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Dear Readers I love this time of year, with lots of public holidays, the start of fetes and fayres and the beginning of spring and wouldn’t it be lovely if the weather decided to join in. Have a look at the What’s On guide as there is plenty to amuse the children through the long school holidays and then maybe when you have worn them out you will have a chance to sit back at read The Vine in peace. regards Andrena
Content 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 43 44
Where are they now? Milko goes walkies Traveller’s Tale Home Cinemas Traveller’s Tale continued Auto Biographies- Kia Spring perfume Brain food Children’s health Alpaca Show/Cat show Kids in the garden Protecting the future Buttermilk scones Book review What’s On Puzzles St George’s Day/May day Useful numbers Puzzle solutions Money off vouchers Collectors items twitter @thevineLB
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1st April
Easter Monday April Fool’s Day
4th April
International carrot day
23rd April
St George’s Day
1st May
May Day
6th May
Bank Holiday
7th May
International Donkey Week
11th May
Love Bletchley
27 May
Bank Holiday
Editors: Andrena Carden-White Advertising & Editorial The Vine Leighton Buzzard and The Vine Bletchley 0797 155 4604 info@ thevinemagazine.com Advertising & Editorial Dunstable and Villages or Toddington & Villages edition Shelly Nesbitt 07852 453043/01525 222379 mailthevine@yahoo. co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles is published in this magazine are
accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors. Neither do they reflect the opinion of this publication. The Vine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.
Next copy deadline 15th May 2013
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In conjunction with
where are they now? The Vine Bletchley caught up with exLuton player Julian James to ask, where are you now? Julian James was spotted by Luton Town coach John Moore in 1987, at the Hemel district trials. Moore organised a professional contract for the 17-year-old defender, and James signed for Luton soon after. He made his Luton Town debut for 5 minutes as a sub against Liverpool at Anfield where he marked Kenny Dalglish He made is first start on 2 November 1988 in a League Cup match at Elland Road, home of Leeds United. He had a good game which ended for him disappointingly with 10 minutes to go when he was sent off for a professional foul however Luton went on to win the game 2–0. 1989–90 proved to be a breakthrough for James, as he started 22 games for the club. His fine performances did not go unnoticed and he earnt two caps for the England under-21s. Still only 20, he was loaned out to Fourth Division Preston North End at the start of 1990–91, and made six appearances. He returned to Kenilworth Road and became Luton’s regular centre back alongside John Dreyer, playing 25 times for Luton that season. 1991–92, Luton’s last as a top flight club, saw James make 30 appearances, scoring twice. During 1992–93 he only missed three games all season, playing 44 times, and once again scoring two goals. James remained a rock in the centre of defence and was ever-present as Luton made it to the semi-final of the FA Cup, where they lost 2–0 to Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
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The following years saw James not only a regular in the team, but at the age of 24, one of the club’s senior players. 1995–96 Lennie Lawrence’s arrival as manager brought renewed belief in James and he made 31appearances that year. James played 56 games during 1996–97, and was sent off twice – crucially, he was dismissed at Crewe Alexandra in the first leg of the play-off semi-final. Luton went on to lose, and promotion was not achieved. 1997–98 proved to be the defender’s last season with the club. After making 26 appearances, is career was ended by injury. So where is he now: Julian has his own Milton Keynes based landscape business and says he has calmed down since his first sending off. I asked about his career highlights and he recalls marking Kenny Dalglish in one of his first games and not so much a highlight but being elbowed by Jimmy Case at Southampton Julian James is at Landscape2Build julian@landscape2build.co.uk 07850 84365
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Milko gets off his soap box to go Walkabout but before he goes, he’ll just write a book or two
Former milkman Alec Hawkes has left his job to make the trek from Lands End to John O’Groates and is supporting 4 charities along the way. Then came the dilemma; how to pay his expenses without a job! So he wrote a book. Common Sense Would Be Good, is the book every grumpy old man down the pub would like to write. If you have ever caught yourself saying “and another
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thing” as you put the world to rights, this is the book for you. Alec doesn’t make claim to any literary genius, he describes himself as an ordinary bloke writing for ordinary people but his satirical and often cutting views on the decades of being conned Alec Hawkes partial to a different pint by politicians and bankers etc will have you chuckling and if you know a grumpy old man (or live with one) this is the ideal gift. Alec sets off for John O’Groats on Friday 10th May, you can
see his chosen charities, find out more and donate on justgiving.com/ teams/milko-goeswalkabout. His book is available on Amazon and look out for his new title If Brains were Dynamite.
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A Travellers Tale By Paul Heley
Over The Top And Round The Corner (Part II)
A
fter North Cape, we moved into Murmansk around breakfast time. There then followed four hours of thumb twiddling whilst Russian Immigration and Customs officials checked everything in sight and went through every piece of paper. All done without smiling Russian paranoia and the bureaucratic mind is something known only to psychologists. Eventually we were allowed to go ashore but only if we carried our passport at all times and were in possession of special pieces of paper which had to be surrendered when required. I got the impression that if we made a mistake, we would be clapped in irons and thrown in a dungeon. The incredible irony is that Russia is supposedly encouraging tourists to visit their country!! We were eventually taken on a tour around the city and it was then that the previous lecture really hit home. Murmansk had been described as being a Soviet city since it wasn't built until after the end of WW1 and the Russian revolution. Consequently, the housing was built on a Soviet design :- unbelievably tiny, mind numbingly identical, tatty apartments. The architecture is unchangingly boring and, basically, horrible, awful. As an antidote, we were taken to a maritime museum where some wonderful models of different nuclear powered ships - especially ice breakers - were displayed. Murmansk is the centre of the Russian ice breaker fleet and is also an important naval base - so perhaps there was a reason for the paranoia
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after all. Another museum showed the local geology (wonderful mineral specimens) and the history and life style of the indigenous Sami people of Lapland and the Kola peninsula. I must confess that our guide was extremely good, spoke excellent English and, unlike the officials in the morning, had a sense of humour. My impression of Murmansk improved greatly during the afternoon! To end our trip ashore, we were taken to a massive, 35.5 metre (110 ft) tall statue depicting a Russian WW2 soldier; then to the cemetery where so many sailors who perished on the terrible "Russian convoys" are buried. Our guide insisted that the Russian people are eternally grateful for the ultimate sacrifice made by so many (mainly) British merchant sailors who perished in these freezing northern waters. Next day at sea was rather chilly but sightings of porpoises, minke and beluga whales caused great excitement. But the highlight of the morning for me was a lecture on the "Kursk" submarine disaster in 2000. The abiding horror is that this total loss of life could have been avoided had the Russians accepted British and American help sooner. That they didn't is down to Russian paranoia - again - and the disgraceful and callous behaviour on the part of President Putin whose comment afterwards was simply that "It sank". Later in the day there was a lecture attempting to explain Russian paranoia and why they fear outsiders. This was helpful and informative
and went a long way towards explaining the noticeable gulf between ordinary Russian people and their governmental officials whose motto is "Paranoia rules OK". I was interested to learn of the extensive gas and oil fields discovered in the Barents Sea and of the scrambling between various nations eager to get their snouts in the trough. Also of the fears of naturalists and ecologists regarding the unthinkable consequences in this fragile area when a blow out, or an oil spill, or --??-- happens; as it most certainly will despite protestations to the contrary from vested interests. The next point on our itinerary was, to many of the passengers, what the cruise was all about: namely the Solovetsky Islands - an archipelago of history, mysticism, religion, pilgrimage, cruelty and contradiction; and in the morning, the onion shaped domes of the monastery greeted us as our zodiac powered its way across a glass like sea. The scene was ethereal, unfamiliar, unreal, "other worldly". During Soviet times the monastery was chosen as a gulag for political prisoners - the Soviet equivalent of Alcatraz! There is scaffolding supporting crumbling towers and signs of restoration everywhere; and it was suggested that if we were to return in twenty years time, it would be absolutely magnificent and back to its former glory. They are trying very hard - with limited resources and, if our guide was anything to go by, they are obsessed in their efforts and in their dedication to what they see as a very noble cause.
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TECHNOLOGY
HOME CINEMA by Ian Mulry
M
ore and more people are staying at home and using the technology available to them to watch films and sports events , not to mention spending time using games consoles. Whether it is in a converted loft or garage, or in your existing living room, a personal home cinema is the ultimate way to do this in style. When deciding on your home cinema configuration the choices are endless but are usually governed by the physical space and budget for the project. The main factor to consider is whether this is going to be a dedicated media room or a discreet addition to a current family room. Next, you will need to make a decision on the type of display that you view your media on. Leading manufacturers are now producing plasma displays up to a colossal 152 inches to view 3D movies on, but with prices over a staggering £½million, most people will opt for projection to get the big screen experience as prices are more realistic. Vision is only part of the experience though; the soundtrack is almost as important. AV receivers are now being produced to offer 9.2 channels of sound giving you 9 speakers filling the room with sound from all angles and 2 subwoofers to make the room move when the action gets going. If that’s not enough for you, and your budget allows, you could add sofa shakers to really make the earth move and give you that 4D experience. For the icing on the cake why not add some lighting control so that the lights dim as you press play to start your favourite movie. The final decision. Popcorn. Salted or sweet?! contact Ian Mulry, AV Incorporated www.avincorporated.co.uk.
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Amp abilities
Cinema-in-a-box comes with an amp, thus reducing under-telly clutter. Don’t fixate on wattage ratings – audio quality is far more important than volume.
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Almost every Blu-ray spinner will also play DVDs, so investing in a Blu-ray set-up may be worth it in the long-term.
3D
Many TVs support 3D, so consider a 3D- ready home cinema – whether it can play 3D discs itself, or just pass the content to your TV.
Compromise
If domestic bliss relies upon a lack of surround speakers, consider ‘cheat’ surround (such as a sound bar) – but get a friendly dealer to let you try before you buy
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A Travellers
Tale
(Continued)
Although there is evidence of habitation as early as the Bronze Age, the religious history of the main island starts in the early 15th century when an original hermitage gradually evolved into a monastery with a number of separate churches within its overall complex. But there has always been a grimmer side and, following rebellion by the monks against the "established" church in the mid 16th century, there followed centuries when it was also used as some form of prison for those convicted of "Crimes against Faith and State". I find it difficult to accept the concept of a prison and a monastery operating simultaneously! However, its worst episode as a prison is undoubtedly the Soviet gulag when the monastery, as such, ceased to exist and many of its priceless treasures were either deliberately destroyed or melted down. Over our two day stay at Solovki, we we shown round different churches with their visually explosive gilded artefacts, paintings, and icons by the hundred; together with other buildings some of which had been for the gulag prisoners (100,000 prisoners and 40,000 deaths). A terrible contradiction 'twixt God and Stalin. The morning we left, the monks conducted their weekly (weather permitting!) parade round the monastery walls chanting and carrying icons. They were followed by scores of pilgrims hoping to be blessed and to receive a scattering of holy water. It was an enjoyable and colourful spectacle but quickly over because the Patriarch at the front set a cracking pace. He clearly wanted to get home to watch the football on TV! Sailing overnight for Arkhangelsk (Archangel) and arriving there around breakfast time, we were taken on yet another coach tour. On an earlier lecture, we had been told that whereas Murmansk was a "Soviet" city, Arkhangelsk was "Russian" and, I must confess, the contrast between the two is considerable. In the morning we were shown an area of town where some interesting, old wooden buildings have been preserved. Then the obligatory church was followed by another obligatory museum where the super enthusiastic curator showed us many "rescued" icons and religious artefacts (NB "rescued" means "hidden from the Soviets"!). Speaking personally, I was very impressed with some exquisite carvings in walrus, narwhal (and even mammoth) ivory. The intricate filigree detail and sheer workmanship was incredible. In the afternoon, it was off to the open air museum of Malye Korely where original wooden buildings representing the different architecture of surrounding regions
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have been carefully transported and reconstructed. Greeted first by an amazingly tuneful and complicated virtuoso performance by a solitary chap in his bell tower, we were then greeted in the traditional Russian way by being given bread and salt. I'm afraid my bread was rather stale - must have been yesterday's! After that we were escorted by ladies in the traditional, and very colourful costumes of their particular areas, shown around some of the buildings and told stories of Russian peasant family life in earlier times. That evening panic stations: because very early next morning we had to leave to catch the 'plane to Moscow. We left Archangel in pouring rain but fortunately Moscow was fine and sunny so we could experience the delights of grid locked Moscow traffic during the 56Km journey into the city. It was also interesting to witness the many examples of suicidal driving. Dunstable crossroads - all is forgiven! Stopping at the vast expanse of Red Square, we gawped at the iconic buildings seen so often on TV and in photographs. Then a "typical" Russian lunch (beetroot soup, beef stroganoff and a "mystery" dessert) before another 50+ Km journey to the other airport followed by tedious, endless (and still unsmiling) security checks prior to our 4 hour flight back to Heathrow and home. It had been a very different sort of holiday and many unusual memories remain. In particular, it was interesting to try and get some reaction from our various Russian guides as to how they viewed the transition from Soviet communism to today's capitalism. Although there was a reluctance to get too "political", I felt that, in the main, they preferred the present system on balance. But it is clear that not everyone agrees: some older people definitely prefer the communist system where everyone knew where they stood; everything was ordered; everyone had a job (however futile); and providing you kept your nose clean, you were left alone. And I detected an unstated complaint against the present system whereby, although society is much more free now and people can speak their mind (within reason), the great problem of life today is the endemic corruption where the former communist bureaucracy and its stultifying numbness has been swapped for a gung-ho, Mafia style "Wild West" system. In comparison with Norway - which must be the most civilised country in the world - Russia comes a poor second. However, they could help themselves tremendously if only their officials could learn to relax a bit and realise what a difference a friendly smile can make
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autoauto Biographies
BIOGRAPHIE KIA Rio
1.4 D Eco Dynamics 2
Kia economical, Rio 1.4D and EcoDynamics Sleek, loaded up with found in cars a class By equipment Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring W or two above, the Rio is a revolution www.carwriteups.co.uk @carwriteu
W
motoring
auto
awful lot for your money and AY BACK in 1992 I had body lean wasn’t overly pronounced wearing and the seats were c WAY BACK in 1992 I had get a anfriend who took people are more likely to comment a friend who took driving and room behind the wheel and in few hard plastic driving lessons lessons later than thea nice rest on what motorof you our have rather the passenger later than the rest of footwell areas was good.around than sniggering aboutat milkthe floats. our social circle. How we laughed. Rear legroom switches let wasn’t the astounding, interior down. social circle. How we laughed. Not Take the latestat incarnation Not at the fact he waslearning learning but certainly adequate enough for a Kia Rio 1.4Dto EcoDynamics 2of the Rio. surprisingly spacious – certainly fact that hethatwas drive 21 (most I was lucky enough to Writer be one of a to drive at 21 (mostBy of us had Barnes-Clay, passed car of this size. The cabin materials Tim Motoring pushchairand and some shopp ofourustesthad passed atEuropean 17), journalists but at tothe test drive small at 17), but at the car our his testfew felt hard-wearing the seats were www.carwriteups.co.uk @carwriteups car his turned instructor turned up in: offering a Kia the latest fromPride. Kia in Portugal comfortable. Only a few hard plastic instructor up in: a Kia Pride.
BIOGRAPHIES
It was the first time any of us had
last summer.
areas around the electric window
resembled a milk float and I seem to
will want to buy for its looks, as well
The new Rio’s built in sat-nav is
The a newlet Rio’s built in sat-nav wearing Sleek, and the seats were 92 I had economical, andcomfortable. loaded up Onlyswitches heardaoffriend Kia andwho to be took honest the the interior down. The few hardwith plastic areas around electric later than the rest of car our into centre of the car’s das It way was first time any of us had heard of Kia and equipment found inthe cars a class window thethe South Korean company bootthe was also surprisingly spacious switches or lettwo theabove, interiorthedown. boot was also w wehad laughed. Not at the help. Rio is aThe revolution, described their car didn’t – certainly big honest, enough to fitits a small use. To be direction to be honest the way the South Korean car company surprisingly spacious – certainly big enough to fit a learning to drive at 21 (most not an evolution from its predecessor than It certainly wasn’t anything to be pushchair and some shopping bags had described car didn’t help. It certainly wasn’t small pushchair and some shopping bags in with ease. anything, but that could d our test at 17), buttheir at the proud of. For a start, we all thought it and I reckon it’ll be a car that people in with ease. turned up in:toa be Kia proud Pride. of. For a start, we all thought road layouts around Lisbon. Oth anything
The new Rio’s built in sat-nav is seamlessly fitted it seamlessly difficult fitted to find much wrong it recall resembled milk float to recallcredentials. it also it also hadawhite-wall tyres and – a Iasseem its environmental into the centre of the into the centre of the car’s dashboard and easy to any of us had heard of Kia and The Kia Rio’s CO2 emissions start at definite fashion faux pas. car’s dashboard and easy to use. To had white-wall tyres – a definite fashion faux pas. use. To be honest, its directions got me more lost ay the South Korean car company just 85 g/km; thatcould puts itbe ahead But fast-forward nearly 20 yearsthan and anything, but that dueoftoallthe be newhonest, its directions got me more car didn’t help. It certainly wasn’t is the otheraround B-segment vehicles turned around. road layouts lost five-door than anything,Rio but that couldfirst be var Lisbon. Othercurrently than that IThe found ud of. Kia For has a start, weitself all thought It isfast-forward no longer uglynearly ontosale Europe. The turned new is Europe due new road aroundthreeit difficult findinmuch with model the Korean car. to thewith float and I seem to an recall itbudget also car thelayouts all-new But 20 years and Kia wrong has longer, wider and lower, and features Lisbon. Other than that I found it far from that.pas. You now s – a brand. definiteIt is fashion faux
line-up during 2012. T itself around. It is no longer an ugly budgetextended car brand. It – Kia’s a wheelbase by 70tomm difficult to find much wrong with the The five-door Rio is the first variant go on sale in manufacturer’s market research from that. You now get an awful for your money greatly enhancing passenger space Korean car. Europe with thelot all-new three-door model joining arly is 20far years and Kia FACTS has turned FAST and cargo capacity. With anEast overall The is the first variant Kia’s during The Asian car five-door demand forRio B-segment cars like longer an people ugly budget car brand. and are moreItlikely to line-up comment on2012. what a nice speed: 107 mph manufacturer’s market global now getMax an awful lot for your money height of 1,455research mm, the predicts new Rio that has grow to gosignificantly on sale in Europeover with the the allnext tw motor you have rather than sniggering about milk for B-segment cars like thein Rio to three-door model joining Kia’s mph:on what 14.2 e likely 0-62 to comment a nicesecs demand one of the lowest rooflines Kia’sis goingnew increasingly shift to economical, m Take the latest incarnation of the Rio. I was lucky grow significantly over the next two years as consumers therfloats. than sniggering about milk European product range, emphasisline-up during 2012. The East Asian Combined mpg: 68.9 increasingly tojournalists economical, more fuel-efficient cars t incarnation of to the be Rio. one I was lucky – downsizing to market offset research the continu enough of a few European to test ingshift its purposeful stance. car manufacturer’s Engine: 1396 cc 4 cylinder, – downsizing to offset the continuous rise in fuel prices. a few European journalists to test The 1.4 diesel Rio I test drove predicts that global demand for Bdrive latest offering in line diesel ng from Kia the in Portugal last summer. from Kia in Portugal last summer.
performed well. It was hushed for segment cars like the Rio is going to Max. power (bhp): With Kia an upping its game to produce With upping oil-burner and, although far good from looking growKia significantly overits the game next two to pr at 4000 rpm cars like the latest Rio, I can see every reason why and loaded up89with equipment quick off the mark, it had enough pullcars yearslike as consumers increasingly the latest Rio, Ishift can se Sleek, economical, and loaded up with equipment the motor company is confident that it’s going to ass or Max. two above, Rio is a torquethe (lb/ft): up and down and around the bends the to economical, more fuel-efficient motor company is confiden go from strength to strength. I certainly won’t be found in cars a class or two above, the Rio is a volution from its predecessor and 162 at 1750 - 2750 rpm Lisbon’s roads getting to satisfy.into a Kia again. cars – downsizing to offset the conlaughing ofabout anyone ar that people will want toan buyevolution for gotinuous fromrisestrength revolution, from predecessor CO2: 109not g/km The its six-speed gearbox wasand slick, in fuel prices.to strength. And there’ll be no more mention of milk floats. as its environmental credentials. laughing about anyone getting With Kia upping its game to produce I reckon be a car that people will want to buy for Price: it’ll £14,195 (approx)
its looks, well that as its environmental credentials. missions start at justas 85 g/km; PROS & CONS other B-segment vehicles currently Looks √ is longer, wider The new model uresThe a wheelbase 70 Comfort √extended Kia Rio’s CO2byemissions start at just 85 g/km; that ncing passenger space and cargo Economical √ puts it ahead of all other B-segment vehicles currently erall height of 1,455 mm, the new Slow theKia’s markEuropean X onrooflines saleoff in Europe. The new model is longer, wider owest in phasising its purposeful stance. and lower, and features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo 14
test drove performed well. It was
goodthere’ll looking carsbe like no the latest And more men Rio, I can see every reason why the motor company is confident that it’s going to go from strength to strength. I certainly won’t be laughing about anyone getting into a Kia again. And there’ll be no more mention of milk floats
Jog on T
his year’s London Marathon will be held on April 21st. This iconic event first took place over 30 years ago, in 1981. It was the brainchild of John Disley and Chris Brasher who after taking part in the New York Marathon, wondered if London could stage such a festival. 7,747 runners took part in the first London Marathon, whilst in 2012 there were over 37,000 participants. The Marathon is now a calendar highlight for competitors, spectators and charities alike. Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich will take part this year and is expected to complete the 26.2 mile course in just over 2 hours For most of us a marathon would prove too gruelling, but there are half marathons, 10k and 5k runs or sub 5k events which anyone can enter. There are running events nearly every weekend somewhere in Britain. Running has many benefits, firstly it’s
free. Once you have your basic kit, it costs nothing to simply ‘go out for a run.’ As you are not tied to a specific class or opening times, you can go running whenever you please. Studies extol the health benefits. Runners tend to be stronger and live longer. Regular exercise, along with a healthy balanced diet, can also reduce your risk of cancer. So how does a fledgling runner get started? Most beginners’ guides suggest doing a combination of run/ walk/run on your first outings and building up your distance gradually. You should always stretch, warm up and cool down and ensure you are hydrated. You should not run too fast. You should always be able to maintain a conversation and not breathe too heavily. Training programmes suggest that subject to satisfactory health, beginners could train to complete a 5k run within six weeks, training three
times a week. Someone preparing for a marathon would probably have a training plan of at least 16 weeks. It’s important to have the correct equipment and in particular the right shoes. Specialists will use biomechanics, your weight, the surfaces you wish to run on and the shape of your feet as influencing factors when determining which shoes to recommend for you. Serious runners will alternate between two pairs of shoes during training, and shoes should be replaced after around 500 miles. Other items to consider include running socks, tights leggings or shorts, a stop watch, technical t shirt, a heart monitor, training log, drinks carrier, energy drinks and a lightweight jacket. Ladies will also require a high impact sports bra. Many find they are more committed to running if they have a training partner, and some join local running clubs for increased support and guidance.
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& HAIR BEAUTY Perfume
---------Helen Thomas FM Fragrance Consultant Tel 07506712090 www.helenandpaul.org
Now the spring is well and truly on the way with lighter mornings and warmer days you may feel inclined to get your lighter clothes out, throw off your boots in favour of shoes and change your beauty regime for lighter products. But have you thought about your fragrance? Fragrances are very seasonal and spring and summer call for much lighter, fresher scents. The notes in a fragrance are intensified with heat so you may find the fragrance you have worn all winter may be too powerful for the months to come. So why not have some fun and find a new fragrance for yourself this spring that is crisp, refreshing and light. All fragrances fall within 6 fragrance families with floral being the largest so look for scents that contain the more delicate florals like sweet pea, freesia, lotus and rose. Fragrance should evoke good memories or feelings so look for natural scents that remind you of cut grass, summer meadows, or aquatic smells that remind you of summer months
by the sea. Wood or citrus scents are also ideal for the coming months as they are fresh and invigorating. Wearing citrus or an "ocean breeze" type of scent will actually make you feel cooler. However be aware that fragrances that contain citrus notes (mandarin, lemon, lime, grapefruit) do not last as long on the skin as others so it’s wise to choose a fragrance that combines citrus with floral notes. If you prefer more oriental fragrances then opt for ones that have a woody base for the summer; sandalwood or cedar wood are sensual but not as strong as musk. Also remember as your body temperature rises the alcohol in your fragrance evaporates more quickly and therefore fades rapidly, so you may need to reapply your fragrance, or try layering i.e. using soap, body lotion and deodorant in the same fragrance so you intensify the smell and don’t have different scents competing with each other.
Fragrance Composition A fragrance is made up of different ‘notes’ which appear gradually at different rates, creating a harmonious scent.
The top note is the first impression you get and will last for 10 to 20 minutes before evaporating.
Try it on your skin... apply to wrists but do not rub together as you will bruise the fragrance
The mid note appears just before the top one fades and is usually softer; rose, jasmine and lily are typical mid notes, and these form the main character of the fragrance. These usually last 3 to 6 hours.
Give it time….a fragrance is made up of top, middle and base notes which appear at different times, so don’t make a decision immediately
Base notes emerge last around 30 minutes after application and can last up to 24 hours on the skin
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Tips For Choosing A Fragrance
Don’t confuse your nose… it can only distinguish between 3 scents at a time so neutralise the scents by sniffing coffee granules or tea leaves
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The Nutrition Coach
Brain Foods For
Studying
The merry month of May?... Perhaps not for those studying for exams, more a time for planning and preparation. A revision timetable is obviously essential in order to avoid that last-minute cramming and often there is little time on the agenda for planning meals, but a healthy diet is also essential in order to keep the brain alert and focussed and able to absorb all of that information effectively.
Brain Foods • PROTEINS: meat, liver, fish, nuts, beans, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese • CARBOHYDRATES: wholegrain cereals and breads, soya products, brown ric and pasta • VEGETABLES: broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, avocado • FRUIT: blackcurrants, blueberries, strawberries, sundried apricots, bananas, apples, pears • OMEGA-3 FATS:linseeds soaked ove night and sprinkled on cereals. Oily fish, sardines, mackerel, salmon, fresh tuna and trout • HERBS: sage & rosemary used in cooking as well as aromatherapy You should drink up to 2 litres of water, diluted fruit juice or herb teas a day.
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=
A+
Eating healthy meals little and often and before 7p.m. rather than large meals late at night will keep you mentally alert and ensure restful sleep. For brain cells to communicate effectively they require neurotransmitters, which are made from amino acids found in protein foods. Vitamins and minerals are needed to convert the amino acids into the neurotransmitters, so protein-rich foods, wholegrain cereals and lots of fruit and vegetables will be needed each day. Foods high in sugar will add to stress levels, so it is better to snack on nuts, seeds and fruit rather than sweets. Cut down on caffeine drinks, like cola and coffee. Although well known for keeping us awake for long periods, caffeine can make us too ‘hyper’ and unable to focus. With thoughts racing so much, it’ll be hard to think of the words we’re searchin for! Gentle exercise, such as walking, jogging or cycling, in between study periods will provide you with the extra oxygen you need, as well as improving the circulation to the brain and will even jog your memory! When the exam days arrive, positive thinking will be essential, as stress can cause confusion and poor memory. Focussing on breathing, with slow deep breaths in and out will help. The Australian Bush Flower Remedy, Cognis, described as excellent for study, gives clarity, and helps integrate ideas and information and the homeopathic remedy Gelsemium 30c, taken in the morning, will calm anxieties. With all this preparation, the month of May should be easier for you, with merry celebrations to follow, knowing you’ve done your best after all! By Sue Blain Naturopath, specialising in Homeopathy, Nutrition & Reiki. 01525874357
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H l a r tu a h n t l a e H Health natural
C
Children’s Health By Sue Blain
hildren’s health has been in the news recently, following reports about childhood obesity. Apparently almost a quarter of children are overweight or obese by the time they start primary school and by the age of 12 some are showing the early signs of normally adult-onset diseases such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose and also type2 diabetes. The Government has recently put in place voluntary guidelines to reduce sugar levels in foods but various food, farming and health groups, like the charity Sustain, are calling for more to be done to reduce sugar levels in soft drinks and breakfast cereals, which are “contributing to dental disease, obesity and a host of other life-threatening illnesses which cost the NHS billions each year”, Charlie Powell, Sustain’s campaign manager. Research has shown that exercise helps to keep children fit but the amount they do has little or no affect on their weight, so it appears diet alone is to blame. Eating three healthy meals a day, containing a generous portion of protein (essential for growth), as well as vegetables, will fill children up and reduce the need for snacking. A protein breakfast takes longer to digest than a high sugar breakfast cereal (some more than 30% sugar), which can leave children craving for more sugary foods after an hour or so and affect their concentration in class. Scrambled eggs, grilled bacon, sardines or beans on toast take just a few minutes to prepare. Diluted fruit juice and a bottle of water for school can replace unhealthy sugar-laden drinks. It is
Naturopathic Practitioner
20
important to check “No Added Sugar” drinks for artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, acesuflame etc, and glucose-fructose syrup with their suspected harmful side effects. Many of these drinks are labelled “No artificial flavours or colours” but still contain artificial sweeteners. Chopped fruits can be offered instead of sweets and also added to porridge and sour fruit. St Dalfour jam contains concentrated grape juice rather than sugar. Local or manuka honey is preferable to some supermarket brands. Two other natural sweeteners are Xylitol (birch sugar, brand name Total Sweet), recommended by Diabetes UK, and Stevia, a naturally sweet plant used in South America and Japan in their Cola drinks. Both are available in some supermarkets and health shops. Xylitol looks and tastes like regular sugar, has 60% fewer calories and most consider it best for baking. Stevia has no calories, a sweet slight taste and useful sprinkled on porridge and sour fruit. We get all the natural sugars our bodies need from vegetables and fruit. Added sugar is not really needed at all. How much healthier many children will be once this new campaign begins to take effect.
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What’sBestForYou
Savings
Imagine a limbo dancer who’s been lowered down a mineshaft.
Saving rates are currently even lower than that! In November last year I noted saving rates were at their lowest levels for 300 years – and they’ve plummeted since. So if you’ve got savings, making them work for you is even tougher than ever. Here are the 10 things you need to cover right now. Even the best easy access account is currently offering only 2% AER
This sets the benchmark for everything else. But, remember, if the best is this bad, what’s yours offering? If you can’t answer that, check. The top paying account is currently from Derbyshire Building Society (thederbyshire.co.uk), with unlimited no-notice withdrawals. This includes a 1.5% year-long introductory bonus, which effectively acts as a rate promise for that time. After that, ditch and switch. Rates are currently dropping by the day, so for constantly updated info, see www.moneysavingexpert.com/topsavings
Earn 3% AER (plus cashback) in a current account
Bizarrely, for the best easy access savings, grab a Santander 123 (www.santander.co.uk/123) bank account. New and existing customers with £3,000£20,000 get 3% on the whole amount. There is a fee of £2 a month, though as it also pays a nice 1%-3% cashback on bills such as council tax, phones and energy, that should easily cover it. This leaves many making £10 a month or more on top.
Get 4% AER if you can put money away each month
Regular savings accounts offer hot rates, but only let you save a limited amount each month. To save a lump sum, drip-feed it from a top easy access account. The top rates are often linked to bank accounts, so check yours. If not, the top deal open to all is Norwich & Peterborough’s 4% AER fixed for 12 months (with a maximum deposit of £250 month). You must pay in every month, and not make more than one withdrawal in the year.
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Earn 8% interest lending money to others
This can work extremely well, earning some up to 15%. Your money’s lent via special sites uk.zopa. com, fundingcircle.com (which lends to businesses) and ratesetter.com. They credit-check borrowers can afford to repay, and chase repayments if they fall behind. Many have earned decent returns, but unlike savings, they’ve got no Government protection. This can be extremely lucrative. But it isn’t without risks, which you must understand before embarking on it. So please read my full peer-to-peer lending guide at www.moneysavingexpert.com/peer2peer to see if it’s right for you.
Make the most of your tax-free cash ISA savings (get 2.5% AER)
A cash ISA is just a savings account you can put £5,640 a year in, where the interest’s tax-free. The top easy-access deal is Cheshire BS’s 2.5%. It also allows you to transfer in past years’ cash ISAs – so you can boost them too. Check yours now, and transfer across if needed. This rate includes a 2% bonus for 18 months, effectively acting as a rate promise for that time, but you’ll want to transfer out afterwards. If you can wait to access your cash, Coventry Building Society’s 60-Day Notice ISA pays 2.8% on balances from £1, guaranteed until December 2013, but it doesn’t allow transfers.
Your kids can earn 6%
The branch-based Halifax Kids’ Regular Saver pays a huge 6% AER fixed for a year (max £100/month) if you are prepared to lock cash away. It’s head and shoulders above all others for rate. Annoyingly, those in Scotland need to go to a Halifax branch to open it (though not after that) and there aren’t any north of the border. But if you’re tripping south, it’s a not bad stop-off on the way.
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International CAT SHOW with Craft Stalls
Canʼt bear to miss it at Stantonbury Leisure Centre - Milton Keynes 27th and 28th APRIL 9.30am - 4.00pm
See many different breeds of cats being judged by our International Judges from America and Europe. Also an opportunity to visit our stalls selling everything you need for your own pampered puss. Like last year we have a number of CRAFT STALLS with very special unique items for that special gift or treat. ADULTS £3 CHILDREN £1 SENIORS £2 FAMILY £6 Visit us at: www.coontica.org.uk
In The Garden
Kids
It’s never too early to get children interested in gardening and where their food comes from. I’m sure, even the fussiest child whould be prepared to try a warm, sweet strawberry or raspberry straight from the plant or a handful of peas out of the pod. While we’d all love a string of willing, young, helpers on the veg plot you do have to be realistic. Children can have short attention spans, will only want to do jobs that appeal to them, and usually expect quick results. So how can you encourage your little ones, without boring them out of the garden, or having them dig up your row of prize leeks? If it is at all possible give children a space that is completely their own. Get hold of some good quality child size tools and encourage their attempts even if it isn’t quite what you’d have done. If digging holes and making mud pies is more in their line than neat rows of seedlings perhaps they could create a wildlife area? A shallow dish sunk into the ground can be used by birds, frogs, toads and hedgehogs, and a log pile will be home to all sorts of insects or possibly even a hedgehog. In spring have a “tallest sunflower competition”, not only is it fun but they will learn how to feed and water plants and actually see the fruits of their labour! They can keep some dried out seeds for next year and feed the rest to the birds in winter. Wild flower seeds are also a good idea as they can simply be scattered and tend to be brightly coloured which appeals to children. In time they will also encourage useful insects and birds - natural pest control! Keen young growers can browse seed packets or catalogues to see what takes their fancy. Quick growing crops are a good suggestion. Radishes and salad
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leaves pop up in no time at all and should give almost instant satisfaction! Sweet young carrots are likely to tempt even picky eaters, as are those lovely little cherry tomatoes. Popping peas out of their pods is very appealing and how about growing their own hideaway in the form of a lush green wigwam of peas or beans? They might shy away from anything green on their plates, but they might find plenty of chopped, homegrown chives, basil, marjoram/ oregano and thyme only improves their favourite pizza or bolognese sauce. They may not be keen on eating greens, but there is certainly a much better chance that they’ll be tempted to try something they’ve grown themselves. Fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries are usually popular, if you haven’t got any of your own you can always get them enthusiastic by having an afternoon out at the pick your own farm. Ready grown plug plants are good for helping set up an ‘instant’ plot - take a trip to the garden centre to see what is on offer. If you already have seedlings started, then they could have the choice of some for their own pot (and you can see whose grows best!). Finally, don’t forget ‘indoor’ growing activities. At any time of the year, children can start to understand the concept of things growing from seed. Give them a packet of cress seeds and, although they can be grown in a shallow tray, make it even more fun by saving the shells from their breakfast boiled eggs. With their tops cut off, draw a face on the eggshell and fill with peat free compost or even moist kitchen roll or cotton wool and sprinkle with seeds. In just a few days their “egg man” will be growing hair that they can not only cut, they can eat it too!
A beginners guide to…
Composting
No garden can have too much compost and rich, fertile soil is the key to great vegetables and plants. In these days of fortnightly bin collections (and the threat of slop buckets for our kitchens) why leave kitchen waste to fester in your wheelie bin when it can be put to good use? Find a corner somewhere in the garden to start a compost heap or, if space is limited, many councils offer bins for the purpose at reasonable prices. If building your own bin, it’s best to put it on a soil base which will attract worms to start work on the heap. You could use old planks of wood or chicken wire supported by posts in each corner. This works well as it is important that air can get in to help the process. You need a good mixture of material to make good compost. If you just put in grass cuttings you’ll end up with a foul, soggy mess so they should be mixed with shredded newspaper, pruning clippings (not the really woody stems) and even cardboard. Annual weeds can go in as long as they haven’t gone to seed but avoid perennial weeds like dandelions as even the smallest piece of root will produce another plant. Almost all vegetable waste from the kitchen can be used, but avoid meat, fish and cooked food as these may attract rats etc. Use crushed eggshells, used teabags, used kitchen towels and fruit and vegetable peelings. Keep the mixture damp. The aim is to end up with something that is dark, crumbly and sweet smelling and alive with worms. If you wanted to hurry up the process, you can buy accelerants from hardware shops and garden centres but a cheaper and just as efficient method involves collecting urine, diluting it with water and wetting the heap with it. Well, what do you imagine our ancestors used?!
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We do not know what is around the corner but there are three simple ways that we can prepare for the future. by Sheena Munrakah 1. Prepare a Will A Will allows you to decide what happens to your possessions after your death. Without a Will, your estate will be distributed to certain family members in a fixed order without any regard to what your wishes and desires may have been. Many people who are not married or in a civil partnership believe that their partner may also be entitled to part of their estate, however there is no such thing as a “common law spouse” and so it is particularly important for these couples to make Wills.
Legal the only other option is for someone to apply to the Court of Protection to become your Deputy. This process is far more expensive and time consuming and will prevent decisions being made in the interim. 3. Complete a Life Management Pack Dealing with the death of a loved one can be one of the hardest things to do and is often made worse by the inability to find crucial information. Details of bank accounts, insurance documents, your Will or the Title Deeds for your property are all items that your family will need upon your death. Alternatively, it could be something as simple as your funeral wishes that they may struggle with. A Life Management Pack available free, only from Osborne Morris & Morgan, securely centralises all of this information which in the end will make it easier for your family.
2. Register a Lasting Power of Attorney Many of us have experience of a loved one finding life more difficult as the years go by. Sometimes dementia or other Making plans now to protect yours and conditions can erode away at our ability to make their future decisions. In the event that you or someone close to you becomes unable make decisions about financial matters, it may become necessary for others to take on those decisions. The simplest way to cater for this eventuality is to have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Property and Financial Affairs. It may be that you never need to use it, however if you choose to gamble and do Sheena Munrakah is Head of the Family & Matrimonial Department at Osborne Morris & Morgan Solicitors who not complete an LPA, then if you do lose capacity, have offices in Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard.
April Fooled It’s always fun to watch the news on April Fools’ Day, trying to spot the fake story. Sometimes it’s not that easy! Here is a reminder of some classic pranks from years gone by. The most memorable has got to be the BBC’s 1957 Panorama report on the bumper spaghetti crop. Huge numbers of viewers were fooled by the footage of Swiss peasants gathering long strands of pasta from the trees!
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In 1962, Swedish television viewers were duped into thinking that they could trans-
form their black-and-white TV sets into colour by stretching a nylon stocking over the screen. Australians were confused in 1975 when they were told they were converting to metric time, with 100 seconds to the minute, 100 minutes to the hour and 20-hour days. More recently in 2008, we were stunned to see a BBC film of Adélie penguins flying across the Antarctic on their way to spend the winter in the rainforests of South America. This became one of the most viewed videos on the internet. And finally, do you remember the whistling carrot? Tesco published an advert in 2002 publicising the genetically modified vegetable. The advert said it had air holes in the side and that it whistled
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Recipe
Buttermilk Scones With Fruit Compote
Delicious for May-Day Celebrations! Makes 10-12 Preparation time 15
mins Cooking time 15 mi ns
Method
nI g r e d i e n t s
Scones
a for plus extr g flour,
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Sift the flour and salt together. Rub in the butter until the mixture is like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar and raisins or sultanas if using. Gently warm the buttermilk (don’t throw away the pot) and vanilla in a microwave or pan. Using your largest bowl, quickly tip in some of the flour mix, followed by some of the buttermilk mix, repeating until everything is in the bowl. Use a knife to quickly mix together to form a dough - don’t over-mix it. Tip onto a floured surface and lightly bring together with your hands a couple of times. Press out gently to about 4cm thick and stamp out rounds with a 6cm or 7cm cutter. Re-shape trimmings, until all the dough is used. Place scones evenly on to a lightly floured baking sheet or two. Add a splash of milk into the buttermilk pot, and then use to glaze the top of each scone. Bake for 10-12 mins until golden and well risen.
dusting
lf-raisin 450g se lt sa d p ts ¼ er, dice old butt r sugar 100g c e ptional) st anas (o lden ca 85g go f raisins or sult lo Handfu t buttermilk o 284ml p la extract nil a v p ts 2 f milk o sh Spla mmer fr
Compoteuit of c hoice – su ntastic s are fa rozen fr
uit mix
is
F ie ur c herr good, so ste ta Sugar to
Why Not...
Make extra compote, put it in fancy jars and give it to friends and family as a gift!
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To Make The Fruit Compote:
Place as much of the frozen fruit as you need in the saucepan, on a gentle heat on the hob on top of your cooker. Simmer the fruit in the saucepan on the hob until the fruit starts to soften; stir gently now and again just enough so that the fruit does not stick to the pan; do not allow it to burn. Now add sugar to taste - not too much at first. Taste the fruit as you add the sugar so that you do not make it too sweet or leave it too tart. Take care not to burn yourself when testing it! Fruit and sugar get very hot. Once the fruit has softened, but before it turns to a pulp or goes too mushy, it is ready and you should remove it from the heat to cool. It keeps for 2-3 days in the fridge.
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A Good Read For You
For The Kids Winnie’s Dinosaur Day By Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency By Douglas Adams When Douglas Adams’ novel was adapted for television, purists complained that the version shown bore little resemblance to the original. That may be true, but it is perfectly possible to enjoy both. The ‘detective’ element in the title is not entirely misleading - there is a detective story here, albeit one that doesn’t follow any of the usual patterns of the genre. As might be expected, Adams interweaves humour, science fiction and a strong sense of the absurd, along with characters who are essentially believable and sympathetic, creating a novel which is much more than the sum of its parts. The plot is almost impossible to summarise. There is a horse stuck in the bathroom of a Cambridge college for a start. An Electric Monk is on the loose. And Samuel Taylor Coleridge is particularly important. Early in the story, electronics entrepreneur Gordon Way, finds himself unexpectedly murdered and refuses to accept that death is indeed the end. His employee Richard MacDuff, soon finds that the sofa stuck halfway up the staircase to his flat is the least of his problems - not least when his old university acquaintance Dirk Gently, telephones him unexpectedly as he is in the middle of breaking into his girlfriend’s flat... What follows is often complex, mostly impossible, but always funny. If nothing else, it will make you think about time in a completely different way.
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It is easy to see how Winnie the Witch has become such a favourite character for young readers everywhere. This is her thirteenth outing and, as always, things don’t go totally to plan. Accompanied by her faithful cat Wilbur, Winnie loves to visit the museum. Not only are there buttons to press and levers to pull, there are dinosaurs! Not real ones sadly - just bones and skeletons. Winnie would love to see a real dinosaur - Wilbur is not so keen. So when the museum runs a competition to draw or model a dinosaur, Winnie is determined to win...even if she needs some magic to help. Thomas and Paul work as a perfect team to bring Winnie and Wilbur to life. The words are well judged and often understated, whilst Paul’s illustrations help to draw the reader in, giving depth and detail to the whole story. Winnie may not always get it right, but it is bound to work out in the end - and children will love returning to the story again and again and again. It is easy to see how Winnie the Witch has become such a favourite character for young readers everywhere. This is her thirteenth outing and, as always, things don’t go totally to plan. Accompanied by her faithful cat Wilbur, Winnie loves to visit the museum. Not only are there buttons to press and levers to pull, there are dinosaurs! Not real ones sadly - just bones and skeletons. Winnie would love to see a real dinosaur - Wilbur is not so keen. So when the museum runs a competition to draw or model a dinosaur, Winnie is determined to win...even if she needs some magic to help. Thomas and Paul work as a perfect team to bring Winnie and Wilbur to life. The words are well judged and often understated, whilst Paul’s illustrations help to draw the reader in, giving depth and detail to the whole story. Winnie may not always get it right, but it is bound to work out in the end - and children will love returning to the story again and again and again.
Successful Studying and so on. Think about the time of day that you work best – some people are night owls while others get more done in the early morning. Plan a ten-minute break in every hour and don’t work for more than three hours at a time. Now divide the topics you need to learn into manageable chunks. To help memorise information, make notes and put as much as you can Preparation is the key to revising effectively. Make sure you know what into your own words. Summarise key points and write them on index type of exams you will have – short questions, multiple-choice or essays cards or sticky notes that you can put around the house. You may find that – and what topics they will cover. making a spider diagram or mind Organise your course notes and textbooks so that everything is easy to map is helpful. Try inventing your own mnemonics, find. Work out how much time you have for each subject and don’t avoid such as Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the points of the compass. You the ones that you find particularly can also visualise a scene that indifficult – or easy. cludes details you need to remember Make a timetable, but don’t spend – a battlefield or mountain habitat, for so long making it look beautiful that example. you’re behind before you start! ReMake the most of revision classes ofmember to include your other comfered by your school or college. You mitments and try to maintain your normal routine of mealtimes, exercise could also revise with a friend – prac-
tice explaining difficult concepts and ask each other challenging questions. Get hold of as many old exam papers and example questions as you can. Familiarise yourself with the way questions are worded and make sure you understand exactly what they are asking you to do. Prepare draft answers to questions that come up frequently. When the exam gets close, complete a paper within the time limit to get an idea of how quickly you need to work. To keep motivated, reward yourself with a weekly treat such as a trip to the cinema or a favourite meal. But if it’s not going so well, don’t give up! Adjust your timetable and focus on the areas you find most difficult, or common questions. Keep thinking about what a good grade will bring – a university place or that dream job. The night before the exam, have a quick look through your notes, but don’t cram. Get an early night so you wake up refreshed and ready to go. Good luck!
BarristerWeb Limited is an Internet barrister’s chambers based at Bletchley Park Mansion providing services to the general public and solicitors nationwide. Due to cuts in legal aid, the public are often being denied proper access to help with their legal problems.Barristers can give advice on a whole range of legal problems including: motoring offences, employment problems or dealing with letters from courts or banks. Often our barristers can handle your case themselves but if not, they can advise you on how to proceed. An initial consultation by appointment is free and if the barrister takes on your case he or she will be the person you deal with all the way through to its conclusion, to give peace of mind.
Barrister Clinic 11am - 7pm 23rd May 2013 Bletchley Park • • • • •
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If you are worried about a legal matter Ring now and book a free 30 minute initial appointment or telephone conversation with a barrister Tel: 0845 123 1234 www.barristerweb.com email: clerks@barristerweb.com
WHAT’S ON April 1st Bletchley Park Easter Eggstravaganza 4th Family Easy Riders Join The Parks Trust rangers for a school holiday family cycle ride. Meet by the Peace Pagoda, Willen Lake North. £1/person or £3/family 10am start. £1/ person or £3/family. No need to book just come along. See www. theparkstrust.com or call 01908 255379. Willen Lake North, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK15 0BA 6th Big Easter Eggs-travaganza Join The Parks Trust rangers for Easter family fun with lots of Easter activities from a giant Easter egg hunt to meeting The Parks Trust bunny. Recommended parking at Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre.11am - 2pm. £5/family. No need to book just come along. See www. theparkstrust.com or call 01908 255379. Campbell Park, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK9 4AT 17th Leighton Linslade Business Networking Event. Businesses from Bletchley and surrounding villages welcome. register at www.leightonlinslade-tc-gov.uk 20 Craft fair featuring a wide range of high quality crafts See www. supportbritishhandmadecrafts. co.uk for full details including a list of crafters showing. Open 9.30am to 4pm. Free entry Contact 07770 344914 Woburn Sands Memorial Hall Bedfordshire MK17 8RH 21st CCC Craft Fair Woburn Village Hall every 3rd Sunday in the month. www.ccccraftfair.co.uk See advert on page 37
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24th Outddor adventures whatever the weather. Walk and activities for the under 2s. Pushchairs optional, wellies essential. Meet at 10am for walk, activities throughout the session. 10am - 11.30am. Free. See www. theparkstrust.com or call 01908 255379 for information.Tree, Cathderal, Newlands, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK15 0DL 26th Quiz Night, Buckingham Community Centre see poster opposite 27th and 28th International Cat Show at Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK, 9:30-4pm www. coontica.co.uk £3 adults £2 children and concessions see poster page 25 May 1st Family History Talk: Saving Dickens’ Children. Dr Gillian Gear tells the story of Certified Industrial Schools, which were introduced in 1857 to provide an improved system in social care of destitute and delinquent children. 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Free; nonmembers of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome; a small donation will be appreciated. Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK2 2HB 4th May Day Festival Join The Parks Trust for a day of traditional May Day celebrations. Canal boats, boat rides, kids fair rides, craft and food stalls, morris and may pole dancing and children’s activities. Recommended parking near Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard.12pm - 5pm. Free. See www.theparkstrust.com or call 01908 255379.Campbell Park Canalside, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK9 4AD
6th MK Marathon 2013 This is a 26.2 mile city marathon with a difference. With 4,500 acres of woodlands, lakesides, parks and landscaped areas within the city boundary. Start: 10:00am Start Line: Saxon Street Finish Line: Inside Stadium MK 11th Love Bletchley visit www. bfstc.co.uk 11 & 12th Alpaca Show plus crafts and stalls. Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Slapton Leighton Buzzard. www. buryfarmequestrianvillage.co.uk Free Entry 10th-19th Stony AHA! is organising the third annual Arts & Heritage Appreciation in the town. Activities are being planned throughout May but the main events will occur from Fri 10th to Sun 19th May contact Roger Whittaker on 01908 768333 or aha@ thestanigallery.co.uk 19th CCC Craft Fair Woburn Village Hall every 3rd Sunday in the month. www.ccccraftfair.co.uk See advert on page 37 24th Chelsea Flower Show www.rhs.org.uk Pushchairs in the Park 30th Let’s Go Fly A Kite Come and make your own kite and fly it to its highest height at The Parks Trust May half term event. Park in the Peace Pagoda car park, £3/child. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com. 10am - 12pm £3 per child call 01908 255379. Willen Lake North, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK15 0BA
?
?
? ? ?? ? ?
? ?
Friday 26th April
?
Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, Buckingham, MK18 1RP at 7.30pm
Teams of six £10 per head including buffet Bring your own drink and glasses
All proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Society
? ? Call Kim on 01908 576991 email kim@crispinrhodes.co.uk ? ? orto book a team ? ?
Cheques payable to the Alzheimer’s Society
mkflyers
Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles
3 2 4 3
2 9 7 8 2 9 3
Sudoku 数独 1 6
7
9 2 6
8 4 3
6
the bottom to the top rung Step from by changing one letter at a time SLING
5 6 7
Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!
Crossword
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At Home In The Garden If your radiators feel cold at the top and warm at the bottom, it is likely that air trapped inside them – a common problem that can be fixed quite easily by bleeding them. First, determine which radiators are affected. Switch your central heating on, and then check that each radiator is heated uniformly. Any with cold spots will need bleeding. Before bleeding, turn off the central heating to prevent more air entering the system. Bleed the radiator by inserting a bleed key (supplied with your radiator and available at DIY stores) in the bleed valve at the top of the radiator, whilst holding a cloth or small bowl underneath to catch any leaking water. With your hand wrapped in a cloth for protection, slowly turn the key anticlockwise until a hissing sound occurs. This is the trapped air escaping. Once the hissing stops and water starts to drip
out (usually after a few seconds), close the valve back up. Repeat this process for all affected radiators. Turn the central heating back on once finished, and check your radiators after a couple of hours to ensure they have a uniform temperature, and that no water is leaking from the bleed valve. Do this once a year to keep your central heating in tip-top condition.
Craft Fair CCC
Crafts - Cake & a Cuppa
LOFT INSULATION half page available as well but was hoping to use it next month - target the trades. 10. 00A M - 4.0 0PM
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May Day St George’s Day 23rd April
H
e’s most famous for slaying a dragon, but how much do we know about St George, the patron saint of England? Born in Eastern Turkey in AD 270 to Christian parents, George later moved to Palestine where he became a soldier in the Roman army. He subsequently rebelled against the Roman Emperor for his persecution of Christians. Imprisonment and torture followed, but George refused to denounce his Christian faith. Enraged at this, the Emperor had George dragged through the streets, and beheaded him on 23rd April AD 303. George’s alleged encounter with the dragon occurred in Libya. The dragon is said to have built its nest by a fresh water spring and was offered sheep by townsfolk to distract him whilst collecting water. With all the sheep gone, they decided to offer a maiden instead. The lot fell on the poor crown princess, but at the moment of offering, George supposedly came by on his white stallion, dismounted and slew the beast with his sword. George is identified with English ideals of charity, chivalry and courage, and thus symbolises the very essence of 'Englishness'. Campaigners are currently working to get St George’s Day recognised as a national holiday, but for now, it is traditionally celebrated by flying the English flag, wearing a red rose and singing ‘Jerusalem’ on the Sunday nearest the 23rd April!
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May Day is celebrated on the first Monday of May. This year it falls on the 6th. To most people it is simply a good excuse for a day off work but it is actually a day steeped in tradition. May Day originates from village celebrations marking the coming of summer (fingers crossed) and these are some of the traditions that often take place amongst a day of festivities. Maypoles are hung with greenery and ribbons and painted brightly. Local children dress in their finest clothes, with bells and flower garlands, and perform traditional ribbon dances such as Gypsy Tent and The Spiders Web. Originally maypoles were made by villagers using a young tall tree. They stripped off the lower branches, but left leaves at the top to symbolise new life, and then decorated it with flowers and ribbons. The Crowning of the May Queen is linked to the honouring of Flora the Roman goddess of fruit and flowers. Traditionally she took no part in games or dancing, but sat like a queen in a flower-decked chair to watch her 'subjects.' Morris dancing is a traditional form of English folk dancing carried out by groups known as sides. Dances are passed down through generations, and involve movements to accentuate the tinkling of bells attached to costumes and coming together to strike wooden sticks. Loud accordion music accompanies the dancing. Sometimes dancers paint their faces black, and this association with the North African Moors may explain the origins of the name ‘Morris’ dancing.
Health
GUM DISEASE
it’s nothing to smile about
The world’s most common non-contagious disease is periodontal disease - disease of the gum, bones and connective tissue around the teeth. Its symptoms can range from simple gum inflammation to a serious infection which causes damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In severe cases, the sufferer can even lost teeth which are otherwise healthy. The early signs of problems include bad breath, bleeding when brushing your teeth and tender or swollen
gums. If you already have all these symptoms and also find it painful to chew or feel any of your teeth are loose, then you need immediate treatment from a professional. Whilst you might think the causes of gum disease are obvious - poor dental hygiene - this isn’t always the case. There are many other factors that can make an individual predisposed to developing the problem. Smoking is the most easily preventable cause, with hormonal changes (teenage years or pregnancy),
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diabetes or genetics being unavoidable conditions. It is a condition that occurs later in life - from mid 30s onwards - hence the phrase ‘long in the tooth’. Whatever the cause, preventative treatment will prevent the problem occurring the infirst place. First has to be regular brushing and flossing or using interdental brushes; but regular visits to your hygienist are a must. Although mild disease (gingivitis) is reversible, serious conditions (periodontitis) will cause permanent damage.
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USEFUL NUMBERS Chemists Cox & Robinson 13 Melrose Avenue 01908 372651 Lloyds Pharmacy 127-129 Queensway 01908 373 674 Tesco Instore Pharmacy Watling Street 01908 854 247 P&I Smith Ltd 206 Whaddon Way 01908 372 161 Boots Store 1 The Concourse, Brunel Centre 01908 372 888 Cox & Robinson, 239 Queensway 01908 373 135 NHS Bedfordshire NHS 01234 897200 NHS Direct New Number 111 for less urgent than 999 Dentists NHS emergency dental 0845 603 0857 Bletchley Dental Practice 295-297 Whaddon Way Bletchley 01908 373445 Dental Specialists MK, 259 Queensway, Bletchley – 01908 630169 Oxford House Dental Surgery, Aylesbury Street, Bletchley – 01908 373614 Doctors Bedford Street Surgery 01908 658850 4 Bedford Street, Bletchley, MK2 2TX Drayton Road Surgery 01908 371481 20 Drayton Road, Bletchley, MK2 3EJ Red House Surgery 01908 375111 241 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2EH
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Water Eaton Health Centre 01908 371318 Fern Grove, Bletchley, MK2 3HN
Westfield Road Surgery 01908 377103 11 Westfield Road, Bletchley, MK2 2DJ Whaddon Medical Centre 01908 373058 25 Witham Court, Tweed Drive, Bletchley MK3 7QU Hospitals Milton Keynes 01908 660033 Stoke Mandeville 01296 315000 The nearest NHS walk-in centre is MK Hospital Campus, Standing Way 01908 303030 Open 7am - 10pm Council Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Council 01908 649469 Library Bletchley Library 01908 372797 Police Bletchley Police Station Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, MK3 6TP Call 101 - (always call 999 in an emergency) Monday: 0900 - 1700 Tuesday: 0900 - 1700 Wednesday: 0900 - 1700 Thursday: 0900 - 1700 Friday: 0900 - 1700 Saturday: Closed Sunday: Close MP Iain Stewart Tel: 01908 686830 / Fax: 01908 686831 Email: iain.stewart.mp@parliament.uk Web: www.ias4mks.com
HULA Animal Rescue Easter Eggstravaganza Sunday 7th April: 1pm to 4pm
Only ÂŁ2 per adu lt accompanied children free
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Easter E gg Hunt
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All proceeds for the care & welfare of HULA’s animals help HULA help animals 01908 584000
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Registered Charity 1094115 hularescue@tiscali.co.uk
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Friday 10th May to Sunday 19th May
Stony AHA! is organising the third annual Arts & Heritage Appreciation in the town. Activities are being planned throughout May but the main events will occur from Fri 10th to Sun 19th May. Last year, there were over 50 events throughout Stony Stratford - including 42
a Treasure Trail, History Hunt, Competitions, Art Exhibitions, Open Studios, Workshops, Quizzes, Demonstrations, Talks, Heritage Displays, Markets as well as Music at various venues – which involved approx 850 participants, ‘00s of visitors and raised £000’s for local community needs, projects, charities and organizations. contact Roger Whittaker on 01908 768333 or aha@thestanigallery.co.uk
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Corner
Collectors
T
he scope of this particular hobby or should I say obsession is huge. Any item, no matter how cheap and inexpensive or how huge the price tag is avidly collected by that music fan. If the item has a certain singer or band stamped all over it, it becomes collectable. Fans of the music world can feed their obsession with many varied articles. The easiest and most commonly collected would of course be the CD or - my particular favourite - the “vinyl”. Any sad men that you happen to know will, once he has had a few drinks, happily disclose every detail of his “vinyl” collection with all and sundry. A group of these men should never be interrupted when in mid flow. My personal collection of Pink Floyd vinyl is of course much more serious and should not be taken with a pinch of salt, rather a velvet lined walnut box! Back to the serious side of things. Vinyl or records, 45’s, 33’s or even 78’s, can readily be found at music fairs, car boot sales, charity shops and jumble sales or even in a skip if you’re lucky. For serious collectors no price is too high for that elusive piece of plastic. The strange thing is, is that spelling mistakes, misprinted or alternative front covers can actually make an item all the more desirable and consequently bump up the value. 24
44
Music Memorabilia By Darren Keep.
T-shirts are a also firm favourite, worn out vintage concert T shirts can cost into the hundreds. Cheap bootleg garments should be avoided as they shrink as soon as it rains resulting in a dolly t-shirt with stiff little fingers on front! The choice of items is too varied to get coverage in this very small and humble article, but badges, posters action figures, books photographs, picture discs, autographs, souvenir programmes and novelties, or as my partners says “rubbish”, are all out their waiting for the sad men to find them. Of course we really can’t not mention the obvious “big buck” markets in this hobby, namely The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Elvis, Madonna, The Sex Pistols, Jimi Hendrix and The Buggles!...well maybe not! The above bands and artists are so sought after that even a sugar sachet that depicts the said bands or artists has a value....sad isn’t it? A collection of Elvis Presley’s records from Sun Records had the price tag of £18 000 a few years ago probably much higher now. With The Beatles there is so much to choose from but the real top of the mountain stuff is objects and personal items that once belonged to a member of the band.
Michael Jackson items have become even more collectible in the months since his death last year. Tickets for his shows that never were exchange hands for more than the cover charge and tickets obtained from the box office by fans who waited in line rather than ordered online from ticket agency sell for silly money. In the early 90’s Madonna was to release her Erotica 12” picture disc which depicted the singer sucking on a toe. Unfortunately the week it was to be released the Duchess of York was photographed by paparazzi in a very similar pose so to avoid any embarrassment the record was withdrawn before it made it onto the shelves and therefore was never officially on sale. A few hundred copies managed to make it onto the market and a collector could get hold of a copy for around £500. As with any item this rare, serious collectors snapped them up making them increasingly and hard to get your hands on so when a copy went on sale a few years ago the price had risen to almost £6000. Other items to look out for include Jimi Hendrix’s The Cry Of Love on red vinyl - yours for around £1000 and the original Sex Pistols 1977 single God Save the Queen, on the A&M label, which will set you back a mere £10 000.
Tips For Collectors Then of course there is the realm of signatures. Prices can range for a few pounds for a signed photo to thousands for signed instruments and stage clothing, again, you tend to pay more if the artist is no longer around to sign any more. But beware, back in the sixties the personal staff of bands would sign items on their behalf . This is especially true of The Beatles therefore original autographs need to be authenticated by specialist dealers that deal in this lucrative market to prove their authenticity. Not all memorabilia has to cost a fortune. Limited editions and items with intersing artwork tend to increase in value making them a good investment. Some of the most highly sought after items are “promos� - CD’s sent to
DJ’s, press packs and photo cards sent to the media, flyers and posters used for instore promotion - basically any items used to promote new artist or projects - and they usually don’t cost a penny if you know the right people. These items are not produced in large numbers and distributed to a select few making them highly desirable to the collector, especially if the artist goes on to great things. So, it may be worth hanging on to any freebie CD’s you get in your Sunday paper, you may find yourself sitting on a gold mine in a few years time. As with everything in life, if you enjoy a certain band or singer its OK, but please be prepared to argue their good points to the man in the pub again and again and again.
Love
1.- Condition CD’s. Vinyl, eight tracks and cassettes is always wanted at a high level
but buy it regardless as you may never see it again.
2.
T-Shirts - Always buy Official items, they don’t fall apart after two weeks
3. .Storage will be the biggest problem you are faced with. Your partner will not be
happy with constant packets from E-Bay turning up and the phrase “where are we going to put that� will be known to many a husband.
4.
Avoid “bootlegs� or copy items. Unless the material is otherwise unreleased - amater video and sound recordings, demos and unreleased tracks etc. - most collectors won’t be interested.
5. If its got your band on....just buy it and be damned!
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What’sBestForYou
Repaying debts & mortgages
WE ARE REALLY BAD ELECTRICIANS
Savings
Think about it. £1,000 credit card debt at 18% costs But we are excellent at £180 a year, but the same in savings, after tax, earns £15 at best. So pay off the debt with the savings and you’re £165 up. Pay off credit cards even if you haven’t got an • Bookkeeping emergency fund, as if a real emergency (the roof caving • Payroll in, not needing this season’s shoes) came, you could simply borrow back on the card and be no worse off • Tax Returns than when you started. • VAT With mortgages, if their interest rate (eg, 5%) is higher • Accounts than the after-tax rate on savings (eg, 1.5%), it makes IntoNovember last year I noted saving ratesrates weresoat their sense use the savings to overpay them. With low,lowest many levels are now forin 300 years – and they’ve plummeted since. this category. So if you’ve got savings, making them work for you is even Yet... a) Check there are no penalties for overpaying. tougher than ever. Here theworth 10 things need to cover If there are, it’s very likely notare to be it. b)you Keep enough cash to keep you afloat for three to six months, right now. as unless you’ve an offset mortgage, you can’t borrow back on it once you’ve repaid it. Let us help with what we do best, so The Even benefit ofbest this can beaccess huge: overpaying a the easy account is£100 currently Earn 8% you interest lending money to others can concentrate on what month on a £100,000 mortgage at 4.5% saves £18,000 Thisthat can work extremely well, earning some up to offering only 2% AER interest over a 25-year term. Work out your own sceyou dospecial best.sites uk.zopa. 15%. Your money’s lent via This sets the benchmark for everything else. But, narioremember, at www.moneysavingexpert.com/overpaycalc if the best is this bad, what’s yours offer- com, fundingcircle.com (which lends to businesses)
Imagine a limbo dancer who’s been lowered down a mineshaft.
Saving rates are currently even lower than that!
46
Call Fouracre Accountancy now on: 01525 382523
and ratesetter.com. They credit-check borrowers julie@fouracre-accountancy.co.uk can afford to repay, and chase repayments they Ravenstone Chambers, 23 High St, Leighton BuzzardifLU7 1DN Normally, awayiswithout access a fall behind. www.fouracre-accountancy.co.uk Many have earned decent returns, but The toplocking payingcash account currently from gives Derbyhighshire fixedBuilding rate. Right now, the rates are horrid – though, unlike savings, they’ve got no Government protecSociety (thederbyshire.co.uk), with of course, ratesno-notice could keep plummeting – making tion. unlimited withdrawals. This includesthese a look1.5% goodyear-long with hindsight. This can be extremely lucrative. But it isn’t without introductory bonus, which effecEventively so with it’s questionable fix- risks, which you must understand before embarking actsrates as a this ratelow, promise for that time.whether After that, es, especially longer ones, are worth it. Top payer over on it. So please read my full peer-to-peer lending ditch and switch. one Rates year isare currently Virgin Money 2.25% AER. WE ARE REALLY BAD AT PLUMBING guide at www.moneysavingexpert.com/peer2peer currently dropping bywith the day, so for to see if it’s right for you. constantly updated info, Premium bonds for higher-rate taxpayers see www.moneysavingexpert.com/topsavings I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if you’re a high-rate Make the most of your tax-free cash ISA taxpayer, think Premium Bonds. I’ve never been a fan, 3% AER (plus cashback) a current savings (get 2.5% AER) and Earn the current prize rate’s just 1.5%.inBut, as it’s taxfree,account that’s equivalent to 2.5% AER for higher-rate 40% A cash ISA is just a savings account you can put £5,640 a year in, where the interest’s tax-free. Bizarrely, for still the best savings, a taxpayers. You’d needeasy luckaccess to get it, but forgrab high-rate Santander 123filled (www.santander.co.uk/123) bank taxpayers who’ve their ISA up, the chance of beating The top easy-access deal is Cheshire BS’s 2.5%. It account. New and with £3,000top savings isn’t bad. Toexisting see yourcustomers chances of winning, try also allows you to transfer in past years’ cash ISAs – so you can boost them too. Check yours now, and £20,000 get 3% on the whole amount. www.moneysavingexpert.com/premiumbondcalculator Butifwe are needed. Thisexcellent rate includes a at 2% There is a fee of £2 a month, though as it also pays transfer across bonus for 18 months, effectively acting as a rate a nice 1%-3% cashback on bills such as council • Bookkeeping A few final important savings quickies promise for time, but you’ll want to transfer out tax, phones and energy, should I’ve easily cover a) Unless I’ve noted it, all thethat accounts listed here • thatPayroll This leaves many making £10protection. a month orIfmore haveit.full £85,000 UK savings safety you’ve afterwards. If you can• waitTax Returns to access your cash, Coventry onconsider top. more, spreading across multiple accounts. b) Building • Society’s VAT60-Day Notice ISA pays 2.8% To cut tax, if you’re a couple, put savings in the lower on balances £1, guaranteed until December taxpayer’s name. If you’ve kids,money as some of their Get 4% AER c) if you can put away eachac• from Accounts 2013, but it doesn’t allow transfers. counts pay higher rates, saving in their name pays. But month if they earn more than £100 aoffer year hot interest it’s Let us help with what we do best, so Regular savings accounts rates,from but it, only kids can earn 6% taxed your rate. letatyou save a limited amount each month. To save Your Thethat you can concentrate on what branch-based Halifax Kids’ Regular Saver pays Join athe Cheap Clubit -from My new Energy lump sum,Energy drip-feed a topCheap easy access for a year (max £100/month) Clubaccount. checks if you’re on the cheapest now and switches a huge 6% AER fixed you do best. ifCall youFouracre are prepared to lock cash away. It’s head you The if not. monitors to ensure you’re PERMAtopThen ratesitare often linked to bank accounts, Accountancy now on: 01525 382523 and shoulders above all others for rate. NENTLY on the cheapest. for free so check yours. If not, Join the top dealatopen to all is julie@fouracre-accountancy.co.uk Annoyingly, in Scotland need to go to LU7 a 1DN moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub Norwich & Peterborough’s 4% AER fixed for 12 Ravenstonethose Chambers, 23 High St, Leighton Buzzard to open it (though not after that) and Webmonths exclusive: Kindle e-books - Amazon is selling Halifax branch (with20p a maximum deposit of £250 month). www.fouracre-accountancy.co.uk a host of must Kindle books at 20p each,and including Yann Mar- there aren’t any north of the border. But if you’re You pay in every month, not make more tel’sthan Life of Pi.withdrawal Amazon doesn’t all 20p titles on one tripping south, it’s a not bad stop-off on the way. one in the list year. page, so check the bestseller list and scan for bargains. ing? If you can’t answer
Is it that, worth locking cash away to get 2.25%? check.
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