The Vine Villages - February / March 2022

Local News / What’s On / Local Directory r uar y Fe b M

ar ch 2022

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& Drains Specialists 12 Local News

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34 Autos: Mercedes AMG Magnetic system filtersC220 & drain jetting.

36 Puzzles Radiator valves The Gunpowder Plot 38 central Snippets: Oil heating

46 A Pensioners View

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Greetings from Christ Church Dunstable!

Knock it for six!

As I write this, I have my eye on the score of this year’s ‘Ashes’ series. I won’t spoil the score for you for two reasons, (1) I don’t want to ruin it for you and (2) because some hurts need time to heal. If you’re not a cricket fan, let me explain the nature of this curiously tiny trophy that Brits and Aussies have been getting worked up about for going on 140 years.

The Ashes commemorate the date when the Australian cricket team won their first test match against England on British soil. The newspaper ‘The Sporting Times’ wrote a satirical obituary for English cricket stating, “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”.

The English captain, Ivo Bligh, vowed that he would ‘reclaim those ashes’. The rest is history and now, every other year, the English and the Australian cricket teams compete over a 10.5cm high trophy filled with dust.

One of the greatest cricketing figures of that period was a chap called Charles Thomas Studd.

C.T. Studd was present when the first Ashes were lost, although he never got to bat being the 10th man. But it was partly thanks to Studd that the Ashes came home again the following year. His name is now immortalised on the Ashestrophy which proudly sports a stanza of a poem written about the loss of those first Ashes.

C.T. Studd was a remarkable all-round cricketer but the reason I find him such an incredible character was

due to his love not only for the sport, but for the God that created him. Studd became a strong Christian yet had his ups and downs as the fame of being a sports celebrity went to his head. One day, he reflected and realised that life was fleeting and that without Jesus in his life it didn’t really mean anything.

He had everything the world could offer: money, fame, the adoration of the public, but it wasn’t enough. He concluded that only Jesus could bring purpose into his life.

To the shock of the sporting world in 1885, C.T. Studd decided to leave the limelight and serve the God who brought meaning into his life. Along with 6 others, he became one of the ‘Cambridge 7’ heading out to China to become missionaries bringing the good news of Jesus to those who didn’t know it.

One thing which stands out about this group is that they didn’t try to ‘anglicise’ the Chinese to make the Chinese more like the British Christians. No! They adopted the Chinese culture and showed that Jesus is relevant and accessible to people of all nations and cultures. This is as true today as it was 140 years ago, as it has been throughout history. Jesus loves you, and invites you into his family, receiving forgiveness for all past mistakes, and giving purpose and meaning to your life now, and a security for all eternity.

You can read more about C.T. Studd and many others in the book ‘Sketches of Faith’ by John D. Woodbridge.This book is available at Christian Books which you’ll find in the Wilko Car Park, Dunstable.

Warmly yours, Steve Neal,

Community Engagement Pastor, Christ Church Dunstable.

http://ccd.church • Telephone: 01582 661621 • Email: admin@christchurchdunstable.org.uk

What’s happening in the Way?

What’s on in

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!

Free English Classes

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

6 West Stre

Dunstable,

et

LU6 1SX

Monday: TODDLERS! - 9:30am - 11.00am (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 60s group)

Friday: TODDLERS! - 9:30am -11.00am KNIT AND NATTER - 10:00am - 12 noon

Saturday: Nano & Frontline - 7:30pm - 9:30pm (Youth groups for ages 11- 19)

Have a look on our Website for more details: www.thewaydunstable.org.uk

& N E hed

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local Community

Exciting News For Dunstable!

Anglia in Bloom have invited the town to represent the whole of the Anglia region in Britain in Bloom 2022.

One town only is chosen from each region in the UK. It was not possible to have the normal competition last year because of Covid.

However, this summer the judges will come to see the town and inspect all our projects and involvement from residents, schools, clubs and businesses and communities. This is a one off opportunity! Updates to follow.

PROMOTING DUNSTABLE Jean Yates also has an interesting report for Promoting Dunstable.

The High Street Action Zone project offered the town the opportunity to bid for a main and a pilot project under the Cultural Consortium. As part of the pilot project, we applied for a grant to support a new exhibition for Priory House called Augustinian Dunstable. The exhibition has been written and printed and by the time you are reading this, will be newly opened in Priory House. Do go and have a look!

The main bid is to compile a local book called ‘They Came to the Crossroads, the Makers of Dunstable’ and research has already started. We know the Romans were here but what about others who have made the town their home more recently. If you or your family came and settled in Dunstable we would love to hear your story which might well find its way into the book.

You can email me at culturalconsortium@gmail.com I am so pleased that John Buckledee, Chairman of the History Society, is producing a children’s book about Dunstable Tournaments and Melees.

He carried out a huge amount of research on tournaments for the Medieval Dunstable project and book in 2013 and this will showcase his work.

He has found a superb illustrator and it will be on sale later this year. Watch this space!’

10 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Autumn In Dunstable Photography Competition

Spring is h

ere

at last! A re March but mind brightened up by the Dunstable in B Summer’s n loom volunteers. ot far away – so get p With 2018 m

arking the 10 0th War 1 our th eme is Remem anniversary of the end brance & Peac lovely plants e. There are asso roses, Lilies an ciated with this including Forg d of co Spring is here at last! me Aetrem ur se poppies. Why these into yo not try and fi ur borders, ba skets and tubs March but brightened up by .

Dunstable in Dunstable Bloom, in pain Bloom voluntee rtnership with ble Die (DLD the Don’t Le D) Tr ust, willnot – sot be rufar and floraSummer’s nningaway l display com the best fro nt g petition again categories to th is year. There ch oo se fro ar m andthe ofe following:With 2018 marking you100th can enanniversary te or moT War 1 our theme is Remembrancer on & ePeace.

• Best Front lovely Garplants den associated with this including F • Best Florroses, Lilies al Cont ainerand of course poppies. Why not • Best Hanthese into your borders, baskets and tubs. ging Ba sket • Best Comm ercial Busines in Bloom, s in partnership with the • Best ComDunstable munDie ity G ble (DLDD) arden Trust, will be running the b • Best School andPrfloral oject display competition again this year To enter youcategories to choose from and you can enter ca n do so by em category to following: ailing your de sarah.wood tails and en ruGarden ff@ntlwor The closing • Best date isFront 5.00pm on Fr ld.com iday 6th July • Best Floral Container 2018 • Best Hanging Basket • Best Commercial Business

• Best Community Garden • Best School Project

Finally, to cheer us up in the gloomy winter weather here are the To lovely photos enterwinning you can do so by emailing your d categoryMore to sarah.woodruff@nt lworld.com in our Autumn Competition. are closing date is 5.00pm on Friday 6th displayed in The TravelThe Hub window, Middle Row - also on Dunstable in Bloom Facebook site.

This Spring keep a lookout in the town for more beautiful and interesting sights to photograph.

local Notices

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Sinceof starting the business Cloudy2Clear windows have number years.

Since starting windows have of years.

Since starting the business become the UK’s company somethe years ago Cloudy2Clear UK’sleading leading business some yearshave ago haveAll C2C employees become the UK’s leading company some years ago Cloudy2Clear for domestic glass replacement. remained true to their core values All C2C employees company for domestic glass Cloudy2Clear have remained true for domestic glass replacement. remained true to their core values Customers are no longer needing of supporting the local community operate a strict social replacement.

Customers are to their core values of supporting Customers no longer needing of supporting thethat local community operate a strict social to risk theirare windows by using the by providing a service saves the no longer needing to risk theirthepublic themoney. local community providing to risk their windows by using by providing a servicebythat saves theadistancing policy. dreaded double glazing cowboy distancing policy. down thedouble road, instead, now windows by using the dreaded servicemoney. that saves the public money. dreaded glazing cowboy public they can join over 320,000down happythe The Cloudy2Clear service only down the road, instead, now double glazing cowboy glass to be replaced customers andover have their Thethe Cloudy2Clear service only they can join happy road, instead, now320,000 theyglass can join requires only and not the whole window once the replaced in an affordable and requires the glass to be customers and have their glass over 320,000 happy customers be replaced replaced unit has failed. Stephen commented ethical manner. Remember, a and not thewere whole once replaced in an affordable and in “Cloudy2Clear and have their glassnoreplaced once the the ablewindow to assist our failed glass unit may longer unit hasthrough failed.the Stephen commented ethical manner.

Remember, a community an affordable and ethical manner. commented last financial provide you with the protection were ablethat to failed glass mayglass no longer crisis“Cloudy2Clear in 2008 due to the savings you need orunit be energy efficient.

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Why notyou spend a few minutes community through the last provide with the protection no longer provide you with the can be last financial financial Unfortunately we might checking see you crisis due to the you need your oryou behome energy efficient. protection needtoor beif energy crisis in in 2008 2008 duebe togoing the savings savings that that through something similar again soon have not any spend failed double glazing? can be in our service.

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Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen 61will 21 avoid any future costly problems.0800will we be or there to help again”.

Moon it became clear that these values www.cloudy2clear.com

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

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Revitalising Dunstable

A New Year And A New Look High Street The Dunstable High Street improvements continue to progress and should be complete in the spring.

There has been plenty of activity going on with new paving to footways, planters, rain gardens, seating, drainage works, resurfacing and pedestrian improvements. These will reduce the likelihood of f looding, prevent inconsiderate parking and enhance the environment for pedestrians.

There is more of this planned together with better street lighting, enhancements to traffic signals, new crossing points, clearer signage and information totems. This includes works to upgrade Dog Kennel Walk and add lighting to the Busway.

It will help the High Street become pedestrian friendly and more attractive with planting and landscaping. A reduced 20mph speed limit is also planned.

During the works, community projects have received a helping hand. One such project was the garden makeover at The Square Methodist Church.

Central Bedfordshire Council became aware of the church project and decided it could help.

Using machinery from its scheme, the old gardens were cleared and there was support with the supply of materials and technical advice from the council’s work sponsor Henderson

and Taylor. This helped the budget go further.

The church scheme has been designed and managed by Dunstable Town Council in partnership with The Square Methodist Church.

Additional funding has come from four ward councillors using their funding from the Central Bedfordshire Council’s Ward Councillor Grant Scheme, Dunstable Joint Committee, Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme and church match funding.

It’s been a true partnership effort.

Nina Johnson, Minister at The Square Methodist Church, said:

“The members of the church are absolutely delighted by the new garden. And we are grateful to the town council who met with the whole church and kept us informed and involved with the project, and for our partners who have made this possible with their generosity of time and effort as well as finance. The project has completely transformed that side of the church and the public space. It’s fantastic!”

local News

Residents Cleaning Up Our Town

Dunstable Wombles are here to help clean up Dunstable!

“ It’s not our rubbish but it is our town! ” Started in April 2021 to bring together volunteers wanting to make a difference in the Dunstable area, we were able to launch the group with help from friends at The Rotary Club of Dunstable, Aylesbury Wombles and support from Central Beds Council.

Starting with just one person, we have now grown to over 500 strong Facebook group!

So far, more than 30 volunteers have joined us in person at our community events. That adds up to over 100 hours volunteered, and we’ve collected 109 bags of litter and recycling.

It’s a great way to get outside in nature, get involved in your local community and meet like-minded people.

Dunstable Wombles has held 4 community events this year at Green Lanes, Dunstable Downs and Blow’s Downs. We also have solo Wombles going out in their local areas to make a difference.

More community events will be taking place in the new year. We welcome new Wombles! Everyone is welcome to join us at our community events; all you need is enthusiasm and we provide everything else!

Please take a look at our Facebook page “Dunstable Wombles” for more details of how to get involved, or email DunstableWombles@outlook.com 16 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

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local News

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity Update Community Connections with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity Interested in hearing about your local Hospital Redevelopment?

We are holding a Community Connection Event to bring together the community to hear all about the Luton & Dunstable Hospitals Development. Held on 16th March 2022 12:00-14:00.

For more information and to book your free place, please call 01582 718978. or contact Charmaine.Norrish@ldh.nhs.uk .

Lockdown Anniversary

Don’t forget, we have our very own Hospital Lottery!

Because of you… we got through!

23rd March marks two years since the first lockdown was announced, and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity cannot thank each and every one of our supporters enough for the time, devotion and dedication they gave to us over this period of time and even still now. It has been a difficult time for us all, and the generosity of our donors was instrumental in allowing us to go above and beyond for our NHS staff and patients.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us in such an unprecedented time.

To continue our gratitude for our amazing NHS staff, on Thursday 24th March we invite you to Clap for Our Carers with us; please make sure to share this with the team at Fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk!

18 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Our biggest win yet has been £1000!

Why not sign up now? You could be in with a chance of winning up to £25,000!

For further details or to play, visit our website www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/charity/lottery/

Join In Our Quiz! In April the charity team will be

hosting its famous quiz!

You can join with friends, families or even work colleagues. A night full of fun, a raffle, and even food!

Please follow our Social Media accounts (Facebook: @Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity Instagram: @bhn_charity Twitter: @BHN_Charity) and watch this space for more announcements!

World Book Day It’s World Book Day on Thursday 3rd March!

In aid of this day, why not do something fun and raise funds for your local hospitals? You could dress up as your favourite book character at home, at school, at work or even with friends and family! You could host a book club night or participate in a read-a-thon! Alternatively, you could even make up your own event!

Pay £2 to get involved and make a donation to support our Paediatrics ED Appeal!

For more information or to let us know what you decide to do, please email Fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk

Volunteers Needed At The L&D! Blossom Project

Ensuring patients who are at the end of their life receive the best possible care is something we are passionate about at Bedfordshire Hospitals.

Our extraordinary Blossom volunteers make an incredible difference to our patients receiving end of life care and their families.

They are available to sit with patients, hold their hand, read to them and perhaps play music - essentially providing compassionate support and company during a difficult time. Each visit is unique and sometimes silent company is all that may be needed. However, knowing the patient is not alone is a comfort for loved ones and our staff.

We would love to recruit more volunteers to our Blossom Team. Training and support will be provided in the role, so if you are an empathetic and kind-hearted individual who would like to volunteer, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you’re interested in Volunteering at our Luton Site please call Annie Tucker, Blossom Co-ordinator on 07855 169492 or email: Leanne.Tucker2@ldh.nhs.uk to find out more.

Charity Shop

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity now has a shop! Located on the ground floor of the Maternity Unit at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, it i s a f a n t a s t i c way o f s u p porting the charity while onsite; whether that is by buying your lunch, treating yourself to an ice cream, purchasing a gift or signing up to the hospital lottery. There is also a Costa Coffee machine outside the shop, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This service would not be possible without the help of a team of amazing volunteers who run the shop day to day. The charity shop team are currently looking for more volunteers to help expand the opening times and services they currently offer. Here is what volunteer Judy had to say about why she enjoys volunteering in the shop “Volunteering in the charity shop is always such a pleasurable experience. It is a joy meeting excited mums and dads and everyone who frequents the shop are so pleasant and friendly. I really get a lot of satisfaction from volunteering which is a small way of giving back to the hospital that has served me so well over the years.”

The team are currently on the lookout for more volunteers to cover the afternoon and some weekend shifts. If you would like to volunteer in the charity shop, please contact Donna Pratt on 01582 497 439 or email Donna.Pratt3@ldh.nhs.uk.

The team would love to hear from you! www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

19

local Community

Community News From your local Houghton Regis store

Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2022 brings health, happiness and prosperity to the whole community.

Well, what a month December was! Not only in terms of the busy Christmas trading period but also for fundraising in aid of our charity partner, Young V Cancer. So far the total raised in December stands at just over £200 and we still have more to add.

All winners of the Christmas raffle have now been contacted and prizes distributed, thank you so much for donating so generously.

As I mentioned last time, after five wonderful years our partnership with Young v Cancer has sadly come to an end, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has helped organise events or raise funds for this amazing charity, especially those who donated.

It has been a privilege to be part of the fundraising team at Morrisons which has helped to raise over £11k in Houghton Regis store alone.

As a company we raised over £17m and as a result have contributed to the building of Jacks House, a home that allows families to be together and near their children whilst they are having treatment and receive much needed respite and support.

But where one door closes, a new door opens and it is time to work with a new charity partner.

In September the selection process began and a total of 85 charities applied. Each and every applicant was a worthy cause, carrying out amazing work, helping those in need. This made the job of selecting one very difficult. After careful consideration ten were presented to our Community Champion colleagues who then had the even tougher job of choosing the final two to be put forward to all Morrisons staff who were able to vote on which charity they would like to support.

As you can imagine this has been a difficult process but in November we learned that our new charity partner is to going to be...

20 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Together For Short Lives Together For Short Lives is a charity that helps support families who have children with short life expectancy and life limiting conditions.

More information about their amazing work can be found on the charity website: www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk Please look out in store for the various ways you can donate and details of future events that will be run to raise money and awareness. From 1st February 'Together For Short Lives' butterfly pin badges will be available at a £1 each.

Until the next time, keep safe and Keep Smiling

Sandra - Community Champion in Houghton Regis.

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Mabel’s News from Appledown Rescue Kenels

Hello again!

I am Mabel the resident dog at Appledown

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be a while before she is ready to rehome but just look at her progress! Dogs like Lucky that require time and specialist care are a big expense for a small rescue charity, but I’m sure you’ll agree she is well worth it!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 .

E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. www.appledownrescue.co.uk Follow us on Facebook,Twitter & Instagram!

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23

Snippets By Paul Heley

You’ll be aware that there are quite a few places in the UK with the same name. For example, there are 6 Downsides; 4 Lutons; something like 80 places based on Milton (eg Milton Keynes); roughly 250 places with either Newton or Newtown in their name; endless Nortons, Eatons, Suttons and Wettons.

But there is only one Dunstable.

But if you now extend your horizon to the north eastern corner of America - and in particular to the six states collectively known as New England - you’ll find a mass of places with English names: including a little town on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border called Dunstable. You’ll also find that there 420+ English place names in New England alone and that Massachusetts takes the lion’s share with well over 100 (of which Dunstable is one).

How did this plethora of English names come about?

The answer, of course, is history since what is now Massachusetts was the area in which English settlers the “Pilgrim Fathers” - first landed in 1620. Eventually other settlers along the American eastern seaboard joined forces to create the original American colony of 13 states. This lasted until the American War of Independence beginning in 1775 by which time it stretched from Maine in the far north to Georgia in the deep south.

Apart from a few places like Jamestown (named after James 1st) in Virginia (named after Elizabeth 1st, the “virgin queen”), most of the other place names reflect where the settlers originally came from.

The reason for this mass emigration to America was mainly religious even though by 1620 Protestants and Catholics in England had largely stopped killing each other with gay abandon and the Anglican Church of England was fully established. But groups such as the Puritans, Quakers, Baptists, Independents and other “non conformists” were far from happy 24 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

with the dictatorial manner in which the Anglican church exacted its control. And here in Dunstable, for example, there was considerable dissent when a popular vicar, Zachary Symmes, was victimised for not preaching as the Anglican Church demanded.

Eventually Zachary, together with a number of his followers and other disgruntled preachers, decided that enough was enough and sailed to Boston in 1632. There he was welcomed with open arms and became their pastor until his death in 1671.

First church

I find it amazing to think that so many settlers, having a similar background history, named their new communities after the places back home where they’d been subjected to ridicule and victimisation. Perhaps they were extremely nostalgic; perhaps they were very forgiving; or perhaps they hadn’t got much imagination!

Although many immigrants remained in the area around Boston, many others ventured inland into what was dangerous Indian country. Maybe some were fired with a missionary zeal; some with a quest for adventure. Who knows? But a contemporary quote reads:- “In the fathers of New England we behold a body of men who, for the liberty of faith alone, resolutely and deliberately exchanged the delights of

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25

Snippets By Paul Heley

home and the comforts of a civilised life for toil, danger folk memory of the people of New England recalled Britain’s former and repeated high handedness and, and for an uncongenial climate and a rugged soil”.

Another Dunstable man, Edward Tyng (1600 - 1681), in Massachusetts in particular, recruits were quick to first emigrated in 1630 and by 1639 he was settled join. It is interesting to note that, apart from a few as a merchant in Boston. But he then pushed inland hotheads on either side, nobody really wanted a war; to found an area of land (not yet a town) known as but in these parts, there has always been a sense of “Dunstable” which by 1656 had attracted its first settlers. “genteel rebellion” and a reluctance to “do as you’re told”.

The nearby settlement of Tyngsborough also takes his From the very start, 40 Dunstable men volunteered name and, later still, the community of Dunstable was for the local army contingent and numbers quickly grew. It is recorded that in May 1775 the whole male officially established and incorporated in 1673.

From these humble beginnings Dunstable gradually grew population of Dunstable between the ages of 18 and - but it has never been large. Originally “Dunstable” 65 was only 128 but that each one of these men was had occupied a 200 square miles area of land and somehow engaged in the conflict. New England men straddled the New Hampshire/Massachusetts were particularly valued as fighters since they had state boundaries but, with time, this large area was already experienced warfare against Indian tribes and broken up into smaller communities some of which the French regarding Canada. Described as “ hardy, have since become important towns. Dunstable, fearless and indefatigable, almost every one of them is however, has always remained either rural or, as at a trained marksman. They have experience of savage present, largely a dormitory town for Boston 28 miles warfare and forest hunting is familiar to them all. They can aim their weapons at a human oppressor as readily away. (See main image map) Its present population is about 3500 and census as at a bear”. returns show that in 1850 there were roughly 600 people. In June 1775, many Dunstable men were involved in the A ‘flu epidemic in 1920 caused it to drop to 350 but famous Battle of Bunker Hill and as the war continued and moved further south, so thereafter it has continued to they were involved in later rise slowly. battles. Another quote says Looking at recent civic “They were in almost every statistics shows Dunstable fight from Bunker Hill to to be fairly affluent with Yorktown. There were higher than state average income together with good victories, there were defeats; educational qualifications but they were there at and low unemployment. Its Yorktown when the whole standard of living appears British army capitulated and to be high (and is most independence was won”. likely much higher than that Bunker Hill and surrender at Yorktown But isn’t it terribly ironic which its “parent” town that less than 100 years later, back in the UK currently many of these soldiers, enjoys. Ouch!) northeners and southerners But to return to its history, for alike, who had fought side seven years following 1775, by side in the War of America was embroiled in its Independence now found War of Independence when themselves on opposite sides it tried - successfully - to during the American Civil shake off the yoke of British War; and that they were now colonialism. The war started because of Brutish killing each other? Such is the stupidity of war. pigheadedness over many problems and actually started After these two very different conflicts, Dunstable with the so called Boston Massacre when 4 (hardly a went back to sleep and continued to develop its quiet massacre) locals were killed by soldiers. This was soon existence gradually becoming the prosperous and followed by the infamous “Boston Tea Party” and typical New England country town of today. bad blood gradually moved south over the years. The 26 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

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27

local Community

FOREVER FASHION

We are now living in a material world thanks to the rise of fast fashion. The UK alone sees on average 300,000 tonnes of textiles sent to landfill every year, and with more than 60% of fabric fibres being synthetic you can bet those clothes are going to be hanging around for a very long time. These artificial microfibres also end up in our water systems eventually making their way deep into our oceans where they are eaten by fish and other marine life.

Yet ‘fast fashion’ is hard to resist. Compared to previous generations it has never been easier nor cheaper to live out our wildest sartorial dreams: designer brands are more affordable, there is a wealth of styles and colours out there in every size imaginable.

Yet with clothes being usurped only by food and water in terms of necessity, it can be difficult to source garments that are genuinely low impact. Even cotton, which is a natural fibre, has other drawbacks such as the 10,000 litres of water it takes to produce just one kilogram of raw material.

The solution then, is to focus on sustainability, and resisting fast fashion. Here’s how:

1 - ONLY BUY WHAT YOU LOVE Tempting as it may be to buy new clothes every payday, you may find more fulfilment in the long-term by saving up and investing in pieces that will last and that you will treasure for years to come. Remember, true style is timeless.

2 - INVEST IN VINTAGE The beauty of good quality fabric is that it lasts. From

28 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

HOW AND WHY YOU OUGHT TO RESIST THE LURE OF FASHION.

super-soft cashmere jumpers to impeccably cut denim jeans and piles of retro tees that get better with every wash, vintage shops are the affordable antidote to throwaway fashion.

3 - SEEK ‘CIRCULAR-MINDED’ BRANDS As there is clearly a market for synthetic fabric in fashion, it makes perfect sense that plastic marked for landfill – such as cola bottles, shopping bags and food packaging – is diverted to be transformed into shoes, coats and workout wear.

4 - CONSIDER PROVENANCE If your new t-shirt cost less than a cup of coffee, you can bet that there are compromises being made during the manufacturing process. Fortunately, several leading fashion brands are becoming more transparent about how and where their clothes are made. Just do a little more homework.

5 - FIND ECO-FABRICS Tencel (made from sustainably sourced natural raw material wood), Econyl (regenerated nylon) and Piñatex (a leather alternative made from the leaf waste of pineapples) are just three examples of sustainable fabrics that are set to shape the future of fashion.

Material World Your guide to sustainable fabrics Recycled Cotton - Cotton’s use of huge amounts of water – 20,000 litres for a single t-shirt – is countered when the fabric is recycled, with materials broken down then spun back into a yarn to form new garments.

Recycled Nylon - Nylon’s appeal is in its incredible durability, and that makes it a great candidate for recycling, with variations such as Econyl making great strides… literally.

Linen - A luxury yet durable fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant. It’s absorbency and coolness also makes it a great clothing choice for those warmer months of the year.

Hemp - A fast-growing plant, hemp fabrics can be used in any type of clothing, with greater strength, durability and insulation than cotton. In addition, it won’t lose its shape.

Bamboo - The world’s fastest-growing, selfregenerating plant, bamboo requires no chemicals or pesticides in its production.

It’s also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and won’t fray or wrinkle.

Indeed, League Two side Forest Green Rovers have just produced a shirt made out of bamboo and coffee waste.

Eco-spun - A high-quality, dense and durable fibre made from plastic bottles, it’s an all-encompassing solution to plastic landfill, and its 700-year decomposition process.

Soya - Soya fibres are incredibly soft and can mimic the feel of cashmere, making this an interesting choice. The fibres will typically be mixed with organic cotton.

Organic Silk - What makes silk organic is that the silkworm isn’t killed. Instead, the tiny silkworms are taken outdoors to a food tree where the silk moth emerges from the cocoon unharmed, leaving the silk to be unwound or spun.

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29

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 a new column beginning in this issue, Martin Lewis discusses the perils of car insurance.

The cost of motoring is highly topical right now. From soaring fuel prices to electric cars right the way through to low emission zones, we’ve perhaps never had to fight our way through so much commotion and noise where our wheels are concerned.

While so much seems fluid as far as the affordability of our cars goes, one thing that seems constant – constantly high! is the cost of car insurance.

I’m always asked what people should look for when they are searching for car insurance, and above everything else I would recommend they focus on price.

assume that the £500 will be a better product.

Price should and will always be the core driver for most people because car insurance is a grudge purchase - you have to do it; you don’t have a choice.

As for the types of insurance, there are lots of things people get wrong on this. First, what is cheaper: third-party or comprehensive?

Third-party is the bog-standard cover; comprehensive gives you cover for what happens to your own car. Most people assume

I think there’s a slight myth in the insurance world that if you pay more you are going to get a better claim.

Sure, at the very top end, with extremely highend policies, it does work that way; but if you’re going for a highstreet insurance policy and you pay £300 or £500, don’t

30 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

that third-party is cheaper, but actually it doesn’t work that way. The mere fact that you select comprehensive insurance can make you seem to other insurance companies as a lower risk, therefore they bring the price down even though you’re getting more cover.

For younger drivers when insuring their first car, always put an older driver onto your insurance policy as a second driver. Adding mum and dad onto your deal – assuming they’re good drivers! – can bring your price down if they’re only going to rarely drive the vehicle.

As for securing that best price, we still have a situation where some insurers are on price comparison sites and others

aren’t; so get yourself onto a couple of wellknown price aggregators and establish a base price. Then check Aviva, Direct Line and confirm the policy is accurate for you, and always try to go through a cashback site to bring down the price further.

Finally, a word about gender equality on car insurance premiums. A few years ago regulations came in designed to make things more equal, but all the evidence shows there is still a large disparity, with men being charged more than women for what is essentially the same product.

I’ve wrestled with this a lot. Car insurance prices represent a behavioural difference between

a man and a woman, so why should we be stereotyped that we will all behave like the rest of our gender?

Having said that, it gets very difficult: should we not be allowed to discriminate on age as well because an 18-year-old drives in a different way to a 58-year-old?

Ultimately, insurance is a risk-based product and there are always winners and losers in these things. Funnily enough, in the first big campaign for gender equality that succeeded on insurance, the big loser was young women because their insurance price went up, which is perhaps not always what people think of when they talk about equality campaigns: women losing out. So, there’s a balance between principle and practice here, and I think principle can win at practice’s cost.

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31

Home & Garden

Do’s and Don’ts of Home Décor What looks good in your hood… and what doesn’t!

DO settle on a style you like.

When creating the space you’re going to spend most of your time in, it’s important to take the time to find the style you want. So create mood boards and think carefully about whether you want an eclectic mixed-up style or something a little more rigid such as minimalism or industrial.

BUT DON’T create themed rooms. Sure, you may love the seaside, but bedecking your entire house in seashells and knotted ropes is going to get tiring quickly. Instead, think more about accents and the odd statement piece to reveal your heart’s desires.

DO test your colours first.

Forget miniscule colour swatches and instead paint a decent-sized square on your wall. Then, live with it for a few days before making your final decision.

BUT DON’T obsess over one particular hue. A colour theme is a good way to pull your home together, and can run like a subtle thread throughout it. However, an entire room with matching walls, carpet and furnishings will not only make the space feel claustrophobic, it’s also a little old fashioned.

DO take inspiration from magazines and influencers.

Renovating your home is such an exciting project that it’s natural to want to immerse yourself in the experience. So be open-minded and seek out as many resources as you can because you may be surprised by what catches your eye.

BUT DON’T be afraid to mix it up. It’s very easy to look at a picture in a furniture brand’s catalogue and just order the whole room, but

nothing dates a décor like everything being from the same era, meaning you’ll be back buying it all again in five year’s time.

DO take into account the needs of your family. You’ve always wanted to create a beautiful minimalist space with a white carpet and walls but also, you have four kids.

Unfortunately, your pristine dream will have to wait until your nest is empty because nothing is going to destroy your good mood like red crayon over your Farrow and Ball Wimborne White wall.

BUT DON’T compromise all style for practicality. This doesn’t mean you have to put plastic coverings over your sofas. Instead, invest in a few nice toy crates and beanbags, letting your children’s belongings enhance rather than take away from your home’s design fair.

DO splash out on expensive pieces. When it comes to

32 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

furniture it is always best to invest in something that you not only love, but also something that will stand the test of time. Plywood drawers and cheap wardrobes will only come to frustrate you costing more money in the long run.

BUT DON’T be afraid to go vintage. There is a lot of furniture - particularly made in the Fifties and Sixties (think Eames and G-plan) - that is designed to last. Not only that, but it looks incredible and can be found cheaply if you know where to look.

DO overhaul one room at a time. If a space has become drab and uninspiring, it’s ok to rip it all out and start again. In fact, there is nothing more invigorating than starting with a blank canvas.

BUT DON’T rush to create the perfect home.

Never expect things to feel perfect overnight and never ever try to rush that sense of perfection. A home is an expression of you and its ok to spend a lifetime making it just right.

DO be ambitious with style. Fans of home renovation programmes will know how wondrous the transformations can be when the experts move in. So do let your creativity run a little wild and be bold, if you want to.

BUT DON’T ignore your home’s natural architecture. If you live in a Victorian house, industrial minimalism is only going to leave you feeling eternally out of sorts. So embrace the natural beauty and charm of your surroundings.

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33

Home & Garden

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 affable architectural business owner reveals his top tenets for architectural life and living happily.

after the very basic elements of what comprises our homes – things like storage, things like views up to the sky. I try to

really doesn’t reside in numbers it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. So if you can’t afford somewhere big, don’t worry - it’s a false God. A big place won’t bring you happiness - what brings you happiness in the end is relationships with human beings.

The ideal home should be one that provides the best possible experiences for us to flourish in, and when you think of it like that, architecture comes with a very simple a set of objectives.

It’s sometimes easy to lose sight of that when we are constantly driven and teased almost by what see on the television and in magazines.

steer them away from mass or complication, because the fact is the more stuff we fill our lives with, the more there is to go wrong.

I often encourage people to look

In the same manner, happiness

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Be pragmatic, be disciplined and connect to those very primal desires you have, rather than those of fantasy and outrageous aspiration.

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35

Home & Garden

Seeded Sense What you should be planting now to ensure maximum spray for the summer.

While March can sometimes feel more like winter than spring, now is the time to start sowing seeds if your cherished outdoor space is to flourish in the summer months.

wrapped together. They’ll be present until late autumn, and are just as good in hanging baskets for the way they elegantly roll over the sides of containers.

Cosmos The beauty of cosmos is not just the beautiful, delicate multicoloured foliage that radiates away from long stems, nor the fact this low-maintenance plant will reach full maturity in two months and hang around for the lion’s share of the summer.

Instead, perhaps its greatest attribute is the rich, spiky, complex foliage that accompanies it just a couple of inches below. This can look stunning in itself, and will quickly fill unsightly, patchy or earthy areas of beds.

Sweet pea Sweet peas need to be sown

by April and should be placed deep into pots or modules so their ranging roots can be left to produce a perfect flower.

And when that arrives, so too has summer, with flourishing curtains of colour spilling out of long stalks and clinging to any nearby supports.

If you get the look right, these tall, cone-like buildings of flower will amaze and enchant, as well as providing a wonderful base for ladybirds and bumble bees.

From single and double blooms, to checked, veined, singlecolour or striped, they have a fine essence that lifts and refreshes.

Lupins One of the fast-growing perennials, lupins should produce flowers in their first year, and placing them in a sheltered position in the garden will ward off most enemies.

Petunia A favourite as far as bedding plants to, petunias offer colour, detail and durability all

36 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

California poppy This is a gorgeous cup-shaped flower that offers rich shades of red, orange and yellow. It won’t hang around for long but will be with you from May through to early July, and can be best preserved in full sun.

By late summer, this tender flower will lose some of its resilience, but the story doesn’t end there. Simply pick your remaining poppies and add to food, either direct into a salad or as a garnish.

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37

Greenfingers…

The Alan Titchmarsh Column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about getting our youngsters involved in gardening projects.

I started gardening when I was nine or ten. I made a little greenhouse, tidied edges, mowed the lawn and sowed seeds, which then came up. When I had that little bit of success, it emboldened me to take cuttings and do more, and it all went on from there.

To be honest I was obsessed with all things nature - frogs, toads, insects… and the garden is the nearest bit of natural history to us, so I always felt comfortable there and I still do, although I’m not sure the young generation have quite the same connection with the outdoors.

In recent years I’ve worked with the Royal Horticultural Society in campaigns for school gardening, and we’ve had over 30,000 schools involved. Particularly at primary level if we can, literally, sow the seed when

children are young, get them connected with the earth rather than disconnected and fearful, it will mean we are investing in the future custodians of the landscape. To me, it’s vitally important we pass on our joy and knowledge.

When I was a boy, Percy Thrower presented a programme called Gardening Club on a Friday night – this was way before Gardener’s World. He, along with a junior schoolteacher of mine, Harry Rhodes – who used to sell cacti at the church bazaar – were great inspirations. Indeed, my first plants came from Harry.

Before he died, he saw me building a career, and one of life’s great delights was knowing that Harry witnessed this little lad he had encouraged to garden getting on, and doing alright. It was an unusual thing for a small boy to be interested in, therefore when you see a young gardener showing a keen interest, you always want to fan the flame. I’m now doing what Percy and Mr Rhodes did.

Of course as you get older, the way you use a garden changes.

Just as when I was a boy it was a place of discovery and play, now it’s more a thing of art, beauty and quiet contemplation.

38 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

What undoubtedly links my present self with that nine-yearold version of me, is stimulation, and that has never changed in all the years I’ve spent outdoors planting this, trimming that.

And that’s what’s there for the younger generation. That’s why I feel we should do our utmost to engage young people in the glory of our gardens and outside spaces. With all the other distractions they have nowadays, it feels more important than ever.

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39

Puzzles

Answers on page 62

Across

1. Herbaceous perennial with edible stalks (7) 8. Itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot ______ (6) 9. The Moor of Venice, Shakespeare play (7) 10. Type of biscuit (6) 11. About-face (7) 12. Picked, selected (6) 16. Composer of Fantaisie-Impromptu (6) 20. Sang A Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side (3,4) 21. Tropical lizard (6) 22. Andalucian town (7) 23. Pollen-producing part of a flower (6) 24. Aerial, signal receiver (7)

Down

2. Enmity, contempt (6) 3. Infused, fermented (6) 4. Appreciate, enjoy (6) 5. _______ West, Dalton and Spall (7) 6. Bystander, spectator (7) 7. Explanation of how the universe began (7) 13. Astronomical event, can be solar or lunar (7) 14. Beloved, favoured (7) 15. Innovator (7) 17. Anne ______, second wife of Henry VIII (6).

18. Contusion, blemish caused by injury (6) 19. UK’s smallest bird of prey (6)

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Puzzles

Answers on page 62

9

DOVES DOVES

7

5

2

8

6

1 4

DOVES CAVED DOVES

6

1 9

9 2 8

7

2

8

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3

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DINED NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES

Face Wipe Four quick fixes that will tighten up your Facebook profile.

Preferences Much of the data Facebook gathers from users is there so that they can be targeted for products and services linked to lifestyle choices.

You can stop specific targeting by visiting the Ad Preferences page and, in turn, clicking Your Interests and Your Information tabs.

Off-Facebook activity In 2020 the site finally launched a tool that ceased the sharing of Facebook data with third-party marketing firms and ad networks. This chainbreaker can be accessed through the Your Information page, and will immediately stop the site replicating your activity elsewhere.

App and mobile When you use Facebook on your mobile, it will track various things

such as location, wi-fi network you are connected to and your location, and this is additional information you can ‘untick’ to a large extent, though never fully.

Lifestyle While unconscious presentation of information through online habits is something most of us are keen to address, what we give out voluntarily is much more profound.

Everything from birthdays to check-ins at locations are all

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used to gather information.

When we enrich our profile with information about our friends, families and hobbies, we are potentially exposing our habits and preferences to everyone, so consider checking your basic Facebook settings – is your profile open just to friends, or to the entire community?

Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th March Tickets available from £18.15 from:

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Join Peppa Pig at Milton Keynes Theatre for what could possibly be The Best Day Ever!

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig it’s going to be her best day ever! and she is inviting you to join her at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans.

Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more!

WIN TICKETS!

We’ve teamed up with Milton Keynes Theatre to give one reader the chance to win a family ticket (four tickets, max 2 adults) to Peppa Pig Best Day Ever on Tuesday 15th March 2022 at 4:00pm

To enter simply answer the following question: What is Peppa Pig’s brother called?

Enter online at www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

or email your answer to win@thevinemagazine.co.uk

Competition closes 07/03/2022. One winner will be chosen at random and tickets sent via email. T’s & C’s apply.

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Nikki, Phil & The Team Welcome you...

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Cut your watercolour paper to (A5) and create a border using masking tape. Mix Payne’s grey, or burnt umber watercolours and create a very light wash to cover the whole page and let it dry.

Now mix a light colour that’s slightly darker than your wash. With a small brush paint your furthest background trees. Don’t take the trees all the way to the bottom. Instead, using clear water, place blobs of water at the bottom of your trees and let the paint from the trees bleed into the clear water.

Let this layer dry and then do the next layer using a darker wash of colour and repeat the above process.

On your third layer use a much darker colour in the foreground. Do 2 or 3 layers to create atmosphere and distance. Leave space at the bottom of the page for your blobs to bleed into the trees. Remove your masking tape once it’s dry.

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By Dr Lorna Moore Why not Join our online art class in February & March?

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Looking Up! Bedfordshire’s Night Sky February and March 2022 See Bright Venus in the Dawn Sky:

The White Horse EATON BRAY

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Dazzling Venus appears as the ‘morning star’ this February &early March.

Look low down towards the SE an hour before sunrise to catch the closest planet to Earth as a gleaming star-like object just ahead of morning twilight. On the morning of 9 February Venus shines at its brightest for the year. In fact in won’t be as bright again until 2025!

• Warm and cosy restaurant and bar with character fireplaces

Explore Orion’s Belt Stars: The constellation of Orion is an easy target towards the south on February evenings. The three stars that make up Orion’s Belt, from left to right, are called Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka.

Alnitak shines by the combined light from 3 stars so close together that they look like one star from the ground.Alnilam, the middle star in the belt, is a blue supergiant 1300 light years away and more than 375,000 times brighter than our own sun.Mintaka is a multiple star system.

A small telescope reveals two components – the bright main star and a second fainter star that orbits the brighter one.

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The full moon on 16 February is known as the Snow Moon. It’ll be full as it rises in the early evening, and although it will look large against the landscape February’s full moon is the third farthest full moon from Earth for 2022. You’ll see it at a distance of 391,883kms away.

By Seb Jay - Image: NASA Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

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Health & Beauty

All white on the night How to maintain typically tremendous teeth, capable of raising a smile on any occasion.

The basics Unequivocally, the best way to keep your teeth in gleaming second-glance demand, is to tend to your own regular, concerted, dedicated dental hygiene routine. It’s a basic necessity for anyone who wants to show off a smile, and while a humble toothbrush will never give you that feeling of semi-pampering you receive when going for a trip to the cosmetic dental specialist, regular brushing – with a dedicated teeth whitening toothpaste – will go a long way towards keeping your pearly whites looking their best.

Seize the power When electric toothbrushes first hit the market in the early Nineties, many people thought them a gimmick, and something for people too lazy to brush their own teeth properly.

The reality though is different – in tests, electric toothbrushes consistently clean better than

their manual counterparts, so consider investing in one if you’re serious about making your smile shine.

Floss like a boss Flossing is a great way to minimise the build-up of plaque, the off-white matter that builds up on and in between your teeth that produces that gravelly, slightly unclean sensation when you run your tongue over the top.

Flossing is the number one dental process that we fail to stick to, but doing it every day will make a huge visible difference.

Stain removal Ever wondered why some toothpastes contain baking soda? It’s because the soda content creates an alkaline environment in your mouth which, over time, will whiten your teeth.

While some baking soda toothpastes are priced highly, the reality is you don’t need to buy a fancy one as they all work in much the same way.

What’s more, you can even make your own at home. Just mix a

50 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

little baking powder with your regular toothpaste, then follow up with apple cider vinegar diluted in water to kill any remaining bacteria.

Stain prevention Prevention is better than cure, so in the first instance, consider cutting down on black coffee and red wine. For sugar-rich soft drinks, drink them through a straw as this rather more direct process limits the time stain-happy liquids swill around in the mouth.

Also try to load up your diet in foods that are rich in calcium, while including crunchy vegetables such as apples and carrots will actually create the action of removing plaque as you chew.

A slightly leftfield method for keeping your mouth and breath fresh throughout the day is to try ‘oil pulling’. Once a day swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth – keep it there for around 15minutes.

The oil pulls all bacteria out of your mouth, and the science suggests it brightens teeth too.

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High Brow • WAXING - One of the least painful methods of eyebrow sculpting, this method is especially useful if you want a strong, sculpted arch, though bear in mind skin can be red and tender for a few hours afterwards.

Results last up to one month.

• THREADING - An ancient technique originating in India, threading involves a professional beauty therapist using two cotton lengths of thread to drive the hair from the follicle. One benefit of threading is that it is completely natural, requiring no chemicals.

• TINTING - If you have hair that is on the fairer side, tinting could be a great option for you. Working alongside your chosen treatment to remove the brow hairs, dye is applied to your eyebrows for a few minutes and then gently removed with a cloth can create astonishing

Finding the right brow shapin g method for your eyebrows.

microblading, which uses a needle to apply pigment ink into the skin’s upper layers to create thickness and shape where it was hitherto lacking.

Results last for up to a year, though treatment is pricy. results. Just be prepared to have a skin test before your first treatment.

• PLUCKING - If visiting a salon is not for you, there is nothing wrong with plucking your eyebrows at home. By investing in a decent pair of tweezers and some brow stencils you can achieve the look you desire.

• MICROBLADING - If your brows are thin, sparse or patchy then you may wish to consider a more permanent treatment such as

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51

Tiny Wonders ONE - Embrace fats - While the headline may provoke notions of fry-ups and sugary treats, the truth where this is concerned is that there are plentiful fatty foods that are essential for immune system function.

So while bacon, sausage and cake remain off the radar, the likes of avocado, olive oil, nuts and fish should be incorporated into meals and snacks as a great method for boosting a base level of fuel and energy within the body.

TWO - Water carrier - The human body requires around two litres of water each day in order to function at optimal efficiency.

While that sounds a lot, measured and efficient intake of H2O can be achieved if drunk sensibly over an extended period.

In simple terms, water means more energy, better complexion and as a usual biproduct weight loss, given that drinking the pure stuff suppresses hunger.

Six subtle lifestyle adjustments that can elevate you to a place where physical fullness feels a step closer.

and moving around is something that’s simple, yet we neglect to do it so often.

In simple terms, nailing regular hourly breaks where you get up and move around can make profound and important improvements to overall health.

FOUR - Sleep - Getting shut-eye is the fullest and most accomplished system for the body’s ability to recharge its batteries.

While we have it within ourselves to survive without a number of other things, sleep is a must.

The recommendation is for 7-9 hours of sleep every night, with lack of sleep not only impairing body function and mental alertness, but also raising the chance of obesity – just an hour’s sleep loss can increase the risk of obesity by an estimated 23 per cent.

THREE - Movement - Whilst it sounds straightforward, getting up

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FIVE - Simple supplements Rather than being a cheat for good health, supplements can provide us with timely and measured boosts for all the vitamins and minerals we may be missing from our regular diets.

There is no shame in ensuring we top up, with most focus these days being on maintaining a healthy gut, which is scientifically proven to lead to a better mood and strong immune system.

SIX - Dr Feelgood - Not all our health ambitions are physical. As much as the initial focus should be on securing the framework of who we are – our bodies – embarking on projects that provoke mental stimulus and satisfaction are just as important.

Whether it’s romance, hobbies or the pleasure gained from listening to music or watching a film, we are as much reliant on our psychological pursuits and pastime as we are the things we eat and drink, so factor ‘the feelgood’ into your daily routines.

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Watch h Out The pros and cons of having a smartwatch on your wrist.

Have you invested in a new smartwatch yet? Are you nervous about joining the craze? Retail experts believe sales this Christmas will top last year’s in the health and fitness market; and while, for the most part, the wrist-based revolution has been well received, some people have raised concerns about smartwatches and just what their true value is.

Here are some balanced pros and cons that may help you make up your mind.

PROS • Stimulating activity - The sheer act of investing in a smartwatch is what drives many people on to really fuel their activity ambitions. As with anything you have to invest in financially, you don’t want to see that money go to waste, so just the physical act of purchasing one is a great first step to getting fit.

• Syncing - While updates from a smartwatch are great, the ability to sync the results with a phone or computer is very useful, enabling the user to build a whole profile of their performance, hopefully one that will show fitness growing and improving over time.

• Maintaining activity - We’ve all been around people boasting of their step count; and while we allow them to dine out on the plaudits for a few minutes, the challenge always comes to better that total the following day. And with a device that offers instant updates and reports on activity, there is an addictive element to exercise that’s both inspiring and healthy.

• The height of tech - From measuring your step count each day and managing your health, including your heart rate, to keeping up-to-date with news, messages from work or friends; from checking the weather to listening to music and even setting it up as a mobile wallet, this tiny gadget is a modern-day wonder available at the flick of a wrist.

• It’s a subtle way of keeping in touch - In many situations – work, a dinner party – the act of pulling out a mobile phone perhaps won’t go down too well.

With a smartwatch, you can negate any accusations of possible bad manners, with people simply assuming you’re checking the time.

CONS • Bad Bluetooth - Unless you have a smartwatch SIM, then many of the features you may rely on will not work unless you are within around 300ft of a connected phone or other device.

• Charged up - You may well forget to charge your phone one night – so follows the same frustration with a smartwatch of not being able to update your progress. As

54 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

with all things, technology only operates properly when it’s being powered by something!

• Inaccuracies - If you’re relying solely on a smartphone for measuring something like your heart rate, it can actually be quite dangerous. Some people have reported as missing a doctor’s appointment or properly paying attention to what their body is telling them, because they think smartphone info is gospel. Oh and that sub four-minute mile your smartwatch insists you did the other day… we’ve got news!

• It makes you permanently on call - Those times when our phones are charging or away from our pocket can sometimes feel like bliss, yet a smartwatch can put you at risk of always being ‘on call’.

With a phone on charge, those messages and phone call have to wait, but a smartwatch means you’re tied to communication.

reaching your destination. You wouldn’t do it with your phone, so why the smartwatch?

• Distracting - If you’re on a journey, particularly when driving, it may be best for you to remove the smartwatch from your wrist and concentrate on

The action of quickly glancing at your watch seems so much more achievable than reaching for your phone, though both are illegal… and dangerous.

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55

What’s on

Pitstone Green Museums First Open Day 2022 Monday 18th April 2022 10:30am until 4:30pm

THE HERITAGE PARK

Looking for a fun and informative day out for the whole PITSTONE GREEN MUSEUM family?

Nestled in the shadow of Ivinghoe Beacon, lies a hidden gem just waiting to be explored.

The old Victorian Pitstone Green Farm which fell out of use as a working farm in the early 1970s, is now being run as a charity by a group of volunteers from Pitstone and Ivinghoe Museum Society (PIMS) The Museum has over 40 attractions from model railways to a Lancaster Bomber cockpit, from farm machinery to classic vehicles, from a huge working Rack Saw to a 28l gas engine and more Visitors can also get hands on and try lacemaking & pottery, or take an adventure on our Tractor to Pitstone Windmill.

The Museum is open to the public 9 times a year with approx 50 volunteers on handGem to help, educate& visitors to A hidden inexplain Beds,andBucks Herts get the most out of their day.

Nestling in the shadow of Ivinghoe Beacon, lies a hidden gem of an attraction, just waiting for you to explore. The old victorian • Open the Green Second Sunday & Pitstone Farm which felleach out ofmonth use as a working farm in theHoliday early 1970s, is now being run as a charity by an enthusiastic Bank Mondays bunch of volunteers from Pitstone & Ivinghoe Museum Society • Open Rain or Shine (PIMS).

It started life as a farming and country life museum but has • Refreshments on sale much all day evolved into something more complex, as the years have passed.

It nowStalls incorporates an enormous range of exhibits to • Craft & Trade suit almost all tastes. We only open 10 times a year as we have • Wellaround behaved dogs on leadsto are 50 volunteers on hand help,welcome explain and encourage to get the most out of their £6 entry fee.

• Freevisitors parking in the Orchards We have over 35 areas of attractions ranging from model railwaysaccess to a Lancaster Bomber cockpit, from farm machinery to • Disabled toilets Basket weaving, from a huge working rack saw to a 28 litre gas • Something engine. Tryfor youreveryone hand at lace making or pottery. All our displays are in the old buildings of the farm,and you can see everything the weather. Most areas are accessible to wheelchairs Adultwhatever - £9, Concessions (65+) - £7 a few are not,due to the nature of the old buildings. Bring Child but (5-16) £4, Family Tickets also available. your dog on a lead, relax in the lovely grounds or buy some refreshments, on sale all day long.

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Pitstone Green Museum, We are open on 14th August, 29th August (bank holiday Monday) Vicarage Road, Pitstone, 11th September andLU7 9th9EY October Leighton Buzzard,

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What’s on

10th February Toll Houses and Turnpikes by David Deller 3rd March Earth Energies – why is Dunstable Priory where it is? by Ron Dudley-Smith 17th March Wafted here from Paradise? Nah - Luton Airport

by Howard Chandler 31st March The Story of Monkey World by Pat Campbell

58 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Chiltern Country Houses A Series Of Talks By Adam Smith Adam Smith invites you to join him as he begins a 10 week course of talks.

The course will consider how country houses reflected their owners’ status and aspirations through architectural style, collections and lifestyle. It will also consider the lives of those who lived and worked in these houses.

This course uses ten country houses in the Chilterns to examine aspects of their social, economic and cultural history.

1. Swyncombe - What is a country house?

2. Tring - London and villas.

3. Gorhambury - Gothic and Classical architecture.

Open a world of new experiences, live life to the full with Dunstable

4. West Wycombe - The influence of Ancient Rome.

5. Ashridge - The Gothic Revival.

6. Chenies - The role of great estates.

7. Halton - Servants and the house.

8. Hughenden - The Power House.

9. Stockwood - Stables and Coachmen.

10.Cliveden - Country Houses in the 20th Century.

The ten week course, presented by Adam Smith, commences on Tuesday 11th January 2022 at 10.30am.

The price is £60 for the course and there will be a half term break.

The venue is the LUBYA building, Manchester Place. (LU6 1HT) To register please contact Carole Smart: smart.carole@talk21.com or 07917 083850

Welcome Back Dunstable u3a members We’re opening again on 17th January 2022 The Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable Doors open at 1:15pm Guest speaker Andrew Collins will provide the entertainment for the day.

Tea and coffee will be available.

The venue has facilities for people with most special needs & help is also available.

Meet your old friends and some new ones

learn, laugh, live

Invite a friend, they don’t have to be a member Together we can have a laugh and put the world to rights!

This is the day we have all been looking forward to!

Join us in making 17th January 2022 A Very Special Day and A Day To Remember.

For details explore our website, we’d love you to join us!

www.u3asites.org.uk/dunstable/links Find us: facebook@dunstableu3a

FREE TICKET REQUIRED Email: secretaryu3adunstable@gmail.com Tel: 07514 580251

www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

59

Laptop & Computer Hair, Nails & Waxing

Server, Printer, Apple, Setup, Repairs, Data recovery, Internet, Wireless, Network, Virus infection, Home/Office computer problems.

Services from £40.

Your local IT support, 7 days services WE VISIT YOU NO FIX - NO FEE Qualified, Experienced PClaprepairs@gmail.com DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS 01582 344037Machines, – 07925 Dishwashers, 338435 Washing

Tumble Driers, Electric Ovens & Vacuum Cleaners… *No Callout Charges* *All MakesREPAIRS Repaired * Washing Dishwashers, DOMESTICMachines, APPLIANCE & Reliable Advice * *Honest Tumble Electric Ovens & Washing Driers, Machines, Dishwashers, *Electric Full Electrical Safety&Tests* Tumble Driers, Ovens Vacuum Cleaners ve & Weekend Appointments* Vacuum • No*ECleaners…

Callout Charge *All Work Charges * Guaranteed* *No Callout • All Makes Repaired Contact…

•*Honest Reliable All Makes & Repaired * Advice Full &Electrical Safety Tests *•Honest Reliable Leigh Advice * Hibon On • Evening & Weekend Appointments *Full Electrical Safety Tests * • All Work Guaranteed 07841 652 496 Eve: *EDays: ve & Weekend Appointments * 01582 842764 Contact Hibon On Guaranteed * *All Work Leigh Contact…

Days: 07841 652 496 Eve: 01582 842764 Leigh Hibon On Days: 07841 652 496 Eve: 01582 842764

By Daniella

MOBILE SALON SERVICE OFFERING Cut, Blowdry, Colour, Tint, Roots Highlights (full head, half head & T section) Keratin Straightening Waxing & Nails Ladies, Gents & Children welcome

T: 07502 604956 E: Danniefaye@hotmail.co.uk

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS GUTTERMEDICS

Cullen & Son

Painting & Decorating And

All Types Of General Maintenance Work Hedges & Edges No Job Too Small Tree work, hedge trimming,

grass cutting, rotavating, clearance & much more.Call Sean: Fully insured. Free quotations.

07932 626224 Tel: 01582 608684 or 07825 185745 01582 608547 Email: richardcronin67@yahoo.co.uk

New Energy Efficient Boilers &Just Son Supplied andCullen Fitted From £1500

Painting & Decorating

5-10 YEAR WARRANTY And All Types Of SYSTEM FLUSH INCLUDED General Maintenance Work FREE QUOTATIONS No Job Too Small FINANCE AVAILABLE

Call Sean:

07932 626224 01582 608547 60 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

• Guttering Cleared/Repaired/Replaced we undertake all aspects of • UPVC Fascias & Soffits Fitted • polishing • bumper scuffs • alloy wheels • Existing Clean Plus Conservatories • accident repair • insurance work • Exterior Painting • from classic cars to modern vehicles • Roofing - NewBusiness To Repairs & FeltRoad, Unit C1, Ivinghoe Centre, Blackburn Dunstable.

LU5 5BBQ Over 40 Years Experience www.panelandpaint.co.uk Tel: 01582 872880- 07900 - 07815247165 115971 01582 968498

Bodywork & Paintwork

LEWIS BUILDING CONSULTANCY SERVICES 101 Leighton Rd, Toddington

Drawings for extensions & Conversions to pass Local Authority requirements C. LEWIS MCIOB

Tel/Fax: 01525 874113 Mob: 07870 326607

Email: chris.lewis8@ntlworld.com

Order Prints Prints DORMANS DORMANS Order Online Online......

PHOTO IMAGING LTD PHOTO IMAGING LTD

Digital, Film Developing & Printing collect in-store Digital, Film Developing & much more... & Printing collect in-store & much more...

Get our Free APP our Free APP forGet iPhone & iPad... for Search iPhone for & iPad...

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T-Shirt Printing & Photo Gifts ininthe the App Store.

T-Shirt Printing & Photo Gifts

Tel: 01582 665515

01582 665515 Email:Tel: info@dormansphoto.com Email: info@dormansphoto.com www.dormansphoto.com www.dormansphoto.com

13 Broadwalk, 13 Broadwalk, Dunstable, Dunstable, Beds, LU5 4RH Beds, LU5 4RH

ITA

BLUES BUSTER £10

LIANO

A LARGE PIZZA

Collect, Dine In (if open) or Delivered

with Cheese, Tomato & 3 toppings...

or Pasta/Risotto

Alfredo, Spaghetti Bolognese, Napolitano, Bello Blu, Pollo, Vampiri, Tonno e Funghi, Risotto Vegetali, Donatello’s

Both served with fries or garlic bread.

DUNSTABLE - 01582 475 797 • AMPTHILL - 01525 404 666

www.donatellospizzeria.co.uk

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Jonquil Floral Design

Swan Decorating

Tel: 01582 602048

All aspects of interior decorating undertaken

56,West Street, Dunstable, Beds LU6 1TA

www.jonquil-flowers.co.uk

sales@jonquil-flowers.co.uk

~Bespoke Flowers For All Occasions ~

& Handyman Services

Wedding, sympathy, corporate & interior designs.

Contact us to arrange a free no obligation consultation to discuss all your wedding flower requirements.

Jonquil Flower School - Fun, informal floristry classes Call for more details

Will Kimberley Garden Services • Hedge cutting - High hedges our speciality • Tree work, pruning, removal • Grass cutting (one-off and regular) • Fencing new and repairs • Garden shed construction and re-felting • General garden tidy up’s • Garden clearance and maintenance • Turf and gravel laying Contact Will for a free no obligation written estimate

Tel: 01442 255784

or E mail: wkgardenservices@btconnect.com

K&D Interiors Limited P Painting & Decorating P Carpentry P Small & Large Jobs Undertaken P High Standards Of Workmanship

Call now to arrange you’re free quotation!

07368146969

Based in Bedfordshire

we undertake all aspects of

Bodywork & Paintwork • polishing • bumper scuffs • alloy wheels • accident repair • insurance work • from classic cars to modern vehicles Unit C1, Ivinghoe Business Centre, Blackburn Road, Dunstable. LU5 5BQ www.panelandpaint.co.uk

01582 968498 - 07900 247165

ARC

Contract Services Ltd. Quality work at affordable prices!

•Wallpapering & Painting •Laminate Flooring •Coving •Tiling •Bathroom Installations

Insurance work undertaken - All work Guaranteed for 5 years Public liability insurance cover For FREE Professional Quotations Call Adrian

01582 539179 or 07789 730580

www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

61

NICK KNOWLES NEEDS YOU!

ingenius storage solutions.

Nick Knowles is rescuing families across Britain who are crushed by their clutter. Homes that look fine on the outside, In this second series of Nick but are swamped on the inside Knowles' Big House Clearout, drab, unloved and undervalued.

Nick will visit a wide range of We’ll strip our families’ homes different properties across Britain bare and reconstruct their house from sprawling country cottages to room by room. We help them classic town houses and even city part with precious memories apartments - no stone will be left and ditch a lifetime of junk. We unturned in the hunt for families will watch as they dig out family who need help! Nick will offer families a life changing deal - ditch at heirlooms that they haven’t seen least half of your clutter and he and for years and will help them repurpose old and faded items his talented design team will deliver their half of the bargain - a stunning into beautiful new pieces to fall in love with all over again. top to toe home makeover.

We will also encourage them See your home as empty as the day you bought it and realise how much to make a bit of cash from unloved space you have - then fall in love with possessions by selling to neighbours and friends or further afield! it all over again… with beautifully Working with them to transform redesigned rooms, space, light and Have you fallen out of love with your house?

With clutter and life taking over?

Tonie Francine - The People’s Therapist

Answers

Specialist professional services to meet all budgets

• Child, adolescent family psychotherapy • Couples individual relational Steptherapy On It • Consultation / advice / mediation CAVEDanxiety • Workshops building confidence & managing • Specialist parenting support toPAVED understand PANED adolescence & resolve conflict Over • Supervision WANED 20 years experience Tel: 07958 673889 WINED www.counsellinginaction.com DINED

their homes, we’ll reveal stunning living spaces, beautiful bedrooms, life changing storage solutions and rooms dramatically repurposed.

Registered Foot Health Practitioner Angela M Rabess

SAC Dip FHPT, SAC Dip FHPP, MRFHP

Telephone: 07939 211 003 Answers

Step On It CAVED PAVED PANED WANED WINED DINED 62 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

One and two-bedroom apartments available

2022... it’s my tiME Are you ready to rethink retirement and embrace the best years of your life...

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Retired Inspired Make your move to your dream home!

Apartments from £330,000* Get in touch today.

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years?

01234 814 668 | elderswell.co.uk *Prices as at January 2022. Subject to change.

BEAUTIFUL, ELEGANT AND BESPOKE Premium made to measure blinds and shutters supplied and fitted

E A DY GET R HE FOR T !

WINTE

R

Kelly Stowell Just had shutters fitted on all my front windows, absolutely amazing! Friendly, professional and very informative. Can’t recommend enough.

Samantha Bird Professional, friendly and fast service. Mark has just finished fitting some blinds for our kitchen doors, they look fantastic and were very reasonably priced.

Book your FREE consultation now

01525 591 001 | prestigiousblindsandshutters.co.uk