The Vine Luton - June / July 2015 - Issue 9

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This Issue...

Anyone For Tennis?

6 Hoo’s Book Fest 8 Microchip Your Pet 10 Foster Care 12 Martin Lewis Money Page 14 Puzzles 16 Looking Up! 17 Consumer Clinic 18 Health, Beauty & Wellbeing 20 At Home 22 In The Garden 24 Auto-biographies 26 Out & About 28 Copy deadline for our next issue - 18th July

Editors: Scott Nightingale Shelly Nesbitt For advertising & editorial: Shelly Nesbitt 01525 222379 07852 453043 Mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles published in this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors.

Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

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Anyone For Tennis?

Wimbledon Fortnight A broken pony-roller belonging to the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club was the catalyst which led to the birth of the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world: Wimbledon.

When the roller broke in 1877 the members decided to hold a lawn tennis competition to raise funds for repair.

There were 22 male competitors who each paid a one guinea entrance fee. The champion was 27-year-old Spencer Gore who won 12 guineas and yes, it did rain on the day of the finals!

In spite of the weather the competition was such a success that it became an annual event.

In fact there have been only ten Wimbledon-free years since that first competition: four years during the First World War and six during the Second World War. At the start the only event was the gentlemen’s singles. Then, in 1884 the ladies’ singles and the gentlemen’s doubles were added, followed by the ladies’

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doubles and the mixed doubles in 1913.

Only top-ranked amateurs were allowed to play until 1968 when the tournament became ‘open’, meaning that professionals could finally enter.

The British dominated The Championships, as they are known, for the first 30 years: Ernest and William Renshaw, and Laurie and Reggie Doherty were national heroes. But our winning streak didn’t last. Until recently the last British man to win at Wimbledon was Fred Perry in 1936. He won a hat trick of titles just before the Second World War. Then, in the glorious summer of 2013 Andy Murray finally brought the title home to Britain and won the heart of the nation.

He’s on a high this year having married his fiancé Kim Sears in the spring. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he made this a real fairytale year and won Wimbledon again?

Wimbledon Facts The first black person to win Wimbledon was a woman, the American Althea Gibson, in 1957 and 1958. The first, and only, black male to win was Arthur Ashe, who beat Jimmy Connors in 1975.

The last British woman to win Wimbledon was Virginia Wade in the silver Jubilee year, 1977.

It is the only tennis competition where players are required to wear all or predominantly white clothing. In 2002 Anna Kournikova had to change her black shorts for white ones on court!

Every year about 27,000 kilos of strawberries, 7,000 litres of cream, 60,000 pints of Pimms and 14,000 bottles of Champagne are consumed by spectators during Wimbledon.

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THE WAY YOU

Hoo’s Kids Book Fest introduces Our Summer Day

Hoo’s Kids Book Fest introduces Our Summer Day Wednesday 29th July 2015 11.00 am to 3.00 pm at Wednesday July 2015 Luton Hoo Walled29th Garden, LU1 4LF

LOOK?

PROFESSIONAL FASHION SHOW

11.00 am to 3.00 pm

Luton Skimpot Road LU4 0JB Tel: 01582 572294

at Luton Walled Garden, LU1the 4LFfamily in the magical our tickets for two veryHoo special events for all Garden!

Book your tickets Walled for two very special events for all the family in the magical Walled Garden!

Boy.Boy. Wizard.

Hero.

Harry Potter Books Wizard.

Hero.Celebrating Celebrating the Harry Potter.

Friday 5th June

Skimpot Road

Have you ever wanted to explore the magical world from 9.30pm ever wanted to explore magical worldJoin of the Potter books?

Join our ‘Professor of of the Harry the Potter books? ourHarry ‘Professor of Tickets available at £4 to d his plucky assistant bring assistant to life the characters, creatures, include ticket to fashion show, Potter’ andas histhey plucky as they bring to lifespells and adventures y Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. A fun and interactive event for all the familywhether late session & goodie bag. the characters, creatures, spells and adventures from re new to the books or a dedicated fan. Certificates and postcards for all who attend.

Terms and conditions apply.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

A fun and Come and share the magic!

Over 18s only. interactive event for all the familywhether you are new to the books or a dedicated fan. Certificates and postcards for all who attend.

Come and share the magic!

AT

SPONSORED BY

Kids In Action Children’s Charity

Pandas, doughnuts and the Queen’s handbag, with Steve Antony Since his first picture book debuted in 2014, Steve Antony has become the hottest talent around – his first book, The Queen’s Hat, has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize.

Learn to draw a panda who loves good manners (and doughnuts!), read stories together and get a sneak peek of Steve’s next book, The Queen’s Handbag PLUS Art activities, fun and entertainment!

Artist Vanessa Stone will be cutting up materials and involving children in something very spectacular!

Local illustrator Livi Gosling, who loves creating amazing maps, will be joining us for interactive fun!

Professor Pango Mango, the Wandering Poet will be making us all laugh with his wonderful words and delightful ditties!

Come and join us for a great day out in the magical Luton Hoo Walled Garden where there will also be refreshments, food, books, plants for sale and family fun for everyone!

Details of ticket sales will be available shortly.

Keep up-to-date with news by following us on Twitter @hoosbookfest , Facebook, Pinterest and www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 8 44

LUTON

SUNDAY 14th June 2015 at The Base, Dunstable Great fun for all the family, lots of things to do.

CLIMBING WALL BOUNCY CASTLE BASKET BALL TOMBOLA’S FACE PAINTING The wall is wheelchair accessible

Fish & Chip Van Ice-Cream Van

HOOK THE DUCK PLUS LOTS MORE STALLS.

10am To 4pm

Candy Floss

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Cakes

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Cancer? CFS? Leg Ulcers? Diabetes?

Oxygen Therapy May Help!

A charity is offering three free trials of Oxygen Therapy to people with leg ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is becoming popular due to media coverage of the amazing results it can achieve.

Mark Boscher from the Oxygen Therapy Service (part of the Herts MS Therapy Centre) explains: “Oxygen Therapy involves the delivery of oxygen under pressure. We’ve seen some exciting results amongst people with cancer, ME / CFS / Fibromyalgia and other conditions with debilitating long term exhaustion.

Oxygen Therapy can often help boost energy levels and fight stubborn infections.“ Three free places at Oxygen Therapy sessions are available – for people with leg ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers.

Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help you?

Who do you know with:

Mark Boscher standing by the oxygen chamber.

“Oxygen Therapy has huge potential to help people with leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers,” explains Mark. “Gaining feedback from the people who get involved will help us to help others.”

To find out more about this unique offer, contact Mark or Claire on 01462 684214.

To discover how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may help you or someone you know, search online for ‘hyperbaric’ and the name of your condition. Only three free places are available – don't miss out on this free support!

Oxygen Therapy Service

• Cancer? • A neurological condition? • Fibromyalgia? • Sports Injuries?

• Diabetic or Leg Ulcers? • TBI? • Broken Bones? • ME/CFS/Extreme Fatigue?

Find out if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can improve your health, accelerate healing, give you more energy.

Search online for ‘hyperbaric’ and your condition.

This Charity has delivered 60,000 Oxygen Therapy sessions since 1988 – all carefully supervised.

Our friendly team responds fast to all enquiries.

Call Mark today on 01462 684214 or email oxygen@hmstc.net

Registered Charity 299524 Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre 30 Campus Five, Letchworth, Herts SG6 2JF www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk

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mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

Microchip Your Pet

Gas Boiler, fire & Cooker, Servicing, installaon and www.plumbingandgas.org.uk repairs cylinders etc, heang system problems inc Gas boiler, fire cooker, Gas Boiler, fire & Cooker, Servicing, installaon and power-flushing Dripping taps& and internal plumbing issues, servicing, also solar thermal repairs and servicing. repairs cylinders etc, heang system problems inc installation power-flushing Dripping taps and internal plumbing & 01582 674829 etc. repairs cylinders

issues, also solar thermal repairs and servicing. www.plumbingandgas.org.uk

Heating system problems 01582 674829 inc. power-flushing

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Dripping taps From April 2016 it will be compulsory & Cooker, Servicing, installaon and for a dog to be microchipped in the Gas Boiler, fire& internal plumbing issues UK. But what exactly is a microchip? repairs cylinders etc, heang system problems inc Also solar thermal repairs servicing power-flushing Dripping taps and internal&plumbing Microchipping seeks to aid reuniting lost issues, also solar repairs andhomes servicing.

Inc.thermal LPG and park or stolen pets with their owners with their pets. It should be used in conjunction with

the usual tag and collar. www.plumbingandgas.org.uk The computer microchip contains a unique identity number and is housed in a type of glass which is compatible with living tissue. The whole thing is about the size of a grain of rice.

A special syringe and needle are used to implant the chip between your pet’s shoulder blades. The insertion isn’t painful and a check will be made using a handheld device immediately afterwards to ensure that the chip’s data is readable. The code and owners details are then stored on a national database. It is important to update your details on the database if you move.

Many pets are suitable for microchipping including dogs, cats, rabbits and horses.

Charities such as the Dogs Trust are so passionate about its importance that they offer it for free at their rehoming centres and run chipping roadshow events throughout the year. Vets and other organisations charge for microchipping, and costs will vary depending on the size of your pet and where you live.

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01582 674829 01582 674829

mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

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FCA appeal for new carers across Thames Valley to foster young parents with their child Foster Care Associates (FCA) is helping young parents in Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, and across the Thames Valley region, to develop

their parenting skills by providing support in the home of a specially trained foster carer.

The aim is to keep the family together and stop the children from going into care.

FCA which marks its 21st anniversary of providing care and support to children and young people this year, is appealing for potential carers in Thames Valley with the time, inclination and space to care for a young parent and their child to consider a move into fostering.

A parent and child placement offers the parent – often the mother – and child the best 12

opportunity to remain together.

A young parent may be struggling to care for their child and require extra support, and these placements allow the parent to develop their parenting skills in a stable and caring environment whilst in the guidance of their foster carer.

FCA encourages parent and child placements because they allow the parent to maintain and build upon their relationship with the child, meaning a foster home can play a pivotal role in ensuring the parent and child a happy lifetime together.

Karen Bolton, registered manager, from FCA Thames Valley said: "Rather than referring struggling young parents to residential units to have their parenting assessed, family courts and local authorities are increasingly beginning to refer them to parent and child foster placements.

“With fully trained support staff across the Thames Valley region ready to work with new carers and guide them, FCA

offer full support and guidance to carers and children alike to ensure that each relationship fulfils the children and the family as whole” Placements can range from short-term assessment periods, which generally last up to 12 weeks, to more long-term ones that offer the chance to help the parent provide care and guidance to the child. This means an appropriate placement can be found to suit the foster home.

Some are pre-birth placements that help parents to prepare for the birth of the child.

FCA provides support to those undertaking parent and child placements every step of the way, including training, a financial allowance, access to carer support groups and organised family activities.

For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA call 0800 023 4561 or visit www.thefca.co.uk

careis... giving a child a home, not just a place to stay.

Foster a young person.

Seeing someone flourish before your eyes – thanks to the support you’ve given them – is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things life can offer.

If you would like to do something truly unique and rewarding, call us on 0800 022 4012 to find out how.

0800 022 4012 fosterwithfca.co.uk

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12/05/2015 16:35

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The Martin Lewis Money Page

Shhh!

They don’t want you to know

gem-approved comparison site – nfidence Code at o see the full list.

A company’s job is to make money, nowt wrong with that, but our job is to keep it. Some firms use a host of tricks to keep us in the dark, yet if you can uncover their secrets you can win.

se a comparison a phoneare wide and varied. One Theirwith techniques yhelpline onexample 0800 074is0745, ‘priceordifferentiation’, where they 5493. aim to charge each customer as much as they’ll pay - often done using ‘white labels’, where the monthly direct debit’s up to 6% same thing is sold under different names. So here are 7 tricks to turn the tables… usually mean discounted bills of up your provider to check. Though British Gas customer? It also operates under the ter readings for accuracy, as your name Sainsbury’s Energy but there it’s £200/ too high, you have a right to ask year cheaper. British Gas runs Sainsbury’s Energy for the supermarket, yet there you pay far less. Based on a year’s typical dual fuel You can stillitsave. you can still usage... get a cheap fix to save ove. For those on Economy 7, British Gas’ standard tariff you pay an ’s only really- aOn boon for those who eir energy ataverage night. If£1,154. not – don’t - On British Gas’ Price Promise March 2016, its ecide at www.mse.me/eco7 cheapest deal, you pay average £1,100. pcock?

- On Sainsbury Fixed Price March 2016, you frozen pipe bursts can create an pay average £950. mage, often worsened as many hing for their stopcock - the mains Sainsbury’s Energy does have separate call ages as their home floods. centres, but it’s still operated by British Gas and while the likekitchen many energy firms it gets its fair t now – mine is under share of in my most recent poll s in the bathroom orcomplaints, inside a 43% rated its to service ’t working, you may want call a ‘great’, British Gas 37%. it’s a problem.

So if for some reason you’re brand loyal and ating and eating? want to stick with British Gas, huge savings are ind, or in general financial hardship still possible. after the hikes you may eligible However, as be always price varies by region and he Home Heat Helpline 33 usage, so doona 0800 comparison to see how it stacks anyone in your home on up for youwas via born my www.CheapEnergyClub.com 952, you're due up to £300 tax-switching cashback) or any (where you alsoinget ents. Payments should be made approved comparison site. www.ofgem.gov.uk ou’ve never had it before then you see www.gov.uk.

Zara sells its clothes at a fraction of the price. If

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you’re one of millions planning a trip to Spain fic income support, jobseekers' you may want to stop shopping n credit getsthis £25summer, in cold weather days it's sub-0 C. 14

at Zara here right now. Spain is Zara’s home country and it sells its clothes at vastly lower prices there. Better still, the www.zara.com Spain website has an English language option, you can compare prices before you go (you can’t order UK delivery from it).

Clothes there are often cheaper in euros than in pounds, even before the currency conversion.

In fact on a basket of goods it was on average 38% cheaper. Some of you may think ‘ah yes I’ve seen the euro price on some labels in the UK’, but that’s usually the French price, which is generally more expensive. This trick works for others in the same group, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear and Uterque.

If a loan’s advertised at 3.9% rep APR, they’re allowed to charge 20%. Every loan these days is listed as a ‘representative’ or ‘rep’ APR - that means by law only 51% of accepted applicants need to get the advertised rate. The rest can be and usually are charged more, and there’s no cap on how much more. Worse, the only way to know is to apply, and that leaves a footprint on your credit file. So be very careful.

One way to mitigate this somewhat is to use the calculator at www.mse.me/eligibility which tells you your odds of being accepted without marking your credit file. The higher your acceptance odds the more likely you are to get the advertised rate, although it’s not guaranteed.

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Amazon shopper? You’re entitled to music going back 16 years. If you’ve bought CDs or vinyl, you’re entitled to the downloads for nowt going as far back as 1999. To be fair Amazon

10% Discount

on any product or service when quoting this reference: LOS

The Martin Lewis Money Page

“pchelpcentre provided a very good, fast & professional service”

doesn’t hide that you can do this, but it’s a good trick.

Just login to your www.amazon.co.uk music library to see if you’ve any past tracks available. As JHL1959 told me: “Crikey, it’s given me 182 albums, that’s 2,367 tracks. Amazingly, I still like a lot of them - cheered me up.”

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It’s not always such a success though, GingerJuice said: “Just did this - thought it was brilliant then realised I’d bought the mother-in-law the Susan Boyle CD last year... ugh.”

Bill Watts, Renault Trucks UK Ltd – IT Manager

Visit our store for a wide variety of services to the home and business user including:

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Only get good mobile signal with one network? Switch to a piggyback. Many people tell me “I wish I could switch network but only Vodafone/EE works in my home.” Yet there’s a way to switch provider but keep the same signal...

Only EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 are actual mobile networks, yet there are many cheap virtual networks piggybacking on the same signal. E.g. Giffgaff is O2, Asda is EE, TalkMobile is Vodafone and Shebang is Three (full piggyback list at www.mse.me/piggyback). So check which other providers piggyback on your existing network and see if they’re cheaper.

Energy firms can’t charge exit penalties within 49 days of a fix ending. If you’re on a cheap fixed energy deal you needn’t wait until the last day to switch to avoid exit fees as rules state that 49 days before your fix ends, you’re allowed to switch without penalty.

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Play the codeshare trick - where two airlines sell the same flight. Airlines don’t shout that their partners often sell their flights too, sometimes for less. If you’re going on popular long-haul routes this can be a way to save.

@moneysavingexpert

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    

                                3     2    4 3 

                Answers on   page 30         2         9 7     8   2 9    3

Sudoku 数独 1 6

7

9 2 6

8 4

3

6

                                          

                   LOADS  

5 6

7

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!

Crossword

HARPS

Across

Down

1. Ceasing (8) 1. Hit, clouted (6) 2. Watched, looked (8) 4. Abundance (6) 3. Deliberation, 8. Institution (12) Cogitation (13) 9. Precise, singular (10) 5. Outstanding (13) 12. Required (6) 6. Cares for (5) 13. Like better (6) 7. Concern, problem (5) 16. Amenities (10) 10. Accredited, 17. Advanced culture, authentic (8) society (12) 11. Gifts (8) 18. Prompt (6) 14. Stiff (5) 19. Rides a bike (6) 15. Father’s brother (5)

16

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up! June and July 2015 See The International Space Station From Bedfordshire: The first two weeks of June sees the

International Space Station (ISS) pass over Bedfordshire in the evening sky. Look for a solid bright white light moving at an almost constant speed across the sky roughly west to east. Timings vary from night to night, so keep your eyes peeled between 9:45pm and midnight. On some evenings you might get to see the ISS a second time, about 90 minutes after its first passage.

Hunt Down Electric Blue Clouds At The Edge Of Space:

Late summer evenings are a great time to hunt down noctilucent clouds (NLCs). These eerie electric blue strands of cirrus-like cloud sometimes appear draped over the northern horizon after dark. Sunlight reflecting off tiny particles of frozen meteor dust in Earth’s upper atmosphere are thought to cause these

By Seb Jay

strange night-shining clouds. Look out for them in the sky towards your north between 11pm and 2am.

Discover How Saturn Looks In A Telescope:

Seeing Saturn for the first time in a telescope is an unforgettable experience. This June and July the ringed planet is perfectly placed for evening viewing near the constellation of Scorpio. Look for it low down towards the south near a curved line of three dimmer white stars. To the naked eye Saturn appears as a bright yellow ‘star’.

A small telescope is all that is needed to reveal the planet’s ring system.

Image: Noctilucent Cloud Display by Jan Erik Paulsen

seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

www.thevinemagazine.com

17

Consumer Clinic

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Knowing Your Consumer Rights I am becoming increasingly fed up with dealing with retailers right across Beds, Bucks and beyond who either don’t familiarise themselves with consumer law, or who deliberately attempt to pull the wool over their customer’s eyes. That makes it so important that we all understand the law as consumers. That way, when a retailer talks rubbish, we spot it straight away.

You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio

I thought this month I would take the opportunity to explain ‘Statutory Rights’. You may have seen on a receipt or contract ‘This does not affect your statutory rights’.

This means that anything the retailer has offered you (in terms of returns policy etc) does not change the things you’re entitled to by law.

amount of time. I would suggest a minimum of 5 years’ worth of ‘reasonable use’ before it blows up. If it develops a manufacturing fault at any time during that period, the retailer IS LIABLE! Any attempt to fob you off, should be met with a firm, but polite explanation of your consumer rights.

When you purchase any brand new goods or services in the UK you are protected by your ‘statutory rights’ (sale of goods act 1979).

Bear in mind, the retailer is at liberty to take into account usage you’ve had from a product before it breaks though. For example, if your 4 year old fridge blows up, the retailer could offer to replace it, but will ask for a contribution from you for the 4 years use you had from the previous model.

All Goods Must Be: a)

Fit for purpose

b) Of ‘reasonable’ quality (based on the cost) c)

Last for a reasonable amount of time (based on the cost)

Therefore, if you buy (for example) a fridge for £300, it should last for a ‘reasonable’ 18

For the first 6 months after purchase, it’s up to the retailer to prove that the fault with the item is NOT their responsibility. After the first 6 months it’s your responsibility. Therefore, my advice when dealing with an obstructive retailer, is to www.thevinemagazine.com

obtain an independent report to confirm that the product has a manufacturing fault, then ask the retailer to not only fix the problem, but also reimburse you for the cost of the report.

It is also worth noting that when you first purchase an item, during the first 4 weeks you are entitled to return faulty goods and get a full refund. After this period of time, generally you will have to permit the retailer an opportunity to repair the item if they so wish.

So, remember next time the manager of a shop says ‘oh sorry, there’s nothing we can do I’m afraid’. Tell them you understand your statutory rights and if they still fail to help, then call my team on 01582 637450 and I’ll have a little ‘word’ for you!

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Health Beauty & Wellbeing

Brows & Lashes

I was born with my dad’s eyebrows. Naturally thick, shapeless and unsightly, they looked like two caterpillars stuck to my forehead. At age twelve I followed the fashion of the day and plucked away until they were within a whisper of totally disappearing - and I was on the point of fainting! Today, my eyebrows are thin, shapeless and unsightly and I’m resigned to them looking that way forever. Or rather I was…

Internet searches assure me that no matter how over-plucked, over-waxed or overgroomed your eyebrows may be, there is hope still for beautiful, arched, perfectly coiffed specimens. The most extreme method might be an eyebrow transplant (yes really!), but there are other less drastic options!

Most of us ladies – and the odd gent too – need to lose a few hairs from the brow line. The easiest solution is tweezing away the stray hairs yourself, but the results are short-lived and the risk of creating the wrong shape is high. Better results can be achieved by a professional, with waxing and threading methods achieving hair removal lasting around 4-6 weeks.

Fair or very thin eyebrows may benefit from being tinted. Like hair dye, this changes the colour and lasts 4-6 weeks.

A popular look at the moment is HD (High Definition) Brows which focus on shape and design and promise to give you sleek, stylish brows like those enjoyed by the stars. A seven step process that includes a consultation followed by tinting, waxing, threading, tweezing, trimming and finishing with a pencil or brush to fill in any gaps, is described as more than just shaping or tidying but actual eyebrow artistry!

20

With your brows looking beautiful brows it’s time to move on to the eyelashes.

There are numerous mascaras around promising volume, length and thickness, and I can vouch for some of them actually working! My daughter’s naturally long lashes were taken to another level following the application of a new mascara. But what else is on offer?

Tinting is an option if your lashes are particularly fair, and it’s not just for girls. I remember the difference it made to my friend’s son after his lashes were darkened. Curling makes straight lashes appear longer, and creates the illusion of wider, brighter, more feminine eyes.

Lash-perming, which is best carried out by a professional, can make the results can last for six weeks, which is great for holidays or if you have any big events lined up.

Finally, how about having eyelash extensions? This is one of the UK’s fastest growing beauty treatments and involves gluing separate synthetic eyelashes to individual natural lashes to give a luscious, natural look. The amount of curl, length or thickness can vary according to your personal preference and the results last for 8-12 weeks depending on your natural lash growth cycle.

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21

&

At Home In The Garden As a designer we are often required to work on properties around the home counties that have significant traditional or period features. For the homeowner they often assume that because they want to keep elements of those features they must blend the interior to feature a recreation style of when the property is dated from, this can then mean you can end up with overfussy, crowded, dark and heavily patterned furnishings. Using the work “Contemporary” and “Traditional” within the same sentence can often strike panic onto the faces of the clients as they cannot see how this would work together.

How to blend

contemporary style with

Period Features

The trick is to not try to go to far one way or the other. Pick some subtle traditional features and highlight these, for example details like coving/ cornice, decorative door handles, original flooring.

These all work surprisingly well with very minimalist contemporary furniture. The clean lines of modern design highlight intricate details, show up grains for original wood and sit uncluttered next to very grand and exuberant items.

I was asked to work on a “Mock Tudor” style property, which is only actually around 20 years old, but build in a fashion that leaves lower ceiling heights, lots of dark timbers and difficult room proportions. The clients wanted a modern comfy lounge/snug but have a inglenook style fireplace which dominated the room. They couldn’t see how they could get that clean edge design they had in previous homes. We added a deco inspired coving as a traditional coving would have been too deep for the ceiling, balanced the room by blocking up one of the two entrances, and inlaid a simple patterned carpet into a rustic wood floor. Picking out a pop of colour and blending the TV into a media wall in dark textures similar to the fireplace meant that the TV didn’t dominate as a focal point, and the fireplace still remained a feature, but with other darker aspects to the room it no longer dominated the room. When it comes to property like this getting the blend right is simply down the planning, plan out what you would like to do and see if it works. Try some mood boards, thereare a few great apps like Morpholio Board, Olioboard and HomeStyle that you can download to help.

22

By Sarah Myall Designer Principle/Director 07734 955303 www.white-houseinteriors.com

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19 23

In The Garden

Watering... without the guilt Who remembers their dad hosing the garden on warm summer evenings? We always seemed to have a lush lawn when I was a child, apart from the summer of 1976 when hosepipes were banned and we all used stand-pipes for weeks.

But nowadays hosepipes are the horticultural equivalent of a bad taste joke: out of style and somewhat frowned upon.

But gardens need water to survive

so what can we do?

Well the truth is, we have more than enough water in the UK to sustain an average garden, but it tends to fall in the winter when all the plants are dormant.

A water butt is a simple, economical solution for most urban gardens. Butts will catch the rainwater from your gutter and store it until it’s required. They typically hold between 100 and 300 litres depending on size.

You can now buy huge rainwater tanks which hold up 1000 litres and are great if you have the space. There are also underground storage tanks which hold over 2500 litres!

With special attachments, stored rainwater can be fed into hoses and sprinklers, so you can use them guilt-free.

24

However, if you want to make the most of your saved water then irrigation systems are the best choice. They typically reduce the amount of water you use by 70-90%, which is a huge saving. Here are a few tips for getting the best from an irrigation system.

Ground preparation is really important. Dig in lots of home-produced compost, well rotted horse manure, or spent mushroom compost.

This organic matter will help the soil retain any moisture it receives.

Make sure the irrigation lines run under the tips of the branches rather than at the base of the plant. This will water the roots more efficiently.

Make sure you mulch. Mulch can be a membrane, gravel, bark chips or cocoa shells. The aim is to keep moisture in the soil. I favour organic mulches because they gradually rot down and can be dug in to improve the soil texture further.

A few simple measures will ensure that your garden stays green this summer without costing the earth!

By Rachel Leverton

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25

auto Biographies

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk

defines the car's energetic form and an shapes a Sometimes a pair of new unmistakable appearance.

The vehicle's striking features feels just right.

No new, shoes youthful Mercedes face.

include the bonnet embedded in blisters ever appear and the front end with power-domes they soon become your The width-emphasising rear end exudes and amuscle diamond-look grille. The go-to choice of footwear. and athleticism, featuring an interplay between light modules and LEDs behind Others cause you a little the headlamp convex and concave surfaces.

The gently slopingcover glass have discomfort at first but, once been arranged in such a way as to roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark worn in, you feel as though create a characteristic "flare effect" curvature ofnever the rear window,inprovide CLA driving lights and you’d sauntered for the the daytime anything else.

250 AMG Sport with a coupé-style character indicators. This light signet defines

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 from the rear, too.

the car's energetic form and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes AMG Sport I drove was very face. much the latter example. It took The exterior's is The width-emphasising rear end me a whileprogressive, fine-tuning thesporty seat to appearance exudes muscle and athleticism, continued inside the Benz.

All trim surfaces are give me the best driving position. an interplay between I then had to adjust the steering galvanised in silver shadow, resultingfeaturing in a coolconvex and concave surfaces. wheel several times – and then to-the-touch metallic finish. The instrument The gently sloping roof contour get the lumbar support right. For panelthe incorporates largenail round vents and theand pronounced, hallmark first day I justfive couldn’t it curvature of the rear window, there’s a prominent free-standing screen and, squirming uncomfortably, I display provide the CLA 250 AMG Sport was convinced thispiano-lacquer-look car wasn’t for that features a black front But, by the second day of my with a coupé-style character from panelme. with a flush-fitting silver frame.the rear, too. week with the Merc, I felt it was The exterior's progressive, sporty made with my name on it. appearance seats just require a In theSome back,carthe seats, once again, become a is continued inside the Benz.

All trim surfaces are galquick twiddle here and there and sticking point. They are cramped for adults and you’re all set up. I think the CLA’s vanised in silver shadow, resulting not even best for two child seats, but my in a cool-to-the-touch metallic sportsthe seats withfitintegral headrests eight simply and five year old coped without too much finish.

The instrument panel take some getting used incorporates to. They’re a curvesquabbling.

Onsculpted the plusin side; boot space is goodfive large round and there’s a prominent forwards position, for this type of car. and make you vents free-standing display screen that feel like your head needs to go features a black piano-lacquerback more – although that could look front panel with a flushOn the road, fourhave beenthe meCLA being250’s fussy turbocharged on the fitting silver frame. dayengine the car was delivered. cylinder rocks for most situations.

The car In the back, the seats, once again, Anyway, enough of the seats and has excellent grip when pushed through corners become a sticking point. They are my hair-splitting; let me explain and itswhy, seven-speed automatic transmission cramped for adults and not even on the whole, the CLA is thepressure. best fit for two child seats, but climbsanand descends excellently excellent piece of German under my and five year old coped machinery.

Especially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ eight direct without too much squabbling. On Aesthetically, its proportions and steer dynamic system,design whichgive offers precise feedback in the compact the plus side; boot space is good comparison to conventional for this type of car. four-door saloon-cum-coupépower steering.

26

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with

On the road, the CLA 250’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine rocks for most situations. The car has excellent grip when pushed through corners and its sevenspeed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently under pressure. Especially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer system, which offers precise feedback in comparison to conventional power steering.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with numerous driving assistance systems offering support and reducing your workload behind the wheel. Standard-fit features include drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention assist with adaptive brake assist, which helps to protect you from collisions from a speed of only 4mph.

FAST FACTS Max speed: 149 mph 0-62 mph: 6.6 secs Combined mpg: 42.8 Engine: 1991cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo petrol Max. power (bhp): 208 Max. torque (lb/ft): 258 CO2: 154g/km Price: £33.440 PROS & CONS • Design √ • Steering √ • Grip √ • Safety kit √ • Rear seats X

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Out&About STOCKWOOD DISCOVERY CENTRE Tel: 01582 548600 The History of Transport in Lego® 4th July – 6th September Charges apply

Exhibition and activities based around Lego®.

Fine Art Taster Sessions 12th & 19th July, 10am – 1pm £10. Limited places, booking essential.

• Clubs • Groups • Events • Community

Tel Joyce 07960 440417 or Ian For more information contact Sue on 07900 890583 for details 07706895444 or www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk email sueblee@hotmail.co.uk 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) Bee and Honey Day June’s theme is ‘Sorry, Please and 26th July, 11am – 4pm FREE Thank You’.

Take part in different bee July’s theme is ‘Summer’ themed activities and learn all about bees and beekeeping with For more information visit www. lutonculture.com/luton-libraries or the Bedfordshire Beekeepers call 01582 547 418 Association.

Explore formal drawing and fine art painting techniques in our beautiful inspiring gardens.

Please dress weather appropriate for outdoors.

• Honey extraction demonstrations • Live observation of a real hive with industrious worker bees and the Queen Bee • The Virtual Hive - explore the inner workings of a bee colony • Introduction to candle rolling • Children’s craft activities • Honey tasting • Specialist advice on keeping your own bees.

Working Wednesdays Every Wednesday 29th July – 19th August. FREE

Go along to Stockwood Discovery Centre to see stationary steam engines in all their working glory 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.

28

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.

LUTON CENTRAL LIBRARY Tel: 01582 547 418 I Have a Plan!

3rd June, 1-2.30pm £2 Architectural drawings can tell us more about our world than the buildings that survive. Come and explore a world that was and a world that might have been.

Carers Information Day 9th June, 11am-3pm Free As a part of Carers Week 2015, we are hosting a carers information day, which features MIND, YAWN and the Confident Carer Service from the Disability Resource Centre and many more.

Parish Records Talk 10th June, 1-2.30pm £2 Find out what else you can discover besides parish registers, as we help you lift the lid on the parish chest.

Introduction to Palaeography 17th June, 1-2.30pm £2 “That looks amazing...but what does it actually say?” Come along and discover the basic skills of reading old handwriting.

Meet Audio Book Narrator Gordon Griffin 26th June, 10am – 12pm Free Part of Make a Noise in Luton Libraries Event.

Discover how great audio books get made.

Gordon Griffin has recorded over 500 audio books ranging from Gogol to Chris Ryan, from Dickens to Catherine Cookson.

He has won many awards for his narration, including The Golden Earphone Award 2005.

Gordon will be joined by Simon Cox of W.F. Howes, publisher of Clipper audio books.

WARDOWN PARK MUSEUM Tel: 01582 546722 Inspired by Lace 23rd May – 28th June free The Inspired by lace project is a collaboration between Luton Culture and Ashcroft High School. The Year 8 students were given a challenge to become Museum Makers and create art work which was inspired by the lace collection at Wardown Park Museum.

Sikh Fortress Turban 3rd June – 6th September FREE A rare chance to see a magnificent Dastaar Boonga Sikh turban, literally translated ‘towering fortress’, standing at over 70cm in height, and using 37 metres of cloth.

This style of turban was worn by a group of Sikhs called Akali Nihangs.

These skilled warriors used this type of turban to hold their weapons; including daggers, double-edged swords, deadly throwing discs and a battalion badge. Some Akali Nihangs still wear this type of turban today as a symbolic representation of this tradition.

On loan from The British Museum and supported through the ArtFund Prize.

100 Images of Migration 6th June – 19th July 100 photographs which tell a story about migration; social and cultural history comes to life.

Some of the stories accompanying the photos are immensely moving and detailed, and shed light on different people’s experiences, and the connections we have across all culture Music in the Museum 7th June& 5th July 2-4pm £5 Enjoy live music every month in this unique setting. Spaces are limited.

POETRY CLUB FOR YOUNG WRITERS. Reviving young Love, for Literature!

The Parish Centre, Bramingham Park,

Luton. First Saturday of each Month 1.30pm – 2.30pm Professional Home Tuition are creating a platform for young poetry writers to showcase their work. The Poetry club aims to help the writers enhance their skills and share their work with others. Poets will meet other like minded individuals who have the same passion for writing and reading poetry.

PHTS say,’The club aims to revive love for Literature for the younger, gadget loving generation’.

The club is open to all students from ages of 8 to 13.

Yearly membership of £10 and then £2 per visit.

To register your child or for further information call 01582 528 368.

LUTON LIBRARY THEATRE call 01582 878 100 Berakah 7thJune, 6.30pm Free. Please book.

Celebrating 10 years of Berakah and creating harmony in more ways than one by including musicians from Christian, Muslim & Jewish heritage.

Berakah will be performing music from their two studio albums as well as new music specially written for the 10th Anniversary National Tour.

Newbury Productions Presents Reduced Shakespeare Company in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare 19thJune, 7.30pm £14 advance, £16.50 on the night 5TH STOPSLEY GUIDES 37 plays in 97 minutes! A fast-paced Guides is our section for girls aged romp through the Bard’s plays.

10 to 14.

The Complete Works of William By becoming part of a worldwide Shakespeare was London’s longest-­ community of girls who learn running comedy having clocked a together and share skills and experi- very palpable nine years in London’s ences, Guides have the chance to West End at the Criterion Theatre! get out there and do something really Join these madcap men in tights different. as they weave their wicked way Members take part in a wide range through all of Shakespeare’s Comof exciting activities at their regular edies, Histories and Tragedies in one meetings, and at special events or wild ride that will leave you breathholidays. Girls can get involved in less and helpless with laughter anything from adventure sports to performing arts, travel and taking THE HAT FACTORY part in community action projects.

Tel: 01582 878 100 Girlguiding is the leading charity for Tamasha Theatre Present girls and young women in the UK. Blood By volunteering with us, you can 24th June, 7.30pm help us create amazing opportunities £10, £8 concessions for thousands of girls around the UK. A love story about two teenagers Guiding happens thanks to more from a Midlands’ Pakistani comthan 100,000 amazing volunteers munity.

– men and women like you who Like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, give their time to ensure that we are Caneze and Sully’s story is about active all over the UK, and beyond. family ties and the risks people are Girlguiding welcomes volunteers willing to take for love – and the of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, lengths to which others will go to faiths and abilities. We are flexible keep them apart. and volunteering can be arranged to Blood is sparky, funny and heartfit around a busy lifestyle. If you are wrenchingly honest. interested in finding out more please Ages 13+ visit www.girlguiding.ork.uk/joinus Hayward Club Charity Disco

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2012 AUGUST - 10pm

SATUR Gardens 12 ROCKS, House STABLE Grove is that DUN Council’s Sum-s. on the street table Town menal crowd The word g event for Duns t pheno singer Grow food,. magic. places simple pure and and do it in public r of Incredmagic, co founde friend Discover and share food her Mary Clear 2007 withtheir commucook food the words of set up in of ide These are Todmorden with the help a worldw ible into ible Edible rst. Together is for being Incred the world. of my work Pam Warhu have grown all over nity they with 300 IE’s business and mostfolk can be when no some revolutionown gardening lonely to do and how I run my . I have seen everyone has stuffd my neighbour- to the elderlyis out at work, other. I wante to do this than their eacht what better way us all to share, everyone for time food for one has d so I thoughthat grows by writhood restore ful garden beauti day I started they ’s make a ! help, winter you has so I began2013 on a snowyand asking can ner and il landow willing February able Counc dshire is our some ing to DunstCentral BedforSo together with have 5 raised 8 off with We now said ‘Yes’.huge support. garden. manure topped The beds provided we built this of horse ted for free. volunteers with 40 bags d and collec coriander, mint, , leaves fennel, beds filledtop soil all donate tomatoes, ge, mixed salad free. tonne of strawberries, s, cabba donated for produced Brussels sprout , swede all this year and Mr J kale, radish thyme, in Bloombeen visited by rt spring onion, Anglia lettuce, involved with . We have he is in full suppo rry We were bring home GOLDMayor and raspbe e to Town a massiv 30 fruit helped Dunstable . We had planted over Chatterley unity garden y and term holida from of our comm the half students chippings plant overdonated for free. be used for the their Enrichment some free for deposit gardener has extrahas canes all the garden will as the garden all about comn could ape us if he Next year Vale Academy teaching them ction, in a way a tree surgeo or a landsc remember Maybe these thingsbe produ see the involve to our garden driver could use all of Barnfield This will sustainable foode the box and directly or a grab lorry could We would Option. e of. We next year. look outsidt. nature and for supplies l to dispos to make garden munity, inspire them to this projec area in the after dosome topsoi spiral we want that will for expanding a seating their lunch talk for our herb l. to share potential hoping to havesit and have take the time to nice tea be to truly gratefu Edible Dunible and fruit. smiles and Syra) We will take the time Meet and . bles love, to dona- Big vegeta page Incred unced people work in our garden the free Facebook volunteer’sals Sahira (prono harvesting we rely on share our ing some other after by anyone; of plants and materi Like and t me on to each unity. contac ons funded in stable not and donati the local commt by working 116623 information We are and their time For more 2 or 07905 tions of local businesses support our projecroles of weed few tiny 01582 51913 to from the you are able of a plant or a mulch every bags of If you feel or a donation and a fewarms. the garden membrane open suppressantis received with bit of help

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attrac ary soul the closin c, is going to classics ned by legend range of Love mer of Musievent is headli s for a wide r Knew This FREE O’Neal, famou ‘Fake’, ‘NeveLovers’.

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Saturday, LUTELY FREE with local at 12 noon Up and act ABSO S will open t, The Call a very LE ROCK bands Subse d, after DUNSTAB s along withby popular demanband ‘Leech’ cover singperformanceDelta. Back exceptional of popular, Gardens Gin House last year, is r a string House set ar delive Grove popul once againtunes getting who will Black, the a -along Back to with along, dance party feet. phere going, up the reins up on its the party atmos ence will take the mannerisms n g Keepin house Experisulates the look,A Secret?’ Natha Keep Amy Whine that encap to the stage ‘Can You d, takes der O’ performance of Amy. r Beyon Alexan voice of Brothe y-awaited and the Try’ made lead singer the eagerl ‘The Harder I fans Moore, act before d’s first hit, of female lots final t as the r Beyon and we expec sale charts Neal. Brothe food on 2 in the ! to quality number be there of good hottie! will 80s rx, a variety bar, BarWo are you for this also be . So what August in outside There will ay, 18 wonderful lic and soft drinks , Saturd early to secure and our alcoho Rocks both to arrive Dunstable supply for? Put And don’t forget waiting now. your diary so to ensure position. tic time, be permita prime a fantas l will to have nt of alcoho s expected at everyone amou crowd os or We want a reasonable the enormous to erect gazeb to this; only and due permissible ted on site it will not beof lack of space. this event, because picnic tables

4

www.

17

Wildlife Trust

There is a whole world to doorstepwi discov Here are th your local Wildl er on your some of ife Trust your up for Febru in 2013 and ary and March this coming events year·

A Talk On On BlowEducation

Dunstab

s Downs And Commun Come and ity tion and find out about Nature Rese the impor community rve makes to tance work and Blows Down the differe of educaEvent: s nces it Booking: Indoor Talk Date: Essential Time: Monday 11 Feb 2013 Location: 7.45pm – 9.15pm Britain St, Dunstable,Priory Middle Schoo Price: LU5 4JA. l, Audience: Donations Meet in the Dome gratefully Adult accepted

le Glider "We had tinues. y, Milton British WomPilots selected for sbur other ky con few ns en's Team est." Mic from Ayle and a day e hon Helen Hingl tow if we'r n for the ad, Oxford le. The dow glider, has ey, seen here with stunned incredib g photos, to come Hempste her own n to clubs Hemel ort has beene out takinand comingters. in the 2013been chosen to LS4 represent ing first Brito Keynes,The supp ents wer drove by the scoo to Women's g the Britain pionship ing end World dear towns. and resid s as they taken with to becomin outstand rd of not. is very during July. be held in Issoud Gliding Chamshoppers their horn r pictures culture d in it or and Wigginsce and an ring a hoa of The un Bradleyr de Fran cs featu backdrop irmed beeping have thei that mod Jenkins has Fellow Dunstable , France , immerse culture reaff With the are mpi and sh Tou and to from has Oly A Free Even been select pilot Melis chat goes to showther they heritage Captain. ." ember win the to the ed scooters culture everyday Britiin ed as the sa t For Yout Event: ted It just people whe of British people rem tify withcore , mod e of British Team sequencebedazzl h Wildlife Helen has ing 0's Wizard' tage piecnowingly crea piece ority of and can iden Booking: Fun Outdoor Activi most e 195 grow Rangers been r chrome'Pinball hug heri maj ally the Fou ty flying at Unk in the the mid Club for It's a Date: ng the their lives continu Essential for 13 - 19 Yr e the Londo Who's e as a trulypsyche. s of Soho in y 5 years, wOlds somethi parts of has had a have madting ever ding n Glidin initially Time: with a differe Wednesday it's placthe nations jazz club it's salad days rage folloh g wanting mee er foun club to this end e, different 20 Feb nce" sout Location: a just life in key, dark ularity to of media cove "holid 1.00pm then and and decid again after the t hom ther. Oth week, ay – 3.00pm 2013 Since typified y ers on ed a 9 year Dunstable.Blows Downs Nature the smo g in pop a swathe bership permanen get togemeet ever the weather aircraft. break from to go flying g Meet at clad rockalways been ssive sar-e mem Bar their for a "I much and risin Oakwood Reserve, to or if flying light has followin leather mad an obse prefer the Kings y evening n says; “We erless flight" Avenue sixties hes with rts, mod als with t for tailor ic scootersalways lovepop challenge Thursda Paul Quier on the so vidu mat She's been Helen says. of powing clasholiday reso Come and Blows Dow ber car. Wee down, have lots hepenchan in cine cut indi n n by up - eith coasts rt, clean detail andforever set , QuadropBrit- mem Group to help the Blows Litter Pick competitionhighly successful catch head dow faces com lved. Wes have been to in to film sma Down keep ed in cross by your local recently, s Conse beautiful playing y r King younger get invo bad we attention n scooters ndary cult ly root class in country nature reserv rvation comin torial lege d firm even todaence is new and hello and Italia the Duns The Fou arms and ” In adEvent: e lookin see and say table Regio g third in her Who's remaine seen pres and 7th ing up.with open up too. monthly suits and g g com Date: out in The ure has and can be and rising ter club us nals e show alon Outdo ng large we ston cult since on and the or Activi The comp of 37 in the pre-w this year ation own scoo mer of Time: ty going , welcomi ic when ogether andfocussing e Sunday etition will orlds practi nia. Mod 17 March sum new ure ever the form very each day Location: amazinge good mus kly get-t are now ing som Keech last over 10am – 2013 ish cult stable with the towns ed in the s, some over 50 14 days, ce.

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Insurance backed guarantee available✓ ✓ Friendly Service

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All new work guaranteed

OURguarantee REVIEWS ON Insurance backed available

Friendly Service TRUST A TRADER

Tel: 01582 618679 Tel: 01582 618679 Mob: 07801 315140 Mob: 07801 315140

Web: www.gjsmithroofing.com Web: www.gjsmithroofing.com Email: gjsmithroofing@yahoo.co.uk Email: gjsmithroofing@yahoo.co.uk New Alarms Fitted or Upgrade Existing Alarms

BURGLAR ALARMS

We fit new alarms - Wired or Wirelss Systems *We can service and maintain your existing alarm*

CCTV

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We fit high quality systems to maximise your security.

Access your CCTV via the Internet or mobile phone.

DOOR ENTRY

We fit a range of quality video and audio Intercoms to suit your needs We are a family run business with over 35 years experience in home security and crime prevention Contact us:

01582 864138 / 01525 567028 For a FREE quote and consultation

www.maximumsecuritysystems.co.uk www.thevinemagazine.com

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YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage. We charge a flat fee M of £495 and O Nfor E advising Y C E Narranging T R E straightforward mortgages and £995 for more complex cases, which is payable on completion of the mortgage.

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Zebra Money Centre is not authorised to give Pension advice.

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