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October|November 2014 MK South Villages
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of local author, Tony Drury’s latest novel “The Lady Who Turned”, I was fortunate enought to read a preview copy on my holidays. We have a soup recipe to warm the cockles and as always some great advice from our consumer writer Jonathan VernonHello again and welcome Smith. to the latest edition of The Vine Magazine It is another packed Leighton Buzzard and issue, I hope you enjoy Villages. it. I love to hear from readers so do get in Thank you everyone touch even if it is just to who showed concern say hello. about my varicose veins following the article in All the best and I hope the last issue - honestly, you enjoy it wasn’t me! Andrena This issue, readers have The Vine Magazine the chance to win a signed hard back copy
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CONTENT
6 On Locally 14 Mabel’s News 16 Weight Loss - it’s all in the mind 18 A Good Read 20 Landlord Tax Probe 26 Should You Be Loyal 28 Dementia 30 Rhubarb, Rhubarb 32 A Traveller’s Tale 34 Satellites 36 Puzzles 38 Auto Biography 40 Private Healthcare 42 Its The Law! 44 What’s On 46 Warm Your Cockles
Copy Deadline for the December/January issue is 18th November 2014 Contact us for all your advertising in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire andrena@thevinemagazine.com www.thevinemagazine.com Telephone 01525 222473 Mobile 0797 155 4604 twitter @thevineLB facebook.thevinemagazine
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A Travellers Tale Castles, Cathedrals and other Antiquities By Paul Heley
Warwick Castle
The Mound
The Trebuchet
6
A
s on a number of previous occasions, I have gone off on my motorbike (when the weather has been kind!) to have a look at some of the architectural treasures we are so fortunate to have in this country. And in this article, I should like to concentrate on a couple of castles both of which claim to be the best preserved and the most historically significant example of their kind in the country! Without wishing to enter into this argument, suffice it to say that in their different ways, I feel they are both excellent and well worth a visit. Let us take Warwick Castle first. Without a doubt it is extremely well known and is definitely on the tourist trail with many sideshows designed to attract visitors (who come in their thousands). But there is also a great deal of historical information to be absorbed as well since this was one of the principal strongholds in England during the 15th century (for example) when Richard Neville, the extremely powerful Earl of Warwick - alias the "King Maker" - was deeply involved in the to-ings and fro-ings between the Houses of York and Lancaster during the 30 year Wars of the Roses. But Neville's duplicitous behaviour came to naught and he was eventually killed at the Battle of Barnet in 1471. But sadly for everyone concerned, these wars continued for another 14 years until the Lancastrian Henry Tudor (later to become Henry 7th) defeated the Yorkist King Richard 3rd at the Battle of Bosworth Field in October 1485 to begin the 118 year Tudor dynasty. But the history of Warwick Castle goes way back to its original builder, William the Conqueror. He built a simple motte and bailey castle in 1068 and although there have been numerous structural changes over the centuries, the original motte still survives; and is known as The Mound. On approach, the castle is a most impressive fortress with seemingly impregnable walls. Even so, it has been attacked - not always successfully - on numerous occasions
throughout its long history. Apart from a host of separate attractions - many designed to appeal to children - there are historical exhibitions and displays for those requiring a more "serious" side to their visit. And there are also two stone throwing catapults (or for throwing anything else, eg rotting carcasses!) on show: one a Roman "ballista" and the other a formidable "trebuchet" capable of hurling missiles huge distances. When demonstarted, it is most impressive. The other castle of note (and which is close to Warwick) is Kenilworth. Although not so superficially magnificent as Warwick because of the number of ruins, it too has a great history. Like Warwick it is also Norman to start with and was built by Geoffrey de Clinton during the 1120s in the reign of Henry 1st. Its original Norman keep, called the Great Tower, is still largely intact. In the early 13th century, King John significantly enlarged the entire structure and dammed local streams in order to create a great lake surrounding the castle thereby making it virtually unassailable. As one wanders around armed with a free audio 'phone, the history is brought to life and various stories are told. such as:During the 14th century, it was the home and palace of John of Gaunt (the sire of the House of Lancaster) and was the favoured residence of Lancastrian kings. But in the 16th century, it became the home of Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester and the favourite of Elizabeth 1st. He spent a fortune on reconstruction and improvement in order to impress Elizabeth and also established a magnificent garden in her honour. During the English Civil War of the 17th century, Kenilworth Castle was attacked and partly destroyed by Parliamentarian forces so that it could not become a military stronghold for the Royalist side. In later years, it also received a considerable fame after the novelist, Sir Walter Scott, wrote “Kenilworth� in 1826. It is now administered by English Heritage.
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This summer, as you lay, sun-kissed, reading your “chick lit” novel, I doubt the words that stirred your romantic soul were “he gently caressed her papery dry overtanned cheek” or “he tenderly kissed the dark sun damaged spot just below the crows feet he loved so dearly”. After a very relaxing two weeks in Spain and despite determined application of factor 50, and maybe a glass of Vino Sol or two, my face certainly wouldn’t have had novelists reaching for their pens (or ipads). So when I received the welcome and timely invitation to try a facial at Murad’s new location in John Lewis, Milton Keynes, along with some sample products, I did a little happy dance. The treatment was start to finish, fabulous, Catherine and Chantelle, both with flawless skin, were gracious and kind as we examined the on screen analysis of 10
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What’sBestForYou
Martin
LEWIS Train Prices
By Martin Lewis
Train ticket prices are to logic what reindeer are to scrabble. In
Tackle your otherbills words, they’ve nothing in common. If you want to save
money on the train, take the logic book and throw it out of the window. While travelling by train can be cheap, efficient and on down any Ofgem-approved comparison site – Winter is coming. Don’t wait until you’reis knee-deep in to comparison easy, the pricing system a mess. So really hone the just search for The Confidence Code at the white stuff to sort your bills. Here, prevention truly cheapest tickets you need totake understand and combine first www.ofgem.gov.uk to see the full list. beats cure – tacklingpriced your bills now means you can thechills… simple tips, then the bizarre… the financial bite out of winter
If you're not online, use a comparison with a phone Book 12 Weeks Early For (for some). Free loft insulation and even boilers time,074 possibly travelling together a third off.asIfEnergyhelpline you at the same service, such on 0800 0745,inorthe same seat. often will travel with different people, While the loft insulation Cheaper Fares free-for-all's ended, some uSwitch on 0800 051 5493. It's perfectly allowed within the you could be named on more than Most people know if you free bookenergy-saving still be entitled to some serious Nationaldirect Rail Conditions one card to cover the combinations. early you’ll get cheaper advance Paying energy bills by monthly debit’s up of to Carriage 6% measures. and the only rule is that the train Senior Railcard. This gets over 60’s train tickets. Yet it’s important to cheaper. mustmean call atdiscounted the stationsbills youof buy a third off. arefirms generally sold boilers, If you can, do, as it’ll usually up Most ofunderstand the big six these energy offer free tickets for. I’ve built a tool www. 16-25 Railcard.toAlso a third off, in tranches, in other words there’s a 6% less, so contact your provider to check. Though typically worth £2,000, and free insulation, usually worth though it’s often cheapest to buy the mse.me/ticketysplit that searches set number of each type, so the aim always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your about £300. Crucially, you don't need to be with the card (and for variants for you to see if you can 3 years worth rememberis to buy them before they go. bill isyour estimated. If it’s too high, you have a right to ask energy The provider to get it, but you do generally need an save. ing to do it before 24th birthkey time to look is around 12 for it to be lowered. ncomeweeks underbefore £16,000, and to be on income-related One of the best ever examples I’ve day to give you maximum time). you want to travel, as benefitsthat’s or pension credit. I can’tisdefinitely say you’ll this was on a direct London when the timetable set so Got electricity only? Youseen can of still save. to Durham return when the cheapqualify,most but itoperators is worth launch checking. Alternatively, the Advance welltheir advance Get Discounts Late With electricity only, you can still get a cheap fix to save est ticket was £301. Yet buying four tickets then or within a couple meaning but stuttering Green Deal initiative isNever designed assume just that follow you’re the too info closeabove. For those on Economy 7, singles for the same journey: Lonof weeks to travel to book an advance or to let you pay forgiving thingsyou likemaximum underfloor heating, double assessing is trickier. It’s only really a boon those don to York, whichfor was onewho of the Sowall if you know you’ve discounted glazing choice. and solid insulation, fromgot the 'savings' you fare. Walk on fares are use at least 40% of their stops, energyYork at night. If not –and don’t to Durham, then in something pencilled in you need to often far costlier than those even make on energy bills. Deciding whether it’s right for you bother. Full help to decide at www.mse.me/eco7 reverse, was £82 for the same train travelsoto, so you s complex, fordiarise full help readcan be ready booked a day or so in advance. at the same time - possibly even the to pounce. Always check Can via the compayourail find your stopcock? www.moneysavingexpert.com/greendeal same seats. However, it’s important nies own site. Check via sites like No sniggering - winter frozen pipe bursts an to understand thatcan thiscreate is an example www.redspottedhanky.com, www. Graband A (Discounted) Save £100s beat the hikes.Railcard average £7,000 of damage, often worsened as many the savings vary train by train. Even takethetrain.co.uk, www.eastcoast. There are more national railcards Rather surprisingly, fixing energy, where you lock in a set scrabble round searchinganfor their stopcock - the mains hour later the same split may not co.uk and www.nationalrail.co.uk. available than there used to be. rate, is now cheaper than a normal switch. Five of the big water off switch - for ages as their home floods. work, so you need to check each These normally costnow £30announced (though hikes, and six energy providers have time or use the various web tools often there are codes to discount Singles Can Beat Returns – mine under kitchen their best new prices are costlier than the cheapest fixed Take the time to find it now available to isfind yourthe split. this check on www.mse.me/trainLots of top deals areOthers only available sink. find theirs in the bathroom or inside a tariffs. So right now you can get the very cheapest deals deals) and reduce all fares by a on one-way fares and cheaper fares cupboard. If yours isn’t working, may want to call a available, andTherefore it comes ifwith no-hike Look Foryou Hidden Promos third. you’re likelycertainty. to are often available for two single plumber now, before it’sLots a problem. of train companies have hidden spend over £90 even on a one-off tickets, but not the return. Do a The onlytrip exception promotions buried on their websites it’s worthtoit.this is a variable (ie, subject quicktosearch for both options and heating Choosing between and eating? – which you won’t find if you’re hikes) tariff from minnow Spark Energy – though it hasn't work out the difference in price If you're seriously behind, or in general financial hardship going through a ticket booking webhiked (yet?), needsCards payingAre… upfront, and feedback ain't before you finalise your booking. The Main - as far too many are after the hikes you may be eligible site, such as -TheTrainline.com or great, so I’m ignoring it. Railcard. Two Family & Friends for special help. Call the Redspottedhanky.com. Home Heat Helpline onFor 0800 33 example, people can be named on this, and Split Tickets, 66 Not99The Journey to check. Plus if anyone in your home was born on The cheapest comes fromand E.onupfor slightly then a fix named person toa year, but Now it’s time to really throw the log- at the time of writing East Coast has or before 5 January 1952, you're due up to £300online in tax-fares 10% off some advance onger and only a touch more are deals from EDF or three other adults can travel and get ic book out of the window to make winter fuel payments. should be made andPayments 50% off selected super off-peak Npower. Crucially, two haveyou’re no exit penalties. So bigfree 30% off the these fare, providing some really savings. Instead of tickets to London, whilethen on Southautomatically, but if you’ve never had it before you on the off-chance the between Prime Minister delivers buying the price travelling with one and tickets for the whole journey, eastern up to four kids can travel for may needtickets to register www.gov.uk. four kids, who getthe 60% off.more unlikely cuts he’s promised, and even eventbizarrely instead buying for - see £1 off-peak with an adult. For a full Twobe Together Railcard. This one’stariffs its constituent parts separately can that they’ll so substantial that other elsewhere Plus anyone on specific income support, jobseekers' relatively new. It gives two named slash the price – even though you're list of hidden promos go to are cheaper, you'll be free to leave. allowances or pension credit gets £25 in cold weather www.mse.me/traindeals. people on the card providing they’re travelling on exactly the same train, payments for every 7 days it's sub-0 C. However, always do the numbers for your own circumstances. To check if you can save (you may be on 12
What’sBestForYou Buy Rail Tickets When Not Travelling By Train To Get Discounts
This sneaky trick sounds bizarre but it works. National Rail offers 2for1 discounts on a host of attractions across the UK – you just download and print out a voucher and present it with a train ticket. Attractions include Ascot Racecourse, Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds. For example, if you wanted two tickets to London Zoo, as an adult ticket costs £24, providing the train ticket is less, it’s worth buying one even if you won’t actually go by train (just pop to a station on the way). Though of course it’s an even better saving if you’re actually using it.
Know Your Train Refund Rights
You may be entitled to money back for delays over 30 minutes, every operator has different rules. Technically the delay or cancellation needs be the operators fault, such as train or signal failures. Yet even when not, such as weather, strikes or maintenance work, some firms will pay out if you claim (as for a claim form when you arrive). More help in www.mse.me/traindelays.
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A Good Read For You Dark Road By Ian Rankin & Mark Thompson
For The Kids
suggest she was on the stage. As she approaches retirement from a distinguished career, Scotland’s first female Chief As Rankin says in his introConstable is drawn to revisit duction, Dark Road was one of her earlier cases: that written in response to a query of Alfred Chalmers, convicted about why we see crime for the murders of four young fiction dominating television women twenty five years and bestseller lists, but not previously. Chalmers has on the stage. ‘It started,’ he always protested his innosays, ‘almost as a dare’. cence, and the key evidence Following a widely praised in the case has been convenirun at the Lyceum Theatre ently lost… in Edinburgh, the script has The scenes between Isobel now been released in book and Chalmers are tautly form. Initially, there were written and full of menace. some groans from die-hard As a counterpoint, the black fans who had hoped for, or humour of Frank Bowman expected, the inclusion of and the tapes of the original Rankin’s most famous creainterviews, which Isobel tion, John Rebus. But whilst obsessively revisits, take the characters here inhabit us into familiar territory. the same world, Rebus is not Unfortunately, the relationpresent even as a shadow, ship between Isobel and her and the play works better daughter is less convincingly for it. drawn, and this weakens Reading a script is different the ending – perhaps here to reading a novel, and it is the gap between page and clear that Rankin found the performance is most evident. process different too. Here Nevertheless, the script will the dialogue has to carry stay with you, and there is and develop the characters. certainly evidence that the The central character, Isobel dare has paid off. Here’s MacArthur, is as successhoping it is not Rankin’s last ful on the page as reviews foray into scriptwriting.
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Supertato By Sue Hendra Sue Hendra will be familiar to parents everywhere as the creator of Barry, Keith and Norman – a fish, a cat and a slug respectively, all with rather odd features. Her latest creation is Supertato – a crime fighting superhero who just happens to be a spud. Strange? Not if you have already read about the fish with fingers! As Hendra points out at the start, some vegetables are frozen for a good reason. The supermarket is thrown into chaos when a pea escapes from the freezer, intent on causing mayhem. Luckily Supertato is there to save the day, facing up bravely to the threat of the masher in order to ensure that the veggies can live safely again. Be warned, though – some editions of the book come with stickers. Once they have finished laughing, your children may find them. And you may be summoned downstairs to a decorated kitchen with the words, ‘Mummy, there seems to be an escapee (geddit?) on the loose…’ To be honest, if they can get that absorbed in the book, it has to be a good thing!
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as this will shorten you. Whatever your shape vertical prints always make the body look longer. Colours Your natural colouring can have a major impact on the colours that suit you and the overall effect of any garment. Pale or dark skin with blue or pink undertones benefits from bright, bold colours . Warmer skin tones, with richer undertones of gold and yellow wear black with ease and earthy tones such as browns, reds and oranges are a real success. By choosing made to measure you will always get the fit, the style and the colour that suits you, in an environment that is stress free and with advice that ensures your shape and personality is catered for. With winter just round the corner it’s time to start thinking about your wardrobe, the casual tweed jacket to wear with jeans, the business suit or something special – tailoring that creates confidence every time you wear it! Gift voucher available and look out for our special Christmas offers. For more information or to book a consultation please contact Lilian at William Young 1876 (www.williamyoung1876.com / 01442 859034)
Our motto is "We Serve." Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities. The first rehearsal of the season got off to a ‘roaring’ success on Wednesday when money raised by the employees and contractors of the Global Alliance, a Milton Keynes based project management team and part of the AECOM group, led to a massive £1000 donation towards the running costs of Rock Chorus’s ‘Big Gig’ concert to be held on March 14th. Global Alliance employee Tanya Sargent explained that they are able to nominate charity groups they are associated with for a donation and the money will allow the concert, organised by the Lions Club of Bletchley, MK, to raise even more funds in support of various local causes. Tickets are already on sale and Lion Mike Bartlett said “This is the fifth Rock Chorus concert we’ve organised and they’ve been a huge success, raising over £6000. For 2015 we’re moving to The Venue, a big new theatre in Walnut Tree but obviously that puts our costs up and this
donation is a brilliant way for us to get the Pictured: Global Alliance employee Tanya Sargent presenting the cheque maximum to Lion President Brian Phillips benefit for the causes we and Rock Chorus support. We’re very very grateful to Global Alliance and, of course, to Rock Chorus.”
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ren Should Pla d l i h C y y Wh usical Instrum ent AM
M
usic is an important part of life – nearly everyone enjoys listening to it. Yet relatively few of us have the ability to create it. Scientists say that children who play an instrument do better academically than those who don’t. It can benefit their reading age because it enhances comprehension skills. Learning to understand beat, rhythm and scales improves their maths skills as children learn how to divide, create fractions and recognise patterns. Listening to pitch, rhythm and tempo helps to sharpen their concentration and using mnemonic devices to learn musical patterns can improve memory. Co-ordination and motor skills are also developed as a child learns to convert written notes to movement of hands, arms and feet. This improved co-ordination and timing can benefit children in other hobbies such as dance and sports.
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Children who learn as part of a group cultivate social skills as they interact with other class members. They learn to wait patiently for their turn, and show respect for others. It’s also a chance to make friends, especially if they play in a band or orchestra. Mastering an instrument and achieving goals takes months or even years. Perseverance and patience are useful qualities developed along the way, as is self-confidence which grows further if they go on to perform in public. Caring for their instrument teaches a child responsibility, while managing their time to ensure that practice is done regularly helps them develop organisational skills. Finally, learning about and playing a musical instrument can help children discover the role of music in other cultures, and this familiarity from an early age helps foster openmindedness about worlds and
traditions beyond the ones they know. If your child shows an interest in learning an instrument, be sure to choose one that excites them (my daughter was horrified to be presented with a cello when what she coveted was a clarinet). Select an instrument that suits their ability and temperament, and make sure it produces a sound that you can tolerate for hours as you listen to them practise (I have memories of my mum banishing me to the furthest corner of the house because she couldn’t bear the sound of me screeching on the violin!). I was nine when my parents found me a piano teacher, and even though the road has not always been smooth, I am forever grateful to them for taking this decision, as I consider myself amongst the privileged few who have had the opportunity to learn an instrument and enjoy the benefits this brings.
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auto Biographies New Pegeot 308 Feline THP 156
By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk
p instrument that information canbrief of the Peugeotlayout must means have sprinThe initial design New 308than had the highest levels ad easily and safely, looking over rather kled fairy dust over its of quality at its heart and that has wheel. designers, because there been more than noticed already.
are now some attractive Crowned 2014 European Car of the and Year, newly at the Geneva Motor t also has a compact steering wheel motors in its automotive Show, the suave Peugeot offers lectric power steering, resulting ina touch a responsive of technology, comfort stable, including the 308.
and practicality. ed driving experience. My 1.6, 156bhp petrol The new 308 is the fourth Peugeot model to be eline’ It’s model certainly impressed no secret that the French firm me with its distinguished by the ‘Car of the hasn’t always produced beautiful ck to the road and hug bends - even when Year’ accolade; it comes after the motors – yet, conversely, Peugeot 307 (2002), 405 (1988) and 504 d. has created some of the most
(1969). The appearance of the Pug is uffedTo tobring the more brimofwith safety packages too. As latest Mercedes more akin to the a balance to the Benz A-Class than anything else. tiple airbags it has an ‘Emergency Collision Alert automaker’s looks department, the The front of the car is dominated brandout is moving up-market. It’s an should you get ich gives an audible warning by a ‘floating’ front grille and by initiative started several years ago a strong lighting signature. Slim the backside of someone else – or if you’ve just and seen most recently with the full-LED headlamps glitter like dia208The and 2008. n time. 308 is also furnished with an monds and the striking illuminaCollision Braking System’. This is ation clever bit at ofthe rear, with the continues FAST FACTS three Peugeot lion here, in the event of a possible crash, automatic ‘claws’ drawn by piercing red LED lamps. speed: mph ggeredMax to prevent the132 impact or reduce Inside, thethe 308 includes a touch0-62 mph: 8.4 secs screen panel on the dashboard es. Combined mpg: 48.7 for added indulgence. It also Engine: 1598cc 4 cylinder has a practical purpose; it brings 16 car valveoffers petrol great fuel economy, e, the five door together many of the infotainment Max. power (bhp): controlsplenty in one place, mpromising too much on space. There’s of for ease of 156 at 6000 rpm use and to create a contemporary ggage and shopping, as well as forand youuncluttered and your Max. torque (lb/ft): cabin. Everything 180 at 1400 rpm don’t assenger. Rear-seat travellers have quite is arranged for an experience that 134 g/km is fine and rest is intuitive relaxing room,CO2: but headroom of theand car is so that Price: £21,345 on the road you can focus entirely on the road nough to provide a soothing ride. ahead. PROS & CONS The head-up instrument layout Classy √ information can be 8 is seriously considering if means you’rethatafter a Attractiveworth √ clearly read easily and safely, ed family The fact that thelooking modelover willrather alsothan through Safemotor. √ the wheel. Responsive tured and sold √in China indicates just how much The Peugeot also has a comRear legroom X is in this car. pact steering wheel and newly popular cars on the road.
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developed electric power steering, resulting in a responsive and controlled driving experience. My 1.6, 156bhp petrol powered ‘Feline’ model certainly impressed me with its ability to stick to the road and hug bends - even when pushed hard. The car is stuffed to the brim with safety packages too. As well as multiple airbags it has an ‘Emergency Collision Alert System’, which gives out an audible warning should you get too close to the backside of someone else – or if you’ve just not braked in time. The 308 is also furnished with an ‘Emergency Collision Braking System’. This is a clever bit of gadgetry where, in the event of a possible crash, automatic braking is triggered to prevent the impact or reduce the consequences. What’s more, the five door car offers great fuel economy, without compromising too much on space. There’s plenty of room for luggage and shopping, as well as for you and your front seat passenger. Rear-seat travellers don’t have quite so much legroom, but headroom is fine and rest of the car is cosseting enough to provide a soothing ride. The new 308 is seriously worth considering if you’re after a medium sized family motor. The fact that the model will also be manufactured and sold in China indicates just how much belief there is in this car.
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In The Garden
Hedge-ing Into Winter
N
ovember is the perfect time for planting new hedges, and at this time of year it's a very safe bet. Prior to the use of containerised plants (which can be planted at almost any time of the year) planting between November and March was a gardeners only option, and as far as the plants are concerned it's still the best by far. When plants are dormant (asleep) they will hardly even notice being moved, and by spring when their new leaves emerge their roots will have already pushed through the surrounding soil in their new home. Hedges are often thought of as hard work, time consuming and have been at the centre of heated neighbourly debates (whether it's cutting them too low or letting them grow too high). They are great for blocking out unsightly views, adding privacy, and also make a wonderful place for wildlife to live, rest and nest. For the past 3 years we've had a variety of birds nesting in our Yew hedge and the addition of extra life in the garden
always pleases me. If you're looking for a quick solution to a green screen, then you have two options, either instant (such as a 2m high instant hedge, pre grown, trained and clipped, perfect for the impatient gardener), or Leylandii conifers. As I write this I can hear the screams, but it really is the best option for speed and it's cost-effective. Do be aware that legally, as of a couple of years ago, you have to keep its growth contained to 2m high if on a boundary (this does not apply to any other species). For the more patient gardener, try the classic evergreen Yew hedging. Like most beautiful things in life, it's more expensive to buy. It's also slower growing (15-30cm per year), but does only require cutting once per year in September, and will provide you with the most beautiful hedge. I also favour the evergreen Portuguese laurel, which has a smaller leaf than the more common cherry laurel, or Beech if it doesn't need to be evergreen.
Rhubarb originates from the colder parts of China and its popularity is fairly recent in historical terms, becoming more widely eaten as sugar became less expensive. The leaves are toxic and so too are the stems later on in the year, because the toxic acids move down the stems from the leaves and into the crown as the winter temperatures cool. October is the perfect time to plant rhubarb if you haven’t got any at the moment and would like a patch of your own. It’s quite un-fussy and will grow in sun or part shade as long as the soil is moisture retentive. Add well-rotted manure to the planting hole and mulch the plant with a ‘doughnut’ shape of manure about 50cm deep in spring. Give the plant a feed with ‘blood, fish and bone’ in March and watch it grow! It’s an easy perennial plant, which produces giant leaves and is pretty resistant to pests, although hungry mammals might feast on the crowns in early spring when food is scarce. Early rhubarb can be ‘forced’ inside up-turned dust bins, but only do this with established plants. Place a black bin (or terracotta rhubarb forcing jar if you’re a pro) over the plant in early spring, and then enjoy the small, tender and sweet stems as they develop and
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For a smaller hedge it has to be Box, but alternatives include Lavender, Berberis, Lonicera, and for the perfect no-cut low hedge go for a small Hebe, (simply choose a variety which only grows to the height you actually want the hedge to grow to). Whichever hedge you choose, the ground preparation should be the same. For containerised, bare-root or root-balled hedges, dig out a trench which follows the line of the proposed hedge, this should be at least one and a half times wider and deeper than the rootball. Fork over the base of the trench and return some of the soil, so that when you plant the hedge it sits at the same level as previously planted (i.e. not too deep). Backfill with the removed soil, add a handful of bonemeal per plant, and dig in. Firm with your boot then water well before mulching with 5cm of compost, manure or bark clippings.
A beginners guide to...
Rhubarb
search for the light. Grown commercially in large dark sheds in the Yorkshire rhubarb triangle - between Wakefield, Leeds and Morley - this wonderful vegetable (classed as a fruit for tax reasons) can also be divided up this month if you have a large overgrown patch. Rhubarb freezes very well, and lasts for around a year, in fact I made a crumble in April this year using last years frozen harvest. Chopped into 1cm pieces, it can be placed directly into freezer bags, but to retain its colour should be blanched for around 1 minute in boiling water. Allow to cool and dry before freezing. To revive, boil in a little fresh orange juice, a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and sugar to taste before allowing to cool. It’s a versatile crop and makes great jam, compote and crumble, and tastes delicious when made as above and served with crème fraîche.
Follow me, Follow You Like this and follow that... Twiiter Business and the arts engage to form the Milton Keynes Young Musician of the Year Competition
A new annual competition for junior musicians, the Milton Keynes Young Musician of the Year, the first of which will take place on 4 March 2015 at Walton High, was announced last night at the Rotary International meeting in Newport Pagnell. This new event is supported by the Milton Keynes based HQ of international company Kawai Pianos and Rotary International and organised by the Milton Keynes Festival of the Arts for Dance, Music and Drama, whose president is Hilary Davan Wetton, founder conductor of the Milton Keynes City Orchestra. Musicians will be selected from the 2015 Milton Keynes Music Festival to take part in this prestigious new competition which will then see four performers going forward to also compete in the Rotary International Young Musician of the Year competition. Festival Vice Chair Pat Haig said “we are very excited about our partnership with Rotary International, who really celebrate the
achievements of young people, and we are very grateful to Kawai Pianos who provide us with their wonderful concert grand pianos which makes our festival a very memorable experience for all our performers.� The festival, which is an educational charity run by volunteers, began in 1968 and now runs annually in February/March each year at Walton High, Milton Keynes, and in 2014 saw almost 1,000 performances over its 5 day period and culminated in a choirs and barbershop day with school and community choirs singing to a highly appreciative audience. Everyone who takes part receives a certificate and a feedback sheet from the adjudicator to help them with their future performances and there are also medals, trophies and money prizes. All festival and competition details can be found in the syllabus for the 2015 annual Milton Keynes Drama and Music Festival available via download from www.miltonkeynesfestival.org or by post from Pat Haig on 01908 504766 pat@tscevents.co.uk
who: @TheVineLB (of course!) why: if you want to keep up to date with local news and our advertisers special offers who: @telegardening why: good gardening tips, updates about live shows, TV programs and products. who: @stephen fry why: because everyone does! Seems like a nice fellow. Facebook who: The Vine Magazine why: Ummm pretty much the same as before :-) who: The Poke why: A very silly page with very silly updates on it. Not always appropriate for the easily offended. who: MindfulnessMeditation/529222840511281 why: inspirational ideas and suggestions for a happier you You could be included: say why to andrena@thevinemagazine.com or, of course, you could get in touch via Twitter or Facebook
Health Beauty & Wellbeing
Gatric Band Weight Loss Could it all be in the mind? Funny things, weddings. They seem to have the power to change lives, and not just the lives of the happy couple. Mary was mother of the bride, the wedding was twelve weeks away and she didn’t want to buy her special outfit in size 20-22. Sue had a very glamorous do coming up with cool guests in a cutting edge location and she was dreading being captured for all time in the photos as the chubby frump on the end. What’s more, Sue was borderline diabetic and her doctor was concerned. Then there’s Kate, due to be a bridesmaid next spring in a swanky ceremony on a tropical island. But Kate’s really piled on the pounds over the last few years and she can’t face stumbling up the aisle to the pitying glances of surprised guests. Yet thanks to the galvanising power of a wedding date, Mary and Sue shed two stone, Sue’s blood sugar levels plummeted and Kate’s lost a stone in three weeks and is on course to becoming the slender bridesmaid she wants to be. And they’ve achieved all this not through conventional dieting or calorie counting but by a revolutionary technique called the Virtual Gastric Band. The VGB works on the same principles as the surgical gastric band, only without the surgery, without a real band and without the huge price tag if you can’t get it on the NHS! Instead of surgery, an imaginary ‘virtual’ band is ‘fitted’ round the stomach with the aid of hypnotherapy and this helps the client feel full on smaller amounts of food. ‘The strange thing is I know I haven’t really had an operation,’ says Mary, ‘but I don’t feel hungry at all. It’s been so easy.’ While Kate’s friends are astonished. ‘We went out for our usual slap up breakfast the other day, ‘says Kate, ‘and I genuinely could not manage all the food. It was no hardship to leave some on the plate, I just
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by Linda Dearsley
‘but
didn’t want it.’ I don’t feel Strangely enough, though hypnosis has been around hungry at all. for hundreds of years, no It’s been so one really knows exactly how it works. It seems to easy provide a way to give deep level instructions to the subconscious (sometimes also known as the unconscious) mind which are then acted upon automatically in day to day life.
.’
Recently researches in the USA discovered that the subconscious mind can process 11 million pieces of information a second, while the conscious mind can only handle 40. How they discovered this I can’t imagine but if it’s true, it illustrates the truly awesome abilities of our subconscious minds. Other researchers studying the brain have found that although we believe we reach decisions by means of logical, analytical thought, in fact, our subconscious mind lights up with the answer, several seconds before our conscious minds are aware of it. The surgical gastric band doesn’t work for everyone of course. Recently the press carried a story of a young man who’s put on 7 stone and rising, after dramatically losing weight with a gastric band and surgery costing £30,000. He was so determined to beat the restriction round his stomach, he started liquidising kebabs and deep fried Mars bars. Similarly, hypnotherapy isn’t for everyone. For most people it works well but for an unfortunate few it seems to have little effect. On the other hand, unlike surgery, if you opt for a hypnotherapy operation, the worst thing that can happen is that nothing happens! Linda Dearsley is a Virtual Gastric Band therapist. Find out more call 07852 237011 or email ladears@gmail.
Tastes so good...
Tastes so good... Tastes so good... Butternut Squash & Fresh Soup ROAST SEA BASS WITH A LEMON &Ginger GARLIC CRUST BUTTERNUT SQUASH & FRESH GINGER SOUP
PARSNIP QUICHE WITH BLUE CHEESE
When winter is looming, there is nothing more warming to the heart and soul than a bowl of freshly
Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan d pin
Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour until resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry t into a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour c the fridge.
resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry together peeled squash, ginger and cinnamon. 200g plain flourand 4 skinned fillets seacubed bass, Method: Brush undersides with olive oil and season fish all
ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour covered in 50g fresh ginger into root, apeeled Ingredients Method 4-5 tbps cold water washed under running water over with salt and pepper. Zest one of the lemons and squeeze
and sliced Cook for 20 minutes or so, until soft. the fridge. 3 unwaxed lemons juice. Wedge the other lemon for garnish. Whizz garlic with Filing: 300ml Greek yogurt in water until soft. tolarge cool. Fry off thebe shallot Melttoand the butter inminutes aLeave large, heavy bottomed pan. 4 cloves garlicpeeled lemon juice no more can seen, 300ml vegetableCook stock the parsnip Setboiling aside coolzest. for a Once few then blendpieces until smooth 200g parsnip, 50g butter until one side to cool. Line and a 9 inch greased dish with the 1/4 teaspoon ground with aparsley, wand blender. bunch of washed freshsoft. Set toadd the bread butter to theflan processor. &Small sliced 2 large diced onions rested pastry. Prick theAdd bottom the base gently a fork to stop the of onions and cookwith until soft. Addair stock, 1parsley shallot,cinnamon diced Salt &butternut pepper bubbles Stirquickly inblind the Greek Season taste. forming. Bake (thisyogurt. will avoid thetofamous "soggy bottom"!) 1 3good sized squash, 25g butter Quite you should produce a moist and very tasty by eggs butternut squash, ginger and cinnamon. Handful of chopped parsley parchmentmixture. and placing in the pastryfirmly case being careful not 30g wholemeal bread crumpling baking breadcrumb Pressit this mixture onto the upper 175ml crème peeled and fraiche cubed Gently heat to serving temperature and garnish with parsley. to tear the pastry. fillfillets. with ceramic baking beans spreading them out 50ml extra virgin olive oil sideThen of the Diane Johnson 290ml milk Cook for 20 minutes or so, until soft. 50g fresh ginger root, evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a little crisp. Salt & pepper 1/2 tsp mixed spice peeled and slicedRemove the paper Roast forbeans. approximately 20pastry minutes, the crust is brown. or korma curry and Whilst the caseorminutes isuntil cooking beat the eggsuntil Set aside to cool for a few then blend powder fraiche and milk, incorporating all together with a 300ml Greek yogurt together and add the creme smooth with a wand blender. Serve with whatever takes your fancy! 50g good blue 300ml stockwhisk. Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and gradually add Diane vegetable Johnson cheese to the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Once the pastry case has come out Stirwith in the yogurt. Season to taste. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 50g ham or cooked of the oven dot the base the Greek blue cheese, onion and ham. Pour the egg bacon mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or until the Salt & pepper centre doesn’t wobble.Gently heat to serving temperature and garnish Diane Johnson Handful of chopped parsley
with parsley.
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PARSNIP QUICHE WITH BLUE CHEESE
Equipment: Wand blender
Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan dish. Rolling
Equipment: Small processor or mortar and pestle Ingredients:time : 15 minutes Preparation pin 50g butter Method: Melt the butter in a large, heavy bottomed pan. Cooking time: 20 minutes Shortcrust pastry: 2 large Ingredients : diced onions Oven: Gas Mark 5, 190°c Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter the flour until it Equipment needed: Wand blender 100g salted butter 1 good sized butternut squash, Add the onions and cook until soft. into Add stock, butternut
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 wit 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 little
Remove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking bea together and add the creme fraiche and milk, incorporating all toge whisk. Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and grad
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.
Ingredients for 4 big servings:
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 powder 50g good blue
When winter ismade looming, nothing more warming heart and soul soup. This there one is nois exception. Eat with a hunk of soft breadto andthe butter, This can belunch eaten or cold and it’s great foris lunch boxes. You iscan upcrowd leftover put your feetThis up and savor every mouthful. Perfect fordish aof simple orhot a dinner party with friends, this course anuse easy pleaser, than a bowl freshly made soup. one nomain exception. Eat with a hunk of cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet potato or looks bread great onand the plate and isput a wonderful dish up to serve with vegetables ormouthful. salad alike. soft butter, your feet and savor every carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.
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
DOVES
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
26
NOTES
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www.bibledreams.info The Rotary Club of the Brickhills
The Rotary Club of the Brickhills is a friendly club - with members from Milton Keynes and the surrounding area, average age 37 and a mixture of men and women. If you would like to learn more about Rotary join us in the bar on Sunday 2nd November at 7.30pm at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST - just seeing the pitch in all its glory is worth the visit! We are raising money for a number of charities including the Trim Trail for children living in Great Brickhill. We have a quiz night on 15th November- please contact the Great Brickhill Parish Council for tickets.
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.
WHAT’S ON? so much we can’t fit it all in! October 10th Cheddington Food and Drink Fair 11 and 12th Organ Festival,11am - 4:30pm All the sounds and spectacle of fairground organs. Hand tuned organs, fairground organs and model steam engines. Plus all the usual museum attractions. Milton Keynes Museum, McConnell Drive, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5EL 11th Voices for Hospices Concert 2014 – ‘The Big Sing for Willen’ 7.30pm 150 singers will take part in a fantastic evening of song to celebrate International Voices for Hospices Day and the work of Willen Hospice. The concert will be held in Newport Pagnell Parish Church. Many choirs will present a varied programme. For more information call Chris on 01908 612622 or email friends@ willen-hospice.org.uk 16th &19th Woburn Craft Fair. Local handmade items 10am to 4pm 28th TRICKS AND TREATS Join the rangers for a frightening time at our Halloween school holiday event. Booking essential. Park in the car park on Merlewood Drive, off V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood 10am – 12pm £3/child 31st SPOOKY HALLOWEEN WALKS Dare to take a walk in the woods on All Hallows Eve and join us for our ever popular Spooky Halloween Walks. Walks get scarier as the evening progresses. Park in the car park off H7 Chaffron Way opposite the Westcroft Centre. Howe Park Wood 6pm – 9pm Timed Bookings £4/perso November 2nd and 15th Rotary Club Events (see page 27 for details
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The online calendar is updated regularly 2nd FIREWORKS Spectacular annual city firework display presented by Keith Emmett and sons. Campbell Park 7.30pm Free 9th EASY RIDERS 20 mile cycle ride using the Redways and leisure routes. Meet at Willen Lake South by the miniature railway. 10am Free 9th Remembrance Sunday 9th The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkinsat 3pm at St Michael’s Church Woburn Sands, Bedfordshire MK17 8TA On Remembrance Sunday afteroon, the Linsdale Singers will be performing Karl Jenkins’ popular and inspirational mass to mark the 100th anniversary of the commencement of the First World War. The performance will end with coffee and cake in the church, included in the price of the ticket; £6, concession £5. 14th Cakes for Kids - Children In Need 4-9pm Come along and join us on Children in Need night, as we set a new Guinness World Record for the longest line of cupcakes, in aid of the BBC Children in Need Appeal, MK Hospital – Leo’s Appeal and the Lovebug Fund for Neve. Join in the fun as we turn Middleton Hall into the ‘cupcake centre of the world’ The event will be tied into Santa arriving – so come and see him as well….can it get more amazing! Further information is available at www.cakesforkids.net thecentre:mk, in Middleton Hall, MK9 3ES 28th to 30th Leighton Buzzard Christmas Festival Weekend 2014 This is a great weekend along the High Street, with stalls, entertainment, late night shopping and much more. On Friday evening the Christmas lights are formally switched on followed by a fantastic firework display. The fireworks in previous years have been amazing and the High Street is absolutely packed - so make sure you arrive early.
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Let us know about your fundraiser or event
80’s MANIA, is the UK's Official 1980’s Multi Tribute Reunion Concert!! If you love the 80's - do not miss this show! The Stables MK Friday 31st October
Woburn Brasserie
A friendly, family run restaurant, serving delicious freshly-made dishes. Join us for coffee & drinks, breakfast, lunch or dinner. 13 Bedford Street, Woburn, MK17 9QB
TOWN FARM ART SHOW IN CHEDDINGTON
Call: 01525 290 260 www.woburnbrasserie.co.uk
Craft Fair CCC
Crafts - Cake & a Cuppa
10. 00A M - 4.0 0PM
Woburn Village Hall, Beds All Local Handmade
items
SUNDAY
Oct 19th, Nov 16th
& Dec 21st
Also Farmers’ Marke
t in village
FR EE AD MI SS ION FREE CAR PARKIN G
www.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk
Festive art show in Cheddington: mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas cake, plus lots of exciting ideas for hand-crafted, high quality Christmas gifts. Twelve talented artists showing paintings, illustration, ceramics, glass, woodcraft, woodcarving, stonecarving, printed textiles and jewellery. For photos & more info, see: www. townfarmartshow. blogspot.com. ONE WEEKEND ONLY Friday 28 - Sunday 30 November, 10am – 5pm 6 Town Farm, Cheddington, Near Tring, LU7 0TT Please park on High Street – not in Town Farm. Free entry - Donations for refreshments in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care.
IT’S THE LAW!
Medical Negligence Claims: The Facts
In order to succeed with a medical negligence claim, you must establish that a medical practitioner’s duty of care towards you has been breached and that the breach has caused you an injury or loss.
Breach of duty All medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients, this duty of care is breached if the care provided fell below the standard of a reasonably competent doctor in that particular field of medicine. The test of whether the healthcare professional breached the duty of care is whether he or she has failed to meet the standard of a reasonable body of other medical practitioners also skilled in that field. However, if the defendant can show that there is a respectable body of medical practitioners who would have acted in the same way, then the claim will fail. Causation In addition to proving breach of duty, you also have to establish that the negligent care provided
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either directly caused the injuries alleged or significantly contributed to them. Establishing this link between breach of duty and causation is often not as obvious as it sounds and has to be supported by independent medical opinion. Compensation Once breach of duty and causation has been established and admitted by the Defendant, compensation will be recoverable. This will include ‘General Damages’ which compensate for the pain and suffering experienced and ‘Special Damages’ which compensate for specific past and future financial losses. Time limits Legal proceedings for adults have to be brought within three years of the date of the injury or the date of knowledge of the injury. For children, the three year time limit starts to run from their eighteenth birthday, therefore legal proceedings have to be brought before the child reaches age twenty-one. For individuals that lack mental capacity, the time does not start ticking until they regain capacity. The Court does have discretion to extend the three year time limit in exceptional circumstances however whenever possible it is best to approach a solicitor as soon as possible to avoid the risk of being debarred from pursuing a claim. Natalizia Capizzi is a solicitor in the Medical Negligence Department at Osborne Morris & Morgan. For any enquiries please contact natalizia.capizzi@ommlaw.co.uk or telephone 01525 378177.
#ChristmasLight Love Christmas lights Help make life bright Enjoy the light Help make life bright for spinal cord injured people this Christmas
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From Christmas trees to garden displays, add some light anywhere to your celebrations, donate at least £1 and share a photo with us on Twitter using the tag #ChristmasLight
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Together we can make this Christmas the brightest one yet! Text CSIA01 £1 to 70070 to donate to Spinal Injuries Association and make a difference today. JustTextGiving by Vodafone.
The money raised by people Making Christmas Brighter will help Spinal Injuries Association support spinal cord injured people and their families. SIA provide services and information, empowering spinal cord injured people from Injury to independence.
For more information check our website: Spinal.co.uk
Charity No: 1054097
Health Beauty & Wellbeing
Around 800,000 people in the UK have dementia. The word dementia describes a set of symptoms which include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking, problem solving and language. These symptoms can sometimes be caused by other things however, so it’s important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. Your GP may refer you to a specialist consultant. Assessments are likely to include conversations with you and your loved ones, a physical examination, memory tests and/ or a brain scan. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed. Other types include vascular dementia affecting 17 per cent, and mixed dementia which affects 10 per cent of those diagnosed. Those with dementia may be given medicines to help with symptoms and slow down progression, but as yet there is no cure. Some sufferers also attend day centres and support groups. Carers can get help from local Carers Groups, Social Services and Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses. These nurses specialise in dementia and provide practical and emotional support as well as information to families, friends and professionals. Dementia UK is a charity. In addition to Admiral Nurses it also provides a national helpline and email service. One of the other major organisations in this field is the Alzheimer’s Society. This is a member-
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ship organisation which provides local support services, including day care and home care and befriending and support for families and partners of those with dementia. They also provide fact sheets and publications and have a helpline and an online forum called talking point. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Society fund research, provide training and development and campaign to raise awareness. One of their recent initiatives is Dementia Friends. You may have seen the television adverts for this which included lots of celebrity support. Anyone can become a Dementia Friend. I did in just over 10 minutes! This campaign is all about increasing understanding about dementia, and educating people so that they can help those with the condition. Dementia Friends learn a little bit about what it’s like to have dementia and then turn this understanding into action. This could include helping someone get on the correct bus, or being patient if someone with dementia is taking a long time to find the right change when paying for their goods at a till. To become a friend you watch a short video on the website then register or attend a local information session. Dementia UK: www.dementiauk.org Helpline: Call 0845 257 9406 or email direct@dementiauk.org. The Alzheimer’s Society: www.alzheimers.org.uk Helpline: Call 0300 222 1122 Dementia Friends: www.dementiafriends.org.uk
Looking Up! homes. Even our breathing adds moisture. Apparently one & Bucks Controlling In Beds person asleep adds half a pint of water to the air during the night. (We recommend that you do not stop breathing !!!) Sky condensation andTheNight To give you some idea of as to how much extra water this could be in a day, here are a few examples: 2014 mould in the October home &• ANovember bath or a shower - 2 pints
By Seb Jay
Image courtesy of NASA
D
ampness caused by excessive condensation can lead to mould growth on walls and furniture, mildew on clothes the rotting of wooden frames See theand International Spacewindow Station Sail… Overhead: mould is unsightly, property and can beStation detrimental October sees thedamages International Space (ISS) to health. sail through Bedfordshire’s evening sky. The action begins onagainst Saturday October attreat 7:18pm with First steps mould11th growth. We need to the mould aalready 7-minute of the forbasic a constant presentpassage in your home, thenISS. dealLook with the problem bright white light naked eye moving of condensation to stopwith mouldyour reappearing: steadily across the sky on a roughly west to east There are FOUR main factors that cause condensation: trajectory. If you miss it don’t worry. 1. Too muchstation moisture being home The space will beproduced making in atthe least one 2. Not enoughevery ventilation appearance evening until Tuesday 28th 3. Cold surfaces October. 4. The temperature of your home to lookor at allaofBat? theseIt’s factors to cure a condensation IsYou it need an Owl a question I ask everyproblem. one on my stargazing tours when we turn the telescope to aactivities distantadd starextra cluster catalogued as NGC Our everyday moisture to the air inside our 457. This tight-knit collection of more than a hun-
• Painting & decorating • Small repairs & odd jobs • Minor electrics • Minor plumbing • Minor home adaptations • Condensation & mould • Garden tidying and lots more... Scetch of Mars through a telescope.
• dred Dryingstars clothes indoorsin-the 9 pints nestled constellation of Cassiopeia • is Cooking and use ofclear a kettle - 6 pints visible every night in autumn, and makes a • real Bottled gas heaterwhen (8 hoursviewed use) - 4 pints impression in a telescope. Some Ifsee you have condensation andtwo mouldbeady problemeyes in your home, out it asaan Owl with glowing whether are a homeOthers owner orsee a landlord, we areof happy to of the you darkness. the shape an alien, a advise provide skierand orwill a bat. What might you see? a free estimate for any remedial work that Discover themay November Leonids: Mid-Nobevember required. this year is a great time to catch a falling star. Cast your eyes to the east after midnight on November 17th to 21st, and look out for bright Safe & of Helight althyshooting flashes sky from the Homes up canacross mendthe a ga rden fen ce, rep lace a tap eastern horizon. TheorNovember Leonids typically shower, painting an d de corating produce 15or– ch 20an shooting stars per hour. ge a light fitting and Some lot s mo re … years however seeit much higher rates of activity. whether be a small job or the co mp lete refurbishment of seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk a void property … ple aseSky callTelescope us for a fre Dark Hire e estimate. www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
growth in opera and concert. He has a wide range of repertoire which centres on the late romantic and early 20th century then to the earlier classical period and forward to contemporary work. Damian is at home in the great opera houses and concert halls around the world where he has conducted to great critical acclaim. He will make his debut with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in early 2015. Damian’s full and remarkable biography can be seen on www.damianiorio.com . The 2014-2015 season of concerts has been planned by Damian. His next appearance will be on Thursday 6 November at Walton High conducting: Haydn: Symphony No. 99 Saint-Saens: Cello Concerto No. 1 - Soloist Jamie Walton and Mozart: Symphony No. 41 (Jupiter).
MILTON KEYNES CITY ORCHESTRA APPOINT NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR and launch of 2014-2015 SEASON Milton Keynes City Orchestra (MKCO) has appointed Damian Lorio as Music Director to lead their artistic direction and work closely with the Board to create a sustainable future for the professional orchestra. The MK Community Foundation STEP grant award to MKCO this year has enabled this appointment to be made, welcoming a world class musician to this key appointment with energy and ambition to enhance the cultural reputation of the orchestra. Damian was born in London to a family of Italian and English musicians and after completing violin studies in Britain he embarked on a truly international career. He studied conducting in Russia before being appointed as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Murmansk, where he subsequently became the catalyst in the subsequent success and
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Damian has chosen the exceptional talent of violinist Matthew Trusler to perform Elgar’s magnificent Violin Concerto as a centre piece to this concert, following Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmilla overture that also opened the MK Proms in the Park this year. Beethoven’s 5th Symphony will complete a very popular programme to set the scene for a wonderful season. Visit www.mkco.org for more details and tickets £10-£34 under 18’s £5. Speaking of his appointment Damian said ”It is with great pleasure that I begin my first season with MKCO following in the footsteps of Hilary Davan Wetton and Sian Edwards. This wonderful orchestra has been a foundation stone of the cultural life in MK for thirty eight years and I’m looking forward to developing my relationship with the orchestra and the concert-going public.” For further information please contact; Marian Livingstone, Chairman of MKCO 01908 233123/07836 583505 MKCO office 01908 684116 www.mkco.org (Picture Damian Lorio credit Annalise photography)
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01908 373282
Offices in Milton Keynes & Leighton Buzzard
Outstanding legal services info@ommlaw.co.uk www.ommlaw.co.uk
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Š 2011 Osborne Morris and Morgan Solicitors