The Vine Dunstable - December 2014 & January 2015 - Issue 62 by The Vine Magazine

the

Vine

local businesses Connecting local people to

December 2014 January 2015 Issue 62

Delivered free to 12,000 homes Dunstable • Whipsnade • Studham • Kensworth • Houghton Regis

un Due T nin o P g u opu nti lar l th Dem e e an nd d! of Jan u

ary

Large range of quality, affordable fabrics and colours to choose from Choose in the comfort of your own home or workplace All blinds come with a guarantee

3 3 3

Make your house a home with blinds and awnings from Call 01525 220477 OR 01582 699565 TOday FREE home consultation, measuring & quotation including FREE fitting.

For Further information visit www.vansarblinds.co.uk

• • • • •

www.vansarblinds.co.uk

Free No Obligation Measuring And Quotations All Blinds Made To Measure Choose In The Comfort Of Your Own Home Or Workplace Family Run Business Large Range Of Quality, Affordable Fabrics And Colours To Choose From

Call: 01525 220477 or 01582 699565

UNIQUE

E: sales@vansarblinds.co.uk

AFFORDABLE FURNITURE designs to fit your lifestyle

We specialise in made-to-measure fully fitted furniture for bedrooms, studies and lounges. Visit our NEW SHOWROOM.

Bedroom Furniture

WP S IDE RRIAN NG S B OFFAE ROOGE OF LDE ICE NO M, & F Co UR W LO U nta N O NG I T c CHOt for UR N O det E T E

WE NOW OFFER FITTED KITCHENS

ContaCt us for details: vUnit 40 28, JoelIcknield Street vWay Northwood HillsRd. v Middlesex HA62JX 1PA v Tel: 01923229331 510586 Farm,Tring Dunstable v , LU6 Tel: 01525 - 6pm Mon - Monday Sat 10am- -Friday 5pm v8am Closed Sun v www.uniquebedroomsdirect.co.uk vOpen: Office Furniture

Lounge Furniture

www.thevinemagazine.com

tail SE F O RsOM

Fitted Bed Furniture

Vine

the

This Month...

Don’t Pick A Turkey 8 Happy New Year! 10 Local Christmas Attractions 12 A Travellers Tale 14 What’s Best For You 16 Consumer Clinic 18 Aged Concerns 20 Bedfordshire’s Night Sky 22 At Home 26 In The Garden 32 Totternhoe Players Presents 36 Auto-biographies 40 Puzzles 42 Out & About 44

Copy deadline for our next issue - 15th January

Editors: Scott Nightingale Shelly Nesbitt For advertising & Editorial: Shelly Nesbitt 01525 222379 07852 453043 Mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles published in this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

Plumbing & Heating Engineers Offering 24hr Service With 34 Years Experience

For all your plumbing & heating requirements, including:

Full Central Heating Power Flushing Boiler Changes Bathroom Suites

Please ring Andy Clemmit on:

01582 873354 Mobile: 07956 110919

AMBER ROSE ELECTRICAL LIMITED

Energy Efficient LED Lighting Solutions

35 years experience in System Admin. For most repairs I will come to your home or office.

he-fixed-my-pc.co.uk Based in Stanbridge covering Leighton Buzzard and surrounding towns/villages

07974 175222 01525 210008

Computer system repairs, software setup, virus removal, hardware repairs & expansion, email setup, smart TV and network setup.

phil@he-fixed-my-pc.co.uk Do you have a poorly computer - let Phil bring it back to life

from ÂŁ17.50

A.L. HARWOOD

BUILDING SERVICES

For All Your Building Requirements

From Hanging Doors To Your Full Extension Project Traditional Builder with 30 years experience Who can cater for all your building requirements TEL/FAX: 01582 602365 MOBILE: 07958 319213 Family Run Business With Over 30 Years Experience!

www.thevinemagazine.com

ble Town F nsta C u D

Since last time the team has been doing really well. We’ve won five lost two and drew a game. We’ve been scoring lots of goals as well Proud To Sponsor as conceding quite a few along the way - under 8’s football is anything but dull. We have played Dunstable Town FC games as far away as Bedford and Flitwick and Under 8’s have welcomed teams from Leighton Buzzard, Flitwick and Kempston. Back in October I decided to take my son, who A Word From The Coach is also one of my players, to watch the Dunstable Town first team. They were to play Weymouth Town on the Saturday. On the Friday I remembered hearing somewhere that the first team were keen to have the younger players as mascots so I sent a few texts out and it was kindly arranged that our under 8 boys could be mascots for the game. As I wasn't expecting it to be arranged for Nail Cutting Cutting Fungal Nails Nails Nail Fungal that particular game I had to quickly send out texts ail Cutting Fungal Nailsto players parents. Five of the boys were available Corns/Calluses Verrucas Corns/Calluses Verrucas and we also invited another boy we knew who Cracked Heels Heels Ingrown Nails Cracked Ingrown Nails orns/Calluses Verrucas was watching the game anyway. Home Visiting Practice Home Visiting Practice On the day the boys were met at the turnstiles racked Heels Ingrown Nails an hour before kick-off by the first team manager Nail Cutting Nails Home Visiting Practice who tookFungal them off to tour the changing rooms www.golinskafootcare.com www.golinskafootcare.com and meet the players. They were then taken on Katarzyna Golinska Golinska Foot Foot Health Health Practitioner Practitioner MCFHP MCFHP MAFHP MAFHP Katarzyna to theNails pitch where they were put through their NailsNails Verrucas NailCorns/Calluses Cutting Fungal Fungal ng Fungal paces with a couple of drills, they were then taken www.golinskafootcare.com over to the goal where they did some shooting Corns/Calluses Verrucas lluses Verrucas Nail Cutting Fungal Nails Verrucas Cracked Heels Ingrown Nails Katarzyna Golinska Foot Health Practitioner MCFHP MAFHP excercises. Nail Cutting Fungal Nails Practice Corns/Calluses Verrucas Home Visiting About ten minutes before kick-off the boys were Cracked HeelsIngrown Ingrown Nails Heels Ingrown Nails Nails taken back to the changing room and were to reCorns/Calluses Verrucas Home Visiting Practice Home Visiting Practice Heels Ingrown Nails emerge hand in hand with the first team players. eCracked Visiting Practice Cracked Heels Ingrown Nails Home Visiting Practice They had their photo taken with the captains, ofHome Visiting Practice ficials and the Dunstable Town lion mascot before watching the game. www.golinskafootcare.com www.golinskafootcare.com All in all MCFHP the boys had a great time and really Katarzyna Golinska Foot Health Practitioner MAFHP www.golinskafootcare.com www.golinskafootcare.com Katarzyna FootMCFHP Health Practitioner MCFHP MAFHP a Golinska Foot HealthGolinska Practitioner MAFHP enjoyed the experience. I would like to thank Katarzyna Golinska FootHealth Health Practitioner MCFHP MAFHP Katarzyna Golinska Foot Practitioner MCFHP MAFHP Dunstable Town for allowing our boys to take part oot Health Practitioner MCFHP MAFHP in the day and making them feel part of the club. 6

Golinska Care Golinska Foot Foot Care Footcarefor for all all the Footcare thefamily family

Golinska Foot Care ka Foot Care Footcare for allCare the family Golinska Foot linska Foot Care

for all the family Footcare for all the family otcare for all the family Golinska Care 07926 944302 /Foot 01582 512734 Footcare for all theCare family Golinska 7926 944302 /Foot 01582 512734 Footcare for all the family

07926 944302 / 01582 512734 302 / 01582 07926 944302 01582512734 512734 07926 944302 512734 // 01582

07926/ 01582 944302 / 01582 512734 6 944302 512734 www.golinskafootcare.com

inskafootcare.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES & GENERAL MAINTENANCE Free:

0800 458 3348

ELECTRICAL SERVICES including:

GENERAL MAINTENANCE including:

Fault finding, Sockets/switches, Rewires, Flat pack assembly, Curtain poles/rails/blinds, Loft boarding/Insulation , Showers, Cookers, Immersion heaters, Consumer units, Smoke alarms, Lighting, Shower screens/curtains, Shelving/cupboards WC repairs, Fix creaking floorboards, Storage/panel heater, Door entry, CCTV, Pressure-wash patios/deck/driveways, Emergency lighting, Testing: Drains unblocked/cleaned, PAT (Portable Appliance Testing), Gutters cleaned/repaired, EICR (PIR/Landlords certs), etc Plus much more – please ask

Plus much more – please ask

No Job Too Small

Dunstable, Luton, Leighton Buzzard & All Surrounding Areas

www.thevinemagazine.com

t Pick A ‘Turkey ’ n o ’ D

Crafty Kids! Every Christmas as a child I received a new colouring book and set of crayons with which I spent many happy hours sprawled on the living room floor colouring in the pictures. As the years progressed, the colouring book was replaced with a series of craft sets, and I remember one year spending ages knitting an extremely long scarf! Crafting helps children to develop their imagination, express themselves and explore new ideas or concepts. The creative process brings feelings of satisfaction and pleasure, and builds children’s confidence in their ability to make their own decisions and choices. Crafting is a great way to learn how to solve problems, follow directions and develop skills such as cutting, measuring, gluing and sewing. It can also give family members the chance to spend quality time together in a shared activity. Christmas offers children the opportunity to hand make gifts for friends and family members. From home-baked treats to a painted plant pot or a decorated photo frame, there is no end to the possibilities. Craft sets also make ideal stocking fillers and promise hours of entertainment. Loom bands are extremely popular right now, knitting is enjoying a revival, finger puppets are always lots of fun and card-making, jewellery kits and scrap books are guaranteed winners. You could also consider science and modelling kits. Have fun getting crafty this Christmas! 8

We all want our Christmas dinner to be special and a meal to remember for the right reasons! So how can you make sure that your bird is the best choice? First take the time to buy your meat from a source you trust. You might prefer a trusted butcher, farm shop or mail order company. Knowing how your meat has been reared and where it came from can help you determine the likely quality of the meat. Usually higher quality comes from younger animals that are subject to greater welfare standards. Of course prices will also reflect this so batteryreared birds will be much cheaper than those which have been subject to a mainly organic diet and free-roaming. Look for birds with unblemished skin, and if buying fresh check whether they will be dressed or whether you will need to do additional preparation. Consider carefully the size of the bird you require. General recommendations allow around half a pound or 225 g per person for boneless meat and three quarters of a pound or 340g per person for meat with a bone in. Of course appetites vary and you may want to buy larger deliberately, in order to have enough for leftovers. Choose well and enjoy your Christmas Dinner!

M. Mayling-Brown

Carpentry and Building Services

Swan Decorating & Handyman Services

Mitchell Mayling-Brown

Carpenter & Joiner

www.mmayling-brown.co.uk

Tel: 07921 656657

Email: m.mayling-brown@sky.com

C & R Pest Management Registered Professional Pest Technician

• 40 Years Experience • Fully Insured • Special Rates For OAP • CRB Checked

PLASTERING SERVICES

30 Years Experience In All Aspects Of Plastering Render Specialist No Job Too Big Or Small! 250 High Street North Dunstable Beds LU6 1BE Phone : 01582 472526 Mobile : 07958377463 Email : D.Kane1@sky.com

T: 01582 206113 01525 450046 M: 07500 431131

Wasps, Rats, Mice, Ants, Rabbits, Moles & more...

All Work Fully Guaranteed 250 High Street North

www.crpestmanagement.co.uk

BARB CARPETS LTD FLOORING AT ITS VERY BEST ESTABLISHED 1976

Domestic And Commercial Samples To Home Or Site Carpets, Vinyls, Floor Levelling

Call: Dave on Chris on or The Office on

07850 601007 07702 601007 01582 601007

LEWIS BUILDING CONSULTANCY SERVICES 101 Leighton Rd, Toddington

Drawings for extensions & Conversions to pass Local Authority requirements C. LEWIS MCIOB

Tel/Fax: 01525 874113 Mob: 07870 326607

Email: chris.lewis8@ntlworld.com

For all your Brickwork

Block Paving, Patios, Re-pointing Fencing, Decking & General Repairs Tel:

BIG or small give us a call 01582 862245 or 07914879178

Happy New Year

Around The World!

Amazing firework displays from around the world have become a familiar sight on New Year’s news programmes. Many countries also have traditional forms of celebration dating back hundreds of years.

words of an ‘old man’s singing.’ He set these words to the tune of a traditional Scottish ditty ‘Can Ye Labour Lea.’

In Denmark traditions involve smashing plates. People throw broken plates on to friends’ doorsteps. This symbolises good wishes for the year In the UK many people ahead. Another tradition observe first-footing. This is traditionally done by a young, involves leaping from chairs on the strike of midnight. healthy, good looking male with dark hair. He carries gifts which include a piece of In Austria, New Years Eve is called Sylvesterabend which coal, money, bread and salt, and should be the first person means Eve of Saint Sylvester. Suckling pig and peppermint through the front door after ice cream are traditional food the New Year begins. This is for New Year celebrations. believed to bring good luck. Auld Lang Syne is the familiar Tables are often decorated tune that many of us sing. This with marzipan pigs, and good luck symbols made out represents remembrance of of chocolate or marzipan old friends and times spent with them. Generally credited in shapes such as chimney sweeps, coins, or horseshoes to Robert Burns, he actually said he was merely noting the are exchanged.

10% Discount

Lead is considered to be auspicious in Germany so at New Year, they pour molten lead into cold water and see what shape develops. It is believed that this predicts the future, so: heart shapes symbolize marriage, round shapes denote good luck, and a ship means a journey. People also leave a bit of every food eaten on New Year's Eve on their plate until after Midnight, as a way of ensuring a well-stocked larder. Carp is also included, as it is thought to bring wealth. Whereas in Brazil, lentils are seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity and thus are traditionally part of a New Year’s meal. Other customs include priestesses of the local macumba voodoo cult, dressing up in blue and white for a ceremony dedicated to the god of water Yemanja. In addition, a sacrificial boat laden with jewellery, candles and flowers is pushed out from Ipenama beach in a bid to bring health, wealth and happiness.

on any product or service when quoting this reference: LOS

“pchelpcentre provided a very good, fast & professional service” Bill Watts, Renault Trucks UK Ltd – IT Manager

Visit our store for a wide variety of services to the home and business user including:

• Laptop & Desktop Repairs • Virus Removal • Data Recovery • Screen Repairs • Home / Office Visits PC Help Centre

twitter.com/pchelpcentre

In Greece, 1st January is also St Basil’s Day. He is remembered for his kindness and generosity to the poor. Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake, is one of the special dishes that is prepared and contains a silver or gold coin. Whoever finds the coin will be lucky for the next year.

The Bell in Studham

F. HORTON & SON ~ EST. 1861~

High Class Family Run Butchers Retail and Catering Supplies

XMAS MENU NOW AVAILABLE!

For Food & Gifts we Love! 01582 872460

www.thebellinstudham.co.uk

Dunstable Rd Beds.LU6 2QG ENJOY...

10% OFF with this advert!

! Order your Christmas Turkey now We supply fresh 'open barn' raised turkeys from Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire for Christmas. Locally Produced

Beef, Pork & Lamb Specialising in:

Aberdeen Angus & Hereford Beef Home Made Sausages & Burgers ‘Home Dry Cured’ Bacon & Gammon Now smoked on our premesis Open: Tues - Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 8am - 1pm Telephone orders welcome - 01525 220213 1 Chapel Lane, Totternhoe, Dunstable, LU6 2BZ

www.thevinemagazine.com

Priory House Gift Shop Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

The Natural History Museum at Tring was built in 1889 to house the incredible zoological collections of Walter Rothschild. Come and discover animal specimens from around the world, from tiny beetles to enormous bears. Explore exhibitions and events at www.nhm.ac.uk/tring.

Animal Calendar Thursday 11th December 30-minute craft workshops at 11.00 and 14.00 Messy play especially for under fives. Tickets £1.50

Christmas Holiday Challenge 20th December to 4th January Search the galleries for the lost polar bears on this trail. Free

Polar Bear Craft Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th December 30-minute workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Suitable for all ages. Tickets £1.50

Potato Print Penguins Thursday 8th January 30-minute craft workshops at 11.00 and 14.00 Messy play especially for under fives. Tickets £1.50

For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171 12

Want to support your local economy? The Priory House Gift Shop is the local spot for local products made by local people. We stock a wide variety of handmade items including woodwork, pottery, photographs and paintings. We also have a selection of locally produced honey, preserves and chutneys. Our large selection of glass tree ornaments and wide variety of unusual Christmas items mean you are sure to find something you will not find anywhere else in Dunstable which will brighten your festive season or somebody else’s. If you are looking for a gift for that hard to buy for person, why not treat them to some Dunstable Tea. The Dunstable Tea range is exclusive to Priory House and consists of over 20 different blends and infusions all named for the history and heritage of Dunstable. Available in loose leaf and tea bags, Dunstable Tea makes the ideal gift. Here at Priory House we are also launching a range of beautifully presented Gift Hampers. Our hampers will include Dunstable Tea, homemade Christmas pudding and cake, local honey and Priory Pantry chutneys and jams. Ideal for the person who has everything or one of our smaller hampers will make an ideal thank you gift. Prices start at £12.50.

Park for Free, Shop for Fun! To help you with your pre-Christmas purchases the Dunstable Joint Committee has funded THREE FREE PARKING DAYS in the lead up to the big day! The Free Parking will take place in selected town centre car parks on Saturday 6th & 13th December The car parks included in the scheme are: Ashton Square (Wilkinson) St Mary’s Gate ( West Street ) Church Street Matthew Street (Eleanor’s Cross) Car parks not mentioned are NOT included in the scheme and charges will still apply.

Discover Ashridge Discover this area of outstanding natural beauty right on our doorstep. There’s lots to do and see this Christmas!

Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 1LT · Ashridge Christmas Trail - Join us at the Ashridge

Visitor Centre for our Christmas Trail around Meadley’s Meadow. Learn more about how the wildlife spends Christmas, answer the questions along the way and earn your Christmassy reward! Daily from Nov 15th to Dec 31st 10am to 3.30pm £1 per child. No booking needed

· Ashridge Christmas Fair – Come to the visitor

centre and join the seasonal celebrations at our annual Christmas fair. Find some unusual presents and foodstuffs, including original local gifts and products. Free entry Sunday Dec 7th 10am to 3.30pm

· Visit Father Christmas at Ashridge. Each

45 minute session includes a visit with Father Christmas, a Christmas craft making session and a present! Sat Dec 13th, Sun Dec 14th, Sat Dec 20th & Sun Dec 21st. Hourly slots 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm each day. Booking essential on 01442851227 £6 per child and £2.50 per adult (2 adults per child only)

· Ashridge Post-Christmas Walk - Enjoy a scenic

post-Christmas walk through the Estate at this magical time of year. There will be mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. Sat Dec 27th 10am to 12 noon £7 per adult & £6 per child Booking essential on 01442851227 £6 per child and £2.50 per adult (2 adults per child only) More Information: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, 01442 851227, ashridge@nationaltrust.org.uk

www.thevinemagazine.com

A Travellers Tale To Snow Or Not To Snow, That Is The Question By Paul Heley

erhaps you'll remember a few years ago when one of the Eurostar trains got stuck in the tunnel because its electrics had shorted out due to the wrong sort of snow on the French side? Moral:- You can't trust the French on anything, can you. Well, at that particular time Val and I were waiting for this train to get back to St Pancras so that we could board it and start our Christmas holiday to the Austrian Tyrol. We waited, and waited and eventually learnt that the trip had been abandoned. But give our travel insurance and the holiday rail companies their due, we were reimbused down to the last penny. Having been treated so fairly, we thought we'd try again the next Christmas; and hope like mad that the French had sorted their snow out. Our ultimate destination was Jenbach in a corner of Austria close to both Germany and Italy. The rail journey took two days altogether with an overnight stop in Cologne. One cannot fault German trains and their timekeeping - they run correct to the minute - but the trouble with travelling on the run up to Christmas is that the world (and his dog) are all travelling at the same time. What is more, everyone (including the dog) has piles of luggage which the trains are not really geared for. The overall result was that, although we had individual seats booked, it could take ages before we were actually in our seats and with our luggage safely stowed. I must confess, the luggage aspect of the rail journey certainly took the shine off the whole trip: and, of

Lake Achensee course, we had to face it all over again on our return (which was then the run up to New Year!). There must be another moral here somewhere and there's a lot to be said for being picked up at home such that the next time you see your luggage is either in the hotel room or in the cabin. A particular "luggage nightmare" happened on the final leg from Munich to Jenbach. It was a corridor train with separate compartments for 6 people and meant that any surplus luggage was piled in the corridor thus creating a real obstacle course when trying to pass. Especially when one passenger moving in the opposite direction had a Zimmer frame! I'm afraid that any natural sympathy towards disabled people quickly evaporated. He caused absolute chaos! Our tour manager was a fluent German speaker and he'd clearly made a study of German and Austrian medieval history. Whilst we were running alongside the Rhine from Cologne to Munich, he elucidated on the many castles which we passed; and it was much the same when we later went to Salzburg, Innsbruck and other places. He was very efficient, got us to the right spots at the right times; but could also be a bit boring and rather pompous. However, we survived and eventually arrived at our most comfortable hotel. But unfortunately, we'd brought the snow with us and for the next three days, it snowed on and off from a grey and leaden sky and we couldn't see the surrounding scenery at all - even on trips out. Our first trip was to Kufstein close

to the Bavarian border where we viewed the medieval castle and where a daily organ recital at noon is amplified so that the whole town can hear it. We also poked our noses into the very ornate church where some form of service was being conducted; but since we were clearly not part of this particular congregation, we didn’t stay long. In the afternoon, we went to Rattenberg - a small, and pretty medieval town renowned for its glassware and crystal. We’d been promised a Christmas market - which should have been very pleasant - but, for some reason, it wasn’t happening that day. A pity. Still, the shops had some lovely glass ornaments and artefacts which, although expensive, were very tempting. There were other coach or train trips to Salzburg and Innsbruck but the dull weather put a dampener on both of these and meant that supposedly beautiful buildings were not seen at their best. Also, we were taken round the world famous Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg - but there’s not much in the way of floral delights in December when it’s snowing! Salzburg is Mozart this, Mozart that, Mozart with bells on; it’s difficult to escape from the guy. But there’s a splendid castle and an extremely ornate cathedral on offer. Speaking personally, I don’t think these super extravagant catholic cathedrals can lay a candle (forgive the pun!) on the soaring Gothic splendour of our English cathedrals and I feel that the Austrian ones are way OTT and that any self respecting Puritan would go mad!

Zillertalbahn

Oompah band

Innsbruck cathedral is much the same, ie not much to look at on the outside but the interior blows your mind with its over elaboration and fussiness. On Christmas Eve the hotel laid on a special meal - complete with a five piece brass band consisting of trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor horn, euphonium and tuba playing Tyrolean folk tunes and Christmas music. They made a most pleasant noise. A real old fashioned German style oompah band! Then, right on cue, it stopped snowing and next day - Christmas Day - the sun came out complete with a lovely blue sky. What a difference - the world was transformed. Suddenly, we realised that Jenbach is surrounded by lovely scenery and a trip out to Lake Achensee and the village of Pertisau reinforced our new found delight. The vil- Cologne cathedral. lage looked its picture postcard a ride on a steam train up the best and Val and I wandered all Ziller Valley to the ski resort of over the place rejoicing in this Mayrhofen. belated Alpine splendour. This Our reserved carriage was imwas what we'd come for. mediately behind the engine so In the afternoon, a sleigh ride the genuine train buffs (which had been arranged and we were didn't include either Val or transported through the forest to myself) could stand outside and a busy cafe/tea room/restaurant get their full dose of smoke in which was doing extremely good the lungs, soot in the eye and hot trade. It was very pleasant but embers to burn you. But clearly, rather "twee", contrived, and this train is clearly something rather touristy. of a local celebrity given by the Christmas dinner rounded off vast number of sightseers at each our festive celebrations and was stopping point. For Val and I, it followed on Boxing Day by what was an interesting journey and a many in the party regarded as nostalgic reminder of times past. the highlight of the entire trip:

It's interesting to note that Val had been skiing in Mayrhofen back in the Dark Ages so she was keen to take the finicula up to the ski slopes and refresh her memory. Apparently, it's all very different now even though the scenery up top (about 6500 feet) is still as splendid as ever. This was our holiday swan song and next day, we had to survive the return journey. Sad to say, the luggage problem was still with us as was the the number of people on the move. However, at Cologne the next morning there was time to have a proper look at the cathedral. It's ENORMOUS. It's magnificent. It makes one feel antlike. To call it majestic is not sufficient - but I can't think of a better word. After this spiritual uplifting, we returned to Brussels and thence Eurostar to St Pancras and home. So, what did we make of the trip? I cannot say we enjoyed the luggage humping and scrambling for our seats: nor can I say that the start of the holiday with slate grey skies and snow was uplifting: but I can definitely say that when the snow stopped and the sun came out, our spirits rose a thousandfold; and, fortunately, that is the lasting memory. Would we do the same sort of holiday again? Perhaps, but never at Christmas or New Year. Maybe at a less popular time if there were a direct journey to our destination, ie no mucking about in between. We'll see. 15

What’sBestForYou

Winter Martin

LEWIS

By Martin Lewis

money saving

Brrrr... The mercury has started to tumble, summer’s warmth seems a distant memory and the central heating is starting to Tackle your bills kick into gear. As it’ll only get colder, now’s the time to ensure you’re set up for winter to keep the cost down and the heat up. Here’s my checklist…

comparison on any Ofgem-approved comparison site – Winter is coming. Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in just search for The Confidence Code at the white stuff to sort your bills. Here, prevention truly Find out where your stopcock is. Everyone should a prepayment meter / electricity only / Eco 7. www.ofgem.gov.uk to see the full list. beats cure – tackling yourmains bills now means you can take know where their water off switch is. Frozen the financial bite out of winter chills…£7,000 of damage, pipe bursts create an average Paying energy by monthly direct debit is cheaper. It not online, usebya comparison withthen a phone made worse if you can't find the off switch as your If you're discounts your bill up to 6%. Firms estimate Free loft insulation and even boilers (for some). service, as Energyhelpline on it0800 074 home floods. yoursuch annual usage and divide by 12 so0745, you'reorlikely While the loft insulation free-for-all's ended, some will to build up credit after summer and be a little in debt uSwitch on 0800 051 5493. still be entitled someon serious free energy-saving As Angietowrote my Facebook page: "I know where after winter. Always do regular meter readings for energyas bills bybill monthly direct debit’s up totry 6%to measures. mine is but only due to a burst pipe and collapsed Paying accuracy, your is estimated. And if they floor a few years ago. Took us & the council 2 hours cheaper. push your direct debit up unfairly (eg, you're heavily If you do,you've as it’ll ausually mean up find." in can, credit) right for it todiscounted be fair, justbills call of and Most oftothe big six energy firms offer free boilers, your provider to check. Though askless, for so it tocontact be lowered. typically worth £2,000, and free insulation, usually worth to 6% So find it now before you’ve problems. Mine about £300. Crucially, you don't need to be with the is be- always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your a kitchen alsoneed typically service car breakdown £40.a Breakdown estimated. If it’s too high, cover you have right to ask energy hind provider to getcupboard, it, but youbut do you’ll generally an findbill isFull bathrooms, corridors in flats, boiler for itisto more likely at winter, and the consequences more be lowered. incomeyours underin£16,000, andshared to be on income-related cupboards and more. To help locate yours there’s a severe. Yet policies can be very cheap. benefits or pension credit. I can’t definitely say you’ll nice Thames Water video at www.mse.me/stopcock.Got electricity only? You can still save. qualify, but it is worth checking. Alternatively, the wellbreakdown, start travWithFor electricity only, home you can stilland get onward a cheap fix to save meaning but stuttering Green designed Switch energy now andDeal you initiative could getis£100s www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk £40 a year, just el follow the info above. For those onisEconomy 7, to let you payThis for things liketime underfloor heating, back. is a great to switch energydouble supplier if assessing thoughis it’s a ‘payIt’s and claim’ so for here it sends trickier. only reallypolicy a boon those whoa glazing you and pay solidbywall insulation, the 'savings' you direct debit, asfrom it's likely you're in credit use local pick-up you at have to pay, then you can at least 40% oftruck theirthat energy night. If not – don’t make on energy bills.use Deciding whether right forswitch you after the low summer months.it’s Therefore reclaim the cash later. Feedback and call out times bother. Full help to decide at www.mse.me/eco7 now,so and you ask for it – so ask - you'll are good, though you need to remember to claim. is complex, forprovided full help read likely be given cash too (switch after winter and you Can Ifyou you’ve and are at renewal, then HAGfind got yourcover stopcock? www.moneysavingexpert.com/greendeal may be in debt). GLE - 90%- of AA customers and 78%can withcreate the RAC No sniggering winter frozen pipe bursts an Save £100s and beat the hikes. lowered their by bartering. For more average £7,000 ofrates damage, often worsened asdeals manysee while thefixing switch-over time, www.mse.me/breakdown. Rather Yet surprisingly, energy,takes where youthe lockwork in a to set scrabble round searching for their stopcock - the mains and activate a switch doesn't. fun,big I put a rate, is compare now cheaper than a normal switch. FiveFor of the water off switch - for ages as their home floods. stopwatch on have four new of hikes, my team six energy providers now members announced andtrying to Cut boiler costs by £100s - you don't need your compare and switch - the quickest 202 seconds, firm's cover. Many energy firms use fear of the time to find it now – mine is under theour kitchen their best new prices are costlier than the took cheapest fixed Takeenergy the longest 376 seconds. The average was 310 seclosing heating to charge hefty insurance costs. They sink. Others find theirs in the bathroom or inside a tariffs. So right now you can get the very cheapest deals onds with a £226 saving. also want us toisn’t thinkworking, there's some linkwant between oura cupboard. If yours you may to call available, and it comes with no-hike certainty. energy provider and our boiler cover. There isn't plumber now, before it’s a problem. When comparing you may’ve heard of the you're not locked in. In short… The only exception to this is a variable to some Choosing between heating and eating? recent scandal about ‘hiding (ie, top subject deals’ on hikes) tariff from minnow Energy though itmy hasn't comparison sites. Spark This is true –– though own If you're a) Renters usually don'torneed it, as their landlord's seriously behind, in general financial hardship hiked (yet?), needs paying upfront, and always feedback ain't all - as far www.cheapenergyclub.co.uk shows likely Check. tooresponsible. many are after the hikes - you may be eligible great, so I’m ignoring it. tariffs. Yet it means if you are using a different for special help. Call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 www.ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site, when b) Ensure you know what cover you need, choose 66 99 to check. Plus if anyone in your home was born on The cheapest from a year, buttariffs slightly you getfix tocomes the “Do youE.on onlyfor want to see you between boiler-only, or central heating cover. longer and a touch more are deals from EDF or way allor before 5 January 1952, you're due up to £300 in taxcan only switch to today” question – say ‘no’ – that freec)winter fuel Paymentsvia should be made Npower. Crucially, will display.these two have no exit penalties. So To find thepayments. cheapest compare www.uswitch.com if you’ve never had it before then you on the off-chance the Prime Minister delivers price Switching isn't a big deal, it's the same the pipes, gas, automatically, if you have but more time add www.energyhelpline.com need to register - see www.gov.uk. for a wider commeter and safety the only difference www.moneysupermarket.com cuts he’s promised, and scheme the even- more unlikely eventis pricemayand and be customer service.that Youother can do it even if you're on parison. More help on www.mse.me/boilercover. that they’ll so substantial tariffs elsewhere Plus anyone on specific income support, jobseekers' are cheaper, you'll be free to leave. 16 allowances or pension credit gets £25 in cold weather

What’sBestForYou By Martin Lewis

saving

Are you entitled to any extra winter help. Winter is a tough time for many as the cold sets in. Therefore there are some funds which may help...

a) Winter fuel payments. If anyone in your ummer’s warmth house was born on or before 6 Jul 1952 ting isand starting to pension, pension credit or gets a state allowance you automatically get he timejobseekers to ensure the up to £300 winter fuel payment (providand the heat up. ing you met this qualifying criteria by 21 Sept

2014). Some on other benefits may be eligible too,any butOfgem-approved will need to claim if new to site it. – arison on comparison earch for The Confidence Code at prepayment meter / electricity onlyAnyone / Eco 7. on speb) Cold weather .ofgem.gov.uk to see thepayments. full list. cific income support/jobseeker’s allowance/ aying energy by credit monthly is cheaper. It pension getsdirect £25 debit for every 7 days it’s 're not sub-zero. online, useIt’s a comparison withthen a phone iscounts your bill by up to automatically 6%. Firms estimate paid from 1 Nov e, such as Energyhelpline on it0800 074 our annual usage by 12 so0745, you'reorlikely this year. and divide och build up credit after summer and be a little in debt on 0800 051 5493. ter winter. Always do regular heating meter readings for If c) Choosing between and eating? g energyas bills bybill monthly direct debit’s up totry 6%to ccuracy, your is estimated. if they you’re seriously behind, orAnd in general finanper. ush your direct debit up unfairly (eg, you'refor heavily cial hardship, you may be eligible special do, as it’ll ausually mean bills up n can, credit) you've right itHome todiscounted be fair, call of and tariffs/help. Tryfor the Heatjust Helpline on your provider to check. Though skless, for so it 0800 tocontact be 33 lowered. 66 99. s do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your ull service car breakdown £40.a Breakdown estimated. If it’s too high, cover you have right to ask more likely at winter, and the consequences more to be lowered. evere. Yet policies can be very cheap. lectricity only? You can still save. or breakdown, start travelectricity only, home you can stilland get onward a cheap fix to save www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk £40 a year, ollow the info above. For those onisEconomy 7, hough a ‘payIt’s and claim’ so for here it sends sing is it’s trickier. only reallypolicy a boon those whoa ocal pick-up you at have to pay, then you can t least 40% oftruck theirthat energy night. If not – don’t eclaim the cash later. Feedback and call out times er. Full help to decide at www.mse.me/eco7 re good, though you need to remember to claim. you’ve and are at renewal, then HAGou find got yourcover stopcock? LE - 90%- of AA customers and 78%can withcreate the RAC iggering winter frozen pipe bursts an owered their by bartering. For more ge £7,000 ofrates damage, often worsened asdeals manysee ww.mse.me/breakdown. ble round searching for their stopcock - the mains

Nationwide Experts in Will Writing, Estate Planning & Trusts.

What if you had died today? Book a FREE home visit today with your professional & qualified, local advisor to protect your loved ones by financially securing their tomorrow.

01582 25 10 04

• Discretionary Trusts FREE WILL • Property Protective Trusts with every insurance • Disabled Trusts written in trust • Lasting Powers of Attorney Throughout December & January See full terms and conditions • Flexible Lifetime interest Trusts on our website • Asset Trusts • Right to Reside Single Will Only £99 • Business Asset Trusts Mirror Will Only £149 • Life Insurance Trusts • Pilot Trusts 1 Book an appointment • Probate Services 2 Discuss your wishes easy steps 3 Sign your will • Executorships

Three

Approved By

01582 251004

info@directwillstrusts.co.uk

www.directwillstrusts.co.uk

Call now for a FREE no obligation consultation. 1.5 MILLION LEGAL WILLS PRODUCED TO DATE

off switch - for ages as their home floods. ut boiler costs by £100s - you don't need your nergy firm's cover. Many energy firms use fear of the time to find it now – mine is under theour kitchen osing heating to charge insurance costs.aThey Others find theirs in thehefty bathroom or inside so want us toisn’t thinkworking, there's some linkwant between oura oard. If yours you may to call nergy provider and our boiler cover. There isn't ber now, before it’s a problem. ou're not locked in. In short… sing between heating and eating? Renters usually don'torneed it, as their landlord's 're seriously behind, in general financial hardship kely Check. ar tooresponsible. many are after the hikes - you may be eligible ecial help. Call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 ) Ensure you know what cover you need, choose to check. Plus if anyone in your home was born on etween boiler-only, or central heating cover. fore 5 January 1952, you're due up to £300 in taxwinter fuel Paymentsvia should be made To find thepayments. cheapest compare www.uswitch.com matically, if you’ve never had it before then you you have but more time add www.energyhelpline.com need to register - see www.gov.uk. for a wider comnd www.moneysupermarket.com arison. More help on www.mse.me/boilercover. nyone on specific income support, jobseekers' ances or pension credit gets £25 in cold weatherwww.thevinemagazine.com

Consumer Clinic

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Claiming Compensation & Out Of Pocket Expenses I HATE compensation! There, I said it! I hate it! In fact, I have made it my mission during the last 13 years that I’ve been presenting a consumer show on the radio, to put people off making such claims. If this shocks you then please read this article through to the end and you may understand my thinking. You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio

To me, compensation in its real sense is when people look for a financial payment even though they have not suffered financially. For example: you buy a sandwich from the supermarket, get home and find a plaster in it. Most of us would simply take the sandwich back and expect not only a heartfelt apology for the mistake, but also a replacement sandwich. There are however, an increasing number of people who would also want the supermarket to PAY them an amount of money for ‘emotional stress’. What a load of old greedy codswallop! Why am I so against compensation? Well, it’s really very easy, it ends up costing everyone else money. Every time someone receives a compensation pay-out, somebody else has to pay for it normally other customers. It’s not free money! If a company has to pay £2 million pounds a year in compensation claims, then it will charge its other customers £2 million pounds to recoup the costs. Sadly, loads of people are after it now. I get lots of calls every week from people saying ‘can JVS help me get compensation out of such and such’? Thankfully my team know my feelings and these callers rarely get on air. 18

You only have to observe the increase in the ‘no win no fee’ solicitors and those ghastly adverts that start with ‘Have YOU had an accident?’, to see what a thriving business claiming compensation is. Sadly, I think it will only get worse and before you know it, everyone will be suing everyone else for each simple mistake made in life. Incidentally, many of the ‘no win no fee’ solicitors charge an absolute fortune for the service they have provided you with in the event of a successful claim. You should always read the small print and understand exactly what you’re getting involved in before you sign a contract with them. A successful pay-out of £1000 doesn’t seem so good when the solicitor takes £800 and you find you’re liable for other charges. So what SHOULD you claim for? Out of pocket expenses are, in my opinion, totally justifiable. But what’s the difference between out of pocket expenses and compensation? It’s very simple - when a company makes a mistake which has a detrimental effect on you financially, I think it’s reasonable for them to pay for this. For example if you have to pay £20 for phone calls to a company to deal with a problem they have caused you, it is in my opinion totally reasonable to ask the company to

reimburse you the cost. If I was having a new boiler installed and the plumber dropped a spanner on my tiled kitchen floor, then I would expect him to pay for the cost of replacing the tiles. To me this is obvious and utterly understandable. Most importantly a judge would probably feel the same if it went as far as court. Why is it important that we understand the difference between compensation and out of pocket expenses though? I’ll tell you why, because using the word ‘compensation’ very often antagonises companies. They have a keen radar waiting to sniff out greedy little consumers desperate to make a quick buck and are often quick to dismiss such claims even though there may be a justifiable complaint. My advice is to always ensure that you are only claiming for reimbursement of costs rather than looking to make a profit out of a problem and ALWAYS use the phrase ‘out of pocket expenses’ rather than the dreaded C word!

chartered accountants

Your business is our business

At Spicer & Co, we can help remove the burden of managing your accounts and tax affairs with our friendly and personalised service to local business owners and individuals. We offer professional help and advice at affordable prices to suit your budget.

Our services

Fixed competitive fees!

Year End Accounts • Tax Returns • Bookkeeping • CIS Returns VAT Returns • Payroll • New Business Start Ups • Company Secretarial

Free Initial Consultation CALL TO BOOK YOURS TODAY!

01582 662815

Unlimited email and phone support!

Spicer & Co Established 2002

7 Keswick Close Dunstable Bedfordshire LU6 3AW E info@spicerandco.co.uk W www.spicerandco.co.uk

www.thevinemagazine.com

Pensionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A . .. s n r e c d Con

Age

View

The Guided Busway

Value For Money ?

e have just reached the anniversary of the Rapid Transit Service and the question was asked in a ballot carried out by Luton & Dunstable local newspapers. The resounding result of those that voted was an over whelming No. I am of the same opinion, the number of passengers carried is, over this first year, an estimated 1.3 million, or 9,000 per day. However second and third quarters were down 59% on this estimated total figure, first quarters figures were only 41% of the estimated figure. But if you look at the actual wording used for the application for funding from the government of the time, some ÂŁ800 million, Rapid Transport system does, in my opinion meet such a criteria. There can be no doubt that you do get rapid transport between the terminals at Luton to Dunstable and vice versa. One could truthfully state that you can make the trip faster in the bus, at peak periods, than you

can by car. There is only one problem, after the busway run you then perambulate via numerous bus stops and dawdling traffic before you reach your true destination, if it is not the White Lion Trading Park. So in one instance the criteria is met, in the other it is far from rapid transit, although the busway sprint may well shorten the time taken for the jouorney, but a premium price to the paying public is charged. Pensioners travelon their bus pass, so have no problems with premium fares. I think most would agree that anyone making the busway itself as a mode for fast travel would not be disappointed, but this would not be a profit making run for the bus operating companies, they had to extend the bus routes to neighboring estates in Dunstable and near by urban areas. The passengers have to make their own mind up as to whether it is worthwhile to pay an extra fare price for this service. All bus routes I have observed would seem to say

By Mike Newman

that the majority of passengers choose the normal bus routes, during the middle of the day the numbers carried on the busway seem to be very small, if any. One of the biggest problems is that many residents on either side of A505 cannot use the service because there are few stops on the busway itself. The people in Jeansway have the buses running along the bottom of their gardens, but cannot use the service unless they catch the bus on the ordinary service and then transfer to the busway route. Is that really worth while? If you take Central Beds as a whole, what percentage of council tax payers use this service? Is it value for money as far as they are concerned? The criteria of the amount owed by local government to pay for this particular form of transport is not value for money. Could it be made to be a profitable service? It might be possible but I have ran out of space to deal with this matter.

Mike Newman is a member of The Dunstable And District Senior Citizens Club. If you have a view on any of the issues raised why not attend one of their monthly meetings, held on the last Thursday of the month at St Marys Catholic Social Club, West St., Dunstable. 20

ars 30 ye ce ien exper

• GARAGE DOORS IN STEEL, WOOD, GRP & ABS • AUTOMATION TO NEW & EXISTING DOORS & GATES • FREE QUOTATIONS, SPARES & REPAIRS TEL: 01525 220212

www.premiergaragedoors.co.uk

UNIT 7, SPARROWHALL BUSINESS PARK, LEIGHTON RD. EDLESBOROUGH, LU6 2ES

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Plumbing Bathrooms

As important as an up-to-date Will

• You chose who manages your affairs when you can’t (accident, sickness, stroke, arthritis, loss of capacity etc.)

• Your financial and welfare interests are in safe hands Family conflict, stress and heavy costs are avoided • LPAs are essential to adults of all ages

FROM

City Guilds Qualified

Full Bathrooms Installations Design, Supply & Tiling. All General Plumbing work from : Leaking Showers Dripping Taps Toilets not flushing Radiators Drains

Call Mark for a FREE no obligation quote 01525 220994

All work fully insured and guaranteed.

07842 653832

£175 01525 220644 Call the Will Centre on:

www.wisechoicewills.co.uk

www.thevinemagazine.com

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!

December 2014 & January 2015

the sky, all radiating from the constellation of Gemini.

See The Christmas Star In The East:

Look out towards the eastern horizon mid-evening this Christmas and you’ll see what looks like a bright star in the sky. At first glance it is indeed a star with royal beauty bright. Yet this is no star at all, but the largest planet in our solar system – the planet Jupiter. 10x50 binoculars are all you’ll need to resolve this bright beacon into a planetary disc. In a telescope we get a high-impact view with Jupiter’s alternating dark bands and light zones stealing the show.

Enjoy December’s Shooting Stars:

Bedfordshire sky watchers with a clear view towards their east are in for a real treat on Sunday December 14th. Between 8pm to midnight the Geminids meteor shower is forecast to hit its peak in activity. Expect to see upwards of 100 shooting stars per hour lighting up

By Seb Jay Image by Dave Eagle

Discover The Orion Nebula (Pic left):

Throughout early winter Orion hangs in the sky towards the south-east. It is easy to find with its three bright stars making up Orion’s Belt. Below the belt on the left-hand side is a fainter line of stars dropping down towards the horizon. This is Orion’s Sword. Embedded within the sword is the Orion Nebula – a spectacular stellar nursery where new stars are being born. The nebula can be seen in binoculars on a moonless night from the Chilterns, and is breathtaking in a telescope. seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

Do you want clean carpets? • Simply the best cleaning you can get • The most modern, up-to-date equipment • Local owner operator - 90% of my work is recommendation or repeat • upholstery and carpets left only damp when cleaned – not wet! • 100% safe chemicals – no ‘sticky’ after feel • FRee suRvey & quote If yOu ArE NOT hAPPy wITh my wOrk – I wON’T TAkE PAymENT!

01525 851 811 DEEP-CLEAN

Scetch of Mars through a telescope.

www.deep-cleaners.co.uk

A member of Proclean, The Professional Cleaners Organisation 22

www.thevinemagazine.com

in 10 su ye ran ar ce gu b ar ack an e te d e

WWW.CLADWINDS.COM

es tab lis he d

• Conservatories • Windows • Doors • Aluminium Seamless Guttering • Garage Doors • Car Ports • GRP Flat Roofing

Imagine beautiful windows for your home

Transform your home with beautiful new windows from Cladwinds. A trusted local firm with 29 years manufacturing and installing experience

visit your local showroom at Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre Leighton Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 9NX

Contact Peter Pascan 01525 404204 ppascan@btinternet.com 24

The Family Business with 130 years of recommendation

On Kitchen Appliances & TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

within a 15 mile radius (excluding installation on Gas & Built-in Appliances)

4-8 High Street, Edlesborough, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2HS Tel: 01525 220208 Fax: 01525 222802 www.janesltd.co.uk

Addiction Agoraphobia Anger Anxiety Compulsions Confidence Depression Guilt

Indecisiveness Inhibitions/shyness Exam / Interview nerves Irritable Bowel Syndrome Nail biting Overcoming fears Pain management Panic attacks

Past life regression Phobias Public speaking Self esteem Sleep problems Smoking Stress Weight control

Take the first step. Call 07970 933 486 peter@petergarner.org | www.petergarner.org www.thevinemagazine.com

At Home In The Garden Paint Your Perfect Room Colour creates subtle feelings and moods that you may not even notice. Walking into a space that’s painted all Red can make you feel warm and passionate. Orange; fresh and perhaps hungry! Blue; calm and tranquil. But aside from just changing your mood, you can also use colour to draw attention to, or away from certain areas of a room or accentuate a feature. It’s a trick interior designers have been using for years and with a

To make a small room seem bigger If you want to make a small space look larger the obvious recommendation is to paint it in a light, bright, colour. This reason this works is because your eye isn’t drawn to anything in particular and the colour is light reflective. This helps to make the space feel more spacious and airy, and distributes the natural light well. Painting all surfaces the same colour also has the effect of space. Try using a darker colour on the floor and keeping the walls light.

Keeping It Real little understanding of how colour works, you can too!

To make a floor space appear larger

A way to make your floor space appear larger is to paint your skirting in a dark colour to match a flooring. This gives the l ive in a house that is divided. My husband the heightillusion and width of your and take tape of the floorspace travelling up athe walls loves real Christmas trees but in recent years measure with you to check your tree. Most are so tricks your eye into thinking it’s a bigger I’ve talked him around to the artificial optrimmed to an 80% taper, which means that a 10 space it really way to do this tion, believing – incorrectly as it turns out – that a foot tall tree willthan measure 8 feetis.atAthe bottom. with walls to make appear taller is reusable tree is better for the planet than one that You should also consider how them you plan on decoto tree. continue the wall onto the is chopped down and discarded after a few weeks. rating your The three main colour species up – spruce, Most artificial trees are made from PVC – one of fir and pine – all have their own characteristics. coving.

the most non-renewable, polluting, unrecyclable materials around - and consequently their carbon footprint is ten times greater than that of real ones. Shocked into realising that my fake tree is not the morally correct choice I thought, I’m now keen to join the six million Brits who opt for a real tree at Christmas. Christmas trees spring up all over the place from late November and the quality varies greatly. Before you make your choice, do a bit of fact finding about its freshness. Ask where it was grown (UK produced trees are likely to be fresher), how long it has been in stock and when it was cut. You can carry out a couple of tests yourself. Give the tree a firm tap on the ground or run a closed hand over its branches. If lots of needles fall off, chances are it’s not that fresh. You can also try bending the outer branches. They should be pliable - not brittle and dry – without discoloration. Before leaving to make your purchase, measure

Spruces and firs have short needles whilst a pine’s are long. Help Pine branches tend to bend, making a long narrow room look wider them unsuitable for heavier ornaments. Firs have You can make a long narrow get room lush branches and ornaments sometimes lostapin them. pear wider by painting the end wall in an The traditional Britishcolour. Christmas tree, the of Norway advancing Examples advancing spruce, iscolours attractive butreds, tendsoranges, to drop its needles.maare yellows, An alternative a “non-drop” variety roonsisand pinks. They helplike to the bring your popular Nordmann fir, which will last longer but is eye to the colour, which gives a widening more expensive. effect thecut restoffofhalf thean room. To care for yourto tree, inch from the base of the trunk and place in a water-holding stand. Position from sources Thesethe aretree justaway some basic tricksoftoheat using and keepcolour it topped with fresh water. to up your advantage when decoratAt present, 90% of real trees endand up see in landfill, so ing. Give them a try the difference after Christmas is over try and recycle! By turning a little colour can make! your tree into wood chippings or compost you will continue to do your bit for the environment. Hopefully this guide choosing the family tree bywith Sarah Akwisombe. www.sarahakwisombe.com will be a holiday highlight, not a headache!

Wills-Online.biz “Because tomorrow is not guaranteed”

What if you had died today? In just 30 minutes you will have peace of mind that your wishes will be legally fulfilled and carried out as you would have wished with no need for expensive solicitors or will writers. www.wills-online.biz

Three easy steps

1 Answer questions 2 Check and pay 3 Print and sign

See overleaf for more details…

Without a Will

t Your children may go into State care and the Courts will decide who cares for them. t 40% of your Estate could go to the Taxman and not your loved ones. t Under the rules of Intestacy (dying without a Will) people you may not have wished to benefit from your Estate, may do so. t If you are not married and have a partner you will receive nothing upon their death and vice versa.

With a Legal Will

t You decide on whom your children’s guardians are NOT the Courts. t You can limit what is payable through Inheritance Tax by tens of thousands of pounds. t You can clearly outline your wishes and ensure your loved ones benefit. t Your funeral wishes will be honoured. t Your personal possessions will go to your nominated beneficiaries and your pets will be cared for according to your wishes. t You have peace of mind and so do your children and loved ones.

Special Online Offer

£30 Limited Offer until 28 February 2014

Our Wills-Online professional will writing system is used also by many banks, law firms and solicitors in England and Wales

1.5 MILLION LEGAL WILLS PRODUCED TO DATE

LEATHER

RESTORATION SERVICE Before

Before

After

CAR SEAT & FURNITURE REPAIRS • Rips • Cigarette Burns • Holes

Most repairs can be undertaken in your home by our qualified leather technicians, or larger jobs brought into our fully equipped

• Cat Scratches • Re-colouring • Colour Matching • Cleaning • Cracking • Stain Removal • Re-Padding • Spring Replacement.

workshop.

Repairing leather is approximately 20% of the cost of re-upholstering Unit 26 Acacia Close, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4QE Luton:01582

Website:

380 750

Leighton Buzzard:01525

888 250

www.furnitureclinic.co.uk www.thevinemagazine.com

LAST POSTING DATES

Thursday 18th December 2nd class and Royal Mail signed forâ&#x201E;˘ Saturday 20th December 1st class and Royal Mail signed forâ&#x201E;˘ Tuesday 23rd December Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed

International Standard (Was Air Mail)

Wednesday 3rd December Asia, Far East (including Japan), New Zealand Thursday 4th December Australia Friday 5th December Africa, Caribbean, Central & South America, Middle East Monday 8th December Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece Tuesday 9th December Canada, Poland Friday 12th December USA Saturday 13th December Western Europe (excluding Greece, Poland)

For that Perfect Gift that he will wear year after year, visit our store. Over 3,000 sqft of Toys & Clothing for Big Boys Rugged & Tough. Hockliffe LU7 9LS, Open 7 days.

mobile foot health clinic Routine Foot & Nail Care Corn & Callus Removal Thickened Nail Reduction Verruca Treatment Footcare for Diabetic Patients Fungal Nail Treatment Cracked Heels Nail Reconstruction

anna buczek MCFHP MAFHP

01582 967 873 Mob: 07809 731520

WANT TO SHED THAT EXTRA WEIGHT Call SewingMo for all your sewing needs: Clothing alterations Dressmaking Bridal Home decor and upholstery Vehicle upholstery

Professional, fast and friendly local service. www.sewingmo.co.uk info@sewingmo.co.uk 07581 396912

OR HATE YOUR BODY SHAPE? MAYBE YOU JUST WANT GOOD NUTRITION? WE OFFER FREE WELLNESS EVALUATIONS & ADVICE NO FAD DIETS NO HARD SELL JUST HONEST ADVICE Call Su on 01582 278291 or 07702659456 Book in your wellness evaluation now! Luton & Dunstable Wellness Centre 22 Lewsey Road (close to L & D Hospital) Luton, LU4 0EP

www.thevinemagazine.com

ANY DOOR

COMPOSITE DOORS ANY DOOR

£660

COMPOSITE DOORS

Inclusive of VAT

£855

The New Standard in Composite Doors

ANYSupplied DOOR

& Fitted

Winkhaus Hook lock with deadbolt Anti snap & Anti bump

£660

Inclusive of VAT

Made To Measure

Dedicated 70mm The New Standard in composite door outer frame No Hidden Composite Doors Handles Extras

‘N’ Fix Affinity 4 hook Fab door lock Smooth and reliable Fully

contoured grip,

Secured by Design Accredited

Salt spray tested

ABS Snap Secure lock

No Hidden ‘N’ Fix Letterboxes Anti snap & Fab Anti bump Extras Full metal surround, Also available in Oak/Dark Wood options Dedicated 70mmsalt spray tested,

composite door outer frame

High Security

full size, internal brushes

Also available inFully Oak/Dark Wo Mila Adjustable

AlsoInternal available inDoor Oak/Dark options andWood frame colour

as standard Inside andWhite frame White as standard

Affinity Handles Fully contoured grip,

Hinges

Salt spray tested

With Active 3D adjustment Affinity Letterboxes

Fitting service available Outstanding Thermal Efficiency Full metal surround, Inside and frame In association with MJB Conservatories

White as

Full range of

salt spray tested,

Double or Triple Glazed

full size, internal brushes

For more styles and glass options please see our Website www.mjbconservatories.co.uk Website www.doorstyles.co.uk Tradeframes Ltd Direct MJBChiltern Conservatories address: Close UnitFactory 3 Westbury Unit 3 Westbury Close Townsend Estate TownsendIndustrial Industrial Estate Houghton HoughtonRegis Regis BedfordshireLU5 LU5 5BL Bedfordshire 5BL

decorative glass Affinity 3D Hinges Fitting service availab

With Active 3D adjustment

In association MJB Conservato Q-Lonwith Gaskets

Full range of Triple

weatherseal gasket

Q-Lon Gaskets

Hardware Available

The world’s best

weatherseal gasketIn

01582 665032 Fax: Fax:01582 01582 667274 For667274 more Tel:Tel: 01582 665032

Glazed The world’s best

decorative glass

styles and glass options ple Website www.doorstyles.co.u Chrome or Gold

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Tumble Driers, Electric Ovens & Vacuum Cleaners… *No Callout Charges* *All MakesREPAIRS Repaired * Washing Dishwashers, DOMESTICMachines, APPLIANCE & Reliable Advice * *Honest Tumble Electric Ovens & Washing Driers, Machines, Dishwashers, Full Electrical Safety&Tests* * Tumble Driers, Electric Ovens Vacuum Cleaners ve & Weekend Appointments* Vacuum • No*ECleaners… Callout Charge *All Work *No Callout Charges * Guaranteed* • All Makes Repaired Contact… •*Honest Reliable All Makes & Repaired * Advice Full &Electrical Safety Tests Reliable Leigh Advice * Hibon *•Honest On • Evening & Weekend Appointments Safety Tests * *Full Electrical • All Work Guaranteed 07841 652 496 Eve: ve & Weekend Appointments * 01582 842764 *EDays: Contact Hibon On Guaranteed * *All Work Leigh Contact… Days: 07841 652 496 Eve: 01582 842764 Leigh Hibon On Eve: 01582 842764 Days: 07841 652 496 Y

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

we undertake all aspects of

Bodywork & Paintwork • polishing • bumper scuffs • alloy wheels • accident repair • insurance work • from classic cars to modern vehicles Unit C1, Ivinghoe Business Centre, Blackburn Road, Dunstable. LU5 5BBQ www.panelandpaint.co.uk

01582 968498 - 07900 247165

G & J GROUNDWORK Ring Garry

MO L E

PEST CONTROL ...for all your pest solutions ...for ALL your pest solutions

Peter Tong

01525 220653 or 07958 669706

01582 477568/07949 118011 Fence Panels • Blockpaving Shingle Drives • Paths Slabs • Steps • Gardenwalls New Patios • Relaying Soak Aways • Drainage FREE estimates • References available

www.gandjgroundwork.co.uk

Cullen & Son

Painting & Decorating And

PHOTO IMAGING LTD

Call Sean:

07932 626224 PEST CONTROL 01582 608547 ...for all your pest solutions

Will Kimberley Garden Services • Hedge cutting - High hedges our speciality • Tree work, pruning, removal • Grass cutting (one-off and regular) • Fencing new and repairs • Garden shed construction and re-felting • General garden tidy up’s • Garden clearance and maintenance • Turf and gravel laying Contact Will for a free no obligation written estimate

Tel: 01442 255784

or E mail: wkgardenservices@btconnect.com

Order Prints

Online ...

Digital, Film Developing & Printing collect in-store & much more...

All Types Of General Maintenance Work Y W No Job A SToo Small M

DORMANS

Get our Free APP for iPhone & iPad... Search for

“Dormans"

T-Shirt Printing & Photo Gifts in the App Store.

Tel: 01582 665515

Email: info@dormansphoto.com www.dormansphoto.com

13 Broadwalk, Dunstable, Beds, LU5 4RH

Willow Nursery School We Offer

• Highly Experienced Staff • Graduate Teachers • Purpose Built Premesis • Excellent Resources

offers hool ry Sc ff Nurse ed sta Willow experienc chers hly

ate tea mises Gradu lt pre e bui area y Purpos outdoor merac olds Large t resources cy and Nu year four len era Excel in Lit ee and work for thr rates for our provision e ards ordabl al aw funded ns at aff 10, h Sever ernment sio ing’. in 20 ses h a hig gov again tstand ional en wit nding rs of as ‘ou Addit 07 and childr ool sta 15 hou 20 the sch In ... es is out aviour ged our ich provid en's care d jud wh ldr and beh 10) Ofste ng school the chi elopment ed 20 lity of dev standi (Ofst g list sonal he qua ng”... itin an out per ”...t by ndi is wa nt ’s ion sta “This school excelle en are out the school educat to the their . ldr on quality Visits ults in tment for chi be placed thday. by appoin and res outcomes , st bir es can me fir the lco nam child’s most we en’s able Childr after the are Dunst e ents nt, tim par Cresce ctive at any tone prospe ch.uk Golds beds.s hool, Road) @cbc. ry Sc Luton willow Nurse (Off Email: ery.co.uk Willow 0 wnurs 2 60 w.willo 82 66 te: ww ax: 015 Websi Tel/F Hig

In 2007 & again in 2010,

OFSTED judged our school as OUTSTANDING! Several awards for our work in Literacy & Numeracy 15 hrs of government funding for 3 & 4 year olds

Willow Nursery School, Goldstone Crescent, Dunstable (off Luton Rd.) T: 01582 662 600 • E: willow@cbc.beds.sch.uk • www.willownursery.co.uk

In The Garden For me, winter is all about window gardening. That is, enjoying the garden from the window with a cup of soup in your hands There might not be much natural colour in the garden this time of year, but that is not to say there isn’t any, you just have to look harder, or differently.

Winter colour in the garden

ick the window that overlooks your garden best and heat up the soup. (Hopefully, you thought things through when planting earlier in the year and positioned plants with winter interest within your window’s view.) If you got it right, you will now be admiring the bare bones and structural beauty of your plot. Perhaps the drama of red-stemmed dogwood and yellow-stemmed willow, both classic shrubs for winter colour, and – if your garden is big enough – specimen trees with fabulous bark, such as a shiny cherry (Prunus serrula) or a fabulous peeling Acer griseum. Stick a dark green, well clipped, evergreen hedge behind any of the above and you have highlighted everything beautifully. Berries are a must, from trees such as rowan, through to shrubs like holly and Cotoneaster, Skimmia and Gaultheria. For a more unusual twist, try the rather surreal-purple berries of Callicarpa. They are always a talking point.

posts in strategic positions – I like dark blue as a counterpoint to evergreens, but red is a cheerful winter alternative with Japanese overtones. Don’t overlook mirrors, to double the impact of what colour you have, and lights to inject brightness into dark corners, or highlight shrub and tree structure. Whilst of the subject of highlighting, one of my favourite colour combinations occurs around sunrise and sunset, when you can sometimes see the dark, bare branches of a tree silhouetted dramatically against a darkening but still pale blue sky, or one streaked with early rosy pink. You see, there is plenty of colour to be found, it is just as I said at the beginning, you just have to look harder or differently for it. A bit of colour ful stain chee rs up this log store

Flowers, meanwhile are thin on the ground at this time of year, if you will excuse the pun. Snowdrops, pansies, crocus and hellbores can nevertheless be welcome splashes of colour through the window pane. All of this is horticultural stuff, but personalising your garden palette doesn’t have to involve green fingers – pimp up your pergola with a whacky stain, place silver or coloured balls or statuary where herbaceous plants have gone to sleep underground (move them before spring!), or go all designer and install some painted 32

By Catherine Miller CLM Gardens www.clm-gardens.co.uk

Blocked Gutters? We can clear them! Using our high power long reach gutter vacuum . Our on board camera system ensures your gutters are left

100% clear!

Terraced house - £49 Semi detached - £59 Detached from - £65

Tel: 01582 511226

All types of garden timber fencing with concrete posts & timber posts. Closeboard panels & traditional larch lap panels with trellis picket fencing & gates.

Also driveway block paving and natural stone garden patios with brick walls. We offer a full garden design landscaping service including turfing and timber sleepers. Very competitive rates with over 28 years experience.Established in 1986

email: roy@ratcliffefencing.co.uk Visit the web 82 Ridgeway Ave, Dunstable, LU5 4QW Telephone: 01582 667894 page for Mobile: 07795 095599 10% off http://ratcliffefencing.co.uk/thevine

ore yl

d Landsca p es

established since 1998

Commercial and Domestic Services

Garden Maintenance Fencing Patios Turfing Decking Planting Water Features Site Clearance

Free Quotations

Ring 01525 380114 tayloredlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk

www.thevinemagazine.com

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Fascias & Soffits Flat Roofing Rubber Roofing Built-Up Felt Roofing 

Experts in all aspects of

Free Estimates

Roofing & General Maintenance

We supply & fit:and new works undertaken  Repairs ✓ Velux Windows  “Trust A Trader” and “EDS” Approved ✓ Skylights  All Repair Work Undertaken ✓ Sun  Tunnels All New Work Guaranteed  Insurance Backed Guarantee Available 

Friendly Service

Experts in all aspects of Approved installer of

✓ Tiling ✓ Slating ✓ Gutters & Down Pipes ✓ Lead Work ✓ Chimney Repairs ✓ Fascias & Soffits ✓ Flat Roofing  Tiling Experts all aspects ✓inRubber Roofing of  Slating ✓ Built-Up Felt Roofing

fascias and soffits. Roofing & Roofing & 30 year colour guarantee. We supply & fit: General ✓ Velux Windows General ✓ Skylights Maintenance Maintenance ✓ Sun Tunnels Friendly staff, honest work, highly recommended... Customer review

PLEASE CHECK PLEASE CHECK OUR REVIEWS ON OUR REVIEWS ON TRUST A TRADER TRUST A TRADER

Gutters & Down Pipes



Lead Work



Chimney Repairs



Fascias & Soffits



Flat Roofing



Rubber Roofing



Built-Up Felt Roofing

Friendly staff, honest work, Velux Windows highly recommended...

Friendly staff, honest work, highly recommended...



Skylights - customer review



- customer review



Sun Tunnels

 Free Estimates

✓

✓ Repairs & New works undertaken Repairs & New works undertaken “Trust A Trader” and “EDS” approved Email: gjsmithroofing@yahoo.co.uk “Trust A Trader” and “EDS” approved ✓ ✓ All repair work undertaken All repair work undertaken Web: www.gjsmithroofing.com

Tel: 01582 618679 Mob: 07801 315140 ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

23/03/2012 13:31

Free Estimates

✓

All new work guaranteed

✓

Insurance backed guarantee available✓ ✓ Friendly Service

PLEASE CHECK OUR REVIEWS ON Insurance backed guarantee available Friendly Service TRUST A TRADER All new work guaranteed

01582 Tel: 674829 01582 618679 Tel: 01582www.plumbingandgas.org.uk 618679 Mob: 07801 315140 Mob: 07801mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk 315140 Web: Email:

Web: www.gjsmithroofing.com Email: gjsmithroofing@yahoo.co.uk

www.gjsmithroofing.com gjsmithroofing@yahoo.co.uk SPECIALISTS

Anything from:

• • • • • •

GJ Smith Roofing A6 Flyer.indd 1 GJ Smith Roofing A6 Flyer.indd 1 Dripping taps Gas appliance installation and servicing Hot water cylinders Internal plumbing issues Heating system problems including power-ﬂushing Solar thermal servicing and repairs

23/03/2012 1

@pagegas

WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER AND OVER

CHRISTMAS Breakfast with Santa £8

ONLY PER CH IL

Saturday 13th December and Saturday 20th December

Join Santa at HQ Sports Bar this December to add a special sparkle to your child’s Christmas!

Enjoy a yummy festive breakfast along with fun-filled activities and presents (if you’ve been good all year round). This includes a feastive breakfast of waffles or pancakes (or off the regular breakfast menu if you would prefer), a fruit shoot or fruit juice, fun and festive activities and of course a present from Father Christmas himself and time to take photographs.

Breakfast will be served at 10.30am on these mornings.

Pop in to book a table or call 01582 675 464

Christmas Eve O

L DAY PEN AL

New Year’s !Eve NO ENT

Festive music, mulled wine, free nibbles and fantastic drink promos to really get you in the christmas mood!

F RANCE

DJ and disco all night, fantastic drink promos and FREE shots at Midnight! What else could you ask for!

AFTER ALL THE EXCITEMENT, WE’LL BE CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

...AND KEEP COMING IN TO SEE ALL YOUR SPORTS ON 46 SCREENS!

HQSportsBar

@HQSportsBar1

01582 675 464 victoria@hqsportsbar.co.uk

FAC E B O O K

www.thevinemagazine.com

TWITTER

Totternhoe Players Presents

irror, Mirror in my hand, who is the fairest in the land?

This festive season, Totternhoe Players celebrates their 25th birthday by bringing you the story of Snow White! In true panto style, there will be glittering costumes and side splitting comedy! As the Evil Queen prepares the castle and her plans to marry the Prince, she is fearful of Snow White’s beauty and keeps her cleaning the floors in her ragged old clothes. However, when Prince Charming and Snow White realise that love is an open door, with a little help from Algernon, Dame Daisy and of course

the D.W.A.R.F.S. they set to change her wicked plans. Are they are a match for the Evil Queen’s dark magic and Naughty Gnomelet? Will good conquer evil? Who is the fairest in the land? There’s only one way to find out!! The story is unveiled at Totternhoe Lower school on Friday 6th February 2015 at 7.30 pm and on Saturday 7th February at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. If you think you can help the D.W.A.R.F.S. save Snow White then the tickets are only £7 for adults, £5 for children and concessions or £20 for a family group of 4! Heigh-ho Heigh-ho, it’s off to Totternhoe you go!

For tickets please call the box office on 01582 603 287 36

1111

"Jazzercise keeps me in shape and gives me my MUM energy. I crave Jazzercise because it makes me feel rejuvenated and stress free."

For more information contact Angela on FREE CLASS WITH THIS ADVERT FREE CLASS WITH THIS ADVERT FREE CLASS WITH THIS ADVERT FREE CLASS WITH THIS FREE CLASS WITH THISADVE ADVE (new students only) (new students only) (new students only) only) (new students (new students only) For information ring on Formore more information ringNicky Nicky on Ring Nicky on 01525 405178

01525 715208

Ring Nicky on 01525 405178

For more information ring ring Nicky on on For more information For more information ringNicky Nicky on 01525 405178 01525 405178 Ring Nicky on 405178 Ring Nicky on01525 01525 405178 www.jazzercise.co.uk www.jazzercise-uk.com www.jazzercise-uk.com 01525 405178 www.jazzercise-uk.com www.jazzercise-uk.com 01525 01525405178 405178

facebook.com/jazzercise.dunstablelutoneatonbray www.jazzercise-uk.com www.jazzercise-uk.com www.jazzercise-uk.com

www.jazzercise-uk.com www.jazzercise-uk.com

Monday Redborne South, Monday7.30pm 7.30pm RedborneSchool School South, pm Monday & Wednesday at 7.45 Mon Redborne School South, Mon7.30pm 7.30pm Redborne School South,Ampthill Ampthill Ampthill &&Shefford Lower School Ampthill Shefford Lower School Brewers Hill Sch, Dunstable Monday 7.30pm Redborne School South, Monday 7.30pm Redborne School South and Shefford Lower School and Shefford LowerHall School Tuesday 6pm Maulden Village (lite class) Tuesday 6pm Maulden Village Hall (lite class)Ampt Mon 7.30pm Redborne School South, Mon 7.30pm Redborne School South, Amp Tues 6pm Maulden Village Hall (Low Impact) & Shefford Lower School TuesAmpthill 6pm Maulden Village Hall (Low Impact) Ampthill & Shefford Lower School pm Thursday at 7.30Lower Wednesday 7.30pm Flitwick School && Wednesday 7.30pm and Flitwick Lower School Shefford Lower School and Shefford Lower School Wed Flitwick Lower School and Wed7.30pm 7.30pm Flitwick Lower School and Tuesday 6pm Maulden Village Hall Tuesday 6pm Maulden Village Hall(lite (litec Leagrave Primary Sch, Strangers Way, Luton Robert Bloomfi eld School, Shefford Robert Bloomfi eld School, Shefford Shefford Lower School Shefford Lower School Tues 6pm Maulden Village Tues 6pm Maulden VillageHall Hall(Low (LowImp Imp Wednesday 7.30pm Flitwick Lower Scho Wednesday 7.30pm Flitwick Lower Sch Thursday 7.30pm Redborne School South, Thursday 7.30pm Redborne School South, Thur Redborne School Ampthill Thur7.30pm 7.30pm Redborne SchoolSouth, South, Ampthill Wed 7.30pm Flitwick Lower School and Wed 7.30pm Flitwick Lower School and am Thursday & Saturday at 9.30 Ampthill Robert eld School, Ampthill RobertBloomfi Bloomfi eld School, Shefford Sat Greenfi Village Hall Sat9.30am 9.30am Greenfield eld Village HallShefford Robert Bloomfi eld Robert Bloomfi eldSchool, School,She Sh Eaton Bray Village Hall Saturday 9.30am Greenfi eld Village Hall Saturday Greenfi eld Village Thursday 7.30pm Redborne School South Thursday 7.30pm Redborne School Sout Thur 7.30pm Redborne School South, Thur9.30am 7.30pm Redborne SchoolHall South,Ampt Amp

Ampthill Ampthill Sat Sat9.30am 9.30am Greenfi Greenfield eldVillage VillageHall Hall Saturday Saturday9.30am 9.30am Greenfi Greenfield eldVillage VillageHall Hal

NEW YEARS EVE We absolutely love our New Years Eve parties, you can’t beat the atmosphere. We would love you to join us this year to celebrate and welcome 2015!!

BURNS NIGHT SUNDAY 25TH JANUARY, 3.00PM

Sample Sample Sample Directory Page Directory Page

Delicious Four Course Meal Scottish Smoked Salmon, Game Pate, Boarder Herd Beef, Langoustines and Cranachan....

Canape Reception Delicious hot fork buffet will be served from 8.30pm – 9.00pm Selection of savoury bites and nibbles will provided for each table Bubbly for toasts at midnight DJ Entertainment Your own reserved table

Complete with Haggis & All the Ceremonies! A few wee nips of whisky and a hot tody to finish the meal.

£35.00 Per Person

Kilts & Bagpipes Welcome!

Directory Page

Full ticket price must be paid for in advance Teenagers may attend but must be accompanied by an adult

£35.00 per person

Please book your table for this event, tables go quickly.

THE WHITE LION

Chalk Hill, Dunstable, LU6 1RS www.whiteliondunstable.co.uk 01582 663366

www.thebedfordshireoracle.com www.thebedfordshireoracle.com www.thebedfordshireoracle.com www.thebedfordshireoracle.com www.thebedfordshireoracle.com www.thebedfordshireoracle.com www.thebedfordshireoracle.com 37

ACL LOCKSMITHS LTD Safe Engineers

Over 25 Years Experience No Callout Charge OAP and Student Discount Local, family run business

All types of locks and safes opened, repaired and replaced Anti snap cylinders supplied and fitted UPVC specialists Tel: 01582 606329

Mobile: 07860 770270

www.acllocksmiths.co.uk

Wentworth House, 83 High Street North, Dunstable, Beds LU6 1JJ

aintenance g & General M n i f o o R W

PROOF YOUR HOME R E H T EA ARANTEE

Roofing

r Colour GU 30 Yea FASCIAS, SOFFITS, CLADDING & RAINWATER Great Cosmetic Improvement Save Time & Money on Maintenance Wood & Rot Free Roofline Protects and Ventilates Your Roofline A Huge Choice of Colours Available

Tel: 01582 618679

Mob: 07801 315140 Email: gjsmithroofing@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.gjsmithroofing.com

mistydoubleglazing.co.uk 01582 638247 01582 638247 mistydoubleglazing.co.uk

Leighton-Linslade Cancer Support Group

eww

Pat on 01525 378759

w.eor Mary on 01525 377761 voice .org.u k/leighto ncancersupport

Chartered Accountants Tax Consultants Business Advisors

Small business specialists serving Beds, Bucks & Herts

Love, Support, Friendship and Understanding. We give

If we can help, please call: John on 01582 604686

E W Wallace & Co

• • • • • • • • •

Annual accounts Tax returns Self-employed Limited companies Small business specialist Sage Accounts expertise Prompt, personal service Value-for-money fees Free initial consultation

01525 220826 www.ewwallace.co.uk

www.thevinemagazine.com

auto Biographies

Volvo S60 By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk

me, road-hugging presence. The Volvo saloon has a Volvo has never had an ‘in-command’ driving experihat appears rooted in the natural world. ence. The clean The overall effect is warm the same as feel. and contours give appeal it a very classy and cosy, like being in a Swedish

its German executive

house on a cold night. The car’s

themes correspond beautimentscousins. for the S60It include ‘Sensus’. This iscolour the name has never fully with the backlit white cones for looked all its HMIas (Human Machine Interface) aggressive trols in the dash and elsewhere in ality and the all-new Sensus Connected Touch as Audi, nor as brutal the vehicle. y is the latest addition. It enables connectivity and On the outside, the S60's road as BMW or as mean as n the car and turns the seven-inch display into a presence has been increased by the-artMercedes-Benz. infrared, beam-scanned touch screen But that a newthat front design. The more ed even wearing gloves - a world first in cars focused and determined-looking is awhen good thing. y in winter. headlamps help create an expresYou see, the Swedish marque

sive face. The car’s horizontal

to say that German motors don’t

natural world. The clean surfaces

events. It’s the kind of car he’ll

Touch accessory is the latest

linesdongle at both the front and rear on is made eitheritsvia a car-mounted does things own way and that’s3G/4G have been emphasised. Together at the very heart of why motorists mobile phone. It allows you access to full Internet with details such as a wider grille, opt when for Volvo – evenInternet though they (except driving), streaming of the and sameSearch, money,weather afford daylight running lights and LED n-line could, Googlefor Map tail lamps, they give the S60 a something a little sexier. on, an App Store for new functions and handsome, updates as road-hugging presVolvoTake service locator. It is also possible to share ence. Thea Volvo saloon has a the S60; it’s very much a work with everyone in the car. thinking man’s car. And that’s not beauty that appears rooted in the

and contours give it a very classy attract intelligent people. ertainly pushing at the technological boundaries feel. It offers someone of the most restful, area d that’s including very important of Enhancements for the S60 include supportive and sumptuous seats : fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption of the S60 ‘Sensus’. This is the name Volvo on the automotive market. Chairs has , on test here with a manual gearbox, been you can imagine a college profes- uses for all its HMI (Human Mad to a class-leading 72.4 mpg, translatingchine into CO2 Interface) functionality and sor sinking into before lighting his s of only the all-new Sensus Connected pipe103 andg/km. mulling over the day’s

addition. It enables connectivity ironmental credentials like in these, then cruise back home whileany selfand to Internet listening to Classic Do youwill have g, Volvo driving, collegeFM. professor put in the car and turns the seven-inch display into a statesee where I’m going here? out now. of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned

The S60 is by no means boring touch screen that can be used though; it can still satisfy your even when wearing gloves - a pleasure sensors. Let’s face it, world first in cars and handy in Scandinavian design is generally winter. pleasing. This is evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the latest S60. FACTS PROS CONS mobile phone. It allows you Step inside, and materials, such ‘N’your access to full wood and leather and the speed:as121mph Comfort √ Internet browsing easy-to-use controls, contribute to (except when driving), Internet

mph: 10.9 secs 40

ined mpg: 72.4

Emissions √ Economy √

streaming of music, on-line Google Map and Search, weather information, an App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator. It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car. Volvo is certainly pushing at the technological boundaries now – and that’s including one very important area of motoring: fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption of the S60 D2 diesel, on test here with a manual gearbox, has been improved to a class-leading 72.4 mpg, translating into CO2 emissions of only 103 g/km. With environmental credentials like these, any self-respecting, Volvo driving, college professor will have to put his pipe out now.

FAST FACTS Max speed: 121 mph 0-62 mph: 10.9 secs Combined mpg: 72.4 Engine: 1560cc 4 cylinder 8 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 113 at 3600 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 199 at 1750 rpm CO2: 103 g/km Price: £26,545 on the road PROS & CONS Comfort √ Emissions √ Economy √ Cabin √ Image X

Gow’s Chauffeur Cars

Airport/Seaports: Prices from all LU post codes Luton airport

£27.00 incl £2 drop off/pick up

Heathrow (all terminals) Stansted

£75.00 £90.00

Gatwick (either terminal) £125.00 Southampton cruise port £175.00

Airport/Seaports: Prices from all LU post codes Luton airport

£27.00 incl £2 drop off/pick up

Gow’s Chauffeur Cars Heathrow (all terminals)

£75.00

Stansted

£90.00

Airport & Seaports

Gatwick (either terminal) £125.00 Southampton cruise port £175.00 Other destinations

POA

Prices from all LU post codes

Luton airport (incl. £2 drop off/pick up) £27.00 Licensed by Central Bedfordshire Council. Fully insured and CRB checked. Other destinations POA Heathrow (all terminals) £75.00 Stunning Silver Mercedes E-Class Saloon Licensed by Central Bedfordshire Council. Fully insured and CRB checked. Airport Runs, Business Trips, Staff Movement, Shopping Trips£90.00 etc. Stansted Stunning Silver Mercedes E-Class Saloon Contact: Neville Gow on 07810 453267 Gatwick (either terminal) £125.00 Airport Runs, Business Trips, Staff Movement, Shopping Trips etc. neville.gow@gowschauffeurcars.co.uk Southampton cruise port £175.00 Contact: Neville Gow on 07810 453267 Other destinations POA neville.gow@gowschauffeurcars.co.uk

• Airport Runs • Business Trips • Staff Movement • Shopping Trips etc. Stunning Silver Mercedes E-Class Saloon Licensed by Central Bedfordshire Council Fully insured and CRB checked

Contact: Neville Gow on 07810 453267 neville.gow@gowschauffeurcars.co.uk

www.tn2security.co.uk www.tn2security.co.uk www.tn2security.co.uk Family owned Fire and Security Company established in 2004 Family owned Fire and Security established Family owned Fire and Security Company Company established in 2004 in 2004 www.tn2security.co.uk Providing burglary prevention and fire detection solutions for you, your home and business Providing burglary prevention and fire detection solutions for you, your and business Providing burglary prevention fire for you,home Familyand owned Firedetection and Security solutions Company established in your 2004 home and business INTRUDER ALARMS CCTV AUDIO/VIDEO ENTRY GATE AUTOMATION INTRUDER ALARMS CCTV and AUDIO/VIDEO ENTRY AUTOMATION Providing burglary prevention fire detection solutions for you,GATE your home and business

RUDER ALARMS CCTV AUDIO/VIDEO ENTRY GATE AUTOMAT LOCKS SAFES ALARMS EXTINGUISHERS LOCKS SAFES FIREFIRE ALARMS FIREFIRE EXTINGUISHERS INTRUDER ALARMS CCTV AUDIO/VIDEO ENTRY GATE AUTOMATION ONGOING SERVICE PLANS LOCKS SAFES FIRE ALARMS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ONGOING SERVICE PLANS LOCKS SAFES FIRE ALARMS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS For free no obligation consultation/ quotation For freeONGOING no obligation consultation/ quotation SERVICE Please call 0800 023 2894 or PLANS 01582 604488 For free no obligation consultation / quotation ONGOING Please call 0800 SERVICE 023 2894 or 01582PLANS 604488 For free no obligation consultation/ Please visit our web site to see our full quotation range of services Please our web site2894 toconsultation/ see our full range of services 604488 free visit noPlease obligation quotation Please callFor0800 023 or01582 01582 call 0800 023 2894 or 604488 Please visit our web site to see our full range of services Please visit our web site to 2894 see ouror full01582 range of services Please call 0800 023 604488

Please visit our web site to see our full range of services

www.thevinemagazine.com

Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles

    

                                3     2    4 3 

              Answers on   page 46           2         9 7     8   2 9    3

Sudoku 数独 1 6

9 2 6

8 4

                                           

                   DITCH   

5 6

MARCH

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!

Crossword

Across 1.Traditional Festive drink Rum _____ (5) 3. Striped confectionary _____ canes (5) 6. Mary gave _____ in a stable (5) 7. Festive colour (3) 8. Given by 12 down (4) 10. Christmas lunch _____ turkey (5) 12. 12 Down came to _______ the baby (7) 14. City where King Herod lived (9) 16. Also given by 12 Down (5) 17. Christmas trees are usually this type (3) 18. Mary was told her ____ would be the son of God (4) 19. Christmas Carol The First ____ (4) 20. Christmas Carol Oh ____ Night (4)

Down 1. US festive treat Pumpkin ___ (3) 2. Christmas song When a _____ is Born (5) 3. 25th December! (9,3) 4. ____ log (4) 5. 12 Down followed a ____ (4) 9. The ____ sent an angel to Mary (4) 11. Might be cranberry or bread (5) 12. There were three of them (4,3) 13. Fortified ____, drunk after dinner (4) 15. Greeting _____ Christmas!

Tates Family Business

Established Over 60 Yrs.

Professional Coach Hire DECEMBER EXCURSIONS

Bruges Christmas Market (via tunnel) Sun. 7th Rochester Dickensian Christmas Market Sun. 14th Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park th

Sat. 6

£44 £20 £17

2015 BROCHURE AVAILABLE SO ON! Please Call For Your Copy

Based in Dunstable Based in Hockliffe Nigel J Garrard Electrical Contractor Nigel J Garrard

Electrical Contractor

• Fuse Box Upgrades Rewires  • Fuse Box Upgrades  Rewires • Indoor & Outdoor Lighting  Indoor & Outdoor Lighting Additional Sockets, Lighting  • Additional Sockets, Lighting  All electrics for extensions • All electrics for extensions  Electrical Installation Condition Reports/Landlords • Certificates Electrical Installation Condition Reports/Landlords Certificates All estimates are free of charge. All work properly certified and guaranteed 40 YearsAll Experience estimates are free of

charge registered for Part Pand – Building Regulations All work NICEIC properly certified guaranteed 40 Years Experience Home: 01525 211528 Mobile: 07795 415440 NICEIC registered for Part P – Building Regulations

REDUCTIONS for Seniors & Children under 12

Tel: 01582 840297

Electrician Electrician

E: info@tatescoaches.co.uk

www.tatescoaches.co.uk 44 High St. Markyate, Herts, AL3 8PA

Home: 01582 263736 Mobile: 07795 415440

www.thevinemagazine.com

Out&About CHRISTMAS TORCHLIGHT AND CAROL PROCESSION Friday 5th December Ashton Square 7pm Involved the massed choirs of Dunstable. A ttorchlight procession through Priory House Gardens and carol service in Ashton Square.

DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Ladies - new members are welcome to join our choir. If you enjoy singing why not come to a Tuesday evening rehearsal from 7.30-9.30pm at Houghton Regis Baptist Church, Hammersmith Gardens LU5 5RG and give us a try. No audition necessary. We also have a lively social life including meals out, get-togethers and trips to concerts and shows. Dunstable Ladies Choir Spring Do join us for the Dunstable Ladies Choir Christmas Concert 7.30 pm on Saturday 6th December at St Augustine’s Church, Mayfield Road, Dunstable Tickets £8 on the door including homemade refreshments Further details from Pat Jackson 01582 520302. HOUGHTON REGIS BOWLS CLUB Open day on the 4th may from 11am to around 4pm The only thing needed is flat soled shoes. All ages and abilities are welcome. Children over 12 years must be accompanied by a parent please. Light refreshments will be available. Please come and have a go, look forward seeing you all, any enquiries please ring me on 01582518645 DUNSTABLE BRIDGE CLUB We meet every Monday (except bank holidays) in Chews House in High Street South, Dunstable, from 1pm to 5pm. We would welcome new members of all standards and you do not need a partner. If anyone is interested please call: 01582 664485 FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMON We are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as 44

• Clubs • Groups • CLUB Events THE DUNSTABLE ORBIT • Community

a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy.For this purpose we meet as a work party on the third Saturday of each month (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a picnic lunch is provided! Details from Pam on 01582 872608 pamrumfitt@btinternet.com DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business men. The Club’s main object is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy a variety of social activities and organized visits throughout the year and at their regular monthly meetings they are entertained by after-lunch speakers. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary Malcolm Partridge 01525 222711 LANGDALE CHURCH ‘HATTERS TEA’- informal neighbourhood group meets monthly on a Wednesday pm. Free tea/coffee & home-made cakes, quiz and raffle. Friends and Neighbours- monthly on a Thursday pm. Speakers and free tea/coffee. At Langdale Church. Other groups- table tennis, walking group and drawing for beginners Make the most of our community activities and meet new people in our community. Tel Colin, Community Worker 01582602980 BREAKOUT SOCIAL CLUB We are a club for the over forty fives, not a singles club but a social club for people who enjoy going out but are on their own, where they can meet like-minded people, with a varied monthly programme covering Disco’s, Pub lunch’s, walks, parties and much, much more, we meet once a week in the front bar at the Conservative Club, High street North Dunstable For more information please contact Sandy on 07813 262556

DUNSTABLE SENIOR CITIZENS What age would you like to live to? Would you like to live it with Dignity, Financial peace of mind, With a voice We are a local group fighting the fight for the over 50’s Interested in finding out more? Come to a meeting We meet the last Thursday of each month at 2pm In the Social club of The Catholic Church in West Street Dunstable Or call for more information on 01582 534357 THE BOGTROTTERS The Bogtrotters (Dunstable and District Walking and Hostelling Group) are a group of about 90 walkers, hikers and hostellers. We run a surprisingly diverse range of activities, including half and full day walks, hostelling trips, meals and evening activities. New members are always welcome. Prospective members are invited to get in touch via the website, give us a ring or just turn up to an event or walk. Enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk 01582 865966 Sue or Julian TOTTERNHOE QUARRY VOLUNTEER WORK PARTIES Would you like to spend a day working in the fresh air and help look after this nature reserve? If so please come along Friday 5th December & Tuesday 16th December Scrub Clearance. Meet at 10am at the end of Knolls View, Totternhoe. All tools provided, however stout footwear or wellies are recomended. Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring your own lunch and cold drinks. For more information or to confirm your attendance please contact Richard Knock on 07872 418279 richard.knock@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org

PRIORY HOUSE Tel: 01582 891420 Christmas Ghost Walks, Saturday, 13 December 4pm (Family Ghost Walk) Friday, 19 December at 7.30 pm All ghost walks start at Priory Church car park. Family ghost walks are suitable for children over 8 yrs old: on these walks children must be accompanied by adults. A torch and warm clothes are recommended and the ghost walk route is unsuitable for wheelchair users. Tickets cost £5 and need to be booked in advance. TEA TIME TALES Talks of local and national interest with tea or coffee and a pastry. Alternate Thursday afternoons 2.30 - 4.00pm £4.75 per person December 11th History of the Pantomime Pam Barker, Member of the Dunstable Town Guide Committee

membership is just £15. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dunstablians Rugby Club, Bidwell Park, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis, LU5 6JW from 8 pm. You’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome. For more information please visit www.orbitclub.org.uk/dunstable or contact Mark on 01582 539379 or Julie on 01582 535761.

CHILTERN GATEWAY CENTRE Chilterns Gateway Centre Shop, 01582 500925 Learn the art of wreath making 6th Dec11am - 1pm £15

Create a special wreath for your home this Christmas Learn how to make your own beautiful Christmas wreath. With expert guidance you’ll create a wonderful wreath with a personal touch to take home and enjoy. Please bring your own secateurs if possible.

Tree Dressing 6th & 7th Dec 11am - 3pm £1.50 (take a decoration home)

THE HEALING TRUST Ardley Hill School, Lowther Rd, Each Thursday evening 7.30 - 9pm. No charge, donations accepted. NFSH T: Pam Hill on 01582 606182 Come for interest or healing.

Help bring Christmas to life in the Chilterns Gateway Centre as you create decorations for the trees.

BREATHEASY Do you suffer from a lung condition? Then why not come and join our local Support group - breatheasy Part of the British lung foundation. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at peter newton pavilion (Behind tesco) 2 - 4pm carers also welcome As well as supporting each other we have a variety of speakers and also arrange day trips out. New members most welcome More info phone michael on 01582 602348

Help Father Christmas’ elves to make magic reindeer food and then meet Father Christmas. Don’t forget to think of what you would like to ask for this year!

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT ORBIT CLUB Since its inception over 25 years ago, Orbit has raised nearly £60,000 for local charities. We also give our time to help organisations and people in the community. Orbit offers an active social calendar, with wide-ranging events to suit all budgets and tastes. Annual

Father Christmas 7th, 14th, 21st Dec 11am - 3pm Child £5 (inc gift &reindeer food

Help Father Christmas’ elves to make reindeer food and then meet Father Christmas.

Christmas Burn off Walk 26th December 11am - 1pm £2

Overindulged this Christmas? Walk off all those extra calories over Christmas, with the countryside team on a guided walk over Dunstable Downs. Enjoy the spectacular views and fresh air as you enjoy a healthy walk.

New Year’s resolution walk 1st Jan 11am - 1pm £2

Start the New Year with your best foot forwards. Was your New Year’s resolution to get outdoors more? Exercise more? Get fitter? Take the time to enjoy nature? Then join us for a breath of fresh air on this one and a half hour walk lead by one of our rangers. TODDINGTON HELPING HANDS We are a group of about 30 volunteers who provide lifts to the doctors, dentists, hospitals, hairdressers etc for the residents of Toddington, Chalgrave, Wingfield and Tebworth. We also carry out the delivery of prescriptions, shopping and general errand running to those who are not able to do so themselves. During the last quarter we completed in excess of 400 jobs in the local community. We urgently need more volunteer drivers. Tel: 01525 633660

50 things Activities 7th Dec & 4th Jan 2pm - 3pm FREE

Bring the kids and join us on the first Sunday of the month get involve with National Trusts 50 thing to do before your 11 and ¾. Each Sunday you’ll get to cross another fantastic activity off you list and get outdoors and discover something new! We’ll be taking the kids to explore outdoors so remember to dress for the weather.

Toddler’s Christmas 10th & 17th Dec 11am - 3pm Child £5 (inc gift & reindeer food)

MOTs • MOT REPAIRS • SERVICING DIAGNOSTICS • TRACKING AIR CONDITIONING • TYRES CAMBELTS • BATTERIES COLLECTION & DELIVERY WELDING & FABRICATION All vehicles - all mechanical work! 1 HONEYWICK LANE, EATON BRAY, LU6 2BJ

01525 222876

A very special weekday visit to see Father Christmas for the under 5’s.

www.thevinemagazine.com

Answers Step On It DITCH HITCH HATCH CATCH MATCH MARCH Lee’s

ARC

Contract Services Ltd. Quality work at affordable prices!

•Wallpapering & Painting •Laminate Flooring •Coving •Tiling •Bathroom Installations

Insurance work undertaken - All work Guaranteed for 5 years Public liability insurance cover For FREE Professional Quotations Call Adrian

01582 539179 or 07789 730580

Gift A Song

Caritas Harmony Are Joined By Ladies from Herts, Beds & Bucks To Gift A Song For Macmillan At Christmas !

! !!

Christmas Spectacular 6.30pm Sat 13 December 2014 Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable LU5 4NA Tickets £5 from Brenda Wood on 01582 873656 (Children 12 and under free)

email - info@caritasharmony.co.uk

www.caritasharmony.co.uk

Minor Roof Repairs Loves the ladder jobs you hate!

Specialist in minor roof repairs

• Tile Replacement - Including Ridge Tiles • Gutter/Fascia Cleaning • Gutter Repairs • Moss Removal • Lead Repairs/Repointed No job too small!

Call Lee Daniels

07949 579797

lee.daniels50@ntlworld.com

complete

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big on Quality, small enough to care.â&#x20AC;?

Co.

refurb&roofing

FREE S QUOTE A n n n

complete c refurbishment and roofing service. Flat Roofing n Interior & Exterior Maintenance Tiled Roofing n EPDM Rubber Membranes Loft Conversions n Fascia & Guttering

Tel: 01582 690005 Mob: 07515 361972 dean.w.1@hotmail.com www.corr.org.uk