The Vine Villages - October / November 2025 by The Vine Magazine

COMPOSITE DOORS

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Advertising & Editorial:

Editor: Scott Nightingale

Shelly Nesbitt

Advertising & Editorial:

Shelly Nesbitt

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Shelly Nesbitt

Tel: 01525 222379 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

Tel: 01582 511329 / 07852 453043

Email: info@thevinemagazine.co.uk

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles published in this magazine are accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No

of this publication may

permission.

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

"Excellent

- R.R

"Without doubt the most competent, gentle & lovely dentist in the Northern hemisphere! I won't see anyone else. Thank you from a nervous patient."

- M.B.

Dentist : Dr A. Johar GDC number : 111350

Hygienist: Mrs Jane Shrowder GDC number : 2344

Dunstable Triumph At Anglia In Bloom

Amazing achievements for Dunstable at this year’s Anglia in Bloom awards in St Ives, Cambridgeshire on the 4th September. Our hard work in support of the Dunstable Town Council grounds team, our voluntary groups and organisations has paid off and we have been crowned the Overall Winner of Anglia in Bloom 2025!

In being crowned as Overall Winner, Dunstable also achieved the following results in the 2025 Anglia in Bloom campaign:

• Gold Award and winner in the Large Town category

• Gold and winner for Dunstable Cemetery in the Cemetery Virtual entry

• Gold for Grove House Gardens in the Parks Virtual entry

• Gold for Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground in the Parks Virtual entry

• Silver Gilt for The Globe Public House in the Pub Virtual entry

• Silver Award for Blows Down in the Conservation and Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest.

• Woodside Community Garden and Industrial Estate – winner of the Special Award for Best Industrial and Commercial Area

• Dunstable Town Centre Floral Displayswin ner of the Special Award for Best Local Authority Floral Display

• Mentmore Recreation Ground shortlisted for a Special Award for Gardening for Wildlife and Biodiversity

• Incredible Edible Dunstable shortlisted for a Special Award for Best Grown Your Own.

The team from Dunstable in Bloom are extremely proud of their contributions to this years results and were excited to be able to celebrate this fantastic news at the Dunstable in Bloom Awards evening held in September where the results of the local competition were announced.

Thank you Dunstable Town Council for the work you put into making our town so special and the support you give to all the different community groups engaged with the In Bloom competition.

We are looking for new volunteers to come on board as

• Committee members who ensure the strategic direction of the group aligns with the work of the Town Council. We meet monthly, normally on a Tuesday afternoon.

• A physical helper to support the maintenance of some of our open space borders, planters and community areas.

• Website designer who can help support the update of our current website / or create a new one for us (free of charge) and provide ongoing support in the maintenance of it.

If you have the time, skills and desire to join this award winning voluntary group please get in contact with lizjonescommunity@outlook.com

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed

As the foremost domestic glass replacement company in the UK for more than 18 years, Cloudy2Clear Windows are the leading name in the industry. There is now no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 340,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit it may not provide you with the protection you need, or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Why not take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear Stephen Moon it became evident that the value of saving their customers money has been held dear for

a number of years. In addition since starting the business in 2005, Cloudy2Clear have committed to supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public both time and money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “By doing this we make the customer considerable savings and there is much less upheaval in the family home. Also, whether communities find themselves in a financial crisis or not, saving money when you don’t need to waste it is always the sensible option, and our service does just that”.

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

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear Stephen Moon it became evident that the value of saving their customers money has been held dear for

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

How can we help you?

As an organisation we look to support clients and their immediate carers who are facing life limiting illness through our volunteer network. Our service is available to those living in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and surrounding areas. Our clients are often referred to us via their GP services, medical practitioners, Citizen Advice Bureau and other social prescribers. We also receive referrals direct from clients and their families. What happens when a referral is made?

Our Volunteer Manager and Co-ordinator are waiting to hear from you.

After discussing your situation or that of client, we will arrange for a home visit to assess your / the client needs, to help better understand what support our volunteers can offer that will make a difference. Once completed, we will work to assign one of our trained volunteers to the client and make the necessary introductions to all parties.

Through our volunteers and our manager you will be regularly visited and contacted in line with our agreement to help support you and your immediate carer.

What happens when our Volunteer visits?

Our visits last on average two hours at a time, and our volunteers tend to visit weekly, but this is all agreed depending on the circumstances and is flexible.

What do our clients and their families say about our volunteer services?

“Dawn came to sit with my Mother, once a week to enable my husband and I to attend appointments and have some time together away from our caring roles.

Dawn quickly got to know Mums likes and dislikes and was always kind, caring, patient and understanding with my Mother.

They quickly built a friendship and over time had a strong bond between them enjoying each others company.

Communication with Dawn was always good and she was flexible, punctual and often offered words of support to both my husband and I.

It meant so much to Mum, those 2 hours were her special time with her friend”.

We can support you, we have trained volunteers ready to meet you and help you through this difficult stage, so please get in touch with us today. You can make a call to us on 07709131514 or email us at hello@hospiceathomevolunteers.co.uk.

Follow us on Facebook, Hospice at Home Volunteers Dunstable & Houghton Regis Areas. Instagram, hospiceathomevolunteers www.hospiceathomevolunteers.co.uk/

Each client is different in what their needs are and the support we can offer. We don’t replace medical services and we do not administer any medications during our visits.

Our volunteers are often asked to

- sit and talk to the client, reminisce over the clients life and bring memories to the forefront

- support the immediate carer in enabling them to leave the home to attend appointments/ have time to themselves

- accompany the client to an appointment - could be a hairdresser, a doctors appointment or a favourite place for a cup of tea

- provide direction to support services / leaflets etc.

Halls for Hire

The Methodist Church, The Square Dunstable

Conveniently situated in the centre of Dunstable, we have a range of halls that are available to hire. Details can be found on our website: www.squaremethodist.org/newroombookings.htm

For further information please contact: lettings@squaremethodist.org Tel: 07469 842925

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

installation we carry out!’

every installation we carry out!’

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Ladders,

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

Can Trust!

Counties Loft Ladders,

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

You Can Trust!

£444!

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

every installation we carry out!’

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer price

Quality, Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

Quality, Value. materials all our the fact packages served our assured we the time sure spotless and offer price afford. relies on get a our calls have

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft! Counties Loft

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

Counties Loft Ladders, You Can Trust!

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

every installation we carry out!’

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808

Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

Home Counties

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808

301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can

301 9560 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

The company, based locally, offers

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise

The company, based locally, offers

The company,

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise

Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation carry out!’

Integrity in that we

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure

Need more storage space?

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

every installation carry out!’ So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

Integrity in that we - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to every installation carry out!’

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation carry out!’ So, if you use of your call Jamie 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

So, if you use of your call Jamie 301 9560 happy to give you a quote so make use

Hello

again!

from Appledown Rescue Kennels Mabel’s News

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

Appledown Rescue Dog of the Month

Hello Adge Cutler!

Stunning Adge Cutler is a Border Collie aged 3 years. He is quite a petit lad for his breed and is full of fun and affection. When he came to us it was clear he had received very little training so we have been working with him. He is very keen to please a well with a great improvement in his lead manners. True to his breed, he is an energetic dog who will need an active family to give him plenty of exercise and carry on with his training. We think he would enjoy agility. He could live with another dog pending introductions, but other pets unknown. Any children 7 years plus. He cannot live in Dacorum. Please visit our website for details about adoption and an application form. Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY 01525 220383 (10am-1pm & 2-4 pm) e-mail: appledown.kennels@btinternet.com Website: www.appledownrescue.co.uk Viewings are by appointment only

Please visit our website for details about adoption and an application form. To support our work you can make a oneoff donation of £3 by texting APPLE to 70111, or donate via Paypal using the ‘DONATE Support a Cause’ option. Cheques are very welcome too!

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

(Reg. Charity No. 1116848)

Call 01525 220383 (10am-1pm & 2-4 pm)

E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. www.appledownrescue.co.uk

Viewings by appointment only Follow us on Facebook,Twitter & Instagram!

Family Run Business With Over 30 Years Experience! TEL/FAX: 01582 602365 MOBILE: 07958 319213 Traditional Builder with 30 years experience Who can cater for all your building requirements

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

I need a home!

King John and Faulkes de Breaute

John was born on Christmas Eve 1167, the youngest son of Henry 2nd, the other sons being Henry, Geoffrey and Richard. Being the youngest of 4 sons, he was never expected to become king and continually lost out on gifts of land and titles. However, his father made him Governor of Ireland in 1177 and whilst there he commanded military expeditions in 1185 and 1210. It was during these times that he became particularly cruel and violent and imitated the extremely harsh practices of the Irish war-lords he encountered. But he was never given any land of his own and consequently his nickname became “John Lackland” and he developed a huge chip on his shoulder and a resolve to make others sit up and take notice. His father, Henry, in contrast, was a true warrior-king and held land from Scotland to the Pyrenees.

But very unexpectedly, his two eldest brothers died before their father - Henry of dysentery in 1183 and Geoffrey, killed in a tournament in 1186 - leaving Richard the successor to the throne when his father died in battle in 1189.

Richard 1st Coeur de Lion (or Lionheart)

He was a warrior king as was his father before him but, although nominally King of England for 10 years, he actually spent less than one year in England. He couldn’t speak English, he disliked both England and the English, and he considered himself French. In addition, he was constantly at war either in France (holding on to the lands won by his father) or on crusades to the Holy Land. In order to finance these military ventures, he bled England dry with crippling taxes causing considerable hardship and much anger. Matters came to a head in 1192 when,

returning from the 3rd Crusade, he was captured by Duke Leopold of Austria and held to ransom. The amount demanded - £100,000 - was enormous and equal to the whole of the English exchequer. So John initiated a rebellion against paying the ransom and was quite content for his brother to rot in prison. He was showing his true dysfunctional colours. However, his rebellion failed and, due to even more crippling taxation, the money was somehow raised, the ransom was paid, and Richard was released in 1194. Surprisingly, John was not hanged for treason but was forgiven by Richard who is recorded as saying:“Don’t be afraid, John. You are a child. You have got into bad company and it is those who led you astray who will be punished”. Some child! John was 27 years old! Richard must have been extremely fond of John for some reason.

But Richard was unrepentant and resumed his fighting lifestyle thereby creating yet more and more taxation (and a further rebellion by Johnagain unsuccessful since people preferred Richard to John despite his extravagance). But Richard was eventually killed in battle (a crossbow bolt through his neck) at Chalus in S. France in 1199 and was buried there. Since there was now no alternative in the direct blood line, John was crowned in 1199 having already been nominated by Richard as his successor.

John and Faulkes de Breaute

From the outset, John had an unhappy knack of annoying people; especially the nobility (referred to as “The Barons”) by continually changing his mind, by being totally unreliable and by reneging on agreements. He also earned great hatred by imposing his “royal powers of inheritance”

Richard The Lionheart

Snippets

By Paul Heley

whereby if an estate passed into the hands of a minor (ie under 18 years of age), the king could assume total guardianship of the whole estate and could dispose of it as he wished (including the sale of the widow and any daughters!). He was also noted for his lusting after the wives and daughters of his nobility and for forcing many of them into acts of adultery. He was completely amoral in this respect.

The general populace had already suffered swingeing taxation under Richard and if they thought things would get easier under John, they were sorely mistaken. He conducted a series of disastrous wars in France and eventually lost all the land earlier won by his father and held by his brother (apart from a small area around Calais). He now earned another nickname of “John Softsword” Clearly, John was no warrior king and in 1206 he secured the mercenary services of a thug from near Poitiers, Faulkes de Breaute, who later went

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It should also be recorded that in 1205, John had fallen out with the Church by denying them finances they considered rightfully theirs. For this, he was excommunicated by the Pope and an interdict was imposed upon the people of England which made John extremely unpopular with ordinary folk. To begin with, he used Faulkes to put down minor rebellions and uprisings by the barons - and for which he was richly rewarded. For example:- in 1207 Welsh barons revolted and were ruthlessly put down. In response, Faulkes gained many posi tions of local power which earned him a fearsome reputation for brutality along the Welsh Marches and South Wales. In addition to various other skirmishes with different

barons around the country, in 1215 he sacked Bedford Castle and imprisoned its owner William de Beauchamp. For this he was made “Keeper of Bedford Castle”. Required to strengthen its defences, he knocked down much of the nearby churches of St Paul and St Cuthbert for their stone, and stole timber from (Old) Warden Abbey. If anybody objected to these acts of theft and vandalism, they were either killed or imprisoned at the castle. By 1213, the barons were in open rebellion - known as “The Barons’ War” - and England was also threatened with invasion from France. In John’s opinion, the only solution to this problem was to regain papal support and this he did by surrendering England and Ireland to Rome - and then leasing them back for an annual payment of 1000 marks (£666). To many, this represented a total defeat by John and his standing fell even lower when it was considered that during these last years, England had been reduced to being that of a vassal of Rome.

The barons attempted to get John to reconfirm the ancient rights and liberties he had sworn at his coronation but he stalled and vacillated and tried to arbitrate. But the barons didn’t trust him and a document called “The Articles of the Barons” was drawn up. Following further discussion and negotiation with the principal 35 barons, John very reluctantly attached his seal to the 63 articles now called the Magna Carta at Runnymede on 15 June, 1215.

But immediately afterwards, John asked the Pope to annul it - which he did declaring the charter to have been “extracted by force and fear, and as unlawful and unjust as it is base and shameful”.

This rejection by Pope Innocent 3rd allowed John to immediately renege on all the agreements he’d sealed and meant that the Magna Carta was temporarily shelved. But it should also be noted that the Magna Carta was reissued in 1217 after John’s death but had to wait until Edward 1st in 1297 before it formally became law.

King John signs the Magna Carta

By Paul Heley

Clearly, John was no warrior king and in 1206 he secured the mercenary services of a thug from near Poitiers, Faulkes de Breaute, who later went

Faulkes was a thoroughly nasty piece of work who enjoyed killing people and committing atrocities. The name Faulkes refers to a scythe which, reputedly, he used to murder someone when younger. It is thought that he was the illegitimate son of a Norman knight and also had a monumental chip on his shoulder. One might say that he and John were made for each other!! It should also be recorded that in 1205, John had fallen out with the Church by denying them finances they considered rightfully theirs. For this, he was excommunicated by the Pope and an interdict was imposed upon the people of England which made John extremely unpopular with ordinary folk. To begin with, he used Faulkes to put down minor rebellions and uprisings by the barons - and for which he was richly rewarded. For example:- in 1207 Welsh barons revolted and were ruthlessly put down. In response, Faulkes gained many posi tions of local power which earned him a fearsome reputation for brutality along the Welsh Marches and South Wales. In addition to various other skirmishes with different

But immediately afterwards, John asked the Pope to annul it - which he did declaring the charter to have been “extracted by force and fear, and as unlawful and unjust as it is base and shameful”.

King John signs the Magna Carta

'As

The

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

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

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

you to review your current or

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

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

'As a

'As

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Equity released from your

We can help you to review your current or proposed,

'Equity released from your home will be secured against

'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be

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

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

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Mortgages, Insurances, Pensions & Investments, Equity Release, Inheritance Tax, Wills and Trusts, or a general review of

'As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments, The

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

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

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

'Equity

Make Your Mood Home & Garden

Make the most of Autumn’s classic colour palate to update your home.

From deep ochres and burnt oranges to russet reds, olive greens and warm browns, these tones not only create a cocoon of comfort, they also look gorgeous, adding a sense of luxury to your home.

Wonderful walls…

Consider creating an accent wall to introduce autumnal energy

without overwhelming the space. A single wall painted in burnt orange or olive green can look really stylish, especially when balanced with neutral furnishings and natural textures.

… and beyond

Alternatively, if you’re feeling braver, explore colour-drenchinga technique where walls, trim and even ceilings are painted in the same deep or muted shade. Try a rich ochre or warm brown for a living room, or a russet red in the dining room.

Excellent accessories

For a subtler adjustment, simply update your space using accessories. Rugs, blankets, throws and velvet cushions add an instant dash of cosiness, while also consider ceramic vases in

ochre and terracotta, candlesticks in deep green, or picture frames with metallic ﬁnishes – such as bronze or antique gold – to mimic that gorgeous glow an autumn afternoon creates.

Finish with fake ﬂowers – perhaps some dried garlands or bouquets – explore ornamental gourds, and consider a few framed Autumnalthemed posters or photographic art and you’ll have a nest so comfy, even a hibernating hedgehog would struggle to resist it.

No Drain No Gain

A guide to maintain proper drainage in your garden.

Healthy, draining soil is the foundation of any successful garden, with excess water allowed to percolate away from plant roots, preventing oxygen deprivation and disease.

Signs of poor drainage can include puddles or standing water that lingers, yellowing leaves or stunted plant growth, moss or algae growth on the soil surface, plus sticky, heavy soil and roots that appear black, mushy, or smell foul when unearthed.

Conversely, soil that drains too quickly may not retain enough water for plant growth, leading to drought stress.

You can determine your garden’s current drainage status by digging a hole about 30 cm (1ft) deep and 15cm (6”) wide. Fill with water and let it drain completely. Next refill and observe how long it takes for the water to drain. If it completes within 2-4 hours, your soil has good drainage. Longer than this, and your soil likely drains too slowly. If it drains within minutes, it may not retain moisture well.

manure. These will break up heavy soils and improve structure. Also consider raised beds that lift plant roots above poorly draining soil.

To remedy slow drainage, add organic matter such as compost, leaf mould, mulch such as bark chips or straw, or well-rotted

For persistent problems, especially in large or sloped gardens, installing a perforated pipe or French drain might be necessary – a system that channels excess water away from your planting areas.

Garden Services

Hit A Nerve

Learning how to heal your vagus nerve – often referred to as the body’s superhighway – can have a profoundly positive impact on your overall health.

What is it?

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, extending from the brainstem down through the neck and into the chest and abdomen. It influences a wide range of bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion and the immune response.

A healthy vagus nerve is essential for maintaining the body’s homeostasis (the way body systems regulate and maintain themselves) whilst promoting relaxation and recovery.

How to heal

Breathe

Deep, slow breathing is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the vagus nerve. Practise diaphragmatic breathing, where

you breathe deeply into your abdomen rather than shallowly into your chest.

Meditate

Regular meditation and mindfulness practices can enhance vagal tone by reducing stress and promoting a state of calm.

Chilling and singing

Faces and food

Exposing your body to cold temperatures – through things such as cold showers, ice baths, or simply splashing cold water on your face – can stimulate the vagus nerve.

What’s more, singing, chanting or humming will also stimulate the nerve through the muscles in the throat.

Not surprisingly, spending time with people we love is highly beneficial for the vagus nerve, while maintaining a healthy diet rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics helps as well.

Exercise

Finally, engaging in regular physical activity can improve vagal tone and enhance overall health. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, or cycling, are particularly effective, as well as promoting cardiovascular health.

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(5)

11. Exchange goods (5)

12. Provoking (7)

13. Plant storage organ; light source (4)

15. Frozen precipitation (4)

17. First public appearance (5)

18. Sick (3)

20. Brought about (6)

22. Intertwine yarn; join closely (4)

24. Protective covering of a larva (6)

26. Place for planes to take off and land (8)

28. Military force (4)

29. Receives payment (5)

30. Subatomic particle (4)

Down Clues:

1. Not any (4)

3. Lift (4)

4. Completely sealed (8)

5. Aware (7)

6. Grilled Mediterranean cheese (8)

7. System of rules (4)

9. Ring-shaped bread roll (5)

10. Feeling of sorrow (7)

14. Secured rope in climbing (7)

16. Sense of self (8)

19. Filled (7)

20. Loud laugh of a witch (6)

21. Detach a fastener (6)

23. Top playing card (3)

25. Flatbread from India (4)

27. Narrow road (4)

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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to you?

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info@cplrepairs.co.uk Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

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Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

Windows not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and

Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

Windows not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and

Are misted up windows a familiar sight to you?

Spooky Statistics

Horrify your friends and family this Halloween with these shocking environmental statistics.

Deadly deforestation

Every year, the world loses approximately 10 million hectares of forests - an area roughly the size of Iceland. Over 80% of Earth’s forests have already been destroyed or irreparably degraded, and logging continues at a rate of about 15 billion trees annually.

Plastic pollution

There are an estimated ﬁve trillion pieces of plastic debris in the

ocean, and this number is growing rapidly to the extent that by 2050, it is projected that there will be more plastic in the ocean (by weight) than ﬁsh if current trends continue.

Phantom food waste

About one-third of all food produced each year – roughly 1.3 billion tons – is wasted, whilst at the same time more than 820 million people worldwide face hunger. The food waste problem also contributes signiﬁcantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Water disaster

Despite the notion we live in a civilised world, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion people experience inadequate sanitation.

Biodiversity death

In the past 50 years, wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69%, according to the WWF Living Planet Report; and on top of that, coral reefs, which support about 25% of marine life, are at risk of disappearing by 2050.

Climate crisis

The Earth’s average global temperature has already risen by about 1.1°C since pre-industrial levels, and scientists warn that exceeding a 1.5°C rise will have catastrophic consequences.

Telephone: 01525 872127 email: info@pwilsonplumbingandheating.com www.pwilsonplumbingandheating.com

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• Multi Trade quotations

• Full Service from Start to Finish

0 by si�ply replacing the doors and worktops! 1ne scan �

By Dr Lorna Moore

Pen Scribble Drawings

Get a black fine liner pen 0.5mm and some white paper. On a piece of paper practice scribbling adding more pressure at times to get a variety of light and dark marks. Draw a cube and see if you can create 3 different shades on each side through scribbling (light, mid, dark tones). The smaller the scribble the darker the tone. You should get a 3D looking box. Leave some white areas to create more light. Get a vase and have a go at drawing it and limit your marks to scribbling only using 3 different tones. Don’t forget to place some tone below your object for it to sit on. Now, have go at drawing a plant in a pot with the same technique. Have fun!

I offer 4 week taster slots for those interested in joining .

Email drmooresartcourse@gmail.com

Fb Dr Lorna Moore’s Creative Art Course instagram.com/drmooresartcourse/ or call 078 9661 9660

Urban sketching workshop on People Saturday 18th Oct £60 for the day includes all materials

Laptop & Computer

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!

October and November 2025

Spot the Milky Way from the Chiltern Hills: Autumn is a great time to look up and see the Milky Way from the Chiltern Hills. Choose a moonless early evening before the moon rises or after it sets and head out to a spot away from streetlights. Give your eyes a good 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness and you should be able to see overhead a thick band of faint hazy light stretching roughly north-south. This is the glow from some of the 350+ billion stars in our galaxy, compacted into its spiral arms several thousand light years away.

Grab a view of Saturn and its Edge-On Rings: If you have access to a telescope this autumn is a great time to view Saturn. The ringed planet is visible to the naked eye towards your south-east and south on early autumn evenings roughly 20 – 30 degrees above the horizon. A small telescope of 90mm aperture is all you need to resolve Saturn into an obvious disc of light and to see its rings. The rings this year appear almost edge-on to our viewpoint and can be seen in a telescope as a linear feature crossing the disc and popping out both sides.

Marvel at the Orionids Meteor Shower:

From midnight to dawn on 21 October step outside and look towards your south-east for shooting stars from the Orionids meteor shower. Expect to see 20 – 25 shooting stars an hour zipping across the sky from near the constellation of Orion.

Family Run Business With 49 Years Experience

Please ring

By Seb Jay - Image: NASA

Andy: 07956 110919

Michael: 07432 159236

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are looking for volunteers to join our team at Dunstable Citizens Advice. Roles available are Advisers, Receptionist, Treasurer and Trustees.

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Give back to the community

• Free, in-depth training

• Friendly, supportive team

• Expenses paid

Trustee Opportunities:

• All of the above

• Help guide and govern us Citizens Advice

• Be part of the decision making process!

Interested?

Please email training@dunstable.cabnet.org.uk or call 01582 670003 to discuss the opportunities. Take a look at our website www.dunstablecab.org.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

What’s on

Aternate Thursdays, 2:30 - 4:00pm

2022

Tea Time Tales are being held in Grove House, 76 High Street North whilst Priory House is being repaired.

Talks of local & national interest with

23rd October

Sailing By: The Shipping Forecast by Kay Kempster

13th November

Cars, Conkers and Coffee Machines: Comic

Verse from Everyday Life by Richard Harrington

27th November

How Dunstable helped Narnia and The Hobbit come to life, told to us by a friendly Whipsnade Lion by Stephen Williams

Bedfordshire Day

Saturday 29th November 2025

The Dunstable Swan Jewel

FREE events at the Priory Church of St Peter

A unique brooch was lost in Medieval Dunstable and found again in 1965. We are celebra>ng the 60th anniversary of it’s discovery.

11.00am Talk ‘Who Lost the Dunstable Swan Jewel’ a look at all the candidates, by Jean Yates

1.30pm Talk ‘Looking down a kaleidoscope at a roundel: the Renaissance world of Dunstable's Canon William Cotson’ a talk announcing a unique discovery by Stephen Williams

See and hear about the 1965 dig and ﬁnd out what happened to it aGerwards.

Refreshments and light lunches will be available at the church

Remembrance Day Parade & Civic Service

Sunday 9th November

Priory Gardens, 10.30am to 2.00pm

Show your support by lining the High Street to watch the parade as it passes through. The parade will set off from Grove House Gardens and proceed through the town centre towards Priory Gardens, where a two-minute silence will be observed following the striking of the Maroon signal, accompanied by wreath-laying at The War Memorial. A service will then take place at Priory Church. All are welcome to attend. Please note that High Street North and High Street South, between Grove House and Priory House Heritage Centre, will be temporarily closed from 10:30 am to 11:00 am on Sunday 9 November for the Remembrance Day Parade.

South Bedfordshire Association Of National Trust Supporters TALKS 2025

Monday October 6th

Paul Rabbitts Dunstable in Fifty Buildings

Monday November 3rd

Bryony Norburn The Road to Bletchley Park

Monday December 1st

Colin Oakes Christmas Day in the Workhouse

Talks will take place at the Salvation Army Centre, Bullpond lane,Dunstable, LU6 3AH all starting at 2pm

Followed by refreshments £1

Members £2

Guests welcome at £4

You do not need to be a member of the national trust to join our supporters’ group.

Christmas Carols & Torchlight Procession

Friday 28th November

The Square, From 7pm

Christmas officially begins in Dunstable on Friday 28th November when the annual Torchlight Procession brings everyone together to enjoy the festive activities!

Join us on The Square with the school choirs of Dunstable to sing carols, meet Father Christmas and turn on the Christmas Tree lights accompanied by the Dunstable Salvation Army band. Not to be missed is the array of food and drink stalls down Middle Row and a fantastic light show finale to end the evening.

Dunstable Learning for Leisure offers ‘The Structure of Iconic Buildings’

Not all of the World's best-loved buildings have a fascinating engineering back-story. This 5-week course focuses on some of the ones which do. A grasp of how structures work opens a new window on buildings, both Ancient and Modern.

The five week course will commence on 7th October with a break the week of 21st October. It will run between 10.30 and 12.30 and the price is £30, or £7 weekly.

The course will be held at Pioneer Hall, Man chester Place, Dunstable, LU6 1HT.

To register please contact Carole Smart on smart.carole@talk21.com or 07917 083850