the
August | September 2013
www.thevinemagazine.com
Dairy and Food Intolerances Where and When to Look Up Important checks for Men Plus our usual features and what’s on guide
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Dear All As I write, I have one week until my (I believe) we deserved holiday in the sun. Not that I need to get away to get sunshine at the moment. It was great to have such good weather for the Carnival this year and congratulations to all the floats for making such a brilliant effort. All the best, Andrena Editor:Andrena CardenWhite Advertising & Editorial, The Vine Magazine 0797 155 4604 info@thevinemagazine.com (Leighton Buzzard/Bletchley) twitter @thevineLB facebook.thevinemagazine
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CONTENT 4 8 10 12 14 16 18 26 28 30 32 34
Traveller Part 1 Traveller Part 2 Africa Exchange Tea and Tennis Fantastic Fruit Electrical Safety In the garden Problem with Dairy Abuse and the law Diane’s recipe So good we bought.. What’s On
36 37 40 43 44 45 46
Puzzles Look Up Shocking Bills New balls please Book Review Puzzle Solutions Auto Biographies
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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A ers Travell Tale
Looking for the Lights
S
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omething which had been on Val's and my "must do" list for ages was to experience the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights). I'd already discovered that 2013 was supposed to be the year for maximum activity in the sun's eleven year cycle regarding sun spots - the starting point for these lights. But where to go? General scientific opinion (which, unfortunately, varies considerably) suggests that a zone of latitude between 60 and 75 degrees north is where the displays are best seen. And it is also suggested that the earth is best positioned for the lights around the Spring and Autumn equinoxes. But it's constantly emphasised that light pollution is a real no-no, ie the sky should be as dark as possible - and so mid winter can also be suggested as the best time to go. It's all very confusing! What is more, there is no guarantee that the lights will play ball - they are extremely fickle and capricious. In my opinion, they are definitely female! So, with fingers (and eyes and arms and legs) crossed, we tried to maximise our chances by:- a) choosing to go in 2013; b) choosing a wilderness spot at 68 degrees latitude; c) choosing March. What could possibly go wrong? Read on! We booked a 5 day trip at a tiny venue called Torassieppi in northern Finland. We flew to Copenhagen, then to Kittila followed by an hour's coach ride to Torassieppi. This consisted of a few wooden cabins and a central restaurant/meeting point. The
By Paul Heley
only nearby habitation was a reindeer farm down the road. That night we slept in remarkably warm and comfortable beds even though the outside temperature was -25 or -30 degrees C. Our venue was beside a large frozen lake and the scene was straight out of a picture book - a veritable winter wonderland with snow covered hills, millions of trees, snowy log cabins all glistening under a sunny, blue sky. Absolutely magical. But first, time for our survival gear - it can get very cold at this latitude. We received inner and outer gloves, thick socks, balaclava, crash helmet, boots and an all covering, quilted, oversuit. Together with our own undergarments such as long johns, thermal vests, warm shirts, fur lined bra, head gear and anything else to combat the cold it was a case of Jack Frost, eat your heart out !! When fully togged up with all the various layers, we looked like rolypoly Michelin men: any bending movement was impossible for me! Then a quick lesson on how to drive a skidoo (snowmobile). These have been described as "motorbikes on skis" - but I can assure you that the only similarity is that they both have handlebars! We set off on a "skidoo safari" across the lake, in and out of forests, to the top of a fairly high hill and then back. Driving on a smooth lake is easy but driving over rutted forest tracks and negotiating tight corners on hills is not. Especially when your skis get caught up in someone else's tracks - bike tyres caught in tram lines -
remember? Very difficult to extricate oneself. Afterwards, we had a well earned rest; younger, fitter members went snow shoeing or cross country skiing. There was also a sauna and a dip in the lake through a hole in the ice. But not for me! We hadn't finished yet: there was another burst on the skidoos at 9pm. But lumps and bumps can't be seen in a dark forest and it was hard work trying to stop the beast leaping about all over the place. I'd found a new form of medieval torture:- "ordeal by skidoo"! Passengers were invited to have a go themselves and, although Val had a bash, her wrists didn't hold out long enough. Still, she's driven a skidoo in the Arctic. Not many can say that. Well done, Val. For me, this 30 kilometre experience brought it home loud and clear that I'm not as young as I was and my shoulders took a terrible pounding. But thirty years ago! Just before our evening meal, there was a brilliant display of the lights. But it was all over in a minute - very fleeting, very transient. But it gave us hope for wonderful things to come. So, later on, we tried for the lights again and went onto the lake and marvelled at the wonderful starlit sky. Truly magnificent. Occasionally an intense green glow suggested something might happen - but it just fizzled out. Sometime after midnight, we'd got pretty cold standing about in -25 C temperature even though we'd learnt that the aurora prefers the
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A Travellers
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hours between 11pm and 3am (most inconvenient). One or two people were prepared to wait and had set up their cameras and tripods properly; but were disappointed. Next day, medieval torture No. 2 - "ordeal by husky"! Another lesson on how to control a team of six huskies pulling a sled. However, although one steers a skidoo, with huskies you go where they go. The passenger sits very low in the sled and the "driver" stands behind on two narrow pieces of wood sticking out at ground level. The "brake" is a serrated bar of metal between these foot rests which one stands on to make it dig into the snow. It sounds primitive. It is primitive! Before the start, the dogs are raring to go and constantly straining to be off and as soon as the brake is released, they're away. The driver then has to hang on for grim death. When braking with one foot with the other foot on the sled, it's difficult to keep balance. Life becomes very precarious indeed. Lumps and bumps are exaggerated on a husky sled; at times the passenger is actually airborne. The "fun" lasted for 20 km and once again, Val briefly took the reins but, again, her poor wrists couldn't stand the twisting, turning and braking. However, she can also say she's "mushed" huskies. Good for her. After the evening meal there was a snowshoe trek looking for the lights but Val and I were both shattered so chickened out. But we went out later that night, marvelled at the wonderful sky again, saw a few glows but nothing else. Apparently, had we stayed, there was a bit of a display about 2am and one chap captured something worthwhile (and promised to send us copies. We're still waiting!). Senility now struck with a vengeance! Camera batteries don't like the cold - especially sub zero temperatures and my camera started to play up. Knowing this could happen, I'd earlier bought two new batteries; and then left my charger plus the two new batteries at home!! How foolish can you get? People took pity on the imbecile amongst them and offered their chargers but, of course, none fitted. Idiot! Idiot! Our next unusual experience was at the reindeer farm where we drove a sleigh. Two people sitting side by side promised to be far more sedate and less uncomfortable than either skidoo or husky driving. And so it was whilst "Boris" walked along or gently trotted behind his mate. But if the lead reindeer chose to gallop, they all galloped, and we experienced yet more leaping about over lumps and bumps. Then a lunch of reindeer soup with bread, frozen butter and cookies followed by a talk on reindeer farming and the indigenous Sami and Lapp people. Afterwards, one or two hopefuls tried unsuccessfully to lasso a reindeer and Val and I fed some reindeer. I was amazed at how they could possibly survive on dried moss and lichen - there
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seems seems to be nothing substantial about it. Walking back to Torassieppi, it started to snow which didn't promise much joy for the evening minibus trip looking for the lights. Val went (to be sociable) but I stayed behind with a few other doubting Thomasses and we swapped stories and drinks around a roaring fire in the restaurant. The others didn't see anything - not surprising and justified our decision to stay in the warm. Next day was the final day and some of us went on a coach trip around the area. We saw a film show of the local wildlife and visited an excellent museum depicting the story of the people of Lapland. Then off to the Lainio "Ice Hotel":a series of rooms and bedrooms freshly created each year with ice and snow carvings kept at -4 C. All the "furniture" is ice but seats and beds are covered in skins for thermal insulation. A couple from our party stayed overnight and claimed it wasn't at all cold. Not for me though! After dinner (reindeer again), and as a final finale forever in hope, we went down to the lake again but, although there was the usual magnificent sky, we looked for the lights in vain. The temperature eventually beat us so we gave up. Tails between our legs! Defeated! Next morning, a last walk across the lake and into the forest. Once more, we had brilliant blue sky and sunshine with the whole scene looking as though from a picture postcard. It's not dramatic scenery but when covered in unbroken snow, it is wonderfully peaceful, very serene, and deafeningly silent. We left after lunch and retraced our homeward journey arriving chez nous around midnight absolutely shattered and in need of a restful holiday! In conclusion, we'd gone to Lapland to see the northern lights and, apart from that one brief sighting, didn't really see them as we had hoped (or expected). But, as compensation, we saw beautiful scenery, met some interesting people, and experienced skidoo, husky and reindeer driving. All in all, very good, very enjoyable and very memorable.
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Mabel’s News Hello again!
from Appledown
I am Mabel the resident dog at Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels in Eaton Bray. I want to tell you about the exciting events we are running over the next couple of months. We hope that you will come along and have fun while helping us raise funds for the many dogs in our care.
Charity Dance Night Friday 6th September
Another of our popular dances at St. John’s Hall, Sundon Park Road, Luton at 7.30pm Favourite dance numbers from the sixties through to the nineties. Tickets £8, includes light supper, available from Appledown.
Sponsored Walk Sunday 8th September
On Dunstable Downs. Register between 10am to 12pm Please contact us for details and a sponsorship form.
Evening Dog Walk Thursday 12th September
On Dunstable Downs. Enjoy a gentle guided walk that lasts around 1-1½ hours. Starts 6pm Please contact the kennels for details.
Open Day & Fun Dog Show Saturday 14th September
At the kennels. Lots of classes, lots of stalls! Something for everyone! Enter on the day. 11am – 4pm (classes start 12pm).
Fun Dog Run Sunday 20th October
How fit are you and your dog?! Put it to the test over routes of 5K or 10K on Dunstable Downs. Contact us for more details. If you feel you can offer a dog 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 advice and information. Please note that we have restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under 7 years of age, so please ask for details. Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY Call 01525 220383 . E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com Facebook – Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels. (Reg. Charity No. 1116848)
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In February What do dogs dream of... Hanna when you’re away on holiday or out for the day Mazik,
teacher at from Linslade School in Outstanding, affordable care Leighton in our own home Buzzard was invited with our family to join an educational trip to Kenya to set up a link between the Niatygo Middle School and Linslade. The idea came from Colin Creasey from Cedars Upper School with whom a link with St Aloys Upper School in Reru had already been established. The team spent ten extraordinary days in the hot climate visiting various places. Their main aim was to share experiences and teaching skills with teachers from the local schools, For more information Call: 01525 222022 or 07711 593782 establishemail: newinfo@doggysleepover.co.uk links and renew existing ones. They alsowww.doggysleepover.co.uk had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the customs of the local tribes like Masai and Luo. Watching local people work, prepare meals, dance and travel were amazing experiences and are now being shared with pupils back in Leighton Buzzard. PetWere, a teacher InForget late JuneMe MrsKnot Katherine LEAFLET from Niatygo visited Leighton Buzzard and had Bereavement AVAILABLE an opportunity to work with staff and pupils at Linslade and Cedars. The two schools look forward to developing these very special relationships further as part of their global citizenship work. Support with pet loss
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TEA AND TENNIS If this years Wimbledon has encouraged you to dig out your sweatbands then head down to your local tennis clubs at Linslade and Leighton Buzzard. Both clubs welcome new
members and provide expert coaching courses for all ages. Linslade Tennis Club, beside Mentmore Playing Fields has over 140 members, Club Chairman Mike Phillips says new faces are always welcome “There is no age or ability restriction to playing tennis, anyone can enjoy a game. Our youngest member is just four years old and we have introduced ‘Tea and Tennis’ sessions for our more mature guests, who enjoy playing a few games and then catching up socially over a cup of tea and slice of cake.” The Linslade Club has recently been granted £20k by Leighton Linslade Town Council which along with a substantial contribution from club funds will enable them to upgrade their current facilties. It is hoped plans will be put into action by the end of they year. Visit www.leightonbuzzardtennis.com and www.linsladetennisclub.org.uk for more details.
All brands of DOG FOOD including raw foods Pop in and order your favourite brand we will deliver it to your door FREE local delivery (come in and see if we cover your area) Complete Canine is Your Local Supplier for Dog Food and everything else you could ever need for your dog FREE EXPERT ADVICE FRIENDLY SERVICE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOPS Call Clare also online:www.completecanine.co.uk 01525 221953 or 07854 102669
so you want me to come back on our walks....that explains all the shouting!!!
For non-recall and other unwanted behaviours, we talk dog! Vicky Lawes ACFBA MOGDT canine behaviour practitioner and trainer 07765 287176 vicky@lawespaws.co.uk
Complete Canine and Lawes Pawes are just down the hill from Edlesborough Church at Sparrow Hall Farm, Edlesborough. Open Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 9:30am - 2:30pm Easy Parking and your special friend is welcome too!
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Made to measure blinds for your home
We are a family business serving Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding villages for over 25 years. Vansar Blinds offer free no obligation measuring and quotations and you can choose your blinds or awnings from the comfort of your own home or workplace. We offer friendly advice on choosing from our huge range of affordable fabrics and colours. Call now for a no obligation appointment Tel: 01525 220477 www.vansarblinds.co.uk sales@vansarblinds.co.uk
H l a r tu a h n t l a e H Health natural
N
Fantastic Fruits By Sue Blain
o doubt you’ve been enjoying some fresh, local strawberries, full of vitamin C and folic acid, good for the heart and for whitening teeth too, apparently. Soon it’ll be local raspberries and cherries but a few months before we can help ourselves to free blackberries. All berries are packed full of anti-aging antioxidents, especially blueberries and cranberries that can also inhibit urinary infections. Cherries, classed as anti-inflammatory, contain cholesterol-lowering properties, as do many fruits such as cranberries, avocados and the strangely named dragon fruit. Sliced fresh pineapples and papaya, containing the enzymes bromain and papain respectively, are a good way to start any meal as they aid digestion. In fact papaya is ACE, containing loads of those very vitamins and, like kiwis, also high in minerals. Canteloupe and water melons, containing lycopene and potassium, like tomatoes and blueberries, are reputedly good for the memory. Pomegranates have been used in the Middle East since ancient times for medicinal purposes. It was linked to fertility and rebirth, the root bark used to treat intestinal parasites. It is described as an excellent heart tonic, due to its high potassium, folic acid and iron content. Red grapes, containing lots of resveratrol, are also apparently good for the heart but not to overdo them if you need to keep a check on sugar levels. Recently laboratory tests have demonstrated that grape seed extract slows down Alzheimer’s and kills head and neck cancer cells. Interest is also being shown in the
Naturopathic Practitioner
possible cancer-inhibiting qualities of blueberries, pineapples, papaya, olives and avocados but the fruit that has undergone the most testing for its anti-cancer qualities is the South American fruit known in different regions as Sour Sop, Graviola or Guanobano. The bark, leaves, roots, fruits and seeds have been used for centuries to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. I recently tracked down the juice, Guanobano, in Luton market at the Jamaican stall but fresh fruit is hard to obtain. Supplements are available in health shops. Lauric acid, the main fatty acid found in coconut oil, has antiviral, bacteria and parasite functions as guava and olive very likely have. Olive oil is now widely used in salads and light cooking. Ayervedic medicine recommends mangos as being good for the heart, skin, eyes, liver, and as a natural diuretic. And so the list goes on. Years ago we were eating fruit , usually just apples, pears, oranges, grapes and bananas, for some sweet juicy food, then also for their vitamin and mineral content, later as part of our 5-a-day and now for their other great qualities, almost medicinal in fact . So medicine or tasty fruit? No contest!!
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The
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1 Horton Road, Slapton LU7 9DB www.carpentersarmsslapton.co.uk Reservations 01525 220563 A friendly welcome awaits you at our 14th century Grade II listed pub situated just around the corner in the quiet village of Slapton. Enjoy a mouthwatering menu from light bites to a full 3 course menu in our cosy bar or restaurant.
Wednesday nights is Steak night Prime Aberdeen Angus Steaks with Homemade Chips, Oven Dried Tomatoes & Grilled Field Mushrooms 8oz Rump.£9.95 10oz Rib Eye.£13.95 8oz fillet.£15.95 Braveheart - pre order - £29.90 for two people. Vegetarian and other options available Our delicious lunch time menu is available Wednesday to Saturday 12-3pm
Carvery every Sunday 12-5pm £9.95 adults £5.50 kids 10 yrs and under under 5’s eat free (one child per adult)
Bar opens from 5pm Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday to Sundays 12 - close. Food served lunchtimes Wednesday to Saturday 12-3pm and Evenings 6-9pm. Sunday carvery 12-5pm
10% off food with this advert valid follow us on Facebook to find out Thursday - Saturday 6pm-9pm about our live music nights offers not valid with any other offer
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Electrical Safety In Rented Homes As the number of people becoming landlords soars, research from the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has found that misunderstandings between landlords and tenants over who is responsible for electrical safety in privately rented properties are exposing millions of people to life-threatening electrical dangers. By law, landlords must ensure electrical installations and wiring are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. The ESC recommends landlords should have electrical appliances and installations checked at least every five years, or upon change of tenancy, by a registered electrician, along with carrying out regular visual checks themselves. Landlords are encourage to ensure there is adequate RCD protection in all of their properties (an RCD is a life-saving device that reduces the risk of severe electrical fires and protects against dangerous electric shock). Currently, only approximately 30% of privately rented properties are adequately protected. Landlords can face fines of up to £20,000 for failing to maintain adequate electrical safety. A free guide is available for landlords, outlining their electrical safety responsibilities, along with an online resource outlining recommended actions for landlords and tenants, to give clarity over responsibilities – both are available at www.esc.org.uk/landlords.
What to look for if you are a private tenant • An electrical report confirming that the electrical
installation is safe for use (known as a Periodic Inspection Report) • Certification confirming that any recent electrical work meets the UK national standard BS 7671 • That sockets, switches and light fittings are in good condition with no signs of damage. • That any appliances are provided with manufacturer’s instructions and CE marking, have up to date PAT (Portable Appliance Test) stickers on them (not required if the appliance is new and has not been used before) and are in good working order. Tenants can help themselves by maintaining any electrical items they bring into the house and by reporting anything of concern to their landlord immediately (visit www. esc.org.uk/public/guides-and-advice/leaflets/tenantschecklist/ for advice). Tenants can ask landlords for evidence that electrical safety checks have been conducted or approved by a registered electrician, before moving in. Currently 75% of tenants asked, couldn’t recall discussing electrical safety with their landlord at any time. You should never try to carry out your own electrical repairs. Steve McGiff Electrical Services www.smelectrical.com
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In The Garden
Herb Gardens
Nature tends to dictate what we do in the garden and sometimes it’s just too late to plant those seeds, too early to prune that bush and incredibly you are already on top of the weeding. So what can you do to fulfil that urge to work the land? Why start a herb garden of course! Most activity on your plot is tied to the seasons, but this month we take a look at one project that can be started off at almost any time of the year - your own herb garden. As we’ve taken to growing more and more of our own food so we have found ourselves getting increasingly interested in trying out new recipes to make the most of all those lovely fresh flavours. Recipe books abound in our kitchen and they all have one thing in common - the use of herbs, and what a variety of them there is! Whether you’re looking for a sprig of fresh mint, a handful of rosemary, or some chopped chives what could be better than being able to choose and harvest them right outside your own back door? Choosing the right site for your herb garden is important, and outside your back door is often a good place to start! Planting near the kitchen makes it easy to pop out for a few fresh leaves when you
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are cooking, and many of us have a patio which can easily become home to a variety of container grown herbs. Herbs can make an attractive, fragrant and tasty addition to your borders, or you may prefer to opt for a permanent herb bed. If this is the case you will need to give some consideration to containing the growth of some of the more vigorous varieties. This can be done by dividing the bed (a cartwheel design made with bricks is very attractive), or by using pots sunk into the ground. Herbs comprise of both annual plants, that germinate, grow, flower and die within the year, and perennials that will grow on from one year to the next. Whatever you plant, you will need to find out which type it is and the conditions that it favours. The more hardy perennial types such as thyme, rosemary or mint may be happy outside all year round. One of
the advantages of using containers is that tender varieties can be moved under cover during the worst of the winter and even tender annuals like basil can have their season extended by lifting plants to pot up and keep on the kitchen windowsill as autumn approaches. One of the great things about a herb garden is that it can be continually evolving. Look upon it as just the start of a collection, that will grow with time. Adding a new variety can be as simple as picking up a plant that takes your fancy on a trip out and adding a new pot to your collection. As well as using herbs fresh from the garden, you can dry leaves by hanging in bunches and then storing in an airtight container, or use ice cube trays to freeze chopped up leaves with a drop of water. Store the cubes in polythene bags, great for adding to a stew in the middle of winter!
A beginners guide to…
Dead Heading & Seed Collecting
You will nearly always get more flowers for longer if you can spend some time regularly ‘dead-heading’. That means removing faded flowers to stimulate the development of more flowers, and of new shoots on shrubs and roses. If the dying flowers are left until they form seed pods, the plant thinks its job is done for the year and it won’t bother to produce any more flowers. However, with many of your plants, which have probably cost a packet from the local garden centre, you may want to leave some of the flowers until seed heads are produced so that you can collect the seeds and grow your own plants next season, saving plenty of money. Try it with plants with quite large seeds to start with, like Marigolds or try Aquilega (Grandmother’s Bonnets) or Foxgloves. When the seed capsules turn brown and start to split, cut them off and spread on paper lined trays until they’re fully dry. Take out the seeds and store in small labelled envelopes until ready for sowing. They may not grow exactly the same in character and quality as the original plants but it’s great fun to watch the results of your efforts spring into life.
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YEAR 0 1 G ATIN R B E CEL Chris and Jeanette Figg certainly have plenty to celebrate at MK Tyres. 10 years ago they decided to buy the business, MK Tyres and they’ve never looked back. Chris was already the manager and although they had a young (and growing) family it wasn’t a difficult decision, “MK Tyres was a fantastic business already” says Chris “I knew we could grow it even further” and they did. As well as fitting in having their second child in 2004 ,they quickly relocated to larger premises, at their current address Jeanette & Chris (pictured right) in Commerce Way, with the team Leighton Buzzard and have built their team from 4 up to the 9 highly skilled team they have today. Since then they have extended, added two more MOT bays, a motorcyle MOT bay and a fleet of 4 courtesy cars and a courtesy van. They take pride in offering a professional service but it’s not all serious as their facebook page demonstrates with their “where’s Richie” antics. There’s more to celebrate; this September is Chris and Jeanette’s 20th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary from The Vine
The Nutrition Coach
Is Dairy Good? The Problems with Dairy… Lactose Intolerance:
A lot of studies have shown that humans can’t tolerate lactose (milk sugar) after the age of 4. This means that many of us lose the ability to digest dairy products properly. If you come from a herding culture when milk/dairy has been consumed for thousands of years then you may be a bit more tolerant to dairy. Most of us however, can’t really handle that much milk or dairy. The problem is that when we get bloated or suffer from diarrhoea, we tend to reach for the pills and tablets instead of looking for nutritional reasons why. Dairy and in particular lactose, could be the culprit.
Casein Intolerance:
If I may start by quoting Voltaire, he said “Common sense is not that common”. I believe this is the key when it comes to dairy and milk consumption. If we think about dairy logically, why would we drink another animal’s milk? The other question is why would we drink any kind of milk after weaning? The answer simply put, is that we don’t need to drink another animal’s milk and we certainly don’t need to drink milk after breast feeding. Eyebrows tend to be raised when I say something like this because we have been made to believe that dairy is a staple for humans. The fact is that dairy is not necessary for human beings although breast milk on the other hand is important for babies to grow.
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Casein is the protein found in milk and dairy. Casein has some similarities to gluten. Gluten (protein and wheat) is linked to leaky gut or eroding of the intestinal wall. In the book “The China Study” Casein heavily linked to cancer development. The following is taken from the Live Strong website “Casein is thick, coarse and often used to form the strongest glue known to man. It’s also a strong mucus-forming substance. There is 300% more Casein in cow’s milk than in human milk. Due to this high amount of Casein in the diet, the human respiratory system can become clogged and irritated.
Dairy and Skin Problems
In the “Paleo Diet” Dr Loren Cordain is quite damming of dairy. In one particular blog, he quotes five studies that link excess milk and whey protein to acne. While there doesn’t seem to be anything concrete here, I would recommend cutting dairy out for a few weeks if you do have skin problems.
It’s the calcium, stupid!
Hang on, they scream! Doesn’t dairy and milk provide us with vitamins such as calcium? This is a very questionable point and the challenge is that we barely absorb the calcium from cow’s milk, particularly if it has been pasteurized. The other paradox is that milk is actually very acidic, which actually erodes bones. This happens because the body uses the calcium from the bones to neutralize the acidic effect of the milk and dairy. It does make you think, doesn’t it? Consumption of dairy products, particularly at the age of 20 years, was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in old age. “Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Hip Fractures in the Elderly” (American Journal of Epidemiology. Vol. 139, No. 5, 1994)
Conclusion
If we look at modern milk and dairy consumption, it isn’t linked to health. The truth is that we ‘re not very healthy. If we look at cultures like the native Swiss who, by all accounts drank a lot of raw milk, the difference in health from these populations and modern society is huge. Read “Weston A Price” for further information). The native Swiss drank milk that was milked by hand. The cows ate grass and weren’t injected with hormones and antibiotics like modern day cattle are.
FOOD INTOLERANCE
Could It Be Your Problem!
DO YOU FEEL ‘UNDER THE WEATHER’? Are you are not ’firing on all cylinders’, but don’t know why? Do you have pain that is getting you down? Have you tried all the conventional avenues for help?
Intolerance/sensitivity testing Scenar Pain Relief Therapy Advanced Nutritional Health Screening Reflexology May be just what you need. The UK is one of the top three countries in the world for the highest incidence of allergy! An estimated 21 million adults in the UK suffer from at least one allergy and an estimated 10 million suffer from more than one. These are the latest startling figures given by Allergy UK, but you may be surprised to learn that the figure of people affected adversely by food, chemicals and airborne substances may be much higher, as these figures only cover those suffering from a true allergy, when many are actually suffering from a different type of allergic reaction known as ‘intolerance ‘or ‘sensitivity’. This can give a wide variety of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, dark circles under the eyes, night sweats, migraine, digestive symptoms such as bloating or diarrhoea, skin problems such as eczema and many more. As these symptoms can take up to 72 hours to show themselves, it can sometimes be difficult to work out what is causing your low mood or fuzzy brain, but you could try keeping a food diary. If you find a food you suspect, try leaving it (and everything containing it) out of your diet for at least 2 weeks. If you feel better, then continue to avoid it for at least another 10 weeks to give your body time to forget the reaction it had previously, before reintroducing it slowly. You may find that several foods seem to be a problem and the quantity you eat may also be relevant, so you have to be quite vigilant with this. Supplements such as Vitamin C, Quercetin and Bromelain can act as a very effective natural anti histamine for some people who suffer with this type of reaction and be very helpful, as can taking a good digestive enzyme product from your local health shop, as low natural levels of these chemicals can be a factor in digestive issues. Jacquey O’Brien Libra Health 01525 378894/07990 976207
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IT’S THE LAW ABUSE, HARASSMENT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
If you are being subjected to any form of harassment, domestic violence or abuse, then the first port of call should always be the police. However, it is also possible to obtain a civil Injunction, legally known as a “Non-Molestation Order”. This Order will forbid the abuser from “molesting” you and can have attached to it a “Power of Arrest”, which means that if the Order is breached, the police can immediately arrest the abuser. The breach is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. If you consider that your right of occupation in a property is in danger, then you can apply for what is known as an “Occupation Order”. This Order will stipulate who should live, or not live in the home. The Occupation Order can also go further and stipulate who is going to pay the rent or mortgage on the property.
The police is always the first place to go but there are other legal steps you can take to protect yourself, your income and where you live If you are not the legal owner of a property that you have been living in, i.e. it is owned by your partner, there are other measures that you can take that will protect your financial, as well as your rights as an occupier in the home.
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An example of this is registering a “Restriction” against the legal Title, which means that the property owner will not be able to deal with property, e.g. place the property on the market for sale without notifying you first. A sale or any other such dealing may only proceed once you have applied to remove the Restriction from the Title. You may also have a right to register what is known as “Matrimonial Home Right” against the Title to the property, which will be a Charge that is binding on all third parties including mortgagees. The Charge itself will specify that you have the right to occupy the property and as such you cannot be evicted or excluded from the same. This can be particularly important where you are living in the home with children and have nowhere else to go.
Sheena Munraknah is the Head of Matrimonial Law at Osborne Morris and Morgan Tel 01525 378177 Sheena.Munraknah@ommlaw.co.uk
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Tastes so good... Tastes so good... Tastes soHERB good... POTATO & TOMATO GALETTE
POTATO & TOMATO HERB GALETTE POTATO & TOMATO HERB GALETTE
This simple recipe is a real crowd pleaser and makes a great lunch in its own right or a delicious side dish. Use fresh herbs possible you can with dried Theorgalette may be This simple recipe is aifreal crowdbut pleaser andsubstitute makes a great lunchifinnecessary. its own right a delicious side madeUse in afresh pie dish orifindividual steelyou food Ideally floury potatoes shouldThe be used formay this be dish. herbs possible but canrings. substitute with dried if necessary. galette recipe as they more individual starch which holds the galette together better. If you don’t have food rings in recipe a have pie dish steel food should for this Thismade simple is a or real crowd pleaser andrings. makesIdeally a greatfloury lunchpotatoes in its own right be or aused delicious side this can be made in a piewhich dish inholds exactly the sametogether way butbetter. will take longer to cook. recipe as they have more starch the galette If you don’t have food dish. Use fresh herbs if possible but you can substitute with dried if necessary. The galette mayrings be be made in a pie dish exactly theIdeally same floury way but will take longerbetoused cook. made this in a can pie dish or individual steelinfood rings. potatoes should for this Equipment: Food processor slicing discdon’t or mandolin. recipe as they have more starch which holds the galette togetherwith better. If you have food rings Sharp knife. Food rings and a baking tray Equipment: Food processor with slicing disc this can be made in a pie dish in exactly the same way but will take longerortomandolin. cook. Ingredients for 4 servings Oven: Mark 7, rings 220°cand a baking tray Sharp Gas knife. Food Method: Melt the butter pan. Using some of the butter Ingredients for 4 servings Oven: Gas Mark 220°cin a with Equipment: Food7, processor slicing disc or mandolin. 2 large tomatoes grease theMelt ringsthe andbutter the baking tray Using wheresome the rings will sit. Method: in aa pan. of the butter Sharp knife. Food rings and baking tray 32orlarge 4 medium sized floury Place rings onto greased area. Wash and chop the herbs, dry tomatoes grease the rings and the baking tray where the rings will sit. Ingredients for 4 servings Oven: Gas Mark 7, 220°c potatoes* on kitchen roll to greased stop them sticking together. Reserve a small Place rings onto area. Wash and chop the herbs, dry 3 or 4 medium sized floury Method: Melt the butter in a pan. Using some of the butter Handful of fresh thyme and amount for garnish. Thinly slice tomatoes with aReserve sharp knife potatoes* on kitchen roll to stop them sticking together. a small 2 large tomatoes grease the rings and the baking tray where the rings will sit. chives and leavefor on garnish. a coolingThinly tray toslice allow excess liquid drip.knife Thinly of freshsized thyme and amount tomatoes withthe atosharp 3Handful or 4 medium floury Place rings onto greased area. Wash and chop herbs, dry 60g butter slice the potatoes using tray the food processor and useto drip. Thinly chives and leave on a cooling to allow excess liquid potatoes* on kitchen roll to stop them sticking together. Reserve a small Salt pepper immediately. Layerusing 2 or 3the slices ofprocessor potato in and the rings. Using a 60g&butter slice thefor potatoes food Handful of fresh thyme and amount garnish. Thinly slice tomatoes with ause sharp knife pastry brush or the back of3 aslices teaspoon, paint the Salt & pepper immediately. 2 or of potato the layered rings. a chives and leave on aLayer cooling tray to allow excessin liquid to drip.Using Thinly * King Edwards are a good potato with the butter. Season lightly, sprinkle some pastry ormelted theusing back of afood teaspoon, paint the layered 60g butter slice thebrush potatoes the processor and use herbs and topthe with tomato. Repeat untillightly, you have filled some the choice -Edwards Maris Piper too * King are work a good potato with melted Salt & pepper immediately. Layer 2 orbutter. 3 slices Season of potato in thesprinkle rings. Using a although they’rePiper not as floury. rings, finishing with atomato. potato layer which should be buttered to choice - Maris work too herbs and top with Repeat until you have filled pastry brush or the back of a teaspoon, paint the layeredthe brown nicely. Pop in athe ovenlayer for 30-40 minutes andbuttered remove to although they’re not as floury. rings, finishing with potato which should be * King Edwards are a good potato with the melted butter. Season lightly, sprinkle some when the crust is golden and30-40 the potato feels tender brown nicely. Pop in thebrown oven for remove choice - Maris Piper work too herbs and top with tomato. Repeat until minutes you haveand filled the Diane Johnson with a knife. Scatter with herbs toand garnish and serve piping hot. when the crust is golden brown the potato feels tender although they’re not as floury. rings, finishing with a potato layer which should be buttered to Diane Johnson with a knife. Scatter with herbs to garnish and serve piping hot. brown nicely. Pop in the oven for 30-40 minutes and remove Diane Johnson
30
when the crust is golden brown and the potato feels tender with a knife. Scatter with herbs to garnish and serve piping hot.
The Spice of Life... AN INTRODUCTION Spices have been used since 50,000 BC with the spice trade developing around 20000 BC so this is by no means a modern discovery. A spice is defined as “a dried fruit, root, seed, bark or vegetative substance” with its primary use being colouring and flavouring food. This distinguishes spices from herbs which are leafy parts of plants but which are also used for flavouring and sometimes garnishing. Commonly used spices: Bay Leaf, Chili Powder Peppercorns, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin, Turmeric, Oregano, Sesame Seeds, Saffron, Mace, Star Anise, Cardamom
Because of their incredible properties which kill micro-organisms or indeed inhibits their growth, many spices are commonly used in warmer climates and are particularly prominent in meat dishes to help prolong the life of the food. India is by far the biggest producer of spices in the world, producing some ten times more than the next. Because pepper is a spice, it is a misconception that salt is also categorized in this way. It is, in fact, a mineral.
Designers and manufacturers of quality kitchens Out of hundreds of styles available, and the huge range of appliances and accessories on the market – we are sure to have what you’re looking for, in a design that is ideal for you. Contact us, a local skilled specialist in cabinet making you will be pleasantly surprised! Aston Kitchens 13 Market Square, Winslow, Bucks MK18 3AB Email: sales@astonkitchens.com Web: www.astonkitchens.com
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“So good, we bought
the company”
Dessert and balloons signalled a special party at Cedars Day Nursery in Leighton Buzzard as staff and children joined nationwide celebrations for Employee Ownership Day. While Government ministers championed the idea in London celebrations, Cedars’ staff owners decorated their nursery in Mentmore Road and came up with a sweet treat for everybody to enjoy – a summer berry pavlova. “We are a unique partnership of shareholders invested in giving each and every child in our care the very best start in life. We are enormously proud of our nursery
32
and our company,” Pictured (L-R) are Margaret Cavanagh, Di Hawes, said Manager, Gemma Leotta and Michelle Nokes,Sandra Maxwell Michelle Nokes who has been with the company for 23 years. Wearing special T-shirts, the staff created a display to explain what employee ownership every employee has a voice and meant at the nursery. Leading the a role in the decision making celebrations were long serving process which is great news for owners – who collectively have the children in their care. more than 82 years with the Cedars Day Nursery is part of company – Margaret Cavanagh Di the award-winning Childbase Hawes, Sandra Maxwell, Michelle Partnership which has 41 day Nokes and Gemma Leotta. nurseries in the South of England As Michelle Nokes explained, and over 1500 employees who staff feelings of pride in their take part in ‘save n’ buy’ share nursery and love of their work is schemes and benefit from ‘Buy rooted in the fact that as owners one Get one free’ deals.
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WHAT’S ON August 3rd and 4th Summer on the Lawn at Bletchley Park Traditional country day out - tea and music on the lawn, local craft and produce stalls, children’s activities www.bletchleypark.org.uk 5th - 9th Forest Schools Experience! At Camp MK for great holiday adventures every day! In the third week of Summer Camp MK have a Forest Schools Experience themed week where you can learn tons of outdoor survival skills! Go bug hunting, learn how to build a den, make a camp fire Knowhill Education Unit, 11 Roebuck Way, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK5 8HL www.kidsplaychildcare. co.uk 7th National Play Day. Contact your local parks to find out what is on in your area. MK Play Day Campbell Park MK 11th Hula Rescue Open Day 1-4pm. Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ www.hularescue.org 11th Westend House Leighton Buzzard Open Garden LU7 0RP 2pm-6pm. 2-acre garden featuring herbaceous and shrub borders, formal rose garden, wild flower area adjoining natural pond, vegetable potager and steel bird sculptures. Paddock with rare breed hens, sheep and pigs. £3, Children free. Tel 01296 661332. 13th & 14th Treasure Island at Leighton Buzzard Theatre Treasure Island is a spectacular children’s show, we guarantee that everyone will leave with a smile on their face- no matter what the age. Join us for a swashbuckling, take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventures on the high sea, www. centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/leisure/ leighton-buzzard-theatre
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18th Leighton Linslade Concert Band Parson’s Close Rec, Leighton Buzzard 3-5pm 18th Fenny Poppers Festival 11am6pm, Aylesbury Street, Fenny Stratford. Including the firing of the Fenny Poppers and the live final of Fenny’s Got Talent. www. fennyfestival.org.uk 18th Craft Fair, Woburn Village Hall, local hand made items Free cuppa with the advert opposite.
8th Hula Animal Rescue Fete and Dog Show 12-4.30 Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise, MK17 8HZ www.hularescue.org 14th Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels 11am - 4pm Open Day and Fun Dog Show. Harling Road, Eaton Bray LU6 1QY 01525 220383
13th & 14th Organ Festival family day out - indoor & outdoor event All the sounds and spectacle of the fairground organd Hand turned organs and model steam 18th Children’s Trail Day and Mad engines. Marching bands all Hatters Tea Party starting at the weekend and brass band concert library in Lake Street, Leighton Buz- on Sunday! zard 11am -4pm contact Jo MarMilton Keynes Museum, McConnell tindale on 01525 631911 or email Drive, MK12 5EL partnershp@leightonlinslade-tc. gov.uk 19th Why not come along and join the new season of Tea 24th - 26th Chilli Festival at Frosts Dances starting on Thursday Garden Centre, Woburn Sands, 19 September at the Memorial Milton Keynes www.facebook. Hall, Grovebury Road Leighton com/FrostsChilliFestival Buzzard from 2.00pm. Tickets cost £3.20 per person and includes 26th August Bank Holiday Fayre light refreshments. For further The Woburn Sands Band is holding information, please contact the its’ Annual Fayre on August Bank Events Manager on (01525) Holiday Monday on Mowbray 631916/5 Green, Woburn Sands. The Band will be playing throughout the 22nd Market History Day 10amafternoon. Refreshments and 4pm Leighton Buzzard High Street. a BBQ are available as well as Time to celebrate our Market tombolas, games, The Grand Draw throughout the years. With and other stalls. Mowbray Green, market stalls and entertainment Woburn Sands Buckinghamshire representing peiods through the MK17 8QQ ages. Plenty of things to do and see and look out for the Saxon reSeptember enactment! If you would like more information 4th Family History Talk for or would like to get involved please Beginners 7.15pm for 7.30pm Non contact Jo Martindale, Partnership members of Family History Society Officer. Email: partnership@ very welcome a small donation is leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk or phone appreciated. Methodist Church 01525 631911 Hall, Queensway, Bletchley MK2 2HB 24th Macmillan Coffee Morning 10:30am St Frideswide’s Church, Water Eaton Church Centre, Drayton Road, Bletchley
Try Archery
Craft Fair CCC
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same as Farmers’ Mar
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FR EE AD MI SSI ON
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www.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk
Mark Bunce
www.lbdg.org.uk
25 years experience
PLASTERING SERVICES
All aspects of plastering undertaken • • • • •
New Build Renovation work Outside rendering Re-skim to artex Old cracked walls
For a good quality, trustworthy and efficient service call Mark on 01296 660261 or 07811 206 875 95 High St, Cheddington, LU7 0RG
Leighton Buzzard Theatre, 26th - 28th Sept 2013 Box Office: 0300 300 8125
Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles
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2. Barge in (7) 3. Bush (5) 4. Star of film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s (6,7) 5. Clear cut (5,3,5) 6. Deep red (7) 7. European river (5) 13. Memory loss (7) 15. Campaign, expedition (7) 17. Cord (5) 19. Antiquity, ruin (5)
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BEDFORDSHIRE Call your local PESTFORCE operative Paul Tumalty on 07872 621 345 or 01582 638 828 or visit wwwpest-force.co.uk/bedfordshire and request a call back
Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Looking Up! in August and September 2013 By Seb Jay
Last Chance Saturn: Late summer is our last chance to see Saturn in the evening sky before it dips behind the Sun. The ringed planet can be found low down in the Southwest sky as it starts to get dark. Look for a yellow-orange point of light between 230°-240° SW, and 10°-15° above the horizon. Places like Dunstable Downs have a great view in this direction. With a telescope you’ll see Saturn’s rings in breathtaking detail and some of Saturn’s brightest moons. Moonless Perseids Meteor Shower:
The evening of Sunday 11 August and into the early hours of Monday 12 August sees the peak of this year’s Perseids meteor shower. The Moon sets earlyon, so choose a dark location away from streetlights with a great view towards the Northeast and watch Bedfordshire’s sky light up with the bright white streaks of up to 80 meteors an hour.
See the Summer Milky Way from the Chilterns: Early August and Early September are
great times to see the summer Milky Way overhead. So why not head up into the Chilterns to enjoy our galaxy’s starlight. Hire a telescope from www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk and you’ll be able to pick out dazzling star clusters and the ghostly glow from summertime nebula. Dark Sky Telescope Hire
www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk 01582 521430 seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
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Helping Reluctant Readers
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A study published a while back and reported in The Teaching Times claimed that 42% of children have lost interest in reading by the age of 11. If that’s true it’s incredibly sad. Blame is apportioned to politicians, teachers, the TV and internet, but blame doesn’t achieve anything. Instead, as parents what can we do to encourage our children to engage with literature? Try these great tips to engage reluctant readers.
L
et them see you reading! It sounds obvious but it works. Read some funny bits from your own book aloud to them, or try an interesting newspaper article.
T
ry to schedule a small part of the day for reading. It doesn’t even have to be them reading. My ten-year-old son still loves me to read to him…especially when I put on accents and voices to suit the characters. Lose your inhibitions and have fun with reading and your children will follow suit.
T
ry a joke book or nonsense poetry books. Kids love jokes and rhymes, the sillier the better. They won’t even realise they are reading as they regale you with their new-found anecdotes and ditties.
U
se the power of movies. My ten-year-old really engaged with reading when he saw the first Harry Potter movie. He read the book straight afterwards and realised how much richer in detail it was compared with the film. From then on he was hooked. By Sarah Davey
Music in the park
The Leighton Linslade Concert Band will be playing in the bandstand in Parson’s Close Rec on Sunday 18th August between 3-5pm as part of the Leighton Linslade’s Town Council music in the park. The LLCB has a new director of music, John Ravenor who had a career as a professional trumpeter with among other regiments, the Irish Guards. The band have recently celebrated their 5th birthday and are moving to larger premises at the newly built church hall at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Beaudesert, LB The band are interested in attracting new players so if you would like to know more visit their website www.llcb.co.uk
What’sBestForYou
m LE
By Martin Lewis
Bill Shock
Bill By M
It’s the financial nightmares you never thou
happenthat that really hurt. So here’s how to fig It’s the financial nightmares you never thought would happen really hurt. the top 10 hidden bill perils.
1. “My six-year-old spent £3,200 on an iPh So here’s how to fight back against the top 10 hidden bill perils.
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“My six-year-old spent £3,200 on an iPhone game”.
Letting youngsters sit on your knee while you use your smartphone or tablet means they’re likely to know your password which in turn can be pretty expensive. Recently, England player Sam Vesty got smacked with a £3,200 bill after his six and eight year olds bought their virtual farm animals a mountain of food, with real cash at £70 a pop over three hours. This is just one of the countless examples I’ve heard of. It’s disgusting that a kids’ game allows this, but it happens, so protect yourself. If you’re going to let the kids use your tech, there are tips to follow. Protect your password—your kids may know it without you knowing so change it regularly. Plus ensure your phone’s “app purchases” setting is restricted, so it needs a password. Most phones let you do this. Also speak to your network about financial and parental controls. An alternative with iPhones is to delink your credit/ debit card from your account and buy vouchers instead. Then it’ll never go over the top. And, finally, if all goes wrong and you’ve been stung by a massive charge due to the kids, do call up and explain. Often they’ll wipe it on a ‘one strike and you’re out’ policy—as they did for the rugby-playing dad.
2
Beware of debit card stealth charges when abroad.
Santander, NatWest, RBS, Halifax, Lloyds all add up to £1.50 every time you use them to spend on them overseas. AVOID! Instead, get a specialist overseas credit card—Halifax Clarity, Post Office, Saga (over 50s) and for Nationwide account holders ONLY, its select card. These have no spending charge, low ATM fees and crucially they don’t ‘load’ the exchange rate, meaning near perfect rates worldwide. Yet the golden rule is to set up a direct debit to repay these cards IN FULL each month to avoid interest. Full help and full card-by-card breakdown at www.moneysavingexpert.com/travelcards.
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Letting youngsters sit on your knee while yo smartphone or tablet means they’re likely t password which in turn can be pretty expen
3
Avoid paying £150 a month for busting Recently, England player Sam Vesty got sma your overdraft £3,200 bill after his six and eight year olds b
Break your overdraft limitvirtual by even £1 and you can farm animals a mountain of food, wi face charges up to £5 a day Clydesdale, up is just one £70 aor, popatover three hours. This to £35 a transaction. It’s very easy getof. caught examples I’veto heard It’s disgusting that a out, but extremely costly,allows so ensure stay in the yours this, butyou it happens, so protect black. If you have been caught with a hefty amount If you’re going to let the kids use your tech, of bank charges, many of you will remember a few to follow. Protect your password—your kid years ago I was urging people to reclaim them. without you knowing so change it regularly. Some got thousands back. While a decision in the your phone’s “app purchases” setting is res Supreme Court put an end to that, rumours of the needs a password. Most phones let you do death of bank charges reclaiming have been greatly to your network about financial and parent exaggerated. alternative with is to delink you If you’ve had charges andAnthey’ve put iniPhones financial fromtoyour account Full, and buy vouchers in hardship, you may still becard able reclaim. never go over the top. And, finally, if all goe step-by-step help at www.moneysacvingexpert. you’ve been stung by a massive charge due com/bankcharges.
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call up and explain. Often they’ll wipe it on and you’re out’ policy—as they did for the r offering dad. £15 off your next
Beware traps purchase with an online 2. Avoid discount paying £150 a month for busting y
Shockingly, even sites like The Trainline and TicketBreak your overdraft limit by even £1 and y master have reportedly made an extra 30 pieces of charges up to £5 a day or, at Clydesdale, up silver by allowing membership clubs like Shopper transaction. It’s very easy to get caught out Discounts to push these offers once you’ve bought costly, so ensure you stay in the black. If yo stuff. Many have been caught out, as MoneySavcaught with a hefty amount of bank charges ingExpert.com forum userwillSweetie27 wrote: Bought remember a few years ago I was urging a train ticket and must have clicked a link, as for reclaim them. Some got thousands back. W two years Shopper Discounts has been taking £10/ mth from my account, now totalling “300. I did not know anything about this and am totally gutted.” Communications about these have marginally improved since then but, be very careful—my view is these aren’t worth signing up to.
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Watch TV online? Don’t pay a hidden £5 per film
Web players now pump out programmes with image quality rivalling Sky and Virgin. Yet this hoovers up data and many broadband packages have data limits. You can be charged up to £5 per 5GB (about two HD films) if you’re over your limit. Consider an unlimited package, normally only a couple of quid a month more expensive.
What’sBestForYou Complete accounting solutions “I got a £3,000 holiday mobile data bill.” 6 small businesses for large and
Many smartphone apps routinely check for updates and downloads in the background and this can lead to monster fees when abroad. Watching TV, videos or even streaming music is worse. Prices aren’t regulated outside Europe, so turn 3G off. One of my users got stung with a £3,000 bill just for a few emails and maps on a trip to India and the USA and leaving their data roaming on whilst not using it.
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“I got a £3,000 holiday mobile data bill.”
Many smartphone apps routinely check for updates and downloads in the background and this can lead to monster fees when abroad. Watching TV, videos or even streaming music is worse. Prices aren’t regulated outside Europe, so turn 3G off. One of my users got stung with a £3,000 bill just for a few emails and maps on a trip to India and the USA and leaving their data roaming on whilst not using it.
7
Don’t ‘nearly’ repay cards in full—you’ll get an unexpected slap…
Repay credit cards in full and you usually don’t pay any interest. Yet if you owe £5,000 and repay £4,999 many cards will still charge you that month’s interest on the whole £5,000.
8
Beware of mobile voicemail which can be 35p a minute
Voicemail isn’t always free. Many firms charge a hideous 35p a minute if you call it when you’ve used your inclusive minutes (or from abroad). It’s best to keep track of your spending, or maybe turn it off whilst you’re on holiday.
9
Repay credit cards in full and you usually don’t pay any interest. Yet if you owe £5,000 and repay £4,999 many cards will still charge you that month’s interest on the whole £5,000.
Fixed your energy price? Watch for pricey ‘go-to’ tariffs.
8
Beware of mobile voicemail which can be 35p a minute
fixed fee quotes 01525 853004
Voicemail isn’t always free. Many firms charge a hideous 35p a minute if you call it when you’ve used your inclusive minutes (or from abroad). It’s best to keep track of your spending, or maybe turn it off whilst you’re on holiday.
9
Fixed your energy price? Watch for pricey ‘go-to’ tariffs.
Once a fixed energy tariff ends, you slide onto providers’ uncompetitive standard tariffs—up to £260/year more than the cheapest. So diarise when it ends and switch again or join my new Cheap Energy Club at www.moneysavingexpert.com/ CheapEnegryClub which will do it for you.
10
Have debts were you bank or save? Beware…
If you have credit cards, loans or mortgages at the SAME bank where you save then beware. Banks can legally ‘set off’ or use your cash to repay your debts without asking you. They tend to do it if you’re struggling to repay. This has cancelled Christmases and left many in misery. One proud dad told me he paid £12,000 to his daughters account for her big day. Two days later, the bank used £6,000 of it to pay off her credit card debt even through there was a repayment plan in place. It’s legal. If you’re at risk, the golden rule is to simply separate them and use different financial institutions to save and to borrow.
Get Martin’s FREE tips and money-off vouchers emailed directly to you each week by signing up to www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips
Join us at the biggest business event in Leighton Buzzard for years. • Network with like-minded & pro-active business people • Discover new opportunities
Wednesday 18 September Sports Hall, Cedars School, Leighton Buzzard
• Grow your business • Over 70 exhibitors
6-8pm Sponsored by
• FREE for visitors • Pre-registration required Register to exhibit or attend at:
www.lbconnect.co.uk/business-fair
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Men! Read This It Could Save Your Life
Testicular cancer
is relatively rare, yet it is the most common type of cancer to affect men aged between 15 and 44. Factors that can increase the risk include having a family history of the disease, and being born with undescended testicles. Rates of the disease are also five times higher in white men than in black men. Thankfully, the outlook for men diagnosed with testicular cancer is one of the best for all types of cancer. Over 95% of cases of men with early stage testicular cancer will be completely cured. Even cases where the cancer has spread outside the testicles have an 80% chance of being cured. As with other cancers, early detection improves your prognosis and can reduce the amount of treatment necessary. The most common symptom to look out for is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Read how to examine yourself below, but be aware that fewer than 4 in 100 testicular lumps are cancerous. Other symptoms may include a dull ache or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Sometimes, testicular cancer can spread to the lymph glands at the back of the abdomen, which can cause backache. Lumps can also form in the lymph glands around the neck and collarbone. Testicular cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the centre of the chest. This leads to swelling, a cough and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. The cancer cells may also spread to the lungs themselves causing breathlessness, but they do not usually affect other organs. Treatment of testicular cancer involves surgically removing the affected testicle. This should not affect fertility or the ability to have sex, and a false testicle can be put in place so that the scrotum will have a normal appearance. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or additional surgery may also be required, depending on the type and spread of the disease.
How To Examine Yourself You should check your testicles regularly – once a month is a good interval. The best time to do this is after a warm bath or shower when your scrotal skin will be relaxed. Hold the scrotum in the palms of your hands and use your fingers and thumb to gently feel each testicle. Look out for any lumps or swellings, or an increase in size or weight. (You should feel a soft tube at the back of each testicle – this is normal). It is rare to develop cancer in both testicles at the same time, so you can compare one with the other to see what is normal. If you notice anything unusual, contact your GP as soon as possible.
A Good Read For You
My Animals and Other Family By Claire Balding In recent years, Claire Balding has slowly risen to ‘national treasure’ status. Not only does she know a great deal about sport, but she seems to have the knack of showing genuine interest in everything she presents and everyone she talks to. It all appears to be such good fun. This same personality shines out from her autobiography, which covers her childhood, school, university, and the very beginnings of her broadcasting career. As the title suggests, it is the animals who take centre stage in a world that revolves around horses and dogs. Each chapter is based on a particular character, from Candy the boxer dog who was her very first friend, to some of the greats of the equine world who passed through her father’s racing yard. From the first, this feels like a very honest book. Balding does not paint over her faults – she shows them very clearly and is not afraid of being the butt of the joke. The sections
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which deal with her relationship with her younger brother Andrew are likely to feel very familiar to anyone who has ever coerced a younger sibling into doing something they really knew they should not: or indeed to anyone who has ever been that unfortunate younger sibling! Her school life is particularly well told too, as she documents the mistakes she made and the way in which she seized the second chance she was given. The most memorable and touching aspect though, is the passion for the animals who give the book their structure. As well as telling the story of her early life, Balding offers a fascinating insight into the life of a racing yard, and the highs and lows of competitive horse racing when your father is a champion trainer. Beautifully illustrated and always well written, this is an excellent read for anyone interested in sport, animals or even just people.
For The Kids
The Family from One End Street By Eve Garnett
This 1930’s classic has recently been re-issued as a Puffin Modern Classic, and rightly so. Telling the story of Mr and Mrs Ruggles and their seven children, it has captivated children for many years and will do so for many more. This is the first in Garnett’s series and introduces the family – Dad Jo, Mum Rosie and the children: Lily Rose, Kate, twins Jim and John, young Jo, Peg and baby William. The first chapter tells us how they all got their names and sets the scene, then each subsequent section details one of their many adventures. All of the Ruggles have an uncanny knack for getting into scrapes – from Lily Rose’s attempt to help her mother with a customer’s washing, which doesn’t go to plan, to the tale of clever Kate’s lost grammar school hat, and the daring escapades of Jim and John. The book ends with ‘The Perfect Day’ at the Cart Horse parade in London, riding on Uncle Charlie’s dust cart. Each episode is beautifully illustrated with Garnett’s line drawings. This may not be the most fashionable or up to date novel, but it has stood the test of time. Any reader will find much to enjoy, but particularly girls age 8 and over will take the Ruggles to their hearts and perhaps wish for the freedom and fun enjoyed by the children in days long gone.
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Wise Buddah and Mothership Management are delighted to announce plans for Stage Door, a brand new online radio station for fans of Musical Theatre presented by some of the biggest stars of the stage. Stage Door stemmed from a conversation between Wise Buddah’s Head of Content Simon Willis and Mothership Management founder Rebecca Sichel-Coates. Simon is a Radio and TV Producer and Musical Theatre fan with 15 years BBC experience. Rebecca is a music professional and musical theatre fan who manages leading men and women for some of the biggest West End shows having previously worked with the likes of Robbie Williams, Diana Ross, Corinne Bailey Rae and Barbara Streisand in her roles as Media Director at EMI Records and Columbia Records. Both huge fans of Musical Theatre, they identified the lack of a radio station dedicated just to the genre, and have since devised a plan of how to change that. The Stage Door Indiegogo campaign has a host of incredible pledge incentives, from private singing lessons with a star of the stage to VIP tickets to West End shows to the opportunity
to produce or present a segment of a Stage Door show. The target has been set at £145,000 which will fund the station for the first year. Financing Stage Door through Indiegogo enables fans to have a voice in deciding what content they want to hear, as well as building an audience in the lead up to launch. Favours have been called in and contacts pooled to bring the best content to the widest audience, and with a group of investors made up of fans rather than financiers, Stage Door will be about content rather than profit Rebecca Sichel-Coates said: “We’ve had an overwhelming level of support already, from performers to producers to fans. We feel Stage Door can become the number one place for fans to listen to music and get closer to Musical Theatre...” The Indiegogo campaign will run for 60 days from Wednesday 19th June, with pledges updated regularly. Visit the campaign page here: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/stage-door/x/3660732
auto Biographies NEW
AUDI A3 By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk
Audi has made a breakthrough in premium compact hatchback quality and capability with the all-new A3.
FAST FACTS Max speed: 130 mph 0-62 mph: 8.6 secs Combined mpg: 68.9 Engine: 1968cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 148 at 3500 - 4000 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 236 at 1750 - 3000 rpm CO2: 106 g/km Price: £22,730 on the road PROS & CONS Quick√ Well appointed√ Economical√ Stylish√ Rear legroomX
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edesigned from the ground up following the principles of ‘Audi ultra’ lightweight construction, the German motor tips the scales an impressive 80 kg lighter on average than its forerunner. The same meticulous pursuit of progress is evident in the sophisticated cabin, which genuinely breaks new ground in the class with standards of materials, workmanship and ergonomics that indisputably push the boundaries at this level. British Audi A3 models have launched with a choice of three specification options – SE, Sport and S line - all of which are extraordinarily well appointed. The Sport model, on test here, sits on beefy 17 inch alloy wheels and features the ‘Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system’. This enables you to choose from five modes which prescribe the car’s driving characteristics – Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual. They influence the weighting of the steering, the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal, the shift points of the S-tronic transmission, if fitted, and the parameters used by the optional adaptive cruise control system. Additional Sport features include a revitalizing two-zone climate control,
sports seats, sports steering wheel and aluminium detailing inside and out. On the move, the A3 Sport oil-burner, although perched on firm and athletic springs, is not uncomfortable and it sticks to some of England’s more twisty roads like a limpet. There is plenty of room for you and your passenger in the front, although your friends in the rear seats might find it hard to stretch their legs out. That said, all the seats are supportive and the 2.0-litre 150 TDI lump allows you to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 8.6 seconds. But the car doesn’t stop there; where legal the needle will spin way up the dial to 134 mph. The rapid acceleration is made all the more easy to achieve thanks to the all-new A3’s slick six-speed manual gearbox. Not only is this first-class hatchback’s turbo diesel engine quick, it is also highly fuel efficient. Engine start-stop technology and energy recuperation systems enable the A3 2.0 TDI Sport to achieve up to 68.9 mpg – and this is the selling point. Yes, the Audi is quick, comfortable and stylish – but, more importantly, it will keep you from frequently forking out at the pumps.
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At Osborne Morris & Morgan we understand the challenges couples and families face during the unfortunate breakdown of a relationship. Our highly experienced team is ideally placed
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