The Vine Dunstable - April / May 2016 - Issue 70

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I Dunstable I Studham I Kensworth I Whipsnade

Inside This Issue

Student LoansAn Essential GuideBy Martin Lewis

WIN Tickets!80’s MANIA at The Grove

Wedding FeatureSpecial

A twelve monthCountdown

Wedding Hair-do’s ... And Don’ts!

The Perfect Cake

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk2

LET’S PRETEND…

… you had no unsightly patches on your lawn where the grass just won’t grow.

… the children or pets in the family didn’t reduce your grass to mud that is then walked through the house.

… you didn’t waste hours cutting the grass only for it to look messy again in no time.

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BEFORE AFTER

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Unit 42 Icknield Way Business Park, Tring Road, DUNSTABLE, LU6 2JX (visits to the warehouse are by appointment only, so please call first)

The area looks fantastic … We honestly didn’t expect the level of care and attention to detail that you actually delivered.

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Issue 70 • April / May 2016 3

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Editor: Scott Nightingale

Advertising & Editorial: Shelly NesbittTel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043Email: [email protected]

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles published in this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

Stand out from the crowd with stunning stripes.

StripesSimply

Style Guide

Moda in Pelle Mine £75.95

Very stripe skirt £29.00

F&F Stripe Dress £20.00

New Look Stripe shirt dress £24.99

Next Stripe Cami £32.00

Vera Mont Dress £160.00

Health Beauty Wellbeing&

Brows & Lashes

Internet searches assure me that no matter how over-plucked, over-waxed or over-groomed your eyebrows may be, there is hope still for beautiful, arched, perfectly coiffed speci-mens. The most extreme method might be an eyebrow transplant (yes really!), but there are other less drastic options!

Most of us ladies – and the odd gent too – need to lose a few hairs from the brow line. The easiest solution is tweezing away the stray hairs yourself, but the results are short-lived and the risk of creating the wrong shape is high. Better results can be achieved by a professional, with waxing and thread-ing methods achieving hair removal lasting around 4-6 weeks. Fair or very thin eyebrows may benefit from being tinted. Like hair dye, this changes the colour and lasts 4-6 weeks.

A popular look at the moment is HD (High Definition) Brows which focus on shape and design and promise to give you sleek, stylish brows like those enjoyed by the stars. A seven step process that includes a consul-tation followed by tinting, waxing, threading, tweez-ing, trimming and finishing with a pencil or brush to fill in any gaps, is described as more than just shaping or tidying but actual eyebrow artistry!

With your brows looking beautiful brows it’s time to move on to the eyelashes.

There are numerous mascaras around promising volume, length and thickness, and I can vouch for some of them actually work-ing! My daughter’s naturally

long lashes were taken to another level following the application of a

new mascara. But what else is on offer?

Tinting is an option if your lashes are particu-larly fair, and it’s not just for girls. I remember the difference it made to my friend’s son after his lashes were darkened. Curling makes straight lashes appear longer, and creates the illusion of wider, brighter, more feminine eyes. Lash-perming, which is best carried out by a professional, can make the results can last for six weeks, which is great for holidays or if you have any big events lined up.

Finally, how about having eyelash exten-sions? This is one of the UK’s fastest growing beauty treatments and involves gluing separate synthetic eyelashes to individual natural lashes to give a luscious, natural look. The amount of curl, length or thickness can vary according to your personal preference and the results last for 8-12 weeks depending on your natural lash growth cycle.

I was born with my dad’s eyebrows. Naturally thick, shapeless and unsightly, they looked like two caterpillars stuck to my forehead. At age twelve I followed the fashion of the day and plucked away until they were within a whisper of totally disappearing - and I was on the point of fainting! Today, my eyebrows are thin, shapeless and unsightly and I’m resigned to them looking that way forever. Or rather I was…

Simply

Revitalising Dunstable

Stripes

Proposed plansfor the new Leisure Centre

Local News

and...

12fashion

Copy deadline for next issue:

May 18th

New ReleasesIncluding

Cinema

48

Feature

The Hunts ManX Men: Apocalypse

& the latest from Ryan Reynolds

Inside This Issue

10

26

30Wedding

& AboutFind out what’s

going on in your area.

6 A5- Woodside Link Road

14 Race For Life

16 Soapbox Shout

18 Martin Lewis Money

22 A Pensioners View

24 Competition

36 Puzzles

38 A Travellers Tale

40 PDSA Pet Advice

42 Home: Adding Kerb Appeal

46 Looking Up!

From “I Will”to “I Do”

58

CharlieDimmock

Gives advice on Gardening In Small Spaces

44Home & Garden

Proud To Be Highly Commended

CUSTOMER CARE EXCELLENCE AWARD


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local People

Woodside Link RoadOn Schedule & On Budget

The progress made so far is impressive and both projects are on target to meet the predicted Spring 2017 completion deadline. Mr Jones said “I am very impressed with this very exciting project, things are clearly going very well, every thing is on schedule and on budget.”He went on to say “Dunstable residents have had to put up with all sorts of congestion and all the things that come with that – unpredictable journeys, poor air quality etc.” He believes that the link roads will play a key part in “solving the traffic problem that has been Dunstable.” and went on to say “We are determined to deliver better journeys and the infrastructure that will allow the

economy to grow in Bedfordshire. It is pleasing to see the progress that has been made with the A5-M1 and Woodside link schemes which will lay the ground for new businesses to thrive and homes to be built for hard-working people.”

Councillor Nigel Young was also in attendance providing key facts about the progress made so far and the overall aims of the £200million scheme. He told us “The Woodside Link is the key piece of the regeneration jigsaw bringing jobs, homes and opportunities to the area. I’m pleased to see it is on schedule to open in spring 2017.”

Delivering the schemes will unlock up to 40 hectares of land for businesses and provide the infrastructure for 7,000 homes to be built to the north of Houghton Regis. They will also provide better access to the M1 and reduce congestion in Dunstable.Construction milestones achieved so far on the A5-M1 link include starting work on the layout for the new M1 junction 11A, with new roundabouts and bridges, as well as the rebuilding of the B579 Luton Road East and West to align it with junction 11A. Work on the link road itself has progressed well too, with drainage, fencing and some of the foundations and surfacing completed so far. And work on the new A5 roundabout has started too.

The next phase of the project involves thirty eight giant steel bridge beams being lifted into place over the M1 near Dunstable. Contractors working on behalf of High-ways England will use a 1,000 tonne crane to lift the 52 metre long, 100 tonne bridge beams into place, which will act as foundations for the decks of two new bridges over the M1.

To carry out the work safely, the M1 will be closed be-tween junctions 11 and 12 over several nights from 16th March to 9th April 2016.The beam lifts will be carried out in several stages and either the northbound or the southbound M1 will be closed between 10pm and 6am the following morning, weather permitting:

1st April: M1 southbound closed for beam lift for the junction 11A bridge

2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th April: M1 northbound closed for beam lift and to start building the bridge deck for the junction 11A bridge

9th April: M1 southbound closed to start building the bridge deck for the junction 11A bridge

During the M1 carriageway closures, there will be a clearly signed diversion to direct traffic via the A505, A5 and A5120. There will also be lane closures on the M1 in the opposite direction to the carriageway closures for safety reasons.

Up to date information about the closures will be published every Friday in the East Planned Roadworks Weekly Summary on Highways England’s website.

Roads Minister, Andrew Jones, was back in Dunstable last month to mark the first anniversary of the start of major construction works on the A5 - M1and Woodside link roads.

Planned M1 Lane Closures

Bridge Beam Lift Over The M1


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Thanks to those of you have supported us in the Dunstable Travel Choices Hub in Ashton Square. We have recently heard our funding has been extended for a couple of months – so we hope to be here until the end of June. There has been a lot of interest in a new Centrebus Service G operating from the 27th March onwards. This half-hourly service will operate Mon – Sat and serve the Lowther Rd & Langdale Rd area. It will take passengers straight to Luton along the busway without having to change. Journeys from the Tesco Express in Langdale to Luton Station would take 24 mins. The latest journey time back from Luton is 17.40.

The Centrebus E Service from Toddington to Luton will only operate on Mon - Fri from the end of March – and this will be an hourly service.

There are also some changes to the 61 Arriva Service (Dunstable to Aylesbury ) from May 1st. The service will run approximately every 90 minutes ( Mon – Sat)

If your bike needs to tender loving care our helpful Dr Bike will be doing monthly sessions – ring us on 01582 813018 to confirm future dates.

Travel Hub News


By Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire CouncilNigel.young@centralbedfordshire.

Revitalising DunstableThank goodness spring has arrived at last. I always feel optimistic at this time of year when the evenings get lighter and the gardens that have been sleeping all winter come back to life. But then, I’m a bit of an optimist by nature. I certainly feel a great sense of excitement about our communities and how they are changing – for the better.

Looking at our local towns of Houghton Regis and Dunstable, there is a lot going on.

As work continues on major infrastructure projects such as the Woodside Link Road and new M1 junction which will connect the motorway and the A5, the Council is also committing huge investment into our town centres.

Hot on the heels of the recent development of Central Bedfordshire College, we have just announced plans to further enhance the Grove Park area of Dunstable with a £20million redevelopment of the leisure centre site.

This will see a transformation of our health and fitness offer, including a state of the art gym with more than 100 stations, a refurbished pool and a new and improved café. We are also planning to relocate our library to the site so customers can enjoy modernised facilities, still in the heart of the town.

Dunstable really deserves this investment which will also unlock other opportunities to revitalise the area. The move of the library, for example, will free up a fabulous central location at Vernon Place, which will undoubtedly be a very attractive option for those looking to invest in what is becoming our cultural quarter, alongside the

theatre, BBC and our newly revamped service centre.And there’s exciting news for Houghton Regis too as the Council is entering into a partnership with footballing hero Rio Ferdinand to regenerate the Kingsland area of the town.

Legacy, the regeneration company set up by Rio with fellow footballers Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora is working with us to develop a world-class sports academy, education and community facilities to transform the lives of our young people. With sport at its heart , this will help engage young people and encourage them to better their lives and career prospects by linking education, leisure, sports and skills with new homes.

Our Council leader, James Jamieson, was with Rio Ferdinand and the government minister for Housing, Brandon Lewis, at the launch event for the scheme last month where he explained our involvement.

“At Central Bedfordshire we’re all about transforming communities, making places the very best they can be and enhancing life chances for residents, especially the young, by giving them the skills to change their futures.”

With ambition like that – how could I not be optimistic?

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Vantage restaurant has been established in Dunstable for over 23 years, serving the finest authentic Indian cuisine. Nominated for the famous British curry awards in the south east region and recently awarded the Trip Advisor certificate of excellence for their quality food “cooked to perfection” and also delivering excellent customer service to their loyal 5000 plus customer base. Their unique menu is different to the norm, specialising in "street food and market eating" - all served in comfortable surroundings.Dishes on the Vantage menu originate from many different regions of India - Agra, Mumbai, Delhi and Rajasthan to name a few - and include non vegetarian and variety of vegetarian options.They boast that they were the first Indian restaurant in the area to introduce guests to their famous Agra venison and Delhi beef curries, there’s plenty to try other than the usual chicken and lamb options. Their takeaway and delivery service has proved very popular and custom-ers can now order easily using the new Vantage App (search for Vantage Dunstable in The App Store).The experienced team are professional and attentive and cater for individual requirements.Vantage are involved with a lot of charity events in the area and sponsor a local football team.

Established in the heart of Dunstable since 1992...

And in 2015 Vantage were highly commended in the Hospitaltiy Venue Of The Year category at the Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards.

We pride ourselves on serving the highest quality food in chic and comfortable restaurant. Our extensive menu fuses old and new recipes to create a stunning array of flavours and aromas. All of our food is freshly prepared without colours or additives and offers something to suit every taste. From popular favourites such as succulent Chicken Tikka Massala to more unique flavours such as the mouth watering Carella Chicken.Our aim is to satisfy our customers by cooking exceptional Indian cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our authentic Indian chef has over 25 years of experience. Having worked in many different restaurants, he has a diverse understanding of many types of cooking and prides himself on his ability to fuse Asian and European cuisine to create the unique and delicious dishes we offer.

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Dunstable women fired up by the arrival of spring are being urged to channel

their energy into training for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. With lighter evenings on the hori-zon, and with warmer weather on its way, women of all ages, shapes and sizes have the perfect opportunity to kick-start a healthier lifestyle by preparing for their 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy Race for Life events. By taking on Race for Life, and encouraging their mums, daughters, sisters and friends to join them, participants can improve their fitness as well as help to raise money for life-saving research. Becoming more active has longer-term benefits, as research shows that even regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. Not only does it help to maintain a healthy body weight but it also has a protec-tive effect in itself. And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women in Dunstable to get moving, lace up their trainers and sign up now for the events over the weekend of 21st and 22nd May at Dunstable Downs.

Cara Waller, Cancer Research UK’s Dunstable Manager, said: “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women of all ages to commit to get a little more active this spring.“Race for Life events are non-competitive. Taking part is not about being fit or fast and participants can choose to walk, jog, or run around the course. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive.“Pledging to take part, alongside thousands of like-minded women, is a great motivation. With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Dunstable ladies are up for the challenge.”Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, and Pretty Muddy events which raises millions of pounds every year to fund research to help beat 200 types of cancer.More than one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Survival rates have doubled

since the early 1970s. Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Bedfordshire. Cara continued: “With the arrival of lighter evenings, there’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors, get a bit fitter and limber up for Race for Life. Whether you choose to walk, jog or charge around the course, you’ll be joining an army of women united in the battle against cancer.Our aim is that one day everyone will beat this devastating disease. The more research we can fund, the sooner that day will come - so ladies, it’s time to pull on your leggings, join the pink army and get your blood pumping at Race for Life.”Free training plans for different levels of ability are available on the Race for Life website. The six-week train-ing plans are designed for walkers, joggers or runners. They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation.

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To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770

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A free, local service to help resolve your customer service gripes, champion the good & expose the bad! Know your rights!

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How does Soapbox help resolve customer service issues?

Once you’ve posted on our site at www.soapboxshout.com, our team escalates your complaint to get some action working with the regulators where necessary. We also promote your story on social media empowering each individual to get their voice heard and rights as a consumer respected. Our platform promotes transpar-ency, keeping an audit trail so nothing is lost.

But what happens if the organisation doesn’t respond?

We give the company time to respond, respecting their “response time”. But when we are merely fobbed off either with corporate jargon, or worse, blatant disregard, then the company is named and shamed with the ap-propriate “Fobbed Off” status. This means that at least others can be warned before spending their hard earned cash or precious time to end up being let down.

Championing the good

Happily we’re able to resolve many issues quickly. We love to champion the companies that do care enough to put things right & change perceptions. We love to hear praise too so do give credit where due.

Who’s behind Soapbox?

This time two years ago a group of friends found themselveselves, yet again, bemoaning the injustices and frustrations of unrepentant bad service (more apparent now than ever, with children to think about and less time to waste chasing down rabbit holes). So began their quest to improve things. They’ve been amazed at the response since then “Running this service in our free time is keeping us busy but it’s exciting. Who knows where it will lead? For now we’re going with the flow. Being very local, we thought you’d want to know WE’RE HERE TO HELP especially with anything that’s likely to be close to our hearts & location! Like us on Facebook & do follow us on Twitter & help spread the word!”

Whether it’s a complaint that's not been taken seriously, or you don’t know where else to turn, we will try to help you. You could be sick of chasing information, waiting for an order or refund long overdue, disappointed in a restaurant or haircut or aghast at how much you’ve been wrongly billed or badly treated.

For example, did you know that thousands of tumble dryers have been recalled as fire hazards and people are being told they have to pay for a replacement or worse, wait months for an engineer to come out. So our most recent campaign has been to push for justice as we believe all tumble dryers should be replaced at no cost to the consumer and that you cannot take such irrational risks with human life and property. Do register your machine if you're also affected.

www.soapboxshout.com/post/left-high-and-dry-by-your-tumble-dryer-manufacturer-and-retailer

The Soapbox [email protected]


Your Rights

16


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Once you’ve posted on our site at www.soapboxshout.com, our team escalates your complaint to get some action working with the regulators where necessary. We also promote your story on social media empowering each individual to get their voice heard and rights as a consumer respected. Our platform promotes transpar-ency, keeping an audit trail so nothing is lost.

But what happens if the organisation doesn’t respond?

We give the company time to respond, respecting their “response time”. But when we are merely fobbed off either with corporate jargon, or worse, blatant disregard, then the company is named and shamed with the ap-propriate “Fobbed Off” status. This means that at least others can be warned before spending their hard earned cash or precious time to end up being let down.

Championing the good

Happily we’re able to resolve many issues quickly. We love to champion the companies that do care enough to put things right & change perceptions. We love to hear praise too so do give credit where due.

Who’s behind Soapbox?

This time two years ago a group of friends found themselveselves, yet again, bemoaning the injustices and frustrations of unrepentant bad service (more apparent now than ever, with children to think about and less time to waste chasing down rabbit holes). So began their quest to improve things. They’ve been amazed at the response since then “Running this service in our free time is keeping us busy but it’s exciting. Who knows where it will lead? For now we’re going with the flow. Being very local, we thought you’d want to know WE’RE HERE TO HELP especially with anything that’s likely to be close to our hearts & location! Like us on Facebook & do follow us on Twitter & help spread the word!”

Whether it’s a complaint that's not been taken seriously, or you don’t know where else to turn, we will try to help you. You could be sick of chasing information, waiting for an order or refund long overdue, disappointed in a restaurant or haircut or aghast at how much you’ve been wrongly billed or badly treated.

For example, did you know that thousands of tumble dryers have been recalled as fire hazards and people are being told they have to pay for a replacement or worse, wait months for an engineer to come out. So our most recent campaign has been to push for justice as we believe all tumble dryers should be replaced at no cost to the consumer and that you cannot take such irrational risks with human life and property. Do register your machine if you're also affected.

www.soapboxshout.com/post/left-high-and-dry-by-your-tumble-dryer-manufacturer-and-retailer

The Soapbox [email protected]


Your Rights


@moneysavingexpert

I’ve been swamped with panicked questions about student grants from students, future students, graduates and their parents, so I want to mythbust what’s really hap-pening. In many ways people are panicking unnecessarily about the grant changes, but missing the really damaging change, which is a retrospective hike in student loans.

In many ways, financially it’s a no win no fee education. An easy way to think of it is a bit like an extra income tax, with the one difference that once you have repaid what you borrowed (plus interest) it stops. For far more help on this, see my full 20 student loan mythbusters guide at www.mse.me/studentloan.

I’m going to use examples for English students studying in England. For students from Wales, whether you go to university in Wales or elsewhere in the UK, the amount you borrow tends to be less, but the way you repay is the same.

I’m going to focus on the situation for students who started in or after 2012 in England, for elsewhere in the UK the loans tend to be smaller.

Q. So what’s happening to student grants?

A: Until now, students from lower income families (roughly below £43,000 income) had some of their loan re placed by a non-repayable grant for up to £3,400.

From September 2016 grants are being scrapped in England and Wales. Yet there’s much confusion about this. There are two big things to note:

1 This only applies for new starters starting from 2016. Those already at university and getting grants will keep getting them.

2 This doesn’t mean they’ll have less money coming in. New 2016 starters will get a bigger loan to replace what they would’ve got in grants. In fact, the loan figures for new starters (not continuing students) have been upped by a chunk. This is useful, as often the big issue that hits students isn’t the size of the loan, it’s that they don’t have enough money to live on day-to-day. Rents alone eat up much of this.

Q. Isn’t this likely to really hit poor students hard? A: You may be surprised that I’m going to say no. In many

Student Loans There’s been a furore in Parliament about the scrapping of

student grants. And every time politicians get lairy over

such issues, the news focuses on the scrap and the real

truth of what’s actually happening gets lost.

Student Finance: the basics When you go to university, if you’re a first time UK undergraduate you don’t need to pay upfront. The Student Loans Company pays your tuition fees for you and gives you money for living, then you owe it.

• You only start repaying when you leave university and, even then, only if you earn over £21,000. If you don’t earn over that you don’t repay.

• The amount you repay is proportionate to earnings. You repay 9% of everything above £21,000 (eg, earn £31,000 and, as it’s £10,000 above the thresh old, you repay £900 a year).

• If you haven’t cleared what you owe within 30 years, the debt is wiped.

• If you never earn over £21,000, you never repay.

Money Matters By Martin Lewis

Debt Advice

ways the big problem is the confusion and psychological deterrent, not the practical finances. For most students it makes no practical difference. The replacement of a grant with a loan will ONLY cost more for those who leave univer-sity and have long-term very high earnings.

That’s because if you compare the current and new system, the fact it’s a loan and not a grant would only cost you more if you would’ve repaid your entire tuition fees, remaining maintenance loan after the grant, and interest in the 30 years before the debt wipes anyway.

Most students won’t, so there’s no cost to them. In fact, my calculations estimate only those on STARTING salaries of £35,000 and up, and then above inflation pay rises would actually pay more. So if the system remains as it is now, it’s only those from poor backgrounds who go on to be big earners who this is negative for.

However, the big question is ‘will the system remain unchanged?’

Q. What’s this retrospective hike to student repayments?

A: As I explained earlier, since 2012, graduates only repay 9% of what they earn over £21,000. The government had said this threshold was due to rise each year from April 2017 in line with average earnings.

Yet the Government has now decided to freeze it for at least five years, meaning many low- and middle-earning graduates will pay thousands more back than they thought they would when they signed up. After all, if we go back to thinking of it like a tax, if you were to pay 9% of everything

earned above £22,000, but now repay everything above £21,000, that’s a hike.

It’s received little publicity though, as it doesn’t immedi-ately seem such a big problem. Here I need to declare an interest: I was head of the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information in 2012 when the system changed. The Government repeatedly told me the thresh-old would rise, and I, of course, told people, and used it in all my cost calculations.

Well I refuse to missell these loans in hindsight. So I am actively campaigning on it – I’ve written an open letter to the Prime Minister and have personally hired lawyers to see if it can be challenged (read it at www.mse.me/student-loanhike).

The big problem, even more important than the additional cost, is the message this sends. The Government is not just freezing it going forward, it’s freezing it for everyone who signed up since 2012 - effectively changing the contract after people have signed up.

The regulator would not allow any commercial lender to change its terms this way. This could destroy any trust cur-rent and future generations can have in the student finance system, and perhaps, even more widely, in the political system as a whole.

I said above that the impact of replacing grants with loans isn’t actually as bad as many think under the current terms. Yet the real concern is, as the Government has shown it’s willing to change loan terms even after you’ve got them, who knows what may happen in the future.

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Money Matters By Martin Lewis

Debt Advice

ways the big problem is the confusion and psychological deterrent, not the practical finances. For most students it makes no practical difference. The replacement of a grant with a loan will ONLY cost more for those who leave univer-sity and have long-term very high earnings.

That’s because if you compare the current and new system, the fact it’s a loan and not a grant would only cost you more if you would’ve repaid your entire tuition fees, remaining maintenance loan after the grant, and interest in the 30 years before the debt wipes anyway.

Most students won’t, so there’s no cost to them. In fact, my calculations estimate only those on STARTING salaries of £35,000 and up, and then above inflation pay rises would actually pay more. So if the system remains as it is now, it’s only those from poor backgrounds who go on to be big earners who this is negative for.

However, the big question is ‘will the system remain unchanged?’

Q. What’s this retrospective hike to student repayments?

A: As I explained earlier, since 2012, graduates only repay 9% of what they earn over £21,000. The government had said this threshold was due to rise each year from April 2017 in line with average earnings.

Yet the Government has now decided to freeze it for at least five years, meaning many low- and middle-earning graduates will pay thousands more back than they thought they would when they signed up. After all, if we go back to thinking of it like a tax, if you were to pay 9% of everything

earned above £22,000, but now repay everything above £21,000, that’s a hike.

It’s received little publicity though, as it doesn’t immedi-ately seem such a big problem. Here I need to declare an interest: I was head of the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information in 2012 when the system changed. The Government repeatedly told me the thresh-old would rise, and I, of course, told people, and used it in all my cost calculations.

Well I refuse to missell these loans in hindsight. So I am actively campaigning on it – I’ve written an open letter to the Prime Minister and have personally hired lawyers to see if it can be challenged (read it at www.mse.me/student-loanhike).

The big problem, even more important than the additional cost, is the message this sends. The Government is not just freezing it going forward, it’s freezing it for everyone who signed up since 2012 - effectively changing the contract after people have signed up.

The regulator would not allow any commercial lender to change its terms this way. This could destroy any trust cur-rent and future generations can have in the student finance system, and perhaps, even more widely, in the political system as a whole.

I said above that the impact of replacing grants with loans isn’t actually as bad as many think under the current terms. Yet the real concern is, as the Government has shown it’s willing to change loan terms even after you’ve got them, who knows what may happen in the future.

£

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highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 10 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service Dunstable, Luton & surrounding areas areas and manager Tom Bliss

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highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 10 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service Dunstable, Luton & surrounding areas areas and manager Tom Bliss

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By Mike Newman

Mike Newman is a member of The Dunstable And District Senior Citizens Club. If you have a view on any of the issues raised why not attend one of their monthly meetings, held on the last Thursday of the month at St Marys Catholic Social Club, West St., Dunstable.

A Pensioners View

Have your say{

I ask this question on behalf of all old age pen-sioners, who like myself, have made contribu-tions to this remarkable organization set up by a visionary government. I started paying

my contribution in 1948 and paid it over the next 50 years. It was the government that amended The National Insurance Tax you paid on every pay slip you earned, which was considered as a sum required nationally from each working person to keep the sum viable for its needs. But, the govern-ment did not own the N.H.S. and never will, but it is tasked with using the money to make the system work, regardless of which party is in power. The big problem is that since public money is used to finance the N.H.S the government controls the purse strings, in good times there are no prob-lems, in times of financial crashes outgoings to the public sector are very closely monitored and we owe the International Monetary fund £trillions and still keep borrowing.The reason for this article is the recent, and prob-ably ongoing problem of the case for the junior doctors wages claim to meet the governments promised 7 day working week for all doctors to overcome the situation of the - “ you’re more likely to die if you enter hospital over the weekend!” This, I would agree, is to be encouraged, but not in the heavy handed way put forward by this present government. The government dealt with the problem and on how they intended to ensure that adequate professional help was to be made available. The British Medical Association disagreed with the governments proposals and so discussions were held between the parties concerned. General practitioners and other junior doctor grades were involved. The government

had promised that there would be discussions on seven days working and allowances for this.The Health Minister had vowed to add 5,000 more G.P.’s by 2020 yet despite efforts to boost interest, about 1 in 10 training places was left un-filled last year. Overall applications for G.P. training are down 5%, figures obtained from the doctors magazines ‘Pulse’ show.A member of the British Medical Association said many medical students were put off by the workload and lack of funding for general practice. He said, “There are fundamental issues the system has to address in terms of reaching out to medi-cal students and young doctors around general practice”.It is also stated in the general press reports that more than 260,000 patients had to find a new G.P. after a spate of surgeries closed last year. A total of 72 surgeries either shut down completely or axed branches in England amid a growing G.P. crisis.Twenty surgeries closed in 2013 displacing 43,000 patients the figure rose to 138,000 in 2014 as 51 surgeries were shut. Figure quoted from Pulse magazine.As you can see, the situation of general practices and junior doctors have reached a position where they disagree with payment for weekend working. The Health Minister has now vetoed the payment for work over the weekend for junior doctors and will make an unconditional offer to the British Medical Association. We now await to see how the B.M.A. will respond to this matter. However the problem is that the N.H.S. is ours, it works OK in our other three neighbors, why is England and the English the outsider?

Who Owns The N.H.S. ?


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7 months to goThink about travel. From transporting guests to and from the venue to your grand entrance and get-away car, get any vehicles hired for the day now.Ooh… cake! Settle on a showstopper - and bear in mind flavours, composition, how it will be transported and the type of icing if you’re planning on saving any. Wedding favours - why not have a go at making your own?

6 months to goKit out your fiancé and ushers. Could be a job for him to take the pressure off you. Choose your wedding ringsConfirm the order of service with your minister or regis-trar and have guest books printed.

5 months to goIt’s all about the make-up! If you’re hiring a beutician, book those all-important trial sessions. If it’s DIY - head to the shops and pick up trial sizes of any products you might like to wear. Don’t forget your wedding fragrance.

4 months to goCheck your passport date. It must have at least six months left on it from the date you want to travel - and don’t get all wed-eyed and book under your married name. If your passport doesn’t match up, you won’t be boarding the plane. Check if you need visas or inocula-tions for your honeymoonGet those hen-party plans in action! A great one to delegate to your maid of honour

3 months to goGive notice. It may be unromantic but this is a legal requirement that formalises your intent to marry. Visit www.gov.uk for what you need to know.Organise a rehearsal before the big day and make sure the key wedding party members will be there.Church of England wedding? Attend a reading of the banns. They’re usually held three consecutive Sundays before your big day.

2 months to goIf you’ve delegated tasks to your fiancé, ‘maids or family, check how they’re getting on - you may need to pick up the slack to make sure everything’s sorted.Try on your entire wedding outfit! Forgotten anything? Need alterations? Now’s the time to get it sorted.Make sure you’ve got that bridal glow sorted by booking any other beauty treatments (fake tan, manicure etc.) .

1 month to goBuy thank you gifts, bridesmaids, groomsmen, mothers and anyone else who has helped out.Try out hairstyles with your hairdresser, making sure you take the tiara, crown, circlet or accessories you plan to wear. Or, if you’re taking charge, bloggers’ YouTube tutorials are a great source of inspiration.Get those hen-party plans in action! Gather your hens for a girls-only celebration. After all that planning, it’s time to party

1 week to goPack for the honeymoon. Make sure you leave out any-thing you may need.Make final payments to vendors. Wrap and prepare gifts. Put gratuities in envelopes.

1 day beforeGreet out of town guests.Take a leisurely walk or scheduled masssage to help you relax. Get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Congratulations! Enjoy your big day


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Once you have an idea of your colour theme and how many guests you will need to cater for, you need to visit your cake maker. This may be someone you know, a local shop or a cake designer you have met from a Wedding Fayre. Most cake designers will book you in for a con-sultation. This means you have their undivided attention for an hour or so, to discuss your requirements and help with your final design. You can choose which shape and size cakeyou would like and most places even

provide you cake samples so you can pick and choose which flavour cake you would like on the inside! The decoration of the cake may be just like a cake you have already seen or you may chose something more personal to the two of you. This is the time to discuss what appeals to you the most.

So start to be inspired and start thinking about how your wedding cake could stand out on your special day!

To book a free consultation at The Cake House, Dunstable, please contact Hayley on 01582 478478.

The Perfect CakeYour Wedding cake is one of the main features of the day. All of your guests will want pictures of the bride and groom cutting the cake! Traditional, completely modern, the choice is entirely up to you, but there are so may to chose from. So where do you start?

Google and Pinterest are great ways to look for inspiration. You can see the various styles of wedding cakes available to you, such as stacked, cupcake towers, naked cakes, etc. This is a good way to know what styles appeal to you more, creating the first steps to designing your wedding cake.



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Step 1 ~ BudgetAre you including the bridesmaid’s, mother of the bride etc. in your hair package? Don’t be afraid to ask your bridesmaids to pay for themselves - this is common. Incorporate all things hair and beauty for your wedding day. For example, cut & colour, trials, brows, and tan… and of course the wedding hair on the actual day! It’s an idea to discuss a package at a set price that incorporates all of these.

Step 2 ~ LocationWhere do you feel comfortable getting ready? Salon? Bubbly is often provided! Equipment is already in the salon. Just make sure you have transport, and it’s a good location from your home and the wedding venue.Home? You have the comfort of your own home! Remember there will be a call out charge for your hair stylist. Also, plug points and mirrors aren’t always accessible.

Step 3 ~ Get OrganisedChoose the dress! The dress can alter how you have your hair. E.g., if it’s a strap one side you would want your hair the alternate side. Book your trial early! Saturday’s are usually the salon’s busiest day so give as much notice as possible, even if the wedding is two years away!

Step 4 ~ The Fun PartTake advice from your stylist, friends and family but you know what suits you, and being comfortable is one of the most important things on the day. If you never wear your hair up, is it a good idea to have it up? These are all things to consider and remember that in fifty years’ time, you want to look at your hair on your big day and smile!

Getting married is one of the most important days of your life… and we all want to look our best. These days it has become the norm to have a hair stylist on hand to make sure you look fantastic. Here, Flicks & Bangs will talk you through ALL THINGS HAIR for your big day!

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1 26

3 9 7 62 8

4 3 7 2 93

9 2 8 54 6

6 3 7

Sudoku 数独

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!


Puzzles

Across

7. Fail to understand

(4,7,2)

8. Chat (8)

9. Unusual (4)

10. Redemption (6)

12. Use (6)

14. Infertile (6)

16. Bawled (6)

18. Unhearing (4)

20. Insecure (8)

22. Strengthening (13)

Down

1. Wide view (8)

2. Works for (6)

3. Indigent (4)

4. Stealing (8)

5. Open (6)

6. Morose (4)

11. Bravely (8)

13. Miss (8)

15. Deny (6)

17. Shed (4-2)

19. Cupid (4)

21. Team (4)

Crossword

HIVES

TIMER

Answers on page 62

Issue 70 • April / May 2016 3719www.thevinemagazine.com

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ATravellers Tale

By Paul Heley

As with Gloucester, Hereford had an early start. Even earlier, in fact, having been started in the 6th century. Following later alterations during the reign of the Saxon king Edward the Confessor, it was attacked and seriously burnt in 1056 by the Welsh rebel Gruffyd ap Llewelyn and remained a near ruin until 1079 when it was reconstructed and finally completed in 1148. However, the early Norman style was soon replaced in the 1200s by the dominant Gothic (or Early English) architectural style. In the Choir section there are 40 interesting misericords showing mythological beasts, grotesques and everyday events. But its chief attraction (apart from the beautiful internal architecture) is the totally unique 13th century Mappa Mundi - the map of the world. This map, however, is nothing like a modern atlas and cannot be treated in any way as an aid to naviga-tion but reflects the religious thinking and interpretation of the known world at the time. As such, it puts Jerusalem at the centre of the world with Britain, for example, at one extreme edge (since we were at the limit of the known world in 1285). The detail is incredible (but very difficult to

see unless close up) and shows individual towns, churches, people, figures, rivers complete with written explanations.

But it’s the placing of the countries around Jerusa-lem which makes it so fascinating - and

so unlike reality.Other unique possessions at Her-

eford cathedral are one of only four surviving 1217 copies of

the Magna Carta; and also the Chained Library. This library has its books literally chained together - books were extremely valuable in medieval times - and dates

from AD 800. There are something like 1500 books

which are still consulted to this day by scholars interested in the

medieval period.After rebuilding had been completed by

1246, there followed the usual politico-religious problems associated with kings such as Henry 3rd and Henry 8th (when his insistence on the acceptance of the Reformation was resisted at Hereford). There were also many scuffles and disputes with the cathedral’s neighbours, the Welsh, over the years. And in the English Civil War of the 1600s, the town of Hereford swung from one side to the other and once had to endure a siege which ended in considerable damage being inflicted both upon the town and also upon the cathedral itself.Then on Easter Day 1786, disaster struck when the west tower of the cathedral fell and demolished the west front. Some decades later, restoration and alterations took place during Victorian times.

The Three Cathedrals

The three cities of England’s West Midlands, namely Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester are well known for their magnificent Cathedrals. I’ve always thought visits to these three superb cathedrals would make a nice overall “package” - but not all in one go; so it transpired that individual visits proved to be necessary. Let’s take them one at a time and look at their histories and the special attractions they offer.

Last issue we explored Gloucester, now we move on to Hereford.

Hereford cathedral

Part II

Mappa Mundi (east at the top)


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Embarrassing Doggy Behaviour!

Many dog owners have experienced that moment of embarrassment when, sat in your living room with guests or your in-laws, your dog chooses that moment to ‘scoot’ across the floor dragging his bum along the carpet!Many people believe this behaviour is due to worms, and it certainly can be but it could actually be a different but entirely treatable problem – anal sac disease.A dog has two anal sacs positioned below their tail on either side of their bottom. They release a smelly fluid when the dog goes to the toilet, acting as a scent marker. This distinctive scent marks a dog’s territory and identifies your pet to other dogs.Problems can occur if the sacs don’t empty through the ducts (narrow tubes) properly and become impacted, which can lead to infection. This can cause irritation and pain in the bottom area, and many dogs will sit down and drag their bottom along the ground or lick the area excessively to try and alleviate some of the discomfort. Owners may think this means their dog has worms, and although this can sometimes be the case, blocked anal sacs could also be the culprit.

If your dog is showing any of these signs they need to be checked out by your vet. With simple impac-tions the vet can empty the sacs there and then, which often brings about instant relief. However, if the anal sacs are infected they can be very painful and may need further treatment such as antibiotics or antiinflammatories.Occasionally some dogs require sedation or anaes-thetic to have infected sacs emptied.If, however, it turns out that worms are the culprits after all, your vet can recommend the best and most effective treatment for your pet. Some dogs seem to be more prone to problems with their anal sacs than others. Causes can include an incorrect diet that doesn’t contain enough fibre, a problem with the dog’s bowels such as an infection, or obesity. Dogs that repeatedly suffer will need to have their anal sacs emptied on a regular basis.Your veterinary practice can do this, or some dog groomers will include it in their service.Increasing the fibre content of your dog’s diet may help to prevent this condition. Ensuring your dog is a healthy size and weight may also help, and can also reduce the risk of other health issues.

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Improving the outside appearance of your home is unlikely to add value but investing some time and money could make the difference when it comes to selling. Take a critical look at the front of your property and list everything you think needs doing. See what jobs you can tackle yourself, but be realistic about your DIY abilities and consider hiring a tradesman.

Adding kerb appeal

GardenIf you have grass keep on top of the mowing.Remove weeds and keep hedges well maintained.To add a splash of colour, con-sider adding flowering plants. If you don’t have a garden place some (easy to maintain) potted plants on either side of the front door. Box plants in containers are a good choice.

GatesYour gate should be in good condition, loose hinges repaired and metal gates should be free from rust. A gate is a great feature, so don’t overlook it.

WindowsIf they need replacing, invest in new windows or they could just need a fresh lick of paint.Make sure the frames are kept clean and the glass sparkling. Don’t forget curtains and blinds, they should be clean and in good condition. Paths & driveways

Paths and driveways should be swept, weeds removed and rubbish cleared away. If possible bins should be out of sight; at the very least they should be clean and not over flowing. Make sure cars are parked sensibly to allow an easy approach to the door.

Front doorPainting the door will create a fresh and inviting look. Consider hiring someone for this job, a badly painted door will look just as bad as a door that needs painting! Replace numbers, letterboxes and handles, consider removing name plaques.

Home&Garden


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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 intro-duced 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 fin-est. 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 Chel-sea 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.

In The Garden

Chelsea Flower Show

19th - 23rd

May 2015The Lawn

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Tom Thumb

The Lawn With space at a premium and the size of gardens in new-build developments shrinking, balconies, roof terraces and tiny back yards are becoming the norm. If you’ve only got a small space, how can you give it the wow factor? TV gardening expert Charlie Dimmock, has some ideas of her own on how to jazz up a balcony and attract wildlife in the process.

“Wildlife wants flowers all year round, just as we do,” she says. “Go for plants which give you a continu-ous amount of flowers. Some of the bedding plants are great and the more simple single flowers are better because they tend to have more nectar and pollen in them. Some petunias are quite good, as are marigolds, osteospermums and other daisy-plants like marguerites.“If you go for plants with double flowers they tend to be less pollen-rich. Lavender and thyme are also good because they have a long flowering season.”A good variation of plants which provide year-round interest may also be the way to go.“I’d have two or three evergreen shrubs, not too big, such as a Daph-ne odora ‘Marginata’, which has a variegated leaf and fantastic scent in the spring. I’d also have a small pittosporum, as there are interesting

and different variegations, including ‘Tom Thumb’, a purple one that stays like a round ball with purple leaves.“Go for small-er shrubs like Pittosporum tobira, which is slow-growing and stays small, with really lovely scented flowers, or nandina (sacred bamboo). Don’t buy some-thing like a forsythia which is going to grow too big and only flowers for about two weeks and then becomes boring.

“Go for plants which give you two or three different times of interest. The nandina are evergreen - in the spring the first leaves are bright red, then it flowers in the summer and bears red berries in the autumn - giv-ing you a lot of interest.”Make the most of your space, which means using height for optimum effect.“If you’ve a piece of trellis you can

grow things up that, so you’ve the vertical option as well. Climbing

plants will also give you a bit more height, texture

and colour.”Don’t dismiss ivy because ivy flowers attract beneficial insects, says Charlie.

“Ivy flowers very late in the season and very early

in the spring and it’s a really good source of nectar for insects because there’s nothing much about at that time. When ivy reaches the top of a wall you get round, green flowers followed by black berries, which are good for birds.”If you plant thoughtfully, you can at-tract a good variety of birds. Provide some water, even if it’s just a bird bath, and put up bird feeders.“Birds like to be able to perch somewhere while they are coming in to feed. If you have an unclut-tered space with only a bird feeder, they probably won’t come in, but if you’ve got a few shrubs and a climb-er up the wall and there’s maybe a tree outside, they are likely to queue up on it and check it’s safe.”Encourage your neighbours to add plantings to their small spaces, she urges.“Urban gardens are crucial for wildlife because they create the corridors, or the ‘hopping spaces’ between more open spaces like parks and bigger gardens.”

In The

Garden


Big Ideas, Small Spaces

Tom Thumb

Nandina (sacred bamboo)


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Friendly staff, honest work, highly recommended...

- customer review

PLEASE CHECK OUR REVIEWS ON TRUST A TRADER

GJ Smith Roofing A6 Flyer.indd 1 23/03/2012 13:31

Approved installer of fascias and soffits.

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- customer review



Approved installer of fascias and soffits.

30 year colour guarantee.Friendly staff, honest work,

highly recommended...Customer review

PLEASE CHECK OUR REVIEWS ON

TRUST A TRADER

Free Estimates

Repairs and new works undertaken

“Trust A Trader” and “EDS” Approved

All Repair Work Undertaken

All New Work Guaranteed

Insurance Backed Guarantee Available

Friendly Service






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Image: Mercury by NASA

Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

Looking Up!April and May 2016

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky

By Seb Jay

Catch Elusive Mercury in the Evening Sky: A quirk of nature this April and May gives us two unique opportunities to see Mercury at its best – and in very different circumstances! Challenge #1 is on 18th April and a week either side of this date. Look to the western horizon about 45 minutes after sunset for a bright pink-orange starlike object in the fading twilight. This is Mercury at its most visible in the evening sky for 2016. You’ll be able to see it with the naked eye, but it is perhaps best picked up with binoculars.

See Mercury again in the Daytime Sky: Then, just three weeks after 18th April, we get to see Mercury again, or at least its silhouette, in chal-lenge #2 as the inner planet transits across the face of the sun on Monday 9th May. The transit event begins at 12:15pm and lasts until 7:30pm. Safest way to view the transit is at an organised astronomi-cal event where a solar telescope is being used to view the sun. Ask your local astronomy society about their Mercury transit event.

Watch the Lyrids under a Full Moon: This year’s Lyrids Meteor Shower falls on the same night as April’s full moon. Best time to view the Shower is just before dawn on 22nd April. Look high up towards your south-east for a smattering of bright shooting stars competing for your attention under the moon’s dazzling glare.

Admission: Adults: £8 / Seniors: £5 / Child: £4 (Under 4 free)

Location: Stotfold, Bedfordshire SG5 4NU

STOTFOLD MILL

For advance discounted tickets please visit www.stotfoldmill.com/steam-fair

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Image: Mercury by NASA

Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

Looking Up!April and May 2016

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky

By Seb Jay

Catch Elusive Mercury in the Evening Sky: A quirk of nature this April and May gives us two unique opportunities to see Mercury at its best – and in very different circumstances! Challenge #1 is on 18th April and a week either side of this date. Look to the western horizon about 45 minutes after sunset for a bright pink-orange starlike object in the fading twilight. This is Mercury at its most visible in the evening sky for 2016. You’ll be able to see it with the naked eye, but it is perhaps best picked up with binoculars.

See Mercury again in the Daytime Sky: Then, just three weeks after 18th April, we get to see Mercury again, or at least its silhouette, in chal-lenge #2 as the inner planet transits across the face of the sun on Monday 9th May. The transit event begins at 12:15pm and lasts until 7:30pm. Safest way to view the transit is at an organised astronomi-cal event where a solar telescope is being used to view the sun. Ask your local astronomy society about their Mercury transit event.

Watch the Lyrids under a Full Moon: This year’s Lyrids Meteor Shower falls on the same night as April’s full moon. Best time to view the Shower is just before dawn on 22nd April. Look high up towards your south-east for a smattering of bright shooting stars competing for your attention under the moon’s dazzling glare.

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CRIMINAL

RELEASE DATE: 15th April 2016CAST: Ryan Reynolds, Alice Eve, Tommy Lee Jones, Gal Gadot, Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman

An action thriller Kevin Costner returns to the screen playing a dangerous death row prisoner. He is implanted with the memories and skills of a CIA operative with the hope of completing the operative’s mission; to stop a catastrophe.

SING STREET

RELEASE DATE: 20th May 2016CAST: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Jack Reynor, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Aidan Gillen.

1980s Dublin is where an economic recession forces Conor out of his comfortable private school and into survival mode at the inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysteri-ous and uber-cool Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised - calling himself “Cosmo” and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the ‘80s, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their hearts into writing lyrics and shooting videos. Combining Carney’s trademark warmth and humor with a punk rock edge, and featuring a memorable soundtrack with hits from The Cure, Duran Duran, The Police, and Genesis

Cinema New Releases

RELEASE DATE: 8th April 2016

CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron,

Emily Blunt, Nick Frost, Jessica Chastain

A new tale expanding on the Snow White legend this film tells of the evil queen and her sister Freya who suffered heartbreaking betrayal and left the kingdom.Freya spends a decade raising a legion of huntsmen. She learns of her sister’s fate and has the magic mirror brought home for a sorceress to harness its power. Now the beautiful kingdom will have double the dark force to defeat.

THE HUNTS MAN: WINTERS WAR

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE

RELEASE DATE: 27th May 2016CAST: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Oscar Isaac.

From the mutant world Apoca-lypse is the most powerful of them all. Immortal, he wakes up and recruits mutants to cleanse the world of humans, only Raven and Professor X stand in their way.


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Celebrity hairdresser, Richard Ward shares his thoughts on

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Hairspray:You can save on buying a strong hold hair-spray as you just want something that does the job well. However, you should splurge on a fine hold hairspray as the ingredients will allow you to brush it out and restyle without leaving any flakes or white marks.

Shampoo, Conditioner & TreatmentsThese are the foundations of your hair styl-ing so you should definitely splurge here. You most definitely get what you pay for – we’ve recently launched a luxury range, Couture Hair, and the ingredients are far superior and have more scientific listing of ingredients. You’ll find more expensive ranges that you won’t need to use as much as they are concentrated so they last longer, often they are multi-tasking too. With an intensive conditioning masque you will only use this once or twice a week so it’s a treat and should leave your hair feeling renewed and rejuvenated so you should definitely splurge on this.

Pastes/GelsYou’re looking for texture and hold with these types of styling products and quite of-ten you’ll find that a cheaper brand perform just as well. You’re using just small amounts so as long as you’re not overloading your hair, you can look at saving on these.

VolumisersNearly all women love volume – you want that natural feel without it feeling weighed down, sticky or too heavy so definitely look at splurging here too. I prefer a spritz style volumiser as you can target specific areas.

HairdryerThis is another splurge I’m afraid! It really does pay to invest in a professional hairdryer – I’m loving the new Collexia that includes a keratin or protein treatment so it’s actually treating your hair as you dry it. Professional hairdryers are initially more expensive but you do cut your drying time down signifi-cantly and this is only a good thing for the condition of your hair.

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DISCOVER AshridgeVisitors Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. HP4 1LT

Gentle Stroll – Signs of SpringTues 12th April - 2.30 - 4.30pm. £3Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle walk near the visitor centre to look at Ashridge’s huge variety of species of plants and trees.

Easter craftsUntil Friday 15th April - Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm, £2 Join us at the visitor centre to make Easter crafts.

Clipper Down Guided WalkThur 28 Apr - 5pm - 7pm. Adult £8, child £5Explore Clipper Down’s medieval and pre-historic archaeology with our regional expert Gary Marshall.

Dawn Chorus WalkSat 30th April - 5am - 7am. Adult £15, child £10, Experience early morning bird song in a glorious setting with our rangers who will be on hand to help identify bird songs. Bring your binoculars. Breakfast included

Gentle Stroll – BluebellsWed 4th May, 10.30am - 12.30pm. £3Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle walk through the woods from Ling Ride to Dockey Wood to see the wonderful bluebells.

Bluebell WalkSat 7th May - 10am - 2pm. Adult £5, child £3A 5-6 mile walk led by our volunteers to see the best of the bluebells.

Plant FairSun 15th May - 11am- 4pm. Stock up on an exceptional range of plants from our volunteer growers and local nurseries.

CB300 WalkSun 22nd May - 1.30 - 4pm. Adult £8, child £5Celebrate the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown’s birth with a guided walk in one of his finest designed landscapes- the Golden Valley.

Green Man and Frost Queen crafts & trailMon 30th May – Fri 3 Jun,10am - 4pm. £2Make and decorate your own Green Man and Frost Queen masks before completing our spring trail.

Totally Batty WalkFri 3 Jun, 8:30-10pmAdult £8, child £5 See if you can catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures.

Fun RideSun 5th June - 10am - 1pm. Adult £20, child £10A three hour way-marked ridefor horse-owners through someof Ashridge’s most beautifullandscapes.


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For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171

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

Akeman Street Tring

Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

What’s On

Explore exhibitions and events at www.nhm.ac.uk/tring.

Behind the Scenes at Tring21st April, 12th May and 23rd June45 minute tour at 11.00 and 15.00Tickets £10 (booking required), most suitable for adultsStep into one of our collections areas to discover what's behind the scenes at the Museum and learn how our world-renowned bird collection is used. Photo ID required.

Whose Egg Is This?12th April and 14th April30 minute handling workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00. Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Explore specimens to discover the world of egg-laying animals.

Colourful Camouflage13th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Create a colourful creature and see if it will be camouflaged in different environments.

Tring Park Egg Hunt4th April, with 90 min activities at 10.30 and 14.30Free (booking required), most suitable for ages 5+Search the park for clues to help find the hidden eggs.

Orca Sock Puppets5th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Make a swimming orca puppet to join you in the galleries.

Penguin Pals7th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Create a miniature penguin to remind you of your Antarctic experience.

Spring Chickens28th April, with 30 minute workshops at 11.00 and 14.00Tickets £2, messy play for under 5sGet messy with these hand print spring chickens.

Winter Journey28th April, 19.00 – 20.00Tickets £4.50 (booking required), most suitable for adultsJoin Egg Curator Douglas Russell to learn about Captain Scott’s fateful last expedition, where his team collected some of the Museum’s most famous specimens.

Fluffy Cotton Wool Seals19th May, with 30 minute craft workshops at 11.00 and 14.00. Tickets £2, messy play for under 5sCreate a fluffy friend with this baby seal.

Specimen Stories Tour26th May, 19.00 - 20.00Tickets £4.50 (booking required), most suitable for adultsJoin us on a guided tour of the galleries to learn more about Walter Rothschild, the founder of the Museum, and hear some of the amazing stories behind our specimens.

Bug Hunt in Tring Park30th May, with 1hr activities at 10.30, 14.00 and 15.30Free (booking required), most suitable for ages 5+Search Tring Park for a variety of bugs and discover where they live and how they move.

Big Bugs31st May & 2nd June, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00. Tickets £2, for ages 5+Inspect bug specimens and create your very own larger than life bug.

Dragonfly Water Shooters1st June, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00. Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+Discover how these pond creatures move and imitate it with a water shooter.

New Family Exhibition

23rd March - 10th July. Free

In a frozen icy land, thousands of miles away, scientists studying animals face tough challenges. Discover what it’s like to live and work on the coldest continent on Earth, Antarctica, and decide whether you could handle life in this remote world.


For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171

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

Akeman Street Tring

Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

What’s On

Explore exhibitions and events at www.nhm.ac.uk/tring.

Behind the Scenes at Tring21st April, 12th May and 23rd June45 minute tour at 11.00 and 15.00Tickets £10 (booking required), most suitable for adultsStep into one of our collections areas to discover what's behind the scenes at the Museum and learn how our world-renowned bird collection is used. Photo ID required.

Whose Egg Is This?12th April and 14th April30 minute handling workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00. Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Explore specimens to discover the world of egg-laying animals.

Colourful Camouflage13th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Create a colourful creature and see if it will be camouflaged in different environments.

Tring Park Egg Hunt4th April, with 90 min activities at 10.30 and 14.30Free (booking required), most suitable for ages 5+Search the park for clues to help find the hidden eggs.

Orca Sock Puppets5th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Make a swimming orca puppet to join you in the galleries.

Penguin Pals7th April, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00Tickets £2, most suitable for ages 5+Create a miniature penguin to remind you of your Antarctic experience.

Spring Chickens28th April, with 30 minute workshops at 11.00 and 14.00Tickets £2, messy play for under 5sGet messy with these hand print spring chickens.

Winter Journey28th April, 19.00 – 20.00Tickets £4.50 (booking required), most suitable for adultsJoin Egg Curator Douglas Russell to learn about Captain Scott’s fateful last expedition, where his team collected some of the Museum’s most famous specimens.

Fluffy Cotton Wool Seals19th May, with 30 minute craft workshops at 11.00 and 14.00. Tickets £2, messy play for under 5sCreate a fluffy friend with this baby seal.

Specimen Stories Tour26th May, 19.00 - 20.00Tickets £4.50 (booking required), most suitable for adultsJoin us on a guided tour of the galleries to learn more about Walter Rothschild, the founder of the Museum, and hear some of the amazing stories behind our specimens.

Bug Hunt in Tring Park30th May, with 1hr activities at 10.30, 14.00 and 15.30Free (booking required), most suitable for ages 5+Search Tring Park for a variety of bugs and discover where they live and how they move.

Big Bugs31st May & 2nd June, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 & 15.00. Tickets £2, for ages 5+Inspect bug specimens and create your very own larger than life bug.

Dragonfly Water Shooters1st June, with 30 minute craft workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00. Tickets £2, suitable for ages 5+Discover how these pond creatures move and imitate it with a water shooter.

New Family Exhibition

23rd March - 10th July. Free

In a frozen icy land, thousands of miles away, scientists studying animals face tough challenges. Discover what it’s like to live and work on the coldest continent on Earth, Antarctica, and decide whether you could handle life in this remote world.

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BEECROFT CRAFT & CHATBeecroft Community CentreWestfield RoadDunstableWe meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m on a “drop in/drop out” basis.We meet to have a cuppa, chat and craft together in a friendly, welcom-ing atmosphere.Our many experienced crafters offer mini workshops on a variety of crafts and are always on hand to advise and help with any crafting problems you may have.ALL CRAFTS WELCOMEIf you are bored, or don’t/can’t craft, why not come and try something new with us.The first session is FREEAnnual subscription £5.00Session Fee: £3.00For more info; contact Dorothy on 01582 606812 or check out Beecroft Craft & Chat on Facebook

BEDFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETYSATURDAY 16th APRIL, HARROLD 2-4pmPond dipping at Harrold Odell Coun-try Park. There will also be quizzes, the nature table and a photographic display. Meet at the visitor centre car park MK43 7DS.Leader: Sheila Brooke.

TUESDAY 19th APRIL, MAULDEN 8pmTalk “Yardley Chase, a local wildlife gem” by Jeff Blincow. The best recorded wildlife site in Northamp-tonshire. At Maulden Village Hall MK45 2DP.

SUNDAY 8th MAY, POTTON 10:30am-12:30pm Walk in Potton Wood looking for Early Purple Orchid and Bluebells

plus other Spring flora and fauna. Meet and park by the water tower, Potton Wood. SG19 2EA(approx)Leaders: Graham Bellamy and Ian Woiwod.www.bnhs.org.uk

DUNSTABLE BAPTIST CHURCHSt Mary’s Gate (Middle of Ashton Square Car Park)Our Friends and Neighbours meet-ings are open to everyone on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The following have been arranged for April and May:14th April 2.30pm Visit from the Fire and Rescue Service, followed by Tea28th April 2.30pm Informal devotional time with speaker Tom Copperwheat, followed by tea and biscuits12th May TBA26th May 2.30pm Informal devo-tional time with speaker Steve Burton, followed by tea and biscuitsFor more information contact David tel: 01582 872106

OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT GROUP20th April 2 pmAll meetings will be held atLecture TheatreDunstable Community Fire StationBrewers Hill Road, Dunstable LU6 1AA For further information please con-tact: Tel: 01582 661 914

FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMONWe are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy. For this purpose we meet as a work party on the third Saturday of each month (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a picnic lunch is

provided! Details from Pam on 01582 872608 [email protected]

NATIONAL TRUSTAll meetings are held at Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3.00As well as outing we also run a holiday once per year. If you would like to join the group, please contact, Lynder Power 01582 696193 or Janr Lingham 01582 606838

DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUBDunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business men. The Club’s main object is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy a variety of social activities and organized visits throughout the year and at their regular monthly meetings they are entertained by after-lunch speakers. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary, Philip Savage on 01582 662462.

LANGDALE CHURCHLangdale church communities: Art group every week, Friends and Neighbours open to everyone speaker and refreshments every second Thursday, Toddler group every Wednesday term time only, Saturday coffee morning second Saturday every month, Carers drop in 1st Thursday every month. Neigh-bourhood chaplains befriending and support in the local community. Sunday morning services at 10.30am. Please contact 01582 602980 [email protected]

Clubs & Groups

58


BEECROFT CRAFT & CHATBeecroft Community CentreWestfield RoadDunstableWe meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m on a “drop in/drop out” basis.We meet to have a cuppa, chat and craft together in a friendly, welcom-ing atmosphere.Our many experienced crafters offer mini workshops on a variety of crafts and are always on hand to advise and help with any crafting problems you may have.ALL CRAFTS WELCOMEIf you are bored, or don’t/can’t craft, why not come and try something new with us.The first session is FREEAnnual subscription £5.00Session Fee: £3.00For more info; contact Dorothy on 01582 606812 or check out Beecroft Craft & Chat on Facebook

BEDFORDSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETYSATURDAY 16th APRIL, HARROLD 2-4pmPond dipping at Harrold Odell Coun-try Park. There will also be quizzes, the nature table and a photographic display. Meet at the visitor centre car park MK43 7DS.Leader: Sheila Brooke.

TUESDAY 19th APRIL, MAULDEN 8pmTalk “Yardley Chase, a local wildlife gem” by Jeff Blincow. The best recorded wildlife site in Northamp-tonshire. At Maulden Village Hall MK45 2DP.

SUNDAY 8th MAY, POTTON 10:30am-12:30pm Walk in Potton Wood looking for Early Purple Orchid and Bluebells

plus other Spring flora and fauna. Meet and park by the water tower, Potton Wood. SG19 2EA(approx)Leaders: Graham Bellamy and Ian Woiwod.www.bnhs.org.uk

DUNSTABLE BAPTIST CHURCHSt Mary’s Gate (Middle of Ashton Square Car Park)Our Friends and Neighbours meet-ings are open to everyone on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The following have been arranged for April and May:14th April 2.30pm Visit from the Fire and Rescue Service, followed by Tea28th April 2.30pm Informal devotional time with speaker Tom Copperwheat, followed by tea and biscuits12th May TBA26th May 2.30pm Informal devo-tional time with speaker Steve Burton, followed by tea and biscuitsFor more information contact David tel: 01582 872106

OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT GROUP20th April 2 pmAll meetings will be held atLecture TheatreDunstable Community Fire StationBrewers Hill Road, Dunstable LU6 1AA For further information please con-tact: Tel: 01582 661 914

FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMONWe are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy. For this purpose we meet as a work party on the third Saturday of each month (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a picnic lunch is

provided! Details from Pam on 01582 872608 [email protected]

NATIONAL TRUSTAll meetings are held at Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3.00As well as outing we also run a holiday once per year. If you would like to join the group, please contact, Lynder Power 01582 696193 or Janr Lingham 01582 606838

DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUBDunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business men. The Club’s main object is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy a variety of social activities and organized visits throughout the year and at their regular monthly meetings they are entertained by after-lunch speakers. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary, Philip Savage on 01582 662462.

LANGDALE CHURCHLangdale church communities: Art group every week, Friends and Neighbours open to everyone speaker and refreshments every second Thursday, Toddler group every Wednesday term time only, Saturday coffee morning second Saturday every month, Carers drop in 1st Thursday every month. Neigh-bourhood chaplains befriending and support in the local community. Sunday morning services at 10.30am. Please contact 01582 602980 [email protected]

Clubs & Groups

58

BREAKOUT SOCIAL CLUBWe are a club for the over forty fives, not a singles club but a social club for people who enjoy going out but are on their own, where they can meet like-minded people, with a varied monthly programme covering Disco’s, Pub lunch’s, walks, parties and much, much more, we meet once a week in the front bar at the Conservative Club, High street North DunstableTel: Sandy on 07813 262556

NORTHALL TODDLER GROUPNorthall Village Hall, LU6 2EXJoin new mums, dads, grandparents and carers.Every Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30am (including school holidays)For children aged 0-5 years.Tea, coffee, juices and healthy snack.Come join in the fun, games and learning (inside and out)£2.50 during term time (per family)£1 per child during school holidays(Adults free & older children welcome)Tel. Stacey 07957 607592 or Sally 07963 506188

ARTS & CRAFTSArt & Craft for adults with learning difficulties every Wednesday 10.30am - 12.30pm & every Sat 11am - 1pm at Arttrend, rear of 440 Dun-stable Road.Please see the website www.arttrend.co.uk for all the details or phone 07794987796

DUNSTABLE WIDunstable W.I. meet two evenings a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Watling School Bullpond Lane at 7.30pm. We are a friendly group and like to enjoy ourselves. We have a wide range of speakers with different talents and crafts, and also quiz nights to test our brains. We Welcome new members so join us and make new friends. For more Info Tel: Barbara Fisher 01582 665252

THE BOGTROTTERSThe Bogtrotters (Dunstable and District Walking and Hostelling Group) are a group of about 90 walkers, hikers and hostellers. We run a surprisingly diverse range of activities, including half and full day walks, hostelling trips, meals and evening activities.New members are always welcome. Prospective mem-bers are invited to get in touch via the website, give us a ring or just turn up to an event or walk. 01582 865966 Sue or JulianEnquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.ukwww.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk

DUNSTABLE CAMERA CLUBDunstable Camera Club, meet 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7.15pm, Con-servative Club, High St. Dunstable.Friendly atmosphere. Improve your photography in a social environment.www.dunstablecameraclub.co.uk

BREATHEASYDo you suffer from a lung condition? Then why not come and join our local Support group - breatheasy - Part of the British lung foundation. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at peter newton pavilion (Behind Tesco) 2 - 4pm carers also welcome As well as supporting each other we have a variety of speakers and also arrange day trips out.New members most welcomeTel: Amanda Fletcher 01582 404479

SAPHIRE SOCIAL CLUBSapphire Social Club meet every Thursday at The Orange Tree Steve-nage Road Hitchin from 8.30 - 11pm. We are a small and friendly group for single people aged 50+ although we have no age bar. Our members organize varied events during the month and we warmly welcome new members to come along and see if we might just fill that gap in your

social life. No subs for the first 2 months. For any info call Ian 07900 890583 or Joyce on 07952 678021 or visit www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk

IVINGHOE & PITSTONE WI Cheese and Wine Tasting EventIvinghoe Town Hall, High Street IvinghoeWednesday 27th April Doors Open 7:15pm Tickets £10 available from Tessa 07702 598197, Masons, Pitstone, and Windmill Pharmacy, Ivinghoe

THE ROTARY CLUB OF DUNSTABLE The Rotary Club of Dunstable shares an international motto of “Service above Self”. The Club members raise money during the year to put into their Benevolent Fund and once a year this money is distributed to good causes and charities local to Dunstable and the surrounding villages. Each year three Antiques Fairs are held at the Dunstable Leisure Centre where all the profits go into the Benevolent Fund. The next Fair is on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May 2016 and is open to the public between 10am and 4pm. Admission is a modest £2 per person. How can you help? By having a stall at the event. Please contact Alan Tarsey on 01582 872673By attending the eventBy becoming a member of The Rotary Club and helping worthwhile causes in the community. More information can be obtained from Roger Sharp on 01582 606405

CHILTERN GATEWAY

Beautiful Butterflies 14th May 2pm - 4pm, £4 Explore Whipsnade Downs with the Ranger Team and discover the beautiful butterflies that call the area home.

50 Things Walks3rd April & 1st May 2pm - 3pm FREEGrab your wellies and join the Rangers for a family walk. Complete some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’ on the way and collect stickers and scrapbooks when you get back.

Out & About

Friday 20th may 2016 8.00pm till late

Alison Carter Vintage lounge smooth classics

at sunset

Tickets – buy them at Rushmere Country Park or ring Hayleigh on 01525 234260,

£15.00 per person , this includes a free welcome drink .

All proceeds go towards the upkeep of Rushmere Country Park

Local singer from Leighton buzzard. Come and enjoy the evening with Alison at sunset. Full menu or just drinks available on the night

Vintage lounge smooth classics at sunset.Local singer from Leighton buzzard. Come and enjoy the evening with Alison at sunset. Full menu or just drinks available on the night.

Tickets £15, which includes a free welcome drink and the park exit fee. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of Rushmere Country Park.

For more information and/or to book call Hayleigh on 01525 234260 or call into the Visitor Centre. www.greensandtrust.org/Rushmere.html.

Herons View Visitor CentreLinslade Road, Heath and Reach, LU7 0EB

LIVE MUSIC

Alison Carter Friday 20th May 8.00pm till late

Friday 20th may 2016 8.00pm till late

Alison Carter Vintage lounge smooth classics

at sunset

Tickets – buy them at Rushmere Country Park or ring Hayleigh on 01525 234260,

£15.00 per person , this includes a free welcome drink .

All proceeds go towards the upkeep of Rushmere Country Park

Local singer from Leighton buzzard. Come and enjoy the evening with Alison at sunset. Full menu or just drinks available on the night

Hailing from Eggington, (the village residence of the late Bob Monkhouse), the band “Five Star Swing” will be bringing their nationwide Big Band tour back home to the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre on Wednesday 25th May. Bandleader, Chris says “It’s an amazing coincidence that we now live in Bob’s old village, as we used to perform for him during his cabaret shows”. The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal has been a major benefactor of the tour and the band has performed with Dame Vera Lynn, TV’s Military Wives and also at London’s Leicester Square Theatre. Chris and saxophonist Simone say they are enjoying their new village lifestyle -. Simone has previously played with the Ivy Benson Orchestra and Paul Weller, whilst Chris has composed and arranged music for Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb, the BBC Radio Big Band and appeared in the Michael Cain Film “Silver Bears”. Special feature on the night will be Tony Bennett’s Trombonist, Mike Innes. Show starts at 7.30pm. Box office – 0300 300 8125 or [email protected]

FIVE STAR SWING

February / March 2016

PRIORY HOUSE

ST GEORGES DAYSaturday 23 AprilPriory House Gardens 10 am to 4 pm

The St George’s Day Celebration in Priory Gardens kicks of the 2016 Dunstable Events programme. Come and join us on Saturday 23 April between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm for a family fun filled day.

Come and try your hand with a bow and arrow in our archery range or crawl through a network of tunnels in our caving experience. Do you have a head for heights? Then clamber your way up our 7 metre climbing wall! Meet St George and help him find the dragons in our annual town dragon hunt and don’t forget to stop and create your own arty creation. If all that adventuring tires you out then stop by our arena and stage and catch some live music and entertainment. The programme includes Brass Bands, Maypole Dancing, Punch & Judy and more. Plus witness ye olde English guillotine in our mini stage show adventure and see if you are chosen to pull the sword from the stone.

All of this is set just behind Priory House, where you can stop for some award winning Cream teas with homemade scones and home-made strawberry Jam serves with lashing of fresh cream in Priory House Tea Rooms. An ideal way to spend a fun filled Saturday.

AROUND THE WORLD IS BACK! Saturday 14th MayPriory House Gardens 10 am to 4 pm

Due to the massive success this event was in 2014 Dunstable Town Council have brought it back for

good! To make this event even better we are

looking for local communities, clubs and societies to participate in the

event on Saturday 14 May in Priory Gardens, Dunstable.The event is designed to educate the general public on the wide varieties of different cultures that the world has to offer, whilst having fun learning about what

you would expect to see in each different country. There will be

different activities from the different continents and will include dance,

music, crafts, entertainment and much more.

So far confirmed this year...Traditional Dhol Drummers, Welwyn Garden Samba Percussion and Dance Group, Steel Band, Bollywood Dancing, Didgeridoo Workshops , Imajica Theatre Company - Plus much more! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your group, club, business or your hobby. The event is a free family fun event for everyone to get involved with and we would appreciate your sup-port. We are anticipating around 1,5000 people throughout the day.

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Lisa vincent at: [email protected] for a booking form or call on 01582 891406.

14th

Out & About

EDaN BEAUTIFICATION TEAM

MAYDAY MONDAY : 2nd MAY EDLESBOROUGH VILLAGE GREEN

SELLERS: from 8.30 am £10 PER CAR Vehicular access is from Pebblemoor : LU6 2HZ 2 met. height restriction No trucks or large vans!

NO NEED TO BOOK

Any queries? - contact Chris: Tel. 01525 220739 [email protected]

BUYERS: 9.00 am -12.00 FREE CAR PARKING ON THE GREEN FROM PEBBLEMOOR

We’ll be serving delicious refreshments from the BBQ – arrive hungry....... Great bacon butties, hot dogs, giant muffins, etc.

Don’t miss the bargains on Mayday morning!

HOUGHTON REGIS BOWLS CLUBOPEN DAY

ON SUNDAY 8TH MAYFROM 11am – 4pm approx.

All you need to bring with you is a pairof flat soled shoes to wear on the green.

Refreshments will be available. All are welcome.Any enquiries please ring

Mary Comb 01582-518645 or Mobile 07963761080

WITH A VOICE OF SINGINGLuton Male Voice Choir And

Caritas Harmony (Luton Ladies’ Voices) A rare opportunity to hear two accomplished Luton choirs in one evening. On the 16th April 2016 The Luton Male Voice Choir and Luton’s Caritas Harmony Choir will perform a joint concert at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Luton LU1 3JF. The event will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8. For further information and tickets please callJackie Howe 01582 599520Clive Wheeler 07804 732222 Further details and parking information on website

www.caritasharmony.co.uk

Caritas Harmony Choir raising funds for Macmillan. For 2016 concerts,

see website, www.caritasharmony.co.uk

DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR SPRING CONCERT

14th May 2.30pm

St Augustine's Church, Mayfield Road, Dunstable.Tickets: £8 including refreshments

Contact: Pat Jackson 01582 520302

Out & About

EDaN BEAUTIFICATION TEAM

MAYDAY MONDAY : 2nd MAY EDLESBOROUGH VILLAGE GREEN

SELLERS: from 8.30 am £10 PER CAR Vehicular access is from Pebblemoor : LU6 2HZ 2 met. height restriction No trucks or large vans!

NO NEED TO BOOK

Any queries? - contact Chris: Tel. 01525 220739 [email protected]

BUYERS: 9.00 am -12.00 FREE CAR PARKING ON THE GREEN FROM PEBBLEMOOR

We’ll be serving delicious refreshments from the BBQ – arrive hungry....... Great bacon butties, hot dogs, giant muffins, etc.

Don’t miss the bargains on Mayday morning!

HOUGHTON REGIS BOWLS CLUBOPEN DAY

ON SUNDAY 8TH MAYFROM 11am – 4pm approx.

All you need to bring with you is a pairof flat soled shoes to wear on the green.

Refreshments will be available. All are welcome.Any enquiries please ring

Mary Comb 01582-518645 or Mobile 07963761080

WITH A VOICE OF SINGINGLuton Male Voice Choir And

Caritas Harmony (Luton Ladies’ Voices) A rare opportunity to hear two accomplished Luton choirs in one evening. On the 16th April 2016 The Luton Male Voice Choir and Luton’s Caritas Harmony Choir will perform a joint concert at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Luton LU1 3JF. The event will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8. For further information and tickets please callJackie Howe 01582 599520Clive Wheeler 07804 732222 Further details and parking information on website

www.caritasharmony.co.uk

Caritas Harmony Choir raising funds for Macmillan. For 2016 concerts,

see website, www.caritasharmony.co.uk

DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR SPRING CONCERT

14th May 2.30pm

St Augustine's Church, Mayfield Road, Dunstable.Tickets: £8 including refreshments

Contact: Pat Jackson 01582 520302

COLLEGE LAKE

February / March 2016

Family Fun:Easter Eggstravaganza6th April - 11:00am - 3:00pm £4

Join us at College Lake and celebrate spring! Family activities include trails, tales, arts and crafts. Enjoy exploring outdoors and see what wildlife has been about over Easter. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

College Lake Guided Walk24th April - 10:30am - 12:30pm £4

Join us for a gentle stroll around our beautiful reserve taking in seasonal wildlife and learning about the management of the site. Suitable for 11+

Dawn Chorus1st May - 4:30am - 7:00am £4 /£8 with breakfast

Come and join us for a lovely early morning walk and take in one of the least known wonders of the world - The Dawn Chorus! Afterwards why not treat yourself to a delicious home made Full English Breakfast.

Guided walk at College Lake29th May- 10:30am - 12:30pm £4

Join staff and volunteers for a gentle walk around College Lake, taking in seasonal wildlife and learning about the management of the site. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Age 11+

Children’s Workshop: Pond Explorers1st June - 10:00am - 11:00am £4

Visit us for a pond dip, and meet the weird and wonderful creatures that live in the pond at College Lake! No children under 6 to at-tend please. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.

Family Fun: Nature Detective Bootcamp2nd June - 11:00am - 3:00pm £4

Come along to College Lake and practice your nature detective skills! See if you can look for clues and solve the mystery of which animals are living on the reserve. Tracks, trails, outdoor exploration, challenges, and things to make and discover. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult.


Step On ItHIVESLIVESLINESLIMESTIMESTIMER

AnswersCrosswordAcross: 7 Make nothing of 8 Converse

9 Rare 10 Ransom 12 Employ

14 Barren 16 Yelled 18 Deaf

20 Unstable 22 Consolidation.

Down: 1 Panorama 2 Serves 3 Poor

4 Thievery 5 Unwrap 6 Sour

11 Manfully 13 Overlook 15 Refuse

17 Lean-to 19 Eros 21 Side.

If interested, please contactPAUL HELEY on

01582 664339 or [email protected]

Qualified Town Guide & Speakeroffers

Walks & Talks Dealing With Early & Medieval Dunstable

including stories relating to -• The Rise of Dunstable

• The Priory • Dun the Robber & other brigands • Henry 8th & Catherine of Aragon • Henry’s other wives & children • Royal Visitors & Ordinary Folk

• Pilgrims & Tournaments • Highwaymen (& Highwaywomen)

AlsoGhost stories,

Travel accounts etc.

For more information visit our websitewww.kids-klub.co.uk

To A Nursery Near You!

Also Available For Parties

COMING SOON

For exclusive offers find us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/KidsKlubLuton

Is your nursery or playgroup looking for a fun alternative to class photographs?

Kids Klub offers children the chance to star in their own adventure movie!

We’ll transport your little stars on a magical journey, producing DVD’s, photo’s & keepsakes for loved ones to cherish!

Tel: 01525 838739

Cullen & SonPainting & Decorating

AndAll Types Of

General Maintenance WorkNo Job Too Small

Call Sean:07932 62622401582 608547


• Conservatories • Windows • Doors • Aluminium Seamless Guttering• Garage Doors • Car Ports • GRP Flat Roofing

Visit your local showroom at Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre, Leighton Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 9NX

Contact Peter Pascan

Tel: 01525 [email protected]

www.cladwinds.com

Transformyour homewith beautifulnew windowsfromCladwinds.A trusted local firm with31 years manufacturing and installing experience

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Cladwinds Full March 16_Layout 1 07/03/2016 14:43 Page 1

The Vine Dunstable - April / May 2016 - Issue 70

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Transcript of The Vine Dunstable - April / May 2016 - Issue 70