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October/November 2014 Issue 61
Connecting local people to local businesses Dunstable • Whipsnade • Studham • Kensworth • Houghton Regis
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This Month...
French Market 8 Competition 10 A Travellers Tale 12 Dunstable Skate Park 14 What’s Best For You 16 Consumer Clinic 18 Aged Concerns 20 Bedfordshire’s Night Sky 22 At Home 26 In The Garden 28 Health Beauty & Wellbeing 32 Why Children Should Play 34 Hash House Harriers 38 Auto-biographies 40 Puzzles 42 Out & About 44
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At the end of the football season 2013 /14 my sons team manager decided he no longer wanted to coach the side and knowing I was eager to take over he handed over the reins. I had already decided that I wanted to start at a different club as a friend of mine was running a younger side there. I spoke to the relevant people at the club and they were eager for us to join them and so for the 2014/15 season we would play under the Dunstable Town umbrella as their under 8 side. It now got busy as I did my level 1 coaching badge, did trials and took training. Six boys joined from our old team and four new boys joined us. We also have another four boys training with us. Finally I needed a team sponsor . I contacted my friend Scott who is one of the editors of The Vine. They kindly agreed to sponsor us which I would like to thank them very much for. It was a perfect fit as both Dunstable Town and The Vine are very keen to connect with the local community. We have had a good start to the season winning our first game .Hopefully all the boys will enjoy themselves and have lots of fun this coming season. Paul Fisher.
www.thevinemagazine.com
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FRENCH MARKET France At Home... At Home In Dunstable! France at Home will now also be on The Square on Friday 24 October 2014 so you will have two whole days to decide which lovely goods to keep or to give away as Christmas presents! For the first time France at Home will be running a genuine French Market on Friday 24 AND Saturday 25 October in Dunstable, on The Square from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. French Traders, coming from Normandy, will be selling a wide range of authentic produce from France including bread and patisserie, pancakes, French cheeses and wines, leather handbags, olives from Provence, paté and saucisson from Normandy, wooden toys, basketwork and French music. There will be many fantastic products that you will want to try. Bakery, biscuits and crepes: This is something that the French do best. The variety and styles of breads is truly amazing. You will certainly have to watch your waistline when you are tempted by the delicious crepes and cakes ! Cheese and Sausages: These are just two of the variety of foodstuffs available. There is a full range of cooked meats and a delightful range of delicious crepes, biscuits and much more. Music: A treasure trove of vintage music from the 20s to the 50s. You will find amongst others, CDs of the great Chansons Francaises from Edith Piaf and Charles Trenet to Jacques Brel and George Brassens, accordion music, swing from the likes of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, Dixieland from New Orleans, Jazz, Blues and much more. Hats, Scarves, Bags - Try on a French chapeau or choose a leather hand crafted bag to go with your outfit. Then further accessorise it with a Paris styled scarf - but be warned there is such a huge choice it could take some time. Come and say Bonjour to Dunstable’s French Market! 8
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Win Tickets! We have 2 pairs of tickets to see Charlie at The Grove Theatre to give away. To win a pair simply complete the title of Charlie’s first big hit? Was it... What Colour is A. B. C.
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On The Road The marvellous Charlie Landsborough hits the road again this Autumn playing 22 dates across the country arriving at Grove Theatre, Dunstable on Friday 24th October. It’s been 20 years since Charlie Landsborough first shot to fame with ‘What Colour Is The Wind’ and the song still gets played on national radio. But the story doesn’t end there. Over the years Charlie has released some 27 albums and a plethora of singles going on to win fans across the globe . His melodic, lyrical brand of Americana and finely honed ballads have touched the hearts of people all over the world while the stories that intersperse his live performance are alone worth the price of admission. Charlie and his band always deliver a great night out and this Autumn they take to the road again to play a series of major shows across the UK. The dates come as the sequel to Charlie’s successful 2013 Autumn Tour with its Amateur Choir Challenge. (Certain gigs played host to a local choir, all set up by Charlie and all in aid of Children In Need.) The new dates see Charlie playing tracks from his latest CD ‘Here There and Everywhere’, a collection of Beatles’ songs, as well as much loved favourites from the past and previous albums. He is joined by his regular band for what promises to be an exceptional evening of music, good humour and inspirational playing. Indeed, as BBC TV’s Gerry Anderson so aptly put it, "Charlie's like good wine, he matures quietly over a long period of time, when the cork was popped it was well worth the wait"!
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11
A Travellers Tale Castles, Cathedrals and other Antiquities By Paul Heley
Warwick Castle
The Mound
The Trebuchet 12
A
s on a number of previous occasions, I have gone off on my motorbike (when the weather has been kind!) to have a look at some of the architectural treasures we are so fortunate to have in this country. And in this article, I should like to concentrate on a couple of castles both of which claim to be the best preserved and the most historically significant example of their kind in the country! Without wishing to enter into this argument, suffice it to say that in their different ways, I feel they are both excellent and well worth a visit. Let us take Warwick Castle first. Without a doubt it is extremely well known and is definitely on the tourist trail with many sideshows designed to attract visitors (who come in their thousands). But there is also a great deal of historical information to be absorbed as well since this was one of the principal strongholds in England during the 15th century (for example) when Richard Neville, the extremely powerful Earl of Warwick - alias the "King Maker" - was deeply involved in the to-ings and fro-ings between the Houses of York and Lancaster during the 30 year Wars of the Roses. But Neville's duplicitous behaviour came to naught and he was eventually killed at the Battle of Barnet in 1471. But sadly for everyone concerned, these wars continued for another 14 years until the Lancastrian Henry Tudor (later to become Henry 7th) defeated the Yorkist King Richard 3rd at the Battle of Bosworth Field in October 1485 to begin the 118 year Tudor dynasty. But the history of Warwick Castle goes way back to its original builder, William the Conqueror. He built a simple motte and bailey castle in 1068 and although there have been numerous structural changes over the centuries, the original motte still survives; and is known as The Mound. On approach, the castle is a most impressive fortress with seemingly impregnable walls. Even so, it has been attacked - not always successfully - on numerous occasions
throughout its long history. Apart from a host of separate attractions - many designed to appeal to children - there are historical exhibitions and displays for those requiring a more "serious" side to their visit. And there are also two stone throwing catapults (or for throwing anything else, eg rotting carcasses!) on show: one a Roman "ballista" and the other a formidable "trebuchet" capable of hurling missiles huge distances. When demonstarted, it is most impressive. The other castle of note (and which is close to Warwick) is Kenilworth. Although not so superficially magnificent as Warwick because of the number of ruins, it too has a great history. Like Warwick it is also Norman to start with and was built by Geoffrey de Clinton during the 1120s in the reign of Henry 1st. Its original Norman keep, called the Great Tower, is still largely intact. In the early 13th century, King John significantly enlarged the entire structure and dammed local streams in order to create a great lake surrounding the castle thereby making it virtually unassailable. As one wanders around armed with a free audio 'phone, the history is brought to life and various stories are told. such as:During the 14th century, it was the home and palace of John of Gaunt (the sire of the House of Lancaster) and was the favoured residence of Lancastrian kings. But in the 16th century, it became the home of Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester and the favourite of Elizabeth 1st. He spent a fortune on reconstruction and improvement in order to impress Elizabeth and also established a magnificent garden in her honour. During the English Civil War of the 17th century, Kenilworth Castle was attacked and partly destroyed by Parliamentarian forces so that it could not become a military stronghold for the Royalist side. In later years, it also received a considerable fame after the novelist, Sir Walter Scott, wrote “Kenilworth� in 1826. It is now administered by English Heritage.
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If interested, please contact www.thevinemagazine.co.uk PAUL HELEY on 01582 664339 or paul.heley@virgin.net Correction To Response To Blue Badge Article Last Month
The Approach and Great Tower
Further to Mikes Newman’s interesting article about whether the Blue Badge scheme could be modified, it’s worth pointing out to your readers that currently the Blue Badge does have the flexibility Mike is calling for. Provided the named blue badge holder (who’s photo appears on the reverse of the badge), is travelling in any car, the blue badge and its time clock can be used freely. Therefore the badge does already follow the person. Children over two may qualify for a blue badge if they have severe mobility issues. Also children may be eligible if they have a medical condition and need to travel with bulky equipment / need to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment. For more information on any disability issue, please call 01582 470900 The Vine or visit www.drcbeds.org.uk
13 Correction to Response to Blue Badge article last month. www.thevinemagazine.com
Work Starts On Dunstable’s Long Awaited Skate Park
After decades of campaigning Dunstable Board Riders see their dreams come true as Maverick industries begin building Dunstable’s Skate Park.
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Dunstable Town Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Maverick Industries are pleased to announce that work has started on Dunstable’s Skate Park. The £250,000 park has been made possible through Central Bedfordshire Council committing around £220,000 of developer’s contributions, and Dunstable Town Council committing £30,000 and to the ongoing management and maintenance of the facility. This partnership project would also not have been possible if it was not for the involvement and support from Dunstable Board Riders and the skaters of Dunstable. The build period is likely to take around 16 weeks, with the park being completed in the New Year – subject to the Great British weather! During this time Maverick Industries, who are the contractor designing and building the facility, will have a team of experienced skate park builders on site. The site will also be monitored by Central Bedfordshire Council’s CCTV control room. It is vital if the build is to be completed on time and within budget that all eager skaters do not use the park until it is completed. As tempting as some freshly poured concrete may be, by breaking into the site, not only are they putting themselves at risk, but the possible damage caused could result in the project over running and costing more and therefore delaying it for others. Further announcements will be made once the skate park has been completed regarding opening, and an official opening skate jam event. Cllr Nigel Young “I am delighted to see work begin on Dunstable’s Skate Park. Over the years I have been committed to ensuring that this long over due facility was built and it’s my pleasure to be here to see the work begin. I ask everyone to respect the site during the build period so as no to incur any delays, and I certainly look forward to opening it in the New Year.” Pete Smith, long standing member of Dunstable Board Riders said “After nearly fifteen years, since we took the first steps, its is just mind blowing to think we are going to get such a great park, built by Maverick industries. a very reputable company. We as a community cannot thank the council and all the people that helped make this possible, its great testimony to never give up, with dedication and hard work anything is possible. Even a switch threesixty flip down the five set. I can't wait to see what the new generation of riders will bring to the town.”
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15
What’sBestForYou
Martin
LEWIS Train Prices
By Martin Lewis
Train ticket prices are to logic what reindeer are to scrabble. In
Tackle your otherbills words, they’ve nothing in common. If you want to save
money on the train, take the logic book and throw it out of the window. While travelling by train can be cheap, efficient and on down any Ofgem-approved comparison site – Winter is coming. Don’t wait until you’reis knee-deep in to comparison easy, the pricing system a mess. So really hone the just search for The Confidence Code at the white stuff to sort your bills. Here, prevention truly cheapest tickets you need totake understand and combine first www.ofgem.gov.uk to see the full list. beats cure – tacklingpriced your bills now means you can the simple tips, then the bizarre… the financial bite out of winter chills…
If you're not online, use a comparison with a phone Book 12 Weeks Early For (for some). Free loft insulation and even boilers time,074 possibly travelling together a third off.asIfEnergyhelpline you at the same service, such on 0800 0745,inorthe same seat. often will travel with different people, While the loft insulation Cheaper Fares free-for-all's ended, some uSwitch on 0800 051 5493. It's perfectly allowed within the you could be named on more than Most people know if you free bookenergy-saving still be entitled to some serious Nationaldirect Rail Conditions one card to cover the combinations. early you’ll get cheaper advance Paying energy bills by monthly debit’s up of to Carriage 6% measures. and the only rule is that the train Senior Railcard. This gets over 60’s train tickets. Yet it’s important to cheaper. mustmean call atdiscounted the stationsbills youof buy a third off. arefirms generally sold boilers, If you can, do, as it’ll usually up Most ofunderstand the big six these energy offer free tickets for. I’ve built a tool www. 16-25 Railcard.toAlso a third in tranches, in other words there’s a 6% less, sooff, contact your provider to check. Though typically worth £2,000, and free insulation, usually worth though it’s often cheapest to buy the mse.me/ticketysplit that searches set number of each type, so the aim always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your about £300. Crucially, you don't need to be with the card (and for variants for you to see if you can 3 years worth rememberis to buy them before they go. bill isyour estimated. If it’s too high, you have a right to ask energy The provider to get it, but you do generally need an save. ing to do it before 24th birthkey time to look is around 12 it to be lowered. ncomeweeks underbefore £16,000, to to betravel, on income-related One of the best ever examples I’ve day to give youfor maximum time). youand want as benefitsthat’s or pension credit. I can’tisdefinitely say you’ll this was on a direct London when the timetable set so Got electricity only? Youseen can of still save. to Durham return when the cheapqualify,most but itoperators is worth launch checking. Alternatively, the Advance welltheir advance Get Discounts Late With electricity only, you can still get a cheap fix to save est ticket was £301. Yet buying four tickets then or within a couple meaning but stuttering Green Deal initiative isNever designed assume just that follow you’re the too info closeabove. For those on Economy 7, singles for the same journey: Lonof weeks to travel to book an advance or to let you pay forgiving thingsyou likemaximum underfloor heating, double assessing is trickier. It’s only really a boon those don to York, whichfor was onewho of the choice. So if you know you’ve got discounted fare. Walk on fares are glazing and solid wall insulation, from the 'savings' you use at least 40% of their energy at night. If not – don’t stops, York to Durham, and then in something pencilled in you need to often costlier than those even make on energy bills. Deciding whether it’s right forfar you bother. Full help to decide at www.mse.me/eco7 reverse, was £82 for the same train travelsoto, so you s complex, fordiarise full help readcan be ready booked a day or so in advance. at the same time - possibly even the to pounce. Always check via the rail compaCan you find your stopcock? www.moneysavingexpert.com/greendeal same seats. However, it’s important nies own site. Check via sites like No sniggering - winter frozen pipe bursts an to understand thatcan thiscreate is an example www.redspottedhanky.com, www. Graband A (Discounted) Save £100s beat the hikes.Railcard average £7,000 of damage, worsened as by many - theoften savings vary train train. Even takethetrain.co.uk, www.eastcoast. There are more national railcards Rather surprisingly, fixing energy, where you lock in a set scrabble round searching for their stopcock - the mains an hour later the same split may not co.uk andbig www.nationalrail.co.uk. thanthan thereaused to be. rate, is available now cheaper normal switch. Five of the water off switch - for ages as their home floods. work, so you need to check each These normally cost £30 (though six energy providers have now announced hikes, and time or use the various web tools often there are codes to discount Singles Can Beat Returns Take the time to find it now – mine under kitchen their best new prices are costlier than the cheapest fixed available to isfind yourthe split. this check on www.mse.me/trainLots of top deals are only available sink. Others find theirs in the bathroom or inside a tariffs. So right now you can get the very cheapest deals deals) and reduce all fares by a on one-way fares and cheaper fares cupboard. If yours isn’t working, may want to call a available, andTherefore it comes ifwith no-hike Look Foryou Hidden Promos third. you’re likelycertainty. to are often available for two single plumber now, before it’s a problem. Lots of train companies have hidden spend over £90 even on a one-off tickets, but not the return. Do a The onlytrip exception promotions buried on their websites it’s worthtoit.this is a variable (ie, subject quicktosearch for both options and Choosing between heating and eating? – which you won’t find if you’re hikes) tariff from minnow Spark Energy – though it hasn't work out the difference in price behind, If you're seriously or in general financial hardship going through a ticket booking webhiked (yet?), needsCards payingAre… upfront, and feedback ain't before you finalise your booking. The Main - as far too many are after the hikes you may be eligible site, such as -TheTrainline.com or great, so I’m ignoring it. Railcard. Two Family & Friends for special help. Call the Redspottedhanky.com. Home Heat Helpline onFor 0800 33 example, people can be named on this, and Split Tickets, 66 Not99The Journey to check. Plus if anyone in your home was born on The cheapest comes fromand E.onupfor slightly then a fix named person toa year, but Now it’s time to really throw the log- at the time of writing East Coast has or before 5 January 1952, you're due up to £300online in tax-fares 10% off some advance onger and a touch are deals from EDF or threeonly other adultsmore can travel and get ic book out of the window to make free winter fuel payments. Payments should be made and 50% off selected super off-peak Npower. Crucially, these two have no exit penalties. So 30% off the fare, providing you’re some really big savings. Instead of tickets to London, whilethen on Southautomatically, but if you’ve never had it before you on the off-chance the between Prime Minister delivers buying the price travelling with one and tickets for the whole journey, eastern up to four kids can travel for may needtickets to register www.gov.uk. four kids, who getthe 60% off.more unlikely cuts he’s promised, and even eventbizarrely instead buying for - see £1 off-peak with an adult. For a full Twobe Together Railcard. This one’stariffs its constituent parts separately can that they’ll so substantial that other elsewhere Plus anyone on specific income support, jobseekers' list of hidden promos go to relatively new. It gives two named slash the price – even though you're are cheaper, you'll be free to leave. allowances or pension credit gets £25 in cold weather www.mse.me/traindeals. people on the card providing they’re travelling on exactly the same train, payments for every 7 days it's sub-0 C. However, always do the numbers for your own 16 circumstances. To check if you can save (you may be on
What’sBestForYou Buy Rail Tickets When Not Travelling By Train To Get Discounts
This sneaky trick sounds bizarre but it works. National Rail offers 2for1 discounts on a host of attractions across the UK – you just download and print out a voucher and present it with a train ticket. Attractions include Ascot Racecourse, Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds. For example, if you wanted two tickets to London Zoo, as an adult ticket costs £24, providing the train ticket is less, it’s worth buying one even if you won’t actually go by train (just pop to a station on the way). Though of course it’s an even better saving if you’re actually using it.
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Consumer Clinic
By Jonathan Vernon-Smith
Should You Bother With Loyalty Cards?
You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio
From the Tesco Clubcard to the Boots Advantage Card. The Morrison’s miles card to the Sainsbury’s Nectar card. All the big companies are doing it – encouraging us to be LOYAL to them and not to stray elsewhere. But which of these schemes should we bother with, and which should we completely ignore?
you’ve saved cash, it means more.
ber that it's still more important to shop around for the best price on That said, it’s still worth having fuel, rather than choosing a garage them. You’ll notice I said ‘them’. I based on the loyalty points you did so deliberately. My advice is to can earn. In the end you're saving get THEM ALL! Either online or in- may be worth much more than the store, you should apply for ALL the points are worth. (free) loyalty schemes in the shops you frequent. That way you can It’s also worth noting that many benefit both in price and in points. credit cards offer a ‘points’ system If you’ve researched and found the to keep customers loyal to them. The first thing you need to underbest price for a product you want to This can be very beneficial. I stand about loyalty schemes is that buy AND you benefit from getting recently had a statement telling me they’re NOT giving you anything loyalty points (that can eventuthat I have used my credit card so for free. The shops that offer ally be redeemed for something much in the last year that I’m enrewards for your loyalty, build the meaningful), then you really have titled to 24 bottles of Pinot Grigio! cost into their schemes. Ultimately earned the right to consider yourself Considering I practically bathe in their customers pay for it, but indi- a ‘SAVVY’ consumer. the stuff, this made me do a little rectly. Therefore it’s up to you to dance in my kitchen. I would have be a savvy consumer to maximise Some energy providers now propurchased the items anyway, but the benefit. vide points for certain loyalty cards. by ensuring I paid for them on my For example if you have your gas or credit card (whilst paying off the They’ll be furious at me for telling electricity with E-On, you can link balance in full), I have earned myyou this, but DO NOT LET THE your account with your Tesco Club- self a little treat!! Always do your LOYALTY CARDS MAKE LOYAL! card and earn points every time you research before you get a credit Just because you get points for switch a light on. If you're already card. Make sure you look at the shopping at a certain supermarket with E-On and feel they offer you loyalty scheme they operate and doesn’t mean you’re getting the the best price, then this is an added ensure they reward buying things in best deal on your groceries. Keep benefit, but as I mentioned earlier, shops you use the most. your eyes open and be prepared to these loyalty incentives are rarely shop around, and maybe even do enough to switch supplier based on Finally don’t forget to use them and your shopping at a company that loyalty points alone. ensure you have a big purse or waldoesn’t reward you in any way. let. If you follow the advice above, When you empty the bags in your Most petrol stations now provide a you’ll need one! kitchen, you may still end up better loyalty scheme for fuel. For examoff than you would have done with ple you can earn Nectar points by all your so called ‘loyalty’ points. filling up at a BP garage. That's fine Remember you can use cash in if you were going to fill up at a BP more shops than you can points! If station anyway, but please remem18
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Pensioner’s A . .. s n r e c d Con
Age
View
Is The Present Election Process
T
Fit For Purpose?
hings are getting better we are told, our G.D.P is climbing, we are doing better than France and Germany as far as economic growth is concerned. We are, we are told, on an economic roll upwards, our policy is working – But at what cost? The cost falls, as always, on those who work for a living, some being in a position where they cannot find work, pensioners, etc. a large amount who live on the poverty line, as do many of the working class who operate on zero hour contracts and the basic living wage. There are many cases where both parents work and still cannot make ends meet. But this is nothing new, look back to the 1920’s and 30’s where the land ‘fit for heros to live in’ became a time when you had to sell your furniture – by government decree – before you were due for any assistance. You can not get away from the fact that the poorer element of society are the ones that require benefits, some met by the government, the majority by charity. You want to save money that could be used for more important things, so cut or scrap the benefits. Get people off incapacity Payments, assess them
as fit for work, anything to ensure that we are doing well economically. For the elderly, those have done their share of paying taxes, both direct and indirect, are rewarded with a pension that really appears to be not fit for purpose, but thanks to charity, i.e food banks and many others, the majority scrape by. Another problem the elderly are cursed with is the fact that any return on savings is rock bottom and also any extra pension is taxed as source. Do not dare to tell me that pensioners do not pay their way in paying taxes, we well deserve the odd perk we receive from the government such as bus passes, free TV for the over 75’s among a few. Having got the foregoing off my chest I would like to ask the question, directed at parliamentary practices. Is the present method of electing a government still fit for purpose? I am leaning towards the liberal point of view, ‘first past the post’ is wrong and never meets the total acceptance of the electorate. It would appear to me that a true coalition of various political parties, we have many to choose from, UKIP comes to mind, gives a chance of decimating the votes for the
By Mike Newman
major political parties. If this happens surely ‘first past the post’ becomes a thing of the past and a good thing too. Why do I say this? Because, if after a debate a bill does not seem to be going the way the cabinet wishes it to go, a three line whip goes out and all members of the party in power vote for the bill or accept the consequences meeted out by their party. What this adds up to is that many of the electorate will find a bill that they may be opposed to is passed. So in theory many of the electorate do not get what they think they should. If another coalition is wanted then it should be a true coalition with all parties which were elected by the national poll should be represented. The party whip should be made illegal and a vote of conscience taken by all 600 odd MP’s would decide the outcome of debate. In this way we really would have a democratic process rather than the present method of ‘you do as I say’. Seems like a good idea to me, the present system is not fit for purpose and must be modified to ensure that every person who voted would now at least have a voice.
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
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Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up! October & November 2014
By Seb Jay Image courtesy of NASA
dred stars nestled in the constellation of Cassiopeia is visible every clear night in autumn, and makes a See the International Space Station Sail Overhead: real impression when viewed in a telescope. Some see it as an Owl with two beady eyes glowing out October sees the International Space Station (ISS) sail through Bedfordshire’s evening sky. The action of the darkness. Others see the shape of an alien, a skier or a bat. What might you see? begins on Saturday 11th October at 7:18pm with a 7-minute passage of the ISS. Look for a constant Discover the November Leonids: Mid-Nobright white light with your naked eye moving vember this year is a great time to catch a falling steadily across the sky on a roughly west to east star. Cast your eyes to the east after midnight on trajectory. If you miss it don’t worry. November 17th to 21st, and look out for bright The space station will be making at least one flashes of light shooting up across the sky from the appearance every evening until Tuesday 28th eastern horizon. The November Leonids typically October. produce 15 – 20 shooting stars per hour. Some Is it an Owl or a Bat? It’s a question I ask every- years however see much higher rates of activity. one on my stargazing tours when we turn the tel- seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk escope to a distant star cluster catalogued as NGC Dark Sky Telescope Hire 457. This tight-knit collection of more than a hun- www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
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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 little understanding of how colour works, you can too!
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.
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 illusion of the floor travelling up the walls so tricks your eye into thinking it’s a bigger space than it really is. A way to do this with walls to make them appear taller is to continue the wall colour up onto the coving.
Help a long narrow room look wider You can make a long narrow room appear wider by painting the end wall in an advancing colour. Examples of advancing colours are reds, oranges, yellows, maroons and pinks. They help to bring your eye to the colour, which gives a widening effect to the rest of the room. These are just some basic tricks to using colour to your advantage when decorating. Give them a try and see the difference a little colour can make! by Sarah Akwisombe. www.sarahakwisombe.com
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In The Garden
Hedge-ing Into Winter
N
ovember is the perfect time for planting new hedges, and at this time of year it's a very safe bet. Prior to the use of containerised plants (which can be planted at almost any time of the year) planting between November and March was a gardeners only option, and as far as the plants are concerned it's still the best by far. When plants are dormant (asleep) they will hardly even notice being moved, and by spring when their new leaves emerge their roots will have already pushed through the surrounding soil in their new home. Hedges are often thought of as hard work, time consuming and have been at the centre of heated neighbourly debates (whether it's cutting them too low or letting them grow too high). They are great for blocking out unsightly views, adding privacy, and also make a wonderful place for wildlife to live, rest and nest. For the past 3 years we've had a variety of birds nesting in our Yew hedge and the addition of extra life in the garden
always pleases me. If you're looking for a quick solution to a green screen, then you have two options, either instant (such as a 2m high instant hedge, pre grown, trained and clipped, perfect for the impatient gardener), or Leylandii conifers. As I write this I can hear the screams, but it really is the best option for speed and it's cost-effective. Do be aware that legally, as of a couple of years ago, you have to keep its growth contained to 2m high if on a boundary (this does not apply to any other species). For the more patient gardener, try the classic evergreen Yew hedging. Like most beautiful things in life, it's more expensive to buy. It's also slower growing (15-30cm per year), but does only require cutting once per year in September, and will provide you with the most beautiful hedge. I also favour the evergreen Portuguese laurel, which has a smaller leaf than the more common cherry laurel, or Beech if it doesn't need to be evergreen.
Rhubarb originates from the colder parts of China and its popularity is fairly recent in historical terms, becoming more widely eaten as sugar became less expensive. The leaves are toxic and so too are the stems later on in the year, because the toxic acids move down the stems from the leaves and into the crown as the winter temperatures cool. October is the perfect time to plant rhubarb if you haven’t got any at the moment and would like a patch of your own. It’s quite un-fussy and will grow in sun or part shade as long as the soil is moisture retentive. Add well-rotted manure to the planting hole and mulch the plant with a ‘doughnut’ shape of manure about 50cm deep in spring. Give the plant a feed with ‘blood, fish and bone’ in March and watch it grow! It’s an easy perennial plant, which produces giant leaves and is pretty resistant to pests, although hungry mammals might feast on the crowns in early spring when food is scarce. Early rhubarb can be ‘forced’ inside up-turned dust bins, but only do this with established plants. Place a black bin (or terracotta rhubarb forcing jar if you’re a pro) over the plant in early spring, and then enjoy the small, tender and sweet stems as they develop and
For a smaller hedge it has to be Box, but alternatives include Lavender, Berberis, Lonicera, and for the perfect no-cut low hedge go for a small Hebe, (simply choose a variety which only grows to the height you actually want the hedge to grow to). Whichever hedge you choose, the ground preparation should be the same. For containerised, bare-root or root-balled hedges, dig out a trench which follows the line of the proposed hedge, this should be at least one and a half times wider and deeper than the rootball. Fork over the base of the trench and return some of the soil, so that when you plant the hedge it sits at the same level as previously planted (i.e. not too deep). Backfill with the removed soil, add a handful of bonemeal per plant, and dig in. Firm with your boot then water well before mulching with 5cm of compost, manure or bark clippings.
A beginners guide to...
Rhubarb
search for the light. Grown commercially in large dark sheds in the Yorkshire rhubarb triangle - between Wakefield, Leeds and Morley - this wonderful vegetable (classed as a fruit for tax reasons) can also be divided up this month if you have a large overgrown patch. Rhubarb freezes very well, and lasts for around a year, in fact I made a crumble in April this year using last years frozen harvest. Chopped into 1cm pieces, it can be placed directly into freezer bags, but to retain its colour should be blanched for around 1 minute in boiling water. Allow to cool and dry before freezing. To revive, boil in a little fresh orange juice, a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and sugar to taste before allowing to cool. It’s a versatile crop and makes great jam, compote and crumble, and tastes delicious when made as above and served with crème fraîche.
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31
Health Beauty & Wellbeing
Gatric Band Weight Loss Could it all be in the mind? Funny things, weddings. They seem to have the power to change lives, and not just the lives of the happy couple. Mary was mother of the bride, the wedding was twelve weeks away and she didn’t want to buy her special outfit in size 20-22. Sue had a very glamorous do coming up with cool guests in a cutting edge location and she was dreading being captured for all time in the photos as the chubby frump on the end. What’s more, Sue was borderline diabetic and her doctor was concerned. Then there’s Kate, due to be a bridesmaid next spring in a swanky ceremony on a tropical island. But Kate’s really piled on the pounds over the last few years and she can’t face stumbling up the aisle to the pitying glances of surprised guests. Yet thanks to the galvanising power of a wedding date, Mary and Sue shed two stone, Sue’s blood sugar levels plummeted and Kate’s lost a stone in three weeks and is on course to becoming the slender bridesmaid she wants to be. And they’ve achieved all this not through conventional dieting or calorie counting but by a revolutionary technique called the Virtual Gastric Band. The VGB works on the same principles as the surgical gastric band, only without the surgery, without a real band and without the huge price tag if you can’t get it on the NHS! Instead of surgery, an imaginary ‘virtual’ band is ‘fitted’ round the stomach with the aid of hypnotherapy and this helps the client feel full on smaller amounts of food. ‘The strange thing is I know I haven’t really had an operation,’ says Mary, ‘but I don’t feel hungry at all. It’s been so easy.’ While Kate’s friends are astonished. ‘We went out for our usual slap up breakfast the other day, ‘says Kate, ‘and I genuinely could not manage all the food. It was no hardship to leave some on the plate, I just
32
by Linda Dearsley
‘but
didn’t want it.’ I don’t feel Strangely enough, though hypnosis has been around hungry at all. for hundreds of years, no It’s been so one really knows exactly how it works. It seems to easy provide a way to give deep level instructions to the subconscious (sometimes also known as the unconscious) mind which are then acted upon automatically in day to day life.
.’
Recently researches in the USA discovered that the subconscious mind can process 11 million pieces of information a second, while the conscious mind can only handle 40. How they discovered this I can’t imagine but if it’s true, it illustrates the truly awesome abilities of our subconscious minds. Other researchers studying the brain have found that although we believe we reach decisions by means of logical, analytical thought, in fact, our subconscious mind lights up with the answer, several seconds before our conscious minds are aware of it. The surgical gastric band doesn’t work for everyone of course. Recently the press carried a story of a young man who’s put on 7 stone and rising, after dramatically losing weight with a gastric band and surgery costing £30,000. He was so determined to beat the restriction round his stomach, he started liquidising kebabs and deep fried Mars bars. Similarly, hypnotherapy isn’t for everyone. For most people it works well but for an unfortunate few it seems to have little effect. On the other hand, unlike surgery, if you opt for a hypnotherapy operation, the worst thing that can happen is that nothing happens! Linda Dearsley is a Virtual Gastric Band therapist. Find out more call 07852 237011 or email ladears@gmail.
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33
ren Should Pla d l i h C y y Wh usical Instrum ent AM
M
usic is an important part of life – nearly everyone enjoys listening to it. Yet relatively few of us have the ability to create it. Scientists say that children who play an instrument do better academically than those who don’t. It can benefit their reading age because it enhances comprehension skills. Learning to understand beat, rhythm and scales improves their maths skills as children learn how to divide, create fractions and recognise patterns. Listening to pitch, rhythm and tempo helps to sharpen their concentration and using mnemonic devices to learn musical patterns can improve memory. Co-ordination and motor skills are also developed as a child learns to convert written notes to movement of hands, arms and feet. This improved co-ordination and timing can benefit children in other hobbies such as dance and sports.
34
Children who learn as part of a group cultivate social skills as they interact with other class members. They learn to wait patiently for their turn, and show respect for others. It’s also a chance to make friends, especially if they play in a band or orchestra. Mastering an instrument and achieving goals takes months or even years. Perseverance and patience are useful qualities developed along the way, as is self-confidence which grows further if they go on to perform in public. Caring for their instrument teaches a child responsibility, while managing their time to ensure that practice is done regularly helps them develop organisational skills. Finally, learning about and playing a musical instrument can help children discover the role of music in other cultures, and this familiarity from an early age helps foster openmindedness about worlds and
traditions beyond the ones they know. If your child shows an interest in learning an instrument, be sure to choose one that excites them (my daughter was horrified to be presented with a cello when what she coveted was a clarinet). Select an instrument that suits their ability and temperament, and make sure it produces a sound that you can tolerate for hours as you listen to them practise (I have memories of my mum banishing me to the furthest corner of the house because she couldn’t bear the sound of me screeching on the violin!). I was nine when my parents found me a piano teacher, and even though the road has not always been smooth, I am forever grateful to them for taking this decision, as I consider myself amongst the privileged few who have had the opportunity to learn an instrument and enjoy the benefits this brings.
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37
The Hash House Harriers An Introduction to our healthy, outdoor pursuit. Whilst walking our wonderful Chiltern countryside footpaths during the weekends and holidays, have you ever seen small blobs of a white or blue powder dotted along the footpaths, and then seen circles, crosses, tees and other strange signs where footpaths intersect? Or, indeed, seen similar chalk marks along roadsides? You might have even come across us on Sunday mornings, or Monday evenings running in all weathers, and thought to yourself; “Who are these mixed bunch of nutters?” as we disappear into the distance with runners in the front calling; “On On!” If you have, then we are the ones responsible! The strange marks are what we use to set our cross-country trails. So, they are not illicit marks to target property, they are flour and so bio-degradable, and certainly not poisonous to pets, wildlife or livestock. Our hobby is a healthy, outdoor pursuit, that takes the form of a paper chase, with a ‘Hare’ responsible for laying a cunning trail with 38
d Soci Cross-country Jogging an
the objective to test the ‘Hounds’ ability in seeking out the correct route. We follow the Countryside Code, and use the latest versions of OS Maps and local Parish footpath maps toplan our trails, including making reconnaisance visits prior to the run date. Responsibility lays with the ‘Hare’ to ensure that the trail is clearly defined, informing farmers, dog walkers and others met en-route, of what she or he is doing. In the majority of instances, trails are laid from and finish at a public house, at other times trails can be laid from car parks at local beauty spots. However, due the continuing closure ofvillage pubs, the former is becoming a necessity. The actual marking of the trail is laid either on the Saturday afternoon before a Sunday morning run, and on the Sunday afternoon before a Monday evening run, so it is essential that the marks must stay in place for a maximum of one and half days. Most times, the marks remain untampered with, except for a few being snuffled out by wild animals and livestock on open ground. However, it is becoming more evident that due
al Clubs
to the perceived threat of potential theft or vandalism, we are finding that our trail marks are now frequently being ‘removed’. This ingenuous removal, has the potential for us to trespass, or cause unnecessary disturbance to livestock which we don’t want to do, as we look for further marks to identify the correct route to take. So, please don’t ‘remove’ our marks. Our pursuit is known to the Bedfordshire CC Footpaths Commission, and to the local Police, but frequent changes in Parish Councils means the ‘people in the know’ leave, and we are back to square one again. If you see these marks, and you are concerned, you have three courses of action to check their validity: · Visit our website: Websites of other Hashing clubs that run in the Chilterns, Beds, Bucks and Herts areas are also available. · Check with the local pub Landlord. · Come along, and enjoy the fun and camaraderie! Fat Controller. On behalf of the Hare & Hounds Hash House Harriers. Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire.
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39
auto Biographies New Pegeot 308 Feline THP 156
By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk
p instrument that information canbrief of the Peugeotlayout must means have sprinThe initial design New 308than had the highest levels ad easily and safely, looking over rather kled fairy dust over its of quality at its heart and that has wheel. designers, because there been more than noticed already.
are now some attractive Crowned 2014 European Car of the and Year, newly at the Geneva Motor t also has a compact steering wheel motors in its automotive Show, the suave Peugeot offers lectric power steering, resulting ina touch a responsive of technology, comfort stable, including the 308.
and practicality. ed driving experience. My 1.6, 156bhp petrol The new 308 is the fourth Peugeot model to be line’ It’s model certainly impressed no secret that the French firm me with its distinguished by the ‘Car of the hasn’t always produced beautiful ck to the road and hug bends - even when Year’ accolade; it comes after the motors – yet, conversely, Peugeot 307 (2002), 405 (1988) and 504 . has created some of the most
(1969). The appearance of the Pug is uffedTo tobring the more brimofwith safety packages too. As latest Mercedes more akin to the a balance to the Benz A-Class than anything else. tiple airbags it has an ‘Emergency Collision Alert automaker’s looks department, the The front of the car is dominated brandout is moving up-market. It’s an should you get ich gives an audible warning by a ‘floating’ front grille and by initiative started several years ago a strong lighting signature. Slim the backside of someone else – or if you’ve just and seen most recently with the full-LED headlamps glitter like dia208The and 2008. n time. 308 is also furnished with an monds and the striking illuminaCollision Braking System’. This is ation clever bit at ofthe rear, with the continues FAST FACTS three Peugeot lion ere, in the event of a possible crash, automatic ‘claws’ drawn by piercing red LED lamps. speed: mph ggeredMax to prevent the132 impact or reduce Inside, thethe 308 includes a touch0-62 mph: 8.4 secs screen panel on the dashboard es. Combined mpg: 48.7 for added indulgence. It also Engine: 1598cc 4 cylinder has a practical purpose; it brings 16 car valveoffers petrol great fuel economy, e, the five door together many of the infotainment Max. power (bhp): controlsplenty in one place, mpromising too much on space. There’s of for ease of 156 at 6000 rpm use and to create a contemporary gage and shopping, as well as forand youuncluttered and your Max. torque (lb/ft): cabin. Everything 180 at 1400 rpm don’t assenger. Rear-seat travellers have quite is arranged for an experience that 134 g/km is fine and rest is intuitive relaxing room,CO2: but headroom of theand car is so that Price: £21,345 on the road you can focus entirely on the road ough to provide a soothing ride. ahead. PROS & CONS The head-up instrument layout Classy √ information can be 8 is seriously considering if means you’rethatafter a Attractiveworth √ clearly read easily and safely, ed family The fact that thelooking modelover willrather alsothan through Safemotor. √ the wheel. Responsive tured and sold √in China indicates just how much The Peugeot also has a comRear legroom X is in this car. pact steering wheel and newly popular cars on the road.
40
developed electric power steering, resulting in a responsive and controlled driving experience. My 1.6, 156bhp petrol powered ‘Feline’ model certainly impressed me with its ability to stick to the road and hug bends - even when pushed hard. The car is stuffed to the brim with safety packages too. As well as multiple airbags it has an ‘Emergency Collision Alert System’, which gives out an audible warning should you get too close to the backside of someone else – or if you’ve just not braked in time. The 308 is also furnished with an ‘Emergency Collision Braking System’. This is a clever bit of gadgetry where, in the event of a possible crash, automatic braking is triggered to prevent the impact or reduce the consequences. What’s more, the five door car offers great fuel economy, without compromising too much on space. There’s plenty of room for luggage and shopping, as well as for you and your front seat passenger. Rear-seat travellers don’t have quite so much legroom, but headroom is fine and rest of the car is cosseting enough to provide a soothing ride. The new 308 is seriously worth considering if you’re after a medium sized family motor. The fact that the model will also be manufactured and sold in China indicates just how much belief there is in this car.
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Out&About
DUNSTABLE FIREWORKS DISPLAY Wednesday 5th November Creasey Park Community Football Centre Large fireworks display chreographed to music with food and funfair. 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.
EXHIBITION & SALE OF ART & CRAFT Saturday 18th October. 10.30 - 5.00 Village Hall, Sundon Road, Harlington Exhibits include: Fancy Goods, Greetings Cards, Jewellery, Fabric Handbags, Paintings, Needlecraft, Photography, Thread’s From the Shed (Beautiful Handmade Children’s Clothes), Pottery, Wood Turning etc. Guest Artist - Lesley Longworth. Adults 50p. Children under 12 free 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 44
• Clubs • Groups • CLUB Events THE DUNSTABLE ORBIT • Community
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 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
PRIORY HOUSE Tel: 01582 891420 GHOST WALKS Hallowe’en Ghost Walks, Friday 31 October 5pm (Family Ghost Walk in costume), 6.30 pm and 8 pm 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. A HAUNTING EXPERIENCE Saturday 1 November 8pm-1am Paranormal Investigators come to Priory House, Dunstable - Shadow on the stairs “APIS (Anglia Paranormal Investigation Society) member PW had taken some photographs up there (in the attic area) in the dark, and when they were developed a shadow could be seen on the back stairs leading to the attic, it is a small silhouette, and it could just be that of a little child…” The above is an exert taken from “Ghostly Bedfordshire… Reinvestigated by APIS founder Damien O’Dell, and Damien along with other members of APIS are holding an Investigation Evening at Priory House. Would you like to join them? Are you brave enough? Do you fancy taking part in a real ghost hunt? Visit the parts of Priory House that are normally closed off to the public. Tickets: £25, 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 October 2nd India’s Golden Triangle Jean Yates, Town Guide
October 16th Rosary Beads, Prayer Beads, Worry Beads and Abacus Helen Walker Sygrove, Priory House Manager October 30th Last of the Mohicans; Colonial Fortifications in C18 Seven Years’ War between the rivalries of Britain and France on American soil Dick Pilkington, Local Historian November 13th Intelligence Services Part II Bryony Norburn, Town Guide November 27th Entertainment & Sport in Dunstable Tony Woodhouse, Town Guide 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. 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 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 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.
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CHILTERN GATEWAY CENTRE Chilterns Gateway Centre Shop, 01582 500925 Halloween creepy crafts 27th - 29th October 11am - 3pm £2
Visit Dunstable Downs this Halloween to have some creepy creative fun. Make a spooky mask, witches hat or a spider; the scarier the better and then take your creations into the woods to create some goblins dens and see if you can discover some scary beasts
Pumpkin carving, Spooky Guided Walk 30th - 31st October 4,30 - 6pm £8 (inc supper)
Find out what goes bump in the night on Dunstable Downs this Halloween. It may be an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but at night you may get spooked. Give yourself a fright this Halloween and join the team on a ghostly guided walk across the Downs. Get creative carving a frightening pumpkin lantern, enjoy a warming supper and then brave a scary stroll across the Downs when the darkness descends. Please bring your own pumpkin to carve.
Make a bird feeder 2nd November 2-3.30pm £7
Help our feathered friends get through the chilly winter Help our feathered friends get through the chilly winter by creating a wooden peanut bird feeder or cosy nest box. The countryside team will be on hand to help you build.
Stir Up Sunday 23rd November 11am - 3pm Free
Make a Christmas wish as you discover more about an old Christmas tradition. Make a Christmas wish as you stir the giant Christmas pudding. Pudding tastings and treats to take home.
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