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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.
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Very
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- R.R
"Without doubt the most competent, gentle & lovely dentist in the Northern hemisphere! I won't see anyone else. Thank you from a nervous patient."
- M.B.
Greetings from Christ Church Dunstable!
“Remember, Remember”
When I was growing up, Bonfire Night was one of the highlights of the year. Wrapping up warm in your hat and scarf, toffee apples on sticks, the ‘Woo's and ‘Wow’s of the families as the bangers and crackers go bang and crack in displays of beauty and colour that mobile phones cannot fully capture. And the piece de resistance, the stack of wood making up the great bonfire upon which the effigy of a man is burnt.
The other name for Bonfire Night is ‘Guy Fawkes Night’, named after one of the conspirators who tried to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parliament on 5th November 1605. Long story short, the plot failed (apologies for spoilers) and the treasonous schemers were arrested, tried, tortured, and then hung, drawn, and quartered. Here, have a sparkler!
To many Brits, the celebration of Guy Fawkes’ failed ‘Gunpowder Plot’ is just something that has become part of the rich tapestry of British culture and one does not really think about it much until you must explain it to someone else. I have recently had the pleasure of sharing the story with my Dutch wife who could not understand why we celebrate this specific occasion above others. My conclusion is that we recall this event so well because of the rhyme which children have now been learning for over 400 years: ‘Remember, remember the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason, and plot. I see of no reason why Gunpowder treason, Should ever be forgot.’
There are many events in history which deserve the same treatment. They should be remembered and sung about from generation to generation.
Website: ccd.church • Telephone:
Hospice at Home Volunteers (HHV)
Dunstable, Houghton Regis and surrounding villages are an independent charity based in Dunstable, that was first registered in 1986, providing a free, inde pendent service to the local community.
Our volunteers visit our clients in their own homes, thus supporting them to remain independent and reduce social isolation at times where their life limiting illnesses are often at their worst.
Our services support not only the client facing these challenges, but also their carers, providing them with the opportunity to talk, and undertake personal appointments outside of the home.
Often, our volunteers are the only contact our clients have each week, so our friendships bl ossom and our support adapts to the needs of the individual clients.
Our volunteers offer practical and emotional help with continued support for those impacted by the illness and for the bereaved family within the community at times of loss. They understand and help carers and clients retain their self-esteem and integrity and maintain confidentiality at all times.
All our volunteers are provided with relevant training to help them forge links and exchange
information and ideas with others involved in similar work in the community.
We work closely with Keech Hospice, Mac Millan Nurses and other social-prescribers such as Citizen Advice Bureau. Our support does not replace medical service teams, we aim to enhance the quality of life of our clients through our 1-2-1 interactions.
Join us for a fundraising Ploughmans Supper & evening of music on Saturday 23rd November
We are self funded, and host a number of charity fundraisers each year to help maintain the service we offer. Our next event is a Ploughman’s Supper evening on the 23 November, where the Last of the Summer Ukuleles will be providing us with an evening of music. If you would like to support this event please contact the chair of trustees, Liz Jones, via email hhvchair@gmail.com
Anyone can refer a client to us; likewise we welcome people coming forward interested in becoming Volunteers. All enquiries should be sent via our Volunteer Manager, Maureen, via email dunstablehhv@gmail.com , or by calling 07709131514
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
These days most homeowners suffer from lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
installation we carry out!’
every installation we carry out!’
every installation we carry out!’
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
every installation we carry out!’
every installation we carry out!’
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
Ladders,
Can Trust!
Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
Value. materials
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!
£444!
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our
every installation we carry out!’
Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!
Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer price
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
Quality, Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer price afford. relies on get a our calls have
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our
every installation we carry out!’
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’
on get a our calls have us by customers
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!
Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft! Counties Loft
301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft! Counties
every installation we carry out!’
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
Home Counties
Home Counties
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808
301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers
The company, based locally, offers
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
The company, based locally, offers
The company,
The company,
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise
Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation carry out!’
the
of
Integrity in that we
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure
Need more storage space?
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job. - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
Integrity in that we - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
every installation carry out!’ So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use
So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to every installation carry out!’
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation carry out!’ So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use
Hello
again!
from Appledown Rescue Kennels Mabel’s News
I am Mabel the resident dog at Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels in Eaton Bray.
Hello Ba r bara!
�eauti�ul �ar�ara is a �er�an Shepher� age� ��� years �ho is �it an� young �or her age� She is e��ellent on her �al�s an� has goo� lea� �anners� �er a��e�tionate an� �rien�ly nature has en�eare� her to our �og �al�ing �olunteers an� �e �oul� lo�e to see her happily settle� �ith a lo�ing �a�ily� �ar�ara nee�s an a�ti�e ho�e �here she �ill �e an only pet� Please our �e�site �or �etails a�out a�option an� an appli�ation �or� To support our �or� you �an �a�e a one o�� �onation o� �� �y te�ting APP�E to ������ or �onate �ia Paypal using the ‘DONATE Support a Cause’ option� Che�ues are �ery �el�o�e too� Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY 01525 220383 (10am-1pm & 2 appledown.kennels@btinternet.com Website: www.appledownrescue.co.uk Viewings are by appointment only
Beautiful Barbara is a German Shepherd aged 7/8 years who is fit and young for her age. She is excellent on her walks and has good lead manners. Her affectionate and friendly nature has endeared her to our dogwalking volunteers and we would love to see her happily settled with a loving family. Barbara needs an active home where she will be an only pet.
Please visit our website for details about adoption and an application form. To support our work you can make a one-off donation of £3 by texting APPLE to 70111, or donate via Paypal using the ‘DONATE Support a Cause’ option. Cheques are very welcome too!
William was born in 1028 and married Matilda of Flanders c.1053. They had 9 children four of whom were sons :- Robert Curthose, William (Rufus), Richard (of Bernay) and Henry Beauclerc.
The eldest son, Robert, was always something of a problem for William since he felt that he should have been given a greater share of his father’s victory in England rather than (only) being left with the Duchy of Normandy. William had to go across to Normandy every now and again to bang heads together and there was, in 1079, an occasion when an actual battle was fought between them and William was wounded. Clearly there was no father/son love here ! The second, and favourite son, William (Rufus - because of his red hair), was born in 1057 and was with him in England. Here he lived the life of the profligate son and was generally disliked. He became King William 2nd in 1087 - much to Robert’s disgust - following the death of his father but was later killed in a hunting “accident” in 1100.
The third son, Richard (Duke of Bernay) was born c.1054 and died (also in a hunting accident in the New Forest) in 1080 (or 1081) aged around 25. The fourth and youngest son, Henry - by far the most able - was born in England in 1068 (or 9) and later became Henry 1st following the death of his older brother. But to return to the story of William’s death. In 1087, he was back in Normandy pursuing (so the story goes) a vendetta against Philip 1st of France who had ridiculed him for having grown very fat. Whilst attempting to set fire to the town of Mantes,
William’s horse stumbled on a stone and reared up thereby unseating him. He crashed back down against the saddle pommel and suffered serious internal damage. He was taken to Rouen where he lay badly injured for 6 weeks before he died. His body was then taken to Caen Abbey where a stone sarcophagus had been prepared for his burial many years earlier. But it was now much too small for his bloated body and in trying to force it into this too small a space, it exploded ! It was written at the time “the swollen bowels burst and an intolerable stench assailed the nostrils of the by-standers and the whole crowd”. The year was 1087 and he was 59. It was a most ignominious end to one who had achieved so much and was a sad legacy on his life. He was succeeded by his son, William Rufus who became King William 2nd of England. The eldest son, Robert, continued as Duke of Normandy and to his youngest son, Henry Beauclerc, he gave 5000 lbs of silver.
Rufus extended his father’s policies to the far north of England and also into Scotland and Wales as well as increasing his control over his rather incompetent brother, Robert, in Normandy. He was a harsh ruler who never married or had mistresses or children - illegitimate or otherwise. This has led to the suggestion that he was homosexual. He was generally disliked and unpopular since his strong armed rule earned him the reputation of a brutal and corrupt tyrant. During his reign he had to suppress at least two rebellions (in 1088 and 1095) by the
William 2nd
By
Paul Heley
Norman barons who wanted to keep England and Normandy under the single rule of Robert. His suppression of the second revolt, however, was so harshl that nobody dare challenge his authority thereafter. He also fell out with the Church and forced the abdication of the Archbishop of Canterbury whereupon he sequestered all the Church lands for himself. It was not a popular move. In fact, the only groups who thought William was a good chap were the military and individual soldiery who personally benefitted from the “spoils of war” following successful forays into various regions. His general unpopularity was, it is suggested, the reason for the “accident” leading to his death in 1100. It was during a hunt in the New Forestone of his favourite pastimes and places - when an arrow struck him in the chest and punctured his lung. The “official” line is that it glanced off a tree and accidentally hit him but there is a strong suggestion that it was deliberately fired by a fellow Norman knight on behalf of his brother Henry who, when it was clear that William had ‘successfully died’, rushed off with indecent haste to get himself crowned King Henry 1st by a willing clergy.
The Rufus Stone - scene of the “accident”
Henry would prove to be very different from either of his predecessors. He had been born in England and considered himself English and he wanted the native Saxon English to have greater control of the country. But don’t run away with the idea that Henry was a soft pushover - he was a Norman after all. However, he wanted there to be a fairer and more meritocratic society. He was extremely ambitious, highly intelligent, and was the founder of Dunestaple, the forerunner of present day Dunstable. We Dunstablians owe him a lot.
Looking back
Take a step back in time with us as we look at a series of past events to have occurred in Octobers of years past.
1 year ago
Sir Michael Caine retires from acting after his final film, The Great Escaper; while Amazon unveils plans to start using drones for UK package deliveries by the end of 2024.
5 years ago
A week’s worth of rain in one hour causes widespread flooding in the Midlands, Wales and southern England.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s becomes the first major UK supermarket to stop selling fireworks.
10 years ago
There’s a live episode of EastEnders for its 30th anniversary, while both Gravesend and Kew Gardens record a temperature of 23.6C, making Halloween 2014 the warmest ever.
15 years ago
Briton Jenson Button clinches the Formula One Championship and ITV announces plans to drop the ‘bongs’ of Big Ben from the opening credits of News at Ten.
20 years ago
Arsenal’s record-breaking 49-game unbeaten run ends with a 2-0 loss to Manchester United.
25 years ago
35 years ago
The opening episode of BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs becomes the UK’s most-watched science programme.
30 years ago
Cookery show Ready Steady Cook debuts on BBC2 – it has now clocked up over 1,900 shows.
Looking back
Remember, Remember... November
Take a step back in time with us as we look at a series of past events to have occurred in Novembers of years past.
1 year ago
The last song released by The Beatles, Now and Then, finally gets it debut, some 46 years after it was written. It features restored vocals by John Lennon and hit the top spot in the charts.
5 years ago
New TV streaming service Apple TV+ is launched, while both restaurateur and TV chef Gary Rhodes and Australianborn writer and broadcaster Clive James pass away.
10 years ago
Band Aid 30 release their cover of Do They Know It’s Christmas to raise funds for the Ebola crisis in West Africa.
In reality TV, TOWIE star Gemma Collins leaves I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here after just 72 hours.
20 years ago
Parliament passes two important Acts - the Hunting Act 2004, prohibiting fox hunting in England and Wales, and the Civil Partnership Act.
30 years ago
Barbara Windsor makes her debut as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, the first National Lottery draw is broadcast on BBC One. The Daily Telegraph becomes the first UK newspaper to go online.
35 years ago
The final episode of Blackadder Goes
The Guildford Four are freed from prison after the High Court overturns their convictions.
50 years ago
Five historically all-male University of Oxford colleges admit women undergraduates for the first time, and in the second General Election of the year, Labour win with a three-seat majority.
Forth airs, with its iconic ending as Edmund goes ‘over the top’.
40 years ago
The UK and French governments agree to build the Channel Tunnel without using public money.
50 years ago
Lord Lucan disappears, Meanwhile singer Louise Redknapp and comedian Stephen Merchant are born.
Home & Garden
Finding Festive Finesse
How to begin the process of preparing your home for Christmas.
November is the perfect time to start preparing your home for Christmas. Okay, so you may not want to be lighting up your garden with illuminated sleighs just yet, but getting organised early ensures a stress-free festive season and, with a bit of luck, one you can enjoy!
Follow these tips to make sure you have everything in good order in time for the big day!
Clear your diary
Begin by setting aside specific days in your calendar for festive preparations. This organisation ensures you stay on track, you avoid last-minute rushes, and enjoy a more relaxed holiday season.
Guests and visitors
If you’re expecting guests, now is the time to organise. Ensure that any rooms they will sleep or stay in are ready, with fresh bedding and towels. Check that the heating is working properly and stock up on toiletries.
Christmas tree
If space is tight, think about where you can place the centrepiece of Christmas. You might need to rearrange furniture or temporarily store items to create the perfect spot. Alternatively, consider getting a smaller tree that will fit more easily.
Utilise ample space
If you have plenty of room, think about how you can best exploit it. A larger space allows for a grander tree and more decorations, but make sure it doesn’t feel cluttered. Use it to create cosy, festive areas where family and friends can gather.
Plan your decorations
Decide early, whether you prefer a traditional look with reds and greens or a modern aesthetic with metallics and neutrals.
Planning ahead allows you to purchase what you need without the last-minute panic, and that includes checking your existing decorations in order to see what can be reused and what needs replacing.
Deep clean
Doing this in November will save you time in December. Focus on areas that often get overlooked, like skirting boards, light fixtures and under furniture. A clean home provides a perfect backdrop
for your decorations and makes your space feel welcoming and festive.
Book shopping and excursions now
Avoid the Christmas rush by booking now special Christmas trips (like ice skating or a trip to see the festive lights in London).
The same goes for shopping - supermarket slots fill up extremely quickly in December, so secure your preferred dates, especially for non-perishables. You can usually book up to 14 days in advance, and this will ensure you avoid the stress of last-minute shopping.
By following these steps, you can create a warm and inviting home, ready to celebrate the festive season with those you love. All you need now is for Father Christmas to turn up!
APPLIANCES
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Home & Garden
Up the wall
Bringing fresh ideas to a blank wall that’s crying out for inspiration.
Art
The obvious choice and still the favourite – carefully-chosen artwork reflects your tastes, preferences and experiences.
Geometric
Bring a sense of order and modernity to any room, with clean lines, sharp angles and symmetrical patterns to create striking visual impact.
Use wall decals or paint on directly with contrasting colours such as black and white for a classic look.
Nature-inspired
Perfect for bringing a touch of the outdoors inside, use stencils to create detailed leaf patterns, floral arrangements, or even silhouettes of trees and animals. Or go a step further and install a full-on living wall in your home.
Bold and beautiful
If subtlety isn’t your style, make a statement with oversized patterns, vibrant colours, and dramatic shapes to turn any wall into a piece of art. Large florals, abstract shapes, or even urbaninspired graffiti art creates a focal point to draw the eye.
Vintage shabby chic
For those who love a touch of nostalgia, delicate lace patterns, old-world maps, or antique motifs – using muted tones like pastel pinks, soft blues, and creams – can help achieve a charming and cosy aesthetic.
Quirky
3D
From intricate geometric shapes to detailed sculptures, 3D artwork (including 3D printing possibilities) will produce pieces that stand out and add depth to your walls.
Memorabilia or own art
Add a fun and uniqueness to your home with whimsical illustrations or even humorous quotes.
Finally, add personality by framing concert tickets, postcards or old family photos.
A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column
Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the a able architectural business owner talks about embracing those parts of our home that get better as they age.
In a world obsessed with the new and the now, it’s easy to forget that some of the most exquisite pleasures in life mature gracefully over time. Consider a good whisky, for instance!
The same can be said for our homes where the elements of our living spaces acquire a unique charm and character that newness simply cannot o er.
Take, for instance, wooden cladding – freshly installed, it gleams with the pristine promise of youth. Yet, it’s only after years of weathering in the elements that it truly comes into its own as the sun, rain and wind help to enhance its look.
Then perhaps there’s the character infused in a home filled with second-hand
furniture and vintage pieces – each priceless and carrying with it stories that new items simply cannot match.
The soft leather of a well-worn armchair, the intricate carvings of an old oak table, or perhaps even the step into your centuries-old home that’s worn away with the constant tread of people. These little things are actually rather wonderful.
So, as you consider splashing out on something new, try to remember there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing your home is not just a product of the present, but a canvas that reflects the passage of time.
Home & Garden Home & Garden
Divine Divides
Bored or uninspired with your garden fence or wall? Try these ideas to spruce up your back yard borders.
Forget the irregular overhead conditions, many a quiet spell in the garden is spoilt by the dawning realisation that a fence, wall, hedge or border is offering all the inspiration of a building site.
Here are some ways to ensure your vertical elements are as resplendent as everything else in your cherished patch of privacy.
Natural cover-ups
Climbing plants like ivy or clematis create a visually appealing way to enhance an uninteresting fence or wall.
While they’ll require regular maintenance, easy-to-manage options exist, with trailing vines and colourful creepers adding a touch of nature and beauty.
Living walls/planters
Add a vibrant, green touch to your fence by using a mix of herbs, flowers and succulents to craft a varied and dynamic look.
Vertical gardens not only maximise space but also add an interesting, textured element to the fence. Consider tiered planters or hanging pots for added dimension.
Bamboo screens
Bamboo is a fantastic option for covering fences due to its strength, style, and durability, as well as being sustainable and affordable.
Bamboo can provide a natural, tropical feel and can be used
to cover unsightly areas while adding an element of elegance.
Attractive borders
If you don’t plan to cover the entire fence, consider creating and filling a border with flowers, ferns, or bushes – whatever suits your taste and gardening skills.
Let them grow to a desired height for added coverage, or keep short and decorative for a neat, clean look.
Ornaments and decorative structures
Alternatively, consider personalising your fence cover by adding adornments and privacy screens in various styles and materials, from simple trellises to intricate die-cut metal panels, adding functionality and flair.
These can be combined with plants and trees to create a unique and tailored garden space.
Hanging baskets
Hanging baskets can be filled with your favourite flowers to add a splash of colour and interest to any tired old fence. They’re easy to manage and can be swapped out seasonally for a fresh look.
Lighting
Finally, lighting will create a magical atmosphere in your garden, whether it’s a string of pretty lanterns or a cascading set of outdoor-friendly fairy lights.
This will not only brighten and enlarge the space, but will add ambiance as well.
Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column
He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about how you can protect your garden against the winter elements…
As the chill of winter slowly approaches, it’s time to prepare your garden to withstand the cold. I’ve always stood by a few key rules for protecting your beloved green space.
The first of these is mulching. Simply, spread a thick layer over your soil to insulate plant roots and retain moisture. Organic materials like straw, wood chips or compost make excellent mulch, providing both protection and nutrients. This process also helps prevent soil erosion, keeping your garden bed intact during heavy rains and frosty spells.
You should also aim to shield sensitive shrubs. Frost can be deadly for tender plants,
so protect them with fleece or hessian coverings or even an old bed sheet. Consider moving potted plants into a greenhouse or conservatory or clustering together against a southfacing wall and bubble wrap them to insulate the roots.
Also remember to love your lawn. In late autumn, give a final mow, keeping the blades high to avoid stressing the grass. Aerating the soil will also help with drainage, preventing waterlogging that can lead to fungal diseases. Believe it or not, the simplest way to protect your lawn when it’s frosty is to avoid walking on it!
hoses and any delicate garden ornaments and drain and clean water butts to avoid algae buildup, ensuring they’re ready to collect the winter rains.
Remember as well to prune deciduous trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth, removing dead or diseased wood and any branches that might break under the weight of snow. Trunks of young trees can also be reinforced with guards to prevent frost cracks and damage from hungry wildlife.
Where water is concerned, empty garden hoses, fountains and irrigation systems to prevent water from freezing and causing cracks. Store
Also don’t forget about garden visitors. Provide food and water for birds and leave some leaf piles and log stacks as shelter for hedgehogs and insects. As usual, a little care goes a long way in keeping your garden’s ecosystem thriving.
Greenhouses should also be thoroughly cleaned to remove pests and diseases, and definitely check the heating system, if you use one, to keep your plants cosy during the cold months.
Finally, the big one – even though it’s winter, start planning for spring! Use these months to plan next year’s garden. Order seeds, clean, sharpen tools and think about what you’d like to change or improve. A little preparation now will save you a lot of work and worry later.
Roaming charges
Now the temperatures have lessened somewhat, we’re back into a time of the year when a wonder into the wilderness really starts to appeal.
Boots & socks
Fleece
A warm outer layer is essential for outdoor activities. Choose a lightweight variety that provides warmth during chilly nights and breathability during strenuous activities, helping regulate your body temperature.
Waterproofs
Camping mat
Yet being prepared is everything, so here’s your passing to ensuring a comfortable and safe time in the great beyond, as we present our ultimate gear guide.
Invest in well-fitted walking boots to avoid blisters and discomfort. Pair with highquality, comfy socks for extra cushioning with moisture-wicking properties, preventing foot injuries and maintaining comfort.
The UK’s unpredictable weather demands preparedness for all eventualities, making a waterproof jacket and trousers indispensable. Opt for breathable ones, ensuring dryness without overheating.
Wild camping often means sleeping on uneven terrain, so choose a lightweight mat – one that’s easy to pack, and thick enough to cushion and support your body.
Sleeping bag
Select a sleeping bag suited to the season, ensuring it’s warm enough for cool nights but not too heavy to carry.
Tent/bivvy bag
Tents offer more space and protection, while bivvy bags are lighter and more compact, ideal for solo adventurers. Choose based on your preference and demands.
First aid
An essential item - a wellequipped and up-to-date first aid kit is crucial for possible emergencies and quick repairs.
Water bottle/purifier
Stove
Opt for a stove that is efficient and straightforward, saving time and effort, especially in low-light conditions.
Snacks
Access to fresh water can be limited, so carry a durable water bottle and a water purification kit to ensure safe drinking water throughout your journey.
Maps & compass
Essential for navigation, ensuring you can find your way even without a GPS signal.
Head torch
The same goes for hats and gloves, with both warmand cool-weather versions essential.
The ultimate gear guide to outdoor walking and wild camping. dark, for of the on
Insect repellent & sun cream
High-protein snacks like protein bars and flapjacks are ideal for hiking, with their slow-release oats offering sustained energy.
One of the hotter seasons, but sun cream and insect repellent should be factored into any kit.
Rucksack
A must-have for navigating in the dark, a head torch frees your hands and provides focused light, which is essential for setting up camp, cooking or reading maps at night (if you find yourself in such a predicament!).
Finally, the big one - a comfortable, well-fitted rucksack is essential. Ensure it has adequate space and compartments for organisation, with padded straps and back support for added comfort.
Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.
Has Your Double Glazing Steamed
Has Your Double Glazing Steamed
Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.
Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.
Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values
have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.com
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.com
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.com
Health & Beauty
Step Change
Can you go beyond the popular phenomenon of 10,000 steps a day?
While the 10,000 steps daily goal is familiar to us all, and undoubtedly boosts both health and wellbeing, there’s much more within this benchmark to explore if we’re to truly gain an understanding of what our daily steps are doing for our bodies. Let’s take a look…
Origins
The relied upon – and almost worshipped – 10,000 steps target actually started out life as a marketing campaign for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Their PR team came to figure because the Japanese character for the number looks like a person walking. However, it caught on and has since become a common fitness benchmark.
More than one step beyond
Studies show that even a small increase in daily steps can significantly improve health. For example, it’s said that every step above 2,200 per day significantly lowers the risk of death.
Research suggests that the optimal range for health benefits typically falls between 7,000 and 13,000 steps, and while a greater number generally provide greater benefits, the rate of improvement tends to level off beyond 15,000.
Importance
Not all steps are created equal and those taken at a
brisk pace or during vigorous activities offer bigger health benefits compared to slow, casual steps.
Thus, short bursts of highintensity steps, such as climbing stairs, can also be more beneficial than merely focusing on the total count.
Personalised activity goals
The ideal number of steps can vary based on age, fitness level and health conditions, and older adults or those with chronic illnesses may need different targets. Additionally, personal goals like weight loss, cardiovascular health and mental well-being might require different levels of physical activity.
The important thing is we’re all different, so knowing exactly what your steps do (or don’t do) for you is important.
Complementing steps
Incorporating other forms of exercise can enhance overall health. Strength training exercises – recommended at least two days a week – build muscle and bone strength, while activities like yoga or tai chi improve flexibility and balance, which
are especially important as we age.
At a very basic level, carrying a weighted backpack whilst completing your steps will add strength.
Consistency over intensity
Regular, steady and constant activity is more beneficial and sustainable than sporadic high-intensity workouts. So, consider choosing activities that you enjoy doing can help to maintain that long-term approach to a physically active lifestyle.
Leveraging technology
Finally, use modern fitness trackers to gain more detailed insights into physical activity. Similarly, linking with online communities offers motivation, challenges, and social support, making it easier to stay committed to your goals.
Gordon Ramsay’s Eggs Benedict
Introduction
Start the weekend the right way by making the perfect eggs benedict for an indulgent brunch.
Gordon Ramsay’s recipe features poached egg, Parma ham and hollandaise, all served on fluffy muffins.
Method
Preparation
1. Bring a deep saucepan of water to the boil (at least 2 litres) and add 3 tbsp white wine vinegar. Lower the heat down to a gentle simmer.
2. Break the eggs into four separate coffee cups or ramekins. Split the muffins, toast them for a few minutes either side and warm some plates.
To make the hollandaise
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan and skim any white solids from the surface. Keep the butter warm.
2. Put the egg yolks, 1 tsp of white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and a splash of ice-cold water in a metal or glass bowl that will fit over a small pan. Whisk for a few minutes, then put the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water and whisk continuously until pale and thick, about 3-5 mins.
3. Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the melted butter bit by bit until it’s all incorporated and you have a creamy hollandaise. (If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.) Season with a squeeze of lemon juice and a little cayenne pepper. Keep warm until needed.
To makes the eggs benedict
1. Swirl the simmering vinegared water briskly to form a vortex and slide in an egg. It will curl round and set to a neat round shape. Cook for 2-3 mins, then remove with a slotted spoon.
2. Repeat with the other eggs, one at a time, re-swirling the water as you slide in the eggs. Spread some sauce on each muffin, scrunch a slice of ham on top, then top with an egg. Spoon over the remaining hollandaise and serve at once. Garnish with parsley, chives or fresh herbs, to suit your taste.
Ingredients
• Just over 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 4 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks
• 2 toasting muffins
• 4 slices Parma ham
• 125g butter
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
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secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments, The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and estate planning or will planning'
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Unlike some TV adverts we don’t charge a fee for equity release, so no broker fees added to your loan!
'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments, The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and estate planning or will planning'
Unlike some TV adverts we don’t charge a fee for equity release, so no broker fees added to your loan!
Unlike some TV adverts we don’t charge a fee for equity release, so no broker fees added to your loan!
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Unlike some TV adverts we don’t charge a fee for equity release, so no broker fees added to your loan!
We can help you to review your current or proposed, Mortgages, Insurances, Pensions & Investments, Equity Release, Inheritance Tax, Wills and Trusts, or a general review of your current position?
Unlike some TV adverts we don’t charge a fee for equity release, so no broker fees added to your loan!
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Affordable festive adventures
Ensuring your festive getaway doesn’t cost the earth.
Planning a festive getaway can be thrilling, but the struggle of keeping costs under control can often leave us feeling like our breathtaking break is a real-life reconstruction of Scrooge.
Yet finding the route to a Christmas escape we all crave is possible, providing you plan in advance… and start now!
Timing
Probably the most important aspect of all, booking at the right time and choosing dates carefully can and will save big-time at the bank. With a majority of people paying a premium to be away on Christmas Day itself, maybe consider changing your excursion to just before or after the big day. You’ll save money, spend the 25th at home, and will, in effect, have a second break where you can do all the gifts, holly and Slade renditions all over again.
The right destination
to home. Paris at Christmas is a dream, while festive markets in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium are all accessible by Eurostar.
House-sitting
Imagine starting your New Year in a fresh location in any part of the world while caring for someone’s home. Not only do you get a level of comfort you cannot replicate in a hotel, but house-sitting exchanges are hugely cost-effective and often free of charge.
Lapland
Different
traditions
Travelling to a country that doesn’t celebrate Christmas helps provide a budget-friendly holiday, avoids peak season prices, and gives a unique cultural experience to the season. Japan, Turkey and Morocco offer rich histories and beautiful landscapes without the festive crowds, making a holiday there both economical and memorable.
Cabin fever
For many kids, the lure of Lapland cannot be rivalled. While this is still one of the pricier ways to spend Christmas, opting for November dates rather than the peak period Christmas is a way to savour the icy magic without it freezing your funds.
If you do want a festive getaway, save money by heading off the beaten track. A remote cabin in the wilds of Scandinavia may take you well outside your comfort zone, but it’ll also afford you a famously festive experience without the premium prices of capital cities.
Additional tips
Travel distance can significantly impact budgets. Flying further usually costs more, so perhaps aim your festive getaway closer
Of course, it could be you’re happy to splash the cash, yet you can still cut back on the luxuries if you’re determined to concerts and festivals
save. So instead of taxis, use buses, trams or bikes; avoid extra baggage fees by packing only what you need; and explore the free that many capital cities offer.
Puzz l es
Across Clues:
General Knowledge Crossword #045
5. Causing feelings of remorse (11)
9. Playground sport (9)
10. Colour of snow (5)
11. Place for exercise (3)
12. Tiny piece of land in the sea (5)
13. Double-reed woodwinds (5)
15. Government agency (6)
17. Higher part of city (6)
19. Combine into one (5)
20. Discarded metal (5)
21. Creative expression (3)
23. Sudden burst of light (5)
24. Organise by eliminating (9)
26. Creates drawing (11)
Down Clues:
1. Join together (5)
2. Ballet pose, one leg extended (9)
3. Prohibit (3)
4. Letters A-Z (8)
6. Not straight (6)
7. Structures for plant growth (11)
8. Labourer in metal factory (11)
14. Iconic hill in Abergavenny (9)
16. Without expectation (8)
18. Emphasis on syllable (6)
22. Bend forward (5)
25. Exception (3)
Name: Date: Fruit and Veg
Fruit and Veg Wordsearch
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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
info@cplrepairs.co.uk
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you? Windows not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and
Windows not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you? Windows not shutting properly?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you? Windows not shutting properly?
Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?
www.cplrepairs.co.uk Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you? Windows not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and
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By Dr Lorna Moore
Urban Sketching in Bulgaria
Have you ever fancied sketching in Bulgaria? Well, we did! Dr Lorna Moore took 5 students to a beautiful village (Kalofer) at the foot of the Balkan Mountains in September 2024. Bulgaria is a hidden gem rich in history and culture with charming towns, delicious cuisine and exceptional hospitality. We were welcome in this beautiful country and enjoyed genuine hospitality with home cooked Bulgarian food. Here is what some students had to say about their trip.
‘I really enjoyed all the days spent in this delightful country. All the sites we visited were interesting and offered great urban sketching opportunities. It was a shock (but a pleasant one) to go inside our first Eastern Orthodox Monastery and see the opulence and decorations so lavishly covering every surface, especially as Bulgaria is such an economically poor country. We saw so many beautiful, old buildings, perfect for urban sketching. However also great for wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere and culture of this wonderful country.
A highlight was swimming in the freezing water of a waterfall- very exhilarating and not for the faint hearted! I loved going around the old village where all the houses were antique replicas of the originals and watching the craftsmen at work was wonderful. We watched a coppersmith make a copper coffee jug using traditional methods and it was amazing. I could have spent many more hours there.
The visit to the sand coffee place was delightful too as was wandering around the old town of karlovo. The house we stayed in was a gem, and the homeowners there treated us so well and couldn’t do enough to make our stay memorable. Michael drove us so courteously even though he had very little English at his disposal. The food at the accommodation was plentiful (way too much to be honest) and food purchased in the various restaurants was lovely and so cheap too. It’s also about the company and we were lucky to be
sharing the experience with a lovely group of ladies- it was so good getting to know each other better but comforting to know we did in fact know them a little beforehand because of the lessons we had spent together over the years.
I would highly recommend this trip to other students, with the caveat that they wear elasticated waisted trousers (to accommodate the food on offer) and are fairly good mobility wise as the streets are often cobbled and the pavements uneven. A certain degree of mobility is needed to access the waterfall for example, and it is a wonderful experience to have.’ Pat Student.
‘My confidence has improved hugely, both in terms of overseas travel and in Urban Sketching. I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent hospitality of our hosts and the comradery within our group. There were plenty of cultural visits, including watching traditional pottery and woodworking… just imagine my delight, when I made my first wild swim, in a pool next to a waterfall. There was fantastic mountain and woodland scenery… incredible artwork and frescos both inside and outside monasteries and churches.’ Roz student.
We will be doing another trip to Bulgaria in 2025. In November this year Lorna is taking 7 students to India for another thrilling urban sketch experience. Next year Montenegro will also be on offer.
If any of these trips inspire you to do some urban sketching with like-minded people, then email Lorna at: drmooresartcourse@gmail.com or call 0789661 9660. Places on these trips are limited.
aspects of Roofing & General Maintenance
Hadrian Academy Achieving Excellence Together
Hadrian Academy Achieving Excellence Together
Primary Success with Top Progress
Starting School in September 2025
Our vision at Hadrian Academy is to provide a school of excellence where every child is encouraged and supported to reach their full potential.
Starting School in 2017
In September 2023 we were visited by OFSTED and we maintained our ‘GOOD’ rating. OFSTED commented that Pupils love learning and there is a great team ethos Pupils play well together and show kindness, they take responsibility for themselves Pupils have high ambitions for themselves and others and work hard.
Children at Hadrian Academy work hard at school and achieve well! We believe that standards in English, Maths, Science, the Arts and Sport are all important.
These drop in sessions are open to all and no appointments are required. Experts in all
Primary Success with Top Progress Hadrian
The Academy’s focus on the Arts has lead us to being granted the prestigious platinum Sing-up and Gold Artsmark awards.
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. In recent years, the school has achieved the School Games Mark Gold, Sing-Up-Platinum Award and Arts Mark Gold Award.
Admissions for children starting School 2025 is now open. Our open mornings are Fridays on 4th October, 18th October, 15th November and 6th December at 9.30am.
Hadrian Academy
Admissions for children starting school in 2017 is now open. Our open mornings are Wednesday 28th September and 19th October at 10.3011.30 am These drop in sessions are open to all and no appointments are required. 01582 618400
Hadrian Avenue
Dunstable Beds, LU5 4SR
Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!
October & November 2024
See the Super Hunter Moon:
On the night of 17 October the closest full moon to Earth for 2024 rises in the east at dusk. At 357,000 kilometres away the Super Hunter Moon will appear as the biggest and brightest full moon in our night sky for this year. At first, when the full moon is low to the horizon, an optical illusion will be at play too. Its proximity to the foreground landscape easily confuses our eye-brain connection giving the impression that the moon is even bigger than it is!
Look for a Comet:
From mid-October through early November keep a look out for a potentially bright comet low across the western horizon once it gets dark. Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is set to become a noteworthy sight for a few weeks this autumn, potentially being visible to the naked eye. The brightness of comets is always difficult to predict. Even if it does not reach its predicted magnitude of +2.0 it should certainly be an easy target in binoculars and small telescopes.
Catch Six Planets in One Night:
Late November sees five planets align in the evening sky, with a sixth planet visible later at night. Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Jupiter are all visible in an arc across the sky towards the south at 5:30pm from 22 November onwards. Mars then rises in the east by 8:30pm after Venus sets. For Neptune and Uranus you’ll need binoculars or a small telescope to see them.
By Seb Jay - Image: Seb Jay
Plumbing & Heating
Family Run Business With 47 Years Experience
Please ring Andy & Michael Clemmit on: 01582 873354 Mobile: 07956 110919 or 079432
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for volunteers to join our team at Dunstable Citizens Advice. Roles available are Advisers, Receptionist, Treasurer and Trustees.
Volunteering Opportunities:
• Give back to the community
• Free, in-depth training
• Friendly, supportive team
• Expenses paid
Trustee Opportunities:
• All of the above
• Help guide and govern us Citizens Advice
• Be part of the decision making process!
Interested?
Please email training@dunstable.cabnet.org.uk or call 01582 670003 to discuss the opportunities. Take a look at our website www.dunstablecab.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
Growing gracefully
According to the UK Office for National Statistics, the number of people aged 65 and over in the UK is projected to increase by 50% in the next 25 years. This demographic shift emphasises the importance of understanding how learning abilities change with age.
So as we grow older, do our brains remain as sharp and capable as they once were? Or does the capacity to learn really decline over time?
This question is complex, and while certain mental abilities well may begin to fade, research suggests our ability to inform and adapt remains robust right up to our final days.
It seems fluid intelligence –processing new information, learning and solving problems – peaks in our twenties and thirties, gradually declining thereafter, albeit always being present.
On the other hand, crystallised intelligence – involving
Does our ability to learn change with age? on and
accumulated knowledge and experiences –continues to grow well into older adulthood.
Importantly, the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise itself – known as brain plasticity –remains present throughout life and means that older adults can continue to acquire innovative talents, albeit sometimes at a slower pace.
knowledge. The key lies in adapting learning methods to suit the strengths and challenges that come with ageing.
So the picture is good for those wanting to refresh and renew how they think and what they can acquire in terms of knowledge, insight and skills.
Indeed, despite some decline in specific cerebral abilities, a recent study found that those aged 60 and over were able to learn a new skill with similar levels of success as younger adults, although they required more practice and time.
What’s more, social and emotive factors positively influence the learning process for older people, who can draw on realworld experiences and emotional intelligence in the storing of new information.
So while age may bring changes to how we learn, it doesn’t necessarily limit our ability to acquire new
How to keep our brains primed for learning:
1. Mental mastery
Engage in regular mental exercises, such as puzzles and reading. These push the brain’s ability to find new ways to solve problems, which is key for learning.
2. Physical finesse
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. Not only is this good for the body, but the mind also.
3. Social sorcery
Stay socially active and explore new hobbies to challenge the brain. A good network of people and a solid variety of influences keeps the mind active as well as exposing it to new and beneficial experiences.
4. Peak sleep
Ensure adequate sleep, as rest plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, whether young, old, or somewhere in the middle!
Read All About It
You’re eager to read more books, keen to expand your mind, intent on informing your academic sensibilities, and hellbent when it comes to harnessing knowledge; yet you just can’t find the time to put all those burgeoning bookworm intentions into practice.
Why not try these techniques en route to reading a new book each fortnight…
Twenty perfect pages
One effective strategy is to begin each day by reading 20 pagesa manageable amount and not intimidating. Try to do this first thing in the morning, you ensure the day’s urgencies don’t interfere with your reading.
Pockets of time
Try to identify pockets of free time throughout your day when you can tuck into a book, rather than, perhaps, scrolling Facebook, or meandering aimlessly through the celebrity pages of the newspaper.
Focus on the material
Select books that genuinely interest you as reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. If a book doesn’t captivate you, it’s okay to move on to another.
Also mix up your reading material - different stories, study material, alternative genres.
Track your progress
Keeping track of what you read can be motivating. Use a journal or a digital app to log your books and thoughts.
Join a reading community
Finally, engage with others who have similar reading goals. Book clubs, online forums and social media groups can all provide support, recommendations and feedback to enrich your reading experience.
What’s on
Halloween At Chiltern Gateway
Center
Dunstable Road, Whipsnade. LU6 2GY
Witchsnade's School Of Magic
26 October - 3 November
Drop in 10am - 4pm. £3 per trail and cauldron craft.
Last autumn, Witchsnade’s magic was nearly gone, but thanks to the fun and laughter of children like you, her magic was restored and strengthened throughout the year. Now, she’s ready to share her magical powers with you! Start by making your very own cauldron, and then follow our trail to master skills that take you one step closer to becoming a true witch or wizard! When your training is complete, a magical surprise will appear…
For an alternative option, we also have themed sensory bags and spotter sheets that help you enjoy the trail's magic in a more accessible way. Don’t forget your witch’s hat!
Halloween After Dark at Dunstable Downs Thursday 31 October, 5 - 7.00pm. £6 per person
Calling all goblins, ghouls, and ghosts! Get ready for a frighteningly fun Halloween evening as we invite you to explore Dunstable Downs after dark –perfect for the whole family.
• Candlelit walk: take a gentle stroll with us as we explore the Downs by the glow of candlelight. Who knows what friendly ghosts or creatures we might meet along the way
• Broomstick-making workshop: get crafty and create your very own broomstick to fly around on Halloween night!
• Spooky stories: gather around to hear some (nottoo-scary) tales that’ll send shivers down you spine
• Costume competition: under 18s can dress up in thier spookiest, silliest, or most magical costume for a chance to win a prize in our fun-filled costume contest (more details and terms and conditions are available by emailing dunstabledowns@ nationaltrust.org.uk)
• Treats (and tricks): sink you fangs into a spooky selection of food and drinks available for purchase
• Boo-tiful boutique: don’t forget to visit our shop, which will be open with a range of Halloween goodies Booking essential.
Normal car parking charges apply.
Christmas Carols & Torchlight Procession-
Christmas officially begins in Dunstable on Friday 29 November when the annual Torchlight Procession brings everyone together to enjoy the festive activities!
Join us on The Square from 7 pm with the school choirs of Dunstable to sing carols, meet Father Christmas and turn on the Christmas Tree lights.
There is no better way for you to get excited this Christmas season. There will also be a fantastic light show finale alongside an array of food and drink stalls down Middle Row.
Priory Ladies Group
A meeting held at Priory Church Hall, Church St, Dunstable
1st & 3rd Fridays of the month 2-4pm 6th September 2024 - 20th June 2025 (18 meetings) £32 PA
Ladies who are looking for an afternoon of meeting people with similar interests. Includes tea & coffee, biscuits and raffle, listening to speakers talking on various subjects.
A full programme has been booked throughout the year
Yesteryear In Dunstable
History of Kenilworth Road
A Women's World - 1894
Tales from the Staff Room
To name a few
Together with lunches out during the year. Just come along - Try before you buy - Dont be shy, a warm welcome awaits you!
South
Bedfordshire Association
Of National Trust Supporters
TALKS 2024
Monday October 7th
Shaw’s Corner - Rebecca Whitmore (House Manager)
Monday November 4th
East Anglia Air Ambulance - Andy Lewis
Monday December 2nd
Christmas Carols - Kay Kempster (Dunstable Town Guide) Talks will take place at the salvation army centre, bull pond lane, Dunstable, lu6 3ah, all starting at 2pm Followed by refreshments
Members £2
Guests welcome at £4
You do not need to be a member of the National Trust to join our supporters’ group.
DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB
Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month at Tilsworth Golf Centre and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business people. The Club’s main purpose is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy some social activities and the occasional organized visit throughout the year and after their regular monthly lunch meetings are entertained by speakers who give talks on a wide range of topics. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary, Philip Savage on 01582 662462.
Dunstable Garden Club
We meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at The Salvation Army Hall in Bullpond Lane, Dunstable, LU6 3AH from 7.30 to 9pm. We have a speaker and then tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards. All visitors are very welcome, only £3 a visit or £20 for the whole year. We have a garden visit each month from May to August.
Winter Programme 2024
14th October 2024
Fruit trees and pruning them : Rachel Kingston 11th November 2024
Weeds – how to manage them and love them : Russell Attwood
2nd December 2024
TBC and a plant exchange with a longer social session
I can be contacted on 07517 318128 or email bessierogers@hotmail.co.uk
SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
Aternate Thursdays, 2:30 - 4:00pm
2022
Tea Time Tales are being held in Grove House, 76 High Street North whilst Priory House is being repaired.
Talks of local & national interest with refreshments
10th October - Travels to see distant relativesmonkeys and their kin by Wilf Powell
24th October - Charles Smy and his Houghton Regis by Dudley Smy
14th November - The Bloomsbury GroupThey lived in squares, painted in circles and loved in triangles by David Deller
28th November - Victorian People and Poems by Rita Swift
Bedfordshire Day
Saturday 30th November 2024
Secret Bedfordshire
FREE events at the Priory Church of St Peter
In World War II Bedfordshire was host to all sorts of secrets, come along and find out what was “hush-hush”
11.30am Talk ‘Making the D-Day Decisions at Dunstable – The Met Office’, the weather predic<on that made retaking Europe a success, by Jean Yates
1.30pm Talk ‘SOE and the Tempsford ConnecIon’, the Special Opera<ons Execu<ve and the women agents who flew from RAF Tempsford to be dropped behind enemy lines, by Bryony Norburn
Come and see what Dunstable did in secret and meet one of the secret agents.
Refreshments and light lunches will be available at the church
#045
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WHEN YOU BOOK A KITCHEN DESIGN APPOINTMENT
Simply present this voucher to us when you book and attend your design appointment to receive your bottle of prosecco.
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