the
December|January 2014/15 MK South Villages
Wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
In this issue: Win Tickets to the Adventure Travel Show See the Christmas Star in the East Last posting day a fantastic charity christmas puzzle Delivered FREE to Woburn, Great Brickhill, Bletchley, Fenny Stratford, Newton Longville, Soulbury, Stoke Hammond, Drayton Parslow, Eversholt, Ridgmont & Milton Bryan www.thevinemagazine.com
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MILTON KEYNES PREPARATORY SCHOOL Tattenhoe Lane, Milton Keynes MK3 7EG
www.mkps.co.uk : info@mkps.co.uk 01908 642111 We would be delighted to show you round the school at any time that is convenient to you. For details of our future Open Days please see our website, and for an appointment to visit or to receive a prospectus, please contact the Registrar.
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Good luck if you are having a go at winning the Adventure Travel Show tickets and don’t forget you can still go along with a great reader’s discount too.
Ho Ho Ho Putting this issue together has definitely put me in the Christmas spirit, there are so many fun events coming up; lots of grottos, Christmas fayres and shows. If you get bored of turkey or any other meat for that matter, we have a wonderful marinade on page 12 which will spice up practically anything!
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The fantastic work of the Great Brickhill Rotary Club and Santa are listed in the What’s On Guide, give Santa a wave from me. Finally, the last posting dates for all those Christmas Cards are on page 34 Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year Andrena The Vine Magazine
CONTENT
6 A Traveller’s Tale 8 A Traveller’s Tale Part 2 10 WIN Tickets to the Adventure Travel Show 12 Winter Money Savings 14 A Good Read 16 A Christmas Star 18 Compensation 20 Autobiographies 22 A Spot of Colour in the Garden 24 Real or Artificial 26 Puzzles 27 HELP FIND WILLOW 28 What’s On 30 Its The Law! 34 Puzzle Answers/Last Posting Days
Copy Deadline for the February March issue is 16th January 2015 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 To Snow Or Not To Snow, That Is The Question By Paul Heley
P
erhaps you'll remember a few years ago when one of the Eurostar trains got stuck in the tunnel because its electrics had shorted out due to the wrong sort of snow on the French side? Moral:- You can't trust the French on anything, can you. Well, at that particular time Val and I were waiting for this train to get back to St Pancras so that we could board it and start our Christmas holiday to the Austrian Tyrol. We waited, and waited and eventually learnt that the trip had been abandoned. But give our travel insurance and the holiday rail companies their due, we were reimbused down to the last penny. Having been treated so fairly, we thought we'd try again the next Christmas; and hope like mad that the French had sorted their snow out. Our ultimate destination was Jenbach in a corner of Austria close to both Germany and Italy. The rail journey took two days altogether with an overnight stop in Cologne. One cannot fault German trains and their timekeeping - they run correct to the minute - but the trouble with travelling on the run up to Christmas is that the world (and his dog) are all travelling at the same time. What is more, everyone (including the dog) has piles of luggage which the trains are not really geared for. The overall result was that, although we had individual seats booked, it could take ages before we were actually in our seats and with our luggage safely stowed. I must confess, the luggage aspect of the rail journey certainly took the shine off the whole trip: and, of
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Lake Achensee course, we had to face it all over again on our return (which was then the run up to New Year!). There must be another moral here somewhere and there's a lot to be said for being picked up at home such that the next time you see your luggage is either in the hotel room or in the cabin. A particular "luggage nightmare" happened on the final leg from Munich to Jenbach. It was a corridor train with separate compartments for 6 people and meant that any surplus luggage was piled in the corridor thus creating a real obstacle course when trying to pass. Especially when one passenger moving in the opposite direction had a Zimmer frame! I'm afraid that any natural sympathy towards disabled people quickly evaporated. He caused absolute chaos! Our tour manager was a fluent German speaker and he'd clearly made a study of German and Austrian medieval history. Whilst we were running alongside the Rhine from Cologne to Munich, he elucidated on the many castles which we passed; and it was much the same when we later went to Salzburg, Innsbruck and other places. He was very efficient, got us to the right spots at the right times; but could also be a bit boring and rather pompous. However, we survived and eventually arrived at our most comfortable hotel. But unfortunately, we'd brought the snow with us and for the next three days, it snowed on and off from a grey and leaden sky and we couldn't see the surrounding scenery at all - even on trips out. Our first trip was to Kufstein close
to the Bavarian border where we viewed the medieval castle and where a daily organ recital at noon is amplified so that the whole town can hear it. We also poked our noses into the very ornate church where some form of service was being conducted; but since we were clearly not part of this particular congregation, we didn’t stay long. In the afternoon, we went to Rattenberg - a small, and pretty medieval town renowned for its glassware and crystal. We’d been promised a Christmas market - which should have been very pleasant - but, for some reason, it wasn’t happening that day. A pity. Still, the shops had some lovely glass ornaments and artefacts which, although expensive, were very tempting. There were other coach or train trips to Salzburg and Innsbruck but the dull weather put a dampener on both of these and meant that supposedly beautiful buildings were not seen at their best. Also, we were taken round the world famous Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg - but there’s not much in the way of floral delights in December when it’s snowing! Salzburg is Mozart this, Mozart that, Mozart with bells on; it’s difficult to escape from the guy. But there’s a splendid castle and an extremely ornate cathedral on offer. Speaking personally, I don’t think these super extravagant catholic cathedrals can lay a candle (forgive the pun!) on the soaring Gothic splendour of our English cathedrals and I feel that the Austrian ones are way OTT and that any self respecting Puritan would go mad!
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Oompah band
Innsbruck cathedral is much the same, ie not much to look at on the outside but the interior blows your mind with its over elaboration and fussiness. On Christmas Eve the hotel laid on a special meal - complete with a five piece brass band consisting of trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor horn, euphonium and tuba playing Tyrolean folk tunes and Christmas music. They made a most pleasant noise. A real old fashioned German style oompah band! Then, right on cue, it stopped snowing and next day - Christmas Day - the sun came out complete with a lovely blue sky. What a difference - the world was transformed. Suddenly, we realised that Jenbach is surrounded by lovely scenery and a trip out to Lake Achensee and the village of Pertisau reinforced our new found delight. The vil- Cologne cathedral. lage looked its picture postcard a ride on a steam train up the best and Val and I wandered all Ziller Valley to the ski resort of over the place rejoicing in this Mayrhofen. belated Alpine splendour. This Our reserved carriage was imwas what we'd come for. mediately behind the engine so In the afternoon, a sleigh ride the genuine train buffs (which had been arranged and we were didn't include either Val or transported through the forest to myself) could stand outside and a busy cafe/tea room/restaurant get their full dose of smoke in which was doing extremely good the lungs, soot in the eye and hot trade. It was very pleasant but embers to burn you. But clearly, rather "twee", contrived, and this train is clearly something rather touristy. of a local celebrity given by the Christmas dinner rounded off vast number of sightseers at each our festive celebrations and was stopping point. For Val and I, it followed on Boxing Day by what was an interesting journey and a many in the party regarded as nostalgic reminder of times past. the highlight of the entire trip:
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It's interesting to note that Val had been skiing in Mayrhofen back in the Dark Ages so she was keen to take the finicula up to the ski slopes and refresh her memory. Apparently, it's all very different now even though the scenery up top (about 6500 feet) is still as splendid as ever. This was our holiday swan song and next day, we had to survive the return journey. Sad to say, the luggage problem was still with us as was the the number of people on the move. However, at Cologne the next morning there was time to have a proper look at the cathedral. It's ENORMOUS. It's magnificent. It makes one feel antlike. To call it majestic is not sufficient - but I can't think of a better word. After this spiritual uplifting, we returned to Brussels and thence Eurostar to St Pancras and home. So, what did we make of the trip? I cannot say we enjoyed the luggage humping and scrambling for our seats: nor can I say that the start of the holiday with slate grey skies and snow was uplifting: but I can definitely say that when the snow stopped and the sun came out, our spirits rose a thousandfold; and, fortunately, that is the lasting memory. Would we do the same sort of holiday again? Perhaps, but never at Christmas or New Year. Maybe at a less popular time if there were a direct journey to our destination, ie no mucking about in between. We'll see.
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The Adventure Travel Show is packed with inspirational and essential travel advice, specialist seminars and the best adventure speaker line up of 2015, including explorers, adventurers, tour leaders and guidebook writers who will help you uncover your perfect adventure. Plus, the biggest collection of specialist travel
READER’S TICKET OFFER: We are also offering a reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £6 (that’s saving £4 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘VINE’ when booking tickets online at www. adventureshow.com or when calling 0871 230 7159. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).
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Brrrr... The mercury has started to tumble, summer’s warmth seems a distant memory and the central heating is starting to Tackle your bills kick into gear. As it’ll only get colder, now’s the time to ensure you’re set up for winter to keep the cost down and the heat up. Here’s my checklist…
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 the white stuff to sort your bills. Here, prevention truly Find out where your stopcock is. Everyone should a prepayment meter / electricity only / Eco 7. www.ofgem.gov.uk to see the full list. beats cure – tackling yourmains bills now means you can take know where their water off switch is. Frozen the financial bite out of winter chills…£7,000 of damage, pipe bursts create an average Paying energy by monthly direct debit is cheaper. It not online, usebya comparison withthen a phone made worse if you can't find the off switch as your If you're discounts your bill up to 6%. Firms estimate Free loft insulation and even boilers (for some). service, as Energyhelpline on it0800 074 home floods. yoursuch annual usage and divide by 12 so0745, you'reorlikely While the loft insulation free-for-all's ended, some will to build up credit after summer and be a little in debt uSwitch on 0800 051 5493. still be entitled someon serious free energy-saving As Angietowrote my Facebook page: "I know where after winter. Always do regular meter readings for energyas bills bybill monthly direct debit’s up totry 6%to measures. mine is but only due to a burst pipe and collapsed Paying accuracy, your is estimated. And if they floor a few years ago. Took us & the council 2 hours cheaper. push your direct debit up unfairly (eg, you're heavily If you do,you've as it’ll ausually mean up find." in can, credit) right for it todiscounted be fair, justbills call of and Most oftothe big six energy firms offer free boilers, your provider to check. Though askless, for so it tocontact be lowered. typically worth £2,000, and free insulation, usually worth to 6% So find it now before you’ve problems. Mine about £300. Crucially, you don't need to be with the is be- always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your a kitchen alsoneed typically service car breakdown £40.a Breakdown estimated. If it’s too high, cover you have right to ask energy hind provider to getcupboard, it, but youbut do you’ll generally an findbill isFull bathrooms, corridors in flats, boiler for itisto more likely at winter, and the consequences more be lowered. incomeyours underin£16,000, andshared to be on income-related cupboards and more. To help locate yours there’s a severe. Yet policies can be very cheap. benefits or pension credit. I can’t definitely say you’ll nice Thames Water video at www.mse.me/stopcock.Got electricity only? You can still save. qualify, but it is worth checking. Alternatively, the wellbreakdown, start travWithFor electricity only, home you can stilland get onward a cheap fix to save meaning but stuttering Green designed Switch energy now andDeal you initiative could getis£100s www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk £40 a year, just el follow the info above. For those onisEconomy 7, to let you payThis for things liketime underfloor heating, back. is a great to switch energydouble supplier if assessing thoughis it’s a ‘payIt’s and claim’ so for here it sends trickier. only reallypolicy a boon those whoa glazing you and pay solidbywall insulation, the 'savings' you direct debit, asfrom it's likely you're in credit use local pick-up truck that you have to pay, then you at least 40% of their energy at night. If not – don’t can make on energy bills.use Deciding whether right forswitch you after the low summer months.it’s Therefore reclaim the cash later. Feedback and call out times bother. Full help to decide at www.mse.me/eco7 now,so and you ask for it – so ask - you'll are good, though you need to remember to claim. is complex, forprovided full help read likely be given cash too (switch after winter and you Can Ifyou you’ve and are at renewal, then HAGfind got yourcover stopcock? www.moneysavingexpert.com/greendeal may be in debt). GLE - 90%- of AA customers and 78%can withcreate the RAC No sniggering winter frozen pipe bursts an Save £100s and beat the hikes. lowered their by bartering. For more average £7,000 ofrates damage, often worsened asdeals manysee while thefixing switch-over time, www.mse.me/breakdown. Rather Yet surprisingly, energy,takes where youthe lockwork in a to set scrabble round searching for their stopcock - the mains and activate a switch doesn't. fun,big I put a rate, is compare now cheaper than a normal switch. FiveFor of the water off switch - for ages as their home floods. stopwatch on four new members of my team trying to Cut boiler costs by £100s - you don't need your six energy providers have now announced hikes, and compare and switch the quickest took 202 seconds, energy firm's cover. Many energy firms use fear of Take the time to find it now – mine is under theour kitchen their best new prices are costlier than the cheapest fixed theright longest The very average was 310 sec- sink.losing heating to charge insurance costs.aThey Others find theirs in thehefty bathroom or inside tariffs. So now376 youseconds. can get the cheapest deals onds with a £226 saving. also want us toisn’t thinkworking, there's some linkwant between oura cupboard. If yours you may to call available, and it comes with no-hike certainty. energy provider and our boiler cover. There isn't plumber now, before it’s a problem. When comparing you may’ve heard of the you're not locked in. In short… The only exception to this is a variable to some Choosing between heating and eating? recent scandal about ‘hiding (ie, top subject deals’ on hikes) tariff from minnow Energy though itmy hasn't comparison sites. Spark This is true –– though own If you're a) Renters usually don'torneed it, as their landlord's seriously behind, in general financial hardship hiked (yet?), needs paying upfront, and always feedback ain't all - as far www.cheapenergyclub.co.uk shows likely Check. tooresponsible. many are after the hikes - you may be eligible great, so I’m ignoring it. tariffs. Yet it means if you are using a different for special help. Call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 www.ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site, when b) Ensure you know what cover you need, choose 66 99 to check. Plus if anyone in your home was born on The cheapest from a year, buttariffs slightly you getfix tocomes the “Do youE.on onlyfor want to see you between boiler-only, or central heating cover. or before 5 January 1952, you're due up to £300 in taxlonger and a touch more are deals from EDF or way all can only switch to today” question – say ‘no’ – that free winter fuel Paymentsvia should be made Npower. Crucially, these two have no exit penalties. So will display. c) To find thepayments. cheapest compare www.uswitch.com if you’ve never had it before then you on the off-chance the Prime Minister delivers price Switching isn't a big deal, it's the same the pipes, gas, automatically, if you have but more time add www.energyhelpline.com need to register - see www.gov.uk. for a wider commeter and safety the only difference www.moneysupermarket.com cuts he’s promised, and scheme the even- more unlikely eventis pricemayand and be customer service.that Youother can do it even if you're on parison. More help on www.mse.me/boilercover. that they’ll so substantial tariffs elsewhere Plus anyone on specific income support, jobseekers' are cheaper, you'll be free to leave. allowances or pension credit gets £25 in cold weather
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A Good Read
For You
Kept By DJ Taylor
Billed as a Victorian Mystery, this novel by DJ Taylor is a true page turner in the style of Dickens, Wilkie Collins and the like. With multiple narratives and a range of perspectives, Taylor weaves a web of intrigue around the life and death of Mr Henry Ireland and his wife, which surprises and delights the reader. The novel begins with an arresting episode in which two men find themselves by a Scottish loch undergoing a series of challenges to steal rare birds’ eggs. This links them to the strange but eminent naturalist James Dixey, who in turn becomes the guardian of a strangely disturbed young woman. At times the narrative thread is truly puzzling, and the reader must connect and theorize for themselves – but this is no bad thing, and at least we can read on at our own pace rather than having to wait, in the Victorian manner, for the next instalment. There are plenty of potential heroes and heroines, and a smattering of particularly villainous villains, for us to engage with too. One for those dark winter nights in front of the fire – abandon the television and curl up with a good book instead. Although be warned – you may stay up later than you had intended, reading on to the finish!
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For The Kids
Orange Pear Apple Bear Monkey and Me Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears All by Emily Gravett With simple text and charming illustrations, there is an Emily Gravett book to suit all ages. Orange Pear Apple Bear is beautifully simple, with a different permutation of the title on every page, and will provoke big laughs from babies (Apple Bear is the current favourite in our house). Available as a sturdy board book, it can be revisited again and again. Monkey and Me is well suited to toddlers who will identify with the main character as, along with her toy monkey, she goes to see all kinds of animals. The simple repetition in the text will have little ones ‘reading’ along and anticipating the revelation on the next page – perfect for reading aloud. Finally, Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears, is an award-winning book, which is ideal for slightly older readers. Each page details a different one of Little Mouse’s fears, encouraging children to talk about why they might be frightened of things like the dark or monsters under the bed. The real delight here is the multi-layered illustrations, with chewed pages (aided by real mice!) notes, scribbles and annotations. This, and the others above, deserve to become modern classics.
Looking Up!
In Beds & Bucks
TheNight Sky December 2014 & January 2015
the sky, all radiating from the constellation of Gemini.
See The Christmas Star In The East:
Look out towards the eastern horizon mid-evening this Christmas and you’ll see what looks like a bright star in the sky. At first glance it is indeed a star with royal beauty bright. Yet this is no star at all, but the largest planet in our solar system – the planet Jupiter. 10x50 binoculars are all you’ll need to resolve this bright beacon into a planetary disc. In a telescope we get a high-impact view with Jupiter’s alternating dark bands and light zones stealing the show.
Enjoy December’s Shooting Stars:
Bedfordshire sky watchers with a clear view towards their east are in for a real treat on Sunday December 14th. Between 8pm to midnight the Geminids meteor shower is forecast to hit its peak in activity. Expect to see upwards of 100 shooting stars per hour lighting up
By Seb Jay Image by Dave Eagle
Discover The Orion Nebula (Pic left):
Throughout early winter Orion hangs in the sky towards the south-east. It is easy to find with its three bright stars making up Orion’s Belt. Below the belt on the left-hand side is a fainter line of stars dropping down towards the horizon. This is Orion’s Sword. Embedded within the sword is the Orion Nebula – a spectacular stellar nursery where new stars are being born. The nebula can be seen in binoculars on a moonless night from the Chilterns, and is breathtaking in a telescope. seb@darkskytelescopehire.co.uk Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
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Consumer Clinic
By Jonathan Vernon-Smith
Claiming Compensation & Out Of Pocket Expenses I HATE compensation! There, I said it! I hate it! In fact, I have made it my mission during the last 13 years that I’ve been presenting a consumer show on the radio, to put people off making such claims. If this shocks you then please read this article through to the end and you may understand my thinking. You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio
To me, compensation in its real sense is when people look for a financial payment even though they have not suffered financially. For example: you buy a sandwich from the supermarket, get home and find a plaster in it. Most of us would simply take the sandwich back and expect not only a heartfelt apology for the mistake, but also a replacement sandwich. There are however, an increasing number of people who would also want the supermarket to PAY them an amount of money for ‘emotional stress’. What a load of old greedy codswallop! Why am I so against compensation? Well, it’s really very easy, it ends up costing everyone else money. Every time someone receives a compensation pay-out, somebody else has to pay for it normally other customers. It’s not free money! If a company has to pay £2 million pounds a year in compensation claims, then it will charge its other customers £2 million pounds to recoup the costs. Sadly, loads of people are after it now. I get lots of calls every week from people saying ‘can JVS help me get compensation out of such and such’? Thankfully my team know my feelings and these callers rarely get on air.
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You only have to observe the increase in the ‘no win no fee’ solicitors and those ghastly adverts that start with ‘Have YOU had an accident?’, to see what a thriving business claiming compensation is. Sadly, I think it will only get worse and before you know it, everyone will be suing everyone else for each simple mistake made in life. Incidentally, many of the ‘no win no fee’ solicitors charge an absolute fortune for the service they have provided you with in the event of a successful claim. You should always read the small print and understand exactly what you’re getting involved in before you sign a contract with them. A successful pay-out of £1000 doesn’t seem so good when the solicitor takes £800 and you find you’re liable for other charges. So what SHOULD you claim for? Out of pocket expenses are, in my opinion, totally justifiable. But what’s the difference between out of pocket expenses and compensation? It’s very simple - when a company makes a mistake which has a detrimental effect on you financially, I think it’s reasonable for them to pay for this. For example if you have to pay £20 for phone calls to a company to deal with a problem they have caused you, it is in my opinion totally reasonable to ask the company to
reimburse you the cost. If I was having a new boiler installed and the plumber dropped a spanner on my tiled kitchen floor, then I would expect him to pay for the cost of replacing the tiles. To me this is obvious and utterly understandable. Most importantly a judge would probably feel the same if it went as far as court. Why is it important that we understand the difference between compensation and out of pocket expenses though? I’ll tell you why, because using the word ‘compensation’ very often antagonises companies. They have a keen radar waiting to sniff out greedy little consumers desperate to make a quick buck and are often quick to dismiss such claims even though there may be a justifiable complaint. My advice is to always ensure that you are only claiming for reimbursement of costs rather than looking to make a profit out of a problem and ALWAYS use the phrase ‘out of pocket expenses’ rather than the dreaded C word!
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auto Biographies
Volvo S60 By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk
me, road-hugging presence. The Volvo saloon has a Volvo has never had an ‘in-command’ driving experihat appears rooted in the natural world. ence. The clean The overall effect is warm the same as feel. and contours give appeal it a very classy and cosy, like being in a Swedish
its German executive
house on a cold night. The car’s
themes correspond beautimentscousins. for the S60It include ‘Sensus’. This iscolour the name has never fully with the backlit white cones for looked all its HMIas (Human Machine Interface) aggressive trols in the dash and elsewhere in ality and the all-new Sensus Connected Touch as Audi, nor as brutal the vehicle. y is the latest addition. It enables connectivity and On the outside, the S60's road as BMW or as mean as in the car and turns the seven-inch display into a presence has been increased by the-artMercedes-Benz. infrared, beam-scanned touch screen But that a newthat front design. The more sed even wearing gloves - a world first in cars focused and determined-looking is awhen good thing. dy in winter. headlamps help create an expresYou see, the Swedish marque
sive face. The car’s horizontal
to say that German motors don’t
natural world. The clean surfaces
events. It’s the kind of car he’ll
Touch accessory is the latest
linesdongle at both the front and rear on is made eitheritsvia a car-mounted does things own way and that’s3G/4G have been emphasised. Together at the very heart of why motorists mobile phone. It allows you access to full Internet with details such as a wider grille, opt when for Volvo – evenInternet though they g (except driving), streaming of the and sameSearch, money,weather afford daylight running lights and LED n-line could, Googlefor Map tail lamps, they give the S60 a something a little sexier. tion, an App Store for new functions and handsome, updates as road-hugging presVolvoTake service locator. It is also possible to share ence. Thea Volvo saloon has a the S60; it’s very much a work with everyone in the car. thinking man’s car. And that’s not beauty that appears rooted in the
and contours give it a very classy attract intelligent people. certainly pushing at the technological boundaries feel. It offers someone of the most restful, area d that’s including very important of Enhancements for the S60 include supportive and sumptuous seats g: fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption of the S60 ‘Sensus’. This is the name Volvo on the automotive market. Chairs has , on test here with a manual gearbox, been you can imagine a college profes- uses for all its HMI (Human Mad to a class-leading 72.4 mpg, translatingchine into CO2 Interface) functionality and sor sinking into before lighting his s of only the all-new Sensus Connected pipe103 andg/km. mulling over the day’s
addition. It enables connectivity ironmental credentials like in these, then cruise back home whileany selfand to Internet listening to Classic Do youwill have ng, Volvo driving, collegeFM. professor put in the car and turns the seven-inch display into a statesee where I’m going here? out now. of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned
The S60 is by no means boring touch screen that can be used though; it can still satisfy your even when wearing gloves - a pleasure sensors. Let’s face it, world first in cars and handy in Scandinavian design is generally winter. pleasing. This is evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the latest S60. FACTS PROS CONS mobile phone. It allows you Step inside, and materials, such ‘N’your access to full wood and leather and the speed:as121mph Comfort √ Internet browsing easy-to-use controls, contribute to (except when driving), Internet
mph: 10.9 secs
20 mpg: 72.4 bined
Emissions √ Economy √
streaming of music, on-line Google Map and Search, weather information, an App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator. It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car. Volvo is certainly pushing at the technological boundaries now – and that’s including one very important area of motoring: fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption of the S60 D2 diesel, on test here with a manual gearbox, has been improved to a class-leading 72.4 mpg, translating into CO2 emissions of only 103 g/km. With environmental credentials like these, any self-respecting, Volvo driving, college professor will have to put his pipe out now.
FAST FACTS Max speed: 121 mph 0-62 mph: 10.9 secs Combined mpg: 72.4 Engine: 1560cc 4 cylinder 8 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 113 at 3600 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 199 at 1750 rpm CO2: 103 g/km Price: £26,545 on the road PROS & CONS Comfort √ Emissions √ Economy √ Cabin √ Image X
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In The Garden For me, winter is all about window gardening. That is, enjoying the garden from the window with a cup of soup in your hands There might not be much natural colour in the garden this time of year, but that is not to say there isn’t any, you just have to look harder, or differently.
P
Winter colour in the garden
ick the window that overlooks your garden best and heat up the soup. (Hopefully, you thought things through when planting earlier in the year and positioned plants with winter interest within your window’s view.) If you got it right, you will now be admiring the bare bones and structural beauty of your plot. Perhaps the drama of red-stemmed dogwood and yellow-stemmed willow, both classic shrubs for winter colour, and – if your garden is big enough – specimen trees with fabulous bark, such as a shiny cherry (Prunus serrula) or a fabulous peeling Acer griseum. Stick a dark green, well clipped, evergreen hedge behind any of the above and you have highlighted everything beautifully. Berries are a must, from trees such as rowan, through to shrubs like holly and Cotoneaster, Skimmia and Gaultheria. For a more unusual twist, try the rather surreal-purple berries of Callicarpa. They are always a talking point.
posts in strategic positions – I like dark blue as a counterpoint to evergreens, but red is a cheerful winter alternative with Japanese overtones. Don’t overlook mirrors, to double the impact of what colour you have, and lights to inject brightness into dark corners, or highlight shrub and tree structure. Whilst of the subject of highlighting, one of my favourite colour combinations occurs around sunrise and sunset, when you can sometimes see the dark, bare branches of a tree silhouetted dramatically against a darkening but still pale blue sky, or one streaked with early rosy pink. You see, there is plenty of colour to be found, it is just as I said at the beginning, you just have to look harder or differently for it. A bit of colour ful stain chee rs up this log store
Flowers, meanwhile are thin on the ground at this time of year, if you will excuse the pun. Snowdrops, pansies, crocus and hellbores can nevertheless be welcome splashes of colour through the window pane. All of this is horticultural stuff, but personalising your garden palette doesn’t have to involve green fingers – pimp up your pergola with a whacky stain, place silver or coloured balls or statuary where herbaceous plants have gone to sleep underground (move them before spring!), or go all designer and install some painted
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By Catherine Miller CLM Gardens www.clm-gardens.co.uk
Controlling Heady condensation and Plants Christmas treeshome mould in the
D
choose from non-drop,
ampness caused by and excessive condensation can lead to traditional pot-grown mould growth on walls and furniture, mildew on clothes FreeandMistletoe withwindow this frames advert the rotting of wooden … when you buy a Christmas Tree mould is unsightly, damages property and can be detrimental to health. while stocks last Pot Gifts First stepsGrown against mould growth. Wreaths We need to treat the mould alreadyNG present in your home, then deal with the basic problem Gift Vouchers of condensation to stop mould reappearing: There are FOURMistletoe main factors that cause condensation: ask1.about free local Christmas Tree in delivery Too much moisture being produced the home Stoke 2. NotRoad, enough ventilation Open 3. Cold surfaces Newton Longville 4. The temperature of your home10am to 4pm MK17 0BG closed You need to look at all of these factors to cure a condensation 07986 297 547 problem. Mondays www.headyplants.co.uk Our everyday activities add extra moisture to the air inside our
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PODIATRIST / CHIROPODIST homes. Even our breathing adds moisture. Apparently one HCPC Registered 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 Julia Reading be in a day, here areB.Sc a few(Hons) examples:M.Ch.S • A bath or a shower - 2 pints • Drying - 9 pints and chiropody Fullclothes rangeindoors of podiatry • Cooking and use of a kettle - 6 pints Treatments available • Bottled gas heater (8 hours use) - 4 pints If you have a condensation and mould problem in your home, 15 Windsor streetwe are happy to whether you are a home owner or a landlord, Bletchley advise and will provide a free estimate for any MK2 2LN remedial work thatTel: may 01908 372265 be required. Mobile: 0774 647 2781
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Keeping It Real I
l ive in a house that is divided. My husband loves real Christmas trees but in recent years I’ve talked him around to the artificial option, believing – incorrectly as it turns out – that a reusable tree is better for the planet than one that is chopped down and discarded after a few weeks. Most artificial trees are made from PVC – one of the most non-renewable, polluting, unrecyclable materials around - and consequently their carbon footprint is ten times greater than that of real ones. Shocked into realising that my fake tree is not the morally correct choice I thought, I’m now keen to join the six million Brits who opt for a real tree at Christmas. Christmas trees spring up all over the place from late November and the quality varies greatly. Before you make your choice, do a bit of fact finding about its freshness. Ask where it was grown (UK produced trees are likely to be fresher), how long it has been in stock and when it was cut. You can carry out a couple of tests yourself. Give the tree a firm tap on the ground or run a closed hand over its branches. If lots of needles fall off, chances are it’s not that fresh. You can also try bending the outer branches. They should be pliable - not brittle and dry – without discoloration. Before leaving to make your purchase, measure
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the height and width of your space and take a tape measure with you to check your tree. Most are trimmed to an 80% taper, which means that a 10 foot tall tree will measure 8 feet at the bottom. You should also consider how you plan on decorating your tree. The three main species – spruce, fir and pine – all have their own characteristics. Spruces and firs have short needles whilst a pine’s are long. Pine branches tend to bend, making them unsuitable for heavier ornaments. Firs have lush branches and ornaments sometimes get lost in them. The traditional British Christmas tree, the Norway spruce, is attractive but tends to drop its needles. An alternative is a “non-drop” variety like the popular Nordmann fir, which will last longer but is more expensive. To care for your tree, cut off half an inch from the base of the trunk and place in a water-holding stand. Position the tree away from sources of heat and keep it topped up with fresh water. At present, 90% of real trees end up in landfill, so after Christmas is over try and recycle! By turning your tree into wood chippings or compost you will continue to do your bit for the environment. Hopefully with this guide choosing the family tree will be a holiday highlight, not a headache!
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3 2 4 3
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Crossword
26
MARCH
ANSWERS Across
ON PAGE 34
1.Traditional Festive drink Rum _____ (5) 3. Striped confectionary _____ canes (5) 6. Mary gave _____ in a stable (5) 7. Festive colour (3) 8. Given by 12 down (4) 10. Christmas lunch _____ turkey (5) 12. 12 Down came to _______ the baby (7) 14. City where King Herod lived (9) 16. Also given by 12 Down (5) 17. Christmas trees are usually this type (3) 18. Mary was told her ____ would be the son of God (4) 19. Christmas Carol The First ____ (4) 20. Christmas Carol Oh ____ Night (4)
Down 1. US festive treat Pumpkin ___ (3) 2. Christmas song When a _____ is Born (5) 3. 25th December! (9,3) 4. ____ log (4) 5. 12 Down followed a ____ (4) 9. The ____ sent an angel to Mary (4) 11. Might be cranberry or bread (5) 12. There were three of them (4,3) 13. Fortified ____, drunk after dinner (4) 15. Greeting _____ Christmas!
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WHAT’S ON? so much we can’t fit it all in! 3rd December Family History Talk: The History of Lace Making In North Bucks 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Speaker Elizabeth Knight’s talk and slide presentation is loosely based around the Olney area but covers the general history of lace making in north Buckinghamshire from the time of religious refugees fleeing from persecution on the Continent in the late 1500s, up to the present day. Free; non-members of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome; a small donation will be appreciated. Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HB Sunday 7th December Christmas Fair Visit Rushmere Country Park during this event and purchase your Christmas Tree from the Greensand Trust and Christmas gifts from local suppliers and crafts people. There is something for everyone! Craft stalls, festive food, competitions and festive crafts, carol singers, christmas trees for sale. Help support your local Country park this winter, all proceeds raised from the event will be reinvested into the care and conservation of Rushmere Country Park. Admission is free*! *£2 charge per vehicle to exit. 11am - 3pm Tel 01525 234260 Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath & Reach, Bedfordshire LU7 0EB www.greensandtrust.org Saturday 13th December Sherwood Choral Society's Christmas Concert on Saturday 13th. December The venue will be at the Freeman Memorial Church in Bletchley. Sunday 14th December Christmas Fair with Angels at the AbbeyOver 50 Craft and Gift Stalls booked Childrens activities Local schools Carolling throughout the Day Medieval Chapel also open for viewing Santa’s Grotto with Santa and his helpers Mulled Wine & Mince Pies Food & Drink stalls German Sausage & Crepes/Real Coffee plus more Mobile Paintball alley Free Admission 11.00-4.00 .City Discovery Centre, Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK13 9AP Contact telephone: 07415728832 Friday 19th December 7.00pm - 10.00pm
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The online calendar is updated regularly Ice Skating: Disco On Ice at Frosts Woburn Sands A night to remember with unlimited ice skating throughout the evening at our disco on ice! Price includes mulled wine and a glow stick. Hot food will be available to purchase on the evening and our Ice Bar will be open all evening.Tickets £14.99 Saturday 20th December Paraffinalia: Midwinter Fire Festival in Campbell Park. Free event. Celebrates the darkest of days with fire spectables, processional lanterns, pyrotecnic effects and live performances from 7pm. www.parkstrust.com for full information Sunday 21st December Crafts, Cake and a Cuppa Stuck for a last minute gift? Come along as there’ll be a wide variety of high quality local handmade art and craft items, with many different crafters attending. Tea, coffee and light refreshments available all day. FREE ADMISSION and FREE PARKING in the large car park outside the hall. This event coincides with the popular monthly Farmers’ Market at Woburn. 10am to 4pm, No admission charge Woburn Village Hall, Crawley Road Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QD www.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk As Christmas approaches it is the time of year when members of The Brickhills Rotary club are getting their Christmas float ready to take out on the road again. They’ve been promised that Santa will join them! This year they will be out and about between 6pm and 8pm from 7th to 21st December, Santa will visit as many streets in each area as possible, but sadly may not be able to visit every street on the estate. Santa’s Tour is dependent on the weather and may have to be cancelled if the weather is very bad. Last year’s Santa Tour raised over £1100 which was distributed between local charities Headway MK and Young Carers. 10th December Great Brickhill 14th December Poets Estate in Bletchley 17th December Browns Wood and Old Farm Park 21st December Saints and Far Bletchley Members of the Brickhills Rotary club are aged between 19 and 67 and new members are always welcome. To find out more about the club, visit the club’s website : www.brickhillsrotary.co.uk or call 07563 089 373
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Let us know about your fundraiser or event
Craft Fair CCC
RUNNERS REQUIRED TO JOIN MO FARAH!
Crafts - Cake & a Cuppa
Come and join other KidsOut runners competing in the Vitality North London Half-Marathon on 15 March 2015
10. 00A M - 4.0 0PM
Woburn Village Hall, Beds All Local Handmade
items
SUNDAY
KidsOut is looking for additional runners to join some of our own staff competing in this brand new event to raise funds for our amazing children’s charity
Oct 19th, Nov 16th
& Dec 21st
Also Farmers’ Marke
The race starts from Allianz Park, home of Saracens Rugby Club, via North London and through the grounds of Wembley Stadium before returning to Allianz Park for a stadium finish and your well-earned winner’s medal!
t in village
FR EE AD MI SS ION FREE CAR PARKIN G
To book, or for any enquiries, please contact the Head of Fundraising on 01525 243215 or email stewart.moulds@kidsout.org.uk
www.ccc-craftfairs.co.uk
MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Saturday 14 February 2015 10.00am - 4.30pm
Stantonbury Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN Adults: Children: Families:
£5.00 £3.00 £10.00
Entry discount if you travel by rail and use free bus from Milton Keynes Central or Bletchley stations.
• Over 40 layouts • 30 traders • A great value day out Cafe open for breakfast from 9.00am
www.mkmrs.org.uk/exhibitions
IT’S THE LAW!
R
esolution – What is it?
With the festive season approaching, many of us will be thinking about our relationships, whether that be with our spouses, partners or children. Some of you may be thinking about ending a relationship, or if you are already separated, thinking about your contact arrangements with your children or even their residence.
42 30
With respect to the Code itself, the member must avoid the use of inflammatory language, conduct matters in a constructive and non-confrontational way and encourage clients to put the best interests of any children first.
When you are considering taking legal advice there are many factors that you should consider and any accreditation or memberships that your legal advisor has may be important.
Why is this important? You may wish to keep matters amicable particularly where children are involved. In any financial negotiations, the way in which a matter is conducted can have a direct impact upon costs; inflammatory language tends to mean that it can sometimes take longer to reach an agreement, which in turn can sometimes mean higher legal costs.
Resolution is perhaps not an organisation that many of us have heard of, but it is in fact the UK’s largest organisation of family lawyers with approximately 6,000 members. It believes that family law disputes should be dealt with in a constructive way, designed to preserve people’s dignity and to encourage agreements.
It is of course still possible for your legal advisor to act in a firm fashion whilst abiding by the Code and at the end of the day all family lawyers will work to same set of rules when it comes to working out a division of finances, contact arrangements for any children or setting up a Pre-Nuptial Agreement.
Resolution is the recognised voice of family law and has been influential in impacting many Government policies. All members must abide by its Code of Practice and to be accepted must demonstrate, by answering a series of questions their commitment to the Code.
Miss Hazel Page is a Solicitor and a Member of Resoluton. For any enquiries please contact us on Hazel.page@ommlaw.law.co.uk or telephone 01525 378177.
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Still think texting isn’t marketing? Bee Text Marketing aims to help you increase your profits and grow your customer base. We can help you to do this by creating engaging communication strategies with your customers using a combination of text, mobile coupons, mobile landing pages, loyalty programs and more. We use cutting-edge mobile marketing technology, integrated with email marketing and social media to help you communicate in ways that build rapport, trust and loyalty to attract new and retain existing customers. Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before, it’s easy to operate and we will give you access to our innovative mobile marketing dashboard so that you can create campaigns in minutes at the touch of a button. Mobile phone use is increasing all the time and is becoming the preferred choice for people when searching for information, finding places to go or buying products. Tap into these exciting opportunities and let us help you build a buzz for your business.
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Happy New Year
Around The World!
Amazing firework displays from around the world have become a familiar sight on New Year’s news programmes. Many countries also have traditional forms of celebration dating back hundreds of years.
words of an ‘old man’s singing.’ He set these words to the tune of a traditional Scottish ditty ‘Can Ye Labour Lea.’
In Denmark traditions involve smashing plates. People throw broken plates on to friends’ doorsteps. This symbolises good wishes for the year In the UK many people ahead. Another tradition observe first-footing. This is traditionally done by a young, involves leaping from chairs on the strike of midnight. healthy, good looking male with dark hair. He carries gifts which include a piece of In Austria, New Years Eve is called Sylvesterabend which coal, money, bread and salt, and should be the first person means Eve of Saint Sylvester. Suckling pig and peppermint through the front door after ice cream are traditional food the New Year begins. This is for New Year celebrations. believed to bring good luck. Auld Lang Syne is the familiar Tables are often decorated tune that many of us sing. This with marzipan pigs, and good luck symbols made out represents remembrance of of chocolate or marzipan old friends and times spent with them. Generally credited in shapes such as chimney sweeps, coins, or horseshoes to Robert Burns, he actually said he was merely noting the are exchanged.
The Mini Wonderland Children and their families MK is returning to Milton are invited to come and Lead is considered to be auspicious in Germany Keynes this December for unwrap the true spirit of so at New Year, they pour molten lead into cold water and see what shape develops. It is believed another festive celebration. Christmas. Firstly, there that this predicts the future, so: heart shapes symIn the words off many local will there be a chance to bolize marriage, round shapes denote good luck, families; ‘they saved the meet Santa and his elves and a ship means a journey. People also leave a true spirit of Christmas’ in his sparkly grotto to bit of every food eaten on New Year's Eve on their Thousands of children receive gifts at only £3.00 plate until after Midnight, as a way of ensuring a that had been let down by per child. Also at set times well-stocked larder. Carp is also included, as it is Wonderland having to close throughout the day and for thought to bring wealth. early were able to believe a cheaper cost there will Whereas in Brazil, lentils are seen as a symbol of again. The organisers of be chance to have story wealth and prosperity and thus are traditionally the non for profit group are time with Santa in a group part of a New Year’s meal. Other customs include aiming for bigger and better setting. Photographers priestesses of the local macumba voodoo cult, things this year and after last will be present throughout dressing up in blue and white for a ceremony dedyear’s great success created the event to take photos of icated to the god of water Yemanja. In addition, a in only 5 days, this year is children and their families sacrificial boat laden with jewellery, candles and flowers is pushed out from Ipenama beach in a bid set to be truly magical and enjoying the wonder. offer so much more for the to bring health, wealth and happiness. whole family! Please contact info@ In Greece, 1st January is also St Basil’s Day. He Opening it up to all families miniwonderlandmk.co.uk is remembered for his kindness and generosity to that wish to attend, the David Cattigan on the poor. Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake, is one of venue this year for Mini the special dishes that is prepared and contains a 07507862616. Wonderland MK is at The silver or gold coin. Whoever finds the coin will be www.miniwonderlandmk.com New Park, Wolverton Town lucky for the next year. Sports & Social Club.
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Tastes so good... ROAST SEA BASS WITH A LEMON & GARLIC CRUST
Jerk Marinade Tastes so good...
Cinnamon Travelling Café specialises in ethnic street food. Our food is not what you would find at your local takeaway! It is not anglicised ethnic food, it is authentic ethnic food. We use only fresh ingredients and make our own spice mixes and sauces from scratch. We call ourselves a travelling café because we can travel anywhere and provide wonderful food for any occasion! This is our recipe for a deliciously hot Jerk marinade you can make at home.
PARSNIP QUICHE WITH BLUE CHEESE
Ingredients:
4 Scotch Bonnet chillies (take the seeds out if you don’t like too much heat!) 1 bunch of spring onions Thumb sized piece of ginger (peeled) 3 garlic cloves 1 lime (juice only) 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves 2 tbsp ground allspice 1 tbsp ground black pepper 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp dried thyme 1tsp salt 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
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 pot carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.
Ingredients:
Shortcrust pastry: 100g salted butter 200g plain flour 4-5 tbps cold water
Diane Johnson
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 cheese 50g ham or cooked bacon
Perfect for2 atbsp simple honey lunch or a dinner party with friends, this main course is an easy crowd pleaser, looks2 tbsp great on the plate and is a wonderful dish to serve with vegetables or salad alike. Cinnamon Travellingbrown Cafésugar specialises in ethnic street food. Our food is not what you would find at your local takeaway! It is not anglicised ethnic food, it is authentic ethnic food. We use only fresh ingredients and make Method: our own spice mixes and sauces from scratch. Equipment: Small processor or mortar and pestle We call ourselves aPlace travelling café because we can travel anywhere andboxes. provide for any occasion! 1. all be the eaten ingredients blender untilfor smooth This dish can hotinto or acold andand it’sblend great lunch Youwonderful can use upfood leftover 2. Check the seasoning and add more salt if required cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet potato or
: Oven: Gas Mark 5, 190°c ThisIngredients is our recipe for over a deliciously hot Jerk marinade you can make at home. carrotpork, canfish be or exchanged thelike parsnip. 3. Pour marinade chicken, anything youfor would to jerk! Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan d pin
Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour unti resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry into a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour the fridge.
Cook the parsnip in boiling water until soft. Leave to cool. Fry off t until soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inch greased flan dish w rested pastry. Prick the bottom of the base gently with a fork to st bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous "soggy bott crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case bein 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 litt
Remove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking be together and add the creme fraiche and milk, incorporating all tog whisk. Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and gra to the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Once the pastry case h of the oven dot the base with the blue cheese, onion and ham. Po mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or centre doesn’t wobble.
4. Leave marinade overnight orMethod: longer if possible. longer you can leave it to oil marinade, the morefish all 4 skinned fillets seatobass, BrushThe undersides with olive and season intense the flavour will be. washed under running water over with salt and pepper. Zest one of the lemons Equipment: 23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan and dish.squeeze Rolling Ingredients:5. The traditional way to cook jerked meat is on a BBQ. However, you can bake your meat in the Ingredients 3 unwaxed lemons juice. Wedge the other lemon for garnish. Whizzoven garlic with pin as well if it’s too cold outside! Make sure your meat is cookedMethod all the way through before serving. Shortcrust pastry: 4 cloves garlic lemon juice and zest. Once no more large pieces can be seen, Method: Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour until 100g 1. and Place all the into it a blender and 4 Scotch Bonnet Smallsalted bunchbutter ofchillies washed fresh add the parsley, bread butter to ingredients the processor. resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry together 200g plain flour blend until smooth (remove the seeds if you don’t like too much heat!) parsley it being sticky and tothe restseasoning for half an hour covered in if 2. leave Check more salt 4-5 cold water 1 bunch of spring onions into a ball without 25gtbps butter Quite quickly you should produce a moist andand veryadd tasty the(peeled) fridge. required Thumb sized piece of ginger 30g wholemeal bread breadcrumb mixture. Press this mixture firmly onto the upper Filing: 3. Pour overFry chicken, 3 garlic Cook the parsnip boiling water until soft. marinade Leave to cool. off the pork, shallotfish or 50mlcloves extra virgin olive oil sideinof the fillets. 200g parsnip, peeled anything wouldflan likedish to jerk! 1 lime (juice only) until soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inchyou greased with the Salt & pepper & sliced 4. Leave to marinade overnight longer if 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves rested pastry. Prick of the base gently with a fork stopor Roastthe for bottom approximately 20 minutes, or until thetocrust isairbrown. 1 shallot, diced possible. The longer"soggy you can leave it by to mari2 tbsp ground allspice bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous bottom"!) 3 eggs nade, the more intense the flavour willnot be. 1 tbsp ground black pepper crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case being careful Serve with whatever takes your fancy! 175ml crème fraiche 5. Thebaking traditional way to cook jerked meat 1 tsp nutmeg Diane Johnson to tear the pastry. Then fill with ceramic beans spreading them out 290ml milk is on a BBQ. cancrisp. bake your 1 tsp cinnamon evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightlyHowever, brown andyou a little 1/2 tsp mixed meat in the oven as well if it’s too cold out1 tsp dried thymespice korma curry Remove the paper and beans. Whilst theMake pastrysure caseyour is cooking beat the eggs side! meat is cooked all the 1tsporsalt powder and through milk, incorporating all together with a before serving. 1 tsp Herbs de Provence together and add the creme fraicheway 50ghoney good blue whisk. Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and gradually add 2 tbsp cheese to the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Once the pastry case has come out 2 tbsp brown sugar 50g ham or cooked of the oven dot the base with the blue cheese, onion and ham. Pour the egg bacon mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or until the
Answers Step On It DITCH HITCH HATCH CATCH MATCH MARCH
CHARITY CHRISTMAS PUZZLE 2014 This year’s Christmas Puzzle, which has entrants from around the world, has a theme designed to help completion and is likely to appeal to people who enjoy doing word puzzles. All entries qualify for one of five £10 prizes -£30 prizes for the four highest scorers. The Puzzle can be accessed from www.christmaspuzzle. co.uk. For more details contact Gordon Gray on 01525 220136.
LAST POSTING DATES - UK Thursday 18th December
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (WAS AIR MAIL) Wednesday 3rd December Asia, Far East (including Japan), New Zealand
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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
t Pick A ‘Turkey ’ n o ’ D
Call: 01525 290 260 www.woburnbrasserie.co.uk
Crafty Kids! Every Christmas as a child I received a new colouring book and set of crayons with which I spent many happy hours sprawled on the living room floor colouring in the pictures. As the years progressed, the colouring book was replaced with a series of craft sets, and I remember one year spending ages knitting an extremely long scarf! Crafting helps children to develop their imagination, express themselves and explore new ideas or concepts. The creative process brings feelings of satisfaction and Interiorconfidence Design pleasure, and builds children’s *new showroom open* in their ability to make their own decisions 01525 210 429 and choices. Crafting is a great way to learn 0781directions 8078 828 how to solve problems, follow
*free initial consultation* and develop skills such as cutting, measurInterior design ing, gluing and sewing.Fabrics It can also give Autentico paints the chance Wallcoverings family members to spend quality Curtains & Blinds Foam time together in a shared activity. Upholstery Workshops Christmas offers children the opportunity to hand make gifts for friends and family memwww.alchemistsinteriordesign.co.uk bers.10From home-baked to aLU7 painted Unit Hockliffe Buss. Park,treats Hockliffe 9NB plant pot or a decorated photo frame, there is no end to the possibilities. Craft sets also make ideal stocking fillers Whilst care hashours been taken to ensure the content of andevery promise of entertainment. Loom advertising and articles is published in this magazine are bands are extremely popular right now, accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors ishereby enjoying a any revival, puppets canknitting accept and disclaim liabilityfinger to any party to alwayscaused lots by oferrors. fun and card-making, lossare or damage Neither do they reflect thejewellery opinion of this publication. The books Vine doesare not guarofficially kits and scrap endorse any winners. advertising material included within this anteed You could also consider publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced science and modelling kits. without permission. Have fun getting crafty this Christmas!
We all want our Christmas dinner to be special and a meal to remember for the right reasons! So how can you make sure that your bird is the best choice? First take the time to buy your meat from a source you trust. You might prefer a trusted butcher, farm shop or mail order company. Knowing how your meat has been reared and where it came from can help you determine the likely quality of the meat. Usually higher quality comes from younger animals that are subject to greater welfare standards. Of course prices will also reflect this so batteryreared birds will be much cheaper than those which have been subject to a mainly organic diet and free-roaming. Look for birds with unblemished skin, and if buying fresh check whether they will be dressed or whether you will need to do additional preparation. Consider carefully the size of the bird you require. General recommendations allow around half a pound or 225 g per person for boneless meat and three quarters of a pound or 340g per person for meat with a bone in. Of course appetites vary and you may want to buy larger deliberately, in order to have enough for leftovers. Choose well and enjoy your Christmas Dinner!
Wishing all our clients peace of mind this Christmas
Call: 01525 378177
info@ommlaw.co.uk
www.ommlaw.co.uk
Offices in Milton Keynes & Leighton Buzzard
Authorised and regulated by the SRA, No: 00058549
36
Š 2013 Osborne Morris and Morgan Solicitors