ec
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Local News / What’s On / Local Directory
e 12
Christmas Fun Special A Guide To
Family Days Out Save Money This Christmas! An Essential Guide
By Martin Lewis
Inside This Issue
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Issue 12 • December/January 2016
3
it comes to the colder end of the year, it can be much harder to find some days out ays of enjoying the holidays as a family. Especially when the colder weather makes it o want to leave the house! However, there are several UK based Winter Wonderlands nd to tempt you away from the snug indoors!
and UK
Inside This Issue
Health Beauty & Wellb 19 Winter Wonderland
16 Christmas Days Out
& Lashe
t’s Party IBrows Time!
Tickets to
Back To Bacharach
Make A Dash
M&Co; Boutique Sequin Shutter Dress £85.00
12
Cinema
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fashion
Christmas
New Look Black and Gold Zig Zag Sequin Dress £29.
Party
New Look Silver glitter ankle
M&Co; Ombre Flappe r Dress £89, Box Clutch £29, Bead Drop Bracele t £12
A visit to Hyde ays Christmas quite like Lapland, Style Guide Park between unders of Lapland UK list their the 20th “making your real world magical November and agical world real.” Based in Our guide to 3rd January Mike and Alison Battle created family fun over between 10amland for children in 2006 as the festive 10pm every to being disappointed with period. day (except At Milton Keynes Stables ercial takeover of Christmas, I was born with my dad’s eyebr Christmas spirit mainly being found in DRESS TODay) IMPRESSwill THIS PART Y SEAS lead you ON to, as the name suggests,thick, shapeless and unsightly, y therefore set up a UK home Little Santa’s a Winter Wonderland! Included on the sitetwo caterpillars stuck to my fore Christmas. Described best as are an ice rink, circus shows, Bar Ice, Santa New Releases ve theatrical experience, tours 10 twelve I followed the fashion of Land, the Giant Wheel, Christmas Markets, ry 30 minutes and last three and Including fun fair rides and daily free live music. Withplucked away until they were w rs. During this time children can Star Wars something on for every member of the family, ing, visit Father ForChristmas, Keechsee totally disappearing - and I was it’s a great place to please children and adults and the latest from t work, see reindeer and huskies, Eddie Redmayne & fainting! Today, my eyebrows a Hospice 26each of all ages. Tickets can be purchased for look inside the North Pole post Chris Hemsworth attraction and need to be obtained in advance, and unsightly and I’m resigned much more! Open from 21st with family tickets starting from around that way forever. Or rather I wa through till Christmas Eve, it’s £20.00 and adult prices averaging between nce your The best time n’t forget Internet searches assure£7-£10. me that no matter how to visit With your brows lookin is midweek nalised over-plucked, over-waxed or over-where you’ll find a it’s time to move on slightly slower and less chaotic and an elf groomed your eyebrows may be, There are nume pace and with so much or every there is hope still for beautiful, around promi on offer, you’ll easily fill the day! 6 Local News et prices Got it covered? arched, perfectly coiffed speciand thickness (www.hydepark 45, and in mens. The most extreme method 12 Christmas Spirit for some of th winterwonderland.com) and UK might be an eyebrow transplant ing! My daug 18 Puzzles ng the (yes really!), but there are other less long lashes we ys of Editor: Scott Nightingale drastic options! 20 Martin Lewis Money level following t strap heels £24.99
and...
Very Sequin blue cami £27.00
Matalan Black Satin True Jewel Clutch Bag £18.00
Marks & Spencer Per Una Ankle Grazer Trousers £45.00
Email: scott@thevinemagazine.co.uk
new mascara. But w & Editorial: Most of us ladies – and the odd gent too22 ristmasAdvertising treat! – JVS Consumer Clinic Shelly Nesbitt anduk.co.uk) need to lose a few hairs from the brow line. The Biographies 24 Auto Tinting is an option if your la Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852easiest 453043solution is tweezing away the stray hairs larly fair, and it’s not just for 28 Out & About Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk yourself, but the results are short-lived and the risk of
creating the wrong shape is high. Better results can be
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the achieved by in a professional, with waxing and threadcontent of advertising and articles published ing methods achieving hair removal lasting around this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher 4-6accept weeks. or its editorial contributors can and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither they Fair or do very thin eyebrows may benefit from being reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine tinted. Like hair dye, this changes the colour and lasts does not officially endorse any advertising 4-6 weeks. material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced A popular look at the moment is HD (High Definition) without prior permission.
the difference it made to my his lashes were darkened. Cu straight lashes appear longer illusion of wider, brighter, m Lash-perming, which is best professional, can make the r six weeks, which is great for have any big events lined up
Finally,Copy howdeadline about having ey for next issue: sions? This is one of the UK’ January 18th Brows which focus on shape and design and promise beauty treatments and involv to give you sleek, stylish brows like those enjoyed by 2016 to individ synthetic eyelashes the stars. A seven step process that includes a consulto give a luscious, natural lo tation followed by tinting, waxing,Issue threading, tweez12 • December/January curl,2016 length or thickness can ing, trimming and finishing with a pencil or brush to your personal preference an www.thevinemagazine.co.uk fill in any gaps, is described as more than just shaping for 8-12 weeks depending o
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Discover Truly Affordable Vet Care easipetcare, the low cost vets who care, have opened a brand new practice in the Luton area. Based on Laporte Way, the company prides itself on offering the highest standards of veterinary care, at prices amongst the lowest in the UK. Offering a full range of services – from vaccinations and neutering to surgery and dentistry – customers are able to benefit from the flexibility of a mixed-system offering both walk-in clinics and appointments. Despite offering consistently low prices there are opening offers available until the end of December! Customers can take advantage of vaccinations from only £15 and neutering from as little as £25! Discover the full range of pricing on their website – www.easipetcare.com/luton. easipetcare founder and vet for over 35 years, Judy Walker, comments: “We are delighted to be able to bring our unique brand of low cost veterinary care to Luton. We have already welcomed a collection of clients 16/09/2015
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Issue 12 • December/January 2016
5
local NEWS
THANK
TohuiCnakn Y Cook?
YOU
Are you a Couple? Do you have a Cooking Partner in Crime?
Channel 4’s hit show Come Dine with Me is coming to
LUTON,Come MILTONDine KEYNES, BEDFORD the surrounding With Me isand coming to areas
Luton, Keynes, Bedford and we’reMilton looking for COUPLES to take part! and the surrounding areas and Do you and your partner host the best dinner parties in this time they're town? Come Dine With Melooking are lookingfor for the perfect That’s a huge thank you to everyone who nominated and partnership to create the recipe for success! COUPLES!
voted for us in the Dunstable and Houghton Regis If you’re over 18 & have the combined skills to produce an amazing dinner party… Business and Community awards. We were overwhelmed The thirdWe series successful wantoftothe hear from you! show
takes place over three days with three
to receive a Highly Commended award in the Customer
Three couples. Three nights. Three dinner parties. Care Excellence category. couples from walkscash of lifeprize. taking And aall£1,000
turns to host the perfect dinner party.
Organisers Katie Horn and Vicki Stonham, of Your Marketing
If you or any couples you know would like to take part Needs, along with a committee, put on a fantastic evening At the end of thenames, week the contact us with your ageswinning & numbers NOW! at Dunstable Conference centre, High Street North, and a th Filming dates with 25 January couple walk away £1,000!2016 Email: comedinewithme@shiver.tv If you're a fun-loving couple with a passion forTel: food they157 want to hear from 0207 3751 you now! You must be over 18 and not trained or working as a professional chef. The shoot will take place in the week beginning 25th January so you must be available during this week. For more information email: comedinewithme@shiver.tv call 0871 200 3939 www.channel4.com/programmes/ take-part and click on 'Come Dine With Me'
(Callers from a BT landline will be charged a set up fee of 14p per call plus 10p per minute. Calls from other networks may be higher and from mobiles will cost considerably more.)
6
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great time was had by all who attended. Now in it’s 4th year, the awards are great opportunity to celebrate and promote local businesses and community spirit. Categories included Business of the year, won by Home Instead Luton and Central Bedfordshire, and the Mayor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement which was won by Pam Burgess who has worked tirelessly, volunteering and working in the community for more than 25 years. Congratulations to all the other well deserving nominees and winners who have worked hard to make Dunstable. Houghton Regis a great place to live and work.
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Issue 12 • December/January 2016
7
Last Posting Dates
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Little Santa’s Make A Run For Hospice
Pupils from Chantry Primary Academy in Luton get ready for Keech Hospice Cares, Luton Santa Run.
Pupils at Chantry Primary Academy in Luton are limbering up to join hundreds of Father Christmases for the town’s popular Santa Run. Keech Hospice Care’s 5km sponsored run on Sunday 13 December at Wardown Park is festive family fun and the chance to raise money for the Luton charity. It’s not all about the walking or the running though for Carson Fitzgerld, 8, from Chantry Primary Academy. “I can wear my Santa beard!” said Carson, “I’ve always wanted a beard. I’m really looking forward to dressing up and running. Everyone should take part and get lots of money for Keech as some children won’t have as much fun this Christmas,” he said. Lara Shodeinde, 8, also from Chantry Primary Academy, is just as enthusiastic. “I like running,” said Lara, “it’s my favourite sport. 5km is quite a long way but I can walk too if I get tired and it’s going to be fun,” she said. In the past year, Keech Hospice Care has supported 474 adults and 255 children with life limiting illnesses. £5.2 million is needed each year by Keech so it can continue to provide free, specialist care and vital support to patients as well as their family and friends at a time in their lives they need it most. It means, as a charity, Keech depends on 70% of its funding to come from the community for its survival. Jamie Kelly, Assistant Headteacher of Chantry Primary Academy, said Keech is a vital part of Luton. “As a school, we’re always keen to support and get behind Keech as the charity does such a fantastic job for children and adults in the town and surrounding areas,” Mr Kelly said. “Our students jumped at the chance to give the Santa Run a go and they’re really looking forward to not only the run, but the brilliant warm-up Keech does before the
10 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
Santa’s all get on their marks, get set and ho ho ho. “With millions of rooftops to reach in just one night, Santa must be pretty quick on his feet. Our students are planning to have lots of fun and give him a run for his money,” he said.
Sign up Now - On your Marks, Get Set, Ho Ho Ho! Kick start the countdown to Christmas by signing up for Keech’s Santa Run at www.keech.org.uk or call 01582 707940. Date: Sunday 13th December 2015 Time: Check-in on the day from 10.00am or even better sign up online today. Location: Wardown Park, Old & New Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA Start: Fun walk, run or jog at 11.00am Finish: As long as it takes! Length of Run: 5k (3 miles) or 3 x circuits of the route around the park. What it is: A sponsored walk, jog or run around a traffic free route. All participants are asked to obtain sponsorship on top of their Registration fee. In 2014, 236 participants of all ages raised a fabulous £15,000!
Entry is just £15 for adults and includes a Santa costume to keep, finishers medal and goodie bag. Under 16's is £5 and includes festive headwear, and family entry for four is £35. For further information please contact Lorna Milton, PR Officer on 01582 497874 / 07824606856 or at lmilton@keech.org.uk.
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Issue 12 • December/January 2016 11
Christmas Spirit Christmas is a time for giving.
Watching TV, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this means ‘giving lots of expensive stuff ’! From September, adverts are busy barking at us about the expensive perfumes, toys, gadgets and much more that are all ‘must haves’ for Christmas. However, the real spirit of the holiday season can be found outside of the supermarkets and retail industry. More and more companies and organisations work hard all throughout the year to make sure that people on their own or in a situation less fortunate than others, are looked after at Christmas time. And trends over the last few years have shown that more and more of us are interested in getting involved. Here are just a few ways we as individuals (without having to spend lots of money), can make a difference...
1
Check online for your nearest shelter who are always looking for volunteers to help serve Christmas dinner. Kitchen duties may not seem like a lot of fun but dishing out seasonal food to those who would otherwise not be able to afford a meal, or who don’t have anyone to share the holiday period with, will soon make you forget that you’re technically ‘doing work’ as you find yourself immersed in community. In doing so you may realise how lucky you are and what a difference such a small gesture can make to others less fortunate.
2
We all get very busy throughout the year and it’s easy to lose touch with our own families and friends, let alone people we don’t know so well. But December is a great time to take stock and make that time. Book in a date to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, go round to your Nan’s with some old photos and have a reminisce, knock on
12 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
your neighbours door and invite them round for a slice of cake. Connect with people and you soon realise that the commercialism of Christmas is valued far less than giving your real time and effort to the people and community around you.
3
Instead of popping to the shops for some more last minute presents or going online to search for other great deals; why not take the time to instead look through your own belongings and donate things you no longer use or need to charity shops or the local homeless shelter. Look through your cupboards and see what can be donated to food banks. For you it can just mean a bit of a needed clear out, for those receiving your donations it can make a huge difference. It is becoming more and more necessary for all of us to watch our money; but there is a big difference between ‘cost’ and ‘value’. We could all do with reducing the ‘cost’ of Christmas time, but that doesn’t mean we can’t increase the true ‘value’ of the holiday season.
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Issue 12 • December/January 2016 13
563
y t r a P It’s ! e m i T
Style Guide
M&Co; Boutique Sequin Shutter Dress £85.00
New Look Black and Gold Zig Zag Sequin Dress £29.
New Look Silver glitter ankle strap heels £24.99
14 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
M&Co; Ombre Flapper Dress £89, Box Clutch £29, Bead Drop Bracelet £12
DRESS TO IMPRESS THIS PARTY SEASON
Very Sequin blue cami £27.00
Matalan Black Satin True Jewel Clutch Bag £18.00
Marks & Spencer Per Una Ankle Grazer Trousers £45.00
FESTIVE FASHION
George at Asda Ombre Sequin Cami £14.00
George at ASDA Sequin Trim Jacket £25.00
Miss Selfridge £79 Lookagain Pewter Metallic Skinny Jeans £59.00
Lipsy Caged Jewel Sandals £85.00
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ABOVE: Bonprix Sequin dress £69.99 LEFT: Stacey for Oli Gold sequin dress £80.00 Lookagain
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Dorothy Perkins feather cape £39.00
Issue 12 • December/January 2016 15
Days out
this Christmas
Summer is fantastic for being able to occupy your children with simply walking to the park or going onto the beach or all manner of summertime outdoor activities. But when it comes to the colder end of the year, it can be much harder to find some days out and/or ways of enjoying the holidays as a family. Especially when the colder weather makes it difficult to want to leave the house! However, there are several UK based Winter Wonderlands to enjoy and to tempt you away from the snug indoors!
Lapland UK Nothing says Christmas quite like Lapland, and the founders of Lapland UK list their mission as “making your real world magical and our magical world real.” Based in Berkshire, Mike and Alison Battle created this dream land for children in 2006 as a reaction to being disappointed with the commercial takeover of Christmas, Christmas spirit mainly being found in shops. They therefore set up a UK home for Father Christmas. Described best as a immersive theatrical experience, tours depart every 30 minutes and last three and a half hours. During this time children can go ice skating, visit Father Christmas, see the elves at work, see reindeer and huskies, and take a look inside the North Pole post office plus much more! Open from 21st November through till Christmas Eve, it’s an experience your family won’t forget with personalised invitations and an elf passport for every child. Ticket prices start at £45, and in 2015, Lapland UK is partnering the charity Rays of Sunshine. A real Christmas treat! (www.laplanduk.co.uk)
16 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
Winter Wonderland A visit to Hyde Park between the 20th November and 3rd January between 10am10pm every day (except Christmas Day) will lead you to, as the name suggests, a Winter Wonderland! Included on the site are an ice rink, circus shows, Bar Ice, Santa Land, the Giant Wheel, Christmas Markets, fun fair rides and daily free live music. With something on for every member of the family, it’s a great place to please children and adults of all ages. Tickets can be purchased for each attraction and need to be obtained in advance, with family tickets starting from around £20.00 and adult prices averaging between £7-£10. The best time to visit is midweek where you’ll find a slightly slower and less chaotic pace and with so much on offer, you’ll easily fill the day! (www.hydepark winterwonderland.com)
Hogwarts Hogwarts Tour Tour
The Harry Potter franchise have have The Harry Potter franchise several iconic Christmas scenes and and several iconic Christmas scenes the Harry Potter Warner Bros studio the Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour tour is making full use is making fullofusedecorations of decorations and actual props and fromfrom the the and actual propsitems and items filmsfilms including golden partridges, including golden partridges, baubles and presents the characters baubles and presents the characters received in theinfilms! Tickets startstart received the films! Tickets at £23.50 (children under 4 go at £23.50 (children under 4free) go free) and can booked online. EvenEven if theif the andbe can be booked online. Christmas season doesn’t bringbring snow,snow, Christmas season doesn’t the magic of Christmas will be kept the magic of Christmas will be kept well and alive alive insideinside the the welltruly and truly magical world of Harry Potter! magical world of Harry Potter! (www.wbstudiotour.co.uk) (www.wbstudiotour.co.uk)
Christmas Markets
The traditionally European Christmas markets pop up during the festive season all across the UK, with more and more towns and cities having at least a small display. Free to enter, soak up the seasonal atmosphere by walking round themed Travel towith Truro in Cornwall to ensure not not stalls plethora of exciting on offer; Travel toaTruro in Cornwall toproducts ensure necessarily Christmas is white, sample athat hot your wineyour or hot chocolate taste a necessarily that Christmas is and white, butcrepe most definitely green! FortoaFor suggested of German sausage fuel visit. Plenty but most definitely green! ayour suggested donation of £5 per child, on the 10th ofdonation bigger Christmas Markets of £5 per child, onalso theoffer 10thfairground December, children canthe visit Father Christmas attractions tochildren keep kids entertained. Find one December, can visit Father Christmas in his outdoor grotto, before learning a bit a bit near you at in his outdoor grotto, before learning more aboutabout an eco Christmas www.christmasmarkets.com/UK.html. more anfriendly eco friendly Christmas including making environmentally friendly including making environmentally friendly St AlbanstoChristmas Market decorations take back home with with you. you. decorations to take back home A 25 day event with up to 67 decorated wooden (www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk ) And) And if a ifchalets (www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk selling everything from Christmas decorations anda green Christmas is important to you, check out green Christmas is important to the you,home. check outof stocking fillers to statement pieces for And www.forestry.gov.uk to find you can www.forestry.gov.uk to out findwhere out where you can course mulled wine! and refreshments! source your your Christmas tree from a sustainable source Christmas tree from a sustainable managed forest. Centre MK managed forest. Christmas Market
Five Acres Five Acres Nature Reserve Nature Reserve
Running up to 23rd
December, Queens Court Christmas Christmas will be transformed into a bustling Christmas Markets Market. Step outside and Markets through wooden Themeander traditionally Theselling traditionally stalls everything European Christmas National Trust and European Christmas National Trust andmarkets from Christmas Spruce, pop up during markets pop up during hand-made decorations English Heritage the festive season all English Heritage across thegifts. festive season all and There will also the UK, with For a more nostalgic Christmas feel,
beacross a arraythe of international For aFor more nostalgic Christmas feel, feel, check UK, with a more nostalgic Christmas and more towns and cities having at at check out Trust or or more and local foods andtowns the out one ofone the National Trust or English more and more and cities having check outof onethe ofNational the National Trust least a small display. Free to enter, soak up Alpine Bar will be serving English Heritage sites for a variety of Heritage sitesHeritage for a variety least a small display. Free to enter, soakthe up the English sitesof forChristmassy a variety of seasonal atmosphere by walking roundround themed mulled wine.atmosphere Christmassy events and activities. With events and activities. With prices starting by walking themed Christmassy events and activities. With stallsseasonal with with a plethora of exciting products on on prices starting from freeofto visit somesome of of fromprices free tostarting visit some the properties stalls a plethora of exciting products from free to visit Oxford Christmas Market offer; sample a hotawine or hot chocolate and and the and gardens throughout andproperties gardens throughout the UK. Wrap up offer; sample hot wine or hot chocolate Located in the heart of Oxford, surrounded by dreaming the properties and gardens throughout taste a crepe or German sausage to fuel your the UK; wrap up the and make most of a of a spires warm and make ofthe a beautiful and historic buildings,tothe market taste a crepe or university German sausage fuel yourconthe UK; wrap upmost and make the most visit. Plenty of the bigger Christmas Markets beautiful Wintry walk, or visit a specific Wintry walk, or visit a specific event. sists of beautifully decorated wooden stalls Markets offering visit. Plenty of the bigger Christmas beautiful Wintry walk, or visit a specific also offer fairground attractions keep the a selection offairground Christmas gifts andtoseasonal treats. event. Soak up the Soakevent. up theSoak atmosphere atChristmas Wrest Park also offer attractions to keep the up1930’s the 1930’s Christmas kidsLocal entertained. Find one near you at choirs perform Christmas carols throughout the and join in with in theDevon, festivities including at Castle Drogo take part kids entertained. Find one near you at at Castle Drogo in Devon, take part 11 days adding to the festive atmosphere. Opening www.christmasmarkets.com/UK.html. wreath making, carol concerts and even in theinTudor Festivities at Kenilworth www.christmasmarkets.com/UK.html. the Tudor Festivities at Kenilworth celebrations are on Thursday 10th December. meet the big man himself listen to his Castle in Warwickshire or and check out the Castle in Warwickshire or check out the r yoeur yaoreu, are, tales of Christmas past amidst the programme of theatrical events andyuletide carol herehveere w r o programme of theatrical events and carol t, e g ud udget, orsowmewhvere ere decorations. concerts taking part at oneatof r yoeur ryb b to find d somewh concerts taking part onethe of many the many So whatevete ur le o v For further information on Christmas at UK sites. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk; le to finyour o bwohuand to betoab S UK sites. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk; b e d dedligdhetlighats ycohueer r ndrtain aenab Wrest Park and many other UK sites visit you’ryou’re beonute www.english-heritage.org.uk) an er www.english-heritage.org.uk) entertain se by to me Christmistmas che www.nationaltrust.org.uk or
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Puzzles
Answers on page 30
Crossword
Across
Down
6. Exceedingly (7) 7. Begin (5) 9. Devoutness (5) 10. Advent (7) 12. Incitement (11) 14. Disbelief (11) 18. Clearness (7) 19. Amusing (5) 21. Grown-up (5) 22. Aid (7)
1. Characteristic (5) 2. Rope for holding animal (6) 3. Beer (3) 4. Severe (6) 5. Maker (7) 8. Dribble (7) 11. Greed (7) 13. Contain (7) 15. Seldom (6) 16. Three times (6) 17. Mock (5) 20. Colour (3)
Sudoku 数独 1 6 FRANK
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18 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 18
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WIN WIN WIN WIN
Top Tips on cooking the perfect Christmas turkey n Buy about 350/400g per portion or you will be left with lots of leftovers.
n Buy a thermometer - a turkey is safely cooked at 72C in its thickest point.
n Leave the turkey out at room temperature for a couple of hours before putting in the oven.
n Don’t use tinfoil - it dries the turkey out.
n Roast the turkey on a trivet of vegetables and the giblets this helps make a great gravy.
n Don’t truss and stuff a turkey - it adds too much cooking time and can dry out the turkey.
n Don’t try to cook a turkey too quickly as it will dry out.
Back To Bacharach At MILTON KEYNES – Stables Sunday 31st January
BACK TO BACHARACH celebrates the magical music of Burt Bacharach, one of the most accomplished popular composers of the 20th Century, who together with Hal David penned some of the most memorable and iconic hits that stand the test of time. This exciting production is touring throughout the U.K. from September 2015 and is performed by 3 of the finest west end singers accompanied by a live 10 piece band recreating Burt Bacharach's timeless hits. Songs featured in the show include Alfie, Anyone Who Had A Heart, Arthur's Theme, Always Something There To Remind Me, Close To You, I Say A Little Prayer For You, Magic Moments, Walk On By, What’s New Pussycat?, 24 Hours from Tulsa, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head and many more. Songs everyone will remember and fall in love with again. Back To Bacharach is a fantastic show for all ages, friends and family!
Sell your houseSell your house Sell your house fast for cash Sell your house fast for cash Sell your house fast for cash Attention fast for cash Sell your house LD SO fast for cash AllSO Landlords LD fast for cash SOLD n Rub the turkey with lemon it’s a natural flavour enhancer and colours beautifully. n Allow the turkey once cooked to rest for a minimum of 20 minutes before carving.
n Don’t cover with lean bacon - it just adds more salt. Use fatty streaky bacon. n Don’t throw away the carcass - it makes a great stock, for stews and hot pots.
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CAL L NOW for a confidential Issue 12 • December/January 2016 chat 19
are
Money Matters By Martin Lewis
Christmas Bah humbug. Christmas (and Chanukah and Eid) is coming, and millions will celebrate it as a retail festival. Call me Scrooge – and many do – but I’d love to ban the giving of unnecessary presents and I’ve been campaigning on it for years. I’m not talking about gifts for your partner and kids under the tree, but that ever growing list of teachers, extended family, work colleagues and more for whom buying feels like a chore rather than a boon. We end up with tit-for-tat giving, and the end result is by definition tat – that few want, need or use. Now you may say to me what about the joy of giving? But there’s a cost to that too. While it may feel generous to give to someone – you are effectively obligating them to buy you back. This can misprioritise their finances. After all, if you give them a £10 bobble hat and they give you a £10 novelty pair of socks in return, the net result is they’ve spent £10 on a hat they neither wanted nor needed – which may’ve been better spent on feeding the kids. So why not set up a pre-NUPP (pre Christmas No Unnecessaary Present Pact) to say I won’t buy for you and you don’t buy for me – or at least limit the cost. Right that’s it, I shall step off my soap box at this point (if you want more of my Scrooge rantings read www.mse.me/banchristmas). If you do need to buy (or will do it regardless), here are top tips to at least keep costs down:
Buy stocking fillers For Free Amazon delivery. The giant e-retailer used to give free delivery on its goods (not its third party Marketplace sellers) if you spent £10, but in May it increased that to £20. Delivery costs anything from £1.50 to £6, but a new tool (developed by a clever chap called Adam who used to work for me), SuperSaverDelivery.co.uk scours Amazon for filler items.
20 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
@moneysavingexpert
For example, a £19.73 hairdryer comes with a £6.01 delivery charge so £25.74 total. But the tool shows how you can add a 29p keyring gets you over the £20 free delivery threshold, so you’d only pay £20.02, saving £5.72 and a keyring into the bargain.
Don’t spend Tesco points on Christmas lunch. If you’re a Tesco shopper, don’t spend vouchers on a festive grocery shop– you can get far better value using them on gifts (for others or yourself!). Until Sun 27 Dec, you can swap every £5 of Clubcard vouchers for £10 in various categories at Tesco, and most things in its Tesco Direct catalogue (its equivalent of Argos), eg, Xbox One with Kinect £175 in vouchers (usually £350) and a Barbie Glitter Hair Doll for £10 in vouchers (usually £20). Go to www.tesco.com/boost Before that though, check if you can quadruple rewards. Redeem vouchers via Tesco Clubcard partners and you can get 3x or 4x points’ value, eg, £10 voucher becomes £40 at Café Rouge, £30 at Goldsmiths jewellers and more.
Give time not money – give gift cheques. Whether it’s a promise to babysit for pals on demand, lets your kids have a sleepover, or give your special someone a back-rub (nudge-nudge, wink wink) – these money can’t buy gifts are fanatastic, and often mean more. To help I got my designers to make some gift cheques you can print for free, to make your promise at www.mse.me/ xmascheques
Money Matters By Martin Lewis
Christmas
Find hidden eBay bargains with sneaky tools.
children via GoodGifts.org.
Shopping on eBay? Most people just bid, but there’s a range of hidden tools to help you track down uberbargains.
And a final Scrooge thought – while there’s still time (sorry I can’t help it). Most people manage their Christmas the wrong way round – trying to work out what’d make the perfect Christmas with a lust list of items, gifts for all, decorations a tree and more. That tends to be a recipe for either debt or disappointment. Instead, it’s far better (and I accept more boring, but still better) to ask “How much do I have to spend at Christmas?” And then work out what the best Christmas you can have on it is. And if the answer is you don’t have much, it’s time to go, cold turkey.
Wrongly-spelled products attract fewer bids because many people miss them. Type a product into fatfingers.co.uk or baycrazy.com and they trawl eBay for all possible spelling mistake combinations. On a similar note, lastminute-auction.com searches hunts for eBay auctions due to finish within an hour, but which still cost £1 or less. Whether Wiis or children’s books, eBay sellers often specify items must be collected in person. As this means fewer bids, there are bargains to be had. Tell my Local eBay Deals Mapper at mse.me/localebay your postcode, how far you’re prepared to schlep, and it maps nearby gems.
Shop online and you can change your mind. Buy goods in store and you can only take them back if they’re faulty. So buy the wrong size or colour, or just change your mind, and you’ve no legal rights. Some stores do have returns policies that allow it – though even these can be suspended in sales. Yet buy goods online and you have 14 days to cancel for any reason, even if you just change your mind. You’ve then 14 days to send it back. So time it right and buy online, then if you spot a better deal or change your mind (as they haven’t bought for you), you can send it back. · Posh looking gifts for less at online outlets. Out of town outlet stores are famed for selling last year’s clothes at big reductions (though beware stock ‘‘made for outlets’’). Yet these days the likes of Asos, French Connection and Net-a-Porter and more than 40 others have launched online versions – some even via ebay. For a full list mse. me/outlets
Don’t know what to give? Donate to charity. Why not simply tell friends and family you’re stuck buying for that this year that you will instead give to charity in their name – then at least you know your money is actually doing something – and it’s far nearer the true Christmas spirit. At Unicef.org.uk £12 vaccinates 100 developing world kids against polio, while £27.50 delivers a baby (provides midwifery equipment and medicines for a safe birth). Or a £5 donation pays for 50 bowls of rice to feed 50 hungry
WINTER WARNING! Do you know where your water cock is? Everyone should know where their main water off-switch is, otherwise known as a stopcock. Frozen, burst pipes create an average of £4k of damage, worse if you can’t find the off switch as your home floods. So if you don’t know, spend five minutes now finding out – typically it’s under the kitchen sink, in the boiler cupboard, or outside
Free winter car check from Halfords. Halfords.com is offering a free £15 winter car check, which includes checks to your battery, bulbs, wiper blades, oil and screenwash levels. You don’t need to book in advance, though you can online if you want, and the check should take about 15 minutes. There is no obligation to buy anything, but be prepared that staff might try to upsell you. The winter car check is on until spring next year.
Winter is a tough time for many as the cold sets in. But there are funds which may help…
Choosing between heating and eating? If you’re seriously behind, or in general financial hardship, you may be eligible for special tariffs/help. Try the HomeHeatHelpline.org.uk on 0800 33 66 99.
Issue 12 • December/January 2016 21
Consumer Clinic
Be A Careful Consumer Online This Christmas The internet has been with us since the mid 90s. Whilst it has of course brought some fantastic benefits to our lives, it has also created some absolute headaches as well. You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio
T
If you decide you’re going to Make sure you’re paying a he fact the entire world is buy Christmas presents from an sensible price. If a company is accessible in our homes is online auction site like ebay, it is selling an item at a ridiculously a wonderful thing, but it is worth familiarising yourself with low price compared to all other worth noting that there are lots their safety advice. You generally companies, there’s usually a of internet companies out there, have fewer rights when buying reason why. Often the items are particularly those in other coungoods in this way, particularly if fake. Over the years I’d dealt tries that can provide a less than they are second hand. Paying with my fair share of customers desirable service. So how can by paypal and ensuring that you you protect yourself against these who thought they were getting NEVER collect items in person a great deal with ‘Ugg boots’ or companies, particularly when will go some way to protecting ‘GHD hair straighteners’, only to making purchases for Christmas? yourself. Only buy from highly find they’ve bought fakes from a The most important thing you rated sellers, based in the UK. can do, is to of course avoid It is worth remembering buying items from dodgy internet companies in the first It is worth remembering that when that when you buy brand place. It sounds simple, you buy brand new items over the new items over the internet, you are protected by the but you’d be amazed how internet, you are protected by the distance selling regulations. many people still find some Because you haven’t had the weird company online that distance selling regulations. chance to see the item in the nobody’s ever heard of flesh, you have 7 days from and hand over hundreds of delivery to change your mind company abroad. pounds. They are then amazed and send it back for a full refund. You should always pay for goods when they find themselves out Unless the company specifies by credit card but particularly of pocket without the goods their returns postage policy, then when buying over the internet. they’ve ordered. they are liable for the postage It is worth noting that you are Therefore, always make sure you too. Make sure you order things not protected by the consumer research the internet company online in plenty of time to allow credit act unless you’re paying you are planning to buy from. for this, after all, you don’t want over £100, but you’re still more Find out where they’re based, unhappy friends and relatives likely to get your money back look for a UK telephone number, whose presents are NOT under than debit card, cheque or bank check reviews and complaints the tree. transfer. I would go as far as about them so you know exactly to say you should NEVER buy who you’re dealing with. Ensure goods from a company that asks that their delivery timeframe will you to transfer money directly ensure your gifts will arrive in into their account. plenty of time for Christmas.
22 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
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Issue 12 • December/January 2016 23
auto Biographies
FORD FOCUS
motoring in miniature? By Rob Auchterlonie Copyright Wheelwrite
IF you saw the engine block of Ford’s 1.0 litre Ecoboost engine stripped of its bits, it would sit fair and square on a piece of A4 paper. Were you so minded, you could take it on holiday with you as it would fit in the overhead locker on a plane. Motoring in miniature then, but not necessarily when it comes to power output.
B
ecause this little gem of a turbocharged unit – just three cylinders, mind you – produces 125ps, a healthy 200Nm of torque (with overboost) and, they claim, tops 60mpg on the combined cycle. Compelling reasons, then, to keep it as Britain’s family favourite. There aren’t many cars around that have enjoyed the success of the Focus. In fact there’s only really one, the VW Golf, which by coincidence is one of the main rivals to Ford’s best seller. That’s been around a whole lot longer than the Focus of course, but since it made its curtain call it’s been a firm favourite with the British buying public, regularly topping the UK sales chart and notching up its first million sales in no time.. No mean feat, when it’s up against a rising tide of decent motors all vying for our money. Ford’s family sized hatchback was – and still is – the ideal car for many. It has bold modern looks, suitably
enhanced in its latest guise, it’s spacious and when you weight it all up, it’s a great car to drive. And now (cue the death march for a lot of its rivals) there’s a new design, more equipment and much more choice. The focus (sorry) has been on improvements with the latest version, no mean feat when what you’ve got to work with does pretty well what it says on the tin and then some. After all, it’s already got a distinctive look, a superb chassis that makes the car a more than acceptable driving experience and a very roomy cabin for the occupants. On the road it’s much the same story as before, with a ride and handling mix that’s the envy of many competitors and much appreciated by those who drive a Focus day in, day out. Try one and you’ll see. Road noise seems to have been improved and in the suspension department someone has done their job well because if anything it feels even more planted on the road, no matter how many bumps you encounter. But on a car that’s the wrong side of 19 grand, you probably wouldn’t expect to find window winders in the rear, or an air con system that proved a little ineffective until you dialled up Storm Force 10 on the fan. There are some tidy touches – the way the door edges are protected by a little plastic plate that slips over them as you disembark, and then slip out of the way when you shut the door (an £85 option), and the
24 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
neat blue needles on the dials in what is a bit of a bland and plasticy dash area. In fact the whole interior is a bit grey in extremis, but you do get a set of seats that offer excellent thigh and back support, as well as good legroom. It’s a mid range car but there’s no lack of interior space. It’s as roomy as the Mondeo used to be, given that the Mondeo is now as roomy as the old Granada and then the Scorpio used to be. Dominating proceedings is the eight inch touch screen that incorporates Ford’s SYNC system, and the sat nav has more info on the map than Wikipedia. It’s a real step in the right direction and easy to master, with better voice controls than before. With its new grille, it’s very much one of the Ford family, in the mould of the equally popular Fiesta and Mondeo.
FAST FACTS Ford Focus Zetec 1.0T Start/Stop £19,095 Three cylinder 999cc turbocharged, 125ps, 200Nm Six speed manual gearbox Top speed 120mph, 0-62mph 11 secs Fuel – urban 49.6, extra urban 68.9, combined 60.1 CO2 108g/km.
Bedfordshire’s Night Sky
By Seb Jay
Looking Up! December 2015 and January 2016 See The ISS Sail Overhead…or is it Santa?
Mid-December this year sees the International Space Station light up Bedfordshire’s early evening sky. Look for a bright white light moving roughly west to east at a steady pace. It won’t flash or make a noise, and it’ll be very bright – much brighter than the background stars in the sky. Best evenings to view are Friday 11 December to Wednesday 23 December between 4pm and 6pm. On Christmas Eve you’ll find the ISS moving just 20-degrees above your south-west horizon at about 5pm.
Enjoy The Maximum Of The Geminids Meteor Shower: The night of 13 December to 14
December ushers in the maximum of the Geminids Meteor Shower. If it’s a clear night stand outside in your garden and look high up towards your east and south-east from 9pm onwards. If you’re lucky you might catch one of hundreds of shooting stars set to streak across Bedfordshire’s night sky that evening.
Find A New Year Comet From Bedfordshire: Getting a telescope for Christmas? Why not use it to look for Comet Catalina. In January 2016 this bright telescopic comet can be found close to the constellation of Ursa Major, which is also known as the Plough, the Saucepan or the Big Dipper. Best nights to look for the comet are 14 and 15 January when you’ll find it close to the bright star Alkaid at the end of the Plough’s handle. Image: Comet ISON by Mount Lemmon Sky Center
seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.
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Issue 12 • December/January 2016 25
Cinema New Releases
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA RELEASE DATE: 25th December 2015 CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw, Tom Holland, Brendan Gleeson, Jordi Molla
KRAMPUS RELEASE DATE: 4th December 2015 CAST: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Allison Tolman
Krampus a dark festive tale of a festive ghoul, reveals an irreverently twisted side to the Christmas season. When his dysfunctional family clashes over Christmas, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil that is intent on punishing non-believers.
26 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story. “Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation, panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first mate still seeks to bring the great whale down.
Cinema New Releases
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
SISTERS
RELEASE DATE: 17th December 2015 CAST: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher
RELEASE DATE: 18th December 2015 CAST: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jay Roach Sisters is a new film from Pitch Perfect director Jason Moore about two disconnected sisters. They are summoned home to clear out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family home. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final highschool-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.
This December sees the release of the highly anticipated episode seven of Star Wars. Set thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens sees old favourites of the original cast reunited alongside new cast members.
THE DANISH GIRL RELEASE DATE: 1st January 2016 CAST: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander A film based on a book by David Ebershoff the film is a love story inspired by the lives of Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. The film explores their marriage and work as Lili navigates the journey as a transgender pioneer.
THE 5TH WAVE RELEASE DATE: 15th January 2016 CAST: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Ron Livingston, Maggie Siff, Alex Roe, Liev Schreiber In the new film The 5th Wave, four waves of increasingly deadly attacks have left most of Earth decimated. Against a backdrop of fear and distrust, Cassie (Chloë Grace Moretz) is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal 5th wave, Cassie teams up with a young man who may become her final hope - if she can only trust him.
Issue 12 • December/January 2016 27
Out & About SAPPHIRE SOCIAL CLUB Sapphire Social Club - this social club caters for the unattached aged 50+. We meet weekly in Hitchin and organize a variety of social events every month. No joining fee for the first two months. Come along and meet new friends. Tel Joyce 07960 440417 or Ian 07900 890583 for details www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub. co.uk KNIT AND NATTER GROUP Every Tuesday, 10am-12pm Join our friendly Knit and Natter group every Tuesday at Lewsey Library. Come and share your experience, or get some great hints and tips, and meet new people. Tea and biscuits provided. The group is always looking for donations of wool; knitting needles etc. so if you have anything you no longer need, just drop it off at the library.Free, donations welcome THE PARKSIDE SINGERS Do you enjoy singing? The Parkside Singers is a lively mixed choir, singing four-part harmony music including pop, songs from musicals and some choral favourites such as Ave Verum and The Lords Prayer. Call Claire on 01525 753110. LUTON POETRY SOCIETY Last Saturday of every month, 2-4pm Luton Central Library £3, free for Poetry Society member (£20 annual membership) Our meetings usually take place on the last Saturday of each month at Luton Central Library (3rd Floor) Saturday 12 December, 2-4pm Christmas Poetry Party! Featuring Christmas poems, singing of carols, piano music, cake, and gifts for members. For more information visit www. lutonculture.com/luton-libraries or
call 01582 547 418 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 WARDEN AFTERNOON CLUB Meets every Tuesday 2 - 4pm Warden Hill Community Centre (rear of the Warden Tavern) We are a recently established group of friendly ladies and gentlemen who meet weekly for companionship, activities and refreshments. If you would like some company, or know someone who would benefit from joining us, please come along any Tuesday - everyone is very welcome. For more information contact Sue on 07706895444 or email sueblee@hotmail.co.uk 5TH STOPSLEY GUIDES Guides is our section for girls aged 10 to 14. By becoming part of a worldwide community of girls who learn together and share skills and experiences, Guides have the chance to get out there and do something really different. Members take part in a wide range of exciting activities at their regular meetings, and at special events or holidays. Girls can get involved in anything from adventure sports to performing arts, travel and taking part in community action projects. Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK. By volunteering with us, you can
28 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
help us create amazing opportunities for thousands of girls around the UK. Guiding happens thanks to more than 100,000 amazing volunteers – men and women like you who give their time to ensure that we are active all over the UK, and beyond. Girlguiding welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, faiths and abilities. We are flexible and volunteering can be arranged to fit around a busy lifestyle. If you are interested in finding out more visit www.girlguiding.ork.uk/joinus LUTON CENTRAL LIBRARY Universal Class Library Sessions Monday 7th December, 11am Free, donations welcome. Find out how to access our free online courses at a one-off session at the Central Library. We will help you to register on one of the Universal Class courses, and show you how to use the website. STOCKWOOD DISCOVERY CENTRE Festive Weekend 5th & 6th December, 11am - 4pm £2 adults / £5 children / £10 includes a visit to Santa and a gift! Come along to a magical Christmas at Stockwood for a festive weekend of stalls crafts and activities for the family to enjoy. Take a journey to see Santa in his sleigh, create a Christmas ornament, write a letter to Santa, make Reindeer food, decorate gingerbread, gift and craft stalls, snow zone and frozen area, live music and brass band and children’s rides. Suitable for all ages. £2 adults / £5 children / £10 includes a visit to Santa and a gift! International Garden Photographer of the Year Continues until 3rd January, 2016 Free, donations welcome. With stunning work from both
amateur and professional photographers, capturing beautiful images of plants, habitats and amazing landscapes, it is a must-see. Afternoon of Discovery Friday 18th December, 2-3.30pm Down Memory Lane 1960s Part 1 Friday 15th January, 2-3.30pm Down Memory Lane 1960s Part 2 Join us for Afternoon tea and a short talk on local history, the museum collections or special topics. Booking is essential. £7 / £5 Conc British Wildlife Photography Awards 16th January - 20th March, 2016 This popular exhibition returns once again to showcase stunning photos taken around the British Isles. Free, donations welcome WARDOWN PARK Eagle Gallery Exhibition Continues until 17th January, 2016 Bedford’s Eagle Gallery comes to Luton! The gallery is run by a cooperative of forty artists, many of whom have been able to contribute to this extemporary exhibition. Now in its 10th year, the gallery was the inspiration of its patron, Peter Budek, owner of the adjoining Eagle bookshop. The Yellow Devils WW1 Exhibition Continues until 27th February, 2016 The Yellow Devils – The 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment in Gallipoli Project to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Regiment’s role in Gallipoli. Free, donations welcome. Inspired by Hats 9th January - 21st February, 2016 Local High School students from Woodlands working with Luton Culture, put together a special exhibition inspired by Hats. Free, donations welcome.
LUTON LIBRARY THEATRE Full House Theatre presents The Elves and the Shoemaker Matinee & Evening performances from 12th Dec - 24th Dec Full House returns this winter to Luton Library Theatre with a joyful and inventive brand new show for all the family. The cold winter weather bites and a poor shoemaker struggles to make his living, until one magical morning when he wakes to find a pair of delicate shoes made for him to sell. The winter begins to lose its chill thanks to the kindness of the cheeky little elves that only come out at night. The Elves and the Shoemaker is an enchanting tale of magic and kindness. £11/ £10 Conc / £40 Family Ticket Group bookings 10+ £8.50 per ticket. Please call box office to book these. LUTON LIBRARY”S The Library Games Every Monday, 4-5pm, Luton Central Library Every Thursday, 4-5pm, Leagrave Library From Top Trumps to Table Quidditch, join us for The Library Games. Compete in games, old and new, of skill and chance. Perfect for children aged 10+. Free, donations welcome. Family Fun Time: Oh help! Oh no! It’s a Gruffalo Saturday 23rd January, 11 - 11.45am Luton Central Library Saturday 23rd January, 2.15 - 3pm Stopsley Library Saturday 30th January, 11 - 11.45am Leagrave Library Saturday 30th January, 2.15 - 3pm Marsh Farm Library It’s party time in the deep dark wood, the librarian read the story aloud, and it sounded good. Children aged 3+ and their families. Free, donations welcome.
Family Fun Time: Frozen - Let it Snow Saturday 12th Dec, 11 - 11.45am Luton Central Library Saturday 12th Dec, 2.15 - 3pm Stopsley Library Saturday 19th Dec, 11 - 11.45am Leagrave Library Saturday 19th Dec, 2.15 - 3pm Marsh Farm Library Singalong and share stories as we celebrate all our favourite frozen things. Children aged 3+ and their families. Free, donations welcome. THE HAT FACTORY Kadam/Pulse presents The Odissi Ensemble in Shakti 3rd December, 7.30pm £12 / £10 Conc Kadam Pulse bring together the finest odissi dance and music artists in the country to collaborate in the creation of a magical experience that will move and thrill. Comedy Bar PRO Night 4th December, 8pm - £10 Comedy night featuring 2 ‘pro’ comedians you may have seen on TV, plus 2 support acts. This month we have Logan Murray, Yuriko Kotani, Adam Riley and Bec Hill. The Comedy Bar 18th December & 15th January, 8pm - £5 Join resident MC Jake Pickford for an evening of open-mic comedy from the nation’s up and coming talent. Jazz and Swing Music Every Thursday and Friday, from 5pm. Live acts start at 8.30pm Connors Café Bar at The Hat Factory Luton’s new, stylish and contemporary restaurant and bar is now open every Thursday and Friday evening. With live jazz and swing music and a full evening menu available until 9pm. 2-4-1 on cocktails all night. Free entry.
Issue 12 • December/January 2016 29
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