The Vine Dunstable - April & May 2015 - Issue 64 by The Vine Magazine

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This Issue...

A5 - M1 Woodside Link Road Hadrian Academy At 50 Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards Discovering Ashridge A Travellers Tale The Martin Lewis Money Page Consumer Clinic At Home In The Garden The Chelsea Flower Show Book Review Aged Concerns Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Puzzles Kids Page Tastes So Good Recipe The History Of Easter Eggs Auto Biographies Bank Holidays Looking Up Out & About

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Editors: Scott Nightingale Shelly Nesbitt For advertising & Editorial: Shelly Nesbitt 01525 222379 07852 453043 Mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles published in this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

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A5-M1 Link and Woodside Link Two more pieces of Dunstable’s regeneration ‘jigsaw’

These are renaissance times for Dunstable. Inward investment from Prologis, Marks & Spencer and others means thousands of new jobs for our up-and-coming town and the surrounding area. Future plans to fade out the familiar sight of HGVs thundering down High Street are good news for existing traders as a rejuvenated centre becomes an attractive place to stop and shop. Making these advancements possible are two major pieces of road infrastructure from the Highways Agency and Central Bedfordshire Council, namely the A5-M1 Link and the proposed Woodside Link – which both represent a piece in Dunstable's regeneration jigsaw; indeed it is estimated that the value of investment released by the highways infrastructure will be £2.5 billion for Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard. Taking an easterly route through the 'wedge' between Sandringham Drive (in Houghton Regis) and Wheatfield Road (in Luton) before heading up to the M1, the Woodside Link is planned to connect the industrial areas of Dunstable and Houghton Regis to a new junction 11a. In around three minutes, vehicles will drive from the Porz Avenue / Poynters Road / Park Road North roundabout to the motorway or vice versa. "Two advantages instantly come into play," says Marcel Coiffait, Director of Community Services, Central Bedfordshire Council. "Firstly, businesses have a gateway to the heart of the country's motorway infrastructure, and potentially to Prologis's proposed rail freight interchange at Sundon. This will stimulate further inward investment providing job opportunities for residents throughout the area. Prologis has also chosen Dunstable for its 310,000 sq ft distribution/development facility and up to 358,068 sq ft neighbouring development soon to be built - a fantastic result." "Secondly, those living and working in Dunstable and Houghton Regis will experience reduced road congestion as around 18,000 vehicles per day opt to take the Woodside Link instead of filling up the town centres with traffic." 6

That's not the full story as the 1.8-mile Woodside Link is intended to provide access to a new development area north of Houghton Regis, where up to 5,150 new homes are to be built and 30 hectares of employment land developed by 2031. "More homes means more people spending money in the two towns, and this will attract more big name retailers," Marcel adds. "M&S Simply Food and Next have already confirmed they are coming to Dunstable's White Lion Retail Park when it is refurbished later this year - Next actually expanding to a store five times the size in the process creating approximately 30 new jobs. Let's see who's going to join them." Proposed to open to the public in autumn 2016, the Woodside Link is part of the wider regeneration of the area, which includes the construction of the Highways Agency’s A5-M1 Link (North Dunstable Bypass), a dual carriageway connecting the M1 at the new junction 11a north of Luton, to the A5 at Thorn Turn north of Dunstable. "The 2.9-mile A5-M1 Link opening early 2017 is an important piece of the jigsaw, reducing and stabilising journey times: Leighton Buzzard to the M1 reduces to just 10 minutes from 50 minutes," concludes Marcel. "This new route to the M1 allows us to detrunk the A5, taking heavy goods vehicles away from Dunstable and Houghton Regis town centres, further reducing congestion and improving air quality. Dunstable will literally have the space to thrive, as some of the railings and street furniture will be removed giving the town centre a much more positive look and feel."

Did you go to Hadrian Academy?

years 0 5 H Celebrating

Hadrian Academy formally known as Hadrian Lower th School and Hadrian Primary is having a 50th Birthday Celebration at Hadrian Academy th Friday 18th September 2015 at 1.30p.m. and 5.30p.m.

adrian has now been

We are hoping to contact children as many former educating forpupils, their work in the community, singing at the yearsof on the Academy same site governorsfifty and friends Hadrian from the Luton and Dunstable Hospital Tree Lighting and has previous been known Ceremony, the Dunstable Sparkle Event, past 50 years.

as both Hadrian County the Co-Op opening and many other local Primary SchoolAcademy and Hadrian Present pupils from Hadrian will showcase places. They were also very excited to pass Hadrian Academy, Hadrian Avenue, Lower School. the audition to sing on the stage at Disneytheir work and escort you around the classes Dunstable, 4SR Tel. time 01582in618400 land Paris and hadLU5 a brilliant Paris, throughoutAll thepast afternoon. In the staff evening from 5.30pm pupils, parents, and friends are lapping Please confirm your attendance by email to: up the applause and compliments. the school we will beinvited havingtoa join re-union for allon exFriday pupils18th and their They hope hadrianacademy@cbc.beds.sch.uk to do this again in the future. September to families. celebrate and share memories. www.hadrianacademy.co.uk th a drama focus with a Hadrian also has You areAcademy very welcome toknown attenddedicated these 50 celebrations Hadrian in Dunstable is LAMDA teacher. This has built higheducating standards in English, Lutonupand and Dunstable Hospital Treefew Lighting Ceremony, Dunstable Hospital Tree Lighting over the yearsthe first examCeremony, pupils hasfor nowitsbeen been children for fifty fiftyMaths years andLuton Hadrian has now educating children for years Science withprevious a particular focus as onboth the arts the the Dunstable Dunstable Sparkle Event, Event, to the Co-Op opening and Sparkle the Co-Op opening and went to Northampton be examined about on the same site and has been known on the same site and has previous been known as both andSchool sport.and There areLower lots of groups running many manyten other local places. They were also very very excited to other local places. also years ago and They nowwere Hadrian has excited its ownto Hadrian Primary Primary Hadrian School. Hadrian School and Hadrian Lower School. for able, gifted and talented children acrosspass pass centre the audition audition to sing sing each on the theyear stageand at Disneyland Disneyland Paris the to on stage at for exams over fortyParis All past past pupils, pupils, parents, staff and and friends friends are are invited invited to to and had had brilliantStudents time in in Paris, Paris, lapping up the the applause theparents, school.staff All and aa brilliant time lapping up applause applicants. almost always pass join the the school school on on Friday Friday 18 18thth September September to to celebrate celebrate and and and with compliments. They hope hope to to do this this has again in the the join and compliments. do this again in merit or They distinction and a posishare memories. memories. future. Hadrian is the only school in Bedfordshire future. share tive influence on all other school producwith a Platinum Sing Up Award and all tions, classwork. We believe Hadrian Academy Academy in in Dunstable Dunstable is is known known for for its its high high Hadrian alsoassemblies has aa drama dramaand focus with aa dedicated dedicated LAMDA Hadrian Hadrian also has focus with LAMDA children sing every day. There is an ad hoc LAMDA exams enhance children’s standards in in English, English, Maths Maths and and Science Science with with aa particular particular teacher. This This has has built built up up over over the the yearsyears- the theselffirst few few standards teacher. first adult choir for staff, governors and parents toNorthampton engage andto contribute fully, focus on on the the arts arts and and sport. sport. There There are are lots lots of of groups groups examconfidence pupils went went to to Northampton to be examined examined about focus exam pupils be about and the children’s choir is especially stunin other fulfil their potential. They running for for able, able, gifted gifted and and talented talented children children across across the the ten years years ago words, and now nowtoHadrian Hadrian has its its own own centre centre for running ten ago and has for ning. At the last count ninety five children help to develop a love of literature, poetry school. exams each each year year and and over over forty forty applicants. applicants. Students Students school. exams from KS2 chose to be in the choir, comand drama improve standards ofhas almost always passand withthus merit or distinction distinction and this this has almost always pass with merit or and themselves to weekly Hadrian is is the themitting only school school in Bedfordshire Bedfordshire with aalunchtime Platinum Hadrian only in with Platinum communication theschool spoken word. positive influence on onthrough all other other school productions, aa positive influence all productions, rehearsals and asing wide variety of musical Sing Up Up Award Award and all all children children sing every day. There There is an an Sing and every day. is assemblies and and classwork. classwork. We We believe believe LAMDA LAMDA exams exams assemblies ad hoc hoc adult adultstyles. choir for for staff, staff, governors governors and and parents parents and and ad choir Ultimately, it isself-confidence the sense of achievement enhance children’s self-confidence to engage engage and and enhance children’s to the children’s children’s choir choir is is especially especially stunning. stunning. At At the the last last the that floods Hadrian which the contribute fully, in in other words, words, to empowers fulfil their their potential. potential. contribute fully, other to fulfil recently won School’s Talent count ninety ninetyThey five children children from KS2 chose to toGot be in in the count five from KS2 chose be the children to shine. Theyindividual help to to develop develop love of literature, literature, poetry poetry and and They help aa love of in London and were sing at the choir, committing committing themselves to picked weekly to lunchtime choir, themselves to weekly lunchtime drama and thus improve standards of communication communication drama and thus improve standards of Mayor’s Civicof This is in addition to rehearsals and and wide variety variety ofService. musical styles. styles. rehearsals aa wide musical = through the the spoken spoken word. word. through

They recently recently won won School’s School’s Got Got Talent Talent in in London London and and They were picked picked to to sing sing at at the the Mayor’s Mayor’s Civic Civic Service. Service. This This is is in in were addition to to their their work work in in the the community, community, singing singing at at the the addition

5 x 10

Ultimately, itit is is the the sense sense of of achievement achievement that that floods floods Ultimately, Hadrian which which empowers empowers the the individual individual children children to to Hadrian shine. shine.

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mistydoubleglazing.co.uk 01582 638247 01582 638247

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk 9 to e Hadrian which empowers the individual Hadrian children which addition to their work in the community, singing additionattothe their work in the community, singing addition at the to their work in the communit

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once again supporting the National Trust to host this year’s Easter Egg Trails at Ashridge, with 6,000 chocolate prizes to be won from 3rd April – 6th April. Families are invited to unleash their inner explorer on a trail of discovery in the beautiful spring woodland at Ashridge to win their Cadbury chocolaty treat. This year’s theme is Discovery and children can discover more about the wild animals that live on the Ashridge Estate. Visitors can also climb the Bridgewater Monument and browse in the National Trust shop, enjoy a delicious hot lunch at the outdoor café and pick up ideas for other adventures later in the year. A great day out for all the family, whatever the weather. New General Manager, Susie Mercer, said “This will be my first Easter at Ashridge. I’m really excited about it as the Estate is so popular at this time of year. I’m just hoping that the kids leave a couple of eggs for us older explorers once the weekend is over!” The Cadbury Easter Egg Trails take place at Ashridge from 3rd April - 6th April 10am – 4pm. £3 per child.

BLUEBELL TIME! - The bluebells on the Ashridge

Estate are native English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). Every year in late April or early May a spectacular carpet of blue emerges beneath the trees in areas of Ashridge. Bluebells are perfectly adapted to thrive in the shade and extra moisture provided by the cover of the trees coming into leaf. The first shoots appear in January, giving the bluebells a head start over other woodland plants before the canopy shades out the woodland floor. Long tapering leaves rise from the bulb and are topped with clusters of delicate bell-shaped flowers, which provide an early source of food for insects. Maps and self-guided walks are available in the Ashridge Visitor Centre and we will be running drop in bluebell walks when they are in bloom at 1pm and 3pm. (Dates to be confirmed) Please remember we all have a responsibility to protect our native bluebells and to make sure the beautiful woodland scenes here at Ashridge can be experienced by future generations. Please help us protect Ashridge’s bluebells by keeping to paths to prevent trampling and by not picking them.

Discover this area of outstanding natural beauty right on our doorstep. GENTLE STROLL Tues 14th April 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Covering Sallow Copse and surrounding areas. Part of a series of strolls which provide a chance to discover the wildlife in different parts of the Estate. The stroll takes around 2 hours. No need to book, just turn up at the Visitor Centre with sensible walking shoes and warm waterproof clothing just in case. £3 per person.

WILD ABOUT ASHRIDGE Wed 8th & 15th, Friday 10th & 17th April

Get closer to nature at our Wild About Ashridge gazebo. Held every Wednesday and Friday during the holidays between 10.30am and 3pm. Outdoor fun adventures, whatever the weather, with the National Trust team. There will also be additional drop-in activities on Wednesday at 12 noon and 2.30pm.

DAWN CHORUS Sat 25th April or Sat 2nd May 5am - 7am.

Yes, we know it’s early! But getting up to experience the dawn chorus should be on everyone’s list of things to do. As a reward for your early start we will provide you with a cup of tea and a breakfast butty at the end of the walk. £15 per adult, £10 for children.

ARCHAEOLOGY WALK Hudnall Common, Thurs 23rd April 6pm - 8pm Join the National Trust’s regional archaeologist to discover the history and archaeology of the common, looking at a range of features from possible Iron Age settlement to quarry pits of the 19th and 20th centuries. £8 per adult, £5 per child.

PLANT FAIR Sun 10th May 11am - 4pm

Stock up at our annual Plant Fair, with plants from our volunteer growers and local nurseries. Held at the Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre. Free entry. For our full list of events please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge or to book your place contact the Visitor Centre on 01442 851227.

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A Travellers Tale New England in the Fall (Plus Some History As well) By Paul Heley

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Memorial to 1620 landing place 14

Fall colours in New England

few years back, Val and I decided to say Yes to an attractive brochure advertising the splendours of the Fall colours in New England. These brochures are very clever because obviously - they choose the prettiest of pictures to lure you and, what is more, they don't point out that the different tree varieties come into their autumn colours at different times - so some of the trees won't have done anything by the time you get there! It's very much tied up with date and, perhaps, when we went in mid September, it might have been a bit early; early October is most likely the best time. But, even so, we did catch some really lovely views. However, New England is not just pretty trees; there's also an architectural style with characteristic "clapboard" churches different to most of America; and there's also more history in this area than anywhere else. So how did it go with us? We started off at Boston, Massachusetts, and found the place undergoing an "inversion": an enormous civil engineering project was turning the place literally upside down. It must have cost millions more than an arm and a leg. However, we were shepherded around the touristy sights of the city - as best as the tour operator could manage midst the chaos - and saw places like Benjamin Franklin's statue, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old State House, Quincy Market, Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. Many, if not most, of these places have historical links with the opening stages of the American War of Independence in 1775 and are part of what is known as "Boston's Freedom Trail". This war happened almost by accident and, apart from a few hotheads on the American side, nobody really wanted a war. Admittedly, the British government had acted in a very high handed manner over certain aspects of the law and things got badly out of hand on a few occasions. But there wasn't a deep seated hatred of the British: it was almost a case of their having acted foolishly and needing to be taught a lesson. But unfortunately, together with many skirmishes and misunderstandings (eg the problem over taxation leading to the "Boston Tea Party"), things became very serious indeed and grew eventually into a full scale conflict. It's interesting to note that, following the earlier 1620 landing, a steady stream of refugees escaping (mainly) religious persecution back in England had settled in the area which became known as New England. Looking at the maps of these six states, one sees scores of English place names which the migrants brought with them; one of which is Dunstable following a slightly later migration and subsequent development in 1656. It's also interesting to note that the people of the "new" Dunstable were quick to join in with the rebellion, remembering as they did the ungodly treatment to which they had been subjected back home.

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The Old State House, Boston As part of our tour, we were taken to different places where such "minutemen" had been recruited, or battles fought, and we were struck both with the pride felt by Americans over this particular episode of their history whilst, at the same time, almost a sadness that it had ever come to war. Many Americans are very pro-British and have a great fondness for the country and their ancestry. We were taken to places like Concord, Lincoln and Lexington and while travelling around caught many glimpses of the beauty offered by this part of the world at this time of the year as well as some of the covered bridges (sometimes called "Lovers' Bridges") for which this region is famous. Another historical place of interest was Salem (scene of the infamous 1692/3 trials when many innocent women were condemned as witches on religious grounds; and then hanged, tortured or burnt). But perhaps the most historically significant was the visit to Plymouth on Cape Cod where the "Pilgrim Fathers" first set foot in 1620 following their voyage from England in the "Mayflower". The actual landing spot (so they say!) is commemorated and there is also a statue to the chief of the Indian tribe who gave the newcomers food during their first harsh winter and kept them alive. Another (non historical) place visited was the Norman Rockwell Museum in Arlington, Vermont. Here scores of his "folksy" drawings and posters are on show. For many years he drew for a weekly magazine and his drawings have become national treasures and originals are very valuable. Somehow he seemed able to capture "ordinary" life of the 1920s in these, often very amusing, sketches. Our holiday lasted for a little over a week and we returned to the upside down world of Boston and escaped by going on a whale watching trip. Fortunately, a few had come out to greet us and it was very humbling to realise just how puny we are in comparison with these magnificent creatures. Whilst in New England, we learned the definition of a "Yankee". It runs like this :To a citizen of the world, a Yankee is an American; To an American, a Yankee is a Northener; To a Northener, a Yankee is a New Englander; To a New Englander, a Yankee is someone from Vermont; To a Vermonter, a Yankee is a person who eats pie for breakfast! (But there are other, more etymologically reasoned,

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Eggtastic Egg Hunt Friday 3 – Monday 6 April Suitable for all ages. Trail sheet £1

Ponderiffic Dipping Wednesday 1st and Wednesday 15th April 60-minute workshop at 11.00 and 14.00 Suitable for ages 5+. Tickets £4

Walter’s Wander in Tring Park Wednesday 8 April Two-hour walk at 10.15 and 14.00 Suitable for all ages. Free, advance booking required.

Big-Mouth Frogs Thursday 9, Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 April 30-minute workshop at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00. Suitable for all ages. Tickets £2

Merfolk’s Fingerprints Thursday 14 May 30-minute workshop at 11.00 and 14.00 Messy play for under 5s. Tickets £2

Big Nature Day Saturday 23 May. 10.00–16.00 Join in the fun as this special event returns to Tring. Take part in activities, meet local wildlife organisations and share your passion for nature. Suitable for all ages. Free

What Monsters Lie Ahead? Tuesday 26 May 30-minute specimen-handling activity at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.00 Suitable for all ages. Tickets £2

Gruffalo Exploration Wednesday 27 May Two-hour craft, walk and exploration session at 10.15 and 14.00. Suitable for all ages Tickets £4, advance booking required.

Snakes Alive with Amey Zoo Thursday 28 May 40-minute show at 10.30 and 11.30 Suitable for ages 6+. Tickets £5, advance booking required

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Consumer Clinic

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

How to Find a GOOD Estate Agent God love ‘em, they’re the people we love to hate. ESTATE AGENTS! I should make it clear at this point that a very dear member of my family is an estate agent, so I like to think I can approach this months’ article with a level of fairness for a much criticised profession. However, some of them really are AWFUL! You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio The fundamental problem with the industry of estate agency is that you don’t actually need any qualifications to become one. Any wide boy with a gift of the gab can quickly carve out a career as an estate agent. Depending on who they’re working for, and the influences around them they can quickly pick up some very nasty habits. I, like many people have been amazed at the ability of some estate agents to not only stretch the truth to encourage a deal to go through, but to lie through their teeth. The responsibility for finding a good estate agent lies solely with the seller (vendor). It can be infuriating as a buyer when you find a property you love that is on the market with a dishonest, un-reliable and unprofessional estate agent. There’s nothing you can do about it. In fact, I have pulled out of property deals before due to the estate agent representing the vendor. When you are selling your house, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Keep an eye on the market in the months leading up to the decision to put your property on. See which agents are selling houses/flats that are similar to yours. Ask your neighbours and friends in the area who have used an estate agent recently what their experience was like. Only look at companies that are prominent in your local neighbourhood and preferably those that have staff with experience. When you have a list of 3 or 4 reputable firms, get them all round 20

to value your property. Be open and honest with them and inform them that you are speaking to a number of agents. Tell them that to secure your business you’ll be looking for them to do a deal on their commission. I personally NEVER pay more than 1% of the sale price to an estate agent (with todays house prices I think that's quite enough!). Introducing a sliding scale of commission can also be a motivating factor for them to get you the best price for the property. Look at the pictures they take of other properties to make sure they either use a professional or have the ability to showcase a house or flat nicely. Try calling them and speaking to those who answer the phone. Do they sound friendly, approachable and bright? Make sure that the contract is reasonably short. You don’t want to be tied to the same estate agent for the next 6 months if your property fails to sell. Finally for sellers (and I speak from experience) DO NOT LEAVE YOUR KEYS WITH AN ESTATE AGENT. When selling my last property I made this mistake. In their desperation to get the sale to go through they took my buyer into my property without asking my permission first. Sadly I realised at that moment that my estate agent had failed to see my flat as my home, and could only focus on the commission they stood to make from selling it. For the buyer, you have much less control. This can be an absolutely horrible position to be in. There are

some things you can do to help the process though. 1. Use your own mortgage advisor. The estate agents will try everything they can to get you to use ‘their’ advisor. Don’t listen to a word of it. They are legally obliged to pass on any offer to their client, and cannot force you to use their chosen mortgage company. 2. Use your own solicitor. Again the agents will want you to use their conveyancing company. This will probably be a large company that is more like a conveyancing factory acting on behalf of thousands and thousands of customers all over the country at any one time. Do you really think you’re going to get the best, impartial advice from them? Particularly when you consider they have a business relationship with the estate agent who doesn’t get paid unless the sale goes through. 3. Try to get the contact details of the vendor. If you can speak to the vendor directly you can ensure that the estate agent is passing on accurate information. If you take all of my advice and still have a problem with an estate agent, please remember you can always contact me and my team at jvsshow@bbc.co.uk

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Chrome or Gold

At Home In The Garden Lighting

Ok, so spring is officially here and we break out the DIY and home improvements in gusto!!! However we are all guilty of rushing off to the nearest showroom when it comes to planning big works like kitchens and bathrooms thinking we will see the best range and value for money choices??? Part is true, you will see a great range, you will sit for hours planning work tops, and door handles, but as much as these are both practical and pretty there is something often overlooked! When designing working/functional space lighting is a HUGE element that is often uncovered? What is best for your home? What is best for your north facing kitchen/diner, or south facing bathroom? These are questions I bet you will never hear from the designer/ sales person across the table? You’re sent off with your quote and a paint chart ready to embrace your build with enthusiasm. BUT STOP! If you plan the lighting, you will not only be able to make better choices regarding the colouring of your room, but also you will be able to give the builders/tradesmen better information and HOPEFULLY, save both time and money later on. So once you have your ideas, work out what you

want, then what you need! Would you like a decorative pendant? Do spotlights work best? Do you want to dim overhead lighting to create different atmospheres? Do you want lights for specific tasks? Do you want lights in cupboards that are dark and difficult to see? Is age and eyesight against you? Task lighting ‘What’s that?” LED? Halogen? Strip Lighting? All of it sounds very complicated and expensive! Honestly it really isn’t. Some versions come with a higher price tag, but up to a 20-year guarantee so in the life of your property it will end up saving you money. Buy the right lighting solutions and not only will you not be up and down ladders changing bulbs, but also you will save money on your energy bills. So next time you are in the market for a large purchase such as a kitchen or bathroom, ask your designer if they can help with selecting the right lighting for the area? You will be amazed at how much a room can be altered just with lighting alone. By Sarah Myall Designer Principle/Director 07734 955303 www.white-houseinteriors.com

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Page 35

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In The Garden

April Pleasure Projects April is a great month for a garden project; one which can be achieved in a morning or an afternoon, and which improves a few square metres. You’ll feel you’ve achieved something wonderful and if you break the whole garden into a series of small projects it suddenly appears more manageable. Here are three to get you started. Lawns always look bedraggled after the winter. Remove dead grass by raking the surface with a wire toothed rake. Improve drainage on heavy soil by spiking it with a garden fork every 6 inches (15cm) or so, to a depth of about 4 inches (10cm), giving the fork a good wiggle each time. Sweep sharp sand into the holes with a broom. Then mow the lawn with the blades set on high and remove the clippings. Two weeks later apply a combined weed killer and fertilizer. If you’re lucky it will rain within 24 hours. If not just water it in. Mow weekly to keep the lawn thick and healthy.

Seating

You don’t need a huge patch to enjoy growing strawberries. Plant a few in pots as a treat. Buy young, rich green plants which have been certified virus-free. Plant 3-4 in a 12 inch (30cm) clay pot. The crowns (where shoots meet roots) should be level with the compost surface. Water them in and stand in the shelter of a house wall. If you have a greenhouse or a cold frame they will establish more quickly and fruit earlier. Pinch off any runners which form. 28

The Lawn

Don’t forget an all weather seat so you can sit and contemplate all your hard work over a cup of tea or a nip of something stronger. Teak from renewable resources is fantastic but cast iron or aluminium is also good, though you’ll need a cushion to protect your posterior on cold days! Position it in a sunny area. Buy a few flowering daffodils, tulips and pansies and plant them in a pretty pot next to the bench, then sit back and enjoy.

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In The Garden

rd 19th - 23 5 May 201

Chelsea Flower Show The Chelsea Flower Show is to gardening what the Paris catwalks are to fashion. Paris fashions may seem outlandish, but they push certain trends, which in a watered-down version end up in high-street shops. Likewise, though many of Chelsea’s show gardens are fantasy pieces which demonstrate outrageous ideas, the horticultural trends on display will find their way into our own more modest plots. For example; did you know that bonsai specimens and topiary gardens were introduced at Chelsea in 1913? Rock gardens were introduced in the 1940’s and decking in the eighties. All of these can now be bought in garden centres up and down the land. In 2006 James Dyson even produced a water feature in which the water ran uphill. Actually I’m still waiting for my garden centre to stock one of those! Maybe one day... Chelsea isn’t just about high fashion though; it reflects environmental trends too. In recent years there have been hosepipe bans in the great Pavillion and many of the gardens have showcased drought-tolerant planting schemes. Chelsea draws over 150 000 visitors each year. For the past ten years it’s been held over 30

five days instead of four, such is its popularity. The sheer quantity and varieties of plants on display to the general public is breathtaking. Chelsea really is window-shopping at its finest. It’s like walking through a real-life version of the best garden design catalogue in the world. And if you visit on the last day you don’t have to restrict yourself to window shopping. At 4pm precisely a bell rings and the great Chelsea sell-off begins. The poor designers, after all their hard work, begin the mammoth task of dismantling their creations. The good news is that the public can buy them. It’s perfectly possible to end up owning a little piece of a prize winning garden. So what should you choose? If it were me I’d want something special; a reminder of my visit. I’d go for a species which I know would grow in my garden, but an unusual variety, not available in my local garden centre. In my case it would probably be an unusual lavender or fuchsia. Choose carefully and you could have a little piece of Chelsea gold adorning your plot for many years to come.

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Seeds

Bulbs

A Good Read

For You

The Poison Tree By Erin Kelly

Finding your way in the world after leaving school can be daunting, and for Karen this is no different. A language student at a college in London she has a chance encounter with Biba, an exotic and bohemian student, and Karen’s life will never be the same again. Biba lives with her brother Rex in a crumbling gothic style townhouse in London, with a lifestyle that could not be further from the suburban humdrum that Karen grew up in. She is drawn to these two siblings and so begins a summer of freedom, cheap wine, experimental drugs and sexual adventures. The lure of Biba’s personality is tremendous and Karen clearly aspires to be like her. Then, one day, their idyllic summer comes crashing to a halt. Karen learns the truth of Biba and Rex’s family life and an unexpected visitor leads to tragedy. A more mature Karen looks back on the events of that summer ten years later as she comes to terms with her role in everything. As a reader, you know from the start that something is going to happen. Like a car crash in slow motion you can see it coming as Karen absorbs more and more of Biba’s exotic nature. Yet, when the author brings things to a climax you are thrown, dazed and shocked, along with Karen, in a debut novel that will stay with you long after you close it for the final time. 34

For The Kids The Maze Runner By James Dashner Post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature seems to be all the rage in the Young Adult fiction market these days. Hot on the heels of the successful Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies comes The Maze Runner. Initially published in 2009 it came to prominence with the release of the film adaptation in 2014. Thomas is a teenager who awakes to find himself in a box in a place called the Glade. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be here, but he is thrown into this new community, and as a reader so are you. Before long you become familiar with the terminology used by the boys and you feel as if you are a Glader along with them. As Thomas adjusts to his new home he learns about the Maze which surrounds the Glade. Each day the walls open and a select group of runners spend daylight hours exploring and mapping it. It is a race against the clock because at sunset the Grievers – giant robotic creatures – enter the Maze and they are deadly. The walls close to protect the community and overnight the structure of the Maze changers, leaving the runners to start again in the morning. The big mystery is why. Why are Thomas and the other boys there and why do the Grievers come out to get them? Why do the walls in the Maze change and will the runners ever solve it. However, more importantly why has a girl been sent to the Glade and why has all communication with the outside world suddenly stopped?

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erâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s View

A Pension . .. s n r e c n o Aged C

Is Insulation The Answer

To Keeping Warm?

ell, it certainly helps in the cost of keeping your house warm when it has a means of getting warmth into the house in the first place and that really is the crux of the problem which faces the pensioner. Insulation is a good answer to keeping a house warm, once it is warm, otherwise the house assumes the ambient air temperature outside. We have all read the propaganda issued by the government on keeping one room warm in the house and wearing extra clothing. But I have had a sample of living in the conditions many of those on benefits or sanctions are expected to live under. Let me explain. In the first week of November 2014 - just as it was getting cold, I had a cataract removed in the L & D Hospital, no problem, all went very well, but one of the things you were warned not to do, as you recuperated from the operation was - do not look downwards when reading or carrying out other duties like picking things up from the floor. It sounds easy but I found it very awkward indeed. What has that to do with heating a house you might ask? Well, I have an anthracite powered hot water boiler for our central heat-

By Mike Newman

ing and getting anthracite from the bunker to the boiler and removing ash and clinker at regular intervals requires a lot of bending down and looking down. I could not keep the boiler operating for at least a month. We live in a semi-detached house, lounge, living room, kitchen and three bedrooms with only a gas fire in the living/dining room, it is efficient and it kept the living room warm, but rather costly to run, so it was used in the afternoon and evenings. The house is insulated but once you left the area of the gas fire, then the cold hit, upstairs was cold, the only way you kept warm was by going to bed, but when you got up in the morning, then you were shivering in the bathroom and the whole house was down to ambient conditions, not pleasant at all, an extra pullover did help a little, but those few weeks were the most inhospitable I have ever known. So I can truly say that the recommended way of keeping warm in a cold house does not work - if you don't believe it, give it a go for couple of days with no central heating. So to insulate is good, but remember, fridges and freezers are insulated to keep them cold. Insulation is exactly what it says

it is, it will maintain the desired temperature, but on its own it does nothing, you have to change the temperature to suit the requirements needed, whether they be cold or hot. Insulation keeps the heat in the house, providing you put it there. So, to all the present promises being made by the political parties about insulating more homes, which they hope will be a vote winner, they need to bear in mind that insulation on its own will not do the job. You need the heat to keep an insulated house warm. To get the heat we need the fuel to supply it. So lets not half do the job, the needy require fuel for heat. Since the majority of the power suppliers are owned by foreign investors this will not be easy. But a government for the people must ensure that fuel becomes affordable which at the present moment, as far as the pensioner is concerned is not the case, particularly also those who are on, or even, below the poverty level. So a word to the government, elected in a few weeks time. Insulation is no good unless you supply a means of affordable fuel for pensioners and the rest of the unfortunates. There are ways - so think about it and do something about it.

Mike Newman is a member of The Dunstable And District Senior Citizens Club. If you have a view on any of the issues raised why not attend one of their monthly meetings, held on the last Thursday of the month at St Marys Catholic Social Club, West St., Dunstable. 36

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Health Beauty & Wellbeing

Hands & Feet

A healthy diet is important. Eating proteins, and food or supplements that contain vitamins B and E will help you have healthy, strong nails and soft and supple skin. Regularly moisturise your hands with a good quality product. Winter tends to dry out our skin so use a heaver lotion during the colder months. Massage lotion in when you apply it to help it soak in. If your hands are particularly rough add Vaseline. Protect your hands with gloves when washing up, cleaning, gardening or doing other chores. Use lukewarm water when washing your hands and never use normal dish soap as this tends to be too harsh and can dry the skin. Trim your nails every two weeks or more often if required. When filing your nails file in one direction rather than using a seesaw action. Apply a scrub to your hands with a good exfoliating agent once a week to get rid of dead skin. In addition to moisturisers, hand creams and scrubs try a cuticle cream or lotion to stop cuticles drying out. If you paint your nails, always use a base coat so that your nails don’t stain. For extra pampering, go for a manicure once a month.

Most of us neglect our feet. They spend much of their lives covered up – out of sight and out of mind – and yet I for one love to give them the occasional pamper and am convinced they thank me for it! A pedicure, professionally done, is a therapeutic treatment for feet which can support chiropody if you have foot problems, can assist posture by helping you to walk more comfortably and can soothe and relax you whilst being done. Typically, a pedicure will begin with a soak of your feet in warm, scented water which will both cleanse and soften the skin. This is then followed by an exfoliating rub to get rid of dead skin. Salts and minerals are used, but exfoliation may also be done with pumice, especially on the heels or ball of the foot. A massage of the feet with creams and aromatherapy oils follows, to refresh and soften the skin. You may also be treated to a massage of the lower leg. Finally, cuticles will be clipped and nails cut and shaped before nail polish is applied to send you away with pretty toes! Any style of polish can be applied, from a French pedicure with white tips to gel polish which gives a longlasting glossy finish which dries instantly. With summer approaching, now is the time to get your feet ready for those open toe sandals!

Look after your hands & feet and they will serve you well!

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    

                                3     2    4 3 

                Answers on   page 62           2         9 7 6     8   2 9    3

Sudoku 数独 1 6

9 2 6

8 4

                                            

5 6

7 PAPER

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!

Crossword

                   WIDES   

Across

Down

1. Prejudice based on ethnicity (6) 5. Erotic fixation (6) 8. Hope, desire (4) 9. Addictive drug (8) 10. Sacred songs or hymns (6) 11. Marrying twice without divorce (crime) (6) 12. Dull heavy noise (4) 14. Sick (3) 15. Female (4) 16. Horror-struck (6) 18. Place of Christian worship (6) 20. Nazi symbol (8) 22. Military force (4) 23. Iconic Australian city (6) 24. Twinging, hurting (6)

2. First sign of the Zodiac (5) 3. Breathed in (7) 4. Short item of ladies’ clothing (4,5) 5. A long way away (3) 6. Strip of leather, shoe (5) 7. Sparkle, glitter (7) 11. Warm headwear, ski-mask (9) 13. Main road, carriageway (7) 15. Hungarian soup or stew (7) 17. Set-fire with criminal intent (5) 19. Pungent spice (5) 21. Evergreen climbing plant (3)

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free eye DUNSTABLE EYE CENTRE free eye DUNSTABLE 01582 608 449 www.decopticians.co.uk 5 Ashton Square, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3SN EYE CENTRE

exam.

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Children under 16 are entitled to a free eye examination under the NHS

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5 Ashton Square, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3SN 01582 449 5www.decopticians.co.uk 5 Ashton Square, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3SN Bedfordshire Ashton 5 Ashton Square, Square, Dunstable, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6LU6 3SN3SN 01582 608 608 www.decopticians.co.uk 01582 608Square, 449449 www.decopticians.co.uk 5 Dunstable, 5 Ashton Ashton Square, Dunstable, Bedfordshire Bedfordshire LU6 LU6 3SN 3SN 5 Ashton Square, Dunstable, On presentation of this voucher | CannotBedfordshire be used with anyLU6 other3SN offer On presentation of this of voucher | Cannot beused used with any other offer On this || presentation Cannot be with any offer On On presentation of this ofother voucher this voucher | Cannot | Cannot be used be used with with any any otherother offeroffer On presentation presentation of this voucher voucher Cannot be used with any other offer On presentation of this voucher | Cannot be used with any other offer

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KIDS Word Link The words in both the yellow box and the blue box can be linked to the missing word in the red box. Can you find the missing words? The first one has been filled in for you. EGG CURTAIN LUCK HOLIDAY PATCH

Picture Crossword

3 4

Across 1 5

Word Link Answers Shower Pot Bank Eye

2 3 4

Can you get your tongue round this?

Six thick thistle sticks!

Down 1

Picture Crossword Solution

C H I C K S

EASTER ______ ___ ____ ___

L O U D S A R F A F L I O A D M U N I B W E L L I E S

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F.C n w To

Tastes so good...

Easy Easter CupCRUST Cakes ROAST SEA BASS WITH A LEMON & GARLIC

This dish can be eaten hot or cold and it’s great for lunch boxes. You can use up leftover cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet potato or carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.

These cute little cakes make for an easy Easter treat

Makes: 12 cupcakes Ingredients: Preparation time: 15 minutes Shortcrust pastry: Cooking time: 15-20 minutes Cooling time: 15 minutes100g salted butter 200g plain flour Decorating time: 10-15 minutes 4-5 tbps cold water Ingredients

Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan dish. R pin

Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour until it resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry togeth into a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour covere the fridge.

Filing: 200g parsnip, peeled Cook the parsnip in boiling water until soft. Leave to cool. Fry off the sha For the cakes until soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inch greased flan dish with the & sliced 115g (4oz) softened butter or margarine rested pastry. Prick the bottom of the base gently with a fork to stop air 1 shallot, diced 115g (4oz) caster sugar bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous "soggy bottom"!) 3 eggs 2 eggs, lightly beaten 175ml crème fraiche crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case being caref to tear the pastry. Then fill with ceramic baking beans spreading them ou 85g (3oz) self-raising flour 290ml milk evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a little crisp 25g (1oz) cocoa powder1/2 (optional - forspice tsp mixed chocolate cupcakes) or korma curry Remove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking beat the powder together and add the creme fraiche and milk, incorporating all together w 50g good blue whisk. Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and gradually For the topping to the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Once the pastry case has com 85g (3oz) softened buttercheese 50g ham or cooked of the oven dot the base with the blue cheese, onion and ham. Pour the 175g (5oz) icing Perfect for sugar a simple lunch or a dinner party with friends, this main course is an easy crowd pleaser, bacon mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or until t lookspowder great on the plate and is a wonderful dish to serve with vegetables or salad alike. 25g (1oz) cocoa centre doesn’t wobble. Diane Johnson 1 tablespoon milk 3 drops vanilla extract Equipment: Small processor or mortar and pestle 2 packets mini eggs Ingredients :

Method

4 skinned fillets sea bass,

Oven: Gas Mark 5, 190°c Method: Brush undersides with olive oil and season fish all

Preheat the oven 180 C water / Gas 4. washed undertorunning over with salt and pepper. Zest one of the lemons and squeeze Place3the butter in a mixing bowl with juice. Wedge the other lemon for garnish. Whizz garlic with unwaxed lemons 4 cloves garlic lemon juice and zest. Once no more large pieces can be seen, the sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Then Smallbeat bunch washed add the parsley, bread and butter to the processor. gradually inof the eggs, afresh little at a time. parsley Sift the flour and cocoa powder (if using) 25g butter Quite quickly you should produce a moist and very tasty into the Fold them in with a large spoon until 30gmixture. wholemeal bread breadcrumb mixture. Press this mixture firmly onto the upper 50ml extra olive oilto dollop theside combined. Usevirgin a teaspoon mixture silicon cases, or paper cases, lining a patty tin. of theinto fillets. & pepper BakeSalt in the preheated oven until well risen and firm to touch, 15 to 20 minutes. Keep checking them so Roast for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust is brown. they don’t burn. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve with whatever takes your fancy!

Dianethe Johnson To make buttercream topping, place the butter in a bowl. Sift in the icing sugar and cocoa, and then add the milk and vanilla essence. Beat until really light and fluffy. When the cupcakes have cooled, ice the cakes. It looks good if the icing is piped on into a nest shape, but this is optional. Place chocolate eggs in the centre of each nest to decorate. 44

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k s g g E r e t s a E ry Of

The Histo

aster without chocolate eggs would be like Christmas without presents. Simply unthinkable! And yet the tradition of giving chocolate at Easter is relatively recent, dating back 120 years or so to the late nineteenth century. Easter is a Christian festival that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Occurring in Spring, which is regarded as a time of renewal and birth by many faiths and cultures, the egg has been used as a symbol of birth and fertility since well before Christianity. Originally painted bright colours to celebrate the sunlight of spring, decorating and colouring eggs became popular during the Middle Ages, when they were dyed red to symbolise the blood of Christ. Forbidden as a food during Lent, eggs were hard-boiled, decorated and then given to children at Easter as good luck symbols. In the eighteenth century, pasteboard or papier mache eggs with small gifts inside became popular and by the nineteenth century these had evolved into cardboard eggs covered in silk, lace or velvet and fastened with ribbon. Faberge produced its first egg in 1883, and elaborate eggs made from silver and gold, ivory and porcelain - some inlaid with jewels - followed. The first chocolate eggs were made in France and Germany in the early nineteenth century, not long after the first eating chocolate was invented (prior

to this chocolate was enjoyed as a drink). But the chocolate couldn’t be moulded and early eggs were solid. Chocolate eggs didn’t truly gain in popularity until Cadbury entered the market in 1875. Their early eggs were made from dark chocolate with a plain, smooth surface. Filled with dragees (small, hard sweets), they were decorated with chocolate piping and marzipan flowers. The range gradually increased until in 1893 Cadbury was producing 19 different lines, but it wasn’t until 1905 when the company introduced Cadbury Dairy Milk that the sales of Easter eggs really received a boost. All-chocolate eggs did not immediately replace the novelty eggs of the Victorian era, however, and Cadbury continued to produce a fancy cardboard egg filled with chocolates until the early 1930s. The first crème eggs appeared in 1923 as a forerunner to the Cadbury Creme Egg, launched in 1971. An instant hit, it has now become Cadbury’s most popular egg, with over 500 million being made every year, though shell eggs still form the largest sector of the Easter egg market. So, we have Cadbury to thank for our modern day Easter egg, and in particular their invention of Dairy Milk. How ironic, then, that this year they should recently decide to replace the nation’s favourite chocolate on their most popular egg with an alternative! Will Easter ever be the same again?

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Mabelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News

from Appledown

Hello again!

I am Mabel the resident dog at Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels in Eaton Bray.

Appledown Resc

ueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dog of the

I ne

hom e! a d

Month Young at heart! This is Candy So uthern, she is a boxer cross. At 1011 years of age ma ny dogs are starting to slow dow n but Candy is am azingly sprightly for her age. This playful and affectio nate girl still loves a game of ball and a nice walk! We believe that Candy is housetrained and would cope with being for short periods left once she has set tled in. She would need to be an onl y pet.

Appledown Resc

ue & Rehoming

Call 01525 220383

If you feel you cou ld offer Candy, or any of our other dogs, a loving and secure home ple ase call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our sta will be happy to ff offer advice and information. We restrictions on reh have oming dogs to fam ilies with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details.

Kennels, Harlin

g Road

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, Eaton Bray, Be or e-mail appled ds LU6 1QY. Young at heart! This is Candy Southern,owshe n.kennels@btint ernet.com (Reg You can w fol Charity No. 111684 low us on Facebo is a boxer cross. At 10-11 years ofnoage many 8) ok and Twitter!!! Interior Design dogs are starting to slow down but Candy is amazingly sprightly for her age. This playful and Specialists affectionate girl still loves a game of ball and Full design & supply a nice walk! We believe that Candy is houseof luxury & designer trained and would cope with being left for short kitchens, bathrooms, periods once she has settled in. She would need fabrics & soft furnishings. to be an only pet.

If you feel you could offer Candy, or any of our other dogs, a loving and secure home please call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our staff will be happy to offer advice and information. We have restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details.

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Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels Appledown Rescue Appledown and Rehoming Rescue Kennels and Rehoming K

th Sunday 10th10May Sunday May Sunday 10th Ma

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Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Appledown Kennels, Rescue Harling &Road, Rehoming Road, Kennels, Harlin EatonEaton Bray, Beds 220383 Bray, LU6 Beds1QY. LU6 01525 1QY. Eaton 01525 Bray,220383 Beds LU6 1QY. 01525 22038 (Registered Charity Number 1116848)1116848) (Registered Charity Number (Registered Charity Number 1116848)

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auto Biographies Nissan Qashqai By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk

et to deliver a first-rate drive.

The latest Nissan Qashqai, Anyway, back to the Tekna trim Qashqai under review. The which went on sale in g through a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.2Nissan benefits from darkness January is available piercingand Bi-LED headlamps and ne packs a punch,2014, offering sharper acceleration it excels when it comes to kit. flexibility than the first generation Qashqai’s 1.6-litre in four time-honoured The car comes equipped with grades: Visia, Acenta, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, Acenta Premium and part-leather seats, a large glass ts modest size, the engine’s low weight and more heated seats, and front and Tekna. also mean it’s cleaner androof, ient operation more

rear parking sensors. There’s also

cal than the model it replaces. The 1.2 engine emits touchscreen display, a seven-inch The model tested here comes /km of CO₂ (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre DAB digital radio, and smartphone in flagship Tekna trim. But we’ll connectivity. nit), and has an average fuel consumption figure of come to that in a bit. The Qashqai is available with a . Firstly, here’s some background. The second generation, fam-

petrol or diesel engine; the review

car came amily ily car,oriented you’d expect safety to be a priority for with turbocharged car is now longer, petrol But it turns out that loweryou’d and wider, giving a morefeatures apower. qai – and be right. TheitNissan host the Nissan doesn’t need anything imposing stance while maintainative safety features which helped it confidently huge under the bonnet to deliver a ing a raised position. The uro NCAP's tests driving to record the maximum five-star first-rate drive.

vehicle under review is frontMotoring through a six-speed wheel drive, the set-up which manual transmission, the 1.2-litre Nissan says will account for most engine packs ed to sales, offer the best possible levels of protection for a punch, offering but all-wheel drive is availsharper the fresh particularly shone in the Childacceleration and greater able Qashqai too. flexibility t tests.The Based on readings frommodern the dummies usedthan the first generation Qashqai's exterior looks Qashqai’s 1.6-litre unit. and there’s a better qualitypoints feel tofor its the Qashqai scored maximum the18-month cabin - perfect for many years Despite its modest size, the on of an old infant. engine’s low weight and more of hardcore family use.car The–rangebasis alone, I’m sold on the but thenfuel-efficient I do have operation also mean topping Tekna model features an onth old and two other small children to take to it’s cleaner and more economiarray of technologies that highlight can definitely see the appeal – and so, it seems, do cal than the model it replaces. the Japanese motor manufacturThe 1.2 engine emits just 129g/ rents. er’s lead in the crossover market. km of CO₂ (15g/km less than the But hang on, what is a crossooutgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and ver vehicle? Well, it’s a motor this car and your offspring will be safe from harm – fuel consumption has an average built on a car platform, combinmeans you lose all individuality when you merge figure of 50.4mpg. ing characters of a Sport Utility vast sea of other Nissan Qashqais parked outside Vehicle (SUV) with elements from Being a family car, you’d expect safety to be a priority for the ol gates. an estate or a hatchback. The crossover mixes SUV design cues Qashqai – and you’d be right. The Nissan features a host of innovasuch as tall interior packaging, tive CONS safety features which helped it FACTS lofty seating, high centre ofPROS gravity ‘N’ confidently pass all Euro NCAP's and elevated ground-clearance speed: 115 mph √ the maximum fivetestsSafety to record with car-like handling and good Economy √ star rating. fuel economy. mph: 10.9 secs 52

bined mpg: 50.4

Driving position √ Kit √

Engineered to offer the best possible levels of protection for children, the fresh Qashqai particularly shone in the Child Occupant tests. Based on readings from the dummies used in tests, the Qashqai scored maximum points for its protection of an 18-month old infant. On that basis alone, I’m sold on the car – but then I do have an 18 month old and two other small children to take to school. I can definitely see the appeal – and so, it seems, do other parents. Yep, buy this car and your offspring will be safe from harm – even if it means you lose all indiExperts allmerge aspects viduality wheninyou intoof the vast sea of other Nissan Qashqais parked outside the school gates.

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SOLD Many of us will rejoice at the thought of two bank holidays during May. UK bank holidays have been in existence since the 1871 Bank Holidays Act when initially four specific days were created as days off. There have been additions over the years including New Years Day in 1974 and the first Monday in May in 1978. An extra bank holiday was created as a one off event in 2011 for the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on 29th April, and in 2012 for the Queens Diamond Jubilee on 5th June. Bank holidays can be declared by statute or Royal proclamation, the latter is also commonly used to move those holidays that would otherwise fall on a weekend to a week day. There is no automatic right to time off on these days but many employers do pay staff to take the day off or if they work they pay them additional wages. There are frequent campaigns for further bank holidays to be added, commonly in relation to the main Saints days, St David’s, St Patrick’s, St Andrew’s and St George’s for example. Bank Holidays are now frequently chosen as dates for special events and many will choose to book holiday for the full week that includes a bank holiday in order to spend time with family and friends. We can look forward to two bank holidays this May with the Early May Bank Holiday falling on Monday 4th May and the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 25th May. 54

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Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!

April and May 2015 April Shooting Star Bonanza:

April sees the return of the Lyrids Meteor Shower across Bedfordshire. Peak meteor activity occurs on the night of 22 April – 23 April when skywatchers will be able to catch a hundred or more shooting stars streaking across the sky from the east / southeast between 10pm to 3am the following morning.

Take a Journey to the Edge of the Galaxy: Spring is a great

By Seb Jay

as old as the universe itself. The Hercules Globular Cluster, located in the evening sky towards the east not far from the bright star Vega, can be seen with binoculars on a moonless night from the Chilterns.

Find Four Planets in One Evening:

The first two weeks in May this year are a great opportunity to see four planets with the naked eye. Mercury is first up. Look low down to your west sixty-minutes after sunset for a shimmering orange dot of light in the evening twilight. Higher up towards the west is dazzling Venus – the brightest star-like object in the night sky. Up and to the left of Venus is a slightly less bright Jupiter, while low down to the south-east horizon after dark you’ll find pale yellow Saturn.

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Out&About THE WILDLIFE TRUST Birds on Blows - Spring Walk Sat 25th April 8am - 11am £3 Adult £2 Child. Meeting at Skimpot Rd/Hatters Way LU4 4GY To Book Sue Turner 07706131942 Spring Has Sprung - Guided Walk Sat 16th May 10am - 12.30pm £3 Adilt £2 Child Meeting at Houghton Regis Chalk pit - lake view LU5 5GJ Booking Required - Ruth Sneath 01525 874317 Butterflies Of Totternhoe Wed 20th May 11am - 1pm £3 Adult £2 Child Meeting at Totternhoe National Trust Car Park. Booking Required Sue Turner 07706131942 Birdsong Workshop for beginners with breakfast Sat 30th May 7am - 9.30am £3 Meeting at Houghton Regis Chalk Pit - Lake View LU5 5GJ Breakfast follows. To book Ruth Sneath 01525 874317 INCREDIBLE EDIBLE DUNSTABLE 4th April & 2nd May COME n GROW sessions 2015. On the first Saturday of every month 11am to 1pm, Katherine Drive Dunstable. LU5 4NP Details of each months action plan will be published on Incredible Edible Dunstable’s event page on Face Book and on a poster in the garden. We hope you can join the fun! DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Enjoy an evening of musical entertainment with the Dunstable Ladies Choir; 7.30pm on Saturday 6th June at St Augustine’s Church, Mayfield Road, Dunstable. Tickets on the door £8, including homemade refreshments. Further details from Pat Jackson 01582 520302. HOUGHTON REGIS BOWLS CLUB Open day on the 4th may from 11am to around 4pm The only thing needed is flat soled shoes. All ages and abilities are welcome. Children over 12 years must be accompanied by a parent please. 60

• Clubs • Groups • CLUB Events THE DUNSTABLE ORBIT • Community

Light refreshments will be available. Please come and have a go, look forward seeing you all, any enquiries please ring me on 01582518645 DUNSTABLE BRIDGE CLUB We meet every Monday (except bank holidays) in Chews House in High Street South, Dunstable, from 1pm to 5pm. We would welcome new members of all standards and you do not need a partner. If anyone is interested please call: 01582 664485 DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business men. The Club’s main object is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy a variety of social activities and organized visits throughout the year and at their regular monthly meetings they are entertained by after-lunch speakers. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary Malcolm Partridge 01525 222711 LANGDALE CHURCH ‘HATTERS TEA’- informal neighbourhood group meets monthly on a Wednesday pm. Free tea/coffee & home-made cakes, quiz and raffle. Friends and Neighbours- monthly on a Thursday pm. Speakers and free tea/coffee. At Langdale Church. Other groups- table tennis, walking group and drawing for beginners Make the most of our community activities and meet new people in our community. Tel Colin, Community Worker 01582602980 BREAKOUT SOCIAL CLUB We are a club for the over forty fives, not a singles club but a social club for people who enjoy going out but are on their own, where they can meet like-minded people, with a varied monthly programme covering Disco’s, Pub lunch’s, walks, parties and much, much more, we meet once a week in the front bar at the Conservative Club, High street North Dunstable

For more information please contact Sandy on 07813 262556 DUNSTABLE SENIOR CITIZENS What age would you like to live to? Would you like to live it with Dignity, Financial peace of mind, With a voice We are a local group fighting the fight for the over 50’s Interested in finding out more? Come to a meeting We meet the last Thursday of each month at 2pm In the Social club of The Catholic Church in West Street Dunstable Or call for more information on 01582 534357 THE BOGTROTTERS The Bogtrotters (Dunstable and District Walking and Hostelling Group) are a group of about 90 walkers, hikers and hostellers. We run a surprisingly diverse range of activities, including half and full day walks, hostelling trips, meals and evening activities. New members are always welcome. Prospective members are invited to get in touch via the website, give us a ring or just turn up to an event or walk. Enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk 01582 865966 Sue or Julian ST GEORGE’S DAY Saturday 25th April Priory Gardens, 11am - 4pm Free St. George’s Day event with entertainment for all of the family! TUDOR DAY Saturday 16th May Priory Gardens, 10am - 4pm A family fun day featuring music, activities and displays found in the Tudor period. BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL Friday 29th May - 4pm -11pm Saturday 30th May - 12pm - 11pm Sunday 31st May - 12pm - 5pm Grove House Gardens Three day Beer Festival set in a closed off marquee in Grove House Gardens with music.

CHILTERN GATEWAY CENTRE Tel: 01582 500920 Cadbury Easter Egg Trail 3rd - 6th Apr, 11am - 3pm £2 Become an Eggsplorer at Dunstable Downs. Use the clues to navigate your way around the trail and collect a Cadbury Egghead prize when you make it back to basecamp. Spring Flowers 19th April 2pm - 3.30pm £4 Discover floral signs of spring on a guided walk with the Ranger Team at Sundon Hills Country Park. Meet at Sundon Hills Country Park, main car park. Sundon Hills Country Park is located in Sundon, nr Streatley. Please follow signs from the A6 at Streatley. Dawn Chorus 3rd May 4.30am - 9.30 am £4 The walk will leave at 4.30am, returning to the centre at approximately 7.30am for breakfast. Discover the beautiful sounds of the Dawn Chorus on an early morning guided walk. Learn about the different calls and identify bird song with our guide, then head back to the Chilterns Gateway Centre for a well-earned breakfast. Discover the Duke of Burgundy 16th May 2pm - 3.30 £4 Explore Whipsnade Downs and discover the Duke of Burgundy butterfly on a guided walk with the Ranger Team Beautiful Butterflies 30th May 2pm - 3.30pm £4 booking essential Explore Whipsnade Downs with the Ranger Team and discover more about the beautiful butterflies that call the Downs home. CARITAS HARMONY CHOIR Save The Date - Sunday June 21 6.30Pm Grove Theatre Dunstable Caritas Harmony (formerly Pasque Harmony) the local award winning choir will be singing a varied programme of songs to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Guest artist and compere to be confirmed Tickets £15 available from the box office 01582602080 FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMON We are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as

a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy.For this purpose we meet as a work party on the third Saturday of each month (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a picnic lunch is provided! Details from Pam on 01582 872608 pamrumfitt@btinternet.com PRIORY HOUSE Tel: 01582 891420 TEA TIME TALES Regular Tea Time Tales, with refreshments, held at Priory House on alternate Thursday afternoons is another event organised by the Dunstable Town Guides. 16th April The History of Luton & Dunstable Hospital - Janet Graham 30th April The Beauty of Butterflies Near & Far - Wilf Powell 24th May The Sinking of The Lustania - Bigger than The Titanic? - Kay Kempster 28th May A Bull in a China Shop, working in Booths China Store, Bute St. Luton Alan Campbell THE NATIONAL TRUST April 1st. 7.45pm. Ian Waller is a genealogist and archive researcher. He will talk about the days before our country had the welfare system we know to-day: poverty. pauperism and the allowance.All meetings are held in the salvation army centre, dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3. We also run outings in the summer and a holiday once per year. If you would like to join the local group please contact: Lynda Power 01582 696193 THE ROTARY CLUB The Rotary Club of Dunstable shares an international motto of “Service above Self”. The Club members raise money during the year to put into their Benevolent Fund and once a year this money is distributed to good causes and charities local to Dunstable and the surrounding villages.Each year three Antiques Fairs are held at the Dunstable Leisure Centre where all the profits go into the Benevolent Fund. The next Fair

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is on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May 2015 and is open to the public between 10am and 4pm. Admission is a modest £2 per person. How can you help? By having a stall at the event. Please contact Alan Tarsey on 01582 872673. By attending the event. By becoming a member of The Rotary Club and helping worthwhile causes in the community.More information can be obtained from Roger Sharp on 01582 606405 DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT ORBIT CLUB Since its inception over 25 years ago, Orbit has raised nearly £60,000 for local charities. We also give our time to help organisations and people in the community. Orbit offers an active social calendar, with wide-ranging events to suit all budgets and tastes. Annual membership is just £15. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dunstablians Rugby Club, Bidwell Park, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis, LU5 6JW from 8 pm. You’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome. For more information please visit www.orbitclub.org.uk/dunstable or contact Mark on 01582 539379 or Julie on 01582 535761. SIGHT CONCERN BEDFORDSHIRE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Sight Concern Bedfordshire is a local charity which aims to enhance the independence and quality of lifeof blind and partially sighted people in Bedfordshire and Luton. Current volunteering opportunities includes: Home visiting and telephone befriending. We offer full training and the chance to become a member of our friendly supportive team. Contact Joanna Clark 01234 264023 Joanna.clark@sightconcern.org.uk BREATHEASY Do you suffer from a lung condition? Then why not come and join our local Support group - breatheasy Part of the British lung foundation. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at peter newton pavilion (Behind tesco) 2 - 4pm carers also welcome As well as supporting each other we have a variety of speakers and also arrange day trips out. New members most welcome More info phone michael on 01582 602348 61

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