The Vine Villages - April / May 2023

thoroughly Modern Monarch

know about His Majesty’s upcoming coronation.

place 2023, Abbey. world will once cent where crowned the a by the Canterbury. the Europe largely past but to monarch wrinkles out Palace confirming that although be ‘rooted in long-standing reflect the monarch’s role towards the future.

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Editor: Scott Nightingale

Advertising & Editorial:

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Shelly Nesbitt

Advertising & Editorial:

Shelly Nesbitt

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles published in this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

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.

Greetings from Christ Church Dunstable!

What makes your heart sing?

We all love music. It is all around us. Every culture throughout history has had some kind of musical expression one way or another, whether it is drums, Gregorian plainchant, rap, prog-rock, classical, Chris de Burgh style-ballad, whatever. Some languages are even built on a tonal system which means that while you may pronounce a word the same, its meaning will change depending on the pitch with which you express it!

On 11th March, Christ Church Dunstable put on an event called ‘Music in March’ which was a celebration of music and everything that makes our hearts sing. If you were there, we hope you enjoyed the evening!

As we look at the charts, we can see there are many things that make our hearts sing. Many songs are about love, or people. Other times songs are written out of a strong emotion for a particular situation or cause.

At ‘Music in March’, members of the church performed a variety of music in solos and in bands/ choirs, and it was a privilege for me to be able to play some of my own songs, all of which flowed from different aspects of my life: friendship, fun, feelings, and most of all faith. Several years ago, I was chatting to a friend of

mine who had become a Christian after leaving another religion and we were talking about his life. I asked him a question along the lines of “Did you used to sing in your old place of worship?” And he replied, “Not really… we didn’t have anything to sing about.”

Churches across the globe are filled with music and that of many kinds. Why do we sing in church?

Why is the Bible full of songs?

It is because we have something to sing about. We rejoice because we see that there is a God who loves us and has given us hope, purpose, comfort, joy, and has put a song in my heart.

Psalm 40 says 1-3, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit… and gave me a firm place to stand.He put a new song in my mouth,a hymn of praise to our God.”

In these verses we see a cry, a rescue, and a song! And that is the message of the Bible. We can cry out to God for help, he rescues us, and then he puts a song of joy in our mouths.

My friends, what makes your hearts sing?

“Words make you think a thought, music makes you feel a feeling but a song makes you feel a thought.”

Yip Harburg – Composer of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

What’s happening in the Way?

There is a lot to do in The Way, our Christian Community Centre. We run groups for all ages, and we seek to provide activities which everyone will enjoy and benefit from. Our activities are led by trained volunteers from Christ Church Dunstable who seek to strengthen the community and model Christlike love. Have a look at our timetable and see what we have for you.

Come and join us Everyone Is Welcome!

Monday:

TODDLERS! - 9:30am - 11.00am

Free English Classes

Monday - 7:30pm-9:15pm All English Levels Welcome

(Groups for parents/carers with young children)

PATCHWORK & QUILTING - 10am - 12:30pm (1st and 3rd week of the month)

Free English Classes - 7:45pm-9pm

Tuesday:

ART - 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday:

CABIN FEVER - 9:30am - 11:00am (‘men in the shed’ style group)

WEDNESDAY CLUB - 5:30pm - 6:45pm (Mid-week club for school years R-6)

WEEKLY EVENTS IN THE WAY - 7:30pm - 9:00pm (Game Night, Book Club, quizzes, etc.)

Thursday:

CONNECT - 10:30am - 11:45am (Over 60’s group)

Friday:

TODDLERS! - 9:30am -11.00am

KNIT AND NATTER - 10:00am - 12 noon

Saturday:

Frontline - 7:30pm - 9:30pm (Youth groups for ages 14 - 18)

Dunstable Town Council Awards Four-Year Service Level Agreement

To Dunstable Foodbank.

long-term support for Dunstable Foodbank with an agreement of £1,000 per year for four years to enable them to further develop their vital service in the town. Dunstable Foodbank with over 100 volunteers is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by the Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. In order for the Dunstable Foodbank to continue this fantastic work, Dunstable Town Council has awarded a four-year agreement worth £1,000 per year to develop and expand their service. This includes the purchasing of freezers so more items can be offered to those in need, and to allow fresh items, which would have gone to landfill, to be frozen and issued out later, thus cutting down on food waste. 2022/23 saw changes to the financial support for Community and Voluntary groups across Dunstable with the Town Council providing newlong term funding for existing organisations as well as seedcorn grants for new groups. So far this has been incredibly popular with seedcorn grants being awarded to Dunstable Wombles and Hillcroft Allotment Association and now six new Service Level Agreements being awarded to SORTED Counselling Services, Citizens’ Advice, Dunstable Hospice at Home Volunteers, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and most recently Dunstable Foodbank.

Peter Hollick Chair of Community Services said “Dunstable Food Bank is a wonderful local community organisation that helps a number of Dunstable residents, particularly going through this difficult winter. I am delighted that the Town Council can support them through a four-year Service Level Agreement to ensure that they can expand their offer and have the reassurance of ongoing support for a number of years ahead.” Not all funding has yet been allocated, and other community and voluntary organisations are invited to apply for seedcornfunding and Service Level Agreements via the Town Council’s website.

DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB

Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month at Tilsworth Golf Centre and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business people. The Club’s main purpose is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy some social activities and the occasional organized visit throughout the year and after their regular monthly lunch meetings are entertained by speakers who give talks on a wide range of topics. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary, Philip Savage on 01582 662462.

The Town Mayor Cllr Liz Jones and Deputy Town Mayor Lisa Bird during a recent visit to the Dunstable Foodbank.

The Town Mayor Cllr Liz Jones supporting the Dunstable Foodbank’s Christmas appeal.

GROW YOUR OWN!

Get involved for King and County!

Spring

With 2018 marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1 our theme is Remembrance & Peace. There are some lovely plants associated with this including Forget me-nots, Peace roses, Lilies and of course poppies. Why not try and fit some of these into your borders, baskets and tubs.

Dunstable in Bloom, in partnership with the Don’t Let Dunsta ble Die (DLDD) Trust, will be running the best front garden and floral display competition again this year. There are 6 entry categories to choose from and you can enter one or more of the following:

Spring is here at last! A reminder how bitterly cold it was in March but brightened up by these cheery daffodils planted by Dunstable in Bloom volunteers.

Summer’s not far away – so get planting & enter our competitions!

Best Front Garden

Best Floral Container

Best Hanging Basket

With 2018 marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1 our theme is Remembrance & Peace. There are some lovely plants associated with this including Forget me-nots, Peace roses, Lilies and of course poppies. Why not try and fit some of these into your borders, baskets and tubs.

Best Commercial Business

Best Community Garden

Best School Project

Dunstable in Bloom, in partnership with the Don’t Let Dunsta ble Die (DLDD) Trust, will be running the best front garden and floral display competition again this year. There are 6 entry categories to choose from and you can enter one or more of the following:

• Best Front Garden

• Best Floral Container

enter you can do so by emailing your details and entry category to closingsarah.woodruff@ntlworld.com date is 5.00pm on Friday 6th July 2018

• Best Hanging Basket

• Best Commercial Business

• Best Community Garden

• Best School Project

To enter you can do so by emailing your details and entry category to sarah.woodruff@ntlworld.com

The closing date is 5.00pm on Friday 6th July 2018

Every year, Dunstable in Bloom, has a Launch Event to mark the start of our new campaign. This year’s will be at the Physic garden in Priory Gardens. The event will celebrate the Physic Garden’s 10th anniversary. It was on 13th April 2013 that this garden was inaugurated, as part of the celebrations for the Dedication of Dunstable’s Priory in 1213. This year’s event will be on April 22nd. The Garden is laid out as a Medieval physic garden would have been, with plants grouped according to which ailment they were supposed to cure. There was a physic garden in Dunstable before the Dissolution of the Monasteries, but we are not quite sure where it was. The current garden is tended every Friday morning by a group of In Bloomers. Dunstable in Bloom tries to have a new event every year to add to what we already do. Last year we made a video for the first time. This year we had a ‘Meet and Greet’ for new volunteers, to explain what we do and to help them decide what they would like to volunteer for. It was a very successful meeting.

Hugh Garrod, Chairman

The theme for 2023 Dunstable in Bloom competitions is GROW YOUR OWN. The inspiration is the Coronation of King Charles III and his passion for horticulture and sustainable organic growing.

Priory Gardens. Dunstable in Bloom will have a stall selling plants and flowers. Any contributions very welcome and if you would like to join us details can be obtained from from Mary Chapman on 01582 603710

So why not have a go in this very special year and support him and our town!

Please see the entry form or view details on www.dunstableinbloom.wordpress.com

is here at last! A reminder how bitterly cold it was in March but brightened up by these cheery daffodils planted by Dunstable in Bloom volunteers. Summer’s not far away – so get planting & enter our competitions!

Achieve accredited English and Maths qualifications

City & Guilds Level 1 and 2

Functional Skills

Start your journey to achieving an accredited Level 2 qualification in English or maths to help you progress in your career!

Courses are starting from May 2023.

Small weekly classes (no more than 8) or flexible learning options.

How is the qualification completed?

Learning starts with a 4 -week ‘Get Started’ introductory course, then progresses onto a 27week course to achieve the qualification.

How are courses run?

• Class-based group sessions in community venues

• Online group sessions using Microsoft Teams

• Online learning with the flexibility to study independently and tutor support where needed

What is the cost?

• FREE – subject to eligibility

Who is it for?

• The courses are for adults (19+) who do not have an English or maths qualification equal to a GCSE grade 9-4 or A*-C.

How do I start?

Registering you interest is simple: scan this QR code or search the link below to fill in a short enquiry form.

www.centralbedfordshire.gov .uk/BESA-contact-us

Find out more by scanning the QR code

Enquire: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/BESA-contact-us

Call: 0300 300 8131

FREE skills workshops in Central Beds and Beds Borough

Learn new skills and build confidence applyin g maths in everyday life with our new Multiply workshops and online courses.

Improving your maths skills supports career opportunities, confidence with money and helping children with homework.

Maths skills workshops

• Build confidence with everyday maths skill s

• Support towards a maths qualification

Money skills workshops

Take home free £30 food vouchers! *

• Cost of living support

• Managing budgets and debt

• Save on your weekly food s hop

• Meal plan and make your food shop go further

Creative skills workshops

• Develop everyday skills through activities with a fun twist using arts, crafts and games.

Short online courses

• Learn independently at a pace that suits you.

Sign up for fr ee today!

*Subject to eligibility (19+; live or work in Central Beds or Beds Borough; no maths qualification equal to GCSE C)

Find out more by scanning the QR code

Search: Multiply Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy

Enquire: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/BESA-contact-us

Call: 0300 300 8131

50 Plus Years Of Handyman Experience

50plus began as a handyman service some 21 years ago. Today the service portfolio has grown to include a broad set of home repair, improvement and commercial services and very much in keeping with the company’s name, a range of services for the elderly. 50plus was originally conceived as a means of providing employment for those aged 50plus and the company continues with this concept. The idea of using mature service providers together with a service orientated structure also chimes with customers who are 50plus and the company reports that the majority of its domestic customers are 65 plus!

50plus is run from a head office in Buckinghamshire with field staff distributed over a wide area including Milton Keynes and the surrounds. In keeping with the times the company offers online services in addition to telephone booking and has embraced technology to provide a range of easy to use technically enabled services for our elderly customers.

Telephones (and today email, text, web enquiries, WhatsApp and more) are answered, advice is provided and appointments are run on a date and time basis. As they say: they are different - it's all about the service.

In addition to booking and administrative staff, the head office has personnel who provide technical support and advice for both customers and service providers.They also maintain an on-line ‘knowledge centre’ on the company’s web site where hints and advice on what needs doing, what to look for and how long repairs may take.

To find out more about what 50plus does and the services they offer visit the 50plus web site at www.the50plus.co.uk or call 01494 784 448.

If you would like to work for 50plus please visit the web site and click on Providers/ Become a Service Provider.

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

ADVICE?

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

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

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

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

'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments, The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and estate planning or will planning'

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

'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments, The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and estate planning or will planning'

'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments, The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and estate planning or will planning'

'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed not keep up the mortgage repayments, The financial conduct not regulate tax and estate planning or will planning'

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

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

'Equity released from your home will be secured against it'

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

'Equity released from your home will be secured against it'

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

'Equity released from your home will be secured against

'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments, The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and estate planning or will planning'

Free Will with Investments & Pensions placed through us of over £50,000 and within 6 months of investment

'Equity released from your home will be secured against it'

Free Will with Investments & Pensions placed through us of over £50,000 and within 6 months of investment

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

'Equity released from your home will be secured against it'

Talk to us for a free initial consultation

Free Will with Investments & Pensions through us of over £50,000 and within 6 investment

Contact Your Local Office In Toddington

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

Free Will with Investments & Pensions placed through us of over £50,000 and within 6 months of investment

Contact: Philip Hadlow

Tel/Fax: 01525 874100

Mobile 07768 277 532

info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

1

info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

1

The Stables, Griffin Farm, Conger Lane, Toddington, Bedfordshire,

Mabel’s News

from Appledown Rescue Kennels

Hello again!

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

This young lass with the fabulous ears is Brigitta Von Trapp, a Lab/ GSD aged one. Brigitta has lots of initial energy when she starts her walk, but she is learning to settle down and walk nicely. She needs owners who will carryon with her training and give her lots of exercise. We think she would love some sort of canine sport. Brigitta has not lived in a house so needs house training. She could probably live with a male dog pending introductions, other pets unknown.

If you are interested in offering a rescue dog a loving home download an application form from our website where you will find info on the rehoming process. To support our work it’s easy to make a one-off donation of £3 simply by texting APPLE to 70111, or donate via Paypal using the ‘DONATE Support a Cause’ option. Cheques are very welcome too!

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY (Reg. Charity No. 1116848)

Call 01525 220383 (10am-1pm & 2-4 pm) E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. www.appledownrescue.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook,Twitter & Instagram!

PLUMBING & Heating

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values

have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

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

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these

glazing backed by our

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

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

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

“I really liked

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business”

Janet Beard

Trusted Trader

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run

Janet Beard

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

KUMON STUDY CENTRE

Along with Elite instructor status for 2023, Kumon Dunstable is officially the number 1 Kumon centre for English progression, and 18th for Maths from approximately 1200 centres across Europe & Africa.

PER MONTH £60

Join our growing student base who are achieving exceptional results. Run by an ex-Kumon pupil, your children are in the safe hands of an elite instructor who knows exactly how to get the most from your Kumon journey. If you have any questions, please email dunstable@kumoncentre.co.uk or call

Snippets from the History of Dunstable

Deep History

Although the town as we know it is only a little over 1000 years old, the history of the area around Dunstable goes back tens of thousands of years - back to the Palaeolithic period in fact (Old Stone Age). This immense period of time stretches back more that 100,000 years and back into the last Ice Age when Neanderthal Man was around.

One of our eminent historians, Worthington G Smith, was one of the first archaeologists in England to study this period and he discovered flint workings in the form of spear heads, cutters, scrapers, knives and hammers at Kensworth and especially at Caddington, ie on the hilltops with plenty of flint, the technological basis of the time.

It is thought that the small number of people living then did so in fairly small, mobile family units following a huntergatherer life style. These Neanderthals lived through alternating cold and warm episodes of the Ice Age and when it was cold, they survived very successfully due to their unique physique which was slightly different from ours. Somewhere around

45,000 years ago - when the ice started to abate - Modern Man first appeared and the two species encountered each other for the first time. It is the subject of considerable debate as to how each tolerated the other but it is known that the Neanderthals were extinct by something like 30,000 years ago. There are many theories as to why this should be - most likely a combination of many separate factors.

By 10,000 years ago, the Ice Age was over and seas started to return, as did grasslands. It heralded the start of the Mesoloithic period (Middle Stone Age) when many people lived a relatively settled life by the sea. But those inland still carried on their hunter-gatherer lifestyle (although their flint tools had become more sophisticated by now). With regard to our district, some Mesolithic discoveries have been made on Blows Downs (Dunstable), at Waulud’s Bank (Leagrave) and in sand and gravel deposits at Eggington and Leighton Buzzard.

Towards the end of the Mesolithic period, waves of new people arrived from the continent (the Beaker people). They brought revolutionary new ideas and practices with them and in a comparatively short period of time had replaced the vast majority of the indigenous population. Again, we might ask how and why?

But, and for whatever reason the disappearance of the original people, they opened the Neolithic period (New Stone Age) and with it, a more settled way of life. They had brought strains of cereal crops with them and they also improved methods of animal domestication. They became the first farmers and lived in small settlements. This new lifestyle enabled specialist “trades” to become established such as flint knapper, baker, potter, shoe maker , carpenter and, following an increasing awareness of a spiritual side to life, priests. Stonehenge and other sites of ceremonial or spiritual significance date from this approximate time.

Palacolithic Flint tools from Caddington (Scale 1:2)

In the Dunstable area, there is evidence of such a settlement at Puddlehill (where the Chalk Cutting is now) together with the Five Barrows on Dunstable Downs, a henge at Waulud’s Bank, and a causewayed enclosure at Maiden Bower. Of particular interest to the eventual coming of Dunstable itself was the initiation of the Icknield Way - the first “long distance” trackway in England running from the ceremonial centres of Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill, for example, through our area and on to the Norfolk coast via Grimes Graves (famous for top quality flint). The Neolithic period lasted until roughly 4000 years ago when a further immigration from the continent brought people with an appreciation of metal over flint and began the so-called Copper Age. But copper is a soft metal and it was found that an alloy of copper and tin was much harder and produced bronze. There is evidence of a

Bronze Age foundry near Well Head (the water was used for quenching hot metal) together with Bronze Age settlements at Toddington, Caddington and Ivinghoe.

Copper and tin, however, are not particularly common or easy to extract whereas iron (as found in sandstones) is everywhere. But the smelting of iron requires much higher temperatures than could be generated at the time and it took many hundreds of years before such furnaces could be made. From then on, about 3000 years ago, the Iron Age took off with a vengeance and, in our area, exploited the plentiful deposits of iron bearing sands at Leighton Buzzard. In the Upper Iron Age (about 500 BC), the Celts arrived from Europe and transformed what is now Britain - but that’s another story!

Iron Age house constructed at the Chiltern Open Air Museum. This is based on the First Iron Age Farmstead on Puddlehill.

A thoroughly Modern Monarch

Everything we know about His Majesty’s upcoming coronation.

King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday May 6th 2023, at Westminster Abbey. Eyes around the world will focus their attention once more on this magnificent London institution where the King will be crowned – alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort – in a ceremony overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

This opulent ritual is the last of its kind in Europe and has remained largely unchanged for the past 1,000 years. It is an honour of course, but for a King who wants to be a modern monarch there are a few wrinkles that must be ironed out with Buckingham Palace confirming that although the Coronation will be ‘rooted in long-standing traditions’, it will also reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future.

from

For starters, it will be a relatively modest a air, even compared to Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that came in the recent aftermath of World War II. The ceremony itself is expected to last around two hours – rather than the three for Liz’s ascension to the throne – and guests will be limited to 2,000 due to health and safety restrictions. That’s considerably less than the 8,000 dignitaries from 129 nations who were crammed into Westminster Abbey in 1953.

There will also be less pomp and formality. Prince William is the only Duke expected to carry out the traditional gesture of kneeling and swearing allegiance to the King, and His Majesty has apparently decided to swap the stockings and breeches worn at coronations by his male predecessors for a military uniform, possibly that of Admiral of the Fleet, which he wore for the State Opening of Parliament last May.

As for the crown, Charles will wear the solid gold 17th Century St Edward’s Crown. It is exceptionally heavy and contains the Cullinan II diamond, sometimes called the Second Star of Africa.

At its heart however, the ceremony must fulfil its key role as being the symbolic religious ceremony during which a sovereign is crowned, as well as fulfilling the physical act of placing a crown on a monarch’s head. And despite cementing His Majesty’s role as Head of the Church of England, it is thought that representatives of di erent faiths will also be present – to uphold the King’s wish to reflect the ethnic diversity of modern Britain. He will also still pledge to be “Defender of the Faith”, but further words will be added that allow the King to show he serves all religious faiths.

Funerals Advert Black and White March 2022.pdf

Five memorable Coronation Moments

As we look forward to the coronation of King Charles III, we take a moment to reflect on the most memorable crowning moments in Britain’s great history.

The one with the unwelcome guest

When it comes to organising large gatherings, there is always at least one family member you hope won’t show up. In the case of George IV at his 1821 coronation, it was his estranged wife Caroline of Brunswick.

Having wed in 1795, the union had long been acrimonious with the couple separating only a year into their marriage. George IV had sought various avenues for divorce, but with the pair still very much wed on the date of his coronation his only option was to lock his queen out. She was jeered by the awaiting crowds and died two weeks later.

The one where they lined the streets

Having ascended to the throne in 1377 at the tender age of 10, Richard II’s crowning was already a rare moment in the annals. His coronation ceremony featured the first-ever procession when he rode on horseback from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey and back, amidst the cheering crowds and streets bedecked with banners and decorations.

The one who did it his way Keen to step out of his father’s shadow, George II was determined to make an impression on his subjects from the very get-go.

Subsequently, the task of writing four new coronation anthems fell to famed composer George Frideric Handel. Needless to say, the

songs were instant classics and are still performed around the world today. The one with sibling rivalry

For Mary I the coronation was not just about becoming queen, but about setting order right in the country. A staunch Catholic, Mary I was convinced that her late brother, Edward VI, had tainted several aspects of the ceremony with his Protestant beliefs.

her

She demanded new coronation oil sent from the Catholic Bishop of Arras along with an alternative chair to the ancient one usually sat in by incoming monarchs. Naturally, her wishes were granted, for few dared say no to ‘Bloody Mary’ (a nickname she would earn after burning 280 protestants at the stake).

The one where everyone forgot their lines

Queen Victoria’s coronation was tainted by poor organisation.

During the ceremony, an elderly peer fell down the stairs on his way to pay homage to the Queen, the coronation ring was forcefully shoved onto the wrong finger (taking an hour to remove), and at one point, a bishop told her the service was over when it was still ongoing, leading to her being called back to finish the ceremony.

Coronation Chicken

Introduction

The original recipe for Coronation Chicken was formulated back in 1953 by Angela Wood, at Winkfield Place College. The thenstudent was a contributor to the menu for a banquet for over 350 dignitaries that was to be held after the coronation at nearby Westminster School.

Its origins actually point to Jubilee Chicken, conceived for George V’s silver jubilee in 1935, though despite this the recipe was published as the nation prepared for a wealth of street parties and special events.

Angela said in an interview, “The brief was ‘something that had a bit of flavour, but not too much’, to appeal to the banquet guests. “For a month or more, I was cooking a chicken a day and we had to alter the balance of the spices in the sauce to get it right.”

The dish has now gone down in national folklore, and is used in sandwiches, salads and jacket potatoes.

Method

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add the coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns and sliced ginger. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Drain and leave to cool completely.

Ingredients

(serves 4)

• 4 skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• 30g ginger, sliced

For the sauce

• 250g mayonnaise

• 100g Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp medium curry powder

• 65g mango chutney

• 2 celery sticks, diced

• a pinch of cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 80g sultanas

• 3 tbsp chopped coriander

2. In a large bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients, except the chopped coriander. Season to taste and add more lemon juice if needed.

3. Shred the chicken with two forks and add to the bowl, along

with the coriander. Mix, ensuring everything is well coated.

4. Serve between 2 doorstops of bread with some watercress and crisps on the side, or on a jacket potato.

A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the a able architectural business owner talks about embracing darker shades in making our living space look stylish and welcoming.

Something I get asked a lot is how to use darker shades in a way that enables a room to feel stylish, whilst still inviting. It can be a tough thing to get right, but it’s certainly achievable with the correct approach.

The first thing I ask people is their definition of ‘dark’. After all, dark doesn’t have to mean pitch black! Traditional gloomy colours can sometimes feel cold and unwelcoming, but use of warm-toned dark shades like deep reds, burnt oranges and rich browns can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

The next big thing is texture. Incorporating a variety of textures like plush fabrics, cosy throws and soft rugs can help balance out the darkness of the room, en route to making it feel more welcoming. With this in mind, ensure you don’t use objects or furniture that are oversized, as these will dominate the darkness and make the room feel insular.

Next is where the lighting itself comes in. I feel the real secret when it comes to creating a welcoming

space with dark colours is to utilise a variety of lighting sources; so consider table lamps, floor lamps and overhead lighting, to create a warm and inviting glow.

In essence, you’re not looking to light up a dark room – more to accentuate some areas of darkness by lighting up other parts, where the detail is. It’s a skilled art, but embracing darkness in corners or through shadow and shade is incredibly satisfying.

Finally, juxtapose this with light-coloured accents - pillows, curtains and artwork can help to balance out the darkness of the room and prevent it from feeling too heavy or oppressive.

Overall, creating a welcoming room using dark colours in interior design requires careful attention to detail and a thoughtful approach to colour, texture, and lighting. With the right techniques, and if you’re openminded and brave, even the darkest of rooms can feel warm and inviting.

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses something in our gardens that dates right the way back to 1400BC, yet is as popular today than ever before. It’s the humble pergola.

I was asked by someone the other day what my favourite thing was in my garden – a plant, a tree, perhaps something manmade.

In answering that, I think I would struggle to look past a pergola. And if there’s one addition you’re thinking of making to your outdoor space this year, consider one of these. They date right the way back beyond Roman times, though were popularised by Caesar and his chums.

While the belief is you’ll need a decent plot of land on which to place it, in truth pergolas can be built in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials to suit any garden style or size. They can be freestanding or attached to a house or other garden structure and will give you the necessary height that means you can experiment with vertical gardening – think climbing plants such as vines, roses, and wisteria – without

having to worry about awkward poles, wonky trellises and more!

Mostly, a pergola provides a real focal point to the garden – I often think of mine as being akin to a church altar! It’s something that looks over an entire space with a sense of importance and prestige.

On a practical level, pergolas are brilliant for shade and shelter. There are many plants that shouldn’t be in direct sunlight for the whole of the day, while having a shaded area that can be used for outdoor entertaining, dining or relaxing can transform an average afternoon, whether alone or with friends, into a glorious one.

There’s also the privacy element, and the fact pergolas are generally low maintenance and

can last for many years with minimal upkeep.

As for cost, my advice is to shop around and see what you can get. From the very basic costing a couple of hundred pounds to elegant stone-pillared creations that go well into four figures, your budget and your personal taste can lead the way in creating for you a garden centrepiece that will evolve in the same way that your garden does. With good maintenance, your pergola has the ability to outlast the majority of other features in your garden… just ask the Romans!

Across Clues:

2. Stitch (3)

5. Lighten (6)

7. Small earphone (6)

9. Zigzag (5)

10. Shot in billiards (5)

11. Attach (6)

12. Small harbour (6)

Down Clues:

1. Explosion (6)

2. Protect (6)

3. Video Camera (6)

4. Send for (6)

6. Informed (5)

8. Priceless (5)

11. Function (3)

14. Mark (6)

18. Clothes (6)

21. Jumped (5)

22. Ancient unit of length (5)

23. Programme (6)

24. Unleavened dough (6)

25. Assent (3)

13. Maturity (3)

15. Claim (6)

16. Seed (5)

17. Italian Renaissance painter (6)

18. Slope upwards (6)

19. Avoid (5)

20. Shake (6)

By Dr Lorna Moore

Use masking tape to tape your A5 paper down. Use a square middle-sized brush. Get your colours out onto a plate (white, yellow ochre, blue & black). Dip your brush into water and then load it up with white paint and create sweeping marks across (left to right) the top third of your page. While paint is still wet, clean brush onto a rag and dip the corner of the brush into a tiny dot of black and sweep across the wet white and blend. Wipe brush on a rag and dip into white paint and sweep across the page next to your last layer. Now add a bit of blue and swipe across the white and blend. Clean brush. We should be halfway now. Load your brush up and paint the rest of the page white. While wet add bands of yellow ochre and a tiny dot of black.

Email: drmooresartcourse@gmail.com

Facebook: Dr Lorna Moore’s Creative Art Course

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!

April & May 2023

Enjoy Venus as the Evening Star:

Over the next couple of months Venus is at its most conspicuous for 2023. The brightest planet in our night sky is an easy catch in the west at dusk on spring evenings. Pick it up with the naked eye just 30 - 45 minutes after sunset, and watch as it descends to the western horizon over the following hour. On the evenings of 23rd April and 23rd May a thin crescent moon sits close by. Both encounters will make for super photo opportunities, their low angle in the sky at dusk providing a spectacular backdrop to any low light Chiltern landscape shots.

See the Pink Moon:

The night of 5th - 6th April this year sees a Full Pink Moon. Sadly the moon itself won’t appear pink – sorry! The name originates from Native American cultures who associated full moons with events in nature to make a sort of calendar. The ‘pink’ comes from wild creeping phlox (moss pink) that blooms in spring across parts of North America.

Watch the Lyrids Meteor Shower:

If you’ve never seen a shooting star take a trip into the Chilterns on the night of 21st - 22nd April this year and look up towards your east. The Lyrids meteor shower will be in full swing that night. Settle yourself in for an hour of sky watching between 10pm - 4am and you should catch a few shooting stars zipping across the sky.

By Seb Jay - Image: Glen Beltz

Dark Sky Telescope Hire

www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

We are a family run business trading since 2004 offering a reliable and trustworthy service.

Tel: 01582 862245 or 07914879178

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Showroom: leighton Buzzard Garden Centre, Hockliffe Road LU7 9NX

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www.kinteriorskitchens.co.uk

Savings, in one sense, represents the little slices of money we can gradually chip off existing bills and commitments; whilst, in another, it is a term that reflects money put away into a safe space for future treats or emergencies.

Thankfully, both definitions can be satisfied with a bevy of useful tips – some big, some small – that have the ability to put you in a financial place of confidence and optimism.

1. Home and away

Some of the biggest monthly expenses we incur are to do with things such as living arrangements and the cost of keeping a car on the road.

To make major savings on these, consider renting out a spare room; and perhaps explore vehicles that lower insurance premiums, or that are cheaper to run.

Save the day

2. Utility room

While the cost of water, gas and electricity is still high, being alert and willing to switch to a new provider, if necessary, is always smart.

3. Spring clean your bank account

The average Brit spends over £10 per month on subscriptions they don’t use and, in most cases, don’t realise are still costing them money.

That makes saving well over a hundred pounds a year very quickly achievable just by having a glance over recent bank statements and bringing unwanted subscriptions to an end.

4. Budge that budget

Investigate the best ways

to save on your current outgoings… perhaps by switching to supermarketown brand clothes, maybe by

cutting back on takeaways. Learn to separate these into fixed and variable costs and really drill down on ways to make everyday activities more affordable.

5. Self-sufficiency efficiency

Our concept of saving is two-fold, though thankfully, the route to greater financial security – by clever utilisation each – follows a single path. Spring don’t

Another way that’s become very common for cutting back on costs is to tend to household jobs yourself. Naturally, anything that poses danger should strictly be done by a professional, but homemakers looking to save money are consulting YouTube tutorials as a route to saving money.

6. Wind down the debt

There is no point moving money into savings spaces without having first addressed debt, as it will cost you more to service than the equivalent use of that

equivalent money in savings interest.

7. Savings accounted for Now transport all these positive savings into a designated savings account. Keep this out of everyday reach and you may be surprised how quickly savings can build over time.

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Aternate Thursdays, 2:30 - 4:00pm

2022

Tea Time Tales are being held in Grove House, 67 High Street North whilst Priory House is being repaired.

Talks of local & national interest with refreshments

20th April

Luton Street Names by Howard Chandler

11th May

Women in WW1 Code Breaking by Bryony Norburn

25th May

The Great Fire of London by Martin Attridge

15th June

Jewels in the Air – the wonderful world of Hummingbirds by Wilf Powell

*We will also have:- Giant Lawn Games, Facepainting & Crafts from the Youth Council*

Spring is nearly here and the Walled Garden at LUTON HO0 ESTATE has some special events.

Bluebell Walks on April 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th We cannot guarantee that the bluebells will actually be out but we hope so! Taking about an hour and a half across estate land, which is not normally open to the public, the walk will return along the majestic lime tree avenue. Pre-booking essential via the website lutonhooestate.co.uk/ events or 01582 721443.

Spring Open Day on Wednesday April 12th from 10.30-13.00, Adults £5 children £3 under 2’s free. It’s the Easter holiday so there will activities for children such as “Fun with Arts and Crafts”; “Hunt the Bunnies” “Plant a bulb”. Come and have some fresh air and fun. No need to pre-book.

Talks on Fridays have been as popular as ever. And the last one this series is on April 28th “Gertrude Jekyll in Bedfordshire”. It will take place in the lecture room at the Estate Office. Price includes tea/coffee and biscuits. Cost £7.50 each and all money goes towards the revival of the Walled Garden 10.30am12.30 (Talks start at 11am)

Book your place at lutonhooestate.co.uk/events or: 01582-721443