The Vine Luton - December / January 2018 - Issue 24 by The Vine Magazine

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Local News / What’s On / Local Directory

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Connecting local people to local businesses Local News

What’s On

Puzzles

Winter Energy Bill Busting Advice

By Martin Lewis

This Issue

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Organised in aid Organised of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Walesand (261017), ScotlandScotland (SC039907) and the Isle Man (604). AlsoAlso operating in in Northern in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England Wales (261017), (SC039907) and theofIsle of Man (604). operating NorthernIreland. Ireland. Organised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

Local Businesses ProudToTo Proud BeBe Local Events Find Us Inside Highly Commended Commended Highly Insidethis thisissue... issue... Local News Tickets £8 under 12s free. For on-line tickets and more CUSTOMER CUSTOMERCARE CAREEXCELLENCE EXCELLENCEAWARD AWARD information visit www.caritasharmony.co.uk or call Local Offers TheVineDirectory.co.uk 6 Revitalising Dunstable GJ Smith Roofing A5 Flyer 2017 LB D2.indd 1

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• Local Business Directory Editor: Editor:Scott ScottNightingale Nightingale • Local Events • Local News Editor: Scott Nightingale • Local Offers Advertising Advertising& Editorial: Advertising &&Editorial: Editorial: ADD YOUR LISTING Shelly Nesbitt TODAY! ShellyNesbitt Nesbitt Shelly Tel: Tel:01525 01525222379 222379///07852 07852453043 453043 Tel: 01525 222379 07852 453043 Email: Email:info@thevinemagazine.co.uk info@thevinemagazine.co.uk Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

10 Our Doorstep? 10 Eden LocalOn News 14 Christmas Cranberries 12 Local News 12 Last Christmas post Dates 19 Competition - WIN Panto Tickets! 20 TeamSport Competition 18 Dying To Be-creative Stoptober 20 Body Change 4U: Christmas 22 Martin Lewis: Money Matters 22 Home Made Christmas 22 At Money Matters Caring For Houseplants 26 Home:Lewis: 28 AMartin Pensioners View

Organised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

Whilst Whilstevery everycare carehas hasbeen beentaken takento ensurethe the Whilst every care has been taken totoensure ensure the content contentof advertisingand andarticles articlespublished publishedin content ofofadvertising advertising and articles published inin this thismagazine magazineare areaccurate, accurate,neither neitherthe thepublisher publisher this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or itseditorial editorialcontributors contributorscan canaccept acceptand and ororits its editorial contributors can accept and hereby herebydisclaim disclaimany anyliability liabilityto anyparty partyto loss hereby disclaim any liability totoany any party totoloss loss or damagecaused causedby byerrors. errors.Neither Neitherdo dothey they orordamage damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect reflectthe theopinion opinionof thispublication. publication.The TheVine Vine reflect the opinion ofofthis this publication. The Vine does doesnot notofficially officiallyendorse endorseany anyadvertising advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material materialincluded includedwithin withinthis thispublication. publication. material included within this publication. No Nopart partof thispublication publicationmay maybe bereproduced reproduced No part ofofthis this publication may be reproduced without withoutprior priorpermission. permission. without prior permission.

28 The Garden Peugeot 308 GTI 24 In Autos: 32 Office Rental 32 Body Change 34 26 Looking Puzzles Up 4U: Calories 34 Autos: Mercedes C220 AMG 36 28 Puzzles Out & About 36 Puzzles 38 Travellers 30 ALooking Up Tale TheTo Gunpowder 38 Snippets: 44 Win! Tickets Aladdin Plot 46 Pensioners 48 AOut & About View 48 Out & About

Copy deadline Copy deadline for next issue: for next 18th issue: January

January November 2018 18th

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local News

Get Your Ho, Ho, Ho On And Santa Run For Little Harry Join Bedfordshire family and Santa Run with Keech in memory of Harry The family of a Bedford boy who died are calling on people to get into the festive spirit and support Bedford’s 5km Santa Run in his memory. Harry Russell died at Keech Hospice Care, Bedfordshire’s children’s hospice, in November 2015 when he was just three-years-old. His mum Julie, dad Mark, and sister Ella, from Bedford, are asking everyone to get their Santa suits on this December and support the charity which cared for him. “Keech Hospice Care’s Santa Run is amazing and our family’s annual tradition. Keech cared for Harry and helped us to make so many memories before he died and they’re still supporting us now. It’s going to be great fun walking, jogging and running along Bedford’s Embankment surrounded by so many ‘Santas’ all wanting to raise awareness and money for such a brilliant charity. We can’t wait to do it,” said Julie. In his short life, Harry had to cope with both physical and mental disabilities including hearing and vision loss, epilepsy, breathing problems and being fed through a tube. “Our handsome Harry had the most beautiful soul and smile. He

taught us how to make every moment count. Santa Run is the perfect positive event not only to remember Harry, but to raise precious funds and awareness for our local children’s hospice. “The Embankment has always been a special place for us, as we would often walk Harry along the river in his wheelchair, so we know he will be with us every step of the way on Sunday 3 December.” Sister Ella, six, said she loves taking part in Keech Hospice Care’s Santa Run to remember her little brother and can’t wait to run alongside hundreds of other Santas this Christmas. “I love seeing so many friends and family dressed up as Santa and talking about my brother. It helps me to remember him,” said Ella. “It’s really magical and I think everyone in Bedford should take part – it’s fun!” Liz Searle, Chief Executive Officer, at Keech Hospice Care, said: “It’s going to be wonderful to see hundreds of people all having a fabulous time dressed as Santa running along the Embankment - it’s

6 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 34 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

incredibly special. As a charity, we depend on around 70 per cent of our funding to come from the community so please sign up today and get into the Christmas spirit by helping us care for more people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.” “Please come and give Santa a run for his money at Keech Hospice Care’s 5km sponsored Santa Run on Sunday 3 December at Bedford Embankment,” said mum Julie. Kick-start the countdown to Christmas by signing up for Keech Hospice Care’s 5km Santa Run at www.keech.org.uk/santarun or call 01582 707940. Entry is just £15 for adults and includes a Santa costume to keep, finisher’s medal and gift. Under 16s cost £5 and includes festive headwear, and family entry for two adults and three children is £40.

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local Community

Volunteer urges public to JoinMe and support local hospice charity shops Can you spare just a few hours a week to help your local hospice? Keech Hospice Care, which cares for adults in Luton and South Bedfordshire and children in

Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, urgently needs more volunteers to help run its 12 charity shops across the county. Kitty Read, who volunteers every week in a Keech Hospice Care charity shop, says she finds volunteering incredibly rewarding and is encouraging others to do the same. “I need more people to JoinMe and volunteer at their local Keech charity shop so this amazing charity can continue to make sure no-one with a terminal or lifelimiting illness has to face it alone,” said Kitty. “If you’re retired, looking for a way to use your skills, lonely at home or just want to make new friends and socialise, sign up to be a volunteer at your local shop today. It only takes a few hours a week. Bring your friends along, too - everybody is welcome!” Each year the charity relies on its

community to help raise 70 per cent of the £5.7 million it needs to survive. The money raised from Keech Hospice Care’s 32 charity shops across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes is crucial to ensuring the hospice can care for seriously ill children and their families in Hertfordshire at a time in their lives when they need it the most. “I love volunteering at my local Keech Hospice Care shop. I have a paid job but volunteer at my local shop, too. It’s not like work – it’s a little family and I’ve made great friends,” said Kitty. “I get a real sense of achieving something by helping people in my spare time.” To sign up call 01582 707955 or visit www.keech.org.uk/joinme All necessary training is provided.

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local Notices

Refuse & recycling collections over the 2017 / 2018 Christmas & New Year period. Please put your usual wheelie bin or bag out as normal by 7am on the revised collection dates.

2017

2018

Scheduled collection

Revised collection

Scheduled collection

Revised collection

Monday, 25 Dec. Tuesday, 26 Dec. Wednesday, 27 Dec. Thursday, 28 Dec. Friday, 29 Dec.

Saturday, 23 Dec. Wednesday, 27 Dec. Thursday, 28 Dec. Friday, 29 Dec. Saturday, 30 Dec.

Monday, 1 Jan. Tuesday, 2 Jan. Wednesday, 3 Jan. Thursday, 4 Jan. Friday, 5 Jan.

Tuesday, 2 Jan. Wednesday, 3 Jan. Thursday, 4 Jan. Friday, 5 Jan. Saturday, 6 Jan.

Recycling and refuse collections will resume as normal from Monday, 8 January 2018.

Garden waste collections

All kerbside garden waste collections are now suspended. The service will resume on Monday, 5 March 2018. Central Bedfordshire Household Waste Recycling Centres:

Our sites are open Monday - Sunday, 9am-5pm except Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 9am-1pm. They’re closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day. For reminders about collections, updates during adverse weather and information about the Household Waste Recycling Centres including the new Thorn Turn development, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/waste Call 0300 300 8302 or email customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

A great place to live and work.

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10 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Recycle your real Christmas tree.

Simply leave your real Christmas tree NEXT to your recycling bin on your normal collection day between Monday, 8 January and Friday, 19 January 2018. Please ensure it’s placed separately and not in any bin or bag – No other garden waste will be accepted. Trees should be no taller than 5ft with trunks no greater than 3 inches in diameter. Alternatively you can recycle it at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.

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Issue 24 • December 2017 / January 2018

Home&Garden ful watering and regular misting they can adjust to a hot conservatory or a cold bathroom, but they don’t like to be moved around. With all flowering plants, you can prolong their flowering season by snipping off the dead flowers.

Location, location

Caring For House Plants Plants can add a special feel to any home - they make a great feature, soften harsh corners and bring a room to life. Aside from their aesthetic value, many species clean the air by removing pollutants - Ivy, Spathiphyllum, Scindapsus, Chlorophytum, for example. While summer can provide excellent conditions for our green companions at home, central heating turns a room hot and dry like a desert. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of house plants.

Buying plants

Plants from a reputable garden centre may cost a little more, but they are hardened to withstand the shock of being moved from warm, bright and humid greenhouses to the dry, centrally heated homes we tend to inhabit. To save money, start with smaller plants and learn to propagate them. Respect the plant’s individual needs Each plant has its own needs for light, water, air humidity and room temperature so it pays to keep a book for reference, just hold on to the label with the plant’s name as they are not the easiest to memorize. Alterna-

tively, use a website to identify your plants. There are now even phone apps that can identify a plant from a photograph! Some plants are fussy while others are more tolerant of their environment (and their owner’s mistakes), but anyone can grow plants at home – the secret is to choose the right plant for the conditions you have, and accept that certain beauties are not meant to last. One example of this is Poinsettia, the Christmas plant. It is sold with the intention to be enjoyed while it lasts, and discarded afterwards. If you like flowering plants, try orchids. They are now available in easy-to-grow varieties, and with care-

26 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 12

Very few plants can survive being roasted on a south facing window sill, or dumped in a dark corner far away from any daylight. Try to place your plants in different places in your home, especially as the seasons change, but bear in mind that some varieties will sulk if you keep moving them around too much. After a while you will discover the golden spot for each plant. In winter, don’t trap the plants between a cold, drafty window and a curtain, with the heat of the radiator in between.

Watering

Unfortunately, overwatering is a common mistake – keeping the compost around the roots waterlogged will bring a plant close to its death. House plants need less water than we tend to think, especially in winter, so let them ‘hibernate’ by reducing watering in winter, and they will reward you with better growth in the spring. You can rescue a drowning plant by taking it out of its pot, cleaning the pot thoroughly and gently shaking the plant’s roots off the waterlogged soil. Let it dry out a little, and re-plant in fresh compost. Some plants need a specific method of watering. For example, Saintpaulia (African Violet) likes tepid water and having the bottom of the pot immersed, rather than traditional watering from the top. However, if you pander to its needs, Saintpaulia will thank you with beautiful velvety flowers a few times a year.

Issue 24 â&#x20AC;¢ December 2017 / January 2018

14 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Explore the Renault range

at Glyn Hopkin Renault St Albans

Get up to £6,000 when you swap old for new* 4.9% APR representative The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (I/100km) for the KADJAR Dynamique Nav dCi 110 shown are: urban 68.9 (4.1); extra-urban 78.5 (3.6); combined 74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 99 g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EU legislation and may not reflect real-life driving results. *Scrappage offer available to retail Renault Finance customers at participating dealers only when you trade in any car registered before 31 December 2009. Trade-in vehicle must be registered to the customer for at least 90 days before new purchase date. Scrappage offer of up to £2,000 available on new cars (excluding Twingo, ZOE, Captur PH1, Clio R.S and All-New KOLEOS) in conjunction with 4.9% APR representative finance over 48 months with deposit contribution: this means for KADJAR up to £6,000 on diesel versions (£2,000 scrappage + £4,000 deposit contribution) and up to £5,000 on petrol versions (£2,000 scrappage + £3,000 deposit contribution); for new Captur up to £5,000 on diesel versions (£2,000 scrappage + £3,000 deposit contribution) and up to £4,500 on petrol versions (£2,000 scrappage + £2,500 deposit contribution); for Mégane up to £4,000 (£2,000 scrappage + £2,000 deposit contribution); for Scénic & Grand Scénic up to £4,000 (£2,000 scrappage + £2,000 deposit contribution); for Clio up to £4,250 (£2,000 scrappage + £2,250 deposit contribution). Scrappage offer only available on qualifying new vehicles when ordered by 31 December 2017 and registered by 31 January 2018. Renault Finance, PO Box 495, Watford WD17 1BR. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. UK residents (excl. Channel Islands) and over 18s only. Offers based on 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc. VAT. See full terms and conditions at renault.co.uk/scrappage. Warranty applies to new vehicles up to a period of 4 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first (first 2 years unlimited mileage). For full terms and conditions visit renault.co.uk/warranty. Renault Assistance is provided by our approved roadside assistance partner. Cover from month 0 to 36 includes assistance at the roadside and home, national recovery, onward travel and European cover. Cover from month 37 to 48 includes Roadside and Homestart (including a local tow to an authorised Renault dealer). For full terms and conditions visit renault.co.uk/roadside.

GLYN HOPKIN – The NEW name for Renault in St Albans and surrounding areas Lyon Way, St Albans AL4 0LQ Book a test drive Tel 01727 818453 www.glynhopkin.com/renault

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Issue 24 • December 2017 / January 2018

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WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Grove Theatre has teamed up with Evolution Productions to present a spell-binding and breathtaking adaptation of the pantomime Sleeping Beauty starring John Partridge (EastEnders), Sally Lindsay (Coronation Street) & Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies). With lots of audience participation, lavish sets and stunning special effects, Sleeping Beauty promises to be Grove Theatre’s funniest and most magical pantomime ever!

We’ve got a family ticket to give away!

for the 2pm performance on Monday 1st January 2018 To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question...

John Partridge played the character Christian Clarke in which soap? Email your answer, along with your name, address & contact telephone number to win@thevinemagazine.co.uk You can also enter online and find T’s & C’s at www.thevinedirectory.co.uk 1 winner will be selected at random and notified by email no later than Tuesday 19th December.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

Issue 80 24 • December 2017 / January 2018

21 19

Health & Fitness

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We all enjoy indulging in food and drink at Christmas but if we think about the choices we make in the build up to the big day, it will make the New Year “fix” a lot easier. 6000 calories!* That’s how many calories the average person consumes on Christmas day. And if you add in Boxing Day too that adds up to 12000 calories, that is the amount of calories the average woman should consume in 1 WEEK! Add in to the equation that most people don’t exercise over the festive period and consume 3x as much food as they should do and the results are dangerous.

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Here are a few simple tips to help you have a healthier festive period... 6000 calories is the equivalent of 12 Big Macs. 6000calories will require the average person to run two and a half Marathons to burn it off. Start your New Year resolution now! Plan ahead, remove unwanted temptations, and don’t over indulge for the sake of it. Why do we stock up with foods for Christmas that we never normally buy?! Cheese boards? Nuts? Chocolates? Why do we have 3 choices of desserts? Christmas is about spending time with friends and family and not about eating until you are sick.

Go for a walk before dinner. You will not feel like going out later in the day. Cut out the starters. How often do you normally eat 3 courses?! Leave out the potatoes, especially if you normally coat them in fat! Meat, veg, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding is more than enough. 20 minute rule! No one is allowed second helpings within 20 minutes of finishing dinner. If after 20 minutes they still want more then ok. Remember, your stomach is the size of your fist. Think about this when dishing up dinner, especially for the children.

*Figures taken from the British Nutrition Foundation

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Money Matters By Martin Lewis

WINTER IS HERE And that means energy bills are bursting

@martinslewis

So I want to play a little game of True or False with you over a series of popular energy myths. See how many you get right, and give yourself a warm pat of the back if you do well, and a cold slap across your fiscal face if you get most wrong.

TRUE OR FALSE. The cheapest way TRUE OR FALSE. Renters can’t to pay energy bills is by direct debit? switch energy provider without their landlords’ permission? True (but specifically it needs to be monthly direct debit). Then suppliers offer discounts of around 7%. Yet while you pay less in total, as its estimating your usage, if it overestimates it could ask you for more cash – leaving you in-credit - or worse, leaving you underpaying, and in debt with it. So ensure you always give regular meter readings to get accurate bills. And if you think its estimate is wrong, you’ve a right to challenge.

False. You have a right to switch energy provider in your home even if you only pay the rent. There are two exceptions to this 1) If you don’t pay for energy yourself, it’s all included in your rent 2) If you’re looking to switch meter, eg from prepayment to a credit meter, as that’s a physical change to the property that needs permission. So feel free to do a comparison. Just plug your details into my www.cheapenergyclub.com or any other www.ofgem.co.uk - approved comparison TRUE OR FALSE. It’s cheaper to site and it’ll tell you the best deal for you. Just make leave the heating on low all day sure you select ‘all tariffs’ as some comparison sites rather than have it turned off and on? now default to only show you the ones that will pay them (my cheap energy club doesn’t do this). False(ish). Just pay to pump energy in as and when is If the landlord says it’s written into your contract needed, as to keep pumping it in constantly isn’t efthat you can’t switch, challenge it. Preventing a tenficient. Using a timer’s best, because your thermostat ant from changing energy suppliers may be viewed is designed to turn your heating on and off to keep as an unfair term in a tenancy agreement. Talk to your home at the temperature you set it. This is the www.citizensadvice.org.uk to see if it can help. view of both the Energy Saving Trust and British Gas, so in general I’d stick with that. TRUE OR FALSE. If you’re in credit Yet some heating engineers argue that keeping all the when you switch energy provider radiators on full but with the boiler down can reduce they must give you the money back? condensation. Whereas on and off can make it True (now anyway). If you pay by direct debit and worse. As condensation helps conduct heat outside when you leave an energy firm you’re in credit, then the home – you lose heat more quickly and will use more energy as a result. So if your house is prone to since 2014 you should automatically get this back. But track it and if the supplier doesn’t, call it and condensation, you may want to think about it.

22 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

ask for the cash. If you switched before 2014 and think you might have been in credit then call to check as they operated a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get policyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and you can still ask. Like Aston who emailed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eight minutes work calling my old energy suppliers, got ÂŁ140 refunded after leaving in credit. Why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t more people do this?â&#x20AC;?

TRUE OR FALSE. When you change energy supplier someone will need to visit your home? False. Nobody usually visits your home. Your pipes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change and your gas and electricity wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get cut off. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even need to contact your old energy supplier to tell it youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re switching. The only thing that changes is the price and service. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so easy to switch. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a big deal.

TRUE OR FALSE. I must get boiler cover with my energy provider? False. Many energy firms use our fear of losing heating to charge hefty insurance costs. They also want us to think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some link between our energy provider and our boiler cover. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not locked in, so if you do need it, go elsewhere, like Amanda who emailed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I swapped my boiler cover company and saved ÂŁ213 a year whilst also increasing cover - and still with an annual service included. Thanks.â&#x20AC;? You can choose between boiler-only or central heating cover and to find the cheapest cover use a comparison site such as www.uswitch.com, www. energyhelpline.comand www.moneysupermarket. com. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you, get cover ASAP, before the true cold weather kicks in, as almost all new policies have a no-claims period within the first 14-30 days. Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 12 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip. Although Money Matters is based on extensive research and personal knowledge, Martin Lewis is not necessarily qualified in the given field/subject. We would therefore always recommend that readers take this information as advice and do their own research before committing.

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Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport

THP 270. Remember that figure because it’s highly relevant here. That’s the horsepower Peugeot Sport have managed to coax out of the modest 1.6 litre engine under the bonnet of their 308 GTi. A car that – with its two tone paintwork – looks like something for the boy racers out there. Well, it is, and it isn’t. They’d all like to get their backsides into the drivers seat, but I seriously doubt they’d have the skill/experience/cojones required to adequately control all those horses if their Nike Air Max is too heavy on the loud pedal. This is a car that has the ability to bite back, and as such might leave them going home to mum with a laundry problem… Our grandson, worldly wise beyond his 14 years and who has been transported in some pretty decent cars over his lifetime, dubbed it a car with tourettes, which is blindingly accurate. Most of the time it’s as predictable as the rest of us, but even now and then, guided by your inputs, there’s the odd ballistic outburst. For example, try the sport button. A microsecond later and the instrument dials have turned a sinister red, and

Price: £28,590 1598cc petrol THP, 272hp, 330Nm Six speed manual gearbox Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph 6.0secs Fuel: urban 34.9, extra urban 57.6, combined 47.1 CO2 139g/km

there’s now another display that reads, from the top, Power, Boost, Torque. So at any given time you can see – if you dare take your eyes off the rapidly approaching road ahead – just how many of the 272 horses you have unleashed. You’ll notice a change in the exhaust as well, which now has a deeper, gravelly, more purposeful note to it as the gases pump out the pipes. Manna to the ears of a petrolhead. So, we’ve got a car with a sport button that really means Sport, and brings on that anticipatory clenching of the buttocks and heightened concentration. The firm that brought us the never to be forgotten 205 GTi over 30 years ago has now pulled another trump card from up its sleeve in the shape of this new 308 GTi. If you’re looking for a full-on performance model in the current Peugeot range then this is it. This is the remapped 272hp rangetopper with big red Peugeot Sport brake calipers and a Torsen limited slip diff that is hugely effective in eliminating – to a certain extent – what Mr Ferguson would call ‘squeaky bum time’.

24 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Punch the throttle coming out of a sharp bend and the initial understeer is quickly cancelled out by the diff loading up the wheel that needs a bit more mechanical assistance, allowing you to concentrate on steering the thing down the road, which is coming towards you quickly indeed. But thankfully, because of the differential, not the undergrowth. Impressive is the ability of the big discs to haul off the impressive speed the 1.6 THP engine builds up before you can safely negotiate a corner. The gearchange has a reassuring clunky movement and the steering is nicely weighted, with plenty of feel and response, so even the slightest wiggle will tell you the wheels have changed their course. Which they will. The neat cabin, nicely trimmed, has Peugeot’s trademark small steering wheel with the main instrument binnacle above for a clear view of the necessary information. The cabin is comfortable, with good head, leg and shoulder room, so plenty space for drivers of all shapes and sizes to enjoy their driving. As the original GTi ad said, if you want something sensible, buy an anorak…….

The Boiler Installation Company becomes a Which? Trusted trader Consumers in the areas can have conﬁdence when using The Boiler Installation Company due to their Which? Trusted Traders endorsement. In order to become a Which? Trusted trader, The Boiler Installation Company successfully passed the endorsement process, including a visit by a professional Which? Trusted Traders assessor, with extensive trading standards experience, as well as a company credit check and random customer references. Wayne Bettess from The Boiler Installation Company said:

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Issue 24 • December 2017 / January 2018

Puzzles

Answers on page 30

Across

Down

6. Glint (7) 7. Disprove (5) 9. Freeze (3) 10. Rejoice (9) 12. Farewell (11) 15. Below par (11) 17. Virtuous (9) 19. Shed (3) 21. Plump (5) 22. Base (7)

1. Endurance (5) 2. Sprite (3) 3. Present (4) 4. Land (9) 5. Cultivation (7) 8. Term (6) 11. Lie (9) 13. Excited (6) 14. Doubtful (7) 16. Sturdy (5) 18. Impel (4) 20. Crate (3)

7 BIKES

1 4

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9 2 8

4 6

GATES

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 26 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 4x2 box contains the digits 1 through 8.

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Anderton An d e rto n Anderton up. Electrics d e r i ElElectrics ectr ics pinwg iryeodu uwp. up.

d Kyeoeuyou wire g n i p KeeKeeping Contact James Contact James direct direct on: on :on: Mobile: 07771 698 151 Contact James direct Mobile : 07771 698 151 Mobile: 07771 698 151123 01582 343 Office: Office: 015801582 2 343343 12 3 Office: 123 Email: james@andertonelectrics.co.uk Email: ja mes @andertonelectrics.c Email: james@andertonelectrics.co.uk o.uk www.andertonelectrics.co.uk www.andertonelectrics.co.uk www. andertonelectrics.co. uk

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Issue 24 • December 2017 / January 2018

Out & About Something for The Grown-ups...

Christmas Afternoon Tea

SANTA AT STOCKWOOD

Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road. LU1 4LX Every Saturday & Sunday - From 9th - 23rd December Visit Santa in his magical Christmas Grotto £5 per child, includes a present. Festive Activities Make and create festive crafts, dance in the bubble disco and visit the Sparkles cafe. £5 per child All events include free entry for accompanying adults.

WARDEN HOUSE AT CHRISTMAS Old Bedford Road LU2 7HA 2nd December - 30th December

The house will be adorned in Yuletide splendour featuring 3 large Christmas tree's decorated with themes inspired by Dickens' tales of past, present and future. A treat for all the family with choir performances and a music recital too. Choir performances Saturday 2nd & 9th December 2pm & 3pm Free Winter Recital Sunday 3rd December 4pm 6pm £8

The Owl & The Pussycat Christmas Show

Library Theatre, St George Square, Luton Monday 11th - Sunday 24th December £10.50 / £9 over 60's, 4+ Follow the adventures of Owly- cat in his magical Christmas show; jam-packed with fun and nonsense from the world of Edward Lear, author of The Own & The Pussycat. Presented by Full House Theatre & Luton Culture

28 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

At Garden Cafe, Stockwood Discovery Centre Connors Café Bar, Hat Factory The Dining Room, Warden House £18.50 each (MIn.4 people) £16.50 each (groups of 12+)

Christmas Lunch

Connors Café Bar, Hat Factory £21.95, 2 courses Garden Café, Stockwood Discovery Centre £21.95, 2 courses / £26.95, 3 courses For menus and to book, call 01582 547445 or email venues@lutonculture.com

Christmas Film - Bad Santa Saturday 9th December, 7.30pm Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 cones. 15+ A gloriously rude and gleeful offensive black comedy, about a miserable conman and his partner posing as Santa and his little helper. Comedy Bar & Curry

Hat Factory Arts Centre Friday 15th December, 8pm £5, plus £6 for curry, 16+ Resident MC Jake Pickford hosts a Christmas Special evening of open-mic comedy from the nations up and coming talent. Make a night of it, with a curry at Connors Café Bar. www.lutonculture.com Box Office: 01582 878100

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 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 for details www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

SOCIAL GROUP We are a small group of people age 45+ If you like to have fun and enjoy yourself, then please get in touch. No membership required, just ring Tina for more information between 10am - 8pm weekdays, 01582 619035. 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

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 5TH STOPSLEY GUIDES Girlguiding Luton South Division are LUTON WRITERS’ CLUB looking for new girls aged 5+ & volunEvery other thursdayat 5.30pm teers to join us. Luton Central Library We are part of Girlguiding UK and A free club, open to those interested enjoy taking part in new things, workin writing. ing towards interest badges and having lots of fun. THE PARKSIDE SINGERS Anyone who is interested in finding Do you enjoy singing? out more can register online - www. The Parkside Singers is a lively mixed girlguiding.org.uk/joinus and this will choir, singing four-part harmony music list a full selection of groups available including pop, songs from musicals and closest to you or you can email us some choral favourites such as Ave pr.lutonsdiv@bedsguiding.org.uk’ Verum and The Lords Prayer. Call Claire on 01525 753110. FLEXERCISE EXERCISE Thursday 2 -3 £3.50 LUTON POETRY SOCIETY Warden Hill Community Centre Last Saturday of every month, 2-4pm at Gentle Exercise for Older People - Men Luton Central Library. and Women -With No jumping about £3, free for Poetry Society member or running around, the class includes (£20 annual membership) low impact and every exercise you will Our meetings usually take place on the be faced with will have a specific benefit last Saturday of each month at Luton to your body and your unique make up. Central Library (3rd Floor) The class is aimed at improving and For more information visit maintaining flexibility and balance, thus www.lutonculture.com/luton-libraries enabling you to be confident and enjoy or call 01582 547 418 life. For more info Tel Lorraine 07868 030540

BEDFORDSHIRE GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS & DYERS. A friendly group of textile crafts people who meet in Flitwick Village Hall twice a month. First Tuesday evening of each month 7.30 - 9-30 and Third Saturday, all day, 10.30 to 4.30. We welcome visitors interested in seeing what we do, so please pay a visit to our website www.bedsguildwsd.blogspot.co.uk WIDOWS & WIDOWERS CLUB We are an active Widows and Widowers club. Meetings are held locally and new members are always welcome. If you would like to make new friends and join in our many outings and activities please ring Jenny 01582 672766 or Val 01582 659717 or email Carol at carol.hodges@ntlworld.com YARNIES KNITTING AND STITCHING GROUP IN LUTON WHO- We are a friendly group who meet to chat and use lovely yarn to knit, crochet, braid, stitch, weave.... WHERE- We meet at the Balcony Bar, Venue 360, Gypsy Lane, Luton, LU1 3JH. www.venue360.co.uk. There is plenty of free parking and Luton Parkway station is 5 mins walk away. WHEN- The second Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, beginners or experienced stitchers. Just turn up or for more information contact Shirley fuchsia@hotmail.co.uk or visit us at www.ravelry.com

Issue 24 • December 2017 / January 2018

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky

Answers Step On It

December 2017 & January 2018

BIKES BITES MITES MATES HATES GATES

Looking Up! Spot the Space Station (or Santa): The International Space Station returns to our sky in the run up to Christmas this year. From Saturday 2nd December until Friday 15th December look for a bright white light moving steadily across the sky on a roughly west to east or south-east trajectory. It’ll be visible for about 8 minutes each evening between 4:30pm and 6pm. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we’ll find the space station low down to the south-east, but in the morning sky ahead of sunrise. Look for it between 7:25am – 7:35am on the 24th, and 6:30am – 6:45am on the 25th.

By Seb Jay Image Credit: NASA

Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

30 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Down: 1 Pluck 2 Imp 3 Here 4 Territory 5 Culture 8 Period 11 Falsehood 13 Elated 14 Dubious 16 Burly 18 Urge 20 Box

mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

See Jupiter & Mars together on January Mornings: If 6am isn’t too early on a January morning cast your view towards your south. Jupiter shines as a bright white ‘star’. Right next to it is the dimmer and redder hue of Mars. The two planets appear closest together on the morning of Sunday 7 January, when they are almost inseparable to the naked eye. Our planetary pairing remain neighbours when a crescent moon joins them at dawn on 11th January, making for a spectacular sight.

Across: 6 Glimmer 7 Rebut 9 Ice 10 Celebrate 12 Valedictory 15 Substandard 17 Righteous 19 Hut 21 Buxom 22 Ignoble

mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

Watch the sky for December Shooting Stars: Tuesday 12th December to Thursday 14th December sees the peak of the Geminids Meteor Shower. Look high in the sky towards your east and south-east from 8pm onwards to catch these celestial fireworks as they blaze their bright white trails across the sky.

Crossword

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