The Vine Leighton Buzzard Aug/Sept 2014 online

the

August|September 2014 Leighton Buzzard & Villages

In this issue:

WIN an HD BROW EXPERIENCE

How to deal with debt

20 questions to answer about your Estate Planning What about the children? ....the problems with separation

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Hello again What do I have for you this issue?

Well my favourite headline has to be No cook cheescake, that’s my kind of cooking; my reputation for burning things continues.

Can I please point out that the article on varicose veins is not written by me, so no staring at my legs, if you see me out and about.

Did you know that as well as this magazine there are 5 others that me and my friend Shelly make together? If you want to know more why not visit our website.

If you know anyone planning halloween, bonfire night and even Christmas fundraisers, don’t forget to suggest they add them to the website calendar - it is FREE. There is still space for your summer events too.

All the best Andrena

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CONTENT 6 A Traveller’s Tale - Part 1 12 Varicose Veins 14 Mabel’s News 16 Book Review - local author 17 WIN an HD Brow experience 20 Estate Planning, 20 questions 22 Couch to 5K 24 Stress Free Parenting 26 How to Deal with Debt 30 The Foundations of your Garden 34 Supermoon 36 Puzzles 40 A Traveller’s Tale - Part 2 41 Puzzle Solutions 42 It’s the Law 44 What’s On

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A Travellers Tale Continuing Val’s education !?

By Paul Heley

6

peaking personally, I'd already been to India a few times having been in the Merchant Navy as a young man and also thanks to a couple of motorcycle trips through the Himalayas. But Val had never been there and, after some of the stories I'd told her about the place, was in no hurry to visit.

However, working on the principle that travel broadens the mind, I persuaded her to go on a cruise around the southern parts of the sub-continent. And she wouldn't have to rough it - this would be as a tourist which meant that she would be steered clear of any "nasty" bits which are carefully hidden away from tourists' eyes.

But such a trip would be very different from our usual type of holiday. We'd often chosen to go into the world's high latitudes (south or north) because of the scenery. There's something really wonderful about jagged mountains covered in unbroken snow set amongst shimmering, crystal clear lakes or fjords. And what is more, there's nearly always a unique wildlife to give extra dimensions.

So this particular trip - taken over New Year 5 years ago - would be a break from the norm. How did it go?

We flew to Chennai (the former Madras) and, next day, were taken on a city tour. Immediately, Val commented on what a shambles the place was - rubbish everywhere - and how chaotic the traffic seemed to be. Does India have a Highway Code she wondered. Doesn't seem to. But there's no road rage. Amazing!

We were shown various important buildings such as Fort St George and the cathedral of St Thomas. But the real knock-out was the Kapaleeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (and about five million other Hindu gods). It's built in a most colourful Dravidian style and covered

in individual deities.

Next port of call was Colombo in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon) and there followed a long coach trip into the interior and to the former capital, Kandy. En route, there was a stop at an elephant orphanage where young elephants who had lost their mothers (perhaps by poaching), or who had been separated from their herd, are cared for. This was quite an emotional experience and there was lots of oohing and aahing from some of the (broody) women.

But the reason for going to Kandy was to visit the "Temple of the Tooth". This is a huge building inside which is a tiny, impregnable, silver casket secreting a part of one of Buddha's molars.

I wondered if it was genuine or if it was like so many of the medieval relics so lovingly venerated in Europe but which have later turned out to be old bits of wood or bones of pigs or sheep or chickens. I asked if there was an Eyelash Temple, or a Toenail Temple but my facetious question was ignored.

The next place was Tuticorin on the SW coast of India where an even longer coach trip had been planned in order to visit you've guessed it - another (this time Hindu) temple at Madurai which is supposed to be the absolute bee's-knees. But Val and I decided to do something else instead.

We thought we'd have a look at the town and after a certain amount of form filling and general bureaucracy - the Indians are really good at this - were let through the gates and got on a 'bus. The journey took half an hour - 50p return - and we were dropped off in the centre of town and wandered around for a while. But Val became increasingly uneasy and horrified at what she saw and couldn't get out of the place quickly enough.

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Varicose Veins

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I

’ve had varicose veins for as long as I can remember. As an overweight female on the wrong side of fifty with three pregnancies behind me, a job that involved long hours on my feet and a family history of fellow sufferers, I am a prime candidate for the condition - but I am not alone. Up to three out of ten adults suffer from varicose veins, which are most common in the legs and feet.

Varicose veins develop when small valves within the veins become weak or damaged and stop working properly. Blood flows backwards and collects in the vein, causing it to swell or enlarge. This brings about a lumpy, bulging or twisted appearance and can also make the leg feel heavy, achy or uncomfortable. Swollen feet or ankles, muscle cramps and dry itchy skin are also possible symptoms.

For most people, varicose veins are unsightly but do not present a serious health problem, and treatment is not required, though symptoms can be alleviated by taking exercise, resting and elevating the legs. If the veins cause

12

pain or discomfort, treatment should be considered, of which there are three main types.

Endothermal ablation is carried out under local anaesthetic when a narrow tube, or catheter, is inserted into the vein through a small cut made just above or below the knee. Heat is then applied to the vein either from high-frequency radio waves or lasers, which causes the vein walls to collapse and seal it shut.

Once the vein has been sealed, blood is naturally redirected to other healthy veins. Some people experience short-term side effects such as pins and needles, or tightness and bruising.

If endothermic ablation treatment is unsuitable, sclerotherapy may be offered instead. Also performed under local anaesthetic, special foam is injected into the veins, which scars them and seals them closed. Following treatment, varicose veins should begin to fade after a few weeks, but more than one treatment may be required and there is also a chance that the vein will reappear. Side effects include blood clots in other leg

veins, headaches, lower back pain, changes to skin colour, fainting and temporary vision problems.

If neither of the above is possible, the next option is a surgical procedure called a phlebectomy, usually carried out under general anaesthetic. A technique called ligation and stripping makes two small incisions - one at the top of the varicose vein near the groin, and the other lower down near the knee or ankle. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed and a thin flexible wire passed through the bottom of the vein and then carefully removed through the lower cut in the leg. This method can cause pain, bruising and bleeding and a full recovery could take up to three weeks.

It’s still not fully understood why vein walls stretch and valves weaken - and some people develop the condition for no apparent reason. Many of us decide to suffer in silence, but if your condition does prove unbearable, rest assured there are treatment options out there.

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

This is Frenzy! She is a playful little Staffie girl aged about one. Frenzy is energetic and thoroughly enjoys agility training. She would prefer to be an only dog but could possibly live with a quiet male. She would love an active family life where she has plenty of company.

Frenzy cannot live in Luton.

If you feel you could offer Frenzy, or any of our other dogs, a loving and secure home please call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our staff will be happy to offer This is Frenzy! She is a playful little Staffie girl agedadvice and information. Please note that we rehoming to families with children under 7 years of age, so please ask abouthave one.restrictions Frenzy is on energetic anddogs thoroughly enjoys fortraining. details. She would prefer to be an only dog but agility

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A Good Read For You

For The Kids

When the Odds are Evens

By Colin Lord was not returned one of the brothers would pay with his life.

Colin had spent some time in Hong Kong and had mixed with some unsavoury characters. Selling insurance to ex-pats paid for Colin Lord has lived in Luton for fifty years with a background work- his lifestyle but was secondary ing in sales to corporate business’s to one of his business interests, a floating brothel aboard an old and the Education sector. In his Chinese junk ship. He had a younger days he enjoyed many feeling his ex-partner the Midget sports representing Bedfordshire might be connected with the in Rugby, Tennis and Football. He theft of the gold but he was dead. still follows many sports, including Colin had seen him jump off a American football and Basketball. bridge in Kowloom, the body was The Los Angeles Lakers are mennever found. tioned in his book, which was a very Being accused of the theft and daunting evening for him. the death threat the brothers went looking for the gold, the trail led The completion of this book is from Hong Kong, the Cayman largely down to the encouragement Islands, France and ending in South Africa. from Colins late brother.

They needed help. Favours were “Many times I mentioned that called in and the SBS and SAS I could write a book and my late were involved. The Special Forces Brother basically said to me ‘Stop brought with them sophisticated talking about it and do it’. So I systems and firepower. did.”

When a meeting ended with a massive explosion in Canary The property world was good Wharf, rumours spread like wildto the brothers, Colin and Mike.

They were on target for a bumper fire. Was it the Taliban attacking year. Both had large houses, one London’s financial centre? in Hampstead, London the other It grabbed the Media’s attention, in Much Haddam, Hertfordshire. not to mention the Government.’

Who was responsible?

Their cars were Aston Martins Would the Brothers pay with their and they did their fair share of lives? womanising.

That was before a Triad was A highly charged global thriller, found dead on one of their build- described as “The Best Pint You’ll ing sites.

Ever Read”.

Things went from bad to terrible; Go to Amazon or Kindle and search a Chinese billionaire tycoon acfor Colin Lord or just Google “When cused them of stealing a fortune the Odds are Evens”£2.99 in London gold bars that he was Follow @ColinLordAuthor on Twitter importing into England. If the gold or ‘Like’ the Facebook Page

16

Magic Tree House: Valley of the Dinosaur

By Mary Pope Osborne Time travel. A quest to solve.

Exciting adventures. This book for young readers who are growing in confidence has all of these and much more. The first of a series of books, it follows the adventures of Jack and Annie as they discover a magic treehouse in their neighbourhood.

As the story begins Jack and Annie are chasing an imaginary monster into a nearby wood when they stumble across a solitary treehouse.

Curiosity getting the better of them, they decide to explore and inside they find wonderful collection of books. Jack is drawn to a dinosaur book and before they know it the two children are transported back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Full of fascinating facts this book will appeal to any budding palaeontologist. At ten chapters this is a nice introduction to reading without seeming too daunting. The sentence structure can be repetitive and simplistic, but I am assured by young readers that this is not a problem!

There are currently sixteen books available in the series covering different time periods and geographic locations. These along, with an interactive website, promise to engage and educate young readers for many a long school holiday.

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Repairing leather is approximately 20% of the cost of re-upholstering Unit 26 Acacia Close, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4QE

Luton: 01582 380 750 Leighton Buzzard: 01525 888 250 e-mail: southbeds@furnitureclinic.co.uk Website: www.furnitureclinic.co.uk

Your Money Matters Does your Estate Planning Pass the Test?

It is never too early to plan your estate. If it is large, it could be exposed to inheritance tax at 40%, and if it is small, advance planning can help you ensure that your assets will go to your chosen beneficiaries. As well as personal family considerations, if you are a business owner there are many things to consider in terms of succession planning for the future of your business, for example, will it be sold, or do you have someone in mind who might take the reins?

Estate planning begins with the following decisions:

Does your Will name a guardian for your children if both you and your partner die while they are still in their minority?

4.

Have you considered how to fund the inheritance tax liability?

5.

If you die suddenly, will your executors be able tolocate all your records easily?

6.

Do you have medium-term and long-term financial objectives?

•

Who will inherit your assets?

7.

Do you know the present value of your estate?

•

When should the recipients receive them?

8.

•

What limitations will be placed on the recipients?

Are you comfortable with the executor(s) and trustees you have selected?

9.

Have you arranged your affairs to take advantage of the NIL rate band and the inheritance tax exemptions?

Where should you begin?

If you answer ‘no’ to any of these questions, you should consider discussing your estate with both your solicitor and your accountant as they will be able to advise you on the best, most efficient way to plan your estate.

20

3.

1.

Have you made a Will?

2.

Has your will been safely lodged so that others can access it after your death?

10. Are you sure you have the right type and amount of life assurance?

11. Have you considered a trust to prevent assurance proceeds from being taxed as part of your estate?

12. Have you considered making gifts to family members that take advantage of the inheritance tax and

capital gains tax exemptions and reliefs?

13. Are you sure your estate plan is up-to-date and takes into account all your personal wishes and all your potential tax saving strategies?

14. Have you considered how inheritance tax will affect your business?

15. Do you know what will happen to your business if you die?

16. Do you know that business assets can be given away without your having to pay capital gains tax?

17. Do you know how to give away business assets free of inheritance tax?

18. Have you considered the use of trusts in estate planning?

19. Do you know the advantages of an accumulation and maintenance trust?

20. Do you know the intentions of relatives with substantial estates?

Clark Howes Accountants 01525 887534 info@clarkhowes.com

Clark Howes Group More than your ‘typical’ accountants www.clarkhowes.com | info@clarkhowes.com | +44 (0)1525 887534 @ClarkHowesGroup

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UNIT 7, SPARROWHALL BUSINESS PARK, LEIGHTON RD. EDLESBOROUGH, LU6 2ES

LEIGHTON FUN RUNNERS SUMMER COUCH TO 5K PROGRAM

Does taking up running seem like a scary prospect?

Well it needn’t be with the help & support of your local fun running club!

Come and Join us on Monday 8th September at the Cricket club (opposite Morrisons) at 7pm (for 7.30 start) The Couch to 5k is a 9 week programme based on the NHS C-2-5K schedule, designed for total beginners.

NO ONE is too slow & NO ONE ever gets left behind.

There will be two qualified run leaders & a whole bunch of enthusiastic runners from the club to help you.

The course costs £10 which we'll donate to our club charity of the year For more information take a look at our website or just turn up on the night

Email: leightonfunrunners@gmail.com Web: http://www.leightonfunrunners.org.uk/

22

FREE P PICKPUOFF O & DRR E SE VICFIVE

Leighton-Linslade Cancer Support Group

A WITHIN ADIUSN MILE R HTO IG E OF L ZZARD BU

We give Love, Support, Friendship and Understanding.

We have one thing in common:

A Cancer Diagnosis We meet every Friday between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm

The Salvation Army Hall, Lammas Walk, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1JB

If we can help, please call: Pat on 01525 378759 ww

or

Mary on 01525 377761

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How to Reduce the Stress of Parenting...

Use

Mindfulness

By Patricia Downing Mindfulness Practitioner and Counsellor

www.space4you.org.uk for more information and courses locally, including Stewkley Mindfulness Centre, Tel: 07707 418 851

Do you find yourself shouting at your children and afterwards regretting it?

Try these tips to bring mindfulness in to your role as a parent or grandparent:

Is family life more often stressful than not?

• Start the day with a mindful ritual: spend a few

Would you like to have a stronger relationship with your son or daughter?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to explore mindfulness, the currently ‘hot’ topic in self-help. It has many applications: in sport for performance and focus; in the NHS for depression and chronic pain; and in the corporate world to help reduce work stress and improve creativity. Initial research also shows that mindfulness may reduce parenting stress.

So what is mindfulness? A search on-line will reveal information, books, CDs, and courses.

Essentially it is about becoming more aware and present in the moment, which is achieved through mindfulness practices. These are simple in terms of what you do, but difficult in the sense that our minds are usually all over the place, with all sorts of thoughts jumping in, generating feelings and probably affecting our mood. Regular practice is necessary to get the benefits, just as with any new skill, such as learning to swim. However, even 10 minutes a day has been shown to achieve results.

24

seconds following your breath in and out before you get out of bed; really feel your feet in contact with the floor as you get out of bed; be mindful when you brush your teeth (not thinking about anything else and really feeling what it is like to brush your teeth)

• Be mindful with your child/grandchild:

focusing intently on what they are saying or showing you without letting your thoughts wander to anything else. Do this at least a couple of times a day, even if it is not always possible.

• Take mindful pauses in difficult moments –

toddler tantrums or teenage moodiness – follow a couple of breaths in and out. That pause might stop you throwing a tantrum too!

A key aspect of mindfulness is self-compassion, so don’t be too hard on yourself – you really care about your family and are doubtlessly working hard to be a good parent. Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it!

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Consumer Clinic

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

How To Deal With Debt

You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio

It is a sad reality that most of us are in debt these days. With the high cost of housing, it’s perhaps unsurprising that people are having to borrow more money than they really should.

For many, this debt is perfectly manageable. However, it only takes a problem like losing your job, or ill health to suddenly turn manageable debt into an utter nightmare.

If you are having financial difficulty and realise that you are unable to meet your debt responsibilities, the most important thing to do is to face up to the reality. As tempting as it may be to bury your head in the sand and ignore the demand letters, it is simply going to make the problem much much worse.

When you have accepted the situation, you need to sit down and look openly and honestly at the money you have coming in, and the money going out. Even if the prospect is thoroughly depressing, you need to understand exactly what the numbers are before you go any further.

At this point, I would advise

26

contacting the companies you owe money to and explaining the situation. They may be able to give you a 'payment holiday' until you get yourself back on your feet again. They are also much more likely to be helpful if you've been open and honest with them rather than ignoring them and hoping they will simply go away. Remember, they want their money, so it's in their interest to work with you as opposed to against you.

When you've worked out how much money you can put towards your debts, you then need to prioritise them. The most important debts are: mortgage or rent arrears, gas and electricity arrears, council tax arrears, court fines, income tax or VAT arrears and TV licence arrears.

If you fail to pay these, you could lose your home, and in the most extreme circumstances, could end up in prison.

The less urgent debts include: benefits overpayments, credit cards and loans, water and sewerage bills (you can't be cut off for water debts), student loans, loans from family and friends

and parking penalties from local authorities. That's not to say that you shouldn't bother trying to pay them, but these should be at the bottom of the list.

Hopefully, with careful budgeting, balancing and communication, you'll be able to manage your debts until you get back on your feet. However, if you simply cannot pay what you owe, then there are some options for you. However, be aware they do not come without costs.

Solutions such as debt consolidation, or even bankruptcy can be the only way out for some people but please look at the pros and cons before committing.

I would always advise that you contact your local citizens advice bureau or the debt charity 'Step Change' on 0800 138 1111 before making any further decisions about the management of your debt.

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Lounge, Dining & Bedroom Furniture & Accessories From a single chair to a complete suite, Dillamore’s have a huge display of quality furniture and accessories to choose from.

Over two showroom floors, we stock fine cabinet furniture including beds, sofa-beds, upholstery, lift & rise recliners and adjustable beds.

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In The Garden

Laying The Foundations To A Successful Garden

D

oes the thought of your garden fill you with guilt as the weeds grow bigger and bigger? Chances are your garden is not based on the 3 Essential Foundations or one or more are out of balance.

Or do you want to change something in the garden but don’t know where to start? Then the 3 Essential Foundations will be vital in helping you create the most relevant and best possible starting point for your new garden.

Having designed and planted small to medium sized gardens for the past 17 years, I have found that the ones that are the most beautiful and pleasurable to be in are those that are based on an equal combination of what I call the 3 Essential Foundations and it’s never too late to look at them again.

The first one is to ‘Know what you want’. Work out exactly what you’d like to do in the garden and what you must have to make it work on a practical front. The way to do this is to sit down and take a few minutes to really think about what you like doing outside. For example, many people like to eat outside, to entertain or just to relax at the end of the day with a glass of wine – and I expect that you will too. Make a list and consult the others who use the garden too.

The second is to ‘Know your garden’. Work out what the physical

30

growing conditions in your garden and work with nature rather than against it. Essential characteristics to look for are the soil type, the soil pH (acidic, neutral or alkaline), where the sunny and shady spots are, is it sheltered or exposed and how much annual rain fall your garden gets. All these things will dictate the types of plants you can grow successfully and which part of the garden they will do best in. It is much easier to look after the right plant in the right place.

The third is to ‘Know how much time you’re REALISTICALLY prepared to give to looking after the garden’. Once you know this, design the garden to fit in with your lifestyle. Err on the side of caution rather than enthusiasm because it is much better for the soul to look at one or two areas that look beautiful and feel right rather than the whole garden being a burden.

The answers to these 3 questions will guide and direct the design that emerges and will dictate how much maintenance you will have to do in the future. When you feel on top of the maintenance, then you will be able to relax and enjoy the garden.

There is no right or wrong time to assess the 3 Essential Foundations and there is a lot to be said for doing so at the beginning of the growing season and again at the end of it. You might be surprised at what you ‘unearth’.

A beginners guide to...

ner Gard A GreeCatherine Milleren CLM Gardens

www.clm-gardens.co.uk Install Big Water Butts Save as much rainwater as possible and deploy it with care. Water generously only where it’s needed, in the cool of the evening, to encourage deeper rooting. Mulch well.

Right Plant, Right Place For free-draining soil don’t plant thirsty plants which require a lot of water. If it’s clay, choose deep-rooted, strong plants, like roses and hardy fuchsias, which will withstand dry periods where the ground bakes.If an established plant can’t survive on its own, it’s probably not the right plant for your plot.

Ban Peat Peat bogs are an essential part of our eco system. Once they’re gone they’re gone forever. There is no excuse for buying peat-based products…ever. Use only peat-free composts, soil-improvers and mulches.

Recycle. Recycle. Recycle Make a compost heap or buy a compost bin. Re-use plastic and crock pots. String old cds and bottle tops over newly planted seedlings as bird scarers.

Restrict Chemical Usage Try nematodes for pest control. Encourage ladybirds for greenfly control by planting fennel, dill, white cosmos and scented geraniums.

Leave A Wild Patch Build your own army of slug and bug killers. A pile of logs and fallen leaves and a patch of nettles will provide shelter for all manner of garden wildlife, including hedgehogs, ladybirds and beetles.

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Looking Up! In Beds & Bucks The Night Sky August & September 2014 Make a Date with the August Supermoon:

Sunday 10 August sees a giant full moon rise over Bedfordshire. Our silver-faced celestial neighbour pulls closer to the Earth that evening than at any other point in 2014. Watch the ‘supermoon’ rise in the east from 8pm onwards. It’ll make for a spectacular sight and photo opportunity no matter where you are across the county.

Catch the Perseids Shooting Star Bonanza:

Have you ever seen a shooting star? If not then the night of Tuesday 12 August to Wednesday 13 August is the perfect time to look for them.

Cast your eyes high up to the north-east from 11pm onwards. Be patient and you might catch

By Seb Jay

some bright streaks of light lasting no more than a second or two as Earth crosses the path of the Perseids meteor shower.

Go Hunting for Star Clusters:

The summer Milky Way stretches high overhead during August and September. Embedded within its faint glow are numerous star clusters of blue, white and orange stars. You’ll need high-powered binoculars or a telescope to see the clusters, and you’ll need to choose somewhere dark away from streetlights on a night when the Moon is not visible. A location like the Chilterns between 20 August and 30 August or from 15 September to 28 September will be ideal. seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk

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8 4 3

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                   SKINS   

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

36

                                            

WRITE

SPOT THE ADVERT

ANSWERS What advertON PAGE 41 Is This? >>>>

Across

Down

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A Travellers Tale

(Continued)

Perhaps she’ll believe me now when I say that “tourist” India and “real” India are very different.

After Tuticorin, we sailed the short distance to Trivandrum with its very pretty approach from the sea. Then another temple (which we couldn’t enter because we’re not Hindus - rather pointless really), a museum with immaculate gardens followed by a bit of shopping and haggling over prices. The rule is to offer something like a quarter of the asking price and settle on a half. Both sides do well on the deal!

But SW India really means Kochi (formerly Cochin) and we spent a couple of days there. It’s the principal city of the state of Kerala and was built on the rice and spice trade. It was clearly more prosperous and much less untidy and we wondered if this was because the local government had put down strict rules - it was communist when we were there. Rather surprisingly, there is a community of Jews who have lived in the area for centuries and we were taken round the Jewish quarter (where most of the shops seemed to be owned by Kasmiris!).

A visit to an arts and craft centre was highlighted by an demonstration of Keralan marshal arts combat.

This is highly energetic, very athletic, and requires much leaping about in an attempt to avoid flashing batons and swords. Definitely not the sort of activity suitable for elderly cruise passengers!

Then we were shown the Chinese fishing nets. These are stationary and operated by a complex set of ropes, levers and counterweights. They looked terribly inefficient to me but would be a useful problem for A Level Applied Mathematics students to find out how the hell the things are supposed to work!

Next day saw a trip on a rice boat along the labyrinth of canals between the paddy fields known as The Backwaters. The scenery is very tranquil, very pretty and very tropical and an absolute Mecca for birdy types who nearly fell overboard trying to photograph, for example, a Lesser Spotted Great Crested Whatsit bird! These waters are brackish in salinity (ie a mix between salt and fresh water) so give rise to a rather specialised ecosystem.

The evening’s entertainment was something totally unique to Kerala. Known as Kathakali dancing, it is performed by men only - taking female parts where required. They are dressed in fantastic costume and with incredible make up. The dancers act out, through mime, stories and poems from Hindu culture via facial expression and hand and eye movement which can suggest a complete gamut of emotions.

There was also a singer-musician who had a small cymbal (but whose singing wouldn’t get far in the Top Ten). Overall, the experience was utterly fascinating and something not seen outside Kerala.

40

The end of the trip was, for some, their idea of Paradise when we travelled to some of the palm fringed tropical coral islands with their white sand beaches.

First, there were some I’d never heard of - the Lakshadweep Islands - which are largely uninhabited. I know I’ll be laughed out of court, but after I’d swum in the warm sea for half and hour, had a look at what the island had to offer - nothing - and watched hundreds of hermit crabs scampering about on the beach, I was bored out of my skull. How anyone can spend a fortnight corpsed out on a beach doing absolutely nothing is beyond me. But that’s my problem.

Finally, we hit Male, the capital of the Maldives. An incredible statistic is that the highest point is only a few feet above sea level - so the fear of a rising ocean and inundation due to global warming is very real.

There was one chap on board who was ENORMOUS and when he decided to take a dip, everyone held their breath!

Unfortunately, our guide for the trip round town looked about 10 years old and his answer to every question was “I’m not too sure about that”. But said with a flashing smile!

There were two things which immediately impressed me about Male :- 1) the place is extremely clean and tidy - so unlike India - and 2) there must be at least two little motorbikes for every inhabitant - they are everywhere.

We flew home from Male and arrived 22 hours later to be greeted by a wintry London. But, even so, when asked whether we would prefer a “tropical” holiday or a “high latitude” one, I think we’d both choose the latter. It’s mainly because of the scenery; and when one of the lady passengers stated that Sri Lanka was the most beautiful place on earth, my comment was that, clearly, she’d never seen the Alps, the Norwegian fjords, the Canadian Rockies, the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the Himalayas, Alaska, Antarctica, Spitzbergen - and a host of other places.

Just because it’s hot doesn’t make it beautiful. I rest my case m’lud!

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SPOT THE ADVERT

IT’S THE LAW!

Separation what about the children?

4.

5.

6.

7.

I

t is often said that children are more resilient than we think but it is proven that the more conflict there is between parents, the more a child suffers. What can parents do to minimise the effect of separation on children?

When/how should I tell the children?

1. At the earliest opportunity - best done by both parents together.

2. Agree what to say - show the children you will still cooperate as parents.

3. Make sure the children understand – what to say depends on age/maturity but keep it simple.

Fact: It is known that the more exposure children have to the separation issues, the more detrimental it is to them.

42

How can I help to support my child?

1. Remain civilised with the other parent and avoid being critical of them.

2. Reassure the children that they will still be loved - children can blame themselves & fear that they will be abandoned.

3. Allow children to be children – not a

substitute for the absent parent and not a “messenger”.

Keep to the children’s daily routine in order to maintain as much stability as possible.

Advise the children’s teacher & other carers of the separation so they can help support the children.

Look out for signs that your children may not be coping with the situation.

Your GP will be able to offer support & advice and refer you for specialist help.

Move slowly into new relationships and introduce children gradually to new partners.

Fact: Children cope best when they are shielded from conflict and do not feel torn between parents.

What shall I do if we cannot agree on arrangements for the children directly?

1. Try to agree arrangements with the assistance of a mediator or solicitors.

Professionals can assist in determining the best outcome for the children.

2. If an agreement still cannot be reached, it is possible to issue an application for a Child Arrangements Order.

3. Ensure that any arrangements are workable on a practical level.

Fact: Prolonged bitterness between parents about child arrangements can be distressing for the children Hazel Page is the acting Head of Family & Matrimonial Law at Osborne Morris & Morgan Solicitors Tel: 01525 378177 Email: hazel.page@ommlaw.co.uk www.ommlaw.co.uk

HELPING YOU SMILE MORE Accepting new patients Sedation for nervous clients Comprehensive membership plans with reward schemes Free smile enhancement and implant consultations Dedicated children’s dental health team

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“Thank you for being a nice friendly dental practice” K Thornton “Thank you for the reward scheme, I can’t believe the savings and shopping vouchers I have had just for being a patient” DB “Painless, Efficient, Excellent” P Davis info@cherrytreesdental.com “Like home from home, wonderful service and treatment. I don’t www.cherrytreesdental.com mind coming to the dentist now” Pam O contact a member of our Welcome Team to arrange a consultation 01525 384 894 or 01525 375333 Winner: Best Community Projects Private Dentistry Awards 2013

WHAT’S ON? so much we can’t fit it all in!

AUGUST Thursdays 31st July - 21st Aug 10.30am - 12 noon Grow a Garden! Hunt for Mini-Beasts!

Discover Herbs and Explore Seeds - all the in the environment of our wonderful Walled Garden. Places are limited and must be booked. £10 per child. Suitable for ages 4 - 10 years old. Refreshments included and there will be something to take home at the end of each session. Luton Hoo, Luton. LU1 3TQ

Sorry, no Traders or Mediums/Card readers this time* 01525 373627/ 07852 237011.

30TH & 31ST Woburn Festival: Two days of family fun, music and entertainment in Woburn village. On both days there will be a flea market, food stalls including oysters, Pimms and Champagne, craft stalls, a funfair, fruit/veg/flower and cake competition, a dog show, children’s entertainment and lots of music. There will be an art exhibition in St Mary’s church and on Sunday afternoon a tugof-war competition in the churchyard.

6th Family History Talk: The New Family Search Website 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM John Hanson talks about the New FamilySearch Website.The majority of family history websites change their look and often their functionality on a regular basis and FamilySearch is no exception. This talk will explain the latest changes and how to get the best from them.

Saturday 23rd August Free; non-members of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome; a Following last year’s successful Hockfest ’13 event, small donation will be appreciated. MethodistHockliffe residents will come together to take part in a Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton day packed with sporting and cultural activities.

Keynes MK2 2HB F

Hockfest

Ho

Satur ollow There will be something for everyone on the day Hwith ing la ock

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li a day p ffe residen r’s activities for all ages, including bouncy castle, face 10th Music In the Park 2014 a ts There cked with wi sp w ort il painting, various stalls and arts and crafts at KilbyactiRoad The Summer Season of Music of the Park l vities be someth for all in inting be starts on Sunday 1 June showcasing bands Recreation Ground. On sale throughout the dayRpeacwill , vari ages, in ous st reatio a from the region. Band Concerts take place on a tempting BBQ and the entertainment will be aprovided temp n Ground lls a the bandstand in Parson’s Recreation Ground by local bands. The fun will begin from 1pm BbuysilocaltibnagnBdBs.Q and. thOen e LB, and run from 3.00pm - 5.00pm on Sunday Businesses in Hockliffe are also involved. ClassnicessMes in HoTchkelifffun w otorc Vinta ycle e are g afternoons throughout the summer, with and a e and Class ’s will be Classic Motorcycle’s will be holding an Open Day H with Rugg og Roast ic Bikes, m the exception of the August Bank Holiday ed fr winn and Tou om 10am Vintage and Classic Bikes, music, police motorcyclists gh w er weekend. ill ha derdo Craig Ph ve illips g wit meeti and a Hog Roast from 10am h S Please note there will an evening concert on PORT th ng S GB eir 4X4s Meet B B and C T ri e ti a sh ig Bro will have the first Big Brother m Sunday 10 August from 6.30pm - 9.00pm, Rugged and Tough ther w Sport Champio member h nship s Nutr 201 inner, 2 itionUntest oTeam featureing LLCB this is instead of the afternon winner Following last year’s Hockfest Csuccessful raig Craig Phillips meeting and greeting, w’13 012 p Philli Etherd en day an ill be hold ps come d in en together fr ga concert. Refreshments will be provided by derdog event, Hockliffe residents will e UK eh build TIMBERwith their 4X4s and Chris Pratt STIHL ers fro BFF British elp and a m 11 Finali local charities. to take part in a day packed with sporting am. and T o st tt a e n SPORTS GB rn Team member 2012-2013 (Stock Saw).

25 ye hoe P layers Parking is available in Duncombe Drive car cultural ars y activities.

ThChampionship British 2012 is yea oung! park, a short walk from the Park.

There will be something for everyone on r th their 25th e Tottewill rnhoe be holding a Boditronics taste Sports Nutrition birth there the with activities for all ages, including Pla d riday t from ay. And so yers are c on th ghday eleb advice mehelppainting, test open and and with Mark the free re 16th 10 am - 2.30 pm castle, face various stalls e abouncy re co productio very start of us have rating medie ! The ns British beeand a yecrafts n Road mand Etherden UKBFF Finalist other top body Gat TABLE TOP SALE with our popular Psychic and Kilby Recreation s, in th ystery arts ro a r u – p PANT . And the e autumn in the spri puts ng th O IM Café at The Royal Legion/Bossard Ground.

On the day will be a b11am. genthroughout igge sale builders era e Craig Phillips Totte Mfrom ner, winCome therBritish rnhoe E in Febru st show of lly a mu re Meet Big BroBuzzard the ythe rd Hall,Leighton and sell your will be Wetempting ary. and er are a Players w BBQ ear is entertainment friend elcom our varie ly, by es ty unwanted and pre loved items. provided local bands.

The fun will begin us wa of interest open gro new mem up of s, age nting bers. £10.00 per table - FREE ENTRY to event. pe soonefrom s to 1pm r than act, then and abilit ople, with ies. If bag, Businesses youin you e a Have coffee and cake in our Psychic Café!

Hockliffe then w y x o il pect, u join are also involved. l prob there an ab are lways d if that’s ly be will **Contact us to book your table* We a Classic aMotorcycle’s not y cast be holding an Open ple im

to m bring to ou ake the m r gro to jo ost

44

nty o f

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of the up in talen intere in with w ; everybo Totternhoe Players ts y dy h st lighti s are in o atever the gets a ch ou can n y n a g e 25 years young! www.thevinemagazine.com/whats-on then , sound, se of the ba can do. If nce you w c 6 k t -s c onstru tage d your ill be cti is very This year the Totternhoe Players are celebrating welco on, costu ciplines; me, e me to tc., o. their 25th birthday. And some of us have been there right from the very start! The Group puts

The online calendar is updated regularly Day with Vintage and Classic Bikes, music, police motorcyclists and a Hog Roast from 10am Rugged and Tough will have the first Big Brother winner Craig Phillips meeting and greeting, Team Underdog with their 4X4s and Chris Pratt STIHL TIMBERSPORTS GB Team member 2012-2013 (Stock Saw).British Championship 2012 Sports Nutrition will be holding a Boditronics taste test open day and free help and advice with Mark Etherden UKBFF British Finalist and other top body builders from 11am

So much more to Yoga than stretching...

Yoga is healthy & healing & helps students maintain/return to best health possible.

Mixed Ability Classes Tuesday Morning 9.30 - 11am

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall, Beaudesert, Leighton Buzzard. LU7 1HZ Possible new

Wednesday afternoon class at above venue if enough interest.

Please register interest.

Charity Golf Day 16 September 2014 Buckingham Golf Club Coffee and bacon bap on arrival 18 holes/three ball Stableford Delicious two-course supper Charity raffle and auction

£180 per team of three £60 per person

Wednesday evening 7 - 8.30pm

Billington Village Hall, Gaddesden Turn, Billington, LU7 9BW Enquiries: Alison Tucker (yfh dip. Yfh remedial dip.)

20 Years experience.

Tel: 01525 210553

E: yogalison@hotmail.com

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QUESTION OF SPORT

Friday 19th September 2014 7pm for a 7:30pm start Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club

For an entry form, please contact our Fundraising Team 01908 557891 or email sally.wood@ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk We are a local independent charity and rely on the vital funds raised by all our fundraisers. With your help we can make a real and positive difference that contributes to the wellbeing and quality of life of thousands of older people and their families Registered charity 1079773 www.ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk Age UK Milton Keynes, The Peartree Centre, 1 Chadds Lane, Peartree Bridge, Milton Keynes MK6 3EB

SEPTEMBER 26th Science Uncovered 6-10pm Tring

Museum. Science Uncovered is a free evening event for adults, designed to make science more accessible to the public

Join us for a fantastic sports quiz, delicious meal and loads of fun, all in aid of your local charity, KidsOut! Tickets=£50 per team (maximum 5 people per team) Tickets available at the Rugby Club and the KidsOut office.

To reserve, please phone KidsOut on 01525 243215 or the Rugby Club on 01525 371322 or email events@kidsout.org.uk

Hockfest 2014 Hockliffe 23rd August

Some of Rugged & Tough’s “Hockfest” Events….

Meet Craig Phillips

Angus Card Member Offers Free to Join!

Online Price Matching as Standard

10am to 4 pm

Get 15% OFF Blaklader Workwear

Priority Logo Service New Lower Logo prices Special Invites to Events Get the “SALE” prices first Offers & Promotions Monthly Deals Freepost Service

46

Got a Busy Shooting Season Ahead?

Simon from Harkila & Seeland will be in-store all day to help show the entire ranges & advise you on your hunting clothing and footwear

SAVE an Extra 15% off RRP during the day

See the Jobman Workwear Motorsport Team & their 4x4s

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Without legal advice it’s all just words If you are thinking of separation then call us now on

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48

Š 2011 Osborne Morris and Morgan Solicitors