The Vine, Dunstable February March 2013 Issue 51

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Welcome to Waterford Kitchens

We have designs to suit every budget and direct from the manufacturer prices. As a family business our team of loyal and dedicated carpenters, designers, retailers and staff are our greatest asset. They take great pride in their standards of work and pay particular attention to detail with a friendly and genuinely helpful service.

Waterford takes care of all the practicalities, arrangements and aesthetics required to create the perfect balance between a beautifully designed and functional kitchen Please feel free to call into our showroom where we can help and advise you on planning your kitchen totally without obligation.

We look forward to meeting you Each design is made with great care and attention by our experienced staff, exclusively for you to compliment your own style. Our traditional manufacturing methods bring out the best in the fine materials we use to create a finish you’ll want to show everyone who visits your home.

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Editors: Scott Nightingale Shelly Nesbitt

Advertising: Shelly Nesbitt 01525 222379 07852 453043 Mailthevine@yahoo.co.uk

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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.

Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

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

Copy deadline for our next issue - 15th March 2013

This Month...

Valentines Day

8 Gung Hei Fat Choi 10 Easter 12 A Travellers Tale 14 What’s Best For You 18 Aged Concerns 22 Dunstable Scooter Club 24 Auto-biographies 26 In The Garden 28 Nutrition Coach 32 Natural Health 36 Hair & Beauty 38 Puzzles 42 Out & About 44

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Wildlife Trust There is a whole world to discover on your doorstepwith your local Wildlife Trust in 2013 Here are some of your up and coming events for February and March this year·

A Talk On Education And Community On Blows Downs Nature Reserve

Dunstable Glider Pilots selected for British Women's Team Helen Hingley, seen here with her own LS4 glider, has been chosen to represent Britain in the 2013 Women's World Gliding Championship to be held in Issoudun , France , during July. Fellow Dunstable pilot Melissa Jenkins has been selected as the British Team Captain.

Helen has been flying at the London Gliding Club for 5 years, initially wanting a "holiday with a difference" and decided to go flying again after a 9 year break from flying light aircraft. "I much prefer the challenge of powerless flight" Helen says.

She's been highly successful in cross country competition recently, coming third in her class in the Dunstable Regionals this year and 7th out of 37 in the pre-worlds practice.

The competition will last over 14 days, and each day over 50 women glider pilots from around the world will be set task distances of up to 600 kms.

Understanding and then making best use of the prevailing weather conditions in order to find rising air and fly these huge distances without an engine - is the essence of gliding.

The London Gliding Club has operated from its airfield at the foot of the Dunstable Downs since the early 1930's. It is famous among the aviation community for cross-country, aerobatics and vintage gliding, and is one of the largest gliding clubs in the world.

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Come and find out about the importance of education and community work and the differences it makes to Blows Downs Event: Indoor Talk Booking: Essential Date: Monday 11 Feb 2013 Time: 7.45pm – 9.15pm Location: Priory Middle School, Britain St, Dunstable, LU5 4JA. Meet in the Dome Price: Donations gratefully accepted Audience: Adult

A Free Event For Youth Wildlife Rangers

Event: Fun Outdoor Activity for 13 - 19 Yr Olds Booking: Essential Date: Wednesday 20 Feb 2013 Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Location: Blows Downs Nature Reserve, Dunstable. Meet at Oakwood Avenue

Blows Down Litter Pick

Come and help the Blows Downs Conservation Group to keep your local nature reserve looking beautiful Event: Outdoor Activity Date: Sunday 17 March 2013 Time: 10am – 3pm Location: Blows Downs Nature Reserve, Dunstable. Meet at the Half Moon Lane entrance Price: Free. Turn Up On The Day Audience: Everyone Welcome Children must be accompanied by an adult

Community Open Day

Come along and find out more about your local nature reserve at Blows Downs Event: Activities for Adults & Kids Date: Sunday 24 March 2013 Time: 10am – 3pm Location: Blows Downs Nature Reserve, Dunstable. Meet near to the Half Moon Lane entrance Price: Donations gratefully accepted Audience: Everyone Welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For information Tel Ruth Sneath: 01525 874317 Email: ruth.sneath@wildlifebcn.org

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Commercial and Domestic Services

On 18th October (St. Luke’s Day) 1213, Bishop Garden Maintenance Hugh II of Lincoln visited Dunstable to dedicate the newly completed Augustinian Priory of St. Peter. This Fencing year will see the 800th anniversary of this historic ocPatios casion. To commemorate this, there will be a series Turfing of Medieval Dunstable events throughout the year.

Full details of these events, and further information, Decking can be found on www.medievaldunstable.org.uk .

Planting Admission will be charged for some of these events Water Features and tickets for these can be obtained at Priory House, Dunstable’s Heritage Centre.

Site Clearance Many of the events are focused on the Priory Church of St. Peter, which has its own website www.dunstableparish.org.uk We look forward to sharing these exciting events Free Quotations with you and with the many visitors to the town Ring 01525 380114 which these celebrations will attract.

Check with Priory House for the latest updates tayloredlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk Tel. 01582 891420 UNICORN 90x127 (Proof) W43 25/10/07 16:22 Page 1 or email prioryhouse@dunstable.gov.uk

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Valentines Day 14th February

The Food of Love They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not experiment with some tempting titbits this Valentine’s Day? In Japan feeling flirty can become – quite literally – a matter of life or death! Puffer fish is considered to be a great delicacy and an aphrodisiac, but it contains a poisonous gland that is deadly and must be removed before eating!

A safer seafood option is the oyster. A favourite with the Romans some oysters are able to change sex repeatedly and so are said to give you the ability to experience the male and female sides of love.

For a sophisticated saucy snack you can’t go wrong with asparagus. Served with hollandaise sauce and washed down with champagne it’s sure to pep things up.

And do you know where the term ‘honeymoon’ comes from? In Medieval times newlyweds drank mead – a fermented drink made with honey – to sweeten their marriage.

But I reckon the ultimate palate pleaser has got to be chocolate. Described by the Aztecs as ‘nourishment of the Gods’, it contains both a relaxing sedative that lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to perk you up. Even better is the news that it is more effective when combined with that other an- tioxidant, red wine – but don’t have too much, or your suitor may become a snorer!

Men, Say It With

Flowers

Lots of men will be heading off to florists this month but have you ever wondered why we give flowers?

The Victorians were a rather coy bunch not given to brazen declarations of love, so a whole language sprang up around flowers and plants with special meanings attached to each variety. The language was called floriography. So flowers could be used to express almost any sentiment and in combination they could convey a whole range of emotions.

Try saying it with flowers this Valentine’s Day with our handy guide.

8

A simple arrangement for

Mother’s Day Sunday 10th March

This arrangement is childproof, so give it a go!

You will need a bunch or two of small flowers such as spray carnations or freesias. The flowers will only cost £3-£5 from a supermarket; a few stems of rosemary twigs (try the herb section in the supermarket) or similar foliage from the garden; enough ribbon to go around the neck of the jar and tie in a bow; some string or garden twine.

Wash enough pretty, small shells or stones to quarter fill a clean clear glass jar. Select one of your flowers and cut it so the stem is about twice the height of the jar. The next flowers should be slightly shorter.

Holding the long flower in one hand, make a ring of shorter flowers around it. Next, circle with foliage, cut slightly shorter. Repeat until you run out of flowers.

Loop the twine a couple of times around the stems and tie a knot. Don’t squeeze the stems - they should be able to move a little. Trim the bottom of the stems with a diagonal cut (they last longer this way) so they are all the same length and place the arrangement in the jar. Jiggle, so the stems are held in place by the shells. Tie the ribbon in a bow around the neck of the jar.

If the flowers came with a sachet of food, make this up following the instructions and fill the jam jar. Keep the rest of the water in a sealed container and use to top up the flowers every day.

Several children? Use different sizes and shapes of jar and different flowers in each, or mix together. Display the jars in a group.

The Meaning Of Flowers

Red rose Passionate love White rose Eternal love or innocence Pink rose Perfect happiness or please believe me Orchid Love, beauty and refinement Apple Blossom Preference, good fortune Begonia Beware!

Bluebell Humility Pink carnation I’ll never forget you Yellow carnation Disdain, rejection Iris Faith hope and wisdom Ivy Fidelity Primrose I can’t live without you or young love

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St. Patrick’s Day ~ 17th March 2013 ~

Gung Hei Fat Choi (That’s Happy New Year!)

C

10

Chinese New Year is on 10th February 2013

hinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year for Chinese people around the world.

In China, the festival is marked by a three-day public holiday.

Also called the Spring Festival, it is a special time for families to get together, and millions of people travel home from their places of work or study.

Chinese people prepare for the New Year celebrations by cleaning their houses from top to bottom. The idea is to clear away any bad luck and make way for good luck in the year ahead. People also buy new clothes and have their hair cut. They decorate their homes with red and gold paper decorations and lights. Red is a lucky colour in China, while gold represents wealth.

Debts must be paid off before the end of the year, otherwise it is said that you will be short of money in the following year. People also bring plants and fruit trees into their homes, especially kumquat plants and peach blossom.

On New Year’s Eve, families gather together for a celebratory feast. They eat sticky rice dumplings to bring good luck and happiness. It is a time to be thankful for the year that is ending and to remember family members who have died. At midnight, the doors and windows of the house are opened to let the old year out and firecrackers are set off.

The next day, friends and families exchange gifts of food, flowers and sweets. Children are given money in red paper envelopes. There are fireworks and elaborate lion and dragon dances featuring beautifully coloured costumes and puppets. People try to forget grudges and wish peace and happiness to everyone.

The date of the New Year is calculated using the lunar calendar and can fall any time between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the lunar calendar lasts 60 years and consists of five cycles of 12 years. Each of the 12 years is named after a different animal – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals on earth to join him for a party. Only 12 turned up, and as a reward, he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. Each animal has certain characteristics which people born in that year are said to share.

2013 will be the Year of the Snake. People born in this year are said to be romantic, wise and charming. They are good at making and saving money, but can be stingy. Famous snakes include Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan and Brad Pitt!

What are you doing on March 17th this year? You probably don’t have a clue, but if you are of Irish descent chances are that you will be donning green attire and tucking into a plateful of bacon and cabbage!

The date is St Patrick’s Day, commemorating the death of Ireland’s patron saint on 17th March 461.

Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a wealthy Christian family - his father was a deacon and his grandfather a priest.

He was kidnapped and held captive by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen, but eventually escaped; following which he received a vision and calling to return to Ireland to preach Christianity to its heathen population. So it is that St Patrick is credited with taking Christianity to Ireland.

Patrick used the three leaves of the native Irish shamrock to teach the doctrine of the Trinity. Nowadays, the shamrock and green clothing are customarily worn on St Patrick’s Day. Traditionally, Irish families mark the day by attending church in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon. The festival includes public parades, processions, concerts, outdoor theatre and fireworks – all designed to celebrate all things Irish!

So, if you find yourself at a loose end on 17th March, why not look up your local Irish centre and join in the festivities?!

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11

Easter An Egg-cellent Idea Whatever the weather, children of all ages will love an Easter egg hunt. Try one of these ideas and have a cracking good time!

• For a simple hunt, put plastic eggs around the house or garden that children have to collect to win a prize, or hide small chocolate eggs them to collect in a basket.

C

hocolate comes from the Aztec word ‘xocolatl’, meaning bitter water. Originally it was consumed as a drink made from cacao beans, chillies, achiote and cornmeal.

Emperor Montezuma drank 50 golden goblets every day!

H O

itchcock used chocolate syrup for

blood in the famous 45 second shower scene in his movie Psycho.

for

• Add clues to make the search a bit harder.

Alternatively, create a treasure map and mark each egg with an X. • Young children will enjoy following a trail of paper bunny footprints, or a long piece of string to reach their prize.

• Add a fun educational twist using numbered cardboard egg shapes – children can collect odd or even numbers, or get the highest total to win a prize. You could also put the letters of an Easter-themed word on the shapes and challenge them to solve the anagram.

• Set up an ‘obstacle’ hunt. To win each egg, children have to complete a challenge, such as doing ten star jumps, singing a nursery rhyme, or completing a craft activity.

• If you have a mixed group of children, prepare individual checklists so they each find only what is on their list and no more – for example, two chocolate bunnies, three silver eggs and four fluffy chicks.

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Choccy Facts

ver 66 percent of the world’s cacao is produced in Africa. The US consumes the most chocolate per year, but the Swiss consume the most per capita.

C

olumbus brought the cocoa bean to Europe, but Cortez first realised its commercial value. With the addition of cane sugar the chocolate drink became very popular, but it wasn’t until 1842 that the first chocolate bar was produced by Cadbury.

O

ne unfortunate Bishop was poisoned by chocolate-addicted parishioners because he tried to ban its consumption during church services.

L

argest and longest records go to Nestle for creating the largest cup of hot chocolate (2,400 litres) in November 2010, and to Mirco Della Vecchia for producing the longest chocolate bar measuring 15.9m a year later.

A T E

phrodisiacal qualities are believed by many to be contained in chocolate.

horntons produced the world’s biggest chocolate bar (six tonnes of it!) in October 2011 to celebrate its 100th birthday.

nergy-seeking Napoleon always carried chocolate with him to use as a pick-meup whenever he needed a boost.

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A Travellers Tale

By Paul Heley

Over The Top And Round The Corner (Part I)

T

wo or three years ago, a brochure landed on my doormat advertising a trip up the Norwegian fjords, round Nordkapp and then into the White Sea. Although we'd previously been to the southern fjords, we'd never been all the way to the top before - and never into Russia.

It was up to us to arrange our Russian visas - and this is an example of the bureaucracy of closed minds.

And, to add insult to injury, it's by no means cheap. But eventually, they came through!

The cruise started from Leith and we were picked up at Edinburgh and transported to the ship ready to sail out that evening for Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

By now, it had started to rain and we arrived in Lerwick ("Bay of Clay" in Old Norse) next afternoon to a damp and overcast welcome. After a whirlwind coach trip round Lerwick, we were taken to the Jarlshof Neolithic/Bronze Age remains which, I'm sure, would be most impressive under sunshine and blue skies.

Shetland shows its Norwegian heritage: for example, its flag is a blue Scandinavian cross on a white background and many dialect words from Old Norse are in everyday use.

There are also reminders of WW2 and of the "Shetland 'Bus" when people and provisions were secretly ferried back and forth between Norway and Shetland during those dark days.

We sailed out early evening heading for Bergen and arrived next lunchtime. Mercifully, the rain had stopped, and in the afternoon we visited Edvard Grieg's home and

museum followed by a piano recital of some of his music. Very posh!

Bergen is Norway's second city and started life as a fishing village in the 11th century but later achieved great fame as a Hanseatic sea port in the 14th century. Many of the original gabled wooden buildings in older parts of town may still be seen.

The weather turned dull and misty again and when we reached Olden, it was pouring. But British stiff upper lip demanded we go on another coach trip to the famous tourist honeypot of Briksdal Glacier. After disembarking, the uphill trek to the glacier was an endurance test in itself. The glacier was nothing startling, but thanks to the heavy rain and melting ice, the many waterfalls - and one in particular - put on a splendid show. Afterwards, a mass of extremely soggy passengers returned to the ship in time to leave for Alesund in the late afternoon.

Fortunately, the weather improved overnight and after arriving next morning, we were taken on a walking tour of the town famous for its art nouveau architecture. This had come about literally by accident in 1904 when the town - originally built of wood - was completely destroyed by fire. The town planners decided to rebuild the town in the currently fashionable art nouveau style - most unusual.

Alesund was involved with the Shetland 'Bus previously mentioned, and our guide was an elderly gent.

Asked if he ever took German tourists around, he replied No and, tapping his head, said "it's still in here".

Alesund is a pleasant little town made more so by sunshine and also by the fact that school marching bands from around a very large area had congregated for an annual festival. The musical standard was surprisingly high and was compli-

mented by smart and individual matching uniforms.

There is a statue to the great grandfather of William the Conqueror, ie Rollo, who originally came from here. This illustrates that the word "Norman" really means "Norse man", ie a descendent of Vikings.

Leaving Alesund early afternoon, we headed further north into more sunshine. Our next landing was the island Torghatten - part of the legend ridden Troll Mountains. Its unusual profile is like a porkpie hat with a large hole through it from one side to the other halfway up.

Although there's a geological explanation, folklore says that a Troll king threw his hat into the path of an arrow fired by an irate swain when the king's daughter refused to marry him. Choose which explanation you prefer!

The landing was by zodiac followed by a stiff trek of about a mile up to the hole. One of the "larger" passengers gasped "I don't normally do UP" - a sentiment for which I had considerable sympathy!

Later that afternoon we crossed the Arctic Circle and celebrated with aquavita (Norwegian firewater). No more darkness now! And then next morning:- the Lofoten Islands. These had been on my "must see" list for years. We moored off the fishing village of A (pronounced Or) and went ashore by zodiac.

Its economy was once exclusively based on cod fishing but now, tourism makes it 50:50. But there were still stands of drying cod all over the village. At the museum, we were told about the former way of life and saw some of the very small, open rowing boats which the fishermen used during the dark, cold, winter months when the cod were running.

They must have bred 'em tough in those days!

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A Travellers Tale

(Continued)

After lunch, another fishing village, Nusfjord. Somewhat bigger and prettier than A, its economy had also been fishing originally and it was interesting to learn that the various colours still seen on the buildings were based upon original different costs of paint, ie the houses of (former) ordinary fishermen are red (which was cheap) whilst shops and commercial buildings are yellow.

However, because white paint was very expensive, the large, grand, "posh" house in the village was painted white. Sometimes a Lofoten houseowner couldn't afford to paint his whole house white so only the side which faced the sea was white!

Later that night - and still in daylight - we passed through Trollfjord. This passage is restricted to smaller ships since it is extremely narrow. Going through, it felt as though we must surely scrape the steep sides. And this made the whole experience somewhat awe inspiring.

The ship docked at Tromso early next morning amidst wall to wall blue sky and sunshine. A large city by northern

standards - it has a population in excess of 50,000 - it is the capital of northern Norway. We were welcomed by a lone saxophonist playing excerpts from Grieg, folk tunes and dances together with a dozen or so primary school children carrying a single rose for each passenger. A very nice gesture.

There followed a coach trip around the city with a visit to the botanical gardens (the plants survive thanks to the Gulf Stream), the polar museum and the very modern Arctic Cathedral. Thereafter we just wandered around the city centre and were knocked out by how expensive everything is.

After our quick look at this most impressive city it was time to set sail for the North Cape and get our Russian papers in order. A lecture that evening gave us fair warning of what to expect in Murmansk.

But there was to be yet another gloriously warm and sunny day ahead during which we anchored off the small island of Storstappen. An early zodiac trip took us round this island

which is home to three million nesting sea birds such as puffins, cormorants, gannets, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes amongst others. We were also privileged to see a few of the huge white tailed sea eagles being mobbed by gangs of much smaller birds - clearly an example of strength (and bravery) in numbers!

Then to the northernmost point of mainland Europe. But this claim is disputed since the one that everybody knows - the precipitous Nordkapp (North Cape) - is in fact marginally beaten in terms of latitude by a low lying promontory called Knivskjelodden . What is more, both these points are on an island so another spot (Cape Nordkinn slightly to the east) claims to be the real northernmost point on the European mainland.

It's all very confusing but the 307 metre (almost 1000 feet) high North Cape is definitely the most spectacular and at just over 71 degrees north is everyone's favourite.

Then, on the morrow, Murmansk and our first experience of "laugh-aminute" Russia! (To be continued)

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17

What’sBestForYou

Save Up To £1000 In A Day!

How much do you earn in a day?

Is it over £1,000 after tax? If so, don’t bother reading this.

For everyone else, taking a day to work through their finances could be the most lucrative day of the year. So here are my top ten things to try.

To inspire you before we start, here’s a tweet I got from payattentionpls who tried it: “Saved £2,000+ switching card and £370 on internet, phone, TV. Gas and Elec next.”

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Reclaim PPI for FREE

The swamp of adverts on the TV may make you think you need a company to reclaim missold payment protection insurance on cur“I got £338 back because I rent or old credit cards, store cards wash my work uniform”. or loans, but you can do it yourself If you wear a uniform to work, and easily and for free. Sometimes it only that means anything from a simple logo’d polo shirt to full nurse’s attire, takes a phone call – and you may be entitled to £1,000s back. but have to pay to wash, repair or replace it yourself, you may able to Over £440m was paid out in December alone. If you’re not sure reclaim cash in tax overpaid over the last six years. Often we’re talking whether you had it, have lost the about £60, but in some cases it can documents, or need help, both be much more. For full help on how my PPI Reclaiming guide at www. to do it, see www.mse.me/uniforms moneysavingexpert.com/ppi and www.which.co.uk have free template letters to send off and FAQs.

1

Reclaim £1,000s of forgotten savings, investments and premium bonds

There are billions of pounds sitting in forgotten accounts – may be yours or a relative’s. For old bank accounts, savings and premium bonds, use the free www.mylostaccount.org. uk . For pensions, it’s The Pension Service, unit trusts the Investment Management Association, and investment trusts The Association of Investment Companies.

6

Cut credit card interest to 22 months 0%

If you’re racking up interest, get a NEW card balance transfer. It pays Free £100 for switching to off other debts so you owe it instead, top customer service bank at a lower rate.

Act now to slash the cost of Firstdirect.co.uk pays £100 if you The longest 0% deals right now summer spending abroad switch to it. As it’s been head and are Barclaycard and Halifax, both Most credit & debit cards add a hidshoulders winner in every customer offering accepted new cardholders den 3% load, so spend £100 worth service poll I’ve ever done, that’s a of euros and it’ll cost £103. Though 22 months 0%, though Barclaycard’s corker. Though it’s only for those fee is lower at 2.9% of the amount with £22,800+ salaries or you’ll pay the extra isn’t broken out on your transferred, compared with Halifax’s a fee. It’s also possible to get an extra statement.

There are four load-free credit cards: 3.5%. More info and options at £25 on top, full info at www.mse.

Halifax Clarity, Post Office, Saga www.mse.me/bts. me/bankaccounts (over 50s) or Select (for Nationwide If you’re doing this, then there are Alternatively, the new Santander.

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To check, first compare your band to neighbours’ in identical or similar properties to see if it’s higher. Then work out roughly what your house was worth back in 1991, as that’s what the bands depend on. It’s much easier to do than it sounds – full help & free tools at www.moneysavingexpert.com/council

8

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9

Easy £250 saved on gas & electricity.

This is dead easy. A typical home on standard bills pays £1,320 a year, the same on cheapest tariff £1,020 - so switch. Just go onto a Consumerfocus.org.uk approved comparison site to find the cheapest price.

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Many lose or forget ‘em. But it’s now easy to claw back unused vouchers and only takes a couple of minutes.

You’ll need to go to Tesco Clubcard online and enter your details to access your account. Click on ‘Your vouchers’ on the left-hand side column and you should see a table listing the vouchers you still have to spend.

These can be printed off for used in-store or online. I’ve come across people who got back hundreds of pounds of vouchers.

One more tip... Free TicketySplit app slashes train fares Train split ticketing gives massive legal savings on scores of routes, even though you travel on the SAME TRAIN at the SAME TIME. Eg, a Solihull to Reading single costs £47. Yet the train stops at Banbury, so instead buy Solihull to Banbury & Banbury to Reading tickets, and it costs just £23, saving £24. The problem’s been finding when this trick works ... until now. Download my new TicketySplit Lite iPhone app in the Apple App store or bookmark the http://splitticket.moneysavingexpert.com/ site on your mobile. Tell it your journey, and it tells you where to split and the saving. This first incarnation doesn’t cover advances or returns, only ‘today tickets’. Always check their prices too, as often they’re cheaper.

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21

Pensioners A . .. s n r e c d Con

Age

View

Tell Us What Is A Better Off Pensioner?

W

By Mike Newman

hat does the present day government mean by the term “better off pensioner”. At what annual income is a pensioner considered well off? We shall probably have to wait for the next general election manifestos to find an answer. "Older people must shoulder their fair share of spending cuts" say Tory MP Nick Bowles. "Rubbish!" say I. We paid into a National Insurance Fund to look after us in old age. We expect to get what was promised to us. Some of us who were more fortunate took out annuities and personal insurance to further help us in retirement to keep up a reasonable standard of living and I would suggest to Mr Bowles MP that we also paid tax on these pensions and annuities during our working life and still have tax deducted at source now we are using such additional pensions. It would be quite true to state that a UK citizen is paying taxes from the time work is started until death and still the government, no matter what their political colour, cannot make the sums realized meet the monetary requirements of the UK. Might I also suggest that MP's perhaps should show us a lead by cutting their salaries and expenses, if we are expected to live on less, then so should they. When it come to MP's we are certainly not "in it together".

I am quite proud to say I am “working class” (a plebian, if you like) but I do not wish to be told that (I might be) I am a wealthy pensioner. Because it really is not true, this

applies to millions of us. Who might be expected to pay prescription charges if MP Nick Bowles has his way. Just at the time of life where the use of more medicines are needed to assist you keeping relatively well.

We all know, or should know, that in the ever increasing cost of living your 2013 pension will be increased by £2.50 a week, enough to buy a couple of loaves of bread?

Yet we are told we are not paying our share of the deficit burden? A deficit which was not of our making. A telling remark, from Mr Bowles, of what you should be aware "We need to acknowledge now that we will not be able to continue the protection of these other benefits for “better off” pensioners after 2015", (general election year). Well, there you have it. I wonder if the party manifestos will tell us what a “better off” pensioner is.

Although there again. A manifesto relates to what a political party would like to do, they really are not promises, they invariably are broken in a very short time. I would suggest what the pensioner would wish to see would be cast iron, proven facts on how the manifesto promise could be kept. Perhaps we should demand such information is made available before we vote? Surely the days of touching your forelock and muttering "Gawd ‘elp us guv’nor" went the way of the workhouse? Some present day thinking might suggest to the pensioner that such thoughts of cheating the pensioner of their dues is fair game? BEWARE"!

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.

22

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e l b a t s n u D b u l C r e t o Sco With Bradley Wiggins becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France and an outstanding ending sequence to the Olympics featuring a hoard of chrome bedazzled scooters to the backdrop of The Who's 'Pinball Wizard', mod culture has reaffirmed it's place as a truly heritage piece of everyday British life in the nations psyche. Unknowingly created in the smokey, dark jazz clubs of Soho in the 1950's and rising in popularity to it's salad days in the mid sixties following a swathe of media coverage following clashes with leather clad rockers on the south coasts holiday resorts, mod has always been typified by smart, clean cut individuals with an obsessive sartorial attention to detail and penchant for tailor made suits and Italian scooters - forever set in cinematic stone in The Who's legendary cult film, Quadrophenia. Mod culture has remained firmly rooted in British culture ever since and can be seen even today in Dunstable with the formation and rising presence and popularity of the towns very own scooter club - Ready Steady Go! SC. Formed in the summer of 2012 by a group of long standing mods, some new to Dunstable, to raise the profile of the town and mod culture, Ready Steady Go! were named after the legendary TV music show of the 1960's. Founding member Micky Fallows explains more; "We all came together and met during the summer of 2012 through the mod scene and felt the town needed a scooter club with some glitz and glam. The public love nothing more than seeing a line of scooters dressed in chrome and lights. It raises a pride and excitement in people with a piece of British culture that they can all identify with in some aspect or another." The group first met at the Four Kings Bar & Bistro on High Street South in September with 16 colourful and shiny steeds sat proudly on the forecourt. "It was a great day. Two of us have moved up this way from Watford and we were happy to have a few of the guys from down there come up and say hello." Following the buzz and excitement the first meeting created amongst the scootering fraternity, the groups second major meeting the following month saw over 100 people on 60 scooters turn up in the town to support the club with a line of classic Lambretta's and Vespa's stretching half the length of High Street South. "We were absolutely 24

stunned if we're honest." Micky continues. "We had clubs come down for the day from Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead, Oxford and a few other towns. The support has been incredible. The towns shoppers and residents were out taking photos, beeping their horns as they drove by and coming to chat and have their pictures taken with the scooters.

It just goes to show that mod culture is very dear to most people whether they are immersed in it or not.

It's a huge piece of British heritage and culture and something the majority of people remember from different parts of their lives and can identify with."

Since then club has had a continually growing core membership and to this end have made the Four Kings Bar their permanent home, meeting every Thursday evening for a get together. Other founding member Paul Quin says; “We meet every week, just to catch up - either on the scooters or if the weather is bad we head down by car. We always love to see new and younger faces come down, so pop along and say hello and get involved. We have lots going on and coming up. The Four Kings have been amazing, welcoming us with open arms and playing us some good music when we show up too.” In addition to their weekly get-together and large monthly weekend meetings, the club are now focussing the support they have been given into running some charity events for their nominated charity - the Keech Hospice childrens services - with the first being an evening of sixties/mod/soul music to be held at the Four Kings Bar on Saturday 23rd February. Member David Savage explains; “We have managed to get the areas finest DJ’s from the best local mod clubs to come together for the night to hopefully help us raise lots of money for the Keech, and have a top night as well!” Tickets for the charity night can be purchased from from the Four Kings Bar, Hetty Spaghetty clothing, Vinyl Revelations record shop or online through the clubs website. The club are always happy to receive new members to club, as Micky concludes; “Anyone wishing to get involved should come down to the Four Kings on a Thursday evening. Whether you are on a scooter or not, we don’t sit about talking boring mechanics. It’s all about a love for mod and sixties culture and being proud of it’s place in Dunstable.”

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25

auto Biographies New Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC EX

With the exception of the high perf- ormance Type R model, the Honda Civic used to have a rather run-of-the-mill image. But the 2005 incarnation was radical and sexy enough to change that perception.

N

FAST FACTS Max speed: 134 mph 0-62 mph: 9.1 secs Combined mpg: 47.1 Engine: 1798 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve petrol Max. power (bhp): 140 at 6500 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 128 at 4300 rpm CO2: 143 g/km Price: £21,960 on the road PROS & CONS Good looking √ Comfortable √ Responsive √ Economical √ Spacious √ On the pricey side X

26

ow the car has gone ‘under the knife’ again to achieve an even tighter, sharper appearance. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, sporty motor that drives as brilliantly as it looks.

Inside, the fresh Civic has a more athletic cockpit layout, a redesigned small and chunky steering wheel, as well as cool, blue door lining illumination. The car’s lightweight six speed manual gearbox is slicker than ever, and the gear ratios have been optimised to give higher speed refinement and a more satisfying action. In fact, Honda’s 2012 Civic has moved general driving pleasure up a whole notch. The steering is more direct, thanks to a retuned electric power steering system, and cornering is more precise because of stiffer suspension. This hasn’t affected comfort though. Far from it; the car has improved refinement and a good, stable ride – especially at motorway speeds.

Fuel economy is impressive with the 1.8 i-VTEC petrol powered Civic.

It returns an average of 47.1 mpg and emits143 g/km of CO2. For maximum efficiency you can choose to press the green ECON switch on the dashboard. This clever device ensures a very smooth increase in torque (turning power) for a more relaxing drive and less fuel consumption. But of course an engine is at its cleanest when it’s not running at all - that’s why idle stop technology is also fitted. Honda makes cashsaving driving fun too - the Civic’s speedometer illumination changes, depending on how hard your right foot is down, or how long you hang

on to the gears. The lighting is blue when the car is idle and stays blue during sudden acceleration and deceleration. It turns to green if you drive it in an economical manner but, in between, blue-green lighting shows during gentle blips of the throttle.

The Civic is generally aimed at the family market so, as you would imagine, space is no issue - especially with Honda’s ‘Magic Seat’ system.

Flip up, fold down or recline - you can transform the cabin at the lift of a lever or the push of a button. For example, the rear seats can be folded down completely to give a flat load space which is large enough to carry three mountain bikes, three large cases or three big golf bags. This is possible even with the front seats in their rearmost position.

In EX trim the Civic is a very pleasurable place to be ensconced - particularly if, like me, you spend long periods on the road. Equipment includes leather upholstery, climate control, automatic headlights, electric windows and mirrors, as well as navigation, Bluetooth and a six speaker stereo.

The up-to-the-minute Civic is indeed a top motor. Made by a company with a legendary reputation for bullet-proof reliability and comfort, the hatchback, although not the most affordable in its class, is one of the best looking. And, on top of that, the car is built in Britain alongside its popular siblings, the CR-V and Jazz. You’ll just have to find nearly £22,000 to pay for it – or wait for the new Civic to come on to the used market.

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27

In The Garden

By Sue Lovell

10 Facts You Always Wanted To Know!

Wriggle Wriggle

A new dance craze perhaps?

Well maybe … if you’re a worm that is!

In my opinion, worms have to be the unsung heroes of the garden.

They only eat what I don’t want, they tidy up leaves from the borders by dragging them down into the soil, and who else improves our soil structure by adding air holes, incorporating organic matter en route and even provides food for the birds (sorry worms!), all for free?

tato (I’ve heard that for worms these foods are like us eating oyster....they erm… put them in the mood for a little wriggle wriggle), cardboard and paper.

My wormery is a multi- tray system.

You start off feeding your food waste into the bottom tray. At the bottom of the trays above there are holes which allow the worms to transfer themselves to the next level and as each tray fills, the worms move upwards to the waste in the next tray, leaving compost behind. They are voracious As far as I’m aware, garden worms eaters and it’s not long before the don’t have their own ‘worm awareness week’, they just carry on doing next tray is needed. You can harvest the earth about every three months. what they do best, quietly making This can be quite messy, there will beautifully rich, dark brown garden always be some worms left when the goodness. You may be happy to leave the worms well alone, merrily rest have moved up to the next level, so rubber gloves are a good idea. munching away in the compost heap, but why not have a go at mak- The soil which is removed can be ing your own worm villa (known as mixed one part worm caste to three parts ordinary soil. a wormery), or buying a pre- made The bottom of the wormery has a version online? well for collecting the water (‘wee Most kids love worms so it’s a great tea’), it also has a tap, the liquid activity to do as a family, or indeed should be drained and diluted (at if you enjoy the idea of reducing 1:10 with water), and used as a very landfill and nourishing your garden concentrated liquid fertiliser, at the same time.

There aren’t many problems with Keeping a wormery is very easy, they come in a variety of sizes to suit keeping a wormery the main ones I found were due to the wet and cold all households and budgets, it will weather. In wet weather I found that reduce kitchen waste and provide there was often more liquid than I, or very nutritious soil for the garden.

Although they don’t make great pets the worms could cope with so I leave the tap open, before I did this I sadly their waste is a lot easier to handle had quite a few drowned worms, a and they save money on fertilisers and compost. I live in an area where folded newspaper also helps keep we have food waste recyling bins but the water from just running through I never have to use mine because the and also helps with keeping the worms warm. If the weather is cold worms manage all our food waste. the wormery can be stored in the Once you’ve bought the wormery garage or wrapped in bubble wrap (mine came with Tiger Worms) or agricultural fleece, If not they do setting it up requires the soil which freeze quite stiff, but do not cover the the worms arrive in and any left over vegetables, but not onions and air holes on the lid.

If there is a problem with ants, a little garlic or citrus fruit as these are too acidic. They particularly like teabags, Vaseline on the legs of the wormery crushed egg shells, cold mashed po- will soon sort it out.

28

About Worms

courtesy of wormery.co.uk

1 2

If you cut a worm in half it will probably die, one 'half' may survive and regrow but you will not get two worms.

The only possibly reasonable negative or bad thing about a worm is that some humans don't like them- which is hardly the worms fault. Worms only eat dead organic matter. Nothing more and nothing less. This immediately puts them towards the very top of the list of beneficial and harmless life forms on the planet. We humans alas are towards the bottom.

Enzymes produced in the gut of composing worms improves the nutrient content of the compost. Worm worked compost or worm casts are the most nutrient rich natural compost known.

There are over 3000 species of worms worldwide 28 native to the UK and 3 particularly good at the rapid conversion of dead organic matter to well worked compost.

Worms never over populate. They regulate their breeding actively in line with their environment, availability of food and space. If only we did likewise...

Worms are hermaphroditic. They can change gender but can't be both at the same time so it still takes two to tango!

The Tiger Worm, Eisenia fetida process and composts a higher percentage equivalent in waste of its own body weight than any other native or European species. The Tiger worm 100% Dendrobaena a still impressive 50%.

Charles Darwin spent three years on his researches which lead to his great work, 'The origins of the Species' but 10 years on studying worms alone.

There are billions more worms in the world than humans yet both would benefit from more of the former and less of the latter!

Worms achieve sexual maturity after about 6 weeks and they reproduce by laying tiny capsules.

Capsules can lay dormant in the soil for months and even years until conditions are propitious when between 2 and 10 small translucent pink worms will emerge.

3

4 5

6 7

8 9

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ier & Installer of Artificial Grass LET’S PRETEND…

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Supplier & Installer of Artificial Grass for Home, Sports & Commercial Use

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ound

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With The Pretend Grass Co’s ultra-realistic artificial grasses you don’t have Self-install or leave it all to us to pretend … you can eliminate the above problems and have a beautiful lawn all year round for many many years.

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29

WANTED! OLD BIKES

T

he Rotary Clubs of Dunstable and Dunstable Downs are collecting adult bikes from the community which are sent to the Bikes4Africa hub in Swindon. The bikes are then sent on to UK prisons for refurbishment and ultimately to the Gambia in containers of 300 bikes at a time.

Once in the Gambia they are allocated to schools who lend them to students that may have as much as 10 miles to commute daily to their lessons.

The cost of transporting the bikes to the Gambia is met by Rotary. But they need bikes please!

So now is the chance to clear out your garage / shed! If you can help please call Chris on 01582 668727 or Julian on 01582 664491

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Willow Nursery School We Offer

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offers hool ry Sc ff Nurse ed sta Willow experienc chers hly

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ate tea mises Gradu lt pre e bui area y Purpos outdoor merac olds Large t resources cy and Nu year four len era Excel in Lit ee and work for thr rates for our provision e ards ordabl al aw , funded ns at aff h Sever ernment ’.

2010 a hig sessio again in anding gov with ional ‘outst rs of and ldren as nding Addit 07 chi ool sta 15 hou In 20 our sch es the is out our... provid en's care ged behavi d jud which childr ent and Ofste ng school 2010) of the developm ndi fsted al quality ... (O g list outsta son he ng” itin an is nt per ’s wa school by ion”...t standi “This excelle en are out the school educat to the their . ldr on quality Visits ults in tment for chi be placed thday. by appoin and res outcomes can st bir me, the names child’s fir welco en’s e most Childr after the nstabl s are nt, Du time parent Cresce ctive at any tone prospe ch.uk s.s Golds l, bed hoo Road) @cbc. ry Sc Luton willow Nurse (Off Email: ery.co.uk Willow 0 wnurs 2 60 w.willo 82 66 ww 015 te: ax: Websi Tel/F Hig

In 2007 & again in 2010,

OFSTED judged our school as OUTSTANDING! Several awards for our work in Literacy & Numeracy 15 hrs of government funding for 3 & 4 year olds

Willow Nursery School, Goldstone Crescent, Dunstable (off Luton Rd.) T: 01582 662 600 • E: willow@cbc.beds.sch.uk • www.willownursery.co.uk

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PLASTERING SERVICES

30 Years Experience In All Aspects Of Plastering Render Specialist No Job Too Big Or Small!

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31

The Nutrition Coach

The Easy Way To

5 A Day

As parents we need to be inventive when it comes to getting our children to eat a healthy diet. We all know that we should be consuming 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day, but in reality many people, including children, are failing to reach this target.

Fruit and vegetables are an important part of our diets and provide abundant amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, essential for good health.

So how do we get our children eating more?

The art is being prepared, getting the children involved and presenting fruit and vegetables in a likeable form – start by preparing and packing up fruit and vegetable sticks for snacks when you are out and about.

Experiment with soups; butternut squash, carrots and parsnips add natural sweetness that is really palatable to children, while juices and smoothies, fruit kebabs and jellies will be a healthy and tasty alternative to chocolate and sweets.

To help your children get on the road to achieving their 5 a day, try these easy to follow tips: • Get the children to choose fruit and vegetables

• Have chopped fruit and vegetables ready in the fridge for an after school snack

• Get the children to create fruit or vegetable kebabs

• Try making roasted vegetable sticks • Try making root vegetable crisps

• Create a rainbow chart and try fruits and vegetables of each colour marking them on the chart as you go • Get the children to create a Make juices or smoothies and soups with the children • Choose fruits to go on pancakes or in yogurts/jellys

• Choose 1 unusual fruit or vegetable each week and try it together.

• Plant some seeds, herbs and lettuces can be easily grown on window sills in the winter, children love to eat the food they have grown.

BeNourished Nutrition Clinic 32

www.benourished.co.uk

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www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

33

Local Acts Wanted To Perform At Dunstable Music Events Are you a singer or in a band? Would you like the chance to perform in front of hundreds of people?

Then apply to perform at Party in the Park on 20 July or Dunstable Rocks on 31 August in Grove House Gardens, Dunstable.

We are accepting applications for a slot on our stage during these events. We are looking for a mix of music and acts to complete our line up.

Cllr Liz Jones, Chairman of Community Services Committee says “Party in the Park and Dunstable Rocks is a fantastic way for local acts to showcase themselves. Dunstable Town Council supports local music and wants to promote the talent that Dunstable Has.�

If you are interested in applying then please e-mail lisa.vincent@dunstable.gov.uk or ring for further details on 01582 891406.

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34

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www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

35

Health

A

natural Health natural H New Year... New You?

re you ready with your resolutions for this New Year? A change for the better, a transformation, a new you? Many of us hope for better things to come, feel motivated and see this special time of year as an opportunity for change. We may review the past year and wish we could have handled problems better, without getting upset, angry, resentful or worried about the issues. All these negative feelings stress us and can actually make us ill. We know that stress actually weakens the immune system.

New Year is often associated with a dietary detox. Why not a mind detox to enable us to cope with problems in a more positive and calm way? Sandy Newbigging, author and therapist, says he accidently ‘invented’ the Mind Detox Method by establishing links between past emotional events and current physical conditions. As he helped his clients to acknowledge and then release the negative emotions associated with past traumas, he was amazed to discover that healing then began.

By relaxing, meditating and taking time out we can be more in touch with our feelings and understand why we respond the way we do to certain people and situations. Walking close to nature in the fresh air relaxes the mind and can help us to gain new, creative ideas and insights as we become more aware of our intuition.

Being organised will ensure we have this precious time for ourselves. Some find this easier than others. Apparently it’s to do with being right or left-brain dominant. I must be right-brain dominant because I hate throwing things away, so clutter keeps piling up!

Clearing clutter, even if it’s hidden away in a cupboard, can lighten our load because disorganised equals denergised. So make charity shops happy with your cast-offs, whether clothes, books or unwanted gifts. ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ will hopefully help de-clutter our minds.

This New Year resolve to worry less about the 36

past or the future and enjoy the present more.

Learn from past mistakes and, though not always easy, move on by forgiving ourselves and others. Shake off negativity by being optimistic, purposeful and creative, choosing activities that inspire and uplift you. Music can do this so I’ll finish with the words of this old Bing Crosby song, ‘ We’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative,.......Spread joy up to the maximum and bring gloom to the minimum...’

Good luck with your resolutions!!

By Sue Blain

Naturopathic Practitioner

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& HAIR BEAUTY

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p ---------------------Non surgical facelifts can roll back the years..

Without the pain .

38

They come to us all – wrinkles, laughter lines, crow’s feet. Whatever you call them, as we age, our faces age with us. But as 50 becomes the new 40 – or it is 30?

Some of us don’t want to look the age we are, we want to look the age we feel! Until recently, the only option for a younger-looking face was a facelift. This meant expense, pain, a long recovery time and many potential side effects. Now, however, there is a non-surgical option that is gaining in popularity.

A non-surgical facelift reduces wrinkles and tightens loose skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure that works by heating the deeper layers of skin – the dermis – using either infrared (laser) or radiofrequency energy to promote what is called a ‘healing response’. This stimulates production of new collagen and remodels the existing collagen. The effect is to contract the layers of skin above and make the face appear plumper and smoother.

The treatment can also be used on the jaw line, neck, abdomen, bottom, upper arms and thighs.

Some procedures use local anaesthetics or over-the-counter pain relief, but others need nothing at all. You will be given something to cool your skin during the procedure and you may experience some temporary swelling, redness or skin blanching. Unlike chemical peel and microdermabrasion techniques, no skin is removed and so

non-surgical facelifts are generally more suitable for people with darker skin. More serious side effects such as bumps, blisters, pigmentation changes or skin depressions are very rare. Because the treatment is non-invasive, there is normally no need to take time off work.

An advantage of the non-surgical facelift is that it is significantly cheaper than a surgical procedure.

Sometimes only one treatment is required, but often two or three treatments are given a month apart.

The full results may not be seen until six months later.

You should bear in mind though, that the effect will not be as dramatic as with a surgical facelift because the non-surgical procedure doesn’t actually remove excess skin or fat. Results will vary according to differences in skin thickness and texture, in healing response and in the person’s lifestyle. Non-surgical facelifts are most suited to younger people who are beginning to notice that their skin is ageing, but wish to delay more invasive procedures for a few years. They are also good for people who are unable to have surgery.

If you decide to go ahead with a non-surgical facelift, make sure you research the experience and training of the person who will perform the procedure. Always ask for references and follow them up.

Then lie back and watch the years melt away.

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For more information please contact Priory House Heritage Centre Tel: (01582) 890270 E-mail: prioryhouse@dunstable.gov.uk Website: www.dunstable.gov.uk 40

DUNSTABLE TOWN C OUNC I L

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

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

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

                Answers   on page 46             2        9  7 6    8    2 9   3

Sudoku 数独 1 6

7

9 2 6

8 4 3

                                         the bottom to the top rung  Step from   by changing one letter at a time             DIVES           

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

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Out&About

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

“The more you put in, the more you get out” is certainly true for the members of Dunstable and District Orbit Club. Since its inception over 20 years ago, the club has raised thousands of pounds for local and national from events as fun quizzes, stalls THE BOGTROTTERS homegrown vegetablescharities on our plate on such having in allrace theirnights, activities Carnivals etc. including a wide range of social purThe Bogtrotters (Dunstable and every day of the year. at The Christmas moresuch to Orbit than the10-pin comradeship We areWalking an independent social club for ex-Rotarians as archery, bowlDistrict and Hostelling meeting on and DecemberHowever, 10th will there be is suits and teamwork involved in organising fundraising events. similarlyare minded people and 90 have been ainsociable existence for ing, cinema/theatres, guided walks, Group) a group start 2013 is very emphasis much on having fun in all their nearly 3 years.

We of areabout named ‘The Watling Street evening.

Club’ WeThe progressive meals etc.

The club plan walkers, hikers andform hostellers.

We the Watling in January with a talk by Englishincluding a wide range of social pursuits such activities as as our members a link along Street. eventscinema/theatres, to suit all budgetsguided and many run surprisingly diverse range of at theHeritage about the recently restored archery, 10-pin bowling, walks, Wea meet every Thursday evening ‘Old Hunter’s of them are free or at a low cost. activities, including half fulland dayspeaker. gardens at Wrest Park, progressive Silsoe. meals etc. The club plan events to suit all Lodge’ Whipsnade for aand meal is only £10 annually. budgets of them are free or at a low cost. walks, hostellingare trips, meals and Meetings are held on the 2nd and many Membership New members welcome.

For more information are on the first and third £10 annually. contactactivities.

John Stevens 01582 668033 Monday of each winterMembership evening month at is onlyMeetings Tuesdays of each month at the DunMeetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of each New members are always welcome. the Salvation Army Hall, Bull Pond stable Rugby RugbyClub, Club,Bedford BedfordRoad Road, D.A.W.G. SOCIAL month at the Prospective members are invited to CLUB Lane, Dunstable and commence at Dunstable , Houghton 8pm. You’ll be Houghton Regis 8pm.

You’ll beRegis guaranteed a warm We a small andwebsite, friendly give Dunstable based social get inare touch via the us 7.30pm.

Visitors welcome at £2 and guaranteed a warm welcome. welcome. group meeting once a month with a wide variety of a ring or just turn up to an event or new members subscription is £10 Contact Mark on 01582 539379, Contact Mark on 01582 539379, speakers during the winter and outdoor events and walk. a year. or Julie on 01582 535761 Julie on 01582 535761 www.orbitclub.org.uk/dunstable visits during the summer. Each year we also arrange two Enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk Mary Chapman Tel: 01582 603710 www.orbitclub.org.uk/dunstable evenings with a meal and professional entertainment. www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk DUNSTABLE BRIDGE CLUB We would welcome new members (couples and singles).

01582 865966 Sue or Julian D.A.W.G. STREET CLUB For further information and a free visit why not contact SOCIAL WeCLUB meet every Monday WATLING (except bank holidays) in Chews We are a small and friendly WeSouth, are anDunstable, independent social Brian on 01525 754189.

HouseDunstain High Street from 1pmclub to BREAKOUT SOCIAL CLUB for ex-Rotarians and similarly minded ble based social club who meet once 5pm. We would welcome new members of all standards DUNSTABLE GARDEN We are a club for the over forty fives, aCLUB people and have been in existence month in Houghton Regis with a and you do not need a partner. not a singlesGarden club but a social for nearly years.

We664485 are named If anyone is interested please3call: 01582 Dunstable Club meet club on the second wideMonday variety of speakers during the for people who enjoy going out but evening of each month at 7.30pm at thewinter Salvation andArmy outdoor events during the ‘The Watling Street Club’ as our are on their own, they Dunstable. members form a link along the WaCommunity Hall,also Bull where Pond Lane, The Club BLOWS DOWNS CONSERVATION GROUP summer. can minded people, tling Street. We meet every Thursday hasmeet beenlike in existence for manymake years andWe maintaining would welcome new members Join our friendly guided walk at blows downs dunstable a steady membership. subscription only £10 persingles). For further new friends and enjoy aThe varied social is evening at the ‘Old Hunter’s Lodge’ on (couples and sunday July 3rd. the walk will be aa short 2and miles but unduyear entitles members to attend eight winter life in awhich safe and friendly environforway meal speaker. at anot leisurlyWhipsnade pace. on the we talk about the information visit why meetings with speakers and awe selection of summer and a free lating, ment.

We meet once a week, New members are welcome.

For flora and fauna of this wildlife trust owned nature reserve contact Brian outings Mayinonwards to various interesting and on now havefrom a room the Conservative more information contact John Stewhich will include the area of the chalk pits where the wild 01525 754189. well-known garden venues.

Club, High Street North . Dunstable vens 01582 668033 orchids should be in abundance.

Visitorsfee are-£26 very welcome at £2 each so why not come Annual Meet at the far end of Half moon lane , dunstable at 3pm. along andinformation meet someplease of the contact members who would love LANGDALE CHURCH For more BOWLS CLUB Tel. neighbourfor further details, KINGSBURY tony bliss 01582 704664. to seeon fresh faces.

‘HATTERS TEA’- informal Sandy 07813 262556 is a small friendly club situated in hood group meets monthly on a east Dunstable under the shadow of CHILTERN CEILIDHS Wednesday pm. Free tea/coffee & Blows Downs.

DUNSTABLE CITIZENS Chiltern CeilidhsSENIOR - a regular ceilidh/barnhome-made dance on thecakes, quiz and raffle.

The Green is open to the public from What age would like to to?welcome, 2nd Friday of theyou month.

Alllive ages no experiSt onFremund’s Friends and Neighbours- monthly Wednesday to Church Friday until Septemence required liveitmusic band Would you like and to live with from our house a Thursday pm. Speakers and free ber,Road, 2-00pm toDunstable 4-00pm and 6-00pm every month!

Thepeace dances at 8pm (doors open at Dignity, Financial ofstart mind, Westfield tea/coffee.

At Langdale Church. to Dusk – at a reasonable fee. Come 7.30pm) and tickets are £7 (£5 conc) with under 10s With a voice Other groupsand try a new sport – the only dress getting free. group Venue:fighting The Polish street, table tennis, walking We are ainlocal the Club, Albion group and drawing for beginners Dunstable, LU6 50’s 3AZ requirement is flat-soled footwear. fight for the over Make the most of our community Contact: 01582 475655, Bowls and all other equipment is Interested in finding out more? email: chilternceilidhs@googlmail.com oractivities visit ourand meet new people in available at the Green.

Come to awww.chilternceilidhs.info meeting our community website: www.kingsburybowls.weebly.com For further info contact Colin, ComWe meet the last Thursday of each munity Worker. month at 2pm THE BOGTROTTERS DUNSTABLE Contact: Mrs Nicola BRIDGE Talbot CLUB langdalechurch.org and District Walking and HosInThe theBogtrotters Social club(Dunstable of The Catholic We meet every Monday (except Tel 01582602980 telling Group) a group of about 90 walkers, hikers and Church in Westare Street Dunstable 01582604847 bank holidays) in Chews House in hostellers.

We run a surprisingly Or call for more information on diverse range of activities, High Street South, Dunstable, from admin@dunstableswimmingpools.co.uk including half and full day walks, hostelling trips, meals and THE DUNSTABLE ORBIT CLUB 01582 534357 1pm to 5pm. We would welcome evening activities.

“The more you put in, the more new members of all standards and New members are always welcome.

Prospective members you get out” is certainly true for the DUNSTABLE GARDEN CLUB you do not need a partner. are invited to get in touch via the website, give us a ring or members of Dunstable and District At our October meeting a representaIf anyone is interested please call: just turn up to an event or walk.

Orbit Club.

Since its inception over 01582 664485 tive of Blom’s Bulbs, Melchbourne, enquiries@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk 20 years ago, the club has raised Bedfordshire gave a very interesting www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk thousands of pounds for local and THE HEALING TRUST talk on the cultivation tulips and 01582 865966 Sue or of Julian national charities from events such Ardley Hill School, Lowther Road, growing them for the Chelsea Flower as quizzes, race nights, stalls at Dunstable, each Thursday evening, Show - this year they gained their Carnivals etc.

7.30 - 9pm. No charge, donations 62nd Gold medal! On November However, there is more to Orbit NFSH contact Pam Hill on 12th the Chairman of the Midland than the comradeship and teamwork accepted.

01582 606182.

Branch of the National Vegetable involved in organising fundraising Come for interest or healing.

Society will tell us how to have events. The emphasis is very much

HALL FOR HIRE Regular slots available or for family parties

44

CHILTERN GATEWAY CENTRE Valentine’s Dinner

The perfect place to take your loved one to celebrate .Enjoy a glorious romantic meal with fabulous food and an elegant atmosphere.

14th Feb 7.30 - 9.30 £22.50 Nest box making

16th February 11am - 3pm £7 Help your birds by giving them a home this Spring.

Build a cosy nest box with our countryside team and provide your garden birds somewhere to nest this Spring.

Half Term Crafty Fun

Join us this half term and get making!

We’ll be having a different activity happening every day from Kite to mask making and plenty of other creative craft fun.

18th February Kite Making £5 19th February Mask Making £5 20th February Clay Making £5 Sharpenhoe Clappers Walk

24th February 11am - 1pm £2 Fancy a breath of fresh air An opportunity to learn more about this important landscape with this stroll through the Clappers and surrounding area. Led by a member of the National Trust Countryside Team.

Easter Egghead Hunt

Join us on our egg trail Join us for an exciting egg hunt with our sponsors Cadburys.

Complete our trail exploring the Downs and win a yummy Cadburys chocolate egg! There will be lots of family Easter fun happening too.

23 & 24 March 29 March - 1 April 11am - 4pm Last admission time: 4pm All Tickets £2 (for trail and chocolate prize

competition.

Dunstable Netball Club Junior session is held at All Saints Academy, Houghton Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 5AB from 6pm till 7.15 on Thursday evenings. Children are required to wear suitable training shoes, bring a drink and £3.00 subscription fees per week.

The adult session is held at All Saints Academy, as above from 7.30 - 9.00 on Thursday evenings.

It is open to all ages and abilities and is a great way to get fit, have fun and make new friends. £3.00 subscription fee per week Junior membership of the Club is open to : Boys in School years 5 & 6 Females in School Year 5 to adult Children aged 8 (school year 4) will be accepted if a Club Coach deems them to have exceptional development qualities and on the agreement of the committee.

For further information, find us on Facebook(Dunstable Net-ball Club) 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 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

DUNSTABLE NETBALL CLUB The Club’s objective is to foster and promote the sport of netball, providing opportunities for recreation and

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 on 01582 653732 PRIORY LADIES GROUP We meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month 8.00pm - 10.00pm at Chews House, High Street South, Dunstable. We are a lively group of 50 plus, if you like interesting talks, meeting people and occasional trips out then why not join us!

Our meetings until Easter are Looking for Polar Bears : 13th February - Fish & Ships : 27th February - February Fun : 13th March - Humbers Homemade Preserves look forward to seeing YOU.......

For further information please telephone Monica 01582 667030 or Barbara 01582 606300 DUNSTABLE DOWNSIDE WI We meet two evenings a month on the 2nd & 4th Thursday at Watling Lower Sch. Bullpond Ln, at 7.30pm.

For more info contact Chris Brewin 01582 520361 14th February - “Clothes on your Back” Angela Davis - Comp. Dressmaking Tip 28th February - Members Evening 14th March - “Human Design System” - Cheryl Pearce - Comp.

If you could be someone else who would it be?

28th March - Birthday Party TEA TIME TALES Priory House Heritage Centre Tel: 01582 890270 Local History Talks with Tea/Coffee Thursday 2.30pm, - 4.00pm £4.50 per person 7th February Deceiving the enemy Dunstable’s fakers and forgers in World War II - Town Guide Jean 21st February Women Codebreakers of Bletchley Town Guide Bryony 7th March More Interesting Local Ladies Town Guide Bryony 21st March The Priory Gardens What Lies Beneath - Dave Warren, Manshead Archaological Society

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45

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