BedsLife Magazine April 2022 by BedsLife Magazine

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2022

inside Easter Fun Twycross Zoo Competition Community News from the Town and Villages What’s On

APRIL 2022

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for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information! LIKE our Facebook page BedsLife Magazine to keep up to date with events, offers and local businesses and services. @bedslife_magazine and @bedsLife ADVERTISING Christa: Tel 01234 962929 | 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk DESIGN AND ARTWORK Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk DISCLAIMER

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Welcome

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Easter is just around the corner (as are the school holidays!) although it feels like only yesterday the children went back to school. There are of course plenty of things happening this month aside from an excuse to eat lots of chocolate! Did you know, for example, that 9th April is National Unicorn Day, and that 10th April is Siblings Day? Then we have Earth Day on 22nd April, which has been given added emphasis by recent events and media attention on climate change. The organisers are providing lots of information and free resources for young and old alike who want to become more involved in this vital subject (www.earthday.org). APRIL 2022

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Don’t forget to check out our website

Contents

About Town with Love Bedford Richard Fuller MP Mohammad Yasin MP Council News Martin Lewis In the Stix Volunteer Opportunities Beauty – Aesthetics The Fashion Corner Mamma’s House Book Reviews Prize Crossword The Composing Cook – Ham and Cheese Noodles on Toast Lyd Eats Food – The Cross Keys Clubs & Groups What’s On Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum Easter Fun Twycross Zoo Competition Milky’s Music Matters Bedford Town FC Bedford Blues Forest of Marston Vale – Butterflies Acorn House Pet Advice Gardening Advertiser Index Useful Local Resources Last Months Crossword Answers

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Finally, we would like to say massive congratulations to Rosanna Heasman, owner of The Store in Bedford, who won our online International Women’s Day competition. The Store in St Cuthbert’s Street in Bedford sells a range of staple foods loose and in bulk, as well as offering refills on cleaning liquids and shower products. Its aim is to have a positive impact on our local environment and community. Rosanna’s prize is an overnight stay for two at the beautiful Woodland Manor in Clapham who generously partnered with us to offer this fabulous prize. Whatever the upcoming Easter break has in store for you, we hope you and your family get to spend some time together. Until next time,

Christa & The BedsLife Team

MAY ISSUE DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL March Issue Competition Winner Singin’ in the Rain Theatre Tickets – Caroline Nightingale

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w n o T t u o Ab Free Trail Fun Returns this Easter across Bedford Town Centre 2nd to 19th April Are you ready to hunt those eggs? BedfordBID hosts this year’s Easter Trail, which features 12 locations across the town centre. Collect your trail map from Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour (The Arcade), Bellissima Accessories (Howard Centre), or St Peter’s Studio Dental Clinic (St Peter’s Street). Hunt for eggs hiding in the windows of the numbered locations, and then draw or write what you find inside. When you’re done, head back to Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour, where you will receive a sticker and an Easter-themed ice cream treat for every completed trail map. While you’re hanging out at Gallone’s, the back of each map is full of puzzles and activities to keep little minds occupied – so don’t forget to bring your pens and pencils! Complete trail submissions will also be entered into a Prize Draw to win £20 Love Bedford vouchers, which you can spend in over 280 locations across Bedford town centre. Remember, it’s all free, and ‘helpers’ can buy hot drinks at Gallone’s for only £1! Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour is located in The Arcade, opening Mon-Sat 9:30-5pm, Sun 10:30-4:30pm. More info – and option to download map: lovebedford.co.uk/Easter.php

John Bunyan Community Boat Returns to the Great Ouse From April, we will see the familiar sight of the blue and white John Bunyan Community Boat gracing the River Great Ouse in and around Bedford. Over 50,000 passengers have enjoyed cruising on the vessel in the past 9 years, from Kempston in the West to Great Barford in the East. The boat is manned entirely by volunteers, for the benefit of the residents of Bedford and surrounding districts. Popular returns to the line-up include the mid-week Mercure Bedford Afternoon Tea Cruises. Following a leisurely cruise from Priory Marina, disembark at St. Mary’s Garden and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, prepared by Will Smith –the Mercure’s talented new Head chef. Savour both the delicious menu and the spectacular view over the Town Bridge, Embankment and river, before boarding and cruising back to Priory Marina. As part of the community, the John Bunyan Boat’s aim is to provide something for everyone, whilst involving local businesses. New additions include a curry night, in conjunction with Bedford’s Thali and Tandoor on the 12th May, and a Gin Tasting experience with The Secret Bar, as well History tours, and Eye Spy cruises – designed to keep young and enquiring minds busy during the school holidays. More info: bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat/ Events info: lovebedford.co.uk/events/

Bedford River Festival is Back – with New Exhibition for High Street 23rd – 24th July Bedford Borough Council was delighted to announce that the return of the River Festival, which will include lots of old favourites, from the music stages and funfair, to the dragon boat and raft races on the river, and lots of stalls and activities to get involved with across the Embankment, Mill Meadows and St Mary’s Gardens. For the first time in the River Festival’s history, Bedford High Street will be closed for the whole weekend, to bring the fun and celebrations into the heart of the town centre. The newly developed High Street will host the Festival of Motoring, sponsored by BedfordBID, with 100 unique and eclectic vehicles on display. More info: riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk

Caution Vintage Returns with Permanent Store in Howard Centre Having completed a very successful term as a pop-up in neighbouring Harpur Centre, you can now find the Caution Vintage team in the Howard Centre, in their new permanent location, between New Look and Timpsons. The store is open now for business, while the full refurbishment of the unit will be complete later in the year. The team sources up to 200 items for the store every week, and because it’s all genuine, vintage apparel, the stock will be different every time you visit.

Liam Daisley and Alex Stewart explain: “Both of us were born & raised in Bedford. We went through our teens without a cool place to buy affordable clothes which suit our individual styles. What we are trying to create is a shop in Bedford where people can come, hang out and buy clothes which express their individuality. We also believe that mixing vintage clothes into your wardrobe will help us move towards a more environmentally friendly future. The greatest thing about the shop is that our customers seem to be just as excited about it as we are!” Caution Vintage – Howard Centre, opens Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm More info: cautionvintage.com

Decant Bar Set to Re-open in Mid-April With a beautiful new interior and some delicious new menus to accompany the Grand Reopening, Decant Bar cannot wait to welcome you back to its premises in the heart of the Castle Quarter. Believing in the value of the highest quality produce and in supporting the craft of traditional artisan fare, the Decant team are pleased to share some of the best the world has to offer in artisan cheese, charcuterie and wine. With general opening on weekends and selected weekdays, Decant Bar’s signature Wine Tasting evenings will also be returning from April and May, with various dates available mid-week and on Sundays. Owner and Founder, Sophie Robinson, comments, “We would like to thank our valued customers during this trying time for continuing to support us, and we cannot wait to welcome new and old faces back to our beautiful little bar. We have an exciting new staff team with wine knowledge that is second to none. We are all very excited to re-open! For opening dates and more info: decantbar.co.uk

About Town content is supplied by BedfordBID. For the latest updates on Bedford Town Centre activities and events, as well as a full Business Directory, please visit: www.lovebedford.co.uk

words from

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire We are a nation of animal lovers, with pets central to so many families, so I am pleased that April is National Pet Month – a chance to celebrate family pets and promote responsible pet ownership.

The UK has a long history of leading the way on animal welfare and I welcome government commitments to further raising standards by delivering a series of ambitious reforms, outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. This includes introducing new powers to crack down on puppy smuggling through the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. The Bill will safeguard the welfare of thousands of puppies and dogs that come into Great Britain from overseas each year, through reducing the number of pets that can travel under pet travel rules. It will also include powers for the government to bring in further restrictions on the movement of pets on welfare grounds, for example by increasing the minimum age of imported puppies and restricting the import of pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations such as cropped ears and tails. The government is also cracking down on pet theft. While it is already a criminal offence to steal a pet, the government is adding the dog abduction offence to the Kept Animals Bill to reflect the emotional impact of having a pet stolen. Those who steal dogs could receive prison sentences of up to five years and the Bill may also be extended to include other pets in the future, if supported by evidence. I also welcome that the government will introduce compulsory cat microchipping to help reunite lost and stray pets. Owners will be required to microchip their cats by the time they reach 20 weeks of age. This follows a consultation on the issue where 99 per cent of respondents expressed support for compulsory cat microchipping. Ministers are also considering new requirements to register more details on dog microchip databases, as well as having a single point of access and enabling changes of keeper to be tracked more closely. This will help police track pet abduction incidents and clamp down on offenders. These proposals will ensure that the impact on the animal is addressed in the sentences or penalties given to offenders. The new measures will also allow the government to obtain more data on pet theft crimes and raise awareness of police activity in combatting the issue and actions owners can take to keep their pets safe. There is absolutely no place for animal cruelty of any kind and I fully support the steps being taken by the government to tackle pet theft, as well as to safeguard the welfare and safety of our pets. For more information on National Pet Month, please visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

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Words from

In my mind, are the pictures of the bombed children’s hospital; the 11 year-old boy who travelled 600 miles by himself to the Slovakian border carrying just a plastic bag and a passport, with a phone number written on his hand; the young girl singing the Disney song “Let it Go” as she sheltered with other kids and parents in a bunker; and the pictures of a mother and her two children killed when merciless Russian troops fired on families fleeing the carnage. It’s easy to feel helpless, even hopeless, but the truth is, there’s much more we can do. Two weeks into the war, we have sanctioned only 11 oligarchs, way behind the EU and US. We cannot allow dozens of Putin-linked oligarchs to run away with billions in loot. The Russian people have had their wealth and their chance at democracy stolen.

Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston As a nation we watch aghast at the horror stories coming out of Ukraine.

The Government must accelerate the clean-up of dirty money that has damaged our economy and our democracy. I was pleased to support the emergency legislation in the Economic Crime Bill, which will introduce a register of overseas entities, Unexplained Wealth Orders and a new law enforcement unit to investigate these crimes. We must also do all we can to fight Russian disinformation. It’s been 2 years since the Russia report was published by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, which raised concerns about Russian interference in our politics and democratic processes. The recommendations of that report must now be fully implemented. But most importantly, we need to get rid of the shameful bureaucratic nightmare of our hostile immigration system that has seen us turning away desperate Ukrainian refugees. As I write 14 days into the war, 2 million people, predominantly women and children, have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries. The EU have granted Ukrainian nationals a 3-year visa waiver. The UK has taken in just 760 people. The Republic of Ireland has already taken in over 2,500. The UK refugee policy is by design unnecessarily complex and cruel. It is born out of years of merciless political rhetoric that has demonised those fleeing wars in Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia and Yemen. Desperate mothers and kids fleeing Putin’s bombs are not a national security threat; the Government must put their safety before admin that can be done at a later date. The pictures coming out of Ukraine have humanised refugees. It’s easier to understand why people risk their lives in a dinghy crossing the Channel attempting their last shot at a life, trying to reach perhaps the only contact they have left in the world, after losing everything else. Poll after poll shows the British public overwhelmingly supports the UK doing more to help Ukrainian refugees. The Brits have a long history of being a compassionate nation and now we must stop the dithering and delay and urgently implement a compassionate, simple, fair, legal route for those seeking asylum.

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council news Support for Ukraine There are lots of organisations who are collecting donations and support. One is the Polish House who are collecting donations via Prices Candles, Hudson Road Bedford MK41 0LZ. They are taking deliveries 9am to 2pm on Saturday, 9am to 3pm on Sunday and 8.30am to 4pm on Monday.

We’ve had lots of questions from local residents about what they can do to support people who have been impacted.

Another option for people wanting to support those impacted by the invasion of Ukraine is to make a financial donation to the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, who are collecting to provide essential support, medicine and food to people in Ukraine. If you’d like to find out more or make a donation visit www.gofundme.com/f/helpukraine

People can donate essential items that will be transported to Ukraine. The most in demand items are batteries, torches/candles, dry sanitary products, thermal clothes, gloves/hats, painkillers & duvets, blankets, sleeping bags and pillows & bedding.

The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have urged the public to ‘give safely’ to registered charities as people make generous donations to causes helping to support and protect people affected by the invasion of Ukraine.

Students from The Bedford College Group Fix Town Centre Floor Chimes Earlier in the year, Bedford Borough Council enlisted the support of The Bedford College Group and ten of their Level Three engineering students to repair the floor chimes that are located on Harpur Street in Bedford Town Centre. The floor chimes, which were installed back in 2003, have been a long-standing and popular feature in the town centre. Through years of ongoing use, however, the chimes have been subjected to wear and tear and exposure to the elements, which has left them in need of repair. Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, said “This is simply fantastic: to work in partnership with The Bedford College Group and help their students to get valuable practical experience repairing the floor

chimes and to see this well-loved feature return is brilliant news. “The floor chimes are a popular feature in Harpur Square and children of all ages (and some adults and dogs!) have enjoyed using the chimes over the years. “We are hugely grateful for the fantastic jobs that the students have done in repairing and recalibrating the chimes and we look forward to the prospect of potentially working with the brilliant students and staff at the College on future projects.” The chimes have been reinstalled back in their original location in Bedford Town Centre and can be found outside the new B&M store on the corner of Midland Road and Harpur Street.

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CONSUMER

The Martin Lewis column

MONEY ON MY MIND...

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at budgeting. Here’s an uncomfortable fact for you - many people are appalling ‘budgeters’. We all know what we earn, but we don’t know what we spend, and you cannot balance the see-sawing budget without being clear on both. The biggest problem that people have is they look across the month at what they typically pay for things. So, they’ll look at their food bills, their utilities, their mortgage, car lease and all those things, and that’s all good and well. But you know what, the average family in the UK spends £600 on Christmas, which is £50 a month. They buy a new sofa every three or four years for maybe £1,000. They buy a television that is £300. They go on holiday, and so on. The fact is, rarely are these costs factored into monthly spend, but they should be. We need to break down those big amounts into a monthly cost, across the whole year, and add that to our monthly figures. I have a tool called the ‘Budget Planner’ which is free to use on my website – have a look. Ultimately, the way I suggest people manage their money is by using a system I call ‘Piggybanking’. It involves moving things into hypothetical ‘accounts’. So, let’s say you have your ‘Standard Bills’ account, which is all the regular bills you need to pay each month; you have your ‘Holidays’ account - you know you spend £1,000 a year on a holiday and that’s about

£85 a month. You have your ‘Christmas’ account and you have your ‘Big One-offs’ account. Those are examples, but use whatever is personal to you. Each month when you get paid, you siphon the right amount of money into the Bills account, you put the right amount of money into the Holidays account, the right amount of money into the Christmas account, and so on. So your Holidays account will categorically confirm to you that you have, say, £512 to spend. If you’re spending more, you cannot afford it, so you have to cut your cloth accordingly. Many people swear by this technique, lots of people swear at it too, but it truly works! In the current climate, we can’t compensate for what’s around the corner, but being equipped to confront it will make you feel good about your finances, your life, and your prospects of overcoming that financial bump in the road.

Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 7.5 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

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I N TH E STI X 30th Anniversary of Village Hall Save the date! A fun event is planned for Saturday 9 July to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sharnbrook Village Hall and reflect on its central role in village life. The current village hall opened in Sharnbrook in 1992 and since then has hosted countless parties, wedding receptions, fairs and fundraising events, as well as being home to many regular club activities like karate, children’s music and toddler groups, dancing and Learning for Pleasure activities.

Tucked away behind Queens Close in Oakley is a 10-acre farm specialising in growing Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees and from 9 to 16 April you can hunt for eggs hanging from their magnificent trees. Children aged 2 to 12 can collect a bucket of eggs to claim a prize. If they discover a golden egg, an eggstra special prize will be won! Seasonal flowers are also grown at Merri and their Pick Your Own Experiences return on Saturday and Tuesday mornings from July. Take a tour of the farm and gather a bucket of flowers to take home and arrange in your favourite vases. Booking is essential at www.merriflowers.co.uk

The Muntjac is Back!

Photos of the hall, through the years, will be showcased in a display organised by the Sharnbrook Village Hall Management Committee. If you have any photographs of past events that you would like to share, or perhaps photos of life in Sharnbrook over the last 30 years the committee would love to hear from you and your photo may also win a prize! Please get in touch with the committee at SVHMC@ sharnbrookvillagehall.co.uk

Easter Fun in Oakley This Easter, head to Merri Christmas Trees in Oakley for a fun-filled, outdoor Easter egg hunt.

The Muntjac in Harrold is to reopen with new management and a new look. Sally and James, who have been running The Bell in Odell for the past seven years have added The

Muntjac to their portfolio. They will be installing a management team at The Muntjac under their guidance.

Sunday Brunch in Harrold

Harrold holds a special place in their hearts having been custodians of The Magpie from 1998 to 2001. “It’s been 21 years since we left The Magpie,” said Sally. “We are very excited to be back in Harrold and to be part of the community again.” The Muntjac will open newly decorated, inside and out, but will retain its character as a traditional pub in the centre of the village. “It’s not going to be a towny sports bar, a gastro pub, or a games bar,” explained Sally. “Just simply a village pub.” A new menu with simple, light dishes suitable for sharing and nibbling is planned with more options on offer once the kitchen has been refurbished. You can keep up to date with the reopening and news of The Muntjac on their Facebook Page www. facebook.com/Themuntjacinharrold and by visiting their new website www.themuntjac.co.uk

Easter Eggs-travaganza in Great Barford An Easter craft and wellbeing fair is set to take place in Great Barford Village Hall at 11am on Sunday 10 April. The fair will showcase local businesses and talented crafters as well as raising much needed funds for Bedford Foodbank which provides nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people in need.

Located in the heart of the village, Harrold Centre is a place for people to meet and enjoy community activities. On the first Sunday of each month brunches are served in the light and bright atrium. Here you can enjoy home cooked food while supporting the upkeep of the village hall. The tempting menu includes full English breakfasts along with lighter bites such as croissant and a variety of rolls. It’s the ideal place to relax and peruse the Sunday papers or challenge each other with a game of dominoes, backgammon, chess, battleships and more. If you want to linger a litter longer, the bar opens from noon. The next brunch will be served on Sunday 3 April from 11am until 2pm. For more information and to see the menu visit www.harroldcentre.co.uk

There will be plenty to see and do with unique gifts, crystals, chocolates, cakes, face painting, sensory toys, crafts, alternative remedies, psychic readings, skincare and more. The Hatch Café will be serving hot and cold drinks, hotdogs, sandwiches and delicious samosas. Entry is £1.50 per adult in support of Bedford Foodbank and there will also be a collection bank for food donations of tins and preserved items. Do you have some village news to share? Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the May issue is 8 April. 17

Bunyan Meeting Church: Coffee Shop Assistant Assist in the day to day running of the Church Foyer Coffee Shop in Bedford providing a warm welcome and efficient service to all who visit. The shop serves the Bunyan Museum and Basement as well as the church with its infamous stained-glass windows.

British Red Cross: Mobility Aids Customer Service – Bedford This is a very rewarding role providing muchneeded support for people who are accessing the service. Based at one of the mobility aids spoke locations, you will be serving the public who require a wheelchair or other mobility aids equipment. An ideal role for someone who enjoys meeting people, can show compassion and empathy and who likes administrative duties with a customer service perspective.

Volunteering Opportunities

Here is our volunteering pick for April 2022. It is just a small selection from the many opportunities we hold at CVS Bedfordshire from organisations across the area so do investigate further if you can’t see something that appeals to you. You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.cvsbeds.org. uk/volunteer-newsletter for all the latest opportunities and other volunteering related news.

Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society: ACE Unlimited Help at this pioneering monthly club for those over 18 where action-packed activities combine with life skills for those with a disability preparing for adulthood and independence. This runs in various locations across Bedford during evenings.

SMART CJS: Activity Volunteer Help residents at supported accommodation in Milton Keynes to engage in activities that will help improve their wellbeing and mental health as well as learn essential life skills for when they move into independent accommodation.

Linking Lives Befriending Service Volunteer The service offers weekly contact by phone to a lonely person. This will become visits in person when the time is right. You will be providing a listening ear and friendship and in time, help people to integrate into other activities in the local community.

Search for and register an interest in all the listed roles below and many more, by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk

Call us if you need any further information on 01234 354366.

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It’s Skincare But Not As You Know It

and massages, medispas are also licensed to perform procedures that at one time could only be found in cosmetic surgeons’ clinics, such as Botox, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and chemical peels. Most people think of medical aesthetics as being purely for the reduction, reversal, or other treatments to minimise the signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots, or loose and sagging skin. But it can also refer to treatments related to dermatological conditions or defects such as acne, prominent birthmarks, or skin tags, and can also include treatments intended to disguise or diminish the evidence of surgical procedures. Medical aesthetics can also combat areas such as the treatment of excess fat or cellulite, stretch marks, or other skin damage caused by obesity or rapid weight loss. There are even treatments to diminish or erase the appearance of scars, spider veins and other issues such as varicose veins, excessive sweating, and skin discolouration.

For the last two years we have largely been urged to work from home, and many of us found our grooming regimes changing as a result. The absence of a daily commute and early starts means we have been paying more attention to our skincare. This in turn has led to a surge in demand for nonsurgical cosmetic procedures such as “medical aesthetics” which are rapidly becoming increasingly accepted as an integral part of a beauty and wellbeing programme for both men and women. Nearly a quarter of people are more interested in aesthetic treatments than they were before the pandemic. Nine out of ten cosmetic procedures in the UK are now non-surgical and online searches for “aesthetic treatments” and “tweakments” grew by 50% from January 2020 to July 2021. Local high streets have seen the arrival of medical spas (or “medispas”) that are appeasing our newfound appetite for medical aesthetics. Among the traditional spa pick-me-ups on offer such as facials

With the majority of aesthetic treatments being more than “skin deep”, anyone offering such services in the UK requires extensive training. Health Education England (HEE) published a report in 2016 aimed at redefining the standard of training that practitioners should undertake before they can carry out aesthetic procedures. The industry is regulated by collaboration between several cosmetic associations and overseen by two independent bodies: the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and the Cosmetic Practitioners’ Standards Authority (CPSA). If you are thinking of taking advantage of the many advances in medical aesthetics, please do your homework and check out the practitioner’s qualifications, experience, and insurance by following these five simple steps: 1. Check they are registered with a regulatory body like the GMC, NMC or DMC 2. Check they are registered with a secondary regulatory body like the CQC or Save Face 3. Look for certificates for training and qualifications 4. Check for evidence they are up to date with the latest procedures, training, and products 5. Confirm their clinic is insured and the products and equipment they use are licensed and genuine About the Author: Helen Say is a freelance copywriter and blogger www.cblservices.co.uk

• Muscle Relaxing Injections (BOTOX) • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) • Slimming Injections (Skinny Jab) • Lip Enhancement • Dermal Fillers • Radiesse Jawline/Cheek Lift • PDO Threadlifts • Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Neostrata Chemical Peels • Neostrata Skin Care Range Roz Lee RGN/BSc (hons) Specialist Nurse Practitioner TEL: 01234 750454 MOB: 07725 869240 www.enhancecosmeticsolutions.co.uk CQC Registered

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THE FASHION CORNER With Lauren Fitzx

. d r o f d e B , k r a im r New in – P I am bringing you the new in season trends that are now available in our local Bedford store. I found a range of styles in the store which means something for everyone! – Things we love to see. Colour is a big part of this upcoming seasons trend. No colour is off limit. We are also going into blue denim with pops of bright pink – giving me the 90’s vibes.

We are still seeing animal prints, suits and separates and neutral tones. Bold pops of blue are being styled with the neutrals. Do not worry if bright and bold is not your thing – pastels are also all the rage. Mixing pastels works and is also a massive trend.

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I love hearing from you, come and have your say over on my Instagram @laurenfitzx

New Guinot Beauty Rooms in Great Denham Experts in Anti Ageing Skincare, the ultimate in relaxation, because ‘you’ and your skin matters

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aestheticmedicine. medicine.The Thetechnology technologyused usedacross across The Electrical aesthetic facials offer a great alternative to the thefacials facialsare aredesigned designedtotoboost boostyour yourskin’s skin’scellular cellular the treatments offer a variety of benefits to suit each aesthetic medicine. The technology usedyour across energy, energy,to toenhance enhance and andrejuvenate rejuvenate your complexion. complexion. Add Add extra extra luxury luxury your yourchosen chosenfacial facialwith witheither either Thisfacial facialexperience experience will willhave haveyou you feeling feeling and and looking looking Harley Street Consulting Clinic, Guinot Beauty Roomstoto individual. the facials areThis designed to boost your skin’s cellular 5A Meiklejohn Centre, 3-7 Kingswood Way, Great Denham, Bedford, MK40 4GH heated heatedBooties BootiesororMitts, Mitts,incorporating incorporatinga afoot footororhand hand radiant radiantand andeven evenmore moreyouthful. youthful. Call 01234 247414 or Text 07535 502085 energy, to enhance and rejuvenate your complexion. mask maskfor forthe theultimate ultimatepamper. pamper. Add extra luxury to your chosen facial with either This facial experience will have you feeling and looking If Ifheated you youare areunsure unsure ofofwhich which treatment may maybebemost most a foot or hand Booties or treatment Mitts, incorporating radiant and even more youthful. suitable suitablefor foryou, you,get inintouch touchwith withusustoday. today. mask for theget ultimate pamper.

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C a l l 0 7 7 9 1 2 5 8 3 4 1 o r 0 7 4 3 5 6 3 3 9 8 6 o r e ma i l D o n n a a r o ma c l e a n @ma i l . c o m To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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Things to do in Bedford this Easter half-term Finally it’s almost time to crack open those Easter Eggs, and soak up the first rays of the Spring sunshine. If you’ve come unstuck with how to entertain the kids though, here’s some ideas and places to visit to get you through.

Bedford Libraries

Bedford Libraries have a range of craft activities across their different locations this Easter holiday. These include making bunny masks and spring flowers, decorating Easter crowns and making Easter egg door hangers. It’s free to take part, take a look at their Facebook page and website for times and locations. In addition their Lego club is also returning to Bedford Central and Kempston library, so keep an eye on their Facebook page or website for more details. Bedford Central Library, Harpur Square, Bedford MK40 1PG tel:01234 718178

The Higgins Bedford

The Higgins are running a range of Easter Holiday family craft days, that are also budget friendly. Choose from bag printing, make a mosaic coaster or a stained glass tea light holder and spring crafts. Places need to be booked in advance, use code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee online. In addition there will also be free ‘Sunday Crafternoons’ once a month starting from 24th April. These are drop in sessions and there is no need to book. The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD tel: 01234 718618

Visit where Bedford Castle once stood

Once you finish crafting, why not climb to the top of the motte where Bedford Castle used to stand. You can take in some lovely views whilst the kids burn off some energy.

Bedford Easter trail with BedfordBID

Visit Bedford town centre to take part in the Easter Trail between 2nd and 19th April. Pick up a form at one of the participating local stores, and hunt for the eggs displayed in the shop windows (12 in total). Every completed trail gets a sticker and an Easter themed ice-cream treat from Gallones Ice-Cream Parlour in the Arcade, hot drinks for the adults there are just £1! There is £20 of Bedford Bid vouchers to be won and entry is free.

Go fly a kite

Make the most of the spring weather and go fly a kite. Once you master how to fly a kite it’s the best feeling for everyone. It can take a little patience and practice, but it’s a great activity to do together. If your little one is too small to hold a kite, make a smaller one they can pull along in the air behind them.

Amble down to the river

There is of course one of our favourite things to do, which is walk down to the river and climb over the bridges spotting as many swans, ducks and other wildlife as we can.

We’d love to see what you get up to, tag and follow us on Instagram @mammas_house

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Find a place of peace A voyage into the emotions of the mind this month, with three engaging and intriguing books to look out for.

Be Yourself and Happier by Will Young Will Young has written an accessible A-Z guide on mental health, Be Yourself and Happier. The platinum-selling and double-BRIT Award winning singer/songwriter has long been a mental health advocate, and counts his experiences within the industry as a catalyst for various voyages of self-discovery that have led him to where he is today. “I have been at the coalface of depression and anxiety – a state of mind that’s always under threat, and only by exploring the reasons and causes behind this can we look to make changes.” In the book, Will discusses his breakdown in 2011, and how extensive therapy helped the star to unpick and interrogate everything he thought he knew: how he formed his identity, what he relied on for selfesteem and how he behaved and communicated. Everything he has learnt over the past 10 years is now condensed into this accessible A-Z guide. Published by Bloomsbury on April 21st

A Different Kind of Happy by Rachaele Hambleton Author Rachaele Hambleton – a full-time mum to three daughters and one baby boy, step-mum to two boys and married to her ‘birdboy’ Josh – has certainly earned her status as one of the most honest and sincere modern writers out there,

largely through the success of her Part-Time Working Mummy, Sunday Times bestseller from 2018. Using the strength of her persona as a trusted parenting personality, she returns with A Different Kind of Happy, a book that explores the trials and successes of a blended family situation. The book is a soaring and purposeful guide to modern parenting, with a few catastrophes thrown in along the way! Published by Penguin Random House on April 14th

A Family Affair by Robyn Carr Anna McNichol knows how to take charge. Raised by a single mother, she’s worked to ensure her three children have every advantage she didn’t. And while her marriage has its problems, she values commitment and believes in ‘till death do us part’. Now an empty nester, she’s at the peak of her career and ready to seize the opportunity to focus on her future. But life can change in an instant, and when her husband dies suddenly, Anna’s carefully constructed world falls apart. The mysterious young woman at the memorial service confirms her husband had been keeping secrets, and Anna is determined to get to the truth. Published by MIRA on April 5th

Sharnbrook House Care Home is set in the picturesque village of Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire and we specialise in high-quality residential care. The team at Sharnbrook House are exceptional and wholly committed to providing the very best care. They are loving, caring, compassionate and have all been selected because they genuinely care and treat our residents with the respect and dignity that they deserve. Please call us on 01234 781294 to arrange a Virtual Viewing of Sharnbrook House to ensure you know it is the right home for you and your loved one. Or e-mail sharnbrook@greensleeves.org.uk for any other information or to request a brochure. Sharnbrook House, High Street, Sharnbook, Bedfordshire MK44 1PB Greensleeves Homes Trust is a registered charity in England & Wales No 1060478

www.greensleeves.org.uk

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£25

Prize Crossword Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 8th April Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Mrs Awan, Clapham

For last months answers please turn to P70

Across

19 Stomach medicine, Milk of ________ (8) 22 Pledge, promise (9) 23 Age, generation (3) 24 Heavy duty power tool for masonry (6,5)

12 14 16

Down

1 9 10 11

Injured by extreme cold (11) Sprite, little demon (3) Decorate with fine needlework (9) Where the monarch sits in the theatre (5,3) Words of a book (4) Mention, point out (6) Mythical aquatic Scottish creature! (6) Timber post on a sailing ship (4)

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4 Ground-dwelling monkey with a red bottom! (6) 5 Jog, lope (4) 6 Monotonous, perpetual (7) 7 Reflection (6, 5) 8 Squander, waste (7, 4) 13 Dasher, Dancer and Rudolph (8) 15 Eyelash-enhancing make-up (7) 17 Incident, affair (6) 20 Take illegally (5) 21 Tropical tree (4)

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The Composing Cook The Composing Cook

HAM & CHEESE NOODLES ON TOAST

INGREDIENTS: 90g packet Batchelors super noodles (any flavour) 2 slices of bread, toasted 2 slices of ham – roughly chopped extra mature cheddar cheese – grated a few dashes Worcestershire sauce SERVES 1

Are you ready for the most simple, tasty snack? This is comfort food to the max and it tastes amazing. Some days it’s not about getting the right balance between your carbs and proteins; we all have those days when only carbs will do the trick. This is the perfect treat for those days, and it’s cheap, cheerful and also perfect for students for a quick and easy snack. Cook the super noodles according to the packet instructions. In the meantime, toast your choice of bread, no butter needed as you want the toast to stay crunchy. Place toast on a tray. Lay the noodles on the toast, add the ham followed by the cheese. You can decide how much cheese to put on. Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Place under a hot grill and cook until the cheese has melted and is bubbling nicely. Place on a plate and eat with a knife and fork or devour with your hands.

You can watch me make this recipe, amongst many others, by visiting my YouTube Channel, The Composing Cook. Just head over to: www.YouTube.com/TheComposingCook and there you will find me. Happy Cooking. @TheComposingCook #TheComposingCook www.instagram.com/TheComposingCook www.facebook.com/TheComposingCook

Browns of Stagsden... A proper farm shop on a proper working family run farm

Stop at Stagsden for all your local produce Home reared/local meat & poultry Fruit/vegetables. Homemade pies

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The Cross Keys Spring is in the air and we can start thinking about long, sunny days idled away in pub gardens. There is no better place to do that than the Cross Keys country pub and kitchen, tucked away in the tiny village of Wood End. The Cross Keys has it all, the menu is inspired by the flavours of Italy and can take you through from breakfast to dinner. You can start the day with pancakes, before moving on to pizza or cheese wheel pasta and finishing the night with a cocktail and dessert. On Saturdays, they offer a 2 course bottomless lunch which you can upgrade to include gin or cocktails. Once a month, they host a lobster night which I tried out on my last visit. Included is a seafood starter followed by a whole lobster with sides and a glass of Prosecco for £37.50 - a steal! The pub is modern and the atmosphere is always buzzing. There is a fantastic covered area in the garden for all year round use. In the winter, there’s blankets and heaters to keep you warm and in the warmer months, it’s the perfect sun trap with plenty of cover for the inevitable summer rain.

For more local foodie finds, make sure to check out my Instagram @lydeatsfood

T H E F R I E N D LY FA M I LY B U S I N E S S W I T H O V E R 3 5 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C E IN MADE TO MEASURE SOFT FURNISHINGS

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CLUBS & GROUPS BROMHAM SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB MONDAYS 2PM – 4.30PM & TUESDAYS 7PM – 9.30PM Do come along and try your hand at short mat bowling in Bromham Village Hall where you will find a warm and friendly welcome. Please feel free to call in during sessions or telephone one of these members to have chat. Ron Chapman 01234 822755 Sue Amor 01234 823610

KEEP FIT ASSOCIATION MATURE MOVES FOR THE ACTIVE RETIRED EVERY TUESDAY FROM 9.45AM – 11AM £5 per session Followed by coffee Christ the King Parish Hall, For information call Maggie on 07890 603705 Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

THE HIGGINS KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP EVERY THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 11AM – 1PM, FREE ENTRY Get creative and join like-minded crafters to create items for charities and events. Sessions will be running both at The Higgins Bedford and online. Booking Essential please email gemma.hutton@ bedford.gov.uk Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB THURSDAYS 8.15PM TO 10.15PM We are a friendly Country and Folk Dance Club. No partner required. It’s good fun for only £3 For more info call Ron Law 01234 825574 St Marys Church Hall, Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford MK41 0HL

GOLDEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB – FOR THE OVER 50’S EVERY THURSDAY – 2PM TO 4PM, ENTRY £1 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP Refreshments, raffle, bingo, games, crafts and more Also occasional meals and outings. For information call Marion on 01234 304382

BEDFORD FOLK & ACOUSTIC CLUB EVERY THURSDAY 8:30PM – 11PM Acoustic and folk music round-the-room. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Find us on facebook or come along. The Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7BN.

MAN CAVE EVERY FRIDAY 10AM – 1PM Opportunity to make new friends, chat and share experiences. Are you unemployed, retired, missing work colleagues or would just appreciate some company? Come and join us! Sharnbrook Scout Hut. Church Ln, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1HR

THE HIGGINS BEDFORD MINDFUL WALKS EVERY FRIDAY 11AM – 12.30PM FREE Social walking group with a drinks stop afterwards. Please observe social distancing guidelines. Maximum 30 people. Ages 18+ Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

CARERS SATURDAY SOCIAL GROUP FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH – 10AM TO 12PM On 2 April we are joined by Escape2VR for some virtual reality fun. Put on a headset, sit back, look around and enjoy. Watch the magic come alive. Do you look after someone who can’t cope without your support? This could be a parent, child, partner or other family member or friend, with any condition. Join this friendly group where you and the person you care for can meet others in similar circumstances over tea and cake. Only £2 entry. Priory Methodist Church, 63 Newnham Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9QJ

MISSING

Shadow hasn’t been seen since Thursday 3 March She may have got in a van and travelled into another area of Bedford. She has very distinctive long white eye whiskers on her right side and black on her left. If you notice a new black and white cat in your area please call

07827 015170

WHAT’S ON BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING FRIDAY 1 APRIL 7.15 FOR 7.30 START Tony Jackson will talk about the work of the Glasgow School of Art, the Glasgow Boys and later works produced in Glasgow. Entry is free for members. £5 for visitors For information contact Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK41 8EB Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk. EARLY SPRING MIGRANTS BIRD WALK SATURDAY 2 APRIL 8AM – 11AM

A guided walk led by our team of expert Volunteers. spotting the visiting spring migrants of the Millennium Country Park, like willow warblers, wheatears, chiff chaffs and winchats. Bring your own binoculars if you have them, but don’t worry if not as we have spares. No dogs are allowed on this walk, as we’ll be visiting the Wetlands Nature Reserve. Please dress for the weather and make sure you wear sturdy footwear. Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR

EAGLE GALLERY EXHIBITION – RETROSPECTIVE MARK CHENG 1930 – 2021 2 APRIL – 9 APRIL MON TO SAT 10.30AM – 5PM In aid of charity 20 St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN

BEDFORD FLORAL ART SOCIETY TUESDAY 5 APRIL 7.30PM A Floral Demonstration by Vicky Hease entitled “The Missing Years – part 2” Visitors welcome £7 The Addison Centre, Kempston, Addison Howard Park, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8PN www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk

ST PAUL’S CONCERT SERIES TUESDAY 5 APRIL 1PM – THE GOLDENTONES, CAPPELLA QUINTET TUESDAY 5 APRIL 7.30PM – RACHMANINOFF’S ALL NIGHT VIGIL (70 TO 80 MINUTES LENGTH OF PROGRAMME) SUNG BY CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR Tickets: £10, on the door. ** A retiring collection will be taken in aid of humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. ** Saturday 9 12 noon – Organ recital with Charles Wooler St Paul’s Church, Bedford (St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ)

BEDFORD REPAIR CAFÉ SATURDAY 9 APRIL 11AM – 3PM If you’ve got broken clothes, electricals, toys and household items that need repairing, why not get it checked out and see if it can be fixed for free? The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE

TRACKPLAY AT BEDFORD ATHLETICS STADIUM THURSDAY 14 APRIL 9.30AM – 4PM A day of fun for the kids in the holidays. With over 100 feet of train track and lots of different trains and carriages to choose from, your kids will have a never to forget experience. Having a GIANT THOMAS Train track to play with will provide fun and fantastic memories for your children. Different time slots to suit all, with limited places at each one to ensure everyone has plenty of space to play. Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB www.trackplay.co.uk/events/bedford DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE AT THE BEDFORD CORN EXCHANGE MONDAY 18 APRIL 2022 11.30AM, 2PM & 4PM Join the intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as they journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs. Walk with them through the Jurassic era on an unforgettable interactive experience as they introduce you to some of the most incredible species ever to have lived on Earth. Feel the excitement of meeting real life-like Dinosaurs face-to-face and hearing the tremendous roar of a T-Rex. Learn their history and even feed them but watch out – you could be on the menu.

This awe-inspiring show captivates both young and young at heart, immersing audiences in an enthralling & realistic world of Dinosaurs. bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/dinosauradventure-live/ BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP INDOOR MEETING THURSDAY 21 APRIL 7.30PM AIMING TO FINISH BY 9.30PM We are pleased to announce our first indoor meeting since the Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020. Tonight we go to North Africa for a ‘Moroccan Experience’ With Richard Pople who has been a birder for many years & has travelled extensively throughout the UK & around the world. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter Free. Facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking. Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA FRIDAY 22 APRIL 2PM TO 4PM. ENTRY £3 Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship For information call Myriam on 07590 558275 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

38TH HARROLD PIT RUN SATURDAY 23 APRIL The event encompasses 5 races from a short kids race up to a fully marshalled 3 mile race around the village of Harrold and the surrounding countryside. Fun-runners, fancydressers and serious PB hunters alike all mix in at the start line in front of The Village Green. Raising money for local causes. Online registration visit https://register.enthuse. com/ps/event/HarroldPitRun2022 Registration on the day – Friday night between 6 – 8pm, or Saturday Morning 10am-12pm at the Harrold Centre MK43 7BH

ST GEORGE’S DAY FESTIVAL AT WREST PARK SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 APRIL Celebrate our green and pleasant land and immerse yourself in the story of England at the biggest, most action-packed St George’s Day celebration in the country. Enjoy a weekend of shows, battles, games, performances and activities culminating in England’s most legendary battle. Cheer on gallant St George as he mounts his mighty steed and takes on his fiery green nemesis in the ultimate, dramatic show down. So join Wrest Park as they demonstrate everything quintessentially English and celebrate England’s legendary patron saint. englishheritage.seetickets.com/tour/wrest-park GHOST HUNT AT MOOT HALL SATURDAY 23 – SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2022 7.30PM – 00.30AM Come a long to this event and enjoy using a whole range of ghost hunting equipment! There will a number of seances and then you’ll get the chance to use the equipment in your own time. Snacks and drinks will be available all night. Ghostlygatherings.co.uk POETRY FOR PARKINSON’S COFFEE MORNING SATURDAY 30 APRIL 10AM – 12.30PM £5 entry includes tea, coffee, cake and the opportunity to listen to local poet, Liz Houghton. All proceeds to Parkinson’s Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Rd, Wilstead MK45 3BX

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any event changes, amends or cancellations. Please ensure to check ahead before attending. To list an event in our May issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 8th April. Priority will be given to non-profit events.

We are the voice for Parent Carers of children & young people 025yrs with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities in Bedford Borough. We feed back your views to Education, Health, Social Care and other departments that provide SEND services.

We are passionate about improving services for our children & young people, we’ve all had different experiences so we need to hear your views.

We hold regular Coffee Mornings, events and training sessions for parents to come along, give their views, meet other parents and to empower your to advocate for your child. If you would like to find out more or become a member please contact us or complete our online membership form by scanning this QR code or using this link : www.bbpcf.co.uk/contact

communications@bbpcf.org.uk

www.bbpcf.co.uk

07943 524553

Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (BBPCF) work in co-production with Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire CCG to improve services for children age 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We represent the whole community and all areas of SEND from Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism to Profound and Multiple Disabilities. If you are a Parent Carer of a child with any additional needs, whether they are diagnosed or not, you are welcome to become a member of the forum Contact | Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (bbpcf.co.uk). As a member we need to hear about how local services are working for your child and any issues you encounter, we need feedback on lived experiences. We then pick up any themes and feed this back at the various meetings we attend with all of the local services. We can also signpost Parent Carers who can help support them. We also provide free training for parent carers on a huge variety of subjects to empower you as a parent carer and we arrange regular get togethers with local services to discuss what the services offer and to enable parents to talk directly to them and ask any questions they may have. We always arrange these get togethers and training based on recent feedback from parent carers and what they are telling us are their burning issues. If you’d like to become a member to keep informed about what we do please complete our membership form www.bbpcf.co.uk/contact

‘Thank you for all your support, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum have really help me understand what is happening and where to get the right support.’ A quote from a parent carer

BBPCF run an annual survey for our members and most recently had over 500 responses from Parent Carers in Bedford Borough. The survey covers all of the areas of support children with SEND should receive and we find out what is and isn’t working at the moment based on lived experiences. The results of the Annual Survey that we carried out at the end of 2021 have now been published as an ‘Outcomes Report’ and hightlights the current main areas of concern and it forms what we will be prioritising for the year ahead. You can see a copy of our Outcomes Report 2021 on our website www.bbpcf.co.uk/reports 41

EASTER FUN EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST AT WREST PARK SATURDAY 2 – THURSDAY 21 APRIL 10AM – 5PM WREST PARK, SILSOE, BEDFORDSHIRE MK45 4HS

Only £3 per trail (No booking needed). Keep an eye out for even more exciting things to come... stanwicklakes.org.uk/whats-on/ CHOCOLATE AND DAIRY FREE CHOCOLATE EGG DECORATING MONDAY 4 – THURSDAY 14 APRIL (VARIOUS SESSIONS) FROSTS GARDEN CENTRE ATV WILLINGTON, SANDY RD, WILLINGTON, BEDFORD MK44 3QP

Explore the site to hunt for clues and challenges and discover traditional Easter games like egg rolling and the egg and spoon race. Track down the Easter eggs and you’ll be rewarded with a chocolate treat and an adventurer’s certificate. The quest costs just £1.50, which you can pay when you arrive at the site. This is in addition to the normal ticket price. You can take on the quest every day of the school holidays. With eggs, chocolate, and old-fashioned fun, it’s the perfect way to get out and about in history this Easter. Book online and save! english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park/ events/ EASTER EGG TRAIL SATURDAY 2 APRIL UNTIL MONDAY 18 APRIL 9AM – 4PM STANWICK LAKES, NORTHANTS NN9 6GY

Join us at Stanwick Lakes over the Easter weekend to take part in our exciting Easter egg trail to win a chocolatey treat. Yummy! Easter Egg Trail at Stanwick Lakes.

Each child will receive their very own chocolate Easter egg to decorate with sweeties. This will then be wrapped in beautiful packaging; the perfect Easter treat. Finished off with a glass of squash and storytime with a meet & greet with the Easter Bunny! frostsgroup.digitickets.co.uk/eventtickets/39733?catID=39528& EASTER AT THE FOREST OF MARSTON VALE SPRING WILDLIFE CRAFTS AND ACTIVITY TRAIL TUESDAY 5 – SUNDAY 10 APRIL 11AM – 2.30PM

The promise of springtime has some of the animals that live in the woodland very excited, and they’ve all come to see what is going on at Millennium Country

Park! We’ve hidden lots of our furry and feathered friends in the Sensory Garden – can you find them all, and win a prize?

EASTER AT HERRINGS GREEN ACTIVITY CENTRE FRIDAY 15 – MONDAY 18 APRIL HERRING GREEN FARM COTTON END ROAD, BEDFORD MK45 3DT

EASTER CRAFTS – PAINT AN EASTER EGG DECORATION TUESDAY 12 APRIL 11AM – 2PM Get crafty this Easter season and make your own wooden egg decoration at the Forest Centre! We provide the paint and the egg decoration, so you can just let your imagination run wild with fantastic designs! Ticket includes all materials for crafting, and the decoration to take home at the end of the session.

EASTER MAGIC SHOW FRIDAY 15 APRIL & SATURDAY 16 APRIL THE OLDE WATERMILL, BARTON MILL LANE, OFF FALDO ROAD, BARTON LE CLAY MK45 4RF

Pop along for a packed program or events for the whole family with a giant Easter Egg hunt daily. Plus opening this Easter is the Baby Farm. Meet the newborn lambs, goat kids and other spring babies. The perfect way to spend Easter. The Easter bunny will also be out and about during the course of the weekend to meet the children. birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/product-category/ easter-2022/ EASTER BUNNY FLY-IN AND EGG HUNT SUNDAY 17 & MONDAY 18 APRIL SHUTTLEWORTH, OLD WARDEN PARK, BIGGLESWADE SG18 9DT

Krisgar and Tricky Teddy are back for their Easter Magic Show here at The Olde Watermill Shopping Village! Come and join them for a fun packed 30 minute show full of magical antics and lots of laughter. oldewatermill.co.uk EASTER EGG HUNT ACTIVITY TRAIL FRIDAY 15 – MONDAY 18 APRIL 11AM – 2.30PM The Easter bunny has lots of energy and is feeling very mischievous! He has been whizzing around the Sensory Garden hiding lots of Easter eggs – we can’t get them back until the puzzle is solved! Can you help us find the clues and deliver the special message to get the eggs back before Easter runs out?

Look to the sky at around 11:00 to watch the Easter Bunny make fly in and make an entrance! Don’t forget to get up close to the runway! Follow the Easter Bunny into The Swiss Garden and see how many Eggs you can collect. Once you have collected all the Easter Eggs you can carry, take them to The Discovery Hub to collect your Easter Egg from The Easter Bunny. shuttleworth.org/product/easterbunnyflyin/

WIN

A family day out to the Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo Families are invited to spend a day at Twycross Zoo and experience The Gruffalo Discovery Land – a brand-new, multi-million pound land and a UK first. The new four-acre land has been developed in partnership with brand managers Magic Light Pictures and is inspired by the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The partnership brings together this much-loved children’s character and a conservation organisation that exists to protect wildlife, preserve endangered species and educate the next generation on protecting our planet. With real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, visitors to The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will encounter Mouse, Fox, Owl,

Snake and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey through the deep dark wood. With so much more on offer including over 400 animals, soft play, wet and wild play area as well as the all new The Gruffalo Discovery Land, Twycross Zoo is the perfect day out for families. The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will open on Saturday 9th April 2022. Entry is included in Twycross Zoo’s admission and visitors will be required to book an arrival timeslot online in advance of visiting. To buy tickets online and plan your visit, go to www.twycrosszoo.org/the-gruffalo-discovery-land/.

TO WIN A FAMILY FOR YOUR CHANCE O R TO THE GRUFFAL DAY OUT FOR FOU O AT TWYCROSS ZO DISCOVERY LAND MPETITIONS@ Y SIMPLY EMAIL CO E.CO.UK BY MONDA BEDSLIFEMAGAZIN GRUFFALO P 11TH APRIL AND PO THE SUBJECT IN DISCOVERY LAND

T&C’s 1. 1 winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries. 2. 1 winner will win tickets for two adults and two children under the age of 17 only, which can be redeemed for entry to Twycross Zoo only. 3. The prize tickets to Twycross Zoo are valid until 30.06.22. 4. Travel and accommodation expenses are not included, and the winner will be required to make their own travel arrangements to and from Twycross Zoo, Burton Rd, Atherstone, CV9 3PX. 5. The winner will be picked at random and notified via email on Tuesday 12th April. 6. Contact information will be supplied to a third party who will be in touch via email to arrange for the winner’s tickets to be ready and available for collection on-site. Each winner must pre-book a date and arrival timeslot in advance of their day of visit. 7. The prize is non-exchangeable, nontransferable, and is not redeemable for cash or other prizes. 8. The promoter of this competition is Bedslife. 9. Under circumstances that are unforeseen, this prize is subject to change.

Bedford Daycare Hospice Caring for people with life-limiting illnesses

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Blackthorns Sun Club Get in touch to learn more about naturism for all the family and arrange a visit to see for yourself just how relaxing it is, nestled within 15 acres of semi-ancient woodland just a few miles from Bedford. We are happy to welcome those new to naturism and show you how easy it is to enjoy its freedom. Become a member of a great club that offers relaxation, sun lawns, outdoor heated pool, sports, social events and endless fun for all the family! Electric hook-ups for caravans & tents.

Tel. 07759971899 membership@blackthorns.org.uk pro@blackthorns.org.uk

To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

MILKYS MUSIC MATTERS FOCUS ON UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS FALSE HEADS + TOFFEES Fri 8th April – Esquires Room 2

False Heads are an east London-based three-piece rock/punk band consisting of Luke Griffiths (Vocals/ Guitar), Jake Elliott (Bass) and Barney Nash (Drums/ Vocals). Emerging out of 2020 with a Joe Cross mix of ‘Twenty Nothing’ taken from their debut album the band have now clocked up near 2.8 million streams and accelerating towards the magic 3 million mark. False Heads’ reputation is picking up more pace than ever, as their sound reaches ears on a global scale and their unbelievably fearless live shows end up in controlled chaos time and time again. Think QOTSA and The Pixies with a bit of The Ramones thrown in for good measure. Support comes from Toffees and Blood-Visions.

EMF + GUESTS Sun 10th April – Esquires

It’s true EMF hit Bedford for the first time ever! In 1990, their debut single “Unbelievable” topped the charts in many countries around the world, reaching number 1 in the U.S. in July 1991. The single featured sampled utterances from comedian Andrew Dice Clay. In 1991, EMF released their debut album Schubert Dip which went to number 3 in the UK. The name was explained by songwriter Ian Dench, as “If ever I’m short of a chord sequence, I nick one from Schubert. Successful singles from the album included “I Believe”, “Children”, and “Lies”. After several small mini reunions over the last decade, they’re soon to release their first album of all-new material since 1995. GO GO SAPIENS is the album fans have been patiently waiting for. It begins a fresh new era of EMF. Funded by and created for these dedicated fans of the band, the new album reinvents the classic EMF sound. The album features

SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE – UPCOMING GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY ESQUIRES Fri 1st April Sat 2nd April Fri 8th April Sat 9th April Sun 10th April Wed 13th April Fri 15th April Sat 16th April Wed 20th April

Bambara Girls in Synthesis The False Heads The Lovely Eggs EMF The Bug Club Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard Dreadzone RIDE (very very sold out!)

Thur 21st April Fri 22nd April Sat 23rd April Sun 24th April Mon 25th April Sat 30th April Fri 6th May

The Boo Radleys Missing Andy The Dekkertones The Natvral (ex-Pains of Being Pure at Heart) Liz Lawrence Gene Loves Jezabel Coach Party

+ many more, check listings at bedfordesquires.com for details or facebook.com/bedfordesquires Tickets available from Esquires, Slide Record Shop and online at seetickets.com

11 tracks written and recorded during the summer of 2021. The lead single from the album will be the blistering rock track called “Sister Sandinista.” EMF are excited to showcase their new material, and are planning to conduct a small UK tour in April of 2022 bringing the show to Bedford for their very first visit to the venue on Sunday 10th April

THE BOO RADLEYS + ALI MACQUEEN Thur 21st April – Esquires

the greatest band on the planet’. Having split in 1999 following the release of ‘Kingsize’, original members Sice, Tim and Rob got the band back together in 2021 to release the EP ‘A Full Syringe and Memories of You’ and play a select few dates. With a new LP ‘Keep On With Falling’ due shortly and a handful of live dates, we are excited to welcome the band back to a venue they last played 30 years ago. Boo Forever!

COMING UP, COMING UP Bands who will go onto bigger things (do not miss your chance to see them before they play much bigger venues) – The Bug Club, Buzzard x 3, Liz Lawrence, Coach Party St Patricks Day party – Life of Riley Indie Legends – The Boo Radleys, EMF, RIDE Big names – Dreadzone Punk – The Lovely Eggs Ska – The Dekkertones Indie Rock – The False Heads Keep music live, Milky

Hugely influential sonic adventurers, the Boo Radleys released a succession of albums in the nineties on Creation Records that encompassed Shoegaze (‘Everything’s Alright Forever’), Britpop (Number 1 album ‘Wake Up’) and absolutely everything inbetween (‘Giant Steps’ – Select Magazine & NME readers Album of the Year). For 64 minutes in 1993 The Boo Radleys revolutionised The Beatles and out Smiled The Beach Boys. For 64 minutes they were 49

THE ECO HOUSE If building or buying from new, here is your ultimate eco tick-list. Fabric First The Fabric First approach to building and renovating looks at improving the fabric of the building before considering investment in renewables. By ensuring a property is well insulated and airtight, you will reduce the amount of energy required to heat the home overall. These fabrics include sustainably sourced materials, materials with a low carbon footprint, as well as natural and recycled materials. Carbon neutrality A carbon neutral home focuses on offsetting any carbon produced in the process of building it, as well

as the footprint of heating and powering the space. This means using materials with a low carbon footprint, as well as renewable systems that don’t rely on fossil fuels. Cradle-to-cradle This concept looks at the lifecycle of materials, ensuring that not only are they sustainably produced, but can also be disposed of in a sustainable manner, whether that’s recycling, reusing or being made from biodegradable materials. The Healthy Home concept The Healthy Home ideal relates to the wellbeing of those who reside there. This means catering for everything from indoor air quality, protecting sleep cycles and

factors that impact mental health. This approach looks at the effect a house has on the individual, as well as the wider community. Biophilic design This element connects your home to nature, both around it and within it. It encompasses an outside/inside approach, where natural life and materials interweave together and in harmony.

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Beautiful

butterflies The sight of a butterfly is sure to put a smile on your face. These delicate, fluttering creatures bring beauty and colour into our lives, and are synonymous with sunshine and bright, warm days. A butterfly’s colourful wings play an important role in their survival. The insects are seen as tasty morsels by a variety of predators, and their vibrant colours act as a deterrent, signalling to hunters that they are potentially toxic. Patterns also act as a warning. Butterflies such as the peacock butterfly have large circular ‘eyepatches’ on their wings, which help to fool a potential attacker into thinking they are face-to-face with an altogether different creature. Butterfly wings are actually made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny scales, arranged like roof tiles. Butterflies are cold-blooded, and their scales help them

to regulate temperature by absorbing heat, as well as improving their aerodynamic efficiency. If a butterfly is handled, these fragile structures can become dislodged (you may see a fine dust on your fingers) so it’s best to avoid touching their wings at all costs. There are 59 species of butterfly in the UK, and many of these can be seen around Bedfordshire – in woodlands, meadows, heathlands and of course, your garden or local park. As the weather starts to become warmer, one of the first species you might encounter is the brimstone butterfly. Brimstone are one of the longest-living British butterflies, surviving for around a year. They hibernate as adults in woodlands, concealing themselves in evergreen foliage until the temperature rises enough for them to emerge. They are fairly large, and very distinctive. Males are lemonyellow, while females are greenish-white.

If you want to attract brimstone butterflies to your garden, plant a few buckthorn or alder buckthorn – they make great hedges! These are the only two food plants of the caterpillar, so after mating in spring, the females will seek out these plants to lay their eggs on. Look on the underside of leaves for the eggs. After hatching, the caterpillars munch their way through a few leaves before pupating and emerging as adults during autumn, to begin the cycle again. Another ‘early-bird’ butterfly to look out for is the orange-tip butterfly, usually on the wing from late March. As the name suggests, the white wings of the males are tipped with bright orange. Females are not quite as pretty, with grey-black wingtips. While the butterfly is at rest, you’ll be able to see an intricate green pattern on the underside of its wings.

There are

species of butterf ly in the UK, and many of these can be seen around Bedfordshire They sometimes visit gardens, and you’ll often encounter in woodlands, meadows and hedgerows. They lay their eggs on garlic mustard and hedge mustard. Consuming the leaves of these plants apparently gives the caterpillars a foul, mustard taste – another effective predator deterrent! By the time winter arrives, the caterpillars have pupated and spend winter as a chrysalis, which gives them a head start over other butterflies that spend winter as caterpillars or eggs. If you’re heading out for a walk at one of our woodland sites on a sunny spring day, another species that you could encounter is the speckled wood butterfly. This active butterfly sports chocolatey-brown wings with creamy yellow spots and eye spots. It frequents sun-dappled glades and pathways through woodlands, and you’ll often see it basking on bramble leaves in the sunshine. Males are fiercely territorial, and if another strays into its patch it will rise and the pair will spiral through the air until one becomes exhausted. The intruder is almost always the loser – butterflies get their energy from warm sunlight, so the attacker will already have lost heat and depleted his energy stores while flying to his sunbathing rival!

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We only use local trade people as and when required We are based in Bromham and work alongside other Bromham businesses to help keep work in the local community. 50 mile radius covered

No call out charges • Pre-fixed price 24/7 • 365 days a year

Call your local plumber today

01234 822651 • 07748 032051

Bedford & Surrounding Areas

01234 742900

DDR Bedford Bedslife 64x93.indd 1

ALL TYPES OF BESPOKE GARAGE DOORS MADE TO MEASURE GARAGE DOORS REPAIRS

Argents Installations

07/11/2017 16:45:37

We are a local Family run business with over 20 years experience so you're in good hands. For a free brochure or to book a no obligation survey, please visit our website.

FREE PHONE: 08000 141 911 EMAIL: SERVICE@ARGENTSINSTALLATIONS.CO.UK WEBSITE: ARGENTSINSTALLATIONS.CO.UK To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

T UN O C DIS HER* rs 5 2 £ UC Hou VOn Out of tion for

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IN AN EMERGENCY Acorn House operates an emergency service run by our own permanent team of vets and nurses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. • This service is run from our own premises (unlike some practices who require you to travel to other premises out of hours). • We have a dedicated oncall nurse caring for pets who stay at the surgery overnight. • In case of an out of hours emergency please TELEPHONE 01234 261839. Please visit our website for further details & pricing Acorn House Veterinary Hospital Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN

Tel: 01234 261839 www.acornhousevets.com Register online today. Out of Hours BedsLocal_2018.indd 1

09/12/2017 13:13

Neutering male dogs

It is possible to neuter male dogs so that they cannot cause pregnancy in entire female dogs. This is known as castration. There are pros and cons to this procedure so we recommend that pet owners and vets consider each dog as an individual when deciding whether to have their pet neutered.

Advantages of castration • Avoidance of unwanted pregnancy in households with an entire bitch (though we would usually recommend that the bitch is neutered) • Reduction of roaming and other sexual and frustration behaviours • Can be an effective treatment for urine marking inside the house • When a new puppy has been brought into a household containing an older, entire male dog castration of the puppy when he reaches adulthood can reduce the risk of conflict developing between the dogs. • Sometimes this procedure is recommended for medical reasons (e.g if a testicle tumour is found)

Disadvantages of castration • Although castration is a straightforward procedure, it is still a surgical operation performed under general anaesthetic, so is not entirely riskfree. • Dogs will need to be kept quiet for 2 weeks after surgery to allow healing.

• Dogs tend to be more prone to weight gain after castration, so a reduction in calories fed is usually required. • There are some associations with castration and other health conditions, including joint problems later in life. It is common to delay neutering until dogs have finished growing, to minimise these risks. • Neutering takes away testosterone so can make nervous dogs less confident, which can aggravate fear-driven behaviour problems. Your vet will be able to help you decide whether castration will be a good decision for your pet. For behaviour cases, a longer consultation and observation with a behaviourist may be suggested. A non-surgical and temporary option of “chemical castration” is also available. This is an implant that is injected into the neck like a microchip and lasts for 6-12 months (depending on the implant), after which time it can be repeated.

GBS

GARDEN BUILDING SERVICES LIMITED

• Installation • Base Laying Service • Building Disposal • Free Site Visits

Sheds Greenhouses Summerhouses Home Offices Workshops Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

01234 851081

info@gardenbuildingservices.co.uk

www.garden-building-services.co.uk

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To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Gardening Tips and Advice from

The Potting Shed of the Gentleman Gardener April already: a jumble of spring and summer. Whether a cottage garden or castle grounds, the love, attention and care we show our gardens will reward us as the growing year rolls on. Get ready for Wimbledon early and plant your strawberries. They’ll be ripe and juicy in time for the tournament from 27 June to 10 July. Love your salad days? Plant delicious mustard and rocket throughout the spring. If the ground is still a bit chilly, garden fleece will help protect them. Sow hardy annuals such as nasturtium, calendula and poppies, and remember to plant taller plants behind shorter ones, just like your old school class photo. It’s not too early to start preparing your hanging baskets, which will be the envy of your neighbour’s. I’ve already started. Add slow-release fertiliser and water-retaining crystals and your baskets will bloom all through the season. Hanging baskets take the eye away from ground colour and add design balance to your garden.

Lawns now need regular mowing. Keep your edges neatly trimmed. If you do this fairly frequently, before the grass gets too long, there’s no need to pick up the edge clippings. They will soon wither and die and mix with the soil. Now is the time to plant asparagus crowns. The ground must be well prepared by deep digging and generous manuring. It’s best to plant one-year-old crowns, and the new plants should not be cropped until they have been in the ground for two years. I like my asparagus pan fried, covered in butter, for three minutes. Remove the lid and turn up the heat for three minutes more, then season and drizzle lemon juice over them. Enjoy your gardens and, as the days get longer, try to spend as much time as you can out there. The Gentleman Gardener

Guttering Problems? • Gutters cleaned • Leaking gutters repaired • New guttering fitted All by a friendly, local, established company Call Rob on

01234 480244 or 07977 206403

EDEN TREE SPECIALISTS

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

01234 960796 www.edentreespecialists.co.uk info@edentreespecialists.co.uk

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Architects APC Design

Estate Agents & Property 55

Artificial Grass Prestige Lawns

31 5

H.C Restorations

21 45 33

Handy Man Services JB Domestic Ltd

66 60 66 56 63 66

3 23

Home Improvements HomeFix ( Home Counties ) Ltd

29 51

67 21 23

Health & Fitness The Private Pain Clinic Private GP

Electrician Craddock Electrical Services Ltd M Halls Electrical

MK Guttering

Deborah Hair Enhance Guniot Beauty Rooms

Drain Experts Drain Doctor

Oakgate Joinery

Curtains & Blinds Emperor Blinds

Bryan Johnson Landscapes Garden Building Services MJ Nicholson SI Waterscapes TPI garden Services Whites

Hair & Beauty

Computer Repair/Maintenance/Sales Oakley IT

25 66 57

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Clothing Lodgeway Countrywear

4 Counties Garage Doors Almond Garage Doors Argent Installations

Gates & Access Solutions 23 67

Clock Repairs & Sales Bedford Clocks

Gardening Services/Supplies

Cleaning Services Aroma Clean OvenClean Bedford

Garage Doors

Chimney Sweep The Black Horse Chimney Sweep

Neville Funeral Service

Children’s Services Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum

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Charities Age UK Bedford Daycare Hospice The Bread Project

Browns of Stagsden

Funeral Services

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Kitchen Doors Dream Doors

Roofing 11

Bucks Roofing L & P Elite Roofing Ltd New Life Roofing

Skip Hire

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Paul Riches

Locksmiths A Rocket

Access4lofts Home Counties Loft Ladders LTD

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The Higgins Bedford

Blackthorns Sun Club

Bromham Painting & Decorating Craig Johnson

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Plasterer CM Plastering

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Paul Jones Cars

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital

Will Writing 71

Window Repairs & Glazing Cloudy 2 Clear

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

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Residential Care Home Sharnbrook House

M & S Upholstery

The Will Writing Company

Recruitment Department of Recruitment

Upholstery

Veterinary Practice

Property Maintenance Mr Fix Property Maintenance

Used Car Buyers

Plumbing, Heating & Boiler Services BHC Heating & Plumbing CM Plumbing TR Donnelly

Tree Surgeons Eden Tree Specialists

Painting & Decorating

Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs Crystal Leisure Pools Ltd

Naturist Site

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Museums & Art Galleries

Soft Furnishings International Soft Furnishings Ltd

Loft Ladders

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Retirement Living Elderswell

A DV E RT I S E R I N D E X

CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS

GARAGE DOORS

CLASSIFIEDS

Clock Repairs • Clock Sales

ALMOND GARAGE DOORS LTD

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01234 217104 Associate member of the British Horological institute for 25 years

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FURNISHINGS

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Unit 1a, College Farm, Oakley, MK43 7RX

GARDENING SERVICES Complete Re-upholstery Service

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

College Farm, Lovell Road, Oakley MK43 7RX, Tel: 01234 826066 Email: info@whites-online.co.uk www.whites-online.co.uk

ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE REPAIR AND RESTORATION IN BEDFORDSHIRE

Domestic & Commercial Large Selection in Stock Sales, Service, Parts & Repair

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

E-MAIL: HCRESTORATIONS@SKY.COM WWW.HCRESTORATIONS.CO.UK 59Haydn ELSTOW ROAD, KEMPSTON, BEDS. MK428HH Call on 01234 851 624 or 07958 710 979 E-MAIL: HCRESTORATIONS@SKY.COM WWW.HCRESTORATIONS.CO.UK hcrestorations@sky.com • www.hcrestorations.co.uk

Briggs & Stratton Service Centre Sales, Service, Parts and Repair Also available Indespension and Apache Trailers

HEATING ENGINEER

OVEN CLEANER

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USEFUL RESOURCES

BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY Delivering a wide range of rural development and community projects.

ACCESS BEDFORD Works with the D/deaf and hard of hearing community to make Bedford Borough more accessible. They also have a facebook social group for Deaf people living in and around Bedford Tel 07376 262 873 www.accessbedford.org.uk

AGE UK BEDFORDSHIRE Local organisation solely devoted to the welfare of the over 50’s in Bedfordshire. Tel 01234 360510 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

AUTISM BEDFORDSHIRE Independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and their families across Bedfordshire.

Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk

BEDFORDSHIRE WELLBEING SERVICE Offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better. Tel 01234 880400 www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk

BEDFORD WOMEN’S CENTRE Supporting women in the community who may have experienced Domestic Abuse or want more information about healthy relationships. Tel 01234 316801 www.bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk

BOLD

Tel 01234 350704 www.autismbedfordshire.net

BEDFORD BOROUGH LOCAL OFFER A place where parents and young people with Special Educational Needs and or disabilities can find clubs, activities and services to support them and their families Here you will find details of upcoming events, clubs and services available in the Borough of Bedford. www.localoffer.bedford.gov.uk

Supporting and advocating for people with a learning disability and challenging behaviours. Tel 01234 352899 www.bo4ld.org.uk

CARERS IN BEDFORDSHIRE Local charity helping unpaid carers of all ages and backgrounds to cope with the stresses of their caring role. Tel 0300 111 1919 www.carersinbeds.org.uk

CATS PROTECTION BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE Provides individualised holistic care to patients suffering with a life-limiting condition from the point of diagnosis through treatment to remission or palliative care. Tel 01234 352 015 www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk

Tel 0345 260 2505 www.cats.org.uk/bedford

CHUMS Mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people 01525 863924 www.chumscharity.org

CITIZENS ADVICE

MINDBLMK

An independent charitable organisation that helps people resolve their problems by providing information and advice.

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Tel 01234 867944 www.bedfordcab.org.uk

COMMUNITY VOLUNTARY SERVICE BEDFORDSHIRE (CVS ) Support for voluntary and community sector organisations in Bedfordshire. Tel 01234 354366 www.cvsbeds.org.uk

Tel 0300 330 0648 www.mind-blmk.org.uk

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE BEDS & NORTHANTS Provides help, support and therapy for those with MS in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. Tel 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

FACES (FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S EARLY-HELP SERVICES) local independent charity offering practical and emotional support to families under stress. 01234 270601 www.facesbedford.org

OPEN DOOR Charity providing FREE and confidential counselling to young people aged 13 – 25. Tel 01234 360388 www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk

ROAD VICTIMS TRUST FAMILIES FIRST BEDFORDSHIRE 01234 341977 www.familiesfirstbedfordshire.org.uk

Offers a range of free support services to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire who have been affected by fatal road collisions.

Tel 01234 843345 www.rvtrust.org.uk

FRIENDS FOR LIFE A local charity working to address the social isolation of residents in Bedford’s care homes

Tel 07460 575410 www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk

MEN AS VICTIMS Group support is provided for men who have experienced domestic abuse in a safe, therapeutic environment. This service is for male victims living in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire or Luton.

Tel 01234 341977 www.bedsdv.org.uk/get-help/men-as-victims/

SMILEY CLUB (PART OF BEDFORD MENCAP) Provides a fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities.

Tel 07798 762 808

SUE RYDER ST JOHN’S HOSPICE A specialist palliative care and treatment centre providing hospice care for people facing a frightening, life-changing diagnosis. Tel 01767 642412 | www.sueryder.org

THE JOBS HUB MENCAP (BEDFORD) A voluntary organisation operating in Bedford and surrounding areas supporting individuals with a learning disability and their families.

Provides an all age careers advice and employment support service for people that live in and around Bedford. Tel 01234 223510 www.bedfordjobshub.co.uk

Tel 07973 859940 www.bedfordmencap.org.uk 69

MARCH PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

MARCH PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

February 2017

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 30th April 2022

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 30th April 2022 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.

Please mention YOURLOCALFLYER when responding to adverts

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