Bedford March 2013

VILLAGER The

Issue 25 - March 2013

and Town

FRYour co E py E

Life

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

Inside this issue...

Bedford

A Town Of Markets..... What’s On And When

Food For Thought Your Restaurant Bill Rights

Alistair Burt Monthly Column

Plus

Your chance to WIN £25 in our prize crossword 10,000 copies covering Bromham, Cardington, Cople, Great Barford, Great Denham, Oakley, Pavenham, Sharnbrook and Willington and surounding areas

moth n the cloth-eating larval of the clothes moth mother n a female parent; that which has produced & nurtured, the female head of the house, adjj received by birth vtt to give birth to; to acknowledge, adopt or treat as a son or daughter, to behave protectively towards

Mother’s Day; a day for honouring mothers, a chance to repay the love and treat mothers to a Sunday Roast; 10th March 12noon-3pm at The Coach House, 12 Market Square, Potton SG19 2NP • Tel (01767) 260221 motif n a dominant or recurring theme in a musical, literary or other artistic work; a shape or design repeated in a pattern; an ornament added to a garment, often symbolic; a symbol etc. on a manufactured article, whether decorative or identifying the manufacturer

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motile adjj a capable of moving Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts spontaneously as a whole; characterized

VILLAGER

F You coRE r py E

The

and Town

Issue 25 - March 2013

In this Issue

Life

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

4

Inside this issue...

Bedford

Alistair Burt MP

A Town Of Markets..... What’s On And When

Food For Thought Your Restaurant Bill Rights

The Life of a Minister

Alistair Burt Monthly Column

Plus

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Your chance to WIN £25 in our prize crossword 10,000 copies covering Bromham, Cardington, Cople, Great Barford, Great Denham, Oakley, Pavenham, Sharnbrook and Willington and surounding areas

Gallery 1066

Editorial

Alex Brown, Alistair Burt and Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Front Cover Image Yalcinsonat

Danielle O’Connor Akiyama

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Prize Crossword £25 up for grabs!

Advertising Sales Christa Hallam Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com

Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Publishers

Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com

Kids Craft Workshop...................................................... 6 Molyneux Jones Gains Top Accolade............................ 9 Bedford Markets........................................................... 10 Truancy Patrol............................................................... 13 Central Youth Volunteering Project............................. 14 Tree and Shrub Inspection............................................ 18 The Kimbolton Country Fayre....................................... 22 Puzzle Page...................................................................24 What’s On......................................................................26 Food for Thought..........................................................30

You are now able to view the Villager Magazine online at

www.villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Disclaimer

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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the life of a Minister

at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office In answer to a number of requests from constituents, may I describe to you a little of the life of a Minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Being an MP is very much the day job, and I never forget that the only reason I’m an FCO Minister is because I’m an elected MP. This is not the case in all countries, and some of my counterparts find it strange that when I leave a conference in, say Istanbul, my next appointment the next day might be my advice centre in Biggleswade.

But that’s our system, designed to keep your ministers feet on the ground.

However whilst my week-end round of constituency life is not much altered by the Ministerial job (beyond the red box of paperwork to be done) my week is often very different.

What do I do? I represent UK interests to some 25 countries from Canada to the Maldives. Those interests were defined by Foreign Secretary William Hague as Security, Prosperity and Supporting UK citizens abroad.

In a travelling week I will typically visit two countries, often flying out on a Sunday. I will see our Ambassador and our officials at our Embassy, and discuss how we are delivering each of the three: what the threats to us may be in the region; how we can help trade and exports; and any consular cases involving UK nationals in difficulties.

I will then meet with foreign ministers to discuss

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the same interests. Sometimes we have tough things to share, like our worries that their actions might be risking our interests in some way so I suggest perhaps a different course of action may be in both our interests. Sometimes we agree and sometimes we don’t. We will share views on the region, and on common concerns, and look to see if we can help each other anymore.

These meetings are held occasionally in spectacular offices, and sometimes accompanied by meals in settings as varied as the back of a helicopter to an Emir’s Palace. But the days are long, with breakfast briefings, many meetings or working meals and end of day round up.

Returning to London I follow up the visits by reporting to MPs, and I can expect foreign ministers to see me to discuss their agenda sometimes very forcibly too!

In addition there are meetings with FCO experts in everything from counter terrorism to north Africa, from piracy to the Middle East peace process- all designed to firm up our policies in your interests so I can present them to the House of Commons or the Foreign Secretary.

And after a week of Sri Lanka or Algeria, whether I’ve spoken to a King or Congressman, worn a suit or a flak jacket - its back to NE Beds! It is an extraordinary contrast week by week, and I’m exceptionally fortunate to be representing you in both roles.

By Alistair Burt MP

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KIDS CRAFT WORKSHOP

art and craft club for 9-15 year olds Friends Ali Boston and Tara Dolby came up with the idea for Kids Craft Workshop when their children started looking for an art club to go to.

“They wanted to do the same sorts of things that we’ve been doing with them at home” said Ali “but there was nothing similar available. Both of us love art and crafts so it seemed a natural step to look at setting up a club ourselves”. And that’s just what they’ve done.

Ali and Tara are bringing many years of relevant experience to their new project. Ali is currently Head of Art at a Bedford Middle School; she started her career back in 1991 teaching at Harrold Middle and then moving to Lincroft School. Tara has been making and selling her work at craft fairs around the country for many years.

“We make a great team” says Tara. “Ali has the fine art skills like drawing and ceramics and I’ve got the crafting and textile experience so, between us, we’ll be able to give the children the guidance they need”.

The workshops, which run on Saturdays during term time, will use lots of different techniques and materials so the children can explore their creativity and their imagination. Each half term has a different theme. “We’re having great fun planning it all” says Ali. “Our first project is about birds and the children will be able to use clay, drawing, collage and painting to develop something really exciting”.

“Whatever your age, there’s a great sense of achievement when you take time to do or make something yourself” says Tara. “Our aim is to

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give the children the confidence to develop their own ideas and to improve their art and craft skills along the way, and they’ll be able to do it in a fun and relaxed environment”.

The mums will be holding their workshops at Newnham Middle School, which is on Polhill Avenue in Bedford. “The school has been really supportive of the idea” says Ali “and it’s great to be able to offer something that isn’t available anywhere else locally”.

Tara says “We have high hopes for Kids Craft Workshop. When Ali and I first started talking about it, we thought it would be something that parents and children wanted, but we’ve been surprised at how quickly the idea has caught on. For this half term, we’re only running one morning session, but if demand continues, we may increase that to two”.

Ali and Tara start their first Kids Craft Workshop on March the 2nd from 0930 to 1100.

More details can be found on their website www.kidscraftworkshop.co.uk.

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Activities include:

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Saturday 30th / Sunday 31st March, 10.00am-3.00pm Godmanchester Centre, Free!

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Come along to our drama and dance workshop for 7-11 year olds and create a ‘play in a day.’ Parents and carers are invited back at the end to watch the performance! £25 per child.

Family behind the scenes tour

Tuesday 9th April, 10.00am-12.00pm, Godmanchester Centre Join the Hands On team and go behind the scenes at our Godmanchester site.*

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For further information on these events contact the Hands On Team King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Call: 0844 248 8181 Or email: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH handson@woodgreen.org.uk *Minimum age 5 years. £5 per person.

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LOCAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR

MOLYNEUX JONES GAINS TOP ACCOLADE Bedford funeral director Molyneux Jones Family Funeral Directors has been named one of the UK’s best funeral directors following an assessment visit by the Good Funeral Guide, an independent funeral consumer advocacy organisation.

In its review of Molyneux Jones the Good Funeral Guide says: “The sense of really personal care shines through.”

Find the full review here: http://www.goodfuneralguide. co.uk/funeral-directors/molyneux-jones-family-funeraldirectors/ The Good Funeral Guide assesses select funeral homes according to strict criteria which focus on the quality of the experience they offer to bereaved people. Molyneux Jones Family Funeral Directors has been inspected to ensure that clients are treated with courtesy, listened to with empathy, offered a full range of choice, charged fairly and empowered to play whatever part they want in creating a send-off for the person they have lost which accords with their values and wishes.

The accreditation process also involved spending time behind the scenes to ascertain that those who have died are cared for with the utmost tenderness and respect.

QUOTE: Charles Cowling, author of the Good Funeral Guide says: “Choosing a funeral director can be very difficult because they all look much the same. But they’re not. Some, a precious few, are truly outstanding, and Molyneux Jones is one of them. The team at Molyneux Jones are unsung heroes doing a magnificent job, and the people of Bedford deserve to know this. Bereaved people need to do their very best for their loved one. They deserve the very best funeral director.”

QUOTE: “It has been very difficult to set up an independent business to compete with all the large businesses but I wanted to ensure outstanding customer service is the most important focus & the families I have helped so far have appreciated the flexibility and personal touch that you get with a smaller business. To get this independent verification from the Good Funeral Guide is really encouraging, they seemed to like the open and honest approach, especially the website, so I hope other people will too.”

For further information contact Malcolm Jones on 01234 363191 or 07435 960976 Email: malcolm@molyneuxjones.co.uk

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BEDFORD

A Town of Markets Bedford is a thriving market town with its original ‘charter’ dating back more than 800 years when King Henry II granted it in 1166, allowing Bedfordians to hold their own market. A market has been held on St Paul’s Square since the 1500’s.

Bedford Charter Markets Every Wednesday & Saturday, 8.30am - 4.00pm Harpur Square & St. Paul’s Square, Bedford Town Centre The general Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays on the historic Harpur and St Paul’s Squares has retained a freshness and appeal by offering a wide range of quality goods at affordable prices, from olives to key cutting services, toys to hot food.

But Bedford’s market trade isn’t just historic – since 2004 the county town has transformed itself into ‘A Town of Markets’ by introducing several new speciality markets.

Thursdays in Bedford are now filled with the sensual delights of its regular Gourmet Food market whilst Fridays plays host to the beautiful Home and Garden Market Bedford Gourmet Market Every Thursday, 9.30am - 4.00pm Midland Road, Bedford Town Centre The speciality markets are held in Harpur Square in the heart of the historic town centre.

Bedford’s Gourmet Food Market, offers a wide range of quality foods and food-related products.

The lunchtime trade is also catered for with tasty takeaway food and drinks being available. On the second and fourth Thursday of each month the market is boosted by the local Farmers’ Market with its local produce and WI cakes.

Farmers Market Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, 9.30am - 4.00pm Harpur Square, Bedford Town Centre The Farmers Market takes place on the second AND fourth Thursday of each month Flower, Home and Garden Market Every Friday, 8.30am - 3.30pm Harpur Square, Bedford Town Centre Friday’s Home & Garden Market offers an array of cut flowers and plants, together with specialist garden products.

It’s proving to have a year-round appeal, with shoppers and town centre staff seen carrying armfuls of flowers through the town at lunchtime!

Handmade in Bedford Crafts Market (March-Dec) Every second Saturday of the month, Harpur Square, Bedford Town Centre.

Throughout the year there are ad hoc visiting markets. 28th Feb-3rd March The Continental Market which includes stalls from France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

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

Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated & completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come.

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Before 12

After

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TRUANCY PATROL

FIGURES ARE DOWN

Bedford Borough Council, in partnership with Bedfordshire Police, carries out regular truancy patrols across the borough. As last year came to a close, our Education Welfare Officers stopped a total of 23 children in the town centre or at the interchange park, in Kempston.

These figures show a reduction compared to 2011, in which 29 pupils were found not to be in school on a similar patrol.

If an unaccompanied child who should be in school is stopped, then the truancy patrol has the power to move the child to a place of safety, probably their school.

Cllr David Sawyer, Portfolio Holder for Education at Bedford Borough Council, said: “Our Education Welfare Officers stopped one parent with their young child, who gave the reason that her child was too unwell to go to school, yet not too unwell to go shopping. This is clearly unacceptable.

Everyone should respect a young person’s right to receive an education, and we will do all we can

to ensure this message is carried loud and clear across our community.”

Richard Denton Bedfordshire Police Children & Young People Development Officer and Schools Co-ordinator added: “Truancy can often lead to further issues in a community, at worst resulting in young people becoming involved in crime either as a victim or an offender. This is something that we really want to avoid.”

If a pupil is found to be away from school, the Education Welfare Officer contacts the school and the reasons for not attending can be discussed.

Further monitoring of pupils’ attendance may be necessary in the following weeks by the School Attendance Officer and their Education Welfare Officer.

We work closely with other local authorities and will also take action where we have been informed that a child from our local authority has been stopped in a patrol outside of the borough.

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CENTRAL YOUTH

VOLUNTEERING PROJECT The Central Youth Volunteering Project (or CYVP) is a project for young people aged 13-18 living in Central Bedfordshire.

By volunteering for just 10 hours (over however many sessions you like) and logging the hours online young people can gain a nationally recognised accreditation. The perfect thing to be listed on CVs, job application and UCAS applications!

Volunteering has so many benefits – improves skills preparing young people for further education or employment, raises self-esteem and confidence and is a great chance to meet new people.

There are various opportunities for young people and all their friends to volunteer at local events, in

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conservation work, sports and much more! All of these are fun and free (lunch and snacks are often included too!) Future events include a motorcycle event for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, an Easter Egg Hunt for Sue Ryder and Strictly Come Dancing evening.

The project has already seen over 180 young people volunteer! To find out more about the project and current volunteering opportunities contact Sarah on sarah@bedfordvb.org.uk / 01234 213100. Young people can also follow the Central Youth Volunteering Project on Facebook.

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Gallery 1066

Danielle O’Connor Akiyama

One of the world’s leading modern impressionist artists Danielle O’Connor Akiyama is flying in from Canada to visit this stylish gallery on March 17th launching her latest collection ‘Illumination’ at a champagne reception.

This latest collection is typical in the vibrancy of palette and the loose formal structure certainly recalls Danielle’s celebrated floral, and yet we see her moving into a radiant new world of abstract interpretation. An uninhibited vigour and freedom of style combines with a luminous hand finished glaze to give these magnificent canvases an unprecedented impact and international appeal.

Danielle’s style is loose and impressionistic,

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however she has always believed in the importance of each and every brush stroke.

In order to gain a greater understanding and technical skill she studied sumi-e, Japanese brush painting. Her distinctive fusion of eastern and western artistry has led to her works being highly prized by art collectors from both sides of the Pacific.

Hayley Norman, Gallery Owner commented ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome Danielle to the gallery this year, it is a very exciting time in the art world and people are opening their eyes not only to the investment opportunities available but also to the transformation quality art can make in the home and workplace. We are working with over 70 acclaimed artists and the demand for their work has spiralled since opening and we are thrilled that we are now recognized as a major player which helps us to welcome these acclaimed artists to the gallery. This event is open all weekend to the public and we welcome people to come to the gallery to enjoy a fine art experience.’

To find out more please contact either Hayley or Sophie at the Gallery on 01462 622233 or email info@gallery1066fineart.com.

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

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17

Tree & Shrub Inspection

As we come out of winter now is the time to have your trees inspected by a qualified Arborist. Over the winter trees have sustained a high level of stress mainly from severe weather conditions. High winds, heavy rain fall and extreme temperatures can have a detrimental effect on trees from both a structural and health point of view.

High Winds: This type of weather can cause several issues with both mature and young trees. An inspection can highlight any significant damage to a trees structural integrity which could lead to either a partial failure of the canopy or entire failure at either the root plate or main stem. If the tree is located near a public right of way or properties it is essential to ensure the tree is safe.

Heavy Rainfall: Trees can suffer from water logging of the root system which can either “drown” the roots or create and unstable environment for the roots to develop in. If a tree doesn’t develop a suitable root system then water uptake will poor and the tree will eventually decline and die.

Extreme temperatures: Cold temperatures can have several impacts on trees and shrubs. Frost can either wilt or scorch leaves, even of the hardiest evergreens which can lead to the specimen dying. Also, if the tree is located near a road or drive, salt damage can be fatal, especially if the tree is suffering from another issue at the same time.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01234 354 673 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK

Bartlett Tree Experts A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Careand Service since 1907 A Complete Comprehensive Tree Care Service Since 1907 For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has led both the science and services that make your landscape thrive. No matter the size or scope of your needs, our arborists bring a rare mix of groundbreaking research, global resources and a local service approach to every task at hand. Trees add so much value to our lives; Bartlett adds even more value to your trees.

Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal Hedge Cutting | Stump Grinding Woodland Management | Disease & Inseact Control For a free quote please contact your local arborist Tim Brown

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Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401

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PAT’S CARS

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The kimbolton country fayre

sunday 14th july 2013 2013 – Predicted hottest summer yet…

With the 2012 summer a ‘one-off’ disappointing wash-out in the history of the Fayre. From our perspective, it was the children’s charities that suffered because, of course, we were not able to donate the money which we would have raised from holding The Country Fayre.

However, from other fund raising events held

by The Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle, our nominated charities were given something – albeit, not as much as we would have liked.

It wasn’t just the cancellation of last year’s Kimbolton Country Fayre (due to the venue being completely water logged), I think many of us had other plans thwarted by the dreadful weather of 2012.

On a brighter note, the Rotary and Sporting Bears Motor Clubs’ committee, with their optimistic enthusiasm, are pleased to let you

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know that they already have advanced plans in place for this year’s Fayre. Once again, it will be held in the beautiful grounds of Kimbolton Castle and the date for your diary is Sunday 14 July.

In the meantime, why not have a look at our website www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com for all the latest updates on the Fayre.

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TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SPECIALIST See our website for a comprehensive list of our services www.allbandaerials.co.uk

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CODEWORD

1

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16

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

Use your logic to solve the puzzle.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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what’S ON?

IN MARCH

2 March Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk

by Kevin Hughes on ‘Gardening with bulbs’. Kevin is a nurseryman and will be bringing plants for sale at the meeting. He is an accomplished speaker who lectures too many HPS groups. All welcome - small charge applies. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 March Tuesday Morning Walkers 9.30-11.30am RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £3, RSPB Members free. Admission £4 per vehicle to non-RSPB members Weekly walks around the reserve with a leader, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the site.

Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 13 March Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust 7.30-9pm Priory Park Visitor Centre, Barkers Lane, Bedford Voluntary contribution (£2 suggested) An illustrated talk ‘Protecting Bedfordshire’s Landscape through working with the Planning System’ by Gerry Sanson from CPRE. All welcome.

Further details available on website.

Web: www.wildlifebcn.org 16 March Passiontide Meditation 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Admission £4.00 Kempston Musical Society present a Passiontide Meditation based on the gospel of St Mark, with music. Tel: 01234 781010 Email: kempstonmusicalsociety@hotmail.com 19 March Pargetting by Bill Sargent 7.30pm Addison Centre, Addison Howard Park, Kempston Bedford National Trust Association. Bill Sargent is amongst the highest regarded pargetters in the country. His work can be seen in Suffolk, Essex, Kent and Norfolk and covers most areas of Conservation Plasterwork and pargetting. This includes conservation plastering for listed buildings, Lime washing, Lime plastering (mouldings, etc.)

Arches, Lime floors and Brick stone and slate work.

Web: www.bedfordnt.org.uk

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Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 21 March Bedford RSPB Local Group Meeting 7.30pm The A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford All very welcome. Tel: 01234 822035 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford 22 March Birds 4 Beginners 10am-12 noon RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £5, RSPB Members £4, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2. Admission £4 per vehicle Our ever popular walk; discover how to identify the birds that you see on your walks and in your gardens, and how to get the best out of your optics.

Booking highly recommended limited numbers.

Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 March & 1 April Easter Egghead Hunt 10.30am-4.30pm Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Tickets £2 (for trail and prize) plus normal admission Join us for an exciting egg hunt with our sponsors Cadburys. Complete our trail exploring the Downs and win a yummy Cadburys chocolate egg! There will be lots of family Easter fun happening too, all in the glorious surroundings of Dunstable Downs.

Tel: Chilterns Gateway Centre Shop 01582 500925 Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunstabledowns/ 25 March Tea Dance 2-4.30pm The Addison Centre, Kempston £2.50 including refreshments. Tel: 01234 340997 27 March Organ Concert 8-10.30pm Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford Members £4, Non-members £5. Pay at door.

Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club present wellknown organist Ian Griffin. Tel: 01234 344423 Web: http://www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedford2 29, 30, 31 March & 1 April Easter Hunt Trail 10am-3pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Trail sheet £2. Admission £4 per vehicle Follow the Easter trail and spot all of the pictures hidden in the woodland with a crème egg to collect when you finish!

Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

Qualified professional engineer 25 years experience I specialise in solving your plumbing problems Tap washers to boilers All work guaranteed No job too small Your local recommended engineer

Tel: 01234 772603 Mob: 07702 481 385

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Bromham Windows & Home Improvements UPVC Windows & Doors, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering All double glazing repairs including:Broken & misty sealed units, hinges, faulty doors and locks, handles and much more.

For a free no obligation quotation call:-

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Email: nightingale12@ntlworld.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Ty Interiors Prize Crossword

1st Prize £25 Name:

Sponsored by Ty Interiors, The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4RF

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 15th March 2013.

Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

Please enter me into the prize draw to be drawn at end of 3 months for £1000 off a fully fitted kitchen. T&C’s apply. (Please tick) Last Month’s Crossword Winners. Congratulations to: 1st prize - Mr T Hopton from Gamlingay and 2nd prize - Lisa Brown from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Outermost (7) 5 Six sided objects (5) 8 Turn (5) 9 Woman’s holdall (7) 10 Media notice (13) 11 Relaxed (6) 12 Idiotic (6) 15 Exhibition (13) 18 Not quietest (7) 19 Very angry (5) 20 Perfume (5) 21 Meals (7) Down 1 Additional (5) 2 Robbers (7) 3 Amusement (13) 4 Racial group (6) 5 Deep thought (13) 6 Religious text (5) 7 Seen (7) 11 Hugs (7) 13 Not public (7) 14 Commented (6) 16 Small rodent (5) 17 Requirements (5)

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Pleasemention mentionThe TheVillager Villagerand andTown TownLife Lifewhen whenresponding respondingtotoadverts adverts Please

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29

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Your rights ON restaurant bills VAT must be included in meal prices displayed outside or in a restaurant, but they don’t have to be included on the menu.

When you get your bill, it may show a breakdown of how much VAT you are being charged. If a percentage charge for service is said to be included in the meal price, you are entitled to reduce the bill if the service has been poor. You are entitled to reduce it by the amount shown to be the service charge. If it is not specified, anything up to 15% would be acceptable.

Food needs to be of a good standard. If the problem is the quality of the food rather than the service and it is so poor as to be a breach of contract, again you are entitled to reduce the bill or refuse to pay. However, if you are going to do this you need to tell the waiter at the time the food is served or when you first taste it. The restaurant is entitled to have the opportunity of putting good the problem.

If you do not like making a fuss or you are with a party and do not want to upset the atmosphere, you can always pay ‘under protest’ and write on the back of the bill that you are doing so. This gives you the chance of claiming against the restaurant at a later date. This is usually only worth it if you are with a big party.

It is a criminal offence on your part to go into a restaurant and order a meal with the intention of not paying for it. Restaurants often wrongly believe this means you have to pay for a meal whatever the circumstances. This is not the case.

So long as you have a genuine reason for not paying and you leave your name and address, you have not acted in any way dishonestly.

The law provides that you should be given a

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chance to check the prices before you get to your table, as well as having a menu at the table.

They must make clear, or show as prominently as the food prices, any minimum charge or service charge. If these charges aren’t there and on your menu and you were not otherwise told, you can refuse to pay. They are not part of your contract.

If they are displayed you must pay them unless they are unreasonable for the standard of the restaurant. If the restaurant fails with any of these obligations it runs the risk of a prosecution

by Trading Standards. You can threaten to report the restaurant if you are in an argument.

Most restaurants will not wish to run this risk, but frankly there are a few examples of prosecutions beings successfully taken. Trading Standards Officers claim they are too overworked with other problems to deal with this type of prosecution.

Some restaurants will automatically ask you to add a gratuity when you pay by credit card.

Some continue to do this even though they have already charged a service charge within the bill.

This may suggest that the service charge was not going to the waiting staff at all and you may want to ask the manager if this is the case.

If extra amounts are added afterwards this will be ‘unauthorised debit’ and you should refuse to pay. You should check your statements carefully and keep the copy of the signed slip at least until the amount appears on your statement. You can then have evidence to put to the credit card company if a dispute arises.

For more information visit consumer champion and legal expert Dean Dunham’s website www. youandyourrights.com

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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