the
August|September 2014 MK South Villages
In this issue: Vein Pain Suits You
Autobiographies: THE AUDI Q5 What about the children? .... the problems with separation
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Hello again What do I have for you this issue? Well my favourite headline has to be No cook cheescake, that’s my kind of cooking; my reputation for burning things continues. Can I please point out that the article on varicose veins is not written by me, so no staring at my legs, if you see me out and about. Did you know that as well as this magazine there are 5 others that me and my friend Shelly make together? If you want to know more why not visit our website. If you know anyone planning halloween, bonfire nights and even Christmas fundraisers, don’t forget to suggest they add them to the website calendar - it is FREE. There is still space for your summer events too. All the best Andrena
www.thevinemagazine.com 0797 155 4604 or 01525 222473 andrena@thevinemagazine.com
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CONTENT 6 A Traveller’s Tale - Part 1 8 Varicose Veins 10 Audi Q5 12 Your Credit Score 14 Book Review - local author 16 Suits You 22 Foundations of your Garden 24 Recipe 25 Puzzles 26 Stress Free Parenting 28 What’s On 30 What About The Children 32 Cool & Ecclectic 34 A Traveller’s Tale - Part 2 35 Puzzle Solutions
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the content of advertising and articles is published in this magazine are twitter @thevineLB accurate, neitherfacebook.thevinemagazine 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 Whilst every care has been taken ensureendorse the content of this publication. The Vine does notto officially any of advertising and articles is published this magazine advertising material included within thisinpublication. No are part accurate, neither the or its editorial contributors can of this publication may bepublisher reproduced without permission. 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 Travellers Tale Continuing Val’s education !? By Paul Heley
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peaking personally, I'd already been to India a few times having been in the Merchant Navy as a young man and also thanks to a couple of motorcycle trips through the Himalayas. But Val had never been there and, after some of the stories I'd told her about the place, was in no hurry to visit. However, working on the principle that travel broadens the mind, I persuaded her to go on a cruise around the southern parts of the sub-continent. And she wouldn't have to rough it - this would be as a tourist which meant that she would be steered clear of any "nasty" bits which are carefully hidden away from tourists' eyes. But such a trip would be very different from our usual type of holiday. We'd often chosen to go into the world's high latitudes (south or north) because of the scenery. There's something really wonderful about jagged mountains covered in unbroken snow set amongst shimmering, crystal clear lakes or fjords. And what is more, there's nearly always a unique wildlife to give extra dimensions. So this particular trip - taken over New Year 5 years ago - would be a break from the norm. How did it go? We flew to Chennai (the former Madras) and, next day, were taken on a city tour. Immediately, Val commented on what a shambles the place was - rubbish everywhere - and how chaotic the traffic seemed to be. Does India have a Highway Code she wondered. Doesn't seem to. But there's no road rage. Amazing! We were shown various important buildings such as Fort St George and the cathedral of St Thomas. But the real knock-out was the Kapaleeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (and about five million other Hindu gods). It's built in a most colourful Dravidian style and covered
in individual deities. Next port of call was Colombo in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon) and there followed a long coach trip into the interior and to the former capital, Kandy. En route, there was a stop at an elephant orphanage where young elephants who had lost their mothers (perhaps by poaching), or who had been separated from their herd, are cared for. This was quite an emotional experience and there was lots of oohing and aahing from some of the (broody) women. But the reason for going to Kandy was to visit the "Temple of the Tooth". This is a huge building inside which is a tiny, impregnable, silver casket secreting a part of one of Buddha's molars. I wondered if it was genuine or if it was like so many of the medieval relics so lovingly venerated in Europe but which have later turned out to be old bits of wood or bones of pigs or sheep or chickens. I asked if there was an Eyelash Temple, or a Toenail Temple but my facetious question was ignored. The next place was Tuticorin on the SW coast of India where an even longer coach trip had been planned in order to visit you've guessed it - another (this time Hindu) temple at Madurai which is supposed to be the absolute bee's-knees. But Val and I decided to do something else instead. We thought we'd have a look at the town and after a certain amount of form filling and general bureaucracy - the Indians are really good at this - were let through the gates and got on a 'bus. The journey took half an hour - 50p return - and we were dropped off in the centre of town and wandered around for a while. But Val became increasingly uneasy and horrified at what she saw and couldn't get out of the place quickly enough.
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Health
Beauty
Wellbeing
Varicose Veins By Andrena Carden-Lovell
I
’ve had varicose veins for as long as I can remember. As an overweight female on the wrong side of fifty with three pregnancies behind me, a job that involved long hours on my feet and a family history of fellow sufferers, I am a prime candidate for the condition - but I am not alone. Up to three out of ten adults suffer from varicose veins, which are most common in the legs and feet. Varicose veins develop when small valves within the veins become weak or damaged and stop working properly. Blood flows backwards and collects in the vein, causing it to swell or enlarge. This brings about a lumpy, bulging or twisted appearance and can also make the leg feel heavy, achy or uncomfortable. Swollen feet or ankles, muscle cramps and dry itchy skin are also possible symptoms. For most people, varicose veins are unsightly but do not present a serious health problem, and treatment is not required, though symptoms can be alleviated by taking exercise, resting and elevating the legs. If the veins cause
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pain or discomfort, treatment should be considered, of which there are three main types. Endothermal ablation is carried out under local anaesthetic when a narrow tube, or catheter, is inserted into the vein through a small cut made just above or below the knee. Heat is then applied to the vein either from high-frequency radio waves or lasers, which causes the vein walls to collapse and seal it shut. Once the vein has been sealed, blood is naturally redirected to other healthy veins. Some people experience short-term side effects such as pins and needles, or tightness and bruising. If endothermic ablation treatment is unsuitable, sclerotherapy may be offered instead. Also performed under local anaesthetic, special foam is injected into the veins, which scars them and seals them closed. Following treatment, varicose veins should begin to fade after a few weeks, but more than one treatment may be required and there is also a chance that the vein will reappear. Side effects include blood clots in other leg
veins, headaches, lower back pain, changes to skin colour, fainting and temporary vision problems. If neither of the above is possible, the next option is a surgical procedure called a phlebectomy, usually carried out under general anaesthetic. A technique called ligation and stripping makes two small incisions - one at the top of the varicose vein near the groin, and the other lower down near the knee or ankle. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed and a thin flexible wire passed through the bottom of the vein and then carefully removed through the lower cut in the leg. This method can cause pain, bruising and bleeding and a full recovery could take up to three weeks. It’s still not fully understood why vein walls stretch and valves weaken - and some people develop the condition for no apparent reason. Many of us decide to suffer in silence, but if your condition does prove unbearable, rest assured there are treatment options out there.
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auto Biographies Audi Q5 By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk
sly. The chassis of the latest Audi Q5 also adds a I had over £35,000 I wouldthankssotoyou don’t need a degree in llop ofIfrefinement and comfort, Rocket happily buy the 2.0 TFSI to the spring, shock absorberquattro and anti-roll barScience to work out how to use it. Other touches such S line version of the Audi Q5 . The new power steering system gives as you a heated seats, air conditionYou see, the styling of the Q5, el for with the road too. its coupe-like roof line and ing and a multifunction steering wrap-around tailgate, has been
wheel make the Q5 a dream to
drive. refreshed. The design of drivingsubtly experience is further enhanced when the The car is as solidly made as an the headlights has been changed, Audi drive select system is specified. Audi drive oak table and the sparkling xenon units are ts you vary the operating characteristics of the and yet seems as light as a feather. There’s a reason for now framed by new-look LED pedal,daytime the shiftrunning pointslights of thethat automatic form this: the bonnet and tailgate are sion, the degree ofband power steering assistance crafted from aluminium, while a continuous surrounding operation air conditioning the car’s structural elements moreof ofthe the automatic lens. the including Audi Q5 isanpure ia fourInside, modes, efficiency integrate mode. Inultra-high-strength steels; they reduce weight and understated refinement. The conthree optional components can also be improve trols are trimmed in chrome, and ed by the Audi drive select system if they are crash safety. The result is that the Q5 handles like an the narrow panels of the centre hese include cruise control, damper executive saloon and takes off consoleadaptive are finished in high-gloss nd dynamic steering. like a bat out of hell when you black. The hi-techDuring centralhigher media speed g, it compensates for understeer dab the accelerator. Indeed, the component, MMI navigation and oversteer performance totally matches the verysteering few buttons, eningplus, withhas slight pulses.
looks of this Germanic road warFAST FACTS aying you’ll ever get sick of driving therior: Q5, top butspeed is 138mph and the 0-62mph sprint is done in a Max speed: 138 mph u’ve had enough of all that commutingsatisfying to work7.1 seconds. 0-62tomph: 7.1 secsthe Audi will ng the kids school malarkey, Another explanation for this Combined mpg: off road. It may look a bit35.8 bling but it awesome actually performance is the Engine: 1984cc 4 cylinder s well on rugged terrain. Its maximum updated climbingQ5’s TFSI petrol engine, 16 valve diesel which combines direct fuel 31 degrees and its approach and departure Max. power (bhp): re each 25 degrees. you won’t rip injection, anything while the eight-speed 222 atAnd 4500 rpm tiptronic automatic powers the 5’s underbelly because the vehicle’s ground Max. torque (lb/ft): 2.0 TFSI Quattro up the cogs 258 This at 1500 rpm a motoreffortlessly. e measures 20 cm. is truly for The chassis of the 184to g/km latest Audi Q5 also adds a e – butCO2: you’ll have have a decent bank Price: on theto road great or a boss who’s£35,350 nice enough put this on dollop the of refinement and comfort, thanks to changes to the y car listPROS to drive one. & CONS spring, shock absorber and antiLooks √ roll bar settings. The new power Performance √ steering system gives you a better for the road too. FACTSBuild √ PROS ‘N’feel CONS Expensive X The Q5 driving experience is furpeed: 138mph Looks√ ther enhanced when the optional Performance√ mph: 7.1 secs Build√ 10
Audi drive select system is specified. Audi drive select lets you vary the operating characteristics of the throttle pedal, the shift points of the automatic transmission, the degree of power steering assistance and the operation of the automatic air conditioning system via four modes, including an efficiency mode. In addition, three optional components can also be controlled by the Audi drive select system if they are fitted. These include adaptive cruise control, damper control and dynamic steering. During higher speed cornering, it compensates for understeer and oversteer by intervening with slight steering pulses. I’m not saying you’ll ever get sick of driving the Q5, but when you’ve had enough of all that commuting to work and driving the kids to school malarkey, the Audi will thrill you off road. It may look a bit bling but it actually performs well on rugged terrain. Its maximum climbing angle is 31 degrees and its approach and departure angles are each 25 degrees. And you won’t rip anything off the Q5’s underbelly because the vehicle’s ground clearance measures 20 cm. This is truly a motor for everyone – but you’ll have to have a decent bank balance, or a boss who’s nice enough to put this on the company car list to drive one.
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What’sBestForYou
Martin
Credit Scoring LEWIS
By Martin Lewis
Credit scoring has become a key part of our financial lives. It impacts far more than most people think. It’s not just about whether you can Tackle your bills get mortgages, credit cards and loans, but can also effect contract mobile phones, monthly car insurance, bank accounts, even if you can pay energy bills the cheapest way. comparison on any Ofgem-approved comparison site – Winter is coming. Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in
just search for The Confidence Code at theEven white stuff toaccepted, sort yourwe bills. Here, truly reference lapsed to apply, it should boost your if you're live in a prevention 3 Your credit files. These www.ofgem.gov.uk to see the full list. beats – tackling bills now meanscome you can take 'ratecure for risk' world,your so credit scoring score. from either Equifax, Experian thethen financial bitewhat out you of winter chills… dictates pay too. Many or Callcredit and contain info on the you're not what online, use a comparison with phone people get unstuck by this. They apelectoral roll, courtIfjudgments, 5 Never miss or be lateaon repayFree and cheap even boilers (for some). plyloft forinsulation today's record rates, but such as Energyhelpline onerrors 0800 can 074 hurt 0745, or Set credit applicationsservice, you've made, ments. Small large. While loft insulation free-for-all's some you will haveuSwitch findthe they're charged more. So here’sended, products and if you've paid051up a direct debit to be sure you never on 0800 5493. stillwhat be entitled to to some serious free energy-saving you need know… on time. miss. Do this even if just for the miniPaying energy bills bymum monthly direct debit’s to call 6% measures. You DON'T have a universal credit repayment, then youupcan cheaper. rating - there's no blacklist. This is a However, they don’t know everyup and pay more on top each month, myth. In the there's firms no univerIf youyour can,criminal do, as it’ll see usually discounted bills of up Most of the bigUK, six energy offer free thing. boilers, They don’t know it asmean an insurance policy. sal credit rating or score, no to 6%speeding less, so contact your provider to check. Though record, typically worth £2,000, and there's free insulation, usuallymedical worth history, blacklist banned people. Each always regular meter readings for accuracy, your fines, loans,do declined 6 Don't let 'paid-for credit as scores' about £300.ofCrucially, you don't need to be withsalary, the student lender scores you differently and applications don’t get too worry you. In recent bill is–estimated. If it’soverly too high, you have a rightyears to ask energy provider to get it, but you do generally need anand more secretly. So a rejection by one doesn’t conspiracy theoristfor about it toit.be lowered. credit reference agencies have started income under £16,000, and to be on income-related mean a rejection by all. Their aim is to flog these, but don’t take too much benefits pension credit. can’t definitely say you’ll to see or if you match their Iprofitable Got more electricity You canThey’re still save. Howthe to make yourself attrac-only? notice. only based on your qualify, but it is worth checking. Alternatively, wellcustomer wish list. A key part is asWithfor electricity you can cheapinfo fix lenders to save tive. Getting accepted credit is only, credit file,still notget theaother meaning Green Deal initiative is designed sessingbut thestuttering risk of non-repayment. If just- follow the info above. those on Economy 7, like going on the pull like people, look at,For and remember each lender to let youhigh, pay many for things like underfloor double that's won't lend to you; heating, assessing trickier. It’s onlydifferently. really a boon those different lenders find differentisthings scores Onefor may see who glazing and solid wall insulation, 'savings' you but some specialist lenders willfrom like the attractive. It’s moreuse art at than science, cancelling as –good as it least 40% of their energyaatcredit night.card If not don’t youon more as they chargewhether you make energy bills.can Deciding it’sbut right forare you there somebother. cosmetic changes reduces credit, another as Full help to decide at available www.mse.me/eco7 high. is complex, so for full help read that work for most. Here are 10 tips: bad as it’s closing down a long term Yet even those who are good risks Can you find your stopcock? www.moneysavingexpert.com/greendeal relationship. can be rejected, because the lender No sniggering winter frozen pipe bursts can create an 1 Get on the electoral roll. If not,-getthinks you won't make it money. Or Save £100s and beat the hikes. often worsened many apting credit's tough.average Check if£7,000 you're of ondamage, 7 Payday loans can kill as mortgage perhaps you're applying for a credit Rather surprisingly, fixing energy, where you lock in a set scrabble round searching for their stopcock - the mains it and apply via www.aboutmyvote. plications. Some mortgage underwritcard, but it wants to cross-sell mortrate, is now cheaper than a normal switch.co.uk. Five of the bignotwater If you're eligible, simply won't lendfloods. to anyone with off write switch - forers ages as their home gages, so scores you on how likely six energy providers have now announcedahikes, noticeand on all the credit files that payday loans. you are to get one. Take the time to find it now – mine is under the kitchen their best new prices are costlier than theyou’ve cheapest fixed proof of residency. sink. Others find theirs thewith bathroom or insideFirst a go tariffs. So right now you can get the very cheapest deals 8 in Deal unfair defaults. What and theyitknow you. certainty. yours working, youput may want to call to the firm that them there anda 2 Stability's good.cupboard. If possible,Ifput a isn’t available, comesabout with no-hike Lenders assess you with plumber now, beforeask it’sitato problem. remove them. If not ask for a landline, not mobile, on applications. keyexception pieces oftoinformation: ‘notice of correction’ to be added to The3only this is a variable (ie, subject to Choosing and file eating? your credit where you can explain 3 Beware over applying. Toobetween many heating hikes) tariff from minnow Spark Energy – though it hasn't If you're seriously behind, orwhy in general financial hardship 1 Your application form. Many briefly it’s unfair and appeal to applications for products especially hiked (yet?), needs paying upfront, and feedback ain't as far too many are after the hikes you may be eligible underrate how crucial this is. Be the Financial Ombudsman. in a short space of time can hurt. So great, so I’m ignoring it. foraspecial help. Call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 consistent on each application form, if you’re about to get mortgage, to check. Plus if9anyone home was An born on job title,fix salary. Regular inconsistdon’t for lots66 of 99 credit cards just Check in foryour address errors. old, Theeg, cheapest comes from E.on for a year, butapply slightly encies trigger rejection hit from or before you're due upmobile to £300 in taxbefore. though5isJanuary often 1952, active, but unused phone longer andcan only a touch more as areyou deals EDF One or problem a ‘fraudCrucially, score’ trigger. only way rate you’ll registered to yourshould old address could freewhat winter fuel payments. Payments be made Npower. these two have no exit the penalties. Soto know get isthe to price apply, so the system is antieven cause mortgage rejection. automatically, but if you’ve nevera had it before then you on the off-chance the Prime Minister delivers Anypromised, past dealings shopping around. may need to register - see www.gov.uk. cuts2he’s andwith the you. evenAmore unlikely event lender you've banked with can inter10 Don't withdraw cash on credit that they’ll be so substantial that other tariffs elsewhere Plus anyone on specific income jobseekers' rogate your behaviour far more than cards. This support, is both expensive and seen 4 Time it right. Problems stay on are cheaper, you'll be free to leave. allowances or pension getsof£25 in money cold weather others. This can work both for and evidence poor manageyour file for 6 years, applications for 1 ascredit against always you. do the numbers for youryear. every 7ment days -it's sub-0 C. avoid. wait until for they've However, own So if you canpayments circumstances. To check if you can save (you may be on 12
Health Beauty & Wellbeing Back To School
Bugs & Beasties How does it happen? Your family has enjoyed a happy, healthy six week summer holiday, but within just days of returning to school your child comes down with a cold, or develops an itchy skin condition, or catches nits. Why, when they need to be settling into a new routine and you need to be back at work, do they suddenly get ill?
Like it or not, children gathering in schools is one of the main ways germs circulate in communities. Their immune systems are less mature, they tend to be in close contact, and they have ‘germy’ habits like sticking fingers or pencils into their mouths, so it is inevitable that they are going to come home with something nasty at some point. That said, most illnesses can be avoided if a few good practices are followed. Top of the list is to make sure that your child’s immunisations are all up to date, and that all family members have had a seasonal flu vaccination, where appropriate. Prevention is definitely the best medicine.
Teach your child ‘germ etiquette’. This means staying away from other children who may be sneezing or coughing, covering their own coughs and sneezes by using tissues that should be thrown away immediately, and avoiding head to head contact with others. If your child is older, warn them about sharing items such as lipstick, lip balm, make-up, razors, creams, lotions and other personal items such as towels and sports kit.
There are some germ hotspots in schools, and cafeteria trays are one of them! One survey found that there were more bacteria per square inch on a cafeteria tray than there were on a toilet seat, probably because the trays don’t get Next, make sure they wash their hands enough cleaned as often. If your child drops food on a - and properly! The most common way to catch tray, they should throw it away! illness is through the mouth, eyes or nose after Finally, your child can build up their immunity the hands have been in contact with infected surfaces. A thorough wash with soap and warm by getting enough sleep and exercise, eating a well balanced diet that includes lots of fresh water to the back of the hands, in between the fruit and vegetables, and by drinking plenty of fingers and around the nails for 20 seconds (as long as it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice!) water. Take these preventative measures and hopefully going back to school will be a happy, - before eating or drinking, after a visit to the toilet, blowing their nose, or touching animals healthy time for everybody! and waste, should be the minimum.
A Good Read For You
For The Kids
When the Odds are Evens By Colin Lord was not returned one of the brothers would pay with his life. Colin had spent some time in Hong Kong and had mixed with some unsavoury characters. Selling insurance to ex-pats paid for Colin Lord has lived in Luton for fifty years with a background work- his lifestyle but was secondary ing in sales to corporate business’s to one of his business interests, a floating brothel aboard an old and the Education sector. In his Chinese junk ship. He had a younger days he enjoyed many feeling his ex-partner the Midget sports representing Bedfordshire might be connected with the in Rugby, Tennis and Football. He theft of the gold but he was dead. still follows many sports, including Colin had seen him jump off a American football and Basketball. bridge in Kowloom, the body was The Los Angeles Lakers are mennever found. tioned in his book, which was a very Being accused of the theft and daunting evening for him. the death threat the brothers went looking for the gold, the trail led The completion of this book is from Hong Kong, the Cayman largely down to the encouragement Islands, France and ending in South Africa. from Colins late brother. They needed help. Favours were “Many times I mentioned that called in and the SBS and SAS I could write a book and my late were involved. The Special Forces Brother basically said to me ‘Stop brought with them sophisticated talking about it and do it’. So I systems and firepower. did.” When a meeting ended with a massive explosion in Canary The property world was good Wharf, rumours spread like wildto the brothers, Colin and Mike. They were on target for a bumper fire. Was it the Taliban attacking year. Both had large houses, one London’s financial centre? in Hampstead, London the other It grabbed the Media’s attention, in Much Haddam, Hertfordshire. not to mention the Government.’ Who was responsible? Their cars were Aston Martins Would the Brothers pay with their and they did their fair share of lives? womanising. That was before a Triad was A highly charged global thriller, found dead on one of their build- described as “The Best Pint You’ll ing sites. Ever Read”. Things went from bad to terrible; Go to Amazon or Kindle and search a Chinese billionaire tycoon acfor Colin Lord or just Google “When cused them of stealing a fortune the Odds are Evens”£2.99 in London gold bars that he was Follow @ColinLordAuthor on Twitter importing into England. If the gold or ‘Like’ the Facebook Page
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Magic Tree House: Valley of the Dinosaur By Mary Pope Osborne Time travel. A quest to solve. Exciting adventures. This book for young readers who are growing in confidence has all of these and much more. The first of a series of books, it follows the adventures of Jack and Annie as they discover a magic treehouse in their neighbourhood. As the story begins Jack and Annie are chasing an imaginary monster into a nearby wood when they stumble across a solitary treehouse. Curiosity getting the better of them, they decide to explore and inside they find wonderful collection of books. Jack is drawn to a dinosaur book and before they know it the two children are transported back to the time of the dinosaurs. Full of fascinating facts this book will appeal to any budding palaeontologist. At ten chapters this is a nice introduction to reading without seeming too daunting. The sentence structure can be repetitive and simplistic, but I am assured by young readers that this is not a problem! There are currently sixteen books available in the series covering different time periods and geographic locations. These along, with an interactive website, promise to engage and educate young readers for many a long school holiday.
HELPING YOU SMILE MORE Accepting new patients Sedation for nervous clients Comprehensive membership plans with reward schemes Free smile enhancement and implant consultations Dedicated children’s dental health team
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• Rips • Cigarette Burns • Holes • Cat Scratches • Re-colouring • Colour Matching • Cleaning • Cracking • Stain Removal • Re-Padding • Spring Replacement.
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ortance Of Tailoring p m I e h T There is a saying is that a ‘well tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to men.’ If that is to be believed why do so many gentlemen just ‘make do’? There is no denying the impression a tailored suit makes and one that is made to measure speak volumes about the person wearing it – there are, however, some very simple rules and guidelines that every gentleman should follow whether it’s off the peg or bespoke.
5 top tips 1 A suit must fit well or it is not worth wearing. 2 Dress for your shape and personality. 3 Choose a fabric that will work for your lifestyle and requirements to ensure optimum performance. 4 Limit trips to the dry cleaners your suit doesn’t always need it. 5 Dress with the season – cotton suits in summer - tweeds, flannels, and corduroys in winter.
It’s all about the fit SHOULDERS • The jacket should hug your shoulders, not slouch off them. • Be warned—most gentlemen think they are a size larger than they are, for example a 42 regular instead of a 40. • When you pull on the jacket there should be a firmness to it—you should snap to attention. • If a jacket doesn’t fit right on the shoulders it will never look right. SLEEVES • Think about the width of the sleeves. Always a slim fit for sartorial elegance. CUFF • Your suit sleeves should end just above the hinges of your wrists. Show a quarter / half inch of cuff. BODY • Your jacket should contour your body and accetuate your shoulders. This will always make your shoulders look stronger.
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• You should be able to easily cup your hands beneath the hem of the jacket; if you can't, it's too long. TROUSERS • Trousers should just clip the tops of your shoes, not bunch over them. • Slim fitting trousers with very little break at the ankle never goes out of fashion. LAPELS • Thin or wide - nothing dictates a suit’s character more. BUTTONS • Two or three? The choice is yours. TICKET POCKET • The sign of an English gent. POCKETS • Traditional flap or slit. Many options. VENTS • As important as the lapel. The unobtrusive centre vent or the statement side vent, personal preference. One in 3 suits in the UK is purchased from a well-known retailer at prices that on first look are competitive. Take into account, the fabric and styling restrictions, the price of alterations and the lack of personal service and you are often parting with a substantial amount of money for something that lacks personality and fits poorly. By choosing made to measure you remove doubt, you create individuality and a suit that fits perfectly. Consultations are personal ensuring posture, size and quirks are all catered for. Fabrics, linings, lapels, pockets, vents, buttons etc. are your choice and tailored to meet your needs. With autumn just round the corner it’s time to start thinking about your wardrobe, the casual sports jacket, the business suit or the dinner jacket – it’s time to get something that creates confidence every time you wear it! For more information or to book a consultation please contact William Young 1876 www.williamyoung1876.com 01442 859034
Creative tailoring
William Young (1876)
Amersham House | Mill St | Berkhamsted | HP4 2DT
www.williamyoung1876.com | 01442 859034
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Adrian Marsh School of Dance Learn To Dance
over 25 years teaching experience M.IDTA
Join a class in September
Absolute Beginners Ballroom & Latin 7:15pm Absolute Beginners 50s Jive Rock n Roll 7:15pm Thursday evenings in Longueville Hall, Newton Longville starts new on 11th September Absolute Beginners Ballroom & Latin 9:00pm Friday evenings in Fulbrook Middle School, Woburn Sands starts new on 12th September Absolute Beginners Line Dancing 11:30am Thursday mornings in St Mary’s Church Hall, Woburn Sands starts new on 11th September Just turn up and pay on arrival, no dance partner, nor any previous dance experience needed. Phone Sara on: 01908 393315 Adrian’s Mobile: 079-069-88880 info@adrianmarshschoolofdance.com www.adrianmarshschoolofdance.com
Mr & Mrs Marsh
Hi there, I’m Olly from thebestof Milton Keynes and I love to help local businesses. At the very core of what we do, we seek out the very best businesses in the local area, both to help them, but also to make life a little easier for you. All the businesses we work with have been recommended by local people with the evidence displayed front and centre with tons of great reviews. But that’s not all, on our website, our social media feeds and our new local mobile app you can find local amenities, local events and fantastic offers from our business members. It really is a great local hub for you to find everything you need. There is no doubt our high streets are struggling, with huge online retailers hoovering up all the business it’s up to us to help them! If you know a fantastic local business that is in need of our help and support please let us know on our website www.thebestof. co.uk/miltonkeynes, on our social media feeds @thebestofmk or facebook.com/thebestofmk or by downloading our fab new app, just search for “thebestof” on the AppStore or Android Marketplace. All businesses featured on this page and the one overleaf are members of thebestofMilton Keynes, they are local, loved and highly recommended by local people just like you. Rest assured, if you need a product or service from one of these guys they have been vetted by local people and ourselves, so give them a call.
Dentist Newhill Place, 27 Singleton Drive, Grange Farm, Milton Keynes MK8 0PX Tel: 01908 508704 www.dentist-direct.co.uk/miltonkeynes
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Bespoke Photo Shoots and Wedding Photography www.emilylittle.co.uk Tel: 01908 989701
Engraving and Trophies 40 High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AF Tel: 01604 564584 www.engraveuk.co.uk
Locksmith and UPVC Repair Tel: 01908 849507 www.gpmlocksmith.co.uk
Local Community Charity
Accountants
Stadium:MK, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes MK1 1ST Tel: 01908 622888, www.mkdonsset.com
1 Keller Close, Kiln Farm MK11 3LL Tel: 01908 268877 www.number-factory.co.uk
Thai Restaurant
Letting Agents 54 High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AQ Tel: 01908 713000 www.thelettingpeople.co.uk/portfolio/ our-milton-keynes-office
13 High Street, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8AR Tel: 01908 211211 www.pinpetchthairestaurant.co.uk
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In The Garden
Laying The Foundations To A Successful Garden
D
oes the thought of your garden fill you with guilt as the weeds grow bigger and bigger? Chances are your garden is not based on the 3 Essential Foundations or one or more are out of balance. Or do you want to change something in the garden but don’t know where to start? Then the 3 Essential Foundations will be vital in helping you create the most relevant and best possible starting point for your new garden. Having designed and planted small to medium sized gardens for the past 17 years, I have found that the ones that are the most beautiful and pleasurable to be in are those that are based on an equal combination of what I call the 3 Essential Foundations and it’s never too late to look at them again. The first one is to ‘Know what you want’. Work out exactly what you’d like to do in the garden and what you must have to make it work on a practical front. The way to do this is to sit down and take a few minutes to really think about what you like doing outside. For example, many people like to eat outside, to entertain or just to relax at the end of the day with a glass of wine – and I expect that you will too. Make a list and consult the others who use the garden too. The second is to ‘Know your garden’. Work out what the physical
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growing conditions in your garden and work with nature rather than against it. Essential characteristics to look for are the soil type, the soil pH (acidic, neutral or alkaline), where the sunny and shady spots are, is it sheltered or exposed and how much annual rain fall your garden gets. All these things will dictate the types of plants you can grow successfully and which part of the garden they will do best in. It is much easier to look after the right plant in the right place. The third is to ‘Know how much time you’re REALISTICALLY prepared to give to looking after the garden’. Once you know this, design the garden to fit in with your lifestyle. Err on the side of caution rather than enthusiasm because it is much better for the soul to look at one or two areas that look beautiful and feel right rather than the whole garden being a burden. The answers to these 3 questions will guide and direct the design that emerges and will dictate how much maintenance you will have to do in the future. When you feel on top of the maintenance, then you will be able to relax and enjoy the garden. There is no right or wrong time to assess the 3 Essential Foundations and there is a lot to be said for doing so at the beginning of the growing season and again at the end of it. You might be surprised at what you ‘unearth’.
A beginners guide to...
A Greener Garden
Install Big Water Butts Save as much rainwater as possible and deploy it with care. Water generously only where it’s needed, in the cool of the evening, to encourage deeper rooting. Mulch well. Right Plant, Right Place For free-draining soil don’t plant thirsty plants which require a lot of water. If it’s clay, choose deep-rooted, strong plants, like roses and hardy fuchsias, which will withstand dry periods where the ground bakes.If an established plant can’t survive on its own, it’s probably not the right plant for your plot. Ban Peat Peat bogs are an essential part of our eco system. Once they’re gone they’re gone forever. There is no excuse for buying peat-based products…ever. Use only peat-free composts, soil-improvers and mulches. Recycle. Recycle. Recycle Make a compost heap or buy a compost bin. Re-use plastic and crock pots. String old cds and bottle tops over newly planted seedlings as bird scarers. Restrict Chemical Usage Try nematodes for pest control. Encourage ladybirds for greenfly control by planting fennel, dill, white cosmos and scented geraniums. Leave A Wild Patch Build your own army of slug and bug killers. A pile of logs and fallen leaves and a patch of nettles will provide shelter for all manner of garden wildlife, including hedgehogs, ladybirds and beetles.
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Tastes so good...
ROAST BASS WITH Aso LEMON & GARLIC CRUST NoSEA Cook - Orange Cheesecake 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 di pin
Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour until resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry to into a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour c the fridge.
Equipment: Small processor or mortar and pestle Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan dish. Rolling Ingredients: Preparation pin Ingredientstime : : 25 minutes Oven: Gas Mark 5, 190°c Shortcrust Serves 8-10 pastry: 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 Method 200g plain flour 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 Place the biscuits inside a plastic food bag andgarlic crushwith them 3 unwaxed juice. Wedge the other lemon for garnish. Whizz the fridge. withjuice a wooden spoon or no rolling 4digestive cloves garlic lemon and zest. Once morepin. large pieces can be seen, 15Filing: biscuits inthe boiling water untilthe soft. Leavetointo tothe cool. Fry off shallot Melt the butter. Put biscuits aprocessor. bowl andthe mix in the Smallbutter, bunchmelted ofpeeled washedCook freshthe parsnip add parsley, bread and butter 6 tbsp 200g parsnip, until soft. Set to one sidebutter. to cool.Put Line 9 inch greased flan dish with the tin melted thea mixture into a 23cm cheesecake parsley 400g curd or cream cheese & sliced rested of the gently with to stop air it down andthe usebottom theyou back of abase spoon toaspread itfork evenly, press butter Quite quickly should produce moista and very tasty grated zest diced 3 oranges, save the pastry. Prick 125g shallot, Bake blind (this will avoid the famous "soggy bottom"!) byThis firmly to form the base. Put the tin into the fridge to set. wholemeal bread bubbles forming. breadcrumb mixture. Press this mixture firmly onto the upper segments for the decoration 330g eggs crumpling baking parchment andmins. placing it in the pastry case being careful not takes about 30 50ml extra virgin olive oil side of the fillets. 175ml crème fraiche 200g mascarpone cheese to tear the pastry. Then with baking beans them out sugar Put the fill curd orceramic cream cheese, orangespreading zest, mascarpone, Saltcaster & pepper 290ml milksugar 100g andfor intominutes a bowluntil and mix it brown well with the wooden spoon. evenly. Cook atRoast 450º Fmilk for 20 lightly and a little crisp. approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust is brown. 1/2 tsp mixed spice 3 tbsp milk Put the cream in a clean bowl and whisk until it is the consistor korma curry creamRemove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking beat the eggs 184ml pot double encywith of thick custard. Add tofancy! the orange mixture and mix Serve whatever your powder together and add the creme fraichetakes and milk, incorporating all together with a Diane Johnson thoroughly. 50g good blue whisk. Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and gradually add Remove the cheesecake tin from the fridge. Pour the filling cheese to the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Once the pastry case has come out over the biscuit base and spread evenly. Decorate with fruit 50g ham or cooked of the oven dot the base with the blue cheese, onion and ham. Pour the egg (raspberries are delicious but any soft summer fruit will do) bacon mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or until the then return to the fridge until ready to serve (at least 4 hours or centre doesn’t wobble. Diane Johnson overnight).
Cook the parsnip in boiling water until soft. Leave to cool. Fry off the until soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inch greased flan dish with rested pastry. Prick the bottom of the base gently with a fork to sto bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous "soggy botto crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case being to tear the pastry. Then fill with ceramic baking beans spreading the evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a little
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 lefto cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet potat carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.
Easy and light for a warm summer night
Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles Puzzles
3 2 4 3
2 9 7 8 2 9 3
Sudoku 数独 1 6
7
9 2 6
8 4 3
6
SKINS
5 6 7
Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!
Crossword
WRITE
SPOT THE ADVERT
ANSWERS What advertON PAGE 35 Is This? >>>>
Across
Down
7. Mexican drink (7) 9. Wind instrument (5) 10. Range cooker (3) 11. Hired soldier (9) 12. Coach, instruct (5) 14. Anguish (7) 16. Buffer, protect (7) 18. Polishes, wipes (5) 19. Occasionally (9) 20. Glide over snow (3) 21. Fleshy fruit (5) 22. Barrel makers (7)
1. Second-largest ocean (8) 2. Water (4) 3. Pilot, aviator (6) 4. Tenders, puts forward (6) 5. Absconders (8) 6. Fee, tarif (4) 8. Designed to reduce drag (11) 13. Make (8) 15. Most treacherous (8) 17. Contemplate, mean to (6) 18. Absolute ruler (6) 19. Drainage pan or pit (4) 20. Spore, germ (4)
How to Reduce the Stress of Parenting...
Use
Mindfulness By Patricia Downing Mindfulness Practitioner and Counsellor
www.space4you.org.uk for more information and courses locally, including Stewkley Mindfulness Centre, Tel: 07707 418 851
Do you find yourself shouting at your children and afterwards regretting it?
Try these tips to bring mindfulness in to your role as a parent or grandparent:
Is family life more often stressful than not?
• Start the day with a mindful ritual: spend a few
Would you like to have a stronger relationship with your son or daughter? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to explore mindfulness, the currently ‘hot’ topic in self-help. It has many applications: in sport for performance and focus; in the NHS for depression and chronic pain; and in the corporate world to help reduce work stress and improve creativity. Initial research also shows that mindfulness may reduce parenting stress. So what is mindfulness? A search on-line will reveal information, books, CDs, and courses. Essentially it is about becoming more aware and present in the moment, which is achieved through mindfulness practices. These are simple in terms of what you do, but difficult in the sense that our minds are usually all over the place, with all sorts of thoughts jumping in, generating feelings and probably affecting our mood. Regular practice is necessary to get the benefits, just as with any new skill, such as learning to swim. However, even 10 minutes a day has been shown to achieve results.
26
seconds following your breath in and out before you get out of bed; really feel your feet in contact with the floor as you get out of bed; be mindful when you brush your teeth (not thinking about anything else and really feeling what it is like to brush your teeth)
• Be mindful with your child/grandchild:
focusing intently on what they are saying or showing you without letting your thoughts wander to anything else. Do this at least a couple of times a day, even if it is not always possible.
• Take mindful pauses in difficult moments –
toddler tantrums or teenage moodiness – follow a couple of breaths in and out. That pause might stop you throwing a tantrum too!
A key aspect of mindfulness is self-compassion, so don’t be too hard on yourself – you really care about your family and are doubtlessly working hard to be a good parent. Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it!
The Rotary Club of the Brickhills We're a friendly club - with members from Milton Keynes and the surrounding area, average age 37 and a mixture of men and women. We are a part of Rotary International, which is the world's largest service organisation.
If you would like to give something back to your community why not come along to our meeting night on Sunday 7th September at 7.30pm in the bar of the Doubletree Hilton Hotel at Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST - just seeing the pitch in all its glory is worth the visit! We meet formally on the first Sunday of each month.
We raise funds for local, national and international charities: running fun casinos and visiting the local area with Santa at Christmas time. We also participate in a wide range of social activities. Check out our website at www.brickhillsrotary.co.uk, and fill out the contact form or ring Jan 07736081193 if you are interested - no commitment at all.
10,000 copies hand delivered each issue call 01525 222473 to advertise
Registration from 11 a.m. Classes commence at 12 noon
Frenzy cannot live in Luton.
Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, Harling R
WHAT’S ON? so much we can’t fit it all in!
If you feel you could Frenzy, or any our other www Call:offer 01525 220383 Visitof our Website: dogs, a loving andE-mail: secureappledown.kennels@btinternet.com home please call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and (Reg. 4 p.m. Our staff Charity No. 1116 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 competition in the churchyard ask for details.
August 6th Family History Talk: The New Family Search Website 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM John Hanson talks about the New FamilySearch Website. The majority of family history websites change their look and often their functionality on a regular basis and FamilySearch is no exception. This talk will explain the latest changes and how to get the best from them. Free; nonmembers of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome; a small donation will be appreciated. Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HB
OPEN DAY & FUN DOG SHOW Saturday 13th September
30TH & 31ST Woburn Festival: Two days of family fun, music and entertainment in Woburn village. On both days there will be a flea market, food stalls including oysters, Pimms and Champagne, craft stalls, a funfair, fruit/ veg/flower and cake competition, a dog show, children’s entertainment and lots of music. There will be an art exhibition in St Mary’s church and on Sunday afternoon a tug-of-war Digital fun for all the family Summer Bytes at The National Museum of Computing on Bletchley Park
Join us at Appledown for our Open Day and Fun Dog Show on Saturday 13th September. Registration from 11 a.m. Classes commence at 12 noon. Stalls and refreshments. Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY Call 01525 220383 . E-mail appledown.kennels@btinternet.com. (Reg. Charity No. 1116848)
long school holiday runs Bytes Festivals to encourage creativity with computers.
Summer Bytes runs every day but visitors are welcome every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon to see In a festival running from every day 11am to the world-famous 5pm from 26 July to 2 September 2014 there Colossus Rebuild, the will be lots of creative activities including WITCH, the oldest working computer retro computer games, games workshops, on the planet, and 1980s PCs and probably digital special visual effect creation, LEGO the world's best selection of working robot building, Minecraft adventures, computers dating back to the 1940s. computer music making and lots more. To keep up to date with TNMOC and dates It all happens in the amazing setting of the of special events at Summer Bytes, see world's first purpose-built computer centre: the website www.tnmoc.org and follow us Block H on Bletchley Park. With working on Twitter @tnmoc and on Facebook and computers spanning seven decades, the Google+. Museum has an eye to the future and every If you think computing today is just about social media and the internet, you'll get a real eye-opener at Summer Bytes at The National Museum of Computing on Bletchley park.
www.thevinemagazine.com/whats-on 28
The online calendar is updated regularly
Hockfest
Woburn Brasserie
A friendly, family run restaurant, Saturday 23rd August serving delicious ollowing last year’s successful Hockfest ’13 event, freshly-made ockliffe residents will come together to take part in a dishes. Join us for Satur Follo ay packed with sporting and cultural activities. w day 2coffee & drinks, Hock ing last ye 3rd A li a ff r’ e s here will be something for everyone on the day ugust succe reside day p with ss nts a fu breakfast, lunch There cked with will com l Hockfe st ’13 e sp ctivities for all ages, including bouncy castle, face w ther dinner. activit ill be som orting an togeor to tak event, d ies fo ethin cultu e
Hock fest
r all a painti p g for ainting, various stalls and arts and crafts at Kilby ev ry ral activitie art in a g n Road on Recre g, various es, includin e13 s.Street, Bedford e on Call: 01525 290 260 st ation Groubealls and a g bouncy the day w ecreation Ground. On sale throughout thea day temp will n rt Woburn, c MK17it9QB www.woburnbrasserie.co.uk by lo ting BBQ d. On sale s and craft astle, face h c a s a th nd at lb ro tempting BBQ and the entertainment willBube provided sine ands. Th the entert ughout th Kilby Roa d e day Class sses in Ho e fun will ainment will w ic b c y local bands. The fun will begin from 1pm Vinta Motorcyc kliffe are a egin from ill be prov be ge an 1pm ided lso in le’s w d Businesses in Hockliffe are also involved.and a Hog Classic Bikill be holdinvolved. Roast Rugg es, g ed om 1 music, p an Open d Tou frwith Classic Motorcycle’s will be holding an Open winn anDay D olice gh w 0am er moto ay with ill ha derdo Craig Ph rcycli v il e g wit sts Vintage and Classic Bikes, music, policeSPOmotorcyclists h the lips meeti the first B R ir n ig g T 4 S a B X nd roth 4s eet Big British GB Tea m me and Chris greeting, T er and a M Hog Roast Cham Brothefrom 10am P m e S ra a ports b p r winn Nutrit ionship 2 er 2012-2 tt STIHL T m Uner, Chave test o Brother 012 ion w IMBE 013 (S Rugged and Tough will raig P the first Big p R tock hillips Etherd en day an ill be hold Saw). d free ing a e n U winner Craig Phillips meeting and greeting, Team UnK B h build ers fro BFF British elp and a oditronic s d m 11 ta v F ic ste inalist e am. Totte with their 4X4s and Chris Pratt STIHL TIMBERderdog and o with Mark rn ther to 25 ye hoe Playe p bod a o rs y SPORTS This y rs yGB ung! Team member 2012-2013 (Stock Saw). ear th Following last year’s successful Hockfest th eT eir 25 Championship British 2012 th bir otternhoe th’13 thday Hockliffe ere ri event, P . And layers are residents will come t fr on th ghNutrition Sports will a Boditronics taste some be holding celeb ree p om theto rati a day packed with ofpart ve take in aretogether come roduction ry start! T us have b ng s he Ghelp eand test open day free advice with Mark d en aand 16 September 2014 ie mystsporting yearcultural ro activities. u ery. A s, in theand – p puts autum in the sp ANTO nd thUKBFF e big be ring th nBritish Etherden Finalist and other top body g e M There will something for everyone n g Buckingham Golf Club erally est sh ere ottern IME in F o a w of m ebrua hoe P thactivities 11am. ry layefrom e yea urder on the with for all ages, ebuilders . are rsday r is a w
Charity Golf Day
fr e our ety o iendly, op lcomes n f e wanti interests, en group w membe ages of pe ng to rs. a o a n p c d le, w er tha t, the abilit ith n n ie hen th you expec you will p s. If you jo a ro t, ere a re alw and if tha bably be in c t’ ays p lenty s not you ast m to r of oth mak er role our g e the most s. roup; o f the ta every with le b nts w od re in hatever th y gets a c you can one o ey ca hanc e n do. f the ound bac , se If y ill be t construc k-stage dis our ti very welco on, costu ciplines; me, e me to tc., o.
including bouncy castle, face painting, various stalls and arts and crafts at Kilby Road Recreation Ground. On sale throughout the day will be a tempting BBQ and the entertainment will be provided by local bands. The fun will begin from 1pm September
7th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM MK Get On Your Bike 2014 in aid of Cancer Research UK Charity cycle ride for individuals, teams and families Choice of 12.5 mile Millennium Cycle Route - 2.5 mile Lake Route Entertainment and stalls Event opens 9.30am - Start at 11am For further details and registration www.mkgoyb. org or contact David Jenkins Event Coordinator 07811720066
Coffee and bacon bap on arrival 18 holes/three ball Stableford Delicious two-course supper Charity raffle and auction
£180 per team of three £60 per person
For an entry form, please contact our Fundraising Team 01908 557891 or email sally.wood@ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk www
.thev
inem
aga
zine.c We are a local independent charity and rely on the vital funds raised by all omour fundraisers. With your help we can make a real and positive difference that contributes to the wellbeing and quality of life of thousands of older people and their families Registered charity 1079773 www.ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk Age UK Milton Keynes, The Peartree Centre, 1 Chadds Lane, Peartree Bridge, Milton Keynes MK6 3EB
Include your event: email andrena@thevinemagazine.com
IT’S THE LAW!
Separation what about the children? 4. 5. 6.
7.
I
t is often said that children are more resilient than we think but it is proven that the more conflict there is between parents, the more a child suffers. What can parents do to minimise the effect of separation on children? When/how should I tell the children? 1. At the earliest opportunity - best done by both parents together. 2. Agree what to say - show the children you will still cooperate as parents. 3. Make sure the children understand – what to say depends on age/maturity but keep it simple. Fact: It is known that the more exposure children have to the separation issues, the more detrimental it is to them. How can I help to support my child? 1. Remain civilised with the other parent and avoid being critical of them. 2. Reassure the children that they will still be loved - children can blame themselves & fear that they will be abandoned. 3. Allow children to be children – not a
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substitute for the absent parent and not a “messenger”. Keep to the children’s daily routine in order to maintain as much stability as possible. Advise the children’s teacher & other carers of the separation so they can help support the children. Look out for signs that your children may not be coping with the situation. Your GP will be able to offer support & advice and refer you for specialist help. Move slowly into new relationships and introduce children gradually to new partners.
Fact: Children cope best when they are shielded from conflict and do not feel torn between parents. What shall I do if we cannot agree on arrangements for the children directly? 1. Try to agree arrangements with the assistance of a mediator or solicitors. Professionals can assist in determining the best outcome for the children. 2. If an agreement still cannot be reached, it is possible to issue an application for a Child Arrangements Order. 3. Ensure that any arrangements are workable on a practical level. Fact: Prolonged bitterness between parents about child arrangements can be distressing for the children Hazel Page is the acting Head of Family & Matrimonial Law at Osborne Morris & Morgan Solicitors Tel: 01525 378177 Email: hazel.page@ommlaw.co.uk www.ommlaw.co.uk
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
• Painting & decorating • Small repairs & odd jobs • Minor electrics • Minor plumbing • Minor home adaptations • Condensation & mould • Garden tidying and lots more...
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.
&
At Home In The Garden Cool
& Eclectic
Nowadays it’s rare to find someone who sticks to one style within their home. Modern homes are full of mix and match pieces, from antiques to vintage and retro alongside contemporary counterparts, and guess what? It somehow works. But rest assured, this hasn’t just happened on its own. An eclectic look takes a little effort to make sure that your space doesn’t end up looking like a car boot sale! Here are three tips that I’ve picked up along the way to best style your home using vintage and modern pieces to create a cool contemporary look.
1Go All Out
When I’ve seen eclectic done badly it’s because someone feels unsure of what they are creating. Eclecticism says confident! In order for it to work you need to go all out. You know that saying about how supermodels could wear a black bin liner and still have everyone demanding where they got it? Well, styling your home in an eclectic way is the same – it needs confidence and attitude to carry it off. Instead of being shy with one or two pieces, get a few. Go for items that make you feel something. One wacky item on it’s own can look odd, but a few strange items grouped together alongside new products looks casually cool!
2Mix Art Styles
The easiest way to create an eclectic look using pieces from different ages is with art. A classic Black & White film photograph can look great against an abstract piece or POP art print. You can tie the look together by using the same colour or finish frames throughout and creating a gallery wall space. Choose a colour scheme to work with, and try not to stray too far outside of it. This will give your collection a theme and help older pieces sit alongside modern with no problem!
3Group In Odd Numbers Decorative pieces work well when grouped in odd numbers. This way, one or two pieces can take center space and be flanked either side. Choose the most special or statement piece to sit in the middle and dress either side with something either of a complementary texture (think wood and leather for instance), or colours that work with the main piece and palette of the room.
by Sarah Akwisombe. www.sarahakwisombe.com
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Looking Up! In Beds & Bucks The Night Sky August & September 2014 Make a Date with the August Supermoon:
Sunday 10 August sees a giant full moon rise over Bedfordshire. Our silver-faced celestial neighbour pulls closer to the Earth that evening than at any other point in 2014. Watch the ‘supermoon’ rise in the east from 8pm onwards. It’ll make for a spectacular sight and photo opportunity no matter where you are across the county.
Catch the Perseids Shooting Star Bonanza:
Have you ever seen a shooting star? If not then the night of Tuesday 12 August to Wednesday 13 August is the perfect time to look for them. Cast your eyes high up to the north-east from 11pm onwards. Be patient and you might catch
BLIMEY THAT’S HANDY!
Odd Jobs General maintenance Painting & decorating Changing a washer Shelves up Garden clearance Flat pack furniture ....the stuff you can’t or don’t want to do. Call Andy Carruthers 07974 423927 Reliable, friendly and will turn up!
By Seb Jay
some bright streaks of light lasting no more than a second or two as Earth crosses the path of the Perseids meteor shower.
Go Hunting for Star Clusters:
The summer Milky Way stretches high overhead during August and September. Embedded within its faint glow are numerous star clusters of blue, white and orange stars. You’ll need high-powered binoculars or a telescope to see the clusters, and you’ll need to choose somewhere dark away from streetlights on a night when the Moon is not visible. A location like the Chilterns between 20 August and 30 August or from 15 September to 28 September will be ideal. seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk FOUNDED ON TRADITION. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE. Founded on tradition. Looking to the future.
Celebrating
46 High St. Leighton Buzzard. LU7 1EA Years of Qual ity Customer Care Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm
Proud Proudto tobe becelebrating celebrating our 90th anniversary, Dillamore’s our 90th anniversary, offers service as it should be Dillamore’s offers pop in and see for service as it shouldyourself! be.
Call in and see for ■yourself! Huge Range of Furniture ■ Competitive Prices ■ Free Delivery ■ Fully Trained Staff
■ Removal of old furniture ■ Removal of new packaging ■ Lounge, Dining & Bedroom furniture ■ Accessories and artefacts
Helping create beautiful homes for 90 years!
Tel: 01525 373520 Email: dillamoresltd@aol.com Web: www.dillamores.co.uk
Lounge, Dining & Bedroom Furniture & Accessories
Scetch of Mars through a telescope.
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. • • • •
Large Range Of Furniture Competitive Prices Free Delivery Fully Trained Staff
• Removal Of Old Furniture • Removal Of Packaging • Lounge, Dining & Bedroom Furniture • Accessories
Tel: 01525 373520 Email: dillamoresltd@aol.com www.dillamores.co.uk
A Travellers Tale
(Continued)
Perhaps she’ll believe me now when I say that “tourist” India and “real” India are very different. After Tuticorin, we sailed the short distance to Trivandrum with its very pretty approach from the sea. Then another temple (which we couldn’t enter because we’re not Hindus - rather pointless really), a museum with immaculate gardens followed by a bit of shopping and haggling over prices. The rule is to offer something like a quarter of the asking price and settle on a half. Both sides do well on the deal! But SW India really means Kochi (formerly Cochin) and we spent a couple of days there. It’s the principal city of the state of Kerala and was built on the rice and spice trade. It was clearly more prosperous and much less untidy and we wondered if this was because the local government had put down strict rules - it was communist when we were there. Rather surprisingly, there is a community of Jews who have lived in the area for centuries and we were taken round the Jewish quarter (where most of the shops seemed to be owned by Kasmiris!). A visit to an arts and craft centre was highlighted by an demonstration of Keralan marshal arts combat. This is highly energetic, very athletic, and requires much leaping about in an attempt to avoid flashing batons and swords. Definitely not the sort of activity suitable for elderly cruise passengers! Then we were shown the Chinese fishing nets. These are stationary and operated by a complex set of ropes, levers and counterweights. They looked terribly inefficient to me but would be a useful problem for A Level Applied Mathematics students to find out how the hell the things are supposed to work! Next day saw a trip on a rice boat along the labyrinth of canals between the paddy fields known as The Backwaters. The scenery is very tranquil, very pretty and very tropical and an absolute Mecca for birdy types who nearly fell overboard trying to photograph, for example, a Lesser Spotted Great Crested Whatsit bird! These waters are brackish in salinity (ie a mix between salt and fresh water) so give rise to a rather specialised ecosystem. The evening’s entertainment was something totally unique to Kerala. Known as Kathakali dancing, it is performed by men only - taking female parts where required. They are dressed in fantastic costume and with incredible make up. The dancers act out, through mime, stories and poems from Hindu culture via facial expression and hand and eye movement which can suggest a complete gamut of emotions. There was also a singer-musician who had a small cymbal (but whose singing wouldn’t get far in the Top Ten). Overall, the experience was utterly fascinating and something not seen outside Kerala.
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The end of the trip was, for some, their idea of Paradise when we travelled to some of the palm fringed tropical coral islands with their white sand beaches. First, there were some I’d never heard of - the Lakshadweep Islands - which are largely uninhabited. I know I’ll be laughed out of court, but after I’d swum in the warm sea for half and hour, had a look at what the island had to offer - nothing - and watched hundreds of hermit crabs scampering about on the beach, I was bored out of my skull. How anyone can spend a fortnight corpsed out on a beach doing absolutely nothing is beyond me. But that’s my problem. Finally, we hit Male, the capital of the Maldives. An incredible statistic is that the highest point is only a few feet above sea level - so the fear of a rising ocean and inundation due to global warming is very real. There was one chap on board who was ENORMOUS and when he decided to take a dip, everyone held their breath! Unfortunately, our guide for the trip round town looked about 10 years old and his answer to every question was “I’m not too sure about that”. But said with a flashing smile! There were two things which immediately impressed me about Male :- 1) the place is extremely clean and tidy - so unlike India - and 2) there must be at least two little motorbikes for every inhabitant - they are everywhere. We flew home from Male and arrived 22 hours later to be greeted by a wintry London. But, even so, when asked whether we would prefer a “tropical” holiday or a “high latitude” one, I think we’d both choose the latter. It’s mainly because of the scenery; and when one of the lady passengers stated that Sri Lanka was the most beautiful place on earth, my comment was that, clearly, she’d never seen the Alps, the Norwegian fjords, the Canadian Rockies, the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the Himalayas, Alaska, Antarctica, Spitzbergen - and a host of other places. Just because it’s hot doesn’t make it beautiful. I rest my case m’lud!
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You may have just noticed a teddy bear. If you did you might have to agree that an advert here could work for your business! At only £34 per issue (that’s £17 per month) perhaps it would be a good idea Telephone Andrena on 01525 222473 and find out more
Without legal advice it’s all just words If you are thinking of separation then call us now on
01908 373282
Offices in Milton Keynes & Leighton Buzzard
Outstanding legal services info@ommlaw.co.uk www.ommlaw.co.uk
Authorised and regulated by the SRA, No: 00058549
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Š 2011 Osborne Morris and Morgan Solicitors