The Vine Villages - December 2022 / January 2023

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Advertising & Editorial: Shelly Nesbitt

Editor: Scott Nightingale

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. www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Christmas Greetings from Christ Church Dunstable!

Luke 2:10

What is the best gift you have ever received?

Over the years, I have received many gifts. Toys as a little child, body washas a teenager, and now - as a dad - those much-needed socks.

In my youth, I remember pouring over the mighty Argos catalogue; circling items I’d seen on telly and folding over the corners of pages in the hope that my parents would notice them. As a child waiting hopefully, there is often an electrifying feeling of expectancy in the run up to Christmas.

But how often do those gifts live up to the hype of the ads? One of the greatest examples of pushing the boundaries of advertising truth may well be the now vintage ‘Evel Knievel’ series of stunt toys. Scan the QR code to relive the excitement of ‘70s advertising.

While the toy may well have been an exciting one, it just couldn’t live up to the feats seen on the advert, leaving expectant recipients deflated and disappointed.

Advertising is often designed to present the best possible outcomes of products, but it is always a joy when the thing you’ve purchased ACTUALLY lives up to the commercial!

Over Christmas, churches around the globe will be celebrating and retelling the story of the birth of Jesus. Of how God stepped down out of heaven

to live the perfect life, one that we never could, to give over that life at Easter to repair the damaged relationship between the Creator God and us, the people who turned away from him.

The message of Christmas is one of hope, of peace, of reconciliation, and of joy! It promises forgiveness and wholeness to the person who is burdened by failings, guilt, or past hurt. It offers contentment in life! BUT THAT’S NOT ALL (as the ads proclaim); it promises security for eternity as we are welcomed into God’s loving embrace now and after death.

Is it too good to be true? Is it like seeing Evel Knievel’s stunt bike flipping and soaring through the air on TV but falling sadly short in real life?

When shopping online, what is the first thing you do when deciding on which product to buy? You check the reviews to see if it’s any good. The Bible is full of such reviews. Real people who received that life-changing gift of Jesus. And there are millions of Christians around the world, today, who can say that it is true, some of whom live in the Dunstable area.

It doesn’t mean that life suddenly has no problems, but it does mean that we are not alone in life or in death because Jesus, the Son of God, was given at Christmas so that normal people like us might have true joy. Get in touch or join us at Christmas to find out more about this wonderful gift that God offers you.

Warmly,

Steve Neal Pastor to the Community

“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”.

Dunstable Middle Row Market wins NABMA Small Market Achievement Award!

The twice monthly market has been recognised in the Small Market category by the National Association of British Market Authorities.

On Thursday 27 October 2022, Dunstable Town Council’s Middle Row Market was awarded the Small Market Achievement Award at the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) 2022 Conference and AGM. The award was collected by the Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, Annette Clynes, who organises and leads on the markets in Dunstable.

Middle Row Market is held on the second and third Saturday of every month in The Square and along Middle Row. The market features local crafters, artisans, and food makers. Since the pandemic, Town Centre Manager Annette has been working hard to build up the market and source more independent traders and businesses. This hard work all paid off on 27 October when Middle Row Market was awarded the Small Market Achievement Award.

Councillor Peter Hollick, Chair of the Dunstable Town Council Community Services

Committee,stated: “Dunstable Town Council has been committed to finding the right formula for markets in Dunstable for several years, and whilst this hasn’t been an easy task, we have never given up; the award from National Association of British Market Authorities has provided evidenced this. Creating an interesting market offer for shoppers and traders alike has been a focus over recent years, with the Town Council investing in time and resources, which has seen our Middle Row markets grow from just a couple of stalls to now over 30 stalls at peak season. Traders and shoppers alike are choosing to come to Dunstable and this is something that should be celebrated, so to receive this national recognition and the award for Market Achievement (small market) is absolutely marvellous.”

Dunstable Town Council are once again holding the annual Twilight Market on Friday 9 December and Saturday 10 December from 3 pm to 8 pm, and on Sunday 11 December from 10am to 3pm. These markets will have special Christmas stalls, magical lights and free activities for families and children of all ages.

Dunstable In Bloom Best Large Town In Britain

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.

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

In 2019 Dunstable In Bloom was awarded a Gold by Anglia In Bloom, who then nominated us to represent them in Britain In Bloom in the following year. Thanks to Covid, this did not happen, nor the year after. So, in 2022, having again won a Gold award in Anglia In Bloom, we found ourselves at the Britain In Bloom awards on Five of us attended, our Mayor Liz Jana Veyres, Sharon Warboys and me. We were entered in the Large Town category, along with Congleton, Farnham, Ilkeston, Mirfield and Portishead. Liz and I went up to the left-hand side of the stage with no idea whether we had won Gold, SilverGilt or Silver. We were amazed to be awarded a Gold. Three other towns were also awarded a Gold. We now stood on the other side of the stage, clutching our Gold certificate, waiting to hear which of the gold winners was to be declared Best in Category. We could not believe our ears when we heard the compere say, ‘And the award for best entrant in the large Town category goes to... Dunstable!

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!

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

Best Hanging Basket

and of course poppies. Why not try and fit some of these into your borders, baskets and tubs.

Our first project of the year was to assist the Friends of Dunstable Cemetery and Signpost in a Tidy-Up Day at Dunstable Cemetery on 22nd March. Particularly making sure that graves of all service people buried there are well cared for.

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

•

•

Commercial Business

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

On Saturday 12th May a History Event, also with the theme of Remembrance & Peace, will be held in the lovely Priory Gardens. Dunstable in Bloom will have a stall sell ing 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

Get Involved!

Our first project of the year was to assist the Friends of Dunstable Cemetery and Signpost in a Tidy-Up Day at Dunstable Cemetery on 22nd March. Particularly making sure that graves of all service people buried there are well cared for.

On Saturday 12th May a History Event, also with the theme of Remembrance & Peace, will be held in the lovely Priory Gardens. Dunstable in Bloom will have a stall sell ing 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

We went back on the stage and received a glass tro phy inscribed, ‘Britain In Bloom, with the RHS, Large Town. Winner 2022, Dunstable in Bloom. Dunstable’s award featured very briefly on The One Show. A week later, we held our local Awards Evening at Weatherfields Academy, for all the participants in our campaign. I showed them the certificate and the trophy, which they had won. If we are going to be invited to represent Anglia In Bloom in Britain In Bloom in future years, we need to keep doing well, year by year, in Anglia In Bloom. I encouraged everyone in the room to take part next year and to get their friends and neighbours to join in too. If you live in Dunstable and have not taken part in our campaign yet, I would like to persuade you to become involved. Dunstable In Bloom is a friendly and enthusiastic organisation and needs as many residents as possible to become involved. Our aim is to make Dunstable an attractive place to visit and in which to live and work. Running and entering competitions is an exciting challenge and is a way of bringing the town together. All the judges who have come over the years have been impressed by the numbers of groups and individuals involved in our campaigns and the friendly welcome they have received. You too will receive a friendly welcome when you join Dunstable In Bloom

Hugh Garrod, chairman

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.

our competitions! Get Involved!

Dunstable in Bloom awards evening held at Weatherfield School in October.

The Rotary Club of Dunstable are delighted to announce that the Santa Sleigh will be visiting the children of Dunstable and the villages starting on 4th December.

Deakin-White Real Estate have very kindly agreed to sponsor the Sleigh running costs again this year. Ed Restall-Harrison, Founder and Owner of The Deakin-White Real Estate Group said ‘We are delighted to be supporting The Rotary Club of Dunstable again for the third year running and helping to bring Santa to local homes. I have fond memories of the Santa float from when I was younger and want as many kids as possible to have the same’. Deakin-White pride themselves on supporting the local communities of the towns they operate in as well as providing an excellent experience and customer service to those moving home. Deakin-White now have 6 offices across Herts, Beds & Bucks.

Rotary Dunstable President Julian Murch said “We are delighted that Deakin-White have generously agreed to sponsor the sleigh running costs again this year. This means every penny we receive in donations from the public and companies will go to local good causes and charities.”

We have a dedicated Santa website www.santasleighDRC.co.uk where you can check when Santa is coming to a given street, and also a link to a LIVE tracking system. We will also be updating our Facebook page every day. Last year over 1,500 people commented on our posts, and we reached over 35,000 people.

To keep everyone safe, there will be no doorto-door collection again this year, so we are asking people to donate online via www.wonderful.co.uk/pay?ref=1038038

To donate between £1 and £20 by texting:-

1DRC to 70085 to donate £1 3DRC to 70085 to donate £3 5DRC to 70085 to donate £5 10DRC to 70085 to donate £10 20DRC to 70085 to donate £20

We have also received support from many local companies who are sponsoring the route each night. This shows how strongly the community feel about the Santa Sleigh. The past three years have been challenging for many people. We are delighted to spread some hope and cheer at this magical time of the year. Please check the website and Fa cebook for more details…

Mabel’s News

from Appledown Rescue Kennels

Hello again!

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

DUNSTABLE DOWNS ROTARY CLUB

We in the Dunstable Downs Rotary Club would like to thank the Dunstable Club for their excellent article in the last edition of the Vine. We are all aware of the excellent work they do and we know they have moved their meeting place back to the centre of Dunstable...

At Appledown Rescue our mission is to match dogs with loving families. For some dogs this may happen very quickly but for others, especially those that have come to us in a bad way, it may take months before they are ready to start their new lives. Then there are a few like Jay and Karaoke who find life at the kennels very much to their liking and thrive on the hustle and bustle, the routine and the attention. Despite our best efforts to find them a loving home, they do not settle and come back to us time and again. There comes a point where it isn’t really fair to stress them with further attempts, so they will stay with us and receive love and care for the rest of their days. But providing dogs like Jay and Karaoke with all they need to keep them healthy and happy comes with rising costs. Could you help us to support our long-term residents?

To support our work you can make a one-off donation of £3 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 . E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. www.appledownrescue.co.uk Follow us on Facebook,Twitter & Instagram!

However there are 2 Rotary clubs in this area.The Dunstable Downs Club has been established for 40 years and was formed to cater for those interested in Rotary who live locally but cannot get to a lunch time meeting. 75% of our members live in the villages around Dunstable. We still meet at Tilsworth on Thursdays at 7pm. We have speakers at least twice a month ranging from local charities to an engineer who helped to build the Channel Tunne. We try to cater for all. We are a small club and welcome new members If interested please give Tony a call on 01525 223004

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

Learn, Laugh, Live with Dunstable u3a

Out walking in the countryside.

Dunstable u3a is offering you the opportunity to join with other like minded people,where you can Learn,Laugh and Live and enjoy your third age

If you have free time, come and join us as there is so much more out there for you. Have a look at the Dunstable u3a website at https://u3asites.org.uk/dunstable/groups.

Members get together, often in small groups to do whatever hobbies they enjoy. Most members belong to several groups and often this results in very satisfying friendships forming with like minded people. Each month, on the third Monday at 1:15pm,there is a meeting at The Square. There are coach outings to book, second-hand books to purchase, groups to join and a share a cup of tea or coffee with friends. This is followed by a short talk by a guest speaker. In December instead of having a speaker there is a Christmas Concert featuring performances by many of the groups.

Dunstable has several musical groups including: a choir, a ukulele group,jazz or classical music, hand chimes and two recorder groups and there is plenty of opportunity for anyone wishing

to start another group to get it started.

If you enjoy more physical activities, you can try out tai ’chi or yoga, badminton, cycling, bird watching, walking or dancing. In summer 2 croquet groups meet and there is a golf group which meets weather permitting and there is even a boule group. There are several dancing groups, line & sequence dancing, ballroom, English country and Scottish country dancing. For something more relaxation there is poetry, a book club, reading groups, opportunities to learn four different languages or extend your computer literacy. If your interest is in science and technology, architecture, geology,digital photography, English Heritage, philosophy or Greek drama, there’s a group

Games clubs are also very popular offering bridge, scrabble, canasta and rummikub groups. For the more creative there is patchwork, knitting, flower arranging, or even a colouring group. Recently a Sunday lunch group started meeting and there are three wine appreciation/ tasting groups.

This is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and take up new interests. Membership fee is £11.50 PA.

Trip to Bletchley Park

Trip to Brighton

Do you want to build your confidence with maths?

Multiply courses are designed to help build confidence with everyday simple maths. Improving your maths skills could support career opportunities, confidence with money and helping children with homework. Book your free place today!

Maths skills for everyday life workshops

• Fun with Numbers • Chocolate Maths

• Multiply my Skills • Lego Maths

Money management workshops

• Cost of Living Support • Budgeting

• Making the Most of • Borrowing and Debt your Money

Chance to take home a £10 Co-Op voucher for attending 1 workshop!

Money and food courses

• Shopping on a Budget (4 sessions, 2hr15)

Take home a £50 food voucher by attending all 4 sessions!

• Cooking on a budget (4 sessions, 2hr15)

Take home a goody bag of food and house essentials by attending all 4 sessions!

• Practical cooking on a budget (2 sessions, 3hrs)

Ingredients will be provided

Seasonal workshops

• Christmas Crafts

Children aged 5 and over welcome!

If you live in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough, find out how our Multiply courses can help! Scan the QR code for more details

Scan to download further course information, and upcoming course dates and locations.

To apply/enquire, please visit: www.centralbedfordshire. gov.uk/BESA contact us

Has

Has

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.

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.

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

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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”.

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 the fact that they were a local community run business” Janet

Kumon study helps children of any age and ability to shine. We aim to give our students the tools they need to enjoy learning and thrive academically. As proven through an independent study, conducted by the Education Policy Institute in England in 2020, Kumon students are over a year ahead of the national average, and over six months ahead of their peers at the end of primary school.

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 instructor who knows exactly how to get the most from your Kumon journey. If you have any questions, please email dunstable@kumoncentre.co.uk

Kumon Dunstable Ranked Number 1 Study Centre in Europe and Africa

Last month we announced some amazing news regarding the incredible achievements of students at Kumon Dunstable study centre. With over 85% of students, who studied for six consecutive months, achieving results at least 6 months ahead of their peers and some as many as 5 years, instructor Lisa-Marie Wynne has since been honoured with elite instructor status for 2023.

“To say I am shocked would be an understatement. Whilst we’ve always strived to put our student’s education first, we’ve been so wrapped up in the process that we don’t always take the time to step back and see how far we’ve all come.

Having been a student myself for 15 years and working at numerous centres across the UK, we’ve been able to implement ideas based on what I believe works (or hasn’t) to create the best learning environment possible.

As an instructor, you soon realise how much faster the students’ progress, when they have the confidence to be themselves. As such, we’ve worked hard to create a safe but fun environment where students can start to love learning again. COVID played a big part in taking that away, but as we return to a new normal, seeing the smiles back on the children’s faces is one of the many reasons I love this job.

The status, issued by Kumon Europe & Africa, is presented to the top performing centres, with only 48 instructors from around 1200 centres meeting the eligible criteria. On top of this, the centre located on High Street North (part of the Quadrant shopping centre) was found to be the number 1 Kumon centre for English progression and 18th for maths across both continents.

When asked about her success, Lisa-Marie had this to say;

I would also like to extend my thanks to the parents, who have believed in me and the programme as we wouldn’t be where we are today without you.”

If you are interested in signing your child up to the Kumon programme, we offer a free assessment for all new families as a chance to get to know the surroundings and meet the team. Alternatively, if you would like to know more about how it works, you can contact the centre directly on 01582 344 295 or email dunstable@kumoncentre.co.uk

Over 500 attendee’s helped celebrate the student’s achievements at the Dunstable Conference Centre in October.

Towering New Arrival At ZSL Whipsnade

Newborn giraffe calf born on Remembrance Day named after WW1 poet Wilfred Owen

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has shared adorable behind-thescenes pics of its towering new arrival - a six-foot-tall baby giraffe born on Remembrance Day (Friday 11 November).

Named Wilfred after the renowned WW1 poet Wilfred Owen, exclusive images taken by keepers show the not-so-little one sharing some precious private bonding time with mum Luna and dad Bashu, before the youngster meets the rest of the herd at the UK’s largest zoo.

Deputy Team Leader Michael Hepher said, “Wilfred is Luna’s third calf and she has been a wonderful, attentive mum as always, alongside dad Bashu, who has also been very caring - leaning down to lick and clean the youngster.

“We’ll be giving mum, dad and calf some quiet time in their behind-the-scenes barn over the next week, but they’ll soon join grandma Ijuma, sister Nuru and the rest of the close-knit, family herd who will show him all the vital giraffe skills he needs to learn.

“In the meantime, we wanted to give our visitors a sneak peek at our latest arrival, by sharing some pics taken just hours after Wilfred’s birth.”

Giraffes give birth standing up, meaning youngsters are welcomed to the world with a two-metre fall to the ground. Zoo keepers kept a close eye on mum Luna throughout her 15 month pregnancy and prepared a deep layer of bedding when they knew labour was imminent. Wil fred took his first wobbly steps within an hour of being born, and immediately began suckling from doting

mum Luna. Keepers and conservationists at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are celebrating Wilfred’s arrival as a vital addition to the international conservation breeding programme (EEP) for reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelo pardalis reticulata), a species classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Michael added: “It is always wonderful to meet a brand-new member of the herd but there is extra significance to Wilfred’s birth, as his arrival boosts the number of this beautiful, Endangered species.

“He’s certainly a big boy – the biggest newborn giraffe I’ve ever seen. We haven’t officially measured him yet, but he’s definitely taller than me and I am six-foot!”

Visitors to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo this festive season will be able to see Wilfred, Luna and the rest of the herd, alongside the conservation zoo’s 10,000 other animals. To book a ticket and support the Zoo’s global conservation work, visit www.zsl.org/Whipsnade.

Council Sets Up A Network Of Warm Spaces This Winter

Central Bedfordshire Council is launching a network of Warm Spaces, which residents can use during the day to keep warm as temperatures fall and energy prices rise.

The Council’s 12 libraries and six leisure centres are available as Warm Spaces, where everyone is welcome. Four of the Council’s six leisure centres have cafes available for people to use, and libraries offer free Wi-Fi and access to public computers, as well as seating so people can enjoy time with a book. Residents are welcome to take their own food and drink to the Council’s libraries. A number of community organisations are also providing Warm Spaces this winter too and you can find a list of Warm Spaces near you on the Council’s website at: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/warm-spaces

To support community and voluntary organisations to set up Warm Spaces the Council is making grants available. To express an interest in applying for funding to set up your own Warm Space, please

email: Partnerships.CommunityEngagementTeam@ centralbedfordshire.gov.uk with the following information:

• The address of the Warm Space

• Hours of opening

• What will be available (for example a hot drink, wifi, company etc.)

• How to book, or if it will be a drop in service

• Contact details

Cllr Richard Wenham, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council said: “As temperatures fall and energy prices rise, residents can find free, warm and safe spaces all across Central Bedfordshire including our leisure centres and libraries. We know many residents are concerned about the increase in the cost of living, and particularly about the cost of heating their homes this winter. We hope our Warm Spaces and our other cost of living initiatives will help ease that pressure.”

The Council has a dedicated cost of living information hub on its website, which is full of information and resources that can help anyone concerned about the cost of living. For more information, visit: www. centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Funding Available To Make Your Home Warmer

Following a successful scheme at the beginning of this year, Central Bedfordshire Council has further funding available to help eligible households make their homes warmer, more energy ef ficient and therefore cheaper to run.

The Council has been allocated £2.89M of funding to support the Government’s Sustainable Warmth scheme.

Households may be eligible for a grant if their annual gross household income is less than £30,000, and if the property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.

Some of the improvements available under the scheme include:

Improved insulation, to stop buildings from losing heat quickly meaning it takes less energy to keep a house warm

Solar panels, allowing residents to generate electricity using energy from the sun, lowering energy bills

Updated heating, replacing gas or oil-fired boilers with a heat pump system which could create a warmer home while using less energy Homeowners can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 if their property is connected to the gas grid, and a maximum of £20,000 if their property is not connected to the gas grid. Upgrades to homes which are occupied by the owner will be fully funded under the scheme.

Landlords can apply if their tenants are eligible for the scheme but will have to contribute a third of the cost of the upgrades.

Cllr Richard Wenham, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to offer this funding to homeowners, especially at a time when many people will be concerned about the rising cost of living.

“The upgrades available could help make homes more energy efficient therefore helping to reduce energy bills, as well as reducing a property’s carbon emissions and supporting sustainability across Central Bedfordshire. I would urge any household who may be eligible to find out more and apply as soon as possible.”

Applications and improvements will be monitored through the scheme’s installation partner, City Energy. Residents can find out if they are eligible for a Sustainable Warmth Grant by visiting: www.bedfordshire-applications.co.uk or calling City Energy on 02921 680951.

The Council has set up a dedicated informa tion hub on its website for anyone concerned about the cost of living. This includes informa tion about funding for vulnerable residents to help with food, energy and water bills and other wider essentials and a network of warm spaces across Central Bedfordshire for people to use when the temperatures drop.

For more information, visit : www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living

www.the vine directory.co.uk

Snippets

By Paul Heley

Old Money And The Metric System

Our former monetary system used to be both the amusement and the bane of foreign visitors - it was so archaeic and based upon things medieval or even Roman and, as with the other units for length, weight, etc (in the two previous articles), not particularly easy to get to grips with. There was a duodecimal (ie 12) basis because 12 is a number which can be divided by 2,3,4 and 6 so lots of sub units were possible. Our money system (until decimalisation in 1971)and which many readers will remember fondly was :-

2 mites = 1 farthing (remember the “widow’s mite” in the Bible story - a pitifully small amount)

2 farthings = 1 halfpenny (usually called a ha’penny)

2 ha’pennies = 1 penny

12 pennies = 1 shilling

20 shillings = 1 pound (= 240 pence)

Symbols

£ - (or “li”) from “libra” meaning pound - originally a capital L

S - for shilling from the “sesterius” or the “solidos” Roman coins d - for pence from the Latin “denarius” ob - for halfpennies from “obulus” qua - for farthing from “quadran” meaning a fourth

part. Also farthing is a corruption from “fourthing”.

It is of interest to note that in medieval times, the penny was the basic coin - everything was so many pennies. Since the penny in those days was made of silver, it was quite soft and easily cuthence the Halfpenny and the Fourthing. As a boy in my father’s grocery shop, I can remember that the farthing was definitely viable tender and that a large loaf cost 11 pence three farthings (ie 113/4d) and that if someone gave you a shilling (12d) for a loaf, they expected their farthing change. “Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves” was a common saying.

Written forms

Let us take three pounds, nine shillings and six pence as an example. It could be written in many forms such as 3L9S6d or £3,9S,6d or even iiiLixSvid but the most common form was £3 - 9 - 6. And 9 shillings and six pence, by itself, would be either 9S,6d or, usually, as 9/6d

The coins

There was the Farthing, Halfpenny, Penny (no longer silver), the Threepenny “bit” (either copper or silver - the silver threepenny bit was often put into the pudding at Christmas and was a great

prize for children to find) - these were the so called “copper” coins ; and then there was the Sixpence (a “tanner”), the Shilling (a “bob”), the Florin (2 shillings), the Half Crown (2/6d) because there had earlier been the Crown (of value 5/=). These latter coins were called “silver” but there was also a gold coin called a Guinea (of value £1 - 1S or 21/=, which is still found as tender in horse racing and other stock market auctions). Then there were the paper “notes” the first being for 10/- followed by the £1 and finally (so far as “ordinary” people were concerned) the £5 note (known affectionately as a “white fiver” and which was very rare in our limited world).

Decimalisation took place in 1971 and was a terrible shock to many people at the time. It’s true to say that it took a lot of older people a very long time to get used to the new way of judging the value or the cost of something (some folk never managed it at all).

The previous system (above) was scrapped in favour of a decimalised system and, as a conse quence, the values relative to a name (which might still be kept) changed considerably. It was decided to keep the pound (it was debated whether to call it the “Royal”) but that it should now consist of 100 “new pence” which meant that 1p (note p not d) equalled the previous 2.4 d. The former sixpence stayed for a little while and was worth 2.5p but the 1p is virtually extinct now. Also the old shilling became the new 5p ; the old florin became the new 10p ; a new 20p coin was the equivalent of the former 4/- ; the old 10/- note became the new 50p coin and the old £1 note became the new “pound coin”. The £5 note now became the lowest denomination paper money and £10, £20 and £50 notes were introduced as monetary values lessened as wages soared. There’s no wonder that many older folk (who don’t like change at the best of times) were very unhappy - and found life extremely confusing. It was also noticeable that many businesses took advantage of the repricing of commodities after decimalisation such that the cost of everything went up (never down) in real terms. I know I shall be accused of “living in the past” but I can recall when the stamp for a letter was tuppence ha’penny in old money (ie 21/2d, ie 1p). Now a standard second class letter

costs 68p - a 6700% increase. Have wages risen by 6700%, I wonder? (and what about the shilling loaf of bread - now a couple of quid?). It’s called progress, I suppose.

The metric system

The beauty of the metric system is its simplicity (providing you learn the language). Everything is based on the number 10 so we get 10 somethings equals something else, and then 10 of these something elses equals yet another something.

For each system, there is a basic unit such as for length it’s the Metre, for weight it’s the Gram and for liquid measure it’s the Litre. Then there are sub- and super- divisions of these basics which are consistent and take the range : One thousandth part is milli ; one hundredth part is centi ; one tenth part is deci ; 10 times more is Deka ; 100 times more is Hecto ; and 1000 times more is Kilo. NB the sub units have lower case let ters, the super units have upper case. So for length, we have 1000 millimetres (mms) = 1 metre, or 100 centimetres (cms) = 1 metre, or 10 decimetres (dms) = 1 metre. It follows that 10 mms = 1 cm, that 10 cms = 1 dm, and that there are a million mms in 1 Km.

For larger than 1 metre lengths, we have 10 me tres (ms) = 1 Dekametre (Dm) ; and 10 Dms = 1 Hectometre (Hm) and 10 Hms = 1 Kilometre (Km). The prefices milli, centi, deci, Deka, Hecto, Kilo can be used with any basic unit eg we understand that 5cL of liquid means 5 hundredths of a litre; that 5 Kg of something means that it weighs 5000 grams of that substance.

Outside the range milli to Kilo, units tend to move in groups of 1000 times and we meet Mega (a million or 106 times) ; Giga (the American billion or 109 times) ; Tera (the British billion, ie a million million or 1012 times) ; Peta ( 1015 times).

Lesser measures move in groups of one thou sandth part and below milli there is micro, then nano, pico and femto.

Admittedly, with the Metric System you’ve got to learn some new prefixes and suffices but - surely, you must confess - the overall sysytem is simpler than trying to remember how many oxen are needed to plough a field 14 chains in length and occupying 7 virgates of area!

Industry Expert

industrial-inspired interiors are a fantastic way to modernise a space in a unique and impressive way.

Old factories and warehouses are rarely associated with style and glamour, but as the industrial-style trend proves, décor inspired by these buildings can be both timeless and effortlessly modern. The combination of exposed brickwork, oversized metal light fittings and elements of natural wood, create the kind of space that is expansive, but also warm and welcoming.

This is often thanks to the open plan design, a look that comes from the presence of trendy lofts and characterful workshops in industrial spaces that have been converted to homes.

However, you don’t have to live in an old shoe factory to achieve this look, as adding just a few elements can really transform a space, large or small.

A five-step guide to pulling off the industrial look

1. Colour palette

Consider your colour palette, carefully. You’ll probably want to go with something neutral, but not white.

The best look will take in something earthya natural colour scheme that features plenty of browns, tans and greys.

2. Brick brilliance

If you’re lucky enough to have exposed brickwork, make this the centrepiece. While brick interiors will give off an air of crumbling majesty, you can seal in the wall, so you aren’t always sweeping up debris.

What people admire most about brickwork is the colour and the pattern, but don’t be afraid to use an exposed brick wall as a base for pictures, mirrors and art.

3. Furniture without finesse

When selecting furniture, go for raw materials - the more rugged the better. A large dining

table, for example, made from reclaimed wood; armchairs upholstered in buttery tanned leather; stainless steel cabinets and antique hanging lighting features with Edison bulbs that bathe the space in a warm, golden glow.

So while you don’t need to actually live in an old factory to obtain this look, were you to chance upon some chairs or light fittings recently expelled from one, they would be a valuable contribution to your aesthetic.

4. Veer towards vintage

The scattering of vintage items will always bring a unique aesthetic to an industrial space, and you don’t necessarily have to splash the cash to achieve the look.

Sometimes, if looking to create a room that feels truly unique, items can be procured from dusty lofts, modest antique shops or even online.

The best thing is these pieces don’t need to be preened or polished - the industrial style, by its very name, requires pieces to have history and a certain amount of wear and tear.

5. Flawless floors

Finally, the floor. The immediate thought for an industrial-look underfoot is to go with sheer concrete or wooden floorboards, but in recent years there has been more of an ‘anything goes’ approach taken, to the point where a woven carpet is acceptable.

In addition, the placement of a fluffy rug can really set off a space and helps when dividing a larger living area into specific zones.

Home is where the hearth is

Tips on winter-proofing your home as the January chill sets in.

As if the winter didn’t bring about all its usual frosty challenges, the energy crisis threatens to make the demands of this year even greater than usual.

While they may not provide a full solution, there are a range of alternative ideas that can help you provide or retain heat in your home.

1. Draught excluders

A blast from the past, certainly, but draught excluders are set to be a hot trend in home décor this winter. Cheap, stylish and incredibly efficient when it comes to keeping cold air out and warm air in, they are a useful addition to every home.

Children especially appreciate them when disguised as an adorable snake or sausage dog.

2. Heated drying racks

While regular clothes horses can take an age to dry your clothes and tumble driers eat up energy, heated racks provide that happy medium. Neat, compact and effective, they run from as little as 3p per hour and can generally fit a full load of washing on them.

They also have the added benefit of providing a little extra warmth, making them ideal for rooms that are on the chilly side.

3. Electric blankets

They may be associated with the elderly, but there’s nothing quite as luxurious as having a heat source in your bed; and with sales soaring this winter, it’s clear electric blankets are back in fashion.

Obvious benefits include being able to turn your thermostat down at night which will save a significant amount on your energy bill, as well as keeping you cosy on the sofa when having an evening in front of the telly.

4.

Thermal curtains

Windows are one of the main places heat escapes from in your home, and by investing in some thick thermal curtains, you can at least limit money flying out of them. Just be sure to draw them as soon as the night rolls in.

5. Chimney balloon

Those fortunate enough to have a functioning hearth this winter will certainly benefit from the low-cost heat it produces. However, anyone with a chimney that doesn’t function as a fireplace can invest in an inflatable chimney balloon for preserving warmth in your home. Failing that, a couple of old pillows will have a similar effect.

6. Reflect your radiators

Fit reflector panels behind your radiators to maximise heat efficiency. These ensure heat is bounced back into the room and not allowed to escape through an exterior wall.

For a homemade option, simply attach some cardboard lined with foil behind your heater.

Greenfingers…

The Alan Titchmarsh Column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. is month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses how our gardens can become carbon sinks.

We know how e ective plants are at drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere. at means that while our gardens are wonderful spaces for our sensual pleasure, they brilliantly counteract global warming and our fight against climate change. In other words, they become ‘carbon sinks’.

I was recently asked how our green spaces might change if the planet continues to hot up. Certainly, I am not a climate change denier, but I think for our own peace of mind we need to keep things realistic, and it’s not as if within 50 years we’re going to be growing bananas in Northumberland or anything like that!

What we can of course do in the short-term is style and shape garden space to ensure we help the planet as much as we can.

A er all, the most basic way to prevent greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere (and warming up the climate) is by growing plants. And as gardeners, that’s what we do!

e best way to achieve this is by growing native plants. Non-native varieties can really take hold of a space, requiring harmful chemicals to control them, and leading to them being pulled up, exposing soil and releasing carbon.

We can also compost – it’s a great way of stopping carbon ge ing out in the first place. e same applies to mulching, too. When you consider that over 80% of the carbon in your garden is released from the soil, by adding a layer of wood bark chippings, for instance, you are holding the carbon in the soil.

It’s for this same reason that turning over soil is actually bad for your garden. Not only does it interrupt nature’s ability to let your earth ma er se le into an

organised pa ern that benefits both plants and the creatures living in the soil, but turning over, or tilling, releases more carbon.

Beyond this, we can be more environmentally friendly by using organic fertilisers; and never be afraid to let your outdoor space ‘go wild’. Rustic gardens are the ultimate low-carbon spaces, and that makes sense, because wild areas such as forests, wetlands and mangroves are the very best at protecting against the risks posed by climate change.

As ever, our gardens hold within them the power not just to transform our own lives, but the welfare of the planet too, and that is why we love them so much.

The Festive Garden

Having a creative Christmas at home is about more than just a tree and a few bits of tinsel.

When surrounded by the aromas of food, or the warmth of family and friends, there is something incredibly satisfying when it comes to looking out onto a festive garden.

Here are a few suggestions to make your outside space joyful and merry this Christmas.

Light it up Lights are the number one addition to any Christmas scene, and with darkness descending ever earlier, their e ect is longerlasting.

As ever, subtlety is key – placed in jars, through vines or in woven baskets, lights inside will illuminate through the tiny gaps to spray decorative shapes and lines across your outside space. Also consider experimenting with green and red bulbs to create a new ambiance.

Other clever changes to existing lighting can also be made. Change these to a lower wattage to enable Christmas lights to stand out more, and even experiment with green and red bulbs to create a new ambiance to your outside space.

Light projectors are a great way of creating additional lighting and brilliant e ects, as well. There are a wide variety of creative designs that

echo the festive season, and these can be beamed onto walls or into dark garden recesses in order to bring a unique two-dimensional e ect to spaces.

Alternatively, use of candles can produce natural light that feels warm and traditional, especially when they are grouped together.

It’s also possible to buy in or even make Christmas orbs, and these can look absolutely enchanting when dotted around the garden or placed on the front steps of your house. They are particularly stunning when laid on freshly fallen snow (if we’re lucky enough to see some!).

look

If you do have shrubbery, trees, bushes or hedges, try dressing them up sparingly with lights and shapes. Pulled across in a consistent line guides the eye and looks great, although given the current situation with energy prices, it’s a good idea to make sure lights are set on a timer. Not only will you get maximum value out of the hours your garden is lit up, it will also ensure neighbours aren’t perplexed at your 3am lightshow!

Finally, if you have a wreath on your front door, use lights to increase its appearance, as well as adding to walkways and paths. Remember to do this subtly, however – while the temptation is to ‘go large’ with outside lighting, less is usually more.

Star quality

Using Christmas shapes hung around the garden will really move the indoors outdoors. Consider Moravian stars in Christmas trees, plus bows, reindeer silhouettes, candy sticks, snowflakes and gingerbread men.

And of course, a selection of bright red Christmas baubles will make any tree, bush or shrub feel festive.

Just be sure that nothing you are hanging outside can endanger wildlife or curious critters.

Window to wonderland

Finally, an easy cheat when looking to create a winter wonderland garden is to use Christmas elements in a window box. Done smartly, when looking out into your garden, your vision will catch these planted additions and shape the festive view.

In the same way, using fake snow around the edge of windows works as a brilliant border e ect to the world outside.

Money on my mind... the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at the emotions we all attach to money, and how easy it is to let our worries guide us.

Someone asked me the other day what it was that terrified me most in life, and my first thought was to pull out a large sheet of paper and get scribbling any number of possible options. I wouldn’t describe myself necessarily as one of life’s worriers, but by the same token I do like to take a cautious and protective approach to my family, my finances and myself. And for the most part I think that’s pretty much the same for all of us.

To return back to the question, I think what has worried me most in the past is mental

health – to keep hold of that strand of sanity we seek to protect at all times; the ability to be able to function in a society that invites pressure in from all sides.

I have had some battles with mental health in the past, and have spoken about these at length – so I won’t bore you with them again now – but when your mental health is good then all the other challenges and trials in your life seem approachable, and offer the suggestion that you can win the battles that confront you.

Unfortunately, the link between mental health and money is arguably the most tacit of them all – both affect and impact each other. Their cyclical nature means that when we are worried about bills it affects our own ability to focus and work, and that then further impacts wellbeing.

The opposite is true in reverse – good mental health means a positive, optimistic, creative frame of mind that can, in the right circumstances lead us to work more efficiently, achieve more and earn more.

Yet the assumption that people with money are stress-free, and those on the breadline are shredded with worry, is also wrong.

When I sold my website, MoneySavingExpert, it’s fair to say I had enough in reserve not to worry about bills; yet as an advocate for fairness, for affordability and as someone who wants to protect consumers and the vulnerable, I’ve never once stepped away from the coalface, nor would I want to.

continue to sit on the precipice of a real emergency, and I am one of millions who fears for the welfare of the average person in the street who has

invested so much into this country. This isn’t about the rich, the poor, the middle-class – it’s just about people.

Do I believe we will emerge out of this crisis? Of course. Yet lessons have to be learned so that we don’t end up here again… for the sake of our communities, our families, and our own mental health.

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL 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? '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 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'

01525 874100

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 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'

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 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!

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?

'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 equity release, so no broker fees added to your

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE? info@toddingtonifa.co.uk www.toddingtonifa.co.uk

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

'Equity released from your home will be secured against

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

'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 Talk to us for a free initial consultation

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

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?

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

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

Contact Your Local Office In Toddington

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

Contact: Philip Hadlow Tel/Fax: 01525 874100 Mobile 07768 277 532 info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

Contact: Philip Hadlow Tel/Fax: 01525 874100 Mobile 07768 277 532 info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

1

Free Will with Investments & Pensions placed through us of over £50,000 and within 6 months of investment 1

Contact: Philip Hadlow Tel/Fax: 01525 874100 Mobile 07768 277 532 info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

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

1 St John’s Barns, Griffin Farm Conger Lane Toddington Bedfordshire LU5 6BT Tel: 01525 874100 Email: info@toddingtoni fa.co.uk Website: www.toddingtoni fa.co.uk Toddington

By Dr Lorna Moore

Mix three pastel colours in acrylic (lemon, pink, light blue) using white paint to make it light. Have a clean sheet of A4 paper ready and an A5 clear plastic bag. On one side of your plastic bag paint shapes ad patterns on it using your mixed colours. You will have to be quick as acrylics dry fast. Add water to your brush if paints are drying. While it’s wet press the image on top of your clean A4 paper. Use your hands or a roller to create a transfer onto your paper. Then gently peel off your plastic. If you have bubble wrap paint on top of it and press it down onto your paper to create another transfer. Once its dry you can paint on top of your textured background or you can paint an outline in black of your picture and transfer it to your paper.

In 2023 we are offering 4 one day workshops for anyone on Saturdays 28 /01/23, 25/02/23, 25/03/23, 29/04/23

Contact: drmooresartcourse@gmail.com Facebook: Dr Lorna Moore’s Crea tive Art Course Call: 078 9661 9660

Winter Escapes

Looking for a different place to escape to this New Year? Why not explore these unique winter getaways?

REYKJAVIK

Despite the fact we can all picture Reykjavik – its architecture, its traditions, its people – visitor numbers are surprisingly low, with 1.3 million people venturing to the Iceland capital in 2021 – that’s 20 times lower than London or Paris.

Most would have taken in the beach at Vesturbær that offers spectacular sunsets, as well as views of the mountains; some may have timed their trip to catch the New Year fireworks from a three-tier ship; while others of a mind for fine dining would have taken in the city’s range of impeccable restaurants.

In addition, Perlan (The Pearl) hosts a huge gala dinner at which you will be invited to dress to impress.

What’s more, party animals can be safe in the knowledge that Icelanders know how to celebrate, and bars in the centre are all located close to each other.

VIENNA

The Viennese love New Year and their celebrations are unrivalled, so timing a visit to coincide with the start of 2023 could be just the ticket.

Once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the Pummerin bell of St Stephen’s Cathedral chimes.

Shortly afterwards, the city’s favourite song commences, and as Blue Danube echoes through the streets, thousands in attendance start to waltz along walkways and pavement.

Resplendence and celebration echoes in a swarm of fireworks, as Vienna immerses itself in romance, in a way that few other cities can.

And if you’ve still got enough energy the following day, the city’s State Opera House hosts its annual New Year’s concert.

Otherwise, relax with a piece of famous Sacher cake in one of Vienna’s many striking coffeehouses.

LUXEMBOURG CITY

Luxembourg City offers the ability to slink away into quiet alleyways where, amongst cool bars and cosy restaurants, you can revel in the architecture and style of a city whose fortified medieval old town tells a thousand stories.

The city is surrounded by breath-taking scenery, from farms to woodland to valleys to slopes. It means you can sample the buzz of city nightlife before switching to the rural calm of the countryside.

Perhaps combine the two by setting off on a journey of mindfulness in taking in Chemin de la Corniche. This is an illuminated walkway on the side of the Bock fortress, offering incredible views over the Alzette Valley, plus the Grund district, so renowned for its cultural and architectural heritage.

In addition, there is a Winter Lights Festival between November and the first week of January, with ice skating available at the Place Guillaume II town square.

See Mars at Opposition:

On Thursday 8 December, under the glare of a full moon, Mars reaches its closest point to Earth for two years. At nightfall look to your east (south later at night), for a bright orangered ‘star’.It’s an easy catch with the naked eye, rivalling the brightness of Jupiter, but with a distinct colour worthy of its red planet moniker. With binoculars Mars blossoms into a tiny disc of steady orange light, looking quite different to the twinkling background stars. A small telescope reveals more – you might even glimpse some dusky markings on the planet’s disc, these being geological features on the Martian surface!

Go on a Shooting Star Watch this Winter: Three meteor showers are set to bring a glut of shooting stars across the Chilterns this winter. Step outside on the night of 13 – 14 December and look south and east to witness the peak of the Geminids shower. A week later, on 21 – 22 December, look high overhead for the Ursids, a shower that could yield 20+ shooting stars an hour. The night of January 3 – 4 offers another opportunity to see some bright shooting stars overhead.

Spy the ISS above Bedfordshire on Christmas Morning: The International Space Station glides silent and bright across the sky on the morning of 25 December. Barring any last-minute orbital changes you can watch it rise in the west at 6:40am then see if high overhead by 6:42am and in the east by 6:44am.

By Seb Jay - Image: NASA/ESA

Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

Active investments

Keep your skin glowing and hydrated this winter with these active skincare ingredients that do all the hard work for you.

As far as complexion goes, winter can be a hard and unforgiving season. The fluctuations between indoor and outdoor temperatures ask more of our skin than any other time of the year, so start planning now how to counter the chills and chaffs.

Vitamin C

We all know how powerful vitamin C can be in banishing a nasty cold, but what is l esser known is the miraculous results it can have when applied topically.

A supremely powerful antioxidant, it counteracts the effects of pollution whilst also improving overall skin tone by lessening dark spots and plumping collagen to reduce wrinkles and other associated sun damage.

Suitable for all skin types, vit C is like sunshine in a bottle and

can be applied in various ways depending on your needs. A vitamin C sheet mask is a great way to brighten dull skin after a big night out or in a light moisturiser (alongside SPF) for those under the age of 30. After which, you’ll want to start considering daily application of something a little stronger like a serum or rich moisturiser which really delivers all that complexion-boosting goodness directly where it’s needed, every morning.

Calming, revitalising, and illuminating, vitamin C is a must to beat the January blues.

Acids

They might not sound like the most alluring addition to your skincare routine, but acids make the micro-bead and apricot seed exfoliators of yore look amateurish. Though not to be used with entirely reckless abandon, acids safely stimulate cell-renewal and work wonders on several issues: scarring, blemishes, pigmentation, dullness, collagen-boosting and even hydration.

for dry and lacklustre complexions, skin is instantly brightened and improved. This process can create a slight tingle, which is why such solutions and serums should be used no more than twice a week and sparingly at first, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) work in a similar way but penetrate more deeply to clear away embedded dirt, meaning they are ideal for acne-sufferers and more oily skin types. Other acids include malic and citric acid which both help to reduce sunspots and pigmentation; mandelic acid which is antibacterial and azelaic acid which is anti-inflammatory and great for reducing rosacea.

Retinol

Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, work by dissolving dead skin cells and encouraging the dermis to speed up cell rejuvenation. Particularly suitable

to

Last but not least, we have retinol, a formidable powerhouse which has potent skin-reparative and agedefying benefits. A vitamin A derivative, retinol re-energises sluggish fibroblasts and boosts the collagen, hyaluronic acid

and elastin that keep skin smooth and supple making it a worthy foe for wrinkles, acne, sun-damaged and pockmarked skin. In other words, it boasts nearmagical properties.

Such formidable power, however, also has its weaknesses. Many retinol formulas are specifically designed to be used overnight and the primary reason for this is because they increase sun sensitivity. Retinoids also have a reputation for causing unsightly redness and peeling – Sex and the City fans may recall Samantha’s chemical peel which left her literally red-faced at an A-list event – however modern formulas in milder strengths have largely eliminated this problem.

Unless you suffer from any of the previously stated conditions (acne scarring, sun-damage

etc.), you probably won’t need to include retinol into your skin regime until your late twenties/early thirties, and even then it’s worth applying a weaker solution every other night to build up tolerance.

When it comes to skincare, prevention is better than cure, and when your 50-something façade is getting all the compliments, you’ll be glad you invested.

doubt the most competent, gentle & lovely dentist in the Northern hemisphere! I won't see anyone else. Thank you from a nervous patient."

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I’m dreaming of a light Christmas

How to get through the festive period without piling on the pounds.

Nobody wants to be a bore at Christmas. For so many of us, it’s time of the year reserved for throwing caution, exercise routines and diet plans to the wind, where we can reflect, relax and treat ourselves.

And yet there is a downside… of course! What follows in New Year is a bevy of mind-bending marketing telling us to get into shape and change habits for the better.

The good news is, rather seeing Christmas as an expression of hitting rock bottom in our health wealth, we can actually use it as a springboard for improvement in 2023.

So here are five ways you can have a first-class festive season where health and fitness are at the forefront of your thinking… not tucked down the side of the sofa with the Cadbury’s Roses wrappers!

1. Drink plenty of water Make sure that you keep hydrated throughout the festive period… with water!

Okay, so it’s no crime to treat yourself to the odd tipple or three, but taking on other regular fluids, and water in particular, will balance your body out, helping your liver at a time when it takes most punishment, whilst aiding digestion too.

And on that note, it’s worth remembering that drinking water can stop your hunger from getting the better of you. Research shows drinking a glass of water prior to eating will reduce appetite by a third.

2. Lessen your cheese overload

It’s a fair assumption – rather than investing in large portions of chocolate cake or the decorative delights of selection box sweets, switch instead to a dairy option, and the light delights of the cheese and cracker combination.

Unfortunately, while cheese obviously has less sugar, it also contains more calories.

The solution, and one that will also ensure you feel sated in your fromage frivolity, is to have a smaller quantity of a strong cheese (Roquefort or Stilton, for instance) – the strength has actually been proven to act as a tastebud

deterrent after the first few mouthfuls.

And if you just can’t resist chocolate, ensure it’s dark chocolate, which is proven to lessen the chance of heart disease due to the presence of antioxidants.

3. Go nuts and not crackers Look at avoiding crisps and baked snacks as much as you

possibly can and, instead, try satsumas and nuts. Both contain high quantities of vitamin C and healthy oils, and are much lower in fat.

Replace crackers with oatcakestheir slow-release sugars mean you feel fuller for much longer. Oatcakes also have soluble fibre that’s friendly on the heart, assisting in cholesterol-shifting from the bloodstream.

4. Veg out

Of course most of us prefer the protein and carbohydrate elements when it comes to big meals over the Christmas period – potato-based elements and meat can, for some of us, feel even more resistible than usual, particularly on

a cold, dark day; yet the better your vegetable ratios, the healthier the meal.

In fairness, as far as Christmas Day lunch goes, it’s often the sheer mass of food that actually makes it unhealthy, although steering clear of things such as crispy turkey skin and chipolatas will undoubtedly help.

5. Fish risk

Smoked salmon is always a festive favourite, in various forms, but try to avoid butter; and instead of hollandaise sauce, make it with freshly squeezed lemon and black pepper.

Similarly, for prawn cocktail, use Greek yoghurt instead of the typical high-fat mayonnaise option.

Nigella Lawson’s Yule Log

Introduction

No one does Christmas like Nigella, which is why this glorious yule log is the ideal centrepiece for your festive lunch.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas mark 4/350ºF. In a large, clean bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and peaking, then, still whisking, sprinkle in 50g / ¼ cup of the caster sugar and continue whisking until the whites are holding their peaks but not dry. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining caster sugar until the mixture is moussy, pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract, sieve the cocoa powder over, then fold both in. Finally, gently fold in the egg whites.

2. Line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment, leaving a generous overhang at the ends and sides, and folding the parchment into the corners to help the paper stay anchored. Pour in the cake mixture and

Ingredients

(serves 12)

For the cake

• 6 large eggs (separated)

• 150 grams caster sugar

• 50 grams cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Cranberries (to decorate)

For the icing

• 175 grams dark chocolate (chopped)

• 250 grams icing sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Let the cake cool a little before turning it out onto another piece of baking parchment. If you dust this piece of parchment with a little icing sugar it may help with preventing sticking, but don’t worry too much as any tears or dents will be covered by icing later. Cover loosely with a clean tea towel.

3. To make the icing, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of simmering water, then let it cool. Put the icing sugar into a processor and blitz to remove lumps, add the butter and process until smooth. Add the cooled, melted chocolate and the tablespoon of vanilla extract and pulse again to make a smooth icing.

• 225 grams soft butter

4. Sit the flat chocolate cake on a large piece of baking parchment. Trim the edges of the Swiss roll. Spread some of the icing thinly over the sponge, going right out to the edges. Start rolling from the long side facing you, taking care to get a tight roll from the beginning, and roll up to the other side. Pressing against the parchment, rather than the tender cake, makes this easier.

5. Spread the yule log with the remaining icing, covering the cut-off ends. Create a wood-like texture by marking along the length of the log with a skewer or sharp knife and finish with a handful of cranberries.

Top Tip

Don’t expect perfection. Remember that trees are naturally wonky and flawed. Be sure not to over stir the cake mix; you want it light and airy.

Have Yourself a Very Eco-Christmas

It may be the ultimate consumer holiday, but Christmas doesn’t have to cost the earth – in either sense of the phrase.

The festive season is expensive and wasteful, and most of us will reference calming things down in the following year.

Yet that may not be totally necessary – not least if all the joy of Christmas can be experienced in a way that is good for the soul, the wallet, and the environment.

Here are five ways to go about achieving that:

1.

Re-deck the halls

One of the best things about Christmas decorations is that they are reusable, though there are still ways to make them even more sustainable.

Choose wooden over plastic ones, purchase them from local craft fairs rather than supermarkets, and invest in baubles and ornaments that are of a decent quality so they can be reused for years afterwards. In time you will have a sizeable collection of

unique trinkets that tell your family’s own Christmas tale.

2. Tree-t yourself

If you’re planning on buying a new one for this Christmas perhaps consider either a pre-loved fake one, or a potted real tree that’s designed to last beyond the festive season. Even better, you can now rent trees that can be replanted in January, helping cut back on the seven million that are dumped each year.

3. Invent an advent

What if you provided your loved ones with advent calendars that were not only personalised, but also more environmentally friendly?

Online marketplace Etsy sells wooden calendars that are personalised and can be refilled every year. Or you can make your own out of old fabric, leftover cardboard boxes or even just envelopes with craft activities in.

4. Wrap resourcefully

In a world that is becoming wiser and more sustainable, it is easier than ever to buy

wrapping paper that is either recycled, or easier to recycle –which means no glossy finish or glitter, I’m afraid.

Another option is using old newspapers, magazines or comics; or investing in cotton wrapping cloths, which are fast becoming a trend and will look stunning under the tree.

5. Feast mindfully

It’s easy to go overboard when it comes to Christmas dinner, but why not save yourself the hassle and stick to the basics.

Firstly, only make enough food for the number of people you have coming (though Christmas leftovers can be sublime!). Secondly, buy produce as locally as possible to save on food air miles. And finally, avoid purchasing products that feel festive but are actually not very popular… cheese footballs, I’m looking at you.

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Stocking Fillers and Murder Mystery Thrillers

This month, four cracking reads for the busiest book-buying time of the year.

Pinch of Nom by Kate and Kay Allinson

The healthy eating phenomenon that is Pinch of Nom returns with another hundred scrumptious recipes – from fakeaways to desserts – that are both tantalising to the taste buds and good for the waistline.

Enjoy more of the food you love. Never feel like you’re missing out, from all-day breakfasts to scrumptious desserts, with crowd-pleasing foody fests so satisfying and delicious you’d never guess they are also slimming-friendly. Published by Pan Macmillan on December 8th

Grannysaurus by David Walliams

Bursting with David Walliams’ anarchic sense of fun and blessed with Adam Stower’s vibrant illustrations, Grannysaurus is a roarsome picture book about unpredictable grannies, dinosaur discos and staying up late.

A boisterously funny new festive release from the duo, this is perfect for young dinosaur fans! Published by Harper Collins on December 8th

shop. It turned out to be a recruitment centre for the Royal Marines and, after a few minutes’ conversation while waiting for the rain to stop, Scotty was hooked and signed up to join the elite force. It changed his life and set him on a new direction that would end up with him leading the Marines on operations around the world, becoming an Olympic flag bearer in 2012 and dining at Buckingham Palace with the Queen and the royal family.

Scotty shares his lessons of performance and resilience with the reader, inviting them into the secrets of elite culture. His compelling story is one that combines tragedy with remarkable insight about the power of human inspiration. Published by Simon & Schuster on December 8th

Wild Women: A Collection of First-Hand Accounts from Female Explorers by Mariella Frostrup

A collection of the greatest women’s travel writing selected by journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup.

From Constantinople to Crimea; from Antarctica to the Andesthroughout history, adventurous women have made epic, record-breaking journeys under perilous circumstances.

In curating this collection of first-hand accounts, broadcaster, writer and traveller Mariella Frostrup puts female explorers back on the map. Her selection includes explorers from the 1700s to the present day, from iconic heroines to lesser-known eccentrics, celebrating 300 years of wild women and their amazing adventures over land, sea and air. Published by Head of Zeus on December 8th

Never

Give

In:

The 12 Commando Rules for Life by Scotty Mills

A sudden downpour while Scotty Mills was walking down a street in South London sent him diving for cover into the nearest

What’s on CHILTERN GATEWAY

Christmas is coming to Dunstable Downs and you're invited to join us for festive fun and frolics for all ages.

The Nutcracker Breakout Trail

2nd - 23rd December 10am - 3pm £3 per trail

Have a go at our escape room inspired fes tive trail and see if you can find the find the stolen nuts taken by the evil squirrel! Follow the clues and solve the riddles and puzzles to claim your prize at the end.

Festive Friday Nights

2, 9, 16 & 23 December

5pm - 7pm £5 per person.

Pre-booking required. Children under 3 are free and do not require a ticket.

Late night entertainment and shopping Join us in the courtyard for an evening with music, late night shopping, The Nutcracker Breakout Trail and family craft activities. Tickets include a glass of mulled wine for adults.

Christmas Lunch 5 - 23 December, weekdays only 12pm - 2pm, from £14.95 for adults and £7.95 for children.

Pre-booking required.red.

On selected weekdays during December join us for Christmas lunch in one of our festive booths.

Festive Breakfast with the Elves

17th - 23rd December 9:30am - 11am £9.25 per adult and £5.95 per child. Pre-booking required. Join us for breakfast with the elves. Enjoy a cooked breakfast in one of our festive booths and get greeted and served by our elves. For tickets go to the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk

LOCAL COURSES TASTER SESSION:

The Dunstable Tuesday Group started life as the Dunstable branch of the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), a charity which has been in existence for more than a century, specialising in adult education. Although we are now independent of the WEA, we continue to employ WEA tutors to deliver our courses, and so the quality of courses we offer is still extremely high. As an example the courses we have run over the last year are:-

Scientists and Engineers through the Ages; Chiltern Country Houses; Family and Community History and how to research; A History/travelogue of five, lesser visited, countries.

The courses we have coming up are:Effects of Transport Changes on Families and the Community. Commencing 10th January for five weeks; Important Scientists from 1600 to the present.

Commencing 28th February for five weeks.

We are offering a FREE taster session on Tuesday 6th December, where several tutors will speak for twenty minutes/half an hour to give a flavour of the types of courses we offer. The session will last two hours and we will have a break for coffee/ tea and cake.

Date: Tuesday 6th December Time: 10.30 to 12.30 Venue: The Pioneer Hall, Dunstable Com munity Halls, Manchester Place, LU6 1HT

To register to attend please call or email Carole on:07917 083850 / smart.carole@talk21.com