April/May 2015
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ON THE COVER
HOME & GARDEN 34 Gardening in April 38 Chelsea Flower Show 20 Kidsout 26 Beds Food & Drink Awards 2015 28 Win Tickets to The Sound of Music
CONSUMER ADVICE 16 Your Money Matters 22 It’s The Law 30 Auto Biographies
COMMUNITY 6 The Big Lunch 36 Mabel’s News 46 Out & About
ENTERTAINMENT 44 Book Review 40 Puzzles TRAVEL & LEISURE 8 Traveller’s Tale -New England 14 Traveller’s Tale continued 41 Looking Up in Beds & Bucks
Copy Deadline for the
June/July Issue is 18th May Editor: Andrena Carden-White Advertising: andrena@thevinemagazine.com Telephone: 01525 222473 Mobile: 0797 155 4604 Publisher: The Vine Magazine Limited There are 6 Vine Magazine publications Leighton Buzzard, MK South, Aylesbury, Luton, Dunstable and Dunstable Villages a total distribution of 64,000. For full contact details of all our magazines and distribution visit www.thevinemagazine.com
Hello and welcome to the latest issue. I want to say a special congratulations to Cedar’s Day Nursery for coming 9th in The Sunday Times -Best 100 Places To Work. Unfortunately I ran out of space to feature their picture. Would you like to hear more from me? No probably not but see page 41 to find out my radio show! I hope you enjoy this packed issue, have a great Easter & Bank Hols Andrena The Vine Magazine
We do our best to get things right but neither the publisher or contributors will take any liability for loss or damage by errors. The Vine Magazine Limited does not officially endorse advertisements. No part of this publication can be reproduced without permission
MILTON KEYNES PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
OPEN DAYS 10:00 - 11:30am We would be delighted to show you round the schools at anytime that is convenient to you. For details of our future Open Days please see our website, and for an appointment to visit or to receive a prospectus, please contact the Registrar.
5th MAY
9th MAY
9th JUNE
6th MAY
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10th JUNE
7th MAY
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Walton Pre-Preparatory School The Old Rectory, Walton Drive, Milton Keynes MK7 6BB
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Milton Keynes Preparatory School Tattenhoe Lane, Milton Keynes MK3 7EG
www.mkps.co.uk : info@mkps.co.uk
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Broughton Manor Preparatory School Newport Road, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9AA
www.bmprep.co.uk : info@bmprep.co.uk 01908 665234 Independent Co-Educational day schools Open 7.30am - 6.30pm
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mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk
Leighton Linslade Town Council will host our annual National Big Lunch event on Sunday 7th June 2015 from 11am-4pm in the High Street. With previous successful events including the Medieval Banquet Big Lunch and Wild West Big Lunch we have decided to launch the 2015 event as a Food Festival ‘The Great Leighton Bake off incorporating ‘The great Leighton Competition’ will be judged by a well known chef and entry forms Bake off Competition’ to enter your great bake will be Seating will be available in two available from the White House food court areas plus a number or Library or downloadable of food stalls from the Italian through the new Town Council market, local farm produce, Website www.leightonlinsladeCaribbean to Chinese noodles tc.gov.uk . There will be a and of course a hog roast and number of categories available to BBQ plus much more! there will enter into. be plenty of chocolate too. In jo.martindale@leightonlinsladeaddition there will be some fun tc.gov.uk or call 01525 631911 entertainment, live music from Keeping Leighton-Linslade Tidy rock and roll to reggae and local There are volunteers in Leighton dance group performance, food –Linslade who, in addition to workshops and demonstrations employees provided by the and a visit form the well known Town and Central Bedfordshire tea expert! Councils, regularly patrol the streets and byways of our beautiful and historic town to remove all kinds of litter which has Gas Boiler, fire & Cooker, Servicing, installaon and www.plumbingandgas.org.uk been haphazardly repairs cylinders etc, heang system problems inc discarded. Gas boiler, fire & cooker, Gas Boiler, fire & Cooker, Servicing, installaon and power-flushing Dripping taps and internal plumbing –Linslade issues, servicing, also solar thermal repairs and servicing. repairs cylinders etc, heang system problemsLeighton inc installation In Bloom has power-flushing Dripping taps and internal plumbing & 01582 674829 etc. repairs cylinders joined forces with issues, also solar thermal repairs and servicing. www.plumbingandgas.org.uk Heating system problems 563034 groups such as
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will be litter picking If you or your company would like to get involved you can either contact Leighton-Linslade In Bloom (David Rosie 01525 370279) or the Town Council (01525 631920) . See LL in Bloom events in Out & About on Page 46
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A Travellers Tale New England in the Fall (Plus Some History As well) By Paul Heley
A clapboard New England
A
"Minuteman" statue, Lexington MA A covered bridge
Memorial to 1620 landing place
Fall colours in New England
few years back, Val and I decided to say Yes to an attractive brochure advertising the splendours of the Fall colours in New England. These brochures are very clever because obviously - they choose the prettiest of pictures to lure you and, what is more, they don't point out that the different tree varieties come into their autumn colours at different times - so some of the trees won't have done anything by the time you get there! It's very much tied up with date and, perhaps, when we went in mid September, it might have been a bit early; early October is most likely the best time. But, even so, we did catch some really lovely views. However, New England is not just pretty trees; there's also an architectural style with characteristic "clapboard" churches different to most of America; and there's also more history in this area than anywhere else. So how did it go with us? We started off at Boston, Massachusetts, and found the place undergoing an "inversion": an enormous civil engineering project was turning the place literally upside down. It must have cost millions more than an arm and a leg. However, we were shepherded around the touristy sights of the city - as best as the tour operator could manage midst the chaos - and saw places like Benjamin Franklin's statue, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old State House, Quincy Market, Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. Many, if not most, of these places have historical links with the opening stages of the American War of Independence in 1775 and are part of what is known as "Boston's Freedom Trail". This war happened almost by accident and, apart from a few hotheads on the American side, nobody really wanted a war. Admittedly, the British government had acted in a very high handed manner over certain aspects of the law and things got badly out of hand on a few occasions. But there wasn't a deep seated hatred of the British: it was almost a case of their having acted foolishly and needing to be taught a lesson. But unfortunately, together with many skirmishes and misunderstandings (eg the problem over taxation leading to the "Boston Tea Party"), things became very serious indeed and grew eventually into a full scale conflict. It's interesting to note that, following the earlier 1620 landing, a steady stream of refugees escaping (mainly) religious persecution back in England had settled in the area which became known as New England. Looking at the maps of these six states, one sees scores of English place names which the migrants brought with them; one of which is Dunstable following a slightly later migration and subsequent development in 1656. It's also interesting to note that the people of the "new" Dunstable were quick to join in with the rebellion, remembering as they did the ungodly treatment to which they had been subjected back home.
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The Old State House, Boston As part of our tour, we were taken to different places where such "minutemen" had been recruited, or battles fought, and we were struck both with the pride felt by Americans over this particular episode of their history whilst, at the same time, almost a sadness that it had ever come to war. Many Americans are very pro-British and have a great fondness for the country and their ancestry. We were taken to places like Concord, Lincoln and Lexington and while travelling around caught many glimpses of the beauty offered by this part of the world at this time of the year as well as some of the covered bridges (sometimes called "Lovers' Bridges") for which this region is famous. Another historical place of interest was Salem (scene of the infamous 1692/3 trials when many innocent women were condemned as witches on religious grounds; and then hanged, tortured or burnt). But perhaps the most historically significant was the visit to Plymouth on Cape Cod where the "Pilgrim Fathers" first set foot in 1620 following their voyage from England in the "Mayflower". The actual landing spot (so they say!) is commemorated and there is also a statue to the chief of the Indian tribe who gave the newcomers food during their first harsh winter and kept them alive. Another (non historical) place visited was the Norman Rockwell Museum in Arlington, Vermont. Here scores of his "folksy" drawings and posters are on show. For many years he drew for a weekly magazine and his drawings have become national treasures and originals are very valuable. Somehow he seemed able to capture "ordinary" life of the 1920s in these, often very amusing, sketches. Our holiday lasted for a little over a week and we returned to the upside down world of Boston and escaped by going on a whale watching trip. Fortunately, a few had come out to greet us and it was very humbling to realise just how puny we are in comparison with these magnificent creatures. Whilst in New England, we learned the definition of a "Yankee". It runs like this :To a citizen of the world, a Yankee is an American; To an American, a Yankee is a Northener; To a Northener, a Yankee is a New Englander; To a New Englander, a Yankee is someone from Vermont; To a Vermonter, a Yankee is a person who eats pie for breakfast! (But there are other, more etymologically reasoned,
• • • • •
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Your Money Matters
Registration opens for new married couples tax break HMRC have announced that registration for the new ‘Marriage Allowance’ for married couples and those in civil partnerships is now open. From 6 April 2015 certain married couples and civil partners may be eligible for a new Transferable Tax Allowance referred to by the Government as the ‘Marriage Allowance’. The allowance will enable eligible spouses and civil partners to transfer a fixed amount of their personal allowance to their spouse. The option to transfer is not available to unmarried couples. The option to transfer will be available to couples where neither pays tax at the higher or additional rate. If eligible, one partner will be able to transfer 10% of their personal allowance to the other partner which means £1,060 for the 2015/16 tax year which could save them tax of up to £212 a year. Couples can register their interest to receive the Allowance at www.gov.uk/marriageallowance. The government estimates that more than four million married couples and 15,000 civil partnerships will be eligible for the tax break. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: ‘We made a promise to introduce a recognition of marriage into our tax system – and now we’re delivering on that promise.
This includes updating the tax system so that it recognises marriage and civil partnerships. Our new Marriage Allowance means saving £212 on your tax bill couldn’t be simpler or more straightforward.’ From April, HMRC will contact those who have already registered for the ‘Marriage Allowance’ to apply. People can register at any point in the tax year and still receive the full benefit of the allowance. It is also possible to claim the allowance after the end of the tax year where claimants are unsure if they will qualify. Applying online is simple. One person in a couple will apply online to transfer the allowance to their spouse or civil partner, and HMRC will tell the recipient about the change to their Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax code. Want to know more? Follow us @ClarkHowes or call +44(0)1525 853004.
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UNICORN WINDOWS
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CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESS
“These events in the past have attracted over 130 businesses with many expressing positive feedback Many local businesses have already registered for the after the event and we are hoping more local businesses will attend this year’s event” next annual spring free networking event being held at Astral Park Sports & Community Centre on 23rd says Jo Martindale, Partnership officer at Leighton April 2015 Starting at 5.30pm until 8pm. Linslade Town Council. All businesses within a 15 mile radius of the town are welcome to come to the event, which is being “It is important that local enterprise has a better organised by Leighton Linslade Town Council in understanding of what is available to them locally, conjunction with the local networking group LB whether personally or through business. Our event Connect, Federation of Small Business and Central will get like-minded business people working and communicating together and encourage new Bedfordshire Council. businesses to the town” Visitors will have three hours to share information and build their supplier base, hand out business “We have worked with LB Connect on previous events cards, develop links with the community and and with their own experience of running business discuss business support opportunities with council exhibitions and involvement on our partnership committee, they not only bring skills to this event but representatives and other organisations. will also bring along many successful business people who are part of their group.” Two guest speakers will deliver useful business tips. Lucy Randall from Central Bedfordshire College will discuss apprenticeships and how they can help small Representatives from businesses large and small businesses and Richard Cooper from Velocity will give can register for the event by visiting a talk on the support and funding that is available www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk through the South East Midlands Local or by contacting Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). A bar service, Jo on 01525 631911 or emailing her: refreshments and canapés will be available and free jo.martindale@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk business mailing list will be given to all visitors.
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ASTRAL PARK SPORTS & COMMUNITY CENTRE
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Your Local Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charity with National Impact becoming effective future members of our society and workforce.
Each year KidsOut supports in excess of 30,000 disadvantaged children across the UK. Based locally in Leighton Buzzard, KidsOut is having an impact nationally. Celebrating its 25th
Anniversary this year, we have helped over 550,000 of the most disadvantaged children in our society. The Charity has remained true to its founding principles by bringing fun and happiness into the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK, by providing lifeenhancing positive experiences to support their growth into
Through innovative services designed to have maximum impact in the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, KidsOut helps children with all types of societal disadvantage. Our various projects support children who have experienced domestic violence, children with disabilities, children with English as an additional language, children struggling academically and those not in education, employment or training. Our nationwide campaigns provide fun days, toy boxes, world stories and sensory rooms for children for whom these might well be the first positive experiences in their lives. The charity prides itself on operating with remarkably low administration and marketing budgets, so donors can rest assured that every penny donated is spent wisely helping the children we support. Needless to say, as a charity, we are actively seeking donors who can help us to generate funds
to enable us to continue our life-changing work. Equally, we are always looking for people to help us with events locally and to support our wider activities. If you have even a few hours a week to spare, please consider volunteering for KidsOut. We can be contacted on 01525 385252 or by email at info@kidsout.org.uk or through our website at www.kidsout.org.uk where there is more information about what we do. With its head office in Church Square Leighton Buzzard, KidsOut is taking many local children on fun days out, including cinema trips, Farm-to-Fork with Tesco and offering the chance to dance with Pixie Lott at Wembley Stadium! None of this could happen without your support and we thank everyone who has contributed to our success to date. Over the next few months KidsOut will be attending a number of local events. We will naturally be spreading fun and happiness and also, hopefully, raising funds: please come and see our dedicated team and find out more. See Out & About on page 46 for details of the local events Kidsout will be attending.
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It’s the Law
Your home upon a Relationship breakdown your ex-partner of your new whereabouts, but if there are children the non-resident parent has the right to know where their child will be living. However, if there are other issues, such as domestic violence or harassment then this may alter the position. The family home is often the most valuable asset of a relationship and can be the cause of much concern. Irrespective of the name in which the property is registered, if you are married, the home, is a matrimonial asset. If you are vacating the property, it does not mean that you are losing any financial rights and strictly speaking, you would both own the property in equal shares, unless a prior agreement has been reached to the contrary. If you are not married, your financial interest in the property will depend upon the legal ownership of the home. If you are not a legal owner, in order for your to have a financial interest in the property, you will need to prove that there is a “Trust” in place, which can be constructed if you have paid money into property, or alternatively, where the way in which you conducted your relationship lead you to believe you had an interest in it. In either case, you are not obliged to notify
If you are the person remaining in the property, you should not change the locks, especially if the other party is a joint legal owner. You do however have the right to enjoy sole occupation of the property, which means that the other party cannot frequent the same without your prior consent. You must however allow the other party access to the property in order to collect their belongings, or alternatively arrange a convenient time and location for their collection. Osborne Morris & Morgan will be running a Free Family Law Walk-In clinic, offering 15 minute free consultations on the last Thursday of each month, starting on Thursday 30th April 2015, at their offices in Leighton Buzzard, 10 am – 12 pm. Sheena Shah Osborne Morris & Morgan Sheena.shah@ommlaw.co.uk 01525 378177
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BEDFORDSHIRE BEST PUB - LET THE VOTING COMMENCE The Vine Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of the Best Bedfordshire Pub Category in this year’s Bedfordshire Food and Drink Awards 2015 . The first stage of the Bedfordshire Food and Drink Awards finished on March 1st, we caught up with spokesperson for the awards Karen McGeeney and asked her how things were going... we have been inundated with nominations and are delighted that over 187 venues have been nominated in Bedfordshire and votes cast across all three counties has reached a staggering 13,000! The next stage is the voting, the closing date for voting is 1st May 2015 – no votes will be accepted after this date, unless an extension has been officially announced. These awards are decided solely by a public vote, the nominees with the most votes in each category will seize their category award. The Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards are due to take place on Monday 15th June at the Luton Hoo Conservatory at 12pm – 2pm.
Proud to sponsor Bedfordshire’s Pub of the Year
The Old Swan Cheddington
VOTE FOR US HOW TO VOTE FOR YOUR LOCAL 1. Visit www.bedsfda.co.uk 2. Select “Categories” from the menu at the top 3. Select “Bedfordshire Pub of the Year” from the list. 4. Click “Vote” 5. Fill in your details* and select your local from the “select venue” drop down box. *Your details are required to ensure fair voting.
The Vine spoke to Paul at The Old Swan, Cheddington about their nomination...
Why do you think The Old Swan has been nominated for the Best Pub 2015?
This nomination is incredible for us, we have only been open for 9 weeks and it this has shown us we are doing something right. We don’t know who nominated us but we hope this is recognition that we have remained an all round traditional village pub
What makes The Old Swan so special?
The building is 400 years old and Grade II listed and we have done our utmost to respect and restore as much as possible whilst ensuring it’s a fantastic light and comfortable place to eat and drink. We like to treat everyone with the same care and attention whether they are dining in our restaurant or popping in for a drink. We have four real ales; two of which we try to keep as local brewery’s. We also stock a selection of craft lagers, and what we call an imaginative wine list! We also welcome children, dogs and great village banter over a pint.
What should new visitors try?
the
Well just because of the name “Sweary Dave’s Big Boy Burger” but we have a varied menu and a daily changing specials board plus some sumptuous traditional homemade desserts
Why should people vote for you?
It is so great to be nominated but if people wanted to vote for us I suppose it will be because they like what we’ve done with the place - or the sticky toffee pudding!
www.theoldswancheddington.co.uk 01296 662171
E
aster without chocolate eggs would be like Christmas without presents. Simply unthinkable! And yet the tradition of giving chocolate at Easter is relatively recent, dating back 120 years or so to the late nineteenth century. Easter is a Christian festival that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Occurring in Spring, which is regarded as a time of renewal and birth by many faiths and cultures, the egg has been used as a symbol of birth and fertility since well before Christianity. Originally painted bright colours to celebrate the sunlight of spring, decorating and colouring eggs became popular during the Middle Ages, when they were dyed red to symbolise the blood of Christ. Forbidden as a food during Lent, eggs were hard-boiled, decorated and then given to children at Easter as good luck symbols. In the eighteenth century, pasteboard or papier mache eggs with small gifts inside became popular and by the nineteenth century these had evolved into cardboard eggs covered in silk, lace or velvet and fastened with ribbon. Faberge produced its first egg in 1883, and elaborate eggs made from silver and gold, ivory and porcelain - some inlaid with jewels - followed. The first chocolate eggs were made in France and Germany in the early nineteenth century, not long after the first eating chocolate was invented (prior
to this chocolate was enjoyed as a drink). But the chocolate couldn’t be moulded and early eggs were solid. Chocolate eggs didn’t truly gain in popularity until Cadbury entered the market in 1875. Their early eggs were made from dark chocolate with a plain, smooth surface. Filled with dragees (small, hard sweets), they were decorated with chocolate piping and marzipan flowers. The range gradually increased until in 1893 Cadbury was producing 19 different lines, but it wasn’t until 1905 when the company introduced Cadbury Dairy Milk that the sales of Easter eggs really received a boost. All-chocolate eggs did not immediately replace the novelty eggs of the Victorian era, however, and Cadbury continued to produce a fancy cardboard egg filled with chocolates until the early 1930s. The first crème eggs appeared in 1923 as a forerunner to the Cadbury Creme Egg, launched in 1971. An instant hit, it has now become Cadbury’s most popular egg, with over 500 million being made every year, though shell eggs still form the largest sector of the Easter egg market. So, we have Cadbury to thank for our modern day Easter egg, and in particular their invention of Dairy Milk. How ironic, then, that this year they should recently decide to replace the nation’s favourite chocolate on their most popular egg with an alternative! Will Easter ever be the same again?
WIN a pair of tickets to see The Sound of Music! One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent new production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart. Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp's 1949 autobiography, this wonderfully lavish new staging of The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII. The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including 'Edelweiss', 'My Favorite Things',
'Do-Re-Mi', 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain', and of course, the title song - 'The Sound of Music'. This new production of the classic stage musical coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the film version - the best loved and most successful movie musical in history.
Sound of Music is playing at the Milton Keynes Theatre - 25 May – 6 June 2015
See www.kenwright.com for more information on tour dates and venues.
Terms and condition apply. Prize is valid 25 May 2015 only. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered. All prizes are subject to availability.
To win two tickets select the correct answer from the list below and email your answer to andrena@thevinemagazine.com put "sound of music" as the subject line. Entries close on 30th April. One winner will be selected at random from the correct answers.
Which small white flower is made famous by a song in "The Sound of Music” a) Edelweiss b) Snowdrop c) Crocus
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auto Biographies Nissan Qashqai By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk
net to deliver a first-rate drive.
The latest Nissan Qashqai, Anyway, back to the Tekna trim Qashqai under review. The which went on sale in g through a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.2Nissan benefits from darkness January is available piercingand Bi-LED headlamps and ne packs a punch,2014, offering sharper acceleration it excels when it comes to kit. flexibility than the first generation Qashqai’s 1.6-litre in four time-honoured The car comes equipped with grades: Visia, Acenta, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, Acenta Premium and part-leather seats, a large glass ts modest size, the engine’s low weight and more heated seats, and front and Tekna. also mean it’s cleaner androof, ient operation more
rear parking sensors. There’s also
cal than the model it replaces. The 1.2 engine emits touchscreen display, a seven-inch The model tested here comes g/km of CO₂ (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre DAB digital radio, and smartphone in flagship Tekna trim. But we’ll connectivity. nit), and has an average fuel consumption figure of come to that in a bit. The Qashqai is available with a . Firstly, here’s some background. The second generation, fam-
petrol or diesel engine; the review
car came amily ily car,oriented you’d expect safety to be a priority for with turbocharged car is now longer, petrol But it turns out that loweryou’d and wider, giving a morefeatures apower. hqai – and be right. TheitNissan host the Nissan doesn’t need anything imposing stance while maintainative safety features which helped it confidently huge under the bonnet to deliver a ing a raised position. The Euro NCAP's tests driving to record the maximum five-star first-rate drive.
vehicle under review is frontMotoring through a six-speed wheel drive, the set-up which manual transmission, the 1.2-litre Nissan says will account for most engine packs ed to sales, offer the best possible levels of protection for a punch, offering but all-wheel drive is availsharper the fresh particularly shone in the Childacceleration and greater able Qashqai too. flexibility t tests.The Based on readings frommodern the dummies usedthan the first generation Qashqai's exterior looks Qashqai’s 1.6-litre unit. and there’s a better qualitypoints feel tofor its the Qashqai scored maximum the18-month cabin - perfect for many years Despite its modest size, the on of an old infant. engine’s low weight and more of hardcore family use.car The–rangebasis alone, I’m sold on the but thenfuel-efficient I do have operation also mean topping Tekna model features an onth old and two other small children to take to it’s cleaner and more economiarray of technologies that highlight can definitely see the appeal – and so, it seems, do cal than the model it replaces. the Japanese motor manufacturThe 1.2 engine emits just 129g/ rents. er’s lead in the crossover market. km of CO₂ (15g/km less than the But hang on, what is a crossooutgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and ver vehicle? Well, it’s a motor this car and your offspring will be safe from harm – fuel consumption has an average built on a car platform, combinmeans you lose all individuality when you merge figure of 50.4mpg. ing characters of a Sport Utility vast sea of other Nissan Qashqais parked outside Vehicle (SUV) with elements from Being a family car, you’d expect safety to be a priority for the ol gates. an estate or a hatchback. The crossover mixes SUV design cues Qashqai – and you’d be right. The Nissan features a host of innovasuch as tall interior packaging, tive CONS safety features which helped it FACTS lofty seating, high centre ofPROS gravity ‘N’ confidently pass all Euro NCAP's and elevated ground-clearance speed: 115 mph √ the maximum fivetestsSafety to record with car-like handling and good Economy √ star rating. fuel economy. mph: 10.9 secs
bined mpg: 50.4
Driving position √ Kit √
Engineered to offer the best possible levels of protection for children, the fresh Qashqai particularly shone in the Child Occupant tests. Based on readings from the dummies used in tests, the Qashqai scored maximum points for its protection of an 18-month old infant. On that basis alone, I’m sold on the car – but then I do have an 18 month old and two other small children to take to school. I can definitely see the appeal – and so, it seems, do other parents. Yep, buy this car and your offspring will be safe from harm – even if it means you lose all individuality when you merge into the vast sea of other Nissan Qashqais parked outside the school gates.
FAST FACTS Max speed: 115 mph 0-62 mph: 10.9 secs Combined mpg: 50.4 Engine: 1197cc 4 cylinder 16 valve petrpl turbo Max. power (bhp): 123 at 4500 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 140 at 2000 rpm CO2: 129 g/km Price: £23,800 on the road PROS & CONS Safety √ Economy √ Driving position √ Kit √ Space √ Individuality X
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In The Garden
Yo u r G a rde n in Ap r il
S
pring should now be in evidence, with daffodils in flower and blossom on the trees. Expect the inevitable ‘April showers’ but the frequent sunny days and rising temperatures too make it perfect gardening weather; after all April is the main month for planting out and sowing.
Jobs for the garden
Plant of the Month
Magnolia
• Deadhead daffodils as soon as the flowers fade, so they don't waste their energy producing seeds. Apply a general feed. • Lift and divide perennials before new shoots develop. • Give shrubs and roses a feed of slow-release fertiliser (fish, blood and bone). • Plant trees, shrubs and climbers before the weather warms up. • Sow hardy annuals, such as calendula and nasturtium, in shallow drills or patches and finish planting summer-flowering bulbs and rhizomes • Give your lawn its first cut. • Prune buddleja bushes to about 30cm to 50cm from the ground. • Keep on top of weeds. • Plant out early and maincrop potatoes. • Sow veg like courgette, marrows, tomato and sweetcorn indoors.
• Sow beans and peas, beetroots, carrots, cabbages, salad onions, spinach, herbs and Brussels sprouts outside. • Sow herb seeds in the greenhouse or on the windowsill
Magnolia with their astonishing goblet- or star-shaped flowers are most admired in spring and early summer. With flowers emerging before the foliage, Magnolias love the sun and flourish best when kept out of full shade. Although some varieties can grow very large, Magnolia stellata, M × soulangeana and M. lilliflora Nigra are quite suitable for a smaller garden. Grow in moist, well-drained, preferably acidic to neutral soil in sun or partial shade; magnolias do not tolerate wet feet.
As the flowers are frost sensitive they are best kept out of frost pockets and windy exposed spots. Prune shrubs in late winter or late summer to prevent bleeding of sap; prune minimally to maintain a healthy framework. Gill Gallon Potash Nursery www.potashplants.co.uk
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Mabel’s News
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All aspects of household maintenance & repair undertaken
Hello again!
No job too small. Fully insured
I am Mabel the resident dog at Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels in Eaton Bray.
hom e! a d
Call your local tradesman Phil Bignold Over 20 Home: 01525 372844 years experience Mobile: 07846 360596 Email:lesleyphil@fsmail.net
Appledown Resc
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Young at heart! Professional, friendly and flexible mobile This is Candy So uthern, she is a boxer cross. At 10cat feeding and care service for your cat 11 years of age ma ny dogs are starting to slow dow n but Candy Whether you going away on holiday is amazi nglyare for her age. This spr ightly playful and affectio or just working nate girl still loves long hours. a game of ball and a nice walk! We believe that in Toddington Operating Candy is housetrained and would cope the and surrounding area with bei for short periods ng left once she has set tled in. Sh need to be an onl e would and fully insured Police checked y pet.
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If you feel you cou ld offer Candy, orjustfelinescatcare@gmail.com any of our other dogs, a loving and secure home ple ase call in at the kennels any day www.justfelines-cat-care-service.co.uk between 10 a.m . and 4 p.m. Our will be happy to staff offer advice and information. We restrictions on reh have oming dogs to fam ilies with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details.
Kennels, Harlin
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Dan’s Piano and
, Eaton Bray, Be or e-mail appled ds LU6 1QY. Young at heart! This is Candy Southern,owshe n.kennels@btint ernet.com (Reg You can w fol Charity No. 111684 low us on Facebo is a boxer cross. At 10-11 years ofnoage many Drum Lessons 8) ok and Twitter!!! dogs are starting to slow down but Candy is A patient, friendly and reliable amazingly sprightly for her age. This playful and home-visiting piano and drum tutor with affectionate girl still loves a game of ball and experience teaching children and adults right a nice walk! We believe that Candy is housefrom the beginning. Relaxed and enjoyable trained and would cope with being left for short lessons for graded examination or just for fun. periods once she has settled in. She would need If you have the keyboard/piano or drum kit to be an only pet.
If you feel you could offer Candy, or any of our other dogs, a loving and secure home please call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our staff will be happy to offer advice and information. We have restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details.
I will show you what to do! For more information call Dan Marshall 07540 865 146
Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels Appledown Rescue Appledown and Rehoming Rescue Kennels and Rehoming K
th Sunday 10th10May Sunday May Sunday 10th Ma
Come along to Appledown Come along to Appledown Come along to Ap Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY for for afor great family day day out! a great family a great out! family da Call 01525 220383 . 12 classes including Waggiest Tail & Best Rescue! 12 classes including 12 classes Waggiest including Tail & Best Waggiest Rescue! Tail & Bes E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. Refreshments & Stalls Refreshments & Refreshments Stalls & Stalls Visit our Website: Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Show Kennels opens at 11at a.m. Classes commence 12 noon. Show opens 11 a.m. Show Classes opens commence at 11 a.m. Classes 12 noon.commence www.appledownrescue.co.uk Lynne Davies. Entries on the day Judge: Lynne Davies. Judge: Entries Lynne onDavies. the day Entries on th Harling Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QYJudge: FollowRoad, us on Facebook!
I need a home!
Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Appledown Kennels, Rescue Harling &Road, Rehoming Road, Kennels, Harlin EatonEaton Bray, Beds 220383 Bray, LU6 Beds1QY. LU6 01525 1QY. Eaton 01525 Bray,220383 Beds LU6 1QY. 01525 22038 (Registered Charity Number 1116848)1116848) (Registered Charity Number (Registered Charity Number 1116848)
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In The Garden
rd 19th - 23 5 May 201
Chelsea Flower Show The Chelsea Flower Show is to gardening what the Paris catwalks are to fashion. Paris fashions may seem outlandish, but they push certain trends, which in a watered-down version end up in high-street shops. Likewise, though many of Chelsea’s show gardens are fantasy pieces which demonstrate outrageous ideas, the horticultural trends on display will find their way into our own more modest plots. For example; did you know that bonsai specimens and topiary gardens were introduced at Chelsea in 1913? Rock gardens were introduced in the 1940’s and decking in the eighties. All of these can now be bought in garden centres up and down the land. In 2006 James Dyson even produced a water feature in which the water ran uphill. Actually I’m still waiting for my garden centre to stock one of those! Maybe one day... Chelsea isn’t just about high fashion though; it reflects environmental trends too. In recent years there have been hosepipe bans in the great Pavillion and many of the gardens have showcased drought-tolerant planting schemes. Chelsea draws over 150 000 visitors each year. For the past ten years it’s been held over
five days instead of four, such is its popularity. The sheer quantity and varieties of plants on display to the general public is breathtaking. Chelsea really is window-shopping at its finest. It’s like walking through a real-life version of the best garden design catalogue in the world. And if you visit on the last day you don’t have to restrict yourself to window shopping. At 4pm precisely a bell rings and the great Chelsea sell-off begins. The poor designers, after all their hard work, begin the mammoth task of dismantling their creations. The good news is that the public can buy them. It’s perfectly possible to end up owning a little piece of a prize winning garden. So what should you choose? If it were me I’d want something special; a reminder of my visit. I’d go for a species which I know would grow in my garden, but an unusual variety, not available in my local garden centre. In my case it would probably be an unusual lavender or fuchsia. Choose carefully and you could have a little piece of Chelsea gold adorning your plot for many years to come.
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Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles
3 2 4 3
2 9 7 8 2 9 3
Sudoku 数独 1 6
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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!
Crossword
Across
Down
1. Prejudice based on ethnicity (6) 5. Erotic fixation (6) 8. Hope, desire (4) 9. Addictive drug (8) 10. Sacred songs or hymns (6) 11. Marrying twice without divorce (crime) (6) 12. Dull heavy noise (4) 14. Sick (3) 15. Female (4) 16. Horror-struck (6) 18. Place of Christian worship (6) 20. Nazi symbol (8) 22. Military force (4) 23. Iconic Australian city (6) 24. Twinging, hurting (6)
2. First sign of the Zodiac (5) 3. Breathed in (7) 4. Short item of ladies’ clothing (4,5) 5. A long way away (3) 6. Strip of leather, shoe (5) 7. Sparkle, glitter (7) 11. Warm headwear, ski-mask (9) 13. Main road, carriageway (7) 15. Hungarian soup or stew (7) 17. Set-fire with criminal intent (5) 19. Pungent spice (5) 21. Evergreen climbing plant (3)
Looking Up!
In Beds & Bucks
TheNight Sky April and May 2015 April Shooting Star Bonanza:
April sees the return of the Lyrids Meteor Shower across Bedfordshire. Peak meteor activity occurs on the night of 22 April – 23 April when skywatchers will be able to catch a hundred or more shooting stars streaking across the sky from the east / southeast between 10pm to 3am the following morning.
Take a Journey to the Edge of the Galaxy:
Spring is a great time to explore the outer reaches of our galaxy. Out here, in the galaxy’s halo, lurk ancient spherical clumps of stars known as globular clusters. Each cluster contains hundreds of thousands of stars that are almost
By Seb Jay
as old as the universe itself. The Hercules Globular Cluster, located in the evening sky towards the east not far from the bright star Vega, can be seen with binoculars on a moonless night from the Chilterns.
Find Four Planets in One Evening:
The first two weeks in May this year are a great opportunity to see four planets with the naked eye. Mercury is first up. Look low down to your west sixty-minutes after sunset for a shimmering orange dot of light in the evening twilight. Higher up towards the west is dazzling Venus – the brightest star-like object in the night sky. Up and to the left of Venus is a slightly less bright Jupiter, while low down to the south-east horizon after dark you’ll find pale yellow Saturn.
seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Image: Hercules Globular Cluster by Dave Eagle
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LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY Whilst a Will records the Executor(s) who is to manage your estate when you die, both types of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) record the Attorney(s) who is to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so yourself for any reason. Even if you are married and would want your spouse to act for you, you still need your spouse to be recorded as an Attorney in your LPAs if they are to have any authority to act on your behalf. A Property & Financial Affairs LPA operates when it is more practical for another person (Attorney) to act on your behalf, temporarily or permanently, e.g. when your mobility and or mental capacity has been compromised by an accident, stroke, sickness, arthritis etc.
have full mental capacity. If you loose mental capacity and there is no LPA, a family member or friend can apply to the Court of Protection to act as your Deputy. Applying for deputyship is a long, onerous and a very expensive process with no guarantee of success. If granted, deputyship is then supervised by solicitors for an annual fee! If no one has been authorised to act for you, a Local Authority can appoint a solicitor to do so – with significant on going fees. LPAs provide certainty – people of your choosing and is by far the best option.
More than one Attorney can be appointed and different Attorneys can be chosen for the two types of LPA. Two or more Attorneys can act together or This LPA is a priority for all adults. Accidents, strokes, independently and an Attorney’s authority can be heart attacks and sickness can strike at any time, restricted – you choose. Each type of LPA is set up potentially leaving property, children, as well as your separately, but it is often sensible to have both types. personal affairs, unsupervised, creating stress and complications for others who may want to act in your Each LPA needs to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. best interests but have no authority to do so. A Health & Welfare LPA only operates after a doctor(s) has determined that you have suffered a loss of mental capacity. It ensures only people of your choosing have authority to interface with care workers and doctors for you. You can only have a LPA prepared for you whilst you
LPAs and their registration is a fairly complex process. It recommended that expert guidance is sought, ideally in the comfort of your home. The Will Trusts & Probate Practice provide such a service locally for a very competitive fee. Call 01525 220644 - day & evening appointments
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A Good Read
For You
The Poison Tree By Erin Kelly
Finding your way in the world after leaving school can be daunting, and for Karen this is no different. A language student at a college in London she has a chance encounter with Biba, an exotic and bohemian student, and Karen’s life will never be the same again. Biba lives with her brother Rex in a crumbling gothic style townhouse in London, with a lifestyle that could not be further from the suburban humdrum that Karen grew up in. She is drawn to these two siblings and so begins a summer of freedom, cheap wine, experimental drugs and sexual adventures. The lure of Biba’s personality is tremendous and Karen clearly aspires to be like her. Then, one day, their idyllic summer comes crashing to a halt. Karen learns the truth of Biba and Rex’s family life and an unexpected visitor leads to tragedy. A more mature Karen looks back on the events of that summer ten years later as she comes to terms with her role in everything. As a reader, you know from the start that something is going to happen. Like a car crash in slow motion you can see it coming as Karen absorbs more and more of Biba’s exotic nature. Yet, when the author brings things to a climax you are thrown, dazed and shocked, along with Karen, in a debut novel that will stay with you long after you close it for the final time.
For The Kids The Maze Runner By James Dashner Post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature seems to be all the rage in the Young Adult fiction market these days. Hot on the heels of the successful Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies comes The Maze Runner. Initially published in 2009 it came to prominence with the release of the film adaptation in 2014. Thomas is a teenager who awakes to find himself in a box in a place called the Glade. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be here, but he is thrown into this new community, and as a reader so are you. Before long you become familiar with the terminology used by the boys and you feel as if you are a Glader along with them. As Thomas adjusts to his new home he learns about the Maze which surrounds the Glade. Each day the walls open and a select group of runners spend daylight hours exploring and mapping it. It is a race against the clock because at sunset the Grievers – giant robotic creatures – enter the Maze and they are deadly. The walls close to protect the community and overnight the structure of the Maze changers, leaving the runners to start again in the morning. The big mystery is why. Why are Thomas and the other boys there and why do the Grievers come out to get them? Why do the walls in the Maze change and will the runners ever solve it. However, more importantly why has a girl been sent to the Glade and why has all communication with the outside world suddenly stopped?
Out and About in
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There are Easter Egg trails at Whipsnade, Ashridge & Waddesdon Manor visit www.eastereggtrail.com and enter your postcode for details
Sunday 5th May Wing Book Fair Wing Village Hall LU7 0NW Over its life, the Wing book fair has become a fixture in the winter calendar for book collectors and dealers from Bucks, Herts, Berks and London. Warmer than Boston, more intimate than York, less formal than Paris – Wing has it all. Most of our exhibitors come back year after year 9.30 - 3.00. 50p at the door Contact Richard Frost tel: 01442 862011 9th - 12th April Tom Smiths Fun Fair Pages Park, Leighton Buzzard www.tomsmithsfairs.com 18th & 19th April Bowling Open Day see page 24 for details. Thursday 14th May Leighton Buzzard Lions Club Music Evening. Live music from ONYX and Rock of Ages will sing songs from the last five decades. Refreshments provided. No booking in advance necessary, Free entry with a retiring collection for Leighton Buzzard Youth Theatre. For more info contact LB Lions Club on Tel no 0844 4144017, office hours only. Or on the website www.lblions. com .Doors open at 7pm to
start at 7.30pm.. Baptist Church, Hockliffe Street. Parking- please use the public car park opposite the church. As many know, the late Bob Monkhouse hailed from Eggington. Now the band that used to back him in cabaret has also moved to the village and will be bringing their Big Band show to the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, direct from their appearance at London’s Leicester Square Theatre. The show, on Wednesday 22nd April, 7.30pm has also appeared at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Gala Nights “Superb, they swing like crazy!” Box office – 0300 300 8125. 18th May Alan Titchmarsh is talking at Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands Leighton – Linslade In Bloom 2015 –Dates for Your Diary Plant Stalls: Saturday 9th May and Saturday 6th June (both at 09.00 – 15.30), at the Flypast Monument, Bridge Street, Leighton Buzzard. Open Gardens: Sunday 14th June (Leighton Buzzard) and Sunday 21st June (Linslade) (both 12.00 noon – 17.00). Entrance to gardens, on both dates by programmes, available
COMMUNITY
during May at The White House, ‘Selections’ in the High Street, the Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre or the plant stalls. The 7th Mentmore Arts Festival will be held from Saturday 23rd May 2015 to Monday 25th May 2015.The main fund raising for 2015 is to support Dementia care in the local community. The funds will be attached to supporting the work done in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire which includes the Dementia Cafe’s in Aylesbury and Buckingham.
You can see the Kidsout team at all of these local events Monday 4th May (Bank Holiday) May Day Fayre. Parsons Close, Leighton Buzzard. Saturday 9th May I Love Bletchley Day. High Street, Bletchley. Friday 15th May Murder Mystery Evening. Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club. Tickets £25 per person, including meal. Saturday 16th May Pulford School Football Festival. Pulford Road, Leighton Buzzard. Sunday 7th June Annual Big Lunch Day. High Street, Leighton Buzzard. Saturday 13th June Art Sale. Tesco Foyer, Leighton Buzzard.
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Can she really take half of my pension?
I’ve supported him for 30 years! Everything’s in his name, can he really take it all?
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