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68 Revitalising RevitalisingDunstable Dunstable 12 News - WIN Panto Tickets! 19Local Competition 20 - Competition 24 TeamSport Martin Lewis: Money Matters 22 Lewis: Money Matters 28 Martin Body Change 4U: Christmas 26 Home: Caring For Houseplants 32At Puzzles 28 The Garden 34 InChristmas Cranberries 32 Change Calories 38 Body At Home: Make4U: Your Home Seasonal 34 Mercedes C220 40 Autos: Auto: Peugeot 308 GTI AMG 36 42Puzzles Looking Up 38 44 Snippets: Fashion The Gunpowder Plot 46 Pensioners 48AOut & AboutView 48 Out & About
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5
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Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
7
local News
Revitalising Dunstable
Renaissance and Realism on our High Street Shortly after the economic crash began, retail guru Mary Portas appeared on the BBC’s Money Programme with an iconic piece about the impact of the recession on town centres. Unfortunately for us, Ms Portas used Dunstable as a typical example and, for some time, the label of “failing High Street” stuck. But almost a decade on, Cllr Nigel Young encourages us to recognise how far we have come. Like many people from Dunstable, I was pretty furious when our town centre became the “go to” place for national journalists who wanted to feature the plight of small businesses and decline of local shopping opportunities. I have always been proud of our town and the spirit of the people who live and work here. I felt we were often being unfairly targeted by the media when, in reality, we were no different to town centres up and down the country. Which is not to say that we weren’t facing challenges brought about by the decisions of national retail chains and local businesses who found themselves struggling to compete as our shopping habits changed, particularly with the increase in online shopping. We certainly did have high rates of vacancies on the High Street back then. But now things have certainly got better. Whilst we might regret the demise of High Street names such as Woolworths, the figures show that of our 200 or so retail units in Dunstable, some 90% are now occupied. Not so long ago, people referred to The Quadrant as a white elephant; deserted and irrelevant. To my knowledge, there is now just one vacant unit in the shopping centre. And in terms of the nature of our High Street, my feeling is that is it incredibly diverse and useful.
8
www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
If you think about the day-to-day shopping needs of an average Dunstable household, I’d suggest that most of these can be met locally. The High Street and town centre certainly give access to bigger food stores, such as Asda and Aldi, but there are also lots of smaller independent shops. When you want your hair cut, your keys cut, to pick up a quick gift or birthday card and a bottle of plonk, there are shops available to you on your doorstep. There are more unusual stores too, such as the range of delis that have sprung up which are a particular hit with my family. And of course, our charter market represents a proud part of our shopping history. This month we announced our plans for Dunstable High Street improvements, which follow on from reduced traffic flows and congestion now that the link roads are open. All these developments are designed to encourage people to spend more time in the High Street, to build on the improvements that have already been made, and to contribute to Dunstable’s future success. I know that there are some who long for big stores to arrive on our High Street but to be frank, we have to be realistic about this. The likes of Primark, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer have precisely-defined business models, and in reality are more likely to be closing high street stores than opening them, as they favour relocating to out-of-town retail parks. So, my plea to my fellow Dunstable residents is to focus on the great stores we do have available to us, and to help them to thrive by shopping locally.
you said...
we’ve listened...
Dunstable How we’re giving you back your high street
Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
9
local News
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homecountiesloftladders.co.uk Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
11
local News
Priory House Delivers Unique Christmas Gifts their goods on the High Street. A really good opportunity for them and some unusual gifts for you. This November in our Showcase Shelving As always there will be scheme we have Lisa a fantastic selection of Connelly, Sue Garrett, Christmas present ideas Lesley Ashley and Helen in our Gift Shop. From McCarthy. December we biscuits to books, jams have Cherish the Memoto jewellery you are sure ry, Norman Designs to find something that is & Phillipa Sutcleffe. a little bit different. What are their wares? Our stock is always a lit- You will have to visit us tle bit different to other to see, we are sure you shops on the high street. will be delighted with In our Dunstable Tea the different gifts and range we now have over decorations available. 20 different loose-leaf We also have other local teas as well as a seleccrafters in the shop tion of tea bags. The including wood turner jam we sell is part of David Marsden, Hand the Priory Pantry range knitted clothes for both that is made in-house children and adults by by our chef. The range Mary and Gemmosaic also includes Christmas art by Christine amongst chutney, marmalade and others. luxury mincemeat. You As well as all the fantascan even take home a tic local crafts you will free gift box if you buy also find confectionery any three of the Priory by Churchill's presented Pantry range. in some wonderful tins, Don't forget we also a lot of places 'say' have our local crafters they are different, at selling their wares in Priory House Gift shop our Showcase Shelving we really are. We look scheme. This gives local forward to seeing you in people the chance to sell the near future.
Christmas has arrived at Priory House Gift Shop so why not shop local.
12 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
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Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
13
local Community
Christmas Is Coming
Once again, Santa and the Rotary Club of Dunstable are gearing up for their festive events taking place throughout the town.
From 1st December until 24th December, the club, helped this year again by 16 outside organisations, will be touring the streets of Dunstable and surrounding areas, with the Christmas Santa Float. At weekends the float will be on different days at local supermarkets. For over 25 years the club has distributed lunches on Christmas Day to people who are less fortunate. Last year they delivered over 40 lunches. This would not have been possible without the help and generosity of the Dunstable Salvation Army who supply the lunches.
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14 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
On 1st January the club will be holding their Antiques and Collectors Fair again at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis LU5 5PY. This event has also been running for over 25 years and is held on three bank holidays in January, May and August. For more information regarding any of these events please telephone, in the first instance, Chris Smith, Publicity for the Rotary Club of Dunstable, on 01582 668727 or e-mail, cgs_28k@hotmail.com
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D Scott and Sons
corrected by the Advertiser and notified to the above address.
Plumbing and Heating Specialists
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NOTE: That LU6 the print quality is in01582 no way representative Other services...of the finished product dfordshire, 1SL • Phone: 607 493 Boiler Installations We offer a full range of unstable.co.uk • www.allegroblinds.co.uk plumbing services including
Powerflushing full bathroom refits, shower replacements, kitchen Annual Servicing appliance installations, Landlords Certificate sinks, taps, traps & drainage. rised Signature: _________________________ Date: _________ Magnetic System Filters Radiator K Town Maps shall notValves be liable for any error or omission included in any proof sent to th 24/7 Oil Central Heating corrected by the Advertiser and notified to the above address.
Call Out
FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST WILL RESULT IN THE ADVERTISEMENT BEING PRINTED without liability to UK Town Maps
www.dscottandsons.com
Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
15
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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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
34 • December 2017 / January 2018 Issue 80
21 19
Find Us On.y.co.uk
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Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
21
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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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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23
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.
24 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
25
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 ‘don’t ask don’t get policy’ and you can still ask. Like Aston who emailed: “Eight minutes work calling my old energy suppliers, got ÂŁ140 refunded after leaving in credit. Why don’t more people do this?â€?
TRUE OR FALSE. When you change energy supplier someone will need to visit your home? False. Nobody usually visits your home. Your pipes don’t change and your gas and electricity won’t get cut off. You don’t even need to contact your old energy supplier to tell it you’re switching. The only thing that changes is the price and service. It’s so easy to switch. It isn’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 there’s some link between our energy provider and our boiler cover. There isn’t - you’re not locked in, so if you do need it, go elsewhere, like Amanda who emailed: “I swapped my boiler cover company and saved ÂŁ213 a year whilst also increasing cover - and still with an annual service included. Thanks.â€? 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 it’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.
26 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
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27
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Health & Fitness With Christmas fast approaching take A PERSONAL TRAINER!A PERSONAL TRA this opportunity to plan ahead. We all
To help you get 2018 off to a healthyTo help you get 2018 off to a talk about going onastart, diets BodyChange4U after Christmasare givi start, BodyChange4U are giving you chance to win a personal trainer! is done chance to win a personal but the damage in the build up to trai 1 lucky winner will win 4 personal training 1 lucky winner willof win the festive season. For every pound fat4 persona sessions & 1 hypnotherapy session sessions & 1 hypnotherapy se you wish to lose in January think about coutrtesy of www.positivechange4u.co.uk. coutrtesy of www.positivechan would be if you didn’t What’s included...how much easier it What’s included... weightand on in the firstatplace. 2 sessions at homeput plusthat 2 sessions 2 sessions home plus 2 sessio and hypnotherapy session at office based and hypnotherapy session at of in Toddington. in Toddington.
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Christmas Is Coming, The Goose Is Getting Fat...
Email your answer, along with your name, Emailaddress your answer, and along with contact number to win@thevinemagazine.co.uk contact number to win@thev Think about this…
T&Cs apply. Sessions to be used by end of T&Cs Febapply. 2018. Sessions to be used Winner must agree to be used in marketing Winnermaterial. must agree to be used
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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
By Haydon Littlewood, Personal trainer at www.bodychange4u.co.uk
28 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
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To enter simply tell us: How many calories does the average person the average person Day? consume on Christmas Day?
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Nikki, Phil & The Team Welcome you to...
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LETTERS TO SANTA! Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
31
Puzzles
Answers on page 62
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)
9
7 BIKES
5
2
8
6
1 4
6
1 9
9 2 8
7
2
8
5
3
9
7
4 6
GATES
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2 5
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 4x2 box contains the digits 1 through 8.
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Central Bedfordshire Council has teamed up with getcomposting.com to provide an exclusive offer of home compost bins and other great green products. Composting at home cuts CO2 emissions and turns most kitchen and garden waste into a free supply of compost that will keep your garden blooming year after year.
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www.thevinemagazine.co.uk Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
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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-
38 26 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
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 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
39
auto Biographies By Rob Auchterlonie © Wheelwrite.co.uk 2017
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’.
40 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…….
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41
Bedfordshire’s Night Sky December 2017 & January 2018
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. 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. 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. By Seb Jay Image Credit: NASA
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• All aspects of decorating • Internal & external • High quality finish • Professional & reliable • Competitive rates Tel: 07718 054800 • Free quotations tonynormandecor@icloud.com • Most carpentry, tiling & flooring projects undertaken
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Hooperhomescarpentry@outlook.com Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
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Sequin Jacket £90.00 Wallis
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46 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
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Want a new showroom bathroom at an affordable price? Call for a free, no obligation quote Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
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DISCOVER Ashridge
Visitors Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. HP4 1LT
Root And Branch: Tales Of Trees Until 31st December, 10:00 - 17:00
Santa Paws Walk Sun 10th Dec, 12:00-13:00, £1
Come along to our new exhibition about some of the special trees at Ashridge. Our Root & Branch exhibition showcases some of Ashridge’s oldest and most fascinating trees, come along and read about them before going out to see them for yourself. Enjoy the stunning photographs taken by Hugh Mothersole, an NT volunteer photographer.
Bring your dog and join Father Christmas on a walk around the meadow. Wear a Christmas hat or hang a bauble from your pet’s lead - prizes will be awarded for the best Christmas theme.
Christmas Pudding Walk Until 8th January, 10:00 - 15:00
Back by popular demand - our parade of some local horses (and their owners) in fancy dress for the Christmas festivities. Some of our local riders are putting on a horse’s fancy dress parade starting in Barrack Square, processing up Monument Drive and around Monument Green - don’t miss it! Children are welcome with accompanying adults Dogs on leads are welcome.
A self-led walk, following the puddings on this way-marked route through the woodland. The whole family can enjoy this walk through Ashridge in winter. Not suitable for small children. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Children’s Christmas Trail Saturdays & Sundays throughout December, 10.00 - 15.00, £3 collect your trail from the visitors centre. Follow mouse and other creatures of Ashridge as they create a wonderful Christmas garland. There’s a special Christmas gift for every helper.
Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops 18th Dec, 13:00-15:30, £30 Come along and learn how to make your own Christmas wreath from foliage foraged from the estate. Join other people eager to create their very own Christmas wreath. Refreshments and all materials are included in the price. Not suitable for children. To book call 01442 851227.
48 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
Jingle Ponies at Ashridge Sun 17th Dec, 11:00-12:00
Children’s Christmas Crafts 26th - 29th Dec, 10:00-15:00, £2 Come to the visitor centre and make your own paper Christmas wreath or a ‘finger mouse’ puppet inspired by our Christmas trail story.
Post-Christmas walk at Ashridge Wed 27th Dec, 10:00-12:00, Adult £5.00 / Child £3.00 Blow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk in the Ashridge countryside after Christmas. Join our knowledgeable volunteers on a scenic walk through the Ashridge countryside after the excesses of Christmas and then treat yourself to hot chocolate at the Brownlow café afterwards.
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Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
49
What’s On Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP
Toddler Time At Tring Term Time Weekdays, 14.30 - 17.00 Borrow something special and help your toddler explore and play around the Museum. Enjoy 5 different activities which rotate from day to day: Daring Explorers, Ocean Adventure, Find your Friends, Butterfly Quest and Animal Safari. Pick up your resources at admissions and enjoy them in the galleries. Suitable for ages 3 - 5. Drop-in, no need to book.
Rudolph Christmas Trail Until 7th January All day, £1 per trail
For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171
Explore exhibitions and events at www.nhm.ac.uk/tring. Christmas Starfish 14th Dec, 10.30 - 11.00. , £2, Drop-in. Get messy with clay to create a starfish decoration. In this led activity under 5s play with clay to create a unique starfish for their Christmas tree. A History of Taxidermy: What Do We Make of it All? 18th Jan, 19.00 - 20.00, £4..50 Taxidermy was long out of fashion, but it’s on the rise again. Find out about both its history and current significance in this talk. Join renowned zoologist Dr Pat Morris to explore the stories of stuffed specimens and intriguing taxidermists. Discuss what to make of today’s ideas and attitudes towards taxidermy. Suitable for adults. Advance booking required. For information and tickets call 020 7942 6163 (Mon -Fri, 10.00 - 16.00).
Peanut Bird Feeders 11th & 25th Jan, 10.30 - 11.00. £2, Drop-in. Make a treat for garden birds with your little one using peanut butter and seeds. We’ll show you and your under-5 how to help out garden birds this winter. Follow Rudolph around the world as he delivers gifts and meets new animals. Take a journey around the Museum with Rudolph to explore his new friends. On your trip spot hidden reindeer and have a go at some games. Complete the trail and receive a chocolate treat. Suitable for all ages. No need to book in advance.
Family Exhibition Free exhibition
Behind the Scenes: Voyages of Discovery 7th Dec & 18th Jan, 11.00 - 12.00, £10 Get a rare look at historical specimens and hear about the great lengths explorers went to for science. Step behind the scenes to see the world-renowned bird collection including historic specimens linked to voyages of discovery made by Darwin, Wallace and Shackleton. Get a rare look at historical specimens and hear about the great lengths explorers went to for science. Discover the different types of scientific collections and how they are prepared, conserved and used by researchers from around the world. For information and tickets call 020 7942 6163 Advance booking and photo ID is required. This event is suitable for adults.
50 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
Until 14th January The compact version of this stunning annual exhibition displays winning images taken by talented photographers from around the globe. See a selection of the world’s best nature photography, revealing the astonishing diversity of life on our planet. This year’s competition attracted almost 50,000 entries from professionals and amateurs across 92 countries. The winning photographs highlight the variety, majesty and vulnerability of the natural world. The exhibition is free and not ticketed. Drop in at any time.
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Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
51
Clubs & Groups DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT ART CLUB We meet at Chew’s House 77 High Street South, Dunstable on Monday mornings from 10.00am. Monday afternoons from 2.00pm and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm. We are an informal club who meet to paint together, all abilities are welcomed, the club has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where we all try to encourage and help each other. We also run social painting days. A club exhibition is held every year where members are encouraged to enter paintings for display. Contact: Derek 01582 611607 DUNSTABLE MEN IN SHEDS We are a group of slightly older men who meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s between 10am and 1 pm to chat, drink tea and sometimes make useful items for local schools, charities and for ourselves from a range of materials. We have been loaned a Council building on the Meadway allotment’s as our manufacturing hub. Come and visit, all are welcome. We are on Facebook and aim to have a web site shortly. For more information ring Martin on 01582 668598, or Terry on 01582 604476 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
CURTAIN CALL THEATRE GROUP & YOUTH THEATRE Youth theatre open to children aged 5 - 16 Mondays 5pm - 7.30pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. Acting, Singing, Dance, Fun & Games! Adult group (16+) Mondays 8pm 10pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. New members always welcome wheather on or off stage. Call Gavyn 01525 220525 www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk WEDNESDAY CLUB at NORTHALL VILLAGE HALL Are you or do you know of an elderly person in the Northall, Dagnall, Edlesborough, Eaton Bray or surrounding villages who might benefit from a social day out once a week? Why not come along to the Wednesday Club from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Our own minibus can pick you up, morning coffee and biscuits, home cooked lunch with pudding, afternoon tea and cakes. Play games and bingo, sale table, entertainment by visitors and outside club visits. Join in as much or as little as you like, make new friends, very friendly atmosphere. Only £9.00 per week including transport. Contact Anna on 07854 230243, please leave a message if no answer. 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 BEECROFT CRAFT & CHAT Beecroft Community Centre Westfield Road, Dunstable We meet on the 1st Wednesday of
52 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
every month between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m on a “drop in/drop out” basis. We meet to have a cuppa, chat and craft together in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. ALL CRAFTS WELCOME The first session is FREE Annual subscription £5.00 Session Fee: £3.00 Tel: Dorothy on 01582 606812 DUNSTABLE WI Dunstable WI meet two evenings a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Watling Lower School Bullpond Lane at 7.00pm. We are friendly group and like to enjoy ourselves. We have a wide range of speakers with different talents crafts, and also Quizz nights to test our brains. We welcome new members so join us and make new friends. For more information telephone Barbara Fisher 01582 665252 NATIONAL TRUST All meetings are held at Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3.00 As well as outing we also run a holiday once per year. If you would like to join the group, please contact, Lynder Power 01582 696193 or Janr Lingham 01582 606838 December 4th 2.30pm TALK History of Pinewood Studios - A fascinating look into the origins of one of Buckinghamshires famous sites and its development over the last 80 years. January 8th 2.20pm TALK History of Dunstables Priory Henry 1st - 8th - By Hugh Garrod. Many of you will know Hugh - this is the first talk on The Priory and local history. DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business men. The Club’s main object is the promotion of good fellowship. Members
enjoy a variety of social activities and organized visits throughout the year and at their regular monthly meetings they are entertained by after-lunch speakers. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary, Philip Savage on 01582 662462. SAPHIRE SOCIAL CLUB We meet every Thursday at The Orange Tree Stevenage Rd Hitchin from 8.30pm. A small and friendly group for single people aged 50+. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for 2 months. For further info call/text Ian 07900 890583 or Joyce 07952 678021 www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMON We are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy. For this purpose we meet as a work party on the third Saturday of each month (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a picnic lunch is provided! Tel Pam on 01582 872608 pamrumfitt@btinternet.com NEW MOON MORRIS We are a mixed side dancing traditional dances from all over England – with our own twist – as well as choreographing new dances. We are particularly looking for new dancers. We meet most Tuesday evenings 8:15 – 10:15 at Ivinghoe Town Hall, LU7 9EW (we advise that you check – in case we are ‘dancing out’). Contact: squire.newmoon@gmail.com. Find out more at: www.newmoonmorris.blogspot.co.uk
LANGDALE CHURCH Langdale church communities: Art group every week, Friends and Neighbours open to everyone speaker and refreshments every second Thursday, Toddler group every Wednesday term time only, Saturday coffee morning second Saturday every month, Carers drop in 1st Thursday every month. Neighbourhood chaplains befriending and support in the local community. Sunday morning services at 10.30am. Please contact 01582 602980 langdalechurch@talktalk.net 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 week days 01582 619035 NORTHALL TODDLER GROUP Northall Village Hall, LU6 2EX Join new mums, dads, grandparents and carers.Every Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30am (including school holidays) For children aged 0-5 years. Tea, coffee, juices and healthy snack. Come join in the fun, games and learning (inside and out) £2.50 during term time (per family) £1 per child during school holidays (Adults free & older children welcome) Tel. Sarah Cox on 07765 158182 THE BOGTROTTERS The Bogtrotters (Dunstable and District Walking and Hostelling Group) are a group of about 90 walkers, hikers and hostellers. We run a surprisingly diverse range of activities, including half and full day walks, hostelling trips, meals and evening activities. New members are always welcome. Prospective members are invited to get in touch via the website, give us a ring or just turn up to an event or walk. Contact Eila: 07964291892
ARTS & CRAFTS Art & Craft for adults with learning difficulties every Wednesday 10.30am - 12.30pm & every Sat 11am - 1pm at Arttrend, rear of 440 Dunstable Road.Please see the website www.arttrend.co.uk for all the details or phone 07794987796 BREATHEASY Do you suffer from a lung condition? Then why not come and join our local Support group - breatheasy - Part of the British lung foundation. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at peter newton pavilion (Behind Tesco) 2 - 4pm carers also welcome As well as supporting each other we have a variety of speakers and also arrange day trips out. New members most welcome Tel: Amanda Fletcher 01582 404479 DUNSTABLE BAPTIST CHURCH St Mary’s Gate (Middle of Ashton Square Car Park) Our Friends and Neighbours meetings are open to everyone on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. For more information contact David tel: 01582 872106
DANESBOROUGH CHORUS The Danesborough Chorus meets on Wednesdays 7.45 9.50 pm in Aspley Guise Village Hall. The new season started Wednesday 6th September, and we will be rehearsing Brahms’ German Requiem . If you’re interested, why not bring your vocal chords along for a few sessions? Please contact membership secretary Carol Yirrell on 01296 680328, or via our website at www.danesborough. org.uk. She’ll invite you to come along to a few rehearsals and see how you find it.
Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
53
Clubs & Groups DUNSTABLE DAOS Tuesdays and Fridays, 7:45pm - 10:00pm We are Dunstable's premier Musical Theatre group. We perform out major shows, once a year, at The Grove Theatre in Dunstable along with concerts, small shows and so on. Find our Facebook Group or Facebook page for more details. Email: daosuk@ gmail.com
BEDFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY www.bnhs.org.uk
STUDHAM W.I. Studham WI meet on the first Thursday of every month, 7.45pm at Studham Village Hall. An open and friendly group of around 30+ ladies, we enjoy laughing and socialising, be it at our meetings, our monthly lunch outings, darts matches, quiz evenings, or at group and county events. If you’re interested in joining us, then come and try the WI! We’re always happy to welcome visitors to the majority our meetings. Visit: www. studhamwi.wordpress.com for more information, or find us on facebook – just search for “studhamwi”.
Tuesday 16th January
DUNSTABLE SALVATION ARMY FRIENDS TOGETHER (Over 60s ) We meet every Weds at Bull Pond Lane,Dunstable,LU6 3AH We have a Cup of Tea or Coffee at 1.00pm then the the meeting starts at 1.30pm - 2.30pm Weekly Subscription £2 The Programme consists of Various Speakers.Quizzies, Sing-ALongs, Musicial Artists. Lunch Club for Members on the first Weds of the month @£3 Also lots of good fun and Christian Fellowship. For more information tel: Maureen Dunn - 01582 759509
Tuesday 26th December
WOBURN 9:30am - 12 noon Boxing Day Walk through Woburn Park. Meet at the Woburn Village car park, opposite the church in Park Street, SP950331, MK17 9PG. Families welcome. Leader: Mary Sheridan. Maulden Village Hall, MK45 2DP Talk ‘One moth, ten thousand researchers: the story of Conker Tree Science’ by Michael Pocock, ecologist at the Biological Records Centre. Why studying Cameraria ohridella, a leafmining moth on horse-chestnut trees via ‘citizen science’ helps us support tree health and biodiversity monitoring. Monday 29th January,
LUTON 10:30am Visit Wardown House Museum. Glimpse an insight into a wealthy family home, including the natural history collection, during the Victorian period. Meet in entrance. Please book with Sheila Brooke by January 23rd on 01525 873396 or brooke.se@btinternet.com DUNSTABLE GARDEN CLUB
Our evening talks for 2018 start on Monday 8th January ‘Creation of Increduble Edible Dunstable’ Sahira Ward is the inspiration behind this project now a thriving community garden in Katherine Drive, Dunstable Monday 12th February ‘Cacti – a Potpourri’ Christian Taylor, a retired horti-
54 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
cultural lecturer, talks about his lifelong interest in gardening and his wonderful collection of cacti. Monday 12th March Victoria Diggle tells us about the history and aims of the charity both locally and nationally. Meetings are held in the Salvation Army Hall, Dunstable and commence at 7.30 pm. Visitors welcome £2 and Annual subscription £10. Further information from Mary Chapman 01582 603710
TOTTERNHOE PLAYERS We are a friendly, supportive group for keen Am. Drammers aged 16 - 80+ and always welcome new members. We usually put on a panto, a murder mystery and either a comedy or variety show each year. You could be involved in one, two or all of these. Backstage help and potential actors equally welcome. We aim to make the most of the talents you can bring to our group. If your interests are in one of the back-stage disciplines, eg. lighting, sound, set construction, costume, admin, then you will be particularly welcome! We meet Wednesdays and most Fridays, 8pm - 10pm in Totternhoe to rehearse. Come along and meet us! Please call Els on 01582 758108 or Jo on 01582 603287 Check out our Facebook page: Totternhoe Players Amateur Dramatic Society Community or website: www.totternhoeplayers.org.uk To get advance information about forthcoming productions just join our mailing list: membership@totternhoeplayers.org.uk
DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Houghton Regis Baptist Church, Houghton Regis, LU5 5RG We’re a friendly local choir, always looking for new voices to join us - no audition required! We sing a bit of everything, from traditional choral pieces to songs from top musicals, with a few pop classics thrown in for good measure. Why not come along to a rehearsal, and see how you get on? Every Tuesday, 7.30pm to 9.30pm For more details, contact Pat Jackson on 01582 520302 or find us on Facebook GROVE CORNER ‘Grove Corner is a Young People’s Centre in the middle of Dunstable. There is free pool, table football and wifi. There are comfy chairs where you can chill with friends, whilst listening to your own music through the i:on speaker. There are computers and there is also a tasty tuck shop. There’s also free entertainment; with youth workers singing and dancing throughout the evening! Some sessions there is free arts and crafts and other nights different organisations come to Grove Corner to run free workshops on things we may face in life. Grove Corner is open Monday and Wednesday’s 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm and Friday from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm for anyone aged 13 to 18. Why not visit www. facebook.com/GroveCornerDunstable and like our page for more information. There’s no need to book so pop along one evening and try it out for yourself!’
BEECROFT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (B.R.A.)
Who/what we are:
We are an association based on the Beecroft Estate the area we cover is from Hillcroft to Chiltern Road Dunstable. Although you may not have heard of us we have been going for over 30 years.
Why are we here?
We exist so that local residents can have a voice in matters concerning their community.
What do we do?
One of the most recent issues we have dealt with was the proposed development of 650 dwellings on green belt land surrounding the Maidenbower – an Iron Age monument. Working together with local councillors at the time we were successful in helping to stop the proposed development. We now understand at the moment the site will not be considered for future development because of the significant historical importance of the Maidenbower.
Who comes to out meeting?
You do - local residents: Past meetings have been attended by local councillors who will assist in dealing with local concerns. Have you over grown trees on public the footpaths near your home. Do you have problems with fly tipping...these and many others are the types of problems, you can bring to our meetings. However it’s not all problems, more often than not we just have a love and joke. Occasionally we have guest speakers. We have been and will remain active in all sorts of ways to ensure that our local area remains a safe and a happy place to live and we want you to be a part of this. We would like to invite residents to join us. Our meetings take place on the last Thursday of every second month in Beecroft Community Centre, Westfield Road, LU6 1DL at 7.30pm
Dates for future meetings: January March May July Sept Nov
25th 2018 29th 2018 31st 2018 26th 2018 27th 2018 29th 2018
For more information please call Sue on 07847 381960 Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
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Out & About CHILTERN GATEWAY Dunstable Road, LU6 2GY Tel: 01582 500 920
Christmas Snowman Flowers Sat 16 Dec 2017 £6 10:00 - 11:00
Creative children’s workshop with Edlesborough Flowers to make your very own floral snowman . Perfect for the Christmas table!
Winter Solstice Evening 21st December 6pm - 8pm £5
A Winter evening of merriment complete with Winter Lantern Walk, Mummers play and Morris Dancing.
Christmas Table Decoration workshop 22nd December 2017 10am - 11.30am £30
Create the perfect handmade Festive center piece for your Christmas table. Edlesborough Flowers hosts this fantastic festive floral workshop. With experts on hand, decorations to match your Christmas scheme and mince pies included . . .
Boxing Day ‘Burn Off Christmas’ Walk 26th December 2017 11am - 1pm £5
Need an excuse to get outdoors and get rid of that bloated feeling? Then join us for a breath of fresh air on this approximately 2 hour walk led by one of our Rangers. Need an excuse to get outdoors and get rid of that bloated feeling? Then join us for a breath of fresh air on this approximately 2 hour walk led by one of our Rangers.
New Year’s Resolution Walk 1st January 11am - 1pm £5
Was your New Year’s resolution to get outdoors more? Exercise more? Get fitter? Take the time to enjoy nature? Then join us for a breath of fresh air on this one and a half hour to 2hr walk led by one of our rangers.
www.meadopenfarm.co.uk
Christmas Kingdom Mead Open Farm 1st – 24th December
Make magical memories this Christmas in our enchanting Christmas Kingdom, all under cover and heated, there’s over 7,000 square feet of festive fun to discover! Using your Magical Boarding Pass, you’ll watch the enchanting festive 3D film, walk through the Elves’ Christmas Village, meet REAL Reindeer and even make some magical reindeer food* to take home. Plus, attend Elf Academy and learn to be a Christmas Elf! Plus, meet Santa in his Grotto and choose a toy from his magical Toy Shop! For more information 01525 852954 or www.meadopenfarm.co.uk
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Christmas at
Country Park From 1 - 20 December | 10am – 4pm
Christmas Trees for Sale Come to the Herons’ View Visitor Centre and choose your Christmas Tree from a large selection of fresh Fir and Spruce trees, many of which are grown at Rushmere Countr y Park. All proceeds are reinvested into the park.
Old Linslade Rd, Heath and Reach, Linslade Road LU7 0EB. Tel: 01525 234260
Late night opening til 7pm on Friday 9th and 16th! www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park
Christmas Shopping, Jazz and Blues
Saturday 10 December | 10am – 4pm with Alison Carter 8th December 6:00pm Christmas at Rushmere continues with the return of Alison Carter to perform her own blend of Visit Rushmere's Christmas Tree plantation to pick your own special Christmas Tree. vintage lounge, jazz andessential. bluesPlease as contact part Visitor of a Serspecial Warm clothing and suitable footwear vices for more informationShopping and location of this event. Christmas Evening. We’ll have a wide selection of gift stalls for you Please note £2 exit charge still applies if coming to the park solely to buy a Christmas Tree. to browse with festive food available while Alison For more details visit: www.greensandtrust.org performs. Email: visitorservices@greensandtrust.org Contact Visitor Services at Rushmere Country Park or call 01525 234260. Food available outside from Herons Hatch Rushmere Country Park, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 0EB Follow us: @greensandtrust /rushmerepark Christmas trees on sale til 7.30pm Tickets £5 per head All proceeds are reinvested into the park.
Pick Your Own Tree
Pick your own Christmas Tree
10th December 10:00am - 4pm For ONE DAY ONLY you can visit Rushmere's very own Christmas Tree plantation to pick your own special Christmas tree fresh from the ground! Our Rangers and volunteers will be on hand to help! Warm clothing and suitable footwear essential follow the signs to the Lower Meadow on arrival. Please note the £3 parking exit fee still applies. All proceeds from the sale of our Christmas trees are reinvested into the park. Final admission to Pick Your Own at 3.15pm. Pre-cut trees will be on sale outside the Visitor
Registered Charity no. 1077055
Rushmere Country Park is managed by the Greensand Trust on a not for profit basis. It is jointly owned and governed by the Greensand Trust and Central Bedfordshire Council
Willow Tree Decorations Christmas Craft & Curios Sunday
10th December11:00am - 3pm Join us for the second of our Christmas Craft & Curios Sunday events with gift stalls from local suppliers in the Visitor Centre atrium, festive refreshments and entertainment and Christmas trees for sale, including our special Pick Your Own event today only. The Heath Band will be playing Christmas tunes for you to sing along to and get in the festive mood.. No booking required, it's free to attend, £3 parking exit fee will apply.
17th December 10:00am - 4pm Taking place during our third and final Christmas Craft and Curio Sundays, Jane and Guy from Wasseldine will show you how to make a variety of Christmas tree decorations from willow and other natural materials including stars, mini trees, and reindeer. Two sessions on offer, each lasting 2.5 hours, held in the Education Room in the Herons’ View Visitor Centre Price £14pp includes tea/coffee and mince pie adults only please Session One: 10am – 12.30 and Session Two: 1.30pm - 4pm - please make sure you book on the one you want (tickets are clearly marked) numbers are limited for each session Don't forget to have a look at the craft stalls in the atrium before or after your session! Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
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Out & About
Leighton Buzzard Railway Santa Specials Enjoy Santa’s Steam Special...
Santa After Dark special trains will run on the evenings of Saturday 16th and 23rd December.
Take a 25-minute steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway that’s almost 100 years old. Meet Santa in his grotto, where children up to 12 will receive an early present. For the grown-ups, a visit to the Buzzrail Café awaits, with free seasonal refreshments. And the shop at our award-winning Page’s Park station has the best selection of Thomas presents in the area, and much more besides.
Mince Pie Special After Christmas
Santa will be off on his holidays once Christmas is over, but for a couple of days you can still enjoy the festive steam train ride, and the seasonal refreshments in the friendly atmosphere of the Buzzrail Café. Advance booking is strongly recommended, as many trains are full well in advance.
To book visit wwwbuzzrail. co.uk.
Santa After Dark!
For an extra special treat, take a ride on an afterdark steam train, and Santa will give out children’s presents on the move. To really get into the mood, come along in your pyjamas, and drink free hot chocolate on the train (alcoholic version for adults), with festive entertainers also on hand.
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
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.
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; jampacked with fun and nonsense from the world of Edward Lear, author of The Own & The Pussycat. Presented by Full House Theatre & Luton Culture
58 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
www.lutonculture.com Box Office: 01582 878100
Tuesday 5th Dec, 7.30pm Library Theatre, Leighton Buzzard The Big Band at Christmas - with Five Star Swing – As fea-
tured at London’s Leicester Square Theatre. Enjoy your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic Big Band treatment – Bing Crosby to Glenn Miller & Nat King Cole - jazzing up those Jingle Bells! "Superb - they swing like crazy!” says Sheila Tracy, BBC. Featuring Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra, and Chris Smith (Jnr) composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band, Herb Miller Big Band (Glenn’s brother), plus Tony Bennett’s trombonist!
For Tickets Call: 0300 300 8125 - www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/leisure DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Festive Afternoon Concert
Saturday 9th December, 2:30pm St Augustine’s Church, Mayfield Road, Dunstable Come and join us for a wonderful afternoon of Christmas music and carols - festive fun for everyone! Tickets: Adults £8, Under 12s £4, including delicious home-made refreshments Contact: Pat Jackson on 01582 520302 or find us on Facebook
The Beacon Community Choir 9th December, 7pm & 10th December, 6pm St. Mary’s Church, Ivinghoe.
With brass band accompaniment, the choir will be performing a “Choral Christmas” concert, featuring a selection of Christmas music including well-loved choruses from Handel’s Messiah. Tickets £10 (children free) from 01296 660670 lhewlett@btinternet.com,
Caritas Harmony Choir Presents
A CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT 6pm Sunday 10th December 2017 St Mary’s R.C. Church West Street, Dunstable, LU6 1NY This concert is given in support of The Dunstable Mayor’s Charities for 2017-2018 Refreshments available from 5pm Adults £10 at GET TICKETS www.caritasharmony.co.uk or from Jackie Howe on 01582 599520
ALL ON A WINTERS NIGHT:
Tuesday 12th December at 7.45pm. St Mary’s Church, Harlington Johnny Coppin returns to for another great evening with a feast of songs, carols and stories. Expect mince pies, mulled wine and raffle. Tickets £14 from Linda 01525 714442, lindajwash@hotmail.com, or Bradshaws Estate Agents, opposite the church in Harlington, LU5 6LE. Issue 32 • August / September 2017 59
Out & About Totternhoe Players Totternhoe Players Present Totternhoe Players Present Beauty and the Beast Present by Ben Crocker Beauty Beast Beauty andandthethe Beast by kind permission of Ben Crocker Pantomimes
by kind permission of Donna's Dance School in by association with kind permission of Ben Crocker Pantomimes Ben Crocker Pantomimes Donna's DanceSchool School and M&M Promotions Donna's Dance and M&M Promotions and M&M Promotions February 2018 at 7.30pm & Saturday 3rd February at 2pm and 7.30pm
Ben Crocker by BenbyCrocker
on with with
nd
at Totternhoe Lower School, Totternhoe & Saturday 3rd February at 2pm and 7.30pm aturday 3rd February at 2pm and 7.30pm wer School, Totternhoe dults £7, Concessions r School, Totternhoe £5 kets £20 (2 adults and 2 concessions) 01582 603287 for tickets. Please note that tickets must be ordered and ncessions) advance. essions) ease note that tickets must be ordered and se note that tickets must be ordered and
Friday 2nd February 7.30pm &
Saturday 3rd Februdary 2pm & 7.30pm
in association with Donna's Dance School At Totternhoe Lower School, Totternhoe and M&M Promotions in association with Donna's Dance School Tickets: Concessions £5February at 2pm and 7.30pm Friday 2Adults February £7, 2018 at 7.30pm & Saturday 3rd at Totternhoe Lower School, Totternhoe and M&M Promotions Family tickets £20 (2 adults and 2 concessions) nd
Tickets: Adults £7, Concessions £5
Friday 2 February 2018 atand 7.30pm & Saturdayfor 3rd February at 2pm and 7.30pm Family tickets £2001582 (2 adults 2 concessions) Box office 603287 tickets at for Totternhoe Lower note School, Box office 01582 603287 tickets. Please that Totternhoe tickets must be ordered and nd
paid for note in advance. Please that tickets purchased in association within advance. Donna's Dance School Tickets: Adults £7, Concessions £5 Family tickets £20 (2 adults and 2 concessions) Box office 01582 603287 for tickets. Please note that tickets must be ordered and and paid for in advance.
M&M Promotions
Mistletoe Mistletoe Magic Magic ‘It is that time of year again where the weather is turning colder and you begin to dig out the Christmas decorations, the tree goes up, the presents are brought and you begin to wonder how to contain the children’s excitement for just a few more weeks… Well, Dunstable Town Council may be able to help. On Saturday 9th December join us at Priory House for a free day out. You can visit Santa and his reindeers, send him a letter in his special post box and jump aboard on his sleigh for some festive photos. If that isn’t enough fun for just £2 per child you can join in with some arts and crafts and make some lovely glittery decorations. To finish off your special day with Santa and his friends, why not stop off at Priory House Tea Rooms to enjoy a delicious Christmas Menu or visit the Lawn for some toasted marshmallows and some homemade Christmas treats. It’s going to be a fun fulfilled festive day!’
Friday 2nd February 2018 at 7.30pm & Saturday 3rd February at 2pm and 7.30pm at Totternhoe Lower School, Totternhoe
Skate Your Way To Christmas
Tickets: Adults £7, Concessions £5 Family tickets £20 (2 adults and 2 concessions) Box office 01582 603287 for tickets. Please note that tickets must be ordered and paid for in advance.
Friday 15th December to Thursday 21st December
Are you a budding Torvill or Dean…get your skates on and come down to The Square. For one week only, skate your way into the festive season. Dunstable will be hosting a synthetic ice rink as part of the Christmas festivities. So, make sure you take advantage of this skatetastic facility and a chance to practice your pirouettes! Children under 14 yrs must not be left unaccompanied Skate sessions last for 45 mins. Tickets must be purchased in advance of skating All tickets must be purchased online and a printed receipt is your ticket. T's & c's apply www.dunstable.gov.uk
60 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
Opening Times
11.00 am to 7.00 pm ONLY £3 PER PERSON
(skate hire included)
Mistletoe Saturday 9 December Priory House & Gardens from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm Feed the Real Reindeer and meet Santa in his Grotto, enjoy Christmas crafts, sample our festive menu in the Tea Rooms and indulge in festive treats in the garden.
Wednesday 20, Thursday 21 & Friday 22 December
A special afternoon with Santa Claus from 2 pm - 3.30 pm Saturday 23 December from 8.30 am - 10 am
Spend a special morning with Santa Claus
FREE
£10
ENTRY
A SMALL CHARGE MAY APPLY FOR SOME ACTIVITIES
PER CHILD
CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA AT PRIORY HOUSE TEA ROOMS
are available on
Available Monday to Saturday from
Thursday 7, 14 & 21 December
Monday 20 November Prices start from
£18.50
Available between BOOKING ESSENTIAL!
per adult
Choose our Ivy menu and begin your Afternoon Tea with a glass of Prosecco or warm mulled wine.
6 pm - 9.30 pm Last orders 8.45 pm
Indulge in homemade festive puddings and deserts.
Advanced bookings only
under 18’s allowed in the marquee. For Nofurther information on all these activities or to book please telephone 01582 891420, or visit www.dunstable.gov.uk
@PrioryHouse
Dunstable Town Council
DUNSTABLE TOW N CO U N CIL
Issue 34 • December 2017 / January 2018
61
Caring for your pet
Caring for your pet
In association with PDSA Petsurance – selected by our vets, loved by pets. In association with PDSA Petsurance – selected by our vets,www.pdsa.org.uk/petinsurance loved by pets. 0800 980 6000 www.pdsa.org.uk/petinsurance 0800 980 6000
News Mabel’s Appledown Rescue h e Ve tK A andTRehoming
Pets
BBQ
BBQ
Summer SafetySummer Safety Summer
Safety
If the weather behaves itself, many will be If the weather behaves itself, many will be stocking up on burgers and heading for stocking up on burgers and heading for the barbeque. But vet charity PDSA the barbeque. But vet charity PDSA warns pet owners should take extra warns pet owners should take extra precautions to ensure their pets precautions to ensure their pets stay safe while cooking stay safe while cooking al fresco. care pet more For al fresco.
from Appledown
sk
Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY
Hello again! ! dog agtheainresident Hello I’m Mabel
I need a home!
I’m Mabel the resident dog at Appledown .
am Mabel the resident dog at Appledown atI Appledown. Rescue and Rehoming Kennels in Eaton Bray.
This is Chipolata, she is a 4-5 years. She is bigger th Russell, but we can’t deci crossed with! Chipolata is needs a home where she and attention. She could l a cat. We think she may h past but she loves a cudd This is Tor, a lurchertoaged 3 year opportunity curl up in fr house-trained, withcannot peoplelive a familygood life! She dogs. He needs owners who will be carry on with his training. This affe If you feel you could offer dog wouldother lovedogs, to bea part of and a fam loving s would notat be suitable any for day a hom the kennels be children younger than Our staff areteenagers. happy to offe
Deborah Meaden, in this instance, is a staffy cross who was born in Appledown Rescue’s Dog of the Month June 2016. This brindle bundle of fun PDSA vet, Vicki Larkham-Jones, says; tips visit Don’t be a ‘fuel... lighter fluid PDSA vet, Vicki Larkham-Jones, says; vets see pets with injuries /“Every year Don’t be PDSA a ‘fuel... lighter fluid .pdsa. can be dangerous. So keep it well outlively of reach.girl who would benefit from training classes. is a happy, “Every year PDSA vets see www pets with injuriesorg.uk directly associated withitbarbecues. are be dangerous. So keep well out ofPets reach. directly associated with barbecues. pethe Pets are alth can brought in suffering from burns, having Deborah will aneed a home with active owners who enjoy takFlamin’ hot... playing around brought in suffering from burns, having swallowed objects such as corn on the cob Flamin’ hot... playing around a barbecue can lead to severe burns, so pets swallowed objects such as corn on the cob cores,can andlead heattostroke inburns, the hotsoweather.” barbecue severe pets walks she loves so much. She would be better should be kept welling awayher from for flames,the burning cores, and heat stroke in the hot weather.” PDSA is advising owners take aburning few simple should be kept well away fromtoflames, embers and hot ash. Always make sure that the PDSA is advising owners to take a few simple precautions this year to safeguard their pets: embers and hot ash. Always make sure that the asquickly an only pet to start with. She cannot live in Dacorum. BBQ is cooled down after use. precautions this year to safeguard their pets: BBQ is cooled down quickly after use. Skip the scraps... If you offer Deborah or any of our other dogsPlease a loving note that we have Slap on the sun can cream... Skip the scraps... If you feel you could offer Tor, or an eatingon barbecue can cream... upset your pet’s Slap thescraps sun pets can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke dogsus to families with child eating barbecue scraps can upset your pet’s unfamiliar orup fattyon If the weather behaves itself, many willsunburn be stocking and secure drop in at the kennels call any and other or dogs, a loving secur petsstomach. can sufferUndercooked, from and heatstroke just like humans, so if This you’re enjoyinghome, the sun please handsome German Shepherd stomach. Undercooked, unfamiliar or fatty ask for details. food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. justbarbeque. like humans, so But if you’re the sun call in at the kennels a urgers and heading for the vetenjoying charity PDSA ensure your four-legged friends have access in care because food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Reno finds himself day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please noteplease that there are ensure your four-legged friends have access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Pet sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our warns pet owners should totake extra precautions tosun ensure Could is Bin make sure water. any leftover food his sadly away. Heyou hassponsor a kennel to help us care for a dog while itsta shade andit... plenty of fresh Pet creams should be used on owner your pet’s body that Bin it...their make sure any leftover food happywith to offer advice and informa restrictions onpassed rehoming adult tousfamilies children and should rubbish securely and pet’s safelybody thrown creams used on your that home? Please dogs contact for details. a sweet has clearly pets safe while cooking albeisfresco. have no hair or white fur areas –temperament your vet can and and rubbish is securely andstay safely thrown away in a lidded dustbin well away havemuch-loved, restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under 7 years of age, so please have no hair or white fur areas – your vet can advise you about this. been he now needs away in a lidded dustbin well away under seven years of age. Full details of the rehoming process from pets. A common barbecue-related advise you about this. PDSA vet, Vicki Larkham-Jones, says . Check our website for adoption information . You canour follow us on Facebook and T Call:He 01525 220383 Visit Website: www.appledo from pets. A common barbecue-related adetails new owner to with. Reno This is Tor, a bond lurcher aged 3 years. is houseproblem seen by PDSA vets is pets Pet owners interested in finding out “Every year PDSA vets pets with cansafety beborn found website. Join ourHeFacebook group to problem seen by PDSA vetssee is pets Petthat owners in finding out appledown.kennels@btinternet.com Follow u 2011,on he our ispeople good with haveinterested eaten corn on the cob cores. more about summerwas for in pets trained, good with and E-mail: other dogs. Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU that have directly eaten corn on the cob cores. injuries associated with barmore about summer safety intestinal for pets (Reg. Charity No. 1116848) Don’t be a ‘fuel... These can cause a serious people dogswho butof would prefer can download free copies of and PDSA needs owners will be happy onappledown.kennels@btinternet.com see more photos Deborah and other dogs awaiting new These can Pets causeare a serious intestinal Call: 01525 220383to orcarry e-mail: canblockage download free of PDSA becues. brought in suffering have to be surgically Responsible Pet Care leaflets at home. lighter fluid and can becopies dangerous. So an adults-only blockage and have to beswallowed surgically objects with his training. This affectionate dogwww.appledownrescue.co.uk would Responsible Pet Care leaflets at Website: removed. from burns, having pdsa.org.uk/leaflets. keep it well out of reach. homes. Iflove you can offer Reno or any of our removed. pdsa.org.uk/leaflets. to be part of a family, but would not be (Reg. Charity No. 1116848) such as corn on the cob cores, and Flamin’PDSA hot...isplaying around a barbeother dogs a loving and secure on a mission to educate the nation on pet wellbeing and is delighted thatAppledown funding & Rehoming Kennels, suitable for a home withRescue children younger than is on mission to educate the nation on pet and delighted that funding heatPDSA stroke inathe hot weather.” players of People’s Postcode Lottery is helping the charity to continue thisplease vital work. cuewellbeing canfrom lead toissevere burns, so pets home, call in at the kennels from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is helping the charity to continue this vital work. teenagers. PDSA is advising owners to take a Harling Road, should be kept well away from flames, any day between 10 a.m. and 4Eaton p.m. Bray, Beds. LU6 1QY few simple precautions this year to burning embers and hot ash. Always or phone us for more details. Please Call 01525 220383 . safeguard their pets: If you you offeron Tor, or any of our make sure that the BBQ is cooled note thatfeel there arecould restrictions appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. other E-mail dogs, a to loving and secure down quickly after use. rehoming dogs families with chil- home please callunder in at the kennels dren seven years ofany age.day Fullbetween 10 a.m. www.appledownrescue.co.uk Skip the scraps... and 4ofp.m. Our staffprocess will becan happy to offer addetails the rehoming Follow us onor Facebook, Twitter eating barbecue scraps can upset Slap on the sun cream... vice and We have restrictions on & Instagram! be found oninformation. our website, please your pet’s stomach. Undercooked, unfamiliar or fatty food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
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pets can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke just like humans, so if you’re enjoying the sun ensure your four-legged friends have access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Pet sun creams should be used on your pet’s body that have no hair or white fur areas – your vet can advise you about this. Pet owners interested in finding out more about summer safety for pets can download free copies of PDSA Responsible Pet Care leaflets at pdsa.org.uk/leaflets.
CHARITY CHRISTMAS PUZZLE This annual Puzzle is rated by participants as one of the most enjoyable (and devious) they have tackled and, with a theme designed to help completion, it will appeal to people who enjoy doing word puzzles. Puzzlers have plenty of time to find the answers and Puzzles should be returned, with a donation, by 28th January.
make sure any leftover food and rubbish is securely and safely thrown away in a lidded dustbin well away from pets. A common barbecue-related problem seen by PDSA vets is pets that have eaten corn on the cob cores. These can cause a serious intestinal blockage and have to be surgically removed.
Four highest scorers will each receive a £30 prize. Everyone who enters will qualify for one of five £10 prizes. Copies of the Puzzle can be accessed from the web at www.christmaspuzzle.co.uk. You can register early to receive a copy on the issue date of 8 December. £77,000 raised for charity £7,300 donated last year This year’s puzzle will support five nominated charities.
62 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk
I n ee
d a hom e!
contact the kennels. rehoming dogs to families with children under Don’t forget to follow us on Face7 years of age, so please ask for details. Check book & Twitter!for adoption information. our website Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Bray, Appledown RescueEaton and Rehoming Kennels, Harling Beds. 1QY Road,LU6 Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY Call 01525 220383No. . 1116848) (Reg. Charity E-mail appledown.kennels@ Call 01525 220383 . btinternet.com. E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. BIKES www.appledownrescue.co.uk Visit our Website: You can now follow us on BITES Kennels www.appledownrescue.co.uk Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Facebook and Twitter! YouNo. can1116848) now follow us on (Reg. Charity MITES Harling Road, Facebook andEaton Twitter!Bray, Beds LU6 1QY
Answers
Step On It
I need a home!
MATES HATES This is Chipolata, she is a Jack Russell cross aged GATES
4-5 years. She is bigger than the average Jack Russell, but we can’t decide what she might be crossed with! Chipolata is an active little dog and needs a home where she will get plenty of exercise and attention. She could live with a male dog but no a cat. We think she may have lived outside in the past but she loves a cuddle and will enjoy the opportunity to curl up in front of the fire and be part family life! She cannot live in Luton.
Crossword
Across: 6 Glimmer 7 Rebut 9 Ice 10 Celebrate 12 Valedictory If you feelHut you could offer Chipolata, or any of our 15 Substandard 17 Righteous 19 21 Buxom other dogs, a loving and secure home please call in 22 Ignoble at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Our staff are happy to offer advice and information. Please note that we have restrictions on rehoming
dogs to families with children under seven, so pleas Down: ask for details. 1 Pluck 2 Imp 3 Here 4 Territory 5 Culture 8 Period Could you sponsor a kennel to help us care for a dog while it is waiting to find a new home? Please contact for details. 11 Falsehood 13usElated 14 Dubious 16 Burly 18 Urge 20 Box Call: 01525 220383 Visit our Website: www.appledownrescue.co.uk
E-mail: appledown.kennels@btinternet.com Follow us on Facebook! (Reg. Charity No. 1116848)
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