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June | July 2013
www.thevinemagazine.com
Hair and Beauty for Men See Your Kids on Father’s Day
lose the bulge for summer
Plus our usual features and what’s on guide
Delivered free through 10,000 doors in Bletchley, Fenny Stratford, Newton Longville, Soulbury, Stoke Hammond, Drayton Parslow and Great Brickhill
Dear All It is carnival and festival season and we have so many events to choose from as we head into summer. I have crammed as many of them in to the what’s on page as possible but you can also follow on Facebook and Twiter to be updated on even more Have a great time All the best, Andrena
SOME DATES FOR YOUR DIARY June 8th West Bletchley Carnival
Editor:Andrena CardenWhite Advertising & Editorial, The Vine Magazine 0797 155 4604 info@thevinemagazine.com (Leighton Buzzard/Bletchley)
27th Linslade Canal Festival
twitter @thevineLB facebook.thevinemagazine
16th Father’s Day 18th -22nd Ascot 24th-7th July Wimbledon July 19th -14th Chelsea Flower Show
see what’s on guide for lots, lots more. Page 34 DelivereD using
CONTENT 4 Traveller’s Tale 6 Traveller cont’d 8 Auto Biographies 10 Knickers 12 Beauty for Men 14 Brain Power 16 Beat the Bulge 18 On Yer Bike 22 Gone Fishing 26 Got a blockage? 28 A father’s rights 30 Bailey’s ice cream 32 Best for you 34 What’s On 36 Puzzles 38 Nutrition for later life 40 Chossing a care home 42 Puzzle solutions 43 Changes in the NHS 44 Book Review 46 Tax free child care
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A Travellers Tale
The Island on the Edge of the World By Paul Heley
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number of years ago, I was with my cousin and her husband (who had a reasonable sized, sea going yacht) and we'd spent a while sailing around western Scotland. At the end, Dick asked me if there was anywhere that I would really like to go and, without even thinking, I said St Kilda - somewhere which had been on my "would love to visit but doubt I'll ever get there" list for many years. He didn't flinch!; and it was agreed that if I could get to the Outer Hebrides at the drop of a hat, we'd have a shot the following year. And, it happened: the 'phone call came, I leapt on my motorbike, charged off to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris and was met by Dick and Gillian a couple of days later. NB Speed was of the essence, and a suitable weather window was imperative, because the seas round St Kilda are notoriously tricky. Although you might get there, you might not be able to land (or even leave!) Anyway, next day we loaded up with provisions and diesel (the boat had an engine as well as sails) and during the afternoon, we sailed westwards through the Sound of Harris headed for St Kilda 50 miles away in the North Atlantic. We arrived overnight, dropped anchor, and went ashore by dinghy early next morning. I must admit to having a tremendous feeling of achieve-
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ment upon first setting foot on the land - it was as though something long anticipated could now be ticked off and was almost mystical. I'd read a bit about St Kilda - dubbed "the island on the edge of the world" - and the more I read, the more intriguing it became. For example :St Kilda is not an island as such but is an archipelago of four islands and a number of sea stacks. The main island is called Hirta but there is also Dun, Soay and Boreray. The whole archipelago is a result of volcanic outbursts 60 million (or so) years ago and has geological affinity with Rhum, Ardnamurchan, Mull, Faroes and Iceland plus many other places. Archaeological evidence shows it was first inhabited more than 3000 years ago and had been periodically inhabited ever since. Even before the Vikings (roughly 1000 years ago) and until the island's evacuation in 1930, people have been there continuously and it is amazing to think that folk have chosen to live on this remote, isolated, cold, rain lashed, storm riven island since time immemorial. Apart from the ancient "souterrain" (literally "below ground") and "horned" habitable structures, Hebridean "black" houses had been used during the last few centuries. These were oval in shape (to combat the wind), had very thick stone walls, a single door for both animals
and family, a single window, no chimney for smoke to escape (hence "black" because of the soot encrusted interior) and a turf covered roof held down with ropes attached to heavy boulders. There are stomach churning accounts of how people and animals lived together in these old houses. Forget about sanitation! But during the mid 19th century, most (but not all) people moved out of the black houses into the usual idea of stone built, rectangular, cottages. It's important to note that there are no trees on St Kilda so wood (in the form of driftwood) was precious, and 99% of any structure was stone. There's plenty of that! The population never exceeded 200 and this number fluctuated greatly due to disease, epidemic, lack of sanitation, high infant mortality, emigration, etc. The life style of the St Kildans was unchanging: perhaps, and because they were living so close to the edge of disaster, their extreme conservatism and reluctance to change in any way is understandable. They grew some barley, oats and vegetables where possible, ate the mutton of the wild Soay sheep on the next island on occasions - but rarely ate fish. Although the surrounding seas teemed, fishing could be very dangerous in little boats and, anyway, the islanders considered fish to be relatively tasteless.
A Travellers
Tale
(Continued)
6
For their staple, the islanders had adopted a completely unique diet based on sea birds. Since there are literally millions of them eg puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars to name but few, the supply was inexhaustable. Birds were used mainly for food but their feathers and down were used in bedding and clothing and their oil was used for cooking, lighting and heating. As food, they were either roasted, boiled or "grilled" in front of the fire. The fulmar was especially prized and was effectively "squeezed" in order to release its plentiful supply of oil. There was also the requirement to store the birds for the winter time and, after plucking and gutting, the flesh was dried. The landscape is covered with hundreds of "cleitean", ie small, stone built and turf roofed structures where the wind blowing through loosely packed stones could do the drying and the rain was kept out. Such structures are unique to St Kilda. In order to harvest the birds and their eggs from Hirta and Boreray, St Kildans had to be expert "cragsmen" in order to scale the precipitous cliffs - reputedly the highest in Britain. They climbed bare footed and it is suggested that evolution was slowly developing opposable toes in the men so as to cling onto tiny footholds on the cliff face. There is also the story of the "Mistress Stone" upon which a young man had to balance precariously in order to prove his ability as a cragsman and to be suitable as a husband and father. The graveyard on Hirta gives testimony to some of those who fell from these daunting cliffs. Amongst the islanders themselves, money and politics played no part. Some of the more romantic writers have described the St Kildan lifestyle as "serene", "idyllic", "heavenly", "utopian", whilst those with their feet more firmly on the ground use such adjectives as "ignorant", "poverty stricken", "deprived", "medically unaware". Yer pays yer money and yer takes yer choice on this one! The lifestyle was virtually an example of pure communism - everything was shared equally and everyone worked for the good of the community as well as for his own family. Each day, the men of the village met at a specific spot along "The Street" (singular) and decided what needed to be done that day and who would do what. This meeting was known as The Parliament. It is extremely poignant to walk along this deserted street, in and out of the deserted houses, trying to imagine the men, all dressed identically, deliberating the day's events whist the womenfolk would prepare food or weave cloth.
Although St Kilda was, to a large extent isolated, it was not totally removed from the rest of the world. On a good day, it is possible to see the Outer Hebrides - and to be seen. Consequently, each community knew of the other's existence and from times long past, St Kilda had come under the stewardship of Scottish clan chiefs who periodically sent their representatives to exact a form of tithe. "Missionaries" had also visited St Kilda since well before 1700 and had converted the islanders from a type of GaelicNorse paganism into devout Christians. Some of these missionaries stayed for some time and contributed much towards the general welfare but one, the Rev. John Mackay - from the hell fire and brimstone Free Church of Scotland - was there from 1865 to '89 and exercised an exceedingly harsh rule and most likely did more harm than good. The missionaries were not only preachers and savers of souls but were also the school teacher, the doctor and someone who could intervene on the islanders' behalf when dealing with mainland officials - they were powerful people who could not be ignored. In times of emergency, the islanders had devised the "St Kilda mailboat" which was a variant on the "message in a bottle" idea. The "mailboat" would be launched in the hope that it would wash up on the Scottish mainland and acted upon. Sometimes it worked, and one even got as far as Norway. On a grimmer note, there is the story of Lady Rachel Grange who had been banished to St Kilda by her husband because she knew too much about his Jacobite sympathies and was prepared to spill the beans. Marooned on St Kilda for 7 years unable to speak Gaelic (and the islanders knew no English) she slowly went bonkers. Following her eventual release, she died in 1745 - by then completely mad. But over time, the St Kildans became increasingly aware that they were beyond the edge of normal society and that their life was unnecessarily primitive. This was emphasised during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as more and more visitors came to the island until, eventually, in 1930, the islanders asked to be evacuated to the mainland. By this time, there were only 36 of them left and they realised that they were, effectively, a species on the edge of extinction. Thus ended the story of a particular group of people who, over centuries or even millenia, had followed a unique way of life. All that now remains are memories.
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BIOGRAPHIES Volvo V40
Volvo V40
By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Wr www.carwriteups.co.uk @carwriteups
GONE ARE the days of ‘wardrobe on which also now qualifies for red wheels’ or ‘only teachers drive those’ insurance premiums. jokes. Volvo now has some seriously stylish ike all Volvos it is well V40 is no different. It is the GONE ARE the days of built but this has a defisafest carmight in its class, having with a cars in its stable and the V40 is the latest And, as you expect ‘wardrobe on wheels’ nite athletic appearance achieved the highest score one. turbo,ever therecorded £24,795.00 V40 D4, o or ‘only teachers drive about it. From the twin tailby EuroNCAP pipes to the low profile tyres in recent crash tests. This is an efficient motor. Onisaverage those’ jokes. on 18 inch rims the V40 D4 thanks, in part, to pioneerLike all Volvos it issome well built but this has a return up to 65.7mpg, so it certa Volvo now has SE obviously means business. ing technologies such as the definite athletic appearance about it. From endorses Volvo’s thinking seriously stylish cars world's first pedestrian airbagthat it and for Volvo's autonomous But does it deliver? theintwin tailpipes tothe the low profile tyres on Absolutesolution drivers who want a its stable - and braking system, City Safety, ly. The 1984cc five cylinder, 18V40 inchisrims the V40 D4 SE obviously means churnsvehicle experience with for low emi the latest one. which also now qualifies 20 valve oil-burner reduced insurance premiums. out 175bhp, so 0-62 comes business. lowin running costs, but who don' a rapid 8.6 seconds. The wide sacrifice equipment, styling or sa And, as you might expect car sits low on the road and But does it deliver? Absolutely.takes Thecorners 1984cc with a diesel turbo, the on rails. Thefeatures". £24,795.00 V40 D4, on test diesel rattle isout barely noticefive cylinder, 20 valve oil-burner churns FAST FACTS able, even on start up, and, as here, is an efficient motor. 175bhp, so 0-62 comes Put simply, theit V40 delivers unp Max speed: 137 mphin a rapid On average can return up with8.6 all Swedish-made cars, 0-62 mph: 8.6 secs 65.7mpg, so it certainly ultra supportive seconds. The wide car sits low the onseats theare road choicetoin the premium hatchbac Combined mpg: 65.7 endorses Volvo’s thinking on long commutes. andEngine: takes1984 corners on rails. The diesel rattle without It’sfora grea cc cylinder that compromise. it “offers the solution 20 valve turbo diesel drivers who–want premium is barely noticeable, even on start up,isn’t and, butayou get what The V40 just about the cheapest Max. power (bhp): vehicle experience with low performance and grip though; as with all Swedish-made cars, the seats are - usually. 175 at 3500 rpm it also provides enough space emissions and low running ultraMax. supportive on long commutes. torque (lb/ft): costs, but who don't want to for four-up. The boot, al-
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324 at 1750 - 2750 rpm though not massive, is decent sacrifice equipment, styling or CO2: 114 g/km safety features". enough to shove in everyThe Price: V40 isn’t justonabout and £24,795 the roadperformance thing a young family might Put simply, the V40 delivers gripPROS though; it also provides enough space need – from a week’s worth & CONS unprecedented choice in the of shopping to a couple of for four-up. The boot, although not PROS FAST FACTS Quick√ baby buggies and all the gear premium hatchback sector Handsome√ massive, is decent enough to shove in speed:compromise. 137 mph It’s a that goes with young kids. Maxwithout Economical√ great car; not the cheapest – everything a young family might need – mph: 8.6 secs 0-62but Safe√ you get what you pay for Of course, safety is never cheapestworth X fromNotathe week’s of shopping to a - usually. an issue with Volvo andthe Combined mpg: 65.7
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Knickers... The Inside Story
recent reconfiguration of my bedroom led me to a bit of a sort out in the knicker department and it is fair to say that the results were quite surprising. It may also be fair to say that this article is best suited to women and that men of a sensitive disposition (or those who would like to preserve a sense of mystery) might wish to turn the page. The grand total was 72 pairs, without further comparison it seems like quite a lot but if you then consider that if you, dear reader, are sitting in a doctor's surgery, have happened upon this publication on perhaps the 1st July, then, without the aid of a washing machine, I could survive, (although on many days, with a fair degree of discomfort – I will come to that) until precisely 10th September.....a whole summer of knickers. So to categories; the first, most practical and frankly the point I should have stopped at, are the days of the week knickers, 7 days, 7 pairs, the work is done. However, there is the problem of colours; I never wear Sunday because they are a slightly Caucasian flesh toned pink with yellow trim and there is nothing nice about flesh of a certain age and certainly no need to match any garment to it but particularly not a garment that is likely to be next to the biggest expanse of said flesh. They are also a tad frilly and
under some clothes may suggest a hint of baby knickers or maybe the adult incontinence pant and no-one wants to suggest that do they? So at best 6 days worth but only with the right outfit. Ladies, I now come on to those knickers that are at the very back of the drawer, the sexy little numbers that were either bought for us (wrong size but you have to admire their optimism) or the ones that came in a matching set, sometimes even with suspender belt. Let me digress to the suspender belt for just one moment. Some of us, (yes me) did make brave attempts to breach the chasm between belt and stocking top with a piece of elastic under such tension that should either end fail, the recoil could have resulted in significant injury. I think, unless sylph like, we mostly reach the same conclusion and that is, framing and concentrating the worst bits of flesh into bulgy mounds is not conducive to anyone reaching even the lowest heights of passion. I digressed, even without the aforementioned many of these sexy little numbers are not without an element of pain. G-strings, Tangas, Brazilian fit (not to be mistaken with other similar sounding services) and even boy shorts can, without any encouragement from their owner, travel to parts they were not destined for and whilst on their journey induce significant discomfort
and even pain – without going into too much more detail lets just call that minus 14 days of knickers. Shapewear, so called because you get an aerobic workout pulling it on. Yes, since the days of Trinny and Suzannah we have been lulled into believing that shapewear will transform our figures into the goddesses we imagine and indeed if you have the required grip strength to pull them into the desired position the area for which they are intended is instantly and impressively compressed. It is unfortunate that the adjacent areas to this now become the recipient of transferred flesh – another piece of shapewear perhaps. In the defence of shapewear I do have a slip which is very effective under skirts and dresses however, it compresses my thighs together so much that my legs are slightly spring loaded so that I can only take miniscule steps forwards under great effort and can manage the stairs only by moving my legs from the knees down. Minus 5 days. And so finally to the comfy pants, the happy pants, M&S cotton pants, the lacy 3 in a pack from TU pants, the spotty, flowery, pretty multipack pants from Primark, the okay to wear in a changing room pants, the pack them just-in-case pants. Hooray for the everyday pants........I'll let you do the maths.
By Andrena Carden-Lovell
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Following the success of Mother’s Day which originated in the USA, it seemed apt of course to give Dads a chance to be recognised for a special day in the year when they too could be treated and pampered. It is acknowledged that a lady called Sonora Smart was mind inspired by the American A moment of tranquility to restDodd your and body Mother's Day celebrations and she planned a day to give thanks to fathers and indeed this special day has been celebrated in the USA since 1910. Held on the third Sunday in June, Father’s Day is a day to honour those who play a fatherly role and visit them and or treat them to heath & reach gifts to show how important they are in our lives. With the increase leighton buzzard in availability of personally printed products, Dads often get given mugs, T’shirts or calendars. Depending on07789 the age of074758 the children Visit the website for details ofinvolved treatments a specially and drawnoffers picture or painted pebbles can be treasured for years to come - for those who are older a pub lunch is Sunday 16th June www requiescence co uk often favoured!
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BRAIN POWER How to Improve Your Memory If our brains were computers, we’d simply add a chip to upgrade our memory. The human brain, however, is more complex than even the most advanced machine, so improving our memory isn’t quite so easy. Just as it takes effort to build physical fitness, so too does boosting brain power. There are many things you can do to improve your memory and mental performance. Here are some promising ways to keep your mind and memory in top form.
And if a human isn’t handy, don’t overlook the value of a pet-especially the highly-social dog.
high blood pressure. Meditation also can improve focus, concentration, creativity, and learning and reasoning skills. Meditation works its “magic” by changing the actual brain. Brain Laughter is good for your brain images show that regular meditators You’ve heard that laughter is the best have more activity in the left prefrontal medicine, and that holds true for the cortex, an area of the brain associated Don’t skimp on exercise or sleep brain as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited with feelings of joy and equanimity. Just as an athlete relies on sleep and to specific areas of the brain, laughter a nutrition-packed diet to perform his involves multiple regions across the Bulk up on brain-boosting foods or her best, your ability to remember Just as the body needs fuel, so does increases when you nurture your brain whole brain. Furthermore, listening to jokes and the brain. You probably know already with a good diet and other healthy working out punch lines activates that a diet based on fruits, vegetables, habits. areas of the brain vital to learning and whole grains, and “healthy” fats will When you exercise the body, you creativity. provide lots of health benefits, but such exercise the brain a diet can also improve memory. But Physical exercise increases oxygen to for brain health, it’s not just what you your brain and reduces the risk for dis- Keep stress in check eat-it’s also what you don’t eat. Stress is one of the brain’s worst orders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. enemies. Over time, if left unchecked, Exercise may also enhance the effects chronic stress destroys brain cells and Give your brain a workout of helpful brain chemicals and protect damages the hippocampus, the region By the time you’ve reached adulthood, of the brain involved in the formation your brain has developed millions of brain cells. of new memories and the retrieval of neural pathways that help you process old ones. information quickly, solve familiar sleep on it problems, and execute familiar tasks When you’re sleep deprived, your with a minimum of mental effort. But The benefits of meditation brain can’t operate at full capacity. if you always stick to these well-worn Whether you’re studying, working, or The scientific evidence for the mental health benefits of meditation continues paths, you aren’t giving your brain the trying to juggle life’s many demands, sleep deprivation is a recipe for disas- to pile up. Studies show that meditation stimulation it needs to keep growing and developing. You have to shake ter. But sleep is critical to learning and helps improve many different types of memory in an even more fundamental conditions, including depression, anxi- things up from time to time! ety, chronic pain, diabetes, and way. Research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, Tips for learning... and remembering with the key memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages Pay attention. It takes about eight seconds of intense focus to process a piece of sleep. of information into your memory. Involve as many senses as possible. Try to relate information to colours, Make time for friends and fun textures, smells and tastes. The physical act of rewriting information can help When you think of ways to improve imprint it onto your brain. Even if you’re a visual learner, read out loud what memory, do you think of “serious” you want to remember. activities such as wrestling with the Relate information to what you already know. Connect new data to informaNew York Times crossword puzzle tion you already remember, whether it’s new material that builds on previous or mastering chess strategy or do knowledge, or something as simple as an address of someone who lives on a more light-hearted pastimes-hanging street where you already know someone. out with friends or enjoying a funny For more complex material, focus on understanding basic ideas rather than movie-come to mind? If you’re like memorizing isolated details. Practice explaining the ideas to someone else in most of us, it’s probably the former. your own words. But countless studies shows that a life Rehearse information you’ve already learned. Review what you’ve learned that’s full of friends and fun comes the same day you learn it, and at intervals thereafter. This “spaced rehearsal” is with cognitive benefits. more effective than cramming, especially for retaining what you’ve learned.
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The Nutrition Coach
Beat The Bulge!
With the summer finally on the way many of us turn our attention to the holidays and our summer wardrobe! If you have decided that it is time to take action and get your eating habits back on track, then follow these easy and effective tips to help you get in shape.
Dare To Bare! We all know crash diets are a bad idea, but impending holidays cry out for a quick fix. If you need to lose a few pounds before jetting off to foreign climes, we offer a few helpful hints and tips that will have you feeling fabulous by the pool!
Eat five or six small meals rather than three big ones. This will keep your blood sugar level steady and reduce cravings. Write down what you eat. This will stop sneaky snacking. Eat slowly. Concentrate on enjoying your food. Watch your portion size. Use smaller plates so you feel like you’re eating more. Bulk up meals with vegetables. Raw vegetables are ideal because your body burns extra calories as it digests them. Limit the amount of potatoes, pasta and bread you eat. Avoid processed foods which can be high in fat, sugar and salt, all of which encourage fluid retention. Chewing sugar-free gum takes your mind off wanting something to eat. Remember drinks have calories too... Stick to water and use skimmed milk in tea and coffee. Green tea is rumoured to help your body burn fat. Investigate fat-burning supplements. Staff at a good health food shop will be able to advise you. Be more active. Aim to exercise for 30 minutes a day. And finally, get enough sleep. If you’re tired, you’re more likely to reach for a sugary snack.
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Balance Your Blood Sugar Levels This will help sustain energy levels throughout the day and prevent cravings for sugary food. Follow the next few points to help with this. Eat regular healthy meals – including breakfast A healthy breakfast will set your day off to a good start and prevent those mid morning sugar cravings. Aim to have 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day, try and eat every 3 hours and ditch the sugary foods and drinks. Choose Whole-Wheat/Wholegrain Bread, Pasta, Rice These foods are known as complex carbohydrates which take longer for the body to break down into sugar. They contain more natural vitamins and minerals than their white counterparts. Eat Healthy Fats Healthy fats such as vegetable oils, olive oil and oily fish will actually help you lose weight. The fat in oily fish may increase the amount of calories you burn in a day. Chew Your Food Well And Eat Slowly Your body will recognise when you have had enough to eat sooner, as it takes twenty minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that you are full. Drink Plenty Of Fluids Aim to drink 1.5 litres of water a day to help you flush away toxins and keep you hydrated. Be aware that thirst can actually be mistaken for hunger pangs. Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating and can also contribute to the appearance of cellulite. Include a healthy protein source in every meal. Proteins can help you feel fuller for longer as they take longer to digest. Healthy protein foods include lean meats, dairy, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, peas and lentils. Use Smaller Plates A smaller plate can be a really effective way of reducing your food intake, without feeling like you have been short changed. Eat Your 5 A Day! Fruit and vegetables contain a broad range of vitamins and minerals and make a great healthy snack between meals, eat with nuts/seeds for extra blood sugar balancing.
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Road cycling is an exhilarating way to challenge yourself...
and get fit!
Y
ou know what they say about riding a bike – once you’ve learned you never forget. So if you enjoyed zooming down hills when you were younger (and struggling up them!) road cycling may be the ideal sport for you. As the name suggests, road cycling involves riding exclusively on roads, and the aim is to build up your speed and the distance you can cover. It’s a very efficient way to get fit and lose weight as it’s one of the few sports that you can sustain for two to four hours. Like running, it gets you out in the fresh air, but it is low impact and places less strain on your joints. Road bikes are designed for racing. They have a lightweight frame, narrow tyres and rounded handlebars so that you sit forward in an aerodynamic position. You can pay anything from £150
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to £5000 plus. Cheaper bikes are made from steel or aluminium, while the more expensive are carbon fibre or titanium, which is amazingly strong and light. If you decide to take up the sport seriously, look for a well-known brand and expect to pay around £600. Getting the right size is important, so ask your local bike shop for advice. Your legs should be almost straight when they are on the pedal at bottom of the turn. There are two types of pedals on road bikes. Platform pedals are like those on a traditional bicycle and you will need to add toe clips. Modern clipless pedals will need special shoes with cleats on them that fix your foot to the pedals. The saddle of a road bicycle is normally very narrow and can be uncomfortable, so you may want to get a gel cover or wear padded
shorts. When you’re out on the roads, safety has to be your top priority. A helmet is a must, as is brightly coloured clothing. Ride your bike as if you were driving a car and obey traffic laws. Take a tool kit with you – a spare inner tube, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, pump and Allen keys are essential. It’s also sensible to carry your address and phone number in case of an accident. Think of road cycling as a long-term sport. It will take you a few weeks to get used to your bike and build up your speed and stamina. Joining a club is a great way to keep motivated. You’ll find a directory of over 1500 clubs at www.britishcycling.org.uk ranging from informal groups who ride for pleasure to competitive racing teams. So what are you waiting for – get on your bike!
LINSLADE SCHOOL Linslade School is a thriving 9-13 Middle School in Leighton Buzzard WHERE WE AIM TO: •
Provide a safe and secure environment in which everyone is welcomed, respected and valued.
•
Encourage high aspirations and expectations, striving for excellence in all that we do.
•
Provide all learners with the opportunity to achieve to the best of their ability both in the classroom and via a broad range of extra-curricular experiences including: •
A wide range of extra- curricular sporting opportunities;
•
An exciting range of trips and visits;
•
Our school productions, which this year included ‘Joseph’ and the much acclaimed ‘Bugsy Malone’
•
The chance to take part in clubs and activities ranging from ICT club, to beading, chess to art, singing group to gardening club and dance club to cookery club. This year we have even built our very own ‘green car’!
In addition, we offer a strong and caring environment in which our pupils feel safe. New pupils are supported via a buddy system in order to make their journey to Linslade as smooth as possible. Our children are happy and tell us ‘It’s brilliant at Linslade School!’ We currently have a number of places available for entry in Years 5 and 7 in September 2013. If you are still looking for a place for your son or daughter, please do not hesitate to contact us to ask for a prospectus to be sent to you or to arrange a time to come and take a look around.
LINSLADE SCHOOL, Mentmore Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 2PA TEL: 01525 372640 FAX: 01525 851437 EMAIL: contact@linsladeac.co.uk WEB: www.linsladeac.co.uk
b u l C a D In
Let a holiday club help with your child care this summer The six-week school holiday looms. Up and down the country you can hear collective groans from working parents beginning to stress about securing holiday care for their children. Whether you need childcare while you’re at work, or a way to keep your energetic offspring entertained, holiday clubs can be a lifesaver. There is such a wide variety available that you are sure to be able to find something that suits both you and your child. Some clubs are run by local authorities and are based at schools, nurseries or community centres. You’ll find that places offering ‘before and after school’ clubs often have holiday clubs too. Others are linked to clubs offering specific activities, such as a sport or performance art. There are also some big companies offering schemes throughout the UK, such as Kings Camps (www.kingscamps.org) and Super Camps (www.supercamps.co.uk). Visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk/nafis to find details of your local Family Information Service. They will have details of childcare in your area, including holiday clubs. Most clubs will be registered with Ofsted and you can find details of their latest inspection at www. ofsted.gov.uk . It’s a good idea to visit the venue and speak to the manager. Make sure you are happy with the child/adult ratios and the qualifications of the staff – they should all have been CRB checked. If you
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don’t know anyone else who has used the club, ask the manager to provide you with some recent testimonials. Try to see a timetable and photos of a typical day at the club. Activities can range from sports, crafts and cooking to quad biking, archery or trampolining. Many clubs will plan a theme for the day or week, and some may let the children choose what to do. Find out what children need to bring with them – aprons, trainers or drinks, for example. They probably won’t need any money unless they are going out for a day trip. Make sure you know the arrangements for dropping off and collecting children, and what happens in an emergency. You will need to book your child’s place in advance. Check the session times carefully – some clubs may be half days, some will run within school hours, while others may be open from 8am until 5 or 6pm. Ask what is included in the price. Is lunch provided, or will children need to bring their own? Paying for a week is usually cheaper than paying per day. You may also get a discount for more than one child. Some clubs will accept childcare vouchers, and you can claim back some of the cost of Ofsted-registered clubs if you qualify for Family Tax Credits. Happy holidays!
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I
n rivers and canals, streams, lakes, reservoirs and sea, angling is one of the UK’s most popular sports. It is estimated that 3.3 million people participate on a regular basis. People enjoy fishing for a variety of reasons. Some love the peace and tranquillity they find outdoors. Others relish the opportunity to socialise with like-minded individuals and take part in competitions, usually organised by angling clubs. Many pick up their rods each weekend because they enjoy the challenge of trying to outsmart the fish, deciding which stretch of the water to fish in, persuading the fish that the lure is food, and of course the thrill of the catch. Fishing enthusiasts need a rod, something to attract the fish, nets, and suitable clothing. Rods can vary hugely in price depending on their size, quality and specifications. Skills involve casting a rod, tying knots, and catching and releasing the fish. Fishermen (and women) believe it is the combination of good equipment and fishing skills that leads to greatest success. There are a variety of different lures and baits. Natural baits
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include live worms and maggots Artificial baits are often made from types of human food. Man made lures seek to replicate the food that fish eat. Different ones are suitable in different circumstances and most anglers have their favourites.
Three types of fishing are most prevalent in the UK: Fly fishing - Used to catch fish like trout and salmon, as well as pike, bass and carp. Fish are caught using very light artificial flies - made by tying hair, fur, feathers and other materials together. They are cast with a fly rod and a fly line. Fresh water fishing - Uses water that contains minute quantities of dissolved salts. Some of the
most important freshwater fish are bass, catfish, pickerel, pike sunfish, trout, salmon, muskellunge, sturgeon and walleye. ‘Coarse fishing’ is the term used to describe fishing in fresh water for any species other than salmon or trout. Sea fishing - This obviously takes place in or by the sea. Most sea angling takes place from a boat, but it can also be done in estuaries, on piers and from rocks. Piers and jetties are ideal places for catching mackerel and codling. Mullet, flounder and dab are often found in estuaries and harbours. Conger eel live in the foam covered seas next to rocky headlands, and bass can be caught from beaches. There is a requirement for most anglers to have a rod licence and fishing permit. The Environment Agency oversees this and fines may be imposed for none compliance. Anglers must also abide by local byelaws. Izaak Walton was a seventeenth century fisherman who wrote The Compleat Angler. He famously said, ‘I have laid aside business and gone a’fishing.’ Why not join those 3.3 million people who regularly do the same?
The most extensive showroom of glazing products on display in the Milton Keynes area See the windows close-up and in different house settings - remove the guesswork from your purchase Look at the range of doors on display, check the different styles, colours and glazing options Step inside the conservatories and our solid roof garden room See our Aluminium and uPVC bi-folding doors in action View and try out our range of garage doors also on display
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Windows manufactured to BS 7413 & BS 7412
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Unit 8, Denbigh Hall Industrial Estate, Milton Keynes MK3 7QT
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CAR SEAT & FURNITURE REPAIRS Most repairs can be undertaken in your home by our qualified leather technicians, or larger jobs brought into our fully equipped workshop.
• Rips • Cigarette Burns • Holes • Cat Scratches • Re-colouring • Colour Matching • Cleaning • Cracking • Stain Removal • Re-Padding • Spring Replacement.
Repairing leather is approximately 20% of the cost of re-upholstering Unit 26 Acacia Close, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4QE
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Shop online : www.medicalbox.co.uk Email: sales@medicalbox.co.uk 01234 480095 Tel: Fax: 01234 480098 www.facebook.com/MedicalBox www.twitter.com/MedicalBoxOrg
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At Home In The Garden A toilet that won’t flush, sinks that won’t empty, grates that overflow, and an unpleasant smell are all tell-tale signs that there is a blockage or damage to the pipes, drains or sewers that service your property. But who is responsible for carrying out the work? Since October 2011, homeowners are responsible only for the maintenance of pipes or drains on their own property. Once they cross the boundary line onto the pavement or road, they become the responsibility of the water company. In addition, the water company is liable for all shared sewers (i.e. drains that meet from more than one building) even if they are on private land. So, how do you find out where the blockage is? A chat with a neighbour or a quick look into the inspection chamber should give you a clue. Most blockages can be easily cleared and you could have a go yourself with drainage rods, but as it’s a dirty, smelly job, or if you are struggling to locate the source, you might want to call in a specialist. Occasionally, blockages occur due to a collapsed or broken drain, in which case you will need a professional to inspect the damage and quote for remedial work. You can choose whoever you like to repair drains on your own property.
Domestic Fencing... Fact Or Fiction? There’s often confusion about who is responsible for maintaining fencing between adjoining properties. This information may help. Fiction -
It is the owner to the left of a boundary who is responsible for maintaining fences, walls etc
Fact - The title deeds show who is responsible for maintaining the boundary to a property
Fiction - A property owner has an obligation to erect a fence or other barrier around their property
Fact - Though it is usual to erect a fence with the smooth side facing your neighbours, this is not compulsory. But if you erect a fence, you are generally considered its owner Fiction - If the fence you own becomes damaged, you are obliged to repair or replace it
Fact - You are only obliged to repair or maintain a fence if the deeds specify it, but if it becomes Fact - Generally, there is no obligation to erect a dangerous or causes damage, you could face barrier unless you need to keep pets from straying, claims for compensation if you don’t or there is a clause in the deeds stipulating it Regardless of the law, it is good practice to work Fiction - If the posts of a fence face your way with your neighbours not against them, so if your fence needs fixing, just do it, or get someone in you are the owner of the fence who can.
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IT’S THE LAW Sheena Munrakah Head of Family Law at Osborne Morris and Morgan Solicitors offers some professional advice about Paternal Rights
W
ith Father’s day around the corner, many dads around the country will be looking forward to spending some quality time with their children. But what about those dads who have to fight for access? It is all too common a story unfortunately – relationships break down and somehow it becomes a battle to say good night to your child on a Friday night. There are, of course, those instances where direct contact is prohibited, or supervised for very good reasons, for example, where the welfare of the child cannot be guaranteed. Taking those aside, what can the average father actually do and what are his rights? The first question that should be asked is whether or not he has Parental Responsibility. This is not an automatic right. If the parents were married at the time of their child’s birth, the father has it. If the parents were unmarried, the father will only have Parental Responsibility if he is named as the child’s father on the Birth Certificate (after 1st December 2003). Having the right itself is defined as “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property”. In practical terms, this means being able to make decisions regarding education, religion, medical treatment and so on. As long as it is in the child’s best interests, then there is no reason in law why contact should not occur. Getting to that point can, however, be difficult. The first port of call has to be mediation and if successful then lawyers needn’t get involved. If agreement cannot be reached, a Defined Contact Order will have to be applied for at Court, which will specify the agreed pattern of contact. Crucially, this Order is legally binding and there are consequences for any parent who chooses the breach it. www.ommlaw.co.uk 01525 378177
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Fathers Day Sunday 16th June
Following the success of Mother’s Day which originated in the USA, it seemed apt of course to give Dads a chance to be recognised for a special day in the year when they too could be treated and pampered. It is acknowledged that a lady called Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired by the American Mother's Day celebrations and she planned a day to give thanks to fathers and indeed this special day has been celebrated in the USA since 1910. Held on the third Sunday in June, Father’s Day is a day to honour those who play a fatherly role and visit them and or treat them to gifts to show how important they are in our lives. With the increase in availability of personally printed products, Dads often get given mugs, T’shirts or calendars. Depending on the age of the children involved a specially drawn picture or painted pebbles can be treasured for years to come - for those who are older a pub lunch is often favoured!
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All brands of DOG FOOD including raw foods Pop in and order your favourite brand we will deliver it to your door FREE local delivery (come in and see if we cover your area) Complete Canine is Your Local Supplier for Dog Food and everything else you could ever need for your dog FREE EXPERT ADVICE FRIENDLY SERVICE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOPS Call Clare also online:www.completecanine.co.uk 01525 221953 or 07854 102669
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Complete Canine and Lawes Pawes are just down the hill from Edlesborough Church at Sparrow Hall Farm, Edlesborough. Open Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 9:30am - 2:30pm Easy Parking and your special friend is welcome too!
Re c i p e
Bailey’s Ice Cream
nI g r e d i e n t s
k hole mil 480ml w nulated sugar ra 150g g g yolks eg 4 large uble cream extract o d l m vanilla 0 re 24 u ur p n o m lique spo 1/4 tea iley’s Irish Crea a B 4 tbsp
July is National Ice Cream Month so why not try this deliciously creamy & very grown-up version
Method Pour the milk into a medium size, heavy bottomed saucepan. Add 100g of the sugar. Place over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture registers 77C on a cooking thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer the milk should be just bearable to dip your finger into… be careful! In a crock or stainless steel medium-size bowl, whisk together the 4 egg yolks and remaining 50g of sugar until foamy and slightly thick. Very slowly add half the hot milk to the eggs, whisking continuously. Pour this egg mixture back into the sauce pan with the remaining hot milk and return to the stove top on a low-medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture reaches 85C on the thermometer or if you have no
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thermometer is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. Take care to make sure the mixture does not boil. Remove from the heat. If it’s not completely smooth whisk it well before proceeding. Pour the double cream into a clean, large stainless-steel or glass mixing bowl set over an ice bath. Strain the custard into the cold cream. Add the vanilla extract and stir until fully incorporated. Stir occasionally until the mixture has fully cooled. This should take about 30 minutes. Remove the mixing bowl from the ice bath, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Stir in the Baileys. Pour this chilled mixture into the ice-cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Serves 6 - 8 Preparation time 5 mins Cooking time 30 mins Chill over night & freeze for 30mins - 3hrs
If you have no ice cream maker...
don’t worry, you can still make ice cream though it will take a little longer. Pour the chilled mixture into a large container. Pop it in the fast-freeze section of your freezer. Check it after 45 minutes. It will have begun to crystallize around the edges. Use a hand whisk, wooden spoon or electric hand whisk to break the crystals up and incorporate them into the mixture, then refreeze. Keep checking and beating the mixture every 30-40 minutes and within 3 hours you will have ice cream. Alcohol lowers the freezing temperature of ice cream so this ice cream will be quite soft. Don’t be tempted to add more Bailey’s otherwise it might never set!
Phil leaflet_v3_ART.pdf 1 19/03/2012 10:03
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What’sBestForYou
By Martin Lewis
Jolly Holidays
Let your wallet take a holiday when you go abroad. If you’re planning a trip away, act now to avoid pain in Spain, getting hustled in Brussels, or breaking the banka in Sri Lanka. If you wait till you go, it’ll be too late... and the costs can rocket. Here are my 10 must-knows if you are heading abroad. 1. Cut the cost of car hire by sorting it out well before you leave home Don’t imagine you’ll get the best deal by leaving it until you arrive at your destination – often that can more than double your costs. As a simple start point, use comparison sites www. carrentals.co.uk and www.kayak.co.uk to find the cheapest deal. In some locations it's possible to get a car for under £10 a day. Yet when you try to collect the car, the hire firm will try a hard sell based on additional "excess insurance". The problem is, this kind of insurance can be worth it - have a scratch and they’ll be likely to charge the whole lot. So if you want it, plan ahead and get a standalone excess policy for a fraction of the cost via the comparison site www.moneymaxim.co.uk.
2. Get the best deal on your holiday spending by getting the right card for the job Choose the best plastic and the rates are unbeatable. The cheapest way to spend abroad is to use a specialist overseas credit card that you only use when abroad. Though you must repay it in full each month, preferably by direct debit, so there’s no interest or that more than wipes out any gain. Most plastic adds a 3% ‘load’, so spend £100 of euros and it costs £103. Yet these top cards smash bureaux de change with near-perfect rates, as they are ‘load’ free worldwide. The cards include Halifax Clarity, Post Office, Saga (over 50s) and, for Nationwide FlexAccount holders ONLY, its Select card. Even poor credit scorers can get them too via the Aqua card. To find the best for you, read http:// www.moneysavingexpert.com/spendingoverseas Fail to pay these in full and you’ll pay 11.9-34.9% representative APR.
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3. Urgently check if your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid These give access to EU state-run hospitals and GPs on the same basis as locals. If they pay nothing, nor do you. Four million of these cards will expire this year, so check you are not one of them and renew it now. Don't leave it at home, as it's only valid if you show it. If you need to renew it, don’t Google it is as you’ll end up looking at scam sites that charge £15. You never have to pay to get or renew an EHIC. Ignore any ‘pay for fast-track scams’ – it's always free. Go via www.ehic.org.uk
4. Don’t pay the earth for travel insurance Getting insurance with your holiday is usually expensive, yet it's still important to get it at the same time for holiday or you’re not covered for cancellations. If you go away twice a year, including weekends, even if they’re in pre-booked accommodation in the UK, an annual policy is usually cheapest. If you just want cheap do-the-job type policies covering medical and lost luggage rather than big compensation in the event of volcanoes, prices can be very cheap – as little as £16 for an individual in Europe up to £42 for a family worldwide. Full help to find the cheapest, including over 65s, at www.mse.me/travelinsurance
5. For the cheapest deals, book flights early and package deals late With flights, early booking's usually cheaper – leave it late and you compete with business folk willing to pay big bucks. Use comparison sites such as skyscanner.net, travelsupermarket.com and kayak.co.uk to hone down prices. With packages, booking less than eight weeks before departure will get you the hottest bargains, provided you're flexible.
Mabel’s News
6. Don’t wait till the airport to get travel cash They know you're a captive customer, so they give a shocking deal. If you must get it from the airport, at least pre-order for airport pick-up. To show the difference on the day I checked, it cost £270 to get €300 at the airport, but the same company only charged £250 for pre-ordered pick up. For the very hottest rates, do a comparison using tools like my www. travelmoneymax.com - though even this doesn’t beat the best travel cards (see point 2).
Hello again!
from Appledown M
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9. Posh hotel rooms at colossal discounts. The start point is comparison sites like Trivago.co.uk and Travelsupermarket.com. Yet bigger discounts are possible with a raft of tricks such as uncovering top secret Lastminute.com hotels by playing detective with anonymous 3-5 star rooms (cut and paste the description into Google and it's often revealed).
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ELVIS NIGHT & BBQ Saturday 13th July
‘Elvis’ and sixties music band ‘Carnaby Street’ will be providing the entertainment at Totternhoe Memorial Hall. 7.30 -11.00 p.m. Barbecue, licensed bar & raffle. Tickets £10 from Appledown and the Memorial Hall. Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY Reg. Charity No. 1116848 Facebook – Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels.
This is just the start though, for a lesson in cheap hotel tricks go to www.mse.me/cheaphotels
10. Don't pay to pay for budget airlines
Icknield Way Riding Stables & Livery Yard, Dunstable, Beds
Some budget airlines charge up to £12 PER PERSON return to pay for their flights. They get away with this by often having one no-cost niche payment system, so all others are 'added extras'. So tool up to avoid these. For Ryanair, outrageously, the only option is its prepaid Mastercard. With BMI Baby and Jet2 you need a Visa Electron.
Hacking & Lessons for all ages & levels of riding, private & group tuition available VACANCIES FOR Full, Part and DIY Livery, Breaking, Schooling, Show Preparation and Production Contact Nic: 01525 222221 or 07985 579715
Get Martin’s FREE tips and money-off vouchers emailed directly to you each week by signing up to www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips
http://www.icknieldlivery.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON June
Throughout June and July Music in the Park at Parsons Close Rec ground Sunday 3-5pm contact Leighton Linslade TC for more details Throughout June and July Bletchley Bandstand Elizabeth Square live music every Saturday 10am - 1pm www.bfstc. co,uk notices.
advance. Call 01525 220393 or tickets@slaptonhall.org Slapton Village Hall, LU7 9BX 8th St Barnabas Summer Fair Leighton Buzzard 10.30 - 3.30m. plenty of fun and refreshments all day 8th Sherwood Choral Society 40th anniversary concert 7.30pm Freeman Memorial Church MK3 5HH tickets £6
Visit www.ngs.org.uk for all the open gardens in June and July 8th Milton Keynes Food Bank festival, Monkston Playing throughout our local area Fields, St Bartholomews MK10 9FJ mkfoodbank.org.uk bring Big Doggie Do food donations Date: 1st June 2013 Time: 12pm - 5pm Willen Lake 8th & 9th Woburn Abbey South MK One day doggie festival in the park. Bring your Country Fair 10.00 - 18.00pm MK17 9WA four legged friends and enjoy the dog stalls, dog charities, 8th West Bletchley Carnival activities and dog show. Free parade starts at 12 noon at entry and small fee to enter dogs book here www.thepark- Melrose Avenue then Rickley Park, West Bletchley. strust.com/whats-on/eventdetails/514 9th Luton Festival of Transport, Stockwood Park Luton Leighton Buzzard Market Charter Celebration Weekend 9th Open Farm Sunday at Hill 1st Market Charter handover Farm 10am-2pm There will 12-2pm at Market Cross, LB be a sponsored dog walk in 2nd 11am - 4pm Medieval aid of Dogs for the Disabled. Banquet in conjuction with Telephone 01493 732307. the National Big Lunch LB charge to take part in the H contact Jo Martindale for sponsored dog walk Slapton, details 01525 631911 or visit Leighton Buzzard, www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov. uk/events 9th Motorama 2013 Classic Car enthusiasts will 5th Family History Talk -Was one of your ancestors adopted. want to visit Olney to see the large range of Classic vehicles Donations appreciated. which will be taking over the Medthodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, contact Market Square and surrounding streets. visit our website www. Graham Gough publicity@ npolneylions.btck.co.uk where bucksfhs.org.uk you can obtain an application form if you would like to enter 6th, 7th 8th Slapton Players Amateur Dramatics are proud a vehicle. to perform Alan Ayckbourn’s 19th NCT Picnic in the Park, Seasons Greetings! promptly Parsons Close Rec, Leighton at 8, Tickets £ 8.00 booked in
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Buzzard 10am - 2pm 01525 242005 29th & 30th Armed forces weekend at The Hare, Southcott Village Linslade cadet forces displays and beer festival
July
6th Cheddington Village Fete 2-5pm The Green Cheddington www.cheddington.org.uk 6th Southcott Lower School Summer Fair 11am-1pm 6th July Symphonia at sunset, Marston Vale Forest Centre . performances of Vivaldi, Morzart, Handel, Elgar tickets 01234 767037 13th Leighton Linslade Carival Parsons Rec Ground and High St 11am - 5pm leightoncarnival. moonfruit.com 14th Soulbury Fete 2pm -5pm including dog show, live music and cake bake off find us on facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ pages/Soulbury-VillageFete/166551710026226 19th Shakespeare in the park 7.30pm start - Gates open at 6pm Linford Manor Parkperformance by Illyria theatre company of Shakespeare’s As You Like it. Bring a picnic, your own seating Unfortunately gazebos are not allowed. Performance approx 2.5hrs inc. interval. book early www.theparkstrust.com/whatson/event 19-21st July The Hare Fest at The Hare Southcott village, Linslade 5hrs of free music visit www.entshed.co.uk for details 27th Linslade Canal Festival Waterside Park 11-5pm
HULA Animal Rescue A Purrrrfect Open Day! Sunday 9th June, 1-4pm Microchipping Awareness Month Special Offer Cats, Dogs & Rabbits microchipped on the day for just £10 No appointment necessary
Find a bargain in the Bazaar Delicious refreshments Children’s fun and games
Meet the pets seeking new homes and the resident farm animals
Adults only £2, accompanied children free
Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ Between M1 Junction 13 and Woburn Sands (Nr. Aspley Guise Rail Station) 01908 584000
www.hularescue.org
Help HULA help Animals
hularescue@tiscali.co.uk Regd. Charity 1094115
All proceeds for the care and welfare of HULA’s animals
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1. Chapel (6) 2. Biological building block (4) 55a/55b 3. Colonist (7) Aylesbury S 4. Head of a monastery (5) 5. Likely (8) w 6. Racket sport (6) 12. Musical composition (8) 14. Sells meat (7) 16. Agile (6) 18. Society (6) 19. Heavens (5) 21. Deep resonant sound (4)
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The Nutrition Coach
Later Life Ageing is a natural biological process that we all have to go through. As we get older our bodies change, and in certain circumstances the demands for specific nutrients increases. Ageing doesn’t mean that we are going to succumb to the diseases often associated with later life, but it is during this stage of life that nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s natural defences which help to protect against the development of chronic disease.
A number of factors can affect nutritional status in later life: • A natural decline in the ability to absorb nutrients as efficiently as before. • Age related change in smell and taste can lead to poor appetite. • Saliva production decreases making food less appealing and harder to break down into more absorbable components. • By the age of 50 our stomach acid production declines. This inhibits the absorption of certain nutrients in particular vitamin B12, a deficiency of which can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease as they both display similar symptoms. • Tooth loss, ill fitting dentures or a dry mouth prevent the ability to chew properly causing discomfort, making eating a less pleasurable experience. • Some medications can prevent absorption of certain nutrients • The digestive system slows down and becomes sluggish, so digestive discomfort such as constipation is a common complaint in later life. It is no myth that as we age we are more susceptible to developing chronic diseases. Enjoying food and maintaining adequate nutrient levels is an important factor during later life. Poor nutrition has been shown to increase the risk of infections and reduce the function of the immune system. Identifying and correcting factors contributing to nutritional deficiencies is important to maintaining health. Increasing fibre and fluid intake along side gentle exercise will help support your digestive system, ease constipation and support your body’s natural defences. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help with the breakdown of food particles into more absorbable components and hydrochloric acid supplements can help increase stomach acid levels and help with absorption of key nutrients. The inclusion of a good all-round multi-vitamin will help initially to correct any nutrient deficiencies but please make sure you consult a qualified health care professional before taking supplements as interactions can occur with certain medications.
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USEFUL NUMBERS Chemists Cox & Robinson 13 Melrose Avenue 01908 372651 Lloyds Pharmacy 127-129 Queensway 01908 373 674 Tesco Instore Pharmacy Watling Street 01908 854 247 P&I Smith Ltd 206 Whaddon Way 01908 372 161 Boots Store 1 The Concourse, Brunel Centre 01908 372 888 Cox & Robinson, 239 Queensway 01908 373 135 NHS 111 service NHS 111 is a new service that’s being introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. When to use it You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a lifethreatening situation. Call 111 if:you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency or you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service or you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call or if you need health information or reassurance about what to do nextFor less urgent
health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number. For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999 Dentists- emergency 111 Bletchley Dental Practice 295-297 Whaddon Way Bletchley 01908 373445 Dental Specialists MK, 259 Queensway, Bletchley – 01908 630169 Oxford House Dental Surgery, Aylesbury Street, Bletchley – 01908 373614 Doctors Bedford Street Surgery 01908 658850 4 Bedford Street, Bletchley, MK2 2TX Drayton Road Surgery 01908 371481 20 Drayton Road, Bletchley, MK2 3EJ Red House Surgery 01908 375111 241 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2EH Water Eaton Health Centre 01908 371318 Fern Grove, Bletchley, MK2 3HN Westfield Road Surgery 01908 377103 11 Westfield Road, Bletchley, MK2 2DJ Whaddon Medical Centre 01908 373058 25 Witham Court, Tweed
Drive, Bletchley MK3 7QU Hospitals Milton Keynes 01908 660033 Milton Keynes Urgent Care Centre 24/7 walk in service for patients with urgent medical problems Milton Keynes Hospital Standing Way, Eaglestone MK6 5NG Walk in or ring the NHS 111 service Stoke Mandeville 01296 315000 Council Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Council 01908 649469 Library Bletchley Library 01908 372797 Police Bletchley Police Station Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, MK3 6TP Call 101 - (always call 999 in an emergency) Monday: 0900 - 1700 Tuesday: 0900 - 1700 Wednesday: 0900 - 1700 Thursday: 0900 - 1700 Friday: 0900 - 1700 Saturday: Closed Sunday: Close MP Iain Stewart Tel: 01908 686830 / Fax: 01908 686831 Email: iain.stewart.mp@ parliament.uk Web: www.ias4mks.com
Step one – Your Personal
Requirements The terms currently used to describe residential care options are “Care Home” or “Care Home with Nursing”; both alternatives being regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A care home provides personal care only – such as help with washing, dressing and giving medication, while a care home with nursing must have a registered nurse on duty 24-hours a day, with the skills to address more clinical needs if required. In addition, some care homes with nursing are also registered to meet a specific care need, for example dementia or terminal illness.
Wherever possible, visit with another person, as two minds are invariably better than one and when one is talking the other can be listening or taking notes. If you need help with the questions try www.ageuk.org.uk who provide an excellent, free Care Home Checklist and don’t forget that you need to be judging both the quality of care and the quality of the environment.
When viewing, always be mindful of odours and always ask what extras there are with regard to expense. In addition to your host, always try to meet staff, other residents and relatives and, if offered, always take the opportunity to stay for a meal. In this way, you will be able to gain a feel for the atmosphere Matching the level of care you of the home, learn more about require with the care a home can provide is of the utmost importance the activities and the social calendar that is offered and judge in ensuring that all your needs are addressed. Remember to always be whether you would fit in and feel HOW TO FIND A comfortable in this environment. honest with yourself. If you need QUALITY CARE HOME? medical input a care home may not be right for you and the wrong You could also take advantage of a Nanette Adams, Registered respite break to gain an even better choice now may mean a further Manager of The feel for the home before making move to a more suitable home Knolls Care Centre in Leighton your final decision and many care down the line. homes offer an initial trial period for Buzzard, offers a three step plan added peace of mind. Step Two – Make a Short List Drawing up a short list of potential Finally, don’t forget to ask about homes in the area you wish to live Making the choice to move out the range of accommodation can be easier than you thought. of your home to live within a available, particularly if you are In addition to recommendations care environment is probably the from friends, family and healthcare seeking accommodation suitable for most important, and often most couples. Not all care homes offer professionals, the Internet also difficult, decision older people and provides a wealth of information this facility but the benefits can be their families may face. significant to couples not wishing to you can tap into. A simple search; be parted. e.g. “Nursing Homes in Leighton Buzzard”, is often all that is required However, it is important to Enjoy The Experience -Always visit to gain a good insight into what is understand that you are not as many options as you can, even available locally. alone in this process. A quality if it’s just to demonstrate comparicare home understands the Don’t forget to also research your sons. Take the time to have lunch or pressures and anxieties you and shortlist on the CQC website, www. tea and above all, make it a pleasyour loved ones may have and cqc.org, as this will provide a great ant experience. When you find the should endeavour to make the deal of detail regarding the specific right home, most anxieties about whole experience, of choosing services provided and how the the change should melt away and care home performs against 5 main a new home, pleasant and you can all start looking forward to essential standards that the CQC unpressurised. a new chapter in your life. checks. Most quality care homes If you are having problems please will have a direct link to this report Remember, the provision of get in touch with The Knolls Care from their own website. excellent care makes a huge Centre, even if it is just to get a difference to quality of life and Step Three – Visit Your Top different view of your concerns. a quality care home is used to Choices We are always willing to give help helping people, just like you, on a Choosing a care home is a very and advice. daily basis. important decision so you should The Knolls Care Centre, prepare a set of questions to 01525 380600 www.ehguk.com ask when you make your visits.
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Faced with the COST OF PAYING FOR care? Help with planning – for older people, their families and friends Contact PayingForCare by freephone on
0808 208 9994* *Telephone calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes. PayingForCare offers help, information and advice about long term care and enables those that need regulated financial advice to make contact with specialist care fees financial advisers. PayingForCare Limited (“PayingForCare”) is registered in England and Wales (Company no. 7866192). The registered office is Regent House, 1-3 Queensway, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QT. PayingForCare is part of the Partnership group of companies which includes Partnership Life Assurance Company Limited, an authorised insurer.
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65 years and what is this I hear about changes to the NHS?
Yes as from 1 April 2013 the NHS has seen possibly the biggest change since it came into being. There are four main changes you need to be aware of and some other changes you may see.
What do dogs dream of...
when you’re away on holiday or out for the day
Outstanding, affordable care in our own home with our family
Management of the NHS
The Department of Health has been moved away from the day to day running of the NHS. This has passed to what was originally called the National Commissioning Board, who have re-christened themselves as NHS England. This replaces Strategic Health Authorities although the new body has national, regional and some local offices. Primary Care Trusts (PCT) have also closed and these have been replaced with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG). The functions of the CCG’s are to take over the commissioning of local services and they are supposed to be run by local GP’s...The functions of the old bodies have not altogether been taken over by the new bodies and there are some changes in what each does.
NHS Direct and the new 111 service
The old NHS Direct number 0845 46 47 is no longer in operation. All of England is now covered by the new 111 service which is a free service. The 111 service also provides cover for your GP’s out of hours when your surgery is not open. The 111 service can put you through to the ambulance should you need one or the on call GP but will also link you to other healthcare professionals such as Pharmacy, District Nursing; Social Services etc. The 111 Service in Milton Keynes is provided by Harmony (a private company) while in the rest of Buckinghamshire it is provided by the old NHS Direct service which is providing about a third of the English service. NHS Direct Wales and NHS 24 in Scotland are still operating.
Doggy Sleepover Call today for more information 07711 593782 or email: info@doggysleepover.co.uk
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LINK organisations changed to Health Watch Each Council has taken over some of the funding from the NHS. Part of this was for Public Health and other funding was for a new organisation Health Watch which takes over the functions of Link organisations like MK LINK and others. Health Watch have expanded services.
Independent Conciliation and Advocacy Service (ICAS)
As from 1 April the old ICAS is being taken over by other services as it was put out to tender by local Health Watch organisations. Councils now oversee these advocacy services that help people with complaints about the NHS.
Other changes you may see
There are more and more clinical services being put out to tender. Organisations like Virgin Care, Care UK, and others are taking over services across the country including hospitals and departments within a hospital. John Dale, Ideas 4 Use, Specialises in NHS Complaints, Consent Issues and medical Records Requests as well as Customer Service. http://www. ideas4use.co.uk Contact 0773 645 4327
A Good Read For You
For The Kids Just Imagine
By Pippa Goodhart & Nick Sharratt
Delete This At Your Peril By Neil Forsyth You know those spam emails you receive on a daily basis? What do you do with them? Click and delete? Wonder idly if there really is a longlost relative somewhere who has left you his entire fortune? Swear at the screen? Most likely a combination of all three. Well, here is another answer. Reply. Forsyth's 'hero', Bob Servant, does just that. Every email is read carefully and replied to just as carefully. The ensuing correspondence is detailed in this book, and it is laugh-out-loud funny from beginning to end. Each of the initial scenarios will be familiar to anyone who has ever noticed the spam piling up in their mailbox. The first is from 'His Royal Highnest (sic). Jack Thompson', who offers Bob 20% of a $75m fortune. Bob manages to haggle upwards, eventually requesting four live lions, preferably ones that can talk, as his share of the profits. This is followed
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by a long saga involving a kidnapped postman; more than one 'relationship' with nubile Russians; a misunderstanding which sees Bob flying to Dhaka, Bangladesh rather than Dakar, Senegal and a long-distance relationship between Bob's female alter-ego Bobby, and Benjamin, who is desperate to see a photograph of his conquest. The exchanges become more and more ridiculous the longer they continue, as Forsyth changes Bob's stories and demands while drawing the correspondents on in the hope of eventual financial gain. Bob's own history is gradually pieced together too, with footnotes to confirm that he is of course, a compulsive liar. The book can be read all at once, or dipped into. Some of the language is not for the faint-hearted, but it will make you laugh. And it will possibly make you look at those emails a little differently‌
This is the new book from the author and illustrator behind the perennial favourite 'You Choose' - so popular in some houses that occasionally parents resort to hiding it in the hope of a night off. 'Just Imagine' does exactly what it says in the title - offers children a chance to use their imagination to develop their own stories, dreams and possibilities. Each page is richly illustrated with a series of possibilities - being very BIG or very small for example. Children can read the text and then decide from the pictures what they would like to be, and what they would not! They can go back in time, be magical, live underground, in the air, or even under the sea. At the end, they can choose their dreams for that night. This is a book that promotes talk and play as well as imagination. Readers can role play the different scenarios, pretending to be a wild animal or a pet, or choosing and trying out their favourite vehicle. There are hundreds of 'What if...' questions that could be asked, and older children can use the book as a starting point for their own story writing. Destined to be a classic as quickly as its predecessor, this is one for kids of all ages.
The average Brit knocks back around 33 litres of bottled water per year! The UK bottled water industry is worth over £1.5bn per annum. Most consumers say they drink it because it tastes better and they believe it to be purer than tap water. However, this is not necessarily the case. Though both mineral and spring water are bottled fresh at their underground source, bottled table water may well be nothing more than filtered tap water - and some spring water is treated before bottling. Water from UK taps is the most stringently tested in the world and is quite possibly safer to drink than bottled water which can easily become contaminated, but the presence of chemicals can make the taste unpalatable. Fitting a filter to the water supply solves this problem.
Water filters vary according to the amount and type of contaminants they remove, but a popular choice is an under sink unit which will remove a wide selection of chemicals. Costing anything from £100-£250, cartridges need replacing every six months and cost around £15-25. A cheaper, but less effective alternative is a jug filter priced at around £40. You might want to consider that tonnes of plastic are used each year in the manufacture of water bottles. So consider fitting a filter, and if you really prefer bottled, remember to recycle.
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Call Fouracre Accountancy now on: 01525 382523 julie@fouracre-accountancy.co.uk www.fouracre-accountancy.co.uk
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Your Money Matters Tax Free Childcare – A new scheme worth up to £1,200 per child The government has recently announced a new tax-free childcare scheme due to commence in autumn 2015. This means working families can benefit from lower childcare costs with parents receiving back 20% of their yearly childcare bills, going up to £1,200 per child. Tax-free childcare will open initially in 2015 to all children under five, going up eventually to include all children under twelve. Families where both parents are working and earning less than £150,000 a year each and are not already receiving support through tax credits or universal credits will be eligible. Families where only one parent is in work will not be eligible. During the first year of operation it is estimated that approximately 1.3 million families will be able to benefit from the new scheme. The current child-care scheme, Employer Supported Childcare (ESC), is only supported by 5% of employers whereas the new tax-free scheme will be compulsory. ESC will run up until the introduction of the new scheme in 2015 and parents will still be able to join ESC in that time. Importantly, no-one currently receiving childcare vouchers will be forced to join the new scheme if it means they will lose out as ESC will continue to run concurrently with the new tax-free scheme. It is important to note, however, that families will not be able to access both schemes at the same time. The tax exemption available for workplace nurseries will continue where offered by employers.
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Under the new scheme, parents can claim £1,200 per child, per year, towards the cost of childcare. This means a potential loss of £660 a year for those families currently saving £1,866 (i.e. basic rate tax payers with one child), but there are potential gains for families of basic rate tax payers with more than one child, and for higher-rate tax payers, because unlike the current childcare vouchers, the new scheme won't be means-tested. So, how will the new scheme work? An online voucher system will be introduced that eligible parents will register to use. Parents will be able to open an online voucher account with a voucher provider and have their payments topped up by the government. For every 80p families pay in, the government will put in 20p up to the annual limit on costs for each child. Parents will be able to use the vouchers for any Ofsted regulated childcare in England, and the equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Full details of the scheme are yet to be set out following consultation so watch out for further details as the introduction date approaches. Jennifer Sewell www.clarkhowes.com 01525 853004
The Stani Art House is an exciting new addition to the high street in Stony Stratford Recently opened, The Stani Art House complements the unique distinctive art of its long established sister gallery - The Stani Gallery – with a wide range of original paintings, collectable limited editions, innovative ceramics and stunning sculpture by leading British and international artists. There is also bespoke patchwork and decoupage furniture, as well as the relaxed and elegant environment of the Tea Rooms. If you are looking for original work from local or published artists whether as traditional landscapes in oils and watercolours or urban pop art in acrylic and aerosol or innovative mixed media created from vinyl, resin or glass the choice of art is here in Stony Stratford at either
gallery. Advice is always forthcoming to help you make an informed decision when either trying to match your decor, make a statement in a particular room or buying art for investment. The Stani Art House has close relationships with fine art publishers ; are authorised dealers of the fabulous Frogman Collection of limited edition bronzes and have just introduced the vibrant pottery of Mary Rose Young, ceramic supplier to Lady Gaga and the new King of the Netherlands. Open every day, there is now plenty of opportunity to browse a modern and extraordinary range of art for your home and treat yourself to delicious homemade cakes and sumptuous savouries at any time during the day... and all at one convenient destination. The Stani Art House www.thestaniarthouse.co.uk 58 High Street. Stony Stratford. MK11 1AQ
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