BedsLife Magazine December 2017 by BedsLife Magazine

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December 2017

WIN!

A Real Christmas Tree Packed Italian Hamper Bumper Christmas ÂŁ50 Crossword Cineworld tickets 2017 Appeals Christmas in a Box Rogans Books â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gifts for Children The Wishing Tree Appeal Keech Santa Run

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25,000

copies delivered in Bedford and the surrounding villages

Make it Magical! Enjoy shopping ‘til 8pm Thursdays from 24th November until Christmas We’re normally open 9am – 5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 10am – 4pm Sundays, but you can shop for a little longer on the following days…

November Thursday 23rd Black Friday 24th Thursday 30th

9am – 8pm 8am – 6pm 9am – 8pm

January

New Year’s Day Tuesday 2nd Wednesday 3rd

9am – 8pm 9am – 6pm 10am – 4pm 9am – 8pm 8am – 6pm 10am – 4pm 8am – 8pm 8am – 6pm 10am – 4pm Closed 8am – 6pm

So much to enjoy for all but spare a thought for others who don’t have such a great time at Christmas, the vulnerable, homeless and elderly too. Anything you can do to donate or even just to make a kind gesture – it all counts.

9am – 6pm 10am – 4pm

harpur_centre

For further information please call 01234 357 330 harpurcentre.co.uk

S.H.I.N.E

Alistair Burt – A week in Ministerial Life

Free online Support for Carers

Senior Snippets

Mobility Hub

Recipe – Pecan Pie

BedPop Christmas

SoupFest

Christmas Appeals

Keech Santa Run

What’s On

MK Theatre – Jersey Boys

Rogans Books – Gifts for Children

Keep your Cat safe at Christmas

Tarotscopes

December Gardens

Services & Classifieds

Volunteering Opportunties

Thank you for all your support this year.

The BedsLife Team

Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk

BedsLife Magazine @BedsLife

Januar bookingy deadline 8 Decemberth 2017

Consumer – Save on Energy Tariffs

Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 / 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Teresa Tel 01234 310521 / 07429 136815 E: teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Happy Christmas to all our readers, advertisers and distributors.

Closed 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm

Harpur Shopping Centre

here has 2017 gone! The season is upon us and it is time to stop for a moment in our busy lives (if possible!) and think about what we can do to help others at this time of year.

Enter our competition to win a Christmas tree on page 39 and why not give the regular ones a go too? Be in with a chance to win a delicious hamper from La Piazza, a bumper prize of £50 on the Christmas crossword and Cinema tickets from Cineworld.It’s late night shopping in Bedford- open ‘til 8pm Thursdays and every night from 18th – 22nd December and 6pm on Saturdays. Free parking in the Harpur Centre basement car park from 6pm on late nights and all day every Sunday.

Enjoy FREE PARKING in the basement car park from 6pm every late night and all day on Sundays. @HarpurCentre

to December…

This month, we feature three inspiring Christmas Appeals you can make a difference to. Don’t miss the seasonal community events including the Christmas Tree Festival p8 and SoupFest on p33. The usual What’s On pages includes local Christmas events too.

December Thursday 7th Saturday 9th Sunday 10th Thursday 14th Saturday 16th Sunday 17th Monday 18th – Friday 22nd Saturday 23rd Christmas Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day Wednesday 27th – Saturday 30th New Year’s Eve

Content Welcome.. & Features

Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good 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.

Money matters

Merry Christmas to you all

S.H.I.N.E Bah humbug By Martin Lewis

Supporting people with Autism to gain work

Christmas is coming and millions will celebrate it as a retail festival. Call me Scrooge – and many do – but I’d love to ban the giving of unnecessary presents.

ot gifts for your partner and kids Make a list – and check it twice! under the tree, but rather that Christmas shopping on impulse is dangerous. So ever growing list of teachers, make a shopping listsupport and stick to it. Remember, The long and term aims of S.H.I.N.E are to uccess Hides In New Employment extended family, work colleagues shops spend a fortune on targeting your individuals gain permanent for whom like a to successfully S.H.I.N.E was bornmore in May 2017,buying feels spending impulses – a list helps you beat them. employment, chore rather than a joy, ending up withto help build their confidence and developed by David Atkinson self-belief abilities rather tit-for-tat giving with items that fewby showing their Setskills up and a Christmas cupboard and Liane Carrick from Bromham than being viewed as a disability. also Make a listS.H.I.N.E of who you need to buy for and want, need or use. through a desire to work with and whento you see gifts atthat greatpeople prices, grab, wrap, aims to raise awareness employers and put in your Christmas cupboard what about a spectrum autistic have a “can do” and “will – the earlier support individuals with So autism andthe joy of giving?onButthethere’s the better. cost to that too. While it may feel generous to do” attitude. their families. It has since evolved into

give to someone, you are effectively obligating Buy a cheaper turkey! themintothe buy you back misprioritise working with local schools area toand helpS.H.I.N.E first successful "It'stheir Christmas! We need the best!" Everyone finances. After all, if you give them a have £10 already had achieve work experiencetheir placements for adultpair gain paid employment after a two goods -but don't presumes to prefer higher-brand bobble hat and they give you ayoung £10 novelty be aplacement. retail snob. Buy what's right for you, not the years 10 and above fromofASC socks provisions. in return, the net resultweek is they’ve workspent experience They have also shop. Visit from www.mysupermarket.co.uk to compare £10 on a hat they neither wanted nor needed – placed a number of students a local school the cost of goods at the big online supermarkets. may’vesessions been better spent! David has run specialist sportswhich coaching which is proving to be highly beneficial to the

for over 8 years for children and adults with students. So why not set up a pre-NUPP (No Unnecessary additional needs with the support of Kempston Present Pact) to say I won’t buy for you and you Rovers Football Club. Many ofdon’t the children have Although buy for me – or at least limit the cost.S.H.I.N.E. was set up to support people Debtthey worries over now become young adults and find they struggle on the autistic spectrum, will never turnXmas? help Budget! Before you start planning, consider with finding employment opportunities. David’s anyone away if theirGet needs can be met. Sadly, Christmas isn't jolly for all. Managing this: many of us once list every lusted-for item, gifts son, 21, is also on the autistic spectrum and If you are a local business willing to give a young your Christmas the wrong way round can for all and a corking meal, then only afterwards he left full-time education, he seemed to “fall off opportunity if youfor ordebt a family member be or a recipe and disappointment. consider: "How will I pay for it?"person That's aan recipe the radar” and found it hard totoprogress. are on the autistic spectrum would like Free one and to one help is on further hand at www. be broke. Talking Instead, calculate your budget and moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan to othe individuals, their parents carers, it or support, please contact us. ask:and "What can I afford to spendinformation on Christmas?" is one day – don't ruin the whole of became apparent this was notChristmas an isolated incident. thehas nextpreviously year for it. Liane has a son with ADHD and Tel: 01234 965978 or worked in Learning Support with young adults 07434 260289 12 on the autistic spectrum, as a Communication or 07968 396249 Support Worker with young people and adults with Email enquiries@shineltd.org.uk hearing impairment and is qualified to Level 6 in www.shineltd.org.uk British Sign Language. 4

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‘Stories for Children’:

Christmas Tree Festival

St Paul’s church Bedford 6th – 10th December

his year’s annual must-see festival of 60 Christmas trees decorated to the theme of ‘Stories for Children’ runs from 6-10 December at St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. Julia Jarman, local author of children’s books, will open the Festival at 10.45 am on Wednesday 6 December, followed by the first of daily choral concerts by local schools and community groups.

Festival opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm Sunday 12 noon-4 pm Admission £2.50. Children under 16 free Refreshments daily ‘Where are Mr Toad and his friends?’ is the free children’s competition running throughout the festival. Julia Jarman is presenting four of her own books as prizes suitable for children aged 0-12 yrs. She will also sign copies of her many books for sale, immediately following the opening on 6 December. 8

www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Central Bedfordshire Council

St Martins Business Centre, Cambridge Road, Bedford. MK42 0LF

0800 294 6550 www.acesecurity.co.uk Quote Bed01 to claim discount before 31.12.17

The Festival Concert on Saturday 9 December at 7.00 pm features Cellophony, the octet of cellos that played to a packed house in 2015. Richard Birchall will lead Cellophony in a wide selection of music to suit all ages including his latest composition – ‘Wind in the Willows’, with a narrator. Concert tickets at £15.00 each, including mulled wine & mince pies, are available at www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk or from either St Paul’s church tel 01234–340163 or from 01234-783181. Help to raise £10,000 to be shared between the Church and The Bedford Hospitals Charity, some of whose proceeds will be for The Primrose Car Service. Further details www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk www.facebook.com/ stpaulschurchbedford2016 www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk

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

CONSUMER

Don’t wait for an energy cap,

SERVICES

Money Matters

save £300+ now

It’s time to snuggle up and sort out your energy bills…

Winter is the highest-use energy period and on average most people are overspending by over 30% (often £300 a year) due to being on the wrong tariff.

If you’ve not switched in the last 12 months and are with one of the big six – British Gas, EDF, E.on, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE – invariably means you’re one of those people, as you’ll be on their very expensive standard tariff. If you’re with anyone else, you could still be overpaying too. If a cap on prices passes through parliament, it’s over a year away and the savings will likely be trivial compared to what you can save now.

Is it easy to switch tariff?

It only takes minutes to find your cheapest deal and then it should be switched over in 21 days. Those who worry about switching, don’t – it’s the same pipes, gas, meter, safety and you don’t lose supply – the only difference is price and customer service. Put your details into my Cheap Energy Club at www.mse.me/energyclub, or any other www.ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site to show the best deal for you. If you have your bills

By Martin Lewis CLASSIC WEDDING CAR HIRE

to hand to do this, great but even if not, most comparison sites will estimate.

idgmont Classics are proud to present a selection of classic British gems for weddings in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. Other area requests considered.

Comparison sites are now allowed to only show you tariffs that pay them, which means you may not see the whole of the market (my Cheap Energy Club defaults to all deals).

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Why are the cheapest always small companies I’ve never heard of?

The energy market is swamped with new firms, and often at launch they offer super-cheap deals to build a customer base; yet feedback is limited or poor. Often, the few on your results page are new. If that worries you, simply scroll down to one you know, or one with good customer service feedback. The savings can still be over £300 so if you’re nervous, it’s best to go for that. Even though many of the big six have hideous tariffs, they can also offer some good ones. Always compare, as the cheapest does depend on your situation. Remember, most cheap tariffs are fixes, so you’re guaranteed no price rises for a set time.

01234 831731 • www.ridgmontclassics.co.uk

A ‘meet and great’ service is available to M&DH Executive Chauffeurs customers. In addition, complimentary refreshments* are available during journeys. We can provide a regular account facility should you require it. A ‘meet and great’ service is available to M&DH Executive Chauffeurs customers. In addition, complimentary refreshments* are available during journeys. We can provide a regular account facility should you require it.

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

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SERVICES MP COLUMN

Views from

Alistair Burt, your Local MP... A WEEK IN MINISTERIAL LIFE Monday: Arrive back 6am. Urgent Question pops up in the Commons on President Trump’s decision on the Iranian nuclear arms deal. Answer it for over an hour. Meet the Lebanese Education Minister to discuss what assistance we are giving to refugee children needing schooling. British people doing an excellent job Tuesday: Regular questions in the Commons on the work of the FCO. In the afternoon meet with railways Minister and fellow Bedfordshire MPs to make case for alterations to the proposals for trains in the East Midlands franchise.

ince June I have been, as many of you will know, the Minister responsible for the Middle East and North Africa at both the Foreign Office and the Department of International Development. The work of each is fascinating. The FCO tends to deal with the immediate, from crises such as the conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq to longer running issues such as those between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as the day to day relationships with Governments in the region. DFID deals mostly with longer term development needs, such as global education or health issues, together with responses to more urgent problems such as humanitarian relief in conflict, or natural disasters. 12

As my Facebook and Twitter suggest, I could fill a column every month with journeys and events, but I’m keen to spare a running commentary! But occasionally a week pops up which gives a clue about what things can be really like, while still working for my constituents. So here is a life in a real week of a Minister: Friday: Visit Shuttleworth for a meeting about tourism in Bedfordshire, with key movers and shakers. We have great things to say about our county! Meeting with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire. Saturday/ Sunday: Fly Saturday afternoon to Riyadh for a visit to Saudi Arabia, principally to discuss progress for peace in Yemen, a conflict affecting us all significantly. Return overnight, sleeping on the plane. A business class bed helps.

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Wednesday: Regular questions for DFID this time, and in the afternoon appear for an hour and a half at the International Development Select Committee to answer questions on our work for global education progress. Good things to report! Head for Heathrow for overnight flight to Bahrain

Thursday: all day Bahrain for talks about the region and its conflicts and where we can work together, also to discuss human rights issues, external pressures and trade and business. Fly back overnight again, sleeping on the plane once more. Friday: return to London as I am on duty for both Departments in case anything comes up in the Commons, then to Heathrow again. This time Easyjet to Cyprus, and on to RAF Akrotiri for the night. Saturday: Fly with RAF Hercules to El Alamein for the honour of presenting the wreath on behalf of HMG on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the battle which turned the course of WW2, to visit the Commonwealth Cemetery and pay tribute to those whose sacrifices we must always remember. Very proud to do so. Evening return to London, Easyjet from Paphos, arriving midnight. Home to Bedfordshire. An exceptional week, with 17,250 miles of travel. In case you wonder why not put a longer trip together, the answer is that we have no pairing at present in Parliament so I have to be in London for votes. Hence the to-ing and fro-ing. Thank you for electing me to perform these roles for the constituency and country.

Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

SERVICES

How old do you have to be

to make a Will? T

he legal age to make a Will is generally 18 and is important regardless of age or how much you own. If you do not have a Will, the state decides who is entitled to your estate under the Intestacy Rules on your death which, if you are not married or in a civil partnership, is likely to be your nearest blood relative. Here are just some of the many reasons for making a Will when you are young.

• If you own a property together it is important to know whether it is as ‘joint tenants’ or ‘tenants in common’ – with joint tenants the survivor owns it outright on your death but with tenants in common your nearest blood relative would own your share • You can appoint a guardian to look after your child if you and the other parent die • You may have specific things you want a friend to have • If you have some financial assets, you may wish siblings to inherit them rather than parents.

• You might want to stop an absent parent turning up and claiming their half share or arguing over the funeral arrangements • As an unmarried couple, your partner will not inherit anything of yours so you may want to be specific in what you leave them

For further information on Wills, Trusts & Probate please contact Hunt & Coombs Solicitors on 01480 702207 or email info@hcsolicitors.co.uk or visit www.hcsolicitors.co.uk.

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Celebrate in Bedford Borough this year by supporting your local markets, shops, restaurants and events! #BedfordXmas

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Reassurance when you need it most Caring for your home Wishing all our clients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Offering an honest, reliable and professional domestic cleaning service. We would be happy to visit you to discuss your requirements. DBS checked and fully insured. References available. Â Â Â Â Â Â CLEANERS WANTEDÂ ARE YOU RELIABLE, HARD WORKING AND ENJOY CLEANING? WE WOULD Â Â Â Â Â Â LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 20

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edford Borough Council is joining forces with national charity Carers UK to offer support to carers via an online platform that can be accessed 24/7.

At a click of a mouse, carers in Bedford will have free, 24/7 access to the Digital Resource for Carers, an online environment that hosts a range of resources to help carers manage care and caring. Cllr Anthony Forth, Portfolio Holder for Adults’ Services said: “Being a carer comes with great reasonability and it can be daunting. This online tool will act as the carers ‘friend’, offering advice and guidance. It’s important that carers are supported and cared for too.” To find out more about the Digital Resource for Carers visit carersdigital.org and create a new account by using code DGTL9072. 22

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SERVICES

Senior Snippets

Be a good neighbour this Christmas

t makes a difference to stop and take time to check on the wellbeing of an elderly neighbour. Here’s how you can make a difference to a local person this festive time:

Catch up over a cuppa Instead of simply popping a Christmas card through the door, why not drop by with a card and box of biscuits? Young at heart If you have children, why not suggest they pop round to an elderly neighbour’s with you for a game of Monopoly or Cluedo? Casserole club Next time you prepare a casserole, add some to stretch the dish and take a portion round to a neighbour. It’s a gesture that they will appreciate and ensures they get a wholesome, nutritious meal.

Lay an extra place at the table Invite a neighbour round to share a meal with you and your family

Shopping can be fun Christmas shopping can be worrying for an elderly person. You could take a neighbour shopping? Maybe a lift in to town or help them to find and buy presents. Deck the halls Could you help a neighbour put up their tree or some decorations to make their house look festive and bright. Happy Christmas! Home Instead Senior Care, 106A Bedford road, Wootton, Bedford, MK43 9JB. Tel 01234 868820.

www.homeinstead.co.uk/Bedford 24

edford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity are working together to provide a new Mobility Hub alongside Door to Door’s community transport services for those who are unable to use or access public transport.

A Bedford town centre mobility service will operate from new premises in Bedford Bus station in partnership with Bedford Shopmobility who previously operated a mobility service from a unit in the Howard Centre. The Mobility Hub will enable customers to hire a range of mobility equipment and access information on community-run transport services across the Borough.

Merry Christmas from all at Bedford Chiropractic Clinic

● Age Related Aches & Pains ● Back/Neck Pain ● Shoulder/Elbow Pain ● Hip/Knee/Foot Pain ● Neck Related Headaches ● Migraines ● Tennis Elbow ● Frozen Shoulder ● Nerve & Sciatic Pain ● Sports Injuries/ Gym injuries

We are looking for Caregivers to assist the elderly with non-medical services including companionship, home help and personal care in their own home. No experience is required as we provide full training.

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FOOD & DRINK

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Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or custard (v) Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream (v) Please book early to avoid disappointment on 01234 881273

Method

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Lightly flour the work surface. Roll out the pastry and use to line a 23cm loose-bottomed tart tin. (Top tip – I always keep left over pastry in case I need to fill any cracks after the blind baking!) Prick the pastry base with a fork then chill for 30 mins. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Line the chilled pastry case with greasproof paper, fill with ceramic baking beans and bake for 15-20 mins until the sides are set. Remove the beans and parchment and return to the oven for 5-10 mins until the base is set and the pastry is golden. Leave to cool.

Hello 2018

Increase the oven temperature to 200C/190C fan/ gas 6. Beat the butter and sugar together with an electric whisk until light and fluffy. While the beaters are still turning pour in both of the syrups. Gradually add the beaten eggs, 1⁄4 tsp salt and the vanilla, and whisk until combined. Then stir through the nuts and pour all of the mixture into the tart case. Bake for 10 mins. Turn heat down to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and continue baking for 30-35 mins – the pie should be golden brown but the filling should wobble a little in the centre when shaken. Leave to cool completely in the tin. Serve with cream or ice cream.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve Live music from Encore from 9.30pm No tickets needed Join us for a drink and a dance, or book a table to eat with us 01767 260221 www.coachhousepotton.co.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk TCH NYE 2017 HP ad.indd 1

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COMPETITION

SERVICES

URGENTLY NEEDED! WIN an Italian Hamper from La Piazza on St Pauls Square

Packed with delicious goodies including pasta & sauce, cheese, salami, olives, wine, beer, cake & more!

It’s easy to enter…

How do you say Christmas Tree in Italian A) Albero di Natale B) Julgran C) Christmas Tree

November Winner was Diane Gow from Bedford Simply email your answer along with your address and phone number to teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk The winner will be selected at random after closing date and announced in the next edition. Closing date: 13-12-17 Like us on FB Follow us on Instagram

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A Very BedPop Christmas on Castle Lane

hroughout the weekend, the 3rd BedPop Christmas Shop will be popping up again at the Higgins Bedford, surrounded by festive fun for all the family. Meet Father Christmas, donate a toy to his charity collection, join in carol singing or learn a new skill at one of the professional workshops.

You can immerse yourself in story time at Rogan’s Books, take part in games challenges at Baby and Play or enjoy pasta-making demonstrations at Spaghetti John’s. Novus Theatre’s Yeti will also be popping in and we’re told it might even snow! With over 30 of the town’s best artists, designers, makers and crafters selling their wares, you

2nd & 3rd December 2017

can kick off your Christmas shopping in style – sound tracked by the Roll Your Own Records DJs. Castle Lane restaurants are offering exclusive lunchtime offers so make a day of it! On the stage in the Higgins courtyard, choirs will entertain the crowds and join in for family carol singing. The Pantry will be serving mulled wine to keep everyone toasty warm. From traditional tree dressing on Sunday with volunteers from the Forest of Marston Vale to an audience with Father Christmas – plus lots of amazing things to buy – there will be something for everyone.” For further info and to download a programme of events, please visit www.bedpop.co.uk

SoupFest Bedford 2017 11am – 4pm Tuesday 5th December

n Tuesday, 5th December, SoupFest comes to town! The initiative, organised by Emma Garrett of the Kiosk and Pavilion in the Park, brings together Bedford’s chefs and restaurants who will be making and donating soup to be sold in Harpur Square to raise money for Bedford’s homeless charities. Emma hopes SoupFest 2017 will raise muchneeded funds. “Anyone can be involved and it makes a difference. Simply need to turn up on the day and donate £3 in exchange for soup, bread and some live musical entertainment.”

The event has support from Paris House, the Horse and Jockey in Ravensden, Pavilion in the Park, Peach Pubs, Thali and Tandoor, plus catering giant Sodexo. A variety of soups will be on offer so come along and support your favourite chef or restaurant by buying their signature soup or try something new and enjoy live music too! Sponsors: Charles Wells, Watton Recruitment, Sharman Solicitors, Bedford Blues, The Harpur Trust, the Bedford Clanger and Advancing Property. All proceeds will be distributed among Kings Arms Project, The YMCA, Emmaus, Outside Help and Max McMurdo’s Soupervan. FB: soupfestbeds

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Christmas in a Box Appeal 2017

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

For a number of years, All Nations Church have been privileged to provide local people in crisis with food hampers at Christmas. This year we are building on the success of the 2016 Christmas In a Box where we distributed over 700 boxes, reaching over 1,600 people in Bedford. 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 to help their clients and other vulnerable people during this festive season. We are thrilled that as in previous years this project has been supported by a number of local schools, businesses and organisations and that number continues to grow.

Ways to help and be involved

You can purchase items on the shopping list on our website and donate them in an opened box wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. 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. Donate the cost of a box, £30 for a large family or £20 for a small family. We will then purchase the contents on your behalf and make the box up. 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: Friday 8th December 2- 4 pm or Sunday 10 December 3- 6 pm If you choose to give by cheque, please make your cheque payable to ‘All Nations Church, Bedford’ and place in an envelope marked ‘Christmas In A Box’. If you would like to give via electronic payment, you can find details online. For more information and other ways to get involved visit www.allnationsbedford. org/christmasinabox or Email christmasinabox@allnationsbedford.org

Harpur Centre

Wishing Tree Appeal

his winter The Harpur Centre needs your help granting the wishes of underprivileged children across Bedfordshire. Between now and the 20th of December, pick a name tag from the Wishing Tree in the Harpur Centre and buy a gift for that child. Pop it back under the Wishing Tree unwrapped, and the child aged 0 – 16, will get it in time for Christmas.

Samantha Laycock, Harpur Centre Manager, said: “We would like to thank our customers, local businesses and emergency services for supporting our 2017 Wishing Tree Appeal. Gifts for underprivileged children and families in Bedfordshire will be delivered in time for Christmas again this year.”

The Harpur Centre Wishing Tree is organised in partnership with Heart Radio and has been running with increasing support for the past five years Last year, over 170 presents were donated by staff at BPHA Housing Association and the shopping centre’s office Aecom filled their boardroom table with gifts all adding to the thousands that customers kindly donated. This year, Bedfordshire Police and Police Crime Commissioner, Kathyrn Holloway have also offered to support the Wishing Tree Appeal by having a tree at the Police Station and then delivering the presents to the Harpur Centre to help give a child in Bedfordshire a magical Christmas.The presents collected are all distributed to local underprivileged children with the help of Bedford Borough Council in time for Christmas.

Ge of Santade: B % to o 20 r visit cher c u u yo s vo thi th wi

Join Bedford family and Santa Run

in memory of Harry

he family of a Bedford boy who died are calling on people to get into the festive spirit and support Bedford’s 5km Santa Run in his memory.

“The Embankment has always been a special place for us, as we would often walk Harry along the river in his wheelchair, so we know he will be with us every step of the way on Sunday 3 December.”

Harry Russell died at Keech Hospice Care, Bedfordshire’s children’s hospice, in November 2015 when he was just three-years-old. His mum Julie, dad Mark, and sister Ella are asking everyone to get their Santa suits on this December and support the charity which cared for him.

Sister Ella, 6, loves taking part in Keech Hospice Care’s Santa Run to remember her little brother and can’t wait to run alongside hundreds of other Santas.

“Keech Hospice Care’s Santa Run is amazing and our family’s annual tradition. Keech cared for Harry and helped us to make so many memories before he died and they’re still supporting us now. It’s going to be great fun walking, jogging and running along Bedford’s Embankment surrounded by so many ‘Santas’ all raising awareness and money for such a brilliant charity,” said Julie. In his short life, Harry had to cope with both physical and mental disabilities including hearing and vision loss, epilepsy, breathing problems and being fed through a tube.

Liz Searle, Chief Executive Officer, at Keech Hospice Care, said: “It’s going to be wonderful to see hundreds of people all having a fabulous time dressed as Santa running along the Embankment – it’s incredibly special. As a charity, we depend on around 70% of our funding coming from the community so please sign up today and help us care for more people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.” Kick-start the countdown to Christmas by signing up for Keech Hospice Care’s 5km Santa Run at www.keech.org.uk/santarun or call 01582 707940. Entry is just £15 for adults and includes a Santa costume to keep, finisher’s medal and gift. Under 16s cost £5 and includes festive headwear, and family entry for two adults and three children is £40.

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Make it Magical! Meet Santa in his Grotto

Grotto Opening Hours November Saturday 25th Sunday 26th

10am – 5pm 10am – 3pm

December Saturday 2nd, 9th, 16th Sunday 3rd, 10th, 17th Monday 18th Tuesday 19th Wednesday 20th Thursday 21st Friday 22nd Saturday 23rd Christmas Eve

@HarpurCentre

10am – 5pm 10am – 3pm 10am – 5pm 10am – 5pm 10am – 5pm 10am – 5pm 10am – 5pm 10am – 5pm 10am – 3pm

Harpur Shopping Centre

Receive a special gift and enjoy the chance to buy a photo from Event-Photos.

Grotto Prices One Child Two Children Three Children Four Children

Full Price

20% Off Voucher Price

£4.00 £7.50 £10.00 £13.50

£3.20 £6.00 £8.00 £10.80

harpur_centre

For further information please call 01234 357 330 harpurcentre.co.uk

rd Gam e Boareview…

SERVICES St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford You are warmly invited to our

A host of Angels crafted by our local community Friday 15 December 2.00pm - 6.00pm Saturday 16 December 10.00am - 5.00pm

Magic Maze Sounds easy enough you say, well yes it would be if it wasn’t for a couple of minor problems. The first one is that you have a very limited time to do this, the ever present egg timer dropping sand needs to be kept under a close watch, and the second one is that each player can only perform certain moves. One person can move any piece north, another south, another can use escalators. This leads to complete mayhem as everyone tries to keep an eye on all four pieces so that they can move them when needed. You will soon know when you’re not doing something as there is a piece you can slam down to attract someone’s attention… oh did I forget to tell you no one can speak during the game? Magic Maze is a quick, manic, hilarious game that will really start a night by bringing the group together, nothing beats slamming a piece down in front of others to get things going!

Simon White

Enjoy Michael Morpurgo’s family Christmas film ‘On Angel Wings’ on the hour, every hour (28 minutes, Cert U) Join us for Community Carols among the angels on Saturday at 3.30pm Delight in Angel Cakes and Fairtrade Drinks Make Decorations for our Angel Christmas Tree

A 6ft Non-Drop Christmas Tree!

Courtesy of the Harpur Centre Florist

Entrance: £3 Adults, £1 Children (for the organ fund) More information and applications forms at www.standrewsbedford.org

KEECH

MARKET R MBE OVE 25 N DAYAM - 4PM R U 10 SAT ER EMB NOV Y 26 - 4PM A D AM SUN

BEAUTIFUL CRAFTS, DELICIOUS FESTIVE FOOD, FREE PARKING, OVER 40 STALLS, CHRISTMAS GIFTS. Barnfield College, New Bedford Road, Luton

www.keech.org.uk/christmasmarket

TEL: 01582 707940 Registered Charity No. 1035089

Just answer the question below to be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize What type of bird can be found perched up in the corner of the Harpur Centre Florist situated in the entrance of the Harpur Centre opposite Bedford library? Please email entries to christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Wednesday 6th December.

WIN!

letmehelp@keech.org.uk

As well as a great range of Christmas Trees on offer this year with FREE DELIVERY within a 2 and a half mile radius of Bedford the Harpur Centre Florist also has a lovely selection of Wreaths, Crosses, Holly, Mistletoe and Birch Sticks – all colours and natural. Harpur Centre Florist ,Harpur Square, Bedford Tel 01234 218761 www.harpurcentreflorist.co.uk

WHAT'SON Your essential guide to activities, clubs, events and lots more in your area. There’s something for everyone! ARTS & CRAFTS, CULTURE & TALKS Bedfordshire Family History Society Friday 1st December 7.15pm Interested in Family History? Then come along to the next monthly talk on ‘The Evil Sheriff of Bedford’ by Amanda Goody Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk Bedford Art Society Meeting Friday 1st December 7.15 for 7.30 David Lewry is a well known botanical artist and a popular teacher in Bedford. He will give a talk entitled “ The Life of a Renaissance Artist “ Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson. Tel 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety. co.uk for information. Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK418EB Hardy Plant Society, Cambs & Beds. Saturday December 2nd, 2.00pm Jill and Alun Whitehead will be talking about their Herefordshire garden & nursery. They will bring plants for sale. Tools & sundries stall. Seed exchange – unusual seeds for 25p per packet. Christmas buffet tea. Visitors welcome £4. Weatherley Centre, Stratton School, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8JH Bedford Sugarcraft Guild Monday 4th December 7.30 pm Demonstration of modelling a Father Christmas and grandfather clock in sugar paste. All Welcome. £6 on the door. Free tea/coffee and biscuits. Just turn up at St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill MK41 7UY Alpine Garden Society, Bedfordshire group Monday December 4th 7.30 for 8.00pm Please join us for Bob Wallis’ talk on ‘The plants of the Zagros mountains of Iran’. Bob and Rannveig are experts on growing bulbs. Bring your questions! Local nursery Plant sales (not just alpine plants), plant exhibits. Visitors very welcome; £3 including refreshments. Wilstead Village Hall, MK45 3BX

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Wednesday 13th December Meeting 7-15 for 7-30 pm ‘Highlights of Namibia’ An illustrated talk by Marion Hession. Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057 Bedford Architectural, Archaeological, & Local History Society Wednesday 13th December 7:30pm Illustrated talk “A Bookless Town – Bedford’s Libraries (1700-2017)” Bob Ricketts (President, BAALHS) Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre Bedford MK41 8EB. Non-members welcome – £3:00 entry Enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk Saxon Games and Crafts Thurs 14th Dec, 7pm – 9pm Make a Gem Tree for Christmas using semi precious natural chips or stones Saxon Way, Great Denham MK40 4FU £18 – £20 To book call 07877951630 Biddenham Gardeners Association Tuesday 19th December at 7.30 Biddenham Village Hall OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH REFRESHMENTS Visitors very welcome Admission £5.00 per meeting includes a Raffle www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk Bedford RSPB local group Thursday 21st December at 7.30pm Dr Andy Clements director of the BTO presents: ‘Birds – their interaction with the landscape’. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5. Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Reg. Charity No. 207076, More info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Embroiderers’ Guild, Bedford Branch Thursday December 21st 7.30 for 8.00pm Interested in textiles? Bring a sewing kit (needles, scissors, specs) and join us for some gentle chatty stitching. Please also bring any textile you’d like to show others . Christmas buffet. Sales table, information about local textile events. Visitors welcome, £4 including refreshments. St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill MK41 7UY

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CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES Goldington Churches Togerther Christmas Services Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Sunday 17th Dec 6.30 pm Carol Service Sunday 24th Dec 4 pm Christingle Sunday 24th Dec 11.15 pm Midnight Holy Communion Monday 25th Dec 10.30 am Christmas Day Celebration Worship. St Mary’s C of E Church, Church Lane, Bedford Sunday 10th Dec 5 pm Christingle Service Sunday 17th Dec 6 pm Festival of Lessons & Carols Sunday 24th Dec 5 pm Children’s Nativity Service Sunday 24th Dec 11.15 pm First Communion of Christmas Monday 25th Dec 8 am Holy Communion Monday 25th Dec 9.30 am Family Communion University Of Bedfordshire Tuesday 5th Dec 6.30 pm Carols By Candlelight – University Community Celebration (Location: St Paul’s Church.St Paul’s Square, Bedford) Holy Cross Catholic Church, Goldington Rd, Bedford Sunday 17th Dec 4 pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas services at St Paul’s Bedford in December St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Sunday 3rd December 5.30 pm Candlelit Advent Carol Service Friday 8th 4.30 pm Christingle for children and families – candlelit oranges Saturday 16th 4.30 pm Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols – candlelit Sunday 24th 4.00 pm Children’s Crib service with dramatic readings Sunday 24th 11.00 pm Midnight Mass Monday 25th 10.15 am Family Eucharist for Christmas Day

CHRISTMAS FAYRES & MARKETS

St James’s Church, Biddenham – Christmas Bazaar Saturday 2nd December, 2.00pm to 4.30pm Stalls include jewellery, decorations and gifts, produce and cakes, bottle stall, planted bulbs, skin products, face painting, Father Christmas, raffle and refreshments. Entry £1 (Children free). All Welcome! Biddenham Village Hall.

CLASSES, CLUBS & GROUPS MONDAYS

“Ouse Valley Singers A four-part harmony mixed choir who perform mainly for charitable purposes at churches, church halls, etc. In the North Beds area. Rehearsals are held in Sharnbrook Methodist Church every Monday evening at 7.30 p.m. performing mainly light music e.g. show music, folk songs, etc. We commence our autumn term on 11th September and we would welcome new members. Contact Sue Plant 01234 314229.” Linedancing Monday Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.30pm – 8.30pm www: http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553 Kempston and District Model Railway Society Meets every Monday from 7.30pm-10pm At the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall. New members welcome. Contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com

TUESDAYS

Bedford Camera Club 7.30pm Just starting out with a new camera, or a photography enthusiast? Come and join a group of friendly, like minded people for talks and competitions. We meet every Tuesday at Scott Lower School, Bedford. Contact John Gough 07748572845. www.bedfordcameraclub.co.uk.

Christ the King Parish Hall Christmas Fayre Saturday 2nd Dec from 1pm Refreshments, Raffle, Tombola, lots of stalls Entry 50p For information call 01234 965497 Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP

Reading, Writing and all things books Tuesdays – 10am to noon Saxon Games and Crafts Saxon Way, Great Denham MK41 4GP £3 pp includes refreshments Call 07877951630 for details

Emmaus Village Carlton Christmas Fayre Sat 16th Dec 9.30am – 4.30pm & Sun 17th Dec 10am -4pm FREE Christmas craft activities for children at Emmaus Village Carlton. Plenty of bargains to be had for those last minute Christmas gifts. Then relax in the Bistro for a bite to eat and drink.

Silver lining Club for the silver haired. Park Road Methodist Church Roff Avenue, opposite thehigh flats. Number 10 bus stops outside. FREE. 2pm-4pm every first Tuesday of the month. Various activities or just sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S SERVICES ON

Rotary Club of Bedford de Parys Meet for breakfast every Tuesday at The Embankment Hotel 7.15am for 7.30am start. Fellowship, fundraising and interesting speakers www.bedforddeparysrotary.co.uk Scottish Country Dancing – Beginners class. Tuesday evenings 8pm -10pm ARA Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford £2.50 per session, first evening free. Singles welcome No experience/partners needed. Wear soft shoes. Keith Rose 01234 781448 keith@krose.plus.com Bedfordshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Meetings:- 1st Tuesday evening each month 7.30 – 9.30pm 3rd Saturday 10.30am. – 4.30pm each month. A friendly group of lovers of textile related crafts have changed venue to Flitwick Village Hall, 11 Dunstable Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1HP

WEDNESDAYS

Local Friendship Group Welcomes new members We meet at a local public house every Wednesday at 8pm. Call 07835 732412/07925 910639. Email: friendshipclub365@gmail.com Enjoy Irish Ceili and Set Dancing. Every Wednesday 8 pm to 10 pm at the Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. £2 per session – first evening free. No partner required. Beginners welcome. Ring Pat [01234 308224] for more details. Evening Handcraft – Knitting, Stitching and lots of other hand crafts 1st & 3rd Wednesday of most months. Enjoy craft and good conversation with a relaxed group who support one another. Plus a whole craft shop to shop in if you want to. £4.75 per session which includes any drink off the O For Coffee menu. Tudor Rose Patchwork Unit 1, Oakley Park, Station Road, Oakley MK43 7RB. Phone 01234 824983 for further details. Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club Meet on First, Third and Fifth Wednesday of each month eve 8-10pm We are a friendly social Folk Dancing Club St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise (off Avon Drive), Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY It’s good fun for only £1 incl. refreshments No partner required. Rosemary Mcneilage 01234 405594 MENCAP – Smiley Club Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm A fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities. The club has a band of loyal volunteers, mostly teenagers and activities include: Art and crafts, board games, outside play in the warmer months and hanging out with friends! Pine Cones Family Centre, (behind Livingstone Lower School) Clapham Road, Bedford. For further information please contact the club leader Jeff Smith on 07798 762 808. MENCAP – Sparkle Club Wednesdays in term time between 7.00pm – 9.00pm a social club for adults with learning disabilities. It is held on Putnoe Primary School, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0DH.

THURSDAYS

Bedford Pipe Band welcome new members. Thursdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm Friendly & relaxed group beginners to experienced. St John’s Church hall (MK42 0DL), Bedford. Contact Pipe Major Donald Reid 01234 268475 Mrs. Barrett (Band Secretary) 01234 360967 www.bedfordpipeband.org.uk Bedford Gallery Quire 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursday of each month 7.30 pm Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, Bedford We welcome those interested in singing/playing’West Gallery’ music from the early 18th century to the mid19th century. Contact Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk Bedford Folk Dance Company Meet Thursday eve 8 – 10 pm. Friendly Country and Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB It’s good fun for only £2 incl. Refreshments No partner required Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com Magpie Ladies Group A friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm At St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill. (No meetings in August). Guest Speakers and social events Tea/Coffee and cake included New members welcomed Please Contact: Rosemary 01234 405594 or Barbara 01234 304960 Art Friends – Art for fun and friendship for all Thursdays 09.30am – 12.30pm A supportive club where beginners to those more experienced can develop their art work Suggested donation £4 Bromham Baptist Church, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8JP. Enquiries please call: Jackie 07880 518465, Kevin 07780 756436 or Lindsay 07960 329609 Flower School Thursday evenings 5pm – 7pm April Flowers, 90 High Street, Clapham Various arrangements covered with a demo followed by the opportunity for students to complete the same design which they can take home. Booking essential Call Amy on 01234 343335 / 07794 827137 P.M Bridge Group First and third Thursdays of each month 11am to 2.45pm Friendly duplicate bridge Good standard buffet lunch £6 including lunch, tea or coffee. Renhold Village Hall. Tel Ann on 01234 212066 Linedancing Thursday Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 High Street High Street Kempston Bedford MK42 7BN Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.00pm – 8.00pm Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm – 10.00pm www: http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553

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FRIDAYS

Putnoe Heights Machine Knitting Group. Meets on alternate Fridays 9.30 – 12.30 September to July Beginners and Improvers all welcome Contact Marion Sutton on 01234 217647 Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club Long established folk dance club who meet every Friday in term time from 8pm to 10pm at Hazeldene School Bedford MK41 9AT (use Hartshill entrance). We are a friendly group always ready to welcome new members. No partner required. Contact David Cooke on 01234 823920, https://finecompanions.wordpress. com or find us on Facebook. Bedfordshire Family History Society Welcomes new members at their monthly meetings on the 1st Friday of every month. Contact Lynn on 01234 306482 Held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX www.bfhs.org.uk Friday Daubers This friendly group of amateur daubers meets at 5 Lansdowne Road Bedford every Friday between 1pm and 4pm to spend a few hours enjoying our hobby. Between us we use a variety of media. If you enjoy drawing and/or painting why not join us. If you are interested why not contact one of us to find out more – Anne 07548 840856 or Jenny 01234 824568 or email Marianne marianne.sellers@ virginmedia.com

SUNDAYS

Chill out Zone A little pause away from busy life Sun 3rd and 17th Dec 7pm – 9pm – free Saxon Games and Crafts Saxon Way, Great Denham MK40 4FU For information call on 07877951630

COMMUNITY / CHARITY EVENTS Candlelit Advent Carol Service Sunday 3rd December 5.30 pm St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Christmas Tree Festival 6-10 December St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ In aid of the church and Bedford Hospitals Charity Open daily 10-5, Sunday 10th 12-4 Entry £2.50. Children under 16 free. Opening by Julia Jarman, author, at 10.45 am on Wednesday 6 December ‘Where are Mr Toad and his friends?’ free children’s competition. Daily school and community choirs Daily refreshments. Festival concert Saturday 9th, 7pm, Cellophany cello octet Tickets @ £15 including mulled wine and mince pies available at www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk or from 01234 340163/01234 783181

Unisong Christmas Concert Saturday 9th 7.30pm Guest musicians: Sound Appeal Handbells Licensed Bar, Raffle, Mince Pies Proceeds to CHUMS and Oakley Day Centre Tickets £6 Children U14 £3 inc refreshments Bromham Village Hall, Village Rd, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8JP. Contact Evelyn Sutherland on 07874 742662. visit us at unison.weebly.com Kempston Musical Society Christmas Carol Concert Saturday 9th December 7.30m Kempston Musical Society, Ouse Valley Singers and the Bedford Hospital Choir, together with invited soloists, will be performing a selection of Christmas carols.In aid of Bedford Hospital – the Maternity Unit is in desperate need of a Jaundice Machine. Tickets £9.00 adults, £6.00 students and over 60’s and £3.00 for children and will include a mince pie and a hot or cold drink. Tickets will not be available at the door, but need to be ordered by email at MTHROSSELL@AOL.COM. St. Peter’s Church, De Parys Avenue, Bedford. Opus 18 Christmas Concert Saturday 16th 2.30pm Guest musicians: Sound Appeal Handbells Raffle Proceeds go to Meadowbank Neo Natal unit, Bedford Hospital and Canine Partnership Bedford Tickets £8 Children U14 £3 inc refreshments Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, Bedford Contact Evelyn Sutherland on 07874 742662 visit us at unison.weebly.com Emmaus Village Carlton Mon 18th Dec, 6.00pm to 7.30pm. Terry Waite CBE will be joining Emmaus Village Carlton to support their Festive charity event raising funds for FACES. The evening will offer a chance to meet Mr. Waite, bid for exciting auction lots, win prizes in the Christmas raffle and enjoy a sparkling show by the Emmaus Village Carlton Community Choir performing your festive favorites. Tickets on sale via the website: www.emmaus.org.uk/village_carlton/terrywaite

FAMILY Wixam’s Winter Wonderland Saturday 2nd December 2pm until 6pm Entertainment & Rides 30 Arts and crafts stalls in the Hall and Marquee Hot food & drink, Hot chocolate, candyfloss, sweets and much more. Lights switched on at 5pm Brass band 5pm-5.30pm. Raffle to be drawn at 5.30pm Lakeview Village Hall, Wixams MK42 6AB Santa’s Enchanted Forest Grotto Saturday 18 November to Sunday 24 December All Day For the first time at the Forest Centre, the elves and fairies are already preparing for Santa’s arrival at our all new, outdoor grotto! With a cheeky snowman as your guide, go on a magical adventure to find Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest…Children £10/ Adults £4. Booking essential. For available dates and to book go to www.sortmybooking.com/enchantedforest/webbooking/calendar/ The Forest Centre, Station Road,Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S SERVICES ON

Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 December 11am to 3pm Local, home-made gifts & crafts, Santa’s Grotto, crafts for kids, face painting and live music. Free entry & parking – donations welcome The Forest Centre, Station Road,Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR

HEALTH & WELLBEING Over 70’s Gentle Exercise Classes Every Monday and Wednesday (except bank holidays) Mondays – Bedford Central Library (3rd floor meeting room) Wednesday – Bedford International Athletics Stadium £4 per session Tel 01234 718835 www.bedford.gov.uk/sport Bedford Macular Support Group Third Monday of each month at 10:30 am. Volunteer Centre, 43 Bromham Road Offering practical and emotional support to people suffering central vision loss or Macular Disease. Speakers on a range of related topics. Info 01234 781372 Hearts In Beds Cardiac Support Group First Tuesday each month 7pm Priory Methodist Church Halls, Newnham Ave, Bedford, MK41 9QJ Gentle exercise sessions from 7 – 7-30 pm under a qualified trainer. Everyone welcome, you don’t need to have a cardiac condition to join us. Raffle at the end of the evening. Contact Sid Luff, 01234 404671 or Ted Jolliffe 01234 327791

MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE

Kempston Musical Society & Goldington Green Academy School Choir Christmas Concert Saturday 16th December 7.30pm Performing a selection of Christmas carols and festive music guaranteed to get you in the mood for the festive period. £7.50 for adults and £2.00 for children on the door Kempston East Methodist Church, 227 Bedford Rd, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8DA To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir please call 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@btinternet.com.

SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARCHERY

Ouse Valley Archers Currently offering a four week introduction in target archery. Courses run by Archery GB approved coaches and all equipment is provided.For experienced archers or those who have completed a beginners course the club shoots indoors/outdoors on Thursday 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Putnoe Primary School & Field, Church Lane, Bedford For further details visit our website or contact info@ ousevalleyarchers.com

BADMINTON

Wootton Badminton Club Wootton Upper School, Hall End, Wootton, Beds, MK43 9HT Thursdays from 7.30pm to 10.00pm This friendly club welcomes anyone who does or has played badminton, sorry no absolute beginners. Contact: Freda Dunlop 01234 270638 Email: garry.freda@btinternet.com www.woottonbedfordbadmintonclub.weebly.com

BASKETBALL / DODGEBALL

Music Hall & Variety Show, Saturday 2nd December, 7.30pm Opera- Magic-Dance-Comedy-Musical Theatre Tap-dance. For Prostate Cancer UK: Registered Charity Tickets £15 including fizz + nibbles: (£1 fee) www.sharnbrookmillheatre.co.uk In person: Pick-a-Lily, 61 High St/Park Lane, Sharnbrook. At/by Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, MK44 1NP

Bedford Thunder Basketball club Mixed gender sessions Age 10-13 3.00-4.30 every Saturday Age 14-16 4.30-6.00 every Saturday Men’s club 7.35-9.45 every Tuesday All session in Bedford Academy, for further information contact bedfordthunder@outlook.com or visit our website www.bedfordthunder.com

Mill Race Folk Christmas Social Saturday 9th December. Doors at 7:30pm A festive, friendly folk night with floor spots open to performers. Do you know any folk songs? We would love to hear them! With special guest performer, Men Diamler. Entry is £5 for listeners, £3 for performers. Email jackandmarisa@gmail.com for more details. Basement at Bunyan, Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU

Bedford Mighty Eagles Dodgeball team We are a club that plays at a high level but would love anyone from any sporting ability and background to come down and give it a go as long as you are 15 and above. We have a men’s and women’s squad. It is great fun and a fantastic way to keep fit. We train on Tuesday’s 8-9 at: Hastingsbury school, Hill rise, Bedford, Mk42 7EB. First training session is FREE and then each session is only £3 after that

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BOWLS

Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club We are an indoor bowls club with superb facilities We offer bowls coaching from qualified coaches for beginners of all ages whether or not you are a club member. We provide you with bowls and bowls shoes and up to five lessons without any obligation to join. 290 Hillgrounds Road Kempston MK42 8UB 01234 852291. www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk Bromham Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday evenings 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm (year round) and Monday afternoons 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (September to June only) We are a friendly group of people that play short mat bowls. It is a fun, in-expensive, sociable game for all ages with a cuppa at half time. We meet in Bromham Village Hall and the first two sessions are free and where training can be given. All that you would require to bring is a pair of flat shoes or even your slippers! Contact Sue Amor on 01234 823610 for more details and we hope you will come along and give it a try. Mowsbury Park Bowling Club Try lawn bowls for FREE any Wednesday or Friday 2pm to 4.30pm. Just bring flat shoes. For more info about our club please contact Anne Haynes on 01234 211828 or visit our NEW web site www.mowsburyparkbowlsclub.co.uk Bedford Borough Bowling Club Est over 100 years are now enrolling new members and forming a junior section. Probably the most prestigious bowling club in the Bedford area with both indoor and outdoor bowling greens. We offer FREE tuition from qualified instructors, with all equipment provided, we just ask you to wear flat shoes. Afterwards, you can obtain a cool drink or a coffee from the bar and relax in the comfortable lounge area. There are also restaurant facilities for lunch time meals. So give it a try, bring the family all are welcome. Free parking. Check our web site www.boroughbowlin. org.uk or telephone 01234 340736 for more details Bedford Bowling Club Welcome Sessions Every Tuesday and Friday 2pm – 4pm The Bedford Bowling club holds taster sessions in Bedford Park (near the café), and welcomes anyone who would like to try the game. We are a warm, friendly club and the green is in a sheltered & idyllic part of the park. We provide all equipment for these sessions, and only ask you wear flat soled shoes to protect the green. There is no cost or obligation and tea and biscuits are provided. For full information ring Ray on 305695, Warwick on 403551, or Alison on 343257. Or check out our new web site google “bedfordbowlingclub, Bedford – hugo fox”.

CYCLING

Cyclists Touring Club, Bedfordshire We meet on a regular basis and have rides to various places, and cater for all abilities. We ride as a group for the pleasure of riding and socialising, nobody gets left behind ! See website ctc-bedfordshire.co.uk for details of our forthcoming rides, or ring 01234 219148 for further information.

FOOTBALL

Walking Football Summer sessions at Bedford Cricket Club Mondays 7-8pm, Thursdays 2-3pm For more information and to book a place please email: info@walkingfootballleagues.co.uk Bedford United Football Club Bedford United is a non-profit making football club holding the FA Charter Standard status and providing a fun, friendly, safe and structured environment to learn, play and enjoy football. We have an established range of teams from our Academy right through to our Adults so if you’re interested in playing, coaching or helping out visit us at www.bedfordunitedfc.co.uk. Bedford Girls and Ladies FC Voluntary sports club for girls age 8 and upwards. If you’d like to find out more info please call Jill on 01234 772668 or 07850540631.

RUGBY

Little Scrummers Rugby Club Every Saturday at Kings Oak Primary School 8.30am until 11.10am. Exciting, fun & inspiring children’s tag rugby classes for girls and boys from 18 months up to 7 years old! We want to bring rugby to children at a young age to enable them to build their confidence, enjoy sport & have fun! For more information & to book in for a FREE TRIAL please visit us at www.littlescrummers.com

TABLE TENNIS

Social Table Tennis Mon/Tue 7.30pm-10.00pm Sports Hall, Lincroft School, Oakley All Ages Welcome. Just Turn Up £4 per player per session, Bats Available, Free Hire Coaching Available Call John 07921 093199

WALKING/RAMBLING

Rambling Club Friendly walking group who meet on a Sunday morning for a 5/6 mile walk. For further information or a copy of our programme please contact brclub75@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01234 360769.

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.

To list your event in January please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by

Friday 8th December

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t's on WhataMK Theatre this month CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE SECOND UK & IRELAND TOUR OF JERSEY BOYS Tuesday 23 January – Saturday 3 February

ichael Watson plays Frankie Valli, Simon Bailey as Tommy De Vito, Declan Egan as Bob Gaudio and Lewis Griffiths as Nick Massi. Michael, Simon, Declan and Lewis have all previously performed their roles in JERSEY BOYS to great acclaim.

JERSEY BOYS first opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 18 March 2008 and moved to the Piccadilly Theatre in March 2014. The Olivier Award-winning West End production closed on Sunday 26 March 2017 following nine amazing years in London. The first UK & Ireland Tour of JERSEY BOYS was a record-breaking success and ran for 18 months, from 4 September 2014 to 5 March 2016. JERSEY BOYS is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks. These four boys from New Jersey became one of

the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sold 175 million records worldwide. The show is packed with their hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You. JERSEY BOYS is written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The UK & Ireland Tour production is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo. The UK & Ireland Tour of JERSEY BOYS is produced by Dodger Theatricals and Ambassador Theatre Group with Joseph J Grano, Pelican Group, Latitude Link, Rick Steiner and Howard Panter.

COMMUNITY

Give the Gift of reading this Christmas…

with Rogans Books and Children First Appeal runs until 15th December

Pick a Tag

We’re working with Children First Foster Care to give books as gifts to vulnerable children It’s simple – come into the shop, choose one of the tags from the tree and buy a book. We will wrap it for you and pass it to Children First who will deliver it in time for Christmas to the children. Open 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday www.rogansbooks.co.uk Rogans Books, 26 Castle Lane, MK40 3US Longholme Xmas 132x90:Layout 1

13/11/17

23:15

Buy a book, and we’ll deliver it to a child in care for Christmas

Page 1

LONGHOLME EVENTS PRESENTS

MARKET GROTTO JOIN US DECEMBER 11th- 24th At The Longholme Cafe for niche gifts, great coffee, seasonal foods and of course

Performances: Tue 23 January – Sat 3 February. Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mat 2.30pm Prices: Tickets from £18 Box Office: 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)* Groups 10+: 0333 009 5393 Access Booking: 0800 912 6971 (bkg fee)* Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee)

Call 01234 954913 for more details or visit thelongholme.com/events

*Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups)

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Swing’s the thing, the region’s premier big band, returns to “The Place” on Thursday 14th December with their final show of 2017. Rhapsody in Blue is an all Gershwin affair and includes no less than 3 versions of the composer’s masterpiece. Glenn Miller’s 1943 hit record and Gordon Goodwin’s more recent version will understandably be eclipsed by a performance of the original 1924 version written for the Paul Whiteman Band. The soloist on that occasion was Gershwin himself; tonight’s soloist is the multi-talented Lincoln Noel. The show includes music by Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Ted Heath, Glenn Miller and more, all of it written by George and Ira Gershwin THIS IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR BIG BAND SWING AT ITS VERY BEST, CLOSE UP & ACCOUSTIC. OUR RECENT SHOWS AT THE PLACE HAVE SOLD OUT, SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. THURS 14TH DEC, THE PLACE, BEDFORD, START 8:00, TICKETS £12.50. BOOK ONLINE AT www.theplacebedord.org.uk OR CALL 07802 705401

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Book

Film

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Agatha christie’s story is one of the most famous of all those she wrote. One of the longer length mysteries she wrote this tale of the moustachioed Belgian Hercules Poirot is also one of her best. Having to get back quickly to England for a new case Poirot finds himself travelling on the famed Orient Express along with a diverse group of individuals from all over the world. When one of the travellers is murdered during the night is falls upon Poirot to investigate before the destination is reached. Branagh’s version of this classic tale is not only beautiful to watch but has such an amazing cast that it doesn’t matter if you know whodunit, and it’s one of the very few Christie tales where I do remember the killer. This is because it is the murder mystery tale done in the perfect style, but also because the film captures the excitement, the edge of your chair tension and continually has you trying to guess the killer. It is a joy to watch. From the acting to the scenery to the photography everything about it so full of class that it makes it a film that has to be watched.

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The Runaway Jury

by John Grisham As the title may suggest this novel focuses on the jury in a trial. Whilst we like to think that trial by jury is fair and gives both sides an equal chance, what if it was manipulated from the beginning? A major case is brought against a tobacco company by the widow of a smoker who died from lung cancer. A verdict against the tobacco company would have huge implications – and cost – for the industry so naturally they are prepared to fight hard. But it would seem that one person is determined to get a guilty verdict. A young man called Nicholas Easter is selected at random for jury service and ends up in the final twelve. However, when a man employed by the tobacco company to find out more about the jurors tries to look into his background, it appears that he has no background and his selection may not have been random after all. And Easter is out to ensure that he gets the verdict that he wants – no matter what the cost.

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At Acorn House we take the time to give your pet the care they deserve • 15 minute consultation slots as standard - no extra cost • More time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions • More time for your pet to relax • A thorough physical examination, dental health and weight check included in every consultation • Free of charge follow up by telephone if you have any further questions when you get home!

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Christmas? Do pets enjoy

n this regard, pets are probably not so different to us – some love the festive season and others can’t wait for it to be over!

Family time

best gift will be all of the cardboard boxes that are around at Christmas. Make cardboard boxes even more fun by making openings in 2 sides so that they become tunnels; or hide some dry kibble inside a box to make a fun, destructible, food toy.

Christmas often means more family time, and for a lot of pets, the extra attention is a huge treat. However, some pets find it stressful to share their home with visitors.

Remember to store presents out of reach, as pets won’t be able to understand when it is and isn’t OK to open parcels.

Help your pet by making sure that they have a safe space to escape to. A suitable safe haven may be a covered pet crate for dogs, or an igloo-style bed in an elevated location for cats. Prepare this safe space well in advance of the festive season and occasionally leave treats inside it for your pet to find. Make it a house rule that nobody ever disturbs your pet when they are inside their safe space. When your visitors arrive, your pet will be able to move themselves out of the family activity when they have had enough, and return to enjoy the fun when they have had some down time.

A few small pieces of turkey will make a nice Christmas treat for most cats and dogs. Avoid tummy upsets or worse by keeping pets away from salty hams and sausages, chocolates and nuts, grapes, raisins and alcohol.

Presents

Most pets will appreciate a new ball, bed or collar. But for most cats (and some dogs) the

Food

Veterinary care

Make sure that you have sufficient supplies of your pet’s usual medications to last you through the festive period. Also check your veterinary surgery’s Christmas opening hours in case your pet needs urgent attention during the holiday. At Acorn House Veterinary Hospital we operate a 24-hour emergency service for our clients; staffed entirely by our usual team of vets and nurses.

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PETS PETS

OPEN FOR ADOPTION

When any cat leaves Cats Protection, they will have been microchipped, neutered (if old enough) and vaccinated. We also provide four weeks’ free insurance (terms and conditions apply) giving invaluable peace of mind and reassurance. All they need now is a loving home to make their dreams come true. Photos and details of many of the cats we have looking for homes are on our website.

Cats do

love Christmas! W

hether a cat is young or old, there is a good chance that it will try to climb up the Christmas tree and play with the ornaments so whether the tree is artificial or real, this can cause the Christmas tree to tip over! If the tree lights are on, this creates a potential fire hazard. Many Christmas tree stands are flimsy and too small for the height and weight of the tree so it is best to invest in a heavy, sturdy, stable tree stand. The legs of the stand can be secured with duct tape to an uncarpeted floor, to prevent cats from knocking the tree over. If the tree is on carpeting, it can be anchored with a wire or twine to a piece of heavy furniture. Be sure that the wire or string doesn’t itself pose a potential danger for children and pets.

Cats like to chew on the branches and needles of Christmas trees. Pine trees contain pine oil, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, lack of coordination, anaemia and breathing difficulties. 58

The needles are quite sharp and can puncture a cat’s eyes or even intestines if swallowed. Cat owners can reduce these risks by spraying the branches with a mixture of cayenne pepper and water. The sharp taste should deter further chewing. Cats also like to chew on electric wires so the cords of Christmas lights should be placed safely out of reach. Be sure to cover the wires leading from the tree to the electrical outlet.

For further information Phone: 0345 260 2505 Online: www.bedford.cats.org.uk Email: helpline@bedford.cats.org.uk Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SCO37711 (Scotland)

Fragile glass ornaments can shatter and others may have sharp or pointed edges, both of which can cause serious injury externally or internally. The most dangerous ornaments are the thin glass balls. When they break, kitty can get glass shards in its paws or nose. Unbreakable ornaments should be placed near the bottom of the tree. The presents under the Christmas tree can also be dangerous. Cats love to play with ribbons but they can be swallowed and become entangled in the cat’s intestines, causing intestinal blockages. Cats are prone to having string, ribbon or yarn become wrapped around the base of their tongue, which is both dangerous and painful. Cats tend to pick tinsel up with their rough tongues and like ribbon, tinsel can be very dangerous for cats when swallowed. To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

67 59

SERVICES

Your Tarotscopes

BROMHAM PAINTING & DECORATING

for December 2017...

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

by Susan Peppiatt Sagittarius

Signs of being left to deal with things which really need someone else’s help show as a main feature this month. The advice is not to panic but to step up to the task and become stronger in your own eyes and the eyes of others. A feeling of success and pride comes late in the month.

Capricorn

There may even be a thought of travelling away from home and family for Christmas next year. Those who have worries about losing jobs have cause to value where they are now, as new responsibilities will be put on an extra level for some which takes away a lot of the worries.

Aquarius

Money is the key to all concerns this month to consider long term plans, rather than just the festivities. Take your time, nothing which is worth doing is worth doing badly, just because it’s quick. It’s much better to wait until the mind is clearer and then work things out correctly.

Pisces

It’s time to take the bit between the teeth for those who have decided that education is the way forward for their future happiness. Many of those born under this sign have outgrown old values and want something new, so now is the time to search out the knowledge on how to get to a new position.

Aries

Unfair critisism is made and the advice is to listen to why, rather than taking it to heart. There is something behind the trouble which can be changed for the better for everyone. Once at bottom of it, all seems quite clearly signposted for better things in the future.

Taurus

A sign of uncertainty at work and a lack of communication with people who would be able to show the way ahead. Not the time to turn away from the issue, it will not go away, but can make a huge difference if it addressed properly to open doors which have previously been firmly shut. Be brave.

Gemini

A relationship which has become a bit of a nightmare needs a bit of a break to recover, but also needs looking at with fresh eyes. Listening to others views isn’t likely to help much, as what comes out of it has to be the opinion of the heart not the mind, as it’s this which can make things better in the longer term, well.

Cancer

Obsessional thoughts and actions are best dealt with quickly this month, to pave the way for a healthier time, along with more money to spare for happier things. It’s worth remembering that if you always do something in the same way, you will always end up in the same place. Take a step off of the usual paths, it shows as better.

Leo

30 years experience

Party time comes around quite often for Leos, even if it’s not usually so out of control as is shown this winter. It looks like some kind of charm offensive has worked on someone who has been difficult to get to know in the past, or difficult to pin down to any commitments, so expect some changes here.

We only use local trade people as and when required We take on all aspects of painting and decorating and home improvement's we are based in Bromham and work alongside other Bromham businesses to help keep work in the local community. CONTACT US ON:

Virgo

01234 822651 • 07748 032051

Family pressure to spend more time with them becomes a little annoying as well as hugely guilt making. Ignoring others shows as too much to cope with until after the festive season. The advice is to try to enjoy what you cannot change, and change what you cannot possibly enjoy.

Libra

A lack of sleep shows as a little worrying this December, and it’s likely to continue until something is finally cleared from the mind, which has refused to budge from sight over the last few months. The cards say it’s time to face it instead of run from it, then it can be let go of; permanently.

Scorpio

After all that has happened in this year, it could be thought that a rest and a break was in order, but this shows as not a month to slow down or change tack, as a target is not yet reached, however close it may appear to be. Use the month to close deals, sign and complete contracts and projects. Then rest.

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Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 8th December. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY

Across

1 Melodious sounds (5) 4 Attain, accomplish (7) 8 Royal ruler (7) 9 Latin American dance (5) 10 Astonishing, impressive (7) 12 Large bird of prey (5) 14 Thrift store (7, 4) 18 Officially register (5) 19 Delivers mail (7) 21 Occupation, vocation (5) 23 Faltering speech (7) 24 Discord, disunity (7) 25 The taste of toothpaste (5)

Down

1 Milk-producing animal (6) 2 Person lying outside to get a tan (9) 3 Royal dog (5) 4 Burnt remains (3) 5 Female party-giver (7) 6 Type of tree (3) 7 Rubbed-out, removed (6) 11 Rise from bed (3, 2) 13 Male wedding attendants (9) 15 Soothe, assuage (7) 16 Thawed, defrosted (6) 17 Vitality, dynamism (6) 20 Large group of bees (5) 22 Donkey, burro (3) 23 Group of items (3)

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GARDENING

Greening up

conifer hedges RIGHT PRICE LANDSCAPES Your local expert

Overzealous pruning can result in severe damage to conifer hedges. The Following steps should be followed to enhance greening up. 1. Check the back of the hedge. If the back of the hedge is green the badly pruned front hedge should be able to green up. If the back of the hedge is brown it is highly unlikely the hedge will ever recover and removal is probably the best option.

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2. Recovery will take 3-5 years. Emphasise this to the client 3. Rake out/remove dead foliage from hedge to enhance light penetration and stimulate foliar growth. This step is very important. 4. Apply mulch to a minimal width of 0.5m either side of the hedge and to a depth of 5-10 cm. 5. Apply Organic BOOST granular fertilizer either under or within the mulch. 6. Apply a dilute foliar spray of BOOST liquid N fertiliser to the entire hedge at 2-3 monthly intervals during the growing season. 7. Weave new shoot formation into the hedge to enhance greening rather than pruning out. 8. Inspect the hedge at 2-3 monthly intervals for potential pest and disease outbreaks. Treat with an appropriate insecticide/fungicide as required:

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01234 354 673 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK 64

Tim Brown 01234 354673 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS A Very Brown Hedge Indeed Aphids are one of the most common and troublesome of all garden insect pests. They attack a large number of garden plants throughout the country and are recently causing much disfigurement to ornamental conifer hedges. Commonly known as Greenfly and Blackfly, these aphids feed on hedges, sucking the sap of the plant and can spread several viruses, causing severe dieback. Cypress Aphid is currently troublesome and pre-dominantly affects conifer hedging. Damage inflicted on conifer hedges by the aphid Cinara cupressi is severe and can lead to large brown patches on the hedge. This leads to localised foliage death, reducing the aesthetic look of the hedge. As the aphid is active from May to October it is important to catch this problem early and apply treatments to stop its spread. At the first sign of brown patches call us for a free consultation and professional advice.

Tree & Shrub Pruning • Planting • Tree Removal • Stump Grinding Hedge Cutting • Health & Safety Reports • Disease & Insect Control To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

GARDENING

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Festive frills

from the garden

ake a walk in the garden to find twigs, sprigs and berries to make pretty adornments, wreaths and other festive garlands.

and florist’s wire. When you are picking your holly, use end pieces, allowing for two to three pairs of leaves and then trim the bottom pair of leaves off so you have an inch of clear stem.

Ideal material for festive indoor scenes include crab apples, hazel, dogwood, berried ivy, holly, silver birch stems and pine cones.

Pierce the ribbon with a piece of wire so you can thread the wire and ribbon right through the centre of the oasis ball, knotting the ribbon or making it into a loop at the bottom and securing it further by threading more wire through the loop and into the oasis, to secure the decoration when it is suspended.

Clippings from your Christmas tree can make the base of a fabulous wreath, using a wire frame wrapped in moss, secured by florist’s wire. Take the tree clippings and feed them into the frame from their stems, making sure all the sprigs face the same way. Again secure with thin wire, circling it all the way around the frame, and then add holly or other evergreen additions, along with pine cones which you can secure with wire or glue, baubles and colourful ribbon for a bow. The colourful stems of dogwood also make an easy indoor or outdoor wreath. Weave the most colourful stems together, wiring the first one to create the frame and then weaving subsequent stems around it. Holly spheres are also easy to make, using a dry oasis ball, strong curling ribbon or raffia

Call Rob on

01234 480244 or 07977 206403

At the top of the ball, wind the ribbon up to stop it becoming too creased and secure with a paperclip, which you can hold with one hand while inserting foliage with the other. Starting at the top of the sphere, put in pieces of holly around 2.5-3in long, adding small bits of conifer as you go, working around the ball until it is all covered. By eye, make sure the foliage is even and fill in any gaps with other evergreens. Thuja ‘Rheingold’ is a great ornamental golden conifer to stick between the holly sprigs. You can also use ivy with clusters of berries, leaving the last two leaves of the ivy and the berries, which will fill it out and give the sphere a different dimension.

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GARDENING

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BEDFORD

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edford Blues will be looking to make it a December to remember as they cram in five games during the month with two huge encounters at Goldington Road. It may be the season for giving, but the Blues will be hoping to be Scrooge-like to their opponents in the Greene King IPA Championship and in the British & Irish Cup. Away trips to Cornish Pirates and Munster kickoff the month before the Irish province pays a visit to Goldington Road in Round Four of the British & Irish Cup. It will certainly be something of the unknown for Mike Rayer’s men over the two encounters as they have not faced the Cork based club before. The Blues then face a pre-Christmas trip to London Scottish before rounding off the month with the visit of high flying Ealing Trailfinders to Goldington Road. Bedford will certainly be looking to finish the year on a high and know that a huge crowd will certainly help them along the way. You can buy discounted tickets for all Bedford Blues home games by purchasing your ticket in advance online at www.bedfordrugby.co.uk. 70

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edford Town were knocked out of the FA Trophy by Brentwood Town in a replay on Halloween night. A mad few minutes allowed the opposition to score three goals, and despite going 4-0 down, Bedford pulled the game back to 4-2. In the league, Bedford, at the time of writing, are now six games unbeaten and just two points off the league playoffs. The latest result was a 4-1 demolition of Aylesbury FC, after going in at half time 1-0 down. The December fixtures start with a trip to Portsmouth to face league leaders, the appropriately named, Moneyfields. There are home games on Saturday 9th and 23rd December against Hanwell Town and Uxbridge, respectively. Our Boxing Day match is away against Cambridge City. The open pool tournaments in the clubhouse at MK44 3LW are on Wednesday 22nd November and Wednesday 13th December. It costs just £3 to enter and the pool coincides with a Champions League game on the big screen. Early in 2018 we will be hosting a Fawlty Towers Dinner Evening, and the clubhouse is available for hire. Just ring Angie Scutchings on 07767488797 for details, or e-mail angie.scutchings@bedfordeagles.net For information on anything Bedford Town, why not checkout the website at www.bedfordeagles.net or www.facebook.com/bedfordtown or www.twitter. com/bedfordtown

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Emperor Blinds.....................................................76 J B Domestic.........................................................63

Electrician

Right Price Landscapes.................................... 65 Sureclean...............................................................53 TPI........................................................................... 69 Whites..................................................................... 77

Health, Beauty & Fitness Beauty Lodge.......................................................23 Bedford Chiropractic Clinic..............................25 Feet To Go.............................................................22 Slimming World....................................................23

Afex.com................................................................76 Craddock Electrical........................................... 26 Down to Earth.......................................................76

House Clearance

Events

Goldings.................................................................55

Harpur Centre Santas Grotto.......................... 37

The Bizarre............................................................ 77

Ironmongers Kitchens

A&A Carpets........................................................... 5

Food & Drink

Charity

The Coach House.............................................. 29 The Old Mill.......................................................... 29

Dream Doors.........................................................15 F and D Kitchens.................................................27 Homeworks Property Maintenance..............67

Funeral Planning Services

Leisure

Bedford Daycare Hospice.................................31 Cats Protection................................................... 59 Hearing Dogs.......................................................22

Chauffeurs M&DH Executive Chauffeurs.............................11

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Entertainment Character Kidz....................................................... 17

Christmas Trees Harpur Centre Florist.........................................40

Chimney Sweep Black Horse Chimney Sweep.......................... 17 Wilkins Chimney Sweep...................................30

Cleaning Aroma Clean..........................................................16 CitrusClean........................................................... 20 D&J Window Cleaning.......................................16 Oven Maestro........................................................16 Sureclean...............................................................53

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Arnolds Funeral Service....................................21

Cineworld..............................................................54 Milton Keynes Theatre......................................48 The Place.............................................................. 50 The Longholme Cafe & Hire............................49

Garage Doors

Painting & Decorating

CastleFern..............................................................21

Funeral Services

Almond Garage Doors...................................... 77

Garden Sevices/Supplies Artificial Grass.......................................................67 Bartlett Tree Experts.......................................... 65 Beaver Sheds.......................................................68 Bryan Johnson..................................................... 77 Driveway & Paving Doctor.............................. 65 Eden Tree Specialists....................................... 69 LWS..........................................................................68 M J Nicholson....................................................... 77 MK Guttering.........................................................67 Mr Fix Property Maintenance........................... 71 Prestige Lawns.....................................................68 Right Price Fencing........................................... 69

Bromham Painter & Decorating.......................61 Craig Johnson......................................................27 David Lower Decorating...................................76 Maulden Painting & Decorating......................76

Photographer Noel Lees............................................................. 20

Plasterer CP Ceilings............................................................32 Craig Johnson......................................................27

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Plumbing, Heating & Drainage

Taxi/Airport Transfer

Aquasure Plumbing............................................52 C M Plumbing & Heating.................................... 9 Cromwell Stoves.................................................63 Drain Doctor..........................................................53 LCA Plumbing & Heating...................................61 T R Donnelly......................................................... 77 The Bedford Plumbers..................................... 26

Ace Cars.................................................................30

Property Maintenance

Upholstery

CP Ceilings............................................................32 Homeworks Property Maintenance..............67 Mr Fix Property Maintenance........................... 71

Tiling Dave Moore Tiling..............................................63

TV Satellite Services J Dean Security....................................................70 M&S Upholstery...................................................76

Vehicle Hire Rent Xpress........................................................... 77

Roofing Bridge Roofing...................................................... 71 Bucks Roofing.......................................................61 Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions..........15 P H Roofing Services..........................................51

Vets Acorn House........................................................ 56

Wedding Car Hire Ridgmont Cars.......................................................11

Security A Rocket.................................................................32 Ace Security............................................................ 9 J Dean Security....................................................70

Will Writing

Senior Care

1st Glass...................................................................51 A Rocket.................................................................32 Bedford Doors......................................................55 Bromham Windows............................................70 Cloudy2Clear...................................................... 80 Kempston Windows.............................................18 Langford Windows..............................................33

Home Instead.......................................................24

Skip Hire Paul Riches Skips............................................... 26

Solicitors H C Solicitors.........................................................14

The Will Writing Company................................79

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Window Cleaning D&J Window Cleaning.......................................16

Useful Numbers

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 Alistair Burt MP North Beds 0207 219 8132 Anglian Water 08457 145 145 01234 267422 Bedford Borough Council Bedford Hospital 01234 355122 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue 01234 351081 Benefits for People with Disabilities 0800 882200 0808 808 7777 Carers Line Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice 0844 245 1290 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 999 or 112 Emergency Services Floodline 0845 988 1188 Frank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Drugs Advisory 0800 776600 Late Night Pharmacies 0845 769 7555 National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 National Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 NHS Direct 111 National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50 Non-Emergency Police Line 101 0808 800 50000 NSPCC Relate 0845 48 49 50 Richard Fuller MP South Beds 01234 261487 RSPCA Cruelty Line 0300 1234 999 Samaritans 116 123 Stop Hate UK 24hr Helpline 0800 138 1625 Tax Credit Helpline 0345 300 3900 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900

The Best Way to Promote Your Business and Reach New Customers! Unrivalled distribution of 25,000 copies delivered free of charge to homes and businesses in Bedford and surrounding villages.

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Willington BEDFORD BED B BE E ED DFO ORD O OR RD Riverfield Drive Kempston Castle Road Newnham Wootton Wixams

A421 A6

Please call for more information or to book your space: Christa Tel 01234 962929 / 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Teresa Tel 01234 310521 / 07429 136815 E: teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS BAKERIES

AFEXS

GARDENING SERVICES .com Electrical Services

Electrical Contractors

Insured, TrustMark & Part P Registered FREE estimates, NO VAT on labour Landlord electrical certificates Rewires, Consumer Units, Fault finding All electrical work considered

T:01234 315297 M:07711 307836 Sales@Afexs.com

Telephone: 01234 219443/400990 Mobile: 07825 089570 12 Queens Street, Bedford MK40 2HA

www.Afexs.com

WHITE’S LAWNMOWERS & GARDEN MACHINERY

DAVID LOWER DECORATING SERVICES Interior & Exterior Decorating Local – Bedford based Over 40 years experience Competitive Rates Discounts for Senior Citizens

Call 01234 307411 or 07973 470650

M&S

Upholstery

T.R.Donnelly

SALES, SERVICE, REPAIR & PARTS

HEATING SERVICES

Commercial & Domestic, all leading brands.

Local Engineer Specialising in all heating appliances Breakdowns & Installations Fixed Boiler Services £60 Landlord Gas Certs Power Flushing All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out

College Farm, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX

01234 307 667 | 07967 643 405

01234 826066 www.whites-online.co.uk

FURNISHINGS

DECORATING SERVICES

HEATING SERVICES

557766

HOUSE CLEARANCE Complete Re-upholstery Service

Quality Service

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALIST

Call now at: 01234 302883 Or: 07954161786

28 YEARS EXPERIENCE. CASH PAID FOR UNWANTED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

● 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

CALL SALLY 01234 326551

07854 969032

ALL WAYS

Painting and

Decorating

All aspects of painting and decorating

References are available.

Free quotations

Call Spencer on 07479 030063 01234 604053

ELECTRICIAN

Self Drive Hire • Contract Rental • Financial Lease Large Fleet of Standard • Refrigerated • Specialised Vehicles

HAIRDRESSING

GARAGE DOORS

ALMOND GARAGE DOORS LTD  Bedford & Milton Keynes  New Sales & Installations  Existing Doors Automated  Spare Parts 01234 828953

info@almondgd.co.uk

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

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MOBILE QUALIFIED STYLIST

Perms, Cuts,Colours - highlights etc Special Occasions and Wedding Hair

01234 210337 07976 394798

rentxpressltd.co.uk 01234 339008

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VOLUNTEERING

The Will Writing Company

Volunteering Opportunities

Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 761784

Volunteering is rewarding, a good way to improve job prospects and does not affect your benefits. View all of our opportunities through our on-line role search facility at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteering/ where you can also register as a volunteer and apply.

CHRISTMAS OPPORTUNITIES WANTED When it comes to Christmas time, not everyone wants to be indoors eating turkey with their family. For some, it’s a time when they would rather be volunteering, helping to bring a smile on someone else’s face, or just getting away from it all. We often have queries about one-off volunteering – whether it be for Christmas day, or other holiday times. If your organisation could use some willing volunteers on 25 December or over the holiday period, do talk to Paul on 01234 354366 . We use Volunteer Connect to offer all of our opportunities to volunteers; find out more here – cvsbeds.org.uk/find-volunteers Telephone Befriender – AgeUK Bedfordshire Volunteers are wanted to develop a small number of positive and valued relationships with isolated older people who have been identified by Age UK Bedfordshire. Contact is made through planned and regular telephone conversations. Support Worker for Living It Up Events The Performing Arts Centre in Bedford provides performing arts sessions for adults with learning and other disabilities. Sessions include drama, dance, singing, song writing, filming, film editing, DJ ing and podcasting. If you are confident and have an interest in performing and creative arts, you will recieve experience and training in exchange for your volunteering. 78

Free Will & Testament First Aiders – Airfield Volunteer Fire Service You will undertake training to help us provide first aid services for public events at Old Warden Aerodrome near Biggleswade. You would also be encouraged to become involved with other activities of the AVFS to help us protect the world’s aviation heritage. Applicants must complete an assessment day and some training/ experience in First Aid is preferred. Shop Volunteer – Cats Protection Cats Protection Charity shop in Kempston needs volunteers for duties such as serving customers on the till, sorting donations, tagging and labelling items and steaming. ReUse Centre – Retail Assistant Be part of a friendly team carrying out all aspects of retail work in The ReUse Centre Charity shop based in the centre of Bedford. We’re looking for people with good communication skills to make our customers feel welcome. From working the till to creating window displays, no two days are the same. Full training will be provided. Driver – Good Neighbours Volunteer driver wanted for the Ampthill & District Good Neighbours Scheme. You will use your driving skills to help residents in and around Ampthill by running errands, assisting with shopping, transport to health appointments, collecting prescriptions etc. 43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or email volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk

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 2017

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 2017 The Will Writing Company

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

Tel 01234 761784

Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

Terms and Conditions. The voucher must be produced at your appointment.