The Vine Villages - October / November 2018 - Issue 39

News / What’s On / Local Directory o b er - N ov

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2018

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39

Covering The Villages Surrounding Dunstable

www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Local News

What’s On Puzzles

It’s A Drugs Bust

Don’t Get Ripped Off

By Martin Lewis

AUTUMN BULBS What To Plant Now!

WINTER SUN

A Guide To Winter Holiday Destinations

Plus: Local Halloween & Fireworks Events Connecting local people to local businesses

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Book your next holiday by 31st December 2018 and mention Vine Magazine to receive double Holiday Club points!

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Proud To Be Local Businesses Highly LocalCommended Events

Find Us On. CUSTOMER CARE EXCELLENCE AWARD Local News TheVineDirectory Local Offers

Editor: Scott Nightingale Editor: Scott Advertising & Nightingale Editorial:

Inside this issue...

Inside this issue...

.co.uk 6 Revitalising Dunstable 8 Revitalising Dunstable

• Local Business Directory • Local Events • Local News • Local Offers ADD YOUR LISTING TODAY!

Advertising Shelly Nesbitt & Editorial: Shelly Nesbitt Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043 Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043 Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

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

NeitherThe do Vine they does notthe officially endorse any advertising reflect opinion of this publication.

The Vine material thisany publication. does notincluded officiallywithin endorse advertising No part of this publication reproduced material included withinmay thisbe publication. without permission.

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

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10 Eden On Our Doorstep?

14 Toddington To London Fashion Week 12 Local News 20 Martin Lewis: It’s A Drugs Bust 20 TeamSport - Competition 24 Puzzles 22 Martin Lewis: Money Matters Dunstable & WWI Snippets: Caring For Houseplants 26 26 At Home: Travel: Winter Sun Destinations 28 30 In The Garden 32 32 Body Change 4U:Eclipse Calories Auto: Mitsubishi Cross 4 34 34 Autos: Mercedes AMG In The Garden:C220 Help The Hedgehog 36 Puzzles 38 Autumn Bulbs 38 Snippets: The Gunpowder Plot 40 Pets: Dogs & Fireworks 46 A Pensioners View Copy deadline 42 Looking Up Copy deadline for next issue: 48 Out & About for next issue: November 44 Out & About November 18th 2018 18th

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

5

local News

Nurses ‘Count’ On Adventure Trek To Help Them Care For Patients Nurses at a Bedfordshire hospice are taking on a once in a lifetime challenge by trekking across Transylvania to raise vital funds to care for their patients.

The nursing team from Keech Hospice Care in Luton, along with other staff and supporters of the charity, will be trekking across the tough terrain of the Transylvanian Alps – including a pitstop at Count Dracula’s castle - for four days from 1 October.

Rosie Leyden, an adult healthcare assistant at Keech Hospice Care, said taking on the trek is something she never could have imagined doing before.

“It will be an incredible experience that I couldn’t do without the support of everyone at the hospice. I’m a bit nervous about just how challenging it is going to be as we’ll be trekking for around seven or eight hours a day for four days straight in the mountains. I’ve never done anything like this in my life,” said Rosie.

“When times get tough I know I’ll have the team behind me and be thinking about the wonderful patients, volunteers, family and friends who have helped us get this far.

“Some of our patients have held their own events to raise money

for us or brought cash in that they’ve been collecting in their communities, and one gentleman even donated £1,000! Their outstanding generosity and support will keep spurring me on.”

It is hoped the trek will raise thousands to help the charity continue offering excellent care and support to seriously ill adults in Luton and south Bedfordshire, and children across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Angie Shipley, a senior staff nurse at Keech Hospice Care, said she has her own personal motivations for taking on the adventure.

“I had spinal cord compression a couple of years ago and was unable to even do simple things like get in the shower on my own. Then I had an operation to help me walk independently and it has given me a whole new passion for life. I’ve seen the treks Keech has done in the past and because of my experience, I knew I wanted to give something back too,” said Angie.

“Around 70 per cent of the

To donate towards the trek visit www.keech.org.uk/donate 6

www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

funding for our care comes from our community and supporters, so we’re hoping this will raise thousands of pounds to help us continue supporting adults and children with terminal and lifelimiting illnesses.

“We’ve been doing our bit too and have held discos, garden parties, BBQs and bake sales to raise money – what can I say, we’re a hospice which runs on cake!”

Once the trek is complete, the group will leave a lasting legacy in Bucharest by helping some of the country’s poorest children to develop their English skills and achieve in school.

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

7

local News

Revitalising Dunstable

Northern Gateway I am delighted to say that work on improving Dunstable High Street started at the end of September. You told us you wanted to prioritise pedestrians, as they are the ones spending money in the shops and businesses, through a boulevard-style high street with cafes on wider pavements; more greenery; and more public areas and places to sit.

The improvements will take around 12 weeks. Initially we’re starting by removing the railings and some other unnecessary street clutter from the High Street, so that pedestrians can get to different areas around town.

This will include four ‘gateway’ features at key locations to help to define your town centre, and to indicate to drivers that they are entering a pedestrian-friendly area.

The gateway features will also include information about the history of Dunstable and have a map to show key places of interest. The Northern gateway will be by Grove House Gardens; the Southern gateway by Market Square; the Eastern gateway by

8

Western Gateway Priory Church; and the Western gateway by St. Mary’s Gate.

Here are some ‘before and after’ pictures here for you to seen how our improvements will help enhance the town.

We will continue to bid for more funding, so we can undertake further improvements to the High Street area, including to the layout of the main crossroads.

These are also things we spoke to you about last year. You can read more about our ambitions at

www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ yourhighstreet Meanwhile, the construction of the new £20.1million Dunstable Centre community building in Court Drive continues. The new building will incorporate a brand new, state-of-the-art leisure facility, including gym and swimming pools; a relocated, new and bigger library; new crèche; new, bigger café; and flexible community space for other public and community services, such as Citizens’

Dunstable Library is now open from 10am to 2pm, Tuesday to Saturday until 22nd December, when it will close its doors for the last time at 2pm, ahead of the move.

During the closure, library users will be able to access the same library services in Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard. The library will be running a Drop Off Point for people to return library items at The Grove Theatre. The dropoff point will be open between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am and 2pm on Saturdays throughout the closure period.

Items will have been issued for a longer period than usual so that members will not be charged fines while the library is closed.

Southern Gateway

Eastern Gateway Advice and adult day care.

Externally, the facades are nearly complete, with brickwork and glazing on all floors. Internally, the main pool and learner pool in the leisure centre area have both been rendered and made waterproof. After that, the tiling will start in the pools and changing facilities. The search for employees to staff the new leisure facilities has started, so do look out for the exciting job opportunities.

In preparation for their move over, Dunstable Library opening hours will be changing at the current library in Vernon Place.

This will help to provide time to sort out the old building, the recruitment and training of new staff and the move to the new building.

The brand-new library will be a large, bright and airy open-plan space, incorporating state-of-theart equipment. The space will flow seamlessly within the main

foyer and will be zoned for different activities, as well as flexible space for activities, events and clubs.

The building is on-track open in winter 2018/19. You can read more about the new building and its progress at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ DLC

Issue 39 • October / November 2018

9

local News

Have you had your Flu Jab? Pregnant Women and Children aged 2- 9 urged to get vaccinated Health leaders across Bedfordshire are urging pregnant women and young children to get their free flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Health at Central Bedfordshire Council said: “It is really important to protect children and babies against the flu as they are more vulnerable to developing serious complications. The flu vaccination is completely free and as well as protecting your child If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant it will also help prevent the spread of flu to other then you will be eligible for a free flu vaccine. Chilvulnerable members of the community.� dren between the ages of two and nine years will also For more information about how to get a free flu be eligible and will receive a free flu nasal spray. vaccine contact your local GP, midwife or your comFor the best protection flu vaccines should be taken munity pharmacy. Children aged four to nine years early, ideally between September and November. old will receive their vaccine at school by a qualified Pregnant women and children are more at risk of nursing team if permission has been given by their developing serious complications such as: pneumoparents. nia, meningitis, severe ear infections and tonsillitis. In The flu vaccination does not give you the flu but pregnant women it may cause miscarriage, premature some people may experience minor symptoms afterbirth and even stillbirth. Taking the flu vaccine while wards, as with other vaccinations. pregnant will also protect babies for several months after they are born, which is important as new-borns For more information about flu and the flu vaccinacannot receive the flu vaccine before six months old. tion please visit the NHS choices website.

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for

10 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Citizens Advice is one of the UK’s largest

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local News

Get Jitters With The Critters Boo at the Zoo week at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Saturday 20th October – Wednesday 31st October For hairy, but not too scary, Halloween fun, families can trick-or-treat themselves to a magical trip to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, for special October half-term event,Boo at the Zoo. From Saturday 20th to Wednesday 31st October, the animals and people alike will be celebrating all things spooky, with a fang-tastic day out for the whole family to enjoy.

Fearless families can step into the Super Natural Neighbours experience, to discover the weird and wonderful creatures that live on our doorsteps. Any child who has ever heard an eerie cry from outside or a strange rustling from the kitchen cupboard will love learning about the fascinating animals that make these Night-time Noises.

Explore the Creepy Kitchen and gaze into thePungent Pond, before meeting some not-so Frightening Friends.

Kids can experiment with Creepy Crafts, make Menacing Masks or carve their own Petrifying Pumpkins, as well as transform into black cats, spiders and other Halloween creatures with the help of the Zoo’s Fearsome Face Painters. For under 5s, follow the scarecrow and his friends down to the farm for someMagic and Mayhem fun and games.

Animal-lovers can experience a whole host of interactive, terrifying talks and devilish demonstrations that will amaze even the cleverest little monsters. Get to know the Zoo’s owls in a special Owloween Encounter, and find out how elephants created the cyclops or what butterflies have to do with the Day of the Dead at a whole series of Monster Mythbusters talks, running all day.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is dead set to be a spooktacular day out. Join in the fun from Saturday 20th to Wednesday 31st October, and book your zoo tickets online now at www.zsl.org

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local Community

From

Toddington To

London Fashion Week

September is London Fashion Week and I was fortunate enough to be asked to join nail expert Julie Bryans team of nail technicians. The team are sponsored by Premier Gel and are there to make sure the models’ nails are perfect and ready for the catwalk. This would take me away from my salon in Toddington for a few days, where I work alone, but I thought it would be an interesting and exciting experience....and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

It’s hard to explain the atmosphere, or the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, but I have to say it was a week I will not forget!

Each day the team had the task of preparing the nails of around 40 models, who took to the catwalk at Fashions Finest shows, hosted at the Devere Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden.

A few celebrities made an appearance at the shows including Simon Gross from Big Brother/X-factor and Paul Mellor from Britains Got Talent who opened one of the shows. TV presenter Jillian Mckeith walked the catwalk for Claud Furst Handbags and I was lucky enough to meet her backstage while I was working.

We worked long days and I have to admit it’s not always as glamorous as people may think but I had so much fun. Luckily the team of nail technicians were amazing, some had never worked Fashion Week before but they all took it in their stride and worked

14 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

like Trojans to get the models ready.

After completing another 12 hour day, I was just getting ready to head home when a phone call came in asking if Julie Bryan and myself could work backstage at the Wesley Harriot show. We jumped in a taxi and arrived backstage at the Strand as preparations were in full swing.

So in we went with our suitcases in tow.

We were handed some polish and given a list of models who needed their nails done and we set to work. With around 40 people working in one small room, to say it was hot is an understatement! But we worked our way through the list of around ten models and, with only minutes to spare before they needed to be dressed, we completed their nails. The nail technicians were led by MarieLouise Coster who had just come straight from working at the Victoria Beckham show. Wesley Harriots show was amazing and very different so it was fantastic to be a part of it.

Julie Bryan has since asked me to work alongside her again and we hope to build upon the contacts we made for future events. We have already been asked to return to London Fashion Week in February 2019 and are also making plans for New York and Paris which will be a dream come true.

So it’s watch this space for Souz Nails and Beauty!

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

15

local News

The Royal British Legion Bedfordshire is to host the Bedfordshire Festival of Remembrance at the Bedford Corn Exchange on Friday 9th November 2018 at 1900hrs for a 1930hrs performance.

This is a special performance to commemorate those who have lost their lives in past conflicts to say “Thank You”, to all that served sacrificed and changed our world. This year, 100 years on, we invite you to come and join us to commemorate the end of The Great War for an evening of music, song, poetry and special memories.

Performed by a 200 strong cast of choirs, Singers,

Bag Pipers and Musicians, who are all volunteering their time for an unforgettable evening. The performance will of course embrace the Act of Remembrance with time to reflect and give thanks to our fallen heroes.

Music will include well known favourite’s like The D Day Darlings and Military Wives Choir along with the Bedford Chapel School Choir.

Tickets are available are available at www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

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It’s A

Drugs Bust @martinslewis

stop letting big pharma’s rip you off!

Harry Potter’s got nowt on the pharmaceutical industry. It’s full of real wizards, both those who make drugs that help, and the marketeers whose raft of tricks to persuade us there’s hidden magic in their brands. Drug companies spend millions promoting ‘only-use-the-name-you-know’ messages... but it’s often marketing baloney, balderdash and any other ‘b’ words you can think of.

Worse still, it hits people’s pockets unnecessarily, many are paying six times over the odds. Savings can even be possible by buying IDENTICAL doppelganger pills, just in different packaging. So it’s time for a drugs bust. Here’s my pill-by-pill guide to not getting suckered into buying expensive medications.

Look at the active ingredient... that’s what matters.

It’s widely known that it’s the medicine’s ‘active’ ingredient that does the business. So you can often save by having a quick look on the pack to see what that is, and buying the same generic version rather than the branded version for less (though if you’ve certain allergies check the other ingredients too – and it may lack the sugar coating).

For example, standard 200mg Nurofen costs around £1.90 (16 tablets), yet you can get ibuprofen - the same active ingredient - for as little as 30p in Asda (also 16 tablets).

20 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Alternatively, Panadol (500mg of Paracetamol) is £1.65 for 16 tablets, but you can get the same 500mg of standard paracetamol in Sainsbury’s for 40p (16 tablets).

Take it a step further by checking the PL code... you’ll be surprised.

While the active ingredient is what does the business, there can be other differences such as delivery mechanism for quick delivery. Even then, often inside the packaging tablets are INDENTICAL– not just the same active ingredient.

On the side of the pack you’ll see a product number (PL) – this is a unique licence number given exclusively to a particular drug made by a particular manufacturer (eg, PL 12063/0104 is a cold and flu remedy). If two have the same number, it’s the exact same product. It has the same active ingredient AND the same formulation.

For example Beechams Ultra All In One Hot Lemon Menthol Powder (10 sachets) is currently £4.99 in Boots, but is £1.85 for Wilko’s own Flu Max All In One (10 sachets) and they both have the same active ingredients (paracetamol, phenylephrine and guaifenesin) and check the side of the pack and you’ll see the same PL code PL 12063/0104.

This happens right across the board. So when in the pharmacist, just take a look and check you’re not paying just for shinier packaging.

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

21

Targeted pain killers are often just spin.

When you see a painkiller is targeted at “headaches”, “period pain relief ” or “back pain” on the box – they’re hoping that we’ll think: “There must be something in it – I’m in pain, what’s a few extra quid to make sure its targeted, better be safe than sorry eh?” And of course it works. It’s a clever way of getting you to buy a branded product rather than the cheaper generic.

Yet often there’s little in it. Check the active ingredient and the PL code. For example, Panadol Extra Advance and Panadol Period Pain, both have the same 500mg of paracetamol, as the active ingredient, and both have PL number 44673/0078 – they’re the same thing, just different packet.

This isn’t breaking a rule, medicines are allowed to have ‘informative’ names on the packet, to ‘help you choose the product you need’, but be vigilant.

Hay fever savings are nothing to sneeze at.

You can slash the cost of anti-histamine tablets by again looking for the active ingredient, and going for the non-branded tablets rather than the branded ones.

The Piriteze brand (active ingredient cetirizine hydrochloride) and Clarityn (active ingredient loratadine) both are sold for around £7 for a pack of 30. Yet generic versions in supermarkets and pharmacies can

be less than £2. Or go online to www.pharmacyfirst. co.uk (using the code ‘freedelivery’) and you can get four packs of cetirizine hydrochloride for £2.79 or six packs of loratadine tablets for £4.79.

Online pharmacies selling medicines in the UK must by law display the European common logo on every page of their website - a green logo which when clicked will link to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s register of authorised online pharmacies. Look out for the voluntary ‘registered pharmacy’ logo too.

Also check the use-by date on the packet – some online pharmacies are cheaper because they are flogging medicine with a short lifespan.

English prescription tricks.

If you’re prescribed common medication such as painkillers or dermatology creams, it’s cheaper to buy them that way rather than spend £8.80 on a prescription (if you need to pay it). And for those who use prescriptions regularly, you can get a prepayment certificate – it’s a bit like a prescription season ticket and can mean big savings. A three-month one costs £29.10 and a year’s costs £104 – and once you’ve got it, it covers all your prescriptions in that time. As a rule of thumb, they win if you use more than one prescription a month. Plus if you already paid for prescriptions before you get it, you can backdate it up to a month, and reclaim the money back.

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

22 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

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www.thevinemagazine.co.uk Issue 39 • October / November 2018

39

23

Puzzles

Answers on page 62

Across Across

Down

3. Negligence (9) 6.8.

Copse (7)(4) Cornet 7.9.

Faithful (5) (9) Mocking 9.10.

Sick (3) New (6) 10.

11.Teeming Postpone(9) (5) 12.

Of inferior 14. Fish (5) quality 15.(6-5) Slave (4) 15.

16.Foot-soldiers Kingdom (5) (11) 17.

Happy (9) (4) 18. Hypocrisy 19.

Charge 20. Mistreat(3) (5) 21.

(5) 21.Laziness Dense (5) 22.

24.Perceive Leave (6)(7)

1. Tenure (9) 2. Rebel (9) Down Burden 1.4.

Charm (5)(4) 5.

Misdeed 2. Finish (3) (5) Sounds (6) 3.6.

Pavement edge (4) 7.

Kill (4) boatman (9) 4. Venetian Cut (5) (7) 5.9.

Embellish 11.

Imbibed 8. Several (6) (5) 12.

Controlled 11. Lay waste (9)(9) 13.Trip Love(6) (9) 13.

17.

Manufacturer (5) 14. Exalt (7) 19.

Flog (6) 16. Gay (5) 22.Revise Shackle 18.

(4)(5) 23.

Yield (4) 20. Frigid (3) 24. Nap (4)

25. Divider (9) 26. Nought (4) 27. In the act (3-6)

9

7 JOKES

5

2

8

6

1 4

6

1 9

9 2 8

7

2

8

5

3

9

7

4 6

COWED

36 36

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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25

Snippets By Paul Heley

Dunstable and

World

War One This year sees the centenary of the signing of the Armistice which concluded “The War to end all Wars” - how hopelessly optimistic that sentiment turned out to be.

But in 1914 when it all started (and my father was a 10 year boy at Totternhoe who was, mercifully, too young to take part), Dunstable was a sleepy little country town more rural than industrial. It had its cattle market on the Square and there were numerous small businesses associated with the surrounding countryside.

But on a national scale, there had been political rumblings for some time suggesting that all was not well in certain parts of Europe. However, such concerns were not in the forefront of Dunstable thoughts since things went on as they had for decades despite the Boer War 10 or 15 years previously.

But when some hot headed Bosnian Serb nationalist shot dead the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his pregnant wife, Sophie, in Sarajevo on June 28th, 1914, this was the trigger for all out war. The problem was that different countries were allied to others in some form of imperialistic or nationalistic group. For example Britain, France and Russia were the mainstays of the Triple Entente whilst Germany, Austria and Italy were allied with the AustroHungarian group in the Triple Alliance (or Central Powers). These alliances were intransigent in their attitudes and the Sarajevo shooting was enough to spark Germany into quick aggression such that WW1 started a month later on July 28, 1914.

Although Britain had a standing army resulting

26 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

from the Boer War, it was by no means big enough to engage in a full scale European war; consequently rapid conscription was necessary. There is the famous poster showing Lord Kitchener pointing directly towards the viewer with the words “Your country needs you” underneath. It is one of the most powerful recruiting posters ever. And with this message came the inducement of the “king’s shilling” if you signed on (a shilling (5p today) was the basic daily pay for a British “Tommy” in 1914).

With hindsight it seems like madness, but recruitment was high and there was a real attraction for young men - who might never have left their home towns or villages before - to “see the world”. Allied with this was the fact that many other young men - often little more than boys who lied about their age - joined together with friends from their immediate locality into so-called “Pals’ battalions” with the promise that they would stay together and not be dispersed into other regiments or duties.

There is no record of a Bedfordshire Pals’ battalion but there is record of the Dunstable Boys of the Bedfordshire Yeomanry.

The principal local regiment was the Bedfordshire

Dunstable Yeomanry WWI

Regiment which had been in existence since 1688 during the reign of King James 2nd. Over the centuries, it had been involved in many battles and skirmishes throughout the world but at the outbreak of WW1, it was mobilised for war on 16 August, 1914 and raised 21 Battalions. During the course of WW1, these different battalions were engaged in at least 30 separate battles and received 74 battle honours and 7 Victoria Crosses. Famous battles in which one or more of the battalions of the Bedfordshire Regiment were involved are such as :- Ypres, Passchendaele, Ancre and the Somme. Of the approximately 60 thousand men who were involved, roughly half were injured and more than 7000 never came home – a great sacrifice for one of England’s smaller counties.

Battalions of the Bedfordshire Regiment were also engaged in other theatres of war, Eg Gallipoli (where heavy losses were incurred against the Turks), Italy, Egypt and Palestine.

So far as Dunstable is concerned, there were 186 servicemen who perished (mainly soldiers but also a few sailors and one or two airmen). The majority were genuine Dunstable men although some were from other local areas like Houghton Regis, Totternhoe or nearby villages whilst some were the husbands of Dunstable women who had moved to the town.

Some received notable gallantry medals: men such as Capt. Jock Henderson – Military Cross ; Commander

Charles Benning – Distinguished Service Order ; Sergeant Percy Ives and Sergeant R Fearn – the Distinguished Conduct Medal. There is the tragic case of a Mrs Smith who lost both her sons – although she could take some comfort in knowing that her son, William, was awarded the Military Cross. Numerous other men received lesser medals and Dunstable can be proud of the sacrifices made by so many of its sons.

Another group from Dunstable who made the ultimate sacrifice were some of the Old Boys of the Grammar School. Sixty three of these young men fell in a number of different regiments according to their home areas since many of these men had been boarders at the school. Because DGS was a minor public school at the time, many of its Old Boys were immediately given the rank of 2nd lieutenant and these people, unfortunately, were usually required to be the first “over the top”, ie the first to leave the trenches - and the first to be mown down by machine gun fire.

One of the Dunstable School Old Boys, Lt-Colonel Edward Henderson, received the Victoria Cross posthumously following a particularly heroic action.

We have all seen pictures of the horrific scenes of this war : scarred landscapes, water filled bomb craters, trenches filled with mud. It is recorded that, altogether, there were thousands of miles of trenches on the Western Front stretching from the coast to Switzerland.

Snippets By Paul Heley

crossing the Atlantic and sending many of them to the bottom. The net result was food shortages in Britain and the introduction of Ration books. But perhaps the scheme wasn’t so well controlled then as during the 1940s because in 1917 and ’18, there were food riots in Dunstable and Luton (and many other places). Another similarity between the two wars is that women had to take a prominent role in the supply of armaments and various other jobs associated with the war effort. But during WW1, this was virtually the first time that women escaped from a purely domestic life style – and many relished the “freedom” offered. Yet another similarity was the enforcement of the “black out” at night when any light from buildings must not be seen.

And not only was artillery bombardment the cause There is the amusing story of when the Mayor was publicly reprimanded for some slight indiscretion in of many soldiers suffering from “shell shock” this respect. (perhaps for the rest of their lives - as experienced by some local ex-soldiers), there was also the horror After four long years and four months, this terrible of gas attack causing internal injury, death, or blind- conflict came to an end and the Armistice was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day ness. The whole experience must have been hell of the eleventh month, namely at 11 o’clock on on earth as recorded in the epic poems of Wilfred November 11th, 1918. But in those days there was Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and others.

For the people left at home in Dunstable, there was no radio, no TV, and so it took a further two days a telling precursor to something which happened in before the news could reach Dunstable so that the the UK during World War Two. It was that German Dunstable Borough Gazette could proudly announce “Peace”. submarines were causing havoc with food ships

A fascinating exhibition about Dunstable and World War 1 is now on display in the exhibirtion space upstairs at Priory House

Houghton Regis Service Of Remembrance The service for Remembrance Sunday, is taking place on Sunday 11th November 2018 and it will be held at All Saints’ Parish Church, Houghton Regis commencing at 9.45am.

An Act of Remembrance will follow immediately at the Memorial Stone on the Village Green at 11am.

The Service and Act of Remembrance will be officiated by the Parish Priest, Father Diego Galanzino, and light refreshments will be served following the services at the Memorial Hall. In addition, the Heritage Society has co-ordinated ‘The Homecoming’, a programme of readings, poetry and reflections from the community to be enjoyed during the refreshments.

28 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

29

Travel

WINTER SUN

Sun

Croatia is fringed with over 1000 islands, an amazing sight, especially from the air - lush emerald green, long, thin or perfectly circular, bordered by white cliffs and beaches, crisscrossed by tiny ribbons of road that seem to lead to nowhere. One could spend a week or more sailing through this romantic seascape but stay in one of the glorious Dalmatian resorts and you can cruise for a day on a nostalgic galleon, dropping anchor here and there to explore a few of these offshore gems.

Croatia Winter Sail to the Islands Destinations T

By Danielle Lade

he days were longer, the Southern Cyprus offers evenings were lighter, which is temperatures of a perfect pleasing 24 lovely! And then Autumn starts degrees with minimal rain fall levels so a hit and you thereddays through theYou lanescan forexpect a glimpse Plava and the honeyMljet in thetosouth is wild andcan feelthe good beach holiday option. creeping intothirds theirofWinter state.coloured With Vugava, aexcellent local life and the chapel unspoilt, two the island good 9with hours ofofsunshine and to a flight of 5on the UK’sinweather, one thing we freshly-caught seem to the hillock forairports the breath-taking fishhours or lobster. covered forest. The name fromThe a number of UK such as be able‘honey to count on issome a relatively dreary panorama. island has two small townships, Luton, means isle’ and Birmingham, Gatwick, Leeds and gloomy Winter!

It’s not quite near From the resort of Baska Voda, Vis, where a medley of architecclaim this is where the nymph and Manchester. enough to the jovialities of the end of it’s just under two hours to Hvar Calypso kept Ulysses spellbound ture reflects a turbulent past and the year (a season I won’t mention already but the return trip includes a Komiza, where boats head for for seven years. A few fishing in September!) However, a break away in stop on Brac, the largest island in villages areorsprinkled alongisthe October November just the romantic Blue Lagoon on central Dalmatia, world famous nearby Bisevo. shore while part of the island the thing to lift the spirits for the local stone used to build Of course, you could spend a is protected by a National Park. and bridge that gap between Summer this en- the White House in Washington.

There are two lovely saltwater and Decembers good cheer! whole day sailing through For a real variety, Tenerife offers both

chanting maze without landing at Bol is a pretty little town with lakes, shimmering turquoise and busypirouetting resorts for party goers, red roofs andposh whiteluxury walls nestling all,and gazing at dolphins blue, and shaded trails fragrant But where is best to find the heat hotels, historic ports for sightseers around the harbour. It’s a couple inmonths? the waves and rugged mounwith pines.inAlso from sunshine theaccessed Autumn/Winter lush green mountains walkers. of miles tofor theavid beach, by land tains the mainland, Dubrovnik is the aElaphite With Australia bit tooarchifar away fortowering on and a flight time of or 4 and a halfalong hours train on foot, a shaded but are when the boatWith approaches haven away; of pinewhich forestsoptions apelago, quickabreak from most majorpromenade airports and a real slightly home, where souvenir stalls Hvar, even the most jaded traveland olivecloser groves.to Only threeaofbit more range of budgetssell to lace suitand most, it’sstone a turned affordable andinhabited, more importantly, Brac lergoing is keen to explore. the islands are includgreat option for Winter sun seekers. to be bright and sunny?! ing Lopud, famous for sands, rare Havr greets you with the fairytale into clocks or candle holders.

Finally you reach the long broad in Dalmatia, and Kolocep, barely town of Jelsa, all donkey and spit of the Golden Cape, jutting cycle rides, fishing nets drying 300 residents but claiming seven out into the sea, a favourite spot in the alleyways, rose gardens, pre-Romanesque churches. sunflowers, waterside restaurants for windsurfers and sun worshipSlightly further out into the and pastel-hued Venetian palaces pers. The pebbles are as white as Adriatic, Vis is the last inhabited Croatian island before Italy, with dipping their toes in the sea. The the stone and the water is beautifully clear but in the distance fragrance of lavender lingers on mountains rising to nearly 2000 the galleon beckons, ready to the square and now and then a feet and vineyards spreading whiff of Croatian folklore echoes conclude the cruise in time for a in fertile valleys. Set in central Dalmatia, Vis boasts some of the under the parasols. It’s well worth perfect Adriatic sunset. leaving the crowds to wander best wine in the country, such as

To make the most of your leftover sun screen, check out our list of the best most Summer sun destinations...

30 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Issue 39 • October / November 2018

31

auto Biographies

By Rob Auchterlonie © Wheelwrite.co.uk 2018

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 4 Talk about diving in at the deep end, Mitsubishi’s all new Eclipse Cross has a whole load of family SUVs waiting at the side of the road to nudge it off course.

And of course, if they do, it’ll revel in it as Mitsubishi has long standing four wheel drive credentials. Every Eclipse Cross, irrespective of engine size, will have four driven wheels, so when the going gets tough, it’s capable of keeping on going.

The company itself is now under the wing of Nissan which took a controlling interest in 2016, but this is still a car of Mitsubishi’s sole making.

It’s probably the most upmarket compact car the company has made so far, and the neatest too, with its bold looks.

It’s based on a smaller version of the platform from the larger Outlander, and carries similar dimensions to the class leading SEAT Ateca, albeit slightly larger.

To many our car is an extension of our own persona, and despite what Governments may throw at the taxed-tothe-hilt motorist in the future, our own personal transportation is something that has been highly prized from the day the signature was added to the pass form by your driving examiner.

So it’s important for manufacturers to

do their homework and tick the boxes that will attract potential buyers.

In this case Mitsubishi is gambling on the Eclipse Cross’s latent good looks to catch the eye. Visual attitude counts for a lot – only the Toyota CR-V arguably does it better.

From launch all versions come with a new 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged engine developing 161bhp and 250Nm, a top speed of 127mph and seemingly modest combined fuel economy of 40.4mpg. If you want a diesel, there will be a 148bhp 2.2 along sometime soon.

The test car sampled here came with CVT, a transmission system that provides pretty smooth forward progress when mated to the 1.5 petrol unit and is efficient but in not exactly rewarding to drive. A six speed manual is also available.

The engine never seems to be short of power and at cruising speed isn’t going to interfere with your choice of on-board music.

The interior errs on the conservative side, in contrast to its bold exterior. There’s a fair smattering of plastic mouldings, but you can have neatly stitched leather upholstery and a panoramic roof, and all the main instrumentation and switchgear are logically laid out.

32 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Price: £27,915 1.5 litre direct injection turbo, 163ps, 250Nm All wheel drive CVT Top speed 127mph Fuel: urban34.4, extra urban 45.6, combined 40.4.

Plenty room up front for driver and passenger, not quite so in the rear where the sunroof impinges on headroom a bit. The rear bench has a slide and recline feature which frees up a bit more legroom.

It’s a fairly well equipped car, with a Rockford Fosgate (yeh, I’d never heard of them either) premium speaker system, 360 degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors on the list, but one glaring omission is the lack of sat nav on the seven inch touch screen that takes pride of place atop the dash – the sort of extra you’d expect to find in a car costing near on £28,000. What you do get is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, so it’s possible to hook up maps through that from your smart phone. The screen works either from a trackpad on the centre console or by touching the screen.

At various points in the past we’ve all metaphorically run to the light at the end of the tunnel only to get mown down by an oncoming train. That train being the constant stream of product from manufacturer after manufacturer being launched into the medium crossover sector. The choice is almost overwhelming but if it’s this type of car you need, then the Mitsubishi is worth considering. Prices start at £21,290.

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UNIT 7, SPARROWHALL BUSINESS PARK, LEIGHTON RD. EDLESBOROUGH, LU6 2ES www.thevinemagazine.com Issue 39 • October / November 2018 19 33

Did You Know?

In Theen Gard

• Hedgehogs can live for 2 to 7 years, depending on the species.

• The hedgehog’s spines are not poisonous or barbed.

• Hedgehog does not have a fight-or-flight response, but it has a protective mechanism that enables it to roll into a tight ball.

• They are mostly nocturnal animals and sleep throughout the day - under bushes, rocks, piles of leaves, or in dens dug in the ground.

Let's Help the Hedgehog

Over the past decade the number of hedgehogs has dropped by a third, and this loss is part of a long-term decline. It is estimated that in the 1950s we had 30million of these prickly but cute nocturnal animals. Today, approximately one million remain. So what has caused this sharp fall and what can we do to help the remaining hedgehogs thrive?

Although some hedgehogs die on our roads, the rise in the number of their predator – the badger - did not help. The use of pesticides in agriculture leads to a drop in many species of insects, and insects are among a hedgehog’s favourite diet staples.

In addition to insects, hedgehogs also eat beetles, earthworms, frogs and toads, as well as grass roots, berries, mushrooms and bird eggs, even that perennial garden pest, the slug.

Therefore if the population of hedgehogs is dropping sharply, it points to a wider problem in the ecosystem. Making our gardens more wildlife friendly gives the hedgehog’s diet a significant boost, and this means relaxing slightly our obsession with im-

maculate gardens and manicured lawns. Tempting as it may be to spray every last daisy peeking out of a pristine lawn, think how you would feel if someone came to your fridge at night and sprayed your cottage pie with poison.

Did you know that Germany has lost three quarters of their rural insects in the last 25 years? This means butterflies, wasps and bees, not just the annoying mosquitos and flies. The German study was originally prompted by anecdotal evidence of declining numbers of bugs splattered on car windscreens. Why is this important?

Flying insects pollinate crops, so they are crucial to growing food, but for insects to thrive, they need meadows full of wild flowers. The vast fields of intensively farmed land have little to offer to their wellbeing. Adding to the problem are the disappearing hedgerows that make way for new roads and houses, thus forming ideal conditions for fewer bugs, declining wildlife, and the disappearing hedgehog population. The scale of this loss has prompted scientists to warn about our world marching towards

34 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

ecological Armageddon.

We can all help by supporting wildlife and sustainable farming methods in any way we can, and this is one more reason to buy our fruit and vegetables from local farms.

To further help the hedgehog’s survival, we can encourage hedgehog-friendly habitats in our gardens. They love sheltered places such as hedgerows, but also piles of leaves under the hedges and heaps of logs or twigs, so resist the urge to tidy up every corner of the garden.

In town and city gardens, where you may only have a wooden fence on both sides, creating a small hole about a size of a CD is crucial. Hedgehogs cover some mileage in their search for food, and enabling them to roam from garden to garden helps in their search of shelter and a varied diet. Should you find a hedgehog trapped in a small garden with a uniform, weed-free lawn, help the hedgehog pop across to the neighbours for some different flavoured insects, it might feel like a steak night!

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01

In Theen Gard

October & November Best of The Bunch

Pyracantha (Firethor n) These famously prickly evergreen shrubs are ideal for training against walls not only to show their wonderful berries off to their best but also to deter opportunist burglars, thanks to the sharp thorns.

They can also be grown as free-standing bushes, and most will be producing berries now in varying shades of red, orange or yellow. Birds tend to leave them alone, so the berries can remain

until Christmas and beyond.

The most popular is P coccinea 'Lalandel', which produces orange-red berries, while 'Orange Glow' provides excellent orange berries and 'Soleil d'Or' has yellow berries.

Plants will grow to 2.5m x 2.5m and look wonderful if trained as espaliers. They thrive in any reasonable garden soil in sun and partial shade.

Good Enough to Eat!

Pumpkins

A pumpkin is not just for Halloween - they can make great soups and pies, and are really not difficult to grow.

These huge orange veg need a long, hot growing season to fully ripen, and are best planted in fertile, moist soil in the sun. Sow seeds indoors in April and plant out when all risk of frost has passed, protecting the young plants with cloches if the weather turns really cold. Give the plants some liquid fertiliser every two weeks and water during particularly hot or dry spells. They make a good strong root system so, once established, they are not as thirsty as courgettes.

When growing large cultivars, remove the growing tip when three fruits have set, giving them a better chance of ripening. If you only want one giant pumpkin, just leave one fruit on each plant.

Put a layer of straw or a board under the fruits to keep them clean, and let them ripen on the ground until they sound hollow when tapped.

Good varieties include ‘Triple Treat’, which is round and orange with tasty flesh, and ‘Becky’, a medium-sized variety ideal for carving. If pumpkins are fully ripened, they should develop a hard skin which will help it last in storage for months.

36 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Jobs To Do...

• Create a new compost heap or invest in a compost bin to house all that autumn debris.

• Scarify and aerate established lawns to reduce compaction and top dress with a mixture of sieved garden soil and sharp sand.

• Relocate evergreen shrubs while the soil is still relatively warm.

• Stop feeding shrubs and trees in containers, as new soft growth is likely to be damaged in winter.

• Cut down and divide perennials including sedums, hostas and phlox.

• Continue to plant narcissi but leave tulips until October.

• Sow hardy annuals including cornflowers, poached-egg plants and poppies outside now for flowering next year.

• Dig over heavy clay soil before the autumn rain makes it less workable.

• Pick apples and pears as they ripen.

• Plant new climbers, shrubs and trees while the soil is still warm.

• Take cuttings or save tender plants when you clear out summer containers if you have space to overwinter them.

• Check the greenhouse heating and insulate to save heat.

• Make sure bowls of bulbs being forced for indoor flowering don’t dry out.

• Protect strawberries potted for forcing early next year against frost by putting them in a cold frame.

• Continue to plant biennials such as fox glove, Canterbury bells and honesty.

• Check over brassicas for caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly and pick off any you find.

• Mow your lawn less frequently as growth slows down, and raise the height of the cutting blades.

• Reduce the feeding of fish in ponds as any food not eaten will just decompose in the water.

• Complete the pruning of climbing roses and tie them in before the autumn winds pick up.

• Trim conifers if necessary for the last time, but don’t cut into old wood.

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

37

In Theen Gard

Best Bulbs For Autumn Planting

No sooner have I returned from my summer holidays than I’m thinking about bulbs... what to plant, where to plant them and if there’s anything new on offer.

Planting bulbs in the autumn creates an optimism and air of anticipation for spring, when everything bursts into life and many of the bulb specialists, mail order and online suppliers are offering new types and more choice than ever.

Here are just a few of the best bulbs for planting this autumn Crocus ‘Vanguard’ - This pretty lilac specimen bridges the gap between smaller-flowered, earlier crocuses and the Marchflowering giants derived from C vernus. It needs good drainage and an open, sunny position to flower and looks good in drifts in grass mixed with short, early narcissi such as ‘Jetfire’.

Crocus ‘Vanguard’ Hyacinth 'Prince of Love' - Double-flowered hyacinths are a rarity, but this dramatic and fragrant variety with its denselypacked flower spikes looks great in beds, borders or patio pots.

Hyacinth ‘Prince of Love’ Tulipa clusiana ‘Peppermint Stick’ - This pint-sized tulip, which grows to just 25cm, produces dainty flowers in April with deep rosy-red outer petals just edged silvery white.

The inner petals show a deep steel-blue base when open in the sun. They originate from the Mediterranean and the Far East, and are popular in rockeries and wild gardens, or can be naturalised.

Tulipa clusiana 'Peppermint Stick'

Allium ‘Silver Spring’ Allium ‘Silver Spring’ - Introduced from Israel, the white lollipop flowers on 75cm stems are unique, with each floret sporting a distinctive deep-pink centre. It flowers in May and June and is widely available.

Camassia leichtlinii ‘Pale Pink’

Narcissus ‘William Park’

Camassia leichtlinii 'Pale Pink' - While most camassias are deep blue, these are a more subtle shade of pale pink and are just as hardy and tough as other leichtlinii, but broad-petalled in a soft baby pink.

Narcissus 'William Park' - This giant single-flowered daffodil produces super-sized, 15-centimetre blooms.

Allium ‘Carlito’ Anemone ‘Jerusalem Mixed’ Anemone 'Jerusalem Mixed' Originating from Israel, these colourful, poppy-like blooms are produced on long stems from each corm. They are easy to grow and ideal for creating a stunning spring or early summer display in your garden - and your vases.

Allium 'Carlito' - This beautiful addition to the popular ornamental onion family produces densely packed heads of starry flowers in a subtle lilac hue, but is no less formidable than the favourite 'Globemaster'. It will grow to around 75cm and is ideal for dried flower arrangements when the colour has gone and just the seedheads remain.

Hyacinth ‘Garden Masqu erade’ Hyacinth 'Garden Masquerade' This richly-scented variety produces deep-purple flowers which make a real statement in patio containers in spring, especially if they are close to the door, where you can enjoy their delicious odour as you venture into the garden.

Pets

ork Se a s o n Think ing Of Dogs In The Firew Fireworks night can be terrifying for many dogs - but did you know that teaching dogs to cope with noise fears in advance can help lessen the stress they experience when they hear the unexpected whizz, pop and bang of fireworks?

To avoid the fear and anguish many dogs will go through during fireworks displays, it’s so important that owners plan ahead to help them and their dogs feel prepared and comfortable when 5th November comes around. Gradually teaching your dog that noises are not scary will help them to be able to cope with unexpected noises over time. This usually involves playing recorded versions of the scary noises, but starting at such a low volume that your dog is not worried by them.

The volume and direction of sounds are changed over time, but so slowly that your dog does not show any signs of fear. The sounds should also be associated with something that they enjoy, such as their favourite treats or a game. Dogs who are very frightened already may require support from a qualified, experienced behaviourist.

For more tips and advice visit Dogs Trust Dog School, a national network of experienced trainers providing fun, educational courses for all dog owners, based on up-to-date scientific research.

Using reward-based training methods, we teach the key skills your dog needs to thrive in everyday situations, including focusing on helping dogs to cope with unusual sounds, so they remain relaxed and happy! We’ll help teach you how to slowly introduce noises to your dogs and help them learn that fireworks are not so scary after all! Courses are five weeks long, with a

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

41

Looking Up! www.thedunstablefootclinic.co.uk

For All Routine Foot Health Care

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky October and November 2018 Spot Mars in the Bedfordshire Evening Sky: As darkness falls on any clear evening this autumn cast your eyes south for a dazzling orange ‘star’ hanging low in the sky. This is Mars, its distinctive colour and immense brightness making it an easy catch, even from a town location. Mars remains an obvious target well into the winter, but with each passing night we draw further away from the Red Planet courtesy of our speedier orbit around the sun. Watch how Mars dims over the next few months as the gap between Earth and Mars grows.

Find the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) Star Cluster: Look towards the east from 9pm onwards (7pm in November) for a small collection of stars twinkling close together like a mini-Plough. This is the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters as it should be possible to see seven individual stars with the naked eye. Turn some binoculars or a small telescope to the cluster though and you’ll see a lot more than seven stars!

See the Space Station on your Way to Work: Early risers get a chance to catch the space station on their morning commute this autumn. From Tuesday 30th October through until Sunday 11 November watch the space station sail silently across the sky daily between 5am – 6:30am. For exact timings search online for a space station tracker or download a space station tracking app to your phone or tablet.

By Seb Jay - Image Credit: Pleiades - Dave Eagle Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

42 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

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Call for a free, no obligation quote Issue 39 • October / November 2018

43

DISCOVER Ashridge

space to park there so you need to park in the village and walk. Park in the recreation ground car park on Stocks Road and walk to the dovecote. Children are welcome with accompanying adults. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Gentle Stroll - Chalkland Flowers Monday 2nd July. 14:30-16:30. £3 Visitors Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. HP4 1LT

Gentle Stroll - Ashridge House Gardens Thu 7th June, 14:30-16:30. £3 Join our knowledgeable walk leader for a gentle stroll through the gardens at Ashridge House. This walk focuses on the work of 18th century landscape designer Humpry Repton to celebrate the bicentenary of his death. Children are welcome with accompanying adults. Assistance dogs are welcome. Meet outside Ashridge House HP4 1NS.

Totally Batty Walk Friday 8th June & Friday 6th July 20:30-22:00. Adult: £8 Child: £5 See if you can spot a bat on this fascinating walk with one of our rangers. These amazing creatures are busy at night so join one of our rangers to see how many you can see. If you have a bat detector bring it along.

Not suitable for very young children. No dogs at this event. To book call 01442851227

Walk the Chalk Saturday 9th June, 10:30-16:00. £2 Discover the beauty and rich natural environment of the chalk hills at Ivinghoe Beacon. Follow a familyfriendly route designed to showcase the variety of natural features and history of this rare habitat. Suitabe for ages 5+. Dogs on leads welcome. Not wheelchair/ buggy/pram friendly.

Meet at Ivinghoe Beacon car park, Beacon Road, Grid ref SP963159

Ashridge’s ancient Dovecote Sunday 24th June, 11:00-14:00. Free event.

A rare opportunity to see the inside of our 18thC dovecote. This lovely old building is well-worth a visit on the rare occasions it is open. The dovecote is situated on the road into Aldbury village but there isn’t

44 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Join our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle stroll on Ashridge’s chalklands to see the flowers that thrive there. This stroll may take up to 2 hours. You don’t need to pre-book just turn up. There are some steep slopes on this walk as it is near Ivinghoe Beacon. Some steep slopes, not suitable for very young children.

Dogs on leads are welcome. Meet at Beacon car park.

Big Camp at Ashridge Estate Saturday 21st July, 12:00-23:45. £50 per pitch.

A chance to camp for one night at Ashridge and take part in a number of different family activities.

Back by popular demand, we are once again offering families the special opportunity to sleep under the stars at Ashridge. There will be a range of outdoor activities on offer for your entire family to enjoy. From toasting marshmallows around a fire to a nature scavenger hunt and lantern lit walk, there’s something for everyone.

Please note that in the event of extreme weather some activities may need to be modified. Further information will be sent nearer the time on where to meet. Pitches will be in the meadow behind the visitor centre. One well behaved dog per pitch is welcome. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. The onsite Brownlow Café will be open Saturday evening with a Big Camp menu. Families are welcome to purchase dinner from the café at their convenience. There are no shower facilities on site. To book call 01442 851227

Ashridge Adventurers Tusedays & Thursdays, 31st July - 30th August 10.30 - 12.00, 13.30 - 15.00. £4 per child Join in a morning or afternoon session of led family activities and crafts. Learn more about Ashridge’s animals and plants while exploring the estate. The education team will be running twice weekly outdoor activity sessions during the summer holidays. Each week will feature a different activity. From pond dipping to minibeast hunting and den building, there is always something fun happening at Ashridge for the family to take part in.

Aimed at children aged 4-10.

To book call 01442 851227.

Leighton Buzzard Theatre “HITS FROM THE BLITZ” Wednesday 3rd Oct’ 2.00pm. £12, £11(conc’)

From London’s Leicester Square Theatre, the unique “feel-good” 1940’s show. As featured at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Gala Nights. Famous War-Time tunes & “sing-a-long” songs brought to life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the 1940’s Five Star Swing band. Featuring Simone from Eggington and the latter days of the Ivy Benson Orchestra plus Chris Smith.

It’s a great atmosphere created by the band and enjoyed by all generations!”

THE BIG BAND at CHRISTMAS Tues 27th November, 7.30pm. £14, £13(conc’) Swing into Christmas with the unique Five Star Swing Band show – As featured at London’s Leicester Square Theatre and BBC “Children in Need” Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic Swing Band treatment from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie and Nat King Cole. As seen at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Ball & Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Featuring Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra, and Chris Smith (Jnr) composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band, Herb Miller Big Band (Glenn’s brother), plus Tony Bennett’s trombonist!

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Tel: 01525 220231 Issue 39 • October / November 2018

45

What’s On Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP

For Infomation Tel: 020 7942 6171

Explore exhibitions and events at www.nhm.ac.uk/tring.

Toddler Time at Tring Museum by Torchlight Weekdays until 8th February 2019. 14.30 - 17.00. Free 26 Oct, 17.00 - 20.00. Free (£2 donation welcome) Borrow something special and help your toddler explore and play around the Museum. Enjoy five different activities which rotate from day to day: Daring Explorers, Ocean Adventure, Find your Friends, Butterfly Quest and Animal Safari. Pick up your resources at admissions and enjoy them in the galleries.

Every day in term time. Suitable for children aged 3 - 5.

Welly Wednesday 3rd Oct & 7th Nov. 10.30 - 11.15. £3 Get hands on in nature with your little ones.

Join this 45-minute led activity especially designed for three to five year-olds. Together we explore an animal found across the UK through play, storytelling and creating an outdoorsy craft to take home. Drop-in activity, no need to book.

An Avian Explosion 11th Oct, 19.00 - 20.00.£4.50 Hear about the incredible diversity of birds and how the Museum’s collection is used.

Birds are perhaps the most successful group of land vertebrates. Join Sheffield University researchers to hear how birds became so extraordinarily diverse and how Museum collections and citizen scientists are helping to reveal the story of bird evolution. Advance booking required. For information and tickets call 020 7942 6163.

Dangerous and Deadly Trail 22nd, 26th, 29th Oct & 2nd Nov, 10.00 - .17.00 £1 per trail Explore the galleries for our deadliest animals if you dare.

Tip-toe around the Museum in search of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Find the animals, use stickers to create a savannah scene and discover fascinating facts.

Complete the trail and receive a chocolate treat.

Nocturnal Animals 23rd - 25th Oct & 30th Oct - 1st Nov. £2 10.30 - 11.00, 11.10 - 11.40, 11.50 - 12.20, 13.45 - 14.15, 14.25 - 14.55 & 15.05 - 15.35 Use your senses to discover this night time world.

Get hands on with our nocturnal animal specimens, explore what they need to live in this dark world and create a bat craft to take home. Suitable for ages 5+. Drop in event.

46 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Dress up and bring your torch for a spooky time in the galleries.

Join us for this special event where the Museum will be open out of hours and in the dark. Bring your torch to spot animals on your turn around the corner.

Create your very own spooktastic creature to take home with you in our craft activity (£2). Wander the galleries with your torch to complete our trail challenge (£1). Be sure to dress up with all your friends and family in a ghoulish costume or scary animal!

Suitable for ages 5+

Linocut Christmas Cards 22nd Nov, 19.00 - 22.00. £20 Give your Christmas cards a unique touch with your very own lino print. Join Alex and Sasa to learn how to lino print and develop beautiful Christmas cards with inspiration from our specimens.

Drinks and nibbles welcome. Advance booking required. For information and tickets call 020 7942 6163.

WILD TRAX YOUTH PROJECT Wild Trax is a new and exciting youth project animed at young people aged 14 - 18. Each event is free but booking is essential.

Participants will meet experts and learn new skills before having the opportunity to join Wild Trax to put your talents to the test.

Design and complete a project (in groups or individually) with our support. The subject of the project is up to you as long as it’s based in Tring or Aylesbury and benefits nature in some way.

As recognition for participating, you’ll receive an award which can help demonstrate your skills and interests to universities and future employers. No accompanying adults, all participants must bring a completed parent/guardian consent form to take part. For T’s & C’s and full details of each event please visit the website.

Wild Trax: Youth Work Party

College Lake. 6th Oct. 10.30 - 14.30. Free

Try your hand at a range of practical conservation work. Join a College Lake reserves officer and carry out some important conservation work around the nature reserve. You could be involved in habitat management, path maintenance or painting bird hides – whatever is essential at the time. All training and tools will be provided.

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10% OFF FOOD WITH THIS ADVERT Issue 39 • October / November 2018

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Out & About Xplorer Challenge at Rushmere 25th Oct, 11am - 1.30pm. Free.

Easter 14 - Heath 17 April 10am – 3pm Old Weekend Linslade Rd, and Reach,

LU7 0EB. Tel: 01525 234260

www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park Although it's free to visit Rushmere Country Park, a £3 parking exit fee applies.

Tree Tops Talk: Fascinating Fungi

Coming up at Half Term Rushmere Country Park is once again hosting the popular Xplorer Challenge - fun for all the family, just turn up - final admission at 12.45pm. Xplorer is a family friendly navigation challenge that is educational and fun and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. It involves a healthy mix of physical activity and decision making that the whole family can enjoy together. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact to tell their friends. Recommended for children age 4+.

9th October, 11.30am - 12.30pm. £4 Have you ever wondered about those strange things Easter growing in the woods? Bunny Hunt Complete andthese winfascinating an egg!

Most of us knowthe verytrail little about Come and find eight growths – wooden comerabbits andhidden join our volunteer Tony Harding  Tickets £3.50 per child in the park, answer the questions and win an  To avoid disappointment book in advance at to egg. increase your understanding of this neglected butBunny Easter www.eventbrite.co.uk (search Easter Hunt) wonder ofHerons’ the natural world.

Pickabsorbing up your question sheet from the  Or you can just turn up on the day of your Hatch, return it there with your answers to receive your chocolate egg reward.

choice at the Herons’ Hatch but numbers are limited

Halloween Disco 2018 25th Oct, 6.30pm - 9.00pm. £12 per child.

Treat the kids to an evening of spooky Halloween fun in the Tree Tops Café.

Suitable for ages 5 -12 - see the park in the dark! Make sure you come in your Halloween costume!

Ticket includes hot dog, juice, fancy dress competition, games and dancing.

Bar open and food available for adults.

Fox and Rabbit art workshop

Feed the Birds 2018

17th Oct, 10.30am - 1.00pm. £20

28th Oct, 11am - 3.00pm

Following the success of our first art workshop at the park in the Spring, local artist Jay Nolan-Latchford returns this autumn with Fox and Rabbit, an ink and mixed media painting - participants will be guided step by step to produce their finished piece.

This workshop is a chance to learn some techniques in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere while raising funds for The Greensand Trust. Places limited to 16 so book now! Adults only please. All materials will be provided and you take your creation home with you.

A whole day of family-friendly fun at the end of the Half Term holidays. Come and spend the day learning more about our feathered friends and how we can feed them and help them thrive. Free to take part small charge for some activities. Don’t forget your binoculars! Get messy making a bird feeder, Fun crafts including badge making, Guided bird walk*, Make a bird box, and much more. *To take part in the guided walk email: sarah.preston@greensandtrust.org and meet at 1.30pm outside the Visitor Centre.

48 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

.

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• Emergencies • No call Out Charge Dave Nicholson Mob: 07976 975604 Home: 01525 872335

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Whether you are going away on holiday or just working long hours.

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Tel: 07711 990293

Ruth.Francis-Foster@Justfelines-cat-care-service.co.uk

www.justfelines-cat-care-service.co.uk

PLASTERING SERVICES

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

klane Riding Centre Roc Riding Lessons from 4 years old "Own a Pony" Days in school holidays Pony Rental

www.rocklaneridingcentre.co.uk

Tel. 01525 222402 Ivinghoe Aston, LU7 9DL

Jonquil Floral Design 56,West Street, Dunstable, Beds LU6 1TA

30 Years Experience In All Aspects Of Plastering Render Specialist No Job Too Big Or Small!

250 High Street North Dunstable Beds LU6 1BE Phone : 01582 472526 Mobile : 07958377463 Email : D.Kane1@sky.com All Work Fully Guaranteed 250 High Street North

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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

LEWIS BUILDING Order Prints DORMANS CONSULTANCY SERVICES Online ...

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Digital, Film Developing & Printing collect in-store

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T-Shirt Printing C. & LEWIS PhotoMCIOB Gifts

13 Broadwalk, Tel/Fax: 01525 874113 Tel: 01582 665515

Mob: 07870 326607Dunstable, Email: info@dormansphoto.com Email: chris.lewis8@ntlworld.com Beds, LU5 4RH www.dormansphoto.com

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• Painting & Decorating • Design • De-Cluttering • Spring Cleaning• Gardening

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Issue 39 • October / November 2018

49

Park Rd N, Houghton Regis, Dunstable. LU5 5FU

www.houghtonhallpark.org

• PARKLAND • CAFE • VISITORS CENTRE • DOG FRIENDLY TS • WALKS • KIDS ACTIVITIES • ADULT ACTIVITIES • EVEN Autumn sketching walk

WW1 Tea & Cake Afternoon

Sun 7th October, from 11am, £5

Sat 10th November, 12-2pm

If you love art, please join this activity to develop your skills, whatever your level, in beautiful surroundings with local wildlife artist Steve Halton on this sketching walk and draw the golden beauty of Houghton Hall Park in Autumn. A free sketchbook is included in the price, all you need to bring are some pens and pencils and maybe a folding stool if you have one! Please email hhp@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to book on

Free to enter, refreshments are available at an additional cost It has been 100 years since the guns fell silent in WW1. Take a step back in time and attend our WW1 Tea & Cake event to remember and thank all those who lived through this difficult time, and those who did not. Enjoy some WW1 cake recipes, taste teas from around the world, learn about Houghton Regis in WW1 & all the national inventions that were created during this time, there will be a special WW1 memorabilia display and more activities taking place, please keep in touch via Facebook or our website www.houghtonhallpark.org/events.

Wed 24th October, 10am12pm (last entry 11:30am, Free

The popular free Xplorer challenge returns to the park – Halloween themed! Collect your maps from the foyer in the Visitor Centre and take on the spooky Xplorer challenge - explore the park, find the markers, complete the challenge & have fun together! Make sure you visit the Centre after completing to get your answers marked. This is a fun, free activity for all the family to enjoy, even the dog!

Children’s Yoga & Craft Fri 26th October, 11am-12:30pm, £5

Led by the owner of Happy & Healthy with Natalie, we are excited that Natalie will be running a Children's Yoga & Craft in the October half term. There are limited numbers so please contact HappyandhealthywithNatalie@outlook.com to book on. Suitable for children aged 6-12 years and parents/carers should stay for the duration of the activity, there is seating provided. The fun child-friendly yoga will be followed by a craft activity, we hope you can join us!

For regular exercise classes & activities See page 55

Halloween Activities Exciting and spooky Houghton Hall Park Halloween activities will be happening between Monday 22nd – Sunday 28th October, keep your eye on our website for when these are released! www.houghtonhallpark.org/events

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Wentworth House, 83 High Street North, Dunstable, Beds LU6 1JJ Issue 39 • October / November 2018

51

Clubs & Groups TODDINGTON MUSICMAKERS Toddington MusicMakers is an instrumental all age all ability music group based in Toddington. We aim to provide a safe non-judgemental space where people can enjoy making music together, whatever their level of ability. We meet every Friday evening in term time in the Methodist Hall in Toddington 6.30-7.30 pm.

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY The society, founded in 1991, meets at 7.45pm on the second Tuesday of each month (except during the summer break) at the Methodist Church Hall, The Square, Dunstable, where visitors are welcome.

Annual membership costs £8 (June - December fee £4). Entrance fee for non members is £2 per meeting.

Visiting speakers cover a wide range of subjects.

Our Research Room in Priory House, High Street South, Dunstable and open to the public on a Thursday morning 10.15am – 2.00am.

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT ART CLUB

We meet at Chew’s House 77 High Street South, Dunstable on Monday mornings from 10.00am. Monday afternoons from 2.00pm and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm. We are an informal club who meet to paint together, all abilities are welcomed, the club has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where we all try to encourage and help each other.

We also run social painting days. A club exhibition is held every year where members are encouraged to enter paintings for display.

Contact: Derek 01582 611607

DUNSTABLE MEN IN SHEDS

We are a group of slightly older men who meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s between 10am and 1 pm to chat, drink tea and some-

times make useful items for local schools, charities and for ourselves from a range of materials. We have been loaned a Council building on the Meadway allotment’s as our manufacturing hub.

Come and visit, all are welcome. For further information visit our website www.dunstablemeninsheds.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

Ring Martin on 01582 668598, or Terry on 01582 604476. Alternatively leave a message on our Shed phone 07707 259395.

WIDOWS & WIDOWERS CLUB We are an active Widows and Widowers club.

Meetings are held locally and new members are always welcome.

If you would like to make new friends and join in our many outings and activities please contact Jenny 01582 672766 or Val 01582 659717 or email Carol at carol.hodges@ntlworld.com CURTAIN CALL THEATRE GROUP & YOUTH THEATRE Youth theatre open to children aged 5 - 16 Mondays 5pm - 7.30pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. Acting, Singing, Dance, Fun & Games!

Adult group (16+) Mondays 8pm 10pm Eaton Bray Village Hall. New members always welcome wheather on or off stage.

Call Gavyn 01525 220525 www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk WEDNESDAY CLUB at NORTHALL VILLAGE HALL Are you or do you know of an elderly person in the Northall, Dagnall, Edlesborough, Eaton Bray or surrounding villages who might benefit from a social day out once a week? Why not come along to the Wednesday Club from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Our own minibus can pick you up, morning coffee and biscuits, home cooked lunch with pudding, afternoon tea and cakes. Play games and bingo, sale table, entertainment by visitors and outside club visits.

52 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Join in as much or as little as you like, make new friends, very friendly atmosphere. Only £9.00 per week including transport.

Contact Anna on 07854 230243, please leave a message if no answer.

BEDFORDSHIRE GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS & DYERS. A friendly group of textile crafts people who meet in Flitwick Village Hall twice a month.

First Tuesday evening of each month 7.30 - 9-30 and Third Saturday, all day, 10.30 to 4.30.

We welcome visitors interested in seeing what we do, so please pay a visit to our website www.bedsguildwsd.blogspot.co.uk BEECROFT CRAFT & CHAT Beecroft Community Centre Westfield Road, Dunstable We meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m on a “drop in/drop out” basis.

We meet to have a cuppa, chat and craft together in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

ALL CRAFTS WELCOME The first session is FREE Annual subscription £5.00 Session Fee: £3.00 Tel: Dorothy on 01582 606812 DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business men. The Club’s main object is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy a variety of social activities and organized visits throughout the year and at their regular monthly meetings they are entertained by after-lunch speakers. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary, Philip Savage, on 01582 662462.

SAPHIRE SOCIAL CLUB We meet every Thursday at The Orange Tree Stevenage Rd Hitchin from 8.30pm. A small and friendly group

for single people aged 50+. We offer a variety of social events during the month and the opportunity to make new friends. Potential new members are warmly welcome to come along and meet us with no joining fee for 2 months. For further info call/text Ian 07900 890583 or Joyce 07952 678021 www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk FRIENDS OF STUDHAM COMMON We are a friendly,voluntary group whose aim is to conserve,maintain and promote Studham Common as a haven for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy. For this purpose we meet as a work party on the third Saturday of each month (except Dec.) The work is not onerous and we enjoy the exercise and the good company –and a picnic lunch is provided! Tel Pam on 01582 872608 pamrumfitt@btinternet.com LANGDALE CHURCH Langdale church communities: Art group every week, Friends and Neighbours open to everyone speaker and refreshments every second Thursday, Toddler group every Wednesday term time only, Saturday coffee morning second Saturday every month, Carers drop in 1st Thursday every month. Neighbourhood chaplains befriending and support in the local community. Sunday morning services at 10.30am. Please contact 01582 602980 langdalechurch@talktalk.net SOCIAL GROUP We are a small group of people age 45+. If you like to have fun and enjoy yourself then please get in touch. No Membership required, just ring Tina for more information between 10am & 8pm week days 01582 619035 NORTHALL TODDLER GROUP Northall Village Hall, LU6 2EX Join new mums, dads, grandparents and carers.Every Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30am (including school holidays) For children aged 0-5 years.

Tea, coffee, juices and healthy snack.

Come join in the fun, games and learning (inside and out) £2.50 during term time (per family) £1 per child during school holidays (Adults free & older children welcome) Tel. Sarah Cox on 07765 158182 THE BOGTROTTERS The Bogtrotters (Dunstable and District Walking and Hostelling Group) are a group of about 90 walkers, hikers and hostellers. We run a surprisingly diverse range of activities, including half and full day walks, hostelling trips, meals and evening activities.

New members are always welcome.

Prospective members are invited to get in touch via the website, give us a ring or just turn up to an event or walk.

Contact Eila: 07964291892 ARTS & CRAFTS Art & Craft for adults with learning difficulties every Wednesday 10.30am - 12.30pm & every Sat 11am - 1pm at Arttrend, rear of 440 Dunstable Road.Please see the website www.arttrend.co.uk for all the details or phone 07794987796 DUNSTABLE DAOS

Tuesdays and Fridays, 7:45pm - 10:00pm

We are Dunstable’s premier Musical Theatre group. We perform out major shows, once a year, at The Grove Theatre in Dunstable along with concerts, small shows and so on. Find our Facebook Group or Facebook page for more details.

Email: daosuk@gmail.com BREATHEASY Do you suffer from a lung condition?

Then why not come and join our local Support group - breatheasy - Part of the British lung foundation. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at peter newton pavilion (Behind Tesco) 2 - 4pm carers also welcome As well as supporting each other we have a variety of speakers and also arrange day trips out.

New members most welcome Tel: Amanda Fletcher 01582 404479

DUNSTABLE BAPTIST CHURCH St Mary’s Gate (Middle of Ashton Square Car Park) Our Friends and Neighbours meetings are open to everyone on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

For more information contact David tel: 01582 872106 NATIONAL TRUST All meetings are held at Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable. Guests are welcome at £3.00 As well as outing we also run a holiday once per year. If you would like to join the group, please contact, Lynder Power 01582 696193 or Janr Lingham 01582 606838 DUNSTABLE SALVATION ARMY FRIENDS TOGETHER (Over 60s ) Weekly Subscription £2 We meet every Weds at Bull Pond Lane,Dunstable,LU6 3AH. We have a Cup of Tea or Coffee at 1.00pm then the the meeting starts at 1.30pm - 2.30pm. The Programme consists of Various Speakers.Quizzies, SingA-Longs, Musicial Artists. Lunch Club for Members on the first Weds of the month @£3 Also lots of good fun and Christian Fellowship. For more information tel: Maureen Dunn 01582 759509

THE BEACON COMMUNITY CHOIR

A friendly local choir that is open to all ages and all abilities – there are no auditions, all you need is a love of music and a sense of humour.

We sing a wide range of musical styles from classical choir repertoire to pop, jazz, gospel and folk. Our conductor is a highly qualified and experienced musician.

Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 8.15pm in St. Mary’s Church Ivinghoe.

If you would like to know more, contact Lindsay Hewlett (01296 660670, lhewlett@btinternet.com) or Richard Cooper (01296 661725).

Issue 39 • October / November 2018

53

Clubs & Groups STUDHAM WI

Studham WI meet on the first Thursday of every month, 7.45pm at Studham Village Hall. An open and friendly group of around 30+ ladies, we enjoy laughing and socialising, be it at our meetings, our monthly lunch outings, darts matches, quiz evenings, or at group and county events. Our programme for 2018 includes: puppets, advice on getting the best energy deals and tariffs, the importance of an up-to-date will, seated flexibility exercises, and mosaic making, as well as trips to a wine-tasting evening, the theatre in London, a Cotswold farm and our (members only) Summer Garden Party. If you’re interested in joining us, then come and try the WI! We’re always happy to welcome visitors to the majority our meetings. www.studhamwi.wordpress.com

TEA DANCE,

Houghton Regis Memorial Hall.

Every Monday afternoon.

Modern Ballroom Dancing (Waltz Quickstep Slow Foxtrot etc) and popular sequence dancing (Cindy swing, Rumba one etc) 2.00pm to 4.00pm every Monday afternoon with large free car park at the rear of the hall off Dury Lane, opposite the green Houghton Regis.

Music by John Hunter with Tea/Coffee & biscuits included in the admission price of £3.50 per person.

Opportunity to practice your dancing and meet new friends in a nice friendly atmosphere. For additional information call John 01525 633877.

Mike 01525 635904. or Derrick 01525 210568.

DUNSTABLE GARDEN CLUB

Monday 8th October ‘Virgins, Weeders & Queens’ A History of Women in the Garden.

Dr. Twigs Way - Author & Garden Historian. Her talk highlights the many women who have played a role in the garden from the medieval period onwards.

Monday 12th November ‘Bedfordshire’s Orchard Heritage – Surveying for the Future’

Steve Halton – Senior Countryside Officer, Central Beds Council.

A review of the orchard survey being carried out by the University of East Anglia.

Visitors very welcome to Winter meetings £2 – just come along!

7.30 pm at the Salvation Army Hall, Bull Pond Lane, Dunstable Plenty of free parking at the rear in Wilkinson’s car park. Enquiries to Mary Chapman 01582 603710

TOTTERNHOE PLAYERS

We are a friendly, supportive group for keen Am. Drammers aged 16 80+ and always welcome new members. We usually put on a panto, a murder mystery and either a comedy or variety show each year. We aim to make the most of the talents you can bring to our group. If your interests are in one of the back-stage disciplines, eg. lighting, sound, set construction, costume, admin, then you will be particularly welcome! We meet Wednesdays and most Fridays, 8pm - 10pm in Totternhoe to rehearse. Come along and meet us! Please call Els on 01582 758108 or Jo on 01582 603287

DUNSTABLE LADIES CHOIR Houghton Regis Baptist Church, Houghton Regis, LU5 5RG We’re a friendly local choir, always looking for new voices to join us - no audition required!

We sing a bit of everything, from traditional choral pieces to songs from top musicals, with a few pop classics thrown in for good measure. Why not come along to a rehearsal, and see how you get on? Every Tuesday, 7.30pm to 9.30pm For more details, contact Pat Jackson on 01582 520302 or find us on Facebook WOMEN’S WORLD Meet 3rd Wednesday of the month, at St Anne’s Church Hall, Crawley Green Road, at 8pm.

Join our friendly group of ladies for talks, activities and outings. For more information about our next meeting ring Lynne on 01582 617470.

54 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

ACTIVITIES AT STUDHAM VILLAGE HALL

Monday Evening - Jive.

Tuesday Morning - Mums and Tots, Afternoon - Scrabble Club, Evening - Salsa.

Wednesday Evenings – Bingo.

Thursday Morning - U3A Carpet Bowls, Evening - Carpet Bowls Club.

1st Thursday evening in month – Women’s Institute (WI).

Main Hall and a Meeting room available for hire. Modern kitchen.

Contact Des Salmon T: 01582 872082.

E: desstudham@btconnect.com

LUTON AND DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY

If you collect postage stamps, postcards or postal history why not come along and meet fellow collectors? We usually meet on the first Friday of the month* at Bushmead Primary School, Luton, LU2 7EU from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. Your first visit is free! New members are always welcome.(*Dates may change if the school is closed).

Call Fin on 01582 453244 or email finodon@hotmail.com for a programme of events or more information.

PRIORY’S LITTLE ANGELS

formerly known as Priory Pram Service We hold a service for under 5’s, including babies even from a few weeks old, on the 1st Tuesday of the month. We sing, dance to songs, have a bible-linked story, play percussion, make a simple craft activity and have a prayer. All are welcome and we finish with refreshments, chatting and Christian fellowship.

We meet in the Priory Church and start at 2pm. Dates for future services: June 5th, July 3rd, August 7th (with Teddy Bears’ picnic afterwards), September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th and December 4th.

DANESBOROUGH CHORUS

REGULAR CLASSES AT HOUGHTON HALL PARK Buggy Exercise Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am. £2

New parents can get social, get fit and make new friends whilst most importantly - having fun!

Register at www.bookwhen.com/clearfitness to book on or for more info email Hayley at Hayley.clear@gmail.com

NCT Bumps and babies Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30pm. £1 suggested donation Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man comes to Milton Keynes Theatre Sunday 14th October at 7.30 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Karl Jenkins’ acclaimed anti-war composition The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

The Danesborough Chorus is joined by Bedford Choral Society and accompanied by Milton Keynes City Orchestra which also opens the programme with the glorious Serenade for Strings by Antonín Dvorak.

The Armed Man was written to celebrate the Millennium. Jenkins weaves an astonishing anti-war tapestry using a range of texts from the Catholic Mass, the Islamic call to prayer, Hindu and Japanese sources, the Bible and famous literary works.

The Armed Man is a powerful and universal message to all, describing the descent into, and terrible consequences of war.

Jenkins’ famously accessible music incorporates every mood and style, with military marches, Gregorian chant, dancing tunes, catchy rhythms and a few theatrical touches. It is especially effective when performed live and a perfect choice in this year that commemorates the centenary of the end of World War I. Tickets Available from Danesborough Tickets, tel. 01908 583460 or Bedford Choral Society Tickets, tel.

01234 781421 £20, £17, £15 and £10, with £5 off all prices for under 18’s.

This friendly, informal group is for babies and their parents/carers, siblings and expectant mums are also very welcome. NCT members and non-members welcome - just drop in! The group runs weekly during term time in the Lime room at the Visitor Centre in Houghton Hall Park. You have access to the cafe where you can buy tea, coffee and even get yourself a bit of lunch if you wish.

Come and have a natter with new parents and parents-to-be in this informal get together. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at dunstable@nct.org.uk

Parkrun Saturdays, 9am. Free

Every Saturday morning at 9am, why not take part in a friendly 5k run or the 2k Junior Parkrun (4-14 year olds) at Houghton Hall Park?

It's completely free to take part but please register before your first run, you only ever have to register with parkrun once! Don't forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode. Join in whatever your pace, everyone runs for their own enjoyment. It is entirely organised by volunteers so please email Houghtonhallhelpers@parkrun.com to volunteer your help. Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee at the visitor centre, please do come and join us!

FRIENDS OF HOUGHTON HALL PARK VOLUNTEERS

Take part in valuable conservation work at Houghton Hall Park with the Greensand Trust one Sunday a month!

Nest Box Survey Sunday 21st October, 10am – 3pm, Free

This month, nesting season is over so the Friends of HHP will be checking the next boxes installed in the park, record which boxes have been occupied and try to determine by what. This activity will also be checking for repairs and replacing damaged boxes.

Hazel Coppicing Sunday 18th November, 10am – 3pm. Free

Continue upon previous efforts to enhance the Parks woodlands by carrying out this historic management technique, which improves woodland bio-diversity and woodland age structure.

If you would like to come along, please email: hhp@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to let us know. The meeting spot will be the Visitor Centre car park on Park Road North. This is open to everyone so please join us, we hope to see you there.

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Out & About CHILTERN GATEWAY Dunstable Road, LU6 2GY Tel: 01582 500 920

Autumn Colour Walk

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral 7th October 10.30am - 12.00pm. Adult £4 Child £2 Join us for a lovely walk round the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral to enjoy the best of the autumn colours. A family friendly walk, with one of our knowledgeable rangers, to see the Tree Cathedral in its autumn glory.

Wild Art Weekend

13th & 14th October 10am - 12pm 2pm - 3.30pm £1 per activity

Wild about art? Get creative and join in the activities over this wild art weekend. Learn how to make autumn crowns, autumn journey sticks and build dens.

Spooky Species Weekend 6th & 7th October 10.30am -3pm. 50p

Did you know that there are creatures living at Dunstable Downs that have spooky names because of how they look? Come and search for spooky fungi like Witches Butter and spooky moths such as the Ghost Moth.

TEA TIME TALES AT PRIORY HOUSE

Talks of local and national interest Join us on alternate Thursday afternoons between 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm for talks of local and national interest with a cup of tea or coffee and a homemade cake. Tickets are £5 each and we strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as they often sell out before the day.

For more information contact Priory House on 01582 891420

56 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Autumn Fungi Walk

Sat 13 Oct, 11am - 12:30pm. Adult £5 Child £2.50

At this time of mellow fruitfulness come and learn about the fungi to be found at Dunstable Downs Join a knowledgeable member of our Countryside team to find these often hidden treasures.

Broomstick Making

20th, 21st & 26th October 10am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2.30pm. £10

Create your own broomstick from materials found on the estate. Each broomstick comes complete with a magical broomstick flying licence. Learn how to make a traditional besom broomstick, with the rangers, from birch twigs with a handle of hazel or ash . All materials collected from the estate making each one unique.

Pumpkin Trail

20th -26th October 10.30am - 3pm. £2.50

Come and search for spooky species in pumpkin decorated Chute Wood. Don't forget to look above your head and close to you feet to find all the creatures.

Collect a Trail Map at reception and keep your grown ups close by in case they get scared!

Wizards and witches hats 22nd - 25th October 10am - 11am. £2

Make your own hat for a witch or a wizard in our Craft Barn then wear it for any halloween parties you

4th Oct - Postman’s Park - London Heroes and Heroines - Alan Campbell 18th Oct - Dunstable Downs a History from knolls to gliders - Tony Woodhouse 1st Nov - Mary Shelley and the Modern Prometheus - Pat Sutcliffe 15th Nov - The Poor Childs Friend - Joseph Lancaster & the educational Revolution Andy Gibbs 29th Nov - Battersea Park & Funfair - Kay Dempster

go to or on the pumpkin trail. Make a hat suitable for a witch or a wizard from the materials we will give you.

Pumpkin Flower Arrangement 22nd, 27th & 28th October 10.30, 11.30, 1pm & 2pm. £8

Join the experts from Edlesborough Flowers to learn how to create an autumn flower display in a pumpkin.

A perfect half-term craft for children, making a flower display from materials found on the estate.

Creepy crafts

23rd - 25th October 12.30pm - 1.30pm. £2

Choose which creepy creature you want to make from the materials provided. It could be a pom-pom spider or a bat or something else! Visit the Halloween Craft Barn to create your own unique creepy creature.

Special Spooky Children's Walk 26th & 28th October 4.30pm - 5pm & 5.15pm - 5.45pm. £2.50

With witches and wizards to guide you. Perfect for little ones, meet us at the Chiltern Gateway Centre and take a journey to the spooky story telling circle in the glade. With witches and wizards to guide you. Perfect for little ones, meet us at the Chiltern Gateway Centre and take a journey to the spooky story telling circle in the glade.

Spooky Walk (12 years old and over) 26th & 28th October 6.45pm - 7.30pm & 7.30pm - 8.15pm. £7.50

It is well known that in the nights before all Hallows Eve spooky happenings begin across the wilderness of the downs. Make your way with your guide into the world of the undead and see who you will meet along the way... It is well known that in the nights before all Hallows Eve spooky happenings begin across the wilderness of the downs. Make your way with your guide into the world of the undead and see who you will meet along the way...

A Christmas Wreath-Making And Shopping Evening 28th November 5pm - 6.30pm & 6.30pm - 8pm. £30

Join us for a festive evening to make a Christmas wreath and browse the shop without the crowds.

Design and create your own wreath to welcome visitors to your home. On arrival enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a mince pie (non-alcoholic drinks available) while you take a leisurely look around the shop for Christmas presents or try some tasty festive treats. The price includes all materials and refreshments.

Issue 39 • October / November 2018

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COLLEGE LAKE

Toddington Band Concert 28th October, 3pm St Mary's Church Harlington LU5 6LE

Upper Icknield Way, Tring. HP23 5QG Tel: 01442 826774 www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Please visit the website for more information and to book your place on walks and activities.

For an enjoyable afternoon of varied and entertaining music. Tickets £6, £5 concession, from Harlington church, on the door, or Tricia Tel: 07711 511729, Email: tricia.murphy5@ntlworld.com, includes homemade cakes, tea/ coffee, juice, raffle.

Autumn Walk 7th Oct 10.30am – 12.30pm £4 donation per person Join us for a walk around College Lake looking for signs of change and other features of Autumn.

Nature Detectives: Poos and other clues 25th Oct 10am – 1pm £4 per child Become a tracking expert, investigate the clues that creatures leave behind, and find out more about the mysterious creatures of College Lake.

Winter Wildfowl Walk 11th Nov 10.30am -12.30pm £4 donation pp Join us for a walkCoffee around College Lake to look at the wonMorning derful variety of ducks spending the winter here.

Wednesday 18th

Avalon Waterways

July 2018Lake River Cruises With Space To Relax & Freedom To College Artist Xmas Fair Explore

29th Nov – 2nd Dec 10am – 4pm Great Rail Journeys Wednesday 15th The wonderful College Lake artists are back!

August 2018

From the Canadian Rockies to seeing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia – see it all by rail.

Premier Holidays Wednesday 12th September 2018 Sensational South Africa – Table Mountain, the Big

Coffee Morning 5 on safari, penguins and winelands.

17th Wednesday 18 October 2018 July 2018 Wednesday October 2018 August 2018

WendyWaterways Wu Tours Avalon River Cruises With SpaceJapan, To Relax & Freedom To Experts in tours to China, India, South East Asia andExplore South America

st 31th 15

Leger Holidays Great Rail Journeys European coach tours, Rockies trips to Disneyland Paris, From the Canadian to seeing the Battlefields tours and river cruises.

Northern Lights in Scandinavia – see it all by rail.

Premier Holidays Wednesday 12th Travel Where: Suitcase Telephone: 01582 349480 September 2018 Sensational South 5b Queensway E-mail: holidays@suitcasetravel.co.uk Africa – Table Mountain, the Big

Dunstable LU5 4DW Wednesday 17th October 2018 Wednesday 31st October 2018

5 on safari, penguins and winelands.

Wendy Wu Tours

Every month we will be holding

Experts in tours to China, Japan, India, South East a free where you Asia and event South America

can come along and have a Holidays cupLeger of tea or coffee and biscuits free talk aboutParis, a European coach with tours,a trips to Disneyland different type of holiday Battlefields tours and river cruises. from an industry expert!

Where: Suitcase Travel 5b Queensway Dunstable LU5 4DW

Telephone: 01582 349480

Each talk starts at 11:00am.

E-mail: holidays@suitcasetravel.co.uk

16th October Houghton Regis Village Green

The Town Mayor of Houghton Regis, Councillor Ken Wattingham, is hosting a special VIP ‘party’ at John Lawson’s Circus on Tuesday 16th October.

The tickets for this special event are £8 for under 18’s, to include popcorn and a programme, and £10 for adults to include a free programme too.

The special tickets are only available from the Town Council Offices, and all proceeds from these ticket sales are being directed to the Mayor’s nominated charities: Headway, 1st/3rd Houghton Regis Scouts and Kids in Action. Tickets will be on sale to members of the public , for more information on this special offer please contact Sarah Gelsthorp on sarah.gelsthorp@houghtonregis.org.uk.

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HOUGHTON REGIS FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sunday 4th November 2018 at 7pm.

Tithe Farm Recreation Ground, For the third year, Houghton Regis Town Council will be holding their free fireworks display and the family event is shaping up to be an exciting evening! The gates at Hillborough Crescent will be open from 6pm. Hosted by DJ Big Man Craig , there will a fairground as well as food, hot drinks and essential glowing items for sale. The gates open at 4pm for the fairground and stalls.

To ensure safety, there will be road closures in place from 6pm until 9pm from Tithe Farm Road (with the junction of Recreation Road) to Hillborough Crescent, and from Hillborough Crescent shops to Grove Road, although the roads may re-open earlier than 9pm if it is deemed safe.

DUNSTABLE FIREWORKS DISPLAY 5th November - FREE Creasey Park Football Centre Gates open at 5pm Large fireworks display at Creasey Park Community Football Centre with food and funfair. Not to be missed.

THE FIVE BELLS STANBRIDGE FIREWORKS 5th November Station Rd, Stanbridge, LU7 9JF Doors from 6pm - FREE ENTRY!!

Remember remember the 5th of November!!!

The Five Bells will give you a night to remember for sure with their fantastic firework night!

Burgers and Hotdogs cooked fresh on their BBQ to accompany this evening of fun and flashes!

Issue 39 • October / November 2018

59

Out & About

£17 07948872627 01525 873601

Harlington Society of Art & Crafts Annual Exhibition & Sale Saturday 13th October, 10.30 – 5.00 Village Hall, Sundon Road, Harlington Drawings, Paintings, Greetings Cards, Handmade Jewellery, Fancy Goods, Photography, Silver Jewellery, Wood & Pottery

Guest Artist Stanley Greening

Tea, coffee, handmade cakes, raffle.

60 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

Bedfordshire Day

10km

R SPOOKTACULA

GLOW WALK

24th

The Diary of the Dunstable Priors, published in full for the first time in 800 years.

Knights, Fights and Castles, how the monks saw it!

Free events

Walk, glow and

party for Keech Hospice Care this halloween!

Age 14+

SATURDAY

27 OCTOBER

Saturday November 2018

at Priory House and the Priory Church of St Peter 10.00am – 11.00am

The Dunstable Annals, who wrote them and how we got them - a talk by Stephen Williams 11.00am – 11.30am

Book Launch “The Annals of Dunstable Priory” 11.30am – 12.00pm

The Priory Church interior - a tour by Hugh Garrod 12.00pm – 12.30pm

The Hidden Priory - a walk by Dunstable Town Guides 12.30pm – 1.15pm 10 minute talks A wrestling match in Hockliffe by John Buckledee Nigel Loring by Hugh Garrod Tournaments by John Buckledee The Siege of Bedford Castle by Tony Woodhouse

from 6pm

Keech Hospice Care, Luton

1.15pm – 2.15pm

The Dunstable Annals, all our villages and “The Crusader’s Gift”

Sign up at:

- a talk by Jean Yates

www.keech.org.uk/glowwalk 01582 707940

2.15pm – 3.00pm 10 minute talks repeated No booking required. There will be a Coffee morning at the church and lunches available at Priory House Tea Rooms with Bedfordshire Clangers, please book with Priory House to reserve your lunch table on 01582 891420.

Visit www.friendsofbedfordshire.org.uk/bedfordshire-day for other events around the county

Registered Charity No. 1035089

Priory Church of St

Issue 39 • October / November 2018

61

Answers I’m Mabel the resident dog at Appledown.

Handsome Vod is an Akita who was born in 2014. He is a credit to his breed being very calm, affectionate and with good lead manners. He has been busy winning the hearts of the staff and volunteers! He will need a home with knowledge of his breed and could probably live with a calm female pending introductions. His beautiful coat will need regular grooming. A delightful dog for the right home.

If you can offer Vod or any of our other dogs a loving and secure home, please phone or call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There are restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under seven years of age. Full details can be found on our website, or please contact the kennels.

Join our Facebook group to see more photos of Vod and other dogs awaiting homes.

Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds. LU6 1QY Call 01525 220383 .

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

62 www.thevinedirectory.co.uk

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