April/May 2013
theVine www.thevineleightonbuzzard.com
It’s our 1st birthday Local milkman’s longest round yet. Everyone loves a voucher; see page 43
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Dear Readers Welcome to the first birthday edition of The Vine Leighton Buzzard and thank you for all the support you have given me and the magazine. A special thank you has to go to all the family and friends who helped in the early months with delivering the magazine in all weather. Please keep your local news and events coming to me, it is always great to hear from readers and to know what is going on in your area. Andrena
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
Content 6 Milko goes walkies 8 Traveller’s Tale 10 Home Cinema Systems 14 Auto Biographies - Kia 16 Spring Perfume 20 Children’s Health 22 Savings - what’s best for you 26 Kids in the garden 28 Protecting the future 30 Buttermilk scones 32 Savings continued 34 What’s On 36 Puzzles 38 St George’s Day 42 Puzzle solutions 43 Money off vouchers 44 Book Review
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.
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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
New School on Track to Open on Kestrel Way September 2013
The concrete is poured, the roof is on, and the landscaping is taking shape in preparation for the opening on Kestrel Way in September 2013 of Leighton’s newest school. Greenleas School, one of Leighton’s Ofsted Outstanding lower schools, was chosen in 2012 by the Local Authority to expand its successful provision at Sandhills alongside its established school at Derwent Road. The whole school community is working hard to make sure
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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. that all is in place for the pre-schoolers, nursery children and school-age pupils who will occupy the new classrooms in the autumn. Already more than 100 children have enrolled for September, and in year admissions for Years 1-4 are welcome. It is anticipated that the school will grow quickly and soon become two-form entry with places for about 300 children (plus pre-school and nursery). Also expected is that the building will be well used for community activities and enquiries are already being received about lettings. Meanwhile, at Derwent Road a new timber frame classroom gives the school additional space for its library, small group learning sessions and cooking club. Greenleas welcomes enquiries from prospective parents and community groups who would like to know more about provision at either Derwent Road or Sandhills. Phone Sue Wilkins on 371735 for more information.
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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
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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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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
m
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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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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.
22
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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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
26
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!
28
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!
30
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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What’sBestForYou
Repaying debts & mortgages
Savings
Think about it. £1,000 credit card debt at 18% costs £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 ......here to help you £165 up. Pay off credit cards even if you haven’t got an emergency fund, as if a real emergency (the roof caving We offer help to those who are in, not needing this season’s shoes) came, you could struggling with difficult situations such simply borrow back on the card and be no worse off than when you started. as stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, With mortgages, if their interest rate (eg, 5%) is higher loss and relationship issues. than the after-tax rate savings (eg,saving 1.5%),rates it makes In November lastonyear I noted were at their sense to use the savings to overpay them. With rates so By sharing or talking through a lowestare levels forin300 years – and they’ve plummeted since. low, many now difficulty with a trained counsellor this category. So if you’ve got savings, making them work for you is even you can find ways of resolving issues, Yet... a) Check there are no penalties for overpaying. tougher than ever. Here are the 10 things you need to cover changing perspectives and coping with If there are, it’s very likely not to be worth it. b) Keep life. enough cash to keep you afloat for three to six months, right now. as unless you’ve an offset mortgage, you can’t borrow We suggest donations towards our expenses, back on it once you’ve repaid it. according to income, but nobody is turned away Even the bestcan easy account is£100 currently The benefit of this be access huge: overpaying a Earn 8% interest lending money to others because of an inability to pay. month on a £100,000 at 4.5% saves £18,000 This can work extremely well, earning some up to offering only 2% mortgage AER interest over 25-year term. Work out your else. own But, sce15%. Your money’s This setsathe benchmark for everything Contacting us lent via special sites uk.zopa. narioremember, at www.moneysavingexpert.com/overpaycalc if the best is this bad, what’s yours offer- com, fundingcircle.com (which lends to businesses) and credit-check borrowers Tel:ratesetter.com. 07890They 133178 ing? If you can’t answer Is it worth locking cash away to get 2.25%? can afford to ndc@ndcounselling.org.uk repay, and chase repayments if they that, check. Email: Normally, locking cash awayiswithout access a fall behind. Many have earned decent returns, but The top paying account currently fromgives DerbyWebsite: www.ndcounselling.org.uk high fixed rate. Right now, the rates are horrid – though, unlike savings, they’ve got no Government protecshire Building Society (thederbyshire.co.uk), with of course, rates no-notice could keep plummetingThis – making these tion. unlimited withdrawals. includes a look good hindsight. This can be extremely lucrative. But it isn’t without 1.5% with year-long introductory bonus, which effecEven tively so with rates it’s questionable whether fix- risks, which you must understand before embarking acts as athis ratelow, promise for that time. After that, es, especially ones, are worth it. Top payer over on it. So please read my full peer-to-peer lending ditch andlonger switch. one year currently Virgin Moneybywith guide at www.moneysavingexpert.com/peer2peer Ratesis are currently dropping the 2.25% day, soAER. for to see if it’s rightdo for you. constantly updated info, What dogs dream of... Premium bonds for higher-rate taxpayers see www.moneysavingexpert.com/topsavings w hen you’re away on holiday or out for the day 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, Premium I’ve never been a fan, Earnthink 3% AER (plusBonds. cashback) in a current savings (get 2.5% AER) and the current prize rate’s just 1.5%. But, as it’s taxA cash ISA is just a savings account you can put account free, that’s equivalent to 2.5% AER for higher-rate 40% £5,640 a year in, where the interest’s tax-free. Bizarrely, forstill theneed best easy access a taxpayers. You’d luck to get it,savings, but for grab high-rate care The topOutstanding, easy-access dealaffordable is Cheshire BS’s 2.5%. It Santander 123 (www.santander.co.uk/123) bank taxpayers who’ve filled their ISA up, the chance of beating own home also allows youintoour transfer in past years’ cash ISAs – account. New and existing customers with £3,000top savings isn’t bad. To see your chances of winning, try so you can boostwith themour too. Check £20,000 get 3% on the whole amount. familyyours now, and www.moneysavingexpert.com/premiumbondcalculator There is a fee of £2 a month, though as it also pays transfer across if needed. This rate includes a 2% bonus for 18 months, effectively acting as a rate nice important 1%-3% cashback bills such as council A fewa final savingsonquickies promise for that time, but you’ll want to transfer out tax, phones andit, energy, shouldI’ve easily cover a) Unless I’ve noted all thethat accounts listed here afterwards. leavesUK many making £10protection. a month orIf more have it. fullThis £85,000 savings safety you’ve If you can wait to access your cash, Coventry top. spreading across multiple accounts. b) more,on consider Building Society’s 60-Day Notice ISA pays 2.8% To cut tax, if you’re a couple, put savings in the lower on balances from £1, guaranteed until December Get 4% AERc)ifIfyou can kids, put money each taxpayer’s name. you’ve as someaway of their ac2013, but it doesn’t allow transfers. month counts pay higher rates, saving in their name pays. But savings offerinterest hot rates, butit,only if theyRegular earn more thanaccounts £100 a year from it’s taxedlet at you yoursave rate.a limited amount each month. To save Your kids can earn 6% The branch-based Halifax Kids’ Regular Saver pays a lump sum, drip-feed fromnew a top easy Energy access Join the Cheap Energy Club it- My Cheap Club account. checks if you’re on the cheapest now and switches a huge 6% AER fixed for a year (max £100/month) if you are prepared to lock cash away. It’s head rates are often to linked to bank you ifThe not.top Then it monitors ensure you’reaccounts, PERMAand shoulders above all others for rate. so check If not,Join thefor topfree dealatopen to all is NENTLY on theyours. cheapest. Annoyingly, those in Scotland need to go to a Norwich & Peterborough’s 4% AER fixed for 12 moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub Halifax branch to open it (though notorafter that) and more information Call: 01525 222022 07711 593782 (with a maximum deposit of £250ismonth). Web months exclusive: 20p Kindle e-books - Amazon selling For anyinfo@doggysleepover.co.uk north of the border. But if you’re email: must pay in every not make a hostYou of Kindle books at 20pmonth, each, and including Yannmore Mar- there aren’t tripping south, it’s a not bad stop-off on the way. www.doggysleepover.co.uk thanofone in thelist year. tel’s Life Pi. withdrawal Amazon doesn’t all 20p titles on one page, so check the bestseller list and scan for bargains.
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WHAT’S ON April 1st Bletchley Park Easter Eggstravaganza
20th and 21st Leighton Bowling Club Open day see advert opposite
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
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
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 7th Discover Adders on Rammamere Heath 9am - 12pm Heathland is a rare and special habitat, and is home to some fascinating creatures. Discover more on a friendly walk with local adder expert Matt Andrews. This event is funded by Natural England Higher Level Stewardship so there is no charge for this walk. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Standard £2 car parking charge per vehicle still applies, so why not share a car journey with friends.To book your place please email info@greensandtrust.org or call 01525 234260 17th Leighton Linslade Business Networking Event. Businesses from Bletchley and surrounding villages welcome. register at www.leightonlinslade-tc-gov.uk
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20th Mentmore Village Green Plant Sale The Mentmore Village Green Garden Plant Sale 12-5pm to be held on Mentmore Village Green, includes several specialist nurseries and a local growers plant stall . Barbeque, cake stall and refreshments available on the Green call Diane 07707 218 719 or Sue 01525 372757 Entrance £1 includes free prize draw (Children free) 21st CCC Craft Fair Woburn Village Hall every 3rd Sunday in the month. www.ccccraftfair.co.uk See advert 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 May 5th Indian Extrvaganza We feature steam locomotives that used to work in India--including one from the world-famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway-and some wonnderful working scale models as well. Page’s Park station is transformed into a little corner of the sub-continent, with authentic Indian food on sale for a family lunch with a difference. Regular departures from 10.40 to 15.40.Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 4TN Sunday 5
May 2013 and Monday 6 May 2013 6th May Fayre Leighton Buzzard High Street and Parson’s Green www.leightonlinsladerotary.com 8th Bluebells at Ashridge join us on our walk to celebrate spring at Ashridge. The walk will be led by our Ashridge Ranger. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre Hertfordshire HP4 1LT 7pm-9pm, £7, £5, pre-book 01442 851227 11 & 12th Alpaca Show plus crafts and stalls. Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Slapton Leighton Buzzard. www. buryfarmequestrianvillage.co.uk Free Entry see our advert centre page. 19th Teddy Bears’ Outing Lots of bear-themed activities, competitions and displays, plus kids travel free if they bring a bear and a fare-paying adult. Regular train departures from 10.40 to 15.40. Return journey 1hr 10mins. Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 4TN 19th CCC Craft Fair Woburn Village Hall every 3rd Sunday in the month. www. ccc-craftfair.co.uk See advert opposite 26th Festival of Transport. A range of classic vehicles Army vehicles to old tractors plus motor bikes of all eras.Plus Model train layouts, Field Gun Run. Martial Arts demonstrations Punch and Judy, Bouncy Castles Craft and Plant Stall and ANNUAL DOG SHOW. Licensed bar,and refreshments Adults£4.00 Concessions £2.00 10:00-5:00PM More details at www.festival-oftransport.co.uk Longueville Hall, Hammond Park, Whaddon Road, Newton Longville,MK17 0EG
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Leighton Buzzard Bowling Club Open Day 10. 00A M - 4.0 0PM
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St George’s Day 23rd April
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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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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.
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