theVine www.thevinebletchley.com
February/March 2013
Delivered FREE to 10,000 homes Bletchley, Fenny Stratford, Newton Longville, Drayton Parslow, Stoke Hammond, Great Brickhill and Soulbury.
Dear Readers It has been lovely to put together the lastest issue as my attention has been turned to all the great dates we have to look forward to and the celebrations that go with them. It is a very good time of year for chocolate! Please remember to let me know about any events you have going on at your school, club or charity. Keep in touch by following The Vine on facebook, where you can also enter the fantastic Mother’s day competition (details on adjacent page). All the best Andrena P.S. How about supporting your local butchers in National Butcher’s Week, go on, buy a sausage.
Content 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
2
10th February
Chinese New Year
12th February
Shrove Tuesday
14th February
Valentine’s Day
4th March
National Butchers week
10th March
Mother’s Day
13th March
No Smoking Day
17th March
St Patrick’s Day
29th March
Good Friday
31st March
Easter Sunday
copy deadline for our next issue is 18th March
A flea in the shed Chinese New Year Natural Health Laptops Five a Day What is Love Skin Deep A Traveller’s Tale Resolutions A Wriggly Garden Save up to £1000 Men say it with Flowers Children and the Law Book Review Auto Biographies Recipe Better Off Pensioners Mother’s Day Puzzles twitter @thevineLB
Some Dates for your diary
Editors: Andrena Carden-White Advertising & Editorial The Vine Leighton Buzzard and The Vine Bletchley 0797 155 4604 info@thevinemagazine.com Advertising & Editorial Dunstable and Villages or Toddington & Villages edition Shelly Nesbitt 07852 453043/01525 222379 mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles is published in this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.
The Vine is safely delivered by
facebook.com/thevinemagazine
inbusiness proof header
12/1/13
21:51
Page 2
OPENING 16TH FEB 2013 where?
IN BRACKLEY
In Courtyard 1 Marketplace, Brackley 07887 558 557
WWW.INDIGOGALLERY.CO.UK
info@elainemarston.co.uk
please contact me
Please remember to tell our advertiser that you saw them in The Vine info@thevinemagazine.com
lea In The She F e h d T
By Darren Keep
Most people have a shed in their garden, often it is the mans sole place of escape, a place of peace and solitude. Hobbies of all types and persuasions are indulged in these small, wooden structures. Large model train layouts, classic motorbikes, airfix models and scaelectrics are a few examples of what may await the man of the house upon his return from a days toil!. In my shed no replica village pub complete with working pumps awaits. In my shed, or to use it’s correct name “hanger 2”, awaits me, inside perhaps slightly dusty, a Flying Flea. Also known as “The Henri mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ciel, this strange aircraft was designed by the frenchman Henri Mignet. His dream was for an inexpensive, home-built aircraft that could be made by the man on the street, and thus bring aviation to the masses. Through his hugely popular book “The Flying Flea” how to build and fly it people
4
34
could construct their own small airplane. Hundreds, if not thousands, of these small machines were started in sheds, barns and even bedrooms across Europe during the mid thirties. With the flea craze at it’s peak local press covered new Fleas attempts at flight, many of these ended up on their backs or they simply refused leave the ground. This was usually caused by underpowered engines. The Fleas that did fly travelled all over the country appearing at local flying displays, one famous Flea even flew The English Channel. Then, at the peak of the aircrafts popularity, disaster struck. The Pou du Ciel had been designed without ailerons which gave it some interesting flight characteristics, but the thing that killed off the Flea craze was the eleven fatal accidents. It was found that if the aircraft entered a steep dive it became almost impossible to continued on page 24 recover from it. / E-mail: mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk
St. Patrick’s Day ~ 17th March 2013 ~
Gung Hei Fat Choi (That’s Happy New Year!)
C
Chinese New Year is on 10th February 2013
hinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year for Chinese people around the world. In China, the festival is marked by a three-day public holiday. Also called the Spring Festival, it is a special time for families to get together, and millions of people travel home from their places of work or study. Chinese people prepare for the New Year celebrations by cleaning their houses from top to bottom. The idea is to clear away any bad luck and make way for good luck in the year ahead. People also buy new clothes and have their hair cut. They decorate their homes with red and gold paper decorations and lights. Red is a lucky colour in China, while gold represents wealth. Debts must be paid off before the end of the year, otherwise it is said that you will be short of money in the following year. People also bring plants and fruit trees into their homes, especially kumquat plants and peach blossom. On New Year’s Eve, families gather together for a celebratory feast. They eat sticky rice dumplings to bring good luck and happiness. It is a time to be thankful for the year that is ending and to remember family members who have died. At midnight, the doors and windows of the house are opened to let the old year out and firecrackers are set off. The next day, friends and families exchange gifts of food, flowers and sweets. Children are given money in red paper envelopes. There are fireworks and elaborate lion and dragon dances featuring beautifully coloured costumes and puppets. People try to forget grudges and wish peace and happiness to everyone. The date of the New Year is calculated using the lunar calendar and can fall any time between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the lunar calendar lasts 60 years and consists of five cycles of 12 years. Each of the 12 years is named after a different animal – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals on earth to join him for a party. Only 12 turned up, and as a reward, he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. Each animal has certain characteristics which people born in that year are said to share. 2013 will be the Year of the Snake. People born in this year are said to be romantic, wise and charming. They are good at making and saving money, but can be stingy. Famous snakes include Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan and Brad Pitt!
6
What are you doing on March 17th this year? You probably don’t have a clue, but if you are of Irish descent chances are that you will be donning green attire and tucking into a plateful of bacon and cabbage! The date is St Patrick’s Day, commemorating the death of Ireland’s patron saint on 17th March 461. Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a wealthy Christian family - his father was a deacon and his grandfather a priest. He was kidnapped and held captive by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen, but eventually escaped; following which he received a vision and calling to return to Ireland to preach Christianity to its heathen population. So it is that St Patrick is credited with taking Christianity to Ireland. Patrick used the three leaves of the native Irish shamrock to teach the doctrine of the Trinity. Nowadays, the shamrock and green clothing are customarily worn on St Patrick’s Day. Traditionally, Irish families mark the day by attending church in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon. The festival includes public parades, processions, concerts, outdoor theatre and fireworks – all designed to celebrate all things Irish! So, if you find yourself at a loose end on 17th March, why not look up your local Irish centre and join in the festivities?!
ARG
aluminiumrainwatergoods
At ARG we can improve your guttering, fascia boards and soffits, the important jobs that need doing.
PVC-UE fascia/soffits & cladding
Seamless aluminium guttering
With hidden extruded brackets it will give you attractive clean continuous lines with a choice of colours and a life expectancy of over 30 years. It will provide a long lasting solution to your guttering problems.
Our products are guaranteed not to split, crack, discolour, or lose their pristine visual appeal. Many styles and colours of fascia and soffits are available. Including white, black and three wood grain colours.
• Approved installer of seamless aluminium guttering • Cast iron/Cast aluminium and PVC gutters and downpipes
• Trading Standards approved • Ten year guarantee! • BBA approved products • Free surveys and quotes • Credit/Debit cards welcome • Existing fascia and soffits removed
• Fascia soffits and cladding • Listed building work undertaken
• Insurance backed guarantees available • Competitive price
For A No Obligation Written QuotationTel: Peter Pascan on - 01525 404204 Email: ppascan@btinternet.com
Health
A
natural Health natural H New Year... New You?
re you ready with your resolutions for this New Year? A change for the better, a transformation, a new you? Many of us hope for better things to come, feel motivated and see this special time of year as an opportunity for change. We may review the past year and wish we could have handled problems better, without getting upset, angry, resentful or worried about the issues. All these negative feelings stress us and can actually make us ill. We know that stress actually weakens the immune system. New Year is often associated with a dietary detox. Why not a mind detox to enable us to cope with problems in a more positive and calm way? Sandy Newbigging, author and therapist, says he accidently ‘invented’ the Mind Detox Method by establishing links between past emotional events and current physical conditions. As he helped his clients to acknowledge and then release the negative emotions associated with past traumas, he was amazed to discover that healing then began. By relaxing, meditating and taking time out we can be more in touch with our feelings and understand why we respond the way we do to certain people and situations. Walking close to nature in the fresh air relaxes the mind and can help us to gain new, creative ideas and insights as we become more aware of our intuition. Being organised will ensure we have this precious time for ourselves. Some find this easier than others. Apparently it’s to do with being right or left-brain dominant. I must be right-brain dominant because I hate throwing things away, so clutter keeps piling up! Clearing clutter, even if it’s hidden away in a cupboard, can lighten our load because disorganised equals denergised. So make charity shops happy with your cast-offs, whether clothes, books or unwanted gifts. ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ will hopefully help de-clutter our minds. This New Year resolve to worry less about the
8
past or the future and enjoy the present more. Learn from past mistakes and, though not always easy, move on by forgiving ourselves and others. Shake off negativity by being optimistic, purposeful and creative, choosing activities that inspire and uplift you. Music can do this so I’ll finish with the words of this old Bing Crosby song, ‘ We’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative,.......Spread joy up to the maximum and bring gloom to the minimum...’ Good luck with your resolutions!!
By Sue Blain
Naturopathic Practitioner
I’m watching you! If you are looking at me then so are your customers. It only costs £15.30 per month to advertiser here and it reaches 10,000 local homes and businesses. Call 0797 155 4604
JOIN COSTCO TODAY! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.
Trade Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is ÂŁ20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.
Sign up for Membership with this advert (Vine Bletchley) and receive a FREE gift! Valid until 31/03/13. Costco Milton Keynes only.
Individual Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is ÂŁ25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.
Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership
For further information, please contact our Membership Team at Costco Milton Keynes on
01908 285 020
Costco Milton Keynes Mandeville Drive Kingston Milton Keynes MK10 0DB
*
T: 01908 285 020 E: marketing117@costco.co.uk
Membership Criteria applies. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.
Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk
TECHNOLOGY
L
LAPTOPS
aptop computers can offer the power of a desktop with the flexibility and freedom to use them where you wish. There is an astonishing range of products available, ranging in price from a few hundred pounds up to two thousand. As with all technology purchases it’s essential to do your research first – work out what you need, what you’re willing to pay for, and what you can do without. The cheapest option is a netbook. They are smaller and lighter than laptops, but don’t have the same range of features. They are perfect if you want to browse the internet and send emails while you’re out and about. The keyboard and larger
screen can make them easier to use than a smartphone or tablet computer, such as an iPad. The next step up is a cheap laptop. These are suitable for everyday tasks such as word processing and web browsing, and are good for computer novices. They are portable, but may be bulky. You may have to pay more if you need to store more data on the computer (such as movies) or use it for more demanding tasks (such as gaming or editing video). Sleek and light designs also come at a premium. Use our quick guide to help you understand laptop lingo and work out which one is right for you.
Modern Love... Most couples meet in mundane ways that allow them to get to know each other over time through school, friends, work or hobbies for example - but if none of these methods are working for you, have you considered modern technology to help you find Mr. or Miss Right?! The internet offers dating sites (usually with a monthly subscription) where your profile, containing a photo and other biographical details, as well as a description of the kind of person you are hoping to meet, is made available for others to see. If someone is interested in you, they can contact you by email and start a conversation to find out if you would both like to take the relationship further. There are risks involved in this type
10
of dating – so don’t give out personal identifying information and never fall for sob stories from poor men in far-away places who need you to give them money. When meeting, make it somewhere public and busy and consider taking a friend along, and use a cheap payas-you-go phone to make it easier to get rid of unwelcome admirers! Social media sites, such as facebook, are also good for getting to know new people, friends of friends often have similar interests - you already have one thing in common! They also make it easy to get reacquainted with old friends and ex-partners... You never know..! Modern dating methods may not be the ideal way to meet a new partner, but they do at least open up a world of possibilities!
OPERATING SYSTEM – Windows is the best-selling operating system. Macs are easy to use and good for graphics and publishing, but can cost two or three times as much. MEMORY – this has a big influence on how fast the laptop will run. Aim for at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. STORAGE – the hard drive is where programs, files, data and documents are stored. Look for 320 GB, or 500 GB if you want to store lots of videos, music or photographs. PROCESSOR – a dual core basic processor should come as standard. Processors are normally made by Intel or AMD. AMD is cheaper; Intel processors get more powerful as the model number increases. BATTERY LIFE – most laptop batteries will last for five or six hours. More expensive models may go for longer, but invest in a spare if you are often out for the day. SCREEN SIZE – a 15-inch display is fine for most users. Choose a larger screen for playing computer games or using design software. WEIGHT – hold it in your hands if you can! Remember, you’ll be carrying the laptop around, or sitting with it on your knee. CONTROLS – Make sure the keyboard and trackpad are comfortable to use and consider getting a separate mouse. DRIVES – some laptops don’t include CD/DVD drives and you may need to buy an external one.
ECLIPSE
ECLIPSE AUTOS
CAR SALES
ONE STOP
FOR YOUR MOT’S, SERVICES AND REPAIRS All makes and models (cars and motorcyles)
MOT
Motorcycles Ruby Option £29.65
Bronze Option Silver Option Gold Option £35.00 £45.00 £20.00 minor repairs, wipers, bulbs, headlights fitting included
free re-test
minor repairs, free re-test, Motorcycles engine oil, power steering, antifreeze, brake fluid, washers, fitting included
Servicing
Motorcycles
Bronze Option Silver Option Gold Option £99.00 £139.00 £74.95 oil, filters, top ups
oil, filter, top ups, air filter and FREE MOT
Ruby Option £130
Top ups, plugs, oil, oil Motorcycle filter, air filter, service & FREE MOT
MOT
Free Collection & Delivery on gold servicing
Mobile Repair Service £45.00+ VAT. 1hr Repair or Recovery. No fix FOC to our premises
01908 643 603
Mercedes-Benz CL500 2DR AUTO 5.0 LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE 60k CAR, W reg 5.0l petrol £4,995 Renault Megane Scenic 1.6 VVT Privilege 5DR Auto 2007 (07 reg) 70,000mi £3600 Renault Lugana Extreme 1.8 16V 5DR 2004 (04 reg) hatchback 74,700 11 months MOT £2195 Renault Megane Scenic 1.6 16V Fidji 5DR 2003 (03 reg) 76,600, long MOT, 2 reg owners £2350 Hyundai Getz 1.1 CDX 5DR Low Mileage clean. 07 (56 reg) hatchback, 48,000 manula petrol 1.1L £3,150 Volkswagen Bora 1.9 TDI 100 Highline 4DR 2005 (55 reg) saloon, 88,461m, £3995
unit 4-6 root works, 16-26 Tavistock St, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2PF
www.eclipseonestop.com
The Nutrition Coach
The Easy Way To
5 A Day
As parents we need to be inventive when it comes to getting our children to eat a healthy diet. We all know that we should be consuming 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day, but in reality many people, including children, are failing to reach this target.
Fruit and vegetables are an important part of our diets and provide abundant amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, essential for good health. So how do we get our children eating more? The art is being prepared, getting the children involved and presenting fruit and vegetables in a likeable form – start by preparing and packing up fruit and vegetable sticks for snacks when you are out and about. Experiment with soups; butternut squash, carrots and parsnips add natural sweetness that is really palatable to children, while juices and smoothies, fruit kebabs and jellies will be a healthy and tasty alternative to chocolate and sweets.
To help your children get on the road to achieving their 5 a day, try these easy to follow tips: • Get the children to choose fruit and vegetables
• Have chopped fruit and vegetables ready in the fridge for an after school snack
• Get the children to create fruit or vegetable kebabs
• Try making roasted vegetable sticks • Try making root vegetable crisps
• Create a rainbow chart and try fruits and vegetables of each colour marking them on the chart as you go • Get the children to create a Make juices or smoothies and soups with the children • Choose fruits to go on pancakes or in yogurts/jellys
• Choose 1 unusual fruit or vegetable each week and try it together. • Plant some seeds, herbs and lettuces can be easily grown on window sills in the winter, children love to eat the food they have grown.
BeNourished Nutrition Clinic
12
www.benourished.co.uk
Tasty! We certainly are!
Call 01525 3777 03
or e-mail lyn@beansontoast.biz
Our web site
High-quality, cost-effective designers of logotypes, brochures, leaflets, web sites, newsletters, advertising, posters, exhibition displays, packaging and much more... Beans on Toast Heath Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 3AU. A division of V-One Design Solutions Limited. Smartphone required to scan the QR codes.
What is love anyway? With February and Valentine’s Day the focus on love and being loved is all around us. Some amongst us (mostly men) complain that it is an over commercialised excuse for card makers to print money, others (again mostly men) exclaim that they don’t need to be told when to say “I love you”. Sadly Valentine’s Day and it’s build up only stands to remind many of us of the lack of love in our lives, the keen pain of a recently broken heart or to highlight the burden of a damaging love they live with daily. There is nothing like the bliss of new love and nothing quite so debilitating as a broken heart; for centuries humankind has tried to express the intensity of love through music, sculpture, paintings and words. Shakespeare expressed how love endures against all odds in one of his sonnets Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken. Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle’s compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved Shakespeare, as many before him, attempts many times to put words to the feeling that is love.
Leading anthropologist, Helen Fisher, has made it her life’s work to understand what love is, she and a team of scientists took MRI scans of 37 people’s brains who purported to be madly in love. They found activity in a region of the brain called the ventral tegmental areas (VTA) and in particular A10 cells that make dopamine and distribute it to many areas of the brain. This part of the brain operates below your thinking
“
Romantic love is an addiction: a perfectly wonderful addiction when it’s going well, and a perfectly horrible addiction when it’s going poorly”(Helen Fisher) (cognitive) part of the brain, even below your emotions in what is sometimes referred to as your reptilian core. It is responsible for your focus, wanting, motivation and craving....the same region that becomes active with the rush of cocaine. Fisher was further curious to understand why unlike an addiction where there is a “coming down” romantic love is an obsession, where a person occupies every waking thought and this becomes even worse if we are rejected. Her study led her to carry out more scans, this time of people who had been dumped. They found the same region of intense romantic love was still active..... unfortunately when dumped this region just keeps you loving, rewarding you for finding a mate. They also found activity in the area responsible for calculating gains and losses the same region that makes you decide whether something is worth the risk..which could explain some of the risky and rather odd behaviour some people take when dumped. Lastly she found activity in the area responsible for deep attachment such as that between a mother and a baby. We may not know yet, why we fall in love with one person and not another but what we do know is that once we do, our brains do everything to keep us attached to that person.
So what is love? Does it really exist and why does it have such a profound effect on, not just our minds but our bodies too, so much so that for some, when their loved one dies, they follow shortly after. Watch the full talk
http://www.ted.com/talks/helen_fisher_studies_the_brain_in_love.html
14
Teaching your baby, toddler or child how to swim and learn valuable lifesaving skills.
Our amazing lessons are structured, progressive Special Offer Baby Swimming Lessons and lots of 2 LESSONS FREE (value £22) fun!
when booking 10 wks term To book your free taster sessions or find out more contact: shelley@swimkidz.co.uk Swimkidz (North Bucks) Ltd M: 07544 555028 T: 01908 520528
Didn’t get the results you wanted in 2012? Be different in 2013!
Get results like some of our members: · International publishing deal · 85% referral business · 800%+ return on investment And more! Join our community today! www.theathenanetwork.com/LauraCarrick laura.carrick@theathenanetwork.com T: 079 076 31758
A moment of tranquility to rest your mind and body
Holistic therapies care for your well-being. Treatments at Requiescence are designed to help you feel restored, rejuvenated and ready to face the world. Book some “me time” and allow anxieties, stress and tension to melt away.
Relaxation is the ultimate gift to show you care. Vouchers available; the perfect present for Mother’s Day
50% off all treatments in February HeatH & ReacH
Visit tHe weBsite foR detaiLs of tReatments and offeRs LeigHton BuzzaRd 07789 074758 www.Requiescence.co.uk
& HAIR BEAUTY
----------
p ---------------------Non surgical facelifts can roll back the years.. Without the pain .
16
They come to us all – wrinkles, laughter lines, crow’s feet. Whatever you call them, as we age, our faces age with us. But as 50 becomes the new 40 – or it is 30? Some of us don’t want to look the age we are, we want to look the age we feel! Until recently, the only option for a younger-looking face was a facelift. This meant expense, pain, a long recovery time and many potential side effects. Now, however, there is a non-surgical option that is gaining in popularity. A non-surgical facelift reduces wrinkles and tightens loose skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure that works by heating the deeper layers of skin – the dermis – using either infrared (laser) or radiofrequency energy to promote what is called a ‘healing response’. This stimulates production of new collagen and remodels the existing collagen. The effect is to contract the layers of skin above and make the face appear plumper and smoother. The treatment can also be used on the jaw line, neck, abdomen, bottom, upper arms and thighs. Some procedures use local anaesthetics or over-the-counter pain relief, but others need nothing at all. You will be given something to cool your skin during the procedure and you may experience some temporary swelling, redness or skin blanching. Unlike chemical peel and microdermabrasion techniques, no skin is removed and so
non-surgical facelifts are generally more suitable for people with darker skin. More serious side effects such as bumps, blisters, pigmentation changes or skin depressions are very rare. Because the treatment is non-invasive, there is normally no need to take time off work. An advantage of the non-surgical facelift is that it is significantly cheaper than a surgical procedure. Sometimes only one treatment is required, but often two or three treatments are given a month apart. The full results may not be seen until six months later. You should bear in mind though, that the effect will not be as dramatic as with a surgical facelift because the non-surgical procedure doesn’t actually remove excess skin or fat. Results will vary according to differences in skin thickness and texture, in healing response and in the person’s lifestyle. Non-surgical facelifts are most suited to younger people who are beginning to notice that their skin is ageing, but wish to delay more invasive procedures for a few years. They are also good for people who are unable to have surgery. If you decide to go ahead with a non-surgical facelift, make sure you research the experience and training of the person who will perform the procedure. Always ask for references and follow them up. Then lie back and watch the years melt away.
Catering for small & private or large & loud
Hairdressing
zena kay
07944 127756
zenakay@sky.com •Cuts •Colours •Wedding •Occasion All your hardressing needs
parties whether it be • birthday • anniversary • engagement • business lunches
Lunch delivered to your office view sample menus on our website
theresa 01908 980242
theresa@crazycowcatering.co.uk www.crazycowcatering.co.uk
Hands N Tans Finishing touches for special occasions.
Spray Tan and Gel Nails Mobile service available Gift Vouchers available call or email for details
Sue Tofield 0750 3151676 sue@hands-n-tans.co.uk
www.facebook.com/HandsNTans
A Travellers Tale By Paul Heley
Over The Top And Round The Corner (Part I)
T
wo or three years ago, a brochure landed on my doormat advertising a trip up the Norwegian fjords, round Nordkapp and then into the White Sea. Although we'd previously been to the southern fjords, we'd never been all the way to the top before - and never into Russia. It was up to us to arrange our Russian visas - and this is an example of the bureaucracy of closed minds. And, to add insult to injury, it's by no means cheap. But eventually, they came through! The cruise started from Leith and we were picked up at Edinburgh and transported to the ship ready to sail out that evening for Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. By now, it had started to rain and we arrived in Lerwick ("Bay of Clay" in Old Norse) next afternoon to a damp and overcast welcome. After a whirlwind coach trip round Lerwick, we were taken to the Jarlshof Neolithic/Bronze Age remains which, I'm sure, would be most impressive under sunshine and blue skies. Shetland shows its Norwegian heritage: for example, its flag is a blue Scandinavian cross on a white background and many dialect words from Old Norse are in everyday use. There are also reminders of WW2 and of the "Shetland 'Bus" when people and provisions were secretly ferried back and forth between Norway and Shetland during those dark days. We sailed out early evening heading for Bergen and arrived next lunchtime. Mercifully, the rain had stopped, and in the afternoon we visited Edvard Grieg's home and
18
museum followed by a piano recital of some of his music. Very posh! Bergen is Norway's second city and started life as a fishing village in the 11th century but later achieved great fame as a Hanseatic sea port in the 14th century. Many of the original gabled wooden buildings in older parts of town may still be seen. The weather turned dull and misty again and when we reached Olden, it was pouring. But British stiff upper lip demanded we go on another coach trip to the famous tourist honeypot of Briksdal Glacier. After disembarking, the uphill trek to the glacier was an endurance test in itself. The glacier was nothing startling, but thanks to the heavy rain and melting ice, the many waterfalls - and one in particular - put on a splendid show. Afterwards, a mass of extremely soggy passengers returned to the ship in time to leave for Alesund in the late afternoon. Fortunately, the weather improved overnight and after arriving next morning, we were taken on a walking tour of the town famous for its art nouveau architecture. This had come about literally by accident in 1904 when the town - originally built of wood - was completely destroyed by fire. The town planners decided to rebuild the town in the currently fashionable art nouveau style - most unusual. Alesund was involved with the Shetland 'Bus previously mentioned, and our guide was an elderly gent. Asked if he ever took German tourists around, he replied No and, tapping his head, said "it's still in here". Alesund is a pleasant little town made more so by sunshine and also by the fact that school marching bands from around a very large area had congregated for an annual festival. The musical standard was surprisingly high and was compli-
mented by smart and individual matching uniforms. There is a statue to the great grandfather of William the Conqueror, ie Rollo, who originally came from here. This illustrates that the word "Norman" really means "Norse man", ie a descendent of Vikings. Leaving Alesund early afternoon, we headed further north into more sunshine. Our next landing was the island Torghatten - part of the legend ridden Troll Mountains. Its unusual profile is like a porkpie hat with a large hole through it from one side to the other halfway up. Although there's a geological explanation, folklore says that a Troll king threw his hat into the path of an arrow fired by an irate swain when the king's daughter refused to marry him. Choose which explanation you prefer! The landing was by zodiac followed by a stiff trek of about a mile up to the hole. One of the "larger" passengers gasped "I don't normally do UP" - a sentiment for which I had considerable sympathy! Later that afternoon we crossed the Arctic Circle and celebrated with aquavita (Norwegian firewater). No more darkness now! And then next morning:- the Lofoten Islands. These had been on my "must see" list for years. We moored off the fishing village of A (pronounced Or) and went ashore by zodiac. Its economy was once exclusively based on cod fishing but now, tourism makes it 50:50. But there were still stands of drying cod all over the village. At the museum, we were told about the former way of life and saw some of the very small, open rowing boats which the fishermen used during the dark, cold, winter months when the cod were running. They must have bred 'em tough in those days!
COMPUTER SUPPORT & SERVICES
comput@mation
Computer Support
for Home & Business Users Problem Solving:
Virus, spyware detection & removal Internet & email assistance Fault diagnostics, repairs & upgrades Slow running PCs
Services:
Computer support for PCs, Mac, Linux Wireless & wired networking Data recovery Install & setup Health checks
Sales:
Desktops, laptops, printers, peripherals & software
For friendly advice call John on
M: 07968 536068 T: 01525 261381 john@computamation.co.uk www.computamation.co.uk Computamation Services Ltd.
9a Lower Way, Great Brickhill, Bucks. MK17 9AG Established in 1999 with over 25 Years Experience
• UPVC windows and doors • Conservatories • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Extensions
Delivering quality building services to customers in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area for over 30 years.
CONTACT US NOW to find out more about our services or to arrange a no obligation, accurate quote.
www.oakwood-designs.com
Tel: 01908 516441 Mob: 07905 964197
A Travellers Tale
(Continued)
After lunch, another fishing village, Nusfjord. Somewhat bigger and prettier than A, its economy had also been fishing originally and it was interesting to learn that the various colours still seen on the buildings were based upon original different costs of paint, ie the houses of (former) ordinary fishermen are red (which was cheap) whilst shops and commercial buildings are yellow. However, because white paint was very expensive, the large, grand, "posh" house in the village was painted white. Sometimes a Lofoten houseowner couldn't afford to paint his whole house white so only the side which faced the sea was white! Later that night - and still in daylight - we passed through Trollfjord. This passage is restricted to smaller ships since it is extremely narrow. Going through, it felt as though we must surely scrape the steep sides. And this made the whole experience somewhat awe inspiring. The ship docked at Tromso early next morning amidst wall to wall blue sky and sunshine. A large city by northern
standards - it has a population in excess of 50,000 - it is the capital of northern Norway. We were welcomed by a lone saxophonist playing excerpts from Grieg, folk tunes and dances together with a dozen or so primary school children carrying a single rose for each passenger. A very nice gesture. There followed a coach trip around the city with a visit to the botanical gardens (the plants survive thanks to the Gulf Stream), the polar museum and the very modern Arctic Cathedral. Thereafter we just wandered around the city centre and were knocked out by how expensive everything is. After our quick look at this most impressive city it was time to set sail for the North Cape and get our Russian papers in order. A lecture that evening gave us fair warning of what to expect in Murmansk. But there was to be yet another gloriously warm and sunny day ahead during which we anchored off the small island of Storstappen. An early zodiac trip took us round this island
which is home to three million nesting sea birds such as puffins, cormorants, gannets, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes amongst others. We were also privileged to see a few of the huge white tailed sea eagles being mobbed by gangs of much smaller birds - clearly an example of strength (and bravery) in numbers! Then to the northernmost point of mainland Europe. But this claim is disputed since the one that everybody knows - the precipitous Nordkapp (North Cape) - is in fact marginally beaten in terms of latitude by a low lying promontory called Knivskjelodden . What is more, both these points are on an island so another spot (Cape Nordkinn slightly to the east) claims to be the real northernmost point on the European mainland. It's all very confusing but the 307 metre (almost 1000 feet) high North Cape is definitely the most spectacular and at just over 71 degrees north is everyone's favourite. Then, on the morrow, Murmansk and our first experience of "laugh-aminute" Russia! (To be continued)
LEATHER
RESTORATION SERVICE Before
After
Before
After
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
Luton: 01582 380 750 Leighton Buzzard: 01525 888 250 e-mail: southbeds@furnitureclinic.co.uk Website: www.furnitureclinic.co.uk
20
All domestic and commercial electrical work undertaken, including: • Additional sockets and lighting • Full and partial rewires • Landlord safety • Fuse board upgrades certificates • See website for all services
SPECIAL OFFER £50 off fuse board upgrades!
Includes 8-way / circuits RCD fuse board, supplied and installed. Certificated and registered with building control. Normally £350, offer price £300
Call for a free quote: 07930 399102 | 01525 636138
Testimonials available at www.smelectrical.com 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
so you want me to come back on our walks....that explains all the shouting!!!
For non-recall and other unwanted behaviours, we talk dog! Vicky Lawes ACFBA MOGDT canine behaviour practitioner and trainer 07765 287176 vicky@lawespaws.co.uk
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!
Are Your Resolutions Resolute? by Roy Haynes By now New Year resolutions are either well under way or already forgotten. Are you benefiting from the new diet plan or exercise regime that will mean a new you this year or is the gym membership already looking expensive as the enthusiasm for exercise wears off? Here are a few ideas that I believe are key to losing some pounds and keeping generally fit and healthy: Food is nutrition and fuel, although most people need to reduce their calorie consumption, what is more critical is food quality. A good diet may contain lean meat, healthy fats, low starch vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy, eggs, fish and fruit. Reduce processed foods and sugar to a minimum or better still eliminate them but going hungry on extremely low fat diets is a big mistake. Hydration is crucial and water very important; cut down on tea, coffee and soft drinks. Your hydration is easily monitored by noting urine colour – clear to pale straw is good but any darker means you are de-hydrated and need to drink more water.
22
Muscle mass reduces as we get older so in order to combat this, people over their mid-thirties should consider adding weight training to their programme as this will combat the muscle loss, the more muscle mass we have the more fat will be burned. Sitting down too long can lead to crippling your posture and contributing to low fitness levels, weight gain, back pain, and joint problems. If your job means sitting at a desk for hours; ensure you stand up, stretch, squeeze your gluteal (bottom) muscles and rotate your shoulders backwards, squeezing your shoulder blades together at least every 30 minutes. When you sit, ensure your pelvis is tipped down slightly, this will help maintain the correct posture.
Appropriate exercise for your current fitness level is important and depending upon your goals you should be thinking of some kind of exercise 3 – 5 times per week. This could be a 30 minute walk up to a mixture of interval training, strength training, flexibility/mobility exercises and a limited amount of cardio vascular conditioning. Various clubs, gyms or a personal trainer can offer help, guidance or competitive activities, depending upon how intense you want to exercise.
Eat as early as possible in the evening to allow sufficient time for your food to fully digest before going to bed. Go light on the carbohydrate with your evening meal, this will aid fat loss, improve nutritional gains and sleep quality.
Total weight loss is not the only criteria for monitoring your diet plan. If you just diet and don’t exercise, your body will shed muscle as well as fat and that is really detrimental to health. It is fat loss that is important, so if the scales don’t show loss but the tape measure does, you’re losing fat.
Whatever you do in 2013, make time for good health and fitness, It is never too late to improve your future prospects for a better quality of life but the future starts NOW.
Sleep is vital to a healthy body, we are all different but our bodies need enough to ensure the restorative processes that happen when we sleep, are completed effectively.
Roy Haynes, Celebrate Personal Training www.celebratehf.co.uk
LOCAL BOILER ENGINEER Central Heating Boiler; • Repairs • Installations • Servicing
HARD HITTING
WEB DESIGN without the high cost!
Specialist in Potterton, Worcester, Ariston and Baxi Boilers. call free on 0800 587 8981 for a safe, conscientious and reliable service.
Get in touch
Tel: 01908 261 896 Mob: 07904 713 964
www. itseeze-miltonkeynes.co.uk
Tel: 01908 261 896 Mob: 07904 713 964
24/7 365 days
www. itseeze-miltonkeynes.co.uk it’seeze
JGS Metalwork & Son est 1983
Specialists in Gates & Gate Automation
We Clean Gut ters BEFORE
AFTER
Gates Access Control Security Grilles
Railings Balconies Staircases
www.jgsmetalwork.co.uk enquires@jgsmetalwork.co.uk Tel: 01525 220360 Edlesborough, LU6 2HS
100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Covering: Bucks/Beds/Nhants
P P P P
All work fully insured Fixed Prices Local Family Company Commercial Gutters also cleaned
01908 951 691 http://www.keen-2-clean.co.uk/
In The Garden
By Sue Lovell
10 Facts You Always Wanted To Know!
Wriggle Wriggle
A new dance craze perhaps? Well maybe … if you’re a worm that is!
In my opinion, worms have to be the unsung heroes of the garden. They only eat what I don’t want, they tidy up leaves from the borders by dragging them down into the soil, and who else improves our soil structure by adding air holes, incorporating organic matter en route and even provides food for the birds (sorry worms!), all for free?
tato (I’ve heard that for worms these foods are like us eating oyster....they erm… put them in the mood for a little wriggle wriggle), cardboard and paper. My wormery is a multi- tray system. You start off feeding your food waste into the bottom tray. At the bottom of the trays above there are holes which allow the worms to transfer themselves to the next level and as each tray fills, the worms move upwards to the waste in the next tray, leaving compost behind. They are voracious As far as I’m aware, garden worms eaters and it’s not long before the don’t have their own ‘worm awareness week’, they just carry on doing next tray is needed. You can harvest the earth about every three months. what they do best, quietly making This can be quite messy, there will beautifully rich, dark brown garden always be some worms left when the goodness. You may be happy to leave the worms well alone, merrily rest have moved up to the next level, so rubber gloves are a good idea. munching away in the compost heap, but why not have a go at mak- The soil which is removed can be ing your own worm villa (known as mixed one part worm caste to three parts ordinary soil. a wormery), or buying a pre- made The bottom of the wormery has a version online? well for collecting the water (‘wee Most kids love worms so it’s a great tea’), it also has a tap, the liquid activity to do as a family, or indeed should be drained and diluted (at if you enjoy the idea of reducing 1:10 with water), and used as a very landfill and nourishing your garden concentrated liquid fertiliser, at the same time. There aren’t many problems with Keeping a wormery is very easy, they come in a variety of sizes to suit keeping a wormery the main ones I found were due to the wet and cold all households and budgets, it will weather. In wet weather I found that reduce kitchen waste and provide there was often more liquid than I, or very nutritious soil for the garden. Although they don’t make great pets the worms could cope with so I leave the tap open, before I did this I sadly their waste is a lot easier to handle had quite a few drowned worms, a and they save money on fertilisers and compost. I live in an area where folded newspaper also helps keep we have food waste recyling bins but the water from just running through I never have to use mine because the and also helps with keeping the worms warm. If the weather is cold worms manage all our food waste. the wormery can be stored in the Once you’ve bought the wormery garage or wrapped in bubble wrap (mine came with Tiger Worms) or agricultural fleece, If not they do setting it up requires the soil which freeze quite stiff, but do not cover the the worms arrive in and any left over vegetables, but not onions and air holes on the lid. If there is a problem with ants, a little garlic or citrus fruit as these are too acidic. They particularly like teabags, Vaseline on the legs of the wormery crushed egg shells, cold mashed po- will soon sort it out.
24
About Worms
courtesy of wormery.co.uk
1 2
If you cut a worm in half it will probably die, one 'half' may survive and regrow but you will not get two worms. The only possibly reasonable negative or bad thing about a worm is that some humans don't like them- which is hardly the worms fault. Worms only eat dead organic matter. Nothing more and nothing less. This immediately puts them towards the very top of the list of beneficial and harmless life forms on the planet. We humans alas are towards the bottom. Enzymes produced in the gut of composing worms improves the nutrient content of the compost. Worm worked compost or worm casts are the most nutrient rich natural compost known. There are over 3000 species of worms worldwide 28 native to the UK and 3 particularly good at the rapid conversion of dead organic matter to well worked compost. Worms never over populate. They regulate their breeding actively in line with their environment, availability of food and space. If only we did likewise... Worms are hermaphroditic. They can change gender but can't be both at the same time so it still takes two to tango! The Tiger Worm, Eisenia fetida process and composts a higher percentage equivalent in waste of its own body weight than any other native or European species. The Tiger worm 100% Dendrobaena a still impressive 50%. Charles Darwin spent three years on his researches which lead to his great work, 'The origins of the Species' but 10 years on studying worms alone. There are billions more worms in the world than humans yet both would benefit from more of the former and less of the latter! Worms achieve sexual maturity after about 6 weeks and they reproduce by laying tiny capsules. Capsules can lay dormant in the soil for months and even years until conditions are propitious when between 2 and 10 small translucent pink worms will emerge.
3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10
Opposite page: A shot of the cockpit of my Flea after it had been fitted out. Since this was taken more items have been added such as seat harnesses and engine controls.
CraftydCreations Lands established since 1998
c
e
ap or Celebration Cakes & yl Balloon Decor Commercial and Domestic Services
Ta
es
This was caused by interaction between the two small tandem wings. These accidents, and the accompanying press coverage, resulted in the Flea having it’s permit to fly rebuked. The Mignet dream was over. The problem was easily fixed but with the approaching war clouds in Europe to worry about and the aircrafts tarnished reputation The Flea faded into history. Mignet aircrafts were later to be proved safe and since then many types of aircraft have incorporated his design features and taken to the sky, notably in Mainland Europe and the USA. Hopefully my Flea will once again see the light of day in the not to distant future, when the kids are older.
Garden Maintenance Sugarcraft Fencing& Patios cake making equipment Turfing Cake Tins & Stands Decking Party Accessories Planting Water Features Venu & Cake Setup Site Clearance
Sugarcraft Workshops And Much More...
Free Quotations 65 Chiltern Rd. Ring 01525 380114 Dunstable, LU6 1ES tayloredlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 01582 478478
Above: This shot of a restored Flea in the 60s shows, to good effect, the size of the Flying Flea.
BOO / E-mail: mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk
Please mention The it Vine when responding to adverts only costs £29 per month
A poor, but rare, shot of Henri Mignet. in 1935 during his UK tour. He died in 1965 after finally seeing modern day versions of this aircraft take to the skies again.
to advertise just here
if you spotted this so did your customers
shed? Please mention The Vine What’s in your Please mention The Vine when responding to adverts when responding 35to adverts
To advertise call: 01525 222379 / 07988 131647
What’sBestForYou
Save Up To £1000 In A Day!
How much do you earn in a day? Is it over £1,000 after tax? If so, don’t bother reading this. For everyone else, taking a day to work through their finances could be the most lucrative day of the year. So here are my top ten things to try. To inspire you before we start, here’s a tweet I got from payattentionpls who tried it: “Saved £2,000+ switching card and £370 on internet, phone, TV. Gas and Elec next.”
in customer service polls.
depending on the card.
3
5
Reclaim PPI for FREE
The swamp of adverts on the TV may make you think you need a company to reclaim missold payment protection insurance on cur“I got £338 back because I rent or old credit cards, store cards wash my work uniform”. or loans, but you can do it yourself If you wear a uniform to work, and easily and for free. Sometimes it only that means anything from a simple logo’d polo shirt to full nurse’s attire, takes a phone call – and you may be entitled to £1,000s back. but have to pay to wash, repair or replace it yourself, you may able to Over £440m was paid out in December alone. If you’re not sure reclaim cash in tax overpaid over the last six years. Often we’re talking whether you had it, have lost the about £60, but in some cases it can documents, or need help, both be much more. For full help on how my PPI Reclaiming guide at www. to do it, see www.mse.me/uniforms moneysavingexpert.com/ppi and www.which.co.uk have free template letters to send off and FAQs.
1
There are billions of pounds sitting in forgotten accounts – may be yours or a relative’s. For old bank accounts, savings and premium bonds, use the free www.mylostaccount.org. uk . For pensions, it’s The Pension Service, unit trusts the Investment Management Association, and investment trusts The Association of Investment Companies.
6
Cut credit card interest to 22 months 0%
If you’re racking up interest, get a NEW card balance transfer. It pays Free £100 for switching to off other debts so you owe it instead, top customer service bank at a lower rate. Act now to slash the cost of Firstdirect.co.uk pays £100 if you The longest 0% deals right now summer spending abroad switch to it. As it’s been head and are Barclaycard and Halifax, both Most credit & debit cards add a hidshoulders winner in every customer offering accepted new cardholders den 3% load, so spend £100 worth service poll I’ve ever done, that’s a of euros and it’ll cost £103. Though 22 months 0%, though Barclaycard’s corker. Though it’s only for those fee is lower at 2.9% of the amount with £22,800+ salaries or you’ll pay the extra isn’t broken out on your transferred, compared with Halifax’s a fee. It’s also possible to get an extra statement. There are four load-free credit cards: 3.5%. More info and options at £25 on top, full info at www.mse. Halifax Clarity, Post Office, Saga www.mse.me/bts. me/bankaccounts (over 50s) or Select (for Nationwide If you’re doing this, then there are Alternatively, the new Santander. FlexAccount holders ONLY) that a few rules to obey. Always clear co.uk 123 account charges £2 a month (plus you must pay in £500 a give PERFECT rates worldwide. So the debt or shift it again before the pocket one of these for spending month), but pays 1-3% cashback up 0% period ends or the rates jump to on bills like council tax, phone and abroad, pay it off in full and you get 17.9% representative APR. Never perfect exchange rates. utilities, plus if you have enough in spend on these cards, as the spendIf you fail to repay each month (not it, gives up to 3% interest. This can ing isn’t at the cheap rate, and never worth bothering with if you will), add up to a serious whack for many, miss a monthly repayment or you’ll though, sadly, it regularly comes last you’ll be charged between 11.9% likely lose the 0% deal. and 16.9% representative APR
2
26
Reclaim £1,000s of forgotten savings, investments and premium bonds
4
7
Get £1,000s council tax rebate
Up to 400,000 homes in England and Scotland are in the wrong bands. If you successfully challenge it, you could be due big money. One of my site users did this in February, and cut her bill to £350 year with a £2,470 rebate from when she’d moved in. To check, first compare your band to neighbours’ in identical or similar properties to see if it’s higher. Then work out roughly what your house was worth back in 1991, as that’s what the bands depend on. It’s much easier to do than it sounds – full help & free tools at www.moneysavingexpert.com/council
8
Try the back of the sofa cash challenge
Research says over £40 million may be down the back of our sofas alone, never mind car seats, trouser pockets, old handbags, winter coats and more. So have a spring clean rummage and see what you find. If you are really lucky, there could be an old mobile, which you can flog it to the best payer by comparing mobile buying sites.
9
Easy £250 saved on gas & electricity.
This is dead easy. A typical home on standard bills pays £1,320 a year, the same on cheapest tariff £1,020 - so switch. Just go onto a Consumerfocus.org.uk approved comparison site to find the cheapest price.
10
Reclaim £100s in lost Tesco vouchers
Many lose or forget ‘em. But it’s now easy to claw back unused vouchers and only takes a couple of minutes. You’ll need to go to Tesco Clubcard online and enter your details to access your account. Click on ‘Your vouchers’ on the left-hand side column and you should see a table listing the vouchers you still have to spend. These can be printed off for used in-store or online. I’ve come across people who got back hundreds of pounds of vouchers.
One more tip... Free TicketySplit app slashes train fares
Train split ticketing gives massive legal savings on scores of routes, even though you travel on the SAME TRAIN at the SAME TIME. Eg, a Solihull to Reading single costs £47. Yet the train stops at Banbury, so instead buy Solihull to Banbury & Banbury to Reading tickets, and it costs just £23, saving £24. The problem’s been finding when this trick works ... until now. Download my new TicketySplit Lite iPhone app in the Apple App store or bookmark the http://splitticket.moneysavingexpert.com/ site on your mobile. Tell it your journey, and it tells you where to split and the saving. This first incarnation doesn’t cover advances or returns, only ‘today tickets’. Always check their prices too, as often they’re cheaper.
10 websites to vis
it
ney
e mo r o m e v to sa
Always take a voucher 1. vouchercodes.co.uk 2. netvouchercodes.co.uk 3. discountvouchers.co.uk Check your energy bills at 4. Uswitch.com Consider changing car for one with a lower road tax, see which cars are cheapest at 5. roadtaxprices.co.uk Join a local wholesalers and save money by buying regular items in bulk. 6. www.costco.co.uk/membership Compare the costs of online retailers through comparison sites 7. twenga.co.uk 8. pricerunner.co.uk Get leading brand cosmetics and perfumes at discounted prices at 9. strawberrynet.com For theatre tickets and meal deals look at 10. Lastminute.com
Valentines Day 14th February
The Food of Love They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not experiment with some tempting titbits this Valentine’s Day? In Japan feeling flirty can become – quite literally – a matter of life or death! Puffer fish is considered to be a great delicacy and an aphrodisiac, but it contains a poisonous gland that is deadly and must be removed before eating! A safer seafood option is the oyster. A favourite with the Romans some oysters are able to change sex repeatedly and so are said to give you the ability to experience the male and female sides of love. For a sophisticated saucy snack you can’t go wrong with asparagus. Served with hollandaise sauce and washed down with champagne it’s sure to pep things up. And do you know where the term ‘honeymoon’ comes from? In Medieval times newlyweds drank mead – a fermented drink made with honey – to sweeten their marriage. But I reckon the ultimate palate pleaser has got to be chocolate. Described by the Aztecs as ‘nourishment of the Gods’, it contains both a relaxing sedative that lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to perk you up. Even better is the news that it is more effective when combined with that other an- tioxidant, red wine – but don’t have too much, or your suitor may become a snorer!
Men, Say It With
Flowers
Lots of men will be heading off to florists this month but have you ever wondered why we give flowers? The Victorians were a rather coy bunch not given to brazen declarations of love, so a whole language sprang up around flowers and plants with special meanings attached to each variety. The language was called floriography. So flowers could be used to express almost any sentiment and in combination they could convey a whole range of emotions.
Try saying it with flowers this Valentine’s Day with our handy guide.
28
A simple arrangement for
Mother’s Day Sunday 10th March
This arrangement is childproof, so give it a go! You will need a bunch or two of small flowers such as spray carnations or freesias. The flowers will only cost £3-£5 from a supermarket; a few stems of rosemary twigs (try the herb section in the supermarket) or similar foliage from the garden; enough ribbon to go around the neck of the jar and tie in a bow; some string or garden twine. Wash enough pretty, small shells or stones to quarter fill a clean clear glass jar. Select one of your flowers and cut it so the stem is about twice the height of the jar. The next flowers should be slightly shorter. Holding the long flower in one hand, make a ring of shorter flowers around it. Next, circle with foliage, cut slightly shorter. Repeat until you run out of flowers. Loop the twine a couple of times around the stems and tie a knot. Don’t squeeze the stems - they should be able to move a little. Trim the bottom of the stems with a diagonal cut (they last longer this way) so they are all the same length and place the arrangement in the jar. Jiggle, so the stems are held in place by the shells. Tie the ribbon in a bow around the neck of the jar. If the flowers came with a sachet of food, make this up following the instructions and fill the jam jar. Keep the rest of the water in a sealed container and use to top up the flowers every day. Several children? Use different sizes and shapes of jar and different flowers in each, or mix together. Display the jars in a group.
The Meaning Of Flowers
Red rose Passionate love White rose Eternal love or innocence Pink rose Perfect happiness or please believe me Orchid Love, beauty and refinement Apple Blossom Preference, good fortune Begonia Beware! Bluebell Humility Pink carnation I’ll never forget you Yellow carnation Disdain, rejection Iris Faith hope and wisdom Ivy Fidelity Primrose I can’t live without you or young love
Private Antenatal Classes with a difference FIRST SESSION FREE (offer valid until April 2013)
Find out more now email: rachel@birthpoint.co.uk www.birthpoint.co.uk We specialise in refresher Only pay for the sessions you want to attend courses too. Pick and mix your own sessions
Meet a new group of friends for your new baby whilst refreshing yourself on current topics
Couple and single-attendance prices available
www.birthpoint.co.uk 01525 217549
Doggy Sleepover
wwww.doggysleepover.co.uk We provide outstanding affordable care for your dog, in our home, with our family. while you go out for the day or away on holiday Callfor Today forinformation more information Call today more 07711 593782 Tel: 01525 222022 M: 0711 593782 www.doggysleepover.co.uk email info@doggysleepover.co.uk or email info@doggysleepover.co.uk
Legal
When it comes to children there are many areas that
can often be the subject of dispute. The permanent residence of the children, contact arrangements between parents and even parental responsibility are all areas upon which legal advice is frequently sought. The legal framework which applies in the U.K. in relation to any question concerning a child is the Children Act 1989. Section 1 of that Act makes it clear that the child’s welfare shall be the Court’s paramount consideration when determining any decisions. This sounds simple, but can be too easily forgotten by warring parents. The Act then goes further and provides a useful check list of specific factors which should also be considered before any decision is made, such as the wishes of the child, their physical, emotional and educational needs as well as the capability of each parent to meet those needs. No matter what the subject area of dispute, almost all parties are required to attend upon a trained mediator before any formal legal action is taken. This is now a pre-requisite in the U.K. before a Judge can be asked to make a decision, although there are one or two exceptions such as where there has been a history of domestic violence. If mediation is unsuccessful, then more stringent action will have to be taken. Looking at the issue of residence first of all, where parties cannot reach an agreement, a Residence Order will ultimately have to be applied for; which will expire once the child reaches the age of 16. Where there are any issues regarding the child’s welfare
30
that have been raised or, for example issues regarding the capability of a parent, it is very common for CAFCASS (Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to become involved. CAFCASS are informally known as the “Court’s eyes and ears” and Officers are deployed to investigate the circumstances surrounding each parent and will sometimes even interview the child in question, in order to provide a recommendation to the Court. Once the Court has gathered all of the information which it deems necessary to be able to make a decision, a final Residence Order will eventually be made. The area of contact arrangements has now unfortunately become a more common subject of dispute between parents and applications are usually made to either increase or obtain contact, or to restrict or suspend all contact. When looking at the issue of contact, again any decision will hinge upon whether or not it is in a child’s best interest to have contact with a given parent and again, if the Courts are involved all relevant information will be taken into account. Where serious allegations have been made, for example where substance abuse has been alleged, the Court has the power to order a party to undergo tests and have those results made available within the family Court. Sometimes, it will be necessary for a party to commence contact with their child in a supervised or supported setting, particularly where the parent’s capability is in question, although it is extremely unusual for contact to remain in such an environment in the long term. Where a Contact Order is made, it will contain a schedule of the contact in question, which can either be
very specific in terms of dates and timings or more fluid. Lastly, it is not always every parent who has the legal right to make a decision concerning their child and this stems from whether or not they have parental responsibility. Parental responsibility can be a complicated issue and broadly speaking the birth mother of a child will automatically have it. Fathers however will not always automatically have parental responsibility and an unmarried father that is not named on their child’s birth certificate prior to December 2003 may not have automatic parental responsibility. This can be easily rectified by both parents entering into a Parental Responsibility Agreement. If there is a dispute, then the father will have to apply for a Parental Responsibility Order from the Court. Parental Responsibility can also be delegated, although all parents should have nominated a legal guardian for their child in their Will.
We C l e a n
Ovens
From time to time, there are also certain specific issues that a parent may require legal advice on and although these are rare, applications can be made where for example, a parent wishes to relocate abroad and the other parent does not consent or there are disagreements as to the changing of a child’s name. It is important to note however that not all parents are in dispute concerning their children and sometimes legal advice is simply necessary to put into place or legalise certain agreements such as contact or even to simply change a child’s name together. Sheena Munraknah is of the Head of Family & Matrimonial Department at Osborne Morris & Morgan Solicitors who have offices in Mil-
ton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard. 01525 378177 info@ommlaw.co.uk
100%
Reliable, Honest & Professional
ONLY trading P The standards approved
oven cleaning company in the area.
P Fully Insured & Pet friendly P Child cleaning process.
01908 699474
www.ovenwizards.com stevekeen@ovenwizards.com
A Good Read For You Daughter of Smoke and Bone By Laini Taylor
For The Kids
Once upon a time,an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well. So begins this novel which really falls into the category young adult (YA) fantasy fiction yet manages to elevate itself through the sheer inventiveness of the plot. It begins in Prague and is the story of teenage art student Karou. She’s in college and has issues with her boyfriend. So far so YA. But this novel quickly develops into something strange and beautiful. Where does Karou go when she disappears from the city without warning, on strange ‘errands’? How can she speak so many languages? Why does her long, bright blue hair never seem to need dyeing? Karou is a girl who transcends two worlds; the real world, and the place she calls ‘Elsewhere’, where she was raised by chimaeras – strange hybrid creatures. But her secret world and all it contains is now threatened by deceptively beautiful interlopers. And Karou’s peculiar fate is to fall in love with one of them. There is a saying that there are no really new ideas in literature and Taylor’s novel bears similarities to Romeo and Juliet, not unlike the Twilight series, but it’s so much richer, more inventive and colourful. It will appeal to fans of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Karou is certainly as spirited as Lyra - and with an equally confused heritage. To whom should she remain loyal – her adoptive father or her murderous soul mate? Daughter of Smoke And Bone starts small and grows, taking you on an imaginative journey of forbidden love, intrigue and divided loyalty. Sometimes it’s worth taking a break from your regular genres and dipping into something new. With Valentine’s Day approaching this may just be one of those times…and it certainly makes a change from a clichéd ‘They sailed off into the sunset and lived happily ever after…’
32
Skellig By David Almond Published in 1998, this unforgettable book achieved instant cult status and is now rightly recognised as a children’s classic. It is often taught in junior and secondary schools, but if you really want your child to live out the magic it offers, catch them early so they can read uninterrupted and absorbed. The story itself is simple. Shortly after the birth of his baby sister, and while her health hangs in the balance, Michael finds Skellig in the garage of the ramshackle old house that he and his parents have just moved into. But who – or what – is he? Slowly Michael begins to find out: with gifts of aspirin, beer, cod liver oil and Chinese takeaway, he discovers a friend. Almond’s prose is beautifully understated, and straightforward enough to capture the interest of the reader before leading into passages of lyrical and emotional intensity. Death is ever present, and dealt with sensitively enough for young readers to understand and relate to, whilst the message is all about life, and love, and hope. If you haven’t read it, buy it now.
Bedrock Tiles are suppliers of innovative and sustainable floor tiles and wall tiles. Bedrock tiles are a local company offerering a full consultation and design service to ensure our client’s achieve their vision. We can fabricate and cut to create specialist features in materials such as quartz, granite and marble in both natural or reconsituted stone. We are experienced in applying imagination and creativity to ensure your dream becomes a reality within your budget. We offer a huge range of samples in porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, natural stone and mosaic tiles.
Call now, begin creating Tel: 0800 093 4902 office@bedrock-tiles.com www.bedrock-tiles.com
auto Biographies New Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC EX
With the exception of the high perf- ormance Type R model, the Honda Civic used to have a rather run-of-the-mill image. But the 2005 incarnation was radical and sexy enough to change that perception.
N
FAST FACTS Max speed: 134 mph 0-62 mph: 9.1 secs Combined mpg: 47.1 Engine: 1798 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve petrol Max. power (bhp): 140 at 6500 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 128 at 4300 rpm CO2: 143 g/km Price: £21,960 on the road PROS & CONS Good looking √ Comfortable √ Responsive √ Economical √ Spacious √ On the pricey side X
34
ow the car has gone ‘under the knife’ again to achieve an even tighter, sharper appearance. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, sporty motor that drives as brilliantly as it looks. Inside, the fresh Civic has a more athletic cockpit layout, a redesigned small and chunky steering wheel, as well as cool, blue door lining illumination. The car’s lightweight six speed manual gearbox is slicker than ever, and the gear ratios have been optimised to give higher speed refinement and a more satisfying action. In fact, Honda’s 2012 Civic has moved general driving pleasure up a whole notch. The steering is more direct, thanks to a retuned electric power steering system, and cornering is more precise because of stiffer suspension. This hasn’t affected comfort though. Far from it; the car has improved refinement and a good, stable ride – especially at motorway speeds. Fuel economy is impressive with the 1.8 i-VTEC petrol powered Civic. It returns an average of 47.1 mpg and emits143 g/km of CO2. For maximum efficiency you can choose to press the green ECON switch on the dashboard. This clever device ensures a very smooth increase in torque (turning power) for a more relaxing drive and less fuel consumption. But of course an engine is at its cleanest when it’s not running at all - that’s why idle stop technology is also fitted. Honda makes cashsaving driving fun too - the Civic’s speedometer illumination changes, depending on how hard your right foot is down, or how long you hang
on to the gears. The lighting is blue when the car is idle and stays blue during sudden acceleration and deceleration. It turns to green if you drive it in an economical manner but, in between, blue-green lighting shows during gentle blips of the throttle. The Civic is generally aimed at the family market so, as you would imagine, space is no issue - especially with Honda’s ‘Magic Seat’ system. Flip up, fold down or recline - you can transform the cabin at the lift of a lever or the push of a button. For example, the rear seats can be folded down completely to give a flat load space which is large enough to carry three mountain bikes, three large cases or three big golf bags. This is possible even with the front seats in their rearmost position. In EX trim the Civic is a very pleasurable place to be ensconced - particularly if, like me, you spend long periods on the road. Equipment includes leather upholstery, climate control, automatic headlights, electric windows and mirrors, as well as navigation, Bluetooth and a six speaker stereo. The up-to-the-minute Civic is indeed a top motor. Made by a company with a legendary reputation for bullet-proof reliability and comfort, the hatchback, although not the most affordable in its class, is one of the best looking. And, on top of that, the car is built in Britain alongside its popular siblings, the CR-V and Jazz. You’ll just have to find nearly £22,000 to pay for it – or wait for the new Civic to come on to the used market.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
8
99
t. 1
Es
WAT E R S EWERS
GROUNDWORKS
WATER
Leakage detection • Repairs • Renewals Stopcocks • Underground mains • New connections Self lay • High pressure water jetting • CCTV
GROUNDWORKS All tarmac laying • Driveways • Kerbs & road remedials
S E W E RS Family owned & operated Civil Engineering Contractor
Connections • Installation of mains treatment plants Septic tanks and pumped rising sewer mains
Over 30 years’ experience within the water & building industry Business grown from repeat work & word of mouth
www.stdcivilengineering.com
Tel: 01525 211690 Unit 16, 81 Leighton Road, Stanbridge, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9HW
“Q • • • • •
uic k
w in
k”
PLUMBING & DRAINAGE 24 Hours a day... 7 Days a week... 365 Days a year
Your Local Expert Plumbing & Drainage Service
as a
All Emergency Plumbing All Drainage & Blockages No Call Out Charge Pre-fixed Prices Work Guaranteed
BEDFORD & KEMPSTON
BLETCHLEY & MILTON KEYNES
01234 742 900
01908 849 814
LEIGHTON BUZZARD
SANDY & BIGGLESWADE
01525 779 818
01767 662 040 FLITWICK & AMPTHILL
01525 779 818
FREEPHONE ALL AREAS
0800 019 2416
Recipe
Cashew Chicken
10th February
Celebrate Chinese New Year in style with this tasty dish
Ingredients
Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 10 mi ns plus 25 mins for the steamed ric e Serves: 4
For The Chicken
450g boneless chicken breasts, skinned 1 egg white 1 tsp salt 2 tsp corn flour 310ml groundnut (or peanut) oil or water 2 tsp groundnut (or peanut) oil 55g cashew nuts 1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry 1 tbsp light soy sauce 1 tbsp spring onions, finely chopped, for garnish
For The Vegetables
225g bean sprouts 1 red pepper 1 green pepper Red or green chilli 225g water chestnuts, peeled & rinsed 2 tbsp groundnut oil 1½ tbsp garlic, finely chopped 2 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped 6 spring onions, shredded 1 tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground white pepper 2 tbsp light soy sauce 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tsp whole yellow bean sauce 2 tbsp shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry 5 tbsp chicken stock or water
36
Method
Cut the chicken into 1cm cubes. Mix with the egg white, salt and corn flour in a small bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Heat a wok or large frying pan until very hot. Add the oil and when it is very hot and slightly smoking remove the wok from the heat. Immediately add the chicken, stirring vigorously to prevent it from sticking. The chicken will turn white after a couple of minutes. Drain off the excess oil and reserve the chicken on a plate Wipe the wok or pan clean with kitchen roll. Heat it until it is very hot, add 2 tbsp oil and the cashew nuts and stir-fry them for 1 minute. Add the rest of the ingredients. Return the chicken to the wok and stir-fry the mixture for another 2 minutes. Reserve the chicken to a plate again. Make the vegetables: trim the bean sprouts at both ends. Chop the peppers into bit-size pieces and finely shred the chillies and the water chestnuts. Heat a wok or large frying pan until it is very hot. Add the oil and when it is very hot and slightly smoking, add the garlic, ginger and spring onions and stir fry for 15 seconds. Then add the bean sprouts, shredded chilli, peppers and shredded water chestnuts and stir fry for about 1 minute. Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until it is well mixed and heated through. Return the chicken to the pan for a final stir. Serve at once with some steamed rice, garnished with spring onions.
Today the word
concierge probably conjures up images of liveried hotel staff and a little brass bell ready to fulfill your every demand but this wasn’t always the case. The word concierge is French meaning the “keeper of the keys.” but the origins of the title, “concierge” are from the Latin word conserves, meaning “fellow slave.” During the Middle Ages, castles across Europe hosted visiting nobility, and the concierge kept the keys to the castle rooms, and looked after the comfort of the guests. This role grew into the modern day hotel concierge service that we are familiar with however the role has grown further to concierge services that are not only reserved for hotel stays but now can assist in our every day lives.
Whose career is more important? Francesca Sheppard
When two people in a household are out at work, that can sometimes mean precious little time to manage those jobs and projects that keep a home running. Why would either of you take time off from Whether it is waiting for a tradesman, supervising builders, delivering or picking up parcels, these are jobs that need doing – but busy working couples just don’t have time for.
has juggled both a successful career as company director with being a mother of two and a school governor. She knows what juggling busy lives involves. The work just because the plumber is coming or you Good Sheppard knows need to see tile samples with the decorator, not your family home life is unique and private, to mention picking up the dry cleaning, finding the best school, planning a holiday or one of the and discretion and many hundreds of things you struggle to fit into confidence come as your life. standard with this The Good Sheppard is an hourly concierge concierge service. service, offering assistance, from the mundane to full project planning.
The Good Sheppard and its network of associates can help Telephone 07778 356097 The Good Sheppard you take care of francesca@thegoodsheppard.org.uk is a local family business at home at a www.thegoodsheppard.org.uk concierge service set surprisingly affordable up to take care of your price – from just home while you concentrate on the office. £15 an hour. Whether that is larger scale Run by Francesca Sheppard, it offers a project management, for example a home flexible and confidential service – and is extension, or internet research, you will available to hire by the hour. There is no be assured of a professional service with a expensive contract to dip into, you simply track record for delivering results. discuss what you would like done and we can agree a plan to suit you. You can take care of your career, while the Good Sheppard takes care of your home. one affordable luxury you shouldn’t live without
Pensioners A . .. s n r e c d Con
Age
View
Tell Us What Is A Better Off Pensioner?
W
hat does the present day government mean by the term “better off pensioner”. At what annual income is a pensioner considered well off? We shall probably have to wait for the next general election manifestos to find an answer. "Older people must shoulder their fair share of spending cuts" say Tory MP Nick Bowles. "Rubbish!" say I. We paid into a National Insurance Fund to look after us in old age. We expect to get what was promised to us. Some of us who were more fortunate took out annuities and personal insurance to further help us in retirement to keep up a reasonable standard of living and I would suggest to Mr Bowles MP that we also paid tax on these pensions and annuities during our working life and still have tax deducted at source now we are using such additional pensions. It would be quite true to state that a UK citizen is paying taxes from the time work is started until death and still the government, no matter what their political colour, cannot make the sums realized meet the monetary requirements of the UK. Might I also suggest that MP's perhaps should show us a lead by cutting their salaries and expenses, if we are expected to live on less, then so should they. When it come to MP's we are certainly not "in it together". I am quite proud to say I am “working class” (a plebian, if you like) but I do not wish to be told that (I might be) I am a wealthy pensioner. Because it really is not true, this
By Mike Newman
applies to millions of us. Who might be expected to pay prescription charges if MP Nick Bowles has his way. Just at the time of life where the use of more medicines are needed to assist you keeping relatively well. We all know, or should know, that in the ever increasing cost of living your 2013 pension will be increased by £2.50 a week, enough to buy a couple of loaves of bread? Yet we are told we are not paying our share of the deficit burden? A deficit which was not of our making. A telling remark, from Mr Bowles, of what you should be aware "We need to acknowledge now that we will not be able to continue the protection of these other benefits for “better off” pensioners after 2015", (general election year). Well, there you have it. I wonder if the party manifestos will tell us what a “better off” pensioner is. Although there again. A manifesto relates to what a political party would like to do, they really are not promises, they invariably are broken in a very short time. I would suggest what the pensioner would wish to see would be cast iron, proven facts on how the manifesto promise could be kept. Perhaps we should demand such information is made available before we vote? Surely the days of touching your forelock and muttering "Gawd ‘elp us guv’nor" went the way of the workhouse? Some present day thinking might suggest to the pensioner that such thoughts of cheating the pensioner of their dues is fair game? BEWARE"!
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.
38
WHAT’S ON February 1st-3rd Milton Keynes Wedding show, The Centre MK, Middleton Hall. www.thecentremk.com/ Events 2nd and 3rd Stallion Showcase GB will be holding their main show on at Addington. One of the most exciting events of the 2013 breeding season with a showcase of 70 stallions. The event will include Showjumping and Event Stallions in GB with Loose Jumping Competition and Dressage to Music Competition as well as entertaining and educational demonstrations and trade stands. Be sure to check the website page for times and latest information, Addington Manor Equestrian Centre Buckinghamshire MK18 2JR horseeventsuk.com 6th Family History Talk: Smethurst’s Luck. Peter Maggs relates the story of Dr Thomas Smethurst, who in 1859 was tried for the murder by poisoning of Isabella Bankes, his bigamous wife. 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Free; non-members of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome; a small donation will be appreciated.Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK2 2HB www.bucksfhs.org.uk 10th HULA Valentine’s Open Day 1:00pm - 3:30pm. See the rescued pets and farm animals .Delicious refreshments. Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ Enquiries: (01908) 584000 Email: hularescue@tiscali.co.uk 12th Shrove Tuesday – Pancake day! Olney Ladies Pancake race
16th The Fifth Bletchley Seed SwapCollect seeds from your vegetables and flowers, and bring them in labelled paper envelopes or packets. You may also bring unwanted commercial seeds. On entry, (£1), hand in your seeds. You are entitled to one packet for each packet you bring. You may take away extra packets of seeds for a donation of 50p per packet. Choose the seeds that you would like to take away. No seeds to swap? Packets can be taken away for a donation of 50p per packet. If you have seeds to swap, but no time to packet them, bring them along to be packeted on the day. Alternatively, phone one of us as soon as possible, and we can do it before the Swap. Stay for our delicious home made refreshments and a chat! A gardening bring and buy stall is available. Bletchley Garden Club members are always happy to talk Gardening10am- 2pm. Entrance £1. Details 01908 372138 Freeman Memorial Methodist Church, Buckingham Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 5HH 16th MK Model Railway Society: Annual exhibition with over 30 layouts. Shenley Brook End School. £5 adults £3 concessions, £10 Family. Contact: 01908 375226 www. mkmrs.org.uk 18th Children’s Activities at Buckingham Old Gaol Fun for all children with board and table games. No unaccompanied children please.1.30-3.30pm - Call in any time during these two hours. £1.50 per child if a Friend/ Trust member, £3 if not. 01280 823020 Buckingham Old
Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham Buckinghamshire MK18 1JX 19th Fossil Hunting – Join the Parks Trust as you discover fossils and interesting rocks. Stonepit Field Park, Wolverton Road, Milton Keynes 01908 255379 www.theparkstrust.com 22nd Children’s Indoor Activity Day – Hounslow Hall Estate, Newton Longville. Activities include achery, segway, laser tag and 4x4 offroading. www. experiencethecountry.co.uk March 10 Mothering Sunday 10th HULA Spring Open Day and Bunny Bonanza 1:00pm-3:30pm Talk on “How to keep rabbits healthy”. Meet the Rabbit Welfare Association - Fun Rabbit Photo Competition Children’s Rabbit Costume Competition, age groups 8-12years, 7years and under See the rescued Rabbits Venue: Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ Between M1 Junction 13 and WobEnquiries: (01908) 584000 Email: hularescue@tiscali.co.uk 16 Real Arts and Crafts – 9:30am to 4pm Woburn Sands Memorial Hall. 07770 344914 22nd-24th MK Garden Show, The Centre MK, Middleton Hall. www.thecentremk.com/Events 23rd Choral Concert St John Passion Woburn Parish Church. An Easter concert performed by the Danesborough Chorus. Tickets 01908 583460 1st April Bletchley Park Easter Eggstravaganza
The Origins of Mothers Day Mother’s Day is commemorated worldwide although the dates differ from country to country. In the UK, the correct name for Mother’s Day is Mothering Sunday and it always falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter. Because the dates of Easter and Lent vary from year to year, the date of Mothering Sunday also varies. This year it falls on 10th 22ndMarch March.
A
lthough mothers have been revered since Prehistoric times, this particular tribute day to mothers has been recognised since the 17th century. In those days, it was common for children to move away from home at an early age to work in service or on apprenticeships from as young as ten years old. They lived in their employers’ houses and rarely had time off to see their families. They would worship regularly in their nearest church, known as their ‘Daughter’ church. However, it was considered extremely important for everyone to return at least once a year to worship at their ‘Mother’ church, the one in which they were baptised. Servants were given the day off to return home and spend some time with their family and to worship at their Mother church. This day became known as Mothering Sunday.
“
As this would probably be their only holiday of the year they would take gifts for their family. There might have been a Simnel cake (a marzipan covered fruit cake) from a generous employer to save until the end of Lent and posies of wild flowers gathered from the hedgerows. The luxurious fruit-filled Simnel cake signified an end to the austerity of Lent. During the 19th century, Mothering Sunday celebrations started to wane but after World War 2 the tradition was picked up again, with influence from America, and has continued to be recognised in the fairly original way ever since. Customary Mother’s Day gifts include chocolates, flowers and pampering days, but if you ask any mum, she will probably say that the only present she wants on Mother’s Day is the presence of her children.
Mother’s Day Quotes
On Mother’s Day I have written a poem for you. In the interest of poetic economy and truth, I have succeeded in concentrating my deepest feelings and beliefs into two perfectly crafted lines: You’re my mother, I would have no other! ~Forest Houtenschil
4032
Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children. ~Sam Levenson A suburban mother’s role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. ~Peter De Vries
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
pictograms
Answers on page 50
1JDUPHSBNT
XPSE
ODOMO XPSET
bl nd i
XPSET
Indi n a Valentine’s
Y G W H A P T A H W U F B
D I I N E G Y A R I H L D
A V G T T B N N L O O O S
R E A P L D O N N S L W N
L L D O S B U E S L E E G
I E U O O A Y O O E T R P
N D M K V B M E T T G I R
G E P I I Y C H E R U B E
O A L E S W E E T I E S C
U R I O N A B V V H I U I
C E N U R A C E E O T G O
A S G T B U L O V I E A U
N T T E P O P P E T V R S
Angel Babe Baby Blossom Cherub Cutie Darling Dearest Doll Dumpling Flower Handsome Honey Lovie Petal Pookie
Poppet Precious Sugar Sweetheart Sweetie
All these affectionate nicknames can be found in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a quotation about love
Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles
3 2 4 3
Answers on page 46 2 9 7 6 8 2 9 3
Sudoku 数独 1 6
7
9 2 6
8 4 3
the bottom to the top rung Step from by changing one letter at a time DIVES
CIVIL ENGI
5 6 7
Crossword
WATER
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!
MINDS
SPOT THE ADVERT What advert Is This? >>>> Across 1. Medium hot curry (6) 4. Large boats (5) 8. Broil (5) 9. Drinking glass (7) 10. Immobility (7) 11. Pace (4) 12. Cut the grass (3) 14. Improves grip on sport shoe (4) 15. Arch (4) 18. Hole in a needle (3) 21. Bind (4) 23. Helps (7) 25. Cloth toy (3, 4) 26. Eliminate (5) 27. Charm (5) 28. Atoll (6)
42
Down Family owned & operated Civ
1. Border (6) experience within Over 30 years’ 2. Patois (7) Business grown from repea 3. Ability (8) 4. Awww.stdcivileng few (4) 5. Estuary (5) 6. Chafe (6) 7. Water vapour (5) 13. Hushed tones (8) 16. Eye make-up (7) 17. Presents (6) 19. Large bird of prey (5) 20. Climb (6) 22. Bicker (5) 24. Lagoon (4)
Easter An Egg-cellent Idea Whatever the weather, children of all ages will love an Easter egg hunt. Try one of these ideas and have a cracking good time! • For a simple hunt, put plastic eggs around the house or garden that children have to collect to win a prize, or hide small chocolate eggs them to collect in a basket.
Choccy Facts
C
hocolate comes from the Aztec word ‘xocolatl’, meaning bitter water. Originally it was consumed as a drink made from cacao beans, chillies, achiote and cornmeal. Emperor Montezuma drank 50 golden goblets every day!
H O
itchcock used chocolate syrup for
blood in the famous 45 second shower scene in his movie Psycho.
ver 66 percent of the world’s cacao is produced in Africa. The US consumes the most chocolate per year, but the Swiss consume the most per capita.
for
• Add clues to make the search a bit harder. Alternatively, create a treasure map and mark each egg with an X. • Young children will enjoy following a trail of paper bunny footprints, or a long piece of string to reach their prize. • Add a fun educational twist using numbered cardboard egg shapes – children can collect odd or even numbers, or get the highest total to win a prize. You could also put the letters of an Easter-themed word on the shapes and challenge them to solve the anagram. • Set up an ‘obstacle’ hunt. To win each egg, children have to complete a challenge, such as doing ten star jumps, singing a nursery rhyme, or completing a craft activity. • If you have a mixed group of children, prepare individual checklists so they each find only what is on their list and no more – for example, two chocolate bunnies, three silver eggs and four fluffy chicks.
C
olumbus brought the cocoa bean to Europe, but Cortez first realised its commercial value. With the addition of cane sugar the chocolate drink became very popular, but it wasn’t until 1842 that the first chocolate bar was produced by Cadbury.
O
ne unfortunate Bishop was poisoned by chocolate-addicted parishioners because he tried to ban its consumption during church services.
L
argest and longest records go to Nestle for creating the largest cup of hot chocolate (2,400 litres) in November 2010, and to Mirco Della Vecchia for producing the longest chocolate bar measuring 15.9m a year later.
A T E
phrodisiacal qualities are believed by many to be contained in chocolate.
horntons produced the world’s biggest chocolate bar (six tonnes of it!) in October 2011 to celebrate its 100th birthday.
nergy-seeking Napoleon always carried chocolate with him to use as a pick-meup whenever he needed a boost.
Answers Step On It DIVES DIVER DINER MINER MINES MINDS SPOT THE ADVERT CIVIL ENGINEERING
8
99
t. 1
Es
WATER SE WE RS
GROUNDWORKS
WATE R
Leakage detection • Repairs • Renewals Stopcocks • Underground mains • New connections Self lay • High pressure water jetting • CCTV
GROUNDWORKS All tarmac laying • Driveways • Kerbs & road remedials
SEW ERS Family owned & operated Civil Engineering Contractor
Connections • Installation of mains treatment plants Septic tanks and pumped rising sewer mains
Over 30 years’ experience within the water & building industry Business grown from repeat work & word of mouth
www.stdcivilengineering.com
44
Tel: 01525 211690 Unit 16, 81 Leighton Road, Stanbridge, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9HW
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 Bedfordshire NHS 01234 897200 NHS Direct 0845 4647 Dentists NHS emergency dental 0845 603 0857 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 Stoke Mandeville 01296 315000 The nearest NHS walk-in centre is MK Hospital Campus, Standing Way 01908 303030 Open 7am - 10pm 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
alth al He al lth al alth natur etur Htuera Hna naturalnaMen’s Health
h Health al
diseases than women because they store fat around their middle rather than on their hips and thighs. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risks of diabetes, osteoporosis and It also his new year may beheart a gooddisease. time for men, friendsas and to beginvitamins, thinking helps to relievetheir stress, dorelatives B-complex about their health and making some resolubut sugary foods, strong coffee and other caffeinated tions. Statistics show causes for concern. drinks Men will make it worse. are more likely than women to die from heart prostate health, found beneath cancer suicide, to gland be overweight, to may be aMaintaining good disease, time his new for men, year and may be the a good time for men, smoke and to drink alcohol excessively, but less likely thetobladder, is vital. It can enlarge with age and cause and relatives begin their friends thinking and relatives to begin thinking to usewhile healthpassing services effectively or to take part in selfdifficulties urine. If problems occur, ealth and makinghelp about some their resoluhealth and making some resoluprogrammes. visit your to biggest rule outboosts prostate cancer, the leading One of the would be to cs show causes tions. forGP concern. Statistics show causes forhave concern. cause of cancer in men. Most often, the someone to confide in about physical and emotional an women Mentoare diemore from likely heartthan women to die fromexcessive heart problems. However, menistend to talk about suchneed growth of prostate tissue, harmful but may uicide, disease, to be overweight, cancer and to suicide, tonot benot overweight, to issues the way women do, nor readily take advice. treatment. cohol excessively, smoke and but to drink less Royal likely alcohol excessively, likely Manchester Infirmary discoveredbut maleless patients Lycopene, ansuffered antioxidant found mainly inlikely tomatoes, effectively to use or tohealth take part services in selfeffectively orwere to take in selfthat had a heart attack less part to has been to reduce of prostate cancer suffershown further attacks if theythe hadrisk the support of friends, help programmes. partner or relatives. and protect against heartwould disease and osteoporosis. osts would One be of the toahave biggest boosts be to have Nowadays are under evenand moreuse pressure frompuree Try tomato juice,men soup, sauces tomato about someone physical and to confide emotional in about physical and emotional financial and work stresses. It is so tempting to eat in cooking, or add to a sandwich mix. The minerals men tendproblems. not to talk However, about such men tend not to talkease about such and drink more alcohol to temporarily this stress. selenium and zinc,with found ininbrazil nuts, fish, Whilst chatting mates the pub can eggs, be helpful, n do, nor issues readily the take way advice. women do, nor readily take advice. staying below 3/4 units a day is important. Death lean meat, also offer protection. The male herb, Sawrates mary discovered Manchester male Royal patients Infirmary discovered patients
By Sue Blain
Men’s Men’sHealth T Health
By Sue Blain
T
Palmetto, is known to be beneficial, or Sabal Serrulata, its homeopathic equivalent. Testicular cancer, the most common cancer affecting young men, can be cured easily if picked up early from self-examination. If you have any concerns, checking out the Men’s Health Forum website will be a good start to a healthier year. Sue Blain 01525 874357
in men aged 45 to 54 years from liver cirrhosis has
art attack that were hadless suffered atoheart attack were less likely to risenlikely fourfold in the last 30 years. 12 they had suffer the support further attacks of friends, if they hadatthe of friends, Overweight men are more risk support from serious than women because they store fat around a partner diseases or relatives. their middle rather than on their hipspressure and thighs.from nder even Nowadays more pressure men are from under even more Thames Valley Police 101 Number Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risks sses. It financial is so tempting and work to eat stresses. It is so tempting to eat of diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. It also l to temporarily and drinkease more this stress. to temporarily easevitamins, this stress. helps to alcohol relieve stress, as do B-complex What is 101? but be sugary foods, strong coffee and other ates in the Whilst pubchatting can with helpful, mates in the pub can becaffeinated helpful, 101 is a national single non-emergency number drinksDeath will make it a worse. s a day staying is important. below 3/4 units rates day is important. Death rates Maintaining prostate health, the gland found beneath that all police forces are going to be using by years from in men liveraged cirrhosis 45 tohas 54 years from liver cirrhosis has the bladder, is vital. It can enlarge with age and cause t 30 years. risen fourfold in the last 30 years. 2012 and will replace the Thames Valley Police difficulties while passing urine. If problems occur, visitmen your GP rule out cancer, the leading more at risk Overweight from serious aretomore atprostate risk from serious 0845 8 505 505 (non emergency) number. The cause ofaround cancer because in men. Most often, the excessive because diseases they store thanfatwomen they store fat around initiative is being driven jointly by the Home growth of prostate tissue, is not harmful but may need n on their their hips middle and thighs. rather than on their hips and thighs. treatment. Office and NPIA, with the telephony service been shown Regular to reduce exercise the has risks been shown reduce the risks Palmetto, Lycopene, an antioxidant foundto mainly in tomatoes, is known to be beneficial, or Sabal Serrulata, provided by Cable & Wireless. osis andofheart diabetes, disease. also to reduce and heart also has osteoporosis beenIt shown the riskdisease. of prostateIt cancer its homeopathic equivalent. Testicular cancer, the andvitamins, protect against disease and osteoporosis. most common cancer affecting young men, can be as do B-complex helps to relieve stress, as heart do B-complex vitamins, Try tomato juice, soup, sauces and use tomato puree easily if picked up early from self-examination. ng coffee butand sugary other foods, caffeinated strong coffee and other caffeinated cured When did Thames Valley in cooking, or add to a sandwich mix. The minerals If you have any concerns, checking out thePolice Men’s go live? se. drinks willselenium make itand worse. zinc, found in brazil nuts, eggs, fish, Health Forum website will Police be a goodwent start to live a Thames Valley with 101 on 14 ealth, the Maintaining gland found beneath the gland beneath healthier year. Sue Blain 01525 874357 leanprostate meat, alsohealth, offer protection. Thefound herb, Saw November 2011, alongside South Yorkshire, can enlarge the bladder, with ageisand vital.cause It can enlarge with age and cause 12 Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Kent, Sussex, ng urine.difficulties If problems while occur, passing urine. If problems occur, t prostate visitcancer, your GP thetoleading rule out prostate cancer, the leading Humberside, Greater Manchester and West n. Mostcause often,of thecancer excessive in men. Most often, the excessive Yorkshire. ue, is not growth harmful of prostate but may tissue, need is not harmful but may need treatment. Whenor to 101? ant found Lycopene, mainly inan tomatoes, antioxidant found Palmetto, mainlyisinknown tomatoes, to be beneficial, Sabal Serrulata, Palmetto, is call known to be beneficial, or Sabal Serrulata, You should call 101 to report urgent duce the has riskbeen of prostate shown cancer to reduce the its homeopathic risk of prostateequivalent. cancer Testicular cancer, the its homeopathic equivalent. Testicularless cancer, the crime art disease and protect and osteoporosis. against heart disease most common and osteoporosis. cancer affecting young men, cancer can most common young can be and disorder or be to affecting speak to yourmen, local officers. sauces Tryand tomato use tomato juice, soup, pureesauces cured andeasily use tomato if picked puree up earlycured fromexample, self-examination. easily if picked early from For you up should call self-examination. 101 if: sandwich in cooking, mix. Theorminerals add to a sandwich If youmix. haveThe anyminerals concerns, checking out the If you have anyMen’s concerns, checking out the Men’s • goodyour cara has been stolen. nd in brazil selenium nuts, and eggs, zinc, fish, found in brazil Healthnuts, Forum eggs, website fish, will be aHealth start towebsite Forum will be a good start to a • your property has been damaged. rotection. lean The meat, herb, also Saw offer protection. healthier The herb, year. Saw Sue Blain 01525healthier 874357year. Sue Blain 01525 874357 12
46
•
you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood.
Or to: • report a minor traffic collision. • give the police information about crime in your area. • speak to the police about a general enquiry. 101 is being introduced as part of the Government’s wider work to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999, and help to efficiently and effectively tackle crime and disorder. What is the difference between 101 and 999? You should continue to call 999 when it is an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened. How much will it cost the caller? Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day the call is made, or the duration of the call. Everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will now know exactly how much a call will cost them, and can be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline. How does the routing of the call work? The routeing will be based on the same system as 999 calls which links a caller’s dialling code to the police force that covers that geographic area. Calls from a landline will be routed to the nearest police force that covers the area’s dialling code. If the caller is using a mobile, the call will be routed using the location of the mast that the phone is transmitting from. If a call is made to 101 within a police force area that has not yet ‘gone live’, the caller will hear a recorded message telling them to redial using the relevant non-emergency number.
Who will answer my 101 call? Calls to 101 are answered by police call handlers in the control room of the local police force. This ensures that staff with local knowledge can answer and deal with the calls and respond appropriately. You will not be put through to a large national call centre. When you call 101, the system will determine your location and connect you to the police force covering that area. You will hear a recorded message announcing the police force you are being connected to. If you are on a boundary between two or more forces, the recorded message will give you a choice of which force to be connected to. I am deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, can I call 101? Yes, you can textphone 18001 101. What if English is not my first language? Your local police have access to professional interpreters so they can quickly translate your call if you have difficulty speaking English. What about reporting general nuisance or environmental issues? You should continue to call your local council for things like: reporting graffiti. dog fouling. abandoned vehicles. dumping and fly tipping. vandalism. What should I do if the 101 number is currently blocked on the phone at my workplace / college / business premises? As 101 is a new number, some business phone systems and switchboards may not yet be programmed to recognise 101. Please contact the person who administers your phone system to request that access is opened to the 101 number.
48