Affinity Magazine September 2012

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SEPTEMBER 2012

ISSUE 16

FREE

SEPTEMBER 2012

IThe Wedding Do! Issue

MILLMAN

Jewellers of Distinction 2 Church Arcade Bedford TEL 01234 354026

AFFINITY MAGAZINE

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Two fantastic spa breaks up for grabs

Water to Blood Marti Pellow returns in Blood Brothers

BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON

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My Story, My Design

10 Mill Street Bedford, MK40 3HD 01234 351458

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Bedfordshire’s Only Dedicated Bedfordshire’s Cruise Specialist

There’s There’s a cruise for everyone There’ss a cruise for everyone; from one to a hundred! There are so many cruise ships and cruise There’ lines to choose from it can be confusing. If you are looking for a family cruise then look no further than three of the best! – Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC and Royal Caribbean International.

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www.affinitymag.co.uk @affinitymagz

Jane Fry Editor jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 07809 499669

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Welcome...

Hi Everyone

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A huge chunk of our time has been spent putting our wedding special together this month, so if you’re getting married sometime soon then this issue is essential reading as it contains the latest bridal dresses, fabulous venues, the best honeymoon destinations and much more.

We also have all our regular features plus TWO fabulous giveaways, both staying overnight, with lots of extras either at the new Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes (which opens in October) or at Whittlebury Hall and Spa the choice is yours - which one to enter or who to take – or enter both. Either way the lucky winners will have a fantastic time – Good Luck!

There’s only about 6 weeks left before our ‘Black Tie and Tiara Charity Ball’, and we only have a few places left so be sure to book your tickets before it’s too late and be part of this spectacular evening.

Don’t forget on Friday 28th September Macmillan will be holding their annual ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ . There is one happening in the village of Ravensden (check out our ‘What’s On’ pages) or look on the Macmillan website to find one near you.

Jane x “GOOD LUCK” Peterborough United for this new footie season x x

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Are you

out of Balance?

W

hilst we may not be actually ill, we may spend long periods feeling out of sorts and with a sense of things ‘not being quite right’.

Ayurveda may offer some insights into what may be going on within the body and with our state of mind. If we nip these problems in the bud we can prevent the imbalance developing into something more serious later on. In this way Ayurveda offers a great preventative option and a way to live healthily and in balance.

But, how do we know when we are out of balance?

Balance and imbalance varies from one person to another, depending on our individual constitution.

If you have an excess of the Vata (air and ether) dosha, you may well be experiencing some of these symptoms on a regular basis: • Your skin, lips and eyes are dry and your nails are brittle • You are becoming more anxious, nervous and are getting frequent tension headaches • Light, disturbed sleep or insomnia • You have cold hands and feet as a result of poor circulation • You’re experiencing joint pains, lower back pain along with arthritis and osteoporosis • You become ungrounded, unfocused and rush hither and tither trying to complete an endless list of tasks and you’re find making decisions difficult.

• You suffer from bloating and gas after eating along with regular bouts of constipation • You have an irregular appetite, often miss meals, do not eat enough and are loosing weight.

• Women have light periods or tumes when they do not menstruate at all

If you have an excess of the Pitta (fire) Dosha within your body, these are some of the likely symptoms you’ll notice: • You are extremely hard on yourself and those closest to you with constant criticism • You sweat profusely and find a hot humid climate unbearable.

• You are becoming increasingly controlling and feel angry, irritated or impatient with those around you, often with little provocation.

• You have become a workaholic without any time for activities or people who bring pleasure and balance to your life • Those around you fear you’re close to burn-out • You have skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis • Sleep is disturbed by nightmares • You’re suffering from indigestion and acid reflux after eating, which can develop into a stomach ulcer.

The heaviest of the Doshas Kapha (water and earth) will be frustrated by some, or all of the following: • You’re putting on weight without eating much more than usual • You suffer frequent colds, sinus congestion and asthma • You want to sleep a lot and have difficulty waking up and getting going.

• You lack drive and passion • Polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism and diabetes all suggest an unbalanced Kapha dosha • Your joints are painful and swollen • You’re inclined to retain water • You are inclined to feel rather melancholic, tired and lethargic.

These are just some of the symptoms which suggest it’s time to redress the balance of the body and Ayurveda can help enormously to do just that with herbs, changes in diet and lifestyle.

We really don’t have to suffer in silence!

For further information contact Carolyn Wood-Herbalist and Naturopath MAMH, MANP, ITEC 07944 886502 carolyn@vedatherapeutics.co.uk www.vedatherapeutics.co.uk

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CONTENTS 10 16 21 46 48 53 61 62 70 72

Y Spa Indulgence Let’s Flirt Wedding Special Honeymoon Bliss Affinity Charity Ball Magical Metallics Man of the Month Restaurant Review BBW Column Marti Pellow

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WIN! WIN! WIN! ” MIDWEEK BREATHER” SPA BREAK FOR TWO

To celebrate the opening of the “exceptional” new Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes resort we are offering you the chance to win the perfect weekend treat – a One Night Spa Stay for two people* (worth over £250).

This stunning new spa facility is located between Milton Keynes and Cambridge and forms part of Wyboston Lakes resort.

You will experience all that the Spa has to offer and some truly impressive features including The Thermal suite with hot and cold experiences to heighten the senses, Spa bedrooms and the Waterfront bar and restaurant, which holds an AA Rosette for fine dining excellence.

This fabulous prize includes the following: · Overnight Accommodation · Full English breakfast · Three-course dinner in Waterfront Restaurant · Lunch in The Spa Café · Full use of the Thermal Suit

A choice of one of the following treatments: · Spa Fresh face · Y Spa Back rub · Y Spa Soothing scalp · Y Spa Flirty feet

For more details on our Hotel and Spa breaks and to register for our e-newsletter to receive all our latest offers visit www.wybostonlakes.co.uk *Terms and Conditions: Full Terms and conditions apply. This prize is non-transferable and non-refundable, and has no cash equivalent. This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. The prize is available Sunday - Friday, excludes Saturdays and Bank Holidays, and is subject to availability. Winners must be aged 18 years or over. This competition is not open to the employees of Wyboston Lakes Ltd and their family members. Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing a club room. £40 single supplement applies.

Prize to be booked and taken by 31st December 2012.

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The Lady Gardener Garden Design and Landscaping Country and Cottage Garden Specialist Restoration and Planting Schemes Maintenance - Regular or Occasional Experienced, Knowledgeable and Reliable Alison Wallbank 01234 782383 07795 246558 www.bedfordshiregardendesigners.co.uk

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YOUR CHILD REACH THEIR POTENTIAL

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Call Kim Francis on 01234 369533 www.harpurtrust.org.uk/schoolfees Fees support is not guaranteed. Awards are based on a pupil’s academic ability and means-testing. The Harpur Trust. Company no. 3475202 Charity no. 1066861

…inspires each child to love learning An independent, non-selective school for children aged 3 months to 8 years.

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Open Morning: Saturday 6th October 10.00am - 12 noon Please call 01234 369555 for further information Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7QZ

pilgrims-school.info Pilgrims School is part of The Harpur Trust

Lifestyle

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Ready to learn

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Allow children time to tell you if they are worried about anything but don’t put the idea into their head, children are amazingly good at taking things in their stride.

A

s September approaches once again children all over the country will be getting ready to return to school, and many parents will be spending a lot of time and money making sure they are indeed ‘ready’. This usually means buying not only a uniform but new shoes, PE kit, lunchbox, pencil case and for older students, perhaps scientific calculators and text books or perhaps even an ‘essential’ laptop or Ipad.

Undoubtedly this is a very costly time of year for families all over the country.

These things are all important in their own way of course, as they can all play a part in the learning process, and no parent wants their child to be the one who doesn’t have an ‘essential’ item, even if they may not be as bothered as

their children about how ‘cool’ the items might be. But in many ways these are the peripherals, and the thing that can impact learning much more is the child or young person’s attitude to learning – and that is something that you can’t buy from a shop.

Most young children have an almost unquenchable appetite for new facts, knowledge and experiences but their developing sense of self can also be fragile and it doesn’t take too many negative experiences to put a child ‘off’ school and learning.

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Children, even tiny ones, are all individuals and while there are obviously some general similarities, just like adults they all approach things slightly differently and will

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need different types of support to ensure they take the changes that September brings in their stride and arrive at school ready to learn.

But making mistakes is an essential part of learning – indeed if we aren’t making any mistakes we are probably not learning at all!

So what can parents do to make sure their child is able to deal with the changes September may bring in terms of new school, year, class or teacher AND be ready to learn?

Make sure you talk about school and study in a positive way – even if your own experience of school wasn’t too positive find something about your own school experience that was good and you enjoyed and focus on that.

Children and young people take many ‘cues’ from parents.

You can see this happen very vividly with very young children – I jumped the other day at a very loud aeroplane overhead when I was in the garden and my 2 year old grandson leapt to be picked up and hugged. Partly that was because the noise was unfamiliar and very loud but it was also partly because he saw my reaction.

There will always be some aspects of school that students find boring, but if parents talk about school as being boring then they will set their children up to fail. Many of us will have had an experience of being told something is boring and it simply means we approach it in a different way – we’ve already made our minds up about it and then we simply aren’t able to appreciate it for what it is. Check your own vocabulary when talking about school, study and learning and make sure it is full of positive language.

If as a parent you are anxious and worried about your child starting or changing school they will pick that up and it will increase their anxiety – the message to them is simple – school must be scary as mum and dad are worried about it. So even if you, as a parent are nervous, and that is quite normal – try not to discuss your fears in earshot of the child, particularly if you have specific worries about things your individual child may find hard – it could simply become a self fulfilling prophecy.

Show your child that you value learning and study, share a new fact you have learned with them, or talk about what you’ve enjoyed on a day out. It is so simple but it all helps your child to appreciate new experiences and knowledge.

Allow children time to tell you if they are worried about anything but don’t put the idea into their head, children are amazingly good at taking things in their stride. But if there are particular areas of difficulty then it is worth contacting the school to discuss these.

You can also help to raise your child’s self esteem and confidence by telling them how good they are at particular things – praise them for their pictures, or the way they throw a ball a long way – it is all too easy to slip into being negative constantly telling children what they’ve done wrong and not notice all the things they do that are great, especially for frazzled parents towards the end of long summer holidays.

When training to be a teacher I remember being told to make sure you give five positive comments for every negative comment. It doesn’t have to be over the top a simple ‘I like the way you …..’ or ‘It was great that you …..’ It’s very easy to simply stop noticing all the things your own child is good at and focus only on the things they can’t do – but a child who is positive about him/herself and their ability is in a good place to learn. I am sure we have all had experiences of a child who simply won’t try something and that is usually because they don’t want to fail – yet watch a toddler trying to walk and they simply fall over then get up again countless times. A child who doesn’t want to try has usually had some negative experience – they have ‘learned’ that failing isn’t nice.

A child or young person who is very anxious will find learning tough – imagine you are trying to concentrate on something while you are worrying about a relative or friend, or maybe even worrying that your car won’t start or you’ll miss the bus.

When we are worried it interferes with the learning process so as parents we need to try and deal with as many of our children’s worries about school as possible.

That is why we will be spending money on uniforms and equipment and checking journeys and routes for older children, maybe reading the school information on equipment they need for the first day. It is all showing that we value learning and school and as parents want to make sure they get to school ready to learn.

For more information and help with any aspect of study, revision, exams or life coaching:

07921 193479

info@attunededucation.com 13

www.attunededucation.com

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Lifestyle

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Let’s Flirt

Flirting for many of us is fun. But for others as we try not to stutter, accidentally insult the object of our affection or go red it can be an embarrassing experience. Why do some of us feel so paralysed, and how can we overcome our fear of flirting?

F

Honesty If you’re going to flirt, there’s no point in being completely false about it, people will easily see through someone who is being fake. Be genuine if you are paying compliments to someone, it makes it so much easier for them to believe you. Make sure you listen to show you are interested in them and what they have to say.

lirting is about making the person you are talking to understand you, seeing if you find them attractive and whether they find you attractive too.

It’s not about how good looking you are, it is more to do with your own attitude. It can also be a fun way to get to know others and yourself. The key is to keep a playful, relaxed outlook on the situation and show you have an interest in the other person and how they see things.

Smile A smile is one of the basic ways of conveying positivity to someone. A smile costs nothing and shows instantly that you are a warm person and quite possibly genuinely interested in the other person. Your smile will suggest that for one special moment the recipient of your smile is the focus of your attention. People who very rarely offer a smile are likely to be least successful when it comes to the flirting stakes.

The right mood One of the most important aspects of successful flirting is being in the right mood. There’s little use forcing the issue if you’re not really in the mood for engaging someone in conversation. A good flirt will feel good about him/herself or have a general sense of fun about them, and have a healthy curiosity about people. Only when you feel good about yourself can you pass this energy on to others.

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Body Language Body language is one of the obvious ways in which we convey an interest to each other — although reading body language is sometimes worse than trying to learn a foreign language! You should try to use communicative and positive body language as much as possible, as it can be a far more effective method of communication than speaking. A touch on an arm or leg can say more than a thousand words — although it’s important to get the balance right so as not to send the wrong signals.

them. Be natural — maybe starting with a simple ‘hello’ and a smile can elicit a different response to the reaction a cheesy chat-up line would get.

Personal Space We’ve probably all come across people before who make us feel uncomfortable because they are in our ‘personal space’ — and some of these people may not even be aware they are doing it. Sometimes people can be just a little too close for comfort and you naturally want to back off from them — so it pays to be aware of people’s reactions to your closeness, so that you don’t put them off with an overly invasive move.

Eye Contact If you lack confidence you will find it more difficult to make direct eye contact with another person and hold their gaze. We’re Make the First Move not talking about overly staring at It used to be traditional that it was the Be genuine if someone because that will, quite man who always made the first move, you are paying honestly, freak them out, but holding but that has now changed and many compliments to their gaze for just a second or two women now make the first move. As longer than you normally would shows scary as it can be to make the first someone, it makes it so that you are interested and are also a move, just think how flattering it can much easier for them confident person. be for the other person. From time to to believe you time, there’s no reason why you can’t be Don’t Fear Rejection the one to initiate a conversation. Just Being scared to put your flirting techniques think how many opportunities you might be to the test means that you have failed before missing out on just because you fail to be brave you’ve even started. So get out there and have a go! If enough! you get rejected don’t take it personally, think about what you could do differently next time. It might not be your Reject Kindly technique that has failed, but instead it wasn’t right for Even if someone is not your type, there’s no need to reject that person. People often give up when they don’t get them in a horrible way. In fact, if you do that, then it’s immediate results — but instead of doing this, you should likely other people around may pick up on your ‘attitude’ look upon things as a learning experience and have and be less likely to approach someone they view as ‘full another go. of themselves’. You should view being approached by someone as a compliment and have the grace to reject The Right Signals them in a charming manner.

It’s no good sitting with a group of friends waiting for that special one to find you. Make sure you look friendly Being a successful flirt often comes from learning and give the other person the opportunity to experiences — and you will almost always find approach you by separating yourself from out what techniques are successful by your friends occasionally. After all, it’s simply practising your flirting with going to take one very brave person to people. Flirting is really a case of being If you get approach you at the risk of being confident, not taking rejection too hard, take it don’t rejected turned down in front of a group of your and being genuinely interested in the personally, think about friends. other person. Often just being a good what you could do listener can be more appealing than Be Aware someone who just likes the sound of differently next time Not everyone flirts because they are their own voice! attempting to pick someone up. Some people like to flirt by way of just being Enjoy your flirting! friendly, and others do so because they are seeking attention. On the other hand, some people may find flirtation to be unwanted, and won’t welcome your attention. If you’re not sure about this, ask friends for advice, as they can often be the best at telling you when your behaviour is too over-the-top and likely to be misconstrued.

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Avoid Cliches There’s always the temptation to come up with the killer chat-up line, but these very rarely work and usually have the opposite effect! Most people will have heard the chatup clichés before, so it wont do you any favours to use

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Fry’s

footie corner

I

n the football world, we start in September with everybody playing on the 1st and then there's a fortnight international break for Premier League and Championship clubs. We started the season on the 18th August with another international break for friendly fixtures and during October there is another fortnight international break because of the World Cup qualifiers.

This is so disruptive to every club involved. In the first week of the campaign when all clubs have paid millions of pounds to assemble their squad they are disrupted by up to 20 players being absent for the whole week as you prepare for the opening day of the campaign.

We, at Peterborough, have only just come into this category. Prior to that we had international players like Grant McCann, Peter Grant and Kgosi Nthle away and we were unable to cancel fixtures due to the fact we were in League One. The worst thing in this situation is there is nothing the clubs can do. The mad aspect is that although they are not available for selection to your team, the clubs are not compensated one penny, which seems in this day and age, ludicrous.

It is a struggle for every club to make ends meet without having to lose your best players to international teams. Despite the 72 football clubs reporting to the international board, it falls on deaf ears.

www.theposh.com

Many times your players get injured whilst on international duty and they are missing for weeks or months yet no compensation is provided. This is one rule that is ancient and should be changed immediately, but to get anything through FIFA is an absolute impossibility. Managers up and down the country continue to be frustrated with their training grounds practically empty during the international breaks.

I wish I knew the answer to this huge problem.

Barry Fry 18

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looking for the perfect wedding venue?

The Bedford Corn Exchange, Harpur Suite & Howard Room provides a beautiful and breathtaking venue for your forthcoming wedding celebration. A unique fusion of historic setting and professional services that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests.

Beautiful rooms, superb catering, self contained facilities including licensed bar and dance floor.

Bedford Corn Exchange is delighted to now offer The Old Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour as licensed venues to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies. This is the ideal Town Centre venue for your perfect day.

We also event manage weddings at Bromham Mill.

For more information please contact our reception team on 01234 344813 or email cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

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Affinity Weddings

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Super Stylish Wedding Guest The Five Easy Wedding Do's & Don'ts

This article is based on something I find extremely hard to do; arrive at a wedding looking appropriate and fitting, using the unspoken rules of 'wedding wear' but still appearing young and stylish.

Looking at the recent summer trends and considering class and elegance for such events, I have summarised the best looks to go for into three sections; Pastels Sugary, candy shades have been a popular trend this spring/summer and it is a great one for weddings.

Pastel colours imply femininity, playfulness and summers in Paris. They are not age specific and are elegantly subtle. A lot of the pastel dresses that can be found on the High Street at the moment have been based on vintage silhouettes, enforcing the idea of sophistication. This trend can also be key if you dislike wearing dresses, try a two piece lightly tailored pastel suit.

The Great Gatsby The novel and then film, is based in the 1920's and has some beautifully nostalgic imagery. This makes the film, particularly, one of inspiration when it comes to vintage inspired designs. This trend couldn't be more perfect for weddings (and I think from now on I might stick with this!). Think dresses with tassels and feathers, in light hues and with embellishments. Team with sparkly, strappy sandals and small Art Deco inspired clutches for a stunningly whimsical look. This look couldn't be better for experimenting with the always favoured, wedding hat. There are some great feather fascinators and 1920's style headbands available to finish off the look.

Citrus Burst For the more adventurous wedding guest try statement block dresses in tangerine or sunflower yellows. As long as the dress is of length there is no reason to say that these colours aren't 'wedding appropriate'. These would be perfect for an exotic wedding, or just to brighten up the British Isles, maybe worn with a tan instead! To achieve the best look with this trend add simple, statement bronze or gold pieces to bring the look together.

Don't wear white The unspoken rule amongst female wedding guests is that you never wear white! You don't want to upstage the bride on her special day! Although cream has been a popular colour for some lovely summer dresses this season, it still sits too near to white for comfort - there are plenty of other appealing colours available, but never black.

Do wear something feminine and classy Out of respect for your hosts it's essential to arrive looking appropriate. You don't want to look back at photos and be the one wearing the least clothes!

Or be gossiped about during the wedding, you know we all do it! Clothes that you would wear clubbing or overly sexy clothing doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask “Is this okay to wear to a wedding?”...it probably isn't.

Cap Sleeved Lydia Dress £96 lovarni.com

Gold Bangle £8 Matalan

Do use good judgement Does the invitation specify the formality of the event? This is a good starting point, ask sisters, mothers and friends what they are planning to wear and, if in doubt, go for something elegant, girly and long enough to not have to worry if you drop something!

Clutch Bag £68.00 itsvintagedarling.com

Don't forget that you're in England J by Jasper There is nothing worse than Conran £80 being at a wedding in a lovely well-thought through appropriate dress but then forgetting to have added a co-ordinating jacket or cardigan. It's rare that the sun comes out and stays out.

Do sneakily ask about the colour scheme For me there is nothing worse than arriving in the exact same shade as the bridesmaids are wearing - you’ll look like you have tried to force your way onto the bridal party and this can sometimes look awkward in photos. I always make a few enquiries as to what colour the bridesmaids are wearing just to be safe!

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Wedded Bliss

How did you meet?

James and I met when I was working as a barmaid in the Swan With Two Nicks pub in Sharnbrook, and he was a regular in there. He would normally come in from work covered in diesel and oil, looking like a chimney sweep! I think he had a soft spot for me long before I thought anything of him, and 5 years on we are now married!

How did the proposal happen?

I’m afraid that it wasn’t any lavish ‘over-the-top’ sort of proposal – that would just not be ‘us’! It was on the evening of 20th November 2010, in our house, James said ‘I just need to go upstairs and get something’ and down he came with a small box, got down on one knee and the rest is history! He proposed with an antique gold and diamond cluster ring which had belonged to his great grandmother and his grandmother. We went on holiday to the Cape Verde Islands shortly afterwards.

Where did the wedding take place?

The Ceremony took place at St Peters Church in Sharnbrook and the reception was held afterwards in a large Marquee by ‘Big Top Marquees’ on the playing field, Lodge Road, Sharnbrook. We had always wanted the whole day to be in the village as we have both lived here for many years, and grown up here.

What did the bridal party wear?

I wore an embellished ivory gown - ‘Julietta’ by Mori Lee to which I added two small straps. My three bridesmaids wore long gowns by Dessy in a beautiful shade called Firecracker. My tiara, jewellery and the bridemaid’s jewellery were by Jon Richard and the shoes

by Rainbow Club. Our groomsmen and pageboy hired suits from Hammonds in Bedford which were grey mohair tails with ivory waistcoat and cravat.

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What was your wedding day style?

I would like to describe our wedding day style as modern but timeless and elegant. We added in a touch of James’ mechanics background, by using highly polished Aston Martin pistons as table name holders, we named the tables after engine parts and used a V12 engine block as the cake table! We had crystal candelabra centrepieces on each table decorated with flowers and large urns at the entrance with large floral displays by ‘Pick a Lily’ Florists in Sharnbrook.

What accessories did you have?

I wore crystal earrings and a tiara by Jon Richard, a cathedral length ribbon edged veil and low heeled peep toe ivory shoes.

Describe your wedding rings?

We decided to keep the antique ring that James proposed with as a family heirloom and decided to buy an 18ct white gold one carat bridal set for me, and due to the nature of James’ work, he needed something robust, so decided upon a 7mm 9ct White Gold band.

What were the highlights?

There were so many! The church service was wonderful, our local vicars Tom and Robert took the service together. The fact that the sun managed to come out just as we were leaving the church was a definite highlight, as we had experienced some problems with the weather earlier on in the day!

Just having all of our friends and family around us on our special day was the biggest highlight though!

How did it end?

The evening reception was rounded off perfectly with a DJ and live band, and my dad - the father of the bride, sang a song with the band as well which went down a storm! We had a pig roast for the evening buffet which proved very popular. We ended the evening by leaving the venue and staying overnight at The Embankment Hotel, Bedford.

Is there anything you now wish you’d done differently?

Absolutely nothing, it really was our perfect day, for which we will be forever thankful to everyone who helped make it so special.

Where did you go on honeymoon?

We didn’t go on a honeymoon after the wedding. We are hoping to go away around Christmas time, but have not decided on a location yet. It will be nice to prolong the wedding and have something else to look forward to!

What plans do you have for your future together?

We plan to make quite a few renovations to the house, so that should keep up busy for a while!

Apart from that we just plan to be happy and healthy for many more years to come!

Photography - Sara Cooke www.saracooke-photography.co.uk

The wedding of Rachel Damon and James Turner took place on 14th July 2012 in Sharnbrook.

The happy couple share their special day with us.

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Bridal Ser vices Let Let us us make make your you your day day everything eve er ything yyou you’ve ou’ve d dreamed reamed o of. f..

Bridal Hair Up - Curls Dressed Down - GHD st yling Shor t Hair Blow Dr y - Long Hair Blow Dr y - Make up Fake e Bake Spray Tan - Jessica Geleration Nails Jessica Manicures - Jessica Pedicures - ESPA Facials Nouveau Eyelash Extensions - Eyebrow Threading

Awards won at: Pride in Bedford 2009 Rising Star Awards 2010 Bedfordshire FSB Awards 2010 Bedfordshire FSB Awards 2012

Bridal Package Hair up on your special day / make up on your special day makeup & hair trial / eyebrow shape / nails shaped and perfectly painted.

Hair teams reached national FRPSHWLWLRQ ÀQDOV WLPHV FRQVHFXWLYHO\

Redken Platinum Salon Jessica Gold Salon ESPA Specialist Salon We use the following products - Redken / Pureology / ESPA / Jessica / Decleor / Nouveau Eyelashes / Fake Bake / St Tropez / Crystal Clear.

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Health & Beauty

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Crowning glory

P

lanning how to wear your hair for your wedding day is an important factor. You want something that looks great on photos and will stay put through to the evening. Whilst you don’t want your other half wondering who you are when walking up the aisle, you do want to look special and feel happy and confident.

It’s important to get it right, and make sure you arrange details for the day with them. Will they come to you? Or do you have to travel to them? Timing is crucial and you’ll want to feel relaxed and prepared before the ceremony.

Make sure you take photos of the trial from a few different angles. This will give you an idea of how it will look when having photos taken; you may not be able to see the detail of a hair do from the front, meaning unfortunately the style loses some of its magic. Side styles are great for showing off stunning hair, and they can be very flattering on most face shapes.

Vintage styles have made something of a comeback recently, with a love for all things 1920’s at the forefront, thanks to The Great Gatsby being released later this year. This type of style can look gorgeous, and as it can be quite detailed, there isn’t always the need for hair accessories. Finger waves look great on ladies with short or bobbed length hair. They can look equally as gorgeous on long hair when worn down; think of the tumbling curls worn recently by Kim Kardashian and Kelly Brook.

If you don’t want to go for the typical bridal look, research alternative up-do’s or styles that suit you and your theme. There aren’t any set rules for occasion hair; it’s individual to each bride. If you think you’d much rather do it yourself then go for it! Invest a little time and practice and make sure on the day you are fully equipped and calm enough to do it.

The most important thing to remember is that you should feel comfortable with the final style. After all, you want to be enjoying a wonderful day with family and friends, not panicking about hair pins and curls.

It’s a good idea to plan your hair once you have bought, or at least have a strong idea of what you’d like for accessories. Tiaras, slides and veils all mean extra planning, and let the stylist know if you want to remove the veil for the evening ceremony. This way they can adjust the style to help removing the veil or accessory easier for a bridesmaid helping you out!

Organise your trial well in advance to make sure you and your stylist are on the same page when it comes to what you want. If you need to, have more than one trial.

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PLAN yOUR STyLE • Get Pinterest – it’s an amazing tool for helping you find inspiration and gathering together pictures that you can show your stylist will help get you the perfect result.

• Speak up – If you aren’t completely happy with the style created, let the stylist know.

They’ll want you to look perfect on your big day and most of all be smiling.

• Compliment your hair – Avoid going against your hairs natural texture. Work with it and you’ll have a fantastic finish.

Garland of Eden Tiara £98 glitzysecrets.com

b £25 Silvers and Greys Com ous.com giftwrappedandgorge

Vintage Sparkle Hair Comb £34 glitzysecrets.com

Silver Pearl Comb £125 ayedo.co.uk

Vintage Heiress Hair ebuni.com

Comb £46

Audrey Side Headdress Tiara £139 giftwrappedandgorge ous.com

For more hair tips from Kelly visit our Hair Clinic at www.affinitymag.co.uk Kelly Gay www.klghairadvice.com

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Affirm your love at Wyboston Lakes

F

or any bride and groom creating that dream day is one of the most important things they do as a couple; each having their own ideas of what is important to them. We all know it’s never easy finding that stunning wedding gown or choosing the all important wedding car.

However hard those tasks may be, locating the perfect venue has to be on top of both their lists, and it can be one of the most difficult and time consuming choices to make when organising a wedding. You may find the ideal setting, but it has insufficient parking; you may be expecting a large number of guests, but you can’t find a venue with enough bedrooms on one site to accommodate them. So it’s little wonder that many wedding couples experience increased tension and stress planning their big day! But not anymore…

Set in 350 acres of picturesque countryside, the Willows Suite at Wyboston Lakes will tick all the

boxes of even the most demanding wedding schedule. Centrally located midway between Cambridge and Milton Keynes, the Willows Suite, which is licensed to hold civil ceremonies, provides the complete wedding package catering for up to 200 guests. The 150 ground floor double bedrooms provide plenty of room for any guests wanting to stay and with the added extra of 220 free car parking spaces - you can park right outside the door!

Our award-winning chefs have created a selection of tempting menus, and we offer a range of drinks packages to suit all tastes and budgets. These include an assortment of reception canapés, a choice of superb dishes for your three course wedding breakfast together with a children’s menu, and a variety of delicious dishes to choose from for your evening reception.

Guest staying over can also take advantage of the on site 18 hole golf course and the fully equipped health and leisure club. A hearty Sunday lunch at the lakeside AA rosette Waterfront Restaurant is something not to be missed!

Due to open in autumn 2012 is the fabulous Y Spa facility. This is a truly exceptional spa development that offers the very latest in hot and cold therapy along with great areas to chill and

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relax. Y Spa will incorporate an extensive range of spa facilities and features including therapy rooms, steam rooms, water beds and relax areas with reading pods. A signature feature is the external hydropool and kelo sauna, which is connected to the internal pool with an open fireplace and poolside loungers.

Hen and bridal packages are available on request.

Wyboston Lakes recognises that organising the biggest day of your life is no easy feat! So on Sunday 21st October it is holding another of its popular wedding fayres which will be held at the Willows Suite from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Admission is free and there is ample free parking. The fayre will showcase over 30 bridal suppliers including florists, cake makers, jewellers, photographers and dressmakers. There will be professionally choreographed catwalk fashion shows, showcasing the hottest pre-season bridal trends, at 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm and attendees will have the opportunity to taste delicious mini desserts prepared by Wyboston Lakes’ chefs and to sample cakes from the very best cake makers in the area.

So, if you want the perfect tonic for those prewedding jitters, this event provides the ideal opportunity for couples to meet a varied range of local specialists and creative professionals who can help them plan their big day and start turning childhood dreams into realities!

The Willows Suite is available throughout the year. To request a wedding brochure, to check availability or to arrange a personal visit, please contact our wedding co-ordinators on telephone 0333 7007 666 or by email at weddings@wybostonlakes.co.uk quoting the code AFF.

Why celebrate anywhere else?

Come to our Wedding Fayre at the Willows Suite at Wyboston Lakes • • • • •

View our venue for up to 200 guests Showcasing a large selection of exhibitors Everything you need for your perfect day Fashion shows at 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm Welcome drinks and FREE admission

Sunday 21st October 2012 11.00 am to 4.00 pm Just turn up on the day or to pre-register, visit www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/weddingfayre Exhibitors Tel: 07834 214153 for further details

Wyboston Lakes Limited, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AL Web: www.wybostonlakes.co.uk

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Bridegroom Cufflinks £29.50 www.ellieellie.co.uk

BOSS Orange Man Unicef Limited Edition

I do.....

Jeff Banks Tie £20 Debenhans

Waistcoat £35 Next

Brogues £48 Next

Debenhams

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Bedfordshire’s Best Kept Wedding Secret Whether your dream is to have a stunning venue for your civil ceremony or a gorgeous place to hold your wedding breakfast and reception.The Mansion House in Old Warden Park (formerly Shuttleworth Park), will exceed your expectations. Over 130 years old and set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, we provide four fabulous and individual settings for you you choose from, each with its own unique offering: • The Splendid Mansion House a magnificent stately home with several rooms available for ceremonies and receptions.

The Enchanting Summer House – a beautiful garden venue available for ceremonies and reception drinks.

The Garden Marquee – adjacent to the Summer House the marquee can host 200 guests for wedding breakfasts and receptions.

The experienced, friendly staff at The Mansion House appreciate what a privilege it is to be involved in your special day and work hard to make sure it will be one of the best days of your life.

Our dedicated Weddings Co-ordinator will help you to plan and organise every detail.To make an appointment for a consultation and escorted tour of the house and grounds, please contact us below.

The Spacious kenneth Russell Function Hall – a large hall space that can host up to 250 guests.

A breathtaking venue for Your Wedding day Telephone: 01767 626208 Email: weddings@themansionhouse.org Web: www.themansionhouse.org

The Mansion House Old Warden Park Old Warden Bedfordshire SG18 9DX

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Debenhams

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y t u a e B l a d i r B

Whether you decide to do your own makeup on your wedding day or use the services of a professional, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind prior to your big day.

Test your products, especially anything that will be applied to your face such as concealer, moisturiser and foundation. Skin can sometimes react unexpectedly to new products, and your wedding day is not the best day to have an allergic reaction.

Try on the products you plan to use at least a month before the big day. This will give your skin enough time to react to the products and heal if any unexpected outcomes arise.

Do a full dry run before your big day. If you’re working with a professional be sure to spend some time with them before the day, discussing the look you want to achieve. Don’t be shy when talking to your makeup artist, and express your vision. He/she should be able to provide you with an assessment and a recommendation that meets your needs.

Skip the facials about five days before your wedding day. Many facial treatments used in salons can have a harsh reaction on the skin. Rest is the key for a radiant complexion.

To ensure that your makeup lasts all day, utilize a primer. A silicone-based primer will provide the best canvas to work with. Primer will hide any imperfections and seal any noticeable pores, it will ensure that your makeup stays put throughout your big event. Remember, you will be exposed to a full and active day, which may increase the chances of your makeup running.

For a natural makeup look, choose colours that compliment your complexion and show off your features.

Many brides under-do their makeup when trying to achieve the natural look, but doing this may result in a washed-out effect, especially in photographs. Spend time at the makeup counter and look for pink and peach shades because they provide a natural-looking bridal flush for a barely-there look.

If you want a bold and glamorous look, focus on the eyes and lips. Go old-Hollywood glam with a slightly winged eyeliner and matte red lipstick. Or opt for a runwayinspired look by pairing a dramatic eye with a nude lipstick. The key is to know which feature you want to bring focus to.

Practice your look beforehand, and be sure one of your bridesmaids has makeup products with them for easy touch-ups.

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Available for Wedding Breakfasts Evening Buffets Private Hire for all occasions Up to 220 seats FREE Car Park Outside Buffets also available

44-46 High St Clapham Bedford MK41 6EG t : 01234 219888 f : 01234 269944 w w w. b e l l i n i s - r e s t a u r a n t . c o m

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ILLUSIONS BEAUTY

Individual eyelash extensions Shellac nails Minx nails Spray tan Caci Face - Ideal for more mature brides Caci Body - Slimming and /or Toning Microdermabrasion Transderm which stimulates collagen Micro needling BOTOX Dermal fillers (Hyaluronic acid only) All waxing Permanent eyeliner, eyebrows or lipliner Eyelash tint or eyebrow tint Free skin analysis days to get your skin right for that special day.

Jane Iredale MINERAL make over

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FREE CONSULTATIONS Some treatments need to be started a few months or weeks in advance please enquire 07885271687 - cazillusions@aol.com - www.illusionsbeauty.co.uk The Bull Pen, Shefford Hardwicke Farm, Bedford Road, Shefford, Beds, SG17 5NU

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Travel

ueen Elizabeth I stayed and was entertained in these very rooms, and over the centuries generations of guests have enjoyed special celebrations at Fawsley Hall. Luxurious touches abound throughout, from the dramatic backdrop of the period buildings and private dining rooms, through to the stunning master-suites and elegant bedrooms. Make it a small and intimate affair or a larger celebration within the exclusive chic setting of Knightley Court or the grand setting of the Main House.

l l a H y Fawsle

Fawsley Hall is also licensed for wedding ceremonies & civil partnerships, and is a short rewarding walk away from the parish church, providing stunning views across the estate and lake.

Whatever you choose, Fawsley Hall offers the dream wedding location.

01327 892027 www.fawsleyhall.com

T

he Millhouse Hotel in Sharnbrook, Beds is the perfect backdrop for your special day, set on the banks of the Great River Ouse it provides you with the perfect setting for you and your guests to feel relaxed, with endless photo opportunities in the tranquil surroundings that will be treasured for years to come.

The conservatories and dining room are licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 60 people and with a choice of the hotel and large marquee, the Chef can tailor make your perfect wedding menu for up to 120 people.

01234 781678 www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk

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oggerhanger Park is a truly unique house, both historically and in its setting. It combines grandness with intimacy. It is the perfect size for your country house wedding, since it offers all the beauty and stature of grand architecture, with a house that you can feel is truly yours for the day.

Create your perfect reception and wedding breakfast in Moggerhanger Park’s graceful, historic rooms.

k r a P r e g n a Moggerh

Whatever the combination of rooms you choose to create your unique wedding, you can be assured that every detail will be important to the dedicated team ensuring your special day is perfect 01767 641007 www.moggerhangerpark.com

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W

hether your dream is to have a stunning venue for your civil ceremony or a gorgeous place to hold your wedding breakfast and reception, The Mansion House, Old Warden Park will exceed your expectations.

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e s u o H n Mansio

Over 130 years old and set in 500 acres of beautiful parklands they provide four fabulous individual settings for you to choose from, each with it’s own unique offering, thus providing the perfect backdrop for you to work with them to create your dream wedding.

01767 626200 www.themansionhouse.org

he Bedford Swan Hotel is the perfect Bedford wedding venue for an unforgettable special day that dreams are made of.

Built in 1794 for the 5th Duke of Bedford, this elegant hotel in the heart of Bedford overlooks the River Ouse, a fantastic backdrop for any wedding. The hotel is a licensed venue for civil ceremonies.

You can get married at the hotel and then enjoy a fabulous reception in one of the two function suites. Guests can be accommodated, which means that travel on the day is kept to a minimum.

01234 346565 www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

l e t o H Swan W

ith one of the most special days of your life in mind, the magnificent Amalfi Suite at The Sharnbrook Hotel has been designed and built to provide the perfect wedding venue with a classical contemporary setting for you and your guests.

l e t o H k o o r b n r a h S

From the moment you enquire about holding a Wedding Celebration at The Sharnbrook Hotel, they will liaise with you and create a bespoke wedding breakfast/package that suits your tastes and requirements. They will give you as much assistance as your require whilst also providing you with ideas to individualise your Wedding Day. 01234 783142 www.thesharnbrook hotel.com

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Life Eco

Getting married can have a massive impact on the environment.

No one wants to spoil the fun,so we offer you some green wedding alternatives.

'Let The Love Grow' Personalised Seed Packet Favour £1.60 weddinginateacup.co.uk

14 Hand Crafted Wedding Celebration Biscuit Tin £29.99 biscuitvillage.co.uk

Handmade Re-cycled Enid Blyton Book Heart Confetti £4.50 ellieellie.co.uk

Sophie tammam.co.uk

Bags Of Love' Fairtrade Cotton Pouch £1.80 weddinginateacup.co.uk

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Your Wedding in A Magical Setting Fawsley Hall Four Seasons, Open Days Autumn, October 28th, Doors Open at 11am - 3pm Winter, January 6th, Doors Open at 11am - 3pm We look forward to seeing you and helping you plan your special day The sumptuous Tudor house and the Georgian Knightley Court of Fawsley Hall offers the dream wedding location. Marquee weddings: Should you require a marquee wedding for several hundred guests we can offer our lawns or the Fawsley estate Choosing Fawsley Hall is more than just a beautiful setting. We have a flexible approach to menu selection and with years of experience we can provide the support to ensure that all of the important details are professionally dealt with - leaving you to enjoy the big occasion

FAWSLEY HALL

Fawsley Hall Hotel, Fawsley, Northamptonshire NN11 3BA

t: 01327 892000 www.fawsleyhall.com

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A SIMPLy INDULGENT OFFER FROM WHITTLEBURy HALL HOTEL AND SPA… The award-winning Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, set in rural Northamptonshire, is presenting you with a simply indulgent offer. Treat yourself and a friend or loved one to the perfect pampering treat – a 1 Night Stay for £79 per person and receive FREE use of our Heat and Ice Experiences at The Day Spa at Whittlebury Hall (worth £27.50)*.

The 1 Night Stay package allows you to enjoy full use of The Leisure Club facilities, a three-course dinner in Astons Restaurant, overnight stay and full English breakfast. And if that isn’t tempting enough, complimentary use of The Day Spa Heat and Ice Experiences provides the perfect treat for some wellearned pampering.

The award-winning The Day Spa incorporates the unique Heat and Ice Experiences, which provides body sensations brought about by dramatic changes in temperature. Facilities include a Sanarium® incorporating a sauna, soft steam bath and herbal bath; a Caldarium hot room and a Soap Massage Room. Other facilities include an Aromatherapy Crystal Steam Room, an Ice Cave, Roman Salt Steam, Experience Showers, Foot Spas and Hydrotherapy Pool.

Just imagine a spa break with friends and family, enjoying our award-winning facilities and some well-earned time out in our luxurious Spa. To take advantage of this great value offer, call us today and quote ‘AFFINITy01’ on 0845 400 0002

WIN! WIN! WIN! A ONE NIGHT SPA STAy FOR TWO AT WHITTLEBURy HALL HOTEL & SPA* Simple Indulgence…Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, is offering you the chance to win the ultimate pampering – Our exclusive One Night Spa Stay for two people*.

Including; • Overnight Stay • Full English breakfast • Two-course buffet lunch in The Terrace Café • Three-course dinner in Astons Restaurant • Full use of The Day Spa Heat and Ice Experiences on your day of arrival • Full use of Spa and The Leisure Club facilities While on your Spa Stay you will unwind and revitalise in The Day Spa, incorporating Heat and Ice Experiences which provide body sensations as a result of changes in temperature.

You will also experience all that Whittlebury Hall Hotel has to offer and some truly impressive features, including 212 bedrooms, bar and 3 restaurants, one of which holds 2AA Rosettes for fine dining excellence. In addition, The Leisure Club includes a 19-metre pool, whirlpool spa and 44-station Cybex™ gymnasium.

To book your day spa, hotel and spa break online, find out more and to register for our latest offers visit www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

For your chance to win, just answer the following question: Where is Whittlebury Hall? Send your answers to info@affinitymag.co.uk by 15th September 2012.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability. This offer is available Sunday Thursday only. This offer is non-transferable and non-refundable, has no cash equivalent and full prepayment is required at time of booking. Offer applies to new purchases only. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Guests must be aged 18 years or over. This offer is not open to the employees of Whittlebury Hall and their family members. Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing a standard room. Offer includes a complimentary use of the Heat and Ice Experiences per person when purchasing a 1 Night Stay for £79 per person. Heat and Ice Experiences to be taken on day of arrival. £40 single supplement applies. Offer valid for bookings made and taken by 31st January 2013.

*Terms and Conditions: Full terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. This prize is non-transferable and non-refundable, and has no cash equivalent. This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. The prize is available Sunday-Thursday only and subject to availability. Winners and guests must be aged 18 years or over.

Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing a standard room. £40 single supplement applies. This competition is not open to the employees of Whittlebury Hall and their family members. Prize to be booked and taken by 30th November 2012. Heat and Ice Experiences and Lunch to be taken on the day of arrival.

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Whether you are looking for wedding flowers or simply to fill your kitchen vase look no further than Pick A Lily florists of Sharnbrook We not only sell Fresh Flowers but also offer a wide selection of gifts, candles, cards and plants, helium balloons and gift wrap, everything you need for every occasion

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Specialising in corporate and function flowers, funeral tributes and wedding flowers, we also have a range of items available for wedding day hire making your budget really work for you Free local delivery to all surrounding villages

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Monthly or weekly delivered flowers make your home really come to life or make for a really special gift

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Mon to Sat 9am to 5.30pm 01234-781441 pickalily@ymail.com

Rear of 61 High Street Behind Pharmacy Sharnbrook Beds

Veda Therapeutics Carolyn wood Herbal Medicine - Ayuverda Naturopathy - Therapeutic Massage - Ear Acupuncture

Herbalist (Dip Herb) Naturopath (Dip ND) MAMH, MANP, ITEC

As a herbalist and naturopath I can help you with • Immunity • Skin Conditions • Digestive Complaints • Hormonal imbalances • Heart health & Circulation • Energy & Wellbeing • Insomnia • Depression • Other chronic health conditions • Acute coughs & colds

07944 886502

carolyn612@btinternet.com

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Travel

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Top

A

Honeymoon Destinations

1

Maldives

Maldives honeymoon is perhaps the best way to see these amazing islands for the first time and is perfect if you’re looking for romance and seclusion. Over 1000 coral islands grace the Maldives yielding unbelievable beauty at every turn. Take a speedboat or seaplane transfer from Male, signalling the perfect beginning of your Maldives honeymoon, where you’ll witness stunning panoramic views.

2

The Maldives are all about its natural beauty and is the perfect place for diving or snorkelling. If you’re looking for a more relaxing visit you can enjoy the stunning un-crowded beaches or private sun-decks surrounded only by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. This romantic destination is unlike anywhere in the world in terms of aesthetic beauty. Quite simply a wonderful choice for your honeymoon. www.visitmaldives.com

M

alaysia boasts the contrast of old world Asian charm in the capital city with private idylls dotted in the sea and dense rainforest wilderness.

With this combination you have the perfect destination for your honeymoon.

Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur are a popular combination, offering experiences in a diverse land where the sustained ideals of ancient cultures seen in resorts such as Terengganu and Penang meet the futuristic landscapes of modern cities like Kuala Lumpur.

Honeymoon couples can navigate between the rejuvenating beaches and spas of Malaysia’s famous island hideaways and the effervescence and excitement of its major cities. Whatever you choose to do, a Malaysian honeymoon features bewitching, unique ambience to leave a lasting impression. www.malaysia.com

Malaysia

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:14 Page 45

3 4 5

Hawaii

T

H

awaii is everybody’s vision of a perfect tropical island, honeymoon paradise, with all the sea, land and sporting activities you could want and all the opportunities for rest and relaxation you could ask for. This really is the ultimate honeymoon destination. The Hawaiian Islands offer beautiful beaches, friendly faces and fantastic food, and every island has its own unique flavour. So whether you are enjoying the energy of Oahu or relaxing in Maui you can find the perfect get-away to suit.

These islands may be the ultimate dream for every beach fanatic but they also showcase a unique and vibrant culture with diverse influences from the North Americas and Asia. Offering towering sea cliffs, amazing volcanoes and the most superb beaches you’ll ever set your eyes on, Hawaii really is the crème de la crème of honeymoon destinations. www.gohawaii.com

his honeymoon destination is perfect if you’re looking to slow down, switch off and just drift in time. A Seychelles honeymoon is adorned with romance and the beauty of the surrounding area will take your breath away. Let the serenity of these island idylls work their magic whilst lazing on powder soft beaches, bathing in crystal waters and revelling in an intimate and romantic haven.

This wonderful destination is a pretty collection of granite and coral isles merged against some of the finest quiet beaches where privacy and intimacy make them ideal for your honeymoon. You will find an array of sights from beautiful Creole houses, artist’s studios, natural reserves and marine parks, as well as breathtaking natural wonders above and beyond the waters. The Seychelles offer a wide range of excursions which will introduce you to the pleasures of glass bottom boating, or simply enjoying a selection of watersports. www.seychelles.travel

Barbados

Seychelles S

tunning beaches and genuine Bajan hospitality have helped make Barbados one of the most popular Caribbean Islands for honeymoons.

Suiting the needs of many couples, a Barbados honeymoon is one of the most versatile honeymoon destinations you will find.

For those who want a tranquil beach paradise to spend long, hazy, sunny days soaking in the sun as the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea lap by your feet, the unspoiled and secluded North-Western beaches of St Peter parish are perfect. The livelier beaches of the south and the west, near to Bridgetown and Holetown will guarantee that couples wanting to dance the night away and sample the restaurants famous rums and cocktails will not be disappointed. Of course, on a Barbados Honeymoon there is always the option to do both. www.visitbarbados.org

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:15 Page 46

Reserve your place at this year’s Affinity Black Tie and Tiara Charity Ball I

t’s nearly time to get those tuxedos pressed and ball gowns chosen and head down to The Sharnbrook Hotel, A6/Park Lane, Sharnbrook, Beds for an evening of glitz and glamour in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and in memory of “Pat McGirl”.

On Friday 12th October we will be pulling out all the stops to make sure you have a fabulous evening with magic from Lewis Magic to entertain you, yummy cupcakes handmade for each guest from Cupcakery MK, not to mention great music from Vision along with a fantastic raffle and exclusive auction.

This promises to be a night to remember.

You will arrive to a sparkling drinks and canapé reception, where Lewis will be wowing guests with his magic skills. This will be followed by a delicious three course dinner. Our raffle has some fabulous prizes and our Grand Auction will have you on the edge of your seat. After the excitement you can relax at our casino gaming table or boogie away to the sounds of Vision until the night ends at 1am when your carriages will take you home.

We only have a few tables left for this great night so don’t miss out book your places now. Tickets are £50 per person with 10% discount for tables of ten (we also have a couple of tables of 12 available), so book your table, slip into your dress, polish your tiara and see you there!

To book tickets for this event contact Jane on 01234215523 - 07809499669 Email: jane@affinitymag.co.uk

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:15 Page 47

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AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:15 Page 48

Thinking of Getting a Personal Trainer?

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:15 Page 49

W

hen I first started in the fitness industry a personal trainer was thought of as something only celebrities and sports stars had, but in recent years things have changed. It’s not uncommon for the colleague next to you at work to have a trainer, or your friends and family, but it can be a tricky job finding a good, let alone a great, personal trainer.

Having worked in many gyms I have seen the downfalls of some PTs and of course have seen some amazing success stories, so here are my top tips for finding a GREAT trainer: Are they qualified?

I know that seems ridiculous to say find a trainer with relevant qualifications, but believe me there are a lot of people posing as a personal trainer but sadly they don’t carry the right qualifications.

The best way to find out your PTs qualifications.....ask them! There is a register of trainers called The Register of Exercise Professionals where you can search for a trainer, but it is a voluntary scheme so you don’t HAVE to be registered. As a trainer, if you are on the register it means you would hold relevant qualifications, insurance and a first aid certificate but that’s not to say you don’t hold all of those if you’re not on it. So play safe and ask your PT what qualifications they have, whether they have insurance and whether they are first aid trained.

What experience do they have?

I know some people say experience isn’t everything but if I’m completely honest if there is one profession where experience comes in very handy....personal training is it! When I first qualified as a trainer I thought I knew everything but in reality I

knew very little compared to what I know now, 7 years on.

You should want to know what experience they have in whatever it is you want to achieve. For example if you want to enter the world’s strongest man competition, you need to know your trainer has strength and conditioning experience, if you are pregnant and want to exercise throughout your pregnancy you want to know that your trainer has dealt with pregnant women before and if you want to lose weight you want to know who they have helped previously and how. Ask them what experience they have in the area you are most interested in. If they don’t have the relevant experience, a great trainer will normally refer you to someone they know who can help - they won’t carry on regardless.

Where do they train?

This is a really important issue. You need to find out where your trainer can train you. Some PTs are tied into gym contracts so therefore they can only train you if you are a member at that gym or if you pay an entry fee into the gym. Outdoor training is an option but your trainer should have permission from whoever owns the land - for example if your trainer is doing PT sessions in the park they should have permission from the council. There are a few private studios in Bedford now (like mine) so this could also be a possible venue for your sessions. Wherever it is, check beforehand as you don’t want to commit to sessions to find out the sessions aren’t where you wanted them to be.

Continuing Professional Development I know we’ve touched on qualifications already but this is

what happens AFTER your trainer has qualified. As a personal trainer they should hold a “Personal Training Certificate” There are hundreds of training providers but some of the most well known are YMCA, National Academy of Sports Medicine and Premier Global. Once your trainer has done this there are literally hundreds of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses they can do to enhance their knowledge. Nutrition, Power Plate, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Rehab, Exercise and Mental Health and Pilates are all examples of some great CPD courses. See what CPD courses your trainer has done that are relevant to what you want to achieve.

I would say these are the four most important aspects of finding a good trainer. Most good trainers will offer you a complimentary consultation, where they normally would have a chat about your goals and how they can help you achieve them, then sometimes they will offer you a short workout, so you can get a feel for the type of training and the type of motivation they offer. It is during this session you can ask your questions. After the session you should know whether there is a good working chemistry between you and whether you trust this person to help you change your health and fitness levels.

Good luck finding your perfect trainer.

For more information or to try your complimentary personal training consultation at my studio please feel to contact me at jules@hollgroup.com or call me on 07808 739651

Julie Holl - Personal Trainer - Holl Fitness Studio 07808 739651 www.hollfitness.com

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:15 Page 50

Windows, Doors and Conservatories

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AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:15 Page 51

Metallic Magic

Olympic fever gripped the nation last month, so we thouight it only right to dig out the best Gold, Silver and Bronze accessories to brighten up your home.

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 52

Candlesticks £32 very.co.uk

Resin Frames 3pk, £12 Sainsburys

John Rocha Metalic Vase £10 Debenhams

Lisbeth Dahl Crown Frame £14 Debenhams

Tunis Pendant £55 next

Glass and Silver Mini Hurricane Tealight £12 Laura Ashley Copper Table Lamp £60 Next

Julien Macdonald Tealight Holders £4 Debenhams

Metalic Bulb Vase £45 House of Fraser

Gold Finish Bowl £5 Matalan

54

Hole Pear £5 Matalan

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 53

Hammered Gold Effect decorative Ball £4 Sainsburys

Silver Vase £8 Matalan Ornate Gold Hall Mirror £300 John Lewis

Silver Cushion £8 Matalan

Julien Macdonald Star Votives £5 Debenhams

Mosaic T-Lights £12 Next Glaze Bowl £18 Next

Silver Finish 3 Arm Candelbra £38 Laura Ashley

Metal Storage Cubes x 2 £30 House of Fraser

Gold Throw £20 Matalan

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 54

G. Butler

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AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 55

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Plumbing, heating, gas, solar hot water, gas boiler servicing and repair

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All Types of Roofing Materials

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AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 56

Affinity Gardening in September

H

ere we are officially in the first month of autumn although I sensed the first tinge early one morning at the beginning of August – a certain smell in the air, cobwebs wet with dew and leaves beginning to fall from the trees. It’s been a strange year weatherwise. A week or so of sunshine in March followed by almost 6 weeks of rain. A hosepipe ban Japanese anemone that didn’t really cause any hardship as our water butts were constantly overflowing but at least the reservoirs have now been replenished. July was much like a normal April, a mixture of sun and showers and August was much the same. I’m still hoping for an Indian summer in September and October to give us a boost before winter sets in.

penstemons, chrysanthemums and roses will flower for weeks provided you nip off any dead flower heads.

Gardens have not been at their best this year – everything grew like mad in the rain but there wasn’t enough sun to encourage flower growth so our borders have been rather on the green side with much less colour than usual. And of course it was paradise for slugs and snails – they won the war this year!

Begin your vegetable garden tidyup. Clear away old crops that have finished. Cut peas and beans back to ground level, as the roots break down they slowly release nitrogen into the soil enriching the ground for next year.

Affinity loves.....

Orange Calamondin

Alison Wallbank The Lady Gardener 01234 782383 or 07795 246558 www.bedfordshiregardendesigners.co.uk

The fruit and vegetable garden is still in full swing.

Keep on harvesting late raspberries, French and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn and courgettes. If you have a glut, share with your neighbours or have a pickling, preserving and freezing session.

Homemade jams and pickles are delicious and make lovely presents.

My flower for this month is the Japanese anemone. When many perennials have finished flowering for the year the Japanese anemone comes into its own. There are quite a few different varieties to choose from but my particular favourite is ‘Honorine Jobert’ which grows to over a metre in height and has single white flowers with yellow stamens on long wiry stems held above the foliage. They are happy in sun or shade and will uplift a gloomy area of the garden in autumn. Once established they can run riot but it’s easy to keep them in check.

There’s masses to do in the garden this month. Keep watering and deadheading your hanging baskets and containers – if you look after them they’ll reward you with colour until the first frosts. Similarly continue to deadhead border plants to prolong their flowering period – dahlias,

A very pretty bush with lovely evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers bearing small oranges £35 treesdirect.co.uk

Autumn is a good time for planting trees, shrubs and perennials. Over the next few months they will concentrate on developing a strong root system ready to burst into action above ground level in the spring.

September tips.... ᴥ Divide iris and other herbaceous perennials and remember to water them in well, to allow the soil to settle around their roots. ᴥ Prune climbing and rambling roses unless they are repeat flowerers. ᴥ Sow hardy annuals now rather than in the spring for bigger plants next year. ᴥ Plant spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, narcissus, hyacinths and crocus. It’s best to wait until October for tulip planting. ᴥ Clear fallen tree leaves from the border to keep it tidy for as long as possible this year.

58

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 57

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AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 58

R

Not Cut To Ribbons

ibbon - it comes in all colors and textures, and it seems to be made from an endless variety of … things.

It’s been around for centuries. In fact, ribbon was one of the earliest forms of personal decoration and adornment, probably because it was easy to produce simple ribbons in small quantities. After all, it doesn’t necessarily have to be made from fabric. Chaucer mentions “ribband” in The Canterbury Tales, and we know that it was a common item, much sought after, and sold by traveling folk at fairs at that time.

It’s always been a favourite for decorating almost anything, although most usually clothing and hair. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, ribbon was used not only on clothes but on wigs. In fact, towards the latter end of that period it was overused to the point where it was being commented on by fashion writers. There was even an attempt by some

misguided weight in Parliament to ban its use by any but the aristocracy.

Ribbon, like everything, has of course been in and out of fashion. During the first half of the nineteenth century it seems to have been ignored by designers.

However, it began to make a comeback later that same century, sometimes as decoration and sometimes for other purposes, such as using black ribbon as a sign of mourning.

Today, ribbon is seen almost everywhere – as streamers, as decoration on medals, as trim on clothing, in girls’ hair, even as part of mixed-media paintings and jewellery. Of course, part of the reason for the wide range of its uses is the sheer variety of colours, patterns and materials that ribbon is now made from. It’s often made with wire through it, or out of acetate or even paper. There seems to be no end to ribbon designers’ ingenuity!

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AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:16 Page 59

MAN

of the Month

David Jansen Age: 42 Occupation: Professional Singer/Songwriter Restaurant Manager Resides: The Fox at Carlton

Describe yourself in three words?

Comical, caring and optimistic

Describe your ideal woman?

My ideal women is my future wife, Clare, she has been the one person who proved to me that you have to kiss a few pumpkins to get a princess, she's also my best friend and soulmate, though Kate Beckensale was a close 2nd!

What makes you stand out in a crowd?

People say I have a larger than life personality and of course my dashing good looks lol! your top three movies?

Gladiator, Moulin Rouge and Ratatouille.

Best holiday destination and why?

South Africa, I was born there and spent many years as a game ranger and tracker - it’s God's country with amazing landscapes and cultures.

What do you do to relax?

Get out of the Pub and plan days out.

you can't leave the house without?

My car keys (we are in the middle of nowhere)

your most extravagant purchase and why?

Well at 28 I brought my first boat, 32ft marine vessel and a Corvette Stingray - I was offered an Aston Martin db5 (Silver) for the same amount but it needed too much work doing and I wanted to drive a car straight away. The Aston’s number plate was 13 OND , put the 1 and 3 together you got Bond! but as i said i was 28 so turned it down, it sold a few years back for £145,000.

Three weeks after buying the boat I sold it as the previous girlfriend hated water, don't worry I traded her in too!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Travelling the world and still performing as George Michael!

Which three people dead or alive would you invite to a dinner party and why?

My mum and dad who have both passed away - just to serve them dessert and tell them that I miss them both and that I never stop thinking about them, also Rowan Atkinson, because he's a genius.

If you could be anyone or anything who would it be?

I'd be me, why change perfection lol! Well jokes aside I am related to Robert Dekyme 3rd Saxon Earl of Huntingdon, one of three suspected Robin Hoods, so I wouldnt mind being him, helping the poor, etc. I think sometimes we spend far too much time moaning about too many bills and not enough money, when there are homeless people and children dying of cancer, so I try to help at least one person out a day, however small, even a simple smile can make someones day - So people, get smiling!

What makes you happy?

I love people around me to be happy, that makes me smile, we only get one life!

Saturday night you can be found where?

Either onstage around the country or at the restaurant, or sometimes, if I take time off, Clare and I do spontaneous things like go to Paris or picnic on the pub roof!

61

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I

THe WHITe HART

n the heart of Maulden village is The White Hart a beautiful thatched country pub and restaurant that creates fresh, seasonal dishes to order.

Recently refurbished, the White Hart now boasts a wonderful outdoor play area and garden, heated decking, original beamed ceilings and cosy log fires, the whole place is steeped in character, yet still has a modern, comfortable, luxurious feel to it. The family run White Hart is warm, welcoming and friendly. The maize of rooms create intimacy and a relaxed atmosphere.

The mains looked just as wonderful. Marinated sea bass with a tomato and sardine sauce, grilled baby aubergines and quenelles of sunblushed tomato relish, the fish was delicious and the flavours from the sauce and relish just added to the perfection of this dish.

Pan fried spiced Scottish salmon fillet served with piedmont roasted peppers, purple truffle new potatoes and crème fraiche was my choice, chosen off the specials menu that is changed every day. I opted not to have my salmon spiced and there was no problem with that. It didn’t disappoint, the salmon was so fresh and tender, the flavours of the truffle potato and pepper all complimented each other and was impeccable.

The dishes are homemade and freshly prepared using as much locally sourced products as possible.

We decided to see for ourselves what all the fuss was about…………………

Everything was served with care and attention to detail and we added some sides of fresh minted spring vegetables and rosemary sautéed potatoes, which proved the perfect accompaniment to our generous dishes.

As soon as we walked through the door Karen and Richard couldn’t have made us feel more welcome and with a drink in hand we were given a guided tour before sitting outside on the decking to enjoy our meal.

The relaxing atmosphere of sitting outside, sipping Pimms, dipping rustic bread in balsamic vinegar and olive oil, whilst studying the varied menu was an absolute treat. The menu offered a vast choice of very tempting dishes but I settled for chargrilled Mediterranean vegetable terrine with sunblushed tomato dressing and crisp toasts - the presentation was superb, the terrine was creamy and smooth with chunks of crispy vegetables making it extremely appetising.

Duck rilette served with a fig and apple chutney, pickled vegetables and crisp toasts was David’s choice. There was a very generous serving of duck, the homemade fig and apple chutney complimented the duck to perfection - making the whole taste experience simply divine.

After a break sitting back enjoying the ambience of the outside space (a rare occurrence here in England) we moved on to the most delicious homemade desserts of Banoffee Pie (my absolute favourite pudding) and the best I have ever tasted and sticky date pudding with toffee sauce and cornish clotted cream.

This is a pub/restaurant that delivers on all levels, with absolutely delicious food, warm helpful staff and a relaxed atmosphere that will have you returning again and again.

62

01525 406118 www.whitehartmaulden.com

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:17 Page 61

The Narrow boat K

aren and Richard have recently acquired a second business, The Narrowboat at Weedon.

Situated right on the Grand Union Canal the setting of this canalside country pub just adds to its attraction.

Whether you want a drink or a great dining experience The Narrowboat won’t fail to impress and you also have the added bonus of having five exclusive, cosily furnished en-suite canalside rooms to stay in.

01327 340333

-

at Weedon As at The White Hart the food at The Narrowboat is freshly prepared and homemade, with the produce being sourced from local suppliers. Food and drinks can be served to you in the bar, restaurant, heated deck areas or beside the canal on the lawns.

The menu is the same at both venues, so you will be guaranteed delicious dining wherever you choose. If like us you can’t make the decision which one to visit why not visit both just as we’re planning to do!

www.narrowboatatweedon.co.uk

Food & Drink

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:17 Page 62

Tea Smoked Duck with Fennel, Beetroot, Pistachio and Star Anise

AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:17 Page 63

“

“

This month’s recipe brings fine dining into your home from the award winning Murrays restaurant at Whittlebury Hall.

Ingredients

To Smoke the Duck: 2 Greshingham duck breasts 20g traditional English tea 100g soft dark sugar 100g rice Maldon sea salt & freshly ground white peppercorns Fennel puree: 200g fennel sliced 20g unsalted butter 100ml double cream 100ml chicken stock Seasoning as above

Ground pistachio nuts

Recipe

Port and Star Anise Reduction: 300ml port 100g caster sugar 5 star anise 1 bunch baby beetroots 1 bunch golden baby beetroots 20ml olive oil Seasoning as above

To smoke the duck – Mix all the ingredients together. If you don’t own a proper smoker, line the inside of a large roasting tin with foil and spread with smoking mixture.

Place a foil covered rack (cooling rack works well) inside the roaster. Put the roasting pan on top of the stove.

Cover the pan, place over a modertate heat until the sugar-tea mixture begins to smoulder, about 2 – 3 minutes. Place the duck breasts on the rack, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly and smoke the duck for 10 minutes or until it’s cooked. Remove the roasting pan from the heat.

Fennel Puree – Heat the butter in a saucepan, once it starts to foam add the sliced fennel, put the lid on and sweat the fennel until it starts to turn transparent. Add the stock and cream and cook until the fennel is tender.

Then reduce until the stock is completely cooked away.

Place the fennel into a food processor with the salt and pepper and blend until smooth.

Baby Beets – Place the beetroot into a large pan of boiling water for 20 – 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from the water and leave to cool, then peel and cut into halves or wedges (depending on the size).

Port and Star Anise Reduction – Reduce the port, sugar and star anise until syrupy. Remove the star anise.

Arrange the duck in strips, with the fennel puree between them, add the beetroot and drizzle with the reduction, finally sprinkle on the ground pistachios.

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AffinitySeptember 2012 _Layout 1 copy 17/08/2012 07:17 Page 64

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Welcome to the musings of Yummy Mummy. Living in Bedford she is married to ‘The Husband’ and together they have 4 children, Rafferty, 7, Violet, 5, Roman, 4 and baby Clementine.

All my views are my own and are not intended to offend anyone but alas I may frustrate you as I certainly do myself and no doubt those around me at times. I would love to hear from you, your views, questions or indeed just to share your experiences of trying to be a Yummy Mummy. Email me at info@affinitymag.co.uk

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Ding Dong the Bells are Gonna Chime!

t’s the height of the wedding season and I know a lot of people are faced with the dilemma of whether to invite children to their big day. For us it was a no brainer and that was not just because we married after our eldest was born (much to the disappointment of the mother-in-law, not that we got married of course although it may seem like it sometimes but I won’t get started on the subject of mother- in- law tales. But when we announced our engagement her reaction was that, although she was delighted, she said it was a shame we didn’t get married before having a child)! Our eldest was planned as we were previously not bothered about marriage as we knew we were in love (altogether now – ‘aaaahhhh’) and we didn’t need a piece of paper to prove it. Once pregnant, The Husband was under no doubt that a proposal was not to be forthcoming as I wanted to focus on and enjoy my pregnancy and for him not to feel like he was being chased with a shotgun!

me away and we opted for a civil ceremony to make it feel less formal. And believe it or not, as I am one not to like attention (unless I have had a few wines!) we decided not to have a first dance or cut the cake but missing these out did not make it feel any less of a wedding.

Back to my earlier question about whether to invite children, personally I think they make a wedding, as the day should be about all generations of family and your friends. Nothing makes the day feel like a true wedding than the little ones running around the dance floor in their finery persuading the ‘grown ups’ to dance! We incorporated our son into the ceremony by including a ‘naming day’ for him, although by the time we got to this part, a rather hot Rafferty was shirtless but at least he didn’t have a can of Stella in his hand! We also ensured we had plenty of entertainment for them, colouring books and pens and we also hired some indoor toys.

However a few weeks after Rafferty’s birth, The Husband got down on one knee on Christmas Eve and proposed and without hesitation I accepted. After all we were a little family and it now felt right.

Whatever you decide to do, whether it is a formal church do, a civil ceremony, a bbq in a field or indeed you go abroad – make sure you try to enjoy every moment of the day - as before you realise it will be all over.

I only have one piece of advice when planning a wedding – run away and do it!! I’m only joking of course but you may have very firm ideas of how you want your day to be; however, you soon learn that you have to compromise along the way unless you are Bridezilla!

As I’m not from the typical 2.4 family set up (or anything remotely resembling that) I couldn’t see how that would fit into the traditional wedding that The Husband wanted. However we soon personalised it and friends took on family roles with my best friend giving

Next time for me it will be a much less formal affair with a quiet ceremony followed by a champagne party! And for those who are worrying that our marriage is on its last legs, fear not as one day we do intend to renew our vows but we are waiting for the children to be older so they can enjoy it with a glass of bubbly too!

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“BBW is truly my passion It’s become the Bedfordshire networking fashion.

We won the award ‘Networking Group of the Year’ Precious memories from the ceremony still clear.

We’ve recruited 125 members and welcomed new guests.

To create exciting opportunities and business requests.

Thank you guest speakers and sponsors for all you do.

Also our members for your amazing support too.

Our charity is St Johns Hospice and we’ll have our presentation soon.

A tremendous sum raised in the region of £20,000 - we are over the moon.

My end of term is nearly here It’s been an incredible BBW year.”

Dear Readers I am delighted to introduce Amanda Murrell. Amanda is currently Vice President and will take on role of President from September, I met with her to have a chat:

achievement for BBW to have grown throughout the years; I’m grateful to previous Presidents, committee members and members for leaving a legacy that I can build on from September.

Tell us about your business journey: Whilst working in London as head of communications and consultation, I gained skills and experience to set up my company Amanda Murrell Associates Ltd. I’ve worked for local councils, public sector and multinational companies in England and Jersey. I’ve written and delivered training and organised many workshops and events.

What are your BBW plans for this forthcoming year?

Some very exciting meetings are planned. They include Man Day in January at Millbrook Proving Ground, Champney’s Henlow, a Silver Ball and Awards Ceremony, Pimms on the Terrace at Luton Hoo, Speed Networking at Bedford Athletics Stadium and a breakfast meeting in the Mayor’s Parlour with senior management at Bedford Borough Council. I will encourage businesses to work in collaboration and provide opportunities for members to showcase their businesses.

What is the most valuable business lesson you have learnt?

Don’t be complacent and look for new opportunities. I’m flexible and try to stay one step ahead.

All that is left for me to do is to wish Amanda every success for her special year ahead.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a caring, honest, passionate, professional person who strives to achieve in everything. I’m always personable and like to help others succeed.

Thank you to everyone who supported our July Lifestyle Event, it was another fabulous occasion for networking. We raised a grand total of £2181.00 from business stand sales and raffle for St Johns Hospice on the day. Our next meeting will be the AGM on Thursday 20th September at The Bedford Swan Hotel. Join us; book your place today on the BBW website :www.beds-businesswomen.org

How were you introduced to BBW? A mutual business friend suggested Kerry and I meet. I joined the BBW committee and then took on the Vice President role.

What monthly network stands out from the past year and why?

International Women’s Day. Women need to be recognised and praised for success. The day attracted 200 guests, it was a huge success. Guest speaker Ruth Badger was very inspirational and down to earth.

We look forward to networking with you.

Warm Wishes, Kerry Cash

How do you feel about your new role as President of BBW? I’m excited to lead BBW into its 25th year. It’s a great

President Bedfordshire Business Woman of the Year 2012

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“Kerry Cash Thank you for all your hard work BBW President 2011-2012”

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Lifestyle

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Water Blood From

to

Marti Pellow

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show The Abbey and was also very proud to have worked with Gil Cates at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

op stars and singers cross over into theatre more and more these days and this is no exception for Scottish solo artist and Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow, who has taken to the stage in a big way, appearing on both sides of the Atlantic (and also Japan) in Chicago; touring the UK with The Witches of Eastwick and Jekyll and Hyde; as well as co-starring with Josh Groban in the TV and film special Chess in Concert. He is currently appearing as the Narrator in the ever-popular Blood Brothers coming to Milton Keynes Theatre this October.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited, by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. A sensational cast, incredible show stopping music, remarkable staging and five star performances make Blood Brothers an enthralling night of entertainment.

Following sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers continues to tour the UK. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply unmissable and unbeatable. This epic tale of Liverpool life has been running in London’s West End, since July 1988 and touring the UK since 1995.

Marti first came to the attention of the British public as the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, one of the most successful and highly acclaimed bands in British pop history. As both a solo artist and with Wet Wet Wet, Marti has had consistent chart-topping multi-platinum albums, with over 25 chart hits and three of the UK’s biggest number one singles, including “Love is All Around” which continues to be one of the top five highest selling singles and most played songs of all time in the UK. Marti’s latest solo album Love to Love, recorded for his own label, has become one of the biggest selling independent records of 2011.

We wondered if in the back of his mind Marti had always thought he would end up doing musicals? ”Absolutely not! The first time I came across musical theatre was when Pete Townshend came to me and asked if I would be interested in Tommy. It was the early 1990s and that never really panned out: I don’t think I was ready for the discipline, and six months is a big commitment.

Later, I was doing a show at the Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Pete and Roger Daltrey and Ruthie Henshall [an original London star of Chicago] came and sang as my guests. A couple of producers from Chicago looked at the two of us and must have thought, “Maybe Marti would be good for musical theatre,” and I thought, “I’ll be damned!” and laughs!

Having worked closely with some of the world’s most important musical composers such as Sir Tim Rice and Leslie Bricusse, we asked Marti what appealed to him about Blood Brothers?

Well we’re glad Marti decided to follow the theatre path and can’t wait to see him in October.

”My first port of call is always, what is the music like?

With Blood Brothers, it’s more a play with some music in it and it’s the depth of Willy Russell’s writing that appealed to me. As the Narrator, I love the intensity of being able to hold the stage when you’re not necessarily saying anything; the silences speak volumes about him, and the way he invades the spatial awareness. It’s as if he’s saying: “Are you clocking this? Are you seeing what’s happening?”

Milton Keynes Theatre Tues 2nd – Sat 6th October www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

As well as stage Marti has also starred alongside Russell Brand, Morwenna Banks and Miranda Hart in the TV

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Destiny Discover your.......

Sue has over 30 years experience in the Sue also offers private readings on a one to one basis, workshops, psychic field, is an authority courses and much more, please visit her website: on crystals and psychic energy, www.sanctuarybedford.co.uk Tel: 01234 327090 and is a world renowned Tarot reader and teacher. Each month readers are welcome to send The man I am seeing has a girl working for him that initially doing house their questions in for Sue to he knows I don't like and vice versa she doesn't like parties but then growing answer at me. He told me she was no longer working for him into selling online - do info@affinitymag.co.uk but I have found out she is and he is lying to me. I am also worried he may be having an affair with her, something he denies - can you please let me know what you think - thank you (I have been seeing him for 10 years) Carys This lady is just an employee, who has a fairly difficult life. Your partner is supportive of her, but is not having an affair. She is clearly so different from you. She is someone he would see as impossible to be in a comfortable relationship with, due to her negative attitude to other people. However, when she is at work she is a good worker, and he is a businessman first and foremost.

He cannot just sack her on a whim, especially when he sees it as unfair. You dislike her because she spends a lot of time alongside him, she dislikes you because she thinks that you try to interfere. You and he have so much more together and it would be far more comfortable if you could just put her where she belongs, out of the relationship.

Make you and him spending time together the most important thing that is between you. Not her.

you see this working for me? Thank you Sue Anne You already burn the midnight oil, so that aspect will not be a problem for you, as this involves almost impossible hours for the first few months while you pull it all together. Providing your homeware and soft furnishing reflects the current need for keen prices and innovative design, it will work. Parties would also need something else added to it as this is a limited market at present, and people are, at the moment wary of going to parties where they know that they are pretty much expected to spend. This part would work well towards the end of next year. Online, it would work.

I have been married for 12 years, the last 5 have been quite difficult and I now find myself fantasising about a guy I used to know (he was the brother of a friend of mine), I see him around quite often and I keep hopeing to bump into him I am now becoming quite obsessed but it is the only thing that keeps me sane when my husband is so critical and distant, what should I do?

Annabelle You have answered half of your own question . An obsession and a fantasy are both the brains way of trying to make difficulties comfortable. At the moment living the reality of a relationship with a man who undermines you is something which seems impossible to escape because of family ties , so the fantasy is all that is keeping sanity close . Make plans for future change, which do not involve either man, taking little steps to find out what you really want and consider your present relationship. Do you still feel any love for your husband?

Do you want to save the marriage? If the answer is no, use your fantasy to give you strength to move on. You are, after all not fooliing yourself. You know it is an obsession. Use it just as a tool to give yourself strength.

Then when the time is right move on and be happy.

I can't find the right employee to work for me, do you see this changing?

Debs Yes when you change what you are asking for, to what you really need. You are not employing a friend, but a worker, and unfortunately people take your very friendly approach to workers as a sign that you do not expect much. You are in your work, very much a perfectionist. This should be what you seek in others too; then they will not let you down.

I am looking at expanding my business and starting something up alongside what I already do although it will be a completely different business than the one I have now. I am looking at something along the lines of selling soft furnishings and homeware,

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ty rgy, arot onth nd to

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Card Reading T

M

arot cards and playing cards all use the same numerical language to speak truths from the Akashic Knowledge, and people are used to being able to ask the cards questions, but many spreads are also available which will answer two questions at once, or distinguish between future paths.

The two put together will give guidance and direction where other thoughts are constantly pushing within the mind, and thus can allow the mind to rest in times of torment.

Ley Lines

any ancient sites are built along straight line networks that stretch for dozens - even hundreds of miles. Some believe they were meant to utilise a mysterious property of Earth energy. It is true that many ancient and medieval sites are set on Leys, and while many people have heard of them, it is probable that most are unaware of their history and do not realise exactly what they are.

So just what are Ley Lines?

Simply put it concerns sites of ceremonial and cultural interest aligned along straight lines that stretch for sometimes many miles and even many hundreds of miles.

These straight line networks can be found throughout the world and in some cases incorporate elaborate spoked circles that include line systems within line systems. Many of Britain’s spiritual landmarks including Stonehenge, Glastonbury Tor, and Avebury stone circle all sit upon ‘ley lines’ which are, when tested with dowsers, shown to be areas of intense earth energy.

They are often also connected with more than the regular amount of ghostly happenings and hauntings.

Although straight lined alignments go back thousands of years the actual name Ley Lines was first introduced in Great Britain. It was noticed that many sites and villages and other places of interest whose names all ended in ley were to be found along the same straight lines.

Literally hundreds of separate line systems have been uncovered and prove there was nothing accidental about the way ancient peoples sited their monuments which were often in astonishing harmony to one another, even over distances of hundreds of miles.

In England Ley Lines incorporate modern cities and sites of interest including, towns, villages, cathedrals, churches and even major centres of civic activity – many of them linked by the ubiquitous “ley” name ending. One of the most famous examples is Wembley Stadium , which with its “ley” ending was found to be a centre of numerous lines that met at its gates.

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There is a spread which gives a ‘What if I do and what if I don’t? ’ answer.

This uses twenty two cards (two is the number of sharing, doors and pathways).

A question is put to the cards as the questioner shuffles the cards, and then hands the pack back. The first two cards laid sit in the bottom centre of a spread set out with this thought in mind. The top circle consists of eleven cards with two cards in this centre position, a second circle of eleven cards below the first, laid in a similar way.

The four centre cards are read as ‘the present position’, of the questioner, the top circle as ‘If you do… .’ The bottom circle ‘If you don’t…’ this way, thoughts of ‘What can be’ are easier to follow.

The whole readings scene has seen an immense change within recent years, when far more upper and middle management individuals and far many more men are using them as part of their forward plan.

Long gone are the times when it was bored housewives wanting some relief who regularly visited for readings; three years ago I would have read one man in 12 women. This year it is more like one man against 4 women. This is especially noticeable within the last three months when I have had complete days of reading only men, several times a month. It is as if the possibilities of Tarot have finally got through the barriers which some men feel that they have to put up to be seen as ‘proper men’.

It is always nice to be able to read sceptics and show them something which makes them believe, as when they return you can know that it is only when things have been totally proven to them.

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your guide to .........

What’s On September 2012

Sat 1st – Sun 2nd September Woodworks Celebrating woodlands through crafts, skills and musicc sheepdog displays, horse logging, ferret racing, bushcraft, chainsaw carving, leatherwork, woodturning and loads more!

Adults £6, Children (10-16) and Concessions £4, under10s free.

11am – 5pm www.marstonvale.org

Sun 9th September The Biddenham Show St James Lower School, Biddenham Stalls, sideshows, and lots more entertainment 12pm – 4pm www.biddenhamshow.org Mon 10th – Sat 15th September Chicago Milton Keynes Theatre Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts'…so begins the international award winning musical, Chicago.

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smoothtalking lawyer and a cell block of sin: it would be a crime to miss it. www.atgtickets/miltonkeynes 0844 871 76532

Fri 7th September Enjoy a tribute night with a difference and join Gary, Mark, Howard and Jason, as you dance the night away to your favourite hits from the boys such as Relight My Fire, Pray, Shine, It Only Takes A Minute, Could It Be Magic, Million Love Songs and many more! For the perfect party night out with this Take That tribute show.

From just £49 per person 7.30pm – 12.30am www.whittleburyhall.co.uk 0845 400 0003 Sat 8th September Riseley Show and Fayre A traditional Village Show with comprehensive selection of classes in horticulture, cookery, handicrafts and art for adults and children. In addition there are a wide selection of sales stalls and competions, raffles, Punch and Judy show display of raptors and other small creatures. Traditional countryside catering by the W.I. and others. Pimms tent. Musical entertainment by the Ouse Valley Swing band, and our increasingly popular rally and display of vintage vehicles and high powered racing cars.

Riseley Playing Field Gold St. Riseley, Beds

Thur 13th September Hits from the Blitz with Five Star Swing - 2.30pm The unique “feel-good” 1940’s show, as featured at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Gala Nights. Famous wartime tunes & “sing-a-long” songs brought to life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the “Five Star Swing” band, ("Superb, they swing like crazy!” – Sheila Tracy, BBC). Featuring Simone from the latter days of the Ivy Benson Orchestra plus Chris Smith (Jnr) composer and arranger for Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb, and the BBC Radio Big Band 01234 269519 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Sat 8th September Handbag Sale Sharnbrook Village Hall 10am – 4pm Leather and synthetic business bags, wallets, purses and fashion bags, over 80% off High Street prices

Thur 13th September Massage Medley at Dragonfly, Burwash Manor in aid of Wallace Cancer Care 5pm – 8pm Learn everything you could ever possibly want to know about massage as Dragonfly therapists demonstrate and discuss their wonderful treatments.

The beautiful salon at Burwash Manor will be hosting the event.You’ll be able to enjoy free mini-massages, plus pink fizz (or detox drinks for those who have indulged in a mini Indian head massage!) nibbles and a fantastic little goodie bag to take away with you.

Also on offer will be a chance to win one of many fantastic prizes including a beautifully relaxing pamper day at Dragonfly itself, whilst special discounts will be

Sat 8th September An Evening with Nigel Benn Bedford Corn Exchange An evening with Nigel Benn and Tim Witherspoon. Your chance to get up close and personal with the world champs. The night includes meet and greet, professional photos, boxing memorabilia, an after dinner speech about boxing and life after. Ending with an autograph signing session.

07967306333 petechandharpromotions.com

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Q UA RT E R T H E FA S H I O N

6-8pm CATWALK

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

available on treatments booked on the night.

Entry £5, with all proceeds going to Wallace Cancer Care Jane Mead - 01223 263469 (Burwash Manor) Kirsty Keegan - 01223 243721 (Wallace Cancer Care)

Image courtesy of Oasis

COMPETITIONS

STYLE ADVICE

er m id su m m

pl ac e. co.u

Mon 24th – Sat 29th September The Mousetrap Milton Keynes Theatre The Mousetrap is famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of British theatre - with almost 25,000 performances it's a play to be proud of, and to celebrate 60 incredible years on stage, it's going on tour for the first time, with a star cast to give you a once in a life-time opportunity to see this masterpiece. www.atgtickets/miltonkeynes 0844 871 76532

Tues 18th September Flower Arranging Demonstration by Sue Sewell with the title "Take it as it comes". This will be in the Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton at 7.30pm. £6 including light refreshments.

Job Title

Job No Client Client Code Size Date Stage Publication

MIDSUMMER PLACE VOGUE POSTER V11910 JLL L25 1380x840mm 10/08/12 A/W -

Fonts

Outlined Fonts Mac Artist Art Director Copy Writer Production Acc Handler On Sale date

AM ES LS NS ND/NB -

Signatures

Tel: 0113 226 2222 Fax: 0113 226 2217

Thur 20th September Bedford RSPB – 7.30pm A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford.

01234 822035 www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford

Wed 26th September Charity Tea To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee there will be a charity tea to raise funds for ACORN, a local cancer support group. This will be held at the Dalton Hall, Upper Dean. Flower arranging demonstration by DIANE NORTHWOOD and a raffle 3pm 01933 461280 or 01832 710339

Fri 21st September Tina Turner & Elton John Tribute Night Starring two world-class tributes to the legends: Sir Elton John and Tina Turner! Our Tina Turner and Elton John Tribute Night is a lively show that everyone who ever listened to these greats will enjoy from the first song to the last!!

From just £49 per person 7.30pm – 12.30am www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

Fri 28th September Macmillan Greatest Coffee Morning Ravensden Village Hall 10am – 2pm Come and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or soft drink and either a generous slice of cake, 2 buttered crumpets or 2 slices of toast for £1.00 Children under 11 enjoy a drink and a cake for 50p.

There is a Raffle, Guess the weight of the cake.

Anyone wishing to enter the cake baking competition can register their entry by emailing: chell.ross@hotmail.co.uk Everyone welcome!

Sat 22nd September Anglian Wolf Society Barn Dance Bromham Village Hall Featuring Live Band Kelly’s Eye Adults £10.00 includes Buffet.

01234 301436

Sat 29th – Sun 30th September BabyExpoMK - The premium parenting event and baby show for the Region and the UK's biggest and brightest free Baby Show!

Welcoming hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything for the pre-conception to preschool market for thousands of visitors. Competitions, on-the-day photography and The Ultimate Baby Shower! www.babyexpobabyshow.co.uk

If you have an event you would like us to mention please email jane@affinitymag.co.uk 77

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A quiet night in.......

It’s gory. It’s gripping. It’s Gerritsen. This page-turning new thriller featuring series heroines Detective Jane Rizzoli & Dr Maura Isles.

Three children, strangers to each other, are brought together by seemingly motiveless and extreme acts of violence which leave first their birth families and then their foster families dead. Orphaned and alone, they are each taken in as students at Evensong, an exclusive boarding school in the remote Maine wilderness for children who have been emotionally traumatized by violent crime - A place of safety?

What both Jane and Maura soon discover is that even a school protected by locked gates and acres of forest cannot shut out a gathering threat. When three blood-spattered twig dolls are found hanging from a tree, they wonder if the threat comes from outside the school ... or from within. Jane and Maura must dig deep into the past to make sense of the terrifying events of the present.

It soon becomes obvious that one of the students holds the key to the mystery.

But which one?

Gerritsen has an imagination that allows her to conjure up depths of human behaviour so dark and frightening that you are scared to turn the light out!

DVD release Latest cinema release Release date 7th September Keira Knightley and Jude Law star in a spectacular new adaptation of Tolstoy's epic love story.

Trapped in a loveless marriage to Alexei (Jude Law), aristocrat and socialite Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) falls for the dashing Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson). But this is late 19th century Russian high society, where such scandalous affairs rarely go unpunished. The price of her passion proves very high indeed as she is shunned by her peers and even threatened with separation from her son. Frequently described as the greatest novel of all time, Leo Tolstoy's romantic tragedy centres on one of literature's great heroines, and from the previews it is obvious the film along with its costumes and sets will not disappoint.

This sci-fi thriller is set in the ruins of what was once North America. Every year the Capitol of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in The Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic. The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which these 24 “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

When her little sister is picked to compete, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers in her place.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), if she’s ever to return home Release Date: 3rd September 2012

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My Story, My Design

A Friendly Welcome Awaits The Victoria Arms is under new management and has been refurbished

New Autumn Menu Available Monday - Saturday Lunch - Noon until 2pm and Dinner - 6pm until 9pm Sunday Lunch is Noon until 4pm Monthly Curry Night 2nd Thursday of every month only £6.95

A wonderful variety of cask ales, lagers and wines “Relaxed Dining at it’s Best”

10 Mill Street Bedford, MK40 3HD 01234 351458

The Victoria Arms, High Street, Wilden 01234 772437

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SEPTEMBER 2012

ISSUE 16

FREE

SEPTEMBER 2012

IThe Wedding Do! Issue

MILLMAN

Jewellers of Distinction 2 Church Arcade Bedford TEL 01234 354026

AFFINITY MAGAZINE

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Two fantastic spa breaks up for grabs

Water to Blood Marti Pellow returns in Blood Brothers

BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON