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SEPTEMBER 2013 ISSUE 28
FREE
www.affinitymag.co.uk
September 2013
Perfect City Break Relax at K West Hotel & Spa
Create your pendant from hundreds of interchangeable discs
AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Foodie Treats
Hampers galore to give away
Watch this space Arm candy just for him
Premier Performance
For all your customised car needs
BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON
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SOLD
IS ONE OF THE SWEETEST WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
If you have a property to sell contact us now for expert help and advice.
! DOMBEY COURT, PILGRIM CENTRE, BRICKHILL DRIVE, BEDFORD, MK41 7PZ
01234 268064 www.advancingproperty.co.uk info@AdvancingProperty.co.uk Follow us on COMMITTED TO BEING THE BEST ESTATE AGENCY YOU’LL EVER USE
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UPLIFTING UPLIFTING EENTERTAINMENT NTERTAINMENT A ATT MKT! MKT!
‘SIMPLY OUT OF THIS WORLD’ THE SUN
TUE 3 - SAT 7 SEP
TUE 17 - SAT 28 SEP
0844 0 844 871 871 7652 7652 GROUP G ROUP U SALES SALES 01908 01908 547609 547609 w www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes ww.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg (bkg fee) fee)
FFIND IND US US ON ON FFACEBOOK ACEBOOK ‘‘MILTON MILTON KE KEYNES YNES TTHEATRE’ HEATRE’ ((bkg bkg ffee) ee) FOLLOW US FOLLOW US ON ON TTWITTER W IT T E R @MKTHEATRE @ MKTHEATRE
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Anglia Interiors Trading since 1974 Members of the KBSA
NEW SHERATON SHOWROOM NOW OPEN!
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 quality, affordable 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, 13 StoneHill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6ED 01480 398018
OFFERING UNRIVALLED SECURITY FROM DEPOSIT THROUGH TO INSTALLATION www.kbsa.org.uk
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MOGGERHANGER PARK - SIMPLY UNDISCOVERED -
Relax with us in one of our striking bedrooms located within either the Main House or The Groom’s House Annexe. With up to 23 twin or double ensuite bedrooms as well as family rooms, the Old Library sitting room, Cellar Bar and Snug, you and your guests have the freedom to choose where you stay.
Extensive leisure activities nearby include the RSPB, Shuttleworth Park at Old Warden, the Danish Camp at Willington and Woburn Abbey and Safari Park, not to mention some of the best pubs and restaurants in the county.
Located on the A603 just off the A1 at Sandy and 20 minutes from the M1, our elegant Grade 1 House is easily accessible from London, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and London Luton Airport.
enquiries@moggerhangerpark.com 01767 641007
We wish you a delightful stay!
The Groom’s House
- GUEST ACCOMMODATION -
CO
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13 er b m u
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LICENSED CAFÉ BAR
LUNCHTIMES
CHOOSE FROM A SELECTION OF OUR TASTY DISHES, FROM LIGHT BITES TO MAIN MEALS. DON'T FORGET TO HAVE A LOOK AT OUR DESSERTS & CREAM TEAS! SERVED BETWEEN 11.30AM & 3.00PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY NUMBER 13 IS OPEN FROM 9.00AM MONDAY TO SATURDAY SERVING FRESHLY GROUND COFFEE, CREAM TEAS, MILKSHAKES, SMOOTHIES CAKES AND PASTRIES. IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO EAT IN, MOST OF OUR MENU CAN BE PREPARED TO TAKEAWAY.
Bedford Corn Exchange & Number 13 13 St. Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Phone: (01234) 718044 Email: cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk CORN032_13 de
Web: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk sign@bedford.gov.uk
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Come down and see the largest independent mirror outlet in the UK Check out the website
www.mirroroutlet.co.uk or call 0844 848 8222 Open 7 days a week - Free parking – 600 mirrors on display 11 Bridgeturn Avenue, Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5QL We also welcome all trade clients
MIRR MIRRORS ORS
BESPOKE FRAMING FRAMING
MEMOR MEMORABILIA ABILIA
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Welcome... Hi everyone It’s getting closer ... only about TEN weeks to go until our Diamond and Pearl Charity Ball, (I am sooooooo excited) This year monies raised will go to Keech Hospice Care so if you haven’t already got your tickets, then what are you waiting for, come and join us for a spectacular night full of glitz, glamour and fun. We have just added two new sponsors to our list - YSpa and Hotel Chocolat so Thank You guys – it’s not too late to be a sponsor so please get in touch if it interests you. In July we were lucky enough to jet off to Budapest for the International Press Launch of the New Audi A3 Saloon, where we spent two days driving and being shown the latest German technology of this new addition to the Audi Brand, turn to page 66 to see what we thought. Last month we also visited our nation’s capital, London, where we stayed at the glamorous K West Hotel and Spa in Shepherds Bush. We did a bit of retail therapy before
relaxing at the hotel where we paid a visit to their spa which was recently awarded the top rating of “5 Bubbles” in the 2013 Good Spa Guide - to find out how we got on turn to page 70. We bring you a couple of fabulous foodie giveaways this month, Hampers from Kohinoor and Hotel Chocolat. Did you know they do White Chocolate Horseradish or Cocoa Pesto? No nor did I but once you taste it you’ll be hooked! Finally we wish Peterborough United all the best for the new season and fingers crossed they go straight back up into the championship. PLEASE NOTE MYSELF and JULIA HAVE NEW PHONE NUMBERS (Below)
Jane x
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Jane Fry Editor jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 07507 602401
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Julia Crofts Advertising Manager Julia@affinitymag.co.uk O1234 215523 07966 696784
Vadisoro Design dave@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 @vadisoro
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Cover Image www.vanessag.co.uk
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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.
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Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
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Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400 www.regallitho.co.uk
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CONTENTS 12 Good hydration 18 Triathlon a beginners guide 24 Treatment of the month
48 Property of the month 58 Print partners 61 Watch this space 64 Premier performance 66 Budapest buzz 26 AW Fashion trends 36 Learning the basics 40 Tempting your tastebuds
46 WIN! A Kohinoor Hamper
70 Slice of serenity 75 Quiet night in
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Razzle dazzle with our
Rasul Experience...
Choose from one of the following
Soothe Me Awaken Me Balance Me Body scrubs, gels, creams, lotions & temple balms to refresh, nourish or de-stress. Couples 50 mins ÂŁ45 per person Singles 40 mins ÂŁ55 per person
0333 7007 667 www.yspa.co.uk yspa@wybostonlakes.co.uk Guests must be over 18 years of age Located midway between Cambridge and Milton Keynes
facebook.com/yspauk @yspauk Y Spa, Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AL Images are representative only reference: AF
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The Importance of
Good Hydration W
ater is absolutely essential to the maintenance of human life. We are made-up of more than 60% water and nearly all of the chemical reactions that need to happen in our cells rely on good hydration. Our blood needs water to carry nutrition around the body to nourish all our organs and tissues. Our liver also needs a constant supply to carry out its role of detoxification and rid the body of waste. Drinking plain water gives bright glowing skin; can help maintain weight; improve sleep and energy levels; helps to manage many chronic health conditions, including diabetes mellitus. There is also evidence that drinking fresh water reduces our risk of bladder and colon cancer. It is very easy to become de-hydrated and some people, myself included, don’t notice when they’re thirsty and often forget to drink water until they start to experience some of the following symptoms:
Drink a glass an hour before hitting the gym or exercising, as it takes this length of time for the water to work its way through your system to your muscles.
Headaches or migraine
Drink one glass of water at least half an hour before eating a meal to aid digestion
Fatigue and lack of energy Very dark or little urine – it should be straw coloured.
Have one glass of water before taking a bath to lower blood pressure
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded or even feeling your heart pounding.
Finally, have a glass of water before bedtime to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. De-hydration has also been linked to early waking with leg cramps – and could be an indication of your muscles crying out for water - but a magnesium deficiency should also not be ruled out.
There really is no substitute – sweetened drinks, tea, coffee, wine and beer cannot be relied upon alone to give us the hydration we need. But food, particularly fruit and vegetables can prove to be a good source.
Others recommend drinking water continually throughout the day by taking small sips, but this often proves impractical with our busy active lives
But how do we drink it? Firstly, and most importantly, avoid drinking ice cold water, as it shocks the body and has a detrimental effect on our metabolism, as does drinking large amounts during a meal, which dilutes the digestive enzymes necessary for the conversion of food into nutrition. The protocol for drinking water to optimise its benefits and drinking water at certain times of the day has the potential to maximise its benefits for the body, which are as follows: Drink two glasses of warm water on waking to help activate all the organs.
There is much debate as to how much is enough, and many scientific papers are questioning the need to drink eight glasses a day – around 2 litres – but at least 1.5 litres in a healthy adult, in our temperate climate, seems to be a mean optimum amount with men needing a little more than women.
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Carolyn Wood - Herbalist and Naturopath 07944 886502
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Calcutta Brasserie
Off to
O
n Wednesday 11th September the multi award winning Calcutta Brasserie will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary by putting on a night to remember.
dining experiences imaginable and has been named as one of the best Indian restaurants in the country; testament to the passion and detail put into each and every dish.
The night will include a champagne reception, Sitar performer, a Heena artist, Bollywood dancers with a workshop for those that want to have a go, along with a raffle for local children's charity, Leo's Appeal, and a mouth watering three course menu all for £24.95 per person.
The chefs use authentic, naturally sourced and free range ingredients creating delicious dishes unique to different regions of India far different than you would normally find on an Indian menu.
Set within a beautiful 17th Century Grade II listed Chapel elegant and romantic Calcutta Brasserie Indian Restaurant offers one of the most unique and inspiring
So whether you’re a regular or never visited Calcutta Brasserie before make sure you join them for fabulous food combined with a fun, entertaining evening on Wednesday 11th September to help them celebrate their Anniversary – you’ll be glad you did!
You are cordially invited to our
5th Anniversary Celebration Dinner Wednesday 11th September 2013 at the multi-award-winning Calcutta Brasserie. s #(!-0!'.% 2%#%04)/. s ! ,!6)3( #/523% -%.5 s ,)6% %.4%24!).-%.4 s 02%-)5- '//$)% "!'3
ONLY £24.95 PER PERSON
Please visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk for more details or call to reserve your table. Calcutta Brasserie, 7 St Pauls Court, High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1LJ.
Telephone: 01908 566577 Web: www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk Email: info@calcuttabrasserie.co.uk
The multi-award winning restaurant
www.facebook.com/calcuttabrasserie
@CalcuttaIndian
Voted Asian Chef of the year 2013
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Smoky Eyes! This sexy look never goes out of style. Make it your own by working with a new colour – Brown can give you a fresh twist on basic black. Bare Minerals Lash Domination £16
Givenchy Magic Kajal Pencil in Magic Black £16
LOreal Color Riche Les Ombres in Beige Trench Tresors Caches and Velours Noir
Guerlain Khol Me Kajal in Noir Volcanique £23.50
1 2 3 4
Choose an eyeshadow palette with three or four colours (Color Riche Palette in E1 Beige Trench £7.99 Loreal)
Sweep the medium shade over your lids and then apply the darkest in the crease of your eye
Press a little of the lightest colour in the centre of your lids and along your brow bone to highlight
Finish with two coats of mascara (Bare Minerals Lash Domination £16) and a slick of eyeliner (Givenchy Magic Kajaql Pencil in Magic Black £16)
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Veda Therapeutics Carolyn wood Herbal Medicine - Ayuverda Naturopathy - Therapeutic Massage - Ear Acupuncture
Herbalist (Dip Herb) Naturopath (Dip ND) MAMH, MANP, ITEC
As a herbalist and naturopath I can help you with • Immunity • Skin Conditions • Digestive Complaints • Hormonal imbalances • Heart health & Circulation • Energy & Wellbeing • Insomnia • Depression • Other chronic health conditions • Acute coughs & colds
07944 886502
carolyn612@btinternet.com
Advertise your Business be part of an establlished brand
Call Jane on: 01234 215523 07507 602401 jane@affinitymag.co.uk
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Luxury Autumn
Treats for Feet S
ummer can leave the skin on our feet hard and cracked after wearing flip flops and sandals during the summer months. Organic spa skincare brand Primavera® has a range of treats to revive and refresh feet, leaving them super smooth and soft. And as the spa brand of choice for Walt Disney World Resorts and the famous Dolder Grand Spa in Switzerland, Primavera® skincare brings spa-quality skincare into the convenience of your own home. Give your Feet an At-Home Spa Treat: Splash a few drops of Primavera® Cleansing Organic Bath Oil with Juniper Berry & Cypress (£20.00 for 100ml) into a generous-sized bowl of warm water, and soak feet for 20 minutes to soften the skin. Alongside juniper berry and cypress, the bath oil contains apricot kernel oil, seaweed, witch hazel, field horsetail and vitamin E, to cleanse away dirt and impurities. Massage Primavera® Cleansing Organic Body Scrub with Juniper Berry & Cypress (£20.00 for 200ml) into the feet to buff away dry and dead skin. This cleansing scrub tones, refines and brightens the skin with the inclusion of jojoba wax and olive seed to gently exfoliate. Rinse after use with clean water and towel dry the feet. Slather feet with Primavera® Organic Avocado Body Oil (£15.50 for 100ml); a vitamin-rich nourishing oil high in fatty-acid content which softens skin and hydrates. Using oils cultivated in New Zealand, this wonder product provides lasting protection for skin. For an extra treat, massage the oil into feet before bed time, pop on a pair of cosy socks and let the oil work its magic whilst you sleep. Esther Cooney of Primavera told us: “Because Primavera® products are formulated using highquality organic essential oils, they provide a real treat for feet and body, whilst being kind to skin. The best of care goes into making the products, which provide affordable luxury at home. Giving yourself a mini pedicure can also help to provide relaxation and leave you feeling rejuvenated.” All products are available from www.primaveralife.co.uk
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I Slimming World
Join a warm and friendly group near you today... ** NEW VENUE** Castle Lower School - BEDFORD The Bedford Sixth Form – BEDFORD Goldington Road, Bedford, MK40 3EP (Former High School for Girls) Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Trinity Cafe, Bromham Rd, MK40 2BS For info call Lorraine 01234 741033 Saturday morning 8.30am For info call Karen 07841 075100 (This group was previously held at Old School House - OAKLEY The Guild House) Lovell Road, Oakley, MK43 7RX Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm For info call Karen 07841 075100 The Bedford Sixth Form – BEDFORD (Former High School for Girls) Trinity Cafe, Bromham Rd, MK40 2BS Tuesdays 7.30pm For info call Philippa 01234 290367
For details of other groups in this area please visit www.slimmingworld.com
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TrIATHlOnS a beginners guide
R
Super sprint: 400m Swim, 10km Bike, 2.5km Run Sprint: 750m Swim, 20km Bike, 5km Run Olympic Distance: 1500m Swim, 40km Bike, 10km Run Middle Distance (also know as ‘Half Ironman’ or 70.3): 1.9km Swim, 90km Bike, 21km Run Ironman: 3.8km Swim, 180km Bike, 42km Run
ecently I took part in the Virgin Active London Team Triathlon and had a fantastic time. So much so I have caught the triathlon bug and want to invite you to join me too in this exciting, incredibly fast-growing sport.
Most people think that triathlons are for the superfit and that you have to be an elite swimmer, cyclist and runner to take part, but is this actually the case? Yes and no; yes there are some phenomenal athletes that do triathlons but there are also your average Joe Blogs doing them now too. What is a Triathlon? A triathlon is an event where you swim, cycle then run. The distance of each discipline is determined by the triathlon you’re entering. The categories are as follows:
Occasionally you will find the distances vary, especially when you have an indoor swim rather than an open water swim.
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The race starts with the swim, followed by transition 1 (T1), this is where you change from your swimming gear into your cycling gear (more on that later). Then you do your cycle, followed by transition 2 (T2) where you leave your bike and put your running shoes on. You finish off your event by completing your run.
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What do I need? As with all sports there are pieces of equipment that you need and pieces of equipment that would come in handy. Here’s a list of the essentials:
Shoes or Trainers: This comes down to preference. Some people will like to have clips on their bikes and have specially designed bike shoes that clip into them, others will prefer to ride in trainers. If you wear bike clips you will need to change into your trainers for your run.
The Swim
Bike Spares: Carry with you a puncture repair kit, tyre levers and pump. The last thing you want is for a puncture to put an end to your race!
A Trisuit: A tri-suit is an all in one top and bottom combo. They are made of a strong flexible material that enables you to move well whilst swimming, cycling and running. You can buy these in sports shops or online. A Swim Hat. Most organised events will require you to wear a hat, so you may as well get used to training with one. A Wet Suit: Most outdoor swims will require you to wear a wetsuit. If you’re ‘dipping your toe’ into triathlons you won’t want to spend too much, so have a look on the second hand sites such as ebay or gumtree. You can also hire wetsuits. A Decent Pair of Goggles: You need to be able to see where you’re going, so invest in a good pair of goggles that don’t fog up.
Trainers or running shoes are the only essential things for the run, however you may wish to have specific running socks, sunglasses, a hat or even a running belt where you can store energy sachets for the final leg of your event. Transitions: A Towel: To dry yourself down after the swim Talcum Powder: This can help to quickly dry your feet after the swim to get into your bike shoes or trainers Water bottle: An absolute must have! It’s essential to keep hydrated throughout your event. Energy sachets: These are a personal preference and need to be used during training too so you can get used to when you need them and how they make you feel. Have a look at www.maxifuel.com under ‘gels’ for more information. So now you have all the things you need to start you triathlon training. In the next issue of Affinity magazine we’ll have a look at triathlon training.
The Cycle A Bike: Most triathlons in the UK will allow you to enter using any kind of bike, but it’s worth checking the event organisers rules beforehand to make sure. Generally the bike will be the most expensive purchase for many new triathletes, so seek professional advice when choosing it. We are very lucky in Bedford to have some great bike shops with well trained staff. Try Transition Cycles in Castle Road or visit www.transitioncycles.co.uk A Helmet: An absolute essential. Safety is always at the forefront of any event organisers mind so they will insist you wear a helmet. If possible avoid buying a helmet second hand as you never know if it has been involved in an accident beforehand and is possibly faulty.
Julie Holl
The Run
In the meantime, take a look at a local triathlon event coming soon: Gale Force Events are holding a Super Sprint Series at Robinson Pool, Bedford on October 6th. It’s ideal for new triathletes to enter as the swim is indoors and for most people it’s the thought of the open water swim that puts them off! Visit www.galeforce-events.com. Around 400 people will take part in the event so it’s sure to have a fantastic atmosphere.
Personal Trainer 19
www.hollfitness.co.uk
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Life’s Let Downs
A
s I get older and look back on some events I can’t escape the feeling that at times I have been let down by the people or agencies that really should have done a better job. I know I might not always have listened to any or all advice that was given, I was a teenager remember not listening to elders was compulsory even in those long ago times, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have been given it.
time I was probably more into Babycham or Snowballs but surely it could have been suggested? Then of course, there are the people who review restaurants – or even have jobs food tasting, but oh no they too were career options that were never presented to me. I am still incredulous that people can actually have a job where they travel to holiday destinations and then write about them and actually get paid for doing that – trust me I have tried to apply, but of course these really good jobs seem rarely to be advertised. Be honest have you ever seen an advert in the local paper that says “wanted willing travellers to sample and write about all expenses paid holidays”?
Having reached what could be called a ‘transitional $ I have&the # chance "" $to$ look phase’ in my professional life, &back and I feel I was completely let down by the careers service – was it called that back in the day – I can’t remember but I do know that I was distinctly underwhelmed with the options for careers presented to me.
I know the world has changed and moved on in all sorts of ways since I was at school, and there are now a whole range of jobs that probably didn’t exist then, trust me I am investigating as many as I can.
Okay, so it was a long time ago and in a small village in the far North, in the days when most people got a job, (usually in the small village) and stopped working in THAT job when they married, had babies or if they were male, when they retired .
The one that appeals the most at the moment is blogging – imagine chatting all day (in writing but that’s ok) in the comfort of your own home, which means endless coffee and chocolate biscuits, possibly even a spot of daytime TV. Apparently there is money to be made in it - I really can’t understand how - but I intend to find out, so eat your heart out Mr Grey. I may be too old to be in an Abba tribute band and too far along the road to dipsomania to be trusted with alcohol, and I acknowledge that my figure and agility level would rule out pole dancing, but spilling forth random inconsequential thoughts (chattering endlessly), now that I can do, the tricky bit will be making money. Perhaps I still need some careers advice!
But as I have gone through life, training and then retraining and changing career several times, (me indecisive? ... no simply haven’t found my vocation, yet), I regularly come across jobs or careers that I would have loved if only someone had told me they existed. I have always loved singing, dressing up and I love the sun, so how can it be that no one told me I could possibly get paid (as well as get a sun tan) by being in a tribute act in an all inclusive hotel on a literal ‘island in the sun’? Okay I acknowledge that when I was initially in the market for a job Abba were in their heyday and Amy Winehouse hadn’t been born but surely the concept isn’t all that new – so how come my careers teachers simply failed to mention that particular option. Recently I went on a very nice wine tasting tour at a $ $ me $%and) I $ vineyard. Wine is something that interests % enjoy sampling all sorts of varieties though I still haven’t come across many that I am not prepared to drink! $ to There was a lady there, about my age, and her job is $lead groups through the wine tasting. Yes that’s right her 9 – 5 (which actually includes evenings and weekends) is talking about and drinking wine. She gets paid to drink wine! So, Mr Grey (my careers teacher) what happened to that one? I acknowledge that at the 20
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Charity Ball Diamond & Pearl
In aid of Keech Hospice Care and in memory of Pat McGirl Friday 15th november 2013 Arrival 7.00pm - Carriages 1.00am The Sharnbrook Hotel A/6 Park lane, Sharnbrook, Beds MK44 1lX
A Glittering Drinks & Canapé reception A Sumptious Three Course Meal raffle , Exclusive Auctions and much more....
Tickets £50 per person
Book early to avoid disappointment For tickets and sponsorship enquiries please contact: Jane Fry - 01234 215523 - 07809 499669 jane@affinitymag.co.uk
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Olivia Palermo Borrows Kate Moss's Style Hair Both looking understated glam at two separate events, Electric Hair’s client Olivia Palermo who reaches for Mark Woolley (Electric Hair founder) to aid in her hair transformations whilst she's in London has taken inspiration from none other than British icon Kate Moss.
Olivia who is usually seen with her hair in an up-do or a big glam blow-out has sported a style similar to Kate Moss, the centre swept-do Kate has always been a fan of 'it's a very 90's thing to do and with fashion taking it's inspiration from that era be it the Haim sisters, Kristen Stewart to Iggy Azalea, this understated look is simple to achieve'
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Mark shares his how to tips to achieve ‘The Look!’
1 3 2 4 Work some Electric Hair P4 Preparation Spay £15.50 into damp hair for gloriously soft locks and create a p a r t i n g roughly with your fingers, not a comb, for a more n a t u r a l 'undone' feel.
Using the styling brush, blow dry small sections, no more than an inch wide, in semicircular motions to create voluminous shape to frame the face. Be sure to keep these strands separated when blow drying as this ensures a dishevelled result.
Lightly spritz some hairspray onto the bristles of a Denman D3 Classic Styling Brush and at the back of the crown, gently backcomb at the roots. The trick here is to separate the top layers of the hair first and then backcomb the under layers, g e n t l y smoothing the top layer to give the illusion of natural volume and shape.
After working through the hair, lightly spritz the finished style with L'Oreal Gloss Control Spray (£8. 50 www. electrichair. com) to add a luxurious sheen. Finally, tease and twist the ends of the hair with your fingers to create definition within the layers that should easily take you from day to night.
Mark Woolley www.electrichair.com 23
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Treatment of the Month No More MUD!
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relaxing shower. Once I had dried myself I lay back and relaxed on the bed whilst De-stress Massage Oil was massaged into my skin, followed by Skin Nourishing Milk (which is aimed at rebalancing the skins protective layer) with a dot of Quiet Mind Temple Balm placed on my temples before entering my own private Rasul steam chamber for approximmately 15 minutes, where I felt so competely relaxed that I nearly fell asleep.
ention the word Rasul and the image we conjure up is covering ourselves in mud and sitting in a Rasul steam chamber with a partner or friend, but not any more, gone are the days of having to do all the hard work yourself. With pampering involved the Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes have partnered with Elemis Spa@home range to launch a trio of fabulous experiences combined with the Rasul Therapy that will leave you feeling totally indulged.
Finally Tranquil Touch Body Lotion was applied leaving me feeling rejuvenated and completely calm, but this wasn’t the end, once the treatment is finished you are given a speciality tea that compliments the experience you have had, and as you sit sipping this your mind floats away to a land of calm and tranquility.
I went along to try this new experience for myself, there are three types available Soothe Me, Awaken Me and Balance Me. I chose Balance Me, which is aimed at those who need to de-stress their minds and re-balance their bodies (sounds just like me!)
For couples the therapy will take 50 minutes and for singles 40 minutes. Priced at £45 per person for 2 or £55 per person for singles.
The treatment takes place in the dual treatment room that has it’s own Rasul Steam Room within. You can choose to have an individual treatment or as a couple. I laid on the bed whilst my therapist applied the Tranquil Touch Body Scrub before I washed it all off in the warm
www.yspa.co.uk/rasul
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Burts Bees Honey Collection Kit £15.99 www.burtsbees.co.uk
Vera Wang Be Jeweled Eau de Parfum75ml £33.50 www.theperfumeshop.com
Eddera Collection Leopard Cuff £110 www.ilovedesigner.com
Retro Hemmingway Apron £12.99 www.macmillan.org.uk/shop
Tresor Paris Rugby for Heroes (Women) £49 www.tresorparis.com
Swatch Urban Expressions Range £76 www.swatch.com
AFFInITY HOT PICKS Ralph Lauren Polo Red 75ml (Men) £38.50 www.theperfumeshop.com
This month’s must have gifts and accessories
Orla Kiely ‘Rhubarb’ and ‘Earl Grey’ Diffusers £25 www.orlakiely.com
Tresor Paris Rugby for Heroes(Men) £49 www.tresorparis.com
Hotel Chocolat Beauty Box £50 www.hotelchocolat.com
Eddera Collection Little Branch Headband £105 www.ilovedesigner.com
ClaireaBella Classic Jute Bag £24.99 www.claireabelladesign.co.uk
Antheros Shift Dress £120 www.sara-c-com
Daines & Hathaway Travel Watch Roll £120 www.pittardsleather.co.uk
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Animal Instincts Animal Print Tunic £20 Sainsburys
Blouse Debenhams
Animal Clamp Bangle £12 Accessorize
House of Fraser
Bardot Shoeboot Hobbs
Skirt River Island
Lorder Scarf £29 Dune
Jumper River Island Boyfriend Cardigan £14 Primark
Limited Edition Wild Cat Jacket £59 Marks & Spencer Darcy Electric Blue Tiger Skin £65 Pauls Boutique
Mina Blue £59 Dune
Pia Print Sleevless Blouse £69 Mint Velvet
Barness Steve Madden Skirt £35 Marks & Spencer
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Metalic Magic Burst £85 Dune Mari X Bag Accessorize Metallic Leather Drivinga Gloves £22 Accessorize
Boutique Top £140, Trousers £140 Jaeger Nins Pewter £99 Dune
Matthew Williamson Dress £85 Debenhams
Emazing Blue £49 Dune
Dress £59 Miss Selfridge
Metallic Aztec Detail Bandage Dress £125 The Vestry
Boom £45 Dune
Skirt River Island
Trousers Debenhams
Trousers £35 Very
Quilted Neoprene Sweater £50 Asos
Metallic Skirt George at Asda
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Check Mate Check Kilt £69 Mint Velvet Debenhams
McGreggor Trousers £39.50 Marks & Spencer Tartan Blazer £16 George at Asda
Tartan Rucksack £12 George at Asda
Tartan Dress Miss Selfridge Check Shirt £28 Next
Tartan Dress Primark
Glen Prints House of Fraser The Tulip Coat £98 Yumi
Vivienne Westwood Bag £275 House of Fraser
Tartan Trousers £40 Asos
Tartan Skater Dress Tesco
Buckled Tartan Heel £18 Primark
Mini Kilt £40 Asos
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Don’t Panic!
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Panic attacks happen when the body is flooded with fighting hormones adrenalin and noradrenaline as a response to what it sees as a threat
Y
ou are standing in the queue at your local supermarket when all of a sudden you have trouble breathing, start experiencing chest pains, begin sweating and start having hot flushes, your hands and feet start to feel numb - What is happening ? You are one of the growing number of people experiencing some of the terrifying symptoms of a panic attack. With more and more people leading full on lives that lead to high anxiety levels one in ten of us will experience, at some point in our lives, a panic attack, and many claim it feels as if they are about to die or ‘go mad’. Panic attacks happen when the body is flooded with fighting hormones adrenalin and noradrenaline≤ as a response to what it sees as a threat. When this is an emotional rather than a physical threat the adrenalin is not used and the effect on the body is a combination of dizziness, hot flushes, pins and needles, muscle tension, and heart palpitations. In some cases the throat can constrict making you feel like you are choking or having a cardiac arrest, causing you to be absolutely terrified.
Ways to Help
Therapy A form of counselling known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is available privately and on the NHS. Unlike other talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, CBT focuses on the difficulties a person is experiencing encouraging them to identify and take control of thought processes that trigger attacks. It can reduce panic attacks through control of the earliest symptoms, or make them disappear instantly, depending on the severity.
Diet and Exercise Lifestyle adjustments are also vital. Adopting a balanced diet is very powerful, as is exercise to use up adrenaline and release mood-enhancing endorphins and increase selfesteem – a lack of which is at the core of many anxiety disorders. Herbal Remedies The herb Rhodiola rosea has been shown to aliviate stress so may well help to alieviate symptoms of panic attacks available from all good health shops
Breathing Most people get warning signs that an attack is about to happen, including a racing heart, disorientation and a sense of needing to get out of wherever they are. When this happens concentrate on your breathing, place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. As you breathe in, the chest should stay still while the stomach is pushed out, counting slowly to exhale for a couple of counts longer than you inhale. Thought Control When an attack happens, it’s important to control your thoughts immediately, Repeat a simple mantra to yourself such as, “ ‘My heart will stop racing, I’m not going to die, I will be ok’
There has been a growing rise in panic attacks in the last few years mainly in people who are in high powered jobs, who try to juggle everything. But when you look closer you will find that although job anxiety is the tipping point there is usually something far deeper at the heart of these attacks. It can often be a delayed reaction to an event that happened years ago such as a divorce, bereavement, loosing your job or even having children. Deep issues from the past, that haven’t been resolved, resurface and thus a panic attack is your body’s way of forcing you to look at the emotional stress you’re under and force you to deal with it.
Medication Drugs that are known as benzodiazepines, help deal with anxiety fast but can become highly addictive, so use as a last resort and always under the direction of your GP Between attacks, keep a mood and thought diary, Write a list of people, things or memories that make you happy and read it morning and night, this will help you focus on positive thinking. The more positive thoughts and energy you generate, the less likely you are to have a panic attack. 31
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The Bay City rollers Story Eric, Derek, Woody too, Lesley, Alan we Love You!
I
n 1974 the world was to witness a new musical phenomenon the like of which had not been seen since the days of Elvis and The Beatles. The music of the Bay City Rollers became the soundtrack for a generation and were worshipped by a Tartan Army of thousands of teenagers growing up in the mid 70’s.
The Bay City Rollers Story is a celebration of those hectic days of hit songs, touring, TV shows and the behind the scenes pandemonium that followed the band everywhere they went. Renewed Les McKeown has come through the extreme highs and lows of life’s great road and he is here to tell us all about it. All the hits songs are there and audiences are promised a fantastic night of fun and nostalgia as they take a trip back to those innocent days of growing up to the sounds of The Bay City Rollers.
As the Edinburgh boyband’s lead singer, Les McKeown lived the dream. With Les leading the way, the band’s singles and albums shot to the No. 1 spot all over the globe. Massive hits such as ‘Bye Bye Baby’, ‘Shang A Lang’, ‘Summer Love Sensation’ and ‘Give A Little Love’ (to name just a few) propelled the band to world-wide superstardom and their trademark Scottish tartan was to be seen everywhere across the planet.
The Bay City Rollers Story Wednesday 25th September 01234 718044 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 32
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COMEDY at Bedford Corn Exchange…
Lee Nelson
Russell Kane
Jason Manford
Wednesday 6 November 2013
Saturday 22 February 2014
Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 March 2014
To book tickets call 01234 718044 or visit www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Bedford Corn Exchange & Number 13 13 St. Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Phone: (01234) 718044 Email: cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk
Web: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
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From sport to the classics. And everything in between.
Open Morning, Saturday 5th October We provide the opportunities and encouragement for every child to develop their own unique set of interests and talents. It’s a complete and balanced education, which produces fully rounded boys, ready for the world beyond school.
To book your place, please contact Vanessa Hicks, Director of Admissions.
01234 362 216 Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust
Boarding and Day / For boys aged 7–18
bedfordschool.org.uk
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learning the basics Many parents can appreciate the advantages of one to one tuition for their children or teenagers. It can give a huge advantage as they are the only person in the lesson so it can be tailored specifically to their needs. They feel relaxed and able to ask questions without the glare of peers upon them. However the time that many parents decide to take the plunge and pay for tuition is when they face exams, often GCSE’s. 36
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O
ne of the things I notice when tutoring young people prior to exams is that sometimes their problems are caused because some of the foundations, or building blocks of learning are missing.
children in year 1 at school. The purpose of the test is to make sure that children have mastered some of the basics, as this will help with the later skills of reading and spelling. Phonics is all about the sounds in words. A letter, or group of letters, is useful because it represents sounds. Simple for a word like ‘cat’ where each sound is represented by one letter. Harder for a word like ‘cow’ which has three letters but only two sounds ‘c’ and ‘ow’. Some sounds can be represented in different ways and this is one the things that makes spelling a challenge for some children and young people. The ‘o’ sound can be made in a variety of different ways ‘show’ ‘boat’ ‘though’ ‘so’ ‘sew’ ‘toe’ and ‘note’. But many of these graphemes (sound pictures) can also represent a different sound the ‘o’ in ‘not’ makes a different sound to the ‘o’ in ‘so’. Some children just seem to get this easily but for others it causes difficulties. The phonic skills a child needs are to be able separate or segment the sounds within words, to be able to blend sounds together and they need a knowledge of the sounds that letters represent, a knowledge of the ‘code’.
A student may face difficulties in any subject but in many ways English and Mathematics are the subjects that parents will request for tuition. Not only is it increasingly important to gain a ‘C’ grade or above at GCSE to ensure success in applications to A levels or other level 3 courses at college or sixth form but it is an increasingly important part of the selection process for jobs. Both of these subjects require a mastery of certain basics, if the more complicated processes and tasks are to be achievable. When working with students it is all too often apparent that this is where the problem lies. It can usually be corrected with a little time and effort but the run up to exams is not the ideal time to address the learning of the basics.
Schools and parents As parents we all want to give our children the best possible start in life. Making sure that they learn the basics in both Maths and English will certainly help. Usually this happens at school but if for any reason, as a parent, you feel worried that your child is not making progress then discuss this as soon as possible with staff at the school. Schools also want children to make progress and will want to work with you as parents to make sure that progress is being made.
Mathematics Ideally children should be able to count easily and quickly and have a good grasp of number bonds to 10 and 20. Number bonds are simply knowing that 10 can be made up of 9 +1, 8 +2, 7+3, 6+4, 5+5, and then 4 + 6 etc. It sounds simple but if a child doesn’t have these at their fingertips every single sum they do will take longer and present more of a challenge. They are also very easy to teach at home by simple repetition and the use of games.
It is very important for small children that they have time to play and enjoy themselves. But if a child is falling behind at school it is easy for them to feel disheartened, so as parents you may need to support them by providing some additional learning time at home. Home Learning If you decide to provide some learning at home it is always a good idea to liaise with the school about the particular skills the child would benefit from learning. But it is also best to keep things light and try to make the learning fun. Even if, as a parent you feel anxious try not to let this show. Sometimes it is helpful to set aside a specific time at home to do a little extra work and it may help to have an incentive for the child at the end, like a favourite game or story. Remember to keep the time short, little and often is helpful with learning for small children. The other approach is simply to use other games or play activities to give an opportunity for extra learning, counting lego bricks, or marbles. Alternatively, try talking about the sounds in words when reading a story, or playing eye spy with sounds not letters.
Tables are another really useful tool in the child’s armoury. People often ask why they need to know them when they have calculators. But most Maths exams still require some calculations without calculators and being able to do estimates is very useful for everyone, even if it is just dividing a restaurant bill by 7, for example to make sure you are not paying over the odds on a meal out with mates. Many occupations require some degree of numeracy to estimate cost or even time to complete jobs. Again these simple numeracy skills are easy to teach at home through games or fun activities, especially when the child is still young.
For further help or guidance to ensure that your child masters the basics contact attuned education.
English Almost everyone will have heard of Phonics as the government has recently introduced a phonics test for
For further help or guidance to ensure that your child masters the basics contact attuned education.
07921 193479
info@attunededucation.com 37
www.attunededucation.com
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Frozen Yogurt Cafe Delicious
Fresh
Frozen Yogurt
Toppings: Fruit, nuts chocolate + many more Low Fat & Healthy
Bluberi Cafe - Bedford 70 High Street Bedford
BREAKFAST & LUNCH See blue, think bluberi
Reasons to Choose Frozen Yogurt over Ice Cream F
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rozen yogurt can be viewed as a healthy alternative to ice cream. There are quite a few reasons why you should choose frozen yogurt over ice cream. One reason is the health benefits that comes from the use of milk instead of cream. While frozen yogurt can taste more tart than ice cream, it is lower in fat than fat-filled ice cream because of the substitution of pure milk in the place of heavy cream making it better for your body. It also contains more minerals and nutrients than traditional ice cream. A good-sized part of the fun of eating frozen yogurt is how many ways you can customize your helping of frozen yogurt. Some examples are many kinds of nuts, hot toppings like caramel or hot fudge, candy toppings like sprinkles or crushed candy bars, fruit toppings like strawberries, and even more creative toppings like brownie bits. One of the main health benefits of frozen yogurt would be its probiotic content. This means that it has live bacterial cultures that can promote better digestion overall. Some evidence even shows that certain probiotics can help with irritable bowel syndrome and urinary tract infections. Also, the body actually needs this good bacteria in order to improve the immune system and digestion; plus, it can lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. Visit our store and taste our excellent frozen yogurt. Bluberi, 70 High Street, Bedford.
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Bold Imaginative 5HÀHFWLYH 7KUHH ZRUGV WR GH¿QH your daughter’s future. Add three more:
Open Day Saturday 12th October, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust
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Pesto Chicken with Roast Tomatoes, Caramelised Aubergine, and Olives 40
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Go for a taste of the Mediterranean with this delicious dish that's full of flavour
Ingredients 6 chicken mini-fillets (around 250g) 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large aubergine, cut into 3cm cubes 1 tbsp clear honey 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 3 plum tomatoes, halved 2 tbs green pesto 8 black olives, stoned and sliced Salt and pepper
Method Preheat the oven to 220 C/425F/Gas mark 7. Put a baking tray in the oven to heat through. Coat the chicken fillets with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Toss the aubergine with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the honey and chilli sauce and season with a little salt. Take the hot baking tray out of the oven and tip the aubergine onto it. Spread out and return to the oven. Roast for 40 mins, turning once or twice. Arrange the tomato halves in a lightly oiled oven-proof dish, cutsides up and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over them. Season with salt and pepper. Put in the oven about 10 minutes after the aubergine and leave to roast for 30 mins until very tender. About 10 mins before aubergine and tomatoes finish cooking, heat a medium frying pan over a moderate heat. Add the chicken mini fillets and fry for 2-3 mins on each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Toss with the pesto. To serve, divide tomatoes between plates, add the tender aubergine pieces, then top with chicken and scatter with olives.
Cune Barrel Fermented 2011 Barrel Fermented is made from the earliest white grapes harvested. Following a light pressing the best juices are selected for barrel fermentation in small, new, American oak casks prior to traditional barrel maturation. The result is a delicious lemon fresh wine with elegant oak influences, great length and balance £9.49 Waitrose, Christopher Piper Wines, Tanners Wine Merchants
Cune Rosada Rioja 2012
This attractive light raspberry pink wine is full of ripe summer fruit and berry aromas with some floral hints. Light and refreshing, best served between 12C to 14C
£9.49 Majestic Wines, Ellies Cellar, Taylor’s Fine Wine
Imperial Gran Reserva 2004 There are fine hints of toasty oak with fine balsamic nuances. The palate is full and generous with hints fine spices. The tannins are mature and the wine has developed an exceptional elegance from its time in the barrel. The finish is long, beautifully structured and classic Rioja Alta. £26.99 Waitrose, Harrods, Majestic
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Strawberry Cheesecake with Daiquiri Ingredients
Method
1/2 punnet strawberries 1/2 pint of double cream 5 gelatin leaves 250g mascarpone 200g caster sugar 500g Digestives 100g butter
Crush the biscuits, then melt the butter and mix together Set the biscuit in the base of the cheesecake mould/tin Boil the cream then add the sugar and the mascarpone and the gelatin Slightly blend the strawberries and then add them to the cream mixture Set this on top of the biscuit base in the tin/mould
Daiquiri Ingredients
Method
4 fresh strawberries ½ strawberry to garnish 2 tsp white sugar 35ml/1½fl oz white rum 1 tbsp strawberry liqueur 25ml/1fl oz lime juice
Place the strawberries, sugar, rum, strawberry liqueur and lime juice into the base of a cocktail shaker and mash (muddle) with the end of a clean rolling pin. Place the lid onto the cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain the mixture into a Martini glass and garnish with half a strawberry.
This sweet is brought to you by the Chef at The Millhouse Hotel Riverside Restaurant, Sharnbrook, Beds
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Pan asian restaurant & bar
Come and enjoy the finest fusion cuisine in Bedford
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH US
5 course set menu only £19.95 FREE bottle of bubbly for the party booker Minimum 6 people per party
Special Sunday Buffet 12.30pm - 5.30pm Eat as much as you like for £7.99 children under 10 are half price
Opening Times Open 7 days a week including all bank holidays. Monday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:30pm & 6:00pm - 11:00pm Sunday: 12pm - 11pm
66 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NT 01234 365 366 / 01234 360 075 www.asialoungebedford.co.uk Bedford Asia Lounge
@AsiaLBedford
Home delivery service - min order. £12 10% discount on collection. FREE delivery within a 5 mile radius.
Pan asian restaurant & bar
!
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Wonders of the
WineGlass The tranquil setting of The Barns Hotel on the outskirts of Bedford offers a beautiful riverside location, set in three acres of landscaped grounds on the banks of the River Ouse was where we were heading for this month’s restaurant review.
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T
he WineGlass Restaurant has delightful views over the water and offers an excellent modern British menu backed by a creditable wine list.
Simpler food is also available in the contemporary Riverside Bar and you can enjoy afternoon tea by the river with an assortment of cakes, pastries alongside a wide range of speciality teas or coffee. We arrived for an evening meal and were greeted by a friendly waitress who showed us to our table where we enjoyed a drink whilst mulling over the delicious dishes on the menu. Our table overlooked the glorious river setting and was just perfect. Starters were free range chicken and spring vegetable terrine wrapped in parma ham and served with apricot chutney and crostini this dish created an assortment of delightful flavours on the palette. Crab and spinach linguine with chilli in a cream sauce was the other choice, the sauce was a perfect consistency and tasted just divine. Our mains followed and consisted of asparagus, hot smoked salmon with new potatoes and homemade mayonaise (this was off the starter menu but I asked if it could be made into a main meal), and it certainly didn’t disapoint the salmon slightly smoked brought the whole dish to life. Herb crusted lamb saddle, crushed sage potatoes and buttered spinach was my husband’s choice, presentation was perfect, the lamb was tender and the crushed sage potatoes bought out a whole new flavour to the lamb. Whenever we go out for a meal I always say I won’t have dessert, but then the waiter brings the menu and I give into temptation and I certainly did when I saw Barns banoffee pie on the menu, this was made slightly differently with a puff pastry base instead of a biscuit one and was served warm, but it was delicious and just melted in the mouth. A selection of sorbets was the other choice very fruity and fresh on the palette. The whole dining experience was a pleasure. The food was varied and delightful, and the setting was glorious, if you’ve never visited The WineGlass restaurant I suggest you do very soon. The Barns Hotel 01234 270044 www.barnshotelbedford.co.uk
Readers Offer!! 10% OFF Quote ‘AFFINITY’ to receive 10% off your food bill when dining at The Barns Hotel WineGlass Restaurant this month. *Offer valid until 30th September 2013
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WIN! WIN! WIN!
We have Three Hampers worth £50 each of Kohinoor Foods to giveaway Indo European Food’s Kohinoor brand is renowned for its authentic Indian cuisine. It produces luxury rice, authentic cook-in-sauces and ambient curries, as well as ready-to-eat microwave meal solutions. Synonymous with both quality and commitment, Kohinoor’s range has been hand-picked and inspired by the real taste of the East which will truly unite food lovers on every occasion.
Kohinoor is offering three lucky Affinity readers the chance to win a food hamper which is worth £50 each, and contains a variety of Kohinoor’s rices, cook-in-sauces and ready meals. To be in with a chance of winning one of these authentic hampers tell us “one of the products Kohinoor produces” and send to info@affinitymag.co.uk by 24th September 2013.
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The Red Pepper Catering Consultant was conceived in 2003, my own catering business and a dream come true! With Red Pepper I have built up an excellent reputation and my passion for Food and using fresh seasonal ingredients is always at the forefront of any dish I am cooking Whether you’re looking to cater for a private dinner party, birthday, funeral, christening, wedding or just looking to have a fun evening in with some friends then contact us
I look forward to hearing from you as I would love to meet with you and discuss and personalise your occasion - I have drive and passion for my services as well as the food I cook - You don’t have to go to a restaurant to eat exquisite food
G.Butler Loft conversions 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
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Property of the Month Colleton Gardens, St Peter, Barbados - ÂŁ519,995
A
beautiful Caribbean home with swimming pool and sea view located within the popular neighborhood of Colleton Gardens on the West coast of Barbados. The property is set on just under half an acre and has beautifully manicured landscaped gardens with mature tropical plants and trees. This charming residence is well presented with three double bedrooms, spacious open plan living areas leading onto a large covered patio and pool deck ideal for alfresco living and entertaining. Above the master bedroom is an open terrace giving extensive panoramic views of the west coast. The residence benefits from being a few minutes walk to the beach and the renowned Fish Pot Restaurant. It is within walking distance to Speightstown, Port St Charles, Moontown and Holetown is just a short drive away.
For further details contact Advancing Property on 01234 268064 or info@advancingproperty.co.uk
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per u S e Som arance to Cle aves e th st-h mu und in m fo be owroo sh
There’s no place like home....or
Carlo’s With over 50 years experience as specialist furniture manufacturers and stockists of Oak and Pine furniture, we have a wide selection ranging from modern to traditional styles for rooms throughout your home as well as garden furnishings; all designed to enhance your living experience....
Furnishers
BEAUTIFUL UPHOLSTERED HAND MADE BEDS AND MATTRESSES TO GO, MIRRORS AND SO MUCH MORE
Like us on Facebook
TAKE THE GOOGLE VIRTUAL TOUR
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Chris Dunne Building & Maintenance
Family Run Business • Quality Finish • Competitively Priced
01234 261682
Loft Conversions • Extensions • Renovations www.chrisdunnebuildingandmaintenance.co.uk 1 0 1 54a, G e o Caves r g e SLane, t r e e tBedford, B e d f MK40 o r d 3GN MK40 3SJ
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Purple
Decadence
Debenhams
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Large Purple Ceiling Light £335 outthereinteroirs.com
Hanging Heart £12 Debenhams
Trophy Candle Holder £18 Debenhams
Seeded Glass Bottle Marks & Spencer
Purple Dog Cushion Debenhams
Karenza & Co Primula Denticular Cushion £25 karenzaandco.com
Napoleon Bee Cushion £108 rume.co.uk Opel Arm Chair £249 Very
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Purple Light £160 Living it Up
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Shocking Violet Chandelier £140 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
Faceted Filled Candles £12 Mark & Spencer
Bosoni Velvet Bedroom Chair £230 Sweetpea & Willow
Grapevine Large Vase Pure Radiance £25 Yankee Candle Multi Dinner Candle Holder £40 Debenhams
Pied a Terre purple mercury votive £25 House of Fraser
Dartington Crystal 3 Wick Flower Candle John Lewis
St Tropez Chaise Longue £999.99 chichifurniture.com
Purple Flocked Mirror £120 Debenhams
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Affinity gardening Flower of the Month Hydrangeas
September Jobs... - Continue to feed and dead-head your hanging baskets and container plants they will often keep going until the first frosts. - Divide herbaceous perennials - Collect and sow seed from perennials and hardy annuals - Dig up remaining potatoes before slug damage spoils them - Net ponds before leaf fall gets underway
Hydrangeas are invaluable garden shrubs as they possess the ability to combine structure, colour and interest within one plant, filling their growing space with bountiful beauty. They have delicate heads of flowers in shades of pink, white or blue and pretty autumn colour and leaf shape. The Hydrangea is able to thrive in a variety of situations, but prefers a position in full sun or semi-shade, in fertile, moist, but well drained soil, fully to frost hardy. Try to avoid exposed east-facing sites, where cold winds may damage young spring growth, and also avoid dry spots. Some varieties may be grown in the confines of large pots, which gives the advantage of being able to move them to prominent positions around the garden, once the flowers begin to open. The flowers last some considerable time, they look especially spectacular out on the patio. Larger growing species, some of which may become tree-like with age, are best suited to the back of the border, or to light woodland area.
Affinity Loves....
- Keep up with watering of new plants, using rain or grey water if possible - Clean out cold frames and greenhouses so that they are ready for use in the autumn - Cover leafy vegetable crops with birdproof netting - Plant spring flowering bulbs - Prune climbing roses when they've finished flowering, removing dead, damaged and diseased stems.
Gisela Graham Gardening Gloves ÂŁ9.99 Fosts Garden Center
Bird Cage Candle Holder ÂŁ7.49 Fosts Garden Center
Frosts Garden Center
Inspiring gardeners since 1946 Sandy Road, Willington, Bedford, MK44 3QP 01234 838777 www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk 54
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Oakley Upholstery & Interiors
Our family run business is situated in the heart of Oakley Village, just outside of Bedford Town Centre. We appreciate that both our domestic & contract customers need value for money without compromising quality, and we demonstrate this in the high levels of craftmanship which goes into producing every piece. We strive to strike a good balance of providing skilled traditions whilst still being able to offer that modern touch – which makes us a success with all age groups. • • • • • • •
Complete Upholstery Service – including full re-upholstery Bespoke furniture for sale Bespoke furniture made to order Modern & Traditional techniques Contract & Domestic Upholstery Frame Repairs Spring & Cushion replacements
• • • • • • •
All work carried out in our on-site workshop Curtain making Soft furnishing making Upholstery Fabrics Curtain Fabrics Designer Wallpapers Giftware shop
01234 827032 www.oakleyupholstery.co.uk Unit 2 Oakley Park, Station Road, Oakley, Bedfordshire MK43 7RB
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WIN! WIN! WIN!
Step into the
Hotel Chocolat Pantry…
P
eople have adored cocoa for more than 3,000 years, but it was only in the last 500 that we started to get sweet on it.
mackerel, mashed potato, roast beef, cold meats and vegetable crudités. Cocoa Pesto – Combines the nutty flavour of roasted cocoa nibs with rough-chopped basil, pine nuts and parmesan. Outstanding with pasta, risotto, salad, blinis, crusty bread, cold meats or straight from the jar as a dip.
Long before anyone added a grain of sugar, cocoa beans were loved simply for their deep, savoury richness. They were roasted, shelled and eaten like nuts, and crushed for use as an infusion, garnish and subtle spice.
Creole Chutney – Radiates sunshine – rich tomato, sweet onion, hot chilli and roast cocoa nibs – an original recipe inspired by our Rabot Estate kitchen garden. Loves cheese, coldmeat cuts and hamburgers – and makes an innovative salsa-style dip.
Surrounded by cocoa in Saint Lucia, the Hotel Chocolat chefs have developed an intimate feel for how its rich tones and deep notes play with other flavours, creating beautiful harmonies of taste and an exciting style of Anglo-Saint Lucian cuisine.
Almonds and Nibs – Fine Marcona almonds and roasted cocoa nibs from Trinidad, with a pinch of salt – pure ingredients from our chocolatier’s store cupboard. A perfect accompaniment for aperitifs, cocktails, wine, beer and sherry.
Introducing Cocoa Cuisine, a tantalising range of savoury and sweet delights inspired by the Hotel Chocolat Saint Lucian cocoa estate kitchen. The range contains snacks, condiments, biscuits, drinks and carefully sourced first-class ingredients for you to use in your own kitchen, each one enhanced by clever twists of roasted cocoa and the freshness of a Saint Lucian herb garden.
Cocoa and Chilli Finishing Oil – Extra-virgin olive oil rounded by rich notes of cocoa nibs and beans, with a kick of red chilli. Shake to wake the chilli flakes, then drizzle and dress lightly over chicken, fish, pasta, pizza, roast vegetables. Crush the cocoa for bread-dipping. Hotel Chocolat 7 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3AG www.hotelchocolat.com
White Chocolate Horseradish – Yin and Yang in a jar - an ingenious balance of feisty, fiery sharpness and soft, subtle sweetness, so deviously delicious you must try it with salmon and beef. Energises smoked salmon,
We have three hampers with a selection of these products to giveaway just tell us “Where is The Hotel Chocolat Kitchen?” and send to info@affinitymag.co.uk by 24th September. 56
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C&B Home and Garden Maintenance
LOCAL & COMMERCIAL RELIABLE & INSURED
HOURLY RATE £10 Domestic/Office Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Ironing, Housekeeping
One off jobs to regular maintenance
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For all your home and garden needs Traditional cleaning method used Good, friendly & reliable service Other services:
For a friendly reliable service and a free quote give us a call on 07531 491019 c-bmaintenance@hotmail.co.uk
WE CLEAN: Glass - Frames - Sills -Doors
Gutter cleaning Conservatory cleans Professional house cleans Gardening Landscaping Patio cleaning
Call Lino on 07966 222976
Professional Building Services ‐ Loft Conversions ‐ Extensions ‐ Refurbishments
Free Consultation All Work Guaranteed Fully Insured Qualified Project Management
‐ Design ‐ Planning ‐ Construction
SB Construction Management Ltd Bromham - Bedford T: 01234 826 339 M: 07825 129 017 E: sales@sbconstructionmanagement.co.uk w: www.sbconstructionmanagement.co.uk
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Print Partners Good Friends Wooden Plaque - £13.00 tch.net
Positivity Wall Plaque £55 sweetpeaandwillow.com
Blue & White Wooden Driftwood Sign £25 home-treats.co.uk
Framed Time To Drink Champagne Print - £34.00 tch.net
Shopping Cake Men £23 samanthamorris.co.uk
Love Will Save the Day Framed Print £15 Very
58
Sign £18 Debenhams
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'I'm Not One To Repeat Gossip £9.99 mygifttree.com
You Are My Happy Ending £9.99 mollyandfred.co.uk
Horror Movie Print £28 hunkydoryhome.co.uk
Life is Like A Cup of Tea £34.00 tch.net
Personalised Destination Canvas £60 wowthankyou.co.uk
Happiness Is Not A Destination £36 house-envy.co.uk
When Nothing Goes Right Go Left £15.25 mygifttree.com
Devilishly Handsome £25 samanthamorris.co.uk
You Fill Me With Sunshine £49.95 iapetus.co.uk
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All about... Martyn Petters
Age: 46 Occupation: Upholsterer (Owner of Oakley Upholstery and Interiors) Describe yourself in three words? Professional, reliable and emotional
You can’t leave the house without? Sorry I know it's boring but it's so important - my phone
What makes you stand out in a crowd? My personality - I'm a people person
If I take a look in your fridge what would I find? Not a lot at the moment, half a bottle of wine, some salad, garlic bread slices and milk (I need to go shopping!)
Your top three movies? Skyfall, Gladiator and Dances with Wolves What do you do to relax? Easy shut my eyes and go to sleep!
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them? Gareth Bale - Don't sign for Real Madrid (any Spurs fan will know exactly what I mean!)
Your most extravagant purchase and why? My hobbie of horses. I had riding lessons and became hooked, I’m leading up to getting my own
If you were a biscuit what would you be? Breakaway (Just what I need a holiday (Break Away!)
If you could be anyone or anything what would it be? Has to be James Bond or my dog Duke (he's got a nice life!)
Who is your inspiration/role model? Definitely my customers, without them I'm nothing, they drive me to provide a great service
Describe your ideal woman? All the right attributes in all the right places, is that too much to ask?
What is the one gadget you couldn't live without? For the wine bottles that are yet to have a screw top - a corkscrew!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you? Wine, curry and a good book
Where do you see yourself in ten years? Still doing what I do, but expanding and providing an even better service
What would you do if you had a time machine? I'd go into the future, that whole crystal ball thing and make sure I got things right 60
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Casio Edifice red Bull Racing Watch £350 edifice-watches.co.uk
Nabucco Cuore Vivo Special Edition £4,475 Raymond Weil
Watch this space
Casio Edifice red Bull Racing Watch £650 edifice-watches.co.uk
£30 Next
Urban Expressions £76 swatch.com
Emergency II Cobra Yellow Dial £12,404 Breitling
Monochrome Chrono Black £170 toy-watch.com
Jet Lag Ice Grey £145 toy-watch.com
Toy2Fly Black and White £155 toy-watch.com
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Fry’s
footie corner
I
n recent years, myself and my club have been involved in numerous deals which have seen young, hungry players being given the chance to shine in the Football League and in my opinion, there is a huge pool of talent outside of the rich whirlpool of the Premier League just waiting to be given an opportunity. I fully believe that there are individuals within the 72 Football League clubs who could play in the Premier League with their eyes shut, but there appears to be a stigma attached to players outside of the top division and they are just not given that opportunity to make the step up to the highest level. The Premier League is awash with foreign stars and three quarters of the top teams are devoid of any British players, which surely can only hinder our National game and is the reason why England will never win any major honours, so rather than look further afield, why not look a bit closer to home? In the summer, Peterborough United striker Dwight Gayle made the move to Premier League new-boys Crystal Palace. I first spotted Dwight playing on-loan at Bishop Stortford and then saw him perform a 30-minute cameo for his parent club Dagenham and Redbridge. I have watched a lot of games and a lot of players in my time, I was very impressed with Dwight and recommended to my chairman Darragh MacAnthony that we should sign him up. In fact, at the end of that Dagenham game, I was in the boardroom trying to do a deal after being given the green light by my owner. Dwight made an instant impression at Peterborough and I knew that he would cope with the step-up to the Championship. He took it in his stride and that is why I have no problem whatsoever in believing he can cope with the rigours of the Premier League. It might have happened very quickly for Dwight, but I know, and there have been many examples in my career, he will take the next step comfortably. I have been in the game a long time and signed a lot of players from lower leagues and sold those players to the Premier League and they have all performed very
well at the top level. I was having a discussion with current Newcastle United Director of Football Joe Kinnear at a recent charity cricket match about the problems he has occurred dealing with agents and players for his new club and we started reminiscing about the past and players we have worked with.
www.theposh.com
Joe was at Wimbledon during the 1990s and I was in charge of Barnet. Wimbledon signed Andy Clarke from the Bees for £350,000 and he went on to spend nine years with the Dons, scoring at some of the top stadiums in the country including Old Trafford and Anfield. While Andy was with me at Underhill, he used to train twice a week and play on the Saturday and when he joined Wimbledon, he went straight into full-time football and took very little time in making his mark. When I was in charge of Southend United, I signed a striker by the name of Stan Collymore who had made his name at Stafford Rangers. I went on to sell him to Nottingham Forest and he subsequently played for Liverpool and represented his country. When I was at Birmingham City, I bought Steve Finnan for £25,000 from Welling United and sold him to Fulham. He played in the Premier League for years, going on to represent Liverpool and the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup. I also signed Steve Claridge and Liam Daish from Cambridge United and both of those were sold for a huge profit to teams playing in the Premier League. I have been manager, owner and Director of Football at Peterborough United and when Darragh MacAnthony took over as owner, the policy was simple. Buy young, hungry players who we can improve and it has proved to be a very successful policy. There have been countless examples of players that have been signed and sold to a club in the Premier League from Russell Martin to Ryan Bennett and from George Boyd to Aaron Mclean. Of course, sometimes, it is about the club that a player signs for. Back when I was manager at Peterborough, we had two
62
young stars coming through the ranks called Simon Davies and Matthew Etherington. I had no doubts that Matthew and Simon would be a success. I handed Matthew his debut at the age of 15. I had always watched the youth team games and he always impressed me. I was confident about Matthew and Simon’s ability and I had no issues about whether they would cope with the jump. They were two very level-headed individuals. There were several clubs in for Simon and Matthew. They both had a trial at Manchester United but they wanted to sign for Tottenham and they both had great careers at the top level. If a club came in for a player and the bid was accepted by the club, ultimately it would be down to the player if he chose to move to that particular club. There have been many examples of players choosing clubs for the money rather than the opportunity to play first team football. Particularly nowadays, a youngster moving to one of the top clubs may not get a look in and that is where I think something needs to change. The Premier League is money driven and clubs outside of those golden gates face an uncertain future. We have always maintained at Peterborough that the money we spend on players stays within the Football League. The money we spent to bring Dwight to the club was vital to Dagenham and clubs like Stevenage, Torquay, Gillingham and Crawley Town have all benefitted from transfer dealings. It would be nice if the Premier League clubs started to spread some of their considerable wealth on players within the Football League because believe me, there is a lot of superb players on show just waiting for chance.
Barry Fry
∙ ∙ ∙
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A co comprehensive omprehensive rrange ange o off ttree ree sservices ervice es ffrom rom a llocal oca al d dedicated ate ed edica years within ttree ree surgeon surgeon with with twenty tw wenty y ears experience experience ew industry ithin tthe he ttree ree industry All aspects aspects of of Tree Tree Maintenance Maintenance + All
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Contact C ontact us us today today ay for for a free free quote quote Telephone: T elephone: 0 01234 1234 8 828895 28895
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Bedford Wheels for friendly professional advice with competitive prices The price we quote is the price you pay!
Vehicle Servicing - Cars, Motorbikes and Commercial Vehicles ∙ Established 18 years ∙ Genuine Vehicle Service Parts Used (Maintaining Warranty) ∙ Courtesy Cars Available ∙ Car Collection & Delivery
Mon - Fri 8am-5.30pm Sat 8am-1pm
∙ MOT Repairs Carried Out ∙ Bedford Wheels Carries out Full and Interim Servicing by Professional Technicians ∙ Specialists in High Performance Car Tyres
Bedford Wheels for Vehicle Servicing & Tyres, Technology you can Lean on!
Use our Drive-While-U-Wait Motor-cycle Tyre Fitting Service! We are the main stockist for all leading manufacturers of motor-cycle tyres Bedford Wheels 56 College Street Kempston Bedford MK42 8LU T: 01234 216 662 F: 01234 400 047 info@bedford-wheels.co.uk www.bedford-wheels.co.uk
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Has Arrived remier Tyres & Exhausts is a family run business which has been trading for 9 Years. They have always offered the normal services you would expect from a garage such as MOT's, tyres, exhausts, servicing, brakes etc but as well as all this they have now decided to evolve.
P
Premier Tyres are now proud to announce the creation of PREMIER PERFORMANCE your one stop shop for vehicle upgrades. Owner Jass felt that Bedford needed a place where not only did you feel you had excellent service but also felt relaxed. Somewhere you could 'Touch, Feel and See' what you were looking to buy - something you can't do when you puirchase off the Internet. Jas told us "We have so many customers who come to us having purchased something off the internet only to tell us 'It looked different in the picture!'
By coming to us we can offer a one to one service offering advice on personalising your vehichle, whether it be cosmetic detailing, full blown suspension or exhaust projects and lots more we know what we're talking about - it's what we do!" "With our pipe bending machine we are able to build Stainless Steel Exhaust systems up to 2.5" diameter on site as well as stocking a wide range of Tailpipes to suit most tastes. We don't just cater for performance exhausts we can also build standard exhausts for that classic car or just build a small section - we adapt to your needs"
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We Offer: -
Stainless Exhausts Wheels / Wheel Re-furbishment Suspension Upgrades Audio Lighting upgrades Body kits / Spoilers Detailing Products Window Tinting
"We are and always will be an evolving business, we are continually improving our services. We are presently building two Ford Puma Track cars which you will be able to hire for track days to further enhance your Premier Performance Experience. This will allow you to push your driving to the limit without risking your own pride and joy. The cars should hopefully be ready in the very near future so keep checking in and seeing their progress on our website and FB page - be one of the first to experience the Premier Performance they offer!" Jass added "We take customers feedback seriously, it is crucial to us to know their thoughts so we can continue to build the Premier Performance Brand. Email me your thoughts about our website, FB and services and let me know how we at Premier Performance can help� !!!
For more information vist our new improved website www.premier- performance.co.uk follow us on Facebook and don't forget to let us know your thoughts. Premier Performance - 13A, Shuttleworth Road, Elms Industrial Estate, Bedford, MK41 OPE 01234 272549
www.premier-performance.co.uk
Premier Tyres & Exhausts
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Causing a BUZZ in Budapest
W
e were recently lucky enough to travel to the beautiful city of Budapest to attend the official launch of what could be one of Audi’s most impressive cars to date - The A3 Saloon. This latest offering from Audi has a fair bit more to it than just fiddling with a few body parts!!
well proportioned boot flanked by large light units that are more than reminiscent of the A6. As for the boot itself, capacity is 425 litres – an increase of 45 litres over its hatchback siblings and if you drop the rear seats (which are very easy to operate) it goes up to 880litres, so this is not a small car.
We landed in Budapest to 32°C heat and getting hotter by the minute. So it was a relief to know that all the cars had air conditioning.
From launch the engine options will include a 1.4-litre TFSI with 125hp and a slightly more powerful 140hp version which will also have Audi’s Cylinder On Demand technology. For those that have a higher need for performance, a 1.8 TFSI petrol engine producing 180hp will also be available to order. On the diesel front, a 1.6-litre TDI in both manual and S-Tronic transmissions will be available as well as a 2.0-litre TDI manual.
As we drove through the bustling streets of Budapest, through its picturesque countryside to Kàrolyi castle the Audi A3 Saloon proved a sure winner with us. It offers luxury, technology, and drivability, the winding deserted country roads were a pleasure to drive along. This is the first time Audi has ever made an A3 saloon, and they see a huge market for it, particularly in North America and China. The A3 has always sold in huge numbers there, with over 3.5 million being sold since its launch in 1996. So what’s so different? Aesthetically you can’t find fault with the A3 Saloon. The front of the car mirrors that of other A3 models while the side is defined by what designers call the ‘Tornado Line’ which runs from the headlights, along the length of the car, to the rear lights. Unlike other saloon cars the rear of the Audi creates a perfect view with its sloped roofline coming down to meet what is a
Equipment and options are never ending, and there are plenty of features that are bound to delight – including the touch pad that lets you hand scrawl words one letter at a time and the infotainment screen that rises gracefully out of the dashboard. Prices for the A3 saloon start from £24,275 and go up to £28,105 OTR, with two trim levels available: Sport and S line. The price when compared to a similar A4 is around £4,000 less, and when you combine that with having the advantage of the 1.6TDI and 1.4 CoD engines which have lower C02 and better fuel consumption, making the A3 saloon very attractive indeed.
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The New Audi A3 Saloon
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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 5 and baby Clementine 1.
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
Sugar – Not so Sweet!
H
aving grown up with a Mum who had dentures at an early age (and I’m talking her thirties!) and also being fed lots of sweets as a child (the product of divorced parents with both giving me lots of treats when I was off to visit the other, resulting in a few too many fillings), I am now quite protective of my teeth.
Shreddies has 6g of sugar - over a teaspoon! Back in the day when I was a kid we always put extra sugar on too!! Even Bran Flakes (or Brown Flakes as Roman calls them!) have 4g of sugar! Our daily bread and milk have sugar in too! A slice of granary bed (see, we are healthy as we don’t eat white bread) can have up to 1g of sugar in it and 100ml of semi skimmed milk can have up to 10g – the milk sugar is a ‘healthier’ sugar but never the less, I don’t think your teeth differentiate. And don’t give your children (or yourself) the bottled waters with a hint of fruit flavour as these have lots of sugar in too, a 1.5l bottle of a ‘Touch of Fruit’ Volvic has, wait for it......16 teaspoons of sugar in it! Wow!
Even in these austere times I cannot give up my monthly dental payment plan as I am paranoid that one day I will wake up with crumbling teeth, so I always go for my regular check-ups and hygienist visits and I have taken the children to the dentist from a young age too. Last week I took the eldest for his six monthly check-up and was quite literally gob-smacked and gutted when the dentist advised me that he needed a filling.
So rather than liquidising everything for my children and feeding them through a straw, I shall be extra vigilant on the sugar content of foods (and all the other bad stuff of course) and they will stick to three healthy meals a day with any treats forming part of that meal, as opinion seems to say that this is better. They will be allowed a couple of snacks if they wish, but they will have to mainly be healthy, low sugar ones and no brushing their teeth within 30 minutes of eating!
Reeling from the visit I courted opinion from other parents and it seems that these days it is not uncommon for young children to need fillings. Feeling like a very bad parent I thought about his diet which, on the whole, is a healthy one, of course he has treats like ice cream, sweets, etc., but these are all in moderation. He doesn’t like fizzy drinks or squash and has one fruit smoothie a day and it’s through a straw. Talking of fruit, the food that we are all encouraged to eat, is one of the culprits of tooth decay due to the high level of natural fruit sugars – aarrgggghhh, you cannot win!!! After some Googling and reading countless forums, again it was strangely reassuring to see that I am not in the minority and one of the biggest problems these days is all the hidden sugar in food – foods you wouldn’t expect sugar to be in. I always knew that breakfast cereals had sugar in but the amount is staggering, especially in the so-called healthy ones! A bowl of
Here’s hoping for no more fillings – especially for Rafferty as at his check up, I alas had to have an impromptu filling and he saw the size of the needle and the injection – needless to say he isn’t looking forward to his turn.
Yummy Mummy 68
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Hello Kitty lunch bag £10 BHS
Beatrix New York Katarina the Frog £30 cuckooland.com
£5.99 nch Box kson Lu Center c Ja y p Hap arden Frosts G Jungle Lunch Box £13.50 beckyandlolo.co.uk
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Trainers Lunch Bag £10
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ck Chi ovy 5 o r 9 G 12. ed alis ag £ .com son nch B giftco r e P Lu tchen ki the
Butterfly De sign Lunchb ag with Bottle £13. beckyandlolo 99 .co.uk
Moshi Monster Lunchbag £10 BHS
Dieter Lunchbox £30 cuckooland.com
Robotics Lunch Bag £12 Paperchase
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A little Slice of
S
ituated in Shepherds Bush tucked away, not a 5 minute walk from the hustle & bustle of the expansive Westfield shopping complex, lies a little slice of serenity & its name is K West Hotel & Spa.
With its obtuse angles & soft glistening lights it does seem to stand out from the otherwise sleepy London residential street. On entering reception the décor is chic and modern with ambient lighting and sleek furnishings The hotel’s contemporary vibe attracts those from the music & media industries who enjoy the proximity to the nearby O2 Shepherds Bush Empire & the Apollo. We had one of the executive rooms but all 220 rooms in the hotel are designed to offer a soothing respite from the fast pace of life, with luxurious oversized beds & a calming colour scheme of soft taupes, creams & browns. Modern touches including LCD flat screen TVs, sandblasted glass, & original artwork give the rooms a distinctive feel. After familiarising ourselves with our room we decided to go & spend some time in the holistic spa which was recently awarded the top rating of “5 Bubbles” in the 2013 Good Spa Guide. With the mix of a Scandinavian Sauna & a Steam room to
Serenity
the aroma scented Sanarium with its gentle heat and reduced humidity, we found ourselves being transported into a state of total relaxation. To lower our body temperature between heat experiences we braved the ‘Snow Paradise’ which mimics a unique Finnish experience. At -15*C, the Snow Paradise is reminiscent of a snow drift, & is designed to compliment the spa’s hotcold therapy, where you can alternate between steamy & icy environments. The experience was truly amazing & you could actually feel your swimwear turning to ice!! The spa offers luxurious Russie Blanche treatments & products, including the signature treatment which replicates a Russian Baniya Body Ritual. Aromatherapy Associates & Ytsara products are also used by the highly skilled therapists within the six treatment rooms. Dinner was served in the modern restaurant Kanteen perched on a mezzanine floor above the bar, this restaurant offers high quality food & the service is impeccable. Food was delicious - smoked paprika squid, chorizo and sweet chilli aioli, parma ham, wild rocket, fig & shaved parmesan, Scottish salmon, sprouting broccoli, charlotte potatoes, baby carrots with lemon, caper & butter dressing & Linguini with jumbo prawns, chilli, garlic & parsley – all cooked to perfection and faultless, a highly recommended restaurant whether you are staying at the hotel or just want to come out for a meal.
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After dinner we relaxed in the K lounge a stylish retreat where we chilled with a drink whilst people watching. Next morning after having had a good nights sleep my husband headed to the K gym which is home to the latest Star Trac cardiovascular & resistance equipment which he said was state of the art & a pleasure to work out with (not sure I would describe working out as a pleasure!) Breakfast was served & was again up to the high standard of food we had become accustomed to within this modern luxury hotel. Just a stone’s throw from the many transport options in Shepherds Bush, K West is within easy reach of all this great city has to offer, making it a fabulous venue to stay whilst exploring the capital. You can walk to Westfield London, Notting Hill or Kensington High Street for food or fashion, & when you come back exhausted you can disappear into the spa for some peace, tranquility & pampering. Prices start from £125 per room per night, & the K Suites are from £540 per night including VAT. Spa packages are also available & include overnight accommodation & treatments. K West Hotel & Spa Richmond Way, London, W14 0AX For reservations, please call: 020 8008 6600 www.k-west.co.uk
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A glimmer of ghost I
t’s one of my favourite films of all time. Romantic, funny and touching all at the same time all of which make Ghost a cult classic. So, it is with much excitement, and with many a tissue, that I will be heading to see the new touring production of Ghost The Musical coming to Milton Keynes Theatre later this month, and if all the reviews are to be believed I won’t be disappointed. If you haven’t seen the film, you must have had your head buried in the sand for the last twenty-odd years, Based on the phenomenal Oscar-winning movie that captured the hearts and imaginations of a generation back in the 90s, Ghost is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. For those who need a slight memory jog, the heartwrenching story tells the tale of Sam Wheat and his girlfriend Molly. After moving into their dream apartment in New York City, tragedy strikes when Sam is mugged and shot in the street, seemingly a case of ‘wrong time, wrong place’, though it soon becomes apparent that not all is as accidental as it first appears. Sam, now in ghostly form, stumbles upon fraudulent psychic Oda Mae Brown, and manages to communicate with her, much to the surprise of Oda Mae herself!! The duo set about to track down Sam’s killer, and convince Molly that Sam has always loved her. From the off, this clever and extremely powerful musical has the audience in the palm of its hand. The loud
music, the bright lights and the pumping bass all seem to be designed to almost disorientate and draw you in at the same time. The constantly moving set, with the aid of several giant light screens which project scenery at the touch of a button, makes the show fast-paced and extremely exciting to watch. With a score by rock legends and Grammy award winners, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson and Alanis Morrisette) it is designed to add even more emotion to an already very moving story. There are some tumbling crescendos which will literally make every single one of the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The beautiful and haunting ‘With You’, sung by Molly after Sam’s death, is one of the most heartbreaking songs to ever hit the world of musical theatre. and of course the unforgettable Unchained Melody. Ghost is an incredible theatrical experience unlike any other. Visually spectacular and will continue to reduce audiences to tears for it's entire run. It is a rollercoaster ride of romance and comedy and I for one cannot wait to see it. Milton Keynes Theatre Tues 17th – Sat 28th September 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
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Scissors W
hen I was a lad my mother used to send me and my younger brother down to Tom Donaldson, the local barber, to have our hair cut. I figure that Tom was a frustrated dentist, because after using the electric clippers to trim the back and sides down to prisoner length, he’d then grab his trusty pair of extremely blunt scissors and a comb, and proceed to yank our remaining hair out by the roots. Well, that’s what it felt like. Most kids fear the dentist, but we loathed and feared those scissors much more! Tom, although I doubt that he knew it, was the latest in a long, long line of people who used scissors to cut hair – if you can call what he did “cutting”! They’ve been around for almost as long as metal has been used by humans. They’ve been found, in various forms, in settlements going back as far as 1400 BC. So they’re not new!
Scissors come with one of two basic mechanical actions. Either they’re like sheep shears, with the blades joined by a spring, or they use the leverage principle, with the two blades joined by a swivel between the handles and the cutting blades. This last type is the most common these days. Like many useful household items, they came into use by nearly everyone when they began to be mass-manufactured during the industrial revolution. But almost every metal-using culture has “discovered” how useful two blades moving in opposite directions can be – and has reinvented the scissors. These days you can get scissors in almost any size, with straight or curved blades and serrated blades, as in pinking shears. Like most useful tools, you get what you pay for. The very best scissors cost quite a lot of money but if you want precision, they’re worth the price!
We are here with a more casual and fun approach to networking Join us on the first Thursday of each month 12.30pm – 2.00pm (3rd October) for drinks and a delicious buffet lunch October’s venue: Moggerhanger Park,Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Affinity’s Social Networking’s aim is to bring people and businesses together in a relaxed sociable atmosphere
We have a wide range of scissors in stock Come in and select the ones you need
Come along, meet new faces and enjoy a couple of sociable and productive hours each month £10 per person to include a drink on arrival (red/white wine, lager or soft drinks). Plus a selection of food from our hosts delicious menu
RSVP to book your place - Jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 or 07809 499669
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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A quiet night in.......
W
hen Blaire Wynn's mother passed away, Blaire's life changed in an instant. Having cared for her sick mother for the last three years, suddenly Blaire has to leave the small farmhouse in Alabama they shared, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. But what she isn't prepared for is the lifestyle change that comes with the move, and she knows she'll never fit into the new world of luxury and extravagance that suddenly surrounds her. Even worse, her father has run off to Paris for the summer with his wife, leaving her stranded with Rush, her new stepbrother, who's irritating, arrogant and‌ seriously sexy. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous; his famous father's guilt money, his mother's desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no. Blaire knows he is anything but good for her, but somehow she can't fight the attraction she's feeling, especially when she starts to think the attraction might be mutual‌ Rush is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that Blaire just may have fallen too far.
DVD release
Latest cinema release Release Date 6th September
P
aramilitaries storm the White House in this relentlessly thrilling blockbuster. Divorced Capitol Hill cop John Cale (Channing Tatum) is desperate to be assigned to the President's Secret Service Detail. His main aim is to win back the affections of his 11-year-old daughter, Emily (Joey King). But when he fails to get the job, he offers her a tour of the White House instead. Bad timing! An explosion rips through the building, father and daughter are separated, and heavily armed paramilitary thugs swarm through the corridors. Now John finds he must protect charismatic, Obama-esque President Sawyer (Jamie Foxx) as well as saving young Emily. 'Independence Day' director Roland Emmerich blows up the White House for a second time in this breathless action movie! Its winning blend of buddy comedy and incredible stunts recalls the classic 'Die Hard' and 'Lethal Weapon' films. Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx make a brilliant double act as they take on the invaders.
W
hen the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organisation has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left his crew Release Date: 2nd September
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your guide to .........
What’s On September 2013 Sun 1st September Shuttleworth 50th Anniversary Pageant Gates open 9am Flying starts 2pm Book online in advance and save £5 per person! £20 online in advance £25 per person on the day at the gate www.shuttleworth.org
fighter pilot and Cambridge graduate who arrives in London in 1948. Despite his First Class degree in electronic engineering he is turned down for job after job in his chosen profession and discovers the reality of life as a black man in post-war England. Taking the only job he can get, Ricky begins his first teaching post, in a tough but progressive East End school. Supported by an enlightened headmaster, Florian, the determined teacher turns teenage rebelliousness into self respect, contempt into consideration and hate into love - and on the way Ricky himself learns that he has more in common with his students than he had realised. www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Tues 3rd September Matilda’s Back to School Bookmarks The Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden, Bucks Make a bogsquiffling bookmark all ready for the beginning of a new school year. Workshops at 12 noon and 2pm. £2 per participant in addition to Museum admission. Call 01494 892192 to book. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Sat 7th – Sun 8th September Day out with Thomas Buckinghamshire Railway Centre Trains will be pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine™, under the watchful eye of Sir Topham Hatt the Fat Controller. This event is an excellent day out for all Thomas fans and there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Magic show, Thomas story-telling, arts & crafts and Thomas videos in the cinema coach. Miniature train rides. 01296 655720 www.bucksrailcentre.org
Tues 3rd – Sat 7th September Carnaby Street Milton Keynes Theatre Set against the backdrop of London’s West End in the sixties, its iconic clubs, fashion and characters, Carnaby Street is the real musical story of a generation. Jam packed with over 30 classic hits from the time, including Roll Over Beethoven, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Tired of Waiting For You, You Really Got Me, Keep on Running, Sweets for my Sweet ... and many, many more. Carnaby Street tells the unique British story of every boy or girl’s dream – to become a rock star! www.atgtickets/miltonkeynes
Sat 7th – Sun 8th September Handmade and Vintage Weekend Middleton Hall, Milton Keynes Free entry to browse a treasure trove of 120 colourful indoor market stalls, crammed with authentic vintage and handmade everything for you, your wardrobe and your home. You'll find everything from fashions to furniture, unusual interior design pieces, homewares to home baking, expertly handmade gifts and treats of every kind, vintage, retro, antiques and collectables, the cool and quirky... none of it found in the shops.
Weds 4th September Sally Morgan on the Road - 7.30pm Bedford Corn Exchange The star of Sky Livings’ Psychic Sally On The Road; returns for another phenomenal nationwide tour. Sally’s warm and bubbly personality has attracted a whole new audience to the spiritual world. Many have been left astounded by her ability to deliver messages from beyond the grave with incredible accuracy. Book now; seeing is believing! Tickets: £23:50 01234 718044
Sun 8th September Stondon Classic Transport Festival – 11am – 4pm Stondon Recreation Ground Afternoon of fun for everyone, classic cars, amazing craft stalls, lovely food stalls, BBQ, kids entertainment and guest appearance Free entry to the public Please register to enter a car stondonclassictransportfestival@live.co.uk
Fri 6th September Abba Tribute Night 7.30pm -1.00am Wyboston Lakes Hotel Entertainment from tribute act Abba Fever and disco £39.50 per person (includes event ticket, a three course dinner and 1/2 bottle of wine) 0333 7007 667(option 4) quoting POS ww.wybostonlakes.co.uk/social-events
Thurs 12th September Happy Days are Here Again - 2.30pm Bedford Corn Exchange From the producers of the very popular Remember When and There’ll Always Be An England shows comes another wonderful trip down Memory Lane, with over 60 of your all time favourite songs from the Fabulous 1940’s, The Rocking 1950’s and The Sensational 60’s. Neil Sands and his wonderful west end cast, mixed together with stunning costumes perfectly themed to each era. All finished off with a special flag waving finale filled
Fri 6th – Sat 28th September To Sir with Love The Royal and Derngate, Northampton To Sir, With Love is the story of Ricky Braithwaite, an ex-RAF
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with patriotism as we pay our respects to those who have served in the armed forces, sing those wonderful songs that won the war and prove the Happy Days Are Here Again! 01234 718044
Sat 14th – Sun 15th September Step into the World of John Bunyan 1.00pm – 4.00pm Moot Hall, Elstow, Beds A Heritage Open Day: This 17th century market house set on the village green in Elstow. Collection of 17th century antiques and items relating to John Bunyan. Why not picnic or play selforganised games on the green? Sun 22nd September The Swan Wedding Spectacular 11am - 4pm The Bedford Swan Hotel With up to 40 leading suppliers in the Coach House and the fashion show in the Duke of Bedford suite, brides to be have the opportunity to view some of the very best businesses in Bedfordshire, so this is the ideal event to help with the planning of your wedding. Fri 27th September Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning 9.30am onwards The Swan Hotel, Bedford Join us to take part in The World's Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support. A raffle will be held with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. £3 per person on the door, which includes coffee and cake Fri 27th September Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning 8.30am onwards O for Coffee (Tudor Rose Patchwork), Oakley We are taking part in the worlds biggest coffee morning, come and join us, with proceeds going to Macmillan cancer support. Sat 28th September All Manor of Things - Medieval Manorial Merriment 1-5pm Willington Stables and Parish Church An afternoon of family fun with games, re-enactments, displays and activities exploring life on a medieval manor. Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service in collaboration with Willington Local History Group and Bedford National Trust are organising this event to mark the updating of the Bedfordshire Manorial Documents Register.
Fri 13th September Bedford Art Society meeting - 7.15pm Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK41 8EB Rob Wareing, the South African pastel portrait painter, returns by popular request to give a demonstration of his skill. The meeting concludes at 9.30pm approximately. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk
incredible care for incurable illness
We are here with a more casual and fun approach to networking Join us on the first Thursday of each month 12.30pm – 2.00pm (3rd October) for drinks and a delicious buffet lunch October’s venue: Moggerhanger Park,Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Affinity’s Social Networking’s aim is to bring people and businesses together in a relaxed sociable atmosphere Join us under starlight to raise money for St John’s Hospice Moggerhanger Park Saturday 14 September at 10 pm
Come along, meet new faces and enjoy a couple of sociable and productive hours each month
Challenge yourself and have a fantastic night out on a journey through Moggerhanger Park and the grounds of St John’s Hospice, remembering loved ones and raising money for Sue Ryder - St John’s. The Starlight Hike is D QLJKW RXW ZLWK D GLƵ HUHQFH Supported by
£10 per person to include a drink on arrival (red/white wine, lager or soft drinks). Plus a selection of food from our hosts delicious menu
Register now at sueryder.org/starlighthike or call 01767 642 412
RSVP to book your place - Jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 or 07809 499669
Photos: Alex Knight Sue Ryder registered charity England and Wales (1052076) Scotland (SCO39578) Ref. No. 01598 March 2013
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“We can’t praise Jane, David and the Affinity team highly enough. They produce a truly great magazine which we are proud to advertise in. As well as the hard work they put into the magazine, they have also found the time to support us, especially in our first year of running the Millhouse since January 2012. We can’t thank them enough.” Karl and Olivia Millhouse Hotel & Riverside Restaurant
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“I have been advertising with Affinity for 21 months now, and can say without doubt that due to their direct marketing approach it has been instrumental in the ongoing success of G. Butler Loft Conversions. It is the direct marketing approach to advertising that has helped because the magazine is distributed to the right places that create leads rather than just something to read. When I am out and about I spot people reading the magazine and taking them away with them. Not bad for a magazine that has a high end look but is totally FREE!! I have tried other less attractive small local magazines but they don't seem to have the cosmopolitan look that Affinity seems to have nailed in a competitive market. In a nut shell if you had Affinity magazine on your coffee table you would leave it there! Affinity magazine sets out to give advertisers a quality medium to work with, at the same time giving their readers a feature filled issue month after month with somewhere to find good local trades people and businesses. I am very grateful to Jane and the team, and will continue to advertise on a long term basis.” Gary Butler G.Butler, Loft and Garage Conversion Specialists
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“I have been using Affinity to advertise my home and garden maintenance business for the past year and couldn’t have found a better place for advertising. The team are always helpful and supportive and my year long campaign has resulted in numerous new customers for me, my advertising will continue” Craig C&B Home and Garden Maintenance
01234 215523
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Photography for all occasions
Photography by Vadisoro A reportage of diverse photography for any occasion facebook.com/photography by vadisoro
Vadisoro1@gmail.com
@vadisoro
07946 159486
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AUGUST 2013 ISSUE 27
FREE
www.affinitymag.co.uk
August 2013
SUMMER BEAUTY
Create your pendant from hundreds of interchangeable discs
AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Hair, nails and footwear to dazzle in the sun
All psyched out Psychic Sally returns to Bedford
Body Beautiful
This month’s beauty treatment
AromaWorks
Candles to complement any home
BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON