The Vine Dunstable - August / September 2025 by The Vine Magazine

COMPOSITE DOORS

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Advertising & Editorial:

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Shelly Nesbitt

Advertising & Editorial:

Shelly Nesbitt

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Shelly Nesbitt

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

Tel: 01582 511329 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.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

of this publication may

permission.

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

"Excellent

- R.R

"Without doubt the most competent, gentle & lovely dentist in the Northern hemisphere! I won't see anyone else. Thank you from a nervous patient."

- M.B.

Dentist : Dr A. Johar GDC number : 111350

Hygienist: Mrs Jane Shrowder GDC number : 2344

Green Flags For Dunstable

Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground, Dunstable Cemetery, Grove House Gardens and Priory Gardens retain coveted Green Flag Award

Dunstable is celebrating green space excellence as Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground, Dunstable Cemetery, Grove House Gardens and Priory Gardens have once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces.

The awards follow a full judging assessment earlier this year and confirm that these cherished spaces continue to meet the highest standards in terms of maintenance, community involvement, biodiversity, and visitor experience.

Even more impressively, Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground and Dunstable Cemetery have increased their overall scores, reflecting ongoing improvements and a continued commitment to excellence - a fantastic achievement for all involved.

The Green Flag Award, managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates the very best parks and green spaces across the UK. This year, over 2,250 sites nationwide were honoured - and Dunstable proudly remains among them.

Priory Gardens has also retained its Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, in recognition of its outstanding historic features and thoughtful management.

Town Mayor of Dunstable, Cllr Sally Kimondo commented: “I’m sure, like me, you will be very pleased to hear this news. These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and pride shown by our teams and the community. It’s a fantastic reflection of how much we all value our green spaces here in Dunstable.” The awards were formally presented at a ceremony held on 16 July, attended by Town Council staff.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:

“Congratulations to everyone involved in Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground, Dunstable Cemetery, Grove House Gardens and Priory Gardens, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that they achieve the high standards required for the Green Flag Award. “Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

Crucially, they are vital green spaces for communities in Bedfordshire to enjoy nature. During the ongoing cost of living crisis, they offer free and safe spaces for families to socialise and provide opportunities for physical and mental wellbeing.”

Dunstable Town Council extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this success - from staff and volunteers to local residents and visitors. Your continued support ensures that these green spaces remain accessible, safe, and welcoming for all to enjoy.

LICENSING ACT 2003 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

I, Delroy Lucas, of Delucas limited 45 Lowther Road, Dunstable, LU6 3NL

am applying for a premises licence to allow the sale of alcohol at the above premises.

Any person wishing to make representations regarding this application must do so in writing to:

Licensing Team, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1LF by 15th August 2025.

Methodist Church, The Square Dunstable

Conveniently situated in the centre of Dunstable, we have a range of halls that are available to hire. Details can be found on our website: www.squaremethodist.org/newroombookings.htm

For further information please contact: lettings@squaremethodist.org Tel: 07469 842925

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed

As the foremost domestic glass replacement company in the UK for more than 18 years, Cloudy2Clear Windows are the leading name in the industry. There is now no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 340,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit it may not provide you with the protection you need, or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Why not take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear Stephen Moon it became evident that the value of saving their customers money has been held dear for

a number of years. In addition since starting the business in 2005, Cloudy2Clear have committed to supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public both time and money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “By doing this we make the customer considerable savings and there is much less upheaval in the family home. Also, whether communities find themselves in a financial crisis or not, saving money when you don’t need to waste it is always the sensible option, and our service does just that”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear Stephen Moon it became evident that the value of saving their customers money has been held dear for

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.

Dunstable Businesses Celebrate 40 Years of the Town Council with Shop Window Competition

To mark the 40th anniversary of Dunstable Town Council, local businesses were invited to join the celebrations by decorating their shop windows with a 40th birthday or anniversary display - and the results have been nothing short of spectacular!

The Town Centre Manager and the Town Mayor, Councillor Sally Kimondo, visited businesses throughout the town centre to view the colourful and creative displays that brought the town to life, with winners selected by both public vote via Facebook and the Mayor herself.

The winners are:

Public Vote Winner: Flexistaff Recruitment

Mayor’s Choice Winner: The Geek, The Witch, The Wardro be Dunstable

Second Place (Mayor’s Choice & Public Vote):

Moody Styles Hair Salon

Moody Styles marked the occasion with a stunning window display showcasing hairstyles through the decades - a fitting tribute, as the businesses owner is also celebrating 40 years since the owner first qualified for as a hairdresser.

Third Place (Mayor’s Choice): Dunstable Eye Centre

Third Place (Public Vote): Archie's Bakery

Dunstable Town Mayor, Cllr Sally Kimondo said:

"We are thrilled by the incredible effort shown by our local businesses. Their creativity and enthusiasm have brought joy to our community and helped make this milestone truly memorable."

As a thank you, all the 11 participating business received a celebration cake - a small token of appreciation for their contribution to the community and support for the Town Council’s 40th anniversary. The Town Council extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part and helped make this occasion a vibrant, town-wide celebration. With a reminder to everyone to shop local and show support to our wonderful independent traders

Buy Now, Pay Later?

Understanding the true cost of short-term borrowing.

Buy

Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes have grown in popularity in recent years, offering consumers the convenience of purchasing goods without immediate payment.

These services, provided by companies like Klarna, Clearpay, and PayPal (pay-in-three), allow shoppers to split their payments into instalments. However not all of these companies are accredited, leading to serious consequences for the unsavvy.

Financial risks

One of the most significant risks associated with BNPL schemes is the potential to accumulate debt. Since payments are deferred, it’s easy to overlook the long-term financial impact of purchases.

Also, while BNPL services often advertise themselves as “interest-

free”, many come with hidden fees that can surprise the consumer.

Late payment fees are common and if you miss an instalment, while providers may also impose account maintenance fees or other administrative charges.

Impact on Credit Score

When signing up to these services it is often stated that your credit rating is not checked, however, failing to meet payment deadlines can adversely affect your credit score. BNPL providers often report late payments to credit bureaus, which can harm your ability to secure loans, mortgages, or other financial products in the future.

outside traditional financial regulations, meaning they may offer fewer consumer protections compared to credit cards or loans.

Limited consumer protection

BNPL schemes often operate

What’s more, disputes over faulty goods or services may not be as easily resolved if purchases are made through BNPL providers.

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

installation we carry out!’

every installation we carry out!’

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Ladders,

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

Can Trust!

Counties Loft Ladders,

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

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Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

You Can Trust!

£444!

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

every installation we carry out!’

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer price

Quality, Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

Quality, Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer price afford. relies on get a our calls have

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft! Counties Loft

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

every installation we carry out!’

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808

Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

Home Counties

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808

301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can

301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

The company, based locally, offers

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise

The company, based locally, offers

The company,

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise

Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation carry out!’

Integrity in that we

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure

Need more storage space?

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

every installation carry out!’ So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

Integrity in that we - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to every installation carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation carry out!’ So, if you use of your call Jamie 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

The Power of Love !

In this edition of The Vine we are focusing on some of the supporters we have and looking at their “why” to explain why they chose Hospice at Home Volunteers as the charity to support.

We start with a fabulous group called “Last of the Summer Ukuleles” who meet each week to socially get together enjoy the music and build connections. They welcome new members as they continue into their 8th year of support to us. Keith from LOTSU says “When 'Last of the Summer Ukuleles' began performing it was mainly for lunch clubs and in care homes. It was decided any funds raised would go to local charities working in the care sector. Hospice at Home Volunteers seemed the right fit for us and we are glad to support their work.”

Community Interest Luton is an organisation that is led by Mostaque Koyes for the benefit of good causes across the area. Each year they raise thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes and 2025 has been HHVs year where they have helped to raise a staggering £25,000 (to put into perspective a years running costs for us). Mostaque explains their why… “We’re proud to stand with an extraordinary charity that has been offering free, compassionate care to people with life-limiting illnesses since 1986.Through a team of incredible volunteers, Hospice at Home brings not only practical support but peace, dignity, and a comforting presence to patients and their loved ones, right where it matters most: at home.”

BeanSprout Ltd , a local accountancy with a differ ence, is a relatively new business, but the Chief Executive is not new to HHV. Helen has been a supporter of for many years and has held a number of fundraising events in our honour. Helen explains her why, “Choosing a local charity mattered to us because we’re rooted in family and community. Hospice at Home touches the lives of many local families during their hardest moments. Supporting them reflects who we are, giving back with heart, showing up for our community, and making a difference where it matters most.”

The Rotary Club of Dunstable is a service organisation and its members identify both local and international projects to support. Throughout the year with money raised they distribute thousands of pounds to local good causes. Its members are highly visible particularly at Christmas when they bring a smile to so many with the Santa Float. President Ed Restall-Harrison explains why HHV has received the support over many years “Hospice at Home Volunteers has been at the forefront of members minds for many years, through the leadership of their chairperson raising its profile and showcasing the work that it does to support its clients and their carers. The impact their volunteers have on the lives they help is immense and members of Rotary have personally reached out to use their support when difficult times have struck; they go the extra mile”.

Neville Funerals in Dunstable are celebrating 140 years as a company this year, and they have been great supporters to HHV over the years. Whilst not a direct financial supporter, their support in other ways enables HHV to train their new volunteers in an environment that provides opportunity for conversation as well as a meeting point for our trustee meetings. James Witham, explains what it means to support HHV in the way that it does, “We support Hospice at Home Volunteers at Neville Funerals in Dunstable because we believe that it is important to connect with the local community outside of our capacity as Funeral Director. Being a local business, it is important to put back into the community we serve.”

We are eternally grateful to all our supporters and those that attend our varied events programme. We wouldn’t exist without the help and support we get from so many through the community engagement undertaken.

If you would like to become involved in Hospice at Home Volunteers please contact us. We have lots of opportunities available whether it’s as a client where we can offer you and your family the support you need; or as a volunteer who gives time to spend with

Hello

again!

from Appledown Rescue Kennels Mabel’s News

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

Appledown

Hello Janis Joplin!

Rescue Dog of the Month

Please visit our website for details about adoption and an application form. To support our work you can make a one-off

This lovely lady is Janis Joplin, a Dutch Shepherd who was born in 2022. Like all working breeds, she needs an active family with plenty of time to devote to giving her exercise and mental stimulation. Janis is a friendly girl who walks well on the lead and we think we she would live with another dog pending introductions. Any children would need to be 10+. This is an usual breed and we would ask that anyone who is interested finds out more about it before contacting us. Please visit our website for details about adoption and an application form. To support our work you can make a one-off donation of £3 by texting APPLE to 70111, or donate via Paypal using the ‘DONATE Support a Cause’ option. Cheques are very welcome too!

01525 220383 (10am-1pm & 2-4 pm) e-mail: appledown.kennels@btinternet.com Website: www.appledownrescue.co.uk Viewings are by appointment only

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

(Reg. Charity No. 1116848)

Call 01525 220383 (10am-1pm & 2-4 pm)

E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. www.appledownrescue.co.uk

Viewings by appointment only

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

I need a home!

Henry 2nd and the Plantagenets

In 1154 Henry, the son of Count Geoffrey Angevin and “Empress”

Maud became King Henry 2nd of England as had been agreed at Dunstaple following he 19 year civil war known as The Anarchy. He was the first of the longest (so far) dynasty of English monarchs. The name Plantagenet comes from the Latin name for the flower of the broom shrub Planta genesta, a sprig of which Geoffrey Angevin was reputed to wear. Henry was a young man of 21 when he ascended the throne and was a real go-getter. He was also what might be called a “warrior king” and spent much of his time fighting. Although French, he had little respect for the French king, Louis VII, and, over the years managed to secure more land in France than that held by Louis (which didn’t go down very well). At one time Henry had a considerable empire stretching from Scotland to the Pyrenees and in this respect he was particularly fortunate in having married Eleanor of Aquitaine who brought a large area (Gascony) to the marriage.

him at least 8 children, four of whom were living sons :- Henry, Geoffrey, Richard and John. The family, however, was completely dysfunctional and everybody hated everybody else: husband against wife (and vice versa), sons against each other, sons against father (there is a picture from the time showing a parent eagle being attacked by its four chicks - very telling), with all this vitriol freely stirred by Eleanor. Also, the parents had favourites and Eleanor preferred Richard whilst Henry favoured John. These preferences created even further unrest.

To make matters worse, Henry regularly had mistresses (a common practice among medieval monarchs) with one in particular, Rosemund, who bore him two illegimate sons. He kept her in her own private apartment for many years and was genuinely fond of her - much more so than of his wife ! But Eleanor was no paragon of virtue either and once had an affair with an uncle in the Holy Land (what’s good for the gander is also good for the goose !).

Angevin Lands

However, Henry spent more time fighting to keep hold of his French posses sions than he did in England and this caused “problems” at home ! His marriage to Eleanor could, at best, be called a love/hate relationship and there were lengthy periods when they were at loggerheads. But she bore

Historians will judge Henry as being a good king on the whole since, when not fighting, he initiated a number of legal and administrative reforms which still have resonance today. This, in spite of having spent only 14 of his 34 years reign actually in England. He was also regarded as being a good companion who didn’t stand on ceremony, dressed casually, and who had “the common touch”. But - a negative trait - he had the ferocious temper which was a feature with all the Plantagenets. So, don’t get too near !

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS

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We can help you to review your current or proposed, Mortgages, Insurances, Pensions & Investments, Equity Release, Inheritance Tax, Wills and Trusts, or a general review of your current position?

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Unlike some TV adverts we don’t charge a equity release, so no broker fees added to your

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'Equity

By Paul Heley

To start with, Henry had a close friend whom he raised to be Chancellor and, later, as Archbishop of Canterbury: Thomas Becket. When Henry was later having some trouble with the Church, he hoped that his friend might help him sort it outbut Becket was now committed and sided with the Church - to Henry’s great dismay. In desperation (or so it is suggested) he was overheard to say “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” and his plea was heard by four knights who hastened to Canterbury to carry out (what they thought) was Henry’s wishes - and killed Thomas in his cathedral.

There was an understandable uproar but Henry insisted that murder was not what he had intended and he performed many rites of personal penance in an attempt to cleanse the terrible mistake. Henry tried to placate his sons by giving them areas to control :- Young Henry was given Anjou; Geoffrey Brittany; Richard Aquitaine; John Ireland. But none of them was satisfied - they each wanted more - and in 1173 young Henry plotted to overthrow his father. In this he was supported by Geoffrey and Richardand encouraged by Eleanor.

The family dysfunctionality continued to boil over and during the next decade or more there were occasions when pitched battles took place between various brothers, or a son against his father, each one the result of a squabble over French lands. Once, young Henry ordered his archers to actually fire on his father - how terrible - but Dad survived. Perhaps the archers missed deliberately.

During these years, young Henry died from dysentry in 1183 - a common cause of death in those days - and Geoffrey was killed in a joust in 1186. This meant a rearrangement of lands held - and further squabbling - eventually leading to the final occasion when Henry was actually fighting Richard (who was in league with the new French king, Philip Augustus), in the summer of 1189. Henry was besieged, and part of his humiliation was to be shown a list of the English no blemen who had sided with Richard - and at the top was John, his favourite. This revelation was too much to bear and Henry ceased to fight the fever from which he was suffering. He died on 6th July, 1189 and was buried at the ancestral Fontevrault Abbey.

The plot failed and Henry forgave his sons - but captured and “imprisoned” Eleanor (more like house arrest) for the next 16 years. He couldn’t trust her not to meddle in his affairs (wishful thinking !).

Henry is generally regarded as being a good chap - as is young Henry - but Geoffrey has been described as “a hypocrite, a deceiver and a dissembler” ; Richard as “a mindless brute” ; and John as “a graceless wastrel”.

The Plantagenets hadn’t started off very well!

Eleanor

The site of Becket’s murder

Personal Space

Selecting a home interior style based on your personality.

Pure and simple

You like simplicity and calmness but aren’t clinical - there is a warmth and homeliness to you, but clutter drives you crazy.

Dream décor: Use Scandinavian design, known for its minimalism, functionality, and connection to nature. It features light colours, natural materials like wood and leather, and simple, well-crafted furniture – cosy, inviting, clean and uncluttered.

Brutally honest

You spend your day spent seeking truth and realism as you stride through life with confidence and candour.

Dream décor: Inspired by factory and warehouse aesthetics, the industrial style embraces raw, unfinished elements. Exposed

brick walls, ductwork, and metal beams are characteristic features. Furniture is often made from reclaimed wood and metal, and the colour palette includes earthy tones and greys, ideal for when you’re keeping it real.

Free spirit

You are a daydreaming, optimistic, romantic and kind soul.

An old soul

You’ve a penchant for pipes, typewriters and vintage wines as you retreat to your boudoir with a good book.

Dream décor: Bohemian, or boho, design is eclectic and artistic, often incorporating a mix of patterns, textures and colours. It embraces an openminded and relaxed atmosphere, with an emphasis on handmade or unique items, while layered textiles, plants and vintage pieces are common.

Dream décor: Traditional interior design draws inspiration from 18th- and 19th-Century European interiors. It features rich colours, ornate details and classic furniture pieces. Symmetry and balance are key elements, and the use of wood, silk and velvet makes it a luxurious place to escape that is far from the madding crowd.

Telephone: 01525 872127 email: info@pwilsonplumbingandheating.com www.pwilsonplumbingandheating.com

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Home & Garden

Bee Kind

How to support your local ecosystem during autumn.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours and a shift in the resources available to wildlife. For many species, this is a critical time to gather food, prepare nests, or ﬁnd shelter for the winter.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to attract and support wildlife in autumn is through strategic planting.

Choose plants that provide food and shelter throughout the season, such as late-blooming ﬂowers like asters, goldenrod and sedum provide bees and butterﬂies with

nectar during the ﬁnal weeks of their active season. Meanwhile, shrubs such as holly, elderberry and viburnum bear fruit in the autumn that can sustain birds and small mammals.

Trees like crab apple and rowan also offer berries that remain accessible even as winter approaches. With that in mind, avoid cutting back all ﬂowering plants, leaving seed heads intact provides a food source for birds.

mulch and provide habitat for insects and small mammals.

Place bird feeders stocked with high-energy seeds, suet, or peanuts to sustain birds during migration.

Instead of raking and disposing of all fallen leaves, allow some to remain in ﬂower beds or under shrubs. These create a natural

You can also gather pruned branches and twigs to form brush piles for hedgehogs, birds and other creatures.

Finally, birdhouses and nesting boxes can be placed strategically in trees or near shrubs to give birds a safe place to roost.

Across Clues:

5. The state of being higher in rank (11)

9. Punctuation mark separating related clauses (9)

10. To swell (5)

11. The day before an event (3)

12. A lightweight, translucent fabric (5)

13. Small, flavoured sweets (5)

15. In a spinning manner (6)

17. To call off (6)

19. Tree branches (5)

20. Say suddenly without thinking (5)

21. Small hotel (3)

23. Short, sharp bird sound (5)

24. Resembling a flame (9)

26. Protective sheath around nerve fibres (11)

Down Clues:

1. Spice used in many cuisines (5)

2. To restore friendly relations (9)

3. Dryly humorous (3)

4. Male horse (8)

6. Well-established (6)

7. Category for the largest boxing competitors (11)

8. Venomous snake with a rattling tail (11)

14. Record of points in a game (9)

16. Paid out (8)

18. Small sunken section of a room (6)

22. Spoken out loud (5)

25. Small piece (3)

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you? 01582

Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

Windows not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and

Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and

Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

Remember To Be Kind

Providing support to someone with dementia requires patience, empathy and practical strategies to enhance quality of life, while preserving dignity and independence. It isn’t easy, but it is highly rewarding for both you and the person suffering.

Communication strategies

Effective communication is a cornerstone of supporting someone with dementia. The most important rule is to keep it simple - speak slowly and clearly, using short sentences and avoiding complex phrases that might confuse them. Then, allow them extra time to process your words and respond. And always avoid interrupting or rushing them.

You can also use facial expressions, gestures and touch to convey understanding, and refrain from dismissing their feelings. If they are distressed about an imagined event, offer comfort instead.

Creating a safe environment

Creating a secure and stable

home for your dementia sufferer will make day-to-day life far easier. These include keeping the living space tidy and free of unnecessary obstacles to prevent accidents, using clear labels or pictures on items, as well as reducing potential stressors like loud television or unpredictable background noise.

Daily activities and routine

Establishing a consistent routine (with independent tasks) can provide comfort and familiarity, so try to keep mealtimes, activities and sleep hours consistent,

while physical activity is vital for overall health.

Proper nutrition

In terms of food, small, frequent meals are best, with a focus on good nutrition, high fibre and protein, while staying hydrated is also key.

By Dr Lorna Moore

Creative sketchbooks

Capture your holiday experience with a pen and some watercolours. Practise drawing very quickly and do it every day for half an hour. Keep the sketches small and just focus on the things you like. It might be shapes or colours. Your sketchbook is like a visual diary. It captures the essence of your experience. Don’t worry about getting everything right. Let ‘go’ and see what happens.

These sketches you see are from my students. They were encouraged to think about how to edit a scene. You don’t have to do everything. It might be part of a building, or just a window, or a crack in a wall, a bit of a fence etc. They were also advised to use one page of their sketchbook and create 3 or 4 small sketches of different parts of one building or scene. The page tells a visual story without having to draw everything. These pages are from their trips to Bulgaria and Montenegro. They came back with a lovely visual diary reminding them of what they did every day. Autumn term begins Wednesday 17th September. 4 week option available.

Email drmooresartcourse@gmail.com

Fb Dr Lorna Moore’s Creative Art Course instagram.com/drmooresartcourse/ or call 078 9661 9660

Lorraine Harwood

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!

August

& September 2025

Get Ready for the 2025 Perseids Meteor Shower:

Active throughout August the Perseids offer a great opportunity to watch the night sky for shooting stars. Look up to your north-east after dark for the ‘W’ constellation of Cassiopeia. Just below the ‘W’ is the constellation of Perseus from where the Perseids shooting stars will appear to radiate.

Shooting stars really do live up to their name. They’ll literally zip across the sky in a second or two, the brightest ones leaving behind a ‘smoke trail’ that might be visible for another couple of seconds afterwards. Best nights to look are 11 - 14 August. This is when the shower reaches its peak in activity. You may catch upwards of 50 shooting stars an hour during these nights from 10pm - 4am, although a bright moon will affect viewing this year.

Catch a Lunar Eclipse at Moonrise:

On the evening of Sunday 7 September look towards your eastern horizon at about 7:40pm and you’ll see a weird full moon rise. It’ll be a dark moon, coppery brown or dark red in colour against the fading twilight sky. What you’ll be witnessing is a full lunar eclipse, where Earth’s shadow cast from the recently set sun covers the moon. Fifteen minutes later you’ll see the first sliver of the familiar silvery moon reappear. By 8:20pm half the moon will be lit and half still buried in the eclipse shadow. Come 9pm the moon is back to near its full familiar brightness.

By Seb Jay - Image: NASA

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are looking for volunteers to join our team at Dunstable Citizens Advice. Roles available are Advisers, Receptionist, Treasurer and Trustees.

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Give back to the community

• Free, in-depth training

• Friendly, supportive team

• Expenses paid

Trustee Opportunities:

• All of the above

• Help guide and govern us Citizens Advice

• Be part of the decision making process!

Interested?

Please email training@dunstable.cabnet.org.uk or call 01582 670003 to discuss the opportunities. Take a look at our website www.dunstablecab.org.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Tea Time Tales are being held in Grove House, 76 High Street North whilst Priory House is being repaired.

Aternate Thursdays, 2:30 - 4:00pm Talks of local & national interest with refreshments

Thursday 11th September

Growing Up in Luton 1956 – 1977 by Howard Chandler

Thursday 25th September

The Victorian & Edwardian House Party by David Deller

Thursday 9th October

Across: 5. Superiority, 9. Semicolon, 10. Bloat, 11. Eve, 12. Scrim, 13. Mints, 15. Awhirl, 17. Cancel, 19. Limbs, 20. Blurt, 21. Inn, 23. Chirp, 24. Torchlike, 26. Perineurium. Down: 1. Cumin, 2. Reconcile, 3. Wry, 4. Stallion, 2022

Birds of Paradise and the big Sing-Sing by Wilf Powell

Priory Proms in the Park

13 September, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Priory Gardens

Join us in Priory Gardens for a live broadcast of the Last Night of the Proms on a giant screen with special effects, interval entertainment and a stunning firework display to end this magical evening! Bring your picnic chairs, blankets and your Pimms and join us in celebrating this wonderful classical British event. There will also be an on-site licensed bar and food concessions available!

 Meet new people,

 Improve your health,

 Sing with others,

 Have fun?

All Saints Church, Dagnall, HP4 1RL Mondays 7.45pm – 9.45pm

Everyonewelcome, particularly tenors&basses.

Find out more at: dagnallcc@gmail.com

www.dagnall-community-choir.co.uk

Dagnall Community Choir

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