He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh ponders the sound of summer.
There is a curious thing that happens in August gardens, and it’s something many people miss entirely amongst the scarlet blaze of geraniums, the velvet purples of salvias, the soft powder-blue of hydrangeas, the creamy whites of climbing roses.
If you ask me, August is the month to stop looking… and start listening.
It often begins with bees. Stand beside a flowering patch of lavender, perhaps edging a path or tumbling from a
terracotta pot, and you’ll hear it immediately: that low, industrious hum.
Thousands of tiny wings, moving with quiet purpose from bloom to bloom. I’ve always found it deeply reassuring, and there is something wonderfully honest about bees. They don’t care what your garden looks like on Instagram. They care only whether it offers something worth visiting.
Then there are the birds. By this point in the year, much of the frantic spring chorus has softened, but listen in the evening and you’ll still hear a lone Common Blackbird singing from the top of a fence post or the highest branch of an apple tree, as if he’s reluctant to let summer go. It’s not the territorial song of spring - it’s something softer, more reflective, almost contemplative.
ornamental grasses moving in a warm breeze, the occasional plop of a frog slipping into a pond, or the crackle of dry soil underfoot during a hot spell.
I often sit outside as dusk begins to fall and listen to that song, and I’m reminded that gardens are not just places to grow plants. They’re places to measure time.
are
Then you have the snip of secateurs, the hiss of a hosepipe, a lawnmower in the distance and, of course, children or grandchildren having the time of their lives.
A garden should never be silent – not even in the depths of winter. If it is, something is missing.
measure less the
There are, of course, less obvious sounds, such as the whisper of
This August, I would encourage you to use your ears as well as your eyes in celebrating what it is to have outside space. Try to be still, close your eyes, and really take in the eloquent, complex, comforting sounds of what’s all around. It’s arguably summer’s greatest treat, and it’s been there all along.
The Secret Life Of Soil
Gardeners talk about soil with an enthusiasm that can sometimes puzzle non-gardeners, but they’re right to, as it’s about much more than dirt. It is in fact one of the most complex and fascinating ecosystems on Earth.
Most of us rarely think about what lies beneath our feet.
We admire flowers, harvest vegetables and enjoy beautifully maintained lawns, yet the real work often happens out of sight. A single teaspoon of healthy soil can contain billions of microorganisms, forming a living network that supports almost every plant in the garden.
This underground community includes bacteria, fungi, insects, worms and countless microscopic organisms, each performing a role.
Unearthing the secret Earthworms are perhaps the most famous residents. Often called nature’s gardeners, they tunnel through the soil, improving drainage and allowing air to reach plant roots. As they feed, they break down organic matter and release valuable nutrients back into the ground.
Fungi are equally important, although less visible. Beneath the surface, vast fungal networks connect plants in ways scientists are still trying to fully understand. These networks help transport water and nutrients, effectively creating an underground support system for the garden.
Heavily soiled
Compost plays a crucial role in maintaining this hidden ecosystem. When gardeners add compost, they are not simply feeding plants; they’re improving soil structure, encouraging beneficial organisms and helping the ground retain moisture.
Healthy soil acts almost like a sponge, storing water during wet periods and releasing it gradually during dry spells. This becomes increasingly important as British weather grows less predictable.
Good soil can also help reduce the need for fertilisers and excessive watering. Plants
growing in healthy conditions tend to develop stronger root systems and greater resilience against pests and disease.
That is why experienced gardeners often say they spend more time feeding the soil than feeding the plants.
The rewards extend beyond individual gardens. Healthy soil stores carbon, supports biodiversity, and helps reduce erosion. In many ways, it is one of nature’s most valuable resources.
Golden rules for soil
For gardeners looking to improve their soil, the advice is surprisingly simple. Add organic matter regularly, avoid unnecessary digging, use mulch where possible and allow nature to do much of the work; because while flowers may steal the headlines, every successful garden begins underground. And the better we understand the hidden world beneath our feet, the better our gardens are likely to become.
17. Bill ___, villainous brute in Oliver Twist (5)
20. Bob Marley’s musical genre (6)
22. Flightless bird or New Zealand native (4)
23. Long work of fiction, or refreshingly new (5)
25. Party balloon-bursting device (6)
27. Drink down in one go, or train sound (4)
28. Complete fool (5)
29. Hired soldier, informally (4)
30. Oil platforms or sets up dishonestly (4)
31. Shades between black and white (5)
Down Clues:
1. Arnaz of ‘I Love Lucy’ fame (4)
3. Silicon Valley shorthand (4)
4. Comes before in time (8)
5. Drooped, like a neglected flower (6)
6. Give a kitchen a fresh new look, say (7)
7. Hit the slopes on these (3)
10. Conditional helping word (5)
11. Masticating, as with gum (7)
13. Chekhov play or coastal scavenger (7)
15. Relating to the late Stone Age (9)
18. Hurling with force (8)
19. Engine speed unit, informally (3)
20. Small wave on a pond’s surface (6)
21. Burrowing North American rodent (6)
24. Dense black wood used in fine furniture (5)
26. Edges of glasses or wheels (4)
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Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!
August and September 2026
See the Partial Solar Eclipse of a Lifetime:
On the evening of 12 August a huge chunk of the Sun is set to disappear behind the Moon as seen from Bedfordshire in a spectacular partial solar eclipse. The eclipse begins at 6:16pm. Over the next hour the Sun’s light gradually dims as the moon passes in front of the sun. By 7:12pm, the deepest point of the eclipse, up to 92% of the sun will be shaded by the moon, bringing an eerie half-light across the region.
To view the solar eclipse never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye. For direct viewing use official solar eclipse glasses that can be purchased from astronomy equipment retailers. Alternatively use a kitchen colander with round holes to project multiple images of the eclipsed sun on to a flat dark surface. It works remarkably well!
Watch the Peak of the Perseids Meteor Shower:
On the very same night of 12 August the annual Perseids meteor shower reaches its peak in activity. Find an open location away from direct sources of outdoor light and look up in the hours between 10pm and 4am. Expect to catch upwards of 50 shooting stars each hour this night, and on the following night too.
Find Saturn at Midnight:
The ringed planet returns to our night sky this summer. By early August it is visible to the naked eye above the eastern horizon at midnight. Catch it below a crescent moon on 3-4 August and again on the night of 31 August - 1 September.
By Seb Jay – StargazingExperiences.co.uk
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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!
Every Drop Counts
As summer temperatures rise, and the holler of the much-reviled hosepipe ban becomes heard in various locations across the UK, it’s clear reducing water use at home is becoming less about sacrifice and more about smarter everyday habits.
Water has long been something many households take for granted, yet during the summer months, particularly in warmer years, the strain on supply becomes more apparent, and the need to use water more thoughtfully comes into focus.
The good news is that reducing water use does not require dramatic lifestyle changes. In many cases, small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Shorter showers, for example, can significantly cut daily consumption, while turning off taps when brushing teeth is a simple habit that quickly adds up over time.
Kitchens offer another opportunity. Dishwashers,
when used efficiently and fully loaded, often use less water than washing up by hand. Similarly, being mindful of how water is used during food preparation –rinsing produce in a bowl rather than under a running tap – can reduce unnecessary waste.
Outside, water use tends to increase sharply in summer. Gardening, car washing and outdoor cleaning all contribute to higher demand. Here, timing and technique play a key role. Watering plants during cooler parts of the day will help them as well as the water supply, while using watering cans instead of hoses is smart.
There’s also the growing trend in using grey water. This is wastewater from household baths, showers, sinks and laundry. Although it may contain mild soaps and detergents, it can be reused for non-potable purposes like landscape irrigation, or toilet flushing, and at its maximum can save up to 40% of fresh water usage.
Technology is also beginning to play a part. Waterefficient appliances, low-flow
showerheads and smart irrigation systems are becoming more common, offering ways to maintain comfort while using less. Importantly, these solutions often save money as well as resources - a reminder that sustainability and practicality are not mutually exclusive.
There is also a wider perspective to consider. Water treatment and supply require energy, meaning that reducing usage has a knock-on effect in lowering overall environmental impact. In this sense, every litre saved contributes to a broader effort.
Perhaps most importantly, attitudes are changing. Where conservation was once framed as restriction, it is increasingly seen as awareness, and a shift towards using what we need, rather than more than we need.
In the height of summer, when demand is at its peak, these habits matter most. By making small, conscious changes, households can continue to enjoy the season while ensuring that water — one of our most essential resources — is used responsibly and sustainably.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Almost everyone wants healthy hair, yet few of us spend much time understanding what hair actually needs. From nutrition and heat styling to seasonal changes and ageing, a surprising number of factors influence how our hair looks and feels. The good news is that many of the most effective ways to improve hair health are relatively simple.
Good hair often starts long before we pick up a brush. While shampoos, conditioners and styling products all play a role, experts increasingly emphasise the importance of overall health. Hair is primarily made from a protein called keratin, which means nutrition can have a significant impact on its condition.
Protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, dairy products and vegetables provide some of the building blocks hair requires. Iron, zinc and certain vitamins are also important for healthy growth. While no single food guarantees perfect hair, a balanced diet generally supports stronger, healthier strands.
Hydration matters too. Hair may not technically become dehydrated in the same way skin does, but inadequate fluid intake can contribute to dryness and brittleness.
One of the biggest threats to hair health, however, often comes from our own styling habits.
Hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons have become everyday tools for many people, yet repeated exposure to high temperatures can gradually weaken hair fibres. That’s because excessive heat strips moisture from the hair shaft, increasing the likelihood of breakage, split ends and dullness.
The healthiest approach is usually to respond to the needs of your own hair rather than follow rigid schedules.
Five hair myths that refuse to die
This does not mean abandoning styling tools altogether, however experts generally recommend using heat-protection products and keeping temperatures as low as possible.
Washing habits can also be surprisingly controversial, with the ideas that daily washing was damaging. In reality, hair type, lifestyle and scalp condition are all influences.
People with finer hair may find it becomes oily more quickly and benefits from more frequent washing; while those with thicker, curlier or textured hair often require less, while ageing obviously has an impact on hair becoming thinner over time.
• Cutting hair makes it grow faster - Trimming improves appearance by removing split ends, but does not affect growth speed.
• You should brush hair 100 times a day - Excessive brushing can actually cause unnecessary breakage.
• Grey hair Is stronger - Grey hair often feels coarser, but it is not necessarily stronger.
• Frequent washing damages hair - For many people, regular washing is perfectly healthy if suitable products are used.
• Expensive products work better - The best product is the one suited to your hair type.
Essential September Reset
January may dominate discussions about fresh starts, but many experts believe September is the year’s true reset point. As holidays end, children return to school and routines begin to re-establish themselves, the month offers an ideal opportunity to improve health and wellbeing.
The key is not attempting a complete transformation overnight, but making small, sustainable adjustments that can carry through the months ahead.
less structured and diets can become punctuated by barbecues, holidays and spontaneous treats. September provides a natural opportunity to regain balance.
Sleep
The first place many experts suggest starting is sleep. Summer’s lighter evenings and social events can easily disrupt sleeping patterns. Reestablishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time is one of the most effective ways to improve energy levels, concentration and mood. Even a difference of 30 minutes each day can have a noticeable impact over time.
Nutrition
Nutrition is another area that benefits from a reset. That does not mean extreme diets or complicated meal plans. Instead, health professionals often recommend returning to basics: more vegetables, more fibre, regular mealtimes and greater attention to hydration.
September’s seasonal produce makes this easier, with apples, blackberries, squash and root vegetables all beginning to appear in abundance.
Exercise
The mistake many people make is attempting too much too quickly. Ambitious fitness plans can be motivating initially, but are often difficult to sustain. Research consistently shows that consistency matters far more than intensity.
A daily walk, two or three strength-training sessions per week or a regular swimming routine is usually more effective than short bursts of extreme effort.
Routine
Routine itself deserves attention. Summer often removes structure from daily life, which can be enjoyable but occasionally chaotic. September allows people to rebuild habits around work, family life and personal wellbeing.
Small routines – preparing lunches in advance, scheduling exercise, setting regular meal
times – reduce decision fatigue and make healthy choices easier.
Mindset
Many people approach selfimprovement with an all-ornothing mentality. One missed workout or indulgent meal can feel like failure. In reality, longterm health is built through consistency rather than perfection.
Experts increasingly encourage people to focus on progress rather than unrealistic standards. Small improvements maintained over months often achieve more than dramatic changes that last only weeks.
Perhaps that is why September feels so powerful. Unlike January, it arrives without pressure or expectations, but instead the opportunity to begin again after summer. So what are you waiting for?
The long days of summer often encourage a more relaxed approach to life. Bedtimes drift later, exercise routines become
A Matter Of Taste: Cheese & Wine
The beginner’s guide to cheese and wine.
There is a reason cheese and wine remain one of life’s great pairings. Done well, the combination can elevate both flavours, transforming an ordinary evening into something memorable. Yet for many people, the world of cheese boards, grape varieties and tasting notes can feel slightly intimidating. The good news? You do not need a cellar, a French surname or a degree in food science to begin.
The first thing to understand about cheese and wine is that enjoyment matters more than expertise.
So, starting with the cheeserather than buying a giant mixed board of unfamiliar varieties, choose three distinct styles to train your palate: a soft cheese, a hard cheese and a blue cheese is usually the best starting point.
For soft cheeses, in this country we are spoiled for choice. A ripe Somerset Brie, creamy Cornish Camembert or a good British goat’s cheese offers a gentle introduction.
These cheeses tend to be creamy, mild and approachable.
Hard cheeses provide more complexity. A mature Cheddar –particularly farmhouse varieties from Somerset – or a wedge of Red Leicester can reveal nuttier, sharper flavours. As cheeses age, their flavours become deeper, saltier and often slightly crumbly.
Then there is blue cheese. Many beginners avoid it, but varieties such as Stilton can be surprisingly balanced, offering richness alongside a gentle tang.
Once you have your cheeses, move on to wine. As a general rule, lighter cheeses work well with lighter wines. Goat’s cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose citrus and grassy notes cut through the creaminess. Brie or Camembert often work wonderfully with Chardonnay, particularly lightly oaked bottles that bring softness and roundness.
Hard cheeses like mature Cheddar can handle more structure. A Merlot or Pinot Noir often brings enough fruit and depth without overpowering the cheese.
Blue cheeses are perhaps the biggest surprise. Their salty
intensity often works best with sweeter wines. A glass of Port alongside Stilton remains a British classic for good reason.
Temperature also matters. Cheese should be served at room temperature - straight from the fridge it loses much of its aroma and texture. Wine, meanwhile, should not be served too cold or too warm.
And then there are accompaniments. Fresh figs, apples, grapes, walnuts, oat crackers and chutneys can all add contrast and texture without overwhelming the main flavours.
Quickfire Starter Pairings
• Somerset Brie + Chardonnay Creamy, buttery and easy to enjoy.
• Goat’s Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc Fresh, zesty and vibrant.
• Mature Cheddar + Pinot Noir Balanced, earthy and rich.
• Red Leicester + Merlot
Soft fruit meets savoury depth.
• Stilton + Port
A classic British pairing with bold character.
Phil Goodson Builders Ltd
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Jane’s Patisserie Margarita Cupcakes
Ingredients
Serves 12
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in style with these superbly summery margarita-inspired cupcakes by Jane Dunn (of Jane’s Patisserie fame).
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 and get 12 cupcake cases ready.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour, salt, eggs and vanilla extract and beat to combine. Finally, add the milk and lime zest and beat again.
3. Divide the mixture equally between the 12 cupcake cases. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. While still warm, pour 1 tablespoon of tequila over each cupcake. Leave to cool fully on a wire rack.
4. To prepare the buttercream, beat the butter for a few minutes to loosen in a large bowl. Gradually beat in the icing sugar
until well combined. Pour in the tequila slowly while continuously mixing, add the lime zest and beat the buttercream for a few minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag with the piping nozzle of your choice fitted. Pipe the buttercream over the cupcakes however you like.
6. Top each cupcake with a slice of lime, a sprinkling of lime zest and if desired, a mini umbrella.
• 125g unsalted butter or baking spread at room temperature
• 200g caster sugar
• 200g self-raising flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 125ml full-fat milk
• Zest of 3 medium limes
• 180ml tequila
Buttercream
• 200g unsalted butter at room temperature
• 400g icing sugar
• 50ml tequila
• Zest of 1 medium lime
Decoration
• Lime slices
• Lime zest
On The Road Again
ONE
Tyres: pressure and tread
Warmer weather alters tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and increase wear, so it makes sense to check pressure (including the spare) whilst ensuring tread depth comfortably exceeds the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
TWO
Air conditioning
levels. At the end of the day (or more likely in the middle of it!), overheating remains one of the most common roadside issues in warmer months.
FOUR
Windscreen chips
A small chip can quickly become a cracked windscreen under heat stress. Many insurers cover repairs without affecting no-claims bonuses, so this is another thing worth addressing early.
FIVE
If your air-con smells musty or struggles to cool, it likely needs re-gassing or a filter replacement. Sorting it now is far more pleasant than discovering the problem during a July heatwave traffic jam.
THREE
Coolant and fluids
It makes sense - engines work harder on long summer drives, so check coolant, oil and screen wash
Battery health
The signs will be there when your battery needs to be looked at, so if your car has been slow to start, get it tested before embarking on a long journey.
SIX
Breakdown cover review Are you actually covered for
Travel Like A Local
Learn to ignore what the photographer saw.
One of the great ironies of modern travel is that millions of people journey across the world only to visit exactly the same places, eat in the same restaurants and take the same photographs as everyone else.
So instead of chasing somebody else’s photograph, why not instead spend time exploring what lies beyond the frame - wander down side streets, take a different path, or simply allow yourself to get slightly lost.
Often, the most rewarding discoveries happen by accident. Food is one of the easiest ways to experience a destination more authentically, with restaurants located directly beside major attractions often cater primarily for tourists.
A better strategy is to walk a few streets away from the main sights and look for places where local residents are eating.
Markets can also provide a fascinating glimpse into everyday life. Whether browsing a food market in Spain, a farmers’ market in France or a street market in Thailand, these are places where visitors can experience the rhythms of daily life rather than simply observe them from a distance.
European travel? Does your policy include home start and onward travel?
SEVEN EV Planning
Finally, for electric vehicle drivers, plan charging routes in advance. Apps now allow real-time charger availability, but summer demand can spike. A little forward planning reduces range anxiety dramatically.
Respecting local customs is important. Learning a few basic phrases, understanding cultural etiquette and showing curiosity about local traditions can transform interactions. Most people appreciate visitors who make an effort to
engage with their culture rather than expecting everything to be tailored to tourists.
Perhaps the most important lesson is to leave room for spontaneity –after all, unexpected discoveries often becoming the highlight of an entire trip.
Seven things to do before the summer holidays hit.
London On A Budget
London has a reputation for emptying wallets almost as quickly as it fills itineraries. Between train fares, attraction tickets, coffees, lunches and impulse spending, a simple day in the capital can suddenly cost far more than planned.
Yet for those who know where to look – and how to plan –London can still offer one of the richest city breaks in Britain without the accompanying expense.
The first secret to doing London affordably begins before you even leave home.
Travel often becomes the biggest hidden expense, particularly for families. Booking rail tickets in advance can make a dramatic difference, with off-peak fares often significantly cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re travelling around the city itself, using contactless payment or an Oyster card usually works out cheaper than paper tickets, thanks to daily fare caps on London’s public transport network. In simple terms, once you hit the daily cap, further journeys often cost nothing extra.
Once you arrive, it pays to remember one of London’s greatest strengths: many attractions are completely free.
The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the British Museum can easily fill an entire day, particularly with children, and all without an admission fee. Art lovers can spend hours in the National Gallery or Tate Modern, both offering world-class collections at no cost. Yet some of London’s greatest experiences don’t involve museums at all.
A walk along the South Bank remains one of the capital’s finest free activities. Starting near Westminster and following the Thames towards Tower Bridge offers constantly changing views, street performers, food markets and some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Green spaces also offer remarkable value. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park can provide a full afternoon of entertainment, whether it’s boating, picnicking, people-
watching or simply escaping the pace of central London.
Food is where many visitors overspend. A quick lunch for a family can easily stretch up towards £100 in tourist hotspots, particularly when adding a drink or two on top. One of the smartest tricks is to pack lunch or buy food from supermarkets, bakeries or food halls slightly away from major attractions – it’ll be much cheaper.
Pre-booking also matters. Attractions such as river cruises, observation decks or theatre tickets are often cheaper online than at the door. Even major West End shows can be accessed for under £20 through same-day ticket apps or official box office deals, particularly if you’re happy to watch a matinee performance rather than the evening showing.
And perhaps the simplest trick of all? Slow down. Many visitors try to cram too much into one day, spending heavily on multiple things when, in truth, sampling things slowly is not just cost-effective, but more enjoyable too!
New Course Of History Talks
Dunstable Learning for Leisure is pleased to offer a new course commencing Tuesday 15th September ‘1963’ presented by Stephen Barnard
We remember 1963 for era-defining events such as the Profumo scandal, Kennedy’s assassination, Beatlemania, and That Was The Week That Was on TV. But why was it such a watershed year in cultural, political and sociological terms? In this course we’ll explore the values, lifestyles and fashions of 1963, revisit what the nation watched and listened to, and evaluate the social changes that the year unleashed. How do the controversies, dramas, fashions, products and personalities of 1963 look to us now, more than 60 years on?
The six week course commences on Tuesday 15th September, from 10.30 to 12.30 weekly in Pioneer Hall, Manchester Place, Dunstable, LU6 1HT.
The price is £36 upfront or £7 weekly. For details or to register please call/email Carole on 07917 083850 / smart.carole@talk21.com
What’s on Summer of Play at Dunstable Downs
Until 31st August
Free entry
Join us for a summer packed with adventure, creativity and family fun all through the holidays. We'll have football, hockey, tennis, coach-led sessions and much more, as Summer of Play returns on Monday 20 July-31 August.
Once again, we'll be transforming the fields around Dunstable Downs into a natural, green Sports Village. We'll have lots of outdoor activities to try including football, cricket, hockey, tennis and table tennis, athletics, soft archery, and frisbee golf. All equipment is available to borrow from our team at the Sports Village Welcome Area - no need to book.
Alternatively, join a coaching session delivered by one of our local partners below. (Please note, on busy days you may need to wait, as these are drop-in sessions.)
Pepperstock Archers archery sessions: 26 July & 22 August, 12.00pm-4.00pm
Let's Get Going nature-based games: Thursdays, 10am-12pm
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Contact Chris at Cool Solutions Engineering Ltd. for your free quote 01582 340753 | chris@coolac.co.uk | www.coolac.co.uk Unit 18C Icknield Way Business Tring Road, Dunstable REFCOM registered contractor 15539403
Unit 18C Icknield Way Business Park, Tring Road, Dunstable REFCOM registered contractor 15539403
Your trusted local experts in climate comfort, making air conditioning affordable for everyone.
Contact us today to arrange your no-obligation survey and quote!
Domestic & Commercial Installations
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Affordable, Local & Reliable FREE no-obligation survey and quote.
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Contact Chris at Cool Solutions Engineering Ltd. for your free quote 01582 340753 | chris@coolac.co.uk | www.coolac.co.uk Unit 18C Icknield Way Business Park, Tring Road, Dunstable REFCOM registered contractor 15539403 & heat-pump solutions
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