The Vine Dunstable - August September 2018 - Issue 84

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Local News

What’s On Puzzles

PDSA Advice

Keep Pets Cool This Summer

GO WILD!

In The Garden with Adam Frost

Summer Holidays Sorted!

With Our What’s On Guide

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8 Dunstable Reuse Shop 12 Local News 14 Promoting Dunstable 20 TeamSport - Competition 22 Snippets: Of Bones & Pilgrims 22 Martin Lewis: Money Matters Auto: SEAT Arona Caring For Houseplants 26 28 At Home: Puzzles 28 30 In The Garden 32 34 Body Change 4U: Calories Go Wild In The Garden:

34 36 Autos: Mercedes C220 AMG Pets: Summer Safety 36 Puzzles 38 Travel: Croatia 38 Snippets: The Gunpowder Plot 40 Looking Up 46 A Pensioners View Copy deadline 42 Walking Festival Copy fordeadline next issue: 48 Out & About forSeptember next issue:18th 44 Out & About November 2018 18th

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

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local News

g n i s i l a Revit

le b a t s Dun

Dunstable’s existing heritage to create a new and improved High Street. We want to make it people-orientated, with the feel of a market town that caters to the needs of both locals and By the time you’re reading this, visitors. So we asked what would you should already have seen encourage you to spend more the improvements we’ve made time in the High Street, and how to shops and businesses in the we could make crossing it safer area. The Saracen’s Head, Lomand more accessible for pedestribardo’s, Caffe Latte, Allframe ans and cyclists. and the neighbouring vacant In response, you told us you unit have all benefited from part wanted to prioritise pedestrians, of a £1million scheme to get as they are the ones spending a makeover, with grants of up money in the shops and busito 60 percent towards renovatnesses, through a boulevard-style ing shop fronts, forecourts and high street with cafes on wider making improvements to vacant pavements; more greenery; and units. more public areas and places to And that’s just part of the imsit. Work on these improvements provements we’re making to the will be starting in the next few High Street. Last year we asked weeks. you, the public, for your ideas on Initially we will start to remove how to improve Dunstable High railings and some other unStreet. We want to build upon

Central Bedfordshire Council is set to start work on improving Dunstable High Street.

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necessary street clutter from the High Street, so that pedestrians can get to different areas around town. This will include four ‘gateway’ features at key locations to help to define your town centre, and to indicate to drivers that they are entering a pedestrian-friendly area. The gateway features will also include information about the history of Dunstable and have a map to show key places of interest.

To reflect the town’s history, these will be named Friars Gate; Eleanor’s Gate; Priory Gate; and St Mary’s Gate.

We will improve the Middle Row shopping area using new heritage-style paving to keep its identity separate from the High Street and to match the existing paving at the nearby Market Square for consistency. There will also be new cycle stands

at either end; street benches to encourage people to remain in the area; and feature lighting to improve safety and make it more attractive in the evening.

Whilst this work takes place, the market will be relocated to the car park, as we’ve done in the past. We feel that this will minimalise any possible disruption on traders. There will also be new trees and planting areas that have built-in drainage features to help prevent the flooding that the town has sometimes suffered from. All these changes will make a noticeable improvement to your town, and we will continue to bid for more funding to undertake further improvements, including to the layout of the main crossroads.

Another major project for the town reached a milestone in July, with a ‘Topping Out Ceremony’ to celebrate the construction of the new Dunstable Centre in Court Drive reaching its highest point. At a time when leisure centres and libraries across the country are closing, we are proud to be investing in new and im-

proved facilities that will help our residents’ health and wellbeing and secure services in the town.

With £1m National Lottery funding from Sport England, our £20.1million community building will be a state-of-the-art community hub that will provide a new leisure facility, new library, accommodation for a new Citizens Advice service, and other services such as day-care. The old leisure centre and library are no longer fit for purpose or cost

effective to run. Both required substantial improvements, so we embarked on a comprehensive redevelopment of the old leisure centre to create this new building instead. By bringing services together under one roof, the new combined facility will reduce running costs, while providing more flexible services to the community, such as improved opening hours for public services. The building is on-track to open in winter 2018/2019.

Read more about the new building and its progress, or sign up for news updates at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/DLC

Issue 84 • August/September 2018

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local News

Reuse Shop Now Open

At Dunstable Household Waste Recycling Centre

A second chance for unwanted items A reuse shop at the council’s new Thorn Turn Household Waste Recycling Centre is now open for business. The shop, which is open seven days a week from 9am-5pm including bank holidays, sells those items taken into the council’s recycling centres which can be reused.

The reused items go towards the councils recycling targets and help boost the overall amount of waste that’s reused, recycled and composted in Central Bedfordshire. All items for sale have been collected either directly from the Thorn Turn site near Houghton Regis, or from one of the council’s other waste recycling centre sites in Ampthill, Biggleswade and Leighton Buzzard.

The range of reusable materials being sold include bicycles, bags, luggage, clothing, shoes, soft furnishings and furniture (with valid fire safety labels), children’s games and toys, along with sports equipment including golf clubs and bags, CDs, DVDs, books,

8

clocks, pictures, mirrors, jewellery, garden furniture and tools.

Residents who want to donate an item should let a staff member know at any one of the council’s Waste RecyclingCentres. All items must be in good condition and safe to use. These items will then be taken to the Thorn Turn Reuse Shop.

Councillor Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Reuse shops are extremely popular for the public who want to grab a pre-loved bargain, and our shop at Thorn Turn is already proving to be a success.”

“We are always looking at different ways that help reduce the amount of waste we dispose of and encouraging reuse is one of those ways. The new shop at Thorn Turn will help prevent unnecessary waste from being thrown away, and so improve our recycling rate. Everything we can do to help people to reuse or recycle means our residents’ council

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tax goes even further. The money saved can be spent on vulnerable members of our society, or maintenance of libraries or play areas and that has to be great news!”

“We hope our residents will continue to make good use of this facility by donating items that are in a reusable condition, and perhaps also pick up a bargain for themselves whilst they’re here.”

The reuse shop is located at Thorn Turn Household Waste Recycling Centre, Grendall Lane, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, LU5 6GJ.

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

9

local News

Baby Boom At ZSL Whipsnade

A Celebration of DLDD Trust In July the community Trust of Don’t Let Dunstable Die held a celebration event at the Olde Palace Lodge in Dunstable to mark their winning the High Sheriff Community Citizenship award along with several other community awards including The Annual Community Cohesion Thank You Award from Bedfordshire Police. The event was well attended by local business leader’s town mayor Cllr John Kane and Cllr David Abbott deputy mayor of Houghton Regis. Sharon Knott was supported by the High Sherriff of Bedfordshire in launching the new DLDD website and said “the DLDD Trust is doing a lot of great work supporting the local community and as can be seen by the excellent support this evening is obviously very well respected for the work it does” Over the last 9 years the two Sharon’s, as they have become known, have worked ceaselessly in their own time to make the DLDD trust a shining example of commu-

nity support making it into a registered charity.

Their facebook page Don’t Let Dunstable Die which has a following of over 13000 followers sharing information that people want to hear about the local community and raises community issues with the local councils. Asking only a charitable donation to the Trust, the new website offers local businesses the opportunity to advertise their job vacancies reaching thousands of local people and the Trust also use their expertise to help people apply for and find employment. Under the banner Our Town, Our Future, Our People! The Trust wants to create real prospects for local people. Sharon said “we have always received excellent support from local businesses who sponsor our calendar helping us raise funds to continue our work in offering what the community want to hear about and I particularly want to thank the Old Palace Lodge for sponsoring this evening event”

Find out more about the trust at www.longlivedunstable.com

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Keepers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will have their hands full this summer, following the arrival of six new additions to the Whipsnade family.

First to make a splash were two California sea lion pups. Adventurous male pup Hanno was born to first-time mum, Lara, on Sunday 10th June followed by the more laid-back male pup Oakley, who was born to second-time mum Bailey, on Saturday 23rd June. Team Leader Tim Savage was overjoyed at the new arrivals and said: “They’ve both had a little splash in the pool, but neither of the pups are strong swimmers yet. Over the next month they will learn to dive, and practice holding their breath” June 23rd proved to be an exceptionally busy day at the Zoo. As well as Oakley the sea lion, keepers were thrilled to welcome four endangered Amur tiger cubs as seven year-old Amur tigress Naya gave birth following 108 days of pregnancy.

Team leader Donovan Glyn said: “It’s incredible news for us just to have endangered Amur tiger cubs born here at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, but to have four of them is just amazing, especially when you consider there are only 500 left in the wild”.

Summer visitors to the Zoo will be able to see Hanno and Oakley learning to swim alongside their mums, dad Dominic and the rest of the sea lion clan. If you’re lucky, and patient, you might also catch a glimpse of the tiger cubs. Their keepers didn’t expect the cubs to make a proper appearance outside for another few weeks so were surprised to see mum Naya bringing them out of the den at less than a month old. They put the early outings down to the hot weather and expect that over the next few weeks the cubs will be out more frequently and for longer periods of time.

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local News

Community News From your local store

Hello! and welcome to the latest community update from your local Morrisons team.

What beautiful weather we’re having and, what’s more, I’ve heard it’s going to last which would be perfect for the coming events being held in Bedford square.

You may recall in June, Houghton Together held our first free community event in town and I have to say it was a resounding success. There was music, stalls and locals providing entertainment for the community to enjoy. In attendance was Ken Wattingham, Mayor of Houghton Regis, Emma Taylor from Clic Sargent Morrisons Partnership Charity - and of course no party would be complete without Regis the Lion! Local organisations such as the homeless charity Streetlife were also there, along with The Hub, Dunstable Downs Rotary, members of the Youth Council and HRTC. All in all, it was a great day and it was a pleasure to see so many local people enjoying the refreshments on offer while listening to the fantastic local talent.

The next event will be held on Saturday 22nd September in the Atrium in the Library Walkway. This will be an arts and craft exhibition along with a pop up cafe so please do come along to see what’s on offer.

So what’s happening at your local Morrisons in the coming months? Well, plans are in place for more school visits to the store and also, rather excitingly, for us to pay visits to some of the local schools with the aim of giving the children a real insight into the food they eat and the journey it takes to get from field to their plate.

I would like to end by saying a huge thank you to all of our customers, the local community and all Morrisons colleagues throughout the entire company, together we have raised £5 Million in the first 18 months that we’ve been fund raising as a company. An amazing figure that would not have been possible without your support so THANKYOU! Until next time Keep smiling and enjoy the good weather!

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local Community

Found In Translation

Dunstable In Bloom

On July 17th and 18th Dunstable was visited by two judges from Anglia In Bloom. We have won gold six times in the last eight years and are hoping to win gold again this year. The judges were greeted by the Dunstable In Bloom team at Ashton Grove, until recently Ashton Middle School. There they saw a display of everything In Bloom has done in the last 12 months.

They were then taken on a tour of the town. This included meeting the Town Rangers, the local Press, residents at Priory View, children at the Vale Academy, volunteers at Incredible Edible Katherine Drive, the Wildlife Trust at Blows Downs, residents at a sheltered housing scheme, volunteers at Incredible Edible Oldhill, children at Weatherfield Academy and volunteers at the Physic Garden in Priory Gardens. This was followed by lunch in Priory House, during which time they met the Mayor, other Councillors, Council staff and In Bloom volunteers. In the afternoon they had a tour of Priory Gardens, saw floral displays at pubs and restaurants, visited Dunstable cemetery and went on a tour of Grove House Gardens. We tried to show them the best that Dunstable has to offer in floral displays and the care and commitment of the town’s residents.

Our aim is to make Dunstable an attractive place to visit and in which to live and work. We will have to wait until September 12th to find out if we have won gold again. Later on that month we will have our own Awards Evening, at which the Mayor presents shields, rosettes and certificates to thank everyone who has participated in Dunstable In Bloom 2018.

14 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Richard de Morins was elected Prior of Dunstable in 1202, a post he held until he died in 1242. During the early years of his tenure, Richard began to write the Dunstable Annals.

This was a collection of items, year by year, which Richard and his successors thought were important or interesting. Local, national and international news was recorded. This included information on the latest Crusade, the siege of Bedford Castle and what the king was up to. There was also much information about disputes between the Prior and the townspeople and the chaos caused when Edward I’s falconers got drunk in Dunstable. De Morins wrote the annals in Medieval Latin, with many abbreviations, and so they are not easy to read.

The annals contain much information which is not in other annals of the same period. This new information was Found In the Translation of the annals.

We had hoped to have a translation in print for 2013, the 800th anniversary of the dedication of Dunstable’s Augustinian Priory. Unfortunately, this did not happen but we are promised publication this year. John Bunyan was born on November 28th and for the last few years this has been designated as Bedfordshire Day. As part of these celebrations, the book will be launched on Saturday November 24th in the Priory Church. Besides the official book launch, there will be a full programme of talks and exhibitions. More details will be available, nearer the time, in The Vine, the local Press and from the Heritage Centre in Priory House.

Priory And Grove House Gardens Retain Green Flags Priory and Grove House Gardens are recognised again as among the UK’s very best green spaces Both Priory and Grove House Gardens in Dunstable have again been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as among the very best parks in the world having retained Green flag status every year since 2010. Dunstable now boasts three Green Flag award winning open spaces; the other being Dunstable Cemetery which gained its first Green Flag in 2017 Dunstable’s three Green Flag sites are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that have been granted the award – the

mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award is a sign to the public that the areas boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

The Town Council’s Chairman of Grounds and Environmental Services, Councillor Liz Jones said: “We are absolutely delighted to have kept our Green Flags again for the

ninth year running. We know how much quality green spaces matter to our residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining these areas to such a high standard.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award”.

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

15

local News

Adult Learning Charity Serve Up Cookery Classes With A Difference

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is a charity dedicated to bringing high-quality, professional education into the heart of communities.

With the support of nearly 3,000 volunteers, 2,000 tutors and over 10,000 members, they deliver friendly, accessible and enjoyable courses for adults from all walks of life.

The charity is set to rouse taste buds this September, as they bring their latest course, “Cookery through the Ages” to cullinary curious students in Dunstable.

The course will look at how sources of ingredients and advances in technology have changed cookery over the years, no previous knowledge is expected.

The course is equally suitable for the amateur historian, the keen cook with an interest in history, collectors of random interesting “did you know?” facts, and people who want to serve their friends a “medieval banquet”.

Your tutor is a historical reenactor with several decades of experience demonstrating cookery in periods from the Dark Ages to late Victorian.

Sorry, no physical demonstrations will happen on this course, as the venue frown on open fires in the middle of their classrooms.

Starting with a look at which foods and techniques were introduced when, from ancient times up to WWII, so we understand things like the shortage of New World foods in medieval Europe, and the unlikeliness of Romans using self-raising flour.

Then we look at the documentation and evidence available for each period. This varies from archaeological finds, the accounts of rural manor houses, a guide to housekeeping written by a French “good-

16 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

man” for his young wife, the cookbooks of royal courts, including the advice from Maitre Chiquart on how best to provision a feast for the nobility (you need about six thousand eggs a day).

We then take a closer look at a few periods, celebrations and foodstuffs in more detail – the Romans, the High Medieval period (think “Game of Thrones”), the Victorians, how sugar was spread by wars, and how Christmas has been celebrated over the years. Any other topics in which students have a particular interest can be included, given enough notice.

Most periods have enjoyed producing huge, spectacular displays of food, and we will look at how this was done. This includes “fake” foods, that pretend to be one thing while actually being another.

While we won’t be doing any practical work on the course, lots of (adapted) recipes will be available for you to try at home, with explanations of how and why we work out the details.

By the end of the course, you should know enough fourteenth century English to understand when and why you should “lete none otemele come there yne”, how you might go about putting four and twenty blackbirds in a pie (this is not recommended), and the origins of the “Mock Turtle” featured in “Alice in Wonderland”.

The course will be run by WEA tutor Jane Williams at a venue in central Dunstable, for ten weeks beginning in September.

If you are interested please contact our Secretary, Elisabeth Pynn, on 01582 696352 or email elisabeth.pynn@talk21.com for details of location, dates, cost and how to book.

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

19

Snippets By Paul Heley

Of BOnes and Pilgrims

St Fremund losing his head Back in medieval times ordinary people were ruled by the all-powerful Church and lived in fear of what would be their fate after death. In particular they were terrified of the idea of Purgatory, viz that state of limbo which decided whether they would go to the paradise of Heaven or to everlasting torment in the fires of Hell. The Church, of course, played on these fears so as to keep the people under control; and they also managed to make a lot of money out of so doing in the form of pilgrimages. Here people would visit a sacred site, or the shrine of a saint, and there they would pray to the saint (or some relic) in the belief that they were demonstrating their piety and receiving divine assistance. In this way, they hoped to build up proof of having done “good deeds” during their life which they could then produce when being judged on the fatal – and fateful - day.

Any self respecting church felt it necessary (if at all possible) to have a saint or some form of religious relic in order to attract pilgrims. But sadly, it must be admitted, a considerable number of these “relics” have turned out to be completely fraudulent.

For example, the supposed bones of saints were often those of dogs, cats, pigs or chickens; parts

22 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

of the True Cross were often nothing more than bits of wood from anywhere; and (in one case) the supposed blood of Christ turned out to be duck’s blood. There were, in addition, many other ruses – such as the extremely questionable purchase of “indulgencies” whereby money for the forgiveness of sins was conned out of simple, yet believing, people desperate to ease their way through Purgatory.

In the early 1200s, Dunstable Priory reaped a rich financial benefit when the Prior, Richard de Morins, managed to purchase the bones of Saint Fremund and these became the backbone (no pun intended!) of a very lucrative period in Dunstable’s history. It was lucrative because hundreds of pilgrims came to Dunstable to venerate these bones and, in addition to making financial or other gifts to the Priory itself, they would purchase badges and souvenirs (as proof) and would also buy food, drink and accommodation. It was a real money spinner and the Priory (and the town) grew rich.

To this day, Saint Fremund still lives on in Dunstable because, not only is he commemorated in a stained glass window at the east end of the Priory Church but there is also a separate church dedicated to him in Westfield Road, Dunstable.

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

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Snippets By Paul Heley

But who was saint Fremund?

His story is extremely bizarre, somewhat contradictory as to his dates, and also completely unbelievable by today’s standards. But it was accepted and believed in medieval times. A popular (but disputed) suggestion is that he was the pious son of Offa (the Saxon King of Mercia) who abandoned the trappings of royalty and chose instead to live a simple life on one of the islands in the Bristol Channel – Lundy or Flat Holm or Steep Holm.

But when England was being attacked by the pagan Danes, his father had been killed and, reluctantly, Fremund was persuaded to take up arms against the marauders. There followed a series of miraculous victories (attributed to God’s intervention) whereby Fremund’s small army defeated much larger Danish hordes.

After one such victory, Fremund was resting when he was suddenly attacked and decapitated by a rogue member in his army, Oswy - in league with the pagans.

However, Fremund picked up his head, forgave Oswy, and walked to a spot where he plunged his sword into the ground from which a spring of pure water emerged. Fremund washed his wounds and only then did he die and enter Heaven.

He was quickly buried and remained there for 66 years until three crippled virgin nuns and their Mother Abbess came across the grave and were told by an angel to remove the saintly bones and take them to a nearby church in Warwickshire and rebury them in hallowed ground. This they did.

Installation at Dunstable Priory 1207

should stay there, they were placed in a silver shrine in Cropredy church where they remained for many years to generate a centre of pilgrimage.

Once, when Richard de Morins was conducting a “visitation” to various churches, he went to Cropredy. Here he discovered that pilgrims came in large numbers and that they were a rich source of income; unlike Dunstable which had no saint or relics to venerate – and hence no revenue from pilgrimage. But with the help of King John (who had initially “head hunted” de Morins to be Prior of Dunstable), Richard purchased the bones of St Fremund from Cropredy and translated (ie moved) The story now moves them to Dunstable Priory. Here they were installed Cropredy Church to Jerusalem where a in another shrine around 1207 and subsequently crusader is confronted became an attraction for pilgrims thereby yielding by another angel in great prosperity to both the Priory and the town a series of dreams itself for many years. who instructs him to go to the place But along with a saint and/or relics, it was also very of burial, dig up the useful if the church were able to publicise different bones and take them to the Bishop of Dorchester. “miracles” said to occur because of the presence of The crusader refuses to obey and wrestles with the such holy possessions. Dunstable Annals from the angel and receives a broken arm. Taking this as a 1200s claims that there were, indeed, a number of sign, he returns to England, finds the grave, digs up miracles associated with the Priory. These stories the bones and places them on an ox cart and leaves attracted yet further pilgrims, many with various for Dorchester. But having arrived at Cropredy in illnesses and crippling afflictions looking for a Oxfordshire, the ox steadfastly refuses to go any miraculous cure – Dunstable’s medieval answer to further. Taking this as a further sign that the bones present-day Lourdes!

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dies e! a L All elcom re w

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FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST WILL RESULT IN THE ADVERTISEMENT BEING PRINTED AS SHOWN, without liability to UK Town Maps

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ps, Suite 10, Royce House, 630-634 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 9HW 39633 Fax: 01702 436683 ktownmaps.co.uk • Web: www.uktownmaps.co.uk

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UK Town SuiteHouse, 10, Royce House, 630-634 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 9HW UK Town Maps, Suite Maps, 10, Royce 630-634 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 9HW Tel: 01702 01702 436683 Tel: 01702 339633 Fax:339633 01702 Fax: 436683 Email: info@uktownmaps.co.uk • Web: www.uktownmaps.co.uk Email: info@uktownmaps.co.uk • Web: www.uktownmaps.co.uk

e advert attached is an exact size copy of the artwork for your Agreement No:___ UK Town Maps, Suite 10, Royce House, 630-634 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 9HW DATE SENT: SENT: Tel: 01702DATE 339633 Fax: 01702 436683 Email: info@uktownmaps.co.uk • Web: www.uktownmaps.co.uk

This proof be returned by the:______________ VWmust / Audi Specialists

advertisattached an exact size of the for your Agreement No:__________ The advertThe attached an exactissize copy of thecopy artwork forartwork your Agreement No:______________

& all other makes & model vehicles Please proceed after alteration

must beby returned by the:______________ This proofThis mustproof be returned the:______________ SE CHECK ALL THE DETAILS ARE CORRECT, THEN RETURN T Land Specialists The advert attached is an exactRover size copy of& the 4x4 artwork for your Agreement No:______________ PLEASE CHECK THEBY DETAILS ARE CORRECT, THEN RETURN THISTO F PLEASE CHECK MAPS ALL THEALL DETAILS ARE CORRECT, THEN RETURN THIS UK TOWN LTD EITHER EMAIL, FAX ORFORM POST This proof must be returned byLTD the:______________ UK TOWN MAPS BY EITHER EMAIL, FAX OR POST UK TOWN MAPS LTD BY EITHER EMAIL, FAX OR POST • Servicing • Mot’s + Class 7 PLEASE • CHECK ALL THE•DETAILS ARE CORRECT, THEN RETURN THIS FORM TO Repairs Air Conditioning BYEITHER RETURN OF EMAIL/POST/FAX BYLTD RETURN OF EMAIL/POST/FAX UK TOWN MAPS BY EMAIL, FAX OR POST • With Full Diagnostics Available TELEPHONE CORRECTIONS NOTACCEPTED BE ACCE TELEPHONE CORRECTIONS WILLWILL NOT BE DATE SENT:

BY RETURN OF EMAIL/POST/FAX

EPHONE CORRECTIONS WILL NOT BE A

BY RETURN OF EMAIL/POST/FAX allegro blinds TELEPHONE CORRECTIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED allegro blinds allegroalleg blina a a allegro allegro blind blinds a egroallegro blinds allegro b allegro blinds allegroalleg blind a

PLEASE will be published as it appears herein, if we do not receive your further PLEASE NOTE, thisNOTE, advertthis willadvert be published as it appears herein, if we do not receive your further instruction

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auto Biographies

By Rob Auchterlonie © Wheelwrite.co.uk 2018

SEAT Arona FR 1.0 TSI

Someone at SEAT must have bought a blooming big bag of ‘A’ letters at a Spanish car boot sale a while ago.

We’ve had a succession of models with names beginning and ending in that letter: Arosa, Alhambra, Altea, Ateca and now comes the Arona – the latest in a line of cars that have progressively built up the profile of the VW Group owned brand to a level where their popularity is considerably higher than in the past.

SEAT are going places – just like the customers who are finding the sporty aspirations of the latest models to their liking.

Arona – an Ibiza SUV - is a baby version of the popular Ateca, and the twin exhaust outlets on the FR version sampled here add to the sporty appearance of the newcomer, and further enhanced by the two tone paint finish – copper bronze body topped by a grey roof and tidy alloys.

It shares the same chassis and engines as the popular supermini but obviously sits a bit taller on the road.

There’s a more than sensible amount of standard equipment on board for your sub 20k price tag.

The 115ps 1.0 litre three cylinder engine under the bonnet has had plenty

words of praise heaped on it since the VW Group introduced it a while back, and it’s safe to say it does a creditable job of moving the Arona around.

Maybe it sounds less refined than you’d expect a smart car like this to be and there is some noticeable vibration through the pedals quite a lot of the time but it scores on efficiency, a willing little worker buzzing away and imbibing the Arona with acceptable performance.

The fact the engine is used and adapts well to so many VW Group products speaks volumes about its useability.

A sub 10 second 0-62 and decent torque makes it well able to keep up with and in some instances out-perform the rest of the traffic around it.

Ride quality is more than acceptable for a car of this ilk and there’s a decent amount of interior space for the occupants. It’s maybe not what you’d call luxurious but then that’s not what you’re buying into at this level of the market. Not yet anyway.

It’ll give you good, honest family motoring and when you want it, a bit of dynamic driving too as the drive select button gives you a few option settings.

Matching the claimed fuel economy is something you could spend a lifetime

28 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

trying to achieve, and if you work the three cylinder hard it develops a thirst, but there are diesel variants that sip instead of gulp at the contents of the tank.

SEAT have taken a different approach to the Arona line-up by not having an entry level model with everything extra which traditionally very few people would ever buy anyway, so as a result the residual values are expected to hold up well, as they do with Leon and the popular Ateca. The poor reputation of the past has been successfully dispelled.

Variants on offers here in the UK include SE, SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, XCELLENCE and XCELLENCE Lux. Engine choice is a pair of 1.0 three cylinders (95 and 115ps), a 1.5 150ps petrol and two 1.6 diesels (95 and 115ps).

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BUILDING 2018 IssueLEWIS 84 • August/September

29

Puzzles

                         

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

Puzzles ss Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles

         

Answers on page 62

Across

Down

1. Notch (4) 3. Raider (8) 8. Spoken (4) 9. Resounding (8) 11. Dissembling (12) 13. Muddy (6) 14. Spruce (6) 17. Potency (12) 20. Flying (8) 21. Scoff (4) 22. Determined (8) 23. Brink (4)

1. Beginner (8) 2. Bell-tongue (7) 4. Vinegary (6) 5. Hateful (10) 6. Play (5) 7. Chide (4) 10. Fortuitous (10) 12. Jam (8) 15. Feign (7) 16. Endeavour (6) 18. Skips (5) 19. Den (4)

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www.tiska.com Issue 84 • August/September 2018

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

33

In Theen Gard

Go Wild This Summer

Garden designer Adam Frost has spent his career urging people to think about wildlife in their gardens, and now the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winner is encouraging parents to get their children into the great outdoors this summer to help reverse the decline of British wildlife.

The State of Nature report, carried out by a coalition of conservation organisations, revealed that 60% of British wildlife is in decline, while at the same time, a further research found two thirds of British school children want to be taught more about gardening and to engage with the outdoors.

Inspired by these findings, Frost came up with a plan for parents on how to bring their children into the garden and to attract wildlife at the same time.

1 Create a planting plan

Mix together plants that are both beneficial to people and wildlife, such as fruits, vegetables and herbs, with shrubs and perennial herbaceous plants, to create an area where there is produce for humans and wildlife. Recommended plants that attract wildlife include sunflowers, wild strawberries, thyme, herbs and firethorn shrubs which offer nectar and berries to a range of wildlife.

2 Grow salad crops

This requires regular attention and will give children something to focus on right up until they eat them.

Seeds should be watered every

evening and given plant food once a week. Lettuce and other salad leaves can be sown in spring and summer.

6 Set up bird feeding and cleaning stations

Look closely for plants in your borders where flower heads have fallen off and seeds are growing. If the seeds are brown, get the children to help you pick them and put them in a warm place to dry out ready to plant for next spring.

Birds come to gardens to feed, breed, nest and rest. To make sure your garden is accommodating, introduce a bird house, feeding station or a bird bath - all of these are a must for budding young bird watchers. The water in a bird bath needs to be at least 2.5cm deep and should be placed in the open away from areas where cats may hide.

4 Create a compost heap

7 Store logs

3 Go seed collecting

This is a great way of encouraging kids to recycle garden waste and also helps them understand the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Create three tightly fixed walls in your chosen area and begin filling it with organic materials such as grass clippings, weeks, straw, manure, shredded newspaper, kitchen waste, plant cuttings and soft prunings.

5 Take games outdoors

Go on a treasure hunt or play hideand-seek to encourage children to explore the garden and stimulate their curiosity about the outdoors.

If you have daisies in the garden, teach them to make daisy chains.

34 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Plenty of wildlife makes its home in dead wood, and other animals use it as a source of food. Children can help make this into a proper wildlife shelter in a small, shady spot so that it remains cool and damp. If moving wood, check beforehand that nothing has already made itself at home.

8 Make an insect box or ladybird house

Create a small space to attract spiders, bees, lacewings and ladybirds, where they can seek refuge from predators and from the cold. Screw together four lengths of wood and fill it with hollow canes. Place the box in a sheltered area and on the fence so the insects can find it.

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

35

Pets

Keeping Pets S afe In The Sun Veterinary charity PDSA is urging owners to keep their pets safe in the sun, to protect them from dangerous conditions such as heatstroke and cancer.

PDSA vet, Olivia Anderson-Nathan, said: “Although we might be aware of the risks of the sun to ourselves, many owners are unaware that our pets face the same dangers of sunburn, heatstroke and even skin cancer.

“Heatstroke, for example, can have devastating consequences. Bear in mind on a hot day that dogs can’t control their body temperature the way we can. They are wearing a fur coat, and as they only have sweat glands in their paws they mainly cool down through panting, which isn’t very effective.

“One of the most dangerous causes of heatstroke or hyperthermia is leaving pets inside a vehicle during warm or hot weather. But leaving them in the garden for too long without shade, or taking them for a walk during the hottest part of the day, can also be very dangerous. Any dog can get heatstroke, but this is especially important for owners of flat-faced, overweight or chronically ill dogs to consider, as they will be at even greater risk.”

The temperature inside cars during warm weather can rapidly soar, leaving pets inside at risk of suffering fatal heatstroke. The charity warns that common measures like parking in the shade or keeping the windows open are not effective, as temperatures inside the car can still sky-rocket in these circumstances.

Exposure to heat and direct sunlight can cause serious cases of heatstroke and excessive sun exposure can even cause skin cancer in some unlucky pets with light-coloured fur, which affords even less protection from the UV rays.

www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

PDSA tips for pet safety in the su n • Limit your pet’s exposure to direct sun-

light, especially during the hottest part of the day.

• Use a pet-safe sun cream recommended by your vet, especially on pets with white or thin fur, focusing on the nose and ears.

• If you see unexplained sores or ulcers on your pets’ skin, see a vet urgently. Early diagnosis and treatment may save your pet’s life.

• Never leave pets in cars, conservatories or caravans, even for a short time. Even on a cloudy day with the windows open, the temperature can soar dangerously high in just a few minutes, which can cause fatal heatstroke. ‘Not long’ is too long.

• Avoid exercising pets during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, go out early in the morning or in the evening. Keep strenuous exercise to a minimum and give them constant access to cool, indoor areas.

• Make sure your pets always have access to fresh water.

For more pet care tips visit

www.pdsa.org.uk/ pethealth

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www.the50plus.co.uk Issue 84 • August/September 2018

37

Travel

Croatia Sail to the Islands Mljet in the south is wild and unspoilt, two thirds of the island covered in forest. The name means ‘honey isle’ and some claim this is where the nymph Calypso kept Ulysses spellbound for seven years. A few fishing villages are sprinkled along the shore while part of the island is protected by a National Park.

There are two lovely saltwater lakes, shimmering turquoise and blue, and shaded trails fragrant with pines. Also accessed from Dubrovnik is the Elaphite archipelago, a haven of pine forests and olive groves. Only three of the islands are inhabited, including Lopud, famous for sands, rare in Dalmatia, and Kolocep, barely 300 residents but claiming seven pre-Romanesque churches.

Slightly further out into the Adriatic, Vis is the last inhabited Croatian island before Italy, with mountains rising to nearly 2000 feet and vineyards spreading in fertile valleys. Set in central Dalmatia, Vis boasts some of the best wine in the country, such as

Croatia is fringed with over 1000 islands, an amazing sight, especially from the air - lush emerald green, long, thin or perfectly circular, bordered by white cliffs and beaches, crisscrossed by tiny ribbons of road that seem to lead to nowhere. One could spend a week or more sailing through this romantic seascape but stay in one of the glorious Dalmatian resorts and you can cruise for a day on a nostalgic galleon, dropping anchor here and there to explore a few of these offshore gems.

the red Plava and the honeycoloured Vugava, excellent with freshly-caught fish or lobster. The island has two small townships, Vis, where a medley of architecture reflects a turbulent past and Komiza, where boats head for the romantic Blue Lagoon on nearby Bisevo.

Of course, you could spend a whole day sailing through this enchanting maze without landing at all, gazing at dolphins pirouetting in the waves and rugged mountains towering on the mainland, but when the boat approaches Hvar, even the most jaded traveller is keen to explore.

Havr greets you with the fairytale town of Jelsa, all donkey and cycle rides, fishing nets drying in the alleyways, rose gardens, sunflowers, waterside restaurants and pastel-hued Venetian palaces dipping their toes in the sea. The fragrance of lavender lingers on the square and now and then a whiff of Croatian folklore echoes under the parasols. It’s well worth leaving the crowds to wander

through the lanes for a glimpse of local life and to the chapel on the hillock for the breath-taking panorama.

From the resort of Baska Voda, it’s just under two hours to Hvar but the return trip includes a stop on Brac, the largest island in central Dalmatia, world famous for the local stone used to build the White House in Washington.

Bol is a pretty little town with red roofs and white walls nestling around the harbour. It’s a couple of miles to the beach, by land train or on foot, along a shaded promenade where souvenir stalls sell lace and Brac stone turned into clocks or candle holders.

Finally you reach the long broad spit of the Golden Cape, jutting out into the sea, a favourite spot for windsurfers and sun worshippers. The pebbles are as white as the stone and the water is beautifully clear but in the distance the galleon beckons, ready to conclude the cruise in time for a perfect Adriatic sunset.

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Visit our website at www.suitcasetravel.co.uk Issue 84 • August/September 2018

39

Looking Up! Bedfordshire’s Night Sky mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

See Mars from your Garden: Look towards your south or south-east on any clear evening this August and September and you won’t fail to notice a bright orange-red ‘star’ hanging low in the sky. This is Mars. It passed its closest point to Earth for 15 years at the end of July, but right now Mars is at its most visible in the evening sky. A global dust storm is currently raging on the planet. It has lifted millions of tonnes of Martian dust into the atmosphere, plunging much of the Martian surface into a permanent darkness.

Watch a Storm of Shooting Stars Light up Bedfordshire’s Night Sky: August 10 – 14 sees the peak of the annual Perseids Meteor Shower. This year it coincides with a new moon, the absence of moonlight giving us a darker background sky against which to see up to a hundred shooting stars per hour split the heavens. For best results look high overhead from 11pm until 3am when the sky is at its darkest.

Catch the International Space Station in September: From late September we welcome back the International Space Station to our evening skies. Look out for a bright star-like object sailing silently across the sky on a roughly west to east trajectory from Sunday 23 September through until early October. Timings to view the space station vary each evening, but will generally fall between 7:15pm – 9pm.

By Seb Jay - Image Credit: Mars - Hubble/NASA Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

40 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

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Issue 84 • August/September 2018

41

Step Into Autumn

September is a great month for walking, the air is cooler, it feels fresher and colours begin advancing through the trees. In Bedfordshire the whole county begins that change and is a great place to enjoy a walk.

The 9th Annual Bedfordshire Walking Festival

between The Ramblers and The Peoples Post Lottery but we won't come knocking at your door, we won't come ringing your bell so do yourself a favour and come and The Bedfordshire Walking Festival join in.

Informative guided walks offer 8th to 16th September offers lots an insight into the places, people of opportunities for people of and buildings around them provalmost all abilities. Whether it is one of the walks for health of be- ing that first appearances can be tween 30-90 minutes, an informa- misleading. In this part of the county there is a 4.5 mile approxitive guided walk of around two hours, a half day walk of around 3 mately 2.5 hour linear walk from hours, or for the really serious, full Leagrave into the centre of Luton and finishing at St Mary's Church days of between 12-21 miles.

For the family an evening of Trails on Saturday 8th, whilst on Sunday 9th at 11-00am come along to and Tales for older children with Houghton Hall Park for a one an afternoon version for younger ones. Why not take the train, with hour guided tour discovering the developments made in the park a ride on the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway and return including the Kitchen garden. On Thursday morning an insight into on foot along the Grand Union "Old and new Leagrave" whilst Canal.

Further afield there are informaFood lovers can enjoy first coltive walks within the Greensand lecting food from the hedgerows then going back and transforming Country and North Bedfordshire. the goodies into Jam and more at Those preferring walkers walks of a half or full day from should Clophill enjoy two from Whipsnade Tree For some people health walks Cathedral or one from Stockare a lifeblood and this year at wood Country Park on Sunday Leighton Buzzard, Houghton Regis, Toddington and Dunstable. 16th and during the festival from Walks for Health is a joint venture Harlington, Sundon and Freemans

42 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Common in Luton Rounding off the nine days over the weekend of 15th & 16th is the annual Greensand Ridge Challenge 40 miles across the Greensand Country. If you can't do both days why not come for one.

One of the most attractive features of the festival , organised

by The Bedfordshire Ramblers and supported by local councils, is that almost all the walks are free and do not require booking so you can just turn up. Some, mostly the health walks it is better to phone the leader beforehand. Where booking and charges are necessary these are shown in the programme and bookings along with payment can be made via the festival web site.

There isn't space to extol all the virtues of the festival and its walks extending northwards to Bedford, Poddington, and Swineshead and, East to West across the Greensand Country. Only a few have been mentioned so why not explore Bedfordshire on foot this September after picking up a programme or visiting the festival website www.bedswalkfest.co.uk

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Qualified Town Guide & Speaker offers

Walks & Talks

Dealing With Early & Medieval Dunstable including stories relating to • The Rise of Dunstable • The Priory • Dun the Robber & other brigands • Henry 8th & Catherine of Aragon • Henry’s other wives & children • Royal Visitors & Ordinary Folk • Pilgrims & Tournaments • Highwaymen (& Highwaywomen) Also

Ghost stories, Travel accounts etc.

If interested, please contact

PAUL HELEY: 01582 664339 or tpheley@virginmedia.com Issue 84 • August/September 2018

43

rains the show will go ahead, we provide waterproof shelter, so you stay nice and dry. Book via the Leighton Buzzard Theatre website.

Tales through Time Thursday 23rd August, 10:30am-12pm. £3 Park Rd N, Houghton Regis, Dunstable. LU5 5FU

www.houghtonhallpark.org Xplorer Tuesday 7th August, 11am-2pm (last entry 1pm) Free

The Xplorer challenge returns! Collect your maps from the Visitor Centre foyer, explore the park, find the markers, complete the challenge & have fun together!

Make sure you visit the Centre after completing to get your answers marked. This is a fun, free activity for all the family to enjoy.

Woodpecker Woodland Discovery Friday 10th August, 10:30am-12pm. £3

Join Jane of Wassledine to discover the wildlife and history of Houghton Hall Park through storytelling, activities and games! In this activity, be a bird detective, meet some remarkable trees and hear their stories.

Aimed at children aged 4 -10 (under 4’s and over 10’s go free). Children must be accompanied by an adult..

To book email hhp@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Join Jane of Wassledine to discover the wildlife and history of Houghton Hall Park through storytelling, activities and games! In this activity, become a history detective on this walk around the park, follow the footstep clues to solve a mystery and claim your prize.

Aimed at children aged 4 -10 (under 4’s and over 10’s go free). Children must be accompanied by an adult.

To book email hhp@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Heritage Walk in the park Sunday 9th September, 11am-12pm. Free

Come to Houghton Hall Park to enjoy a leisurely walk whilst learning about the history of the park dating back to the 17th Century, this walk will be led by a member of the Houghton Regis Heritage Society. You will also be able to see the development and progress that has occurred throughout the park, including the restored Kitchen Garden, Formal Gardens and the Visitor Centre. The walk will be approximately an hour, pending stops for viewing. Dogs are welcome.

Houghton Regis Hullabaloo Day Dreamers Saturday 22nd September, 12pm & 2pm. Free

Pirate Pearl and the Big Blue Monster Running time: 25 mins.

Saturday 18th August, 1:30pm or 4pm Adult £10, Concession £8, Family £34 (£1 booking fee per ticket)

Ahoy there, land lubbers - hop aboard the good ship Mirabel and join our rollicking adventures on the high seas. Pirate Pearl lives with her crusty old crew, Barnacle the dog and Mr Puskins the cat. One day, Pearl finds a stowaway onboard ship. It’s a baby monster, but, if you feed a baby monster, it grows into a BIG, CLUMSY MONSTER! Will baby monster ever find his mummy or will Pearl be stuck with smelly bums and stinky nappies FOREVER?! With songs, puppets and live music, this fantastic family show will have you singing along, dancing in the aisles and laughing till your sides split. Aimed at little pirates and their grown-ups! (ages 3+). This is an outdoor show. If it

44 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

A hilarious interactive audio experience inspired by the dreams and imaginations of primary aged school children for all the family to enjoy.

Dip Sunday 23rd September, 2pm. Free Running time: 30 mins.

With light-hearted, breathingtaking air-twisting tricks and funky tunes, dip is a live music trampoline performance show about meeting new friends and getting to know each other. Suitable for all ages.

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10% OFF FOOD WITH THIS ADVERT Issue 84 • August/September 2018

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COLLEGE LAKE

Upper Icknield Way, Tring. HP23 5QG Tel: 01442 826774

www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Please visit the website for more information and to book your place on walks and activities.

Wild Medicines Discovery - Herbal Walk Sat 4th August & Sat 1st September 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Herbal Immersion Sat 25th August 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Join Lucy Blunden, Medical Herbalist on a gentle exploration of College Lake. Be inspired by the natural bounty at all of our feet and which we barely notice. Unearth the rich variety of medicinal actions of these herbs and learn about different preparation types.

No ducking stools, I promise!! This is a marvellous opportunity to delve deep into a single herb and find out all about its rich medicinal activity. We will taste, touch, sip, sniff and feel our way into each herb we encounter in these intuitive, exploratory sessions. Every month we will uncover a different herb. Some will be old friends with new faces and some will feel like new discoveries..

Afternoon Tea at College Lake

Talk: Less Stress with herbs

Mon 13th August - Fri 19th August 12:00pm - 1:30pm & 1.30 -3.30pm Afternoon Tea Week is a celebration of one of the nation’s favourite traditions. Whether enjoyed in a 5-star hotel, or as a home baked treat, the British love the combination of savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by some of the 165 million cups of tea we drink each day in the UK. So why not join us for an afternoon tea with a glorious view?

Bug Fest!

Tue 14th August 11:00am - 3:00pm Join us at College Lake for a bug-filled family day on the reserve! Hunt for mini-beasts, create costumes, and make bug crafts. Explore different habitats and find out more about the mini-beasts that live here. Our friends from NHM Tring will also be joining us with some spectacular insect specimens.

Remember to dress up as your favourite bug and win a little prize!

Sat 8th September 2:00pm - 3:30pm It’s now being referred to as the other January, September is a time for reflection. Schools go back and lots of new things might also be starting around now. Summer is over and we’re heading towards darker and colder times.

Help yourself face the change in season with healthy herbal tips from Lucy Blunden, Medical Herbalist.

Opticron Trade Day Sat 15th September 10:00am - 4:00pm Come and meet Rob our Opticron specialist for information and demonstrations.

Herbal Immersion Sat 22nd September 1:00pm - 2:30pm No ducking stools, I promise!! This is a marvellous opportunity to delve deep into a single herb and find out all about its rich medicinal activity. We will taste, touch, sip, sniff and feel our way into each herb we encounter in these intuitive, exploratory sessions.

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North Chilterns Chalk

YOUNG PERSONS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Wednesday 8th Chalk August North Chilterns 1pm - 3.30pm

Events

£3 Blow’s Downs Reserve, TBC

LU5 4AE Bookings and further information

T: 01525 874317 E: toddington@wildlifebcn.org

Events

Youth Rangers Event - Come and look at Blow’s Downs through the eye of a lens. Use your phone, own camera or borrow one of ours to take pictures on the reserve. Next you will have the opportunity to work on your favourites back at a computer before printing it to take home.

FAMILY WATCH – ALL THINGS WILD Wednesday 15th August 10.30am - 12.30pm Price £3.50 per child,

flower crafts and potions Join us for a morning of magical adventure at Totternhoe. Use natural materials to accompanying adults free create wonderful potions and some Meet at National Trust Carpark craft to take home.

Off Castle Hill Rd, Totternhoe. LU5 4AE Please contact organiser to discuss Bookings andfurther information: Spring Summer 2018 Wheelchair access.

T: 01525 874317 E: toddington@wildlifebcn.org TALK: THE NENE VALLEY WETLANDS Wednesday 26th September 7.30pm - 9.00pm £3 Lecture Theatre, Dunstable

Community Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road. LU6 1AA Bookings and further information:

T: 01525 874317 E: toddington@wildlifebcn.org

South Beds Local Group Talk An illustrated talk by Toni Castello, Nene Wetlands Senior Ranger. Toni, amongst other things, will be sharing the Heritage around the Rushden Lakes development along with its many recreational opportunities. Toni will set this all in the wider context of the Nene Wetlands with its wonderful wildlife and habitats.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING TASKS Help local wildlife, meet new people, learn new skills and get fresh air and exercise.

We run conservation task days at weekends and mid-week on nature Spring Summer 2018 reserves throughout the North Chilterns Chalk area including Blow’s Downs, Totternhoe, Pegsdon Hills, Houghton Regis Chalk Pit and Galley and Warden Hills. No previous experience or skills necessary and all tools and equipment are provided.

For more details T: 01525 874317 E: toddington@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/work-parties

48 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Mobile foot health professional

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Foot treatment and routine maintenance offered which include the following Removal of • Hard /dry skin and callus • Painful corns Treatment for • Ingrown toe nails • Athletes foot / verrucas

• Thickened and fungal nails • Heel fissures ( cracked heel ) • Routine toe nails cutting and filed

All treatments carried out in the comfort of your home.

Contact Elaine - 01582 529623 Mob - 07900877159 Alternately email - erfoothealth@outlook.com

JustFelines

Cat Care and Pet Reiki Service Professional, friendly and flexible mobile cat feeding and care service.

Whether you are going away on holiday or just working long hours.

Member of the UK Reiki Federation

Operating in Toddington and the surrounding area Police checked and fully insured

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Drawings for Bodywork &extensions Paintwork

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Will Kimberley Garden Services • Hedge cutting - High hedges our speciality • Tree work, pruning, removal • Grass cutting (one-off and regular) • Fencing new and repairs • Garden shed construction and re-felting • General garden tidy up’s • Garden clearance and maintenance • Turf and gravel laying Contact Will for a free no obligation written estimate

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Order Prints

Issue 84 • August/September 2018

What’s On Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

Beautiful Butterfly Competition Entries by 2nd September, Free

For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171

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

WILD TRAX YOUTH PROJECT

Hidden Creatures 2nd & 7th August, £2 10.30 - 11.00, 11.15 - 11.45, 14.30 - 15.00

Wild Trax is a new and exciting youth project animed at young people aged 14 - 18. Each event is free but booking is essential.

Participants will meet experts and learn new skills before having the opportunity to join Wild Trax to put your talents to the test.

Design and complete a project (in groups or individually) with our support. The subject of the project is up to you as long as it’s based in Tring or Aylesbury and benefits nature in some way.

As recognition for participating, you’ll receive an award which can help demonstrate your skills and interests to universities and future employers. No accompanying adults, all participants must bring a completed parent/guardian consent form to take part. For T’s & C’s and full details of each event please visit the website.

Get crafty and create a hidden animal. From the tiny to the camouflaged or mysteriously behaved, find out how animals hide and create an imaginative craft. Suitable for ages 5+

Wild Trax: Wild Bees and Butterflies Aldbury Nowers. 3rd August, 11.00 - 13.00. Free

In partnership with College Lake. Create a butterfly masterpiece inspired by the Museum and College Lake. Visit the two sites to see the wide array of wildlife then let your creativity run wild by decorateing the butterfly sheet provided when participating in one of our events or purchasing a passport at College Lake.

The winner will receive a Museum and College Lake goody bag.

Suitable for 5+

Discover Print Making 8th & 9th August, 10.15 - 11.45, 14.30 - 16.00. £8.50 Join artists Alex and Sasa to get creative and get printing!

Use card and natural found materials to create your very own prints in this fun family workshop. Suitable for ages 5+, Advance booking required. For information and tickets call 020 7942 6163

Nest Building in Tring Park 10th & 31st August, 10.30 - 12.00, 14.00- 15.30 Free, suggested donation £2 Explore the world of nests in Tring Park. This activity includes walking around the park and is most suitable for ages 5+. Please bring weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.Meeting point is at the quad at the Museum. Advance booking is required. For information and tickets call 020 7942 6163

Explore Hidden Secrets 14th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th August 10.30 - 11.00, 11.15 - 11.45, 14.30 - 15.00. £2

Join the Reserves team at Aldbury Nowers and get a taste for how to identify and survey for wild bees and butterflies. You’ll learn where to look and what to look for, as well as some basics of identification for these two vast, important, and declining insect groups.

Wild Trax: What Lives Beneath the Surface College Lake. 5th August, 10.30 - 13.00. Free Join us at College Lake to investigate and identify what animals are living beneath the surface of the pond.

Join us at College Lake to investigate and identify what animals are living beneath the surface of the pond and in the undergrowth around the nature reserve. Using pond dipping and invertebrate survey techniques, you’ll use microscopes to key out species.

Wild Trax: Youth Work Party College Lake. 11th August, 10.30-14.30. Free

Get hands-on and explore the wonders of the animal world like you never before and have a go at our challenge. Ages 5+.

Join a College Lake reserves officer and carry out some important conservation work around the nature reserve. You could be involved in habitat management, path maintenance or painting bird hides – whatever is essential at the time. All training and tools will be provided.

Inspirational Insects 21st August, 10.30-11.00, 11.15-11.45, 14.30-15.00. £2

Wild Trax: Birds and Dragonflies Wilstone Reservoir. 17th August, 11.00 - 13.00. Free

Examine the beauty of the insect world and create a beautiful one to take home. Examine insects up-close to see their beautiful structures, patterns and colours. Use this as inspiration to decorate and create your very own insect. Ages 5+. Drop in.

50 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Join the Resevoir Reserves team and get a taste for how to identify and survey dragonflies and birds living at the Wilstone Reservoir. You’ll learn where to look and what to look for, as well as some basics of identification for these two groups.

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www.thevinemagazine.com 51 Issue 84 • August/September 2018 19

Clubs & Groups TODDINGTON MUSICMAKERS Toddington MusicMakers is an instrumental all age all ability music group based in Toddington. We aim to provide a safe non-judgemental space where people can enjoy making music together, whatever their level of ability. We meet every Friday evening in term time in the Methodist Hall in Toddington 6.30-7.30 pm.

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY The society, founded in 1991, meets at 7.45pm on the second Tuesday of each month (except during the summer break) at the Methodist Church Hall, The Square, Dunstable, where visitors are welcome.

Annual membership costs £8 (June - December fee £4). Entrance fee for non members is £2 per meeting.

Visiting speakers cover a wide range of subjects.

Our Research Room in Priory House, High Street South, Dunstable and open to the public on a Thursday morning 10.15am – 2.00am.

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT ART CLUB

We meet at Chew’s House 77 High Street South, Dunstable on Monday mornings from 10.00am. Monday afternoons from 2.00pm and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm. We are an informal club who meet to paint together, all abilities are welcomed, the club has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where we all try to encourage and help each other.

We also run social painting days. A club exhibition is held every year where members are encouraged to enter paintings for display.

Contact: Derek 01582 611607

DUNSTABLE MEN IN SHEDS

We are a group of slightly older men who meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s between 10am and 1 pm to chat, drink tea and some-

times make useful items for local schools, charities and for ourselves from a range of materials. We have been loaned a Council building on the Meadway allotment’s as our manufacturing hub.

Come and visit, all are welcome. For further information visit our website www.dunstablemeninsheds.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

Ring Martin on 01582 668598, or Terry on 01582 604476. Alternatively leave a message on our Shed phone 07707 259395.

WIDOWS & WIDOWERS CLUB We are an active Widows and Widowers club.

Meetings are held locally and new members are always welcome.

If you would like to make new friends and join in our many outings and activities please contact Jenny 01582 672766 or Val 01582 659717 or email Carol at carol.hodges@ntlworld.com CURTAIN CALL THEATRE GROUP & YOUTH THEATRE Youth theatre open to children aged 5 - 16 Mondays 5pm - 7.30pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. Acting, Singing, Dance, Fun & Games!

Adult group (16+) Mondays 8pm 10pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. New members always welcome wheather on or off stage.

Call Gavyn 01525 220525 www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk WEDNESDAY CLUB at NORTHALL VILLAGE HALL Are you or do you know of an elderly person in the Northall, Dagnall, Edlesborough, Eaton Bray or surrounding villages who might benefit from a social day out once a week? Why not come along to the Wednesday Club from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Our own minibus can pick you up, morning coffee and biscuits, home cooked lunch with pudding, afternoon tea and cakes. Play games and bingo, sale table, entertainment by visitors and outside club visits.

52 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Join in as much or as little as you like, make new friends, very friendly atmosphere. Only £9.00 per week including transport.

Contact Anna on 07854 230243, please leave a message if no answer.

BEDFORDSHIRE GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS & DYERS. A friendly group of textile crafts people who meet in Flitwick Village Hall twice a month.

First Tuesday evening of each month 7.30 - 9-30 and Third Saturday, all day, 10.30 to 4.30.

We welcome visitors interested in seeing what we do, so please pay a visit to our website www.bedsguildwsd.blogspot.co.uk BEECROFT CRAFT & CHAT Beecroft Community Centre Westfield Road, Dunstable We meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m on a “drop in/drop out” basis.

We meet to have a cuppa, chat and craft together in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

ALL CRAFTS WELCOME The first session is FREE Annual subscription £5.00 Session Fee: £3.00 Tel: Dorothy on 01582 606812 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, Philip Savage, on 01582 662462.

SAPHIRE SOCIAL CLUB We meet every Thursday at The Orange Tree Stevenage Rd Hitchin from 8.30pm. A small and friendly group

for single people aged 50+. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for 2 months. For further info call/text Ian 07900 890583 or Joyce 07952 678021 www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 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! Tel Pam on 01582 872608 pamrumfitt@btinternet.com LANGDALE CHURCH Langdale church communities: Art group every week, Friends and Neighbours open to everyone speaker and refreshments every second Thursday, Toddler group every Wednesday term time only, Saturday coffee morning second Saturday every month, Carers drop in 1st Thursday every month. Neighbourhood chaplains befriending and support in the local community. Sunday morning services at 10.30am. Please contact 01582 602980 langdalechurch@talktalk.net SOCIAL GROUP We are a small group of people age 45+. If you like to have fun and enjoy yourself then please get in touch. No Membership required, just ring Tina for more information between 10am & 8pm week days 01582 619035 NORTHALL TODDLER GROUP Northall Village Hall, LU6 2EX Join new mums, dads, grandparents and carers.Every Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30am (including school holidays) For children aged 0-5 years.

Tea, coffee, juices and healthy snack.

Come join in the fun, games and learning (inside and out) £2.50 during term time (per family) £1 per child during school holidays (Adults free & older children welcome) Tel. Sarah Cox on 07765 158182 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.

Contact Eila: 07964291892 ARTS & CRAFTS Art & Craft for adults with learning difficulties every Wednesday 10.30am - 12.30pm & every Sat 11am - 1pm at Arttrend, rear of 440 Dunstable Road.Please see the website www.arttrend.co.uk for all the details or phone 07794987796 DUNSTABLE DAOS

Tuesdays and Fridays, 7:45pm - 10:00pm

We are Dunstable’s premier Musical Theatre group. We perform out major shows, once a year, at The Grove Theatre in Dunstable along with concerts, small shows and so on. Find our Facebook Group or Facebook page for more details.

Email: daosuk@gmail.com 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 Tel: Amanda Fletcher 01582 404479

DUNSTABLE BAPTIST CHURCH St Mary’s Gate (Middle of Ashton Square Car Park) Our Friends and Neighbours meetings are open to everyone on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

For more information contact David tel: 01582 872106 NATIONAL TRUST All meetings are held at Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3.00 As well as outing we also run a holiday once per year. If you would like to join the group, please contact, Lynder Power 01582 696193 or Janr Lingham 01582 606838 DUNSTABLE SALVATION ARMY FRIENDS TOGETHER (Over 60s ) Weekly Subscription £2 We meet every Weds at Bull Pond Lane,Dunstable,LU6 3AH. We have a Cup of Tea or Coffee at 1.00pm then the the meeting starts at 1.30pm - 2.30pm. The Programme consists of Various Speakers.Quizzies, SingA-Longs, Musicial Artists. Lunch Club for Members on the first Weds of the month @£3 Also lots of good fun and Christian Fellowship. For more information tel: Maureen Dunn 01582 759509

THE BEACON COMMUNITY CHOIR

A friendly local choir that is open to all ages and all abilities – there are no auditions, all you need is a love of music and a sense of humour.

We sing a wide range of musical styles from classical choir repertoire to pop, jazz, gospel and folk. Our conductor is a highly qualified and experienced musician.

Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 8.15pm in St. Mary’s Church Ivinghoe.

If you would like to know more, contact Lindsay Hewlett (01296 660670, lhewlett@btinternet.com) or Richard Cooper (01296 661725).

Issue 84 • August/September 2018

53

Clubs & Groups STUDHAM WI

Studham WI meet on the first Thursday of every month, 7.45pm at Studham Village Hall. An open and friendly group of around 30+ ladies, we enjoy laughing and socialising, be it at our meetings, our monthly lunch outings, darts matches, quiz evenings, or at group and county events. Our programme for 2018 includes: puppets, advice on getting the best energy deals and tariffs, the importance of an up-to-date will, seated flexibility exercises, and mosaic making, as well as trips to a wine-tasting evening, the theatre in London, a Cotswold farm and our (members only) Summer Garden Party. If you’re interested in joining us, then come and try the WI! We’re always happy to welcome visitors to the majority our meetings. www.studhamwi.wordpress.com

TEA DANCE,

Tuesday 4th September – Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland. New members very welcome. Annual sub. £10 For any enquiries call Mary Chapman on 01582 603710

TOTTERNHOE PLAYERS

We are a friendly, supportive group for keen Am. Drammers aged 16 - 80+ and always welcome new members. We usually put on a panto, a murder mystery and either a comedy or variety show each year.

We aim to make the most of the talents you can bring to our group.

If your interests are in one of the back-stage disciplines, eg. lighting, sound, set construction, costume, admin, then you will be particularly welcome! We meet Wednesdays and most Fridays, 8pm - 10pm in Totternhoe to rehearse. Come along and meet us! Please call Els on 01582 758108 or Jo on 01582 603287

Houghton Regis Memorial Hall.

Every Monday afternoon.

Modern Ballroom Dancing (Waltz Quickstep Slow Foxtrot etc) and popular sequence dancing (Cindy swing, Rumba one etc) 2.00pm to 4.00pm every Monday afternoon with large free car park at the rear of the hall off Dury Lane, opposite the green Houghton Regis.

Music by John Hunter with Tea/Coffee & biscuits included in the admission price of £3.50 per person.

Opportunity to practice your dancing and meet new friends in a nice friendly atmosphere.

For additional information call John 01525 633877. Mike 01525 635904. or Derrick 01525 210568.

DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Houghton Regis Baptist Church, Houghton Regis, LU5 5RG We’re a friendly local choir, always looking for new voices to join us - no audition required!

We sing a bit of everything, from traditional choral pieces to songs from top musicals, with a few pop classics thrown in for good measure. Why not come along to a rehearsal, and see how you get on? Every Tuesday, 7.30pm to 9.30pm For more details, contact Pat Jackson on 01582 520302 or find us on Facebook

DUNSTABLE GARDEN CLUB

ACTIVITIES AT STUDHAM VILLAGE HALL

On a perfect Spring day members & friends enjoyed wonderful azaleas, rhododendrons & bluebells on a recent visit to Ramster Hall Gardens,Surrey.

Our Summer programme continues with the following coach outings:Thursday 2nd August – RHS Hyde Hall (Flower Show), Essex;

Monday Evening - Jive.

Tuesday Morning - Mums and Tots, Afternoon - Scrabble Club, Evening - Salsa.

Wednesday Evenings – Bingo.

Thursday Morning - U3A Carpet Bowls, Evening - Carpet Bowls Club.

54 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

1st Thursday evening in month – Women’s Institute (WI).

Main Hall and a Meeting room available for hire. Modern kitchen.

Contact Des Salmon T: 01582 872082.

E: desstudham@btconnect.com

LUTON AND DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY

If you collect postage stamps, postcards or postal history why not come along and meet fellow collectors? We usually meet on the first Friday of the month* at Bushmead Primary School, Luton, LU2 7EU from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. Your first visit is free! New members are always welcome.(*Dates may change if the school is closed).

Call Fin on 01582 453244 or email finodon@hotmail.com for a programme of events or more information.

WOMEN’S WORLD Meet 3rd Wednesday of the month, at St Anne’s Church Hall, Crawley Green Road, at 8pm.

Join our friendly group of ladies for talks, activities and outings. For more information about our next meeting ring Lynne on 01582 617470.

PRIORY’S LITTLE ANGELS formerly known as Priory Pram Service We hold a service for under 5’s, including babies even from a few weeks old, on the 1st Tuesday of the month. We sing, dance to songs, have a bible-linked story, play percussion, make a simple craft activity and have a prayer. All are welcome and we finish with refreshments, chatting and Christian fellowship.

We meet in the Priory Church and start at 2pm. Dates for future services: June 5th, July 3rd, August 7th (with Teddy Bears’ picnic afterwards), September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th and December 4th.

DANESBOROUGH CHORUS

REGULAR CLASSES AT HOUGHTON HALL PARK Buggy Exercise Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am. £2

New parents can get social, get fit and make new friends whilst most importantly - having fun!

Register at www.bookwhen.com/clearfitness to book on or for more info email Hayley at Hayley.clear@gmail.com

NCT Bumps and babies Sing with the Danesborough Chorus this autumn.

Good news for local singers! The Danesborough Chorus is keen to recruit you, whether you're soprano, alto, tenor or bass.

Our popular amateur classical choir is midway through rehearsals for Karl Jenkins' inspirational work, The Armed Man : A Mass for Peace..

Come and join us on Wednesday 5th September when we resume rehearsals after the summer break, or hear us sing this piece at the concert which we're performing jointly with Bedford Choral Society and Milton Keynes City Orchestra on Sunday 14th October in Milton Keynes Theatre.

Then it's nearly Christmas - yes, really! Starting Wednesday 17th October, the choir will be rehearsing new music, including a varied programme of Christmas music, with some traditional carols we've loved since childhood, and some less familiar songs, with perhaps a touch of 'classical' as well. If you haven't sung for a while, and you're feeling rusty, what better way to start exercising those vocal cords than singing carols with us? Our Christmas concert takes place in Woburn Parish Church on the evening of Saturday 15th December.

The Danesborough Chorus meets each Wednesday in Aspley Guise Village Hall from 7.45 - 9.50 pm.

You can talk to our membership secretary, Carol Yirrell, by phoning 01296 680328 . You can also find out more about the choir and our next concert by visiting www.danesborough.org.uk.

Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30pm. £1 suggested donation

This friendly, informal group is for babies and their parents/carers, siblings and expectant mums are also very welcome. NCT members and non-members welcome - just drop in! The group runs weekly during term time in the Lime room at the Visitor Centre in Houghton Hall Park. You have access to the cafe where you can buy tea, coffee and even get yourself a bit of lunch if you wish.

Come and have a natter with new parents and parents-to-be in this informal get together. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at dunstable@nct.org.uk

Parkrun Saturdays, 9am. Free

Every Saturday morning at 9am, why not take part in a friendly 5k run or the 2k Junior Parkrun (4-14 year olds) at Houghton Hall Park?

It's completely free to take part but please register before your first run, you only ever have to register with parkrun once! Don't forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode. Join in whatever your pace, everyone runs for their own enjoyment. It is entirely organised by volunteers so please email Houghtonhallhelpers@parkrun.com to volunteer your help. Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee at the visitor centre, please do come and join us!

FRIENDS OF HOUGHTON HALL PARK VOLUNTEERS Take part in valuable conservation work at Houghton Hall Park with the Greensand Trust one Sunday a month!

Weed Clearance Sunday 19th August, 10am – 3pm

This month, the task is clearing nettles and other weeds from the whip plantation by the southern path to allow them to grow and to improve the aesthetic value of the plantation.

Lime Tree Epicormic Growth Cut and Weeding Sunday 16th September, 10am – 3pm

Give the Lime trees adjacent to the car park their annual “shave”.

This practice improves the aesthetics of the entrance to the park and keeps the growth from getting out of hand.

If you would like to come along, please email: hhp@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to let us know. The meeting spot will be the Visitor Centre car park on Park Road North. This is open to everyone so please join us, we hope to see you there.

Issue 84 • August/September 2018

55

Out & About

SUNDAY BAND CONCERTS Sunday 5th August WELWYN GARDEN CITY BAND 2018 brings another year of FREE Band Concerts set in the stunning setting of Grove House Gardens.

Each concert runs from 2.30 pm till 4.15 pm and are for all the family to enjoy.

56 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Sunday 12th August MILTONKEYNES BRASS BAND

Ashridge Adventurers

ASHRIDGE

Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Nr.Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LT

Gentle Stroll - Hanging Coombe and Butterflies 7th August, 10:30 - 12:00. £3

Visit this less well-known area of the estate, with our knowledgeable volunteers, to see the butterflies.

A chance to learn more about the history and wildlife, especially butterflies, in this area of the estate. There are some steep slopes on this walk. Not suitable for very young children, some steep slopes. Dogs on leads are welcome. Meet in Steps Hill car park

PRIORY PICTURES Saturday 4th August Priory Gardens. FREE

Priory Pictures is back for the second year running, this free outdoor cinema event will be held in the beautiful setting of Priory Gardens.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Until 30th August.

10:30 - 12:00 & 13:30 - 15:00. £4

Join us for either a morning or afternoon session of led family activities and crafts. Learn more about Ashridge's animals and plants while exploring the estate.

Our education team will be running twice weekly outdoor activity sessions during the summer holidays.

Each week will feature a different activity.

From pond dipping to minibeast hunting and den building, there is always something fun happening at Ashridge for the family to take part in.

Sessions are aimed at children aged 4-10 and also include a nature themed craft in the visitor centre classroom. To book call 01442 851227

CHILTERN GATEWAY Dunstable Road, LU6 2GY Tel: 01582 500 920

Kite Making Workshops

7th - 31st August every Tuesday (2pm - 4pm) & Friday (10am - 12pm) £2.50

Dunstable Downs is famous for its kite flying so come and learn how to make a simple kite to fly here.

We will show you how to make a kite that you can fly on the Downs.

Wild Art Workshops

7th - 31st August every Tuesday (10am - 12pm) & Friday (2pm - 4pm) £2.50

3pm - Peter Rabbit 5.30pm - Jumanji 2018 8pm - Labyrinth There will be an outdoor bar, food, popcorn and candyfloss plus get there early to bag yourself a deckchair, to sit back, relax and enjoy the movies!

Come and make art from material available all around you at Dunstable Downs.

Come and join this children's workshop and learn how to make art from natural resources.

Ancient Tribes Trail

27th - 31st August 11am - 3pm £2

Have you ever wondered which Celtic tribe you might be descended from? Did your ancestors paint their faces blue?

Come along to learn more about the tribes that flourished in this area many thousands of years ago and find out if there are clues to your ancestors here.

Issue 84 • August/September 2018

57

Out & About Summer Fayre & Fun Dog Show 2018 12th August, 11am - 4pm

Easter 14 - Heath 17 April 10am – 3pm Old Weekend Linslade Rd, and Reach,

LU7 0EB. Tel: 01525 234260

www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park Bug Lab 2018 at Rushmere 7th August, 12.30pm - 1.45pm / 2pm - 3.15pm. £3

Our Big Summer Weekend of fundraising concludes with our annual Summer Fayre and Fun Dog Show.

Come and join in the fun and games - free admission with arts, crafts, refreshments and a whole host of fun activities for all the family out on The Meadow.

No booking required - just turn up! £3 exit fee will apply, separate charges may apply for kids amusements and trails.

Wild Night Out 2018

Rushmere Country Park (Stockgrove Entrance) A chance for you and your children to hunt for mini-beasts with experts on hand and do a fun bug- 24th August 7:30pm - 11:00pm related craft activity.

Adult £10, Concessions* £5 Children must be accompanied by an adult. Not Experience the dark side of the park on a special VIP suitable forEaster under 4’s. Bunny Hunt after-hours adventure. Discover the wonderful creatures Stay for as longthe as you like during Complete trail and session. win an egg! that come out when the sun goes down on a night-time While equipment and guides are provided, the sesCome and find eight wooden rabbits hidden  Tickets £3.50 per child walk in the woods with the Greensand Trust rangers. in the park, answer the questions and work win an and  To avoid disappointment book in advance at sion involves group sharing of materials Easter egg. www.eventbrite.co.uk (search Easter Bunny Please bring a torch. This event is really aimed at adults Hunt) to book.

Places are limited so you'll need Pick up your question sheet from the Herons’  Or you can just turn up on the day of your as it involves a 3.5 hour walk at night, under 16s must be Hatch, return it there with your answers to choice at the Herons’ Hatch but numbers receive your chocolate egg reward. are limited accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential.

Rushmere Concert in the Park 2018 11th August, 5pm Adult £12, Concessions* £8. Under 4s go FREE Kicking off our Big Summer Weekend of fundraising, come and join us on The Meadow for a relaxed evening of local music talent raising funds for Rushmere Country Park. This is a family-friendly event with food stalls and beer tent and fairground amusements for the kids.

We've been working hard to bring you an even better Concert in the Park - this year we've invested in a stage and better sound system which we're sure will add to your enjoyment of the event.

We've put together a really great line-up of local music talent too!

Please bring your own blankets, chairs and a torch!

4pm - Gates open for concert visitors 5pm-6pm Razz 6.30pm-7.30pm The Zeroes 8pm-9pm Kobold 9.30pm-10.30pm Inlak’esh *Concessions: ages 4-16, over 65’s, NUS card holders.

58 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Local Food Festival 2018 23rd September 11am - 4pm Rushmere Country Park’s Tree Tops Café is proud to support local suppliers of fresh, quality produce in line with our green credentials as a local environmental charity. Following on from the success of our inaugural event last year we’re holding our second Local Food Festival this autumn celebrating the great quality local produce this area has to offer.

A variety of food and drink stalls from across the area Food demonstrations and tasting opportunities The Tree Tops Café with crispy crackling hog roast, outside bar and BBQ Fun activities for kids, including a bouncy castle and food festival experience trail Live music from Tess and the Durbervilles Songs from the Shows performed by members of The Advanced Theatre Company and The Leighton Buzzard Children's Theatre Dance performed by Swing Dance MK Entry is free, however a £3 vehicle pay on exit fee will still apply; separate charges may apply for kid activities and trails.

A night to remember

AFTERNOON TEAS AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE VILLAGE HALL!

BARBEQUE!

RAFFLE!

CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS! TUG-OF-WAR!

Join us for a walk under the stars, remembering loved ones and raising funds for St John’s hospice along our 5k or 10k routes.

Saturday 22nd September 2018 Starting at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice

sponsored by fifteen years

To register go to www.sueryder.org/stjohnsstarlighthike or call 01767 642 412

sponsored by

@SueRyderStJohns sueryder.stjohnshospice

LOTS OF LOVELY STALLS! Sue Ryder registered charity England and Wales (1052076) Scotland (SCO39578) Ref. No. 05978 March 2018

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R

SPOOKTACULA

GLOW WALK

Walk, glow and

party for Keech Hospice Care this halloween!

Age 14+

SATURDAY

27

OCTOBER from 6pm

Keech Hospice Care, Luton

Sign up at:

www.keech.org.uk/glowwalk 01582 707940

Registered Charity No. 1035089

59

Out & About

Parkside Singers – Ampthill

 



 :  

Afternoon tea with The Parkside Singers & Special Guest Soloist Elizabeth Bottone Tickets £10:00 Contact Ken Jones 01525 753110 or Brian Matthews 01525 841077

60 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Coffee Morning Wednesday 18th July 2018 Wednesday 15th August 2018

Avalon Waterways River Cruises With Space To Relax & Freedom To Explore Great Rail Journeys From the Canadian Rockies to seeing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia – see it all by rail.

Premier Holidays Wednesday 12th September 2018 Sensational South Africa – Table Mountain, the Big 5 on safari, penguins and winelands.

Wednesday 17th October 2018 Wednesday 31st October 2018

Wendy Wu Tours Experts in tours to China, Japan, India, South East Asia and South America Leger Holidays European coach tours, trips to Disneyland Paris, Battlefields tours and river cruises.

Where: Suitcase Travel 5b Queensway Dunstable LU5 4DW

Telephone: 01582 349480 E-mail: holidays@suitcasetravel.co.uk

Every month we will be holding a free event where you can come along and have a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits with a free talk about a different type of holiday from an industry expert!

Each talk starts at 11:00am.

Issue 84 • August/September 2018

61

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