The Vine Villages February-March 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

material included within this publication.

this publication

www.thevinemagazine.co.uk

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Hello again!

from Appledown Rescue Kennels Mabel’s News

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

Hello C oco!

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�� te�t�� A��E to �� or �o�ate ��a �a�pa� us�� the ‘DONATE Support a Cause’ opt�o�� Che�ues are �er� �e��o�e too� 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

Brindle beauty Coco was actually born at Appledown back in 2021, one of a large litter of Mastiff-cross pups. She is back with us again looking for a second chance of a loving home. Coco is an affectionate girl with people, but she is having training to help with her behaviour around other dogs and her new owners will need to continue with that. Coco has a lot of potential in the right home with owners used to the needs of larger breeds. She needs to be an only pet in a home where any children are 7+. Please visit our website for details about adoption and an application form. To support our work you can make a one-off donation of £3 by texting APPLE to 70111, or donate via Paypal using the ‘DONATE Support a Cause’ option. Cheques are very welcome too!

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

(Reg. Charity No. 1116848)

Call 01525 220383 (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!

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Suspect that these difficulties may be attributed to a Specific Learning Difficulty and want to get some answers?

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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.

Do you or someone you know have a life-limiting illness?

Hospice At Home Volunteers Dunstable, Houghton Regis, and surrounding areas are here to ensure that every minute matters. We are an independent charity based in Dunstable, offering a free service that provides strength, encouragement, and unwavering support during challenging times.

Our Mission:

To provide practical, social, and emotional support tailored to the unique needs of our clients and their carers. We aim to complement statutory services such as community nurses, palliative nurses, social workers, social prescribers, hospices, and home carers.

Our Services Include:

- Respite for Carers: Allowing carers to have a much-needed break of two to three hours.

- Accompaniment: Escorting clients on trips, to appointments, shopping, or to their favourite venues.

- Companionship: Offering a friendly face and a listening ear to combat loneliness.

Note: We do not replace the care or support provided by statutory services, nor do we offer nursing or domestic services.

How It Works:

1. Referral: Upon receiving a referral, our volunteer manager conducts an initial visit to assess the client's individual needs or those of their carer.

2. Matching: A carefully selected volunteer, who has undergone continuous training and DBS checks, will be matched with the client.

3. Introduction: The volunteer manager introduces the volunteer, and if the client feels comfortable, the volunteer will start regular weekly

visits, fostering a special bond of friendship built on trust and confidence.

With a legacy of 39 years, we have supported hundreds of clients, whether for a few visits or for years, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

We know how difficult it is to care for someone 24/7. How isolated you can feel. Please contact us if you need our help, we are ready to take your call and support you.

You can self refer to our service by contacting our volunteer manager, Maureen Kerr by calling 07709 131514, or by email dunstablehhv@ gmail.com

You can follow our work via our website www.hospiceathomevolunteers.co.uk/ or our Facebook and Instagram pages Hospice at Home Dunstable & Houghton Regis.

If you would like to support our forthcoming events please contact our chair Liz Jones via email hhvchair@gmail.com

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

Make Your Street Safer For Kids To Play By Creating A Play Street

Do you remember playing out in the street?

This way, your children can do the same safely.

Central Bedfordshire Council is excited to work with residents to introduce Play Streets - an initiative that lets children enjoy safe, fun and active play close to home while building stronger communities.

A Play Street is a resident-led, council-supported scheme where a quiet residential street is temporarily closed to through traffic, allowing children to play freely while neighbours connect. Typically, Play Streets run for one or two hours once a month or every other week, creating a safe, car-free environment while allowing residents' vehicles to pass at a walking pace with volunteer supervision.

For children, Play Streets provide safe, open spaces for biking, scootering, skipping and creative, child-led play plus opportunities to make friends, develop social skills and improve physical and mental health.

For adults, Play Streets provide a chance to chat and connect with neighbours in a friendlier, more welcoming street environment.

Lucy (parent): “I think it’s a great way to bring the community together and allow the children to experience playing outside like we did when we were younger.”

Busy roads and fewer community play spaces can prevent children from safely exploring and having fun outdoors. Play Streets allow you to give your children the experience of outdoor play right next to home. Meanwhile, residents, visitors and delivery drivers can drive in and out at walking speed, with stewards moving barriers and guiding vehicles for safety. Only through traffic is restricted during Play Street hours.

Maria (parent): “My son loves it. It’s good to get the community out playing and having fun when the weather’s good. They love it. It’s good to get to know your neighbours and community and this is a pretty good scheme.”

Play Streets work best on quieter, residential roads. Volunteer organisers coordinate helpers, manage road closures and ensure parents supervise their children. The Council provides guidance, high-visibility vests, and a Play Street kit with chalks and skipping ropes. You don’t need insurance; risks are minimal, and the Council will help with a simple risk assessment.

Managing a Play Street

As time constraints can be a concern, it’s recommended that duties be shared among a few neighbours to make organising easy. You can also try a first session to see how it goes—there’s no obligation to continue. Want to get involved?

If you’d like to create Play Street, now’s the time to register your interest. Upcoming application deadlines are:

• May 2025 start: apply by 14 February

• June 2025 start: apply by 19 March

• July 2025 start: apply by 16 April

• August 2025 start: apply by 20 May

Before you apply, you must speak with the Council and engage your neighbours. They’ll guide you through the process, help you gather support and answer any questions.

Email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

If you'd like more support, look out for 30-minute online information sessions to guide you through the process at: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/playstreets

Paul Heley

Early Dunestaple Days Notable Events

The international business centre set up by Henry 1st in the early years of the 12th century proved to be a success and a school was established by the second decade as an extra incentive to attract would-be burgesses to come to the town. The school was for the education of their sons (not their daughters - sorry ladies !) and was an outreach establishment of the Abbey School at St Albans. Somewhere around 1115, they decided to put on a miracle play under the tutelage of Geoffrey of Goreham - perhaps the first ever such play staged in England - about the grisly martyrdom of Catherine of Alexandria beneath a rotating wheel of knives. This gruesome device lives on in the form of the rapidly spinning Catherine wheel firework. I wonder how many volunteers for the title role came forward !!

Since the school was very new, they had to borrow costumes and other gear from the parent school at St. Albans but afterwards disaster struck in that there was a fire in which the costumes and much of the other gear was destroyed. Geoffrey was blamed for negligence and, as penance, he had to relinquish his status of schoolmaster and become an ordinary monk at St. Albans abbey instead. Henry suffered two personal tradegies soon after this event in that, first, his queen Matilda died in 1118. He had chosen her for his wife since she was the daughter of the Scottish king, Malcom 3rd, and a great great niece of Edward the Confessor, ie she had Saxon blood and he saw the marriage as uniting the Norman and Saxon dynasties. He named his son William (after his father) Athling (Saxon meaning “successor”). There was also a daughter, Matilda (but called Maud to avoid confusion with her mother) but William, of course, was his intended successor. He quickly married againAdela - but there were no more children. However, it

is interesting to note that he treated his 21 illegitimate children very well indeed giving each one a decent education and securing good marriages for them. Henry needed to frequently go to Normandy to sort out his troublesome brother, Robert, and to quell incursions from neighbouring regions and in 1120, there was another such visit. And this time his son William plus a number of his young friends joined the party. Being young and full of high spirits, they got very drunk. This proved to be disastrous in that a new ship - the White Ship - had been specially built for Henry’s return but he stayed on the same one as he had arrived on. William and his friends opted for the new ship. Everybody was drunk and resulted in the ship hitting the rocks at the harbour entrance and sinking with almost complete loss of life - William amongst them. When Henry heard the news, he was completely devastated and was said “never to smile again”. But the tragedy meant that his succession was now upset - something he resolved in an unheard of manner (and as we shall later see had disastrous consequences). Since he had lost his son as suc cessor, he nominated his daughter, Maud, to be the next monarch (and insisted that his nobles respect this decision). The terrible 19 year conflict known as The Anarchy was the result of this decision following the death of Henry in 1135.

As previously mentioned, Henry visited his royal palace, and held court there, on occasion during these early years. He spent Christmas there in 1123 and 1132. This palace (rather a grand title) was positioned on a 9 acre site along East street opposite the intended site for the Augustinian Priory (which had already been started).

Then in 1131, Henry issued the town’s first charter and gave Dunstaple and its lands, together with

Kingsbury palace

the valuable stone quarry at Totternhoe and the right to use pasture and woodland in Caddington, Kensworth and Houstone to the Augustinian Priory under its first Prior, Bernard. This part of the declaration was well received by the town burgesses but the next part was most decidedly NOT. He stated that hereafter he would no longer be the Lord of the Manor of Dunstaple but that Bernard would be and meant that all their tithes, taxes and fines would now go to Bernard rather than to the King. The burgesses were quite happy to have had the king as their LoM - but not some inconspicuous jumped up cleric (!) and a riot followed - the first of many in the town’s history. It is possible that Henry chose this action as a form of retribution since he had already

complained that the burgesses were more interested in making money than in helping financially with the building of the proposed Priory. All monies would now go to Bernard and hence towards the Priory. This was something he was determined to see estab lished.

Four years later, in 1135, Henry was again in Normandy sorting his brother out and dined on a favourite food, namely the eel like fish called a lamprey. Sadly, he made rather a pig of himself - or perhaps one of them was “off” - because he died due to “an excess of lampreys” - thus ending an auspicious reign. To be followed by the last of the Normans, namely his nephew, Stephen.

Images courtesy of Tony Woodhouse

Small Steps For Big Gains

Sometimes the key to achieving meaningful, lasting improvements in health and wellbeing lies in making small, manageable changes. So rather than trying to transform your routine overnight, incorporate minor adjustments for positive results.

Diet

Firstly, instead of focusing on what to cut out, think about what you can add. Introducing more fruit and vegetables into your meals is a slight change that can make a significant difference.

Complementing your morning smoothie with spinach or an extra vegetable portion at dinner will help increase your intake of vitamins and minerals.

Exercise

Getting fit doesn’t require hours at the gym. Even a 10-minute walk during your lunch break, or a quick set of bodyweight exercises in the morning, can improve cardiovascular health, boost

your mood and increase energy levels.

Mental health

Daily journaling can have a profound impact. Taking just five minutes at the end of the day to jot down your thoughts, list things you’re grateful for, or set intentions for tomorrow, can reduce stress and improve mindfulness.

Sleep

Hydration

Improving your sleep quality doesn’t require drastic changes. Try going to bed just 15 minutes earlier than usual to help regulate your pattern over time, allowing you to feel more rested and refreshed in the morning.

Finally, instead of aiming for drastic increases in water intake, start by drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning which can aid digestion, improve concentration and boost mood.

Over time, you’ll likely find yourself drinking more throughout the day, reaping the benefits of proper hydration without forcing it.

True Love... For You

Practise self-compassion

Treat yourself with the same kindness you would show a close friend. When you make mistakes or feel inadequate, remind yourself that nobody is perfect and that setbacks are part of life.

Challenge negative self-talk

Instead of saying, “I can’t do anything right,” try, “I’m learning, and it’s okay to make mistakes.”

Set healthy boundaries

Practise saying ‘no’ when you need to, and distance yourself from people who drain your energy or bring you down.

Invest in self-care

Make time for activities that make you feel good, whether it’s

exercising, cooking, reading, meditating or taking a day to relax.

Celebrate strengths, lose guilt

Reflect on your unique qualities, talents and accomplishments. List things you’re proud of, no matter how small; at the same time letting go of guilt or shame about past mistakes.

Set and pursue goals

Having goals gives you a sense of purpose. Break them into small, achievable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Develop an eternal locus of self control

Finally, a person with self-love often develops an internal locus of control

- the belief that they are responsible for and in control of their life and choices.

This mindset promotes accountability and selfempowerment, helping people to make choices aligned with their values and goals. where brain unction is strengthened and symptoms reduced.

ADVICE?

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE? your current or Pensions & Release, Inheritance general review of position?

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

Tel: 01525 874100

Email: info@toddingtoni fa.co.uk

Website: www.toddingtoni fa.co.uk

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?

1 St John’s Barns, Griffin Farm Conger Lane Toddington Bedfordshire LU5 6BT

info@toddingtonifa.co.uk www.toddingtonifa.co.uk

info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

info@toddingtonifa.co.uk www.toddingtonifa.co.uk

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE?

info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

www.toddingtonifa.co.uk

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?

Tel: 01525 874100 Email: info@toddingtoni fa.co.uk Website: www.toddingtoni fa.co.uk

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

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

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

Toddington Bedfordshire LU5 6BT Tel: 01525 874100 Email: info@toddingtoni fa.co.uk Website: www.toddingtoni fa.co.uk

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

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

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

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'

be repossessed if you do not conduct authority does not regulate planning' charge a fee for fees added to your secured against it'

info@toddingtonifa.co.uk

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

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

'As

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Free Will with Investments & Pensions placed through us of over £50,000 and within 6 months of investment Talk to us for a free initial consultation

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

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

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

Contact Your Local Office In Toddington

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

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

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

Tel/Fax: 01525 874100

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

Contact: Philip Hadlow Tel/Fax: 01525 874100 Mobile 07768 277 532

LOCAL OFFICE: Toddington

Contact: Philip Hadlow

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

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

Greetings from Christ Church Dunstable!

Butterflies

I love this time of year. Have you ever noticed how amazing it is when winter turns into spring?

I love watching the new plants, seeing the bees, and being wowed at the thought of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. I believe that God has much to teach us through nature.

The change from winter to spring is a great reminder that tough times don't last forever. Just like spring follows winter, new beginnings follow hard times. It also reminds us that sometimes there are unseen things happening under the surface, preparing the ground for new life. If we look to God, His Spirit works in us, helping us during the tough times. When we put our faith in Jesus, it’s like spring arrives, new life blooms. We get a fresh start and step into a new season of hope and growth as he transforms our hearts.

Living in Dunstable means that we have excellent access to Whipsnade Zoo. In the winter, my family loves to hang around the Butterfly House. It’s probably because it’s the warmest place on site, but the butterflies are a nice bonus. When I was there last, we saw a massive caterpillar on a banana leaf.

Caterpillars are amazing. They start off as little, crawling creatures, munching on leaves all day. But inside, they've got the potential to become something glorious. When the time is right, they wrap themselves up in a chrysalis and go through a huge transformation. They basically turn into goo and then reform into beautiful butterflies. This process is a lovely picture of what happens when people begin trusting Jesus. Just like the caterpillar becomes a butterfly, we leave our old selves behind and become new creations. Our past

mistakes and failures are forgiven by Jesus through His grace. By His mercy, our sins are gone, and we're given a new life full of purpose, enjoying a relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

In Jesus Christ, we're not just slightly better versions of our old selves; we're completely new. The old is gone, and the new has come. This promise is as sure as spring following winter and as amazing as a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. We might not feel different or act differently right away, but over time, change is seen as we look to God, allowing Him to change us from the inside out.

Did you know that while we love to observe the beauty of a butterfly, the butterfly itself never sees its own wings? It has no idea. When we put our faith in Jesus, we are transformed, but sometimes we can’t see it. However, as God looks at us, He doesn’t see the old self. He sees the beauty of a new life lived in faith, trusting in His promises to forgive all those who come to Him.

So, next time you see the seasons change or watch a butterfly flutter by, remember the new life offered to us through Christ. No matter what your past looks like, God has made a promise of a fresh start and a life filled with hope and purpose if you would trust Him. “The old is gone, and the new is here!”

Warmly yours,

Steve Neal, Community Engagement Pastor

Across Clues:

5. Joint injury involving misalignment (11)

9. Person who works at a stable (9)

10. Add to something larger (5)

11. Time zone abbreviation for Los Angeles (3)

12. Unable to move forward (5)

13. Obsessive enthusiast (5)

15. To shield or hide from view (6)

17. One who rides or handles elephants (6)

19. Sarcastic or cutting remark (5)

20. Walk at a leisurely pace (5)

21. Finish or conclusion (3)

23. Excited or awake (5)

24. Type of lichen with bushy growth (9)

26. A notable success (11)

Down Clues:

1. Motorcycle enthusiast (5)

2. Sedimentary rock made of ﬁne particles (9)

3. Messy living area (3)

4. Flat-bodied tropical ﬁsh (8)

6. Random occurrence (6)

7. Nausea caused by turbulence (11)

8. Extreme wickedness (11)

14. Unimportant or minor league (9)

16. Small audio accessory (8)

18. Comedy without preparation (6)

22. Jam ﬁrst... (5)

25. Cloth to protect clothing while eating (3)

Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-roundhorticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about the start of the planting season…

March is here and there’s a distinct energy in the air. It’s the moment every gardener has been waiting for – the grand kick-off to the planting season. This is the time when the tools come out, gloves go on and we dive into the soil.

Naturally, getting the soil ready is the first and most important step. If you’re a novice, make sure to take a fork or spade and give your beds a good turning. This loosens matter and improves drainage.

In early March, hardy annuals like sweet peas and calendula can be sown directly into the ground. They’re pretty and fantastic for attracting pollinators.

If you’re looking to add height and colour to your borders later in the year, try foxgloves and hollyhocks. They’ll reward your efforts with towering displays come summer.

For veggie lovers, early March is the ideal time to start planting potatoes. Choose a sunny spot, dig a trench and pop those seeds in. Cover them up and in a few

months, you’ll be enjoying fresh, home-grown spuds. Carrots, beetroot and parsnips – covered under cloches or fleeces can get a head start in the greenhouse, if you have one.

Finally, for those with a passion for blooms, this is a great time to plant gladioli and dahlias in potssomewhere bright and cold.

So… ready, set go!

Home & Garden

2025 Alive!

The new frontier of home interiors: sleeker, smarter, greener, and all geared at improving your quality of life.

Celestial walls

If the state of the world today has you wondering what it all means, then this trend for celestial wallpaper may ease your existential dread. Starry skies, suns, moons and zodiac motifs all feature against that everso-calming deep-blue backdrop associated with the universe and all its infinite secrets.

Living nature

An abundance of plant life, sustainable wood, plenty of natural light and materials which remind us of the great outdoors (wool, stone and granite) are all becoming effective ways in which interior designers look to bring the outside in - a great way to deepen your connection with Mother Earth while still staying connected.

Wellbeing wonders

Given the amount of time we spend in our homes, furniture that combines style and ergonomic comfort is essential – so neither that hard chaise lounge or enormous squishy settee, but something in-between: a wooden-framed settee with deep, soft cushions in a natural and breathable fabric – with soft lighting, curvaceous lines and calming colours that soothe the senses and soul.

Flex your tech

We are using our living spaces for more things – hence designers are becoming more flexible, finding savvy ways to make our homes adaptable without feeling as if you’re living in the office. Coffee tables or consoles that can fold out to become a desk, discreet

01582 943700

plug and USB sockets and lighting which can be controlled from your phone in order to create a desired mood.

info@cplrepairs.co.uk

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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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Windows not shutting properly? Hinges? Drafts around windows and

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FREE BOTTLE OF Prosecco

A

Perfectly Coordinated Timeless Kitchen

Create a bespoke look at an affordable price with perfectly coordinated doors, worktops and internal storage features. Available from George Alexander Living Spaces, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire's Masterclass Kitchens Platinum Partner

By Dr Lorna Moore

Improvised Watercolour Flora

Choose 3 colours that you like to create abstract flowers. Begin at the middle/top end of your page and load your brush with clean water to make a circular shape (flower head size). Drop one blob of water colour into the wet shape and blow the paint with a straw. Move your paper around to blow in different directions. Repeat a few times in different colours. To create a leaf, use clean water to create very wet lines and drop green colours into it and blow with your straw. Also paint spiral clear water shapes onto your paper and dab colours into them and watch the paint move around. Dip the edge of your credit card into paint and print lines onto the paper to create a vase shape. Leave it to dry. Then draw over the top of your colours in black pen to create flower and leaf shapes. Lastly, splatter a colour over an area of your dry painting and frame it. Ta dah!

New term starts Jan Wed 22nd (we have moved to Dagnall Village Hall) Face to face classes begin 2-5pm and zoom classes 9.30-11.30 Wed mornings. Print Workshop Saturday 22nd February email drmooresartcourse@gmail.com or call 078 9661 9660 or follow on Facebook.

Laptop

Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up!

February & March 2025

Catch Venus at it’s Brightest for 2025: February sees Venus shine bright in the early even ing sky towards the south west. On the evening of 14 February it attains its greatest brilliancy, appearing at is brightest for 2025. To catch Venus on the 14th look about 30-degrees above the south-west horizon shortly after sunset for a luminous ‘star’ sparkling in the twilight. As it gets darker Venus drops lower in the sky but gains in brilliance so that by 6:30pm / 7pm it is an unmissable sight. Come 8:30pm the show is over as Venus sets below the horizon.

Watch Jupiter and its Moons:

Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system, is visible high up in the sky every evening through late winter and early spring. Less bright than Venus it is still an obvious sight, outshining any other star in the night sky. 10x50 binoculars reveal Jupiter as a tiny disc flanked by up to four of its moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.

Follow the Red Planet in Gemini:

Mars is a notable sight during the next couple of months. The red planet is an easy target to the naked eye, glowing orange-red in the constellation of Gemini. It was at its brightest in the sky in mid-January when Earth reached its closest point to Mars for two years. Earth’s quicker orbit around the Sun will see us leave Mars behind as we head into spring, the red planet appearing dimmer with each passing night.

By Seb Jay - Image: NASA

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!

2022

Tea Time Tales

6th February

Pawns into Queens, Two Tudor Sisters by Pam Greener

27th February

Wartime Whipsnade by Ken France

13th March

William Hogarth - Master of English Satire by Martin Attridge

27th March

Entertaining at Waddesdon by Carol Hardy

BLUES BUSTER £10

A LARGE PIZZA

with Cheese, Tomato & 3 toppings...

or Pasta/Risotto

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

Both served with fries or garlic bread.

South Bedfordshire Association of National Trust Supporters Talks

February 3rd Kevin Varty-Sweet Memories

March 3rd Elizabeth Eastwood-Scandal.

Slaughter and Gossip

April 7th Film on National Trust gardens

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

Salvation Army Centre, Bullpond Lane LU6 3AH 2pm Members £2/Guests £4

Followed by refreshments £1

DUNSTABLE PROBUS CLUB

Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month at Tilsworth Golf Centre and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business people. The Club’s main purpose is the promotion of good fellowship. Members enjoy some social activities and the occasional organized visit throughout the year and after their regular monthly lunch meetings are entertained by speakers who give talks on a wide range of topics. If you are interested in joining the Club, please contact the Secretary, Philip Savage on 01582 662462.

Dunstable Garden Club

We meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at The Salvation Army Hall in Bullpond Lane, Dunstable, LU6 3AH from 7.30 to 9pm. We have a speaker and then tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards. All visitors are very welcome, only £3 a visit or £20 for the whole year. We have a garden visit each month from May to August.

February 10th

Right plant, right place: Andrew Mikolajski

March 10th 2025

The 12 month Garden – colour all year round: Geoff Hodge April 14th 2025 TBC + A plant swap I can be contacted on 07517 318128 bessierogers@hotmail.co.uk

Priory Ladies Group

A meeting held at Priory Church Hall, Church St, Dunstable 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month 2-4pm £32 PA (18 meetings)

Ladies who are looking for an afternoon of meeting people with similar interests. Includes tea & coffee, biscuits and raffle, listening to speakers talking on various subjects.

A full programme has been booked throughout the year Together with lunches out during the year. Just come along - Try before you buy - Dont be shy, a warm welcome awaits you!