Affinity Magazine November 2012 by jane fry

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NOVEMBER 2012

ISSUE 18

FREE

NOVEMBER 2012

Wrapped Up Must have coats for your wardrobe

Glitz and Glamour

AFFINITY MAGAZINE

Charity Ball Photo Gallery

MILLMAN

Jewellers of Distinction 2 Church Arcade Bedford TEL 01234 354026

WIN! WIN! WIN! Overnight stay at The Embankment

Y SPA Indulgence

Treat Yourself

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

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A Friendly Welcome Awaits My Story, My Design

TheVictoria Arms Autumn Menu Available Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm and Dinner: 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch: 12pm - 4pm

Christmas menu now available: 2 courses £14.50 3 courses £19.50 1st December - 23rd December

A wonderful variety of cask ales, lagers and wines

“Relaxed Dining at it’s Best” 10 Mill Street Bedford, MK40 3HD 01234 351458

The Victoria Arms, High St, Wilden

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Cover Image Model -miss Selfridge

www.affinitymag.co.uk @affinitymagz

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

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

Vadisoro Design dave@aﬃnitymag.co.uk 01234 215523

Welcome... Hi Everyone Well what can I say we had an absolutely fantastic time at our Black Tie & Tiara Charity Ball last month. The ladies looked beautiful and the men very handsome - we had great fun whilst raising money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. If you missed this great evening don’t worry we will be doing it all again next year – and to see what you were missing or to see if you can spot yourself turn to page 29 for our Charity Ball coverage. As I write this there are 68 days until CHRISTMAS! So to avoid you having last minute panics we show you some gifts for that special man in your life on page 69, the avid gardener page 62 and don’t worry the kids aren’t forgotten either you’ll find them on page 53. We all like a drink to relax, but is it good or bad for us? Why not have a read of our article on page 36 and make your own mind up.

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. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400 www.regallitho.co.uk

The days and nights are feeling colder so we need to wrap up when we venture out and what could be more stylish than our fashion feature on coats. Plus all our regular features and more you’ll be spoilt for choice with what to read first. Have a good month, snuggle up and stay warm

Jane x

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beat fatigue by balancing blood sugar levels

’ve seen several people this month who’ve come to me complaining of debilitating levels of tiredness and fatigue, which adversely affects their ability to make the most of their busy and demanding day. Whilst stress undoubtedly played its part, which is virtually impossible to avoid in today’s fast-paced world, our diet can play a vital role in helping us to cope with the numerous demands made upon us, and the temptation is always to grab something quickly to keep us going. This invariably involves something sweet such as toast, chocolate, or a cereal bar. But this can have devastating effects on our blood sugar levels if we rely on these to get through the day or are resorting to them on a regular basis. Other symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels includes irritability, light headedness, thirst - even when drinking sufficient water, frequent urination, cravings, needing more than 8 hours sleep a night and not able to get going in the morning. Suggestions to help make a difference: • Don’t ignore, or forget breakfast. Even if you cannot face food first thing in the morning, make sure you have something by 10am. Please do not assume a cereal bar is a good healthy option as some have been shown to have more fat and sugar than a bar of chocolate! • Low GI carbohydrates and increasing protein in your diet are two of the best ways to ensure your blood sugar levels remain balanced throughout the day.

turning to a sugary snack eaten on the run, along with a stimulant like coffee, just to keep you going. In the long run this habit further aggravates the problem and intensifies the levels of fatigue. • Chromium is a mineral needed by the body in minute amounts, but never the less it has been shown to play an important role in blood sugar balancing, as it enhances the action of insulin. You need vitamin C and Niacin to enhance its uptake, which is stored in the liver, spleen and the bones. • Infection, pregnancy and breastfeeding, stress or trauma all deplete chromium levels and can lead to deficiency. However, most significantly, a diet high in sugar also leads to the loss of chromium which is excreted in urine and will lead to deficiency this laying ourselves open to more serious conditions such glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes, along with the classic ‘muffin top’ weight gain around the middle, just above the navel. • Foods rich in chromium include broccoli, apples, oranges, grape juice, most nuts, whole grains and skimmed milk, turkey, oysters, eggs and beef. There are also a variety of herbs which can be prescribed to address the problem Ayurvedic Health Tip If you suffer from a dip in energy at around 3pm and craving for coffee and sugar, take 20mls of Aloe vera juice with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

• Ensure each meal and snack has a protein element. • Eating every four hours, and in some cases, if weight gain is not an issue, have a healthy snack such as dried fruit and nuts or rice cakes and hummus. Missing meals, or very long intervals between them, all play havoc with blood sugar levels and usually results in

Caution: If you are suffering from increasing levels of fatigue, it’s important to have this checked out or, if you’re thinking of taking chromium supplements, please consult a healthcare professional as chromium is not suitable for everyone.

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 15 22 29 40 47 48 54 57 68 76

Y Spa Indulgence All Wrapped Up All Balled Out! Delicious Dining Win! Win! Win! Bedford’s Jewel Cinderella’s Here Burning Desires Fry’s Footie Christmas Markets

Fitness

Personal

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Avoid the winter

weight gain

There is no denying that summer is officially over (pretty much before it even began!) and with the colder winter months generally comes the stodgy winter warmers and reduced exercise. With reduced exercise and tasty food an average Brit will gain weight or ‘winter padding’ as some might like to call it. Let this year be different! Follow my top tips to avoid that winter weight gain and enjoy the colder months being healthy, lean and fit!

Get outside whenever you can

Approx 12 carrots, roughly chopped (medium sized) 3/4 cup orange juice 1/2 can coconut milk 3 cups milk salt and pepper to flavour. Cooked chicken (added afterwards)

Natural day light triggers messages in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus which controls your mood, your appetite and your sleep, so during the winter months you have a double hit, increased appetite but less inclination to exercise, so weight gain is an obvious result. Get as much daylight as you can. I know it’s cold outside but you will feel so much better for getting 30 minutes fresh air and natural light each day. Another way to help increase daylight is phototherapy, a form of light therapy. Light therapy has been shown to be effective in up to 85% of diagnosed cases. Special phototherapy lamps can be purchased online on sites such as Amazon and John Lewis for around £30-£70.

Directions: Fry off onions until soft in coconut butter, stirring frequently, add ginger and chili powder and fry for 1 more minute. Add the carrots, coconut milk and milk. Bring to the boil, ensuring it doesn’t froth over. Simmer for approx 10 minutes until carrots are soft. Leave to cool for a few minutes then puree with a blender or food mixer. Now add sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste and stir in some chunky pieces of chicken. There you have a delicious healthy winter warmer.

Avoid the stodge This time of year generally means goodbye to the healthy salads and hello to comfort foods such as stews, creamy soups and puddings with hot custard. However it needn’t be like that. You can still eat really healthy food throughout the year. Some of our seasonal winter vegetables are packed full with vitamins and minerals. Try this delicious healthy carrot, orange and ginger soup with chicken: Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of coconut butter, 1 onion chopped roughly, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated 1 tsp chili powder

Water, water everywhere During the summer we’re generally pretty good at drinking our 2 litres a day but during the winter it seems to drop down. Remember your body still needs at least 2 litres of water a day. A 5% drop in hydration can cause fatigue, headaches and can cause you to eat more, so keep topped up with plenty of fresh water. A tasty alternative to plain water all the time is to add a squeeze of lime juice and some mint leaves. Mmmmm delicious!

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Wash your hands The last thing we need over the winter months is a stinking cold or, worse still, the ‘flu’, so wash your hands regularly and avoid people who are ill. Lots of fresh air will help keep the bugs away too so get outside whenever you can to enjoy clean air. Those who are at a higher risk of getting the flu are entitled to a flu jab, these include people aged over 65, pregnant women and healthcare workers. Speak to your GP’s surgery for more information.

Be drink smart Swap your hot chocolate for a green tea. By making this simple switch with your drink can save you over 12,800 calories over the next 3 months, which equates to 3 and a half pounds in body weight.

Exercise more not less When the outside temperature drops it’s so tempting to come straight in from work and snuggle up on the sofa rather than go to the gym or out for a run. This leads to inactivity and weight gain. Here are some ways you can stay motivated: 1. Sign up for a winter charity event, it’s a brilliant way to stay motivated if you know you have an event to run - a great 5km run is the Keech Hospice Santa Run. The Bedford run is on Sunday 9th December. The event is run in full santa costumes and raises money for a fantastic cause. 2. Some leisure centres do month by month gym memberships or Pay-As-You-Go passes, so if you normally run or exercise outside but it’s too cold for you then sign up for the winter months and you can keep your exercise up inside without committing to an annual contract. 3. Try a new ‘indoor sport’ such as badminton, squash, indoor tennis or even swimming - all a great way to keep fit....in a lovely heated pool (and perhaps a sauna or steam afterwards!) 4. Try workout DVDs at home. If you really can’t face the thought of leaving home to exercise then bring the workout to you. There are some great exercise DVDs for you to try out. I hope my handy tips will keep you active this winter and avoid those awkward pounds creeping on so we can start 2013 with a BANG!

If I can help you over the winter months then please feel free to get in touch Julie Holl - Personal Trainer - Holl Fitness Studio 07808 739651 www.hollfitness.com

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woman

of the Month

Emma-Jane North Age: 43 Occupation: Spa Director at Y Spa, Wyboston Lakes Resides: Rushden Northamptonshire

Best holiday destination and why? The Seychelles, ultimate peace and time without boundaries in ultimate beauty You can’t leave the house without? Mascara

Describe yourself in three words? Energetic, Positive, Creative What makes you stand out in a crowd? My very naughty laugh!

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Mentoring and presenting to the next generation of Spa teams

Your top three movies? Top Gun, The Matrix and South Pacific What do you do to relax? Spend time with my family and listen to my favourite tunes

What three people dead or alive would you invite to a dinner party and why? John Lennon – you have to have a Beatle, Eva Peron – just fascinating and Richard Branson – business idol.

Your most extravagant purchase and why? My bed, as when I eventually do stop it’s really important to me to be comfortable.

What makes you happy? My family, my life

If you could be anyone or anything what would it be? I would be a bird of prey, great eyesight, flying high with wicked talons.

Saturday night you can be found where? Tucked up on the sofa with my family, watching Strictly, a girl cannot have enough sequins!

Describe your ideal man? Strong and silent, very silent!

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Why RELAX anywhere else? indulge yourself at our new thermal spa

Buy a Day Spa* and bring your friend for FREE Buy one of the following Day Spa* Packages and bring your friend on our CHILLAX Day totally FREE...

• • • • • •

Swing and Soothe Day Space to Breath Day Beautiful Bump Day Y Love for a Day Men Only Day! Paint the Spa Red Day!

£99 £125 £145 £149 £150 £155

* Guests must buy a Day Spa Package with inclusive treatments from the list shown. Friend is oﬀered the Chillax Day, which includes two course lunch and use of Thermal Spa only. Free Day Spa is taken and redeemed on the same day as full paying package. Not to be used in conjunction with any other oﬀer, non refundable, non transferable. Valid until 31.01.13. Over 18s only.

Located midway between Cambridge and Milton Keynes

Buy your gift card online

0333 7007 667 yspa@wybostonlakes.co.uk facebook.com/yspauk @yspauk www.yspa.co.uk Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AL

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Want a Flawless Finish? Before you apply your foundation, prep your skin with these pre-make-up tricks In the last few years make-up has come a long way. Foundations cover almost anything, bronzers can create movie star cheek bones and illuminators help you glow in all the right places. But it’s not what goes on top that’s the secret to perfect

make up it’s what lies beneath! Skincare experts, facialists and backstage pros all have their own strategies for the perfect skin preparation.

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The Facialists If you’ve got a big event coming up then this is your indispensable eleventh hour routine for radiant, fresh skin.

The Week Before: Use exfoliating products and mini peels to brighten your complexion and lift dead skin cells. Deep cleanse twice a day to get skin fresh and ultra clean - this will help your make-up sit better on your face. To plump up your skin add hyaluronic acid into your regime Intense Hydrating Booster (£57, Skinesis)

The Night Before:

On The Day:

Apply a facial treatment and massage into your skin, start in the centre of your face and work outwards and upwards. This will help de puff your face and stimulate your lymph glands, try ESPA Refining Skin’ Polish’ (£.) A DIY skin reviving trick is to wrap ice in a muslin cloth and roll it over your face, this will help wake up your skin cells.

Underneath your moisturiser use Power Peptide Serum (£25, thesanctuary.co.uk) it will hydrate, smooth and illuminates your skin. It can also double up as a primer

The Skin Doctors You should already have a good long term skincare regime but try these last minute miracles to give your skin a boost:

and not too harsh that will remove dead skin and smooth out superficial bumps. Bio peel Resurfacing Facial Pads are good for this (£55 zelens.com).

The Night Before:

On the Day:

I know it sounds like a cliché but make sure you get a good night sleep - everyone looks better when they are rested. DON’T start experimenting with new products, look for something that’s non abrasive

Straight before you put on your make up apply Elemis Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask (£26) for ten minutes. The perfect step towards a healthy, glowing complexion.

Understand your Skin Type Knowing your skin type will help you determine the best way to create a smooth surface Dry: Glycolic creams and scrubs dry out the skin so avoid these. Instead swap to a cream cleanser and use a day cream with SPF and UVA protection. Oily: If your skin is too oily your make up may not stick to your skin, so use an oil reducing cleanser to remove as much surface oil as possible, also use a primer.

How to create that glow from the inside out • Eat green vegetables, they have high levels of calcium, vitamins and iron which help improve skin function. • Avoid sugary foods, alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate and slacken the skin. • Eat oily fish twice a week or take fish oil and flaxseed supplements - the omega oils help lock in moisture and keep skin supple.

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Saving Grace

Aesthetics

Spe

Welcome to their new cosmetic suite x

Stefanie & Carly, are sisters as well as owners of 'saving grace'. They have recently opened their new cosmetic suite, in the picturesque village of Alderton. Their skin rejuvenation business provides the highest level of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, carried out by Carly, an advanced Cosmetic Nurse and Practitioner and Stefanie, an advanced Micro pigmentation practitioner. “We are both so excited to finally have a base near our homes in Roade and Alderton and to offer an Aesthetic service to the local area without having to travel miles. We have built up a fantastic client base and all of our customers have been so supportive and loyal, so we’re looking forward to treating them in our brand new clinic. We offer a range of facial and skin rejuvenation treatments including Dermal Fillers, Wrinkle Relaxing Injections , Semi-permanent make up, Cosmetic and Tattoo removal, HD Brows®, Dermaroller and Skin Care products.

Our appointment times include evenings and weekends and we are also able to offer home appointments for some of our treatments including Parties. Both Carly and Stefanie are self confessed perfectionists and passionate about customer service. We provide a professional and confidential service, treating you in a relaxed & comfortable environment. To discuss any of our treatments or to book your free consultation please call: Stefanie or Carly on 07904 949918 / 07403 365687 visit our website www.savinggraceaesthetics.co.uk We look forward to helping you achieve A Smoother, Brighter, Younger, Healthier looking you!

C os

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saving grace aesthetics Specialists in Non-Surgical Cosmetics & Skin Rejuvenation

Wrinkle Injections & Dermal Fi For fine lines, deep wrinkles , face contour and lip volum

Semi-Permanent Make Up For Eyebrows, Eyeliner & Lips

HD Brows Eyebrow Arrttisttry, Celebrity Brow Treatment

Plump and volume to lips and s

Dermaroller For Collagen production

Hyperhydrosis For excessive sw weating under the arms

Tattoo Removal & Make Up Co For the removal of Body and Cosmetic Tattttoos

Christmas Gift Vouchers & Treatments

Cosmetic suite based in Alderton South Northants and regular clinics around Northamptonshire.

Speak to Stefanie or Carly on 07904 949918 / 07403 365687

w w w.s avin g graceaest h eti cs .co.u k

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A little bit of relaxation and pampering is always a welcome treat. So when Whittlebury Hall and Day Spa asked me to go along and try a couple of their new treatments I felt it would be rude not to!

ESPA Cellular Renewal Enzyme Facial

This treatment is around 85 minutes and costs £109 per person.

have never had a hot stone massage so this was a first for me. This is a new, deeply relaxing and highly personalised hot stone massage that gently releases tension, soothes aching muscles, eliminates toxins, and calms mind and body. The secret is in the intuitive way the therapist uses her hands in harmony with 9 smooth, individually shaped, heat releasing and energising marble and slate stones. It was an energising journey in which the therapist used first her hand, and then the stones as an extension of her hands to rebalance my body’s energy flow and relax my muscles. The effect was then intensified by a melting honey massage gel, rich in deeply relaxing or invigorating aromatic essential oils. Pure relaxation, and highly recommended to de stress and have a little calm time.

love ESPA products so this was a real treat for me. It’s a highly powerful and effective facial to boost cell regeneration and give an instantly smooth, glowing complexion. After the initial consultation of my skin type, allergies and telling my therapist I wanted to look ten years younger (I can but hope!) she began with a deep cleanse incorporating skin brushing, we then did a Skinvision Analysis that show your skin’s problem areas and imperfections under an ultra violet light. This was then followed by an intense Enzyme Peel containing botanical extracts and Pumpkin Enzymes to deeply exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. A Lifting and Smoothing Mask containing concentrated Seaweed Extracts, Argan Oil and Menthol, was then applied (this gives your skin a more plumped and firmer appearance), whilst this was left on for 10 minutes I was given a relaxing scalp massage and advanced deep shoulder massage. Afterwards my skin felt rejuvenated and fresh and it looked glowing I would highly recommend this for anyone who needs to boost tiered skin and look glowing and younger.

Clarins Melting Honey Hot Stone Massage

This treatment is an hour and costs £65

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Belt up Olivia Rubin Scarf £12 Doroty Perkins Multi Liquorice Scarf £40 John Lewis Military Coat £90 Warehouse Checked Coat £75 BHS

Ariana Coat £99 Monsoon

Alice Temperley Cape Coat £299 John Lewis

House of Fraser

Trench Coat £68 Next

PU Sleeve Double Breasted Trench Coat £75 simplybeyours.co.uk

bin 2 kins

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Fake it Faux Fur Beige Coat £95 Dorothy Perkins

Colour Block tote £39 Debenhams

Burgundy Faux Fur Coat £95 Miss Selfridge

Faux Fur Tote Bag River Island

Fur Gillet £49 Very Faux Fur jacket £60 Next

Padlock Tote £12 Primark

Weave Faux Fur Short Jacket Black £44.99 Pilot

Fringe Tote £35 Dorothy Perkins

Feather Jacket £85 ASOS Dorothy Perkins

Jasper Conrad Leopard Bag £125 Debenhams

Orange Faux Fur £89 Miss Selfridge

Woven Belts Handbag £89 John Lewis

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Faux Chinchilla Mittens £14 Debenhams

Collared

Houndstooth Gloves £8 Primark Ladies Gloves River Island

Grey Coat £120 Wallis

Burgundy Faux Fur Collar Coat £69 BHS Fur Collar Trench £99 Very

River Island

Fur Collar Wrap Coat £80 Awear

Oatmeal Cape £69 Dorothy Perkins

Full Skirt Faux Fur Collar Coat £80 AWear

Affinity November 2012 _Layout 1 copy 22/10/2012 14:17 Page 24

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

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jobjob andand hasprovided our our Thisisisagreat a great has provided extra income aswell familywith withavaluable a valuable extra income as as well as beinglots lotsofof fun fun andand acultural a cultural experience. experience.

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

If you are looking for something different you are sure to find a special gift at Country Complements. Personally Sewn Textiles, Porcelain, Olive wood bowls & utensils, Jewellery, Scarves, Organic toiletries, Children’s games, Chestnut roasters, Toasting forks and much more....

For more information please contact T ribe, Host Family RUK ecruitment Manager 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. for more information please contact: ‘‘BrightWorld ‘‘Bright Worldisis committed committed tosafeguarding to safeguarding andpromoting and promoting Lindsay Tribe, Host Family Recruitment Manager thewelfare children andand young people andexpects all welfareofof children young people and expects all lindsay@brightworld.co.uk staffand andvolunteers volunteers toto share share thisthis commitment.” commitment.” “Bright World is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and Accredited byand AEGIS, Association Educational for commitment.” young people expects all staffofand volunteersGuardians to share this International Students

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Tues - Thur: 9am - 5pm Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 3pm

FRANKLINS FARM, THORNCOTE GREEN, SANDY, BEDS SG19 1PU 07720 640341 daphne@countrycomplements.co.uk www.countrycomplements.co.uk

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Affinity’s

Charity Ball Black Tie & Tiara

We had a fantastic night at our Black Tie and Tiara Charity Ball raising over £7,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Ladies looked beautiful in their dresses and tiaras and the men were images of James Bond! Guests were entertained by magic from Lewis Magic and danced the night away to ‘Vision’. Our beautiful flowers were supplied by Pick-a-Lily Florists in Sharnbrook, chairs were dressed by Manor Chair Covers and goodies for our guests were kindly donated by Y Spa and Elemis. The whole room was magical. Thanks to everyone for their generosity and support, we had great fun and look forward to doing it all again next year!

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Everyone had a little flutter on the Roulette and Black Jack tables supplied by Le Grande Fun Casinos.

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For more pictures from the night visit our FB page.

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Lifestyle

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Is the Answer to a Bad Day in this Glass? Those of you who follow us on Twitter will be all too aware that I like a glass or two of wine to help relieve the stress of a hard day’s work, but does the answer really lie in the bottom of a glass?

et’s put our wine stained cards on the table. We’re the forerunners in binge drinking, and we know drinking isn’t the healthiest of pastimes, it makes us want to eat a kebab at 3am, send text messages that shouldn’t be sent, wake up full of remorse, keep Andrews on our desk and cringe with embarrassment at the photos on our phone!

us wanting a drink after work; the real issue is how much we consume. Even if we drink within guidelines most of us, especially women in the UK, will save up our units and binge drink on a night out, which is when the harm occurs says Executive Director Helena Conibear of Alcohol in Moderation. She says “Alcohol can be good for us, if the amount we consume stays light to moderate, which equates to one or two drinks a day. There has been a lot of research recently that points to drinking in moderation as being beneficial to our health”.

But for an hour or four, when work and its’ associated strains threaten to engulf us, a glass or two makes us feel good. It’s a common antidote for a common condition – STRESS! Last year a DRINKAWARE study showed that 61% of 825 adults surveyed drink after a hard day at work. An amazing 73% of women compared to 26% of men said the reason they drank was ‘stress’.

So how does it help you deal with the day from hell? “Alcohol isn’t digested like other food, 20% is absorbed through the stomach lining, which is why it has an immediate effect and it’s that effect between the nerves and the brain which automatically makes us feel more relaxed”.

Many experts will argue that the problem doesn’t lie in

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As a stress reliever therapists are never going to recommend a stiff G&T, but a couple of drinks to help unwind after work may not be the worst thing you can put your body through. Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University, Cary Cooper says “We’re starting to understand the huge effects stress has on our health, so if a drink helps you unwind and break that whole cycle of stress then it can only be good.” Alcohol’s relationship with the brain is complicated, but it is essentially a depressant. It is important to distinguish between types of stress, a bad day at the office is an acute stress and you may well benefit from a relaxing drink at the end of it. But for an ongoing chronic stressful situation, that you’d rather drink through than face up to, then alcohol is NOT the answer. In social situations alcohol can help us cope better, which can be hugely stress relieving and surely has to be another tick in the box for an after work tipple. It is a great social lubricant helping you become less inhibited; it can be good for resolving interpersonal conflicts and if going out with your colleagues and having a drink eases tensions and brings you closer then surely that’s a good thing.

We are constantly being given conflicting research on the benefits or not on our health in relation to alcohol. Earlier this year a US study concluded that women who drank one drink a day were between 17% and 21% less likely to suffer a stroke than teetotallers. But with any field of ongoing research the picture is complicated. Some argue that wine in particular is a marker of wellbeing (drinkers tend to be wealthier and better educated which all contribute to life quality), whereas another study to hit the headlines last year suggested that light drinking could increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. As with everything in life it’s a matter of balance, just be a little more aware of how much you pour, the size of the glass and how quickly you knock it back. So, Is the Answer to a Bad Day in a Glass? Most possibly, as long as alcohol isn’t drunk in excess or used to mask other underlying issues. So tonight you can raise a glass and not feel guilty. Sip it slowly, let it ease away the stress – then stop, and then tomorrow you can do it all again!

As with everything in life it’s a matter of balance, just be a little more aware of how much you pour, the size of the glass and how quickly you knock it back.

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Not another Christmas party! This year, do something different – learn to cook delicious food with your colleagues and friends, and celebrate the festive season in a very unique and enjoyable way. Cookery parties are interesting, affordable and tremendous fun. Come and find out what everyone is talking about! Lunch or Dinner cookery parties are available – ring us to discuss your requirements and budget.

Do something different... Hold your Christmas Party at Inspired Gourmet – December dates still available. Hold a full lunch or dinner cookery event to include: welcome canapes and sparkling wine, 3 hours of cookery, 2 hours of private dining in our dining room, private chef instruction, recipe cards and exclusive use of the cookery school during your event. All of this for £60.00 per person (minimum of 6 people).

Cookery Course Gift Vouchers An Inspired Gourmet Gift Voucher is an ideal gift for the food enthusiast or someone new to cooking. And our gift vouchers can be made out in any amount and used towards the purchase of any of our cookery courses, personalised with the recipient’s name and a personal message.

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Food & Drink

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Chicken with Beans, Parma Ham and Basil

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“

This quick and easy dish will warm and delight the whole family

The perfect Bottle

Ingredients

8 skinless chicken thighs (bone in) 8 slices prosciutto or other dry-cured ham 800g tomatoes (a mix of smaller yellow and red tomatoes looks good) 2 tbsp olive oil 2 whole heads of garlic 400g can cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained 175ml dry white wine large bunch basil

Canti Catarratto Chardonnay Medium bodied white wine with hints of citrus and exotic fruits £5.29 Sainsburys

Recipe Season the chicken thighs all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Take about 8 sprigs from the basil (about 3 leaves each per sprig) and lay one on top of each chicken thigh. Wrap each thigh in a piece of ham, tucking the ends underneath. Heat oven to 160C/gas 3. Heat the oil in a large roasting tin over two of the burners on the hob. Add the chicken and fry for about 4 mins or until the ham is just crisped and the chicken is lightly golden. Turn and repeat. Cut the garlic bulbs in half around the middle and halve the tomatoes if small, quarter them if they're big. Pick the leaves from the rest of the basil. Once the chicken has browned on both sides, add all of the tomatoes, half of the basil and the wine. Season and cover with foil and leave to cook slowly in the oven for 40 mins.

Chat-en-Oeuf Rosé Grenache and Syrah combined in a charming southern French rosé. £5.99 Waitrose

Take out of the oven and turn the heat up to 220C/gas 7. Remove the foil from the pan and stir the beans into the tomatoey juices. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 30 mins until the tomatoes, chicken and garlic are starting to crisp around the edges and the chicken is very tender. Just before serving, tear the remaining basil roughly then stir through or scatter over the pan.

BUON APETITO!

JP Chenet Colombard Chardonnay Fresh and expressive The perfect partner for white meats £5.99 Sainsburys

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Doughnuts Ingredients 1.250g Strong White Flour Pinch of Salt 115g Caster Sugar 25g Softened Butter 150ml Water 20g Easy-blend Yeast Vegetable Oil, for Deep Frying

rings out onto it, leaving plenty of room between each ring. Set aside in a warm place to rise for a further 20 minutes. Carefully lower the dough rings into a deep fat fryer heated at 170C. Lower in batches and deep fry for 2 minutes each side, or until golden-brown. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.

Method In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, 40g of the caster sugar and all of the butter, water and yeast until well combined. Keep mixing for 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture is a smooth dough. Cover with cling film and set aside for one hour to prove. When the doughnut dough has doubled in size, roll it out flat (about Â˝cm thick) on a floured surface. Cut into the dough using a medium circular pastry cutter for the overall shape, and a small cylinder pastry cutter to make the hole in the middle of the doughnut. Line a tray with baking parchment and space the dough

Once the doughnuts have cooled down, put in a bowl of desired flavoured sugar and shake until they are covered. Even more delicious when accompanied with flavoured sauces, i.e.; warm chocolate, strawberry, or hot caramel! Enjoy This sweet is brought to you by the Chef at The Millhouse Hotel -Riverside Restaurant Sharnbrook

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Ye Three Fyshes is a beautiful country pub in the picturesque village of Turvey and we invite you to join us for a wonderful meal or drinks and you are sure of a warm welcome

CHRISTMAS FAYRE MENU 2 courses £17 or 3 courses £22 per head

Starters Fresh Root Vegetable Soup with herb croutons (v) Fig Gorgonzola and Prosciutto Salad with a honey dressing (v-without Prosciutto) Rich Homemade Park Pate with toasted bloomer bread and tomato chutney Tiger Prawns with chilli and lime butter on toasted ciabatta

Main Courses Roast Turkey with all the trimmings Sea Bass Fillet with braised fennel and chorizo Roast Duck Leg with spiced Clementine squash Festive Squash Jalousie (v)

Desserts Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce Gingerbread with White Chocolate Mousse Pecan Toffee Meringue with Mulled Pears English Cheese Board

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Coffee and Mince Pies

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

Food Service Hours Mon-Sat: Lunch 12pm-3pm & Evenings: 6pm-9.30pm Sun: Lunch 12pm-4pm

Bridge Street, Turvey, Beds, MK43 8ER www.yethreefyshes.co.uk

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The Narrow Boat in WEEDON

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he Narrow Boat is a superb canalside country pub in the village of Weedon on the outskirts of Northampton providing a great dining venue with superb en-suite canal side rooms. They offer incredible dishes all cooked by their award nominated Chef who cooks up exciting dishes to suit everyone’s taste, from freshly made stone baked pizzas, and in house freshly made Burgers to fillet Steak wrapped in bacon with celeriac Mash. All the food is fresh and locally sourced as much as possible. We arrived at the picturesque pub and were greeted by the friendly staff who informed us it was the first day of the new winter menu. After browsing the delicious dishes and asking the waitress for her recommendations I chose home cured beetroot gravedlax, chopped egg, baby beetroot salad & horseradish dressing - the presentation and taste were divine, the flavours of the salmon, beetroot and egg all complimented each other. A bowl of steamed fresh Shetland mussels in a white wine, fennel and braised onion & garlic sauce was the other starter, the mussels were cooked perfectly and the flavours of the sauce were delicious leaving a hint of fennel in the mouth. Mains arrived in the shape of spit roast chicken basted with garlic, lemon zest and thyme served with red wine jus and sautéed new potatoes. I also had a side of honey roasted beets and winter roots, the chicken was soft and tender, the red wine jus delicious and the honey roasted vegetables were perfect. My husband who opted for the game ragu – papperdello with slow cooked venison, rabbit and wild boar with shaved pecorino said the strong flavours of the meats combined was very impressive After a break we moved onto dessert my husband’s choice was sticky date pudding served with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream chosen off the specials menu that is changed daily, the sponge was soft and moist and a pure indulgence. My choice was lemon curd and Greek yoghurt Eton mess with passion fruit and mango, the light refreshing flavours of the passion fruit and mango were a delight, to mix all the flavours combined was a real treat. We savoured the evening over coffee, sitting back relaxing in our chairs and enjoying the whole atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful, the setting beautiful and the food delicious what more could you want! The Narrowboat at Weedon 01327 340333 www.narrowboatweedon.co.uk

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Enchanted Ball Sharnbrook Hotel Saturday 24th November 2012 19.00 - 1.00 Black Tie Three course Meal Coffee Entertainment -Tombola -Casino Raffle & Auction £45.00 per person To book please call: 01767 642 412 In aid of St. John’s Hospice Charity Number 1052076

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Comfort and a touch of style at the Embankment

ome to The Embankment on Bedford’s beautiful riverside and you’ll find a whole host of wonderful possibilities for eating, drinking, partying, sleeping and relaxing in style.

The historic half timbered inn enjoys a stunning vantage point over the River Great Ouse and was already the perfect setting to sit and gaze out over the hustle and bustle of life on the river. Since being taken over by Andrew Coath and his award-winning team, who also have The Black Horse in Woburn, The Swan at Salford near Milton Keynes and Brookmans in Brookmans Park, the pub’s been completely renovated from top to bottom. Now it’s got a smart look inside, a tempting array of delectable things to eat and drink a perfect place for parties and the friendliest service you could wish for. Inside is a light and spacious bar, with stunning views over the river and plenty of places to sit and nurse a pint of real ale. There’s a casual but stylish restaurant

serving food cooked by head chef Neil Simons. Neil’s menu is all about fantastic quality food with the best of the season’s produce at pub prices. Everything is freshly cooked, with plenty to choose from whether you like traditional dishes or something with a bit of a twist. Come for breakfast, lunch or supper, the choice is yours. If you can’t tear yourself away, The Embankment has twenty cosy en-suite rooms – some with stunning views over the river and all with the little comforts you’d find at home; piles of pillows to sink into, great linen and sumptuous velvet throws. For music, plug in your Ipod to the TV and, if your emails really can’t wait, there’s free WiFi throughout. Tucked away at the back of The Embankment is a rather beautiful private dining room which is perfect for family celebrations and dinner with friends and for making any occasion special.

WIN! WIN! WIN! We’ve got an overnight stay for two to win at The Embankment including a hearty English breakfast in the morning. To enter, simply email “The Embankment” to info@affinitymag.co.uk by 15th November 2012 If you can’t wait to win, you can still enjoy The Embankment by contacting: 01234 261332 embankment@peachpubs.com www.embankmentbedford.co.uk T&C Valid until 30th April 2013. Must be booked in advance by calling The Embankment on 01234 261332. Subject to availability.

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The Jewel in Bedfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crown

Castle Quay!

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Lunch Menu Choice of Pastas £5.50 Fresh Baked Pizzas from £4.50 Baguettes & Ciabattas with tasty choice of fillings £4.50 Home made soup £4.00 Choice of salads £4.50

With views of the picturesque Embankment and just a stone’s throw from the High Street you will find Castle Quay – a treasure trove of independent shops, eateries and galleries. Steeped in history this unique area of Bedford is well worth a visit, not only for retail therapy but also for a spot of culture.

Served from 12pm-3pm

Castle Quay is named because Bedford Castle used to be located here. Not so long ago the mound was beautifully restored and this is well worth a walk up, as at the top you will find a monument with a history lesson for you to enjoy.

A La Carte Menu Meat & Fish dishes from £10.95 Pasta & Risotto from £7.00 Freshly Baked Pizzas from £7.00 Homemade Breads also available SPECIAL OFFER - Mon-Thurs 2 Course Dinner & Coffee £12.50

In days gone by one of the biggest industries here was the production of lime. This was a valuable material used to make lime mortar and in Britain every medieval stone building used this in their construction. Lime was also used in agriculture to neutralize soil acidity and it was also used in the manufacture of parchment.

Party Menus designed to your requirements Business Lunches. A La Carte always available

Christmas Menu Available!

In one of the units at Castle Quay you will see the remains of a medieval lime kiln which is thought to date back to the mid-thirteenth century, after the castle had been demolished. You can also see a visualisation of how Bedford Castle used to look.

01234 352577

11am-3pm & 6pm till late lafontana2@aol.co.uk 2A Ram Yard (off high st) Bedford MK40 1AL

These days you will find a much calmer and relaxing atmosphere at Castle Quay with a wide variety of cuisines to tempt you. There are plenty of restaurants offering great lunchtime deals as well as evening dining - La Fontana, Riverside Grill, and Baja to name but a few, or why not treat yourself to a coffee and cake at Pensieri where you can also pick up some fabulous gifts. You aren’t short of shopping ideas either, whether you want to pick up something stunning and unique for the home at Design Twenty, or treat yourself at Lady K’s Boutique – they also organise Burlesque events so pop in to find out more! Recently opened is La Belle Maison – a fantastic shop with loads of french inspired and shabby chic home accessories and gifts. Not forgetting the men, you are catered for at Conte Si Savoia – exclusive men’s clothing without the matching price tag. After all that you will deserve a well earned drink so pop into The Lane for a cocktail or three!

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The cultural theme continues at Rock City Art – a photographer’s art gallery and showing from October 26th there will be an exhibition on The Smiths and Morrisey. And keep an eye out as in spring 2013, The Higgins is due to re-open after a major redevelopment. As you can see there is plenty to do at Castle Quay so pop on down there today!

Lifestyle

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free for festive fun A

s we gather pace once more in the run up to the festive period, I saw my first Christmas cards at the very end of August – any advance on that, it remains something that polarises people. Some simply love Christmas, and I must count myself in that camp, enjoying everything from carefully choosing and wrapping gifts to making mince pies and, when the time comes, vacuuming the needles from the floor with great regularity. For others it is a yearly endurance test, what do you buy for that cousin who has every gadget under the sun and what on earth can you cook for the fussy vegan aunt who will end up causing an argument with someone before dessert anyway!!

‘things’ to be done, buying trees that create more housework, lots of extra shopping and writing cards.

The fact is that it is hard to escape and I am confident that everyone can find something to enjoy. From my coaching work in fact, I realise that the people who find the whole period a trial usually do so because of the many and various things they feel compelled to do. So from entertaining random relatives that you manage to avoid for the rest of the year, buying overpriced gimmicks, spending far too much on lots of food that you’d never dream of eating at any other time (and pretending you enjoy it) to enduring the Christmas office ‘do’ or, for many, simply the volume of extra

Try first asking yourself what are the things that you think are important about Christmas. It can be the chance to catch up with friends and relatives, or time to spend with children, or maybe it is the religious side that for you is important. For others it might be simply time away from work, when you can relax, or even the ‘traditions’ that are so much a part of the season.

So to enjoy the festivities the first thing you need to work out is what your own attitude really is – do you enjoy some aspects of it but hate others, or is it all the additional things you feel compelled to do? This is not trivial, many people find Christmas one of the most stressful times of year and Relate tell us it is a time when relationships come under immense pressure, and is a common time for break- ups and break downs. For many families with step-children and ex-partners it can be a particularly tricky time.

Once you work out what is important to you the next step is to think a bit about what you enjoy doing. It’s easy here to list all the things you feel you have to do, so

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you need to try imagining your own perfect Christmas and if you find yourself thinking ‘I have to...’ about anything, then simply stop that thought right there. So if your idea of festive fun is spending all day in your dressing gown watching old movies, or going for a long walk with your children then you definitely need to make sure you can fit it in. But I am not suggesting that we never do any of things we feel we have to – sometimes we do have fun at the office ‘do’ and maybe going is better than facing the flack for being the one who doesn’t attend - we all do some things out of duty and that is not all bad. However like other aspects of life it’s all about balance. First, plan in some of the things you like to do and make sure you have time to enjoy them. So if you want to spend at least one of the main days with just your own immediate family, or your partner, or perhaps just eating simply, so that you have time to enjoy playing with your children rather than expecting them to amuse themselves while you spend hours in the kitchen preparing food for visitors, then make a decision that this is what you will do. Obviously part of being in a family, or a relationship, is compromise but people who really care about us, want us to be happy. That doesn’t mean the whole holiday period is structured to meet the whims of one person but it does mean that you should be able to spend at least some of the time doing what you enjoy.

Others love all the traditions and whilst they may have a busy time, simply love the preparation and wouldn’t enjoy the season without making mince pies and hand crafting their own cards. At the present time money is tight for lots of families and that too brings a pressure, but when I look back it’s not always the expensive presents I remember the most – and lots of parents will remember buying presents only to have their children play with the boxes or revert very quickly to some old favourites where toys are concerned. One of the things children often especially enjoy over holidays is the time to enjoy games with parents. So as Christmas draws a bit nearer make sure this year that it can be a time of festivities that you enjoy and when you look back you can echo Frank and say’ I did it my way’.

Then think about all the things you don’t enjoy and start considering which of those you really do feel compelled to do. Sometimes we need to free ourselves to say ‘actually this year we are not going to ....’. There may be some things that you recognise you need to do to support other loved ones, the mother in law may drive you mad, but she is your husband’s mum and well it’s part of being in a relationship. But that doesn’t mean you have to cook a whole Christmas dinner and changing little things like simplifying the food or even eating out or going for a non-traditional option may ease the level of preparation. There is a freedom in acknowledging that just because you did something last year and the year before, doesn’t mean you have to do it again this year. If you do establish that there are some things you end up doing that you really don’t enjoy then now is the time to discuss these and decide whether or not you will do them this year. Usually people fear offending others but if you simply explain that this year you have decided to do things a little differently you may be surprised how accepting others are, you may even find that they are quite glad to get out of some things as well. I have had friends who have chosen to go for long walks and picnics, eat their main meal on Christmas eve, so that they can help children build ‘lego’ and put batteries in new gadgets on Christmas day without being in the kitchen. I also know families who have decided to forego Christmas dinner, eat simply and donate to charity and others whose Christmas dinner is a Mexican or Chinese as that is their favourite food. For more information or to discuss your own particular issues contact attuned education.:

07921 193479

info@attunededucation.com

www.attunededucation.com

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Welcome to the musings of Yummy Mummy. Living in Bedford she is married to ‘The Husband’ and together they have 4 children, Rafferty, 7, Violet, 5, Roman, 4 and baby Clementine. All my views are my own and are not intended to offend anyone but alas I may frustrate you as I certainly do myself and no doubt those around me at times. I would love to hear from you, your views, questions or indeed just to share your experiences of trying to be a Yummy Mummy. Email me at info@affinitymag.co.uk

We Plough the Fields and Scatter! It’s that time of year when your children are weighed down with tins on the school run ready for the annual Harvest Festival. Back in my day I remember there was an abundance of fresh produce adorning the table in the school hall surrounded by the obligatory tins of food – I was always one of the kids clutching a solitary tin, usually beans! These days fresh produce is no longer required so tins, jars, etc. are requested. So rather than fishing out what is lingering in the back of my kitchen cupboards I always make a special effort to go and buy some more appropriate foods instead of giving that tin of chick peas I bought ages ago when I had designs on making a vegetarian curry! Without sounding preachy I like to think a little effort in choosing some nice nutritious soups, some extra fruity non-basic jam etc. could make a small difference to a person’s day. Now I have polished my halo, I can get onto the subject of the school harvest assembly, or any assembly! I try to make an effort to attend such assemblies as the children, no matter if they say to the contrary, want you to come along – well children of lower school age do, but I am sure teenagers mean it when they tell you to stay away! After you have dropped your little darlings to class you make your way to the school hall and you try to look nonchalant and cool as you rush because you want to get a good seat. As you arrive you are always astounded that despite thinking you were one of the first in the door, the front rows have already been taken either with the usual suspects sitting there or strategically placed coats and

bags! I always then sit at the end of one of the rows on the side where the children will come through, so at least they will see me when they come in. As they all troop into the hall I cannot help but get a little lump in my throat as I realise that our precious kids are entrusted all day for other people to look after and teach. Already from the age of just four years old (or earlier if they go to nursery and pre-school) they are starting to grow up and need you less. I know this sounds dramatic so I’m still blaming my hormones! As expected there will always be some lovely songs for your enjoyment – some of the lyrics you will recognise from practising in the car. When I say lyrics I do mean just the words as the tune will be completely different as 30 voices, beats and speeds - all singing together - doesn’t necessarily resemble your little one’s beautifully pitched song (I’m sure all the parents think the same no matter the child’s ability!). My earlier lump has long disappeared as I struggle not to laugh (well not too loud) as there is always one child who sings just that bit louder than the rest and you can guarantee it will be out of tune! So far none of my children have opted to be in a starring role - so obviously they don’t take after me – but even just watching them be part of the chorus is enough to make me one very proud Mummy, unless of course they are that loud, out of tune one!

Yummy Mummy

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Minnie's fashion on the Go Dress up £25 Debenhams

Vtech Robot £34.97 Tesco

Felt Noahs Ark Bag With Animals £38.50 sisterguild.com

Christmas Hair Clips Accesorize

Finger Puppets £3.49 tch.net

My Sweetie Bottles £24.99 gettingpersonal.co.uk

s r e l l i F g n tocki

Large Santa Toy Sack £29.99 tch.net

Fuzzy Wuggs Boylie £15 whositfor.co.uk

Christmas Stockings From Retreat Home Walter the Wadding Penguin Pull Along £14 Debenhams

Soldier Skittles £9.50 lilyandlime.co.uk Christmas Little Sister & Brother Matchbox Mouse £14.95 sisterguild.com

Happyland Airport £15 ELC

Angel Gloria Bunny £36 sistersguild.com

Lifestyle

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Christmas is coming!

es, we have had Halloween and then fireworks to enjoy first but, just like all the shops already embracing the festive season in their aisles, it is never too early to start preparing and it just would not be Christmas without panto! This year’s family pantomime at Milton Keynes Theatre is the enchanting Cinderella and even the cast cannot contain themselves, ‘I am extra, super-excited!’ says Deniece Pearson from 80s super-band Five Star, who plays this year’s diva-tastic Fairy Godmother. With a cast hand-picked from the world of showbiz, Cinderella is the perfect treat for children of all ages even the grown up ones! Spinning and high-kicking his way through the role of Dandini is the irrepressible Louie Spence, most recently seen on your TV screens as a judge

on ITVs Dancing on Ice. Louie is definitely the only man on the planet whose personality has more sparkle than Cinderella’s ball gown! Joining Louie is Daybreak and Nickelodeon presenter Anna Williamson as Cinderella, who, after years of interviewing celebrities on the red carpet, will no doubt know how to handle prima donnas. Certainly there are no bigger Prima donnas than the Ugly Sisters, this Christmas being played by John Barr, who will return to MK after a triumphant turn as Widow Twankey last year, and Paul Burnham. No pantomime is complete without a barrel of laughs and they’ll be coming thick and fast with comedian Kev Orkian as Cinderella’s loveable best friend, Buttons, and with Deniece as the Fairy Godmother topping off the tree you could not wish for a better pantomime in your stocking. But what does this Five Star diva think about Christmas in general? ‘I can’t get enough of Christmas, it’s all about family, friends, Baileys, wine and roasts!’

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Voted the most popular pantomime of all time, Cinderella tells the story of our downtrodden but feisty heroine as she is picked on by her ugly step-sisters and cruelly denied the chance to go to the Royal Ball, but instead made to do chores and wait on her family hand and foot. But with the wave of her Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and a helping hand from Buttons, her wish is granted to attend the majestic celebrations, where she captures the Prince’s heart and the fairytale fun begins! A true rags to riches story if there ever was one, full of comedy, mischief, a bit of love and endless magic, but what about behind the scenes? Here are some facts about how the magic is really created... •

•

• • • •

There were 160 bones used in all of Cinderella’s dresses combined, which laid end to end would span the width of a football pitch. Over the last 12 years, the ugly sisters, costumes alone would be worth over £30,000 – though we don’t know how many bids they would get on ebay! Appearing on stage throughout Cinderella this year will be over 100 costumes, 60 wigs, 20 children, and 2 real Shetland ponies. Finally, almost 73,000 people will watch Cinderella this year – that’s practically the entire population of Wellingborough!

So will Cinderella have her wishes granted? Will Buttons ever find love? Most importantly will the boo-able ugly sisters get their come-uppance? You’ll have to get a ticket to the Ball to find out!

Since Milton Keynes Theatre opened in 1999, over 25,618 wands have been waved at the pantomime. That’s a lot of Fairy Godmothers-in-training granting wishes into the New Year. Cinderella’s Ball gown is adorned with over 15,000 sequins, mostly hand-stitched! Whereas poor Prince Charming has approximately 300. Well, with a name like ‘Charming’ he doesn’t need additional sparkle, does he?

Milton Keynes Theatre Friday 7th December - Sun 6th January

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

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Pin Money P

ins – almost everybody uses them at some time or another. Pins are one of the most ubiquitous items in any house, even one where no one sews. Pins, made of bronze (and later copper) have been used for holding clothes together for many centuries. This usage, of course, was confined to the moneyed classes, because each pin would be made by a craftsman and, depending on the decoration on the end, would be very expensive. Until the 19th century, pins were made by hand, a laborious process which ensured that they were too expensive to waste, as they often are today. Perhaps six people might be involved in making a single steel pin, and no more than 5,000 a day could be manufactured by a pin-making team until the invention – in the US, where else? – of a machine which could make pins quickly and more or less automatically.

But plain steel pins rusted quickly, and so an electroplating process has been used for 150 years to prevent this by coating the pins with a nickel plating. However, it has only been for the past 60 years or so that the plating has been perfected. It did have a bad habit of flaking off. Now though, we have the shiny, non-rusting pins that we take for granted . Ah yes, pin-money. Because pins were so expensive in the 19th century it was common for husbands to give their wives an allowance for buying pins, which needed to be replaced quite frequently. This was the origin of the term “pin-money” – literally, money to buy pins! Interestingly, giving your girlfriend a “paper of pins” – a piece of paper with pins in it, something like the needle packets you buy today – was seen as an acceptable substitute for the more traditional gifts, like sweets or flowers. How times change …

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Fry’s

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hat a farce the international game in Poland turned out to be. How on earth can you have a stadium with a sliding roof and with the forecast for torrential rain, not close it? Roy Hodgson, his management team, players and officials of England were in turmoil at the lack of professionalism but it is the fans that I feel sorry for. Genuine fans have spent their hard earned money on tickets, flights and hotels to Poland and have had to come back, leaving them in turmoil. Up to 3,000 English fans travelled over to support England it is a well known fact we have some of the best away supporters in the world. They have been left shocked by the game being postponed and if the necessary precautions had taken place, the game would have taken place on the evening that it should. The leading voice in football, FIFA, have really got something to answer on this game. Also on the international scene, we at Peterborough had a player, Grant McCann that was injured in training ahead of Northern Ireland’s fixture with Portugal. When you have a player at Manchester United or Peterborough United, no compensation whatsoever is paid to the parent club if that player is injured whilst on international duty. The club have to pay the players’ wages and if he returns back injured, the club still has to pay it while he is sidelined, which is an absolute disgrace. This should have been put right years ago. The other sad thing to come out of the international week was the under 21 international between Serbia and England. It was great that England qualified but the disgraceful behaviour afterwards overshadowed the events. Serbia’s fans, players and management came at the England staff and FIFA should ban them for 10 years. I thought we had improved with Kick Racism out of Football. 68

www.theposh.com

So many leading bodies have supported this campaign, but it seems it is rearing its ugly head again and we must stamp it out immediately. The scenes we saw and the subsequent reports about racist chanting and comments is terrible and FIFA must come down hard as a deterrent that racism is not tolerated.

Barry Fry

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erbie brought the beetle into our homes making it a living legend and Volkswagen are keeping it bang up to date with a superefficient diesel version. They wanted the new Beetle to be sportier and more masculine, so the hippy chick flower vase has been ditched and the styling has been made sharper and sleeker. Beetle lovers needn't panic, though – the car still looks undeniably retro. Fitted with a six-speed, semiautomatic, DSG gearbox, 50 to the gallon is easily achievable – making it a fun and frugal car.

With a 2.0-litre, 140ps, diesel engine under the bonnet, the Beetle in Design trim costs from £21,680 with the DSG box – manuals are £1600 cheaper. Top speed is a claimed 121mph, 062 comes up in 9.4 seconds and there is little to fault the ride. The diesel broadens the new Beetle’s appeal considerably and is significantly cleaner than its 1.4litre, petrol-engined counterparts, with CO2 emissions of 140g/km – although it is about £2000 more expensive. Its famous rounded looks are still there, while inside the body-

coloured dashboard and door panels really bring the interior to life. A double glove box and elasticated door pockets are some of the convenience features and there is a fold-down armrest between the front seats. As a three-door, four-seater, it is on the spacious side and head room in the back is adequate, despite the sloping roof line. The new Beetle has undeniable charm is as trendy as it ever and should make for an entertaining retro hot hatch.

Affinity November 2012 _Layout 1 copy 22/10/2012 14:24 Page 69

VW Beetle 2.0 TDI

Travel

Affinity November 2012 _Layout 1 copy 22/10/2012 14:24 Page 70

Christmas Markets B

The Venice of the North’ , beautiful Bruges features stalls selling local crafts and delicacies, as well as a specially built ice rink, and an opportunity to visit chocolate makers and local breweries or to take a trip on the pretty canals all in one day! Bustling Lille can be reached in 1 hour 20 minutes from St Pancras and hosts the largest Christmas Market in Northern France, where a giant Ferris wheel, funfair, concerts and more than 50 stalls await you.

edford has been a Market Town since a charter was granted in 1166 by Henry II and a market has been held in St Paul’s Square since the 1500s. With its’ selection of wares, continental & gourmet foods and the Victorian Helter Skelter, the atmosphere during yuletide is very festive. But if you’re looking for stocking fillers with a difference why not visit one of Europe’s many Christmas Markets, there’s something quite magical about Christmas Markets, the only problem you’ll face is which one to visit.

Make a weekend of it and visit some of the wonderful German cities such as Cologne, unofficial ‘Christmas Market Capital,’ where there are six bustling markets including a floating one; each with its own character. Festive stalls offer a selection of gifts & decorations as well as traditional stalls selling sausages, wine and beer. Visit the mediaeval market at the chocolate museum with musicians, acrobats & craftsmen, or the Dom which features the largest Christmas tree in Rhineland. On the cobbled square of the Alter Markt in the heart of the old town is the city’s most child friendly one. Here you will find a traditional merry go round, a puppet theatre, stalls selling hand-made wooden toys, gingerbread, boiled sweets and candy canes.

Elegant Christmas Trees covered in brightly coloured baubles and lanterns transform picturesque old market squares into magical snow covered settings. Brightly lit stalls offering traditional local delicacies and warming Gluhwein evoke the warmth and tradition of Christmas. The ambience of a typical European Christmas Market is further enhanced by the aroma of hot chestnuts and grilled sausages, Children may be attracted to the sweet cakes & gingerbread biscuits known as Lebkuchen Usually held from late November until late December access to most of these markets is easy. Fly from your local airport or join a local coach departure.

Join the ‘Rhineland’s Markets Cruise’ and sail along the stunning Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock and pretty little villages nestled beneath hilltop castles. Visiting

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Koblenz with its lovely old town transformed by 130 festively decorated stalls, Mainz famous for its Romanesque Cathedral of St Martin and Rudesheim with its’ Market of Nations, where 120 stalls represent 12 nations. Travel is by train from St Pancras with 1 night in Cologne, 4 nights onboard The Bellevue, most meals and plenty of time for shopping for as little as £528 per person.

a visit to the Opera or Ballet. Budapest for example is hosting La Boheme at The State Opera House and in Vienna the Schonbrunn Palace will host festive concerts, whilst the Opera House will hold performances of The Barber of Seville or the Nutcracker Ballet on several evenings throughout the season.

It can also be arranged for you to visit Hamlin, a beautifully preserved town best known in fairytales. On arrival you are met by the Pied Piper himself for a guided tour of the town and its’ quaint half timbered buildings. That should keep the children quiet! The very beautiful City of Prague with its gothic city centre hosts two great markets. One in Wenceslas

Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt in front of the Town Hall is one of the best known and most visited in Europe. Attracting millions of visitors it is certainly one of the oldest, dating back over seven hundred years. It starts mid November, which is handy for those wishing to avoid the Christmas crowds. The park surrounding the market is one of the highlights, its’ trees decorated with themed lights shaped like hearts or gingerbread men. Stalls sell hand Square and the other in Old Town Square where you will hear Carol concerts performed by children’s choirs. Try sampling the waffles whilst you watch the marionettes perform, or buy straw decorations and the best wooden toys in Europe. With many museums, galleries, concert halls, restaurants and jazz clubs, Krakow offers an impressive backdrop for shopping in one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Sample the famous honeycake, whilst perusing the local handicrafts, including sculptures and embroidery. crafted decorations as well as deliciously scented natural beeswax candles. An added attraction throughout December is the choirs from around the world, which perform in the Festival Hall at weekends. Please note however that the fifth Sunday before Christmas is ‘Totensonntag’ Remembrance Day in Germany and a public holiday. Many attractions and markets close, so please check before you book anything to make sure you are not disappointed. To find out more please contact Sue Alexander at Eagle Travel on 01234 348882 You could enhance your magical winter experience with

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Discover your.......

Destiny Sue also offers private readings on a one to one basis, workshops, courses and much more, please visit her website: www.sanctuarybedford.co.uk Tel: 01234 327090

I love my partner very much but sometimes he is so cold towards me and I feel so alone, my job allows me to travel and I have a very good relationship with one of my colleagues, I know I only have to say the word and we will take our friendship further. I don't want to do this but sometimes I feel so alone, I just want someone to show me some love. I have tried to talk to my partner about this but he doesn't listen and starts arguing. Do you see a solution? Thanks for your help Susie Hi Susie, Your partner suffers from low self esteem, and feels threatened by both your job, which seems to give you great confidence, and your friendships, which make him jealous. The only way that he can handle this is by trying to take you down to the level he feels himself to be at, thinking that this will give him some control. It is of course having the opposite effect. When you are with him, you try too hard to bring him close, so he gets the message that that is the way to continue. If you back away slightly and stop trying to baby him with extra amounts of love (as in, I have enough love for the two of us) he will see the changes and start to change himself before it is too late.

Sue has over 30 years experience in the psychic field, is an authority on crystals and psychic energy, and is a world renowned Tarot reader and teacher. Each month readers are welcome to send their questions in for Sue to answer at info@affinitymag.co.uk

person, because they can always slot something in and help out; and you do this through work and family all the time. Make your writing a priority, as it is cathartic, as well as a lesson on how to go forward with your book even if at first it doesn't become what you hope that it will be. Once you start, it will become like other things in your life, a bit obsessive, but you will eventually get there, and write the successful book that has already begun to germinate in your mind. I keep having relationships with the wrong men and they always end up treating me badly. Will I ever meet the right person? Thank you. Alexa It is often the case that people seek out the people that they are most comfortable with, just because they know how situations move with that type of person. Your men come to you slightly vulnerable, and in need of healing, and you, in your giving of love and support, heal them. They then leave, fully ready to get on with a new phase of life, leaving you bereft and coming back when they need more support. Because you have been here before these types of men attract you , because you already speak the same body language, and do not quite understand how to move to a more sorted type of man, in case instead of thanks, and duty passion, you get a different emotion which you cannot handle. Be brave, and pick a man who looks as if he has the world worked out, instead of one who looks like he needs mothering. Then you can have the happy, balanced relationship that your heart craves. When you start looking at men in a different light, there is someone there very quickly who ticks all the boxes.

I enjoy creative writing and keep saying I am going to write a book. I am very busy so I would have to make a real effort to find the time. Do you see me doing this and if so do you see it being successful? Lucy Hi Lucy, The truth is that you start it in your mind, and then get stuck as to where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going, so you are a little frightened of taking this step in case you fail. They say if you want something done, ask a busy

Affinity November 2012 _Layout 1 copy 22/10/2012 14:24 Page 73

No flowers, no birds, no beesâ&#x20AC;Ś ...November

his time of the year is a time of letting go. The leaves desert the branches of the trees, the birds have all gone that are going to go. The summer sunshine is a distant memory; soon all the animals that hibernate will be tucked up warm, full of autumn berries and fruits, ready for a long three month sleep.

walking out in the rain without an umbrella, and with a straight gaze and your head held high? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liberating! Of course you will be looked at as a little crazy by the people who sought shelter in shop doorways, and those who will wait inside until it passes, but the feeling of fresh life that it gives you is immense!

The only creatures that keep pushing themselves, on a constant season-less treadmill are we humans. We barely have a chance to enjoy the summer before the Christmas decorations are demanding our attention, and then as soon as Christmas is over, it is all about holidays, next year, and all our attention is focused on the future,

We are children of this Old World. Our Spirits are used to being outside in all seasons, and letting go of our daily angst under a lowering sky. Rainy days are days when tears seem echoed by the outside world, a time when difficult feelings can, if you let them, be let go and eased by the falling rain around you. The November skies have a beautiful density of light when the sun does briefly shine, and a long walk amongst crisp golden brown leaves with family or friends can bring a huge amount of peace and clarity of mind, and even a few minutes can make changes in your attitudes of what is important in life.

As someone whose main work is describing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future possibilities to them, this may seem a little shallow, but this makes me very sad. I am always telling people to go with the flow of life, live the moments that you are in and make the best of them. Every day has value, as illness and death make you appreciate. Even a dreary wet day is worth living to the full, and it is our connection with other people which lets a dreary day have a little sunshine within it.

It is said that if you always walk the same path, you will always end up in the same place, and for many people now, that is not always a good experience, even though it may feel safe. A move to the side will make a huge difference in what you experience, and where you end up, but it is often very hard to decide to make that change, just through the fear of the unknown.

It is in our British nature to discuss the weather, and we are the butt of many jokes as a result of this, but we are a race who find it hard to push away the rain, and just get on with things, so it is little wonder that we make it important to be prepared for it. But have you tried

Maybe it is time to just take a little step outside.

Affinity November 2012 _Layout 1 copy 22/10/2012 14:24 Page 74

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

What’s On November 2012

Thurs 25th October – Sat 24th November The Phantom of the Opera Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's phenomenal musical The Phantom of the Opera. Far beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist. www.atgtickets/miltonkeynes 0844 871 76532

Sat 3rd – Sun 4th November Strictly Bedford The Great Hall, Bedford School For two nights only local Bedford celebrities take on the strictly challenge Tickets £15 strictlybedfordtickets@gmail.com Sun 4th November Olney Fireworks The recreation ground, Olney As well as fireworks, we've got a fair, locally sourced hot food from Evans Turkeys, sweet stalls, an indoor bar and an outdoor bar. Glow sticks to give away to children, courtesy of our sponsor. Music provided by Olney’s very own brass band. Gates open at 5.00pm and the display starts at 6.30pm

Fri 2nd November Ampthill Fireworks Ampthill Fireworks is an annual community fireworks display run on a not-for-profit basis with all the raised revenue from the event been distributed to local charities. The display includes a pre-show of live acts, a fairground and various food vans Gates open at 6pm. Fireworks at 8pm www.ampthillfireworks.co.uk

Mon 5th November Luxury Gift Fair 9.30am – 4.30pm Woburn Abbey Sculpture Gallery Coffees, teas and light lunches serve all day

Fri 2nd November Family History Talk 'The Diary of a Young Artist’ 7.30pm Come along to find out more about this interesting subject. The Drama Hall at Mark Rutherford School www.bfhs.org.uk

Thurs 8th November Christmas Begins at Burwash Manor 5pm - 8pm Christmas shopping is a pleasure at Burwash Manor. Browse their independent shops selling unique, interesting gifts, unwind in the day spa, stock up with festive food and wine, and relax with a meal in the TeaRooms. Start the season in style with a late-night shopping event the shops will be staying open late so you can enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, live music, and mini Spa treatments whilst you browse. In the Larder they will also have lots of their Christmas goodies in for you to taste and pre-order. info@burwashmanor.com

Fri 2nd – Sun 4th November Handmade and Vintage Fair Middleton Hall The Centre MK The fair proudly showcases many of the most original and talented local designer-makers and artists, alongside the finest vintage/retro traders. FREE entry to browse a vast treasure trove of 120 colourful indoor market stalls and thousands of unique items for you and your home fashions, homewares, furniture, unusual interior design pieces, original art, retro, antiques and collectables, and gifts and treats of every kind - none of it found in the shops. For those who like the cool and quirky and the thrill of the bargain hunt, this is the only place to shop. www.thecentremk.com

Thurs 8th – Sun 11th November Bedford Swan Hotel Beer and Food Festival The hotel will be staging its second beer festival combined with a super sausage making competition run by Taste Real Food Bedford (TRF). Entrance £3 includes a branded beer glass and beer guide.

Sat 3rd November Family Entertainment and Fireworks Santa Pod Race Track An amazing evening of family entertainment with Jet Car, monster truck and stunts topped off with a huge bonfire, fireworks and more. 01234 782828 www.santapod.com

Fri 9th November 2012 Neville Staple Bedford Corn Exchange Neville Staple from the Specials returns to the Corn Exchange for a headline show as part of his winter tour 2012. Best known for his work as the singer and toaster in Ska and Two Tone legends The Specials, Neville’s solo tour features a mix of The Specials and Ska classics such

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as Gangsters, A Message to You Rudy, Monkey Man, Ghost Town and Night Club. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Sat 10th November Panacea Museum Open Day Come along to our open day and be one of the first people to look around the Panacea Museum. The museum is open 11am – 4pm. Entry is free, but prebooking is required as places are limited. 01234 353178, museum@panacea-society.org Sat 10th November Christmas Craft Fayre 10am – 3pm Bunyan Meeting and John Bunyan Museum Open Day Admission to the Craft Fayre - £1 including free cup of tea or coffee. Admission to the Museum, no charge but donations welcomed. 01234 213722 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk Thurs 15th November The Vintage Christmas Boutique 10am - 4pm The Sculpture Gallery, Woburn This new and unique event gathers together the best that vintage & handmade has to offer. Forty carefully selected purveyors will create a winter wonderland of beautiful, original goods and artisan wares. Authentic fashion, linens & textiles, homewares, haberdashery, accessories, festive gifts and decorations. With Betty & Violet’s vintage tea salon serving home-made refreshments. www.vintagechristmasboutique.com Weds 21st November Sandy & District Horticultural Association 7.30pm Quince Court, Sandy A talk by Warden Abbey Wines with wine tasting. £2 per person www.sandyshow.org Sat 17th – Sat 24th November West Side Story – the smash hit musical. Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust Sharnbrook Mill, Sharnbrook, Beds Night at 7.30pm. Matinee on 24th November at 2pm Tickets from £10 - £12. Bedford Box Office 01234 269 519 or in person from Sharnbrook Post Office www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk

Sun 18th November Nearly New Sale, Oakley Village Hall 10.30am – 12.30pm Quality Children’s Clothes, Toys and Equipment. Raffle and Refreshments, Homemade Cakes Jane: 07909 913468 or Sue: 07971 202405 Tues 20th November Kimbolton Flower Club Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Christmas demonstration 'Let it Snow'. Wine and mince pies for refreshment. £8 per person Sat 24th November Christmas Craft Fayre 10.30am – 3.30pm St Mark’s Church & Community Centre, Bedford Grand Prize Draw - 1st prize a 16"-19" LED Freeview digital television & various other prizes. Over 25 professional craft stalls. Refreshments, Father Christmas, Homemade Cake Stall etc. 01234 342613 Sat 24th November Melchbourne Christmas Fayre St Mary Magdalene Church Mulled wine, music, local crafts, wreaths and more. Sun 25th November Sue Ryder support Group Christmas Fair 10.30am - 4pm Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club. A variety of stalls including home made cakes, tombola, Christmas cards, Christmas trees, decorations, etc. £1 per person.

FIRE WORK DISPLAY • Hot Dogs Thursday 8th November • Hamburgers Gates open 5.30pm - Display starts 6.30pm • Hot Soup • Tea & Coffee Tickets available on the gate! • Sweets £10 family (2 adults & 3 children) or £4 single • Glo Sticks • Small Fairground Rides *Sparklers are not permitted

Scott Lower School, Hawk Drive, Bedford, MK41 7JA

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

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A quiet night in....... Joe Coughlin is nineteen when he meets Emma Gould. A smalltime thief in 1920s Boston, he is told to cuff her while his accomplices raid the casino she works for. But Joe falls in love with Emma - and his life changes for ever. That meeting is the beginning of Joe's journey to becoming one of the nation's most feared and respected gangsters. It is a journey beset by violence, double-crossing, drama and pain. And it is a journey into the soul of prohibition-era America... Power, lust and moral ambiguity combine for an all-American explosion of fictional fireworks. A powerful, deeply moving novel.

DVD release Latest cinema release Release date 16th November It's finally here: the incredible, eagerly anticipated conclusion of the fabulous Twilight saga! After the dramatic events of part one of 'Breaking Dawn', life seems a little calmer for Bella Swann. Successfully transformed into a vampire (Kristen Stewart), now has the life with Edward (Robert Pattinson) that she always dreamed about. She also has an extraordinary daughter named Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy). But her happiness is to be short lived. The law-enforcing Volturi vampire coven descend upon the town of Forks, concerned that the astonishing, fastgrowing Renesmee might be an outlawed immortal child. As the Cullens gather their supporters, the stage is set for what could turn out to be a full-scale vampire war, with Jacob (Taylor Lautner) and his werewolves also drawn in to the conflict. So how will it end?

Pixar Animation Studios, the creator of Toy Story 3, whisks you away on an astonishing adventure to an ancient land full of mystery and tradition. Bursting with heart, unforgettable characters and Pixar’s signature humour. Take a heroic journey with Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land. When Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos in the kingdom, she must harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, and discover the meaning of true bravery.

Release Date: 26th November 78

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A Friendly Welcome Awaits My Story, My Design

TheVictoria Arms Autumn Menu Available Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm and Dinner: 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch: 12pm - 4pm

Christmas menu now available: 2 courses £14.50 3 courses £19.50 1st December - 23rd December

A wonderful variety of cask ales, lagers and wines

“Relaxed Dining at it’s Best” 10 Mill Street Bedford, MK40 3HD 01234 351458

The Victoria Arms, High St, Wilden

01234 772437

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NOVEMBER 2012

ISSUE 18

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NOVEMBER 2012

Wrapped Up Must have coats for your wardrobe

Glitz and Glamour

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Charity Ball Photo Gallery

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Jewellers of Distinction 2 Church Arcade Bedford TEL 01234 354026

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