The Vine Dunstable - February / March 2017 - Issue 75

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News / What’s On / Local Directory

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I Dunstable I Studham I Kensworth I Whipsnade

Hair Extensions All you need to know

Children’s Savings Masterclass

By Martin Lewis

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Inside this issue...

6

Race For Life

Editor: Scott Nightingale

18 Martin Lewis: Kids Savings

Advertising & Editorial: Shelly Nesbitt Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043 Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

24 Health & Beauty: Skin

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.

26 Hair Extensions 30

Recipe

32 Autos: VW Golf Match 34 Looking Up 36 Puzzles 38 Snippets: National Service 42 In The Garden 44 A Pensioners View 48 Competition 50 Out & About

Copy deadline for next issue:

March 18th

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017

5

local News

MAKE 2017 STRONGER, BRAVER AND PINKER

WITH RACE FOR LIFE DUNSTABLE

20th & 21st May Dunstable and Luton women are being encouraged to make a difference by signing up now to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2017.

“Every day, 130 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East*. That’s why we’re calling on women in Dunstable and Luton to make 2017 a year to remember. Together, we can stop this devastating disease in its tracks.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with Spring is a great time to embark upon a new cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good challenge and the charity is urging women of all news is more people are surviving the disease now ages, shapes and sizes to choose their event - Race than ever before. Survival rates have doubled since for Life 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy - and pledge to take the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has part at Dunstable Downs, Dunstable. been at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership The Pretty Muddy event takes place on Saturday with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 20th May followed by the 5k and 10k events on 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Marathon and Hiking events Sunday 21st May. which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

By signing up to Race for Life right now, women in Last year, Race for Life Pretty Muddy took place for the area will be playing their part in beating cancer. the first time in the Dunstable area. The women-only, There’s no better time for ladies in the Bedfordshire non-competitive 5k obstacle course - with an extra to pull on their trainers, get a little more active and helping of mud - received a whole-hearted welcome join like-minded women committed to the cause. from the thousands of women who took part.

Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scienThanks to their enthusiasm, this exciting event will tists find new ways to treat cancer and save more be returning and organisers are urging women to lives. secure their place as soon as possible.

Cara Waller, Cancer Research UK’s Dunstable Event Cara continued: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Manager, said: “Signing up to take part in Race for Pretty Muddy back to Dunstable as it’s a fantastic adLife is a great way for women to set themselves a dition to our Race for Life family of events. It has all new and exciting challenge for 2017. the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k and 10k events - but with added mud, thrills and spills.

“Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the “By taking part in Race for Life, women can make course. Whether they’re planning a 5k amble with a real difference in the fight against cancer. Signing friends, a 10k sprint or a mud-splattered race around up is a great motivation for them to pull on their Pretty Muddy, every step women take will help to leggings, limber up and kick-start the New Year. bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

We urge ladies to sign up right now and show their support.”

To enter Race for Life today visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770 6

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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local News

Junior Wardens Project

NEEDS YOU!

Junior Wardens is a project that runs every Wednesday during term time from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm. The aim of the project is to promote pride of place, active citizenship and to support the children to know that they can make a difference in their communities.

Junior Wardens was set up by Dunstable Town Council and runs in partnership with St. Augustine’s Academy. Each term the group looks at a different topic; with visits from professionals to raise awareness and support.

So far Junior Wardens has looked at litter (including helping in two litter picks), road safety which saw the group taking part in a road safety campaign with the charity BRAKE (winning for this area) personal safety and the environment.

• Can you spare 2 hours per week every Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm during term time?

• Do you want to support children to be active citizens, making a difference in their community and taking pride of place for where they live?

Then why not volunteer at Junior Wardens?

Training can be given and you will have the support of Officers from Dunstable Town Council.

15 members attend the project and it is thoroughly enjoyed by all. However for the project to continue beyond March, volunteers are needed.

For more information, please contact Senior Community and Young People’s Officer, Gill Briggs on 01582 891434 or email gill.briggs@dunstable.gov.uk

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017

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local News

HOT ACADEMY'S 'SEARCH FOR A SEAWEED'!

Local theatre school, the Hayley Otway Theatre (HOT) Academy are searching for a star!

"We are performing the fantastically fun and vibrant show, Hairspray Jr at the Court Theatre Pendley, Tring on 3rd June and we've also been invited to do a guest spot at the Adelphi in the West End on 7th May! But we need a Seaweed!" Says West send Performer and principal of the Academy, Hayley Emma Otway.

The HOT Academy are looking for a young male to play 'Seaweed', 10-18yrs, cool and confident. Must be a fab dancer and able

12 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

to lead the cheeky, fun song, 'Run and Tell That'.

We rehearse every Saturday at All Saints Academy Dunstable 10am-1pm with CDS trained performers and professionals making up the production team. The successful student must be available to make these rehearsals, plus the whole day of each show day as mentioned above.

"We have a truly amazing cast of local talent - we just need the right 'special someone' to complete the puzzle and grab this amazing opportunity!"

Please contact Hayley on 07886 385799 or go to www.hotacademy.co.uk for more details.

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017 13

local Notices

Bedfordshire Police Special Constable Recruitment Days

Volunteer Police Officers, also known as Special Constables, work alongside full-time police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on the front line. As a Special, you will be given training and provide vital support and help patrol Bedfordshire’s rural and urban communities. Join us today and support our vision to become a wellrespected, high performing, efficiently run police service working together to protect people, fight crime and keep Bedfordshire safe.

Anyone interested in becoming a Special Constable is invited to attend one of the recruitment days taking place in Bedfordshire: February 6th at 7.00pm The Mall Luton, 37 The Mall, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LJ For further information please contact Sharna Raine on 07590465193 or Sharna. raine@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk March 6th at 7.30pm Bedfordshire Police Headquarters, Woburn Road, Kempston, MK43 9AX For further information please contact Sharna Raine on 07590465193 or Sharna. raine@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

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local Notices

Start a New Chapter

with Beanstalk!

Start a New Chapter with Beanstalk!

Beanstalk is a local children’s literacy charity that supports children in the local area through recruiting and training reading helpers. Each individual gives up their time to provide dedicated 1:1 support to children in local primary schools and they make a real difference to their confidence and wellbeing.

Each Beanstalk trained reading helper supports 3 children, on a one-to-one basis, for two afternoons a week and therefore provide much needed consistency and support to the children.

Sessions are child-led, with a mixture of reading, conversation and play to engage the children in the joys of reading. The role is open to all ages, and it is particularly popular with retired individuals as it offers a structure and the opportunity to give back to the community.

Beanstalk also launched their ‘Get Luton Reading’ campaign in 2015 and since then they are already supporting over 60 local children. Charity representative Rebecca Carter said ‘We have seen fantastic growth in the area over the past year and we are excited for the year ahead where we aim to support even more children through the help of more dedicated volunteers’.

Training and a DBS check is provided as well as ongoing support from Beanstalk. You can call 01604 720969 for more information or apply directly at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk.

Beanstalk is a local children’s literacy charity that supports children in the local area through recruiting and training reading helpers. Each individual gives up their time to provide dedicated 1:1 support to children in local primary schools and they make a real difference to their confidence and wellbeing.

Each Beanstalk trained reading helper supports 3 children, on a one-to-one basis, for two afternoons a week and therefore provide much needed consistency and support to the children. Sessions are child-led, with a mixture of reading, conversation and play to engage the children in the joys of reading. The role is open to all ages, and it is particularly popular with retired individuals as it offers a structure and the opportunity to give back to the community.

Beanstalk also launched their ‘Get Luton Reading’ campaign in 2015 and since then they are already supporting over 60 local children.

Charity representative Rebecca Carter said ‘We have seen fantastic growth in the area over the past year and we are excited for the year ahead where we aim to support even more children through the help of more dedicated volunteers’.

Training and a DBS check is provided as well as ongoing support from Beanstalk. You can call 01604 720969 for more information or apply directly at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk.

16 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017 17

Money Matters By Martin Lewis

Children’s Savings Masterclass

Many parents, and especially grandparents, are switching to opening savings accounts for little‘uns.

So I want to give you a kid’s savings masterclass @moneysavingexpert

the best ways to save for your child or their future.

Before I start though, a thought. Don’t do this all for children. Instead do it with them, get them involved as early impossible. Everyone knows I’ve campaigned for years to get financial education taught in schools, but it can be taught at home too.

It’s not just about saving, but also where to save to get the most from their money. So if they’re old enough, sit down with them, and pick the savings account together, running through the pros and cons of each. Turn it into a fun financial game. And make them responsible for monitoring the rate afterwards in case it drops, and you need to ditch and switch.

What are the best-paying children’s savings accounts?

The www.Halifax.co.uk Kids’ Regular Saver pays 4% AER fixed for a year, but you can only pay in between £10 and £100 per month, and can’t withdraw any money until the year’s up.

The www.SaffronBS.co.uk’s Children’s Regular Saver is similar and lets you withdraw from it whenever you want.After a year, the rates on both accounts will drop, so get your child to set a diary reminder to move their money to a better account when it does.

I need to save a lump sum though?

The regular savings accounts don’t suit if you want to put in a stash of cash in one go.

- The top payer is the www.Santander.co.uk 123 Mini current account at 3% interest on between £300£2,000. Any child over 11 can open this and they get a debit card to use in shops.

However, if they’re younger, you’ll need to open

18 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

it for them, and you can only do that if you’ve your own Santander current account.

- Alternatively, www.HSBC.co.uk’s My Savings account pays 2.75% AER on up to £3,000. Any child aged over 7 can manage this on their own.

- For larger sums, the www.Nationwide.co.uk Smart Limited Access account pays 2.25% AER on savings up to £50,000, though it only allows you to withdraw cash once a year.

Are there any accounts grandparents can open?

For younger children, an adult needs to open the account on the child’s behalf and be a trustee or signatory. (Children don’t usually need to be present but you’ll need ID for them, such as a passport.)

Your name will then be on the account with the child’s, but it’ll be your signature that controls it, not theirs. Some accounts are parents only, but grandparents can do this with the Santander, Halifax and Nationwide accounts.

What about Junior ISAs (JISAs) – should I open one of these?

JISAs are special savings (or investments) that let you save £4,080 with tax-free interest for under 18s.

The money is locked away until your child’s 18th birthday. After that though, it’s theirs to do what they want with – so if you’re thinking it’s a ‘uni fund’, they may prefer to spend it on a car, a holiday, or following One Direction round the world.

If you’ve got a JISA already, check its rate. If it’s poor, you’re not locked in, you can transfer it to a new provider – just open it and fill out their transfer

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Money Matters By Martin Lewis

forms. The best-paying JISAs for savings come from www.CoventryBuildingSociety.co.uk, which pays 3.25% AER variable.

The next best is www.Nationwide.co.uk paying 3%.

My children have a Child Trust Fund instead?

Children currently aged roughly aged 5 to 14 got a Child Trust Fund (CTF) instead of a Junior ISA. These are now defunct products, they don’t offer the best rates, yet since 2015 you’ve been allowed to transfer these into a Junior ISA. Just follow the ‘how to transfer’ info above.

Aren’t kids’ savings tax-free anyway?

No. Children pay tax just like adults.

Yet unlike most adults they don’t earn from work, if they have any income it’s only from savings. And if anyone, child or adult, only has savings interest and has under £17,000 a year then no tax is taken.

(This is made up of the £11,000 personal allowance, £5,000 starting rate for savings and an additional £1,000 personal savings allowance.) To put that in perspective, to earn £17,000 in savings interest in the top accounts, you’d need over £1,000,000 saved.

However, there is a rule that says kids can only earn £100 interest a year from money given by each parent – so that’s about £4,400 saved in the top easy-

20 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

access account.

Above that, it’s counted as the parents’ income and taxed at their rate. Though as most parents don’t pay tax on savings anymore either, that isn’t such an issue (unless they’re higher rate taxpayer or have a shedload).

So is there any point in a Junior ISA? For most people no, unless it’s paying higher interest than standard savings.

Yet there are some exceptions…

- You want the cash to be locked away until your child is 18.

- You’re going to give your child enough money that they go over the £100-a-year interest threshold, in which case these tax-free savings accounts stop that.

- They’ll save enough cash over the years that they’d have more than the £15,480 adult cash ISA limit when they hit 18 (though it’s rising to £20,000 from next April). When that happens, the money automatically converts into an adult cash ISA. - Your child will earn more than £16,000 in savings interest and income in the tax year and earn more than their £1,000 personal savings allowance and will pay tax.

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21

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017 23

Health Beauty

&

Wellbeing

Uncover Glowing Skin This Spring

By Kelly Shaw I don’t know about you, but I spend most of winter looking forward to spring. The start of lighter evenings and warmer temperatures all appeal to me far more than central heating, woolly sweaters and warm boots. The only problem can be remembering to start prepping skin that’s been hidden away for so many months in time for clear, glowing and bright skin when you finally take off all those layers. The skin on your face and body gets thoroughly abused by cold, wet and windy weather in winter, as well as heating in your home, and constantly going from cold to warm environments. This is a good time to re-visit the products you are using at home and target dry, flaky or itchy skin so that it is back in tip top condition as we move into spring.

Look after your skin - it’s the largest organ of your body and often the most neglected, yet with some easy steps and a little tlc you will have that all important healthy glow in no time.

I always start with a 'double cleanse': this consists of washing your face twice in the morning and twice in the evening. Why do I recommend this? The first cleanse will remove make-up, SPF, oils, sweat and impurities whilst the second cleanse will get into the pores and clean your skin. I also begin a targeted regime of exfoliation and moisturisation in spring so my face is repaired, hydrated and looking fantastic by summer. The added bonus is that make-up goes on much better, and lasts far longer on exfoliated skin, so you’ll be doing yourself a favour now too.

Finally, make sure you are using an SPF30 or higher every day, as the sun’s harmful UVA ray

24 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

that ages our skin is as strong on a winter’s day as it is in summer. It’s a habit you need to form to look after your skin now and help minimise wrinkles and brown spots appearing later in life!

Don’t forget the rest of your body! How many of us stop our skincare routine at our neckline, yet the décolleté is a problem area for so many of us. Take your facial products down onto the chest and then invest some time into looking after your body too. I’m a big fan of dry body brushing as it has multiple benefits. It will stimulate the body’s lymphatic system to drain toxins away, it exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells, and the stimulation of your cell renewal will help the skin to hydrate itself from within.

It takes just seconds before you jump in the shower and then finish with a body cream to seal in moisture. I like to use a cream that contains hydroxy acids so that it actually helps to gently exfoliate as well as nourish my skin.

Time to change foundation? Move away from heavier foundations and powders that could clog pores and could make your skin look worse.

With the right skin care routine, as detailed above, you could get away with a tinted moisturiser or a lighter foundation. It’s also the perfect time to review your make-up and give it a bit of a spring clean. Throw away anything that you haven’t used for the past year – these products have an expiry date so look through and be ruthless!

I recommend giving yourself a small beauty treat once a week, often it’s the small indulgences that make a dramatic difference in how you look and feel. After all, you can’t look after everyone else if you don’t take care of yourself too!

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75 • February / March We are one of the leading suppliers of blinds, so Issue don’t hesitate to get in touch.

2017 25

New Year, new look?

Who wouldn’t want bouncy long tresses or a sharp hairstyle that can withstand the challenges of the British winter weather or an energetic gym workout, the workout being the obligatory New Year’s resolution! A good blow dry goes a long way but if lack of time is your challenge, why not consider hair extensions? With their rising popularity extensions have become much more affordable!

hair extensions

Add Length, Thickness, Colour...

I

t is important to choose the right extensions for your natural hair type as the weight of extensions can put additional stress on the roots. For example, fine natural hair needs extensions of lighter density and weight to avoid unnecessary tension.

Correct placement of the extensions is crucial – they should be placed where the hair is strongest, avoiding the fragile areas of the hairline and the back of the neck. The importance of having a fully certified and insured hair extensions technician to fit your extensions cannot be emphasized enough.

26 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Remy Or Non-Remy?

Based on the hair type used, extensions use either Remy or non-Remy hair.

Remy is not a brand, it’s simply a name used to describe hair that has come from a donor with the cuticle intact and with all the hair aligned in the natural growth pattern.

Remy hair is also referred to as cuticle hair, unprocessed hair or even virgin hair, and is considered to be the best quality hair available due to its structure, which resembles real hair, with the cuticle intact.

Non-Remy hair is processed with silicon and the cuticle is removed, and this can lead to tangling, drying out and matting. Remy hair blends in better with your natural hair, so if you want your extensions to last longer and require less maintenance then Remy hair would be the choice for you.

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www.jazzercise.com Issue 75 • February / March 2017 27

Types Of Extensions Clip-in hair extensions are perfect for a special event but they are not suitable for frequent use.

Choosing real hair over synthetic will offer more durability when washing and styling.

Glue-in/Keratin bond/Pre-bond extensions are attached to your hair using little

keratin bonds, and fused with a hot tool. They last on average for three months but with good care four or five months. However, this type of hair extensions does not work well with conditioners and heated appliances as these can weaken the bond and shorten the extensions’ lifespan.

New Year, New Hair, New You! 2017 is here and we all breathe a sigh of relief that the last year is behind us and we can look forward to a whole new year of excitement.

As we enter a new year, it’s often nice to try new things with our hair and keep it in the best condition as possible.

Sewn-in/Weave extensions are best suited for coarse, curly or thick hair as the extensions can be quite heavy and are applied by being sewn into a tight, braided section of natural hair. Regular visits to your hair extension professional are a must.

Tape extensions have suffered a bad reputa-

tion lately, but they can look fantastic if they are of good quality, properly applied and well maintained.

The lifetime of up to six months and a relatively low maintenance make this an attractive option for many clients.

Micro bead/Micro ring extensions are

very popular due to offering damage-free application as there is no heat, glue, tape or sewing. A single strand micro bead extension is applied to your natural hair by clamping the tiny bead at the tip of the extension, creating a durable connection. This is the best option if you want to dye your hair or tend to use lots of product or heat styling appliances.

They can last up to six to nine months or more.

Nano ring extensions are virtually undetect-

able, quick to fit and kind to your hair – there is no heat, glue or sewing needed. They are secured in the hair using a tiny, undetectable 2.5mm nano ring that is 90 per cent smaller than a standard micro ring!

With correct client after care they can last up to six to nine months.

Weft hair. This is one of newer types of extensions. Weft hair can be fitted in as little as 60 minutes by using the micro ring weft method, and they give instant volume and length with minimum fuss. Hair can last at least three months, and up to six months with correct care.

28 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

New Hair.... Literally!

Hair extensions have come on leaps and bounds in the last ten years and nowadays you don’t have to compromise the quality of your hair when having extensions fitted - providing you look after them.

Flicks & Bangs hair salon use Easilocks Hair Extensions, which are 100% natural, human hair and fitting involves NO heat and NO glue!

Small locks are attached to your hair and the new strand is inserted to the lock.

Not only will they transform your style, giving you instant length and volume, extensions provide a great way to experiment with colour as you can create balyage and ombre effects without colouring your own hair.

The beauty of extensions is that a little can go a long wayyou can have a few fitted just for thickness, or a lot for both added length and thickness.

Prices vary depending on how many extensions you require.

Here at Flicks & Bangs we charge a deposit to cover the cost of the hair and then an hourly rate for fitting.

Extensions can last up to a year, providing you take care and have regular maintenance appointments where the hair is taken out and refitted.

You will also need to use an appropriate shampoo and conditioner.

Extensions suit people of all ages with all hair types and there are many factors to consider so if you’re thinking of having extensions book a free consultation and have a chat with one of our stylists who will advise you on the amount you need and different colour choices.

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www.eatonbraypub.co.uk Issue 75 • February / March 2017 29

Food

Pork and Mussel Cataplana Don’t worry if you don’t own a Cataplana - a normal skillet or saucepan with a lid will be perfect.

I have a massive soft spot for Portugal in general, and the Algarve in particular. Not only is it a wonderfully welcoming part of the world, the local food is massively underrated. You can get the freshest grilled sardines on toast for a few pounds and the local fresh fish in general is of the very highest quality. Many restaurants also serve what is called a Cataplana. The Cataplana pan itself looks a bit like a UFO and the stews made in it are all about simple ingredients cooked gently. This recipe was created by one of the very fine ‘home cooks’ who join me regularly on the Weekend Kitchen, Christian Carden-Maund. The balance of the pork and mussels here is perfect and the dish is made all the sweeter because this whole lot will cost you under a tenner to feed 4 people.

Ingredients

How To Make

500g cubed pork shoulder 150g chopped chorizo 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 large tin of chopped tomatoes 1 bag of fresh English mussels, cleaned. Discard any which are already open before cooking.

25ml dry white wine or sherry Chopped fresh parsley to garnish

1. Brown the cubed pork in the pan on a medium heat with a little oil. Add in the onion and the chorizo and continue to cook out for 5 or 6 minutes.

2. Add the tomatoes and a good glug of water and give it a stir.

3. Simmer for 1 hour, covered, until the pork is very tender.

4. If at this stage it is looking a little bit liquid, turn up the heat to thicken the sauce. Conversely, add a little 0water if it is getting dry.

5. Add in the wine or sherry, chuck in the mussels and continue to cook until they have all opened.

Do not eat any which have failed to open at this stage as this is a sign of them not being fresh enough.

6. Stir in the chopped parsley right at the end and serve with crusty fresh bread.

Hear more recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

30 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017 31

auto Biographies

By Robin Auchterlonie © Wheelwrite.co.uk 2016

£20,110 transverse 999cc TSI three cylinder, 115ps, 200Nm 6 speed manual gearbox Top speed 127mph, 0-62mph 9.7secs Fuel – urban53.3, extra urban 76.3, combined 65.7 CO2 99g/km

T

hree cylinder engine technology is not a new automotive phenomenon – Saab were doing it fairly successfully back in the 1950s and 60s. But cars have grown since then, in both size and kerbweight, as the drive to make them safer for us to use has gathered pace.

So here we pose the question ‘how realistic is it to stick a three pot under the bonnet of an average sized family car’? In this case Volkswagen’s much bought Golf.

And will it still perform with an air of respectability.

The answers are ‘it is’ and ‘yes’.

Those of us who remember the days when your average 1.2 engined car could barely struggle to the top of a hill under its own power would initially say no.

But Volkswagen have proved us wrong. For the Golf range (and others in the VW stable) now offers the option of a modest 999cc unit. And to be honest, it’s an eyebrow raiser.

Those days of the skin on the rice pudding chuckling in the bowl with a self-satisfied feeling of safety are banished. Here is a small engined Golf with undoubted pulling power.

And one that is also smooth and refined, one that doesn’t feel or sound like you’re giving it a bit of a shoeing

Volkswagen Golf

Match BlueMotion 1.0 TSI

with your right boot.

The organised violence under the bonnet from the three cylinders never really reaches fever pitch though you will be aware of the purposeful rumble from under the bonnet.

It feels as solid as the ship it came over from Germany on.

There’s no doubting the efficiency. A CO2 figure of 99g/km and a claimed combined fuel figure of 65.7mpg would hint so. This test majored on urban driving and our ‘average driver’ figure of 44.1 was closer to the claimed figure of 53.3 than we’ve seen in recent test cars. And even though the power output is a relatively modest 115ps, the torque figure stands at 200Nm so it has on the button acceleration while at the same time being a relatively smooth performer.

The Golf has grown in size over the years, but that distinctive profile that has been its hallmark over the years remains. You don’t fix what isn’t broke in this business.

Comfortable, practical, safe and efficient have been its bywords and that hasn’t changed. What you will notice, though, is a definite step upwards in terms of quality to a level that puts

32 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

much more expensive cars to shame.

Golfs have always been classy, but now the fit and finish are well above the norm, with a very definite prestige feel to the cabin and the way everything fits together and clicks into action when required.

The steering has a pin sharp feel to it, the car always feeling well planted on the road. The gearbox itself is a precision piece of smooth shifting perfection and the Golf Match BlueMotion has a flat bottomed steering wheel and an electronic handbrake among its healthy list of standard kit, which also includes front and rear park sensors, folding door mirrors and heated windscreen washers.

So, the conclusion is it is possible in this day and age to slip an engine the size of an overgrown lawnmower under the bonnet of a quality car and get away with it….

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Issue 70 • April / May 2016 33

Looking Up! February & March 2017

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky

See Venus and Mars close together in the early evening sky: On any clear evening in February and early March look to your southwest for Venus as darkness falls. You won’t miss it – it’s the brightest ‘star’ in the evening sky. To the upper left of Venus a short distance away is Mars. You’ll see it as a much dimmer orange-coloured point of light. The two planets are closest together in early February, and are flanked by a crescent moon on 1st and 2nd February, and again on 1st and 2nd March.

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Watch the Jupiter-Moon Close Encounter: There’s a special moonrise on Tuesday 14 March this year. At 9pm look to your east for a bright moon rising next to a bright star, the ‘star’ being the planet Jupiter. Best views will be at around 10pm, when the moon and Jupiter are a bit higher up from the horizon. Binoculars or a small telescope will show both in the same field of view.

Look out for the International Space Station: From 1st February to 13th February the International Space Station is visible every evening over Bedfordshire at various times between 5:45pm to 7:15pm. Friday 3rd February at 6pm is a great opportunity to watch the space station slide beneath Venus, Mars and the Moon.

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59 Issue 75 • February / March 2017 35

Puzzles

Answers on page 62

Across 7. Courage (5) 8. Futile (7) 9. Ban (7) 10. Worth (5) 12. Artifice (10) 15. Capsized (10) 18. Virago (5) 19. Supply (7) 21. Mortification (7) 22. Prognosticate (5)

9

7 LOVER

5

Down 1. Catching (10) 2. Explore (5) 3. Beloved (4) 4. Disconcert (3,3) 5. Cantankerous (8) 6. Enthusiastic (7) 11. Universally (10) 13. Improper (8) 14. Rumour (7) 16. Purify (6) 17. Pivot (5) 20. Raise (4)

2

8

6

1 4

6

1 9

9 2 8

7

2

8

5

3

9

7

4 6

VOWED

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017 37

Snippets By Paul Heley

This article might appeal to those (older) men amongst your readers who will have suffered/endured/enjoyed their days serving King/Queen doing National Service. I, too, did my two years stint in the RAF. However, I suspect that, unlike many others, I look back on those days not only with fondness but, additionally, with considerable gratitude since the RAF unconsciously mapped out what I would later become and how my life would develop (in a most unexpected manner).

This might sound rather dramatic but, having left the former Dunstable Grammar School in 1949 (I'm very ancient!) with a mediocre School Certificate, I immediately went into the Merchant Navy and learnt how to steer ships around oceans and how to load them properly. When I came out of the MN a few years later, I had no Civvy Street experience but was still warm and breathing and under 26 years of age so therefore eligible for National Service. At first it seemed like a travesty of justice but there was no way out so I had to go. I didn't fancy the Army; and since I'd already discovered that one bit of sea looks very much like another bit of sea, I thought I'd give the Navy a miss. This left the RAF, where I was accepted.

Previously, whilst at naval college, I'd been a drummer in the drum and bugle band and, knowing this, a pal of mine (who had already done his two years bash) said "if you get a chance to join the band, take it. You get away with murder and they can't touch you". It sounded like good advice.

For square bashing, I was sent to RAF Hednesford - an unlovely spot near Cannock - and within a very short time, we were introduced to our friendly Drill Instructor (DI). This loving, caring and considerate fellow eased us gently through the elementary stages of drill via the medium of screaming at us in a voice registering 110 decibels above the threshold of pain whilst continually comparing our clumsy movements with those of various unattractive animals in states of sexual arousal! And, like others of his breed, our DI had been to an RAF finishing school where he'd been specially trained in a particular form of English in which every other word is some form of expletive.

I thought I'd heard everything in the Merchant Navy - but this guy was in a class of his own!

38 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

National Service Bandwagon!

Fortunately for me, it was obligatory for a DI to ask if any member of his new intake was a musician. So, on the second morning, our lovely chap asked, very politely of course, "any of you *****! little ******s a *****! musician?" He dared anyone to step forward.

Remembering my friend's advice, I plucked up courage and did so. With a face like thunder, he enquired, "what *****! instrument do you *****! well play, then ?"

"The drums, Corporal", I replied. "Oh, we have a *****! drummer, do we ; a *****! little drummer boy, are you?" With that, he sent me off to the band room for the mandatory audition with the encouraging comment that if I failed, he would be very pleased to see me back in his flight again because he had some special treats in store for people like me.

In the band room, I was given a drum and invited to repeat a set of phrases which the senior drummer played for me. It was ferociously complicated Scottish pipe band drumming and I'd never heard anything like it; there were rolls, paradiddles and all sorts of intricate phrases I couldn't get anywhere near. Nothing like the "yumpty, tumpty, diddley, widdley, rollicky, jollicky, splat" stuff I'd been used to in the drum and bugle band.

It was blisteringly obvious I had failed. Miserably.

Hopelessly. I suppose I looked crestfallen (and thoughts of a salivating DI awaiting my return didn't help) so the senior trumpeter asked me if I could play a cavalry trumpet. Never having seen one before, I said I didn't know but that I'd mucked about on a bugle before. He said "it's like a big bugle" and invited me to have a go. From somewhere deep and primeval - driven by a sense of self preservation - I played some of the tunes from my naval band days.

And sufficiently well, apparently, to be invited to join the band as a trumpeter.

With great relief - it having saved my life - I returned to the flight and informed Corporal Vlad the Impaler that I'd passed. He was not at all pleased. There was no "Well done, old chap". His plans for me had been dashed on a piece of brass tubing!

As my pal had suggested, from now on I got away with murder. Whenever something nasty came up, I always invented a job which needed to be done immediately

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If interested, please contact PAUL HELEY on 01582 664339 or paul.heley@virgin.net Issue 75 • February / March 2017 39

in the band room. I never did guard duty, fire picket duty - or any other duty; I hardly knew one end of a rifle from the other and I was not subjected to the endless "bull" regarding haircuts, creased trousers or shiny boots. Bliss!

Whilst at Hednesford, I also discovered that I was a POM. Up until that point, I thought a POM was the derogatory term reserved for Englishmen by Australians. Not so. POM also translates to Potential Officer Material and, no doubt, my school background, naval college days and the fact that I'd been a cadet officer in the Merchant Navy made me suitable "material".

There followed a number of in-camp interviews during which other POMs were gradually discarded until only seven of us remained. The final interview was to be at Air Minstry in London.

We were to be billeted at RAF Ruislip overnight and during the rail journey, I studied my fellow interviewees with great interest and decided that, with two exceptions, they were a bunch of creeps. One nauseating example was cocksure that, in his case, the whole thing was completely unnecessary because "Daddy is a Squadron Leader so I'm bound to be accepted". I was later delighted to learn that he had failed the interview. So there is justice after all.

One of the "normal" ones asked me "Are you ex public school?" to which I replied "No, grammar school". He said "Thank God for that. That makes two of us". He went on to ask if I was going to try at the interview next morning - because he wasn't. I remember saying that I didn't fancy spending the next two years with people like these and would rather take my chances with the oiks. I didn't get a commission of course; most likely wouldn't have done so even if I'd tried.

After Hednesford came trade training at RAF Locking, near Weston-super-Mare in Somerset. I immediately applied to join the band as a trumpeter and eventually graduated to cornet player in the resident military band since I could read music after a fashion.

And, as before, I got out of all drill and bull and had a whale of a time.

Regarding trade training, I was to learn about electronics for the next ten months so that by the time I'd finished the course, I was more than halfway through my National Service. The course consisted of bursts of instruction followed by A, B, C, D type exams for which the pass mark was 65% (since it's possible to get 25% by random guesswork alone with such a format). I remember one occasion when one member of the class had been awarded 98% - and he wanted to know why it wasn't 100%. The Education Officer was somewhat miffed at this and suggested that the chap was pushing his luck somewhat. He posed the offending question again, to which the candidate gave the same answer as before. He was then invited to say why he thought his answer was correct

40 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

and so he went up to the blackboard and covered it with mathematics and electrical theory and proved his point. It transpired that he had an M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from Manchester University and had deliberately kept quiet about his background because he, too, didn't want to be an officer.

After the course - and for some reason known only to the RAF - a few of us were kept back as instructors rather than sent off somewhere to put our new knowledge into useful practice. Having never stood up in front of people before, I was terrified at the prospect. However, I was sent off to RAF Spittalgate, near Grantham, to be taught how to teach. As it so happened, it was a wonderful course. It was very down to earth and full of the real do's and don't's which occur every day when teaching. Mercifully, it omitted much of the pseudo-psychological clap trap to which teachers are subjected nowadays - I mean no offence here - and I used its common sense philosophy time and again in my subsequent lecturing career.

As an instructor, I was promoted to Corporal and had groups of Ground Wireless Mechanics on courses lasting two months at a time. I also had a hut full of such trainees under my control and a little room to myself at one end - the Corporal's "bunk".

I made a pact with each new group, viz, that if they kept quiet until 0800 hrs (having got up at 0630) and kept the hut "ship shape and Bristol fashion", then I'd leave them alone and wouldn't put them on a charge. It worked like a dream!

I was living the life of Riley. I enjoyed teaching; I enjoyed having my own bunk; I enjoyed being in the band and getting out of all the usual bull; I enjoyed going into the Corporal's Mess and taking the mickey out of DI's and "Daisies" (the RAF Police - so called because they have white tops to their hats); I enjoyed playing darts in the local Mendip pub league; and I really enjoyed escorting a few of the younger, female holidaymakers around some of the local beauty spots on my motorbike.

It was a trouble free existence and I revelled in it.

Had I been able to guarantee that I could stay where I was, doing what I was doing, I might well have signed on. But there was no such guarantee so I returned to Civvy Street - but this time better suited for the role than when I'd come out of the Merchant Navy. I got a job in electronics, went to College and finished up with various bits of paper (and a family) which I collected over the next twenty years. Although I've shifted tack on a number of occasions during my life, almost everything I've done and achieved in terms of work and academic qualifications can somehow be traced back to my National Service days in the RAF. Although many men of my generation consider their National Service to have been a total waste of time, I'm not one of them. In fact, it gave me a belated, yet valuable, restart in life.

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017 41

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                                         

                                           

42 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

                                           

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A Pensioners View

Governments Costs Unreasonable

O

n their own admission, the government is spending more than its income gained from taxation. We are now in the position where we are borrowing even more due to the BREXIT debacle and the decision that these discussions are best dealt with by the government rather than by parliament itself as is the prescribed method laid down by our laws to deal with such matters.

So what is the problem that has increased the governments requirement for money?

It is to get permission to change the law to allow the government to deal with the matter rather than allowing parliament, as a whole, to deal with this exercise regarding decisions on BREXIT and our leaving the European Union.

So what will be the cost of the litigation to decide that the law can be changed and who has been tasked to carry out the investigation on behalf of the government on this matter?

The answer is that the government have applied to the Law Lords themselves to make a decision on whether the law can be changed in this instance to allow a government to make decisions that are not open to parliamentary debate. Seventeen Lords from the Supreme Court are involved in the discussions which we know will take some weeks to come to a decision. The question has to be asked on behalf of the tax payer as to who will meet the payment of there learned panel who will decide the matter. No matter whether the government wins or loses the case, 44 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

By Mike Newman

the Senior Judges will have to be paid.

My Question is, who will pay the cost of this hearing? It certainly will not be cheap.

The cost should fall, in my opinion, to the government and not the tax payer. This is only one case where the government have started an inquiry to which massive costs have arisen and paid for by the tax payer.

For Example "The Chillcot Enquiry� which ran into several years before the finished papers were available for comment, I forget the cost but it ran into several million pounds. But what did it achieve? Who actually read it? the millions of words of testimony, what did it achieve? Was it really needed? I don't know the answers, but I know who paid for it, the tax payer. We pay for everything including their salaries.

Is it not time that parliament, as a whole, remember who pays the wages and suggest that common sense is applied to government programmes. How many millions have been spent on programmes that went nowhere, yet we cannot get a programme for Social Care, apart from paying another 6% on Council Tax that will come no where near the actual sum required.

Pensioners will be expected to pay the increase on council tax without getting any increase in pensions, so we shall be worse off in the new year. If we have to tighten our belts to meet government requirements, can we not expect the government to watch its spending. After all, they can only spend what we supply through taxation. The whole wider picture of spending within ones limits should also apply to our government. We should not borrow.

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Issue 75 • February / March 2017 45

Get your GLOW KEECH GLOW WALK

on for Keech!

Look out for strange lights in the night around Keech Hospice Care on Saturday 25 March. No, it won’t be aliens landing – it’s the charity’s new fundraising event, the night-time sponsored Glow Walk, where you can get artistic with fluorescent body paints and raise money for your local adult and children’s hospice.

Get the party started at the Keech UV Glow Hub at Great Bramingham Lane, Luton from 7pm, before setting off on the 10km walk along well lit, marshalled roads. Then it’s all back to the Keech Glow Hub and party time!

1,000 people are expected to take part so there’s guaranteed to be a fantastic atmosphere.

“I’m signed up!” says Leanne, the first person to get into the Keech Glow Walk party mood. “I’m so excited to take part in this brand-new sponsored walk. Let’s get glowing!”

Support your adult and children’s hospice and have fun doing it. This event is for age 16 and over.

Sign up today at www.keech.org.uk/glowwalk or call 01582 707940.

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WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Grove Theatre, Dunstable Bedfordshire, LU5 4GP Date: Saturday 1st April Time: 7.30pm Box Office: 01582 60 20 80 Book Online: www.grovetheatre.co.uk

You remember the songs, now experience their story!

Following its West End debut at the Leicester Square Theatre, You Win Again – The Story of the Bee Gees will be embarking on its first ever nationwide tour.

Immerse yourself into the brothers’ hits through the Sixties, Seventies & Eighties, topped off with a glittering array of iconic artists they wrote for, such as Diana Ross, Celine Dion & Dionne Warwick. This spectacular production tells the incredible story of The Brothers Gibb in an all new musical experience through the eyes of their manager.

Follow the band and their lives, through the early charting triumphs and fall from grace onto their meteoric climb back to the top…to become the multi-million selling Super Group we know and love today.

This breath-taking concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including: Night Fever, Stayin' Alive, More Than A Woman, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep is Your Love?, Jive Talkin', Tragedy, Massachusetts, Words, I've Got to Get a Message to You, Too Much Heaven, Islands in the Stream, Grease, If I Can't Have You and many more!

You Win Again comes to Grove Theatre, Dunstable on 1st April and We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to give away!

To be in with a chance of winning tell us...

What is the surname of the Bee Gees brothers?

Email your answer and contact telephone number to win@thevinemagazine.co.uk T’s & C’s apply. Two winners will be selected at random and notified on Tuesday 28th March An attendance confirmation is required within 48 hours of being notified or the prize will be passed on.

48 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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UNIT 7, SPARROWHALL BUSINESS PARK, LEIGHTON RD. EDLESBOROUGH, LU6 2ES Issue 75 • February / March 2017 49

DISCOVER Ashridge

Visitors Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. HP4 1LT

Half Term Trail And Crafts

Mon 13th - Fri 17th Feb 10:00 - 15:00, £3.00 per child

Come and take part in the exciting family half term activities we have on.

Head into the visitor centre and complete your craft before following our trail around the woodland.

Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for winter weather.

Due to wet conditions, the trail may be muddy in places and therefore not suitable for pushchairs.

All children must be supervised by an adult. Price includes trail and craft.

Easter Crafts

Mon 3rd - Fri 7th Apr 10:00 - 16:00, £2.00 per child

Make some crafts and have a fabulous Easter at Ashridge.

Come along to make and decorate your own Easter themed crafts. Why not head outside to explore the estate afterwards?

Crafts take place in the visitor centre classroom but make sure to dress according to the weather if you are planning on going for a walk afterwards.

All children must be supervised by an adult.

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mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk Issue 75 • February / March 2017 51

563

What’s On Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171

Explore exhibitions and events at www.nhm.ac.uk/tring.

Welly Wednesdays

Dodos

8th and 22nd February 30-minute outdoor play session at 11.00 and 14.00 Tickets £2, messy play for under 5s

Free family exhibition

Tring Park Scavenger Hunt 13th and 17th February at 10.30 and 14.00 Two-hour activity, includes a 20-minute steep walk.

Search high and low to find items to make a dodo art attack.

Most suitable for ages 5+ Free (advanced booking required)

Investigate Birds 14th and 15th February 30-minute workshop at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Explore the world of our feathered friends and get your hands on some real bird specimens.

Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+

Fluffball Dodos 16th February 30-minute workshop at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Make a fluffy dodo pom-pom to hang up at home.

Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+

Hertfordshire Atlas Project 23rd February 19.00-20.00 The Hertfordshire Atlas project aims to produce an up-to-date atlas for mammals, amphibians and birds.

Find out how local organisations have worked together, learn about current accomplishments and discover how local nature lovers can get involved.

Tickets £4.50 (advance booking required), most suitable for adults.

52 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

10th February - 25th June See one of the few dodo skeletons in the world.

Explore displays and games to learn about the new discoveries that have been made from these old bones.

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For all of your decorating needs Issue 75 • February / March 2017 53 Order Prints DORMANS

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Guided Walk around College Lake Sun, 19/02/2017 - 12:30pm - 2:30pm Venue: College Lake Nature Reserve Join us for a walk around our wonderful reserve. We will introduce you to some of the wildlife using the site at this time of year, show you some of the work we are doing to maintain and improve the habitats and explain how we manage the site.

Medicinal Walk and 'Detox' Workshop Sun, 19th March - 11:00am - 1:30pm Venue: College Lake Nature Reserve Put a spring in your step! Hear about herbal remedies to rouse you from winter.

Guided Walk around College Lake Sat, 25th March - 10:30am - 12:30pm Venue: College Lake Nature Reserve www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Family Fun: Sticktacular!

Wed, 15th February - 10:00am - 1:00pm Venue: College Lake Nature Reserve Join us for some sticktastic adventures and discover some of the amazing things you can do with sticks! Creative crafts, games and trails for children of all ages.

Family Fun: Sticktacular!

Thu, 16th February - 10:00am - 1:00pm Venue: College Lake Nature Reserve Join us for some sticktastic adventures and discover some of the amazing things you can do with sticks! Creative crafts, games and trails for children of all ages.

54 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Join us for a walk around our wonderful reserve. We will introduce you to some of the wildlife using the site at this time of year, show you some of the work we are doing to maintain and improve the habitats and explain how we manage the site.

Geology Rocks at College Lake Sat & Sun, 1st & 2nd April 10:00am - 4:00pm Venue: College Lake Nature Reserve Join us to celebrate College Lake's amazing geological discoveries on our Geology Rocks weekend! Come along and discover more about our incredible history, from amazing ammonites to mega mammoths! Please see our website for more information and to book your place on our walks and activities.

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mistydoubleglazing.co.uk 01582 638247 01582 638247 mistydoubleglazing.co.uk UPVC soffits fascias guttering & Cladding Issue 75 • February / March 2017 55

Clubs & Groups BEDFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY www.bnhs.org.uk TUESDAY 21st FEBRUARY, Maulden Village Hall, MK45 2DP 8pm Talk “Deer Management at Ashridge”

by Lawrence Trowbridge, Lead Ranger for the NT at Ashridge. Ashridge has a wild herd of fallow deer that can be traced back to a 19th century deer park at the heart of the estate around Ashridge House.

SUNDAY 26th MARCH, BROMHAM 10:30am Walk at Bromham Mill for signs of early spring wildlife. Meet at Bromham Mill café MK43 8LP. CURTAIN CALL THEATRE GROUP & YOUTH THEATRE Youth theatre open to children aged 5 - 16 Mondays 5pm - 7.30pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. Acting, Singing, Dance, Fun & Games!

Adult group (16+) Mondays 8pm 10pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. New members always welcome wheather on or off stage.

Call Gavyn 01525 220525 www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk WEDNESDAY CLUB at NORTHALL VILLAGE HALL Are you or do you know of an elderly person in the Northall, Dagnall, Edlesborough, Eaton Bray or surrounding villages who might benefit from a social day out once a week? Why not come along to the Wednesday Club from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Our own minibus can pick you up, morning coffee and biscuits, home cooked lunch with pudding, afternoon tea and cakes. Play games and bingo, sale table, entertainment by visitors and outside club visits.

Join in as much or as little as you like, make new friends, very friendly atmosphere. Only £9.00 per week including transport.

Contact Anna on 07854 230243, please leave a message if no answer.

BEDFORDSHIRE GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS & DYERS. A friendly group of textile crafts people who meet in Flitwick Village Hall twice a month.

First Tuesday evening of each month 7.30 - 9-30 and Third Saturday, all day, 10.30 to 4.30.

We welcome visitors interested in seeing what we do, so please pay a visit to our website www.bedsguildwsd.blogspot.co.uk BEECROFT CRAFT & CHAT Beecroft Community Centre Westfield Road Dunstable We meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m on a “drop in/drop out” basis.

We meet to have a cuppa, chat and craft together in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Our many experienced crafters offer mini workshops on a variety of crafts and are always on hand to advise and help with any crafting problems you may have.

ALL CRAFTS WELCOME If you are bored, or don’t/can’t craft, why not come and try something new with us.

The first session is FREE Annual subscription £5.00 Session Fee: £3.00 For more info; contact Dorothy on 01582 606812 or check out Beecroft Craft & Chat on Facebook DUNSTABLE WI Dunstable W.I. meet two evenings a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Watling School Bullpond Lane at 7.30pm. We are a friendly group and like to enjoy ourselves. We have a wide range of speakers with different talents and crafts, and also quiz nights to test our brains. We

56 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Welcome new members so join us and make new friends. For more information telephone Barbara Fisher on 01582 665252 NATIONAL TRUST All meetings are held at Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3.00 As well as outing we also run a holiday once per year. If you would like to join the group, please contact, Lynder Power 01582 696193 or Janr Lingham 01582 606838 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, Philip Savage on 01582 662462.

FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMON We are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as 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 LANGDALE CHURCH Langdale church communities: Art group every week, Friends and Neighbours open to everyone speaker and refreshments every second Thursday, Toddler group every

February - March 2017 Wednesday term time only, Saturday coffee morning second Saturday every month, Carers drop in 1st Thursday every month. Neighbourhood chaplains befriending and support in the local community. Sunday morning services at 10.30am. Please contact 01582 602980 langdalechurch@talktalk.net SOCIAL GROUP We are a small group of people age 45+. If you like to have fun and enjoy yourself then please get in touch. No Membership required, just ring Tina for more information between 10am & 8pm week days 01582 619035 NORTHALL TODDLER GROUP Northall Village Hall, LU6 2EX Join new mums, dads, grandparents and carers.Every Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30am (including school holidays) For children aged 0-5 years.

Tea, coffee, juices and healthy snack.

Come join in the fun, games and learning (inside and out) £2.50 during term time (per family) £1 per child during school holidays (Adults free & older children welcome) Tel. Stacey 07957 607592 or Sally 07963 506188 ARTS & CRAFTS Art & Craft for adults with learning difficulties every Wednesday 10.30am - 12.30pm & every Sat 11am - 1pm at Arttrend, rear of 440 Dunstable Road.Please see the website www.arttrend.co.uk for all the details or phone 07794987796 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.

01582 865966 Sue or Julian Enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk DUNSTABLE CAMERA CLUB Dunstable Camera Club, meet 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7.15pm, Conservative Club, High St. Dunstable.

Friendly atmosphere. Improve your photography in a social environment. www.dunstablecameraclub.co.uk 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 Tel: Amanda Fletcher 01582 404479 SAPHIRE SOCIAL CLUB We meet every Thursday at The Orange Tree Stevenage Rd Hitchin from 8.30pm. A small and friendly group for single people aged 50+. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for 2 months. For further info call/text Ian 07900 890583 or Joyce 07952 678021 www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

For more information contact David tel: 01582 872106 DUNSTABLE GARDEN CLUB “Members & friends have enjoyed several garden visits during the summer including Hampton Court Flower Show. The last one of the season was on 8th September to Wakehurst Place, Sussex with its lovely gardens and home to the Millennium Seed Bank of international importance. Our winter programme started on 12th September.

All meetings are held in the Salvation Army Hall, Dunstable (near Wilkinson’s car park) at 7.30 pm.

Members are welcome £2 and the annual sub is £10.

Further information from Mary Chapman 01582 603710 NEW MOON MORRIS We are a mixed side dancing traditional dances from all over England – with our own twist – as well as choreographing new dances.

We are particularly looking for new dancers. We meet most Tuesday evenings 8:15 – 10:15 at Ivinghoe Town Hall, LU7 9EW (we advise that you check – in case we are ‘dancing out’). Contact: squire. newmoon@gmail.com. Find out more at: http://newmoonmorris. blogspot.co.uk

DUNSTABLE BAPTIST CHURCH St Mary’s Gate (Middle of Ashton Square Car Park) Our Friends and Neighbours meetings are open to everyone on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

Issue 75 • February / March 2017 57

Clubs & Groups DUNSTABLE DAOS Tuesdays and Fridays, 7:45pm - 10:00pm We are Dunstable's premier Musical Theatre group. We perform out major shows, once a year, at The Grove Theatre in Dunstable along with concerts, small shows and so on. Find our Facebook Group or Facebook page for more details.

Email: daosuk@gmail.com STUDHAM W.I. We are a very friendly WI meeting on the first Thursday of the month, 7.45pm at Studham Village Hall.

Our programme is full and varied: October, (Ladies only), Chris Bylett, one of the top 10 ventriloquists in the country - “The man who is paid to talk to himself”, and November, (Open meeting - both sexes) Chris Hazell, local composer/arranger who has won several Grammy awards - “Just for the Record”. We have “Ladies Wot Lunch” and “Ladies

Who Dine” as well as a Darts Team and take part in many County trips and events.

Cost for visitors if £3.50 which includes refreshment. There is a Raffle at every meeting and a “Bring and Buy” at Open meetings. Why not look at our facebook page to see what we have been doing recently.

We would be delighted to see you and are sure that you will have an enjoyable evening.

LIPREADING CLASS: DUNSTABLE Did you know that one in six people in this country have some kind of hearing problem?

Hearing loss can affect anyone of any age. Hearing aids have improved enormously, they use all the advances in modern technology, but even the best aids don’t cure hearing loss. It is still a problem to hear in noisy social or work environments, but all is not lost.

Research has shown that joining a lipreading class helps to avoid the

NEW MOON MORRIS New Moon Morris started in late 2014 with only five members, but is growing very fast. They dance traditional dances from all over England, often with their own twist, as well as choreographing new dances.

Their costumes are bright, colourful and instantly recognisable – a unique take on the traditional outfits, personalised for each member. You might have seen them 'dance out' in their local Herts/Beds/ Bucks area, but they have also been popular at festivals as far away as Northamptonshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Kent. Their calendar starts in January with wassailing the apple orchards, and ends with Christmas

58 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

damaging social isolation that can accompany hearing loss. Lipreading classes teach you to let your eyes help your ears fill in the things you miss. They are small friendly classes, and as well as learning lipreading we cover, how hearing works and the things that can go wrong, equipment and organisations that can help, strategies to cope in various situations, and much more, oh, and we laugh a lot!

My name is Molly Berry, and I am profoundly deaf, I started losing my hearing when I was in my thirties, and 7 years ago I was given a Cochlear Implant. It was very successful, and so I decided to retrain as a lipreading tutor to pass on the skills I relied on. I teach in Beds. Bucks and Herts, and there is now a class in Dunstable on a Wednesday afternoon. For more information about this and other classes or to join a class, call or text me on 07741 095921 or email me at mb.lipreading@gmail.com

performances of music and dance, but they are most active during the spring and summer months. They perform to a mixture of traditional and more modern tunes – played by a growing band of musicians, and interpreted with a diverse selection of instruments. For them the focus is on making lively and memorable music and entertaining audiences with their dances – it's all about having fun and welcoming all.

New Moon are particularly looking for new dancers, although musicians are also welcome. You don't need previous experience to be a dancer, and it is excellent exercise. They meet most Tuesday evenings 8:15 – 10:15 at Ivinghoe Town Hall, Ivinghoe, LU7 9EW (and often at the pub afterwards). There is more information about them at: http://newmoonmorris.blogspot.co.uk – which also links to Facebook and their website. Or, go along to Ivinghoe to meet them, although do check first in case they are dancing away that week – you can contact: squire.newmoon@gmail.com.

February - March 2017

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Houghton Regis Wildlife Watch Group (for all children aged 8-12 years in South Beds) Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of the Wildlife Trust and is the UK’s leading wildlife club for children.

Meeting once a month, Watch Group encourages children to take an interest in wildlife and the environment, explore their surroundings and have great fun.

Do you love wildlife in your local area? Are you keen to share your enthusiasm for nature with others? Could commit to helping this great group one Friday evening per month? Then this could be the volunteering opportunity for you! We are currently looking for volunteers who would like to register as Wildlife Watch Leaders for our successful Houghton Regis group. Working as part of a volunteer-led team, Watch Leaders deliver fun and informative wildlife sessions for children and young people.

For more details please contact Sarah Cowling or visit: http://www.wildlifebcn.org/volunteer-opportunities/wildlifewatch-leader-houghton-regis

Our Volunteer Walking Wardens act as another set of eyes and ears for our reserves, protecting them and encouraging responsible use of the reserves. We are looking to recruit some more Volunteer Walking Wardens, if this is something you would be interested in please contact the Toddington Office for more information and a role-description.

Contact details: 01525 874317 or Toddington@wildlifebcn.org

Sarah - 01525 874317 or email sarah.cowling @wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org Registered charity No. 1000412

wildlifebcn and wildlife north chiltern’s chalk

wildlifebcn

Registered charity No. 1000412

Are you planning an event in 2017?

We’d love to hear from you...

If you would like to include your event, club or group in our What’s On pages get in touch, it’s free!* Contact Shelly on 01525 222379 or 07852 453043.

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk You can also send us a message and share events/news to our Facebook page, The Vine Magazine, or upload your events yourself on our website www.thevinedirectory.co.uk *Free to charities and non profit organisations.

Easter Egg Hunt Can you & your dog find the Eggs? Join Tom for a 30 minute scent workshop.

Sessions start at 12.15, 1.30 & 2.15pm - £2.50 per dog - booking essential

Walkies!

Join Reserve Officer Esther for a guided dog walk around the reserve. Walk starts at 1pm. Suitable clothing & sturdy footwear advised.

And more.. 

www.svphotography.co.uk

Local Pet Photographer Sue, will be taking photos on the day. Come and talk to her to order a copy or to book a photo shoot for you and your pet. ©svphotography

Do you need to spread the word?

www.uniquepets.co.uk

Find out more about your local Wildlife Trust and how we look after Blow’s Downs



Nature Crafts for the kids



Unique Pets boutique stall



Other local dog businesses

Location: The Paddocks, Blow’s Downs accessed via Half Moon Lane, LU5 4AE For more information or to book a place on the Easter Egg hunt please contact Sarah: 01525 874317 or email sarah.cowling @wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org

Registered charity No. 1000412

Issue 75 • February / March 2017 59

Out & About CHILTERN GATEWAY Dunstable Road, LU6 2GY

Planetarium 11th Feb 1pm - 4pm £4 12th & 13th Feb 10am - 4pm £4 Take an adventure across the night sky this half term at the Chilterns Gateway Centre. Following the huge demand for our stargazing nights, we will be welcoming Dark Sky Wales and their incredible indoor planetarium.

Explore the universe and take a guided tour across the skies and find out more about the mythology behind the stars in a stunning indoor planetarium. Every half hour there will be presentations running for 30 minutes. Call 08442491895 Stargazing Night at Dunstable Downs Adult Evening 11th & 12th Feb 7pm - 9pm £15 Discover the wonders of our Universe at Dunstable Downs Feb 2017 with an experienced astronomer as your guide. Our astronomers will have telescopes set up to provide detailed views of the night sky as you've never seen it before.

Venus and Mars will be visible together in the sky early evening with a full moon later on. Weather permitting.

Find out the names of some of the brightest stars in the sky, and why not all stars are the same color. Along with many other interesting facts.

Call 08442491895

Blunham Giant Book Sale Saturday 18th February 10.00 to 3.00 pm Come to our Browse and Buy Second Hand Giant Book Sale at Blunham Parish Church, Selection of second hand/nearly new books, Homemade cakes, teas and coffees, homemade soup and a raffle. All proceeds to Blunham Church Fabric Fund (St Edmunds or St James, Park Lane Beds MK44 3NQ.)

Antiques Fair Monday 1st May 10am - 4pm The Rotary Club of Dunstable shares an international motto of “Service above Self”.

The Club members raise money during the year to put into their Benevolent Fund and once a year this money is distributed to charities local to Dunstable and the surrounding villages.

To this end an Antiques Fair is held three times a year at the Dunstable Leisure Centre where the majority of the income goes to the Benevolent Fund. The next Fair is on Bank Holiday Monday 1st May 2017 and is open to the public between 10am and 4pm.

Admission is a modest £2 per person.

How can you help?

By having a stall at the event. Please contact Alan Tarsey on 01582 872673 By attending the event By becoming a member of The Rotary Club and helping worthwhile causes in the community.

More information can be obtained from Roger Sharp on 01582 606405

60 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

February - March 2017

Thursday 26 January 11.30am – free admission

Thursday 9 February | 11.30am

Greensand Trust Talk: A virtual stroll in Maulden Wood

Greensand Trust Talk: British Trust for Ornithology Garden BirdWatch

Join Greensand Trust volunteer John Pitts for a virtual stroll through the seasons in Maulden Wood and heath.

Learn about the history of the area, discover the Working Woodlands Centre, home of The Greensand Trust, and find out more about how our volunteers help us with our work.

 This event is free but we do welcome donations.  Book your place by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk and search using the event name.  The venue is The Working Woodlands Centre, Maulden Wood

Join Greensand Trust volunteer Judith Knight to hear about Garden BirdWatch, an all year round survey run by the British Trust for Ornithology.

Participants record birds and other creatures visiting their gardens - large or small - and their information helps scientists understand more about bird trends and populations. This talk will help you get involved!

 This event is free to attend but as a charity we do welcome donations.  Book your place by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk and search using the event name.  The venue is The Working Woodlands Centre, Maulden Wood where secure parking is available for £1 per car.

Issue 75 • February / March 2017 61

EW T N EN EV

Answers Step On It LOVER LOWER TOWER TOWEL VOWEL VOWED

Crossword The ultimate Glow Walk!

Join us for a sponsored Saturday 10km walk with a difference.

25 March Sign up now at 2017 www.keech.org.uk/glowwalk

Glow Hub opens at 7pm Walk starts at 8pm

Registration only £15 per person (16years+).

Participants are required to raise additional funds through sponsorship.

(Guidance dogs only)

Registered Charity No. 1035089

Keech Hospice Care, Great Bramingham Lane, Luton, LU3 3NT Tel: 01582 707940 letmehelp@keech.org.uk www.keech.org.uk

62 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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www.cladwinds.com Issue 75 • February / March 2017

63

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