Affinity Magazine

Affinity April 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 19/03/2013 19:38 Page 1

APRIL 2013

ISSUE 23

FREE

APRIL 2013

Let’s Have A Ball Join us for this years Diamond & Pearl Charity Ball

Purple Power This seasons must have purples

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

WIN!

A relaxation day for 2 at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa

Can you ever fall in love... ...with someone you have never met?

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

Affinity May 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 26/03/2013 09:25 Page 2

TheVictoria Arms A Friendly Welcome Awaits

FIXed PrICe MenU On FrIday and saTUrday nIGHTs!

2 courses for £14.95 3 courses £19.95 Beef Wellington, Homemade Pie, slow roasted pork belly, Mussels in white wine, IPa beer battered haddock with handcut chips

ils.

T&C’s apply, ask in club for more deta

''Call for a FREE trial and health check with a fitness professional''

01234 763 930 fitnessfirst.co.uk

Over 50’s Wednesdays

FOUr reaL aLes

2 mains only £9.95 2 courses for £9.95 each single course £4.95

at least one will be a local real ale

The victoria arms, High st, Wilden 01234 772437

WaLK & eaT Prebook your lunch before walking one of the local country walks. you can leave your car in our car park

Food served Tuesday - Thursday 12 - 2pm Friday & saturday 12 - 2pm and 6 - 9pm sundays 12 - 4pm

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:46 Page 1

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:46 Page 2

THINKING OF MOVING OR ON THE MARKET AND NOT SOLD? WE CAN HELP!

JOIN IN OUR SELLING SUCCESS TODAY. Call for a free valuation on 01234 268064 and find out what a difference we can make to your move • • • •

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01234 268064 www.advancingproperty.co.uk info@AdvancingProperty.co.uk Follow us on COMMITTED TO BEING THE BEST ESTATE AGENCY YOU’LL EVER USE

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:46 Page 3

Bedfordshire’s Luxury Travel Specialist

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Never thought of cruising before, a holiday with NCL L is the ideal choice for the entire family. family.

Fantastic facilities, dreamy destinations; a fun and ‘freestyle’ time will be had by all.

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Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 4

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Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 5

Anglia Interiors Trading since 1974 Members of the KBSA

www.anglia-interiors.co.uk WE OPERATE OUR VERY OWN EXCLUSIVE “NEVER UNDERSOLD” POLICY WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON A TRUE “LIKE FOR LIKE” PACKAGE A FAMILY COMPANY Installing the very best quality kitchens, bedrooms and home offices since 1974 Bedford Showroom Anglia House, Wolseley Business Park, 7 Railton Road, Woburn Road Ind Est, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7PN 01234 843000 Huntingdon Showroom: Anglia House, Unit 2 Stone Hill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6ED 01480 398018

OFFERING UNRIVALLED SECURITY FROM DEPOSIT THROUGH TO INSTALLATION www.kbsa.org.uk

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 6

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Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 7

Welcome...

Hi everyone It’s Here! Yes the date has been set and we are pleased to announce this year’s Affinity Charity Ball is on Friday 15th November at The Sharnbrook Hotel. It is again in memory of my dear friend Pat McGirl and our chosen charity is Keech Hospice Care in Luton. It promises to be a fabulous evening with the theme being “Diamond & Pearl” so if you wish to book tickets or are interested in sponsorship don’t hesitate to contact me – turn to page 20 for more information.

Hotel and Spa for some relaxation and pampering.

We are also launching our very own Affinity Networking group. It is networking from a more relaxed casual approach, our first event is at Asia Lounge, Bedford on Thursday 2nd May we would love you to come along and join us - more details of this are on page 77.

Our website also includes a weekly blog, so if you want to see what antics we get up to here at Affinity then just pay the website a visit.

Our recipe, fashion pages and interiors all have a spring feel this month and with spring in the air, we decided to have a well deserved overnight stay at Whittlebury Hall

We are bringing you some great giveaways including six tickets to The Sharnbrook Hotel for an ABBA tribute night page 49, a relaxation day for two at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa page 25 and a hand made scarf from new local designer Charlotte Walker on page 32. If this isn’t enough you can pop over to our website for exclusive online competitions www.affinitymag.co.uk.

Have a great month and keep smiling!

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Julia Crofts Advertising Manager Julia@affinitymag.co.uk 07507 602401 O1234 215523

Vadisoro Design dave@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 @vadisoro

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All adverts are printed in good faith.

Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts.

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Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

linkedin.com/pub/jane-zita-fry

Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400 www.regallitho.co.uk

www.affinitymag.co.uk

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 8

Midlife Madness The slippery slope into insanity!

I

wasn’t entirely sure what a nervous breakdown was but decided that when I was bursting into tears for no apparent reason, snapping at almost everyone who came within a 4 foot radius, unable to sleep for a whole night and having panic attacks when faced with more than one thing to do at a time, I must be getting close. So I did the right thing and went to see my GP. I started telling her how I felt and burst into floods of tears yet again!! Thinking she would call the nice people who wore the white jackets, or condemn me to becoming a prescription junkie I cried even more. But “No” she said, apparently I was not mad! It’s all quite normal and all down to hormones!

advised deep breathing, spa music and, of course, wine and chocolate!

But one thing remains a puzzle. It seems acknowledged that women are better able to multi-task than men. So we can talk on the phone while helping our kids with homework, shop on line while cooking dinner and drink wine or eat chocolate while ……well almost anything, saving the world, starting a business, analysing world affairs or discussing X factor. So why then when we hit the menopause do the hormones that have helped to make us what we are – you know domestic goddesses (can get an M& S meal together and make it look like our own), sophisticated, beautiful, creatures (shoes and outfits for every occasions), who are sensitive and caring (always tissues at the ready) whilst also being commercially competent (good with plastic cards) and assertive (we are leaving for school NOW!!) conspire against us to change us into panic ridden, tearful wrecks who can’t be safely left alone near sharp objects!

She assured me that the night sweats that made me wake each night, and made my long suffering fella consider a move to some alternative bed, the feelings of anxiety and panic, the almost psychotic outbursts when someone upset me, were all down to low levels of some hormones and would indeed pass.

So with mascara running down my cheeks and NO prescription in hand, I headed home. After a cup of coffee and some chocolate cake (keep calm and eat cake is a motto I take very seriously) I told my partner that all was well –normal service would be resumed at some point. He asked when I thought that might be. I don’t remember throwing the plate it just sort of fell out of my hand and flew in his direction! He didn’t say it but I could tell he thought it would have been better if I’d come home with a prescription for some nice tablets that would bring back his long lost calm, competent, unruffled (and considerably less sweaty at night) partner.

After cake, I phoned a friend! This particular friend had suffered a monthly personality change. Generally a really nice person she had morphed each month in her pre menstrual phase to something that resembled an emerging serial killer! Her family had grown used to this and took all reasonable measures to absent themselves as much as possible from the family home until the danger had passed, which took another 4 weeks. She felt I had been short changed and really did deserve some chemical help but I assured her that I was quite happy to take a more natural route to recovery or at least menopause management. But I have also discovered that I am not alone, many of my girly (mostly over 40) mates have similar experiences. They have

Perhaps it all seems worse because I thought I had already dealt with the whole mid- life crisis scenario. I mean I bought a lovely red sports car, went on an extended holiday with long lost girly mates, and took up Yoga, - I did stop short of a tattoo and an affair!! But clearly that was just a precursor to the proper madness of the menopause.

Ah well they say time (translated advancing age!) is a great healer. Here’s to hoping my partner and kids live to tell the tale.

10

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 9

CONTENTS 14 Simple indulgence at Whittlebury 20 Let’s have a Ball

42 53 60 63

Let’s eat at The Swan Salford Interiors - Let the sun in F1 access all areas Fry’s footie corner

64 69 70 75 76

Hilarious hairspray Babylicious Atlantis rediscovered Quiet night in What’s on

22 Kettle bell crazy 26 Spring fashion trends 32 WIN! Luxury Charlotte Walker scarf

34 Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never met?

11

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 10

High Gloss Locks Y

ou don't have to be over 50 to have damaged, prematurely aged tresses. No one is immune; girls in their 20s can have hair that looks 30 years older. Hair ages from environmental damage and mechanical reasons, which break down the hair fibre, fade your colour, and cause strands to feel dry and brittle. So unless you plan to have a pixie cut for the rest of your life or make the decision to embrace a hot tool free lifestyle (yeah right), it's time to incorporate anti-aging hair care into your routine.

Begin in the Shower Don't use just any old shampoo and conditioner — look for ones that also repair split ends, enhance shine, and tame unruly hair. We like John Frieda’s Full Body Repair shampoo and conditioner (£5.89 each) and Redken Time Reset shampoo and conditioner (£8.99 each). Applying conditioner daily can work wonders for hydrating damaged locks, you should try not to shampoo more than three times a week, as this will help your scalp replenish its natural oils

Get a Hair Mask A good hair mask can transform your locks after only one use. Before you shampoo, apply it to wet hair for three to five minutes starting at your ears (to avoid weighing down your roots). If you can afford it try the Alterna Caviar AntiAging Replenishing Moisture Masque (£36) packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and a blend of marine botanicals that bind water to your hair, as well as actual caviar, helping to maintain hydration for your silky strands. L'Oréal Paris Power Moisture Rush Mask (£4.50) uses hyaluronic acid for a similar result - apply a mask nightly for the first week, then once a week for continued softness Boost your Shine No wonder your locks look dull, if your hair is shoulder length or longer, it's been sitting on your head for three to four years. Get them gleaming with a quick-acting gloss enhancer such as L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil UV Filter for All Hair (£6.99).

12

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 11

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Simple Indulgence…

A

t the moment I am living life in the fast lane, no time to stop and even breathe, so when I was asked to go along and review “The NEW Clarins Spa & Stay Sensation” at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa I didn’t need asking twice. Having been to Whittlebury quite a few times, I knew I would get some much needed relaxation and pampering as well as being able to spend some quality time with my husband away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

After lunch we relaxed in ambient surroundings on loungers by the pool, before heading upstairs to lounge around some more whilst sipping the complimentary herbal tea before being called for our Clarins treatments (which are included in the package). I had opted for the ‘Clarins Express Facial’ - this was a truly indulgent facial this also included a scalp massage which was the icing on the cake for my whole relaxation process. Afterwards my skin glowed and felt fabulous. Whilst I was being pampered with my facial my husband was having his own pampering in the form of a ‘Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage’ using Clarins products. He said this left him feeling completely chilled out and rejuvenated.

The first thing we did was use the Heat and Ice Experience. This is designed to build your body temperature up gradually and then quickly cool it back down, which provides unique body sensations brought about by dramatic changes in temperature.

After these wonderful treatments we headed up to our spacious room for more chill out time before heading to Astons restaurant for our three course dinner. The meal was delicious and the staff were warm and friendly.

The areas include a caldarium, a sauna which my husband loves as he is a heat freak, a sanarium as well as a salt steam and crystal steam. I love the salt steam it’s my favourite. It has a salt water atmosphere, which is meant to be great for cleansing and toning the skin and stimulating circulation. Then, after all this heat, there is the experience showers or ice cave to help you cool down.

After a sound nights sleep (all this relaxing wore us out!), we started the day as all days should start with a traditional English breakfast before heading back to our busy lives.

So if you want to truly unwind and be pampered then why not treat yourself and escape with this fabulous spa break with a difference.

We spent the morning trying each experience as well as relaxing in the hydrotherapy pool before going for our delicious two course buffet lunch in The Terrace Café.

This was delicious and featured a wide choice of hot and cold healthy options.

www.whittleburyhall.co.uk 14

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 13

Escape this Easter!

Enjoy some guilt free treats this Easter with complimentary treatments on offer at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa. Indulge and escape with the great value pamper packages available at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa. Right now, when you book an Escape and Spa Stay/Soothe and Stay or I Don’t Like Mondays package, on selected dates over Easter, you will receive a complimentary treatment worth £35*!

It is the perfect excuse to get away from it all and enjoy some indulgent pampering with family and friends this Easter time.

Enjoy any one of these three popular packages and simply indulge further with a complimentary 25 minute treatment in addition to their package highlights and including the following;* • • • • •

Overnight accommodation Full English breakfast Two-course buffet lunch in The Terrace Cafe Three-course dinner in Astons Restaurant Full use of The Day Spa Heat and Ice Experiences on day of arrival • Full use of the Spa and The Leisure Club facilities

PLUS to make the most of the Easter break we have also extended our great value Winter Getaway offer, on selected dates until 9 April 2013. You can still enjoy this simply indulgent one night stay for just £59pp*.

Take advantage of this extended offer this Spring and enjoy this great value Winter Getaway break with friends and family in our award-winning facilities and spa. Including: • Three-course dinner in Astons Restaurant • Overnight accommodation • Full English breakfast • Full use of The Leisure Club facilities (we're talking Jacuzzi, 19m swimming pool with bubble jets, sauna and more...)

For details of all packages and to book online go to www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call 0845 400 0002. * Full Terms and Conditions on the Website

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 14

Purple W

hen wearing a purple lipstick, keep everything else simple. On your eyelids a soft beige or sandy brown eyeshadow and one coat of mascara is all you need.

A vibrant shade of purple on your eyelids is extremely flattering, make sure you team it with with nude or classic red lips.

For extra lustre on your eyes swipe vaseline over eyeshadow powder.

Purple eyeliner should always be soft, with no harsh lines, so make sure you choose one that smudges and blends in with a cotton bud.

MAC Lipstick Boots

Estee Lauder Violet Underground Lipstick Debenhams Chanel Vendetta Nail Polish

Loreal Infalli

ble Colour

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 15

Power

Estee Lauder

Nails Inc The City Purple Crackles

OPI Casino Royale Nail Poli

sh

Dior Eyeshadow Palette

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 16

STOP! –

A Simple Solution to Weight Loss

F

ad diets like the Paleo & Cambridge diets can, of course, lose you weight but because of their restrictive nature (either banning certain food groups or restricting calories too much) they are impossible to stick to full time and most people quit them in only a matter of weeks. Hardly a good idea if you really want to change your lifestyle for good. Is there an effective long term method to lose weight and keep it off? Of course there is! Read on and I will describe how.

Counting Calories There is some great free software called MYFITNESSPAL, it can be used on your phone or PC and is very easy to use, I recommend it to all my clients. After initially adding in your current weight and height details it calculates exactly how many calories YOUR body needs each day to lose weight. It will even factor in any exercise carried out that day and adjusts your daily calorie amount.

For example eating 1500 calories a day will lose 1 pound of fat per week for many people. It’s no good eating all those calories in chocolate and thinking you will lose weight. Getting the right amount of calories is a very important variable to lose weight, however the body is a complicated machine and we need to be a bit more specific. Many nutritionists cite that for healthy weight loss a person’s diet should be made up of 50% protein, 30% carbohydrate and 20% fats. MYFITNESSPAL calculates the amount of Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats you’re eating, so in a couple of days you can experiment with your meals to get your ratio spot on!

Carbohydrate With so much press and opinion about carbohydrates I think it is important for me to talk about carbohydrates in a bit more detail. Carbohydrates allow the body to train at a higher intensity and, most importantly, provide the brain with energy. Don’t believe all the nonsense in the media that carbohydrates are bad for weight loss, it’s just important to eat the right type and this is where many people slip up.

There are good and bad carbohydrates, bad carbohydrates are the type that raise your blood sugar levels fast as these will make you hungry again very quickly and hormonally stop your body burning fat.

Vegetables are good carbohydrate. Avoid white bread, white pasta/rice and snacks with lots of sugars (replace with whole-wheat alternatives). Low fat yogurts and “healthy cereal bars” are guilty here, avoid at all costs! If

Adam Cochrane 07887 853218 adamcochranefitness

you need a snack have an apple or berries. These release energy slower. “Low fat snacks” and even “zero fat snacks” can be the worst thing for weight loss as they replace fat with sugar to maintain flavour. Sugar and fast acting carbohydrates have caused obesity in the last 20 years to rocket.

To Sum Up Losing and maintaining weight can be made hassle free with apps like MYFITNESSPAL. It only takes 5 minutes a day to see you’re eating the right amount and type of calories for weight loss. No more fad diets, no more fitness companies saying you should wake up and eat steak in the morning. It’s just scientific and maintainable nutritious eating. I write about what has worked for my clients and I have worked with busy mums right through to celebrities. All have tracked their calories in one way or another. I bumped into a client in January who lost 3 stone while training with me last year and she tracked her calories throughout our time together. She still looked fab and told me “Adam, I still use MYFITNESSPAL, it keeps me on the straight and narrow with my food. Yes I have the odd treat but rather than pigging out for weeks, the app somehow brings me back to reality before I go back to bad ways!”

I can visit you in your home or why not come to my brand new private, personal-training studio in Bromham.

Combining this great balanced healthy eating plan with my training will achieve your goals and exceed your expectations.

WIN! WIN! WIN! .

FREE personal training – 1 month (4 x 1 hour sessions) Personal Training at my private studio in Bromham. Closing Date for entry is July 31st 2013.

To enter simply visit www.adamcochranefitness.co.uk, click the competition tab and answer the question –

What is Adam’s degree in?

Adam Cochrane offers personal training to people all over Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Contact Adam to have a chat about how he can help you.

adam@adamcochranefitness.co.uk

www.adamcochranefitness.co.uk

@adamcochrane

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:47 Page 17

Oktober #! # $"#

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ilable Gift vouchers ava

£5 OFF

£5 OFF

Any hair treatment when ALL beauty treatments in you introduce a new client! our new beauty room!

Book an appointment for a Book any beauty treatment by friend by 30th April and both you 30th April and get £5 off! and your friend get £5 off!

Mention Affinity when booking!

Mention Affinity when booking!

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:48 Page 18

Let’s have a Ball Save the date in your diary for this year’s Affinity ‘Diamond & Pearl’ Charity Ball

W

e all had a fantastic fun filled evening at The Sharnbrook Hotel for our Affinity Charity Ball last year and this year on Friday 15th November we are going to do it all again.

Our theme this year is ‘Diamond & Pearl’ and it is again in memory of my very dear friend Pat McGirl, our nominated charity is Keech Hospice Care in Luton. Keech Hospice Care provides emotional and practical support for adults and children diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Their aim is to help patients enjoy the highest quality of life, whilst also providing vital support for their family and friends.

We will be pulling out all the stops to make sure you have a fabulous evening, whilst raising as much funds as we can for this worthwhile cause, with magic, casino tables, great music from Vision, along with a fantastic raffle, exclusive auction, a table gift for everyone and lots more surprises. This promises to be another night to remember.

You will arrive to a sparkling drinks and canapé reception, which will be followed by a delicious three course dinner.

The raffle will have some fabulous prizes and the Grand Auction will have you on the edge of your seat. After all this excitement you can relax at our casino gaming tables or boogie the night away to the sounds of Vision.

Tickets for this great night are now on sale at £50 per person with 10% discount for tables of ten, so book your table, grab your diamonds and slip into your beautiful dress and we’ll see you there.

To book tickets for this event or for sponsorship enquiries contact Jane on 01234 215523 – 07809 499669 Email: jane@affinitymag.co.uk

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:50 Page 19

Charity Ball Diamond & Pearl

In aid of Keech Hospice Care and in memory of Pat McGirl Friday 15th November 2013 Arrival 7.00pm - Carriages 1.00am The Sharnbrook Hotel A/6 Park Lane, Sharnbrook, Beds MK44 1LX

A Glittering Drinks & Canapé Reception A Sumptious Three Course Meal Raffle , Exclusive Auctions and much more....

Tickets £50 per person Book early to avoid disappointment For tickets and sponsorship enquiries please contact: Jane Fry - 01234 215523 - 07809 499669 jane@affinitymag.co.uk

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:50 Page 20

Kettle bell Crazy!

K

ettle bells really are nothing new so I’m not here to introduce a fantastic new piece of fitness equipment, however they are most definitely having a comeback! With Interval Training being such a big deal in the fitness industry, the kettle bell has become a firm favourite of many personal trainers and group exercise instructors across the UK. The kettle bell originates from the 1700s in Russia; the soviet army used them as part of their conditioning and training programs.

Now there are international kettle bell lifting competitions and it is

regarded as a sport. The kettle bell is usually made out of cast iron, although recently sports manufacturers have started to use plastic and rubber. It has a unique shape where the majority of the weight is at the bottom of the object, unlike dumb bells where the weight is more evenly distributed.

It’s this shape that gives the kettle bells a unique workout, the shape allows for a swinging movement as the weight is as far away from the body as can be.

There are 7 key moves or ‘lifts’ that can be performed with a kettle bell and thousands of variations on these moves, so one can never get 22

bored of a kettle bell workout! The key moves are The Swing, The Front Squat, The Windmill, The Clean, The Snatch, The Press and my ultimate favourite The Turkish Get Up! By doing a combination of these 7 moves you can guarantee fast results.

Most of the moves involve your legs, back, arms, shoulders and abs which equates to a whole body workout. Due to this ‘whole body’ approach kettle bell training is a great way to get strength training and cardiovascular training in one workout, which is ideal for people with busy lives and limited time to exercise.

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The kettle bells range from 4kg 64kg and can now be purchased from high street retailers. As far as fitness equipment goes they are inexpensive - bearing in mind their versatility. The same kettle bell can be used for almost every body part, so one bell (or two if you want a tougher workout) is all you need.

The workouts can vary each session and are always fun to do. Once you perfect a move with a lighter weight it leaves you desperate to try the

same move with a heavier weight.

Within 6 weeks you should see some great results A lot of the movements using the kettle bell originate from The Swing, so getting the technique right for that is absolutely key. Due to this swinging motion it is advised you seek out the help of a fitness professional who holds a kettle bell qualification. If the movements are performed incorrectly then you will increase the chance of neck,

shoulder and back injuries.

If you are already using the kettle bells and fancy some variety to your workouts why not look at our Facebook page for videos and photos of our workouts.

If you’ve not yet tried kettle bells then what are you waiting for, contact us to book into one of our kettle bell classes.

Julie Holl - Personal Trainer - Holl Fitness Studio 07808 739651 www.hollfitness.com 23

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Woman of the Month

Carolyn Howe Age: 44 Occupation: Head of Junior School, Bedford Girls’ School Resides: Buckinghamshire Describe your ideal man?

My husband, of course! Someone who can make me laugh, who has an interest in different things to me so that I can learn from him, someone who can surprise me now and again, and who supports me unconditionally.

Describe yourself in three words?

Glass half full

Best Holiday destination and why?

The best holiday destination for me was in South Africa with the biggest highlight spending three days on Safari in Kruger. There was such a buzz about being out at dawn in beautiful surroundings and getting so close to some amazing animals.

What makes you stand out in a crowd?

I’m tall which helps. I’m also pretty confident and will speak to anyone.

Your top three movies?

The Usual Suspects, The Shawshank Redemption, No Country for Old Men

You can’t leave the house without?

My glasses – sadly, my age is catching up on me and I’m lost without my glasses. I’m not quite ready to wear them on a chain round my neck so I just make sure that I have plenty of pairs in strategic places at work and at home.

What do you love most about your work?

I love the variety – every day is different and every child in the school is unique. I get the best of both worlds in my job – the daily interaction with the pupils and I also relish the challenge of being strategic and creative. It is very exciting and a huge privilege to be in a position where I can shape the future of the pupils’ education.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I imagine I will still be a Head Teacher but one who has had the time to get involved in some interesting projects, perhaps with schools abroad. At the moment, life is very busy and I am still finding my feet in a new school, so I am looking forward to a future where I can use my skills as a Head in a wider and more varied context.

What do you do to relax?

I love to spend time with my family. As a working mum our time together in the week is limited so we try to make the most of it at the weekends. We enjoy visiting a local nature park where they have a ‘heron-cam’. We are waiting with bated breath for the arrival of a chick. I also love having some ‘girl time’ – shopping and lunch with some good friends!

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

I think the Queen would be quite a good guest to invite – she really is the VIP of VIPs! I think for conversation and general bonhomie I’d invite someone like John Sessions.

Maybe Boris Johnson – he would be quite funny and I think he would get on well with the Queen!

Your most extravagant purchase and why?

I bought a pair of Jimmy Choos once. They were for my wedding – I thought it was a pretty good excuse to splash out. They are lovingly packed away in their box, brought out and stroked once in a while!

Your favourite food?

Most types of shellfish. My favourite food, when we are by the sea is a big platter of fruits de mer.

Saturday night you can be found where?

On the sofa mostly these days, I’m afraid. We lived in London for many years and, whenever we can get a chance, we enjoy getting up into town and catching up with friends for dinner.

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

I think I’d like to have a little more of the Nigella in me.

She’s so relaxed and makes everything seem so easy. I love cooking but I make a huge mess and get a little flustered when I’m under pressure in the kitchen!

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From Core to Encore The Pilates Pod Director, Michelle Smith, shares the “wicked” workout for West End sweetheart and singer Kerry Ellis.

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t’s well known that Pilates is the exercise to help those with back and joint issues, improving core stability and posture. But whilst many people are referred to Pilates for a physical need, there are many others that just come to Pilates because they love the way it makes them look and feel.

Kerry Ellis is best known for playing green-faced character Elphaba in the West End and Broadway smash, Wicked, a role that saw her win the ‘Best Takeover’ award from Whatsonstage.com. She’s also starred in We Will Rock You, Oliver,My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon, Les Miserable and recently The War of The Worlds – The New Generation alongside Marti Pellow, Jason Donovan and Ricky Wilson.

Plus she’s released her own album and is great pals with rock legend Brian May, working on many tours and songs together for the Born Free Foundation.

With such a busy schedule, the pressure is on Kerry to look good, feel great and perform brilliantly, night after night. But with a little help from us, Kerry’s been practising a Pilates workout that she loves doing, both in the studio and backstage before a show.

Kerry says “I like doing Pilates because it helps tone my muscles, makes me feel better, I really feel a core strength and I really feel that ‘burn’ just by working out on the Reformer for half an hour to an hour, it’s great!”

I asked Kerry how our sessions have helped her professionally.

“The Pilates Pod are great, really welcoming and friendly. I have a great weekly session that I come away from feeling like I’ve worked out for an hour. I use a couple of the exercises before going on stage for a big concert, they have allowed me to stay calm and helped with my singing to sustain my songs.”

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Treading the Boards The light lunges on the Pilates reformer are a great way to tone the butt and legs.

The carriage is on a light spring, making it unstable so you have to really work the front leg hamstrings and glutes in order to keep the carriage still whilst doing lunges, this has to be carried out whilst also keeping your core engaged for perfect balance.

It’s a great mind body, breathing, concentration exercise too.

Strapped up This is where the Reformer looks a bit like some birthing aid or torture device. The legs are in straps whilst pressing out against the resistance. Your core works hard to keep the spine in a stable and neutral position, your inner thighs squeeze heels and legs together as you extend, and of course when Kerry does this exercise she shows the perfect dancers turn out of the feet!

Without using legs, arms or changing the alignment through your spine, you pull the carriage with your lower abs and pelvic floor and keep the upper body beautifully strong, this is a perfect abs workout.

Ten of these and you really know it!

Pilates once had a bit of a reputation for being just for the rich and famous, but you don’t have to be a professional sports-person, or west-end star like Kerry to feel the benefit of this amazing exercise. There are loads of great Pilates classes happening near you. Just remember to check the credentials of your instructor, and look for a class of no more than 10 – 12 people.

If you want to find out more information about Pilates and The Pilates Pod in Hitchin, check out www.thepilatespod.co.uk. @thepilatespod facebook.com/thepilatespod.

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Ambitious Fashion Designer Launches Luxury Scarves

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Bedfordshire fashion designer has just launched her first commercially available garments on a website her uncle bought for her when she was only eleven years of age! Charlotte Walker of Northill, now aged 23, was so adamant that fashion was her passion that Uncle Terry bought the domain for her over half her lifetime ago.

And now the former Sandy Upper School pupil is using it to take her first orders.

Describing her designs as ‘heritage town and country wear, manufactured and created with fabrics and trimmings made by skilled craftsmen and women in the United Kingdom’. Charlotte’s unique style is strongly influenced by the Bedfordshire countryside she has been surrounded with since birth.

Following extensive periods of study at the London College of Fashion and the University of Hertfordshire, Charlotte, who was taught how to sew by grandmother Eileen, has just launched a range of high quality animal print silk scarves that in the coming months will be joined by other accessories such as bags, hats and umbrellas.

The luxury scarves, which were actually made in Suffolk, have already created a lot of interest in the industry as well as with consumers. Lesley-Ann Baxter, of Little Heath, Gamlingay, enthused ‘I love the Charlotte Walker scarf.

The quality is far better than anything I have ever brought on the high street and it is also lovely to see that her products are made in Britain.

Not many fashion designers do that anymore’.

So after keeping us dry, warm and stylish, what’s next for the designer? ‘I want to create an entirely British fashion empire, moving into outerwear, shirts and jeans for winter and I have some designs up my sleeve for a fashion filled British style summer!. I’ll start with womenswear and then in no time, I’ll be dressing your husband and the kids. And maybe even a couple of canines too!’.

Thanks to Uncle Terry, Charlotte’s designs can be seen at www.charlottewalker.co.uk where she is also taking orders.

By Michael Roadnight BA (Hons.), APhS, MA, PGCE

Journalist, Writer, Marketing Consultant

WIN! WIN! WIN! Affinity are offering a lucky reader the chance to win one of Charlottes gorgeous scarves all you have to do is tell us “What Bedfordshire village is Charlotte from?’ send your answers to info@affinitymag.co.uk 32

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Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never met?

L O V E The randon email came out of nowhere from a guy who claimed his name was Gary and that he had seen a picture of me – he introduced himself very strong, my faults and he thinks that had never met this guy, yet I formally, my reply was just as they are cute and I'm wonderful. How couldn’t concentrate on my work, formal but somewhere in can someone I’ve never met make me I checked my email account every cyberspace formal turned feel so happy and fulfilled?

5 minutes and spent hours into less formal and I composing replies, reading and re reading was hooked!

The emails continued, pictures were to make sure they sounded just right. My exchanged, my fantasies now had a face. I walked tummy had permanent butterflies and my heart beat so fast I could barely breathe! Nothing wrong in any around in a bubble unaware of life happening around me, he told me he worked for a very well known company that of that I hear you say, loads of couples meet day in day out on the internet but the difference is ... I am married, but had offices all over the world! How ideal was that I started this didn’t seem to deter me, it was as if something had thinking, if I were to meet up with him it wouldn’t be too difficult because he wasn’ in the country that often, it was taken over a part of my brain and I couldn’t stop it. ideal. My fantasies just grew, I imagined myself becoming a major part of his life, I pictured myself leaving my Couples relationship expert Peter Barnes told us: husband and travelling the world with Gary, in my mind “The online environment is the perfect breeding ground for fantasies because it allows us to ascribe all the wonderful it all seemed plausible! We had so much in common; it qualities we want in a partner to someone we've never was as if he had been moulded just for me. met.”

The email came that I couldn’t breath at, he had to go to Monte Carlo for three days on business would I join him And this is exactly what was happening with me. I wanted someone who understood me, who listened when I talked - his exact words “I do have a proposal: I will be in Monte Carlo for a conference, it is set over 3 days. Would you be about my work, life and my children, someone who the able to join me? You would be on my guest list. I would be thought of his touch burnt me up, the thought of his kiss made my knees weak ... and oh my, the thought of him the perfect gentleman and it would be an amazing time. holding me in his arms was just too good to be true. I You would loose me for approximately 4-5 hours each day could tell him my weaknesses and he made me feel but shopping in Monte Carlo is a dream and champagne 34

I

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is a must. Have you been? I stay at the Fairmont as one of our executives owns half the Hotel chain. I also have to touch base with reality and I know you have a husband so I would not pressure you about this in any way.”

wasn’t doing butterflies. I felt as if I was having coffee with a friend I hadn’t seen for ages, we had a lovely time but I didn’t have the undying urge to run off with him, I can’t say what it was, maybe there was an unconscious part of my brain reminding me I had a husband and children at home and in all reality I couldn’t leave everything and follow this man around the world but maybe just maybe, if I wasn’t married, it may have been different

I was falling and falling for Gary in a big way, I started to plan in my mind how I could get away for those days to see him.

According to psychologist Patricia Campbell: “falling in love with someone you've never met is basing a relationship on superficial experiences. You really don't know much about that person other than whatever it is he/she has told you — and you have no proof to back it up. He/she could be very different in person.”

For a while I got carried away and let the world of fantasy and reality blur into one. I showed my husband ALL the email correspondence between me and Gary, I expected him to be angry but he read the emails and broke down in tears admitting he wouldn’t have blamed me if I had left him. He admitted he knew he had neglected me over the years and not been the best husband, but he promised me that this was the jolt he needed to make him realise I was the love of his life and he didn’t want to loose me. He promised me he would change and he has, he treats me like a princess, is loving and caring to me and my family, he makes time for me and doesn’t go off for days sulking because he doesn’t like something I have said or done, we talk to each other and share our innermost thoughts and secrets, in fact our marriage is stronger and I am happier than ever, and as for Gary, well we occasionally send catch up emails and if someone like him emailed me now my reply……….”Thank you for the compliment but I am happily married!”

Had I forgotten I was married? No, I felt I could justify my behaviour because what was I actually doing?

Emailing a guy I felt attracted to? I email guys all the time in my line of work anyway my husband has not been there for me over the years, and Gary reminded me of my husband and how we used to be together. I wanted to feel like that all the time.

My blackberry pinged with an email, he was back in England for a day and we could meet for coffee……Oh God I couldn’t breath, I was finally going to meet the man who had distracted my life for two weeks (WOW was that all it was), I kept setting the scene in my head what would I wear? What would I say? What if he went to kiss me (I am married and whilst flirting over the internet is one thing, having physical contact is another!)

I was lucky, many polls indicate that seemingly innocent online friendships often develop into intense emotional and physical affairs that can devastate marriages, so think very carefully before engaging in something that may initially seem completely harmless.

The day finally came, we had arranged to meet in a coffee shop halfway between my town and his. For the whole journey I felt physically sick – I had told my husband I was meeting a friend; when I arrived at the destination my apprehension was indescribable, he was already inside waiting for me, rising from his chair as I walked through the door with a heart melting smile on his lips. I reached the table - he was just as tall as he had said - he wrapped his arms around me and hugged me for what seemed an age but was really not.

We both sat down, there was no awkwardness and we chatted about everything and nothing BUT it was different, he was lovely, told me all the things I wanted to hear but now it was real and not a fantasy and I had a husband at home, my stomach 35

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Learning to let go I

have to be free to make their own choices EVEN IF that means they make mistakes. As parents we can be there to help them pick up the pieces but they need to have a go on their own.

remember when I had my first child, when he was still a tiny baby, I took him to visit my colleagues at the doctor’s surgery that was then my place of work. After lots of ‘cooing’ and ‘aahhing’ one of the lovely receptionists said that I needed to remember that he was just on loan – mine for a time and to enjoy him but remember that one day I would have to let him go. It seemed silly at the time, he was only two weeks old and the years of him as a child stretched ahead of me seemingly endless.

How wise she was! How can a quarter of a century have whizzed by so fast. What that wise lady knew was the truth that with everything, and everyone we love, we need to be able to let go. We never know when we will be called upon to do so but we need to be prepared and ready to let go. If you are lucky like me then ‘letting go’ of children comes when they are grown up and you have taught them all you can. They are as able and prepared as they will ever be to make their own way in the world and you have to let them go. I am not for one minute saying it is easy, let’s be honest it’s not. But there comes a time when they

Holding on is believing that there is only a past – letting go is knowing that there is a future Daphne Rose Kingma – author and speaker

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Many parents will remember the time when they taught their children to ride a bicycle without stabilisers, all that running up and down the road holding the bike steady, but then you have to let go. You know without doubt that they will fall off. Hopefully not that first time but at some time in the near future they will. A good parent will be there to kiss their scraped knees, administer magic cream or plasters and then encourage them to have another go.

It’s how children learn and it is what parents have to do.

Of course as they get older the challenge of letting go gets harder. It’s not just scraped knees they run the risk of but broken hearts, failure, illness, wrong choices and all manner of other things but, let them go we must.

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:58 Page 37

find happiness with. I also knew someone that had trained hard to reach a certain point in their career but then decided to ‘let it all go’ as they realised it was never actually what they had wanted to do, but rather something they had been directed into by their parents then financial necessity.

You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.”

Steve Maraboli, author speaker behaviour specialist It is not just with children we need to learn to let go. When I worked as a nurse we were often with people who were dying and quite simply some people died when they literally ‘let go’ of life – it might be the struggle had become too much, or someone they had waited to see had come to visit, or they had the chance to say certain goodbyes. Whatever the reason they realised the time had come to let go of life.

You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.”

C Joybell C - Poet It is not only our own dreams we need to let go of, sometimes the dreams we have for others can be responsible for pushing them in a direction they maybe don’t want. Although it is hard sometimes, we need to recognise that our son may never play for Man Utd, our daughter may not be the next X factor winner, our partner may never be a millionaire and we may never get the job we feel we deserve.

Bereavement is hard at any time for everyone, but one of the key steps in moving forward is an acknowledgement that we need to let go of the past, the loss is sad but hopefully there are memories and we need to not only let the person go, but at some time begin to let the grief go.

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t letting go but rather learning to start over Nicole Sobon author and blogger

But letting go is NOT giving up. It is an acceptance of certain things that actually can free you to move forward and often achieve certain other things.

Sometimes we need to let go of certain dreams. I worked with a man recently who put it quite succinctly after he had decided to leave his wife, he stated simply that he knew he was never going to be happy with her (or, he said, she with him) and while he stayed with her he was preventing himself from meeting someone who he may

We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Joseph Campbell – American mythologist, writer and lecturer

For more information or to discuss your own particular issues contact attuned education.:

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Sophistication at The Swan

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ust a short drive from Milton Keynes and Bedford in the pretty village of Salford is The Swan. An elegant Edwardian building this lovely pub has undergone a transformation inside and out to make it an even more stunning place to enjoy fantastic food cooked by its award-winning head chef Mark Austin, or to relax with friends over a good bottle of wine in its welcoming bar.

We decided to pay The Swan a visit to sample their superb new spring menu. When we arrived we were greeted by the stylish new look incorporating lovely spring-like shades, comfy new furniture and a cosy bar area.

There is something for everyone on the menu, from the classic chicken and steak dishes to the more unusual ox cheek and ale pie! There is also an extensive specials board, so you can imagine we were spoilt for choice.

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We visited on a Wednesday night there was a real buzz and the restaurant was packed, but that didn’t interfere with the excellent friendly service we received from everyone. We enjoyed some olives and rustic homemade bread whilst deliberating over the menu. My husband decided on Salt and Pepper Squid with Shaved Vegetable Salad, this dish was from the specials board. The squid was cooked al dente with just the right amount of coating and was absolutely delicious. My choice was Superfood Salad of Feta, Watermelon & Avocado, Spiced Red Rice, Coriander & Cashew Pesto, the combination of each ingredient complimenting its’ companion - all the different flavours and textures in this were divine.

Mains consisted of fresh Pan Fried Grey Mullet, Sauté Potatoes and Prawns in light creamy sauce for myself, again off the specials menu and Herb Crusted Cannon of Cornish Lamb, Mini Shepherds Pie, Buttered Gem Lettuce on a bed of flavoured Peas for my husband. The fish was full of flavour and had my taste buds working overtime. The lamb was tender to the cut and overflowed with herbal aroma, it was cooked exactly as my husband had asked - pink, the herbs gave the lamb an extra twist and the rich mini shepherd’s pie just finished the whole dish off.

Our desserts of Iced Yogurt & Pistachio Parfait, Lime Marshmallow with Lemon Curd and Rhubarb & Vanilla Trifle with Cinnamon Shortbread were equally wonderful. The iced yoghurt refreshed the palette with its’ nutty flavour - I have to say this is now going to be one of my all time favourite desserts; it was indulgent as well as being refreshing and I convinced myself it was a healthy option as it contained yoghurt and nuts! The sharpness of the rhubarb in the trifle was taken away perfectly by the creamy custard.

All of the dishes were presented beautifully with attention to detail second to none and wouldn’t have looked out of place at a Michelin-starred restaurant - all credit to Mark and his team.

The Swan also has a private dining room called The Barn. It offers bespoke, memorable dining, whether you want a family celebration, an intimate wedding breakfast or an elegant dinner party with friends or colleagues, this room is just perfect. You can choose from a range of different private dining packages specially created for the occasion by Mark, from hot and cold buffets right through to delectable dinner party menus. Mark is also happy to design a menu that suits your taste buds as well as your pocket.

The fabulous food, superb service and wonderful atmosphere made our whole dining experience a real treat. This is somewhere I highly recommend, I know I’ll definitely be returning.

The Swan at Salford 01908 281008 www.swansalford.co.uk

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Spring chicken in a pot

“

Casseroles aren't just for winter - this light, vibrant one-pot is packed with spring veg and herby pesto for a delicious dish

“

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To compliment the meal

Ingredients

500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs 300g small new potatoes 1 onion, chopped 425ml low-salt vegetable stock (such as Kallo lowsalt vegetable stock cubes) 350g broccoli, cut into small florets 350g spring greens or spinach, shredded 140g petits pois Bunch spring onion, sliced 3 tbsp pesto 1 tbsp olive oil

Barkan Sauvignon Blanc This wine has a pale light colour and aromas of figs and herbs. £8.00 Tesco

Recipe Heat the oil in a large, heavy pan. Add the onion, gently fry for 5 mins until softened, add the chicken, then fry until lightly coloured. Add the potatoes, stock and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then bring to the boil. Cover, and simmer for 30 mins until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked. If you want you can freeze at this point.

Teperberg Rose Wine This medium bodied wine has a purple and fruity refreshing bouquet that blends nicely with a pleasant finish.

Add the spring greens, broccoli, petit pois and spring onions, stir well, then return to the boil. Cover, then cook for 5 mins more, stir in the pesto and heat through.

£8.40 Tesco

Yellowtail Chardonnay Deliciously crisp unoaked Chardonnay full green apple and melon fruit. £7.99 Waitrose

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Rhubarb and Ginger Pudding Ingredients

Method

For the pudding 200g rhubarb, chopped into 1½ – 2 cm lengths 2 tbsp blackcurrant cordial 80g caster sugar 1½ tbsp cornflour 150g strawberries, hulled and quartered 175g butter 175g caster sugar 3 large free-range eggs 2 tsp ground ginger 175g self-raising flour 125g crystallised ginger, chopped into small pieces

Grease six metal dariole moulds and line the bottoms with a small circle of parchment paper.

In a saucepan, cook the rhubarb, blackcurrant cordial and caster sugar until it starts to soften. Once softened stir in the cornflour. Take off heat and stir in the quartered strawberries add mixture to prepared moulds.

For the crème Anglaise 1 vanilla pod 250ml of double cream 250ml of full-fat milk 6 free-range eggs, yolks only 75g caster sugar

This sweet is brought to you by the Chef at The Millhouse Hotel -Riverside Restaurant, Sharnbrook,Beds

Preheat the oven to 180C Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth, add the eggs. Sieve the flour and ground ginger into this, add the crystallised ginger.

Add mixture to dariole moulds, three quarters full.

Place moulds into a roasting tray half filled with hot water.

Place into the oven for roughly 30 minutes.

To make the crème Anglaise, scrape out the seeds from the vanilla pod. Over a medium heat bring the vanilla seeds, cream and milk to the boil. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and caster sugar. Gradually pour in the hot milk and whisk together. Transfer to a clean saucepan, cook over a low heat, constantly stirring until it starts to thicken. Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, strain through a fine sieve into a serving jug.

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Media Telesales Executive Required We are seeking a highly motivated sales person to join our expanding team here at Affinity and be part of this luxury lifestyle brand.

You will be required to sell advertising space within our magazines.

Sales experience would be preferred although applications from confident, outgoing individuals who are well organised, professional and driven to achieve targets are welcome.

The vacancy is on a self employed, commission only basis with great earning potential for the right applicant, hours are negotiable on a part or full time basis.

So if you are someone who is hungry and can achieve targets, then we want to hear from you.

Please Contact: Jane Fry (Editor) jane@affinitymag.co.uk

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Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:59 Page 46

Wilden’s Annual MayDay Fayre One of the largest village fetes for miles around will be opening in Wilden on the first Bank Holiday in May. At 1pm on 6th May 2013 the Bedford Pipe Band will march down Wilden High Street, ahead of the May Queen and King and their attendants, to Wilden Village Hall. The residents of Wilden first came up with the idea of a MayDay Fayre in 1979, and 30 years later it is more successful than ever.

display during the day, and an evening buffet with profits to the MayDay fund, so there are lots of attractions for the whole family in Wilden this Bank Holiday MayDay. There is plenty of temporary parking, but arrive in good time if you want to see the Bedford Pipe Band and MayDay procession parade down Wilden High Street at 1pm on 6th May.

Home-made cakes, sweets, jams and country produce will be on sale, as well as plants, toys and books. Children can still spend their pocket money on the Wheel of Fortune, Pick a Lolly, Eggs in Sawdust, the Treasure Hunt or Hook a Boat, and when their pennies have run out there is plenty of free stuff on offer, including a children’s entertainer, Chris’s Animal Encounters. Irish Dancing and bagpipe displays.

The Victoria Arms pub in Wilden is joining in the fun with a beer and cider festival and tractor

Bedford Wheels for friendly professional advice with competitive prices The price we quote is the price you pay!

Vehicle Servicing - Cars and Commercial Vehicles ∙ Established 17 years ∙ Genuine Vehicle Service Parts Used (Maintaining Warranty) ∙ Courtesy Cars Available ∙ Car Collection & Delivery ∙ MOT Repairs Carried Out ∙ Bedford Wheels carries out full and interim servicing by professional technicians ∙ Specialists in High Performance Car Tyres

Mon - Fri 8am-5.30pm Sat 8am-1pm

Bedford Wheels 56 College St. Kempston Bedford MK42 8LU T: 01234 216 662 F: 01234 400 047 info@bedford-wheels.co.uk www.bedford-wheels.co.uk Bedford Wheels for Vehicle Servicing & Tyres, Technology you can Lean on!

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WIN! WIN! WIN! SIX Tickets for ABBA and the 80’s Tribute Night at The Sharnbrook Hotel on Fri 26th April You are always guaranteed a great night at one of The Sharnbrook Hotel’s theme nights, and here at Affinity we believe in making sure our readers have fun.

One lucky reader is going to win six tickets to this fun event. You can come along with five friends to dance the night away to ABBA hits and sounds of the 80’s at The Sharnbrook Hotel, Sharnbrook, Beds.

The tickets include buffet, dessert and coffee To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize tell us the name of a member of ABBA and send your answer to info@affinitymag.co.uk by 18th April 2013.

If you’re not lucky enough to win tickets you can purchase tickets direct from the hotel on 01234 783142 www.thesharnbrookhotel.com

The Red Pepper Catering Consultant was conceived in 2003, my own catering business and a dream come true!

With Red Pepper I have built up an excellent reputation and my passion for Food and using fresh seasonal ingredients is always at the forefront of any dish I am cooking Whether you’re looking to cater for a private dinner party, birthday, funeral, christening, wedding or just looking to have a fun evening in with some friends then contact us

I look forward to hearing from you as I would love to meet with you and discuss and personalise your occasion - I have drive and passion for my services as well as the food I cook - You don’t have to go to a restaurant to eat exquisite food

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:59 Page 48

Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Hundreds of satisďŹ ed customers

Over 36 years of experience in the window business We have built an enviable reputation for quality products and customer satisfaction. Traditional or contemporary, the choice is yours.

Visit Our Showroom Today, Your Home Will Thank You Apollo House, Aston Road, Bedford MK42 0LJ

T: 01234 400500 F: 01234 400501 E: trade@bwstrade.co.uk

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Furnishers For people who love choice, quality and value

Furniture made to your specifications in OAK, PINE, MAHOGANY and YEW FINISHES

Large collection of Mirrors, Clocks, Headboards, Accessories, Mattresses to go

Garden furniture arriving in April!

CARLO FURNISHERS ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE WE OFFER A LIFETIME LOYALTY DISCOUNT! To get your voucher log onto www.carlofurnishers.com and fill in your details on the ‘Special Customer Discount’ section - it’s that easy!

www.carlofurnishers.com 127 Barkers Lane Bedford MK41 9RT 01234 355 525

Visit our showroom at Google Maps

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Sunday: 11am - 4pm

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:59 Page 50

Professional Building Services ‐ Loft Conversions ‐ Extensions ‐ Refurbishments

Free Consultation All Work Guaranteed Fully Insured Qualified Project Management

‐ Design ‐ Planning ‐ Construction

SB Construction Management Ltd Bromham - Bedford T: 01234 826 339 M: 07825 129 017 E: sales@sbconstructionmanagement.co.uk w: www.sbconstructionmanagement.co.uk

Simply Tree Services We are fully insured and all work undertaken is carried out with respect for you and your property.

Pruning Crown Lifting Crown Reduction Tree Removal Crown Thinning Sectional Dismantling Stump Grinding Hedge Work Garden Clearance

Please call for a Free quote

100% Recycle

Tel: 01234 330796 Mob: 07866 554673 info@simplytreeservices.co.uk www.simplytreeservices.co.uk

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 09:59 Page 51

Let the sun in

Metal Celadon Decorative Bowl ÂŁ10.00 Tesco

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Sullivan Chair, Plain Yellow £899 John Lewis

Felt Flower Cushion £15 Next

Contemporary Bottle Vase Citron £7 F&f Home

Cushion Matalan

Beehive Treat Jar £10 Next Smile Word £10 Next

Mighty-b Bean Bag Chair £99.99 alezxanderandpearl.co.uk

Elmwood Cabinet £795 gong.co.uk

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Toronto Chair Marks & Spencer

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Pallazzio Sofa in Yellow £2600 sofadesign.co.uk

Delphine Harlequin Loren Chair £695 alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Lemonade Frame Print £40 Next George's 50's £895 gong.co.uk

Ferm Living Bird Leaves Silk Cushion £59 cloudberryliving.co.uk

Handmade Vintage Cushion £60 miafleur.com

Rosaline 3 Seater Sofa £1899 darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

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Affinitygardening

April Tips... ⧫ Beware late frosts and keep vulnerable plants and new shoots protected at night if frost is forecast.

Don’t be tempted to put out tender bedding until much later on in the month and even then be prepared to cover if necessary. ⧫ Deadhead daffodils and narcissi, give them a liquid feed or sprinkling of bonemeal and then let them die down. Don’t cut off the leaves as they are necessary to replenish the bulb for next year. ⧫ Continue with the spring cleaning.

Hoe your borders, getting rid of weeds before they take hold. ⧫ Now the soil is warming up and things are starting to grow, add general purpose fertiliser before covering with mulch - especially in borders, the fruit and vegetable patch and containers. If you have already mulched, draw it back (if possible), tease the soil a little, add fertiliser and replace the mulch. ⧫ Make new beds and borders - mark the shape with sand trickled from a bottle, remove the top layer of growing vegetation and dig the ground over, incorporating as much organic matter as possible.

F

Flower of the Month

ragrant flowers are always a joy in the garden and with a heady, strong fragrance, the Lily of the Valley is popular, not only for its scent, but also for its ground-covering, spreading properties in shady conditions. Lily of the Valley flowers bloom in the spring months of April and May. Little bell shaped flowers hang in racemes above dark green leaves.

Lily of the Valley need protecting from full sun, they prefer growing in the shade in a humus-rich soil that’s kept moist. Mature plants can reach a height of 23cm and spread 30cm. They’re easily divided in the autumn months of September to November by digging up the clumps of plants and gently dividing the roots into smaller clumps.

The Lily of the Valley flower supposedly symbolises the return of happiness, sweetness and a feeling of contentment.

Affinity Loves.......

Hot Pot BBQ Unique BBQ design The Hot Pot BBQ is the ingenious combination of a pot plant and BBQ in one single package. It may appear to be a terracotta pot and plant but lift of the top and inside is a fully working grill. Why not grow some herbs in the top to complement your food? £99.00 www.livingitup.co.uk 56

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G. Butler

Loft and Garage Conversion Specialist We will provide a service from planning to completion █ █ █ █ █ █

Over 23 years experience Free quotes Professional advice Design, planning & construction available All work fully insured Local business

01234 327205 07801 880557 www.loftconversionsbedfordshire.co.uk The space above your head is the room you have always dreamed of

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 10:00 Page 56

Tumblers £4.50 Each John Lewis

Fresh Produce Wooden Trays - £13.95 Each dotcomgiftshop.com

Sugar Shaker £7 John Lewis

RETRO Revival Ben de Lisi, Breakfast Tea Pot £23 Debenhams

Vintage Storage Tins £7 - £12 John Lewis

Ben de Lisi Lemonade Tin Tray £10 Debenhams

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Retro Digital Radio £199.95 John Lewis

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Ben De Lisi Toast rack & Butter Dish £16 Debenhams

Vintage Bicycle Metal Sign £5.95 dotcomgiftshop.com

Kellogs Glass Bottle £6 Heatons

Vintage Boneless Shoulder Chopping Board £30 John Lewis

Marmite Storage Tin £7 John Lewis

Retro Kitchen Timer £12 John Lewis

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Jelly Tea Towel £6 John Lewis

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 10:00 Page 58

Access all Areas

T

his May sees the launch of Formula 1 nights at The Sharnbrook Hotel & Vesuvio restaurant.

The evening will give people an access all areas opportunity to enjoy a three course meal while digesting the experiences of seasoned Grand Prix personnel.

The evening will have a wealth of guest speakers sharing their varying experiences from within Formula 1 giving you insight and bringing you closer to understanding the action.

Principal guest speaker will be Jerome D’Ambrosio who is a Belgian racing driver of Italian descent. He drove for

Marussia Virgin Racing during the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship, had a contract with the Lotus F1 Team as test driver in 2012 and has now been confirmed as a reserve driver for Lotus F1 Team 2013.

The evening will also provide an insight into other aspects of the sport, with Mark Dickens the artist who was commissioned by Bernie Ecclestone to follow the global roadshow and paint each circuit of the 2011 season.

He has a unique perspective on the inside track of F1 which involved collaborating at the very highest level.

F1 Therapist James Milligan who is a driver trainer, therapist and personal 60

assistant to Bruno Senna also provides race team therapy services at all events.

Marc Priestly is The F1 Race Mechanic. Marc or F1Elvis as he's affectionately known in the paddock, spent almost a decade as a Formula 1 race mechanic and member of the pitstop crew at McLaren Racing.

Having worked with an impressive list of drivers, including many world champions, he's now moved into the media and broadcasting side of the sport he loves.

If F1 is your passion then this is a night definitely not to be missed.

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F1 Night: Access All Areas will be coming to Sharnbrook on Wednesday 1st May 2013 at only £35 per person – if you would like to make a reservation or require further information visit www.thesharnbrookhotel.com or contact Ciro on 01234 783142

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BOATING Tan Boat Shoes £50 River Island

Bertie Bounce £65 Mens at Dune

Blue Harbour Boat Shoes £49.50 Marks & Spencer

Barracuda £65 Mens at Dune

Hawkins Boat Lace £64.99 Office

NAUTICA Boat Shoes £65 Debenhams

Sinbad Boat Shoe £64.99 Office

River Island Deck Shoes £45 Next

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 10:01 Page 61

Fry’s

footie corner

W

e now approach the last month of the football season, which is the business end of the season and at the moment it is very exciting at the top and the bottom in all three divisions of the Football League. The relegation battle in League Two where two teams could lose their Football League status is the most fascinating it has been for many years with, at the time of writing, the bottom of six separated by just one point.

On the promotion front, Gillingham have been top since the start of the campaign and it is very hard to maintain that consistency through the 46 games. Port Vale are another side that have been there or thereabouts since the start of the season. They have had a recent wobble, but I fully expect them to maintain their form for an automatic promotion place.

www.theposh.com their worst season to date in terms of results and need a miracle to reach the play-offs.

Burton Albion are the surprise package in League Two. They were nearly relegated last term, but they have put together an unbelievable run, scoring plenty of goals, and have a good chance of defying the odds for promotion.

Cheltenham, Exeter, Northampton and Rotherham United are in a decent position to attack and they are also pretty comfortable in the play-off spots at the time of writing.

The battle to retain Championship status is hotting up with up to half a dozen teams still in a relegation dogfight and any slip up during April when there are a lot of games and the transfer deadline has passed, could be very critical. To retain that status is worth £5 million to clubs so I am sure the bottom three will not be known until the final day of the season.

In League One, the relegation battle appears to be between six clubs fighting to stay above the line. Four from Portsmouth, Bury, Hartlepool United, Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe United and Colchester look set for the drop and they are all having difficulties in putting a run together. Oldham became the 20th club to change their manager since January 1st when they appointed the youngest boss in the Football League with Lee Johnson taking charge, aged 31. Lee can call on the experience of his father Gary, who is in charge at Yeovil and has previously been in charge at Bristol City, Peterborough United and Northampton Town, as well as international experience at Latvia.

Up the other end, teams are chasing the dream of the Promised Lane and with the new solidarity payment plan in place, promotion could be worth over £150 million.

Cardiff City have been out in front for many months now and although they have wobbled lately, I still think they will win the title.

The battle is for second and there are six clubs in the mix so it is still wide open with nerves playing a vital part in the run-in. Normally in the last month of the season, interest in the matches is far greater and the stadiums are packed. We are looking forward to an exciting end and here at Peterborough, we are fighting for our lives.

At the top of League One, it is a very open affair with any one of 10 clubs believing they have a realistic chance of obtaining one of the two automatic promotion places.

There are some big clubs in this shake up. Doncaster Rovers, Brentford, Sheffield United, AFC Bournemouth have all been near the top throughout the season and are in with a shout.

Unusually, we have a better away record than our home form and we need to rectify that, but nevertheless we are still battling away and if we can stay clear of injuries and suspensions, I am hoping and praying that we can stay up.

Enjoy the end of the season.

The biggest disappointment in League One for me is MK Dons, who I fully expected to be promoted this year. They have had a horrendous injury list and this has resulted in 63

Barry Fry

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G

et backcombing that beehive and shake a tail feather down to Milton Keynes Theatre this month as feel-good musical Hairspray is in town.

Whether you are a fan of the original 1988 cult classic movie starring Ricki Lake or you have seen the recent 2007 flick featuring John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer, you won’t be disappointed at this stage version.

In the same way that you just can’t stop the stars shining in the sky – you can’t stop Hairspray. Hairspray is a massive feel good production with show stopping, toe tapping numbers.

The global phenomenon that is Hairspray first took up residence in the UK at The Shaftsbury Theatre in London in 2007, and since 2010 it’s been bouncing its’ way around the country on tour.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves.

Stage and screen star Mark Benton will be taking on the role of Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad. Mark comes with a back catalogue so

big it needs a whole sheet of A4 paper, but people will probably remember him most recently as Chalky in BBC’s Waterloo Road.

Mark’s already been getting into the zone when it comes to being a woman – with daily practice to master his size 10 high heels!!!

Mark told us, “I was approached when I was doing the TV show Waterloo Road and I thought it would be a great adventure. It’s a bit of a departure for me because it’s my first musical and my first drag role – I don’t believe in doing things by half! It’s amazing fun and an interesting challenge for me! As a musical I think it has everything, great songs, great script, a really interesting story and lots and lots of laughs...I hope!”

You can’t ignore the dancing which is a huge part of the production and here a big nod goes to choreographer Jerry

Milton Keynes Theatre Mon 1st – Sat 6th April 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes 65

Mitchell for the energetic routines which are as vibrant as the bubblegum coloured set!

The show is packed full of cheery numbers such as ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ which make the corners of your mouth start to curl upwards and stay like that till the curtain falls.

Hairspray is the musical with everything - the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold-out houses in London, on Broadway and theatres around the globe.

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Porsche Cayman It’s bigger, better, S

forward and the roof line that reaches far back.

Especially expressive and characteristic are the dynamic recesses in the doors, which guide induction air into the distinctive scoops on the rear side panels and from there directly to the engine. These offer the most prominent visual signal of the car's mid-engined layout.

ince its debut in 2005, the Cayman has earned a particular reputation as a driver's car. For the latest model, the two-seater has been newlydeveloped from the ground up and - after the 911 Carrera and Boxster roadster - is the third sports car model series from Porsche to feature innovative lightweight body design.

From the front, the new Cayman is marked by its dominant cooling air intakes, which increase in size towards the sides of the car. Integrated into these, far outboard, are the round front lights with four-point daytime running lights or position lights, serving as a further unmistakable identifying feature of the new Cayman.

Consequently, the new Cayman is up to 30 kg lighter than the prior model, depending on the specific version and equipment, and offers up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency- despite its increased engine output and driving performance.

The new Cayman is more distinctive than ever. Its proportions are new, and yet it is clearly a Porsche sports coupe; an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs and 18- or 19-inch diameter wheels with larger rolling circumference are identifying visual characteristics of the car's more enhanced driving performance. Its, styling is marked by precise lines and razor-sharp sculpted edges. They emphasise the car's low, extended silhouette with the windscreen shifted

Just as unique to the new generation of the sports coupe is the rear boot-lid made of aluminium and the rear section with its wrap-around edges. At the upper edge of the rear window, an LED brake light spanning the entire width of the glass is easily spotted by traffic behind. Mounted directly to the tailgate is the thin blade of the rear spoiler, which - in contrast to that of the Boxster - is higher and deploys at a steeper angle.

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stronger and longer!

Chrono package); top speed 176 mph, with PDK 174 mph; fuel consumption (NEDC) 32.1 mpg, CO2 206 g/km; with PDK 35.3 mpg, CO2 188 g/km.

Sporting engines with ample torque Porsche offers two exceptional flat six 'boxer' engines in the Cayman, a 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre, which both combine ample torque with high power in the upper engine rev range. One consequence of this high-revving concept is that although the 2.7-litre has a 0.2-litre reduction in engine displacement compared with the previous 2.9-litre unit, it still develops a higher power output.

New Porsche Cayman in the UK The new Porsche Cayman appeared in Porsche Centres last month (March). The Cayman is priced from ÂŁ39,694 and the Cayman S priced from ÂŁ48,783.

Standard equipment on the Cayman includes air conditioning, CD audio with seven-inch touch-screen control interface, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic headlight activation, auto stopstart function, electronic parking brake, 'Sport' button, 18-inch alloy wheels, top tinted windscreen, floor mats and a three year warranty. In addition to the more powerful, larger capacity engine, the Cayman S adds 19inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior, and Bi-Xenon headlights.

The new Cayman engines: an overview: Cayman 2.7-litre flat-six cylinder engine with 275 hp (202 kW); rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); acceleration 0 - 62 mph 5.7 sec, with PDK in 5.6 sec (5.4 sec with Sport Chrono package); top speed 165 mph, with PDK 164 mph; fuel consumption (NEDC) 34.4 mpg, CO2 192 g/km; with PDK 36.7 mpg, CO2 180 g/km.

Customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone. Oooh I know where Affinity will be off to later this month!

Cayman S 3.4-litre flat-six cylinder engine with 325 hp (239 kW); rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); acceleration 0 - 62 mph 5.0 sec, with PDK 4.9 sec (4.7 sec with Sport 67

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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 8, Violet 6, 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

To Push or Not to Push? It’s Not Always an Option!

O

ne subject that will get any Mumsnet forum, Blog, Facebook page or in fact anywhere buzzing is childbirth. You also only have to see how many television programmes there are dedicated to this topic to see its popularity (personally as my days of reproducing are now over I can’t think of anything worse than to watch ‘One Born Every Minute’!)

to the fact that ‘natural’ childbirth was the only way. Alas I cannot remember what they were as by now I was feeling uncomfortable and anxious to leave.

As soon as we got into the car I told The Husband that there was no way I was going back but he was still scared so I suggested he went back on his own. Needless to say he didn’t fancy that. Maybe I was being particularly hormonal but hey, I was pregnant! This ‘excuse’ came in handy with lots of decisions in the next few months!

Recently I read a blog* by Kirstie Allsopp regarding childbirth and the National Childbirth Trust’s (NCT) opinion on it and I am surprised that the Worldwide Web didn’t go into meltdown as the floodgates were well and truly opened!

As I had told my midwife about my NCT classes I wasn’t offered any NHS ones and to be honest that one class had put me off all classes. I figured that millions of women had given birth and I had also read loads of copies of Mother and Baby so I would be as prepared as I ever could be!! My actual birth plan was to give birth as naturally as possible, however if I needed drugs or a csection, then so be it. The only stipulations that were set in stone were ‘I will not do it naked unless everyone else in the room is naked’ and ‘I will not do it on all fours’! I did contemplate looking at a home birth, however I rather fancied returning home with my new baby to a nice clean home!

I tend to agree with Kirstie on this whereby she states that the NCT does do alot of good, however, her experience and those that she has been told about certainly mirror my own. Of course everyone’s experiences are different and for every person that feels the NCT didn’t give them a valuable, balanced and informed antenatal experience there will always be someone who was delighted by it. However I can only judge from my own personal experience.

I decided that when I fell pregnant with my first child that I would indeed pay for NCT classes - aahh those prechild and pre-recession days of having some disposable income! This was after a friend’s recommendation as she made a great circle of friends and ten years later they still meet up. The Husband was also keen to go along as he was absolutely petrified of the impending birth!

Anyway nature decided to be rather slow and despite all our best home and medical inductions, including curry, pineapple juice and bumpy drives, child number one was eventually ‘vacuumed’ out - fifteen days after his due date!

Like I said, everyone is different, so NCT classes may be for you and maybe I got the wrong impression after my one and only class, so don’t let me sway your decision.

I found the comments after Kirstie’s blog to be very interesting as the NCT seems to be the Marmite of the ‘Mummy World’!

The evening of our first antenatal class arrived and we all entered the ‘teachers’ house looking apprehensive - well we are British and having to not only meet new people, but to then talk about such intimate things (and when sober) isn’t the ‘done’ thing, is it? So to get us to relax we had a ‘partner swapping’ quiz and no not that kind, no keys were involved!

Well so far so good I thought, but then we got onto the subject of our actual birth plans and one lady explained she needed a c-section on medical grounds, I don’t know what these grounds were and neither did I want to know.

I could immediately sense a change in the atmosphere and I am sure there must have been comments alluding

The most important outcome of any birth is that however your precious bundle arrives he/she is delivered safely and is loved and cherished. * http://kirstiemallsopp.wordpress.com

Yummy Mummy 68

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Baker by Ted Baker £18 Debenhams

Grey Balloon Romper £12 Next

Daisy Dungarees £17 Next

Babylicious

White Frill Romper £15 Next

Sheep Dungarees with Bodysuit £18 Next

Blue Zoo £12 Debenhams

Paris Embroidered T-Shirt £12 John Lewis

Stripe Hooded Romper £10 Next

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 10:02 Page 68

Atlantis Rediscovered

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adventurers and amateur archaeologists in locations ranging from Sweden to Palestine, Central Asia to Antarctica and Ireland to the Mediterranean.

According to Plato, Atlantis' population were punished for their greed and decadence by being submerged under the sea. In Dubai, where decadence is certainly not a punishable offence, Plato's lost city has been recreated in hotel form at Atlantis, The Palm Hotel.

It has been described as the maddest hotel in Dubai, so just what is it that makes Atlantis so crazy? Well, for starters, it's situated in the centre of a manmade sand island shaped like a palm tree. The two 120-metre high towers that span the site are linked by a bridge containing what's quite possibly the world's most expensive suite — at £22,000, this is the place to check in to if you’ve won the lottery!

There's arguably no point staying in a hotel called Atlantis though, if you're not actually underwater. Fortunately, the hotel's Lost Chambers suites provide views from both the bedroom and the bathroom windows into a lagoon filled with 65,000 marine animals. So you can relax on your bed and watch giant manta rays float by, or sit on the toilet and admire the sharks!

The hotel has twenty restaurants, so whether you’re looking for an award-winning meal á deux, secluded romance under the stars, quick bites on the go or a good old-fashioned family dinner, from celebration to intimate setting, Atlantis has the perfect dining venue for you, or if you choose not to leave your room, your personal 24hour butler can organise room service.

By day, guests can frolic in the 42-acre Aquaventure waterpark, built to look like an Atlantean monument, where waterslides like whitewater rapids shoot you through a 'shark-infested lagoon' (presumably the sharks are on the outside) before 'water escalators' take you back up to the top for another go. There's also the chance to swim with those ever-obliging dolphins at a dubiouslynamed 'conservation centre'.

F

lashy, fun, flamboyant, Dubai has it all, it is famed for its sun, sand and duty-free shopping.

The hotel's pride and joy, however, is the Lost Chambers — supposedly 'modelled on the architecture of Atlantis'.

The Lost Chambers brings the myth of Atlantis to life through a maze of underground tunnels offering underwater views into the boulevards of the ruins of Atlantis, an exotic array of sea creatures, mystical antiquities and ancient ruins. Twenty fresh and salt-water pools and lagoon exhibits forming the Ambassador Lagoon house over 65,000 fish and marine species from tropical to regional including sharks and manta rays

Not to mention its staggering, ever increasing wealth, displayed for all the world to see in its glamorous science fiction skyscrapers.

Anything’s possible in this ambitious, glitzy city; massive manmade islands shaped to depict the world; ski slopes in one of the most arid corners of the planet and championship golf courses in the desert, as well as hotels that are included in some of the worlds most exciting and luxurious.

So, if you're determined to find the fabled lost city, book a flight to Dubai — it may be expensive, but it's still cheaper than a submarine!!

The Greek philosopher Plato created the legend of Atlantis, a great empire founded by the sea-god Poseidon.

Although scholars agree that Plato's tale was just that, the lost city of Atlantis has long captured our imaginations.

Its’ remains have been ‘found’ over the years by psychics,

Rooms from £1585 per person for 7 nights Bed and Breakfast in May 2013 71

www.atlantisthepalm.com

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Ask Sue...

Sue has over 30 years experience in the psychic field and is an authority on crystals and psychic energy, and is a world renowned Tarot reader and teacher!

I

You use the word ‘happy’. Is that a word that would be likely to be associated with your ex relationship? If not, why waste the happiness that you have already won on a chance at something which went so badly wrong before.

have been an inconsiderate bully and selfish husband for 8 years and have recently come to realise this. I have also realised that my wife was seeing someone else for a while and this has torn my heart in two. I have promised I have changed my ways and I am trying to prove it to her. Have I lost my wife?

Claude. D

I

am going through a divorce that has so far taken nine years, he is not being honest on the financial side. All I want is to keep the house. I am not interested in his business or anything else. Is this fair and do you see a conclusion happening soon and in the end will I get what I want?

Natasha

HI Claude, She is not lost yet, but 8 years takes a lot of effort to prove change. For many years you were too committed to work and friends to notice her pain, and now you need to show her that you are beginning to know how she feels. She tried and tried, and needs you to do the same, so that she can know that you really mean it and do not turn into the husband from hell the minute she starts seeing you again as her lover... She cannot be broken again, or it will be irrevocable. You must take pains to show her that your change is permanent, but you must also make sure for her sake, that it is; or not go there.

HI Natasha the problem with a man who wants to keep hold of all the Aces is that he will most likely still try to beat you down if you offer him this deal. It would seem more possible that you will get what you want if you ask for a little more than just the house, but infer that you may be open to an offer from him, and let him suggest this. The Eight of Swords keeps coming up, which reminds us that this has been bouncing between the lawyers, that it just keeps rolling on regardless. A onetime offer for a deal; (possibly wisest through your solicitor,) with a time limit on acceptance should see you sorted to your advantage within the year. This is a man who wants to appear fair to others, but isn’t really interested in actually being fair in his own eyes.

If you appeal to his selfish side, as in what he gets out of it, rather than all that you want out of it, it should go far more your way.

I

am in a very loving long term relationship and feel happy, but an old flame is now in the background and would like us to try again. We were together for a long time and I am confused as to how I feel and what to do. Can you help?

Cathy. S HI Cathy. The old flame will always burn brightly in the mind, but memories of a flame have little warmth. Exes are exes for a reason, and that reason will be very unlikely to have changed. Why lose what you have taken so long to build with a new love, just to return to old difficulties.

Sue offers one to one readings on a private basis, workshops, courses and much more www.sanctuary-bedford.co.uk 01234 327090

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The Best-laid Plans …

Still, these things clearly take time. There was some official stuff to negotiate, lots of design and discussion – and suddenly Christmas was upon us. And still no coffee shop in sight. So, new target date, mid-February.

O

kay, so we decided that we would fill a gap in the market. Patchwork and quilting, plus all the other crafts that we sell supplies for … and – coffee! and tea and sarnies and cakes and soft drinks, and, well, you get the picture.

We started the process rolling in November - five long months ago. How hard can it be, we wondered. We’d simply use five metres of the front of the shop, put in a proper kitchen, a counter, get some appliances, and off we’d go. We’d be in business by mid-January. We’ve been in the food industry before, and we pretty much knew what the health and safety requirements were; they weren’t a problem. We quickly found some people to run it, so that wasn’t a problem, either.

We have a new workshop, and after Christmas we began moving the shop back into the space that the old workshop occupied, plus more space behind that. So the space for the coffee shop wasn’t an issue. And then we waited for the tradesmen to front up and build the kitchen and put in the electricity and plumbing. All of that takes time, obviously, but time seems to stretch, and here we are, in mid-March, and we’ve now got the basic building done and the power in. We’ve got most of the appliances we need and we’re dealing with the likely suppliers of food and beverages. A bit of decoration and set-up, and we’ll be good to go.

So it’s moving now, and we think we’ll have O For Coffee up and running by mid-April, if not a little earlier. Drop by and have a cuppa!

Opening Soon! in mid-April For all your advertising needs jane@affinitymag.co.uk julia@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 www.affinitymag.co.uk facebook.com/AffinityMag @affinitymagz

A big thank you to all our advertisers

O

for Coffee

Oakley’s Only Tea and Coffee Shop We’ll be offering tea, coffee, sandwiches, cakes, soft drinks and lots of other goodies

and it’s part of

TudorRose Patchwork Your LOCAL Threadcraft Hobby Shop! http://www.tudorrosepatchwork.co.uk

Present this Magazine and get Phone 01234 824983 10% off your next Purchase!* info@tudorrosepatchwork.co.uk *Cannot be used with other offers

Station Road, Oakley MK43 7RB

Affinity April 2013 _Layout 1 copy 22/03/2013 10:02 Page 72

I have a dream I have had this reccuring dream about 5 times in the last six months. I am back in my first job when I was sixteen (I am now 38), in a department store on the cosmetics counter - I am always looking for stuff relevant to my job eg: creams, perfumes etc.

Thank you for sending me your dream. You say it started about six months ago and the first thing I would ask is that you consider what may have happened around August/September 2012. Your dream suggests an event or challenge from that time has got your attention.

You also say you've had it about five times over those months, so it's worth keeping a dream diary to understand why you have this dream when you do. If its once a month, it's even worth checking if it corresponds with your monthly cycle as hormones (and hormone imbalance) can cause dreams which capture our attention.

My Top Tips to help you Sparkle: * Have a think about what has changed in the last six months and how these events may have stirred up some memories of your past.

You say in your dream you're back at your first job, and so it may be you're experiencing now the highs and lows which accompany experiences that take us out of our comfort zone (like starting a new job). You may have a new boss, taken on a new role, or developed a hobby (or problem) which reveals opportunities but nonetheless is having an impact on your life in some way.

* Did you love or hate your first job? How did you feel when you got it? Make a note of the feelings, thoughts and emotions which you felt at the time and how this may mirror what's happening for you now. * What are you searching for? It may be that you've lost direction or want to find something new in your working life. Ask a friend to sit with you and discuss what you enjoy work-wise and what you do well, then see if your existing role (or one you would like) brings out the best in you.

In your dream you are searching for things relevant to your job, and searching dreams can reflect periods of uncertainly caused by change.

Perhaps you have been considering a career change, or are looking for something less (or more) demanding than what you have now. You don't mention how you felt when you were searching for the creams and perfumes in your dream and this would be important to the interpretation. If you felt anxious, this may mirror anxiety you have when you have the dream; if you felt calm perhaps this acknowledges natural progression from one path to another.

In the meantime, stay sparkling

Delphi xx If you would like Delphi to interpret your dream or nightmare please send your dream to info@affinitymag.co.uk (Names can be withheld)

How you also felt about your first job may echo what's happening in your life now.

www.officialdelphiellis.com 74

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A quiet night in.......

What happens when imagination collides with reality?

When unexpected thoughts and unspoken desires start populating the imagination of a married mother of two, should she swat them away, and keep living the life she has chosen?

Concentrate on marital sex and cooking her husband’s dinner?

Perhaps she could write a blog under a pseudo-name (Lucrezia Borgia): on those pages, imaginary character Emma Bovary is free to live the alternative, fuller and exciting life the real person wishes for, separated from her own desires by two levels of fiction (Lucrezia and Emma).

When a real Mr Lost (by his wife) stumbles across Emma’s blog, how long will it take him to peel off the many layers of make-believe, and find the real woman?

And what, exactly, will be Lost?

Available from Amazon on Kindle

DVD release Latest cinema release Release Date 12th April

H

S

aunted by the failure to catch London's most evil killer, Jack the Ripper, Inspector Edmund Reid (Matthew Macfadyen) now heads up the notorious H Division - the toughest police district in the East End. Charged with keeping order in the blood-stained streets of Whitechapel, Reid and his men find themselves fighting to uphold justice and the rule of law; but always in the background lurks the fear of the Ripper - is he back for another reign of terror.

The shadow of the Ripper is still felt in the neighbourhood by the vigilantes, the sensation-seeking newspaper hacks and the men who hunted - and failed to find - the notorious murderer. It seems that even though the notorious killer has disappeared, there are plenty more willing to stain the streets of Whitechapel with their victims' blood...

uperstar Tom Cruise must fight to save the human race in this epic sci-fi spectacular. In the future, Earth lies devastated and scorched - the result of a decadeslong war between humans and an invading alien race called Scavs. The majority of Earth's population have long since abandoned the planet but a select few still remain.

Among them is drone repairman Jack Harper (Tom Cruise). Safely stationed in the skies thousands of feet above, Jack is responsible for extracting vital resources from the planet's surface. His job is nearly complete - but Jack's life changes forever when he makes the fateful decision to rescue a stranger from a downed spacecraft.

A stranger who apparently shares a connection to his past... This development causes him to question all he knows, and Jack unexpectedly finds himself fighting for the future of all humanity. Cruise teams up with Tron: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski for this visually dazzling post-apocalyptic tale

Release Date: 18th March 75

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

What’s On April 2013 Thurs 28th March - Sun 22nd September Jurasic Golf Queens Court, thecentre:mk Jurassic Golf is a thrilling 12 hole adventure golf course, complete with one roaring and moving Tyrannosaurus Rex and 11 static life size dinosaurs, artificial rocks, crushed military plan, a stranded military jeep and lush vegetation, creating the mood of a land that time forgot. A perfect location for family fun, players of all ages can take to the course encountering fun challenges to test their golfing skills. Velociraptor, Brachiosaurs and Allosaurus are amongst the playful species roaring and watching you on the course.

Fri 29th March – Sun 14th April Easter Family Fun At Odds Farm Park At Odds Farm Park – voted “Farm Park Of The Year 2013” there’s heaps of Easter Fun! Youngsters can follow the Chick Trail around the farm and get a Yummy Treat. Plus, with plenty of cute fluffy Lambs to Bottle Feed, the return of Tractor & Trailer Rides and fun in the Giant Indoor Playbarn, there’s so much to do.

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Bucks, www.oddsfarm.co.uk Mon 1st – Sat 6th April Little Chef Cookery Classes – Fun cookery (and art!)

The Larder, Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge After The Larder’s successful week of hosting children’s cookery classes as part of their Love Food festival, they are back with another week of fun (and affordable!) classes for children – from fairy cake decorating and pizza making to clay modelling with a foodie twist.

Spend the day with the children at Burwash Manor: After the classes, visit Burwash’s traditional country toyshop, the Rocking Horse, or follow the Running Fox nature trail: maybe you’ll spy a dragonfly or a new born lamb!

Take some time out for yourself: Why not drop the children off at the Food Hall’s lovely cookery marquee, and take some wellearned time out to explore Burwash’s 6 shops, tea-rooms and day spa.

01223 264600 info@burwashlarder.com Mon 8th – Sat 13th April The Woman in Black Milton Keynes Theatre Everybody in the theatre can hear you scream!

Unanimously acclaimed by the critics, Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s best selling novel combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It is a formula that provides audiences with an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world.

A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a ‘Woman in Black’,

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engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but as they reach further into his darkest memories the borders between make believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep... www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Tues 9th - Sat 13th April High Society The Royal and Derngate Cole Porter’s timeless classic High Society brings the glories of Hollywood’s Golden Age, in a dazzling new production from the acclaimed producers of The King and I. Adapted from the hit 1956 film starring screen legends Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, High Society fizzes with a host of beautiful ballads including True Love, You’re Sensational and the unforgettable Well, Did You Evah! This uplifting, sparkling show proves Porter’s classic musical style and effervescent wit will never go out of fashion.

Royal & Derngate are staging a themed evening of vintage Hollywood glamour for the show’s first night in Northampton on Tuesday 9th April. Audiences are encouraged to look their most de-lovely for the red carpet, and a special cocktail has been devised for the show’s run by the theatre’s café, Eat & Drink. www.royalandderngate.co.uk or 01604 624811

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Weds 10th April Kimbolton Flower Club Kimbolton Castle 2pm. (doors open at 1pm).

There is to be an open meeting with Michael Bowyer, MBE, international demonstrator presenting a '' Springtime Serenade''.

Tickets are £12. 50 and include light refreshments.

Mo Brown on 01480 860202 Weds 10th April The Sagas Of Noggin The Nog 2.30pm Stantonbury Campus Theatre, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire How young Noggin became King of the Nogs and sailed to the Land of The Midnight Sun to find his bride. And how, in the Tale of the Ice Dragon, a small and fierce looking man wielding a sword tells of his home in the Hotwater Valley and his people who are hiding from a huge terrifying Dragon.Funny actors, puppets, projections and live music. Suitable for ages 3+ £8.00 / children £5.50 / family ticket £23.00 01908 324422 Fri 12th April Olly Murs Tribute Night Whittlebury Hall Hotel Join Joe Scripps in a show that charts this X-Factor runner up’s epic journey from the stage to the recording studio. ‘Dance with Olly Tonight’ is a must for all fans of this singing sensation. As well as performing Olly’s hits, Joe will be singing album tracks and some of the most popular songs the star performed on the hit TV talent show. www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call the Events Team on 0845 400 0003 Weds 17th April Sandy Horticultural Association 7.30pm Quince Court Sandy 'Finding Plants in The Wild' will be presented by Joe Sharman £2.50 members £3.50 visitors.

extraordinary roller-choreography and some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most memorable musical hits. Buckle up; the race is truly back on! www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes Fri 26th April Robbie Williams Tribute Night Whittlebury Hall Hotel Back by popular demand, an evening which will truly entertain you! David Bradley is one of the very few tributes out there that guarantees to deliver the excitement, stage presence and charisma of the great man himself - Mr. Robbie Williams! Come along and enjoy the fun. www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call the Events Team on 0845 400 0003 Sun 28th April Jazz Sunday Lunch Unwind with a leisurely Sunday lunch with family and friends.

Enjoy a delicious three-course carvery-style buffet, whilst listening to live entertainment with our jazz band.

Last Sunday of every month: Take in the perfectly relaxed setting and enjoy good food, amongst great company! Prices are £19.95 per adult, £9.95 for Children up to 12 yrs and under 5’s free. www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call the Events Team on 0845 400 0003 Fri 3rd May George Michael Tribute Night Whittlebury Hall Hotel Enjoy an evening of floor fillers with the ultimate George Michael tribute show and popular hits from ‘Fast Love’ to ‘Faith’ and many more. The evening includes classics George Michael performed as ‘Wham’ plus his solo hits including ‘Careless Whisper’. Join the king of pop and dance the night away.

0845 400 0003

Thurs 18th April RSPB Local Group meeting 7.30pm A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford 01234 822035 Fri 19th April Abba Fever Wyboston Lakes 7.30pm – 1.00am Delicious three course plated meal. Live entertainment and disco £39.50 per person (includes event ticket and half bottle wine) www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/social-events or 0333 7007 667 Sat 20th April The Conmitments Wyboston Lakes 7.30pm – 1.00am Delicious three course plated meal. Live entertainment and disco £39.50 per person (includes event ticket and half bottle wine) www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/social-events or 0333 7007 667 Weds 24th April – Sat 4th May Starlight Express Milton Keynes Theatre Bill Kenwright presents one of the best loved and longest running musicals in theatrical history, as the sensational Starlight Express explodes back onto the stage with a new production for 2012, destined to take the UK by electrifying storm. Light years ahead of the rest, this futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity promises to take you on the ride of a lifetime – with two hours of speed, spectacle, energy and turbo charged excitement, combined with an electrifying soundtrack, dazzling sets and costumes,

We are here with a more casual and fun approach to networking Join us on the first Thursday of each month 12.30pm – 2.00pm (starting 2nd May) for drinks and a delicious buffet lunch (May’s venue is at Asia Lounge in Bedford) Affinity’s Social Networking’s aim is to bring people and businesses together in a relaxed sociable atmosphere

Come along, meet new faces and enjoy a couple of sociable and productive hours each month £10 per person to include a drink on arrival (red/white wine, lager or soft drinks). Plus a selection of food from our hosts delicious menu

RSVP to book your place - Jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 or 07809 499669

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Family law - tailored for you.

When you have to deal with family legal issues, you'll appreciate the straight talking and honest approach of our family law team – as well as their total discretion and sensitivity.

It's an attitude that ensures the best protection all round – in every area, from relationship breakdown to pre-marital agreements. It’s also one of the reasons why our team has been ranked in the top tier of The Legal 500 for the last five years.

Previously known as Harvey Ingram Borneos, we provide expert legal advice across Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire from our offices in Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell. We can also meet with you at our meeting facility in Bedford.

www.shakespeares.co.uk Sarah Wright - Partner t: 01908 696 002 e: sarah.wright@shakespeares.co.uk Jane Charlton - Partner t: 01908 613 545 e: jane.charlton@shakespeares.co.uk

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Affinity May 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 26/03/2013 09:25 Page 2

TheVictoria Arms A Friendly Welcome Awaits

FIXed PrICe MenU On FrIday and saTUrday nIGHTs!

2 courses for £14.95 3 courses £19.95 Beef Wellington, Homemade Pie, slow roasted pork belly, Mussels in white wine, IPa beer battered haddock with handcut chips

ils.

T&C’s apply, ask in club for more deta

''Call for a FREE trial and health check with a fitness professional''

01234 763 930 fitnessfirst.co.uk

Over 50’s Wednesdays

FOUr reaL aLes

2 mains only £9.95 2 courses for £9.95 each single course £4.95

at least one will be a local real ale

The victoria arms, High st, Wilden 01234 772437

WaLK & eaT Prebook your lunch before walking one of the local country walks. you can leave your car in our car park

Food served Tuesday - Thursday 12 - 2pm Friday & saturday 12 - 2pm and 6 - 9pm sundays 12 - 4pm

Affinity May 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 26/03/2013 09:24 Page 1

APRIL 2013

ISSUE 23

FREE

APRIL 2013

Let’s Have A Ball Join us for this years Diamond & Pearl Charity Ball

Purple Power This seasons must have purples

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

WIN!

A relaxation day for 2 at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa

Can you ever fall in love... ...with someone you have never met?

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