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Local News / What’s On / Local Directory

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25

Local News

What’s On

Puzzles

Credit Cards

Taking Control!

By Martin Lewis

This Issue

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Organised in aid Organised of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Walesand (261017), ScotlandScotland (SC039907) and the Isle Man (604).

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Tickets £8 under 12s free. For on-line tickets and more information visit www.caritasharmony.co.uk or call o.u k 686 All Jackie Howe 01582 599520. welcome!

Revitalising Dunstable Woodside Update Local NewsLink

• Local Business Directo ry • Local Events • Local New Editor: Scott Nightingale s • Local Offers Editor: Scott Nightingale Advertising & Editorial: ADD YOUR LISTING Advertising Shelly Nesbitt & Editorial: TODAY! Shelly Nesbitt Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043 Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043 Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

10 Eden Our Doorstep?

LocalOn News 16 Perfect Pancakes 12 Local News Last Christmas post Dates 18 Mothers Day 20 TeamSport Competition 18 Dying To Be-creative Stoptober 20 Martin Lewis: Money Matters 22 Martin Lewis:Christmas Money Matters Home Made 22 In The Garden -For Clematis Care Caring Houseplants 26 At Home: 28 A Pensioners View

Organised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the Whilst every care hasand been taken published to ensure the content of advertising articles in content of advertising and neither articles the published in this magazine are accurate, publisher are accurate, can neither the publisher orthis its magazine editorial contributors accept and or its editorial can accept hereby disclaim contributors any liability to any partyand to loss disclaim to any party to loss orhereby damage causedany by liability errors. Neither do they or damage causedofby errors.

NeitherThe do they reflect the opinion this publication.

Vine reflect opinion of this publication.

The Vine does notthe officially endorse any advertising does notincluded officiallywithin endorse advertising material thisany publication. material included withinmay thisbe publication.

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

24 In Autos: SEAT Ibiza FR 28 The Garden 32 Office Rental 32 Change 34 Looking Up 4U: Calories 26 Body Puzzles 34 C220 AMG 36 Puzzles 28 Autos: Out & Mercedes About 36 Puzzles 38 Travellers 30 ALooking Up Tale TheTo Gunpowder 38 Snippets: 44 Win! Tickets Aladdin Plot

46 Pensioners 48 AOut & About View 48 Out & About

Copy deadline Copy deadline for next issue: Copy deadline for next18th issue: March for next issue:

January 2018 November 18th 18th

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Issue 25 • February / March 2018

5

0

local News

Join The Nexus Family Could you foster a child?

Nexus Fostering, an independent fostering agency, have recently opened their first office in Great Marlings, Luton. The office was officially opened on 6th November 2017, and currently is home to four staff.

The Luton team are already looking for more people to join them as foster carers, in order to provide safe and stable homes to local children and young people.

Suzanne Rees, Deputy Area Manager, said, “We are so pleased to add another localised office to the Nexus Fostering family, and we know it will enable us to help more young people.”

“Foster carers are needed everywhere, so if you have been considering it, please give us a call and we can talk you through the process to see if it’s for you.”

The office will provide a fostering service not only in Luton, but in the surrounding areas, including Stevenage, Hitchin, Dunstable, and Biggleswade.

The team have moved from their office in Hitchin, and this has brought with it the ability for more drop-in events for locals who are interested in fostering to attend.

Staff are happy to meet any prospective carers for an informal chat in the Butterworth Centre café. If you would like to speak to Nexus Fostering Luton, call the team on 01462 431 774.

Founded in 2002 by a professional social worker, Nexus Fostering provides a personal, knowledgeable, and supportive service to foster carers, looked after children, and local authorities. It has received Ofsted ‘outstanding’ status several times. Originally based in London, it has now grown to 8 offices spanning Essex to Cheshire, Wiltshire to Norfolk and everywhere in between.

6

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Encourage Youngsters To

Ready… Vet… Go! Saturday 10th - Sunday 18th February

Young animal enthusi- a chimpanzee soft toy, to asts can try their hand update its heart monitor.

To fully experience the at being Vets in Action varied life of a Zoo vet, this half term at ZSL youngsters can practise their newly-learned skills Whipsnade Zoo by carrying out their own health checks on soft toy Aspiring young vets can put their animal care skills rabbits, guinea pigs and to the test at ZSL Whip- rats. snade Zoo this February half-term with Vets in Action, a fascinating roleplaying experience for children.

During a fun-filled week of immersive activities from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February, kids can experience firsthand what it takes to be a vet at the UK’s largest zoo. Upon arrival at the specially created ‘Animal Hospital’, budding vets will be placed at the heart of the action, learning how to examine, x-ray and perform treatments on different animals.

Children will be able to watch the Zoo’s team of expert vets conduct a health-check on a replica lion and operate on

Alongside the exciting role-play activities, there will be lots of interesting talks covering the captivating world of animal medicine, and demonstrating how ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s team of vets ensure the Zoo’s 3,000 animals stay fit and healthy.

Promising to be a fun day out for the whole family, Vets in Action at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will run from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th February.

Book online now at www. zsl.org and take advantage of the Weather Buster Flexi Ticket, which gives you a 10% discount and allows you to use your purchased tickets to visit on any date before 29th March.

TRAIN TO TEACH? The Shire Foundation, based in Luton, is a leading primary teacher training provider. We offer personalised learning opportunities and unique facilities.

Our tutors are leading practitioners in a variety of curriculum and professional subject areas and are themselves outstanding teachers, many teaching in our local schools. Shire is part of Luton First Teaching School Alliance and is situated on the site of HIillborough Junior School, rated as 'outstanding'

by OFSTED. This gives our trainees access to opportunities to observe high quality teaching and also work with receptive and highly motivated children as part of training sessions.

Established in 1994, we have a superb employment after training record, with many of our trainees going on to either lead subjects or higher school management. Last year, 2016-17, 100% of our trainees obtained a teaching post after training.

Here is what some of our trainees say about us......'the support I have had from my mentors has been truly fantastic'........'my mentor was very attentive and gave very good feedback which helped me grow as a teacher'..........'the science sessions are brilliant, science wasn't a subject I thought I would enjoy teaching.'....

If you want to train to teach, train with us Tel: 01582 522121 www.theshirefoundation.org

Issue 25 • February / March 2018

7

local News

Shoppers Learn Life Saving Skills From The EAAA Shoppers learned how to save lives with the help of volunteers from the East Anglian Air Ambulance at The Mall Luton.

The Brave Mud Run and the General Manager pedalling 240 miles for a three day charity bike ride to the Somme.

Staff at The Mall also enjoyed some fun competition last year in On Saturday 13th January, former the centre’s Accumulator Chalparamedic volunteers from the lenge. The challenge saw the Mall EAAA were on hand to educate Management team split into four shoppers with demonstrations at teams, who were each given £50 regular intervals with resuscitation and three months to raise as much Annie and the defibrillator mamoney as they could. Fundraising chine. During the day, volunteers activities included a Shopmobility also manned a merchandise stall Grand Prix, a Mall Movie Afterand promotional stand and welnoon and Quiz Night resulting in comed donations from shoppers. a total of over £7,500.

As part of The Mall Cares initia- During 2017 alone The Mall tive, The Mall Luton has support- Cares programme helped to raise ed the EAAA over the last three £57,000 for local charities, includyears, raising more than £40,000 ing the Poppy Appeal, and The for the charity during that time.

Mall team committed to over 250 Through the initiative, which hours of volunteering. sees each of The Mall shopping centres run their own charitaLavinia Douglass, Marketing Manble programme of fundraising ager at The Mall Luton, said: “It activities, The Mall has run many was wonderful to welcome the East different events including a Giant Anglian Air Ambulance team into Sleepover in the shopping centre, The Mall at the weekend. It gave a Zumbathon, CPR-athon as well our shoppers the opportunity to see as staff taking part in the Only the good work they do up close and

8

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

also learn some tips that could one day help them to save a life.

“It’s been an honour to support the EAAA through The Mall’s fundraising activities, as well as a lot of fun.”

Stuart Wyle, Community Fundraising Manager for EAAA, said: “We are so grateful to The Mall, Luton, for the incredible amount of money they have raised for EAAA. Without support like this we would not be able to keep our helicopters in the sky. We are also delighted that as a result of their efforts more people have been trained in CPR – a skill that really can save lives. Thank you to everyone who has helped with their amazing efforts.”

The Mall are currently going through the large number of applications received to be their Mall Cares Charity of the Year 2018, which will be announced soon, so watch this space. For more information about The Mall Luton and their fundraising activities, visit www.themall.co.uk/Luton.

Issue 25 • February / March 2018

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local News

make up the vibrant, multicultural community across Luton and Bedfordshire.

In that time, a host of charities have benefited from a combined total of £125,000, including the Luton Food Bank, Luton & Dunstable Hospital, and Level Trust to name just three.

The money comes from donations from fundraising throughout the year and is presented on the awards evening.

A new form, available from the awards website, asks for information on the aims and objectives of the charities, their approximate fundraising income and details how the charity applicant helps to benefit the local community in and around Luton and Bedfordshire.

Organisers of this year’s Luton and Bedfordshire Community Awards are inviting locally focused charities to apply for what could be a massive cash boost later this year.

to put forward a compelling case for this funding pot. The committee of judges, sponsors, and members of the local community will choose their winner later this year.

“The most important thing that the committee will be looking for is that there is something tangible to come Last year’s Community Awards raised £25,000 for the Luton Food from the money. The community Bank to buy a new van and pay the must be able to see what difference The deadline for entering and other insurance, tax and fuel for the next the cash makes.” details are available on the Comfour years.

Over the last eight years the awards munity Awards website.

Mostaque Koyes, the awards organ- have recognised and rewarded the www.ciluton.co.uk/communityiser, said: “We are inviting charities magnificent teams and people who awards

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Cheering Volunteering Is Back For 2018!

tor Directory ine iness TheV Busrec al Di • Loc ory

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Award Winning Kitchen Showroom Award Winning Kitchen Showroom Here In Dunstable Here In Dunstable

Dream Doors South Beds, located on Lowther Dream Doors South Beds, on largest Lowther Road, Dunstable, is part oflocated the UK’s kitchen Road, Dunstable, is part of the UK’s largest kitchen makeover retail network and was recently awarded makeover retail network and was recently the ‘Exceptional New Starter’ award at theawarded franchise’s the ‘Exceptional New Starter’ award at theisfranchise’s 2017 annual conference. The showroom owned by 2017 is owned Markannual and hisconference. wife AnneThe whoshowroom were praised for theirby Mark his wife Anne who were praised for the theirwork focusand on following the Dream Doors model, focus onout following Dreamteam Doors the work carried by theirthe fantastic andmodel, the successful carried out by their fantastic team and the successful showroom opening earlier this year. showroom openingMark earlierand thisAnne year. for the Award, Ed When introducing When introducing Mark and Annehad forthis theto Award, Brewer, Director of Operations, say: Ed Brewer, Director Operations, hadtargets this to they say: had “Mark and Anneof well exceeded any “Mark Anne well exceeded any targets they had set forand themselves, quickly becoming a franchisee of set forWith themselves, quickly becoming a franchisee of note. excellent Checkatrade feedback and regular note.

With excellentand Checkatrade feedback and customregular recommendations referrals from previous recommendations and customers, Mark and Anne arereferrals truly thefrom idealprevious Dream Doors ers, Mark and Anne are truly the ideal Dream Doors franchisee.” franchisee.”

Most notable among all of their commendations is Most notable amongDoors all of their commendations is the fact that Dream South Bedfordshire holds the thatfor Dream Doors South Bedfordshire holds thefact record biggest kitchen makeover in the entire the record makeover in the entire history of for thebiggest Dreamkitchen Doors franchise. history the Dream Doors franchise.

Dreamof Doors is the UK’s leading replacement kitchen Dream Doors isoffering the UK’smade-to-measure leading replacement kitchen door franchise, replacement door franchise, offering made-to-measure replacement kitchen doors and worktops.

This gives customers a kitchen and worktops.

This gives kitchendoors makeover for the fraction of thecustomers price of aa full kitchen makeover the fraction of the pricekitchen of a full replacement.

The for company has over 60,000 replacement.

The company has over 60,000 kitchen makeovers to their name and has won ‘Best Kitchen makeovers to their and has won ‘Best in Kitchen Supplier’ and ‘Bestname Money Saving Product’ the 2017 Supplier’ and ‘Best Money Saving Product’ in the 2017 Express Home and Living Awards.

Express Home and Mark had this to sayLiving aboutAwards. his award win: Mark had this to say about his award win: to receive “The Team here in Dunstable are delighted “The Team here Dunstableof arethe delighted to receive this award.

It’s ainrecognition trust placed in us this award.

It’s a recognition of the trust placed us by over 120 customers to deliver the kitchen of in their by over 120 to in deliver the kitchen of their dreams sincecustomers we opened this area.” dreams since we opened in thisinterested area.” in a kitchen Mark welcomes anyone that’s Mark welcomes anyone interested a kitchen facelift to drop in to thethat’s showroom for ainfriendly chat. facelift to drop in to the showroom for a friendly chat.

12 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Central Bedfordshire's Cheering Volunteering Awards are returning, with the fourth annual awards and celebration evening taking place on Tuesday 5th June.

It will again be held at the Grove Theatre, in Dunstable, and is a terrific opportunity to celebrate the work of volunteers across Central Bedfordshire.

You will be able to nominate people or groups for six different awards, including a new category for 2018: Sports Volunteer.

Nominations opened on Monday 8th January and will remain open for almost three months in which time you can nominate in as many categories as you like.

Applications for Inspiring Volunteering grants are also now open.

There’s a total funding pot of £5,000 available for projects which encourage volunteering or kick-start new activities involving volunteers.

Grant awards will be made from a minimum of £100 to a maximum of £1,000.

Councillor Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care and Housing, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Community and Voluntary services, Community Action and our sponsors Biffa, Prologis, Aragon, Jeakins Weir and Beds Fire and Rescue to again celebrate the contribution of volunteers across Central Bedfordshire.

“We’ve introduced a new Sports Volunteer award for 2018, so when entries open next month then have a think about nominating, for example, those people who brave cold winter mornings to encourage youngsters in a variety of sports.

“We were delighted to help 14 different groups and organisations with our grants scheme last year, so I would encourage people to apply for those too.”

Nominations and grant application forms are available at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Paper copies of both are also available.

Recruiting Evening and Weekend Home Carers To join our team to care for people in their own homes in our local villages (Flitwick, Ampthill, Toddington, Barton and surrounding areas)       

Ideal hours to juggle child care with working life Experience not essential. Care Certificate Training provided with full pay Excellent rates of pay and mileage rates Enhanced weekend and evening rates Guaranteed hours on set days or flexible days to suit your lifestyle Pension, 28 days holiday pro rata, phone allowance, free uniforms Job security, excellent working conditions, career progression (Full time positions may also be available for the right candidates)

We care for our carers so they can care for you Car owner/driver essential. To apply call 01525 877088 Or email: mail@acaringcompany.org Or visit us at 10A High Street, Toddington or www.acaringcompany.org

Issue 25 • February / March 2018

13

local News

Council Urges Residents To Register Household Appliances

Before

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Public Protection Team is urging the public to take a few minutes to record the millions of white goods that they rely on every day but have never registered.

Supporting this safety initiative, the council is encouraging more people to remember to take this important precaution to ensure they can be contacted swiftly if a safety recall or repair is ever needed.

According to the most recent research, thousands of consumers are still missing out on product safety warnings because they fail to register appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines. Appliance recalls are rare, but millions of large appliances are unregistered. Unlike cars, this leaves the vast majority untraceable if a safety action becomes necessary.

YouGov research published today, shows that less than half of owners (46%) register the fridges that they have bought. The survey found that many appliances aren’t registered because their owners don’t think it’s necessary (39%). Very few people (15%) realise that they can register an appliance with the manufacturer, even if they acquired it second hand or inherited it.

It is recommended that people register all their household appliances for safety purposes, and includes appliances that are up to 12 years old.

Appliances can be registered online at www.registermyappliance.org.uk.

14 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Email: chris.lewis8@ntlworld.com www.gandjgroundwork.co.uk Hooperhomescarpentry@outlook.com

Issue 25 • February / March 2018

17

Mothers everywhere…

Mothers everywhere…

‘thank you’ ‘thank you’

Mother’s Day originated in America, but in England in the effort to write to their Mothers”. A whole   century later, Anna Jarvis still has a voice. and Wales it’s celebrated as one and the same as   When an American newspaper was recently quoted Mothering Sunday.     in estimating an average of $139 (roughly £90) “What’s the difference?” I hear you exclaim!      spent, it does seem as if the original idea of Well, Mothering Sunday is in fact a Christian holiday being      visiting your Mother/writing to her to tell her how celebrating not birth mothers but mother church.     much you mean to her, or completing an act of Which is why in the UK (and Ireland and Nigeria)     to make her life easier, have been someMother’s Day is on the fourth Sunday of Lent and kindness     what swamped by the idea that if you buy her £90 not on the second Sunday of May like the US and     worth of jewellery, you’re showing your apprecia80 other participating countries.     tion.

Which I’m sure a lot of Mums would be more The founder of the modern Mothers Day was      than happy with! I know my Mum would be thrilled Anna Jarvis who created the holiday in 1905 to     receive a fancy gift on Mothering Sunday; HOWhonour her Mother Ann Reeves Jarvis, the day was to      EVER, I also know my Mum is equally always really first recognised and celebrated in 1908.

She saw     pleased to spend time with my brother and myself. it as a perfect time to honour your Mother, ‘the    Admittedly, we usually go to the same place for person who has done more for you than anyone      a lunch or dinner so money IS spent but I have in this world’. In 1914, President Wilson officially     many happy memories of all taking the time to see designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s      other and spending that time laughing and Day. By the early 1920’s, Hallmark had got it’s hands each      catching up with one another. Life gets really on the opportunity and started selling Mother’s Day really     busy and it’s sometimes difficult to find time when cards.

However, Anna had created the occasion for     we’re all busy as a family, so for us, Mother’s Day sentiment, not for profit and she tried to stop the     is slightly more to the Anna Jarvis way of thinking. campaign she’d started and fought so hard for.

Sadly      No big gifts, but time spent together, and hopefully she was so bitter at the commercialism, she ended     our Mum knows that by meeting up and teasing her up a lonely person dying furious at the way the     for the afternoon (as is our way when my brother holiday had taken form and even on one occasion    I get together) we are in fact, in our own little was arrested for disturbing the peace after protest- and     way trying to show her how much she means to us ing at a confab of the American War Mothers who     and how much we value her. were selling carnations. Her initial idea however,    year is an exciting one for me, it’s my very first only picked up in popularity and is now celebrated This       as a Mother myself, as my baby is 8 months all over the world. Unfortunately, I’m not sure Miss year    old, I’m not expecting her to show much more apJarvis would be very happy at the development of    than perhaps throwing up on me slightly the day. If selling cards and a few carnations made preciation     than usual, but as Scarlett grows up, I hope that her angry enough to end up in jail, I can only imag- less    busy her life gets, she will enjoy putting ine which words she’d use to describe the commer- however    aside a bit of time to come and see her Mum, even cialism the day has taken on in modern day!     if just to share what she’s been up to. As a Mother However, her spirit has not been completely       myself I now understand just how much joy having destroyed, if you put ‘Mother’s Day’ into Google,     children can bring, and I understand how precious as well as the inevitable MOTHERS DAY SALE/      Motherhood is. No fancy gift would ever be able to HOTEL BREAKS FOR MOTHERS DAY and      take the place of seeing my little girl happy. other similarly commercial advertisements, you’ll     Mother’s Day has become very commercial but find a fair few articles and campaigns remember    that’s not how it started, but any appreciation of ing the true spirit the holiday was set up for in the      Motherhood, in my opinion, is worthwhile so alfirst place, titles such as “Let’s cut out the com   it may not all be to her tastes, we have Anna mercialism from Mother’s Day.” I even came across though  Jarvis to thank for the holiday. So to the memory of a petition to make it illegal for card companies to  sell greetings cards with the argument that “printed Anna Jarvis, her own Mother and Mothers everycards are just a way of people not bothering to put where, thank you!

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19

Money Matters By Martin Lewis

Take Control Of Credit Card Debt

@martinslewis

Letterboxes become dangerous at this time of year, and not just due to trapped fingers. Mail takes on a demonic hue for many awaiting credit card statements with Christmas’ spending on to land on the doormat.

So if your plastic has a festive hangover, don’t ignore it, it’s time to sort it.

There are three key rule to sorting your existing debts: 1. Stop borrowing more.

2. Cut the interest rate. This means your repayments clear the actual debt rather than just profit the lender.

3. If you’ve more than one debt, prioritise repaying the one with the highest interest rate first – as it’s growing fastest – and just pay the minimums on everything else.

The key weapon to cut interest is a balance transfer This is where you get a new card(s) that repays debts on existing credit or store cards for you, so you shift the debt and owe it, but at no interest cost. And there’s another ‘rule of three’ here to get the right card.

1. Don’t apply willy-nilly, first see what you’ll be accepted for. When you apply for a credit card they do a credit check. Yet banks are the type of organisation that’d lend you an umbrella when the sun shines and ask for it back when it rains. So those in most need of cutting their existing debt costs tend to be those who struggle most to be accepted.

Worse still just applying for a card marks your credit file, which has a marginally negative impact, so if you’re rejected being accepted elsewhere gets slightly tougher. To help, use an eligibility calculator, like mine at www.moneysavingexpert.com/BTeligibility.

20 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

These let you home in on the right cards, by showing which of the top deals you’re most likely to be accepted for – and they don’t impact your future creditworthiness.

2. Go for the card with the lowest fee in the time you need. Most balance transfer cards charge a one-off fee on the amount of debt transferred up to 3% (so £30 per £1,000 shifted).

In general the longer the 0% period the higher the fee, so you should aim for the card with the lowest fee but ensuring the 0% period is long enough. So calculate how long you think you’ll take to clear the debt, add a bit for safety, then pick the lowest fee within that time. If you’re not sure play long and go safe.

The longest current 0% card is www.barclaycard.co.uk at ‘up to’ 38 months 0% with a 1.4% fee (19.9% rep APR after). The longest fee-free card is www.halifax. co.uk at ‘up to’ 29 months 0% (19.9% rep APR after).

Full best buys at www.mse.me/balancetransfers.

3. Watch for ‘up to’ cards. As you’ll note those best buys are ‘up to’ cards. They tend not to say this overtly but you will spot it in the small print. This means, depending on credit score, some who are accepted will get a shorter 0%. Frustratingly there is no way to know this beforehand.

However, in general if you do an eligibility check and the only cards showing up that you have a decent chance are ‘up to’s’ then you’re likely to get a shorter 0% with all of them.

The longest non-up to 0% card is www.sainsburysbank.co.uk at 36 months 0% with a 2.89% fee – so if accepted that’s what you get and it also offers a non-up to fee-free option for 28 months 0% (both are 18.9% rep APR after). If you’ve a decent chance of getting those, then they may be worth plumping for.

The Balance transfer golden rules…

My credit limit is not big enough. What should I do?

Shift as much of your most expensive debt to the card as you can. At least you’ll save on that. When done, follow the process above again to see if you can get a second card for some more. Though each subsequent application can get more difficult as each marks your credit file.

Getting the right cards only half the job, once you’ve got it you need to ensure you use it the right way. a) Always clear the debt on the card or transfer again before the 0% ends or you pay the high APR. b) Never miss the minimum monthly repayment or you can lose the 0%. c) Don’t spend or withdraw cash on the card. It usually isn’t at the cheap rate. d) You must usually do the transfer quickly, most cards limits are 60 - 90 days to get the 0%.

If my best chances of acceptance are only say 30% should I bother applying?

That means 3 in 10 of those in your position will get accepted. If cutting this debt’s cost is your priority (i.e. you’re not about to get a mortgage the next week) then you may as well try, one application won’t hurt that much, and this is what you build up your credit score for anyway.

Balance transfer common questions (and the answers too, obvs)

If you can’t even meet minimum monthly payments, you have non-mortgage debts bigger than a year’s salary or you have depression or anxiety over it, you’re in what I define as debt crisis.

Can it clear multiple cards?

Yes, if the new credit limit’s big enough.

How big will the credit limit be?

Lenders tend to look at how much you earn and how much other debt you have. It can be anything from £100 to £25,000. You can usually transfer up to around 90-95% of it.

Struggling to sleep due to your debts?

In that case forget what I’ve written above and instead get free, one-on-one debt-counselling help from www.

CitizensAdvice.org, www.capuk.org, www.StepChange. org or www.NationalDebtline.co.uk. They are there to help, not judge. The most common thing I hear after is: “I finally got a good night’s sleep”.

Although Money Matters is based on extensive research and personal knowledge, Martin Lewis is not necessarily qualified in the given field/subject. We would therefore always recommend that readers take this information as advice and do their own research before committing.

Issue 25 • February / March 2018

21

In Theen Gard

Cut The Confusion Over Clematis I love the huge flowers of hybrid clematis as they climb up trellis and fencing, or weave their way through less interesting shrubs, wrap themselves around tree trunks and scramble over old walls to create a burst of colour, often in shadier places.

They make perfect companions entwined with deliciously scented climbing roses covering arches and pagodas in the romantic garden, or simply climbing up unsightly walls or fences to act as a colourful screen.

In fact, different types of clematis can provide you with flowers for most of the year.

Yet, clematis are the climbers which cause the most confusion when it comes to pruning because there are three groups of them, and if you prune the wrong type at the wrong time you'll ruin your chances for blooms this year.

Group 1 clematis, which flower in spring, bloom on stems which grew the previous year and are generally pruned after flowering. They are often rampant growers with large numbers of relatively small flowers - C. macropetala and C. montana are well-known examples, although C. alpina, cirrhosa and amandii also fall into this group.

Prune them straight after flowering by clipping the sideshoots back to a few buds of the main framework. They should not be pruned in the winter, or you'll cut off all the shoots and lose the

new season's flowers.

March is the time to prune summerflowering clematis, the Group 2 types, which bloom on stems produced in the current season. They are pruned in late winter or early spring to remove much of last year's growth. If left unchecked they will produce flowers, but they will tend to be at the end of the plant where you probably won't be able to see them.

Group 2 clematis include many of the large-flowered hybrids, including the most famous pink striped variety 'Nelly Moser', the rich purple 'The President' and other popular types including 'Marie Boisselot' and 'Lasurstern'.

The aim with pruning Group 2 clematis is to retain a framework of old wood, and also to stimulate new shoots to maximise flowering throughout the season.

Unless the plant already has three or four healthy stems growing from the base, all newly planted clematis should be pruned back hard the first spring after planting. Cut back to just above a strong pair of leaf buds about 30cm above soil level. This will encourage multiple stems which can be trained into supports to give a good coverage.

With established plants, remove dead or weak stems before growth begins, check individual stems from the top down until you reach a pair of healthy

22 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

buds, and prune just above them, removing the spindly or damaged growth above. The ones that flower first in early summer, and again in late summer, need a tidy-up rather than a heavy prune.

Those which must be pruned now are those which don't start flowering until June, and keep going until the autumn, as they make vigorous growth and only flower on the very ends of the shoots.

They can be cut back to a pair of fresh green buds about 30cm in early spring, and then new growth tied into the supports.

Some mid to late summer flowering clematis can be treated as either Group 2 or Group 3, as desired, including 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', 'Gipsy Queen' and 'Hagley Hybrid'.

Group 3 are late summer and autumnflowering clematis including viticella and texensis and some large-flowered types including 'Niobe', 'Perle d'Azure' and 'Ernest Markham'. They flower on both last year's and the current season's growth.

In the first year, prune them back in late winter or early spring to the lowest pair of healthylooking buds you can find, which will be about 30-90cm above the ground. This may mean cutting off green, healthy shoots, but the plant will reshoot from the base and be better for it.

In Theen Gard

Jobs To Do...

February & March

Lupin

This wonderful cottage garden plant is among the most popular of all perennials, its large pea-like flowers amassed on large spires which reach around up to 4ft (120cm) in height in a wide variety of colours in early summer.

Lupins blend well into schemes featuring other cottage garden favourites including delphiniums and nepeta, or in mixed borders where the taller varieties can be put at the back and the shorter ones such

Best of The Bunch

• Place cloches over ground where early sowings are to be made.

• Continue to cut back faded foliage on herbaceous perennials.

• Sow under glass quick growing perennials to flower this year.

• Begin to feed plants in established borders using a controlled-release slow-acting fertiliser and try not to get fertiliser on the new foliage.

• Don't let your pond freeze over completely. Stick a floating ball in it.

• Top-dress year-round tubs and don't let sheltered containers dry out.

• Continue to plant soft fruit bushes and bare-rooted fruit trees if weather permits.

• Prune half-hardy fuchsias being kept under cover when the pink 'eyes' appear.

• Plant out ranunculus and anemones if the ground is not too wet.

• Prune out the old flowering heads from hydrangeas.

as ‘Gallery Series’ used as fillers.

Other good varieties include ‘Band of Nobles’, which is a mixture of colours and ‘My Castle’, a dramatic dark red.

Lupins are easy to grow from seed but do need protecting from slugs when they are emerging. Cut off the dead flower stems complete with stalks when flowering has finished to encourage a second flush of flowers towards the end of the season.

3 ways to...

Good Enough to Eat!

Sowing Peas

You don't need a load of fancy propagators and trays in which to sow peas. A piece of plastic guttering will do, provided you drill drainage holes in the bottom and then fill it with a peat-free seed compost. Make a head start in February by sowing the seeds evenly in two rows 2.5-5cm (1-2in) apart and 2.5cm (1in) deep, and water, keeping the containers on a windowsill or in an unheated greenhouse, although heat will speed up germination.

When the seedlings have a few leaves, they can be planted out under a cloche by sliding them out of the guttering and into a prepared shallow trench in the soil. Keep plants well watered in dry weather and weed regularly. After sowing, push pea sticks in along the rows of short-growing varieties, or erect posts with horizontal wiring supporting pea netting for larger types.

Good varieties include 'Feltham First', suitable for the earliest sowings and dwarf in size, needing little support, and 'Hurst Green Shaft', a delicious second early or maincrop variety growing to 75cm (2.5ft) tall and producing heavy crops.

1 2 3

Work with shade

Make the most of leaf colour in shade. Heuchera, ferns, euonymus and hosta will all provide green, yellow and red hues to brighten up a shady area.

Use shade-tolerant climbers such as Clematis montana, Hydrang ea petiolaris and Lonicera japonica to create interest on a north-facing wall or fence.

If you want to grow plants under trees, add plenty of organic matter around the planting area in autumn and sprinkle a balanced fertiliser around the plants in early spring, applying a mulch in late spring and watering thoroughly during dry spells in summer.

Issue 25 • February / March 2018

23

SEAT Ibiza FR 1.0 TSI

auto Biographies

By Rob Auchterlonie © Wheelwrite.co.uk 2018

Price: £16,015 3 cylinder 12 valve direct injection, 95ps, 175Nm 5 speed manual gearbox Top speed: 113mph, 0-62mph 10.9secs Fuel: Urban 48.7, extra urban 68.9, combined 60.1 CO2: 106g/km

HERE”S a new car from SEAT that looks a lot like a scaled-down Leon – and why not?

It’s big brother has been doing the business for the Spanish manufacturer for a few years now so no one should feel in the slightest way guilty if some of the styling cues that made Leon such a hit were borrowed for the latest Ibiza.

In a world where the Fiesta has been the undoubted king for decades, the Spanish upstart throws down the gauntlet and gives a very strong hint that the family favourite Ford might not have it all its own way for much longer.

There’s a growing groundswell that bemoans the fact many cars these days bear a marked similarity to each other – the end result of manufacturers seeking pretty much the same solutions at the design stage, with a few exceptions.

And this is one that differs, a car that feels much more grown up and a better all round package than the version it replaces. It’s now only available in five door form, but while those extra doors at the back on some superminis look like an afterthought and hence are restrictive for those piling into the

rear, in the Ibiza they just look an essential part of the overall package.

It’s a very tidily styled car (as is Leon) and proves that the Spaniards aren’t just good at sticking spikes in extremely annoyed bovines but can turn their hand to slick car design too.

The handling is as sharp as the stylish bodywork. There’s a lovely light clutch and equally deft five speed gearbox that work in harmony with the power steering – very positive when you need to change direction - and that helps to make manoeuvering in town traffic or zipping along a country road a far less taxing experience than it sometimes can be. Behold a sensibly priced car with sporty credentials that's fun to drive.

This is the fifth generation of Ibiza.

Remember the first ones, with ‘System Porsche’ emblazoned down their flanks?

This one is also a first – the first VW Group car to use the latest MQB AO chassis tech, which you’ll also get on the new VW Polo, Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia in the future.

Its adoption has certainly turned a car that’s been in the Fiesta’s slipstream in the past into one that might even be edging slightly in front in the race to

24 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

be the best. Yes, it’s that good, even with an engine that’s one cylinder short of a full engine bay but which you can’t knock for sheer enthusiasm.

The 1.0 three cylinder in the FR version sampled here has that distinctive gravelly thrum under acceleration, which I’ll concede might eventually become a tad tedious. But what you won’t ever tire of is the crisp handling and lack of vagueness as you turn from lock to lock through a series of tight bends. This is a well engineered car.

It’s available in SE, SE Technology, FR and Xcellence trims and there’s a lot of safety, technology and top spec kit, dependent on model. Three versions of the three pot engine, in 74,94 and 114bhp configurations are available.

It’s much wider, a touch lower and a fraction shorter than before but the added width actually makes it feel like a bigger car.

It makes a good fist of being an economical and user friendly small hatch. Good space for passengers and luggage, built to a decent standard and a car you will instantly feel at home with.

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Issue 25 • February / March 2018

27

Out & About Welly Walk Around Stockwood

3rd, 17th & 24th February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st February 11am - 12pm £3 per child, accompanying adults free Group Bookings: Buy 10+ and save 10% Meet with other young explorers to go on a welly walk around Stockwood Discovery Centre.

Each week we'll look at have stories, activities, and explore different parts of this fantastic site.

We will be outside for at least part of the hour each week unless the weather is exceptionally bad, so please make sure that you are all suitably dressed.

As we will be going off the paths, this activity may not be always be suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Suitable for ages 3 - 7 years Box Office: 01582 878100

Treasure Chest Tales The King with Dirty Feet Thursday 15th February 11.30am 12.15pm & 2.30pm - 3.15pm £4

Stories told by pirate Captain Andromedus Silverbeard, from tales collected on his piratical journeys.

King Barabadabada is a little bit grumpy and hates taking a bath.

When he discovers the joys of washing in the river everyone is relieved - until the King finds it impossible to leave the water without getting his feet covered in dirt. How will his long suffering servant Gaboo cope?

28 www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

Storytelling Performance Luton Central Library 10th February & 10th March 11am - 11.45am £3

Stories of wonder, wisdom and humour from around the world, performed in a dynamic and inspiring way.

Reading Hacks Half-Term Takeover Luton Central Library - Childrens Area 15th February 11am - 3pm

Drop in - no need to book.

Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better internet starts with you This half term, for one day only, we are handing our children’s areas over to the Reading Hackers: drop in to take part in a day packed full of activities promoting online safety for families.

Get involved to play your part!

School aged children with their families, to include younger siblings who can play with DUPLO.

Blunham Giant Book Sale

Saturday 24th February 10:00 to 3:00pm Come to our Browse and Buy Second Hand Giant Book Sale at Blunham Parish Church. (St Edmunds or St James, Park Lane Beds MK44 3NQ.) Selection of second hand/nearly new books, Homemade cakes, teas and coffees, homemade soup and a raffle. All proceeds to Blunham Church Fabric Fund

World Book Day at Luton Libraries Thursday 1st March 3.30pm -4.30pm Free

Come dressed as your favourite book character and celebrate World Book Day at your local library.

If you’ve dressed the part for school, pop into your local library at the end of the day as we continue the book based fun, sharing stories about your favourite characters, old and new. No need to book www.lutonculture.com Box Office: 01582 878100

SAPPHIRE SOCIAL CLUB Sapphire Social Club - this social club caters for the unattached aged 50+. We meet weekly in Hitchin and organize a variety of social events every month. No joining fee for the first two months. Come along and meet new friends.

Tel Joyce 07952 678021 or Ian 07900 890583 for details www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk KNIT AND NATTER GROUP Every Tuesday, 10am-12pm Join our friendly Knit and Natter group every Tuesday at Lewsey Library.

Come and share your experience, or get some great hints and tips, and meet new people.

Tea and biscuits provided.

The group is always looking for donations of wool; knitting needles etc. so if you have anything you no longer need, just drop it off at the library.Free, donations welcome

LUTON POETRY SOCIETY Last Saturday of every month, 2-4pm at Luton Central Library. £3, free for Poetry Society member (£20 annual membership) Our meetings usually take place on the last Saturday of each month at Luton Central Library (3rd Floor) For more information visit www.lutonculture.com/luton-libraries or call 01582 547 418 SOCIAL GROUP We are a small group of people age 45+ If you like to have fun and enjoy yourself, then please get in touch. No membership required, just ring Tina for more information between 10am - 8pm weekdays, 01582 619035.

5TH STOPSLEY GUIDES Girlguiding Luton South Division are looking for new girls aged 5+ & volunteers to join us.

We are part of Girlguiding UK and enjoy taking part in new things, working towards interest badges and having lots of fun.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more can register online: www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus and this will list a full selection of groups available closest to you or you can email us pr.lutonsdiv@bedsguiding.org.uk

FLEXERCISE EXERCISE Thursday 2 -3 £3.50 Warden Hill Community Centre Gentle Exercise for Older People - Men and Women -With No jumping about WARDEN AFTERNOON CLUB or running around, the class includes Meets every Tuesday 2 - 4pm low impact and every exercise you will Warden Hill Community Centre (rear be faced with will have a specific benefit of the Warden Tavern) to your body and your unique make up.

We are a recently established group of The class is aimed at improving and friendly ladies and gentlemen who meet maintaining flexibility and balance, thus LUTON WRITERS’ CLUB weekly for companionship, activities enabling you to be confident and enjoy Every other thursdayat 5.30pm and refreshments. If you would like life. For more info Tel Lorraine Luton Central Library some company, or know someone who 07868 030540 A free club, open to those interested would benefit from joining us, please in writing. come along any Tuesday - everyone is BEDFORDSHIRE GUILD OF THE PARKSIDE SINGERS very welcome.

WEAVERS, SPINNERS & DYERS. Do you enjoy singing?

For more information contact Sue on A friendly group of textile crafts people The Parkside Singers is a lively mixed 07706895444 or who meet in choir, singing four-part harmony music email sueblee@hotmail.co.uk Flitwick Village Hall twice a month. including pop, songs from musicals and First Tuesday evening of each month some choral favourites such as Ave YARNIES KNITTING AND 7.30 - 9-30 and Verum and The Lords Prayer.

STITCHING GROUP IN LUTON Third Saturday, all day, 10.30 to 4.30.

Call Claire on 01525 753110.

WHO- We are a friendly group who We welcome visitors interested in meet to chat and use lovely yarn to knit, seeing what we do, so please pay a visit LUTON AND DISTRICT crochet, braid, stitch, weave.... to our website PHILATELIC SOCIETY If you collect postage stamps, postcards WHERE- We meet at the Balcony Bar, www.bedsguildwsd.blogspot.co.uk Venue 360, Gypsy Lane, Luton, LU1 or postal history why not come along WIDOWS & WIDOWERS CLUB and meet fellow collectors? We usually 3JH. www.venue360.co.uk. There is plenty of free parking and Luton ParkWe are an active Widows and meet on the first Friday of the month* way station is 5 mins walk away.

Widowers club. at Bushmead Primary School, Luton, WHENThe second Wednesday of Meetings are held locally and new LU2 7EU from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. every month at 7.30pm. members are always welcome.

Your first visit is free! New members Everyone is welcome to join us, beginIf you would like to make new friends are always welcome.(*Dates may ners or experienced stitchers. Just turn and join in our many outings and activichange if the school is closed). up or for more information contact ties please ring Jenny 01582 672766 or Call Fin on 01582 453244 or email Shirley fuchsia@hotmail.co.uk or visit Val 01582 659717 or email Carol at finodon@hotmail.com for a prous at www.ravelry.com carol.hodges@ntlworld.com gramme of events or more information.

Issue 25 • February / March 2018

29

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky

Answers Step On It

February & March 2018

MUSTY DUSTY DUSTS DUCTS DUCKS SUCKS

Looking Up! Spot Orion and Betelgeuse: Got a clear sky? Look south mid-evening in February or March and you’ll find one of the most iconic constellations in the heavens. Orion, with its belt of three stars embedded within a larger rectangle of four bright stars, is an easy pattern to pick out. Notice how orange in colour the top left star is in the rectangle. This is Betelgeuse – a red supergiant that is on the verge of exploding as a supernova.

Crossword Across: 1 Deficiency 7 Aroma 8 Applaud 10 Theology 11 Flop 13 Depose 15 Virtue 17 Over 18 Compress 21 Skilled 22 Reign 23 Remoteness

ISS: The first two weeks in February this year is a great time to catch the International Space Station. Each evening between 6pm and 7:30pm look for a bright light moving steadily across the sky on a roughly west-toeast trajectory. It won’t flash or make a noise, and will take roughly 5 to 10 minutes to cross from one side of the sky to the other.

Down: 1 Drone 2 Fearless 3 Change 4 Espy 5 Chaplet 6 Fastidious 9 Depressing 12 Disperse 14 Precise 16 Fondle 19 Evils 20 Also

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19th March 2018 Looking West at 7:15pm

mark@plumbingandgas.org.uk

Venus & Mercury in March: Mid-March sees Venus and Mercury gather together low over the western horizon. To view this elusive pairing choose a stargazing spot with good elevation and a clear horizon to your west. Dunstable Downs is ideal. About 30-40 minutes after sunset you’ll notice a bright ‘star’ shining in the dusk light. This will be Venus. As the sky darkens you might pick up a second ‘star’ above or to the right of Venus. It’ll shine with less intensity and take on an orange or pink hue. This is Mercury.

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Issue 25 • February / March 2018

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