February/March 2015
the
SPECIAL feature
AY L E S B U R Y & V I L L A G E S
Food and Drink Awards 2015
In this issue...
WIN High Street vouchers PACE celebrate 25 years Finance -what the Autumn statement means
The Vine Magazine sponsors Best Buckinghamshire Gastro Pub 2015
12,000 copies delivered FREE in
Wingrave, Weedon, Quainton, Oving, Aston Abbo�s, Bierton, Hardwick, Aston Clinton, Weston Turville, Waddesdon, Whitchurch, and selected areas of Aylesbury
www.thevinemagazine.com
ON THE COVER 8 Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards 2015 34 Win a High Street voucher 10 PACE celebrate 25 years 14 Finances - Autumn statement COMMUNITY 12 more+ cafe 18 What’s On FOOD & DRINK 33 Chinese new year
HEALTH & FITNESS 16 It’s In the eyes CONSUMER ADVICE 22 Autobiographies 31 Cohabitation Change 32 Getting Ripped
ENTERTAINMENT 26 A Good Read 30 Puzzles
HOME & GARDEN 18 Wallpaper know how 20 In the garden TRAVEL 4 Castles of Kent
Copy Deadline for the April/May 2015 issue is 16th March 2015
editor: Andrena Carden-White advertising: andrena@thevinemagazine.com Telephone: 01296 273143 Mobile: 0797 155 4604 Publisher:The Vine Magazine Limited
Hello and welcome to this February/March issue. In this issue we are celebrating everything Food and Drink with the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards 2015 and I am proud to say that The Vine Magazine is sponsoring the best Gastro Pub category. Please get behind your local and be sure to nominate them.
There a 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
As usual there is plenty to read and lots of information about what’s on in the area. Don’t forget to enter our prize draw too. 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
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ivatech is the perfect room hire venue for your next meeting, training or conference, offering various rooms to suit all your needs. Room Hire is available in a centrally located building in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Sivatech has great transport links and ample free parking. All our meeting, training and conference rooms have all been updated in the last 6 months with tea & coffee making facilities and a select number of rooms are available with disabled access on the ground floor. Good quality room hire is important so that you get the best from your meetings and all rooms are airconditioned, with Audio Visual equipment and have free Wifi. There is a wide choice of room hire which can accommodate groups of up to 340 delegates.
WINNER Katie Colson of Sivatech Winner of The Vine Magazine advert competition at October's Aylesbury Business Show.
Sivatech also run training courses, from First Aid to Fire Safety, Driver CPC to Forklift or IT Training to E-Learning. We can provide professional and accredited training to employers and employees alike. By Choosing Sivatech you can be assured that you will be attending a course in a professional environment, perfectly conducive for learning. Our most popular and frequently run Accredited Training Courses are: First Aid All courses are fully accredited and include Emergency First Aid at Work (1-day), First Aid at Work (3-day), Paediatric and Early Years First Aid (2-day) Fire Safety Delivered by Fire Training Bucks and MK and fully backed by Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, our courses include Fire Warden, Fire Warden for Schools and Managing Fire Safety Forklift Training We offer ITSSAR accredited forklift training courses, from novices to a refreshers. Training is offered to private individuals & organisations. Training courses include: Counterbalance, Reach, Pallet Stackers, Rough Terrain & many more.
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A Travellers Tale
Leeds Castle.
Castles And Cathedrals In Kent By Paul Heley Rochester Castle keep
Rochester Cathedral from the keep
Canterbury Cathedral
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couple or so summers ago, I leapt (but, to be true, I don't do much "leaping" now!) on my trusty steed of a motorbike and headed for the south-east corner of the country (a place I rarely visit because London gets in the way). I was aiming at Rochester for starters because it has both a castle and a cathedral - what more could I wish for? Apart from its association with Charles Dickens, Rochester's history goes all the way back to having been one of the first Roman strongholds in AD43. It was later a Saxon village in the kingdom of Kent and it was then, in AD604, that the Kentish King Ethelbert built a wooden cathedral. Following the Norman Conquest, a stone cathedral was built in 1088 boasting a central spire, two towers at the rear and four turrets at the front in a wonderful Romanesque style. It's interesting to note that its west door bears a remarkable similarity to that of our own Priory church. Just across the road (so to speak) is Rochester Castle standing on the banks of the River Medway and offering splendid views over the surrounding area from the tallest keep in England at 115 feet. Like the cathedral, it is of Norman origin having been built in the reign of William 2nd in 1088. Throughout its considerable history, it has been a line of defence against invaders from the continent as well as having undergone sieges during various civil wars in this country. Consequently, its walls and other buildings are in a rather sorry state and it is only the keep which still stands proud and from which a wonderful view overlooking the cathedral is possible. Next day, I continued along the old Watling Street to Canterbury and visited the cathedral - the home of Anglicanism. Its history reaches back to AD597 when a "cathedra" and monastery was first set up by St Augustine who had been sent as a missionary by Pope Gregory the Great. The Venerable Bede records that Augustine used the remnants of a former Roman church as a base; but it was not until Norman times that the first "real" cathedral was started very soon after the Conquest in 1070. Since then it has undergone many changes and alterations before we arrive at the magnificent building which we have today. Canterbury cathedral is best known as the scene of the murder in 1170 of the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, by four knights acting (so they thought)
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on the orders of King Henry 2nd. The killing was never Henry's actual wish, and his fevered outburst "will nobody rid me of this turbulent priest" was completely misinterpreted. However, as penance for the outrage and for his part in it, Henry submitted himself to a serious flogging by the monks and underwent various other acts of remorse. But he was never truly forgiven and the spot where the murder took place is commemorated in the area called the Martyrdom. The cathedral has the usual abundance of exquisite areas, rooms and anterooms such as the Nave and Chancel, the Chapter House, the Cloisters, the tomb of Thomas Becket, and the Crypt which dates from the 11th century. They are each very special and beautifully presented. Something very unexpected happened while I was in the cathedral. I noticed that the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, was sitting by himself against the wall - so I went and spoke to him. He was very approachable and we chatted for a few minutes and he told me he was waiting for a film crew to come along and complete a documentary which was being made. He is the only person of international acclaim I've ever spoken with - a better choice than some of today's so-called "celebrities"! The next day it was back to castles again; this time Leeds Castle (which many people assume, for obvious reasons, to be in Yorkshire but, in fact, is near the small village of Leeds near Maidstone). It has been described (but much disputed by rival attractions) as England's loveliest castle. It is certainly very grand and has been in existence since having first been built during the reign of Henry 1st in 1119. Since then it has been the favoured residence of Edward 1st, sieged and captured during the reign of Edward 2nd, and refurbished as a private residence for Catherine of Aragon by Henry 8th (when they were on friendly terms!). During the English Civil War of the 1640s it was not ransacked (as many other castles were) because its owner at the time sympathised with the Parliamentary forces. Since then, it has undergone many alterations and improvements as a private home. Built on an island in a lake, it has a beautiful setting and is a very popular tourist attraction.
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The Vine Magazine sponsors search to find
Buckinghamshire’s Best Gastro Pub An exciting new set of county food and drink awards have been launched in Buckinghamshire – and The Vine Magazine is delighted to announce that we're proudly sponsoring one of the categories – Best Gastro Pub of the Year. The awards call on the public to scour the nooks and crannies of the counties for the best independents and vote for them on the websites mentioned in the advert below.
to Andrena from The Vine Magazine speaks Mike form Secklow Sound radio show
“Our vision is to highlight the very best of Buckinghamshire's quality food and drink sector,” said Damian Cummins, director of the Buckinghamshire Food & Drink Awards. “From pubs to brewers, from coffee shops to butchers, we are galvanising a mass movement of the most important people, the customers, who know the true meaning of quality when they taste it, drink it and are served it so well.” The winners will be decided solely by votes from members of the public that have been lodged on the awards website www.bucksfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk Karen McGeeney, communications director for the awards, said: “Voting is at the centre of the action but even General Elections won't have seen anything like this!
“We're already busy campaigning across Facebook and Twitter as well as traditional media generating excitement and encouraging nominations and votes. Look for Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards on Facebook and follow the hashtag #BucksFinest on Twitter for the latest updates. “We're so excited about championing the best of the best and promoting quality in Buckinghamshire.” Awards could not happen without sponsors and Buckinghamshire Food & Drink Awards is proud to be associated with brilliant brands such as The Vine Magazine. Visit the awards website to find out more about the categories and sponsors, to nominate and to vote at www.bucksfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk
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www.bucksfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk
the
Many businesses from all categories were already nominated ahead of the official launch day on the 12th January The Vine Magazine are sponsors of Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards 2015. It is particularly exciting to sponsor the search for the Best Gastro Pub of the Year as so many of our fantastic local pubs are in the villages The Vine covers. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to receive recognition. This will be a hotly contested category with so many good pubs to choose from. Be sure to nominate your local pub, or local businesses in any of the categories; everyone who enters is in with an excellent chance and supported with promotional packs to help get the votes in.
Alfonso and Joanne Bravoco, (pictured above) of the nominated Mamma Concetta
trattoria and bistro in Woburn Sands, said they were surprised to be anonymously put forward for the voting. “It's wonderful that we've been nominated and we have already been busy encouraging people to vote for us,” said Alfonso.
Pictured below: Kavita Pal, Director, Tree Hotels, including The Tree, Cadmore End, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe
Bob Foster, of Missoula, in The Hub, Milton Keynes, said: “Any nomination is a great nomination. We are already working hard to get the vital votes.”
The face off: representatives of Mastee (Bletchley) and B-Town (Milton Keynes), both nominated
Rob and Jenni Sawyer, of Mayo Brothers butchers in Chesham (pictured above) Bois (Amersham area), said: “We're not aware of who nominated us, it came out of the blue and was a brilliant surprise. We have already printed off hundreds of leaflets for our customers.”
Get nominating!
Visit the website to see a full list of nominees and categories. To advertise your business in our next awards feature and get the most from your nomination call 01525 222473
PACE celebrates 25 years of transforming lives PACE’s journey began in 1990 in a small, rented cottage in Cuddington, near Aylesbury with three staff and four children. 25 years later, PACE is now a leading charity with an innovative and intensive programme of education and therapy that has transformed the lives of hundreds of children and young people with cerebral palsy and related motor disorders. Our services support more than 100 young people from the age of 0-18, from baby massage to primary and secondary school places, from feeding and sleeping clinics to outreach services and family support. Our new Early Intervention & Independence Centre is a
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model of excellence that is setting new standards for intervention and support for very young children (aged 0-5) with motor disorders such as cerebral palsy. Early intervention and support is critical for children in their first years to ensure the best possible outcomes. We rely heavily on the generosity of donors and supporters to sustain our services. In 2013, 58% of PACE’s income came from charitable donors. Join the PACE BIG Walk! Saturday 9th May 2015.
The Kumon Maths and English Programmes At your local Tring Study Centre, Kumon offers individualised worksheet-based maths and English study programmes which are tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work. Kumon develops children through the acquisition of independent learning skills, rather than teaching in the conventional sense. Your child will therefore be equipped with the ability to learn for themselves so they are never dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others. The Kumon English Programme progresses from basic word and sentence building and culminates in critiquing advanced texts. Through daily study of this programme, students develop a wide range of reading comprehension skills, ultimately enabling them to interpret information in advanced literature and become proficient readers. The Kumon Maths Programme leads students
from basic numbers to the mastery of arithmetic, algebra and calculus, all without the use of a calculator. Through daily study of this worksheet-based programme, students develop an affinity for mental maths and the confidence to apply a range of skills when faced with a new challenge. As a global programme, Kumon does not follow a school curriculum, but rather is complementary to it. Kumon study takes students beyond their school level and provides learning materials which are unfamiliar and compel them to develop new learning strategies to deal effectively with new challenges. Kumon Educational is the UK’s largest supplementary education provider, with over 70,000 students studying at more than 670 study centres. The Kumon Tring Study Centre is located at the Red Cross Hall, Faversham Close, Tring, HP23 5BA with classes running on Mondays, 3.00 – 5.00pm and Saturdays, 9.00 – 11.30am. For more information, contact Louise Ogelman on 01525 378840 or email tring@kumoncentre.co.uk.
more+ café 36 Parton Road, Aylesbury HP20 1NG open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm
more+ is a new Coffee Shop and venue for the community and residents of all ages on the Broughton Pastures, Bedgrove and Oakfield estates, Aylesbury. more+ café is an attractive, relaxed, comfortable and well-presented place
to meet neighbours and friends over coffee. As a not-for-profit organisation we sell reasonably priced hot and cold drinks, cakes and light lunches served by volunteers. For details of our activities please visit www.morebroughton.org We look forward to welcoming you soon! Tel: 01296 423729 Mobile: 07434 929078 Broughton Community Action, a registered charity operated by Broughton Church (C of E, Diocese of Oxford) www.broughtonchurch.org received generous funding from its members and substantial grants from Trust Funds to refurbish and transform a former video shop into more+ Café to provide a community meeting point. Charitable Incorporated Organisation registration 1153342 ‘Broughton Community Action’
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Your Money Matters Autumn Statement What’s new? Autumn Statement 2014 personal finances beneficiary will pay their marginal rate of These are the key personal finance and savings announcements made by Chancellor income tax, or 45% if the funds are taken as a lump sum payment. The lump sum George Osborne during the 2014 Autumn payments will also be taxed at the recipiStatement on Wednesday 3 December ent’s marginal rate from April 2016. 2014. Income tax allowances and tax rates From April 2015, beneficiaries of individuThe personal allowance will increase to als who die under the age of 75 with a joint £10,600 from 6 April 2015, an increase of life or guaranteed annuity will be able to £100 from that previously announced. receive any future payments from such policies tax-free. It will also be possible to The basic rate limit changes to £31,785 allow joint life annuities to be passed on to (currently £31,865) with the higher rate any beneficiary. threshold above which income tax is payable at 40% increasing to £42,385.
Tax credits Tax credit payments will be reduced in-year from April 2015 where, due to a change of circumstances, a claimant would otherwise receive an overpayment. ISAs The annual ISA allowance will increase to £15,240 a year from April 2015. ISA savings that are inherited by a surviving spouse from a deceased partner will retain their tax-free status.
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Pensions Savers will be able to access their defined contribution pension as they wish at retirement from April 2015. This will be subject to their marginal rate of income tax, instead of the current 55% charge for full withdrawal. Further to the recent announcement regarding people being able to pass on their pension pot to the next generation, the government confirmed that if the individual dies before age 75, the beneficiary will pay no tax on the funds. If death occurs after the age of 75, the
Pensions flexibility A reduced annual allowance of £10,000 will be introduced for money purchase contributions for individuals who have flexibly accessed a pension from 6 April 2015. Pension credit The savings credit threshold will rise by 5.1%. As a consequence, the new flat rate state pension will be at least £151.25 a week. The actual final amount of this new flat rate pension is to be announced in autumn 2015. Residential property stamp duty The way stamp duty is applied to residential properties will change to a marginal rate system. From midnight on 3 December 2014, rates will only apply to the proportion of the property price that falls within each band. The rate will be 0% on the first £125,000, rising to 12% on prices above £1.5 million. You can read the full report at www.clarkhowes.com. For further advice and information about anything contained in this article call 01525 887534
Clark Howes Group More than your ‘typical’ accountants www.clarkhowes.com | info@clarkhowes.com | +44 (0)1525 887534 @ClarkHowesGroup
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Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s Chilterns Cycle Challenge The Chilterns Cycle Challenge returns on Sunday 22nd March 2015 for its fifth year, raising valuable funds for local charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care.
A sponsored bike ride around the Chilterns with a choice of a 10k, 35 or 75 mile route – from family fun to the ultimate cycle challenge
Sunday 22 March 2015
The sponsored bike ride will start/finish in Aylesbury and offers a choice of three fantastic routes: 10k, 35 miles or the ultimate challenge of 75 miles around the Chilterns countryside. Registration fees include a t-shirt, medal on completion and water along the route, and participants are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as they can to support the charity’s services. To find out more and register, please visit www.renniegrove.org/chilternscycle or call 01442 820740.
Starts in Aylesbury town centre
www.renniegrove.org/ chilternscycle
01442 820740 supported by Fern Britton
Registered Charity Number: 1140386
Raising money to provide care for local patients Care based around you
Child entry fees Aged 5–16 incl – £10 Aged under 5 – free Adult entry fees (aged 17+) 10k route – £17 35 mile route – £20 75 mile route – £30
Health Beauty & Wellbeing
By Maulia Selvarajah, BSc (Hons) MCOptom
Diabetes is the third leading cause of sight loss in the Eye diseases are also a common find at the opticians. country (source: www.RNIB.org.uk). In the UK alone They can occur at the back of your eyes, without there are 2.9 million sufferers, according to the NHS causing any symptoms for you to be aware of. It is and about 850,000 people who have the condition only in the late stage of eye diseases, like, glaucoma but are undiagnosed (source: www.NHS.co.uk). How and retinal detachments that you notice sudden would you know? Of course, seeing the GP would problems in your eye. This just shows how vital it be the most obvious answer. But don’t worry if you can be to get your eyes checked out. For example are one of many who don’t like paying the GP a visit, retinal detachment is when a layer at the back of the there is another answer. That answer is to have an eye slowly begins to peel away. Sounds creepy right? eye test with your local optician. It doesn’t happen in everyone, but the risk factors When was the last time you had a health include being very short-sighted, or playing check? For most people visiting the a lot of contact sports. The only changes g in e Se GP for regular health checks is a bit a person may be aware of is bright ’t n is the optician daunting. Nevertheless visiting white flashes of lights in the corner of ses, s la g t the local opticians can be more their vision and an increase in black u o b a t s ju comfortable and can also answer dots that come in different sizes and t u o b a s it’ many health related questions you shapes and appear to float about in your the may have. vision. Usually when optometrists taking care of Going to the opticians isn’t just about see these signs you can expect to sit in lth a e h eye checking if you need glasses or not. hospital on the same day. Now don’t start Many people think it’s expensive. There are panicking, the treatment the hospital will give is many opticians that provide free eye tests and offers highly successful so it should be alright. or discounts on the frames. Nowadays seeing the It is very important to get children tested as well. Eye optician is more than just glasses, it’s about taking tests usually start at 3 years old. The tests done will care of your eye health. probably be slightly different to an adult test. Looking There are various tests that can be done by the at 3D pictures, and checking colour vision is all part optometrist. One of them includes looking into the of the eye examination. Tests can be done to spot back of the eye and checking for health problems early signs of a lazy eye. If your child is getting freand eye diseases. Health conditions such as diabetes, quent headaches, an eye test should be done to rule high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all be out glasses. Children don’t always know if what they detected just by checking the back of the eye. In most see is blurry or clear, and the sooner they are seen by opticians now they have a ‘Fundus Camera’ this is a an optometrist the better it is. clever piece of equipment that allows the optician to Eye tests should be done every two years for adults take a photo of the back of the eye. Optometrists can unless specified by the optometrist. Children should then sit down and talk to you about your photos and be seen every year. So if you haven’t had a test yet, show you if there is any problem. Pretty clever right? get yourself to your opticians!
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HR FOCUS
q Made in Dagenham and Equal Pay By Ruth George | HR Consultant | 07899 920075
As I write this month’s article I’m still humming the tunes from the musical ‘Made in Dagenham’ which I went to see recently in the West End.
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to On Vi line ne D Re isco ad un er t s!
The musical tells the story of a group of female factory workers that fought for equal pay with their male counterparts at the Ford plant in 1968. Their strike brought Ford’s entire car production to a standstill and two years later the Equal Pay Act was introduced.
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Over 45 years on and equal pay for work of equal value is still an issue. You may know that in October 2013 Birmingham City Council reached a settlement brought by 174 female claimants including former cooks, cleaners, caterers and care staff. The Supreme Court ordered the authority to pay out at least £757m! Looking to 2015 the year ahead, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the ongoing legal dispute between Asda and the women who work in its stores. More than 1,000 tribunal claims have been logged by women who claim they are not paid the same as male workers in the distribution warehouses - despite their jobs being of "equivalent value". Add to this the recent figures from the Office of National Statistics which revealed that the difference between the earnings of men and women, as measured by hourly earnings for all employees, was nearly 20% and we can see that although under equality law, pay should be the same for employment of equal value, there is often still a battle to be had. Since 1 October 2014, employment tribunals have been required to order employers to carry out equal pay audits if they lose an equal pay claim or a related sex discrimination claim, unless one of a limited number of exemptions applies. But as with all new pieces of employment legislation it’s really only after a year’s worth of data that we will be able to see if the new rules have made any difference. Watch this space… This is not legal advice and is provided for general information only. © Ruth George HR Consulting. < www.boxmoordirect.co.uk < 35
& The Art Of Wallpaper
At Home In The Garden Go along to any DIY store or specialist decorating shop and you will see lots of different types of wall coverings, but how did they originate? The first type of paper was introduced in Egypt around 4000 BC and was called papyrus. It was from about 200 BC that the Chinese started to put glued rice paper onto their walls, and around 105AD that they began to make paper from textile waste. Knowledge spread from the Chinese to the Middle East via prisoners in the eighth century. It took until the twelfth century for papermaking to reach Europe. English manufacturing methods became world famous, and in the eighteenth century wallpapers from London workshops were highly sought after. Initially, hand painted papers imitated architectural details or materials like marble and stucco, but eventually other patterns emerged. The 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are known as the Golden Age of Wallpaper as some 400 million rolls were sold during that period. The industry was revolutionized after WW2 when plastic resins were added to make wallpapers stain resistant, washable, and more durable. Whilst the popularity of wallpaper has ebbed and flowed in the intervening years, there is now more variety than ever and a wide price range. The choice of wallpaper can affect the mood and style of a room and can influences the selection of furnishing. To get the best effect from any paper however, it is important to hang it correctly, so we have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pastedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; some great tips opposite...
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1 2
Make sure all your paper has the same lot number so that it matches.
Use a lining paper to prevent the top paper from creasing or stretching and help the paste to dry faster.
3
Apply a one-inch stripe of white paint along the top of the wall before papering over dark paint or wallpaper. It won't be as noticeable if the wallpaper fails to align exactly at the top.
4 5
Use a special plumb bob to get paper straight.
Your first strip should be about four inches longer than the height of the wall. Strips after that should be at least two inches longer top and bottom and may need to be more to ensure a pattern match.
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Turn off the power before papering around switches and receptacles. Remove cover plates and paper over them. Then make a diagonal slit from opposite corners. Trim away the triangular flaps and replace the cover plate.
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Double check newly hung strips for bubbles and seam matches. Use a sponge to wipe excess adhesive and rinse the sponge often.
Use a sharp utility knife to trim paper A special paste is needed to hang a border on top of wallpaper.
Looking Up!
In Beds & Bucks
TheNight Sky February & March 2015
By Seb Jay Image by Jeff Barton
See Venus & Mars tango over the western horizon: Don’t miss out on the March Solar Eclipse! Friday February sees a celestial encounter fit for Valentine’s night romance as Venus and Mars tango over the western horizon at dusk. On 14th February look low to the west from an elevated location like Dunstable Downs. Bright Venus is unmistakable in the fading twilight. By 6:20pm Mars will be obvious too as a dull orange ‘star’ located slightly above and to the left of Venus. The two planets draw even closer together over the ensuing week, so do keep watching them if you have the chance.
Discover amazing Jupiter in a telescope:
20th March 2015 sees the UK experience a deep partial eclipse of the sun. From Bedfordshire just over 85 per cent of our warm yellow friend will be temporarily consumed by the moon’s disc. The event begins at 8:30am and lasts until 10:30am. Mid-eclipse, and the deepest darkness, is at 9:30am.
As darkness falls over Bedfordshire in February and March this year another bright ‘star’ will be shining over towards the east and south-east. Jupiter is a must-see object in a telescope. Even a small telescope seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk reveals Jupiter’s four Galilean moons in orbit around the giant planet, while larger telescopes let us glimpse Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk PFPA10336_MS271114_10_14_PFPA10336_MS271114_10_14 31/10/2014 14:46 Page 1 cloud detail in Jupiter’s atmosphere.
Your local Prudential Financial Planning adviser Prudential is pleased to announce that Olga Heyburn has been appointed as the Financial Planning adviser for this area. Olga can help you make the most of your finances. Perhaps you have questions around the recent changes to pensions and how you could benefit? Or you’re looking to see whether your ISA is working hard enough? You may want a clearer picture of your pension income or how to make your retirement more tax efficient?
If you have a financial adviser, please talk to them. If you don’t, please call me today to book a no-obligation chat.
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“Prudential” is a trading name of Prudential Financial Planning Limited. Prudential Financial Planning Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered office at Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH. Registered number 5739054. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
In The Garden
in your garden you People often ask me, “Is there something always, “My greenhouse.” couldn’t live without?”... My reply is
A
The Greenhouse Effect
greenhouse has many benefits, chief of which for me is that it extends the gardening year. With a greenhouse you can potter in your garden all year round, and grow a range of plants which simply wouldn’t thrive without the extra protection. Before choosing a greenhouse you will need to check whether your local planning authority imposes any restrictions. While you don’t normally need planning permission, building regulations do have to be adhered to. Buy the biggest greenhouse you can afford that will fit comfortably on to your plot - you will always fill it! But even if you can only afford a tiny one - my first one had a base of just 4’ by 5.5’ (1.2m by 1.7m) - it will still be a worthwhile investment. The aluminium- framed types are very sturdy and relatively cheap. Wooden-framed constructions are more attractive though, and often better in a small garden where everything has to earn its keep. Western red cedar is good because it lasts a long time and weathers really well. Greenhouses are even more useful if they are heated. I started out with paraffin heaters, but found they produced a lot of condensation and were messy and smelly. Electric heating is best, and very economical if you fit a system thermostat so that it only switches on when necessary. Apart from heat the most important factor is ventilation. In high summer this is vital to prevent your plants from cooking. Automatic arms which open the vents at a pre-designated temperature are really useful. External blinds are also very good as they prevent sun scorch. Finally, fit staging along one edge of the greenhouse for your pots, and dig a soil or gravel bed on the other side for things like tomato plants. Now all you have to do is plant some seeds and invest in a few tender perennials.
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Great Greenhouse Tips Fit your greenhouse to level foundations. Orientation isn’t important , but make sure it isn’t in the shadow of the house, or overhanging trees. Ventilate well. Any electrical work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician to comply with part P of the building regulations. Don’t be tempted to use a household electric heater. It won’t cope with the damp conditions in a greenhouse. Fit a water butt to the down pipes at either end of the greenhouse to conserve water.
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auto Biographies
Toyota RAV 4
By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk
t about their car.Geneva They named its The 1994 motor ketplace has evolved and matured ity, ease of access, lofty view of the road show signalled the arrival in line with customers’ changing requirements and preferences. ous packaging, versatility and reassuring of a new kind of vehicle, Generally speaking, two decades en when the going gets tough. ago, this type of car was regarded one that would revoluas a substitute to sporty hatchtionize the towards world mo14’s RAV4 points an even stronger backs and coupes. Today its popy use.tor The result isAt a car is more ularity refined market. thethat time is among families wanting a more fun car over multi-purpose teriorfew styling, a more airy cabin and loadpeople could have vehicles (MPVs) and estates. r comfort and higher levels of safety. predicted the effect Over the years, Toyota has wback with the current RAV4 is the old-worked hard to keep the model the Toyota RAV4 would erior. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a major firmly at the heart of its segment, make.all the same. The car is without forfeiting the entertainings noticeable
to-drive uxurious, especially in ‘Invincible’ D4D quality that defined the The initial Recreational Activ- 2.2 original RAV4. ut theity cabin stillwith looks at least a decade old. It’s Vehicle 4-wheel drive When it came to creating the RAV4) uplooks a newverylatest ty or (hence anything. In opened fact it all hard-model, Toyota talked to sector for compact, manoeuvrable mainly the switchgear that looks reallyexisting dated.RAV4 customers around sport utility vehicles (SUVs). thepure globe to understand what was heel, much of that is forgotten once the Toyota had unpresumptuous aspi- best about their car. They named iving rations takes over. The car, RAV4 is smooth and for its new expecting its manoeuvrability, ease of acchy. Indeed, itssales all-wheel capability is worldwide of onlydrive around cess, lofty view of the road ahead, When 8,000 orders ingenious packaging, versatility cated4,500 than models. ever before.
swamped the Japanese automaker and reassuring capability, even in the first four weeks alone, when the going gets tough. ratedproduction Active Drive System volumes had has to bebeen developed As a result, 2014’s RAV4 points e engaging “sport” mode, with gadgetry to doubled. towards an even stronger focus on Tothe begin with, itof was avail- power family use. The result is a car that adjust amount twisting able as aand three-door with a tween theonly front rear axles. is more refined with better exterior 2.0-litre petrol engine and either styling, e whyfive-speed the RAV4manual was, and is, such a hit. It is a more airy cabin and or four-speed load-space, greater comfort and hanksautomatic to this car that the SUV market transmission. Measurhigher levels of safety. m a niche become vitalmore feature ofThe theonly drawback with the curing justto3.96m longa(little ority. than today’s Toyota Yaris), it was rent RAV4 is the old-fashioned unlike anything else at the time. interior. Don’t get me wrong, it’s The public had an appetite for the not a major issue – but it is noticenew kid on the block, however, able all the same. The car is unand in 1995 RAV4’s first full doubtedly luxurious, especially in year on sale – almost 6,800 were ‘Invincible’ 2.2 D4D Auto guise, sold, quickly establishing it as the but the cabin still looks at least a fourth best-selling car in Toyota’s decade old. It’s not poor quality 14-strong British line-up. or anything. In fact it all looks Twenty years on, and the RAV4 very hard-wearing. It’s mainly the is almost unrecognisable. That’s switchgear that looks really dated. because the compact SUV mar-
TS
22 d: 115mph
PROS ‘N’ CONS
Spacious √
Behind the wheel, much of that is forgotten once the pure pleasure of driving takes over. The RAV4 is smooth and gracefully punchy. Indeed, its all-wheel drive capability is more sophisticated than ever before. Toyota’s Integrated Active Drive System has been developed to offer a more engaging “sport” mode, with gadgetry to automatically adjust the amount of twisting power distributed between the front and rear axles. It’s easy to see why the RAV4 was, and is, such a hit. It is undoubtedly thanks to this car that the SUV market developed from a niche to become a vital feature of the motoring majority.
FAST FACTS Max speed: 115 mph 0-62 mph: 10.0 secs Combined mpg: 42.4 Engine: 2231cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 148 at 3600 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 250 at 2800 rpm CO2: 176 g/km Price: £29,305 on the road PROS & CONS Spacious √ Punchy √ Grip √ Driving Position √ Dated Interior X
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‘Just coping in Retirement? Accessing some of the equity tied up in your property is increasingly becoming very popular with the over 55’s age groups as the true cost of retirement starts to bite. In recent times the cost of living is inflating, poor rates of returns on savings and investments, high levels of unemployment and poor returns on pensions all contribute to consideration being given to alternative options in retirement. Generally the equity tied up in your property is your largest asset and can prove to be the best opportunity for you to enjoy the retirement you have always dreamed of. Consideration needs to be given in relation to your wishes on leaving an inheritance, your financial security and any future long term care requirements. You choose how the equity
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released from your property is utilised whether repaying an outstanding mortgage or other debts, gifting to assist children, supplementing your income, buying a new car or simply enjoying your retirement, it’s your choice. Over the last decade the lifetime mortgage market has made significant advancements and improvements in the structure and security of the products available. All Lifetime Mortgage plans are regulated by the FSA. Lifetime Mortgage plans are available through advisors who are approved and qualified within the area of financial planning. The products currently available offer some safeguards to protect the client. These can range from no negative equity guarantees, inheritance protection guarantees, the ability to make monthly or adhoc repayments, fixed low rates of interest for the life of the plan. The option to make or stop monthly repayments,
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15th h Marc
Mother’s Day began in 1908 after an American lady, Ann Jarvis, asked the local church if they would set aside a day to commemorate her mother’s death. From this grew the idea to create a holiday on which all mothers – alive or dead – could be remembered, parents respected, and family bonds strengthened. Ann started a campaign to have Mother’s Day recognised as a holiday. In 1914 she succeeded when US President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day, celebrated in May, an annual holiday. The practice has spread throughout the world! During her campaign, Ann posted or handed out white carnations, and this flower became a symbol for the day. Mothers would wear a white carnation if their mother was dead, and a coloured one if she was still living. In the UK, Mother’s Day is celebrated in March on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, this was a time when all family members were granted time off work and could gather together to worship. The day became known as Mothering Sunday – or Rose Sunday – because roses were handed out to all women present at church. Flowers symbolise purity, beauty and life – all attributes possessed by mothers - and gradually the tradition of giving flowers grew. But above all, flowers are given because our mothers like them!
A Good Read
For You
For The Kids
The Secret of Crickley Hall By James Herbert
At over 600 pages, this novel from the master of horror does not disappoint as the pages fly by. Gabe and Eve Caleigh have moved with their two daughters from their London home to the West Country to escape the memories of their five year old son who disappeared without trace from a playground a year ago. Their new home is Crickley Hall, a large house with a checkered past, but it has been empty for many years. It seems a bargain price. As they settle into the community they learn more about the village, and Crickley Hall. Tragedy occurred during the Great Flood of 1943, when the hall was being used to house orphans evacuated from London due to the Blitz. The children and their guardians all perished in the flood, and it would appear that the young victims are not content to remain quiet. Soon Eve starts seeing her missing son and, like an unstoppable wall of water, the horrors that lie lurking in Crickley Hall flood to the surface, and Gabe must fight to save his family as the truth of that night in 1943 emerges: a truth that it is worse than any nightmare. Read it if you dare.
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Delphi and the Glass Slippers By Darcey Bussell For most young readers, Darcey Bussell will be familiar through the BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strictly Come Dancing. What they may not be aware of is her career with the Royal Ballet, and she has poured this love and knowledge of ballet into her series of books for young ballet obsessed girls. The Magic Ballerina books follow the adventures of Delphie, a young girl who attends a ballet school. She is given a pair of red ballet shoes which turn out to be magical, and are able to whisk her away to the land of Enchantia where characters from famous ballets live. In this book Delphie has to help Cinderella. Something strange is happening and, as the clock chimes seven oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock, time jumps and she never gets to attend the ball. Along the way, Delphie also encounters a mysterious cloaked figure who tries to keep the Prince from finding Cinderella. Guaranteed to delight any budding ballerina, this book is exciting and full of little glimpses into the world of ballet and dancing.
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Out and About in
COMMUNITY
BEDS & BUCKS 14TH FEBRUARY Valentiine’s Day
WHAT Aston Clinton Bake Off Bring along your most amazing cake to the event, or come to try out all the amazing cakes on offer. You will get a chance to either win a prize or vote for your favourite cake! £2 entry, tea and coffee available- all funds go to dogs trust! WHEN Saturday 7th February. 2pm-5pm WHERE The Hub, London Rd Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5HL WHAT Music at Lunchtime: Aylesbury Opera Group Cate Martin, soprano, Mary-Jane de Havas, mezzo, Guy Withers, tenor, Graham Lowden-Stone, bass.A demonstration of the incredibly high standard this group has achieved. Popular arias and ensembles from across the operatic repertory, including Handel, Mozart, Verdi and Britten, and hugely enjoyable
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it will be. £4 Adults, under 18’s free mikebutterworth@waitrose. com WHEN 12th February 12:45-1pm WHERE St Mary’s Church St Mary’s Square Aylesbury HP20 2JJ
emailing leisureservices@ aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk WHEN 26th February 8-9:30pm WHERE: Berryfields Community Centre Berryfields Primary School, John Fitzjohn Avenue Aylesbury HP18 0PS
17TH FEBRUARY Shrove Tuesday
1ST MARCH St David’s Day
WHAT Bucks at War WW1 Event Meet WW1 Recruitment Officers and sign up to serve in the King’s army, play games from the era, listen to live music and poetry, try trench food, see WW1 artifacts and talk to experts and members of the Western Front Association. Free event for all ages. For further details visit www.buckscountymuseum.org or call 01296 331441 WHEN 11am, Sat 21st Feb Where. Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP.
WHAT Vale Harvest Monthly Market WHEN Saturday 7th March WHERE Next to Haddenham Village Hall, Banks Rd, Haddenham, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8EE
WHAT Samba Workshop Aylesbury Vale Samba workshops have been set up at Berryfields Community Centre. A professional tutor will deliver expert tuition to members These fun and friendly workshops will give members the opportunity to learn a new skill, embrace an exciting musical style and meet new people, all whilst gearing up for a performance at the Roald Dahl Festival on Saturday July 4th 2015! For ages 16+ Anyone interested in getting involved should contact AVDC Leisure Services by
15TH MARCH Mothering Sunday 17TH MARCH St Patrick’s Day WHAT Andy Cowie’s 25th Music Quiz in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice Andy’s popular music quiz is back for all you music-lovers. Put your knowledge of tunes (old & new) to the ultimate test! Tickets cost £11.50pp to include a fish and chip supper (veg option available) and can be purchased by the Fundraising Office on 01296 429975 or email fundraising@fnhospice.org.uk to book your table (max no: of people per table = 8) www.fnhospice.org.uk/ WHEN 7.00pm Sat 21st March WHERE Hawkslade Community Centre, Barley Crescent, Aylesbury, HP21 9YL 29TH MARCH British Summertime
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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
7
9 2 6
8 4
3
6
MUSTY
5 6
7
SUCKS
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
30
Across
Down
1. Rosy-cheeked child (6) 5. Sloped style of printing (6) 8. As soon as possible (abbr) (4) 9. Trivial, unimportant (8) 10. Air turbine (8) 11. Currency of Ireland (4) 12. Jewish greeting (6) 14. Undamaged (6) 16. Heroic, majestic (4) 18. Scare, intimidate (8) 20. Wall art or defacement (8) 21. Offer praise to God (4) 22. Official order (6) 23. Sycophants, toadies (3,3)
2. Marijuana (7) 3. Swift, speedy (5) 4. Difficult or unpleasant first-time experience (7,2,4) 5. The quality of being totally dependable or foolproof. (13) 6. Illness (7) 7. Situated within (5) 13. The Devil (7) 15. Incinerate, burn (7) 17. Clean-out, purify (5) 19. Aspires, wishes (5)
IT’S THE LAW!
C
Resolution proposes a new law that will ohabitation Rights Bill create a system that is genuinely fair for The law may be about to change cohabiting couples. Under the proposed until it does Osborne Morris and Morgan reforms, couples in a committed relationship advise caution. who have lived together for a minimum At present, cohabiting couples have few legal rights as compared to their married counterparts. A separated cohabiting couple, do not have rights over each other’s property, pensions or even maintenance even where one cohabitee has relied on the other for income. This maybe about to change however, as the Cohabitation Rights Bill has had its second reading in the House of Lords and has passed through to Committee stage. Steve Kirwan, who leads the group Resolutions work on Cohabitation Law reform, comments, “Ultimately, the law needs to reflect the standards of modern society, and in the case of cohabitation, it does not. More couples are living together than ever before, with an estimated 2,859,000 cohabiting households in Britain – that’s a significant portion of the country who are currently served by outdated and unfair laws. The current law on cohabitation is in desperate need of change and we believe that even Lord Marks’ Bill, whilst welcome, does not go far enough to address the inequality in the current system”.
period or who have a child together would have the right to apply for certain Financial Orders, similar to those currently offered to married couples upon separation. This right would be automatic unless the couple chooses to ‘opt out’.
Until the Cohabitation law is in place however, caution is advised and cohabitants should continue to seek legal advice at significant points in their relationship, not only when the relationship breaks down, but for example when a property is being purchased for their occupation, to ensure fairness. You can read the full Bill at http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2014-15/ cohabitationrights.html Sheena Shah Solicitor & Head of Family & Matrimonial at Osborne Morris & Morgan for any enquiries please contact Sheena.Shah@ommlaw.co.uk or telephone 01525 378177.
Consumer Clinic
By Jonathan Vernon-Smith
March 2015 ed Off g Ripp Bein How to Get Ripped Without17th If you’re anything like me, you’ll have completely overindulged during the festive period. In fact, I think I ate about 17 turkeys and drank my bodyweight in Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Sadly, the result of this gluttony is that the New Year requires a little vigorous exercise and healthier eating to get back in shape. You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio
Indeed, it’s generally this time of the year when many of us look in the mirror and race to the nearest gym, happy to sign ourselves up to expensive, long term contracts. But how do you protect yourself against getting ripped off in the process? Over the years, I have dealt with many complaints about gym membership deals. Sometimes this is because gyms are unreasonable in their approach but sadly, more often than not, it's down to pure naivety from consumers. Gyms are businesses, not charities! They have sales advisors in most gyms whose sole responsibility it is to sign up new customers. They are generally paid by commission, and are highly trained to persuade you to sign yourself up for at least a years’ worth of keep fit expense. They seem so nice, so friendly, so understanding and so kind. However, don’t underestimate them. Without you agreeing to join the gym, they don’t get paid. That is their motivation. Be aware that when you sign up to a gym membership, you are entering a legally binding contract. Unless there is a cancellation period outlined in the terms and conditions, you are legally
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obliged to pay your membership fees for the entire length of the contract. If you're concerned that you'll only bother to go for the first two months, then agreeing to a year long (many contracts are 18 months or two years) is a pretty stupid thing to do. If you decide to cancel, you'll probably be liable for hundreds of pounds worth of fees. What about exceptional circumstances though? Often consumers will come to me saying "I took out gym membership and then lost my job the following week" or "I signed up to a gym but had a bad car accident and haven't been able to use it for 6 months". Of course exceptional circumstances can help your case when attempting to cancel, but unless it states that cancellation is allowed under exceptional circumstances in the terms, you'll still be liable for the full membership costs. So when CAN you cancel a gym membership? Obviously if the service you receive from the gym is poor (for example many of the machines don't work) then you can make a good case for cancellation of the contract. Also if you can prove that some of the terms and conditions in your membership agreement are
unfair you may stand a chance, but be prepared for a fight. In my experience gyms can be some of the most aggressive organisations to fight as a consumer. They often have legal departments that are very used to arguing with unhappy gym goers who want a quick way out. If you are uncertain over your motivation to attend the gym, it is worth noting that many gym chains will offer special memberships that can be cancelled easily, or are on a pay as you go basis. It may be best to start with one of these until you've properly decided whether you like it or not. You may conclude from this month’s article, that I'm an antigym person. I'm not! Honestly! If you are motivated, they can be fantastic places to fight the flab, feel better about yourself and improve your health. Just approach gym membership with your eyes open and you'll not come unstuck months down the line. Happy Fat fighting!
Recipe
Cashew Chicken th February 19 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
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.
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