The Vine Villages - August & September 2015 - Issue 20 by The Vine Magazine

/ Sept 201 5

News / What’s On / Local Directory

ssu e 2 0 : I

FREE Covering The Villages Surrounding Dunstable

Connecting local people to local businesses

Music Festival Special

How To Survive Boho Chic Festival Style

WIN Family tickets to

Mead Open Farm Inside This Issue

10 Best Beach Bags School’s Out What’s On New Cinema Releases Delivered free to 8000 homes

nset ~ ~ Seaside Su ma Pala Cover By Em Age 9

u en es M w ish e N wD Ne

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& Horseshoes Public House

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Tues - Sat: 5pm - 11pm Sun: 12 Noon - 10.30pm Closed Mondays except for Bank Holidays

~ SPECIAL GOURMET NIGHTS ~ (1 starter, 1 main course, 1 side dish, 1 rice/nan)

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• FREE home delivery orders over £15.00 (within a 5 mile radius) • 20% OFF collected orders over £15.00 • 10% OFF Bottled Beer & Wine (Collected orders only) • Separate function room available for all types of parties including Christenings, Birthdays, Hen nights, Stag nights, Engagements, Weddings etc.

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Curry Garden Restaurant High Street, Eggington, LU7 9PD Tel: (01525) 211814 (01525) 210796 Email: cg1979_2011@live.co.uk

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Issue 20 â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2015

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Inside This Issue

Health Beauty & Wellb

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Brows & Lashe

WIN!

fashion

Travel The

Splendours Of

India

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for next issue: sions? This is one of the UK’ Brows which focus on shape and design and promise Septemberand involv beauty treatments 18th to give you sleek, stylish brows like those enjoyed by synthetic eyelashes to individ the stars. A seven step process that includes a consulto give a luscious, natural lo tation followed by tinting, waxing,Issue threading, tweez20 • August/September curl, 2015 length or thickness can ing, trimming and finishing with a pencil or brush to your personal preference an www.thevinemagazine.co.uk fill in any gaps, is described as more than just shaping for 8-12 weeks depending o duced without prior permission.

Cover Stars We had a great day at St Mary’s Carnival. and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in our “Design Our Cover” competition. With so many fantastic entries it was very hard to choose a winner, here is a small selection of some of the wonderful artwork we had to choose from. After much deliberation we all agreed on Emma Pala’s (age 9) Seaside Sunset. Thanks Emma!

Issue 20 • August/September 2015

Party in the Park Saturday 18th Grove Hou July 2015 12 noon se Gardens to 8.00pm

Grove House Gardens will once again be hosting Dunstable Rocks for all of you who

Dunstab le Live Saturday 20th June 3.00pm to Grove Hou 8.00pm se Gard FREE ens

8 hours of family Party in fun awa the it you, this seams with Park is back year and burs attractio With so ns and ente ting at the much to rtainmen want to see and t. miss this do you will not complet Five hou ely FRE rs E event. New for and Wes of some of the 2015 is best Cou tern tribu our area ‘Kid on Satu ntry rday 20 te bands in the Zone’ aim dedicated chil June UK 14, this dren’s Council area is full ed for youngst is kicking . Dunstable Tow ers ties. Try Music with of activ off n you ities for up to this bein the Summer of on the Infla r hand at Circ all abilithe ever g the us Skills, fifth year popular zorbs and tables try out Dunstab ing tribu of one of our Bounce le te to som very own don’t forget to famous e of the Live, payvisit KidZ water artis world’s seaside most has to be one area. But Music both ts in Country and Wes perform the high ’s of JezO ances on tern Taylor Swif old and new light from CBB includin our min g unique i-stage C’s the Dolly Part t, Jonny Cash style of Slammer and car cras be foun on. A full line up of course h magic. with his d at www The rest events .dunstab of acts can of le.gov.uk rides for the Gardens will / the teen featu re fun fair agers and of craft, Somethi gift ng a fully licen and charity stall wide selectio heart. Hav for the kids and n sed bar fun. bucking e you ever wan the kids at and a whos along with our ted to ride bronco? le host of It’s the chance other main stag during the YES well now is a e happen have the you afternoo s. Live mus where the part opportu n you will r y really with the nity see if you ic best tribu from local ban can beat to have a go and One Dire te acts incl ds along the bron ctio co. uding – n! The high How abo Only light of ut the even act CHI Here’s you learning to line CO. t is Simon Cow Named a ‘bor our headline dance wor r chance to join dance? n entertain ell, CHI tor fame Stetsons kshops, so get in the line CO rose er’ by out in and boo ‘It’s Chic 2005. Famous from X facts and com your fun. The o re for his No. e join the entertain Time’ you are why not is also a fully 1 hit sure to licen ing perf bring a enjoy this ormance picnic and sed bar so afternoo ! n and even spend you Don’t miss 54 ing with us. sponsore out on this FRE d by Spec E family fun even ialist Cars t BMW Min i.

love to party out in the sun and into the evening. It’s all happening on Saturday 22 August, this popular FREE outdoor event runs from 12 noon until 10.00 pm. The day is full of local bands and talent, followed by a selection of tribute acts and bands. Dunstable Rocks is back, as big as ever and will be the final date in our Summer of Music programme finishing the summer in style! This year’s headline act is ASWAD, among there catalogue of hits is "Don’t Turn Around" which was a UK No. 1 hit in 1988. Followed closely by No. 11 hit "Give A Little Love", and a reggae flavoured rendition of "Best of My Love", which was first popularized and written by The Eagles. Their most well-known hit however was “Shine” released in 1994, this will be a spectacular performance, get down early to secure the best spot. If you feel you would like to be a little way out of the hustle and bustle of the crowd, we also have a big screen in the park for you to still be able to see what’s going on. Bring a picnic or purchase from our wide range of food outlets, and don’t forget to grab that all important drink from the bar. www.the

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Dagnall School offers 4 to7 years

• Small Class Sizes • Partnership with parents • Individual learning • Exciting curriculum Headteacher: Mrs R Heath B.A. (Hons) PGCE NPQH

www.dagnall.bucks.sch.uk To book a tour of the school contact Mrs Kathy Bovington on 01442 842473 Or email office@dagnall.bucks.sch.uk Dagnall School, Main Road South, Dagnall, Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 1QX

Issue 20 • August/September 2015

Whee lie Fan tastic

local NEWS

PRIORY HOUSE TEA ROOMS AWARDED 2015 CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Recognised as a Top Performing Priory House Tea Rooms as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site

As a part of this years ’In Bloom’ campaign, Dunstable Town Council has supported 16 different groups to take part in a Wheelie Fantastic project. Groups have decorated wheelbarrows under a loose theme of literature using a variety of techniques. The Good Companions over 75’s lunch club decorated their barrow in Remembrance Poetry and red poppies. This was inspired by their visit to the poppy display at the Tower of London in November of last year. The Dunstable MIND group decorated theirs on a theme of celebrities who have mental health issues and have written books. The Mayfield Centre based sight concern group used their ‘moaning choir’ script to decorate their barrow and planted it with highly scented plants and white canes. Other groups taking part included Grove Corner Young Peoples Centre, SORTED Counselling Services, Pokémon Club and Incredible Edibles. To view some of the wheelbarrows visit Grove House Gardens where the barrows are placed by the entrance wall. The ‘Our Place’, Sight Concern and Mayfield Makers & Creators barrows can be viewed on the green opposite the Mayfield Road shops during shop opening hours. The Community Services Chairperson Cllr. Pat Staples said “It is great to see so many different groups in Dunstable taking part and making such a lovely visual impact in the Town. I would also like to thank Carillion Civil Engineering who supported the project by providing chains and padlocks to secure the barrows in external locations”.

A full list of participants and locations is available at www.dunstable.gov.uk

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Dunstable Town Council today announced that Priory House Tea Rooms has received a ®Certificate of Excellence award. Now in its fifth year, the award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great l reviews on TripAdvisor. Certificate of Excellence winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience. When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honourees that takes into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews and opinions submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period as well as business’s tenure and ranking on the Popularity Index on the site. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Priory House and we’d like to thank all of our past customers who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” Cllr Pat Staples, Chairman of Community Services Committee at Dunstable Town Council who owns and manages Priory House Tea Rooms. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognised by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.” "TripAdvisor is pleased to honour exceptional hospitality businesses that have received consistent praise and recognition by travellers on the site,” said Marc Charron President, TripAdvisor for Business. “By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive increasing hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.”

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015

Transport Minister visits Woodside Link

New Transport Minister, Andrew Jones MP, officially launched construction of the Woodside Link road during a visit to the Sundon Road site. The Minister saw first hand how the £38.3m scheme will bring vital connectivity to new housing developments, the A5-M1 Link road, a new M1 motorway junction 11a, and the industrial areas of Houghton Regis and Dunstable. Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration, hosted the event, which celebrated the unique funding partnership that has made the road possible, with £20m of funding from SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership), £5m from the Government’s Pinch Point Fund, and £1m from developers. Transport Minister, Andrew Jones MP, said: “This scheme will make it easier for people to access Luton Airport and the M1, providing better journeys for residents and businesses and supporting more housing and jobs. The Government is committed to investing in faster and more reliable transport links. This road scheme is part of our long-term economic plan to deliver benefits for everyone.” Cllr Young added: “We have worked very hard to turn our regeneration plans for Dunstable and Houghton Re-

10 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

gis into action and the link road is critical to these. It plays a vital role in unlocking nearly £2 billion of investment in housing, communities, business and infrastructure. It is already attracting major companies to the area who are expected to bring 2,000 new local jobs in the immediate future. For Dunstable and Houghton Regis, the Woodside Link is bringing regeneration while relieving town centres of congestion.” Guests also included Hilary Chipping, Head of Infrastructure (Housing & Transport), SEMLEP; and Nick Osborne, Regional Director of Operations for contractor Balfour Beatty. Nick Osborne, Balfour Beatty Regional Director of Operations, said: “Today’s ceremony performed by Andrew Jones MP marks a significant step in the delivery of the Woodside Link Road Project alongside Central Bedfordshire Council, a road that will provide an important connection between the Woodside business area and the M1.” Dr Ann Limb CBE DL, Chair of SEMLEP, said: “SEMLEP is delighted that the Woodside Link project in Dunstable, with £20m of funding from SEMLEP’s Local Growth Fund, is now underway. This new road will play a vital role in opening up housing and commercial development sites north of Houghton Regis to enable the delivery of an additional 2,400 new jobs and 5,150 new homes by 2031.”

Carers Required

Violets is a local provider of Domiciliary Care in Dunstable and Houghton Regis. We provide care and support to service users (adults) in the local community in their own homes. We are a family run, friendly organisation whose aim is to provide a high standard of care and support to those who receive our services.

We are looking for caring, dedicated and professional people to join our fantastic team of carers here at Violets. We offer full support and training so experience is not essential, also a competitive petrol contribution per call, competitive rates of pay and an overtime bonus scheme. We are looking for car drivers with full driving licence as the vacancy requires staff to travel from one service users home to another. The post is dependant on a clear enhanced DBS check (Criminal Record Check) and references. We are looking for people with weekend availability, we also have some weekday work and evenings as well.

For more information please contact Violets Office on 01582 476044 or email us at info@violetshomecare.co.uk (including your CV).

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Issue 20 â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2015 11

WIN Tickets To Mead Open Farm

Extra Fun!

NEW! Sand & Water Play

With all the animal activities plus Topsy Turvy Towers, Sky Trail, the A-Maizing Maze+, Lamb National and loads more – there’s so much to do at Mead Open Farm whatever the weather!

Near Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH +August, weather permitting.

01525 852954

MOF-AM-15-082 Raring2Go 133x88 2.indd 1 There’s so much to do this summer at Mead Open11/05/2015 Farm16:21 and we’ve 2 sets of Family Day Tickets (each admitting 2 adults and 2 children) to give away!

There’s so much to play on at the Farm, with Topsy Turvy Towers, an amazing outdoor adventure playground full of climbing, sliding and swinging fun. There’s also the Sky Trail, a high ropes course with narrow, swaying bridges to cross with only ropes and a safety harness to hold you up. And Giant’s Rock gives kids the opportunity to try a bit of mountaineering as well! This summer, pirates officially opened the wonderful new Shaggy’s Cove, with its irresistible combination of sand and water – buckets and spades are provided, of course! And even if it rains, with animal activities from bottle feeding lambs to the ever-popular Bunny Hop, plus 13,000 sq ft of indoor fun in Shaggy’s huge PlayWorld, there’s plenty of opportunity for kids of all ages to be entertained as well as active, whatever the weather. There’s a packed summer schedule too, so families are guaranteed a brilliant day out – and all the activities and play are included in the admission price. Mead Open Farm is just south of Leighton Buzzard. Follow the brown signs from A505 or A4146. For further information and prices visit

To win all you have to do is answer the question below. Email your answer to mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk Or LIKE The Vine Magazine Facebook page and leave your answer in the comments on the Mead Open Farm Competition post Which Cove has lots of sand and water to play with at Mead Open Farm? a) Captain Blackfoot’s Cove b) Bailey’s Cove c) Shaggy’s Cove

Winners will be picked at random and notified on 21st August 2015. The Vine Magazine

12 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Page 35

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or new carers es Valley to parents with

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

Foster Care Associates (FCA) is helping young parents in Bedfordshire to develop their parenting skills by providing support in the home of a specially trained foster carer. The aim is to keep the family together and stop the children from going into care. FCA which marks its 21st anniversary of providing care and support to children and young people this year, is offer full support and guidance to carers and children alike to appealing for potential carers ensure that each relationship fulfils the children and the famacross Bedfordshire with the ily as whole” time, dedication and room to Placements can range from care for a young parent and short-term assessment periods, which generally last up to 12 their child to consider a move weeks, to more long-term ones that offer the chance to into help thefostering. parent provide care and guidA pare n t an d c h i l d ance to the child. This means an appropriate placement can be p l a c e ment offers the parent found to suit the foster home. Some are pre-birth placements and child the best opportunity that help parents to prepare for the birth of the child. to remain together. A young FCA provides support to parent those may be struggling undertaking parent and child to placements every step of thecare for their child and way, including training, a finanextra support, a n d cial allowance, access torequire carer support groups and organised t h e s e p l a c e m e n t s allow family activities. the parent to develop their For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA parenting skills in a stable and call 0800 023 4561 or visit caring environment whilst in www.thefca.co.uk the guidance of their foster carer. FCA encourages parent and child placements because they allow the parent to maintain and build upon their relationship with the child, meaning a foster home can play a pivotal role in ensuring the parent and child a happy lifetime together. Karen Bolton, registered manager, from FCA Thames Valley said: "Rather than referring

FCA appeal for new carers to find room to foster young parents with their child

Associhelparents in MilAylesbury, he Thames n, to develop

skills by providhe home of a d foster carer. ep the family op the children care.

ks its 21st anviding care and ren and young r, is appealing rers in Thames time, inclination re for a young r child to conto fostering. ild placement t – often the hild the best

FCA encourages parent and child placements because they allow the parent to maintain and build upon their relationship with the child, meaning a foster home can play a pivotal role in ensuring the parent and child a happy lifetime together. Karen Bolton, registered manager, from FCA Thames Valley said: "Rather than referring struggling young parents to residential units to have their parenting assessed, family courts and local authorities are increasingly beginning to refer them to parent and child foster placements. “With fully trained support staff across the Thames Valley region ready to work with new carers and guide them, FCA

struggling young parents to residential units to have their parenting assessed, local authorities are increasingly beginning to refer them to parent and child foster placements. “With fully trained support staff across Bedfordshire ready to work with new carers and guide them, FCA offer full support and guidance to carers and children alike to ensure that each relationship fulfils the children and the family as whole” Placements can range from short-term assessment periods, which generally last up to 12 weeks, to more long-term ones that offer the chance to help the parent provide care and guidance to the child. This means an appropriate placement can be found to suit the foster home. Some are pre-birth placements that help parents to prepare for the birth of the child. FCA provide support to those undertaking parent and child placements every step of the way, including training, a financial allowance, access to carer support groups and organised family activities - all contributing factors as to why FCA placements are 22% more stable than the national average.

For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA call 0800 022 4012 or visit www.thefca.co.uk

14 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

careis...

finding room to foster

Fostering a child with us means you get the support you need to make a real difference to someone’s life. We’re the largest independent fostering agency in the UK, with one-to-one support for you and your foster child. That’s why our placements are 22% more stable than the national average. Find room in your life to foster. Call Foster Care Associates today on 0800 022 4012.

0800 022 4012

fosterwithfca.co.uk

Issue 20 • August/September 2015 15

More Than Just A Dash More than 500 runners raised an expected £25,000 and painted Wigmore Valley Park in Luton all the colours of the rainbow in aid of their local adults and children’s Hospice. With an electric atmosphere, Bedfordshire’s first ever Colour Dash saw 100 colour bandits cover participants from head to toe as they ran the 5k course in aid of Keech Hospice Care. Mark Relf, Keech’s Community and Events Fundraising Manager said the support and money raised for adults and children with end of life illnesses has been truly amazing. “What can I say, it’s a sell out, everyone’s had a brilliant time and raised an amazing amount of money for Keech,” Mark said. “Keech’s care extends to the entire family and events like today mean when it seems nothing will ever be the same again, Keech can be there to help and support the whole family whilst caring for their very sick loved ones either at the hospice, in their own home - wherever the support is needed. So thank you Bedfordshire for coming out, having fun and showing your true colours ,” he said. First to cross the finish line was 21 year old, Paul Whyman from Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. “It was so much fun,” Paul said. “The atmosphere is amazing and I’m totally covered. I was promised I would look like I’d walked through a rainbow and I do. I signed up as Keech looked after my late Uncle. I ran this today for him and anything I can do to help Keech, I will,” he said. Lisa Zsentko from Stotfold ran whilst pushing her three year old son, Stone around the course and through all the colour bandit stations. “We had a ball,” said Lisa.” “Without Keech, my son would not be alive today. Stone was diagnosed with meningitis which left him severely brain damaged. Keech has helped and supported my whole family to come to terms with what’s happened and deal with our newly found circumstances. The doctors had given up on Stone so without Keech, Stone wouldn’t be alive today. Keech saved him,” she said. Keech Hospice provides care for children from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes and adults from Luton and south Bedfordshire with progressive, life-limiting conditions from diagnosis up until the end of their life. With only 30 percent of the funding Keech gets coming from the NHS, local authorities and the Department of Health, it relies on 70 percent of its funding to come from fundraising in the community so it can keep doing the vital work it does.

16 16 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 17

Money Matters By Martin Lewis

First Time Buyers It’s perhaps the cheapest time in history to get a first time buyers’ mortgage - with rates at historic lows and the new Help to Buy ISA due. Yet that’s not the same as saying it’s the best time to buy a house. Property is an ‘asset class’ that means prices move - so never assume buying a home is as safe as houses.

@moneysavingexpert

It’s far more important to examine your own reasons for buying. If it’s a long term place to live, to give you security of tenure, and the repayments are affordable (possibly even cheaper than renting) it’s a reasonable aim. Here’s what you need to know…

an 80% LTV. The lower the LTV, the better deal you can get. To help with this I’ve a totally free 60 page First-Time Buyers mortgage booklet you can download from www.mse.me/FTB which takes you through everything in more detail.

Step 1. Learn the lingo. A mortgage is likely to be the

Step 2. Deposit, deposit, deposit. Every 5% bigger

biggest financial transaction you’ll make, so arm yourself with knowledge to understand the terms commonly used. Here are the key facts you’ll need to understand about any mortgage.

deposit up to 40% cuts the rate - so a little more can have a big impact.

a. The Rate: This is the interest you are charged, and it dictates the amount you repay each month. b. The Type: Most mortgages have rate reductions for the first two to five years. These come in a few types. Fixes are where the rate is locked in. Trackers are where it can only move in relation to UK base rate moves. And variable rate, where they tend to move with UK base rates, but can also move at the lenders whim. c. Length of the deal: If it’s a short-term deal (eg, a 2yr fix), when does it end? d. Term: How long is the entire mortgage borrowing length - eg, 25yrs, and when will it be fully repaid? e. Penalties: Are there any early-repayment penalties if you try and pay it off or move, before the deal ends? f. Can you overpay? Are you allowed to pay more off without any penalties? This can be very useful as it means you pay less interest over the mortgage terms and clear the debt more quickly. g. Your loan-to-value (LTV): The proportion of your home’s current value you are borrowing. eg, a £20,000 deposit on a £100,000 means you’re borrowing £80,000 – so it’s

18 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Imagine you’ve a £150,000 home, and want a £136,000 mortgage. That’s a 90.7% LTV, the top 2 year fix is 3.98%. Yet if you use £1,100 of savings to reduce the borrowing needed, you’d cross a threshold and be at just under 90%, where the top 2yr fix is 2.69%. This would save over £700/year in mortgage payments alone. Of course saving for a deposit is often a struggle. From autumn you’ll also be given the chance of a cash boost towards buying your first home if you save into a new type of Help to Buy ISA. You can save up to £200 every month and the Government will add 25% on top (so £50 on £200). You can also save an additional £1,000 when you first open it, meaning you can save £1,200 in the first month (that will have £300 added on top of it). The minimum you need to have saved to get the bonus is £1,600 (so a £400 bonus), and the maximum the Government will contribute is £3,000 (so that means you will have saved £12,000). For full information see www.mse.me/helptobuyisa.

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www.house-hold.co.uk Issue 20 â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2015 19

Money Matters By Martin Lewis Step 3. Speedily compare to benchmark your cheapest. It’s important to start to work out the exact cost you’re likely to pay as soon as possible. Mortgage rates are currently the lowest they have ever been, with even 5 year fixes below 2% (if you’ve a big enough deposit). While there is always the chance that they could sneak even cheaper, there’s not that much room to fall, yet there’s far more room for them to rise in future. To find a mortgage you want to look across the whole market if possible. There are a number of lenders like Yorkshire BS, Tesco Bank and HSBC who only offer their mortgages direct, and these may be missed by mortgage brokers. So it’s important to start by doing a comparison that includes all deals. My own www.mse.me/mortgagebestbuys comparison tool does, as does www.moneyfacts.co.uk and Googles mortgage tables.

Step 4. Two things that can kibosh your application. The days when lenders flung out deals to all and sundry are long gone. Getting accepted is now a challenge – I would suggest you start preparing and you position yourself at least a year in advance, or failing that as soon as possible.

First Time Buyers you’re looking for a 5% deal, it makes no difference to you whether it’s a Help2Buy or not. Just go for the best available.

Step 6. Fixed or variable? With a fixed mortgage, the amount you repay is, er, fixed so it’s like buying an insurance policy against possible rate rises. Variable deals move with UK interest rates (sometimes just at the provider’s whim). Currently you only pay a touch more to fix. It’s very difficult to predict future interest rate moves. Even top economists are singing a different tune now from a year ago, and there’s even the possibility they may fall before that. So focus on your own situation. The more crucial the security of knowing exactly what you’ll pay, the more you should edge towards fixing (& fixing longer). If cracking the rock-bottom deal’s your driver, edge to short-term trackers. Play the codeshare trick - where two airlines sell the same flight. Airlines don’t shout that their partners often sell their flights too, sometimes for less. If you’re going on popular long-haul routes this can be a way to save.

a) The credit check. It’s crucial to manage your credit score, preferably months in advance, eg, never make late payments, minimise other applications and put a landline not a mobile on applications. See my 35 credit score boosting tips at www.mse.me/creditscore to make sure that you’re in good financial shape. b) Affordability checks. Lenders must stress-test if your mortgage is affordable, even if rates were 6-7%. They’ll want evidence of income, big bills, expenses, even eating out. So being frugal in advance helps. One way to navigate through these checks, is to use a top mortgage broker, you can search for one using www.vouchedfor.co.uk or www.unbiased.co.uk - they have info on how harsh each lender’s checks are, and can help ease acceptance. You’ll generally pay a fee for face to face advise though brokers like www.lcplc.co.uk operate fee free via the phone (they get a fee from the lender).

Step 5. Don’t fall for ‘Help to Buy Mortgage’ branding. While much hyped, the main Help to Buy scheme (ie, not the original only for new builds) is about the Government giving LENDERS a guarantee to enable them to offer more 5% deposit mortgages, meaning more are available. If 20 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 20 â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2015 21

Consumer Clinic

Are Extended Warranties Worth the Money? It doesn’t seem to matter what product you’re buying, there’s now an extended warranty available for everything. The question people often ask me on my radio show is whether it’s a good idea to pay the extra and take one out? By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

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

you may consider buying the failed after a couple of years I y answer is generextended warranty just to give would simply purchase a new ally a big, fat NO! you hassle free piece of mind, Under your statutory one at another cost of £15.99. and you know what? I wouldn’t The shop assistant seemed rights you are protected for a blame you. amazed that I was so hostile to ‘reasonable’ amount of time if the idea. Sadly I would imagine a manufacturing defect occurs many people go ahead and pay The rule of thumb is always think with a product. Depending on long and hard before you hand an additional £20 that’s totally the item and the initial cost, over your money for something pointless. this is generally as long as an you probably don’t need. extended warranty would last anyway. Remember It is also worth looking into when the retailer says that Under your statutory rights the idea of purchasing inafter 12 months there’s you are protected for a surance policies that cover nothing they can do, ‘reasonable’ amount of time if a all of your white goods for they’re fobbing you off. manufacturing defect occurs mechanical failure. For The extended warranty is with a product consumers looking for normally a way of charging hassle free piece of mind you for something you at a lower cost these can really don’t need. be a good alternative to the You should however remember ‘extended warranty. Please that often when claiming under Sadly some consumers are so your statutory rights that a battle read the terms and conditions trusting of retailers that they though beforehand and underwill probably ensue. A battle believe the company’s advice that will require you to hold your stand exactly what the policy to be sound. I went to a well will cover. nerve. For most things I would known shop once and bought urge you to fight that battle (and a radio for £15.99. The retailer call me if you need help), but for tried very hard to sell me a 3 year extended warranty for £20. other essential products (stairlifts / electric wheelchairs etc) I explained that if the radio

22 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up! mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 23

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky

By Seb Jay

Looking Up! August & September 2015

Find Saturn in the Late Summer Sky:

Saturn is the brightest planet visible in the evening sky over Bedfordshire in August and September this year. Look to the south-west after dark for a pale yellow star-like object hanging above the horizon slightly to the right of an almost vertical line of three dimmer white stars. A small telescope is all that is needed to see Saturn’s rings and some of the planet’s moons.

Catch a Falling Star this August:

The Perseids Meteor Shower is well underway as August begins. Shooting star activity builds through the first two weeks of the month to a peak on the nights of August 12th and August 13th. Look out to your north-east after dark for fast moving streaks

of light flashing across the sky. These aren’t real stars falling to Earth. If they were we’d all be in a severe amount of difficulty! Instead what we see are tiny particles of comet debris burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.

See a Rare Supermoon Eclipse:

In the early hours of September 28th the full moon is set to turn blood-red as we experience a total lunar eclipse. From 2am to 5am the moon enters Earth’s shadow. At 356,876 kilometres distance it’ll be the closest total lunar eclipse visible from the UK so far this century. In fact we’ll have to wait until October 2051 to see a ‘supermoon’ eclipse that is any closer. Image: A total eclipse of the moon by Neal Simpson seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 25

At Home Among the advantages of building a conservatory is that in addition to creating a suntrap, you will be adding an extension to the house in the same way as you would a loft conversion - and with only one set of expenses. Indeed, many people find that when it is complete that they wish they had gone for a larger size, and therefore itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always worth regarding it as an additional room right from the outset. So, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to add value to both your life and your home, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few top tips about achieving this best of both worlds.

The

Glass

Ceilin g

Direction You're unlikely to have much choice about where to site your conservatory, but the direction it faces is an important factor to take into consideration - it will have a big effect on temperature for one thing. If it faces south it will get sun all the year round - this can be fine in winter and on chilly days, but bear in mind it can get uncomfortably hot in midsummer. There are various ways of controlling this. Ventilation is essential, as are shades or blinds on the roof and walls. Other options also include fitting solar control glass or low emissivity glass (known as E-glass) which both substantially reduce the power of the sun. Alternatively there are some very effective transparent films, virtually invisible, which can be applied to the glass by the installer. A central ceiling fan can be an advantage, and if you get one that combines a multiple light fitting you will be able to use the conservatory in the evenings. If the siting of your house allows for a west-facing conservatory you will get good sunlight on summer afternoons and evenings while plants will enjoy the indirect light during much of the day. One that faces east is ideal for those who like to use the conservatory as a breakfast room, or maybe for coffee mornings. In an easterly wind, however, it might prove a little chilly. And if your conservatory will be north facing, it will call for insulation and heating in winter, although it can be warm and bright in summer. Consider whether there's a case for double-glazing in this instance.

26 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Design Conservatories come in three basic designs: Victorian, recognisable by a multi-faceted bay, Edwardian, which has a square end and makes good use of space, and the lean-to which is useful for fitting into corners and awkward spaces. Most contractors can devise combinations of these to suit clients' individual requirements. You'll also have a choice of full-length glass walls or glass with dwarf walls, preferably using bricks that match the house. A good base is essential for a stable unit, so make sure the contractor keeps you informed about this. It needs to be level and damp-proofed and insulated to recognised building standards. The depth of the base will depend on local conditions. A good contractor should be able to advise you about this too. Otherwise your local planning office will help - although planning permission is not required for constructions occupying less than 30 square metres of floor space. The conservatory does, however, have to conform to relevant building regulations - your contractor will be aware of this.

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By Hannah Stephenson

In Theen Gard Going On Holiday?

WHAT ABOUT THE GARDEN? You may have packed your suitcases and sorted out your flight tickets in preparation for your two-week summer holiday - but what about the garden? So many gardeners see all their work go to pot when they are away from home in the summer, as containers dry out, lawns go brown and many plants run to seed in their absence. However, there are ways to minimise the suffering your plants endure if you are away during a prolonged spell of warm, dry weather, so that you can return home to a garden which doesn't look like it's been in a fullscale drought. Your first port of call is your neighbours and family. Ask if they can water your plants while you're away and harvest crops such as tomatoes and green beans before they go over, keeping what they want for themselves. Cluster your patio pots together in a sheltered, shady place that is open to the rain, feeding and watering them thoroughly just before leaving. Hav-

ing them close together will make watering easier, if you have someone to do it for you, and will help conserve moisture if you don't. If you don't have anyone to water your containers, take down hanging baskets and sit them directly into a depression in the soil surface in a cool, shady spot and drench them with water so the soil underneath is also wet. If you don't have an automatic watering system, use an upturned bottle full of water set into the container, which should release the water as the soil dries. Alternatively, invest in some strips of capillary matting tucked into the compost at one end and a bucket of water at the other, which should provide enough moisture for the fortnight you're away. Before you go, remove all the blooms from your containers, not just the faded ones. This should conserve the plants' energy and hopefully will mean that new blooms will have emerged by the time you return home.

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

Don't worry about your lawn. You can choose to leave it long, to conserve moisture and protect the roots. Don't feed it to encourage it to grow fast while you're away. If it has gone the colour of straw on your return, don't worry because it will pick up again in autumn when the rain comes. Well-established plants in borders shouldn't suffer too much, as their roots will be deep enough to find some moisture in the soil. Fruit shouldn't suffer if you're away in August, as soft fruit will have been picked before you go and apples and pears won't be ready for harvesting until autumn. Give veg a really good soaking before you go, pick as much as you can just before you leave, blanching and freezing what you can't use, or give it to a kindly neighbour who may return the favour with a bit of watering in your absence. If you do rely on your friends and neighbours to do the watering for you while you're away, make sure you bring them back a present and always offer to return the favour.

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 29

A Guide To

Music Festivals < Survival

With the Summer holidays in full flow, August sees many of the big music festivals. V Festival in Chelmsford and Staffordshire on 22nd - 23rd August, Reading Festival between 28th - 30th August, Creamfields in Cheshire, Leeds Festival both on 28th August; and

Rule

that’s just naming the well known ones! In almost every area of the UK, there will be a music festival going on and thousands upon

:H ave Fun!

thousands of us are heading to them. So whether you’re packing your camping gear for your own trip, or helping your teenager prepare for their first music festival whilst reminiscing about Woodstock; find my top tips for attending an event this Summer!

Nothing ruins a selfie like glaring sunburn! And on a serious note, not looking after yourself in the sun can have serious affects on your health. So make sure you pack AND USE your sunscreen.

You may not feel like you want to on that first exciting day; regardless of the weather, of the queues for the perfect toilets, you’re excited and want to make the most of your trip. However, get some sleep when you can! Night time at a festival is never likely to be particularly quiet, and getting a suitable amount of rest will keep you healthy and energetic enough to really enjoy your time. If there’s some space in the day where there’s no band you HAVE to check out, try and get forty winks to make sure that even if you are then up all night or kept up all night, you don’t miss the one band you MUST see because you’ve passed out!

Go back to basics! If it rains, EVERYTHING will get muddy and wet, if you leave your tent unattended…you know..to actually attend the festival(!), you may come back to find some items missing. A music festival is not the place to show off your fancy gadgets and new pieces of technology, unless you want to show off how quickly they can get damaged and/or stolen! If you really want to show off, pick yourself up an early 2000’s Nokia, there is NO breaking those things!

Anti bacterial handgel, GET SOME! You will very rarely find yourself at a festival with luxury showering facilities so hand gel is your friend, as are baby wipes, which can be used for almost anything! Quick tip for contact lense wearers, rinse your hands with water before putting your contacts in, antibacterial gel is great but will sting your eyes!

30 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Danielle Lade

You are not attending a fashion show, put the Laboutins away, re-hang that delicate silk dress. Remember you’re likely to get muddy, hot and bothered, excessively sweaty, spilt on…and the rest! You’ll be able to wash your clothes when you get home but in the meantime make sure you pack light, pack sturdy (or throwaway!) and pack practical!

There are no bed and breakfast options and in the morning you’ll need something (other than a bucket of caffeine!). Cereal bars are perfect to get you started and don’t require any cleaning. Meal replacement shakes are also a handy alternative although not enough to fully sustain you. Other winning options are apples, and the healthier fast food options; baked potato, falafel

and the like. You can live off burgers and chips but your skin and energy levels are not likely to thank you for it!

At nighttime, the field becomes a sea of tents (and straggling revellers!) if you need to find your way back to base, or head out to a toilet, have a flashlight handy. One you can clip to your belt or clothes is ideal so you can easily find your way without trampling through someone else's tent whilst losing your own! Another good option is a head torch, and both can be picked up these days from a pound store or budget shop.

If there’s a certain band you just HAVE to see from the front, be prepared to watch the previous couple of line up acts, and it might be worth knowing what they’ll be so you don’t stand right at the front completely clueless! But don’t panic if you feel overwhelmed at the front, festivals can be daunting and the crowds become very large. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable, don’t worry, just make your way slowly out towards more open space.

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Speaking of not panicking, you WILL get muddy, it WILL get crowded, you WILL have drinks spilled on you. Festivals are almost like another world. If you didn’t shower and were covered in mud from the knees down in the office, you would get some funny looks. But at a festival you’re all in the same boat and none of you will be properly clean until Sunday night. So relax, don’t worry about it, and keep those baby wipes handy for damage control!

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Enjoy yourself! If you’ve never been to a music festival before, you’re in for quite the experience! The best piece of advice I could give is to embrace it! And enjoy that feeling of a fresh shower and your own bed when you get home!

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After

CAR SEAT & FURNITURE REPAIRS Most repairs can be undertaken in your home by our qualified leather technicians, or larger jobs

• Rips • Cigarette Burns • Holes • Cat Scratches • Re-colouring • Colour Matching • Cleaning • Cracking • Stain Removal • Re-Padding • Spring Replacement.

workshop.

b e a go o d y a

id ea

ll ie s m

brought into our fully equipped

After

Repairing leather is approximately 20% of the cost of re-upholstering Unit 26 Acacia Close, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4QE Luton:01582

Website:

380 750

Leighton Buzzard:01525

888 250

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 31

32 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Issue 20 â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2015 33

Phase Eight Shona Stripe Beach Bag £55.00

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Matalan Pom Pom Straw Beach Bag £12.00

Miss Selfridge Neon and nude beach bag £29.00

34 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 20 â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2015 35

Puzzles

Answers on page 62

Crossword

Across

Down

1. Comprehensible (12) 1. Heart-broken (12) 2. Garland (3) 7. Sorrow (5) 8. Father (5)

3. Flowing in (6)

9. Born (3)

4. Powerlessness (9)

10. Innumerable (9)

5. Metric unit (5)

11. Production (6)

6. Arrogant (12) 7. Welcome (5)

12. Tell (6) 15. Determine (9)

10. Wooing (9)

17. Entrap (3)

13. Proprietor (5)

18. Bloodsucker (5)

14. Trouble (6)

19. Change (5)

16. Dim (5)

21. Absurd (12)

20. Part of foot (3)

Sudoku 数独 1 6 CLIPS

2 9 7

2 4 3 7

8 2 9 3 8 5 4 6

9 2 6 SHOES

36 36

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

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

The Great Edlesborough Fun Run 2015

Cakes & Refreshments n Amazing Raffle n Medals

Sunday 11th October 10.30am Edlesborough Green

Adults £10 n Children £5 n Family tickets available It’s back for the second time, our family friendly fun run is returning in the autumn. Join us on our 5k run around the village, a nice, easy route that is suitable for all ages, levels of fitness and abilities. It is untimed and everyone is welcome to participate. Raising much needed funds for ECSC (Edlesborough Community Sports Club) in aid of our new sports pavilion. Strictly 75 runners, get in touch now for your application form as places will book up fast! To receive your application form, please email us at edlesboroughrunners@hotmail.com Please contact 07747 618825 for any further details. Follow all the news and updates on Facebook @Edlesborough Runners

Charity No. 1160939

Issue 20 • August/September 2015 37

Answers on page 62

Puzzle p

Help the dog ďŹ nd the bone

Wordscramble Unscramble the words below to reveal six household pets

na uggpiei bbtari ktenit ppyup glreib tsmerha

Can you spot the 10 differences?

38 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

age

Did you go to y?go to HadrianDid dem anyouAca HadriDid go to Hadrian Did Academy? you Academ you g Hadrian Academy formally known as Hadrian

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the pas t 50 year s. showcase their work and escort you around P re se the classes throughout the afternoon. t n pshowcase upils fr Present pupils from Hadrian Academy Present willpupils from Academy Present will showcase pupils from Hadrian Acade om Hadrian Hadrian Academy, Hadrian Avenue, Hadrian A In the evening from 5.30pmthwe will be Hadrian Aca dem y w eirclasses w ill o rk sh their work and escort you around their the work and escort you around the their classes and escort you aroun o an d ca wwork having a re-union forthall ex pupils escort you Dunstable, LU5 4SR se 01582 Tel. 618400Dunstable, around the rough out th cl and their families. H e as ad te af H se s ad ri throughout the afternoon. In thethroughout evening from the5.30pm afternoon. In the evening throughout from the 5.30pm afternoon. eve an riIn rnoon. InPlease an cade AAconfirm your attendance by email Please to:the de ca m m the evconfirm we will be h en ing frth Dun unst D stab av able ombe ing their 5.and lefor a arere-union LUall 30 ,, LU 5 4S pmtheir we will be having a re-union for all weexwill pupils be having and all we ex pupils will having a re-union 4Se -unio n forfor hadrianacademy@cbc.beds.sch.uk hadriana 5 Plea all ex pupils ease Pl se co conf nfirirm m www. your an d their yo ur aa uk @cbc.beds.sch. hadrianacademy www.hadrianacademy.co.uk fam families. families. families. ilies .

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m u are thy@ Tel:01582 618400 LU5 4SR th Dunstable, Hadrian Academy, Hadrian Avenue, vevery rythese ww wewelcome wwelcom w You are very welcome You to attend are 50 to You attend are very these celebrations w.h .h50 w lc o adririan ad m an H ad e H aa ad ri to an ri a an ha tt www.hadrianacademy.co.uk

ttend these 5 th hass no now w be been en ed edLuton ucat atin uc on th inggand on th Tree Luton Ceremony, and0Dunstable child ildDunstable ch sa ee sa renn fo meehas ce lebHo re m forr fif Hadrian has now been educating children Hadrian for fifty years forHospital has nowLighting been educating children for siteenow sit fifHadrian andd been ty an ty yefifty has educating children ars years ye Lu ha

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This has built up over the the first ThisaScience few has le ts Thteacher. lots of le,, gi isMaths Th of gr gifte fte ha is gr s d ha ou bu an s d ps ou ilt bu d an ps tale ilt up d ta up ov school lent nted sc over ed ch ex erare amto ex chThere thNor .. lots on am ildre th pube rewent ye ild eelot pi pu ye focus on the arts and sport. There ho areolfocus of groups the arts andexam sport. are lots focus of on groups the arts and sport. 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Th or di rthe posit aa the eree is fo dist sitonly po stwit fo isHadrian ivee in incc staf rronly an a Platinum aff,f,school iv in st an influ Hadrian is the only school in Bedfordshire Hadrian with a Platinum isoir5 in with is school in Bedfordshire goWeek thee ch Days Ago en th child rn ve ce orBedfordshire ild ce on al ren’ or andd pa on n’ss ch ss an avern positive influence on allas school afluen positive productions, influence on re alll ot choi pare asother othe oirr is rent sem herr sc ntss an mbl se isan bland scho an espe iess an ho pe d es ie an ci d coevery al d ci Sing Up Award and all children singco Sing day. Up There Award is and all children sing every day. Sing There Up Award is an all children sing every day ly untt ni al d cl ly st un as classw unni nine swor stun nety ning orexams ng.. and £14.95 ty fiv k.and fivee ch k. assemblies We believe assemblies LAMDA Wee classwo en At th W hanc en child At theclasswork. belie nc ildre ha e lie be e re la ve n st e ch la ve fr n st ild om ch ch fr ren’ ild om oir,r, and choi n’ KS re ad hoc adult choir for staff, governors adm parents adult and choir for staff, governors and ad parents hoc adult and choir for staff, governors and s 2 KS co s ch 2 se mhoc co os lfch se m e co os lfitt m5 to be nfid Of The Menu e to coand ingg th cont ittCourses iden nf be in enhance children’s enhance engage children’s ntrib in ence ribut them ce se in th 5 co Days Aee Week emse ut thee self-confidence to selv futo lves to lly,is fu esis to restunning. , in lly hear re inespecially to w arsa he othe sathe herr w the children’s is As especially last choir especially stunning. theAtchildren’s the last choir stunning. ot wee eekl andchildren’s Eat Aschoir Much You Like lsls an wfully, klyy fully, dAt ords They ds or wthe lunc aa w ey id Th ncht Sunday to other lu ,, in id contribute inim other words, tolp fulfil contribute their potential. ht he varie to fulfi ee va im riety lp he lfi fu e ty-of £10.95 to e ll ofThursday to de m ve de us music loppfrom velo ical alfrom styl count ninety five children from Th KS2 count to ninety be in the five children chosecount to bedr ninety five children KS2 t yles aa love st es.KS2 ve . to develop drin of chose amthe of am liter ey chose erat lit an Dine In Only aa an ey From a selection Th atur They help a love of literature, They poetry helploto and develop a rece ur cent re thus dd th ntly us 4 COURSES Of The Menu ly w im w on pr im ov on pr Sc e ov ho Sc stan e st choir, committing themselves w toee piweekly choir, lunchtime committing themselves to weekly choir, lunchtime committing themselves to weekly ol’s hool an th ’s da ro th Go w rd da ug ro er Go t s h rd ug er Ta of th t s h -thThursday leMain, Tale cked of cc drama and thus improve standards ofok drama communication and thus improv nt in sp of many different dishes pick ed to ee sp ok nt Any Starter, Any in to sin en w Lond sin Sunday en wor nd Lo ord. on styles. atand d.of musical styles gg at on theeaM anddrehearsals th an Mwide ayor rehearsals and a wide variety of musical rehearsals of musical and a wide variety addi or’s ay ditio ad ’svariety tionn styles. 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UUlti through the spoken word rvthe Se eirr w th ice..spoken Rice wAny ice lti orkk in Th m Dine In Only or is at Th m inSide, is el is at th y, in is el thee co y, itit is in com is th mm mun thee se unity ity,, sin sens nsee of singi ging of ac ng at Ha ac £9.95 at Ha dria hiev An indian Kulfi ia the in dr eveminen hi They recentlyADULT won School’s Got TalentThey in London recently and wonDesert School’s Got Talent They London recently and School’s Got Talent th Any Starter, Any nn Any wwon hich en w chMain, hi empo em pothat Ultimately, it ise the sense of achievement Ultimately, theemsen wer erssfloods w thitee isin sh th ine. sh indi e.isRice in divi (Children £5.95) viServi dual Choose What You From were picked to singunder at the 10 Mayor’s Civic Service. were picked This isto insing at theLike Mayor’s Civic Service. wereSide, This picked in to sing at the Mayor’s Civic al du or Nan Hadrian which empowers the individual Hadrian children which to empow

CHEF SPECIAL BANQUET NIGHT

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Noon 5.00pm (For King Prawn, & Duck DishesinExtra addition to 12 their work to in the community, singing additionattothe their work in the community, singing addition at the toFish their work the£2.75 community, singi The Menu shine. shine. 10% Discount on collected take away orders over £10

Issue 20 • August/September 2015 39

A Travellers Tale

The Splendours Of India Palaces, Temples & Tigers (?) Part II By Paul Heley

Camel cart The Palace of the Winds

Hovels

40 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

aipur’s main claims to fame are the Palace of the Winds - a spectacular building with domes, spires and overhanging windows with latticed screens - and the Amber Fort. The latter is an enormous structure with an outer wall running for more than 5 kilometres containing much of the old town within its perimeter. Inside the fort are hundreds of rooms each with something of historical interest plus the usual thousands of visitors. These places are not for the faint hearted (or for those with weak ribs!) However, the next place visited was somewhere very different :- the Jantar Mantar Observatory. This is a huge astrological collection of individual constructions each one giving some specific information based upon shadows cast by the sun. One indicates, for example, that the “proper” time in Jaipur is a few minutes different from “official” Indian time. Another shows aspects of which astrological sign we might find ourselves in. It’s quite fascinating. In the afternoon, to the City Palace Museum for more historical artefacts and costumes followed by a hair raising ride on a cycle rickshaw where we experienced true Indian driving and traffic conditions plus the incessant blaring of horns face to face (or ear to ear!). Another feature of what India is all about. Back to the hotel and the anticipation of another very early start when we were to be driven to Ranthampore in the hope of seeing tigers. The coach journey to Ranthampore was much the same as the one to Jaipur ie flat, featureless countryside sprinkled with villages whose women worked in the fields whilst the men sat around and discussed the important things for that day and what the women should do next (!). There were many camel carts (found only in Rajasthan) and plenty of cows, dogs, goats, pigs and even water buffalo all leaving their “calling cards” everywhere and scratching about for food in the piles of rubbish. We arrived for lunch and then went out on safari into the Ranthampore National Park - one of the largest in India. Its main appeal for tourists is that a number of tigers live there and the hope, of course, is to see one. But they are elusive creatures and the chances are not too high although sightings are by no means unknown. However, the park is home not only to tigers: there are also leopards and other cats, many species of deer and antelope (necessary as prey animals), monkeys by the thousand and scores of bird species as well as numerous other examples of wild life. So with eager anticipation we boarded a less than luxurious 4WD vehicle, drove to the park and bounced our way over a very rough and dusty track through the forest. Over the two days, there were three such safaris, each one following a different route - but the nearest we actually got to a tiger was a set of pug marks. However, a leopard appeared for about a microsecond and there were plenty of samba and spotted deer, “blue” antelope, loris monkeys, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, storks, egrets, eagles, lapwings, hundreds of peafowl, remarkably tame and highly coloured magpies, python and water snake. At the end of each trip, we were filthy dirty and covered from

head to toe in dust: and also somewhat battered from the less than comfortable ride. But it had all been a very worthwhile experience even though we didn’t see the prize animal. An Irish friend of ours went later and has sent pictures of tigers - some posing with cubs - just to rub salt into the wound! Swine! Then another early start in order to catch the train to Bharatpur en route to Agra (and the real “biggy” to be found there). As the train pulled in and we saw the first few carriages, our hearts sank and we dreaded the prospect of having to get on board. But as the train continued to unfurl, we realised that our First Class reserved carriage was really quite smart. At Bharatpur, we boarded a coach to Fatehpur Sikri, the “Ghost City”; so called because the emperor who built both the city and the palace in the 16th century deserted the lot after only 13 years. Seems like rather a waste of time and effort! We had a quick look round the deserted palace - no ghosts, only a sadhu! - then drove the rest of the way to Agra. After dinner we were warned about pick pockets and the high level of pilfering. (Remember that Agra is chock full of unbelievably wealthy tourists so temptation must be sky high.) Next day was what we’d all been waiting for - the Taj Mahal. Speaking personally, I desperately hoped this wasn’t going to be another “bananas after the war” disappointment because my expectations were off the scale. Mercifully, I was not disappointed and my first (and very sudden) view of this incredibly beautiful building literally took my breath away. It is absolutely stunning. I was awe stricken. I still wonder how on earth anyone could possibly imagine such a wonderful creation before it is built. Abhi was in his element and explained in great detail how this magnificent structure - really a mausoleum - was an expression of love by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal. Now regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it took more than 20000 people and more than 20 years from 1632 to 1653 to build. The initial, and distant, impression of the Taj is that it is made of white marble only but as one moves closer, one realises that the white marble is, in fact, inlaid with black marble and semi precious stones such as jasper, carnelian, lapis lazuli and malachite all weaving intricate patterns and lotus flower designs. What is more, it’s amazing to realise that these inlaid precious stones had each been individually cut and shaped so that it fitted into the required design. The whole experience left me full of admiration for the exquisite skill and craftsmanship displayed. Val, similarly impressed, and I will never forget it. In the afternoon, we visited Agra Fort built in red sandstone and white marble. Although individually massive and very impressive in its own right - and an echo of the Taj Mahal in many places - it is always going to play second fiddle to its majestic nearby neighbour. Which is a shame.

2.04 pm

A Sadhu Taj Mahal

Inlaid stones

Issue 20 • August/September 2015 41

Pets

P E T HOLIDAY HAVENS

Plan ahead for stress-free pets while you’re on holiday For those lucky enough to be packing up and travelling to UK beauty spots on holiday this summer, the obligatory packing check list of sun cream and swim wear is a familiar one. But for pet owners, the top priority once they have booked time off work and hotels, is what to do with their four-legged friends while they are away if their pets can’t travel with them. “Rule number one is to plan ahead”, says PDSA Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones: “It can be a very stressful time for pets when their owners go on holiday. Kennels and catteries are unfamiliar places and mean a break in their usual routine, so it’s always good to consider options carefully before choosing by going to visit the kennel owners and discussing how they operate and what they need from you. “For some pets, such as rescue animals or those who have never been in a kennel environment, it might be better to consider the alternative options available. There is a wealth of reputable pet sitters who will either come and stay in the owner’s home,

42 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

or have the pet live with them. Again, it’s important to visit or meet the sitter first and introduce them to your pets. This way, owners can get a feel for whether the arrangement suits everyone including their pet. Popular pet sitters, kennels and catteries are often booked up months in advance, so making plans and checking dates well before holidays are booked is always a sensible precaution. “Finally, make sure that pets are fully upto-date with their vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, to help ensure they don’t pick up any nasty parasites or illnesses whilst in their temporary accommodation – a reputable kennel or cattery will request this anyway” continues Vicki. “Following these simple measures leaves owners free to enjoy a stress-free holiday without worrying about their precious pets.”

Ask The Vet

Need some pet advice? email your questions to askthevet@pdsa.org.uk

Pets

’s N MabelAppled

Ask T h e Ve t Dear PDSA vet, Last month I was walking my Yorkie, Maggie, and a Staffie ran up to us. It was friendly at first, but then it grabbed Maggie round the throat and ran off. We caught up and I rushed her to the vet. Luckily she wasn’t hurt, but now she hates going out and gets very anxious. How can I help her regain her confidence? Amy

from Apple

Harling

With PDSA Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones Dear PDSA vet, My fish Boo has been swimming round in circles and is losing scales off the top part of her back. She is not eating as much as before. What should I do? Sam Dear Sam, There are different things that could be causing your fish’s condition. Possible causes of a change in a fish’s swimming behaviour can include bacterial infections, problems affecting the swim bladder (an organ that allows fish to control their position in the water) or the fish’s environment being unsuitable. A fish’s scales should be smooth, lie flat against the body and be unbroken. Scale loss can be the result of physical injury, when a fish bumps into something or rough handling, parasites, a water quality problem or skin infections. If there is an infection there will be additional signs, such as a reddened area. All of these can be linked to the fish’s immune status which in turn can cause swimming changes. I’d recommend that you get Boo checked out by your vet as soon as possible to try and find out what is causing these changes.

Dear Amy, It will take time and patience for your dog to regain her confidence – don’t rush or force her to go anywhere that she doesn’t want to as this will make her anxiety worse. A useful technique is called ’desensitisation and counter-conditioning’. This involves asking someone to walk their friendly dog at the same time as you but at a distance (e.g. on the other side of a field). Gradually walk Maggie a little closer towards your friend’s dog, praising her when she is calm and relaxed, but if she shows signs of anxiety calmly stop, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Don’t reassure her if she becomes nervous, as this will reinforce her fear. Over a few weeks you should be able to get closer to the other dog until, eventually, Maggie is happy to Ask The Vet meet the dog. Your best chance of success is to get expert help If you have a pet question with this, so ask your vet for you’d like to ask Vicki, email advice or visit the website of the askthevet@pdsa.org.uk Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (www.apbc.org.uk).

Issue 20 •

I need a home!

Hello again! Hello again! I’m Mabel the resident dog at Appledown .

I am Mabel the resident dog at Appled Rescue and Rehoming This is Tor, a lurcher aged 3Kennels years. in Eaton

hom e! a d e e In

He is house-trained, good with people and other dogs. He needs owners who will be happy Appledown Rescue’s Dog of the Mon to carry on with his training. This affectionate dog would love to be part of a family, but would not be suitable for a home with children younger than teenagers. Appledown Rescue’s Dog of the Month

This is Tor, a lurcher ag house-trained, good with dogs. He needs owners w carry on with his training dog would love to be pa would not be suitable children younger than tee

If you feel you could offer Could you sponsor a other dogs, a loving a please call contac in at the home? Please between 10 a.m. and 4 p.

happy to offer advice an have restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under 7 years of age

Call: 01525 details our website for adoption information . You can to follow us on Face restrictions on rehoming dogs families Ifhave you. Check feel you could offer Tor, or E-mail: app Appledown Rescueour &dogs, Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, details . Check website for adoption infor any of our other a loving This is Tor, a01525 lurcher 3 years. He is h Call: 220383 or aged e-mail: appledown.kennels@btinternet.c Website: www.appledownrescue.co.uk and securegood home please call inNo.at trained, with people other dogs. (Reg. Charityand 1116848) Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kenn the kennels any day between needs owners who will be 10 happy Call: 01525 220383toorcarry e-ma a.m. p.m. OurThis staffaffectionate will beWebsite: withand his4training. dogwww wo happy tobe offer advice inforlove to part of a and family, but would(Reg. notC mation. restrictions on suitableWe forhave a home with children younger rehoming dogs to families with teenagers. children under 7 years of age, so If you ask feelfor you could offer our Tor, or any of o please details. Check other dogs, a lovinginformation. and secure home plea website for adoption call in at the kennels any day between 10 Appledown Rescue and 4 p.m. Our staff will be happy to offe & Rehoming Kennels, vice and information. We have restriction Harling Road, Eaton Bray, rehoming dogs to families with children u Beds. LU6 1QY 7 years of age, so please ask for details. C Call 01525 220383 . our website for adoption information. E-mail appledown.kennels@ btinternet.com.

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, www.appledownrescue.co.uk Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY You can now follow us on (Reg. Charity No. 1116848) Facebook and Twitter! Call 01525 220383 . (Reg. Charity No. 1116848) E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.c Visit our Website: www.appledownrescue.co.uk Appledown Rescue and You can now follow us on Harling Road, Bray, Facebook andEaton Twitter! August/September 2015 43

A Pensioners View

Should There Have Been

A No Vote

On Police Referendum?

By Mike Newman

I ask the question specifically as to why the majority of the population of Bedfordshire decided it would not support the expanding of the number of police officers to maintain law and order in the county when one considers that large area's of a rural population contained within it's boundaries.

t would seem that the Central Bedfordshire Council had already made up it's mind that the idea of raising the police portion of the rates by some 15.84% to expand the number of officers was a good idea, since it issued the council tax demands with the additional 15.84% increase. The Police Commissioner would have been involved and would obviously be the person to raise a referendum. Yes or No to the expansion of the police force. It was the referendum that caused the failure, as it did not contain sufficient information as to what the true choice should have been. The press informed us, via the Commissioner, that the referendum was limited as to what facts could be put forward to the public. This in itself almost pre-judged the answer that would be put in the ballot paper unless, like the Yes voters who were aware that the sum of money required to obtain a safer number of police officers on the beat only applied to the policing portion of the rates bill and not the whole.

I wonder how many No voters on the referendum now wonder if they might have done the wrong thing, by voting to deplete the police force even further, even though they will still be paying an increase to their council tax of 2% to maintain the depleted force. It certainly does not make sense to me. I voted yes to the referendum, the elderly like to see a police presence on the street, it gives peace of mind. The chances of seeing a police officer on the beat in rural Bedfordshire will be very remote indeed, unless we think again on the matter. Or the government increases funding for the police force we deserve, but Bedfordshire has never been on the normal rate for its police force. However, think on all you No voters, when you receive your updated council tax bill with 15.84% reduced to 2% think on. The reduction on a 'D' band property will amount to ÂŁ21.68 per year in your pocket, so for the price of a meal for two in a normal type restaurant, you have decided to pay 2% extra per year for a depleted service, Well Done!

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.

44 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 45

auto Biographies Vauxhall VIVA By Rob Auchterlonie Copyright Wheelwrite

Vauxhall could have been saying ‘here’s one we made earlier’ when the wraps came off the all new VIVA at the UK launch. For alongside it was the 1960s HA Viva, a car with the same value for money mindset that got many of us on the road all those years ago. In Ricky Martin’s adapted words it was ‘Livin’ la VIVA local’, as the British motoring press got their hands on the new car in Luton, where the original HA Viva first saw the light of day in 1963 before production switched to Ellesmere Port. Thankfully the quality has improved immeasurably, and the revival of the name means Vauxhall now has a trio of offerings in the small car sector, the VIVA lining up alongside the Corsa and Adam. Small, but with five doors and easy to park, the new car has been specifically tuned in the chassis department to deal with UK roads, and it’s fair to say it did a decent job of coping with the route on the UK launch last week. VIVA is only available in two trim levels – SE and SL – with the former starting at £7995 and the SL weighing in at £9495 for what is a pretty well equipped small car. And a stylish one too. The bonnet has a distinctive shape, and there are stand out sharp crease lines down the flanks that followed the door

handles. Noise from the 1.0 litre three cylinder ECOTEC engine was very well subdued. It’s made from light aluminium and has better running characteristics and noise emission than some four-cylinder units. Annoying vibrations that can be the trademark of some three-pots have been pretty well damped down, which makes the VIVA a more enjoyable and less grating car to drive than some of its competitors. Sales will be heavily weighted towards private buyers and that means there will be some competitive PCP plans available to customers. Interestingly it’s things that aren’t included at the moment – but which will be early in the new year – that will help make the VIVA a little different from its competitors. Like its stablemates ADAM and Corsa, VIVA will be fully connected thanks to the next generation IntelliLink infotainment system. Available from early 2016, IntelliLink allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices, including full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also available from January 2016, as standard on SL trim and as an option on SE, will be the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar. Customers will be able to use a wide gammut of services provided by Vauxhall OnStar such as emergency services, roadside recovery and smartphone remote control. In addition, when equipped with OnStar, VIVA will become a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling up to seven devices to be connected to the car network.

46 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

OnStar is also there in case of an emergency – whether you can ask for it yourself or not. For example, if an airbag deploys, OnStar will be alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the subscriber to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, emergency responders will immediately be sent to the exact location of the vehicle. OnStar Advisors located at the hightech Contact Centre in Luton will be available 24/7 and 365 days a year. At a push of the SOS button, OnStar users can request assistance whenever they deem it necessary, for example if they witness an accident. Via the Smartphone App, subscribers will be able to call OnStar from anywhere, access important vehicle data such as oil life and tyre pressure, remotely lock or unlock the car and (if their car has been stolen) locate it with Stolen Vehicle Assistance which can also remotely block the ignition.

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 47

Cinema New Releases THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E RELEASE DATE: 14th August 2015 CAST: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Jared Harris, Hugh Grant, Luca Calvani Director Guy Ritchie’s “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” is a fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series. Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.

ABSOLUTLY ANYTHING RELEASE DATE: 14th August 2015 CAST: Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley, Meera Syal and Rob RIggle. A voice cast line up of: John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin and Robin Williams Absolutely Anything follows a disillusioned school teacher, Neil Clarke (Pegg) who suddenly finds he has the ability to do anything he wishes, a challenge bestowed upon him by a group of power-crazed aliens (voiced by Cleese, Gillam, Jones, Palin and Idle), watching him from space. As he struggles to deal with these new found powers and the events that subsequently arise, he calls upon his loyal canine companion Dennis (voiced by Robin Williams) to help him along the way. Mishap after mishap finally leads him to the ultimate conundrum that all men dread and at which many have failed...should he choose the girl... or the dog...?

48 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON RELEASE DATE: 28th August 2015 CAST: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Aldis Hodge, Neil Brown Jr. In the mid-1980’s, the streets of Compton, California, were some of the most dangerous in the country. When five young men translated their experiences of growing up into brutally honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, they gave an explosive voice to a silenced generation. Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., Straight Outta Compton tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionized music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.

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Cinema New Releases

THE VISIT RELEASE DATE: 11th September 15 CAST: Kathryn Hahn, Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie, Ed Oxenbould, Olivia DeJonge Shyamalan returns to his roots with the terrifying story of a brother and sister who are sent to their grandparent’s remote Pennsylvania farm for a weeklong trip. Once the children discover that the elderly couple are involved in something deeply disturbing, they see their chances of getting back home are growing smaller every day.

DVD & Bluray New Release MR & MRS MURDER

RELEASE DATE: 3rd August 2015 HAVING TAKEN Australian audiences by storm, hilarious crime comedy series Mr & Mrs Murder now lands on British shores, following its current transmission on Channel 5 USA. Created by and starring renowned Aussie actor and comedian Shaun Micallef (Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation) and Kat Stewart (Offspring), this thrilling series follows the adventures of a married couple who run an industrial cleaning business whilst solving the most baffling murder mysteries. This 13-part truly enjoyable series will be released as a two-disc set. Described by the Sydney Morning Herald as ‘a modern take on screwball crime-comedy’, crime scene cleaners Charlie (Micallef) and Nicola (Stewart) Buchanan are a

50 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

fun loving and flirtatious couple whose unique quirks and talents lead them to unpick puzzling crimes. Add Charlie’s vice-like grasp of facts and figures to Nicola’s deep sense of justice, observational skills and human empathy, and you have the best crime-cracking couple since Moonlighting. Working alongside them is Detective Peter Vinetti (Jonny Pasvolsky – Mortdecai) who needs them more than they know, Nicola’s niece, the young and increasingly less naïve Jess Chalmers (Lucy Honigman – The Ex-PM), and their good friends Alan and Janine (Ben Geurens – Neighbours and Georgia Naidu – The Boys are Back) who appear just at ease reassembling an AK-47 or baking a cake. Charlie and Nicola pursue clever killers and misguided murderers in the unexpected worlds of musical theatre, the seaside elite, high fashion, modern art and are often able to close cases the cops can’t, as they earn themselves a well-deserved reputation as Mr & Mrs Murder.

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 51

What’s On

Science Uncovered

At Tring Museum Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

Come and discover animal specimens from around the world, from tiny beetles to enormous bears.

For Adults 25th September

Drop-in from 18.00 -22.00, Free, Join the Museum’s scientists in this annual late night event for adults, which has an Australian theme this year. Listen to expert talks, visit our pop-up bar, chat with scientists and enjoy the Museum's historic galleries at night.

Exhibitions

Coral Craft 11th August with 30 minute workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00 Tickets £2, suitable for all ages Explore the world of corals and create a crafty animal to join our reef.

Snapping Sharks 13th August with 30 minute workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00 Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+ Get up close to a real shark jaw and make a mini shark with a snap to match.

Butterfly Feeders 18th & 20th August with 30 minute workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00 Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+ Make a tasty treat for your garden butterflies with this recycled butterfly feeder.

Monstrous Models 4th August & 25th August With 30 minute workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00 Tickets £2, suitable for all ages Delve into the world of monsters and make your very own mini monster to take home.

Fossil Folklore 6th & 27th August with 30 minute handling workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00 Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+ Explore the legends that surrounded fossils when they were first discovered.

Loch Ness Monsters 10th September with 30 minute craft workshops at 11.00 & 14.00 Tickets £2, messy play for under 5's Is it real? Is it a myth? Make your own Loch Ness Monster out of clay and you can decide.

52 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Myths and Monsters exhibition Until 6th September Free exhibition, suitable for all ages Step back in time through the pages of an ancient book to a world inhabited by weird and wonderful creatures in a new exhibition, Myths and Monsters. Discover the truth behind unicorns, mermaids and other mythical creatures. Decide whether truth is stranger than fiction in this exhibition inspired by Conrad Gesner’s 450-year-old Historiae Animalium (Studies on Animals), considered to be the first modern zoological work. Get hands-on with replicas of the real animals that inspired stories of strange beasts, explore interactive displays, and marvel at beautiful hand-coloured woodcuts from Gesner’s book. Many of the Myths and Monsters exhibits were generously donated by the Natural History Museum London, which has a similar exhibition of the same name that tours the world. Visiting during the week? We recommend arriving after 13.00 as Gallery 2 is also a teaching space in the mornings and may be unavailable for short periods.

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01582 539179 or 07789 730580 Issue 20 • August/September 2015 53 59

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

Children’s art and craft. Every day - 26th July - 30th Aug, 10.30am - 4pm £1.50 per child. Ashridge Visitor Centre Have a go at different art techniques and look at the nature around you at Ashridge. Have fun looking at Colour, Shape, Form and Texture. You might get a bit messy. Wild About Ashridge Club Throughout August Wednesdays 12.30 and 2.30, Fridays 2pm £2 Adult & £1 child. You can book. Ashridge Visitor Centre Get closer to nature at Wild About Ashridge to be held every Wednesday (12.30pm & 2.30pm) and Friday at 2pm during the holidays. Outdoor fun adventures on Wednesday and family walks with one of the countryside team on Friday, whatever the weather. There will also be additional drop in art activities in the Visitor centre. Gentle Stroll Friday14th August, 10.30am - 12.30pm £3.00. Clipperdown car park (SP 963159) Part of a series of strolls which provide a chance to discover the wildlife in different parts of the Estate and to look for animal tracks, deer sightings, birds and other items of interest. The strolls take around 2 hours. No need to book, just turn up with sensible walking shoes and warm waterproof clothing just in case! Archaeology Walk - Dockey Wood and Ringshall Thursday 27th August, 6pm - 8pm £8.00 Adult & £5.00 Child. Join our regional Archaeologist for a walk around Ringshall and Dockey Wood, and discover its history as part of the Ashridge Estate. Discover Ashridge Walks Sunday 30th August, 10.30am - 1pm £3.00. Ashridge Visitor Centre Discover some of the highlights of the Ashridge Estate on a series of walks led by volunteer rangers Arthur and Mike. Each walk is about 6 miles in length. Dogs on leads are welcome. Wear good walking shoes and bring a drink. No need to book, just turn up.

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Ashridge Autumn Trail Every day 1st September - 31st October, 10am - 4pm £1.00. Ashridge Visitor Centre Take a stroll through the woodland discovering more about Autumn time at Ashridge and complete some of the "50 things" to do before you're 11 3/4 on route. Visit the Ashridge Visitor Centre to collect your trail map and follow the trail, answer the questions and return to collect your sticker reward. No need to book, just turn up. Heritage Open Day Saturday 12th September, Midday - 4.30pm FREE. The Bridgewater Monument will be open free of charge. Climb up 170 steps for beautiful panoramic views from the top. Opening is weather dependant. Chilterns Countryside and Food Festival Sunday 13th September, 10am - 4pm £4.00 Aduld £1.00 Child. Ashridge Visitor Centre Come along to our annual festival to celebrate the different crafts, industries and wildlife associated with the Chilterns countryside. Enjoy a day of mouth-watering local produce stalls, fascinating craft displays, forestry demonstrations and children's activities in the meadow behind the Visitor Centre. Gentle Stroll Tuesday 15th September, 10.30am - 12.30pm £3.00. Golden Valley park beside track. (SP 993128) Covering the Golden Valley are of the Estate and surroudning Parkland. Part of a series of strolls which provide a chance to discover the wildlife in different parts of the Estate and to look for animal tracks, deer sightings, birds and other items of interest. The strolls take around 2 hours. No need to book, just turn up with sensible walking shoes and warm waterproof clothing just in case!

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Issue 20 • August/September 2015 55

Notice Board Volunteers Wanted Growing public interest in the history of the town has prompted the Dunstable Tour Guides to seek additional volunteers. Learn fascinating facts, develop your natural communication skills and embark on a journey to entertain and inform groups of all ages with walks and talks. To find out more pleasee contact Ann Ledger. ann.ledger@btinternet.com or 01525 229476

RRY HOE QUA TIES N R E T T TO K PAR EER WORa day working VOLUNT d n e sp

is u like to ok after th Would yo and help lo r ai sh e fr in the rve? m your nature rese r to confir rmation o fo in re o For m ntact please co attendance 8279 07872 41 rg nock on Richard K ck@wildlifebcn.o no .k rd a h c ri rg dlifebcn.o www.wil

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Ashton Almshouse Ch arity has a newly refurb ished one bedroom flat available fro m the beginning of Au gust. There is a pleasant co mmunal garden and the flat is located in a central position in Bu llpond Lane, Dunstab le. The flat is suitable for single occupancy for a mature lady. For further informati on contact Yvonne Beaumont, Clerk to the Chari ties. Telephone no. 0158 2 660008 E-mail dunstablec harity@yahoo.com

FRIENDS OF ARDLEY HILL After its success last year, FOAH are starting to organise a second firework display in November. We are looking for any local businesses who would be willing to sponsor the raise event or offer support in helping us to . emy Acad Hill money for Ardley act us at: If you are interested please cont you. k Than k rg.u hill.o dley @ar foah

Halloween Favre To book a stall contact 01525 758874. Sunday October 25th. Harlington village hall, sundon road, harlington. 1pm - 4pm. Enchanted forest with story teller. Owls. Spooky and unusual stalls. Refreshments. Prizes for best adult and child fancy dress. Prizes for best carved pumpkin, adult and child.

SIGHT CONCERN BEDFORDSHIRE VOLUNTEERS NEED ED!

Sight Concern Bedfo rdshire is a local charity which aims to enhance the independence and qu ality of lifeof blind and partia lly sighted people in Bedfordshire and Luton. Curre nt volunteering oppo rtunities includes: Home visitin g and telephone befrie nding. We offer full training and the chance to be co me a member of our friend ly supportive team. Contact Joanna Clark 01234 264023 Joanna.clark@sightc oncern.org.uk Kids in Action childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity Games room Sensory cottage

We are looking for energetic , fun and out going people to become play or kitchen assistants to help run our special needs youth clubs on Saturdays and during school holidays.

Coffee shop

Disco Hall and lots more

If you would like to know more information please call Nicola or Mandy on 01582 477762 Unit 26 Apex Business centre Boscombe road, Dunstable, LU5 4SB

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 56 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Soft play area

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

Saturday 12th September Lots of fun classes, Refreshments & Stalls

Show ground opens at 11 a.m. Classes commence 12 noon. Entries on the day 01525 220383 e-mail: appledown.kennels @btinternet.com Registered Charity No. 1116848

Issue 20 â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2015 57

Clubs & Groups HARLINGTON PERFORMS: PRESENTS Comedy melodrama “The Curse Of An Aching Heart,or, Trapped By The Spiders Web.” By permission of Samuel French Inc. Friday September 11th and Saturday September 12th 7.30pm at harlington village hall, sundon road, harlington. Cheer the hero and heroine. Boo and hiss the dastardly villain. £8 adults, £6 senior citizens and children. Box office Bradshaw Estate Agents, Harlington or 01525 758874. 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 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 Malcolm Partridge 01525 222711 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 More info phone michael on 01582 602348 LANGDALE CHURCH ‘HATTERS TEA’- informal neighbourhood group meets monthly on a Wednesday pm. Free tea/ coffee & home-made cakes, quiz and raffle. Friends and Neighbours- monthly on a Thursday

58 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

pm. Speakers and free tea/coffee. At Langdale Church. Other groups- table tennis, walking group and drawing for beginners Make the most of our community activities and meet new people in our community. Tel Colin, Community Worker 01582602980 BREAKOUT SOCIAL CLUB We are a club for the over forty fives, not a singles club but a social club for people who enjoy going out but are on their own, where they can meet like-minded people, with a varied monthly programme covering Disco’s, Pub lunch’s, walks, parties and much, much more, we meet once a week in the front bar at the Conservative Club, High street North Dunstable For more information please contact Sandy on 07813 262556 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 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 snacks 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 go free & older children are welcome) Tel. Stacey 07957 607592 or Sally 07963 506188

NATIONAL TRUST All meetings are held in the Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3.

the afternoon. Meet at Felmersham NR car park SP987583, MK44 1JW at 10:30 to be led to the field. Leader: Tony Smith.

Wednesday August 5th. Outing… Baddesley Clinton & Coughton Court

Saturday 5th September Pegsdon 10:30am Visit Knockinghoe NNR for Autumn Ladies’ Tresses orchid and other wildlife. Park and meet in the field off Hitchin Road opposite the Live and Let Live Inn, Pegsdon, TL120301, SG5 3JX. Families welcome. Leader: Graham Bellamy.

Wednesday September 2nd , 7.45pm. Talk on The Wonderful World of Willow. Speaker: Sandra Barker Wednesday October 7th, 7.45pm. Talk on Waddesdon Manor Speaker: Bob Keating As well as the outings we run a holiday once per year.If you would like to join the local group please contact: Lynda Power Membership Secretary 01582 696193 Jane Lingham Secretary 01582 606838

Saturday 12th September Maulden 9:30am - 12pm Visit Maulden Wood for Small Mammal Trapping (mice, voles and shrews). Meet in lay-by on A6 at top of Deadman’s Hill TL072394. Families welcome. Families welcome. Leader: Mick McCarrick. Tuesday 15th September Maulden 8pm Talk by Brian Eversham, CEO of the local Wildlife Trust, on Climate Change and Local Wildlife. At Maulden Village Hall, TL048380, MK45 2DP. Chair: Graham Bellamy.

BEDFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Saturday 1st August Leighton Buzzard 10:30am Visit Tiddenfoot Lake to look for Dragonflies and other water related animals and plants. Meet at the car park, SP913239, LU7 2AE. Families welcome. Sunday 27th September Flitwick Leader: Rory Morrisey. 10am-12 Noon Dung Beetle Safari at Flitwick Moor. Come and Saturday 8th August find the fabulous beetles that live in cow pats! Houghton Regis Meet in car park at end of Folly Lane TL045354, 10am -12:30pm MK45 5BW, off Maulden Road by Folly Farm. FamiVisit Houghton Regis Chalk Pit to see the richest lies welcome. Leader: Nancy Reed Chiltern Gentian site in the country, the clouds of Chalkhill Blues and other wildlife. Meet at Lake FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMON View, off Houghton Road, TL013233, LU5 5GJ. We are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is Families welcome. Leaders: Rebecca Pitman and to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Peter Glenister. Common as a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy.For this purpose we meet as a Saturday 15th August work party on the third Saturday of each month Radwell/Felmersham (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we 10:30am enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a Visit a boulder clay grassland at Thursdays Farm, picnic lunch is provided! Radwell that has been pesticide-free for 19 years Details from Pam on 01582 872608 & is now in HLS. It has boasted large numbers pamrumfitt@btinternet.com of butterflies. Option to visit Felmersham NR in

Issue 20 • August/September 2015 59

Out & About Fun in the Sun Grove Corner Summer Activities This year’s ‘not to be missed’ programme will start on Monday 27 July and finish on Friday 21 August. Already confirmed dates for the diary are as follows: Wednesday 5th August – National Play Day A free fun-packed day for all the family 11.00 am to 3.00 pm at St Augustine School playing fields. Delivered in partnership with Downside Neighbourhood Centre. Friday 14th August – Sports Spectacular Archery to Aerobics, Dance to Darts and Fencing to Football, this day should have it all and more. A FREE family event at Beecroft School playing fields 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Delivered in partnership with the Beehive Children’s Centre. Friday 21th August – Inflatable Day Children can bounce the day away and adults can enjoy the time in the award-winning Grove House Gardens. 12 noon to 4.00 pm. A bargain at £5 per wrist band for unlimited fun! The summer activities programme will be on www.dunstable.gov.uk from June and updated when new activities are confirmed. Keep looking and book early to avoid disappointment! For all enquiries please contact Jacqui GroomTully at jacqui.groom-tully@dunstable.gov. uk, follow us on Facebook Grove Corner or telephone on 01582 891408

August / September 2015

College Lake

Upper Incknield Way, Tring. HP23 5QG

Children’s Summer Holiday Workshops ‘Pond Explorers’, Aug 4th & 27th 10.30-11.30am or 1.30-2.30 pm (6yrs+) Come and have a go at pond dipping. Discover the amazing creatures that live beneath the surface!

‘Bug Hunt Safari’, Aug 12th 10.30-12pm or 1.30-3pm (6yrs+)

Become a bug detective. Have fun exploring the woodland and meadow for all things wriggly, creepy and crawly! BOOKING ESSENTIAL (Suitable for 6yrs +)

Kids Go Free to more than 35 top London shows this summer! During Kids Week, a child aged 16 or under can experience the magic of London theatre and see a fantastic selection of shows for free, plus two additional children can go at half price (per transaction), as long as they are accompanied by a full paying adult.

ACTIVITY CAMPS! 20th July - 4th September Bring your children to our FUN activity Camps at Dunstable Leisure Centre. HEAPS of different games, sports & activities to try Cricket • Dodgeball • Sprints • Design a Cowboy Hat • Relays • Design a Flag • Rounders For children 3-14* years A great way for children to keep active, have fun & make friends. We have planned a wide range of exciting and varied activities, not only will each day be different, but each week will have a unique and thrilling theme to it as well!

To book contact lifestyles@dunstable Call 01582 608 107

60 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

INCREDIBLE EDIBLE COME n GROW

First Saturday of every month 11.00 am to 1.00 pm Katherine Drive, Dunstable LU5 4NP Details of each month’s action plan will be published on Incredible Edible Dunstable’s event page on Facebook nearer the time. We hope you can join the fun! Next dates are 6 June, 4 July, 1 August and 5 September .

For more info call 07905 116623 or email incredibleedible395@gmail.com find us on Facebook: ‘Incredible Edible Dunstable’

Out & About

August / September 2015

Family Fun Drop-in Days Ammonites and Urchins, Aug 8th 11am - 3 pm

Come and celebrate ‘Marine Week’ with us and discover the history of our beautiful reserve. Enjoy crafts, trails, stories and outdoor adventures.

Woodland Wonders and Magic Meadows Aug 25th 11am - 3pm

Explore the magical College Lake habitat. Enjoy crafts, trails, stories and outdoor adventures. (no need to book)

Events especially suitable for pre-schoolers and their grown ups… Bug Hunt Toddle Aug 11th 10.30am - 12pm or 1.30 - 3pm

Meadow sweeping, rolling logs, bug crafts, and some very hungry caterpillars! Book your place online

Teddy Bear Takeover Aug 20th 10.30am - 12pm or 1 - 2.30pm

We’re going on a bear hunt! Bring your teddy for adventures in the woods.

Admission £4 donation per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No children under 6yrs to accompany. Book online www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on.

Leighton Buzzard Railway

www.kidsweek.co.uk

Creasey Park

Come join us for some family fun £2.50 per child / per activity Teddy bear’s picnic 14th August 10.00 – 13.00 Come bring your teddy for games and picnic (picnic provided), if you have a poorly teddy they can visit the doctor’s.

• Pirates and Princess treasure hunt 21st August, 10.00 – 13.00 Come dressed up and join in our treasure hunt and win a prize for best dressed. And lots of fun activities to take part in. Summer Arts and Crafts 28th August, 10.00 – 13.00 Come and get messy with lots of creative activities and have lots of FUN

To avoid disappointment book your place contact either email georgina. stanley@dunstable.gov.uk or 01582 891433

Pages Park Station, Billington Rd, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. LU7 4TN Phone:01525 373888 Come and join us on days when we do something special! 16th August: PRINCESSES & PIRATES DRESS-UP DAY Another fun dress-up day to help the long summer holidays go by. Accompanied dressed up kids travel free of charge on a return train ride. And under-10s can have fun on our inflatable pirate ship! 12th-13th September: STEAM-UP WEEKEND A weekend of busy steam action, the highlight of which is expected to be a public steaming of Portuguese loco "Pedemoura" (subject to availability) at the end of a 40-year overhaul! Also resident "P C Allen" which used to shunt wagons in a chemical works in northern Spain. Other locos with Portuguese or Spanish connections are being lined up to visit. 27th September: SAND & MOTORCYCLES RALLY Celebrating the role that motor-cycles played in communication between the local sand quarries, in the pre-internet age. Free entry to motor-cycle rally in Page's Park, and extra trains on our railway next door. Contact us if you are interested in taking part in the rally.

Issue 20 • August/September 2015 61

Answers

Crossword

Step On It

Across: 1 Intelligible 7 Grief 8 Pater

CLICK SLICK SLICE SLIME SLIDE GLIDE

9 Nee 10 Countless 11 Output 12 Inform 15 Arbitrate 17 Net 18 Leech 19 Alter 21 Preposterous Down: 1 Inconsolable 2 Lei 3 Influx 4 Impotence 5 Litre 6 Presumptuous 7 Greet 10 Courtship 13 Owner 14 Harass 16 Blear 20 Toe

Qualified Town Guide & Speaker offers

Walks & Talks

Dealing With Early & Medieval Dunstable including stories relating to • The Rise of Dunstable • The Priory • Dun the Robber & other brigands • Henry 8th & Catherine of Aragon • Henry’s other wives & children • Royal Visitors & Ordinary Folk • Pilgrims & Tournaments • Highwaymen (& Highwaywomen) Also

Ghost stories, Travel accounts etc.

If interested, please contact PAUL HELEY on 01582 664339 or paul.heley@virgin.net 62 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Magic of the Musicals & We’ll meet again

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Contact Peter Pascan 01525 404204 ppascan@btinternet.com Issue 20 • August/September 2015 63