The Vine Dunstable - June / July 2014 - Issue 59

www.thebellinstudham.co.uk

A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside

Vine

June / July 2014 Issue 59

Dunsatble Road, Studham, Beds.

The Bell

A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside FREE A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside to local businesses people in ting localNestled ConnecFreehouse A Genuine the Countryside Freehouse Nestled Countryside AGenuine Genuine Freehouse Nestled inthe the Countryside AAAGenuine Freehouse Nestled inin the Countryside Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside A Genuine Freehouse Nestled in the Countryside

The Bell The Bell The Bell The Bell The Bell The Bell The Bell The Bell The Bell The TheBell Bell The Bell

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Vine

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Editors: Scott Nightingale Shelly Nesbitt

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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.

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No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

Copy deadline for our next issue - 15th July

This Month...

Keech Super Hero 5K 8 Dunstable Live! 10 A Travellers Tale 12 What’s Best For You 16 Consumer Clinic

18 Aged Concerns 20 Bedfordshire’s Night Sky 22 Health, Beauty & wellbeing 26 In The Garden 32 Tree Nightmares 34 Auto Biographies 38 Technology 40 Puzzles 42 Out & About 44

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Superhero Dad, Danny Kerr has signed up to take part in the Keech Hospice Care Superhero Run in memory of his daughter Lexi who passed away at the hospice. Last year, the Keech Superhero 5k Run had over 300 heroes take part, walking, running and flying around the course, all having fun and using their powers to do good whilst raising over £20,000. This year Keech Hospice Care are appealing for superheroes to step forward and raise more money than ever while taking part in a special Superhero run on Sunday 15th June, which is also Father’s day, at Rothamsted Park in Harpenden at 11:00am.

Danny Kerr is one of the first superheroes to sign up and is planning on dressing up as Super Bramingham Bear – the hospice mascot - while running in memory of his daughter Lexi. Due to trauma during birth, Danny and his wife Sam were told the devastating news that Lexi would not make it through the night.

However she did and it was then that Keech was recommended to the family.

Sam said “We were offered the opportunity to be cared for at Keech Care Hospice. Initially we were very worried. It’s a hospice after all – somewhere you go to die. Actually coming here was an eye opener. We felt at home straightaway.”

The nurses taught Sam & Danny how to feed Lexi and give her her medication, allowing them to be a real family for the first time.

“We could be a family and actually look after our little girl for the first time. We played music and sang to her. We created memories that will be with us forever. We only had 19 days with our little girl. Six of those days were at Keech and were truly 8

special. Our only regret is that we didn’t go sooner.”

Danny said “As a father all you want to be is your child's hero, protect them, look after them and show them how much you love them.

Sometimes as parents our children have needs beyond our means and we need help to do the things that most parents take for granted.”

“Some children are born with life limiting illnesses and every second with them is precious, so this Father's Day why not be many children's super hero and sign up for Keech's super hero fun run! You don't have to run the 5K, you simply have to do it. I hope that other families will sign up and have a great day whilst raising much needed funds for an organisation where they may not be able to add days to life, but with your help they can add life to days.”

Another super hero running on the day is seriously ill Lennon Ruffles, aged 7 years old, along with his mum, Nikki Lancaster and sister Isla, aged 5 years old.

Lennon, who is deaf, mute, partially sighted and permanently hooked up to medical tubes, does not have a diagnosis for his condition, regularly attends Keech Hospice Care and has been using their services for the last 5 years. The family will dress up as caped crusaders and will fly around the course, as a family being cheered on by Dad, Ian Ruffles and younger sister Florence aged 1 year old.

Nikki said “We are all really excited to be taking part in this superhero run as a family. Keech Hospice Care means the world to us as they have supported us for years.

As Lennon has lots of complex needs, Keech is one of the only places that we know he is safe but

also know he has lots of fun. Keech Hospice Care has a special fish bowl bed which means he can sleep safely. Lennon needs this equipment but most places unfortunately don’t have this facility meaning that Lennon is unable to go on holiday or stay anywhere other than home.

Lennon loves Keech and when he has visits and stays at the hospice he treats it like a holiday.

Lennon also loves swimming and he is able to do this at Keech. Unlike most swimming pools, Keech’s hydrotherapy pool is heated both inside and outside the pool allowing for Lennon and other children to get in and out the pool without fearing a risk of a seizure. We come for swims as a family which allows us to have quality family time all together which doesn’t happen often.

We decided to become superheroes and sign up for the Keech superhero run to give back to the charity that has helped us so much over the years. It is going to be lots of fun and a massive bonus is that we can complete the challenge as a family all together. The course is wheelchair friendly and not too long a distance meaning that it is ideal for families like ours. We are excited about seeing all the other superheroes on the day!”

Mark Relf, Events and Community Fundraising Manager said “Why not sign up and unleash the superhero in you and join Lennon and his family.

Dress up as your favourite superhero or create your own superhero costume and join hundreds of other superheroes all raising funds for Keech Hospice Care to enable us to care for more local families.”

To sign up to the Superhero 5K run and to find out more information visit www.keech.org.uk/superhero

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Saturday 21st June 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm Five Hours of tribute bands representing ‘America’s Greats’ on Saturday 21st June.

Dunstable Town Council is kicking off the Summer of Music with its fourth year of the increasingly popular Dunstable Live, paying tribute to some well loved acts from across the pond!

Starting the day off, there will be some jail house rocking with ‘Alvin as Elvis’, performing your favourite songs from the ‘The King’, moving onto ‘Debbie Nunn’ who will get you ‘into the groove’ performing much loved classics from the reigning Queen of pop, Madonna.

Moving up the pop monarchy, it’s time to show off your moonwalk and don your sparkling white glove as ‘Rock Wit You’ will be performing their homage to the late king of pop Michael Jackson.

For the penultimate band, you will be ‘dancing in the dark’ with the ‘East Street Band’ who will be performing classic songs from Bruce Springsteen such as ‘Born To Run’ and ‘Born In The USA’, while topping the night off, Grove House Garden will be filled with the sound of ‘Bon Giovi’ singing all of your favourite songs from Bon Jovi until 8 pm.

The King and Queen of Pop and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll are coming to Grove House Gardens for a one night only FREE event! It’s safe to say that the royalty of the music industry has come to Dunstable!

3.00pm - 3.45pm - Alvin as Elvis 3.50pm - 4.40 pm - Debbie Nunn as Madonna 4.45pm - 5.30pm - Rock Wit You (Michael Jackson) 5.45pm - 6.45pm - The East Street Band (Bruce Springsteen) 7.00pm - 8.00pm - Bon Giovi (Bon Jovi)

10

Saturday 19 July Grove House Gardens 12pm - 8pm Let the party begin...

Make sure you come along to Party in the Park where you will be able to enjoy live music, outside bar, a fun fair, petting zoo, crazy golf plus a host of other children activities. There really is something for everyone at Party in the Park.

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If you will like to be involved in Party in the Park please contact Lisa.vincent@dunstable.gov.uk or ring 01582 891406. www.dunstable.gov.uk

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A Travellers Tale Thrown to the lions at Arles (almost!)

By Paul Heley

12

At the back end of last year, Val and I thought we'd spend a few days in the Avignon and Arles area of southern France. These places - and others round about - are world famous for their Roman ruins and are also dripping with medieval history. So this was to be a "history" rather than a "scenery" trip.

We flew to Marseille in the morning and were transported the short distance to Avignon. In the afternoon we familiarised ourselves with the geography of the city and soon realised that there would be enough history to satisfy our modest demands - and with some left over.

Next morning we embarked on a guided walking tour of the Old Town located safe and sound behind its thick, high and encircling medieval ramparts. We were aiming for the Palais des Papes - the "Palace of the Popes". This colossal building was the seat of papal power between 1309 and 1377 following a "spat" with Rome. Nine popes resided here during that time - in the so called "Unholy Babylon" according to its opponents.

But on a lighter note, this background gives its name to the world famous local wine, namely the splendid Chateauneuf du Pape.

The Palais des Papes consists of many separate stone halls, anterooms, sacred areas, watchtowers and courtyards and is absolutely HUGE: it is the world's largest Gothic palace. It is also extremely sumptuous and represents what must have been the height of luxury during medieval times - these popes certainly knew how to look after themselves!

Many of the frescoes which adorn the walls are in surpris-

ingly good order: there is one room in particular showing 14th century hunting scenes which still appear almost as fresh as when they were first painted.

It's interesting to note that the heads of figures carved over doorways, for example, had often been knocked off during the French Revolution (which seems a rather petty act of defiance to me).

In the afternoon, Val and I had hoped to look at the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral but, sadly, it is still undergoing considerable internal restoration and entry is barred.

However, it's built on high ground offering splendid views over Avignon in general and the old bridge in particular.

This bridge originally sported 22 arches but only 4 remain but where these other arches would have been (since the bridge still stretches more than half way across the river) is difficult to imagine. This is the bridge famous for the childrens' song "Sur le pont d'Avignon" telling about when people used to dance there.

But although it's always assumed that people danced on the bridge (as in "sur le pont"), the wording should, in fact, be "sous le pont" because, apparently, people used to dance on a small island below the bridge.

After Avignon, our next port of call was Arles: another place steeped in history and a Mecca for those interested in the painter Van Gogh (both with and without his ear!). But historically, its particular fame lies with its Roman arena extremely well preserved even after 2000 years. It has been extensively cleaned and its white limestone walls sparkled in the December sunshine.

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13

A Travellers Tale

(Continued)

Julius Caesar arrived in Arles in 46BC - after he'd finished bashing up the Brits! - and founded the Roman outpost which lasted until it eventually fell to the Visigoths in AD476.

The vast amphitheatre, built in the late 1st or early 2nd centuries AD, is oval in shape (460ft by 350ft) and originally had a third tier (since removed). It was the scene of contests between gladiators as well as between lions (and other wild animals) and Christians, slaves and criminals played out before a baying crowd of 20,000. Over time, people demanded more and more "excitement" as they do today - which usually meant more and more blood. Fights between gladiators were to the death - but there was the possibility of submission by one of the fighters such that the final coup de grace could be avoided.

It's worth noting that Christians were initially persecuted not because of their religion - the Romans were surprisingly tolerant of other belief systems - but because they were seen in the early days as a damn nuisance who wouldn't shut up and who kept causing disturbance, upset and annoyance.

But later, as we know, they eventually won the day and such extreme violence and ferocity was curbed (to a certain extent!)

Arles also has a very interesting medieval church - L'eglise de St Trophime - which has a bas-relief above the entrance depicting the Last Day of Judgement, ie a soul's passage through purgatory (and guaranteed to scare people to death). It shows a queue of those waiting to be judged, then the judgement panel made up of Christ and the twelve apostles and finally, those who'd got the thumbs down being led off to eternal hell fire and damnation naked, chained and with flames licking round their legs. It must have been a terrifying image; one very much encouraged by the Church so as to keep people in order.

Apart from its Roman and medieval history, Arles also boasts the fact that Vincent Van Gogh lived there during the late 1880s and painted something like 200 canvasses many of which have become world famous. Inevitably, there are a number of buildings and other places around town which he incorporated in paintings and which now attempt to cash in on this reflected glory.

Next day saw a trip to Nimes - the town from where the material found just about everywhere originated - denim. The name reflects the fact that the cloth was originally "from Nimes", ie "de Nimes".

However, we'd not come for a pair of jeans but 14

for the Roman heritage which is of similar age and foundation to that of Arles. Nimes was originally a very sophisticated city with many fountains fed by a spring in the mountains, elegant buildings, winding streets and tree lined avenues. And it also has an amphitheatre which is slightly older and slightly bigger than that at Arles (but it hasn't been cleaned so doesn't look so impressive). However, the story of gladiatorial combat and of throwing Christians to the lions is the same. I'll put a tenner on the lions to win!

Then there is the elegant Maison Carree: a magnificent Roman temple built in the late 1st century and inspired by the Temple of Apollo in Rome.

It is thought to be one of the best preserved of all Roman temples and is truly splendid. Whilst inside the building we were entertained by an amazing 3D film depicting aspects of Nimes through the centuries. At times the action was incredibly life like and quite scary.

The next day saw another coach trip - this time to the Pont du Gard. This is a Roman aqueduct originally designed to carry water from the mountain spring to the city of Nimes 30 miles away. It is an amazing example of engineering construction standing 160ft high and consisting of three tiers of arches spanning the river Gardon. It was built in the 1st century with enormous limestone blocks kept together without the use of mortar such was the precision of the masonry. It underlines the tremendous skill of the Roman builders and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It's truly amazing.

This was the last of our trips during this quick visit to the area and the following day saw us return to Marseille for the return flight home.

Although of short duration, the weather had been kind and we'd seen quite a lot in a short time and I, for one, came away with the opinion that when it came to building, the Romans certainly knew a thing or two.

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1

What’sBestForYou Martin

By Martin Lewis

Bank Accounts LEWIS

Once upon a time, bank accounts were ugly creatures that bit

Tackle hard yourwhen bills you went overdrawn, and gave nowt back when you

were in credit. Today most still do exactly that.

Yet a few innovative gems are starting to sparkle.

comparison on any Ofgem-approved comparison site – Winter is coming. Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in for The Code the white stuff to of sort your bills. Here, truly the justItsearch also gives £100Confidence for switching, soat provided you don't So, instead bank bashing, todayprevention I'm applauding keep savings in there, it can addlist. up well. bank–accounts www.ofgem.gov.uk to see the full beats cure tackling that yourpay. bills now means you can take Last September, response to multiple wrist-slappings the financial bite out ofinwinter chills…

The Bank Service Medallist for blocking competition, the banks finally made If you're not online, use aGold comparison with a phone Free loft insulation andlaunching even boilers (for some).

Your such bankas account's the one on financial product switching easier, the new ‘seven day switch-service, Energyhelpline 0800 074 0745,you or While ing’ the loft insulation free-for-all's ended, some will interact system. uSwitch onwith 0800day-to-day, 051 5493. so service counts. So every six still beThey entitled someyour serious free energy-saving nowtoswitch direct debits and standing orders months, I poll on my site to find out which bank you bills by monthly direct debit’s up to 6% rate energy the most. within a week, close your old account and ensure pay-Paying measures.

And every time I’ve done it Firstdirect.com has won the ments get forwarded to your new bank for 13 months. cheaper. gold medal by it’ll a mile.

Financially, it's decentbills too,ofgivIf you can, do, as usually mean discounted up Most of the big six energy firms offer free boilers, The Bank Thatand Pays To Payusually Your worth Bills to 6% ingless, £100sotocontact join andyour a 0% overdraft up toThough £250. provider to for check. typically worth £2,000, freeYou insulation, ago,you Santander.co.uk a customer about Three £300. years Crucially, don't need towas be with the ser- always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your The Banks That Give You A 0% Overdraft vice pariah.

Now its innovative 123 current account energy provider to get it, but you do generally need an is bill is estimated. If it’s too high, you have a right to ask a debt like any other. If you go into the the customer service silver medallist, with 74% rating itfor An it tooverdraft's be lowered. income under £16,000, and to be on income-related great. Roly tweeted me: "We've been using it for seven red often, the most crucial thing's cutting its cost to give benefits or pension credit. I can’t definitely say you’ll respite to clearYou it. While Firstdirect.com offers a 0% Gotyou electricity only? can still save. months – we've earned £350 with the credit card." qualify, but it is worth checking. Alternatively, the welloverdraft for up to you £250, Nationwide.co.uk's You gain in two ways. Pay bills by direct debit and youWith electricity only, can still get a cheap fixFlexDirect to save meaning Green Dealphone initiative designed givethe aninfo interest-free overdraft though getbut 3%stuttering cashback on mobile, andisbroadband; justmay follow above. For those for on more, Economy 7, it to let you for things heating,tax double only lasts a year (it's after).

2% pay on energy; andlike 1%underfloor on water, council and assessing is trickier.

It’s 50p/day only really a boon for those who glazingSantander and solid mortgage wall insulation, fromThese the 'savings' you its isn’t long to clear it's payments. should dwarf useIfatthat least 40% ofenough their energy at your night.debt, If notthen – don’t make on energy fee, bills.asDeciding it’s right you£10/ possible to shift your overdraft to a few specialist £2/month someonewhether with typical bills for earns bother. Full help to decide at www.mse.me/eco7 is complex, for pays full help read credit cards which are 0% for 29 months. This can be mth. Itsoalso a best buy 3% AER savings interest if Canayou your stopcock? www.moneysavingexpert.com/greendeal littlefind tricky though, so read my full instructions on you've £3,000-£20,000. sniggering - winter pipe bursts can create an and best buys atfrozen www.moneysavingexpert.com/ To qualify, you must pay in £500/month (ie, a £6,000+No that, Save £100s and beat hikes. moneytransfers £7,000 of damage, often worsened as many salary).

You canthe also apply for its linked credit card average Ratherwhich surprisingly, fixing energy, where you(repay lock in set scrabble It's worth noting that if you regularly go beyond your gives 3% back on petrol spend INaFULL round searching for their stopcock - the mains rate, istonow cheaper than a normal switch. Five of the big water overdraft limit,- for there areas notheir competitive banks. While avoid interest). off switch ages home floods. six energy providers have now announced hikes, and for those in severe hardship bank charge reclaiming is the time to(see findmse.me/bankcharges), it now – mine is under kitchen their best prices are costlier than cheapest fixed Take Thenew Bank Saving You Up Tothe £500 On Travel, still possible thethe best thing sink. theirsa in therein bathroom inside a Roadside toOthers do is tryfind to keep tight on youror money. tariffs.Mobile So right And now you can get Insurance the very cheapest deals Many been ripped off for years with fee-charging cupboard. If yours isn’t working, you may want to call a available, andhave it comes with no-hike certainty.

The Banks Thatit’s Don't Credit Score You bank accounts. Some are even entitled to reclaim yearsplumber now, before a problem.

Sadly, there are up to a million people in the UK of fees, whichtocan to to £100s (full help The only exception thisadd is aup variable (ie, subject to in Choosing heatingCHECK; and eating? withoutbetween a bank account and some banks don’t hikes) www.mse.me/reclaimpackage). tariff from minnow Spark Energy – though it hasn't If you're seriously behind, or in general financial hardship make it easy to get them.

Used correctly, a fewupfront, fee-paying can win. hiked (yet?), needs paying andaccounts feedback ain't - asFor far all toothe many are after hikesyou'll - youneed may to bepass eligible top pick dealsthe above, a great, Nationwide.co.uk’s so I’m ignoring it. FlexPlus tops the tree. You pay specialscore. help.IfCall thenot Home Heat Helplinebasic on 0800 that’s going to happen, bank33 £10/mth and included is European breakdown cover, for credit to check.

Plus if anyone in your as home on accounts don't need credit checks, theywas justborn provide family worldwide insurance age 74) family 66 99 The cheapest fix comes from E.on (max for a year, butand slightly 5 January 1952, service. you're due to £300 taxa no-frills, no-overdraft Youup need ID toinget one. insurance. family needing them longersmartphone and only a touch moreAare deals from EDF or all couldor before applying, ask for the specificshould account name winter fuel payments.

Payments bebymade payCrucially, £600/year separately.

Forno travel ensure Npower. these two have exit cover, penalties.

So you freeWhen – otherwise but youifcould getnever formshad for standard pre-existing conditions. automatically, you’ve it before accounts, then you on thedisclose off-chance the Prime Minister delivers the price gettorejected. options include Barclays. maythen need register The - seebetter www.gov.uk. cuts he’s promised, and the even more unlikely event The Bank That Pays You £100 Then £5 Cash Card and Co-operativebank.co.uk Cashthat they’ll be so substantial that other tariffs elsewhere Plusco.uk anyone onavailable specific income support, jobseekers' Each Month minder (not to bankrupts). are cheaper, you'll be free to leave. or pension gets £25 in cold weather The Halifax.co.uk Reward account pays no interest, allowances Even though there's credit no overdraft, they can still fine you fortoevery days it's C. got. just always pays you monthly after if you if you try spend7 more thansub-0 you've However, do£5 the numbers fortax your ownstay in credit. payments circumstances.

To check if you can save (you may be on 16 an older, cheaper deal), and who your winner is, you can

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17

Consumer Clinic

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Buying and Selling Houses the Savvy Way!

You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio They say that death of a loved one and divorce are the top two most stressful experiences in your life. Well number three must be moving house! Anyone who has moved will remember the stomach churning worry and the logistical nightmare that is buying and selling houses. However, there are some things you can do to not only make the process easier, but also demonstrate that you’re a savvy consumer.

Here are my top tips:

who want 1.5%, why would you even consider paying more? Get them to agree to match the other agent’s fee. If they’re not prepared to reduce their fee, then they’re not hungry enough for their commission and will not try hard enough to find a buyer. Look at their pictures on websites like Rightmove and Zoopla to ensure that they make other houses and flats look nice and ensure their descriptions are nicely written.

When you decide that you want to move (please really do make sure you do as there’s nothing as unfair as a seller who changes their mind when emotions and money have been spent), assess the market. Is it a buyers or a seller’s environment?

At the moment, property prices in most areas are increasing, which for sellers is great, but means buyers are having to dig deeper into their pockets to secure a deal. During tough economic times, property prices tend to fall which means a savvy buyer can bag a bargain.

Generally it’s better to sell your property before you agree to buy somewhere. Ultimately until you know how much you can achieve for your property, you don’t really know how much you can afford to spend on another. You should stipulate to your estate agents though that any buyer will afford you reasonable patience while you find somewhere to buy.

Always get at least three good, reputable, local agents round to value your house. Ask them for a sensible price at which to market your property and ask them what they will do to get those prospective buyers through the door. Always establish their fee and NEVER agree to pay any money upfront. Always ensure that you pay their fee on completion of a deal and for goodness sake, haggle! If one of the agents is prepared to market the property for a 1% fee as opposed to the other two 18

Always employ the services of a totally independent mortgage advisor with access to all companies and who is prepared to recommend the best mortgage for you and NOT for them.

You will find that most estate agents will try to persuade you to use the services of their own conveyancing solicitor. I personally do not like the idea of this. To me, it’s a complete conflict of interest (particularly if both the buyer and seller use the same solicitor). You need a legal advisor who is completely independent and looking out for your interests, not someone who is under pressure from an estate agent to

hurry up and complete a sale. My advice is to ask friends and family members who have moved recently to recommend a good conveyancing solicitor to you. Also, remember that you should get some different quotes for this service and never be afraid to haggle with them.

When it comes to you putting in an offer for the house of your dreams, you will need to again assess the market environment you’re working within. If the market is good and there are not many properties available, but lots of buyers competing, then it’s normally better to go in with a high offer on the basis that marketing of the property is ceased immediately. In a falling market, then a cheeky, low offer may just bag you a bargain.

One final piece of advice I would like to share with you, is to be open and honest with people. Sadly property deals in this country can be messy, unpleasant affairs. However, I do not think we should sink to the levels of others. Be upfront with both your buyers and the vendors of the property you’re buying and treat them in the way you would like to be treated. Always ask to meet both parties so they get to know you and find it easier to also be transparent.

Remember, once you’ve accepted a deal, to mess people around is utterly unacceptable.

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19

Pensioner’s A . .. s n r e c d Con

Age

I

View

Safe In Government Hands?

refer to the National Health Service and cite no particular government.

Since Clement Attlee's real Labour government set up the N.H.S. nearly 7 decades ago, supported by a National Insurance Fund, things have gone steadily downhill.

Government after government despite the various political spectrum's have tinkered with it. Built new hospitals on private financial Initiative, ie, we build you a brand new hospital for which you owe us a very heavy mortgage for thirty years on the top of which you have to employ the staff to carry out the work required to make a hospital meet the needs of its patients. Specialists, surgeons and supporting staff are expensive. Not a good combination to ensure that multi million pound debts are not incurred. Then surprise, surprise such hospitals do not meet the cost criteria's set by the government in power at the time are given a walloping great fine to add to the other incurred debts - Does that make sense to you ?

NEVER!

Sadly the great ideal set up for the British public 65 odd years ago did not allow for the fact that governments held the purse strings to make or break a national treasure, successive governments chase the road to ruin, recently accelerated by yet another financial collapse.

Ask yourself a question - Are you getting your money's worth from the N.H.S via the National Insurance Fund?

What can you do about the problem? Vote for whom you fancy, it will make no difference in the way the N.H.S and indeed the Welfare State as a whole will operate. The funds set aside to cover the outgoings such fundamental aids to human life are not being made available from the fund set to cover such requirements. The present way that the laws and requirements are set by 900 years of tradition are not fit for purpose. A radical overhaul of the mixture of traditions and a hodge podge of out of date laws and acts is called for.

Perhaps a Scottish parliament, if a yes vote is registered in a few months time, is formed

By Mike Newman

then at least they start from scratch and will get rid of the dross that surrounds some parliamentary decisions. But I disagree.

Only one way will save the N.H.S. from complete collapse. From the governments point of view the problem is, they do not know how to make it work as it should. If everything goes private, that is a whole large weight removed from their agenda. It won’t do for 80% of the population, but do they really worry about such matters?

Well is there an answer to the problem? I believe there is.

The problem with National Insurance is that the fund is not 'ring fenced'. The government of the day can plunder it any time - and it does. Only a very small percentage of the whole looks after welfare and the N.H.S. The whole sum should be used for what it was put into the statute for.

The Welfare State, ask your political party of choice. Ring Fence the National Insurance Fund. Use it for what we paid and are paying for.

Mike Newman is a member of The Dunstable And District Senior Citizens Club.

If you have a view on any of the issues raised why not attend one of their monthly meetings, held on the last Thursday of the month at St Marys Catholic Social Club, West St., Dunstable.

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Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up! in June & July2014 Discover Saturn in Summer Evening Skies:

Summer’s short warm nights are the perfect time to gaze at Saturn. The ringed planet is easy to see with the naked eye, appearing as a pale yellow ‘star’ no more than 20-degrees up above the horizon to your south around 11pm. In June look between 170° to 200° South on your compass.

July finds Saturn a bit lower down in the sky towards the south-west. In a telescope Saturn is simply spectacular. You’ll be able to see the planet’s rings very clearly, along with some of Saturn’s moons.

Watch the International Space Station Sail Overhead in June: Early and mid-June

sees some spectacular flybys of the International Space Station (ISS) over seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

Scetch of Mars through a telescope.

22

By Seb Jay

Bedfordshire. The action begins at around 11:05pm on Monday 2nd June. Watch for a bright light moving steadily across the sky from west to east / south-east, with a repeat performance about 90 minutes later. Similar passes of the ISS happen every night through until Wednesday 18th June.

See the Centre of our Galaxy: From 18th July

to month’s end is a great time to go in search of the centre of our own galaxy! You’ll need to choose a dark location up on the Chilterns with an open southerly view. Look directly south at around midnight for a delicately glowing cloud of light about 10-degrees above the horizon. This is the brightest part of the Milky Way – and the location of the centre of our galaxy.

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A-Plan are worlds apart from all the faceless internet insurance companies. At A-Plan in Dunstable you will get personal service as soon as you step through the door. Pop in for a chat and a cuppa with one of the friendly team and you will be surprised to see that a no obligation quotation from A-Plan really does offer value for money.

“To have such an efficient personalised service accompanied by a drop in the premium quoted is a most refreshing change from the usual standards offered these days,” said Mrs S Whiting of Newport Pagnell.

A-Plan have been trading for 50 years so they understand a need for a personal service. Calls are answered in three rings and you will always be able to speak to the person dealing with your policy. A-Plan also know that sometimes circumstances change and problems arise, so they are happy to offer a degree of flexibility with payments.

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25

Health Beauty & Wellbeing Sweet Feet For Summer

--------------------

W

e’ve kept them hidden in shoes and boots all Winter, but when Summer comes it’s good to put on a pair of sandals or flip flops, or perhaps even walk around with bare feet. So, how can we make sure our feet are in tip-top condition and feel confident about showing them off to all around us?

If you have a lot of rough and hard skin, foot conditions such as athletes foot, fungal nail infection, an ingrowing toe nail, calluses, corns or verrucas, a session or a number of appointments with a chiropodist or podiatrist is recommended. The terms are interchangeable, but strictly in the UK, ‘Podiatrist’ is a reserved title meaning that it can only be used by those registered with the Health Professions Council.

Inside the profession, chiropody is used to suggest the routine processes of foot care, whilst podiatry is indicative of the higher skills and academic levels.

Once any medical issues have been eliminated, you may wish to keep up the look and condition of your feet through pampering at home, or a trip to the beautician for a pedicure.

Regular maintenance tasks should include: • Cutting your toe nails short. The use of clippers is generally recommended. Nails should be no more than a couple of millimetres over the edge of your toe.

• Next, file your nails using an emery board. File them so they are smooth, neat and square.

• It’s good to soak your feet in a bowl of warm water and use a foot scrub or lotion to get them clean and feeling smooth and silky.

• Various tools and devices are available to help you file hard and crusty skin to make it smooth. At home and at a beautician’s this is likely to be a pumice based product.

A chiropodist is more likely to use a blade.

• Apply moisturising cream daily and massage it in well, including between the toes.

Let it dry before putting on socks or tights, as persisting dampness can cause fungus or athletes foot.

• Once a week, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick to keep your toes healthy.

If you want to beautify too, you can apply polish to your toe nails. Some polishes have nourishing qualities.

Make sure you remove traces of any previous polish with an appropriate remover.

Toe separators can make the job of applying polish easier.

Ongoing measures for foot health include putting your feet up after shopping sprees or long walks, and making sure shoes fit properly to prevent blisters or crushing of toes.

26

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Dunstable Town Guides Promoting the heritage of Dunstable

BBC Flog It Returns to Tring Market Auctions!

The Dunstable Town Guides offer walks and talks on the heritage of Dunstable for your clubs and societies, and scouting, guiding and school groups. Contact Booking Secretary dunstablehg@gmail.com Public guided heritage walks and ghost walks are also led by Dunstable Town Guides.

Dunstable Library is hosting regular talks by the Town Guides. For details see below or contact Dunstable Library on 0300 300 8056

Tring Market Auctions is delighted to announce the return of BBC One’s Flog It to the sale rooms on Friday 25th July.

Saturday, 21 June, 11am

Flog It will be holding a valuation day at English Heritage’s Wrest Park House and Gardens at Silsoe near Luton, Bedfordshire on Thursday 26th June between 10am and 4.30pm.

Members of the public are invited to bring along up to three antiques or collectables to the event and have them valued free of charge by a team of experts from the popular BBC antiques series.

Items selected for inclusion in the Flog It TV series will be sent to Tring Market Auctions, Brook Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5EF to go under the hammer on Friday 25th July.

The sale will start at 11am and viewing is available until 9am on that morning, and also between 9am and 8pm on Thursday 24th July. Everyone who goes along to the event at Wrest Park will have their items valued; regardless of if they are selected for inclusion in the auction.

The five editions of Flog It recorded at Wrest Park House and Gardens and Tring Market Auctions will be broadcast as part of the 13th series of the antiques show.

Stephen Hearn, managing director and auctioneer at Tring Market Auctions, said, ‘we are delighted to welcome Flog It back for another exciting sale. The valuation and sale days are very entertaining - we look forward to seeing what treasures the Flog It team have in store for us.’

Summer Solstice Ghost Walk – meet Priory Church car park.

Saturday, 5 July, 11am

Discover the Hidden Priory – meet Priory House

Sunday, 20 July, 11am

Dunstable’s History and Heritage – meet as above

Saturday, 2 August, 11am

Discover the Hidden Priory – meet as above

Saturday, 16 August, 11am

Dunstable’s History and Heritage – meet as above

Sunday, 14 September, 11am

Inns of Dunstable – meet as above The Dunstable Town Guides are supported by Dunstable Town Council

Kite Festival Dunstable Downs 26th & 27th July 11am - 5pm

Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere as you’re bedazzled by the professional kite team’s show stopping displays.

Enthusiasts from around the world will gather for our annual Kite Festival. Featuring fantastic flying displays, giant kite displays, synchronised team routines and power kites. Children’s activities, craft stalls and much more. Taste the BBQ and ice cream while you watch countless awe inspiring displays and enjoy all the fun of the fair.

28

All enquiries to Tring Market Auctions, Brook Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 5EF. T: 01442 826446 E: sales@tringmarketauctions.co.uk

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professionals, the deckchair to admire their handiwork.

In The Garden

How to make the grass greener on your side Ends

Sample pics, can be supplied electronically:

By Catherine Miller CLM Gardens www.clm-gardens.co.uk

A healthy-looking green sward, with no weeds or moss and fresh green stripes, seems to be most people’s idea of a great lawn. And if I had to give one general piece of advice on how to achieve it I would say, it is not what you do, so much as the way that you do it.

F

or instance, everyone weeds. If they are thugs, knows grass needs to though, or you just like to be cut. But it is the way be weed-free, then apply that it is cut that is crucial – a weedkiller separately to mowing needs to be done the feed, or buy a feed that little and often, every week incorporates weedkiller. if possible. Letting it get Most lawns this year will jobs to be . long and then scalping the have suffered from moss, getting on with... lawn is a guaranteed way thanks to the wettest winter to introduce weeds and on record. (In some areas, I June & July are busy months in the moss. Grass is happy at guess, people will be grate- garden, and as well as a good time to about 1” (slightly longer in ful to even have a lawn at plant alpines, other jobs include: drought or winter). all.) If you apply a mosskillAll plants need to be fed, er it is important to scarify June and grass is no exception. once it has died off. This • Sowing salad leaves every 2 weeks Again, though, the way can be done with a springfor a continuous crop that you do it is vital. Put tine rake, but if you are not • Plant grasses on too much food and you Popeye, it is much easier to • Tie up climbers will scorch the grass, use it buy or hire a machine.

• Earth up potatoes at the wrong time (such as Finally, those nice neat July when it is too cold or rain stripes. It is all down to the is forecast) and it is wasted. mower and the way the • Feed lawns Read the packet and follow grass is flattened in one • Place conservatory plants outside the instructions, it is as direction or the other when now that it is warm simple as that. it is mowed. Hover type • Deadhead bedding plants and Catherine Miller ‘What about weeds?’ I hear mowers can’t do it. repeat-flowering perennials, to CLM Gardens you ask.

Well, what about Of course, if all this sounds ensure continuous flowering them?www.clm-gardens.co.uk If you keep the grass complicated or too much • Pick courgettes before they at the right height, cut it at bother, then the easiest become marrows Please above • Treat apple scab the right time,do andnot feeduse it without way to the get aby-line great-looking the right stuff at the right lawn is to use nothing but • Clear algae, blanket weeds and time,Submitted then the chances deckchair phone Marchare 2014,a please let and me aknow if –/whendebris it is scheduled forand use; andthem also note if t from ponds, keep your article lawn will out-compete the scheduled phone to call profeshas been not been forinuse

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Don’t Have

Tree Nightmares Over the last few months I have received lots of questions about what rights are in place when a neighbours tree encroaches into your garden.

Here’s what you need to know before you get out your hacksaw and start chopping branches off.

By Dean Dunham - Legal Eagle of Consumer UK

Can I Cut My Neighbour’s Tree Back?

If your neighbour’s tree hangs over into your land you should firstly ask your neighbour to trim back the tree. If they refuse or ignore your request, you are well within your rights to trim the tree back yourself but only the parts that overhang your land and you can only trim back to the boundary line. There is, however, an exception to the above when there is a Tree Preservation Order in place protecting the tree. If this is the case you will need to seek authority from the local authority before taking any steps.

I Live In A Conservation Area.

Trees are thought to contribute to the character of conservation areas, so even if the tree in question isn't subject to a preservation order, if you live in one of these areas, you'll need to contact the council to give notice of proposed work. This applies to trees with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm measured 1.5m above ground level.

You can't start work before a six week notice period has elapsed unless the council gives you permission to go ahead before then. Dead, dying and dangerous trees are exempt, but you'll still need to check with the council to ensure this applies to your tree. Once again, you can be prosecuted and fined if you don't follow the rules.

My Neighbour’s Tree Is Dangerous, What Can I Do?

In England and Wales, local authorities have powers to deal with trees on private property which are on the point of causing damage. A local authority can:make the tree safe, if it is on the point of causing damage and are asked to do so by the owner of the land on which the tree stands. The local authority will recover the costs of doing this from the owner make a tree safe on someone else’s land, if asked to do so by a neighbour whose property is in imminent danger from the tree and the owner of the land on which the tree stands is not known s serve a notice on someone who has a tree which is on the point of causing damage to the property of a 34

neighbour and that neighbour asks the local authority to take action. The owner of the tree must comply with the notice. If they do not, the local authority will do the necessary work and recover the costs from the owner. The owner can appeal to the county court against the notice.

If you want the local authority to take action, you will need to find out which department deals with dangerous trees as this varies from one local authority to another.

You can then ask this department to check the condition of the tree. It is up to the local authority to decide if the tree is on the point of causing damage. If they consider it is not on the point of causing damage, they don't have to take any action. An overhanging tree may also be a danger. For example, most parts of a yew tree are poisonous.

If any damage or injury is caused, the tree owner will be liable to pay compensation if a person affected brings a claim for damages.

My Neighbour’s Tree Is Blocking Out My Light

There are no laws that allow a right to light per se and you will be unable to force the neighbour to do anything.

But if the tree is blocking light from a window in your house or a green house, you can acquire the right to light with the help of your local authority and you should contact them first to see how helpful they might be. If you have enjoyed a certain level of light for 20 uninterrupted years the law states that it is reasonable for you to expect the same level of light and you can go to court for relief.

You should also check your deeds to see if they contain a covenant stating that your neighbour must not block your light.

If I Cut My Neighbour’s Tree Can I Dispose Of The Branches?

You are actually required by law to hand the cut branches back to your neighbor as they form part of the tree that is their property. However, unless it’s a fruit tree it is unlikely that they will want them back as they will only have to dispose of the debris. You should ask them if they do want the branches back and if they say no record it in writing before disposing of them.

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Thissnow is because the Italian he Fiatwere 500Lfitted Trekking andthe cumbersome begin with, butconcerned the If you’re about the automaker has raised thetocar’s a fashionable look disposition, tyres.Tobines emphasise its outdoor If you technology certainly inspires confidence wellbeing of youduring and your suspension to enable it to drive with special grip gadgetry Fiat also has specific front and rear bumpers, a passengers then the Fiat will over rough ground more efcalled Traction+, which helps and y bad driving conditions. skid-plate and fog lights which help give it a certainly tick your box. It’s one tick yo fectively. the car handle difficult and rugged look. of the safest motors on the road Features on the 500L includes dicey surfaces. road t The fresh model offers the same functional and today, as demonstrated by its a touchscreen radio with Under conditions of low or If you’re concerned about the wellbeingpractical of you qualities of the standard Fiat 500L, but prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star Euro N zero traction, the system detects Bluetooth, six airbags, ESC and your passengers then the Fiat will certainly has a more upright look. This is because the rating.

In fact the 500L Trekkingis the Stability Control), slip, making it easy to maintain (Electronic tick directional your box. It’s one of thecontrol. safest motors on the is the the first carsuspension in the Fiat range Brake cruise control, leather gearknob stability and Italian automaker has raised car’s roadThe today, demonstrated by its prestigious to provide Citymore Brake Control design andtosteering dual zone car isasslow and cumberenablewheel, it to drive over rough ground Eurosome NCAPto5-star rating.

In fact Trekking as standard.

This system is climate control, side mouldbegin with, but the the 500L collisi effectively. is the first car in the Fiat range to provide City

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The Fiat also has collision in traffic. It’s clever stuff.

motor and will appeal to style space high-tech fabric seat upholstery functional and practical qualiStability Control), cruise control, leather gearknob with eco-leather inserts. conscious families who ties of the standard Fiat 500L, Overall, the big Fiat is a robust motor and willsteering wheel, dual zone climate control, need and p and the space for five people combut to hasstyle a more uprightfamilies look. who Toneed be honest, all that the appeal conscious accele side the mouldings, parking sensors, electric bined with functionality and 500LTrekking lacks is a built space for five people combined with functionality windows, automatic lights with rain sensors, front practicality. Just don’t expect time t in sat-nav. Other than that, and practicality. Just don’t expect awesome fog lights and rear armrest.

The Fiat acceleration also has highawesome and cer- secon my flagship test model came FAST FACTS acceleration and certainly allow yourself lotswith of kit including 17” tainly allow yourself lots of timesluggi loaded tech fabric seat upholstery with eco-leather Max speed: With109 mph time to overtake. a 0-62mph pace ofwheels 12 to overtake.

With a 0-62mph alloy which were fitted 0-62 mph: 1.6 M inserts.the seconds, life can get a12.0 littlesecs frustrating behind pace of 12 seconds, life can with mud and snow tyres.To Combined mpg: 60.0 sluggish, albeit inoffensive wheel of the Fiat 500L get a little frustrating behind emphasise its outdoor disposiEngine: 1598cc 4 cylinder Tothe beFiat honest, allspecific that the 500LTrekking lacksinoffensive is a 1.6 MultiJet 105hp Trekking. the sluggish, albeit tion, also has 16 valve diesel built sat-nav.

Other than wheel that, my flagship test FAST of the Fiat 500L 1.6 front andin rear bumpers, a skidMax. power (bhp): 105hp plate and fog lightsloaded which help model came with kitMultiJet including 17”Trekking. alloy 105 at 3750 rpm  Ma FASTMax. FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS torque (lb/ft):  0-6 236 at 1750 rpm Grippy√  Max speed: 109mph CO2: 122 g/km  Com Safe√ mph: 12.0 secs  0-62 Price: £19,590on the road Stylish√ Eng

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u’re concerned about the wellbeing of you your passengers then the Fiat will certainly our box. It’s one of the safest motors on the today, as demonstrated by its prestigious NCAP 5-star rating. In fact the 500L Trekking e first car in the Fiat range to provide City e Control as standard. This system is ned to reduce the effects of low-speed ion in traffic. It’s clever stuff.

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www.thevinemagazine.com

39

TECHNOLOGY

In Car Dash Cameras

Imagine... You’re behind the wheel of your family saloon, quietly minding your own business, when a souped up sports car suddenly flies past and cuts you up just as you reach the motorway exit. Seconds later it’s gone, with nothing to show but a trail of smoke.

N

ot so long ago there was no getting back at reckless drivers like this guy but in-car cameras now offer the chance to bring them to count.

An absolute given in countries like Russia, Japan and the USA, only 3% of British drivers currently own a dash cam, but the trend is on the increase. A recent RAC survey found that 4 out of 10 car owners would consider buying one, and that a fifth of current dash cams are used to guard against ‘cash for crash’ scams.

False insurance claims are growing, and one common way of faking it is to set up a collision and claim the crash was the fault of the innocent party. If you’re the victim in a case like this, capturing the event on camera could help prove your innocence and bring the bad guys to justice.

Good footage from a dashboard camera is admissible evidence in court, so if you are involved in a genuine accident it can offer proof of what really took place. You can also use it to protect your vehicle whilst parked.

The camera will come to life when damage is detected.

Dashboard cameras, which are usually mounted on the windscreen, record onto memory cards whilst the ignition is on. Re-

cording is constant, which means that once the card is full, old files are overwritten. Recording time depends on the size of memory card and the bit rate of the camera, but can run into several hours.

Installation is by suction or adhesive pads.

Cameras are most often wired into the cigarette lighter, but can also be hard-wired directly into the car battery - the only way if you want a model with parking mode.

When choosing an in-car camera, first consider the size. Smaller models are more discreet, and black is the best low-profile colour. Next, look for one with a decent video resolution.

The current standard is 1080p, which will pick out number plates and other details - essential if required as evidence. Check what the night video quality is like, and decide if you want a model that can save footage you might want to keep. Other useful options include date and time stamps, and dual or multiple channels which record what’s behind as well as what’s in front of you.

Finally, don’t forget that dash cams can be fun! They are a great way to capture details of memorable trips, and film the more unusual sights we come across from time to time!

By Alex Albrighton

40

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41

Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles

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              Answers on   page 46             2        9 7    8    2 9   3

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5 6 7

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

Crossword

SHIPS

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42

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43

Out&About

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Dunstable Flower Club meets on the 3rd Monday of the month, except January & August at the Salvation Army Hall, Bullpond Lane, Dunstable at 7.45pm. We have Flower Arranging Demonstrations each month by NAFAS Area Demonstrators. We welcome new members, so if you enjoy flower arranging come and join us.

Tel: Joan Fossey 01582 665392 HOMESTART Have you got just 2 to 3 hours to spare each week to support a local young family who are struggling to cope? The charity Home-Start is looking for caring parents and grandparents. All training and support is given and expenses paid. It’s a great way to gain new skills, make friends and really make a difference to your community.

Tel: 01582 660061 office@home-startcentralbeds.org.uk www.home-startcentralbeds.org.uk BREAKOUT SOCIAL CLUB We are a club for the over forty fives, not a singles club but a social club for people who enjoy going out but are on their own, where they can meet like-minded people, with a varied monthly programme covering Disco’s, Pub lunch’s, walks, parties and much, much more, we meet once a week in the front bar at the Conservative Club, High street North Dunstable For more information please contact Sandy on 07813 262556 DUNSTABLE SENIOR CITIZENS What age would you like to live to?

Would you like to live it with Dignity, Financial peace of mind, With a voice We are a local group fighting the fight for the over 50’s Interested in finding out more?

Come to a meeting We meet the last Thursday of each month at 2pm In the Social club of The Catholic Church in West Street Dunstable Or call for more information on 01582 534357 44

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

WATLING STREET CLUB We are an independent social club for ex-Rotarians and similarly minded people and have been in existence for nearly 3 years. We are named ‘The Watling Street Club’ as our members form a link along the Watling Street. We meet every Thursday evening at the ‘Old Hunter’s Lodge’ Whipsnade for a meal and speaker.

New members are welcome. For more information contact John Stevens 01582 668033 DUNSTABLE BRIDGE CLUB We meet every Monday (except bank holidays) in Chews House in High Street South, Dunstable, from 1pm to 5pm. We would welcome new members of all standards and you do not need a partner. If anyone is interested please call: 01582 664485 THE BOGTROTTERS The Bogtrotters (Dunstable and District Walking and Hostelling Group) are a group of about 90 walkers, hikers and hostellers. We run a surprisingly diverse range of activities, including half and full day walks, hostelling trips, meals and evening activities.

New members are always welcome.

Prospective members are invited to get in touch via the website, give us a ring or just turn up to an event or walk.

Enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk 01582 865966 Sue or Julian DUNSTABLE WI Dunstable Downside WI meet two evenings a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Watling Lower School Bullpond Lane at 7.0pm. We are friendly group and like to enjoy ourselves. We have a wide range of speakers with different talents and crafts, and also Quiz nights to test our brains. We welcome new members so join us and make new friends.

June 12th - Dunstable in Bloom talk

by John Crawley June 26th - WI Summer outing 10th July - Providing tea with the Queen talk by Dot Wigg 17th July - Summer Garden Party For more information telephone Chris Brewin 01582 520361 Chairperson

CHILTERN GATEWAY CENTRE Chilterns Gateway Centre Shop, 01582 500925 Chilli Festival

14th June 11am - 5pm FREE Discover all things chilli at the Dunstable Downs Chilli Festival!

From hot sauces and oils to chilli cheese, pickles and plants there’s something for everyone ‘ how ever spicy you like things. Free entry, normal parking charges applies.

Orchid and nature walk

5th July 11am - 1pm £2 per Ticket Enjoy a 2 hour walk to look for the creatures that call Whipsnade Downs home.

The Ranger team will guide you through the different fascinating and beautiful wildlife and plant life found at the Downs. There will be walking up and down the hills.

FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMON We are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy.For this purpose we meet as a work party on the third Saturday of each month (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a picnic lunch is provided! Details from Pam on 01582 872608 pamrumfitt@btinternet.com PRIORY LADIES We are a lively group of ladies, if you like interesting talks, meeting people and occasional trips out then why not join us!

We meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month 8.00pm 10.00pm Meetings are held at Chews House, 77 High Street South, Dunstable LU6 3SF Tel: Monica 01582 667030 or Barbara 01582 606300 THE HEALING TRUST Ardley Hill School, Lowther Rd, Each Thursday evening 7.30 - 9pm.

No charge, donations accepted.

NFSH contact Pam Hill on 01582 606182

PRIORY HOUSE Priory House Heritage Centre Tel: 01582 891420 FATHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA Sunday 15th June. 1pm - 4.30 £15.50 per person Three courses of savories & sandwiches, scones and cakes in the fully licensed Priory House Tea Rooms Bookings must be made in advance CLASSIC MOTOR RALLY Saturday 7th June 10am - 4pm Priory Gardens.

Back for the sixth year running!!

With six categories of vehicles this year including Pre-War, Commercial and the all new Military category, there is bound to be something for everyone.

The event is FREE for visitors and exhibitors alike and with a variety of stalls available it will be the perfect day out for the whole family.

The Priory House Tea Rooms will be serving refreshments throughout the day so why not treat yourself to a relaxing lunch, before heading out to hear the results of the category winners.

Vehicle entry is FREE, just download a form from our website or pop in and collect one in person.

LAZY SUMMER SUNDAY’S Priory House Tea Rooms will be open 12pm - 4pm on Sundays during July and August. Starting 6th July TEA TIME TALES Talks of local and national interest with tea or coffee and a pastry.

Alternate Thursday afternoons 2.30 - 4.00pm £4.75 per person June 12th Flora and Fauna of Ashridge, Dunstable and the surrounding area Roz Kearey, Dunstable Town Guide June 26th The Bedfordshire Regiment - Ian Mould, Military Enthusiast July 10th Through the Himalayas Part II - Paul Heley, Dunstable Town Guide July 24th Puzzles Unlimited; Travels in a puzzling world of crosswords and numbers - Peter Wade-Wright, Dunstable Town Guide

BREATHEASY Do you suffer from a lung condition?

Then why not come and join our local Support group - breatheasy Part of the British lung foundation.

We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at peter newton pavilion (Behind tesco) 2 - 4pm carers also welcome As well as supporting each other we have a variety of speakers and also arrange day trips out.

New members most welcome More info phone michael on 01582 602348 DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business men. The Club’s main object is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy a variety of social activities and organized visits throughout the year and at their regular monthly meetings they are entertained by after-lunch speakers.

If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary Malcolm Partridge 01525 222711 KINGSBURY BOWLS CLUB is a small friendly club situated in east Dunstable under the shadow of Blows Downs.

The Green is open to the public from Wednesday to Friday until September, 2-00pm to 4-00pm and 6-00pm to Dusk – at a reasonable fee. Come and try a new sport – the only dress requirement is flat-soled footwear. Bowls and all other equipment is available at the Green. www.kingsburybowls.weebly.com DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Ladies - new members are welcome to join our choir. If you enjoy singing why not come to a Tuesday evening rehearsal from 7.30-9.30pm at Houghton Regis Baptist Church, Hammersmith Gardens LU5 5RG and give us a try. No audition necessary. We also have a lively social life including meals out, get-togethers and trips to concerts and shows.

Dunstable Ladies Choir Spring Further details from Pat Jackson 01582 520302.

HOUGHTON REGIS BOWLS CLUB Open day on the 4th may from 11am to around 4pm The only thing needed is flat soled shoes.

All ages and abilities are welcome.

Children over 12 years must be ac-

www.thevinemagazine.com

companied by a parent please.

Light refreshments will be available.

Please come and have a go, look forward seeing you all, any enquiries please ring me on 01582518645 DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT ORBIT CLUB Since its inception over 25 years ago, Orbit has raised nearly £60,000 for local charities. We also give our time to help organisations and people in the community.

Orbit offers an active social calendar, with wide-ranging events to suit all budgets and tastes. Annual membership is just £15.

We meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dunstablians Rugby Club, Bidwell Park, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis, LU5 6JW from 8 pm. You’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome.

For more information please visit www.orbitclub.org.uk/dunstable or contact Mark on 01582 539379 or Julie on 01582 535761.

SUNDAY BAND CONCERTS Once again, Grove House Gardens and Dunstable Town Council presents to you the Sunday Band Concerts for 2014!

Continuing the Summer of Music, there will be eight outdoor brass band concerts for all ages to enjoy from 29 June to 24 August. The first four concerts will feature traditional brass band music, while the following four concerts will be specifically themed with songs you will recognise from TV, films and the West End, following with big band music, and music from the last night at the proms.

Every concert lasts from 3 pm to 4.45 pm with a ten minute intermission. There will be refreshments including tea, coffee and juices provided in Grove Corner during this time. Chairs will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own.

This event is free admission.

29th June Dunstable Town Band Traditional Band Concert 6th June Hertfordshire Town Band Traditional Band Concert 13th July Leighton-Linslade Concert Band Traditional Band Concert 27th July Welwyn Garden City Band Traditional Band Concert 45

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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.

Free Quotations

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Tel: 01582 690005 Mobile: 07515 361972

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for complete car care!

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