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Spring 2016
LEIGHTON BUZZARD & VILLAGES
GET THE LOCAL BUZZ
NEW
RESTAURANT REVIEW
5 GREAT Weight Loss Tips Nominate someone special for our page 33
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Hello and welcome to the Spring Edition of Bee Local Magazine Bee Local Magazine is your local magazine for Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding villages.
Editor: Andrena Carden-White Advertising: buzz@beelocalmagazine.co.uk
Hooray for Spring, which officially starts on 20th March. I am inspired by Gill’s article on our garden page and raring to get the outside chores done ready for the fun stuff when the frosts are over. Are you thinking of starting a diet, no! me neither! but if you are there are some very sensible tips from All About Me Fitness on page 14 and if you’re not there is a lovely banana and walnut loaf on the recipe page :-), its a win win! Talking of winning, I have two tickets for Fish of Marillion fame to give away to a lucky winner. The odds are far better than the lottery so with Bee Local it really could be you, give it a go. To all you amazing Mummys out there, including my own, have a wonderful Mother’s Day and a Happy Easter too.
Andrena
Telephone: 01525 222473 nominate someone special see page 33
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 or reproduced either in print or online without permission
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Local People Local People Business News Weight Loss Tips In your garden Transform a Room Divorce Build It The Black Stuff Your Money Addicted to Fitbit Prepare for Law Bowie and Butler
Pets & Crufts Eating Out Guide What’s On Recipe Puzzle Solutions WIN TICKETS Someone Special
Don’t forget to spot Herbee in one of our adverts the ones at the bottom of the pages don’t count
WIN WIN WIN win tickets to see FISH at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
for regular updates, events, facebook and twitter news go to:
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Start now for a hair free summer PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION TATTOO REMOVAL RED VEIN REMOVAL/ROSACEA PIGMENT REMOVAL ACNE TREATMENT MICRODERMABRASION -Treatments for men and women-
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news
of the week, to observe these magnificent birds in the heronry. Follow the life cycle from egg to fledgling on “nest cam”. No charge is made for this event, but donations to our Heron Watch Appeal, which helps us maintain the wildlife cameras and contributes to our conservation projects, are very much welcomed. Parking fee of £2 applies.
How Many Peaks?
Not content with a 3 peak challenge 6 local lads are taking on 3 x 3 peak challenges. Two stages have already Heron Watch Returns been completed at Big Rock in from Saturday 13th February Milton Keynes where on the 14th 2016, 11am – 3pm February they climbed 3407m the Our annual Heron Watch will For more information contact equivalent of climbing the combined start soon and carry on until all visitorservices@greensandtrust. heights of the 3 peaks; Ben Nevis, the hatchlings are fledged. That org, call 01525 234260 or call Scafell Pike and Snowdon, The can be into the summer months. into the Visitor Centre. Website folllowing week they abseilled the The heronry is hugely popular http://www.greensandtrust.org/ same distance and then in July they with all ages and the binoculars Rushmere.html will do it all for real. and telescope afford a unique Herons View Visitor Centre They are doing all of this to raise view of something which you Rushmere Country Park money for a charity called BASIC don’t see everywhere Linslade Road,Heath and Reach (Bridge Across Service Into Civilian). Join the Heron Watch volunteers LU7 0EB This charity helps and supports in the visitor centre every day veterans with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
TRAVEL WITH THE HELP FOR HEROES CONVOY ON A CLASSIC 1965 ROUTEMASTER BUS FOR JUST £5 ... Yes We give 70 people the opportunity to travel the whole convoy route and be part of the convoy .The bus will pick you up from the market square in Dunstable at 10.30 am on 11/06/16 and convey you to the A5 Watling street cafe truck stop. The Covoy will set off at 11.00 am and you will travel the route to the Billington event Ground . A free bus will be on hand from the event for the return journey back to Dunstable .Remember folks only 70 spaces are
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available so get in early. In addition we hope to convince all truck drivers with a spare seat to also offer the same opportunity to truck fan members of public. Bookings can be made by email to dunstableconvoy@yahoo.co.uk
“We chose this charity as it is local and the money we raise will be used to help veterans instead of paying for administration and advertisements due to this charity being based locally.” Very local in fact as Jim Woolley at The Hare Pub, Linslade was one of the founders and recently visited the boys at Harlington School. So who is completing this challenge? Jack Davison, Miran Chauhan, Eliot Allan, Jake Bird, Tom Purkiss, Harry Wright, Ben Lugg and Tyler Clark. We also have a guide who is a exserviceman himself, Richard Golding who is a mountain leader and qualified climbing instructor. You can give your support on their Just Giving Page www.justgiving. com/ourthreethreepeaks
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A flip of a coin decided the name of this local firm Jackson & Phillips were 45 years old on the 14th of February this year. A local Service and repair garage who specialise in vehicle diagnostics, The business was started in 1971 by Dave Jackson and (Aaron Phillips’ father) Ron Phillips with a strong focus on customer service they built a business which is still going strong today. The business was started back on the 14th of Feb 1971 at Eddie Pool’s Yard, Dave and Ron decided to join together under the name Jackson
& Phillips the order of which was decided at the flip of a coin! Then in 1974 the business moved to 1 King Street, Compton’s Yard where it has expanded ever since, starting in just a Nissen hut, a new workshop was built in the early 1980’s then in 1995 Jackson & Phillips took over, expanded and improved the whole yard into virtually what it is today. Aaron joined the company from school in 1995 as an apprentice at the age of 16 and has been there ever since He continues the great work that Ron and
Dave started. In the late 90’s and early 2000’s Jackson and Phillips acquired several industry awards including 1999 Independent Garage of the Year Unfortunately, Dave is no longer with us as he died back in 2003, but the business has gone from strength to strength. Their relationship with the Bosch Car Service Network helps them to offer services that most other independent garages can’t, for instance, recently to offer complimentary Roadside Assitance with their Silver and Gold services.
Totally gorgeous
Missionaries of the Poor Support Association (MoPSA) are holding a fund raising event at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Leighton Buzzard, in the Parish Hall, on Saturday 5th March, from 1.30-3.30pm: “Totally Gorgeous”. It will be a sale of good quality, new and nearly new women’s clothes and accessories, even complete outfits. So, ladies, if you are wanting to revamp your wardrobe, but do not want to pay the High Street prices, do make a note of this in your diaries.
Book Prize
Bedfordshire author and illustrator, David Litchfield has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2016, for The Bear and the Piano. Congratulations from us.
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news
Local News
Not so desperate housewife Marcia Dandy was a happy housewife of 13 years who loved shoes, so the obvious Rubie choice was to take on her own shoe shop. The name was inspired by her daughter Rubie (pictured) and now Rubies Shoes is celebrating their 6th year anniversary on the 20th March. Leighton Buzzard born and bred Marcia, may have been a little crazy with her belief
that if she started in a recession things could only get better but the madness paid off. Bee Local Magazine asked her about her past experience in retails and it turns out she had none, in her own words "I thought how hard can it be?" She puts her success down to the fabulous support she has from the town, that and also fabulous shoes! So what can you expect when you visit Rubies Shoes? A pretty and cosy boutique shop with a surprisingly large array of shoes in all sizes.
I was surprised to find quite a few size 3's and while I visited, a lady, who confessed to a bunion, bought a gorgeous pair of leather boots, truly something for everyone. You can expect boutique service and personal advice too. Although very reasonably priced, Marcia is keen to let people know that there are no cheap imitations in her shop, she just trys to keep things affordable. I love this little shop and I love shoes, so no surprise and quite apt, I left with a pair of lovely red shoes.
Celebrating
6 years
10% off the spring summer range when you show this page in store
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Find us on Facebook: Rubies Shoes 7 North Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EF Telephone 01525 851377
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news Leighton-Linslade Town Council Support Local Business
For the third year LeightonLinslade Town will be hosting a free business networking event at Astral Park Leighton Buzzard. The aim is to get businesses of all size to meet in an informal setting and to introduce new and micro businesses to the benefits of networking. Spokesperson Jo Martindale of the Partnership Committee says “we have been encouraged by the success of the last two years and would like to build on it. The event is put on in with help from partners, LB Connect, Central Bedfordshire Council and Federation of
Small Businesses. LB Connect is a leading business network group in Leighton Buzzard and has been involved in the event since its launch. Businesses who would like to attend can register online, at http://www.leightonlinsladetc.gov.uk/your-community/ business/ or call 01525 613920
Toy Time
pic: members of LB Connect: Bee Local (& daughter) Harland PA, Impact Now, The Sports Therapy Room(& Son) with KidsOut
Bee Local Magazine along with other businesses from Leighton Buzzard business network group, LB Connect, joined KidsOut workers at their warehouse in Grovebury Road to continue sorting the mountain of toys raised through the charities’ Christmas Giving Tree appeal. The appeal saw a record number of local businesses ditch the usual secret santa and buy a toy for a child instead. KidsOut was able to provide a record number of children with a Christmas toy box.
Grow your business with LB Connect Be our guest at Leighton Buzzard’s leading business network group
“Members are friendly and will freely give their time to help a fellow member”
Join us for a free breakfast meeting to find out more about how we support each other. Visit our website and fill out the contact form or simply contact one of our “my business has members for an invitation. “LB Connect is an essential part of my week”
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doubled and I have had a lot of fun.”
We are a not-forprofit, independent organisation. Profits raised go to supporting our nominated local charity.
Sharing: support, friendship, knowledge and referrals www.lbconnect.co.uk Tell our advertisers you found them in Bee Local Magazine
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news Check it out If you’re aged between 40 and 74, Central Bedfordshire Council is encouraging you to take a moment to focus on your health by attending a free NHS Health Check at your GP surgery, which has the potential to add years to your life. An NHS Health Check is like a mid-life MOT, which assesses your risk of developing common health problems such as heart
disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia – conditions that can often be prevented. You’ll be invited for an NHS Health Check once every five years as long as you haven’t previously had a heart attack or stroke, and don’t already have a diagnosis of diabetes, angina, COPD, high blood pressure or kidney disease.
And you don’t have to wait to be invited for your NHS Health Check - you can contact your GP surgery to make an appointment. To find out more, contact your GP surgery or go to www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and search ‘NHS Health Check’.
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5 Top Rules For Weight Loss Dieting
Health & Fitness sponsered by All About Me Fitness
by Andy Plant When wanting to lose weight, we are often impatient and turn to the quick fix rather than looking towards more sustainable nutrition. Here we discuss 5 rules that you need to follow for sustainable weight loss results. Don’t follow a diet with a sell by date – By this we mean diet plans that are structured for a set amount of days i.e. the cabbage soup diet is a 7 day protocol. By following these diet plans, although having success in the short term, you are essentially ruining your chances of sustained results. When you start eating normally again you will often find your weight starting to increase again.
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Don’t cut out a whole macronutrient group from your nutrition (Protein, Fats, Carbohydrates) – Macronutrients are the building blocks of any healthy nutrition plan and they ALL play a vital role in a healthy lifestyle (even carbohydrates). In recent year’s diets such as low fat or low carb have very popular, why? Because
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by reducing one of these in your diet, you instantly reduce you calorie intake meaning you will lose weight. However if you cut out a whole macronutrient group, you could be adversely effecting your body’s ability to function properly. For example certain vitamins will only be absorbed into the body in the presence of dietary fat. It is better to reduce the intake of ALL macronutrients than just subtract one altogether. Don’t lose weight too quickly- Weight loss should be/ can be relative to the speed we gained weight. Often we do not notice our weight gain over a number of weeks, months, years and therefore our weight loss should be the same to minimise what we call the rebound effect (When the body fights quick weight loss and returns to its ‘set point’ weight very quickly). Although this can be quite demoralising at times it is better to lose weight at a steady 1-2lbs every week than fluctuating 4lbs on week, 0 the next and so on. However remember weight loss can be relative to the speed you put it on at, if over the Christmas
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period you put on 5lbs losing that over the next week is less likely to suffer the rebound effect. Remember to always progress your dietAs you get lighter, the bodies demand for energy will also reduce. If we continue to eat the same amount of calories eventually our body will plateau. We need to make sure we are adjusting our food intake accordingly to maintain a calorie deficit and keep your weight loss at a steady level.
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Look for support- No we don’t mean you have to go spend lots of money on a trainer or coach, but surround yourself with people who know, understand and support you on your weight loss journey. At times the times you might feel like giving up, or giving in to temptation, these are the people that will get you over that hump.
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If you would like professional support why not call for a chat Andy : 01525 219800
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Find out why you don’t need to spend endless tiresome hours in the gym and still achieve the results you want. Allowing you more time to spend with your family and doing the things you enjoy.
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DON’T
So, you’re not a dancer. We only have one thing to say to that -
YOU
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Just come to a class and move!
HAVE
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Wilstone Village Hall Mon, Wed & Sat 9.30am Tues 6pm Low Impact Thurs (Low) & Fri 9.45am
Mursley Village Hall Saturday 9.30am Bierton Jubilee Hall Sunday 10am
Plus other classes in Aylesbury, Cheddington, Pitstone & Winslow Keri Donnellan - 07900 987230 Email: jazzercise1@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/JazzerciseBucksBedsHerts
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Your
in n e d r Ga
March
Plant of the Month
PRIMULA
One of the first flowers of the year, their name comes from 'prima Rosa' meaning ‘first flower', some flowering as early as January. Primula is one of gardeners’ favourite early flowering spring plants, as they make great for a colourful display in pots on the patio and in borders. There are more than 500 species in the genus Primula. The familiar wild primrose Primula vulgaris, with its creamy yellow colouring has been bred to give a wide range of colours from bright yellow to pastel reds and blues with both single and double petals. Although used as an annual, these are hardy perennials and can be planted out in the garden to get a good vibrant display the following year. Polyanthus are similar to Primroses, but has many flowers per flower stalk while the primrose has flowers on individual flower stalks. Other common species include the wild cowslips, Primula veris, oxlips, Primula elatior, and Primula auricula, grown for their amazing flowers. There are also many summer flowering varieties inlcuding the drumstick primula, P. denticulata, flowering April to June, the candelabra primula, P. bulleyana for May to July, and one of our favourites P. vialii, the poker primrose, flowering in June to July.
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garden Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer, but this still means variable weather and strong winds with rain, sleet and hail. Once the temperature rises, things start to grow and, thankfully, the garden is back in business.
Jobs for the garden • Plant or move evergreens, as the weather warms up and root activity commences, but before new shoots have opened • Complete rose pruning, cut off all dead, damaged or diseased stems. Hard-pruning increases strong growth, so cut back weak shoots hard. • Divide and replant overcrowded perennials such as hostas, before the leaves expand. • Plant out sweet peas raised earlier. • Hard-prune late-flowering shrubs, such as caryopteris, buddleia davidii (butterfly bush), leycesteria and lavatera, but delay for another 3-4 weeks if frost area expected. Prune summer and late flowering clematis. • Cut back ivy especially from around gutters and windows. • Many vegetables can be sown if conditions permit. • Plant shallots, garlic, and onion sets - all are hardy. Plant early potatoes - but protect from frost. • Fork and remove weeds among strawberry plants and fruit bushes.
Gardening from Gill Gallon, Potash Nursery www.potashplants.co.uk Tell our Advice advertisers you found them in Bee Local Magazine
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Home Garden
&
Transform any room in 1 day Nearly all of us have at
least one room in our house that is feeling a bit tired and uninspired. In one day you can transform any room with very little effort and just a bit of thought. First pick your room and then find a bold colour that will pop out from the rest of the room. Here we are showing orange but try visiting http://www.tigercolor.com/ color-lab/color-theory/colortheory-intro.htm to find out more about colours that work together.
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Then decide where you are using your colour. If you are going bold pick a feature wall, if you want to be more subtle paint a cupboard, table or shelves. A pot of paint can work wonders and doesn’t break the bank but you can also do the same with some striking wallpaper. Remember if you are painting furniture or an object use a suitable primer to ensure the paint adheres well. There is a primer for practically all surfaces. Your DIY centre can advise you.
Now add as many accessories as you like. It can be very effective to pick up the colour in just one or two pieces or go as wild as you like. Choosing items of different texture works well too. Even the tiniest object will jump out to the eye if it matches your chosen colour. Items pictured: from Dunelms
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HOME VISITING CHIROPODY PRACTICE Julia Reading B.Sc (Hons) M.Ch.S
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Just For Men
sponsored by Rugged & Tough
BULDING THE RIGHT IMPRESSION
Daniel Craig, yes Bond himself, was recently criticised by The Telegraph for being badly dressed, how dare they! but lets face it if he can’t get it right what hope for mere mortals? The fact is that fashion and style consciousness was once reserved for those whose work called for the cut of a fine suit, evenings required the right dinner jacket and they had to know their oxford from their brogue. Of course this is still true today but now style awareness is not just for the office. Increasingly tradesmen are seeking out particular brands and styles, as having the right label becomes as important on the construction site as down the pub. Of course it is not pure vanity
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for a tradesman to look smart. Like anyone he is judged on his appearance and that judgement happens fast. Providing a quotation for a client is not just about the final figure; they will decide a lot from the “cut of the cloth” so to speak. There is also the functional aspect too, an experienced professional learns that just like any other tool of their trade there is a top of the range and then there is the rest. Last but not least there is pure and simple brand snobbery and yes, more and more, there is an awareness of what the other guy is wearing! So who are top of the range in the workwear stakes? Undoubtedly Swedish company Blaklader are one of the most sort after brands for those in the know. They are built for work and are as much a tool of the trade as the traditional ones in the toolbox. Visit their website and watch epic movies about oil rig workers and glacier workers, its inspiring stuff. But there is another shift in trends and that is workwear as normal clothing and this is where Carhartt have crossed boundaries. For the workman who wants to look as though he is not just comfortable on site, this brand makes the crossover easy and stylish.
So what does all this mean for your local plumber, electrician or carpenter? Simple, there is a new breed of tradesman out there and they are looking smarter and more stylish, they are as brand concious about their workwear as they are about their jeans and ultimately they are going to create a better impression than your ordinary Joe in his tired old cargo pants and sweatshirt. Both brands are available instore at Rugged and Tough, Hockliffe.
Oxfords and Brogues... in case you were wondering
Oxfords
Formal lace-up shoes with a closed lace to give a sleek appearance, a decent pair of black plain-toe Oxfords is your go-to dress shoe.
Brogues
Traditionally characterised by multiple-piece, sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations (or “broguing”) and serration along the visible edges. Brogues were traditionally considered to be outdoor or country footwear and not appropriate for casual or business occasions, but brogues are now considered appropriate in most contexts.
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A Drop of the Black Stuff March 17th is St Patrick’s Day - a celebration of all things Irish - and people around Ireland and throughout the world will commemorate it with a pint or two of Guinness, Ireland's unofficial national intoxicant, with more than a 25% share of the beer market. Arthur Guinness founded the brewery that makes the famous drink. Born in 1725 in County Kildare, Arthur inherited £100 at the age of 27 from his godfather, and three years later he set up business as a brewer. In 1759 he signed a 9,000 year lease on a disused brewery in St James Gate, Dublin where he began brewing porter and ale. Porter is a dark, well-hopped beer made from brown malt. Its history is closely intertwined with that of stout, a term which originally referred to a beer's strength but which now refers to the drink's body and colour. Today's Guinness is a dry stout available in a number of variants and strengths, including Guinness Draught, Guinness Original/Extra Stout, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Guinness Special Export Stout and Guinness Bitter. It is nicknamed 'the black stuff' on account of its dark colour, although it is actually a very dark shade of ruby! Now brewed in 60 countries and available in over 120, the first Guinness export was to England in 1769, and by 1824 it had become a worldwide brand. Sales soared from 350,000 barrels in 1868 to over a million eighteen years later. However, by
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the 1970s sales were in decline and the company decided to make Guinness Extra Stout 'more drinkable', resulting in a brand re-launch in 1981 with pale malt being used for the first time. Contemporary Guinness Draught and Extra Light Stout are weaker than their 19th Century counterpart, with Foreign Extra Stout and Special Export being closer to the original in character. Modern Guinness has a burnt flavour and is famous for its smoothness and thick, creamy head. The production of Guinness continues to change with the times. In November last year the company announced plans to make their beer suitable for vegetarians and vegans by the end of 2016, through the introduction of a new filtration process that will avoid the need to use isinglass from fish bladders. Claims have been made in the past that Guinness can benefit the heart by helping to prevent harmful deposit build-up on artery walls. It has also been described as a 'meal in a glass', and at 198 calories per pint, has slightly fewer calories than skimmed milk, orange juice and most other light beers. So, I wish you a happy St Patrick's Day, filled with friends, fun, smiles and a drop of the black stuff. By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
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be beaten on quality of product and installation and remains time (1994 to be exact), in a renowned for its customer town far away (Leighton Buzzard satisfaction in both the mortal actually), a new company was world (residential clients) and born. the Otherworld (commercial The company worked its magic clients). for many people, making their the Shires of Beds, Herts and castles warmer, safer and more Bucks are covered by a troop of energy efficient and over the handsome heroes (the fitters) years it grew and equipped itself installing the products in a fleet with all the necessary tools for of trusty and brighlty liveried success whilst maintaining its steeds. Supported by the office dedication to making people wizards and admin fairies with happy. By growing large enough their vast (and sometimes to provide products on demand, surprising) knowledge and yet still devoting time to expertise. attention to details, quality and value, the company built many The legend of the Enormous successful lasting relationships Range of Available Products, within the realm and was highly which holds tales of a variety of windows, doors, conservatories, thought of by those that had soffits and fascias and even encountered it. garage doors, is more than just While the company’s foes legend and the company is competed on price, it would not always happy to show that. A
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27
Your Money Matters NEW NATIONAL LIVING WAGE TO BOOST LIVING STANDARDS The government is reminding employers that a new National Living Wage (NLW) is being introduced from 1 April 2016 and advising employers to get ready for this change. The NLW rate will be payable to workers in the UK who are 25 or over. For workers currently being paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) this will mean a 50 pence increase in their hourly earnings. The government expects over a million workers in the UK aged 25 and over to directly benefit from the increase, which sees the current minimum rate of £6.70 increase by 50p. Many will see their pay packets rise by up to £900 a year. Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: "The government believes that Britain deserves a pay rise and our new National Living Wage will give a direct boost to over a million people. We are building a more productive Britain
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and giving families the security of well-paid work. This is a step up for working people, so it is important workers know their rights and that employers pay the new £7.20 from April 1 this year."
HMRC will have responsibility for enforcing the new NLW in addition to the NMW. For those not affected by the NLW the following NMW rates apply:
The government has launched an advertising campaign to highlight the new wage. More details are available at www.livingwage.gov.uk.
£6.70: for 21s and over £5.30: for 18 to 20-yearolds £3.87: for under 18s £3.30: for apprentices (the rate applies to all apprentices in year 1 of an apprenticeship, and 16-18 year old apprentices in any year of an apprenticeship)
The government is encouraging employers to ensure they are ready to pay the new wage on 1 April 2016. As part of this, it has published a four-step guide for businesses on the living wage website, asking employers to: • Check you know who is eligible in your organisation • Take the appropriate payroll action • Let your staff know about their new pay rate • Check your staff under 25 are earning at least the right rate of NMW. Follow us @ClarkHowes,
Want to read more? Follow us @ClarkHowes, sign up to our newsletter or call +44(0)1525 853004
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Totally Addicted to
FITBIT Tempted? Head to: www.fitbit.com By Kate Duggan
Want to make sure you’re completing your 10,000 steps a day, or looking to improve your training? An activity tracker can help. The FitBit is probably the best known brand on the market, with several models to choose from: The entry level Zip, at around £50, tracks your steps, distance walked and calories burned. “So it’s a fancy pedometer then?” I hear you ask. Well, yes, basically, but it’s more responsive and you can sync it to your computer or smartphone to see your activity presented as a graph. This makes it much easier to monitor your activity levels over time and track you progress. The Zip also acts as a watch, and there are various other extras, such as the ability to log your food intake.
like a watch. There are some differences in what they offer – Flex doesn’t have a clock, for example. Charge is similar to Flex, in that you wear it like a watch, but it comes with some added extras, such as a clock. If your phone is nearby and it rings, the caller ID will come up on the Charge display. It also has a better battery life, of up to 10 days. Charge HR is designed for people who work out regularly, as it can recognise different exercises, and has an automatic heart-rate monitor to help maximise your training.
read texts that come through to your smartphone. So which one to go for? Well Zip is a great choice if you just want to check whether you’re walking those recommended 10,000 steps a day. If you cycle, run, or enjoy another sport, you’ll want to opt for a more advanced model. Now, a warning… It is possible to get ever so slightly obsessed with the FitBit. You can easily find yourself checking it hundreds of times a day, which can distract you from real life, and you can find yourself pushing ever harder, unnecessarily. On the positive side, it does encourage you to increase your activity levels and build up your fitness. Like so much in life, the key is moderation.
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31
How to prepare for your first meeting with your divorce solicitor In our previous article we talked about the challenges that a marriage can encounter and suggested some questions to ask yourself before starting divorce proceedings. If you still feel that divorce is the next step for you then it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for your first meeting with your divorce solicitor, in order to make the most productive use of your solicitor’s time (and your money).
WHat Questions sHould i ask My divorce solicitor? What will a divorce cost me?
Costs will vary depending on the level of conflict between you and your spouse, whether there are any other issues that need resolving, such as sorting out the financial or child arrangements and the reasonableness of your spouse and his/her solicitor. However, your solicitor should be able to give you an estimate of what your costs will be, whether you’ll be billed at an hourly rate or flat fee, for getting the divorce (and any other issues) finalised, and the cost of any other fees.
How will we communicate?
Confirm if your solicitor would rather be contacted by phone or email, and how long you should expect to wait for a response.
How long will the divorce take?
Ask your lawyer what their estimated timescales for finalising the divorce are if you:
To find out more, contact a member of the team on:
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n n n
settle quickly settle after protracted negotiations have a trial
What should i take to my first meeting with my divorce solicitor?
As well as your list of questions, find out what documents and information you need to take to the meeting such as your marriage certificate, employment details etc.
Why us?
Here at Osborne Morris & Morgan we specialise in family law and offer clear, dependable advice on all family law issues, including divorce.
What next?
If you’d like to understand your legal position properly, before embarking on any definite course of action, then book an Initial Consultation Appointment. This is a 45-minute fixed-fee appointment with one of our experienced solicitors who will set out the facts so you know where you stand. The consultation costs £79 plus VAT, and is without obligation. Should you wish to proceed with further work then we’ll provide you with detailed costs.
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NOMINATE SOMEONE SPECIAL
Nominate someone to receive this delicious Easter treat Is there someone you know who deserves to receive this delicious gift? Please write and tell us why they are so special and they will be in with a great chance to be surprised. It could be your mum or daughter, a supportive friend or colleague, or someone / team who has gone above and beyond to help. We'd love to hear about them. Email your nominations to buzz@beelocalmagazine.co.uk or write to: Bee Local, 16 Slicketts Lane, Edlesborough, Beds, LU6 2JD All nominations must be received by 21st March. www.beelocalmagazine.co.uk 33
in review
Here lies the clash of cultures which leads to friction between mother and daughter. The Joy Luck older generation feel as if they Club are losing their daughters Amy Tan to American culture and the Read this if: younger generation do not feel You need as if anything their mothers talk about is relevant to their lives. to learn Sound familiar? You don’t need to accept to be a Chinese immigrant or those growing up in America to relate around to the universal themes that Tan you weaves into her debut novel. It Growing up in a typical English is about learning to understand town this novel made a huge the people that fill our lives and impact on me when I first read accepting that they only have it. The colourful characters our best interests at heart. It is seem such a world apart from about learning that our parents what I was familiar with and yet too are real people, arriving in it is a story about all of our lives the present through a series of and a woman’s relationship with events that have shaped them her mother. and made us who we are too. In 1949 four Chinese immigrant review by Willow Coby women in San Francisco agree to meet up each week to play mah-jong, calling themselves the Joy Luck Club. Here they discuss the lives they left behind in China and the dreams and hopes they have for their daughters as they embark on their new lives in America. Whilst not strictly speaking short Black Star stories, each chapter tells a difDavid Bowie ferent aspect of their lives. The first half of the book tells Listen to this if: of the lives of the women in If you would like to the Joy Luck Club. We learn hear a prophetic Bowie of their lives in China. An-Mei album Hsu whose mother left her to become a concubine to a rich Described by NME as a merchant and Lindo Jeng who “restless, relentlessy intriguing was forced to marry someone album” with a “number of she didn’t love. disparate elements in play” We then learn of their daughters and their new lives growing up in America, in a culture that seems alien to the world their mothers are describing.
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London Has Fallen
Watch this if:
If you fancy Gerard Butler, I do! Or you like your films to feature large scale destruction , I do!
After the death of the British prime minister, the world’s most powerful leaders gather in London to pay their respects. Without warning, terrorists unleash a devastating attack that leaves the city in chaos and ruins. Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) springs into action to bring U.S. President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) to safety. When Asher falls into the hands of the sinister organization, it’s up to Banning to save his commander in chief from a horrible fate. This is the sequel to the hit Olympus Has Fallen. An American film about ‘London England’ what could possibly go wrong? Released Date 3rd March
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Greensand Treetop Talks Mondays or Tuesdays throughout the year at 11.30 am.Rushmere Country Park has launched a series of talks for 2016 which will take place in our TreeTops Café (open 10 – 4). We are offering a range of topics and the talks are approximately 1 hour with time for questions and answers. Come along and enjoy delicious cakes and pastries, meet up with friends or make new ones in a relaxed atmosphere and learn more about the work we do. TreeTop talks are free but we welcome donations. The money from donations helps to secure the future of many habitats and species and make wildlife and green spaces more accessible.There is no need to book but numbers are limited so please drop us an email (at visitorservices@greensandtrust.org) or call to confirm spaces if you can. On arrival please sign in at the Visitor Information desk from where we will direct you.Parking fee of £2 applies. For more information contact visitorservices@greensandtrust.org, call 01525 234260 or call into the Visitor Centre . Website http://www.greensandtrust.org/Rushmere.html TreeTops Café,Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach, LU7 0EB
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PETS
Zen
If you could offer Zen 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. Please note that there are restrictions on rehoming adult dogs to families with children under seven years of age. Full details of the rehoming process can be found on our website or please contact the kennels. Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY 01525 220383 e-mail: appledown.kennels@ btinternet.com www.appledownrescue.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Twitter!
NEWS FROM APPLEDOWN This pretty young lady is Zen! She is a Staffie aged about 2 years. This sweet-natured lass is a credit to her breed. She walks very nicely on the lead and loves a fuss! She will make a lovely companion for some lucky person. Zen cannot live in Luton.
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Crufts Crufts, the world’s largest dog show takes place between 10 and 13 March at the NEC Birmingham.
The first of the ‘Crufts’ Dog events took place in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. It was the brainchild of Charles Cruft, hence the name. After college, Charles worked for the well known dog food company Spratts, initially as an office boy and later as a travelling salesman across Europe. In 1878 he was asked by French dog-breeders to promote the canine section of the Paris Exhibition. Back in England, he managed the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster in 1886. He launched Crufts five years later. When Charles died in 1938, his wife Emma took over the running of the Show. She handed the mantle to the Kennel Club in 1948. The first event had 2,437 entries representing 36 breeds. This year’s show will see over 22,000 dogs competing from around 43 countries. The event is truly international since quarantine laws were lifted in the year 2000. The ultimate accolade, Best in Show has been contested
for 87 years, and won by 43 different breeds. The most frequent champion breed with seven wins is the cocker spaniel, followed by the Irish Setter and Welsh Terrier which have each taken four titles. The first ever winner was a greyhound and the 2015 winner was a five-yearold Russian Scottish Terrier called Knopa. Winners receive a replica silver trophy and a small cash prize, but it is the prestige and future stud-money that are the real attraction. In addition to the Best in Show and Best in Breed awards, there are now many other competitions including Scruffs - for crossbreeds. Visitors can also enjoy the spectacle of activities such as fast-paced flyball, skillful agility and heelwork to music. In many of the competitions there are junior as well as adult classes. Attendees also look forward to seeing famous names such as celebrity vets and TV personalities known for their love of dogs.
There is a wealth of shopping opportunities with over 400 exhibition stands. And for those thinking of purchasing a dog the Discover Dogs section features examples, advice and information from owners of around 200 breeds. Over the last decade £138,000 has been raised from dog exhibitors for the Kennel Club’s charitable trust which distributes money to dog re-homing, assistance dog charities, and funds research into the understanding and prevention of dog diseases. Huge efforts are now made to ensure all dogs in the Show are healthy following previous concerns about welfare. Crufts is a great day out, and for dog-lovers it’s not to be missed! By Susan Brookes-Morris
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EATING OUT offers|reviews|guide
Where to eat The Carpenter’s Arms Slapton
Review The Lime Tree Traditional Country Pub
1 Horton Road, Slapton LU7 9DB. www.carpentersarmsslapton. co.uk Tel: 01525 220563
The small and unassuming facade of The Lime Tree conceals a surprisingly large but intimate indian restaurant within. We received a friendly greeting and were quickly seated and served our drinks. It is always promising to see so many full seats on a Monday night which is traditionally quiet, so well worth booking a table in advance. The menu had many tempting choices including plenty of seafood and I nearly opted for the squid in a saffron sauce but decided on Lassoni Crab to start and my other half chose Prawns Puree both were delicious; the prawns were definitely a man sized portion! I will need to make quite a few more visits to work through the Lime Tree signature dishes which included panfried seabass in a coriander sauce and Rajastani Hash; Barbury duck breast in chilli paste. After much deliberation I went for Tawa Chicken, with flavours of paprika, garlic and ginger, it arrived sizzling on a skillet and tasted beautiful. Across the table, the choice was one of our favourites, chicken dhansak which didn’t disappoint and we chose a side, pindi chana, also bursting with tangy spices. This restaurant is under new management and is well worth a visit, the menu is very tempting for those who like to try new dishes but we can vouch for the old favourites too. The food was delicious and the surroundings pleasant. Perfect! 60 North Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EN 01525 372316 www.limetreelb.com
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The Hare Inn Linslade
Family friendly pub
10 Southcott Village, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard facebook:THE-HARE-INN 01525 373941
Get Your pub cafe, bar, restaurant, listed here call 01525 222473
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CONTEMPORARY INDIAN CUISINE
Sunday May 15 at Waddesdon Manor. Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, their women only events raise millions of pounds every year to fund research to help beat 200 types of cancer.
CHARGE IN TO SPRING WITH AYLESBURY RACE FOR LIFE Women in the Aylesbury area fired up by the imminent arrival of spring are being urged to channel their energy into training for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. With lighter evenings on the horizon, and with warmer weather on its way, women of all ages, shapes and sizes have the perfect opportunity to kick-start a healthier lifestyle by preparing for the 5k
Race for Life event at Waddesdon Manor. By taking on Race for Life, and encouraging their mums, daughters, sisters and friends to join them, participants can improve their fitness as well as help to raise money for life-saving research. Cancer Research UK is calling on women around Aylesbury to get moving, lace up their trainers and sign up now for the 5k event on
Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Buckinghamshire. Free training plans for different levels of ability are available on the Race for Life website. The sixweek training plans are designed for walkers, joggers or runners. They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation. To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.
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What’s On Sat 5th March, Pop Up Market, Leighton Buzzard Town Centre Sun 6th March Join us to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Berkhamsted Common’. On this date 150 years ago Berkhamsted Common was saved from being enclosed and falling into private ownership by gangs of men who tore down three miles of iron fencing in a night time raid. Join us for a walk through the area that was saved and learn about the story of the battle and its significance, which still resonates today. Followed by a celebratory BBQ on the site where the fences once stood. Booking essential - please call the visitor centre on
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01442 851227 to book your place. Hosted by the National Trust and Open Spaces Society. Mon 7th March - A Stroll in the Woods by John Pitt. Part of the Tree Top Talks (see page 35) Come and join John on a stroll through the seasons of Maulden Wood and Heath. Learn a little bit of the history, discover the Working Woodland Centre and see how our volunteers help us. Claire Martin with Jim Mullen and Arnie Somogyi. Part of the Leighton Buzzard Oxjam Festival. Thursday 10th March at the Five Bells, Stanbridge, LU7 9AF. Tickets £16 / £3 (u18s and full time students) Tickets and further details at www.
greensandjazz.org.uk Sat 19th March, Farmers’ Market, Leighton Buzzard Town Centre Sat 19th & Sun 20th March Frosts Eggcellent Treat Saturday 19th March & Sunday 20th March Anytime between 10am and 4pm The activity starts with a bunny hunt around the garden centre followed by some Eggcellent fun! Children can get creative by decorating their very own chocolate Easter egg with a selection on yummy sweeties, perfect to take home for an Easter treat. Children will finish the activity by decorating their own Easter egg magnet followed by a glass of squash. £5.99 per Child Sat 26th Craft Market Town Centre
STAMP FAIR - MILTON KEYNES PHILATELIC SOCIETY Saturday 2nd April 2016, 10am - 4pm Methodist Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2HB Stamp Dealers and Members will be selling stamps and coins as well as the former Bletchley Park Post Office with their limited edition special covers. Refreshments will be available - everything from homemade cakes and your choice of sandwich to bacon rolls and cherry pie! Interested in joining the “Stamp Club” ... this is a great opportunity to meet many of our members. Come along and have a chat, we are a friendly group. We look forward to welcoming you. For further information on the Stamp Fair, or joining the Stamp Club, please contact Karen Goodger on 01908 521220 or visit www.miltonkeynesphilatelicsociety.co.uk.
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visit www.beelocalmagazine.co.uk for our online calendar we post event updates on Facebook too
Central Bedfordshire Fri 25th to Mon 28th March Work Clubs Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunts Leighton Buzzard Library Dunstable Downs 1st Floor meeting room Ashridge Estate Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm Waddesdon Manor Thursdays 9.30am -12pm Hunts cost £2.50 visit and 1pm - 3pm http://easter.cadbury. help with CVs, Job Search, Interco.uk/find-an-egg-hunt/ view preperation, applications, advice and support to get full details of each location. STEWKLEY PLAYERS Present their 115th production KEEPING DOWN WITH THE JONESES A comedy by John Chapman and Jeremy Lloyd Village Hall, STEWKLEY Doors Open 7:30pm WED 16th THURS 17th FRI 18TH AND SAT 19TH MARCH at 8pm Licensed Bar available TICKETS £ 6 (incl. prog) Box Office Telephone :07845 489 167 6th and 13th MARCH: Sunday morning Box Office at the Village Hall from 10:00 to 12:00 Please pay for tickets in advance. Cheques to ‘Stewkley Players’.
Heath & Reach Veterinary Surgery
What ’s On at College Lakes
FAMILY FUN EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Wed, 06/04/2016 - 11:00am 3:00pm Child £4 Adult free Join us at College Lake and celebrate spring! Family activities include trails, tales, arts and crafts. Enjoy exploring outdoors and see what wildlife has been about over Easter. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult. College Lake Nature Reserve,Tring HP23 5QG 01442 826774 www.bbowt/collegelake
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prontaprint Milton Keynes
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Recipe A lovely tea-time treat Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 6070 minutes
Ingredients 225g plain flour 2 level tsp baking powder 80g softened or spreadable butter 1 large egg (beaten) 110g caster sugar 4 medium bananas (peeled) 50g walnuts (chopped) Zest 1 lemon Demerara sugar for sprinkling
Banana and Walnut Loaf Method Preheat oven to 180C / gas 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin. • Mash three bananas to a pulp and chop the fourth. • Sift the flour and baking powder together into a separate bowl. • Add the butter, egg and caster sugar. Using a mixer mix everything together for a minute or two. • Add the mashed and chopped bananas and briefly whisk them into the mixture. • Fold in the chopped walnuts and lemon zest. • Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin • Sprinkle with Demerara sugar. Place in the pre-heated oven so that the top of the tin is in the centre. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes then turn out on to a cooling rack. This cake is good served warm with crème fraiche, cold, or even toasted.
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WIN TICKETS
TO SEE FISH ON THE FAREWELL TO CHILDHOOD TOUR
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Monday 11th April Scottish singer, songwriter and exMarillion frontman FISH has announced a handful of UK shows for Spring 2016 where he will play Marillion’s 1985 chart-topping album Misplaced Childhood in full for the very last time, ahead of releasing his final-ever album later this year. These shows will be the only chance to catch Fish playing the UK. The ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour marks the 30th anniversary of Marillion’s career-defining, multi-platinum selling third album, which spawned the hit singles ‘Kayleigh’,
‘Lavender’ and ‘Heart Of Lothian’, and follows the release of the most recent solo album from FISH - A Feast Of Consequences. With a musical history that spans over 30 years, and a live show that is hugely acclaimed and respected by critics, the ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour will be one of the most un-missable episodes of FISH’s long and remarkable career. Tickets are available via http://www.thegigcartel.co m/Artists-profiles/Fish.htm Box Office No: 08444 780898 All tickets are priced at £25.00
COMPETITION Which of the following was a hit single for Marillion
A: Kayleigh B: Kylie C: Katie
For a chance win two tickets to see FISH at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Monday 11th April Email the correct answer to buzz@beelocalmagazine.co.uk with the subject "FISH"
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Terms and conditions apply: Prize is valid on 11th April 2016 only. Prize is only as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered. Bee Local Magazine accepts no liability for non-delivery of prizes. Entrants must ensure they are available on the date of the prize. Competition closes 24th March.
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Wedding Special 2016
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