The Fuddler January 2018

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Est. 2002

C&R PEST MANAGEMENT x 40 Yrs experience x Fully Insured x Special Rates for OAPS! Wasps, Rats, Mice, Rabbits, Moles, etc Free Estimate 01525 450046 07500 431131

Sick PC or laptop?

Call the Doc for Hardware & software Diagnosis & treatment

01525-402227 john.stafford@compu-doc.co.uk

A great big welcome to this first Fuddler of the year and we hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to an exciting and prosperous New Year!

As always we very much hope you will enjoy this issue - you will find lots of

interesting stories inside plus the usual fun and nonsense and of course those all important messages from our advertisers! Do please look carefully through as you never know what you might find in The Fuddler!

Happy New Year to you all.

NEED AN ELECTRICIAN? NIC-EIC Registered All electrical work Testing and Certification Free Estimates AMPTHILL ELECTRICAL SERVICES

01525 632921 07977173452 How do you know when an Accountants having a mid life crisis?

He buys a faster calculator!

Accounts, Payroll, Bookkeeping, Tax, Business Advice ... and much more.

Ring to book a free, noͲobligation meeting today!

114 High Street, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 0DG Tel: 01234 752566 Email: info@vowles.co.uk www.vowles.co.uk

New Mixed Morris Ampthill Team starting: it’s your chance!

New dancers and musicians welcomed to inherit and develop Ampthill’s great Morris traditions

DH Cox & Sons General Builders x x

Starting: Wed 10th Jan (then weekly).

x

Venue (initial): North Hall, Redborne School, Ampthill, MK45 2NU.

x

Please check for future venue.

Contact Jamie: lewhan2015@gmail.com

www.redbornstoke.com

All January BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! See our ad on page 8 for details

x

Over 30 years’ experience Local friendly services Can undertake all aspects of building and maintenance to an exceptional standard No job too small Free & competitive quotes

Call Dave 07976 766143 or 01525 841670 dhcoxbuilding@hotmail.co.uk

When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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ŵƉƚŚŝůů 'ůĂƐƐ ĞŶƚƌĞ YƵĂůŝƚLJ tŝŶĚŽǁƐ Ͳ ŽŽƌƐ Ͳ ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƚŽƌŝĞƐ Ͳ 'ůĂƐƐ DĞƌĐŚĂŶƚƐ Ͳ 'ůĂnjŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚŽƌƐ ϭϮ ŵƉƚŚŝůů ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ WĂƌŬ͕ ^ƚĂƚŝŽŶ ZŽĂĚ͕ ŵƉƚŚŝůů͕ ĞĚĨŽƌĚƐŚŝƌĞ͕ D<ϰϱ ϮYt dĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ͗ ϬϭϱϮϱ ϰϬϯϬϭϱ ͬ ϰϬϯϲϬϵ &Ădž͗ ϬϭϱϮϱ ϰϬϮϱϮϭ ǁǁǁ͘ĂŵƉƚŚŝůůŐůĂƐƐĐĞŶƚƌĞ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

,ĂƉƉLJ EĞǁ zĞĂƌ͊

With energy costs rising and temperatures falling why not save on your monthly bills and complement your house with great looking, thermally efficient windows and doors.

tŝŶĚŽǁƐ hWs Θ ůƵŵŝŶŝƵŵ Zϵ tŝŶĚŽǁƐ sĞƌƚŝĐĂů ^ůŝĚŝŶŐ tŝŶĚŽǁƐ

ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƚŽƌŝĞƐ

ŽŽƌƐ

džĐĞůůĞŶƚ ƚŚĞƌŵĂů ŝŶƐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ ƌĞĚƵĐŝŶŐ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĐŽƐƚƐ͘ tĂƌŵĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǁŝŶƚĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚƐ͘ ƵĂů ĂĐƚŝŽŶ ƐĞůĨͲĐůĞĂŶ ŐůĂƐƐ͘

ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ůƵŵŝŶŝƵŵ ĂŶĚ hWs ŽŽƌƐ͘

EŽ ǁŝŶĚŽǁ Žƌ ŐůĂnjŝŶŐ ũŽď ƚŽŽ ƐŵĂůů WƵƚ LJŽƵƌ ƚƌƵƐƚ ŝŶ Ă ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ƚŚĂƚ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ŽǀĞƌ ϯϬ LJĞĂƌƐ͊ &Žƌ Ăůů LJŽƵƌ ǁŝŶĚŽǁ͕ ĚŽŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƚŽƌLJ ŶĞĞĚƐ ĐĂůů ƵƐ ŶŽǁ Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ͘ Don’t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com

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FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY Can’t get to the chemist or surgery?

Don’t worry, we’ll pick up your prescription from your surgery and deliver your medication to your door.

Covering Ampthill, Clophill, Flitwick, Houghton Conquest, Maulden, Silsoe, Wilstead & surrounding villages.

CHEESEMANS PHARMACY OF AMPTHILL Tel: 01525 402173 Meet at ARA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 18th January at 7.30pm Jennifer Smart presents: ‘Breeding Wader Research’ a talk focusing on the conservation of lowland breeding waders.

Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential.

Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 Reg. Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ bedford

On Friday February 2nd the Wildlife Trust local group and the Greensand Trust are holding a quiz night at Maulden Village Hall and you are invited to go along for a fun evening and help support local wildlife activities.

The event takes place at 7.15 for a 7.30pm start and is open to teams of four to six people. The cost per head is £10.00 which includes a fish supper (with a vegetarian option available please book in advance) and a glass of wine, juice or beer.

The event is open to all but please reserve your place as space is limited. For additional information or to reserve your place please email flitvale.info@gmail.com or if you don’t have email please ring Ann between 6-8pm on 07890 347327.

T.H.E. BEST BUTCHERS

Maulden Players are performing their annual Pantomime this month at Maulden Village Hall. This year it is ROBIN HOOD. As usual it will be a delight for families and there will be fun to be had for all ages.

Robin Hood will be joined by his Merry Men and the fair Maid Marion. However aided by his inapt henchmen, Itch and Scatchit, the evil Sheriff of Rottingham has a dastardly plan to marry Maid Marion. Come and see if his plan will be thwarted

by Robin Hood and get ready with your cheers and boos. The Pantomime will be performed on Friday January 26th at 8pm and on Saturday January 27th at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £9 adults £6 children under 16 and concessions. All profits go to charity.

Box Office numbers are 01525 402706 and 07799 895740.

There is a monthly over 50’s club meeting at Lavender Court (next to the library), Dunstable Street, Ampthill on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 1.30pm - 3.30pm. The group’s aim is to help people over 50 enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow. Entrance fee is just £1.00 and the club provides a host of activities throughout the year. For more details please phone Yvonne on 07929 264946 10am-1.00pm Mon - Friday.

Maulden Dairies Warren Farm, Woburn Street, Millbrook

TELEPHONE 01525 402206 Milk delivery service with traditional glass bottles only 75p pint

* INTERESTING RANGE OF SPECIALITY SAUSAGES

Telephone (01908) 375275 www.bestbutcher.co.uk

Unit 5, Lower Rectory Farm, Great Brickhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK17 9AF

x We now have available

coconut and almond milk x Also garden products in

stock

x 12 free range

eggs £3 x Bottled orange

only 99p

Please see our website at www.mauldendairies.co.uk

When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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LORD DEE’S PONDERINGS

New Year greetings from The Hall and very many thanks to everyone who came along to see the illuminations. You will be pleased to note that these have been safely stowed away ready for next time.

In the meantime I must convey heartiest birthday wishes to Mellors on his milestone birthday on the 18th.

Ciao

A BRIANISM (With fond memories) I’ve decided to go on a healthy diet - in future I shall only drink alcohol when standing up.

KINGS ARMS PATH GARDENS, AMPTHILL These beautiful gardens are open on the last Sunday of the month from January until October from 2.30 until 5.00pm Adults £1.00 admission under 16’s free Plants for sale. Refreshments available.

Across: 1 Docker, 4 Resign, 7 Perpetual, 9 Coal, 10 Mart, 11 Carat, 13 Retort, 14 League, 15 Remiss, 17 Decant, 19 Pleat, 20 Puma, 22 Elan, 23 Elsewhere, 24 Theory, 25 Rueful

Down: 1 Dancer, 2 Keel, 3 Repeat, 4 Ritual, 5 Sham, 6 Nettle, 7 Pantomime, 8 Laughable, 11 Crisp, 12 Tenet, 15 Rupert, 16 Sleepy, 17 Dasher, 18 Tinsel, 21 Alto, 22 Erne

CHEESEMANS PHARMACY OF AMPTHILL Tel: 01525 402173

Huge range of fragrances for her and for him with massive savings on price Ͳ please call in for details!

Just right for Valentine’s day!

Don’t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com

“The Fuddler” is published by MDA Publications. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. No part of this publication may be copied in any form or by any means without written permission of the Publisher. Copyright MDA Publications.

Like to book an ad, or ask about our absurdly low rates please ring Martin on

Or if you prefer, drop us an email to martin@thefuddler.com

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DEREK G STORY

LET US BE A PART OF YOUR SUCCESS STORY In order to provide the best possible advice, first we like to get to know you.

If you would like a free no obligation introduction meeting to discuss your accountancy and tax planning needs, then get in touch today and we’ll arrange to meet with you.

CALL OR EMAIL DEREK STORY TODAY ON: +44 (0)7790 672 699 / DEREK_STORY@YAHOO.CO.UK

When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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Building Preservation Specialists x

Damp Proofing

x

Woodworm Treatments

x

Dry / Wet Rot Treatments

x

Basement Waterproofing

Telephone/Fax (01525) 406655 Mobile: 07850 727752 email: Jim@dunritepreservation.co.uk

16 Tavistock Avenue, Ampthill, Bedford. MK45 2RY

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Sandra’s been busy again looking through her big book of words (dictionary?) and brings us the word below. (Nothing to do with the crossword.) Just look at the hexagon and see whether or not the word jumps out at you!

(Answer at the bottom of the page if it doesn’t!)

X

23

24

Here’s another of Marjorie’s fine crosswords for our entertainment Across: Down: 1 Accident (6) 1 Sweet wine (6) 4 Go away! (6) 2 Cry of an owl (4) 7 Puzzle (9) 3 Swoop (6) 9 Terse (4) 4 Studio flat (6) 10 Note (4) 5 Morose (4) 11 Pungent (5) 6 One more time! (6) 13 Sharp pain (6) 7 Crescent shaped pastry (9) 14 Plod (6) 8 Dishonesty (9) 15 Isabel (anag) (6) 11 Anew (5) 17 Shallow dish (6) 12 Fear (5) 19 Water nymph (5) 15 Writer (6) 20 Hue (4) 16 Finally (6) 22 Tiny amount (4) 17 Type of fish (6) 23 Evidence (9) 18 Cure (6) 24 Truly (6) 21 Small duck (4) 25 Fourscore and ten (6) 22 Soon (4)

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Guttering Problems?

Your local Electrical Contractor All types of testing and certification undertaken

FREE QUOTATIONS NICEIC Approved Contractor Working with Ampthill Town Council 11 Cedar Close, Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2UD

Tel & Fax: 01525 714057

Gutters Cleaned.

Leaking Gutters repaired.

New Gutters Fitted.

All by a friendly local established company Call Rob on 01525 552066 or 07977 206403

Bradnam Guttering

Don’t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com

Xylophone

Electrical Contractor Domestic and Industrial

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ŝĚĞĂů ĞLJĞǁĞĂƌ &ůŝƚǁŝĐŬ

ϱϬ й ŽĨĨ ƐĞůĞĐƚĞĚ ĨƌĂŵĞ ƌĂŶŐĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ^ƵŶŐůĂƐƐĞƐ Θ ĞƐŝŐŶĞƌƐΎ Ƶƚ ŽŶůLJ ƵŶƚŝů :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϮϬƚŚ͊ ΎdĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůLJ͘ ƐŬ ŝŶƐƚŽƌĞ ĨŽƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ

Ăůů ϬϭϱϮϱ ϳϭϱϳϱϵ ƚŽ Ŭ LJŽƵƌ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ ƚŽĚĂLJ KƚŚĞƌ ŽƉƚŝĐŝĂŶƐ ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶƐ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ͘ /ĚĞĂů ĞLJĞǁĞĂƌ ϭϭϬ dŚĞ ,ĂǁƚŚŽƌŶƐ &ůŝƚǁŝĐŬ D<ϰϱ ϭ&E ǁǁǁ͘ŝĚĞĂůĞLJǁĞĂƌĨůŝǁŝĐŬ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ ŝĚĞĂůĞLJĞǁĞĂƌ͘ĨůŝƚǁŝĐŬΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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With The Duchess of Troll

Reflections in the Dewpond. 'The Old House'

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! (On main courses when 2 people dine)

ALL JANUARY 2018 T&C’s apply - excludes other offers

Seating up to 60 people on two floors with 5 dining rooms.

Birthdays Club Events Company Meals

or just a family get together

GOLD AWARD WINNERS Best Independent Pizza Restaurant UK 2016/2017 FINALIST Ͳ Pasta Chef of the year 2017 FINALIST Ͳ Best Team Italian Awards 2017

OPENING TIMES: Monday evening 6.00 Ͳ 9.00 Tuesday to Friday lunchtime 12.00 Ͳ 2.00 Tuesday to Thursday evening 6.00 Ͳ 10.00 Friday and Saturday evening 6.00 Ͳ 11.00 www.donatellospizzeria.co.uk

91, Dunstable Street Ampthill Tel: (01525) 404666 Free parking available

The Five Old Friends nattering and enjoying the warm comfort of the Wash House Shed waiting for the "knife and fork" soup to finish cooking on the pot belly stove. The leftover turkey, onions, celery, carrots, sweet potatoes, chunks of white potatoes, mushrooms, herbs & spices and bacon and ham pieces with a light broth. The Old Boys will never grow up as each took a turn to lift the pot lid to give it a stir with the wooden spoon, then having a sly taste. Too tempting as the smell wafted to the shed rafters. The Mrs Sam joined them bringing a bowl of chunky bread. The waiting bowls soon filled with the ladled soup.

Conversation moved to memories of the country soups that their Mothers made, whatever vegetables were in season at the time, often made without a recipe, or receipt as the old ones called it, just trial and error. Nine times out of ten this worked, times were harder then, so best not to say anything.

The talk went to not really seeing their Mother cooking or even doing the housework. It took a while for the penny to drop, cause we didn't, said Ten Acre, when you think about it the only time, when we were children that we stopped indoors, wet days and if poorly, then you really had to be ill! Mostly as soon as you had breakfast, you had set jobs to do, feeding the poultry, or livestock, if Dad kept them.

Collecting the hen's eggs, once a week clearing out and renewing the straw in the henhouse, taking the waste to the compost heap, giving it a turn, working the old with the new, looking for the fat worms turning the composting into sweet smelling productive soil. Then it was school, when you had lunch at home there were endless jobs to do, before returning in the afternoon. Children who lived too far away from the school, had a packed lunch. The Mrs Sam told of her Great Aunt Lizzie saying that her cousins, one went to Canada before the First World War, walked across the fields from Wootton Pillinge, now called Stewartby after Sir Malcolm Stewart, so couldn't go home, so stopped with them during bad weather. I had livestock to feed as soon as school was out, Ten Acre recalled, leaving education by the age of fourteen, we soon had a job, myself working on the land, just as many others did in them days. No good moaning about working conditions. The depth of snow or the amount of water laid on the fields or in the lanes, made no odds, if you didn't want to work someone could take your job.

You talking of that, The Mrs Sam interjected, have a distant memory of Great Aunt Lizzie telling stories of the Jarrow Marchers, the men with ragged clothes, holes in their boots, looking despondent and their eyes lifeless as the March passed by. The Great Grandparents gave them what they could, which my Great Aunt Lizzie thought seemed not enough. Wish my listening had been better, cannot recall if the March passed by The Chequers, bottom of Ampthill Hill or the Knife and Cleaver in the village of Houghton Conquest, trust me to only half listen, they kept both establishments, so could be either reflected The Mrs Sam. When you think of as to why those men left their families and homes to march for the right to have a job and put food on the table for their loved ones. Must have took a lot of courage, perhaps none had a concept of distance to their goal or if success would follow.

In our family the thought of wasting food, or not finishing a meal would be met with I remember the Yarrow Marchers from my Great Aunt Lizzie, it became imprinted in our minds. Today the leftovers must be used up, hence the pot of soup on a cold winters day. Always tastes better when reheated.

The best soup that I ever tasted, Sam Ilex reminds The Mrs Sam, the one in a basement cafe in South Kensington, London while visiting museums in the area, a chunky thick potato soup with fresh cooked black bread. It was so delicious, could never replicate that flavour, so have refrained from attempting a recipe, The Mrs Sam told him. The memory is too good.

Charlie thought of times in the winter of 1947 that the only thing to warm you up was soup, his Mother a good cook, he told the others that his attempts still didn't come up to his Mother's. Most women had a special touch in the taste made, cannot be written down. Each soup is a taste of it's own, so is special.

Here's to all our foodie memories, The Five Old Boys raise a glass of sloe gin for a Happy New Year . D.O.T And a very Happy Birthday Dot for the 1st January

Don’t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com

Page 9

This January we are selling stoves off display at up to 50% discount!

Come and visit our extensive showrooms for more information.

1, Bedford Street, Ampthill, Beds Tel: 01525 841199 www.ampthillfireplaces.co.uk Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm Sat: 10am - 4pm When you advertise in The Fuddler - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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FARMERS MARKET

ARE YOU WORKING FROM HOME?

The Farmers Market in Woburn is held on the third Sunday of every month from 10.00 - 2.00 at The Pitchings in the village.

Why not book an economical ad like this in The Fuddler and let everyone know what you do?

for details please just ping an email across to martin@thefuddler.com

With Jimmy The Voice JTV has sent us this puzzle this month. He wants to know where the dot is! Is it in a triangle contained within a hexagon, or is it in or on a cube?

Don’t forget The Charter Market in Ampthill every Thursday and Flitwick Market on Fridays!

Like, Happy Birthday Alex for like, the 7th January!

By Julio Van Peebles Julio’s worries and useless facts: 1) Who can remember the Polaroid Swinger?

2) Did you know that the first Tupperware party was held in Weybridge in Surrey in 1960?

3) Why is fuel so expensive on motorways?

4) Did you know that Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has appeared in two Duran Duran videos?

5) Has anyone ever been called Ryan Eyre?

6) Did you know that five thirds of people have trouble understanding fractions?

Julio’s Top Tip: Should an argument break out with your better half, simply start whistling 'The Birdie song' and do beak hand gestures; this will defuse the situation very quickly! (or not?)

... we have studied his picture and we reckon it could be any one of those!

But, what do you think?

Happy Birthday ‘Bootsie’ for the 11th January

Happy Birthday Minichap for the 31st January

Happy 60th Birthday George for the 9th January

Sending you regal hugs and kisses The Duchess of Ampthill xx

MOT TESTING STATION IN AMPTHILL We cater for MOT and Servicing for all your individual requirements whilst also accommodating fleet needs.

Ampthill MOT Centre have a fully featured Class IV MOT testing bay. We launched the service in early 2009, serving Herts, Beds and Bucks. Fully qualified MOT inspectors are available for cars and small vans, with over 40 years experience. Authorised vehicle testing station approved by the vehicle inspectorate.

At Ampthill MOT Centre, we carry out servicing and repairs to all makes and models. To prolong the life of your vehicle it is important that you have it serviced regularly. We service all vehicle types and models, including cars, vans, miniͲcoaches & small plant / equipment. If you have your vehicle serviced with us, it will not invalidate the manufacturer's warranty.

Competitive rates.

Collection & delivery

Fault finding

Code reading / Diagnostics Brakes

Engine rebuilds

Batteries

MOT repairs

Fault lights reset

Tyres & Exhausts

Courtesy vehicles

We are a family run business who have been working in the motor trade for over 40 years

Total Fleet Care

Unit 5, Vass Industrial Estate, Station Road, Ampthill, MK45 2RB SERVICING

REPAIRS

Telephone: 01525 405055 Web: www.totalfleetcare.com

Don’t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com

Page 11

BOB AMBLER

JH ELECTRICAL AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICES • DOMESTIC • INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL

HOME DESIGNS

Kitchens – Bedrooms – Home Offices

Carpentry

Replacement Kitchen Doors and Worktops

All electrical work undertaken email: supaspark@tiscali.co.uk

This month Babs has gone off on holiday - but she said she would email a postcard.

14th January

Happy Birthday to the ‘Olympic Flame’ xx

with Auntie Vi Lately, I've noticed people my age are so much older than me.

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR SPECIALIST GLAZING REPLACED x DRAUGHTY WINDOWS

REPAIRED x WINDOW&DOOR

HANDLES REPLACED

Free Designs and Quotations

01525 405393 07889 058345

If you rip a hole in a net, there are actually fewer holes in it than there were before.

Prevarication is the thief of time.

When you take an egg from the fridge to make a sandwich always best to make sure it is the hard boiled one before you crack the egg on the worktop to peel it.

A man with one chopstick will surely go hungry.

I've always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific.

Many animals probably need glasses, but nobody knows it.

Imagine how stress free you would feel if you had filled out your tax return using Roman Numerals.

It is impossible to stand behind a tree.

Which letter is silent in the word ‘Scent,’ the S or the C? The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

The only pleasant things to pay at this time of year are compliments.

He who laughs last; thinks slowest.

And a Happy New Year to all

AA WINDOW REPAIRS x MISTY DOUBLE

A complete design, supply & installation service

x WINDOW & DOOR

ADJUSTMENTS x LEAKING GUTTERS

REPAIRED x AND MUCH MORE

ON OUR WEBSITE

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION OR ADVICE

TELEPHONE: 01525 718432

www.aatripleglazing.co.uk

1. In which year was ‘Marmite’ invented?

2. A ‘Cria’ is the young of which creature?

3. Who presented ‘Blue Peter’ from 1958-67?

4. Where is the Royal Mint?

5. Where would you find ‘Alfred Jingle’?

6. I f y o u s u f f e r e d f r o m ‘Globophobia’ what would you fear?

7. An ‘Aurora’ is the collective name for which animal?

8. What is a ‘Tramontane?

9. What sort of creature is a ‘Chinchilla Rex’?

10.Where would you find a ‘Spatter Cone’?

1 1902, 2 Alpaca, 3 Christopher Trace, 4 Llantrisant, South Wales, 5 Pickwick Papers, 6 Balloons, 7 Polar Bears, 8 Wind, 9 Rabbit, 10 Volcano

24 HR CALLOUT AVAILABLE

Garage Door Solutions Ltd Your local garage door expert for:

Replacements, Repairs and Spares x All makes & designs available x 24 Hour repair service x No call out charge x All work guaranteed x Free quotations Call us now on: 01525 721615 / 07761 093468 Website: www.garagedoorsolutionsltd.co.uk Or see the yellow pages

3, Woodcock Walk, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK 45 1RD

When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

Page 12

T Butlin Building and Plastering Est 1987

www.timbutlinbuilders.co.uk

26 years in business For your extensions, renovations, alterations, Upvc fascias / soffitts, guttering, block paving and all plastering including artex ceilings and walls plastered back to flat.

Tel: 01234 743170 / Mob: 07778 680393

Also offering: Impressions Female decorators

Here we bring you more of your splendid photos of The Fuddler on its world tour!

This month, on the left we have Mr and Mrs Young on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro with their Fuddler and below is intrepid traveller Ian at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with his copy.

Great stuff - thanks so much!

If you have any pictures of a Fuddler being read away from home please send them in to martin@thefuddler.com

All aspects of painting and decorating.

With female finesse to make the most of your home Tel 01234 751282 or 01234 743170 / Mob: 07944 710179

Ampthill Park Hub Tel: 01525 406256

Ampthill Park Hub, Woburn Street, Ampthill MK45 2HX adjacent Ampthill Town Football Club

Ampthill Park Hub Christmas Fun Day On Sunday 17th December 2017 we held our Christmas Fun Day and raised a total of £472.00 for The Firs Lower School, Ampthill.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank The White Hart (Ampthill), Costa (Ampthill), B W Deacons Family Butchers (Ampthill), Shake ‘M Up (Ampthill), and our customers and staff of the Hub for their very kind donations to our raffle.

A big thankͲyou also goes to Ampthill Town Council for their support, to David Hempsall and Carol singers on the day from Ampthill & Flitwick Methodist Churches, and to Santa for making a surprise appearance.

THANK YOU AND WELL DONE EVERYONE Don’t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com

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I would like to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year Now 2018 is finally here.

I hope you all had fun while out celebrating, Listening for the midnight chimes with friends and family all awaiting, Ding dong dong ding, after the final one we all sing, Auld lang syne is what we all hear followed by a big loud cheer, 2018 is finally here.

But what does McColl’s have instore for this coming year, Lots of great things I do hear.

We have already started with our new larger pound section, We have so many new products too many to mention With many goodies for those lunch boxes, Even packs of biscuits made by Fox’s.

So as I’ve mentioned many great new things for a pound, Why not come in and have a look around.

Valentine’s cards are also in So don’t forget a loved one that would be a sin.

They have been displayed by our door, With many chocolates, on display as before.

We also have new suppliers delivering to our store So we can improve our range and offer you, the customer so much more.

So we will have many things going on But I’m unable to tell you otherwise my rhyme will be too long.

So keep reading the Fuddler and you will see, More info from McColl’s written by me……..

VACANCY RECEPTIONIST/ADMINISTRATOR 12Ͳ14 hours per week, permanent

Our small, busy team is seeking an experienced administrator.

Duties include front desk, office administration and financial services administration.

REQUIRED x Confident user of Microsoft Excel and Word x Numerate, accurate and methodical x SelfͲmotivated x Professional and friendly manner

DESIRED x Audio typist x Experience of working in financial services

Please send your CV with covering letter to Jackie Seymour, Perceptive Financial Solutions, 7 Woburn Street, Ampthill, MK45 2HP or email jackie@perfinsol.co.uk

MCCOLL’S YOUR LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE 17 CHURCH STREET AMPTHILL TEL: 01525 404096 OPEN: MON-SAT 6AM TO 8PM SUNDAY 7AM TO 8PM

OUR BIG WINTER SALE IS NOW ON ALL END OF LINES REDUCED TO CLEAR SEASONAL CLEARANCE EVENT WE ARE NOW AT STACEY BUSHES TRADE CENTRE MK (BEHIND SCREWFIX) MK12 6HS TEL 01525 211488 Trading Hours 27th - 31st Dec 10am - 4pm Normal Hours resume from 2nd January When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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36 Dunstable Street, Ampthill Telephone 01525 634857 3500+ Ales from April 2010 THE PERMANENT BEER FEST SOUTH BEDS CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2014 A big thank you to everybody who supported The Albion during 2017, and for making our Charity Events successful.

We wish you all a happy and peaceful 2018,

Russell and the Crew xXx

Ampthill Writers’ Group meet at The Albion, first Wednesday of every Month 8pm You can now see us on Facebook You can’t B&T it!

CAMRA BEDS PUB OF THE YEAR 2013 OUR OTHER PUBS ARE: The Globe, Winfield Street, Dunstable (Bedfordshire Pub of the year 2010) - Tel: 01582 512300 The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street, Bedford (North Beds Pub of the year 2010) - Tel: 01234 308033 The Elm Tree, Orchard Street, Cambridge - Tel: 01223 502632 The Brewery Tap, North Bridge Street, Shefford Tel: 01462 628448

www.banksandtaylor.com

Ampthill Town CC will this summer be fielding 4 senior elevens on Saturdays & 3 on Sundays.

On Saturday the first & second elevens will compete in the Saracens Hertfordshire League with the third & fourth eleven taking part in the more local Four Counties League Sunday all three elevens will take part in the Bedfordshire County League We also have a Mid-Week XI entering the Cup Competitions as organised by Beds Cricket Ltd & East Beds Charity Shield.

Indoor nets are on Sunday evenings starting on 11th February (for nine weeks) between 6pm & 8pm at Flitwick Leisure Centre Practice during the season will take place on Wednesday nights on our Park ground.

More details from Jeremy Degnan 07958 524613 jeremy.degnan@tui.co.uk or Joey Evans 07736 517791 joey@seconsulting.co.uk We shall be running youth teams at Under 9, 11, 13 & 15 To join this popular section of the club please contact Dave Bradley on 07468 912586 dave.bradley@hotmail.co.uk We will be hosting Bedfordshire CCC vs. Hertfordshire CCC on May Bank Holiday Monday 7th May with an 11 am start for two T20 games You may have seen our buses out and about and wondered what we do? Link-A-Ride Community Transport provide a valuable transport service to residents in Central Bedfordshire who cannon easily access public transport. This maybe because of illness, disability, or they are frail/ elderly.

We help people get to therapy sessions, Doctors,and Dentist appointments, shopping, social visits, hairdressers and so much more.

We have just taken delivery of our fourth bus, which like all of our buses is equipped with a lift and can take up to two wheelchairs.

All of our drivers are fully trained and DBS checked. They are caring and helpful and ensure passengers arrive at their destination safely.

If you would like to know more about our service please contact us on 01525 840511

We need more men!

A local befriending charity is looking for more men to help make a real difference in the local community! x Do you have couple of hours to spare each week? x Do you enjoy spending time chatting and listening? x Do you have a sense of humor? x Do you enjoy the occasional trip to the pub? x If yes then this is an opportunity for you! x Full training and support given and no prior experience of a life limiting illness required x But you do need warmth, reliability, empathy, common sense and a ready smile.

Interested in joining our lively team?

Then contact Nicola Mills 01234 743063 or email: respiteathomevolunteers@aol.co.uk Respite at Home Volunteers offers a FREE befriending service to people with life limiting illnesses and support to their carers at home. Registered charity: 1161178

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When you advertise in The Fuddler - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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THE WINGFIELD CLUB 37 Church St, Ampthill, MK45 2PL (01525) Bar - 403321 Office – 841736 thewingfieldclub@tiscali.co.uk

The Wingfield Club is located in one of Ampthill’s finest buildings and continues to be the cheapest venue in Ampthill for drinks, entertainment and room hire.

Please come and join our family friendly club.

Non Ͳmembers welcome.

All sporting events shown on our large screens.

Supreme pool table and spacious darts area –

The perfect location for any event, please pop in for details.

Two slightly different events are on our programme in February. As always, visitors will be very welcome. Prebooking is essential for the “self-help” day, but you can just come along and pay at the door for the evening meetings.

Wed 21 February – TV Artist Matthew Palmer will show us how to create digital art on an iPad or a tablet.

Matthew is an SAA Professional Artist well known as the host of the Painting & Drawing Channel show “A touch of paint”; he is often featured in the SAA Paint magazine or on their website.

7.15 pm - 9.30 pm at St Nicholas Church Hall in Barton le Clay. Demo visitors pay £5 on the door.

Sat 24 February – “Try it out day” - a “Self-help” painting day with a difference!

During the day, alongside the usual self-help day painting, there will be several short “masterclass” sessions run by two MBAS members -Judith Terrell and Paul Birtles. x Judith will show people how to use Alcohol Inks on Yupo paper x Paul will share his expertise in Drawing Techniques, advising how to handle particular challenges x Each masterclass will be limited to 1-3 people, so Paul and Judith give focused help as needed.

Materials for the masterclass sessions will be provided, offering you a chance to “try it out” before you buy any to use at home.

Held at Barton Village Hall from 10 am - 4 pm. Visitors fee is £8 for a self-help day. Please call Viv Callow on 01525 712735 or email vivianne.callow@hotmail.co.uk to reserve a place.

The Macmillan Mammoth Quiz is back, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a brand new, brain-teasing quiz for 2018. The Mammoth Quiz organised by the Oundle Macmillan Committee is Macmillan’s nationwide quiz. Simply put, it is the same quiz, being held on the same day, at the same time, throughout the country. The mammoth quiz even holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest simultaneous quiz. We need you to help make the 2018 Macmillan Quiz the biggest and best yet.

Macmillan are looking for local groups and businesses across the UK to host a quiz on 23rd February 2018 to raise vital funds for people affected by cancer. It's a really fun and easy way to raise money for Macmillan, and you can hold your quiz anywhere from the local pub or bowling club to the office or school. Previous participants have commented “It was a great quiz and everyone enjoyed it tremendously” and that “the questions are so interesting and catch the imagination”.

It’s free to sign up to host a Mammoth Quiz, you will be sent a welcome pack with a 2018 quiz and fundraising materials. All that is left for you to do is book a venue and sell tickets! In your pack you will find tips for organising your quiz, posters and tickets and some information about Macmillan.

To register for your 2018 quiz pack, find out more about the Mammoth Quiz and start downloading sample questions and fundraising materials, please log on to www.macmillan.org.uk/ mammoth or email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk or call 0300 1000 200 Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook on @macmillanquiz and Macmillan Mammoth Quiz on Facebook for regular updates.

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EN E S V! T S A N O

MERRY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Richard and the team wish you all the very best for the forthcoming year and to offer sincere thanks to everyone who supported our various festivals and music nights which all raised money for charity!

Please watch out for details of more shenanigans as they happen throughout the forthcoming year!

SUNDAY LUNCHTIME NIBBLES You are invited to enjoy your Sunday lunchtime drink with more bar snacks than you could shake a stick at, and all with Richard’s compliments!

GAMES ROOM NOW OPEN! Why not pop in and try your hand at our good old fashioned English bar game ‘Toad in the Hole’, play game of ‘Foozball’, or just have a beer!

THIS MONTH’S CHESS PUZZLE Here’s another puzzle we can’t quite get to grips with! Once again it’s white to play and mate is achieved in two moves! But how? If you can work it out please pop in and tell us, and join us for a game!

WEDNESDAY QUIZ FROM 8.00pm Come and join in our friendly Wednesday night quiz - there’s no charge and we can even lend you a pencil! Everybody welcome.

Would you like to test your brain and be a quizmaster for the night?

Please speak to Richard and add your name to our quickly filling rota.

When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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Another favour!?

NOW OPEN Come and discover Ampthill’s rich history and learn about the towns association with Henry VIII and why Kit Williams chose the town as the hiding place for the treasure of his 1979 book Masquerade.

The museum occupies part of the top floor of Ampthill Fireplaces showroom in Bedford Street and is open 6 days a week.

Admission is free

‘Possibly the smallest museum in the world’

•ȱDOMESTIC LAND •ȱBUSINESS LAND •ȱGARDEN LAND If you own any land which may be capable of being developed for housing please give us a call. We undertake all the planning application work at our own expense which means that the financial risk of a planning refusal is ours.

Give us a call for a prompt assessment at no obligation.

It could be the most rewarding call you make this year.

HUNTERHILL ESTATES LTD Land agents and Property Developers Contact: Peter Sayer

Telephone: 01234 766271 Mobile: 07786 038906 Email: hunterhillestate@btinternet.com

Nov 2017 It’s good to do a favour, especially when it’s for total strangers; I recently had such an opportunity and had not hesitation in taking it, however, … maybe I should have thought it through a bit!

I had just left Bedford hospital after a brief visit to the day clinic (where I really should pay rent).

I was waiting at the bus stop in Britannia Road when a car drew up and the passenger asked for directions to Flitwick, after a brief exchange we I agreed that as that was my own destination, I would accompany them while giving directions. It may seem a simple task but they had made the journey before, from their home some 70 miles north, hoping to join the BedPan line at Bedford.. but parking at Bedford was very hard, hence the extra few miles to Flitwick where parking should be easier, but they always got lost finding Flitwick!

While we drove, I explained that parking in Flitwick could be pretty tricky, but

there may be spaces near my home, 7 minutes’ walk from the station, and if that was a problem, we had space on our drive for the few days they would be away.

The plan was that we would go to the station and see what parking was available and then they would drive me home, either to park their car or simply save me the walk; as it turned out, there was bags of space, so they happily took me home.

It was only when we got there that I realised my car was missing from the drive!

Oh dear, where is it … pause.. I then remembered that I had been waiting at the Britannia Road bus stop to catch the Park & Ride bus! My car was in in the Elstow P&R where I left it a few hours earlier.

The couple had no trouble seeing the funny side, a 25 minute car drive in my company suggested that such behaviour was quite normal. Later on, my long suffering wife gave me a lift to collect my car.

Prof Reginald V Q da Ghama IPA With kind permission of Jim Barr

Over the years, I have made New Year’s Resolutions only to find them waning by mid-January and totally irrelevant by the end of February, making me feel thoroughly miserable. Is this all too familiar to you? Well, this year try something different. I did 1st January 2017.

Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, I set a challenge, to read a book every 10 days! I am pleased to say that I have achieved ... just! I can’t ‘puff up’ and say that I managed the 10 day deadline, because books vary in length and often in enjoyment and readability. Some have taken longer and some shorter than the 10 days set. However, working out the average of 36.5 books over the year, it has worked despite having to scrabble round with the reading of half a book over the last few days of December - Phew!

Maybe a challenge is more achievable and more fun than a New Year’s Resolution which often has all the hall marks for failure before it has begun. Try a challenge yourself and see if it works for you. Excellent for the self-esteem.

My challenge for 2018?....... I have not got a clue at the moment.........but there will be one.

All the best for the New Year.

Meerkat

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Happy Birthday Pat for 28th January

Here’s another great chicken dish that we have been sent:

CHICKEN WITH CIDER & SWEETCORN Firstly you will need: 4 pieces of chicken from the butcher 100 gm mushrooms 75 gm butter 50 gm flour, with some salt and pepper seasoning A large can of sweetcorn 1/4 pint of cream And the best bit - roughly 1/2 litre of cider! (Best buy a bit more for slurping purposes!)

Preheat oven to 230 deg c.

Then have a crafty slurp.

Chop up the mushrooms, fry A very Happy Birthday to Lil for the 14th January

in butter and remove from pan.

Then roll chicken in seasoned flour and fry in butter till brown. Pop the chicken and mushrooms in an ovenproof dish.

(Before the next bit grab another glass of cider!)

Heat the cider in the pan stirring with a wooden spoon, then add cream seasoning and cook for a couple of minutes without boiling. Pour over chicken and mushrooms, cover and cook for about 30 mins.

Serve with mash and heated sweetcorn. Delicious!

Happy Birthday Yogi for the 17th January!

Complete Tyre Support

Call us now!

0844 8000 333 www.threecountiestyres.com

RIDGMONT STATION HERITAGE CENTRE TEA ROOM OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9.00AM UNTIL 4.00PM. SUNDAYS (BOOKINGS ONLY) 11.00AM - 3.00PM

CAFÉ MENU

FRESHLY MADE FOOD ...

x A selection of teas, coffees

and soft drinks x Home made cake and scones x Cream teas are our speciality! x Please note we are closed on Mondays

x Hot soups and jacket potatoes x A selection of fresh

LOCAL TAKE-AWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE

x Telephone 01525 287 120 or sandwiches mobile 07936 189 909 for x Toasted paninis pre-orders x Plus lots more! x Collection point for takex Great value and a friendly away orders service! x SMALL BIRTHDAY PARTIES We can also cater for up to 16 people for a special Birthday Party!

RIDGMONT STATION HERITAGE CENTRE STATION ROAD | RIDGMONT BEDFORDSHIRE | MK43 OXP

T: 01525 287 120

M: 07936 189909

Ridgmont Station Vintage Tearoom

Full disabled access, toilets and free car park

HOW TO FIND US: By rail alight at Ridgmont Station By road follow station signs from A507

When you advertise in The Fuddler - you’re online too at www.thefuddler.com!

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Your advertisement in The Fuddler is only a click away!

If you have decided that you too would like an advert in The Fuddler all you have to do to book your ad is to ping an email to martin@thefuddler.com for all the details

1. ‘I cooked my dinner with ingredients that have the letter C in them. Chicken, Chorizo, Chilli, Garlic and Onion.’

2. ‘I didn't know Einstein was that clever.’

3. ‘Baseball, they play that on a square triangle don't they?’

4. ‘He had a monosyllabic face.’

5. ‘It's like a third world country in that supermarket, no pine nuts.’

6. ‘My wife loves M&S.’ ‘What, the peanut ones?’

Thanks again Imp

Happy Birthday Tam for the 23rd January!!

With Basher McGraw

Looking back over 2017, Basher has come to the conclusion that the world is changing at a rapid pace and not necessarily for the better. Following the hype of Christmas, which this year seemed to have been more manic and pressing than ever, removing even Happy 60th Birthday Mr Chuckles for the 22nd January!

further from society the meaning of Christmas, he has decided that NEGATIVITY is not at all helpful.

Therefore, in 2018 Basher is going to flip the coin over and have a year of POSITIVE comments.

He is working very hard to find one for the February edition; so until then, HAPPY NEW YEAR. Happy 60th Birthday to FG for the 18th January!

Hi everybody! I am an actress who is starring in a gripping and complex thriller currently being shown on your televisions. I play one of the main characters in this exciting gangster drama! But do you recognise me? Answer at the foot of the page.

ote: n y r a i D

uddler F e r u s e Mak iled to a m e y p ment co e s i t r e v ad ler.com d d u f e h t martin@ me !! i t f o y t in plen

Don’t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com

Jennifer Rylance - McMafia

With The Imp

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Ben Keenan With Lauren Louella Boughalls Hello again everyone, a very Happy New Year to you all and welcome to this month’s picture poser. Firstly thanks to everybody who had a go at last month’s challenge and well done to Robert, Ian, Richard, Margot and everyone else who correctly identified the photograph as being St Mary’s Church in Woburn.

Now this month we have something a little different - one of our readers has kindly sent us some old photographs of towns and villages in Fuddlerland the first of which we show you here. But do you recognise the scene and where it might be?

HUMAN GIVENS THERAPIST MHGI. HG Dip. (Dist) PSA. Public Standards Authority Accredited Register

The world of counselling/psychotherapy is a very different place to what it was even ten years ago! Neurological science has provided insights that when combined with the best of other approaches provides a fast and effective solution focused therapy (SFBT) that is embodied in Human Givens. Treatment does not just mean sitting and endlessly talking, it is also about effectively understanding the issues and providing lasting realistic change.

Therapy thoughts Ͳ Depression Depression for those who suffer with it can often be debilitating. It can feel like an unavoidable cloud that descends leaving the sufferer unable to resist it. The work of Griffin and Tyrrell along with the insights provided by neurological science has Provided Human Givens therapists with a clear understanding of the causes of depression (both biological and emotional). This means that for many people fast effective drug free treatment is available for this sometimes dangerous and difficult emotion.

Ben Keenan Ͳ 07860 195303 If you think you know drop us an email to martin@thefuddler.com Answer next month!

or email: therapyinbedforshire@outlook.com www.therapyinbedfordshire.co.uk

Maulden Garage Ltd FOR ALL YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS Modern Classic or Vintage Repairs, Servicing, Breakdowns, Fabrication, Tyres, Exhausts Classic Rally Car Preparation and on event service support Unit 10 Woodside Clophill Road Maulden Beds MK45 2AE www.mauldengarage.co.uk mauldengarage@btconnect.com

01525 862877 Free local delivery and collection service

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Page 22

Here we delve more into the whimsical, wacky and interesting world of Montgolfier: A fairly modern pub in Staffordshire was knocked down last year and on the site there are now 26 houses.

I’m told that pigs don’t mind getting swine flu as eventually they will be cured.

Did you know that the first electric train only travelled 100 yards. The following year it managed 200 yards as someone had invented the extension lead.

I used to have a comb to comb and part my hair. I don’t have a comb any more but I do still have a parting. It is now over 6 inches wide.

Did you know that all Japanese words end in an N or a vowel?

A mate took his large flask into a cafe and asked if they would put five teas in it but only two with sugar.

There was a Fuddlerland lad who joined up for his 2 years National Service and enjoyed it so he signed on. He became a Lt/ General and eventually retired to France.

In Polo it is possible to score half a goal. You never hear of this in football.

During the Pearl Harbour raid one of the ships that got damaged was USS Phoenix. It was repaired and took part in the later days of WWII. After the war it was transferred to Argentina who renamed it the Belgrano and we sank it in the Falklands War. On leaving the motorway there was a sign saying USE BOTH LANES. I try my best but find it impossible.

Happy New Year

Happy Birthday Mr Hardie for the 3rd January and Mrs Miggins for the 2nd!

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The Ghosts of Christmas Past After all the overindulgence and endless feasting over Christmas, comes the welcoming lull in social activity. Numerous people are being abstemious, including myself and possibly the Fuddler himself, who usually goes without several tipples during the first month of the New Year. I was mulling over the other day about the post Christmas period during my early childhood.

It consisted mainly of eating the remains of the turkey in various different culinary guises, from the humble sandwich with some cranberry sauce or piccalilli, to something more ambitious like a turkey curry or stew, ok so not that ambitious, or turkey soup. I seem to remember that mince pies used to be hanging around well into early spring; mother’s pastry would have kept Jericho intact if the walls had been made out of it, so they were hardy enough to last in their old biscuit tin.

Other memories that came back to haunt me were the obligatory ‘Christmas Jumpers’. Mine were knitted by an aged Aunt, bizarrely they never seem to age or look any different. I knew this particular aunt for over 30 years and she never appeared any different either. Anyway the jumpers were always the same and were apparently modelled by a convenient orangutan as the sleeves were twice as long as they needed to be and the neck wide enough to go round a reasonably established oak tree trunk.

The pattern however would have been of great interest to anthropologists interested in the interpretation of anamorphic depictions. This trend in knitted jumpers

continued well into adulthood when an exgirlfriend attempted to knit me a jumper, she apparently knew the same orangutan.

Another winter fashion item was my faithful duffel coat.

Mine was grey and had light brown toggles. Mother had threaded a pair of fingerless gloves, ideal for snowball manufacture, on a string that went through both sleeves.

The deep pockets regularly housed boyhood paraphernalia including, dog-eared football cards ready for ‘swapsies’, a catapult (when not confiscated), the odd marble, a penny or two and without fail a sticky sweet cocooned in pocket fluff waiting to be sucked clean.

The duffel coat has recently joined that exclusive club of items and trends I would embrace as I got older; slippers, classical music and Radio 4.

“I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown’. And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God that shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!' So I went forth and finding the hand of God trod gladly into the night he led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone east. So heart be still! What need our human life to know I f G o d h a t h comprehension? In all the dizzy strife of things both high and low, God hideth his intention."

Minnie Louise Harkins 1875-1957 Mammoth Man would like to wish all Fuddler readers a very Happy New Year and will be back next month to continue his 'Chilli-conCarnage

Health Walks Wednesdays 10.30am Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or ring 01234 767037.

Learning Lunchtime Talk - 20th Century Firefighting Monday 8 January 11am to Midday Norman Tarling looks at the fascinating history of the profession that’s saved countless lives, from the creation of the world’s first municipal fire brigade in Edinburgh, to the first steam fire engine.

Approx. 1 hour, with time for questions.

Free, but, as there is a cost involved in putting on these events, donations to the Forest of Marston Vale are much appreciated.

Volunteer Task - Millennium Country Park Tuesday 11 January 9.30am to 3.30pm Coppicing - meet at the Barn at Forest Centre.

Email anna.charles@marstonvale.org if you wish to come Learning Lunchtime Talk - Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park Monday 15 January 11am to Midday Jane Hamilton, Chair of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, will provide an up-to-date perspective on the progress which is being made towards making the Waterway Park, between the two towns, a reality. Approx. 1 hour, with time for questions.

Free, but, as there is a cost involved in putting on these events, donations to the Forest of Marston Vale are much appreciated.

Freddie Mercury & Brian May Tribute Friday 26 January 7.30pm to 10pm Dean and Andy are ‘Queen UK’ in a stunning tribute to the late Freddie Mercury and the world’s greatest guitarist, Brian May. To see them in action, go to http://www.queentributeact.co.uk/videoqueen-tribute-act.

Tickets £15 – Doors 7.30pm, Show 8pm – 10pm (with 30 min interval) 01234 767037 or info@gmail.com for booking or info, Learning Lunchtime Talk - The Heritage of Bedford River Valley Park Monday 29 January 11am to Midday Darren Woodward and Mervyn Askew look at the rich heritage that exists within the Bedford River Valley Park covering a range of periods from the Neolithic and Bronze ages, to Roman and PostMedieval all the way through to the Industrial Period.

Approx. 1 hour, with time for questions.

Free, but, as there is a cost involved in putting on these events, donations to the Forest of Marston Vale are much appreciated.

Short led walks, all welcome.

Need to get more active? This could be just the thing for you.

Walks last about an hour and a quarter (some hills). Walk at your own pace in a friendly group. It’s all free - just turn up.

Next walks - all start at 10.00am: 12th January 26th January 9th February

Bedford Golf Club, Gt Denham Marston Vale Forest Centre Aspley Woods, Longslade Lane cp

For further information please contact: Lynda on 01234 740788 or at olivetree47@googlemail.com Or Laurie on 01525 403950 or at lalowe@btinternet.com or see http://ampthillhealthwalks.blogspot.co.uk

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if you missed an issue - you can catch up at www.thefuddler.com