The Vine Villages - April / May 2016 - Issue 24

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il - May 201

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A

News / What’s On / Local Directory

sue 24 : Is

FREE Covering The Villages Surrounding Dunstable

Wedding Feature Special A twelve month

Countdown

Wedding Hair-do’s ... And Don’ts!

The Perfect Cake Student Loans

An Essential Guide

By Martin Lewis

Inside This Issue

WIN Tickets!

80’s MANIA at The Grove

Connecting local people to local businesses

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016

3

Style Guide

Inside This Issue

& Wellb Health Beauty S 16

30

imply S&tBrows rAbout ipes

Home & Garden

Charlie DimmockStand out fromFind the crowout d what’s Gives advice onwith stunning stripgoing es. on Gardening In Small Spaces

Local News

in your area.

58

& Lashe Wedding

Feature From “I Will” to “I Do”

Cinema

Revitalising 12 Dunstable Next Stripe Cami £32.00

Proposed plans for the new Leisure Centre

fashion

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Vera Mont Dress £160.00

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I was born with my dad’s eyebr thick, shapeless and unsightly, two caterpillars stuck to my fore New Releases twelve I followed the fashion of Including plucked until they were w The away Hunts Man X Men: Apocalypse - and I was totally disappearing & the latest from fainting! my eyebrows a RyanToday, Reynolds and unsightly and I’m resigned that way forever. Or rather I wa

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InternetModasearches assure me that no matter how in Pelle Mine With your brows lookin £75.95 over-plucked, over-waxed or overit’s time to move on groomed your eyebrows may be, There are nume 6 Race For Life there is hope still for beautiful, around promi Very stripe skirt £29.00 arched, perfectly coiffed speci10 A5-Woodside Link Road and thickness mens. The most extreme method for some of th 14 Soapbox Shout might be an eyebrow transplant ing! My daug (yes really!), but there are other less 24 Looking Up! long lashes we Editor: Scott Nightingale drastic options! level following t 28 Puzzles Advertising & Editorial: new mascara. But w Shelly Nesbitt Most of us ladies – and the odd gent too34 – A Pensioners View Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852need 453043 to lose a few hairs from the brow line. The Tinting is an option if your la 36 PDSA Pet Advice Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk easiest solution is tweezing away the stray hairs larly fair, and it’s not just for 38 the A Travellers Tale yourself, but the results are short-lived and risk of the difference it made to my Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the creating the wrong shape is high. Better40results can be content of advertising and articles published in his lashes were darkened. Cu AUTO Biographies achieved by a professional, with waxing and threadthis magazine are accurate, neither the publisher straight lashes appear longer 44 around Martin Lewis Money ingaccept methods or its editorial contributors can and achieving hair removal lasting illusion of wider, brighter, m hereby disclaim any liability to anyweeks. party to loss 4-6 48 CompetitionLash-perming, which is best

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or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication.

The Vine Fair or very thin eyebrows may benefit from being does not officially endorse any advertising tinted. Like hair dye, this changes the colour and lasts material included within this publication. weeks.

No part of this publication may 4-6 be reproduced without prior permission.

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Dunstable

21st & 22nd May at Dunstable Downs

Charge In To Spring With Dunstable Race For Life

D

unstable women fired up by the arrival of spring are being urged to channel their energy into training for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

With lighter evenings on the horizon, and with warmer weather on its way, women of all ages, shapes and sizes have the perfect opportunity to kick-start a healthier lifestyle by preparing for their 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy Race for Life events.

By taking on Race for Life, and encouraging their mums, daughters, sisters and friends to join them, participants can improve their fitness as well as help to raise money for life-saving research. Becoming more active has longer-term benefits, as research shows that even regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. Not only does it help to maintain a healthy body weight but it also has a protective effect in itself.

And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women in Dunstable to get moving, lace up their trainers and sign up now for the events over the weekend of 21st and 22nd May at Dunstable Downs.

Cara Waller, Cancer Research UK’s Dunstable Manager, said: “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women of all ages to commit to get a little more active this spring.

“Race for Life events are noncompetitive. Taking part is not about being fit or fast and participants can choose to walk, jog, or run around the course. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive.

“Pledging to take part, alongside thousands of like-minded women, is a great motivation. With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Dunstable ladies are up for the challenge.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, and Pretty Muddy events which raises millions of pounds every year to fund research to help beat 200 types of cancer.

More than one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Survival rates have doubled

since the early 1970s.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Bedfordshire.

Cara continued: “With the arrival of lighter evenings, there’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors, get a bit fitter and limber up for Race for Life. Whether you choose to walk, jog or charge around the course, you’ll be joining an army of women united in the battle against cancer.

Our aim is that one day everyone will beat this devastating disease.

The more research we can fund, the sooner that day will come - so ladies, it’s time to pull on your leggings, join the pink army and get your blood pumping at Race for Life.”

Free training plans for different levels of ability are available on the Race for Life website. The six-week training plans are designed for walkers, joggers or runners. They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation.

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770 6

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Issue 24 • April / May 2016

7

local People

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Woodside Link Road On Schedule & On Budget Roads Minister, Andrew Jones, was back in Dunstable last month to mark the first anniversary of the start of major construction works on the A5 - M1and Woodside link roads.

The progress made so far is impressive and both projects are on target to meet the predicted Spring 2017 completion deadline. Mr Jones said “I am very impressed with this very exciting project, things are clearly going very well, every thing is on schedule and on budget.”

He went on to say “Dunstable residents have had to put up with all sorts of congestion and all the things that come with that – unpredictable journeys, poor air quality etc.” He believes that the link roads will play a key part in “solving the traffic problem that has been Dunstable.” and went on to say “We are determined to deliver better journeys and the infrastructure that will allow the

economy to grow in Bedfordshire. It is pleasing to see the progress that has been made with the A5-M1 and Woodside link schemes which will lay the ground for new businesses to thrive and homes to be built for hardworking people.”

Delivering the schemes will unlock up to 40 hectares of land for businesses and provide the infrastructure for 7,000 homes to be built to the north of Houghton Regis. They will also provide better access to the M1 and reduce congestion in Dunstable.

Construction milestones achieved so Councillor Nigel Young was also far on the A5-M1 link include starting in attendance providing key facts work on the layout for the new M1 about the progress made so far and junction 11A, with new roundabouts the overall aims of the £200million and bridges, as well as the rebuilding scheme. He told us “The Woodside of the B579 Luton Road East and West Link is the key piece of the regeneration to align it with junction 11A. Work on jigsaw bringing jobs, homes and the link road itself has progressed well opportunities to the area. I’m pleased too, with drainage, fencing and some to see it is on schedule to open in of the foundations and surfacing spring 2017.” completed so far. And work on the new A5 roundabout has started too.

Bridge Beam Lift Over The M1 Planned M1 Lane Closures

The next phase of the project involves thirty eight giant steel bridge beams being lifted into place over the M1 near Dunstable. Contractors working on behalf of Highways England will use a 1,000 tonne crane to lift the 52 metre long, 100 tonne bridge beams into place, which will act as foundations for the decks of two new bridges over the M1.

To carry out the work safely, the M1 will be closed between junctions 11 and 12 over several nights from 16th March to 9th April 2016.

The beam lifts will be carried out in several stages and either the northbound or the southbound M1 will be closed between 10pm and 6am the following morning, weather permitting:

10 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

1st April: M1 southbound closed for beam lift for the junction 11A bridge 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th April: M1 northbound closed for beam lift and to start building the bridge deck for the junction 11A bridge 9th April: M1 southbound closed to start building the bridge deck for the junction 11A bridge During the M1 carriageway closures, there will be a clearly signed diversion to direct traffic via the A505, A5 and A5120. There will also be lane closures on the M1 in the opposite direction to the carriageway closures for safety reasons.

Up to date information about the closures will be published every Friday in the East Planned Roadworks Weekly Summary on Highways England’s website.

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Revitalising Dunstable Thank goodness spring has arrived at last. I always feel optimistic at this time of year when the evenings get lighter and the gardens that have been sleeping all winter come back to life. But then, I’m a bit of an optimist by nature. I certainly feel a great sense of excitement about our communities and how they are changing – for the better.

Looking at our local towns of Houghton Regis and Dunstable, there is a lot going on.

As work continues on major infrastructure projects such as the Woodside Link Road and new M1 junction which will connect the motorway and the A5, the Council is also committing huge investment into our town centres.

Hot on the heels of the recent development of Central Bedfordshire College, we have just announced plans to further enhance the Grove Park area of Dunstable with a £20million redevelopment of the leisure centre site.

This will see a transformation of our health and fitness offer, including a state of the art gym with more than 100 stations, a refurbished pool and a new and improved café. We are also planning to relocate our library to the site so customers can enjoy modernised facilities, still in the heart of the town.

Dunstable really deserves this investment which will also unlock other opportunities to revitalise the area. The move of the library, for example, will free up a fabulous central location at Vernon Place, which will undoubtedly be a very attractive option for those looking to invest in what is becoming our cultural quarter, alongside the

12 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

theatre, BBC and our newly revamped service centre.

And there’s exciting news for Houghton Regis too as the Council is entering into a partnership with footballing hero Rio Ferdinand to regenerate the Kingsland area of the town.

Legacy, the regeneration company set up by Rio with fellow footballers Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora is working with us to develop a world-class sports academy, education and community facilities to transform the lives of our young people. With sport at its heart , this will help engage young people and encourage them to better their lives and career prospects by linking education, leisure, sports and skills with new homes.

Our Council leader, James Jamieson, was with Rio Ferdinand and the government minister for Housing, Brandon Lewis, at the launch event for the scheme last month where he explained our involvement.

“At Central Bedfordshire we’re all about transforming communities, making places the very best they can be and enhancing life chances for residents, especially the young, by giving them the skills to change their futures.”

With ambition like that – how could I not be optimistic?

By Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council Nigel.young@centralbedfordshire.

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 13

Your Rights

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www.soapboxshout.com A free, local service to help resolve your customer service gripes, champion the good & expose the bad! Know your rights!

Whether it’s a complaint that's not been taken seriously, or you don’t know where else to turn, we will try to help you. You could be sick of chasing information, waiting for an order or refund long overdue, disappointed in a restaurant or haircut or aghast at how much you’ve been wrongly billed or badly treated.

For example, did you know that thousands of tumble dryers have been recalled as fire hazards and people are being told they have to pay for a replacement or worse, wait months for an engineer to come out. So our most recent campaign has been to push for justice as we believe all tumble dryers should be replaced at no cost to the consumer and that you cannot take such irrational risks with human life and property. Do register your machine if you're also affected.

www.soapboxshout.com/post/left-high-and-dry-by-your-tumble-dryer-manufacturer-and-retailer How does Soapbox help resolve customer service issues?

Once you’ve posted on our site at www.soapboxshout. com, our team escalates your complaint to get some action working with the regulators where necessary. We also promote your story on social media empowering each individual to get their voice heard and rights as a consumer respected. Our platform promotes transparency, keeping an audit trail so nothing is lost.

But what happens if the organisation doesn’t respond?

We give the company time to respond, respecting their “response time”. But when we are merely fobbed off either with corporate jargon, or worse, blatant disregard, then the company is named and shamed with the appropriate “Fobbed Off” status. This means that at least others can be warned before spending their hard earned cash or precious time to end up being let down.

Championing the good Happily we’re able to resolve many issues quickly. We love to champion the companies that do care enough to put things right & change perceptions. We love to hear praise too so do give credit where due.

Who’s behind Soapbox?

This time two years ago a group of friends found themselveselves, yet again, bemoaning the injustices and frustrations of unrepentant bad service (more apparent now than ever, with children to think about and less time to waste chasing down rabbit holes). So began their quest to improve things. They’ve been amazed at the response since then “Running this service in our free time is keeping us busy but it’s exciting. Who knows where it will lead? For now we’re going with the flow.

Being very local, we thought you’d want to know WE’RE HERE TO HELP especially with anything that’s likely to be close to our hearts & location! Like us on Facebook & do follow us on Twitter & help spread the word!”

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www.house-hold.co.uk Issue 24 • April / May 2016 15

From “I will ” To “I Do” Planning your wedding is no easy task!

Here’s our twelve 12 month plan to get you ready for the big day. Hopefully you already have an idea of what you want and don’t want for your wedding, but for now, it’s time to put aside those beautiful golden votives you’ve been eyeing up - which would look gorgeous on your top table it’s time to get back to logistics.

12

months to go

It’s time to talk money. This can involve awkward conversations but by setting the budget pronto you can work out what to spend and where.

Set the date, but be prepared to be flexible - your dream venue could be booked on your must-have date.

Work out your guest numbers - who to invite and who to leave off the list.

Bridesmaids & Ushers - now’s the time to ask them.

Buy wedding insurance. Sounds dull, but a necessity!

11months

to go

Write the guest list. Can guests bring children? plus ones? And do you really need to invite the whole office?

Save the date! - get your date in guests’ diaries now.

Book your photographer. The best ones get snapped up quickly.

Start the search - if you haven’t already! - Find that perfect dress! Consult the pages of Bridal mags, scan the internet - book bridal boutique appointments.

10

months to go

Buy the wedding dress! Bear in mind alteration times and costs, too. It’s a good time to consider shoes and any other accessories to complete the look.

Start honeymoon planning - from budget to location, flights to hotel.

16 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Live music or DJ set? Book your entertainment now - think about timings and any restrictions your venue might have, too . You’ll have time to fine tune the exact songs later.

9

months to go

Flower, flowers flowers. From your bridal bouquet to reception decor, think about seasonality of your favourite blooms, book a consultation with your florist.

Do the taste test. Firm up your menu and drinks with your caterer, Think about allergy sufferers and vegetarians where possible.

Go bridesmaid dress shopping! Fun Fun Fun - or is it!

Different strokes for different folks. Remember its your wedding but you want them to feel comfortable too.

8

months to go

Choose your readings and music. If it’s a church wedding, it’s time to discuss with the minister and musicians.

If it’s a civil ceremony, you’ll need to find out what’s permitted and adapt accordingly.

Chase those pesky non-RSVPers.

Order the stationery! Invites, envelopes, place cards, menus and seating plan. Or why not DIY it, bespoke stationary is so easy these days, if you are that way inclined, get cracking now though - its time consuming.

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 17

o.u

3

7

months to go

Think about travel. From transporting guests to and from the venue to your grand entrance and get-away car, get any vehicles hired for the day now.

Ooh… cake! Settle on a showstopper - and bear in mind flavours, composition, how it will be transported and the type of icing if you’re planning on saving any.

Wedding favours - why not have a go at making your own?

6

months to go

Kit out your fiancé and ushers. Could be a job for him to take the pressure off you.

Choose your wedding rings Confirm the order of service with your minister or registrar and have guest books printed.

5

months to go

It’s all about the make-up! If you’re hiring a beutician, book those all-important trial sessions. If it’s DIY - head to the shops and pick up trial sizes of any products you might like to wear. Don’t forget your wedding fragrance.

4

months to go

Check your passport date. It must have at least six months left on it from the date you want to travel - and don’t get all wed-eyed and book under your married name. If your passport doesn’t match up, you won’t be boarding the plane. Check if you need visas or inoculations for your honeymoon Get those hen-party plans in action! A great one to delegate to your maid of honour

months to go

Give notice. It may be unromantic but this is a legal requirement that formalises your intent to marry.

Visit www.gov.uk for what you need to know.

Organise a rehearsal before the big day and make sure the key wedding party members will be there.

Church of England wedding? Attend a reading of the banns. They’re usually held three consecutive Sundays before your big day.

2

months to go

If you’ve delegated tasks to your fiancé, ‘maids or family, check how they’re getting on - you may need to pick up the slack to make sure everything’s sorted.

Try on your entire wedding outfit! Forgotten anything?

Need alterations? Now’s the time to get it sorted.

Make sure you’ve got that bridal glow sorted by booking any other beauty treatments (fake tan, manicure etc.) .

1

month to go

Buy thank you gifts, bridesmaids, groomsmen, mothers and anyone else who has helped out.

Try out hairstyles with your hairdresser, making sure you take the tiara, crown, circlet or accessories you plan to wear. Or, if you’re taking charge, bloggers’ YouTube tutorials are a great source of inspiration.

Get those hen-party plans in action! Gather your hens for a girls-only celebration. After all that planning, it’s time to party

1

week to go

Pack for the honeymoon. Make sure you leave out anything you may need.

Make final payments to vendors.

Wrap and prepare gifts. Put gratuities in envelopes.

1

day before

Greet out of town guests.

Take a leisurely walk or scheduled masssage to help you relax. Get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Congratulations! Enjoy your big day 18 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

The Perfect Cake Your Wedding cake is one of the main features of the day. All of your guests will want pictures of the bride and groom cutting the cake! Traditional, completely modern, the choice is entirely up to you, but there are so may to chose from. So where do you start?

Google and Pinterest are great ways to look for inspiration. You can see the various styles of wedding cakes available to you, such as stacked, cupcake towers, naked cakes, etc. This is a good way to know what styles appeal to you more, creating the first steps to designing your wedding cake.

Once you have an idea of your colour theme and how many guests you will need to cater for, you need to visit your cake maker. This may be someone you know, a local shop or a cake designer you have met from a Wedding Fayre. Most cake designers will book you in for a consultation. This means you have their undivided attention for an hour or so, to discuss your requirements and help with your final design. You can choose which shape and size cake you would like and most places even

tion a r b e Cel

Cakes For All Oc casi

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The decoration of the cake may be just like a cake you have already seen or you may chose something more personal to the two of you. This is the time to discuss what appeals to you the most.

So start to be inspired and start thinking about how your wedding cake could stand out on your special day!

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 19

Wedding Hair Getting married is one of the most important days of your life… and we all want to look our best. These days it has become the norm to have a hair stylist on hand to make sure you look fantastic. Here, Flicks & Bangs will talk you through ALL THINGS HAIR for your big day!

Step 1 ~ Budget Planning your big day? Give us a ring on 01525 221252 to make an appointment.

www.flicksandbangs.com

Are you including the bridesmaid’s, mother of the bride etc. in your hair package? Don’t be afraid to ask your bridesmaids to pay for themselves this is common.

Incorporate all things hair and beauty for your wedding day. For example, cut & colour, trials, brows, and tan… and of course the wedding hair on the actual day! It’s an idea to discuss a package at a set price that incorporates all of these.

Step 2 ~ Location Where do you feel comfortable getting ready?

Salon? Bubbly is often provided! Equipment is already in the salon. Just make sure you have transport, and it’s a good location from your home and the wedding venue.

Home? You have the comfort of your own home! Remember there will be a call out charge for your hair stylist. Also, plug points and mirrors aren’t always accessible.

Step 3 ~ Get Organised Choose the dress! The dress can alter how you have your hair. E.g., if it’s a strap one side you would want your hair the alternate side.

Book your trial early! Saturday’s are usually the salon’s busiest day so give as much notice as possible, even if the wedding is two years away!

Step 4 ~ The Fun Part Take advice from your stylist, friends and family but you know what suits you, and being comfortable is one of the most important things on the day. If you never wear your hair up, is it a good idea to have it up? These are all things to consider and remember that in fifty years’ time, you want to look at your hair on your big day and smile!

20 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Food

Pear & Ginger Tiramisu Trifle

Photo by Ren Behan

I’ve long said that the best home cooking needn’t be in any way complicated. In fact, the simpler the better as far as I am concerned. Also, there is no need to come up with revolutionary creations. Often the tastiest recipes are just simple twists on much-loved classics. This pear and ginger tiramisu recipe, created by food writer and blogger Ren Behan, meets all of these criteria. Easy to prepare, it looks great and tastes wonderful. It also misses out the coffee which is a bonus for anyone who has to avoid caffeine. A lovely treat to serve at a relaxed family meal, a posh dinner party or after a barbecue (when the weather improves!).

Makes 4-6 tumblers (dependent on size) or one medium-sized trifle bowl How To Make The ingredients will combine better at room temperature Whisk the eggs yolks, caster sugar and vanilla together with an electric whisk for around 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add in the tub of Mascarpone and mix until smooth.

In a second, clean bowl, beat your egg whites until soft peaks form. With a metal spoon, fold the egg whites into your egg and Mascarpone mixture.

Have a large trifle bowl or six small glasses/tumblers ready.

Ingredients: 3 large free-range eggs yolks & whites separated 100g caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract 250g tub Mascarpone 2 very ripe pears 250ml sherry ½ packet Ginger Snap Biscuits or Ginger Cake 100g grated dark or white chocolate for sprinkling on top A dusting of cocoa powder (optional)

Peel, core and finely slice the pears.

Pour the sherry into a small bowl, dip six ginger biscuits into the sherry and then place one in each glass, or lay them all flat across one bowl, working quickly so that the biscuits don’t get too soggy.

Hear more recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

22 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 23

Looking Up!

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April and May 2016

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Look to the western horizon about 45 minutes after sunset for a bright pink-orange starlike object in the fading twilight. This is Mercury at its most visible in the evening sky for 2016. You’ll be able to see it with the naked eye, but it is perhaps best picked up with binoculars.

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14th

YEAR!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

7-8th MAY 2016

Watch the Lyrids under a Full Moon:

This year’s Lyrids Meteor Shower falls on the same night as April’s full moon. Best time to view the Shower is just before dawn on 22nd April. Look high up towards your south-east for a smattering of bright shooting stars competing for your attention under the moon’s dazzling glare.

By Seb Jay Image: Mercury by NASA

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24 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 25

N O O S G N I COM

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 27

Puzzles

Answers on page 62

Crossword

Across

Down

7. Fail to understand (4,7,2) 8. Chat (8) 9. Unusual (4) 10. Redemption (6) 12. Use (6) 14. Infertile (6) 16. Bawled (6) 18. Unhearing (4) 20. Insecure (8) 22. Strengthening (13)

1. Wide view (8) 2. Works for (6) 3. Indigent (4) 4. Stealing (8) 5. Open (6) 6. Morose (4) 11. Bravely (8) 13. Miss (8) 15. Deny (6) 17. Shed (4-2) 19. Cupid (4) 21. Team (4)

Sudoku 数独 1 6 HIVES

3

2 9 7

2 4 3 7

8 2 9 3 8 5 4 6

9 2 6 TIMER

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 28 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 28

6

3

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 29

&

Home Garden Adding kerb appeal Improving the outside appearance of your home is unlikely to add value but investing some time and money could make the difference when it comes to selling. Take a critical look at the front of your property and list everything you think needs doing. See what jobs you can tackle yourself, but be realistic about your DIY abilities and consider hiring a tradesman.

Front door

Painting the door will create a fresh and inviting look. Consider hiring someone for this job, a badly painted door will look just as bad as a door that needs painting! Replace numbers, letterboxes and handles, consider removing name plaques.

Windows

If they need replacing, invest in new windows or they could just need a fresh lick of paint.

Make sure the frames are kept clean and the glass sparkling. Don’t forget curtains and blinds, they should be clean and in good condition.

Garden

If you have grass keep on top of the mowing.Remove weeds and keep hedges well maintained.

To add a splash of colour, consider adding flowering plants.

If you don’t have a garden place some (easy to maintain) potted plants on either side of the front door. Box plants in containers are a good choice.

Gates

Your gate should be in good condition, loose hinges repaired and metal gates should be free from rust.

A gate is a great feature, so don’t overlook it.

30 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Paths & driveways

Paths and driveways should be swept, weeds removed and rubbish cleared away. If possible bins should be out of sight; at the very least they should be clean and not over flowing. Make sure cars are parked sensibly to allow an easy approach to the door.

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 31

In Theen Gard

Big Ideas, Small Spaces With space at a premium and the size of gardens in newbuild developments shrinking, balconies, roof terraces and tiny back yards are becoming the norm. If you’ve only got a small space, how can you give it the wow factor? TV gardening expert Charlie Dimmock, has some ideas of her own on how to jazz up a balcony and attract wildlife in the process.

“Wildlife wants flowers all year round, just as we do,” she says. “Go for plants which give you a continuous amount of flowers. Some of the bedding plants are great and the more simple single flowers are better because they tend to have more nectar and pollen in them.

Some petunias are quite good, as are marigolds, osteospermums and other daisy-plants like marguerites.

“If you go for plants with double flowers they tend to be less pollenrich. Lavender and thyme are also good because they have a long flowering season.”

A good variation of plants which provide year-round interest may also be the way to go.

“I’d have two or three evergreen shrubs, not too big, such as a Daphne odora ‘Marginata’, which has a variegated leaf and fantastic scent in the spring. I’d also have a small pittosporum, as there are interesting

and different variegations, including grow things up that, so you’ve the ‘Tom Thumb’, a purple vertical option as well. Climbing one that stays like a plants will also give you a round ball with bit more height, texture purple leaves. and colour.”

“Go for smallDon’t dismiss ivy er shrubs like because ivy flowers Pittosporum attract beneficial tobira, which insects, says Charlie. is slow-growing “Ivy flowers very late in Tom Thumb and stays small, the season and very early with really lovely in the spring and it’s a really scented flowers, or nandina good source of nectar for insects (sacred bamboo). Don’t buy somebecause there’s nothing much thing like a forsythia which is going about at that time. When ivy reaches to grow too big and only flowers the top of a wall you get round, for about two weeks and then green flowers followed by black becomes boring. berries, which are good for birds.”

If you plant thoughtfully, you can atNandina (sacred bamboo) tract a good variety of birds. Provide some water, even if it’s just a bird bath, and put up bird feeders.

“Birds like to be able to perch somewhere while they are coming in to feed. If you have an uncluttered space with only a bird feeder, they probably won’t come in, but if you’ve got a few shrubs and a climb“Go for plants which give you two er up the wall and there’s maybe a or three different times of interest. tree outside, they are likely to queue The nandina are evergreen - in the up on it and check it’s safe.” spring the first leaves are bright red, Encourage your neighbours to add then it flowers in the summer and plantings to their small spaces, she bears red berries in the autumn - giv- urges. ing you a lot of interest.”

“Urban gardens are crucial for Make the most of your space, which wildlife because they create the means using height for optimum corridors, or the ‘hopping spaces’ effect. between more open spaces like “If you’ve a piece of trellis you can parks and bigger gardens.”

32 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 33

A Pensioners View

Who Owns The N.H.S. ?

I

ask this question on behalf of all old age pensioners, who like myself, have made contributions to this remarkable organization set up by a visionary government. I started paying my contribution in 1948 and paid it over the next 50 years. It was the government that amended The National Insurance Tax you paid on every pay slip you earned, which was considered as a sum required nationally from each working person to keep the sum viable for its needs. But, the government did not own the N.H.S. and never will, but it is tasked with using the money to make the system work, regardless of which party is in power. The big problem is that since public money is used to finance the N.H.S the government controls the purse strings, in good times there are no problems, in times of financial crashes outgoings to the public sector are very closely monitored and we owe the International Monetary fund £trillions and still keep borrowing.

The reason for this article is the recent, and probably ongoing problem of the case for the junior doctors wages claim to meet the governments promised 7 day working week for all doctors to overcome the situation of the - “ you’re more likely to die if you enter hospital over the weekend!”

This, I would agree, is to be encouraged, but not in the heavy handed way put forward by this present government. The government dealt with the problem and on how they intended to ensure that adequate professional help was to be made available. The British Medical Association disagreed with the governments proposals and so discussions were held between the parties concerned. General practitioners and other junior doctor grades were involved. The government

By Mike Newman

had promised that there would be discussions on seven days working and allowances for this.

The Health Minister had vowed to add 5,000 more G.P.’s by 2020 yet despite efforts to boost interest, about 1 in 10 training places was left unfilled last year. Overall applications for G.P. training are down 5%, figures obtained from the doctors magazines ‘Pulse’ show.

A member of the British Medical Association said many medical students were put off by the workload and lack of funding for general practice.

He said, “There are fundamental issues the system has to address in terms of reaching out to medical students and young doctors around general practice”.

It is also stated in the general press reports that more than 260,000 patients had to find a new G.P. after a spate of surgeries closed last year. A total of 72 surgeries either shut down completely or axed branches in England amid a growing G.P. crisis.

Twenty surgeries closed in 2013 displacing 43,000 patients the figure rose to 138,000 in 2014 as 51 surgeries were shut. Figure quoted from Pulse magazine.

As you can see, the situation of general practices and junior doctors have reached a position where they disagree with payment for weekend working.

The Health Minister has now vetoed the payment for work over the weekend for junior doctors and will make an unconditional offer to the British Medical Association. We now await to see how the B.M.A. will respond to this matter. However the problem is that the N.H.S. is ours, it works OK in our other three neighbors, why is England and the English the outsider?

Have your say

{

Mike Newman is a member of The Dunstable And District Senior Citizens Club.

If you have a view on any of the issues raised why not attend one of their monthly meetings, held on the last Thursday of the month at St Marys Catholic Social Club, West St., Dunstable.

34 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

LB

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 35

Pets

Behaviour!

Embarrassing Doggy PDSA gets to the bottom of your dog’s “bum-scooting” Many dog owners have experienced that moment of embarrassment when, sat in your living room with guests or your in-laws, your dog chooses that moment to ‘scoot’ across the floor dragging his bum along the carpet!

Many people believe this behaviour is due to worms, and it certainly can be but it could actually be a different but entirely treatable problem – anal sac disease.

A dog has two anal sacs positioned below their tail on either side of their bottom. They release a smelly fluid when the dog goes to the toilet, acting as a scent marker. This distinctive scent marks a dog’s territory and identifies your pet to other dogs.

Problems can occur if the sacs don’t empty through the ducts (narrow tubes) properly and become impacted, which can lead to infection. This can cause irritation and pain in the bottom area, and many dogs will sit down and drag their bottom along the ground or lick the area excessively to try and alleviate some of the discomfort. Owners may think this means their dog has worms, and although this can sometimes be the case, blocked anal sacs could also be the culprit.

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If your dog is showing any of these signs they need to be checked out by your vet. With simple impactions the vet can empty the sacs there and then, which often brings about instant relief. However, if the anal sacs are infected they can be very painful and may need further treatment such as antibiotics or antiinflammatories.

Occasionally some dogs require sedation or anaesthetic to have infected sacs emptied.

If, however, it turns out that worms are the culprits after all, your vet can recommend the best and most effective treatment for your pet.

Some dogs seem to be more prone to problems with their anal sacs than others. Causes can include an incorrect diet that doesn’t contain enough fibre, a problem with the dog’s bowels such as an infection, or obesity. Dogs that repeatedly suffer will need to have their anal sacs emptied on a regular basis.

Your veterinary practice can do this, or some dog groomers will include it in their service.

Increasing the fibre content of your dog’s diet may help to prevent this condition. Ensuring your dog is a healthy size and weight may also help, and can also reduce the risk of other health issues.

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 37

A Travellers Tale

The Three Cathedrals Part II

By Paul Heley

Hereford cathedral

The three cities of England’s West Midlands, namely Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester are well known for their magnificent Cathedrals. I’ve always thought visits to these three superb cathedrals would make a nice overall “package” - but not all in one go; so it transpired that individual visits proved to be necessary. Let’s take them one at a time and look at their histories and the special attractions they offer.

Last issue we explored Gloucester, now we move on to Hereford.

As with Gloucester, Hereford had an early start. Even earlier, in fact, having been started in the 6th century. Following later alterations during the reign of the Saxon king Edward the Confessor, it was attacked and seriously burnt in 1056 by the Welsh rebel Gruffyd ap Llewelyn and remained a near ruin until 1079 when it was reconstructed and finally completed in 1148.

However, the early Norman style was soon replaced in the 1200s by the dominant Gothic (or Early English) architectural style.

In the Choir section there are 40 interesting misericords showing mythological beasts, grotesques and everyday events.

But its chief attraction (apart from the beautiful internal architecture) is the totally unique 13th century Mappa Mundi - the map of the world.

This map, however, is nothing like a modern atlas and cannot be treated in any way as an aid to navigation but reflects the religious thinking and interpretation of the known world at the time. As such, it puts Jerusalem at the centre Mappa Mundi (east at the top) of the world with Britain, for example, at one extreme edge (since we were at the limit of the known world in 1285). The detail is incredible (but very difficult to

38 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

see unless close up) and shows individual towns, churches, people, figures, rivers complete with written explanations.

But it’s the placing of the countries around Jerusalem which makes it so fascinating - and so unlike reality.

Other unique possessions at Hereford cathedral are one of only four surviving 1217 copies of the Magna Carta; and also the Chained Library. This library has its books literally chained together - books were extremely valuable in medieval times - and dates from AD 800. There are something like 1500 books which are still consulted to this day by scholars interested in the medieval period.

After rebuilding had been completed by 1246, there followed the usual politico-religious problems associated with kings such as Henry 3rd and Henry 8th (when his insistence on the acceptance of the Reformation was resisted at Hereford). There were also many scuffles and disputes with the cathedral’s neighbours, the Welsh, over the years. And in the English Civil War of the 1600s, the town of Hereford swung from one side to the other and once had to endure a siege which ended in considerable damage being inflicted both upon the town and also upon the cathedral itself.

Then on Easter Day 1786, disaster struck when the west tower of the cathedral fell and demolished the west front.

Some decades later, restoration and alterations took place during Victorian times.

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www.furnitureclinic.co.uk Issue 24 • April / May 2016 39

auto Biographies

Mini Cooper S Clubman Auto

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

The old Mini Clubman was no oil-painting, but this one could easily earn its place on the podium at Legs 11.

It’s a looker alright.

T

he brand new Mini Clubman must have been breast fed at birth, because it’s far bigger than its siblings. That doesn’t mean it’s fat – no way. This car is well formed and its proportions are just right. And because it’s not exactly a shrinking violet, the Clubman is likely to win over quirkier types who might otherwise have gone for mid-size family car choices, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

The story hasn’t always been good for the Clubman, though. The first generation had a useless, single rear door that meant UK passengers were forced to step into the road. This didn’t help sales and the Clubman therefore wasn’t exactly the rock star that BMW, Mini’s owner, was expecting.

But the Germans have seen the light and the previous rear-hinged ‘clubdoor’, has been kicked to the kerb in favour of two ‘normal’ back doors.

They make it far easier for passengers to get in and out of the car. Then there’s the barn-door boot. You’ll remember that from the last model.

Well, that stays put, but now the doors can be released manually, or if you ticked the hands-free tailgate option, a sassy little kick under the

rear bumper will open them up.

Inside, the comfortable seats are kind to your backside and feel supportive, especially during long periods on the road. The car’s uncluttered dashboard is dwarfed by a massive screen that sits where the speedometer on older Minis used to be. The controller on the central console manages most of the Clubman’s systems, so there are fewer buttons on the dash to confuse or divert you.

As the Clubman is the largest of the current Mini litter, it has, predictably, the most capacious cabin. To be frank, with a big load area too, the word ‘mini’ seems rather outmoded.

The whole motor is 270mm longer than the five-door Hatchback, allowing for oodles of room in the front and respectable space for two adults in the rear. The boot is about the same as a VW Golf’s, so you’ll get the family shopping in – and a toddler’s buggy.

The Cooper S Clubman Auto is easily the most gratifying to drive. Out at the Mini’s media launch on the roads surrounding San Sebastian in northern Spain, the most powerful petrol drove go-kart-like on the straights - just as a Mini should. It’s a shame the slightly pulpy suspension can drizzle on your chips in the corners, with body roll kicking in if you enter the twisty bits too hard. But that can be forgiven, because the Cooper S generates more than enough pull to keep you cheery.

189bhp can be squeezed from the S’ 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder lump, and with the eight speed auto box, a zero to 62mph sprint in 7.1

40 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

seconds is easily achievable, finishing up with a top speed of 142mph.

Even though these figures might make the car sound insatiable for fuel – it’s not. With the superb automatic gearbox you can officially get an average of 48.7mpg out of the Clubman - and the CO2 emissions are 134g/km, meaning road tax is a trifling £130 per annum.

The state-of-the-art 2015 Mini is a gargantuan step-up from its forerunner, and it puts right pretty much everything that was awry. The Clubman now has more doors, better space, good looks, and it really is exciting to drive. The Cooper S version is especially guaranteed to bring a grin to the face of anyone who slips behind its wheel.

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 43

Student Loans There’s been a furore in Parliament about the scrapping of student grants. And every time politicians get lairy over such issues, the news focuses on the scrap and the real truth of what’s actually happening gets lost. @moneysavingexpert I’ve been swamped with panicked questions about student grants from students, future students, graduates and their parents, so I want to mythbust what’s really happening. In many ways people are panicking unnecessarily about the grant changes, but missing the really damaging change, which is a retrospective hike in student loans.

Student Finance: the basics When you go to university, if you’re a first time UK undergraduate you don’t need to pay upfront. The Student Loans Company pays your tuition fees for you and gives you money for living, then you owe it.

• You only start repaying when you leave university and, even then, only if you earn over £21,000. If you don’t earn over that you don’t repay.

• The amount you repay is proportionate to earnings.

You repay 9% of everything above £21,000 (eg, earn £31,000 and, as it’s £10,000 above the thresh old, you repay £900 a year).

• If you haven’t cleared what you owe within 30 years, the debt is wiped.

• If you never earn over £21,000, you never repay.

In many ways, financially it’s a no win no fee education. An easy way to think of it is a bit like an extra income tax, with the one difference that once you have repaid what you borrowed (plus interest) it stops. For far more help on this, see my full 20 student loan mythbusters guide at www.mse.me/studentloan.

44 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

I’m going to use examples for English students studying in England. For students from Wales, whether you go to university in Wales or elsewhere in the UK, the amount you borrow tends to be less, but the way you repay is the same.

I’m going to focus on the situation for students who started in or after 2012 in England, for elsewhere in the UK the loans tend to be smaller.

Q. So what’s happening to student grants?

A: Until now, students from lower income families (roughly below £43,000 income) had some of their loan re placed by a non-repayable grant for up to £3,400.

From September 2016 grants are being scrapped in England and Wales. Yet there’s much confusion about this. There are two big things to note: 1 This only applies for new starters starting from 2016.

Those already at university and getting grants will keep getting them.

2 This doesn’t mean they’ll have less money coming in.

New 2016 starters will get a bigger loan to replace what they would’ve got in grants. In fact, the loan figures for new starters (not continuing students) have been upped by a chunk. This is useful, as often the big issue that hits students isn’t the size of the loan, it’s that they don’t have enough money to live on day-to-day. Rents alone eat up much of this.

Q. Isn’t this likely to really hit poor students hard?

A: You may be surprised that I’m going to say no. In many

Money Matters By Martin Lewis

£ ways the big problem is the confusion and psychological deterrent, not the practical finances. For most students it makes no practical difference. The replacement of a grant with a loan will ONLY cost more for those who leave university and have long-term very high earnings.

That’s because if you compare the current and new system, the fact it’s a loan and not a grant would only cost you more if you would’ve repaid your entire tuition fees, remaining maintenance loan after the grant, and interest in the 30 years before the debt wipes anyway.

Most students won’t, so there’s no cost to them. In fact, my calculations estimate only those on STARTING salaries of £35,000 and up, and then above inflation pay rises would actually pay more. So if the system remains as it is now, it’s only those from poor backgrounds who go on to be big earners who this is negative for.

However, the big question is ‘will the system remain unchanged?’

Q. What’s this retrospective hike to student repayments?

A: As I explained earlier, since 2012, graduates only repay 9% of what they earn over £21,000. The government had said this threshold was due to rise each year from April 2017 in line with average earnings.

Yet the Government has now decided to freeze it for at least five years, meaning many low- and middle-earning graduates will pay thousands more back than they thought they would when they signed up. After all, if we go back to thinking of it like a tax, if you were to pay 9% of everything

earned above £22,000, but now repay everything above £21,000, that’s a hike.

It’s received little publicity though, as it doesn’t immediately seem such a big problem. Here I need to declare an interest: I was head of the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information in 2012 when the system changed. The Government repeatedly told me the threshold would rise, and I, of course, told people, and used it in all my cost calculations.

Well I refuse to missell these loans in hindsight. So I am actively campaigning on it – I’ve written an open letter to the Prime Minister and have personally hired lawyers to see if it can be challenged (read it at www.mse.me/studentloanhike).

The big problem, even more important than the additional cost, is the message this sends. The Government is not just freezing it going forward, it’s freezing it for everyone who signed up since 2012 - effectively changing the contract after people have signed up.

The regulator would not allow any commercial lender to change its terms this way. This could destroy any trust current and future generations can have in the student finance system, and perhaps, even more widely, in the political system as a whole.

I said above that the impact of replacing grants with loans isn’t actually as bad as many think under the current terms.

Yet the real concern is, as the Government has shown it’s willing to change loan terms even after you’ve got them, who knows what may happen in the future.

Issue 24 • April / May 2016 45

Cinema New Releases THE HUNTS MAN: WINTERS WAR RELEASE DATE: 8th April 2016 CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Nick Frost, Jessica Chastain A new tale expanding on the Snow White legend this film tells of the evil queen and her sister Freya who suffered heartbreaking betrayal and left the kingdom.

Freya spends a decade raising a legion of huntsmen. She learns of her sister’s fate and has the magic mirror brought home for a sorceress to harness its power. Now the beautiful kingdom will have double the dark force to defeat.

CRIMINAL RELEASE DATE: 15th April 2016 CAST: Ryan Reynolds, Alice Eve, Tommy Lee Jones, Gal Gadot, Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman An action thriller Kevin Costner returns to the screen playing a dangerous death row prisoner. He is implanted with the memories and skills of a CIA operative with the hope of completing the operative’s mission; to stop a catastrophe.

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1980s Dublin is where an economic recession forces Conor out of his comfortable private school and into survival mode at the inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious and uber-cool Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised - calling himself “Cosmo” and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the ‘80s, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their hearts into writing lyrics and shooting videos. Combining Carney’s trademark warmth and humor with a punk rock edge, and featuring a memorable soundtrack with hits from The Cure, Duran Duran, The Police, and Genesis

46 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Kim Wilde, A-ha, Duran Duran, Wham, Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Madness, Erasure, The Human League... plus many many more LIVE in Concert!

A massive line up of 25 best selling artistes are authentically recreated to look and sound how they did back in the decade that fashion forgot.

Over 35 non stop hits with over 150 costumes are performed in this fast paced, high energy, feel good show together with the awesome Mania Band, and Dance Troupe, not forgetting the mind blowing huge video screen projection, laser and lighting design.

New Romantics, leg-warmers, stiletto’s, shoulder pads, big hair, neon… it’s all there. Both

on and off the stage.

Be sure to arrive early as the party starts half an hour before with our 80's disco road show to get you all in the mood.

With an ever growing cult following and continued European success, 80's Mania has been touring the UK for the past 5 years and is now endorsed by ex Top of the Pops, Radio 1 and Saturday Superstore presenter, Mike Read.

So, dig out your worst 80's fashions, if you dare, (men too, complete with make up!) and come and join us for the best 80's night out, ever!!

Tickets available from www.80smaniashow.com or The Grove Theatre show box office Tel: 01582 602080 or www.grovetheatre.co.uk

WIN 2 TICKETS for 80’s Mania at The Grove To win tell us

Who is the lead singer of Culture Club?

Email your answer to win@thevinemagazine.co.uk one lucky winner will be picked at random

48 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 49

FISH BIDS FAREWELL TO CHILDHOOD 30th ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF ‘MISPLACED CHILDHOOD’ AYLESBURY – Waterside Theatre Monday 11th April Scottish singer, songwriter and ex-Marillion frontman FISH has announced a handful of UK shows for Spring 2016 where he will play Marillion’s 1985 chart-topping album Misplaced Childhood in full for the very last time, ahead of releasing his final-ever album later this year.

The ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour started in Sweden in June 2015 and took in a huge array of shows and festivals across Europe and even further afield, before coming to the UK for two festivals – the legendary Cropredy in Cambridge and the inaugural Midstock in Fish’s hometown of Dalkeith.

These new shows will be the only chance to catch Fish playing the UK. The six British dates will begin in Newcastle on April 9th and end in Bilston on May 1st, playing Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on April 11th.

The ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour marks the 30th anniversary of Marillion’s career-defining, multi-platinum selling third album, which spawned the hit singles ‘Kayleigh’, ‘Lavender’ and ‘Heart Of Lothian’, and follows the release of the most recent solo album from FISH - A Feast Of Consequences.

A Feast Of Consequences was hugely acclaimed by critics and prompted FISH to reflect on his greatly influential time in music during the sold-out headline tour that surrounded its release. He came to the conclusion that he would retire from music to pursue other projects – but not without revisiting his most famous work, and creating one final album, which will be released later this year before FISH finally hangs up his microphone.

“I started to consider my future and I came to the

WIN

decision it was time for a major change in my life,” says FISH. “A plan was required that fulfilled all my needs and desires and gave me an exit strategy where I could have fun and give the fans of my music a celebration rather than a wake.”

“The first part of the plan begins this year with my last performances of the 1985 album ‘Misplaced Childhood’ that catapulted Marillion and me to fame. It holds a lot of memories from a period that was very exciting and crammed with experiences both dark and magical. The lyrics on that album hold a very special meaning to me as they were written by a young man on the cusp of fame and dealt with a lot of personal issues. It was not only a breakthrough album for the band but also for me as an artist because I was finally discovering my own individual style as a lyricist and singer. To be performing it on its 30th anniversary has a lovely resonance.”

With a musical history that spans over 30 years, and a live show that is hugely acclaimed and respected by critics, the ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour will be one of the most un-missable episodes of FISH’s long and remarkable career.

Tickets £25 advance (subject to booking fees) 24 Hour ticket hotline – 0844 478 0898 www.thegigcartel.com

Want to see FISH play Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 11th April?

We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away & all you have to do to win them is tell us

Which band did FISH front in the 80’s?

Email your answer to win@thevinemagazine.co.uk

50 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 51

DISCOVER Ashridge Visitors Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. HP4 1LT

Gentle Stroll – Signs of Spring Tues 12th April - 2.30 - 4.30pm. £3

Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle walk near the visitor centre to look at Ashridge’s huge variety of species of plants and trees.

Easter crafts Until Friday 15th April - Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm, £2 Join us at the visitor centre to make Easter crafts.

Clipper Down Guided Walk Thur 28 Apr - 5pm - 7pm. Adult £8, child £5

Explore Clipper Down’s medieval and pre-historic archaeology with our regional expert Gary Marshall.

Dawn Chorus Walk Sat 30th April - 5am - 7am. Adult £15, child £10, Experience early morning bird song in a glorious setting with our rangers who will be on hand to help identify bird songs. Bring your binoculars. Breakfast included

Gentle Stroll – Bluebells Wed 4th May, 10.30am - 12.30pm. £3

Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle walk through the woods from Ling Ride to Dockey Wood to see the wonderful bluebells.

Bluebell Walk Sat 7th May - 10am - 2pm. Adult £5, child £3

A 5-6 mile walk led by our volunteers to see the best of the bluebells.

Plant Fair Sun 15th May - 11am- 4pm.

Stock up on an exceptional range of plants from our volunteer growers and local nurseries.

CB300 Walk Sun 22nd May - 1.30 - 4pm. Adult £8, child £5

Celebrate the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown’s birth with a guided walk in one of his finest designed landscapes- the Golden Valley.

52 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Green Man and Frost Queen crafts & trail Mon 30th May – Fri 3 Jun, 10am - 4pm. £2 Make and decorate your own Green Man and Frost Queen masks before completing our spring trail.

Totally Batty Walk Fri 3 Jun, 8:30-10pm Adult £8, child £5

See if you can catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures.

Fun Ride Sun 5th June - 10am - 1pm. Adult £20, child £10 A three hour way-marked ride for horse-owners through some of Ashridge’s most beautiful landscapes.

01582 521430

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 24 • April / May 2016 53

What’s On

Winter Journey Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

Behind the Scenes at Tring 21st April, 12th May and 23rd June 45 minute tour at 11.00 and 15.00 Tickets £10 (booking required), most suitable for adults Step into one of our collections areas to discover what's behind the scenes at the Museum and learn how our worldrenowned bird collection is used. Photo ID required.

Whose Egg Is This?

12th April and 14th April 30 minute handling workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00.

Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+ Explore specimens to discover the world of egg-laying animals.

Colourful Camouflage

28th April, 19.00 – 20.00 Tickets £4.50 (booking required), most suitable for adults Join Egg Curator Douglas Russell to learn about Captain Scott’s fateful last expedition, where his team collected some of the Museum’s most famous specimens.

Fluffy Cotton Wool Seals 19th May, with 30 minute craft workshops at 11.00 and 14.00. Tickets £2, messy play for under 5s Create a fluffy friend with this baby seal.

Specimen Stories Tour 26th May, 19.00 - 20.00 Tickets £4.50 (booking required), most suitable for adults Join us on a guided tour of the galleries to learn more about Walter Rothschild, the founder of the Museum, and hear some of the amazing stories behind our specimens.

Bug Hunt in Tring Park 30th May, with 1hr activities at 10.30, 14.00 and 15.30 Free (booking required), most suitable for ages 5+ Search Tring Park for a variety of bugs and discover where they live and how they move.

13th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+ Create a colourful creature and see if it will be camouflaged in different environments.

Big Bugs

Tring Park Egg Hunt

Dragonfly Water Shooters

4th April, with 90 min activities at 10.30 and 14.30 Free (booking required), most suitable for ages 5+ Search the park for clues to help find the hidden eggs.

1st June, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00. Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+ Discover how these pond creatures move and imitate it with a water shooter.

Orca Sock Puppets 5th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+ Make a swimming orca puppet to join you in the galleries.

Penguin Pals 7th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+ Create a miniature penguin to remind you of your Antarctic experience.

Spring Chickens 28th April, with 30 minute workshops at 11.00 and 14.00 Tickets £2, messy play for under 5s Get messy with these hand print spring chickens.

54 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

31st May & 2nd June, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00. Tickets £2, for ages 5+ Inspect bug specimens and create your very own larger than life bug.

New Family Exhibition 23rd March - 10th July. Free In a frozen icy land, thousands of miles away, scientists studying animals face tough challenges. Discover what it’s like to live and work on the coldest continent on Earth, Antarctica, and decide whether you could handle life in this remote world.

For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171

Explore exhibitions and events at www.nhm.ac.uk/tring.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BOWLS CLUB Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4SW

Open Day Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th April 10am to 4pm

Are you looking for a new or different sport?

We can give you a chance to try BOWLS. All ages can play with or against each other.

All you need is a pair of flat soled shoes or trainers.

Come along to our club open day. Refreshments will be available.

Leighton Ladies Go To Edinburgh The 2016 bowls season starts in April.

Leighton Buzzard Bowls Club goes into the new season with three National Players.

Mrs Jenny Dowers along with Mrs Jenny Mitchell and Miss Kim Tift will play for England in the British Isle Championship in Edinburgh this coming June. They won this honour by first winning the Bedfordshire County Triples competition in the 2015 season. On winning this competition they went to Royal Leamington Spa as the County Triples team. There they won the Bowls England Women’s National Triples Championship, in a thrilling last end cliff hanging 17-17 final against Birstall BC of Leicestershire. It was Jenny Dowers’ last wood they won them the title of Bowls England Women’s National Triples Champions. We wish them all the best and good luck in Edinburgh.

The club starts the new season with the annual

official opening of the green. This is traditionally done by the club president, this year Graham Summerfield, bowling the first wood of the season. This will be on the 16th April. On the 23rd and 24th April the club opens its gates for people to come along and try the sport. The following week end the club plays its first friendly match against Olney of Buckinghamshire.

klane Riding Centre c o R Riding Lessons from 4 years old "Own a Pony" Days in school holidays Pony Rental

www.rocklaneridingcentre.co.uk

Tel. 01525 222402 Ivinghoe Aston, LU7 9DL

Issue 24 • April / May 2016 55

Clubs & Groups BEECROFT CRAFT & CHAT Beecroft Community Centre Westfield Road Dunstable We meet on the 1st Wednesday of 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.

Our many experienced crafters offer mini workshops on a variety of crafts and are always on hand to advise and help with any crafting problems you may have.

ALL CRAFTS WELCOME If you are bored, or don’t/can’t craft, why not come and try something new with us.

The first session is FREE Annual subscription £5.00 Session Fee: £3.00 For more info; contact Dorothy on 01582 606812 or check out Beecroft Craft & Chat on Facebook BEDFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY SATURDAY 16th APRIL, HARROLD 2-4pm Pond dipping at Harrold Odell Country Park. There will also be quizzes, the nature table and a photographic display. Meet at the visitor centre car park MK43 7DS. Leader: Sheila Brooke.

TUESDAY 19th APRIL, MAULDEN 8pm Talk “Yardley Chase, a local wildlife gem” by Jeff Blincow. The best recorded wildlife site in Northamptonshire. At Maulden Village Hall MK45 2DP. SUNDAY 8th MAY, POTTON 10:30am-12:30pm Walk in Potton Wood looking for Early Purple Orchid and Bluebells

plus other Spring flora and fauna.

Meet and park by the water tower, Potton Wood. SG19 2EA(approx) Leaders: Graham Bellamy and Ian Woiwod. www.bnhs.org.uk 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. The following have been arranged for April and May: 14th April 2.30pm Visit from the Fire and Rescue Service, followed by Tea 28th April 2.30pm Informal devotional time with speaker Tom Copperwheat, followed by tea and biscuits 12th May TBA 26th May 2.30pm Informal devotional time with speaker Steve Burton, followed by tea and biscuits For more information contact David tel: 01582 872106 OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT GROUP 20th April 2 pm All meetings will be held at Lecture Theatre Dunstable Community Fire Station Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable L U6 1AA For further information please contact: Tel: 01582 661 914 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

56 58 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

provided!

Details from Pam on 01582 872608 pamrumfitt@btinternet.com 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 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.

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

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 Tel: Sandy on 07813 262556 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. Stacey 07957 607592 or Sally 07963 506188 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 DUNSTABLE WI Dunstable W.I. meet two evenings a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Watling School Bullpond Lane at 7.30pm. We are a friendly group and like to enjoy ourselves. We have a wide range of speakers with different talents and crafts, and also quiz nights to test our brains. We Welcome new members so join us and make new friends. For more Info Tel: Barbara Fisher 01582 665252

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.

01582 865966 Sue or Julian Enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk DUNSTABLE CAMERA CLUB Dunstable Camera Club, meet 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7.15pm, Conservative Club, High St. Dunstable.

Friendly atmosphere. Improve your photography in a social environment. www.dunstablecameraclub.co.uk 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 SAPHIRE SOCIAL CLUB Sapphire Social Club meet every Thursday at The Orange Tree Stevenage Road Hitchin from 8.30 - 11pm.

We are a small and friendly group for single people aged 50+ although we have no age bar. Our members organize varied events during the month and we warmly welcome new members to come along and see if we might just fill that gap in your

social life. No subs for the first 2 months.

For any info call Ian 07900 890583 or Joyce on 07952 678021 or visit www. sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk IVINGHOE & PITSTONE WI Cheese and Wine Tasting Event Ivinghoe Town Hall, High Street Ivinghoe Wednesday 27th April Doors Open 7:15pm Tickets £10 available from Tessa 07702 598197, Masons, Pitstone, and Windmill Pharmacy, Ivinghoe THE ROTARY CLUB OF DUNSTABLE The Rotary Club of Dunstable shares an international motto of “Service above Self”. The Club members raise money during the year to put into their Benevolent Fund and once a year this money is distributed to good causes and charities local to Dunstable and the surrounding villages.

Each year three Antiques Fairs are held at the Dunstable Leisure Centre where all the profits go into the Benevolent Fund. The next Fair is on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May 2016 and is open to the public between 10am and 4pm. Admission is a modest £2 per person.

How can you help?

By having a stall at the event. Please contact Alan Tarsey on 01582 872673 By attending the event By becoming a member of The Rotary Club and helping worthwhile causes in the community.

More information can be obtained from Roger Sharp on 01582 606405

Issue 24 • April / May 2016 57

Out & About CHILTERN GATEWAY Beautiful Butterflies 14th May 2pm - 4pm, £4 Explore Whipsnade Downs with the Ranger Team and discover the beautiful butterflies that call the area home.

50 Things Walks 3rd April & 1st May 2pm - 3pm FREE Grab your wellies and join the Rangers for a family walk. Complete some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’ on the way and collect stickers and scrapbooks when you get back.

Friday 20th may 2016 8.00pm till late

Alison Carter Vintage lounge smooth classics at sunset Local singer from Leighton buzzard.

Come and enjoy the evening Hailing from Eggington, (the village residence with Alison of the late Bob Monkhouse), the band “Five at sunset.

Full menu Star Swing” will be bringing their nationwide or just Big Band tour back home to the Leighton drinks available Buzzard Library Theatre on Wednesday 25th on the night May. Bandleader, Chris says “It’s an amazing

FIVE STAR SWING

Friday 20th may 2016 8.00pm till late

LIVE MUSIC

Alison Carter Alison Carter Friday classics 20 May Vintage lounge smooth 8.00pm till late at sunset th

Local singer from coincidence that we now live in Bob’s old village, Leighton Tickets – buy them at Rushmere Country Park or ring Hayleigh on 01525 Vintage lounge smooth classics at234260, sunset. as we used to perform for him during his cabaret buzzard.

Come and Local singer from Leighton buzzard.

Come and enjoy the £15.00 per person , this includes a free welcome drink . shows”. The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal enjoy the evening with Alison at sunset.

Full menu or just drinks has been a major benefactor of the tourAlland the evening proceeds go towards the upkeep of Rushmere Country Park available with Alison on the night. band has performed with Dame Vera Lynn, TV’s at sunset.

Military Wives and also at London’s Leicester Full menu Tickets £15, which includes a free welcome drink and Square Theatre. Chris and saxophonist Simone or just the park exit fee. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of say they are enjoying their new village lifestyle drinks available Rushmere Country Park.

-. Simone has previously played with the Ivy on the Benson Orchestra and Paul Weller, whilst Chris night

has composed and arranged music for Glenn For more information and/or to book call Hayleigh on Miller’s Brother, Herb, the BBC Radio Big Band Tickets –01525 234260 or call into the Visitor Centre. www. buy them at Rushmere Country Park or ring Hayleigh on 01525 234260, and appeared in the Michael Cain Film “Silver greensandtrust.org/Rushmere.html.

Bears”. Special feature on the night will be Tony£15.00 per person , this includes a free welcome drink .

Bennett’s Trombonist, Mike Innes. Show starts at Herons View Visitor Centre All proceeds go towards the upkeep of Rushmere Country Park 7.30pm. Box office – 0300 300 8125 or Linslade Road, Heath and Reach, LU7 0EB LBTboxoffice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

February / March 2016 PRIORY HOUSE ST GEORGES DAY Saturday 23 April Priory House Gardens 10 am to 4 pm The St George’s Day Celebration in Priory Gardens kicks of the 2016 Dunstable Events programme. Come and join us on Saturday 23 April between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm for a family fun filled day.

Come and try your hand with a bow and arrow in our archery range or crawl through a network of tunnels in our caving experience. Do you have a head for heights?

Then clamber your way up our 7 metre climbing wall!

Meet St George and help him find the dragons in our annual town dragon hunt and don’t forget to stop and create your own arty creation.

If all that adventuring tires you out then stop by our arena and stage and catch some live music and entertainment.

The programme includes Brass Bands, Maypole Dancing, Punch & Judy and more. Plus witness ye olde English guillotine in our mini stage show adventure and see if you are chosen to pull the sword from the stone.

All of this is set just behind Priory House, where you can stop for some award winning Cream teas with homemade scones and homemade strawberry Jam serves with lashing of fresh cream in Priory House Tea Rooms. An ideal way to spend a fun filled Saturday.

14th

AROUND THE WORLD IS BACK! Saturday 14th May Priory House Gardens 10 am to 4 pm Due to the massive success this event was in 2014 Dunstable Town Council have brought it back for good!

To make this event even better we are looking for local communities, clubs and societies to participate in the event on Saturday 14 May in Priory Gardens, Dunstable.

The event is designed to educate the general public on the wide varieties of different cultures that the world has to offer, whilst having fun learning about what you would expect to see in each different country. There will be different activities from the different continents and will include dance, music, crafts, entertainment and much more.

So far confirmed this year...

Traditional Dhol Drummers, Welwyn Garden Samba Percussion and Dance Group, Steel Band, Bollywood Dancing, Didgeridoo Workshops , Imajica Theatre Company - Plus much more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your group, club, business or your hobby. The event is a free family fun event for everyone to get involved with and we would appreciate your support. We are anticipating around 1,5000 people throughout the day.

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Lisa vincent at: lisa.vincent@dunstable.gov.uk for a booking form or call on 01582 891406.

Out & About DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR SPRING CONCERT 14th May 2.30pm St Augustine's Church, Mayfield Road, Dunstable.

Tickets: £8 including refreshments Contact: Pat Jackson 01582 520302

EDaN BEAUTIFICATION TEAM SELLERS: from 8.30 am £10 PER CAR Vehicular access is from Pebblemoor : LU6 2HZ 2 met. height restriction No trucks or large vans!

NO NEED TO BOOK Any queries? - contact Chris: Tel. 01525 220739 chris@brooklyns.org.uk

BUYERS: 9.00 am -12.00 FREE CAR PARKING ON THE GREEN FROM PEBBLEMOOR

We’ll be serving delicious refreshments from the BBQ – arrive hungry.......

Great bacon butties, hot dogs, giant muffins, etc.

Don’t miss the bargains on Mayday morning!

MAYDAY MONDAY : 2nd MAY EDLESBOROUGH VILLAGE GREEN

HOUGHTON REGIS BOWLS CLUB OPEN DAY ON SUNDAY 8TH MAY FROM 11am – 4pm approx.

All you need to bring with you is a pair of flat soled shoes to wear on the green.

Refreshments will be available. All are welcome.

Any enquiries please ring Mary Comb 01582-518645 or Mobile 07963761080

WITH A VOICE OF SINGING Luton Male Voice Choir And Caritas Harmony (Luton Ladies’ Voices) A rare opportunity to hear two accomplished Luton choirs in one evening. On the 16th April 2016 The Luton Male Voice Choir and Luton’s Caritas Harmony Choir will perform a joint concert at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Luton LU1 3JF. The event will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8.

For further information and tickets please call Jackie Howe 01582 599520 Clive Wheeler 07804 732222 Further details and parking information on website www.caritasharmony.co.uk Caritas Harmony Choir raising funds for Macmillan. For 2016 concerts, see website, www.caritasharmony.co.uk

February / March 2016

COLLEGE LAKE Family Fun: Easter Eggstravaganza 6th April - 11:00am - 3:00pm £4

Children’s Workshop: Pond Explorers 1st June - 10:00am - 11:00am £4

Dawn Chorus 1st May - 4:30am - 7:00am £4 /£8 with breakfast

Join us at College Lake and celebrate spring! Family activities include trails, tales, arts and crafts.

Enjoy exploring outdoors and see what wildlife has been about over Easter. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Come and join us for a lovely early morning walk and take in one of the least known wonders of the world - The Dawn Chorus!

Afterwards why not treat yourself to a delicious home made Full English Breakfast.

College Lake Guided Walk 24th April - 10:30am - 12:30pm £4

Guided walk at College Lake 29th May- 10:30am - 12:30pm £4

Join us for a gentle stroll around our beautiful reserve taking in seasonal wildlife and learning about the management of the site. Suitable for 11+

Join staff and volunteers for a gentle walk around College Lake, taking in seasonal wildlife and learning about the management of the site.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Age 11+

Visit us for a pond dip, and meet the weird and wonderful creatures that live in the pond at College Lake! No children under 6 to attend please. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.

Family Fun: Nature Detective Bootcamp 2nd June - 11:00am - 3:00pm £4 Come along to College Lake and practice your nature detective skills! See if you can look for clues and solve the mystery of which animals are living on the reserve.

Tracks, trails, outdoor exploration, challenges, and things to make and discover. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Answers M. Mayling-Brown

Crossword On It Swan Step Decorating

Across: 7 Make nothing of 8 Converse

Carpentry and Building Services 9 Rare 10 Ransom 12 Employ

& Handyman Services HIVES LIVES LINES LIMES TIMES TIMER

Mitchell Mayling-Brown 14 Barren 16 Yelled 18 Deaf

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Email: m.mayling-brown@sky.com

20 Unstable 22 Consolidation.

Down: 1 Panorama 2 Serves 3 Poor 4 Thievery 5 Unwrap 6 Sour 11 Manfully 13 Overlook 15 Refuse 17 Lean-to 19 Eros 21 Side.

C & RGPest Management & J GROUNDWORK Registered Professional Pest Technician Ring Garry

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estimates • References Wasps, FREE Rats, Mice, Ants, Rabbits, Molesavailable & more...

PLASTERING SERVICES

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www.gandjgroundwork.co.uk www.crpestmanagement.co.uk

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ARC

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www.cladwinds.com Issue 24 • April / May 2016

63

Qualit y of life What makes an ideal care home?

A friendly, stimulating atmosphere Providing the human warmth to help you enjoy life in a comfortable, homely environment

Well trained, caring staff We choose dedicated staff for whom caring is not just a job, but a vocation

A convenient, central location Dukeminster Court is located in the heart of the local community

Find it, at Dukeminster Court, Dunstable Dukeminster Road (off Church Street) Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 4FF

01582 474700

Dukeminster@quantumcare.co.uk

• Residential and Respite Care • Accredited providers of Specialist Dementia Care • Competitive fee rates, not for profit

For information on any of our homes or our care services: www.quantumcare.co.uk