you may want a also ideal for creating a relaxation d-c-williams.co.uk sofa bed. There’s a lot to consider, space within a large open-plan so don’t make a hasty decision as living space and can save space in most of us keep our sofas for many smaller rooms. years. Other differences that can help you Tell our advertisers you found them in Bee Local Magazine
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health & beauty
Lumps and Bumps Why Self-Examination is important
5 top tips to avoid a ‘hair’ raising holiday by Charlotte at Mobile Hair Design
Hair is extremely vulnerable on summer holidays because of the drying effects of the sun, salty seawater & chlorine in the swimming pool. One in eight women will get breast cancer, yet over a third of women don’t check themselves regularly for early tell tale signs that could save lives.
1 Avoid exposing your hair to direct sunlight as it can cause the colour to fade. 2 If you do wear a hat, don’t leave your hair hanging down as it will be exposed to the sun and can still fade 3 Use ‘sea waves salt spray’ it creates a lovely beach natural ‘wave’ on your hair. 4 Use a scalp sun protection lotion (especially those males with receding hair lines) A good one will stop the scalp burning the top of head 5 If you do decide to brush your hair as soon as you get out of the swimming pool or sea, brush carefully as it is most fragile when wet. Invest in a Tangle Teezer hair brush it glides through your hair with no pulling, tugging or yanking.
is the best time to self examine, when the muscles are relaxed and hang lower. Danger signs include pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum; a dragging feeling in the scrotum; a dull ache in the groin or lower stomach; excess fluid in the scrotum; blood in the sperm and discharge from the penis. For more information about how to self-examine, visit Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies website www. channel4embarrassingillnesses. com, where there are excellent video tutorials available.
Regular self-examination should take place around the same time every month to help you become familiar with the natural shape and feel of your breasts. Any changes should be easily detected, in particular puckering and dimpling of the skin, new pain that doesn’t Carole Anne go away, lumps or 07479 939461 Mobile Hairdressing bumps not present charlotte@mobilehairdesign.com in the other breast, Fully qualified www.mobilehairdesign.com and unusual disMore than 27 years charge, bleeding or experience Over 12 years rash from the nipple.
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Whilst breast cancer is more common in women over fifty, testicular cancer is a young man’s disease, with males aged 15-35 being most at risk. Early diagnosis can be lifesaving, yet only 1 in 5 men check themselves monthly.
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During or after a carole.annemobile@ntlworld.com warmyou bath found or showerthem in Tell our advertisers Bee Local Magazine
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IT’S THE LAW
Most of us have tried a spot of DIY - maybe around the house or garden, but would you attempt DIY dentistry or surgery? Probably not, but we see this regularly when it comes to legal matters. You might be interested in considering the following when thinking of DIY in the realm of Wills and Family Law......
DON’T DIY THE LAW! An agreed divorce can be straight forward, but problems can arise where the other party fails to comply with the procedure. The Petitioner will need to know alternative methods of proving service and if necessary be able to seek appropriate Costs Orders against the Respondent. Where the Petitioner is issuing a divorce on a “fault based” ground, they are often not aware that they can seek that part, or all of their legal fees be paid by the Respondent. We have also seen circumstances where Costs Orders have not been properly applied for, or difficulties in dealing with contested applications for costs. For those co-habiting couples we have seen many self-drafted letters which parties try and to use when matters have become litigated. These letters are rarely legally binding and quite often it would have been more cost effective to have instructed a qualified solicitor to draw up Co-habitation or Separation Agreement in the first place. By far the most important aspect of DIY tasks when it comes to family law is in dealing with the financial assets. There has been much reported in the news recently of a wife who has successfully pursued her husband after 20 years of divorce
Fiona Burne – Head of the Wills, Trusts & Probate department fiona.burne@ommlaw.co.uk
for a further “bite of the cherry”, so to speak. Improperly self-drafted financial settlements are open to being changed in the future and are rarely therefore “final”. Homemade Wills often neglect to include consideration of how a property is owned, which can either be joint tenants or tenants in common; the difference is very important. If property is held as joint tenants this can be converted to tenants in common. If necessary, it is very important that this is done correctly and because it relates to the most valuable asset. Homemade Wills are often not executed properly either because there have not been enough witnesses to the document or the chosen witnesses are also beneficiaries of the Will – which invalidates their gift. DIY Wills often fail to include substitute beneficiaries which can lead to a partial intestacy. This means that blood relatives you may not have even met will inherit from you if your chosen beneficiaries die before you. Once your Will is signed and witnessed, it is crucial that you do not try to amend the document. This could invalidate the document entirely. If you need to make a small change, ask a solicitor to draw a Codicil for you. Sheena Shah – Head of the Family & Matrimonial department sheena.shah@ommlaw.co.uk
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DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?
DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?
Are N you about DO YOU Econcerned ED FIN A Nthe C forthcoming IAL ADVICE? changes toabout pension Are you concerned therules? forthcoming Do youchanges need to review your current plans to to pension rules? Are you concerned about the forthcoming ensure you do not lose valuable benefits? Do you need to review your current plans to changes to pension Mortgages, Insurance, Pensionsrules? & Investments ensure you do not lose valuable benefits? Do you need to review your current plans to Mortgages, Insurance, Pensions & Investments
LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington ensure you do not lose valuable benefits? Contact: Philip Hadlow Mortgages, Insurance, Pensions & Investments 874100 LOCALTel/Fax: OFFICE:01525 Toddington Mobile 07768 277 532 Contact: Philip Hadlow philip@sterlingandlaw.com Tel/Fax: 01525 874100
LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington Sterling & Law Group277 plc is 532 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Mobile 07768 Contact: Philip Hadlowif you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Your home may be repossessed philip@sterlingandlaw.com www.sterlingandlaw.com Tel/Fax: 01525 874100 Sterling & Law Group plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Mobile 07768 277 532 Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. www.sterlingandlaw.com philip@sterlingandlaw.com Sterling & Law Group plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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21
consumer by Jonathan Vernon-Smith
OUR Y W O N K RIGHTS
“Where you don’t automatically have the right to return items is when you simply change your mind.”
When can I take it back? So, you go to a clothes shop, buy a shirt, get it home and decide that actually you’re not that keen on it after all. Simple! You can return it, yes? NOT NECESSARILY! Indeed one subject often up for discussion on my radio show on BBC 3 Counties Radio concerns the successful returning of goods to a retailer. Let me make it very clear. If goods are FAULTY then of course you have the right to return them and depending on the length of time you have had them (usually only a few weeks), you should be entitled to your money back in full. If you’ve had the item for longer, then you can ask the retailer to either repair the item (if possible) or replace it. As I’ve said in previous articles, this applies long after the 12 month period, so don’t be fobbed off by cheeky shop assistants! Remember your statutory rights – all goods purchased must be a) fit for purpose b) of reasonable quality (depending on the amount spent on them) and c) should last for a reasonable amount of time (again depending on how much you have paid for the item). Where you don’t automatically have the right to return items is when you simply change your mind. Whilst many retailers operate a ‘good will’ returns policy and will happily take items back as long as they are in perfect condition, the law does not guarantee this. Always check the returns
policy of the individual company before you make a purchase if you’re not 100% confident you’ll keep the item. Failure to do this could cause a very embarrassing scene in the shop and a may end up leaving with your tail firmly between your legs. There is an exception to all of this though, and this exception is even more important now than ever before considering how many purchases are made online. When buying a new product from an internet or mail order company, you are covered by ‘distance selling regulations’. These dictate that because you haven’t had the opportunity to see the item you’re buying in the flesh (as it were), you have 7 working days, from receipt of the goods, to return them for a full refund. Always confirm that you are returning the items by email to obtain a date stamp and please note there are exceptions to this including CDs, DVDs, perishable goods and underwear etc. Always check the sellers’ returns postage policy as if they don’t state who is liable for the p&p, then they automatically are! It’s also worth noting (using the shirt example I described earlier) that if you are not given the opportunity to try clothes on in the shop (i.e. they don’t have a changing room), then you are also entitled to return goods simply because they don’t fit or you don’t like the colour after all. The best approach is that if you don’t know the returns policy in the shop, then ask before you buy. Finally, always keep your receipts and if you don’t, remember that a bank statement or credit card bill should act as proof of purchase instead.
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23
feature
THE BOUNTY HUNTERS Modern day metal-detecting
I have happy memories of my dad, wearing comical over-size headphones, wandering up and down various beaches with his metal detector, pausing periodically to dig up yet another ring pull or bottle top. We kids hoped for treasure; instead dad found foreign coins, old pennies, and once, an engraved wedding ring, which we handed in to the local police station.
Consider joining a metal detecting club – Not only is it fun and sociable, they will have current advice on the conservation and handling of artefacts, and often provide insurance too. Useful Website www.ncmd.co.uk By Louise Addison
Dad’s metal-detecting was a harmless and somewhat seasonal hobby, but recently I was surprised to learn that modernday metal detecting is a subject which provokes controversy among archaeologists, the police and landowners. Most metal detectors admit that becoming rich or finding something of immense value is about the same as winning the lottery. But it does happen. In 2009 Terry Herbert, who had been metal-detecting for 18 years unearthed what has become known as The Saxon Hoard: the largest collection of Anglo Saxon gold and silver ever seen. Valued at £3 million it is still the most expensive treasure ever found on British soil. Terry did nothing wrong; he informed all the right people and behaved properly throughout his discovery, yet many archaeologists were very unhappy. Archaeology is a deeply political
profession and a very academic one. Archaeologists feel that the past belongs to everybody; that finds should be in a public collection on display and accessible for study on the internet or in books. They see those who use metal detectors as being very object-orientated while they, the academics, are educated to take a broader view. Most metal detector enthusiasts do operate legitimately, but some work on the wrong side of the law. Archaeologists call these treasure hunters ‘nighthawks’, because they go out to archaeological sites under cover of darkness to raid them for artefacts, which they can then sell over the internet. They often cause considerable damage in the process. So does that mean we shouldn’t go out metal-detecting? No, it’s a fun hobby and can be absorbing, exciting and educational. But there are some rules all enthusiasts should obey. •
Do not trespass
•
Adhere strictly to laws concerning protected sites.
•
Minimise ground disturbance when you dig.
•
Adhere to the country code (close gates, don’t litter etc.)
•
Report any finds to the relevant landowner.
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25
garden Plant of the Month
st
ugu A n i rden a G r You
August is often one of the hottest months of the year - making watering essential. Water butts may be running low so use grey water where ever possible. August is traditionally holiday-time, so you might need to enlist the help of friends and family to look after the garden while you are away.
Hydrangeas are popular garden shrubs with delicate heads of flowers in shades of pink, white or blue and pretty autumn colour and leaf shape. Hydrangea macrophylla, the best known mophead and lace-cap hydrangeas, are also known for their ability to change colour in different soils, due to the soil pH. Those with blue or pink flowers tend to be blue in acid soil conditions, mauve in acid to neutral soil conditions, and pink in alkaline conditions. Other varieties include Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ – with beautiful huge white flowerheads, Hydrangea quercifolia, with oakleaf type leaves, Hydrangea paniculata having large conical shaped flowers and the climbing Hydrangea anomala subsp.petiolaris which can be grown on a north facing wall. Hydrangeas thrive in a moist, but well-drained soil, in a cool, semishady part of the garden. Avoid exposed east-facing sites, where cold winds can damage young spring growth, and also avoid dry, sunny spots. Hydrangeas are easy to grow from softwood, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings but climbers are best layered.
Jobs for the garden Pick herbs for fresh use and for drying. Harvesting will keep them growing longer. Trim and feed handing baskets to prolong their beauty. Keep deadheading and harvesting. Remove any diseased foliage now, so it doesn't get lost in the autumn leaves.
Prune summer flowering shrubs as the flowers fade. Sow a late crop of peas and spinach and keep harvesting. Start saving seeds and taking cuttings. Leave some annual seeds to self-sow. Begin dividing perennials. Start with the bearded iris. Check that your mulch hasn't decomposed and add more as needed. Spread a mid-season
Cut back the foliage of early bloomers like Brunneras and hardy geraniums to revitalize the plants. Gill Gallon Potash Nursery, www.potashplants.co.uk
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29
Recipe Serves 6
Barbecued Fruit
Grilling or barbecuing fruit is a lovely way to bring out its natural sweetness.
Ingredients For the fruit kebabs 1 Pineapple 4 Peaches or nectarines Small punnet of strawberries Vegetable oil For the sauce A large knob of butter Zest from half an orange and juice from one whole orange. 3 Tbsp runny honey 2 Cloves 1 Cinnamon stick
To Serve Transfer all the cooked fruit to a bowl and pour the warm syrup over. Toss everything together until nicely coated. Divide the fruit between six plates. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or natural yoghurt.
Method
Stand the pineapple on its flat base, and use a knife to trim down the sides, cutting off all the skin. Cut out any remaining woody bits
Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove the cloves and cinnamon stick To cook the fruit
Cut into quarters lengthways then carefully cut off and discard the core from each quarter. This leaves the lovely sweet flesh.
Rub the bars of a clean grill, barbecue or griddle pan with a little vegetable oil. Make sure it's really hot. Lightly drop the fruit chunks on to the bars and let them cook for a few minutes.
Chop the pineapple into nice chunks. Halve the peaches or nectarines and discard the stones, then cut into large chunks Pick the leaves off the strawberries and leave whole.
To make the sauce
Different fruits cook at different speeds so keep lifting the pieces with tongs and checking underneath When the fruit is soft, remove it from the heat. A little charring is fine and characteristic of barbecued food.
Melt the knob of butter in a pan over a medium heat You can use your own Finely chop half the favourite fruits: mango, orange zest, add it to the apricots and bananas also pan, then add the juice. work well Add the honey, cloves and cinnamon stick.
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31
feature
Starting School Schooling offers a chance for children to not only grow academically, but also, to acquire vital emotion regulation and social skills. In recognition of this the Early Years Foundation Scheme (EYFS) aims to develop both academic learning and children’s personal, social and emotional abilities.
Important Dates for Older Children GCSE RESULTS 20th August www.studential.com/ GCSEs/Post-GCSEOptions A/AS LEVEL RESULTS 13th August www.studential.com/ further-education/Alevels/A-level-resultsday-guide
Starting school for the first time is a major milestone, however, for most families, the new academic year can bring feelings of apprehension as well as excitement. By the time the summer holidays have started, school visits have been completed, and new uniform purchased, it may feel like there is not much else to do except the seemingly endless task of labelling clothing! However, there are still things you can do to prepare you and your child.
Settling In Get to know your new school, the classroom and teacher before the first day. Encourage your child to be as independent as possible from the start. Help them identify where to put their belongings away and to settle in their seat or at an activity. Stay only as long as needed to transition them from outside school Prepare to inside the classroom. Once they Get everything your child will need are engaged with an activity, give together, labelled and packed, a few them your usual goodbye and leave days before. This will reduce stress confidently and with a smile. allow extra time to get things you may have forgotten. Be prepared for wobbles a few days after starting. Many children take Gradually shift back bedtimes to school happily at first, but after and get up a little earlier each the novelty has subsided, they can morning the week before school be reluctant to separate. This is to help regulate your child’s sleep/ perfectly normal, respond in a calm, wake pattern. This will reduce the consistent and containing way (think likelihood that they (and you!) are three Cs) overtired on the first day. Celebrate! Seek support Starting school is a big achievementIf you are feeling worried or upset for the whole family. Consider about your child’s first day, talk your a meal or other treat to mark feelings through with someone the occasion and congratulate close. Seek out professional support yourselves. Be prepared to be if anxious feelings worsen or feel too flexible with rules in the early weeks, much to manage. For most parents, many children will feel tired and the transition to school marks the may need extra support with their end of the ‘baby years’, and it is behaviour at home. normal to have bittersweet feelings about your child growing up. Dr Holly Thompson is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in child, adolescent and family mental health at the Horn Street Clinic, Winslow.
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33
Your Money Matters
No one quite knew what to expect in the first budget by a majority Conservative government for almost 20 years. In his seventh Budget Statement as chancellor, George Osborne promised a ‘big budget for a country with big ambitions’. Below is a summary of the major announcements affecting your personal finances. PERSONAL ALLOWANCE INCREASE The income tax personal allowance will increase from £10,600 in 2015/16 to £11,000 in 2016/17. It will further increase to £11,200 from 2017/18. PERSONAL ALLOWANCE INDEXATION CHANGE The government will legislate to ensure that once the personal allowance reaches its target of £12,500 it will be uprated in line with the national minimum wage (NMW). The aim of the proposal is to ensure that any person on the NMW working 30 hours per week or less is unlikely to pay income tax. A review into aligning the NMW timeline with the tax year was also announced. HIGHER RATE THRESHOLD INCREASE The higher rate threshold will increase from £42,385 in 2015/16 to £43,000 in 2016/17. It will increase to £43,600 in 2017/18. There will be a corresponding increase in the national insurance contributions upper earnings limit to ensure it remains aligned with the higher rate threshold. TAX ON DIVIDENDS The government has introduced major changes to the taxation of company dividends. This is likely to increase the taxation liability of many director/ shareholders of limited companies. The
dividend tax credit will be abolished and replaced with a new dividend tax allowance of £5,000 per year from April 2016. New rates of tax on dividend income above the allowance will be introduced, which will be 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers, 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers and 38.1% for additional rate taxpayers. The announcements were not accompanied by any detail so the impact of this change will become clearer as further documents are made available. RESTRICTING FINANCE COST RELIEF FOR LANDLORDS The government will restrict the relief on finance costs, including mortgage interest payments, available to individual landlords of residential property to the basic rate of tax. The restriction will be phased in over a 4 year period, starting from April 2017. INCREASE IN RENT-A-ROOM RELIEF The level of rent-a-room relief will increase from £4,250 to £7,500 from April 2016 to help the growing numbers of individuals renting out their spare rooms. WEAR AND TEAR ALLOWANCE CHANGES The government will replace the existing wear and tear allowance with a new relief t
that will allow all residential landlords to deduct the actual cost of replacing furnishings from April 2016. Capital allowances will continue to apply to landlords of furnished holiday lets. A technical consultation will be published on the new relief before the summer. ABOLISHING NONDOMICILE STATUS FOR LONG-TERM RESIDENTS Legislation will be introduced from April 2017 to ensure that anybody resident in the UK for more than 15 of the past 20 years will be deemed to be domiciled in the UK for tax purposes. NON-DOMICILE STATUS FOR UK BORN INDIVIDUALS From April 2017, any individual who is born in the UK to parents who are domiciled here will not be eligible to claim non-domicile status while they are resident in the UK. TAX-FREE CHILDCARE Due to a legal challenge, tax-free childcare is to be launched from early 2017. In the meantime the existing scheme, employer supported childcare remains open to new entrants until the new scheme is introduced. Want to read more? Visit www.clarkhowes.com or call +44(0)8442 492 209. by Vicci Barnett, Client Manager at Clark Howes.
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35
in review A Local Read Read these if:
You like cosy fiction and supporting local authors
All for the Love of Josie by Evelyn Harrison This is the first book from the series of ‘A Tale from Willow Green Village’ Josie Forrester and her Australian husband Max, have lived happily in the idyllic village of Willow Green for seventeen years until tragedy strikes, when Max is dramatically killed in a road accident. The circumstances of his death leave many unanswered questions, and the contents of his will together with a mysterious friend from his past, brings more trouble for Josie and her friend Linda. A Troubled Soul by Evelyn Harrison
A Troubled Soul is the second book from the series of ‘A Tale from Willow Green Village’ This is a ghostly tale, from the voice of Kate Oliver, who lived with her family in Hill Top Farm, which lies on the edge of Willow Green. Her story begins when she is four years old, enjoying a birthday party with friends. Following a curious compulsion to gaze up towards her bedroom window, she perceives the sad face of a woman, enveloped in a shimmering grey vapour, looking down upon her. This unexpected occurrence is just the start of her turbulent journey of relationships, love and murder. www.amazon.co.uk/EvelynHarrison/e/B00UB0FWMK
Read this if:
You want a funny summer read
Watch this if:
You want you mind blown by science
Interstallar Interstellar is a 2014 epic science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine. The film features a crew of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. Award winning and backed up by science advisor, Kip Thorne, one of the world’s leading experts on Einstein’s theory of general relativity, this film hits all the buttons for any science buffs
Mum on the Run by Fiona Gibson Full of humour and wit this novel is a great summer read. Mums all over the country will identify with Laura as she tries to survive life as the mum of three children, including a hormonal soon-tobe-teenager and a pre-schooler. Fears that her marriage is over lead Laura to make decisions that have unforeseen consequences: ones that she would probably rather not repeat! The storyline may be a tad predictable at times, but that does not spoil your enjoyment of this book. A perfect summer read.
Listen to this if:
You want a throw back to early 80’s funk with a modern twist. Uptown Special by Mark Ronson
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Bedfordshire’s Night Sky
By Seb Jay
Looking Up! August & September 2015
Find Saturn in the Late Summer Sky:
Saturn is the brightest planet visible in the evening sky over Bedfordshire in August and September this year. Look to the south-west after dark for a pale yellow star-like object hanging above the horizon slightly to the right of an almost vertical line of three dimmer white stars. A small telescope is all that is needed to see Saturn’s rings and some of the planet’s moons.
Catch a Falling Star this August:
The Perseids Meteor Shower is well underway as August begins. Shooting star activity builds through the first two weeks of the month to a peak on the nights of August 12th and August 13th. Look out to your north-east after dark for fast moving streaks
of light flashing across the sky. These aren’t real stars falling to Earth. If they were we’d all be in a severe amount of difficulty! Instead what we see are tiny particles of comet debris burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
See a Rare Supermoon Eclipse:
In the early hours of September 28th the full moon is set to turn blood-red as we experience a total lunar eclipse. From 2am to 5am the moon enters Earth’s shadow. At 356,876 kilometres distance it’ll be the closest total lunar eclipse visible from the UK so far this century. In fact we’ll have to wait until October 2051 to see a ‘supermoon’ eclipse that is any closer. Image: A total eclipse of the moon by Neal Simpson seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.
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37
garden 23rd September The autumn equinox is the gardener’s equivalent of the New Year. It’s a time to reflect on the past season while resolving to do even better in 2016
Top Attractor Plant
Insect Pests Converting to Organic Gardening can seem like a big step, especially when dealing with pests. By enlisting an army of natural predators, we can win the war against insect pests. Commonly, insects in the garden are seen as pests, yet many are actually gardeners’ friends. Encouraging friendly bugs is one of the basics of organic gardening. Bees and ladybirds are well known as gardeners’ friends. Other insects are not so fortunate.
The ‘Poached egg’ plant (Limnanthes douglasii) The ‘Poached egg’ plant has two other common names – the ‘Fried egg’ plant and Meadow-foam. It is probably the best plant for attracting beneficial insects into the garden, especially bees, hoverflies and lacewings. It’s a really easy plant to grow so great for the kids to try. Simply choose a small sunny patch, chip over the soil with a hand-fork or trowel making a seed bed, sow the seed, lightly cover with soil, gently pat down and water in. Sow late April to early May for flowers throughout the summer, or sow early September for earlier flowers next year. Water during dry spells.
Nicotiana, Petunia, Phlox, Poppies, Sedums and Sunflowers. Centipedes, ground beetles and the Devil’s coach horse beetle are carnivorous predators, catching and eating slugs at night. Encourage these by providing them with day-time cover. Grow ground-covering plants and make a small wood pile for them to hide in. Never use slug pellets, these chemicals harm our friendly slug eaters. Use barriers instead e.g. copper tape or a clear plastic drinks bottle, base cut off, cap removed makes a great plant cover, and perhaps accept a few slug-eaten leaves.
Hoverflies have no sting, but with black and yellow stripy When we consider the good bodies they’re often mistaken work friendly bugs do in the for wasps. Hoverfly larvae eat garden, encouraging them is hundreds of greenfly (aphids). Hoverflies have fatter abdomens essential. than wasps and fly-like wings. Lacewings have large delicate wings and long antennae and are sometimes mistaken for large greenfly when they fly into our houses in summer, • Advice & Planning yet they and their Specialising in: larvae are voracious • Prac�cal Assistance Organic devourers of • Flower Borders Gardening aphids. • Roses • Shrubs & Climbing Plants Encourage • Vegetable & Fruit Gardens hoverflies and • Wildlife gardens lacewings by
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41
puzzles
International Left Handers’ Day
August 13th
By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
Since 1976, sinistromanual people the world over have been celebrating their ‘right’ to be left handed - see what I did there?! Even though around 13% of the world’s population are left-handed they are, as one disgruntled leftie put it, “the most discriminated against minority” around! No one knows for sure why a person is lefthanded, but research suggests it is genetic and left-handedness does tend to run in families. As any left-hander knows, the world isn’t really designed to cater for them, so having a whole day dedicated to raising awareness of the everyday issues and challenges faced by the left-handed population is one way of changing that. In days gone by left-handers may have been forced to use their right hand (at school for example) but nowadays the world is becoming a friendlier place. Tools such as scissors, tin openers, vegetable peelers, knives and tape measures are all available for the non-righthanded. Left-handedness is controlled by the right side of the brain, which means that lefties are likely to be creative - excelling in music, the arts and media. They are also inclined to be good at ball sports and at anything requiring hand-toeye co-ordination. Though being left-handed might once have been considered a disability, today’s lefties refuse to let it hold them back. “I may be lefthanded,” says one, “But I’m always right.” I’m not going to argue!
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Out & AbOut in
beds & bucks 2nd August Charity fun dog show 1:30 - 6:30pm raising money for the Medical Detection Dogs.17 fun classes lots of rosettes & prizes BBQ, refreshments & stalls Stewkley recreation ground lu7 0hnSoulbury Road, Stewkley,
4th-9th August Billi Smiles Circus Gadebridge Park, Leighton Road Hemel Hempstead www.billismilescircus.com
3pm Sundays 2nd, 9th 16th and 23rd August Band Concert at Parson’s Green band stand Leighton Buzzard 22nd Aug Dunstable Rocks 10 hours of great music, this year we offer a complete selection of styles and genres from the 40s to the today, finishing with our headline act ASWAD! Make sure you come and join us ready to ‘shine’!
Stamp Collectors, Philatelists or those who have inherited a stamp collection, some exciting news for you. Apex Auctions, the Philatelic Auctioneers of Stanley Gibbons will be holding a Valuation Day on Saturday 12th September. at the Milton Keynes Philatelic Society’s Stamp Fair which is being held in their usual meeting place, the Methodist Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2HB from 10am to 4pm.
9th August The Old Vicarage, Soulbury Scarecrow Festival and Fun Day 2-5pm, for all the family - many stalls for crafts and nearly new clothes, games and much more with delicious tea and cakes.
29th -31st Aug Chilli Festival www.frostsgroup.com. for full details and charges. 9am-6pm with the exception of Sunday being 10am-4.30pm Frosts Garden Centre Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes,MK17 8UE
16th September Charity Golf Day for Kidsout £50 per person, teams of 4 at 3 Locks Golf Club includes brunch and dinner. see page 28 for full details and booking form
5th -16th Twelth Night and Henry V I n 2015 the Pendley Manor Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 66th year with two of Shakespeare’s most revered plays see website for box office
31st Aug The annual Woburn Sands Band Fayre tombolas, stalls, refreshments The Woburn Sands Band.1.30pm and finishes at 4.15pm. Free admission Bring a chair Mowbray Green, Woburn Sands, MK17 8QQ
Sat 26th Sep The eighth annual Thame Food Festival takes place on bringing a stellar line-up of celebrity chefs and a wealth of good food and drink to one of Oxfordshire’s prettiest historic market towns.
Fri 14th Aug It’s The Proms in Campbell Park returns to Milton Keynes. Milton Keynes City Orchestra and The Parks Trust have partnered up for another open-air concert,to perform a host of classical favourites Tickets for the concert cost just £14 for adults, £8 for children or £35 for a family ticket from at www.theparkstrust.com or www.mkco.org.
Women’s Walking Network 3rd September 10am Location: Willen Lake North Get to know your parks better and make some new friends. Walks are normally 4-5 miles and at a moderate pace. : £1 per person Meet in the car park on V11 Tongwell Street just north of the Pineham roundabout No booking required
29th September Aylesbury Market Market Square 9am2pm On the last Tuesday of every month, browse the stalls of locally produced food at our popular Farmers’ market. Regular stalls include homemade pies, cakes and brownies, honey, home cooked ready meals, fruits and vegetables, olives, jams and chutneys.
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