BedsLife Magazine December 2020

DECEMBER

FREE

2020

YO U R L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E A N D W E B S I T E

INSIDE Christmas Gift Ideas The Villages Remember What’s On Inspiring Local Entrepreneurs

www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk 30,000 copies

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01234 291000

CONTENTS Mammas House – 20

Council News Richard Fuller MP Mohammad Yasin MP Volunteering Opportunities The Arc Book Review Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice

4 6 6 10 12 14 16

Don’t forget to check out our website www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information!

Christmas Gift Ideas 18 Mammas House 20 Charity Christmas Appeals 22 What’s On 23 Milton Keynes Theatre 26 Bumper Christmas Crossword 28 The Villages Remember 30 The Composing Cook Recipe Page 32 Inspiring Local Entrepreneurs 35 Acorn House – Raisin Toxicity in Dogs 37 Gardening 38 Bedford Town FC 42 Bedford Blues 43 Last Months Crossword Answers 46

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Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk

Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good

BedsLife Magazine would like to thank all our advertisers for their continued support, without which we would not have a publication.

faith, however, BedsLife Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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council news COMMUNITY

COUNCIL ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO LOOK AFTER THEIR WELLBEING IN BEDFORD BOROUGH Bedford Borough Council is reminding everyone of the support and advice available to look after your mind and body as the festive season approaches Back in April, the council created a webpage, www.bedford.gov.uk/wellbeing, offering advice to Bedford Borough residents on how to look after themselves while at home during the coronavirus outbreak and beyond.

With regular updates, the site offers advice and signposting to help residents stay healthy in what continues to be an extremely difficult and uncertain year.

This page includes a range of materials, such as: • Exercise tips including indoor games for kids, live fitness classes, and seated exercises • Mental health advice and links to services that can provide help • Food and nutritional guidance including Change4Life resources, recipes and cooking videos • Further Public Health advice including sexual health, stop smoking, drugs and alcohol, health checks and emotional wellbeing

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES With many retail stores shut as part of the national lockdown, Bedford Borough Council is urging everyone to continue supporting local businesses through BedfordBID’s ‘Remember November’ campaign, which started at the beginning of the month.

With Christmas just around the corner, online shopping will be booming but doesn’t need to mean local businesses losing out. Many local businesses have active website enabling you to order goods direct from them. Whatever it is – cheese, jewellery, socks, beer, braces or books – Bedford’s local retailers, including our outstanding independents, need all our support this year.

BedfordBID have set up a dedicated COVID-19 Hub on their webpage packed with useful information about click and collect and home delivery offers across Bedford town centre. You can find out about these at www.lovebedford.co.uk/covid.

For more information about Remember November Online and updates on how you can continue to shop with your favourite retailers in Bedford Borough, visit www.lovebedford.co.uk/covid.

CHRISTMAS WASTE COLLECTIONS Keep an eye out online for the changes to your bin collections over Christmas by using our online collection day finder at www.bedford.gov.uk/bins Garden waste collections have now ceased for the winter months, and will be starting up again on 1st March 2021.

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MP COLUMN

VIEWS FROM RICHARD FULLER,

MP FOR NORTH EAST BEDFORDSHIRE

December usually marks a period of growing excitement as we head towards Christmas: a celebration of the life of Jesus Christ for many of us, and a time of gift giving and family.

This year may be different as last month, the government imposed a national lockdown on England. Many of my constituents have struggled with the consequences of the responses to the virus.

Treatments have been postponed, anxieties raised, businesses and jobs put at risk. The government’s economic response has been impressive and caring, but many will have been missed by these programmes. Christmas may be more difficult for many this year.

I did not support the lockdowns as in my view, the measures represented an overreach of government powers in a free society; that the recently adopted tiered approach needed time to prove itself and because I did not find the information provided persuasive that the potential benefits outweigh the costs in lives and livelihoods.

We are a free country within the law, not an authoritarian system. Our freedoms, the freedom to associate, the freedom to worship, and the freedom to trade, have been fought for and they matter.

Parliament should defend these freedoms, not acquiesce in their limitation until all other options

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have been pursued. For me, it was unacceptable that people should not be able to see their relatives in care homes; that communal worship should be prohibited; and that businesses which have spent considerable sums to make their premises COVID secure should have been forced to close in areas where the virus was not prevalent.

I have given Ministers some suggestions for what they should focus on now. Firstly, to operationalise the rapid testing strategy, being clear with the public of the constraints and timeline. Secondly to put COVID in context with other illnesses and diseases by galvanising the NHS to make progress on clearing the backlog of treatments and presenting statistics that broaden understanding rather than reinforce this unique focus. Thirdly, to restore the traditional disciplines on the scope of government action and by making available the full assessment of policy consequences before judgements must be made.

As I write this, I am hopeful that there will be no extension to this second lockdown when it is due to come to an end on December 2nd. I am hopeful that the projections for deaths and fears that our NHS will be overrun will have been proven to have been fears and that the outcomes have been better than those fears. None of us has perfect foresight, that is part of being human, but the essential message of Christmas is one of hope. As this difficult year draws to a close, let us enter the new year with that message of hope in our heart and in our heads.

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watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.

Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

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Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

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MP COLUMN

VIEWS FROM MOHAMMAD YASIN,

MP FOR BEDFORD AND KEMPSTON

Our polluted waterways are shouting Mayday – we must save them Our rivers and waterways are in distress. Shocking figures released by the Environment Agency in September revealed that not a single river or lake in England passed tests for chemical pollution and a staggering 84% do not meet the Government’s target of good ecological status.

Despite the welcome intent of the 25 Year Environment Plan to return at least three quarters of our waters to their natural state, the quality of our rivers in England has not improved in recent years. The most problematic pollutants are chemical sewage discharge, farming, and industrial chemicals. Water companies have admitted to 200,000 raw sewage discharges into rivers across England and Wales in 2019 for over 1.5 million hours including into our precious chalk streams, globally rare habitats almost only found in the UK. The River Cam was rated poor and moderate, the Ouse and Little Ouse, bad and Elstow Brook, poor.

It’s a disaster for the many people in Bedfordshire that enjoy wild swimming and other increasingly popular river activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing. Not to mention the danger to wildlife! Organisations like The Rivers Trust, The Angling Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, the RSPB and others have been raising the issue for years, but their warnings have largely fallen on deaf ears.

Until now.

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As a strong believer in cross-party working when possible, I am supporting the Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill led by the MP for Ludlow. The Bill, due to be heard this month but sadly delayed until January, proposes a number of measures including improving transparency and monitoring of the impact of spillages on water quality, separating surface and foul water drainage systems from new infrastructure and housing development; prohibiting use of plastic in flushable products and promoting improvements in bathing water standards for inland waters and rivers.

According to a study by Surfers Against Sewage, water companies discharged raw sewage into bathing water beaches almost 3,000 times in the past year. Since some water companies, like Anglian Water do not provide overflow data for the eight months outside the official bathing season, this is likely to be a fraction of the real data.

Given our wetter winters, this problem will only get worse unless it’s stopped.

The Bill will tackle this by placing a duty on water companies to ensure that untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and other inland waters.

If passed this Bill is a crucial step towards achieving the government’s ambition to restore our rivers and leave our environment in a better state.

Healthy waters are vital for people and nature to survive and for businesses to thrive. We need the government to ensure we have the legal commitments, high standards, pollution prevention and funding to turn the tide for our rivers before it’s too late.

SERVICES

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To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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VOLUNTEERING

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteering brings great rewards and we have opportunities for all. View hundreds of options through our online facility where you can register as a volunteer and apply.

Search for this month’s featured roles by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our on-line role search facility at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer Companions Real Bread CIC Volunteers will work alongside and build positive relationships with ex-offenders who may recently have been released from custody, fulfilling tasks that support the business of the bakery. Roles might be flexible or specific depending on the particular skills, experience and interests of the applicant.

Friends for Life Company Secretary Bring your excellent communication skills and understanding of charity law to join the board of trustees as a company secretary of the Friends for Life charity, providing effective oversight and reporting of governance matters and advice to the board on legal and regulatory matters pertaining to the charity.

Linking Lives Befriending Service Befriending Service volunteers contact/visit people who are aged 18+ in need of a listening ear and friendship.

Initially contact will be through weekly telephone calls (until the Covid situation resolves).

Eventually a weekly 1-1 visit in the home is the aim and, when a good relationship has been established, support may be offered to help people to integrate into other activities in the local community.

Keech Hospice Care Retail Help in the shop at Great Denham – with all sorts of tasks including sorting and tagging donated goods, steaming, customer service and displaying stock. Suitable for volunteers from age 14 upwards.

Living it Up Events CIC Living It Up is looking for people who would like to be a Covid volunteer at their performing arts centre in St Cuthberts Hall, Bedford – confident individuals over the age of 16 who would like to help them stay safe during the pandemic.

Community Led Initiatives Mentors will produce support plans helping service users to identify achievable goals focussed on personal recovery and reintegration into the community. They will promote the value of lifestyle changes, provide practical support, link to local agencies and review progress. This role is for volunteers who are confident, outgoing, positive, resourceful and believe that people can make lasting changes.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 10 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

SERVICES

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WELCOME TO THE ARC IN BEDFORD The Ark is a little side street emporium designed to browse. We have our own framing studio next door, a gallery wall with exhibitions all year round and tonnes of art supplies for every ability. We also have an excellent home and interiors section with everything from candles to lampshades and vintage pieces. Our Kids Corner has everything you need to keep the kids happy with art and craft, to decorate their bedroom and to give them great presents. Our selection of cards, gift wrap and bags is the final cherry on the cake. Come see us and say hi.

During Lockdown 2 we are operating a Click & Collect service, have a look at the website www.thearcbedford.co.uk where new products are being loaded daily for you to buy and pick up. Stay safe.

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SERVICES

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

13

BOOK REVIEW PAT S Y

by Nicole Dennis-Benn Patsy grew up in an impoverished town in Jamaica and struggles to make ends meet, raising her 5-year-old daughter, Tru. But she has a dream. A dream that lies across the ocean in a city that never sleeps, watched over by Lady Liberty. She isn’t the only one. Many have left Jamaica for America, sending home details of their new lives. But you can’t just leave Jamaica and head to the US. When Patsy is finally granted a visa, it is only a visitor one.

And just for her, not Tru. And so, leaving her daughter behind with her previously absent father, she begins her life as an undocumented migrant. It soon becomes clear that life in New York is not what she thought it would be.

Dennis-Benn has created an engrossing novel showing the reality of the plight of migrants.

Spanning a decade, it switches between Patsy and her new life and Tru’s childhood as she grows up without her mother. It says something about her skills as a writer that she has created a central character that is so flawed and yet likeable at the same time. The dialogue switches effortlessly between English and Jamaican Patois, leaving you, the reader, as an inhabitant of the two worlds that Patsy herself occupies. Will she ever be reunited with her daughter and how does a decision taken so long ago affect the two of them as life moves on around them in two vastly different countries?

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SUE RYDER

LAUNCHES SECOND URGENT FUNDRAISING APPEAL OF 2020 Sue Ryder, which runs Bedfordshire’s Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, has launched its second urgent fundraising appeal of 2020, as it experiences a £2million a month shortfall whilst its teams play a vital part in the Coronavirus effort.

The charity’s asking people in Bedfordshire to support its urgent fundraising campaign ‘We can’t stop’ so it can continue to provide the expert and compassionate care it’s so well known for.

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice Director, Allison Mann said: “Coronavirus has hit us hard. We received a wonderful response to our emergency appeal earlier in the year. This, along with emergency funding from the government, covered our funding shortfall until the end of June 2020.

“Unfortunately, however, our struggle continues with fundraising events remaining cancelled and our high street shops closed a second time.

“Everyone at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice wants to help local families in the months ahead and continue to relieve pressure on the NHS. However, to keep our services running through the winter and beyond we urgently need to secure more funding now.

“We know times are tough for everybody, and we want you to know every bit really does help.

Thank you.”

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice

We can t stop caring.

Sue Ryder Nurses and staff are needed more than ever – at a time when we simply don’t have enough funding.

We’re facing an end-of-life care crisis. £21 from you could help pay for an hour of care for someone at the end of life.

Donate today at: sueryder.org/winterappeal Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SCO39578). Ref. No. 07222. © Sue Ryder. November 2020.

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To support vist: sueryder.org/winterappeal20

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Natural healing for people and animals, promoting deep relaxation alongside emotional and physical healing All Things Reiki is a home based clinic that provides a caring professional service.

Treatments available: Reiki Reflexology with reiki Hand and foot massage with reiki Facial acupressure with reiki All animals are treated in the comfort of their own home.

Fulmar Road Bedford MK41 7JX

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GIFT GUIDE

Christmas gift guide Independant women’s wear store in the heart of Bedford. Minimal classics to fashion with an edge and with sustainability in mind.

Meraki organic pure soy candle Fig and Apricot £8.00

Huggy hoop diamanté snake earrings £25.00

Shop address is 13 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel: 07900 804417

Mads Norgaard Violet alpaca wool blend hat £35.00

WWW.ANORAKSHOP.COM

A family run footwear shop for men, women and children with over 40 years of experience.

Nordikas Nicola Slippers £54.00

14 Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3HD sales@howorths-shoes-online.co.uk +44(0)1234 355101

Local family run business, trading since 1966. Offering a wide range of domestic appliances, Washing machines, Dishwashers, Cookers, Tumble dryers, Fridges, Freezers, LCD & LCD televisions, Blu ray players and recorders. Same day delivery available on stock items purchased before 12 noon.

Josef Seibel Neele 02 Shoes £89.99

Legero 009913 Boots £115.00

WWW.HOWORTHS-SHOES-ONLINE.CO.UK

Bosch Toaster and Kettle (also available in white) £39.99 (each)

19 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TL Tel 01234 352107

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Dyson V7Animal+

Dimplex Danville OptiMyst Fireplace

£249.99

£549.99

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Supporting local businesses in store and online

The Arc is a local side street emporium with Art, Framing, Home, Kids and Vintage Pieces. With a wide range of Christmas cards, wrap, and boxes we can help you sort out Christmas this year.

Charlie The Lion Xylophone £19.95

Derwent Colour Soft Pencils £24.59

WWW.THEARCBEDFORD.CO.UK

7 Howard Street, Bedford, MK40 3HS

Purveyors of fine cheese, wine and artisan food

St Eval Orange & Cinnamon White Christmas Pot £13.30

Local Hamper – a selection of goodies made in Bedfordshire.

French Hamper – indulge in Christmas with a french cheese and wine hamper

Snowdonia Cheese Hamper – a fantastic present for the cheese fanatic in your family

£39.50

£48.00

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20 Castle Lane Bedford MK40 3US Tel: 01234 352129

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Tavistock Sound & Vision is part of the Michael R Peters Group

Sony WHCH710NL Wireless Headphones £99.99

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Roberts Sound 48 DABCD-Clock Radio £99.99

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To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

19

DECK THE HALLS WITH YOUR OWN DECORATIONS THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas is here! And if you haven’t already, your decorations are about to go up.

I love buying decorations to put up around the home. But what I love even more is making crafts and keep sakes from the kids. There is no denying that this year is going to be a little different. For us, Christmas is about spending time together, making memories and this is a great way of getting into the festive spirit.

So here are 5 ideas to get you and your little ones ready for the run up to Christmas, using things you have around the house. Some might even make a lovely gift for a loved one too.

1. Salt dough – check out my Instagram page for a fool proof salt dough recipe. Roll out the dough to about 1cm thick.

Next, make imprints of your child’s hand in the salt dough.

Cut around the imprint, use a straw to make a small hole at the top so you can hang it and bake very low for a few hours until the dough dries out, or leave to dry in an airing cupboard for a couple of days. Then get creative and decorate or paint to look like santa, elves or anything festive.

Your child will love hanging what they’ve made on the Christmas Tree.

2. Mini Christmas Trees – paint a paper plate green. Once dry cut the paper plate in half and curl round to resemble a cone. Stick on pom-poms or coloured confetti to resemble baubles as well as adding a pom-pom to the top for a star.

3. Reindeer Food – enjoy mixing up magical porridge oats with glitter, and spooning them into small bags, ready for Christmas Eve. 4. Christmas Cards – make your own Christmas cards. Make a Christmas tree template out of card. Fold a separate piece of A4 card in half and place the Christmas tree template on the front. Hold this down firmly, and let your little one finger paint all around the template. Make sure you finger paint along the edge of the template so you can see it on the finished card. Once dry peel the template off for a lovely homemade Christmas card.

5. Christmas Wreath – cut out the middle section of a paper plate, whilst keeping the rim in tact and paint the rimmed section green. On separate card make hand prints with your child, we used red paint, and cut around. Stick them to the top of your wreath so that both thumbs are touching. Paint some red berries to finish it off, we used red glitter paint.

Happy Christmas x

For more ideas like this follow @mammas_house on Instagram

Ursula Taylor C of E School Clapham, Bedford, MK41 6EG www.ursulataylorschool.co.uk

Living God’s Love, Together we Flourish

Hewlett-Packard Company

Primary Business Address Address Line 2 Address Line 3 Address Line 4

At Ursula Taylor C of E School our children’s learning journey is full of inspiration, engaging learning experiences Organization and opportunities that allow all children to achieve their potential. Our children are happy, well cared for and encouraged to be the best they can be.

Call 01234 359128 or email: office@ursulataylor.bedssch.co.uk to arrange a tour of the school.

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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Christmas charity appeals FEWER HOURS ON CAMPUS

In addition to the free distance learning, other courses at the college will have additional online study elements from September.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEAL These are still be decided, what it means that a “full-time” Please support ourbut Christmas appealisby donating new,course unwrapped toys and gifts for children who college could nowa actually bepresent. fewer than 21 hours might notatotherwise receive Christmas a week in the “classroom”. This flexibillity will mean that you fit youratstudy around work or Centre, family MK41 0PW Mon – Friday 10am – Donations can becan dropped Church Laneyour Community commitments.

The “new normal” will make it easier 3pm by Monday 14th December. for you to gain vital qualifications.

The gifts will then be wrapped and distributed by our amazing team of volunteers to those in need Take a look at our websites for further in Bedford Borough. information and how to find out more. www.bedford.ac.uk | tresham.ac.uk

CHRISTMAS IN A BOX.

Locally Bedford foodbank is seeing an increasing number of clients on a regular basis. Here at All Nations Church, we want to further support the foodbank’s work, helping their clients and other vulnerable people at Christmas.

We need your help There are a number of ways you can help out and be involved: Option 1: One way you can help is by purchasing the items on the shopping list on our website and donating them in an opened box wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper.

Option 3: Donate the cost of a box (£30 for a family box or £12 for a single box). We will then purchase the contents on your behalf and make the box up. If you would like to give via electronic payment, please follow the details on our website www.allnationsbedford.org/christmasinabox If you choose to get a box and fill it or even donate a few items to the project, please return them to All Nations Church on: Sunday 6th December, 3.00pm – 5.00pm or Tuesday 8th December, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

FAMILY SHOPPING LIST

So get a box, wrap it, fill it, and make a difference to the lives of local people in crisis this Christmas.

SINGLE PERSON SHOPPING LIST

Thank you for your support

Option 2: Buy one or two items from the list and donate them to Christmas in a Box and we will make up a box for you.

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FAMILY FUN

What’sON Please ensure to check with organisers before attending any events in case of any changes or cancellations CHRISTMAS MARKETS Christmas Craft Market at Hudsons Plant Centre Saturday 5th 10am to 4pm – Sunday 6th December 10am to 3pm Lovely variety of handcrafted stalls, lots of gifts and decorative ideas, raffle and activities.

Proceeds for Sue Ryder Foundation Bedford Road, Willington MK44 3PR Made in Bedford presents Christmas Artisan Market Sunday 6th December 10am to 3.30pm With local arts, crafts and produce it’s the perfect event to buy unique and original Christmas gifts.

St Pauls Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Christmas Market at the Friendly Nettle Cafe Sunday 6th December 11am to 3pm Come and celebrating the end of lockdown with a Christmas Market in funfair style! Besides the market and loads of fun activities there will be mince pies, ginger biscuits, and non-alcoholic mulled wine.

Beauvais Square, Shortstown MK42 0GE Festive Pop Up Craft & Food Fayre at Jordans Mill Saturday 12th December 10am – 3pm A fantastic range of stalls including; sweet treats, hand-made items, locally made foods and more, there is something for everyone! They are thrilled to be working with ‘Love Local Craft & Food Fayre’ to bring you this fantastic event.

Please follow Government and organiser guidelines, including social distancing and rule of 6.

Holme Mills, Langford Road, Broom, Biggleswade SG18 9JY

Christmas Adventure Quest at Wrest Park Saturday 26th December – Sunday 3rd January 2021 10am – 4pm Visit Wrest Park in Silsoe, Bedfordshire, for a festivelyfun adventure quest which will allow you and your family to explore and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened!

Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and lead you to a small reward. It’s a great way for the whole family to get out and about in Christmas week.

Entry to the event is included in the standard admission ticket price. Advance booking is now essential to visit Wrest Park. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

THEATRE The Sharnbrook Mill Theatre presents A Christmas Carol Saturday December 12th 3pm & 7.30pm The great, great, grandson of Charles Dickens, Gerald Dickens will present his own adaptation of “A Christmas Carol”, playing over 30 characters using vocal and physical talents to bring each scene vividly to life.

Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk 103 Mill Road, Sharnbrook MK44 1NP The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s presents It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Saturday December 12th 7.30pm A fun-filled evening of Christmas Jazz, hosted by a trio led by vocalist James Hudson, fresh from his sell out 2019 Christmas show at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho. It also features trumpeter Tom Syson and pianist Joe Hill. Be sure to buy your tickets now for this lighthearted show. www.quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com 26 St Peter S Street, Bedford MK40 2NN Tel 01234 362337 / 01234 362269 The Place Theatre presents Every Time a Bell Rings (Indoor/Digital Theatre) Friday 18th to Wednesday 23rd December (times vary) A festive collection of heart-warming, emotional and comical stories inspired by the diverse Bedford community. Using a mixture of live and pre-recorded performances, including interviews and stories, all collected and reworked in Mangled Yarn’s own raucous style – so expect lots of music, laughs and silliness thrown into the mix.

Alongside a live, socially distanced audience, Every Time a Bell Rings will also be available to Live Stream or Download at a later date.

For tickets visit www.theplacebedford.co.uk Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE Tel 01234 354321

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 23

AT HARPUR

Christmas is not cancelled!

We can’t wait to keep safe and celebrate with you this year!

THE WISHING TREE

KEEPING CHRISTMAS SAFE

We all want to keep ourselves and our families safe this Christmas, so when visiting the Centre please use our hand sanitiser, follow our one way systems and wear a face covering, unless exempt. Our full social distancing guidelines can be found at harpurcentre.co.uk/covid-19

ONLINE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES November - December Head to our website to find downloadable festive crafts, recipes and activities to keep the kids entertained! Plus, send us your designs on social media to be in with the chance to win a prize from retailers!

The Wishing Tree is back at the Harpur Centre from 3rd - 17th December helping to give children across Bedfordshire a better Christmas. Head to our website for full information.

SANTA CALLING!

This year Santa can’t meet you in his Harpur Centre Grotto due to Covid-19.

So instead, he’s making personalized, live video messages with you!

For more information visit: www.santa-calling.co.uk Or call 07973 143406 to book.

SANTA SHOPS

25th November - 16th December Head over to our Facebook page each week and guess which shop Santa’s gift is from to be in with the chance to WIN it!

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, ALWAYS Head to our website for full information

HARPURCENTRE.CO.UK

OPENING TIMES Thursday 3rd December Thursday 10th December Wednesday 16th December Thursday 17th December Friday 18th December Saturday 19th December Sunday 20th December Monday 21st December Tuesday 22nd December Wednesday 23rd December Christmas Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day Sunday 27th December Monday 28th December Tuesday 29th December Wednesday 30th December New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day Saturday 2nd January Sunday 3rd January

9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 8am - 6pm 10am - 4pm 8am - 8pm 8am - 8pm 8am - 8pm 8am - 5pm CLOSED 9am - 6pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 5pm 9am - 5:30pm 9am - 5:30pm 9am - 5:30pm CLOSED 9am - 5:30pm 10am - 4pm

Head to our website for individual store opening times

HARPURCENTRE.CO.UK

PANTO RETURNS FOR 2020!

SLEEPING BEAUTY AT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE ALL TICKETS FOR THE FIRST PERFORMANCE TO BE GIFTED TO NHS WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES – SUPPORTED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY Milton Keynes Theatre are delighted to announce that all tickets for the first performance of Sleeping Beauty, produced by Qdos Entertainment, will be gifted to NHS workers and their families. Thanks to support from The National Lottery, the new sociallydistanced pantomime will run from Saturday 19 December 2020 to Sunday 10 January 2021 with tickets available from Wednesday 18 November at 10.00am.

Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director of Milton Keynes Theatre said ‘We are totally overjoyed to be opening our doors again for a fantastic family pantomime! With thanks to Qdos and The National Lottery we will be able to host an unforgettable festive experience with all the laughs and thrills you would expect, while making sure the theatre is absolutely safe for our audiences.

To express our gratitude to the incredible NHS workers, we will also be inviting them and their loved ones to the first performance free of charge.

This year, we hope to give Milton Keynes a muchneeded Christmas to remember!’

NHS workers just need to head to healthservicediscounts.com and register for the ballot. Full details below.

The production is able to go ahead thanks to the support of The National Lottery, giving thousands of theatregoers in each city and across the country the chance to enjoy socially distanced pantomimes this Christmas. This initiative between The National Lottery and Qdos Entertainment is providing financial support for theatres to stage socially distanced live pantomimes making it viable for venues to open their doors to the general public, generating vital income for the theatre and helping to restore jobs whilst also providing much needed cheer.

This new production will be packed full of comedy routines, audience-safe participation and all the unmissable magic that Milton Keynes Theatre audiences have come to expect from their annual festive pantomime. The previously advertised production of Jack and the Beanstalk will be staged in 2021 and existing bookers have already been contacted with details of their new tickets.

ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

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Festive Front Cover Competition Congratulations

to our Festive Front Cover Competition winner RUPERT WILSON-BAILEY AGE 7.

Rupert has won himself and his school, Great Ouse Primary Academy a £25 Gift voucher each, courtesy of The Arc in Bedford.

We had hundreds of fantastic entries which made our job very hard. Below are our four runners up who will get a £5 voucher each, also to spend at The Arc. Emilia Gagat Age 7 Daisy Stock Age 6

Dakota-Mae Aspell Age 10

Dhillon Sangha Age 6

All entries will be on display in December in the Children’s Corner at The Arc, 7 Howard Street, Bedford, MK40 3HS To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 27

ÂŁ50

Christmas

BUMPER PRIZE CROSSWORD

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 11th December Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Ian Smith, Bedford

ACROSS

1 Ploy (6) 4 Unknowable, occult (6) 9 Disapproves (7) 10 Angry (5) 11 Land measure (4) 12 Perplexing (8) 14 Dwarf planet (5) 16 Mournful poem (5) 20 Scorn (8) 21 Fencing sword (4)

24 Female relative (5) 25 Pills (7) 26 Unmarried (6) 27 Precious (6)

DOWN 1 2 3 5

Worldwide (6) Type of musical scale (5) 2.54cm. (4) Precipitation (8)

6 Fantastic (7) 7 Appear, loom (6) 8 Ordinary (5) 13 Celestial (8) 15 Beacon (7) 17 Parts of a play (6) 18 Catches sight of (5) 19 Creatures (6) 22 Fragment (5) 23 Woodwind instrument (4)

For last months answers please turn to P46

Name: Address:

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Tel:

Bromham Painting QP.pdf

1

01/05/2019

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To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 29

Oakley Post Office

War Memorial, Oakley

Great Denham

Oakley Primary School

The Villages

Clapham

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Ursula Taylor School – Clapham

St Mary’s, Oakley

The Bedford Arms, Oakley

s Remember

Ursula Taylor School – Clapham

St Mary’s, Felmersham

The Swan, Bromham

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

31

The Composing Cook The Composing Cook

APPLE AND CINNAMON CAKE In this recipe, I take the humble cooking apple to the next level. This comforting cake is great to have with a cup of tea just watching the world go by.

You can watch me making this recipe and many others by visiting my YouTube channel, The Composing Cook. All you have to do is go to: www.youtube.com and in the search engine type: The Composing Cook, and there you will find me.

Make it. Enjoy it. You will LOVE IT!!

INGREDIENTS:

175g soft butter 100g caster sugar 2 large eggs a pinch of salt 250g self raising flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 peeled & diced cooking apples (approximately 350g) 100g sultanas 3 teaspoons caster sugar Serves 6-8

Pre-heat the oven to 180°.

Grease and line a deep 20cm cake tin.

Start by mixing the butter with the caster sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs.

Sift in the salt, self raising flour and add the ground cinnamon. Mix well.

Stir in the apples and sultanas.

Tip into the prepared tin and even out the surface.

Bake for 40-50 minutes.

Let it cool for 10 minutes, remove from tin and sprinkle with extra caster sugar. Now allow it to cool completely.

ENJOY!!!

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AromaClean offer a friendly, reliable & honest domestic cleaning service tailored to your needs Police Checked & Fully Insured

Taking care of all your home cleaning...

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To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 33

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INSPIRING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS School girl Demi Sunda age 13 from St. Andrews school in Bedford has set up her own business called ilove scents. Demi has always loved natural products and handmakes all of hers. The ilove scents range includes beautiful candles, gorgeous wax melts, hair oils, body scrubs and more – all made with natural ingredients. Visit ilove scents Facebook page ilovescents to view all products. You can even put in an order for a stunning Christmas hamper.

Local ice cream man James Ford has set up a local delivery business bringing amazing desserts to your door. The yummy treats include Belgium waffles and ice cream, freshly baked warm brownies, cornflake tarts, chocolate toothpaste ice cream!!! (yes you read that right) and lots more. Mr ice cream man visits most areas in Bedford and you can join his Facebook group Mr ice cream man est 2001 to find out more.

The Bedford Cheese Company was set up this year after popular demand for cheese deliveries during lockdown from its sister company Decant Wine and Cheese Deli situated in Castle Lane, Bedford. Delivering produce ranging from hampers to Cheese & Charcuterie boards they will try their utmost to source as many products as possible locally.

This includes butters, jam, chutneys and more, providing they are available. Both businesses are owned by local couple Sophie Louise.

Visit www.bedfordcheesecompany/co.uk for more information.

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 35

You can now make appointments online!

Book an appointment with a vet or nurse via our website Visit our website or Facebook page. acornhousevets.com/online-appointments

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN

Tel: 01234 261839 www.acornhousevets.com Register online today.

RAISIN TOX I C I T Y

IN DOGS

Raisin toxicity is common at Christmas time because raisins are a major ingredient in many traditional Christmas foods.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RAISIN TOXICITY IN DOGS?

Raisin ingestion tends to cause vomiting or diarrhoea which may contain blood.

In more severe cases, dogs may develop kidney failure. Symptoms include mouth ulcers, lack of appetite, vomiting, weight loss and dehydration.

DO DOGS ALWAYS BECOME ILL AFTER EATING RAISINS? Sometimes dogs eat grapes or raisins with no obvious ill effects. Other times, dogs become ill after eating only very small numbers of grapes or raisins. Scientists do not yet understand why this is. It may be that some dogs are genetically more susceptible, or maybe some grapes and raisins contain more potent toxins than others. For this reason, veterinary advice is that any dog that is known to have ingested any grapes or raisins should receive immediate treatment.

HOW IS RAISIN TOXICITY TREATED?

A veterinary surgeon will administer an injection to cause immediate vomiting, so that the raisins are removed from the digestive system as quickly as possible.

Once the raisins have been brought up, an injection can be given to stop the vomiting and the dog will be given a solution of activated charcoal to drink. This will bind any raisin toxins still in the gut, so that they are not absorbed.

The patient will then be given medications to protect the stomach lining and intravenous fluids (a drip) to flush any toxins out of the bloodstream and encourage the kidneys to keep producing urine.

WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR DOGS THAT HAVE EATEN RAISINS?

A full recovery is expected if the raisins are vomited up quickly and treatment is begun before the pet shows any signs of ill health. If digestive complications have occurred, these may take several days to correct, but recovery is expected.

Unfortunately, once kidney failure has developed, the outlook is poor, highlighting the importance of prompt treatment.

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 37

GARDENING

HARDWORKING IVY Holly is much coveted festive greenery but what about ivy, or Hedera to give it the botanical name?

It makes up the trio of festive plants, the other being mistletoe, and frankly it’s usually seen as a bit of a poor relation, misunderstood and mostly unloved.

Yet ivy is a great workhorse in the garden. It’s evergreen, it attracts wildlife and is excellent on those north-facing walls and fences where nothing else seems to grow. It’s not just a dark green cloak either; there are many cultivars with different leaf shapes and variegated foliage. The variegated varieties are great in those areas that catch just a little sunlight during part of the day as they suddenly seem to illuminate a usually dull spot.

Ivy is great for disguising an ugly wall, a bare fence, or an old tree stump. It’s a reliable and self-clinging climber if you choose the right variety and remember to prune it correctly. The young climbing stems are slender and flexible with small aerial roots that fix the shoot to a surface. Adult stems are thicker, self-supporting and do not have roots. Unlike mistletoe ivy isn’t parasitic so won’t harm trees but be careful about letting it grow on the walls of your house as it will damage weak mortar and pebbledash. If growing on a property it needs to be clipped back in spring and summer, so it doesn’t do any damage to structure underneath. Don’t let it get into gutters because it will clog them then infiltrate under tiles or slates.

38 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

Ivy is excellent ground cover. It will scramble over areas of poor soil and brighten the ground between shrubs during the dark winter months.

Persian ivy, Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’, is lovely because of its large, yellow-edged leaves. Hedera canariensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’ is also good. Its red stems and large leaves with splashes of yellow looks rather splendid. If you need an area covered quickly try Hedera Hibernica, which is a vigorous native ivy.

Hedera helix is the other native ivy and this one has numerous cultivars including Goldheart, which has yellow-centred leaves, Green Ripple, with frilly edged leaves and ‘Buttercup’ which is bright yellow.

If you love to support the wildlife in your garden, then ivy is a terrific plant. During autumn and early winter adult ivies produce small greenishyellow flowers. These are especially rich in nectar so attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other insects, providing them with a place to overwinter. Birds like thrushes, blackbirds and robins enjoy the purple black berries which ripen from late winter to mid-spring, providing a much-needed winter food source.

Happy gardening and Merry Christmas, Rachael Leverton

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Professional Service, FREE Quotes, Fully Insured & All Waste Removed.

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All aspects of tree and hedge works carried out including pruning, crown reductions, removal and felling, stump grinding and planting Local Family Operated Business £10m Public Liability Insurance Courteous and Professional Staff Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors TPO and Conservation Area Applications

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SERVICES

BRIDGE ROOFING All aspects of roofing, facias and guttering.

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01908 542 422 | WWW.PRESTIGE-LAWNS.CO.UK 40 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

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28 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY INSURED Domestic Commercial Industrial Fire Alarms Fault Finding ALL STAFF FULLY CRB CHECKED AND QUALIFIED

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Small, friendly plastering company based in Bedford With over a decade of experience and a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability.

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Plastering of ceilings and walls Damaged ceilings and walls repaired Covering artex Plasterboarding Skimming Patch repairs Insurance work

Tel: 07847 307334 E | info@cmplastering.net W | www.cmplastering.net

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

41

BEDFORD TOWN Bromham Windows & FOOTBALL CLUB Home Improvements UPVC Windows & Doors, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering All double glazing repairs including:Broken & misty sealed units, hinges, faulty doors and locks, handles and much more.

Lockdown 2 came at the worst time for the Eagles who were enjoying form that saw them climb the league table and continue their run in the Buildbase FA Trophy. In the next round they travel the short distance to Pitching In Southern League Premier Central side Biggleswade Town, date to be announced.

The new look squad are undefeated under the tenure of Gary Setchell, a run of eight games that they will be hoping to continue once matches get underway again.

The team has been further strengthened by the signing of a keeper widely acknowledged as one of the best in non-league football. Alex Street’s 466 matches for Kings Lynn, 139 of them clean sheets saw them promoted through the divisions to the Vanarama National League.

With no action currently on the pitch the Eagles are running a prize raffle. The winner will receive their name next to star player Craig Machail-Smith in each home programme, get exposure via the club’s social media, plus a signed shirt and dinner with Craig at the Cross Keys Pub in Wood End, Wootton.

Entry costs £!0 and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3kLLae5 entries close December 11th.

Currently matches are due to start again on Saturday December 5th, with the visit of AFC Dunstable to the Eyrie, but this is not yet confirmed.

Visit www.bedfordeagles.net for the latest updates.

42 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

For a free no obligation quotation call:-

01234 306662 or 07960 109429

Email: bromhamwindows007@gmail.com

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS...

Internal & External Decorating Plastering Refurbishments Quality Workmanship A friendly and reliable service

www.cjohnsondecorators.co.uk

Tel: 01234 960304 Mobile: 07929 181619

THE BURROW AT THE BLUES

Bedford Blues are pleased to announce a new and exciting joint venture with Burrow Venues at Goldington Road, The Burrow at the Blues, which will open following the conclusion of the national lockdown.

The new bar and hospitality venue will add another fantastic experience to match day at Bedford’s premier sporting club, whilst also operating every Thursday to Sunday all year round.

Located in the South East corner of Goldington Road, at the bottom of the renowned ‘Slope’, The Burrow at the Blues has been under construction for the past few weeks and despite the national lockdown putting a delay to the grand unveiling, the venue is scheduled to open in December subject to government guidelines.

Bedford Blues are proud to continue their ethos of collaborating with local businesses on new projects and look forward to welcoming as many Bedfordians to the new bar and hospitality venue when permitted.

The best way to keep up to date with the latest developments at The Burrow at the Blues is through the Bedford Blues official website or through social media. Follow the venue’s official Instagram page by searching for @theburrow_attheblues.

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 43

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FURNITURE RESTORATION

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ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE REPAIR AND RESTORATION IN BEDFORDSHIRE

RESTORERS OF ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE. FRENCH POLISHING. French Polishing&•MODERN Kitchen FURNITURE. Worktop Sand & Re-oil RESTORERS OF ANTIQUE FRENCH POLISHING. HAYDN CLARKE Desk Leathers Supplied & Fitted • On-Site French Polishing HAYDN CLARKE Work Insurance, Fire & Flood work TEL:Undertaken 01923 252738 MOBILE: 07958 710979 59 TEL: ELSTOW KEMPSTON, BEDS. MK428HH Collection & Delivery 01923ROAD, 252738 MOBILE: 07958 710979

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GARDENING SERVICES

FURNISHINGS Complete Re-upholstery Service

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Quality Service Call now at: 01234 302883 Or: 07954161786

● Traditional and modern ● 3 pc suites, wing chairs, arm-chairs, recliners, dining room chairs and stools ● Frame repairs, re-springing, and replacement cushion fillings ● Domestic and contracted work undertaken ● Free estimates and friendly advice

WHITES ES LTD

Domestic & Commercial Garden Machinery College Farm, Lovell Road, Oakley, MK43 7RX 01234 826066 in info@whites-online.co.uk www.whites-online.co.uk www.whites-online.co.uk Tel: 01234 826066 College Farm, Lovell Road, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX Sales, Service, Parts, Repair & Hire Briggs & Stratton Service Centre

Also Available Indespenison & Brian James Trailers and more.

44 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

MEDAL FRAMING

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• Full size and miniature • Regimental gifts, British replica replacement Army, RAF, medals.

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USED CAR BUYER

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CARS, VANS, 4X4’S WANTED FOR CASH UP TO £5000 PAID DVLA DESTRUCTION CERTIFICATE SUPPLIED COUNCIL LICENSE HOLDER OPEN 7 DAYS BEST PRICES PAID FOR GOOD QUALITY CARS

CALL PAUL 01582 619173 07966 873153 WE WON’T LET YOU DOWN “LOOKING FOR EVERYTHING & ANYTHING”

Learn French at home this winter French daytime and evening classes at all levels on Zoom. Bookings are now being taken for new courses starting in January.

Individual lessons are also available.

Please see the website or call for details.

Thea Hughes BA (Hons) MA

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To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 45

NOVEMBER PRIZE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

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www.highpointconstruction.co.uk 46 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

The Will Writing Company Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 964911

Free Will & Testament The Will Writing Company is celebrating its 22nd Year in business and is offering a free Will & Testament (joint or single) to all readers. If you have been meaning to make a Will, now is your chance to take advantage of this exclusive offer and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. By making a Will, you decide who takes care of your children and who inherits your estate. Storage facility optional.

To take advantage of this offer and book an appointment or for further information please call n the above number between the hours of 9:00am-5:30pm Monday to Friday.

OFFER ENDS 31st December 2020

FREE WILL VOUCHER

This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost £125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost £85)

Valid until 31st December 2020 The Will Writing Company

Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ

Tel 01234 964911

Email:enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

Terms and Conditions. Office and telephone appointments available. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash – The voucher must be produced at your appointment.

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