The Vine Villages - February / March 2023

The

Hairy Bikers’ Dairy-Free,

The baking revolution of the Noughties behold, and the momentum of that in the slowed down.

Change the way you feel about your financial future

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Advertising & Editorial:

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Shelly Nesbitt

Advertising & Editorial:

Shelly Nesbitt

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

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

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

Greetings from Christ Church Dunstable!

The Perfect Gift For Valentine’s Day

Top 5 Gifts for Him

1. Personalised Gifts: Wallet, Mugs, etc

2. Experience Days: Steam Train Driving, Wine-tasting,Theatre trips, etc

3. Gadgets: Kitchen, Car, Office

4. Sports memorabilia

5. Cast-Iron Cookware

The lists above were compiled after reading list after list online and picking out the most common ones. In reality, the best gifts are the ones which are most appropriate to the person you are giving them to. While compiling this list, I asked my wife, “My darling, my sweet, my sunrise after the dark night, what would you like for Valentine’s Day?” She responded, “Thank you, but I don’t need anything.” I am glad I have some time to work out what that means!

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time of year to spoil that special someone in our lives. Our affection for our beloved extends beyond just one day, of course, but sometimes it is helpful to have an opportunity to remember it and celebrate it whether it is the first spark of a new relationship, or one that has been going strong for many years.

The Bible has a lot to say about love because we see that God is love. It is one of his defining characteristics. Jesus, the Son of God, tells us about the greatest possible act of love;

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”

(John 15:13).

Top 5 Gifts for Her

1. Canvas Printed Family/Couple Portrait

2. House Plants: Monstera Deliciosa, Spider plant, Snake Plant, Succulents

3. An Oversized Hoodie/Weighted Blanket

4. A gift card for a Spa Day

5. High-capacity Power Bank

What I find astonishing is that Jesus said this the night before he laid down his own life for his friends; that is to say,anyone and everyone who believes in him.

And he did this because God loves us, even though we have gone away from him.

John 3:16 tells us,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Whatever gift you end up buying for your loved one this year, as special and as meaningful as it may be, remember that God gives us an even greater gift: reconciliation with Him as we are welcomed into his family forever.

If you would like to learn more about these things, contact us using the details provided or see us in Christ Church Dunstable or The Way Coffee House.

What’s happening in the Way?

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

Come and join us Everyone Is Welcome!

Monday:

TODDLERS! - 9:30am - 11.00am

Free English Classes

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

(Groups for parents/carers with young children)

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

Free English Classes - 7:45pm-9pm

Tuesday:

ART - 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday:

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

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

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

Thursday:

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

Friday:

TODDLERS! - 9:30am -11.00am

KNIT AND NATTER - 10:00am - 12 noon

Saturday:

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

Local Cycle Hire Scheme Launches In Houghton Regis

Central Bedfordshire Council has launched its first cycle hire scheme for residents living on the Bidwell West and Linmere new housing developments in Houghton Regis.

The Council is running a 12-month pilot in partnership with cycle hire company App-Bike, funded from housing developer financial contributions. 15 bicycles will be available for residents to use 24/7 across five locations using the App-Bike app.

Each bicycle provides a comfortable ride experience, with:

· Three-speed internal gearing

· Dynamo lighting

· Internal braking system

· Front carrier (for loads of up to 5kg)

· Puncture resistant tyres

· Enclosed chainguard system

The pilot scheme offers residents access to a low-cost sustainable transport option with users being able to choose from a pay as you go tariff, with hire available at £1.50 per hour or a £5 monthly membership, offering two hours free hire each day, then £1,00 per hour after.

Depending on uptake and interest in the pilot, the Council may look to introduce similar pilot schemes in other areas across Central Bedfordshire.

Councillor Steven Dixon, Executive Member for Sustainability and Public Protection, said: “We are delighted to be launching a cycle hire scheme for residents in the new developments in Houghton Regis. It is an exciting opportunity to help improve local air quality, get more people active and out of their cars for short, local journeys.

We’re committed to remove barriers to accessing sustainable transport and hope residents will engage with the pilot and provide feedback on their experiences so we can look at the possibility of providing a permanent service in the future.”

They Came To The Crossroads New Book Coming Soon

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!

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

Dunstable in Bloom, in partnership with the Don’t Let Dunsta

A reminder how bitterly cold it was in March but brightened up by these cheery daffodils planted by Dunstable in Bloom volunteers.

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:

This is the title of a book we plan to publish this year. It contains details of many of the people, who came to Dunstable over the centuries. We talk about where they came from, why they came, what they did while they were here and, often, where they went afterwards. The chapters will be in chronological order and cover people involved in religious establishments, education, transport, industry, health, food, the military, publishing, the media, animals, photography, archaeology, overseas links, as well as royalty, local events, dignitaries and characters. There will be a section on Dunstable as mentioned in fiction. The book will also have many illustrations and a good index. Contributors include, Jean Yates, John Buckledee, Stepeh Williams, Peter Hollick, Elisabeth Pynn, Ann Sparrow, Kay Kempster and myself, Hugh Garrod.

www.dunstableinbloom.wordpress.com

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

Best Front Garden

Best Floral Container

Best Hanging Basket

Best Commercial Business

Best Community Garden

Best School Project 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

lovely plants associated with this including Forget me-nots, Peace roses, Lilies and of course poppies. Why not try and fit some of categories to choose from and you can enter one or more of the

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.

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

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 selling plants and flowers. Any contributions very welcome and if you would like to join us details can be obtained from from Mary Chapman on 01582 603710

Eden On Our Doorstep? An Update...

Some of you may remember reading my first article that was published five years ago in Issue 79: Oct / Nov 2017. For those who don’t, the article proposed the siting of an ‘Eden Project’ style environmental and tourist attraction within the Cemex Chalk Quarry adjacent to Kensworth and Whipsnade Zoo. Since then, I have received vocal support, which has kept my eye on the development of similar projects within the UK and world-wide.

The latest initiative has recently started in Dundee. There are plans for two more UK projects. Latest news reports that one is planned to be built in the Morecambe Bay. Being in the North West region, the project is to receive government financial support of £50m. This approved ‘eco-tourism attraction’ is named as one ofmore than 100 projects across the UK to win a share of £2.1bn from the government's ‘Levelling Up’ fund. So, why can’t we have something similar in Bedfordshire?

Looking at these three projects, I have found that they all fit into the same criteria as were employed on the first ‘Eden Project’ in

Cornwall, which since its opening twenty years ago has bought significant prosperity to the county in terms of tourism and employment.

If you have visited the Eden Project, as I have, you will have seen the potential that an ‘Eden on our Doorstep’ could bring not only to our town, but the County itself! If you have not had the opportunity to visit for yourself then I ask you to take a look at the ‘Eden Project’ website. In addition, get a copy of my original article (search for The Vine Magazine at www.issuu.com).

In the first article, I linked the proposed project to Whipsnade Zoo. It could become a nearby annex to the zoo, thus providing a new visitor attraction by different and possibly unique habitats for new plant and animal species to thrive.

The National Botanic Gardens in Wales operates on the same principles as the Eden Project. This venue opened in 2000, and has had over 2.5 million visitors!

Catchment: The central position of Bedfordshire in respect of the coastal positions of the other four projects has to be

of great advantage. Within a 100 mile radius of Dunstable there are 19 counties with an estimated population of 28 million.

Dundee: estimated population catchment within a 100 mile radius = 5.5 million.

Morecambe: estimated population catchment within a 100 mile radius = 14 million. Wales: estimated population catchment within a 100 mile radius = 4 million.

I do realise that further development of my proposed scheme has to be undertaken, in terms of acquisition of the quarry, planning, financial analysis, transport links, and project scope need to be determined, and I ask for your help if you can see the future benefits the project can bring not only to us, but to our future generations to

build upon.

I retired six years ago from the railway industry, and do not have any business or commercial links that would provide any financial benefits to me. All I want is the best for Dunstable, Bedfordshire, and investment for the future of our children.

If you like the idea, and wish to support it, please contact your local MP, County and Town Councillors to gain their support. Also, please let me know. My contact details are available from The Vine.

Martin Young. Dunstable.

An artists impression of the planned ‘Eden Project North’ on the shores of Morecambe Bay. Planned to open during 2024.

Bedfordshire Hospitals

NHS Charity Update

Help Brighten a Child’s Day at the L&D

If you have ever had a child needing emergency care, you know how scary it can be.

Bedfordshire Hospitals

NHS Charity

We are currently working with teams across the L&D Hospital to create a new emergency department. This new space will be friendly and less frightening for children.

fundraising for optical

children’s emergency department treatment rooms and in some busy communal areas.These sky panels help to make the space feel less clinical, reducing feelings of anxiety for young patients, by creating an illusion of being outside and of brighter days. By offering a different focus, children receiving treatment will have a more positive experience of being in hospital. Even if it’s gloomy outside, it doesn’t need to be gloomy inside. Help us to brighten up a sick child’s day.

To donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/bhn-sky-pannels-appeal

Stay in touch...

FB:Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity

Email:Fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk

Phone:01582 718 289

Instagram:@bhn_charity

Twitter:@BHN_Charity

Fairtrade Fortnight 2023

27th February to 12th March

During Fairtrade Fortnight join us in spreading a simple message: choose Fairtrade now and help save our favourite foods.

Did you know cocoa, bananas and coffee could soon be much more difficult to find on our shelves?

Climate change is making crops like these harder and harder to grow. Combined with deeply unfair trade, communities growing these crops are being pushed to the brink.

But here’s the good news. More of us choosing Fairtrade means extra income, power and support for these communities, as they work to build sustainable and prosperous futures.

Local Business Keeping Trade

So not only is choosing Fairtrade best for people and planet, it could help save everyday treats like chocolate bars, bananas and a warm cuppa! Stand with farmers taking on climate change by getting that message out thereduring Fairtrade Fortnight. Whether it’s a coffee morning, a quiz night, social media posting or something completely different, anything you can do makes a real difference. Keep an eye on our social media to find out about local activities. Fairtrade Leighton Linslade.

Leighton Buzzard coffee roaster, The House of Coffee, have renewed their Fairtrade licence for another three years through Flocert, the organisation that deals with the certification of products, auditing and protection of the Fairtrade mark. Fairtradehold details ofthe productsThe House of Coffee sell and who they buy their raw coffee from.In this way the supply chain is linked from the customer to the grower.

Proprietor, Nick Stagg says: “our Fairtrade offers have proved very popular in the shop and online. We have

just introduced a very fine organically grown, Peruvian Tapir Andino to our Fairtrade range. We are also encouraging shop customers to bring their own coffee caddies to eliminate bag waste (20p discount) and are offering compostable “natureflex packets for people without their own caddie.”

The House of Coffee started in 1984 and yes, we love serving the town of Leighton Buzzard. Coffee is an enjoyable product to work with and it’s always a treat when people say that it’s good to have a coffee roaster in the town”.

Hello again!

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

We offer help with shopping, collecting prescriptions, and occasionally with small tasks around the house or garden and form filling. We also offer a befriending service with visits or phone calls to those who are lonely or isolated.

This friendly sociable dog needs a home with owners willing to continue her training. She walks well on the lead, but if you see a dog with a tennis ball you may be heading after it at speed! Lassie needs to be an only pet and with company at home until she is well settled. Any children must be over 13. If you are interested in offering a rescue dog a loving home you can find an application form on our website and details of the rehoming process. To support our work pleasemake 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!

Follow us on Facebook,Twitter & Instagram!

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

glazing backed by our

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

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

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

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

“I really liked

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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

Janet Beard

Trusted Trader

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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

Janet Beard

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

At Dunstable’s Little Theatre

DUNSTABLE REP PRESENTS BOUNCERS RE-MIX BY JOHN GODBER

The Little Theatre, Dunstable

17th - 25th March 2023

Remember disco? Retro music? The good old days when Friday night was clubbing night? Then come on down to The Little Theatre for our next production! Bouncers, by John Godber, is bursting with imagination and wit and presented by just four actors playing over thirty characters, Bouncers is an outrageous and hilarious parody of the disco scene. The Bouncers tell the story of a Friday night out on the town in the 90's set around a seedy night club. We see them as giggly girls and lads on the make preparing for the big night out as we follow their progress to the disco floor. There, we also meet an entire cross-section of disco-goers! The evening’s events are set against the tatty glitzy glamour, flashing lights and pulsating beat of the nightclub scene. The evening will be full of retro music, drama, high laughs and plenty of social comment. Contains adult themes.

www.littletheatre.org.uk/book

www.littletheatre.org.uk/Plays/2022-23/bouncers

Snippets By Paul Heley

Correction to last edition

Old Money And The Metric System

In my article dealing with the Metric System in the December/ January issue, a very serious mathematical misprint occurred. When talking of much greater multiples of the basic unit such as a million times greater or a thousand million times greater, powers of 10 should be used. In the case of a million times (ie Mega) this is written as 10 to the power 6 or as 106, NOT as 106. Similarly a thousand million times greater (Giga) is not 109 times greater but 109 times greater. And so on. I hope this clarifies the mistake.

“If Your Name’s Not Down, You’re Not Coming In”

Paul Heley

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

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Hello and welcome to our first update of 2023!

I know it seems so long ago but I do hope everyone had a happy Christmas and is looking forward to prosperous new year!

The Festive Period

Over the festive period, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Salvation Army Band in store. They kept everyone entertained with some much loved Christmas tunes whilst collecting donations which amounted to over £2000, a fantastic sum for some amazing causes.

The band made our festive ‘coffee and mince pie’ event all the more enjoyable on 7th December! Thank you to all involved.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Dunstable Downs Rotary Club in December. It was a lovely evening spent finding out about the fantastic work the club do. I was the guest speaker of the night and I was able to introduce the club to our partnership charity - Together for Short Lives. It was a pleasure to be able to speak about the work we do and also hear about some Rotary Club experiences. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rotary for their kind donation to such a worthwhile cause.

Our big Christmas Raffle was also in aid of Together for Short Lives. The money raised will make such a difference so thanks to all who bought tickets.

Celebrating 10 Years!

On the 12th November Morrisons Houghton Regis celebrated its 10th Anniversary! and what a great day it was too! There were lots of fun activities taking place throughout the day including checkout bingo and free giveaways to customers. The staff also had some fun in our staff room, with a buffet and a cake made especially to mark the occasion. As well as being the stores anniversary, there were also lots of staff members celebrating their 5 and 10 years service too, congratulations to you all.

Community News

From your local Houghton Regis store

Local Schools

I paid a visit to two local schools last year and I am passionate to do more in the way of working with all schools in the community in 2023. I thoroughly enjoy working with the kids and think it’s important to provide them some knowledge about the food we eat, the children seem to enjoy the talks too!

Fundraising

I would like to thank the local community for their generosity in helping us raise money for local Keech Hospice Care who work with Together For Short Lives. The total we have raised to date is £861.30. Morrisons has started and emergency donation appeal on behalf of UK Foodbanks. Lots of local foodbanks are desperately low on stock at this time, due to many factors, so anything you can give is makes such a difference. Cash or card donations can be made at any of out checkouts.

If anyone would like to help with future fundraising for our various charities and causes, please ask for me in store, I’d be happy to have a chat.

Health In The Community

I have been working with Central Bedfordshire Healthwatch who have set up a stall in store. You will find lots of useful information relating to health in the community so take a look next time you are shopping!

I hope to start a Dementia/Mental Health Coffee Morning in the cafe early in the new year, something to look out for.

Finally, if you are a local group or organisation looking for a space to hold your meetings or sessions please get in touch as we have a meeting room that may be available to you.

On behalf of Morrisons Houghton Regis

We would like to wish each and everyone of you a very happy new year.

Sandra - Community champion Morrisons Houghton Regis

When a plan comes together

Open plan design in our main living spaces has long been heralded as the solution to family harmony, but as heating costs rise and families grow and change, we are inclined to question whether wall-less really is best.

From the earliest days of human civilisation, the heart of the family home has been the hearth. In fact, in the 15th century it wasn’t uncommon for British homes to consist of just one storey and one large room. So, whether cooking, working or sleeping, a family could benefit from the warmth of the fire.

Perhaps then, in this age where even young children generally have the privacy of their own bedrooms, our desire for intimacy while in the family living space is so vital to maintain this almost primitive desire for connection. Certainly, open plan living has been the dominant architectural trend for the past few decades with a seamless flow between kitchen, dining and lounge areas.

The positives

There are still many reasons why such design is so coveted. It is a sociable way of living; you can cook in the kitchen while chatting to your partner who is, perhaps, relaxing on the sofa; or keep an eye on your children who are doing their homework on the dining table.

It is also an effective way to give a smaller space –especially an apartment – a sense of capaciousness. That cubbyhole kitchen suddenly becomes a minimalist kitchenette diner when you remove a wall, creating comfort and connection where once was merely concrete.

The negatives

However, the tide is starting to turn against the utopian idea of the open plan home, particularly given the recent increase in fuel costs, where those without inner walls are realising how much more expensive it is to heat a large empty space. Also, the practical and contemporary benefits of tiles and wood flooring can make a cavernous room feel colder still.

There is also a point where intimacy becomes an intrusion on privacy. Cooking smells permeate every area of the space until you are still being reminded of the fish pie you cooked for dinner while watching the end credits of the film you settled on the sofa to watch afterwards.

Noise echoes, too.

The sound of a TikTok video your teenager is watching on their phone interrupts you as you try to read a book across the room.

In other words, what at first seemed like it would bring you together as a family, is slowly making you all want to retreat to your bedrooms for a little peace and quiet.

Middle ground

Just as you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you don’t need to remove all walls (or put them all back up) to find harmony in the home. Instead, savvy interior designers and architects are coming up with solutions that make modern houses a little more flexible and intuitive. Sliding doors – preferably ones that can be tucked away out of sight – help to create cosiness when it is required.

Then, during the summer months when heating isn’t an issue, you can open out the space again, letting the air flow freely.

There is also a focus on insulation and triple glazing: features which increase house prices in the future as living costs increase and environmental impacts become even more of a priority.

In conclusion then, it seems that our love affair with open plan may well be drawing to a close, but only so long as we can move towards a living style that maintains our desire for integration while also being more practical.

A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the a able architectural business owner talks about the concept of space.

During lockdown, our understanding and appreciation of space was something that was challenged in ways we had probably never expected.

Not only was even outside space challenged and conditioned to be accessed and used in very specific ways, but when at home, our rooms suddenly became multifunctional when they were never designed for such a purpose – our kitchen tables were work desks; our little creative nooks and crannies were filled with children and other imposters!

One of the positive take-outs many of us took from lockdown was versatility, yet in my own life I’m keen to get back a certain amount of separation, because I find it absolutely essential for organising my mind and staying creative.

It’s for that reason that I actually have di erent work areas, spaces and locations for di erent types of jobs. By that, I mean I will do all my creative television thinking in a little bale- and stone-walled hut I have, called The Straw Bale. It has a roof, some furniture in there,

and serves as a studio away from prying eyes and everyday interruptions you would usually encounter in the house.

I felt I needed this little space because with a show such as Grand Designs I am pretty much on-location the whole time. That means there is no set base by which I can connect myself to a project and get in that headspace… unless I make one.

I have an o ce within the main part of the house, but that is used for much more menial matters, such as answering emails and firing o angry letters to all and sundry!

The concept of space is one that isn’t always objective – it can be subjective as well. For instance, just because you have a big area with which to express yourself, it doesn’t mean it will actually feel big, or spacious.

Similarly, very small rooms can be made to feel much larger than they are with clever techniques and smart aesthetics. I talk around this idea a lot when I mention high ceilings, uplighting and an abundance of floor space, utilising tables and chairs with legs, that guide the eye and light through the space.

In essence, it’s all about how we marry together space and comfort. If done well, you have the first building blocks for somewhere, home or o ce, that truly inspires you and brings happiness.

Greenfingers… The Alan Titchmarsh Column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. is month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses garden design and spontaneity.

ey say that a builder’s home is always unfinished, and much the same is true of any gardener in regards to his or her outside space.

We have been in our current home for almost 20 years, and I am still evolving, adding, altering – every day. And that’s what makes each passing year so special – the fact you never go back to a blank canvas, but each spring there are new opportunities, ideas and spaces that emerge here and there, that can be formed into whatever takes your fancy at that particular time.

While variety and versatility are definitely important in a garden, I do find it’s necessary to follow some familiar boundaries. One of those, for me, is to ensure the inspiration for the style of my

garden comes from the feel of my house, and I think this is true for any outside space.

e two must complement each other or you may find you end up with an awkward juxtaposition between the building and nature.

So my property is a classic, square Georgian farmhouse - thus I felt I had to do something that complemented that in the garden. I like straight lines anyway, which cross each other, and have so ened this by planting throughout, creating a sort of billowing chaos in beds and borders. You essentially have one giving structure to the other.

Remember, gardening is very di erent to architecture, because what you are dealing with isn’t just shape and form, it’s time as well – it’s a rapid adjustment and change between how something looks on day one and how it will look on day 100.

And while I know you’ll hear gardeners talking all the time about planning out an area, the types of plants you’ll have, and the tone and feel of a space; very o en the reality is you are inspired by something o the cu , and it is that instinctive appeal that’s exciting.

Whatever you’re going to do in your garden space, I would suggest it is gradual and over time. It really pays to observe and watch how nature embraces things – see what grows and what outgrows, and only when you are absolutely sure you want to adjust a certain area, only then proceed.

It’s about a steady progression rather than the wholesale demolition… such is life!

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

Kelly Stowell

Mark fitted our kitchen blind this morning. He was lovely and did a great job. Very reasonably priced and great service. Would recommend.

Tina Frost

A Mature Pallet

The trend for upcycling raw materials into garden furniture is coming to a back garden near you.

It’s the time of year when we all begin to consider ways we might be able to spruce up our gardens in time for the summer. Of course, while plants, flowers, produce and more is a necessity for giving our outside space that natural, living, thriving edge, there’s an entire other aspect that will contribute towards the comfort and convenience of your garden, irrespective of its size. And while upsizing an old pallet into the ultimate outdoors DIY sofa may not scream opulence, the trend for creating fantastic homemade furniture for outdoors is one that’s really gathered pace in recent years.

THE DIY SOFA

What you’ll need:

• Three (or more) plain wooden pallets

• An electric drill with screws

• A small roller and tray

• A paintbrush

• Scatter cushions

• Garden furniture chalk paint

How to make your pallet sofa:

1. Using your foam roller, layer your pallets in whichever glorious hue you have selected, using a paintbrush for those tricky to reach areas. Paint one side first, let it dry, then do the other.

2. You’ll need to stack at least two pallets to get your sofa to a suitable height – you may want to make your sofa higher using more pallets, or even double the length... it’s all up to you! – before fixing them together with your electric drill and screws.

3. Add another pallet to the back of the bench to make your sofa back. Affix with screws.

4. That’s the hard part done! Now decorate your masterpiece in whichever way you choose with cushions, garlands and throws. Then relax… you’ve earned it!

Advantages of using pallets for furniture

1. Cost-saving

Garden furniture is rarely cheap. Buy bespoke and you could end up sinking thousands into something you may only use a handful of times each year. By using your creativity, you can capitalise on a raw material – wooden pallets – that most people give away for free.

2. Environmentally friendly Standard garden furniture, and its combination of metal, glass, wood and other fabrics, is rarely recycled, so ends up in general waste. With furniture made from pallets, it’s as environmentally friendly on its way out as it is in its creation as an arty piece of reclaimed wood.

3. A design for garden life

By creating your own furniture rather than buying it, you are

able to put your imprint on the look, feel and even size of what will soon adorn your outside space. in other words, complete customisation is merely a few planks of wood away!

4. Summer begins now

It may still be a few months until your garden fully opens up its 2023 splendour, yet waiting around for nature to flourish can be frustrating.

That’s why making a move on furniture items will feel as if the summer has started early.

5. Mature with age

The issue with new furniture is that after two or three years it can begin to show the effects of being weather-beaten, with those shiny, stylish edges tarnishing slightly as the extremes of summer and winter temperatures begin to tarnish your prized items.

With pallets, the resplendent ruggedness only adds to the effect!

Our range of services include:

• Roof - Moss removal, soft washing, cleaning, sealing, colour coating

• Driveway - cleaning, sanding, sealing

• Patios - cleaning, jointing, sealing

• Gutters - vacuuming, guards (supply & Installation)

• Gutter / Fascia Cleaning

• Conservatory Valets

• Render Cleaning

COINING IT IN

Rather than just embracing cryptocurrency as a medium for exchange of goods or services, should we be investing in it?

Cryptocurrency – think Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Cardano, Solana and a whole range of other names that mean very little but could yield so much – is real, and it’s not going away.

For a while the investment hobby and finance and tech wizards, the understanding and usefulness behind crypto is now rapidly emerging as a mainstream tool where everyday people can invest and profit in every bit the same way as they would the stock market.

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or doublespend. It can be described as a collection of binary data which is designed to work as a medium of exchange. This makes it tradable like anything else in markets, and offers a fluctuation of its value –hence, for investors savvy or brave enough, there is a real attraction.

Why does cryptocurrency behave differently to normal stocks?

You don’t buy them in traditional brokerage accounts. You can’t value them like stocks, and this lucidity provides opportunities (and threats).

Why is there a crypto edge?

Cryptocurrency can be intimidating to investors. Despite the market opening up, it is still a venture into the darkness for many, and there’s only a very short legacy or track record that would be able to indicate whether this new form of asset is a safe bet, or not.

However, good news came recently for nervous investors in the form of publicly traded crypto equities. Over the past two years, dozens of crypto equities have been listed on public markets, and it’s now possible to amass a portfolio of companies across crypto mining, brokerage, asset management, and more.

What’s the result?

Speculators have been impressed to find that these companies are among the fastest-growing and most-

profitable companies in the world. Yet despite that fact, they’re still being overlooked in many ways by top-line investors in the City and over in Wall Street.

In specific terms, crypto equities combine two characteristics rarely found together: exceptional top-line growth with very high levels of profitability. In 2021 that was 350% growth and profitability topping 37.5% respectively. Subsequently, there are no other fast-growing businesses in the world to rival that sort of performance. How long this lasts, however, is uncertain.

For one, reputational, regulatory and other concerns have prevented traditional companies from entering the crypto market in significant

ways, shielding early movers from well-funded competitors for long periods of time. Additionally, crypto equities still have limited market coverage, making analysis difficult.

Adoption

The global crypto population more than doubled over the first half of 2021, from 100 million in January to 221 million within six months. That means it’s the fastest growing segment for public markets, providing an opportunity for investors to participate in what is a rapidly expanding environment.

The risk

Where crypto is concerned, the risks are substantial. Volatility is rife, with crypto investments behaving like no other. In many cases, exceptional early returns are quickly

followed by big corrections where the price dips alarmingly.

This relatively new market is also immune from many of the regulative procedures that accompany traditional stock market activity; and a market based purely on technology and potential developments (or lack of them in some areas) would be a worry to any investor throwing weight behind one specific product.

The future

What’s clear is trading in cryptocurrency is going to become as mainstream as investments in any other product or service, with the neon signs of big returns attracting experts and novices alike; yet good research will only take a user so far in a landscape that evolves rapidly with every passing week.

DO

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A credit to you

In an era where our financial movements are tracked in almost everything we do, retaining a commendable credit score has become about more than just a way of paying off a new sofa or TV. A good rating these days can be the difference between running a car (and not), or even landing your dream property.

There are several ways to gradually move your credit score up:

• Register on the electoral roll. Credit, for lenders, comes down to security – they want to ensure they will get their money back, justifiably. Ensuring you are on the electoral roll reinforces that, so make sure you are signed up.

• Pay bills on time. It sounds obvious, but good financial management of existing commitments will prove you are a good prospect, and that’s everything from council tax to phone and internet bills. Missed direct debits typically won’t be reported until a whole month cycle has passed.

• Check for mistakes. In this instance you need to contact your lender and seek to correct information as soon as possible. This makes constant maintenance

of your credit score all the more important.

• Unlink yourself. If you are linked to someone else on your file, their actions could be dragging your credit score down. Therefore contact the credit score agency to ask to remove a family member, spouse or friend.

• Fraud. Less than 20% of fraud is actually reported, meaning people are carrying a huge burden that actually is not of their doing. Check your file for anything that doesn’t look right.

• CCJs. Having a County Court Judgement against your name will hamper your credit score. Paying this off early won’t remove the CCJ, though having it noted as ‘satisfied’ means your credit score will improve.

• Credit utilisation score. This is a rating, as a percentage, between available credit and the amount you use. Keeping this below 25% is seen as good and will improve your credit score.

Some people may even take out a ‘credit builder’ credit card. The interest rates are punishing, but incidental providing you clear your balance each month. Paying off the total each month whilst retaining of a low utilisation score will improve your credit score.

The biggest factor for bolstering your credit score is time. It will not happen overnight, though you can track your credit score through credit reference agencies. Their paid-for subscription services usually come with a free score, and tracking your score does not leave an imprint that affects it negatively.

How to improve your credit score, and why it’s so important.

Be sure you’re insured

The simple mistakes that make can invalidate your car insurance.

Following the four pieces of advice below should ensure that, in the event of the worst happening, you get what you’re owed:

Renew and refresh

When your renewal comes around, think about what’s happened in the past year. Some companies auto-renew, meaning points gained in the last 12 months don’t automatically get added. And yes, you’ve guessed it, when it comes to claiming, they’ll be asking why these weren’t declared.

It’s not just about underpaying for insurance, either – if you’re claiming having lost control of the car and there are points on your licence for speeding… well, in their eyes, two plus two might well equal four.

Think as well about predicted mileage, a new job location perhaps, or even some natty car modifications – these will all have implications.

Put your claim in the fast lane

If something happens to your car on the Monday, call your insurers on that day, not Tuesday, not Wednesday, not the week after. Delayed reporting raises suspicion levels, and the first thing insurers will ask is why you didn’t act with the urgency expected or someone who had been in an accident or suffered damage to their prized possession.

Delayed claiming isn’t, in itself, a reason not to pay out, but it won’t do you any favours and, if combined with other aspects that show a lack of care, attention or urgency, may make an insurer think twice.

As good as your word

Consider as well the agreed terms of the motoring insurance that you took out in the first place.

Perhaps, for instance, your vehicle requires special maintenance on a regular basis; maybe you’ve said it’s parked off-road, yet it’s been sat on the grass verge of a busy A-road.

If your policy states certain conditions must be fulfilled, make sure they are.

Honesty is the best (insurance) policy

Finally, if your insurance states you’re the sole driver then it has to be you behind the wheel, however tempting it is for your mate to drive you back from the pub.

In a similar way, if you’re tempted to add on existing damage to a new claim or, worse still, feign injury should you be involved in a collision, think again. Insurers identified over half a million dishonest insurance applications last year, and in extreme cases police were involved.

Ultimately, insurers are happy to pay out for honest claims, and the price per pay-out has steadily risen in recent years. So steer clear of simple or careless mistakes, and you’ll find you’re covered!

Used Cars: Banging Bargain Or Buyer Beware?

The checks you need to make when it comes to buying a used car.

The used car market is awash with quality motors, yet it’s important to lean on the talents of a mechanical mind who can give your prospective purchase a once-over. Alternatively, if the seller agrees, book it in for a professional healthcheck.

Before you get to that stage, there are a number of checks you can perform yourself on the driveway:

1. Beginning with the outside of the car, have a good look at the wheels and tyres. Make sure that you confirm the tyre depth and tread are road legal and do the 20p test by inserting a coin into the grooves.

2. Make sure you take a torch along on a viewing in order to check bodywork, both the exterior and underneath. Rust, leaks and splits should be evident.

3. Next is the interior. Check all warning lights work properly, and that the mileage is ticking

along properly on a test drive. Electronics are important and could be costly to get replaced.

4. Next look at the engine. Check for leaks (when you previously looked underneath the car, you may have seen liquid on the tarmac). Inspect pipes and hoses for any splits or abrasions.

5. The test drive is where you will truly put your new motor through its paces. If you have someone else with you, get them to check the colour of the smoke from the exhaust.

Drive along with windows open and music off so that you can listen out for any unexpected

noises – squeaks, purrs and grinds should cause alarm. Ensure you drive at varying speeds to get an accurate idea of what the engine has in it (or doesn’t!).

6. Gear box and clutch issues can be particularly expensive, so ensure you move through all configurations. If the car doesn’t get through each of the gears happily, there could be an issue.

7. Documents and paperwork should include the car’s previous service history. Perform an online vehicle history check to confirm nothing is outstanding regarding MOT and tax.

Summing up, although the fun of landing a new car can seem like it’s being taken away by an exhaustive look at possible motor issues, you may well save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Valentine’s Wordsearch

Arrow Balloons

Card

Valentine

Kiss

Love Hugs Heart Pink Cupid

By Dr Lorna Moore

You will need yellow ochre, blue, white, and black acrylic paint. A medium square paintbrush and A5 cartridge paper. Use masking tape for the horizon line. Paint a white line below the edge of the tape. While its wet dip one side of your brush in blue and the other side in black (tiny amounts) and blend over the white. Clean your brush. For the sea dip the tip of your brush into white paint and create irregular horizontal marks across half the page. While wet stroke blue paint across the white leaving some pure white paint. On the sand side create irregular horizontal strokes in white blending a little across the water. Whilewet dip your tip into yellow ochre and stroke horizontally across for the sand making sure to leave pure white strokes. Remove the masking tape and paint a white sky blending horizontal strokes of bluewhile wet. Once dry paint a dark figure with a fine brush and back shadow.

In 2023 we are offering one day workshops for anyone on Saturdays 25/02/23, 25/03/23, 29/04/23. For further information contact: drmooresartcourse@gmail.com

Facebook: Dr Lorna Moore’s Creative Art Course

Call: 078 9661 9660

The Vinyl Countdown

How nostalgia revived the record industry.

There are several examples where society finds itself fighting back against the corporate monsters, but perhaps one of the strangest revivals in recent years has been the re-emergence of vinyl records.

At a time when the digital music revolution made listening to our favourite tunes cheaper, instantaneous and effortlessly mobile, we threw value and convenience out the window to reacquaint ourselves with bulky, immobile, dusty, scratch-happy records… but why?

Researchers and scientists believe our connection with music actually hooks into our desire to have physical objects

around us, and digital music only ever satisfies one of those emotions.

Vinyl records – and the sleeves they come in – offer something to hold, to read, to savour; while collecting records and building our own ‘project’ through music is said to satisfy that human desire to anchor and look after.

From a low-point in sales terms in 2008, to the five million sold in 2021 offering a 30-year high year, vinyl records now make up 23% of all album sales, proving that our desire to really immerse in a product and an audio experience is something that is only heading in one direction. Adele sold most vinyl records in 2021, though so in demand was her album, 30,

that the 500,000 ordered by Sony created a global shortage in vinyl pressing plants, to the detriment of other upcoming releases. In 2022, the honour of most vinyl sales went to Isle of Wight exports Wet Leg.

Perhaps the most peculiar renaissance in terms of the way we listen to music has come about not through vinyl at all, but a rapid increase in the cassette tape market. In 2021 – the last year for which full figures are available – these totalled 190,000, up a fifth on the total achieved in 2020. What is even more perplexing about the trend is that it’s estimated that over half of those purchasing cassettes do not even own a cassette player!

Back to vinyl, and it’s not just newly-released music that finds itself in the middle of a dramatic sales flourish, with the secondhand market also proving our desire for physical music continues in an upward pattern (thanks in no small part to sites such eBay and Discogs). Perhaps it’s time to have a look in the attic at some of your forgotten classics, particularly if your collection includes any of the artists below:

The 10 most collectable vinyl artists:

1 Elvis Presley

2 Bob Dylan

3 The Beatles

4 Nirvana

5 Jimi Hendrix

6 Miles Davis

7 Led Zeppelin

8 Beach Boys

9 Metallica

10 Depeche Mode

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!

February & March 2023

Catch Venus in the Early Evening Sky: Venus rises to prominence in the early evening sky over the next couple of months. A beacon of bright white light, Earth’s neighbour is found low in the south-west at dusk early February. By month’s end and into March it’ll stay low in the sky but become more noticeable as it draws closer to the second brightest planet in our night sky, Jupiter.

See the Venus-Jupiter Conjunction: The two brightest planets share a breathtaking encounter on the first evening of March this year. They’ll sit side by side like two celestial headlights low in the west for almost two hours from dusk until they set at just after 8pm on 1 March.

Venus is the brighter of the two planets located to the right of Jupiter. 10x50 binoculars mounted on a sturdy tripod will give you a pleasing view of both planets in the same field. A small telescope will get you closer – a 150mm aperture reflector for example will show Jupiter with four of its bright moons gathered in a line, and Venus too at the same time in one superb view!

Find Mars with the Pleiades & Hyades: Not to be overlooked the Red Planet is still an easy catch during late winter and early spring. You’ll find it as a ruby-red star like object high in the sky not far from the ‘mini plough’ shape of the Pleiades and the side-on ‘V’ of the Hyades star cluster.

By Seb Jay - Image: Seb Jay

Dark Sky Telescope Hire

www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

Are Vitamins Vital?

Us Brits spend around £500million every year on multivitamins and dietary supplements, but are we actually getting our money’s worth?

They always say it’s the small, positive habits that build up our overall health and wellness. Taking the stairs for example, drinking eight glasses of water each day and, for many of us, popping that vitamin or mineral pill.

But while stairs and H20 are free (or almost free), the latter can cost us hundreds of pounds a year. So, don’t you want to be sure that your multivitamin is properly contributing to your health?

History and modern research

In the early 20th century when vitamins were first discovered and their role in preventing illnesses such as scurvy and rickets began to be understood, it was deemed a revelation in healthcare. Back then, diets

were nutritionally insufficient enough to cause serious health problems, and even death.

Yet now, in 2023, we have access to an abundance of fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat, making such diseases an anomaly in the western world.

However, a 2018 Food Standards Agency report

found that about half of UK adults took food supplements on a regular basis, suggesting a belief at least that these special pills can either prevent and cure illness, or both. And of course, such magical thinking is understandable given the information we are fed via the media: for example, during the Covid pandemic it was discovered that a lack of vitamin D correlated with more severe symptoms of the illness, hence vitamin D was highly regarded as a way of defending against the respiratory disease thereafter.

Natural health

In fact, there are frequently new studies that hail supplement after supplement as being the cure for one ailment or another, but it always worth bearing in mind that a well-balanced diet ought to have you covered in any case. Not only that, but vitamins and minerals in their natural state are easier absorbed by your body.

The question is then, does your diet have you covered? Well, as

long as you aren’t excluding one of the main food groups, then yes. However, if you are following a vegetarian or vegan plant-based diet, taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin B12, iodine and choline, along with vitamin D, could be beneficial. Similarly, those averse to oily fish should consider an omega 3 supplement.

Women who are pregnant or intend on becoming pregnant are advised to take a 400-microgram supplement of folic acid, daily, as research shows that this reduces the risk of neural tube defects in babies. Calcium is also vital to those breastfeeding, so any new mums who are lactose intolerant ought to seek it by other means.

Ageing can also have a detrimental effect on your body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals; for example, as we get older our

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I nearly fell asleep whilst having my fillings done! Very reassuring - no rush.

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stomachs struggle to produce hydrochloric acid – vital for the absorption of vitamin B12 – so those over the age of 50 are advised to take a B12 supplement.

Conclusion

Supplements tend to benefit those whose diets are lacking. Having said that, you might just want to take a multivitamin for peace of mind; after all, the only negative effect it can really have is to your wallet. In this instance, it’s worth knowing that any supplements on sale in the UK must meet rigorous trading standards. So, while some brands may promise an elixir of youth or health, in reality you’ll probably fare as well with a cheaper make.

Healthcare is a booming business, but your own personal wellbeing is simply priceless.

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M.B.

Dentist : Dr A. Johar

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Hygienist: Mrs Jane Shrowder

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New Year Health MOT

Get into gear this new year by giving yourself a DIY health MOT that will power you into and through 2023.

We book our cars in for an annual MOT, yet rarely show the same level of care for our bodies… which often take on more stress than our trusty motors. So this January, why not start the year with a health checklist to set you on the road to wellbeing success.

Calculate your BMI

One of the most e ective ways to see where you are weight-wise, is to work out your BMI. You can do this using an online calculator, a visual chart or with the following formula:

weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared

This will tell you whether you are underweight, healthy, overweight, obese or extremely obese. And, while you may not be thrilled with the result, it is a helpful tool to plot where you want to get to as the months go by.

Measure your habits

January is the month we allow ourselves to get really honest about the e ects our lifestyles are having on our bodies. So, while you may tell the odd white lie to your doctors, try to be frank with yourself.

Put your best foot forward, whilst accepting it may take a few goes to get your pistons firing again.

Check your diet

If you’ve had a decadent festive period, you may want to embark on a strict regime to reset your metabolism. Studies show that national wellbeing initiatives such as Dry January or Veganuary make us more likely to stick to our personal goals thanks to the comradery and exposure they provide us. So bite the bullet (or butternut squash) and devote at least 31 days to the new you.

Run a risk assessment

Anyone over the age of 40 – but under 74 – is entitled to a free NHS health check. This a simple check of your heart health which tests your vascular or circulatory health, and works out your risk of developing some of the most disabling – but preventable – illnesses. It is free of charge, including any followup tests or appointments.

Make a plan

Make the next 12 months count by setting yourself achievable goals.

Perhaps you want to run your first 10K by the start of spring, or be down a dress size by summer. Maybe you are determined to quit smoking once and for all or are keen to get your five-a-day on a regular basis.

Whatever your aim, make life easier by plotting a course to success and by giving yourself small rewards along the way.

Cleaning up our act

Keen to make your laundry routine as eco-friendly as possible? Well, we’ve got some simple and effective solutions for you.

1. Lessen the load

Sometimes the most obvious option is the best one, and in this case, that would be to simply do less washing.

Naturally, socks and pants can only be worn once before they need a clean, but perhaps you can at least strive to get a couple of days from the same pair of jeans or sweatshirt. Going fewer days without doing a wash is also a good strategy: three larger loads a week is preferable to five smaller ones.

2. Curb the chemicals

Toxic detergents have a very negative impact on our local eco-systems – particularly marine life. Fortunately, there are numerous eco-brands on the market that are also effective and pleasantly fragrant.

Another good option is soap nuts - these are dried shells of berries from a tree native to the Himalayas. Entirely natural, chemical-free and gentle, these nuts contain saponins, a soaplike chemical that foams when agitated in warm water. Soap nuts are also anti-bacterial,

anti-fungal and an effective alternative to chemical cleaners.

3. Get some balls

Your favourite scented dryer sheet is single-use, nonbiodegradable and packed with toxic chemicals, so invest instead in some wool dryer balls.

Not only do they reduce static electricity and wrinkles, soften fabrics and encourage them to dry faster, they can also be used over and over again – far kinder to your pocket, too! And to go a step further,

sprinkle with essential oils to give your clothes a dreamy scent.

4. Ditch the plastics

It’s no secret that single-use plastic is enemy number one to the environment. Why not seek out a local store that provides refillable stations, or consider a detergent alternative such as soap nuts or even just distilled white vinegar - don’t worry, the vinegar smell naturally neutralises!

5. Cool it down

Even though most washing machines offer the option of a 90-degree wash, it really is an unnecessary temperature to wash linens at. If you do have nasty stains, pop half-a-cup of baking soda in with your clothes to banish them.

Even your colour clothes wash can be dropped from 40 to 30 degrees thanks to better formulated detergents (even the eco brands), a small change that lessens both the impact on the planet and on your pocket.

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CYCLE SERVICE & REPAIRS

Clever cookers

In the hit nineties show Sex and the City, lead protagonist Carrie famously used her oven as storage space for her sweaters. As the ultimate Manhattan singleton and social butterfly, Sarah Jessica Parker’s flighty character had never once used the appliance and indulged in daily takeout and trips to hip New York restaurants instead.

Unfortunately, the UK’s cost of living crisis has plunged us Brits into a similar scenario, except that it is the immense cost of cooking food with the oven that is the problem. The past year has seen the average household’s energy bill increase by approximately £3,549 as we see the highest inflation rates in 40 years, and with around 4% of your energy bill spent on kitchen appliances this is an area of your home where improvements can be made. In fact, it is predicted that cooking

with more energy-efficient appliances could save you up to £600 per year. Here we explore the most efficient alternatives, from the ubiquitous microwave to the humble slow cooker.

Hobs

When it comes to hobs, much like your oven, gas is cheaper, but electric is more effective. A lot of heat is lost into the room with gas, but the difference in cost makes the difference negligible. However,

an induction hob is incredibly efficient because there is no energy lost around the pan (even electric ceramic plates waste heat) so if induction is an option, go for it.

Microwaves

Microwaves use up to 80% less energy than a conventional oven and cost as little as 8p a day to run. The downside of course is what you gain in speed and convenience, you lose in versatility. However, it may be worth switching to your microwave when cooking vegetables, pasta and poached eggs over boiling big pots of water on the hob.

Slow cookers

With energy prices rising, you may find your best bet is to leave your oven permanently off and invest in one of these more energy-efficient cooking appliances. and have

It’s official. Slow cookers are back in fashion and with good reason. Not only have they been found

Ingredients

(serves 8-12)

• 275ml plant-based milk, any sort

• 150ml groundnut or walnut oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp ground flax seeds

• 60ml hot water

• 125g plain flour

• 125g cocoa powder

• ½ tsp baking powder

The Hairy Bikers’ Dairy-Free, Vegan Brownies

Introduction

Si, from the Hairy Bikers: The baking revolution of the Noughties was really something to behold, and the momentum of that in the years since has never slowed down.

As a duo, we always felt we had unfinished baking business ahead of our Bakeation series, not least because being on the road, on motorbikes, does limit your ability to use an oven. Also, I think in some ways, baking can easily get pushed to one side when the necessity is there to get home and cook a meal for your family.

Lockdown finally afforded more time to play about with baking ideas and ingredients, and this dairy-free variation on the classic brownie was one of my absolute favourites. These brownies contain no butter and no eggs, and are vegan friendly, and these beauties still taste fantastic. Give them a try!

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/ Fan 160°C/Gas mark 4. Line a 20x20cm brownie tin with baking paper or brush with cake-release spray.

2. Whisk the milk, oil and

vanilla extract together in a bowl and set aside. Mix the ground flax seeds with the hot water and leave to stand for 5 minutes. Whisk all the remaining ingredients, except the chocolate chips and the nut

• 100g light soft brown sugar

• 75g caster sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 150g vegan chocolate chips

• 100g nut butter, any sort

butter, together in a separate bowl.

3. Beat the flax seeds into the wet ingredients, then add the dry mixture and fold in as gently as you can. Add the chocolate chips.

4. Scrape the mixture into the prepared tin. Dot spoonfuls of the nut butter all over the batter, then swirl it through, using the tip of a knife. Don’t mix it up too much!

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the brownies have just set. Leave to cool completely, then cut into squares. If you want them extra fudgy, put them in the fridge for several hours. Otherwise transfer to an airtight container.

LOCAL COURSES TASTER SESSION:

2022

Aternate Thursdays, 2:30 - 4:00pm

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

Talks of local & national interest with refreshments

2nd February

A Saint and a Sinner by Tony Woodhouse

23rd February

Gardening, it’s like Marmite, you either love it or loathe it - a look at how our gardens evolved by Ann Ledger

9th March

A Knife and a Bullet, Murder in Victorian Dunstable! by Rita Swift

23rd March

Nirvana Lost: An Introduction to the History and Culture of Tibet by Andy Gibbs

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; A History/travelogue of five, lesser visited, countries.

The courses we have coming up are:Important Scientists from 1600 to present. Commencing 28th February for five weeks.

To register to attend please contact Carole: 07917 083850 / smart.carole@talk21.com

Quiz Night

including a fish and chips supper*

North Chilterns Chalk

Thursday 1st August 10.30am - 12.30pm

Friday, February 10th

£3 per child

(accompanying adults free)

7:00 pm for 7.30 pm start

Maulden Village Hall,

North Chilterns Chalk Events

‘Wildlife of Estonia’* A talk by Dr Wilf Powell

Monday, March 20th

7:30pm

Maulden Church Hall,

Pegsdon Hills

Pegsdon nr Hitchin, SG5 3JU

Events

Bookings & further information

T: 01525 874317

Come and test your knowledge on a range of subjects and have a fun evening!

E: Toddington@wildlifebcn.org

You can now book in your teams, maximum six members, for the event. Email Ann with names of your team members, a team name and meal choices. * Vegetarian option available. Cash payments at the door ONLY please.

Note: Due to conditions of the hall’s license, you may not bring or consume your own alcohol. Wine, beer, and soft drinks will be available to purchase from the bar.

£12.00 per person

Open to all, but please reserve as space is limited.

Although a small country, Estonia has a wealth of wildlife and one of the lowest population densities in Europe. For example, it has over 100 butterfly species despite being on the same latitude as northern Scotland. It also lies on a major bird migration route, the East Atlantic Flyway, with around 2 million birds along its western and northern coastlines in Spring.

Wilf has been lucky enough to visit Estonia six times since 2009 and in this talk, he will discuss some of his favourite sites for wildlife and show a range of fauna and flora that can be encountered there.

*£4.00 per adult

Spring Summer 2018

Open to all, but please reserve as space is limited.

No wheelchair access.

Sunday 25th August 10.30am - 12.30pm

£5, £3.50 for members

When most other orchids have finished flowers Autumn Lady’s Tresses put on their show.

For further information or to reserve your place please email flitvale.info@gmail.com (If you don’t have email, please ring Ann on 07580 178889 between 6-8 pm.)

Join local expert Graham Bellamy, coauthor of ‘Wild Orchids of Bedfordshire’ for a meander through Knocking Hoe reserve to look for these rare, delicate orchids.

Wildlife surveying and practical hands on conservation. Help make a real differ ence for local wildlife whilst learning new skills and meeting like-minded friends. Add something amazing to your CV by volunteering and working towards the nationally recognised John Muir Conservation Award. Suitable for young adults aged 13 - 19.

Electric Ovens & Vacuum Cleaners…

*No Callout Charges*

*All Makes Repaired*

*Honest & Reliable Advice*

*Full Electrical Safety Tests*

*Eve & Weekend Appointments*

*All Work Guaranteed* Contact…

Leigh Hibon On

Days: 07841 652 496 Eve: 01582 842764

Hedges & Edges

Tree work, hedge trimming, grass cutting, rotavating, clearance & much more. Fully insured. Free quotations. Tel: 01582 608684 or 07825 185745 Email: richardcronin67@yahoo.co.uk

GUTTERMEDICS

Will Kimberley