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June|July 2014 www.thevinemagazine.com
MILTON KEYNES PREPARATORY SCHOOL Tattenhoe Lane, Milton Keynes MK3 7EG www.mkps.co.uk : info@mkps.co.uk
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Hello and welcome to the June/July edition. Well we have had some sunshine (and some rain) and my garden is blooming. I have my flip flops on and they are not coming off until October, summer here I come. For those of you with teenagers going through exams I am sure the summer cannot come soon enough, I certainly will be relieved when it is all over. How about trying the recipe on page 24 at your next barbecue and don’t forget if you don’t fancy anything in the What’s On Guide there is plenty more on the website calendar. All the best Andrena
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CONTENT 6 A Traveller’s Tale - part 1 8 Sweet Feet 10 Auto Biographies 12 Banking 14 A Good Read 16 Home Sweet Home 18 It’s the Law 20 Tree Nightmare 22 Green Green Grass 24 Recipe 25 Puzzles 26 Technology 28 What’s On 30 Traveller’s Tale -part 2 31 Puzzle solutions/Looking Up 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.
About The Vine Magazine - in case you were wondering! The first Vine Magazine (Dunstable) was started about 6 years ago by my friend Shelly. She lives in the same village as me and when I was made redundant in February 2012 I got talking to her and before you know it (April 2012) I had printed my first magazine; The Vine Leighton Buzzard. Between us both we now cover 6 areas, (they are on the website if you would like to know more) we are not Me and Shelly - we a franchise, most of our meetings are full of raucous laughter and may have had a drink over excited dogs (the kids aren’t allowed in!) but somehow between us we have become the biggest small magazine in the area, hand delivered to 62,000 households. Our plan is always to make a magazine with plenty to read in it. Our success depends on the advertisers getting calls from the adverts in the magazine. We do as much as possible to promote our advertisers as they are local businesses trying to do well just like us. We get to know them personally and so if you do give someone a call, please mention that you saw them in The Vine Magazine. We do lots on Facebook and Twitter too, we promote our advertisers special offers and also lots of the local events that we don’t have space to fit in the magazine. Often we are just sitting at our desks in our houses wondering if anyone is enoying what we do, so if you ever get an overwhelming urge to let us know, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you x
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A Travellers Tale Thrown to the lions at Arles (almost!) By Paul Heley
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At the back end of last year, Val and I thought we'd spend a few days in the Avignon and Arles area of southern France. These places - and others round about - are world famous for their Roman ruins and are also dripping with medieval history. So this was to be a "history" rather than a "scenery" trip. We flew to Marseille in the morning and were transported the short distance to Avignon. In the afternoon we familiarised ourselves with the geography of the city and soon realised that there would be enough history to satisfy our modest demands - and with some left over. Next morning we embarked on a guided walking tour of the Old Town located safe and sound behind its thick, high and encircling medieval ramparts. We were aiming for the Palais des Papes - the "Palace of the Popes". This colossal building was the seat of papal power between 1309 and 1377 following a "spat" with Rome. Nine popes resided here during that time - in the so called "Unholy Babylon" according to its opponents. But on a lighter note, this background gives its name to the world famous local wine, namely the splendid Chateauneuf du Pape. The Palais des Papes consists of many separate stone halls, anterooms, sacred areas, watchtowers and courtyards and is absolutely HUGE: it is the world's largest Gothic palace. It is also extremely sumptuous and represents what must have been the height of luxury during medieval times - these popes certainly knew how to look after themselves! Many of the frescoes which adorn the walls are in surpris-
ingly good order: there is one room in particular showing 14th century hunting scenes which still appear almost as fresh as when they were first painted. It's interesting to note that the heads of figures carved over doorways, for example, had often been knocked off during the French Revolution (which seems a rather petty act of defiance to me). In the afternoon, Val and I had hoped to look at the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral but, sadly, it is still undergoing considerable internal restoration and entry is barred. However, it's built on high ground offering splendid views over Avignon in general and the old bridge in particular. This bridge originally sported 22 arches but only 4 remain but where these other arches would have been (since the bridge still stretches more than half way across the river) is difficult to imagine. This is the bridge famous for the childrens' song "Sur le pont d'Avignon" telling about when people used to dance there. But although it's always assumed that people danced on the bridge (as in "sur le pont"), the wording should, in fact, be "sous le pont" because, apparently, people used to dance on a small island below the bridge. After Avignon, our next port of call was Arles: another place steeped in history and a Mecca for those interested in the painter Van Gogh (both with and without his ear!). But historically, its particular fame lies with its Roman arena extremely well preserved even after 2000 years. It has been extensively cleaned and its white limestone walls sparkled in the December sunshine.
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Health Beauty & Wellbeing Sweet Feet For Summer
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W
e’ve kept them hidden in shoes and boots all Winter, but when Summer comes it’s good to put on a pair of sandals or flip flops, or perhaps even walk around with bare feet. So, how can we make sure our feet are in tip-top condition and feel confident about showing them off to all around us? If you have a lot of rough and hard skin, foot conditions such as athletes foot, fungal nail infection, an ingrowing toe nail, calluses, corns or verrucas, a session or a number of appointments with a chiropodist or podiatrist is recommended. The terms are interchangeable, but strictly in the UK, ‘Podiatrist’ is a reserved title meaning that it can only be used by those registered with the Health Professions Council. Inside the profession, chiropody is used to suggest the routine processes of foot care, whilst podiatry is indicative of the higher skills and academic levels. Once any medical issues have been eliminated, you may wish to keep up the look and condition of your feet through pampering at home, or a trip to the beautician for a pedicure.
Regular maintenance tasks should include: • Cutting your toe nails short. The use of clippers is generally recommended. Nails should be no more than a couple of millimetres over the edge of your toe. • Next, file your nails using an emery board. File them so they are smooth, neat and square. • It’s good to soak your feet in a bowl of warm water and use a foot scrub or lotion to get them clean and feeling smooth and silky. • Various tools and devices are available to help you file hard and crusty skin to make it smooth. At home and at a beautician’s this is likely to be a pumice based product. A chiropodist is more likely to use a blade. • Apply moisturising cream daily and massage it in well, including between the toes. Let it dry before putting on socks or tights, as persisting dampness can cause fungus or athletes foot. • Once a week, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick to keep your toes healthy. If you want to beautify too, you can apply polish to your toe nails. Some polishes have nourishing qualities. Make sure you remove traces of any previous polish with an appropriate remover. Toe separators can make the job of applying polish easier. Ongoing measures for foot health include putting your feet up after shopping sprees or long walks, and making sure shoes fit properly to prevent blisters or crushing of toes.
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By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer
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@carwriteups Biographies
auto FIAT 500L
The Fiat 500L Trekking combines a fashionable look with special grip gadgetry called Traction+, which helps the car handle difficult and dicey ps Trekking 1.6 Multijet whee surfaces. tyres. By Tim Barnes-Clay Fiat a Under conditions of low or zero traction, the skid-p system detects slip, making www.carwriteups.co.uk it easy to maintain rugge directional stability and control. The car is slow wheels which withcommud and give it a rugged look. Thissnow is because the Italian he Fiatwere 500Lfitted Trekking and cumbersome to begin with, but the If you’re concerned about the automaker a fashionable look disposition, tyres.Tobines emphasise its outdoor the has raised the car’s If you technology certainly inspires confidence wellbeing of youduring and your suspension it to drive gadgetry Fiat alsowith has special specificgrip front and rear bumpers, a to enable passengers then the Fiat will and y over ground more efcalled Traction+, which helps bad conditions. skid-plate and fog lights which help give itrough a driving certainly tick your box. It’s one tick yo fectively. the car handle difficult and rugged look. of the safest motors on the road Features on the 500L includes dicey surfaces. road t The fresh model offers the same functional and today, as demonstrated by its a touchscreen radio with Under conditions of low or If you’re concerned about the wellbeingpractical of you qualities of the standard Fiat 500L, but prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star Euro N zero traction, the system detects Bluetooth, six airbags, ESC and your passengers then the Fiat will certainly has a more upright look. This is because the rating. In fact the 500L Trekkingis the Stability Control), slip, making it easy to maintain (Electronic tick directional your box. It’s one of thecontrol. safest motors on the is the the first carsuspension in the Fiat range Brake cruise control, leather gearknob stability and Italian automaker has raised car’s roadThe today, demonstrated by its prestigious to provide Citymore Brake Control design andtosteering dual zone car isasslow and cumberenablewheel, it to drive over rough ground Eurosome NCAPto5-star In the fact the 500L Trekking as standard. This system is climate control, side mouldbegin rating. with, but collisi effectively. is the first car in the Fiat range to provide City
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Brake Control as standard. This system is windows, automatic lights with of low-speed collision in traffic. confidence during bad driving Overa on the includes a touchscreen rainFeatures sensors, front fog 500L lights and It’s clever stuff. conditions. designed to reduce the effects of low-speed with Bluetooth, six airbags, Overall,ESC the (Electronic big Fiat is a robust appea The fresh model offers thestuff. same rearradio armrest. The Fiat also has collision in traffic. It’s clever
eco-leather conscious families who need and p ties of thebig standard 500L,motorwith Overall, the Fiat is aFiat robust and willsteeringinserts. and wheel, dual zone climate control, the space for five people combut to hasstyle a more uprightfamilies look. who Toneed be honest, all that the appeal conscious the accele side mouldings, parking sensors, electric bined with functionality and lacks is a built space for five people combined with 500LTrekking functionality windows, automatic lights with rain sensors, front practicality. Just don’t expect time t in sat-nav. Other than that, and practicality. Just don’t expect awesome fog lights and rear armrest. The Fiat acceleration also has highawesome and cer- secon my flagship test model came FAST FACTS acceleration and certainly allow yourself lotswith of kit including 17” tainly allow yourself lots of timesluggi loaded tech fabric seat upholstery with eco-leather Max speed: With109 mph time to overtake. a 0-62mph pace ofwheels 12 to overtake. With a 0-62mph alloy which were fitted 0-62 mph: 1.6 M inserts.the seconds, life can get a12.0 littlesecs frustrating behind pace of 12 seconds, life can with mud and snow tyres.To Combined mpg: 60.0 sluggish, albeit inoffensive wheel of the Fiat 500L get a little frustrating behind emphasise its outdoor disposiEngine: 1598cc 4 cylinder Tothe beFiat honest, allspecific that the 500LTrekking lacksinoffensive is a 1.6 MultiJet 105hp Trekking. the sluggish, albeit tion, also has 16 valve diesel
built sat-nav. Other than wheel that, my flagship test of the Fiat 500L 1.6 front andin rear bumpers, a skidMax. power (bhp): MultiJet 105hp Trekking. plate and fog lights which help model came loaded with kit including 17” alloy 105 at 3750 rpm FASTMax. FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS torque (lb/ft): 236 at 1750 rpm Grippy√ Max speed: 109mph CO2: 122secs g/km Safe√ 0-62 mph: 12.0 Price: £19,590on the road Stylish√
Combined mpg: 60.1 No built in sat-navX PROS & CONS 1598cc 4 cylinder 16 valve Engine: SlowX Grippy√
diesel Safe√ Max. power (bhp): 105 at 3750 rpm Stylish√ No built in sat-navX Max. torque (Ib/ft): 236 at 1750 SlowX rpm
CO2: 122 g/km
10 Price: £19,590 on the road
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he Official Secrets Act and the passing of time have prevented the Bletchley Park story from being told by many of its key participants. Here, at last, is a book that allows some of them to speak for the first time. Gordon Welchman was one of the Park's most important figures; his pioneering work was fundamental to the success of Bletchley Park and helped pave the way for the birth of the digital age - yet his story is largely unknown. In order to finally set the record straight, Bletchley Park historian and tour guide Joel Greenberg has drawn on Welchman’s personal papers and correspondence with wartime colleagues that lay undisturbed in his son’s loft for many years. Packed with fascinating new insights, this is essential reading for anyone interested in the clandestine activities at Bletchley Park. RRP £25.00 286 Pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781848327528
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By Martin Lewis
Bank Accounts LEWIS
Once upon a time, bank accounts were ugly creatures that bit
Tackle hard yourwhen bills you went overdrawn, and gave nowt back when you
were in credit. Today most still do exactly that. Yet a few innovative gems are starting to sparkle.
comparison on any Ofgem-approved comparison site – Winter is coming. Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in for The Code the white stuff to of sort your bills. Here, truly the justItsearch also gives £100Confidence for switching, soat provided you don't So, instead bank bashing, todayprevention I'm applauding keep savings in there, it can addlist. up well. bank–accounts www.ofgem.gov.uk to see the full beats cure tackling that yourpay. bills now means you can take Last September, response to multiple wrist-slappings the financial bite out ofinwinter chills… The Bank Service Medallist for blocking competition, the banks finally made If you're not online, use aGold comparison with a phone Free loft insulation andlaunching even boilers (for some). Your such bankas account's the one on financial product switching easier, the new ‘seven day switch-service, Energyhelpline 0800 074 0745,you or While ing’ the loft insulation free-for-all's ended, some will interact with day-to-day, so service counts. So every six system. uSwitch on 0800 051 5493. still beThey entitled someyour serious free energy-saving nowtoswitch direct debits and standing orders months, I poll on my site to find out which bank you bills by monthly direct debit’s up to 6% rate energy the most. within a week, close your old account and ensure pay-Paying measures. And every time I’ve done it Firstdirect.com has won the ments get forwarded to your new bank for 13 months. cheaper. gold medal by it’ll a mile. Financially, it's decentbills too,ofgivIf you can, do, as usually mean discounted up Most of the big six energy firms offer free boilers, The Bank Thatand Pays To Payusually Your worth Bills to 6% ingless, £100sotocontact join andyour a 0% overdraft up toThough £250. provider to for check. typically worth £2,000, freeYou insulation, ago,you Santander.co.uk a customer about Three £300. years Crucially, don't need towas be with the ser- always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your The Banks That Give You A 0% Overdraft vice pariah. Now its innovative 123 current account energy provider to get it, but you do generally need an is bill is estimated. If it’s too high, you have a right to ask a debt like any other. If you go into the the customer service silver medallist, with 74% rating itfor An it tooverdraft's be lowered. income under £16,000, and to be on income-related great. Roly tweeted me: "We've been using it for seven red often, the most crucial thing's cutting its cost to give benefits or pension credit. I can’t definitely say you’ll respite to clearYou it. While Firstdirect.com offers a 0% Gotyou electricity only? can still save. months – we've earned £350 with the credit card." qualify, but it is worth checking. Alternatively, the welloverdraft for up to you £250, Nationwide.co.uk's You gain in two ways. Pay bills by direct debit and youWith electricity only, can still get a cheap fixFlexDirect to save meaning Green Dealphone initiative designed givethe aninfo interest-free overdraft though getbut 3%stuttering cashback on mobile, andisbroadband; justmay follow above. For those for on more, Economy 7, it to let you for things heating,tax double only lasts a year (it's after). 2% pay on energy; andlike 1%underfloor on water, council and assessing is trickier. It’s 50p/day only really a boon for those who glazingSantander and solid mortgage wall insulation, fromThese the 'savings' you its isn’t long to clear it's payments. should dwarf useIfatthat least 40% ofenough their energy at your night.debt, If notthen – don’t make on energy fee, bills.asDeciding it’s right you£10/ possible to shift your overdraft to a few specialist £2/month someonewhether with typical bills for earns bother. Full help to decide at www.mse.me/eco7 is complex, for pays full help read credit cards which are 0% for 29 months. This can be mth. Itsoalso a best buy 3% AER savings interest if Canayou your stopcock? www.moneysavingexpert.com/greendeal littlefind tricky though, so read my full instructions on you've £3,000-£20,000. sniggering - winter pipe bursts can create an and best buys atfrozen www.moneysavingexpert.com/ To qualify, you must pay in £500/month (ie, a £6,000+No that, Save £100s and beat hikes. moneytransfers £7,000 of damage, often worsened as many salary). You canthe also apply for its linked credit card average Ratherwhich surprisingly, fixing energy, where you(repay lock in set scrabble It's worth noting that if you regularly go beyond your gives 3% back on petrol spend INaFULL round searching for their stopcock - the mains rate, istonow cheaper than a normal switch. Five of the big water overdraft limit,- for there areas notheir competitive banks. While avoid interest). off switch ages home floods. six energy providers have now announced hikes, and for those in severe hardship bank charge reclaiming is the time to(see findmse.me/bankcharges), it now – mine is under kitchen their best prices are costlier than cheapest fixed Take Thenew Bank Saving You Up Tothe £500 On Travel, still possible thethe best thing sink. theirsa in therein bathroom inside a Roadside toOthers do is tryfind to keep tight on youror money. tariffs.Mobile So right And now you can get Insurance the very cheapest deals Many been ripped off for years with fee-charging cupboard. If yours isn’t working, you may want to call a available, andhave it comes with no-hike certainty. The Banks Thatit’s Don't Credit Score You bank accounts. Some are even entitled to reclaim yearsplumber now, before a problem. Sadly, there are up to a million people in the UK of fees, whichtocan to to £100s (full help The only exception thisadd is aup variable (ie, subject to in Choosing heatingCHECK; and eating? withoutbetween a bank account and some banks don’t hikes) www.mse.me/reclaimpackage). tariff from minnow Spark Energy – though it hasn't If you're seriously behind, or in general financial hardship make it easy to get them. Used correctly, a few fee-paying accounts can win. hiked (yet?), needs paying upfront, and feedback ain't - asFor far all toothe many are after hikesyou'll - youneed may to bepass eligible top pick dealsthe above, a great, Nationwide.co.uk’s so I’m ignoring it. FlexPlus tops the tree. You pay specialscore. help.IfCall thenot Home Heat Helplinebasic on 0800 that’s going to happen, bank33 £10/mth and included is European breakdown cover, for credit to check. 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So you freeWhen – otherwise but youifcould getnever formshad for standard pre-existing conditions. automatically, you’ve it before accounts, then you on thedisclose off-chance the Prime Minister delivers the price gettorejected. options include Barclays. maythen need register The - seebetter www.gov.uk. cuts he’s promised, and the even more unlikely event The Bank That Pays You £100 Then £5 Cash Card and Co-operativebank.co.uk Cashthat they’ll be so substantial that other tariffs elsewhere Plusco.uk anyone onavailable specific income support, jobseekers' Each Month minder (not to bankrupts). are cheaper, you'll be free to leave. or pension gets £25 in cold weather The Halifax.co.uk Reward account pays no interest, allowances Even though there's credit no overdraft, they can still fine you fortoevery days it's C. got. just always pays you monthly after if you if you try spend7 more thansub-0 you've However, do£5 the numbers fortax your ownstay in credit. payments circumstances. 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A Good Read For You
For The Kids
A Flash of Lightning By Tony Drury
A great choice for those living within the distribution area of The Vine Magazine, as this novel's clever concept weaves the infamous tale of The Great Train Robbery through an intriguing idea of love, the world of city finance and and a terrorist plot to kill 400 people. If you like a read with local references these abound. At the beginning we are left wondering about the relevance, but as we become familiar with our lead characters, Jessica, who has chosen to make love and having a child two different decisions and Matthew, a philandering city financier, the importance of the location becomes clearer. The brilliant and honoured, Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Rudd is also thrust into a position of having to make difficult choices as her career, her love of her husband and family jostle for attention. With insider knowledge of a planned terrorist plot the urgency to find out when and where jeopardises everything she holds dear in a race to save lives and the cost may be greater than anyone thinks. Matthew walks a tightrope throughout the plot as ÂŁ6 million
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of film financing goes missing and his desperation to find it increases. Meanwhile his messy divorce leaves him worried for his own daughter's well-being and he wrestles with his attraction to other women whilst attempting to build a life with Jessica. The reader is led through a mix of plots and characters all intertwined with the details and facts of The Great Train Robbery. With this, a simple love story and the dilemmas that face women such as balancing the demands of family and career, whilst many will recognise the mid-life crisis of many a man like Matthew. All our questions are answered as the story of all our characters come together in a suspense filled finale. Look out for Tony Drury's next book published on 16th July in all good bookshops and on Amazon The Lady Who Turned revolves round three impressive women, the Lady magazine, and, in the background, the renowned Mrs T, the lady who was not for turning
The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon By Jonny Duddle Jonny Duddle's picture books have quickly become modern children's classics, and this chapter book follows on from 'The Pirates Next Door', using familiar characters but offering a longer and more detailed read for that awkward age when picture books are dismissed as 'babyish' but longer books are still a little too challenging. Duddle's illustrations are carefully spaced, so that there are no daunting pages of solid text: there is always at least one line drawing to pull us in. However, the text also does this brilliantly. Picking up the story from where it was left at the end of 'The Pirates Next Door', it begins with strange happenings in Dull-OnSea. Firstly there are some very odd night-time visitors. Then the museum is robbed - and whilst the account of events offered by hapless security guard Arthur Poppycock is garbled, it makes one thing clear: there are pirates involved! Matilda thinks it must be time to contact her best friend JimLad, and he and his family soon set sail for Dull-On-Sea to try to discover exactly what is going on... Short enough for a rainy afternoon read, or long enough to keep younger readers guessing through a week of bedtimes, this is a fabulous little book.
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Helping create beautiful homes for 90 years!
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Lounge, Dining & Bedroom Furniture & Accessories From a single chair to a complete suite, Dillamore’s have a huge display of quality furniture and accessories to choose from. Over two showroom floors, we stock fine cabinet furniture including beds, sofa-beds, upholstery, lift & rise recliners and adjustable beds. • • • •
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LEATHER
RESTORATION SERVICE Before
After
Before
After
CAR SEAT & FURNITURE REPAIRS Most repairs can be undertaken in your home by our qualified leather technicians, or larger jobs brought into our fully equipped workshop.
• Rips • Cigarette Burns • Holes • Cat Scratches • Re-colouring • Colour Matching • Cleaning • Cracking • Stain Removal • Re-Padding • Spring Replacement.
Repairing leather is approximately 20% of the cost of re-upholstering Unit 26 Acacia Close, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4QE
Luton: 01582 380 750 Leighton Buzzard: 01525 888 250 e-mail: southbeds@furnitureclinic.co.uk Website: www.furnitureclinic.co.uk
Consumer Clinic
By Jonathan Vernon-Smith
Buying and Selling Houses the Savvy Way!
You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio They say that death of a loved one and divorce are the top two most stressful experiences in your life. Well number three must be moving house! Anyone who has moved will remember the stomach churning worry and the logistical nightmare that is buying and selling houses. However, there are some things you can do to not only make the process easier, but also demonstrate that you’re a savvy consumer. Here are my top tips:
who want 1.5%, why would you even consider paying more? Get them to agree to match the other agent’s fee. If they’re not prepared to reduce their fee, then they’re not hungry enough for their commission and will not try hard enough to find a buyer. Look at their pictures on websites like Rightmove and Zoopla to ensure that they make other houses and flats look nice and ensure their descriptions are nicely written.
When you decide that you want to move (please really do make sure you do as there’s nothing as unfair as a seller who changes their mind when emotions and money have been spent), assess the market. Is it a buyers or a seller’s environment? At the moment, property prices in most areas are increasing, which for sellers is great, but means buyers are having to dig deeper into their pockets to secure a deal. During tough economic times, property prices tend to fall which means a savvy buyer can bag a bargain.
Generally it’s better to sell your property before you agree to buy somewhere. Ultimately until you know how much you can achieve for your property, you don’t really know how much you can afford to spend on another. You should stipulate to your estate agents though that any buyer will afford you reasonable patience while you find somewhere to buy.
Always get at least three good, reputable, local agents round to value your house. Ask them for a sensible price at which to market your property and ask them what they will do to get those prospective buyers through the door. Always establish their fee and NEVER agree to pay any money upfront. Always ensure that you pay their fee on completion of a deal and for goodness sake, haggle! If one of the agents is prepared to market the property for a 1% fee as opposed to the other two
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Always employ the services of a totally independent mortgage advisor with access to all companies and who is prepared to recommend the best mortgage for you and NOT for them. You will find that most estate agents will try to persuade you to use the services of their own conveyancing solicitor. I personally do not like the idea of this. To me, it’s a complete conflict of interest (particularly if both the buyer and seller use the same solicitor). You need a legal advisor who is completely independent and looking out for your interests, not someone who is under pressure from an estate agent to
hurry up and complete a sale. My advice is to ask friends and family members who have moved recently to recommend a good conveyancing solicitor to you. Also, remember that you should get some different quotes for this service and never be afraid to haggle with them. When it comes to you putting in an offer for the house of your dreams, you will need to again assess the market environment you’re working within. If the market is good and there are not many properties available, but lots of buyers competing, then it’s normally better to go in with a high offer on the basis that marketing of the property is ceased immediately. In a falling market, then a cheeky, low offer may just bag you a bargain. One final piece of advice I would like to share with you, is to be open and honest with people. Sadly property deals in this country can be messy, unpleasant affairs. However, I do not think we should sink to the levels of others. Be upfront with both your buyers and the vendors of the property you’re buying and treat them in the way you would like to be treated. Always ask to meet both parties so they get to know you and find it easier to also be transparent. Remember, once you’ve accepted a deal, to mess people around is utterly unacceptable.
Worried about asbestos? We can help! Asbestos Surveys, Consultancy and Advice To celebrate 10 years of trading we have decided that, for a limited period, we will give advice over the telephone regarding any aspect of asbestos, to any local homeowner or business worried by the possible presence of asbestos in their home, work place or clients premises COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE! Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, if we are asked to follow up our advice with a letter, site visit, survey or report on any property then we will reduce our normal fee by 25%* if given the code below: Vine013
Please call 01582 517309 info@developmentsurveyservices.co.uk Development Survey Services have been trading since March 2002 and are proud of our record, carrying out Asbestos Management, Demolition and Refurbishment Surveys and Annual Reevaluations for all types of construction from Single Houses to Housing Association Stock; Care Homes to Hospitals; Single offices to Office complexes: Garages to Motorway Service areas, Workshops to Factories and Nurseries to Schools. All of our survey personnel are P402 qualified and some are qualified to P405. No job is too large (we are currently surveying the housing stock of a large Housing Association amounting to approximately 25,000 dwellings) and no job is too small (we recently carried out a survey of a single garage in Hertfordshire and an annual reevaluation on a small amount of asbestos to a flat in Wales. We carry out surveys and reevaluations anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered in England No: 3582326
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IT’S THE LAW!
POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND GIFTS An Attorney is a person appointed to manage the affairs of somebody else. The Attorney is named by that person (known as the ‘Donor’) at a time when they do have capacity and can make a reasoned decision as to whom they want to help them should incapacity arise. If you are appointed as attorney for somebody under a Lasting Power of Attorney then you should consider the following before making gifts on behalf of that person. There may be occasions where it feels appropriate to make a gift to the family or friends of the Donor of the power. You need to weigh up:• Is the proposed gift reasonable and affordable? • Is it in line with gifts the Donor used to make? • Will it impact on their future needs • How much are their total assets worth? • How much does the Donor’s care and accommodation cost now; how much is it likely to cost in the future? • Could you be seen to be taking advantage of your position by making gifts? • If the Donor has lost capacity, that is, the ability to manage their own affairs, then did they make similar gifts before they lost capacity? • The Donor’s Will may give an indication of their wishes and priorities
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The Office of the Public Guardian can ask for further details of gifts by an Attorney. There are sanctions for making excessive gifts which include the requirement for an Attorney to apply to Court for approval of the gifts, the requirement to return the gift and also the removal of an Attorney by the Court. The 2005 Mental Capacity Act gives details of the scope of an Attorney’s authority on gifts. An Attorney may make gifts on customary occasions (for example birth, marriage or the formation of a civil partnership) to persons related or connected with the Donor or to a charity that the Donor made gifts to. But this is only if the value of each gift is not unreasonable taking into account the circumstances and the size of the estate and this is subject to any restrictions specified by the Donor when they gave the Lasting Power of Attorney. If you are an Attorney and have a dilemma about making gifts then you speak to a Solicitor for advice. Melanie Williams is a Solicitor in the Court of Protection department at Osborne Morris & Morgan Tel: 01525 378177 www.ommlaw.co.uk
Controlling condensation and mould in the home
D
ampness caused by excessive condensation can lead to mould growth on walls and furniture, mildew on clothes and the rotting of wooden window frames … mould is unsightly, damages property and can be detrimental to health. First steps against mould growth. We need to treat the mould already present in your home, then deal with the basic problem of condensation to stop mould reappearing: There are FOUR main factors that cause condensation: 1. Too much moisture being produced in the home 2. Not enough ventilation 3. Cold surfaces 4. The temperature of your home You need to look at all of these factors to cure a condensation problem. Our everyday activities add extra moisture to the air inside our
homes. Even our breathing adds moisture. Apparently one person asleep adds half a pint of water to the air during the night. (We recommend that you do not stop breathing !!!) To give you some idea of as to how much extra water this could be in a day, here are a few examples: • A bath or a shower - 2 pints • Drying clothes indoors - 9 pints • Cooking and use of a kettle - 6 pints • Bottled gas heater (8 hours use) - 4 pints If you have a condensation and mould problem in your home, whether you are a home owner or a landlord, we are happy to advise and will provide a free estimate for any remedial work that may be required. Safe & Healthy Home s can mend a garden fence, replace a tap or shower, painting and decorating or change a light fitting and lot s more … whether it be a small job or the complete refurbishme nt of a void property … please call us for a fre e estimate.
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Don’t Have
Tree Nightmares Over the last few months I have received lots of questions about what rights are in place when a neighbours tree encroaches into your garden. Here’s what you need to know before you get out your hacksaw and start chopping branches off. By Dean Dunham - Legal Eagle of Consumer UK
Can I Cut My Neighbour’s Tree Back?
If your neighbour’s tree hangs over into your land you should firstly ask your neighbour to trim back the tree. If they refuse or ignore your request, you are well within your rights to trim the tree back yourself but only the parts that overhang your land and you can only trim back to the boundary line. There is, however, an exception to the above when there is a Tree Preservation Order in place protecting the tree. If this is the case you will need to seek authority from the local authority before taking any steps.
I Live In A Conservation Area.
Trees are thought to contribute to the character of conservation areas, so even if the tree in question isn't subject to a preservation order, if you live in one of these areas, you'll need to contact the council to give notice of proposed work. This applies to trees with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm measured 1.5m above ground level. You can't start work before a six week notice period has elapsed unless the council gives you permission to go ahead before then. Dead, dying and dangerous trees are exempt, but you'll still need to check with the council to ensure this applies to your tree. Once again, you can be prosecuted and fined if you don't follow the rules.
My Neighbour’s Tree Is Dangerous, What Can I Do?
In England and Wales, local authorities have powers to deal with trees on private property which are on the point of causing damage. A local authority can:make the tree safe, if it is on the point of causing damage and are asked to do so by the owner of the land on which the tree stands. The local authority will recover the costs of doing this from the owner make a tree safe on someone else’s land, if asked to do so by a neighbour whose property is in imminent danger from the tree and the owner of the land on which the tree stands is not known s serve a notice on someone who has a tree which is on the point of causing damage to the property of a
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neighbour and that neighbour asks the local authority to take action. The owner of the tree must comply with the notice. If they do not, the local authority will do the necessary work and recover the costs from the owner. The owner can appeal to the county court against the notice. If you want the local authority to take action, you will need to find out which department deals with dangerous trees as this varies from one local authority to another. You can then ask this department to check the condition of the tree. It is up to the local authority to decide if the tree is on the point of causing damage. If they consider it is not on the point of causing damage, they don't have to take any action. An overhanging tree may also be a danger. For example, most parts of a yew tree are poisonous. If any damage or injury is caused, the tree owner will be liable to pay compensation if a person affected brings a claim for damages.
My Neighbour’s Tree Is Blocking Out My Light
There are no laws that allow a right to light per se and you will be unable to force the neighbour to do anything. But if the tree is blocking light from a window in your house or a green house, you can acquire the right to light with the help of your local authority and you should contact them first to see how helpful they might be. If you have enjoyed a certain level of light for 20 uninterrupted years the law states that it is reasonable for you to expect the same level of light and you can go to court for relief. You should also check your deeds to see if they contain a covenant stating that your neighbour must not block your light.
If I Cut My Neighbour’s Tree Can I Dispose Of The Branches?
You are actually required by law to hand the cut branches back to your neighbor as they form part of the tree that is their property. However, unless it’s a fruit tree it is unlikely that they will want them back as they will only have to dispose of the debris. You should ask them if they do want the branches back and if they say no record it in writing before disposing of them.
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professionals, the deckchair to admire their handiwork.
In The Garden
How to make the grass greener on your side Ends
Sample pics, can be supplied electronically:
Catherine Miller CLM Gardens www.clm-gardens.co.uk
A healthy-looking green sward, with no weeds or moss and fresh green stripes, seems to be most people’s idea of a great lawn. And if I had to give one general piece of advice on how to achieve it I would say, it is not what you do, so much as the way that you do it.
F
or instance, everyone weeds. If they are thugs, knows grass needs to though, or you just like to be cut. But it is the way be weed-free, then apply that it is cut that is crucial – a weedkiller separately to mowing needs to be done the feed, or buy a feed that little and often, every week incorporates weedkiller. if possible. Letting it get Most lawns this year will jobs to be . long and then scalping the have suffered from moss, getting on with... lawn is a guaranteed way thanks to the wettest winter to introduce weeds and on record. (In some areas, I June & July are busy months in the moss. Grass is happy at guess, people will be grate- garden, and as well as a good time to about 1” (slightly longer in ful to even have a lawn at plant alpines, other jobs include: drought or winter). all.) If you apply a mosskillAll plants need to be fed, er it is important to scarify June and grass is no exception. once it has died off. This • Sowing salad leaves every 2 weeks Again, though, the way can be done with a springfor a continuous crop that you do it is vital. Put tine rake, but if you are not • Plant grasses on too much food and you Popeye, it is much easier to • Tie up climbers will scorch the grass, use it buy or hire a machine. • Earth up potatoes at the wrong time (such as Finally, those nice neat July when it is too cold or rain stripes. It is all down to the is forecast) and it is wasted. mower and the way the • Feed lawns Read the packet and follow grass is flattened in one • Place conservatory plants outside the instructions, it is as direction or the other when now that it is warm simple as that. it is mowed. Hover type • Deadhead bedding plants and Catherine Miller ‘What about weeds?’ I hear mowers can’t do it. repeat-flowering perennials, to CLM Gardens you ask. Well, what about Of course, if all this sounds ensure continuous flowering them?www.clm-gardens.co.uk If you keep the grass complicated or too much • Pick courgettes before they at the right height, cut it at bother, then the easiest become marrows Please above • Treat apple scab the right time,do andnot feeduse it without way to the get aby-line great-looking the right stuff at the right lawn is to use nothing but • Clear algae, blanket weeds and time,Submitted then the chances deckchair phone Marchare 2014,a please let and me aknow if –/whendebris it is scheduled forand use; andthem also note if t from ponds, keep your article lawn will out-compete the scheduled phone to call profeshas been not been forinuse by Sept 2014, it may be offered elsewhere, so ple topped up a lot of weeds. Someusing after sionals, the deckchair to check before that date. Until next time, happy gardening, people even offered: like prettyone useadmire theirofhandiwork. Rights only, free charge if by-line used
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Tastes so good...
ROAST SEA BASS WITHCoconut Aso LEMON &Skewers GARLIC CRUST Sweet Chili Tastes good... PARSNIP QUICHE WITH BLUE CHEESE
Ingredients:
Shortcrust pastry: 100g salted butter 200g plain flour 4-5 tbps cold water
Filing: 200g parsnip, peeled & sliced 1 shallot, diced 3 eggs 175ml crème fraiche 290ml milk 1/2 tsp mixed spice or korma curry
Perfect for a simple lunch or a dinner party with friends, this main course is an easy crowd pleaser, This canonbethe eaten hot or is cold and it’s great lunch with boxes. You can use up leftover looksdish great plate and a wonderful dishfor to serve vegetables or salad alike. cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet potato or carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.
PARSNIP QUICHE WITH BLUE CHEESE
Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan d pin
Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour unti resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry into a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour the fridge.
Equipment: Small processor or mortar and pestle Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan dish. Rolling Ingredients: Preparation time) :Gas 1 hour pin marinade Oven: Ingredientstime : (including Mark 5, 190°c Shortcrust pastry: Cooking time: 20 minutes Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour until it 100g saltedfillets butter 4 skinned sea bass, Method: Brush with olive oil and fish all resembles bread crumbs. Addundersides sufficient water to bring the season pastry together 200g plain flour Method Ingredients washed under running into water over with salt and pepper. Zest one of the lemons and squeeze a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour covered in 4-5 tbps coldlemons water 3 unwaxed juice. Wedgecoconut the other lemon for garnish. Whizz garliccinnamon, with the fridge. Combine milk, sugar, sweet chilli sauce, 4 cloves lemon juice andgarlic zest. and Oncefish no sauce more large pieces can be bowl. seen, 165ml cangarlic coconut milk Filing: cardamom, in a non-metallic Cook inthe boiling water untiland soft. Leavetotothe cool. Fry off the shallot Smallparsnip, bunchbrown ofpeeled washed freshthe parsnip addAdd parsley, bread butter 1 tablespoon sugar 200g beef. Toss to make sure the beefprocessor. is coated with the soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inch greased flan dish with the parsley 1 tablespoon sweet chilliuntil sauce & sliced marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, rested pastry. Prick the bottom the base gentlya with forkvery to stop air butterdiced Quite quickly youof should produce moista and tasty 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 125g shallot, longer if time permits. bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous "soggy bottom"!) by 30g wholemeal bread breadcrumb mixture. Press this mixture firmly onto the upper 1/43 teaspoon ground cardamom eggs crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case being careful not 50ml extra virgin olive oil side of the fillets. 175ml crème fraiche 2 garlic cloves, crushed To make the coconut chilli sauce combine the peanuts, Then fill with ceramic baking beans spreading them out Salt & pepper 290ml milkfish sauce to tear the pastry.coconut, 1 teaspoon coriander, chilli, sweet chilli sauce and 3 teaspoons evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a little crisp. Roast approximately 1/2 /tsp mixed spice 800g 1.5lbs beef rump steak, coldforwater in a bowl.20 minutes, or until the crust is brown. or korma curry Remove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking beat the eggs trimmed, cut into 2cm cubes Serve whatever takes your fancy! powder together and add thewith creme fraiche and milk, incorporating with a Heat a greased barbecue plate or griddleall ontogether medium-high Diane Johnson 50g good blue whisk. Puree or mash parsnip with theskewers. spice or Season korma and heat.the Thread beef onto withgradually salt and add pepper. cheese Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until browned and to the egg mixture untilfor thoroughly mixed. each Once side the pastry case has come out 50g ham or cooked cooked through. Drizzle with coconut chilliPour sauce. of the oven dot the base with the blue cheese, onion and ham. the egg bacon mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or until the Serve with steamed rice, salad and lime wedges. centre doesn’t wobble. Diane Johnson
Cook the parsnip in boiling water until soft. Leave to cool. Fry off th until soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inch greased flan dish wi rested pastry. Prick the bottom of the base gently with a fork to sto bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous "soggy bott crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case being to tear the pastry. Then fill with ceramic baking beans spreading th evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a littl
Remove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking bea
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This dish can be eaten hot or cold and it’s great for lunch boxes. You can use up left cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet pota carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.
Utterly delicious and ideal for cooking on the BBQ
Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles
3 2 4 3
2 9 7 8 2 9 3
Sudoku 数独 1 6
7
9 2 6
8 4 3
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THONG
5 6 7
Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!
Crossword
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SPOT THE ADVERT What advert Is This? >>>> Across
Down
7. Policeman’s beat (6) 8. Yearly (6) 9. Jump (4) 10. Testimony (8) 11. Radiant (11) 14. Investor (11) 18. Physical exertion (8) 19. Clang, toll (4) 20. Save (6) 21. Zeal (6)
1. Conscientious (7) 2. Clench, hold (4) ‘Affordable and flexible 3. Cheat, swindle (6) for Small Business 4. Lunatic (6) Covering all M 5. Found within (8) 6. Small plot of land (5) Supporting 12. Co-operate (8) local businesse 13. Juvenile (7) | VAT Returns | CIS Remote 15. Cutlery (6)or Onsite Working | C 16. Listened to (6) 17. Outdo, outshine (5) 19. Distil,‘Count infuse (4) on us to save
TECHNOLOGY
In Car Dash Cameras
Imagine... You’re behind the wheel of your family saloon, quietly minding your own business, when a souped up sports car suddenly flies past and cuts you up just as you reach the motorway exit. Seconds later it’s gone, with nothing to show but a trail of smoke.
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ot so long ago there was no getting back at reckless drivers like this guy but in-car cameras now offer the chance to bring them to count. An absolute given in countries like Russia, Japan and the USA, only 3% of British drivers currently own a dash cam, but the trend is on the increase. A recent RAC survey found that 4 out of 10 car owners would consider buying one, and that a fifth of current dash cams are used to guard against ‘cash for crash’ scams. False insurance claims are growing, and one common way of faking it is to set up a collision and claim the crash was the fault of the innocent party. If you’re the victim in a case like this, capturing the event on camera could help prove your innocence and bring the bad guys to justice. Good footage from a dashboard camera is admissible evidence in court, so if you are involved in a genuine accident it can offer proof of what really took place. You can also use it to protect your vehicle whilst parked. The camera will come to life when damage is detected. Dashboard cameras, which are usually mounted on the windscreen, record onto memory cards whilst the ignition is on. Re-
cording is constant, which means that once the card is full, old files are overwritten. Recording time depends on the size of memory card and the bit rate of the camera, but can run into several hours. Installation is by suction or adhesive pads. Cameras are most often wired into the cigarette lighter, but can also be hard-wired directly into the car battery - the only way if you want a model with parking mode. When choosing an in-car camera, first consider the size. Smaller models are more discreet, and black is the best low-profile colour. Next, look for one with a decent video resolution. The current standard is 1080p, which will pick out number plates and other details - essential if required as evidence. Check what the night video quality is like, and decide if you want a model that can save footage you might want to keep. Other useful options include date and time stamps, and dual or multiple channels which record what’s behind as well as what’s in front of you. Finally, don’t forget that dash cams can be fun! They are a great way to capture details of memorable trips, and film the more unusual sights we come across from time to time! By Alex Albrighton
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MAGAZINES FLYERS
01296 423769 contact@jamtasticdesign.co.uk facebook/jamtasticdesign @jamtasticdesign
10,000 copies hand delivered each issue call 01525 222473 to advertise
WHAT’S ON? so much we can’t fit it all in!
we will join the summer fun Walk for Willen and Teddy Bears’ Picnic Sunday 1st June 2014, from 10.30am - 3.30pm
BBQ - live music - Teddy Bears’ Picnic hosted by the Disney Store - Doggie Corner - Pimms & strawberries - games & activities - variety of exciting stalls - Zumba warm up - lots of surprises!
To book call 01908 303052 or email events@willen-hospice.org.uk www.willen-hospice.org.uk Registered charity number 270194
JUNE
8th Stony Classic Car Festival Market Square, Stony Stratford. Come and visit a wide range of classic cars and motorcycles on display. For more information visit www.ssccf.co.uk 13th Charity Golf Day Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club. Enter a team for a great day of golf this annual charity competion. Alroy Pickersgill on 01908 373872 14th St Barnabus Summer Fair and Craft Show 11:00 AM - 3:00 PMFeaturing Heath Band and Army Cadets. Grand Draw, entertainment, fancy dress competition and many stalls. Refreshments available all day 14th, 10.30am to 5.30pm Woburn Village Open Gardens Day and Scarecrow Competition Gardens will be open around the village and there will be scarecrows on The Green along the streets and in some gardens. Entry to all gardens is £4, programmes are available on the day at The Heritage Centre, the free car park and on The Green. programmes contain a map and a voting slip for the scarecrow competition.Refreshments available in
Craft Fair CCC
Crafts - Cake & a Cuppa
10.0 0AM - 4.0 0PM
Woburn Village Hall, Bed s All Local Handmade
items
SUNDAY June 15th & July 20 th
& ever y 3rd Sunday in the month same as Farmers’ Mar ket
FR EE AD MI SSI ON FREE CAR PARKIN G
www.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk
www.thevinemagazine.com/whats-on 28
The online calendar is updated regularly some gardens and at Woburn Lower School next door to The Heritage Centre.All proceeds in aid of Woburn Heritage Centre Trust and Woburn Lower School. 21st - 22nd Open Gardens in Soulbury 2 pm - 5pm. Beautiful gardens to explore and get ideas from, followed by delicious home made cakes and tea. Free car parking. 21st Cheddington Summer Fete 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Come along and be entertained by Street Dancers, a Choir and Jazz Exercise throughout the afternoon. a variety of stalls including Coconut Shy, Bouncy Castle, Tombola and refreshments. The Green Cheddington 21st Coldharbour Primary School Summer Fete. Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Games and much more 22nd Dragon Boat Festival 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Willen Lake will resound to the thrilling spectacle of 60 teams racing across the water in dragon boats, competing to raise funds for this year benefiting charity Age UK Milton keynes. The shores of Willen Lake will be lined by thousands of cheering spectators supporting their favourite teams at this spectacular event. For more information go to www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk or call 01908 470718
26th Canal Festival Tiddenfoot Waterside Park This popular, FREE community event will once again be taking place in Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Linslade, Bedfordshire one of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most picturesque green spaces with easy access to the Grand Union Canal. The event promotes arts & crafts specifically showcasing the cottage industries as well as raising the profile of life on the canal.
Willen Hospice
Saturday 12th July 2014
The biggest ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; night out in Milton Keynes, join our 10 mile midnight walk for Willen Hospice.
July
12th The Willen Hospice MK Midnight Moo is back for its sixth successive year and is calling on the ladies of Milton Keynes to get moving and join in with the fun on the biggest, ladies only, night out in the Milton Keynes calendar. If you would like more information please contact our Events Team on 01908 303054 or email events@willenhospice.org.uk
Register today at www.mkmidnightmoo.com www.willen-hospice.org.uk Registered charity number 270194
Include your event: email andrena@thevinemagazine.com
A Travellers Tale
(Continued)
Julius Caesar arrived in Arles in 46BC - after he'd finished bashing up the Brits! - and founded the Roman outpost which lasted until it eventually fell to the Visigoths in AD476. The vast amphitheatre, built in the late 1st or early 2nd centuries AD, is oval in shape (460ft by 350ft) and originally had a third tier (since removed). It was the scene of contests between gladiators as well as between lions (and other wild animals) and Christians, slaves and criminals played out before a baying crowd of 20,000. Over time, people demanded more and more "excitement" as they do today - which usually meant more and more blood. Fights between gladiators were to the death - but there was the possibility of submission by one of the fighters such that the final coup de grace could be avoided. It's worth noting that Christians were initially persecuted not because of their religion - the Romans were surprisingly tolerant of other belief systems - but because they were seen in the early days as a damn nuisance who wouldn't shut up and who kept causing disturbance, upset and annoyance. But later, as we know, they eventually won the day and such extreme violence and ferocity was curbed (to a certain extent!) Arles also has a very interesting medieval church - L'eglise de St Trophime - which has a bas-relief above the entrance depicting the Last Day of Judgement, ie a soul's passage through purgatory (and guaranteed to scare people to death). It shows a queue of those waiting to be judged, then the judgement panel made up of Christ and the twelve apostles and finally, those who'd got the thumbs down being led off to eternal hell fire and damnation naked, chained and with flames licking round their legs. It must have been a terrifying image; one very much encouraged by the Church so as to keep people in order. Apart from its Roman and medieval history, Arles also boasts the fact that Vincent Van Gogh lived there during the late 1880s and painted something like 200 canvasses many of which have become world famous. Inevitably, there are a number of buildings and other places around town which he incorporated in paintings and which now attempt to cash in on this reflected glory. Next day saw a trip to Nimes - the town from where the material found just about everywhere originated - denim. The name reflects the fact that the cloth was originally "from Nimes", ie "de Nimes". However, we'd not come for a pair of jeans but
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for the Roman heritage which is of similar age and foundation to that of Arles. Nimes was originally a very sophisticated city with many fountains fed by a spring in the mountains, elegant buildings, winding streets and tree lined avenues. And it also has an amphitheatre which is slightly older and slightly bigger than that at Arles (but it hasn't been cleaned so doesn't look so impressive). However, the story of gladiatorial combat and of throwing Christians to the lions is the same. I'll put a tenner on the lions to win! Then there is the elegant Maison Carree: a magnificent Roman temple built in the late 1st century and inspired by the Temple of Apollo in Rome. It is thought to be one of the best preserved of all Roman temples and is truly splendid. Whilst inside the building we were entertained by an amazing 3D film depicting aspects of Nimes through the centuries. At times the action was incredibly life like and quite scary. The next day saw another coach trip - this time to the Pont du Gard. This is a Roman aqueduct originally designed to carry water from the mountain spring to the city of Nimes 30 miles away. It is an amazing example of engineering construction standing 160ft high and consisting of three tiers of arches spanning the river Gardon. It was built in the 1st century with enormous limestone blocks kept together without the use of mortar such was the precision of the masonry. It underlines the tremendous skill of the Roman builders and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's truly amazing. This was the last of our trips during this quick visit to the area and the following day saw us return to Marseille for the return flight home. Although of short duration, the weather had been kind and we'd seen quite a lot in a short time and I, for one, came away with the opinion that when it came to building, the Romans certainly knew a thing or two.
Looking Up In Beds & Bucks!
The Night Sky in June & July2014 Discover Saturn in Summer Evening Skies:
Summer’s short warm nights are the perfect time to gaze at Saturn. The ringed planet is easy to see with the naked eye, appearing as a pale yellow ‘star’ no more than 20-degrees up above the horizon to your south around 11pm. In June look between 170° to 200° South on your compass. July finds Saturn a bit lower down in the sky towards the south-west. In a telescope Saturn is simply spectacular. You’ll be able to see the planet’s rings very clearly, along with some of Saturn’s moons.
Watch the International Space Station Sail Overhead in June: Early and mid-June
sees some spectacular flybys of the International Space Station (ISS) over seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
By Seb Jay
Bedfordshire. The action begins at around 11:05pm on Monday 2nd June. Watch for a bright light moving steadily across the sky from west to east / south-east, with a repeat performance about 90 minutes later. Similar passes of the ISS happen every night through until Wednesday 18th June.
See the Centre of our Galaxy: From 18th July
to month’s end is a great time to go in search of the centre of our own galaxy! You’ll need to choose a dark location up on the Chilterns with an open southerly view. Look directly south at around midnight for a delicately glowing cloud of light about 10-degrees above the horizon. This is the brightest part of the Milky Way – and the location of the centre of our galaxy.
Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
Answers Step On It THONG THING THINS CHINS CHIPS SHIPS
Scetch of Mars through a telescope.
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