Lutoner magazine

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

FIRST ISSUE

A NEW TONE FOR A VIBRANT TOWN

WINTER WEIGHT LOSS GUIDE

ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

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PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION

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GIFT GUIDE | OPINIONS | REVIEWS | INTERVIEWS

WORKOUT THAT FEELS PARTYING

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

Contents

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The Elves and The Shoemakers

FMA - Fun Martial Arts for little ones

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Places to Visit The haunted ruins of the ancient Someries Castle

Magical Christmas story that will warm up the whole family this winter

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Self defence training that every kids enjoy from the age of four

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34 page The best of Luton

Affordable short holidays from the airport.....................8 Paranormal Investigators based in Luton.........................10 Last-minute Christmas shopping guide............................12 How to react to a bad Christmas gift this year.................14 The best face masks for exercise.....................................16 The benefits of booster jab and how to get it...................19 Local events in December - January..........20

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Cineworld Luton Galaxy

Ghostbusters Afterlife review

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5 ways to loose weight in winter

Workout that feels like dancing

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Hilarious parenting horoscope

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LUTONER Editor’s worlds

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elcome to the very first issue of Lutoner magazine, which might be a memorable step on an exciting journey. I hope you all enjoy the festive season despite the pandemic. With this magazine, we want to distract your attention and highlight all the fun and excitement this vibrant town has to offer, and many of you probably never heard earlier.

We focus on families and cover all the activities you can enjoy with children. As a devoted father, I am obsessed with mental and physical development, which will definitely come true on these pages. We aim to make Lutoner a community magazine, so we would like to encourage every reader to engage with us and help create a magazine we all enjoy.

Balazs Slezak

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Content | 3

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

Attractions to visit in Luton

A scheduled Ancient Monument, in the Parish of Hyde, near the town of Luton, allegedly haunted

by Sir John Wenlock’s friendly ghost

EXEPTIONAL BRICKWORK

A local tradition says that a brick handhold for the stair was, in fact, a ‘whispering pipe’ and that if you whispered into the bottom of the pipe the sound would be heard at the top.

If you visited Someries Castle recently, please give us a little review online 4 | Content

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Someries Castle

81 Someries Cottages, Someries, Luton LU2 9PL

by: Balazs Slezak

Someries, whose manor house stood on or near this site in the 13th century. The building we see today was built

by Sir John Wenlock (1400-1471), who bought the Someries estate sometime shortly after 1430. Wenlock was a soldier and Knight of the Garter.

You cannot visit the garden area because it is on private land, but you can see it from the fence enclosing the chapel and the gatehouse. It was rectangular and about 100m x 80m.

As a big fan of sights with historical significance, I enjoyed the whole trip, including the challenging narrow farm road which takes to the ruins. Kids also liked the mysterious atmosphere and had a lot of fun running around

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urrounded by farms within sight of Luton Airport is not where you would expect to find a medieval castle, and it’s not the only surprise about the Someries Castle. It is regarded as one of the first brick buildings in England, and according to local legends, it also has unearthed secret underground tunnels.

The Castle had at least 25 rooms in use by 1606, and 23 hearths were recorded in the 1671 Hearth Tax Returns.

Unfortunately, it was never finished, and much of the building was pulled down in 1742. It was named from William de

the remains, searching for ghosts and secret tunnels. We were lucky to share the site with some curious cows making it more memorable for them.

The ruins are located right next to Luton, but there is a possibility that many of the local residents have never seen it before. It is because you can’t spot it from the main road, and even GPS struggles to find it. The easiest way is to take the B652 from Harpenden and turn left onto the lane to the hamlet of Peter’s Green. From Peter’s Green, take Copt Hall Road west until it bends sharply to the left. It’s free to visit, and there is plenty of space to park, just make sure you do not block the farm vehicles.

IS IT REALLY ABANDONED?

Many visitors reported strange noises from the Chapel. Some people think that Sir John haunted the castle because he was never able to finish it during his lifetime.

Read more on page 10

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LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

Stockwood illuminated

Discover the stories of real people behind the collections from prehistoric times today. The perfect weekend family trip for local families

STOCKWOOD MUSEUM It is one of the few places in the country where the work of acclaimed artist Ian Hamilton Finlay can be seen on permanent display.

If you visited the Discovery Centre recently, please give us a little review online 6 | Content

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Stockwood Discovery Centre London Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 4LX

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tockwood Discovery Centre, formerly known as Stockwood Craft Museum, is a unique mix of a museum and gardens that shows the history of Bedfordshire.

The museum belongs to a charitable trust, Luton Culture. It’s completely free, and there are a lot of things to do both inside and

out. Great place to visit with kids, especially if you or your kids are into transport. There is an award-winning carriage museum in the Discovery Hall, classic cars, a steamed engine, and a huge colorful truck.

It is located near to the Luton Airport and the planes fly very low, and very often which makes it even more fun for the little ones. In

the Galleries, there are Saxon skeletons, Roman coins and a Bronze Age roundhouse. In the palaeontology exhibition, you can see some worn out dinosaur remains.

The huge garden is separated into lots of small areas, including the Elizabethan Knot Garden or the Dig for Victory Garden. Each area has its own unique features, which were created in the 1980s by the Luton Council. It’s a great place for kids to play hide and seek, and it also has a large playground area to enjoy the day.

Visitors so much loved Stockwood Discovery Center, so in 2020, it won a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence.

STOCKWOOD IN NEW LIGHT There is a new story for you to explore.

Weave your way on a self-guided trail through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of the lush greenery.

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hello@lutoner.co.uk hello@lutoner.co.uk Content | 7

Escape Luton Budget friendly short holidays from Luton Airport Apartments Morromar Puerto del Carmen Canary Islands

Solana Hotel and Spa Mellieha Malta

Vik Gran Hotel Mijas Costa, Costa del Sol Spain

2 nights in December Flights included From: £89 pp Situated just a fiveminute walk from the golden sands of Playa de Matagorda Beach in Puerto del Carmen, the 3-star Apartments Morromar The Home Collection is an ideal escape for families and sun seekers looking to relax.

For booking visit:

2 nights in December Flights included From: £61 pp The 4-star Solana Hotel and Spa is situated on the stunning Malta coast.

The hotel’s excellent location allows guests to visit the village of Mellieha with ease. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and natural surroundings.

2 nights in March 2022 Flights included From: £105 pp

The VIK Gran Hotel Costa Del Sol is set in an exclusive and highly desirable area of Mijas Costa, within easy reach of local attractions and with all the luxurious modern facilities for a trully comfortable stay.

www.loveholidays.com 8 Content

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BCL Levante Club Benidorm, Costa Blanca Spain

2 nights in January 2022 Flights included From: £92 pp The BCL Levante Club Aparthotel, which is just minutes from Levante Beach, provides an ideal base for all those looking for the essential Benidorm experience on their Cost Blanca holiday.

Campanile Val de France

Amsterdam Holland

Disneyland Paris, Ile de France, France

2 nights in February 2022 Flights included From: £109 pp It’s a Disneyland Paris partner hotel, ideal to visit the parks during holiday in France without staying on site. It’s easy to get to Disneyland using the hotel’s free shuttle service, which will have you at the gates to the ‘Mouse Kingdom’

2 nights in March 2022 Flights included From: £119 pp This unique, floating hotel is situated aboard a boat in the centre of Amsterdam on the river Ij, right next to the former NDSM shipyard and close to several attractions.

There is also a ferry connection to the Central Station.

Content 9

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

Luton based Paranormal Investigators trying to solve the Sommeries’ mystery Luton Paranormal Society investigates the whole paranormal spectrum from aliens to timeslips, re-incarnation and out of the body experiences

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ccording to a recent YouGov poll, supernatural events are quiete common in the UK. One in three British people (39%) believe that a house can be haunted by some kind of supernatural being, and almost as many (34%) think that ghosts actually exist. 9% of people really believe they have communicated with the dead. Despite the widespread belief, we still don’t have solid evidence to back up this theory, and this is where the Luton Paranormal Society comes into the picture.

This unique

Andrew Fazekas, President of the Luton Paranormal Society

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The hounted Sommeries Castle in Luton investigation team is working tirelessly since 2003 to find the desired evidence. I wanted to know the person behind this movement, so I asked the leader Mr Andrew Fazekas to give us a little insight into the ghost hunt and talk about the

Sommeries mystery.

What was your first paranormal encounter?

“Two angels in the sky, when I was aged 17, staring down at me and this was followed by a large disc hovering behind the clouds.

“A few days later, at the same location, a spirit of a lady in white dress crossed my path.”

Do you believe in ghosts, and if you do, how do you describe a ghost?

I do believe in ghosts.

However, my theory on this subject is that they could be a recording of a past event that is being replayed and picked up by a sensitive person who is actually there.

For example, stone tape theory where the

For fresh news from around Luton visit: lutoner.co.uk emotions of events are recorded by stone or the walls of a building etc. My other theory is that they could be trapped souls who are yet to move on.

However, even ghosts cannot see each other and sometimes are known to be active in different areas of the same field.

Tell us more about the Sommeries Castle case There were rumours of sightings of dragons, Email us on hello@lutoner.co.uk

development.

Reverend Richard Franklin, the vicar from the All Saints church, Luton said, “the ghost of Sir Wenlock is a really nice story, but most people don’t believe in it. “The time when there is a genuine presence of the spirit is extremely few, but the Church of England regarded it as actually happening.” Some people feel that the place has a spiritual presence. They describe it as friendly nice and feels like the spirit is part of the family.

LPS members played the paranormal investigators who were seen in the movie “The Paranormal Diaries Clophill”

How do you prepare for a ghost hunt?

I prepare for a paranormal investigation, maybe a year in advance in some cases.

I need to do historical research on a location and cross-exam historical reports or paranormal and non-paranormal activity, based on how far back in time I need to go.

I am currently investigating the thousands of locations across the UK with no paranormal history at all, with some really good results.

My next step is to prepare a team, who will all be writing down reports as the investigation of a haunting, crop circle, moth man or a UFO investigation takes place.

Once the investigation is complete, it takes around four weeks to publish reports.

dead animals found in the grounds of the castle, and strange noises in the middle of the night.

For years there had been stories of the duke whose ghost had been reawakened.

We conducted two investigations at Sommeries castles, and on the second visit, one of our medium actually picked up a spirit who is supposedly Sir John Wenlock. I think the spirit is actually grounded, and it has not moved on to the next stage of

LUTONER

The Paranormal Society team investigates a wide range of paranormal activity, including crop circles, aliens, timeslips, reincarnation, telekinesis and GHOSTLY spirits. If you had any disturbing experience, please share with us and we might can help to launch an investigation.

Culture | 11

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

Still have some time to get those desired six-packs No matter why you decided to leave the most important shopping of the year for the last minute, our expert guide will help you to get away with it

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Avoid the crowd this year

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20 1 Wildlife Wooden Bee House 2 CREASHINE Scented Candles Gift Set 3 Beautiful tea selection box 4 ATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap 5 Sanctuary Spa Signature Showstopper 6 iKristin Neck Massager 7 Wooden Handmade Eyeglass Holder 8 Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette 9 Plant Theatre Vegetable Seeds 10 Spa Luxetique Spa Gift Set 11 NESTLE The Big Biscuit Box Email us on hello@lutoner.co.uk

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12 Personalised Insulated Water Bottle 13 Sandy Leaf Farm Gin Making Kit 14 Bamboo Wood Charcuterie Platter 15 Chili sauce making kit 16 Morris honeysuckle 17 Marvel Avengers emory game 18 Captain Tom’s Biography 19 Hotel Chocolat - Everything Sleekster 20 Whiskey stones and glasses 21 Pocket Watch Tim Burton’s style 22 Breville deep fill sandwich toaster Culture | 13

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December/January 2021-2022

The best veg you’ve ever tasted

100% organic, from our farm, free delivery Call your local veg team Russell & Vanessa on 01908 238100 riverford.co.uk 14 | Culture

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The right way to react to a bad gift this Christmas

Celebrity etiquette adviser Myka Meier shares her experience on how to deal with the most sensitive issue that can happen at Christmas - receiving a bad present

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xpected jewellery but instead got a pair of socks? Is there ok to show your disappointment or there is a polite way to handle your emotions?

Myka Meier, leading etiquette expert, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, says: Feeling disappointment or annoyance is natural, but there is a significant difference between feeling annoyance and showing it.

The correct manner is to be gracious while you say thank you. Always keep smiling and never show negative emotions. Don’t forget not only your words

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but your facial impression and body language also can express your feelings.

Asking for a receipt is also a no-no. If you don’t have a very strong reason, please don’t do it. Fortunately, these days, many retailers offer the option of letting you exchange your unwanted present without receipt as long as it’s still in the original package.

When an in-law buys you a present you don’t like, that is always a minefield. Myka’s advice is to handle each situation on a case by case basis.

Usually, a bad present

does not worth hurting or causing any tension within the family.

Here are the top advice from the etiquette expert If the person who gave you the gift is present when you open it, always make sure you use the right face impression.

Choose your wording carefully. You don’t have to say I love it. You can use the word creative or thoughtful instead.

If you decide to take your Christmas gift back, try to do it first without asking for the receipt.

Regift your unwanted present is always a winner.

The only thing you have to remember is who gave you that present to avoid an embarrassing situation.

You can also swap it on specialised websites or flog it on eBay or Gumtree. Donating your gift is also a great option, so there is no reason to feel bad if you get one.

Lifestyle | 15

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

High quality face masks are the future of exercise

Leading experts agree that wearing a face mask during exercise is not just simple doable but can enhance the benefits of your workout.

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he pandemic became a part of our life, and we slowly learned how to live with it. As a matter of fact, we have come a long way and successfully developed a brand new lifestyle to avoid the danger of infection.

An important part of these new habits is to work out in a face mask. We asked an expert how to get the most out of the exercise by wearing a face mask.

“Staying physically active is the best way to maintain our mental health,” said Dr Eduardo Sanches, the chief medical officer at the American Heart Association. So don’t stop exercising and don’t stop wearing your face mask.

Vivek Cherian, a physician from the University of Maryland Medical System, suggests that instead of starting an intensive workout while wearing mask, start slowly and gradually acclimate to a more intense activity. He said with some practice,

16 | Health

your body will adapt to wearing a mask, and you will be able to increase the intensity slowly.

In the beginning, can be beneficial to take longer breaks between reps and shift the goals towards endurance instead of intensity. In other words, try to run longer rather than faster for better results.

The most important thing to change your lifestyle is to find the exercise you like and feel comfortable doing it in a face mask so it is more likely that you can stick with it and feel the benefits.

According to Cherian, the ideal face mask is breathable, fit well and don’t get wet when you are sweating during a long exhausting exercise.

Many fitness brands provide face masks designed to wear during exercise. They use special fabric or spandex to make breathing easier. It is recommended to wash your mask regularly or change it after each workout.

The main signs you run out of air and time to slow down or stop exercising are dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, and feeling you may pass out.

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5/6 SWINFENS YARD BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

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HIGH STREET STONY STRATFORD MK11 1SY

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Health | 17

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VISIT DAVIDLLOYD.CO.UK OR CALL 0345 129 6807 TO BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY David Lloyd Milton Keynes Livingstone Drive, Newlands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK15 0DL

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Get the most out of the booster season - how to book your third jab

Health Secretary Sajid Javid urged the nation once again to get jabbed to boost immunity. We tried to find out why is it necessary How to get your booster jab

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few months ago, we all believed two jabs would fully protect us against COVID 19. We carefully calculated the date and felt relieved when we got there. Today we hear nothing but the importance of booster jabs to stop the virus from spreading. People get confused and often think something is wrong when the official guidance changes but Albert Shaw, Yale Medicine infectious diseases expert says, “We are learning about this as we go. He also said, “Extra vaccinations are recommended for everyone to get long lasting immunity.”

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We also have to remember that booster jab is not a new idea.

Since the start of the vaccination process, scientists have predicted that a booster jab may be needed someday, so the recommendation of the third jab is definitely not a failure for them.

Professor Dany Altman, an immunologist from Imperial College, said, “The antibodies you developed from the first two jabs are far less effective against Omicron variant, so you are a ‘sitting duck’ for infection. “The booster jabs trigger new waves of antibody evolution and provide a much broader level of protection.”

The Vaccination Booster program is working fine in all Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. If you are an essential worker or aged 40 or over, you are eligible to get your jab.

Boris Johnson, in a TV plea, urged everyone to get it as soon as possible to stop the Omicron wave. A few hours later, Luton council announced on its Facebook page, “Covid vaccine booking service is currently facing extremely high demand so is operating a queuing system. They say, “If you are unable to book, try again later or tomorrow.”

So, the good news in this difficult time is the booster jab is effective, and the system works fine. We just have to keep trying to be protected.

Health | 19

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December/January 2021-2022

Events not to miss Our town is full of exciting events, and I am glad that I finally decided to create this list. As soon as I learned about the Elves and The Shoemakers I bought a ticket to the whole family, which includes two little kids. We also visited the illuminated Stockwood gardens and can’t wait to see the Santa at Wardown park or the Twilight Carols. I hope you can also find the event you can enjoy with your family during the festive season Drink and Draw (December) Hosted by local illustrator and Comic Book Artist Karl Brown in partnership with The Culture Trust Luton. It’s simple, a night of free play and creativity with drinking and drawing.

Thursday 9 December 2021

19:30 - 23:30 2021

Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton

Father Christmas at Wardown Join us for a real festive treat at Wardown, with a special visit from Miss Christmas and Father Christmas. Curl up for a special story in the library before joining Father Christmas.

11 - 22 December 2021

Multiple times

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Luton

Filmed With Love: Luton’s Queer Film Night The Culture Trust and Gayle presents ‘Filmed with Love’ - Luton’s Queer! film night. A safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to enjoy the community’s most loved classics with a drag twist.

Thursday 16 December 2021

19:30 - 23:00

Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, 20 | Events

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Chris Jarvis’ 30th Birthday Praise Jam

Join Chris as he gives thanks to God and celebrates reaching 30 years of life on earth with his close friends and musicians. The set will include some original songs, as well.

Saturday, 15 January 2022

17:00 - 20:00

Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton, LU2 7XP

Comedy Bar A hilarious evening with resident MC Jake Pickford for an evening of stand-up comedy from the nation’s up and coming talent. Spend an unforgettable evening with local comedians.

Friday 17 December 2021

19:30

Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 - 67 Bute Street, LU1 2EY

The Elves and The Shoemakers Join Full House Theatre back in Luton this Christmas with joyful family show The Elves and the Shoemaker. In this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff, a lovable retired shoemaker.

Saturday 18 December 2021

12:00 - 13:00

Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton,

Stockwood Illuminated Throughout the seasonal period you can explore Stockwood in a new light. Weave your way on a self-guided trail through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of the lush greenery.

03 - 23 December 2021

Multiple Times

Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road

Twilight Carols This festive season, we are pleased to bring you local group Peculi, an acappella group who sing in harmony, to spread the Christmas cheer! They’ll be in full voice and singing your favourite carols.

Sunday 19 December 2021

17:30 - 19:30

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Old Bedford

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Events | 21

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

The wonderful brothers Grimm story The Elves and The Shoemakers is on stage Enjoy this unforgettable magical Christmas tale with your family this winter in the Hat Factory

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he Elves and The Shoemakers is a lovely diversion from Christmas shopping if you have young children.

It’s a heartwarming story of an elderly shoemaker Geoff who is struggling to remember the past. One magical night two tiny elves visiting him and help to recall the old days reliving the good the bad and the magical.

With the help of his new friends, Geoff realises that all he needs is a little bit of elf magic to give his wife the only thing she ever wanted, a very special birthday.

It is about the kindness and joy we get when we 22 | Culture

help each other.

With toe-tapping music, laugh-out-loud characters, puppetry and real magic, This wonderful family show is a must-see festive story designed to make the whole family feel all

warm and cosy inside.

The Elves and the Shoemakers does not need to rely on weird humour or awkward scenes to entertain the whole family. This lovely show is aimed at young children, but it can easily entertain adults as well.

The performance is only 90 minutes long with a 20 minutes interval, so it is ideal for the little ones who may find sitting through a full length show a little bit difficult.

You can enjoy the performance between the 18th of December and the 24th of December two times a day in the Hat Factory Arts Centre. For booking visit: www.culturetrust.com

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Culture | 23

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

Cineworld Luton Encanto

Release date: 24 November

Running time: 109 min

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charming place called Encanto.

Cast: Wilmer Valderrama, Stephanie Beatriz, Diane Guerrero, Angie Cepeda, Jessica Darrow, María Cecilia

King Richard

Release date: 19 November 2021 Running time: 145 min Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “King Richard” follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes.

Cast: Jon Bernthal, Aunjanue Ellis, Dylan McDermott, Liev Schreiber, Will Smith Adassa , Mauro Castillo, Rhenzy Feliz

Ghostbusters: Afterlife Release date: 18 November 2021

Running time: 123 min

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe.

In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town.

Cast: Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, Annie Potts, Paul Rudd, Sigourney Weaver, Rhenzy Feliz, Carolina Gaitan

House Of Gucci

Release date: 26 November 2021 Running time: 158 The story of how Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci, plotted to kill her husband, the grandson of the famous fashion designer Guccio Gucci.

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Cast: Adam Driver, Salma Hayek, Jack Huston, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, Al Pacino, Lady Gaga, Adassa

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AFTERLIFE - REVIEW

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ecreating Ghostbusters is a great challenge for every director. It’s not like redoing a category C horror movie when you have the framework and just have to come up with some new idea. Ghostbusters was a groundbreaking film giving us great feelings, and the difficulty for every director is to recreate those feelings. They did not originate just from the scary ghosts or the unique story but from the great chemistry which was created by the original cast. George Lucas did not understand this when he decided to continue Star Wars, but fortunately, Jason Reitman did. He did not try to copy the original one. Instead, he created his own version, but somehow, he made us

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left all his strange equipment in the basement.

There is plenty of fun and odd humour in the movie long before the trill kicks in. You can clearly feel Reitman’s enthusiasm when you see how he try to combine the new and old film effects to create the atmosphere we expect from this film. feel that we are watching the real Ghost Busters.

The story focuses on a single mother and her two kids who inherited an old house in Summerville from her father, who abandoned her when she was 12. As the family had no money, they decided to start a new life and move in. As it turned out, the owner was a ghostbuster (Egon) who

What do parents need to know?

The movie was written to appeal to kids, even if there are a few frightening special effects. There are a few sexual insinuations and swear words but nothing seriously disturbing. This movie is definitely more family-friendly than the original one.

Culture | 25

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

5 lazy ways for couch potatoes to loose weight in this winter The only thing you have to do to burn some white fat is enjoying the coldest and darkest part of the year

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inter makes many of us less concerned about fitness, and the thick clothes covering us make it easy to say ‘I will get back to shape at Spring’.

Well, no more excuse for us. Elisabeth Narins, a local slimming expert, explains how winter can work wonders on our body without serious effort and what are the things we already do in wintertime that reduce overeating and boost our metabolism to burn more fat.

Enjoy the cold Our body favours calorietorching body fat when it’s freezing outside. So whenever you expose yourself to freezing weather, you encourage white bodyfat to act more like brown fat, the kind that generates heat by burning calories.

Shiver It is another thing we often do during winter. A study published in Cell Metabolism in 2004 stated

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that 10min shivering could burn as many calories as one-hour moderate exercise. .

Drink Cold Water According to a 2003 study on metabolism, when you drink cold water regularly, your body has to warm it up, and that burns some extra calories.

Sleep more Studies have found that not getting enough sleep can lead to weight gain.

But winters can help you get a bit more sleep, promoting weight loss.

Walk on snow Your legs have to work

harder when you walk on the snow because you lose the bouncy boost you have otherwise when you step on a solid surface. In addition, the deeper the snow, the more difficult it is to lift your legs, leading to more intense calorie burning.

We all have believed that summer is the best time to lose weight as it helps in burning more calories, but new studies state otherwise. If you prefer not to step out of the house, cold weather can be an opportunity to try new indoor physical activities.

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Lifestyle | 27

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December/January 2021-2022

The toughest place in town where all the heavy hitters celebrate halloween The best martial arts training in Luton provides improved physical health, better mental well-being and emotional stability for kids from the age of four

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torm Gym has been a cornerstone of Martial Art for over ten years. My little daughter is a huge fan of the sessions, which focus on games & drill activities to teach them the fundamentals in a fun and engaging way.

She runs in every time without looking back and always tries to be the last one who comes out.

Watching a four-year-old girl in a pink Peppa Pig shirt practising Mix Martial Art on a huge punching 28 | Kids Health

bag is something that all the parents should see who are not sure selfdefence training is fun for kids. Children’s safety is the first priority for every parent. This is why self-defence is often an important component of a child’s education.

Meghan Mayle, MMA instructor, advised that parents don’t consider the training as fighting.

Instead, it helps to improve confidence and awareness, and it will teach children how and when to apply their new

knowledge and skills.’

Good quality self-defence training also comes with many other benefits for everyday life.

Kids today have much more confidence than their parents had at their age. In many cases, this confidence is not backed up by the ability and awareness to maintain their safety, leading to vulnerability. Professional self-defence training helps develop healthily confidence that comes with mental and physical capability without creating arrogance.

After the first few weeks of settling in, all kids want to get better. In order to improve self-defence skills, they have to practice at home and go to class regularly. It requires dedication which leads to improved self-discipline.

Kids are growing up in the “bullying age’ which is every parent’s nightmare, but with better self-defence ability and improved confidence, the

For fresh news from around Luton visit: lutoner.co.uk potential victims are more likely to stand up to bullies and protect themselves.

Improved social skills are also essential to prevent bullying, and one way to develop them is selfdefence training. It’s also beneficial for aggressive people. The majority of those who decide to learn self-defence become calmer because they can release their stress.

The core value of martial arts that dominate the practice is teaching and learning respect for yourself and others around you. There are many reasons for that practice, including learning the values of self and others. In a professional training program, martial art and respect go hand in hand.

The instructors in Storm Gym work tirelessly to make the sessions enjoyable for the young ones, providing 45 minutes classes

Email us on hello@lutoner.co.uk

LUTONER

Every warriors celebrate Halloween at Storm

six times in a week a disciplined and structured environment. They offer a free trial session for newcomers and flexible membership options.

Their philosophy is

“There are seven days in a week and someday isn’t one of them

My daughter started her journey in Mixed Martial Art only a few months ago, so it is too early to describe the improvement in her life skills but taking those classes boosted her spirit made her happier and even more energetic. In addition, training together with other kids improved her social skills and made her more confident in socialising with others.

Read more about classes and membership on: www.stormgym.co.uk

Kids Health | 29

LUTONER

December/January 2021-2022

Incredible workout that feels just like partytime

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hen it comes to fitness, there are various ways that you can approach working out and getting fit. One that has been around for some time (and is still around now) is Zumba.

You may have heard of Zumba, but do you actually understand what it is and the benefits of this type of activity? Zumba is a fitness programme that combines international music, usually Latin, with various dance moves. These routines will form interval training, primarily because they alternate both fast and 30 | Lifestyle

slow rhythms. This activity will not only get your heart beating and your blood pumping, but it is also going to increase your overall fitness. This is why many people will choose it as their fitness class.

If you ask someone why they do Zumba over other forms of fitness, then there are a variety of reasons they will give you. The first

is that it is fun. Sure, you know that you are there to get fit and work up a sweat, but many people go to Zumba each week because they want to have some fun.

They enjoy the process of learning the new routines, and they love how Zumba makes them feel. This means that it is not only a physical workout each time you head to a session, but it

LUTONER

For fresh news from around Luton visit: lutoner.co.uk

is also going to improve your mental well-being.

Another significant benefit to Zumba is that it is an overall body workout. Whilst other fitness classes will target specific fitness goals, Zumba looks at them all. Each dance routine will burn off as much as 1,000 calories in an hour, which means that you can use Zumba classes as a great way to lose some weight.

As well as this, Zumba is designed to be a workout for your entire body, head to toe, which means that you will be working out all the key muscle groups every single week. Many people say that they keep going to Zumba because they enjoy how it makes them feel.

Some people can even feel their worries melting away as they dance away, reducing their feelings of stress and ensuring that their overall cognitive function is the very best that it can be.

The primary way to learn more about what Zumba can offer

you and your fitness goals is to try it out for yourself. Not only is it great fun, but it is social too. It teaches you to be coordinated and comfortable and, above everything else, pushes you way out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to dancing up a storm.

We found the best places in town where you can learn and practise Zumba.

Join the Party Bushmead Community Centre Party yourself into shape with the fastest growing dance-based fitness craze in the country. Let the rhythms inspire you with exhilarating music and easy to follow steps. It’s a high energy class that will tone, and work the all-important heart and lungs. This is one not to be missed!

www.bushmeadhub.co.uk Email us on hello@lutoner.co.uk

Inspire Luton Sports Village Before participants know it, they’re getting fit, and their energy levels are soaring! There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba Fitness-Party. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students.

www.activeluton.co.uk Lifestyle | 31

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December/January 2021-2022

Learn your power color that boost your spirit

“Every zodiac sign comes with a power color that helps you to bring the best out of you. It grants you the confidence to express yourself more freely,” says astrologer Guadalupe Terrones

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ost of us is guilty of reading horoscopes once in a while. Even those who don’t believe in them have checked at least once what the future holds for them just purely out of curiosity.

Your sign says a lot about your personality

and, yes, about your power color. Did you ever have a favourite outfit that made you feel happier, more relaxed or even more focused? Maybe because you wore the color that your zodiac sign assigned to you. Those colors don’t necessarily have to be your favourites, but they give you inspiration in your daily

life, for example, home decoration on clothing choices. There are many different ways to use them, and you might be surprised by the results.

Check your parenting zodiac sign and power color, then start thinking about how could you

incorporate them into your everyday life.

Here is your hilarious parenting horoscope for 2022 to prepare and navigate the year ahead

Aries

March 21 - Apr 19 Aries is always up for an adventure, and this year’s adventures in sleep regressions will prove one for the ages. Watch out for your quick temper in late April when Venus squares off with Saturn and Pluto.

Try not to throw anything at your partner.

32 | Horoscope

Taurus

Apr 20 - May 20

Always patient Taurus will be fine baking quarantine cookies for the millionth time with the kids now that you can readily get flour. However, be mindful of your resentful side. Stay calm when you see smiling families on Facebook.

Their house is a mess too.

Gemini

May 21 - Jun 19 For adaptive Gemini, 2021 will see Saturn and Jupiter redesigning your ninth house of wisdom.

Your belief system will be challenged, and you’ll find yourself doing things you swore you’d never do as a parent... you know, just before you became one.

For fresh news from around Luton visit: lutoner.co.uk

Cancer

Jun 21 - Jul 22

The South Node transiting Saggittarius begs you to prioritise your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health in 2022. The great news is your DMs are filled with high school ‘friends’ who have JUST the right thing to help.

Seriously, It’s awesome.

Libra

Sept 23 - Oct 22 For Libra, the coming year has Jupiter and Saturn in your Aquarius-ruled confidence zone. Fire up those keyboard warriors. You will feel great about the advice on Facebook from a new mom asking about sleep training... your kid turned out fine after all.

Capricorn Dec 22- Jan 19

For Capricorns, late June has Jupiter in Pisces, your house of kindred spirits.

Don’t let your reserved nature cause you to miss out on becoming BFFs with that mom who shares your sweatpants chic style. Be aware your child might bite others at the same time.

Leo

Jul 23 - Aug 22 For Leo, May through July sees Jupiter transit through your eight house - that rules transformation.

It’s a great time to take control over relationships, especially the one with your mother in law. Use this as an opportunity to put her in place.

LUTONER Virgo

Aug 23 - Sept 22 2022 sees the North Nod at the top of your solar chart and brings confidence in your parenting.

Go ahead and take risks, Virgo! Leave the house without a spare change of clothes for the kiddo.

Don’t worry, nothing bad can possibly happen...

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Your intense need for privacy is at direct odds with the fact that you can never pee alone. Your solar second house is ruled by Jupiter, and you would be wise to invest in improving your home.

Might we suggest a lock for the bathroom door?

Jupiter and Saturn transiting through your Aquarius-ruled communication zone are great news Sagittarius, as you’ll find yourself yelling less in 2022. That is until you can believe your child will eat Mac & Cheese you spent an hour on.

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Aries

Jan 20 - Feb 18 For Aquarius, 2022 is all about you! Unless you are a parent. Then it’s never about you. February see Mercury in retrograde, and that may leave you feeling disoriented, but really, is that any different than how you feel every single day since you have a kid?

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Pisces

Feb 19 - Marc 20 For Pisces, Jupiter enters your sign in summer, and you’ll feel a surge of creativity. It’s a great time to roll up those sleeves and dive into art projects with your kids. Jupiter moves through your Aquarius, so maybe you will be able to clean up all the glitter.

For a detailed horoscope visit our website

Email us on hello@lutoner.co.uk www.lutoner.co.uk

Horoscope | 33

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December/January 2021-2022

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