Affinity Magazine

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2 Church Arcade Bedford TEL 01234 354026

ISSUE 22

Jewellers of Distinction

MARCH 2013

MILLMAN

FREE

MARCH 2013

Chocolate Indulgence

New Spring 2013 designs now in stock Over 600 lines currently in store Also Petite by Aagaard & Aagaard Mens range

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Easter treats for everyone

Spring Beauty Luscious lashes Trends & perfect pouts Denim Dreams

Update your man’s wardrobe

Exclusive...

Mark Moraghan on Franklin, Food & Football BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON

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A Friendly Welcome Awaits Over 50’s Wednesdays 2 mains only £9.95 or 2 courses for £9.95 each

A wonderful variety of cask ales, lagers and wines

TheVictoria Arms

Mothers Day and Easter Sunday Menu 1 course - £8.95 2 courses - £12.95 Children half price

Mains Roast Chicken or Beef with Homemade Roast Potatoes and Gravy Lamb Shank, Mash, Peas and Minted Gravy Oven Cooked Salmon on a Lemon and Pea Risotto

Dessert Apple Crumble and Custard Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard Chocolate Brownie and Ice Cream Boozy Chocolate Trifle Selection of Ice Creams

Food Served ils.

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

01234 763 930 fitnessfirst.co.uk

Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm Dinner: 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch: 12pm - 4pm

The Victoria Arms, High St, Wilden 01234 772437

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CRUISE & LUXURY TRAVEL SHOW SUNDAY SUND DAY AY 3rd 3rd d MARCH MARCH 2013 2013 SHARNBROOK TTHE H E SHARN NBR O O K HOTEL HOTT E L

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PPresentations resentations Th Throughout roughout Th The e Da Dayy Meet A Selection Of Our Experts Experts FFrom: rom: - Am AmaWaterways aWater ways - Holland America Line -A Avalon vvalon W Waterways ater ways - Hurtigruten - Azamara Club Cruises Norwegian - Nor wegian Cruise Line - Celebrity Cruises - Oceania Cruises Voyages - Cruise & Maritime V oyages - RRegent egent Seven Seas Cruises - FFred. red. Olsen Cruise Lines - RRocky ocky Mountaineer - Great RRail ail Journeys - Royal Royall Caribbean C ibb International I t ti l - Hebridean Island Cruises

- Seabourn - Star Clippers - Swan Hellenic - The River Cruise Line - Travel Travel IndoChina - Voyages Discoveryy Voyages of Discover Voyages -V oyages to Antiquity

LLUXURY UXURY LAND LAND HOLIDAYS HOLIDA AYS from the four corners of the globe featuring: - Great RRail ail Journeys - If Only - Indus TTours ours & TTravel ravel ocky Mountaineer - RRocky - Travel Travel Indochina

Culturall & Exped Expedition Ocean Cruising - Cultura ition Cruising - LLuxury uxur y Cruising - TTall all SShip hip Cruising Holidays Holidays Holidays - River Cruising - TTrain rain H olidays - TTouring ouring Holid ays - Luxury Luxur y Holid ays

FOR YOUR FREE TICKETS CALL:

01234 326758

Freephone 0800 028 0529

sales@cruiseselect.co.uk

www.cruiseselect.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 2

Are you thinking of selling your home?

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BEALES Bedford

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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

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UPLIFTING UPLIFTING EENTERTAINMENT NTERTAINMENT A ATT MKT! MKT! SHAKESPEARE’S UPLIFTING TALE OF RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS

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FIND US FIND US O ON N FFACEBOOK ACEBOOK ‘MILTON ‘MILTON KE KEYNES YNES TTHEATRE’ HEATRE’ ((bkg bkg ffee) ee) FOLLOW US FOLLOW US O ON N TTWITTER W IT T E R @MKTHEATRE @MKTHEATRE

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Welcome...

Hi everyone Wow what a busy month March is. On the 10th we have Mother’s Day and then on the 31st we have a chocolate lovers dream – EASTER! You know here at Affinity we love to help you out so we have some fantastic gifts for mum’s on page 30, chocolate for grown ups on page 42 and don’t worry we’ve not forgotten the kids, their treats are on page 69.

Last month we launched our fantastic new website where you can now read what we get up to here at Affinity on our weekly blog. There is also lots of extra news and features that are not in the magazine so make sure you pop over regularly to keep up to date. I want to say a big Thank You to Adam and Nicci who put the website together for me they made the whole process simple (I didn’t have to resort to alcohol once from the stress!) I can not recommend them highly enough so if you need a new website or your old one needs a little updating make sure you contact them www.websitesthatworkforyou.co.uk

The musical 9 – 5 comes to Milton Keynes Theatre this month and we were lucky enough to catch up with a couple of members of the cast the charming Mark Moraghan and the fabulous Jackie Clune. You can read our exclusive interview with Mark on page 65 and just pop over to our website to read what Jackie likes to do to relax!

Just a reminder that next month we are launching our brand new “Affinity Weddings” magazine (don’t worry you will still receive your normal April Affinity), this will be filled with all the things you need to make sure you have the wedding of your dreams. If you wish to appear in our wedding magazine make sure you contact us.

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mum and Happy Easter to everyone, may the Easter bunny bring you lots of yummy treats.

Jane x

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

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

Cover Image Marks & Spencer

All adverts are printed in good faith.

Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts.

Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate.

@affinitymagz facebook.com/AffinityMag

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

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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 8

Eat ‘Til your Heart’s Content

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here is so much concern around reducing cholesterol thus reducing the risk of heart attack or a stroke. But, some cholesterol is necessary for our body in a variety of ways: for the protection and functioning of our nerves, conjugating hormones, providing a multitude of signals throughout the body and for normal brain functioning. The accepted normal or healthy level of cholesterol in the blood stream is less than 5mol/l in total, which is a combination of HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) and LDL (Low Density Lipo-proteins).

Colloquially known as good and bad cholesterol, respectively. However, it may be lower if you are at risk of, or suffer from, heart disease. Hyper- cholesterolemia is essentially a lifestyle disease – other than for a minority of people with a genetic pre-disposition to high cholesterol levels from an early age.

So diet and lifestyle management can make a huge and beneficial difference, over and above reducing your consumption of saturated fat, increasing metabolism with more exercise and, reducing your stress levels – which is absolutely essential – with massage, yoga, Tai-chi and meditation.

Here are just a few of the top foods to help in the battle.

Garlic Results of studies give conflicting results as to whether it does reduce LDL cholesterol (the harmful waxy-like substance which has the potential to clog blood vessels), but it is effective in reducing lipid (fat) levels within the bloodstream. Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have used garlic for thousands of years for a wide variety of health conditions, including heart disease. But it must be taken regularly, over a long period – at least a clove a day, crushed in a little oil to release the active constituent allicin. I always recommend that it’s taken at lunchtime,

so as not to suffer its well known side effects! And, it’s a tasty alternative to salt.

Chocolate Another great anti-oxidant which is good for the heart health as it lowers blood pressure, decreases the risk of blood clotting and reduces bad cholesterol by around 10%. But only dark, bitter chocolate offers these benefits – the milk varieties have too high a fat content and lower flavanoids to help with reducing tri-glyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. A good reason to eat good chocolate!

Beetroot It’s rich in soluble fibre which helps to remove the LDL from the body. It is an amazing food with a multitude of health benefits. Eating beetroot and drinking the juice is recommended in Chinese medicine and Naturopathy to strengthen the heart, purify the blood and it helps the liver to detoxify the body more efficiently.

Berries Contain ani-oxidants and polyphenols which lower the risk of heart attack and many chronic diseases. Just a handful of blueberries, strawberries, acai, raspberries, and blackberries a day are sufficient to offer some protection against heart disease. They all deliver high levels of vitamin C, fibre and a variety of minerals which all help to lower the risk of heart disease.

Other foods to eat regularly, which help keep cholesterol levels in check include : nuts, seeds, oily fish and lentils.

But eating these foods occasionally, or in isolation, will not appreciably reduce LDL cholesterol. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels there are many great herbal prescriptions to help, along with making the necessary dietary changes.

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

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CONTENTS 13 Paint your pout pink 20 Mercedes-Benz showroom beauty

40 Reviewing the Legstraps 53 All papered out 61 Man of the month

24 Spring fashion trends 28 Morphing into my mother

64 66 68 70 72

32 Are you in an emotionally abusive relationship 36 Rising from the ashes 11

Meeting Mark Moraghan Harder, Better, Faster Yummy mummy Road trip to Vegas Ask Sue

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Luscious Lashes Spring is in the air and the latest trend for our lashes is DRAMATIC, REBELLIOUS and BOLD (think 60’s siren!)

The latest mascaras are dramatic and bold making it easy to have long, thick and full lashes to die for.

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Paint your Pout

Pink

T

his season sees bold bubblegum pink lips (think hubba bubba bubblegum!) and some even argue it’s the new red!

Here’s how to pull off hot pink lipstick with ease and without looking too 1980s .

Skip the lip liner pencil and apply bright pink lipstick with a lip brush or even your finger. This stops the look appearing too harsh. By not using lip liner your lips will have a more youthful appearance and if you want to enlarge the look of your lips, apply a bit of dewy gloss in the center of your lower lip.

Before applying it to your lips put the lipstick on the back of your hand and then use a lip brush to apply. You’ll achieve a more subtle effect.

Blot, Blot, Blot then apply translucent power before another layer of lipstick. This will make sure your lipstick has staying power and will less likely wind up on your champagne flute or your man’s shirt collar.

So go on try it and remember colour is fun! Don't be too serious, After all, it's only makeup and can wipe off!

13

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The Only Way to Lose Weight AND Keep it Off for Good!

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eight loss from dieting alone has a low longterm success rate. In one study, more than 90 percent of people who were obese and lost body fat through diet alone regained it within two years. Further to this the American College of Sports Medicine (the “bible” for the latest fitness advice) consistently shows that individuals who exercise after weight loss are more successful at keeping it off.

What those clever people who do all the latest research are really saying is that a combination of both diet and exercise is ESSENTIAL to not only lose weight, but to keep it off for good. To most of you this is no great surprise but what are the proven best methods to get fat off for good?

For the purpose of this article I will concentrate on the exercise part. Next month I will give you the latest and best scientific dietary advice in regards to weight loss.

Nowadays it’s pretty much universally agreed amongst fitness experts that Interval Training is the best method to lose weight. Interval training is a period of work followed by a rest period.

If done at the right intensity, interval training not only burns a large amount of calories during the exercise session but also for up to 12 hours after – how good is that?!

After a few sessions clients are also able to do weights in their rest time, therefore strengthening and toning their body as well.

I won’t lie, this training is hard, but the benefits are quite simply amazing. From busy mums to clients well into their 60s, I see weight loss week in, week out, using interval training techniques. Of course, I do not throw a new client in at the deep end from the first session (most people who hire me are beginners). I analyse their ability and build them up gradually. Each session I sneak a bit more out of them and within only a few weeks they are doing a full hour of interval training and burning a HUGE amount of fat off the body in the process.

Adam Cochrane 07887 853218 adamcochranefitness

A key role of (a good) Personal Trainer is, therefore, to demonstrate excellent motivational skills to literally ‘push’ their client through whatever interval they are doing. For example a one minute sprint on a cross trainer, a blast of punches on pads or maybe even a sprint outside running!

To become a “registered” personal trainer courses range from just several weeks, to several years when going the degree route. A degree in Sport and Exercise Science, as I have, not only involves developing a deep understanding of physiology but also a strong knowledge of exercise psychology, as well as demonstrating a high level of leadership skills, so really making the person more than just a “standard” Personal Trainer.

That’s it - if you want to lose weight, tone up and stay that way then, as far as exercise is concerned, get into Interval Training.

If you need that extra motivation to push your body to the next level, to get great results and maximise each workout, then a Personal Trainer is definitely the option for you. Just make sure you hire one with some personality and, of course, qualifications, usually a relevant degree is a good sign. Why not train with a friend, I charge by the hour ”This is the calories so you can split the cost burned in just one and have a giggle at the hour of interval same time! training from a lady recently training I have been Personal with me. In just 4 Training for 10 years now. months the lady has In that time I have been lost 3 stone training fortunate enough to have twice a week. had great results with many people. A few celebrity projects have also been thrown my way and, contrary to popular belief, I do not get paid more (agents and production companies are very good negotiators!). The personnel that hire people for celebrity projects only hire those trainers who are tried and tested, so I must be doing something right.

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 March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 13

Mother’s Day Spa For that memorable day out together choose a Y Spa package from £39 ...

The gift of all gifts, Y Spa vouchers and gift cards ...

sublime 0333 7007 667

yspa@wybostonlakes.co.uk facebook.com/yspauk @yspauk www.yspa.co.uk

Guests Located must midway be over between 18 Cambridge and Milton Keynes

Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AL

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 14

Miracle Meso B

eing editor of a luxury lifestyle magazine I am always looking at the different beauty treatments on offer and I am lucky enough to be asked to try them for free. One thing I am not keen to try though is Botox, or fillers. I'm not saying never, but so far I've not succumbed. It's not that I don't believe these treatments are safe and effective; it's simply that, rightly or wrongly, I'm too scared to go under the needle.

She then proceeded to gently massage the tiny needles over my face and I can honestly say this was NOT painful - all I felt was a slight vibration on my skin and at the end, after the MESO vital aftercare was put on my skin, I looked glowing, radiant and 20 years younger! (Well maybe not quite 20!) There was a slight redness but this disappeared after 30 minutes, and the good news is you can put makeup back on your skin after an hour, which to us ladies is vitally important. I do have to stress this treatment is also perfect for men (although they won’t need to worry about the make up afterwards!)

However, when I heard about a system called ‘MESO vytal cell boost concept’ that claims to be completely pain and risk free, compared to all other rejuvenation treatments, I was intrigued and decided to give it a go.

Since the treatment I have had so many compliments about how radiant and fresh my face looks and this is only after one treatment what will happen next time?

The Meso cell boost concept transports carefully balanced highly potent beauty formulas into the deeper layers of the skin. It uses skin needling which ensures the areas that need it most are reached, thus creating the best possible results.

It is recommended to have a treatment once a week for four weeks and then on a monthly basis to maintain optimum results – and I am definitely going to do just that!

The tiny pins gently open your skin barrier and allow an even flow of the MESO vytal cell boost substances right in the space between epidermis and dermis to rejuvenate wrinkled, injured or tiered skin.

I go along to Susie Bavister’s new therapy rooms on the outskirts of Bedford to try it.

Once Susie has talked me through the treatment, and reassured me for the hundredth time that it won’t hurt (remember I have a needle phobia!) we are ready. First, she exfoliates the skin thoroughly to create optimum conditions using the MESO vytal AHA peel, which she leaves on for about 10 minutes. Once my skin had all traces of the peel removed, Susie then applied some of the active substance directly onto my skin and some directly into the MESO cartridge.

susie.bavister@live.co.uk 07971 456636 www.susiebavister-permanentmakeup.co.uk 16

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Creative Beauty

Susie Bavister - Creative Beauty Cosmetic Tattooist Rejuvi Non Laser Tattoo Removal!

• • • • •

Non laser treatment Most tattoos removed in 3 - 5 sessions Performed by a qualified micro pigmentation artist Sessions at 8 - 12 week intervals NOT a DIY fade product

I am a trainer for tattoo removal for Finishing Touches (who I trained with). They are one of the UK’s largest training schools

Semi Permanent Make-Up & Medical Tattooing • Semi Permanent Eyelash Enhancement (to give a fuller effect lash line) • Semi Permanent Eyeliner • Semi Permanent Eyebrows, (Hair simulated or Powdered effect) • Semi Permanent Lip Colour, (lip liner, lip blush, full lip colour) • Nipple & Areola • Skin Grafts & Burns • Scar Treatment • Cleft Lip • Stretch Mark Treatment

Before

Before

After

After

EXCITING ***NEW TREATMENT*** MESO Vytal Cell Boost MESO Vytal is the newest and most effective painless and risk free skin treatment. The substances penetrate very effectively right to the intersection between the epidermis and the dermis and place the highly effective substances directly at the problem areas. Your treatment will begin with a very gentle AHA fruit acid peel containing a rich cleansing milk, which works mainly as an exfoliant. Then using a special cartridge, which will penetrate your skin up to 0.3mm I will work on implanting the chosen substance which nurture, refresh, rejuvenate and boost the cells from inside. Finally ending with the after-care cream, your skin is able to absorb this aftercare formula and benefit from its soothing, smoothing and strengthening effect. There will be no trauma to your skin, nor any healing time.

This treatment can be performed on your face, neck, decollete and the back of the hands. *We recommend a course of 6 treatments to get maximum benefits and results, 1 treatment per week for the 1st 4 weeks then 1 a month.

Price for a single treatment £60 Course of 6 treatments £300

FREE consultation with a skin allergy test before any treatments are undergone

susie.bavister@live.co.uk 07971 456636 www.susiebavister-permanentmakeup.co.uk

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EF A S T E R

orget an Easter Bonnet, create your own egg-cellent hair do with these easy step-by-step instructions for your own Easter Braided Bun Nest, complete with Spring flowers. It’s a fun, easy style that you can personalise to create something really pretty or slightly more Avant Garde!

You can easily adjust this style to suit young or old, and it works just as well for a daytime or evening style.

• Sweep all of the hair into a ponytail that sits on top of the head. Secure with a small elastic bungee.

Top Tip! If you are struggling to get the ponytail to the highest point, try tipping the head upside down to help gather all the hair.

• Take sections of the ponytail and loosely plait. Tie each plait with a small elastic bungee, leaving some sections in-between loose. Gently pull the plaits width-ways to help ‘fatten’ and create a more textured look.

• Begin to swirl the hair around in a circular motion, pinning as you go.

Slightly backcombing the sections you have left in-between the plaits will help give extra volume.

Top Tip! Cheat your way to a bigger ‘nest’ by using a hair donut.

Just pin the hair around to hide your ready built nest.

• Once all hair has been pinned in a circular shape, spray with a strong hold hairspray. If there are any stray hairs loose, either curl and pin, or leave to give a slightly more natural look.

• Add your accessories of choice. We’ve used Spring flower clips, but why not pick up some cute fluffy chicks and other Easter accessories and pop them in the centre for a more ‘seasonal’ look.

And there you have it.

A cute, seasonal hairstyle that will leave any girl egg-static!

(Another woeful pun – apologies readers) If you give this style a go; why not get in touch on the Affinity Facebook page?

We’d love to see your Easter Braided Bun Nests.

18

P A R A D E

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 17

For more hair tips from Kelly visit our Hair Clinic at www.affinitymag.co.uk Kelly Gay www.klghairadvice.com 19

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 18

MERCEDES- BENZ SHOWROOM BEAUTY

I

t’s only been up and running since mid January but the new beauty room at Mercedes Benz, Ampthill Road, Bedford which is run in partnership with award-winning 5th Avenue hair and Beauty Spa is proving extremely successful.

A special room has been refurbished at the showroom to provide a relaxing retreat where women can enjoy treatments while their car is being serviced.

“Nearly 40% of our clients are women and we wanted to offer them a chance to relax and catch up on their personal maintenance while their vehicle is in the workshop,”explained Bridget Thomas Service Manager, “Car showrooms still tend to be rather masculine so we thought we would show that we value our busy female clients. We look after their cars, why not them too?”

5th Avenue owner Kerry Cash thinks the idea is great for today's working women who struggle to find the time for a massage or manicure.

“Our clients who juggle work and families often barely have time to visit a salon for a make-over - this way they can make good use of the hour or more they may spend whilst their car is being MoT-ed.”

You don’t have to own a Mercedes or even be taking your car for a service this new idea is open to anyone. Maybe you’re a regular client of 5th Avenue and you fancy a change of scene, or you’re a new customer wanting a beauty treatment, then why not pop along for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

I did just that and went along for an aromatherapy theraputic massage to see for myself if it was as relaxing as visiting a salon. The treatment room was a calming retreat, no different than being in a salon/spa environment and the treatment that incorporated a full body, face and scalp massage, (using a blend of essential oils) relaxed and rejuvenated me making me drift off into another world, forgetting about all the stresses of everyday life. So the verdict ... it may be within a busy car showroom, but once you shut the door behind you, you can drift off and pretend you are wherever you want to be.

A full range of treatments are on offer including waxing, hot stone massage, Espa facials and Jessica nails – a relaxing top to toe treatment for both men and women.

The beauty room is open every Tuesday to book an appointment contact 5th Avenue: 01234 341377 www.5thavenuespa.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 19

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Make your mothers day.

She deserves something special & what better way to show her your love....

Mother-to-Be Nurturing Massage £50 (usually £65) 1hr 15mins This inspirational therapy connects mother & baby through the power of touch, working with two heartbeats as one. Specialised positioning on the unique Elemis beanbag is used to ensure the ultimate in safety, comfort & relaxation. Helping to relieve tension in the back & alleviating swelling in the hands & feet, while easing the mind & uplifting the spirit.

Absolute Spa Ritual £80 (usually £95) 2hrs Ultimate skin & body therapy for maximum results.

Choose from one of the unique Elemis Advanced anti-ageing or Skin Solutions Facials & combine it with the powerful effects of the Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage.

Two hours of pure relaxation with dramatic results!

Wishing all mothers a Happy Mothers Day! Call to book an appointment: 01234 212149 Essence of Beauty, Bedford, Duke House, 2 Duke Street, Bedford MK40 3HR. Email: enquiry@essenceofbeautybedford.co.uk www.essenceofbeautybedford.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 20

Family Fitness A

s a parent myself I’m always trying to think of ways to engage my little ones in exercise. They enjoying swimming and my daughter loves her ballet and gymnastics classes, but I wanted to find things we could do together as a family, to lead by example and hopefully set them off on a journey of good health and fitness. With the help of Clare Fowler of Discovly, an online children’s activity planner, we have complied our favourite things to do with our children. We hope you enjoy them with your little ones too: Yummy Mummys I run a new mums fitness group for mums who have recently given birth (babies under 12 months). We do a one hour circuit style fitness class, designed specially for the post natal female. Babies are welcome to come along too and in some cases are your weights for your exercises! It takes place every Tuesday at 10am at Anjulita Court, Woodlands Park, Bedford. For more information contact me (Julie) on 07808 739651.

Willington loop bike ride/walk.

When the weather is bright Clare’s family love to get on their bikes and go for a family cycle around the Willington loop bike track, it is a beautiful, safe way to get some exercise, whilst enjoying the Bedfordshire countryside. You can stop off for a drink and a turn on the bouncy castle at the Danish Camp

before heading home, often with the small one’s head bobbing fast sleepily on the back of the bike!

Felmersham Nature Reserve.

If your little ones are anything like mine and Clare’s then they will love jumping in muddy puddles. Clare found this little gem from her school years at Sharnbrook Upper School(perhaps when she should have been concentrating in lessons!)

A former Second World War gravel pit now provides a beautiful protected area for many varieties of flora and forna. A delightful walk for the whole family and who says the adults can’t jump in muddy puddles too!

Aerial Extreme Milton Keynes.

My two are still a bit small for this one but ideal for ages 6 and above. It is the biggest high rope adventure course in the South of England, there are three exciting courses to take on, the Junior Course, the Adventure Course and the new Goliath Course. You have to be 1.1m tall to enjoy this adventure and family discounts are available. I wonder who will have more fun the children or the parents!

Willen Lake Milton Keynes.

There is so much to do and see on the walk around Willen Lake in Milton Keynes; Aerial Extreme, crazy golf, miniature railway, playgrounds, obstacles and boat trips on the lake.

One hundred acres of water encircled by eighty acres of stunning 22

landscaped grounds, beautifully maintained by the Parks Trust, with mile after mile of cycle ways and dozens of tranquil corners. Willen Lake is the perfect place to enjoy with your family and friends.

A walk around the lake can take a good few hours with the kids and when you combine the walking, running, jumping over obstacles and stops at the playground you have had quite a good workout.

Punting on the river Camb.

This is number 1 on Clare’s ‘to do’ list this summer with her family.

The children will get great views of the beautiful, historic college buildings and between us all we will get a good upper body workout.

Who knows, it may inspire your little ones on to the Oxford/Cambridge boat race in years to come!

We hope you enjoy these tried and tested adventures with your children and grandchildren. Any type of exercise is great for children, so lets engage them in a healthy way of life from the very early days.

For more information on exercising as a family or help with your own fitness regime then please feel free to contact me at jules@hollgroup.com and for more information on Discovly or to sign up to their weekly mailing giving you ideas of things to do with little ones then please visit discovly.com

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 21

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

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Biker Babes £45 House Of Fraser

Diamond by Julien Macdonald £50 Debenhams

Autograph Mono Block Biker Jacket £75 Mark & Spencer

Picker £99 Dune

Denim Boot River Island

River Island

Limited Collection Utility Jacket £59 Marks & Spencer Orange Red Faux Leather Jacket £55 la Redoute

Upside Down £68 Office Provence £99 Dune

Kannon Jacket £60 River Island

River Island

Black and Gold Stud Boot £40 River Island

River Island

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NEW

NEW

NEW

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Slimline Crops

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Adele Crop Trousers £55 John Lewis

Electric Blue Trousers £95 House of Fraser Autograph Green £39.50 Marks & Spencer Black Stud Loafer Debenhams

Jewel Multicoloured Pump £29.50 Marks & Spencer Kirby £55 Dune

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Yellow Trousers £45 La Redoute

Debenhams Nude Cropped Trousers £45 La Redoute Betty Barclay Debenhams

Marisa £60 Dune

Metallic Toecap £25 Marks & Spencer

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Pencil Chic Autograph Metallic Pencil Skirt £199.99 Marks & Spencer

Astrid Skirt £119 Fenn Wright Manson Per Una Juliet Skirt £99 Marks & Spencer

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Cannes Skirt £89 Fenn Wright Manson

Cross Print Pencil Skirt £12.99 Internacionale Floral Printed Pencil Skirt £35 Next

Coral & Cream Strappy Heels £22 F&F

Black & White Debenhams Open Toe Platforms £45 Dorothy Perkins

Debenhams Denim Sandals £35 Next Matalan

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 26

Midlife Madness Morphing into my Mother!!

A

s I get older not only do other people, especially policemen, dentists and most worryingly pilots, seem to be getting younger, but I seem to be morphing into my mother. All those irritating things that parents do, I am aware that I am now doing, AND in a time honoured tradition, irritating my own children as well.

well obviously not a chance! We were only popping to the supermarket anyway!

It doesn’t improve much when we get there, I am just paying for the stuff - most of which seems to be for them - and sadly the zip on my purse gets stuck (trapped by one of the 250 money off vouchers that I have in my purse)then, when I do get into it, I can’t find my Tesco card. I know I had it just the other day I think to myself.

I put my bank card into the machine and somehow get the pin wrong, frankly I blame my bifocals, I clearly know it because I get it right the next time – I’d taken my card out too early! Third time lucky, but daughter is nowhere to be seen! No doubt cringing with embarrassment in a corner somewhere, but she left me with all the bags of shopping I notice.

When they come to visit I check that they have locked the car, question why they have spent a small fortune on a designer top/shoes/bag when they borrowed money from me just the other week, and dare to question whether another night out is really sensible. I get that ‘but what would you know, you don’t understand anything’ look.

But you see I have memories, somewhere on the dusty shelves of my brain where the old memories go, of being young and hating parents firing questions at me, or criticising everything I did (well that was how it felt), but as a parent I just don’t seem able to stop myself. I hear the questions come out of my mouth, I don’t quite seem to be able to stop myself BEFORE – and I am left with ‘the look’!

Back home I can’t honestly remember when I started to enjoy Antiques Road Show or University Challenge but I know it wasn’t long ago! Would it shock you if I confessed to listening to Radio 2 and classic FM on occasions!

Sad thing is I guess we do all change a bit as we get older – but do you think it is terribly wrong that sometimes I can confess to enjoying the fact I irritate my kids? I think 25 years of parenthood, sleepless nights, nappies and tantrums, through to never answering their phone when you are frantic with worry, constant financial bailouts, unsatisfactory school reports and an array of their mates eating you out of house and home, have earned me that right.

The other thing I have noticed when my kids come back to visit is that I do ‘older people things’. Like saving money off vouchers - when did I start doing that? It’s beside the point that I nearly always forget to use them before the expiry date!. I have a place in the kitchen where I keep them and it’s guaranteed my kids will pick them up and make wise comments like – ‘Oh I didn’t know you used Mr Muscle/Earl Grey/Bisto….whatever?’

Well I don’t ok! I know that! You know that! But I might, because the point is there is a money off coupon and I bothered to cut it out of the paper! Just like my mother would have done! AArrgh.

So to all you mothers out there – Enjoy Mother’s Day your own way! I know I will!

Then of course there is the going out. It’s usually one of those throw away comments said by either the girl who is wearing shorts in winter or the boy who wears his jeans underneath his butt cheeks (surely they will have hip problems in later years as they walk while also holding up their trousers) – ‘Oh you’re going like that are you?’

What on earth is that supposed to mean – I think it’s rather stylish, actually, though clearly their opinion of my favourite old coat is somewhat different. In fact I had been thinking I would change but now they’ve said it, 28

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Putting the Yummy Back into Mummy!

On the first and third Wednesday every month Ocean Beauty is open for Mummies to come along with their babies and children.

You have your treatment as your little ones can be entertained!

Being a new mummy myself it became apparent how difficult child care is in general but also when needing your regular wax, pedicure or any treatment.

The guilt that motherhood brings sure makes it hard to ask for help, let alone when it's needed for yourself! So I hope my mini play and rest area will enable you to do this together.

We will offer this service the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Our treatment room will include a play pen and a baby swing so here's to Yummy Mummy Wednesdays!

Please be aware we are not looking after them but we will be allocating an extra 15 mins to cover any settling in or nappy changing for you.

SPECIAL YUMMY MUMMY INTRODUCTORY OFFERS! 15% off any treatments over £20 during March and April

Mothers Day Offers!

Book a special Mother and Daughter treatment The treatment will take place in the same room and choose from Facial, Back Massage, Full Body Massage, Indian Head Aromatherapy, Kanshi Spa Ritual, Pedicure and Manicure Package 1: £20, 30 mins each Package 2: £40, 1 hour each Package 3: £60, 1 hour 30 mins each Package 4: £100, 2 hours 30 mins each

Sons Special Mother's Day Gift Deluxe Four Layer Facial, Normally £75 now only £50!

This unique anti-aging and deep cleansing facial is the only treatment that guarantees constant visible results. You will immediately notice your skin has added elasticity, smoother texture and firmed facial contours and fine lines are eliminated. Suitable for all skin types.

You will also receive a free brow tidy!

Ocean B eauty

31 St Cuthbert Street Bedford MK40 3JG Purchase over the phone: 01234 273300 Purchase online: www.oceanbeauty.co.uk

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Disaster Designs Songbird Pocket Mirror £10 John Lewis

Lovely Mum Padded Key Rings - £4.99

Angel Eau de Parfum Natural Spray £33.60 - £58.99 John Lewis

Mum’s the Word

Tokyo Milk Honey Blossom Lip Balm £12.50 John Lewis

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Personalised Mummy Slate £23 letterfest.com

Personalised 'Love You Mummy' Heart Necklace £69 Not on the High Street

Mummys- Angels Sphere of Life £69.90 Millman, Bedford Britain's Best Mum Mug £6 Marks & Spencer

Falling Iris scarf £45 Paul Smith House of Fraser

Radley Pocket Bag £99 British Heart Foundation

Tesco Mother's Day Gingerbread £0.90 Tesco

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Are you in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship?

According to experts, emotional abuse has reached epidemic proportions.

Though hard statistics are elusive, experts say as many as two-thirds of couples experience emotional abuse. And despite the prevalence in everyday life, few of us recognise it, identify it, or do anything about it.

W

hat exactly is emotional abuse? Emotional abuse is defined as behaviour and language designed to degrade or humiliate someone by attacking their self-value or personality. It can take the form of name-calling, shaming, blaming, intimidating, dismissing, stonewalling or making threats. Whatever form it takes, the effects for the abused individual can be crippling. Anxiety, destroyed self-esteem, depression, feeling alone, unimportant and isolated are all common feelings of someone who has been emotionally abused.

• To avoid confrontation, you make yourself available to your partner no matter what the personal cost to yourself.

• When talking about an accomplishment or something equally exciting, your partner sneers and puts you down, mocking your achievements, rather than congratulating you.

• You no longer want to have your partner around your friends or family because you’re afraid he will embarrass and humiliate you in front of them.

Emotional Abuse, while it leaves no marks, can sometimes be the hardest type of abuse to understand in a relationship. It’s hard to imagine that someone who “loves you” could abuse you and besides it’s just words, right? It’s not like you’re being BEATEN! Sad truth is, while broken bones heal, the wounds left from emotional abuse can last a lifetime.

• You’ll go out of your way to please your partner, no matter what you have to sacrifice. If that means you have to stay up all night to clean the house then so be it, it beats him shouting at you.

• If you fight back your partner blames you for the abusive behaviour “if you weren’t so stupid I wouldn’t have to yell at you!”

Signs you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship: • Your partner keeps a tight control on all things: money, the phone, using the car, using the internet, who you see and what you do.

• You feel helpless like you’re trapped in the relationship.

• Your partner treats you like an object, like property not like a person with feelings.

• You’ve begun to believe you’re the crazy one, that you’re the one with the problem.

• You’re afraid to tell your partner about a normal event, such as your car needs a new tyre or you stayed behind at work to catch up, as you’re not sure how they will react.

• You’re in complete isolation. Your partner doesn’t want you around your family or friends and has convinced you that they’re the ones who are abusive to you – not him.

• When you do talk to your partner, they belittle you and make you feel stupid.

• You make excuses for his behaviour regardless of the situation.

• You’ve begun to feel as though you deserve to be treated badly. If you were a BETTER person you wouldn’t make your partner so mad.

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Though some may say emotional abuse is not as bad as physical abuse, this is simply not true and should be taken very seriously. If you or someone you know is suffering from emotional abuse, please seek help. No one deserves to be treated this way and everyone is worthy of respect, even you!

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

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DO YOU W WANT ANT TO TO HOST AN INTERNATIONAL INTERNA ATIONAL STUDENT STUDENT?

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This is a great job and has provided our family with a valuable extra income as well as being lots ots of fun and a cultural experience. perience.

OPEN DAYS pre-preparatory school

…inspires each child to love learning

An independent, non-selective school for children aged 3 months to 7 years.

FRIDAY 15th MARCH 9.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 3.30pm

SATURDAY 16th MARCH

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orld Guardianships Bright W World Ltd takes care of international boarding students in UK independent We e are looking schools. W for families to host our students for some weekends and half terms.

For more information please contact T ribe, Host Family RUK ecruitm Manager ecruitment Tribe, BrightLindsay World Guardianships Ltd is a Recruitment wide guardianship organisation and takes care of international children studying at lindsay@brightworld.co.uk UK boarding schools in this area. We are looking for families to www.brightworld.co.uk www .brightworld.co.uk host our students for some weekends and half terms.

10.00am - 12 noon

For further details visit our website or call 01234 369555 Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, Brickhill Drive, Bedford.

pilgrims-school.info A HARPUR TRUST SCHOOL

for more information please contact: ‘‘‘Bright ‘Bright World is committed to safeguarding and promoting Lindsay Tribe, Host Family Recruitment Manager the welfare of children and young people and expects all lindsay@brightworld.co.uk staff and volunteers to share this commitment.”

“Bright World is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and for commitment.”

Accredited byand AEGIS, Association Educational young people expects all staffofand volunteersGuardians to share this International Students

www.brightworld.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 33

Come see the Rocky Mountaineer stand at our Cruise & Luxury Travel Show, Sunday 3 March.

Go to www.cruiseselect.co.uk for more information

Ride the RRocky ocky Mountaineer through the stunning Canadian RRockies ockies

Classic rail ser service vice in the single level coach coach.. RRelax elax and enjoy an impeccable ser service. vice.

TTake ake in the Canadian Rockies Rockies through the panoramic windows of the single-level dome coach coach..

The luxur luxuryy and comfort is simply beyond compare compare.. No wonder itit’s’s the most popular ser service. vice.

TTravel ravel aboard the RRocky ocky ky Mountaineer Mountaineer,r,, surely the best way of exploring the Canadian RRockies. ockies.

An ideal combination with a cruise or as a unique tailor made holdiay holdiay. oldiayy..

Y Your our team

RRachel achel

Sh elley Shelley

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(01234) 326758 www.cruiseselect.co.uk www w.cruiseselect.co.uk www www.facebook.com/selecttravelgroup w.facebook.com/selecttravelgroup

sales@cruiseselect.co.uk sales@cruiseselect .co.uk 67 Goldington RRoad oad Bedford MK40 3NB

Visitors welcome

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Service Ser vice youu can trust, trustt,, prices you’ll you ’ll love ...

Featuring a wide range of itineraries from 2 to 16 days

For For total peace of mind

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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 34

Learning to Rise from the Ashes Easter is a time when many Christians remember the death of Christ and celebrate his resurrection but ‘rising’ is a word that may have some meaning in a lot of people’s lives. Christians believe that Christ overcame death by rising on the third day, so for believers the concept of rising and overcoming may be a familiar one.

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example, people talk of new buildings rising from the ashes, but in many biographies the phrase is often used much more metaphorically as often great achievers or celebrities tell of success stemming from times of failure, depression or difficulty.

Rising can mean variously getting up, emerging, becoming bigger or taller. So when yeast is added to dough, bread rises, tides also rise, the sun rises and, of course, people can rise. They rise above a situation, or they can choose not to rise to the bait if someone is trying to irritate them; people may rise through the ranks to become successful. Rising from the ashes, however, refers to something new emerging from something that has been destroyed.

When people talk about Rising from the Ashes they are not usually referring to the common challenges that we may come across everyday but something more major, those situations where it really does feel like your world, as you knew it, has come to an end.

ut that concept is also present in many mythologies. We have probably all heard the phrase ‘rising from the ashes’ and come across the phoenix who, in mythology, is reborn from the ashes of his own combustion. We may have read the tale based on the phoenix by Hans Christian Anderson or remember the phoenix scene in the Harry Potter movie.

But in our lives today do such metaphors serve any purpose?

In the wake of devastation, following an earthquake for

The fact is that in society people will always face adversity. Today that may be in the form of a devastating illness, death of a loved one, loss of a job, bankruptcy, loss of a home or the shattering of dreams once held dear, or comfortable retirement plans, the dream of a move up the property ladder dashed by negative equity for example.

So how do we come back from such times? How can we learn to Rise from the Ashes?

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Get a Realistic Perspective

Take Care of Yourself

We all know that time can change the way we look at things and many of us will remember situations that did seem truly devastating at the time but when looking back don’t seem quite so bad. Bereavement, divorce, illness or redundancy is never going to be easy, and the future will not be the same as the past, BUT human beings are amazingly resilient and adaptable. For most people there is a way forward. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who has experienced something similar because at least they can understand how you are feeling.

It’s easy to be so wrapped up in our problems that we forget to do the simple things and then a very negative cycle emerges. So make sure that you continue to eat sensibly, exercise and do some nice things even if you feel like you haven’t the heart for them. It’s important to keep going and that is easier when we take care of ourselves.

Engage with the people who help

I am not talking here about professional help (although that may be appropriate for some situations), but spend time with the people who make you feel better. That may Accept where you find yourself be friends who know what you are going through and In cases of have perhaps bereavement this can experienced take a long time and something similar please don’t think I am themselves or it may making light of these be people who know “It’s best to have failure happen early in life. difficulties, but at some little about your It wakes up the Phoenix bird in you so you stage there must be current troubles. can rise from the ashes.” acceptance that your But if you feel better Anne Baxter (Actress & granddaughter of Frank Lloyd world is not as it once when you have been Wright) was. Some things with them, then happen because of make sure you make “Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist, choices we have made time for them. but the ability to start over”. but some devastating F Scott Fitzgerald (American Author) things ‘just happen’.

Take each You do need to accept moment as it “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents your own feelings and comes which, in prosperous circumstances, emotions and it may would have lain dormant.”

Sometimes all we take you a while to Horace 65-68 B.C. can do is get through even become the day, or even the ‘functional’ again, but “My mother was a phoenix who always expected hour or minute. you need to accept that to rise from the ashes of her latest disaster.

That’s fine, or the process may She loved being Judy Garland.” moments will pass, take even longer.

Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland and and days will pass, half sister of Liza Minelli) just like a bone that Make the choices is broken and needs you can make time to heal, so you Some things quite may need some rest simply are out of our and relaxation to control and much time, ‘restore’ yourself. effort and anxiety can be saved by not worrying about those things. But there are always some choices that we Learning & Looking Forward can make. There are opportunities for learning and At some point you will be ready to move forward. At some ‘growing’ in every single experience, however awful that point you will be able to see what you have learned and experience may be. There are many cases of people how you may have had the opportunity to learn and grow starting charities or trusts following horrendous through the experience however terrible it has been. experiences, but their actions will have changed the lives of many others and changed their own life in the process.

In the words of the well known Gabrielle song, sooner or later, you will be ‘ready to rise again’

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

07921 193479

info@attunededucation.com 37

www.attunededucation.com

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 36

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Give your mother the gift of health

This gift voucher entitles the bearer to a FREE Consultation and examination plus a verbal report of findings at the Bedford Chiropractic Clinic.

Voucher only valid upon booking within

Valid for the month of March 2013 20B, DE PARYS AVENUE, BEDFORD MK40 2TW

(01234) 353937

www.bedford-chiropractor.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 37

CAST IRON CATERING Est. 1998

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Loving the Legstraps

The Legstraps 01234 854112 www.thelegstraps.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 39

S

et in the village of Wootton on the outskirts of Bedford is The Legstraps, a country pub that incorporates a unique combination of classic with a contemporary twist.

The restaurant presents a menu that is full of imagination and provides a combination of flavours & textures that deliver a fun and memorable dining experience. The menu changes daily to accommodate seasonal produce and this is evident in the choices on offer.

We decided to pay the Legstraps a visit and I am glad we did. We were welcomed by the warm friendly staff who took us through the relaxed bar area into the chic, subtle and stylish restaurant.

The dining area had a relaxing ambience about it and whilst we were waiting for our drinks to arrive Matt, the manager, came to introduce himself and took a little time chatting to us, something that he did to all the diners, not just us.

The menu choices were tempting and varied and it proved quite difficult to decide which dishes to go for; finally the decision was made and the choice was scallops, butternut, spice of angels and crispy chicken. The scallops were cooked to absolute perfection, they were succulent and tender with the flavours from the other ingredients coaxing each other. The other choice of starter was mackeral x 4, horseradish and beetroot, each piece of mackerel was individually flavoured with just the right amount of sapidity, giving it a unique taste without sacrificing it’s originality.

Main courses were free range duck breast, beetroot, blood orange and chicory; the delicately flavoured meat was cooked to pink perfection and needed nothing more than its entourage of ingredients.

Monkfish, chorizo, white beans, aioli and squid was the other choice of mains. The tender subtlety of the monkfish and squid were given a slight kick by the strong flavours of the chorizo, thus making this whole dish mouthwateringly adorable.

The blood orange crème brulee with crème fraiche sorbet made me give into temptation and have a dessert; it was divine and well worth giving in to.

Rhubarb cheese cake accompanied with rhubarb sorbet was the other dessert which was presented elegantly (as were all the dishes), the fresh aciculate taste of rhubarb mixed with the soft moist cheesecake was a perfect combination.

This was a meal that certainly didn’t disappoint The Legstraps deliver on all levels, with mouthwatering food, attentive friendly staff and a bar/restaurant to completely relax in. What more could you wish for?

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Luxury Assortment of Chocolate Eggs £10 Marks & Spencer

Egg-stravaganza Classic Ostritch Egg £70 Hotel Chocolat

Beau Bunnys £10 Hotel Chocolat

Buttons the Easter Bunny £7.50 Hotel Chocolat

Medium Milk Chocolate Hollow Bunny £5.00 Marks & Spencer

Finest Belgian Milk Egg with Hazelnuts & Mini Eggs £10 Tesco

Cocoa Loca Marbled Chocolate Rabbit £10 John Lewis

The Cocoabean Company Milk Chocolate Egg with Mini Eggs £10 John Lewis

Luxury Milk Chocolate Latice Egg £15 Marks & Spencer

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 41

Mothers Day Lunch Complimentary glass of champagne and a mystery surprise gift for mum Sunday 12pm - 11pm

EARLY BIRD OFFER Available before 7pm Monday - Saturday 2 courses only £9.95 3 courses only £11.95

10% Discount for Students, NHS, NUT and all teaching staff (not valid with other offers) I.D. REQUIRED

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 12pm-2.30pm - 6pm-11pm Sunday 12pm-11pm 66 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NT 01234 365366 / 360075 www.asialoungebedford.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 42

Chicken and Butternut Squash Gratin

“

A fabulous tasty dish to WOW family and friends with

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Ingredients

To compliment the meal

3 skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips 450g (1lb) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2.5cm (1in) pieces 1tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, finely sliced 1 leek, roughly sliced 50g (2oz) butter 50g (2oz) plain flour 500ml milk 100g (3½oz) mascarpone cheese 2tsp dried tarragon 100g (3½oz) ciabatta bread, torn into small pieces

First Cape Limited Release Chenin Blanc This traditional South African variety shows green pepper and citrus notes on the nose, with passion fruit on the palate.

A fantastic white wine pair to the FirstCape Limited Release Merlot, and a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe

£7.99 Sainsburys

Heat oil in a large pan and cook the onion, leek and squash for 15min, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Set aside.

Francois Martenot White Burgundy

Put chicken into a separate pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 5min. Drain and add to the vegetable pan.

White fruits combine in this rounded unoaked wine. A joy with this chicken dish.

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. Melt butter in the empty pan and stir in flour. Cook for 1min. Take off heat and gradually whisk in milk to make a smooth sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in mascarpone and tarragon. Check seasoning. Stir sauce into the veg and chicken pan.

£8.99 Waitrose

Pour into a heatproof serving dish and top with the bread. Cook for about 30min or until the bread is golden and the filling is bubbling. Serve with a green salad.

Sainte Celine Chablis Premier Cru Mont de Milieu This wine is dry, supple and elegant with mineral, exotic fruit flavours on the finish.

The purity of this wine makes it delicious with many kinds of food, especially chicken.

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£16.99 Sainsburys

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Chocolate Soufflé Cakes Ingredients

Method

450g Ground almonds 500g Unsalted butter 900g Dark chocolate 450g Caster Sugar 12 Eggs 1 Vanilla pod 450g Mascarpone

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4, grease and flour 8 metal dariole moulds (approx 4.5cm) In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until you have a smooth consistency. Once smooth, add in the mascarpone and mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and fluffy.

Fold them into the butter/sugar mixture, add the ground almonds.

In a heat proof bowl melt the chocolate over a pan of simmering water, once melted, slowly add it to the mixture and fold it in until all combined.

Finally add the mixture to the dariole moulds and cook in the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes. They should rise just out of the moulds and be soft and springy to the touch.

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

We serve our Chocolate Soufflé Cakes with Homemade Vanilla Ice cream and Liqueur Cherries.

Enjoy!

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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 March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 46

Advance your career in 2013?

Advancing promotion in 2013?

Dominic Quirke www.advancingpeople.co.uk

A

great start to the year for the Advancing People and Advancing Property teams with expansion as we have both moved into bigger neighbouring offices incorporating 2 meeting rooms to kick start the year giving us plenty of room to expand in 2013 so some exciting times ahead….

Whilst I have been contributing to the Affinity Magazine I have focussed a lot on finding a new role, but how about another option?

that got them promoted? Perhaps you can talk to them confidentially to understand what worked for them and get some relevant ideas?

Well, if you are happy where you are but want to progress, what tips and hints can I give to get you ahead of your colleagues for that promotion or move into another department you really want?

Your relationship with your line manager is key – plan ahead of your reviews to discuss what you feel you have done well, what you can improve on and even where you would like extra training on. Depending on the company you work for ideas can be embraced and do not be shy of putting together ideas or business plans for different ways of working, new areas your business could investigate – the worst feedback you can get is a “no” but with the idea of standing out from your colleagues, how many other people do this?

A little like deciding whether to move house or to extend, it depends on the potential of what you already have, what you can change and what will never change no matter how many alterations you make!

If you like the company you work for but want more from the role, it could be more money or more responsibility you need to be showing the right signs and working in a way that sets you apart and makes you a real stand-out employee for all the right reasons.

It will look good and you are again in the forefront of the key decision makers’ minds.

Clearly it always pays well to do the everyday things well, arriving on time, dressing appropriately, putting in extra hours when required and embracing change and rising to any challenges set.

Show willing – it may seem obvious but if new roles become available in your company make sure you apply, usually companies have to include you as part of their recruitment process, so you have as much chance as any other internal or external candidate of landing the job.

The role you are going for may not be exactly right, but can be a stepping stone in the right direction or could give you extra experience, plus it demonstrates you are keen, ambitious and are not afraid of change.

Often and open and honest conversation with your manager, if you have a good relationship, can save a lot of time, there may be no chance of promotion so you need to look elsewhere or there could be some new roles internally just on the horizon but at least then you will know and can plan accordingly.

Being in your managers’ and directors’ thoughts for the right reasons is a good thing and you never know when they may be thinking of expanding or re-structuring and you will be in the forefront of their minds.

If you have any specific questions about the world of jobs or recruitment please email me on: dominic.quirke@advancingpeople.co.uk and I will reply directly and may even (anonymously) publish your letter next month!

Planning how you will get your next role is key: Who are the decision makers? What did the last person do well 48

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 47

Thinking of Moving or on the market and not sold?

We can help you! 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 www.advancingproperty.co.uk -"& s s!s$)

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 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

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 49

EXCLUSIVE OFFER Furnishers For people who love choice, quality and value

YOU SPEND £50 WHEN £500 OR MORE & SAVE AN EXTRA £50 OFF To qualify, add your email and hand in when you order.

Applies to instore purchase only

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Voucher entitles you to a bonus discount of £50 when you purchase any item priced at £500 or more. May not be exchanged for cash. One voucher per household. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer. By providing your email address you agree to receive our e-newsletter.

OFFER ENDS: 31/03/2013

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YOU SPEND £150WHEN £2000 OR MORE & OFF SAVE AN EXTRA £150 To qualify, add your email and hand in when you order.

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Voucher entitles you to a bonus discount of £150 when you purchase any item priced at £2000 or more. May not be exchanged for cash. One voucher per household. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer. By providing your email address you agree to receive our e-newsletter.

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

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

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

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Voucher entitles you to a bonus discount of £200 when you purchase any item priced at £3000 or more. May not be exchanged for cash. One voucher per household. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer. By providing your email address you agree to receive our e-newsletter.

OFFER ENDS: 31/03/2013

Visit our showroom at Google Maps

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

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 50

Convert with Confidence... ‐ 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

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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 51

All Papered Out

Dickens Jumble Books Paper ÂŁ129 Per Roll digetexhome.com

53

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Big Apple Gold £8.99 wallpapers-uk.com

Boat Stamps £45 (m2) purlfrost.com

The Old Smoke Mural £400 zazous.co.uk

Iconic Pop Collection Majesty Mural £79 digetexhome.com

Sophie Conran - London Lights Coffee £45 arthouse.com

Lotus Black And White Bathroom farrow-ball.com

Sophie Conran Opening Doors Liquorice £99 arthouse.com

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 53

Happy Tea Party Mural £99 digetexhome.com

St. Pauls Mural £99 digetexhome.com

New York Sketch Mural £99 digetexhome.com

Love London Mural South Bank 1992 £99 digetexhome.com

Vintage Twilight Plum £30 arthouse.com

Sophie Conran Bohemia Black & Red £19.98 arthouse.com

Scrap Wood Wallpaper (9m Roll)

by Piet Hein Eek £199 houseknutsford.co.uk

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 54

Affinitygardening

March Tips... ⧫ Continue planting new trees, hedges, climbers and roses. ⧫ Cut back hedges before birds start to nest. ⧫ Start to prune roses, removing dead, damaged or diseased stems. ⧫ Keep off the grass during frosty weather. ⧫ Buy annual and bedding plants as small plugs, as they’re such good value. Transplant into individual 810cm pots and keep in a greenhouse or a draught-free area for three to four weeks. Water regularly and protect from the cold until the weather is more clement, then plant out into their final position. ⧫ Deadhead daffodils as the flowers fade and let the leaves die back naturally before clearing them away about six weeks later. ⧫ It’s never too soon to put in plant supports, like canes or frames to hold and guide the stems of tall or climbing plants as they start to grow.

Tie in loosely to begin with, if necessary.

T

Flower of the Month

he pasque flower is a sign that Easter has arrived. This charming white form makes an interesting alternative to the usual purple types. The pretty spring flowers are followed by fluffy seed-heads.

They decorate the spot with their attractive colour for up to three weeks. The low-growing flower features several stems that grow 6 to 8 inches off the ground and support individual blooms, comprised of six to eight petals in white, red or lavender and bright yellow stamens.

This flower takes a while to get established and then does not like being disturbed, so plant it in the right spot and leave it alone. If happy, plants will self-seed, so leave the seedheads to allow colonies to build up.

They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Affinity Loves.......

Bird Lantern This iron lantern with stone effect finish, for indoor or outdoor use, can be used hanging or standing.

Also includes glass hurricane lamp inside.

(N.B. candle not included) H29 x D21.5 cm £22.00 www.miafleur.com 56

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 55

C&B Home and Garden Maintenance

One off jobs to regular maintenance For all your home and garden needs For a friendly reliable service and a free quote give us a call on 07531 491019 c-bmaintenance@hotmail.co.uk

Advertise your Business be part of an establlished brand

Call Jane on: 01234 215523 07809 499669 jane@affinitymag.co.uk

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 March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 56

Easter Rabbit Candle Mint £4.75 buryred.co.uk

Patchwork & Button Hanging Egg Decorations - £2.99 Each tch.net

Villeroy and Boch Bunny With Cupcake £49.95 John Lewis

Spotty Rooster Decoration £4.50 John Lewis

Villeroy and Boch Bunny With Cupcake Leaf £11.95 John Lewis

Easter Style Chicken Baking Tray Debenhams Chicken Teapot £25 Marks & Spencer

Yasmin Duck Door Stop £19.50 Marks & Spencer

Chicken Egg Cups £6 (pair) Next

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 57

Patchwork Bird Hook £12.99 tch.net

Glass Easter Eggs £5.95 nordichouse.co.uk

Patchwork Clip On Birds £3.99 Each tch.net

Rustic Spring Chicken Easter Heart Wreath £12 99 tch.net Mini Flower Glass Egg Decoration £1 each John Lewis

Ceramic Salt & Pepper Holders £6 John Lewis

Pair Of Wooden Bunny Ornaments - £19.99 tch.net

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 58

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!

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 59

Man of the Month

Adam Cochrane Age: 33 Occupation: Personal Trainer and Self Defence Instructor Resides: Bromham What makes you stand out in a crowd?

I have a degree in Sport & Exercise Science; this provided me with a deep understanding of physiology and a strong knowledge of exercise psychology, as well as demonstrating a high level of leadership skills. Add to this my 10 years of experience with a wide range of clients, fantastic results and the odd celebrity project, I think this makes me a great choice as a Personal Trainer.

Best Holiday destination and why?

I have been fortunate enough to have travelled a fair bit, but in my opinion you cannot beat Devon (Saunton sands) on a windy cold day. Wet suits on and into the surf (I cannot get enough of surfing).

Your top three movies?

Superman (original 1978), Iron Man, Pulp Fiction

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully surfing every day in good health, with all my family.

You can’t leave the house without?

Clothes ... got in trouble last time without any.

What do you do to relax?

I am always having to be very up tempo in my job so relaxing is always easy. I love to just chill on my big sofa with my fiancée, 2 dogs and a decent film. Usually I fall asleep before the end, so have to watch the rest the following day.

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

Brian Clough as he was the best England Manager we never had and his leadership skills took an average group of players to the league title and 2 European cups.

Bruce Lee as he was the best martial artist to have ever walked the planet and he continues to be an influence to me. His primary discipline was Wing Chun Kung Fu, which is what I am trained in.

Ricky Gervais as he only has to say one word and I am in stitches!

Your most extravagant purchase and why?

Hmmmm a tough one, I do like my gadgets. However recently we just bought our first house together so it was a huge step from a flat. Couple that with a very big garden and the endless digging I do, then it has to be my house!

What makes you happy?

Personally – getting all the family together as often as possible.

Professionally - Seeing a client’s face when they get the body they always wanted.

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

Love this question! Has to be a formula 1 driver. I love anything fast and dangerous and I hear the salary isn’t bad, so I could hire a gardener to do all the digging instead.

Saturday night you can be found where?

Chilling out in the garden with my fiancée chucking a ball for the dogs (I can’t take my alcohol very well as drinking regularly and my job do not mix! Hence the 1 bottle of beer).

Describe your ideal woman?

Now I better get this right. I had never met her until I met my Fiancée 3 years ago. So big boned, massive biceps and a deep voice. Only joking, a great personality, confident and, of course, a red head with lovely eyes!

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DENIM R E A M S Denin Jacket Debenhams

Charlie Shirt £45 Voi Jeans

Jacket Matalan

Vine Chambrey Shirt £45 Voi Jeans

Denin Shirt Matalan

Backpack River Island

Bertie Flow £30 Mens Dune

River Island

Denim Gilet River Island

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 61

Fry’s

footie corner

I

n football we have managed to get over the lunacy of the January transfer window and now for football league clubs, February sees the end of The Emergency Loan window. A week after the January window closed, 'The Emergency Loan' window was opened and players can be taken for up to 93 days.

The 'Emergency Loan Window' has for many managers in the Football League become every bit as important as the 31-day period for permanent transfers that always ends amid much frantic last minute negotiation.

Whilst no money can be exchanged to secure a permanent transfer, they can improve their squads with as many emergency loan moves as they like. They are usually to cover injuries or suspensions - hence the use of the word 'emergency' - but they are increasingly used strategically by cash-strapped clubs to try and turn their seasons around.

This involves the 72 league clubs, but as of next year it will be the last time it occurs for these clubs because FIFA, in their wisdom, want them brought into line in 2015 with the Premier League clubs. Which I feel will make the mad scramble of January even more bizarre with people spending money on transfer fees and wages that escalate out of all proportion.

I don’t feel that these transfer windows help clubs at all and I feel, particularly the Football League, should revert to the old system where during the season anyone can transfer anyone.

This will enable clubs with cash flow problems to sell a player or two and relieve the financial burden on them.

On the international front, I went to Wembley recently to see Roy Hodgson’s new England team beat Brazil with goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. It was very pleasing to see us defeat the great Brazil side, who are the benchmark for other countries across the globe.

Barry Fry

www.theposh.com

63

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Mark Moraghan I

f you thought The Spice Girls invented ‘Girl Power’ then think again! Back in 1979 Judy, Violet, and the ‘not so dumb blonde’ Doralee set out on a mission to take on their sexist vile boss. Sticking closely to the films successful script, ‘9 to 5 – The Musical’ promises to be funny and a real feel good night out!

I caught up with one of the stars, Mark Moraghan, after being treated to some show stopping songs from the cast including the iconic ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Backwoods Barbie’ - a song that the actress playing Doralee, Amy Lennox, did justice – certainly giving Dolly a run for her money!

includes one of my passions, football’ he explains ‘So being in Dream Team was, pardon the pun, a dream!’ You only have to look at his Twitter to see how true his passion for football really is (@MarkMoraghan).

went to a drama school in Liverpool.

And you need to get a thick skin’ he adds wryly. Marks’s first agent was the actor Ricky Tomlimson which, obviously, set Mark in good stead for a very successful career.

Mark has been acting since the tender age of 15 after the BBC visited his school to audition for a Willy Russell play. ‘When I got the part I was a young lad and for my age I was earning good money, so what was

When talking about music it is obvious that this is a massive passion for Mark, as he becomes very animated when I ask what he is currently listening to. ‘The Beauty Room is a great band, very orchestral and I like listening to Whispering Bob Harris on Radio 2 as he plays some really good music’. Mark appeared in the singing show ‘Just the Two of Us’ with Atomic Kitten, Natasha Hamilton and finished a respectable second and he has also released his own album.

Playing the part of the sexist, egotistical and lying boss Franklin Hart is Mark Moraghan.

You will recognise him from his TV credits including Holby City, Brookside and Dream Team.

Mark is new to the role and when I caught up with him he hadn’t yet performed to an audience but was fully into the rehearsals and he assured me the rest of the cast were treating the new boy very well!

The first thing I notice is the moustache, something he has had to grow for the role and it would appear that it’s taking some getting used to, having always been smooth-faced!

However mastering the American accent he adopted for the role has been somewhat easier. He would love to put his great accent to use as his ultimate part would be to dress up and be a gangster in Boardwalk Empire. When asked what his favourite part has already been it comes as no surprise, what with him being an ardent Liverpool supporter, that his answer is ‘Dream Team’ – the Sky TV series about a fictional football team. ‘It has to be the role that

there not to like?’ He was fortunate that with the part came the much needed Equity card. ‘Back then it was a vicious circle trying to get your card as you needed 12 contracts in order to apply for one, but it was hard to get work without the Equity card.

However these days it is a lot easier to get’. When I asked what advice he would give to any wannabe actors, there is no hesitation in his reply.

‘Train, get some formal training - I 65

Another hobby of Mark’s that he takes great delight in, is cooking. In 2008 he was runner up in Celebrity Masterchef so I ask him what he would cook to impress an Affinity lady. ‘A Chinese Banquet, the menu I prepared for the Masterchef final. To start it would be spare ribs with green and white jade soup followed by sea bass and jorts (pork dumplings). I love nothing more than all the preparation, great music on and then two or three hours in the kitchen - it’s very relaxing’.

So with Mark’s pork dumplings on my mind I wish him luck when he takes to the stage with the rest of cast with what looks to be a real showstopper of a musical.

9 to 5 will be on a Milton Keynes Theatre from 4th – 9th March to book call 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 64

Harder, Better, Faster

Audi A3 Cabriolet Prepares for its Grand Finale 66

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 65

A

s the worst of the snow receded from much of the UK last month, the current Audi A3 Cabriolet was also withdrawing gracefully with the help of new Final Edition models which makes the prospect of spring soft-top motoring even more attractive.

Based on the familiar Sport and S line specification levels, the new Final Edition variants include numerous enhancements which maximise comfort, convenience and driving pleasure.

The A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition takes the already comprehensively equipped Sport model and replaces its cloth upholstery with supple Vienna leather. It also adds front seat heating, rear parking sensors, automatic headlight and wiper activation, cruise control and a Bluetooth mobile phone interface. These comfort and convenience features are in addition to existing Sport trimmings such as 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, dual-zone climate control, a Concert CD audio system with auxiliary iPod/MP3 socket and a fast-acting fully automatic acoustic hood.

S line Final Edition models offer even more luxury to complement their even more sporting stance. They replace the original 18-inch S line alloy wheel with a new five-segment spoke design, add full Vienna leather upholstery in place of the original fabric and leather combination and boost the list of S line safety and entertainment features to include xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps, DVDbased satellite-navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and a BOSE sound system.

The premium for the new A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition model is £2,340 over the standard A3 Cabriolet, which also continues in this final production run. Compared with the cost of specifying its additional equipment individually, this premium represents a saving of £1,605. The step up to the S line Final Edition from the Sport Final Edition costs an additional £2,435, effectively saving £3,640 compared with choosing its additional equipment separately.

Power options for standard Cabriolet models, and both Final Edition variants, include three responsive and frugal turbo charged and directly injected petrol units – the 1.2 TFSI with 105PS, the 1.8 TFSI with 160PS and the 2.0 TFSI with 200PS – or two turbo charged direct injection diesels – the 1.6 TDI with 105PS and the 2.0 TDI with 140PS. Depending on the engine chosen, these offer economy potential of up to 65.7mpg with CO2 output of as little as 114g/km.

With spring in the air we all want to feel the wind in our hair and the sun on our face and we can with prices for the final Cabriolet range start from £21,435 OTR for the 1.2 TFSI standard model. Sport Final Edition versions start from £23,775 OTR, and S line Final Editions from £26,210 OTR.

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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

A Weekend with Friends!

W

e are going away for the weekend! Not just the six of us but with five other families, therefore the party size will total 12 adults and 16 children! So surely you can understand my trepidation?! Not just with the weekend away but the thought of packing for all six of us – a military operation awaits!

decides to sing a rugby song at 3am!!

The Friday arrives and after four hours spent packing we are ready to go! We are 10 miles into our 116 mile trip before the first child asks ‘Are we nearly there’!!!

Despite entertaining them with in car DVD’s, copious snacks and a toilet stop, we are asked at least every 10 miles, ‘How much longer to go’?! Finally after what seems days, we arrive. As ‘The Husband’ and I unpack – yes everything has to be put away in my anally retentive world – the children run around at super speed checking everything out and as we are somewhere new, the mundane things seems super exciting to them - ‘oh look Mummy, we have a lovely microwave’!

Having been away before and with just the one child, I still manage to forget vital stuff, including the bottle steriliser and we only realised at midnight and as we were in the middle of nowhere we had to resort to what generations before us did – boiling water in a saucepan!

It worked and Rafferty suffered no ill effects – who needs fancy equipment eh?! At least we have never forgotten nappies – I don’t fancy my chances of fashioning a makeshift one with a t-shirt!

After the initial trepidation we have a fabulous weekend! It was a great mixture of doing stuff together as a big group as well as spending time just as a family.

And of course all the children have a fantastic time! The older ones can do such activities as Tree Trekking, the Hi-Wire etc and the younger ones have loads of suitable stuff to choose from. And of course there are the children’s clubs you can leave them at whilst you escape for a peaceful coffee or even if you are really lucky, a trip to the spa!

A week before, a large piece of paper is sought, preferably not one of the children’s masterpieces as they wouldn’t forgive me for ruining such a work of art!

A big list needs to be put together and with so many of us it has to include everything and split into each person and then separate headings to include toys and food – down to the amount of actual apples we will take! This may seem really anal but trust me there is no other way!

Oh and don’t forget the snacks for the car!

This year we are off to Center Parcs as with so many children it is an absolute necessity that they are entertained – we will be resorting to drink anyway without having to deal with 16 permanently bored children!! Not only that, it means we can all be in separate apartments, the thought of us all together in one house would bring tears to my eyes!! There is always at least one noisy child who gets up mega early and wakes up everyone else and it’s usually one of mine!

And there is always at least one drunken noisy Dad who

I know people will say Centre Parcs can be expensive however we book ours a year in advance (we have already booked for 2014!) to spread the cost plus we go for a weekend in term time. We did have to cut it short to fit in around school, however I am hoping that next year we have a very accommodating head who will let us off a couple of days – well all those activities can be educational eh?!

Yummy Mummy 68

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Easter Basket Collection £35 Hotel Chocolat

Bobby Bunny £6 Marks & Spencer

Make Your Own Felt Easter Puppets £1 poundland.com

C ho co l a te Tr e a t s Jsen_yellow Bucket ellajamesliving.co.uk

Headphone Jack £6 Marks & Spencer

Gnasher from the Beano Egg £6 Marks & Spencer Set Of Two Traditional Easter Egg Boxes - £4.50 tch.net

White Chocolate Tiddly Chicks £5 Hotel Chocolat

Six Mini Chicks £5 Marks & Spencer

Where's wally Egg Hunt £6 Marks & Spencer

Family Easter Egg Hunt Basket 390g £5 Tesco

Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 68

Road trip to Vegas W

e picked ‘the beast’ up in San Francisco, our 6 birth 40ft Motorhome was to be our home for the next week , Our destination Las Vegas and 7 nights of camping en-route.

of sight, windows, doors and air vents closed, as the most inquisitive bears will sniff out or spot an empty food wrapper and do serious damage to an unattended vehicle.

Even sunscreen and cosmetics are deemed too tempting, so need to be hidden and, if staying overnight, you are required to place foodstuff into the bear-proof bins provided. Alas we didn’t spot any bears but the sheer excitement of ‘what if’ was tangible.

The RV, as they are known in America, was huge with a double bedroom to the rear, a dinette convertible bed and another one over the cab it could comfortably accommodate 6 people. All mod cons including air conditioning a microwave and WC with shower assured us that we would want for nothing.

Travelling East from San Francisco along route 120 we entered Yosemite National Park approximately 4 hours later. The winding mountain passes made the journey exciting an, in some instances, quite frightening as the road would suddenly disappear around a bend and 40 ft of motorhome would swing round after it. The National Park is huge, covering 1170 square miles of breathtaking natural splendour, the highest peaks more than 13,000 feet above sea level. Probably the most famous being Half Dome with its western face a sheer cliff of plutonic granite. Hiking and walking are a must here, but if you drive through the Park you must stop for a while to take in the scenic waterfalls and ice cold streams, gain a sense of remoteness and breathe in clean fresh air.

The Tioga Pass takes you through the Park to the Eastern exit at Lee Vining and the beautiful decent towards Mammoth Lakes, along route 395 towards Death Valley.

Because a hired RV cannot be recovered or towed from Death Valley it isn’t possible to take one through, so the only alternative is to skirt around it, a 4 day detour through the Mojave Desert. Quite possibly the hottest place on earth in the middle of summer, AC was not adequate for our needs. The journey however was fascinating. We followed the route of the heart-rending tale of the Native Americans who were removed from their homeland and force-marched to Reservations in some of the most inhospitable landscapes on earth, many dying on route without water or shade. Their story unfolding to us on huge information boards in lay-bys which soon became ‘must stop’ places of interest and poignant reminders of man’s hostility to man.

Our campground for the night in the Yosemite Valley came complete with bear proof bins and big warning signs everywhere. Black bears are commonplace in the Park and although it is rare to run into trouble with them you are required to be ‘bear aware’. All food stuff must be out

Just east of Barstow is the ghost town of Calico, in searing temperatures of the Mojave Desert and mostly restored to its former glory, it is worth a visit to appreciate the sheer endeavour the miners of the 1880’s must have endured to extract silver from them there Hills.

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The scenery was both amazing and repetitive, mile upon mile of seemingly endless road, sand and distant mountains. It felt at times like we would never reach our destination as the horizon stretched on forever. Our camp ground for one night was lakeside and another beside a typical ‘old west’ bar complete with pool table and cowboys - no two nights were the same.

However, we eventually joined route 40 and after more miles of desert we detoured onto probably the most famous road in America, Route 66, for part of the journey. Passing gas stations and motels straight from the 1950’s, Route 66 really is like stepping back in time.

Our journey into Grand Canyon National Park was reached through Williams on Route 65, as the park isn’t readily accessible. Very few roads lead to the Rim and the most awe inspiring view of the World’s largest Canyon. Camping here is scenic and fresh, the air clean and cooler than on previous nights. Having spent time exploring the many walkways and viewpoints, we left Grand Canyon Village and began our journey into Las Vegas passing the incredible Hoover Dam on the way - stop and look over the edge of the Dam if you are ever in the vicinity!

It is important to plan and pre-book your campgrounds in the National Parks well in advance, many of them booking a year ahead.

The journey distances can be immense so checking mileage and not trying to put too much into one day is sensible.

Our arrival into Las Vegas was timely. After 7 nights on the road in searing heat, inadequate AC, bone shaking roads and endless horizons we weren’t sorry to hand the Keys to the RV back.

With the promise of a large bed, refreshing shower and cool room in our Las Vegas Hotel.

A long and sometimes arduous journey but the wonderful memories of what we saw and did will remain with us for a lifetime.

Sue Alexander Eagle Travel 01234 348882 11, Goldington Rd, Bedford

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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!

Dear Sue There is a man I deal with in business, probably meeting him once every couple months, we have a little flirt but nothing more and sometimes there's quite a lot of contact in between our meetings either via email or text and sometimes there isn't.

When we do meet he opens up and tells me his problems (which he has had quite a few of lately). I never really thought anything of it I am married and until recently so was he. He is a charmer which makes me feel good, but it is all done as a little giggle.

I met him just before xmas and there was nothing different in his behaviour, although he opened up quite a lot about his personal issues and had just started dating a new lady - since our meeting I can't stop thinking about him, I check my phone/emails every day to see if he has contacted me (he hasn't) - I fantasise about him and it is driving me mad - we have arranged to meet in about a months’ time and I know if I made the move it wouldn't be rejected, but do I want to go there - I don't know in fact I am so confused can you help? Thank you Deborah

Dear Sue, I hope you can help me - I used to have a really good friend and we did everything together, but because of her controlling husband we are no longer allowed to see each other - It has been brought to my attention lately that he has gone to one of my business rivals as their PR to try to get one over on me, this won’t happen but I just feel how many more years will he continue to be such an idiot - I don't see my best friend anymore so when will he move on it has now been 8 years Much Appreciated Maria Hi Maria, I will try…. The first card that I pulled for you was the eight of wands, which is all about returning communication. You need to see why as an all controlling man he feels the need to hurt you, and that would be that there is in his mind some long standing hold that his wife feels for you, which he cannot erase from her mind, so he attacks you in the hope that hurting you will force this friendship to a more permanent close. He will continue while he thinks that it is having some effect. His wife pulled back because she didn’t want to suffer anymore and drag you down too, it does not mean that the friendship is over, just held back, awaiting new contact.

Controlling men become more controlling when they feel that they are losing battles. His movement in the area of your life where you feel most peace is an attempt to make you feel uncomfortable, and should be ignored.

He cannot harm you, as your work speaks for itself, and he is laying himself open to ridicule by trying. Give him enough rope, and as the phrase says he will likely ‘hang himself’, in both a work and social sense.

I hope so Deborah, the cards tell me that this man is making you feel younger and more womanly than you have managed to feel of late, mainly because you are on a work/ shop /home route, which is becoming too familiar as the years go by. His charming and flirtatious nature attracts you, when his personality does not, just because he offers a frisson of the old excitements that you used to find more regularly with your partner. The moon card shows that you are in a state of emotional flux, trying to find another side of yourself which has been overlooked. This man, while charming, would not be the answer, but would become more of an ongoing problem, leaving you feeling unsure in both work and home situations, however, you should take on board that you do need something more than you are getting now, to feel happier in your life as it stands.

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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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Bedfordshire Lace L

acemaking is a striking example of the impact of the Industrial Revolution, which turned Britain upside down from the middle of the 18th century onwards. When we think about the Industrial Revolution, we usually think of iron and steel and steam engines.

The mechanisation of the production of so many types of product killed off cottage industries, beginning the rush from the country to the town as craftsmen and craftswomen were displaced by machines and became slaves to the factory culture.

Whole families were involved in making lace, man, woman and child. Schools which taught lacemaking to young children sprang up in the late 17th century.

Child labour was an accepted fact of life. And it took the whole family to create enough lace to make ends meet.

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

Bedfordshire lace was never the finest type of lace made in England – that was Honiton lace – although some very nice work was produced. Rather, it was produced during the mid-19th century for the “masses”, the rising middle-class family which wanted “nice things” such as lace-edged tablecloths. But it was a distinct style, or rather, a series of styles, which were cherished by many.

Lacemaking was one of the first crafts which were driven into near-extinction by mechanisation. Lace machines able to create geometric lace were built as early as 1810, and, to compete, Bedfordshire lacemasters introduced patterns which couldn’t easily be created by machine. But the technology caught up with the craftspeople in the end, and over time Bedfordshire lace, as did many other types of lace, died out.

Fortunately the skill was never completely lost, and now there are many groups of lacemakers in the east Midlands which make Bedfordshire lace. You can find a lot of examples of it on the Internet, and they’re wellworth looking at.

Evening Lacemaking Club

The group meets on a THURSDAY EVERY MONTH From 7.00 pm until 9.30 pm Price: £10.25 Per Month Phone the shop for more information!

Or download a brochure from our website

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

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I have a dream

My Top Tips to help you Sparkle:

I was in a house I didn't recognise and my wife was ignoring me, I kept saying to her " I still want you, I still want you" and she continued to ignore me walking from room to room not answering me - I then woke up and was actually crying

* Acknowledge how events can shape you: Has a recent event left you feeling like you’re in unfamiliar territory? It’s important to acknowledge the impact life experiences have so make sure you’re taking time to process how you feel, especially if you’re feeling displaced, out of sorts or “not yourself”.

“Houses in dreams are powerful symbols, as they often reflect our character and how we feel inside and out. If a dream house is in a state of disrepair or “run down” for example, you may be feeling tired and run down at the time you had the dream.

In your dream you don’t recognise the house, so it may be you’re feeling unsettled in your home life or in unfamiliar territory, especially if there has been a significant event or change in your life which has had an impact on your emotional wellbeing. It may be that you feel unclear about what you want or have made decisions which aren’t “like you” - in other words you may not feel yourself at the moment.

Your wife was ignoring you, which may be a literal feeling, but may also demonstrate a fear you have about your relationship. Of course, if your dream mirrors how you feel in "real” life it’s worth having a conversation with her about the health of your relationship. Her walking away from you in the dream, from room to room, may be that you question if she will be with you as time goes by.

You woke up crying from the dream and this suggests this is an anxiety dream, perhaps the culmination of recent events and pressures at work or at home.

* Look after yourself and your relationships: Take time out to relax, especially in the evenings and at weekends and wind down before bedtime to help improve your dream content. If you have fears about your marriage, talk these through with your wife or consider mediation which may be mutually beneficial. * Know what you want: Are you clear about what you want and what makes you happy? Many people reach a cross roads at some point in their life and it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself the question if you’re where you want to be, especially if where you are is not where you thought you’d end up!

Remember, though, to acknowledge your wants and needs will change over time. Just because you’ve made your bed doesn’t mean you have to lie in it. You can always make it again. ”

Delphi www.officialdelphiellis.com 74

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A quiet night in.......

Gripping and chilling, with a killer twist, THE BURNING AIR reaffirms Erin Kelly as one of Britain's foremost psychological thriller writers.

The MacBrides have always gone to Far Barn in Devon for Bonfire Night, but this year everything is different. Lydia, the matriarch, is dead; Sophie, the eldest daughter, is desperately trying to repair a crumbling marriage; and Felix, the youngest of the family, has brought a girlfriend with him for the first time.

The girl, Kerry, seems odd in a way nobody can quite put their finger on - but when they leave her looking after Sophie's baby daughter, and return to find both Kerry and the baby missing. You’ll be transfixed as you uncover the truth in this unputdownable novel.

DVD release Latest cinema release Release Date 1st March

S

parks fly between Hollywood heavyweights Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe in this riveting thriller.

Disgraced ex-cop turned private detective Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) is thrown a lifeline. The Mayor of New York City Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe) is set on cleaning up the apparently 'broken' city and hires the former lawman to act as his eyes on the ground. But events take an unexpected turn when Billy is hired to trail Hostetler's glamorous wife Emily (Catherine ZetaJones) and capture evidence of her rumoured infidelity.

A seemingly straightforward assignment soon turns out to be anything but, as Billy uncovers a shocking scandal.

Soon he's double-crossed and betrayed by Hostetler, the most powerful man in the city. Now streetwise Billy is out for justice! A-list stars Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe bring their commanding talents to this riveting mano-amano thriller, one that plunges audiences into a world where loyalty and trust are built on corrupt foundations

H

eather Mason and her father have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn't fully understand, Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by horrific nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she's not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her forever

Release Date: 18th March 75

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

What’s On March 2013 Sat 2nd March Indoor Car Boot Sale, Blunham Village Hall An ideal opportunity for anyone who has any unwanted items: homeware goods, clothes, toys etc and wanting to sell them. £10 a stall Contact: Marion 01767 640 855

Sun 10th March Sizzling Sunday 11am – 4pm Burwash Manor The fabulous new Food Hall at Burwash Manor is thrilled to be taking part in Cambridge’s latest food festival, Eat-Cambridge.

They will be offering tasting events throughout the festival, but on March 10th, the Food Hall will be going crazy for all things pork! Burwash Manor Farm is renowned for its delicious organic pork products, from ham and bacon to their very own sausages and they’re going to let you in on a few secrets.

Sun 3rd March Cruise & Luxury Travel Show 9.30am – 3.30pm The Sharnbrook Hotel, Sharnbrook, Beds The opportunity to meet and talk to a wide variety of cruise line and tour operator partners. Informative talks and presentations throughout the day. Personal service from experienced cruise & travel consultants.There are limited places available for the presentations; Apply for tickets today!

01234 326758 www.cruiseselect.co.uk

Sun 10th March Mothers Day at Wyboston Lakes 12pm – 4pm Delicious three course lunch, music from a pianist and a gift for all mums 0333 7007 667 www.wybostonlakes.co.uk Weds 13th – Sat 15th March The Winters Tale Milton Keynes Theatre Leontes has everything a man could want: power, wealth, a loving family and friends. But he is not at peace. Inside he harbours a bitter jealousy that drives him to destroy all he holds dear. Many years later, in a distant country, a journey begins that may ultimately heal his pain and reunite his family in Shakespeare’s uplifting tale of reconciliation and forgiveness www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Mon 4th – Sat 9th March 9 – 5 The Musical Milton Keynes Theatre Fiesty, fun and oh so fabulous! This show features Dolly Parton's original hit title song, 9 to 5 which won her an Oscar nomination and 4 Grammy Award nominations along with her new Tony and Grammy nominated score. These 18 original numbers that mix Broadway and pop with Dolly's signature witty lyrics will have you kicking up your heels. Leave your daily grind behind and join in on the fun. www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Sat 16th March Dragonfly 3rd Birthday Party – 10am – 5pm Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7EY Dragonfly, the beautiful day spa at Burwash Manor, has been open for three busy years. So to celebrate, they are holding a birthday party – and you’re invited!

Their happy team of therapists would like you to join in the celebrations, so they’re offering pink fizz, birthday cake (of course!), free mini-treatments and the chance to relax for a while in their lovely salon.

They’re very excited about their birthday but, being very well brought up girls, have decided to give their birthday presents to someone who needs them more! So if you book 3 treatments on the day, Dragonfly will donate the full cost of the third treatment to Tom’s Trust...so you’ll be helping yourself feel good, whilst helping others too.

Sun 9th March The Heat is on at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo For the first time brave challengers can face fire at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and raise money for conservation by taking on the Zoo’s new Fire Walk.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will be welcoming fearless fire walkers to walk across red hot embers. Led by the Fire Master, those taking on this challenge of a lifetime will attend a “nothing is impossible” seminar before stepping out into the flames.

Fire walkers can invite friends and family along to watch them embark upon their journey across the embers and then enjoy a complimentary barbecue at the event.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.zsl.org/firewalk Gates open at 6.30pm Spectator tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for under 15s, both prices include a BBQ token.

Sat 16th March Nearly New Baby Sale 2pm – 4pm Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford Baby equipment, children’s clothes from birth, bedding, sleeping bags, quality pre-school toys, and much more (some items completely unused/boxed).

For more information: Melanie on 0755 2906157 new2u2@hotmail.co.uk

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Sat 16th March Ladies Night The Millhouse Hotel Riverside Hotel & Restauran An evening of drinks, nibbles, shopping and pampering for ladies of all ages to enjoy.

Only £12.00 per ticket (includes bubbly and canapés) 01234 781678 www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk Thurs 21st March Bedford RSPB Meeting 7.30pm A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford Sun 24th March Easter Egg Hunt 2pm - 5pm St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger, Beds Come and join us for a fun, filled afternoon this Easter with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. An egg hunt, stalls, games and lots of activities to get involved with-it’s a day not to be missed! £3 entry for children with each child receiving a chocolate Easter egg at the end of the egg hunt.

Katrina Brooks 01767 642412 Sun 24th March Easter Bazaar Bedford, Biggleswade Cats Protection 1pm Cardington Village Hall Lots of stalls, Children's Activities, Refreshments available.

Sat 30th March Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 4pm Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7EY The Rocking Horse country toyshop will be celebrating this year’s Easter Saturday with lots of fun filled activities for all the family.

There will be an easter egg trail around the meadows and courtyards – solve the fun clues to win chocolate prizes. You can also enjoy, games, mini fair, donkey rides, face painting, refresh yourself with the Icicle Tricycle and a BBQ or, for those with weary legs, take a ride on a delightful miniature steam train!

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Tom’s Trust, a local charity providing funding to help provide support to children suffering from brain tumours.

Easter Trail £1.50 Sun 31st March Classic Vehicle Show and Autojumble Old Warden Aerodrome, Biggleswade, Beds An enthusiasts paradise, lots of jumble and trade stalls, commemorative classic style tax disc sticker for all pre booked exhibiting vehicles. Judging and awards ceremony as well as discounted entry to the Shuttleworth collection. www.shuttleworth.org

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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 March 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:21 Page 2

A Friendly Welcome Awaits Over 50’s Wednesdays 2 mains only £9.95 or 2 courses for £9.95 each

A wonderful variety of cask ales, lagers and wines

TheVictoria Arms

Mothers Day and Easter Sunday Menu 1 course - £8.95 2 courses - £12.95 Children half price

Mains Roast Chicken or Beef with Homemade Roast Potatoes and Gravy Lamb Shank, Mash, Peas and Minted Gravy Oven Cooked Salmon on a Lemon and Pea Risotto

Dessert Apply Crumble and Custard Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard Chocolate Brownie and Ice Cream Boozy Chocolate Trifle Selection of Ice Creams

Food Served ils.

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

01234 763 930 fitnessfirst.co.uk

Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm Dinner: 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch: 12pm - 4pm

The Victoria Arms, High St, Wilden 01234 772437

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FREE

MILLMAN

MARCH 2013

2 Church Arcade Bedford TEL 01234 354026

ISSUE 22

Jewellers of Distinction MARCH 2013

Boudoir Babes Sexy underwear to get his heart racing

Dream, Dream, Dream

AFFINITY MAGAZINE

Ever wondered what your dreams mean?

New Spring 2013 designs now in stock Over 600 lines currently in store Also Petite by Aagaard & Aagaard Mens range

LOVE is in the Air Gifts, Food, Romantic Getaways & More BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON