The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

48
Issue 4 Vine FREE October & November 2012 Connecting local people to local businesses Delivered FREE To 6000 Homes • Edlesborough • Eaton Bray • Totternhoe • Toddington • Harlington • Hockliffe • Stanbridge • Tilsworth • Eggington • Tebworth the

description

A bi-monthly magazine for the villages surrounding Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

Transcript of The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

Page 1: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

Issue 4Vine FREEOctober &

November 2012

Connecting local people to local businesses

Delivered FREE To 6000 Homes• Edlesborough • Eaton Bray • Totternhoe • Toddington • Har l ington

• Hock l i f fe • Stanbr idge • T i l sworth • Eggington • Tebworth

the

Page 2: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

Please mention the Vine when responding to adverts

We have designs to suit every budget and direct from the manufacturer prices. As a family business our team of loyal and dedicated carpenters, designers, retailers and staff are our greatest asset. They take great pride in their standards of work and pay particular attention to detail with a friendly and genuinely helpful service.

Waterford takes care of all the practicalities, arrangements and aesthetics required to create the perfect balance between a beautifully designed and functional kitchen Please feel free to call into our showroom where we can help and advise you on planning your kitchen totally without obligation.We look forward to meeting you

Woodland House, Station Road Industrial Estate, Ampthill. Beds. MK45 2QYTel. 01525 841488 Fax 01525 841321

Welcome to Waterford Kitchens

OllyEach design is made with great care and attention by our experienced staff, exclusively for you to compliment your own style. Our traditional manufacturing methods bring out the best in the fine materials we use to create a finish you’ll want to show everyone who visits your home.

SHOWROOM OPENING HOURSMonday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm

Friday : 9am - 2pm Saturday: By Appointment Only

Page 3: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

Editors:Scott NightingaleShelly Nesbitt

Editorial: 01525 22237907852 [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 mate-rial included within this publication.No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

3www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

A.L. HARWOOD

For All Your Building RequirementsBUILDING SERVICESBUILDING SERVICESBUILDING SERVICES

Family Run Business With Over 30 Years Experience!

TEL/FAX: 01582 602365 MOBILE: 07958 319213

Traditional Builder with 30 years experience

Who can cater for all your building requirements

From Hanging Doors

To Your Full Extension Project

Copy deadline for our next issue - 15th November 2012

All Work Carried Out To The Highest Standard

For A Free Estimate With No ObligationCALL: 01525 222764

[email protected] Summerleys, Edlesborough

We have designs to suit every budget and direct from the manufacturer prices. As a family business our team of loyal and dedicated carpenters, designers, retailers and staff are our greatest asset. They take great pride in their standards of work and pay particular attention to detail with a friendly and genuinely helpful service.

Waterford takes care of all the practicalities, arrangements and aesthetics required to create the perfect balance between a beautifully designed and functional kitchen Please feel free to call into our showroom where we can help and advise you on planning your kitchen totally without obligation.We look forward to meeting you

Woodland House, Station Road Industrial Estate, Ampthill. Beds. MK45 2QYTel. 01525 841488 Fax 01525 841321

Welcome to Waterford Kitchens

OllyEach design is made with great care and attention by our experienced staff, exclusively for you to compliment your own style. Our traditional manufacturing methods bring out the best in the fine materials we use to create a finish you’ll want to show everyone who visits your home.

SHOWROOM OPENING HOURSMonday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm

Friday : 9am - 2pm Saturday: By Appointment Only

Page 4: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

4 Please mention the Vine when responding to adverts

Hello again!

Mabel’s News from Appledown

Hello again! I’ m Mabel the resident dog at Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels in Eaton

Bray. I’m the good-looking one on the left! The one on the right is my assistant, Rodney.

This is a busy time of the year for the kennels because we are getting lots of new arrivals. Sad to

say there are people who just chuck their dogs out when they go away on holiday. Unbelievable,

isn’t it? So they are coming to Appledown to be cared for until we can find them kind new owners.

If you are able to offer a loving and secure home to an Appledown dog why not come and visit us?

We are open every day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and the nice people who work here are

always happy to give information and advice.. Please note that we have restrictions on rehoming

dogs to families with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details.

Now I need to tell you about some important fund-raising events that are coming up soon:-

Saturday 8th September – Fun Dog Show and Open Day starts at 11 a.m. You know your dog is

a winner why not come along and prove it? There will be lots of classes, lots of rosettes, lots of

stalls and loads to eat – I really love our shows! Entries on the day.

Friday 12th October – Quiz Night, 7.30 p.m. at Northall Village Hall, South End Lane, Northall.

Tickets are available from Appledown and cost £8 to include a light supper (shame it’s past my

bed-time). Teams of 8 maximum.

You can find out about fund-raising events and other news from the kennels by following me on

Facebook! Look for me under mabel appledown. Anyway, must go now because Rodney says there are visitors to greet!

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY. Call

01525 220383 or e-mail [email protected] (Reg. Charity No. 1116848).

����

It’s me, Mabel (on the left), and my assis-tant Rodney. We are the resident dogs at Appledown Rescue and Re homing Kennels in Eaton Bray. Well, it has been a busy summer with lots of abandoned and unwanted dogs coming to Appledown to be cared for. The lucky ones have found new homes but many others are still wait-ing for the right family to come along.

I am very pleased to say that one of the lucky ones is my old mate, Taz, who had been with us for some time. He is a friendly Staffie with loads of character but, like me, getting on a bit which is probably why he kept being overlooked. Taz has now got a wonderful new home on a house boat. He recently sent us a photo of him on board in his life jacket! Rodney and I love a happy ending! If you are able to offer a loving and secure home to an Appledown dog why not come and visit us? We are open every day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and our friendly staff are always happy to give information and advice. Please note that we have restrictions on re hom-ing dogs to families with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details.You can also help by supporting our fund-raising events. The next one coming up is our

Charity Dance

Friday 9th November7.30 p.m. at St. John’s Hall, 296 Sundon Park Road, Luton LU3 3AL. Jive and modern music from the Sixties right through to the Nineties. Licensed bar. Tickets are available from Appledown and cost £8 to include light refreshments.

You can find out about fund-raising events and other news from the kennels by following me on Facebook! Look for me under mabel appledown.Appledown Rescue and Re homing Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY. Call 01525 220383 or e-mail [email protected] (Reg. Charity No. 1116848).

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Page 5: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

54 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

M. Greenwood Roofing Ltd.40 The Lane, Tebworth

Your Local Flat Roofing Specialist…

www.mgreenwoodroofing.co.uk

01525 [email protected]

�… Family business, over 40 years experience�… Built-up felt, rubber EPDM and single ply roofing specialist�… Free, no-obligation estimates�… 15-30 year guarantees�… Member of Confederation of Roofing Contractors�… Fascias, soffits and guttering�… Domestic, commercial and industrial flat roofing specialist

Page 6: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

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The Town At The Crossroads - Part IIIDunstable

By Paul Heley

So what was so special about these scrubby and scruffy crossroads which got Henry so excited? Why were they just what the doctor ordered from the

point of view of setting up a business centre?

COMMUNICATION, that’s why. And in the early 1100s, this meant ROADS since much of the country was still covered in forest and most “roads”, basically, were gloomy tracks through these forests linking one village with another. Such a primitive set up was no good for interna-tional traffic.But both the Icknield Way and the Watling Street were long distance routes meaning that where they crossed had access to ports N, E, S, and W - exactly what international business required.In those days, westwards along the Icknield Way could lead to Bristol and Southampton and eastwards to East Anglian centres such as King’s Lynn, Norwich (very important) and Ipswich. What is more, it connected with the (Roman) Great North Road thereby giving further access to Hull, York and NE England. Northwards along the Watling Street led to the English Midlands and thence to Chester, NW England, North Wales and Ireland whilst southwards on Watling Street was the route to London, Canterbury, Do-ver and the Cinque Ports (for continental Europe, Normandy and “home”!)Two other factors also made the junction of these major routes particularly attractive:-1 It was fairly close to London (by then the capital of England) and 2 the hinterland was extremely productive in cereals (wheat, barley, oats), good for rearing cattle (milk, meat, leather) and for the sheep (meat, and in medieval times, highly prized English wool) who thrived on the Downs.Henry the First was convinced that if a business centre could be planted on these crossroads, it must succeed. Consequently, he withdrew 450 acres from his Royal Manor of Houghton and spread them fairly equally around the crossroads in anticipation of his new town. But now his problem was how could he entice businessmen and entrepreneurs to venture their capital in something so new and untried: such canny souls

would need serious persuasion? Henry’s brilliant solutions were:-

1 Offer land at the generous rate of one shilling per acre per year - 5p a year, the mind boggles!2 Build a royal palace which he would visit and where he would hold court because people then (as now) were obsessed by “celebrity”. But in 1100, this didn’t mean a female with extreme physical attributes, or someone who could kick a ball or warble a few notes. It meant aristoc-racy - preferably royalty. So he commissioned the building of a palace (using Totternhoe stone - known since Roman times) on a nine acre site along the Icknield Way - partly occupied today by The Old Palace Lodge (above) and the Nor-man King (below- before the fire!). That should attract them, he thought. It was up and almost ready within the first decade of the 12th century and Henry visited in 1109. Not bad going!3 Grant any businessman (known as a “bur-gess”) who set up in the town the same rights and priviledges as the burgesses of London. This incentive was the real biggy and to appreciate quite what it meant, we must look at the social hierarchy of the time.

So what was so special about these scrubby and scruffy crossroads which got Henry so excited? Why were they just what the doctor ordered from the point of view of setting up a business centre?COMMUNICATION, that’s why. And in the early 1100s, this meant ROADS since much of the country was still covered in forest and most “roads”, basically, were gloomy tracks through these forests linking one village with another. Such a primitive set up was no good for inter-national traffic.But both the Icknield Way and the Watling Street were long distance routes meaning that where they crossed had access to ports N, E, S, and W - exactly what international business re-quired.In those days, westwards along the Icknield Way could lead to Bristol and Southampton and east-wards to East Anglian centres such as King’s Lynn, Norwich (very important) and Ipswich. What is more, it connected with the (Roman) Great North Road thereby giving further ac-cess to Hull, York and NE England. Northwards along the Watling Street led to the English Midlands and thence to Chester, NW England, North Wales and Ireland whilst southwards on Watling Street was the route to London, Can-terbury, Dover and the Cinque Ports (for conti-nental Europe, Normandy and “home”!)Two other factors also made the junction of these major routes particularly attractive:-1) It was fairly close to London (by then the capital of England) and 2) the hinterland was extremely productive in cereals (wheat, barley, oats), good for rearing cattle (milk, meat, leath-er) and for the sheep (meat, and in medieval times, highly prized English wool) who thrived on the Downs.Henry the First was convinced that if a business centre could be planted on these crossroads, it must succeed. Consequently, he withdrew 450

acres from his Royal Manor of Houghton and spread them fairly equally around the cross-roads in anticipation of his new town. But now his problem was how could he entice business-men and entrepreneurs to venture their capital in something so new and untried: such canny souls would need serious persuasion? Henry’s brilliant solutions were:-1) Offer land at the generous rate of one shil-ling per acre per year - 5p a year, the mind bog-gles!2) Build a royal palace which he would visit and where he would hold court because people then (as now) were obsessed by “celebrity”. But in 1100, this didn’t mean a female with extreme

physical attributes, or someone who could kick a ball or warble a few notes. It meant aristoc-racy - preferably royalty. So he commissioned the building of a palace (using Totternhoe stone - known since Roman times) on

a nine acre site along the Icknield Way (partly occupied today by The Old Palace Lodge and the Norman King). That should attract them, he thought. It was up and almost ready within the first decade of the 12th century and Henry visited in 1109. Not bad going!3) Grant any businessman (known as a “bur-gess”) who set up in the town the same rights and priviledges as the burgesses of London. This incentive was the real biggy and to appreciate quite what it meant, we must look at the social hierarchy of the time.It’s unbelievable today, but ninety six percent of the population lived under strict feudal laws. This meant that, although some people were slightly better off than were others, virtually everyone was the property of their particular Lord of the Manor. Serfs were paid a pittance, if anything; they couldn’t travel (even from one village to the next), or marry, without permission; they were completely tied to their Lord’s land and to his demands. They were not “free” and some were little more than slaves.

The Town At The Crossroads - Part III By Paul Heley

24 25Above: The Old Palace Lodge

So this left four per-cent who were free men, ie they could travel at will; they could marry who-ever they liked; they were not at the contin-ual beck and call of their local Lord (although they had to pay tithes and/or taxes). To be a free man was to be a member of an elite - and the burgesses of London were “super” free men. The in-centive to join them as one of Henry’s bur-gesses was irresistable.People came; businesses and homes were set up along the four roads known as North Street, South Street, East Street and West Street - our town officials have always been imaginative! - and the town of Dunestaple was created (from the Saxon words Dune meaning “hill” and Staple meaning “mar-ket”). So one interpretation of Dunestaple is “the market in the hills”.

Henry was the first (and reasonably benev-olent) Lord of the Manor and his town grew and prospered over the next few years. Things were looking good. So good, in fact, that Queen Matilda thought she would put the icing on the cake and persuaded Henry to set up an imposing religious house which would really put the new town of Dunesta-ple firmly on the map.But what and where was this religious es-tablishment? Is there anything left of it to-day?

The Town At The Crossroads - Part III By Paul Heley

24 25

DOMESTIC ELECTRICIANJOHN BRODRICKFULLY QUALIFIED

NICEIC REGISTEREDFRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL,

RELIABLE,LOCAL SERVICE

01525 223081 07884 471565

Above: King Henry I, The Norman King - circa 1109

FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN NO CALL OUT CHARGE

INSTALLATION & REPAIRSALL WORK UNDERTAKEN,

NO JOB TOO SMALLDOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES

Tel:01525 222145 Mob:07971 559185Email: [email protected]

Page 7: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

7

DunstableIt’s unbelievable today, but ninety six percent of the population lived under strict feudal laws. This meant that, although some people were slightly better off than were others, virtually everyone was the property of their particular Lord of the Manor. Serfs were paid a pittance, if anything; they couldn’t travel (even from one village to the next), or marry, without permis-sion; they were completely tied to their Lord’s land and to his demands. They were not “free” and some were little more than slaves.So this left four percent who were free men, ie they could travel at will; they could marry whoever they liked; they were not at the continual beck and call of their local Lord (al-though they had to pay tithes and/or taxes). To be a free man was to be a member of an elite - and the burgesses of London were “super” free men. The incentive to join them as one of Henry’s burgesses was irresistable.People came; businesses and homes were set up along the four roads known as North Street, South Street, East Street and West Street - our town officials have always been imaginative!

- and the town of Dunestaple was created (from the Saxon words Dune meaning “hill” and Staple meaning “mar-ket”). So one interpretation of Dunestaple is “the market in the hills”.Henry was the first (and reasonably benevolent) Lord of the Manor and his town grew and prospered over the next few years. Things were looking good. So good, in fact, that Queen Matilda thought she would put the icing on the cake and persuaded Henry to set up an impos-ing religious house which would really put the new town of Dunestaple firmly on the map.But what and where was this religious estab-lishment? Is there anything left of it today?

(Pictured above - King Henry I)

By Paul Heley So this left four per-cent who were free men, ie they could travel at will; they could marry who-ever they liked; they were not at the contin-ual beck and call of their local Lord (although they had to pay tithes and/or taxes). To be a free man was to be a member of an elite - and the burgesses of London were “super” free men. The in-centive to join them as one of Henry’s bur-gesses was irresistable.People came; businesses and homes were set up along the four roads known as North Street, South Street, East Street and West Street - our town officials have always been imaginative! - and the town of Dunestaple was created (from the Saxon words Dune meaning “hill” and Staple meaning “mar-ket”). So one interpretation of Dunestaple is “the market in the hills”.

Henry was the first (and reasonably benev-olent) Lord of the Manor and his town grew and prospered over the next few years. Things were looking good. So good, in fact, that Queen Matilda thought she would put the icing on the cake and persuaded Henry to set up an imposing religious house which would really put the new town of Dunesta-ple firmly on the map.But what and where was this religious es-tablishment? Is there anything left of it to-day?

The Town At The Crossroads - Part III By Paul Heley

24 25

DOMESTIC ELECTRICIANJOHN BRODRICKFULLY QUALIFIED

NICEIC REGISTEREDFRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL,

RELIABLE,LOCAL SERVICE

01525 223081 07884 471565

Above: King Henry I, The Norman King - circa 1109

FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN NO CALL OUT CHARGE

INSTALLATION & REPAIRSALL WORK UNDERTAKEN,

NO JOB TOO SMALLDOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES

Tel:01525 222145 Mob:07971 559185Email: [email protected]

Page 8: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

8

Charlie Landsborough is one of the good guys. Talented, funny, hard-working, good-natured...what you see

is what you get. Little surprise then that he’s got legions of loyal fans.

Multi award-winning and critically acclaimed, this Autumn sees Charlie taking his own brand of coun-try/spiritual music back on the road on a major 19 date tour. Tickets for the Autumn tour are available from all usual outlets priced £15.50-£22.

2012 has also seen the release of Charlie’s 25th al-bum. It’s a substantial catalogue of work, especially since he didn’t find real success with music until he was well in to his 50s.

In addition Charlie recently released his autobiogra-phy, “Storyteller”, published by Trinity Newspapers . It has proved so popular it is already in reprint.

The book details the early years in Birkenhead where he grew up, with all its attendant struggles, to his time in the army, his Christianity, and the many years of teaching. Then. when in his 50s his meteoric rise. Since his first big hit, “What Colour Is the Wind”, he has never looked back.

Charlie continues to tour and work relentlessly and at a time when others might be slowing the pace he is still pleasing crowds all over the world, even as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Last year saw his talent recognised by the British Country Music Hall when he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Although a successful recording artist, Charlie Landsborough truly comes into his own when per-forming live. No matter the size of the venue Charlie has the ability to make it feel as if he is singing di-rectly for you. An intimate and moving experience, it is also very funny - Charlie always has a story or an anecdote to make you smile!

CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH ON THE ROAD THIS AUTUMN AND WE HAVE TICKETS FOR THREE LUCKY WINNERS!

To be in with a chance of winning simply name Charlie’s first hit. Was it:

a) What colour is water b) What colour is the wind or c) What colour is light

Email your entries to [email protected] no later than 8th October. Usual rules apply.

The Vine have three pairs of tickets to give away to three lucky people for Charlie’s Dunstable concert on 12th October at the Grove Theatre. The show starts at 7.30pm.

WIN!

Page 9: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

9www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Page 10: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

10

Why do we wear a poppy?

Scarlet poppies grow wild all over Western Europe wherever the soil has been disturbed. The battles of the First World War churned up such vast areas of earth that millions of poppies germinated and bloomed, often around the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

A Canadian surgeon called John McRae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields in which the poppies sym-bolise the deaths of those who fought. It is a haunting memorial to those soldiers who have died in any war.

Why do we have a two minute silence?

It was on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month that the guns of World War I fell silent. Four years of fighting and devastation finally ended. The following year ceremonies of remem-brance took place on what was known as Armistice Day.

An Australian journalist, Edward George Honey first proposed a respectful silence to remember the dead. He wrote a letter to the London Evening News which was brought to the attention of King George V. The king then issued a proclamation which called for a two minute silence.These days Armistice Day is known as Remembrance Sunday and is a chance to honour the fallen soldiers of all conflicts.

We Will Remember...

11.11.201211.00am

Planning & hosting your own Fireworks party? It can be stressful, what with checking there’s enough food and drink to go around and organising the entertainment. Fireworks are a brilliant way to entertain guests, but whilst they may look pretty in the night sky, they can also be extremely dangerous. Make sure that in between shopping for party-poppers and paper plates, you also have the right safety equipment needed for your display. Gloves and eye protection are a must have, as well as a taper for setting off fireworks at arm’s length - you don’t want to burn off your eyebrows by mistake! Make sure that everybody stands well back, and do not approach fireworks that have been lit - even if they haven’t gone off – as there’s a chance they still could.Store your fireworks in a metal box, away from flames, so that your party doesn’t go off with the wrong kind of bang, and always keep a bucket of water nearby to put out sparklers safely. Last of all, don’t forget to tell your neighbours in advance that you’re having a party so that they aren’t inconven-ienced by the noise, and if your party is not on November 5th itself do not set fireworks off after 11pm as it’s against the law and you could be fined! On November 5th you have until 12 midnight. Most importantly, make sure you have fun, enjoy yourself, and stay safe!

Page 11: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

1110 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Feel free to join us just for the music on these nights... the more the merrier!!

Chefs TableThursday 25th October – October Beer FestThis time we are creating a menu to match beers!Thursday 22nd November – Thanksgiving

The menu will be themed on a traditional thanksgiving, as this American National Holiday happens to fall on this date!Both include a delicious five course meal and complimentary

beverages to accompany each course - £29.50 per personPlease book your table for these events

Coffee MorningsThursday 4th October & Thursday 8th November 10.30am

Join us for coffee/tea and cake and a different speaker each month. £4.00 per person

A great chance to meet new people or even meet up with friends.

Christmas is Coming!!Three Course Festive Menu £24.50

Party Nights Every Friday with DJ Entertainment.Special arrangements for Christmas Day, Boxing Day

and New Years Eve!! Please contact us if you would like to receive our Christmas Brochure.

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Page 12: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

Ingredients

The last Sunday of the Christian year is the fifth before Christmas. It is known as 'Stir-up Sunday’ and is the day traditionally when the Christmas pudding should be made.These days we mostly buy our Christmas pud-dings ready-made from the supermarket so the whole story and tradition behind them is at risk of being lost.But not so long ago every housewife made her own Christmas pudding on Stir-up Sunday which meant that the flavours had plenty of time to develop before Christmas. The pudding was traditionally made with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and his Disciples.On Stir-up Sunday families returned from Church to give the pudding its traditional lucky stir. The pudding mixture was always stirred from East to West in honour of the three Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus. Whilst stirring the pudding mixture, each family member would make a secret wish.

The name 'Stir Up Sunday' comes from the opening words of this prayer:

"Stir-up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

A coin was traditionally added to the ingre-dients and cooked in the pudding. It was supposedly to bring wealth to whoever found it on their plate on Christmas Day. The traditional coin was an old silver sixpence or threepenny bit.Other traditional additions to the pudding include a ring, to foretell a marriage, and a thimble for a lucky life.

1oz mixed peel1oz ground almonds2 medium sized eggs¼ teaspoon almond essence2 teaspoons brandy1 can of stout2 teaspoons cocoa powder¼ teaspoon nutmeg¼ teaspoon baking powder¼ teaspoon mixed spice

1 Place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together2 Add the eggs and the brandy and mix then pour in the stout gradually and keep stirring until your mixture is the consistency of a loose cake mix.3 Grease you pudding bowl with a little butter and pour in the pudding mix.4 Cover with foil and then a tea towel or pudding cloth and tie it to the top of the bowl, this is to prevent any water getting in.

Recipe

Stir It Up!

Method

The stout adds moisture and the cocoa powder makes the pudding look darkYou’ll also need:2 pint pyrex bowl to cook it in

Grannys Christmas Pud

Page 13: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

Ingredients

The last Sunday of the Christian year is the fifth before Christmas. It is known as 'Stir-up Sunday’ and is the day traditionally when the Christmas pudding should be made.These days we mostly buy our Christmas pud-dings ready-made from the supermarket so the whole story and tradition behind them is at risk of being lost.But not so long ago every housewife made her own Christmas pudding on Stir-up Sunday which meant that the flavours had plenty of time to develop before Christmas. The pudding was traditionally made with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and his Disciples.On Stir-up Sunday families returned from Church to give the pudding its traditional lucky stir. The pudding mixture was always stirred from East to West in honour of the three Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus. Whilst stirring the pudding mixture, each family member would make a secret wish.

The name 'Stir Up Sunday' comes from the opening words of this prayer:

"Stir-up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

A coin was traditionally added to the ingre-dients and cooked in the pudding. It was supposedly to bring wealth to whoever found it on their plate on Christmas Day. The traditional coin was an old silver sixpence or threepenny bit.Other traditional additions to the pudding include a ring, to foretell a marriage, and a thimble for a lucky life.

1oz mixed peel1oz ground almonds2 medium sized eggs¼ teaspoon almond essence2 teaspoons brandy1 can of stout2 teaspoons cocoa powder¼ teaspoon nutmeg¼ teaspoon baking powder¼ teaspoon mixed spice

1 Place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together2 Add the eggs and the brandy and mix then pour in the stout gradually and keep stirring until your mixture is the consistency of a loose cake mix.3 Grease you pudding bowl with a little butter and pour in the pudding mix.4 Cover with foil and then a tea towel or pudding cloth and tie it to the top of the bowl, this is to prevent any water getting in.

Recipe

Stir It Up!

Method

The stout adds moisture and the cocoa powder makes the pudding look darkYou’ll also need:2 pint pyrex bowl to cook it in

Grannys Christmas Pud

13www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

�t���"�M�M���#�V�J�M�E�J�O�H���8�P�S�L�T�t���&�Y�U�F�O�T�J�P�O�T�������-�P�G�U���$�P�O�W�F�S�T�J�P�O�T�t���1�M�V�N�C�J�O�H�������8�F�U���3�P�P�N�T�t���%�P�V�C�M�F���(�M�B�[�J�O�H�t���1�M�B�T�U�F�S�J�O�H�t���$�B�S�Q�F�O�U�S�Z�t���'�F�O�D�J�O�H�������-�B�O�E�T�D�B�Q�J�O�H�t���3�P�P�ö�O�H

White & FensomeBuilding Contractors

Tel: 01582 594766 Fax: 01582 594866Mobile: 07860 967191 & 07899 806256

Page 14: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

14

It’s every parent’s dread, but bullying behaviour can be beaten.

We all want our children to have good friends and can’t bear the thought of them being bullied.

But what can you do if you think that it’s your own child who is the bully?

The first thing is to keep calm. It is important to know exactly what’s going on before you act. Was this an isolated incident or is it something that has been going on for a while? Talk to your child’s teachers and find out as much as you can about what led up to the bullying behaviour, what triggered it, who was involved, and so on.Discuss what happened with your child. Why did they act in the way they did?Bullying behaviour is often caused by other problems in a child’s life. They might have been retaliating against another child’s aggression or teasing. Low self-esteem, unhappiness, stress, boredom and jealousy are also triggers.Whether it’s a one-off or a long-term problem, you need to tell your child that all bullying is unacceptable. Encourage them to think how the other child must feel – a role-play exercise may help. Explain that if it doesn’t stop now, the situa-tion could become worse and lead to suspension from school or even police involvement.Set out clear consequences that you will imple-ment if the bullying continues, but give your child chances to show improved behaviour. Set goals and reward them when they succeed. Try to keep the atmosphere in your home as calm and relaxed as possible. Children will copy what they see and need to learn appropriate ways of dealing with anger, such as taking ten deep breaths or going to a quiet place to cool off. To boost their self-esteem, find an activity or sport that your child enjoys and give them lots of praise and encouragement. You could divert their excess energy into jobs around the house – tidying up, watering the garden or walking the dog – any-thing that gets them moving in a positive way and earns them rewards.Keep in touch with school to check that your child’s behaviour is improving. If you think the situation is getting serious, don’t be afraid to ask for help – your doctor or the school can suggest

a child psychologist or counsellor. The charities listed below will also give you good advice. And don’t expect instant results. It can take months or even years to change bullying behav-iour, and the older the child, the harder it is – but it’s worth it!

Useful telephone numbers and websites

Bullying UK: www.bullying.co.uk 0808 800 2222Beat Bullying: www.beatbullying.org 0208 771 3377Kidscape: www.kidscape.org.uk 08451 205 204

Help! My Child is a Bully

Page 15: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 15

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Tel: Peter Pascan on - 01525 404204Email: [email protected]

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beginners courses,arrow and bow making

www.silverarrowarchery.co.uk [email protected]

for all ages and abilities

Page 16: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 15

By Paul Heley

A Traveller’s

Tale South Africa Past And Present

Part II

In Part I, Val and I had got to the foot of the Sani Pass leading to the independent country of Lesotho and a 4WD trip up the Pass had been ordered.

The road up the Sani Pass into Lesotho is a boulder strewn track

causing considerable consternation and excitement amongst those who had never seen a road like this be-fore. In fact, it was reminiscent of the "road" through the Himalayas leading into Ladakh which I'd motorcycled seven years previously. In the Land Rover, we were thrown about con-tinually and I felt that life might well be easier on two wheels rather than four since there's a narrower strip of road to aim at. However, the ride was exciting and we got another stamp in the passport on entering Lesotho at over 9000 feet altitude. To have cloudy skies and to feel cold was a shock after hot days and blue skies and there's a hotel - which claims to be the highest pub in Africa - where they serve gluwein. This helped to warm the cockles a bit. We were told that Lesotho is the poorest country in the world (but there are others which claim this unfortunate distinction). Undoubt-edly, the village just over the border was very poor. But I can imagine that other parts of the country are

even poorer because "our" villagers were given useful "presents" as well as a few coins even though we were advised not to hand out money - better to give them something useful. I'd met this same idea when riding in Mongolia. There we handed out reels of Sellotape, plastic food containers, zip up bags and such like when visit-ing nomads in their yurts.Lesotho is the old British protectorate of Basutoland and the Basutos dress very differently to other tribes in that they wear long, heavy woollen blan-kets and knee length boots. It can get very cold up here in wintertime and snow is not uncommon. Economical-ly, they rely entirely on South Africa (which surrounds them completely) but, even so, they must have a hand to mouth existence since they don't produce many revenue earning goods to be used for trade. Life must be tough for the ordinary folk of Lesotho.In total contrast to the Basutos are the Zulus of Kwazulu Natal. Here the climate is humid and they dress very scantily - a few maiden aunts averted their gaze at times (but had a quick peek if nobody was looking!).

We stayed at a contrived "hotel" fashioned in Zulu style with our own rondal; but the cynic in me asks how many genuine rondals have en suite showers, kitchen facilities, TV and mosquito nets? We were also shown a "traditional" Zulu village and saw the spear maker, basket weaver, pot maker, witch doctor, dancers, etc. But I can imagine that after the show, the "per-formers" get into their cars, go home, have fish and chips and watch TV! It's similar to a "typical" Maori hangi feast in New Zealand or a "typical" Indian village in Alaska. Still, the tourists love it and, presumably, believe what they see.Hence to Durban which I’d thought was quite nice 60 years ago: some-how the apartheid had seemed less severe. There were many Indians who’d become traders and business-men - like the Jews of Europe. In many ways, they’re even more so now. To go to the Indian market is to be bombarded on every side by trad-ers keen to separate you from your money: had they been less persistent, they might have fared better.

Page 17: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

17www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Awnings �‡Play Equipment �‡Carports �‡Canopies �‡Gazebos �‡Fencing

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Garden Maintenance & Patio Work Undertaken.Call for a Free site survey

Page 18: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

17www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

A Traveller’s Tale

Val couldn't cope with the constant barrage and it reminded me of a Kashmiri trader in NW India who I'd threatened to punch on the nose if he didn't shut up. Durban is now a dump. Street traders set up their wares wherever the smallest space on the pavement permits. This would never have been allowed under the old regime but Governments today are far more tolerant. An-other disturbing aspect of present day life in SA - to which Governments also turn a blind eye - are the many "squat-ter camps" (euphemistically called "informal townships"). If employment beckons, people swarm in from the rural areas believing that city streets are paved with gold.If you can imagine hundreds or thousands of ramshackle tin sheds packed cheek by jowl with no electricity, no water and no sanitation, you have a squatter camp. Sometimes they stretch for miles (as outside Capetown) and if the wind is the right (or, really, the wrong) direction, you can't miss them! People crowd into these camps, full of hope which soon becomes dashed. But returning home would mean losing face. So they stay - and the problem grows, and grows ------. It's very sad.Governments allow such building on their own land (or on council land) and a distressing sight is to see a develop-ment of nice houses positioned next to Government land upon which a squatter camp has suddenly mushroomed. Property values plummet and crime is rife. In fact, crime is a principal worry of most whites in much of SA: it's a very serious cancer. The Government is aware of the problem but does little about it because their voters might not like the measures necessary to curb it. It's called democracy!From Durban, we flew to Port Elizabeth from where I have an unpleasant 60 year old memory. Once, while our ship was in port there, I went to the local hop and asked a young lady for a dance. While we danced, she asked me if I was on the German ship which was also in port but when I told her I was English and on the British ship, she promptly walked off the floor as though I'd made an improper suggestion or tried to accost her!She was Afrikaans and I was OK if German (lots of Ger-man ancestry amongst Afrikaaners) but definitely off limits if English. Disturbing stories still linger of Afrikaaner spies during WW2 being responsible for allied shipping losses round the Cape.Next day, we journeyed down Nostalgia Avenue! This meant a three hour ride on a steam train when the sound, the noise, the smell, the bits of soot in your eye brought back memories of times past. After this, we looked forward to the journey along the famous Garden Route. So much has been written about South Africa's answer to the Garden of Eden that Val and I expected too much and, I'm afraid, we were rather disappointed. But, in fairness, I believe we were on a new road, slightly inland from the superb sea views we'd heard so much about. Is the older, slower, nicer road still there I wonder? Eventually, we arrived at our final destination - Capetown - which has a unique micro climate due to the meeting of two opposing sea currents: the cold Benguela current from the Antarctic and the warm Agulhas current from the Indian Ocean. As a result, fog or sea mist is common and this, combined with fickle wind direction and the local topography, means that anything can happen anywhere,

eg fog at the coast and brilliant sunshine a mile inland. Table Mountain with its "table cloth" of fog is a well known image. Consequently, a trip up Table Mountain is taken when it's convenient - not according to a written timetable.We were lucky and went up the cable car next morning in brilliant weather but, even so, a thick blanket of fog could be seen covering much of Capetown itself and crawling up the flanks of the mountain. I'd climbed part way up Table Mountain 60 years ago but had chickened out when I got to the sheer face; the ascent by cable car is much easier! Finally reaching the top was something special and I could tick off another of the many places I still have to visit before I finally pop my clogs (not long now!). Another one to tick off was the Cape of Good Hope (latitude 34021'24" S, longitude 18028'26" E) - the most south westerly point on the African mainland.Val's cousin, Betty, and her husband, Jim, had a short break in Capetown to coincide with our time there and we spent a pleasant couple of days with them. There was a memorable meal when, for the first time on the trip, I ate a local delicacy - Springbok. Absolutely marvellous. This can now be added to my carnivorous list of horse, kanga-roo, crocodile, bison, reindeer, musk ox and yak. Anyone for elephant? Eventually, it was time to return home on an-other boring 12 or 13 hour flight but with many memories and thoughts. What did I think to this very different type of holiday? Would I want to join Saga louts (as opposed to lager louts) again? Did Val like the change in holiday style - after all, it was her idea? Taking the last question first, the answer is "Yes". She'd already decided she didn't like pillion riding any more so the extra comfort; the fact that luggage is collected and delivered door to door; not having to think what to do or where to go made the holiday more relaxing for her. As for me, I'm not so sure. Admittedly, it's very comfortable - perhaps too comfortable; you go where you're told - you have no choice; you're only shown the "pretty" bits - you don't get under the skin of the place - you don't "get your hands dirty" (unless you deliberately dig); all the worry is taken out - you don't have to think; others on the tour are friendly and sociable - but can be a bit staid (and some are decidedly dull).Based on this experience, a Saga tour (for me) is very "polite", very "safe", very "familiar" eg the food is good and there's plenty of it: but there's nothing unusual, nothing unexpected, nothing really different. Apart from questions fired at Betty and Jim (and our long suffering guide - who must have been glad to see the back of me), we didn't meet any other "normal" South Africans in order to learn their stories or share their joys and wor-ries. We were sheltered from that sort of contact: and that's something which, speaking personally, I missed. I like to meet real people and hear what makes them and their country tick.Did I enjoy the holiday? Of course I did but, given a free hand, I might have chosen to do it differently. But as Val rightly points out, South Africa might not be the place to go wandering about on your own so, perhaps, being in an organised group is the "sensible" way of seeing this particular country.

Page 19: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

19

30 years

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Unit 28, Icknield Way Farm,Tring Rd. Dunstable , LU6 2JX Tel: 01525 229331

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A Traveller’s Tale

Val couldn't cope with the constant barrage and it reminded me of a Kashmiri trader in NW India who I'd threatened to punch on the nose if he didn't shut up. Durban is now a dump. Street traders set up their wares wherever the smallest space on the pavement permits. This would never have been allowed under the old regime but Governments today are far more tolerant. An-other disturbing aspect of present day life in SA - to which Governments also turn a blind eye - are the many "squat-ter camps" (euphemistically called "informal townships"). If employment beckons, people swarm in from the rural areas believing that city streets are paved with gold.If you can imagine hundreds or thousands of ramshackle tin sheds packed cheek by jowl with no electricity, no water and no sanitation, you have a squatter camp. Sometimes they stretch for miles (as outside Capetown) and if the wind is the right (or, really, the wrong) direction, you can't miss them! People crowd into these camps, full of hope which soon becomes dashed. But returning home would mean losing face. So they stay - and the problem grows, and grows ------. It's very sad.Governments allow such building on their own land (or on council land) and a distressing sight is to see a develop-ment of nice houses positioned next to Government land upon which a squatter camp has suddenly mushroomed. Property values plummet and crime is rife. In fact, crime is a principal worry of most whites in much of SA: it's a very serious cancer. The Government is aware of the problem but does little about it because their voters might not like the measures necessary to curb it. It's called democracy!From Durban, we flew to Port Elizabeth from where I have an unpleasant 60 year old memory. Once, while our ship was in port there, I went to the local hop and asked a young lady for a dance. While we danced, she asked me if I was on the German ship which was also in port but when I told her I was English and on the British ship, she promptly walked off the floor as though I'd made an improper suggestion or tried to accost her!She was Afrikaans and I was OK if German (lots of Ger-man ancestry amongst Afrikaaners) but definitely off limits if English. Disturbing stories still linger of Afrikaaner spies during WW2 being responsible for allied shipping losses round the Cape.Next day, we journeyed down Nostalgia Avenue! This meant a three hour ride on a steam train when the sound, the noise, the smell, the bits of soot in your eye brought back memories of times past. After this, we looked forward to the journey along the famous Garden Route. So much has been written about South Africa's answer to the Garden of Eden that Val and I expected too much and, I'm afraid, we were rather disappointed. But, in fairness, I believe we were on a new road, slightly inland from the superb sea views we'd heard so much about. Is the older, slower, nicer road still there I wonder? Eventually, we arrived at our final destination - Capetown - which has a unique micro climate due to the meeting of two opposing sea currents: the cold Benguela current from the Antarctic and the warm Agulhas current from the Indian Ocean. As a result, fog or sea mist is common and this, combined with fickle wind direction and the local topography, means that anything can happen anywhere,

eg fog at the coast and brilliant sunshine a mile inland. Table Mountain with its "table cloth" of fog is a well known image. Consequently, a trip up Table Mountain is taken when it's convenient - not according to a written timetable.We were lucky and went up the cable car next morning in brilliant weather but, even so, a thick blanket of fog could be seen covering much of Capetown itself and crawling up the flanks of the mountain. I'd climbed part way up Table Mountain 60 years ago but had chickened out when I got to the sheer face; the ascent by cable car is much easier! Finally reaching the top was something special and I could tick off another of the many places I still have to visit before I finally pop my clogs (not long now!). Another one to tick off was the Cape of Good Hope (latitude 34021'24" S, longitude 18028'26" E) - the most south westerly point on the African mainland.Val's cousin, Betty, and her husband, Jim, had a short break in Capetown to coincide with our time there and we spent a pleasant couple of days with them. There was a memorable meal when, for the first time on the trip, I ate a local delicacy - Springbok. Absolutely marvellous. This can now be added to my carnivorous list of horse, kanga-roo, crocodile, bison, reindeer, musk ox and yak. Anyone for elephant? Eventually, it was time to return home on an-other boring 12 or 13 hour flight but with many memories and thoughts. What did I think to this very different type of holiday? Would I want to join Saga louts (as opposed to lager louts) again? Did Val like the change in holiday style - after all, it was her idea? Taking the last question first, the answer is "Yes". She'd already decided she didn't like pillion riding any more so the extra comfort; the fact that luggage is collected and delivered door to door; not having to think what to do or where to go made the holiday more relaxing for her. As for me, I'm not so sure. Admittedly, it's very comfortable - perhaps too comfortable; you go where you're told - you have no choice; you're only shown the "pretty" bits - you don't get under the skin of the place - you don't "get your hands dirty" (unless you deliberately dig); all the worry is taken out - you don't have to think; others on the tour are friendly and sociable - but can be a bit staid (and some are decidedly dull).Based on this experience, a Saga tour (for me) is very "polite", very "safe", very "familiar" eg the food is good and there's plenty of it: but there's nothing unusual, nothing unexpected, nothing really different. Apart from questions fired at Betty and Jim (and our long suffering guide - who must have been glad to see the back of me), we didn't meet any other "normal" South Africans in order to learn their stories or share their joys and wor-ries. We were sheltered from that sort of contact: and that's something which, speaking personally, I missed. I like to meet real people and hear what makes them and their country tick.Did I enjoy the holiday? Of course I did but, given a free hand, I might have chosen to do it differently. But as Val rightly points out, South Africa might not be the place to go wandering about on your own so, perhaps, being in an organised group is the "sensible" way of seeing this particular country.

Page 20: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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BreakdownsRepairs

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Robin DonesPLUMBING & HEATING

Page 21: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

21

2 Courses £9.953 Courses £11.95Music starts at 1:30pm &�À�Q�L�V�K�H�V���D�W�����������S�P��

(last orders)To Book a table Tel: 01582 603310

Email: [email protected] www.chezjerome.co.uk

�$���O�X�Q�F�K���R�I���K�L�J�K���F�O�D�V�V��

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We all deserve aSunday Lunch

Chez Jerome26 Church St. Dunstable

On The Good Food Guide 2013

Merry Christmasat

Chez Jerome

Christmas Dinner Menu3 Courses £20.95 (Mon-Thu)

3 Courses £25.95 (Fri-Sat)

Starters(v) Melon with red fruit coulis.

(v) Flat mushrooms with Grana Padano cheese shavings, parsley garlic butter.

Warm strips of calves’ liver with plum sauce, rocket.Prawns & Smoked salmon with Marie Rose dressing.

(V) French onion soup with cheese croutons.

Main courseGrilled sirloin steak ( cooked medium ) in cream pepper sauce,

potatoes & vegetables.(v) Home-made Pumpkin open lasagne with Sage butter.Roast Turkey breast with cranberry sauce, all trimmings,

potatoes & Vegetables.Grilled Fillet of Salmon with Dijon cream sauce, potatoes & vegetables.Braised lamb shank with onions -rosemary jus, potatoes & vegetables.

DessertsJerome’s Vanilla Cream Brûlée.

Selection of cheeses with spiced Pear.Assorted ice cream.

Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.Chocolate trilogies (black, milk & white).

*Fruit jelly with fruit available for dairy freeGluten free bread available on request

Service charge not included

* * *

* * *

* * *

* * *

Book your Christmas Party Now!

26 Church Street,Dunstable, Beds. LU5 4RU

Tel: 01582 603310Email: [email protected]* * * * * * *

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Christmas menus available from 18th November

Boxing Day & New Year's Day

Open for lunch only

Christmas Lunch Menu2 Courses £14.953 Courses £16.95

(Sunday Lunch with live music from John Lee)

Starters(v) Melon with red fruit coulis.

(v) Flat mushrooms with Grana Padano cheese shavings, parsley garlic butter.

Warm strips of calves’ liver with plum sauce, rocket.Prawns & Smoked salmon with Marie Rose dressing.

(V) French onion soup with cheese croutons.

Main courseBœuf Bourguignon with seasonal vegetables & Mash potatoes.

(v) Home-made Pumpkin open lasagne with Sage butter.Roast Turkey breast with cranberry sauce, all trimmings,

potatoes & Vegetables.Grilled Salmon with Dijon mustard sauce, potatoes & vegetables.

Braised lamb shank with onions-rosemary jus, potatoes & vegetables. (sup £3.00)

DessertsJerome’s Vanilla Cream Brûlée.Selection of cheese & biscuits

with spiced Pear (gluten free biscuits available).Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Chocolate trilogies (black, milk & white).Assorted Ice cream.

Page 22: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

22 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 21

By Mike Newman

Aged Concerns... A Pensioners View

Who Cares About Care?Not The Politicians

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 every fourth Monday at St Marys Catholic Social Club, West St., Dunstable.

The majority of this piece was published in “The Great Londoner Pensioner” magazine and written by Dot Cotton on behalf of The National Pensioners

Convention (N.P.C). I should perhaps state that the organisation I am a member of, The Dunstable and District Association of senior citizens is also a supporter of the N.P.C. and has club membership.The manifesto’s of the major political parties all have a statement reading as follows “In a civilized society there should be dignity and security in old age”.Over the past 14 years there have been 20 commissions and other enquiries. We have seen shocking reports from undercover report-ers sent into care homes and into domiciliary care. Everyone has concluded that the care system is “not fit for purpose”.As the founding of the N.H.S. in 1948 the long term illness of old people were helped by the development of specialist geriatric depart-ments within the N.H.S. This lasted until 1981 then the policy changed and many N.H.S. services were transferred to local authorities which were already over burdened and forced into so called “best value” making staff redun-dant and contracting services out to private companies. At the heart of the problem is the false separation by successive governments of medical care (funded by the N.H.S. by taxa-tion) and social care (means tested and provid-ed mainly through local authorities). The result is that this separation removes thousands of frail elderly people from receiving free N.H.S. medical care and moved into the community - their own homes or residential homes.The Conservative governments 1990 Commu-nity Care Act and Labours 2000 N.H.S. plan -

transferred elderly patients from the N.H.S into local authorities. The services are outsourced to private companies. The private sector now operates 75% of domiciliary care agencies in which there are a high turnover of staff, limited access to training and career develop-ment, poor pay and conditions. The average cost of home care is £7000 per year (i.e. for 10hrs per week at £13.50 per hr.) Those with assets of £23,250 must pay the full cost. The cost of nursing home care is anything from £800 - £1200 per week and those with assets of £23,250 (including the value of their home) must pay the full cost.In 2006 the Labour government issued a white paper entitled “Our Health, Our Care, Our Say” - this brought in personal budgets for those whose care was paid for by the local authority. It meant that individuals would organize their own care. An official evaluation of the scheme showed that service outcomes were not improved for older people and their psychological well-being was damaged.The N.P.C. believes that, there should be a National Care Service paid through general taxation. N.P.C. figures i.e. general taxation of 1.5 pence in the pound, include improving the quality of services and the proper training, wages and conditions of care staff. It would mean that someone earning £25,000 per year would pay 75 pence per day, which equates to £2,625 per year not a great deal when you consider the cost of private medical insurance.So who cares about care? No political party practices what it preaches. The National Pen-sioners Convention has put forward a simple solution to tackle the problem of the elderly. Anyone out there to put the proposition in motion?

Page 23: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

23www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Page 24: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

24

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Quiz Night held last Monday of every month in function room.

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Special Gourmet NightEVERY TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY 5.00pm - 11.00pm

Sunday Buffet 12 noon - 6.00pm

Choice of starter, main, side dish, rice or bread, �lter coffee or vanilla ice cream.

Eat as much as you like, from a wide variety of excellent Indian dishes each week - different dishes every week.

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FREE HOME DELIVERY on orders over £15 within a 5 mile radius.

20% DISCOUNT on collection orders over £15

Public House: Horseshoes Public House is a traditional British Pub offering a selection of bottled and draught lagers, real ales and Guinness.

Plus a comprehensive wine list from across the globe and a wide selection of spirits and soft drinks. Plus bar snacks are always available.

Quiz Night held last Monday of every month in function room.

Authentic Indian Cuisine & Public Bar

SEPARATE FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF PARTIES.Including birthdays, of�ce party, hen nights, stag nights, weddings etc.

FREE bottle

of wine on takeaway orders

over £35Please mention when ordering

and produce this coupon when you pay.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Grill and Bar-BQ food served at the front and rear garden during summertime.

10% DISCOUNT for parties of 20 or more (Excluding drink)Private car park.

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£9.95Pint of lager or glass of wine and three course meal

We Are Open OnChristmas DayWith A SpecialChristmas Menu

Our .Christmas

Special Menu Begins 1st NovemberUntil 31st December

Now Taking Bookings For Christmas Parties!

Page 25: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

25www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Page 26: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

26

Cinema At Home

At Home&In The Garden

There’s no doubt that watching 3D films at the cinema can be thrilling, but is it worth trying to recreate the experience at home? You might be

surprised to learn that the cost can be only slightly more than a regular set-up. You will need to get a 3D compatible TV, 3D glasses and access to 3D programmes or films.

There are two types of 3D technology.

Passive 3D is the type used in cinemas. To watch, you wear cheap lightweight glasses that allow your eyes to see differently polarised light. Your brain combines what each eye sees to create the 3D image. You can also get passive 3D glasses that clip onto normal specs. Active 3D gives you a higher resolution picture, but the glasses are bulkier to wear. While passive 3D TVs generally come with several pairs of glasses, you may have to buy active ones separately, at around £30 a pair. They work by synchronising with the TV and playing back rapidly blinking images to your eyes. (For this reason, manufacturers warn that they are unsuit-able for people with a history of epilepsy or strokes.)

3D televisions can cost anything from under £500 to several thousands. Larger screens will give you a better experience. With smaller sets, you may need to sit closer to the screen to get the full effect. All 3D TVs can display 2D pictures as well – you simply switch off the 3D function and they become a normal high-definition TV.

Once you have your equipment, you can decide what you are going to watch. For films, you get the best picture quality with Blu-ray. You will need to invest in a 3D compatible Blu-ray player and films on Blu-ray disk. You can also play 3D Blu-rays (and 3D games) on a Sony PlayStation 3 console.You can watch other programmes on Sky’s own 3D channel, which comes with its more expensive monthly packages. With Virgin Media and BT Vi-sion, you can watch 3D films on demand. The BBC occasionally shows sporting events in 3D on its HD channel.Currently, 3D television is definitely an optional extra, but if growth continues at its present rate, it might not be that long before everything we watch is three-dimensional.

When James Cameron’s Avatar burst into cinemas in 2009, the world woke up to the potential for three-dimensional films to astound, amaze and capture our imaginations. The ground-

breaking movie started a trend for spectacular effects in cinematography, and many new films are now shown in 3D, as well as major sporting events including London’s Olympic Games.

The Next DimensionThe Next DimensionThe Next Dimension

3D effects are taking the cinema world by storm,

but is it worth investing in a 3D TV for your home?

Page 27: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

26

Cinema At Home

At Home&In The Garden

There’s no doubt that watching 3D films at the cinema can be thrilling, but is it worth trying to recreate the experience at home? You might be

surprised to learn that the cost can be only slightly more than a regular set-up. You will need to get a 3D compatible TV, 3D glasses and access to 3D programmes or films.

There are two types of 3D technology.

Passive 3D is the type used in cinemas. To watch, you wear cheap lightweight glasses that allow your eyes to see differently polarised light. Your brain combines what each eye sees to create the 3D image. You can also get passive 3D glasses that clip onto normal specs. Active 3D gives you a higher resolution picture, but the glasses are bulkier to wear. While passive 3D TVs generally come with several pairs of glasses, you may have to buy active ones separately, at around £30 a pair. They work by synchronising with the TV and playing back rapidly blinking images to your eyes. (For this reason, manufacturers warn that they are unsuit-able for people with a history of epilepsy or strokes.)

3D televisions can cost anything from under £500 to several thousands. Larger screens will give you a better experience. With smaller sets, you may need to sit closer to the screen to get the full effect. All 3D TVs can display 2D pictures as well – you simply switch off the 3D function and they become a normal high-definition TV.

Once you have your equipment, you can decide what you are going to watch. For films, you get the best picture quality with Blu-ray. You will need to invest in a 3D compatible Blu-ray player and films on Blu-ray disk. You can also play 3D Blu-rays (and 3D games) on a Sony PlayStation 3 console.You can watch other programmes on Sky’s own 3D channel, which comes with its more expensive monthly packages. With Virgin Media and BT Vi-sion, you can watch 3D films on demand. The BBC occasionally shows sporting events in 3D on its HD channel.Currently, 3D television is definitely an optional extra, but if growth continues at its present rate, it might not be that long before everything we watch is three-dimensional.

When James Cameron’s Avatar burst into cinemas in 2009, the world woke up to the potential for three-dimensional films to astound, amaze and capture our imaginations. The ground-

breaking movie started a trend for spectacular effects in cinematography, and many new films are now shown in 3D, as well as major sporting events including London’s Olympic Games.

The Next DimensionThe Next DimensionThe Next Dimension

3D effects are taking the cinema world by storm,

but is it worth investing in a 3D TV for your home?

27www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Page 28: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

28

�,�I�� �\�R�X�� �D�U�H�� �O�X�F�N�\�� �H�Q�R�X�J�K�� �W�R�� �K�D�Y�H�� �D���S�R�Q�G���� �O�D�U�J�H�� �R�U�� �V�P�D�O�O���� �D�W�� �W�K�L�V�� �W�L�P�H�� �R�I���\�H�D�U�� �F�K�H�F�N�� �D�O�O�� �W�K�H�� �S�R�Q�G�� �S�O�D�Q�W�V�� �D�Q�G���U�H�P�R�Y�H�� �D�O�O�� �G�H�D�G�� �D�Q�G�� �G�\�L�Q�J�� �J�U�R�Z�W�K��

Cover the pond with netting to stop leaves from falling into the water and sinking to the bottom. Too much rotting vegetation in the water will create methane gas to the detriment of �sh and other wildlife as well as a disgusting, smelly layer of sludge in the bottom that you will have to deal with, sooner or later!

In early Autumn, if you have clumps of marginals and bog plants, they can be divided and cut back the leaves of waterside plants.

If you have a pump to run a fountain or waterfall, now is the time to clean and service it and store it until Spring. Feed the �sh before Winter hibernation.

If we have a severe winter, be ready to cover the pond completely during really freezing weather, or at least try to ensure �sh can get oxygen by keeping a small area ice-free by using a ball or �oating bowl. If the pond is covered with a sheet of ice, pour boiling water into the bowl until it can be lifted out.

Having said all that, I’ve actually seen gold�sh frozen in solid ice for weeks, only to start swimming around perfectly happily when they thawed out - so what do I know?!

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�0�D�Q�\���E�X�O�E�V�����V�X�F�K���D�V���F�U�R�F�X�V�����G�D�I�I�R�G�L�O�V���D�Q�G���V�Q�R�Z�G�U�R�S�V���Z�L�O�O���L�Q�F�U�H�D�V�H���Q�D�W�X�U�D�O�O�\���L�Q���P�R�V�W���V�L�W�H�V�� �D�Q�G�� �Z�L�W�K�� �G�L�I�I�H�U�H�Q�W�� �I�O�R�Z�H�U�L�Q�J�� �W�L�P�H�V���W�K�H�U�H���Z�L�O�O���E�H���D���V�X�F�F�H�V�V�L�R�Q���R�I���L�Q�W�H�U�H�V�W����If planted in your �ower beds, the dying foliage will be hidden by growing herbaceous plants and shrubs. Bulbs are best planted in groups of similar colour and a wonderful show will be created if they are combined with �owers of contrasting colour that bloom at the same time. Try tulips planted with forget-me-nots or wall�owers. Under trees with no leaves, bulbs will get any available sunlight so will grow happily and give a welcome splash of colour when nothing else has yet woken up. Bulbs can be planted in grass - perhaps in the lawn or a grassy bank - as long as the foliage has time to die down before the �rst mowing. Grass protects bulbs from mice and squirrels. Try Anemone blanda, chionodoxa, crocus, fritillaria, daffodils (narcissus).

Some bulbs are best lifted each year such as tulips and to make this easier you could try planting them in large pots and sinking them in the ground. After the leaves have died down, lift the bulbs and let them dry out. Store somewhere cool and dry and replant in October/November for a spring display. If buying new bulbs, plant as soon as possible and before they start growing. For instance, most daffodils will start producing roots by late summer and other bulbs by mid-autumn. One exception is snowdrops. These are best bought ‘in the green’ which means the leaves are already growing and they are then planted and left to spread. Bulbs should always be planted with, at the very least, 2-3 times their own depth of soil above them or even more if the soil is very light. If bulbs become overcrowded, lift them in the dormant season after the foliage has died down. Clean off the soil, leave them to dry then store in paper (not plastic) bags to await replanting.

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Other jobs to be getting on with at this time

A beginners guide to...

Ponds

In The Garden

Spring Flowering Bulbs

October November

Many bulbs, such as crocus, daf-fodils and snowdrops will increase naturally in most sites and with different flowering times there will be a succession of interest. If planted in your flower beds, the dying foliage will be hidden by growing herbaceous plants and shrubs. Bulbs are best planted in groups of similar colour and a wonderful show will be created if they are combined with flowers of contrast-ing colour that bloom at the same time. Try tulips planted with forget-me-nots or wallflowers. Under trees with no leaves, bulbs will get any available sunlight so will grow happily and give a wel-come splash of colour when noth-ing else has yet woken up. Bulbs can be planted in grass - perhaps in the lawn or a grassy bank - as long as the foliage has time to die down before the first mowing. Grass protects bulbs from mice and squirrels. Try Anemone blanda, chionodoxa, crocus, fritillaria, daf-fodils (narcissus).

Some bulbs are best lifted each year such as tulips and to make this easier you could try planting them in large pots and sinking them in the ground. After the leaves have died down, lift the bulbs and let them dry out. Store somewhere cool and dry and replant in October/November for a spring display. If buying new bulbs, plant as soon as possible and before they start growing. For instance, most daffodils will start producing roots by late summer and other bulbs by mid-autumn. One exception is snowdrops. These are best bought ‘in the green’ which means the leaves are already grow-ing and they are then planted and left to spread. Bulbs should always be planted with, at the very least, 2-3 times their own depth of soil above them or even more if the soil is very light. If bulbs become over-crowded, lift them in the dormant season after the foliage has died down. Clean off the soil, leave them to dry then store in paper (not plastic) bags to await replanting.

If you are lucky enough to have a pond, large or small, at this time of year check all the pond plants and remove all dead and dying growth. Cover the pond with netting to stop leaves from falling into the water and sinking to the bottom. Too much rotting vegetation in the water will create methane gas to the detriment of fish and other wildlife as well as a disgusting, smelly layer of sludge in the bottom that you will have to deal with, sooner or later!In early Autumn, if you have clumps of marginals and bog plants, they can be divided and cut back the leaves of waterside plants. If you have a pump to run a fountain or waterfall, now is the time to clean and service it and store it until Spring. Feed the fish before Winter hibernation. If we have a severe winter, be ready to cover the pond completely during re-ally freezing weather, or at least try to ensure fish can get oxygen by keeping a small area ice-free by using a ball or floating bowl. If the pond is covered with a sheet of ice, pour boiling water into the bowl until it can be lifted out. Having said all that, I've actually seen goldfish frozen in solid ice for weeks, only to start swimming around perfectly happily when they thawed out - so what do I know?!

With the onset of Autumn, now is a good time to start planning for next spring.

Why not start by planting spring flowering bulbs?

�‡���'�L�Y�L�G�H���K�H�U�E�D�F�H�R�X�V���S�H�U�H�Q�Q�L�D�O�V������U�K�X�E�D�U�E���F�U�R�Z�Q�V�����������O�L�I�W���Z�L�W�K���D���I�R�U�N������F�K�R�S���L�Q�W�R���S�L�H�F�H�V���Z�L�W�K���D���V�S�D�G�H�����5�H�� plant with plenty of well rotted compost or manure�‡���3�O�D�Q�W���V�S�U�L�Q�J���F�D�E�E�D�J�H�V������K�D�U�Y�H�V�W���D�S�S�O�H�V�����S�H�D�U�V����� nuts�‡���&�O�H�D�U���X�S���I�D�O�O�H�Q���D�X�W�X�P�Q���O�H�D�Y�H�V���U�H�J�X�O�D�U�O�\�‡���(�Q�V�X�U�H���S�O�D�Q�W���S�R�W�V���K�D�Y�H���J�R�R�G���G�U�D�L�Q�D�J�H�����F�R�Q�V�L�G�H�U�� standing pots on feet�‡���3�R�W���X�S���W�H�Q�G�H�U���S�O�D�Q�W�V���V�X�F�K���D�V���)�X�F�K�V�L�D�V������������3�H�O�D�U�J�R�Q�L�X�P�V�����S�O�D�F�H���W�K�H�V�H���L�Q���W�K�H���J�O�D�V�V�K�R�X�V�H���I�R�U�� overwinter protection

�‡���6�R�Z���V�Z�H�H�W���S�H�D�V���L�Q���D���F�R�O�G���J�U�H�H�Q�K�R�X�V�H�‡���3�O�D�Q�W���Z�D�O�O�I�O�R�Z�H�U�V���Z�L�W�K�R�X�W���G�H�O�D�\�‡���/�L�J�K�W�O�\���S�U�X�Q�H���U�R�V�H�V���W�R���S�U�H�Y�H�Q�W���Z�L�Q�G���U�R�F�N�‡���1�R�Y�H�P�E�H�U���L�V���W�K�H���E�H�V�W���P�R�Q�W�K���W�R���S�O�D�Q�W���W�X�O�L�S�� bulbs. Bury holly leaves with bulbs if squirrels are a problem (wear your gloves though!)�‡���5�H�V�L�V�W���S�U�X�Q�L�Q�J���K�\�G�U�D�Q�J�H�D�V�������W�K�H���G�H�D�G���I�O�R�Z�H�U�V�� will protect bulbs from the frost�‡���&�O�H�D�Q���R�X�W���E�L�U�G���Q�H�V�W�L�Q�J���E�R�[�H�V�������Z�H�D�U���J�O�R�Y�H�V���W�R�� avoid any parasites.

Page 29: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

29www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

LEATHER

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Most repairs can be undertaken

in your home by our quali�ed

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�#�F�G�P�S�F�������������"�G�U�F�S �#�F�G�P�S�F�����������������"�G�U�F�S

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With The Pretend Grass Co’s �X�O�W�U�D���U�H�D�O�L�V�W�L�F���D�U�W�L�¿�F�L�D�O���J�U�D�V�V�H�V you don’t have to pretend … you can eliminate the above problems and have a beautiful lawn all year round for many many years.

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With The Pretend Grass Co’s ultra-realistic artificial grasses you don’t have to pretend … you can eliminate the above problems and have a beautiful lawn all year round for many many years.

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Page 30: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

30

What ’s Best For You

A Good Deal... Don’t Bank On It!Have the banks and building societies now mis-sold another �nancial product in the form of ‘packaged bank accounts’

A packaged bank account is generally a current account that has a range of benefits included such as:

�‡ Insurance policies�‡ Music downloads�‡ Airport lounge access�‡ Commission free foreign currency�‡ Various discounts

However, such added benefits are not ‘freebies’ as those with a packaged account pay a monthly fee for the benefit, typically between £20-£40 per month.The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said that around one in five adults have a packaged account, which therefore puts the number of these accounts into the millions.

New RulesThe sale of packaged accounts by banks and building societies has been a source of con-cern for the regulator for some time. It wants to ensure they do not become the latest case of widespread mis-selling, following the payment protection insurance (PPI) and overdraft charges sagas. As such a new set of rules are being intro-duced at end of March 2013, under which banks and building societies will be required to:

�‡ Check on whether customers would be eligible to claim under the bundled insurance policies�‡ Send customers eligibility statements to check whether these policies met their needs�‡ Make sure sales advisers alert customers to insurance cover that may not be suitable for them

Does this mean that packaged bank accounts have been mis-sold?On many occasions the answer will simply be yes. The banks and building societies have there-

fore clearly failed to sell these packaged bank ac-counts on a ‘case by case’ basis but instead have sold them on assuming that ‘one size fits all’ (i.e.: each benefit will be applicable to all customers). As we have learned from the payment protection insurance debacle this simply is not the case. It is therefore inevitable that many customers who have a packaged bank account will not be eligi-ble for some of the benefits that it provides.

The other question that has to be asked is whether packaged bank account holders are getting the best value for money. Which have claimed that they have researched this point and have found that on many occasions it is actually cheaper to shop around for the benefits and not pay for the pleasure of having a packaged bank account. If the banks and building societies have not explained this to customers (and let’s face it they have not) they have mis-sold.

What should customers do now?Anyone who has a packaged bank account should check how much they are paying for this and exactly what they are getting. In doing this they should satisfy themselves that 1) they are ac-tually eligible for the benefits offered with the ac-count (for example if insurance is included they may not be eligible if they are self-employed or over a certain age) and 2) that they could not buy the benefit cheaper elsewhere. If the conclu-sion is that they are not eligible for something or indeed if they could buy it cheaper from another source then in these circumstances the customer has been mis-sold the bank account and they should complain immediately.Some banks have also automatically transferred customers to a packaged bank account. This is not allowed and anyone in this situation should complain immediately.This is undoubtedly the start of the next PPI saga which is going to cost the banks and building societies dearly! Frankly, they only have them-selves to blame.

By Dean Dunham of you and your rights

Page 31: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

G & J GROUNDWORKRing Garry

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�6�K�L�Q�J�O�H���'�U�L�Y�H�V���‡���3�D�W�K�V���6�O�D�E�V���‡���6�W�H�S�V���‡���*�D�U�G�H�Q�Z�D�O�O�V

�1�H�Z���3�D�W�L�R�V���‡���5�H�O�D�\�L�Q�J�6�R�D�N���$�Z�D�\�V���‡���'�U�D�L�Q�D�J�H

�)�5�(�(���H�V�W�L�P�D�W�H�V�����‡���5�H�I�H�U�H�Q�F�H�V���D�Y�D�L�O�D�E�O�H�Z�Z�Z���J�D�Q�G�M�J�U�R�X�Q�G�Z�R�U�N���F�R���X�N

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What ’s Best For You

A Good Deal... Don’t Bank On It!Have the banks and building societies now mis-sold another �nancial product in the form of ‘packaged bank accounts’

A packaged bank account is generally a current account that has a range of benefits included such as:

�‡ Insurance policies�‡ Music downloads�‡ Airport lounge access�‡ Commission free foreign currency�‡ Various discounts

However, such added benefits are not ‘freebies’ as those with a packaged account pay a monthly fee for the benefit, typically between £20-£40 per month.The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said that around one in five adults have a packaged account, which therefore puts the number of these accounts into the millions.

New RulesThe sale of packaged accounts by banks and building societies has been a source of con-cern for the regulator for some time. It wants to ensure they do not become the latest case of widespread mis-selling, following the payment protection insurance (PPI) and overdraft charges sagas. As such a new set of rules are being intro-duced at end of March 2013, under which banks and building societies will be required to:

�‡ Check on whether customers would be eligible to claim under the bundled insurance policies�‡ Send customers eligibility statements to check whether these policies met their needs�‡ Make sure sales advisers alert customers to insurance cover that may not be suitable for them

Does this mean that packaged bank accounts have been mis-sold?On many occasions the answer will simply be yes. The banks and building societies have there-

fore clearly failed to sell these packaged bank ac-counts on a ‘case by case’ basis but instead have sold them on assuming that ‘one size fits all’ (i.e.: each benefit will be applicable to all customers). As we have learned from the payment protection insurance debacle this simply is not the case. It is therefore inevitable that many customers who have a packaged bank account will not be eligi-ble for some of the benefits that it provides.

The other question that has to be asked is whether packaged bank account holders are getting the best value for money. Which have claimed that they have researched this point and have found that on many occasions it is actually cheaper to shop around for the benefits and not pay for the pleasure of having a packaged bank account. If the banks and building societies have not explained this to customers (and let’s face it they have not) they have mis-sold.

What should customers do now?Anyone who has a packaged bank account should check how much they are paying for this and exactly what they are getting. In doing this they should satisfy themselves that 1) they are ac-tually eligible for the benefits offered with the ac-count (for example if insurance is included they may not be eligible if they are self-employed or over a certain age) and 2) that they could not buy the benefit cheaper elsewhere. If the conclu-sion is that they are not eligible for something or indeed if they could buy it cheaper from another source then in these circumstances the customer has been mis-sold the bank account and they should complain immediately.Some banks have also automatically transferred customers to a packaged bank account. This is not allowed and anyone in this situation should complain immediately.This is undoubtedly the start of the next PPI saga which is going to cost the banks and building societies dearly! Frankly, they only have them-selves to blame.

By Dean Dunham of you and your rights

Mob: 07976 975604Home: 01525 872335

No Job Too Small�t���&�N�F�S�H�F�O�D�J�F�T������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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Page 32: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

The Nutrition Coach

SupplementsHelping The

Immune System

With the cold and flu season fast approaching, it is time to think about how best to prepare our bodies for fighting off the winter bugs.

SambucolContains elderberry extract with added vitamin C and Zinc. Elderberry has been shown to have anti-viral properties.Vitamin CSome studies suggest that vitamin C may reduce the length and symptoms of a cold. Be aware that high doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhoea.

ProbioticsPart of the body’s natural defences is the healthy bacteria that live in the gut. Taking a daily probiotic can boost the number of beneficial bacteria that colonise here, especially if you have recently had antibiotics. Be aware that some probiotics contain FOS (fructooligosaccharides) which can cause severe bloating in some individuals.

Zinc lozengesMay reduce the length and severity of a cold. Look for lozenges containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluco-nate-glycine, or zinc acetate. Zinc sprays should be avoided due to some reports that they may damage sense of smell.

AndrographisStudies have shown this herb as having immune enhancing actions and appear to reduce the severity of the common cold.As with any medication, supplement or herb, please consult a qualified healthcare professional prior to taking them to ensure they are suitable for you.

Have a healthy and happy winter.

It goes without saying that a healthy diet and lifestyle will support the body’s defences, and increasing the intake of vitamins A, C and D and the mineral Zinc, through foods, can help. Foods high in these nutrients are brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, dairy products, oily fish, wholegrains, pulses, lean meats and eggs, so ensure a range of these foods are eaten every day.

Lifestyle can also effect your ability to fight infections, to help support your immune system exercise regu-larly, reduce or limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, drink plenty of fresh water, keep warm, get plenty of sleep and don’t skip meals.

If you want to use supplements then there are a few you can try. The evi-dence for and against the effective-ness of supplements is still mixed, there is a lot of positive research that can’t be ignored, but on the other hand there is not enough to label a remedy as a “cure”. However, tak-ing supplements is popular and here is a short list of those that have been shown, in some studies, to boost the immune system and help the body fight against cold and flu.

Page 33: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

33www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

The Nutrition Coach

SupplementsHelping The

Immune System

With the cold and flu season fast approaching, it is time to think about how best to prepare our bodies for fighting off the winter bugs.

SambucolContains elderberry extract with added vitamin C and Zinc. Elderberry has been shown to have anti-viral properties.Vitamin CSome studies suggest that vitamin C may reduce the length and symptoms of a cold. Be aware that high doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhoea.

ProbioticsPart of the body’s natural defences is the healthy bacteria that live in the gut. Taking a daily probiotic can boost the number of beneficial bacteria that colonise here, especially if you have recently had antibiotics. Be aware that some probiotics contain FOS (fructooligosaccharides) which can cause severe bloating in some individuals.

Zinc lozengesMay reduce the length and severity of a cold. Look for lozenges containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluco-nate-glycine, or zinc acetate. Zinc sprays should be avoided due to some reports that they may damage sense of smell.

AndrographisStudies have shown this herb as having immune enhancing actions and appear to reduce the severity of the common cold.As with any medication, supplement or herb, please consult a qualified healthcare professional prior to taking them to ensure they are suitable for you.

Have a healthy and happy winter.

It goes without saying that a healthy diet and lifestyle will support the body’s defences, and increasing the intake of vitamins A, C and D and the mineral Zinc, through foods, can help. Foods high in these nutrients are brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, dairy products, oily fish, wholegrains, pulses, lean meats and eggs, so ensure a range of these foods are eaten every day.

Lifestyle can also effect your ability to fight infections, to help support your immune system exercise regu-larly, reduce or limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, drink plenty of fresh water, keep warm, get plenty of sleep and don’t skip meals.

If you want to use supplements then there are a few you can try. The evi-dence for and against the effective-ness of supplements is still mixed, there is a lot of positive research that can’t be ignored, but on the other hand there is not enough to label a remedy as a “cure”. However, tak-ing supplements is popular and here is a short list of those that have been shown, in some studies, to boost the immune system and help the body fight against cold and flu.

Page 34: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

34

The 5th Generation Family Business

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(excluding installation on Gas & Built-in Appliances)

We stock a wide range of products and brands

Competitive on Price with

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www.janesltd.co.uk

Page 35: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

35www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIALLOCAL 24 HOUR LOCKSMITHS

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�‡���8�3�9�&���G�R�R�U���V�S�H�F�L�D�O�L�V�W�V�‡���2�$�3 ����6�W�X�G�H�Q�W���'�L�V�F�R�X�Q�W�‡���)�U�H�H���6�H�F�X�U�L�W�\���6�X�U�Y�H�\�V�‡���/�R�F�N�V���I�L�W�W�H�G���W�R���Q�H�Z���%�6�������������������‡���&�R�P�S�H�W�L�W�L�Y�H���5�D�W�H�V�‡���:�H���J�X�D�U�D�Q�W�H�H���W�K�D�W���L�I���\�R�X�U���O�R�F�N���L�V���G�H�V�W�U�R�\�H�G���Z�K�L�O�V�W

�J�D�L�Q�L�Q�J���H�Q�W�U�\���W�K�D�W���Z�H���Z�H�O�O���U�H�S�O�D�F�H���W�K�H���O�R�F�N���I�U�H�H���R�I�F�K�D�U�J�H�����W�K�L�V���G�R�H�V���Q�R�W���D�S�S�O�\���W�R���O�R�F�N�V���D�O�U�H�D�G�\���G�D�P�D�J�H�G����

ACL Locksmiths Limited1 Furness Avenue, Dunstable,

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Email [email protected]

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34

Page 36: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

36

natural Health natural Health natural Health Homeopathy

Naturopathic Practitioner

By Sue Blain

Homeopathy is in the news again. In the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Jeremy Hunt was reported to be the first Health Secretary to be in favour of Homeopathy. The news article also predictably quoted

Sir John Krebs, Professor of Zoology at Oxford University, denouncing its effectiveness.

However two Nobel Prize winners, Profes-sor Luc Montagnier, who won the Nobel Prize in 2008 for discovering the AIDS vi-

rus, and Brian Josephson Ph D have expressed support for it and theIndian Institutes of Tech-nology and the Swiss government have recently undertaken research with favourable results. Meanwhile those who have received ben-efit from taking homeopathic remedies will no doubt continue to use it, whether they’re visiting a Homeopathic hospital, their local homeopath or self-subscribing.I recently heard from a few acquaintances about how long they suffered with bruises, cuts and shock following a car accident, a fall, childbirth and surgery and I thought what a shame that more people don’t stock Arnica in their first aid kit. ‘The Practical handbook of Homeopathy’ by Colin Griffith will help you with first-aid remedies, but you’re recommend-ed to see a homeopath if your problems are chronic, for instance skin, hormonal, digestive or respiratory problems.My recent good news is a case of a mother with a shingles rash around one eye who sought my help after declining the anti-viral drug that would mean her giving up breastfeed-ing. I prescribed a remedy and advised her to buy VitaminD3 to boost her immune system. At her follow-up appointment with the GP he was amazed at her speedy recovery and told her to write about it, so I thought you may be interested to hear it!Treating babies and children is such a delight because they can respond so quickly. A 14 month -old with an ear infection was still unwell after 2 months of antibiotics. She responded quickly to the remedy and soon returned to the lively, happy infant she’d been

before her illness and her speech began to rapidly develop. The 4 year-old boy who’d suffered with earache for a few weeks, rather unusually lay down on the sofa after taking his remedy, fell asleep, woke up an hour later and didn’t complain of earache again! During the years I’ve been prescribing homeo-pathic remedies, the many ways it has helped people keeps increasing. The dietary advice I offer also helps. You may have already read my articles about food intolerances. At present, I am attempting to use remedies to clear some of the intolerances that result in IBS.Please contact me at [email protected] or 01525 874357 if you think homeopathy will help you.

Read All About It!!

Page 37: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

36 37

Make a Will�š�����J�^�[���X�[�i�j���\�e�h���o�e�k�h���b�e�l�[�Z���e�d�[�i�š�����F�h�e�j�[�Y�j���^�e�c�[���\�h�e�c���Y�W�h�[���Y�e�i�j�i�š���7�l�e�_�Z���?�d�^�[�h�_�j�W�d�Y�[���J�W�n���š�����8�;�I�J���L�7�B�K�;���I�E�B�?�9�?�J�E�H�I���W�d�Z��

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M A K I N G A W I L L H A S N E V E R B E E N E A S I E R

For a DAYTIME or EVENING appointment call

01525 220644www.wisechoicewills.co.uk

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TONY DUKE, who has over 10 years experience working with solicitors, will guide you through all the options available to you during a relaxed and jargon free consultation. Tony, Director and local representative, lives in Eaton Bray.

YOUR PRIORITIES? YOUR REQUIREMENTS?

HOME VISIT

Page 38: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

HaIRCouture----------

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For appointments at the Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, call 020 7730 1222 or visit www.richardward.co.uk.

Autumn Hair

In autumn hair is often recovering from the

debilitating affects of summer. Even a fortnight’s summer holiday can cause damage –

both in terms of porosity and sensitivity.

Some Autumn Hair Tips From Celebrity Hairdresser,

Richard Ward.

----------

Condition

Porosity is the hair’s ability to retain moisture, and this condition is caused by damage to the cuticle (the outside, protective layer of the hair). The cuticle is made up of overlapping scales (think of it as being like roof tiles or fish scales) and will reflect light when shiny and smooth. When the scales are miss-ing or damaged, the hair will not shine. Conditioning treatments or serums with silicone mask this damage.

Sensitivity is damage to the internal structure of the hair- the cortex, where chemical processes take place. Hair that is damaged internally is harder to repair. Both of these conditions are exacerbated by hair’s common enemies:Electrical equipment, sun, salt and chlorinated water, over-processing with chemicals. Air conditioning and central heating make hair more static and dry out natural oils, too.

Natural shedding

In autumn, we need to repair the damage and nur-ture the hair back into good condition. Hair is more likely to naturally shed in autumn/winter time (like animals losing their coats) as new hair is growing in its place, and many clients rejuvenate their hair by coming in for a good blunt, thickening cut after the ravages of the beach.ColourGoing darker in Autumn/Winter is common – most women want to reflect the key fashion trends by opting for richer colours which are denser in tone. Darker hair reflects light better, so going for a deeper take on your current tone and a chunky cut to get rid of your aged summer beach hair will make hair feel healthier. Go for a clear colour gloss to add shine and lustre or a vegetable colour glaze.

The Autumn Chop

Richard Ward asks what is it about the autumn that makes so many women inspired to chop and change.

As the October/November months sweep in, long beach summer hair sweeps out. This annual trend is like a hair migration; something about those straggly, post-holiday tresses

inspires women all over the country to go for a real departure hair wise to greet the new season and complement their new wardrobes. I’ve seen an unprecedented number of salon clients of all ages come back from their summer holidays demanding a re-invented look for the Autumn/Win-ter and ditching the locks they once clung on to.

Page 39: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

3938 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

HaIRCouture----------

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For appointments at the Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, call 020 7730 1222 or visit www.richardward.co.uk.

Autumn Hair

In autumn hair is often recovering from the

debilitating affects of summer. Even a fortnight’s summer holiday can cause damage –

both in terms of porosity and sensitivity.

Some Autumn Hair Tips From Celebrity Hairdresser,

Richard Ward.

----------

Condition

Porosity is the hair’s ability to retain moisture, and this condition is caused by damage to the cuticle (the outside, protective layer of the hair). The cuticle is made up of overlapping scales (think of it as being like roof tiles or fish scales) and will reflect light when shiny and smooth. When the scales are miss-ing or damaged, the hair will not shine. Conditioning treatments or serums with silicone mask this damage.

Sensitivity is damage to the internal structure of the hair- the cortex, where chemical processes take place. Hair that is damaged internally is harder to repair. Both of these conditions are exacerbated by hair’s common enemies:Electrical equipment, sun, salt and chlorinated water, over-processing with chemicals. Air conditioning and central heating make hair more static and dry out natural oils, too.

Natural shedding

In autumn, we need to repair the damage and nur-ture the hair back into good condition. Hair is more likely to naturally shed in autumn/winter time (like animals losing their coats) as new hair is growing in its place, and many clients rejuvenate their hair by coming in for a good blunt, thickening cut after the ravages of the beach.ColourGoing darker in Autumn/Winter is common – most women want to reflect the key fashion trends by opting for richer colours which are denser in tone. Darker hair reflects light better, so going for a deeper take on your current tone and a chunky cut to get rid of your aged summer beach hair will make hair feel healthier. Go for a clear colour gloss to add shine and lustre or a vegetable colour glaze.

The Autumn Chop

Richard Ward asks what is it about the autumn that makes so many women inspired to chop and change.

As the October/November months sweep in, long beach summer hair sweeps out. This annual trend is like a hair migration; something about those straggly, post-holiday tresses

inspires women all over the country to go for a real departure hair wise to greet the new season and complement their new wardrobes. I’ve seen an unprecedented number of salon clients of all ages come back from their summer holidays demanding a re-invented look for the Autumn/Win-ter and ditching the locks they once clung on to.

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Page 40: The Vine Villages - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov 2012

40

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