The Vine Leighton Buzzard & Villages Feb/Mar 15

February/March 2015

the

SPECIAL feature

LEIGHTON BUZZARD & VILLAGES

Food and Drink Awards 2015

In this issue...

WIN High Street vouchers Finance what the Autumn statement means for you

The Vine Magazine sponsors Bedfordshire Best Pub 2015

12,000 copies delivered FREE to

Heath & Reach, Billington, Slapton, Northall, Cheddington, Wing, Stewkley and selected areas of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade

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ON THE COVER 22 Food & Drink Awards 2015 46 Win a High Street voucher 40 Finances - Autumn statement COMMUNITY 12 RSPCA need help 44 What’s On HOME & GARDEN 14 In the garden- greenhouse 30 Wallpaper know how

HEALTH & FITNESS 26 It’s In the eyes CONSUMER ADVICE 28 Autobiographies 32 Getting “ripped” off 42 Cohabitation Change TRAVEL 4 Castles of Kent

ENTERTAINMENT 24 A Good Read 36 Puzzles Copy Deadline for the April/May 2015 issue is 16th March 2015

editor: Andrena Carden-White advertising: andrena@thevinemagazine.com Telephone: 01525 222473 Mobile:0797 155 4604 Publisher:The Vine Magazine Limited Twitter: @thevineLB

There a 6 Vine Magazine publications Facebook:thevinemagazine Leighton Buzzard, MK South, Aylesbury, Luton, Dunstable and Dunstable Villages a total distribution of 64,000. For full contact details of all our magazines and distribution visit www.thevinemagazine.com

Hello and welcome to this February/March issue. In this issue we are celebrating everything Food and Drink with the Bedfordshire Food and Drink Awards 2015 and I am proud to say that The Vine Magazine is sponsoring the Best Pub category. Please get behind your local and be sure to nominate them.

As usual there is plenty to read and lots of information about what’s on in the area. Don’t forget to enter our prize draw too.

Andrena The Vine Magazine

We do our best to get things right but neither the publisher or contributors will take any liability for loss or damage by errors. The Vine Magazine Limited does not officially endorse advertisements. No part of this publication can be reproduced without permission

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A Travellers Tale

Leeds Castle.

Castles And Cathedrals In Kent

By Paul Heley Rochester Castle keep

Rochester Cathedral from the keep

Canterbury Cathedral

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A

couple or so summers ago, I leapt (but, to be true, I don't do much "leaping" now!) on my trusty steed of a motorbike and headed for the south-east corner of the country (a place I rarely visit because London gets in the way). I was aiming at Rochester for starters because it has both a castle and a cathedral - what more could I wish for?

Apart from its association with Charles Dickens, Rochester's history goes all the way back to having been one of the first Roman strongholds in AD43. It was later a Saxon village in the kingdom of Kent and it was then, in AD604, that the Kentish King Ethelbert built a wooden cathedral.

Following the Norman Conquest, a stone cathedral was built in 1088 boasting a central spire, two towers at the rear and four turrets at the front in a wonderful Romanesque style. It's interesting to note that its west door bears a remarkable similarity to that of our own Priory church.

Just across the road (so to speak) is Rochester Castle standing on the banks of the River Medway and offering splendid views over the surrounding area from the tallest keep in England at 115 feet. Like the cathedral, it is of Norman origin having been built in the reign of William 2nd in 1088. Throughout its considerable history, it has been a line of defence against invaders from the continent as well as having undergone sieges during various civil wars in this country. Consequently, its walls and other buildings are in a rather sorry state and it is only the keep which still stands proud and from which a wonderful view overlooking the cathedral is possible.

Next day, I continued along the old Watling Street to Canterbury and visited the cathedral - the home of Anglicanism. Its history reaches back to AD597 when a "cathedra" and monastery was first set up by St Augustine who had been sent as a missionary by Pope Gregory the Great. The Venerable Bede records that Augustine used the remnants of a former Roman church as a base; but it was not until Norman times that the first "real" cathedral was started very soon after the Conquest in 1070. Since then it has undergone many changes and alterations before we arrive at the magnificent building which we have today.

Canterbury cathedral is best known as the scene of the murder in 1170 of the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, by four knights acting (so they thought)

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BEAUTY

IS YOUR PERFECT BEACH BODY in your dreams or in your mind?

by Linda Dearsley

When there’s ice on the windscreen and gloomy clouds overhead, what better way to cheer yourself up than by flicking through the holiday brochures and dreaming of summer?

cool – slipping them on now, he channelled the Michelin Man.

Yet fortunately, with months still to go till summer, all is not lost.

Sophie, Liz and Robbie look likely to enjoy their holidays after all.

That’s what Sophie thought Liz has shed a stone in four weeks anyway. But as she and her friends and is on target to be treating drank in the mouth-watering herself to a new swimsuit in size images of blue, blue seas, sunny 14. Robbie’s dropped eight pounds beaches and sparkling pools, a and counting, while Sophie, who horrible thought suddenly struck can’t bring herself to stand on her. There was no way, she could the scales yet, finds her clothes squeeze into a bikini and walk are already getting way too loose, out on a public beach. She’d put ...and they’ve achieved this on so much weight it would be weight loss easily and naturally, humiliating. not through conventional dieting or calorie counting but by a Mum of three, Liz, was thinking revolutionary technique called the something similar. Liz’s children Virtual Gastric Band. had picked out a fabulous family camp site complete with The VGB works on the same adventure pool and slides. They principles as the surgical gastric were so excited Liz didn’t have the band, only without the surgery, heart to tell them she dreaded without a real band and without the idea. How could Liz enjoy the the huge price tag if you can’t fun when she’d feel like a beached get it on the NHS! Instead of a whale in her swimsuit? surgical operation to restrict the size of the stomach and along with For Robbie, it wasn’t about it the amount of food consumed, swimwear. The moment of truth an imaginary ‘virtual’ band is dawned when he came across ‘fitted’ round the stomach with the tee-shirts he’d bought in New the aid of hypnotherapy and York last year. Wearing them then, this helps the slimmer feel quite he exuded transatlantic, urban satisfied with less food.

‘I was cynical at first,’ says Robbie, ‘but amazingly, this really works.

Even in the office where there’s non-stop biscuits and snacks available free, all day, I’m not tempted – before, I was always picking.’

As for Liz, she’s astonished. ‘I think I must have been a bit of a sugar addict,’ she says, ‘I had several spoonfuls in my tea and I ate sweets all day. But now, I’m down to one spoon of sugar in my tea and I don’t fancy sweets at all.

I can have them if I want – I just don’t want them. ’ Recently the press carried a story of a dangerously obese young man who lost almost half his body weight after expensive NHS surgery. But he grew so determined to beat his restricted stomach he began liquidising kebabs and deep fried Mars bars.

So far he’s piled 7 stone back on.

Similarly, hypnotherapy isn’t for everyone. For most people it works well but for an unfortunate few it seems to have little effect.

Yet unlike the surgery, if you opt for a hypnotherapy operation, the worst that can happen is that nothing happens!

Linda Dearsley is a Virtual Gastric Band Therapist. Find out more on 07852 237011 or www.easy2slim.co.uk

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Mabel’s News

COMMUNITY

from Appledown

Rescue and Rehoming Kennels n!

Hello agaiAppledown Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY

I

I am Mabel the resident dog at Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels in Eaton Bray.

I need a home!

a hom e! d e ne

"We are an independent charity which carries

Please take a look at our website http://www.rspcaonline.co.uk for more information on the re-homing process.

shop in Ampthill This is Chipolata, she is a Jack Russell crossOur aged vital animal is always looking for 4-5 years. Sheout is bigger than thewelfare average Jack work Russell, but we can’tthroughout decide what the she might be donations of unwanted local area, Luton, crossed with! Chipolata is from an active little dog and goods or food donations needs a homeDunstable where she will plenty of exercise andget Leighton for the animals. We do and attention. Buzzard She couldthrough live with to a male dog but not not receive government a cat. We think she may have lived outside in the Ampthill, Toddington past but she loves a cuddle and will enjoy thefunding and as Beds and Flitwick.

South opportunity to curl up in front of the fire and be part ofRSPCA is a separately registered branch family life! She cannot live in Luton.

At the moment we are

of the RSPCA we are

If you feel youfull could offerCats, Chipolata, or any ofresponsible our with Kittens for raising other dogs, a and lovingBunnies and secure home please call in which are funds locally." at the kennelsavailable any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for adoption, Our staff are happy to offer advice and information.

Please note that we have restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under seven, so please This is Chipolata, she is a Jack Russell cross ask aged for details.

4-5 years. She is bigger than the average Jack RusCould sponsor kennel help us for a dog while it is waiting to find a new sell, but weyou can’t decideawhat shetomight be care crossed Please contact fordog details. with!home?

Chipolata is an activeus little and needs a home where she will get plenty of exercise and Call: 01525 220383 Visit our Website: www.appledownrescue.co.uk attention. She could live with a male dog but not E-mail: appledown.kennels@btinternet.com Follow us on Facebook! a cat. We think she may have lived outside in the (Reg. Charity No. 1116848) past but she loves a cuddle and will enjoy the opportunity to curl up in front of the fire and be part of family life! She cannot live in Luton.

If you feel you could offer Chipolata, or any of our other dogs, a loving and secure home please call in at the kennels any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Our staff are happy to offer advice and information.

Please note that we have restrictions on rehoming dogs to families with children under seven, so please ask for details.

Group Classes Could you sponsor a kennel to help us care for a Behavioural Consultations dog while it is waiting to find a new home? Please contact us for details.

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In The Garden

in your garden you People often ask me, “Is there something always, “My greenhouse.” couldn’t live without?”... My reply is

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The Greenhouse Effect

greenhouse has many benefits, chief of which for me is that it extends the gardening year.

With a greenhouse you can potter in your garden all year round, and grow a range of plants which simply wouldn’t thrive without the extra protection.

Before choosing a greenhouse you will need to check whether your local planning authority imposes any restrictions. While you don’t normally need planning permission, building regulations do have to be adhered to.

Buy the biggest greenhouse you can afford that will fit comfortably on to your plot - you will always fill it! But even if you can only afford a tiny one - my first one had a base of just 4’ by 5.5’ (1.2m by 1.7m) - it will still be a worthwhile investment.

The aluminium- framed types are very sturdy and relatively cheap. Wooden-framed constructions are more attractive though, and often better in a small garden where everything has to earn its keep. Western red cedar is good because it lasts a long time and weathers really well.

Greenhouses are even more useful if they are heated. I started out with paraffin heaters, but found they produced a lot of condensation and were messy and smelly. Electric heating is best, and very economical if you fit a system thermostat so that it only switches on when necessary.

Apart from heat the most important factor is ventilation. In high summer this is vital to prevent your plants from cooking. Automatic arms which open the vents at a pre-designated temperature are really useful. External blinds are also very good as they prevent sun scorch.

Finally, fit staging along one edge of the greenhouse for your pots, and dig a soil or gravel bed on the other side for things like tomato plants.

Now all you have to do is plant some seeds and invest in a few tender perennials.

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Great Greenhouse Tips Fit your greenhouse to level foundations.

Orientation isn’t important , but make sure it isn’t in the shadow of the house, or overhanging trees.

Ventilate well.

Any electrical work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician to comply with part P of the building regulations.

Don’t be tempted to use a household electric heater. It won’t cope with the damp conditions in a greenhouse.

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on the orders of King Henry 2nd. The killing was never Henry's actual wish, and his fevered outburst "will nobody rid me of this turbulent priest" was completely misinterpreted. However, as penance for the outrage and for his part in it, Henry submitted himself to a serious flogging by the monks and underwent various other acts of remorse. But he was never truly forgiven and the spot where the murder took place is commemorated in the area called the Martyrdom.

The cathedral has the usual abundance of exquisite areas, rooms and anterooms such as the Nave and Chancel, the Chapter House, the Cloisters, the tomb of Thomas Becket, and the Crypt which dates from the 11th century. They are each very special and beautifully presented.

Something very unexpected happened while I was in the cathedral. I noticed that the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, was sitting by himself against the wall - so I went and spoke to him. He was very approachable and we chatted for a few minutes and he told me he was waiting for a film crew to come along and complete a documentary which was being made. He is the only person of international acclaim I've ever spoken with - a better choice than some of today's so-called "celebrities"!

The next day it was back to castles again; this time Leeds Castle (which many people assume, for obvious reasons, to be in Yorkshire but, in fact, is near the small village of Leeds near Maidstone).

It has been described (but much disputed by rival attractions) as England's loveliest castle. It is certainly very grand and has been in existence since having first been built during the reign of Henry 1st in 1119. Since then it has been the favoured residence of Edward 1st, sieged and captured during the reign of Edward 2nd, and refurbished as a private residence for Catherine of Aragon by Henry 8th (when they were on friendly terms!). During the English Civil War of the 1640s it was not ransacked (as many other castles were) because its owner at the time sympathised with the Parliamentary forces. Since then, it has undergone many alterations and improvements as a private home.

Built on an island in a lake, it has a beautiful setting and is a very popular tourist attraction.

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Looking Up!

In Beds & Bucks

TheNight Sky February & March 2015

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Discover amazing Jupiter in a telescope:

As darkness falls over Bedfordshire in February and March this year another bright ‘star’ will be shining over towards the east and south-east. Jupiter is a must-see object in a telescope. Even a small telescope reveals Jupiter’s four Galilean moons in orbit around the giant planet, while larger telescopes let us glimpse cloud detail in Jupiter’s atmosphere.

20th March 2015 sees the UK experience a deep partial eclipse of the sun. From Bedfordshire just over 85 per cent of our warm yellow friend will be temporarily consumed by the moon’s disc. The event begins at 8:30am and lasts until 10:30am.

Mid-eclipse, and the deepest darkness, is at 9:30am.

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February sees a celestial encounter fit for Valentine’s night romance as Venus and Mars tango over the western horizon at dusk. On 14th February look low to the west from an elevated location like Dunstable Downs. Bright Venus is unmistakable in the fading twilight. By 6:20pm Mars will be obvious too as a dull orange ‘star’ located slightly above and to the left of Venus. The two planets draw even closer together over the ensuing week, so do keep watching them if you have the chance.

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The Vine Magazine sponsors search to find

Bedfordshire’s Best Pub

An exciting new set of county food and drink awards have been launched in Bedfordshire – and The Vine Magazine is delighted to announce that we're proudly sponsoring one of the categories – Best Pub of the Year.

The awards call on the public to scour the nooks and crannies of the counties for the best independents and vote for them on the websites mentioned in the article below.

Mayor nominees and sponsors with Bedford’s ds awar the of Dave at the launch

“Our vision is to highlight the very best of Bedfordshire’s quality food and drink sector,” said Damian Cummins, director of the Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards. “From pubs to brewers, from coffee shops to butchers, we are galvanising a mass movement of the most important people, the customers, who know the true meaning of quality when they taste it, drink it and are served it so well.”

The winners will be decided solely by votes from members of the public that have been lodged on the awards website http://bedsfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk Karen McGeeney, communications director for the awards, said: “Voting is at the centre of the action but even General Elections won't have seen anything like this!

“We're already busy campaigning across Facebook and Twitter as well as traditional media generating excitement and encouraging nominations and votes.

Look for Bedfordshire Food and Drink Awards on Facebook and follow the hashtag #BedsFinest on Twitter for the latest updates.

“We're so excited about championing the best of the best and promoting quality in Bedfordshire.”

Awards could not happen without sponsors and Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards is proud to be associated with brilliant brands such as The Vine Magazine.

Visit the awards website to find out more about the categories and sponsors, to nominate and to vote at http://bedsfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk

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the

Many businesses from all categories were already nominated ahead of the official launch day on the 14th January The Vine Magazine are sponsors of Bedfordshire Food and Drink Awards 2015. It is particularly exciting to sponsor the search for the Best Pub of the Year as so many of our fantastic local pubs are in the villages The Vine covers.

This is a wonderful opportunity for them to receive recognition.

This will be a hotly contested category with so many good pubs to choose from.

Be sure to nominate your local pub, or local businesses in any of the categories; everyone who enters is in with an excellent chance and supported with promotional packs to help get the votes in.

The Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards were launched at the Mayor’s Parlour - afterwards the mayor boarded the event’s

branded Pashley bicycle in front of a stall in Bedford Market.

Ian Cording, from Bedford, and sponsor, coffee brand Aurile said: “We at Aurile are both proud and excited to be sponsors of the Best Independent local Tea or Coffee Shop.

“Being a great advocate of Awards generally and the benefits experienced through being nominated, a finalist or a winner, being ‘judged’ by voting customers, will be a sure test of the independents commitment to both quality of offering and service excellence.”

Lee Roberts, manager of Lingers Butchers, in St Cuthbert’s Street, Bedford, was also surprised to be nominated. “The first we knew of our nomination was when we were invited to the launch event!”

Emma Garrett, of nominated busineses the Pavilion At The Park, in Beford Park, and the Kiosk At The Park, in Russell Park, said the nominations had come as a “pleasant surprise”.

She added that they would be campaigning across social media to persuade customers to “vote for us and have a look at the awards website.”

SC Sinfield nominees best market stall

Visit the website to see a full list of nominees and categories. To advertise your business in our next awards feature and get the most from your nomination call 01525 222473

A Good Read

For You

ENTERTAINMENT

For The Kids

The Secret of Crickley Hall

By James Herbert

At over 600 pages, this novel from the master of horror does not disappoint as the pages fly by. Gabe and Eve Caleigh have moved with their two daughters from their London home to the West Country to escape the memories of their five year old son who disappeared without trace from a playground a year ago. Their new home is Crickley Hall, a large house with a checkered past, but it has been empty for many years. It seems a bargain price. As they settle into the community they learn more about the village, and Crickley Hall.

Tragedy occurred during the Great Flood of 1943, when the hall was being used to house orphans evacuated from London due to the Blitz. The children and their guardians all perished in the flood, and it would appear that the young victims are not content to remain quiet.

Soon Eve starts seeing her missing son and, like an unstoppable wall of water, the horrors that lie lurking in Crickley Hall flood to the surface, and Gabe must fight to save his family as the truth of that night in 1943 emerges: a truth that it is worse than any nightmare.

Read it if you dare.

24

Delphi and the Glass Slippers

By Darcey Bussell For most young readers, Darcey Bussell will be familiar through the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. What they may not be aware of is her career with the Royal Ballet, and she has poured this love and knowledge of ballet into her series of books for young ballet obsessed girls. The Magic Ballerina books follow the adventures of Delphie, a young girl who attends a ballet school.

She is given a pair of red ballet shoes which turn out to be magical, and are able to whisk her away to the land of Enchantia where characters from famous ballets live.

In this book Delphie has to help Cinderella. Something strange is happening and, as the clock chimes seven o’clock, time jumps and she never gets to attend the ball. Along the way, Delphie also encounters a mysterious cloaked figure who tries to keep the Prince from finding Cinderella.

Guaranteed to delight any budding ballerina, this book is exciting and full of little glimpses into the world of ballet and dancing.

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Health Beauty & Wellbeing

By Maulia Selvarajah, BSc (Hons) MCOptom

Diabetes is the third leading cause of sight loss in the Eye diseases are also a common find at the opticians. country (source: www.RNIB.org.uk). In the UK alone They can occur at the back of your eyes, without there are 2.9 million sufferers, according to the NHS causing any symptoms for you to be aware of. It is and about 850,000 people who have the condition only in the late stage of eye diseases, like, glaucoma but are undiagnosed (source: www.NHS.co.uk). How and retinal detachments that you notice sudden would you know? Of course, seeing the GP would problems in your eye. This just shows how vital it be the most obvious answer. But don’t worry if you can be to get your eyes checked out. For example are one of many who don’t like paying the GP a visit, retinal detachment is when a layer at the back of the there is another answer. That answer is to have an eye slowly begins to peel away. Sounds creepy right? eye test with your local optician.

It doesn’t happen in everyone, but the risk factors When was the last time you had a health include being very short-sighted, or playing check? For most people visiting the a lot of contact sports. The only changes g in e Se GP for regular health checks is a bit a person may be aware of is bright ’t n is the optician daunting. Nevertheless visiting white flashes of lights in the corner of ses, s la g t the local opticians can be more their vision and an increase in black u o b a t s ju comfortable and can also answer dots that come in different sizes and t u o b a s it’ many health related questions you shapes and appear to float about in your the may have. vision. Usually when optometrists taking care of Going to the opticians isn’t just about see these signs you can expect to sit in lth a e h eye checking if you need glasses or not. hospital on the same day. Now don’t start Many people think it’s expensive. There are panicking, the treatment the hospital will give is many opticians that provide free eye tests and offers highly successful so it should be alright. or discounts on the frames. Nowadays seeing the It is very important to get children tested as well. Eye optician is more than just glasses, it’s about taking tests usually start at 3 years old. The tests done will care of your eye health. probably be slightly different to an adult test. Looking There are various tests that can be done by the at 3D pictures, and checking colour vision is all part optometrist. One of them includes looking into the of the eye examination. Tests can be done to spot back of the eye and checking for health problems early signs of a lazy eye. If your child is getting freand eye diseases. Health conditions such as diabetes, quent headaches, an eye test should be done to rule high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all be out glasses. Children don’t always know if what they detected just by checking the back of the eye. In most see is blurry or clear, and the sooner they are seen by opticians now they have a ‘Fundus Camera’ this is a an optometrist the better it is. clever piece of equipment that allows the optician to Eye tests should be done every two years for adults take a photo of the back of the eye. Optometrists can unless specified by the optometrist. Children should then sit down and talk to you about your photos and be seen every year. So if you haven’t had a test yet, show you if there is any problem. Pretty clever right? get yourself to your opticians!

26

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auto Biographies

Toyota RAV 4

By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk

t about their car.Geneva They named its The 1994 motor ketplace has evolved and matured ity, ease of access, lofty view of the road show signalled the arrival in line with customers’ changing requirements and preferences. ous packaging, versatility and reassuring of a new kind of vehicle, Generally speaking, two decades en when the going gets tough. ago, this type of car was regarded one that would revoluas a substitute to sporty hatchtionize the towards world mo14’s RAV4 points an even stronger backs and coupes. Today its popy use.tor The result isAt a car is more ularity refined market. thethat time is among families wanting a more fun car over multi-purpose teriorfew styling, a more airy cabin and loadpeople could have vehicles (MPVs) and estates. r comfort and higher levels of safety. predicted the effect Over the years, Toyota has wback with the current RAV4 is the old-worked hard to keep the model the Toyota RAV4 would erior. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a major firmly at the heart of its segment, make.all the same. The car is without forfeiting the entertainings noticeable

to-drive uxurious, especially in ‘Invincible’ D4D quality that defined the The initial Recreational Activ- 2.2 original RAV4. ut theity cabin stillwith looks at least a decade old. It’s Vehicle 4-wheel drive When it came to creating the RAV4) uplooks a newverylatest ity or (hence anything.

In opened fact it all hard-model, Toyota talked to sector for compact, manoeuvrable mainly the switchgear that looks reallyexisting dated.RAV4 customers around sport utility vehicles (SUVs). thepure globe to understand what was heel, much of that is forgotten once the Toyota had unpresumptuous aspi- best about their car. They named iving rations takes over.

The car, RAV4 is smooth and for its new expecting its manoeuvrability, ease of acnchy. Indeed, itssales all-wheel capability is worldwide of onlydrive around cess, lofty view of the road ahead, When 8,000 orders ingenious packaging, versatility cated4,500 than models. ever before.

swamped the Japanese automaker and reassuring capability, even in the first four weeks alone, when the going gets tough. gratedproduction Active Drive System volumes had has to bebeen developed As a result, 2014’s RAV4 points e engaging “sport” mode, with gadgetry to doubled. towards an even stronger focus on Tothe begin with, itof was avail- power family use. The result is a car that adjust amount twisting able as aand three-door with a tween theonly front rear axles. is more refined with better exterior 2.0-litre petrol engine and either styling, e whyfive-speed the RAV4manual was, and is, such a hit.

It is a more airy cabin and or four-speed load-space, greater comfort and thanksautomatic to this car that the SUV market transmission. Measurhigher levels of safety. m a niche become vitalmore feature ofThe theonly drawback with the curing justto3.96m longa(little ority. than today’s Toyota Yaris), it was rent RAV4 is the old-fashioned unlike anything else at the time. interior. Don’t get me wrong, it’s The public had an appetite for the not a major issue – but it is noticenew kid on the block, however, able all the same. The car is unand in 1995 RAV4’s first full doubtedly luxurious, especially in year on sale – almost 6,800 were ‘Invincible’ 2.2 D4D Auto guise, sold, quickly establishing it as the but the cabin still looks at least a fourth best-selling car in Toyota’s decade old. It’s not poor quality 14-strong British line-up. or anything. In fact it all looks Twenty years on, and the RAV4 very hard-wearing. It’s mainly the is almost unrecognisable. That’s switchgear that looks really dated. because the compact SUV mar-

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It’s easy to see why the RAV4 was, and is, such a hit. It is undoubtedly thanks to this car that the SUV market developed from a niche to become a vital feature of the motoring majority.

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& The Art Of Wallpaper

At Home In The Garden Go along to any DIY store or specialist decorating shop and you will see lots of different types of wall coverings, but how did they originate?

The first type of paper was introduced in Egypt around 4000 BC and was called papyrus. It was from about 200 BC that the Chinese started to put glued rice paper onto their walls, and around 105AD that they began to make paper from textile waste. Knowledge spread from the Chinese to the Middle East via prisoners in the eighth century. It took until the twelfth century for papermaking to reach Europe.

English manufacturing methods became world famous, and in the eighteenth century wallpapers from London workshops were highly sought after. Initially, hand painted papers imitated architectural details or materials like marble and stucco, but eventually other patterns emerged.

The 1920’s are known as the Golden Age of Wallpaper as some 400 million rolls were sold during that period. The industry was revolutionized after WW2 when plastic resins were added to make wallpapers stain resistant, washable, and more durable.

Whilst the popularity of wallpaper has ebbed and flowed in the intervening years, there is now more variety than ever and a wide price range. The choice of wallpaper can affect the mood and style of a room and can influences the selection of furnishing. To get the best effect from any paper however, it is important to hang it correctly, so we have ‘pasted’ some great tips opposite...

30

1 2

Make sure all your paper has the same lot number so that it matches.

Use a lining paper to prevent the top paper from creasing or stretching and help the paste to dry faster.

3

Apply a one-inch stripe of white paint along the top of the wall before papering over dark paint or wallpaper. It won't be as noticeable if the wallpaper fails to align exactly at the top.

4 5

Use a special plumb bob to get paper straight.

Your first strip should be about four inches longer than the height of the wall. Strips after that should be at least two inches longer top and bottom and may need to be more to ensure a pattern match.

6

Turn off the power before papering around switches and receptacles. Remove cover plates and paper over them. Then make a diagonal slit from opposite corners. Trim away the triangular flaps and replace the cover plate.

7 8 9 10

Double check newly hung strips for bubbles and seam matches.

Use a sponge to wipe excess adhesive and rinse the sponge often.

Use a sharp utility knife to trim paper A special paste is needed to hang a border on top of wallpaper.

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Consumer Clinic

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

How to Get Ripped Without Being Ripped Off If you’re anything like me, you’ll have completely overindulged during the festive period. In fact, I think I ate about 17 turkeys and drank my bodyweight in Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Sadly, the result of this gluttony is that the New Year requires a little vigorous exercise and healthier eating to get back in shape.

You can listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio

Indeed, it’s generally this time of the year when many of us look in the mirror and race to the nearest gym, happy to sign ourselves up to expensive, long term contracts.

But how do you protect yourself against getting ripped off in the process?

Over the years, I have dealt with many complaints about gym membership deals. Sometimes this is because gyms are unreasonable in their approach but sadly, more often than not, it's down to pure naivety from consumers.

Gyms are businesses, not charities! They have sales advisors in most gyms whose sole responsibility it is to sign up new customers.

They are generally paid by commission, and are highly trained to persuade you to sign yourself up for at least a years’ worth of keep fit expense. They seem so nice, so friendly, so understanding and so kind. However, don’t underestimate them. Without you agreeing to join the gym, they don’t get paid. That is their motivation.

Be aware that when you sign up to a gym membership, you are entering a legally binding contract. Unless there is a cancellation period outlined in the terms and conditions, you are legally

32

obliged to pay your membership fees for the entire length of the contract. If you're concerned that you'll only bother to go for the first two months, then agreeing to a year long (many contracts are 18 months or two years) is a pretty stupid thing to do. If you decide to cancel, you'll probably be liable for hundreds of pounds worth of fees.

What about exceptional circumstances though? Often consumers will come to me saying "I took out gym membership and then lost my job the following week" or "I signed up to a gym but had a bad car accident and haven't been able to use it for 6 months". Of course exceptional circumstances can help your case when attempting to cancel, but unless it states that cancellation is allowed under exceptional circumstances in the terms, you'll still be liable for the full membership costs.

So when CAN you cancel a gym membership? Obviously if the service you receive from the gym is poor (for example many of the machines don't work) then you can make a good case for cancellation of the contract.

Also if you can prove that some of the terms and conditions in your membership agreement are

unfair you may stand a chance, but be prepared for a fight. In my experience gyms can be some of the most aggressive organisations to fight as a consumer. They often have legal departments that are very used to arguing with unhappy gym goers who want a quick way out.

If you are uncertain over your motivation to attend the gym, it is worth noting that many gym chains will offer special memberships that can be cancelled easily, or are on a pay as you go basis. It may be best to start with one of these until you've properly decided whether you like it or not.

You may conclude from this month’s article, that I'm an antigym person. I'm not! Honestly!

If you are motivated, they can be fantastic places to fight the flab, feel better about yourself and improve your health. Just approach gym membership with your eyes open and you'll not come unstuck months down the line.

Happy Fat fighting!

40

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Flowers and Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day began in 1908 after an American lady, Ann Jarvis, asked the local church if they would set aside a day to commemorate her mother’s death. From this grew the idea to create a holiday on which all mothers – alive or dead – could be remembered, parents respected, and family bonds strengthened.

Ann started a campaign to have Mother’s Day recognised as a holiday. In 1914 she succeeded when US President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day, celebrated in May, an annual holiday. The practice has spread throughout the world!

During her campaign, Ann posted or handed out white carnations, and this flower became a symbol for the day. Mothers would wear a white carnation if their mother was dead, and a coloured one if she was still living.

In the UK, Mother’s Day is celebrated in March on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, this was a time when all family members were granted time off work and could gather together to worship. The day became known as Mothering Sunday – or Rose Sunday – because roses were handed out to all women present at church.

Flowers symbolise purity, beauty and life – all attributes possessed by mothers - and gradually the tradition of giving flowers grew. But above all, flowers are given because our mothers like them!

34

• Painting & Decorating • Small repairs and odd jobs • Home adaptations • Winter warmth • General plumbing • Minor electrics … and lots more

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                                3     2    4 3 

                            2         9 7     8   2 9    3

Sudoku 数独 1 6

7

9 2 6

8 4

3

6

   ENTERTAINMENT                 MUSTY   

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

36

                                            

SUCKS

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46 Across

Down

1. Rosy-cheeked child (6) 5. Sloped style of printing (6) 8. As soon as possible (abbr) (4) 9. Trivial, unimportant (8) 10. Air turbine (8) 11. Currency of Ireland (4) 12. Jewish greeting (6) 14. Undamaged (6) 16. Heroic, majestic (4) 18. Scare, intimidate (8) 20. Wall art or defacement (8) 21. Offer praise to God (4) 22. Official order (6) 23. Sycophants, toadies (3,3)

2. Marijuana (7) 3. Swift, speedy (5) 4. Difficult or unpleasant first-time experience (7,2,4) 5. The quality of being totally dependable or foolproof.

(13) 6. Illness (7) 7. Situated within (5) 13. The Devil (7) 15. Incinerate, burn (7) 17. Clean-out, purify (5) 19. Aspires, wishes (5)

Guttering Problems?

PODIATRIST / CHIROPODIST HCPC Registered

Julia Reading B.Sc (Hons) M.Ch.S Full range of podiatry and chiropody Treatments available 15 Windsor street Bletchley MK2 2LN

Gutters Cleaned Leaking Gutters repaired New Gutters Fitted All by friendly local established company Part of Bradnam Property Maintenance

Call Rob on 01908 216151 or 07977 206403

Mobile: 0774 647 2781 Mon, Tues pm and Fri Evening appointments and home visits available.

Nest Boxes

This year, National Nest Box Week takes place from 14th-21st February.

The event is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology. The idea started in 1997 following fears about birds losing their natural nest sites because of lots of trees being cut down, old buildings disappearing, gardens being ‘tidied’ and old houses being repaired.

The Trust wants us to put up nest boxes so that we can protect the wildlife we have, and encourage even more birds to come into our gardens.

It is estimated that there are now over 5 million nest boxes in the UK designed to help everything from Robins to Owls. Different types of nesting box attract different birds. So in a box with small holes, you might get Blue Tit’s, Nuthatches, Redstarts or House Sparrows.

Boxes with larger holes may encourage Starlings, Spotted Woodpeckers and perhaps even Little Owls; and in very big boxes you might see Kestrels, Jackdaws, Stock Doves and Tawny Owls. There are also open fronted boxes which appeal to Robins, Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Wagtails.

Imagine how lovely it would be to watch the birds going in and out of your boxes and hopefully some young ones hatching there. If you are careful and quiet, you can even peek inside the box from time to time when the eggs are incubating, as most birds will sit tight. If you want to count the eggs, observe in the early morning and wait until the female bird flies off for a quick meal.

You can choose to buy some nest boxes from your local pet store or garden centre, or make some. Instructions for building boxes are available on many internet sites including www.bto.org/ the British Trust for Ornithology site.

February is an ideal time to put boxes up, because pairs of small birds prosper towards the end of the month.

You are also helping however if you put boxes up at any time of year, although 1 August to the 31 January is the time under Bird Protection Law when nests can be cleaned out, and any dead eggs found destroyed.

Handy Hints Do not put nest boxes of the same type close to each other.

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Plumbing Bathrooms

Open fronted boxes should be hidden from view.

Make sure cats cannot get into the boxes.

Consider putting a metal plate around the hole to deter squirrels.

Boxes should be sheltered from the weather.

Keep the boxes away from bird feeders.

Place between 1 and 5 metres high.

Use screws that will not rust.

38

City Guilds Qualified

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Texting isn’t marketing. Is it?

98% of texts are opened within 15 mins 25% response rate for SMS messages Loyalty programs have been proven to increase opt in rates by up to 5 times 91% of people have their mobiles with them at all times 87% of shoppers use coupons and mobile coupons generate an average redemption rate of 10-25%

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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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Your Money Matters Autumn Statement What’s new?

Autumn Statement 2014 personal finances beneficiary will pay their marginal rate of These are the key personal finance and savings announcements made by Chancellor income tax, or 45% if the funds are taken as a lump sum payment. The lump sum George Osborne during the 2014 Autumn payments will also be taxed at the recipiStatement on Wednesday 3 December ent’s marginal rate from April 2016.

2014.

Income tax allowances and tax rates From April 2015, beneficiaries of individuThe personal allowance will increase to als who die under the age of 75 with a joint £10,600 from 6 April 2015, an increase of life or guaranteed annuity will be able to £100 from that previously announced. receive any future payments from such policies tax-free. It will also be possible to The basic rate limit changes to £31,785 allow joint life annuities to be passed on to (currently £31,865) with the higher rate any beneficiary. threshold above which income tax is payable at 40% increasing to £42,385.

Tax credits Tax credit payments will be reduced in-year from April 2015 where, due to a change of circumstances, a claimant would otherwise receive an overpayment.

ISAs The annual ISA allowance will increase to £15,240 a year from April 2015.

ISA savings that are inherited by a surviving spouse from a deceased partner will retain their tax-free status.

40

Pensions Savers will be able to access their defined contribution pension as they wish at retirement from April 2015. This will be subject to their marginal rate of income tax, instead of the current 55% charge for full withdrawal.

Further to the recent announcement regarding people being able to pass on their pension pot to the next generation, the government confirmed that if the individual dies before age 75, the beneficiary will pay no tax on the funds.

If death occurs after the age of 75, the

Pensions flexibility A reduced annual allowance of £10,000 will be introduced for money purchase contributions for individuals who have flexibly accessed a pension from 6 April 2015.

Pension credit The savings credit threshold will rise by 5.1%. As a consequence, the new flat rate state pension will be at least £151.25 a week. The actual final amount of this new flat rate pension is to be announced in autumn 2015.

Residential property stamp duty The way stamp duty is applied to residential properties will change to a marginal rate system. From midnight on 3 December 2014, rates will only apply to the proportion of the property price that falls within each band. The rate will be 0% on the first £125,000, rising to 12% on prices above £1.5 million.

You can read the full report at www.clarkhowes.com. For further advice and information about anything contained in this article call 01525 887534

Clark Howes Group More than your ‘typical’ accountants www.clarkhowes.com | info@clarkhowes.com | +44 (0)1525 887534 @ClarkHowesGroup

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IT’S THE LAW!

C

ohabitation Rights Bill The law may be about to change until it does Osborne Morris and Morgan advise caution.

At present, cohabiting couples have few legal rights as compared to their married counterparts. A separated cohabiting couple, do not have rights over each other’s property, pensions or even maintenance even where one cohabitee has relied on the other for income.

This maybe about to change however, as the Cohabitation Rights Bill has had its second reading in the House of Lords and has passed through to Committee stage.

Steve Kirwan, who leads the group Resolutions work on Cohabitation Law reform, comments, “Ultimately, the law needs to reflect the standards of modern society, and in the case of cohabitation, it does not. More couples are living together than ever before, with an estimated 2,859,000 cohabiting households in Britain – that’s a significant portion of the country who are currently served by outdated and unfair laws. The current law on cohabitation is in desperate need of change and we believe that even Lord Marks’ Bill, whilst welcome, does not go far enough to address the inequality in the current system”.

42

Resolution proposes a new law that will create a system that is genuinely fair for cohabiting couples. Under the proposed reforms, couples in a committed relationship who have lived together for a minimum period or who have a child together would have the right to apply for certain Financial Orders, similar to those currently offered to married couples upon separation. This right would be automatic unless the couple chooses to ‘opt out’.

Until the Cohabitation law is in place however, caution is advised and cohabitants should continue to seek legal advice at significant points in their relationship, not only when the relationship breaks down, but for example when a property is being purchased for their occupation, to ensure fairness.

You can read the full Bill at http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2014-15/ cohabitationrights.html Sheena Shah Solicitor & Head of Family & Matrimonial at Osborne Morris & Morgan for any enquiries please contact Sheena.Shah@ommlaw.co.uk or telephone 01525 378177.

UNICORN WINDOWS

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Spring Cleaning

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Out and About in

COMMUNITY

BEDS & BUCKS 14TH FEBRUARY Valentiine’s Day

restoration fund.

WHEN Sunday 15th February.

Concert 4.00pm, Tea & cakes 5.00pm, Choral evensong 6.00pm WHERE St Barnabas’ Church Waterloo Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2NR 17TH FEBRUARY Shrove Tuesday

WHAT Milton Keynes Model Railway Exhibition Admission: £5.00 adult, £3.00 children, £10.00 family (discounts offered if you travel by train and free connecting bus) Website: www.mkmrs.org.uk/ exhibitions . Over 40 layouts and 30 traders offering something for everyone, from families to experienced modellers.

40+ layouts and 30 traders WHEN 14th February 10am-4:30pm WHERE Stantonbury Leisure Centre, Stantonbury MK14 6BN WHAT Concert, Cakes and Choral Evensong If music be the food of love... . To mark Valentine’s Day, the recital will have the theme of love . Tickets (including tea & cakes): £5 at the door (accompanied children £3).

(Attendance at the Choral Evensong service is of course free.) All proceeds will be donated to the Church’s organ

44

WHAT Orchard Day Come and join your local Wildlife Trust this February half-term to help plant a new community orchard and gain a certificate. Find out how orchards can benefit wildlife and the community, and take part in some apple themed activities.

Hot refreshments. FREE Event, but booking recommended.

Contact: Julie Cassidy on 01525 874317 or Julie.Cassidy@ wildlifebcn.org WHEN 20th February 10:00am 1:00pm WHERE: Blows Downs Dunstable 1ST MARCH St David’s Day WHAT Sky-diving for Keech Hosice Care We need adventureloving, thrill-seeking fundraisers to jump from 10,000 ft in a sponsored tandem skydive This jump takes place on one day and there is no training required apart from a briefing with the instructor before hand.

For more information call the Events Team on 01582 707940 or email events@keech.org.uk WHEN Sunday 8th March 2015 WHEREHinton Airfield nr.

Brackley, Northamptonshire:

WHAT Proms Fashion Show Facebook:So You Boutique for details WHEN 8th March 12 noon Where Cedars School LB 15TH MARCH Mothering Sunday WHAT Woburn Farmers Market WHEN 15th March Where Woburn, Beds 17TH MARCH St Patrick’s Day WHAT Tea Dance, Traditional, Modern and Sequence plus refreshments. £3.20 per ticket contact 01525 631920 or email info@leightonlinslade-tc-gov.uk WHEN 19th March 2pm -4:30pm WHERE 1st Leighton Buzzard Scout Group Memorial Hall, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4SW WHAT Stewkley Players’ present their 113th production ‘The 39 Steps’. A hilarious version of a spell binding thriller and currently showing in the West End to excellent reviews! Tickets go on sale on March 2 from the box office (07845 48494 167).

WHEN 25th to 28th March at 8pm WHERE Village Hall, Stewkley 29TH MARCH British Summertime

LOCAL BUILDER All aspects of household maintenance & repair undertaken

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IR_ccc_2015_A4_poster:Layout 1 09/10/2014 12:34 Page 1

Plumbing

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A sponsored bike ride around the Chilterns with a choice of a 10k, 35 or 75 mile route – from family fun to the ultimate cycle challenge

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Superior Standard Painting and Decorating Martin J Keable

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Simply visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/TheVineMagazine 1. Like our page (if you haven’t already done so) 2. Leave a post saying which magazine you read (Aylesbury & Villages, MK South Villages or Leighton Buzzard & Villages) and why you like receiving it.

One reader from each magazine area will be chosen at random to win a ÂŁ10 High Street gift voucher.

There are no cash alternatives. The winner will be selected from an independent person not associated with The Vine Magazine. The winner will be contacted through Facebook, our best efforts will be made to contact the winner but if we are unable another person will be randomly selected. This promotion is run by The Vine Magazine Limited and open to anyone 16 years and over. The prize draw ends at midnight on 20th March 2015 and winners will be notified by 31st March 2015. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the promotion will be directed to Sponsor, not Facebook.

46

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He’s moving into my home, will he be able to claim part of the property if we split up?

I don’t want to lose my family business, I wonder if she’ll agree to a Pre-Nup?

For advice on separation, divorce and pre-nuptial agreements

Call us now and speak to one of our Family Law experts.

Call: 01525 378177 info@ommlaw.co.uk www.ommlaw.co.uk

Outstanding legal services Offices in Milton Keynes & Leighton Buzzard

Authorised and regulated by the SRA, No: 00058549

48

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